Made with Love From Papa

I know, this is my second post today. The ironic part of it is I hardly get 2 posts in 1 week. Papa Gary made the kids new shelves for their rooms. They were so excited. Parker got his last week and Easton and Olivia got theirs tonight. Gary and Nancy came over tonight to hang them. Phil went into Olivia's room later, after Olivia was asleep, and she had already decorated it. So I decided to show off their shelves and Papa's great workmanship. Thanks Papa and Grandma for the shelves!!!

Parker's Shelf


Easton's Shelf


Olivia's Shelf

40th Anniversary Celebration

I made a slide show of some of the pictures from my parent's 40th Anniversary celebration last weekend. I'm so thankful to everyone that came to help us celebrate. It truly meant a lot to my parent's...they're still talking about it!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy 40th Mom & Dad

My parents have been married 40 years today!! They were married January 24, 1969 in Ardmore Oklahoma. They have been blessed with two daughters, Erin & Kelly, and one son, Jace. The lights of their lives are their four grandchildren, Sawyer, Parker, Easton and Olivia.
I am so proud of them and the example they've been to our family. We held a reception in their honor and were so overwhelmed and excited by everyone that came.
Mom & Dad we love you so much and look forward to many more years of love and memories.
Erin did a great job on the slide show for the reception, check it out below.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

It's a Family Affair

Last night Phil and I presented our family with a goal: to save money for a family vacation. Here are the rules: you have the option to donate any money to it you want, once something gets put in you can't take it out, the lid does not come off except to turn in the money, and don't take anyone's money without asking. The kids were SO excited. They were looking all over the house for money to put in. Phil and I brought change from places that we had it for them to put in. Easton even put some of his own money in our fund. We told the kids that once we had some money saved they would also be able to help us decide where we would go. All kinds of places started being called out...deciding where to go may be the hardest part.
I think Phil and I are just as excited about this as the kids. We hope this will not only be something fun for the kids but will teach them about the value of saving money and to be cautious about how they spend money. Also, we want them to be proud of their efforts. Phil has already come up with a few ways they can earn money for the bank. One way is when we go out to eat if we can eat for under a certain amount Phil would add the difference to the bank. If you've got any other ideas for us we'd love to hear them.
As our bank fills we'll add pictures and let you know how things are going. We'll also let you know where we decide to go for vacation.

Buzz Consulting

Phil started his own business, Buzz Consulting, with Ellen Bebout. I am very proud of him and know they will be successful. I've always known he had the talent and smarts for this and with the addition of Ellen they are solid. They don't only provide computer consulting but day-to-day business consulting. Here is their web-site, www.buzzcc.com, they are constantly making changes so keep checking back. If you know anyone who could use their services or just might like to call them, please pass along the web site.

From a Charge to a Spark

This is the title of Parker's Science Fair project. We had to turn it in today for the district fair. We're so proud of Parker. This project was really a family effort so I guess we all have a stake in it. We'll let you know the outcome when we find out. Phil took this picture of Parker with his project today after they went to set it up. Good luck Park!!

Happy 14th Anniversary

I can hardly believe we've been married 14 years. I remember so well our courtship and the first few years of marriage and the giddiness I felt towards Phil. We've been through many things in our marriage but God has brought us through to the other side. Even though the giddiness may be gone it has been replaced with a deeper love and respect for Phil. He's always been an excellent provider for our family, wonderful father to our children, and a husband who has stayed devoted to me and our marriage. I am very thankful for the past 14 years but I also look forward to the blessings that await us. Phil, I love you yesterday, today, and tomorrow!! Love, Kelly

Our Little Gymnast

Olivia started gymnastics at a new gym Monday, Star Gymnastics. She was so excited, that's all she talked about all weekend. Her BFF Aubree is in the same class. I think it'll be good; they'll push each other. I took a couple of pics...I'll try to get more later. We'll need to record her progress for her Olympic debut...hehe!!

Olivia and Aubree in their matching leotards. The funny thing is they weren't together when we bought them and didn't know the other one had it. Too cute!!

The girls stretching!!

Olivia perfecting her back-bend!! You go girl!!

Cowboy Cookies by Laura Bush

I made these cookies for the Cowboys vs Ducks game last Tuesday night. The game didn't turn out like we wanted but the cookies were a hit. Several people asked for the recipe so I thought I would share with all. They are so yummy!! Enjoy!!

2008 Year in Review

Every year is always full of surprises and usually never goes like planned. We quit trying to plan and just see where God takes us; he has never let us down!

1. All the kids started all day public school. I really felt like this was a milestone in my life.
2. I (Kelly) had my Chesapeake career that lasted all of about 2 months. Wasn't for me.
3. I got a job at LSI/Shipley Assoc. with perfect hours for me and my family...9am-3:15pm.
4. Phil quit his job at the bank of almost 6 years and started Buzz Consulting Company...anyone need their computers fixed?
5. Parker started playing competitive soccer in MWC.
6. Easton broke his arm.
7. I coached Easton and Olivia's soccer team...The Lightning.
8. Parker won an award for his Science Fair Project and gets to advance to the district level.
9. Parker cut his long hair.
10. I changed my hair color to a dark reddish brown.

Okay, so some things are a bigger deal than others. We are just thankful for good health, family and friends. We look forward to what 2009 will bring.