Aunt Mindy

About two weeks ago Aunt Mindy read our blog for the first time and promptly had a pity party. She was most upset to not find any references to herself among the entries. I gently explained that I had only been back in the blogging game for a short time and that, during that time, we had not seen her. And, thus, she was not mentioned in the blog. So, she did what any sane Aunt would do...she dropped everything she was doing and hopped on the next plane to DFW. Well...maybe not the "next" plane but pretty close. The picture below is her showing her excitement about her debut to our blog...

We had a great long weekend, with many highs and one low...

Alex was sick almost all weekend...starting on Saturday morning. He was so sweet and pitiful, all at the same time!

Fortunately, he was able to get some fun in on Friday evening before starting to feel bad...

I absolutely adore that look on his face :)

My beautiful Anna loves the water! Please say a little prayer that I will figure out a good way to keep her pod on, while she swims all summer.

Alex was able to take enjoy some of the benefits of being sick, his favorite is lots of snuggling! Here he is with Daddy....

Here he is with Nan.

Anna and Aunt Mindy working on a school project...maybe Aunt Mindy should move here (hint, hint)

My handsome hubby, I really love that guy!!

Parting shot...practicing photography. I thought this one turned out beautiful.

Have a great week!

Goin' Home

We had the opportunity to spend the some time in the Glen Rose/Granbury area this weekend. It is just amazing to me, but it seems that your whole body just heaves a big sigh as you drive into town...the pace of life feels so much slower. Although the weekend was busy and tiring, it was wonderful to go back and reminisce about our lives there. I love things that give me a different perspective on the day-to-day grind. I can still vividly remember living here and then moving there. I can remember just how everything felt....like I had been transported to a different place and time. It was divine for our family....it was right....it was what we needed. It was an amazing place to spend my high school years. All the "things" that I needed here in order to be popular did not mean anything there, anyone could do anything or be anything. There was no social order, no defined groups.....I was able to be friends with everyone. As I sit here, I realize that I haven't ever thanked God, like I should, for that time and for the enormous blessing that He gave to our family through that move. It was an amazing time for us as a family...almost ALL of my good memories of my "childhood" happened there. And the best thing of all, of course, was meeting Chris. I am thankful that we have joint memories of the place that meant so much to both of us. I pray today that no matter where we live and raise our children, they will have memories of a carefree time and a place where they felt comfortable, a place they can hold in their hearts.



And now a little picture story :)

Anna and Alex looking oh so cute and happy on the courthouse steps...

Anna really wanting Alex to get out of her picture...she likes to pose....alone.

Uh oh...now he has stepped on her hand....it might look like she is crying about her pod...but in reality it was a hurt hand....take a look at Alex's face....he's thinking "oops, shouldn't have done that."

All is well now...she got a solo shot :)

And so did he!!

But in the end...they really love to be together. It's true, I promise :).

Happy Mother's Day

(I wanted all of the pics below the text, but I just can't get these first ones to move. So, I am giving up and moving on. Please scroll down to read my wonderful writing and for more pics.)

My Mother's Day Gifts that the kiddos made, is there anything better?

Molly Rose Petal

Nan and Anna

The Great Desensitization Project...working on Will and Eli's fear of Abby, the dog.

We had a GREAT Mother's Day weekend. It was our first Saturday without soccer and volleyball games and it was really nice just to be able to relax and go with the flow. Although, Anna really misses volleyball already. As for Alex, he does not miss soccer so much :)

For a weekend recap...Friday night Chris and I were able to leave the kiddos with my mom and nana for just a bit and get in some Mother's Day shopping all by our selves...it was really nice. Saturday the kids woke up early, Chris slept in and I cleaned out closets. We did a little shopping in the afternoon, got Alex a new 'do, and then headed to Will's big birthday bash at Let's Jump. We had so much fun!! Alex did suffer a vinyl burn (similar to a carpet burn) on one of the jump houses. He is not sure he wants to go back ;) Sunday we went to church, had a nice lunch, took good naps and then had the whole family over for a yummy dinner and fun. And for icing on the cake....I got a new camera!! So enjoy...

