My life

2011-02-02T16:49:00.002-06:00

Presley has a upper viral infection but she is so happy this is her enjoying me and Katie's days off off of school because of the snow and sleet

2011-02-02T16:26:00.002-06:00

Our first fashion show for T A K with Hannah

2010-11-25T17:13:00.002-06:00

My uncle Aric told me to tell evry persen I know that he i totaly awsome![The only reason that I agreed to post this is so that I wasent the only person that got a laugh out of it ]

2010-11-24T21:16:00.002-06:00

Sage is spinding the night at our hotel we are so exited that Sage and Katie made a check-list for tonight!We are going to go swiming tomarow atleast that whats on the check-list!

We started play UNO and Sage won!

Good for her!

Florida visit fun

2010-11-24T19:55:00.003-06:00

We are in Florida with Sage,Noah and Kirkley aunt Amber and uncle Aric and he wanted me to post this [He is awsome and if you could not tell I am so not going to post the and have people think it's true]

2010-11-22T07:25:00.002-06:00

My second deer! I shot it went right down! My dad was proud of me and my mom

2010-11-06T21:58:00.002-05:00

This is me and Meaghan and Katie.We were going to post it on youtube but if you cant see why you must be crazzy!We thought that it might be funny but what if one of our friends saw it!That's called humiliating!

2010-11-05T15:56:00.002-05:00

Presley is ONE now she is ONE! How exciting!It feels like it was just yesterday that she was in her carseat and on her way home from the hospital .But sadly she is one.We officially dont have a baby in the house how sad.

Our first time to go to Florida as a family we are at the beach

2010-11-02T20:57:00.003-05:00

Angels Rejoicing in Heaven

2009-07-10T08:22:00.003-05:00

"Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say "Rejoice!" Phil 4:4

Addison went to Camp Deer Run about a month ago and came back feeling compelled to be baptized. She was deeply impacted by the last night of camp where they go thru the last days of Christ. She knew she was there to grow closer to Our God. We as parents though were a little skeptical of why she wanted to be baptized and of course her age - 9 1/2. After discussions with her during the past month, it was evident that she truly had this desire on heart for "good reasons". She was asking what to read and then we talked about the Spirit that we all receive after being baptized. How awesome is it to know that that Spirit is our deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. That's why we are to always listen to it, it's made to stay with us always!!!

Here is her Sweet Daddy (with tears in his eyes) taking her confession.

What a wonderful example of Loving the Lord our God with all your heart, soul, mind and spirit.So obviously this makes you think of your past and what kind of foundation was laid for you as a child. Adam and I were and are very blessed to have parents that strive to put God 1st in their life. We both have had a great Love and Respect for God taught to us and now we are reaping what they sowed. We are so thankful to be able to share this with them. So this is the beginning of a new journey for us!
We were asked in class a few weeks ago.."What would you like to do or see before you die?" Our answer was that we would like to see our children desire for themselves to walk with the Lord.
So for all of you who have, are or are going to walk with our children on our journey to heaven, we thank you. Thank you for taking the time to build relationships with them and our God. Thank you for your example. Thank you for allowing God to use you.

Dear God,

Thank you for your Awesome love. Thank you for your Spirit that dwells within us and helps us to make better decisions. Thank you for creating us perfectly and for going before us. You are amazing and we could never fathom all of your love and power. We thank you for allowing your people to teach us and our children more about you. We praise you for the decision that Addison has made. We thank you for making it possible for us to live with you in Heaven. Jesus, we thank you for taking the cup that was not desirable so that a promise could be fulfilled. Our cup overflows because of that. Please fill us up with your Spirit everyday and Renew us every morning. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Our Girls!

2009-06-11T08:14:00.005-05:00

Katie FINALLY had a little "show off" night for gymnastics at the end of May. We hadn't got to see her do any of her stuff in the gym since she started in September. Boy, were we amazed by her. Not surprised by any means though. She did pretty much a back handspring on her own. Her coach was there to spot her, but Katie was so quick it was like, hand was touching her back, not holding it. She did good on the beam, bars and vault. But this momma was excited to see her flipping on the floor!! That was always my favorite! We all were VERY PROUD of her. And of course, in that moment of "proudness" , they hand you a sheet that says your kid is doing so well, why don't you pay $30 more dollars a month and put her on team. Yeah, like it's going to be "just $30 a month extra". So we will see. In the pic below, Katie does this ALL THE TIME. It almost always has a cartwheel done before it.

Chin ups for a 6 year old.

Even though the even bars are for the boys, you gotta take a pic on 'em!

Here Katie is at her Texas Program at school. Her favorite part was dancing with her partner and of course, I don't have a pic of it!

Yeah, so the bird you see is the one that we drove up with in front of everyone at Camp Deer Run when we were dropping off Addison. I know you could probably care less about the story b/c you have the pic, but here goes... We hit the bird about 15 prior to getting to camp and knew it didn't land on the road. We thought it must be under the car. We arrive at least 40 min. early(I hate getting places early). So we pull up and all the staff is staring at us (I'm thinking that they're thinking, Do you people really have to get here this early?) Adam hears one of them say, "hey they've got a bird on the front of their car!" So everyone flocks (no pun intended) over to the car. So, seeing the bird, you would think it's dead right?!!! NO, NO, NO!!! IT'S STILL ALIVE!!! Just looking very awkward sitting there with it's beak open! Several men out there (not willing to do anything with it!), Several women not about to touch it, One tween boy willing to get it out with a REALLY THICK STICK(no thank you), and then there's Dionne who felt sorry for it suffering. Adam said it wasn't suffering as much as it was humiliated! So all of us back up and Dionne (aka SHERA) pulls out the legs and then the wing. It plops down, takes a few steps and FLIES OFF FOR AT LEAST 200 yards!!!!! NO EXAGGERATION!!! How do you go 15 min's at 70 mph and then fly off? Well, needless to say, it took our minds off us being away from each other for a week. Addison is doing great at camp. They had a storm last night, so we were a little concerned about her, but hey she's still there. She is learning to grow up and become closer to God. On Sunday, she asked us if we were leaving. Adam asked, "Are you ready for us to leave?" "Yep!" was here response. I guess she was ready!!!

God is good!

Caddo Weekend

2009-05-18T09:36:00.003-05:00

The girls. They had lots of fun hanging out together!

Brady and Charlie 2009

2008
Well, not going to lie, this is the first time I've been a little "scared" of going to Caddo. Despite seeing Alligators a couple of years ago, Amie's story of Charlie finding a snake Friday made me stress!!! (I'm sure she'll have more on that story on her blog!) Water was up this year, meaning NO DOCK, so I asked Adam if we should stay in the tent. Would there likely be more snakes out than normal? Really, if you saw down there, you should always be wondering that I'm sure. Anyway, Charlie (having his Dad's sense of Hunting) saw a snake and what do ya know, It's a cottonmouth. Lovely. Big kudos to Larry for killing it with a shovel. Your the man Larry!!!
So yeah, we slept in the cabin. Kids had a great time going out on the boat. They didn't see any alligators though!!! Yeah!!! But, I was a little on edge Saturday morning. Once we got things going I eased up a bit. You can see they didn't lack for entertainment: Bounce house, bubbles, jeep, 4 wheeler, play do, & paints! The kids made some great memories together.

Katie's 6 Today!!!

2009-04-27T14:18:00.008-05:00

Katie, Katie, Katie

also known as Katie Lou

So today is Katie's 6th Birthday!! I can't believe it!!! What an adventure it has been!! She has come out of the womb having perfect timing. She is our funny girl!! Who knew she would be doing cartwheels all over the place, be very specific about her wardrobe (that's not always a good thing), be very head strong (yes she gets that from her mom!) and be very tender hearted. We are very blessed to have our Katie. She is amazing!

Our God has taught me so much by using Katie. I could use the scriptures from Romans 5 where he talks about "rejoicing in your sufferings b/c it will produce perseverance. Perseverance: character and character - Hope. Hope doesn't disappoint us but God loved us so much that he filled us with his Spirit." Please don't take offense to the "suffering" when I say that about Katie. She has been a trying child, but Hope, Hope is what helped me to persevere through Katie's trying moments! And let me tell you, she lacks no characters!!! So she has made me a stronger christian woman because we worked through things together. She is turning into a beautiful little girl that loves our God. And she has so much energy and sassiness! Well, school and gymnastics have been great for her. She brings a smile to almost everyone's face, Mostly to mine.

The perseverance time is not over I know until I die,

but embracing today and God's gifts is part of Rejoicing!!!

Thank you God for filling us with your Spirit and allowing us to help grow your blessings!!!

You are so good!

WE'RE NOT MORMON!

2009-04-02T22:26:00.002-05:00

We're not Mormon and We're not Catholic either. Nope, we haven't changed religions.

Yes, Adam and my Mom FINALLY Agreed on one thing. They both said Jesus called and told them both NO MORE.

Yes, We know how to count. Yes, we know how this works.

No we weren't thinking about this happening. Yes, Adam did say that if this were to happen he was moving to the deer lease.

Well, Jesus called me the other day and said he was happy that Adam and my Mom finally agreed on something, but he had another plan. And boy, did this take us by surprise.

Adam Did Not believe me! Probably b/c I was laughing when I told him b/c I was so nervous.

Addison and Katie didn't believe us either.

The Number is 4. That's how many we can write off next year when we do our taxes.

