Christmas at the Andersons...

The Christmas season for our family began last weekend. We celebrated Christmas with just the six of us b/c this week is full of Christmas with our extended family. I love this time of year. I love everyone getting together. I love seeing the looks on my children's faces as they open gifts, I LOVE that Chris does not have to work and can stay home with us. However, my favorite part is helping my children learn the true meaning of Christmas.

Don't judge me...my kids have had their picture taken with Santa (with me included...thank you Kaityn) and we had my brother-in-law and sister-in-law ring jingle bells outside the kids window and say "Ho, Ho, Ho." But this year my kids really are getting why we celebrate Christmas. Cooper over and over has reminded me that it is not about gifts but "Jesus being born in a barn." We have three "kid friendly" nativity scenes and the kids on several occasions have used those "figures" to tell the Christmas story. There were times when it brought tears to my eyes because they ARE getting it.

One of my favorite Christmas things is something that my mom and dad-in-law got us. There is a manger scene and then seven boxes. In each box is an item which tells part of the story...angel, shepherd, wise man, mary, joseph, baby Jesus & then box 7 is empty with a mirror. It is a reminder that God wants us for Christmas...our hearts, our choices, our attitude, etc. We have done that this week and really have discussed what it means to give Jesus our hearts. It has been such a joy for me to see how my kids have grown and how God is turning their tender hearts towards Him.

I hope you and your family enjoy all the fun that Christmas has to offer but at the same time remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Our Gingerbread House

This afternoon we worked together to decorate a gingerbread house. It was quite the experience. They kept asking when they could eat the candy. Needless to say, I was ready to get it finished. It is sitting outside right now in hopes that the frosting will freeze. I am hoping that it stays put together long enough for Chris to see it when he comes home.

Santa's A Sooner

We went to the mall today to get the kids picture taken with Santa. However, I ended up in the picture as well because Kaityn Mae was not about to have anything to do with the Santa.

While walking through the mall Santa was walking around as well. I guess he was on a lunch break.

This is the conversation that took place...



Santa: "Howdy"

Kids: "Hi"

Santa: "Have you been good this year?"

Kids: "Yes"

Santa: "Good job. Have a Merry Christmas."

Kids: "Merry Christmas."



A few minutes later...



Kaibryn: "Mommy, why did Santa say, 'Howdy'?"

Me: "Well...he's in Oklahoma and sometimes that's how people say hi."

Kaibryn: **slight pause** "Oh, that's why he wears red & white."

Me: "Yes, honey. Santa is a Sooner fan."

Boomer!!!!!

Our Precious Gifts

Well, our Christmas cards are almost all mailed out. I tried & tried& tried& tried...I think you get the idea...to get a picture of all four of them smiling & looking at the same time. Well, it did not work. I decided to take some individual pictures of them and maybe I could do something with them. That worked. I love each of the pictures that were taken.

They are so sweet & fun. The weather here is COLD, DARK & DREARY. But inside it was LOUD, MESSY & FUN. We played a relay game with a ball, read books, played other games, ate chocolate (alot of chocolate) & had a blast. Now it is time to clean up before Daddy gets home in about an hour and a half. It will take that long to regain some order in our home.

Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Thankful Thursday (A Day Early)

I have heard from a few people (mostly family) that I have not posted lately. I HAVE been busy but have to admit I've met a new friend in "Facebook." It is so easy to post pictures and little comments here and there but I will try to be better at blogging than what I have been.

I'm posting right now because who knows what tomorrow brings. So here goes...

1. I am thankful it is Christmas. I love this time of year...family, traditions, & introducing Kaityn Mae to Baby Jesus. She will go over to our manger scene and say, "Baby." I love it.

2. I am so thankful that when we first had kids I felt like we needed to start "traditions". Next weekend we will do our family "tradition" and watch a movie, sleep in the living room & then open presents and read the Christmas story the next morning. It will be our family Christmas before the Christmas week begins.

3. I am thankful that we are having Chris's side of the family here on Christmas Eve...Lots of people!!

4. I am thankful for movie night Tuesday night with Michael and Candace.

5. I am also thankful that our kids are able to watch movies now that Mommy & Daddy like as well.

6. I am thankful that everytime we pass a house with lights Cooper yells, "Christmas lights" like he has never seen them before.

