the bowmans

Stepping out in faith...

2012-01-28T07:37:00.000-08:00

Fourteen years ago I walked into First Baptist Church for the first time. I had just moved back to Houston, after working in Dallas for a year and a friend invited me to go with her to First Baptist. Now, fourteen years later, I am preparing to walk through the doors of First Baptist, as a member, for the last time this Sunday.

As I reflect back at the opportunities God has given us to serve at First I am humbled. I never would have dreamed that I would have been a part of some of the things I have been. I am also reminded that if I hadn't stepped out in faith I would have missed so many of those opportunities.

First Baptist will always hold a special place in my heart. I met and married Lantz there. God has blessed me with some of my best friends through Sunday School classes we have been involved in at First. We dedicated our kids at First and were able to walk Hunter down front to make a profession of faith. And I could go on and on with memories.

But now it is time to start a new journey as we are going to be a part of a church plant, called Hope Church. So I am stepping out in faith again, ready to serve, admitting I am just a broken mess that God chooses to use from time to time, but so excited to see where He is leading us.

Mavericks

2012-01-27T15:34:00.000-08:00

In December Hunter started his basketball season on the Mavericks team. We finished up our season last weekend with a 2-3-2 record.

Lantz coached the team

Warming up

Ben and Hayden

A few action shots

Jaylin, Jay and Carter

At our last game, Hunter made his first basket of the season

Cousins Kayley and Abbey came to Hunter's last game.

A big thank you to Granny who didn't miss a game

January in Houston

2012-01-21T19:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I have to remind myself that it is January. Lately it has been unseasonably warm for this time of year. The kids have really enjoyed playing outside. I love the weather, but find myself wishing at times that I could wear my winter clothes without sweating. Here are a few pictures I took one afternoon of the kids playing in our backyard.

Purplicious and our Eagle

2012-01-14T17:12:00.000-08:00

Top ten signs that Hunter goes to school in the country

2012-01-04T13:13:00.000-08:00

1. When Hunter is told to wear his Sunday best, that means he should wear cowboy boots for dress shoes.
2. Trucks with trailers pull to the side of car line to pick up their kids, so they don't take up too many spots in car line.
3. A church on the way to school has a sign that says "need prayer, come to the barn at 9 a.m on Friday."
4. Cars actually stop and let you go in front of them
5. The theme for the annual fundraising gala is "Denim and Diamonds."
6. Female students drive F350 pick up trucks to school.
7. A note comes home reminding parents that cowboy boots are not acceptable shoes for P.E.
8. One of the entrances of the school has a gate called the "cattle gate."
9. Farms with horses and goats surround the school.
10. A Dad is driving his wife's Mary Kay pink SUV while wearing a shirt he would go deer hunting in.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-28T13:32:00.000-08:00

We had a great time celebrating Christmas with our family. Here are a few pictures from our time with them.

On Christmas eve we spent the day at Aunt Liana and Uncle Clint's house. The kids had fun with their cousins Abbey and Kayley.

To say Hunter and Mia loved their dogs, Callie and Daisy would be an understatement.

Ms. Mary Nell and Papa came in from Lubbock.

That evening we went to my Uncle's house. The kids had fun playing with their cousins Grant and Jack.

On Christmas morning we opened our gifts at home. Two of our favorite gifts were pictures the kids drew.

Hunter drew this picture of him playing his hunting Wii game with Lantz.

Then we headed to Granny and Big Daddy's house.

Mr. Mark gave Hunter a paper airplane book, we have had a lot of fun making them.

Mia and Granny

I love the hat that Frank bought me.

Lantz and his silly girl.

Hunter and his favorite gift. Did I mention that this was the year of goofy grins for pictures?

We are all thankful for the fun time we had with our family this Christmas.

Christmas fun

2011-12-19T08:40:00.000-08:00

Last week was full of lots of fun Christmas activities.

Mia had a Christmas party at her preschool,

we celebrated Christmas with Pops and Nana,

Hunter had a Christmas party at school,

we ate lots of cupcakes and cookies,

and even spotted a reindeer in our yard!

Mia's Christmas party for dance

2011-12-10T16:42:00.000-08:00

Today I got to take this sweet and silly girl to her dance party.

Mia got to see her teacher, Ms. Amy,

sing Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer,

conquer her fear of being near Santa,

and open a gift from her friend Ruby.

I got to watch Mia smile, cry, laugh, sing and look grown up.

Deliverance

2011-12-01T04:46:00.000-08:00

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12

December 1, 2010 will be a day that our family remembers and celebrates. It was on that day that the Lord delivered me from some of my deepest and darkest fears.

During the summer of 2010 my anxiety jumped to a whole new level. I couldn't put my finger on it, but something was different this time. The fear set in slowly but by the end of the summer it was crippling. In my mind an overwhelming fear of death took over and made every day tasks almost impossible.

I became afraid to do almost anything. I used all the techniques I had learned in counseling to do things over and over again to retrain my mind that I was not going to die, but for some reason they did not work this time. I went back on medication for my anxiety and that did not seem to help either. I begged and pleaded for God to deliver me from these circumstances.

Physically the anxiety was taking a toll on my body. I found it hard to eat and when I did I faced horrible indigestion. My body felt weighted down and I found myself grabbing onto furniture to take simple steps. But somehow through all of this the Lord granted me strength to get through each day.

The anxiety was at it worst when I was at church or any place I could be fed spiritually. But despite all the fear I faced, my relationship with Christ was stronger than ever. I found myself depending on Him minute by minute to make it through each day.

During this time the Lord began to make me aware of the spiritual warfare we face daily. Growing up, this was something I heard little about. But the Lord began to bring people into my life who had dealt with as well as teachers who taught on the subject. It was as if He was showing me that the struggle I was facing was not something I could win on my own. I desperately needed His weapons to fight this battle.

On December 1, 2010 a dear friend of ours came over to our home to pray over me. This friend had helped many others that I know who had been in similar situations. It was during that prayer time that God delivered me from the fear of death that had been overwhelming me. The prayer time was filled with God's presence and was one of the most peaceful experiences I have ever had.

During the hard times God showed me Hebrews 2:14-15 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil--and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. It was that verse that reminded me that Christ had already won the battle over evil on the cross. And in the end, Christ has the victory.

So as I look back over the past year and reflect on this journey, there are so many things that fill my mind. Yes, I still experience fear and anxiety at times, but I am no longer crippled by it. I know God's word is true and I know I can trust Him. I no longer am afraid of what others might think if I share this journey. I want to be obedient and share what God has done in my life. I want to show how He can take a broken mess and use it to help others. The journey has been hard, but I wouldn't trade it, through it I have experienced God's grace and love, but most of all His deliverance.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-27T12:57:00.000-08:00

We went to visit Pops and Nana for Thanksgiving this year. They live right outside of Waco in a town called Whitney. We enjoyed our time with them.

Hunter and Mia were able to spend time with their great grandparents,

and with their cousins Grace, Hilary and Peter.

Mia loved spending time with Hilary. Hilary was great with both of our kids. Hilary's Mom, made these jeans for Mia, I love them!

Hunter and Mia went fishing for the first time.

Hunter caught on quickly and had a lot of fun.

In the mornings we were able to see deer.

In the afternoons we saw butterflies in Nana's garden. Mia had fun trying to touch them.

We made vests,

sat in rocking chairs and

had fun spending time together as a family.

Thanks for a great time, Pops and Nana.

Thanksgiving feasts

2011-11-21T14:11:00.000-08:00

Last week I went to Thanksgiving feasts at Mia and Hunter's schools. Here are some pictures from both feasts.

Lola and Mia

Hunter's class made oreo turkeys, they were so cute.

Hunter and Braden

Aaron, Hunter, Brody, Ramsey and Omar. I love how the knees are worn out on all of their pants, boys are so hard on their clothes.

Class picture

Dear Self

2011-11-16T05:23:00.000-08:00

Dear Self,

It seems like you have been really hard on yourself lately. You have questioned your sanity and your mothering skills a lot lately. So here are a few things for you to remember.

When you try a new breakfast casserole and it turns out awful you should be proud of yourself for trying something new for breakfast. When your husband pulls the cinnamon rolls out of the oven (after you ruined the casserole) and discovers you have cooked the icing with the cinnamon rolls you are not losing your mind. In the end everyone was happy because they got donuts on the way to church because of the breakfast disasters.

When Hunter comes home from school with a note in his binder that he acted wild during centers and talked a lot that day you are not a bad Mom. His teacher does not think you lack parenting skills, she thinks that he is six and he is learning boundaries for his behavior in school.

When a check is sent back home in Hunter's binder because you forgot to sign it you are not going crazy. You are a busy Mom trying to do ten things at once most days and you just skipped that blank. You are not the only one to do this and the people at the school don't think you are an idiot.

