Category: Darci & Bret

Darci & Bret

I am so excited to have this up and going. Thanks so much to Brady Davis for putting up with me while doing this. I am very happy to have this as a scrapbook so to speak for Darci and Bret to be able to remember all their exciting adventures as they grow up.

Checkup and pictures

We went today and got checkups and pictures made. Everything was good. Darci of course was to shy to talk to the Dr and nurses so when they checked her hearing and vision she just stood there like a little mouse. She is so funny like that. I had her all pumped up to talk to them but no she just looked over them and wouldn't say a word. We call it cabbage patching. She looks just like a little cabbage patch doll when she does it dimple and all. We also went and had some pictures made. Sorry Bret I know you are the second child and I have really not done a good job of keeping up with all your pictures. With our Christmas vacation it really messed up our normal picture time so it has actually been since last Easter for professional pictures. I will try to do better. You wore that photographer out though. She was trying to make him just sit there and say cheese but he was like no way. He ran every chance he got. We did get some very good ones though. I will put some on when I can.

Sweet Babies

Darci you are my little princess. We had a great afternoon. Bret you are just all boy and can just melt my heart when you smile.

In Memory of Pluto

Two days before Easter a very good friend Twila called with puppies that her nephew was giving away. She had them all tucked in her jacket and wouldn't let anyone have them until she found out if Darci wanted one. We had to get a boy, Darci you will understand this when you get older. While we went after him you stayed with Nonnie and had fallen asleep. When Daddy brought that puppy in you loved him instantly. We went through several names, but with just getting back from Disney World there was no talking you out of Pluto. Like always he grew into it and was perfect. You wagged that puppy everywhere and he followed you to Nonnie's and back all the time. He was a good little pup. Yesterday Pluto got too close to the tire and well Pluto is in heaven now. You were very sad but very brave. You kept wanting him to get up and play. While Daddy prepared a place you wrote Pluto a letter. We had a funeral for him out by the fence. You, Mommy, Daddy, Bret, Pebbles and even Adam and Tiffany's cows came over. You said in your letter that Pluto was a good dog and you loved him. You even wanted him to know that Devyn loved him too. We read your letter and cried because we will miss him. You kept telling me "I will be better tommorow" over and over. We talked about how it was ok to show your feelings and to let them out. We put the letters, a few of his toys and some flowers in with him. Your still very sad today because you won't get to take him to the Poochie Parade which will be Saturday. Maybe we can take Pebbles. We love you Pluto and will miss you.

Fort Smith Air Show

We went to Grandfather's Farm in Lavaca for the weekend. Papa and Grandma took us to the Fort Smith Air Show. We had a great time. Bret slept through some of the show and I don't know how because Darci had to wear earmuffs for the noise. They both had a great time just being with Papa and Grandma; however they crashed as soon as they got still in the car.

Super Babies

Darci has always had this thing for Super Girl. She even dressed as Super Girl Halloween before last. We fianlly got brother some pjs to match. I just thought this was really cute on our lazy Saturday morning.

Don't know where they get it from???

Water Dog

Since we got the pool set up we can't keep Darci away from it. Darci, I am very proud of you for learning to dog paddle and only going near the pool when you have an adult with you. We still have to work on your float. Your a little like your Nana and don't want that water on your face. It worked out great that you can just touch. Devyn came over this week and you two have just been playing and playing. Brother will only scream if we put him in. He wants nothing to do with the pool. He is happier in the play pen next to the pool than in it. Don't know why he loves a bath but certainly not the pool.

Swim...Swim

Boy, does Darci like to swim. She is getting good at her little doggie paddle but Brother still isn't crazy about it. Cori and McKya came out to swim Thursday night. Fun...Fun!!

Bindi & Snowball

Well, we intended on only getting a new puppy but Daddy couldn't resist cause Darci said "I never had a kitty". So she got a new kitten too. Bindi is her new puppy and she is named after Bindi the Jungle Girl and Snowball is the new kitty. Hopefully this will go better than Pluto. They all get along really good so far. Pebbles has done really good with them, she likes Snowball best. Pebbles likes to play alot and Bindi was still a little car sick from the ride home tonight.

Fishing Derby '08

The fishing derby was Saturday at the Dierks spillway. This is the second year Darci has fished in it. She caught 2 sun perch. She weighed her fish in at a 1/2 lb. (Think the stringer itself weighed that much.) She of course won for the prettiest fish again this year ;). Out of all the prizes and big floaties out there to win she got to choose what she wanted and won a pink and purple lemonade tea set. She has had nothing but tea parties with it since we got home. Brother will get to fish next year so that will be a great adventure. He did really well for being in the stroller most of the time. I did have to pull out the chocolate donuts a little earlier than I wanted to. We had lots of fun and made lots of memories.

4th of July '08

We had a long day on the fourth. It started bright and early at the Farmer's Market in Nashville. We got some fresh peaches, blackberries, and scallop squash. Darci also got an apple gourd. It is really neat looks just like an apple only alot bigger.

Then to Rog and Leah's for a great picnic. We had a wonderful time. Darci was amazed when I told her everyone there was either a cousin, aunt or uncle. Plus a few mamaws and papaw. Mawmaw seemed to have a good time. We ate and visited and played and of course chased brother around. He just ran his little legs off. After the meal Josh got his guitar out we all sang from the Heavenly Highways. It was really neat when all the kids got up and sang Jesus loves me and Jesus loves the little children with him. I got some good pics but forgot to ask some of the Moms if I could put them online so I didn't add them yet. We had a really long day. Wilbur, Bret and I took a nap. Darci wouldn't slow down. She went with her friend Lindsey to a cookout. That I guess was Darci's first going to something like that without me. She is getting so grown up. Tooooo Fast! She was wore out. She was out before dark so we didn't even get to do any of the fireworks. I think that is the first 4th I ever remember not watching or doing fireworks. We will do what we have tonight probably. Just celebrate a little late.

Church Camp

Springlake

We made it. It was a great week. I got lots of pictures and had lots of fun. Darci had a blast. The second day we were there she told me she didn't know what church camp was at first but now she did and she wants to come back every year. I told her I would do my best to make sure she always got to go. She loved the Nibble Nook where she got push up and candy every night. We have such a great group of kids. No problems with any of them and they were so helpful with my kids. Four of our youth got saved and we had several to recommit there lives. I stayed with the children's worship service and it was a great set of sermons. Bro. Tim preached from John 10 about The Shepherd. He had all his sheep there Izzy, Zeke and Jerry and Fluffy was the little one that he let some of the kids carry around. Bret really liked this one because it looked like his pup-pup (his stuffed puppy from home). Everytime he saw it even during the sermon B would start saying 'pup pup pup pup'. It was cute. Bret did really good and I didn't have to leave but for one worship service. He stayed through all the rest without a lot of noise.

Darci was considered a pre-camper. Her new favorite word is Tabernacle. I love to hear her say it. She sounds so grown up. She had her own classes to go to that had several kids her age. The ladies that taught this did a wonderful job. Darci has been talking about Jesus dying on the cross alot since class. She wanted two band-aids to make a cross with on her leg when she had a booboo and has been spotting every cross around. She has been singing bits and pieces of the songs since we got home. I am so thankful to Dr. Ferguson for letting me go this year and for Wilbur helping me figure out a way to go. Bro Bruce said on the last day that everyone here's life would be different after this week even the counselors. I know I had a very special time with all the people on the trip and will always remember this week.

On the way out Darci was watching Dora on her TV in the backseat and Dora was saying make a wish. I heard Darci whisper a wish that she was still at church camp. Super sweet!!

Darci's Photography

I made it!!

The big 3-0

Just kidding. I thought it would be bad but not really. I am at the absolute best time of my life! I have the 2 best kids in the world and the best husband. A great job and house. I have been loving life living for Christ with all the activities we have had this summer. I pray that God will keep using me to help others learn about Him.

