Silver Lining

My Little Speller :)

2010-03-10T06:33:00.000-06:00

I wanted to update you on Kristen's day at the Spelling Bee in Amarillo. She and Erik were able to spend the day together in Canyon--our "old stomping grounds!"

He said she was so brave and acted so grown up! Out of all 26 spellers, she was the very first one in line!!!

Jay Ricci (anchor from KVII in Amarillo) was the pronouncer, but she would not let Erik take her pic with him because she had no idea who he was! :)
They were both so nervous, neither one of them can remember what the word from the first round was, but she spelled it correctly. In the second round she thought he asked her to spell "luxurious," but he actually said "luxury." She admitted later that she was a bit relieved to be finished!! ;)

I am sad that I missed it but so glad she and Erik were able to spend the day together. He took her shopping "Dad style" as they came home with a WT t-shirt and some athletic shorts--awesome!!

Spelling Bee Champion!

2010-02-24T20:46:00.000-06:00

I am so proud of my sweet Kristen Jill! She came home a couple of weeks ago and told me that she was going to enter a Spelling Bee. When she showed me the list of words she would be studying, I was shocked (and intimidated). The list included words from 'log' to 'aggiornamento' (how do you even pronounce that? and what in the world does it mean?)!!

Yesterday was the big day! She and eight other 5th graders competed in the Childress County Junior Division of the Amarillo Globe News Spelling Bee! They went several rounds and it was down to two. The other speller missed 'suet' and Kristen was able to correctly spell it. To officially win the Bee she had to spell 'mosquito' and she aced it!! I wonder if other Spelling Bees across the nation even have that on the list...or is that just the West Texas List!?! ;)

Because Childress County doesn't have a Senior Division, she will represent the county in March in Amarillo. She will get to attend a banquet and then will compete against other spellers all across the panhandle--from 5th grade all the way up to seniors in high school!!! :) My sweet little baby girl is going to be competing against the smartest kids in the Panhandle--some of them nearly twice her age!! :S Miss Word assured her that we would be proud of her even if she didn't make it past the first round!!! LOL! So much for confidence!! JK!! She was very sweet about how proud she was that Kristen would be the representative!!

I am torn because the contest is the same weekend as the Girls' State Basketball Tournament in Austin--which I had already made plans to attend, as I do every year. She has assured me that it is ok for me to go ahead and go...she is so grown up! She said it would be a fun Father/Daughter day in Amarillo! I think she knows that she has her daddy wrapped around her little finger and he will take her shopping while they are up there!! :)

All to say...I am extremely proud of/for her!!! If you subscribe to The Globe News, watch for her bio and picture on the first Saturday in March with all the other Bee Winners!! :)

The Locker Room

2010-02-19T09:39:00.000-06:00

I am so excited!!!! We are opening a business!! Some of you may already know about it....or maybe have noticed that we have been dropping hints lately...but now it is official.....The Locker Room is well on its way to being "born!" It is going to start out as a screen printing business and will hopefully grow into a sporting goods store very soon! We will start out doing t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, and such and then hopefully very soon be able to offer all kinds of sports equipment and attire!!

We are so excited...have I mentioned that?? Don't worry about us "biting off more than we can chew!" We are going to start small and hopefully grow--big...HUGE, even! :) Erik will continue to be the principal at CHS and I will most likely teach/coach for one more year. I am so torn because I want to jump in with both feet, but I have to remember that we have kids to feed, a mortgage to pay, and so on....

I beseech your prayers in this endeavor and look forward to adding some pics and updates soon!!

I can't stop smiling........

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-17T11:08:00.000-06:00

My Luva

2010-02-16T08:20:00.000-06:00

I am absolutely the luckiest woman on the face of the earth!! I have been blessed with being married to my very best friend in the whole wide world! Every year that passes I fall deeper in love with him!! I love finding new ways to show him and am always wowed by the way he shows me! I am also thrilled that as we 'age' we find ourselves drawing closer together and desiring each other more! We truly enjoy being together and have a blast no matter where we are or what we are doing!! I love him and thank God that He blessed me with such an amazing man!!!

2010 Questionnaire

2010-01-27T16:28:00.001-06:00

Ok....here it is....the 2010 version of getting to know your friends!! I actually got it in an email from Charla, but decided to use it here in my blog!

I know we have all played this in the past, but it will be fun to do it again!! If you are tagged at the end of this post, copy and paste this into your blog and change the answers to make them yours!!! :) If you are not tagged, it is not because I don't love you--I just figured you would not play along! ;)

Hope you have fun getting to know me a little better and then sharing yourself with others!!!

* 1. What is your occupation right now?          English Teacher and Coach (about to change...)

*2. What color are your socks right now?       White

*3. What are you listening to right now? "The Crucible"

*4. What was the last thing that you ate?      an almond caramel cluster

* 5. Can you drive a stick shift?                     yes

*6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My Luva

*7. Do you like the person who tagged you?

love, love, LOVE her!!!

*8. How old are you today? 36 years, 3 months, and 24 days.....about..... :)

*9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
FOOTBALL!!

*10. What is your favorite drink? Milk--I've heard it does a body good.....I'm still waiting......

*11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes

*12. Favorite food?

Mexican

*13. What is the last movie you watched? "Yes Man"

*14. Favorite day of the year? Christmas Eve

*15. How do you vent anger? Stomp around and growl--sometimes slam doors or throw things.....what a vision that must be for y'all! :)

*16. What was your favorite toy as a child? It's a tie between my first baby doll (Victoria) and the Barbie house my dad built and my mom decorated for me--it was a 2-story job with REAL wood, carpet, wall paper and shingles and was as tall as I was!!!!

*17. What is your favorite thing to do this season?

Define "season" LOL guess it would have to be to drive a school bus late at night on dark, deer-covered farm-to-market roads!!

*18. Cherries or Blueberries?

Neither!

*19. Do you want your friends to participate?

Of course!!

*20. Who is the most likely to participate?

Not sure....

*21. Who is most likely not to participate?

I'm "Silver Lining" I am thinking everyone will play along!!

*23. When was the last time you cried?

Don't remember......

*24. What is on the floor of your closet?

Just carpet....right, Honey?? ;)

*25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are tagging?

Not sure.....

*26. What did you do last night?

Coached b-ball

* 27. What are you most afraid of? Suffocating to death

*28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? YES!! :)

*29. Favorite dog breed?
Definitely Labs

*30. Favorite day of the week? Saturday (unless it's football season--then it's Friday)

*31. How many states have you lived in? 1 (why would I want to live anywhere else??)

*32. Diamonds or pearls?

Diamonds

*33. What is your favorite flower? Daisy

And here are some that I want to add.....

*34. Besides the Bible, what is the best book you have ever read?

*35. What is something you would like to change about yourself?

*36. What is something interesting that most people don't know about you?

*37. What is something you try very hard to do each and every day?

*38. If you could trade places with anyone in the world for the next 24 hours, who would it be?

*39. What is your dream job?

*40. Why do I always think I need to make a questionnaire come out on an even number? :)

Ok....if I tag you, you better play along!!! ;) If you don't, I am going to know that either you don't like me OR you don't read my blog....HHHHMMMMMM!!

Alana, Amy, Casey, Charla, Debbie, Erik, Ginger, Lana, Paige, Taylor-Ann

Stolen!!

2010-01-15T08:54:00.000-06:00

Normally when I find a post I like I simply put a link to it in my post and allow you to either go there or not, but this time it is different. I have never done this....just completely copied and pasted an entire post into my blog from someone else's!! In fact, as I am doing it, I am wondering if there are legal actions that can be taken against me....

Oh well!! It is worth it. Even though there are differences in our families and our situations, I have never read something that seemed more like it came from my heart and soul, but that I know without a doubt I did not script. I don't know why, but I HAD to share this with everyone out there who reads my blog. It would probably have been enough for me to read her post and spend some time relishing in its message and then move on, but I just couldn't.

I have followed this blog for over a year now (and referenced it many times before). I LOVE her outlook on life, kids, her spouse, and her Lord. I also am amazed by her photography! I hope if she ever finds out I did this, she will accept it as pure flattery and know that I mean to take absolutely no credit for her words!! She is an inspiration to me and I am a little better person having followed her through joys and struggles and watched her lean totally and completely on God.

This time I am touched deeply by her perspective on her babies and how fast they are/will grow up! I truly hope this touches you as much as it did me! Thank you, MckMama...

I'm gonna miss this

"How do you do it? How do you stay so calm with four young children?"

Part of it is just how God made me, I think. I am pretty calm with my children. And, honestly, often I stay calm even in the midst of chaos because, frankly, it's better than the alternative. A shrieking, freaking out mama is not going to make an already stressful situation any better. So, for the most part, I stay calm and try to be in the moment with my children.

But how do I do it?

There is one little bit of inspiration that literally descended upon me almost two years ago, while I was holding Nuggey in the bathroom, that has completely revolutionized my parenting. When I keep this truth in mind, I find it as easy as apple pie to stay calm in the midst of toddler chaos.

I remember that I'm gonna miss this.

It was dark, during the end of bathtime, and Prince Charming was gone. I was doing dinner, baths and bedtime myself those days, as my husband worked late. It had been, undoubtedly, a long day with the kids. Big Mac was three, Nuggey was one and a half and Small Fry was a baby. It is as clear as day still, this memory.

I was sitting on the toilet, drying MckNugget off after his bath. Small Fry, unable to roll, was sprawled on the floor of the bathroom on some towels, wearing nothing but a diaper and a grimace. Big Mac was still in the tub. He was squawking to get out and Small Fry was bellyaching for attention. But I slowly wrapped Nuggey up in his towel, determined to stay calm, and cuddled him in terrycloth. I slowly rocked him back and forth in my arms and sang Rock-a-bye Baby to my second born.

As I wrapped up the song, I prepared to sit Nuggey up and attend to the chaos that was the other children. After all, there were baths to finish, teeth to brush, diapers to put on, jammies to find and beds to tuck children into. But as he sensed me about to right him, Nuggey tossed his wet head back in my arms and looked up at me. "Uh-gain!"

So I sang Rock-a-bye Baby one more time, but I told him it would be the last. Yet when I finished, he begged again for more.

I didn't want to do more. I didn't want to sing to him one more time. I was tired. Tired of children, tired of singing, tired of the day. I just wanted it to be over. But then suddenly, as if fairy dust was sprinkled from the heavens right onto my tired head, the entire reality of my future set in.

I'm gonna miss this.

I looked down at little Nuggey, his damp eyelashes long and dark batting at me, his tiny bottom cradled in my hand, his soft, chubby legs thrown over my arm, his body entirely dependent on mine as I held him in my lap, and I could see the future. Nuggey, a grown boy, sporting a football jersey and facial hair, walked out of the bathroom. It was going to happen, and soon. And while I knew there would be joys with that time in my life, when our young children are teenagers and beyond, it struck me like a ton of bricks.

When that time comes, I'm gonna miss this.

When Nuggey comes home from college, barely speaks a word to me and hibernates in his bedroom all summer, I'm gonna miss this. As my mind fast forwarded to the future, I knew that at that moment, I would give anything for 20 year old Nuggey to be a toddler again, just for one more hour, so I could rock him and sing while I stroked his wet head.

And here, years earlier, I was being given my wish. I was able to rock Nuggey, a nearly helpless babe in arms, one more time.

Given a new perspective from which to see, I sang Rock-a-bye Baby as many times as Nuggey would let me that night. Eventually Small Fry found her hands and started admiring them, and Big Mac grabbed a new tub toy. And I relished that time with my son in my arms, knowing that soon enough he would be all grown, and my arms would ache to hold him like a baby again.

I'm gonna miss this.

My mind cannot help but wander to those parents who have lost children. What on earth would they not give to hold their children again, even for a moment. I bet they would not complain about having to sing Rock-a-bye Baby one more time. Rather, they would probably give their right arm to sing it ten million times until their voice was hoarse and their eyelids closed in slumber.

And women with empty wombs who long and pray and ache for children? What honor am I doing them if I take for granted the fact that I have children, young children who are begging me to cuddle them, sing to them. I will love those women who long for a baby by loving my babies and not taking them for granted.

