Snow in Texas??!!

Yes, it's true... snow is a real act of nature and can be seen in the state of Texas! These pictures were taken early Friday morning in Fritch, Texas (40 miles north of Amarillo).

Farewell to Johnny

This week we found a new owner for our little papilion Johnny. He was a cutie pie but just had too much energy for us. His extra energy was vented in the form of destructive behavior. (hole digging and wood/furniture chewing were his two pastimes of choice) Plus he used my bedspread as his own personal toilet!

Our vet's office helped place him with a lady who will treat him wonderfully. As she said, and I quote, "He will be my baby!" She is recently divorced with no children and wants another heartbeat in the house. He will spend his weekends out on a ranch and on the road travelling because she rides horses and barrel races on an ametaur rodeo circuit. She lives a block from the Kemah boardwalk and we are welcome to go see him anytime we want.

We know in our heads that he will be happy, but our hearts are sad. Out of all of us Rebekah was the most attached to him. She and I shared some tears; but she perked right up at the lady's offer of going to the ranch and having riding lessons and spending time out there.

Take care little guy! You were really something!

Clean Hair 101

For a little while now I have been asking Rebekah "Did you wash your hair", or "Did you brush your hair this morning?" or "Did you use conditioner?" She would reply yes, except to the conditioner question, telling me that she didn't have any. Her hair is normally so gorgeous and it just hasn't been as healthy looking lately as it could be.

Tonight I went into her bathroom while she was showering and she mentioned again about not having any conditioner. I looked under the sink and while I was doing that she said ,"Here, this is all that I have." I looked at the bottle and guess what it was? CONDITIONER! She had been using this as shampoo for 2 or 3 weeks now. We got a good laugh over it and I brought her some shampoo from my bathroom.

Christmas kids

Took our Christmas picture today. What do you think?!

Inspired by Leslie

Or rather, I read her blog and got such a kick out of the topic I had to do my own. Here are seven weird things about me:

1. When I get ready in the morning I MUST apply my lipstick. Even if I know I am going downstairs and will eat breakfast and mess it all up.

2. If you want to see me get really freaked out then please, by all means, touch my elbows. I don't know where this came from or why it is but I can not stand for someone or something to be touching my elbows. (other than long sleeves, of course.) If Jeff gets too close to me in bed and touches my elbow I am not a happy camper. I can remember my dad teasing me about it and quietly coming over and stroking my arm and then my elbow and I tried, I mean I really tried to remain calm. Failed everytime!

3. I am very much afraid of statues. If you are a regular reader of my blog then you will remember my first post dealt with this topic. Anything larger than me puts me into a complete panic, accompanied by a fast heartrate and heavy breathing.

4. I LOVE to clean things out -- closets, toy boxes, under-sink-cabinets, drawers, you name it and I am there! Hand in hand with cleaning out is organization. I love boxes, storage totes, labels, binders, folders etc. Unfortunately I am the only one in my family with this addiction. Now that's not to say that I am not sentimental. I have baby clothes for each child, completely filled in baby books, school papers, homemade ornaments, love notes, and cards from family and friends dating back to high school. I just don't think a child needs to have 12 Rescue Heroes that he never plays with -- let him keep 2 or 3 and donate the rest.

5. Along the same lines as fact #4 is that I hate clutter. Give me dust and dirt any day over clutter. We have a kitchen bar/ledge and I would tolerate Jeff's papers, magazines, odds and ends of things only for a couple of days and then would start with going through them to do something with them. Read it, toss it, put it away. Just get it out of my eyesight. Now that our house is on the market I am in complete heaven because it is a daily victory over clutter!

6. My husband got a good grin over this one... when I have a recipe down perfect (or at least just the way he likes it) I go and change it thinking I can make it better. I read enough magazines with great recipes and am always looking to improve on what I don't realize is already the perfect dish. Drives him nuts!

7. I cannot sleep with socks on. Not such a weirdo thing but me and my OCD would rather have freezing cold toesies than sleep in socks. I try every winter, get into bed with the socks, lay there a while, try not to think about it, toss and turn, then BAM! the socks get flung to the floor and I go right to sleep.

Dad and Sally visit

This weekend we had family company in town. Jeff's dad and stepmother came on Thursday from Tulsa and stayed until Sunday. We ate alot of yummy food (Brookstreet BBQ, Cheesecake Factory and Papasittos) , did a lot of Christmas shopping and had a good visit.

