Darilyn's Birthday!!

Happy birthday, Darilyn!! I didn't get to finish your slide show yet, since we had company and I got hurt, but I will get that up for you. I promise!!! I can't believe you are already 6 years old!! You were such a precious little bundle of joy and have been our little lady from the start, always sweet and tender and ready for a snuggle. From the time I held you in the hospital, I knew God had great plans for your life. I pray you keep your tender spirit and use it for God's glory. I love to watch you pray and worship, and praying with you as you seek the Holy Ghost is an honor I would never ever trade. Now you are in Kindergarten and doing so well. You received a justice and fairness award the other day and your teacher said you were the best kindergartner. I can't help but agree!! So, little lady, or ladybug as you re-nicknamed yourself, I want to say Happy Birthday and I love you. God truly blessed our family by giving us a wonderful daughter, Darilyn Jade.

I would also like to wish a Happy Birthday to my sister!! She shares a birthday with Darilyn, which Darilyn thinks is very special. Happy Birthday, Katrinia!!

Snow Trip

We took a trip to the snow on Thursday and had a great time. The kids loved it!! We only had one little mishap. Delaney was taking her first lap around the kiddie snowmobile track on a mini snowmobile. She got distracted by us on her last turn and crashed into the 'protective' fencing and us. Everyone got out of the way of the snowmobile, but I did get hit by one of the poles holding the fencing up. It cracked me right on the head. OWWW!! I did get a mild concussion, but we still enjoyed the rest of the day.

Christmas Day!

We had such a great Christmas this year! Kevin's Grandma and Uncle Norlan came to stay with us and we spent a lot of time with Kevin's mom and dad,and sister and family. Kevin and I and the kids opened up presents here at our house on Christmas morning and of course our houseguests joined us. His mom and dad came to watch the kids as well. Later we went to Kathy's house for Christmas dinner and more gift giving with the rest of the family. Everyone got such nice things, but we made sure the kids remembered that the reason we give gifts is to honor Jesus for giving us the greatest gift of all: himself. Since God showed His love for us by robing Himself in flesh and giving His own life and blood for our salvation, we show our love for each other by giving. Christmas is always so beautiful with the memories we make and the moments we share.

Christmas pictures of my TX family

I just wanted to share some Christmas pics of my family in TX. I did not get to be with them this year, so I really missed them all. The top pic is of Kennedy Grace and the one below that is of all my sister's kids, Haley and Kennedy, Mallory, and Presley. The next one is Logan and the bottom is Jaci, my brother's two kids. Jaci and Kennedy are the two new 'twin cousins', born 2 mos apart. Of course the original twin cousins were Delaney and Mallory, born 2o days apart. I sure do miss these kids. When we all get together next Thanksgiving (hopefully!!!) we will have a blast with girls ages (almost) 13, 8, 8, 7, and boys ages 5, 4, 3 and baby girls age 2, 1, 11 mos. Whew! What a houseful that will be!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Hope you all have a very merry Christmas with friends and family. Wishing you and yours a blessed day celebrating Christ's birth. May you make fond memories, enjoy good food, laugh a lot, and show your love for Christ today in everyway!!

Kennedy Grace

Congratulations to Katrinia and Paul. Number four arrived today at 5:16 pm. Kennedy Grace weighs 7 lbs 13 oz and is 19 1/2 inches long. She shares a birthday with big sister Mallory. We can't wait to see her and to hold her. We love you, Kennedy!

Happy Birthday, Mallory!

I want to wish a very special niece a very happy birthday. She is turning 7 today and growing up so quickly. Delaney and Mallory are "twin cousins" as we like to call them, born only a couple of weeks apart. It was always fun seeing them together when they were so little. Now, although we don't get to see her as often, my girls just love it when they get the chance to visit her. Delaney said its like having another sister almost the same age. We love you Mallory. You are a precious girl and you bring sunshine to our lives! Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to a my Wonderful Granny

Today is my Granny's birthday. She was a wonderful grandmother. She passed away this past February and we miss her. We lived across the street from her when I was growing up, at least until I was 9 1/2. I can remember waiting at her house for the bus to school and going there after school was over. She always had snacks waiting for us. She had the best beaded necklaces that she would let us play with and a cabinet in her kitchen, under the microwave, filled with toys for the grandkids. Whenever I was in the bathroom too long, she would always come knocking to make sure I wasn't "meddlin'" in stuff. I am sure I usually was! I remember going to church with Granny and Papa sometimes and sitting in the red velevet theater-style seats. I was so fun to sit on top of the seat when it was folded up and then slide down with a plop as it folded down. Granny's purse always smelled of mints and she usually had certs or gum to give us. Of course, the gum wasn't for church! After I got a little older and moved to Texarkana, my favorite memory of her is how she would come out the door as soon as we drove up, ready to give out hugs and kisses and ooh and aahh over how we had grown. And the way Granny and Papa cried and prayed over us every time we were ready to get back on the road. She was a classy lady. I loved to see her all dressed up for church or to go out to eat. As I grew up even more, getting married, moving even further away, and having kids of my own, she would call to see how we were doing. I loved to hear her voice on the phone. And the times I was able to take my own children to see her were special and precious. I always knew she prayed for me and for my kids. She is part of my heritage and part of the legacy I am passing down to my own children: a Holy Ghost filled, Jesus name baptized, Christian lady that loved her family and put God and others first. I love you, Granny! Happy Birthday!

