Christmas 2011

It is the eve of Christmas Eve and all through the house,
Excitement is growing and I have to espouse,
That I am feeling content that all work is done,
And now I have time to join all the fun.
Ben baked a pie and Max made some fudge,
Anna is watching and being the judge.
Our stockings are hung and our tree is aglow,
The only thing missing is new fallen snow.
Packages wrapped and cards in the mail,
So many blessings that Christmas entails.
And now the very best blessing of all,
The birth of a baby so precious and small.
Heavenly Father, we praise you on high,
For the birth of a Savior, we cannot deny.
He is the reason we hurry and rush,
To prepare for a day that crescendos to hush.
As we reflect on why such a miracle came,
We bow heads and lift prayers to his glorious name.

May God bless you and keep you this Christmas and in the coming year.

Nature Girl

Valerie Andrews, A Passion for this Earth
"As a child, one has that magical capacity to move among the many eras of the earth; to see the land as an animal does; to experience the sky from the perspective of a flower or a bee; to feel the earth quiver and breathe beneath us; to know a hundred different smells of mud and listen unself- consciously to the soughing of the trees."

Never were truer words written when it comes to Anna. She sees the delicate beauty in nature and makes me aware of it on a daily basis. She spotted the butterflies and found the minnows that I at first looked past. Thank you Anna for your God-given love of nature.

Ben's 1st Solo

Ever had that feeling of "why is this moment so much like one you have already experienced"? When I saw Ben pulling out of the driveway alone in the car for the first time today heading to work, I felt like laughing and crying at the same time. The last time I had that same mixed emotion was the day he took his first step almost 15 years ago. Letting go so they can grow is the hardest part!
And yes, it seems like yesterday that you were "driving" your little, yellow jeep!

War Eagle Mill

The War Eagle grist mill is so picturesque and fascinating. The original 1830's mill was reconstructed in the 1970's and allows visitors to see how a grist mill operates. They even sell a variety of grains that have been processed to flour by the mill. We ate lunch in the restaurant and the breads were baked using the flour that was ground by the mill.

Patient Sister

Anna was happy to watch her brothers on the go-carts and bumper boats. She was a truly patient sister. She did play miniature golf and loved Laser Tag.

The Big Track

At 16, with driver's license in hand, Ben was able to drive on the big track at Lokomotion. The grin on his face says it all.

Brotherly Love

Ben and Max had a great time at Lokomotion. Ben had celebrated his 10th birthday here 6 years ago. Max thought it was the "best birthday ever!"

NW Arkansas Trip

Max loved playing miniature golf.

Korea Camp #2

Bibimbop, Blue hair and Best Friends!

Korea Camp

Camp was incredible once again. Seeing the kids together year after year with their friends is such a joy.

Natural Bridge Cavern

This was the most beautiful cave we have explored. After 2 separate tours in 2 different passages, we had spent 3 hours underground. It was truly spectacular!

The Alamo

The Alamo with friends is even better! It is hard to believe that such a significant event occurred here in 1836, because The Alamo sits in the midst of downtown San Antonio today.

Riverwalk Memory

This is the same bench we sat on during our honeymoon trip 27 years ago. Seems like yesterday! The kids loved hearing about our honeymoon.

Gold Medal Winner

The USAG TNT Nationals in San Antonio was made even sweeter with a gold medal finish on the double mini trampoline. Good job Anna!

San Antonio Trip

It has been a long while since we lasted posted. The children are definitely growing! This picture was taken in the garden of The Alamo in July.