It's a Matter of Choice

Had TWO options to choose from today. I chose family. I had already missed 2 of Benson's ball games, and most of Ike's soccer games. I couldn't miss out today. I love to see the support of family. I truly think that is what keeps it together. My children supported one another and cheered each other on in whatever they were doing. Ike's game started at 9:00, then on to Benson's at 10:30. IT REALLY WORKED OUT WELL for the timing of things.

Ike got to make contact with the ball a few times. 

Ike had his own personal goalie coach.  What a sweet memory this will be.

Way to kick it out of the box Ike.

Papa was on double duty today.  Jakies's best friend.

Whoops, guys teamwork.!

Then we were off to Fairfield to watch Benson.

Going for the ball on second base.

Swing that bat, and bust that ball!

Run!

Smiling, with praise from the Coach.

Love, love, that my family supports one another.

My choice today was my family.  I love them, and treasure the gift I have been  given through them.

This week there has been much discussion on choice in the media,  may I add my two cents worth.  I have worked, I have stayed at home. Both are hard work, no matter how you slice it. I see good in all hard working Moms. In the end, I don't regret any of my choices, but in the end I hope my children won't either. 

EASTER 2012

Easter Sunday is always a hopping event.  First, we all attended church, all at different times and locations. That is incredible considering 10 years ago we would have gone to 1 or 2 different chapels.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has bloomed in North Houston.  Since the last of our wards meet at 5:30 pm, we decided to get together at 6:00.

Thanks to Bri and Jarod and their wonderful party house, we had a great time. We had a delicious typical Easter dinner. Ham, funeral potatoes green bean casserole, fruit salad, green salad, and rolls were served. Loo worked her magic on two yummy cakes. I got thinking about it, and I don't think the kiddos argued at all. After dinner we turned the the kids loose to find 120 eggs in the back yard. It was fun, and I ate too much.
My sister and her husband DJ.

Bri and Jarod head of he table, Brandon and Loo on the right, Sarah and Israel on left.

The kiddo table.

Ready set go. 

Ike was fast.

Bay was speedy.

Benz was focused.

Katelyn determined to find chocolate.

Jakie was having a great time.

Brynley didn't feel good, but did her best to have fun.

Cute James could have cared less, he was just chillin'.

Everyone was happy with their find.

Then there was dessert.  Bay decorated the bunny cake all by herself.

We were often reminded throughout the day, of our Savior's love and sacrifice for us.  What more can we want than our families together forever?

Blue Bonnets 2012

Well after conflicting schedules and such, just the Stewart's our daughters family, and Rick and I headed up to Brenham for our annual blue bonnet trip. Benz had a ball game at 3:45 pm, so they opted out. He had a great game, and I am already excited about watching him play next week.

We got there with high hopes. I can't say the flowers were fabulous, but a lot better than last year. The grass is growing fast and hiding the flowers, so I am glad we went yesterday.
As in normal years, we had a defiant child. Bet you can guess who... after the last post, you probably can. Jakes wanted nothing to do with it. He hated everything about it. Which he stated more than once with his already teenage vocabulary. When we decided to not raise our expectations, and let him do just about what he wanted, things improved.

The sun was still too bright, but the Stewart's had later commitment, so we did the best we could.

We started out taking some pictures around an old building.


Probably one of my favorites of the day. 

Too bad this fence wasn't enclosed.  I think we would have thrown him in, and left.  Good thing he is cute!

The old oak trees are great to sit in.

You should have watched the antics getting this one.

The cute chubby ones!

We were all happy that Bri didn't need to use a baggie today.  She is pregnant with number 3, and not feeling too well.

The random shots were the best.

The Stewart's

Finally, something Jakie liked!

 Just hoping they didn't fall off the stacked stones.

It was fun to see Sarah and her family there too. Bri was able to take some pictures of them.

This was one of the first homes built in the area, it was tiny.

It was a fun exhausting afternoon. By the way... no SNAKES!

