Last Monday Dallas had his 5-year-old birthday pictures taken. His actual birthday is not until 7.31, but wanted to get them done a bit early so we could have pictures to give out to family and friends. We were referred to a local photographer here in Tyler, Teresa Rieder, and she was amazing! She had the idea to go to the Children's Park and we were so pleased how great all of Dallas' pictures turned out. Can't wait to get the prints back. It was SO hot that morning! By the end of the shoot Dallas was pretty worn out, but what I love about D is that he is so full of love and life. Thanks for capturing this in the photos, Teresa! Here are a few of my favorites...

Big Boy Bed

Dallas finally got his Big Boy Bed (as he calls it!) We're so excited for him! Haverty's delivered it yesterday and we couldn't be happier with the purchase! Dallas asked me to wait to put on the spider man bedding until he got home, because he wanted to do it himself. I think the bed was a bit overwhelming to him when he actually got into it to sleep last night, but seems to be adjusting well to it. I'm working on transitioning his room from baby/toddler cowboy theme to spiderman so I'll post more pics once the room is finished, but wanted to share his excitement with everyone!

Pink Stuff

Wanted to share this dessert with everyone. My aunts have been making this for years for our family gatherings. It's one of my favorites.

1 tub of Cool-Whip
1 small box of strawberry jello mix
1 can of pineapple tidbits (with juice)

2 handfuls of each of the following:
grapes
strawberries
apples
pears
cherries

Cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces.

You can add any fresh fruit you'd like, but these are my favorites.

Add all ingredients together, mix well, and chill. Enjoy!

Missing My Mom

Grief is mysterious thing, at least it has been for me. Sometimes I think I have a hold of it, but other times it just hits me during the most inopportune moments! I know my mom is with with the Lord and it brings me so much joy when I think about her being with God, but I miss her, plain and simple. A good friend of mine died during college, and I remember at her funeral the pastor said, "Death is so hard, because it was never a part of God's perfect plan." That just kind of struck me, and I've always remember that. We're not supposed to have to say good-bye.
It's been almost 7 months since my mom went to be with the Lord. I can't believe it's been that long!! Sometimes something will happen and my thoughts will turn to her, wishing I could tell her about it. Me and my sister talk about her a lot, and thankfully we've been very supportive of one another during this time, really my whole family has. That has helped me so much. It's just the times when someone talks about their mom that really hit me in the gut and reminds me that she's not here anymore and I can't call her up just to talk. This post was brought about because I found a picture of me, my mom, and my sister taken in March 2007 at a family reunion in Houston. This is not a "woe is me" kind of post and I do okay most days, but just felt like writing about her...just me on this journey called grief.



But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we’ll hold on to you always

Lyrics by Jeremy Camp: There Will Be A Day

First T-Ball Game 5.30.2009

Dallas had his first T-Ball game on Sat. At that age everyone is a winner, so no score was kept. He got to bat 2x and hit the ball the first time on each hit. He did great, and looked too cute in his uniform. (Jennie and Mark, what do you think of his team name?!)

Look at me in my t-ball uniform

in the dugout waiting to bat

home run!





Dallas and Daddy

Having a snack on the way home

Had to brag on my family

Last weekend, my cousin Joe from Deweyville TX, came to Tyler to run because he qualified in the 800 meter (2 laps around the track) and 1600 meter (1 mile) for regionals. He placed 1st in the 800 with a time of 1 min 59 sec and placed 2nd in the 1600 with a time of 4 min 39 sec. He qualified for state and is headed there in 2weeks. Way to go, Joe Joe!
Dallas was in complete awe of him as he raced around the track and hasn't been able to stop talking about him! He even colored a picture for him last night....oops...which reminds me I have to get that in mail to him!
Here are few pics of him from last Sat.


Running the 800


Leading the Pack


Gold and Silver Medals


Joe with his mom, Rhonda (my first cousin)


Joe's girlfriend, Skylar and their daughter, Adysin

TOP TEN THINGS OVERHEARD AT T-BALL PRACTICE

10. "Look at that rocket in the sky."

9. "Don't do that, turn around!"

8. "Do that again so I can take your picture."

7. "Back up, you might get hit by the ball."

6. "Hey, where's my glove?"

5. "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit."

4. "When's the first game, Coach?"

3. "That's my bat!"

2. "Run! No, no, the run OTHER way."

1. "Coach, can I win?!"

Dallas had his first t-ball practice on Tuesday night. He did great, and Adam and I were so proud of him! Here are few pictures

We're so proud of you D Bear!!!

Wanted to share that Dallas was nominated as one of ETCA's Heroes of Character for the 2008-09 school year.

Listen to what miss Bev Anne and Miss Carli (his teachers) had to say about Dallas. "We are so proud to have Dallas in our class. Dallas has been chosen because of his example of citizenship. Dallas is a natural leader; kids will follow his actions, his words, and his loving attitude. He has grown in his understanding of his role as a leader in our classroom. When asked how he wants to lead, he will stop and think and make a positive choice. We can always depend on Dallas to volunteer to help us or his friends. He has a good understand of God's love and his responsiblity to share that love. These wonderul qualities in Dallas are found in his parents. Their Godly example and daily instruction are evident in Dallas. We are thrilled to have Dallas in our class. He is a blessing to us all. We love you, Dallas!"

Here are a couple of pictures of Dallas and his principal as she read aloud to the entire chapel about his nomination. Go Dallas!!!!!!!!!!

A glimpse of heaven

This morning while cleaning I turned my praise music on as loud as it would go and put The Revelation Song on repeat. After about 45 minutes of listening to it, the thought came to me, this is what heaven will be like. Just praising God and being in complete peace. Wow!!! Thank you Lord God for this glimpse of your glory. What a day that will be!

**UPDATE**

* = completed

Clean both bath tubs *
Clean toilets *
Mop kitchen, bathrooms, and entryway *
Vacuum the whole house *
Deliver Mary Kay products to Donna
Mail Mary Kay lipstick and lip baum to my Mema and Aunt *
Get mother’s day cards *
Open acct. @ bank for Adam’s business *
Finish all laundry *
Workout *
Finish audits for work
Vacuum out my car and give leather tx to the seats
Dust all ceiling fans
Clean all window seals *

Spends LOTS and time with Dallas!!!!!

A little bit of this and a little bit of that

Okay, so I've fallen off the blogging train B-I-G time! I'll definitely try to be more consistent!

I took off work today and tomorrow. Not really for any real reason other than I just needed to take some time off.
I've made a list of a few things I'd like to accomplish, but not necessarily in this order.

Clean both bath tubs
Clean toilets
Mop kitchen, bathrooms, and entryway
Vacuum the whole house
Deliver Mary Kay products to Donna
Mail Mary Kay lipstick and lip baum to my Mema and Aunt Eloise
Get mother’s day cards
Open acct. @ bank for Adam’s business
Finish all laundry
Workout
Finish audits for work
Vacuum out my car and give leather tx to the seats
Clean all window seals

Spends LOTS and time with Dallas!!!!!

Happy Monday everyone!

The Revelation Song

I love love this song!!!! Such a time of worship. We sang it in church on Sunday and it's been playing over and over in my head.


The Revelation Song by Kari Jobe

Worthy is the, Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to him who sits on
Heaven's mercy seat
[2X]

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You

Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and glory and power be
to You the only wise King

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder
At the mention of your name
Jesus your name is power
Breath, and living water
Such a marvelous mystery
Yeah...

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come, yeah
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You
[3X]