Whew...it was a ride

Found this after the fact but wanted to finish it...so April 15th is bad to wrap up a Christmas blog....good grief.

Kalebh -- As we were all headed to Church for the Christmas Eve service Kalebh wasn't that thrilled about going to Church...you know he has to sit still and listen...two of his least favorite things to do....so anyway First Baptist Artesia did a great job including the kids into the service...but after the kid part was over he looked at Chad and said....so when is this Funeral going to be over!!! Bahhh that was so fun! Christmas Eve Funeral.

Kaileigh -- Kaileigh is really starting to develop a personality to say the least and as some point she has decide when she gets into trouble she would look at you and yell or say....Glory to God. That kid is so funny and I have no idea where she comes up with her material. Glory to God!

Katie -- Christmas Eve afternoon everyone is getting a little cabin fever and so Mom and I decide to short the presents and get them into piles that way when we get home from Church later that night we could open gifts....well Kalebh was so hyper and to be honest getting on my last good never wanting to know who's present that was and where was his pile and where to put this and that and so on....it was constant....so anyway at this moment he is sitting right by me with his face right in my ear and says really loud....WHERE DO I PUT THIS....so the wonderful mother that I am looks at him and says.....RIGHT OVER THERE BY YOUR BB GUN!!! So everyone stops right where they are and looks at me and I said.....gee....and then it hits me....I just told him what his big gift was and didn't even mean to.......yikes! So to say the least they all laughed at me and made fun of me the rest of Christmas!!! But, you know me...Big mouth!!!

Fun Time!

Even More

Our sweet way too cute Bailey!

Kaileigh with her Santa stuff.

Kalebh in his new PJ's.

The Laird Family!

Picture Pictures and more Pictures

What we found after we got home from the Christmas Eve service from Eddie...the elf!


Kalebh and his BB Gun...just what I told him was in that box....LOL!


Kaileigh and her way cute new PJ's from the Whittingtons...too cute!


Ben and Matt...the things you guys do for us girls....gift exchange Ben ended up witha pink snuggy for Alicia and Matt ended up with a very nice purse for Callie...after Callie STOLE it from her mother in law!!! Yikes


Mom and Bailey getting ready to go eat with the Tillery Clan....the bow....well I love it!!! Too cute!

Merry Christmas

HO HO HO Merry Christmas as Kaileigh would say! I hope this finds you the people that bring joy to my life having a wonderful day. We woke up this morning to find that Santa did come see us after all. You see Kalebh didn't think he had been on the "nice" list and was convinced that he might get one thing. Well, when we got up this morning Kalebh was the first one up and he found nothing too big under the tree but as he got to opening some of the gifts he found a box that had the following poem on it.
Kalebh,
I know you behavior has been a little wack.
But, remember Santa always has your back.
Take these things (keys) out back and PLEASE don't have a heart attack.

He went out the back door to find a blue 4 Wheeler. He was so excited and has had a great day.

Kaileigh got a dora bike, helmet, and a baby achoo.. she is thrilled. Once she got to opening she didn't want to stop. She loves life and everyone in it. She has had alot of fun with Erin Bailey the last few day as have I. That little girl is so cute and I love her so much! God is so good to our families.

Chad found a 22 pistol today under the tree and was really surprised and I got a James Avery ring I have been wanting along with many other things. A great Christmas was had by all.

We have spent the last few days here at Mom and Dad's house. We did Christmas with the "Tillery Clan" and it was a blast. God blessed us this year with another family member Callie Hill now Whittington she is such a fit for us. It was so fun to all be together here at Mom and Dad's house. We attend the Christmas Eve Service in the church I grew up in and the church that Chad and I were married in. It was so nice to be there with so many familiar faces and worship the birth of Jesus.

