Just for grins!

 Friday night brownie!

 Play Date! 

 Hike for Life 2011

She makes me laugh

He should be in a commercial for cute;)

Some day I will look back and say "These were the best days of my life".

Good Times...

We had a wonderful time with some great friends in Vegas this weekend!  I can’t put into words how much Russell and I needed this get away… It was so nice.  Our amazing friends Burt and Kirsten made the trip even more enjoyable.  A good long weekend with these two people cures almost anything!  We laughed together, shared stories about our kiddos and spent a lot of time walking and catching up.  One of the wonderful blessings of having old friends is that you can afford to be stupid with them and they still love you.   

I’m so thankful for my mother who came in to hold down our zoo. I know she was extremely tired after the third day but words cannot express how much this meant to us both. We love you mom! 

 Our hotel.  The Excalibur

 Russell is not much of a dare devil but he humored my crazy side by riding the rides off of the stratosphere.  I secretly think he ended up having a good time.

Captured some amazing views

 If you look closely, you can see the scared look on his face right before lift off...

Friendship

Sirach 6:5-17

5 A kindly turn of speech attracts new friends; a courteous tongue invites many a friendly response.
6 Let your acquaintances be many, but for advisers choose one out of a thousand.
7 If you want to make a friend, take him on trial, and do not be in a hurry to trust him;
8 for one kind of friend is so only when it suits him but will not stand by you in your day of trouble.
9 Another kind of friend will fall out with you and to your dismay make your quarrel public,
10 and a third kind of friend will share your table, but not stand by you in your day of trouble:
11 when you are doing well he will be your second self, ordering your servants about;
12 but, if disaster befalls you, he will recoil from you and keep out of your way.
13 Keep well clear of your enemies, and be wary of your friends.
14 A loyal friend is a powerful defense: whoever finds one has indeed found a treasure.
15 A loyal friend is something beyond price; there is no measuring his worth.
16 A loyal friend is the elixir of life, and those who fear the Lord will find one.
17 Whoever fears the Lord makes true friends, for as a person is, so is his friend too.

Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Bailey

Bailey climbed out of her crib for the first time today. She had a mischievous look on her face and laughed when she opened her door to her room. Tonight she decided she was ready for her big girl bed. Sniff, sniff...

My heart can see what my camera could not capture. You fill a space in my heart I never knew existed two and a half years ago. I know, someday you will read this post and laugh at my sentimental sillyness. 

Wimsy Candy and Gifts!

We had a great MOPS meeting on Friday!  My favorite part was the beautiful candy table the MOPS table leaders gave to our group. You girls made the meeting more special and sweet! Thanks to Wimsy Candy and Gifts for making this perfect arrangement!  By the way, if you are interested in getting a customized gift for just about any occasion check out Kim's website!  wimsycandy.com




 

Life's Burdens...

We were driving down the highway headed to dinner the other night and this is what we saw. (it's not the best picture but it definitely captured a funny moment).  It reminds me of all those times I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take two trips to bring my groceries in.

It also reminds me that when I am frustrated over circumstances beyond my control and my problems seem unbearably heavy and weighing me down...Jesus.  Or, in those moments when I feel alone in the struggle...Jesus. In the middle of conflict...Jesus. When I am absolutely, undeniably afraid...Jesus. If healing for a relationship is needed...Jesus. If it is time to make a hard decision...Jesus. In times when I just need to let go...Jesus. For peace and rest on sleepless nights...Jesus.

Oh how I need to remember these truths when I walk through trials and hardships. If I dwell on Him a little bit longer, His sweetness gives me strength to help me continue to carry my cross. Thank you, Jesus for your unending goodness!

Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Fabulous Fall

We finally got a much needed break in the temperatures!!! Lately it's been so hot that when I flip my pillow over it's not even cool on the other side. So, this weekend we took full advantage of the out doors and had a wonderful time together.

Here are a few shots of my favorite flowers. 

Hibiscus plants are everywhere at the arboretum and they come in so many beautiful colors. 

Delicious fall, I am so excited to see you!



80th Birthday Celebration

Here are a few pictures of my grandmother's surprise birthday party we had in July.  My family from all over came to celebrate an amazing woman.  It  was a beautiful day. 

Susan her daughter, picked Mama Mac up and told her they were going to a fundraising event. She had no clue what was in store for her. This was a shot taken by the photographer.  She looked shocked.

The cake shows picutres of all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

I just thought this was a great random picture. 

Isn't she beautiful!

 This was the table at the entrance. I loved reading the notes written in the sign in book. The kiddos had their own special book that was precious.

Here is a picture of her children and their spouses. She had 4 boys and 4 girls!

Her grandchildren and thier spouses. 18 grandchildren total...

 Her great grandkids!  38 and counting...

  Happy Birthday to a beautiful woman and inspiration in my life. You have created an amazing legacy! 

A new chapter

We took Kinley to her first day of kindergarten yesterday. All of us were a little nervous but only one of us cried. Sniff, Sniff.

