Black-white-tan

Our musical boy.....

2012-01-29T19:36:00.000-08:00

Sam has many loves but he is super passionate about music. He is so much fun to watch!!!

Jacobs love.....

2012-01-23T17:19:00.000-08:00

Jacob loves bikes and this was his very special Christmas gift. It was a combo of money he saved and gifts. He is super proud of it and loves it.

Glimpses of our 3 year old.....

2012-01-20T19:58:00.000-08:00

Enjoying this beautiful day.....

2012-01-14T11:49:00.000-08:00

Trae arrived back in town this morning after being in DC part of the week for his sales conference with his company. We were so glad to have him home again. So grateful he doesn't have to travel but a few times a year! Sam was really pleased dad had enough energy to take him to the park. I think they both will be napping this afternoon! He loves us in so many ways and one of the things he does is take a 6AM flight back home and therefore has to get up at like 3:30 to take a cab to the airport. Love my man for so many reasons and grateful he is back in TX.

One of Jacobs passions.....

2012-01-13T12:51:00.000-08:00

Jacob loves antiques and has a passion for anything old. We linger at antique stores, watch American Pickers, hit yard sales and look online. He has a neat little collection going and displayed in his room. I found this football doll at a yard sale this summer and knew it was a special gift from God for me to stumble upon it for him. It was at a yard sale in August (must have been 108 outside) and no one hardly was having yard sales but I saw one driving home and bought this and a antique childrens book. Jacob loves it!

Me and my sweet mama.....

2012-01-05T15:01:00.000-08:00

One good mother is worth a hundred schoolmasters. ~George Herbert

Holding on....

2012-01-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

We are holding onto the holiday time! Trae is off today and goes back tomorrow. It is cool here but they had a long trip to the park this morning. Sams loves of drums doesn't stop even at the park as he appeared to find some way to do it there too!

Before this Christmas passes on by......

2011-12-28T08:19:00.000-08:00

I had to share this sweet picture! Sam really wanted to wear a scarf this season and Trae found one that he could borrow for him to enjoy!

Glances of Christmas 2011....

2011-12-26T10:13:00.000-08:00

The day was filled with sweet grandma kisses, gathering together, sounds of drums, busy in the kitchen, much clean up (thank you to everyone who pitched in!) and memories. This is the good stuff, the rich stuff and we are grateful. Life is short!

Lots going on in the kitchen....

2011-12-23T11:12:00.000-08:00

We are busy today preparing our favorite holiday yummy's!!! Christmas Eve will be a 4PM church service followed by a yummy Christmas Eve breakfast meal. My first mother in law started that tradition many years ago and I have carried it on. It is a tradition that I love and my family has come to love. It is also perfect because than Christmas morning you have wonderful breakfast leftovers waiting for you with little to no work. Tator tot casserole, monkey bread, brown sugared bacon, grapefruit and fresh pineapple.

We also have Christmas day here with family and our Christmas meal. We love hosting it and this year will have 8 of us. Honey baked ham (thank you mom!!!), deviled eggs (thank you mom!!!), spinach brownies, 2 kinds of rolls, brioche sausage dressing, grilled asparagus, gratin potatoes, sweet potatoes, chocolate pie and snowball cream dream cookies.

Grateful that Trae is home today and we are able to have family time, time to get things done and enjoy the blessings! Merry Christmas!

Family.....

2011-12-21T14:35:00.000-08:00

Current loves....

2011-12-03T11:34:00.000-08:00

Sams current loves are the alphabet (which he has always loved), music, dance, drums, guitar, Olivia, friends, maps, gingerbread man cookies, days of the week, calendars and Mike and Ike candy which he calls jellybeans! He has been talking about go swimming and the ocean. He hasn't been to the ocean yet but we really want to take him in the next year or two. He is a smart, busy, active, desires connection, loves people and sensitive little boy. He loves to go outside and play with dad for hours or stay in the kitchen and make cookies with mom. He still loves going to church and getting his bulletin and stays in with us during worship. He is happy to go back to his class once the music is finished but he really wouldn't want to miss it. He knows the words to a lot of songs and we catch him singing them often.

My love of baking....

2011-11-30T21:30:00.000-08:00

With all the modern advances you would think there would be one where you could taste this cookie via the web. This is a cream cheese cookie with lemon drizzle. They turned out super yummy and the escape time (baking!) was like therapy for me. The cookies were a hit and loved by all! Sam even insisted on tasting the lemon. That was a shock!

Celebrating with friends....

2011-11-29T08:34:00.000-08:00

We got to celebrate recently with friends that had their finalization day for their precious gift!!! God has given them the most precious little girl that is a sweet as they come! She is simply beautiful too! Sam takes great delight in her and loves everything about her! He couldn't get in our car fast enough to arrive and start the celebration!

Sweet Thanksgiving memories......

2011-11-25T12:26:00.000-08:00

We spent the day in Dale, Texas celebrating Thanksgiving with family. It was priceless in every way! Isn't Traes grandmother classically beautiful? She is 90 years young and a precious woman with a heart of gold.

Birthdays!

2011-11-20T11:07:00.000-08:00

This was Sams birthday cake when he turned 2. He didn't eat cake for year 1 or year 2. The first time he ate cake was on Traes birthday this year. It was red velvet cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory! The child does have good taste! On this cake I made him (above) I had Big Bird, Elmo, Burt and Ernie on top. Sam goes over often and lines his friends up on the table (just like they were on the cake) and sings Happy Birthday! I think this will his first birthday he really knows what is going on! I am getting excited about planning his party. Hoping he takes at least a bite of cake this year. :)

Our little musician....

