I am a horrible wife!! I spent so much time yesterday working on my pictures and slideshow from our Colorado visit that I forgot to blog about my 14th anniversary. To make matters worse, my husband wrote the sweetest post on his blog about our marriage and his responsibility to me as a Godly husband. He is so wonderful!! I love him so much and these past 14yrs of marriage and 18yrs as a couple have been so blessed. We had 5 yrs as just a married couple until we were blessed with our first son Ethan. Then almost 3 yrs later we were doubly blessed when Isaac arrived. Steve has always worked self sacrificially to provide for our family both financially and most importantly, spiritually. I could not ask for more in a husband and spiritual leader!!

Thank you Steve for all you do for us! We love you more than words!

Colorado Visit in a Slide Show

I could update you all on our visit in words but I like the idea of a slide show better. We had such a wonderfully exhausting visit. We were able to see almost all of Steve's family including grandmothers, great-grandmothers, a grandfather, aunts, an uncle, cousins and we even met new friends. We spent a lot of time hanging out at Oma's but just as much time trying new things. We played mini golf at Adventure golf, Marin didn't care for that much!! We spent an evening at Denver's Amusement Park, Elitches. We drove down to Colorado Springs and panned for gems and fossils, explored a cave and even at lunch at Witt's End in Focus on the Family. The 2-story slide at FOTF was totally fun and the kids loved exploring the Narnia Room. Over all our visit was just what we needed! I love our family so much and am already planning our next visit.

So now, on with the show.......

Colorado

I am still trying to pick out , tweek and upload all of my pictures from Colorado. I think I have about 500 to choose from. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

I wanted to add the pictures of my niece and nephew first though. They are the real reason why its so important for us to at least go once a year. I miss watching them grow up. I'm saddened that I don't know them better. I mourn the fact that it takes them a week to get to know me and then its time to leave. I love them like my own but feel like I don't know them as well as I should. Anna and I talk so much I feel like I can have a small part in their lives but I know its not the same.
I am so glad we are blessed enough to travel to see them and grateful that we have the internet to share pictures and updates regularly.


I love and miss you terribly Marin and Bowen!! Oh and you too Anna :)

Finally Home!

We are home! We had a wonderful time but are VERY tired! Our plane landed at DFW at 11:30pm last night and we made it home around 2:45am. The boys stayed awake the whole ride home and we finally hit the sack around 3:15 am. Needless to say we slept until 11:30am but still are trying to recoup!! Steve and Eric went hunting this weekend and hopefully will be home soon!

We had a wonderful time and I am looking forward to updating and adding pictures of our trip!!
For now though, nap time for all of us!!

Off for the week

I am taking the week off to go on vacation! Yeah!!The boys and I are heading out tomorrow, Monday, to catch our plane at DFW Monday afternoon. We will be in Denver for the rest of week and head home on Saturday. Steve is not able to go with us due to a crazy building and bidding schedule this week!

We actually need prayer about that. Several of the local schools are bidding BIG jobs soon and we desperately need at least one. There are millions to be made and several of the schools have already sent some work to out of town contractors. Steve has been trying to convince the school boards to keep work local so that all of the taxpayers money isn't going to Natchidoches or Dallas. (Just a quick side note to this post).

Anyway, about our trip... we will spend the week visiting the Hill's and enjoying some fun family time with them. We look forward to it every year! I will post pictures as soon as I can!

Keep us in your prayers for safety and protection!! Keep Steve in your prayers for work and a week without his family!!

I'll blog ya later!!

Great Date Night

www.lospinosranchvineyards.com

This is the best kept date secret in East Texas!! Steve and I have been here twice and loved both times. You can either sit outside on the porch and enjoy the view of the vineyard or inside where you have a low light atmosphere with live jazz playing in the background. The have fantastic variety of tapas (appetizer type dishes with fresh fruit, cheese, breads, cheeses and dips) and wonderful array of homegrown wines that are quickly becoming my favorite. The waitstaff brings out your digs and only checks on you periodically. There is never a rush to get you in or out. They have testings, tours and special events each month that I have heard are wonderful. Steve and I use it as a small escape for our lives and enjoy each others company in an almost surreal environment. It's wonderfully relaxing and I highly recommend it for a night out or fun time with couple friends.

