Aug. 25, 2007 - Our first camping trip for the new school year
Family Life

Last weekend we went camping at Mineral Wells State Park.

We began our family camping trips last September with my best girlfriend and her family.  Since then we have scheduled several more camping trips- most of which we have had to cancel for numerous reasons.  In May our family went to Lake Arrowhead State Park and had a blast even though it rained all weekend. 

For this school year I planned out our basic syear school calendar with all of our field trip days, camping days, Geocaching fun!s and family time at home days scheduled.  I presented the calendar to my sweet husband who made a few changes and now we have an official school year calendar with lots of fun things planned through out the school year.

So...

back to the camping story...

It wasnt' long after scheduling the camping trip that a hurricane decided to head towards Texas and while our camping trip was no where near the coast, it still meant we were once again doomed for rain.  When we got to the park the sun was still coming in and out so we were able to set up with no rain.  Dinner time came and it started sprinkling.  I decided to stick to the camping menu and get started.  I finished dinner just in time for the downpour so we ran to the tent with our food.  I probably haven't mentioned yet that for some strange reason our tent leaks like a siv.  I think after our tent got soaked yet again, we have finally figured out the problem.  We will know for sure during our next camping trip because I am sure it will rain then too. 

After Friday night's downpour we stayed dry for the rest of the weekend.  We enjoyed driving around Mineral Wells, taking time to visit a water bottler.  Mineral Wells has a very iMineral Wells Historyand I wish we had had more time to explore.  We had a wonderful afternoon of swimming and ended the night with a  campfire and s'mores.  YUM-O!!!

We actually managed to break down camp in timely manner- after a camp breakfast gone bad.  We endured the normal car sickness on the way home and relaxed Sunday evening with some Bar-b-q take-out.  Our next camping trip will be in September.  Not 100% sure where we are going yet, but I know the weekend will be full of more adventure and family bonding.

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Apr. 17, 2007 - Fun with Geocaching
Family Life

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Nov. 27, 2006 - New Rocky Balboa Film
Family Life

This afternoon I had the privilege of sitting in on a conference call with Sylvester Stallone, creator of the Rocky Balboa series.  In the call he shared his vision of the series and its message of faith, hope, courage and determination. 

Stallone shared his testimony.  It was a story many of us have watched unfold over the years through the media.  He talked about how he succumbed the hype about himself and started to believe that it really was all about him.  He was eventually led by God to write another Rocky episode.  Stallone said he finally realized he was a grown man and he needed o be the  man of faith that God wanted him to be. 

He also shared his favorite scripture in Mark 4. 

He said that as he promotes this movie his desire is to discuss how this is a faith based film and even though it might be a heavier topic for talk shows he feels that this is what God wants him to do.

My prayer is that Mr. Stallone will seek God's strength as he promotes "Rocky Balboa" and he wll be bold in his faith and not shrink to the social pressure of Hollywood.

For more information visit Rocky Resources

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Jun. 20, 2006 - Our Biking Adventure
Family Life

For Sir C's 4th birthday we got him his first bike.  It was a red 16" bike with training wheels plus we got him a gray multi sport helmet.  We thought that although he could ride the 12" great it wouldn't take him long to out grow it.  He rode the 16" bike around Wal-Mart for a while and then we took it to grandma's (my mom).  He rode it on her back porch several days and did fine.  But what he was lacking was real road experience.     

     So, this evening, Prince M, Sir C and I sat out on a little biking adventure.  Sir C did a fantastic job and peddled his little heart out.  As we came to the end of the first street we quickly realized we forgot to teach him one CRUCIAL element of riding a bike- how to apply the brakes.  After quickly grabbing his steering wheel we pulled him to a stop.  He never really got the whole brake thing.  There were actually a couple of times we had to slowly crash into him to keep him from taking off!

     Since we have moved and have been taking care of the details entailed in the move we really haven't had time to explore Bowie.  Therefore, why not take off exploring with a 4 yr old on his new bike!  I'm not sure what our total distance but we trekked pretty far- especially the Sir C!  Most of the terrain was fairly flat but we turned down one road and by the time we realized the grade of the road it was too late.  It had just enough of a grade to send send a 4 yr old boy out of control.  Needless to say this is where the minor crashes came in to play. 

     After we got past this couple of blocks we were in the clear for an easy ride back to the house.  Sir C was so proud of himself, and enjoyed having mom and dad to himself.  We came home to a quick snack and then he was off to bed.  We look forward to doing this again and again with our new small town life.

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Jun. 14, 2006 - Sir "C" turns 4 today
Family Life

My Sweet Baby Boy,

     Our story started out so much different than most birth stories.  The story of your entrance into the world is simple medical records that we have to review.  However, you were born in my heart long before I got to hold you in my arms.  When you finally arrived you were a scared 14 month old baby boy.  You were undernurished, developmentally delayed and tramatized from the weeks events.  You were also ours to love on for as long as God saw fit.

     As the weeks passed your personality started to shine.  Although you had many developemental delays, you had no delays in giving and receiving love.  Your struggle to learn has been exhausting, yet the excitement in your eyes is worth all the labor.  The shine in your eyes makes all the hard work a true labor of love. 

