finish the race

Christmas Pictures, 2006

2007-01-09T20:59:00.000-08:00

Could this be Heaven?

2006-12-04T13:52:00.000-08:00

Conversation on the way to preschool this morning.

Peyton, our neighbor, age 4, and Makenzie, our daughter, also age four discussing the death of Peyton's grandmother's dog.

Peyton: My grandma's dog died. She jumped out of the kennel and she's gone.

Kenzie: What's a kennel? (We obviously don't have a dog)

Peyton: It's like a crib for dogs. My dad said he was going to get Tanner a kennel. (Tanner is Peyton's 10 year old brother)

Kenzie: Did her dog go to heaven?

Peyton: No, Dallas.

Kenzie: My Aunt Laurie lives in Dallas. She's not dead.

Peyton: Dogs go to Dallas. People go to heaven.

Kenzie: Oh...Yeah...

Mommy: Oh... no...Laughing silently and driving at the same time all the while trying not to wet her pants and thinking, Thank God I'm not a dog!

C. Zachary Clinton, 3 Months Old

2006-11-01T21:42:00.000-08:00

It is hard for us to believe that Zach is three months old. He is a precious gift, one that we will forever treasure. We chose Zachary's name because it means "the Lord remembered". Thank you, Lord, for remembering, and for giving us this child.

Happy Halloween 2006

2006-11-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

Fall Family Fun

2006-11-01T10:48:00.000-08:00

"Knuckerholes"

2006-10-17T21:07:00.000-07:00

When there are four little bodies under the age of eight in one car, someone is always talking! Makenzie, four, is usually talking the loudest. She is quite a girl. So the other day we are in the car and she asks "Do boogers grow?" I'm thinking to myself, don't answer this, but of course, I start into an entire dialogue to the contrary. "What made you think of that", I asked her. To which she replied, "My knuckerholes have grown. See." Looking in the mirror, I see her precious face with a finger in each nostril, otherwise known as "Knuckerholes". So, when your kid starts any conversation with the word booger. It's in mho that you just ignore her and keep driving, both hands on the wheel, and out of your knuckerholes.

Off to School

2006-10-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

More Family Pictures

2006-10-16T20:45:00.000-07:00

The Family

2006-10-16T20:37:00.000-07:00

A day in the life....

2006-06-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

I would love to tell you that things have been relaxing, slow, full of nothing since school let out, but I'd be lying. It has been wonderful to sleep until 7:30 and 8:00 and great for the kids to be up later with Daddy. We've watched Makenzie learn to "swim" and Morgan and Mikaela have had more sleepovers and play dates than I can count. We are using the pool a lot, at VBS on Wednesdays, other church activities on Tues., neighborhood play group on Wed., and a pool play group on Thurs. I've got to rest a little before this baby gets here and I think I'll start today. Makenzie has a summer sinus infection, so water day at the church is not for us this morning. I think instead we're off to look at hamsters and run a few other errands.

We had a great Fathers Day weekend with Kevin's parents and sister and nephew as well as my parents and sister. We celebrated Garon, Charles, and Kevin's special day with great gifts and great Mexican food. Us "girls" spent the day on Saturday at a great baby shower thrown by my sweet neighborhood friends and then capped it all off with a shopping trip. It has been nice to be home on the weekends since we are not traveling at this point in my pregnancy.

Speaking of baby, he and I are doing great. We are scheduled for a c-section on July 24. Hopefully he'll stay put that long. Some days I wonder. I never went into labor with the girls which is why they sectioned me in the first place, but I think this kiddo may have a different plan. We go a week from tomorrow to be "checked" and see how everything is staying put or not. I've stopped walking because of the constant braxton-hicks and I feel much better. I'm also resting more and sitting down often amidst a constant household of activity. Kevin is doing everything he can to help and we are enjoying our time together in the evening "working" and playing cards when we're through. We are definitely an old, boring, very content and happy married couple. We can not wait until this new baby joins our family.

Our lives are pretty uneventful, not very exciting, and we pretty much like it that way. I'm going to enjoy the next three weeks with the kids and Kevin, our friends, and this baby that wiggles around inside me. This will be the last time to carry a child and I want it to be something that stays with me a long time. I can not wait to meet him and hold him in my arms, but there is something very comforting and wonderful about holding him within. I know he's safe, protected, and very happy. May he always be.

Have a good one.

