The Germany's

Congratulations Reese!

2012-01-26T13:52:00.000-08:00

Reese made it to the second round of her 3rd grade speech meet. Today they did their speeches in front of a panel of judges to see who would get the chance to represent the school in the district speech meet.........OUR GIRL WON!!!! We had to celebrate after school today with balloons, a card and Mamaw's Fried Pies- YUMMMY! SO proud of you sweet Reese! I look forward to watching you at the district meet in March!!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-25T10:18:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas morning started REALLY early with two eager girls texting us from upstairs- SOOOOO ready to see if Santa came! Reese got lots of Barbie stuff and Riley got a Taylor Swift room make-over! Happy BIRTHDAY JESUS!

Count down to Christmas!

2011-12-19T17:24:00.000-08:00

The count down to Christmas is here! Last week consisted of Riley's Orchestra concert ( which featured one of my favorite artist)- packing up, more packing- Reese being the lead role in her 3rd grade Christmas program- more packing- making cupcakes at 6am on moving day for Reese's Christmas party, movers, boxes, sore aching backs, sick kids, un-packing, Christmas parties, but we can now say............WE ARE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS ( and hopefully for a really long time!) From ME and MINE, to YOU and YOURS--MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!!

Sincerity

2011-11-30T07:43:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Reese!
Sincerity -Eagerly doing what is right with transparent motives-

"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." 1 Peter 1:22

12 years old

2011-11-24T17:18:00.000-08:00

Happy 12th Birthday RILEY!!!!!!!!!
12 things I love about you-

1. You know right from wrong, you're a great kid
2. You are a great friend and you have sweet friends
3. You are an awesome sister to Reese
4. You're so musical, it takes my breathe away-literally!
5. You are so smart ( always straight A's, you rock girl!)
6. You are just absolutely beautiful inside and out
7. You're TALLER than me and I'm jealous and I love to watch those long legs dance
8. We share shoes and clothes
9. Your love for Jesus and others is so true
10.You do great impersonations that make me laugh until I cry ( especially the one of your funny Bible teacher)
11. I love the way we roll the windows down, and sing at the top of our lungs Taylor Swift songs with such passion, like we're in her music videos!
12. You are a dream come true, I always wanted to be a mom and God blessed us with you on November 23, 1999. Your Daddy and I have LOVED every minute of the last 12 years as your parents, we are your biggest fans!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RILEY, WE LOVE YOU!

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and an episode of Hoarders!

2011-11-18T17:31:00.000-08:00

So we are just a few weeks away from moving in the new house! I'm really getting excited, but at the same time right now I'm kind-of sad! I always put up my Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving and it's been hard to see all the store's Christmas decorations and not think about decorating for Christmas, because it's what I love to do- but I have NO ROOM for a tree in this apartment, but we know what the true meaning of CHRISTmas is!! I'm so very thankful for our precious family, and all of our blessings. Tree or no tree, somehow we'll pull off Christmas and moving probably in the same week! We are busting at the seems here in this apartment. We aren't there much, mainly to sleep, eat, get ready ect.- but I walked in yesterday after running errands and had to laugh, it looks like an episode of hoarders! We have boxes everywhere of lighting and plumbing fixtures, just recently got out of storage 4 large tubs of winter clothes and they take up most of the living room- no closet space, dishes and laundry piling up - it's a mess! On top of that, Riley has been practicing her Cello and I'm sure the neighbors wonder what's going on in our apartment- ( she's been playing the theme song from Jaws!) HA! All this to say, we are very Thankful for the new house and can't wait to spread out, unpack, de-clutter, and organize our lives again! Pictures coming SOON! I love this saying- " What if you woke up today and all you had left was what you thanked God for yesterday!"

Halloween

2011-11-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a fun night with friends, giggles and goodies!

Weekend FUN

2011-09-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of the fun we had at Mammy & Pappy's house over the weekend. Here's to a fun weekend with our wonderful family, new adventures and goats who want to ride the trailer too!

Just SOOOO Proud!

2011-09-15T16:56:00.000-07:00

My precious cousin Jenny and her husband Erin ( married just a few years) left to be Missionaries in Tanzania for 2 1/2 YEARS! They left their really good jobs, sold EVERYTHING they own, except the 3 bags each they took with them. When we were little, we would go into my Aunt's closet and play church......of course "I"( being the oldest girl cousin) was the song leader and the preacher- who knew that JENNY would turn out to be the Missionary!!! Haahaa :) OH......... I also cut off all of Jenny and her sister Libby's hair when they were about 2 and 3 years old _ THEY WERE BALD- ,I thought they needed a make-over ( but that's beside the point, and yes I was "THAT" kid.LOL!) I just feel this overwhelming since of PRIDE, following the call of Jesus and taking a piece of our close family all the way on the other side of the world to share the LOVE and hope we have in Jesus! Just- SOOOO- PROUD! Please keep them in your prayers!
_And we know that in all things God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are CALLED according to HIS PURPOSE!- Romans 8:28

Bitter-Sweet Day

2011-08-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

Today was bitter-sweet. The sweet, 14 years ago today Ronnie and I were married. The bitter, the girls started school today, Reese 3rd grade and Riley started 6th grade at the Jr. High School. The girls were nervous, and Riley was too grown and too cool to have her parents walk her in, so I snapped a few pictures of her walking in and I managed to snap one of her in the car....in between crying and holding her stomach that was FULL of butterflies! Ronnie and I were thankful to have "childcare" for our anniversary day....we spent most of the day picking out stuff for the new house and eating lunch at Chuy's, all while praying for the girls and wondering how they were adjusting. Here's to another great school year and to another great year with The Love of my Life!

