I don't like to complain, because I know there is ALWAYS someone worse off than me. But this Christmas was going to be a hard one for me, I knew that. All my life I dreaded the day that there would no longer be children in the house on Christmas morning. And this year was going to be THAT year. To make matters worse the boys had to go be with their dad the ten days prior to Christmas :/ At times like this I try to pray and to remember what I've been taught. I remember my dad telling me,"If you're busy helping others,you don't have time to worry about yourself." I decided this year to put that advice to work and secretly did an act of service everyday until Christmas. It was amazing how this helped me cope and get through some days where I would have rather stayed in bed and woo-be-hooed the day away. I was it on several occasions my the "Bah Hum" buggers of the world. Who didn't put up a tree, hate listening to Christmas music, etc. And I could have easliy turned that way, but I refused to let them bring me down. It turned out to be one of my favorite Christmas. Not because of the gifts or anything else. Just the peace I had in my heart. I hope I can keep this tradition up. I noticed it was not hard at all to find a way to serve someone.Everyone needs a little help once in awhile. Even me... Merry Christmas everyone. P.S. It didn't hurt a bit that we are going to Disneyland! The happiest place on earth!!?!?! I think so....

The end of the summer :(

With summer coming to a close I thought I'd post some favorite pics. Happy Fall y'all ;)

The "IN-Laws"

While on a girlie Vackay this past Labor day weekend, I asked a friend to take a picture of me and my girls. As we were posing getting ready my daughter-in-law started to walk off. I asked, "where are you going? we are getting a picture taken" She then giggling said, "I thought you would want a picture with just your "legitimate" girls!" We all laughed and they took the pic.
But driving home I realized how much I really thought of her as one of "my" girls. I can't believe you can love someone so much that you didn't give birth to.
I know now how a adoptive Mother feels. I Love this girl, she has been a delight in our family.She fits in with my girls so well. She is supportive of them, counsels them, laughs with them and even on a rare occasion, crys with them.
I love my new son-in-law as well. I coudn't love these two any more than if they were my own flesh and blood.
I'm very lucky... I love when I'm reminded how lucky I am from time to time. :)
Thanks Matt and Steph for raising such a fine young women, and then sharing her with us. We are blessed for having her in our lives.
She makes me want to be a better daughter-in-law.

Summer lovin' had me a blast!!

 
Libs
 
Libs checking Co out
 
love summer nights
 
Co lovin' mellows
 
Baby burrito
 
Crew holding his nose and diving in!!
 
Co REALLY likes to SPLASH!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Big man in a little body

I was so taken back by my oldest grandson yesterday that it took me over night to be able to post. This kid has been through a lot in his life. a very unhappy home, finally a divorce after many years of moving and trying to make it work, changing schools being the "new" kid all the time. and finally being let down by a dad that he loved and trusted.
But surprising he's done pretty well.
Yesterday I took him out to a house that his grandpa and uncle are trying to buy for his family, it's a REAL fixer upper!! I was worried that a ten year old might be spoiled and think what a dump, but as I drove by I was very surprised when he got all excited and proceeded to tell me how he could help to make it nice, "I can mow the lawn and plant some flowers, I'm good at that grandma... I also know how to paint so I could help there too!!" he then ran off a list of things that he could do to make it nice for his family.
As we drove away, tears flowing down my cheeks, I knew this kid was going to be OK. He has got all the good that his father had( yes, there was a few) and for that I'm grateful he has had dad, even with my feelings of him.
He also said he was going to go home and Pray HARD. and that is why I'm sure he will be fine, because he trusts in his Heavenly Father.
A Father that will NEVER let him down.. :)

Tickled pink!!

So we found out on Monday that the new little baby on the way is a .....GIRL!!! Oh my, what in heavens name are we going to do with a girl??? All I've bought these past ten years are balls and trucks and rubber snakes and everything blue. Now we are adding pink to the mix!!
It should be loads of fun.
For the record, there is NO way on earth I could love a little girlie anymore than these four boys. they are my life... They have brought me so much joy. Snakes and all!! :)

Bride in her WeddingToms

Sunnee has a new Brother :)

Pretty good support