It's Time

2006-05-24T06:43:00.000-07:00

It's times like this that I don't miss teaching. I still feel the "crunch time" of the end of the year even though everything I do is volunteer work. It's time to wrap up all three committees for PTA and turn in my binders. It's time to give up my job as secretary on the Comal PTA Council. Three more binders to edit and pass on. It's time to finish planning the end of the year party as room mom for first grader, Morgan. Thank God for a great group of room mothers that work together. It's time to finish the last week of preschool, including teacher appreciation week, and a luncheon on Thursday. It's time to plan for next year's school carnival, oh my. It's also time to run all the errands I need to complete before all three kids are out of school and number four arrives. Doctors, dentists, car repairs, etc. It's time to pack for my parents house. R and R over Memorial Day Weekend. It's time to make dinner for a friend who had surgery on Monday. It's time to clean the rest of the house that didn't get done on Monday. It's time to finish planning summer schedules and baby happenings. It's time to plan two birthday parties, one in June, one in August. It's time to say goodbye to friends who are moving. It's time to welcome a new Clinton to the family. It's time to be thankful for everything I've mentioned. In the midst of all these chores and activities is great blessing. There are many other things, not on this list, that run around in my head constantly until they're complete. I think it's time for me to be still... and know... that He is God. Take some time.

Baby Clinton

2006-05-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

It is hard to imagine as I write this that in two months our little guy will be here. He will make his debut on either July 17 or July 24 unless he decides to come sometime inbetween. We went yesterday for our last ultrasound unless something changes between now and delivery. If we could ask down to the most minute detail for perfect, our request has been met. We have had some ups and downs along the way of this baby, but I believe that the downs have been so that God could reveal many ups. We've seen and checked on this child more than any other and every bit of time spent with him has been well worth it.

Our little one still doesn't have a name. I know that he will eventually, but I'm ready now. Again, though, I believe his name will hold much significance and that God will show it to us at just the right time.

Our guy, according to the ultrasound measurements, currently weighs about 3 1/2 lbs. His feet... huge! Let's just say I don't think he'll start in a zero or even a one shoe size. We have a picture of him flexing his arm muscle and one of his cute little face. He's quite smooshed mind you, but looks like a Clinton none the less.

So, for now, we wait for Jr., Brother, Connor, Bubba, and any other name of the moment the sisters have inflicted upon him. We look forward to welcoming him into our hearts and our home.

"Daaaaaddddddy..."

2006-03-16T06:17:00.000-08:00

Anyone who reads this little journal of mine knows that Kevin is currently out of town for several, count them, 7, weeks. We have just completed three of those weeks and amazingly enough, we are doing quite well. I must say though that I'm pretty much over it. I realize every time that Kevin is out of town, whether it's three days or three weeks, that even though we can function without him, we are never as good as when we're with him. Hmn... Could there be a lesson here?

Makenzie,3, has been known in the last few weeks to just cry out "Daaaddddy" in this wailing, heart-broken cry that would break Kevin in half if he were to hear her. She keeps saying, "I just want him to come home, I just want him to come home." Hmn... Another lesson here?

Here's counting down the next 7 days until we see our Daddy at my parents' house. It will be almost as good as "coming home."

Happy Anniversary

2006-03-12T05:38:00.000-08:00

I think this is the first anniversary Kevin and I have spent apart. We've been married for 12 years and have been together for 20, actually 19 1/2. Are we old or what? Our relationship hasn't always been a "bed of roses", but whose is? When you meet someone at 18, date, date others, date again, go to a small college where everyone knows if your dating or dating others, it can be difficult to maintain a relationship that propels you into a lifetime together;however, we did.

I believe that God brought us together and through many difficult life circumstances early in our relationship so that we could not just survive, but flourish, in even more difficult circumstances of adulthood. Kevin and I have "grown up" together and we have been through things that have imprinted on our hearts forever. We are so thankful for the friendship, love, loyalty, sense of humor, freedom, and spirituality that holds us together.

God has blessed us, in good times and bad, more than we could've imagined 12, 15, 20 years ago, and I am so thankful.

Happy Anniversary, Kevin.

It's A Great Day

2006-03-06T06:49:00.000-08:00

Even though I said I was taking a break, I will still blog occasionally and allow myself the freedom to not do it often. When there's good news to share, it's impossible for this mouth of mine to stay quiet.

We made it through our first full week minus one daddy, and we did better than just survive. It was an extremely busy week, and we did great even with all the activity. The girls are amazingly sensitive to the fact that Mommy works twice as hard at night when dad is not here. God has given each of them gifts that make my job easier.