Pictures of the Girls at School and Other Things

I went to the girls' class today to take some pictures for scrapbooking. The girls love to scrapbook, so for Christmas we are making their teacher some scrapbook pages of the class. Of course, we will have to make double the pages so the girls can put them in their own scrapbooks. And for those wondering, yes, my kindergartner and first grader have the same teacher. She teaches a kindy-1st combo class. I took Darilyn's pic with the kindys and Delaney's with the 1st graders. The other teacher is an aide in the class for one of the boys. I thought I would share those with my blogging friends and family.


When I got home, I took some pictures of Dallas and Denae. I made Denae's bow this morning (Thanks for the ribbon, Mom!) and she wanted to show it off for Grandma. Then we had to have more pictures of Dallas, and Denae wanted in those too. My kids are not camera shy at all!

In the above picture Denae is saying and signing please. I told Dallas to say Candy for the picture, and Denae said, "Please." That is her way of saying yes she would like some.

The Christmas Spirit

Last night we enjoyed an evening that can only be found in the Christmas season. We first went Christmas shopping at Costco, which was suprisingly crowd free. It was great! Then, we went and picked up hot chocolates and drove to a neighborhood that every year does a remarkable job decorating for Christmas. It is a small street, but every house goes all out. A church down the street sets up a hot chocolate stand. Christmas music is played and people get out and walk the street. It was cold, but not too bad, just enough to feel like Christmas. The kids love it. I took lots of pictures to share with my friends. When we were walking back to the truck, the kids wanted to look at more lights, so we will have to go to some more neighborhoods during the season. Hope you are enjoying your Christmas season. Take time out to make memories and enjoy all the wonderful things about this season: friends, family, sharing, giving, joy, peace, love, lights, and hot chocolate (or spiced apple cider, yumm!)

Just Checking In

It has been almost a week since my last post, and I wanted to catch everyone up on our lives. We have been fighting colds the past week. So far the hardest one hit has been me, although I am feeling a bit better now. I have also been busy with some work I do from my home. The kids are doing fine. Delaney and Darilyn both got progress reports last week with great reviews. They also recently started to get an allowance and they are taking their jobs very seriously. They are such great helpers. Dallas is busy getting his dad to teach him Bible Quizzing verses. He is also trying to learn to climb trees. Uh oh! His last attempt gave him a pretty bad scrape on his back, but did not result in a Dr. visit, thank goodness. Denae is just as bright as ever, talking more, and, my personal favorite, putting toys and things back where they go. She also likes to try to copy the hand clap games the girls play. It is pretty funny. Kevin is busy with work which is going great. As usual, he has both his "regular" job with the flooring distributor as well as roofing sales. It keeps him pretty busy. I recently joined Signs of Praise, our church sign team. We are preparing for a Christmas service right now and I am enjoying learning the song. It is a lot of fun and the ladies involved are just awesome. I of course am also busy with christmas cards and christmas shopping. Oh, the season of great joy!! I really do love the Christmas season, all the lights and decorations, the music, the cold weather, and of course the giving of gifts. But lets not forget the real reason for all the celebration. Jesus gives us this love to share and the reason we can celebrate.

On a different note, I wanted to tell my mom congratulations on doing so well on her last final on medical terminology. Great job, Mom. You continue to amaze and inspire me.

Well, I am going to join my family now for some Bible Quizzing review and other fun things in front of the fire. Until next time, have a great holiday season.

Happy Birthday, Princess Delaney!

