I Cry Everytime

For the past several weeks, pretty much since Vacation Bible School eight weeks ago Grace has been asking about Jesus more often. It's always in the mornings while I'm brushing her hair. She would always bring it up out of the blue and our conversations would last maybe 2-3 minutes.

These are just some of the things that we said during the past severeal weeks that I want to remember.. "Jesus will live in my heart" (She would always start the conversation this way). Yes, He sure will, if you ask Him to come into your heart! Jesus loves us sooo much and he was never mean or ugly to anyone. Sometimes we don't always tell the truth... you remember yesterday when you got into Mommy's make-up (mascara) and I asked you what was on your face and you said "nothing"  Jesus always told the truth and we want to be like that. She would always get real quiet and just listen. I would always ask her, "Do you want to ask Jesus onto your heart?" This was always toward finishing up on her hair..she would never answer, the subject would always somehow get changed and she would go running off to play.

Until Yesterday!!!

"Jesus will live inside my heart!?"  Yes He will!  "Wow. Inside here!"..(pointing at her chest). Yea, right inside there. Do you want to ask Jesus into your heart? "Yes." Do you want to ask Him right now? "Yes, I want to ask Him to be inside my Heart."

I wish I had written down more aside from just how old the boys were when they asked Jesus to be in their hearts.  Jared was 5 years old, tucked in his bed for the night. Caden was 4, we had just taken Jared to school and were driving down Hwy 80 about to exiting onto Loop 281. 

All three of them were just precious! I cried everytime and had to hold back my tears during the prayer. I didn't want them to think that I was sad. I could tell them that they were "happy tears" but would they understand? I don't know if it's because they were all so young and saying this prayer in such a sweet little voice, I don't honestly know. But it was a struggle for me everytime.

These are just some random pictures I took of her and her doll..she was thrilled that they had matching outfits! And I was thrilled it only cost me $7.00 at Dillards. ;)

Grace this is the day you asked Jesus into your heart!

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12

Never. Say. Never.

I have always said since I can remember..Way before I had children of my own..

That if I have boys one day.. "They will NOT play football!  It is just way to dangerous."

Well what do ya know. Today was Caden's very first day of football camp!

(2nd day of camp)

Getting ready for some FOOTBALL! Wow. I still can't believe I have a son that's playin.

“Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”

John 14:1

I can not thank you enough for all your prayers, and Bible scriptures, and text, over this past week! That really meant a lot.

It has been a fun week with Bible study, Prayer groups and Birthday Partys. But somehow we have  managed to forget to get pictures of this. Sorry I am crazy about getting photos of everything. I'm becoming addicted I think. ;) 

Grace went  for her 2nd hair cut last weekend..she looks a little unsure of this man cutting her hair...she had a young lady cut it last time.;)

But she warmed up and had a great time.

She loves the salon!

She's very excited, she also had her very first towel up do! Silly girl.

Abie and the boy's about 9 o'clock one night just chillin.

Hearing them talk and loving on her was just precious. All three loved every minute of it.

Daddy teaching Grace how to play the invisible electric guitar..jamming to Toby Mac!

And last but not least.. (Btw, if you have made it this far you are wonderful friend or just very bored!)

Our very first (and last) cantaloupe from our garden!!! Wooohooo!! I say last, because out of ALL that we planted we only got this ONE. We let Jared pick it...and as he did he said, I picked the first and last cantaloupe of the season! Funny, you little toot. But true. The sad thing is, it looks really yummy..right?  Well, when we cut into it we all agreed it tasted like cucumber. :/  Next year we will plant them much further apart and a lot less cucumber! Man we had tons, enough to effect the fruit. Oh well, you live, you learn.

After a week of prayer and several hours of detailed discussion tonight we have decided for Jeff to take the Plant Superintendent job.  We feel that this is what the Lord wants for us and our family. Jeff is excited! He has been ready for years to have the opportunity to make a difference at work. God has been so good to us and has given us more then we deserve. We are so very thankful for his many blessings!