Our worship yesterday morning was so powerful and just what I needed. Sometimes I just need to sit and be still and listen to God speak through the trials and success of His children. Our small group met last night for the first time in a while. I am encouraged every time we get together. Our group has no less than nine kids every time we meet, sometimes as many as 11, and as they run around in the back and upstairs, we imagine them getting together with their own families someday. What a legacy the Lord gives us.

The best news of the day is that Ira Hays is improving and Joe and Laura held him for the first time in 10 weeks. Thank You, Lord. Thank you. We are filled with hope and confidence as God continues to work mightily in this family.

Our own baby boy continues to do well. It's hard to believe that in four months he'll be with us. The whole thing is amazing. I'm feeling great. Thank God mountain cedar season is OVER. I am finally able to sleep again! This baby is the answer to so many prayers from so many people and I am overwhelmed that God has given us the desire of our heart.

My brother and sister in law continue to do better every day as they adjust to life without Adam. God continues to work out wonderful things in their lives even amidst losing their son so tragically. One of the greatest blessings has been in Joe's life. Joe is the precious friend of Adam who was driving the truck when he fell asleep. He lives with my brother and family and is like a son to them. Joe has been so burdened by Adam's death and until recently did not have a relationship with the Lord that would rescue him from his despair. God has worked through many people who love Joe to bring him into a relationship with our Savior. Last Wed. night, at Adam's favorite beach, Joe was baptized by my brother in front of a "great cloud of witnesses". Adam and even Adam's death have changed forever the hearts and souls of all of us, especially Joe.

We talked yesterday in our class about miracles. Do they still exist? Does the Holy Spirit work the same today as in the New Testament churches?

I'd have to say....Without a doubt.... YES.

Taking A Break

2006-02-27T10:37:00.000-08:00

I don't think now is the best time for me to try to keep up with blogging. So much is going on right now, some wonderful things, and some that break my heart.

First of all, on a happy note, our pregnancy is going great. After a little scare, and much looking at baby Clinton, we have determined that our sweet baby is just fine. Praise the Lord. We will go back and take another look on March 20, but feel in our hearts that the Lord will continue to knit this child in His image and deliver this sweet baby to us in July. We eagerly anticipate the arrival of our SON and ask for your prayers during the next four and a half months.

The same day we found out our boy was doing well, we lost another precious boy, our nephew Adam, who died tragically in a car accident. After several days in San Diego with my brother and all of our family, I am back home, and brought with me memories of a very unique and wonderful celebration of Adam that I will cling to always.

At the same time all of this has been happening, Kevin is enroute to a school in Biloxi, MS. until Good Friday, April 14. We miss him, but at the same time are so proud of his contributions as an officer in the Air Force. He is a good man and I am so blessed to be his wife.

With all this said, I just can't do this right now. I will be back, but only from time to time. My heart is heavy and I need to give everything I have to be a good mother to our girls and take care of this sweet boy I carry with me. God has done more than I can ask or imagine, but at the same time this world continues to demonstrate loudly that my/our treasures are elsewhere.

Pray for David and Marney, Cas, Matt, and Maggie.
Pray for Joe and Laura, Sophia and Ira.
Pray for families everywhere who need the Lord to answer their prayers.

Until next time,
God bless you.

Wonderfully Miserable

2006-01-18T20:06:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm miserable. My seasonal allergies, which have been left untreated this season due to Baby Clinton, have won. I am down and out and if my life depended on it I couldn't smell my way out of the garbage dump. I'll happily take out the trash this week.

So, what to do? Bury myself under heaps of Kleenex, or celebrate the best reason in the world to feel so terrible. I'll choose to be wonderfully miserable and in my spare time campaign to get rid of every mountain cedar tree in the state of Texas.

Have a great night, I'll be downstairs in the guest room so at least Kevin can get some sleep.

Random Thoughts

2006-01-13T06:37:00.000-08:00

It's been two months since my last post, not for any particular reason, I just can't seem to get any words wrapped around my thoughts. I do my best thinking sometimes in the middle of the night. God often gives me a song, a scripture, a memory, a dream, something to represent what's going on in my life. When Luke died, I would pray that the Lord would send him to me in my sleep. Weird, huh? Even more unbelievable, I believe God did just that. On those nights I would sleep peacefully and wake "full" when most mornings I awoke "empty".