Let me know if you want to join us next time we go!!

Be Anxious for Nothing

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6

This verse has been running through my mind for about a week now. I have been feeling extremely anxious or overwhelmed or tad bit depressed( I hesitate to use the "d" word but I think we all go through a little of it sometimes). I know we have a lot going on in our lives right now but to be perfectly honest, when do we not? We are at the stage in our lives where financially we could make some big changes, job and housing wise. We don't have a mortgage for the time being, our bills are really at an all time minimum and I am homeschooling again so we don't have a BIG private school expense. So if we were going to change things, now would be the time. BUT..... we don't feel lead to do anything else. Steve leaving his crazy, hectic, time consuming job would be wonderful for our family life and his stress level but he has looked into and prayed about a couple of other options and really does not feel pulled to leave his job. He really feels lead to prothelitize to others at work since he is the only Christian there. That is a huge responsibility and he feels like maybe that is why he is there. So, we are plunge headlong into building our house out here in the country. Living life close to grandparents is so ideal. It is really the only reason we moved back to East Texas. I'm not really sure what my hesitations are. I absolutely love living out here. The quiet and country has been great for the kids. And now that my dad is working less, the boys are going to be able to spend unbelievable quality time with him. We are truly blessed. SO, why do we feel anxious. Maybe its because we have been really focused on ourselves and not God and others. We keep thinking that once we get our home built we will have people over and serve our friend and family more. But why can't we do that now. Just because I live in a small place doesn't mean I can't invite someone over for a meal or even just a snack! We keep waiting for the next thing and planning for the future and not relishing in the unique situation that God has placed us in. We are here for God's purpose and pleasure not ours. If I could only focus and meditate on that.

The King James Version puts the same verse this way....

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Philippians 4:6

What if we lived our lives according to this version. Not be anxious but "do not be careful". What if we lived our lives carelessly for God. One definition of careful is "full of cares or anxiety". Wouldn't that be an amazing life? Christ said to Martha, "Thou art careful and troubled about many things"-Luke 10.41. What if we lived in the moment and truly believed that God would care for our every need. I know this but I don't think I believe it yet. I can only pray with thanksgiving that I may one day live "carelessly" for God. I am not really sure why I am writing this. Maybe to get my feelings out and move on. Maybe encouragement. What ever the reason, I feel lead. My life is by no means together and sometimes you just need to say that out loud.

Why I Love East Texas

It is so hot today! I know the heat has really just begun. Relief doesn't usually come until sometime in late September, early October. I even remember on Halloween trick or treating in 85 degree weather. YUCK!!

So why am I writing this post... I am tired of complaining about the heat and choose to focus on the positive. So here is my Top Ten List of "The Reasons Why I Love East Texas in the Summer".


10. Swimming or watching my kiddos swim. I don't really enjoy putting on a bathing suits these days but suffer for my children.

9. Making homemade ice cream on the back porch

8. Going to Colorado in July to escape the heat. I guess that's not technically in Texas but without the oppressive heat, I wouldn't enjoy CO so much!!!

7. Picking strawberries, blackberries and peaches at McPeak's

6. Growing and harvesting our garden

5. East Texas Balloon Race (We used to go all the time when I was little and have not gone in years. But we went last night with the Neal's and I forgot how amazing the balloons looked when they glow. It definitely will be a yearly trip from now on)

4. Long evenings and amazing sunsets!!! Last nights was beautiful!!

3. 4th of July party out my parent's place ( finally our place, I'm just not used to saying that yet!!

2. My homemade bread rises so quickly in the heat and humidity :)

1. The sounds of cicadas and frogs at night (do you know there are people out their who find those sounds annoying? I couldn't live with out it!!