So, I determined right there and then in the bathroom to try to be ever thankful for the moments I do have with my children. I will not wish away their young years, always hoping to get more laundry done or other children dried off. I will relish each kiss, hug and song. I will leave their childhood behind with no regrets, no "I love you" unsaid, no cheek unkissed, no request to "Cuddle wif' me!" turned down. Even as the macaroni flies and the Sharpie stains my table, even when there are midnight wailers and globs of Desitin under my fingernails, I know...

...I know I'm gonna miss this.

Something to Think About

2010-01-14T09:30:00.000-06:00

I was reading Trey's blog this morning and it forced me to think about some feelings that I usually just try to suppress. The title of his blog was "I WAS THIRSTY, BUT YOU DRANK BOTTLED WATER"--wow!

Let me back up and "paint" the picture for you.......

I am sitting in my heated classroom (actually had to turn the fans on this morning because it was too hot despite the fact that it was barely above freezing outside), in a cushioned chair (with wheels, so I don't have to get up to reach things on the table beside me), eating a breakfast burrito (that was huge), drinking ~gasp~ bottled water while I wait for my cappuccino to cool, reading blogs on my school-issued laptop (translation: free computer along with the wireless connection & electricity to charge it), and I come upon his blog.

Fast forward to right now.....

I struggle with this! I know we are not supposed to ask why, but....I feel it is necessary in this instance.

Why was I born in America to an amazing couple who loved me unconditionally and gave me EVERYTHING I needed and then some? Why was I blessed not only with amazing parents but also amazing siblings who are also my best friends? Why was I allowed to go to school for free and to worship without concern for my safety? Why do I have all my needs met and then lots of extras that allow me to enjoy my time on earth with more ease and comfort? Why was I allowed to marry the man of my dreams and have three beautiful, healthy, intelligent children AND a great house full of all we need and more? Why am I living in such a blessed country and more importantly such an awesome community complete with the most amazing friends, co-workers, and church family for which I could possibly hope?

But here is the real question....

WHY do I ever feel mistreated, wish for more, or think that my life is so hard???

I really struggle with what to do with all of this! Is it like with the rich young ruler; does God want us to sell everything and give it all to charity? But then how do we support our family? Or do we just put it all in God's hands and let Him make those decisions?

Instead of continuing with my rambling, I will throw it out there for y'all to answer...what do you think? Where do we draw the line between our needs being met and spoiling ourselves and our kids? How do we use what God has blessed us with to glorify Him and reach out to His children? Where is the balance? Let me hear your thoughts!!

To-Do List

2010-01-09T19:40:00.004-06:00

Accomplished everything on the list today!!! :)

Oh, and Saturday night Book Club, this is for y'all.....let's see which ones were paying attention to our 'discussion' last night!!! ;)

Let's Play Catch-Up!! :)

2010-01-08T09:17:00.004-06:00

Now that's funny!!! LMBO--looks like somebody did!!!! HAHAHA!!!

OK...I'm finished!! It has been too long....I really have to stop going so long between posts!! My purpose on this blog is to update you on what is going on in our lives, but I guess we have been so involved in living that I just haven't taken the time to document it. I will try to do a little catch up--but try not to bore you too much in the process.

CHRISTmas was wonderful!! Santa was very good to the KPs this year...as always...better than I deserve for sure!! We were sad that Tonya and Sean were not able to be here due to the weather, but the rest of us enjoyed lots of time together!! The snow was gorgeous and made for some great pictures!! :)

The girls and I went with the Lady Cats to Canadian for their basketball tournament. It is an annual trip and we stay in a hotel for a couple of nights. I enjoy the chance to be with my girls as well as the players and coaches!! The team competed well and really bonded--which is a big part of why we do that! :)

New Years came in with a bang! Sarah had the bright idea for us to dress up for our annual celebration at Mom's and Dad's. She is so much fun and LOVES to p-a-r-t-y!! We always play Bingo (with cool prizes) and then eat breakfast at midnight...which we did and LOVED it again this year! Mom is such an awesome cook!!! :) It was so much fun and I would post pics but I promised my beloved hubby that I wouldn't--he was AWESOME btw!!! :)

Speaking of Erik, he completed his infusions during the break and had a follow-up visit with Dr. Lim on Wednesday of this week. We were thrilled to find out that his platelet levels were back up to 169,000 (150,000-450,000 is normal)!!! He will be completely off Prednisone after Sunday and will then go back in 3 weeks to see what his levels have done. If they stay up, the case will be considered acute and we can officially close the door on all of this!! YEA!! Thanks for all your prayers!!!

On a sad note, our sweet dog Midnight got hit by a car on Wednesday night and had to be put to sleep. He would have been 5 yrs old next month--which everyone has argued about because he seemed to have been around much longer than that. We were sad to lose him...the kids especially...he was such a loving, loyal, and well-behaved pet!! We know that Jesus is enjoying him until we can get up there, though! ;)

The girls started Little Spikers Volleyball last night! They were very excited when they got home. We are so fortunate to have things like this available for our kiddos!! David is also beginning to take more of an interest in sports and has learned how to throw a pretty tight spiral! :) They are so much fun...and growing so quickly!! I am almost looking Kristen right in the eye now days...she is going to catch me very soon!! :P Where does time go??

We are thinking about a possible business venture within the next few months. We have visited with several different people about this and still have a lot more research to do. I will give you more details when they become available... For now I ask for your prayers as Erik and I try to make decisions that will definitely impact our family and future. Please pray that we will make choices that will best allow us to continue to raise our children and manage our household in ways that will best glorify God and that will be positive for all of us.

I know there is probably much more to tell, but I promised I wouldn't bore you with too many details....I also promise to try to keep this updated!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

My Favorite CHRISTmas Pic

2009-12-18T08:53:00.002-06:00

I love the idea of being "IN the world, but not OF the world." At CHRISTmas time I always try to keep focus on the true meaning of Christmas. I like the idea that we do have CHRISTmas parties, trees, gifts, meals, etc; but also that at this time of the year the world seems to stop and kneel at the manger of Baby Jesus. Because to me this represents the "world" recognizing the reason for the season, this USED to be my favorite image to represent CHRISTmas... ...until this morning at our FCA meeting--now this one is!!!!

I know there is no actual manger and Baby Jesus, but the thought that all these kids would take time to get up early and come to school on the last day before their break, proves we have kids who are focused on "the reason for the seaon" and it just melts my heart!! And I love that "Santa" is the one praying!!

Merry CHRISTmas!!!!!

Assignment :)

2009-12-15T11:01:00.007-06:00

OK...most of y'all know that I teach Senior English--and that I would not be pleased with a student who started their sentence with "OK"!!

Do as I say...not as I do!!

Anyway, I am going to give anyone who actually still reads my blog the same assignment I gave my kids today on their journal prompt! Each day when my kids come in, there is a prompt of some sort on the overhead. They respond to it in their journals that they turn in at the end of each week.

If you will play along, I think it will be fun........for me--and not too bad for you!! :)

Sometimes (like today, obviously) I put a picture up along with the prompt. Here is today's journal assignment:

Tell me about a time when YOU learned a lesson the hard way!!
~~If the cartoon is blurry, click on it and it will open in a separate window.~~

Come on....play along....I will post my "lesson learned the hard way" on a later post--promise!!

Maybe I will even pick the best response and give you a prize!!

One of Those Days...

2009-12-02T22:14:00.004-06:00

As most of you know, today was supposed to be the first of four infusions for Erik. We left bright and early headed to Amarillo. I won't go into all the details--as Erik requests of ALL my stories...i'm gonna 'bottom-line-it for ya'--we didn't get to start the infusions today because insurance companies are FRUSTRATING!!!!!So...we drove all the way to Amarillo, I used my last sick/personal day for the school year, we left Katy in town even though she was still not feeling well, and we had to pay a 'chunk of change' today in hopes that we will be approved to start infusions next week!!!! I am not even going to get started on the fact that the business/insurance lady knew all of this yesterday but did not share the information with us!! Erik was also going to get to start being weaned off of the prednisone and hopefully start feeling like himself again, but that didn't happen either!!! Please pray that at least his sleep quality will improve this week!!

At some point during the hour and a half in the business office with the receptionist trying to talk to our insurance company, we also found out that our friend/co-worker Casey has pneumonia and is having to stay in the hospital!! This is a double whammy because that also meant she could not go with my sister Sarah to their workshop in Arlington this weekend--which left Sarah to go by herself...'alone' is not something Sarah likes to be, especially in a big city!!

We decided not to let it be a completely wasted trip, so we did a little CHRISTmas shopping and had lunch at Ruby Tequilas! This helped our nerves calm some, so we headed back to C-town with an improved attitude.

That was, until we got home to find Kristen on the couch asleep at Mom's because now she is sick! We gather up the kids and head home to re-group and get baths and go to bed, only to find this...!!!!
YES, that is our beautiful REAL tree and all of its ornaments in the floor of our den!! NO, that is not how we left it this morning!!! And NO that is not what we needed to finish out our day!!!

But....they don't call me SILVER LINING for nothing.....I can't just leave this post on a bad note....so let me list all (or at least some) of the positives of today:
1. We had safe travels (and so did Sarah)
2. I had lots of alone time with my luva
3. Erik's platelet counts actually increased over the week--now at 94,000
4. We have now met our deductible on our insurance, so the rest of these visits should be completely covered (keep your fingers crossed on that one, please)
5. We got our CHRISTmas shopping started
6. I got to eat some really good Mexican food
7. Erik and I sat on the same side of the booth like we used to when we started dating
8. Katy is feeling better
9. Casey is probably going to get out of the hospital tomorrow
10. I got to get a Beckham (and Emily) 'fix' in while we were picking up the kids
11. Erik trimmed the bottom of the tree, so that it would fit into its base more securely which gave us some more branches to add to our Nativity Scene (that will need to be another post...with pics....so proud of Erik's work)
12. Our den is much cleaner and the tree is safe and secure
13. AND we are blessed to have all these 'things' to worry about...
14. AND AND we have a God who loves us and holds our hands even when we are throwing a temper tantrum instead of walking in His plan
15. AND AND AND He sent His Son to earth about 2000 years ago, so that we would not have to worry about anything as long as we have Him as our Lord and Savior!!!!!

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. --I Peter 5:7

So.........with that...I guess 'one of those days' wasn't so bad after all...at least not after I give it all to Him!!

I feel better... ;) Good Night!!

"Bobcat" Blue

2009-12-01T10:34:00.002-06:00

It's official....Erik is a true Bobcat!! :)

I have suspected it for a while... Don't get me wrong, he started bleeding blue the first day he stepped onto the field at Fair Park Stadium and coached the mighty Bobcats!! But it wasn't until yesterday, that I knew FOR SURE that he had "crossed over" and become a true Bobcat!!

He was on the phone ordering something and when the guy asked what color he wanted it to be, Erik's immediate response was "Bobcat Blue!" Now to all you Bobcats, this makes perfect sense--we know exactly what "Bobcat Blue" looks like!! To the poor sales rep, however, it was a bit unclear. Erik had to, of course, follow it up with "I mean royal blue."

All to say, I am thrilled (and so proud) that he has made the final jump and can now say that he is truly a Bobcat through and through!!! :)

I love him so much and can never repay him for making "my" hometown "his" as well!!!

A Little Setback...

2009-11-26T09:39:00.003-06:00

Erik and I went to the doctor yesterday in Amarillo for his check-up. We were disappointed to find out that his level was 77,000. :( Dr. Lim said that really doesn't count as too much of a drop, but what it does tell us is that the steroid treatment is not working. We go back next week to start infusions of Rituxan and to start weaning him off the Prednisone.

It's not all bad news because Dr. Lim says he is still not ruling out the possibility that this is an acute case. With that in mind, I ask that as you read this, you take just a second to lift Erik up in prayer and ask that this new treatment work for him--and that it is an acute case.

Thanks to all of you who continue to follow this "journey" with us. Please know that it means so much to know that we have friends and family who are willing to go to God for Erik and for the healing of his body!

I hope all of you have an amazing Thanksgiving weekend!!! In the words of a sweet friend: "GOBBLE 'TIL YOU WOBBLE!!" --Leah Helm :)

And in the 'words' of my awesome new nephew: "Peace Out!" --Beckham Riley ;)

BECKHAM RILEY SOLIS!!

2009-11-23T10:17:00.002-06:00

He is precious and perfect and his parents are awesome!! Love y'all!!!

