Happy Birthday

28 years ago we had a sweet little guy join our family. Kerry was crazy happy that he had TWO sons! He was a sweet and peaceful little man and has grown to be an adorable not so little man. We were very blessed those seemingly few years ago. THEN, three years ago a little girl came into our family who has been a delight and I expect will continue to be a delight for a million years to come. She is a bright and funny and adorable and precocious 'big girl' and we are happy to have her around! Happy Birthday to Christopher and Ella.

Life

I started an update but I only got as far as the title(Creation). When I went back to try to finish, I decided the title said it all. I really love the photo of the thistles. It is a shot I took down at the ranch when we were home for Will's funeral. They are reminiscent to me of life;' stickery and stunningly beautiful!

We have had such fun watching Ella and Cavin lately. Ella is such a pistol and so dang sharp and Cavin is growing with 'fast forward' speed and his little personality is just 'popping' out all over, just like he is popping up everywhere; he is getting so good at his 'all fours' crawl and he is unstoppable at the army crawl and he pops up over the rail of his crib and he pops up as soon as he hits the floor which is where he wants to be cause that signals freedom. And he has gotten that little mischievous gleam in his eye that makes you smile and cringe all at the same time. They are such darling and adorable children. There really aren't words to describe the joy of seeing them everyday or watching Caden on Skype or hearing John and Madi come through that front door. And then there are my really fairly amazing kids who are their parents. I am really in awe of the great gifts of heaven that these people are to me and to the world at large. Missa who is now two semesters away from student teaching and graduation and a light in the life of kids who have been challenged by developmental delays; Lisa who is a remarkabley committed mom and wife when there isn't much support in the world for such devotion; Chris who listens to the spirit and allows it to guide him through work and church duties and responsiblities and who is a joyful father; Corey whose curiosity and desire to know more hasn't ceased in the 30 plus years he has been hanging here on this planet (he was probably Curious Geroge way before that) and the methodical way that he applies those acquired skills and bodies of information is really very inspiring even instructional to watch; then Nan who is courage personified; it is required in every footstep she takes but she keeps stepping. It is all stuff I have been reflecting on lately and with world conditions seeming a bit out of control, it is great to remember that there is much good as well. Thanks for being good, guys!

Creation

Goofing Off

We just returned from a quick trip to Utah. It must have been more draining than I thought because today I am JUST GOOFING OFF! I have a thousand things to do but feel wiped out. So I am playing with my blog and contemplating the universe. I need to go to the grocery!

Millions of thanks to Chira and Ragnar and Stephani for supporting the kids while they came to Utah to support Mabel and Kerry. It was really wonderful to have the kids there and the only thing that could have been better (two things I guess) were a) happier circumstances and b) y'all and the babies there with us. Thank you for your sacrifice and support and the happiness you bring to the kids lives.

Birthdays Birthdays Come Unto Earth Days

Happy birthday to Lisa...26 years ago today she came to us quite a bit late and after some concern for her welfare. She has been a blessing to us every moment since then. Have a great 26th year honey!

I'm Busy

Ella was in the family room the other day and her mom called her to come and do something and after she had called her several times, Ella very matter of fact-ly marched into the kitchen and informed her mom that she was 'busy' after which she marched right back out and back to the picture she had been drawing. It was fairly hysterical and I have smiled every time I have started to say to someone "maybe later, I'm busy" or "not yet, I'm busy" Soooo..... I hesitate to begin this little entry with "I've been busy" and not very focused on blogging...in fact, I am fairly certain that I don't really even need to say that because I will assume that you can surmise that from the dates of entry on this thing. And my busy and y'all's busy are likely very different things. Mine is more likely 'piddly' busy than urgently busy. And I think my head is where I am busiest. I have a LOT going on in my head......that does not necessarily translate to being physically busy. Or productive; or anything that even remotely resembles overly scheduled. Some of my busi-ness has included a day or two spent with Natalie at "Time Out For Women". I am at a place in life where I don't feel like I really need a 'time out' but Natalie loves it and she needs to be able to do some of the things that she enjoys. Johnny was here at the house while I was gone and he wanted to know what we had done to warrant a 'time out'. Funny huh!
We also had a little jag to the rodeo this week to see Toby Keith. The rodeo is fun. The temple has been closed so we are looking forward to that starting again this week and John and Madi are out on spring break and so I am looking forward to a little time with them. Lisa turns 26 tomorrow so we need a little celebration. And Corey finished with his neo natal rotation and goes to 'ambulatory'. I have no idea what that means except that it is at Ben Taub and so I assume he will have a story or two. The kids went to Bill Cosby who appeared with the Houston Symphony this week and Johnny was awarded first alternate for the the first grade on his science project. That means he can go to districts if one of the top three opt not to go or are unable to enter. Rags is working the Rockets. And Marisa is buried (it sounds like) Really quite busy! I got a very fun phone call from Caden this week. I saw on my cell that a call was coming in from Chira's phone and when I answered it all I heard was a darling little guys voice talking about I am not sure what. It took me a while to realize that his mom didn't know that he was making phone calls but I heard something about bananas and mom and daddy and cake and walking in the park. What a fun baby! oops, little man! I am going to put myself through a tutorial about how to download photos and get them posted so have a great week and I will quit with the less than focused blog entry. Smiles and love...........

Happy Valentine' Day

There really aren't any little people on the earth I love more than these four...and Cavin who isn't pictured here but who steals hearts at his early age! Certainly mine!
Then of course there are their moms and dads and their Aunt Natawee and Aunt Rissa. And their Gwanpa ssssSpeers....he is kind of a silly one!