As I was getting ready this morning I started thinking about the saying..."Jesus Is The Reason For The Season". This is so true however and I take it to heart but, I have to wonder do we really believe this and live it all year long? I mean we all say...."remember Jesus is the reason for the season" but do we really remember...I stopped this morning and thought...it God hasn't decided to send his Son to this lowly earth how many things we would have missed out on....that thought lead me to think about all the things we have been blessed with...I have been blessed with two parents that still love each other (most days) for over 35 years, they have raised my wonderful sister and I in a home that Jesus wasn't just someone we talked about on Sunday he was the foundation of who we are. Because of Jesus I was given to a Mom and Dad that were told they weren't suppose to be able to have any more children, I was sent to them in prefect timing as my grandfather was losing his battle with Cancer and went home to be with the Lord 7 months after I was born. My life was spared in 1992 when I had an awful head injury. We lived in different places but God was faithful to provide and bring us through many trials but many joys as well. But, most recent God brought me together with one of the most amazing men ever. He loves the Lord with all that he is and it shines though him in everything he does. He gives to everyone and loves with his whole heart. God has given us two wonder children that bring us joy every single day He is so faith to us and has really be so graceful and forgiving. So when I stopped today to say "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" and I had to think...he is the reason for every season...every day....every minute...and I am thankful that he loves me so much that he say fit to come to this earth to live to die.

To each of you. Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year. All my love and thank you soo much for being a part of my life!

God's Blessings!

Christmas is here!

Today I was looking back over some of the things I did at this time of year last year...and I found a few things I wanted to talk about.

Eddie...Eddie the elf is back on with us. He is watching everyone. Today he was in my stocking and I am just trying to find out if it is because he is trying to see how big it is or if I haven't been good enough or Santa to come see me...only time will tell. Every morning the kids get up and look for him. It is a great way to get Kalebh out of bed.

Kaileigh is fighting an ear infection. One kid is ALWAYS sick at this time of year. Just glad it is this week and not next week. For Christmas Kaileigh is asking for a bike, hat and Baby Aachoo. So we will see.

More...pictures

Sorry for some reason I couldn't get these pictures to load on the last post. So if you are checking in on us for the first time or the first time in a while you might look on down in the blog as I have completed 3 blogs in 1 night....wahoo for me :)

Our Little Angles...YIKES!

So, like I said I am playing catch up. And I am sure there will be allot to report over the next few weeks so I hope to do better...we will see! Anyway last week was our Children's program at church and well Kalebh was an....angel...as my dad use to say about me....yep you are always up in the air harping about something...some thing with Kalebh I am thinking...anyway the program was about sheep and our Shepard as Savior it was very cute and a nice remember that God loves us no matter where or what we are. Anyway I have a picture to follow of him as an angel.

Kaileigh well let me just say for the record I am paying for my raising in this child. I love her but she is soo much like me. Tonight I was working on getting Kalebh's teacher gifts all together for him to take to school tomorrow and I hear and look up from the table to see my make up rolling under the bathroom door. Well, at this point in the evening I look at Chad and he gets up and goes in there...to bring me out the following little girl.




So to say the least she got into my make up and helped herself! It just made me laugh. She was told not to get in there again but I did have to laugh out loud. As I am telling her if she wants make up she needs to be sure and ask Mommy she pulls her hand up and covers her face (like oh no I look stupid) too cute. We love our kids and without them I don't think we would every laugh.

Kaileigh is having trouble with her ears and we plan on going to the doctor tomorrow so please say a prayer that she sleeps well and we can get in! Love to all.

Thanksgiving 2009

These are a few pictures that my sweet cousin Alicia took over Thanksgiving. They are all so cute....So many things to be Thankful for.

My Salvation
My Family
Kalebh
Kaileigh
A mom that I can talk to about anything, makes me laugh all the time...and shows me what life is really all about.
A Dad that teaches me that life is about what you some times thinks it is and shows me daily how much God loves me.
To have grown up in a home that Christ was glorifed in
To be blessed with a Grandmother that prays for her family and has so many words of wisdome.
A sister that I love so very much even when we are so different
Chad he loves me no matter what...and the "what" is sometimes...hard!
My mother in law...she is the strongest women I know...I am so blessed to have her in my life.
Memaw and Pawpa...they love my kids and care for them. It is such a blessing to drop Kaileigh off every morning and know that she is going to be cared for...maybe better than I do some times....They are so wonderful to my family.
Three wonderful nieces that I love more than words can say...
I have been blessed with many great friends from many different parts of the world...Friendship is truly a gift from God.
Britni...I love you
Kaci...my roomie....I miss you
This list could go for ever....I am so thankful to be me and to have this life God has blessed me with...