Wilb and the kids got me a chocolate cake and Mom made me her delcious Lemonade Cake.

Bret

With Lights and Sirens

Not even sure how to start this entry. I have been meaning to blog about Bret turning 18 mos last week but just haven't gotten around to it. So I will just tell you a story about today. I learned several lessons and probably will never be the same. We started out after church, Kam, Darci, Bret and I heading to Texarkana to finish up Kam's school clothes shopping. We were to meet Mom at Olive Garden to eat. Which Kam thought he didn't like and at the end of the meal he told the waitress that this was his favorite place now. So we get to Olive Garden and of course there was a line. Mom went up to see how long of a wait and came back out to tell me. We then decided to run over to Chili's and eat quicker. I did not get Bret out of the car because he was asleep and we got a very good parking spot right up in the front. I was going to let him sleep as long as possible. Anyhow back to Chili's, Kam and Darci were going to ride with Mom so I shut Bret's door and went to get in the car. Then it happened I realized I locked my keys in the diaper bag!!! It took like 2 seconds to reach my brain that I had just locked my baby in the car, in August, with no motor running!!!Panic panic panic!!! Mom came back over and she said just calm down and call 911!! The lady on the phone was very nice and said that someone would be right there. Keep in mind I had a very good parking spot right up front. Mom thinking ahead took the other kids inside while I lost my mind!!! A very nice man pulled in next to me and he had lights on top of his car so I thought(prayed) he was there to help me. I flagged him down. He wasn't but he was very nice and stayed with me until the fire truck with lights and sirens pulled in. Keep in mind I had a very nice parking spot right up front. They were great. They checked B out and went to work on my car this whole time I am just telling them to just break a window!! Not sure how many times I said that. LOTS. Then pulled in Pop-A-Lock from one way and 2 police cars with lights and sirens. Great parking spot. Had quite a crowd by now. They got B out and checked him out. He of course didn't know what the fuss was about. I then had to go in the restaurant. Not much of a wait anymore. I was just bawling by now. It was an awful experience. I went to the bathroom after we got in and settled down and a sweet lady just looked at me, without me saying anything to her, Honey we've all done it, it's ok. She was so sweet. She told me she was inside praying for me. I went back to the table and asked Mom so everybody was looking at me and she said yeah pretty much. It seemed like hours but I think it was only like 30 minutes. All of the fire, pop-a-lock, and police were super nice.

So Bret happy 18 mos. Not to worry tomorrow I am going to Wal-Mart and get one of those magnet things and an extra key!!

Love you Sweety!!

Darci's Farm Pics

Just a few pics with Darci and Bret's animals. Tigger is Darci's new kitty. Ms. Pam and Mr. John from church gave him to her. I have been waiting to add him to the list because I wasn't sure if he would hang around long but I think he's gonna keep us.

Bret's New Word

B is finally getting out of the eating rocks stage so we can let him play outside more. He has a new word GO, actually it's more like GOOOOO!!. He likes to hop on back of whatever Darci is riding and say gooo!

Camping

We are headed out today. Wilbur and Darci are already at Albert Pike and set up. This is a first since we have had kids. We used to go all the time. We'll see??

Internet Down

My internet at home is down. I have a new phone on the way. I will add those camping pics and much more as soon as it comes in. We had a great time camping. Bret and Darci just loved it. It was so much fun exploring new things with them.

Blogging

I didn't realize how addicted to blogging I was until I couldn't. Hope my phone is here today!!!

Camping Pics

My Little B man

We are loving it that Bret is big enough now to play outside and not just run when he gets out or eat everything in site. We have always loved our backyard and every fall and spring we stay out under our trees and cookout as much as possible.

WWE

My kids love some WWE. We went last night to the four-states fair for the event. We took Ashilyn, Devyn, Kameron and Darci. Little man stayed with Nonnie and Poppy. It was way too late for him. While Darci and I were coming out of the bathroom we ran into "The Sign Guy". His name is Rick Achberger. He goes to every WWE event and always wears the blue shirt with the red hat. He always makes several signs and always makes it on tv. I think he works for WWE, but we don't really know for sure. He was on Deal or No Deal not too long ago. He has become kinda like a Where's Waldo with the kids. I could only get one really good pic of Rey Mysterio for Kam and Dev. I told them I would put it on the blog.

First Soccer Practice

Tonight was our first soccer practice. We had a blast and Darci did so good. I was so excited and this was just the first practice. I think tonight was a change in our lives. I love being on this side and watching my baby out there with other people. Darci has changed so much in the last year. She was so shy and now she has just blossomed into making new friends everywhere.

HMH Foundation Fun Festival

Jones Deer Camp

We had fun last Sunday playing at the deer camp with Uncle Jack and Daddy helping make sand castles.

More Soccer Pics

Tired Out

Darci was only on the computer about 5 minutes the other night and this is how we found her.

Go Outlaws!

Darci got her new cheer suit this week.

Baby Bed Days Are Over

Looks like he really is growing to fast on me now. This was him in and out of the baby bed the other night. Just in the time it took me to blog this he has crawled in and out of the play pen twice. I know, I know, you still have a play pen. Yes I do even though he is 20 months old I had to have somewhere to put him to keep him and his sister separated.

Cossatot Harvest Festival

Dressing up was a last minute idea. Darci had been playing in all her dress-up dresses all day and at the last minute we decided to let her wear one. The outfit she has on is only one of the many dance outfits given to her by her cousin Randi. Randi is 21 now and she and Aunt Beck passed them down. She has fun dresing up all the time. She was shocked when we said she could wear it. She has tried to wear them to town many, many times before.

We had a good time at the festival and it didn't cost that much to attend. We got both Darci and Bret a pumpkin at the pumpkin patch and Kam one too.

Halloween

We celebrated Halloween with Rock Stars this year. Hannah Montana and Elvis. Bret loved Halloween this year. He tried to eat as we went. By the end of the night he was looking at all the houses going "knock knock TREAT!" It was soo cute.

OK, the sideburns were the star of the night BUT I do warn anyone about putting these on. It is not pretty getting them off. We did it with lots of crying. My Granny Holland would have loved this. She loved Elvis and Bret made a very cute one.

Hannah put on a show for everyone. She had a microphone and would sing for anyone who wanted. She ended the night as Miley (w/o the wig). She was sooo tired by the time we got to Poppy.

Fun at Nana's

We went and had lunch with Nana and Pop last Sunday in Idabel. She got some good pictures of Darci, Bret and Kameron playing in the leaves.

Birthday Week

We don't just have birthday days around our house, we have birthday weeks. We started with Thursday night. Darci has this extreme hang up about recycling. Daddy got her the Bill Nye the Science Guy Recycling Kit. She and Daddy recycled some paper with this.

Birthday Saturday Night

Continuing with Darci's 5th birthday week. On Saturday night, Daddy, Mommy, Darci, Bret and Devyn all went to Papa Poblanos for dinner. Darci really likes to eat here. She always orders refried beans with 2 tortillas so she can make her own burrito. They sang to her and she got to wear the big sombrero and eat her dessert.

Still Celebrating

Here are a few pics of Darci with her Cupcake Maker that Nonnie and Poppy got her and a pic of her in all her Hannah Stuff with the Hannah Montana boots Nana and Pop got her.

Can't Believe Your 5!!

Your 5 this morning. It is 4:01 am on your birthday. Five years ago this was one of the longest nights of mine and your Daddy's life and we had no idea just how much our lives were about to change. The moment we saw you we changed forever. God blessed us with the most precious baby girl we could have ever imagined.

I have posted several pics of your 5 years. You are the best big sister ever too. Your brother loves you so much. Just the other night you fell asleep before him and he was just giving you kisses like you always want him to but you were asleep and didn't know it. I think that was his way of trying to wake you up with out hitting you like he would have done if I wasn't looking. :)

Just Cute

My Mom used to roll my hair in these little rollers when I was little. Just a pic of Darci with hers.

Bret's best GO HOGS GO!!