2011-11-18T11:23:00.000-08:00

Sam is still very passionate about music! I just sent him in the playroom and got down his leapfrog book toy and he found the one song on it, got his guitar and turned it into music time! It is in his blood and we are excited to see how the Lord grows that love in him.

Brothers.....

2011-11-14T08:33:00.000-08:00

Andrew (19) and Jacob (14) have a way of connecting as brothers that make this mama very happy! Andrew an make Jacob smile and laugh better than anyone I know. Love my boys so very much and so grateful they are mine!

Developing a love....

2011-11-08T06:59:00.000-08:00

We always joke that Sam didn't have a choice to like books or not. With us as his parents and surrounded by books, they would be a part of his life. I think there are some kids that are lover of books their entire life but many more times it is a love that has to be developed. It has been really sweet this year to see Sam seek out books to read and view on his own. He loves to be read to but also finds enjoyment in gathering a big pile of books and going through them. That makes us smile!

Me again....

2011-11-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

31. I LOVE a great blanket. Fleece is my favorite fabric to have a blanket made out of. So soft, so warm and always there to bring comfort.

32. I am a big picture kind of gal. I love the daily but I usually can't look at a decision or situation without looking at the whole picture and on down the road. That means sometimes I over think decisions which can be good or not so good!

33. If I was going to be a salesgirl I would try to sell you the Sonicare toothbrush! That thing is amazing and does amazing things for your teeth and gums. Go buy one!!!! If they were cheaper we would buy them for Christmas presents! Go buy them for yourself, your kids and I promise you won't regret it!

34. Quality time is my love language. That is the way that I feel truly loved. If you buy me a gift, affirm me, give me a hug or help me with laundry that blesses me. It really does but my primary love language is quality time so that is what fills my love tank fully! If we spend the day together, have a great phone conversation, go on a trip together, make memories and connect heart to heart is what fills my love tank.

35. Chicken fajitas is one of my very favorite meals! Fresh moist grilled chicken, grilled onions, shredded cheese and I am one happy girl! Sometimes I pair it with a fresh tortilla (it has to be homemade and fresh or not worth it) but I love it on it's own too.

36. One of my dream vacations is to go to the New England during the fall.

37. The older I get the more I love antiques and I am especially drawn to antique toys. It is Jacobs passion and has rub off on me!

38. I love to keep a well stocked pantry. I really dislike having to run to the store to get 1 or 2 items just to make a recipe. I have had friends tell me they would like to come shop in my pantry because we had a nice selection! My freezer (we have 2!) is stocked well too!

39. One of the sweetest, most romantic things my husband does for me daily is get the bed ready each night for me. He turns down my side, sets the pillows up just how I like it and adds anything else he knows I need before I turn in. By the end of the day I am done and this sweet gesture speaks to me and loves on me in a sweet way.

40. Growing up I loved gymnastics, swimming, fishing and water skiing. We lived in the Northeast with lots of snow but I enjoyed summer activities much more than winter ones.

Silly boy!

2011-11-03T07:27:00.000-07:00

Mama's cookies....

2011-11-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

Baking is a love and passion of mine. Each of my boys have their favorite recipes and Sam has already decided that his is a spicy oatmeal raisin cookie. He gets the biggest smile when we talk about them and loved helping me make some last week. We soak the raisins in warm water to help soften them and plump them up a bit so he stirred those while I threw everything else together. You can see my KitchenAid mixer in the background and it is one of my favorite kitchen toys. I bought it about 18 years ago when I was making gingerbread houses with Andrew and my handheld kitchen mixer couldn't handle the dough and burned up.

Fall fun......

2011-10-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

Just like his daddy.....

2011-10-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

Trae loves using chopsticks. I am grateful for the invention of the fork! We were out eating Chinese and Sam wanted to be just like daddy and did pretty well for being 2.

Before,during and after....

2011-10-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

Andrew decided recently he wanted to go short again! He is handsome either way and we had some creative fun in the process!

A big dose of love from big brother!

2011-10-20T17:25:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say hi....

2011-10-19T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hi Papa Mason and Grandma Sylvia! Remember all our fun peekaboo times?! Miss you much! Love, Sam

Our little shopper.....

2011-10-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

Here she goes again....

2011-10-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

OK, you might be wondering when I was going to go back to my list of things about me!

21. I am incredibly and constantly amazed at how God loves me. He cares about the little stuff, huge stuff and all the in between. I could write a book on His incredible faithfulness in my life. I am eternally grateful!

22. One of my favorite things about going on a vacation is picking out which book I will bring. I always bring more than one! It is always a big decision and something I pray about. I can tell you years later which book on read on each vacation because I always connect that vacation with that particular book.

23. I don't drink milk and either do my kids. It was their choice not mine but never something I would encourage them to do. They did drink it until they were 2. They do get milk in their cereal and also when it is used in cooking or baking.

24. I used to be a night owl but Sam changed all of that. I realized the reason I was a night owl was because I could nap during the week if was super tired. I can't really do that anymore so I rarely get one and am ready for bed by 11. I actually like it much better.

