In A Galaxy Far, Far, Away...

So, when we were in California, I took Curtis to the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana since they were having a Star Wars exhibit. This exhibit was so cool! The actual costumes and movie props were on display. For those of you in Southern California, you should go see this exhibit, you will not be disappointed. You can go their website at www.discoverycube.org for more information. The Star Wars exhibit will be on display until April 15th.

Hello, New Year!

My, oh my, where does the time go? It's been awhile since I last posted, so I guess I better update on what's been going on with us. Christmas was nice, we drove up to Kevin's parents place in Chicago to celebrate with his family. It was a long drive and the kids did very well and it was nice to see everyone again. Then, on New Year's Eve, Kevin drove down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to help run sound for the Jeff Cook concert. It was the first time in our marriage that we didn't celebrate New Year's together, but we got through it and Kevin enjoyed the experience. Then, last month, the kids and I flew out to California to be in my best friend's wedding. It had been two years since we left Cali, so it was great to see my family again. The kids were so good on the plane ride out and the plane ride back, I couldn't be prouder of them. The day after we got back, Kevin met with the HR Director of Timkin to discuss job openings. Kevin said it was a good meeting, but there were no openings. There is a gentleman at our church that has his own physical therapy business that is very interested in hiring Kevin, so we are hoping that next week they can get together and discuss things. It would be so nice to finally have some income coming in. We are going on six-and-a-half months now of no income, but the Lord has provided for us and we are so grateful! So that has been what's been going on with us, oh I forgot, last week we signed Curtis up for tee ball. The season starts the beginning of April and he is so excited. We can't wait to watch him play. So here are some pictures from the last two months to get us all up to speed.

DECEMBER

Our Christmas tree (the kids were so happy to have a real tree)!

The little tree that the kids decorated. I think they did a great job!

The kids helped me make Christmas cookies to give to our neighbors, teachers, and crossing guards.

This is the inside of a McDonalds that we stopped at in Asheville near the Biltmore Estate. There was also a player piano in the corner playing Christmas music.

Downtown Nashville. We can't wait to go back and actually sightsee.

This is the Wingate mansion in Paducah, Kentucky. It's a rest area and the bathrooms are inside.

The kids table. The cousins had so much fun together.

The cousins: Lily, Luke, Sophie, Levi, Logan, Jeremiah, Curtis, Lauren, and Claire

Our beautiful family

Kevin's family: Todd, Kevin, Barry, Dean, Allan, June, and Shari

This is a picture from the Jeff Cook concert. You can see a little bit of Kevin (in the ballcap) next to the keyboard player.

JANUARY

My best friend Myra. I was so honored to be her Matron of Honor.

Curtis was the ring bearer, and the girls were flower girls. Claire was grouchy and didn't want her picture taken.

The cousins: Claire (she didn't want to be in this picture either), Lauren, Curtis, James, Nathan, Natty, Olivia, Daphne, and Lia

Four generations: My grandmother Helen, my mom Norma, me, and the kids

My cousins: Mollie, Tim, me, Matt, and Jon

My friend Cheryl, whom I've known since junior high.

The kids and I with my sister-in-law Michelle. My brother is currently on deployment in Africa, so we didn't get to see him.

The harbor at Port Hueneme where my brother is stationed. I sure do miss the California beaches.

Tears and Prayer

I have some very sad news and ask for prayer on behalf of Jon and Ali. They found out on Friday that their 17 week unborn baby was without a heartbeat. Ali went in today to be induced and the doctors will be performing an autopsy to try and find out what happened. I am so heartbroken for them and don't understand why God would ask them to walk down this road again. Please lift them up in prayer for strength and healing.

Grandma's Visit

My Mom flew out here for Thanksgiving and spent ten fun filled days with us. It was so nice to see her again since we haven't seen her since last Thanksgiving. The kids had so much fun and Lauren keeps asking when we will see her again (she didn't want Grandma to leave). Thankfully this Thanksgiving was much better than last years (no bleeding and no exploding pie pans)! So here are some pictures from my Mom's visit.

My Mom's flight came in on Friday, while Curtis was at school and we had told the kids that she would be flying in on Saturday. I picked my Mom up and we made it back home just in time to pick Curtis up from school. I had my Mom sit on the bench and I walked Curtis over and he didn't recognize her! He was so excited when he finally realized that Grandma was here!

On Saturday, we went with a church to Tanglewood's Festival of Lights. We rode in the church bus and had a wonderful time. The kids loved looking at all of the beautiful lights.

The kids couldn't get enough Grandma and kept asking her to read them stories!

The highlight of the visit (for the kids) was having a sleepover with Grandma. One night she slept in the girls room, and the next night in Curtis' room. They had been waiting for this for months!

Our Thanksgiving meal. We had turkey breast cooked in the crockpot with apple cider, seasoned pepper, and salt; garlic mashed potatoes; brown gravy; green beans; brown sugar glazed carrots; cresent rolls; apple and pumpkin pies (made by the kids with Grandma's help).

Taking a quick break for a picture.

This is one of my favorites...Claire had to have Grandma blow the dandilion!

Our final picture at the airport. We didn't want Grandma to leave. We are now looking ahead to January when we fly out to California for my best friends wedding!

Pics #2: The Museum of Science and Industry

While we were in Chicago, Kevin's parents took us to the Museum of Science & Industry. The kids had so much fun!

Here we are in front of the Body Worlds giraffe. The kids thought it was cool to see the insides of a giraffe.

The indoor tornado. The kids were very afraid of this.

Kevin talked Curtis into stepping into the tornado. Curtis did not let go of Kevin's hand.

The fam.

This is my favorite picture. Lauren was having a blast looking in the fun mirrors. There were three mirrors and she would run back and forth looking at how funny she looked and just laughed and laughed.

Claire thought it was so cool to sit on a cow.

The kids driving a combine.

Driving a tractor.