7. I am thankful that the kids are learning something...or maybe not. Cooper was holding a book today and was telling me it was the story of "David and had a colorful coat and his brothers threw him into water with a whale." We might have to clarify stories tomorrow.

8. I am thankful for my husband who shows me and tells me everyday that he loves me. I love it when he kisses me and the kids say, "OOOOOOOOOO gross" but then look to see if we kiss again.

9. I am thankful for my new niece or nephew coming in June...Did I tell you I was going to be an Aunt.

10. I am thankful for this season where I am reminded of God's gift for me...His Son and how He loves me so much more than I can imagine. Looking back at this year He has blessed us so much and even at times when I wonder where He was I can see His hand and how He used everything for His glory.

Hope you have a Thankful Thursday!!!!!!!

Only in Oklahoma

Only in Oklahoma could it be November...the END of November...and it be nice enough outside to go to the park and play. The kids were so excited. They love the "dinosaur park". We were able to take Aunt Candace with us. I think they had more fun and like her more than me...I'm only the mother, right? I'm kidding. We all had alot of fun. Hopefully, the kids used up all their energy and won't be as hyper as they were last night at our house. Chris and I could not wait until it was time for them to go to bed.

As I was watching them play I am realizing more and more how quickly they are growing up. It is so fun to watch them play together and do so many things on their own. Time goes by so fast. I hear people say alot of times that "this age is their favorite." I really don't have a favorite. There are special things about each age that I have loved but I love the age that each one of them are at right now. They are all so different and unique and are just so fun. They make me laugh, cry, PRAY, trust and love. I am so thankful that I am able to stay at home and soak in everything that I can because this time is so quickly passing.

We are blessed beyond our wildest imaginations or dreams.

Thankful Thursday

1. I am thankful that my kids are outside playing and I am in here enjoying the peace and quiet. No worries...Kaityn is taking a nap.

2. I am thankful for my new little niece or nephew...coming 2009.

3. I am thankful for a fun week at home with my kiddos.

4. I am thankful that Thanksgiving is coming quickly & then Christmas.

5. I am thankful that I enjoy cooking but LOVE baking.

SO...I'm going to share with you two of my favorite bread recipes. These are absolutely yummy and my family eats them up quickly...NO LEFTOVERS. We love bread around here. I thought I'd share them with you.




KILLER BUTTERMILK BISCUITS...when you read what's in these you'll see why it's called "Killer".

2 C. All-Purpose Flour
1 1/2 t. Baking Powder
1/2 t. Baking Soda
1/2 t. Salt
2 T. Sugar
1/4 C. Shortening
1/3 C. Whipping Cream
1/3 C. Buttermilk
1/3 C. Milk
1 C. Flour, for rolling
2 T. Melted Butter

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.
Butter 8 or 9 inch cake pan.

Place dry ingredients in mixing bowl and with paddle attachment mix in shortening until there are pea size pieces. WIth wooden spoon stir in cream, milk and buttermilk. Let sit 2 minutes. Dough should be wet and look like cottage cheese.
Place 1 C. flour on sheet pan and flour hadns. Use small or medium ice-cream scoop, dip in batter and place on flour until pan is full. Carefully toss scoops of batter into flour.
Place pieces around buttered cake pan, then in center; pack tightly.
Bake 15-20 min. Brush with butter.


**We are having breakfast for dinner tonight and I am making these biscuits. If I think about it I will try to take a picture and post. I'm hungry for them right now.



CHEESE MUFFINS

1 1/2 C. Flour
1 1/2 T. Sugar
1 T. Baking Powder
1/2 T. Salt
3 C. Shredded Cheese
1 C. Milk
1 Egg
1/4 C. Melted Butter

Whisk dry ingredients, stir in cheese. Whisk eggs, milk and baking powder. Pour into dry ingredients. Stir with soon to combine.
Bake in greased muffin tin at 375 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes

The Little MaMa

Today I could not hear Kaityn so thought I'd better go check out what was going on. When I found her she was in her room with her baby sitting in the high chair and she was feeding her. It was the cutest thing I've ever seen...I seriously almost cried.

We laugh alot at how well she takes care of her babies. She has never been around a newborn and Kaibryn does not play with dolls but, she is so tender towards them. She loves on them, feeds them and takes care of them so sweetly. God is so good for building that into little girls. She will be a great Mama.

Look at her smile. Love it. She has stolen our hearts.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl

I'm a few days behind.