My little man loves some football!! We are trying to call the hogs.

Putting up the Tree

We surprised Daddy by having all the Christmas stuff out when he got home from work. He usually has to pull all the boxes out but me, Devyn and Ashilyn got everything out ready to decorate before he got home. Ashilyn helped keep Bret busy by cheering for OU in the game. He really really wanted to take all the ornaments off as we put them on.

More Thanksgiving

Wilb didn't get to go to Mom's with us for Thanksgiving so Darci and I cooked dinner for him.

Bowling

We went to Kason's birthday party on Saturday. This was our first time to go bowling. Darci was a little nervous at first but she finally got the hang of it. Thanks Kason for the great party.

Christmas Parade

The Christmas parade was Monday night in Dierks. Darci got to ride in it this year on the bank's float with Nonnie. She a hard time deciding whether to throw candy or catch candy. I told her to throw it and brother and I would catch some for her. She had a really good time especially since Santa was on their float.

Trip to Aunt Bug's

We went to Aunt Bug's for some Christmas shopping with Nana. Darci got a haircut and fix from Aunt Bug and B of course had to have his styled too. We had a good visit, but didn't get to shop much. Nana got sick so we left a little earlier than planned. We had fun and we are glad Nana is better.

Dev's Cross Country Team

Devyn's junior high cross country team at school won state this year. He got his ring so I thought I would post it. He is very proud of it. He loves to run.

A few Christmas Pics

Wilb got me a new camera for Christmas so I will have alot more pics to post now. I love it! I am going to play with it and figure it all out. But here are a few I took of the kids before church this morning. I have nursery next week so we wore our Christmas dress this morning. Bret was very hard to catch. I remember when Darci was this age, we took her to get pics made and all I ended up with was one shot of her crying. After this morning I am not sure we will try for some studio shots this year. I will just keep after him with the new camera.

I Love My Pacie!!

Visit with Santa

We went to see Santa at Nonny's bank today. Darci did so good she went straight to him and told him all about some Hannah Montana and that she wanted a bike. Bret was not having it. I know it will be better for him next year.

Mamaw's Christmas

We had Christmas at Aunt Deb's this year. I thought I had more pics. If anyone has anymore they want me to add send them to me.

We had a great time. Bret was a little wild but that's normal. Lots of good good food!! We have the best cooks in our family. It just doesn't get any better.

Ashilyn Driving!!

Ash got her driver's permit last week and we took this pic then. I was going to just post so her Daddy could see but then.... She went with me to Nashville tonight and wanted to drive home so I thought it would be ok. I know it was dark and I did think about it a little bit. But anyways she drove. We come over the hill and what do we find but a road block. Ash's first road block. She freaked a little and I freaked a little(just because I wasn't sure if my insurance was with us or on my kitchen table like it normal is). But we survived and maybe next time she won't be quite as scared.

Christmas Eve

We always spend Christmas Eve at Nana and Pop's. We had a great day. We got there early and ended the visit all piled up on her couches watching a little Food Network. We had lots of good food.

We always get to open one present at home on Christmas Eve too. We got to do two this year. I couldn't help it. We ended the evening with putting out reindeer food for Santa's Reindeer and putting out cookies for Santa.

Christmas Day 08

Christmas Day is always wonderful. Our rule is that we stay in pajamas all day if we want. This one was no different. Darci was so excited she woke up to Santa bringing her a bike and Bret got a motorcycle. Darci also got a lite brite and the Holiday Hannah Montana doll she asked for. Bret got a cowboy hat like his sister told Santa and a pig flashlight and lots of other goodies. Nana and Pop came by later in the day. The pics toward the end of the slide show are of D, B and Nana all dancing to Rocking Around the Christmas tree sung by Hannah Montana holiday Barbie.

This Christmas Day ended however not so good. I am not sure exactly how it all happened. Bret got sick first then Daddy and then Me. We quickly sent Ash, Dev and Darci all to Nonny's praying they didn't catch it. Wilb and I decided it was something like the black plague crossed with distemper(sp). It was awful awful stomach virus!!!! Those of you who know me know I am terrified of this awful virus. My poor baby was sooo sick and I was too. I didn't know which way to go. I wanted to just sleep and then Bret needed me and then Wilb was sick again. Thanks so much to Nonny, Ash, Dev and Poppy for taking Darci in. She stayed 2 nights with them. I missed her so much but soooo didn't want her to catch this. As of now no one else has caught it. We are all better for now. Hoping it will stay that way.

Nonny and Poppy's Christmas

We are so blessed to have lots of family to celebrate Christmas with. We got spend today with Nonny and Poppy. Tristen, Trevin, Lexie and DeeDee came up to visit. We had a good time with everyone. Uncle James even stopped by for a visit. It was good to get out of the house after being in soo long.

all of these new toys and look where they end up.....

Happy New Year!

Christmas with Papa and Grandma

Papa and Grandma didn't get to come down the Friday after Chrsitmas because of that awful awful stomach virus so they came down last Friday. We had a good time. Jace and Darci had to ride the pigs after we opened gifts. It was really funny. They loved it.

Catching Up

Sorry, it's been awhile. We have been so busy but yet not really busy. I don't know where January has went. Daddy is working alot these days so we just take care of him. We got to go to Chuck E. Cheese the other day. Wilb, Darci and Devyn got to go in, while me and Bret went to the hospital to see Nana. She has has alot going on and we have been trying to figure it all out. She just got home from another weekend in the hospital from Little Rock this time. They are changing her meds. Hopefully Monday we will know what is happening. We are getting ready for Bret's 2nd birthday coming up soon. Think we are going to Chuck E. Cheese for him and just turn him loose. He has become Nonny and Poppy's little man alot here lately. He will get my cell phone and come to me saying "On Talk Nonny". It's really cute. He has hit that point where they just wake up one day and talk. He is super sweet. Darci is still dressing up all the time and we have several "Makeover Parties" a week. Pictures coming soon!

Freezing Fog

We waited and waited for a snow day that never came and then woke up a day later expecting nothing but found some beautiful freezing fog.

Kung Fu Panda Movie Night

Happy 2nd Birthday Bret!!

My little man is 2 today. No way does it seem like it was 2 years ago we were in the hospital. We had his party yesterday at the Jones' Deer Camp. We had a great time and the weather was perfect. The kids played in Uncle Jack's sandpile and had a football game. Little man loves some football and had a hard time letting anyone else have the ball. He had a Big Bird and Elmo cake and got a 4wheeler for his birthday and lots of other outside toys.

February in Arkansas

Darci wears flip flops and swimsuits year round...

Headed to our Valentine Party

Darci and Bret were excited to go to school Friday for their Valentine Party. They came home with lots and lots of goodies.

Morning Routine

This is their normal morning spot after oatmeal. Both have gotten alot better at getting up and we are staying up so much later. I used to go to bed at 8:30 or 9 but here lately I'm lucky if its by 11. Darci usually stays up too. It's weird that when I was making them go to bed early they wouldn't get up and now I don't and she gets up fine.

Kortny

Kortny came out on Saturday to visit. We put her to work feeding the chickens. I think they all had a great time.

Great Weekend

We had a great weekend at home. Even if I did have to turn in my research paper. I tried not to procrastinate to much. Got it in Saturday night and wasn't due until 11pm Sunday. :) Sunday after church we finished up some work in my spinach bed. We got the spinach and onions planted and will hopefully get some broccoli in this week, if it doesn't rain too much. Uncle Jack came out and turned up the big garden for us. You can see it in the pics of Devyn. He took advantage of the hills and ramped some on his bike. Darci is planting onions in the other pic. We decided to put them in the bed instead of the big garden. They will come up earlier and the big one is not ready yet.

Darci asked if she could have some water to play with her kitchen in the back part of the garden. It took her about a minute to do this. She wears a swimsuit year round. Not sure if this one is going to come clean. I had to rinse her outside and change the bath water twice and then put her in the shower to get her clean. So I guess the Mucky Mud Monster will be back again this year.