We are having a baby!!!

Want to know what Katie said after finding out & semi believing us. She looked straight at Adam and asked "Are you really moving out Daddy?" Yeah, he always said he would if a 4th came along. He said he'd see how it was working out before he made any plans!!!

Kidding!

So here are some old pics of when the "New" arrived. It will be here before we know it!

So, now all you need to do is talk about us!!! We know, it's crazy.

Crazy wonderful in my world though. I thought I would never have this opportunity again.

And yes, I am getting things tied up after this!!! We're crazy, not stupid!

If you ever Walk out of this house LIKE that......

2009-02-08T16:39:00.007-06:00

So... I went to the Stock Show with my parents, sister and the kids.

We saw THIS....AND

IF YOU EVER SEE MY CHILD OUT LIKE THIS...

And I mean EVER.....

YOU ASSUME YOU HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO YANK THEM BY THEIR HAIR, WALK THEM TO YOUR CAR, AND CALL ME....AND I WILL BEAT THEM!!!!!!!

Please also assume that when they walked out of my house that they had ANOTHER LAYER OF CLOTHING ON OVER THIS..

OH MY GOODNESS!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!! I THINK I COULD BE A REALLY GOOD EMBARRASSING MOM IF THAT EVER HAPPENED... FOR THEIR SAKE, THEY BETTER NOT LET IT HAPPEN..

Now onto what the day was REALLY about!!!

This picture reminds me of so many that I was in, starting at least at Katie's age. We used to live at the Children's Home (my parents were house parents) so a lot of the boys there "showed" cattle. So, sadly enough, when I walk into the barns at the Stock Show, it brings back "good" memories. Sad how the smell of poop will do that to you...

We loved how it just sat there for us to pet.

Ok, The Pigs are so cute!!!! But man, I sympathized with Mamma Pig. Sometimes you just feel like your only there for your little pigs for them just to use you. I mean that in many other ways other than nursing...

We ran into Taylor at the Game area. That was a fun, unexpected surprise!!!

Katie riding with some Random boy b/c she wanted to ride with Ada and Taylor.

Me and my little girl!

Love this sweet pic!!! We are always blessed to watch our

children take care of each other.

Ok, this pic DOES NOT do this ride justice. All the ride did was make a complete circle. Let's just say all the blood went straight to Katie's lips and I wouldn't be surprised if she had drool coming out when it was going round and round. It was definitely funny to watch.

Obviously a "Before" Pic

Brady's turn. He liked this one.

This ride, everyone loved..

If he could ride this over and over...He would.

3 cowboy hats + 3 kids= 1 stroller holding 3 cowboy hats

Carrie and Me A well paid for "Happy Moment" Shot

I used to be a HUGE fan of a Nice looking guy with a pair of "just tight enough" wranglers on. Well, this is the next phase of my life.

Not going to lie, I'll probably look if a guy like that walks by...

So long and Farewell.
Glad we all got to go together.

When we left, that's when I got to take the pic of those girls.

Priceless.

Happy Birthday Caleb!

2009-02-03T18:54:00.002-06:00

So we had a good time over at my Mom and Dad's house for my nephew's birthday!!!

HE TURNED 18!!! I can't believe it!!! This is the cousin that Katie is always compared too!! He's stubborn, funny, frustrating, funny, smart and apparently lovable!!! So MY DAD, gave Caleb this cologne. SEX APPEAL. Lovely. Just what you want your granddad to give you on your birthday. Anyway, thought it was funny and got a pic of Brady with it. This is what you call TRUE MANLY SEX APPEAL. Hand in your pants!!!!

Brady loves his football helmet. I guess if he goes rolling down the stairs that his head is protected, right?!

It's a duet. Notice the mic in the middle.

And the cool hat that came with the Sex Appeal cologne. My Dad sure knows how to get a kid prepared to meet women!!!!Happy Birthday Caleb!!!

9 years old!!! Say What???!!!

2009-01-14T14:55:00.007-06:00

So what do you do when you know that your husband is going to the deer lease, you find out your 5 yr old has a bladder infection right before my husband leaves for the deer lease, your sister in law is visiting her brother in Florida, your BF is going shopping for Xmas gifts and your Mom offered to keep Brady. You do what any other person does. You have 12 girls get together and have a sleepover. Because that's normal right?!!!? Well, God is good, because you remember that Child Abuse Abstinence, well, this is when it happened(to the birthday girl). She should thank God that she is alive! Oh, and one of the Emotional Breakdowns happened that weekend also(after the fact). That all being said, God knew what I needed b/c these girls were excellent. My sister came over and helped me(I seriously would not have made it thru the night if it weren't for her.) Sweet Ashlyn was asking what she could do to help. They all played together SO Well. The drama only came from the birthday girl.

Here they are on Saturday morning!

Karaoke

Addison & Ashlyn

I have to brag on Sarra. She did great with all the big girls around her and she even did Karaoke. She was precious. Her, Hope and Hannah all did the Karaoke. To me, they stole the show. Don't tell the other girls that though.

This is Friday night. We did face painting before the Karaoke. We dressed up too!

Katie was so sweet. Even though she didn't feel well, she didn't complain and stayed up with the girls. Later that night I couldn't find her. She had gone to bed on her own. Sweet girl.

Diva wanna be's

Love this pic of Ashlyn & Katie. How cute is Ashlyn with that hat!

So the bible says "Never tire of doing good."

I was tired, but I overcame it.

It paid off.

Everyone is still alive.

Brady Boy

2009-01-14T11:20:00.003-06:00

Just some pics from Adam's last football game. The last three have to be my fav

of all times of Brady. He loves his football.

He's obsessed with the football helment too. So we now have one at the house. Watching the game...Watching the other team warm up.

Very impressed with thier warm up.

Touchdown!!!!

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again "REJOICE"!" Phil 4:4

I am and I will.

Time Flies!!!

2009-01-12T08:37:00.005-06:00

So...It's been a while. Let's see - I don't get paid for this "MOM" job, so that's a little disheartening this time of year. You see, for most people, they gain their weight and have, in my mind, plenty of fun. For me, I loose weight this time of year (almost always have) and have a mental breakdown before having fun. FUN TIMES I tell ya!!! Anyway, these last two months have been full of fun, craziness, sickness, a mental breakdown, Child Abuse abstinence, slumber party birthday, thanksgiving, deer lease, another mental breakdown, christmas parties, christmas, sickness, anniversary, new year's and start everyone back to school.

We had a church party and my brother Tim was Santa. The kids loved it. Katie even thanked God the next day in her prayer that Uncle Tim was Santa. Brady still looks at the pic and says Tim, but was terrified to sit in his lap. Addison was proud too that he played Santa. They felt like they were the "cool kids" that night. Thanks Tim!

See what I mean!Thanks to Andrea I have pics from that night!!! So does everyone else!!! Love you Andrea!

Santa's little helper!

Addison had a little musical at school!! I didn't get to make it cuz I was taking Katie to the dr. She had a bladder infection!!! I felt horrible cuz I had sent her to school hurting, but asked her to suck it up!!! Yeah well, that made me feel horrible!

Katie's "friend" Mitchell!!! Funny story about him! 1 - I walked in with her and asked her which one Mitchell was. She looked like she was Mortified that I asked!!! 2- After being out of school for a bladder infection, she definitely didn't want to start back to school again. So I walked her in and she was crying - I looked at Mitchell and asked " Can you just smile at her so she will have a good day?" Wanna know what Katie said to him - " You can just kill her now." She smiled, but it's like " Katie you can't say "kill her" at school" (or anywhere else, I know, I know). So anyway, she had a good day, thanks to Mitchell!!

Santa Claus came to school by helicopter and so...They got a visit from Charlie!! Thanks Amie for coming!!

This really is one of the most fun (in the moment) but most EXHAUSTING days of Dec. Let's see....6 kids to visit 2 kids, walk a long distance, keep your sanity, walk to both destinations (katie and Addison) and then walk back to the car with the 6 kids. And then have a teacher talking about you to another teacher about having all those kids. NO PEOPLE, I'M NOT MORMON and I'M NOT CATHOLIC. I KNOW WHAT BIRTH CONTROL IS!!!!

Last thing about Katie. I told you she was sick with the Bladder infection, but I didn't tell you that her ear was hurting her. The dr had briefly looked at it and said it was ear wax build up. So while she was at home, I worked on her ear. She had actually been complaining of it for weeks (at least 3) and being the good mom that I am I jumped right in on fixing the problem. Yeah right. Anyway, we worked on it for 3 days straight. I told Adam one day that it looked "shiny in there" "Silvery", then the next day I said it looked like it was a "gold nugget". What is the deal. I know, makes no sense. So I call Amber to see how she fixed it when Sage had this. She told me so I did it. I squirt Water in the way she said a few times. Not really working....Keep going(it's like popping a zit, you can't quit till you get it)......

GUESS WHAT CAME OUT OF HER EAR!???!!!!????!!

A HEARING AIDE BATTERY!!!! OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!! A HEARING AIDE BATTERY, HOW DID THAT GET THERE? She said she didn't know. I guess Brady put it in her ear.. Blamed it on him for a few days, then she finally said she put one in each ear. Katie, honey, the battery is not what mommy puts directly into her ear. She puts it IN the Hearing AIDE. Oh Katie!!! Needless to say, the hearing aide had ear wax built up on it (gold nugget look) and on the other side it was, guess what, SHINY!

