Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy 80th Birthday, Mom!

Here's hoping for another 80, please?

Milestones and I missed them!

I was out of town for a week and while I was gone my little peanut said her first word (DaDa, of course) and started pulling up on things. That'll teach me not to go away that long again!

Trinity Reads!

After Trinity tried a couple of times to take my book from me as I read, we found her one of her own and she happily flipped through the pages, studying each one before turning to the next. I know I may be biased but is this kid brilliant or what!

George Edward Wright

In Memory of

George Edward Wright

April 14, 1928-September 19, 2007

Our New Family Room

Well, our family room renovation in nearly complete. We still plan to update the lighting in there and there are a few fun projects I hope to complete eventually. We love the room. Its now a room I want to be in all the time instead of a room I go into only if I have to. The pictures dont really do it justice so you'll really have to come see it yourself to get the full effect ;)!

(See the earlier post for the before pictures.)

Trinity discover the pets

Trinity has discovered our cat and dog and has developed a fascination with them. She squeals in delight at the sight of them and will break her neck to watch the dog as he roams around the house.

On this particular day she REALLY wanted a big handful of kitty. Zoe is infinitely patient and will put up with a lot but a couple grabs from the baby was all it took to have her hightailing it out of there. In the third picture Trinity has taken the cat's favorite spot and declares herself the winner.

First Day of School

Well, another summer is behind us and it is again time to return to school. This will be our last year with kids in 3 different schools. Austin is a Junior, Artha is in 8th grade and Bethany in 5th. All 3 are looking forward to a good year and so far are very happy with their teachers and classes. This is already shaping up to be their best year yet.

Renovations begin

Well, after 14 years in our house we have finally started a much needed facelift on our family room. This large room actually has not been a family room for 12 of the 14 years we have been in the house because it has had to be someone's bedroom in order to accomodate the size of our family. Now that Sarah is out on her own, the room can once again be a room for everyone. These are the before pictures of the room. It is very dark due to the paneling and not very useful. The hope is to brighten it up, add storage, create places for people to sit and play games and just make it a comfortable place for everyone.

With the girls gone most of the summer and Phil home it seems the perfect time to do it. We also plan to use garage sale and thrift store finds as well as things we already have and remake and repurpose them to keep the cost at a minimum.

Green Belts

The girls recieved their green belts in Tae Kwon Do. Mr Pruett really put them though their paces. They were an absolute joy to watch. Bethany especially seems to have a natural ability for it and an amazing poker face to match. Way to go, girls!

Construction is underway!

The site has finally been cleared and construction is underway on a permanent home for Point of Grace. Despite the unbelievably wet summer we have had so far, progress is being made and we are looking forward to being in our own building next spring. Its a very exciting time in the life of Point of Grace which has become such an integral part of our lives. We continue to meet at Hendrickson High School for the time being. Come and visit one Sunday if you are in the area. It is such a joy- filled place and is made up of some of the best people I've ever known. What a blessing!

God Bless America!

God Bless America!!

We had a fun afternoon celebrating the 4th with our friends, The Pruetts. The kids had a ball shooting off firecrackers and hamming it up for the camera.

Please keep our country, our president and our troops both here and overseas in your daily prayers!

Trinity's baptism

Trinity was baptized today. She was an angel and actually slept through the whole thing. Its been a wonderful weekend full to the brim with blessings!

Wedding Day

Sarah and Daniel were married yesterday in a beautiful outdoor ceremony. The weather was picture perfect and it was a wonderful wedding.

Band still rules!

Artha had her end of the year concert and was thrilled to be named Outstanding Female Musician for her band.

Demo Divas

The girls were able to participate in another demo at an area school carnival last Friday. They always enjoy the opportunity to show off what they have learned and encourage other kids to give it a try. Don't you love the hair? Hard to look serious when you have multicolored hair!

Orange belts

The girls earned their orange belts in Tae Kwan Do on Friday. They have worked very hard and learned so much over the past year. Bethany is especially excited about this belt as orange is her very favorite color.

We are so thankful to our friends, Gary and Lisa Pruett who have been teaching the girls. They have done such an amazing job with all the kids. Their impact on the girls has been immeasureable.

Goodbye Carson

Sadly we had to say goodbye to Carson, Bethany's pet rat. He has been a member of the family for over 3 years which I understand made him a senior citizen among rats. He had been declining over the last few weeks but he never lost his outgoing nature, his love for attention and his fondness for his favorite treats. Even in the last moments of his life he lifted his head for one last pet. I have had him in the office with me for the last few weeks and I have to say its a little lonely in here now. I keep looking over expecting to see him there begging for a treat or a little more cuddle time. He was a terrific pet and a valued member of the family. He will be sorely missed.

Goodbye Carson. We love you!

Can I keep him?

Artha spent Friday at Six Flags with the band. They left at 4:30 a.m. and got back after 1 a.m. She has a blast even riding several roller coasters that I never would have expected her to ride! She got a ride home and when I opened the door to let her in all I could see was this gigantic dog. She said it only took her 2 balls to win this monster. I have no idea where we are going to keep it. Phil thinks Trinity should have it. Then it can go live at Sarah's!

TKD Saturday

On Saturday, both Bethany and Artha along with Premiere TKD attended another school carnival, giving demonstrations and letting kids try out some moves of their own.

TKD Friday

Bethany and her friend, Alli along with a group of kids from Premiere Tae Kwan Do gave a demonstration as part of a school carnival on Friday evening. As well as the demonstrations they also let kids "break" boards and practice kicking and punching x-ray paper.

Solo and Ensemble

Artha and two of her friends competed today in the UIL Solo and Ensemble contest playing a flute trio. They received a Division I, which for those of you who aren't a band geek like me, is the best rating you can receive. This was Artha's first time to compete and she was absolutely thrilled and really relieved by the result. Way to go, Artha! and as always...BAND RULES!

Blessed Easter!

Artha and awesome friends, Kendra and Amanda

Well, it was a wonderful Easter despite the lousy weather!

Artha especially had an amazing weekend.

It started on Friday afternoon as she and her youth group began what would be a 30 hour Fast to raise money for famine relief. Then that evening she and her Confirmation Class celebrated their first communion. What an amazing group of young people! The youth group then went to 2 houses for a lock-in and bible study. They got up on Saturday morning, still having not eaten anything and went out in the cold and sleet to give away 1000 cokes with invitations to Easter service at a local intersection. They then went and prepared 340 sack lunches and distributed them in just 10 minutes at the Salvation Army. They wrapped up the 30 hour event at 9 p.m. with a well-earned, hearty breakfast. These kids really put their faith and commitment to the test this weekend and were an awesome example to many!

God is good all the time!

Like mother, like daughter!

Sarah 1988

Trinity 2007