 

1st Grade Program Day

Today was the big day...Okay I am playing catch up. I started this blog on the day of Kalebh's first grade program. It was just wonderful and they were so cute. It was a program about all the things we in the U.S have to be thankful for...so so sweet. Here are a few pictures of Mr. Kalebh all dressed up and ready to sing.

Poop--Paste...AKA Tooth Paste

By the title I am sure you all understand I am one of few that is find a lot of humor out of this story...The other night we went to fill our shoe boxes and as we were gathering things I remembered the kids needed tooth paste. Well, I wanted to put tooth brushes in the boxes as well so we just got it all at one time. Once we got home and boxes were packed Kaileigh wanted to brush her teeth...so she comes to me and says..."where is my poop paste"? Well, I laugh...and say...what? So she once again asks me and I get to laughing so hard I can't stand myself....she is getting mad and I am laughing harder and harder.......it was so funny or at least I thought it was. Anyway Chad got up and got Kaileigh her tooth paste and brush as I kept laughing for oh a good 30 min...so funny!

Now that my sick mind story is out of the way....We had a great weekend. Friday Chad's mom Edith and us went to Plainview, we had supper at IHOP to celebrate straight A's for Kalebh then filled our shoe boxes. Saturday Grandpa Kalebh was up at 7am. Chad had to work most of the day so the kids and I headed to Plainview Saturday for lunch and met Chad then Kalebh went to work with him while Kaileigh and I did the grocery shopping. We came home and did girl things like colored, cooked, baked and then we even made Angle kiss popcorn for Kalebh. It really was a nice weekend. Chad worked all day and then still came home and got all my Christmas stuff from the back of the storage to the front so I can start putting it up. He is so good to me.

Well, it is going to be a wild week so tie a rope and hold on!

Cook--ville....is well...on cloud 9!!!

Things around the Cook house is sure going well...for today :)

Kalebh brought home his first report card which had all A's. This is the first time they have number grades up from S S+ and such...SO, he was one happy boy last night! Yea for Kalebh we are so proud of him. He works hard and does a great job. He had a 97 in spelling...he must have gotten that from the Cook side of the family...because nun of the Tillery fmaiyl cna spllel...(ha ha)
Today he made a 103 on his spelling test....104 on his words and a 98 on his sentence...which averages to a 103!! wahoo!!!

Kaileigh is getting to be so tall and putting lots of words together...so far..all have been good....They lady that cuts my hair told me about some stuff to use on her hair and boy does it work well...For those of you that don't know...she has WAY curly hair...anyway it has been fun playing with it this week. At the basketball game earlier this week she made fast friends with a man here in town...he gave her candy and he wears a hat...so she loves him! Man that girl is so funny.

Chad is making great cotton...okay really farmers are making great cotton..chad is just getting to put alot in the barn...so he is a happy boy....but once cotton get rejected...we will all be on the look out....

Let's see.....Me I am just ready to get my Christmas stuff out. Never mind the fact Kalebh wore shorts to school today. It is supposed to snow next week...but you know those weather men....I guess that is the only job can you ALWAYS be wrong and still get paid! Hmmm....

All for Cooks are looking forward to filling our shoe boxes this weekend to take to church on Sunday. Kalebh looks forward to that every year and it is such a great thing for them to understand that there are kids that don't get anything...and we are able to give them something...and share with them that Jesus loves them....I am so thankful for kids and my life! Thank you Lord!