Summer Recap

2011-08-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

This Summer has flown by...........moving and starting our new house has taken up a lot of our time. Ronnie went on his annual guys golf trip to Colorado and I did my annual mom's get-a-way with a friend in Dallas! The girls did Drama camp for 3 weeks, and performed in the Alice in Wonderland play! Reese was so excited to be the "King of Hearts" and Riley was one of the lead dancers for the chorus! They both did a wonderful job!
I've been re-doing some furniture with my new love- Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (anniesloan.com).....it's so fun to me for some reason to find a nasty looking piece at Goodwill or the REstore and then make it NEW again. I did this dresser.......and up next on my to-do list I have 4 bar stools I found to re-paint and re-cover and also these really funky lanterns for the girl's new rooms! Working on projects like this helps give me something to do while in this small apartment and also keeps us out of the 110 temperatures.......wow, it's just WAY too HOT!!!!! I've also been reading a really good novel this summer...."THE HELP"! I'm excited that I have 1 more chapter left, and then next week I'm meeting up with some friends who have been reading it too and we're having dinner and going to see the movie! Only about a week until school starts........I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!

Gulf Shores

2011-06-05T07:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from our week long trip to Gulf Shores with Ronnie's family........sun, fun, ocean waves, relaxing, and welcoming SUMMER!

Music to my Soul.............

2011-05-26T16:02:00.000-07:00

This is the stuff that makes my Mother's Heart SOAR with joy! Our home filled with giggles, love, and the beauty of Music......creative, magical, a blessing from God. Riley wrote this song today.

"Music is the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend."-Beethoven

New Chapters.........

2011-05-21T17:59:00.001-07:00

The month of May has been a whirl wind! Reese's birthday, hosting 2 church parties at our house, 2 swim parties here, my sweet friend's wedding, dental check-ups, dermatologist visit, guitar recital, art class /art show, Ronnie out of town for 2 weeks on business, a baby shower for my cousin, I performed a drama for a church event, a going-away party for my cousin and her husband who are going to be Missionaries in Tanzania, on top of showing our house a bUnCh-( trying to keep it clean). Last week we got a contract on our house, and we are set to close June 24th! Riley had field day, a food fight, and graduated 5th grade. Gone forever are the elementary years for our first born........off to Jr. High school...........new chapters, and many exciting things to come!

My Wonderful Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

OH- MY- GOODNESS, Yesterday I was pampered at a spa while my precious family was at home making this video for me.........it *MADE my Mother's Day........I LOVE IT!!!!!

HAPPY 8th Birthday REESE!!!!!!!!

2011-05-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY REESE! The FABULOUS* bowling party was SOOOO FUN! SO glad you love your new pet fish from Riley........and Violet Star Germany is the most beautiful name ever!!! WE LOVE YOU! MOMMY, DADDY, and RILEY

HAPPY EASTER!

2011-04-24T17:03:00.000-07:00

Only 2 of 41 eggs hatched at Mammy and Pappy's. They're not really sure what went wrong......maybe a few bad eggs....anyways....these two little chicks are so adorable and fluffy! HAPPY EASTER! HE IS RISEN!!!

Fly on the Wall

2011-04-21T10:56:00.001-07:00

I would love to be a fly on the wall in Reese's 2nd grade class during prayer request time! Every day she tells me of something somebody said.......always during prayer request time! Lots of laughs..........about other people.........but when your child is the one telling all she knows.........for the sake of "prayer".......it's not that funny!

Reese raised her hand- " My mom got stopped by a police officer Tuesday on our way to dance class....... he gave her a warning. I really don't know if I should tell this or not, but please pray for my mom to slow down!"

Her sweet, sweet, teacher just laughed at this one a bit and just told her that sometimes it happens to the best of us! I'm sure Mrs.T has heard IT ALL while teaching for 30+ years! Thanks again to my youngest child for telling all she knows!!!HA!
On a lighter note, Riley has been a servant leader this week at school. She was asked to pray over the Intercom this morning for the whole school! She was a little nervous, but she said the sweetest prayer..........and she didn't mention anything about her mom's driving! Bless her sweet heart!!! :-)

5th Grade Medieval Feast

2011-04-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

Today was Riley's 5th grade Medieval Feast! Lots of us moms were up early decorating and getting everything in place for the festive event! It all turned out great, and the entertainment was really neat! Thanks to Mammy for making "QUEEN Selena" (Riley's) dress!

