To Know God and For Others To Know Him

Today was the coldest day so far this season. It was nice and refreshing. Reagan kept talking about the seasons and how the leaves were going to change. She also wanted to know when it was going to be winter. Today we went over to Meredith's house for "craft day." My friends made tutu's and I went for the good company.

Other news is I now have a full time job. It is going to be a huge adjustment. I am going to be the computer lab tech for the intermediate school. Everybody is excited about it. I start Monday and are very curious to see what it is going to be like.

Matthew and Marti made it to Abilene this past weekend for a short visit. It was great to get to see them. Even though I did not see them that often when they lived in Dallas, I miss them more now that they are in Kentucky. We went to eat breakfast at Crackel Barrel, hung out, and played some card games. Luke preached Sunday night so we all went to hear him. He did such a good job. He really lets God use him to do so many great things. Here is some pictures from the weekend. We have been super busy lately. Doing exactly what I do not know but it has left me exhausted and with a very dirty house.

Not much new. The weather has been so nice around here and we have enjoyed being outside. The kids are super excited about Halloween and that is about it. Oh Polo, is doing good he started puppy school Sunday. I hope it helps. Here are some recent pictures of the kids.

We now own a dog named Polo. Reagan named him. I don't know where the name came from. He seems like he is going to be a good dog but he makes me nervous. I am not sure what to do with him. Keep him inside or outside, when to feed him, it is all confusing to me. When Jackson first saw Polo he said, "I thought this day would never come." Then later he told me when he saw him he thought he was dreaming.

Jackson is so funny. As Jackson and Reagan were crawling all over Nana she said, "how does your mom do it." Jackson's reply was, "it's not as easy as it looks." I wish I could remember all the things him and Reagan say. Somethings I want to always remember about Jackson is how cuddly he is. Ever since he was born he loved to be touching you and if he ever sleeps with you he wants to be as close as possible. He likes to sleep with the covers over him and surrounded by pillows. He wakes up happy and ready to go no matter what time it is. He is very perceptive and smart. He can get easily frustrated and tends to avoid a challenge. He is great company and delightful.

Reagan has a great imagination. She loves to play pretend. She is the sweetest most beautiful girl. She is easy going and brushes most things off like it is now big deal. She often tells me, "that's okay." She has a no worries attitude. She often sleeps with no covers and curled up in a ball on top of her legs or sprawled out sideways. She wakes up still sleepy and wants her chocolate milk. She is often in her own world and refuses to acknowledge what is going on in yours. Both of the kids love friends and are always asking to have them over. That makes me happy but unfortunately most of their friends live in Abilene so it makes it kind of hard. They both are also very aware of each and concerned about each other. If one gets hurt they want to help them. And most of the time they play great together.

Well, the main event of this week was a trip to the fair but it was kind of hard to accomplish because without fail when the fair is here it always rains. The first plan was to go on Monday night because all the rides are a dollar but it rained. So we finally made it Thursday night. The kids had a great time. Jackson was especially excited. He wanted to play all the games where you try and win something. I tried to tell him that it is really hard to win but it did not dampen his spirit for wanting to try. The funny thing about that is, that Reagan won a goldfish. We decided not to take the fish home. The petting zoo was a fun stop. Reagan was timid about feeding the animals but not Jackson. The animals where real aggressive trying to get to you to get the food. Reagan would point out a small one way in the back and say that she wanted to feed that one. It reminded me of something I would think. One of the pictures I included was of a goat that had jumped on the back of the a sheep. Animals are funny. Speaking of which, I think we are getting really close to getting a dog. I dread all the work that comes with a dog but I know the kids will love it. When I think about a dog, I hear all the voices of my friends who say they would never get a dog and the ones who have had dogs that say never again. Come on people, studies say people are in better health and live longer that have dogs.

For me there is something about riding in the car that often makes me think of all the things I am so thankful for and how amazing our God is. I have heard so many times that car rides are good times to talk to your kids because you will usually get a good audience. I think that is a great idea too, but for me I love the silence of my voice, maybe the sound of the radio, and just being able to think. We ride in the car alot because it takes us at least 15-20 minutes to get any where we go. I love looking in the back seat and seeing Jackson and Reagan. They make me so happy. Reagan has gotten to where she gives me the biggest hugs and tells me "I'll never let you go mommy." I think it is sweet.

One of my other car thoughts today was how it only takes one. i was reminding myself of how it only takes one person to make you feel like you are not alone. It only takes one person to make you feel like you belong. It only takes one person to know you better than most- that lets you know someone cares. And as true as it is, all the opposites are true. It only take one to make you feel alone, like you don't belong, and that know one cares. It is funny how of the places I have lived, where I live now I find it the hardest to reach out to people and to feel connected. It is weird I don't know why that is.

We stayed pretty busy this weekend. Friday started off with going to the Chonda Pierce comedy show. I worked at it and the church provided child care, so that worked out good. I thought she was funny and I had no expectations so I was not dissappointed. Brian went to eat and out with his friends. Then Saturday we woke up early to head to Morgan's birthday party. Morgan is one of Reagan's best friends. She had a cowboy/girl party which included a horse that she got for birthday. After the party, Jackson had his first soccer game. He did good for the most part. Mom, Dad, Luke and Carrie came to the game and went to eat at McDonald's afterwards. McDonald's was Jackson's pick. He is trying to collect all the Star War toys from the happy meals. I was really glad that they got to come to the game. Then Saturday night we had an neighborhood ice cream party. It was neat to get to meet some new people who live around us.