This week we celebrated Kaibryn's 6th birthday. I CANNOT believe how big she is. She is such a blessing to our family. She has been looking forward to her birthday since Christopher's in August. She told a friend of mine Sunday that she was excited because she "gets all the attention." Yes, don't worry we have talked to her about that.

From the time she woke up she asked when everyone was going to be there for her party. Monday night we had the family that lives here and some friends come over to celebrate. She told me that she knew what she wanted to wear. Early that morning she set out her "Sleeping Beauty" dress and had it ready for the big moment...when she could put it on. I fixed her hair and she smiled from ear to ear whenever she saw herself.

She is such a sweet girl. She enjoys school and loves to read. There are days when I really don't think I could have gotten some things done without her. What a huge help she is to us. It has been fun to watch her grow and listen to her heart and how God has been drawing her to Himself. We look forward to what God has in store for her.

Questions & The Only Answer

"What are we going to do?"

"What is going on?"

"What happened?"

I'm sure you have heard more.


These are some of the questions that I have heard in the past few days about our election and our future President. And to be honest with you I have thought some of the same things and have felt such a heaviness leading up to this election. However, on the day of the election I woke up with a peace. God is reminding me that He is on His throne, He is King forever, He is in control. He is still going to be a good God, He is still going to be a God who works in the lives of His people, He is the same God yesterday, today and forever.

Strangely, my kids are all asleep right now and in these few brief quiet (& much appreciated) moments I sat down and just started thinking and praying. There is so much on my heart and found myself feeling this heaviness and I opened up my Bible. I am learning that people can say things to encourage you and God can use those people and those words but the time I am most encouraged and blessed is when those words come from God Himself.

I started reading Ps. 37 and God used these words to calm the heaviness of my heart. You can read the whole chapter which is so amazing. I'm going to share just the few verses that stood out to me and encouraged me.

v. 1 - "Do not be agitated by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong. For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender green plants."

v.3 - "TRUST in the LORD, and do what is good;..."

v. 5 - "Commit your way to the LORD; TRUST in Him, and He Will act, MAKING YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS SHINE like the dawn, "
**This world is dark and getting darker. This might be a call for all followers of Christ to be that light. I heard somewhere that the darker the dark the brighter the light shines.

v. 7 - "Be silent before the LORD and wait expectantly for Him; do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way, by the man who carries out evil plans."

v. 8 - "Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated - it can only bring harm."

v. 9 - "For evildoers will be destroyed, but those who put their hope in the LORD will inherit the land."

v. 16 - "Better the little that the righteous man has than the abundance of many wicked people."

v. 18, 19 - "The LORD watches over the blameless all their days, and their inheritance will last forever. They will not be disgraced in times of adversity; they will be satisfied in days of hunger."

v. 27, 28 - "Turn away from evil and do what is good, and dwell there forever. For the LORD loves justice and will not abandon His faithful ones."

v. 39 - 40 - "The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD, their refuge in a time of distress. The LORD helps and delivers them: He will deliver them from the wicked and will save them because they take refuge in Him."

God is the answer. Our world is in darkness. Sometimes I get discouraged and wonder if there is any good. Yes, there is GOD IS GOOD and we can TRUST Him because He loves us and will deliver us. God has called us to be shining lights. I pray that I will be one that can shine brightly for His glory.

Thankful Thursday!!!

1. I am thankful that no matter what is going on in this world I can trust that GOD is enthroned as KING FOREVER (Ps.).

2. I am thankful that even though my dryer is still not working I can laugh. As I was putting some jeans in the washer a little while ago I thought to myself..."Don't put those in the dryer, they might shrink." HA HA HA!!!

3. I am thankful for my Mom who brought us pizza for lunch today. Sure wish they would take us to Hawaii with them.

4. I am thankful that my brother and sister-in-law are home from Mexico.

5. I am thankful God has provided piano students for me to teach out of our home. The little extra money is nice.

6. I am thankful that in a couple of weeks we will be putting up our Christmas tree!!!!! Oh dear, I just thought I had to keep a constant eye on Kaityn Mae.

7. I am thankful for kids who are in the other room laughing their heads off at a spinning top...does not take much. :)

8. I am thankful that we are having family (not company :) ) coming this weekend.

9. I am thankful for beautiful fall weather & the changing colors of the leaves...YES, I am getting old.

10. I am thankful that since my kids are entertaining themselves with a spinning top I have a few minutes to SIT DOWN and type this out...OOPS, too late...here they come!!! Rest time over. :)

Hope you have a Thankful Thursday!!!!