Seven years ago today I held my firstborn child for the first time. I looked into her sweet face and cuddled her close. I watched as her daddy snuggled her to him and called her princess. Since that moment I have never been the same.
Delaney, your are a blessing to us. Your sweetness, your desire to learn, your willingness to help, your sensitivity to the Lord. All of these things and so much more make up who you are. You try your best at everything you do and you succeed, whether it is learning to ride a bike, school work, or Bible Quizzing. I still remember telling you a Bible story when you were about 2 1/2 yrs old. Daddy usually told the bed time Bible stories, but he was out of town, so it was my turn. I tried to play down the firey furnance in the story of the 3 Hebrew children, but you stopped me. "NO, Mommy, not a hair on their head was burned and they didn't even smell like smoke. Only the ropes were burnt." Since then you have been wowing your teachers at both school and Sunday School with the knowledge you have at your age. And I can't forget to mention when, at 1 year old, Daddy offered to kiss your owie, but you proceeded to kiss it yourself. Little Miss Independent. But you still love to snuggle up in our laps and whisper that you love us. I guess next to holding you for the first time, seeing you receive the Holy Ghost at 5 years old and then get baptized a few months later have to be the most precious moments of my life as your mommy. I love you, Princess! You bring so much joy to our lives and we can't wait to see all the wonderful things God has in store for you.

Ramblings and a Christmas Card Photo

A couple of days ago I took pics of my kids for our Christmas card. I posed them all as sleeping angels. You can see the end result on the side bar of this page. Anyways, Denae's turn was last. Of course by then she was ready for her turn as she thinks she is just as big as the rest. She hopped right up on the "cloud" and laid down, but of course, being only 18 mos old, wouldn't close her eyes. I took several shots and she laid so still for all of them. I just had to share this one in color. Her big blue eyes just take my breath away. She looks so precious and innocent and cuddley. God has truly blessed me with all of my wonderful children. Not that they, and we as parents, don't have our moments of "un-angelic" behavior, but God has really, really been awesome to us. I look around sometimes at others who have more and can get envious for second, I will admit. Who doesn't wish they could do more, give more, be more to their children, to their church, or to whatever their passion is? But honestly, when I really think about my life, my family, my heritage, all I can see are the blessings of God: a great childhood with awesome parents and brothers and sisters, a wonderful husband, an unbelievable church and church family, friends and extended family that are always there when you need them and even when you don't : ), a good job, a home, food and clothing, trials that the Lord has brought me through, and my children, my precious, loving, trying children. Now, seriously, how could I ask for more? I just look at pictures like the one above and I can remember just how blessed I truly am.

Ready for Church on Sunday Night

Thanksgiving Day Pictures

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wish each and every one of you a very happy Thanksgiving with family and friends. May you have time to reflect on the goodness and mercy of God, His many blessings, and His wonderful gift of salvation. And of course may you enjoy fine food and fellowship!



I am so thankful for many, many things: my wonderful husband and children, my awesome family and the Christian heritage that both my husband and I received and are now passing on to our kids, a great church, and of course all of the many blessings that God sends our way.



I asked each of the kids what they were thankful for this Thanksgiving. Dallas is thankful for grandma and poppa and God. Delaney is thankful that Jesus died for us, for God's word, and for Christmas. Darilyn is thankful for her family and for God. And Denae is thankful for, well I guess she'll tell us next year.



Anyways, from our house to yours, have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Darilyn Lost Her First Tooth!

Well, Darilyn lost her first tooth yesterday. She was so excited about the tooth fairy coming that she had a hard time getting to sleep last night. She won't be 6 until the end of December, so she is also excited that she is younger than Delaney was when Delaney lost her first tooth. That is a big deal to her. I think she looks really cute with the new "window" in her mouth.

Just some pics

Thought I would post a couple of pics I have taken lately of the kids. Take a look at the mess in that toy room. We get it cleaned up every night, but the too babies, (Denae and Kaitlyn) can sure make a mess. But, I guess that okay since it is in the toy room. Besides, take a look at the expression on Denae's face. It is priceless. She is just having so much fun! Dallas is being a cool kid with his hat. He is also holding Bible quiz cards. He asked me to "learn" him a verse, or actually 2. The funny thing is, he really can quote them since he has heard the girls say them so many times!

Bible Quizzing Up-date

The girls have finished learning their first chapter, Galatians 1:1-20. I think the first chapter is a big milestone for the little ones, especially since in chapters 2 and 3 we only have to learn a total of 6 verses. So, by the end of the week, we'll be done with 3 chapters! That just sounds great and is good for morale and confidence. Way to go, Delaney and Darilyn!

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

"You're still the one that I love. The only one I dream of. You're still the one I kiss goodnight. You're still the one. Your still the one I cling to. The one that I belong to. You're still the one I want for life."

Today is the wedding anniversary of 2 very special people, my mom and dad. I want to wish them a very happy day and at least 34 more years of wedded bliss. You are a true example of what a godly marriage should be: love, laughter, and commiment to each other and God no matter what. I wrote out the lyrics to the song that makes me think of the two of you. I wish I was there and could sing it to you, but since I'm not, I wanted you to know that whenever I hear that song, I sing along in honor of you. God has blessed your marriage and I know He will continue to do so. We love you both so much. Happy Anniversary!!