Love to all,

Senior Citizen Duty

Walmart -- So, on Tuesday my day off I got to Walmart after a much needed hair cut! And, so I am going to do some Christmas shopping. As I am trying to decide what to get Erin Bailey I am walking around looking at many different things. Well, I make my purchases and head to check out. While at the check out counter a lady says...well aren't those cute (talking about some Elmo hands Kaileigh wants) and I just smile...then she goes on to tell me how she isn't sure what to get she is a new Grandma...and before I know it I am walking back to the toys to help her do her Christmas shopping.....whew....my 30 min stopped turned into a few hours.
Mrs. K's -- So, after walmart I head to Mrs. K's bakery to pick up some sugar free pies for Chad's Grandpa who keeps Kaileigh along with Memaw.....and as I am waiting for the man to take an order this older man sitting at a table eating an apple fritter stops and asks me if I have had one of Mrs. K's apple fritters to which I say "no" and he has Mrs.K get one at for me to try...I don't like apple fritters and I try to explain that I didn't have enough points (weight watchers) to have an apple fritter....but what do I know....the next minute I am sitting eating an apple fritter....you can't argue or for that matter change old people's minds....when they have their mind made up to do something...you might as well just do it! But, remember to stay out of their way when you are driving....if they decide to turn...they are just going to turn...even if you were there first.....but not to worry....we will ALL be there one day!

Whew....Senior Citizen Duty has made me tired!!!

Target...Tis the Season!

Chad and I had the chance to go on a date this last Saturday night. A great "kid" of ours was home from College and we "borrowed" her from her family to babysit for us. My kids just love her! Anyway, so we went to a dinner and did some shopping. We stated at the hunting store of Chad's choice...if you can imagine and then went to Sam's and on to Target...Well, Target is where the adventure took place. As Chad and I were discussing which games to get Kalebh for Christmas this fight broke out behind us. OMK (Oh My Katie) The F word was flying two men were yelling at each other. SO you know me...I send Chad over to find out what is going on....in the mean time I decide that I am not sure those "aisles" are safe and decide to move. Well as I am walking off I notice a lady pulling her husband way. So Chad fills me in that a man was returning at tv or buying tv we don't know which and was asking a man in a cap and red shirt a question...well the man in the cap didn't work at target he just had a red shirt on....well Mr. Cap man was trying to tell Mr. TV man he didn't work there and mr tv man wouldn't listen and that is where it all went down.....so once all that calmed down...with no thanks to the Target staff...they just all stood there and watched the two men fight......the Old Lady...who I like to call Granny....of the man with the TV....passed out in the middle of the main aisle...so it was a code Green at that point.....gee...it was a trip let me tell you....I looked at Chad and said....lets get what we came for and get out of here....so we paid and left. Once back in the car he looks at me and says...do you want to go some where else....no thanks!!! So, we go to eat!!! While we are eating at a very nice place for our anniversary...a lady across the way....bust herself all open and goes to feeling her 1 month or so old baby right there in front of everyone....so to say the least...by the time we got home...our house of 3 college kids, and 2 of our own wasn't all that bad!

Never a dull moment around here. My next story has to deal with today and my Senior Citizen duty...I am finding that if I have topic set I get to updating more often...we will see how that works!

Peace Out Girl Scouts,

Update...Life!

Ashley, Kalebh and Kaileigh getting ready to go Trick or Treating!!!



So, I have new motivation to update my blog. A good friend of mine is in the hospital and has been for a few weeks. She is checking my blog for entertainment and I can't let her down :) Please join me in praying for Krystal as the Doctors work to find the best treatment for her and pray that God will give her understanding.

Okay, Kalebh came home from school today and had a total melt down over locker tags at school. For some reason he messed his Indian up and had to color a Pilgrim and to hear him tell the story he is the ONLY ONE that doesn't have an Indian...Anyway, that was a total upset after school. He went out to play and his good buddy Jerry...a retired post office man stopped by and took him for a ride and drive on the golf cart....all was better. He got to drive, eat candy, see his gammy...and didn't have to go with me to pick his sister up...What more could a kid ask for.

Kaileigh was tired. When I picked her up today they were burning trash and she was like a giant smoke bomb but a bath makes her happy any time so we took our clothes out to the garage and she bathed...She was happy. We played and she vacuumed my hardwood floors. You see I don't even own a vacuumed because I have no carpet....so when she got a dirt devil I thought it was funny....and now she vacuums with her hand on her hip like she has seen someone do this before....it is like ironing...she will never pretend to iron because she won't even know what that is...I just don't do it :)

Chad is in full speed with cotton...I go to bed every night getting an update on farmers and Ginners I don't know...but I love it...wouldn't have it any other way.

