maybin memory lane

Opposites

2012-01-09T20:16:00.000-08:00

These two boys are so very different when it comes to dealing with sleepiness! :)

Parker gets CRAZY while Tate just about falls over and is quiet.

This pictures is pretty close to our bedtime experiences every school night!

Sleep tight boys. We love you to the moon and back and back again, and again, and...

Art

2012-01-08T12:55:00.000-08:00

Parker absolutely loves his Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Escobedo. She is a believer and is perfect for our little guy! :) Thank you Lord for sending her to our family. AND, we just happen to share the alley behind our house with her! God is good!

Carving and Painting

2012-01-08T12:45:00.001-08:00

The boys and I LOVE to pick out pumpkins and get crafty!

Paint and paint brushes

Finished pumpkin from my oldest Punkin

Great job Tate! :)

I love you my little artists!

You are so much fun when you are using the creativity that God has blessed you with.

Operation Christmas Child

2012-01-08T12:40:00.001-08:00

These are some of the girls I work with on Wednesday evenings doing missions! Our goal is to teach them that missions isn't something that is only done on foreign soil but EVERY day of our lives! This year we collected items for Operation Christmas Child and prepared over 35 boxes. Our boxes were sent to Mexico and Haiti for orphans! What a blessing it is for me to be a part of the beautiful girls and share in their learning and doing of missions in name of our Jesus!

World Series

2012-01-08T12:36:00.000-08:00

Bradley had the opportunity to go to several Texas Ranger playoff games during the fall of 2011. This is a picture of the field from where he sat at one of the games. It's so fun to watch Bradley get excited about the success of a team he has cheered for most of his life...and see Parker and Tate follow in his footsteps!

AHS Homecoming Parade!

2012-01-08T12:06:00.000-08:00

It has become a tradition to have all our friends over for dinner and then head to the Amarillo High homecoming parade each year! This year's theme was "Motion Pictures" and it was neat to see all the students put their creative minds to work! So fun and such a relaxing evening!

Hurry up and start the parade already! :)

Caroline - swim team

Elizabeth - basketball team

Kellie - drum major

Adam and Friends - LOVE these kiddos!

Sandler and Parker

Jeffery and Tate

Carson, Jonas and William

The rest of my time was spent controlling the little guys and gals from too much candy rather than getting a pic of each student! ;~)

Halloween was the very next weekend so we had a bit of "re-gifting" in our buckets!

Thank you Lord for a beautiful fall evening of friends and fellowship. We are so very blessed!

It's a Texas Ranger Par-tay!

2011-12-30T15:29:00.001-08:00

Along with playing in the gym, Parker brought all of his baseball gear to start up a game with his friends. All of the older kiddos joined him and....

I enjoyed helping the smaller kids jump, dive, and play!

The line up!

Momma is supervising! Oops!

A little race after the baseball game!

Notice Parker checking out the competition (or himself) in the mirror!

Darcie Raines~sweetest friend and ministry partner!

Make a wish!

Nanny and I made the cakes and had so much fun!

Parker's biggest fans!

Nanny and PaPaw came to Amarillo for the festivities!

Most of our friends that joined us to celebrate Parker's life!

a bit of randomness...

2011-12-30T15:17:00.000-08:00

Ready for a lil' baseball!

Dressin' up for a fun Saturday at home!

Mrs. Escobedo interviewed each student in Parker's class. This was Parker's response.

Happy 6th Birthday Parker Scott!

2011-12-30T14:35:00.000-08:00

Wake up Sunshine! :) It's your birthday!

Parker and Desiray are just hours apart in age and have been in the same class for two years!

Sweet friends celebrating Parker! Tate was even able to join in the fun! Parker's friends are so welcoming and precious to us!

Parker requested red and blue cupcakes with Texas Rangers accents for his "Carver Party". He helped decorate and of course taste test with me! :)

Such a special day!

Parkerman~my first born~my son~my gift~

Your dad and I treasure you so very much! You've changed a lot this year - reading, writing so well, learning about Jesus and the Bible, leading Tater in the right direction with attitudes, actions and words. While it's hard to let you make mistakes and learn things on your own, it's also very exciting to see the choices you make! We pray each day that Jesus would live in your heart very soon and that you will allow the Holy Spirit to lead your every step! I love you my child~Mom

Your favorite things:

Playing baseball inside and outside the house

Reading EVERYTHING

School days

Going down to Jillian and Caroline's house each afternoon after school

Bike rides

Football in the front yard with daddy

Treats at Orange Leaf or Braum's

"Callie" days - riding home with Callie and Carson on Wednesday after school

Donuts with Dad every Friday morning before school

NO naps during the week~only on Sunday between worship services

Dragon diner at Carver ECA

LEGOS

Bible study before bed~you are slowly starting to pray out loud but always share things that are on your heart and mind

Fall!

2011-10-08T19:52:00.001-07:00

Lots of Baylor Bear football!

First Fall Friday Taco Soup complete with fall decor

New candle - this is a wonderful smell to fill the house with! :)

I love Scentsy, too, but this candle is just awesome!

Hi, ho, hi ho, it's off to school we go!

2011-10-08T19:25:00.001-07:00

Wake-up Parker, my precious kindergartener, I made chocolate chip muffins for you!

All handsome and ready for Mrs. Escobedo's class!

I love you my son. Praying many blessings on your year at school this year. Let His light shine through you this year...and always! :) I'm so very proud of you.

Summer Changes Things

2011-09-09T19:23:00.000-07:00

These sweet boys are a blast to spend the entire summer with! We watch the Texas Rangers almost every evening for a little while and play outside a ton! :) Summer is a time when I don't have to work at all, no school for the boys, trips with Daddy, lots of reading, coloring and playing together - without time limits! :)

Also this summer, the beloved "paci" became broken and Tate threw all the pacifiers in the dumpster. There were a few tears and questions (Tate loves to ask "why"), but overall, it wasn't my fault that they pacifiers were broken and he took it upon himself to throw them away. Tate wrapped up the summer by being potty trained. He was a gem during the whole process and I'm so thankful! He still wears pull-ups at night time but the Maybin household is finished with diapers!
Yay...I think! :)

Parker transitioned to naps only on Sunday afternoon and quiet time in his room the rest of the week. He is doing great with this although bedtime comes a bit earlier these days! Parker also enjoys reading books...cover to cover. He likes to tell me the title, author and identify the book level. He cannot be about to enter Kindergarten!?!

It makes me excited to see these milestones because I know the next ones will be adventuresome, fun and a time to embrace and to learn more about my two little miracles!

Rain?!?!?!?!?!

2011-09-09T19:19:00.001-07:00

One Tuesday morning, I woke up to clouds and 80 degree weather. To the zoo we went! We hadn't been to the Amarillo zoo ALL summer and it was time. We saw the spider monkeys and lions when all of sudden, water began to fall from the sky. "What's that, mommy," said Tate, "wet." It's RRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNN!
We have had 2 inches of rain since January 1, 2011. We celebrated the rain and thanked God for his goodness and answering our prayers right there in the middle of the zoo. Then, we found cover and watched the monkeys bathe themselves with the rain water. Bliss.

Bang - Knot - Scream!

2011-09-09T19:11:00.000-07:00

Tate and Parker were playing in my Sunday School room after worship Wednesday evening...the night before Bradley's birthday. There is lots of room to run and play and they enjoy it. I was talking to Bradley and letting him know I was just about to leave when BANG immediately following by a blood-curdling scream. Tate and Parker were playing tag and Tate tripped and fell straight on the edge of a metal chair. The knot on his head was HUGE and stuck out almost 3 inches from his head. Scary. It looked so bad I really couldn't look at him. I felt it and did the necessary things before deciding to call a sweet doctor friend for evaluation. He was sensitive but ok and cleared the neurology tests that Dr. Jan did. We woke him up every hour to make sure he was still conscious and took him back to our pediatrician the next morning. Now, 4 weeks later, the knot is really small and the bruising all down his face is nearly gone. Parker cried. I cried. Bradley cringed. It was terrible! I felt certain our night would be spent in the ER, but the Lord held us and allowed us to go on home. I've seen many a goose eggs during my time as a parent...but this thing, it was scary!

This is Bradley on his birthday with the injury toddler. You could still see the bump looking at the back of Tate's head. It started to bruise that next day but really spread about a week later to his cheeks, eyes and temples. Ugh. Mother of Year. NOT.
Boys will be boys! Momma's heart had just about enough that day!

Swallow or Spit-Out!

2011-09-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

Sweet Tate has taken a liking to gum. He would use an entire pack each day if I allowed it! We are still working on spitting it out rather than swallowing it. Life lessons~I didn't count on this one! ;~)

He LOVES to "show" me his gum and make sure I know what color it is!

Movies, Friends and More!

2011-09-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

Our precious friend Zachary came to play one Monday! We played outside, inside, Wii, hide 'n' seek, and toys! :) It was so much fun! He is a wonderful friend and started Pre-K this year!

Zachary, Parker & Tate enjoying a sweet treat after rest time!

Tate, Parker and Skylyn (Joy's granddaughter) headed out for a fun lunch!

Enjoying lunch before the movie with three great boys!
Britten and Parker watching Mr. Popper's Penguins. We LOVE the dollar movies!

We are so blessed with great friends!
It was exciting to add friends to our special outings!

Wonderland Wednesday!