Notes from church

During church Tuesday night, I had to leave due to a sick baby. Delaney arrived home after church with a paper. She handed it to me and said, "Mommy I took notes for you since you couldn't be there." I found her notes to be both precious because she had thought about doing this for me and hilarious because, well, just read them for yourself!

Just Another Day

Today was "just another day." Nothing out of the ordinary or exciting happened today. I don't even have a picture to post. It was just a Saturday at home with kids, enjoying the nice weather. The kids were up by 7:30, as usual. They played outside for most of the day with some neighborhood/church friends and two kids who came over for a few hours while their mom was at choir clinic. (That is the nice thing about living down the street from the church: there are always people dropping by, stopping by, or sometimes just waving as they drive by.) Kevin went over to his sister's house to help them install new flooring. Later we had a Kick-off for Bible Quizzing at the church, which included a really cute slideshow of the kids this past season. It was amazing to see how the kids have changed in just a few short months. We had pizza for dinner and ate in the living room in front of a cozy fire. We had cookies for dessert as the girls reviewed quizzing verses and we talked about what they meant. The kids took showers and I spent forever curling my girls' pentecostal hair for church. Their hair is getting so long and thick and beautiful. Then it was bedtime with stories and prayers.

Now, the house is quiet. No kids running in and out. No laughter. No shouting. Nowhere to go. Nothing to do. Peaceful. And now, if I take the time, I can look back at my "just another day," and realize how special it was. Nothing big happened, but memories were made. Riding bikes on the church parking lot with friends. Spending time with family working on a big project. Celebrating our kids' achievements in quizzing. Having a pizza picnic. And now sharing my thoughts with you.

That's what life is all about, I think. It's not always "top of the mountain" experiences or exciting trips. It's not about the next big thing I can post about on my blog or memorialize in a scrapbook. It's about the little things that happen in between. It's about all my"just another days." I took time out tonight to enjoy mine, now I hope you enjoy yours.

Pretty Little Princess

Here are a couple of pics of Jaci Breane, and Jaci with her daddy and her big brother Logan. Isn't she adorable? She has cheeks like Logan. I just want to give them big kiss. Logan looks pretty happy with his new baby sister, and of course Brent looks like a proud father. I am sure Jaci is already getting him wrapped around her little finger. It doesn't take a little girl long to get to her Daddy. Crystal is also doing well, and we are thankful and glad for that. Thanks, ReNetha, for posting the pics of our new niece on your blog, since Brent and Crystal are obviously too busy to keep the rest of us updated lol. I hope you don't mind that I borrowed them.
To see more pics, go to http://www.our365.com/webnursery/webnursery/Baby/BabyPageDirect.aspx?CID=0017715216
And make sure to sign the guest book to congratulate Brent and Crystal, or to wish Baby Jaci well, or just to let them know you stopped by. FYI, Crystal's niece, Kadie (ReNetha's adorable baby girl) is in some of the pics. She is the baby with hair! lol

Jaci Breane has arrived.

Congratulations to Brent and Crystal and Logan on the new baby. Jaci Breane was born this afternoon weighing in at 7 lbs 15 oz and 19 1/4 inches long. I will post some pics of her as soon as I get some. You can check their blog, too, for more information as they get the chance to post. I can't wait to see her, but since she is in TX and I am in CA, I guess I'll have too! Jaci, Aunt MeMe and Uncle Kev and your cousins love you very much and Logan, give her a big kiss for us, OK?

Back in School

Well, Delaney and Darilyn are back in school after 3 weeks off track. They were excited about going back because, as Delaney said, "We love school!" I really enjoy the year-round school more than I thought I would. And as for the girls, they get another short break at Thanksgiving in just a few weeks, so its all good!

Also yesterday we started Bible quizzing with them again. They are beginner quizzers and this will be the second year for both of them. Last year, Darilyn was the second youngest quizzer in the district, having just turned 5 at the end of December. And, even though she answered only a few questions at the tournaments, she memorized all of her verses (almost 200) and could reference them at 95%, just like her big sis. For those of you not BQ savvy, that means we mixed up all of the verses she learned and she could quote them perfectly within just a few seconds per verse. She and Delaney both did a great job and we were so proud of them. So yesterday they both learned the first three verses of Galatians. Today we'll learn 3 more and on and on it goes! I thought I would share a couple of pictures of them from last quiz season.

Delaney and Darilyn at their very first tournament

Their team took second

Eating Lunch

She likes her burger!

Yummy to my tummy!
All done!
We were eating lunch and I thought Denae looked so cute with her big 'ole hamburger. It was almost as big as she was! She has always been a good eater. Whenever someone watches her for us they usually comment on what a big eater she is. But, she runs it all off as she is constantly in motion.