When Mia is just learning to write her letters and numbers and her friends are doing sight words, you have not failed in parenting. She is young for her age and you are giving her another year before Kindergarten. When she is 20 you will not look back and say I can't believe you were just learning to write when your friends were already reading!

When you come home from Wal-Mart and discover you have purchased daytime pull-ups instead of night time ones for Mia you are not losing your mind. You were in the store trying to keep Mia focused as she was mesmorized by all the Christmas toys, so you could get out of the store in an hour.

In the end you are not perfect and God does not expect you to be, if you were you wouldn't need Him. You have survived things in the past such as Hunter holding his poop, Mia refusing to sleep in her bed and so many other parenting joys. Take time to laugh, cherish the insane moments, and thank God for your family daily!

Christmas card outtakes

2011-11-12T18:03:00.000-08:00

It's that most wonderful time of the year again when we try to capture a picture of our kids for our Christmas card. During this time of year I find myself wishing I owned Photoshop or could afford a professional photographer.

Our attempt today resulted in 284 pictures in the span of 20 minutes. Out of those 284 pictures a handful of them I actually like. Most of our pictures resulted in ones like these...

forced smiles...

one child smiling and one child acting goofy...

tears because her brother was exasperating her...

silly faces...

priceless expressions...

unladylike sitting positions...

and a boy who justed wanted to play on the playground.

As for our favorites, you will have to stay tuned because they will be coming to your mailbox in December!

End of soccer season

2011-11-10T17:53:00.000-08:00

Our soccer season has finally come to an end. We are thankful for...

cold weather,

old friends,

new friends,

family who came to watch,

Mia making her first stop as goalie,

Coach Alex,

Coach Emily,

a team that provided lots of humor,

a team that worked really hard,

trophies and medals,

and the ability to watch two sweet kids play soccer this season!

Halloween Recap

2011-11-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

The week leading up to Halloween provided a lot of opportunities for our kids to dress up.

Mia got to wear her costume to dance.

Mia's class performed a tap dance they had learned to Ghostbusters.

Our YMCA had a trunk or treat event and I took Mia with our neighbors. It was cold so she decided to wear our Kangaroo costume.

While we were at trunk or treat, Lantz took Hunter to a birthday party.

On Halloween the kids had fun trick or treating with our neighbors.

2011-11-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I went with Hunter's class to the Oil Ranch. The cold front had come in the day before and the north winds stuck around, which made it a very cold day.

Riley, Hunter, Kaylie and Lily waiting to go in the Oil Ranch.

Kaylie and Hunter. Lantz took Hunter to a birthday party that evening and Kaylie introduced herself to Lantz as Hunter's girlfriend. Oh, my word, I didn't think we would have discussions about being too young to have a girlfriend in Kindergarten!

We spent the majority of our day in the barn. The kids could run around and chase each other, as well as throw hay. The parents loved it because it shielded us from the wind.

Brody, Hunter, Kayleigh F., Joey, Ramsey

We did manage to take a ride on the train.

Hunter loved climbing on the tires.

After playing in the cold for four hours we headed home. I wish the weather had been a little nicer so we could have enjoyed more activities, but I am thankful for the fun day we had.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-31T09:07:00.000-07:00

Last week, I took one turkey to visit our favorite pumpkin patch.

She had fun roaming through the pumpkin patch and acting silly. She even watered one of the trees when a potty emergency happened and we couldn't make it to the bathroom.

I had fun capturing the priceless memories.

Open House

2011-10-25T13:53:00.000-07:00

Last week we went to Mia's open house. We had fun meeting Mia's friends and Hunter had fun seeing some of his old teachers. Here are a few pictures from the open house.

Mrs. Garcia, we are sad that in January she will leave Mia's class, but we are so excited that she will be home with her new baby girl.

Mrs. Van

Frederika or Freddie, each day she prefers to be called something different.

Mia loves to play with Abbey.

This gave us a good laugh.

I think my favorite quote of the night was on a paper in Mia's classroom. On it she was asked why God thinks she is special, her response "because I wear pretty clothes."

50th Day

2011-10-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

In honor of the 50th day of school, Hunter's class wore attire from the 50's. It was a day full of fun activities. When I picked up Hunter he said that it was his favorite day at school so far this year.

Soccer Update - Mia

2011-10-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

Mia's soccer season has provided a lot of laughter for our family. Here are just a few examples of the humorous things we witness each game.

Warming up. Notice Bella is resting her head on Garrett.

Love this picture, Bella is full of smiles, Garrett is in his own world, Addi has her game face on and Mia has a puzzled look on her face.

Mia's curl had a mind of its own.

At her last game Mia told Coach Emily that she did not want to kick the ball. Notice the ball at Mia's feet, she did not kick it, she was too busy looking around to notice it.

Mia striking a pose on the field. One of our friends joked that she looks like she is modeling on the field.

Mia loves to play goalie and we always pray she tries to stop the ball when she is playing goalie. One game she literally moved out of the way of the ball and the other team scored. In this picture she is asking Lantz if she can play soccer again. Lantz replied "only if you start kicking the ball."

I think this is the only time Mia has kicked the ball this season, she was kicking off.

During this game we noticed that Mia was laughing while she was running. When I asked her why she was laughing she said because Bella kept telling the red team to shoo.

Running through the tunnel.

We love our sweet girl, she may not be the best player on the field, but she runs her heart out and always has fun!

Soccer Update - Hunter

2011-10-16T12:09:00.000-07:00

Our soccer season is flying by, there are only two games left. Hunter is having fun playing on his team. We have quickly learned that the older Hunter gets, the more competitive his games become. It is normal to see kids kick the ball the length of the field and hit the ball with their chest and heads during a game. As the games get more competitive the parents become crazier. I feel sorry for their kids, when they are constantly yelling at them. Here are a few pictures from a recent game.

Hunter warming up...

The kids on his team are anywhere from 6 (as in just turned 6) to 7 (almost 8) years old, which is a wide range of ages. Some are almost a head taller than Hunter (notice the boy on the right on the opposite team). We are proud of Hunter for getting in there and doing his best. He almost scored a goal in this shot, but the goalie stopped the ball.

Here he is turning the ball around to get it down to his end of the field.

Hunter's new friend Brennan. Brennan is easy to spot on the field, his cleats are the same color as their jerseys.

Stay tuned for updates on Mia's season, lets just say it has been humorous...

Hunter's artwork

2011-10-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

On Friday Hunter had free drawing during one of his centers. This is the picture that he drew. It looks like his crush on Kaylie continues...

Our sweet and sassy Mia

2011-10-13T14:21:00.000-07:00

Grandparents Day Program

2011-10-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

Last week Hunter's school had Grandparents day. The grandparents were invited to come to school to enjoy breakfast and watch their grandchild in a program.

In the program each grade level was assigned a country to represent. Kindergarten was given Germany. I was able to snap a few pictures of Hunter before he went to school. A big thanks to Granny and Big Daddy for spending the morning with Hunter at school.

To capture a picture of Hunter with a natural smile is a hard task. Usually we get grins like this...

Or silly poses like this...

Occassionally we are able to get a decent smile.

A special thanks to Granny for capturing Hunter on video

The Chick-fil-A Cow

2011-10-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

Last week we met Lantz for dinner at Chick-fil-A. Mia and I saw a friend from her school so we headed over to their table to say hello. While talking to them Mia suddenly grabs my leg and starts yelling "the cow, the cow mommy." And I knew immediately that the Chick-fil-A cow was out visiting tables.

Mia has had a fear of people in costume for a while. When the Easter Bunny or Santa comes to her school she usually ends up sitting in a different room while her class visits with them. When the mouse comes out at Chuck E Cheese she wants to run to the bathroom and hide.

Lantz and I both encourage Hunter and Mia to face their fears head on. Having spent most of my life running from fear, I know if they could learn to trust God to help them face their fear now, it would be a huge victory in their lives.

So I decided to take Mia back to our table and Lantz and I tried to help her calm down. By this point she was in hysterics begging to go to the bathroom until the cow left. Lantz reminded her to say "Jesus, I am scared please help me." But by this point she was a mess.

As I sat there and watched Mia it was painful. I wanted to to make it all better, but I knew the only way to get over this fear was to face it head on. If she escaped, it would only perpetuate the fear and make it worse the next time. I knew how she felt, her outward tears and screams are what I feel like when I face a panic attack head on. As I sat there watching I had a picture of what Christ must feel like when he watches his children suffer. I think it is so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that Christ is punishing us when we face hard times. The truth is, He is sitting there asking us to trust Him, so he can grow us and mold us into his image. He has compassion on us, He hurts when we hurt, but if he didn't allow the hurt we wouldn't grow closer to him.

Mia survived the Chick-fil-A visit. She didn't eat, but she did sit there. We were proud of her. On the drive home she even began making jokes about the cow.