25. I don't like shopping for shoes or purses. I do have a strong love for sandals due to our climate and how we can wear them for 7-8 months out of the year!

26. I don't like coffee at all. I wish I did but I can't stand the taste. Love the smell as it reminds me of my grandma. We joke that I drove Trae to drink (coffee that is!) and he has been a coffee drinker since about a year before we got married! Actually it was the long commutes with his job, 2nd job (to pay off debt), late night talks that made him learn to love the benefits and perks (no pun intended) of coffee!

27. I love, love, love fall! It is my favorite time of the year. The cooler temps, warm palette, baking, comfort food, turkeys, grateful hearts and focus on what matters is my favorite!

28. Cooking and baking for my family makes me really happy. They love it and to know I am giving them something that no one else can makes me super happy.

29. I think kindness is underrated and most people need a huge increase in the amount of kindness they give. It is amazing to me how people that are Christians can be so stingy with their love. I don't pick up an offense and dwell there as that would only hurt me but I don't think they realize how loudly it speaks.

30. One of the hardest things to do is to wake a sleeping baby! But I must do it so bye bye for now! Notice I call him my baby.....he is 2 years and 10 months BUT still our baby.

Fun memories......

2011-10-16T07:06:00.000-07:00

A few highlights.....

2011-10-13T07:06:00.001-07:00

Last week I went on my 2nd girls cruise! We started the tradition last year and had so much fun we decided to go again! The group is made up of dear friends who have crossed paths at church. All but one of us are married with kiddos. To be disconnected from cell phones, the normal daily and everything else is a rare treat! 5 days, 4 nights, lots of laughter, heart connecting, being carefree, savoring a book, naps, yummy meals not cooked by us and much more! Oh and the boas! You might be wondering what those are about. Before we went on our first cruise one of the ladies thought bringing a boa and where it when we sailed off and at dinner at each night might be fun. Some groups have T-shirts printed up for their group, where tiaras, etc. We were boas and we leave our mark (literally with feathers all over the ship) wherever we go! We have started buying them with coupons during the year at Hobby Lobby and Michaels to help coordinate with our evening outfit. We passed them around and let one another borrow too!

Missing our pup...

2011-10-12T20:08:00.000-07:00

Just this week Jacob told me that he was missing our dog. He said he cried in school thinking about him. That broke my heart. Made me for a minute ponder could we get another dog, what would we get....but I knew that wasn't the answer. He was missing his dear old friend and no one can replace that. I am so glad we have the sweet memories and pictures of our pup.

To sweet not to share.....

2011-10-11T10:11:00.001-07:00

Oldie but a goodie! This was to sweet not to share.

Sentimental Sunday....

2011-10-02T14:56:00.000-07:00

I was a young mommy (by choice) and loved every minute of it. Andrew made me a mommy when I was almost 22 and he was very much desired, celebrated and loved. So grateful for the pictures that capture seasons gone by. The good stuff can last but seasons change.

Good Morning....

2011-10-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

Sam woke up and the first thing he said was, go eat breakfast, go to Costco and eat popcorn. He must have really enjoyed the popcorn roadshow there a few weeks ago! He hates caramel corn but likes the regular stuff a lot!

Following.....

2011-10-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

Sam is always wanting to be where his brothers are. They obviously have freedoms he doesn't due to their age difference but it is doesn't stop him from trying!

Sam loves to go into our study and this picture is him trying very hard to see if brother might let him in. If he would go in and play on the computer that would be great but this little guy would rather reprogram the computer! He is a fast one, figured out a mouse long ago and if you tell him to X out of something he knows exactly what you mean.

Jacob is wearing a size 10-10.5 mens show now. They swallow Sam up but he couldn't help giving them a try.

Take 2.....

2011-09-29T15:06:00.001-07:00

11. I have never fried anything in my life. I have eaten fried things occasionally when out but doing it at home scares me and it is unhealthy so I think I would rather not learn.

12. Italian Nachos at Carino's is one of my very favorite things to eat out. No peppers, no olives and no banana peppers with extra tomatoes. Yummy!!!!

13. Best family vacations growing up were going to the cabins with our family and our aunt, uncle and cousins. We would camp, boat, swim, water ski, roast marshmallows and all sorts of fun things.

14. Favorite movies are Steel Magnolia's and The Help. Those would tie for my top spot!

15. I hate malls.

16. My earliest childhood memory is when I was 2. I was at our family home, doing crafts with my mom and sis. We were sitting on barstools at the counter and the mailman dropped mail in our mail slot (it was the coolest slot directly in our front door with a metal plate that clanged every time mail was delivered) and we all went running.

17. I love to go to a movie by myself. I rarely do it but it is something I love to do!

18. Mac all the way!

19. My favorite colors are shades of blue and shades of brown. Love, love, love those colors!

20. Favorite birthday cake as a child was a huge donut cake from Dunkin Donuts. It was amazing!!! It was a huge yeast donut with amazing frosting that I still remember to this day. Sorry to tell you they don't still sell them. They are franchised and this particular one made them back in 1983 in Michigan.

White pumpkins....

2011-09-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

Orange pumpkins are one of my favorite sights however when we were at a speciality grocery store a few days ago they had these very unique white pumpkins. We plopped our boy right in them and tried to catch a picture. Hoping for some pumpkin patch pictures soon....maybe once it cools down!

Ahhhhh.......