There has been so much happening at the end of 05, beginning of 06. I am thankful for so much and at the same time wrestle with many unanswered prayers. Prayers for others who need the Lord to answer them. I think especially of Joe and Laura and Ira. How long, Lord? We call and call and wait for you to answer this prayer of healing. This little boy has changed the lives of all of us. He has drawn us to you, to each other, to his family, but we need this child to get better. I think of friends who struggle in a marriage stressed by financial needs and the strain of ministry. Please restore this family. I think of others who have given themselves to you and yet every day is hard. So what am I to learn from all of this and how do I celebrate good news in my life when others are barely hanging on.

I remember a time when I thought my life would never be blessed again. A time when I couldn't get out from under the burdens of grief, sorrow, emptiness, and feeling abandoned by the God who promised to work all things together for good. I still live out every day, "Lord I believe, help me with my unbelief". There is so much about suffering in the world that I will never understand. What I do understand is that although we sometimes feel abandoned, He never leaves us. He will continue to remind us through His word, the love of others, and our life experiences, that even the worst situation imaginable will not separate us from His love. Our responsibility is to be Jesus to those who can't find Him anymore. Whether they have never known Him, or just can't get out from under the burden of sin, doubt, exhaustion, we must never give up, and I believe that we will be the hope for those who have none.

I pray today that God will work many miracles this year. That He will encourage us with signs and wonders that strengthen our resolve and restore a tired people. May we all remain steadfast during difficult times and not grow weary. He knows the desires of my heart, of your heart, and through His Son, we will be more than conquerors, even when it feels like we can't lift our heads out of the foxhole.

It has been five years since our son, Luke, was born and then died. I have said before that I would tell his story, and it would make since on this anniversary that I would do so, but it's not the right time. God hasn't laid it on my heart to go there. I'm not sure why, but it's not in me to tell yet. It has been a "weird" anniversary, and I believe that God has given us many miracles this season to help us through what should have been a very difficult Christmas. We definitely had our moments, but we were comforted at the same time. For two years, we have been trying to have another baby. We saw a specialist, did everything we were "supposed" to do, and gave it over to the Lord, because month after month, we lost hope. Well, God gave us hope exactly when I think He thought we would need it most. This season of mourning was lifted with a season of celebration as we prepare to welcome a new baby in July. We are overwhelmed by this gift. We are encouraged by this gift.

And so, Baby Clinton, we anticipate your arrival with humility and thanksgiving and with many prayers. We remember your brother with the hope of reunion and are reminded how much we love him, and you.

Coming Home

2005-11-11T08:57:00.000-08:00

I just finished watching Ira Lester Hays coming home video posted on Joe's website, brooklynchurchplant.blogspot.com.

Of course, I cried. Tears flow easily from my heart.
Of course, I smiled. They brought their boy home.
Of course, I paused. It's impossible not to give thanks.

Of course, I remembered.

Of course, I paused. We didn't bring our boy home.
Of course, I smiled. Thinking of another home coming.
Of course, I cried. Tears flow easily from my heart.

Many blessings to Joe, Laura, Sophia, and Ira. What a beautiful day, for all of us.

Happy Birthday, Mikaela

2005-11-05T18:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Mikaela,
There are many things I want to say to you on your birthday.

It is a privilege to be your mom. I can remember looking at you for the first time, much the same way I look at you today, with complete surrender and a sense of thanksgiving that can't be described. Every night in your room as I pray over you while you sleep, I see that same precious face of innocence I saw eight years ago and thank God for you. Every night as you pray with me, I am encouraged by your gifts of compassion and faithfulness. God has given you a heart beyond your years.

You will learn many things during your lifetime. If you will remember to love God and love others, you will have learned what God desires for us. There will be times when you are sad, angry, hurt, and confused by the things of this world, and in those moments I want you to remember that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. Your treasures are in heaven, not here. It is God's will that no one should perish and He wants us to tell others about Him. Even more, He wants us to be Jesus to them.

Mikaela, I love the time we spend together and all the things we talk about. I hope that for the rest of our lives you will share with me the things of your heart. I will always love you and always be here for you. That's what being a mom is all about.

I am so very proud of you. Your life continues to unfold into a beautiful reflection of God's love. He has chosen you to do great things, and I am so happy to be a part of His plan for you. Happy Birthday, sweet girl. It's going to be an incredible year.

As you get ready for bed, tonight is no different than any other, and so I say to you, I love you more than there are... Stars in the sky, shells on the beach, ants in Texas....