I would love to know why you love East Texas in summertime!!

Mom Bragging Moment

I have to take a moment and brag on my boys a little, so bare with me....

We have been taking swimming lessons since the boys were about 3 years old. Ethan actually had his at about 6 months but I don't think that really counts. Anyway, my boys are extremely cautious. They in no way take risks and for the most part, I like it that way. Swimming, however, has been a huge struggle for them and me. I want them to LOVE to swim. I grew up with both sets of grandparents living on the lake. I was skiing at a very young age and lived to swim in the summer. So it burdens my heart that my boys have always been deathly afraid of swimming. They like to walk around in the water but actually putting anything above their shoulders in has been a real fear.

I have always heard that once the "fear" of water is overcome, then they will take off and swim like fish. Well, this year is the year; Ethan especially. He is jumping in, swimming strokes and loving the slide. It's really unbelievable to me. Isaac is also taking giant steps. He now is putting his face in the water and holding his breath for longer periods of time. It is very exciting to me to see them doing well. Swimming is such a fun time in the summer. I am so glad they are finally appreciating it.

Maybe its time for a in ground pool?!? What do you think Steve????

Does anyone else have this problem at your house??
Didn't we used play outside in the summer?

In A Pickle

In a previous post I complained about my ailing garden. I said it was leggy, dry and just not producing. Well, God always has a way to humble you and sometimes make you say "WOW, how did that happen?"

He once again amazed us with his nature and its ability to overcome our human failings to provide and care for it (that is not a "green" statement but a stewardship comment). "Our garden has been growing like nuts" says Isaac.

We have gotten a lot of produce already this season. We have had an abundance especially in the tomato and cucumber department. We even had a cross-pollenation of our cucumbers and zucchini and produced our very own "Cuzinni". We haven't tasted that one yet. The boys have kinda adopted it as their own and would be crushed if we sliced it up!!!

The boys and I decided that we would never eat 12 cucumbers before they rotted, so we decided to make pickles with them. Ethan wanted spears, while Isaac wanted chips so of course we made both. We even had enough okra and left over vinegar mixture to make some pickled okra, Steve's favorite.

It takes about 2-3 weeks before they will be ready to eat! I am just hoping that they turn out okay. We have about 6 jars of okra and 8 jars of pickles. Thankfully they keep for a long time!!! I will let you know the outcome in a couple of weeks!!

You can see Ethan in the back ground laying on the couch.
He didn't want to help with slicing part.

Isaac on the other hand wanted his hands in everything!!
He loves to pose with food. That must be from the Hill side of the family!!

The whole house smelled like vinegar, dill and garlic.
Oddly enough, it actually smelled really good.
The jars looked so pretty and artistic when they were done.

Who Says We Don't Get Total Suprises As Adults

I can't believe I forgot to add one of the most exciting and fun things that we have experienced over the past few weeks!!

I Got A New Car!!!

Okay, its not exactly new but its new to us! I have to share the story that goes along with this. It is proof that not only does God take care of us but he does love to surprise us with special treats every once in a while.

Most of you know that my van is about 11 years old and we have had it for 5 1/2 years. I love my van. It runs great, its comfortable, roomy, has a great sound system and it is kinda like a part of our family. We got the van when Isaac was a year old and it is the only ride he remembers. BUT...... as all things that are of this Earth, they "grow old and perish" and so goes the van. We have had a few problems over the last few months: brakes, tires, thermostat, battery, tune-up etc. but we really wanted to wait until our house was finished before we commit ed to another car payment. Oh, btw, I forgot the best part of the van, no monthly payment!!!

Anyway, I was having lunch with my dad on his last day of work at the horse clinic( yeah for daddy!!!) and explaining to him that my car had been running a little rough. I was telling him that I know we need a new car but we really are trying to live debt free. As you know, cars are outrageously expensive these days and so we were going to have to get a bottom of the line something that was not really what we wanted. I was having a hard time with a car payment on a car that I really didn't want anyway.