So it has been a month!! And guess what - you don't get paid for this kind of fun!! NO! You get TO PAY for this kind of fun!!!

Come to our house if you want CRAZY FUN!!! But please don't call between 12 - 3 during the week. That's when we are shut down for naps!!! That's Sanity time!!!!

Addison did WHAT?????

2008-11-18T22:21:00.006-06:00

She's only 8 years old and this summer Addison did what I did at 20. She BUNGEE JUMPED or whatever you want to call it out at Hurricane Harbor. She was very pumped for this day and she was very proud of herself.

I don't recall making memories like this with my dad at such a young age! He is SOOOO COOL!!

Addison and her posse!!!
Before!!! Adda is a little scared- not a lot- just a little!!!

This pic is of me zooming in as much as I can!!! They are about to go over the wave pool!!!As you can tell, she is scared to death!!!
Katie is TERRIFIED for Addison's life!!! She is the only one TERRIFIED!!! Sweet girl, she really loves her Ada!! Such a tender heart!!!

She is not terrified. She thinks it was TERRIFIC!!!

By the way, She pulled the cord to drop them, so here is her telling it!!!

She's such a fun kid!!! She even went down the Dur-stook-ah (I so don't know how to spell that, obviously!!!), you know the really tall slide that shoots straight and I'm talking STRAIGHT DOWN!!!! I rode it for the first time this summer...so did she!!! I screamed the whole way down...she didn't! She is fearless, Katie on the other hand, she's the safe one. Go figure!!!

Brady

2008-11-14T22:22:00.006-06:00

This was a special time with my boy. While Adam and Bradley had the girls out hunting, I got to take a walk with my little guy!!! I embraced the quiet, peaceful time I had with him. A dirt road that he liked taking a walk on. He is certainly precious in my sight!!!

That's all folks!

One reason...

2008-11-14T14:20:00.005-06:00

Ok all this talk about NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK is killing me!!!! I don't need new kids, I need ADULTS!!!! No, i love my "old kids on the block" however "new" they are!!! They do however keep me from this blog world. And I have to tell you none of my kids are sitting on this couch here!!!! So that is 3 missing!! Actually it is only 2 b/c Bryson and Charlie were visiting me that!!! I am blessed!!! Crazy, but blessed!!! And yes, this is deer lease pics....from Labor Day weekend!!! little late...

Oh life is exhausting

Oh no, Life is refreshing!!!

Love him, when he waits, he starts tapping his fingers!!!

Yes this scares us a little!!! You'd be surprised, Ada is the fast one and Katie is the cautious one! Go figure!

Having fun with Daddy!

Hey guys, WAIT FOR ME!!!!!!

And this is what you call "Till'in a garden Redneck style"

Umm, Bradley, Adam, Did it work?
This is just a cute pic!

And this is his first day at Rainbow School!!!!

Your Man, My Man - OUR MAIN MAN

2008-11-04T12:46:00.003-06:00

Let me tell you about this guy you(if you are a woman reading this) are married to him. If you are a man, then well, we have HIGH EXPECTATIONS for you...

This man is IRREPLACEABLE.

He has been in Jail.

He's a rebel w/a cause.

He goes against the laws of the land.

He brings in a crowd.

Men, women, & children either love him or hate him.

He says little, but does so much.

He doesn't mind getting dirty.

He CAN FIX ANYTHING.

He loves like there is NO tomorrow.

He is SO UNDERSTANDING.

He's so Thoughtful.

SUNDOWN or SUNSET, HE WILL SIT W/YOU!

When You are With Him, You FORGET ABOUT THE WORLD.

The way he helps others and gives them Hope, makes him so beautiful in your eyes.

He gives you plenty, feeds you plenty.

Even when he had lost a dear family member, others needed him and he obliged.

He is always there for every kind of personality out there.

He listens and waits for you.

He even has a best selling book out there. It's been a best seller for over 100 years!!!

Right before He died, He thought of someone else and gave them the peace they needed.

He's the same Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow.

He's your Man!!!

You may not consider Jesus your husband, but he is. He is so many things to us. I did a lesson on this and it gave me great peace. Hence the reason for sharing. If you are single, married or widowed, you are still married to this man. They say there is 3 in a marriage. If you forget him, well, we know harder times will be ahead. However, if we focus on him, it still can mean there will be a time to persevere. I have found more peace within myself when I focus on HIM as my husband and am attentive to his needs(which are ultimately my needs).

I didn't have him at "Hello", he had me.

Isn't he AWESOME!!!

I'll leave with a pic of My LITTLE MAN!!!! And he's officially off his paci now!!! Yeah!!!

First Day of School

2008-09-10T00:03:00.005-05:00

Well, first day has come and gone, and boy am I happy!!!! Katie did Fantastic! Second day was a hard (only b/c when we got there she saw another kid crying and well, you know), but after that it's been FABULOUS. Katie is LOVING the SOCIAL LIFE of school. Addison too!! I will have to say I am super excited that Addison is liking reading more this year than ever. Thanks to Shannon for giving her a ton of books from your classroom. Addison is my math girl(that comes easy). Not so much the reading. Plus, she doesn't have parents that sit around the house reading all the time. She just has the parents that sit around the house and use a remote (BTW, we are really good at that!!!) So here we are... OFF FOR SCHOOL.

Happy Happy!!!
I thought she looked so cute! I know, I'm partial!!!
Love this pic. So sweet. Addison is such a good little mommy!!! And a GREAT big Sister!My little "Garden of Life" here!Ok, so you REAP WHAT YOU SOW!! Good 1st week, means REWARD TIME.(yes I did bribe!) CAMP ROCK & MILEY CYRUS CD's!!!! YEAH BABY!!!

Sorry for all the kids in the background on that video. But hey, at least I got it, right.

So that is it for now.

God's Presence among Us!!!

2008-08-22T09:56:00.006-05:00

Good times with Good Friends!!!

Four wheelin fun!!!

Group Pic!!!

Today was family pic day. Of course the day before it was cool(very unusual) and today it is 15 degrees hotter!!!

It's great that they get along so well at the deer lease!!!

I know this is a sappy pic, only one you take for the wife, but Adam has to know that I am his biggest (shortest) fan!!!! Awe!!! And that's why he laughs at me!!!
And this is the sappy one you take for the husband!!! Awe!!! Jeff was taking the pics so Go figure!!Had to put these in too!!! Notice Jeff's face!!!Love this one!
Woo~Hoo!!!

It's amazing how peaceful you are at the deer lease. Must be b/c you are surrounded by God's beauty and not man made buildings.
Precious!!

Do NOT Worry, God will take care of you!!! This is the lesson we learned from the deer lease. Adam and Addison went out Sunday morning to shoot hogs, but saw nothing really. They left and on their way back, they saw a deer and 2 baby hogs eating together(very odd) under the feeder. So Adam got off of the 4 wheeler, got his gun ready(& they didn't move during this time) and shot not 1 but 2 of the baby hogs w/1 shot!!!! BooYah!!! Adam thinks he's pretty Awesome now!!! Anyways, back to how this is related to God. So Adam wants to show us the hogs(he had thrown them in the cactus, BTW). He takes us down to where they were(like no more than 2 hours later) and one of the hogs was already pulled out of the cactus by the buzzards. Their were max. 10 flying over the dead animals. And so that led me to think of that verse in Matthew of how we needn't worry about anything. God takes care of the birds, feeds them and gives them shelter, so we are even much more important to him. He will provide our every need. How comforting to know that God used Adam's "Awesome Kill" to benefit those birds. How Awesome is it to know that those birds knew almost immediately where their food was. So after witnessing God's nurturing love to us, I am reminded that, and thankful for, that he knows our every need and will provide for us!!! We Need Not Worry!!!!

May our God of Hope fill you with His Spirit today and Give you Strength!!!

A Photographer in the making!!!

2008-07-21T20:03:00.003-05:00

One word....Katie.....

Look at those nostrils!!!
Yeah, I'm cool!!

So this is what my camera looks like after Katie gets thru with it!!!
Lovely!
Oh my Katie -she's definitely going to be the one that's totally ok with making fun of herself and being the funny one in the room!!! She's a handful

More Disney Pics

2008-07-15T14:09:00.003-05:00

Their's my family standing behind Snow White!!! Ha Ha!!!!!

Sweet pic!

Sorry guys, we took a lot and I wanted to note them!!! This is us on our last day at Disney!!! We let the girls pick out their 1 souviener and of course they both need a stuffed animal. If you know me, I don't like a lot of stuffed animals!! Thought they were pretty cute!!! Enjoy!Da boys! Cinderella and her fine fellow!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this pic!!!
Love you too Ada!

Can't believe summer is half way thru!!!! Can't believe it's been over a month since we were in Florida. Have to say though that I had so much fun on that trip, but I am glad to be back. If you want to get your money's worth, you have to stay busy going to all the different places!!!! So we definitely got our money's worth - and Disney, well, they just got all of our money!!!

We will just end on this pic. Noah - You're crazy!!!!

Birthdays and Swimtime

2008-07-08T17:56:00.011-05:00

Get your bathing suits and your goggles on!!!! It's time to have fun!!!
Cool Dude
Catching the Rays!