Chris and the kids taking a break from their Saturday morning wrestling match...



My beautiful princess Anna...



Alex's BEFORE picture...



This one is during the haircut, he looks a bit concerned :)


Here is the after shot...so handsome!!

No Pictures=No Fun

Well, not exactly no fun. But certainly no way to capture our fun moments for posterity. Obviously, my camera is still missing. As a last ditch effort, I will call the YMCA today to see if they have it. If not, then I will be off to buy a new camera.

So, in an effort to feel even more sorry for myself over my missing camera, here is a list of all the events I have not been able to capture on film this week:

Anna holding brand-new Emersyn Grace Mabry
Alex's Farm Day at School
The annual LCCS Spring Picnic
Daddy buying Alex's Class Mascot for an obscene amount of money (it's all about the donation, right?)
A beautiful fireworks show
Alex's Last Soccer Game
Anna's Last Volleyball Game
Anna's team party and trophy presentation
Spend-the-night fun with our friends Jordan and Avery
A family car trip to Canton
Papa's debut as the lead role in the children's musical at FBC-Euless

Do you feel sorry for me too? ;)

Enough of the pity party...on to a really fun Alex story. So, last Thursday afternoon I was busy wrapping up some work and asked Alex to go get himself dressed for soccer practice. Time elapsed and I finally called up stairs to check on him. He came to the top of the stairs and said that he was having difficulty unbuttoning his pants. So, he came down so that I could help him. Well, we finally got the pants unbuttoned and both looked down to see that he had two pair of underwear on. So, we discussed how this came to be. You see that morning when I had laid out his clothes I had put a clean pair of underwear with his school uniform. Apparently he was watching TV while he got dressed and failed to notice that he already had a pair on and just added another one. Here is what Alex had to say about this situation, "Well, Mom, I think this is good. If I have a poopoo problem or just need a clean pair all I have to do is take the bottom ones off and then I will have a clean pair ready to go!" Yes, Alex, I guess that two of something is always better than one...

O Lord, our Lord...

....how majestic is Your name in all the earth. Alex has been singing that song all week; and , it being one of my favorites, I can't seem to get it out of my head either. I love to hear my children praise the Lord, a huge blessing to know that they are imprinting those words on their hearts and in their minds. Alex's Pre-K class was the opening act for the school's K-1st grade musicals. He was soooo excited! I took great pictures of his smiling face, but have now misplaced my camera. As soon as I find it, I will post the pictures.

We had a relaxing weekend. The kids were out of school on Friday and enjoyed the day hanging out at home and then going to play with friends. I am continually thankful for those in our lives who love my children enough to take on the extra responsibility of having Anna even when I cannot be there. She needs that time away from us.

On Saturday we had the usual soccer and volleyball games and then headed out for some separate girl and guy time. The boys went to the Byron Nelson Golf Tournament and then to the Arbor Days Festival in Euless, where they met LOTS of people that Daddy works with and Alex was able to get LOTS of practice in on our latest initiative :) for him...looking and speaking directly to adults when you are spoken too (of course, not to strangers without mommy or daddy). Anyway, he did a great job and broke into a fit of giggles last night as he was trying to remember everyone's names and they just seemed to get funnier and funnier sounding.

Anna and I indulged in some of our favorite things...nachos at Taco Casa, country music on the radio, pedicures and shopping! We were happy to head for a pedicure with Adrina as she is in the final moments of waiting for her precious baby girl to arrive. Needless to say, we are almost as excited as the Mabry's themselves. Anna even gave Miss Adrina one of her famous, send-you-into-labor foot massages, in hopes of creating some action. But so far, no news. After the pedicure, we headed out to find some new summer clothes for Anna. We had much success and, I am happy to report, no arguing over clothes. We were able to find some things that suited her tastes and my preferences and budget. I must say we had one shocking experience on our adventure...while shopping at one store we ran into a little girl that Anna has danced with, played soccer with, etc over the last several years. The catch is...she was trying on bras?!? Maybe I am just in denial, but I am NOT ready for that yet. Can it really be coming? Not soon for us, hopefully. Between now and then, I will have to pray for emotional preparation for puberty :)

We did squeeze in a bike ride to enjoy the beautiful weather this week. Here are the snapshots...