Spring Time Blessings

2011-04-09T17:47:00.001-07:00

I just love SPRING! New life, precious and beautiful! We celebrated my little baby niece Zoe's first birthday today! What a little gift from God she is! The cows in the field behind us have added some sweet little additions this week....AND Mammy and Pappy ( and all of us) are anxiously awaiting the arrival of little baby chicks at their farm! Praise God for all of these wonderful little tiny miracles, that point our hearts back towards Jesus........the way, the truth and the LIFE!

OH MY, THE CONVERSATIONS!

2011-03-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

Reese's 2nd grade teacher recently commented on how quiet she is in class. I just had to LAUGH! I'm glad she knows that there is a time and a place for for talking, but MAN.....does she save it ALL for us! That sweet girl, she doesn't STOP talking from the time she jumps into the back seat at pick-up time........it's like she has been bottled up ALL day and just HAS to speak her mind, and ask a MILLION questions, sing songs and make us laugh! This is ONE of MANY conversations on the way home today.

Reese- " My friend Ana told me today that I was the perfect friend for her. She said I just 'get' her! She asked me if I could spend the night. I told her that I wasn't old enough to spend the night at people's houses yet. Then Ana told me that her family takes a cruise every year. She said maybe I could go with them on a cruise because it would be like spending the night, but there wouldn't be any houses involved!"

I just (HEART) my kid's ART!

2011-03-10T07:05:00.000-08:00

I know as a mom it is impossible to keep EVERYTHING your kids make or bring home from school! I try to sort through the things that are KEEPERS, and let me tell you it's really hard! I LOVE all of the art that the girls do! I think we need to add on an additional wing to our house just to hang up this cute art! :) I love the vibrant colors, and their sweet creative spirits! What's a mom to do with all of these precious masterpieces??

Fund Raiser Performance

2011-02-26T13:31:00.000-08:00

Last night I was part of a musical theatre group that performed at a fund raiser for Breckenridge Village (a home for special needs adults). The event was a 1950's style venue with lots of great dancing and music. The Apache Bells, Matt and Megan Magill( they are REALLY GOOD), ELVIS, and several other performers made it a fun night......all for a great cause!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Here's to.......
1. Waking up to home-made cards
2. Girls out of school today for Winter Break
3. Eating a yummy breakfast, made by two little sweet hearts
4. Going to see the Justin Bieber Movie (I know I could be that boy's mom, but I have to admit I have the FEVER!)
5.Tonight our tradition of dinner on fancy plates and candles at home, and then dancing in the living room!
6. Girls going to bed early......
7. Being married to my soul mate!
............CHEERS!!!!!!!!!

SNOW DAY!!!

2011-02-04T16:44:00.000-08:00

I hope you enjoyed the SNOW DAY as much as we did!!!

My Nanny is now with Jesus!

2011-01-09T09:55:00.001-08:00

http://obituaries.tylerpaper.com/obituaries/tylerpaper/obituary.aspx?n=betty-jean-smith&pid=147665620&sms_ss=google&at_xt=4d29c148556e9b1c%2C0

Thank you all for your prayers, calls, texts, cards and love. Last Sunday is when we got the call that Nanny had the massive stroke in her brain, and then they moved her to Hospice Monday night. Last week, no one slept, we all sat by her side, reminiscing, laughing at times of all the funny, sassy things she would do and say, crying over the thought of her not being here, and admiring my Grandad's devotion to her. I love to hear the stories of their young love, simply beautiful. She was not just my grandmother, but one of my very best friends! She was there for everything in my life, and my girl's lives. So many people don't have their grandparents, and even fewer have their great grandparents........our hearts are full with the precious years we had her.
I am so much like my Nanny!
I was her "doll-baby". She always wanted a girl, but she told me she had to wait to get me. She had three sons, and then the first grand child was my brother. I came along and I really thought I was a real "princess"! Someone asked me the other day what my favorite memory of my childhood was.........I thought about all the great places I got to go, lots of fun times and special things, but it was the simple thing of having family dinner at my Nanny's house, playing with my baby cousins and eating Nanny's awesome cooking that stuck out to me. I love her and I will miss her so much. I'm so glad I know for sure I'll see her again!

Field Trip

2010-12-13T17:42:00.000-08:00

Reese's 2nd grade teacher is such a precious lady! She's the kind of teacher that the kids want to go home with! Today, Mrs. T invited the class to her fabulous home in the country! The children enjoyed seeing the animals, riding a horse named Shelby and going into their barn and hearing the Christmas story told to them by Mrs. T's husband. The kids got hot chocolate and popcorn......it was the BEST DAY* for Reese's adorable class!

Photo Shoot

2010-12-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of our recent family photos...........thanks to my BFF JESSI, she's so talented!

2010-11-27T14:07:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like having your 11th birthday party in Dallas at a Selena Gomez concert with two of your best friends and your little sister!!!! We love you Riley, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

HaPpY 11th Birthday RILEY!!!