Friday night they took the kids to Build A Bear Workshop and let them select their own bears, accessories, shoes, beds included. Only a grandparent would be that cool! (Mom and Dad are too stingy! haha)

Saturday after we finished our shopping, Sally and Rebekah had their hair styled up so pretty. Rebekah had these beautiful spiral curls put in at the crown of her head. I wish you could see them better in the picture.

Karate

For her birthday we gave Emma the Red Karate Gee. To wear the red uniform you must be a green belt or higher. She received her green/white belt in September and should be testing for her green/black belt this month.

What a difference 2 years makes!

My little Emma Faith

Today is Emma's 7th birthday! The picture is when she was 5 months old.

She has always been such a delightful child. Other than a little reflux as a baby, her infancy was easy. From early on (and I mean weeks old) people have commented on her beautiful blue eyes. These comments continue even to today. What stands out the most to me is her sweet spirit. You just can't spend time with her and not feel her lovingkindness. When I was pregnant with Emma I got up everyday at 6:20 to go walking and durning that time I would pray. Don't ask me why I did this for Emma and not the other two, but I always prayed that God would give her a "sweet spirit and gentle disposition." She exhibits this in so many facets of her little being. Emma is thoughtful and considerate to other people, helpful at home and in her classroom, attentive to authority, kind to all children (even to Alex and his rough-and-tough buddies!) and just has an overall happy attitude. I say that even at her worst she is still totally tolerable.

I love you Emma and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Thankfullness

I am thankful for my husband who loves me and shows me this by encouraging me and supporting me and accepting me as flawed of a human as I am.
I am thankful for my 3 beautiful children. They each have a very distinct personality and spirit. All three are healthy, happy and make me proud to be their mom.
I am thankful for my mom. Even though we don't see each other often she is close to my heart and in my thoughts.
I am thankful for my sister. She and I had a moment today at our step-mother's house where we hugged and thought about our beloved and very much missed dad. For as long as we can remember Thanksgiving was the holiday to spend with him.
I am thankful for good friends.
I am most thankful for my Father God's love, forgiveness and salvation. My life would not be all that it is without Him.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Soccer girls

This past weekend was the end of the fall soccer season for both girls. Man, did they love playing! This was Emma's 3rd season and Rebekah's first. Emma is now going to play on a winter indoor soccer team, and Rebekah will re-join her team in January. We are very proud of our soccer superstars! (I wish you could see the look of determination on Emma's face. She was focused!)

Carter Rae Tarwater

Today I want to tell you about a good friend of mine. Her name is Carter and I have known her for about 4 years now. We met at Jazzercise. She was one of those girls I was intimidated by... you know the type, pretty face, great body, and knew how to do every routine. I was so pleased when I finally met her and discovered how nice she is.

What strikes me the most about Carter is her genuine sincerity. She consoled me when my father died, brought food to my family while I recuperated from the abdominalpasty, was willing to help out during this recent surgery, babysat our little dog Johnny while we went out of town for over a week, babysat Alex last March so that I could take the girls to the Hannah Montana concert (Jeff was out of town), has bought countless Girl Scout cookies and fundraiser items from Rebekah, just to name the ones off the top of my head.

Alex simply ADORES her. Says she is his girlfriend. This picture is from last Friday's birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. She had asked me where and when his party would be but I didn't mention it to him. Carter does not have children so keep that in mind when I tell you that not only did she come but she stayed and played with him and gave him special attention. He was so happy! Sunday the two of them took one of her dogs for a walk; and he talked about that for the rest of the day.

Thanks Carter!

Happy birthday baby!

On this day five years ago my I met my precious son Alex. He arrived on a Friday afternoon weighing 8 lbs. and 6 oz. The first thing I noticed about him was the little "dimple" in his chin like Jeff has. As the doctor told me I had a boy I was crying and saying "my baby boy" over and over.

At eighteen weeks when the doctor looked at the ultrasound and told us we were having a healthy baby boy I was shocked. After having two darling girls I was ready to just continue along that venue. It took me a good month of processing it to "come around" to a BOY. Am I ever glad that God saw it right to bless us with Alex!

He is happy almost all of the time, he loves to entertain us with silly things he makes up or games he plays, he makes GOOD use of his imagination, is well-behaved (when neccessary, i.e. Mommy's doctor appointments...), freely gives hugs and kisses, asks insightful questions (most recently about what the "new heaven and new earth" God provides us will be like), and is a wonderful part of our family.

He blesses me everyday with his love; and I can't adequately express in written word the depth of my love for him. With that said, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX!!!!!