And I sing over you...
"Jesus, keeper of this life, you are my refuge, my Savior, my guide.
Watch over this little one tonight.
Guard her every footstep as she travels this life.
And in some quiet moment, draw Mikaela to your side.
That she might come to know you, Jesus, as the Keeper of this Life."

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl.
Love,
Mom

Love Never Fails

2005-11-02T06:22:00.000-08:00

When I watch the girls with their daddy, I am often reminded of the times I spent with my dad as a little girl. He spent many hours in ministry and yet was always home at the right times. He was home in the mornings before school and then again afterwards, often in the kitchen getting ready for dinner. We always had dinner together as a family. He was there when the lights went out and then to throw them back on the next morning. His hugs, his smile, his eyes, his honesty, his discipline, his hands, his practical jokes, his voice, everything. I continue to miss him every day, and yet he is here every time I'm witness to the daddy/daughter dance in my own home.

Kevin isn't as fortunate to have as many hours with the girls each day as my dad did, but as he was leaving last night for Fort Worth (gone til Sunday), I realized it didn't really matter, because the love between these precious ones of mine, isn't dependent on time and space. It has no boundaries. As he scooped them up and hugged them, as they cried and Morgan said, "don't go, take us with you", as Makenzie held on to his legs for dear life, as Mikaela handed him her "goodbye note", I knew. I knew that no matter the circumstances of this life, no matter if they spend 5 hours with dad every day, or just one, this thing between them called love, would never fail.

I am thankful that my sisters and brother and I have been given another opportunity to love someone we think of as "dad". I am overwhelmed by the fact that two months ago we weren't even sure if he would still be here, and today, he is tumor free. God has given us not a second chance, but a third, to love and be loved by someone who lives out the love between a father and his children. Garon isn't "my dad", but he will always be my dad.

We spent the last several days with Kevin's parents. We haven't been able to be with them lately as much as we would like to, and I was reminded just how much they mean to us. One of the reasons Kevin is a great dad, is because of his parents. They are thoughtful, self-less, humble, loving, and always putting us first. What a blessing to us and the kids. Makenzie keeps asking when Mommom and PawPaw are getting up. She thinks they're still here. I keep showing her the room is empty. We miss them when they're not with us.

As the holidays approach, we can't wait to spend them with our families. We really need their love and support. I am so thankful for Kevin, our parents, brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews, and our precious girls. I am mindful of our grandparents, my dad, and our son. In this season of Thanksgiving, we have much to bow our heads about.

Fall...Into Winter

2005-10-19T06:20:00.000-07:00

Good morning. It's another beautiful day in sunny San Antonio. Cool nights, warm days, afternoons spent outside with friends, evenings with Daddy, pumpkins, flowers, costumes, field trips, parties, the beginning of what we like to call the season of Candy.

Our family, like many, loves fall.

Corn field mazes, pumpkin patches, spiced tea, college football, carnivals, family gatherings, and all the things mentioned before. We slow down a little, snuggle more, enjoy our family and friends, celebrate birthdays, and rest in the shadows of hope, love, joy, peace, healing, forgiveness, freedom, and faith.

For Kevin and myself, we're like squirrels storing up nuts for winter. We gather the things we need to survive because as soon as fall winds down, winter begins, and with it some of the hardest months we endure. It takes everything we have stored physically, emotionally, and spiritually to get through the months of December and January.

I don't think there's one time of the year better than another to bury a child. I'm sure that no matter the season, we would grieve and wonder how to juggle a time of celebration with a time of mourning. We look forward to a time when the pendulum swings and we celebrate more than we mourn.

God has been so good to us. When Makenzie was born in 2002 and we celebrated our first Christmas with this new baby after losing Luke in 2000, much joy was restored. In the faces of our three children, especially baby Kenzie, we could see how deeply the Father loved us. He does bear our griefs and we will survive our "winter" by looking every day for "spring".

So, all that said, stop to thank God for the blessings of fall and even winter. Let's look forward to the many ways God uses us in every season.

OK... Funny Story from our house this afternoon.
Mikaela, where are you going to college? ACU
Morgan, where are you going to college? ACU
Makenzie, where are you going to college? HEB

For those of you who don't know, HEB is our neighborhood grocery store. Hum... Go Cats, or Go Groceries! You decide.

NEVER A DULL MOMENT. Do I hear an AMEN?

It's Been a While

2005-10-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

Well, much has happened since my last post. Seaweed, the fish, is still alive and swimming, which is almost more than I can say for myself. Let's just say, I've felt better.