Update on My Luva

2009-11-18T10:59:00.003-06:00

He's so handsome!!!!!!

Sorry this is a bit delayed, but I wanted to update everyone on Erik's latest doctor's visit (on Monday)! We got really good news!! His platelet level was up to 87,000...that's halfway back to normal!!!! Dr. Lim also lifted all restrictions and said that he could pretty much go back to his "normal" life!! Again, we really aren't sure what "normal" means in the KP house, but we are striving to be that way!!! ;)

We will go back next Wednesday for more lab work. If the levels continue to climb, it will indicate a higher chance that this is an acute case--which is what we are praying for!!

Again, thanks for all your prayers and questions of concern!!! We are so lucky to have such awesome friends and family!!

My Luva with ITP??

2009-11-14T16:20:00.002-06:00

Well, what a roller coaster!! This time last week Erik was at Nascar and the kids and I were enjoying having some of their friends over to spend the night!! Life was normal as we knew it.....but you never know what is lurking around the corner!! Not to be too dramatic, but....don't ever take loved ones or their health for granted. You would think I would have learned that by now, but for some reason I seem to forget! Well, these last few days have definitely served as a reminder!!!

So what is going on?? In a nutshell Erik had some bruised places under his skin that started on Sunday evening and continued to spread over the next couple of days. He woke up Wednesday morning with sores and blood all inside his mouth and knew that something major was wrong. He NEVER gets sick, so to see him actually admitting that something was wrong was not fun!!!!

We are so grateful for wonderful, intelligent doctors like Mike Henderson and Dee Green who can diagnose and treat but are willing to turn things over to specialists when there is even a bit of doubt in their minds!! Dr. Mike basically (accurately) diagnosed Erik over the phone--not having seen anything!!! However, he told Erik to come in when the clinic opened to let him examine him.

The main concern after blood work and an exam in the office, was that it could be Leukemia. After going over results with Dr. Green, Dr. Mike sent us to an oncologist who pretty much repeated word-for-word what Henderson and Green had said!! I am telling you we are SUPER BLESSED to have such amazing doctors in our little ol' town!!!! Thank You, God!!!

So....normal platelet levels in your blood range from 150,000-450,000........Erik's were at 2000!!! Talk about scary!!!! Dr. Mike sent us to Dr. Lim (an oncologist at Texas Oncology in Amarillo). This was super scary and YUCKY!! I hope we never have to go there for reasons of cancer. Luckily, they ruled out Leukemia; but Dr. Lim is also a hematologist, so he will still be Erik's doctor for now.

He was officially diagnosed with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), which basically means that your platelet level drops dangerously low with no real reason and causes lots of bruising and bleeding!! He was probably exposed to some kind of virus (maybe H1N1 when Kristen had it) and his body went into overdrive fighting it--to the point that his autoimmune system began attacking itself. There are lots of things that can happen when your platelets are this low including gum bleeds, excessive bruises, internal bleeding, and brain bleeds. Yes, I was a BIT freaked out when I found out all of this. Those unexplained headaches he has been having lately....possible small brain bleeds.....thank you, Lord, for taking care of him!!!!

They admitted him into Northwest Texas where we could not have possibly asked for better care!! He was given an intravenous 'cocktail' as they called it, which helped speed up the process of building platelets back up in his blood. By the second day there, he was back up to 24,000. This is still a really low number, but it allowed him to come home and get rest (since we all know you can't actually rest in a hospital)!!

We are home this weekend with strict orders from the doctor that he get LOTS of bed rest. He is allowed up for things like going to the restroom and sitting in a chair for a little while. Other than that he is supposed to stay in bed. Anyone who knows him at all, knows this is NOT something he does well!!!! He has numerous restrictions on his activity and some on his diet...we are trying to deal with these as best we can!!

We go back to Amarillo to see Dr. Lim on Monday for further blood tests. Hopefully his levels will be back up to normal and he will be released to go about his "normal" living (whatever normal is for the KPs)! ;) He will be on Prednisone for about a month. They will then wean him off and hopefully his platelet levels will remain where they need to be! If this happens, it will be determined that he has had an acute case and should not ever have to deal with it again. If not, it will be labeled chronic and will be something he will have to live with--we know this latter diagnosis will NOT happen--at least that is our prayer!!

It has been humbling, to say the least, to receive so many kind words and to be offered up so often in prayer. It is awesome being married to a man who is so loved and treasured!! To all who have called, come by, prayed, etc. THANK YOU!!! I am so grateful for such an awesome family and group of friends--who are also wonderful prayer warriors!!!

Erik is such a trooper!! He is NOT a good patient because he never gets sick, but he has really tried to behave and let people take care of him. I am so thankful God has given me such an amazing partner, and I thank Him for healing him up to this point! I have faith that He will heal him completely and that Erik will be able to continue to be the "bull in the China cabinet" that we have grown to love--I just can't imagine him going cautiously through life!! ;)

Halloween

2009-11-04T09:56:00.006-06:00

We had a great time with the fam and some friends downtown trick-or-treating! I love our little town and all it has to offer a growing family!! :)

Hope you enjoy some pics...

Optimus PrimeThe Dead Bride
The Gothic Rock Star
The Sweetest Little Elephant EVER

Hello Again!!

2009-10-28T12:34:00.001-05:00

I am so sad that I am not blogging anymore....I haven't even read blogs in so long that I feel unattached from so many of you out there in Blog World...
I feel like I don't know some of you anymore....

Don't worry....I am not like this poor gal!!! I have tons of things I want to blog about just haven't had the drive lately....hopefully I will get back on track!!!

OK...enough comics....

I HAVE to share my news about Kristen getting baptized. I put it on Facebook, so some of you know! I am so proud of her. I never realized what an awesome feeling it would be to watch her grow up before my eyes--physically and now spiritually. She is so intelligent--but often hides it behind that blond hair!! :) She really has such deep thoughts and asks some challenging questions!! I love it!! I love our talks, especially at night when I am tucking her into bed. She has such a sincere desire to serve God and live in His Will!! I am convicted time and time again for my lack of desire and my indifference to His voice so often in my life. She is my inspiration right now. I have prayed for ways to renew my faith and fire, and I love that God is answering my prayers by having me watch my innocent, sweet little girl as she finds her way to Him and into His arms!! I pray that I will take more time to become childlike again....I hope that you will pray the same for me, please!!

BLESSED!!!

2009-10-03T20:15:00.002-05:00

It has been so long since I have posted! There are several reasons for this, but they all add up to one thing...I am so BLESSED!!! Some people consider it an inconvenience or annoyance to be too busy, but I look at it as God has blessed me with so many wonderful people and opportunities that my "spare time" is even filled with blessings!! :)

I am really going to try to get back to blogging...I miss it...and I miss keeping up with my fellow bloggers!!
For now, though, I just want to post a couple of pics (in the form of a slideshow--'cause I can never narrow it down to just a "couple" of pics). ;) My WONDERFUL husband (with LOTS of help from my sisters and mom) threw me a surprise birthday party last weekend!! He completely kept it a secret--amazing!! Maybe I will post another time about more details, but for now I will say he pulled off an awesome "present" for me!!!! Not only was it a neat event, but I was surrounded by people I love!!

I am hoping that if you click HERE you will be able to see my slideshow!?! Guess we will see!!

First Day of School

2009-08-25T07:43:00.001-05:00

I cannot believe we are already back in full swing!!! The first day of school was a great one!! Kristen is in 5th grade this year and has Mrs. Price for a homeroom teacher. We are anxious to get to know her, as she is new to Childress and CES. Kristen is so excited to be a member of the PAWS TV crew this year!! This first week, she is behind the cameras working on the teleprompter. Eventually they will all rotate through each "job" and she will at some point get to be the anchor for a week!! I cannot believe this is her last year in elementary....... She was also very excited to find out that she and Kate Horton have every class together this year, but a little sad that she has NO classes with "that boy" she likes (her daddy was not so disappointed about that bit of news)!! :)

Katy is in 4th grade and has Ms. Manley for a homeroom teacher. Kristen had her for Texas History and loved her class last year, so we look forward to another great year with her! I really don't know much about who she has in her classes because she could never get past the fact that she and Kooper Horton have EVERY class together this year!!! I mention his name (and not the "other boy's") because Katy has NO secrets!!! ;) She will tell anyone who wants to know that she loves Kooper and plans to marry him some day--and was really not very phased by the fact that he asked the new girl to "go with him" when he met her on the first day of school (thank goodness she said no)!! :)

David is a 1st grader in Mrs. Taylor's class this year. It is so fun for him to have her for a teacher because she and I started Kindergarten together and remained together all through our COLLEGE graduation!!! We were great friends all through those years and were even in each others' weddings--so many memories with her!! :) He was so sweet last night because he didn't want to hurt my feelings but he could hardly wait to go to school again!! He kept saying, "Mom, you know I love being here with you, but I really can't wait to go to school tomorrow!" My favorite part of last night was when he was saying his prayer and part of it went like this, "...and please make the night hurry up, so I can go back to 1st grade!" It sure makes it easier dropping him off in the mornings when he is so excited to be at school!!!

Erik and I had good days, also! I love seniors and try to soak up every second with them I can...before they develop SENIORITIS (which will be very quickly for some of them)!! ;) Erik is an amazing principal and I am so proud of the way he handles his job...so glad he is doing what he does!!!

Brilliant...but Blonde!!

2009-08-19T21:30:00.007-05:00

For as long as I have known Tonya (Erik's sister), I have given her a hard time about how in the world she can be so smart and yet so BLONDE!!!! :) Yes, she is the one I blogged about in May that graduated from Dental School...DR. TONYA PICKETT. She is so blonde.....love her to death......but sooo blonde!!!

I heard one time that if you really 'talk trash' on someone (or some type of person), that your children will probably turn out the same way. Well...........call it an old wive's tale, call it karma, call it whatever you want.......but my oldest daughter is A LOT like her Aunt T!!!!Now, don't get me wrong, I think that is pretty awesome for the most part!!!! They are both gorgeous, intelligent, witty girls, and I can't think of a better role model for her...BUT....I am definitely 'reaping the benefits' of making fun of all of Tonya's blonde moments through the years!!! :)

I could not resist sharing Kristen's most recent blonde moment....

The kids have been able to stay home alone this year while Erik and I are at the high school working. Kristen is our sleeper...guess she is still tired from all those sleepless nights as an infant!!! :P Anyway, she was just getting up when we were getting home for lunch. Erik & I had stopped off at McDonald's on the way home. When she saw that we had brought lunch, she said, "Oh man, I was just fixing myself some cereal."

I said, "That's ok...just eat the cereal now and you can reheat this later!"

She said, "Well, I haven't poured the milk yet, so I will just save the cereal."

She went into the kitchen and was gone for a minute as we are sitting down at the table.

She came back in and said, "Mom, I can't get it to pour back into the box."

I said, "Oh, honey, that's hard to do!! Just get a ziploc and put it in there, so it won't get all dried out before you get ready to eat it."

I didn't think anything else about it...she came back quickly and we all ate lunch together.

However, when I went in the kitchen to throw away my trash, this is what I found on the counter: I LOVE HER.....and I am grateful for a lot of the characteristics that Tonya passed down to her...BUT I am going to insist that if she continue to be this blonde in her day-to-day life, she BETTER be a doctor, too, someday!!!!! ;)

My Baby is 7!!!!

2009-07-19T00:00:00.001-05:00

I know I say this a lot, but I do not know where the time goes......my precious baby David is 7 years old!!!! He is absolutely the best little boy in the world--and he has his mama wrapped around his little finger, which makes my heart melt even when he is not acting like the best little boy in the world!! ;) He is such a charmer and Erik gets onto me all the time for letting him have his way!! Erik also claims that I let him get by with things that I would never let the girls get by with--surely not!! :) I do admit that he is very persuading (Erik says "manipulative") and has talked me into things more often than I would really like to admit! I can never predict what he is going to say--or what angle he is going to take to try to get what he wants!! :) I mean, seriously, could YOU tell this sweet face and those big, brown eyes no!?!He is such an intelligent, handsome and loving little boy. I love him to pieces and am so proud he is (and always will be) my baby boy!! It seems like these pictures were taken just yesterday.......but this next one is proof that they weren't.... :( It's just going too fast!!!

I love you, David!!!! I hope you have an awesome birthday!!!

