4th of July

For the second time this summer, we have gone from having no plans to having a party of epic proportions in the course of a few phone calls.

Ok, the epic proportions part might be a bit of an exaggeration, but exaggerating is my spiritual gift.  Just ask Wes.

We did, however, have an EPIC time!  Which is all that really matters, right?

We ate some fried fish and chips, a few Chapman style appetizers, Stacey's garden fresh salsas, Emma's amazing dessert, and anything else we could throw into the deep fryer! (Pretend you see a picture of all the guys in my front yard sitting around a deep fryer with a buffet table full of fried food on the front porch!)

And, then...

No one ever accused us of not knowing how to have a good time!!

It really was the perfect evening relaxing with friends.

Who says failure to plan is planning to fail?

BOOYA!

Halloween 2010

My kids were more excited than ever about Halloween this year! In the past, we have always spent Halloween at the harvest festival, but this year, we ventured out into the vast unknown world of "real" trick-or-treating!

We gathered with this group of goblins and ghouls, storming the neighborhood in search of treats! Cutest Buzz Lightyear EVER!!!

Gingy and Sandy...

Emma taking an important call...

Buzz tuckered out!

Our crazy clan wiping out a candy bowl...

The end...

WICKED Awesome!!

These two ladies and I went to see "Wicked" in Dallas a couple of weekends ago, and if you ever have the chance to see it, YOU MUST! It was so smart and hilarious. The only way it could have been better is if I had seen it on Broadway with Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel. I can't wait to see it again!

Hanging Out with Alex

A couple of weekends ago, I somehow managed to get rid of Abbee, Emma, and JW in exchange for Alex!

Two words: even. exchange. (ahem) I didn't feel guilty at all!!

Alex and JP have always had a special friendship and I really enjoyed watching and listening to the two of them interact all day. They are at complete opposite ends of the talkative spectrum, and JP would just gabber dramatically and incessantly while Alex pretended to listen and care! Occasionally, he would look at me as if to ask, "Does she ever shut up?"

I told him just to nod every now and then, and throw in a random, "O.K." It seemed to work out for him!

After JP and I dragged him around to several re-sale shops (including his first trip to Goodwill!), Target, and (the only store that saved the friendship) Academy, we came home to hang out. The weather was nasty, but these two convinced me to let them play outside in the rain. Something I would have NEVER allowed if all of the kids had been home!! (I have a strong aversion to unnecessary laundry.)

I was trying to capture some candid shots on the stealth, but Alex noticed me right away!

He then tried his hardest to avoid looking at the camera the remainder of the time!
The Drama Queen, however, didn't mind a bit!
I threw this one in just because I feel it totally captures my photography skills.
I'm not sure about Alex, but JP and I had a super time! And, any time I can get a one for three deal, I'm in!

Jeff and Taylor's Wedding

While looking through my pictures, I've come across several events that never made it to the blog (gasp!). And I definitely need to post these super cute pictures of these super cute girls who just so happen to clean up rather nicely. Here are three of those super cuties!
Wes and I clean up nicely as well! At least I think so!
One of these two didn't clean up at all! But, she's still awfully cute!
It's all about the kewl. (Does anyone know why we changed the spelling of cool? Is "kewl" that much easier to text than "cool"? Anyone? Bueller?)

Ah. Here they are in all their gorgeous.
When did these little girls become young ladies anyway?
I didn't actually take my camera to the wedding, so the title is a little misleading. However, it was a beautiful ceremony with some of the BEST wedding music I've ever heard. Oh Happy Day indeed!

Meeting the Newest McKees

My kids have been BEGGING to meet Abri and Geb since the day Paul and Stacey left for Ethiopia! They began with visions of welcoming them back at the airport. When I shattered those hopes and dreams, Abbee suggested we just wait for them at their house!!

After explaining to the kids that Stacey and Paul needed a little time to rest and adjust to life back home before we stampeded the place, they seemed to really understand. They began begging once an hour as opposed to once every fifteen minutes!

Today, the much anticipated introductions finally came to fruition. We were able to spend this afternoon meeting these two PRECIOUS babies. With smiles that instantly melt your heart, these two had us at hello!










Congratulations, McKees! We could not be more excited for you.

New Mercy Monday

I knew going into yesterday that the day had the possibility of being extremely difficult emotionally. In fact, I made several adjustments in my plans in case I woke up and decided I couldn't face the day.

Although it was an emotional day for me, I felt an overwhelming peace from the moment I got out of bed.

Later in the day, when I got home from church, I opened my purse and found three cards that three very special people had secretly placed inside. I wept as I read each one. Not just because I was thinking of my dad, but because I realized in that moment that I had been covered in prayer by my sweet, sweet friends. Each card spoke unique words of comfort and affirmed that God had appointed people to help me through the day.

I opened my email later to find that other friends had sent words of encouragement and scripture; and, I was again reminded of the God who is in the details.

There have been many days since my dad died that I haven't been able to drag myself out of bed. I was fully expecting yesterday to be the same. But, God made his mercies new to me and filled my day with hope and peace.

I am sincerely overwhelmed by the thoughts and kindness of those who prayed for me and my family yesterday. You are all very special to me and I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me. Thanks for loving me and being the hugs of God!