Examples at a Young Age

This morning bright and early...8:15 to be exact. I loaded the kids up and took them with me to the post office to mail a package. Well, when we got there we were not the first ones and I saw that the office did not open until 8:30. There were 3 people in front of us and then after we came in MANY more followed. Sometimes I get nervous with alot of "waiting" time with kids. I wonder if they are going to get restless, loud, have a blow out diaper or have to go to the bathroom (this one never fails).

So we waited and waited. MANY adults were complaining of the wait quite loudly, there were a couple who were getting frustrated at a lady talking loudly on the phone and let her know about it, there was a lady speaking Chinese (Cooper said it was Spanish) and two ladies standing beside her were talking about how that frustrated them...if in America, speak English. I could not believe all I could see and hear. What kind of examples were they setting for my children...they weren't. Many things came to mind that we have tried to teach our kids..."Do EVERYTHING without grumbling or complaining", "Be kind to one another", "Pleasant words are as a honeycomb",

As I am listening and seeing this I look down and what are my two sweet boys doing? Standing there quietly and looking at a poster talking to each other (Kaibryn is with my Mom today for her "birthday day"). They never once got ancy, they did not complain about the wait. Cooper asked one time why we could not go in and I just said it was not time to open and we needed to be patient. He said, "OK." That was it.

I was so proud of my boys (& Kaityn). They were an example to those adults. God is so good and reminding me that what I do is so important. Sometimes I wonder if they are learning anything or if they are listening. THEY ARE!!!!!!!! My job is to teach them and train them for when they go out into the world (now & on their own). Today I saw fruit of our labor. I was encouraged not to faint and grow weary because I know that in due season we will reap what we sow.

God is good. To Him be the glory.

Pumpkin Carving

We finally carved a pumpkin. The kids had alot of fun trying to figure out how many seeds were inside. Don't laugh at the final results...I really can't believe I'm posting the pictures of the end result.

However, the kids thought it looked great.

I 've Been Tagged

Well, Mrs. Troop has tagged me, so here goes.

SEVEN RANDOM THINGS ABOUT ME:

1. Not really random, but I LOVE Sonic...Vanilla Diet Coke Easy Ice...it might be an addiction. My husband knows this is the way
to my heart.

2. I have always wanted four children and from the time I was little I wanted to name one of them "Christopher Michael". That
is my husbands name and the name of our oldest.

3. I have always been a home-body and having people over for dinner stressed me out. Now, I love having friends over for
dinner and almost every Thursday night we have people over for dinner & football.

4. I love college football and know more about it now than when I was in High School. Pretty sad because I was a cheerleader
and only knew that when we had the ball we were on offense.

5. All during Jr. High I had a major crush on a certain guy. He married my friend over at "Mrs. Troop."

6. My husband and I even though have always gone to the same church almost our whole lives never really hung out until Falls Creek 1999. He won my heart there playing ping-pong. He says he let me win but we all know I really won. When I prayed for my husband, I was pretty specific. One prayer I prayed was that he did not necessarily have to be good
at playing sports but he needed to know just enough to carry on a conversation with anyone about it. Well, if you know
Chris...he knows ALOT about sports...even random sports that you would not think of.

7. I love to plan out meals for our family. Last month I spent less than $200 on groceries. I might be bragging a little bit but
am proud of myself. Hopefully, no one will show up for a meal tonight; needless to say I need to buy some serious
groceries. God is good and has provided for us and I know He will continue to do so.

**Thanks Mrs. Troop for "tagging" me. Now, I'm tagging Candace at "Sheandishow" and my friend Becky at "OutsidetheCamp."

Hope everyone has a great Monday.

Fun Friday Night!!!!!

A group shot. We are so blessed!!!






I love this guy!!!! He's AMAZING!!!!






Our cutey girl!!!!





We're off on our quest!!!!!!!!





Our little Spiderman, Batman, Angel & Butterfly!!!!!


***OK, I know, the pictures and the captions got mixed up and I can't get it fixed so I'll let you figure out which picture goes with which caption...consider it a game!!!! :)

The Profound Cooper

Today we were at my parent's house (dryer still broken). The kids were outside playing and the older three came in which meant that Kaityn was by herself (no worries...I could see her.) I told Kaibryn to go back outside. She said, "Because she is crying?" I said, "No. She is not going to want to play by herself."

