Pictures for Nana and Papa

 

Over the month of March and into April we've had a number of boy scout and cheerleading activities. I have not had time to post the pictures until now. Both Nathan and Shay love being involved with these activities. A big thank you again to Uncle John. Two of these events fell on the same weekend and Uncle John flew in and took Nathan on his trip to the mountains. Nathan loved having a all guys weekend.

Happy Easter

 

The kids and I had a fun Easter 2009. Yesterday we dyed eggs. I think this is the third year Nathan wanted Star Wars and Shay enjoyed her Elmo and Friends. Nathan was not really into the egg stuff this year like in the past. Wii was calling and he quickly stuck a few stickers on and went back to playing Wii. We had a friend over and spent time outside and at the park. It was a really nice day. If my allergies were not so bad we would have been out all day. This is the second year that my eyes won't stop itching. I'm going to the doctor on Monday. Last year it took a prescription to get them to settle down.

This is the first year Nathan has really enjoyed reading the story of Christ from the Bible. We spent time on Friday talking about why we celebrate Easter and what Good Friday was all about. He seemed to understand and appreciate our time together. We watched some of the Ten Commandments and he enjoyed already knowing about the story and what was happening. This morning before we went down stairs to do all the bunny stuff we sat together and read about the RISEN LORD. We've always talked about it this time of year but Nathan really seemed to understand what sacrifice was made for us.

The Easter Bunny left a "Hunt for the Golden Egg Game" for the kids and they really had a great time finding the clues and all the little presents and eggs along the way. Nathan did a great job reading the clues by himself. The Easter Bunny left him a couple of little Lego treats and he has spent most of the day building and creating ships and cars. Shay found ponies, puzzles, stickers and a book. She still loves playing with the eggs and putting things in and out of them. The golden egg held a small treasure for the both of them. I got smart this year and made sure that they either had their name on the eggs or Shay's were all pink. Nathan said a number of times that he would have all the eggs if it wasn't for the color coding and labeling. Shay is not the best finder in the world. She just walked in to let me know she found another of her eggs in the refrigerator. (the Bunny went all over the inside and outside of the house.)

We missed having Nana here this year to help with the eggs and hunt. Both kids have mentioned a number of times that they "Miss their Nana." I think this is the first Easter we've been with out Nana or other family members. We miss having them around.

Church was awesome and I am so thankful for our Risen Lord! With out these last three days we would have no hope. My hope is that everyone knows what the empty tomb has given to us. Thank you JESUS.

My Friend and I Week 13

I am posting this entry of Nathan and his best buddy at I ♥ Faces.

This week is "My Friend" Week at www.iheartfaces.blogspot.com Stop by and see all the friends!

Wordless Wednesday

I ♥ Faces "Anything Goes" Pet Week

The first entry of Nathan worked fine so I thought I'd include the pets. If they were suppose to be in one entry I didn't realize that until it was to late. But I have to give a shout out to the best kid in the house "RUDY" He loves everyone, never complains, never gets in trouble, is sure to leave the room at the first sign of anyone else getting in trouble and the most willing snuggler in the house. We love our dog "Rudy"

Week 12 I ♥ Faces - Pouting

This weeks catagory at I ♥ Faces is Pouting

This is the first time I've enter anything like this and am not sure if I understand how to do it. But I love looking at all the entries every couple of weeks. Hopefully this works.

This picture was taken last summer when we were attending a FCC event. We had just come in from the beach and Nathan really just wanted to go home. He survived the event was bored and not happy about being there.

Giving the New Camera a Try

 

We had a wonderful afternoon and spent part of the time at the park. I tried the new camera and love it. Thanks Rebecca. I need to read the directions I am not sure what all the buttons and settings are yet. I mostly left it in "auto". We had a great weekend and I will post more about that later. Thank you Uncle John for coming and spending time with us. Nathan had a great time.

Julie

Red Envelope Day

Praying for Stellan and Baby Veiyah

Please lift up these babies today if you have a moment.

For Where Two or Three are Gathered Together in My Name, There am I in the midst of them. - Matthew 18:20

Joined Twitter and Something New!

GOOD BY WINTER!

I seem to have a hard time getting to the computer lately. Well I get here but not enough time to sit down and write a post. The last couple of months have been crazy with my traveling every weekend or every other one. Both Nathan and Shay were very glad to hear my traveling days are coming to an end. Travel ending meant it was time for my mom to return home. Which is not any where near us. We all miss her, Shay asked tonight "Are we going to get Nana at the airport tonight." I wish but Papa needs her at home and she needs some down time. It will take a couple of weeks to get use to her not being here. I guess I'll have to figure out the laundry thing again.

I joined Twitter mainly to follow and pray for other people. Please be praying for Abby, Kai (A Bouquet of Blessings)and Veiyah. Their families stories are an amazing testimony to our Heavenly Father. They are all such an inspiration as they deal with illness and cancer. Our life is good we are BLESSED.

I also joined Face Book which can take up WAY to much time along with blogging. I have to limit myself to one hour a day after the kids get to sleep.

My exciting news is that I bought a camera today. One thing I've always wanted to learn about is photography. My dad always took the best pictures. I remember him having his camera with him all the time when I was younger. My brother is great with his camera and I was so thankful he went to China with me. We have great memories from that time. Hopefully I will find the time to learn and use it.