Ten Years

2011-10-06T05:25:00.001-07:00

Ten years ago today Lantz and I got married. In a way that day seems so long ago, but in another way time seems to have flown by. So many things from our wedding day are a blur, but I do have some sweet memories that stand out in my head. I remember the time Lantz and I had together to pray before our wedding (we took all of our pictures before the ceremony). I remember my bridesmaids praying over me as I nervously awaited the cue to begin my long walk down a flight of stairs. I remember praying that I wouldn't slip and thankfully my foot wobbled on the last step. I remember having to bribe our nieces and nephew with toys to walk down the aisle. I remember our bridesmaids and groomsmen praying for us during the ceremony and one of the bridesmaids praying God would bless us with many kids. I remember Lantz saying "I am baptist, I am not supposed to be able to dance" as he stepped on my dress while we were dancing. And I remember feeling blessed to have so many of our friends and family at the ceremony.

A lot has changed in ten years. We own a house, drive a minivan and God has blessed us with two terrific kids. Our weekends have gone from sleeping in to waking up at the crack of dawn. Now we plan our weekends around soccer games and birthday parties. We choose a restaurant based on if it is kid friendly. Our carpet is now full of stains from spilled drinks in sippie cups and from cheerios that will be permanently ingrained in it. We use coupons for everything. We focus on using our money for things with eternal significance rather than accumulating things we don't need. We have both become less self centered and more Christ centered. We have learned how to laugh, cry and encourage one another in the good and bad times. One of us has less hair and one of us has hair that has to be "painted" to hide the gray. Through it all we have grown closer to each other, and more importantly closer to Christ.

We were blessed to be able to get away for a few days this past weekend to Galveston. I forgot my camera, so we had to take pictures with our phones. It was nice to look out of our room to see views like this...

and to wake up to sunrises like this...

and spend our days relaxing by the pool.

It was also nice to be suprised with a precious gift like this...

May this only be the beginning of many more years together.

Elegant E Luncheon

2011-09-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

This week Hunter's kindergarten class had an Elegant E luncheon. The purpose of the luncheon was to teach the kids how to behave at a nice lunch.

The invitation for the luncheon said that Hunter should dress in his Sunday best. My immediate thought was what is he going to wear? His Sunday best is khakis, a golf shirt and tennis shoes. After looking in his closet we found a nice shirt and pants to wear. Then I realized he didn't have nice shoes. It took everything in me not to go buy him shoes for the luncheon. As much as I wanted him to look perfect, I couldn't bring myself to buy shoes for just one day. So this is the outfit we ended up with.

When I arrived at the school I had to check in the front office. The parents behind me overheard my name and said "Oh, your Hunter's Mom, we should introduce ourselves because we might be family one day." It turns out they are Kaylie's parents. Hunter and Kaylie have become really good friends. I think they have a crush on each other and I am not really sure what to make of that. All I know is Hunter acts goofy and gets embarrassed when we mention her name. She is also the reason that occassionally he gets in trouble for talking during class.

This summer, before we went to meet the teacher we prayed that Hunter would meet a friend. That night Hunter hit it off with Gavin.

Ryley sits at Hunter's table, she is such a sweet little girl.

Trying to get a class picture is always fun. My favorite ones are the ones where the kids act silly. And yes, Hunter now likes the hook 'em horns because Kayley does, we will have to see what we can do about that!

By the end of the luncheon the boys were hitting each other with balloons. Lantz got onto me for taking a picture rather than disciplining Hunter. For the record, I did tell him to stop after I snapped the picture.

I had fun watching all of the kids at the luncheon. They did a great job, but by the end of it all they cared about was changing back into their normal clothes.

First soccer game

2011-09-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Hunter and Mia had their first soccer games. Mia is on the Kansas City team and Hunter is on the Seattle team. Both teams played their first games in the rain and both teams won.

Hunter and Jeffrey played together while they waited for their game.

Mia's game was much more humurous than Hunter's game. During her game the referee had to remind the players not to hug each other during the game.

Right before it started raining the wind picked up and started blowing dirt. I let Isabella borrow my sunglasses. I love this picture of the girls. At one point it started raining while they were on the bench, so they got up and started walking around the field holding hands. We had to tell them it was ok and to go wait their turn on the bench.

Mia was goalie during her game. We were thankful that she didn't have to stop any balls.

Courtney and Mia had fun playing in the rain while Hunter and Jeffrey were playing their game.

Hunter's game was much more competitive than Mia's game. He was very excited that he got to be goalie.

Hunter did a great job during the game and he almost scored a goal.

One silly sister with one sweet Daddy

At the end of the game the parents form a tunnel and the players run through.

Hunter and Mia we are proud of you for doing a great job, we are looking forward to a fun soccer season.

Mia Kate Leelo

2011-09-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

Garrett and Mia have been friends since they came out of the womb. They have been in Sunday school and preschool together and now they are on the same soccer team. Mia loves to call Garrett, Garrett Leelo.

A couple of weeks ago Mia said "I am going to marry Garrett." I asked her if he knew she was going to marry him and she said "not yet." The conversation continued the next day when she told Lantz and I that she was going to marry Garrett again. We asked her if he loved Jesus, and she said "I don't know, I will ask him at soccer."

I think she might be telling Garrett that she is going to marry him in this picture.

From the look on his face, he seems pretty excited.

Later that week she told my Mom that she was going to marry Garrett and her name was going to be Mia Kate Leelo. The truth is we love this boy to pieces and whatever girl he marries (many years down the road), will be blessed to have him in her family.

Cleats, tights and tap shoes

2011-09-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

Last night Mia had her first soccer practice. Lantz said that she did a great job listening to the coach and following along. When she got home she kept telling me "I worked really hard."

Today she put on her tap shoes and ballet shoes for her first dance class. She was so excited to go. When we got home she told me "I am going to leave on my leotard until I go back next week so I will be ready."

Mia's first day

2011-08-31T10:04:00.000-07:00

Mia was so excited about starting her four year old class at preschool today that she woke up at 4:30 a.m. (and never went back to sleep). Yesterday she asked me if I could drop her off car line this morning. I explained to her that I wanted to come in and take a picture of her in her classroom. She proudly said "I can take the little camera and take a picture of me with my teachers." Gotta love her!

Mrs. Garcia was Hunter's teacher too. She is expecting a baby girl in January (she already has three boys).

Mrs. Van

I didn't realize how much Mia has grown until I looked at this picture from the first day last year.

Galveston

2011-08-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

God has truly blessed us with wonderful neighbors. Our neighbors Paul and Jen rented a beach house in Galveston a few weeks ago and invited us to come down for the day.

This is what we looked like the last time we went to the beach. I was pregnant with Mia and Hunter was almost two years old.

A lot has changed since then. Here are a few pictures from our trip to the beach this time.

We warned the kids to keep their mouth closed in the water.

Isabella and Hunter

Lucia

The girls had fun playing in the sand and water.

Hunter loved the waves.

Isabella and Mia collected seashells all day long.

We had a great day at the beach. We are so thankful for our friends and their generousity!

Gymnastics

2011-08-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

Last fall Mia started taking gymnastics. I have had fun watching her progress throughout the year. Last week we were able to go out on the floor and take pictures. Here are a few shots of Mia.

Listening to instructions

Forward roll on the balance beam

Practicing cartwheels

Jumping on the trampoline

Walking the beam
For now we are going to take a break from gymnastics. Mia has decided to try dance for the fall.

First Day of School

2011-08-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

2007- Two year old class

2008 - Three year old class

2009 - Four year old class

2010 - Bridge class

2011 - Kindergarten

Full of smiles at drop off

Hunter's teacher, Mrs. Bass

I shed my tears on the way home

They look so much alike

Family fun day

2011-08-08T06:08:00.000-07:00

Lantz took a day off from work last week so we could have a family fun day before Hunter starts Kindergarten. Our day began with the boys playing Wii.

Then the kids decorated boxes we had from some chairs we had ordered. Hunter made a Star Wars hideout.

Mia made a house. By the end of the day Lantz had drawn a kitchen inside of it as well as a swimming pool and grill on the outside.

After that we went to get Mia's ears pierced followed by lunch at Double Daves. Later that afternoon we went bowling. Hunter and Mia were excited to wear bowling shoes.

They also liked picking out different color bowling balls.

This is the best shot I could get of Lantz with the kids.

Hunter quickly learned that it is easier to get a strike playing bowling on the Wii.

Mia preferred the squat and bowl method.

It is hard to believe that this precious boy will start Kindergarten this week. As I watched him bowl with Lantz and Mia I found myself wishing I could freeze time. Kindergarten seemed so far off when he was born, but now the time is here. Tears fill my eyes when I think about him going, but I know I must let go and trust that God will take care of him each day. We love you Hunter Ryne and are so proud of you.

