I don't want to forget....

Yesterday we had the opportunity to celebrate another year of life for my mom. (My family always likes an excuse for a party!) I am thankful that we live nearby so we could share in her special day. She has taught me a lot about being a mom over the years...she's kind, loving, generous, patient, always willing to help...just to name a few. I am thankful for her example and wisdom. My kids are blessed to have Mimi (and their Grandma Jo!) in their lives. EK got to see Mimi every day at school this past year b/c my mom is teaching there. I love that she's there to look out for EK since I can't be there. AC loves spending alone time with Mimi, mainly because she knows that Mimi will spoil her. I love that my kids get to see them at church, both at Wednesday night meals (I can always use an extra hand!) and on Sunday mornings. EK with Mimi   AK with Mimi AC with Mimi  Mimi and Pops had a fun new water table AK even enjoyed it! AC wi...

Here's EK at 9 months old Here's AC at 9 months Here's AK at 9 months I see more of EK in Andrew...I think the similarity is in the eyes. :) Love all my babies!

AK turned 9 months old this past Sunday. Someone said that day "These past 9 months have flown by a lot quicker than when you were pregnant, huh?" So true!! It's so hard to get AK to be still enough to take a picture. I use toys to distract. :) This is how our photo shoot began. Can you see the big tears? We had to take a break and then he was ready to go. Seriously, always on the go! What did you say sister? Finally one where he's looking at mama! See how many teeth he has? 7!!! Starting some finger foods He loves to play! Proud of himself for getting one of AC's games Sweet boy sleeping in his crib...I thought this day would never come... Having fun crawling through the tunnel...especially when EK's cup is in there. This isn't the best picture of him, but I love his reflection in the piano! :) At 9 months, he weighs about 23 pounds. He is wearing 18 month clothes and size 4 diapers. I haven...

AC had been asking to go to a Ranger game. My dad got tickets for us, only to find out it was a day game. (Note to self: Check the time of the game before ordering tickets.) Keith had an all day meeting that he couldn't miss, so my dad offered to go with AC and me. It was a hot day and we were in the sun the entire game, but it was still fun. :) On the way to the Ballpark Round one: nachos AC and Pops Round two: peanuts You can't see the field behind us well, but it's there! Round 3: cotton candy (Every time I mentioned going a Ranger game, she asked if she could have cotton candy. I think she said it ten times before we went to get some. She loved it!) Our seats gave us a great view of several nice catches by Cruz. And this just goes to show you that I don't know as much about baseball as I think I do...I know that Josh Hamilton usually plays centerfield so that's who I thought I was taking a picture of. When Keith was flipping thro...

AC's last day of preschool was Thursday. They did a little program. She came home and sang all the songs for me, so I was hoping she'd sing in front of an audience. Sometimes she is a little shy, but she did it! She sang loud and proud and did all the motions! :) Sorry the pictures aren't that good. My flash doesn't work too well when you are a good 20 feet away. AK enjoyed it. He would make noises when the kids were singing, as if he were singing along. :) AC with Ms. Debbie AC with Ms. Mindy AC will go to preschool again next year two days a week. She probably could start Kindergarten and do well, but the cut-off here in Texas is September 1st and her birthday is September 6th. She will always be the oldest in her group and that's not necessarily a bad thing. :) Here's a video of one of the songs. I apologize for the shaking. I should have moved closer and then the movement wouldn't have been as obvious. Maybe you can close your ey...

Yesterday, one of our local TV stations did several different storiesthroughout the day on families affected by autism. I watched several interviews from the website and thought I would share for those interested. I think they did a really good job and I hope it raises awareness. The story about early intervention is about a friend of mine and her son. Ms. Beth (one of EK's first preschool teachers) is on the story too. I am thankful that there were several families willing to share their journey...it's not easy to do! http://www.wfaa.com/community/autism

James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." (NIV) When Keith and I first met, he was an intern at our church and his main job was to preach weekly at 2 nursing homes. After we started dating, I had the privilege of serving with him. I remember him sharing this verse a couple times with me during that season. It was a blessing to minister to those older people, dear ones that couldn't do anything in return. I know that God is honored when we serve others, especially when we serve those who can't "repay" us. We shouldn't serve so that others will reciprocate the gesture or pat us on the back. We should serve others as if we're serving the Lord. I have always been moved (usually to tears) when I hear/read stories about adoption. There's something in me that hurts for children who have no father or moth...