Cooper came running into the kitchen and said, "No she's not. You said that God is always with us even when we are by ourselves." To which I replied, "You are right Cooper."

He's listening!!!!!!

Thankful Thursday

1. I am thankful for little blessings such as caterpillars on our front porch yesterday. The kids were so excited about "Fluffy".

2. I am thankful that even though our dryer does not work our washer does and I am caught up on laundry.

3. I am thankful for friends and my Mom who let me use their dryer when I need to dry sheets and towels.

4. I am thankful that I can trust God to meet all our needs.
Rom. 15:13 - "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him,
so that you may overflow with hope."

5. I am thankful that I am going to be an AUNT!!!!! I can't wait to love on another baby and see my brother with his own baby.

6. I am thankful for healthy children.

7. I am thankful that Kaityn still takes two naps which allows a break for the kids with school.

8. I am thankful that my kids love to read and love to be read to.

9. I am thankful for this great weather and the walk the kids and I just went on...beautiful!!

10. I am thankful that tomorrow is Friday which means the next day is Sat. and Chris is home!!!!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Guess What?

No. I'm not pregnant.

No. I have not lost the 10 lbs. I need to.

No. We did not win the lottery.

No. We are not moving.

No. Chris did not get a new job.

No. Kaibryn has not lost a tooth.

No. Cooper did not run into another glass wall.

No. We did not cheer for OSU today.

No. Christopher did not sit still for 10 minutes today.

No. Kaityn did not sing "Boomer Sooner". Although she did say, "Mooma. Nu Wo." AKA "Boomer Sooner number 1".

OK...OK...OK...

I'M GOING TO BE AN AUNT!!!!!!!!!

My brother Michael and sweet sister-in-law Lindsay are expecting their first baby summer '09. We are so excited for them. Thought you might want to share in my jubilation!!!!

Kids Thankful Thursday

Christopher is thankful for:

1. My toys.

2. Cherries.

3. Nana and Grandad.

4. Grana and PaPa.

5. Uncle Michael & Aunt Candace.

6. My friend Hudson.

7. Our dog Jenkins.

8. That Uncle Michael and Aunt Candace live here now.

9. This shirt that Nana bought me.

10. Everyone in our family.


Kaibryn is thankful for:

1. My friends Gracie and Emily.

2. That Jesus died for my sins.

3. My family.

4. My gymnastics teachers.

5. My sister Kaityn.

6. Christopher and Cooper and Mommy and Daddy.

7. Grana and "Popcorn".

8. The beautiful world that Jesus made.

9. Nana and Grandad.

10. The weather.


Cooper is thankful for:

1. My friends to play with.

2. Racecars.

3. The sky.

4. The road b/c if we did not have road there would be holes.

5. School.

6. All the family in the world...even us.

7. Toys.

8. Bikes.

9. Lightning McQueen.

10. My hotwheels.


Kaityn is thankful for:

1. My baby dolls.

2. Shoes...shoes...shoes.

3. My purses.

4. My jewelry.

5. My blanket.

6. My sister.

7. My brothers.

8. My Mommy & Daddy.

9. Not having to do "chores" because I am too little.

10. That even though my Mommy gets frustrated when I want to be held all the time that she does it anyway because she knows that one day she will miss this.

What We've Been Doing

Well, the title of this blog is appropriate for us right now. Our house at times has seemed like a zoo. There is always something going on. These kids keep us laughing. I thought I would send an update on each child so you know what they are doing these days.




Christopher is 7. He is very loving, helpful and a great big brother. He is learning that he is a leader and that the other three watch him and do what he does. He is just like his Daddy. He loves people. Everyone is his friend and he has fun everywhere he goes. He is doing really well in school. He loves math and his reading has greatly improved. He is getting so big and is able to do more and more on his own which makes his Momma sad but it is fun to watch him be more responsible and grow up. He has quite the imagination and can remember ANYTHING. It is not uncommon for us to be talking about something and he throws in a line from a movie or turns what we are talking about into something funny. I love that boy.



