All Grown Up

Ok, I know I am getting a little out of order... But.... You must wait a few more days for some Christmas Photos... The Kirk's are still celebrating and I will show you pictures from all our Chirstmas gatherings. The girls and I are now in the Houston area spending some much needed time with J's sisters.... J will join us on New Years Day!
But for now I am posting this for my most faithful follower....
This is a video of my niece Katelyn getting her ears pierced today!

Christmas Eve Thoughts

As I was baking Christmas Cookies this morning, I was listening to our liberal media. There were a few on the morning show saying how Christmas "sucked" (i hate that word by the way) And how everything about Christmas "S". I said to myself out loud, (yes I frequently talk to my self aloud) I LOVE Christmas! I love everything about Christmas! I love decorating, parties, Santa, The nativity, Church, the music, shopping, family, friends. I love everything about Christmas!
I felt sorry for the ones who feel like Christmas "s"! Where is their faith? Where is their family? Yes, there is a bunch of hustle and bustle during this time of year, But there are also times of quite! I try not to get caught up in the "hustle and bustle". I love to watch Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel while wrapping gifts. I love to watch Christmas movies with my family cuddled up on the couch. I love to see the joy of my family and friends when they open a gift I have purchased for them. I love to go to church and sing about the birth of Jesus! I love to go to Christmas pageants that children are involved in! I love to help those in need! Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of our Savior. We celebrate the miracle of Jesus! I want to pass on the joy that Jesus gives me to others.
I pray that you will slow down today... enjoy your family, friends, and attend a Christmas Eve service! Christmas is about the birth of our Savior... Celebrate!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is Here!

Well, not really! But almost. I have had a blast decorating the house, J's office and my classroom. I love the Christmas holiday season. What a great time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. I love the Christmas musicals, pageants, and parties. I especially love attending church and reading about a young woman who listened to God and did what she was told. If you know me very well, you know I have a bit of a stubborn streak. I don't always like to be told what to do. I think my lesson I need to learn from Mary is to listen to God, no matter how crazy the instructions may sound, He knows what is best for me and His people. I am a vessel of God, no matter how cracked and warped I may be, I am a vessel none the less.
Lord, use me, as your vessel, to let your light shine to those around me. Let your Son be known through my hands, feet and voice.

A few new pictures!

My new hairdo!

























Keely in her "beautiful" Dress.






Keely with Papa and Judy and Ma at the St. John's Thanksgiving Feast.
Keely and I on Thanksgiving Day!

Kelby (my nephew) and Allison on Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving

I have been thinking this week of the things in which I am thankful. I wanted to come up with something profound. I realized the things we have to be thankful for are profound.... the miracles in life... I am thankful for a husband who loves me even when my hormones are haywire; I am thankful for two darling redheads; I am thankful for a beautiful home; I am thankful to be going to heaven one day; I am thankful for a church to worship in; I am thankful for my country; I am thankful for my dog, Rusty; I am thankful for friends; I am thankful for my education; I am thankful for my parents, my sister, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, mother in-law, father-in-law and nieces and nephew (some are greats).
I thank God each day for the blessing He gives me. But on Thanksgiving day, I seem to recall so much more..
Lord, let me slow down more often and give you thanks for your blessings!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

J and I married this day 14 years ago.

The Lord has blessed us with a fabulous family, remarkable careers, and each other!

J, I love you more today than yesterday, but not more than I will love you in the years to come!
You are a incredible husband, father, friend, and Chiropractor. I am so bless to be your wife.
Happy 14th anniversary!

I have not abandoned my Blog!

OK, you may think I have abandoned my blog... Welllll.
I have not.
Facebook has taken time... That's my story(lame as it may be) and I 'm sticking to it!
I will update soon.
I have many pictures and many stories!
Tune in later !

Evacuees!