Photostory Friday

2009-07-17T08:10:00.003-05:00

We had the best night last night!! Mom wanted to do something different for part of David's birthday present from her, so she took us to Wellington to the Ritz! It was so much fun!! We drove over, ate at the Dairy Queen and then went to the theater. "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaur" was showing and it was such a great movie!! I love to hear my kids belly laugh...and they did lots of it during that movie!! Maw-Maw even stayed awake for the entire movie--the kids (especially David) were so proud of her!! :) Of course, we had to have Dairy Queen ice cream before leaving town! Such an awesome time!!

If you live around here and have not gone to see this place, you are missing out! They have done such a great job saving and restoring this old building. I love to see it when a little piece of history is saved and enjoyed by many generations! Kudos to any and all who have worked to make that happen....hopefully our Palace Theatre will soon join the same ranks!!

Thanks, Mom, for a WONDERFUL evening--we look forward to doing that again!!!

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Port Aransas...It's Over!

2009-07-12T22:21:00.000-05:00

Sorry this post is kinda late...I could not get the internet that last night we were there--and then I have been just plain LAZY today!!

Thursday & Friday

We spent the last two days soaking up as much of the beach as we could, knowing it would be our last time to see it for another year!!! We also let the kids swim in the pool at the cabins--they pretty much stayed in their swimsuits non-stop for that last 48 hours that we were on the island!! :) Even Koen was just waiting for his next chance to hit the waves!!Here's another shot of where we stayed. Since it is brighter, you can probably tell more about the place...so much fun!!!You can see the door to our cabin behind Kammie.On Friday evening we went to an area just on the mainland side of the ferry called the flats and collected shells.
The kicker about these shells is that they are still inhabited!!!
After collecting a bunch of them, we decided to spare the lives of some....so we sorted through them.
And then set some of them free....I love how gently Kammie is releasing (throwing) them back into the water!!! :)Actually when I say that "we" sorted and released, I really meant "they" because I was getting to love on Koen!!! :)
And then we made one last trip down to the beach to play in the water......and the sand...

...and the water AND the sand... :)

Saturday

I had mentioned that I always wanted to watch a sunrise on the beach...well, we almost made it! Erik wanted to leave really early Saturday morning because he wanted to make it all the way to Childress instead of breaking the trip up like we had on the way down. We loaded up, left our cabin and drove to the beach a little before 7:00 on Saturday morning to try and catch the end of the sunrise. It was so beautiful; these pictures do NOT do it justice!! I just wish we had been there about 30 minutes earlier...maybe next year!!! :)

I also took a few pictures on our last ferry ride of the trip...We pulled into Childress a little before 7:00 PM....nothing like a little 12-hour trip to make you appreciate being home!!! We had so much fun and thank God for our safe trip and for such great memories!!!!

Port Aransas...The Vacation Continues...

2009-07-09T10:07:00.002-05:00

Tuesday

We were a little tired and the weather was not as hot and sunny as it had been, so we were pretty lazy most of the morning. It drizzled on and off, which was nice since they are way below normal on their rainfall this year.

We drove to Corpus for lunch and then split up to go watch movies. The guys saw "Transformers II" and the ladies saw "The Proposal." We all enjoyed our movies and were glad for the chance to see a movie that was still in the theater, instead of waiting or it to come out on DVD!! :)

We then came back and let the kids swim in the pool for a little bit. Erik had cooked some ribs in the oven all day, so that was supper--and they were amazing!!! I am so lucky to have married such a great chef!!! :)

This gives you a little bit of an idea of how these cabins are set up. We are staying in the cabin on the left where it makes a turn. I'm sure that makes a whole lot of sense....

After stuffing ourselves, we decided to talk a walk on the beach. It was so gorgeous...the only problem is that the sun sets behind the ocean and rises over it here, and I am just too lazy to get up and see it!! I keep telling myself I will get up one of these mornings before we leave....maybe.....

Look at this awesome sand castle someone had made!!!We also saw this kite...and I HAD to take a picture for Mom!! xoxox
While we were on the beach a kid caught a baby shark about 20 ft. from the shore.....neat, but a little scary--wonder where Mama Shark was??Then it was off to bed....can't you just see how tired the kids were?? :)

Wednesday

We got up early and headed to Corpus Christi to the Texas State Aquarium. Koen was super cute in his outfit--which is really what it's all about when you are sightseeing!!! :)It was great fun, especially watching the kids look at all the animals and creatures!!

We got to watch a couple of shows--one about birds and wildlife and then one with the dolphins.
While we were waiting for the dolphin show, we got to see this huge ship go through the canal that was right beside the aquarium. He was hauling and I was scared that he was not going to fit under the big overpass!!!Koen LOVES his daddy!!! :)

By the time we were done, this is how we all felt...

Port Aransas...The Vacation Begins...

2009-07-06T23:40:00.006-05:00

We are having so much fun!!! Here's a recap of the last few days to help catch you up to speed....

Saturday

We drove to Lampasas Saturday night to break the trip up a little--and because Erik gets really anxious every year we are taking a vacation and decides we NEED to leave a day early!! :) I love being married to a grown-up-kid!!!

The kids, of course, wanted to swim as soon as we got checked into our hotel--and they were able to wear their new swimsuits from Uncle Patrick and Me-Me (who HAVE to come with us next year).
Sunday

We were up early and left the hotel before 9:00!! Erik was thrilled!!! And so was John...
We were in the car a LONG time......so we stopped by the Natural Bridge Caverns to take a break from the driving. They are so interesting--and a great workout!! :) We rode the ferry into Port Aransas! As soon as we got to our cabin and got our luggage unloaded, it was off to the beach!! Here we are on the walk back to the place we are staying. It is "The Dancing Dunes" and is a series of cabins that make a horse-shoe shape. Each one is decorated with a different theme. It is only about 2 blocks from the beach to our cabin!! As soon as we get back the kids rinse off here and then jump in the pool they have set up for swimming outside our room!! Isn't this a "cute" way to decorate the shower head--the girls are not grossed out at all!! ;) And then back to the "Rock 'n' Roll" room to relax for the evening...Erik's dad and his girlfriend Kayla came over to hang out for a while. She was trying to help David call in some seagulls...maybe another time.... Erik was showing off his Fat Boy Outdoors website to his dad...
Monday

My wonderful hubby got up and cooked us breakfast this morning--he looks a little worn out, huh??!!! Koen learned how to drink out of a straw today--his face shows how focused he was on accomplishing the task!!! We went back to the beach but didn't take the camera this time, so no new pictures from today...

What I do have pictures of is a "tradition" (at least the kids say it is--even though the only time they have done it is last year when we were in Port A...guess traditions have to start somewhere) we have on KP family vacations: eating out of your own ice cream carton while watching a movie!! The kids reminded me of this "tradition" as soon as we mentioned going to the grocery store this afternoon! :)I'm not quite as nice as Grampa Dwight was last year--he bought them an entire half gallon each!! :)

Hope you have enjoyed this so far...I know we sure have!!! :) Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!!

Port A

2009-07-05T23:57:00.004-05:00

Ok...it's really late...but I HAD to get this picture posted!!! I mean the World Wide Web is just not complete without it, so feel free to link this blog, drag this photo into your personal collection and email it to all your friends, or print it out at your favorite photo developer in a life-size poster to display in your family room!!! :) I love, love, LOVE this man!!!
I am so glad my sister Sarah came with us--and more importantly that she was sitting on the beach snapping pictures when he did this!! :)

Happy 9th, Precious Katy Janae!!!

2009-06-25T00:00:00.001-05:00

This post is dedicated to my sweet Katy Janae...she is nine years old today!!! I absolutely adore her and thank God every day for blessing me with such a fun little bundle of joy! She is witty, snuggly, nurturing and very entertaining!! I love her so much and hope she has a wonderful day!
Even though a lot of people think she looks just like me (especially when I was her age), she acts just like her daddy....never a dull moment in our house!! :)
Once again, I am going to ask you to join me on a little stroll down memory lane....

Happy Birthday, Katy!!! I love you so much!!!

Happy 10th, Sweet Kristen Jill!!!

2009-06-18T00:00:00.005-05:00

This post is dedicated to my oldest. She is 10 years old today...can't believe it!!! I absolutely adore her and thank God for her every day!! She is so smart and has a heart of gold!! I am so proud of the beautiful, young lady she is becoming!!!!!
I just cannot believe how fast time flies...pardon me, as I wander down memory lane...
I just KNOW it was last week that she turned 6-weeks old..........
Happy Birthday, Kristen!!! I love you!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-17T08:57:00.006-05:00

Sweet, Sweet, Sweet

2009-06-16T07:29:00.004-05:00

I love kids! They are such an example for us if we will just open our eyes, ears, and hearts!

Matthew 19:14 says, "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.' "

Mark 10:14 & Luke 18:16 say the same as above, but the next verse in each goes on to say, "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

And in Matthew 18:2-4, we find the following: "He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.' "

Katy told me last night that she really needed to blog! :) I love it!! I was even more proud when I went to her blog to see what it was she was dying to blog about!! You can go here to see what I found! If the link doesn't work, hers is "Perfectly Me!" in my blog list over in the right-hand column. Enjoy!! :)

So This is Summer

2009-06-13T18:54:00.003-05:00

I LOVE SUMMER!!! We have hit this summer at a sprint...literally, at times. Let me catch you up...in case you care!! ;)

End of School

We got to go watch David graduate from Kindergarten!!
He was so proud. He had such a great year and learned so much!! He, like my other two, had an AWESOME teacher!! Thanks, Kristie, for being so great--all 3 times!!!!!

The girls had their awards assemblies and Ne-Ne (John) had to fill in for us. I was sick and Erik was busy with graduation practice. Thanks, John, for being there!! The girls had wonderful teachers, as well!! Thanks, Mrs. Self & Mrs. Long, for being so special to us!! Sadly, I do not have pics........

I was "struck" with that awful virus that gives you a HORRIBLE headache along with the rushes to the bathroom....need I say more. I guess it was viral meningitis, or at least that was the symptoms that everyone else who was diagnosed had.... All to say, I was not able to even be at school the last day and did not get to go to graduation. This truly makes me sad because I am one of those weird teachers that actually enjoys graduation, especially since I teach the seniors! I don't know, maybe it is such a joy to watch the ones walk the stage who I have truly grown to love and then a relief to watch some of the other ones go!!! :) JK!! I love them all!!!! ;)

The Tuckers started the summer off right with an awesome fundraiser for Relay for Life...3rd Annual Sausagefest!!! What a great time and for such a great cause!! I love to be able to get together with all our friends and just hang out!! We had so much fun...and tons of laughs!!!!

First week of June

Kristen & Katy went to Lady Cat Basketball Camp with Coaches Perkins & Botos.
They had tons of fun and worked on their "skills!"

We took our track teams to Austin to compete in the State Meet...yes, June!! In case, you didn't know, the UIL moved all sporting events back a couple of weeks because of the Swine Flu...or H1N1 Virus, if you want to be politically correct! Anyway, so that put us in Austin June 4-7. We took Kat, Savanna, Bre & Vicky in the 400m Relay, Vicky in the 200m, and Dontae in the Triple Jump. All of them competed well but were unable to bring home any medals this year....we'll be back, though!!

While in Austin, Erik & I celebrated our 11th anniversary!! I'm pretty sure it's every girl's dream to get to eat your anniversary dinner with about 20 other people, including student-athletes, coaches and administrators!!! Oh and don't forget the part where your hubby and brother leave you at the hotel to go buy golf clubs for "our" anniversary! But then we topped the night off by me going and watching the 5A session of the meet with all the kids and coaches while Erik stayed at the hotel for a little R&R!! :) Good times, good times!! :) Life of a coach!!! :)

We joined the Country Club, which has been so much fun for all the KPs! The kids beg to go swimming everyday...even on those days that the temp didn't make it in the 80's!! It's been great, but I have to admit I have not actually gone under water yet because it is so cold!! Maybe soon!! :) Erik has enjoyed getting back into golfing!! That golf course is amazing--so beautiful!! I am looking forward to spending some time on it soon!!

Second Week of June

These past few days we were able to go back to Austin and spend some family time there! Erik had a principal conference during the day, but then we got to hang out in the evenings! Our hotel had an awesome pool and hot tub that the kids and I spent LOTS of time in--yes, I went under water--this one was heated!!! :) We also got to go tour the capitol and a museum of Texas History!!!!!!!