Bailey, Colson and I had a quiet morning and met a friend for a play date. It was a strange and quiet afternoon. After pick up, we headed for ice cream to celebrate. It wasn't until we hit the parking lot and she threw up that I realized how bad her first day had been. Her nerves finally got the best of her. Fortunately she seemed to have a much better day today.

I spoke to a friend this morning who sent her son off to college. (I can only imagine how hard that must be). She was having a difficult time as we both shed a few tears together. I was humbled to see that no matter what age or stage in life we may be, change is inevitable for everyone.

It seems that here lately, I’ve been going through a lot of changes. Sometimes I find myself gripping my current situation with white knuckles and resisting change with every breath I take. The more I try to resist, the more depressed and anxious I become.

I know Kindergarten is a good change and even though it has a promise of good things to come, it’s still hard to say good bye to the things that I was enjoying. In many ways, part of me doesn’t want them to end. I know she needs to have a chance to start this ride, and learn to work her problems out on her own; but it still gives me a heavy heart. 

I don't want to just survive these changes in my life; I want to make the best of them.  So, starting tomorrow, I’m going to thank God for this wonderful season in my life and enjoy what He has in store for the both of us.  Deep breath...Change is a good thing.

CHERISH is the word...

 Building Memories together Kinley and Clara

Peaceful morning!

So tired after her first day... Dream on, little dreamer.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28



Kindergarten

Tonight was a big night for Kinley.  We have been planting seeds of excitement throughout the summer about going to kindergarten. We finally made it to meet the teacher night.  Kinley is not one to outwardly show her emotions, but a mother always knows her child and sees the nervousness in subtle ways. I know the butterflies are there but I'm confident she is going to have a wonderful year.

Kinely and Clara are long time friends from mother's day out.  She was so excited to see her.

Russell and Kinley sorting through school supplies. 

Mrs. Bellows has been teaching for 11 years.  I know she will be the perfect teacher for Kinley. 

Twirling the hair and walking down the great big hallway.  In just a few days my little girl will be a big kindergartner.

Facing my fear

I remember the dread I felt as a child when I had to go to the dentist. It never failed every time I would go they would pull a couple of teeth because my mouth could never keep up. Today I'm thankful for my parents who went the extra mile to make sure their kiddos had the perfect set of teeth. despite the screaming and flailing all the way to the office, my mom persevered through it all.

Things haven’t improved much as I’ve gotten older. I thought my weak- kneed needle days were behind me hence three kiddos later… Nope, I still dread the dentist.

Today was the day of reckoning; I dressed for success in my khaki shorts and even went as far as putting on makeup! As drove toward the office I coached myself the whole way, come on, Diane, you can DO this.

I sat in the dental chair and began my deep breathing. I actually felt pretty calm and collective. No sweat, part of my strategy to remain upright would be to play on my strengths and engage the dental assistant into light conversation. She was so sweet and made me feel a little less uptight.

As the dentist came in the room and started prepping the area, I knew it wouldn't be long. "Ready?" the dentist smiled, "Sure," I responded with an artificial smile silently thinking, I wish I had a fast forward button I could push.

The procedure was a bit tense as the drilling began. I realized it was the sound of the drilling that makes my stomach turn. As soon as that part was over the rest of the visit was a breeze. As the procedure came to the end, kindly the Doctor and assistant asked if I was OK and said with a smile I did a really good job.

I am so embarrassed that it took me almost two years to come back for fillings and yet the whole office humbled them selves enough to let me know I wasn't alone with my fear. There's a lot to be said about empathy. When we need encouragement or hope, nothing is quite as powerful as a word from someone who understands.
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.  Proverbs 25:11

This is why I like to postpone trips to the dentist office.

right before the grinding started. look at that terrified face

 this is the before shot right after they finished the drilling and before they did the fillings.

I was glad it was finally over!



Texas heat wave

Ahhh, summer, your making us suffer... I think all of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism. We've had 34 strait days of triple digits and the weather channel's forecast through August 13th shows no day with a high below 102! For the last couple of days we've been cooped up in the house and I've exhausted all of my indoor activities.  Looks like we might be heading to the dollar store in the morning for some cheap entertainment.

After dinner, I decided to ride my bike to starbucks ALONE. As soon as I sat down and took a sip, my troubles of the day seemed to dissolve away. There is something about green tea that makes everything seem a little bit more optimistic!

Some Days...

You know those days when you feel you are on your last leg? Every nerve is frayed? They pushed those buttons that you didn't even know existed and you start believing they have a way of making you feel younger than they are.

Instead of ending the day frustrated, hopeless and discouraged. 

We chose the one less traveled. 

And it made all the difference:) Thanks Market Street Bakery! 

  

Miss Goody Two Shoes!

It's official!!!  My baby girl can tie her own shoe!  I have to admit, I love these milestones…well kind of.  I just feel like here lately it’s all going way too fast for me to comprehend.  And, in less than three weeks she will start school.  My little, carefree, spindly legged baby is growing up.  I feel like I need to hold on to every single second …tear drop, sigh, my heart feels so heavy.

This is the book we just happened to trip upon yesterday that started this down pour of emotions.

well, there you have it! Heart wrenching to watch isn't it?