Oops! Never mind, those pictures are still on the camera that I have misplaced. :) You'll just have to wait until I find it...

Blessings and prayer for the week ahead.

Family Fun

We had an amazingly fun weekend, once again! Friday night Anna had a birthday party to attend. As always, I hung out to make sure her blood sugar remained in range, especially since they were swimming. I wonder about the day when she will be too cool for me to hang out with her and I am thankful that, for today, she still likes to have me around. Chris and Alex were busy mowing the grass and working in the backyard while we were gone. We had a big slumber party in our room on Friday night...BIG FUN!!

Saturday morning we were blessed to be able to sleep in. The kid's games did not start until noon this week. It was a bummer that the games were at the same time, so I could not watch both. I attended Alex's game and Chris went to Anna's. I am VERY excited to report that Anna got 4 serves over this week...she has finally figure out how to get some power behind her great form. Alex was really not that into soccer this week...I try not to get frustrated, but it is hard. I want him to find one active hobby that he enjoys. We will keep searching!

Chris and I got all dressed up Saturday night to attend the JDRF Promise Ball. It was a fun night and TONS of money was raised to support research for a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. I was a little surprised by how the evening's events affected me, it was a bit emotional because it directly impacts my daughter's life...I long for, pray for and hope for a cure every day. To watch people give generously for something so personal definitely tugged on my heartstrings. We had a great time. Thank you to our friends who made it possible for us to attend!

Sunday, I must admit, we skipped out on Church and had a lazy day at home. That evening we we had a BLAST with my mom, brother, sister-in-law, nephews and niece. It was a BEAUTIFUL evening and we thoroughly enjoyed the great outdoors.

The kiddos had a picnic in the "fort".

Aunt Cathy, Anna and Molly

Nan and Anna...two peas in a pod.

Wade and Will both having smores for the FIRST time...Wade at age 36, Will at age 6

My niece, Molly Rose or "The Petal" as her daddy affectionately calls her.

Goin' Campin'

We went camping with our Life Group last weekend. Although the weather was a bit chilly, we had a great time! It is amazing to me, but we all seem to sleep amazingly well in a tent. It was a great time of fun, food and fellowship.

Chris setting up our new tent!

Hannah and Anna chilling out...

Do you think Alex is trying to blow out the campfire?

Adrina, Julie and I enjoying food fresh from the fire :)

It was fun, but I will be extra thankful for my warm bed tonight...


Lissa

One Year

It has been one year. One year since Anna was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. One year living with diabetes.

One year...

....since God reminded us how precious life is.

....of having more opportunities to spend time with my daughter.

....of giving my children kisses during the middle of the night.

....of paying very close attention to Anna's feelings.

....of encouraging her independence.

....of sympathizing and encouraging others living with this disease.

....of making new friends because of the d-connection.

....of our family becoming closer as we focus on our goal.

....of remembering how much Jesus loves us.

....of being thankful for the precious gift that is my children.


I must admit I am not this optimistic every day :) There are days that I focus on the struggles, but for today I choose JOY!






Thank you Jesus for Anna and the perfect gift that she is.

Lissa

We're Moving....

....just kidding. Although Chris and Anna hope that statement will someday be true. They both have a yearning, a deep desire ;), to move to the 'country'. And the activities of this last weekend did nothing but intensify those dreams...

We were blessed to be invited to spend some time at our friends' second home on the 'ranch'. It was a great relaxing time and a priceless experience for the kids. They ran around on the land building clubhouses, pretending and making crosses out of wood they found....all out of our sight. This is something that just cannot happen anymore in the 'city'....it just happens to open my heart just a little more to Chris' dream of living a more simple life someday :)

Photoshop Novice

Playing around with Photoshop, thanks to some tips from Pioneer Woman. Let me know what you think...