     It was such a blessing to know that we had the possibility of adopting you and your sister.  You matched our family not only in spirit but scary enough in looks too.  We received so many comments about how all the kids looked just like their mommy.  We just smiled and said thanks!  Yet we wouldn't get our hopes up.  Family started popping out of the woodwork saying they were interested in you.   We knew God had a plan and that if you were going to be ours then it would happen.  Fourteen and a half months later, on National Adoption Day 2004 we had our forever family. 

     Since then you have kept us on our toes.  Your fire for life is exhausting, but we wouldn't have it any other way.  You keep us entertained with your antics.  Thanks to your lively spirit we never have a dull moment.  Your beautiful smile, huge brown eyes and long curly ashes are often times your ticket out of trouble.  Your innocent curiosity is a joy to see in action. 

     This is our 3rd birthday to celebrate with you.  It is like you have always been here and we are just celebrating another year.  You are growing up so very quickly, yet you will always be one of my babies.  Your are the cutest little boy with all new interests.  You are growing more independent as each day passes.  It makes my heart proud to see how much you have grown since you entered our lives on 9/3/03.  i am so proud to say that you are forever my son. 

                                                                            I love you,  Mommy

Trip to Build a Bear just a couple of days after caming to our home 9/03

2nd birthday celebration 6/04

Fun on the farm 10/04

Our Forever Family Adoption Day 11/20/2004

3rd birthday celebration 6/05

I absolutely ADORE these curls!!!

4th birthday celebration 6/06

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Jun. 13, 2006 - Princess C turns "9" today!!!
Family Life

My Sweet "C",

     It is so hard to believe that it has been nine years since I held you in my arms for the first time.  From the beginning we have enjoyed our mommy/daughter time.  Although it started out with nursing, we now enjoy going out to lunch, shopping or just hanging out.  We are so much a like it is scary.  Remember the time we even won a parent/child look alike contest! 

     You are growing up right before my eyes.  However, one thing has still remained constant.  Your love for "blankie"  Your Great-grandmother made you this simple little quilt when you were born.  You have refuse to call it a quilt ever since.  "Blankie" has seen its better days but it is still just as precious to you.  "Blankie" is my one reminder that you are still my little girl. 

     You have been strong and firm in your beliefs from an early age.  Before you turned 3 you picked pink as your favorite color and it hasn't changed since.  You have also been just as passionate about horses for as long as I can remember.  In the time you have accepted Christ  you have shown a new passion.  A passion to please God and learn all you can about your Christian faith.  You also have a passion for missions.  It thrills our heart to see you want to reach out for the hurting and lost.

     Now your passion for the hurting is heading into a new direction.  Your heart breaks when you see an animal hurting.  Your have now decided that you want to be a veterinarian.  We are excited to see how this new passion turns out. 

      It is such a joy knowing that God gave you to us as one of His little treasures.  I pray that we continue raising you in a way that would be pleasing to God.  I pray that God continues to shine in your life and that He blesses you in all that you do.    

    I love you dearly, Princess, and wish you many blessings on your birthday.

                                                                      Love, Mom

Here are some photos that journal your "growing up"  Since we are in the middle of a move I didn't have any baby pictures around or I would have added them.  

Celebrating your second birthday at a Texas Ranger's Game

Age 4 experiencing your first sports efforts

age 7 at the Texas State Fair

Celebrating your 8th birthday

Today on your 9th birthday snuggling with "Blankie"

Your birthday roses - 9 pink roses from Mom and Dad

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Apr. 3, 2006 - healthy summer eating
Family Life

I am trying very hard to provide more heathly eating choices for our family.  When I think of summer I think of light cool meals and snacks.  After all it is just too hot to heat up the kitchen by cooking.

I stumbled across this blog and this granola just looks yummy!  I am going to make some this afternoon.

PLus I found some great kids recipes on the Whole Foods website

If you have other great ideas for light and cool meals for the summer please share them in a comment.

Until we meet again...

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Mar. 18, 2006 - some important changes to my blog
Family Life

The homeschoolblogger has a fantastic feature on it where you can click a button and so a "random blog".  AS a result I have found this sonderful blog called Dandelion Seeds  This wonderful lady has but an enormous amount of time into her blog and has turned it into a ministry.  She had a very important entry called SAFE CODE .  I would advise all who blog to read this important info.  It is our jobs as parents to protect our children and this is such an easy thing to do.  My biggest thing is I do want to keep my children safe but I also want them to seem life-like instead of a statistic so here is my comprimise.  Henceforth my children shall be known as:

              Prince T (10) - salvation granted per request in 2002                    

              Princess C (8) - salvation granted per request in 2004                  

              Sir C (3.5) - still in training as a knight                                  

              Lady M (2.5) - still in training as a Lady-in-Waiting                     

I hope you bear with me as I make these adjustments to guard the safety of my sweet blessings form the Lord.

Princess b - salvation granted per request in 1983

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Mar. 8, 2006 - Our Sweet Blessings (on most days)
Family Life

Prince T (10)

Princess C (8)

Sir C (3.5)

Lady M (2.5)

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Mar. 8, 2006 - Dad and Mom
Family Life

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