Rockin Roberts

Daddys birthday party

2009-10-22T06:08:00.000-07:00

The guys getting our dinner ready!
The three cousins that are best friends!
Phillippe and daddy
Susan,Jody me and Aimee

We gave daddy a signed picture of his favorite Redsox player
When he walked in,we had all of the grandkids in RedSox shirts
Here are most of the grandkids-we were missing Lindsay,James and Melina-they are missed when they are not here!!!!
Travis and his girlfriend
Aileen and her girlfriend
Reagan and his girlfriend
Jason and his girlfriend

Parrott Park Museum in Lindale

2009-10-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

We went to the grand opening of the new Parrott Park Museum and we had a blast!They had hamburgers and guns fights from the cowboys and so much to see.

Here are the blacksmiths showing us how they did it back then.

The Parrott family has an incredible collection of old things and is really neat to see.He actually built all of the buildings himself-he did a great job!

Weekend at the Roberts

2009-09-29T16:01:00.000-07:00

Blake and Grayson
We watched our niece,Kimber Jo, in a sweet pageant-she did very good!!

We went to the carnival with all of the Roberts-had a good time,but made us all sad on how much the disease is effecting dad.

My new precious Cub Scout,Grayson!

2009-09-14T09:02:00.001-07:00

Grayson wanted to become a Cub Scout,so we have joined and we have our first meeting tonight! We dont know who is more excited,J & me or Gray!! Here is Gray opening his Cub Scout uniform.

My baby looks soo big!!! We have officially started our Boy Scout career!
Trying on his t-shirt.

My sweetie,Marion!

2009-09-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

Labor Day Celebration

2009-09-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

We went to Calvary Commission for the day and they had games and bar.b.que.
Here they are slinging water balloons

First time Gray has flown a kite!!

Back to school!!!

2009-09-14T07:50:00.001-07:00

Roberts back from Belgium!

2009-08-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

Jasons brother and family are back from Belgium ,as they were serving as missionaries for almost 2 years.They came back a little early to spend some quality time with dad.It is so good to see them!!

My wonderful in-laws!!
Dad and Maw Maw!

Our Getaway!

2009-08-17T06:20:00.000-07:00

J & I had a getaway for a couple of days to Kemah!! It was so wonderful!! It was like a honeymoon!!Kemah is so incredible and I would suggest it to every family!!!

Graysons Birthday Party

2009-07-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at Gray's party-it was so good seeing my good friends I havent seen all summer!
J & Tim-our great guys!
Me and my best friend & sister!!
Leo & Leona that are very special to us came to the party!

Family Vacation

2009-07-13T07:33:00.001-07:00

Our vacation was wonderful in Branson and Arkansas.We had a blast and the boys loved Branson so much that they wanted to move there!
Here is the boardwalk at Branson-very cool!
We went to SilverDollar City-which the boys loved--Jason went as a kid-so he had lots of memories!

Silver Dollar City is very unique and everybody was dressed like pioneers and blacksmiths and such--they have booths with yummy food with sausage,potatoes and onions all grilled.

We went down in the cave-the boys loved that!

The place we stayed was had a huge pool and slide.

We then went to Eureka Springs.

We spent some time with his family and that was great!We went to the Fishnet and had a good lunch with them.

Marion and Grayson had a blast with their cousins!
Uncle Donnie at his beast!

Whispering Pines

2009-07-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

I went to whispering pines with my mom,brother-in-law,my best friend and her sister.It was such an awesome time spending the week together!!My best friend,Kerri,of 22 years and her sister,Kelli-which is like my little sister!!
Kerri and I along with Shellie and Kendra have been best friends for 22 years-the other 2 couldnt make it,but i was so happy to see Kerri!!!
Here are the kiddos on our side-my niece and nephews and the boys.
The first night there,we grilled hot dogs and hamburgers-it was so much fun getting all of the kids together!
Here is Aimee's husband Tim-he was the only guy there and it was a lifesaver having him help us out!!Thanks Tim!!
The kids played on the swingset in the evenings!
They had a ball at the pool!!We spent lots of time there!!
Marion!!!!!!!
Tristan and Grayson-Tim calls them the goofball brothers!
Havin fun at the pool!

Fun night with Marla!

2009-06-24T21:51:00.001-07:00

The last time Marla and I had a girls night out was last November,so it was really good getting together one of my closest friends!We always have a very fun time-and she is very special to me-she is a great encourager and lifts me up when i need it most!!!
We first went out to eat,then shopping for a summer outfit,then went to her house to catch up!We got a hostess to take our picture and this hostess wanted in our picture-we didn't mind at all!!
So this is where the night gets really funny!!! We sit around and I am talking about cutting my bangs-I hear those famous last words,"Oh,I can cut your bangs,I have done that before!!!" So of course-what do I say,"COOL,lets do it!!!"---OK,flash back right now,when you were in high school and your best friend cuts your hair,perms it,or colors it-and it is a disaster(I know everybody has that memory!!!!)---OK-back to my story..........so we are in her bathroom and she gets the dull scissors out,combs my hair-all the while looking like she knows what she is doing--begins to carefully cut my hair--after she cuts,the hair drops to the floor and my bangs go way short--I turn to the mirror and we both started laughing soo hard--I am a cross of Urkle and Katy Perry! I am crying with my make-up running down my face because I am laughing so hard!! All the time Marla is saying "OH MY GOODNESS YOU ARE GOING TO HATE ME!!" I would never hate her-and even though it needs bit of a shaping--it really didnt turn out too bad!!!
So I took a picture of it and I'm really ok with it---thanks Marla for doing this-I got a haircut and wonderful memories I will never forget to boost!!!

Roberts Place

2009-06-22T21:12:00.000-07:00

This post is soo backwards-so bear with me!!! We went to the zoo,then went to mcdonalds to eat.
The boys loved going to the zoo-
The boys playing in the pool!
Enjoying just being together-that is enough!!
MawMaw playing with Gray!
J and dad messing around-i love my babies new du!!!!
Here is our feast with all of the fresh veggies-talk about good!!!!!They shelled the peas for lunch!
Every morning we gather the veggies-love this part!!!

Maw Maw got a cake and because it is so close to his birthday-he announced it was his birthday cake and we sang happy birthday to him!!!!

Good times at the Roberts!!

2009-06-13T00:08:00.000-07:00

We got dad out of the house and had a wonderful day!!We grabbed lunch and took it to the zoo so we could ride the train and play on the playground.
They have the neatest train at the LufkinZoo!
The two ready for the ride!!
Love this picture!!
My sweet man,J,playing with Grayson!

We enjoyed this time with dad!
Mom has a great garden and we are enjoying gardening with her!!!!
Grayson loves to get out there and pick the vegetables!!!!
It is amazing to me how she is soo selfless and patient with the boys!!! Thank-you for being soo wonderful mom!!!!

Weekend at the Roberts!