A child's prayer

This was Alex's goodnight prayer. "Dear God, I love my mom and my dad and my whole family. I'm glad they make the rules even though they can be mean, and good, and nice and freaky." It went on from there and then I added to his prayer. I'll let God sort that one out... funny little guy!

Ariel, Luigi and Lady Guinevere

Halloween night + 3 kids trick-or-treating = A BOATLOAD OF CANDY! What about you guys?

Sienna family campout

This past Saturday night we participated in the Sienna family campout. (for out-of-town family if you are unfamiliar - Sienna Plantation is the name of our subdivision). We set up camp "next door" to our friends Stuart and Natalie Jackson and their kids Sierra, George and Olivia.

All of the kids played out on the playground until our scrumptous gourmet hot dog dinner. (it kept me out of the kitchen so I was happy!) Then Jeff and Stuart took the kids tent trick-or-treating while Natalie and I handed out candy. Afterwards, there was a magic show and smores. At 10 o'clock Alex and I excused ourselves for the warmth and comfort of our beds and left Jeff and the girls to rough it in the tent... on the ground... in the cold... being startled by the train passing through at 2:10am... Seriously though, overall a good time was had by everyone and we will do it again next year!

Do This!

My daughter now has a blog and I was nice enough to tell people how to get there. So go to

http://www.rebekahscoresagain.blogspot.com/ try it

Hopscotch and the pledge

This is a picture of Alex with his hopscotch game. He wrote numbers 1-20 (the picture only goes to 15) and I am so impressed. He has been my "late bloomer" with writing letters and numbers. He can write his name but has no interest in much of anything else. So when he said "I'm gonna make a hopscotch" I was eager to see what he would do. Well, he got right to work. The first 5 numbers had a square around them just like a hopscotch game should. Then he wrote the remaining numbers by themselves. I am just thrilled!

On another academic note, he came home from school Thursday with a little American flag because he can now say the Pledge of Allegiance by himself with no prompting. What a smart little guy!

Power washing and nosebleeds

Between Thursday and Friday I spent 6 hours powerwashing our driveway, sidewalks and front walkway. Whew! What a remarkable difference this made in the appearance of our house. Check out the pictures.

Good thing I waited until Friday to powerwash the driveway because last night sweet little Alex threw the Frisbee and it hit Emma smack dab in the nose and caused, you guessed it, a brutal nosebleed. Not only is she prone to them just by genetics (Jeff's side) and weather changes, now we are compounding the problem with accidents. (BTW - last Thursday night Jeff was taking off her cleats and one flew up and hit her in the nose and brought on a nosebleed. Poor kid can't catch a break!)

Current events

No pictures today, just a written post of our recent activities. Last Thursday I stepped into a hole near the soccer fields and sprained my ankle. Well, I wasn't certain it was only a sprain so Friday morning Alex and I visited the local hospital to get an x-ray. Not broken, just sprained. So now I have a goose egg on my ankle and am keeping it wrapped. Not doing too good on doctor's orders of "stay off of it." Imagine that!
Friday night we went out to dinner with the Jacksons. Ate good bbq and then went back to their house for a mean game of ping pong! Saturday morning both girls had soccer games. I took Emma and a teammate, Aileen, to have their soccer team pictures; and then we came back to the house for a playdate. At dinnertime Rebekah's friend Alyssa came over to spend the night because Sunday after church they were going to the 4th grade movie and pizza party that the church was hosting.
Our Sunday was overcast and sometimes raining but that didn't keep us inside. After church and a yummy lunch at Pei Wei we played outside while Jeff trimmed the backwall jasmine. The Jacksons came by for a minute and Olivia, Emma's friend, stayed and played. It started to rain and the kids put on their bathing suits and jumped on the trampoline. All in all a good couple of days!

How to clean a fishbowl

Believe it or not, this is not a "posed" picture. I took this tonight while Jeff supervised Rebekah writing out her flow map for her "How To" project. She chose how to clean a fishbowl. I cleaned it out today and walked her through the steps and then she wrote out the steps, how and why. Next week she will be giving a presentation to her class using the flow map and visual aids. Good work Bekah!

Emma's teacher conference

Today I had the Fall conference with Emma's teacher. Here is the report -- Emma is a model student. She works hard and eagerly completes her assignments. She gets along very well with all classmates and is always in a good mood. Her reading level is at the beginning of 2nd grade; and she excels in math as well. She is a joy to have in class. Anyone surprised by this feedback?!? Not me! Love you Emma!