Erik LOVES history and was like a little kid in a candy shop!!
He reminded me of Tour Guide Barbie telling those kids ALL about every aspect of the capitol and all its history! :)

We then got to watch "Night at the Museum, Battle of the Smithsonian" at the I-Max theater there! That was so cool--and a great movie!!!

While in Austin this time, we had the privilege of hanging out with Joe & Marijon Waldron, who were also there for the conference. Marijon came swimming with us while our men were in their meetings, and then we all went and had supper together one night! They are such a sweet, fun couple!! My kids loved getting to know them!!

Of course, we couldn't go to Austin with Kristen and not shop!! That girl loves to shop!!! Erik was a good sport and took us to not one, but TWO malls!!! We had lots of fun, and I am happy to report that Erik did not throw one fit the entire day!! :)

Friday, my parents celebrated 38 years of marriage!! What a role model they are in a society that gives up so easily on marriage!! They are amazing!! I am so proud of them and love them so much!!!!! I am so thankful that God blessed me with them!!!

During all of our traveling, I have had some time to read. I have read "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult. What a great book...with a very suprising ending!! If you are a reader, I think you will enjoy it!! The movie comes out June 26, and I am looking for someone to go with...hint, hint....read it, and then let's go together!!

We are now back in C-Town for at least a little while!! I look forward to reconnecting with all my peeps--I miss seeing everyone!!

Hopefully I will get past my blog-block and get to posting more often, as well!!

By the way, if you are still reading...THANKS--you are a true friend!! :)

Hello Again...

2009-06-13T11:21:00.003-05:00

I am back in the blogging world....only I have been reading others' blogs to try and catch up this morning, and now I need to get off this computer and do some household 'stuff'! I will soon be posting an update on what all has been going on with the KPs--I noticed I have not blogged since May!!!! So...look out...because my next post will probably be lloooonnnnngggg!!! Of course, I may be talking to myself........wonder if anyone is still checking my blog anymore!?!

Giveaway!!!

2009-05-31T23:04:00.002-05:00

Go here to find out about a really great giveaway--and also a neat blog!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-27T09:08:00.004-05:00

Dr. Tonya Lynn Pickett

2009-05-23T23:02:00.001-05:00

What a great weekend!! Erik's sister Tonya graduated from Dental School on Friday!!!! She graduated from Texas A&M four years ago and then from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston yesterday. We are so extremely proud of her!!! She is an amazing young lady--and an awesome sister(-in-law)!!!! We were so glad to get to make the trip...all 18 hours in the truck were really worth that 15 seconds of watching her walk across the stage!!!! ;)

Just kidding!!! ;) Seriously, we are so glad that we got to be there!!

It is amazing that I have known Tonya for so long. Erik and I often talk about how long we have been in each others' lives--even though sometimes it seems we have always known each other!! Anyway, I met Tonya when she was finishing 5th grade--and now she is a DOCTOR!!!!! Wow!! If that doesn't make ya feel old....seems like just yesterday... It has been so great to get to watch her throughout the time I have known her!! She has grown and matured in so many ways and it has been a privilege to get to watch it!!

I am so glad to have her as a sister! She is so much more than a sister-in-law...she and I have truly grown to be SISTERS...and best friends!!! I am so glad she forgave me for the first Six Flags trip...and gave me a 2nd chance--LONG story, huh, Tonya??!! ;)

She is so gorgeous, talented and hilarious!!! She is brilliant, clever, stunning, ambitious, and one of the most educated Christian women I know (especially to be so young)!!! She amazes me!!! We have so much fun when we are together, and I thank God for blessing me and my kids with her!! I am so grateful that my kids have her as a role model because she is such a multi-dimensional person!!! She is the total package....smart, beautiful, witty and high morals, expectations, and standards for herself and others!!

During the graduation ceremony, some of the graduates were actually handed their diploma by a parent, sibling or spouse who was a doctor. I would love nothing more than for her to be able to someday hand one of my kids their diploma as they cross the stage to become a doctor!!!!!

Jan and Erik have done such a wonderful job of raising her!!! Jan's story is so inspiring (you can read about her here on Erik's blog), and Erik has truly stepped in and been the "father figure" when she needed it--well, when he wasn't busy acting half her age or embarrassing her by trying to coach her from the stands in Little Dribblers!!! :) Seriously, she has been blessed with a GREAT mom and brother!!! I am so lucky to have been witness to this unique family--and am so glad to be a part of it!! She also has an awesome extended family that has surrounded her with love and encouragement through the years!!! They are so amazing and no doubt inspired her to be who she is today!!

Her numerous friends are also a testament to the kind of person she is!! She has gone from little Burkburnett to College Station to Houston, and never once batted an eye at the enormity of the endeavors! She is so brave and has never let her ambitions be hindered by a fear of the new or unknown! Everywhere she goes she makes tons of friends--and even more memories!!

Tonya is truly an amazing person and I am so glad she is in our lives!!! Congratulations, Dr. Pickett!!! We love you!!!!

Photostory Friday

2009-05-15T22:00:00.004-05:00

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

This is my awesome sister Sarah with her winning piece of popcorn cake!!

Here's my Photostory...My mom is notorious for making the best popcorn cakes, and for several years now has been making them a little more fun! She makes popcorn CAKES not balls...and she puts them in her bundt (sp??) pan--so they are in the shape of an angelfood cake. Like most other popcorn cakes/balls, hers have M&M's in them (peanut M&M's, of course). The difference--and fun part--is that she picks a color and only puts ONE of that color in the entire cake. Whoever gets the piece with the chosen color, wins!!

This Mother's Day she made one and the magic color was red. Sarah "volunteered" to be the cake cutter...and kept cutting pieces for everyone until she found the red one...amazing how even those who didn't want a piece got one!?! :) Anyway, as you can see, she was ssoooo excited to be the winner! The prizes vary, but this time it was $3 (we are high rollers...). Sarah was so excited because she could stop by Sonic on her way out of town that evening and get a BIG drink for her drive home--it doesn't take much to make her happy!!! :)

In case you don't know Sarah, she is a gorgeous girl--inside and out; so I had to include a "normal" picture of her!! Oh, and look!! It just happens to have my favorite nephew in it, too!!! ;) Love you, Sarah!!

MIA-52

2009-05-14T10:22:00.003-05:00

I really have not done a very good job of keeping up with this...but I thought since I got to go to prom last weekend, I should include a picture! :) You know, not everyone gets to go to prom EVERY year of their life!!!!! ;)

Wow! My hair really looked awful....and I thought I was lookin' good!!!! ;) Oh well, it's just the WORLD WIDE WEB!!! Maybe next week I will have a pic with some good hair....

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-13T13:03:00.000-05:00

Photostory Friday

2009-05-08T08:19:00.003-05:00

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

I found this idea at Sneaky Momma's blog. I love reading her posts! As you can see from the link above, the idea actually started with two other bloggers.

Anyway, I decided to play along! :)

Last night opened T-ball season for David. The Angels took the field but not before this huddle with Coach Engle. Being a coach myself, I love to see huddles!! :) I love to see the kids all looking to the coach as he/she prepares them for the game! It's adorable at this age to see how engrossed they are in what the coach is saying, but as soon as the huddle breaks most of them run right back to their world of make-believe!! ;)

I am also a "number person"--no, I DO NOT count holes in people's heads like my beloved husband! If you're not sure what I am talking about you can go here and read it for yourself!! :) Anyway...I think it is interesting the way David and his buddies were standing. Notice their numbers on their shirts...7+3=10+3=13...interesting....ok, maybe not, but I am always noticing things like that! :)

Now, join in the fun and go get your Photostory Friday done!

Hope you have an awesome weekend!!

Hog Heaven

2009-05-05T19:04:00.005-05:00

No...I am not talking about anything that has to do with Swine Flu!!! :P

What I am talking about is having some adorable little visitors at our house tonight!! Let me tell you we (especially Katy, our baby-lover) were in Hog Heaven!! We are ssoooo glad to have the Chisums in Childress--they are such an awesome little family!

Thanks, Cody & Alana, for sharing your precious girls with us!! We look forward to watching them grow up to be Lady Cats!! ;)

Giveaway!!!

2009-05-05T10:34:00.005-05:00

Trey is doing something really awesome today over on his blog. It's a giveaway, of sorts! The difference between his and others we have read about recently is that he is asking us to give!! Let me tell you...it will be one of the best giveaways of which you have ever been a part!!

You have to go to his blog and see what it is all about!

I have to include the verse he used...

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink... I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." ~ Jesus

For anyone who might need a little extra motivation...I double-dog-dare-ya to go do it!!! ;) Ooooooooooooooh!

My Husband Rocks!

2009-05-02T13:07:00.002-05:00

One of my besties is hosting a giveaway!! Who doesn't LOVE to win free stuff--especially when it's as cool as what Charla is offering!?! You definitely need to go there and check it out!! Even if you don't want to leave a comment and enter her contest, there are a lot of great pieces of advice posted in her comment section!

The post and purpose is to help build marriages...she wants advice from anyone who visits and leaves a comment. This is what I said:

The best advice I can give anyone who is still single is "marry your best friend!" If you are already married, and failed to do that...become best friends!! You HAVE to spend time doing things that are fun for the other one...the sky's the limit!!

Also, make sure your man knows how wonderful he is--don't ever assume he knows!! Brag on him every chance you get...even if it seems like a little thing to you, it can be a BIG thing for him!!

I am by no means an expert in this area, but these things are so easy for me because I am married to the BEST man in the world--sorry, girls, you will have to try to find second best!! ;)

Seriously, he is my very best friend!! I knew it before we got married, but I never knew how important it would be in the big scheme of things when we were dating. It wasn't until we were walking zombies in the middle of the night with newborns screaming and crying, or times when we had sick babies in the hospital that I truly knew how important our friendship was. It was then that I knew that the wedding dress and tux were such a SMALL part of our forever! It was those times when I was so thankful that God had blessed me so richly!!

Don't get me wrong, we have our "moments" but it's not his bulging biceps or my buns of steel that get us through those times!! ;) In those "raw" moments of life, it's the fact that we are best friends that pull us through--with the help of God, of course!!

Which reminds me...I really liked the comment Granny Faith left on Charla's blog!! NO...I'm not going to tell you...you have to go see it for yourself!! :)

Now, it would do Erik (and our relationship) no good for me to think and feel all these things about/for him if I never told him, right? That is why it is so important for us to compliment them...in men's terms: feed their ego!! :) Listen, girls, you have no idea how well this works. Tell your husband all the reasons you love him...don't assume he knows!! Even the little things, like paying bills or filling your car with gas. It's things like these that seem small and often go unnoticed--until he doesn't do them! Let him know how thankful you are that he takes care of things for you and your family!! Of course, you can brag on him for anything he does--big or small!! Sometimes it might even pay off in more ways than one for you...like when you tell him how hot he looks with a vacuum or how sexy it is when he does laundry!! ;)

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." --Ephesians 4:29

The last thing I want to mention is the idea that whatever we do day in and day out becomes habit--whether we mean for it to or not! I began to notice a few years ago how I talked to Erik when no one was around. It wasn't necessarily rude or hateful, but it also wasn't lovey-dovey! Now, anyone who knows me knows that I am NOT the mushy type, but...it doesn't hurt to speak kindly to our husbands! The tone we use, the word choice, the manner in which we ask...all of these become habits. BE NICE! Get in the habit of using loving tones and expressions...it's another one of those things that seems small but can really add up!! It's kinda like when you were a kid and you knew your parents were listening to how you talked to your brothers and sisters...weren't you a sweet kid!?! On the other hand, if you knew they were no where around, your tone and demeanor might be totally different!! Guess what?? God is always watching--and He notices...remember He is our Dad, too!! You will be amazed if you will make a conscientious effort to just talk kinder and with more love in your voice, how things will change between you and yours! Again, I'm not talking about throwing "Honey" or "Sugarcakes" on the end of all your sentences...it's about the tone and delivery!!

Ok...did you hear that?? Those footsteps??