2011-09-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

Love our wedding ocean pictures!!!! You know how you do things in life that you think I am SO glad I did that or things you don't do and SO wish you had. We love the ocean so when we honeymooned we took our wedding clothes with us, contacted and found an area photographer and met her for pictures. It was perfect! It was at sunset and she knew all the great spots since she did it for a living. We are both so glad that we had these taken as we would never have that chance again to be newlyweds, at the ocean in our wedding attire. If you are wondering how I got my dress all the way to Florida I will have to tell you that it was amazing to see it could be packed into a suitcase, folded and it survived pretty well.

100 things about me.....

2011-09-25T08:37:00.000-07:00

LOL....I know some of you are laughing to yourself thinking I don't look at this blog to read about her! Give me pictures of the kids and we are good! If you know me you will know than that I love to connect so to be true to me I am going to give it a whirl. 10 at a time....you can handle that, right? I will keep it light at moments and go straight to the heart in the next.

1. I am a country girl at heart. I love nothing more than open space, a slower pace, produce stands on the side of the road, county fairs, small country churches and old downtowns.

2. I have been a sahm for 19 years and it has been the sweetest, hardest, fullest and most rewarding job. I wouldn't trade it for anything! 3 hearts entrusted to me, 3 gifts that I love more than I knew was humanly possible and 3 boys that will someday be husbands, daddy's, providers and my hope is they are followers of Christ more than anything else.

3. I love to read but haven't read an adult fiction book since my senior year in high school. I read daily but just can't do fiction unless it is for my kids! If I ever do pick up a fiction book I have been told I must read, Redeeming Love or The Help. I will put those at the top of my list for whenever I get there!

4. I love blankets. I always have one nearby and on a trip. A good blanket is one of those little things in life that I love.

5. Clutter or owning to much stuff puts me over the edge. Visual beauty without clutter gives me internal calmness. It is a constant desire to rid of more and more.

6. I love potatoes. Baked sweet potato fries, baked potato with cheese, bacon and butter and red potatoes with fresh rosemary are my favorite carbs.

7. I would have loved to have been a singer that sits on a stool strumming a guitar and share my heart via a melody.

8. I collect Eloise Wilken and Richard Scarry children's books. They remind me hugely of my childhood and I have a sweet collection that I treasure.

9. I hate (yes, I know that is a strong word) overhead light. There is nothing more uncomfortable (well maybe ice chewing!) to me than being in a home with overhead lights.

10. Water is like air to me. It is the only thing I drink and I can't get enough of it. It has to be cold and filtered.

That wasn't that bad was it? :)

Sweet brothers.....

2011-09-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

Trae captured this picture one evening when they were at the park. He just took it with his phone but it is priceless to me. Jacob has also asked me to make sure Sam isn't still wearing velcro shoes past the age of 6 or 7. My boys got their dads love of shoes and they have $$$ taste! Elmo shoes are the perfect park attire!

Park fun.....

2011-09-17T20:16:00.000-07:00

Swing time is the best way to end a day!

Smile.....

2011-09-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

When we ask Sam to smile this is what he does. He knows what a smile is but I guess he likes to feel his smile!

Yum!!!!

2011-09-14T18:04:00.000-07:00

We have several cupcake stores that have popped up in our area. We have our favorites from each store. Shama Lama Ding Dong is the chocolate one and it is like a grown up ding dong! My favorite was the lemon raspberry and the key lime was good but not great. They happened to be having a buy one, get one free special that evening so that made them even better!

Fall.....

2011-09-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

I haven't done an update in forever! Here is a brief family update on each of us.

Trae: Just got back from Chicago on a short business trip. Blessing his wife and kids by getting home earlier in the evenings! Working really hard in a economy that can be challenging. Doing his Wednesday morning mens group each week. Loves hearing the amazing things that Sam has to say each day. This man blesses me so by his love for the Lord, his family and that he walks the walk. Daily is so undervalued but that is truly where the stuff that matters happens. Needs a vacation away with his wife! ;)

Julie: Grateful that we had a good summer but that it is over and I am loving our new fall schedule ! Starting a Priscilla Shirer, Jonah bible study tomorrow morning with a group of ladies. Ladies cruise coming up next month!!! It will be our 2nd one and in preparation we had dance lessons last night with the group of ladies going on the trip! I love cooking, connecting with others and clothes have become fun again! Needs a vacation away with her husband. :)

Andrew: So proud of him!!! He is settling in beautifully at OU! Boomer Sooner!!! He has been home twice (helps a mama's heart hugely to get to see him!) since he left last month. Had lots of smiles on his last trip listening to the excitement that a 2 year old brings. They don't have 2 year olds at college dorms so it makes it extra fun to be around one we you are away from it! Sam was SUPER excited to see Andrew and Shelby! I love to see the man Andrew has become and is growing into. He is crazy smart, super responsible, determined and values what matters in life.

Jacob: Has already picked out his bike for Christmas! I can't promise he won't hit up any of you that are reading this for $$$ to go toward this bike either! He has had a great start to his school year so we are really excited and blessed by that! He has some great teachers and his favorite teacher is his math teacher. He has already made a new friend too! He loves hanging out with friends and family, doing anything outside, talking about his passions and researching things online. His favorite show are American pickers and American Restoration. I love to see his heart for the Lord and the convictions he has. He is full of life and desires to live life to the fullest.