I am looking forward to Easter and Spring Break. Hope the weather is warm so we can spend time outside.

I am WAY WAY OVER the one hour limit. Hopefully more pictures and post will be coming in the weeks to come.

Fun Pictures of Shay

Thank you to my friend Lisa for the wonderful pictures of Shay and her friend. This past weekend in Atlanta we held our big event of the year. We have to be away from home for five days. Since Shay starts school next year I thought it would be fun for her to come and enjoy all the cheerleaders. She calls them "Big Comets." I didn't get to see her very much but she had a blast. The weekend was a big success and we were Blessed with a very smooth event. When you have that many people in one place you never know. God answered every prayer and then some. So many people did an awesome job. I'm still tired and Shay has her cough and fever back again but we have this weekend off and I can't wait to enjoy it with Nathan, Shay and my mom.

Chinese New Year Celebration

 

We had a wonderful time at our local Chinese New Year Celebration. It was great to see old friends. Shay and Nathan had a great time.

Pine Wood Derby Day

 

The Batmobile made it's debut at our Pine Wood Derby. Nathan loves Boy Scouts more than any activity we do. He loves being with his friends and his leader is great. Our pack is just starting and is small but it is the perfect size for Nathan. He did a great job and was so happy to see his buddies cars. The four Tigers all raced together four times and we came in 3rd overall. At least we made it down the track in one piece. Nathan was hoping that they would each win one heat so they could all tie. His best friend won and represented the Tigers in the overall pack race.

It made me proud to see him happy for his friend and not worried about winning. He has had a great couple of days with many positive choices.

This past couple of weeks has been hard for him since I've worked more than usual. He keeps asking when we can have time just the two of us. It breaks my heart. We spent some time together this weekend but I owe him more one on one time soon.

Big Fun Weekend

 

We had a fun filled weekend. Shay had her first two day cheerleading competition. Her division is the youngest and earliest of the event. This meant we had to get up "before the sun wakes up" as Shay would say. They had an OK day one and a great day two but in their world as long as there is a goody bag, medal and or trophy they don't care what place they finish.

Saturday we had a surprise party for Nathan. I thought he had figured out the party part but when he came in the door and heard everyone yell "surprise" his reaction was awesome. The boys played in the gym for a short time and then the second surprise started. He wanted a magician for his party this year so I found one online and hoped that he would do a good job. WOW the show was incredible. The kids and adults were all entertained. Nathan's favorite trick was the final one where Hocus the live rabbit appeared. I was amazed at most of his illusions.

We extended our weekend with a snow day - Yeah! Shay had never seen snow before and I woke her up last night so she could see it coming down. We had a great time throwing snow balls, attempting a snow man (ended up being a mini me snow man) and making snow angels. It will be gone by tomorrow but it was fun while it lasted.

Help the Saunders Family

PRAY FOR SAUNDERS FAMILY - http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/
Linn and Dwight are the proud parents of 10 amazing children. They just recently brought #8 and #9, Elijah & Elizabeth home from Uganda. They are currently waiting to bring home #10, Jubilee from China. These darling souls are on fire for the Lord, and have such a passion to help all children find their forever families. They are such a fabulous example of how to be "Jesus" to others. Inspiring does not begin to describe these two. In their Journey to Isaiah in china and to Elijah and Elizabeth, several glitches were thrown their way, but never once did they waiver in faith. They clung to HIS promises, rallied all the prayer warriors, praised God every step of the way, and trusted in and relied totally on God to pull them through, And HE always did.
(Words from http://heart-smiles.blogspot.com/)

Wednesday their home burned down and they need everyone's prayers and help. Today their son Graham had appendicitis and needed surgery. If you want to read about their story please go over to their blog. Thank you!!!

Sick but Still Happy on His 7th Birthday

 

We've not had much time this week to post. Nathan turned 7 on Tuesday. Unfortunately he was sick and had to stay home from school. We have a surprise for him this Saturday. I will have more pictures and things then. We are all tired and feeling a little under the weather so I need keep this short.

PRAY FOR ABBY

Abby was adopted from Guatemala. At three years old, she was diagnosed with a high-risk, aggressive form of Leukemia. Certain genetic complications have put her chance of surviving the treatment at about 20%.

I am praying for her and her family. Would you pray for them too?

You can find more about Abby here, on her family blog: http://www.riggsfamilyblog.com/2009/01/about-abby.html

Chirstmas Morning

 

Both my kids were very happy with what Santa left for them. Nathan kept saying "This is the best Christmas ever." and "I don't have any thing left on my list for my birthday." Shay just kept smiling and playing. Last year she had fun but she was really into it this year and it showed. The big kids i.e. Uncles and mom also had fun watching them play and helping Santa do his thing. We are very blessed and I hope my kids realize this someday. We sang happy birthday to Jesus and read the Christmas story the night before. I was most thankful to be together another year.

Santa Visit

 

This was our annual vist to Santa Claus. We almost missed it this year. Thankfully we had time in Oklahoma to catch a quick visit. They both had a great time and shared their desires.

Uncle Time

 

Nathan and Shay had the best time with their Uncles over the Christmas break. We were very sad to see them leave. I wish they didn't live so far away. I love you both and so do Shay and Nathan.