Bye bye thumb...hello earrings

2011-08-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

When Mia was two months old she discovered her thumb. I must admit that it was much easier for her to pop her thumb in her mouth than for me to keep track of a pacifier. It was cute at first, but as she has gotten older, we knew that this was a habit that we were going to have to break.

We tried using a bandaid on her thumb to get her to stop, but that did not work very well. We also tried the nail polish that is supposed to taste bad. Mia liked the taste of it, so that failed too. I was beginning to wonder how we were going to break the habit. Then one of Lantz's friends posted on Facebook how they had used a thumb guard with their daughter and within two weeks she stopped sucking her thumb. Lantz and I decided to give it a try.

So the day after Mia's fourth birthday we put it on. For the first week she wore it during the day and the following week she began to wear it 24 hours a day. We started a sticker chart and Mia wore it for three weeks straight. She has been asking to get her ears pierced, so we told her that if she didn't try to suck her thumb anymore after we took the guard off we would take her to get them pierced. I am happy to report the guard worked and Mia's thumb sucking days are over.

We took Mia to Merle Norman and Melissa was wonderful with Mia. As Melissa marked Mia's ears a look of fear began to appear on her face.

After Melissa pierced the first ear, the look on Mia's face was priceless, she wanted to cry but she didn't. She finished the second ear and we were done.

I asked Mia if it hurt and she said, "not really."

We are so proud of you Mia!

Sometimes life just seems more fun when you are in a tutu dress...

2011-07-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th Birthday Mia

2011-07-08T04:47:00.000-07:00

Noah's Ark Birthday Party

2011-07-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we celebrated Hunter and Mia's birthdays at Noah's Ark Pool. Here are a few pictures from the party.

Hunter, Matthew and Hayden (who I caught sneezing)

Chloe, Mia, Amelia

Ryan, Zach, Isaac, Hunter, Matthew and Ben

Addi and Mia

Valerie and Hunter

Allison

Hunter and Ben sliding

Our sweet neighbors, Bella

and Lucia

Garrett (who I had to trick to get a picture)
.

Ben and Hunter

Hunter and Mia sat on the frog while we sang Happy Birthday to them

Instead of cake we decided to do popsicles. This is one of the few times that all the kids sat still.

By the end of the party Lantz and I decided to cool off on the slide.

Thank you to all of our family and friends who endured the heat to help celebrate Hunter and Mia's birthdays

Hunter lost his first tooth at VBS today

2011-06-27T10:46:00.001-07:00

Lost Pines - the pool

2011-06-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

We spent the majority of our day at the pool while we were at Lost Pines.

I think our kids went up and down the slide close to a hundred times.

Hunter enjoyed going down the lazy river because it was shallow and he could touch in most parts. Mia on the other hand, was very frustrated with the river. She wanted the freedom that Hunter had on it but she wasn't tall enough to have that freedom.

Hyatt Lost Pines

2011-06-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

We got back a few days ago from our annual trip to Hyatt Lost Pines. We love this place and can not say enough good things about it. We spent our days at the pool and exploring the resort. We learned a few new things on this trip...

at the age of three there is a lot of drama

silly pictures are more fun to take

celebrating your birthday at Lost Pines is fun

standing on an air vent makes your dress poof

sometimes you just have to take a break and lay in the grass

when your flip flop gives you a blister, riding on Daddy's shoulders is easier than walking

playing baseball is always fun

Hunter does a great job taking pictures

climbing the rocks is more fun than walking up the stairs

Mia loves roly polys, meet Rainbow Shine

one on one time with the kids is a blessing

pushing a stroller is never a good idea on a walk (this lasted 5 minutes)

sometimes you just have to suck your thumb

pretending you are riding a wagon is fun

we are not quite ready to stay up for the movie on the lawn(Hunter went to bed before it started and Mia started screaming within the first five minutes of it because she was scared)

skunks like to explore near the horshoe pit around 8 in the morning

we never get tired of smores

and the slide is much more fun when your kids can go up and down it on their own (more pictures of this to come!).

Happy 6th Birthday Hunter!

2011-06-12T04:55:00.000-07:00

Six years ago this handsome boy entered our world. We love you dearly Hunter, you are a blessing!

Rangers Update

2011-06-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

The Rangers season will come to an end in a couple of weeks. They have four wins and a tie (we keep score, even though the Y doesn't) for the season. Coach Lantz is doing a great job with the players on the team.

Mr. Mark (who just graduated from A&M) came with Granny to watch Hunter play.

Mia's friend Addi is playing on one of the other teams. She has two sisters that are just as beautiful as her.

Hunter warming up with the team.

Action shots

Mia is a great sport (most of the time) sitting through the games. During one of the games Hunter was playing third base and Mia yelled "get ready Hunter, pay attention."

Water Balloons

2011-06-01T10:45:00.001-07:00

Countless water balloons...

Two silly boys...

One little sister getting wet...

Two big smiles on a hot summer day...Priceless!

First day...Last day

2011-05-26T07:15:00.001-07:00

Aug 2010

May 2011

Aug 2010

May 2011

Hunter's Graduation

2011-05-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

On Monday Hunter graduated from preschool. I had been preparing myself for this day for a while and every time I thought of it tears filled my eyes. I surprised myself and did not cry at all during the ceremony. I thought for sure I would lose it during the slide show, but the music didn't work very well, so the sappy songs didn't get to me.

We are so proud of Hunter and we can't wait to start our new chapter as he enters Kindergarten in the fall.

We are so thankful for the countless hours that Mrs. Shields and Mrs. Sabol have poured into Hunter this year.

And we can not believe that before we know it, it will be Mia's turn to walk across the stage.

Fridays at the park

2011-05-20T14:10:00.001-07:00

Fridays have become park days at our house. When Hunter gets out of preschool on Fridays we grab lunch and head to the park across from the school. Almost half of the kids from his class join us each week. It is fun to catch up with their moms while the kids burn off some energy. It is hard to believe that today was Hunters last park day with these kids. Graduation is Monday and I am beginning to get very sentimental.

Ben, Matthew and Hunter, the best of friends.

Mia and Anna Belle

Alex and Hunter love to climb on these tunnels. They have been in class together since they were two.

Anna Belle and Julia

The boys

Amelia is the tallest girl in Hunters class or as she told me today, the tallest girl in the school.

Emily and Mia are in class together.

The sweet girls who always include Mia.

We will miss our Friday park days with these friends, but we look forward to carrying on the tradition with Mia's friends in the fall.

Butterflies

2011-05-16T07:51:00.001-07:00

Lately I have been thinking about butterflies. This is not something that I would usually do, but their life cycle has become very symbolic in my life. Last week I went to counseling because I have been struggling with some things that have caused my anxiety to appear again in my life. I am so thankful for the wisdom that is poured out during these sessions.

While in counseling she compared my struggles to the life cycle of a butterfly. In the chrysalis stage the caterpillar is inside the cocoon. During this stage it is growing and changing rapidly preparing to emerge from the chrysalis. No one can help the butterfly emerge from the chrysalis, it is something that it must do itself.

You see my chrysalis has been fear in my life. It has been a safe cocoon that I have kept myself in for years. While in this chrysalis God has continued to mold and shape me. Bursting out of the chrysalis is a hard and painful process and slow at times. But it is through this process that I can become the new creature God wants me to be.

I think God requires all of us to break out of our chrysalis' at different times in our lives. For some it is breaking free from addictions for others it might be ending harmful relationships. Whatever it is, He is there equipping us for the journey we are about to take. I don't think most of us would choose the journey He gives us, but He is sovereign. After all, it is not about my comfort and joy, it is about His glory being displayed in my life.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galations 5:1

Mom's Tea

2011-05-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

This week I went to tea with Hunter and Mia at their preschool. The
Mom's tea is one of my favorite things to do with them. I love to hear their answers to the questions that their teachers ask them about me.

According to Mia my favorite color is pink and I love to eat cheese pizza. Her favorite thing to do with me is watch the weather on television. When she is at school I go get my braces off.

She made a heart pin for me. I still have the one that Hunter made.

Hunter made a jewelry box for me. He told his teacher that I was 36 years old and weighed 50 pounds. He said I am strong because I run (I wish) and that I look pretty when I wear my necklaces. My favorite answer of Hunter's was to the question about what kind of work I did, he said I told people about Jesus.

Hunter and Mia, I am so proud to be your Mom, thanks for a fun time at tea!

Go Rangers!

2011-05-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, the Rangers t-ball season officially began. This Spring, Hunter is playing on the Texas Rangers team. Lantz is coaching the team and Hunter is excited to have several of his friends from school on the team. We lost our first game 15 to 10 (techinically we might have won if we would have had time to complete our last inning). Here are a few highlights from the game.

Ben, Hunter and Ryan.

Meet the Rangers. Notice the height difference, we have several 4 year olds on the team this year.

Hunter at bat.

Hunter at third base.