The first time I went to the Doctor was August 19. Let me list my calamities since that first visit, not in alphabetical order... bladder infection, bronchitis, mononucleosis, and some nasty parasite otherwise known as Giardia. So, here I am two months later, and for the first time in weeks I can honestly say, I feel great. The couch is no longer my best friend and the kitchen is no longer my enemy. I know my mother is reading this thinking "slow down, don't overdue it" and don't worry mom, I won't. It's just liberating to know that I can do it, if I need to. Our neighbors, our church, and our family have been amazing during the last many weeks. Preparing meals, caring for three crazy kids, cleaning my house, carpooling to school, etc. etc. etc. Thank you!!

Things with my parents are better. They are back home after hurricane Rita and are so fortunate in spite of such a messy storm. We continue to wait with great faith in God's healing that my dad's brain tumor will be easily removed. He is scheduled for surgery Oct. 28.

May the Lord bless you and keep you wherever you are.

Seaweed

2005-09-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

One thing we're never short on around here is girls. And although Kevin is quite happy in his harem, he's glad to have joined ranks with Seaweed, the beta fish. Seaweed, first named Mermaid, is the newest male member of our household. He's quite beautiful and we are quite satisfied with out first family pet. He resides in Mikaela's room and is "officially hers" (as she quickly points out to her guests). Seaweed, welcome to the family.

Monday Prayer

2005-09-12T15:57:00.000-07:00

How is it that I can spend so little time alone and yet still feel so lonely?

Lord, take this emptiness from me. Help me to learn something in the presence of loneliness. Remind me to count my blessings and not dwell on the things that trouble me. Help me to show my gratitude for my husband and children, parents, friends, and above all, for You. Give me the energy to do something kind for someone else. Increase my faith. Turn my eyes to your Word. Help me to listen. Abide in me. Hear my prayer.

Saturday

2005-09-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday

sleeping in
pancakes
kids in pajamas
mom in pajamas
yard work
shopping
birthday parties
kids playing
no cooking
baths
bedtime prayers
quiet house
movie
thoughts of Sunday

Saturday

The Worst of Times, The Best of People

2005-09-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

It seems that everywhere I look someone is suffering. In the last several weeks, my own family has faced a series of challenges, foremost, the diagnosis of what seems to be a malignant brain tumor in my dad, Garon. I am overwhelmed with the generosity of my neighbors who immediately began to pray and offer their help especially with our children when I needed to be in Houston.

One thing I have learned in times like this, and other events of my life, is that when times are at their worst, people are often at their best. Families pull together, faith is increased, friends take over, prayers are multiplied. We live out loud the stewardship of God's love, a love that should not remain housed in our hearts, but manifested in our hands, our feet, our words, our everything.

May God's love continue to be displayed in all of us.

These Are the People in My Neighborhood...

2005-07-10T16:43:00.000-07:00

Food For bar-b-que......................$50
Cost of Fireworks...................... $75
Memories made with great Neighbors..... Priceless

We didn't find this neighborhood because I just happened to pick up a paper one Sunday, or because our house had been discounted to dip into our price range, or because I spent countless hours diligently looking for just the right place, or because of any other coincidence. We are in this place because God saw fit to bring our family and dozens like us together to form a unique community.

These are the people in my neighborhood, the people we play with, eat with, laugh with, cry with, celebrate with, swim with, go to school with, pray with, etc. etc. etc.

For you, We are thankful.

Dave, Brandy, Mason and Holly
Bryan, Teri, and JT
Kelly, Linda, Alec, Evan, and Savannah
Mark, Angelica, Connor and Clarissa
Jeff, Tiffany, and Jacob
Erik, Magdalena, Chloe, Ivy, and Sofia
James, Shannon, Tristan, Tanner, and Peyton
Anthony, Tawney, and Kayla
Johnny, Betty, Bethany, and Dylan
Mark, Christina, Natalie, and ?
Cindy and Austin

What a blessing you are to us and we pray that God will work all things together for good for you who are called according to His purpose.

Becky, Kevin, Mikaela, Morgan, and Makenzie

Paint and Ponder

2005-07-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

I've recently taken on the task of painting the downstairs of our house. As I roll the color on and cover up dirty handprints, food stains, a smooshed bug or two, and various other blemishes, I think about how God gives me a "fresh coat" just about every day. It is hard for my little mind to imagine that God loves me enough to wipe away my blemishes and stains, forgetting they ever existed. May we continue to soak up the colors of his love, and may we be as generous with others as He is with us.

