Merry Christmas to all!

I wanted to send out Christmas greetings to everyone. Life tends to get out of control around Thanksgiving and usually lasts until Christmas with all the shopping, parties, baking, and stuff! But this year I've tried to take it all in stride and really enjoy the Christmas season. I've spent a lot of time reflecting upon things I'm thankful for and just the simple fact of how richly blessed I am. There are so many things that come to mind...too many to list. But most of all, I'm thankful for the most precious gift given to all mankind...A merciful & forgiving Saviour who loves unconditionally. He loves us when we're at our best or when we're at our worst. I know time is running out but during this Christmas season take time to reflect upon the birth of Jesus, His life, and the sacrifice He gave. A phrase that is commonly used this time of year comes to mind..."It is better to give than to receive". I have to say though, I'm so glad I was on the "receiving" end of that gift that was given to us all those years ago in that dirty old stable and then again a few years later on the cross. I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

Mommy, let me give you a break from working!

Last week I was home two days with the kids due to our little Arkansas ice storm. Fortunately, my boss allows me to work from home when needed. So I was all set up at the kitchen table where I was doing some work. I stepped away from my laptop for just a brief moment only to return and find this...

He was so proud of himself!

Happy Birthday, MOM!

Today is my mother's birthday and so I dedicate this post to her! I love you Mom and hope you have a wonderful day. This is the most recent picture I have of her...the hayride at the pumpkin patch. Aren't they cute...

Some Recent Pics

One of our friends agreed to take a few pictures for us recently at Hendrix. I'm not going to share very many of them b/c I'm giving some as Christmas gifts so I don't want to spoil it for some. Our Christmas card will also be from one of the family. Thanks to Rhonda for taking these for us.

Pumpkin Patch

We visited the Pumpkin Patch at Springhill in mid October while Michael & his family were in town. It was a great time. The kids really enjoyed it. Here is a picture of Hannah, Hunter, Amrey (Rustin's girl), Fisher (Michael's boy), and Haleigh.
My kids on the hay.

And again on the pumpkins.

Hunter's most favorite animal.

Hunter really wanted in the pin with cow. He LOVES cows. When we turn off the highway to head to our house he starts yelling..."Moooo!". Maybe someday soon we can get him a jersey calf to raise. He'd love it.

Catching up...

Wow...time sure has gotten away from me lately. Sorry it's been so long since I've posted anything on here. When I started this blog my intentions were to update it on a weekly basis but I don't think I've managed to do it yet.
What a beautiful fall we've had in Arkansas. Usually we're so dry in the summer that our fall is brown and dead. The trees have been so pretty this year! It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving will be celebrated later this week and then we're thrown right into the Christmas Holidays. I've not even started my shopping. Well, okay I've bought like two gifts. I need to get with it!

One item I'd like to share with you as a part of my catch up is my most recent Student of the Month! Yes, Haleigh was awarded this honor for the month of October. Here is a picture of her with her teacher. She was so excited. We're very proud of her!

Weekend trip to Memphis

This past weekend we went to visit my brother and his family. It had been almost a year since we'd gone to stay with them. We went to the Memphis Zoo on Saturday and couldn't have asked for better weather! The kids had a lot of fun. It was also the Zoo's Fall Festival so there was a lot of folk art representation set up in different places. They were able to make butter (with salt & whipping cream), eat some homemade pumpkin ice cream, watch some blacksmiths, and find out how soap is made.

On Sunday we attended church with them. Wow, what a worship experience! It was a great service. After lunch we headed to the Wolf Chase Mall to ride the Carousel and Train. We managed to work in a little bit of shopping, too.

Sorry all the pictures are mixed up...Blogger wasn't cooperating!


Fisher & Mom
Hannah & Haleigh
The Train Ride
Fisher playing on his swing set
Hunter & Dad
Hannah, Haleigh, & Fisher

Hunter says, "Nay"
A pose with a Panda
My crew
He looks bored doesn't he?

Two Cuties

I just had to post these pictures! This is Rustin's little doll and my little guy at Haleigh's birthday lunch. I thought they were too cute not to share. The term "kissin cousins" comes to mind...LOL. They'll hate me for that one day.

Happy Birthday, Haleigh!