2009-06-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

With Jasons dad not getting any better,we decided to take the summer and spend it with the Roberts to help them out and spend these special times with them.We havent been here long but have already have priceless times and memories!!We thank God for being able to have this time with dad!!!...................................Grayson diving into the pool--the next morning,it had no air in it-could it have anything to do with what he was doing right here???????
Gray and PawPaw taking a walk around and talking about snakes-no telling what else!!
Here is Gray and MawMaw trying out the new swingset!!
The two of them-drawing water.
There is no telling what he is showing them-probably a bug!!
Uncle Donnie is sooo fun to be around!! J and Uncle Donnie playing with Kimber Jo!!
Dad,Uncle donnie,and Grandma!!
Rickys two boys were over-so we had a great time hangin' out!!
Four generation!!!!!! Jason is so blessed to have his grandmother--she is so sweet,lots of energy,too!!!!
Bye,bye!!! Back to Arkansas they go!!!

End of School Party

2009-06-08T16:46:00.001-07:00

Grayson graduated to the 1st grade and he is very proud and excited!!!
We had a great time at his party-I have really enjoyed getting to know the other moms-with seeing them at every event,we became good friends.
Here is one of Graysons friends dad and a couple of his firefightin' buddies-they were a funny sight-I had to get a picture of them!!!!
Here is Gray doing the limbo.
I know i have said it before,but we were so blessed to have Mrs.Watson for Gray's teacher!!!!

Mothers Day!!

2009-06-02T08:12:00.000-07:00

This was a definite bittersweet Mothers Day.I spent the day with my wonderful momma that raised me to what I am today.On the other hand I have my Mommy that is not with us anymore.Being the first Mothers Day was hard not being able to talk to her and thank her for what she has become in the past few years.I am very blessed and happy to have two great mothers!!!
I miss you and love you Mommy!!And Momma,thank-you for being my rock and strength through the years!!I love you!!!!
My Grayson!!
My big sis,Aimee!!! LOVE YOU GIRL!!!
My Marion!!
I feel soo blessed to be their mommy!! They are both so incredible,sweet,funny,loving,fun,and i could eat them up!!!!
Mom invited this couple to sing in our church-they were great!!!
Daddy and the men of the church cooked for all of us mom in the morning-oh so sweet!
Here are the kiddos with mom and dad!
Here are the goofball brothers!!! Grayson and Tristan!!!

My Boys

2009-05-25T14:25:00.001-07:00

It was cowboy day at Gray's school--here he is all dressed up!!
The boys went to one of there friends birthday party
I took this picture because it was so sweet how Marion was helping out Grayson!

My sweet boys!!!

Our Day at the Zoo!!!

2009-05-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

I went to the zoo with his class--after we walked around,seemed like hours:),we had a nice picnic.

My trip to Mommy's house in Maine

2009-05-19T04:08:00.000-07:00

Last summer was a sad time.My Mommy passed away.You always dread the day that a parent dies-and when it actually happens,it is so much harder than what you could ever imagine!!!!It is hard so many days because I am wanting to pick the phone up and call her and wanting to see her.She is not here,I cant hear her voice or see her again,that makes me sad.The one thing that has gotten me through, is in the promise that our Lord gives to us each and everyday-that is- the hope,life,victory,and excitement of the place He has for us in Heaven!!!! It will be such a glorious place that we cant even wrap our brains around,nor should we try!!!!The song I have playing on the post right now is by Chris Tomlin-it talks of a peace beyond all understanding,for what we know is to be true,is that--Jesus has overcome,the grave is overwhelmed,He is our rock and salvation-because of this,it is well with our soul!!Listen to this song---it is a comfort in time of great loss.(I am having trouble putting it on the playlist-may or maynot be on there) I know for sure that Mommy is walking with Jesus,old and new saints,and all of the family that has gone before her.But above all-she has left behind the sorrow,pain,disappointment,regret,mourning,and crying of this world!!I take great joy in this!!!!! I miss her dearly,yet know she is in such a beautiful place!!!
The plane trip was a hard one-actually seeing me and Phillippe flying into Maine was very hard.
When we arrived at Mommys house,that was most difficult.Something that was good for me as well.Here is Jake,Mommys husband and his daughter,Jody.They made us Maine lobsters the first night we were there.
Jake putting a lobster to sleep.
Me and Jake.
Lobsters---before and after!!
Here we are at our feast.We had a great time!!!Lots of laughter and family time--both what we needed.
Here we are with Jody--it was so good getting to know her-we had a good time with her.
The second night we we there,we met with my dads cousin that we had never met before---Chris,and her husband,Cliff and their daughter Meagan!!
The third night we made chalupas and the works and Chris,Cliff,and Meagan came over.
Here i am cutting up lettuce!!
Susan,Cliff,and Jody.

Phillippe cleaned up Mommys garden--one of her biggest loves--her garden!!!!!!!
Mommy and Jakes sweet house!!!
Mommy and Jake loved to sit outside and enjoy nature--here is a spot they would sit.
It was very healing to be at her house-very rough at first,but it ended up being what we all needed-she left behind 8 wonderful children--and we will pass on to our children the gifts that she has given to us!! We love you,Mommy!!!!!

The Boys Cooking!

2009-05-12T03:24:00.000-07:00

I try to get the boys in the kitchen to have them help me cook-they love it and it is so good for them! Here we are cooking tacos-they did everything,even set the table.The stool that Gray is standing on is his stool---it helps him and he loves being close to the counter.
The boys then made brownies to take to a friends house--they did everything all the way down to licking the bowl!!!!! The brownies actually tasted good!!!!

Alec's Birthday Party!!

2009-05-04T04:15:00.000-07:00

We went to one of Gray's friends,Alec, birthday party.It was so great because it was the simple party with hamburgers,pin-the-tail-on the donkey,pinata,and treasure hunt.It was much more personal than the normal party that you go and rent the place for a few hundred dollars and miss out on sweet fellowship.Grayson did not know that his girlfriend was going to be there--he was very surprised and pleased,to say the least!!!!! When i went outside to take this picture-i counted to 3-well,right when i said 3-he put his arm on Alyssa!!LIL' sly boy!!!
Pin-the-tail on the donkey.
They had a blast busting the pinata!!
They had a treasure hunt,Marion read the clues for the kids.
Here they are still searching having so much fun!!!
Almost found it!!!!
THE TREASURE!!
My babies are so sweet-just really don't think i could love them anymore!!!!!
The party crew!!
Happy Birthday,Alec!!!!!

My time with the boys!!!!

2009-04-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

We have about 6-7 acres that is behind our house that we love to hang out on.A man that owns it has a big blueberry patch and he lives elsewhere-so we just act like it is ours!!! Just about every night,we take Samson for a walk and hang out there for about an hour and a half.When we go in the back- I become a dog-walkin',woods explorin',football thrown',up-a hill-bike haulin',writin-in-the-sand,simon-says playin',dirt covered,fort buildin' momma!!!!!!! I absolutley love this time with my babies and I know they need this mommy-lovin them time!!!
This is way far back into the land by the water-tower.This is where we play most of the time.
Samson loves to eat grass,sticks and everything in between!! The boys eat some of it also!!
Marion and his buddy!
We go hiking back behind the water tower-its better in the winter-not so grown up.
Here are the boys playing.
The boys are on there way back to the house.
Marion and Samson.
This is the hill that the boys love to ride there bikes down-small,but big thrill!
I have to help get Graysons bike up the hill-thats where the bike-haulin' comes in--and I have to do it over and over again-but I dont mind,thats my baby!!!