Relay for Life Fundraiser

We have a Relay for Life team at work and we are selling these t shirts as one of our fundraisers. Darci was excited for us to have one alike.

Hog Hunting

Devyn wanted me to post a pic of his loot from hog hunting. He got to get up early Friday and got 2. They sure tasted good.

Jonquil Festival

We had a great trip to the Jonquil Festival Saturday. We dressed for cold and it was hot. But it was fun lots of goodies and good food. Darci had fun on the big slides and we thought this would be a good year for Bret to enjoy all that stuff but he crashed in the wagon before we made it there. He was so tired he fell asleep sitting up in it we had to rearrange everything for him to lay down. Ash and Dev went with us and were alot of help with the kids. It was such a good day on the way home we saw a rainbow and Dev made me stop so he could take a picture.

First Softball Practice

I was so behind on entries I missed adding Darci's first Softball practice to the blog. We are on the Sassy Sister's team. Our coaches are Trey and Laura Eckert. Trey was very good with the girls especially helping the ones who had never played before understand the game. I know Darci really liked him because she talked to him and talked about him after practice was over. She usually won't talk to anyone the first time she meets them. Thanks to Nana and Poppa Johnnie and Papa and Grandma for all the gear.

Bye-Bye Piggy Sue and Sally

Next time you see these two they will be pork chops and sausage. Darci has been really good to understand all of this. She did want to eat Piggy Sue first. So we will. :) Bret has missed them more than anyone. He keeps asking "where pig go?"

My Future Kindergartener

Darci went on Tuesday to take her test for Kindergarten. I was more nervous than she was. She loves to write and has always been so crafty. Mrs. Hill said she did very good just like she knew she would. She said she had to write her name. She has been able to do this since she was 3 1/2 thanks to Ms Jamie. We have been working on the last name. I know at preschool Ms Linda has been working with her on learning upper and lower case letters. She can recognize all her alphabet and numbers. She also said she had to draw a person, hop on one foot, skip and throw and bounce a ball. We are so proud of you sweety and we love you so much. She looks so grown up in these pictures. It does not seem like you should be starting school so soon!!

Chamber Egg Hunt

We went to the egg hunt at the school on April 4. I'm a little late getting this posted. we have had a busy week. With two kids Wilb and I have to go seperate ways. Luckliy we have two cameras but I don't have all the pics Wilb took of Bret downloaded yet. I will get them on. Here are a few of Darci. She won the drawing this year and won the perfect prize for her a baby and baby highchair. She also found 2 prize eggs and won a kite. Bret wouldn't get close to the Easter Bunny but we finally got him to give him 5. Also had a pic of Darci and her friend Kendall and one of Darci, Bret, Jace and Kameron.

Dyeing Easter Eggs

We dyed Easter Eggs on Wednesday night since we were gone on Thursday and Friday night. Bret really liked it this year and we only broke two.

April Tornado

As everyone knows a tornado passed through Dierks Thursday night. Thankfully no one here got hurt. It did however hit close to some of our friends house. They live right out by the water plant. You can read about their experince on the Mounts Girls link in the blog roll. They are safe but I don't think they will ever forget that night. We missed everything because we were in Little Rock. It followed right behind us all the way up. I took some pictures of the water plant which used to be 2 stories and some trees that were down on the highway just north of town.

Easter with the Nevels

We had all the Nevels's to Nonnie and Poppy's Saturday before Easter.

Easter Sunday 2009

They are so pretty in their orange or as Bret calls it norange. We had a rainy Sunday so the Easter Bunny didn't get to hide eggs while we where gone to church but he did still bring us some goodies. Darci and Bret both got books, Benjamin Bunny and Peter Rabbit, a big chocolate bunny each and a few other little goodies. I am so proud of Darci because she remembered reason for Easter. The bunnies and eggs are fun but the Real reason is Jesus rising from the grave for us.

Potty Training is Hard.......

but this little booty in underwear is worth it.

First Softball Game

Darci had her first softball game on Thursday. She did good. It was a double header and I think she was done after the first time she batted but I thought she looked good. :) Maybe next year will be better. All the coaches were very good and patient.

More Softball Pics

Pirates of the "I Don't Care" ibean

Darci was in the church play last Sunday night. It was really cute. The children and Youth choirs were in it and the puppet team. This is a picture of the water in the play. I thought I got more pics but this was the only one I ended up with. The water consists of Kason and Karter Mounts, Caleb and Brenden Woodall, Darci and Tyler Crumpton. Bret was supposed to go to be he didn't feel very good that night so he missed it.

Jason

Headed to the Navy

My cousin Jason Burton leaves Tuesday for the Navy. He is going to Illinois for basic training. We had a party for him at my Mamaw's Saturday. We are very proud of him. He graduated from Henderson in December and decided to join the Navy for his family. He and his wife Crystal are going to be going through a tough time in the next couple of months so please keep them in your prayers. We are all very proud of you Jason and we love you.

Catching Up

End of Spring Semeter and New Job!!

I am so behind on updating the blog. I had finals from my classes last week, which I ended up with A's in all my classes. I am starting my Summer classes this week. I also have changed jobs. I really want to thank the girls from Crystal Falls. I really enjoyed my time there but I was offered a job here in town and am really excited about it. I am working for Todd Moore at Shelter Insurance now in Dierks. I was sooo excited to get this job. Besides being in Dierks and close to the kids, there will be great oppurtunities there and working for Todd is going to be great. I have been there a week now and have really enjoyed it. I go to Insurance class in 2 weeks to get licensed.

Will update more later with pics. :)

Randi's Graduation

Randi graduated from UCA last weekend. She graduated with honors. We are very proud of her. She is my Uncle Dave and Aunt Beck's oldest daughter.

Hannah Montana Movie

Saturday night Darci and I went to see the Hannah Montana Movie. She was styling!! No one had to ask us what movie we were going to see. We had so much fun. Wilbur and Bret dropped us off and they went to Gander Mountain. The movie was really really good. I like Hannah too:) Darci was so into it and we had some good Secret Time!! We left there with her wanting her Daddy to buy her a horse so she can name it Blue Jeans.

Darci's Preschool Graduation

Darci graduated Preschool Wednesday. Her class walked to Kenya's from the Daycare and they all got to order what they wanted. Ms Helen and Ms Linda had a cute little program for them to do. Darci and Austin Mack were the two that were leaving for kindergarten this year. Austin is Betsy Kesterson and Simon Mack's oldest son. He and Darci are big buddies. She got a little graduation present from Nana and Ms Helen got them a beach towel embrodered(sp) with their name on it.

Michael's Graduation

We have had lots of grads this year. Michael was the last. He graduated Friday night here in Dierks. We are proud of him. Love ya, Mike-Man


Lindsey also graduated high school. She is Uncle Dave and Aunt Beck's youngest daughter. I will get a picture of her to add also.

MawMaw's Birthday

MawMaw turned 93 last week. She is my Great Grandmother. We had a party for her Saturday. Everyone had fun getting together and visiting, especially the little ones.

End of Softball Party

at Diamond Springs

Dino-Fest

Since Brother didn't get to go to the water park for the party, he got to go to the Dino-Fest by himself. I feel like its been Darci, Darci, Darci again. Bret really has grown up alot lately. He doesn't have to be tied down in a stroller anymore. He doesn't break and run every time his feet hits the ground like he did at one time. And he is doing really good with his potty training. My Big Boy...

Daddy is 33

and Mommy is gone for a week

First I know I am really behind on updating. Daddy's birthday was Monday June 1 and I didn't get to blog on Sunday night like I usually do. I left on Monday afternoon and didn't get home until Friday from insurance school for my new job. I had a good time but I did miss being away from home. That was the longest I had ever been away. Friday night when I got home Bret kept saying "Stay home Mommy stay home". It was so sweet and when we woke up Saturday Bret asked "Mommy you stay home??" I almost wanted to cry. Thanks so much to Nonnie for helping Daddy take care of you two while I was gone and thanks to Aunt Beck, Uncle Dave, Randi and Lindsey for helping take care of me while I was in Little Rock. Randi and Lindsey cooked dinner for me one night and we went out for lots of other goods stuff. Bonefish Grill was absolutly delicious too. I will go and take my state test next week for my license. I'm still pretty nervous about that but I think it will be ok.

