Richard

This is my brand new nephew...named after my Dad.

Richard

8 pounds 13 ounces

Hopefully we'll actually get to see him this Spring.

2 Funerals and no weddings

Today I was reminded of that movie "Four Weddings & a Funeral"....only there were no weddings and 2 funerals. It's always sad to go to a funeral, but two in one day. I could really sympathize with Michelle over the loss of her dad, because we are at the same age and roughly the same place in our lives. It's a hard thing to lose a parent no matter how old you are....I just wanted to be there for her. Pray for her as she deals with the loss. They only had graveside rites for her father, but it was a nice service. It brought back alot of memories of Dad. Anyway, that was at 10:00 today.

I had to check Stefan and Brent out of school for 1:00pm services for Robert's dad. As hard as it is to lose your parent as an adult, I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to lose your parent as a teenager. Everyone pray for Robert as he goes through these days and months ahead. It's a hard thing when the father figure is gone.

Robert's father was captain in the Bossier City Police Department, so they had a full police burial. They had the coolest thing at the cemetery. I know I have never seen this before. Two fire trucks with their ladders extended and a huge flag hanging between them. Take a look.

Stefan is 15!!!

I know this is a little late, but Stefan had a birthday on the 15th! I know...15 on the 15th. Stefan was convinced that he should get an extra gift because of that. I told him his special gift was getting school off for his birthday (it fell on MLK day...no school - yea!). Anyway, I think he had a great birthday. Between grandmothers, aunts, and uncles he came into a bit of money... it won't last him two weeks. Thanks to Greg and I, his favorite gift was something that he never expected to get....something that we always said we wouldn't buy...a cell phone!

( Stefan and his favorite gift)

I think he has thanked me everyday since his birthday for that gift. I know that I have always said we wouldn't buy one for him, but we relented. This is actually a test in responsibility for Stefan....also, we get tired of him using his friend's cell phones when he is out. Since Stefan hit high school, we rarely see him - he is quite the social butterfly. At least now, he can call and let us know what time he will be home, if he needs a ride, if he has been in an accident....etc. We haven't completely lost our minds though...can you say Trac Fone - pay by the minute! That's right, Stefan boy has 90 minutes to call his very own starting out. When they are gone, he will be purchasing his next set. All I have to say is hang on to that birthday money son...you'll be needing it!

(Little Stefan)

My son died last night

OK....I know that got your attention....it's true, Stefan died last night. And it was very weird to watch. Stefan is performing in Last Chance up at our church and he has the joy of playing Allan...a kid that shoots a couple of friends and then commits suicide. I was very proud of him and my other "son" Brent. They both did a great job. It was just weird....I knew what his role was, but it was still creepy to watch him act like he shot someone, committed suicide and went to hell.

On a lighter side....mom is playing Grandma in the drama. She doesn't speak, she just comes out and hugs family members as they enter Heaven. It gives me joy to call her Grandma this week....she hates that name! He! He! I think I shall teach the girls to call her Grandma too!!!!

Sun kissed babies

Happy New Year

Stefan & Sarah love fireworks!!!

Emma was hiding inside....

Just another day

Not alot going on...just another day. I'll try to post some Christmas pictures in a few days.

Christmas wishes

Hope each and every one of you has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Water aerobics

Did I ever mention that bathtime is water aerobics time at our house. You would think that the tub is a place for aquatic sports. As you can see....Sarah is trying out her future Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue look.

Another day

Another new background. I am usually a creature of habit....except when it comes to art. So, sorry, but, I must subject all of you to different backgrounds. Think of it as your personal slideshow....sort of.

Stefan

My baby is getting older...you don't really see it when it's happening, but one day you turn around and you are looking into their eyes, not down at their little heads. It's hard to believe that my sweet baby boy is now almost 6' tall. When did he get taller than me?

He's definitely not a baby anymore. This week, I had the pleasure of paying for his drivers ed course that he will start in the spring. Wow! He will actually be behind the wheel of a car...soon.

Like I said, he's getting older. That's why I put this picture up....it reminds me of how grown he is, but it also reminds me of the way he used to be with his head down and a little smile on his face.

Did I mention that I'm totally excited about when he can get his license. I can hear it now..."Stefan, can you go to the store for________(fill in the blank)"!

Garage Sales

No pictures with this...just a request for prayers. We are finally having a garage sale at Mom's house...two years after her move back. I can not tell you how much stuff that woman has kept. Please pray that she will take everything left over to Goodwill. I don't want to have to move this stuff yet again when she moves in January.

By the way, I miss y'all. I'm really going to try to come to playgroup this coming week...:)

Why I don't pay for Santa pics

This is why I don't pay for Santa pictures. Note how close and how happy Emma looks to be there. It's AMAZING to see how excited she is about Santa. Did I mention that just moments before this I had to pry her away from my leg. Hmmm...always my favorite time of the year for pictures. HO! HO! HO! Merry Christmas!!!

Blogging Break

I know....it's been awhile. I've been real busy. I'll try to post something soon.
Between sick kids and other stuff, this just seems to be at the bottom of my priority list.

Thanksgiving

Just a quick post to say Happy Thanksgiving to all. It was fun....I'm glad it's over. My last count right before everyone ate, was 30 people. That's right...30 people were at my house. I never knew so many vehicles could fit in my driveway/yard.

It was a Princess party...sort of

Today was the girl's birthday party. They had a blast and are now sleeping off the effects of cake, ice cream, candy, and excitement. Thanks to those of you that came...it made it a fun event for the girls. Hard to believe that they are 3 and 4 now. Anyway, here are a few pics from the party.

Blowing the candles out....

3 little princesses...

Daddy face painting...

This is what Sarah looks like when she does her own face painting...camo princess!

Mommy and baby...see the resemblance!

Making his crown...king of the world...at least that's what Regina told Sean that he would be!!

Pluck - A - Duck....they all seemed to like this. I think it was the get wet factor.

It's A Party!!

As most of you know, the girls' birthday is this week. I am a little behind schedule, so the invitations are going out today. The party will be on Saturday at 12:00 in Big D at church. Here is the invite:

Everyone is encouraged to wear their princely or princessly costumes or attire. There might just be some knighting going on or some dragon slaying....

Fall Fest...Some of the big kids

Here are some of my high schoolers...

Sunday's Preschool Choir

I know this is out of order...but so am I. Isn't it so cute to see our kids up there on stage attempting to sing? I remember 5 or 6 years ago when we only had Stefan. I used to love to watch the little kids sing and think about having another little one that would get up there and do all the appropriate things. You know what I'm talking about...waving at the crowd, laying down on stage while everyone else is singing, pulling their underwear out of their butt or yelling at the top of their lungs. I wish I could remember which kid that did that. He's probably a really likeable middle schooler now. Oh well...at least Emma sang! There's always next year....Sarah will be old enough to be in the choir then. If you look closely at the bottom left hand corner of this picture, you will see Dalton bent over looking at his shoes...hmmm, I wonder if Laura noticed:) here's a few more for grins and giggles...

Fall Festival

I think that this is the first year in a long time that it hasn't rained, drizzled, or been unbearably cold for Fall Festival. I don't know about the rest of you, but my kids ate way too much candy. On the way home, all Emma could say was "No more candy for the rest of my life!" For some reason, I don't believe her.