That was me climbing down off my soap box!!! :)

I'm done!! Besides, my sweet husband just came up and informed me that he doesn't know why I am typing so much because "no one reads those longs posts." Wonder if he will take the time to read it when he finds out it is all about him!?! :)

8 Things - Kinda

2009-05-01T10:52:00.000-05:00

I was tagged for a post by some great friends. The thing is I did a very similar post earlier, so you can go here and read it if you are truly interested in my 8 things! :)

So...I decided to stay with the 8 theme...and talk about what I consider to be one of the most uplifting chapters in the Bible. Romans 8--if you haven't read it lately, I strongly suggest you take the time to do it. It is just such an awesome reminder of how much hope we have when we have the Spirit living inside us!

To take the 8 theme a little further...one of my favorite verses is Romans 8:28. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purposes."

There are lots of debates over different meanings of different translations...I won't even to pretend to be a scholar or know much about any of that....

What I do know is that this verse means to ME that God is constantly working for those who love Him and have given themselves to Him. No matter what is going on in our world around us, He is guiding and directing it/us. Even though it may not seem that our circumstances are good ones, we can rest assured that He is in control and working on our side. I know this is very "human" of me, but I take great comfort in visualizing His hands working in our daily lives. I love the thought that He is physically touching us daily! My earthly father (Dad) has always had a hands-on approach to raising us...whether it was hugs or spankings! ;) We always knew that we could (and still can) go to him for hugs when we needed comforting! This has always helped my image of how God comforts us!

I also hang on to the times when Dad could still build things. I think about all he did...built his cabin at the lake, added on a bedroom and bathroom to our house, skirted our trailer in college, not to the mention all the many honey-do's he performed around our house. I can imagine God working in this same sort of way to make a better life for us--maybe not here on earth...maybe he is "building" our home in Heaven! The important thing is that if we put our hope and trust in Him, He is working for us!

God knows us inside and out...and still cares for us!! :) He loves us so much that He is concerned with each and every detail of our lives! He was/is/will be in control...yesterday, today & always...God is constantly holding us and helping us through our lives...what a joy and comfort that is!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-29T09:53:00.004-05:00

Titus 2 Tuesday

2009-04-28T09:56:00.003-05:00

I got the idea from here and love to make a tribute to the women who have had a huge influence in my life!

Today I will talk about a lady who was a role model for me when I started teaching here at CHS and now is someone I consider to be a really close friend~~Kelly Bailey! She is one of the most beautiful people I know! She is so gorgeous on the outside and her inside matches!!

Kelly was working toward her teaching degree when I first moved back to Childress. She was our computer lab tech/guru! She was so good!!! I was kinda sad to lose her in that capacity until I got to teach across the hall from her..."Supa Teacha" is what she became known as by all her loving colleagues!! :) She seriously was amazing--and still is...the new hasn't worn off yet, and that was several years ago!! :) You never know what she will do to help her students get a grasp on the history they are studying in her classroom! I once witnessed her doing a (modest) flapper dance in front of the classroom!! :) The kids LOVE it and never forget it!!

Outside the classroom, she is amazing as well! She is a wonderful Christian role model. I admire her for desire to stand up for what is right! She has Jesus in her heart and anyone around her knows it!! She is kind and compassionate and never judgemental! She also would do anything in her power to help out her friends!!

Kelly is also is an awesome mom and wife, and I value all I have learned from her in both of those areas. I love to hear her talk about Ashley (daughter) and Randall (husband)...her face lights up and she glows with pride! It is precious!! I can understand her adoration for Ashley...Randall--??not so much??!! Just kidding, but he gives me such grief that I couldn't be too nice about him!! :) They are a neat family and one from whom we can all take lessons on unconditional, persistant love. They went through so much when Ashley was a toddler battling cancer. So many couples are torn apart during tough times like that, but they seem to have just grown closer and stronger. Ashley is precious and such a strong & beautiful young lady inside and out--just like her mama!! She is a testement to Kelly's desire to raise her up in a Christ-like way! I hope that someday I am able to have the kind of relationship with my girls that Kelly has with Ashley!!

Kelly is so much fun and ssooo funny!! I am never around her that I am not laughing at something she has said or done!!! She is the darkest-haired blond I have ever known!! It's endearing, though!! She is always so sincere...even when she has just made up a new word!! :) She cracks me up!! The best part about it is that she is able to laugh at herself!! She has shown me that life is so much better when you can do that!!! I got to sponsor a school organization with her for a couple of years. We had so much fun working and traveling together!! She is a blast!! She is also the best at finding hotels with "piped-in music!" I'm pretty sure she would have to have her buddy (and technology guru) Donna Smith with her to truly find the BEST sources of "piped-in music," but... that is another story--maybe you'll read about it someday if I do a "Top 10 Funniest Stories" post!!

Anyway...she really is awesome!! I love her to pieces--and am sad that she will be moving after this school year!! I will miss her so much, but I know that she will always have a special place in my heart!! I also know she better keep in touch with all of us from C-town!! ;)

Thanks, Kelly, for your friendship through the years and for teaching me so much about being a Christian woman/mom/wife/sister/friend/teacher/the list goes on & on!! :)

I'm Singing!

2009-04-26T22:33:00.003-05:00

I just found this video here and loved its message! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

I also hope you are singing!!!

My music at the bottom of this blog may need to be paused in order to fully enjoy this video!! Sorry for the inconvenience!!

Friends

2009-04-24T10:20:00.004-05:00

This was sent to me in an email today...just what I needed! Made me smile, which is something I have not done enough of the last 2 days!

I have so many great friends and I am so thankful for all of them!! I hope that I am as good a friend to others as mine are to me!! God has blessed me richly in this department!!

Thanks to all my friends/buddies/pals/peeps out there...you know who you are!!! :)

"A friend loves at all times." --Proverbs 17:17

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-23T10:03:00.003-05:00

Titus 2 Tuesday

2009-04-21T20:16:00.002-05:00

Sue Henderson...anyone who knows her at all probably considers her a Titus 2 woman--as well as a Proverbs 31 woman!! She is amazing!

I have always looked up to her and wanted to be like her! She has the most giving spirit and will do anything for others that she possibly can to make their lives better--all the while maintaining a very laid-back attitude! :)

She is not a perfectionist, which gives me hope!! ;) I love the way she just rolls with the punches...which she has had to do A LOT through the years being married to a doctor and raising 4 boys!! Her life has been anything but routine and I have always admired the way she handles herself through all the ups and downs, chaos and calms!! :)

Sue is one of the most intelligent women I have ever known and absolutely knows the Bible inside and out! She is an amazing Bible class teacher! With all her knowledge, she NEVER makes you feel dumb or like she is looking down on you! She even somehow makes you feel like you have taught her something when you add comments to her lessons! She also "practices what she preaches" and lives out the Word in her daily life! She is definitely a SERVANT of Jesus!

She is also a great role model as a wife and loves Dr. Mike unconditionally--it is so obvious!! They make the best couple because somehow they have managed through the years to love others with all their being and still save plenty for each other!

I truly hope that someday I can be half the woman Sue Henderson is!

She Bought the 4!!

2009-04-15T08:32:00.004-05:00

...and I'm still wearing the 12... My friend Faith (granny f) was telling me about her sister's friend who has lost a bunch of weight and was able to go in and buy a pair of size 4 jeans the other day!! How fun is that!?!

If you notice my snail, I have "slipped" on my weight loss challenge! Just so you know, though, I am not giving up! I am being honest...I had thought when I gained some weight back that I would not move the snail...just wait and catch back up with him...but I am facing the music!

I am starting the 21-day challenge today that Stephanie has started at F3!! I'm gonna do it!!

So...congrats to all of you who are doing so well and looking so good!! Hope to join you soon!! :)

Titus 2 Tuesdays

2009-04-14T13:32:00.003-05:00

Week 2...I'm on a roll!!

This week I will talk about someone who greatly influenced my life during a time when I was trying to 'become an adult'--not that I have really done that yet, but...

Debbie Finsterwald from Wheeler had a huge impact on my life during my first years out of college. My first teaching/coaching job was in Wheeler and I could not have made it without her!! She taught me a lot about being a coach and a Christian woman/wife/mother/sister/friend. She also put her words into actions in her own life. I love how she loves everyone around her and makes them feel it all the way down to their toes!!

Debbie is also someone who literally opens her arms and takes you in as one of her own! She even let me live with them when I was being carbon-monoxide poisoned in my house (that's a whole 'nother post)! She just loves on you and NEVER makes you feel like you are imposing...it's like she always dreamed of having extras in her house--and she makes you feel right at home no matter the circumstance!!

She is also so much fun to be around!!! She laughs more than most and it is definitely contagious!!! No matter where you are, if Debbie is with you; you WILL have fun!!!

Debbie's best Christian advice was to not take God's grace for granted. What she meant was that when we ask God for forgiveness, He forgives AND forgets!! When we don't forgive ourself, it's like we are 'slapping Him in the face' (she always has a way with words--those are hers by the way) and basically saying that His grace is not enough!! She never tried to have all the answers or look down on people who didn't! She was constantly telling me about mistakes she had made and how she knew that she had been wrong--but she also knew that God still loved her! She was a blessing to me for being so transparent!!

I love her dearly, treasure the times we had together (look forward to more) and am a better person having had her influence in my life!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-08T10:59:00.002-05:00

Titus 2 Tuesdays

2009-04-07T13:32:00.002-05:00

I just read Belinda's blog and love this idea she found here. I thought I would participate...can't guarantee I will do it every Tuesday, but we shall see!!

I know that y'all are probably familiar with the passage but decided to post it here. It never hurts to reread verses from the Bible, right?!. It is an interesting passage with some very good advice!!

Titus 2

Duties of the Older and Younger

¹But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. ²Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.

³Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, ⁴so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, ⁵to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

⁶Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; ⁷in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, ⁸sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. ⁹Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, ¹⁰not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect. ¹¹For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, ¹²instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, ¹³looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, ¹⁴who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

¹⁵These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority Let no one disregard you.

I realized a long time ago that God truly blessed me in the department of having 'older' women in my life to look to as Christian mentors. I could go on and on with the list of women who have touched my life and helped point me to Christ. Today I will focus on the number one women who has done this for me....Mom! Of course, anyone who knows us could have seen this one coming! :)

She is the most amazing woman I have ever known. She is the perfect example of all that is good about wives, moms, grandmas, sisters, daughters, aunts, nieces, friends...in my opinion, she takes the cake!

She is the most devoted wife I have ever seen!! No one really knows all she does for my dad; her love is truly unconditional and she exemplifies the wedding vow of "through sickness and health." She is truly amazing in her devotion to him!!

She is also the most amazing mom in the history of moms!! She is truly one of my very best friends!! She listens and loves like no other. She gives the best advice and seems to have an answer to all my questions and a solution to all my problems!! Her devotion to her children (and now grandchildren) is unmatched! She would absolutely do anything in the world to make them happy, even when it means sacrificing her own happiness. She is the ultimate example of nurturing...and this extends beyond her own children to others she has 'adopted' through the years.

She was also the ultimate daughter. I watched her love, honor and adore her parents while they were still here on earth and care for them when they could not care for themselves. She selflessly sacrificed in so many ways to help them throughout both of their battles with cancer. She tirelessly drove them back and forth to doctor's appointments and for treatments and was by their side hours on end when they were in hospital beds. She even moved my Gan-Gan into her house to care for her right up to her final breath. She faced their deaths with courage and compassion, while being strong for them and us.

She has also shown me the example of being the oldest kid in the family. She would, without a doubt, fight tooth and nail for any of her 3 younger siblings. She absolutely adores them and treasures every minute she has/does spend with them! She is proud of them and who they are. She is very protective and sincerely cares about each one of them.

She also loves her extended family and often goes out of her way to show them. For example, she recently made a special trip to be with her aunt when she had surgery. This required her getting Dad up and ready to leave town by 3:45 in the morning, only to arrive in Amarillo to find out the surgery had been postponed to later in the day. She then waited patiently with her uncle and cousin until the surgery was performed and she was able to visit with her aunt in recovery before making the 2-hr trip home. This is one of many times she has done things like this because she is so loyal and constant to so many in her family.

Without being too personal, I will just say that there are many friends who can recall times when she has showered them with her love; whether it was through cooking their favorite food for them, giving them money, lending them a car, or simply offering a listening ear and open arms.