Playin' some volleyball. Last Sunday was family day at church so we took advantage and actually spent time w/the entire family. I had so much fun just watching the guys play volleyball. I have to say, I'm not that good at playing b/c I lack height. So consider yourself blessed if you are over 5 ft.....
Watchin' the game!Playin' the game!Katie Edward(who might as well be a nephew to me)
CalebJordan Tim havin a good time!!!
Love that he can go into the water w/out me in this little life jacket. These are so Awesome!!!

(And of course I'm there watching him)
LOVE THIS PIC!!!!
Had to show the pic of Addison pouting and the mean looks she likes to give when she is mad at a decision I made. You know what I probably said to her when she made this face...GET OVER IT Brady making us SMILE! These are the people who watched the excitement!!

Mom

CarrieMamaw Eating grapes w/the shovel.My Sombrero boy!!! And yes I know the bathing suit is just as hip as the Hat!!Eating birthday cake

Got the chocolate on the nose. Our age's combined - 68!!! Lovely!
"The Lord is MY SHEPHERD. (how blessed am I) I Shall not be in want. (I need to remind myself about that when I want something). He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. (that is naptime, when all the kids are down). He restores my soul(that's the Holy Spirit), he guides me in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake(When he guides me I have to remember it has his name on it). Yea though I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for though art with me(thank goodness), thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me(that's called boundaries/discipline). He prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies. He anoints my head with oil and my cup Overflows. (I love this next part) Surely goodness and love will follow me ALL the DAYS of MY LIFE and I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER!!!! (yeah!)"

God is good to both Adam and I. We are so blessed and I am so thankful that Adam is such a good spiritual leader for our family. In 34 years, I have learned that I don't have to have anyone but God and when I do that, that's when he seems to bless me even more abundantly(maybe not immediately, but he does), and he is faithful.

Love the ending of a good swim!!!! Good sleep!!!

New pics!

2008-07-02T18:38:00.002-05:00

Going AWAY with the WAYS

2008-06-17T16:18:00.003-05:00

Disney, Disney, Disney. Would not have gone there had it not been for the sheer determination of one woman(who apparently likes to be on hold, a bunch of different times, on the phone). That woman as we all know is Brenda. So, Thanks to Danny and Brenda for getting us all there. Thank you to Bradley and Amie for letting me tag along with you on the PLANE(and I am saying that with a huge Texas accent!). I can do that now that my girls are home and out of the 15 hour car ride. We aren't even going to discuss how long it took us to get there and come back. Not really right, however, it was nice.

So this is Charlie and Brady before we left DFW. Looking at the planes. Love this pic.

This is the sympathy pic for Amie. Let's just say that they didn't both stay in her arms long.
Ok, notice the woman in the background of this pic. She is probably about 5'4 or 5'6. So imagine if you were going thru the airport pushing a cart that was loaded up like this, along with a stroller. Oh yeah, 2 strollers. So 2 women, 2 babies, 2 strollers, 2 car seats, and 3 bags(that's not even counting purses or diaper bags) going thru the airport. People thought we were CRAZY. So Amie and I are pushing this thing with one of our hands and other hand is on the stroller. We made it though. Very happy to not have to be doing this again for a long while.
Look at those cute Hiney's!!!! I love the rolls on their legs.
Ok, we thought this was a funny pic of Charlie. His "lazy" eye is only lazy b/c it got sunscreen in it. No more using that kind on him. This is our first venture. We went to Epcot.

Me and Brady. I love him!!!OHHH! Fish!!!! How come fish can keep these kids entertained for so long. If I were smart, I would get a huge fish tank!
Walking away happy!!!So this was our Day 1 on the trip. I will get more up later. Until then look at Amber and Amie's.

God is good. He answered our prayers and gave us immeasurably more when we were there!!! We are blessed to be called his children.

Something New to look at

2008-06-06T03:54:00.003-05:00

Brady at the park holding my Taco Bueno Dr Pepper (go figure)! Friends having fun!!!

Katie's graduation. Can't believe she's going to start Kindergarten!Brady, Adam & Charlie at Hurricane Harbor. Isn't Charlie cute!
Natalie & Katie. This is one of Katie's new best friends!!! She is going to be in Kindergarten w/her. Katie is super excited. And Natalie came to VBS w/us! They had lots of fun!

Addison and her friend Katelynn at Field day
Running hard
This one's cute. Peyton(who Katie is goo goo over), Brady, & Mason. Aren't they handsome!
Ok, well I gave you something new to look at.

I'm leaving in a couple of hours to go to DISNEY WORLD!!! YEAH!!! If you want to see pics quick - go to Amie or Amber's blog. You know they are much better at this than I am.

Have a great week!

Answered School Prayers

2008-05-17T23:17:00.007-05:00

So as you may know, we have a tradition that every school morning we say our prayer on the drive to school. We start our prayer off with what we are thankful for and then who do we want to pray for. So I would like to share with you while reminding myself how many prayers God has answered over the last year and some of these school prayers were prayed in Addison's Kindergarten year.

Things we are thankful for...

Wonderful teachers. Ms. Eberly for teaching us from the beginning that God is good and he answers prayers!!! We still pray for you and thank God for you.

-Sra Hernandez - for teaching Addison life lessons while also teaching her spanish. Thank you to her for giving Addison a lot of encouragement in the reading department. I appreciate you!!!

-Mrs. Jolana, Mrs. Angie, & Mrs. Kelly - Let's see, Sarra, Katie, Peyton, & Noah just love you. So do their Moms!!! You not only love our kids(& if you are faking that-Excellent job), but you do for them in so many fun ways, that it makes it so easy to love you!!

-For all of my kiddos in Kids for Christ. They have learned 3 sets of memory verses and it has made a lasting impression on so many. Their little brains are like sponges. And thank you to Noah for grabbing the microphone!!! I'm so glad Sage and Noah were there to learn with us!!! Such a treat

-For Sage getting to go to school with Addison, and for Mrs. Eberly being her teacher!!! What fun!!! Oh and for Amber picking Addison up from school for me!!!! thank you amber! This is what it looked like on most school mornings when we went in the morning!!

- For Adam working so hard for his family and us being allowed to be there when he is at work. I appreciate the smile that we get when he looks up at us. Makes it worth the craziness that it took to get to his games.

Our Answered Prayers that we are thankful for...

Let's see - CHARLIE!!! Amie and Bradley are now almost parents to a 1 year old - and boy do we love him. It's exciting to see all of them as a family!!!
LIBBY - Same for you Laura and Derrick!!! God is good!! You two have a cute little one and I love sitting behind her at church!!!!

Aric arriving home safely. I don't know how or why you do it, but I'm glad that you and Amber are so close and are so confident that you can. We are proud of you and your family.

Don Calhoun being ALIVE. Katie is now praying for you to walk good again. God is faithful!!! We love you Don and appreciate all you have done for God's Kingdom!!!

For hearing aides that help me to hear, you know things like a rattlesnake, and I'm also grateful to my husband that loves me enough to not let it bite me.

Larry Gray- We are happy you had the right signs to know what to do and where to go for treatments. We are happy that you got to stay with Jodi and are happy you are doing good.

Sam & Hollee getting pregnant - answered prayer from Kindergarten time. God did a whopper with that one!!!

Aric and Ambers safe move to Florida. We are so glad you were here Amber!!!!

Tylene & James & their new baby - another Kindergarten prayer(can I say, Finally answered)

Kendra, Jodi, Amber getting pregnant and God keeping their babies well.
(loved these pics of the girls w/Kendra & Jodi. Please keep in mind that they just had their babies, so.... they are not looking their fabulous self. Really in our minds, Kendra, you look even more fabulous b/c you brought another gift into this world!!!)

My Dad & Mom doing good after different hospital stays.

Melanie not fainting anymore.

Aric's surgery going well and just him and his family's trust in the Lord God Almighty. Their peace in this situation is such a testimony of their love of our Lord.

We are thankful God didn't allow there to be any crocodiles at Caddo. Addison is especially grateful. Did we also mention that Bradley and Joe made the kids A FORT out of the bamboo. They are once again SO AWESOME!!!

We have such a blessed life. It's easy to realize that after stating all of our blessings.

Thank you God for this life you have given all of us. Help us to learn from the situations that we are in now, so that we may grow from them. Thank you for the family you have given me, my physical and spiritual one. Thank you for your son Jesus who gave up his life so that we may have an everlasting life with you. Heaven is going to be a wonderful place. Can't wait to get there to get a hug from you!!! Love you God and all you have given me!!!

I DIDN'T DIE PEOPLE, and NO, NOTHING FROZE OVER

2008-05-16T08:17:00.009-05:00

So apparently a lot has been going on... You don't care you just want pictures.

Lucky for you, I got my computer fixed and got a camera, FINALLY.

So here goes

Addison and Taylor did a class play

"Rumpus in the Rain forest"

Mom, Addison and Mamaw

(by the way, I'm actually taller than my Mamaw, Great accomplishment)
Caddo Lake
Brady loving the Manly stuff

Brady needs to have both hands on the handle bars.

Ada caught a turtle and kept the turtle. She will have to give up the turtle in a couple of months. Snapping Turtle. Imagine this, Joe making the kids happy!!!! He's so Cool!!!
Going fishing!!!
If you ever wonder what our cabin looks like at Caddo, here it is. Our house is the tent next door to the cabin.
Ada being a great friend to Reagan. Love pics like this
"We're going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo

How about You, You, You

Won't you come To, To, To

We're going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo"

Thank you to Rusty and Sallye Peterman for putting that song on my brain every time I think about the Zoo. I can still remember you singing it at our Putting on the Hits thing - 6 years ago. I have to sing that whole song. Please teach me all of it.

