Shawn & Amy

Happy Birthday to Gavin!

2010-07-13T15:54:00.000-10:00

Happy Birthday to my little man!!!

Party, Party, Party!

2010-07-12T09:59:00.000-10:00

Gavin had a wonderful Birthday party! There were 26 kids and even more adults there. I had set up an obstacle course, but it turned into more of a war zone, which was ok since it was an army party!

Ready to open his presents!

"THE WAR ZONE!"

Pinata time... there is one there I promise!

Everyone gathering up the pinata goodies!

Gavin and his cousins, Hayden and Nathan

Our Family!

Can't Believe my baby is 6! Time is flying by way too fast!!!

Camo Cupcakes!

2010-07-10T14:06:00.000-10:00

For Gavin's 6th Birthday party I ordered his cake from a local bakery, The Butler's Pantry. I had called in the order and told her about how many guests and she suggested a size...Well when I went to pick up the cake, I knew it was no where near big enough. So I had to come home and make some camo cupcakes to go with it. I watch "Cake Boss" all the time and I am in awe of what they can do with cakes. I can't even make a plain sheet cake and decorate it cute. I am just no good at it! haha But for my little boy I attempted to make these cupcakes here is how they turned out.

He didn't care. He had a wonderful time! And it tasted great!!!

4th of July Fun!

2010-07-07T05:25:00.000-10:00

Since the 4th was on Sunday we started the day at church. Every 1st Sunday at our church we have lunch, then an early service following that so we have the rest of the evening off. We came home and rested all afternoon, lazy on the couch watching movies on the wii through netflix. That evening we went to Talco to the fireworks show. We met up with a lot of friends and enjoyed hot dogs and watermelon. It was great watching Gavin watch the fireworks. I took a ton of pictures, here are just a few...

Gavin and I ready for the fireworks to begin!

eating while we wait!

Brandi and Maggie!

Joey, Wendy and Colter...

(and Luke and Allie..she is pregnant with twins we will get to meet them later this month!!!)

JB, Corie, Makena and Kyler

Ashley & Josh

Look at that messy face!

Loving the fireworks!!!

My cutie!!!

FUN WITH SPARKLERS,

they were always my favorite as a kid!!!

Maggie enjoying the show!

Friends, Gavin and Maggie watching in awe!

Hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable 4th!

Thanks to all who make this country what it is!

VBS Highlights 2010

2010-07-05T13:42:00.000-10:00

Gavin had 2 weeks of VBS. The first week was with my parents. Here are a couple of pictures taken at the closing program. They had an Egyptian theme. He really had a blast.

Week 2...

Here are a few pictures of some of the decorations my friend Brandi and I did. (We worked together on the music this year, and decorated the stage and helped to finish one of the classrooms.

Our theme this year was "Soul Survivors on Danger Island"

Some of our teens who did the puppet shows this year.

Full house! We had over 100 almost every night. We had 113 one night, and for the closing program we had around 200.

Gavin with his teacher and my friend, Mrs. Jamie

7 Foot Candy Bar...the one who brought the most visitors won the candybar. The kids were so excited!

The Pre-School /Kindergarten class performing the songs they had learned.

(Part of the 1st-4th grade class) I was sitting on the front row, directing the songs so I couldn't get them all in the picture.

1/2 of the 5th-High School class...

...the other half!

We had an awesome week of VBS.

Several kids came to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and that is what it is all about!!!

Show us your life, Activities for the kids!

2010-06-26T08:06:00.002-10:00

I look forward to the summer every year, because I am a teacher and I get summers off to spend with my child. I try to think of fun things to do with Gavin. Here are a few things we do...

1. We have "school" about an hour a day during the summer. We do all kinds of things and I try to make it fun for him.Right now he is learning to read, so I read to him and he reads to me. We also do art projects, use play dough, paintpractice writing. Right now he is really into writing words and sentences. His handwriting is not great yet, but he isloving sounding out and writing words. He will start Kindergarten in a couple of months, so he is excited!

reading to me!

