Gib, my first born:

(noun) adventurous, smart, fun.  A wonderfully charming child. 

This past week was Open House at the High School. As we visited with his teachers, they all spoke of his exceptional qualities (because he does, of course, take after his mom). So you can understand our puzzled looks as we read the progress reports with few passing grades. Test scores were great and he seemed to have a good understanding of all subjects... so what could be the problem? And then, one evening, after much contemplation, Gib clears the confusion...  

"Mom,  I've decided that I'm going to start doing homework."

Like I was saying, he is nothing like his mom.  

This was one of our not-so-crazy weekends at our house. Six of the kids were with their other parent. Not such a bad thing this particular weekend because yesterday Sam and I celebrated our 5th anniversary, and I must say, quiet was nice.  We loved the sweet calls from family and friends. In lieu of a romantic getaway, we decided to do some landscaping in the front yard. This project is still in the works, but the process is half the fun! Nothing like a little curb appeal. Last night we went to a neighborhood couples dinner. Some sushi, tenderloin and delicious appetizers...yum! Gib and Ryan stayed home and played Guitar Hero, speaking of, if you haven't had a chance to play this Wii game, try to sometime, somewhere... it's amazing.  I think it has saved us some serious dinero on guitar lessons!

Today was even slower paced as Sunday's usually are. Church, a nap, some shopping and a visit with our friends Leigh and Andy, who I might mention are going to be proud parents in October of this year! We love them and are so happy that they are going to have such a tiny thing ROCK their world!  :)

Life is Good.  God is Great.  Happy Sunday!

Isn't this beautiful? I love poppies, they are such a happy flower.  Texas has tempted us with some California weather lately, even though the groundhog claims we have 6 more weeks of Winter.  Despite the forecast, I do feel spring fever coming on.  

Enjoy your day wherever you are!

Naughty or Nice?

Wow, life has been busy or rather... full. So, although '08 is here, this is a small sample of 2007. 

Gib, 15, finished his first semester of 9th grade. A time for firsts; grades that count, homecoming, defense MVP, and now drivers ed...  HELP! He is so amusing, always teaching his brothers and sisters such appropriate things. Love his heart! If I could use just one word to describe him it would definitely be Adventurous.

Anna, 13, is in her last Junior High year.  She is always smiling and LOVES to share her joy in hugs and song! She is in the Concert Choir, on the Honor Roll and in the Peer Mentor program at school helping kiddos with special needs. Anna is my helpful one in so many ways. One word to describe her, Eager.

Maren, 11, is in her last year of Elementary. She is such a mathematician, always calculating, something. Mare has enjoyed being in Safety Patrol, Sign Choir and Band (she's a flutist) this year. Her social status seems to be most important these days... but what would 6th grade be without friends? One word, Organized.

Brooke, 10, just finished her first semester of Middle School. Great grades, overnight class trips and best friends. Brooke, is quite a social butterfly and we have loved watching her spread those wings. She also has become very proficient in her computer skills, which I'm sure has nothing to do with MySpace. One word, Diligent.

Collin, 9, is now in the 3rd grade, and adores reading. Often, I have to remind him to turn off his light at night because his hour of free reading is up. He also enjoys playing Wii and takes advanced gymnastics. He truly loves anything involving sports and people. Collin, I don't think has ever met a stranger, and if he has, he didn't know it. Friendly.

Blake, 7, is in the 2nd grade this year. He's our straight A student and baseball player. Blake loves all sports and usually excels at whatever he tries.  He is very attentive, which might explain some of his success. For years, we have called, Blake, "our little reporter" as he always seems to know the skinny on things. Observant.

Brayden, 6, is in the first grade. He can't decide if school is completely necessary at this time in his life. Some have all the answers but, Brayden, has all the questions. He is a fan of anything Star Wars and a master at most video games.  His passive personality is different from the rest of the band but what a welcome beat!  Interesting.

Ryan, our caboose at 3, is in preschool three days week. He loves life and is generally pretty easy going.  It's been so much fun to have one significantly younger that the rest. He might be little but his thoughts are very BIG.  Oh yes, and this boy certainly loves his siblings! He has always shown such affection. One word, Sincere.  

Sam has enjoyed getting his car business off the ground this past year. He has a fabulous group of people working with him, which is half the battle. His hours are long and we miss him terribly, but what a sacrifice he makes everyday for our table for ten. Somehow, though, he is always able to work in grocery runs, carpools and wonderful vacations. Our hero. Devoted.

I am invested in all of these sweet lives wearing different hats daily. I am so grateful to be at home with the kids... truly what I have always wanted to do! My volunteer responsibilities keep me fairly organized, which I believe keeps me somewhat sane. Recently, I have been working toward a photography business. I hope to have it in full swing in a couple of years when Ryan begins all day kindergarten. Life is fast, though, so I try to stop to smell the flowers... and I do find others following. Yes, we are busy, we are many, we are family... and I am, Thankful.