2010-11-27T13:20:00.001-08:00

Our trip to the Ranch

2010-11-22T17:37:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Riley!

2010-11-16T10:34:00.000-08:00

This morning Riley received a wonderful award, THE COUGAR AWARD! The fifth grade votes by secret ballot to choose kids that use good sportsmanship and Christ-like character during P.E. each day. Riley didn't have a clue she was receiving this.......CONGRATS RI RI!!!

HAPPY 35th BIRTHDAY!!!

2010-11-11T07:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my wonderful hubby's 35th b-day!!! We went to Outback with the family and then had cake and ice cream at home ( my sister-in-law made that cool cake for him!!) HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!!!!

Silly GIRLS!!!!

2010-11-08T10:46:00.000-08:00

Daddy's girl

2010-11-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

Ronnie's been working with Reese on her golf game. She's actually pretty good, and she loves when Daddy takes her to the driving range! She has the cutest little pink clubs, just her size. This could be her sport!

Halloween

2010-11-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

Reese the little "Spelling Bee" and Riley the drill-team captain! We had LOTS of FUN!!

World Series BABY!!!

2010-11-01T17:49:00.000-07:00

Saturday night Ronnie had a BLAST at the Texas Rangers WORLD SERIES Game!!! His seats were AWESOME, right behind the catcher on the 16th row! GOOOO RANGERS!!!!!

GO TEXAS RANGERS!!!!

2010-10-26T10:21:00.000-07:00

The girls came home from school with notes saying that Wednesday they can wear a Texas Ranger shirt to school! I am not really crafty, but I can work a hot glue gun, sew a button on, and use our iron! I made these shirts for the girls and I think they turned out cute. I forget about using iron-on letters, they are really easy!! GO TEXAS RANGERS!!!!!!!

Wig'n Out

2010-10-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday night Ronnie and I went to a "Parent's Wig'n Out Party" !!! Ronnie was rock'n the old school basketball look and I guess I was a Goth princess. I just saw that long black big hair wig and thought it was my style!

great wedding.......

2010-10-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

Ronnie and I at the reception's photo wall-

A few weeks ago we had the honor of attending a beautiful outdoor wedding of a girl I babysat! Does this make me feel old.........obviously! It was a fabulous wedding, the dresses and flowers were gorgeous! It was so fun to see some friends I grew up with and some other "kids" I babysat back in the day...........we all danced, laughed and the night ended with an awesome toast and fireworks display. It was really romantic!

Hello Fall.........

2010-10-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

September, where did you go??!!! The girls keep us busy, we feel like we have something every night.......but these are fun times!!! I had the most wonderful birthday! My awesome hubby got me good!!! I don't like to be surprised, I like to be the one doing the surprising!!!! We had a wonderful dinner party with lots of friends, food, and it was a very special birthday weekend, I loved all of it!!! I'm very thankful! Reese got an award at school for Obedience! We took Zoe to church with us today, I can't believe she'll be 6 months old this week! We've all been enjoying this wonderful Fall weather! R and R have been playing outside every chance they get............enjoy the Music Video!

First Day of School....

2010-08-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

Riley and Reese were very excited and yes, a little nervous this morning! I can't believe my girl's are starting a new school year and I REALLY can't believe they are in 5th and 2nd grades!!!

13 precious years........

2010-08-16T17:03:00.000-07:00

My sweet husband got me these beautiful flowers today for our Anniversary!
Here's to 13 precious years of love, blessings and joy!

What's this on my Camera ?!!??

2010-07-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

My girls have shared a favorite hobby together for years........playing Barbies. They get lost together in make believe for HOURS!!! I love that they play so good together! I was looking through my camera ( it can make videos ) and saw that two little girls must have borrowed my camera to shoot a music video. I laughed so hard when I found this cute and creative little surprise on my camera. This is the stuff I need to save and play at their weddings........because it truly reflects hours and hours of them being best sister friends!

Summer so far..........

2010-07-08T17:00:00.001-07:00

I've been lazy about blogging lately so here is a recap of our Summer so far....
We have had a lot of fun and enjoying our pool. Reese had her friend party in June. Riley had just only 11 of her closest friends over to swim one day :)! The girls did a three week drama camp and then they performed the play Beauty and the Beast, they did awesome! We have been love'n on baby Zoe, I can't believe she is already 3 months old! We had about 40 people out on July 4th for grill'n, swimming, and a 45 minute AWESOME firework show. That's the beauty of Summer, relax'n and hanging with friends and soaking up the fun and sun!

2010-07-08T16:58:00.000-07:00

2010-07-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

Reese's 7th Birthday!