New kid on the Block - Peyton - He's a great addition

And you know, we always end up seeing Adam at the Zoo. And he's much lazier at the zoo, than at home. Ok, believe it or not, I'm missing 2 of my kids here. They were at Rainbow School. And imagine trying to see everything you could at the zoo and eat lunch in a 2 hour time frame. Craziness.
This is how I can go to the zoo with this many kids - My mom helps me. Keeps her young!!! Ha!Here's a pic from Peyton's soccer game. Lil bro Mason is on the end. He's 2 and he's the other addition to group.
Last but not least, Katie's birthday. She is 5 years old. I dare to say she may have matured since she turned 5. Not holding my breath though. She's still funny

Love her reactions

Group pic

Amber, this one's for you - I took the pic and am letting everyone see it!!!!! Katie got a cute dress and well, you know what happened next! Here's him redeeming himself back into manhood!!!!
So, just to let you know, School is going to be out in a couple of weeks and VBS is starting 3 days after that. Oh and then we go to Disneyworld. Soooo, forewarning that I may or may not be back for a while. Oh wait, your used to that..

I do want to say that if you are in the H E B area, we are doing our VBS this year on June 1-4th. I am very excited about it and would love for you to bring your kids. It's from 7-9pm each night. So you could drop off the kids and go get dinner and then come back and pick them up. We are learning the Full Armor of God verses and I have so enjoyed watching the kids say it. I can't wait to teach more of them and have them up on the stage saying it in front of their parents and the congregation.

"Finally, Be STRONG in the Lord and in HIS MIGHTY POWER." Eph 6:10

I always have to be mentally prepared before I do things. Helps me out greatly!!! So that what this verse is to me, God is mentally preparing me before I put on the FULL ARMOR of GOD.

He is STRONG and He is MIGHTY POWERFUL. No really, He is. Think about it.

Friend day & Laundry!!!

2008-03-14T13:17:00.003-05:00

Past pics, but we had a friend day about a month ago now. Heaven came over and the girls had a lot of fun!!!
Valentines day!!! How cute and didn't know we were going to match so well!!!!
Laundry!!!!! Just doesn't get more exciting than this!!!!! And I know, this is not safe!!! But he is cute, isn't he!!!!!
Oh to be young again!!!

For the "Katie" Fans

2008-02-12T10:05:00.001-06:00

Ok, one more story....

Friday night I go over to Andrea Trout's parents house to clean up after they moved. Making some extra money. Anyway, Andrea came over w/kids and mine of course were with me. So they had fun playing while I worked and chit chatted. Andrea left, but had told me that the $100 bill on the counter was for me. Ok, great. So I get everything and everyone packed up, throw the trash bag in the garage, and leave. It's after 10 and I am wiped out. Go home. Oh shoot, where did I put that money? Not in purse, checked it about 10 times. Not in diaper bag. Called Andrea to see if she did something with it. Tell her I will go over later to get it. I may have thrown it in the trash. As I am talking to her, Adam comes to tell me that Katie has earned some money from "working". Pulls out $100 bill out of her pocket. Ok, first of all, WHAT? Working? And where does she work on Friday nights and come out w/$100. And after 10 pm? Yeah, those are the questions that we thought after she said it. And no, I am not her Pimp. I am her Mom. I am the one that spanks her, loves her, cuddles w/her, forgives her and then tells others about what she did. In that order... So the next time you see $100 bill, think of Katie and her "working". Gotta love her! She's keeping us all entertained! Oh Katie! You're a Mess!

Funny "Katie" Story

2008-02-10T23:07:00.000-06:00

Ok, so you see the Hannah Montana photos from the last post. They were SUPER EXCITED to have gone to that. So we are eating at dinner out after the concert and again they are wired. Katie is acting slightly bad, so I remind her of the verse that we memorized "whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, think about such things. Katie....think about such things. Ok" So she calms down a minute and she is off to coloring her page when I hear in a soft matter of fact voice.......... "You think about such things".

Yep, that's the bible coming back to bite ya!!! So maybe I need to teach her Proverbs 31 so when she spouts the verses back to me it will be Praiseworthy.

Oh, my Katie. She's a mess. And yes, we know, she is going to be a handful when she gets older. God's just building our strength now. Baby steps...

"Sweet Niblets"

2008-02-06T09:44:00.001-06:00

Hannah Montana -
LIVE IN THE THEATRES -
Best of Both Worlds Tour!!!!
Get your gear on and Let's go Party the Night away!!!

And Bring your Favorite "Moms" with you!!! Isn't she the coolest Grandmother and, AND 3rd Grade Teacher EVER!!!!! Mom's Rocks!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE WE ARE REALLY HERE!!!
As Katie would say lately " I am EXTREMELY excited about this!!"
Standing is what they did the ENTIRE TIME they were there!!! ROCK STAR KATIE!!!! Apparantly this is what she looked like most of the time!!!

Gangsta Hannah Montana's wannabe's

Ending the Perfect evening at Red Robin!!! Addison didn't breathe when she ate her pizza I think!!! They used all their energy in the concert. Good exercise too!!

Well, once again, we can acknowledge that Hannah Montana is "freakin' rich". Disney is genius!!!! & richer than Hannah!!! However, we are happy that at least at this point, Hannah/Miley is a good example. She even quoted scripture on the Oprah show, so I really am ok with her.

Thank you Moms for taking them to this fun event. They slept well.

All around a good day and night, for everyone involved.

What's UPside down?

2008-01-28T08:51:00.001-06:00

Persistence pays off! Way 2 Go Katie!!!Not sure why I'm doing this, but they do it ALL THE TIME!
If she can, I can!
Sisterhood. Nothing like it!
Yeah 4 Brady! He claps 4 himself!

So this is what has been going on. Everything and everyone is upside down. It's funny how determined Katie was to figure out how to do this. I told her.."U gotta tighten that Bootie" and so when Addison saw Katie getting it she started practicing. So Katie tells her..."Ada, U gotta tighten your bootie." Funny hearing that come out of a 4 year old mouth. As for Brady, we just clap for him. This is the good life. I'm being "Content with where I'm at". Did you hear that Linda Ford? No more whining of a dirty house or kids being all over me!!!! I'm enjoying now!!!

.....Talk to me in an hour and I may have changed my mind. Gotta be honest.
God is good.... Always have to remember that. God is Good.

Random pics

2008-01-23T12:01:00.000-06:00

Addison having a brief "tree - hugging" moment. She is getting so big!!!

Brady - love the onesie!!! And look at all those teeth!!! 2 more on there way!

Woo-hoo!!!! Touchdown!!!!

Football season may be over(for the cowboys anyway), but we are practicing for next year.

And just so you know, I'm no longer singing all of the Redneck Woman song. I took my tree down yesterday. But - still have the Huggies box up!!! Gotta love it!

I feel like Such a Redneck!!!!!

2008-01-17T22:36:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I can hear that song in my head by Gretchen Wilson "I'm a Redneck Woman, I ain't no High Class Broad. ....I say "Hey Y'all and Yee Haw!" .....I have my Christmas lights up all year long. Well, we did take the "outside" Christmas decor down and most of the stuff inside down, except for our tree. I still haven't found my camera, but finally I borrowed one. So this is why I feel like a Redneck.

...The week after Addison had ALL her friends over for birthday, she fell thru the window by leaning back in a chair. She was unharmed, but broken window. $150 later or a lot later(still have to fix up) we have our window like this. Huggies cardboard box & Silver tape. Gotta lov'em

.....4 days before Christmas, Brady is sitting by our tree, NOT TOUCHING IT, And it FALLS OVER!!!! UMMM, HELLO! If we can't afford to fix a window, we can't afford to go out and buy a TREE!!!!! Yea, well, here's where the Redneck really comes into play. Of course, Adam and His Dad, are at the Deer Lease. Luckily Shannon was over and she held up the tree while I looked for the hammer, nail and you betcha - the STUD FINDER. Yep, gonna nail that thing up to the wall!!!! AND I DID!!!! CLASSIC , I know!!!! So you will see white Ribbon holding our tree up b/c it is wrapped around a nail. Needless to say, I spent $6 on a new and improved, on clearance(b/c a Redneck never pays full price) tree stand. So we keep the tree and save, oh, $100.

....And I still haven't found my camera. Yes, I know my house is a wreck, but I've looked in the piles. Still can't find it.. Mad ning

Thanks to Brenda, you can see the Redneck/white trashness going on.
Brady doesn't mind the Redneck way of life. In fact, he loves it!!!!Love the paci. Uncle Tim got this for us at Spencers. Too funny.Love the shirt and the paci.And here's Katie jammin in front of the Tree. She's the next Gretchen Wilson!!!!

Yes, we are going to get this fixed and take the tree down, now that I took pictures. But really, wasn't the picture worth a thousand Redneck words!!!!!

Love you guys and missed blogging. Took more pics so I will post again soon!!!

I'm a grown up!!!!