For a week, J's sister and her children have been with us. They thought Odessa was a great place to escape hurricane IKE. They left this morning. We said our goodbyes with tears in our eyes... this time there were more tears in the adults eyes.
Kay's husband stayed to ride out the storm and help take care of his parents in Baytown, and sister Kelley, Amber and Ariel, rode out the storm in north Houston.
<- Kelley's house----BIG tree , didn't go through house, Thank you God! Our family has been blessed No one lost a house, No one was injured, No major catastrophe happend to our family. There were trees and fences down and shingles gone (they are probably in Ohio now) but no major damage. I have attached a few photos to show their houses. Thank you Lord for your protection, I pray for those who were not as fortunate. Give them strength, peace and comfort. Watch over the victims and continue to provide the way only you can.



<- the pool is not theirs... it is the neighbors...
I guess they are sharing for now.

Beginning of a new school year!

This post is a little late... School began August 25. I guess we have been a little pre-occupied.
Soccer and dance have begun...Enough said.
Allison is in the 3rd grade and Keely is in the 1st grade!
School is going well. They both have wonderful teachers and are doing well! I have 14 kiddos, they keep me on my toes! I love it!

Changes

Well, I really never thought the time would come that I would give up certain things in my life. No I am not confessing a horrible addiction, I have given up things in my life that I have been a part of for a very long time. I am no longer teaching Sunday school. I have taught 6th grade Sunday school for 8 years. I am now a part of a great Sunday school class and being fed. I really feel that my ministry is changing. I am not sure what or where God wants me. I am open. Right now I really feel he wants me to be with my family more. Oh My, they are growing so fast and I don't want to miss any part!
Pray that God will continue to bless me, speak to me, and give me guidance.

Office Update #4

Our new sign with our new logo!

I have posted several views of the office, the entrance, the reception, check in desk, a treatment room, hall way.
The office is beautiful! There are a few things left to do... the most important thing is we are moved in and seeing patients. The rest is just small details!

July FUN

Allison playing with sparklers on the 4th at the Anderson'sKeely playing with sparklers on the 4th of July at the Anderson's

Brendel's birthday at the pond.

Happy 6th Birthday Keely!

Six Reasons Keely is the Best!
1. Her smile
2. Her beautiful Red Hair!
3. Her smarts!
4. Her inquisitiveness.
5. She loves to "cuddle" - she is my cuddle bug
6. Her sweet spirit!

Keely's Birthday Party at the water parkKeely's "Real" birthday party at the house. The menu was shrimp, chicken, rice and broccoli. This girl knows good food!

Keely's Rainbow Cupcake Cake!

I can't believe she is 6!!!

JB Update

Some people think I haven't updated in a while! (hahaha)
So here ya go JB (LUV YA)
June - GA camp, Wedding, Slab leak in house, new office construction
July - new office construction, fixed ceiling in kitchen from leak, knock out cabinet over bar, install new lighting, paint hallways, refinance house, new office construction, Keely's birthday party, move into new office, teach summer enrichment, decorate new office, take girls to tennis camp, have lunch with old friends***** and July is not over yet!
I am ready for August to get here! I have more I want to get done before school starts... I can't believe I am saying that... I think it might be a sin to talk about school in July...
Hopefully I will have pictures for all of our "life" happenings.

Office Update #3

Hallelujah!
We have moved into the office, decorated and will be open for business in the morning. J. is still there with the computer guys, the office manager is still there, as well as the contractor. The girls and I got home at 10:15pm (It is now 10:35pm) There is still much to be done. * trim paint *2 doors need painting *carpet in massage area * massage area painted * kitchen finished * some more decor and greenery * anything else that comes up. But.... WE ARE IN!
I can't wait to take pictures and post them! It is beautiful!

Happy 4th of July!

We have had a very busy weekend!
We started it off with a movie. 2 of my friends and I went to see Get Smart! Hillarious!!!! 2 of the husbands went to see the Hulk... They said they were disappointed. Kids were farmed out. We had a great time.
Before the movie, J. and I took out the cabinets over the bar in the kitchen. That was the beginning of a weekend of manual labor! I have been painting ceilings, J. has been installing lights and patching the ceiling. Oh My! It will look fabulous when we are done. We will have that side of the house completed this weekend. I am about to paint trim on doorways and the hallway.
Last night we went to a friends parent's house way west of town. We had the best time. Fabulous food, fellowship and a fantastic fireworks display! The girls rode their bikes, rode on the Polaris, and had fun with friends!
I will post a few pictures tomorrow after the painting is finished (on that side of the house that is)

