Christmas Time

Silly Kate! ..............................Thanksgiving in Arlington at my folks house.

Kate and Alyssa in their tutu's...............Our bottle fed baby, Flower.

Jack, Kate and I (along with one little puppy that is being bottle fed) spent the weekend before Christmas with Terry and all of his family at his parents house. We shared great times together whether shooting guns, watching football, eating, opening gifts or fighting over gifts during the Chinese Christmas exchange.

Our first Christmas...

Jack went to Arlington for 6 days to visit Travis since Travis could not come home for Christmas. He returned home late on Christmas Eve. Family tradition...Chocolate Crumble Balls. Yum Yum! Christmas Day was spent sitting around enjoying each others company together. The next day, Jack and Kate were excited to spend about 5 days with their dad. Terry and I then made full use of a little time together without distractions...well, not exactly. There are still 12 Aussie pups in my breakfast room who quickly remind us they have found their barks and whines as soon as we walk in the door.

Fall 2010

In September, over a matter of days, I changed jobs. God showered his blessings on me through a friend and an opportunity with a job in the Internal Medicine Administration offices for Texas Tech Health Science Center in Amarillo. His provisions amaze me and His timing is perfect!!!

Fortunately/Unfortunately, Travis was rejected by the Navy for his history with migraines. In September, Travis moved to Arlington where he moved in with my folks. He acquired a job with UPS for the holiday season and then a job in the Pharmacy with Costco. Travis plans to start his college classes in January to work towards his nursing degree.

Jack continues to survive his first year in middle school...a few bumps here and there. I am learning how to be a stronger parent through this strong-willed child, and still learning how to rely on prayer for guidance and perseverance. Jack has thoroughly enjoyed the "shooting" action he is exposed to when we go to Terry's folks...if not jackrabbits or dove, then the targets work too!

Kate excels in Kindergarten! This is a little girl who is so very eager to learn and seems to never tire of writing or drawing. She has really enjoyed playing more with Jack since Travis has been gone. It's amazing how much more time Jack has for Kate now! Kate and I went to her first concert back in October...Superchick, her favorite group. What a thrill for her and so much fun to see the joy on her face!

We did experience a very sad day on November 9, 2010. Our sweet boy dog, Cooter, was hit by a car. We will forever miss his smiling blue eyes and wiggling butt! On a better note, our female is carrying his puppies due to an "oops"...but once again, God knew what would be needed!

Summer 2010

Memorial weekend, we moved into our new home. Jack, Kate, Travis and me along with 10 puppies, 2 dogs, 2 cats and 1 snake. Thank goodness, we are now 9 puppies less but it still took a good 6 weeks to get fully settled in. Jack and Travis share a good sized room...it has forced them to learn to work with and respect one another. We have all made the adjustments well and feel right at home where we are. After a very full month of May, Terry and I went to Red River for some much needed relaxation for both of us. Thank you babe!

During the school year, Kate spent every Monday afternoon with her sweet friend, Delaney. They took ballet and tap together. In June, Kate had an outstanding performance at the end-of-year recital. Most every little girls dream...to be a performer of some sorts. Kate is no different. She tells me how she will be a "rock star" someday...and I can promise you that she is already getting lots of practice concerts in.

Jack attended camp at Hidden Falls Ranch for a week in June. He LOVED it...horseback riding, repeling, swimming and rock climbing. The month of July was a little different this year...that's the time designated for Jack and Kate to stay with Tracy. The weekend of the Fourth, Jack, Kate, and I went to be with Terry at his parents place in Morton, Texas. We all had a festive time cooking out, target shooting, and shooting/watching lots of fireworks. Jack shot his first jackrabbit and Kate shot her first gun...loved it! Hopefully, we can share the love of shooting together.

Mid July, the 4 of us took a little vacation down south to New Braunfels. We had fun times floating the Comal River, attending Sea World and Schliterbaun.

During all this time, Travis continues to work for an orthopedic surgeon here in Amarillo. He assists the PA by seeing patients at 3 different clinics, 4 days a week. It did not take him long to get used to having a nice long weekend with Fridays off. He just returned from his surprise road trip for Jack to the metroplex to attend a Skillet concert...Jack's first concert, which he loved! Travis is currently waiting to hear acceptance from the Navy. He hopes to know something more concrete by the end of the summer.

Terry and I had some pictures made together...NOT engagement!! Just for fun! Anyone who knows me knows how much I love taking pictures and then enjoying them. Since I couldn't take these, Christoper Thompson did a fabulous job. Now I just get to enjoy them...and share with you.

This free digital slideshow customized with Smilebox

Spring 2010

Lots has transpired since my last post...we all survived Christmas much easier than I expected. God's grace is more than sufficient and so difficult to comprehend at times...but such a relief to experience. 2010 has brought many good things with it...Kate is blossoming into a sweet little girl who is now ready to start kindergarten in the fall. She still loves gymnastics, painted toenails, music and swinging. She tells me that she wants to be a rock star and sing "Rock What You Got" on stage some day.

Jack showed his hog at the Potter Co. Junior Livestock show in January...he placed 5th. In February, Jack took his hog to the San Angelo Livestock Show where he did not place but had fun and good experience. Jack also played Upwards basketball for the 5th year...loved it! Jack is still striving to fly a plane someday. He is very much looking forward to attending a new school next year, his first year in Middle School.

As for Travis... he has plans to join the Navy then complete his degree in nursing. Until he has word from the Navy, he is working full time as a CNA for an orthopaedic surgeon. He coached a 1st and 2nd grade boys team in the Upwards basketball league. In April, Travis and I made a trip to New Orleans...took in the French Quarter, ate some seafood but most importantly, went to a Skillet concert. This was sort of a "last time trip" in expecting him to leave with the service this year sometime.

With my divorce final, it is time to make some changes that will enable easier circumstances. We are getting ready to move at the end of May. God has amazed me again with preparing the path for this family to provide all that we need. A friend asked if we would be interested in purchasing their home, which I was. A buyer for my home was provided after only one week on the market by owner. I continue to be amazed at God's generous blessings in His perfect timing. As well, I have started seeing an amazing man. In this case as well, despite my own ideas, God makes His plan undeniable. This last year has certainly allowed me to trust in Him, build patience, and walk by faith...all beyond understanding. It is my desire to glorify God in any and all endeavors, foreseen or not.