Mom touches so many people in so many ways, I am positive only God Himself knows all of them! Her love and devotion to so many is unwavering and is almost always attached to some sort of self-sacrifice...and she NEVER wants any credit or recognition!! She is truly amazing!!!

MIA-52

2009-04-02T09:57:00.005-05:00

I forgot about this picture challenge, so I do not have any pictures that were actually taken this week! I know...one week and I already forgot...

Anyway, I dug in my archives and found some from around Christmas to share!!
I LOVE this pic of Koen and three of his aunts...Me-Me, Aunt Amanda, & Rah-Rah. I am anxious for him to name me...Kristen got to name all of my family when she started talking--and I love the names she called each one....In case you don't know, the names are: my mom--Maw-Maw; my dad--Baw-Paw; John--Ne-Ne (LOOOOVE it); Kammie--KK (that one started after the kids could talk clearly but wanted her to have a nickname); Sarah--Rah-Rah; Emily--Me-Me (possibly the youngest Me-Me in the world); Erik's mom--Grannijan; Tonya--Aunt T. Aunt Amanda is just too hard to say, and none of my siblings liked my idea of him calling me Aunt Mamie...so I will wait and see what sweet little Koen calls me!! :) He has changed ssooo much since Christmas!!!
Mom always has a theme in her classroom (she teaches 7th grade Language Arts) and uses a color to decorate her entire room that will go with her theme. I always love walking into her classroom...so warm and cozy--and inviting!! This year her theme is "Going Green" which has definitely been a good one considering all that is happening around us right now. I found this shirt for her for Christmas! She is so pretty--and looks young enough to be my LITTLE sister!!!
And...finally Erik & I with our favorite nephew!!!

Another KP kid?!?!

2009-04-01T00:00:00.010-05:00

Yep! You read it right!!! There is going to be another little KP running around here soon!!!

I know, I know...I'm too old...we are past the baby time in our lives...our kids are practically grown, are we really about to start over??!! I have said the same things over and over since that positive test!!! Actually since BOTH positive tests!!! But it's true!! We are going to have a baby!!! So much for losing weight...bring on the calories, baby!!! :)

So this is it...my public announcement...even Erik is hearing about this for the first time RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW!!! I love you, honey!! It's going to be so much fun!!!

The only problem is that I am like my mom, in that I don't want to raise one alone...so maybe we will have TWINS!!!

Are you kidding me?? We CAN'T be pregnant...Erik made sure of that as soon as David was born!! ;)

Yep!! April Fools!!!!!! :) Oh, and speaking of Erik...someone might need to check and make sure he is still breathing...on second thought, check on me--make sure he hasn't killed me!!! :) I really hope EVERYONE is still reading at this point--if not, there are about to be some fast-spreading rumors!!! ;)

Hope you have a great day!!!!

Oh really?

2009-03-31T11:29:00.002-05:00

My friend Debbie had the most awesome post today!! I would try to tell you, but it would be much easier (and better) to just go to her blog and read it for yourself!! If you know Debbie, you will be like me and be able to actually picture her and God in this conversation--which makes it even better! Even if you don't know her, though, it's still a great post and definitely worth your time!!!!

What are waiting on?? Go!!! ;)

MIA-52

2009-03-26T08:19:00.005-05:00

I saw this here and then read more from the creator of the idea here. I thought it was interesting...and worth a try! As soon as I saw it, I thought of my mom--who almost NEVER gets on the "lens side" of a camera! Since she doesn't blog (yet--still hope she will some day), I thought I would make this about her, too! I really don't like to see myself in a picture!! However, since I am (slowly, but not always surely) working on that, maybe this will be another means of motivation for me!! :}

As you probably already noticed, I am going to call it MIA-52. I have decided to make Thursdays my MIA-52 days, and I really hope all you mamas reading this right now will join me!!

Ok...here goes week of 1 of 52!!

Love this picture...it was supposed to be of David and his Maw-Maw, but as soon as Jax saw the camera he jumped right in!! :)Oh look!! She's in the picture...but taking a picture!! :)
Me and all my friends...
Couldn't resist posting this one again!!There's just something about the bond between a little boy and his mama....love, love, LOVE it!! ;)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-25T08:43:00.006-05:00

Not Me! Monday

2009-03-23T07:39:00.000-05:00

Here we are again...at a Monday...can you believe it!?!

Since I have stolen this idea from here, I have to start out by asking for prayers for this family!! Please take a moment and pray for Baby Stellan, his family, and the doctors and nurses who are taking care of him!!!

Now for the Not Me! Monday post...

Because last week was Spring Break I did NOT thoroughly enjoy being out of school! I did NOT love the fact that I could sleep in every day!! I did NOT wake up at 6:30 or 7:00 every single morning because I was coughing my head off, though!!! I was NOT sick basically all week! Not Me!

I was NOT so excited for my kids that they got to hang out with two of their aunts at the beginning of the break! I did NOT love hearing all the stories of what they did and where they went! I did NOT love the fact that Kristen and Katy got to stay a couple of nights with Sarah and Emily and get treated like little princesses the entire time!! I do NOT love the fact that they have such great role models in their life! Not Me!

I also did NOT have a great time watching Erik & David get ready for their fishing trip with John to Lake Arrowhead. It was NOT so much fun to see David act so "big" while he helped his daddy get everything together and make plans for what they would do while they were gone! Since it took two trucks to haul the boat and the trailer, I did NOT love it when David told Ne-Ne (Uncle John) that he would have to ride with Erik instead of riding with Ne-Ne "in case I have to help Daddy back that trailer." I did NOT think that was one of the cutest things I had ever heard!!! Not Me!

I did NOT enjoy the day with Mom & Dad on Tuesday when I drove them up to Amarillo for Mom's dentist appt. and to pick up my girls. I did NOT love getting to be around them and being able to "catch up" on what all has been going on lately! I did NOT enjoy all the good food we ate that day, either! Not Me!

Finally, I did NOT absolutely love our camping trip to Quartz Mountain with the kids!! You can tell by my previous posts that we did NOT have a wonderful time and get to do lots of fun stuff!! We did NOT make some memories that will last forever!! We did NOT get closer as a family!! We did NOT enjoy and appreciate the fact that the Galligans and a Pickett joined us for our supper the last night we were there! This was NOT one of the best trips we have had as a family! I do NOT look forward to getting to go camping again soon! Not Me!

What did you NOT do last week!?!

Quartz Mountain Camping - Part 2

2009-03-20T21:24:00.010-05:00

Day 2 has been so fun!! We started off with a great breakfast cooked almost entirely on the grill by Erik!! Much to Erik's dismay...I am sick again--not to sound too pathetic, but I have had to miss out on some of today's fun... :( Erik hates it when I am sick because he can't sleep (especially when we are in the trailer and he cannot get far enough away from my coughing and snoring)...bless his heart!!!

The main thing I missed was the big hike today!! Erik and the kids tackled the biggest peak in the campground, while Angel and I stayed in the trailer and rested!
Erik called me about halfway up and had me get where I could see them, so they could wave at me! I'm not sure if you can tell, but he is so impatient that in the picture he is already calling me back... :) I was hurrying up the hill closest to our camper as fast as I could!!! ;)I'm so proud of him and the kids for making ALL the way to the top--and if you don't believe me that they did, just mention it around David and you will get the ENTIRE story!!!! :)
After the kids rested from their hike, which was not nearly as long as Erik rested, ;) they went out and "monkeyed" around in the tree next to our trailer!!They decided Angel needed her picture in a tree, too! :)

We got to go to the Quartz Mountain Amusement Park!! They had go-karts, bumper cars, and some other rides!! We all had a great time!!!

On our way back to the trailer the kids wanted to play at the playground again!
Then they wanted to take a "shortcut" by themselves across a "mountain" back to our trailer. They didn't know, but I was watching and snapping pictures through the trees the entire time--will I ever think they are old enough to do this kind of thing on their own?!?
We also had some really special guests drive all the way from Texas to eat supper with us!!! Maw-Maw, Baw-Paw, Grannijan, John, Kammie & Koen came and ate Erik's famous steaks on the grill!!! Sssssooooooooo good--and such great company!!! Thanks, y'all, for coming!!! :)

Koen's "gansta" pose!!
Tomorrow we will hopefully sleep in and then mess around a little before heading home! Then it's back to the real world and getting ready for another week of school! YEA!!! I LOVE SCHOOL!!!

How many days 'til Summer Break!?!

Quartz Mountain Camping

2009-03-19T20:36:00.009-05:00

It's our first day at Quartz Mountain and already we are having a wonderful time!! I know that some of you might want to see some pictures (Maw-Maw & Grannijan)!! :)
This beach is about 50 yds from our trailer...we are hoping to come back this summer and get the same spot, so that we can swim and hang out here!!
Our kids had never ridden a horse but have wanted to for a while now. We found these riding stables online and made reservations. The kids were amazing...so natural and at ease--Erik and I wish we knew ANYTHING about owning a horse after we saw how much the kids enjoyed this!!! We will definitely do this again!! The owner/guide was great and wouldn't even take a tip when we left!!My photographer didn't capture us at the peak of this "wheely" as the guide called it, but you get the idea...I'm thinking about taking up rodeoing...or maybe joining a circus!! ;) So much fun!!

This playground is about 100 yds from our campsite...this place just has so much to offer!! The kids are having a great time...and so are their parents!!!Erik is an awesome griller!!! He cooked while the kids and I were gone to the playground! We had some of the best burgers ever tonight!!!

Had to have some milk and cookies!! :) Now we are going to snuggle in and watch a movie before going to bed! More updates to come!!

Hilarious!!!

2009-03-15T09:44:00.005-05:00

I am still laughing!!!!!!

Ok...here's what happened...I am sitting here at the computer looking at Facebook and reading blogs...we are waiting on some jeans to dry, so we can leave for Amarillo.

Erik and the kids are in the kitchen "grazing" on some powdered donuts when a huge dance-off breaks out! Important note: Erik is shirtless--which for those of you who don't know, is HOT. They are all showing off their best moves when Katy says, "Dad, how do you make it jiggle?"

LOL!!! That's a show-stopper...I love that kid!!!!

Happy Sunday!!!

Srping Break Day 1

2009-03-14T13:28:00.005-05:00

Not exactly what I had hoped for the first official day of Spring Break!! I am on day 2 of an antibiotic for a sore throat...sooo wish I had no tonsils...an adult with tonsillitis....how fun!!

And then there is the weather...

But remember I am SILVER LINING, so I'm going to pull it together and find the bright side here!!!

The Tuckers came over last night for some pizza and fun! They are such an awesome family!!! The kids got to play KP's game "Put the Ball in My Hand" Not sure if that is the name, but that is the goal...these poor kids fought tooth and nail to win!! I was impressed with the competitiveness of all, and also with the fact that David recognized that he was the big kid (he is used to playing this with Kristen & Katy) and backed off some. It was so cute how he tried take it easy and then would get embarrassed when he got tackled by a girl--such mixed feelings about what to do!! :) All in all it was fun--for the players AND spectators--even Angel got involved!!
That little Colton...what a doll!!!! He is learning to crawl and it is precious!!! He was getting all over the place...and Angel was getting in his way!! Can't you see the look of disgust!?! So funny!!

He is adorable!!

I am looking forward to KP Family Night tonight. We were supposed to take the kids to stay with my sisters for a few days, but between my throat and the weather we have decided to postpone the trip until tomorrow. That means tonight we can spend with the kids...doing what THEY want to do! I will try to post pics and an update...

So...come on sunshine...go away sore throat and fever...and bring on the FUN!!!! I hear it's supposed to be in the 70's and 80's the rest of the week!!! YEA!!

Hope all of you out there are enjoying your weekend...and Spring Break for those of you who get to celebrate that!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-11T10:15:00.002-05:00

Not completely wordless...6'8" GIRL dunking at State Tourney!!!

Hhhmmmmm......

2009-03-10T08:40:00.004-05:00

This week it is hard to get excited...I just got back from Austin and the state girls' b-ball tourney--where I watched a HIGH SCHOOL GIRL DUNK the ball in a game!!! Next week is SPRING BREAK!!!! This is a sad, little week just nestled in between the two!

I guess I need to see the glass half full instead of half empty...there are lots of reasons to get excited about this week! I need to quit focusing on the BIG events and not skip over the little things that make me happy, too!! I mean after all, I am Silver Lining KP!!! I need to start acting like it...