2007-12-28T15:39:00.000-06:00

I have officially become a grown up. Thanks to all who helped me get there. I had more fun and peace this Christmas because I realized what mattered. Spending the time with others and building relationships with them. I had so much fun with my family playing games and Adam's family that when it came time for presents, I was almost bummed. And I did go to one of the candlelight services and I allowed God to fill my cup there. I can honestly say the hour I worshiped him was not enough. I was so in tune with him, I didn't want to leave. Then at church the next day, the singing was great too!! My cup was running over this weekend - filled with the Spirit. Thanks to all those out there that are such wonderful mentors to me and my family, who everyday try to live the best life possible for God. You don't go unnoticed. Just goes to show we are all an example, all ages, and people are watching us.

Sooo, Christmas day. Here we go.......Breakfast at the Bramlett's (love them omelets - mmmm)

A tradition that started many years ago on Christmas morning, was made by these people. From them became..... Half of them..... And they found the other half in the pic. And from them.....
Came ALL of THEM!!!!!!!!! AMAZING!!!!!!
Can I add that I think it is so great that what holds all of these people together is OUR common Bond - Our Father in Heaven!!! We all are different but the bond of God is what makes these families strong. Thank you Danny, Brenda, Janet, Joe, Larry and Rhesa for loving the Lord and teaching your children to also. We all hope we can do the same with our children.

And is there an "unknown future" for them? Corbin sat down to take the pic and just put his arm around Katie. Love the pic - very sweet! 1 answered prayer - 2 happy Grandmothers. Last year we were all celebrating a new birth coming into our family - and here he is!!! We love Charlie!!! So cute and sweet and fun!!
And you know he's cute cuz Alicia says it all the time!!!!!
This is what I love about this breakfast - it keeps adding people every year -Rich, Allene, Charla, Greg, Danny and Granner - loved having you be a part of this.
Ok, you should see all the offspring when this family gets together - HUGE!!!! Love does immeasurably more, right?!
Grandaddy's gift - Build a Bear Harley style & we managed to accidentally steal the chaps he's wearing.. That's what happens when 1 adult walks in there w/3 kids!! I will pay for them!!!Can you say "Hannah Montana is freakin RICH" Not only did she sell a BUNCH of wigs, but Movie tickets as well. Very happy girls. Moms is taking them to see the concert on the Big Screen!!!!
We're "Pumpin up the party Now" Rock Star Katie
Ok - this is my child!!!!! He looked like a midget, I know I do too!!!! This was so funny to me!!!

He also looked like Cousin it!!!! Very fun to play with!!!

Hannah Montana wigs - OUTTA CONTROLGotta love some Elmo Hokey PokeyOh yeah - this is FUN Stuff
Yeah - A family of three in front of the tree!!! God is Faithful!And here, the family of five!! God is TRUSTING!!!!! Wow, more so than I would be!!! Thanks God for my family!!! 11 years ago, Adam and I married. Oh, and Amie and Bradley had a date that night. And I remember seeing Aric and Alicia at Cheddars that night. Oh yeah, and Jenni Worley has a birthday today. AND, get this, this was the last game the Dallas Cowboys won in the playoffs until this year we hope. Yes, I know this b/c the guys were giving Adam updates on the score in our receiving line. Sad.

Hope God blesses you as much as he has us!!!! Love ya!

So what do you do for Christmas?

2007-12-19T08:42:00.001-06:00

Ok I'm adding pics in this so that you will possibly read this. I have been torn for the last few years about Christmas and the Celebration of it. I wonder - Why? Why do we do this? Really is it b/c of Christ or the presents. I want to be more "moved" by Christmas. Yes, I know it's not all about me and how I feel, but I'm not going to lie, I want to "feel" something more. I have wanted to go to Richland Hills "thing" on Christmas eve night since they started it, but when you are the only one that wants to go(and I'm not trying to say anything bad about Adam here) it's hard. And I don't even know what they do there at Richland, but it is an opportunity that is open to me and many others.

So I was thinking, Ok, put yourself in Mary and Josephs shoes. They were packing up, getting on there donkey, and going to Bethlehem. And she was 9 MONTHS PREGNANT. Getting on a donkey - not the ideal thing - of course the alternative is to walk - so I guess a donkey looks good. But really, you know you have to think at that point she must have been thinking - Of all times to go - I am PREGNANT. But, God always has His plan!!! And then when they get there to Bethlehem, you're kidding, SERIOUSLY, NO ROOMS. O Crud, Joseph, find something now. The barn. Lovely. (But to us in Redneck world it's normal!) (it is ok to say that right?!) And so the story ends w/ Jesus being born and having many animals around him and Joseph having to go and get him something to wrap around him. They had no baby shower, no toys, clothes, but God provided for them. And then to top that off, they had no cell phones, but God provided the call to their loved ones to come and see their beautiful, His beautiful Son. They were not ashamed of being in that barn, but overwhelmed with Happiness. They knew and trusted God. And the wise men came with their gifts and then there's the Shepherd boy. Jesus, sweet baby Jesus. Can you imagine looking at his sweet face and being Mary, and thinking - What do you have in Store for Us? Funny I should use the word Store - where we are all going this week to get more in debt - But Jesus is the "Store" for us. We have no debt with Him. He's so simple, I make it so complex. That sweet baby grew up to be 33 years old - how old Adam and I are - and look what he accomplished. I can't imagine this being my last year on earth.

I love you God and thank you for allowing me to "feel" Christmas as I am writing this. I pray that you would allow me and Adam to teach our children to appreciate you and your gift that you gave us so many years ago.

So do you do anything special for Christmas eve - other than presents? Would you mind giving me some ideas? I loved to start a good tradition with them that maybe they could pass on to their children some day.

Ok Pics like I promised! Brady walking - thanks Brenda for taking the pic!Family pic from the Euless Parade of Lights!!!

B and the kiddo's. Thanks Danny and Brenda for taking them up there!

Granddaddy's boy!!! Loved wearing his hat this weekend! Thanks Brenda and Danny for keeping him while we went to the Deer Lease.

Brady doing his pre holiday work out

Merry Christmas to you all!!!! If you have a tradition that you are willing to share - please tell me about it!!! Thank you!!!

Milestones

2007-12-12T09:03:00.000-06:00

So Addison turned 8 years old and we had a "O my goodness!" High School Musical! Party!!!
Tattoos of Troy and Gabriella(that Katie decided to put on her forehead and it WOULD NOT come off-Yeah! She scratched it off!) We had High School Musical Shirts and got a game and a dance pad!!!! Oh to be 8 again. We had 10 girls over here and they were so LOUD. However, I have to say, this was the best bday ever. I was totally relaxed in the Chaos. Go figure. Anyway, they sat down to eat - my favorite- Cici's Pizza and started singing this Spanish Christmas song - LOUDLY. so all the adults ask - how do we tell them in spanish to SHUT UP. Anyway, they had a great time! We all can't believe Addison is 8. Amazing how time flies!!!
Crazy Cousins!!! Don't even have to ask them to pose a 2nd time on this one!!!

Addison and Landry!!! Fun & Friends

Seriously, we, Shannon and I were the last adults standing at the end of the party. I think there were 15 adults that started the party off. Go figure! I don't know what I would have done w/out Shannon. She was the other part of my brain that night. Thank goodness for friends!

Ok, next night we are in the Euless Parade of Lights. We got to wave at all the bystanders and wish them Merry Christmas. Amazing what you will do for your kids. Plus they got to dress up - Halloween all over again, get to reuse costumes - Yeah!

Brady reusing Katie's costume - Loved it. Everyone else did too that saw him!!!!
And I love Brenda. She and Danny walked about 2 blocks beside us b/c she was trying to get the perfect shot of her grandkids. Gotta love her!!

Happy that it is over.

Ok, so the milestone moments. Well, obviously, Addison is 8, that's never happened..
And genius Christy, take note people, learned this weekend to CUT AWAY FROM YOUR BODY WHEN USING A BOX CUTTER. Seriously. My mom was standing right there and says "your going to...." OUCH! Yeah, well, in between my index finger and thumb, I now have 2 stitches. Don't ask why, just remember that to CUT AWAY FROM YOUR BODY. I think what hurt the worst after the ER visit(besides the obvious$500 bill we'll probably receive) was the tetnus (sp) shot.
Last but not least, Our boy Brady is officially taking 2 or 3 steps. Doesn't mean he's not still speed crawling . It's funny to see him backing up crawling. Anyway, he took 2 steps b4 Halloween unintentionally and hasn't felt the need to since. So maybe he's decided to do the real thing. For Good. And of course, I have no picture of him doing it, but that would require me to find my camera. Really people, that's a lot to ask for.

Strolling down Memory Lane!

2007-12-03T12:25:00.000-06:00

So this is our first official Day w/out Sage, Noah and Amber with us!!! So I am going to walk a little down memory lane! I can't believe the 6 mos is already over. We had a great time, with few "is there a tranquilizer gun for the kids" moments in between. And no, there are not tranquilizer guns out there for kids. We looked into it. I know, sad. Anyhow, we had no Idea that this silly pic of 5 would soon be 6. What a blessing this year has been. Danny and Brenda generously openned up their home, once again, to one of their kids. And once again, everyone came thru liking each other. That is a Huge Blessing. I don't know how they do it, but we lived w/them for 3 months and it was like a little vacation in our life. I am truly blessed w/the in laws!!! That is a huge answered prayer! So thanks Danny and Brenda for opening up your home to Amber and the kids.

Ok, the pumkin patch, one to remember. Amber w/her "Turkey call" & camera. Noah squeezing the daylights out of Moms. And Brady taking his only 2 steps that he's ever taken, b/c he wanted to be on the tractors that Katie and Noah were on. And of course, I'm the work at home mom who doesn't even see it. Amie tells me, so at least someone saw it.