Bringing in the GREEN

My niece Sarah, and  husband Iz did it again.  We enjoyed a fun Saint Patrick's Day celebration for the kids.  The food was great, and a very colorful tribute to the day.  It is so nice to have family to help prepare the menu.  We all brought symbolism wrapped up in eatable delights. The host made delicious corn beef and cabbage for the adults,  shamrock peanut butter and honey, or turkey and cheese shamrock sandwiches, and a darling rainbow fruit salad.  Bri made GREEN jello, and GREEN rainbow cupcakes and brought GREEN snap peas.  Looli bought GREEN guacamole and chips, yum.  I made a boring GREEN salad. There was a delicious GREEN drink provided. The kids had a blast. The adults had fun visiting. I got to hold cute baby James, my sister's grandson while the kids read stories, played games, and went looking for the "pot of gold."

The cousins are always happy to see each other!

Rainbow cupcakes inside and out

Isn't this darling?

Shamrock sandwiches

GREEN jello

GREEN snap peas, GREEN salad and delicious corn beef.

Rick got the best seat!

I took 15 pictures. The only picture with every one's eyes opened.  (No baby was dropped during the taking of these pictures.) Picture missing one grumpy little Jakie who refused to be in the picture.

Can you see the defiance in those eyes? He was really tired, and didn't take a nap earlier.













We had a great time... bringing in the GREEN!

BACK up plan

I get the itch for change way to often.  My home is my pallet.  My family room is not user friendly due to the windows and TV placement.  Oh, if I could only get rid of the TV!

 I got an idea, and put my plan into motion,  only to find that my plan did not work.  I was doing okay until the rug got caught on the leg of the couch.  I tried to lift it, because I am like He-Man you know. Well, that was the start of my stupidity. We were watching Bri's kids, and forgot my sore back as I heaved cute stout Jakie into the high chair.  My back winced, just like an ankle gives out on a athlete.  Rick took over the rest of the day, I barely managed to finish dinner.  Took the boys over to Jarod, when he got home from work, came home and laid down.  By the middle of the night it was over.  I couldn't move. 

Two long days went by, and I finally found an excellent way to combat my pain.  ICE not heat,  We had frozen water bottles in the outside freezer for emergency purposes. I got one of them and placed it in my pants, the elastic kept it in place. The bottle shape had a curve in it that fit along the contour of my back. Walla!!!! I kept it iced for three straight days, and along with the Motrin it finally started to heal.  It is not perfect and all the pain isn't gone, but it is getting better every day and I have been able to walk and do light housework.

Positive attitude, persistence, and patients are so important  to ones ability to overcome pain, adversity, and disappointment. I hope I can keep these attributes alive and well throughout my life because it sure beats the alternative.

I laughed when I walked into my bedroom and looked at all things I used to pass the time in bed.

Top 10 or so things that are must for back pain and bed rest.

iPhone

house phone

ipad

Kindle Fire for books

magazines

menthol patches

remote for TV

frozen water bottle

Motrin

Route 44 Cherry Vanilla Coke... extra ice

Chocolate

Guess we need to go through things like this, so we more fully appreciate the good times. Glad I found a back up plan.

On DeFenSe

I couldn't help my thoughts as I watched Bailey play basketball last night.  This cute little 8 year old and her determination to compete with girls 10 inches taller, and a year older than she is.  She was right up there in their face, as she would guard them as they traveled down the court. No fear, only determination was read in her posture, and in her eyes.

My thoughts were, what other Goliath's will she face in her life?  Will she be just as determined to guard herself against their unworthy and negative influences?  I have great faith that the answer will be YES! 

What  a sweetheart she is. I watch as she tries to make right choices. I watch as she cares for her brother and sister and cousins. I watch as she tires to please her parents. I watch as she bears her testimony. I watch in the choice books she reads. Her wholesome language she uses.  I love sharing new experiences with her and being able to share in her joy.  I know she will grow up to be an awesome young women.
 I love you, Bailey.

Bay is standing in front of 11, good idea of what she was UP against.

Determination

Confidence

Never giving up

Reflective