2010-05-07T17:51:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my BABY is SEVEN!!!! Reese started her day on Thursday with a special breakfast and a school birthday treat. The whole family went to Outback Steak House (Reese's favorite) for dinner that night. Friday we went to American Girl in Dallas for a sweet lunch and lots of shopping!
May 6, 2003 our lives were blessed by a precious gift from God. Seven years ago, we were in Dallas with many uncertainties, but I can now say "WOW", look how wonderful God has been and He blessed our family so much that day! Reese, you are Riley's best friend, our baby, our comedian, our little sparkle of sunshine everyday! We love you, and we thank God for your sweet, adorable, lovable life! HAPPY 7th Birthday!!!

San Francisco.........

2010-05-01T13:12:00.001-07:00

Ronnie and I had a wonderful 4 night 5 day trip to San Francisco, California! I love flying anywhere, I love to travel!!! I loved seeing the mountains and the ocean, two of my favorite things on earth! We walked all over the city, shopped, ate, road the trolleys, had an Alcatraz tour, drove over the Golden gate bridge into Napa valley wine country ( BEAUTIFUL), had a couples massage, met up with some Texas friends for dinner, ate and ate and ate..........but most of all we enjoyed our time together as a couple! The weather was really cold and rainy most of the time, so we just had to snuggle more!! :)

Dance 2010

2010-05-01T13:03:00.000-07:00

Riley was awesome at her hip-hop dance! Reese was great in her cheer routine. Both girls got trophies on stage, this was Reese's first year to get one on the stage with big sis!

TURN OFF MUSIC BELOW....Riley's Mini Concert

2010-04-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

Fun Pictures

2010-04-20T16:21:00.001-07:00

These are some fun pictures of our pool construction! What kid doesn't like running in a deep pit in the earth!!

2010-04-20T16:12:00.000-07:00

Rodeo Day was so CUTE!!!

Our weekend

2010-04-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

The girls had a great idea Friday afternoon to have a Lemonade stand. They worked about 1 and 1/2 hours Friday afternoon and made $12.75!! Saturday they opened up again for business for just about 1 hour and made $8.00 more!! They ran a "special" on Saturday, buy 3 cups of Lemonade~ and jump on our trampoline for free!!! It was a huge success with our neighbors!! ( Okay, so Mom was in the garage texting all the neighbors to come by our house.....) It was lots of fun for everyone!

Saturday afternoon we went to a wedding shower at a church. I took the girls with me, and they got bored really fast! The shower was taking place in the back of the auditorium in a little sitting area. They asked if they could walk around in this little country church and look around. I told them "sure, just stick together and don't mess with anything and come right back". After several minutes I thought I needed to see what the girls were up to~ I didn't see them come back in the auditorium because I was visiting............they were up on the stage- quietly acting, Riley was preaching about peace, love , and goodness and Reese was getting her "praise-on" up in the choir loft! It was really FUNNY!- Everyone at the shower started turning around to see the girls acting so funny. Lots of laughs! What can I say......they are my kids :)

WELCOME BABY ZOE!!!!!!!

2010-04-05T18:29:00.000-07:00

My precious NIECE was born today!! Zoe weighed in at 8lbs 13oz!! She is just beautiful, our whole family feels so blessed!!! She'll have two big girly cousins to help teach her about all things GIRLY and her two big brothers will protect her, she is so loved!!!

March.......

2010-03-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

March has flown by! Reese had her 1st grade Little Bo Peep play, she was a wonderful little Miss Muffet! Just before the last performance she lost her other front tooth, she is now officially snaggle tooth!
Things are underway for our swimming pool and pool-house! We are all loving this sunny spring weather!!! Praising God for the miracles and blessings of 6 years ago when we were at Children's Hospital with Reese.........God is good! We are looking forward to a time of praise and worship this weekend celebrating Easter!!! I hope you enjoy this wonderful weekend of our faith! Blessings!

My Granny

2010-03-03T18:31:00.000-08:00

My Granny went to be with Jesus around 5:15 today.
I can just see my Granny dancing and singing with all the angels now ( she loved to sing, play the piano, paint, and was an English teacher who always dressed to impress!) She was a beautiful lady and her love for the Lord and for her family was amazing. Her great laugh, her love for travel, food, entertaining, and art was impressive. Her spirit has to be soaring now, seeing her husband she lost many years ago, her parents and many friends. Her mind works again after all these years with a horrible illness! I can just hear her squeal with delight at the sights and sounds of Heaven! I can only imagine............I can only imagine............Thank you Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-02-26T17:23:00.000-08:00

2010-02-26T15:14:00.001-08:00

What do we do around here on a rainy day?.........Makeovers just for fun!........ Here's a picture of our toothless princess Reese!!!

2010-02-17T09:58:00.000-08:00

My girls ALWAYS make me laugh!!!! Our conversation in the car-

Riley- There's a police officer right behind us!!!!!!

Mom- It's okay Ri- I'm obeying the law. They are our friends.... blah blah blah....

Reese- ( Looking behind her, waving, looking some more........., twisting around to get a good look)

Riley- REESE>>>>>>>>>>>!!!!!!!!!!!! Turn around! You look SUSPICIOUS!!!!!!!

Our Winter Wonderland!!!