Granny was here last week and got us all up on laundry and I would have everyone know...I have stated up!!! Yea for me!! It has been a job but I have done it!

I get a hair cut tomorrow...Thank you Lord for people that have that talent...I need one bad...and then I hope to score Chad and his grandpa a sugar free fried pie....hmmm...so how does that work? Fried pie?? Sugar free??? interesting. Anyway and I will pick up some cleaning supplies for Wednesday every other week cleaning day!!! And then I will also pick up a few makeup items for the wellness of the rest of the world to NOT have to see me without!

Have I mentioned that we started our Christmas Shopping....I will share our big Christmas "target" story in the next blog....so now you will have to wait !!!! Ha ha ha!!!

Love to all,

Not...so Good!

So, tonight my 6 year old son tells me as we are getting ready to walk out the door that my shirt doesn't match my pants....mind you I have on JEANS!!! So here is a picture of what he comes home and puts on for PJ's after telling me that my pants and shrit doesn't match....gee..

Things are good here. Granny just spent a week with us and it was really alot of fun. She worked around the house and got alot done for Chad and I. It was so nice to have someone to catch us up on washing clothes, and she canned some beans for us too. It was really nice. I love very much my time with her.

The kids are busy and going full speed. Chad and I were looking at Kaileigh last night and just can't beleive how fast she has grown. It makes me sad at times. I know she has to grow but, I wish time would slow down just a bit.

Well, I got a new car! I LOVE it....Chad did a great job finding and I am doing a great job driving it. We have had it for 2 weeks and have put 1200 miles on it. I hope to have a picture of it up if I can learn how to work this supid camra. I am going TOMORROW to buy a new memory card and see if that will help...I don't know! This card is HD and maybe that is why it wouldn't read it. Anyway we will see.

Mom and Dad are crazy busy.

At the moment I can't think of any funny stories. I am going to save this blog till tomorrow so I can see if I can get some pictures up.

Chad

Chad...Happy Anniverery...Thank you for loving me, finding me and waiting for me...Thank you for always listening no matter what. Thank you for giving me two wonderful kids that love you more than words can say. I couldn't ask for a better husband and father to love my children and teach them in the ways they should grow. It shows by how much they love you. I know life is busy and with that comes lots of stress and time away from home and our family. But, no matter what we know that our Father the creator brought us all together to bring glory to Him and thank you for showing us that more each day.

I Love you!

Thank you Lord for Family and Friends

Wow! What a weekend. This last weekend my best friend since the 6th grade flew in and stayed the weekend with us. Britni lives in Dallas and decided to come out...we had so much fun...We didn't do a whole lot but it was so nice to just sit and listen and talk with her. I love her so much and thank God for such good friendship. This weekend my sister, Bailey, mom and dad came as well. It was just so nice to have everyone here. I didn't stress AT ALL which is great for me!!! I just thank God everyday that I have such a wonderful family that loves him and great friends that do too...such a blessing.

Other than this weekend Kalebh is full swing into first grade and LOVES it. He is busy with Tiger Scouts, Flag football, RA's at church and then just being a boy. He is a lot of fun and keeps us laughing all the time. He is having a tooth pulled today so say a little prayer for me...okay him too!

Kaileigh is silly...getting big and going on 21. She is soo full of life and laughs. She is so funny and while Britni was here she looked up at her on Sunday and said...."you gonna go home?" SO when she came home Monday after Britni had left she said "where is Britni" I said you told her to go home.....Kaileigh said "noooo" :( that silly girl.

Chad is busy busy...with work, church and anything else he can get himself into...

On another note. We went a few weekends back to the Great Wolf Lodge....oh my it was sooo fun! We will be going back loved that place and if you have kids, little, big whatever you have to check it out. So, much fun!

Well, I love you all and I really do hope to have some pictures up of this past weekend at the pumpkin patch. We will see. But, for now I have to go get ready to take Kalebh to get that high dollar tooth pulled!