Grayson's Easter Egg Hunt!

2009-04-23T16:01:00.000-07:00

I went to the park with Grays class to hunt eggs,have lunch,and play.Here is his class getting off the bus soooo excited about the hunt!
Here they are seeing all of the eggs all over the park.
On your mark!....get set!......
GO!!!!!
Love that baby--he wants his hair long like his bubba's---lovely growing out stage!!!!
I brought him Sonic for lunch,but he was most excited about the cherry in his drink!!
Here is Gray and Alyssa--he wanted her to put her arm on him!! Boy,oh,boy!!!!!!

Another weekend camping!!

2009-04-17T05:29:00.001-07:00

Here is our sweet lil pop-up that we enjoy!! After shooting a wedding, the guys had everything set up-J left the lights on for me!!
Grayson playing with turtles with friends he had made.
Just love this picture!!What more can I say;)!!!!
This weekend theme was snipe hunting-they taught them how to snipe hunt--this is the "good luck" roast!!
This is Misti Ray and she was singing soo awesome at her campsite,that we made her come sing for us-we later found out she just made an album.We meet so many neat people at Whispering Pines!!
Here they are being taught to snipe hunt!! :)!!!!!!!
They are actually snipe hunting here!!
This is a great picture of the boys during their hunt--before Marion found out about snipe hunting.
Here is the reaction I got when I told Marion snipe's weren't real!!
Marion was fine after a couple of minutes because he found himself a frog!!
Here is Gray still snipe hunting--so sweet!!I never did tell him about snipe hunting-he will find out one of these days.

Traditions with Lee & Leona!

2009-04-14T05:20:00.000-07:00

We went to eat with a couple that lives about 2 houses down from us.They are Lee & Leona.They are absolutely so sweet,bringing us banana bread,keeping Grayson after school when J & I are working,helps Marion with math problems(since Lee is a math wizard!)and is always there for us!!!!
My sweet babies!!!
Here is Lee holding Grays hand across the parking lot-he is very protective!!!Marion got stuck holdin Grays Diego backpack.
We are blessed to have Lee & Leona!!

Proud Mommy!!

2009-04-11T11:15:00.000-07:00

Marion brought his score home for the reading part of the TAKS test and I was so proud of him because he only missed one!!!I so love this kid-he has got the biggest heart and is so affectionate which I EAT up!!He is such a blessing to our family-he adds life,love,and sweetness to our home!!If you are wondering,yes i made him pick a switch from the back yard and I spanked him with it for missing that one problem on the test! Just Kidding!!!

Whispering Pines!!

2009-04-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

We went camping at a WONDERFUL campground in East Texas.If there is anyone looking for a great place to go camping,(cabin,rv,or tent)this is the place to go!!! It is called Whispering Pines RV & Cabin Resort and it is the best kid-friendly,fun-filling,family-feeling place you can go!There is nothing like this here in East Texas---Jason got the trailer loaded up and the boys are were so excited about going!!!
Here are all of my men!! Jason,Marion,Grayson,and Samson.They did all of the hard work packing while i worked-i got home and we jetted out!!
When we got to Whispering Pines,we where in for a treat-there was a very large group (about100 maybe??)people that play blue grass/folk music that got together there that weekend.They are people that are from different parts of the U.S. and a few times a year,they meet up at different places,bring out there instruments of all kinds,play all weekend,visit,eat,then go home at the end of the weekend.It is like a huge family.We happen to be there the weekend they were at W.P.It was really neat to sit around and listen to them play all weekend.

There were so many blue grass musicians-they had to break into a couple of different groups in different areas-this was on the pool patio and what they do is get in a some-what of a circle and go around and everybody gets a chance to sing-it was realy great!!
Here is our campfire at night.We love to sit around the campfire!!!
Whispering Pines has so much for the kids to do!There is tennis,basketball,horseshoes,jumping pillow(what Grayson was jumping on on above picture),swimming,playground,and planned activities!!Here are the boys playing golf with a boy they had met.
What is so incredible about it is they do planned activities every weekend-they pick a theme and do activities around that.Some themes are..Armed Forces weekend,Hawaiian Luau,Pirates,pink flamingo,Christmas in July,its all about chocolate,Mardi Gras weekend-and so much more!!!!This weekend was "foody" weekend.Here is Tiffany-the activity director-with the macaroni craft-Gray made a airplane.
You can rent a golfcart to drive around the resort-which we did.It was very nice,but Gray would have none of it--he wanted to ride his bike!!!
We went back to our campsite and made a fire and roasted dogs for lunch.
In the afternoon,Tiffany had a "cooking class" for all the kids-it was a no-bake cake--she got everybody involved-she did a good job with that.
Here is Marion and a friend he met that weekend learn' to no bake a cake.
What is so cool is they have 2 pools-1 pool for adults only with a hot tub and 1 pool for the kids--sooo cool!!Here are the boys with there friend Taylor.
I think the neatest part is whenever you leave-you feel like you have met family-people are soo wonderful out there and Marion and Grayson meet so many new friends everytime they go out there.Here are Marion and Grayson with many of there new friends fishing on the big pond out there.It is a great get-away!! Believe Me!!The information is Whisperingpinesrvresort.com 800-559-3817

The Rage!!

2009-03-29T16:23:00.000-07:00

The RAGE is our youth group-Reaching After Godly Encounters.Steven is such a great youth pastor and does a great job connecting with them and ministering outside of the box.
He showed a video and preached about fighting for our faith,our life,and the tools to do so with.The Word and prayer-of course!!!!!
In the times we live,it is very easy for our faith and devotion to slip away because we get to busy with the worldly distraction.Steven put blind folds on each kid and told them it was much like going through life without our Lord directing us.I believe the kids got the point Steven was making.
Here is Steven ending the night-it was all so good!!

Love Letter to Grandmommie!!!

2009-03-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

About a week ago-Grayson told me that he wanted to write Grandmommie a letter-i was really surprised because we weren't even talking about mom or anything! I asked him what he wanted to write in it and he whispered into my ear "I love you"-I said of course you can do that!!He then told me he wanted to put 'round money' (aka-coins)inside to send to her.On his birthday,mom always gives Grayson a couple of dollars in his cards and i guess he has never forgotten that because he wanted to send money to mom!!!So,so sweet!!!!
Grayson looked around the house for about 15 minutes trying to find something to put in the card--when it was all said and done,it contained--a letter expressing his love,a pencil from his room,a braclet he made at church and a colored picture he colored at curch.He was oh so proud!!He sealed it himself and even addressed it,put the stamp on and put it in the mailbox---needless to say,momma was beside herself!!!

Lifegroup

2009-03-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

Every other weekend after church,we go to Pastor Doug and Judy's house for lifegroup-it is a chance to have fellowship and devotion with others in our church.Gray and Marion love to go because they love to feed the horses!!

Pasor Dill's Birthday~

2009-03-17T05:18:00.001-07:00

Our church surprised P.Dill with a presentation during church and a reception after church to celebrate his 70th birthday.We are so blessed to have such a caring,God-fearing,passionate,loving,powerful,and strong pastor!!!!! He is such a example of God's unfailing love--he has been my biggest cheerleader and loudest encourager!! Jason and I feel blessed to serving the Lord with him!! Here is Louie Gohmert presenting him with a few items including a flag.
Louie and Pastor.Dill's family are good friends.
Marion with Louie.