Deep Breath, Please.

2005-06-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

It's been several days since my last entry as the girls and I have just completed our first official Cousin's Camp with Kevin's parents. Mikaela, Morgan, Kenzie, and cousin Logan had an awesome week together... mudpies, swimming, planting peas, VBS, painting pottery, making jewelry, making t-shirts, and most of all, making memories. Amidst the Dance Party, legos, dress-up clothes, and other fun activities "we didn't get much sleep, but we had a lot of fun... in grandma's feather bed." I am thankful that my children have a heritage steeped in family traditions and lots of love. Both my parents and Kevin's parents take more than just an interest in our kids, they cherish every moment with them.

While shopping the main street of Graham with my sister in law, Carla, I saw something that caught my eye. "Life isn't measured by the number of breaths we take, but the number of moments that take our breath away". I want my life to be one stolen breath after another.

I am thankful today as I unpack one suitcase for my kids just to pack another. Morgan and Mikaela will be leaving on Friday with my parents to spend ten wonderful days in the mountains above Colorado Springs with many relatives. Instead of Lions, and Tigers, and Bears, OH MY! It's Aunts, and Uncles, and Cousins, OH MY! As much as Kevin and I would like to share this adventure with our kids, there is something sacred about this time with their grandparents. Their relationship develops in a way that would otherwise not exist if we were there.

I know Grandparents Day isn't until September, but thank you Charles, Dorothy, Mim, and Garon for filling the lives of three very special children with moments that take their breath away.

We love you.

"The Goats Have My Pacifiers??"

2005-06-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

The roads between Bulverde and Abilene, Texas are dotted with farms; cows, sheep, horses, some exotics, and goats. As we passed each farm, Makenzie decided the cows and horses were "Butiful", but for some reason she concluded that the goats were gonna get her pacis. I might have said somewhere along the road that goats will eat anything, including pacifiers. Just a couple days after this trip through the hill country petting zoo, I decided it was time for Kenzie to give up her pacifiers. So, she now believes that the goats have her pacis. The Tooth Fairy, Santa, Pacifier Eating Goats.... I guess she'll be ok.

Last night several of the girls got together to celebrate our friend, Magdalena's, birthday. We had a nice dinner out while Kevin took six children to church! Wow! Betty, Cindy, Magdalena, and I are very different and yet very much the same. None of us goes to the same church or believes exactly the same thing about religious doctrine, but we all love God, love each other, work very hard to raise our children to do the same, and believe strongly in community and the blessing that comes from really knowing your neighbors. We realize that we are in a unique demographic and have been given a great gift in each others families. I am thankful for this group of strong women who love the Lord and love me. I pray that the work of God will continue to be displayed in our lives so that we can continue to build a community that loves Him and loves each other.

Busy day today, cleaning up a slumber partied in house, trip to the grocery store, swimming with the girls, laundry (of course), cooking, 7 extra people for dinner, packing for Cousin's Camp, and if I think of anything else I might explode so I think I'll just stop here. Peace to All!!!

Birthday Blessings, Birthday Blues

2005-06-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

Wow, Morgan is officially through partying with her friends. Our kitchen saw more action last night than it has ever seen. Cakes and icing everywhere, but oh what fun. As soon as I can figure out how to post pictures, I will show you the future of Duncan Hines. These girls were quite adorable in their chefs hats and painted aprons. Fun for all of us, including me!

Occasions like birthdays always leave me a little blue. While I enjoy every age my kids are, some years more than others, I always mourn the loss of a little innocence. It seems that children grow up faster and faster than we ever did. Even now in the last two day, Makenzie, 2, has gone from diapers to pull ups to panties, given up her pacifier, and is now drinking cold milk from a cup. These maybe little things to most people, but to me, her mom, it is the passing of infancy to "little girldom". Mikaela, 7, has never been a baby. She has a wise old soul and has always seemed so much older than she is. Although we enjoy her companionship and intelligent conversation, I would much rather her crawled up in my lap still needing me to read to her instead of her reading in her room to herself. Then there's Morgan, our sweet birthday girl. She is still very much a work in progress, as are we all, but in the last year she has become a confident, caring, charismatic not so little girl that takes our breath away when she prays. What a blessing all of our kids are. Which brings me to my last little bit of unsettledness.

