Braddy's Come to Visit

In July, my dear friend Mandy and her two kiddos came to spend a couple of days with us. Lauren turned 10 the day they arrived, and Jack (yep, she has a Jack, too!) is 5, about 6 months behind my Jack. We all had a lot of fun--the two Jacks were pretty funny, playing, then arguing, then playing some more! Acted like they had been together their whole lives. Callie was very excited to have Lauren to play with, who also loves art and crafty things. Because it was Lauren's birthday, we made "Happy Pie"--a beautiful tradition started from our High School days...you go to the store, pick out everything yummy, and make it into a pie!! I think I could make something pretty good, but, leave it up to the kids, and it gets a little...rediculous!! M&M's, sprinkles, chocolate pudding, marshmellows...wow! Such a fun time--so glad they came to visit us!

American Idol!!!

We were VERY in to American Idol this past Spring, and Callie especially loved watching it every week. So.....Bryan surprised us with tickets to the American Idol Tour concert when it came to Houston in July, for Callie's and Allison's birthdays...so fun! Callie's favorite was Pia, who was voted off late in the season, and Lauren Alaina. Jack preferred James Durbin, the Rocker, and Scotty. Mae even got into it a little, and now whenever she hears James Durbin come on in the car, she starts bobbing her head and saying, "Oh, yeah, Baby!"! Papa and Grammy came, too, although I didn't manage to get any pictures of them. Thanks, Daddy!

Grandpa and Gran Gran's

The kids and I were able to go spend a few days with Grandpa and Gran Gran in July. The country, the fishing, the swimming pool, paddle boat, the cows...what's not to love?! However, with the heat, it's not near as enjoyable this time. Just flat to hot to do anything outside!

Pool Time

Ashton's Graduation

I think the title of this section should be, "Ashton's Graduation, Really????!" It's hard to believe that that little boy I met years ago, and stood as ringbearer in my wedding, graduated from highschool...crazy! For those of you who don't know him, Ashton is the son of Bryan's cousin Krista...the oldest of the "little" cousins. He has grown into an awesome, respectable, Christian young man--I've really enjoyed getting to know him through the years. And not to mention super tall and athletic! Kudos to Krista for raising a fine example for those of us with younger kiddos. I think at this point he plans to attend OCU in the fall. Almost all the extended family was able to make it to the ceremony, and we got lots of pics! Bill (Bryan's Dad) thought it was amusing to point out that the actual diploma was "missing" from it's holder...

Sweet Sisters

Just a couple of pics of Callie and Macie..."The Girls", as we call them. It's been neat to watch their relationship grow, especially as Callie really seems to be maturing and softening, lately. She is pretty motherly and protective of Macie, and usually very sweet and helpful with her. In fact, often when I am getting on Macie for something, she runs to Callie!! What little blessings!

More Cousin Time

Recently, I spent some time helping Jenny pack up her house in Deer Park in preparation of her wedding and move to San Antonio. Thankfully, her house sold quickly, and we were actually packing in a hurry! One night I took Callie, and we spent the night so I could stay and pack late. The kids were so cute...Callie read everyone's bedtime stories and got them all snuggled in...yea for older cousins! (really only 6 months older than Zeke, but, whatever it takes!) While I am pretty sad at Jen moving away, I am so excited for her new life with Brady and Chloe--what a perfect, God-driven match. I know she and the kiddos will be happy, safe, and love being a family. I suppose, to be honest, many things still remind me that Brad is gone, and that brings a moment of sadness everytime, and always will. However, what better way for life to move forward than with 2 "broken" families coming together, becoming whole again, and praising God all the while--it's a blessing!

Softball Tournament

Callie ended her softball season with a weekend tournament and an end-of-season party. We are proud of her hard work and dedication to improving--she's fun to watch, and seems to enjoy the game!