Taking a break.

We are looking forward to watching the Rangers play this season.

Cousins

2011-04-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

On Easter we went to my Aunt and Uncle's house after church. Growing up I can remember getting together with them and playing with my cousins. Now we are grown and our kids play together.

The highlight of the afternoon was the cascarones (confetti eggs). The kids went on an egg hunt to find them and then they smashed them on each other.

Harper

Mia loves to play with Harper, she had fun showing Harper all of her eggs.

Grant wasn't sure what to do with the eggs. Mom smashed one on his head and tried to explain to him to smash them on others; however, he preferred to smash them on his own head.

Mia getting Lantz.

Lantz smashing one on Hunter.

Hunter chasing Jack.

Harper was less than thrilled about having an egg smashed on her head.

Uncle Andy was a great sport.

The gang, Hunter, Jack, Mia, Harper and Grant.

Easter pictures

2011-04-23T16:35:00.000-07:00

In an effort to maintain our sanity we decided to take pictures of the kids in their Easter clothes before Easter. When we have tried to take pictures before church in the past, it has resulted in chaos and frustration. This way was much more relaxed and a lot more fun. Here are some of my favorite pictures.

Good Friday

2011-04-22T18:21:00.001-07:00

This morning we went to the Passion Week Experience at Second Baptist Church. It was by far one of the best depictions of the Passion Week that I have ever seen. Lantz took Hunter through each station and I think it really helped him understand all the events of the week.

As you entered the building you were given a guide to read at each station. As you went to each spot you could sit and look at and touch replicas of items used throughout the week. As I looked at the nails that were driven through Christ's hands and feet and the crown of thorns that was placed on his head, I could not help but dwell on the pain he endured. At the last station you could write your sins down and nail them to the cross. I wept as I nailed my paper to the cross because I was reminded that it was all finished on the cross. Christ paid my debt and my sin no longer holds me in bondage. What a powerful picture of redemption.

We finished up our day with an egg hunt that some friends of ours put on each year. The kids had fun playing with their friends and hunting Easter eggs.

I love these pictures of Hunter and Ryan, I wish I knew what they were thinking.

Ryan and Hunter with the Easter Bunny.

Mia looking for eggs. The look on her face is one of joy and excitment over finding all the colorful eggs.

Our little storm trooper.

Splash Pad

2011-04-21T11:36:00.001-07:00

This morning one of Mia's friends from school invited us to come play at the splash pad in her neighborhood. The weather was perfect.

Well, maybe it was a little windy...

Brianna, Chloe, Mia and Brooke. Mia, Chloe and Brooke are in the same preschool class. All the girls take gymnastics together.

Brianna and Mia taking a break.

One silly big brother trying to steal the show.

Four peas in a pod, who always have fun together.

Mia's Spring Program

2011-04-18T11:59:00.001-07:00

Mia had her first Spring Program this year. She did a great job singing all of the songs. I must admit that I wondered if she would sing them or just stand on stage and suck her thumb. Here are a few pictures from her program.

Mia decided to accessorize her outfit herself. I had to limit the number of necklaces she wore.

Mia and Granny

Gracie and Mia waiting to go inside for the program

My sweet girl

Mia singing

Allison and Mia

Garrett and Mia

We are so proud of you Mia, you did a great job!

Hunter's Spring Program

2011-04-09T05:29:00.000-07:00

This week Hunter and Mia had their Spring programs at school. As the school year is coming to an end I find myself becoming very sentimental. I think the realization has hit that Hunter will be starting Kindergarten very soon. When he was a baby, I could not wait for him to get bigger. Now that he is older, I wish I could freeze time.

I love the quote Lantz wrote on Facebook the other night, "If you need any confirmation about the depravity of man, go to a preschool music program...the parents are ruthless." All of that said, we had a great time watching Hunter sing with his friends.

Before the program, Hunter and his friends ran around the courtyard while we waited to get in, from left to right, Jocelyn, Annabelle, Hunter, Ryan and Morgan.

Hunter, Matthew and Isaac

I love this picture of Davis and Mia, his expression is priceless. They were in a two year old class together last year.

Mia absolutely adores the girls in Hunter's class and loves to play with them. Jocelyn and Annabelle were sweet to entertain Mia before the program.

Hunter is sitting on the left towards the end. Notice his eye roll in the picture.

Hi Mom!

Hunter, Ben and Amelia singing. Amelia is the tallest girl in Hunter's class.

Hunter (eating a lollipop), Granny and Mia (with baby doll Kelsey)

Hunter, we are so proud of you, we had a great time watching you with all of your friends.

The Zoo

2011-04-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

This weekend we took the kids to the zoo. We were excited to go see the African Forest exhibit, which opened last fall. The weather was perfect and we were ready to leave by the time the zoo started to get crowded.

Our little rhino

We met up with a friend of Lantz's from Lubbock. Hunter and Mia had a great time exploring the zoo with his daughters, Emily and Kathryn.

Mia was our tour guide through the African Forest.

Hunter loved the rhinos.

Mia liked this ostrich.

I liked watching the okapi eat leaves from the tree.

A trip to the zoo would not be complete without a ride on the carousel.

Our morning was filled with lots of smiles,

but by the end of our trip to the zoo we had two worn out kiddos.

"I ask-ked..."

2011-03-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

When Hunter was born Lantz and I began praying for Hunter's salvation. Daily we have prayed that God would allow Hunter to know Him at an early age. While this was our hope and prayer I do not think either one of us expected it to come so soon.

For the last month Hunter has been asking lots of questions about heaven and hell during our devotionals. He usually wants to know if the person we read about is in heaven and if he will meet them one day. This has allowed us to talk with Hunter about what it means to have Jesus in his heart. At the end of our discussions we would ask Hunter if he wanted to ask Jesus into his heart and he always said, "not now but soon."

So on Friday of last week we asked Hunter again if he was ready and he said no, but he would be on Saturday. Lantz put Hunter to bed on Saturday and Hunter told Lantz he was ready, so Lantz asked me to come to Hunter's room. It was so sweet to hear Hunter ask Jesus to forgive him of his sins and to live in his heart. Hunter's face glowed and he was filled with such joy and excitement.

When he woke up Sunday he was still excited and kept asking us if he had Jesus in his heart. At church he continued to share the good news that he had ask-ked (as he likes to say) Jesus in his heart.

Since Saturday I have been thinking about the joy that Hunter has had. I think so often as Christians we forget the joy that we had when we first knew Christ. God has been challenging me to remember that joy and to share what He has done in my life with others.

We are so excited for Hunter. Please pray for us as we continue to teach him what it means to be a Christian.

Donuts with Dad

2011-03-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

Each year Hunter and Mia look forward to donuts with Dad at their school. Lantz takes them to school and they have fun eating donuts with him. Here are a few pictures from their morning with Lantz.

Ready for Rodeo day at school

2011-03-10T17:24:00.000-08:00

The Nuggets

2011-03-08T11:39:00.001-08:00

In December Hunter tried out basketball for the first time. After playing winter t-ball and freezing last year we decided an indoor sport might be better for the winter.

Hunter played on the Nuggets. Lantz had not planned to coach the team, but after no one else volunteered he decided to give it a shot. He did a great job with the team.

I love this picture of the team line up. We had one girl on our team, Kaitlyn, and she was one of the best players.

Watching four and five year olds play basketball was quite humorous. They didn't really understand the concept of guarding their opponents, they all just wanted to have the ball or run up and down the court.

Mia spent most of the time at the games coloring or

sitting on a ball watching the game.

Isaac, Hunter and Greg taking a break between quarters.

By the end of the season, Hunter got the hang of the game. At the last game he scored four baskets.

I wish I had captured more pictures or videos of the season. Unfortunately most of our games were played in January, when I was home recovering from surgery. We are looking forward to t-ball which will start in April.

Dear Mia Kate

2011-02-28T05:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Mia Kate,

You are one in a million and we love you so. We enjoy spending time with you each and every day. We love that you are growing up and learning to do so many things on your own.

Recently after realizing that you are missing out on time to play, you gave up your nap. Then you figured out how to open up your bedroom door by taking the child lock off. You are one smart girl.

We enjoy watching you discover new things; however, we wish we would not have to experience these things in the middle of the night. Lately you have started sneaking in our room without saying a word. The other night Daddy sat up and said "What is that noise?" I rolled over and you were standing next to our bed. The next night it happened again and you were climbing in the bed. You gave me quite a scare and now I refer to you as the phantom.

Rest assured that we are more than happy to spend time with you during the day, you don't need to come visit us numerous times at night. Mommy is starting to feel like she has a newborn at home and has even considered drinking Dr. Pepper to keep her awake during the day (something she has not done in ten years).