Kaibryn is almost 6. What a sweet little girl. She is a huge help to me around the house. She is very responsible and seems to act older than her age. She is our "word police" and lets us know if we or anyone else has said something that is not appropriate. She is also paranoid of ANY kind of sickness...headache, tummy ache, diahrrea, etc...she does not want to catch anything. The boys enjoy getting right by her and saying, "throw up", the word she HATES. It is not uncommon with her to find her reading a book. She loves to read and I am AMAZED at what she reads. She is probably reading at a 2nd or 3rd grade level. I think she has read almost every book in our house...I'm not kidding. She loves school and loves learning. She likes everything to be perfect. She is involved in gymnastics and loves it. She does EXACTLY what her teachers ask her to do. I can already tell she is going to love learning...she soaks everything in. She is fun and has more fashion sense than her Mom. I am loving watching her grow up.



Cooper, Cooper, Cooper...this kid cracks us up. He is in his own little world and has a laugh that melts your heart. It is the sweetest laugh ever. He is constantly doing and saying things that make us roll in laughter. He started Cubbies this year at church and is enjoying it. He is doing a good job learning his verses. He is also like his Daddy and brother...everyone is his friend and he can light up a room as soon as he walks in. He is being taught this year as well; however, his school time has gotten shorter and shorter. He does something for a few minutes and then is ready to play, which is fine. We are working on his letters and sounds. He knows his numbers very well from 1 to 10 and then some others. He is our NASCAR boy. He loves race cars and knows several numbers from the cars...99, 88, 24, etc. He is such a miracle.




Kaityn Mae is now almost 20 months old...I can't believe it. She is the cutest little thing. She finally has hair and can wear bows and look like a little girl. She loves shoes, clothes, babies, stuffed animals, and girly things. She is constantly changing shoes and wearing jewelry. Her vocabulary consists of "no", "down", "pls", "tan too", "bubba", "momma", maee" (Madee, my parents dog), "dee" (her friend Addie from church). She says alot but not very much is understood. You can definately tell when she does not get what she wants...Chris calls her KJ (Keli Jr.). She makes us laugh. Chris says she is ready to be potty trained. If she is dirty she will bring you the wipes and lay down on the floor. It's quite funny. I'm not ready for her to grow up yet. She loves her bubba's and sister so much. She is very caring...if someone is hurt she will bring them their blanket or toy, something to cheer them up. What a blessing she is and a joy.


Well, that's what's going on these days. Things are very busy but it is fun and we are so blessed.

Kaityn's Outfit of Choice

This little girl cracks me up.

This was her outfit today (started off by Mommy)...

Cute pair of jeans with flowers which she can take off and then scream at the top of her lungs because she cannot put them back on.

White shirt

Kaibryn's swimsuit...at least she can't take her jeans off now.

Little skirt that goes over a swimsuit.

Purple and Yellow necklace.

Doesn't she look so grown up.

Maybe Tomorrow

For those of you who might not know, I have been sick since Monday. I have run a high fever, chills, sore throat, etc. Went to the dr. and had a strep test run, flu test run & blood taken which by the way hurt REALLY bad. All to find out I have some kind of infection and take all my meds and it will run its course. Fortunately, today (since Mon.) I have felt like being a "wife" and "mom". I was able to do some house work and get the kids ready for church. I'm just really tired and hoping and praying that tomorrow I will feel better.

Chris has been amazing!!!! He has done all the house work, laundry, feeding, taking care of the kids, etc. all by himself. What a great husband. He deserves a break...maybe tomorrow...when/if I feel better. :) :)

Well, I don't remember much from the past few days because I have been locked up in my room but there are a few things that I can remember that are kind of funny.

1. Kaibryn has a HUGE fear of getting sick when someone else is sick. On Thursday Chris's Grandma came over and stayed with all the kids. I came out of the room a couple of times and Kaibryn took off running and I realized she was scared of being close to me. Chris's Grandma told me that one time after I went back to bed Kaibryn still did not come back in the living room. She went looking for her and she was hiding in the closet. However, she still got sick. i took her to the Dr. on Fri. and she is feeling better.

2. Cooper got sick as well and went with me to the Dr. on Wed. The Dr. was checking all his vitals and asked, "Have you been coughing?" He looked up at her with a strange look and said, "I can't drink coffee."

3. Last night Chris was putting some things away from the dishwasher and a plate dropped. Kaibryn said, "Daddy, you should leave the cooking to the MaMa's."

Everyone is doing better. Chris, Christopher & Kaityn have not gotten sick so pray that they don't and pray that the rest of us get completely healthy, especially me. It's hard taking care of a family when you don't even feel like getting out of bed.