2010-02-13T14:51:00.000-08:00

Friday was CRAZY! The last time I remember it snowing like this I was a kid! I'm so glad my girls got to experience it! We had a great time out in the snow, but our power was out for 24 hours!!!! We had to get a hotel room Friday night then Reese starting running a fever.......uuuuggggghhhh!! We will always cherish these snow pictures, who knows when we might see it like this again!!

I hope they work!!!!!

2010-02-09T17:53:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of these??? Shape Ups by Skechers promise to tone your BUTT and legs while you walk, promote weight loss, improve posture, reduces cellulite and tones thighs, tightens abdominal muscles........enough said for me!! I got a pair yesterday, and I hope they work! I'll let you know!

Our big laugh during the Super Bowl..........

2010-02-08T11:33:00.000-08:00

Did you see this commercial last night during the Super Bowl????

REESE: "Aaaawwwwwwwwww"

( PAUSE )

Mommy: "What is it Reese?"

REESE: "I didn't know SHE was adopted!!!!!!!!!!"

It looked like a family on a couch to her! LOL!!!!!!!!!

The Big Game Cake!

2010-02-07T14:03:00.001-08:00

Okay, so we may not be good enough to be on the Ace of Cakes show, but Riley, Reese, and I had a blast making this SUPER BOWL cake for our party! As you can tell, the girls made the field goals out of straws and tape and we just added some green food coloring to a white cake mix for the grass effect. The football is made out of melted chocolate chips and coconut. We used the blue food coloring to write GO COLTS!!!! Now, hopefully it will taste good..........maybe if we put a big scoop of ice cream on top of it!! Enjoy the BIG GAME!

The next Taylor Swift??

2010-02-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

Riley has been "playing" on my guitar for a few months now and writing her own songs in her room. We thought it was time to start her in guitar lessons. She didn't know I was taking her picture with my phone, but you know me, I'm a mom that likes to capture all of these sweet moments! It just amazes me that my sweet 10 year old can make straight A's in school, speak Spanish, play piano, knows every move to her hip-hop dance, draws so beautifully, writes songs that inspire you, sings with passion, enjoys reading her AR books, and is now learning guitar! WOW, how much can one little brain take in???...........It just brings me to my knees to say "I praise you Lord for my healthy, smart, talented kids.......they are gifts from YOU!"

December 2009.........

2009-12-27T10:40:00.000-08:00

Thank You JESUS!

2009-12-22T11:33:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving at Sea World!

2009-11-27T06:14:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful trip to San Antonio for Thanksgiving this year. It was such a great time to go because we had perfect weather, not a lot of people and the park was turned into a Christmas wonderland and with all the music, shows and cheer in the air it really got you in the holiday spirit!

We stayed at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort and Spa, it was all decorated for Christmas
The last hour on the road coming home the girls had *NOTHING else to do!!!

REESE ASKED JESUS IN HER HEART!!!!

2009-11-22T13:52:00.000-08:00

Even though she didn't feel good yesterday (bad cold and cough) she wanted to ask me all about being a Christian and getting baptized. I know she's just 6 years old, but after going through everything with her and hearing her answer all the questions, and seeing how she really believed......(I believe that Jesus said, "Let the little children come unto me" for a reason) she has that child-like faith and she prayed the sinner's prayer as best as she knew how. I had a peace that she really did ask HIM in because she had tears of joy and was SOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy. She wanted to call all of our family and her best friend and every time she would tell someone in that sweet little voice, "Hi, this is Reese.......I just asked JESUS in my HEART" I got teary eyed over and over again. Riley has been a Christian for 3 years now, and that's the ULTIMATE feeling for Ronnie and I as their parents..............that's all of us, our whole family will be together forever in Heaven............GOD,YOU are so AWESOME! THANK YOU JESUS!

The Party

2009-11-20T13:45:00.000-08:00

Riley has such a fun 10th b-day party!!! We had dinner/cake/presents here and then went to Solar Nail Salon for a private pedicure party!

10

2009-11-20T13:34:00.000-08:00

WOW, Riley will be 10 years old on Monday November 23rd. I can't help from getting tears in my eyes when I type this, 10 years have really FLOWN by! I can't believe that little tiny 6lb 13oz baby is now almost as tall as me, she even wore one of my shirts to school the other day..........that was a moment in itself! God gave us a huge blessing in a little package 10 years ago. We have had 10 years of firsts, laughter, tears, dancing, singing, acting, and lovable hugs from our Riley. She loves God, is such a great big sister and friend. Even though we are starting to embarrass her.......at the end of the day she knows her parents are her biggest fans. I love you my Riley girl.......you are such a blessing to me!-Happy Birthday!

2009-11-20T13:03:00.000-08:00

Reese's class had a Thanksgiving feast today. I made a BUNCH of Pilgrim hat cookies and helped decorate the classroom. Riley received an award for ~Gratitude~ and she was in a Veteran's Day program last week. We are just so Thankful for these girls!