Love to all,

Life Lessons

So, tonight I write to you while Chad is holding Kaileigh and they are both asleep in the chair. Kaileigh woke up fine this morning but as the day has gone on she has started to run fever and her mouth is broken out in large blisters all over! So, we will be going to see the doctor tomorrow. I just feel like that poor little girl can't catch a break this last month. God is good and has promised to take care of her so I will leave it up to him....

Kalebh is also having some breathing trouble so we are back on breathing treatments and trying to get a sore tooth better...whew...it is going to cost me my liver to have it all done but...the things we will do for our kids.

So, I found out today that Bailey is going to be bring her mom...my sister to see me. I cannot wait. My bestfriend Britni and bailey and aj on the same weekend...I hope I can wait!!! That little baby is soo cute I just can't wait to show her off.

Chad is home for now...still busy but home!!! That is all we ask for right now! School, is good midterms for me are over and teaching is goign well. I love all my students and they are alot of fun...as they are most years...

Kaileigh's new thing is....oh man...when she doesn't get what she wants and it is soo cute! Kalebh is just learning and taking everything in. He has had to learn a hard lesson this weekend about people not always being nice but he learned and went on...It is so fun and neat to see your kids grow up and learn that God is God all the time...I just pray that he trust the Lord as he gets older. He is ready to be reading...big books and so we are working on that. It is so fun to hear him when he comes in from school about his day...that is when and if I get it out of him.

We had some of our "other" kids in this weekend. Emily and Daryn from college. Kaileigh was so glad to see her best friend Emily...too cute. It is so fun to see other kids love on your kids. Chad cooked supper and they came over...It was fun. W

We are looking forward to what God has in store for us this week. I am trying to do better updates but as you see...I don't have much to say. I need to take some pictures.

Kalebh starts Boy Scouts and Flagfootball this week so I hope to get some pictures up..
Love to all.

Liar, Liar pants on fire

Well, go ahead and call me a Liar...I can't keep up I guess. It seems that we go ALL the time...Let me see if I can bring you up to spend some...

Chad and I went to Fredericksberg a few weeks ago. We had a blast. It was so fun to go some where we have never been before and just to be us. We didn't have our kids or any one else kids either. It was just so nice to shop, eat and sleep...whenever we want and for as long as we wanted. My wonderful parents took of 4 days to come and stay with our kids and we are so thankful for that.

We were back about 2 days and Chad got a phone call that he had to head South and bring in some cotton. So he is back and forth down to Uvalde about every other week for now. So, we will see how that goes. Pray for a fellow worker of Chads who just had a grandchild born and the baby isn't doing well at all. This will cause more work for Chad but he is very happy to help Morgan out as Morgan would do the same for him.

Youth...fundrasing...my least fav. thing in the world to do but it will all be over this Friday for a while. We have about 300 hundered potatoes to get washed wrapped and cooked to serve Friday night before the football game. It will be fine but this always stresses me out.

Kalebh is LOVING 1st grade...it is sooo much better than Kinder. as he says...He is enjoying reading lost of books at already has over 10 AR points. Which is great. He is silly and in to everything. He is at Flagfootball pracitcie right now and then boy scouts is on Mondays and RA's on Wednesday we go to JV and Jr. High games on Thursday and Friday night football...on fridays...so that is about what he is up to!!!!

Kaileigh....wow....is she me or what? I love her but we sure bump heads some time. I am so thankful for her and she makes Kalebh, Chad and I laugh all the time. She is a breath of fresh air and can go from happy to MAD fast!!!! She is growing, talking, and learning new things all the time. She loves her Gammy and Mimi so much she can't understand why she can't go to their house every day.

Chad's grandparents are doing well. As you know we lost Ira this summer and this is a very hard process for Juanita and all but they are doing really well. It seems to help that Gail is doing okay too. But, remember her as I can't imagine what it is like to lose your son.

Erin Bailey...need to move to Lockney. I wish I was where I could see her more often. She is getting so big and is one of the most happy babies I have ever seen. Aj and I said the other day we are sooo blessed! And we are.