We know this is a phase and we are praying that you return to sleeping through the night again soon. One day, when we are well rested again we will sit back and laugh at this memory.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Big Daddy's 70th Birthday

2011-02-24T09:50:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we celebrated Big Daddy's birthday. Mom had friends and family come to the house to suprise Big Daddy. Here are a few pictures from the festivities.

Big Daddy and his little kudus, as he likes to call them

Granny and Hunter

The kids had a great time playing with their cousins. Jack and Hunter

Grant

Notice Mia's accessories, she loves to wear noisy bracelets

Big Daddy, we hope you had a wonderful birthday, we had fun celebrating your special day!

Valentines Parties

2011-02-15T16:44:00.000-08:00

Last week the kids had their Valentine's Day parties at school. Here are a few pictures from the parties...

Hunter and Jocelyn playing bingo

Hunter and Sarah have been in class together the past two years and always have fun playing together. I love her expression in this picture.

My handsome boy

Mia's class had to decorate a box to hold their valentines. I love the way Mia's box turned out and the best part was we had all of the supplies on hand at home.

Mia making her brownie sundae

Allison, Mia and Garrett

Mia with Honey (Garrett's grandmother). Honey lives near Papa (Lantz's Dad) in Lubbock. Mia always loves to spend time with Honey.

Our fashionista

2011-02-12T12:37:00.000-08:00

It's cold outside

2011-02-06T09:27:00.000-08:00

More than enough

2011-01-31T09:29:00.000-08:00

All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough
Lyrics from Chris Tomlin's Enough

It is not unusual for me to get a song stuck in my head, but usually another one replaces it in a day or two. However a couple of weeks ago I could not get Chris Tomlin's, Enough out of my head. I had no idea how much the song would mean to me by the end of the week.

The week started off with Hunter having pink eye and Lantz coming down with a cold. By Wednesday Mia and Hunter were sick so Lantz took them both to the doctor on Thursday to discover they had the flu.

In the midst of all of this I had problems of my own. I have fibroids in my uterus which were causing many problems for me. My period had come a week early and was disastrous to say the least. After numerous visits to my doctor, followed by a shot as well as switching birth control pills nothing seemed to work. By Saturday morning I had to be rushed to the hospital in an ambulance after passing out from so much blood loss Friday night. My doctor performed a DNC and I returned home Sunday thinking everything was all right. The bleeding started again so we headed back to the hospital and on Monday, the 24th of January I had a partial hysterectomy to remove my uterus.

Throughout all of this Lantz and I kept saying God is good and God is faithful. It was evident that God's hand was on us throughout the week. From simple things to my doctor being on call that weekend to my iron count going up significantly on its own the night before my surgery. God placed nurses in my path who had experienced the same thing I was going through and they reassured me life would be better after the surgery. I was humbled and overwhelmed by the prayers and help from all of our friends. People were offering to bring us food as well as take our kids for the day to make their lives as normal as possible. I just kept telling everyone how good God is and I just kept thinking Lord, you are enough.

My friend Sarah came to visit me several times in the hospital. She has seen the good, the bad and the ugly sides of me and she still sticks around. She reminded me that I had faced my biggest fears and that God had remained faithful through it all. One of my biggest fears has been passing out and that happened and God sustained me through it. The other fear I faced was the possibility of death. As Lantz reminded me there are two outcomes from surgery, you wake up and see the ones you love here on earth or you wake up at home with Jesus. Well, I woke up to the women next to me in recovery screaming, "It hurts, ****, Momma help." I knew when I heard those words that God was not through with me here on earth yet.

When I had time to reflect on all that had happened after my surgery I just praised God for being enough throughout the week. Another friend of ours visited with me right before my DNC. He told me that he had been reading about the woman who had been bleeding and who had touched Jesus' garment and had been healed. He said that in the past he had pictured me as someone in the crowd waiting to be invited to go up to Jesus. But now he said that he saw a boldness and a desire to run up to Jesus and be healed no matter what the cost. That picture has stuck in my mind. Oh how I pray that I would run with boldness to Christ. No matter what you are facing He has the power to heal you. It may not be as you had planned, but He is always faithful.

Lubbock

2011-01-07T14:28:00.001-08:00

The day after Christmas we loaded up the van and headed to Lubbock. The last time we made this trip Hunter was only 6 months old. We spent ten fun filled hours in the car traveling 500 miles to see Papa. I was so thankful that we made the drive in the van it made the ride much more enjoyable.

As expected we had a few meltdowns in the car. My favorite one was an argument the kids had over a cooler bag that Hunter was using as a foot rest. Mia kept pestering him for it and finally Hunter said "Mia, that is an idol, you are going to go to hell if you worship idols." After Lantz and I regained our composure from laughing we corrected Hunter's theology.

Here are some pictures from our trip.

Mia and Aunt Liana. Aunt Liana, Uncle Clint, Kayley and Abbey live in Germany. We only get to see them once a year so we love our time with them.

G.G. and her great grand kids. Abbey, Kayley, Mia and Hunter.

Papa and Hunter at the Science Spectrum. They sat and watched this contraption that balls went up and down in for at least thirty minutes.

Mia blowing a giant bubble at the Science Spectrum.

Hunter with Raider Red, notice that even though Lantz told him to put his guns up, he is still flashing a Gig'em.

One morning we met the Wrights at Legacy Park to play. Sarah's parents live really close to Lantz's Dad. The park was wonderful, the kids loved it.

Trying to get a picture of all four kids was hard. By this point Mia wouldn't wear a coat, Hunter was flashing his Tech and A&M signs in the picture, Grace thought they were all crazy and Garrett wanted to throw wood chips.

It is not very often that the kids get to wear their heavy coats and hats in Houston.

I love this picture of Hunter falling through the tire swing. This was right after Sarah promised Garrett a bag of chips for with lunch if he would take a picture.

Mia and Abbey. Mia loved playing with Abbey on our trip. I think they look a lot a like. Abbey's hair is curlier than Mia's.

Our last day in Lubbock some friends of Aunt Liana and Uncle Clint's came by. They had just got the Wii game, Just Dance. I laughed so hard watching everyone try to dance that night including myself. I will leave you with a video of Clint, John and Lantz dancing to Michael Jackson. The lighting was really dark, but you will get the idea of why Lantz said "I am Baptist, I am not supposed to be able to dance" at our wedding.

Daring to Discipline

2011-01-06T15:34:00.000-08:00

On days like yesterday and today I have thought to myself many times, where has this sweet baby boy gone?

To say that Hunter is in a testing phase would be an understatement. By 8 am yesterday Hunter had thrown a container of Cocoa Puffs all over the living room floor. After taking away a few of his prize possessions and sending him to his room I thought I had gotten through to him. That thought was thrown out the window when he emerged from him room and began shooting me with his Nerf gun. I seem to miss the chapter in my parenting books about how to deal with an attack from a Nerf gun. Over and over again I am reminded that "the Lord is slow to anger and abounding in love..."

In the middle of the Nerf gun and Cocoa Puff attacks I was showered with loving words. Words like "you are the worst Mom ever, I hate this family, I hate my sister, this is the worst day ever." I think my favorite one was "I want to go to a different family, one with a dog." To all of these my response is "are you showing love and respect to your family?"

I think one of the hardest lessons I have had to learn in parenting is not to take things personally. My natural instinct is to take those words to heart and to burst into tears. What a humbling experience parenting has been.

Right now I am wondering if we will survive the age of five? Sometimes I wonder if I am speaking English and other times I want to give up. Then I am reminded that each age brings its own challenges. Hard times in parenting remind me to be on my knees daily praying for my kids salvation. Only through that will their hearts be changed. It also reminds me to praise God for his grace that he pours out on me daily.

I love my sweet boy dearly. It is not my intention to speak badly of him. It is my hope to encourage another Mom in the midst of parenting challenges that we are right there with you.

Christmas

2011-01-01T13:08:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that Christmas has already come and gone. We had a great time visiting with family over the holidays. Here are a few of our favorite memories from Christmas.

On Christmas Eve we always go to my Uncle's house. Hunter always enjoys looking at his collection of animals from Africa.

Our sweet girl

Pops and Hunter trying out Mario Kart

Mia's princess big wheel

Mia's Tinkerbell dolls, the one thing she wanted for Christmas.

My one picture with the kids

Hunter's animals, perfectly aligned

Mia and Granny

Big Daddy gave Hunter some camouflage hunting pajamas, which he loves.

Our fashionista

My boys

Our Chrismtas gifts the kids painted for us, a lion and a fish

The simple reminder of what Christmas is all about, which sums up the lesson God taught me in 2010, Jesus truly is the greatest treasure. What a priceless, precious gift.

Mom's new ride

2010-12-24T10:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I officially turned into a soccer Mom

when we brought home our new Sienna known as Rudy (short for Rudolph). That is the only name we could agree on. Mia wanted Butterfly Rainbow Flower, Hunter preferred Rocket Red, Lantz liked Sam and I wanted Sophie.