Sunday we went to church and Academy to buy Jackson a new bike. I am not sure how excited he is about it. He did not really want it but we greatly want to encourage him to play outside. His first trip on the bike down the drive way he fell off and decide he was done riding for life. It took awhile but we convinced him to get back on and he had a few successful rides. We also founds some great buys on crepe myrtles. Brian is going to plant them along the drive way but first requires clearing and leveling the dirt. All that is a lot of work. I am so thankful for all the work Brian has done in the yard this year. He can do things that I could never even began to attempt to do.

Up until now I have not let anyone else read my blog for a several reasons. First off, I made the blog for me and I did not want to spend an immense amount of time on it. Thus, there will be many grammatical errors, misspelled words, and things that just do not make sense. But that is okay. Just as you read remember, I did not prepare it for others to read. Another reason is because it took me a long time to decide exactly what I wanted my blog to be. I have always felt strongly lead to keep a prayer journal but have never been faithful at. I kind of wanted to do that first but not something that I would necessary want to share. So anyways, the main reason I am sharing my blog is because I have friends from all over the country that I truly love and am very thankful for and want to keep them involved in my life.

Here are some random pictures from this summer of the kids.

Jackson is off to his first day of Kindergarten. I can not wait to hear about his day when pick him up. It was not sad dropping him off because he was so excited and I knew what fun was waiting for him. But it was sad driving home and walking in the house with out him. Reagan and I where kind of lost and not sure what to do when we got home.

We stayed busy this weekend with the Zoo, Prime-Time, and Cason-Ashley came over Saturday night. We played hearts and Ashley was victorious. Sunday, Morgan came home with us and then Isiah and Gabe came over to look at a dirt bike. Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Well I guess this maybe the last official day of summer for us. Jackson starts school on Monday. One of the things that makes me sad school starting is having to get the kids to bed early. With Brian working late, I like for them to get to stay up late. Last night we went to meet his teacher, Mrs. Laws. I think he will have a great year. I think he may have been a little sad to see that none of his friends from last year were in his class this year.

Today Mom drove over and we went to the water park in Eastland. It is such a neat place. The kids swam really hard. When we got back we headed to McDonald's because Brian had promised Jackson a trip to the golden arches. Right now the toy in the happy meal is Star Wars so Jackson always wants to go. After dinner we ran by a few stores, on of which was Cavanders. There Reagan found a pink pair of boots she HAD to have. She was so cute about them and Brian sure was not going to tell her no. So now Reagan owns a pair of pink boots that cost more than any other article in her closet. The things we do make me laugh. As we got ready for bed tonight, she placed them by the door and was talking to them telling them she would wear them tomorrow. Funny girl. I think one of the best things about having kids is getting to watch their personalities. They are each so different and I love them so much. Now that I have kids I can appreciate the fact that I know that there are two people in this world that will always think I am special. I know that not everyone kids to have that in life but I was doubled blessed because I do believe my parents are the best.

Tomorrow Sissie, Nelson, and Haley are coming to town to go to the zoo. We are going to meet up with them and probably do lunch afterwards. The kids will be excited

Yesterday was the exact opposite the day before of our lazy summer day. We left the house early and returned late. Some of our activities were getting pictures made, signing Reagan up for school, lunch at McDonalds, the jump house, chick-fil-a, and it all ended with a close to 2 hr trip to Wal-Mart. It felt so good to lay down that night and watch a little Olympics.

Today I was excited to get to go see Nonie and Jackson was excited because a new star wars movie was coming out. Mom and Luke went with us to San Angelo. Nonie looked really good. She had candy setting out for the kids like she used to do when we would go see her when we were little. Sissie, Duffy, and Haley came by while we where there. The kids had fun playing with Haley. Before we left we took Nonie to Wal-Mart and she had one of her spells and just had to sit and wait for us to get her things. I wish I got to see Nonie more often. I love her very much.

As we drove back into Abilene, we called everybody to meet us at Golden Coral to eat before the movies. Everybody went to the movies, except mom and I. We went to look around at a few stores. It was nice to get to spend time with just her. I miss the days when I was little and she would take me shopping just her and me. Sometimes she would even take me out of school if we could not find another time to go. My mom is my best friend and she is one of the best people I know.

Yesterday was one of my favorite kind of summer days. The kids played and played with each other. The TV was never on and we did not have anywhere to go till that night. I love when the kids have free time to be creative and play like kids should. I will miss days like this when school starts. I don't like having to hurry and rush around. I think there is a peace that comes with not having more things to do in a day than you can possibly complete. I love summer for so many reasons. Another is because of the sun. When it is bright outside and can't stand to be inside, except for those exteremly hot days.

Today we are going to swimming at Lori's aunts house, to the gym, and then to church. We are fortunate to have friends who are gracious enough to invite us to swim. Maybe someday we will have a pool our backyard.