2011-09-09T18:26:00.000-07:00

FBC Amarillo had a family fun night at Wonderland (a mini six flags in our backyard!). It was h-o-t but it was f-u-n! We enjoyed lots of rides, BIG and small, with all our friends!

Kenlee, Logan, Parker & Tate

Bradley does not like this picture, but these two guys are always working! I'm sure that's what was taking place here ;~)

Helicopter ride with Helicopter James.

Parker's first trip to Wonderland will forever be remembered! He rode the helicopters with James Powell (who is now a sophomore at OSU) and Parker affectionately named him Helicopter James. We love James so much; he always comes to find Parker at Wonderland so they can ride the helicopters!

Brotherly Ride!

Waiting for the Merry Go Round with Daddy!

Riding the train!

Tate LOVED this ride...

...and waited so patiently when Parker wanted to ride a BIG ride!

35 - it only gets better from here!

2011-08-22T18:37:00.000-07:00

Waiting for Daddy to get home for presents and cupcakes

Tate - watch out for my booboo bubba!

Look Daddy! Repeat. Repeat again, and again and....

Yum-o!

Tate's lovely, swollen and bruised forehead!

We love you B-rad. It is always fun to celebrate you! You are the man of my dreams and the best daddy to our boys! Bring it on 3-5; the best is yet to be!

OKC or Bust!

2011-08-22T18:27:00.000-07:00

Landri Klair, Cooper Jaxon, Parker and Tate

Tate really attached to Landri this trip!
(yes, we are at Best Buy. While in OKC, I went to the apple store and obtained (for free) my 3rd iphone 4...and an otter box could not wait to be purchased cheaper on amazon.com) Man, I miss my shopping friend Marci!

We love going to Oklahoma City! It's a super fun place to hang out; the best part about OKC is that the Bean family lives close! The boys and I traveled up with the middle school students from church and went to the OKC waterpark. Then, the students went on to a baseball game (110 degrees=no momma with kids to game) and the boys and I enjoyed a nice dinner and a special treat before bed. It was just the best time! The next morning, we were up and ready to meet up with Cooper, Landri and Marci (aka Mar-Mar to my children). It was so fun just hanging out and then going to see the Smurfs. I wasn't so impressed with the Smurfs because of the crude humor, but my kiddos didn't pick up on it! Whew! Counting down the days until we see the Beans again!!

Skylyn Marie O'Neill

2011-08-22T18:17:00.001-07:00

Skylyn was dedicated to the Lord on July 31, 2011, at FBC Amarillo. Skylyn is the granddaughter of our nanny, Joy! Joy and her whole family are a big part of our lives and we love them like our own family!

Bless you sweet Skylyn...and your momma Summer, too! May blessings be upon you sweet one. May the Lord lead your every step and make the path straight for your precious life!

Happy Birthday Lily and Jonas!

2011-08-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

This joint-birthday party was a Luau. Bradley told me before the party, pllleeeasssee, let's not dress up...we will be the O-N-L-Y people that do. Well, we ended up being the only people who were N-O-T dressed up! It was fun to see everyone's outfits...these were the only two pictures I took that evening. We were busy have too much fun! :)

Kenlee GrubbEmily & Callie Edwards

What a great party Sobeys. Thanks for hosting!

Summer Dayz

2011-08-15T13:02:00.001-07:00

Bradley was gone for most of July (we joined him for a couple of the trips), so the boys and I had fun around Amarillo. We swam 2-3 times each week and then had a "special" treat. Both Parker and Tate asked to go to Chuck E Cheese during summer break. I really don't like germ-infested places such as CEC; however, it's much cleaner and brighter than Mr. Gatti's. So, of we went. We had the best time laughing at each other and playing every game! Tate's last experience at CEC was no so great; this time he kept telling me, "No cry Chuck E Ezzz, Mommy." And we didn't have any tears...until it was time to leave!

Shooting Hoops!

Clock Tower

Swimming with Logan and Kenlee Grubb

We love you Logan!

We heart snack time!

We had to move our baseball games inside due to the extreme heat this summer! Such fun!

Tate is wearing his Texas Rangers shirt in these pictures. He wants to wear this shirt and his camp shirt everyday. On a day he wears one of these shirts and after his bath, he asks me, "camp shirt go? ranger shirt go? pick out clothes. rangers shirt. camp shirt." I kid you not, my two year old is not concerned about food, toys or the like, but with what shirt he wears each and every day! I love you Bug! :)

Gender Reveal Cupcakes!

2011-08-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

This summer, I've been blessed to be a part of a Bible study with my bestie-s! I love Beth Moore and am thankful for her ministry. We are going through her study of Daniel. Anyway, Libby is pregnant and just had her gender sonogram. The sono just happened to be on a Bible study evening, so I threw a gender reveal party! Xoxo cupcakery (aka Whitney Davis) did a fabulous job on "hiding" the secret! I set-up the order and Libby let Whitney know whether to put pink or blue inside the cupcake...

Anticipation was awesome! I just couldn't wait to know if Baby Sobey was a girl or a boy!

It's a GIRL! Yay! Congrats Frank and Libby!
We love you and cannot wait to meet your newest little miracle!

Tradition

2011-08-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

Growing up, my family and I went to North Padre Island every summer. I have so many great memories of our time together there. We loaded up in Amarillo and set out for North Padre to enjoy with the entire Parker family!

Here's a recap of what we did:

Our big swimming without floaties or a life jacket!

Throwing the ball with Tate... A LOT! And of course, jumping in!Corpus Christi Aquarium

Fun with seahorses!

Lots of fish, turtles, and other sea creatures

We were able to catch the Dolphin Show

It was so very hot; we ended our time at the aquarium with the splash pad!
The boys loved it!

Aim and shoot!

Happy Independence Day America! We spent the fourth of July playing games and swimming. Then, we headed over to Corpus Christi for fireworks! As we approached the huge bridge to take us to the USS Lexington for fireworks, we found that it was closed due to a big wreck on the bridge. Parker was thrilled! Emergency vehicles were everywhere...as well as every other person trying to get the other side! We actually had to stop for gas while we passed the time and Parker met a police officer. He told us when to head back to bridge...and we were the second car let through! Go Parker!

The boys were supposed to be able to swim at the 4th of July party, but it was too crowded. We treated them to light sabers instead!

Emer with Mom and Dad

Best brother E-V-E-R!

Maybin family picture!

Just passing the time! Tate held on tight as the fireworks show went on but he loved it. He said "fire-oks" about 1,000 times during our walk back to the car!

Tate hiding from Pops so that his messy face wouldn't be cleaned!

Parker thought the ice cream scoop was a spoon - honestly - it was hilarious!

Happy 29th birthday (a bit early) Chris!

Chris with Mom and Dad

Parker and Tate with their hero!

Make a wish...

BEACH TIME! The boys liked riding the waves and playing in the sand.

The tropical storm that hit the coast the week before brought up all kinds of seaweed...yuck!

Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory! :) Tate is pointing to the water. "mimming" = swimming - N.O.W!

So thankful for this sweet time with our family!

We ended our trip with a couple of days in Waco. Here is Carline (aka Nanny) with Tate, Chloe and Parker. Those three kiddos sure do LOVE to play together!

Camera Issues and Unexpected Blessings!

2011-08-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

Between VBS and packing for our vacation, our trusty Sony camera was no longer working! We had it for five great years...so it was actually trashed and we purchased another! During our "non-camera" days, we enjoyed the pool, playful days at home, and I volunteered at the Perkins Center distributing food and clothing to those in times of crisis/need twice a week.

How blessed I was during this time! A precious lady brought her father in for groceries and clothing. The father needed a wheelchair to make it into the building and interview room. After all the goodies were approved and loaded up, the daughter asked if by chance a wheelchair had been donated. Usually, the answer is no. However, I double checked and a brand-new chair was donated earlier in the week. God blessed me by being able to tell this women, "take the chair, be blessed, we love you and God loves you. I hope it helps your daddy." She cried. The cry that comes from deep within one's soul. Deep. True. Heartfelt. "Thank you Jesus; God you are awesome; God you are good, even when it's hard, you are good," was her immediate response. I'm not sure who was blessed more!

Cars 2

2011-07-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

Parker is back at it with his "Cars" cars. He never really put them away...but they are definitely back out...with a few extra now! He absolutely loved Cars 2; it was Tate's first movie! They did great. Tate had to potty (yes, we are potty training) three times during the movie but it was still wonderful. We purchased tickets early on the day of the movie release and showed up about an hour before to get the perfect seats! No disappointments in this house! :) A guessing game is now in place between Parker, Bradley and me as to when the movie will be released on DVD. Stay tuned!

Vvvvvv V-B-S 2011

2011-07-21T18:50:00.001-07:00

The Big Apple Adventure came to FBC Amarillo mid-June! It was a blast. Our sweet twin friends Emily Kate and Joshua and Noah and Chandler Wright came to VBS with us! Such fun! This picture is taken at the end of the day when the music is turned up in the parking lot while kiddos wait on rides....Tate's favorite part of the day! We are blessed by our church who hosted over 1200 people at VBS this year. To God be the glory!

PS: We will still be singing VBS music from the Big Apple this time next year. My kids have made it a tradition.

Chelsea - 2011 RHS Graduate!

2011-07-21T17:57:00.001-07:00

Chelsea graduated from Robinson High School on Saturday, June 4, 2011! We are so very proud of you and love you!

Robinson Rockets school song is sung to the "O Christmas Tree" tune.

At graduations, I generally look at every pair of shoe that goes across the stage. We laughed so much at Chelsea's graduation because many of the heels were super-high and the girls couldn't walk in them AT ALL! We concluded that their skirts were too tight or they didn't know how to walk in heels. Oh so proud of you Chelsea - you knew what you were doing! :)

Wade and Carline a.k.a. Nanny and Paw-paw

Russell, Tate and Elizabeth

Mallory and Madison
And here she is...the graduate herself! It's picture time!

Jennifer, Jarrayd, Chloe, Chelsea and Cale Chelsea with Wade and Carline Madison, Camden, Chelsea, Russell, Mallory and Elizabeth Cale with Tony Cline; Bradley's ban director in high schoolFamily time! Tate adores Mallory so much that she put him down for a nap!

Bradley and Russell!

Chelsea - the Lord has mighty plans for you my dear. Cling to him and the hope that is found in Jesus and He will reveal these plans to you and give you constant joy! We love you!

Break - Away 2011!

2011-07-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

While this crew went to Breakaway 2011 (Youth Camp for FBC Amarillo) in Missouri,

Imagine a group picture
I will post later, when Bradley's computer is at home :)

the boys and I headed to Waco and Belton for the week! We usually go with Bradley to camp but had super fun graduation festivities for our niece Chelsea Maybin (separate post to follow) this year. Here's a little snapshot of the fun we had!

Tate, Chloe and Parker playing at the new park in Robinson.

Surely Tate isn't old enough to climb this on his own. "No help, Mommy. Me do it," so said William Tate Maybin! :)

Chloe!

Tate taking time to play in the dirt. My true little boy!

Just a swingin'...

and then more dirt!

Another morning, we headed to a place where I loved life, Baylor University, to look around and of course see the bear!

Baylor has changed so much but it still feels like home to me. I love to see everyone strolling through campus...a few running to get to class on time. It's a wonderful environment where Jesus is in the heart of many. I showed the boys where two of the places I lived and where I spent most of my time...Hankamer School of Business!
I never thought I could miss a place so much!

Parker outside the bear den.

The bear wasn't out but it was only 9:30 in the morning. I told Parker and Tate that the bear had a "college life" schedule and wouldn't be up until lunch.
"He'll be reeeeallllyyy hungry then Mom" said Parker.

Where is that bear?

We headed to the Spirit Shop where the boys enjoyed some air conditioning, each got a BU shirt and a teddy bear. It was so fun to see their excitement about BU. We are planning a trip to Waco for Homecoming 2011! Cannot wait! :)

Ahhhh...Belton! We drove to Belton for a couple of days to enjoy my parents and the pool!
Man, it's hot in Central Texas!

Lots of wagon rides and swimming!

Tate and Parker found Chris' old high school football helmets and had a great time "playing ball".

Mom and Dad were sweet to throw me a little birthday party after we picked Bradley up from the airport. I loved it but didn't get any pictures!

Cameron Park Zoo

Parker and Tate looking at Tigers!

Chloe and Chelsea went along with us! It was so fun to spend some time with their cousins!

Fun times sliding "through" the water!

Tate ready to go...some more! :)

These turtles did not move the entire time we were there!

Chlesea and Tate

The whole gang...thanks, Nanny, for taking pictures!

We watched this lion for a long time. It finally got up, promptly went to the glass with it face right up to it and roared. Tate clung to me and Parker mocked the lion. Priceless!

Orangutan

Tate was thrilled that this tiger went swimming!

Schools of fish AND air conditioning!

A little play time!

Just hanging around this town

The boys and Chloe swam at the Maybin's every afternoon after rest time.

Parker loves to lay out. In his words, "I'm just relaxing".

This kid has absolutely no fear of water!

Love these boys!

We are so blessed to just hang out with our family!

Parker's Pre-K Graduation!

2011-07-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

The Lord was so good to our family this year as Parker experienced Pre-K with Susie Middleton at Carver ECA Magnet School. It's such an awesome public school where all most all of the teachers are believers! Parker is reading on his own, writing well and loves to solve math problems! When we ask Parker to describe the most favorite part of his day he often says "work stations". In workstations, students are able to use writing and reading skills creatively and individually.

Parker's bestie Britten with Mrs. MiddletonParker received the Marvelous Mathematician award!

Parker and Britten ready to leave for the day!

Watch out Kinder...here we come!!!!

It's About Time!

2011-06-24T12:51:00.001-07:00

Allow me to play catch-up as summer is in full swing! There are several posts below! :) Praying you are doing well and loving life! Bless you my friend!

Water Day at Carver ECA!

2011-06-24T12:42:00.001-07:00

What a fun afternoon of water, popsicles and friends!

Show me those colorful tongues, Friends! :)

Panhandle Winds

2011-06-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

This spring and early summer, Amarillo has experienced the worst winds and highest temperatures in history. By winds, I mean 50-60 mph on a daily basis and temps above 100 before August! These conditions = horrible fires! Over 80 homes have been destroyed and tens of thousands of acres burned. We received .68 inches of moisture (mostly melted snow) since February 2010. Please join me in prayer for our city and farmers as the drought worsens. I know that God is up there, I know he is listening and I know he cares!

This is what we do pretty much every weekend after a week of winds.
We also have a lot of time to play inside...

Cars, cars, cars...

Painting

and brotherly love!

The Lord was sweet to give me a visual reminder that He is in control of ALL things...even in our own backyard. These roses were simply beautiful and were not blown away during the winds. The petite flowers survived but the big tree branches, limbs and leaves did not. Amazing.

When I pray, You answer me; You encourage me by giving me the strength I need.
Psalm 138:3

Great Musicians Need Great Shoes...

2011-06-24T12:18:00.001-07:00

and a LOT of them!

Tate puts on about 10 pair of shoes a day. It doesn't matter if they are too big, too small, dirty, clean, his, or another person's, if they match, if he is dressed, etc.!

We love to hear you sing, see you dance, and learn your moves, Tate-r!

These are the last pictures of the "nursery".
Tate's room is now a big-boy room and is finally finished!
Praise the Lord that he loves it and is very excited to show anyone who enters our home!
(Pics to come later...must stay in sequence :)

American Quarter Horse Museum - Amarillo

2011-06-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Last field trip of the school year - American Quarter Horse Museum!

Tabor, Parker and Britten

Waiting for stick horses!

Learning about the lungs of a horse and comparing them with human lungs. This was really neat to show Parker and explain a little more about his asthma to him.

Ride a horsey go to town, ride a horsey don't fall down!

What a great time we had horsin' around! :)

Waiting for Daddy!

2011-06-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

On days Daddy comes home before dinner, one can find my boys doing this...

Tate "driving" the big car (affectionately named by Parker)

Smiles and flashes were not in sync that day!

Parker riding his bike up the street, to the the girls house (Caroline & Jillian - our twin friends), and giving us a shout when Daddy comes around the corner!

Parker was rewarded with a new bike in early May for excellent behavior at school all year. I'm so very proud of you my Parkerman!

We love you Daddy! Thank you for always working hard for our family!

Seniors 2011

2011-05-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday evening we started the beginning of the end with the 2011 Senior class at FBC A-town! We had a great time at the Country Club...dressing up, eating, laughing at old pictures and videos and seeing how much they have grown up! I told Bradley a few weeks ago that I haven't seen a group of students genuine, loving, forgiving, caring, trusting, selfless...all the way down to their core in a really long time. I love this group. They are leaders; leaders that love Jesus and His children. I pray that during their time with us that their faith has developed into their own and that they will only graduate from high school and not graduate from God! I cannot wait to see where the Lord leads...go students, be blessed, and remember your name! ;-)

My handsome date & silly husband! :)
NEVER a dull moment and I absolutely love that about him!

PS: We returned to a quiet house and enjoyed a relaxing evening only to have Tate wake-up throwing-up about 10:30...oh the joys of parenting! Wouldn't trade a minute of it though!

The Circus is in Town....

2011-05-02T18:46:00.000-07:00

At Carver ECA!

Parker was a "strong man" and he played quite the part. Bradley and I laughed and laughed at the music - for example, the "poodles" came out to "Who Let the Dogs Out". Great fun for my pre-k-er, almost kind-er Parkerman! :)

The parade entrance into the circus!

Callie, sweet Callie...aka Parker's girl. Bare with me while I digress...one day when Parker got out of the car after school, Callie stuck her head out and said, "I love you, Parker." "I love you, too, Callie". Sweetness. Innocence. Love it!

Strong men...no stage fright in Parker Maybin!

Love my strong man, washable marker mustache, mom tattoo and all!
Thank you Carver friends for a wonderful afternoon of entertainment and belly laughs!

Spring Fever

2011-04-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

The boys love to throw the ball on the roof with Daddy!

Picnics are our fav.

a little sidwalk chalk and two sweet imaginations! :)

...and when the wind is blowing 60mph and/or ole' man winter comes back to visit, we bring in the basketball goal, make a fire,

and have some more fun! :)
Be patient boys, summa-time is ALMOST here! Yippee!

One + One = 2

2011-04-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

Happy 2nd Birthday, William Tate!

Thank you sweet Tate for completing our family!

It's no surprise that your party was all about balls! We filled the floor with these footballs and sat you right in the middle of them! B.L.A.S.T

Parker even went to get his Cowboys helmet!

Parker and Joy (aka Caw)

Jessica, Camden and Cliff Cary

Tate showing Skylnn all about the footballs

Trying very hard to be patient before diving in and playing catch!

Group shot...well at least I tried! :)

Three boys being silly, silly, silly!

Tate:
Oh how I love you, let me count the ways! I thank the Lord for you every single day and pray that you will love Jesus with every breath he gives you.

Here is what makes you, you:

Keys and cars - you love to drive your cozy coupe all over the house with Daddy's keys. You come and find me, tell me hello, bye-bye, give me a kiss and then your off!
Blanket and pac - these are your comforts for bedtime and naptime! The day is coming my sweet one when the pac breaks! :)
Bubba, bubba, bubba - need I say more. You love Paker. You love to be right by his side. You don't like it when Parker wants to close his door and play. Two peas in a pod, I tell you!
Picky - you have your favorite foods - and when you don't want something, only a "treat" will convince you.
You have down your colors - blue. red. yellow. black. purple. pink. almost orange. blue is by far your fav. - and we are working on your abc's.
Singing 2010's VBS music is so much fun to you! I just end up leaving the CD on #9 and push repeat most of the time! I love that you love music!
Jump - you could jump all day long...whether on a trampoline or not! :)
Outside - you love to mow with Daddy, ride your tricycle, slide, swing, blow bubbles, chalk, take walks and just sit in your chair! (We are praying for less wind and more calmness so we can do this more ASAP!)
Prayers - you are a prayer warrior - you always remind us that praying comes before bites and before closed eyes! I love that you even tell Jesus "thank you bubbles".
You are ready for the potty!! And love to go sit on your new Cars potty!
You are holding a steady 26-28 pounds (50% in weight and 75% height). All your pants have to be gathered in the waist so they will stay on you and also be long enough!
Your smile and hugs melt my heart

Thank you, Lord, for the beautiful creation of William Tate Maybin! I pray his life is Kingdom focused and that He will not only enter the Gates of Heaven, but will enter and have a mile+ long of people with him because he lived a life that served You!

I love you Bug!
Momma

Opening Day is Oh So Soon!

2011-03-22T20:07:00.001-07:00

I love me some Ranger baseball. I love me some Josh...Hamilton! Bradley and I were blessed to attend a local homeless shelter benefit with Josh Hamilton as the speaker. He and his wife Katy flew to Amarillo to share their story. I love their story. Jesus is real; He's still performing miracles in my life and the lives of those around me. That's why I love Josh Hamilton. His story includes Jesus. (Yes, he's pretty handsome, too). I have a passion for loving on addicts and covering them in prayer. I haven't been there, but for some reason, the Lord always brings these people to my mind and heart. They struggle. I struggle. The Lord redeems each of us - every time and every day. The Cross links us. Our need for the Cross links us. God is good and his goodness is for ALL people!

Josh shared a story about Katy that I pray can be said of me by my husband, family, friends, etc...when Katy realized she "simply" needed to forgive Josh, she called him up and basically told him that she didn't expect anything in return but that she needed him to know that she forgave him. And to THIS day, she has not revisited his "past" or "mistakes" E-V-E-R! Such a challenge to me not to dig up the past or remind anyone of past "forgiven" mistakes.

Hooray for April 1st - Opening Day!

The Boys!

2011-03-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

a little about tate

Here Tate is saying, "hey batter, batter, batter, SWING batter" He and Bradley love to play ball together and Tate catching on to this saying is icing on the cake! (Yes, this is taking place during dinner...note the time on the wall clock...if dinner isn't on the table at 6pm each night...I have THREE cranky boys)

Here, Tate is screaming "hot dog". Tate is saying "hot dog" because he thinks Mickey Mouse is amazing and could watch those silly shows all day long...as long as there is a ball somewhere in the episode. Bradley is saying "hot dog" because he thinks that the "hot dog" guy at the Rangers game (who no longer works there) was amazing at saying "hot dog" the exact same way for probably 15-ish years! Regardless, these are two peas in a pod regarding "hot dog" and screaming it at the tops of their lungs! :)

Keys, keys, keys. Tate finds our keys in the "key drawer" and pulls his car out, tells us bye-bye, gives kisses, and he's off! I always ask him where he is going and he generally tells me school or bubba school. Recently, I made the comment that Tate hadn't misplaced/lost the keys E-V-E-R. I ate my words the next day. Bradley and I asked him where Momma's keys were...Tate's response was high...or so we thought. When he decided to get them a week later, he kept saying high, high, high...but he was actually saying hide, hide, hide!
Silly goose! Thank goodness for extra keys!

Bright! Tate loves to see lights, close his eyes, and tell me that the lights are bright. He is exactly like Bradley when he wakes up each morning or after nap..."bright momma, bright".

Here he is! My sweet William Tate!

a little about Parker

This is what you can find Parker doing most afternoons - reading, writing, coloring, drawing!
He is WAY into dinosaurs and enjoys sounding out the different dinos and spelling them! Mrs. Middleton continues to give us great reports about Parker's progress, respect for authority and kindness to others. Praise the Lord! He continues to show us pieces of his heart by busting out in song to the Lord, asking for forgivness and giving forgiveness without being asked.

The picture below was a note he wrote to Shawn Boyd. Shawn lost his brother tragically a couple of weeks ago. Bradley came home and talked to us all about Shawn and his brother Tyler. Understand that Parker and Shawn (Shawn is our associate recreation minister at FBC) share the love of batman and superman! So, as Bradley was telling the boys bye on his way to visit Shawn's family, Parker told Bradley that he was giving Shawn his best batman, "because he always gives things to me and I need to give something to him." I pray he always thinks of himself less and other more!

PS: Parker is still a "normal" kiddo with time spent in time-out and re-thinking wrong doings and how it makes others feel. Bradley and I have observed that about every 3-4 weeks, he REALLY pushes the limit; I just cannot understand why he does this! My, oh my, how my Heavenly Father must feel ALL the time from my lack of obedience. Wow - He is teaching me SO very much through my sweet boys...even on the hardest of days!

Happy Heart Day!

2011-03-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

Yes - V-day is a commercialized holiday but I love it! Yes - we are to show love to every person we encounter every day, and I try, but I still love Heart Day! This year, I organized Parker's class' V-day party...SO fun! We had cupcakes, carrots, strawberries, cheese sticks, pretzels and Oreos. Yum-O! All of Parker's friends were so excited to have a special snack and share their homemade valentines with each other. After snack time, we played 4-corners. I played this game throughout elementary school and it was great to watch Parker catch on!

The kiddos were learning about the planets during the week of V-day, so I decided to let them count down 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...BLAST - OFF! To not be a teacher by trade, I love to wrap up everything in a big bow!!

Brittan and Parker

Parker pretty much eats the icing and not the cake...E-V-E-R-Y time!

Parker is surely blessed with a great group of friends.
I hear that he is always a leader and helps others learn, too!

PS: Bradley and I enjoyed a lovely lunch date (without the precious children) and I cooked a nice dinner followed by treating the boys to fro-yo for dessert!

The kids on the bus go....

2011-03-05T11:25:00.000-08:00

Discovering!

Britten (Parker's bestie), Parker and Angelina. Here they are learning about clouds and how the pressure level being low creates more clouds!

I gladly help Mrs. Middleton (Parker's teacher) with field trips each month. I love to have some time with Parker and to love on and learn about all his friends! This trip was to the Discovery Center with a feature exhibit of dinosaurs. Parker still loves cars, trucks, emergencies, and outdoor play; but add dinosaurs to that group and you'll have one happy camper!

Parker "roaring" along with the dinosaurs.
I'm certainly glad Tate wasn't along on the trip...he would have screamed...not in a fun, excited way either!

T-Rex could possibly be Parker's favorite!

Kamary

Gregory and Parker leaning all about the science of movement.

Parker on a bed of nails...and a pillow!

Free Wednesday Evening = Hosting Our Friends

2011-03-05T11:17:00.001-08:00

FBC Amarillo had to cancel Wednesday evening activities (which rarely happens because snow and ice are just kinda, well, no not kinda, normal!) so we decided to host our neighborhood friends for Papa Murphy's pizza and smores! We had a great time visiting, playing and relaxing!

Darcie roasting up some marshmallows!

Callie and Parker enjoying a smore!

Tate giving some lovin' to Peggy!

Sweet Bereket taking part in the marshmallow roasting!

Our family is so very blessed with our friends here in Amarillo! The laughter and chatter blessed my heart that evening!

Extremes!

2011-03-04T19:44:00.001-08:00

William and Parker hit the Amarillo "slopes"...you should be laughing hysterically at this comment because there are no hills, much less mountains, here...or trees. We love it anyway!

Ready to play!!

Sledding in Amarillo after a wonderful snow!

I'm pretty sure the windchill was still negative something ridiculous!

That didn't stop the neighborhood boys and dads from having a blast!

Then, this past week...

Sunshine, a warm breeze, a little baseball, exercising OUTSIDE :), and picnics in the back yard! I know we will have more freezing temps and snow, but I'm thankful for a glimpse of spring!

disciple now

2011-02-14T19:25:00.001-08:00

Disciple Now 2011 was AMAZING! I spent most of it with my boys, praying and driving students to and from the church! This is the season of our ministry where I am behind the scenes more than hands-on ministry...I'm thankful for the opportunity to pray without ceasing for our students and church family!

Cooking the boys' favorite foods was what this chef had on the menu!
It was fun to have help and they were super surprised! I can quote Parker directly, "this is the best day E-V-E-R!"

