I'm a Big Boy NOW!

Ryan has been moved to the "big bed", a bunk bed in the boys' room. I purchased Jack some "Cars" linen to entice him to go to the top bunk and put "Transformer" linen on the bottom bunk for Ryan. He took to it like a champ! This boy has no problems going to bed when it's bedtime, as long as he's by himself.

Again, it's hard to see them grow up so fast, but I also get to finally get rid of the crib and changing table. That crib has survived 4 children in the last 6 years and is still going strong! On to bigger and better things? God willing, here we go!

I look forward to what God has in store for us all as a family as we develop and grow together as a family unit and in HIM!

Four Posers?

I can't help but chuckle when I see the results of my attempts to capture a posed picture with my four lovely children...

If it isn't one who isn't looking, it's all!

Although on occassion, they happen to all look at once...

Since I was showcasing my children, thought I would add a similar pose from our "fifth" child, Maggie...

As you review these photos, you can only imagine what it is like with our four (or five) lovely well behaved little angels! HAHA! :)

Never a dull or quiet moment when the kids are awake! Thank you Lord for such healthy and onery little ones!

Friday Night FUN!

So, what did we do on this Friday evening....outside to play!

Here's my attempt to get all four children in a good pose, but that continues to be difficult at times! :)

Christalynn is posing for us though!

Ryan is getting around so much, he is into everything!!!!

Here's my look alikes! These two are the big sister and big brother of the genders.

This is a cute picture of them!

God is an awesome God! He is provider of everything; from the breath we breath, the beautiful weather to play in, and the miracle of children. Thank you Lord for your blessings both big and small!

Reviewing previous postings, it's a joy and a sadness that parents feel when they see their children grow up. It's hard for me to imagine that Raelee will be 7 in a couple of months and Ryan has already turned 1. My babies, they aren't babies anymore! Must enjoy and cherish every small moment we have with our children because time goes by so fast!

Happy Birthday RYAN

My baby is 1!

Ryan loved his cake that Great-Grandma made for him!

Ryan is walking and keeping up with the other kids! He is growing up so fast!

Happy Birthday Ryan! We love you!

Happy Anniversary

Chris and I celebrated our 9th year anniversary August 21st! It is so hard to believe nine years and four kids later, how much it seems like yesterday that we met and married. God truly blessed me with a man who loves me, my family, and God!

Our extended families (thank you Jack, Lyle, Hollie, DJ, and Angie) were gracious enough to keep our kids to allow Chris and I the opportunity to go out of state for our anniversary. We had a great time in Washington state in the Tri-Cities area (three cities surrounding the Columbia River). The weather was to be jealous for! This trip was also a quick trip to see if we would want to relocate our family to the area, but Chris wasn't chosen to further the interviewing process for the Kennewick Police Department.

So, now we can say we had a chance to enjoy our anniversary in a state neither of us had ever been before. 5 years ago, we went to New Orleans, LA as the girls stayed with their grandparents. I see a trend happening, where shall we go in the next 5 years? God only knows that answer!

Chris, you are my love and best friend! Thank you for what you do and how you care for us! Look forward to many more years to come! :)

First Day of School

Poor Christalynn was so nervous on her first day! The teachers sat them down in the cafeteria as other children were eating breakfast and Christalynn was telling a teacher, "I don't want to eat! I already ate at home!"

Raelee is growing up so fast! She lost her 5th tooth the night before the first day of school!
Christalynn is my crazy eccentric child! She makes you laugh! And Raelee who likes to show off, makes you laugh too! (I needed to do some cropping on this photo!! :))

So the first day of school has come and....gone! Both Raelee and Christalynn are in school together, Raelee First Grade and Christalynn Kindergarten. This is so crazy to believe! What happened to my cuddly little baby girls, now they are my big cuddly little girls. Raelee's teacher is known to me and my extended family from when I was a child, so Raelee had gotten the whole "you better be good because your teacher knows me and your MawMaw & Granddad!" speech. Christalynn's teacher is the same teacher Raelee had last year, so Christalynn got the "your daddy and I know your teacher from last year and your teacher knows to call us if you are any trouble" speech. My girls are good girls, just like to enstill some fear into them that they can't get away with anything. It definitely worked with me as a child when my parents knew everyone, surely it will work for me raising my kids! :)

So now its just boy time...haven't decided if this is good or bad! I will lose my "Momma Boys" at this rate!

And here is Ryan, who my baby will be turning 1 year old tomorrow! Happy Early Birthday Ryan! I can't believe it has already been a year! God has blessed me with a child who is so independent, very active, and not at all a cuddling baby. Ryan has been the finishing touch to our family.

I love all my kids, in their each unique personality. It is so fun to watch them grow together. The Lord is good, all the time!

Welcome Home

God gives so many blessings in life, yet there is nothing more priceless than our ultimate homecoming when we have reached our eternal home with Jesus and our Heavenly Father to our mansion He has prepared for us.

Papa has finally reached that destination and is able to enjoy life; singing, dancing, laughing with family and friends who have gone before as well as Jesus! Papa is healed of all ailments and knows everyone by name.

Papa has left such an impact in so many lives, but here some of my most memorable things about Papa...

1. Very active and serving member of church

2. He was loving, always had a kiss and hug when he saw me

3. Taught me hard work, as I spent summers in the hayfield with him

4. Taught me how to drive; I would sit in his lap controlling the steering wheel as he did the gas on our way to church
5. He could always make you laugh with a joke or some little made up tune he would do.

6. He was a tinker man, ducktape and bailing wire could fix anything

7. Loved kids, had a ball in his pant pocket and candy in his shirt pocket. Always made him light up when he could make a kid smile!

8. Above all, Papa was saved and I will see him again when Jesus calls me home.

Papa's favorite Bible Verse is 1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." As there is so much temptation in life, God always provides an escape! No more temptation for Papa, God has provided his escape!

Will see you soon Papa, from your #1 Granddaughter!