Channer Roach Wedding

We arrived home a few hours early from camp to get ready to go to Abilene for Jon and Kristy's wedding. Allison and Keely were flower girls and J. was a grooms man, and I was there for to keep Cheryl calm! The wedding was beautiful. We had a wonderful time. Jon and Kristy are a wonderful couple and the Lord will continue to bless them in so many ways.
We are so blessed to have friends like Ralph, Cheryl and Jon Jon, and now Kristy. They are wonderful people who love the Lord and are authentic. How many times during a lifetime you find friends like that. Thank you Ralph, Cheryl, Jon Jon and Kristy for allowing us to be apart of your wedding celebration. We are honored to call you friend. May the Lord continue to bless you as you begin your life as a new family.
We love you to the moon and back!

GA Camp

We went to GA Camp June 14 - 17. What a fun time! HOT, but fun! I wanted to share just a few pictures with you!Crazy hair day!!!!

Office Update #2

Tomorrow is July 1 and we are not in the office! The new date is July 17. Please pray that the date is not moved again! Poor J, he so ready!! As is everyone else!

Office Update

I wish I could tell you we have moved into our new office. ! But.... The new move in date is July 1. We are progressing.... just not at rabbit speed! Pray that we move in sooner than July 1. I will have pictures soon of what has been done! This will be the most awesome office when it is finished!

End of School

I finally downloaded my pictures!
Keely graduated from Kindergarten and will be in 1st grade! Thanks Mrs. Staggs for a wonderful year! You are a fabulous teacher!

Allison sailed through 2nd grade! I can't believe she is will be in 3rd grade!
Thank you Mrs. Flowers for a fabulous year! You have been a remarkable teacher!

I had a fun class this year! Thanks to all my students!

Summer is here!

School is out!!!!
Hello summer here I come!
Today is my last day of teacher inservice days. The girls have been at mom and dad's having grandparent time with their cousin Amberlee.
Since Allison's birthday we have been busy in preparation for the end of school. So keep checking back for an update for the month of May!
We are ready for summer! I am ready to be home and slow down.
Not much planned for summer! We want to enjoy our house and pool!

The Party of the Century

-

On Friday April 18, my first born turned 8. We had a fabulous party! A luau at that. There were 82 (give or take) people at my house! We had a swimming, hula hoop contest, jump rope contest and limbo contest. We ran out of hotdogs, chips and cake! I do think everyone got cake....
We had a blast! We are still recooperating.... the party was 2 weeks ago and the decorations are still in the pool area. That will be one of my projects today... get the pool area back to normal.
Allison I hope your day was extra special! You are a wonderful young lady and we are blessed to have you as our first born. Thank you Lord for trusting us with this little girl. Give us the wisdom, strength and patience to raise her in Your ways.

My Cleaning lady is not very efficient - HELP!

My house is a mess! The pool area still has decorations up from the party of the century, my sewing room has a pathway through it; my kids rooms, I think the floor has disappeared. And the office has miscellaneous stuff lying around. Everyday I walk into those rooms I get very upset. The cleaning lady has not done her job. She has not picked up, put away and organized those rooms. She is not very good. She has to be told over and over what to do and she just does them in her own time. She is there all the time but seems to not get very much down. I really can't complain too much. She doesn't charge anything to do all the cooking, cleaning, and decluttering. When she does everything, she does a very good job... It's just getting her to do her duties! Hopefully she will be motivated very soon to get some things done! Pray for me!

The fever is gone!

The fever lasted only a few days! Now the weather is windy, dirty, hot, and just plain gross! The sky is not even blue, it is the color of dirt! Welcome to West Texas.

I have a bad fever

As I sit here "teaching" computers, I am longing to be somewhere else. The sun is shining... the birds are singing... the wind is blowing. Ok, I can do without the wind, but everything else is beautiful. I am stuck inside with children playing on the computer, singing to themselves with their headphones on, as hysterical as it sometimes can be.. I want to be outside! Yes, I said outside. I want to plant flowers, clean out flower beds, and sit on the porch and drink peach tea. I want to organize my craft room, organize the office, and finish decorating the girls rooms. But no, I am sitting in a classroom. Now don't get me wrong, I love my job. I love molding young minds, teaching them academics as well as morals, but right now it is hard! I have Spring fever!