Hope everyone has a great week.

PaPa and Sooner Day

PaPa and the babies.




The kids with Nana's favorite basketball coach.



The Fam



Aren't we cute.


This weekend "Popcorn" also known as PaPa and Uncle Michael and Aunt Candace came to see us. We spent the afternoon in Norman walking around taking in all the Pre-Game festivities.

The kids had a great time and are already wanting to go back.

I Am My Own Grandma

Today I pulled what I will call "My Grandma." She will get a kick out of this.

Several years ago my Grandma went to the post office to mail a package and the postal worker said, "It will take 4 to 6 weeks for delivery." My Grandma said, "Forty six weeks, that's almost a year."

Well tonight, my brother and sister-in-law came over for dinner. Michael was talking about playing Laser Tag and he said there was a "sixty second birthday party" meaning 62nd birthday party. My response was "How do you have a sixty second birthday party." Yes, I really said that.

I am my Grandma. I love you Grandma.

The Word Kaibryn Hates!!!

Well, Kaityn Mae is sick today. I think it is just her teeth. She has run a fever and been very clingy today. I have enjoyed it though. I have gotten some good snuggle time in.

Back several months ago we all had the stomach bug. Kaibryn had it worse than anyone and has not forgotten it. Anytime anyone mentions being sick she asks if they are going to "do the word I don't like" which is her way of saying throw up. In her words, "It freaks me out." Yes, she said that and yes she does. Well, after dinner tonight we ran an errand and on the way home in the car Kaityn threw up. I wish I had a camera to take a picture of the look on Kaibryn's face and the tone of panic in her voice. I started laughing...it was SO funny. Well, of course, the boys caught on and kept saying, "Did she throw up?...Why did she throw up?" Kaibryn kept saying, "Boys stop I don't like that word." Chris told everyone to be quiet and then for a split second there was silence. Cooper then quietly and in a funny tone said, "throw up." Kaibryn said, "Cooooooooper..." We all cracked up except for Kaibryn of course. He was not obedient but his timing was perfect. Needless to say he did not get in trouble.





Even though Kaityn was sick she still managed to wear all these shoes at one point today...some of them more than once. She cracks me up!!!!

Haircut Day

Well, today was the day...HAIRCUTS!!!!!!! Kaibryn for the first time in a long time wanted one as well. So, she got one. I was a little nervous since the last time I cute her hair I tried to give her bangs. No bangs today, just a cute cut. She has informed me that she is "old enough to fix her own hair and decide how she wants to wear it." We had a little talk after that statement but sadly, it is kind of true. She is growing up so fast. All the kids are.

Today Kaityn is 19 months old. She is constantly moving. I have had several people ask if she ever slows down and the answer is "no." She is starting to say more and is so funny. She did not get a haircut today; however, look at the cute pony tails in the back of her hair. She is looking like a little girl instead of a baby these days. One of these days I'm going to post a picture of all the shoes she wears in one day, it's staggering. I tried to do it today but of course, she only put on 2 or 3. She loves shoes. That's going to be an expensive hobby for her to have.

Chris and I are so blessed.

Friends

This is Kaibryn with her BFF Gracie. Since we share the same last name they decided that they were cousins. That is fine with us. They are such a sweet and fun family. We would love to be related to them...maybe somewhere down the L-O-N-G line of our ancestory we are, who knows. They get along so well. They laugh together, encourage each other and just have fun.

It makes me think how important friends are in our life. The Bible often warns about the company we keep. I love the verse that says, "Bad company corrupts good morals." We become like those we hang around. I have been blessed to have many friends in my life but only a handful that I would consider my BFF's.

One of these BFF's has suffered a tragic loss in the past few weeks and my heart has just been breaking and weeping for her and with her today. That's what kind of friend she is. When she hurts, I hurt. When she is happy, I am happy. I just wanted to take a few minutes to share some things about one of my BF's. She is very special to me. She and her husband were in seminary and I had great hopes of them moving back to OKC when he was finished. Hopes that we would live on the same street, we would have each other over for dinner, we would go shopping together, etc. However, God had other and greater plans for them. Several months ago they moved to Pennsylvania. When I got that call I immediately told them that God had told me that they were not to move . Of course, I was kidding. I was happy for them that they were going to be used greatly somewhere else but sad realizing we may never live in the same place again. It made me think of some funny stories I will share here in a minute. You would LOVE my friend. She has a smile to light up any room and she is so FUNNY!!!!!! But most of all she loves Jesus. My life has truly been blessed and made better because of her.