Back to the story.... A friend of my dad's dropped by while we were having lunch and overheard our car conversation. He picked up his phone without us asking and called a friend of his that happens to be a car wholesaler. He asked him if he had anything "special" that he was looking to get rid of quickly. He passed on the info that his friend just that day had picked up a 2006 Chevy Trailblazer LT 4x4, fully loaded with leather seats, DVD player, Bose stereo, tow package with only 30,000 miles on it. This was everything we wanted!!! He was looking to sell it to Peter's Chevrolet on Monday, this was a Friday, for $15,000 but if we came by that day, he would sell it to us for cheaper. Of course we ran over and test drove it. Of course after driving it, we were sold. My dad said that if we didn't want it, he was going to buy it for my mom. So, after running to the bank to get the loan, we got a $22,000 truck for $13,000. Because he is a wholesaler, we have to sell our van ourselves and get a better price than we would have if we traded it in. Everything worked out perfectly!

God gave us a wonderful surprise that day!! Praise him for giving us the desires of our heart, even sometimes material things!!!

Six Flags Addition

I tried to add this pic of my sis who skipped out on work early to join us at Six Flags to the last post after I had already posted. It didn't work and its too late to figure it out, so I am just adding it here!!

It has been way too long since my last post. Where have the weeks gone? We are already into our 2nd week in July and it has been about a month since my last post. I always assume that when summer begins, we will slow down, relax. Ya know " Lazy Days of Summer". Not us. Although we are having so much fun, our days consist of getting up early, running around all day and going to bed late. I have waited so long that if I tried to update each individual thing, it would take too many posts,
so.... I will update with pictures........

VBS this year was "Power Lab" Lots of science experiments. Ethan loved it!!

Isaac liked the games

Isaac, Chandler, Abi and Caden at 1st Christian Summer Camp

The boys read enough this year to earn Six Flags tickets!!
We went with the DeBoers, Akins and Alexanders.

The Whole Six Flags Gang
(someone in the lobby asked if we were a small school group or daycare :)

Andrew, Ben, Ethan and Isaac waiting patiently for the tram to take us to the park.

The gang in Looney Toon Land

3D movie ride

Six Flags is hosting the show "Coobrila"which is an
smaller act of Cirque di Soleil. Very cool and the kids loved it
Ben, Ethan and Andrew

We enjoyed swimming in the pool at the hotel after Six Flags

Swim Lessons with Mrs. Sue

Ethan learned to float on his back this year!!

Saying goodbye to the Durhams! We will miss them sooo much!
(Reuben and Jacob)

Reuben D. , Isaac and Joel D.

Luke D. giving me a big smile

We finally started building our tree house. Isaac loves to help!!

Steve and Dad worked so hard together.

Isaac sported a Mohawk earlier this summer
and thanks to Eric Akin,
it was red for a couple of days

I just like this picture of Abi

Isaac turned 6 on June 25th. We had a small family party for him at the Butcher Shop. He wanted to go there so he could get "A cookie the size of his head". He got his very own Nintendo DS, games and Indiana Jones Legos


Steve and I spent a fun evening with just Isaac. He wanted to eat at
Schlotsky's , play Putt-Putt and go to the movies.

Isaac was so excited to see Wall-E.
He wore his glow-in-the-dark shirt!!Last Friday we had our 11th annual 4th of July party with both my parent's church and ours. We had about 400 people and LOTS of kids(thanks to FBC :) We have fun things for the kids and lots of relaxin, desserts and good music for the adults.

We use the 4th as a good excuse for a family reunion too.
Arden, Isaac, Maggie Kate and Ethan love to hang out together!
Ethan loved his shirt made by Arden, Maggie and Cousin Amy!
He also liked his Ethopian Coke too!
Well that's my ramblings of our summer's activities. I hope to be better about my posts! At least once a week anyway. But I am not asking anyone to hold me accountable for that!!