Parker writing a story.

Many, many phone calls to check on details and events...and to lift up my sweet husband!

Picture time with Momma!

a little dancin' and singin' (and a lot of readin'!)

LOTS of snow on that Sunday morning!

And smiles. Precious smiles. Not only from my children but also from the students as they shared about the weekend, learned the location of summer camp (speaker, musicians, etc), and beautiful worship! As I write this, I am SO over winter and snow, but I'm also thankful for it. Snow reminds me of how Jesus takes away all my imperfections and failures and allows me to represent Him, love Him and share Him!

I will praise Him from the bottom of my heart; Lord, who can compare with you.
Psalm 35:10

My Boys!

2011-02-14T19:17:00.000-08:00

Playing with new toys from Uncle Buddy!

Resting with a movie and trying to recoup from a tummy bug!

Fun with couch cushions as slides and/or train tracks!

This is officially called a "bag party" at our house on
Friday afternoon or early Saturday mornings!

FULLY SUPERVISED...Tate and Parker throw what plastic bags we do get at Walmart up in the air and try to keep them off the ground! We are ALWAYS having fun around here!

H-2-0

2011-02-14T19:12:00.001-08:00

I highly recommend these Camelbak's that came in the mail a few weeks ago! Here's to drinking MORE than 8 glasses of water each day! These are definitely helping!

PS: I am competing in a biggest loser competition at work...I probably won't win because I don't have that much to loose...
BUT, I can always be healthier and work out more!

I Can...

2011-02-14T19:09:00.001-08:00

READ!

What a very exciting day in our home! Parker brought home his first book from school and read it to us! WOW! Momma was so proud and excited for him, I was crying! The books keep coming and I'm so thankful for his excitement and curiosity in figuring out each and every word!

Ball?!

2011-02-14T19:02:00.000-08:00

This is my sweet William Tate at 22 months! He LOVES to play with balls and he is really, REALLY good at throwing! On this particular January morning, I was taking him downtown to eat lunch with Daddy and play a bit. He insisted that we take these balls AND that he hold them the entire drive there! I love my Tate! And now when I tell him so, he says, "yea" and shakes his head yes! Sometimes, he will say, "you"! He has at least 5 new words a week he "wiggles" as he runs to keep up with big brother Parker...aka, Bubba!

Fa la la la, la-la-la!

2011-02-14T18:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas was simply wonderful. The thing I will remember most about Christmas 2010...

Tate saying "baby" all the way through the Christmas Eve service at FBC-Amarillo. I love this service each year that we are in town to attend because everyone is together. No childcare; everyone is in the sanctuary. The choir loft is filled with a beautiful manger scene (worth $$$$$$$) that was donated to the church. At first, I tried to shush Tate...but soon the Spirit tapped me on the shoulder and reminded me that the "baby" is what Christmas is all about. Let the little child celebrate...and that we did!

This is a picture of all the children (including Tate)
on the stage for a time with the Pastor. So, so sweet!

Chris, Bradley and I also enjoyed the slops in Santa Fe, New Mexico (Chris' first time to ski and he did FABULOUS!) I was taken down by a inexperienced snowboarder (OUCH!) and decided to stay and sled with the boys the next day:

The boys loved playing the "cart game" with Chris in the lodge.

The boys cleaning up dishes after dinner!

We went to Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas (after leaving a day early because of ice and snow...we stayed in Fort Worth...LOVE downtown!) for the entire Maybin family Christmas. We enjoyed family, the lodge, waterpark and ended our time with a train ride and lunch at Rain Forest Cafe!

And we had family time, great food, and a whole lot of loving on one another!

What a year! What memories we have! How we've grown! Thank you Jesus for a fabulous 2010!

FBC Amarillo. Blessed.

2011-01-07T18:47:00.000-08:00

FBC Amarillo Sanctuary.

Newly remodeled Grande Room. I love these green leather couches...maybe when the boys take our brown leather to college!

New Playground. We should name this Parker's playground. He asked our Pastor EVERY time he saw him when this playground would be finished! He LOVES it!

Taking Nanny on a tour before MasterPlan Dedication Sunday

New construction with heated walk-ways

Parker enjoys going to Pastors Pals during worship for a special time with Howie.

This is where we worship. I love it. It's a holy place. And the Spirit is surely there. Every time.

This is what we've been waiting for...the completion of something that is for our children and our children's children. Leaving them with a legacy to bring the nations to Amarillo. To FBC. Ultimately, to Jesus!

Our family. What a wonderful day it was! We are honored to serve with the people of FBC Amarillo. We love our FBC family. We love our Amarillo Family. God is good.

Bedtime!

2011-01-07T18:21:00.001-08:00

First, a bath. Tate always requests bubbles (I've stopped telling him to not drink the water; he loves it) and Parker always requests to go last!

After we get them dressed, it's a couple of hugs and then...

(Nanny came for a visit in November...we love when she visits!)

...the boys go C-R-A-Z-Y. Their absolute favorite is when we get in the floor and just wrestle. I mean wrestle! Hold nothing back wrestling! I thought taking a bath was supposed to calm you down...NO, not these boys..but this is really my favorite time of day with them!

After playing, the boys hug and...

...Tate says "rock".

The end of the day. Usually 7:30pm. Time for for reading, cleaning, laundry, or B & E time.
Thankful. Very thankful for each day we have together!

Happy Pumpkin Day!

2011-01-07T17:55:00.001-08:00

We began the day with a wonderful morning of worship and a family lunch...then on to pumpkin carving. This was the first time we carved pumpkins with the boys and it was oh so fun! Tate wanted to dump the seed box onto the porch and Parker was totally grossed out with the "seeds and yucky stuff".

Naps? Who needs naps when it's Halloween and dressing up is one of the boys favorite things to do! Here are my Superman and Football Player!

Early trick-or-treating!

A little fun in the front yard before the fall festival!

At the fall festival...trying to get a picture of all three Parkers. Parker Pike (precious girl), Parker Maybin and Parker Austin.

Walking to the fall festival with my boys! Bradley and I were Texas Ranger fans (if you don't follow the greatest baseball team EVER, it was playing in the World Series!)

I'm pretty sure I re-applied Tate's black eye ten times that evening!

Trick-or-treating on our street after the fall festival!

Parker using his charm!

Tate was pooped!

It didn't take long to get the boys bathed, pass our our bowl of candy to trick-or-treaters, and get the boys to sleep! Whew...can Halloween NOT be on a school night next year?!?!?

Happy Fall Y'all!

2011-01-07T17:45:00.000-08:00

Dada - Bubba - Dada - Bubba (repeated 100 times)
here I come!

We are LOVING our new house! With the additional square footage came HUGE trees. We have two cottonwoods that trim themselves with any kind of wind. So...we convinced Parker that we would have a limb party...whoever picks up the most tree limbs and leaves, wins! No problem. He was so excited! Parker and Bradley also went on the roof to clean out the gutters. Tate and I happily stayed on the ground! We are enjoying football, cookouts and time with family and friends during this very mild and wonderful fall season!

Happy Fall Y'all!

Holdin' Time

2010-12-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

I know this picture is hard to see but it is Tate and I rocking after lunch one Sunday afternoon. The Lord reminded me of my sweet orphan kiddos in Russia that I held for 4 hours in the summer of 2004. The orphans lloooonnnngggg to be held and have human touch. What a great thing is was for me to able to meet that need for a couple of weeks while I was in St. Petersburg. That experience will always be with me as the Lord gently reminds me to smile upon hearing "momma" for the 1,065 time each day; to stop and play often with my babies; to belly laugh with them; to join their world every once in a while; and to hold them, rock them, read and be close to them EVERY day. Just as Jesus, Emmanuel, came to be with us, I need to be with my children! Last week was a very trying week, but the Lord was sweet to give me a thankful heart and a calm spirit while meeting the needs of my precious boys and amazing husband.

Pumpkins or Punkins?!

2010-12-18T11:19:00.000-08:00

Tate absolutely loved painting his pumpkin AND his clothes! Straight to the bath he went and on to a nap very quickly!

Time sure does fly...I can recall when all these punkins were added to our circle of friends!!

The whole crew that gathered that sweet, fall morning!

Landri Klair, Marci, Jason and Cooper Jaxon!

My two punkins!

What a fabulous weekend hanging out with punkins while picking pumpkins! The Bean's came to visit from Purcell, OK, we went to the Gee Farm to pick pumpkins and ended the day with a great fall lunch and pumpkin painting!

I thank my God for you and always mention you in my prayers.

Like Father Like Son

2010-12-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

The boys and I were up at church a little early one Wednesday night. Parker wanted to sing, talk and all before the band started practice. I'm not sure if he will be a preacher but I do believe God is working on his heart for great and amazing things for HIS glory!

I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jer 29:11 MSG

Time Flies....

2010-12-13T10:53:00.000-08:00

We are having fun, loving on each other and making memories! I PROMISE pics and stories will be posted soon! Hope everyone is well, focusing this season on Jesus and the miracle His birth, life and death, and loving on your families!!

May the peace of Christ be yours now and always!

Let's Go Rangers...and a few other things!

2010-10-19T18:24:00.001-07:00

Our family took advantage of the long weekend and drove to Dallas for a fun weekend full of family, baseball, Six Flags, and the list goes on....every game that could possibly be played in the DFW area was there over that weekend! Soooo fun for my sports-lovin' family! Pops and JuJu, Nanny and Papa came up and we all stayed at the Cooper Institute (where Chris works). I love that place. Reminds me of Baylor a bit...just calm and peaceful but you can also get a great shopping and workouts in too!