Funny Little Stories:

This is my friend who went with another friend to Nashville, Tenn. I had a terrible headache so we stopped at a convenient store and these two girls talked me into getting some "BC Powder" because it works so quickly. However, did not know that it looked like "drugs". I opened the package and got the powder ready but got tickled, breathed it in my nose and throat, got choked, started to throw up. We had to pull over on the side of the road...I'm throwing up and hearing laughing. Yes, it was my friend LAUGHING at me. Needless to say, I have never used that stuff since but laugh everytime I see it.

My friend and I were always together going somewhere. ALWAYS, I'm being serious, probably 9 out of 10 times we would be driving somewhere and we would be talking and she would say, "You need to turn here." I would pass the turning point and say, "Oh, turn there." One time we ended up stopping on a street that had a dead end. We usually missed it because we were laughing.

There was one time I remember spending the night at her house and around 2 or 3:00 in the morning we decided we were hungry. So we loaded up and went to Denny's (I think) and ate breakfast.

I went fishing with her family one summer and her Dad kept getting frustrated because we were not being quiet enough. Yes, we were laughing. This is also the same trip we stayed at her Grandparents house and I went down stairs to get a drink and her G'pa was in the kitchen (in the dark) in his underwear. I ran upstairs and tried to tell my friend what happened but I was crying I was laughing so hard and could not get a word out. She thought, that's ok until I told her he was in his "tighty whities."

This is my sweet friend who was at the hospital with my family for the 2 or 3 days it took Christopher to be born.

This is my friend who was the first to hear about this "guy" who I thought was pretty neat...my future husband. :)

This is my friend who was maid of honor at my wedding.

My friend and I would meet once a week and pray together. I shared everything with her and vice versa.

This is my friend heard something about someone in my family and instead of asking other people about it came over to my house and talked to me and got the truth.

My friend and I started doing a Bible study together which was supposed to last 13 weeks, I think. We still have not done week 13.

My friend is AMAZING. She has gone through some trials in her life but has grown and matured before my very eyes. I wish I was like her. In college she began praying that God would give her wisdom. He did. She is one of the most wise people I know. I don't know anyone who has the relationship with the Lord like she does. She seeks Him with her whole heart. Is she perfect? No. But her goal is to love Jesus.

This has gotten longer than I thought. I guess my mind is racing today with thoughts of my sweet friend. I pray that my daughters have sweet friendships like she and I have. I also pray that they will be the kind of friend that my friend has been to me.

I love you and miss you greatly my dear friend. I'm praying for you.
You know who you are. :)

Thankful Thursday

1. I am thankful that we are in the 3rd (or maybe 4th) week of school and it is getting easier and have found a schedule that works for us right now.

2. I am thankful that the kids are enjoying it. Sometimes I feel like they get bored with me :). Dad is always more fun.

3. I am thankful that Cooper gets to spend a fun day with his BF Brady. Sometimes he feels left out because he can't always do what the "big" kids do.

4. I am thankful that Kaityn takes 2 good naps a day so we can get everything done in school.

5. I am thankful for a daughter who has such a sweet heart.

**The other day Cooper was talking about someone "scribbling" instead of coloring. Kaibryn so sweetly said, "That's
OK Cooper people have lots of different talents and that is his talent." Such a good perspective.

6. I am thankful for good friends who I can be myself with and laugh with...and encourage!!!!!

7. I am thankful that my mother-in-law was able to visit with us for a couple of days.

8. I am thankful for family who live close by... :)...or will someday, you know who you are.

9. I am thankful tomorrow is Friday.

10. I am thankful for God's Word where only true comfort, encouragement, and peace can come. These are some verses that have really helped me last week and this week.

** I Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
**Ps. 61:2 - "When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
**Ps. 66:2 - "...we went through fire and water; but you brought me out to rich fulfillment."

**A couple of weeks ago God used these verses to encourage me and our Pastor is speaking on the book of James. Last
night I got a new perspective on them. God is so faithful, gentle and loving when I AM SO NOT!!!!!!

**James 1:2 - "Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of
your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may become mature and
complete, lacking nothing."

For PaPa

Sorry PaPa. Mommy will do better at posting.

We love you...Christopher, Kaibryn, Cooper, & Kaityn Mae!!!