Family Fun Nights

2009-11-06T17:37:00.000-08:00

We love this cool weather at night and we have had fun as a family sitting out by a fire and roasting marshmallows. We all take turns telling stories and laughing.......sweet times!

Our weekend

2009-11-01T18:27:00.000-08:00

Barlow Girl _ Super Chic Concert

2009-10-30T07:28:00.001-07:00

Last night we went with our friends to Longview to see the Barlow Girl and Super Chic concert! We had a rock'n paise'n good time!

Rose Festival

2009-10-09T15:59:00.000-07:00

Riley and Reese's friend Sadie was in the Rose Festival this year so we had to go and support her. It was fun dressing up and going to the Queen's Tea on Thursday, although it was REALLY HOT outside! I checked the girls out of school early Friday to get ready to go as Sadie's guests of honor at the Queen's Coronation Service and it was a cold and rainy day, but inside it was full of girly fashion, sparkle and poise. We've had a lot of fun mother/daughter time these past few days!

KVNE STARS...

2009-09-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

If you listened to KVNE this morning around 7:45 you might have heard two little girls sing their hearts out........" this is the day you have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!" R and R won the Kids Karaoke this morning and they were SOOOOOOOOO excited to be on the radio...........they even get a CD sent to them in the mail!

Back to School We GO.................................

2009-08-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my girls are at school today! The first day is always hard, this year was extra hard because it's Reese's first year to stay ALL DAY...until 3:00.
I'm counting down the minutes until I can pick them up!!!!!
Riley age 9.........4th Grade and Reese age 6............1st Grade

August 16, 1997 to August 16, 2009

2009-08-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

12 years ago I married the man God made just for me. I can't even explain to you the blessing of our marriage. Two crazy kids fell hard, and we just knew that our souls were made to share this life time together.
Ronnie, I thank God for our love, our passion, the fireworks, the memories, the laughter, the kids, our life,our friendship and our commitment. I'd marry you again and again! Every year it just keeps getting better! Happy Anniversary!

ME TIME

2009-08-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

I got home last night from a wonderful mom's night get-a-way with one of my best friends in Dallas! We floated in the pool for 3 hours, ate at this awesome restaurant, got pedicures-manicures, and massages and most of all relaxed, ate Sprinkles cupcakes, giggled and soaked up these last few days of summer fun!-

HAY~ HAY~ HAY......

2009-08-07T12:16:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the simple things to us are really a big deal to kids.........
Yesterday the girls watched out the window for a long time watching them mow and make hay in the field behind us. Reese said, " I can't believe I'm watching a real farmer!!!!"

WORDLESS WEEK

2009-08-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-02T17:01:00.000-07:00

We found out last night that my brother and his wife are expecting baby #3!!! After we all got over the shock ( my brother had a vasectomy that didn't work, so after redoing it last month, it was a big shock that they did get pregnant in between the two vasectomies) we are very excited. Little Aden just turned ONE and Kean is 3.........they are in for some FUN days ahead!

Girls Just wanna have FUN!!!

2009-08-02T16:54:00.001-07:00

When you just have one little girl cousin you just have to have girly time with her! Little Hadlee spent the night with us Friday, and we all had so much fun!

Welcome home DADDY!!!!!

2009-07-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

RG was gone for 5 days to Colorado to a golf tournament and he won first place!!! The girls sure did miss their daddy, and they were so excited to pick him up from the airport! Little girls make everything a little more fun, they made a sign for daddy and giggled and squealed at the airport when RG came through the gate! I only had my cell phone to take pictures, but Rg was a little embarrassed by all the cheering and the sign!!!! LOL- I bet some of the people thought these little girls have been without their father for 5 months instead of 5 days!!!! Welcome home Daddy and congratulations on the big win!!!!! WE LOVE YOU!

Fun at the Lake

2009-07-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time with friends at the lake over the weekend! I couldn't believe how brave the girls were! They both got in the lake, and went tubing, last summer it wasn't happening~ they were little chickens!!! I even got on the knee board, it's been YEARS since I have been on a knee board, but I still did it, and even did my old 360 move like I did when I was young~ the only difference now it that I could barely move the next day because I was SO sore!!!

Thankful Friday....

2009-07-17T14:23:00.000-07:00

I'm thankful today for these two little guys coming to Aunt Marla's house! It doesn't seem possible that little Aden just turned one and he is crawling everywhere and trying to walk! I love little Kean so much! Three is such a sweet age, he wants to know "why" and "how" about everything, he's so smart! My brother's babies are like my own and they know that Aunt Marla will do anything in the world for them! ~Thank you God for giving our family these little boys, they are such wonderful gifts from you!~

Grand-dad's train......

2009-07-11T16:53:00.000-07:00

My sweet Grand-dad MADE this train for his church's VBS. It took him about a month to make it! It really smokes from the smoke stack and has a bell you pull. Riley and Reese loved getting their picture made with our awesome almost 80 yr. old Grand-dad that has a heart of a true servant! I took that black and white picture and thought it turned out neat of the train 1 John 4:9~

Streets of Gold.....