Going to the circus - Crazy day, fun, seeing lots of extensions in hair, fat women in leotards, and lots of smiles from the kids. Before, During and After.

Going to see B right b4 thanksgiving. Something I loved is they all learned Psalms 23 and are in the process of learning Phillipians 4:4-9. So they got to recite that for B!!! And let me just tell you how sweet the kids were in our Kids for Christ. We have been talking about how we are a family in Christ and then we say a prayer, sitting in a circle w/our arms around each other. I said I wanted to say a prayer for Sage and Noah Sunday morning in class and Katie steps up and says she wants to say it. So she does and so does about 10 other kids. No need for me to say the prayer, they got that covered!!! Oh to have a heart of a child!!!!

B and two of her favorite Grandsons!!!!!

Mom's and Granddaddy w/all their kiddos. And by the way, notice Katie's hair - If you got a card last year from them, we are redeeming ourselves. Last years hair was "Awful"

Notice what Charlies shirt says then look at his face!!!!

Love the circle shot. Thanks to Julie(Jodi's cousin) for the idea
And then Brady and Noah. Honestly, b4 this stay, Noah was always odd man out. And I didn't really know him until now. I'm mostly glad that I got to know him better. He loves his little cousins!!

Love the look on Katie and Noah's face!! Those two are always up to NO GOOD!!!

And I wish I had a pic of the 4 of us girls. You know, usually when you marry into a family you don't always get the best picks for sister in laws. Well, I didn't pick them, God did, and let me tell ya, I've learned a lot from both of them. And then we have "OUR" friend Shannon who might as well be one of the sister in laws. Really, we are all sisters. We put up w/each others crud(and kids) and and still love each other. Truly, we are blessed. And the great thing is is that God is our strongest bond. I am blessed to be around all of them and to go thru the good times and bad times with them. God uses them to lift me up!!!

"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near! Don't be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, w/thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends All understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS." Philipians 4:4-8

Wow -So much to be Thankful For!

2007-11-28T09:21:00.000-06:00

Rainbow School Thanksgiving - Thankful for Ms. Jolana, Ms. Angie, and Ms. Kelly

Thankful for Parents who come and pick up their kids, oh, and come to special events!

Thankful for parents and Grandparents and FREE BABYSITTING

Thankful for more Grandparents and the love & wisdom they bring with that.

Thankful for friends, old and new. Jason is Adam's HS buddy/College roommate!

Brady and Samantha - Then and Now

Thankful for my job - let's me see the newest additions!

I'm thankful for in laws, you know, the good ones!And for

opportunities to get to know them better(Amber).

I'm thankful for sisterhood. This is turning out so well(and yes, there are times they "hate' on each other.) Blow up pic to see them sit n 2gether

I'm thankful for God's faithfulness. And to Amie and Bradley's Perseverance and the Hope!Charlie's so cute!

I'm thankful for Tim - He's such a good supporter and encourager to me! And a pain sometimes!! Love you, mean it. And Caleb, well, surprised by how well you turned out-JK - Love you and thank you for your very sweet card to the girls. They adore you three boys.

Thankful for New Cousins and the friendships made immediately!

I'm thankful for "Crazy Cousin Paul". He teaches me to only say "bye" once!

And I'm thankful for Cousin Beth and Greg, who came to Thanksgiving. We had a great time! Thank you for coming. It was a blessing.

I'm thankful that Carrie's boys love my kids. Jordan turned 22 on Thursday. How time flies.

And for Crazy Cousin Josh, you're great w/the kids!

I'm thankful for the person who cooks majority of the meal and doesn't receive enough Thanks! Love you Mom and all you do!

I don't have pic's but.... I'm thankful Aric made it home safely.

I'm thankful that Don Calhoun is still w/us(big thanks God). He's still in ICU

I'm thankful that you are with Larry Gray right now and have given him Jodi, Reagan, and David to stay with during this "perseverence" time of his life.

I'm thankful for the spiritual family that you have blessed me with and the men that have stepped up and been a great example for the younger men.

I'm thankful for this time w/Amber, Sage and Noah. Thank you for letting us get to know them better.

I'm thankful for my Brady, Katie and Addison.

I'm thankful for Adam and all that he does and doesn't do(in a good way).

I'm thankful to you God, for allowing us to have times of growth and then times to just enjoy the moments!

Now as Katie would say... Blah, Blah, Blah!!!! I'll leave it at that!

God, Speak to Me!

2007-11-19T09:08:00.000-06:00

This is the view out of a 24inch x 6inch window. Even when you have small windows in life, you can still see God's beauty surrounding you!So this weekend was very Spiritual for me. God's beauty was Amazing. This is what we saw the on the Sat. hunt. Clear skies, nice weather(not real cold), just beautiful. We even got to see the stars and sunrise. Not to mention all the deer. On Sunday there was deer, but it was hard to see them, Fog. Reminded me of how God sometimes in our life only lets us see right in front of us and then other times allows us to see all of his beauty. And the whole time he is right there with us, in control. I'm thankful for that, and I was reminded of how I am one of those right now in the "clear skies" department, but others, like the Calhoun's are in the "fog" department. Many can learn from each experience, it's just that we have to choose, and there is always good in both. I love God. He's just so good to all of us - Talk about a big Heart!

Not "shootable" deer. I'm ok with that! Very neat to watch. And they are so beautiful.
Adam getting out of his "deer Space Ship". It actually is nice and very roomy. Sleeps 1, sits 2
Our little Huntress.
Loving on her Daddy! He's a good one!

Here's Addison sleeping - how Redneck, gun right beside her!
Killer Women! Another, how Redneck picture, got our Trailer in the back too! And this is where it all began -From Father to Son, to Father to Daughter. Nice tradition, have to admit, it's not "nice" every weekend. But they have bonded here!

This is the Ranchers house, If I could live out here, it would be in a house like this, Rocking chairs on the front porch, deer in the yard. O wait, NO BUENO! Glad I live in Bedford. Some of the other animals we see. And no Amie, I did not chase the goats, but I did get to pet one! Impressive huh!

Addison's first time shooting a gun. She cried(noise), then saw she hit the target sheet, and did it again.
Here's the Redneck earplugs......Papertowels in ears!
Getting to drive her 4wheeler!
Y'all come back now, Ya Here!

Oh my Goodness. God's hand was with us this weekend. We had such a good time and enjoyed so many of his blessings. And one of the big blessings of the week was my hearing. I had my hearing aides tuned up b/c I wasn't hearing to well lately and thank goodness I did. When I went down the deer blind to put one of the guns down at the bottom of the stand, I hear something, then immediately hear Adam say, "Christy get up her NOW!". What's great is I didn't say my usual "HUH? or What?", I instantly knew what it was......A RattleSnake!!!! So Adam get's his flashlight out to find it(it's getting dark, yuck) and knows that he has to kill it b/c we have to pass it to get on our way to the 4wheeler. He sees it, and ends up shooting it 3 times(1st & 2nd just to make sure he got it, 3rd just cuz he could). Anyway, we were all jumpy during and after the whole killing process. Very funny now. We felt very blessed by the incident(really). I'm thankful -1)that Adam loves me enough to tell me about the snake b4 it gets me, 2)my hearing ability, 3)snake boots - Adam's that is, and 4)God's hand that was in all of it. It was the best kill ever at the Deer Lease. And Adam decided he would go get the 4wheeler to pick us up. And no I don't have a picture of it, however we do have it's rattle. And yes, I will be back at the deer lease. Hopefully our next kill will be a more "pleasant" experience. At least for us.

Pay to go to the Circus? What? We are the Circus!

2007-11-14T23:21:00.000-06:00

So we go to the circus. Always fun getting, oh let's see, 6 adults and 7 kids, ready, fed, out the door and into there seats. Once you get there, then you can breathe. Sit back and enjoy the show (in that great announcer voice). And, Wow is it different from what I can remember. I think the ladies that were working there when I was a kid are still there. And the new ones they hired on, well, let's just say, they found them at the place you hand out dollar bills. And, really, there should be a law against women wearing half tops, that don't have the body for it. First of all, if you are a little overweight, no you should not wear it. And if you are thin, but your sagging thin, well then, no you shouldn't wear it either. Plus, half tops are not in. Apparently the circus did not get the memo on that one. Now I'm seeing why guys go w/the fam to the circus(other than the fact that they will be under the bus 4ever!). They go cuz the incentive is to see women half dressed. Maybe 2 of them are descent. Well, luckily the kids didn't notice the trashiness of the women. They had fun watching the lion, tigers, monkeys, clowns, elephants, and motorcycle riders. Our favorite was the HUMAN CANNONBALL(Announcer voice again).

This is the girls b4 the circus

Dad, Hope, Adam, Taylor, Brady & Mom

Cutie patuti Katie
Really Dad, I'm going to have to do this w/my wife & kids?
Adam has a smile on his face - Must be good or good looking
Amazing!
Hugging her girls!
Isn't this great Grandmom!
Yeah, we're cool!
Let's just say, Free Tickets. There is no way we would be going to this had we not a free ticket for every kid over 2 yrs old. Amazing how much money we saved. After popcorn, kettle corn, 4 bags of cotton candy, a diet coke, and 4 cokes, we went home happy! We had fun and the parents are glad we took them, but also, glad that it's over.