I write today with a very heavy heart. You know there are people in our lives that leave footprints and a girl name Sara has sure done that. She has a great story that can be ready at the following blog...but, all day I have remembered to thank God in the good and bad as this family has done. They have had a hard time and now Sara rests with our Father. This will be a long road for her husband and 2 week old baby. Please pray for them every time you think of it...they are going to need it. http://www.bandssullivan.blogspot.com/

Well, I need to get supper started. Life is so sweet and I thank God that I can just get up, love him, praise him, love my kids, husband and family everyday. Some times it is the small things we forget to be thankful for.

With all my love,
Katie

PS...I will get pictures up....soon....soon to you and me might be two different things!!!!!

Catching up....oh my oh my!

Mission Trip Picture....and Cooks at the wedding!



Okay...I give you my word I will do better on the blog up dates....now that I am home for more than a few days at a time....I am going to catch you up from July 3rd so hold on!!!!

Let me see...we spent July 4th moving our new pastor in which we LOVE him and his sweet family. They have a little girl that is Kaileigh's age and well the first time we were at their house Kaileigh locks Mary Grace in their dog pen...so.....The night of the 4th we spent with our wonderful friends Kelly, Wil, Emily and Ryn.....Love those guys....we ate and WONDERFUL meal and then sat over at Edith's house....she wasn't home...and shot fire works...we then came home and sat in our yard and watched everyone else blow up their own money :)

The next week July 6-10th we had Vacation Bible school at our church. I also made a mad dash to clovis one day that week to get Kalebh all fitted for his Tux for the wedding...wild but fun week...OH but, Chad had a tummy bug that kept him down for 11 days during this....it was awful for all of us!

We finished VBS Friday and left out on Saturday with 20 youth to Dexter New Mexico to do a VBS there...it was a mission. The kids learned a lot and love Chad and I even more now :) We really did have a good time but it was like a week long lock in and I didn't get much sleep. We stated at the TLC in Artesia which was fun but like I said.....not much sleep. I had an air matt. that didn't hold air...so I slept on the floor...ugh. Then on the way home the van broke down...ugh! We got back from the Mission Trip on Thursday and Chad and I left Friday morning to head back to Artesia for Kaileigh's brithday and a very special day with family and friends on that Saturday. Only one thing. I woke up with that tummy bug on Friday....well I had to go my kids were still at my mom and dads...so it wasn't a great trip back down there and I didn't feel good the whole time we were there but we did bithday and all was well. Got home on that Sunday.

Sad News ----

We got home that Sunday to find out that Chad's uncle Ira was not doing very well and had been back in the hospital. Early Monday morning Chad's mom Edith called to let us know that Ira had been put on life support and then later passed away. This broke all of our hearts. Chad and along with the rest of the family didn't go back to sleep. I got up and headed to Juanita's to sit with them. We spent a good part of the next few days crying and remembering the great times with Ira...one thing about him....he always knew how to make us laugh and he always.....got my kids the funnies gifts at Christmas...they had to make the most noise! Chad loved to talk to Ira about farming, life, weather, fishing, hunting or just about life. No matter what point Chad was in in his life Ira always listened to him. Kalebh asked tonight if even though Ira was gone could they still go and fish at his house....I am sure Gail would love the company. Please keep Gail and the kids in your prayers as Juanita, Charlie and Edith. The next few weeks and months will be hard. God will give them the grace to carry them but no matter how old you are...you never want to lose your kids. Ira would have been 61 August 6th...

Happy News ---

On July 29th we were Clovis bond to be with Aj and her family, Granny and everyone else for Matt and Callies wedding...which was sooo much fun. The kids were great. Kaieligh walked down the aslie but didn't throw one flower!!! Some flower girl! Anyway we got home on August 2nd and here we are.....wow! Everything about the wedding was great. Matt and Callie are so happy together. I love Matt...He is as close to a brother that I have....and it seems just like yesterday he called Chad freaking out that his frist girl friend ever told him he loved him....and he wanted out.....and now he is married. I love Callie just as much as Matt and can't wait to see as they form their lives together....