Ready, set...cheer!

The claw...

The Rangers lost this game against the Tampa Bay Rays...but it was a blast!!! Mom, Tate and I stayed in Dallas and enjoyed shopping and a wonderful La Madeline dinner!

Parker made friends with just about every person around the group!

Pops, Chris and Parker enjoying some sweet time together!

After a fun day at the Rangers game Saturday, we headed back to Arlington Sunday for Six Flags! The boys were perfect and I felt like a kid again! Tate slept on the way over to Arlington and was good to go until close to dinner! We are ready to go back SOON!!!!

Parker is so very sad he cannot ride the real Batman ride! We told him to keep eating good food, one sugar a day and drink water/milk and he will grow to ride that ride! Broke my heart but I cannot tell you how extremely HAPPY I am that he cannot ride. I used to love riding all the thrilling rides, but I just don't anymore! Weird I know but it's true!

They say it's your birthday...

2010-10-19T17:51:00.000-07:00

Happy, Happy Birthday Parker Scott Maybin!!Parker turned five on October 4, 2010! We had a GREAT celebration starting with an early morning of presents...

followed by cinnamon rolls for breakfast, McDonald's delivered to Parker for lunch at school (ALL picked by Parker) and a class party complete with cake and lemonade (we LOVE his friends...they are so special to us!)...

When Bradley and I picked Parker up from school, he requested a trip to the fire station! We went to the newest station...station 11...in Amarillo! Because it's breast cancer awareness month, the first station was selling hot pink fire department shirts of which we are proud owners of now!! A great way to show Parker that we should ALWAYS think and pray for others. All proceeds went to support breast cancer research.

We ended the day with several friends stopping by to play, more presents, and talking to all of our family on the phone or on skype!

My sweet Parker!
Your dad and I are so very proud of you and love you very much! As I think about the past five years in how you and I have both grown, I am overwhelmed with God's goodness, grace and blessings. I am sloowwwllyyy getting used to being called mom instead of mommy and I'm so thankful to be your mom! Your birthday pictures pretty much sum up what you love...emergencies, superheros, baseball and church (these pics to come in later post!)...how could I forget your Bug! Thanks for your hugs, winks, kisses and zeal for life!! I look forward to seeing how the Lord guides your precious heart...stay close to Him ALWAYS!! Together forever!

Love you to the moon and back!!
Mom

Suuurrrppprrrrriiiiseee!

2010-09-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

Mom and I worked up a little suprise for my dad's 60th birthday weekend! Bradley, the boys and I flew to Killeen on Thursday to join them for the fun! We started off with a fun dinner at Outback, cake and ice cream back at the house (the cake was AWESOME and Mom did such a great job designing it!), putting the kids to bed and then opening presents. Mom compiled 60+ facts/stories, etc from lots of family and friends to give to dad. He was so suprised and touched! We love you, Dad! Here's to 60 more!!!!

Tate ate an entire loaf of bread before dinner arrived!
Parker practiced...in every detail...how he was going to say "surprise" to Pops!
It was just precious!

Here's the party planner and her little-est man!

Pops and Tate have this thing they do. Pops points to Tate and says "Tate". Then he points to himself and says "Pops". Tate only says Pop (over and over and over) right now, to which Parker says, "no, Tate, it's Popssssssss". I love it. I know exactly who Tate wants to talk to when he points to himself and says, Tate or Bug.

Tate was sure friendly to this waitress. He even helped her take the next table's order!

It was hot, humid and NO breeze! This Amarillo girl needs breeze. I used to run around that football field for 3 miles and run the stands too many times and I never blinked an eye. But now, now that I'm an Amarillio-ite, I need breeze, WIND! I really cannot believe I'm saying that because I complain about the 40-50 mph wind here ALL the time...maybe I'll stop!

Bleacher Creature Parker! Parker was able to run the length of Tiger Field with a bunch of Belton kiddos! He did great and had fun!

Tate and Momma in the stands. It was so, so fun to be in Belton and at the game on Friday! The band, the fans, and the score :( reminded me of my senior year! I'm pretty sure we

were 0-10 that year but not because of the lack of effort! I must say it is extremely weird to not know 99% of the people in those stands. Times are a changin' I tell you but Tigers fight, never die, never, never never...

Home is always good for me. I'm relaxed. I am with people who "get" me. These people have known me for years...the good, the bad, and the growing! I enjoy the fellowship with my parents and friends, love that we can still swim in September and my dad always has a new story to tell me! I drive by the house I was raised in on Sparta Road and I miss it; I want to drive up, knock on the door and show my kids all around someday. I look next door at what was my grandparents house and remember so many talks, walks and times on the swing. Now, don't get me wrong, things are different. There are more people, more roads, new parks and trails, more houses and developments, etc. The land where we kept our cows is now commerical property with businesses, apartments and a sub-division on it. And I'm glad. I'm glad that Belton is growing and I hope it's as good for the people there now as it was for me. It is the place I found my faith in the One who never changes, provides for me always, and holds the destiny of my heart and soul... and that, my friends, is where true peace resides!

Thanks, Pops, for directing me towards peace in Jesus

and for all you've done for me and my family!

We love you!

School Days!

2010-09-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

Parker making himself right a home in his new classroom!

Parker's locker

Yay for new friends!

"I cannot wait until we learn the rules about computers and start using them"

Parker and Mrs. Middleton! We are so blessed to have her influencing Parker's life! She brings out the best in Parker and bases her classroom on encouragement, rewarding good behavior, and always learning! She is calm, confident, loving, and a wonderful role model for her "friends".

Tri-State Fair with Pre-K Carver Dragons!

2010-09-26T11:18:00.003-07:00

First in awe of the baby zebra...
...then so excited to feed that sweet zebra.
The zebra was surely ready to be fed by 130 pre-k'ers

Lunch time on the fair grounds followed by pig races!

All Mrs. Middelton's "friends" were excellent! I even adopted another precious little girl!

Parker best buddy, Brittan, and Parker are looking at me. Also in the picture is my newest little friend but I'm not sure how to point her out. Black, braids, hot pink shirt and the sweetest smile you've ever since!

Another pre-k class...crazy haired Callie (Parker's great friend) is in this class.

Belle, the milk cow, produced ONE gallon of milk in about 30 seconds. I sure wish pumping was that easy!!!

You can see Belle here just a little. We have a ton of dairies in the Panhandle or "the top of Texas" so we are blessed with hands-on learning from the dairy workers! During our time at the fair, we were also able to meet "thank a farmer every day" lady. She gave great examples of how much farmers produce...from baseballs, to lipstick, to eggs! She even did a few magic tricks! The friends absolultely loved it!

Bradley and I were both able to join Parker on his first field trip. I'm not sure if Parker was most excited about the field trip or that big, yellow bus that didn't require boosters OR seatbelts! Hmmmm. I left Tate at home with Joy so we could enjoy some one-on-one time with Parker....those times are few and far between these days!

Part-ay Weekend!

2010-09-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

Double slip n slide down the hill!

Callie

Bradley and Parker enjoying the lake!

Tate and Colt playing ball

Carson takes the wheel!

and Callie

and Parker!

My sweet blessings!

my love.

Carson, Chancy and Callie

Tate all bundled up in a life jacket. It was a bit too big but he was a trooper.

We went from one party to the next last weekend...Lake Tanglewood for the senior back to school party, 8th grade swim party/lunch after church Sunday, and choir kick-off swim party. I didn't swim at any of them...WAY too cold for me! I know it was only 75 degrees but I'm still a Central Texas girl who is used to 100 degree days at the pool! It was so fun just relaxing and hanging out with the students...no agenda, just talking about life and loving on one another! They are all a blessing to our entire family and we are so thankful for them! A GREAT school year is upon us...

Day Five = Red

2010-09-01T09:47:00.001-07:00

Once a week, Parker comes home from school with an armband of the color shirt he is to wear the next day. Along with this, he experiences the same color play-doh and snack. He was so excited about "red" day (red is his favorite color) that he requested Tate to participate in color days. Here they are waiting for our friends to arrive for dinner Friday evening. There was a lot of chattering going on by both boys...who knows what they were discussing but I'm thankful for their blooming relationship!

Well That Was Fast...

2010-08-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

My sweet Parker started school today. All day. Every day. He was confident and thrilled to be there both when I dropped him off and when I picked him up!

Hugs, kisses and well wishes for a great first day at school!

People always tell me, "it (birth - 5 goes by faster than you can imagine."
I believe them now but I truly didn't before today.

As I left him today, I felt like I was leaving part of my heart there.
Ugh. It was hard but I know it's the absolute best thing for him...and I
was sure to pray ALL day.

Ten Dolloar Prom

2010-08-08T14:57:00.000-07:00

We made a photography back - drop. The students really liked it and the "professional" photographer made it look really cool!

Part of the group before leaving!

Girls dressed in trash bags arrived in a BMW.

Fun picture of lights and lots of dancing!

Sno-cones were out treat! Super cold after being hot on the dance floor and super yummy!

Whew - what a fun time! I love you B-rad!

Obviously it wasn't an "in-style" party but to come in something promish for no more than $10. I was dressed with red sparkle dress and red heels...hilarious...no pic on my camera and hopefully no picks of it show up in the hallways of the student ministry floor!!

