An Entire Year & a 1/2

It is hard to believe that a year and a 1/2 has passed and I have not posted a thing!  Facebook has unfortunately taken the place of my Blog.  Sad frankly.  I used to enjoy posting my day to day events when the kids were little.  Loved putting pictures up and commenting on them.  Well, my prayer is to at least make a post once a month in the new year.  Highlights of 2012:
Gabriel turned 7 and had another Chuck E Cheese Birthday Party
Gracie turned 5 and had a Barbie Swim Party
Charlie is working hard at church and has embarked on the Mid Week Wednesday Service that he is enjoying
Anne is teaching full days at ABC and is keeping her job at church.
Everyone is healthy and thriving.
The kids enjoy school and are doing well.  They love their friends and life is full.
The loss of my brother Tom has been a sad yet peace-filled because we know he is enjoying his freedom from pain in heaven.
Until next year.
Stay tuned!

Summer Time 2011

Hanging with Daddy on Father's Day!

Some of the girls!

Neighborhood fun on the 4th!

4th of July fun! Another use for silly bands!

Love love love the Barbie furniture!

Helping set up for the party - Dress up time!

Designing T-Shirts for the party

Gettin ready for the party! This is a very exciting day!

Starting the party with prayer!

All Dressed Up!

Like My Make Up?

Say Cheese Girls!

I think with the Facebook craze, I have neglected my Blog! Updates on the summer include, VBS's, summer camps, lots of swimming and celebrations. Personally, I have so very much enjoyed the summer with the kids. They are getting to the age were they are so much more independent. We have been able to do so much more this summer. It seem we run from one event to the next, in attempts to get the most out of the warm weather.

First Day of K to Last Day of K

1st Day - Off He Goes!

Off to the Last Day of K!

The time is flying by and my little boy is growing up so quickly. Today he finished his last day of Kindergarten. What a wonderful year he had. He learned so very much about the Bible, he excelled in Math, he is reading so very much and his writing, wow! They grow up so quickly and I do know this. So, here is the beginning and the end of K. Good job buddy! I am so very proud of you!

Our March Trip to Cali 2011

We had another great time in Cali this year. It was so beautiful and the kids of course loved it all. We made our way around LA, Oceanside, Orange County, Disneyland and even went to Palm Springs this year. It was fabulous and beautiful. Spending time with family feeds the soul in so many ways. Here is a little of the trip.

Beautiful Palm Springs!

Swimming in Palm Springs at Aunt Angie and Uncle Dick's house

Cousins poolside!

Tinker Belle is telling Gracie where she lives!

Goofy and Big G are dressed alike. Had to tell him "Hi!"

Sunset by the beach!

Big G looks like he is walking on water!

Noodle dance party!

Going to the beach in the "Thing" thanks to Uncle Mike!

Cousins and make-up! Heaven!

Making Orange Juice for breakfast!

Picking oranges off Aunt Sheryl and Uncle Ted's tree - Fresh OJ!

This statue is in the lobby of our old church in Cali. The kids would always climb on Jesus and I always wondered if I'd have kids that would climb and sure enough, here they are! Thank you Lord for my treasures!

Spring!

Today, the kids have their friends over to play. There is a movie going in one room and video games in the other. I have my "To Do" list going for the next 2 weeks. Planning for Easter and a trip to Georgia the next. As I was planning, I looked up and there in front of me were my beautiful flowers. I had to grab the camera and capture the life inside my home today. On days like today where the flowers are trying to push their way up through the soil outside but the weather is cold and grey, it's hard to imagine that it will ever be warm and sunny. Today, I thought I would focus on the life "inside" the home. I want so badly to be outside! But I think of what God is giving me today. Life in the home. All that we can be and enjoy for today. And I think, do I really embrace all that God has placed right before me or do I always keep longing for something that is not there and then live in disappointment all day because it's not there. So today, I count my indoor blessings, my beauty that is right before my eyes. Thank you for today Lord. Thank you for today!

Happy 6th Big G!

Well, it has been quite a Birthday again this year for Big G! We celebrated with family, we took a trip to Wilderness Territory and ended with a Birthday with friends at Chuck E. Cheese. As you can see, it was a success. There is nothing better than when you see a grin from ear to ear from you child. He had a fabulous time! Everyone made it special!

Day 28 of 365! Snow bunny

Today was a beautiful fresh snow kinda day to get out in the warm sun and catch a few good shots for day 28! I love the colors in these pics, but I really love the girl in the picture. She is a great sport with all these pics I'm taking. I love them all because each one tells a story. The top one is just an upclose one where you can see the melted snow on her lips and flecks of it in her hair. Did I mention that she was loving eating the fresh snow today. The second shot is just pure joy! Third is the classic snow angel. She made about 10 today! Picture #4 is another shot of her tasting the snow. Fun, fun! Moving on to day #29