Sam: Talking up a storm! He is a super busy boy! He is very happy and FULL of life. He is going to a preschool this fall (part-time) and we both are enjoying that. He does great with other kids and loves going to class! His favorite thing is baking cookies or pretending to bake cookies, playing outside, trips to the park, swimming, drawing, music and going to church. He gets very excited (and loud!) when Andrew and Shelby come to visit. He loves them so! His favorite shows are Kipper and Olivia. He is potty trained! He sleeps 11-12 hours at night and still naps about 2 hours a day. I love hearing him sing. He has been singing lately and it is so precious to hear.

Me and my little guy.....

2011-09-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

Sun spots but still sweet!

Bedtime....

2011-09-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

I am not sure who loves the bedtime routine more...Sam or Trae! They read many books and love that cuddle time. Somehow Dad became the book tuck in guy and Mom became the alphabet youtube girl! Maybe it is after 19 years of raising kids that is my relaxed method of bedtime! There is a series of alphabet videos on Youtube that Sam loves! We pick a few of them each night and watch them. They are about 60-90 seconds each and super fun! Sam knows all the alphabet and numbers up to 12. Sam also request pamp (his word for camp) videos to watch from Pine Cove. He loves to relive his Pine Cove memories! He is only 2 but already has his loves and favorites! Trae flew to Chicago this week on business and we taped him reading several books so Sam could have that daddy time while he was away. Sam loved it and it is such a treasure to have.

Endless love....

2011-09-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

Here is a peek at my new wedding band! I love it!!! It isn't everyday you get a new wedding band but my ring was falling off and couldn't be resized so this was our beautiful solution. We have a new James Avery that opened right by our home. We love James Avery and purchased Traes band there 6 years ago. We had a little lunch date and stopped there to try on rings and this one came home with us.

My sweet mom.....

2011-09-07T06:17:00.000-07:00

My mom and her husband have been vacationing in Maine the past week and having a great time! I love to see the pictures they send because it is beyond beautiful and so unique and different from our area. They also get to visit with my Aunt Judy and spend time with her and even wear jackets which isn't something we have done in a long time here in Texas!!!

Little lover....

2011-09-05T07:12:00.000-07:00

Sam loves people! People love Sam.....which blesses us so! It is typically weekly that he befriends a complete stranger and hugs people just passing by. He is often called a little lover. He is for sure and finds great value and enjoyment in connecting with people.

Sentimental Sunday....

2011-09-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

So precious.....

2011-08-27T17:56:00.000-07:00

This is Andrew when he was a baby. We took so many pictures of him. I recently did a photo book for him and I included this one. Photography changes over the years and that makes me so grateful for this picture. I love that it is a close up. I made the photo book and left it in his door when I left. It was so much fun to do and I am so glad we took all the pictures we did. Film was so expensive too! Now we have the luxury of snapping away and trashing all the bad ones but this one is a keeper for sure!

I am Sam....

2011-08-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

Sam has a new pose he will strike sometimes when he is feeling his independence. He folds his arms to let everyone know that he is choosing his own path or at least trying! It is his subtle way of saying let me be. It is neat to see all the aspects of his personality and bent. He is such a gift and blessing to our family!

Wordless Wednesday.....

2011-08-24T05:10:00.000-07:00

Raising a reader....

2011-08-21T10:55:00.000-07:00

We love books and joke that our kids don't have a shot at not being surrounded by them. Sam enjoys them and we love growing that love in him! He doesn't love them near as much as music but that is OK. We love how God created him to be!!! He has his favorites and enjoys his cuddle time reading on his own or with someone else. We really need to purge a bunch of our books but I told Trae I can't part with any of my kid books! They are priceless to me!

Goodbyes....

2011-08-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

Today I had to say goodbye. Goodbye to my firstborn and life as we know it. I hate goodbyes. I love newness, stretching, achieving goals and honestly those things can't always happen without change. Change can be hard but it is often where the growth begins. I am so proud of him and look forward to this new season in his life. My mommy heart is still tugged and missing him though. So proud of him and grateful he is only 2.5 hours away!

Happy boy.....

2011-08-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

One happy boy! Sam is naturally happy and joyful. Love his sweet personality and love for life.

Sentimental Sunday....

2011-08-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

Because everyone needs a Christmas morning I just climbed out of bed photo! It has been so hot here that we can only dream of those winter temps. We actually got a good amount of rain yesterday and the high was only 90 so that was our cold front.

Passion....

2011-08-12T05:32:00.000-07:00

Jacob loves wheels! He loves wheels on skateboards and bikes! Mom is keeping it contained to things without motors for now so his list stops there! Before his birthday party we went into an amazing bike shop and he was totally in his element and glowing! He loves trying out a few bikes and checking out the $8,000 bike! That sounds to me like a nice price for a first car but they actually had a bike that expensive. It was SO light I think Sam could have lifted it! Fun summer memories!!!!

Candy Land fun....

2011-08-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

I have many fond memories playing games as a child. We had a handful of favorites and I have tried to find them so my kids could grow up with them too. This is a Candy Land game that comes complete with gingerbread men, shapes to sort and a candy cane lever! It is just a fun magical game and when I found it recently I bought 2 so that my kids could have one and I could send one to our cousins in Santa Fe too! Sam loves it and it has become a favorite of his already. Time with big brother makes everything more fun!

Our summer house concert....