Columbus Day per Wikipedia

The first Columbus Day celebration was held in 1792, when New York City celebrated the 300th anniversary of his landing in the New World. President Benjamin Harrison called upon the people of the United States to celebrate Columbus Day on the 400th anniversary of the event in 1892. Since 1971, the holiday has been commemorated in the U.S. on the second Monday in October, the same day as Thanksgiving in neighboring Canada. It is generally observed today by schools, some banks, the bond market, the U.S. Postal Service, federal offices, and most state government offices; however, most businesses and stock exchanges remain open.

Emma's soccer game

This morning I had a soccer game. My team is the Wildcats. I ran hard and fast and scored a goal! And I am so happy to be playing soccer. I love it! I am so happy to see all my friends again.

Family reading time

Friday night we had an impromptu family reading time led by Emma. The picture says it all. I was sitting across the room and realized it was a perfect Kodak moment.

Sermon Series

We attend Sugar Creek Baptist Church and our pastor, Mark Hartman, is 3 weeks into a sermon series based on the 10 Commandments. Today was commandment #3 Thou shall not misuse the name of your Lord God. The following is taken from the printed material we receive for the service, "If we want strong families, and if we want to develop our children to walk with the Lord after they leave our home, we need to demonstrate to them how important God is. They don't care what we say in church. They care how we live behind closed doors." Children are very perceptive and this served as a good reminder to me to live what I believe everyday, regardless of how I feel or how I impulsively want to react to a given situation.

If you are interested, his sermons are available for viewing at the church's website. http://www.sugarcreek.net/

Parental Instruction

As parents we hope to impart our wisdom and experience to our children. Sunday night Jeff and I were sitting outside while the kids played. Alex was first playing with a tennis racket and ball, then dribbling the basketball and finally a Frisbee. He was throwing it decently but not correctly. Jeff brought him over and explained and demonstrated how to throw a Frisbee the right way. (hold the Frisbee so the thumb is on top, pull your wrist in and snap it out while letting go of the Frisbee) Alex stepped away from us and did it just as Jeff had explained. A perfect toss and landed right in front of us. Alex exclaimed, "Daddy, you're a GENIUS!" Hence, confirmation once again that I married a very smart man!

Quote

One hundred years from now it will not matter what kind of house I lived in, how much money I had, nor what my clothes were like. But the world may be a little better because I was important in the life of a child.

Dating and party pictures

May 1996

Aunt Helen, Brad, Julie, Jeff, Kimberly, Dad, Becki, Uncle Roger

May 1995

Memory Lane

Where did you meet your husband?

Jeff and I met in the First Baptist Church parking lot on a Monday night before the city-wide singles Metro Bible Study.

What was the first thing you said to your husband?

He had walked over to me and introduced himself followed by a long list of places he had noticed me (church, Bible Fellowship class, Metro etc...). I was taken back by this and probably just said hi and told him my name. We chatted all the way into the auditorium where he asked me if I wanted to sit with him and his friends. I declined and went on my way. He will tell you that he was a greeter for Metro and was very friendly, but I like to think otherwise! I got all dolled up the next week to approach him and chit chat and when I did he didn't seem too impressed one way or another. We did not talk again for 2 months.

Where was the first date? First kiss?

Our first date was at the Mason Jar restaurant. I can remember being so nervous and excited. He was impressed that I had brought with me a Buy one- get one free entree coupon. (I am laughing even as I write this.) Sometime after this date he attempted to kiss me goodnight and I turned my head. Wasn't sure if I was ready. Our first kiss came a couple of weeks after the first date and it was when he was telling me goodnight as I was getting into my car to drive home from his place. I was ready by then!

Did you have a long or short courtship/engagement?

Short courtship and engagement. Started dating end of March1995, met his mom and sister and extended family August, engaged September and married January 7, 1996. Nine months in total.

Where did you get engaged?

I pretty much knew it was coming on our 6 month "anniversary" because I had gone to Conroe to pick up the ring when it was ready. We went to dinner (where I don't remember) and then to his place. I remember thinking how nervous he was all night. Back at his apartment I sat on the couch and he brought in a vase with 6 red roses. He read to me several Scripture verses (which I will keep to myself for sentimental value) and explained how the number 6 in the Bible was the number of incompleteness; and that is how he felt until he met me. He then gave me my ring and the 7th rose. The number 7 in the Bible is the number of completeness and this was how he wanted to live -- with me. It was so beautiful. I was crying, and he was relieved to be done with it!

Where did you get married?

Harrah's wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada January 7, 1996. It worked out so perfectly -- January - new beginnings; the 7th for completeness.

How did the reception go?