Battlecry!!!!!!!

2009-03-10T19:34:00.000-07:00

This past weekend,I went with our youth group to Battlecry in Dallas.Battlecry is a 2 day event bringing our youth together full of praise and worship,skits,good preachin' and devoting to changing this generation.Battlecry is put on by Teen Mania.Teen Mania is an organization with the desire for the young generation to passionately pursue Jesus Christ thru Acquire The Fire,global expeditions,and the Honor Academy.Teen Mania houses a few hundreds kids and is actually here in Lindale.
Here are some of the kids writing me notes on our way to Dallas-I had the older girls in my car,so it wasn't so loud and crazy!
Some of my girls-Rachael,Hailey,and Jessica!!
My baby got to go even though he is not old enough to be in the youth group-it is one of the perks of being a youth leader:)!!He had a blast!!!
Here we are-the band,Unhindered had us do some CRAZY worship-they were our worship leaders for the 2 days.It is sooo powerful to see over 7,000 youth praise God together!!!!!
Here is the guy who started Teen Mania-he preached on Jesus being a need in our life and not just a want.It was very good!!!!!
Leeland was our concert Friday night-anybody who listens to christian music knows that rocks-they were awesome!!I was really upset because I had to leave early on Sat. to photograph a wedding in Dallas--I missed Jeremy Camp and the Newsboys!
LEELAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here is another time at worship time that everyone had to get as low as they could.
Here is Unhindered in worship mode--as you can see,our seats weren't that great-God really made me humble because i really thought we should have had GREAT seats,since we are like family to the Teen Mania kids!Jason and I go pick up Teen Mania kids in our church van since most of them don't have cars,as part of our ministry.We are so close to many of them!!Maybe it is because we waited too late to get the tickets-dont know for sure,but will talk to them for next year:)!!!!Battlecry was great for our youth!!I volunteer because I am soo blessed when I do!I love these kids and it is so important to impact them at this age-I urge all of us to do more for this generation-it is sooo vital!!!!!

A tribute to my father-in-law,Rudy!

2009-03-03T08:03:00.000-08:00

I have to be honest here-I have been putting off this post for about a week now.It is a very special,yet hard one to do.It is about my wonderful father-in-law,Rudy Roberts.He has been for me the past 8 years,a place of smiles,warm hugs,encouraging words,laughter,and a example of rejoicing our Lord through any circumstance.His eyes sparkle crystal blue and absolutley shine evey time he smiles!He is very strong in his faith and encouraged his spirit with everyday sitting on the porch reading the Word.Some of you know,but others may not know that he has Alzheimers.This has been a very hard journey for the past three years.Normal everyday of what used-to-be has turned into confusion and frustration.This visit a couple of weeks ago revealed the true reality of this disease to me.I saw the sharp difference in my dad's behavior and it hit me the hardest so far.We are visiting them more and I truely cherish every moment I have with him.My mother-in-law,Diane is a great example of a rock and angel.She is strong for all of us and is struggling to do everything she can to make things 'normal'.I truely have been so blessed to have such wonderful parents through them.I love you both so dearly.And,yes,my make-up is shot,but I knew it would be.
Dad is always explaining things to Grayson-dont get too close to the creek,ect...
Everytime we come around,it never fails-dad loves to play with Grayson-he turns into a kid everytime he is around Gray!!
Here is Jason's brother,Ricky,tilling up the land.
Ricky found an old glove in the dirt-no telling how long it has been there!!!
Here is another chance that dad has taken to explain something about life to Grayson.
You have to know that dad keeps us in stiches-here Gray and dad are at the outhouse by the barn!!!
Grayson picked me a flower-my sweet baby!!
Going to MawMaw's and PawPaw's is such a great get away for all of us.Grayson is very spoiled and has absolutely soo much fun!!Like I said before-what Grayson wants-Grayson gets!!!
Here is Kimber-Jo,the newest member of our family.She loves to smile!!
All of the boys playing-these are Rickys other kids-Marion missed out but we will go back soon!
They had a blast playing with each other!!!
Even though the days on the porch reading the word,remembering what day it is,being able to do everyday tasks,and to fully understand what is going on has disappeared-the thing that does remain is the love he shares,presence of his wonderful spirit,and that beautiful and wonderful smile!!!!!

Teacher Appreciation Lunch!

2009-02-26T13:18:00.000-08:00

Me and the moms at Graysons school gave the teachers and staff a lunch to show our appreciation to them.I feel so blessed to have a wonderful,loving,caring staff at Gray's school-I dont believe that the people that work for the schools get enough credit and i always try to let them know how much i appreciate them.This lunch was such a small token to them.I always give the teachers a gift at each holiday,and even then i believe they deserve so much more!!!Thank-You to all of the teachers out there!!!!Mandy-you too- all the way in Georgia! -----Here is my friend Rosemary-lookin' soo cute sportn' some enchiladas!!!
Here is some of the staff-Mary Ann(in the black shirt)is receptionist and knows me oh so well from always calling and going up there--she is ALWAYS so patient when I need something:)!!!!Mrs.Neal is the far one siting down-she is our principle-she is soo sooo sweet!!!
While I was there of course I brought and had lunch with my baby-guess who he sat by!!!!!!!!!Man,that was a hard guess!!!!
Me and my sugarplum!!!
Yes,on the other side of him was his bestfriend,Cade!!!!!!!!!

Grady Skeleton Band @ Rick's!!

2009-02-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

Jason and I went on the town Saturday night to see my nephew,James,play at Ricks.All I can say is that we had a BLAST!!! We had a wonderful dinner at Ricks and then listened to James' band called Grady Skeleton Band.They are an incredible texas country band.James absolutely ROCKED on the electric guitar!!!! His fingers moved so fast that I couldnt keep up with them!!He is soo talented!!The lead singer,Grady has got a incredible voice--the part that we liked was that it was his own style and he didnt sound like every other country singer!!!!
Here is James gettin' down!!!
The band is coming out with a CD soon and
I think it will do VERY well!! I will keep you informed!!!!
I love you very much,James!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love this picture!One of my favorites of all night!!
They had soo much charisma and energy-they were very entertaining to watch!!!! Jason and I had a great time watching them!

Marion's Basketball Game

2009-02-21T12:42:00.001-08:00

Marion is playing Upwards Basketball this year and it has been really good-so much better than the football league-and there is one reason--God is in this!! Before each game they pray and have a devotion at halftime.It is a great example for the boys to be in this environment.
And they are off!!
Here is the halftime devotion.
Marion had a great game with many rebounds and 2 baskets!
This has been a great experience-so much better than the other sports where fighting,politics,and fierce competition is the norm.What happened to just letting kids be kids and having fun????

Valentines Day Party!!

2009-02-17T16:40:00.000-08:00

Grayson bought his girl,Alyssa,a stuffed bear for Valentines Day.I brought it up to the school for Gray-I was holding the camera in my hand while talking to another mom and looked up just in time to see him give it to her-hence the fingerprint on the photo.I didnt have time to clean the lens because I didnt realize he was going to give it to her!!
We had sundaes at his Valentines party-here are some of my class mom friends making sundaes for the kids.
Piling them high with all kind of goodies!
His wonderful teacher,Mrs.Watson,and Gray diggin' in!!!!Thank you Kristy for being such a wonderful teacher!!!!!!
You know he had to take a picture with his girl!!!!!