Anytime we have a major occasion in our house be it a holiday, birthday, the starting of school, etc. We are always reminded of the one we don't get to watch grow up. Although we don't mourn the way we used to, we still very much have a sense of incompleteness in our hearts and in our home. I find myself never far from the sadness that can sometimes encompass my joy when I think of all the things we miss with our son, Luke. I am forever thankful for our short time with him and although our memories are few, we make new ones of him growing up in our hearts, imagining what he would be like today. I believe that God gives us glimpses of him in the girls, and for that I am thankful.

On days like today, I think on these things...
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish , spoil or fade-- kept in heaven for ME.... In this I greatly rejoice, though now for a little while I may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that my faith... may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

Hug your kids today, and have an awesome day.

Summertime

2005-06-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

Summertime... Watermelon, swimming, sleeping until 7:30, playing games, sleep-overs, birthdays, Grandparents, Cousin's Camp, the river, reunions, Colorado, the beach, friends, vacation, books, movies, riding bikes, walks at sunset, hair not brushed, school's out, playing outside, printing on the computer, camp.....

Morgan and Mikaela's favorite things.

What are some of your favorite things about summer?

I think one of my favorite things is being home with the kids and watching them play together. There are very few times during the school year that they can just "be sisters" without a lot of interruption. Of course this play time also involves a little "friendly chatter" that sometimes becomes unfriendly, but quickly resolves with a little help from mom and a little "room time". After a few minutes alone on the bed, they quickly realize they'd rather be playing together.

I am always amazed at the amount of food we go through in the summer. Everyone is always hungry. Thankfully "The Paw Paw's" fixed a place for the extra freezer in the laundry room. There's plenty of room for frozen Gogurt, popsicles, and ice cream, and when things get a little too crazy around here, I can poke my head in and cool off! Of course the house is dirtier, but I expected that and have decided it's o.k.

Tomorrow night is Morgan's birthday party. We're having a "dinner party" in the dining room with dress up clothes, candles, real glasses, and Morgan's favorite meal, roast beef. Then, the girls will put on aprons and chefs hats to decorate their very own cakes to take home and share with their families. To top it all off, we'll finish the evening with party games and a not so sleepy sleep-over. When I planned this party, Kevin was going to be home to help me. Not so anymore, he has his own "dinner party" to attend. So, Makenzie will be my helper...ha! It should be memorable if nothing else.

Have a great day from my crazy house to yours.

Two Years Old, and Counting

2005-06-07T18:12:00.000-07:00

Today Makenzie had a doctor's appointment to assess repeated nursemaid's elbow. The only way to treat this is to cast her for three weeks. Well, if you know Makenzie, you know that the only ones it would be worse for than her are the rest of us who have to live with her!! She is not a calm, sit still, yes mommy, kind of girl. She's a paint the carpet with red nail polish, go outside by myself, climb in the trunk, kind of girl. So, we've decided that livng with nursemaid's elbow is better than living with Makenzie in a cast.

As I sat in the waiting room today, I saw many people hurting, whether physically or otherwise. There was a mom in there in tears because there was no money to cast her child's not yet repaired broken bone. Credit card? She didn't have one. Medicaid? Some problem, imagine that.
Kids in wheelchairs, kids in casts, kids on crutches, kids crying, kids broken, yet held together by the Great Physician.

Heavenly Father, bless all children tonight. Heal the sick, especially my neice,Kaitlyn, and Ira Hays. Keep the healthy strong. Thank you for new babies, like Sam Thomas. Continue to hold close the children that greet you before we do, like our Luke and Noah Whaley. Provide and comfort the children without parents, without homes, without food. Thank you for your child, Jesus, who takes away the sins of the world.

First time for everything...

2005-06-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

For someone who always has something to say, I seem to be at a loss for words tonight. This is my first time to blog on my own site. I have left comments for others at certain times, but never written my own post. If you happen upon this site, I can't promise words of wisdom, or life changing banter, but I hope you have a good read. Tonight I am home by myself as Kevin and the big girls are out of town. Kevin in Fort Worth and Mikaela and Morgan at KidQuest at ACU. Hoping for a great week for the girls and Aunt Amy.
Tonight I am thankful for my family, for the energy they bring to this house and my life. I am thanful for Makenzie who has watched Scooby Doo four times today as she mourns the absence of her sisters. I am thankful for Kevin who works so hard and never complains. I am thankful for my parents and Kevin's parents who came to celebrate Morgan's sixth birhday and for my sister, Amy, who has carved out a permanent place in our hearts and our lives.

Goin to bed to dream of my girls and my guy.