Quick important sidenote- Don Calhoun is in the hospital in ICU at HEB. Doing better considering, however he's not out of the woods by any means. Anyway, he is such a crusader for God (kind of reminds me of Paul), so please give him a shout out when your talking to God. We'd all appreciate it. Love you all!

Football has Ended! We're sad!

2007-11-11T15:07:00.000-06:00

"These are the children God has given me. God has been good to me." Gen. 33:5

Yes, these football players are part of our children. Whether we like them or not. Adam and the rest of the coaches support them, tolerate them, and love them. Some more than others. I see this job as a huge blessing to my family and to those kids. Those kids I feel are blessed by having 4 christian examples in their life that are positive and uplifting. I see the kids react when they are asked to do something out there on the field. They do it for their coaches and for themselves, b/c they have a purpose. And also, b/c they know they are loved. But you know the men will never come out and say that. Anyway, I feel very blessed that Adam has a job that he can be a blessing to others(since we don't get to see him that much) and also that he is around other great guys. I feel it's a very unique situation at his school and I know God put him there for a reason. We are sad that the boys played their last game Sat, not only b/c we will miss the football, but also b/c it really helps our family to become stronger during this time. We tend to "rise to the occasion" more and utilize our time together better. But hey, I can say that cuz it's over now right!

So this is the A team, they were playing for 3rd & 4th place. They got 4th. Kind of Bummed! This is after they tied an undefeated team. They were pretty Pumped! Let me just say - All heart when playing that game!
Hands on coaching! Always patting their head or shoulder (and nothing else) when talking to the kids! I think that's great!
Brady loves his Food and Football! A man after his daddy's own heart!
Katie and Addison making friends!
Me and my boy!Addison & Katie making more friends! Coloring helps to pass the time!And if you ever go to a game, you will hear Katie and Addison at some point yelling 'DAAADDYYY!" and also ' Go Mustangs, or Go Defense". and yes, they do know when to appropriately yell for the defense. Pretty good i think. Better than what I did in my cheerleading days. I'd always just yell when the crowd did. I was really to busy looking at the football players. Well, that's not true, I sometimes knew what was going on. But really, I couldn't see over the players, so I had to just think of the view as a blessing.

The Boys are Back in Town!

2007-11-08T22:47:00.000-06:00

The boys, Cory and Paul, are back, and not b/c they want to be. They were supposed to be in Russia for a mission trip and needless to say the visa law was changed and they are back w/us. So since Cory was going back to OK, we had dinner w/them and played a little XBOX. And let me tell you how good of a hostess us girls were. After we ate dinner and they played the game w/them for a while, we all three plus Brady fell asleep. WE fell asleep. How awful am I. I invite them over and do that. However, I am going to look at the positive side and tell myself - you must really feel comfortable having them over b/c you were relaxed enough to fall asleep. And yes people, I talk to myself. It's either that or ask the opinion of a 1, 1 1/2, 3(2 of them), 4, 5, or 7 year old. So there you go, I talk to myself. It's normal! Anyway, I love all the faces you make when playing games like this. Caught some w/their mouths just wide open or tongue out. And notice the pic of Brady and Paul's shoe. His shoe is almost as big as him! Crazy! And priceless question from Katie "Daddy, let me do it. I want to kill" Yes I know, WE ARE GREAT PARENTS! let's see, she talks to herself and she lets her child play "kill people" games. Anyway, Paul & Cory are very special to the girls. They think they are their brothers(yet they won't talk to them that much). Can you say ' crush"? Well, we had a nice night and they left early b/c their hostess fell asleep on them, but they got a good game in. Next time boys, I'll make sure I rest b4 you come over. Love you - Mean it!

Half price Halloween

2007-11-05T22:53:00.000-06:00

So we go into Kroger tonight to get groceries b/c Addison is "whiny voice" Starving. Walk back to the back and see Halloween things on Sale. So she picks up this mask and Brady loves it. Thinks it is so funny(which it is). So I tell her - the infamous-"We'll see". Needless to say, $1.75 was worth this. This is too funny! People were stopping in the store and watching Brady crack up at them. Enjoy the pics!

This is Addison! duh!

Katie!Brady!

We are going to have some more fun with this thing. It's so funny that Brady isn't afraid at all. Adam put it on and he totally didn't care. He just started laughing and went on banging his head into the wall. Maybe that was his way of saying "Why God, did I do something wrong to deserve this family!"

Mommy took a CHILL PILL

2007-11-04T22:03:00.000-06:00

Seriously, I have been so uptight these days it seems like. I am getting frustrated w/myself. Too many "psycho moments" and not enough "mommy's relaxed moments". So I decided after lunch today, we were utilizing this wonderful weather and going to the park. So glad we did. It was very refreshing and much needed. God is good and I needed to embrace that. The girls were very appreciative and didn't even get upset when it was time to leave.

Keeping Brady busy w/the balls while we played a little frisbee.

And off we go! So sweet! I just love him!
Her too!
Cute pic of Katie and Brady. Random kid in background(at least he has a decent shirt on)
And If I ever decide to let Brady's hair get long like that - take him away from me for an hour and get his hair cut. Please
Notice Katie and Brady looking like they are in jail or something. Addison's the only one happy.
Wanting the Cheerios. Still wanting Cheerios.
Trying to catch a pic of all three. Not a chance! But hey, we had fun!

Ending our day at the park, ready to take the Sunday afternoon Nap.

Loving my Brady.

Then Addison's taking FOREVER taking a pic of the 3 of us. By this time,

I really am ready to go!

Yes we did get a nap in today. And the Cowboys won - So Adam's happy!

Oh funny story. Brady "discovered" himself today. Put him in the tub w/the girls and he started to pee. He felt it coming out and then realized this "thing" is attached. Hey, this thing is pretty cool - it has a fountain - and it's attached! The look on his face was priceless. It was pretty funny to me. The girls didn't think it was so funny that they had pee in the tub.

The Real Deal - Happy Halloween!

2007-11-01T10:12:00.000-05:00

Witch theme here w/our little Bat! We had a great time at the funival! Katie's first words when seeing the church - with much excitement- BOUNCE HOUSE!!!!!!! Shrill Scream!!!! Nice..... Loved the little wings on his costume!

Our main Lobster - Charlie! So fun to dress them up and this wasn't even his cutest pic! But hey, we are just happy he's here w/us! Ok, Amber made Sages costume and the pic doesn't do it justice- She was a bird and a really cute one at that!
Brady's only happy here b/c of the cookie in his hand. So we are all happy now!Me and Hannah! This is Krystal's R's little one for all you who grew up w/her.
I know, everyone is cute except for me and my scarry hair and eyes. Hey it's Halloween, get over it!
The crew minus the lobster!

Okay, you can't see Joe that well, but big Kudo's to him! He stayed late so the kids could get that "one more ride, PLEASE......" in. He is such a pushover. No wonder my children and all the rest of us love him so much. He always pleases others. Thanks Joe! Oh and Addison's first words when pulling up to church "HAYRIDE!!!!!" It's always a favorite. And Addison even thought Joe had her 4 wheeler from the deer lease. No Addison, not everything is yours.

And we started off the morning w/gymnastics. Almost forgot to dress them in costume (bad mom/babysitter). Last pic is of them doing there end chant to - We will, We will Rock .

Isn't God Good!

Let the Costumes Begin- Rainbow School

2007-10-31T23:27:00.000-05:00

First of all, this is not my child, but he's the top pick for me for cutest costume! Even above my own children. We walked into Rainbow School and I saw him and had to take a pic. Considering asking the mom to sell it to me for Brady's next year costume.

Mrs Jolana & Katie. We are so blessed to have her at RBS!
Sarra & Noah.

Mom, Brady & Katie
And how fun is this... Jolana had a game of eat the cookie w/out your hands. Pretty neat. Kids, well most of them, loved it. This would be a great "bday party" game.

So there was lots of places that wanted the Costumes to be worn. Rainbow School, Gymnastics(which I thought was pretty cool) and the Funival. So we definitely got our money's worth out of the costumes. So this is the first batch of pics - from Rainbow School. Enjoy

Katie and Wyatt doing musical pumpkins!

Mr. Russ and Mr. Paul (in Pj's w/feet in them-thank you for the laugh) handing out candy to the treak or treaters

Noah's Handsome Pirate Self!

Taking the Plunge

2007-10-28T23:54:00.001-05:00

Adam, Brady, Katie, & Texas Cake!
Adam teasing his boy!
Noah & Brady

Dad - proud We're raising him right! Go Horn's!

Sarra & Katie helping Brady out!

So here are pics of Brady's B-day last weekend. Since then, we've had no new pics taken. Camera dead and can't find the battery charger thing. Oh well.

On a different note - I was thinking tonight about how Moses' Mother had so much trust and confidence in God and in herself. She made a basket for her child, knowing that God would keep her child safe from harm if she put him in it. It made me think of us as parents. Us Mom's are weaving our baskets for our children. Preparing them to be taken away from us and protected by God. They may come back to us or they may not. But having Confidence in God is not doing nothing, it's doing our part and then trusting in him to take care of the rest. I get tired and run down when I am "weaving my basket's", but I will say that I am praying that I am using the right material for my kids. If I do one thing right as a parent, I want it to be that I influenced my kids in a positive way to be a servant of the Lord.