2011-08-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

We had the immense privilege of hosting a house concert this weekend with Barry and Michelle Patterson. We have loved their music for the past 15 years and the Lord opened the door to have them do a house concert while they were in the area. They did a 8 day tour in Texas and the Baton Rouge area and Friday night they were in Fort Worth. They did a warm up after they arrived and to hear them in our home was unbelievable. It was priceless and an amazing treat!!! We kept the lights low due to the heat outside so the video we took isn't great but I might post one at a later time. Sam was in awe of all the strumming and singing going on. That boy has music in his blood. He also enjoyed having sweet friend here and being loved on by them. We had 28 people here, coffee and dessert, amazing singing, dear friends and new ones too. This was a night we won't ever forget.

Fun times......

2011-08-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

Sam LOVED Pine Cove!!! Sometimes camp families joke that they had another child to make give them more years at family camp! With having a 19, 14 and 2 year old we have many, many years at family camp! Since we have returned home he has watched the camp video daily and talks of pamp (that is what he calls it) often! He is a family camper for sure and we are thrilled!

Lots of sweat but all fun!

2011-08-01T13:59:00.000-07:00

Jacob totally enjoys Pine Cove!!! He is a young man that pushes himself physically and often! He loves activity, friends, being outside and having fun! Pine Cove is filled with those things. Lots of water, rest in between, good food and knowing we are building priceless memories.

Pine Cove 2011...

2011-07-29T13:18:00.000-07:00

We have many pictures to share from our family vacation at Pine Cove. I will have to break it down into several post but wanted to share some with you! Sam fell in love with Pine Cove! He calls it Pamp! He is wanting to watch our camp DVD daily and anything we can find on Youtube that is about Pine Cove! I think it is in his blood already! It is one of our favorite places on this planet to spend time.

Summer....

2011-07-26T05:27:00.001-07:00

We have had one hot summer! Really very little from any other Texas summers but I know this one is going down as one of the hotter ones. It got really hot quick this summer which has made it a longer, hotter summer. Sometimes we have a more mild June but not this year. Oh well! After 25 years of being in Texas I have learned to adjust. It is Texas, it is summer and hot is just part of it. We go to the park, we go to the swim park, we go to camp and we don't let it stop us from living life. Life is less sweaty when it is cooler but hot can still be very fun mixed with lots of water, stay away during peak hours and chilly pads! We found these neat pads this year that hold the cold. They can be wrapped around your neck or placed on your body to help keep you cool.

Rest...

2011-07-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

Jacob turns 14....

2011-07-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

Jacob turned 14 July 18th! It often falls when we are at Pine Cove or right when we return but this year we had a couple days once we got back before it was his special day! We went with his friends to play whirly ball and to get ice cream at Braums. They had a great time and I am convinced if you give boys anything that moves with a steering wheel they will be pretty happy! They had the biggest smiles during much of the hour they played and especially when they really ran into one another! We celebrated the night before at home with a family meal and Jacobs favorites. It was a great birthday and I can't believe he is 14!!!

Time to escape....

2011-07-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

It is that time again! Time to escape to The Woods at Pine Cove in Tyler, Texas. This will be our 6th year to go to family camp. It is one of our favorite places on this planet. Family time, couple time, time with dear friends, no cooking, little cleaning, lots of whatever you want to do time, good speakers, great worship, amazing staff, sweat and dirt, costumes, tons of pictures (which I promise to share with you!), all in one room, laughter, usually a few tears (in a good way), theme nights, good books, trips into town, red dirt, time away with the Lord in a very quiet place with no TV, less media, daily routines thrown out and praying the baby sleeps well! We would covet your prayers for our week away! For safety, great time together, health and wellness, relaxing time away, business to continue for Trae while he is away (smoothly) and lots and lots of FUN!!!!

Story time....

2011-07-08T20:30:00.001-07:00

Story time is one of our favorite times! Sam has his favorite books and they often are about animals, birthdays or Thomas. I love that I saved almost all of my older boy books because they are being enjoyed again and such a treasure!

4th of July!

2011-07-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

Jacob love of cherry pies.....

2011-07-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

Jacob loves cherry pie! We have Aldi near us that we love shopping at and one of his favorite pick is the cherry pies. They are .39 cents compared for .99 cents at the other stores. They are one of his favorite treats but he recently said he noticed that many of them don't have glaze like the package shows. After bringing it up several times he said he wanted to contact the store to let them know that they were selling a product that doesn't measure up to the picture on the package. I thought it would be a good lesson for him to see what that process is like. We emailed the company late Wednesday evening on Aldi's main website. By the time I woke up in the morning I had an email to let me know that they were sorry for the disappointment and were forwarding our email onto the company that makes the pies. By lunch on Thursday we had a call from the manufacturer of the pies. She assured me that each one is frosted however that over time the frosting absorbs into the dough. She told me she was going to go pull some fresh pies off the line and ship them to him! By Friday at lunch the pies arrived with a T-shirt from the company. It was a fun surprise and a great lesson. The pies do have frosting and Jacob said they were the best pies ever!

One of his favorite things....

2011-07-01T05:41:00.000-07:00

Wagon rides are one of Sams favorite things! He has now added reading while riding. Trae and Sam walk to the park often so he gets plenty of play and busy time. I found this at Aldi one day (for a great deal!) and knew it would me loved. Sweet memories!

Sam and his music....

2011-06-29T19:07:00.000-07:00

When we had to put the guitar up....