2009-07-09T06:42:00.000-07:00

Maybe I have a new hobby of capturing the sunsets at our new house...........they are just too pretty to ignore. Last night the sky reminded me of the streets of gold. From the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same~ the name of the Lord shall be praised!

Not so routine Dental check-up....

2009-07-01T14:18:00.001-07:00

Most kids don't want to go to their dentist for a routine check-up, but my girls LOVE going because my Uncle Mike is our dentist! For some reason they always schedule us as the last appointment of the day. I think the fact that the girls take over the office, get to help Uncle Mike check our teeth and use all the equipment might have a little to do with it. Everyone got a great report...........except me! I have to have my wisdom teeth taken out! Maybe the two cutest little dental assistants will help me recover!

Last Night's Sunset

2009-07-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

I just had to share the sunset last night from our back porch.....all I could think of was that song........." How great is our God, sing with me~how great is our God!"

4th of July Parade

2009-06-29T18:21:00.001-07:00

Every little girl dreams of being in a parade......right? Riley and Reese got to be in the GABC church parade. My parents sing in the choir and they signed R and R up to be one of the 100's of people in this fun and festive patriotic parade. Everyone from the Chick-fil-a cow to marching bands walked the isles of the church while the choir sang. Riley was Annie, and Reese signed up to be a cheerleader, but every few days she would change her mind- ( princess, bride, Dorothy, movie star,ect.) and finally about 30 minutes before we had to leave for the church she decided to be a drill team girl!!!

Toothless Reese and the light purple fairy

2009-06-27T05:48:00.001-07:00

Reese has dreamed of the day she would loose a tooth, and yesterday that dream came true! We learned of a sweet little trick so we tried it and it works!!! What you do is put your tooth in a bowl of water. Go to bed, and what-ever fairy comes to take your tooth, she'll dip her wings in the water and when you wake up you'll know what color fairy got your tooth. Reese's fairy was a light purple color, and she left money!!!

Simple Summer fun.......

2009-06-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

The girls have been having lots of fun this summer doing camps,VBS,playing with friends and swimming. It's the simple things that seem to be so much fun~ like sisters side by side in the backyard make-believing ,that just melts my heart!

sleepless night

2009-06-11T06:35:00.000-07:00

RG left yesterday for a golf trip with friends to California. I'm always a little nervous to sleep without him home, and top that with us being in our new house. Needless to say we didn't get much sleep last night. This crazy storm rolled in and about 11pm our power went out, then one little girl got in my bed, then a few minutes later another little girl. It was getting REALLY hot in the house, and after several hours of sweating I called TXU in a cloudy fog around 1:45am. I was on hold for about 1 hour, and was drifting off to sleep by their wonderful elevator hold music. Our power didn't come back on until around 4:30am!!!! I looked out this morning and saw some of the new landscaping bent over..............must have been a strong storm. Sure hate you missed all the fun last night RG!!!!!!

The best boutique in town!

2009-06-11T06:21:00.000-07:00

I was walking down the street (hallway) and noticed this sign for the hottest new boutique in town. The atmosphere was so trendy, and the soft Miley Cyrus music playing in the background made me want to relax and shop more! I was greeted by the boutique owners, (see their name tags) Page and Carly (aka-Riley and Reese). They were so helpful, and the prices................wow..............clothes for $10.40, what a deal. Girly everything is the *best place to find that special something!!!! :)

We are IN our new HOUSE!!!

2009-06-07T16:29:00.000-07:00

So, what have we been doing? MOVING, PACKING,UNPACKING,CLEANING,DECORATING!!!!! We have spent a few nights in our new house and we are really enjoying it! The girls love their new rooms, and the fact that they can ride their bikes to their BFF's house like they did today for a "teddy bear picnic" birthday party. Ronnie and I have really enjoyed sitting on our back porch and soaking up that view! There's so much still to be done, here are a few pictures- you'll just have to come visit us to see more :)

Summer here we COME!!!

2009-05-14T12:00:00.001-07:00

I can't believe next week school will be out for my girls!!! Reese will graduate Kindergarten and it makes me soooo sad that they are growing up so fast! We are excited about the summer and SLEEPING IN!!!!

2009-05-08T20:09:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures from Reese's 6th b-day party! There was a little painting going on, and a lot of dancing to Hannah Montana! It was a fun party, fit for a princess!!!

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY REESE!!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-06T11:19:00.001-07:00

Happy 6th Birthday Reese! I can't believe 6 years ago, I was on an operating table at Medical City Hospital in Dallas so nervous about your life and your health. I remember telling Jesus, "This is it, I can't cry anymore, I can't pray anymore, whatever you want for this baby's life I will love her!" Now, I can't imagine life without you, you are our baby, our pride and joy, and our little miracle. You are our family comedian, and you bring light into our world everyday. God has a special plan for you- my little sparkle eyes! We love you Reese! Can't wait for your party Friday night!!!!

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.