Allison's birthday is Friday (can't believe she will be 8) We are having a luau at the house. You all know what that means... We are on a cleaning frenzy! I want everything perfect! I want the office clutter free (I may not have enough time to do that), the craft room clutter free (that probably won't happen), the girl's rooms spotless, J's side of the bathroom receipt free, the yard to look great, and the pool to sparkle. I don't think I am asking for too much do you? We have only been working on the yard for 2 weekends, in between soccer games and birthday parties. The house I have been decluttering for 2 weeks. Now to dust, sweep, mop, and finish the decluttering process.

I told you I have a fever! I am actually excited about cleaning. I am sure I am driving my family crazy!

Easter 2008

Jesus Christ is risen today Alleluia!
We began our day by worshiping our Risen Lord! What a privileged it is to be able to freely worship!

We arrived home and the Easter bunny had come to visit!


We then left for Lamesa to spend the rest of the day with Mom, Dad, and the O'Brien clan.
Kelby, Brendel and Amberlee spent the night with Ma and Papa and went to Sunday School and church with us. Karrie and Branden stayed home and cooked for everyone.

We ate, dyed a few eggs and then hunted some eggs!
Can you believe we had to hunt eggs in our coats! It was really cold! We had a really great rain! Thank you God for the rain. We have not had rain in for ever!
We all had a great time being with family!

SPRING BREAK!

Yeah! Spring Break is here!
We get to stay home!
Kay, Gerald, Katelyn and Lauren stayed a few nights with us on their way to the Grand Canyon. We had a great time.


Kay is boxing on the wii. We all were pretty sore after playing the Wii this weekend.



We had dinner with Harold and Judy.















And all the girls had fun playing all weekend!


We wish Kelley, Amber, and Ariel could have been here too.!

New Office!

We have purchased a new office for the clinic. We are waiting on permits... and waiting... and waiting... and waiting.
Here are a few of the before pictures... When the remodel starts I will post more pictures... Pray that the permits are issued SOON!

This is the entrance... It will be gone and all you will see is the atrium when you walk through the front doors.


This picture looks out into the atrium. This area will be a reception desk.



















This area will be part of the reception. There will be walls gone and hardwood flooring. The doors will be gone too.

These are just a few of the pictures! This office is going to be fabulous. We will have massage therapist in the office as well as all 4 Drs.

The Lord has truly blessed us.!

Another tooth gone

This
Allison finally lost her 3rd tooth.... What DRAMA! We have been working on this tooth for 2 weeks. Finally I told her she had 3o min. to pull it, after that Daddy was going to pull it. Daddy ended up pulling it!



Finally, Saturday, March 15, J. pulled it!
This is the after picture! See she is all smiles! That wasn't too bad now, was is Allison?

Easter Pagaent 08

Every year the 1st and 2nd graders at St. John's do an Easter pageant. This is my favorite program of the year! It is so impressive! Allison, as a 2nd grader, had a speaking part.

Keely and J, before the pageant. J. was not feeling great, he had just had a tooth pulled. But he was being a good dad and came to the pageant despite the pain!

Let the Games begin!

Soccer has officially begun!
Allison's team Pink Lightning played one game Saturday. They were awesome! They smoked them 8 to 0. They really worked like a team!
Keely's team the Daisies played a game Saturday and one Monday. They won the 1st game 13 to 0 and lost the second 13 to 3. They played very well.
This video is of Keely and her team getting after it on the field!


I love watching my girls play sports. They are so good at what they do.!
This video is of Allison, Sydney and Sam playing soccer while their little sisters sweat it out in a game!


This is just the beginning of our Saturdays being filled! It is worth it!
Saturday night I sang with a couple of friends in a Lawrence Welk show for our SR. Adults in our church. We had a blast! I love that music!

left to right- Lori Proffitt, Judy Morris, Me, and Sara Moore

We had so much fun! I think everyone did!