1.26.2014

Tyler 13!

I love this boy teen more than words can say and am so grateful for his tender, compassionate, loving, and forgiving heart.  He is one of God's greatest blessings to me and a true testament of how God can bring such beauty out of what first appears to be a hopeless situation.  I sometimes think of his life as part of God's rescue plan for me because I surely don't know where I'd be had I planned my own steps.  God is so very kind!  I am so blessed and honored that God chose me to be his Momma and appreciate how God is growing me in the parenting process - even in the hard times!  Tyler has taught me so much!  I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for my precious son and how God will use him!  Whatever it is, I am confident it will be good.  I pray God will continue to give me the strength, wisdom, and patience to lead Tyler in the ways of the Lord and that he will see the love of the Savior through me.  Tyler, there is nothing that will change my love for you.  May your fear of the Lord always be great!  I am proud to call you son!  Happy 13th! 


Wings, Chips, Pizza, and Soda
Park
A cookie cake per request.


Tyler and Justin went on a father/son trip to celebrate 13!  They stayed at Glenwood Springs Lodge and filled their days with hot springs swimming, skiing and snowboarding (I'm going to try to upload video soon), and the Winter X Games.  Their belly's were filled with lots of yummy food!  I am so grateful they had this special time away.  




The Springs



I think he is in the middle.


X Games 
Duck Nuggets!!

More from Christmas





New Bike!




Look at this tree!  

12.24.2013

Christmas Eve Morning

Traditionally we do Christmas with Justin's family on Christmas Eve.  Since we were unable to be home this year, we did it over Skype.  Thanking God for technology.  





Batman blanket

Tyler loves pepper!  This is his very own pepper mill.

so excited about his single egg frying pan




watching someone from home open a gift

Dad needed new shoes real bad!

family gift from Nate and Court - an ice cream maker
Can't wait to try it out

Breakfast - Banana Bread, Hash Brown, Egg, and Sausage Casserole, and fresh squeezed OJ 

Dad building a fort in the basement.


12.22.2013

Christmas Program


Ladies Christmas Tea

Each year our church hosts a Ladies Christmas Tea, and we are encouraged to invite others from the community.  Women from our church host a table, decorate a table, or host and decorate a table.  It is a beautiful, fun event.  The food is great, but the fellowship is even greater.  This year, while we ate, a jazz band played in the background.  Our time ended with a hope-filled testimony and a few Christmas Carols.  Here are just some of the tables.  

One of my tables

Another of my tables





The Sweet Table

The Savory Table





Thanksgiving

Pumpkin Bread for neighbors

Prep with the phone close by for all my questions

Fresh Basil

Appetizers - Veggies and Homemade Hummus


Spinach Salad with Strawberries, Goat Cheese, Almonds, and Homemade Dressing

Our YUMMY meal minus the gravy - Herbed Roasted Turkey, Cornbread Stuffing, Sautéed Corn (fresh off the cob),  Roasted Root Veggies, Corn Bread, Hawaiian Roll, The Best Green Beans Ever, Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes, and Cranberry Gelatin Salad (not pictured).  

Chili Cook Off

On Nov 10, we participated in a Chili Cook Off with church friends.  To our surprise, we got 2nd place.  Here are a few pics I snapped.

Ours is in the white crockpot.  This was only one counter of entries.  

The winner took home this.  They will pass on to the 2014 Chili Champ (which will be us next year).