09/26/09 PureNRG Concert...FUN FUN FUN!!

Brooke and I went to see PureNRG in concert on Saturday, September 26th with her friend Savannah. PureNRG has three performers...Caroline, Carolyne and Jordan. Check out their website!! Very fun for young kids and their music is safe!! Such energy and great talent!! Here's a few pictures of them signing autographs and one during the concert (they were singing a remake of "Footloose") that I was not supposed to take...oops!! I'd love to see these kids keep on and make their music known!!

BROOKE...today is YOUR day!!! Happy 7th Birthday!!

September 22...2002...labor begins Saturday the 21st in the later afternoon at Michaels...continues through the evening until we finally head to the hospital with my sister Theresa along to help (Praise God she was with us!!!...oh dear!!). This "experience" goes on through the night until finally an epidural at approximately 2 a.m. Brooke was born after having to call the doctor from church so I will always remember a Sunday morning madness!!! There is nothing like having your first child...everything first...no wonder they are so much more responsible -- I am certain the books were closer to my bedside and parenting tips were taken to heart. Brooke is the brightest 7-year old that I have ever known and can remember details with ease...I envy this! She has such beauty inside and out and loves Jesus much!! I hope that now as she thinks (or at least I think) we as parents have HUNG the moon that as a teenager she doesn't think we are FROM the moon!! (I read that in a book and thought it was funny!!!) I so want to be her friend, but Mommy first!!

Brooke wanted to get her ears pierced this year and because she is such a responsible young lady -- we considered it and decided she could handle it. She was so strong about it and had no troubles...WAY TO GO, BROOKIE!! Happy birthday, Sweetie!! Love you so very much!!

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY, SHELBY!!

Wow! So hard to imagine I have been a mother of three for three years!! Seems just a short time ago I brought our Shelby Danae home from the hospital and now three years have swiftly gone by. Shelby is such a bright spot for all of us and her personality/charm is really beginning to trickle out! She has spunk. She has no fear. She has the blond hair and blue eyes that come from Daddy but ought to create more fear in him!! She has us all wanting her attention and hugs from her little body that will be the littlest around this house since she is the baby. We had a family party last weekend but still have to make TODAY special...her breakfast of choice was Lucky Charms and tonight for dinner it will be macaroni and cheese...sorry Daddy!!

Shelby WE LOVE YOU!!! Keep smilen' and making it to the potty and we'll have your ABC's learned in no time at all!! We look forward to many many more years of fun and celebration of YOU!!! Hope your day is super happy!!

One large praying mantis and a giggly little boy!

This summer has been the oddest as far as weather! And with odd weather, we have had the joy of watching/observing many interesting creatures this year around our house. This includes black widow spiders, beetles, caterpillers, lizards, hummingbirds, more spiders, grasshoppers, ants of many varieties and the latest was this huge praying mantis. ...at least it seemed large to me! I was surprized when my son Preston (5 years) was willing to hold it. This was too cute. I only wish my camera would have allowed more footage!!

School Days School Days...sing with me....

Have you ever felt all you wanted to do was get through a portion of your day and complete ONE THING??!! ...even though you had many, many items on the list?

2nd Grader... no problem.

Kindergartener...no problem, really.

Two 3-year olds learning the letter "A" -- all while 2nd grader and Kindergartener have questions...can't find Hooked On Phonics info needed for Kindergartener...2nd grader needs to read out loud to "supervisor" to move on...of course, before this all could begin toys and dress-ups needed to be cleaned up (snacktime is always great incentive)...ha!!!! We made it through the morning and now 2nd grader and Kindergartener are still wanting more work!!! Woo-hoo!! Praise God they weren't ruined all in one day and still have a desire to learn!! I have no doubt with prayer and a bit of fun this will get much better as time goes on...but I am thankful tomorrow is library day!! Ahhhhhhh......

27 years ago...

Today marks 27 years since my mother passed away. It was quite a day for our family. My oldest brother Brad had a wife in labor at one of the hospital and his mother dying at the other. I was 11 years old. What I remember is being excited because I was going to go live with my oldest sister Mary and her husband Bert in Montana!! I do hope that I love my children in a way that they hurt when I am gone. Seems selfish, huh? My mother was an alcoholic and when my father passed away and she was left with five children to care for, her decisions went askew. My memories are not very fond although she was very crafty and musical...must be where I get it. I love her because she is/was my mother. I still have hope that one day we will be together again and I can show her the respect she deserves.




Here's a picture of my brother Brad, his wife and their brand new baby girl Jan that was born that same day. My mother was never able to hold her first grandchild. What an example of how making GOOD GODLY CHOICES is so very important!

Today I am praising God with my beautiful family and showering my children with love. I make mistakes and many times ask their forgiveness but I believe they know how much I love them. They are such treasures to me!!

I love you mom!!

Three little birdies, sweet green grapes and a loose tooth!!

My oldest daughter Brooke has had a loose tooth for some time now and has refused to do anything but allow it to fall out on its own. All three children were sitting on the coutertop being fed super sweet green grapes by their Daddy. Brooke's turn came up and here's what happened...

She was so proud!! I love my family!!!