The kids love her

and I do too! Yes, I was unofficially voted in high school the person most likely to drive a minivan. Yes, I swore I would never drive one. But I must admit I love the space and wish we would have had one sooner.

I'll leave you with some words of wisdom from Peyton Manning.

Christmas Cookies

2010-12-19T12:57:00.001-08:00

Lately our kids have been decorating lots of Christmas cookies at school Christmas parties

and with friends.

They love to decorate them,

but the best part is eating them!

Random pictures

2010-12-09T17:30:00.000-08:00

The week of Thanksgiving we kept our neighbor's fish while they were out of town. They have a wonderful play system in their backyard and they told us to feel free to use it while they were gone. Hunter loved to climb up in the fort with his shot gun and pretend he was hunting.

This picture of Mia makes me smile, I wish I knew what she was thinking.

Hunter and Mia on my Mom's porch.

Hunter and Mr. Mark. My Step-Dad mentored Mark while living in Atlanta. Mark is part of our family and will graduate from A&M in May.

One of my favorite pictures of the kids from Thanksgiving.

Christmas Card Outtakes

2010-11-28T13:08:00.001-08:00

It's that wonderful time of year again when we try to capture the perfect Kodak moment for our Christmas card. This year I thought I would tackle this feat myself. I would have loved to hire someone to take family pictures of us, but I still have my braces and I didn't want to capture them in family picture history. Half way through this process I began to second guess myself for wanting to capture the perfect Kodak moment.

This picture pretty much sums up the whole process. I should have known it would be a long morning when Hunter cried for thirty minutes straight about his shirt sleeves being too long.

Priceless Expressions

Lantz was willing to try anything (like wearing Mia's leggings on his head) to get them to smile.

Halfway through the process we had all had it, so we decided to let the kids just have fun, which is what we should have done all along. I love these pictures, because they capture their playful personalities.

In the end, after countless pictures, we were able to capture some to use for our card. Our card won't have the perfectly posed picture of the kids together this year, that just didn't work. In fact the picture of them together is of them running up a hill. But I love the pictures we ended up with.

Thanksgiving Feasts

2010-11-21T10:55:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday we joined Hunter and Mia for their Thanksgiving feasts at school. Here are a few pictures from their feasts.

Hunter's class sang Thanksgiving songs before their feast.

Hunter chose the name Speedy Bear for his Indian name. They also decorated t-shirts that they wore to the feast. I loved looking at all of his animals he drew on his shirt.

Hunter's turkey place mat

Daddy's girl

Mia's fingerprint Turkey

Mommy and Mia

Mia and Garrett or Garrett Lee Lo as she likes to call him.

Mia's matching outfit

2010-11-11T08:27:00.001-08:00

Yesterday Mia and I went shopping with my Mom. We found this outfit that had a matching outfit for a baby doll. Mia was so excited that her dress matched Baby Sarah. By the time we left for school this morning, she had added two purple clips, Christmas jewelry and silver sparkle shoes to her outfit. Our Mia is one of a kind!

Pruning

2010-11-08T14:20:00.000-08:00

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." John 15:1-2

Yesterday in our Sunday School class, our teacher Jay Brown, talked about John 15. I have heard this passage taught numerous times but it really came alive to me yesterday. I am so thankful for Jay and his heart to teach God's Word, it is a privilege to sit under his teaching each week.

The part of the passage that stuck with me was verse two. Jay talked about how Christ prunes every branch that is in him. We will all face trials, some little, some major, but all of those are to allow us to produce more fruit. Often times God must use hard things or things that hurt to bring more fruit in our life. Through those times we learn what it is to experience true joy in Christ. God's pruning never reaches its end because His goal is for us to continue to produce more fruit.

Right now I feel like God is doing some heavy pruning in my life. I picture myself as a giant bush that has grown out of control. Instead of cutting all the branches that are dead off at once, God is cutting them one at a time. As I face and conquer fears another falls and another one falls. I admit at times I have wondered is God angry at me, has He forgotten me, will He ever finish? It was such a sweet reminder when Jay said yesterday that God is not mad at us and He has not forgotten us, He is right there each step of the way.

You see I am finally learning that this life is not about me and my comfort. This life is about God's glory. He gets the glory for everything because apart from Him I am nothing on my own. By teaching me to trust, He is teaching me to have joy in all circumstances. At the end of his lesson Jay said it is all about God being our greatest treasure. Sure it is easy to immediately respond, "yes Lord you are my treasure", but if He were the only thing we were left with could we boldly say yes? That is what He is teaching me, nothing here on earth, no material possession, no family member, can bring the joy and satisfaction he brings to my heart. May we all strive to live a life that says Jesus is our treasure.

Pumpkin Patch Pictures

2010-10-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we took the kids to the pumpkin patch near our house. Lantz was home early from work and it was cloudy so it was the perfect evening for pictures. Too bad Hunter and Mia didn't agree.

We did manage to get a few cute ones.

Open House

2010-10-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

Last week we went to open house at Hunter and Mia's school. We had fun meeting all of their friends and visiting their classrooms.

The day of open house Mia came home from school and told me that Mrs. McCullough took her fuzz away (Mia likes to carry a piece of her fuzz from her pull up with her). I asked Mrs. McCullough and she said she had asked Mia to put it up and she kept getting it out. I had warned her teachers of this habit at the beginning of the year and told them they had my permission to take away the fuzz.

Mrs. Epps

Granny came to Mia's open house because Lantz had a work dinner to attend.

Two peas in a pod, Mia and Grace (Garrett's sister), adorable and full of mischief.

Meredith, Allison and Mia. My favorite story about Allison and Mia is that they had to be separated in Bible class one day for talking and giggling during the Bible story. They are such sweet friends. I went to college with Allison's Mom and her Dad is my orthodontist.

Our kids love their music teacher, Ms. Kitty.

Ms. Voigt, Bible teacher.

Hunter with two of his best buddies at school, Ryan and Sarah. It is so hard to believe that this was our last open house at his preschool for him.

Hunter loves Mrs. Shields

and Mrs. Sabol.

Afternoons with Hunter

2010-10-21T11:43:00.000-07:00

My afternoons with Hunter are full of adventure

as he climbs mountains

so he can scout out animals

to hunt on the African savannah

and when his mission is complete he returns to camp and takes a break.

I love my afternoons with Hunter.

Mr. and Mrs. Pumpkin Head

2010-10-20T07:19:00.001-07:00

Last week my Mom decorated pumpkins with the kids. I love the potato head faces she found at Hobby Lobby. The kids had so much fun making them.

Hunter's parade of animals.

Our little Dynamo

2010-10-02T11:37:00.001-07:00

This fall Hunter is on the Dynamo soccer team. Our season began last weekend and lets just say it got off to a hot start. Our games are in the afternoon, so we were very thankful for cooler weather today.

Before we left for the game today Hunter told Lantz he wanted to score a goal. Lantz told him that the most important thing was for him to do his best. Looks like his best was a goal today!

It is fun to watch Hunter go after the ball.

He is doing a great job "turning it around" towards the goal when he gets it from the other team.

Hunter and his friend Nathan.

This umbrella provided lots of entertainment for the kids during the game. They all wanted to jump up and touch it

And when they got tired of that they decided to play chase around it. I know that they should have been paying attention to the game but it was so funny to watch them.

This is how Hunter usually looks in our pictures. Trying to get a normal smile out of him is nearly impossible.

We are looking forward to a great season for the Dynamos.

Our Gymnast

2010-09-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Mia started gymnastics. To say she loves it would be an understatement. She is fearless and she loves to do the rings and uneven bars. Who knows we may have a gymnast in our future?

Mia on the rings

After Mia's first class she asked me "why does Mr. Mike (her teacher) have so many stamps (tatoos) on his arms?" To which I replied "he must like them."

Learning to Trust

2010-09-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

Lately I feel like God has been teaching me so many life lessons. The most important one He is teaching me right now is learning to trust Him in all circumstances. You see I have spent my life living with fear and anxiety. Most days I have experienced that nervous feeling you get in your stomach before you give a big speech. I never knew that feeling wasn't normal until a few years ago when I woke up one day and half my body was tingling. I begged God to take the feeling away for months and I soon realized that this was the thorn He had placed in my side. After processing through my anger I realized that He is using this thorn to transform me.

From time to time my thorn "acts up" and this has been one of those seasons. When the thorn appears again I have learned to ask God "what are you teaching me?" This time it is to trust and face my fears head on. I have spent my whole life running from my fears and pushing them away, God has finally said enough, lets face them and get over them. There have been days where all I can do was pray for the strength to put one foot in front of the other. There have been other days that I have experienced peace and joy when conquering fears that only come from Christ alone. Throughout all of this I have realized that God is my rock and I can do all things through Him. He has taught me that faith begins when I admit I can't and when everything inside me wants to run but I stay.

