AWANA

It seems a bit different to not have the usual wednesday night activities tonight.  Last week was our last AWANA meeting for the year.  The kids love AWANA and work very hard on their verses each and every week.  Lauren had a banner year as she graduated from "Sparks" and will begin "Truth and Training" next year.  She also earned an extra award for completing all the Sparks requirements and the review book. 

Happy Mothers Day

Thank you Lord for allowing me to be a mother to my 4 very special kids. 

Thank you Lord for a mom that loves me unconditionally and has always been there for me

Thank you Lord for my mother-in-law who gave me my wonderful husband and who treats me like a daughter.

Thank you Lord for my Grandma Lilly who gave me my mom.  I am so grateful my kids get to know and spend time with their great- grandma.  Its a blessing not every child can have. 

I am blessed!  Thank you Lord!  Happy Mothers day!

Just the girls...

I find it interesting how God works sometimes.  I met Darlene more then 18 years ago and her life revolved around boys and sporting events.  Fast forward to the year 2010 and here we are sitting at a mother- daughter brunch with her 2 daughter in laws and 4 granddaughters!  (Her 3 grandsons were not invited :)) We had a lovely time at the event hosted by her church.  It was extra special to have our niece Kate there with us.  She fits in perfectly and we are so grateful God has blessed Natalie with a daughter!   We are all looking forward to many more of these "girls only" outings in the years to come. 

Happy Birthday to.....

My Brother!

"Uncle Jo Jo" turns 31 today!  He is in Commercial Real Estate and lives in Kansas City.  He is an elgible bachelor if anyone reading this happens to be single :)  Jordan lived in Omaha during the 4 years we lived there.  We are thankful for that time because the kids really got to spend time with Jordan and develop a bond with him.  Just mentioning the name "Jo Jo" turns my kids into hyper crazy animals!  (very similar to Jordan now that I think about it)    Have a great birthday Bro!  We love you!

Happy Birthday to....

                                                                 My Mother in Law!!

Darlene, Mom and Grandma as she is known around here turned 66 today!  You will see in the picture above Will is holding one of her famous birthday cakes that she made for him back in October.  She makes one for all of our kids ( also known as her "angels")each and every year.  This tradition was passed down from her "Mama" Ruth.   Darlene is one of the proudest Moms and Grandmas you will ever meet.  She would chew through a barb wired fence for any one of us :)  She is a great example to me as a mother and homemaker.  As many of you know she makes the homemaking look very easy- I have lots to learn!  We appreciate all you do for all of us and we wish you a very happy birthday!!

Happy Birthday to...

                                                                    My Father in Law!!

Around here he is known as Dad, Papa and Paul.  He loves his Cardinals as well as many other sports.  He is a gardener and plants a pumpkin patch for his grandkids each year that is out of this world!  If I ever want to talk farming weather or politics, he is the man to call :)  We love you Paul!  Happy Birthday! 

Spring

You know it's spring when you walk outside your house and find....

a caterpillar memorial

( the top rock says "Lauren's caterpillar)