We had a good weekend before I left with Daddy for his birthday. We had our traditionaly birthday pancakes and we bought him a cake. We were in search of an ice cream cake but had to settle for something different. Darci had to add some decorations to it when we got home to make it look better she said. We cooked out under our special place out back and the kids had fun swimming.

I missed all of you so much while I was gone.

We love you Daddy!!

I passed!!!!

My internet at home is not working so I haven't been able to update with any pictures, but I have other great news.

I passed my insurance test!!! Yay! I was so nervous even though Todd told me not to worry, I was still very worried. I studied harder for that than anything I think I have ever studied for in my life. I went Saturday to Texarkana. I didn't have to be there until Noon but I left at 9:30 and found where I was to be by 10:45. I sat in the car and read over and over it again and again. After the test the lady asked me "how do you feel" I said not good and she said well you should feel good cause you passed. I said oh that's great. LOL

Wilb and the kids came and meet me later and we went and watched UP in 3D. This was Bret's first time to go to the theatre. He did pretty good at first but once he got comfortable in the dark he wanted to walk around. It was fun but I don't think we will be going again anytime soon. I was so happy I passed my test we had popcorn and Coldstone for supper. Darci really like that. :)

Devyn's 5k

Devyn ran in the 5K at the Owa-Chito Festival this year. He came in 3rd in his age division. To me just finishing was great but he was really excited when he realized he beat his cross country coach.

Computer still down

I have lots to post and my new internet stuff will be in today (I hope). Don't give up on me. :)

Owa-Chito Festival

and Father's Day

We went to the Owa-Chito Festival in Beaver's Bend like every year. This makes my 14th year to go. Wilbur has lost count as he used to go with his Grandparents when he was little. It is a great tradition he loves to share with his kids. It almost every year comes on Father's Day too. Daryl Worley was the entertainer this year. The kids had so much fun at the concert and Darci did good in the kids games during the day. She got 2nd place in the sack race and first in another basket game which she teamed up with some kids she didn't know. She has really come out of her shyness lately. Bret is happy no matter what as long as he is with Devyn. He is Dev's shadow these days. Mom came down and spent the day with us too.

New Waterdog

Last year Darci was the waterdog and B wouldn't have anything to do with the water, not even a kiddie pool. We went up to Cossatot Falls Sandbar last weekend and Bret was like that baby on the Blue Lagoon Movies. He just dove in and laughed when he went under. There wasn't any of that keep and eye on him it was all Wilb and I could do to keep our hands on him and keep him from swimming off. He loves it and WILL be taking swimming lessons soon. Darci had fun too but she has always loved the water. I couldn't get very many pictures but this one says alot. :)

Happy 4th

Darci, Bret and I went to Uncle Johnny's house for a picnic during the day on the fourth. It was a good visit and good homemade ice cream. Daddy had to work but he picked up some fireworks when he got off. We had a good time just staying home that night and doing our own thing.

Addicted

I'm addicted to facebook and have been neglecting my blog.


I also have to figure out how to resize pictures with Vista on our new computer. Anyone have any suggestions??

Cake

Bret and I went to pick Darci up at Mena last weekend and we went by WM to get a few more supplies for VBS and we ran across this cake. We had to have it according to the kids. It was yummy. The lettuce, ketchup, mayo and mustard is made of buttercream icing.

Boomerang Express

I know these aren't the best pics to tell about VBS but the kids had so much fun. I worked in the crafts as I have for the past few years. Bret got to go rotate with a class this year for the first time. He has always been in the nursery. Ms Cathy Gilbert is wonderful. She had 12 little ones around B's age every night and she kept up with all of them. Darci had fun in her class too.

Pine Tree 09

Last year I had one word for the Pine Tree Festival it was hot this year the word is WET!! No, but we had a good time. The concert was moved to the high school gym. It took alot of work but was one of the best concerts.

These first two pics are Darci with Mark Wills. The one with all of us in it is Trent Willmon, Jeff Bates then Mark. We had a good time after the concert. Mark, Jeff and Trent all came back over and ate. Darci crashed before they made it back. When Mark came in I looked over and he was taking pics of Darci crashed on the couch of the retirement center with his phone. He said he loved it and it reminded him of his daughter. They were all really nice but Mark was the most down to earth and would just sit and talk and talk about everything.

Mommy's 31st Birthday

I had a wonderful birthday weekend. Wilbur, Darci and Bret surprised me with a new comforter set. I am not an easy person to surprise. :) Darci and Bret stayed Friday night with Nana and Papa Johnnie. This was B's first time to get to stay with anyone except Nonnie and I think he wore them smooth out. Todd talked us into trying Osaka Friday night. I had been to Shoguns so I knew kinda what it was all about. We had the best time and Wilb even wants to go back. This was way out of his meat and potatoes comfort zone.

Saturday night we celebrated with Darci and Bret. We had a yummy ice cream cake from Coldstone and Daddy grilled steaks. Wonderful weekend!!!

Just Because...

I haven't been taking enough pictures lately. Darci Bret and Jace

Tomorrow Our World Changes...

Kindergarten

Tomorrow...is the day. I know it's just kindergarten but after tomorrow our world will then revolve around the school year and friends and lots of other stuff. Again I know it's just kindergarten but I have spent the last while thinking alot about my baby girl and how this will change everything, in just 13 years she will be all grown up. I have been praying for your friends (girls and boys). I have been praying for your future. You will have to make some choices on your own very soon and be independent. Again I know its just kindergarten...but you are my best friend....I love you.

The Night Before

First Day of Kindergarten!!!

This first picture is of you and Mrs. Pickett at the Open House.

Today you got right up when I called you and then I think you realized what was going on. You started telling me "I'm tired" I had to get on to you a couple of times and then I realized you were terrified and nervous. Nonnie stopped by to see you and she took Bret to school for us so we could have some secret time together. Daddy gave you a little pep talk and you were good to go. We stopped by so Mamaw and Mawmaw could see you all ready for school. You were super sweet and had a great day. Daddy and I stayed until the bell rang. You love Mrs. Pickett!!

I think this is going to be a good year. Kortny is going to help you figure out the breakfast thing in the morning. You love her so that will be good.

This evening you crashed at 6:15 and have slept all night, so I know you had a great day! Love you my big girl.

My Football Man

Bret loves some football. He has been wearing this around the house for a few wekks now. This was his easter basket last year but now it is his "Put ball helmet". Too cute to pass up.

D Waiting on the School Bus

that i said i would never let her ride....

PeeWee Football

Kam is playing peewee football this year and we love. I am so proud of him. Here are just a few pics. Bret is mesmerized by it all. He wants to wear that helmet so bad. lol

Mini Outlaw Cheer Camp 09

Darci went to the mini Outlaw Cheer camp last week. She loved it. We are still trying to get her out of some of her shyness...She is much better :) sometimes. I hid out at the pep-rally so she would not see me. I was afraid she wouldn't do her cheer if she saw me. She did pretty good I thought for being in Kindergarten. I may be a little biased though lol. According to Nana and Nancy she was great!! This was also Bret's first pep-rally. He was so into it. He loved the Blue. The half time show at the ballgame was rained out. They are going to get to do it at the Murfreesboro game.

More of Kam's Football

Four States Fair

Just a few pics--trying to catch up

Still Trying to Catch Up......

Darci was sick part of Spirit Week at school but I have a few pics of the week. Monday was crazy or mismatched sock day and the only other day I remembered to take a pic was western day. We don't have alot of western bur I thought we did pretty good. She was Twinkies with her friend Gracie. They wore their cheer camp shirts.