None of our new neighbors called the cops and we had a wonderful time and enjoyed dancing the night away!

I think we've started a tradition...

Three Peas in a Pod!

2010-08-08T14:47:00.000-07:00

Tate loves to put on my colored socks when he gets on his PJ's. I am either about to go for a run or just getting back! He loves it!

Just a swingin'...

...swingin'

From cops and jail to piggy back rides to playing catch, these boys had a great time together. It was so fun seeing the boys with Chris this past weekend. We look forward to our next time in September!

Parker cried REALLY hard as we left Chris at the airport Saturday evening. The whole airport was either thinking that I just beat the tar out of him or that he was really sad. I've never beat the tar out of him, so sadness it was. "It's soooo sad to watch him go" Parker said in between screams. Ohhhh--break my heart. I carried him out to the car and Tate walked beside me...I was amazed at how well Tate did while I was loving on my sad Parker!

Play. Play. Play.

2010-08-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

Mom & Dad - I finally got new glasses - the greatest thing is that Tate doesn't touch them at all! I know you cannot believe that, but it is true...come up and see for yourself!!

On days we don't HAVE to do anything, I tell the boys, today is a play play play day! Squeals of excitement usually erupt...and today was no exception. After lunch Parker wanted to set up Bertie & Thomas Race. Little did I know that we would set-up, race, and repeat a million times! It was so fun and so good to just be hanging out with my boys today!

Race - Parker set everything up and was the official at every race. I simply cannot believe this sweet boy will be 5 in just two short months and going to pre-k! Yikes! I have loved, loved, loved this summer with both Parker and Tate. Yes, it was busy, but we have the next several weeks with nothing on the calendar but a dance party in the back yard and a few sweet visitors to entertain! Yippee!

Tate signing "more please"

My sweet 16 month old William Tate! He is such a blessing to us. I do believe he will be my dare devil as proven at White Water in Oklahoma City this past weekend. We went with the middle schoolers and also met up with the Bean family to enjoy the water-park. He didn't need a nap. He didn't need lunch. He didn't need a break. He didn't need much of anything besides the BIG slides and fun in the water! He wanted to be as big as Parker, Cooper, Landri and Carson. He definitely crashed in the parking lot as we were pulling out to head to the Beans for a weekend visit!

Tate has become a super big momma's boy! Here he is standing right by my side as I fixed lunch today. Parker is being a great photographer and will not let me get his picture! If you can read lips, you might be able to tell that Tate is saying...momma, momma, momma...only about a million times! I simply love it!

We met Bradley at the door this evening and enjoyed a great dinner followed by welcoming some more FBC people to the neighborhood and a great walk!

More play play play on our agenda tomorrow along with a
couple of errands and a cook-out for dinner!
Enjoy these last few weeks of summer!
I know we will!

Snow in August!

2010-08-02T18:47:00.000-07:00

So, it didn't really snow in Amarillo on August 1st, but we had a super fun snow ball fight in our front yard at SNAC! It's become a tradition each summer when we host SNAC at our house. We threw 120 snow balls and enjoyed some great fellowship! Below are some action shots!

This is Parker throwing a mini snow ball at his daddy!

Aman trying to tell Tate that the ice isn't to eat!

Tour de Eaton

2010-07-14T12:52:00.000-07:00

Our mailbox. Simple. Old.
I love that the mailman walks to our door each day to deliver the mail and actually knows us!

Boys bathroom.

Master Bedroom...a little more decorating to do here.

Our tiny master bathroom. No tub. Just a shower. Houses built in the late 60's didn't focus on bathrooms. Get in, get out, get on with the day!

Backyard complete with a shed and playset for the boys!

Playroom

guest 1/2 bath

Guest room, study, laundry, etc! So thankful for this room!

Kitchen!

Formal dining room--still need to cover chairs and install shutters!

living room

Entry with a HUGE red front door!

The boys are taking naps so no pics of their rooms just yet...although their rooms were finished first! We love our new home and are already enjoying fellowship with friends and family in it! Come visit anytime!!

Packing. Water. Fun Times.

2010-07-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

It was so hot outside one afternoon while Bradley and I were packing. Parker asked if we could turn on the water so we did! He and Tate played and played. I was blessed to hear their laughter and NOT get wet but Bradley...well he heard their laughter but also got SOAKED!

Here's to a New Journey

2010-07-14T12:36:00.001-07:00

The group that joined us to celebrate Mom's retirement from BISD!

Boy, was she surprised!!!!!

A pictures is worth a thousand words!

My dad and I were pretty sneaky for about 8-10 weeks regarding this surprise party for mom...invitations, decorations, flowers, caterer, bulletin boards (one simply cannot have a teacher retirement party without bulletin boards) and the list goes on...was conducted between the hours of 9-4 during the week or at 10pm with dad in the garage so mom didn't figure anything out! It was so much fun! It's REALLY hard to surprise the Parker girls...but we did it! Yea!

Congrats mom on a successful and honorable career! I love you! Have fun traveling the world and spoiling your grand-babies...oh yea...and finding a small, tiny, itsy-bitsy part-time j-o-b!

We're Alive!

2010-07-13T07:56:00.001-07:00

We are loving our new home and I will post pictures ASAP! It has been a crazy 3-4 weeks but remodeling, boxes and decorating are finished :)

Bradley is in Kansas City, MO this week so the boys and I are enjoying some summer fun activities and relaxing a bit!

Check back in the next couple of days for pictures...

15 months and Camera Tears!

2010-06-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

The boys matched last Sunday morning for church and I really wanted a picture but Tate would simply NOT have it! He wanted lunch and bed. Period. If I remember correctly, he had a four hour nap and was ready for the evening!

Bradley sported his bow tie for church! If you haven't discovered www.thetiebar.com, you should check it out! $15 ties and bow ties, excellent quality and traditional and contemporary looks!

Lovin' on my Parkerman!

I was so thrilled that Tate was crawling normally AND walking on his own by 15 months that I was actually excited about his well-check appointment. His pedi is from overseas and goes to visit for a month each summer...which happened to be the month of June! :( I suppose we will show her next time! Tate weighed in at 24 pounds (50%) and measured 32 inches (95%). Shots are never fun, but we were out of there in no time and on to his first haircut! He did GREAT and didn't make a peep!

VBS was this past week and the boys had a fabulous time on Saddle Ridge Ranch! Tate is even singing and doing the motions to the songs! We traveled to Waco on Thursday afternoon and definitely listened to VBS music most of the way...happy boys=happy parents!!

We have a great weekend planned in Belton (after a wonderful surprise party for my mom's retirement) with an anniversary date for me and my honey, Parker seeing Toy Story 3, swimming, church, girls coffee night, and lots of family time! Then...back to Amarillo for final packing and moving! We are thrilled to be in Puckett with a lot of our wonderful friends!! Great times...more pictures to follow!

If you get the chance to sit it out or dance...

2010-06-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

Dance and run and splash is what Parker and I did last Saturday morning. Our sweet neighbor and friend, Kimberly (and Delanie who was born Tuesday!) called and told us we had a geyser from a broken sprinkler head. Parker and I enjoyed some really cold water and a ton of fun! It is so hot here already and we aren't used to that heat anymore!

If you get the chance to be a kid with your children...do it! SO, so fun!

Mission Friends

2010-06-13T20:54:00.000-07:00

This was Parker's first year of Mission Friends and Preschool Choir. While his 3 year old choir didn't perform with the other choirs Sunday evening, he did perform on Wednesday! It was spectacular! I loved every minute! It was especially neat to see all the local and foreign mission projects and collections that his class participated in...he is already making Kingdom differences...praise God!

Parker is quite sad that we have to wait three whole months before starting up again! In the meantime, he is enjoying gymnastics, VBS, youth camp, Wonderland, WTAMU swimming, swimming lessons, a few trips here and there...AND moving to 3916 Eaton Drive! He has already memorized the address..."but our phones stay the same, mom." Enjoy your summer and be safe in all your journeys!

31...really?!?!?

2010-06-05T18:51:00.000-07:00

Madison, our niece, Wade and Carline came up on Saturday to help us out with the boys at camp. We were THRILLED that Madison joined our students at camp! She had a wonderful time and asked, "where are you taking the students to camp next year?"

My sweet little one and I enjoying some lunch!

Bradley ordered my most favorite chocolate cinnamon cake from Village Bakery!
What a wonderful treat! We generally have a "fancier" serving platter and dishes but they are all packed up! It's pretty bare around here!

I pray that as my age increases so does my service and relationship with the Lord!

Just Hangin' Around this Town

2010-06-05T18:43:00.001-07:00

Boxes, boxes and more boxes!

I had to get creative and let the boys play with packing supplies to get everything done! We made obstacle courses, green bubble roads and had a ton of fun...then I had to get back to packing! Our house sold in 11 days and we FINALLY have a contract on 3916 Eaton Drive in Amarillo and are out of the option period! Yay! Both closings are on June 28th and we are thrilled about the move!

Always dressing up!!

Friends for life!

The boys LOVE when I do laundry. More baskets = More fun!!

May Flowers!

2010-05-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

102 temp and double ear infection and STILL as happy as can be!

ALL the boys playing ball after Bradley finished the MR.MR. 5 mile run! Way to go B-rad! You're awesome and I know that the Roberts family was honored that you took time with them to remember and celebrate the life of Mike Roberts!