Haleigh was 6 yrs. old on 8/23...I know it's bad that I'm just now getting around to posting it. Her birthday fell on a Saturday so it was nice to be able to spend the day together. She opened a few presents at home then that night we cooked dinner (the meal of her choice) and then enjoyed some cake and ice cream. BTW...the meal was homemade pizza.

Then on Sunday several of us met after church at El Parian in Conway for lunch. It was yummy! Hunter DID NOT like it when the waiters came out to sing to Haleigh. Actually, it scared us all half to death when they did it. But it was fun!

Hannah, Haleigh, Katie, Anna's friend, and Anna enjoying some chips & salsa! Dad helping out with the gifts.
The birthday song that scared Hunter to death!
One proud birthday girl!

Two months later...

It's been a while since my last post. Lots of things happening the past several weeks.

Here are some pictures from the first day of school...


Haleigh eating a healthy breakfast and all smiles about the first day of school!

Hannah having breakfast as well but I had to twist her arm for a smile...she'd rather be sleeping!

All set and ready to head out for school!

In the parking lot ready to embark on a new year!

Wow, it's hard to believe I have a 1st & 4th grader this year. Where have the years gone? It won't be long and I'll be dropping Hunter off for Kindergarten.

Where's my baby?

At only 14 months...he's not a baby anymore! As if he isn't growing fast enough...his daddy had to help that along a little. Below is a picture of Hunter prior to his "Big Boy" haircut...

And this photo would be after...actually about a week after.

My camera has been on the blink for quite some time and chooses to work at its own pace. So...I had no working camera to capture the haircut but here are a couple of pictures to show the change. It made me so sad to see that beautiful baby hair fall to the floor. His "new do" is cute but it took a while for it to grow on me. For several days afterwards...when I'd go to wake him up in the mornings...I'd have to do a double take almost. I know he's much cooler with this new style but I didn't plan for it to be that short. Oh well...it will grow.

Independence Day

We had a wonderful 4th of July at Mom & Dad's house. Everyone was able to make it and so it was a great time. The weather cleared up for a very enjoyable afternoon. Later that night we caught some fireworks at the country club.

Ladder ball anyone?

Anna & Lori
Katie & her friend Emily
Hunter & Amrey...someone was shooting fireworks in the neighborhood...Isn't that cute!
Haleigh, Amrey, & Fisher...

My All-Stars!

Hannah & Haleigh's softball teams were recognized a couple of weeks ago for their accomplishments this season. Way to go girls!




First Place - 8U Machine Pitch - Greenbrier Youth Softball League - Greenbrier Angels

Second Place - 6U Coach Pitch - Greenbrier Youth Softball League - Fureigh Shockers

A Busy June...

From the end of school to the softball finale...right into the swing of summer fun. The girls are attending the school age program at Hunter's daycare three days per week this summer. A lot of their friends from school also attend so I they're having fun.
Recently, I traveled to Chicago for NeoCon...at the Merchandise Mart. My first trip there and it's a really neat town. Would like to have had more time to see the sites. I did lay my eyes on an actor while I was there. Johnny Depp was in town filming "Public Enemy" a movie about John Dillinger. That was really cool. The area they were shooting at was in the block of our hotel. We did take a double decker bus tour on our last day and it was fun getting to see a lot of the city. Shawn & the kids met me at the airport...I think all were really glad to see me arrive home!
Last weekend we partied all weekend. On Friday night the girls were invited to a swim party at a friend's house...we go to church with them. They had a great time. Then on Saturday we traveled to NLR for Madi's birthday party. She and her mom are in from Miami so it was good to see them both. Of course, Michael and his family were there also and it was great to see them as well. We hadn't got to see them since February. Wow...how Fisher has grown. We have a lot of June birthdays so on Sunday we celebrated those along with Father's Day. It was great to get to see and visit with everyone.

Happy Birthday to Pops, Madisson, Christy, Amrey & Rustin!

Hunter & Dad cooling off in Nina's new pool!
The gang watching Amrey open her presents...

Shawn, Fisher, Hannah & Haleigh enjoying the pool!

Shawn/Michael/Dad enjoying a shade at Madi's party in NLR on Saturday...it was a HOT one!

Fisher trying out the pool on Saturday

Madi & her mom...sorry I didn't get a picture of them actually looking at the camera.