Abby Girl

Fourteen years ago, we were living in MO. On a chilly day in February, our precious Abigail Marie came into the world. She was a feisty baby and still is today!
We went to the Oxford Exchange for a mini photo shoot and yummy lunch.

A New Love

I have always wanted to have my kids learn new things and grow by doing them. This year Jonathan and Anna have had the privilege of being in CAST. It is a phenomenal group of singers, actors and dancers!
Anna is in Aladdin Jr. She is one of Jasmine's attendants and has a few lines that she gets to sing by herself. I guess you call that a solo part :) Her voice is beautiful and I think that she will make a leading lady some day!
Jonathan has had some great opportunities, as well. He has a leading role in Flapper and I am very excited to see him perform!
Another opportunity is for him to sing at Busch Gardens for the Christmas season. They have asked CAST to sing many times throughout December. I love to hear Jonathan's solo! Woohoo! I have waited for this since the last solo when he was 8!!

Let's Grow!

When the kids are bored they tend to want to go on some sort of screen: tv, computer games. This is an easy way to kill time, but it really detracts from family time and building memories together.
I have been challenged to encourage my children to be creators rather than consumers. To have them be the ones to build, plant, fish, bike, draw, paint, tend.
The youngest boys have helped tend to our little garden. That meant that they had to help grandma plant it, then water it. The harvest is always fun and easy. Fresh beans, peas and tomatoes. Yum! A few unnamed older ones have been know to eat a bunch and not leave any for the hard workers ;) Just wait a few days and here comes some more!

Back to Blogging Again!

The summer break from blogging turned into much longer than expected. Sadly, I forgot about it and life took over. 

I really want to make this more of a journal of memories, so I am going to try to be more disciplined in writing. 

Giving Thanks

I have always loved Thanksgiving. I have so many fond memories of it in my past. Many times we would go to a friend's home since we did not live near relatives.

 The kids and I made two leaf garlands and on the back wrote what we were thankful for this year.

I love the fall season and it's warm colors. Decorating for it makes me happy!

This year was quiet since a lot of our family was away or had to work. We still had a delicious dinner and had many things to give praise for this year.

Psalm 30:4

 Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

Park Day

We love to head down to a nearby park and soak up some rays and enjoy the beauty all around us.

Of course, going to the park does not create the excitement that it once did for all the kids. The swings and slide have been replaced by a game of basketball for the older guys.

There are still those who love the swings and slides! Yeah!

 Sammy is ready to take on all the park smells.

Grateful for health and strength to celebrate all God's simple gifts.

Election Fever

Today we headed to Westshore Blvd. to see Mitt Romney and some other well-know government officials. You could sense the excitement in the air. I had to keep fairly calm, since my teens didn't want me to get too crazy!

What a great opportunity for my kids to see the people they hear about on a regular basis in the news.

 Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio and Connie Mack.

I am so thankful that no matter who wins in this year's election God is the one who has all power and control.
Daniel 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: