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!