I am honored to present Sheriff Police Parker and JuJu. They enjoyed lots of playing time at the house, hotel, pool, shopping, gardening, popcorn and a movie in bed, and of course, arresting people and putting them in jail! SO fun! I had a VERY sad Parker last night as he said goodbye to Pops and JuJu! "Just tell them to sell their house and move next to us!" (FYI-Our house is on the market and he is FINALLY pleased with the idea...and thinks we should buy two houses...one for them and one for us!)

Happy Mother's Day to my sweet mom who doesn't mind wearing a preschooler hat and playing pretend with my kiddos! I'm so thankful that you are my mom and my friend! I love you! All of our hearts bloomed this weekend...thanks for making the trip with Dad!
Looking forward to the next...

Scooter

2010-05-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

Best Buds!

Parker uses the cushions of the couch for obstacle courses and to make "brown trucks" (aka...UPS trucks!) Tate loves to receive deliveries!!!

Playing ball with momma! SOOOO Fun!

Tate is a scooter, a very fast scooter. He crawls a bit, but then decides he would rather scoot. It's crazy, forced me to relax and let him be, and is really fun! I love my Scooter and am so proud of him! Walking seems to be VERY close! Yikes!!

Stars

2010-04-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

Today is a hard day. It's a day to remember, to say good-bye, to hug, the cry, to laugh, to sing, and to be greatful that Jesus conquered the grave. My sweet friend and co-worker RiChelle Redman was killed by a train on Sunday evening. My entire office is traveling near Lubboock today to attend her grave-side service. If everyone laughed as much as RiChelle laughed, the whole world would be a happier place. If everyone was as dedicated and honest as RiChelle, the whole world would be closer to family, enjoy life, and not worry about "The Jones". I will forever be touched by my friend. When I see her again, we won't be concerned about things of this world, but will be worshipping our Jesus!

Here are some verses that I've loved reading this week and I pray for my boys...Phil 2:12-18.

Love Jesus every moment He give you breath

and shine like stars of the universe...for His glory and honor!

Sunday Blessings!

2010-04-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

Parker taking some time out to read after church on Sunday morning. See the pile of blankets and air matress...he went to bed three nights in a row without coming out of his room...he LOVES to have sleepovers in the living room so that was his treat! He is quite the negotiator when it comes to bedtime...I've heard that I gave my parents the same challenge but surely that is just a rumor! :)
Loving on my Tate after Sunday lunch at home!

So Big! As soon as Tate hears JuJu's voice, he puts his hands in the air and just grins! It's kinda their thing!

Tate also loves to sit in the computer chair and play with the mouse!

Tate out for a stroll after church!

If this sweet boy could put his bedroom and toys outside, he would pretty much be happy all the time! When the wind blows 40 mph for three days straight, he just doesn't understand why he cannot go outside...poor guy!

We were able to work in the yard and flowerbeds this past weekend...getting anxious to plant...and did some spring cleaning! It is still freezing a couple nights each week so I will stick to my plan and plant on Mother's Day weekend! Bradley and I went to see the ballet of Cinderella on Saturday afternoon. We were walking up to the Globe News Center with ALL girls! He is a trooper--we had three students dancing and he strives to support ALL activities! I think this weekend will be a game of some sort. :) Sunday morning my girls missions group hosted a breakfast for displaced women and their children. While we didn't have the turn out we hoped for, two women accepted Jesus!!!! It was awesome! Most of our guests are homeless, live in a shelter, jobless and/or recovering addicts. Loving on these people is truly a passion of mine. I am so thankful for each of them and for the girls for doing such a wonderful job with the breakfast and Sunday School! God continues to show me that no "mess" is too big for Him. God was a God of miracles in the Bible and I truly believe that He is still in the miracle business!

The Grave is Overwhelmed; the Victory is Won!!

2010-04-05T19:51:00.001-07:00

Coloring eggs with William and Jeffrey after a yummy dinner

and a round of baseball in the back yard!
The boys!

Well...with Bradley leaving for church about 7:30 we didn't get a family Easter picture! These are my smiley boys loving on each other after taking lunch to the Cary family! They loved meeting Camden Scott Cary for the very first time! I'm certain there are many play dates in the near future with Camden and Jessica! What a fun way to celebrate Easter by blessing this new family with lunch and fellowship for a short while!

Parker and Tate...Tate's first outing since coming down with what we think was Rosiola....high, high fever followed by yucky rash!

Hunting eggs!

Easter Parade with homemade "bonnets".

Parker's hat was black wtih lion and tiger "fuzz" on top, a cross for "Jesus making my yucky better", baseballs and basketballs all put on with glittery glue! This project is something I will never forget. We had a great time shopping for just the right things to decorate his hat and allowing him to be creative!

Hosanna, Hosanna, the King is coming!

Parker's 3 year old preschool class. Eli and Siri (the twin girls) moved a couple of weeks ago. We sure miss them!

Marshall, Parker and Hank...best buds!

What a wonderful Easter weekend. I was able to attend the youth's Good Friday service and hang out with the Barrett newlyweds and the Rayburns, too! So fun! Easter morning was a wonderful celebration of the hope we have in the resurrection. May we share the Easter story ALL year long!

UPDATE - Parker's name was drawn to attend Carver Magnet Preschool next year! We are super excited about this great oportunity for him.

Breaking Freeeeeeee!!

2010-04-05T19:11:00.000-07:00

A little break from regular routines is gladly welcomed around this here household! Don't get me wrong, we were BUSY with fun, grandparents, ministry, cooking, and just being together.

A trip to the Quarter Horse Museum where Parker and Tate (mostly Parker) enjoyed learning about all the different types of saddles, horses, and watching horse races.

Parker loved learning how the riders load up on the horses in the chutes! I think it finally made sense once he watched a horse race. On my "list of things to do in this life" is to go to the Kentucky Derby...not to gamble or any other...but to dress-up and wear a fancy hat and awesome shoes and enjoy watching everything go on! Maybe Parker will want to go someday...

We finally got a break from the snow (for a few days...it snowed as my parents were trying to leave Amarillo at the end of the week) and got OUTSIDE!! I had two happy, HAPPY, boys! We had the best time.

We enjoyed a trip to the park with the Raines, Allen's and Booth's followed by an early rise for church as it was time change Sunday! I don't know about you, but this time change is SOOOOOO hard! It's not the hour of less sleep for one night...it's the getting up in the dark that is rough! We are on the very west side of the central time zone, so the sun is late to rise and late to slumber!! Shopping with JuJu was super fun and taking a trip to the airport is always a highlight for my boys!

Bradley enjoyed amazing snow in Santa Fe, New Mexico with the middle school students for the first few days of Spring Break. They stayed at the FBC Amarillo lodge at Glorieta and traveled to the slops each morning for a long day of skiing! I don't think he had any trouble getting them to go to sleep each night!! Then, he brought that crew back to A-town, spent an evening at home and headed out early the next morning to join the High School Mexico mission trip. There was much concern over this trip this year in allowing the students to cross the border. Howie, Bradley and James did their research, James took a preview trip and followed up with contacts in Mexico, and all was G-O! I did have reservations about everything, but I just prayed and worried...to be honest, I mostly worried! Bradley would call each night and let me know if everyone made it safely back to the Texas side of the border. At the end of the week, when Bradley said, "we're all back safe and sound" I felt a thump on my car. I was stopped at a red light and wasn't quite sure what had happened. A truck had rear-ended me while we were sitting at the red light. My car has a bit of chipped paint but nothing too bad. He owns a body shop so my car will be fixed in no-time! But, that wasn't what I took from the whole thing. I don't think it was a coincidence that the exact minute I received the "safe" news from Bradley that my car was tapped. It was a God-tap. "Emily, if you will just trust me and not worry, talk to Me and not worry, praise Me and not worry, not worry, not worry, not worry, focus on Me, Me, Me, Me, Me....all those details WILL be taken care of! As soon as I got back in my car from talking to the bump-guy, I just laughed. "Ok, God, I get it" was what I said aloud. So...the title of my post, Breaking Free, is more than just Spring Break, a break in our normal routine, stop and be still from the hustle and bustle of like, but it's more about breaking free from worry and thinking that I am in control when I am surely not. Join me!

Mexico Mission Trip 2010

God said Go.

Go they did.

Old friendships reunited.

New babes in Christ.

Growth seen in those previous babes in Christ.

Blessed they were.

Praise the God who said Go.

He is our all-knowing, all-sufficient God

who was and is and is to come.

Stats

2010-03-09T08:08:00.000-08:00

My precious William Tate weighed in at 23 pounds (average for his age) and measured 31 inches (average for a 16month old!) this morning. Everything checked out great...except his right ear which is infected. Dr. Maaytah was not concerned about his scoot-crawl. She said he was very normal and that he should be walking pretty soon from the looks of things! I am so thankful! After three shots, a few tears and a big smile when I picked him up...we're off to the next adventure!

Please be praying for our other kiddos as they experience Spring Break by traveling to Glorieta/Santa Fe for skiing or to Mexico for mission work. Bradley will go on both trips, so please pray for his safety, energy and effective leadership. More than anything, pray for the Holy Spirit to lead and guide everyone and for the lost to say "I am found".

Work is slowing down for me at March 15th approaches! I'm thankful that my deadline is upon us and I'm pretty much finished! I'll drop my hours back to normal until May 15th and then be off for a looooonnnnnggg time! Yippee!