Band Ensemble Festival & Art Project

Chloe has been doing some fun projects in art lessons.  She just finished one that is a self-portrait under water wearing goggles.  It turned out so great!  Awesome job Chloe!

Ciera had the opportunity to play in an ensemble in front of an audience and a judge.  They were graded and given a ranking by the judge.  She did fantastic!  The judge gave her the rank of "Outstanding " which is the top rank!  Way to go Ciera!!

Build on a Sure Foudation

We all know it is important to have a solid foundation (in life and in your house).  In Texas, home foundations shift and crack because of the ever expending and contracting soil.  Our house is no exception.  We have noticed an increasing crack in our entry way, so we let the property management company know, and they informed the owner.  A company came out and surveyed the house and found that the foundation was in need of some repairs.  The front of the house was falling lower than the back.  To make the repairs, they had to come out and dig holes around the front of the house (and one on the porch, one on the driveway, and one in the garage) and put some lifters under the foundation.  It took them two days, and was really loud at times.  But now we are all level... for now we are back upon that sure foundation! (And hopefully the bushes will survive!!)

Dallas Wind Symphony Field Trip

Ciera's band had a chance to visit the Dallas Wind Symphony for a concert, and I got to go with as a chaperone.  We rode the bus (which reminded me that I don't like riding on school busses!) and stopped at the mall food court for some dinner on the way.  It was fun to hang out with Ciera, and the music was fantastic.  We had a really fun time! (Ciera is in the center of the photo... the cute blonde!)

Snoozing with the Photos

Autumn got a picture book for Christmas.  She wanted some pictures in it... but I don't have many since I keep them all on the computer.  I gave her one of our family pictures from Christmas, and some pictures from Christmas cards sent to us.  She was looking at them one night before bed and saying how much she misses her family (Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles and Cousins...), and she fell asleep looking at it.  It was really sweet.
We all miss our family!  Can't wait to be able to see them later in the year!!

Goodbye 2013... Hello 2014!

I just wanted to end the year with some thoughts I have had recently.  A lot happened in our family this year, mostly really great things.  I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful husband who does everything in his power to make sure that I and our girls are safe, provided for, loved and cared for.  He is an amazing man, husband and father.  Dave made the decision this year to stop working for the University of North Texas, Dallas... to stop being a professor altogether, because he had an offer to work for Provident Metals that would allow him to provide more for our family.  Since moving to Texas, our finances have been a struggle for many reasons, and this job change will provide the necessary resources or us to change that.  It also allows for me to be able to stay at home again, which is such a blessing.  I love him so much for living his life so carefully and doing what he knows the Lord wants for our family.  I know that the Lord has a plan for each of us and that He knows us all individually.  Sometimes we are going down a certain path for reasons we think we know, and then find out that we are on that path for completely different reasons.  The great thing about following the path that you feel is right is that, for whatever the reason, you are going to be blessed and helped along the way.  I know that Dave and I have been blessed so much since coming to Texas.  We knew that this was the right path for us, even though we didn't like it at first.  We did what we felt was right after much prayer and meditation.  Now we see part of why we were supposed to come here.  Being obedient to God's will is such a blessing!
I am so grateful to know that I have a loving Father in Heaven who knows me and my struggles, my needs, and my desires.  I know that I have a Savior who suffered for me... He knows me personally and loves me.  I feel comforted in my trials and strengthened in my weaknesses.  I find such comfort in the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I find such joy in knowing that my family can be eternal.  I have such hope for my sweet girls to grow up to be strong, confident, virtuous, compassionate, righteous women with the gospel of Jesus Christ to guide them.  I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  It fills my life with meaning and direction.  I love my sweet family and I look forward to a wonderful 2014 together!

New Year's Eve

To celebrate New Year's, we were invited over to our friend's house (the Denny family) along with some others for a fun filled evening.  We hung around chatting, eating and playing games.  One of the games we did they called "poppers".  We went outside (it gets really messy), one person put some reddy-whip in the palm of their hand and tossed it into the air, and the kids each tried to catch the balls of reddy-whip in their mouths.  It was pretty fun to watch.  They had it in their eyes, hair, noses, and all over their faces.  (I didn't get a picture of Brooke before she got herself all cleaned up... shucks!)  It was really cold that night, so as soon as all the kids had a chance, we went back inside!  My girls all stayed awake until midnight, when we went outside with pots and spoons and made a ruckus, and watched the dads light a few fireworks.  It was a fun time, and a great end to 2013.  I am really looking forward to what 2014 has to bring!

Hamblin's Visit Part 2

Wednesday was Christmas and Santa came with a lot of presents!  With all of the prople here, it was really crazy and fun.  Chloe wanted a Guinea Pig... and got it.  (We went and picked it out on Christmas Eve.)  It took us about 2 hours to get everything opened, and then the moms and dads went back to sleep for a bit... then it was "game on!" for the afternoon.  We had an Italian themed dinner with lasagna... it was yummy!

Thursday we went into Dallas and visited the Perot museum and then walked through the historic district and saw the place where JFK was killed 50 years ago.  It was pretty cool to see that part of Dallas, since we had never been there.  Friday, we hung around in Wylie and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and went to downtown Wylie.  Dave and I took Scott and Amy out for BBQ.  Saturday, we went and played at Pirate Park in Wylie and had Whataburger for dinner.  I think we gave Scott and Amy a good taste of Texas.  We are so glad they were able to come for a visit, and can't wait until the next time we get together!

We had a wonderful Christmas, full of friends and fun... but we are really grateful for the gift of the Savior, and the time we can celebrate his birth and life.  We are truly thankful for Him and hope that we can carry the Spirit of Christmas all year!