Here goes!!

I am excited about tonight because Katy has her 3rd grade program and she gets to be on a silver mat--whatever that means...she is fired up about it, so I am too! :)

Also, I get to go to Muffins for Moms on Thursday with my kiddos before school! That will be fun! Speaking of...why did Mom have to start with an M? Have any of you who go to Muffins for Moms ever thought about that? I mean, don't get me wrong, I like muffins, but...donuts...yummy! ;)

It rained this morning...that is definitely something to get excited about! David was so sweet because he had already gotten to the front door and was about to leave with Erik for Donuts for Dad when he realized it was raining. He came all the way back upstairs to my bathroom to let me know!! SO SWEET!!! Those big brown eyes were just dancing when he told me!!

I don't know when or how it happened but Kristen has become a very mature and responsible young lady. They are having the book fair this week at elementary and she wanted to buy something. She was going to use her own money!! She has been saving up since Christmas to buy a Nintendo DS (her Aunt Tonya got one and she thought it was really cool). She does chores around the house and for Grannijan and gets paid. She is about halfway there! Well, she decided that she should use her own money for the book fair since she had some! SO SWEET!! I begged Erik to just give her some...not sure how that worked out...

Speaking of money...Katy is the opposite when it comes to earning and saving money...she would rather just remain broke than do any chores to earn money--wow! I have to give you a little background to set this story up, so bear with me... I have gotten to where when I go out of town rather than bring the kids a surprise home, I just take them Wal*Mart when I get back and let them pick something out they would really like! This way they get something they will actually use and I get to be there and watch them while they "shop!" I love to watch and listen as they decide on what they want. Kristen always goes in with something in mind and gets it--she is usually done in the first 5 or 10 minutes we are there. David is about the same...sometimes 15 minutes! Katy....well, she may not be finished an hour after we arrive!! We usually end those trips with Erik telling her if she doesn't pick something, she is not going to get anything! Ok, so now you have the background...I can finally get to the "speaking of money" story...

Kristen is trying to help Katy pick something (we are in about minute 44...) and she suggests that Katy get a wallet. Katy says, "Why should I? I don't have any money?" Kristen says, "Well, you could do some chores and get some." To which Katy replies, "Nah, you know that's not really my thing." SO SWEET...and ambitious!! ;) Man, I feel so much better! Thanks for letting me refocus and find some things to really be excited about this week!! I'm done! :)

Inspiration from the Horton Kids

2009-03-03T19:43:00.009-06:00

The Horton kids inspired me not once...but TWICE today! I had completed my running at F3 and went to check on the kids before I started my weight lifting. They were the only kids in the playroom and were super bummed!! They asked if we could just go home right then. Kristen said, "Mom, Kate said they would be here, but they're not! I want to go home!" Of course Katy and David immediately chimed in, "Me, too!" Unfortunately, I am not very hard to persuade when it comes to skipping the weights (maybe some day I will be more dedicated), so I agreed that we would leave.

Not so fast...guess who is getting out of their car just as we are walking out the door!?! You got it...the Hortons!!! "Mom, can we pleeeeease stay longer???"

So here was my first inspiration by the Horton kids!!! Of course we can stay longer, because I need to lift weights anyway!! Thanks, Hortons, for keeping me honest!!

As I am lifting weights, I start thinking about how thankful I am that the Hortons have such great kids and that our kids are such good friends!! It is awesome watching them grow together!! I love the fact that our families are able to share so much and I cannot wait for a camping trip with them!! I also start thinking about how much our kids have grown just since we met the Hortons and how life just seems to be flying by!! I start getting sad about how fast they are changing and realize I don't think I have ever taken a picture of ALL seven kids together!

This is when I am inspired for a second time!! When I finish my weights, I go out to my car and grab my camera! Just what a bunch of kids want...to have their picture taken!! :)

First of all I could not tear them all away from the TV, so I try to get them all close together while I get BESIDE the TV and count to three!! Our big girls are all for it!! Kenna Mae is wondering what they are doing and Kooper complies by throwing me a peace sign (gangsta style). David and Case, however, are still zombies!! :)

Since my legs are still a little (understatement) weak from my workout and I really don't want to melt into a pile of mush while I try to do a wall squat beside the TV, I decide that I will wait for a commercial and then move them...

So I get out my happy, this is gonna be so much fun voice..."Hey, guys! Let's all go over to this little club house and y'all get all over it, so I can take your picture!!"

I quickly resort to my whiney, desperate, anyone listening voice..."Please?"

At this point the big girls buy into this plan (or feel sorry for me) and start herding the others over! It works! They are all positioning themselves..."OK...say cheese! No, guys...no rabbit ears....OK...cheeeese!"
"David Weldon! I said no rabbit ears!! Katy, get your bangs out of your face!"
Big girls show their disapproval!! :)

"OK, little guys please smile!! One happy face picture and then I will let y'all be silly!!"

It worked!!

"Now the silly faces!!"
How precious!! And look!! Of course, this is the one where you can see BOTH of Katy's eyes!!

Now...anyone who knows me, knows I can never just leave well enough alone!! Poor kids!!

Happy, this is gonna be so much fun voice again..."Hey, guys! Y'all come over here and I will get a close-up of just your sweet, little faces!"

I heard a few "another one??"s, but they gathered up...well, I pushed them together but that's not important!!

Again, I went with the, "if you do one with sweet faces, then we can do a silly one next" attempt...Yea!! It worked!! What? You think someone is not making a happy face?? That's just because you don't know that (in Case's words) "this IS my happy face!" :) He is so adorable!!! I get first dibs if the Hortons ever want to get rid of him!!!

Finally, the silly faces again!!Katy always has such a hard time thinking of something to do for these pics!! ;)

All in all I think this was a great photo shoot!! I loved how the pics turned out, and I am SURE they will be so proud of these someday!!! :)

Not Me! Monday

2009-03-02T08:15:00.004-06:00

I can't believe it's already Monday again, but even more than that I CANNOT believe it is already March--and that is true...not a NOT me moment!!!

You should really go on over to MckMama's website and check out all her Not Me! Monday posts if you get a chance!!!
Here goes mine...

First of all I did NOT start this week by forcing myself to get through a workout that I really did NOT want to do!! I was NOT so proud of myself when I finished!! I did NOT call Erik as I was leaving the gym and then get frustrated with him for not being as excited as I was that I had 'beaten' myself!! I did NOT then tell him exactly what to say, so I would feel like he really was excited for me! Not Me!

I am NOT loving having my mother-in-law in the same town!! I did NOT really enjoy the KPs getting to take her out to eat Wednesday and letting her hear all the kids' stories!! I do NOT love to watch her face when they are really getting into the details of a story!! I do NOT have a great relationship with my mother-in-law because that goes against the forces of nature! I do NOT feel like the luckiest woman in the world for having her in my life...as well as her daughter! I do NOT absolutely LOVE my in-laws!! Not Me!

Friday night at the boys' playoff game, I did NOT enjoy holding Koen throughout the entire last quarter of the game! It was NOT absolutely awesome to get to rock him to sleep and then snuggle him for that long!!! He is NOT the cutest baby in my life right now!! He is NOT the snuggliest little bundle, and he is definitely NOT the sweetest little toot I know right now!!! I do NOT love being his aunt!!! Not Me!

And I did NOT love to watch Kristen's and Katy's Little Dribblers team get ready for their game in Hedley Thursday night. My favorite part of the whole night was NOT the warmup when they were all so serious and focused on their layup drills!! I am NOT so excited that they are playing basketball together on the same team this year!! I have NOT looked forward to that since they were still in diapers!! Not Me!

I also did NOT love it when their team came from behind on Saturday and beat Quanah! I was NOT beaming when, at the end of the day, they were sporting their medals for 3rd place in the tourney!! Not Me!

Yesterday at church I did NOT love watching my girls serve lunch for their LTC fundraiser. They were NOT absolutely precious as they hurried around to make sure everyone at their table was getting served! They are NOT growing up way too fast!! I am NOT about to have two little girls that are as tall as I am!! I am NOT panicking because they are getting so big and mature so fast!!! Not Me!

I did NOT enjoy spending time at my mom & dad's with my sisters yesterday afternoon! I do NOT love them and they are NOT some of my best friends in the whole world!! My mom is NOT one of my best friends either! I am NOT so thankful for such an awesome family that I can have so much fun with!!! Not Me!

We did NOT take the kids to the gym last night at 7:30 and stay there until almost 8:30 working on the girls' b-ball skills. We would NOT do that on a school night--especially since we had not even had supper yet! We did NOT have so much fun playing with the kids! We also did NOT get frustrated when they couldn't catch the ball or wouldn't stay focused!! ;) We did NOT thoroughly enjoy that time as a family! We also did NOT have a free-throw contest right before we left, so the winner could pick where we would eat supper!! We would NOT promote competition in our family, and we would NOT go out to eat that late on a school night!! I did NOT win and pick the healthy Kettle! I did NOT eat a huge meal of omelet, toast and hash browns at nearly 9:30 at night! Not Me!

And I was NOT surprised this morning when I got on the scale and realized that I had gained back the pound I had lost before I even got to move my snail on my weight loss ticker!! I was NOT more disappointed about the fact that my snail wouldn't move than the fact that my weight isn't changing faster!! Not Me!

Lastly, I am NOT super excited about going to Austin this weekend for the girls' state b-ball tourney!! I do NOT look forward to this every year! I do NOT love, love, LOVE spending three days in a gym watching some of the best girls' basketball in the state!! I do NOT love all the great places to eat in Austin and all the fun we will have while we are down there!! I do NOT look forward to spending so much time with Casey, Amy, Sarah, Regan and Erik (when he gets there)!! I will NOT have tons of fun!!! Not Me!

Random Picture Challenge

2009-03-01T08:03:00.002-06:00

OK, Lana...here's the 11th of the 11th. Katy & David waiting on the couch to take Kristen her birthday breakfast in bed!! :) Don't they look excited!?!

Baby Jonah

2009-02-28T19:28:00.002-06:00

I don't usually do this. Normally when I read about a prayer request, I say a prayer and then tell my kids about it and we pray for them daily. My kids are so awesome!! I know I have probably mentioned this before, but every morning on the way to school one the kids says a prayer. It is such a great time!! They are so sweet and try so hard to remember all the people we know about that need our prayers. For example, on Friday we prayed for (in no particular order) Tanner Cook and his family, Josh Ackerman's family, Me-Me (my sister Emily), Minnie King, Elda Mae, Wes Hardin, Katie Henson, Grannijan's legs, Aric & Alex's Great-Grandpa (Herold Kitchens), Baby Noah and a cure for Tay-Sacs (sp?), and..."anyone else who might need you right now." That is always how they always finish up the list! :) I am sorry to be so braggy tonight, but they are SSOOO sweet!!! It is so touching how long they will pray for someone, too. I am bad about praying for someone the day I hear about them and then maybe for a few days after, but then my shallow mind moves on!! Not those sweet babies!!! It is no wonder Christ told us to be more like children!! They know that hearts hurt for a long time--and their prayers reflect that!!!!

Ok...so back to my reason for this post. I read about a family that is in desperate need of prayers! Their story is here! I will let you read it for yourself...and then I know you will want to pray for them!!!

God blessed me with such awesome children, and I pray that He will forgive me for any time that I have taken them for granted!!! Right now I am thinking about how truly fortunate we were to have healthy pregnancies, deliveries, and babies. Thank you, Lord, for them!! I know that I do not say that nearly often enough!!

I pray for this family and all the others who are hurting right now because of trials they are dealing with in the area of childbearing!! And I pray that I will NEVER take for granted the fact that He blessed me so richly!!

P.S. Charla, I love you!!!

Wordless Wednesday...on Thursday

2009-02-26T16:24:00.000-06:00

Too Cute!

2009-02-25T17:45:00.002-06:00

I am stealing this from Melissa's blog...I'm sorry...I just couldn't help myself!!! :) Hope you enjoy it as much as I have!!!

My 80's Girls!!

2009-02-21T18:28:00.005-06:00

I just had the best time fixing my girls up for an 80's-themed skating party!!! I loved, loved, LOVED the 80's!!! I'm still not sure why we stopped dressing like that!!??!! ;) Well, except for the huge hole in the ozone layer all our hairspray was supposedly causing!!!

I had to share these pictures that I took!!