At the Sweetheart Ball with my lil sweetheart!!!!

2009-02-09T06:44:00.001-08:00

After getting Grays haircut and getting mine done-which the woman cut Grays hair to short and tangled,fried,and sprayed my hair till it was like a helmet,we came home and got dressed(i had to redo my hair in 5 min because my hair was a disaster).Gray has been so excited about the Ball and we have been practicing our dancing almost every night for the past 2 weeks.He even put on candles the last few nights we practiced.He is so romantic:)!

Grayson and I love to make silly faces-its our thang!!!We couldnt go without doing these-i laugh out loud when i see Gray in this picture!!
Ok-so i have to put this picture up-anybody that knows my son,knows that he has VERY full lips that girls are going to love---but i do have to ask the question-how in the WORLD did he get his lips to do this!!!!!!!!!!!!
We went to eat at Posados and he was a gentleman and opened all of my doors for me,even the car door.He was so sweet!!
Me and my baby!!!!
Grayson took this picture of the ceiling of the dance-guess he was impressed!
Gray with his bestfriend,Cade and his teacher,Mrs.Watson!
Gray doing the limbo.
"At the carwash!!"Oh yea-we were washing our cars--my baby had the best time dancing!!
The end to a wonderful and magical night.Our date ended with a sweet kiss!!!It will always be a special night!!!

Our trip to Tyler State Park

2009-01-28T18:42:00.000-08:00

My sweet babies!!!
The boys doing what they love-fishing!
Me and Marion
Jason and Grayson in the paddle boat-i love this picture!!!

Christmas at Mommas and Daddys

2009-01-24T15:28:00.000-08:00

Here we are celebrating a few birthdays-with a large family-you gotta do it as a group!!
It is always so hard getting around the table at once-but we try!!!!
With being blessed with such a large family,you kinda hang out everywhere-it takes a while to catch up with everybody-so the key is to move around alot:)!!!
K.C. and Kat went to Thailand and brought back neat robes,boxing shorts,and alphabets.
So here is my WONDERFUL family-my parents,siblings,and our family-crazy,huh??? I wouldn't have it ANY other way!!!We are all soooo close which is odd for a large family--we are so incredibly blessed!!!

MawMaw & PawPaw's house!!

2009-01-15T20:52:00.000-08:00

Warm'n up before the fight!!!
Paw Paw & Gray just relax'n.
The Fight-it was really funny to watch!!Paw Paw always plays so fun with Gray-he keeps us in stitches just watching him!!!!-its great times!!!
Maw Maw & Gray baking gingerbread cookies.Gray gets so spoiled when he goes there--what Gray wants-Gray gets:)!!Mom and Dad are so giving!! They are are so precious to us!!!

Our family tradition: The Nutcracker!!!

2009-01-15T20:14:00.000-08:00

Mom has been taking the family to the Nutcracker every year and it has become a great tradition-18 of us went this year!Mom is so incredible and is my rock on so many levels---she is such a jewel!!!I'm sure she wont mind me sharing-but i am amazed that she just turned 72!!!!!!! She is soo beautiful!! I tell her this all the time!!!My friend saw this picture and asked "has she gotten plastic surgery?!!" I said-no,that is all natural!!!Thanks momma for a great holiday!!
The boys had a great time-i was worried about sitting through the whole thing-but he loved it!!I would have taken more pictures,but we weren't allowed.

Dinner after the show

2009-01-15T19:50:00.000-08:00

Me and my sista'
The goofy three musketeers!!!!!!
The cousins and Kat.
It was sooo good to have Kat and KC home from Iraq!!!!
The girls.

Christmas parties at the boys school!!

2009-01-15T19:22:00.000-08:00

Marions buddies-i have really enjoyed getting to know them all this year!!!They are such sweethearts!!
I have gone to every party at his schools since he was in pre-k and i dread the year when they stop having the holiday parties.I know the time is coming fast and it will be a sad day!!
So,after Mar's party-i went to Gray's party and he was dying for me to take a picture of him and 'his girl'.He was very proud.He talks alot about'his friend'!!!!
All of his friends exchanged books-wild time!!
Gray and his teacher,Mrs.Watson-we are blessed to have her!!!

Christmas Parade

2008-12-29T16:48:00.000-08:00

We had a float in the parade to advertise for the churchs live navity drive-thru.

Here is some of my youth group that came with us on the float.I love them-they are great!!!!

I'm so proud!!

2008-12-01T18:20:00.000-08:00

Everybody that knows me,knows i am goofy,crazy at times,and love to have fun!!Do you suppose my boys inherited this trait??!!! (I think Marion looks like me in this picture-what do you think??)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

2008-11-29T12:57:00.001-08:00

I want to let Darrell and Nicole know that we missed you through this holiday season and it was not the same without you!!!!We love you and here is some pictures to show you.We hope you had a wonderful day!!!! We went to Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving and it was really good and wonderful to walk away from the mess!!I forgot my camera there,but did shoot some when we got home.Here we are taking a walk in the back of our house through the acreage and enjoying our walk.
Paw Paw and Gray through the woods.

Our new baby girl,Kimber!!!!This is our new niece and very special because she is the first girl in the Roberts family!!!!

2008-11-29T12:44:00.000-08:00

Here we are enjoying the beautiful day!!!!
Maw Maw,Paw Paw,and Gray singing to the flag before the Cowboys game.
Love this picture!!!!
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!!!!

Thanksgiving Feast!

2008-11-23T16:15:00.000-08:00

I went to Gray's Thanksgiving Feast on Thurs. morning-when I arrived Mrs.Watson was reading them a Thanksgiving book.After that she talked about how special the kids were and as she cried,of course I did as well!!!!!She is soooo sweet!!
After the book reading-the class performed 3 poems and singing --it was very sweet.Gray did really good considering how shy he is.
Here he is showing out which is not normal in a large crowd-but really cute.
So they each wrote down what they were grateful for---they were all really touching-the normal"Thanks for mom,dad,Jesus,God,my dog,grandfather"ect.-then there is my kid.He is thankful for BLUEBERRIES!!I guess spending time in the blueberry patch this summer made an impact on him.?
Me and my baby at the feast in the cafeteria.

Eagles!!!!!

2008-11-20T13:42:00.000-08:00

Marions football team made it to the playoffs and was one game away from the Superbowl.We came into this game knowing it would be a fight.Both teams were very good.After a great and exciting game,we ended up short.The kids were upset but they had a great game!!!!!
Here is Marion about to be handed the ball-he is the one in the very back-because he is a running back!!!!
I love watching him play!!
Marion and Jacob trying to put on a smiling face after a tough loss.

Drive-In Time

2008-11-20T13:10:00.000-08:00

Friday night we went to the drive-in to see Madagascar 2-it was very cold but very fun.

