Happy 38th

Richard turned 38 this week. We celebrated both Monday and Tuesday with presents, cake and a Rangers game. 

We are all thankful for you, Richard and the way you lead and love us.   I hope this birthday was a blast and you know how much you are cherished! 

25 years strong!

Over the weekend we made a quick trip to see Tara one last time before she leaves town. This time we decided to bring everyone together so we could get a group picture. The kids swam, the guys ate and the girls talked. It was such a fun afternoon!! 

All the kids get along so well and everyone had someone about their age to play with.

Baylee and Koby played with the littles some but eventually assumed the normal teenage posture.

It's hard to believe we are grown up and have all this offspring!!  When I look at this picture I think back to 4 school girls just wanting to follow Jesus and have fun. Now just look at the saints we get to grow up and send out to continue to follow and help others follow Jesus! They truly are a gift!

And we couldn't do it without the help of these guys!!! 

The years go by, but our friendship remains the same. The bond between these ladies is indescribable and I'm so thankful Jesus brought us together as 12 year olds and we have taken the time to keep our friendship alive over the last 25 years! 

Girls getaway

On Saturday, I had a girls day. Tara is in town from China so we headed out for Mexican food and a day at the spa. This spa is amazing!! It has indoor pools and outdoor pools and hot tubs and saunas and heated floors and little areas to just sit or nap in. It truly is a great place and no matter how many hours we plan to stay it never seems long enough!!  Tanna and I got massages and Tara and Laura got pedicures. The services they provide are great but you just can't beat uninterrupted girl talk!! These girls are the best and we always pick right back up where we left off!! It was a great addition to my weekend home with family! 

Blake's Party

This weekend was spent with family and friends and was a nice little getaway to refresh as we look on to the last 4 weeks of school. 

Friday night we had my brother's birthday party. He and his girlfriend, Heydi, are in town from Puerto Rico so it was a lot of fun for mom to give Blake one of her themed parties. It was a bar tender theme and Blake made some of his specialty drinks that he makes on the island. 

Heydi made guacamole and watermelon lemonade for the kids. 

Then it was on to cake and presents. Since Blake can't take much back with him we all put our birthday money in a restaurant book to give him as a "tip" to go with the theme.

It was so nice to get to hang out with Blake and Heydi again and for Heydi to get to experience one of Mom's parties!!

Youth/Parent Cook-Out

We had a youth/parent cook-out this weekend and had a great time! The kids helped a lot in cleaning and getting the house and outdoor area ready. Baylee helped out with cleaning all the inside and Kelby helped pick out some plants to put in pots on the porch. I think he did a great job! 

We played games, ate and worshipped; it was a fun night getting to hang out with the youth and also getting to know their parents better!

Richard built a giant Jenga and also a Baylor bean bag toss to play.