2011-06-27T08:59:00.001-07:00

Sam loves his music and wasn't happy when we had to put it up so he could eat dinner. We were even willing to have it sit near him for dinner! :) However, that little guy didn't want to let lose of it. His passions are drums and guitars and let me just say as a mom how grateful I am that one is quieter than the other!

Checking out his new guitar!

2011-06-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

Sam received a sweet surprise in the mail from Grandpa Mason and Grandma Sylvia this week! It was a guitar that was perfect for him! It is so cute because it plays songs, goes around his neck, perfect fit for a 2 year old and he is in love! Sam is in love with all things FAST so he loves to play it fast and remind everyone around him that he is being FAST! He is such a boy! A boy passionate about music! Thank you for the sweet gift for Sam.

So many buttons.....

2011-06-22T17:42:00.000-07:00

Sam loves buttons. I think most toddlers do and he is getting very good at finding his way around on them. We went to the Apple store a while back and I think we could have stay all day long! Fun times!

Today is a big day....

2011-06-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

Andrew will be attending OU this fall. He won't leave for about 7 for more weeks or so but today was a big day! It was his day to go register for his first year. He and his dad spend last night in Norman to be there first there for their 8:30 appointment! Hard to imagine we will have one in college, middle school and preschool! He is really excited about his new season and I am too! It looks like it will be a great fit for him.

Happy Fathers Day!

2011-06-19T12:58:00.001-07:00

Happy Fathers Day to you from us! We love you, we miss you and are grateful for you.

Love this.....

2011-06-17T21:41:00.000-07:00

Love, love, love this young man and this picture!

Helper.....

2011-06-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

Sam loves anything big boy! He loved helping his dad build a wagon recently. He wasn't sure about his first ride but he has grown to love it. I have a million things to do today but will post more pictures later! Sam just wanted to say hi. :)

Sweet!

2011-06-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

Love this picture of me and my oldest boys taken last month. Sometimes I get flack for taking so many pictures. This is why I do. Babies become adults and you are left with memories, relationship if you pursued that and pictures. Pictures are priceless to me and I am so glad Trae shares the same belief. Oh and did you notice they are both taller than me now?!

Sam and cake.....

2011-06-09T18:02:00.001-07:00

Sam has never liked cake....until now! He didn't eat it for any of his birthdays but he has finally decided it is a good thing! This was taken at a end of the year party last month and he would have eaten more if let him.

Jacob and his little sister....

2011-06-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

This is Jacob and his little sister. Honestly I don't know how to spell her name or I would. I do know how to say it! She is 10 months old and he loves her! He has a sweet heart for little ones and finally gets to know what a sister is like. He has little nicknames for her just like he does for Sam. She is a real cutie!

If you ever wonder who Jacob resembles....

2011-06-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

Wonder no more! This is Jacob and his dad at Andrews graduation party and it is amazing to see the resemblance. There share many similar features, the same color eyes, skin tone, etc. However, Jacob is only 13 and is now taller than me so I have a feeling he might end up being taller than his dad. I think Jacob would love to be taller than everyone else! I am 5'6 and he is about a half inch taller than me now. His dad is 5'10 so we shall see but I have a feeling he will outgrow them all!

Sweet kisses.....

2011-06-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

Our handsome and patient boy....

2011-06-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

Sam is a handsome little guy! He was very patient at the graduation dinner and stayed in his seat much of the evening. We did make sure to keep his hands busy much of the evening. Crayons, Ipods, friends, family, gingersnaps and cake kept him happy! He did great and had fun celebrating Andrew and Shelby.

Andrew graduates!!!!

2011-05-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a BIG day for our family! Andrew graduated from high school with a scholar's diploma (4 years of advanced science, 4 years of advanced math and 3 years of a foreign language while maintaing a 3.6 GPA) from BCS!!! He is thrilled to be finished and is looking forward to the future with great expectation. We all attended the afternoon graduation and than had a huge celebration afterwards at Macaroni Grill. There was 30 of us who joined together to celebrate Andrew and Shelby's accomplishment. It was a precious time of coming together with dear ones and celebrating 2 people who we love. I have a lot more pictures but just posted a few highlights from the day and hope you enjoy a glimpse of the day. It was a perfect day in many ways. The love, celebration and blessing was overflowing and this mama's heart was too. God is good and so very faithful.

Sentimental Sunday....

2011-05-15T21:01:00.000-07:00

This was taken sometime last summer or early fall. It is one of Traes favorite picture of Sam. He is thoughtful and introspective and that is a sweet trait in a toddler! When he isn't, he is moving for sure and keeping us busy!!!!

Trae and our little guy.....

2011-05-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

Aren't they precious?!

Our moving guy....

2011-05-13T14:29:00.000-07:00

Jacob is a lover of keeping busy! He loves sports, being on the go, what can we go do, doing something together and pretty much any kind of sports! I wonder how many times I have said you can throw the ball but not in the house! His favorite thing is to throw a ball up in our very large sky light. Ummmm.......not safe and a very expensive repair!

Sweet grandma love....

2011-05-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

Sam loves his grandma! He calls her and talks to her on the phone and loves seeing her when she visits. They have a very sweet bond and special things they do together and talk about. She has a lot of love to give and does so beautifully to all 9 of her grandchildren! We are so blessed and grateful for her and the love she so freely gives.

Easter egg fun....