2008-11-06T18:28:00.000-08:00

One of my Best friends from high school sent Grayson a ton of clothes for the winter-it was such a blessing and his wardrobe all the way down to his shoes is packed-Thank-You my Ker-Bear!I love you more than you know!!!!Out of ALL the wonderful shirts that he received-he picked this shirt to wear first!!Wow,huh?!!Very wild and he loves it!!He told me that the kids at school are going to think its cool.So he went to school so very proud of his awesome shirt.
My two babies waiting for the school bus.
Sampson having a fit because we are on the other side of the fence!Yes,its looks like he is about to eat the boys-but his is actually a huge teddy bear!!!!!!!
Whenever the school bus comes around the corner-Sampson watches it because he knows that the boys are about to get on it.Here Sampson is as he just spotted the bus!!!

Good Luck Andrea & Patrick!!

2008-11-06T18:21:00.001-08:00

I hung out with my good friend,Andrea,kids.Andrea and Patrick were taking a load to storage and I decided to hang out with the kidos for a while.Andrea and Patrick are moving and we will miss them and all of their sweet babies!!! We wish you the best and may God bless you at this time!!!

Halloween Fun

2008-11-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Marion went to a Halloween party last Friday night.
Tristan came for the holiday weekend and when he arrived-we saw they both had painted ghost on their faces that they got at school-weird.
What Marion turns into when the sun goes down!!
On Friday night,we went to a friends house and had a cookout and bonfire after we trick-or-treated.Here is Marion and a couple of his buddies.
umm..interesting-I know.

Visiting MawMaw &PawPaw's

2008-10-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

We went to the Roberts and had a wonderful visit!!! I wanted to take a few photos with the Roberts men and thought they turned out sweet.It is always good to go to the Roberts-It is down home lovin'and cookin'.Here is PawPaw and Gray playing in the backyard.
The thing about the Roberts men is that they are a bunch of clowns,so when you see Gray make silly faces it is not surprising because he gets it from both side of the families!!!!!

2008-10-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

This needs to somewhere,like a....a billboard!!!!
PawPaw and Gray trying to act cool!
MawMaw and PawPaw had the biggest head of cabbage and carrot I have ever seen!!!!
What can I say?
Here we are leaving-PawPaw making a silly face-you wonder where Gray gets it from!!

YouTube - Love is not a Fight by Warren Barfield

2008-10-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

YouTube - Love is not a Fight by Warren Barfield

Drugs R Un'Bear'able!!!!

2008-10-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

Grayson's school had a parade with their bears and their floats in honor of drug awareness week.We took a couple of laps around the football field and had a parade-This is Mrs.Watson-Gray's teacher.She is soo sweet and we are blessed to have her this year!!!
Organized chaos...maybe?????....
Gray and his little float that we made.
And we are off!!!!!!
The kids were suppose to raise their teddybears-Gray got this teddy when he was with Grandmommie at the carnival they went to.

Happy Birthday MawMaw!!

2008-10-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

It's Jason's mom's birthday today--October24!HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!If i could-i would sing it to you about now!! You are a great mom and wonderful MawMaw!!Thanks for all you do!!
A picture of the two cats when we went to visit the Roberts last week-we had a BLAST--more pictures to come!!!!!!I absolutely LOVE this picture!!

Going to Grandmommie's and Grandpa's

2008-10-24T06:25:00.000-07:00

Gray and I went to mom and dad's house because i had to photograph a wedding in Houston.It was nice because we got to spend the weekend with them.(besides Sat. for me)Here is Tristan-Gray's cousin-and Gray in a tree.Tristan is my sister's son.My sister Aimee and I are 13 months apart and very close!!What is so funny is that these two boys are boy versions of me and Aimee-30 years later!!

They found a new tree to climb at grandmommies.
Friday night after mom made us wonderful homemade enchiladas and tacos,we ventured off to the local theater.No,it doesn't have surround sound,stadium seating,plush floors,huge top notch screen to watch-but let me tell you what this little theater does have--cozy hometown feel,musty yummy smell that only buildings that have seen many lives and years come and go,popcorn and drinks for $1,but BEST of all-making wonderful memories with my momma, as we take the boys to the 'ole time theater!
Thanks mom and dad for a wonderful weekend!

'Fireproof' Trailer

2008-10-22T13:23:00.001-07:00

If you haven't seen the trailer for Fireproof-just click on 'watch trailer' and watch it-you will be able to get a glimpse of what the movie is about.----MAKE SURE you scroll down to the bottom and PAUSE the playlist before you listen to the trailer or you wont be ale to hear the trailer.

The Love Dare

2008-10-21T14:58:00.000-07:00

My Wonderful friend,Marla,came to my work and surprised me with this book the "Love Dare".It goes along with the movie"Fireproof".Jason and I have been wanting to see it but have been putting it off.When Marla brought this book by,it really encouraged us to make it a priority to go and watch it-so we did two days later.WOW!-is all I can say!!Jason and I cried and held hands throughout the entire movie-it was sooo powerful!!!Whether your marriage is rock solid,needs a little encouragement,or on shaky ground-you MUST see this movie.For couples that are in relationships--must see movie as well!Such an eye opener to what is truly important!!
Thank-you Marla!!Love You!

Happy Birthday Marion!!!

2008-10-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

Oct.7th is Marion's birthday and we celebrated with cupcakes since his party is Friday night--my sweet baby is 11 years old-oh my,how time is flying!!! He is such a precious thang!!!

Girl's Night Out

2008-10-04T06:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Jason and Grayson went to see my mother and father in-law,Marion spent the night with a friend- so I had a girl's night out with one of my close,dear friends Marla.We have been friends for many years and believe it or not,many moons ago I took her senior portraits when I was starting to get into the photography business at Lifetouch--that was a few years before we became close-small world.She is absolutely one of the sweetest people I have ever known -she is so encouraging,uplifting,and one of the few friends I can act absolutely goofy with and not care who is watching!!!Thank-You Marla-Love you,Girl!!!!!!!!!!
We went to eat at Posadas and then went to the drive-in theater to watch "The Women" perfect for us because it was a total chick flick.We wanted to see "My Best Friend's Girl" but wasn't playing yet.
If you haven't been to the drive in-you gotta go-J and i have taken the boys a couple of times and they have LOVED it and Marla and I had a BLAST(High School Musical 3 is about to show)anyway--candy and drink in hand,we plopped down in our chairs and enjoyed the movie.
When the movie ended--the theater always plays silly songs-so instead of putting up our chairs away and getting into our cars and leaving,Marla and I danced around and did the chicken dance and then we danced to 2 songs off of the Grease soundtrack -they had it blaring and how could you not dance to it????We had a blast!!!Good thing there were only about three cars there!!

Moore Farm Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

Tues I went with Gray and his and a few of the other kindergarten classes to the Brookshire Park and then carried on to the Moore farm.They had planned activities including a hayride and pumpkin picking-so much fun!!
Playing at the park.
We ate lunch at the park and Grayson and his friend thought it was sooo cool they had the SAME drink!!!!
A play at the farm.
Plow demonstration.

2008-10-02T14:32:00.000-07:00

The pumpkin patch where the kids picked their pumpkin.
This was the hayride going out to the pumpkin patch.
Demonstration of pumpkin carving,yea,Grayson was real into it!!
OK-so this is really FUNNY!!!!! Anybody that knows me well,knows that i smell just about everything in my range of smell or touch-strange I know-just cant help it,have done it since I can remember!!!!!Even stranger thing-my son does the same thing-so the class got to pass by all the pumpkins to look at all of them and my son starts to smell them.So.......
They all start to smell them!!!!!!!Funny,HUH?!!!