I also added a soccer picture and a pic of her spirit jeans.

What we've been up to.....

We have been so busy lately. I have 12 hours of school along with work and all of Darci's activities and Kameron's had alot going on too. Seems like every night we have something.

Darci has been playing soccer and she has been doing really good. She scored a goal in her game yesterday!! It was a tie game and they had a kick off and she made her goal. We were sooo excited. Soccer will be over this week and I am happy. I am just ready to stay home. We also went to the Fall Fest at school. Darci's class had the goldfish pond so we came home with 4 fish. We have already had to flush one. Maybe the rest will survive. :\

The little man is totally potty trained at 2 3/4!!! This is great. He was so easy. He just decided one day to wear underwear and we haven't looked back. The girls at the daycare have been alot of help too. We also don't HAVE to have the pacie anymore. There is still a chewed up one laying around here or there but we don't take it everywhere. He still has his lovie though (this is a burp cloth that he has had to have since he was a baby).

I have taken on teaching another class at church. Our youth group is really grown. We have now split the girls and boys and I am teaching the girls on Wednesday nights. It has been a really good study. We are doing His Girl. The books look like magazines and I think the girls like it. I have really learned alot in the short time we have been doing it.

Wilb has decided to work a little less at Walmart. We are all happy to have him home. He works so hard for us. He needs a break.

Halloween is next week and the Candy Corn Fairy and the Skeleton are ready to go. Ready for all the Holidays coming up and I promise to blog more :) I didn't realize how many people keep up with us until I slacked. Thanks to everyone.

Darci's Halloween at School

I really enjoyed working in Dierks this year. Todd was so great to let me go to Darci's Halloween party. She was very happy to have me there as well. Darci has wanted to be a Candy Corn Fairy for a couple of years now and we finally found a cute (and affordable)costume. The Kindergarten and Preschool trick or treated all the classrooms at the elementary and at the high school. Later that day Darci said they didn't have to do much work. Mrs. Pickett let them get in their treat bags too. I only got a few pictures at school. One of these has her friend Jason posing with her.

I got a pic of Jace the Ninja also. He was super excited to see me there.

Bret's Halloween at School

This was Bret's first year to get to go to the Nursing Home and sing with the big kids. He was excited and I think seeing him walk with those other kids made him grow right then. He wanted to be a "Monker" (monster) this year. Daddy found a super cute skeleton costume for him and he knew how to handle the rest. Ms. Helen asked all the kids as they were lined up getting ready to sing at the Nursing Home to say their name and what they were dressed as. No one really said anything so Ms. Helen went down the line introducing them. When she got to Bret, she said this is Bret and then Bret said real loud "I'm a Monker Raaaaa". It was too cute. They all loved him. The kids got to treat the residents and the residents treated them after the kids sang their songs.

I can't believe how grown up he looked and he had lots of fun and most of all he minded and stayed right with the class. I was really worried about that. :)

Trick or Treat Pics

We got way too much candy!!

Happy 6th Birthday Baby Girl!!!!

I can not believe you are six years old. I know I say that every year, but I seriously can't. We love you so much. Usually every year I wake you up at 4:01 am on your birthday but I didn't this year because you were staying with Bapaw, Kiki and Kortny last night. You had to stay with them because me and Nonny had to be at Texarkana at 6:45 this morning for her surgery. Kiki said you had so much fun. They celebrated your birthday with you and enjoyed having you. Bapaw picked you out a guitar for your birthday. You love it. You wanted to be just like Taylor Swift and haven't stopped playing since.

We had our official pancake supper tonight and you blew out your candles. We have had this every year since you were old enough to eat pancakes.

This is the beginning of your birthday week and I'm sure we'll have more to post.

Birthday Party at the Park

I have lost my camera cord but I thought I better start making some entries before I get so far behind. I will add some pics when I find it.

Darci's 6th Birthday Party was at the park. It had rained just a few days before and I was so scared about the weather but it turned out perfect. We had a good time and the cake Daddy picked out was delicious. You got lots of goodies including a jewelry box you could decorate yourself, a very cute circle purse from Nonnie, the Strawberry Shortcake Berry Cafe and lots of accessories to go with it. You also got a Liv Doll and salon chair from Nana and Aunt J and the Taylor Swift CD from Papaw Johnnie which we have listened to alot. :)

Thanksgiving 09

This year we stayed home on Thanksgiving. I cooked all the traditional foods. I got recipes from Aunt Beck for dressing and Aunt Deb's Peanut Butter pie. Everything turned out perfect. We had Nonnie, Poppy, Ashilyn and Devyn over. We all ate good and took turns taking naps and shopping online for the rest of the day.

Our First Visit from the Tooth Fairy

On the day after Thanksgiving Darci lost her first tooth. She was so brave. She and Daddy went in the bathroom and he helped her get it out. She was sooo excited!! Being the Darci that she is I knew she would want to keep her first tooth so she drew a tooth and wrote the Tooth Fairy a letter explaining what she wanted and that she loved her very much. The Tooth Fairy left her a note that she loved her very much too and left her $5. Which didn't hang aroung long. We went straight to the DG to get a toy toaster she had her eye on.

Darci you are so brave and love how you want to eat apples so you can loose another one.

Our First Real Emergency Emergency Room Visit!!!

Bret!!

Yesterday is a day I will never forget. Around 9am Bret was running from Darci and fell and sliced his lip on my bed rail. I first thought he hit the vacumn but he told me this morning he hit the bed. Darci says Momma he has a bloody lip and I said ok (we've had them before). Then she says no Mom look and OMG it was bad. Nonnie drove Bret and I to the Nashville ER.Ive Never seen Nonnie drive so fast!! Devyn was here and he and Darci cleaned everything up and went to Nonnie's house to wait for us. We met Wilb at the ER in Nashville (he was at work). When Dr. S saw it he said he wouldn't be able to fix it because it was so bad. He then told us about Dr. Wise who was sometimes in Hope but yesterday he was in Magnolia and he could put Bret to sleep to fix it. Dr. Wise is an ENT and he is very tedious(sp) with his work. SO here we go to Magnolia. I had never been there before but my friend Twila's husband hunts down around there. He was so nice to stay on the phone with me the whole way to make sure we made it ok. When we arrived at Magnoia Hospital, the people there were very nice and were waiting on us. They got us right in and by 2:15 Bret was being taken back for surgery. This was an awful day! I woke up thinking about going Christmas shopping and 5 hours later I am 2 hours from home in my pajamas with no socks and air dried hair (it was wet when this started)with my baby being put under anesthesia! The surgery took around 2 hours. He won't be able to go to daycare all week because of the risk of opening up the wound. Dr. Wise said if all goes as planned it shouldn't even leave to much of a scar! I know you've probably already looked at the picture and I apologize for it being to bad. This was probably the worst busted lip Dr. Wise said he ever saw.

Thanks for eveyone who prayed for us. For Nonnie driving us and Michael for the directions. Thanks Ms. Helen for coming by and seeing us and all the people at Howard Memorial and Magnolia Hospital. Everyone was so great to us.

Bret is back to being all boy today minus me freaking out every move he makes and not being able to eat.

Wilbur said this morning it was like taking care of a glass slipper in a room full of hammers. And that's exactly what this day has been like.

Right before they took him back he says. "I'm really sorry Momma" He was so sweet.

Love you baby boy.

Update on B's lip

I should have posted this sooner but I just haven't had anytime to get on the computer. Bret was doing great the week after his lip repair. He and I went to his follow up appointment in Hope the following Thursday. Everything was great. The Dr. said he was going to heal great without much if any of a scar. I was so happy. We went and ate. He was very hungry because he really hadn't ate much other than cereal or oatmeal all week. On the way home Bret says Mommy my lip it hurts. I pulled over and best I could tell everything was ok. We get home and he runs on up in the house. When I walked in Wilb met me at the door and said what happened to his lip. I looked and Bret had pulled ALL the stitches out. It was so upset. I called Dr. Ferguson and text him a pic. He said it would be ok and made me feel much better about it. I called the Dr. in Hope the next morning and of course he was on call but in Magnolia again. So Bret and I took off again and they once again had to put him to sleep to repair the lip. This meant one more week of not eating and trying to protect that glass slipper. Bret also did not get to be alone for even a second until we were sure he was healed up. It looks good now only a couple of little stitches poking out that bug him.