BEFORE EDITING

AFTER EDITING

What is that smell???

We ended the week with the most awful smell in the car....what could it be, I wondered? Let's just say that I don't keep the cleanest car and 'things' have gotten lost in the piles many times before. But never something that smelled this bad. After much digging and cleaning out, I found two dishes left over from Life Group on Wednesday night hidden under a pile of coats. Yuck! I keep telling myself that as the kids get older, the car will get cleaner. But, in all reality, I don't think they are the problem, I think that it is me. :)

When I picked the kids up from school on Friday they were both eager to know what our BIG plans were for the evening; and they were equally disappointed to find out we had NONE. We needed a night at home. It felt as though we had been running in circles all week..... So, Chris picked up some pizza on the way home, Anna decorated for our "Family Fun" night and we settled in for some relaxation. Nan came over dressed in her jammies to chill out with us. It was great! We ate, snuggled and watched all of The Game Plan. For those of you who know me well, this is a rare thing. I am not a big movie person, but it was very nice to all enjoy an entire movie together. I will have to remember to do that more often.

We were up early Saturday for Anna's volleyball game. They won once again, staying undefeated, and Anna even managed to get a volley back over scoring a crucial point for her team and breaking the serve of one of their top players...it made her day!! We had a quick break and then it was off to Alex's soccer game. Once again, he did great....getting into the mix of things and going after the ball. We were up against a pretty 'rough' team but managed to pull out a victory :)! We had a quick Chick-fil-A lunch with friends, a stop off at the grocery story and then home for a nice nap. That evening the Carrolls came over...we had a nice dinner, a fire and fun outside and then introduced them to the Wii :) It was great fun and a reminder of how we are blessed as we open our homes and ourselves to serve others with hospitality. It truly is a God-given commandment and I am amazed at how blessed I am when I follow His will. A good reminder to 'invest' in the relationships He has blessed us with.

We were actually on time to Church this morning....and were blessed by the message. Now, we are tackling mounds (no exaggeration whatsoever) of laundry. I am so thankful to have a husband that helps me in the areas where I fall short, laundry being a big one of those :) We will end the weekend at my mom's for dinner with my brother, sister-in-law, nephews and niece.

Needless to say, we are blessed beyond measure!

Lissa

He is RISEN!

We had a blessed Easter weekend and BIG fun in the Big A! We headed out to Nana's on Friday morning. I must say that this is one of the few places where my hubby will actually chill out and relax and we all enjoy it when he takes a deep breath :)!

It was so much fun to be with Nana. I hope and pray that I will be like her...healthy, fun, seeking God and serving others...at age 81. She is amazing. Alex really wanted to snuggle and sit in her lap or have her hold him most of the weekend. Needless to say, she is a bit fragile to have a 5 year old crawling on her, but they improvised and he got plenty of "snuggle buggle" time in. Anna was not real happy to share "her Nana" Since she has taken many trips out to Andrews with just her and Nan, she has become a bit accustomed to having Nana all to her self. But she was able to gain the time she needed...check out the pictures of them dressing each other up!

We were also able to spend time with some great family friends during the trip. Chris and Alex had the pleasure of going to a Christian Wrestling Federation "showdown" with several daddys and their little boys. As Chris said, "It was the most redneck thing you have ever seen." But Alex declared, "It was AWESOME!" At the end of event the wrestlers shared their testimonies and gave an altar call. Alex went down front all by his self and asked Jesus into his heart! I know that he will remember that event and his decision forever, it was a memory-making night. I fully believe that he understands the decision he made as much as any 5 year old can. When he got home he told me all about it and is very happy that he will be going to heaven, however, he has realized he is the youngest in our family of four and is a bit worried about being the last to make it there. In his mind, the oldest will go first. I can't help but hope and pray that we will all go together at the sounding of the trumpet!

We are fully back into the swing of our normal routine. Anna was up late working on a school project and Chris just walked in the door from City Council meeting. I will be headed to Plano in the morning, so I am off to bed.

Blessings,

Lissa