"Saw You At The Pole" Rally

2008-09-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

Wed. night we had a rally during youth(I help with the youth at my church)and saw pictures of see you at the pole when we arrived.
Here is our youth pastor-Pastor Mike-he rocks!-making announcements.

Here are some of my dorks-I love them none-the-less!!!
Couple of my sweeties.

2008-09-30T12:57:00.000-07:00

Some other leaders.
Here are a couple of are guys playing a game-who can eat a frozen Snikers the fastest-Skyler on the right won!
Here is Pastor Mike praying before praise and worship.
Praise and worship
Alter Call-a very powerful time this night!

ROCKN' C RANCH ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-25T06:47:00.000-07:00

When I arrived on Wed. the kids were about to go swimming-just about everybodys favorite time of day!
Here is Mr.Griffin(principle)talking character talk to the kids-it was very inspiring.
The first night we had a campfire with hamburgers,hotdogs and smores.It was yum,yum!!
Marion and his buddies.
The night ended with an awesome hayride-the boys went first and us girls stayed back while Mr Matt had a character talk and then we went on our hayride!!!

2008-09-25T06:20:00.000-07:00

Here we are at aquatics and fishing-the kids are taking samples of the lake water.
Here is my group on the trail ride -they practiced in the arena for about 10 minutes and went on the trail and road for about 45 minutes -so i was so proud of my babies!!!!!
Love this picture of my Mar!!
They got to brand a piece of wood with the Rockn'C Ranch brand.
My group !!!Yea-they will always always have a special place in my heart!!!!

2008-09-25T05:56:00.000-07:00

Me and my girls!!We will forever be bonded!!!!
First thing every morning we gathered around the flagpole-Mr.Matt shared a character story,did the pledge,prayer and then went to eat.
Kinda scary!!The kids loved me anyhow!!!!
My group #3!!!I was in charge of this group for all three days.I took them to all of the activities and I was their lil' momma while we were out there. They were the best!!I fell in love with each of them!
Our last challenge-to make a raft and to see if it would float-no it did not--but it was fun watching.

IKE

2008-09-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

So what do you do doing raging hurricane,Ike? Go to Dairy Queen and eat ice cream and build forts,of course!!!!
Friday night,we kept our friend's son-Tommy and we went to DQ and saw evacuees there watching the weather channel.
Then all day on Saturday-Gray built a fort and had a blast while we were glued to the television.
Gray and all -well,some of his stuffed animals.
Grayson's masterpiece!!

Off to go camping!

2008-09-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

I am heading off today to go with Marion's homeroom teacher and two other classes to Rockn' C Ranch! I am so excited!!!We will spend Wed,Thur,and Fri there.It will be great interaction with the great outdoors and hands-on for the children as far as animals and the country environment.I will have great pictures to come!!!!Grayson is pumped because he going to spend the night with a friend tonight-so he will have a blast,and Jason will have some quiet r&r!!!!!!!!Catch ya later!!!!

This is for you Maw Maw!!

2008-09-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

Maw Maw let us bring home the jeep she has had at her house for years-and Gray has been enjoying it sooo much!!! Thank-you so much Maw Maw and we love you bunches!!!!

4 Things

2008-09-12T11:58:00.000-07:00

I was tagged a long time ago but just now getting around to doing this because i dont like doing this type of stuff-so here it goes...
4 Things about me:
4 things to do today:
1:laundry 2:prepare for Ike 3:paint toenails 4:pay a bill
4 things I like about my hubby:
1:hard working 2:great daddy 3:handy-man 4:not afraid to clean house
4 places I have lived:
1:Connecticut 2:Dallas 3:Navasota 4:Lindale
4 places I have been:
1:Caribbean 2:Jamaica 3:Maine 4:Colorado
4 places I want to go:
1:BoraBora 2:Hawaii 3:Across the USA
4 things you don't know about me
1:When I was young,i jumped into a pool and almost drowned but my brother jumped in and saved me.
2:I have 6 sisters and 4 brothers-a blended family yet a very close family!!!
3:I was the homecoming queen of my graduating class and when i went back to crown the next years queen-Chuck Norris was there watching the game and halftime(he has a ranch in our town)
4:I had natural childbirth with Grayson.The reason I chose to go without the drugs is because I had the drugs with Marion and it was horrible!!So -if i ever did it again i would go with a midwife and forget the hospital altogether!!

Guard Dog

2008-09-11T06:26:00.000-07:00

Snuggled in the hole that Samson has made-filled with toys of every kind and a bright colored chair to make a lovely umbrella,Samson looks on and watches- making sure all is well with the one he looks after.

"Are you ready for some football?!!"

2008-09-07T12:57:00.000-07:00

Football season is under way and it is awesome-I love watching the games and yelling from the stands-especially when my baby gets the ball.It will be very hard this year with so many wedding planned,but I will do the best I can.
Here they are running onto the field-yes,Marion is always the first one out-everytime.
Here is the head coach talking to Marion and one of Marion's best friends Cody about being strong leaders during the game.I didn't get any of the game-I zoomed in for these pictures on my point and shoot and they were bad enough.
Here is another one of Mar(on the left) and Cody(on the right)getting ready to go onto the field.
THIS IS MY FAVORITE!!! Is this not adorable?! -Grayson looking up at his Bubba!!He adores Marion and wants to be just like his big brother!!He always puts on Marions football uniform.

Cooking!

2008-09-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

Gray LOVES to cook and I let him help me more than I would like.It takes so much longer and makes such a bigger mess but I know the joy he gets out of helping me and that overrides any of the other!!Here we are making gravy.

Grayson and Blake

2008-09-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

So here is the story of Grayson and Blake...........
They are cousins-Jason and his brother Darrell's sons.They are about two months apart and they are best friends.They have been since they were born.Grayson has four cousins that are close to his age that he is very close to and Blake is one of them.Darrell,his wife Nicole,Blake,and their youngest son Landon moved from Lufkin at the beginning of this year to be missionaries to Mons,Belgium for two years.We are so very proud and honored--yet in the same breath very sad and our hearts are heavy to hold them,love them,and laugh with them.We are so confident in the lives that are being changed through our Lord Jesus Christ by them following their calling-this is what we fall on when we become sad.Grayson talks about Blake alot and every so often he will say "Lets go see Blake!!" Wow! Easier said than done.I do my blog,not for people all around the world to be amazed by my blog and to hand out advice they will use for years to come-but for my family--like Darrell and Nicole to be connected to us and a chance to grow with them in our own little way.
What is so significant about Grayson drawing the balloons is because Blake's birthday is Set.3-four days before he drew the picture.Grayson had no idea it was close to Blake's birthday!!So Nicoley,we didnt send any gift or card,(no I dont have my act together!)-so consider this Graysons gift to Blake because I feel this is truely from God!!!!!I love you all so much!!!ENJOY!!!!!

Happy Birthday Blake!!!!!!!