Thanks to everyone who text and called and prayed for us. I am also very thankful to Todd for giving me the time off to be able to take care of Bret. It was definantly one of the hardest couple of weeks we have ever had and definantly the hardest we have had as parents.

Christmas 09

I didn't get to take many pictures of all the great Christmas gatherings we were at because I was too busy protecting that little lip. :) We had a great holiday this year. I am so thankful for everything and everyone in our lives. I am also very thankful that my kids know the reason for Christmas, Jesus's birth.

I do have some pictures of Christmas morning. I think my kids were the last kids on the planet sleeping. I laid and watched them sleep from about 6:30 until they finally woke up at 8.

Liberty Bowl 2010

Razorbacks vs East Carolina

This year for our anniversary I told Wilb all I wanted was to go to the Liberty Bowl. He told me next time I wanted to go to a bowl It better be the Fiesta Bowl or some place warm. It was soo cold but we had a good time. I have no idea how the Hogs won but somehow they pulled it out. The windchill was 15 degrees. We wore 4 layers of shirts and had handwarmers and the coke fountains froze up so you couldn't even buy a coke. This was the first time I had been to Memphis and I promised Wilb we would live off BBQ. We ate at Neely's and at Corky's. They were both good. We got lucky that our hotel had a bus we could ride to the game so we didn't have to drive and worry about parking. He dropped us off at our gate and was there waiting on us(with the heater on) when we came out. We had a good time and the kids had fun staying with Nonnie and Poppy. We were so thankful to them.

Bret's First Day in Big Church

A Small Milestone

Bret will be three in less than a month and that is the cut off in the church nursery. I wasn't really prepared but Darci talked me into it today because we had been talking about it. He didn't go to children's church today, maybe next Sunday but we made it the whole service.

You did so good sweety. You even tried to follow along with the songs in the hymnal. It was too cute. During church you became very interested in Lindsey and Michael and afterwards you had to go show her your pull a rabbit out of a hat magic trick.(I'll add more about this in a different entry.)

Reading

Darci has wanted to read for a long time. She has made 100% on all math and spelling test so far this year.

Mrs. Pickett says you are a natural student. Last week the Kindergarteners got to bring home library books. Last week you brought "Chica Chica Boom Boom" and this week you brought home "Brown Bear Brown Bear". You also brought home a copy of the book your class has been reading, "Get the Gum". I love that you can read them. You have been so good at trying to read our Bible verses at church too. Growing up so fast!! Love you Sweetie!

Danielle Davis Photography

Danielle Davis is an amazing photograher. Not only is she a great photographer but she is probably one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. Check out her site.

http://danielledavisart.com/

Happy 3rd Birthday!!

My lil man turns 3

Bret's bithday was last Monday but we celebrated all week. We had his party on Sunday at McDonald's at DeQueen. I thought it went very good. We had some of his little buddies and some family there. He had a very cute Diego cake and we had our birthday pancakes on Monday night.He loved all his gifts and loves his fire truck couch. We also learned that he is getting into transformers. I didn't even know he knew what they were until we went to Target to pick out his gift from Nana and Papa Johnnie. He threw a fit for BumbleBee. He said he needed three Transformers like he was three. So guess what he got three Transformers. This makes me a little sad because to me those are big boy toys and not my lil man toys like Diego was. Both kids are just growing up too fast.

Just a little cute note. Bret kept bringing me his candles from his cake and saying "Momma put some more orange on it" So we have lit candles and sang Happy Birthday so many times since the party and we have put "orange" on those candles until there is not much left of them. :)

Snow in 2010

We've gotten more snow this year than in all my children's lives. They haven't ever got to make snow angels before nor a snow man. I know it hasn't hung around long any of the times we have gotten any but we have taken advantage each time.

My Valentine's

Prayer Life

I am a Christian and I pray everyday. I pray for the day my children will give their lives to Jesus. I pray for my families health, future and all the things mommy's pray for. This has been a crazy year with Shirley's aka Nonnie's lung cancer and now she is remission. That day we heard she was in remission was such wonderful words. That was an answer to so many prayers. This week we have had two special prayer requests. I know there are more but 2 that were very close to me.

My Uncle Rog is sick and this week has been a very rough week for him and his family. Some of his information was posted by Jamie, Uncle Rog's son, on the Prayer Circle for Roger Arnold on Facebook. Uncle Rog is a good Christian man and shows amazing faith in God.

The other prayer request is for a little boy named Jedidiah Harper. Many of you know this family and have been praying for him too. This little guy has really touched my heart. My Bret is 3 the same age as Jed. I am so inspired by this family's faith too. Jed's parents want everyone to pray for his healing. I have really never seen such a reaction of prayer before. Jed's mom has a blog and on there she posted that someone has been saved due to listening to his story and reading her Bible. Jed's mom writes with such inspriration. His parents are great Christian people. I will add her to my blog roll and you can click on little Jed's picture below and it will take you to her blog.

I have been in constant prayer lately. It feels so good to have intense time with God. He is amazing and I am learning every day how awesome it is to have an automatic reaction to go straight to God with anything. These 2 families have been through so much and I am so sorry for what they are going through but God is amazing and I think He is using these situations to bring so many people who only go to him when things are bad to grow in their relationship with Him. I am so thankful for the so many blessings I recieve everyday. Please remember to say some extra prayers for these families.

Toothfairy

Darci lost her second tooth last night. I know this is the second but it deserves a post because she pulled it herself. Daddy coached but she did it. So proud of her for being brave.

Jace's First T-Ball Game

Virus

My computer at home has a virus...I think... I will post more soon...I hope!!

Proverbs 31

I have been getting these devotions for a while now. I loved the one for today. Like I posted before I now God has really been working in me and today's lesson talks about God building in us. "God our Builder wants to erect, furnish, and prepare us to be ready to reflect His image."

The following is by Wendy Pope from Proverbs 31 today:

God the Builder
Wendy Pope

"For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything." Hebrews 3:4 (NIV)

Anything my nine year-old son sets his mind to, he can build. Whether he is working with Legos, K'nex, or hammer and nails, you can count on him to build a masterpiece. When he was only seven he informed me he planned to build a clubhouse from scrap wood the "workermen" from the construction site down the road had given him.

I gave him a list of logical reasons why he could not build a clubhouse. My little guy listened, and then proceeded to tell me his logical reasons for how he could build a clubhouse. I knew in my mind I was right, but there was no convincing my "workerman."

It turns out I was wrong. He built that clubhouse: a floor, four walls (including cut outs for doors and windows) and a roof. This was proof positive he was born to build.

There was another young man who was born to build: Jesus. Jesus' earthly father Joseph was a carpenter by trade and customary to the times, taught his son carpentry skills. I picture Jesus as a young child carrying His tools of the trade, honing His skills. He probably hammered a nail or two in places His mother preferred He not. Perhaps He built benches for their humble home. Maybe Jesus even entertained thoughts of building a clubhouse! Yes, Jesus was born to build.

Jesus was born to build, but His primary building project was not buildings, furniture, or other wood items. Jesus was born to construct the majestic splendor of a living temple of God - His church. He does this through the lives of God's children. Jesus is our builder, fashioning us to reflect the image of God.

The Greek rendering for the words "built" and "builder" in our key scripture is the same. The definition for these words is quite interesting: to furnish, equip, prepare, make ready; of one who makes ready for a person or thing; of builders, to construct, erect, with the included idea of adorning and equipping with all things necessary. Commentaries further explain the "house built" in our key verse is not a literal house, but a spiritual house.