For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the Lord", plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you hope & a future. Jeremiah 29:11

The Right Path

Last week Jeff was offered a promotion at work. We were not expecting this at all. We have been in prayer about this because we want to make the right decision for our family. Our kids are still young, Jared is about to start Band, Caden's playing Football in the fall, and Grace will start Kindergarten in 12 months. Jeff is happy with his position within the company.. Would this job demand or require more of his time?  Having a stressed  husband and father is not what Jeff and I want for us and our kids. God is so Good! The job is in Longview (for now). We only want God's will for us to show us if this is the job HE wants for Jeff. Our decision will be made at the end of the week.

I will instruct you (says the Lord) and guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch your progress. Psalm 32:8

Celebrating 15 Years!

July 6, 1996

All these years later we are more in love than ever. We have seen each other at our best and at our worst. We've laughed together and cried together. The Lord has truly blessed me. I couldn't have asked for a more loving husband, best friend, and father for my children.

So very thankful to Nana and Papaw for letting the kids spend a few days with you last week, so that Jeff and I were able to celebrate our Anniversary.

We wanted to visit or go do something that we hadn't never done before. We had heard from family and friends that Los Pinos was a wonderful place to go. With the kids gone there couldn't have been a more perfect opportunity than now.

We enjoyed a delicious candlelite dinner and a glass of wine, while a live band played in the background.

A photo of some of the vineyard. We loved that you could see the roots of all the trees as we traveled down the the road. Very beautiful.

Jeff and I are making some tough decisions this week. We would appreciate any and all prayers for us!

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7

Our Week In Photoes

Grace was very tired from the busy weekend, so on Monday we just went to the fireworks show in town this year.

 The boys really enjoyed it. Grace said it was beautiful but that it was too loud. So she enjoyed watching it from the front seat of the car.

On Tuesday morning we headed to Dallas for a few days for a mini vacation with the kids. This was our view from our hotel room. Cool :)

His first time to "chaufer" me around in the car. Hehe ;)

Their first Parachute ride. They loved it so much they rode it several times! :)

About to ride the Mini Mine Train for the first time:)

We're up in the tower trying to get the stats on the Ranger game on the big screan. :) Caden can't wait for me to take him on his birthday!

The hotel offered  "Extend your stay intil 6 pm".

So we took advantange of that!!...

and spent several hours at the pool.

Caden getting some serious heat on his jump spin!

And these two had just about had enough of the heat..;)

They were exhausted....

and

slept

most of the way home.

 And we got to spend most of our Anniversery at the pool! All in all a very successful  little trip.

"Thank you for loving me for 15 plus years!!"

"The Lord has blessed me because of you." Genesis 30:27

4th of July Weekend

Saturday we spent the day with my side of the family at the lake. This is always a lot of fun!

Grace and my cousin's little girl. These two always get along so well together. Too cute!

Some of our crew out on the water. Our view from the boat house of Caden tubing!

The view from the back of the boat of Jared, with my new zoom lens!

Go Caden!!

And, this year was Grace's first time to get out on the water!! She was actually very excited, even though this picture may not convince you. ;) 

But this one might. I'm not sure what we're looking at but it made us smile.

This one made me laugh. Hilarious!! This is my brother and his son Grayson. This was also Gray's first time out on the innertube. TJ was making fun, along with trying to get Grayson to laugh, he hated it, he cryed and screamed the whole time.  Tennille (my sis in law) said jokin, well this is going to require therapy for sure.;) 

Yes that is wind and rain. This was a very intense little storm, it came and went within 10 minutes.

Jared and my nephew Gunner are back out on the water for more!

Love this! So sweet.

Sunday we spent the day with Jeff's side of the family! The cousins have taken over the golf cart with a new version of the game cops and robbers. Look at my sweet nephews...pointing the water guns so cute and peaceful at me. And then take a look at the intense  look on my boy's faces. Aiming SO intensely at me. I feel the love. My goodness. Lol!

Got ya... your caught  ;)

Uncle Tim, Grace, Jacob and Cloe going on a ride.

We had a fun weekend with Family!

“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” John 8:36