I think we all face fears in our life, some of us are just wired to be more anxious than others. I feel like God has called me to share this to encourage others and to tell them how He is healing me one day at a time. What fears are you running from? What is God calling you to trust him with? Do you have the faith to say "I trust you Lord" when you just want to run away?

Mark 5:36 Don't be afraid, just believe.

OCD in the BED

2010-09-07T11:45:00.001-07:00

This is how we found Hunter one night when we went to check on him. I love how all of his Star Wars cut outs are perfectly aligned in his bed.

First Day of Preschool Pictures

2010-09-02T11:44:00.000-07:00

Mia's first haircut

2010-08-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday I took Mia to get her first haircut. I have been waiting to cut her hair because I didn't want to lose her precious curls. So finally my hairdresser convinced me to bring her in and let her give Mia a trim. Mia loved every minute of it.

Who doesn't love a good shampoo?

Mia loved the zebra cape.

I love Mia's smile in this picture.

The one request Mia had was for Ms. Marilyn to dry her hair.

Our pretty girl.

Thank you Ms. Marilyn for making Mia's first haircut such a fun experience. She can't wait to come back again.

She makes me smile

2010-08-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

Summer Camp

2010-08-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

This week Hunter and Mia attended summer camp at their preschool. The whole week was full of fun activities centered around animals that live in the jungle. It was our first summer camp experience and I am happy to report that both kids loved it and were sad to see it end.

Mia getting ready to go to camp, she is our fashion queen.

Mrs. Towell, Mia's teacher.

Christa helped out in Mia's classroom and she quickly became Mia's new best friend.

Miss Audrey and Mrs. Baker were Hunter's teachers. A big thanks to Mrs. Baker for getting Hunter to eat bananas during camp as well as a snow cone. Hunter is not very adventurous with food, but this week he discovered two more things he likes.

Hunter and two of his friends, Ryan and Andre. Its hard to believe that at this time next year Hunter will be getting ready to start Kindergarten.

Hyatt Hill Country - Part 2

2010-08-02T15:03:00.001-07:00

We spent most of our time at Hyatt Hill Country in the pool and on the lazy river. We were thankful for the cloudy weather so we didn't melt in the hot sun.

Big Daddy is our family photographer. He takes beautiful pictures and he still uses film. He said that one day when his camera dies he will go digital. He is a wealth of photography knowledge and I love learning tips from him.

A big thanks to Uncle Lloyd and Carlton for enertaining Hunter. Hunter loved spending time with them.

Maria and Mia getting ready to float down the river.

Hunter loved floating down the river. During one of the trips along the river he lost his goggles.

Lounging by the pool

I forgot to include this picture in the last post. One afternoon they had face painting for the kids. I wish I could say Hunter was forced to pick the Texas Tech logo, but he picked it on his own.

Thank you Granny and Big Daddy for a wonderful vacation, we had a blast!

Hyatt Hill Country Resort - Part 1

2010-08-01T16:46:00.001-07:00

Last week we headed out to Hyatt Hill Country Resort in San Antonio. We had originally planned to go to Destin with our family, but when the oil spill hit our plans quickly changed. My step-brother, sister-n-law, nephew and niece flew in from Georgia and we headed to San Antonio with them. It was such a blessing to spend time with them as well as have Granny and Big Daddy on the trip.

Hyatt Hill Country is very similar to the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort we went to in June. We love both hotels because they are so family friendly. There were plenty of fun activities to participate in when we weren't swimming. Here are a few pictures of those activities:

Granny Chris, Mia, Maria and Aunt Susan

Getting ready to ride bikes

Maria, Mia, Hunter and Carlton

Mia with her feet buried in the sand

Mia adores Maria and had so much fun playing with her on the trip. Carlton and Maria were both a huge help with our kids.

Hunter on the playground

Hunter and Lantz participated in the water balloon toss one afternoon. By the end Hunter got the hang of it and they were able to throw the balloon pretty far.

Our kids quickly discovered the video arcade. Hunter was thrilled that they had Big Buck Hunter. Mia loved the dancing game. I think this has to be one of my favorite memories from the trip. Lantz made it to the second level, I am not sure who had more fun!

Maria and Mia making tie dyed t-shirts.

Mia and Hunter

The only picture of me from the trip. I have a bad habit of taking all the pictures and not having anyone take one of me.

Backyard fun

2010-07-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

Operation Dump Dora

2010-07-15T15:14:00.000-07:00

In September of last year Mia started climbing out of her crib. So we decided it was time to move her to a big girl bed. Just one problem, Mia wasn't ready for a big girl bed. After weeks of finding her asleep on the floor, we started making her a pallet.

Then in October of last year my neighbor had a garage sale and she had a Dora fold out couch for sale. I thought that would be perfect for Mia to sleep on so I bought it. It is hard to believe that since October of last year Mia has been sleeping on the Dora couch. The couch looked something like this picture.

We told Mia that when she turned three that we were going to have to give Dora to another little girl who needed a small bed. Lantz and I were both dreading the move to the big girl bed, we were anticipating many late night wake up calls. I am so happy to report that the transition went smoothly. With the help of a few ring pops, a my little pony and a strawberry shortcake doll Mia transitioned to the bed with no problems. Lantz and I praised God for such an easy process. Now when we check on her at night this is what we see

Sweet dreams Mia!

Mia's birthday highlights

2010-07-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that Mia is already three. We had so much fun celebrating her third birthday last week, here are a few highlights.

On Thursday (Mia's birthday) we took her to Chuck E Cheese for dinner. Mia and Hunter love to ride this horse, which they have nicknamed Sam.

Granny and Big Daddy gave Mia a bike for her birthday. We let her pick it out, I love the baby doll seat on the back.

One of Mia's favorite gifts was the Precious Places Swan Palace. We made sure that the set had prince characters to go with it, because we knew Hunter would end up playing with it too. A big thanks goes to our family for the palace and the accessories that go with it.

On Friday we had Mia's party at the carousel at Memorial City Mall. This is one of Mia's favorite places to go so we thought it would be the perfect spot for her party. I think this picture sums up Mia's excitement.

Mia loves to ride the tea cup on the carousel. Lantz gets the honor of riding with Mia on this ride because I get sick when I spin in circles. I love Garrett's expression in this picture, it is priceless.

Sweet friends, Audrey and Ella.

Grace had on the cutest tutu outfit.

Toby, Mia, Hunter and Zach enjoying their pizza.

Wesley, such a cutie.

Annalisa is known as "Kooka" at our house. Annalisa and Mia say "Kooka" when they see each other and then they bump their foreheads together.

Grace and Mia. Grace's brother Owen was in Mia's class this year and Mia adores Grace.

Big Daddy

A big thanks to Lantz for riding the carousel countless times with Mia and all of her friends.

Emily wanted to take a picture with Mia. As you can tell from Mia's expression she was not too thrilled about taking a picture (she loves Emily, but it was the end of the party and she was in need of a nap).

Mia Kate we love you dearly and hope you had fun celebrating your third birthday. Thank you to all of our family and friends for making Mia's third birthday such a special one.

Happy 3rd Birthday Mia!

2010-07-08T04:32:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

*Jewelry courtesy of Mommy's closet.

Lost Pines - Part II

2010-06-26T12:37:00.000-07:00

When we weren't at the pool at Lost Pines we were exploring many of the other activities they had to offer. They had so many things for the kids to choose from it was hard to decide where to begin.

When we arrived on Sunday we unpacked and headed outside. We rode the train to get our lay of the land.

After the train ride Hunter wanted to jump. It was so hot, but he still had a great time jumping. They also had a booth where you could dunk your Dad. We kept trying to convince our kids to do it, but by the time they decided they wanted to, they had already put it up.

One morning the boys played basketball down by the river after breakfast.

Mia decided that she preferred being thrown in the air to playing basketball.

Not far from the basketball court was tether ball. Our kids had not played before, but Hunter quickly got the hang of it.

Mia taking a break.

This is as close as our kids got to horseback riding. They both preferred the statue to the real horses that they had to ride.

The hotel has bikes for the kids to ride. Both of our kids had a great time riding, Mia needed a little help steering, but she did a great job.

Outside one of the restaurants they played classic cartoons. Our kids fell in love with Tom and Jerry. Every time we went to eat they asked if they could sit and watch it for a few minutes. One night we caught up with Robert and Max after dinner.

The kids buffet at dinner had gummy worms and brownies for dessert. One night one of our waiters brought Hunter and Mia their own cup of worms to take with them.

After dinner, Hunter and Lantz would play baseball on the lawn.

Mia taking a break on the playground.

Hunter playing horseshoes.

Our evenings were not complete without a stop by the smore pit. Hunter like to eat the marshmellows by themselves.

Lost Pines, thank you for a wonderful vacation, we look forward to seeing you next year.