God our Builder wants to erect, furnish, and prepare us to be ready to reflect His image. His desire is to adorn and equip us, His "living temples," with all things necessary to fulfill the purpose for which we were born. So many times we deny God access to our lives, giving Him logical reasons why we could not possibly be built into His image. He stands ready to give you reasons why you can be built into the image of God.

Are you ready to say yes to God's master plan for your life? He is the Builder of everything. He wrote the blueprint of your life before you were born. Will you let Him craft your life into the masterpiece it is meant to be?

Dear Lord, today I give You the keys to my heart, Your home. Forgive me for keeping You locked out of parts of my life. I want You to come into my heart and life to begin construction. You are the Master Builder; I give You permission to do all things necessary to craft me into the masterpiece I was meant to be. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
"Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted." (Psalm 127:1) Click here to find out how you can partner with Proverbs 31 Ministries as we build a home brick by brick, wall by wall.

Do You Know Him?

Application Steps:
In a quiet place, read Psalm 139.

Reflections:
What ways do I reflect the image of God?

What areas of my life do not reflect the image of God?

Am I willing to allow God my Builder to do all things necessary to build me into His image?

Power Verses:
Psalm 127:1, "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (NIV)

2 Corinthian 5:1, "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." (NIV)

1 Corinthians 3:16, "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?" (NIV)

Early Mother's Day Gift

from Darci

Sunday Darci planned out a little scavenger hunt for me. It was so cute and sweet. She started with the first clue in the kitchen floor, then lead me to the kitchen table, and that clue lead me to my phone. Under my phone she had a sweet little note and a little box with 2 necklaces. One said mother and the other said daughter. They were so sweet and she was very excited to pull the little hunt off.

Tornado 2010

We had several tornado warnings in Dierks last Friday night. One proved results from a tornado. The National Weather Service confirmed and EF2 tornado touched down in town and an EF0 tornado touched down south of us that night. The kids and I went to Shirley's walk in closet and sat for a couple of hours, while Nonnie, Poppy and Daddy sat out watching for us. Darci was terrified so she spent most of the night praying. She is going to be quite a prayer warrior when she gets older. Bret sang the B-I-B-L-E all night. I guess he thought we were having Sunday school since D was praying and holding my Bible. :) It was a long night. Since I have all kinds of weather information on my phone (TWC, KSLA12, texts and facebook) I really didn't get that scared until I broke it and could see anything. We were listening to the scanner and heard about some damage so like the country people we are we went to town in between to two storms. lol We went to Wilbur's uncle Jackie's store. The tornado had blown all the windows out.

The laundry mat was destroyed. We owned this when I was in high school, (I hated cleaning that thing lol) but now some friends from church own it. I was very sad for them. They were just relieved no one was injured and no one had went in for cover. A portion of the storage buildings south of town were also destroyed. It was like a cookie cutter had been put over the stuff people had stored in them. The tornado literally picked the building up off the stuff. With all this damage we were lucky that no one in town was injured.

Easter 2010

Just a few pics...very late i know

Kindergarten Field Trip

Darci's class went on their Kindergarten field trip Wednesday. Wow this year has flown by. They went to the movies in Texarkana and watched Oceans. It was a really neat movie. They all got a movie meal and then went to the park afterward for a picnic lunch. I was a little worried about her going on the bus to Texarkana so of course I went too. :) We had a great time. Those teachers have it all together and did a great job of keeping everyone where they were supposed to be!! Kindergarten graduation is just around the corner.

First Trip of the Season to the Albert River

AKA Albert Pike

We had a vacation planned to Destin in June but with the uncertainty of the oil spill we decided to cancel while we could still get most of our money back. So Thursday night we decided to ride up to Albert Pike and look around where we could think about what else to do. Right now we are between going to Branson or just spending the week camping. (Big difference in going to the beach I know) We are sad about not getting to go to the beach.

Darci had a fun time playing in the water even though it was freezing. Bret said he had fun at the "Albert River". He spent all of his time throwing rocks.

The picture of Bret on the bridge is my fave!! If you know anything about Dora the Explorer you know about the grumpy old troll. (In Dora the grumpy old troll lives under the bridge and Dora and Boots have to solve his riddle before he will let them cross.)He was playing like he was the grumpy old troll and scaring his sister like crazy!! He had the song down pat and he loved it!!

Daddy's New Job

We have been praying and praying about Wilbur's job. Many of you know he has been working 2 jobs now for almost 2 years. His full time job...sometimes they worked 40 hrs...sometimes they don't and he was really wanting to do something different before he felt like he was stuck. Well he's doing something different all right. Last week I called a very good friend of mine from high school and he was able to get Wilbur on. Wilbur is working as contract labor for CTEH. He is down on the coast where the oil is expected. He had training last week and Monday started air testing. He is using their equipment to test the air for any polutants that may be present due to the oil in the water. We do not know how long he will be working but I have good help at my house...Devyn. We are hoping to go see him this week.

Kindergarten Graduation

Kindergarten Graduation was today. I am not sure who was more nervous me or D. She said the invocation. She did great!! We had practiced and practiced that little prayer. I got really scared right before and said "D if you get scared saying it just say 'Amen" and be done" lol She didn't need me she went right along...she knew what she was doing. I have more pics that I will post later but these two were some of my favorites.

The first one is of her last full day of Kindergarten (yesterday).

Memorial Weekend/Biloxi Beach

Visiting with Dad

Wow! I know I have alot of catching up to do. On Memorial Weekend, Me, Devyn and the kids went to Biloxi Beach to see Wilb. We had a great visit and even surprised him Sunday night with a little birthday party in the room. I was very sad to leave that Sunday but we made it ok. It has been hard but I know we are doing this to make a better future.

We have lots of pics. Lots of crab hunting at night and lots of fun on the beach. BTW Bret was not the least bit scared. The water was shallow and he would have went out a mile if I would have let him.

God's Will

This is just a little spot from an email I got today. This verse means alot to me. I prayed so hard to stay in God's will when Wilbur took this job. I also have been teaching the youth girl's Wednesday night class at church. We are studying Esther. I love it! It is great the way the hand of God put her in the positions she was in.



I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 1:3-6

"So many times sincere believers feel anxious about where they stand in life. How do I know that I’m in God’s will? How can I be sure that I haven’t missed something along the way? Paul assures the Philippian church and the church today that God is ultimately in control. He is able to hold us to Him better than we are able to hold onto Him." Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

Tragedy at Albert Pike

Those of you who read my post about the Albert River as Bret calls it, know that we changed our vacation plans from Destin to Albert Pike this year due to the oil spill. What that post doesn't say is that the week we planned our vacation was June 7-11. We didn't get to take that vacation because of the new job that I am so happy God provided for us. (I am terribly sorry for the loss of work and way of life to those families on the coast.)

Anyone who watches the news know what happened the morning of June 11 in Albert Pike. A terrible flash flood came through and wiped out the campsite. Many families with young children (as I would have had camping that night) lives were changed for ever. Only God knows why he took those sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers home that day.

Bro Ellis pointed out the Sunday after the flood, God had sent angels to the park that night. Those angels did not know why God had sent them until that wall of water came through. The angels were there to take those children into the arms of Jesus. Those angels were also there to take all of the moms, dads, grandparents that were saved into Jesus's arms as well. Those that did not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior however; the angels just had to watch as they were taken.

I had not thought of this event this way. I am terribly sad for all of those families, while eterenally thankful to my Lord that my family was not in that park that night. So many times we do not realize why things happen the way they do. We just need to remember we are not in control. We also should thank God for everyday and every moment we have with our loved ones.

The first picture was taken on the Sunday before Wilbur found out he got that job. We were there having a picnic at the campsite we had picked to spend the week. The water is not even 50 feet from this table on this normal day in the park.

Owa-Chito Festival 10

and dad leaving going back to work