The rest of the summer....STAYING HOME!!!!!! I have lots to do around here and I am looking forward to being around here. Chad and I plan on catching up with our friends here, and maybe even going on a date. We do have trip planned to go to Fredricksberg in a few weeks...I am very excited!!! Kalebh cannot believe we will go some where without him!

Love you all and I am home now so stay tuned!

Summer is CRAZY!

Kaileigh trying on her dress for Matt and Callie's wedding...she is sooo proud of herself.



Summer...I love flip flops, sunshine, flowers, swimming and trips...but oh my it is crazy! We just got back last Saturday from Dallas where we took 27 youth and adults to Six Flags and a student conf. it was alot of fun....HOT....did I say it was HOT....whew! Anyway a few of the events were the cheesecake factory....seeing Britni..my best friend from jr. high....and getting stuck on the top of the tallies ride at sixflages...I really thought I might die of a heart attack!

The kids are good now. Kalebh is just getting over being super sick for about 6 days. Kaileigh we hope is over her ear problem. Chad's mom is in Florida along with Cindy and family having a great time. I am so glad she went with them she works so hard all year long!

We are now planning for VBS next week and then we are going on a mission trip to do another VBS so we are excited yet....tried already!

The rest of the family is good. We are all gearing up for Kaileigh's 2nd birthday in just a few weeks and also the little Matty (Beverly and Steven's son) is getting married and we are all excited about that!!! Just can't believe it is already here. Any way here are a few pictures of things that we have been doing.....

Love to all!

Happy Father's Day

Dear Daddy,

I just wanted to say Happy Father's Day! I know we talk often and I really hold dear our many conversations. No matter what it is about...the weather, the kids, mom, Aj, other family up coming events are even heart to hearts. I love every minute of our conversations. The older I have gotten the more thankful I have become of the leader, you have been in my life. There have been many ups and downs from the start of my life with Popie passing away, to learning to walk, ride bikes and swing. Then to the bike wreak, the challenging time my freshman year, the move to Artesia, starting college at Wayland, getting married, starting a family and being here now! But, as I look back on everyone of those times I see a common factor....you, praying for Gods help, guideness and directions. No matter if I could see the good or not you always trusted that the Lord would bring us out of whatever we were in. I love you very much and thank God for placing me with such a great mother and father. I know I don't need Fathers day to tell you all of this....But, I love you very much and thanks for not only being a WONDERFUL Daddy to me but a great Popua too!
I love you forever.
Katie



Chad,

Thank you for being such a wonderful husband to me but for being a Christ center Father to Kaileigh and Kalebh. When the kids look at you they have that special look in their eye that kids get when they look at their Daddy's. Thank you for instilling in our kids the love of our savior. You know they always say you will marry someone like your dad. And well....I guess I did...You show me the love that I have watched my parents share all my life. I see Kaileigh look at you the way I look at my Dad. Thank you for leading us and putting up with us. I love you very much and thank God daily that he brought you into my life and saw fit to lend this two wild, but sweet blessings to us!

I love you,
Katie

Catching Up!

Well, I have not given up on blogging BUT I have been slammed by the summer! It is all wonderful!!! I had a WONDERFUL birthday and got a really nice camera that has lead to the "NO BLOGGING" because I can't get the pictures on to my computer I guess I will have to bust out the manual! Anyway so over the next few days I hope to have pictures up and catch up on the last few weeks. The highlights are SCHOOL IS OUT, swimming lessons and tball are in full swing....and we are getting a new preacher!!!! All are exciting....so if I can get a few pictures I will post some of these things....but, the big this this last weekend we went to Clovis to celebrate the 25th wedding ann. of my Aunt and Uncle...what an amazing thing. 25 years....isn't that like a sentence??? No, really it is a great thing and it has been so much fun my whole life watching Steve and Beverly love each other and bring two amazing kids which I love very much into this would...Anway, I got some great pictures of my kids and Kaileigh was hamming it up big time! Kaileigh has been to the doctor this week with a BAD ear infection so we hope we are on the down hill side of that!!! Okay enough for tonight it is bed time but....MAYBE here are some pictures~