Crocodile Crazy at VBS!!!

This week was our Vacation Bible School at our church. The kids really wanted to go so I decided to volunteer to help out with it. My friend Tara asked me to sign up with her so I did. Needless to say we got the BEST job there. We only had kids for two 20 min. sessions and that's all. We have already pre-registered for the position next year (not really but we wanted to). Anyway, we had a great time however we didn't get home until after 9:30 every evening so we were all sooo tired. E and H had their oldest 3 cousins over Tuesday so they could bring them as guests to VBS and then they stayed the night. That was alot of fun! We went to build a bear and they all got to make animals. That was not so much fun as it took FOREVER! Anyway, God really worked in the kids hearts and I think that God's word will be spread to south OKC. Here are some pics I took of our crazy week.

Here is the before pic with all the new animals.

Here is the evening. They are still going strong at 2 a.m.

Here is the morning after minus Hogan who was still asleep.

Family Night by the Fire Light

When we arrived home on Father's day evening we weren't ready for the day to end. So, Geoff started a fire in the back yard so we could all enjoy it together. What we failed to remember or realize is that it was still over 90 degrees outside. So our fireside fun lasted just long enough to get a couple of pics and then we decided that a better option would be golfing (on the wii). Needless to say, that was much more enjoyable!. Hope everyone is doing well and all you dads had a wonderful father's day.

Father's Day

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. ~Clarence Budington Kelland


A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty. ~Author Unknown


Father! - to God himself we cannot give a holier name. ~William Wordsworth

The word father carries with it so much responsibility. It means provider, protector, shelter, some one who will be there WHENEVER he is needed. Thank goodness I am a woman. I don't know that I could fill those shoes, yet Geoff does every day. He really and truly amazes me. He goes to work every day, goes to teach at OU Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and takes classes as well during that week. But as his week seems completely full, he manages somehow to pick his daughter up from school at lunchtime to take her to lunch, he is at every t-ball game that Hogan plays, he picks E up from art class, he spends countless hours on the front lawn with Hogan playing ball and practicing, and even manages to have a date night every week with me. And in the midst of all this, he still takes keeps his yard and his house immaculate. Wow! I know I could NEVER do all the things that he does. I so often take for granted all that he does for us. But the most important thing that he does for us as a family is he gives us a perfect example of God's love and faithfulness. He also manages to spend quiet time with God every evening and always encourages prayer for the family. The way he deals with his children when they are disobedient is incredible. I fly off the handle and go crazy, yet he seems somehow to remain calm and collected even when they are screaming their heads off (this doesn't happen very often). He will spend 30 minutes with E on the bed talking with her and telling her how proud of her he is. His wall at AI is peppered with drawings from the kids. I don't think I have ever seen some one so proud of their family. Anyway, I could go on and on but I think you get the gist of it. I am sooooo proud of Geoff as a father. But he is also my best friend and the best husband any woman could ever dream of. I love you honey and hope you have a wonderful Father's day because you deserve it.

Pics from the Party

As I stated in the previous blog we had Hogan's party at my s-i-l's house. They were so gracious to accept Hogan's statement that his party was going to be at their house. Anyway, we had a great time. And I truly do love those girls. God has used them so many times to teach me lessons and to just make me smile. But I also have to show off my cute and wonderful kids. So here are some of my favorite pics from the party.

My Nieces

I know this is a weird subject but as we were celebrating Hogan's b-day at their house and I was taking pictures of everyone I just thought of how much better life is with everyone of these six girls. So I just wanted you to see how wonderful they are as well. It is so funny to see the pics--all of their personalities pop out.

Bryce--my first niece and such a beautiful girl inside and out. I always tell her "God has something so special in store for you". She is compassionate, loving, and is going to be the best mother when she grows up (she already is with 5 younger siblings). She is my favorite Bryce in all the world.

Sadey--My second born niece and the life of their house hold. She is the equivalent of my daughter's twin as they are less than a month apart. She is silly, always playing jokes on people, and loves to make everyone laugh. She has all of the sudden grown into the sweetest most beautiful young lady. She is my favorite Sadey in all the world.

Macy--oh Macy-- my third born niece and probably the sweetest little thing you will ever meet. I love Macy's continuous smile and laugh and her eagerness to please everyone. She will do whatever you ask. And as we all say she has two volumes: asleep and full out. She is definitely

my favorite Macy in all the world.

Caymber-my fourth born niece and definitely the fashionista of the family. She is constantly changing clothes and always has on the cutest outfits. She is very independent and has always known exactly what she has wanted. That is for sure a character quality that I wish I could possess. She is my favorite Caymber in all the world. Oh and did I mention that she is H's very best friend in all of the world?

Aylee--sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet Aylee. She is my fifth born niece and did I mention she is sweet? She is ALWAYS smiling and laughing and dressing up and running around. You are definitely a better person for knowing her. You can't help but fall in love with those beautiful brown eyes and those pinchable cheeks. She is for sure my very favorite Aylee in all the world.

Piper--my sixth niece and I believe my last, although I won't be heartbroken if they have more. Piper, what can I say about Piper. I have probably been around her the least not only because she is the youngest but also because she stays home with H alot. Anyway, she is starting to develop her personality so I am anxious to see how she is going to be. I know that God will use her in some special way as He has used all of the other ones. She is for sure my favorite Piper in all the world.

My Baby Boy is SIX!!!!

Yes it's true--my baby is six years old. Wow! How time flies when you are having fun. God opened up heaven six years ago and gave us this wonderful baby boy and we are so thankful. I recently got a plaque with his name and the meaning of his name on it. It is amazing how that their meaning of their names really do match their personalities. The name HOGAN means youthful one, never idle, never still, always active and charm you he will. Anyone who knows H knows this describes him to a tee. No we didn't have a perfect boy, but we had a boy that was perfect for us. God knew what we needed to complete our family and He gave it to us in the form of Hogan. He is the life of the party and can make any one feel good about themselves. He has a loving heart and a melting smile. He is a great little brother (and him and his sissy get along MOST of the time). He loves wrestling with his daddy and playing the Wii with his sissy. We have game night on Friday's and he is a wicked Wii bowler and golfer (and baseball player and tennis player and star wars player and hula hooper --need I go on?) Anyway despite the ear infections, ear tubes, allergy shots, surgeries, medications that he is continually on, and all of the doctor appts. that we've gone to, he has always met every obstacle with a happy spirit and a smile on his face (the docs can't believe how well he does with shots, sticks in his throat, etc.) He is a great t-ball player and has so much fun playing it. I enjoy watching him play almost as much despite the "back-seat" coaching that I do. Anyway Hogan has been a joy to have as a child and I can't wait to watch as he grows into the man that God has made him to be. As I end this blog I will show you some of my favorite pics of him and let you know that I am a better person for knowing him.