There was no reception because it was just he and I there. In May when we travelled to New Orleans to visit my dad and stepmother they surprised us with a party. My aunt and uncle were there from New York and my sister and her husband were there as well. They had a guest book, engraved champagne flutes, a wedding cake, wedding cake knife/ serving set, a cut-out of Elvis (!), matching T-shirts commemorating the wedding, corsages and the wine served at my dad and mom's wedding back in 1967. We loved it!!!

How was the honeymoon?

We stayed in Las Vegas for the week. We were married on Sunday and came home on Saturday. We went out to Hoover Dam, Ceasar's, MGM, Excalibur, saw The Rockettes show, saw Magician Lance Burton, and just had a great time.

Recommended reading

I recently finished reading The Preacher and the Presidents by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy. (yes, I know the title of books should be underlined but I don't see that as one of my Options). This is the story of Billy Graham and his relationship with each President beginning with Truman. It answers the questions of how he initially gained popularity across the nation, and developed friendships with the Presidents. (side note -- he was not friends per se with Truman or Kennedy). From the book cover "... the friendships posed a challenge : how could any president resist taking political advantage of one of the world's most admired men? For Graham, how did he resist the temptations that come when power, faith and fame collide?"

The bottom line for Graham is that everyone needs Jesus as their Saviour (Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God) and certainly the leader of the United States would need counseling, comfort and wisdom. Very interesting book and I highly recommend it.

Mouths of babes

This is what took place between Emma and Alex tonight. Alex asked me "What would it be like to be in somebody's body?" I replied "Well, you were once inside my body, when you were a baby before you were born." He got this disgusted look on his face and said, "Did I look around and did I say "Eeeewww?" I just busted out laughing at the simplicity of it. Then Emma chimed in with , "Did you know that when you were inside Mommy that when she ate food that she was feeding you too? So when she mushed up her food and swallowed it was like you were eating it." That just about did him in! They went back and forth with "did too, did not, did too, did not.." until I told Emma it was the same for her before she was born. The conversation ended there!

My First Soccer Game

Posted By Rebekah...
At my first soccer game it was a lot of work. First I was in goalie postition .The sun was shining right on me. I was burning hot! After the game I was sweating soooooooo much. My team is called The Blue Giants. We have some good players. We won the game 5 - 0.

Automatonophobia

Huh?? What in the world does this mean? To put it in layman's terms - fear of statues. Defined as "a persistent, abnormal, and unwarranted fear of statues." How ridiculous is this?! Well, actually not very. Believe it or not, I have this fear of statues and it seems to be getting worse as I get older. Crazy, right? From the huge (Sam Houston statue on I-45 North) to just a normal "person" size I can't handle them. My heart beats faster, my breath is shorter and I can't control it. Jeff got to see it firsthand on our honeymoon when I was upset about having to walk into the Luxor hotel in Las Vegas. (for those of you who don't know.. the front of the hotel is an Egyptian Sphinx). My girls experienced it when I took them to the state Capitol and you must walk between 2 Texas hero statues to get into the rotunda.
So there is a little something about me you probably did not know.

my little Blue boy

Today was Alex's first day of Preschool 4s. He is a Blue friend with Mrs. Gregory. This is the teacher Emma had and was the first time in 9 years at the school that I made any kind of special request. He will have such a great year and while I want him to go and learn and have fun, I'm sad that my time with my baby is almost over. When I dropped him off this morning he said, "Don't be sad Mommy. I'll bring my love back to you after school." What joy he brings me!

My Labor Day

posted by Rebekah...



Sunday night my wonderful parents took us to the concert in Sienna. There were moonwalks, face painting, animal balloons and popsicles.Monday we tried to go to the pool party but 15 minutes into it it started to rain. and rain... and rain for the rest of the day. We ate pizza for lunch and then I played with my neighbor, Hunter. I played video games with my dad and sister; then Mommy came home from the mall. The End.

Welcome!

Hi to all my new readers! At the urging of my neighbor, Leslie, I have created a blog. I know.. I know.. just what you need to keep you from that housework!
Rebekah is excited about this and plans on contributing her own 2 cents worth every now and again. I think I will have her write the Labor Day blog...

Today we attend church, enjoyed lunch with John and Paige Akard and their kids Jack and Abby and then spent time at their "new" house. I say "new" because they have built on to their existing house and have done a tremendous job. Paige continually amazes me with her creativity, household skills and talents. She also helps John with his law practice and serves on the PTO board of their elementary school. Puts me to shame!

When you have a spare moment or two check in with me or post comments. I can't say that I will blog everyday but it should be often enough to keep it interesting!