2011-05-09T06:40:00.000-07:00

We had the perfect weather day for a little egg hunt on Easter! It was after nap time so Sam had already changed out of his Easter duds but he is still adorable in his play clothes! Jacob found some enjoyment in it too. They both love being outdoors.

One of my favorite pictures....

2011-05-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite pictures. Andrew was 3 years old and singing in a school program. As a mommy I thought he had the best sign and I had the cutest kid ever! Andrew made me a mom and 19 years into being his mom I am grateful most of all for the gift of his life and relationship. He is grown and entering a new season in his life. I am so proud of him and excited for his future. I will always be cheering him on from my heart and desire to have relationship with him as he has grown from my little boy to a man.

Happy Mothers Day!

2011-05-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to all our moms and grandma's! You are loved, treasured and greatly needed! We need your love, your influence, your support, your wisdom and relationship. Words cannot express our gratitude to you. We hope your day is blessed and you are reminded of how valued you are.

How different my kids are.....

2011-05-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

Most people say their children are all so different. That is pretty common. I have to say that I feel that way often! I have a adult, teen and toddler. There is a special reward for that....right??? I don't have another friend with a 17 year age gap with their children. :) We are finished having kids unless the Lord ever calls us to adopt and we are very content and busy with the 3 we have.

Andrew buys and sells used Apple products (mostly phones) and does well with it. He knows the value of a dollar and is a saver. He does spend money on things he values but he is savvy and resells most things for what he paid or close to it.

Jacob loves a yard sale! If he has a dollar in his pocket he will gladly spend it or bless someone with it. He would spend an entire day going to yard sales with me if we could. Matter of fact we are going tomorrow morning because it is our neighborhood yard sale. We have had some good times going together. He called today once he saw the neighborhood signs to ask if we could go and what time did they close today! I don't do clutter well and am much more of a tosser than a keeper but I do still like to save money on toys, kids clothes and household items if I find them.

Sam and I arrived home today after doing an errand and even though it was close to nap time I thought we would loop around the block to see if there were any sales still going. When we passed our home he said, home....home. I said yes that is our home....do you want to go home and he responded, yes! I kept going and when we pulled up at the first yard sale he looked at it and said, MESS! I couldn't contain my laughter.

My children are all unique blessings and I am grateful for each one of them. Fun times and never a lack of excitement in our lives! They are my reward!

2 of Sams favorite things....

2011-05-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

Friends and Chick Fil A are two of his favorite things! Our sweet friend was kind enough to share with Sam and welcome him. We had a Chick Fil A open just 2 minutes from our home which was perfect because it has been a family favorite for many years! Sam is rather picky but he does like their nuggets and an occasional fry.

Sentimental Sunday....

2011-05-01T05:09:00.000-07:00

It was one year ago that we were headed on our dream vacation! It was a dream and than some! We are reminiscent of our gift from God and we still think about it often and yes, sometimes dream we were back. We may not ever return there (unless it is a business reward!) but there will be other vacations and places to dream about. We are thinking about a ocean trip when Sam is just a little bit older.

Worship, music and Sam....

2011-04-30T06:22:00.000-07:00

Sam loves music! He always has and one of his very favorite things is to watch our churches music CD and play his guitar. That is a fun little vacuum that I bought Sam but he has turned it into a guitar! He finds great enjoyment and relaxation while doing this. He will shout, thank you Jesus and hallelujah! Sometimes he jumps and sometimes he spins and in the midst he is always full of immense joy! We try to capture it on tape but it is never as good as being here!

One of our new favorites.....

2011-04-28T14:14:00.000-07:00

I love cooking, we love seafood and we love this new recipe! It is a tilapia recipe that I found on allrecipes.com. It is easy, quick and amazing! Add a side or two with it and in less than 30 minutes you can have a healthy and delicious meal.

Broiled Tilapia Parmesan

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup butter, softened

3 T mayonnaise

2 T fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp dried basil

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1/8 tsp onion powder

1/8 tsp celery salt

2 lbs tilapia fillets

Preheat broiler. Grease broiling pan or line with foil. In a small bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese, butter, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Season the cheese mixture with basil, pepper, onion powder, and celery salt. Mix well and set aside. Arrange fillets in a single layer on prepared pan. Broil a few inches form the heat for 2-3 minutes. Flip fillets over and broil for a couple more minutes. Remove from oven and cover with Parmesan cheese mixture. Broil for 2 more minutes or until topping is browned and fish flakes easily with a fork. Do not overcook the fish. Serve immediately.

Andrew turns 19.....

2011-04-27T06:42:00.001-07:00

Andrew turned 19 earlier this month! We celebrated at home with the our family and Shelby. Andrew requested his favorite chocolate oatmeal no bake cookie for his birthday treat and we also had a mini lesson dipping berries and fruit in chocolate. He picked one of his favorite meals for dinner, ravioli with marinara sauce, garlic bread and a romaine salad. Andrews favorite pick for a meal is at home which really blesses his mama! I like to celebrate our kids birthdays at home because we are the only ones who can give them home. Mama Sylvia made the amazing OU quilt that Andrew is opening above. He LOVES it!!! The sweetest gift outside of salvation is relationship. Andrew had said turning 19 wasn't really that special but after his birthday he sent me the sweetest email thanking me for making a not so special birthday special. He is our gift and firstborn son who we treasure greatly.