This was a gift he got for Christmas and he loves to learn about different places. This Globe tells about the food they eat, the activities they do, landmarks that are located in different areas of the world and so much more. He LOVES it!

One of his writing pages...

Close up...

2. I also love to scrapbook and now Gavin likes to help me.Since most of my scrapbooking involves pictures of himhe really gets into helping me pick out pictures,& add stickers.

3. He also loves the water, so sprinklers and swimming

are a big hit with him!!!

4. We also love to go to the zoo. We usually go several times throughout the summer, although we have not yet been this summer.

What do you like to do with your kids in the summer. Go to...

Kelly's Korner to see more ideas!!!

Happy Summer!

Date Night

2010-06-22T19:30:00.000-10:00

After coming home from camp Friday afternoon, we went out with some friends of ours, Brandi and Mitchell and their sweet girls. We went to eat dinner at Tamolly's and then went with them to pick out a new laptop. The following night however we went out without the kids, which never happens. A few weeks ago, I thought Shawn and I were going to get to go to the movies and to dinner by ourselves, but it didn't work out, last minute work problem kept us from it. But Saturday we finally got to go. We went to see the Ashton Kutcher / Katherine Heigel movie, "Killers". It was cute,but not as good as I had hoped. However it was nice to get a "double date night" with friends.

We also went to eat at Magels where the guys both had prime rib. When Shawn goes out to eat, he thinks he has to order the most expensive thing on the menu! haha

VBS

2010-06-21T18:22:00.000-10:00

This week we (our church) are working on decorating for VBS. Our theme this year is Soul Survivors on Danger Island. My friend Brandi and I are decorating the stage, and doing the music for the week. Today I worked all day on decorations. We made a big volcano (which we are going to put a fog machine inside), we are working on a waterfall with twinkling lights in it. I also made a background scene with rocks, plants and flowers. I will post pictures tomorrow. We have a lot more to do, but it is coming along. We will start on Sunday night so we will be busy all week!

He's 6 years old!

2010-06-19T10:22:00.000-10:00

He turned 6 while at church camp. We had a " mini" birthday party for him after church that night. Here are a few pictures we took..

Happy 6th Birthday!!!

Camp 2010

2010-06-19T09:59:00.000-10:00

WOW! God is Good ALL the time!!!

Our group practicing for their special

( a couple of them are a blur...hard time standing still)

We had an amazing week at church camp. Totals for the week were...38 souls saved, and 18 rededicated their lives to Jesus Christ! Again I say WOW! 6 of those saved were from our church! Dalton, Angel, Triston, Sydney, Jady and James.

I have been going to church camp my entire life (literally) I started before I was one. With the exception of a couple of years in there. I love camp. You get to spend an entire week away from the "world" and all it has to tear us down. You get so built up, and excited for Christ. My cup runneth over!

Angel ringing the bell after getting saved!!!

Gavin got to go with us this year (his first time) and he did great! His birthday was on Wednesday while we were there. (I will do a separate post on this).

I was so proud of our youth. They really stepped it up. Our group sang a special on Thursday night, "" That's Why we Praise HIM" and they did just that. PRAISED HIM! They sang out with smiles on their faces, and worshiped our God.

Take 1...

I was sitting on the front row and couldn't get them all in the picture...

Take 2...

Take 3!

I watched lives being changed, attitudes being changed and hearts being broken and filled with Jesus. One of our teen girls during the last night devotions said her favorite part of camp was the invitation. I would have to say I agree. Knowing their lives are being changed forever is an amazing thing to witness. It was yet again an amazing experience! I can't wait for next year.

Gavin getting his "Air Mail"

Night 2 of receiving "Air Mail!" He was so excited!

We had a GREAT time!!!

He did this for YOU!!! A video we watched at Camp!

2010-06-19T09:28:00.001-10:00

This is a video I encourage you to watch. It is what Jesus Christ had to endure to pay our sin debt. It is emotional, heart wrenching, but necessary,...HE is the only way to Heaven. He already paid the price, will you accept the gift of eternal life?