2008-09-01T19:14:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago, Grayson walks into the kitchen with an unusual site.He is holding a piece of sage paper covered with balloons that he just finished drawing.Having held a drawing of his is not the unusual site .The balloons-Yes.He was so excited and I was somewhat surprised because he had never before drawn balloons.In his 5 years he has never drawn a picture of balloons.They weren't just plain Jane balloons either-they had sweet smiley faces on them.I was pleasantly surprised.He left the room with me not thinking much about it.I went about my business......
Grayson came back into the room about 3 minutes later and handed me the same piece of sage paper decorated beautifully with smiling balloons folded with this stamp EXACTLY like this.I said "Grayson!-you can't use stamps as stickers!They cost money!!" He replied "I want to sail it to Blake"-I paused,not understanding for a second-then it donned on me--he wants to mail it to him!! Then I said "OK!" He quickly said "I want to put 'I love you' on it!" "I think that would be wonderful" as I smiled. "How do we put his name and a heart on it?" I affirmed him "I will help you sweetie."--As he ran down the hallway he yelled "I'll get the markers!!!"
Here is Grayson singing Blakes name as he is situating his markers.
The scribble by the heart is his version of a heart-he asked me if it was a heart-I said I would help him out.The one he is coloring is the one I did for him.
After he colored the heart,he said "I want to put his name beside it!" So i did and he wasn't real happy because it wasn't close enough to the heart-

2008-09-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

"OH No! Blakes name isnt by the heart!!"Grayson said. "Thats ok Grayson",I said,"I can put one by his name."(I proceded to do so and the heart wasnt big enough for him , so I had to make a bigger heart.)

Here is Grayson coloring both of the hearts I drew.The one he didnt think was big enough and the one he thought was just right!!!
He was proud after he colored in the hearts!!
What I didn't get a picture of-was Grayson coloring the last of Blake's picture-He drew Blake and a puppy dog(Samson I am sure)The scribble on the far left is Gray's first attempt at a heart by himself.
Blake,we know we can't be near you to hug you and to sing Happy Birthday to you but do know that we love you soooo very much and we hope you have the most wonderful 5th birthday in the whole wide world!!!!!!You are very special to us and you will forever be Graysons's best friend!! God Bless you Blake and Happy Bithday!!!!

First day of school!!

2008-08-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

My wonderful babies!!!!!
Samson weighing in at about 110lbs-11months old-
The only picture Marion would let me get in front of school-I know,I know,he is in interme.school-but I still wanted a picture of my baby in front of his school.
Here is Marion running in his school.

First day in Kindergarten

2008-08-25T13:53:00.000-07:00

On the way to school was great.NO worries...Its when he gets around a large crowd of people-he has anxiety-he gets very shy and shuts down until he is comfortable.
This is when the anxiety hits.I wanted him to take a picture in front of the sign,but he would have none of it!!!!
He hid behind this door for a few minutes-his teacher Mrs.Watson had to bring him into the room.That took a couple of minutes.
After sitting with him for about 15 minutes,he was good.I was able to leave after about 20 min.He was comfortable when I left.
Me and my precious baby!!!!!

Singing in the rain(sort of)

2008-08-23T13:52:00.000-07:00

It was pouring!!!!!!!! Mar and Gray were playing in the rain and i had to get a couple of shots.Here they are standing in one of Samsons holes that he dug.(I've got to get a picture of Samson-so you can see how big he has gotten!!!!)

94 YEARS OLD!!!!!!!!!!

2008-08-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

Grandpa from lifegroup on Sunday nights turned 94!!He is such an inspiration to all of us because of the life he has lived,his wit,character and just being such a great grandpa!!He has a very special place in my heart because he reminds me so much of my dad!!!

Our Lil Vacation

2008-08-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

My AWESOME CRAZY friend Stephanie-most of you know her as my photographer friend ,has a lakehouse on Lake Striker in Rusk and let us go there for a couple of days.It was a great lil get away.

They loved jumping off the pier!!
My beautiful Marion!

2008-08-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Gray during our walk.

Marion
Grayson

Almost Heaven!

2008-08-23T12:59:00.000-07:00

Here is the lakehouse at sunset when Grayson and I met Steph and her parents there one weekend while Steph and i shot a wedding.
Yes,this is with my point and shoot!!!!!!!!Can you believe?!!!
Baby Kate(Stephs daughter) and her Grandpa!

Grayson and Kate running on the peer-

Vacation with Grandmommie

2008-08-20T09:41:00.000-07:00

Grandmommie took us to schlitterbaughn in Galveston and the we went to see Kemah wich was awesome.My best friend of 22 years met us there-that was awesome!!

We went to Joes Crab Shack after the waterpark.

The Aquarium at Kemah

2008-08-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

Ker-Bear with her babes-
Aunt MeMe with the boys

Kemah Boardwalk

2008-08-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Here are my best friends kids-Maddi and camden with Gray

Tims boy,Derreck and Mar
Grandmommie!!!!

Still Celebrating!

2008-08-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

At the park-
This is Tims and Aimees daughter Jesicca from Minessota-She is such a sweetheart!!She turned 15 when she was down here.
I love this picture of her!!!
At the resturant-we had fun!

Celebrations

2008-08-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

Marion-----
This was at Tristans and gratsons birthday party-since their birthdays are three weeks apart

BITS n PIECES

2008-08-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

so sorry to be throwing all of this this together and not much explanation-try to enjoy anyway.

We went to the spray park in Tyler
Tim and Aimees family-we had gone to the park
Gray and Tristan dancing
The boys watching a movie with grandmommie and grandpa
Me and my first baby!!!!

2008-08-15T13:55:00.000-07:00

I am finally back after a long and emotional month.I am ready to get back into life and get on a schedule.One GREAT BLESSING that i have had this past month is spending time with my wonderful family--I can never get too much of them!!!!!
I am sooo behind in my blogging that they will be very short and sweet and not a whole lot of time spent with each one.So here it goes.....
One of my best friends from Georgia Mandy,came into town.Her son Morgan and Marion have been best friends since birth---we only see them about once a year so it was great to see them!!!

2008-08-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

I never in a million years thought that i would blog one as tough as this.As most of you know-my mommy passed away on July 22nd.I have been with my family-my mom and dad and brother and sisters these past few days and dont know what i would have done without them.Most of you didnt know my mommy-she lived in Maine and it was tough for her to come down as often as we all wanted.She loved gardening and spending time outside.These past couple of years have been wonderful talks with her in finding herself in Christ.I hold on to that.She is in Heaven and i take great comfort in that.We will miss her so much.

SAFE PLACE

2008-07-09T13:24:00.000-07:00

We have a shelf by the side door that hold our shoes-we discovered there was a bird nest being built about 2 months ago inside Jasons shoes!!!!Today i found 2 eggs inside-about the size of a jellybean--i will keep you informed on the progress!!

BROOKSHIRES WILDLIFE MUESEM

2008-07-09T13:15:00.000-07:00

We went to the Brookshire museum today and is always amazing everytime we go-those that dont know...the Brookshire(grocery stores)couple that started the grocerystores-loved to bring back wildlife from Africa for the kids to see-so there is a museum that is full of hundreds of animals-a duplicate of an oldtimer general store and a playground-it is all so awesome and always free.