PACKING!!!

2010-06-12T16:24:00.000-10:00

Well I have been up to my eyeballs in last minute preparation for next week...Laundry, cleaning, packing, more laundry, planning food for my husband while we are gone, planning a birthday party, preparing for VBS, preparing for lessons (Sunday School and Wednesday nights), more cleaning and laundry... Wow summer is a lot of work! haha

However, I am excited about next week at camp. We have about 50 going to camp this year and we are really looking forward to it!

this is the tabernacle at camp

We leave Monday morning, (Gavin and I). We are looking forward to seeing what God has in store for the week ahead! While we are there Gavin will turn 6. (On Wednesday) I have a "mini-party" planned for him! Hope Shawn makes it ok without us. I will have to do a lot of praying for him! haha Wish he could come with us!

Summer Sleepovers!

2010-06-09T09:01:00.000-10:00

Dark photo...but still cute!

Gavin has been begging for a long time now to have his best friend Dalton over for a sleep over. Last night we finally made that happen. He got here about 3:30, I thought they would knock each other over when he walked in the door.. They were so excited.

first things first...wii!

oh so intently concentrating!

Dinner time...Spaghetti with meat balls...correction Dalton's was Spaghetti without meatballs :)

They took turns saying the blessing... you see Gavin had already said his...haha

Shawn also made them milkshakes after dinner.

Talking to the dog in the backyard through the window.

Mom is on her way to pick him up.

They had a wonderful, first of many I am sure, sleepovers!

Scrapbooking!

2010-06-07T18:13:00.000-10:00

I LOVE to scrapbook! I have always loved taking pictures and I started scrapbooking in high school. Nowadays I don't have as much time to keep up, so I have to do a lot of catching up in the summertime. Today Gavin and I worked on his T-ball scrapbook. (I had to finish last years t-ball before I could start this year). I love making things that will be a treasure to pass on to my kids and grandkids, and so on.

Customize a free digital slideshow

Monday Madness!

2010-06-07T12:24:00.000-10:00

Today was a busy day. I worked on planning somethings for Gavin's 6th Birthday party. He chose a camo/army theme so I am really having to think hard on this one! I have the invitations ready except the date, every date I chose there seems to be some conflict...So I guess I am just going to have to pick one and it will just have to work.

I have been trying to think of fun activities to plan for the party. Everyone around here has bounce houses a lot so I am trying to prepare something a little different. Here is what I have come up with...

An "army" themed obstacle course

A pinata filled with "army" type prizes

Best dressed camo contest

A camo "craft" project

(I found a cute army tank project they can make)

I also found dog tags to write their names on, a ton of army men to put on the tables...and so much more!

Now to find someone to make a cake that I am envisioning!

Here are a few I found online that I thought were cute...

I have everything else ready, the cake is the last thing I have to get. We will see what I can get from the local bakeries around here.

I will be leaving for church camp next Monday so I have to get everything ready this week, including sending out the invitations.

I can't believe my baby boy is turning 6!!!

Breakfast at Noon!

2010-06-02T07:56:00.000-10:00

I love lazy summer mornings! Today we decided to make donuts at noon! There is nothing like spending time with Gavin, even if it is the simplest of activity. He loved making them, but loved eating them even more!!! Yum!

Memorial Day Weekend!

2010-06-01T08:01:00.000-10:00

I am officially out for summer break! I am looking forward to relaxing, getting more done on the house we are re-modeling, scrapbooking, going to church camp, VBS, but most of all spending time with my son. This is the last summer he has before he starts school! WOW! I can't believe he is starting school! I have a lot planned for us this summer. Nothing too exciting because Shawn doesn't get vacation yet, but a lot of time spent together!

This past weekend was full of excitement. We went to 2 birthday parties on Saturday. Colter, who turned 3 was the first at 10:00 am.

blowing out the candles

Birthday Boy!

Gavin, hot from playing in the park!

The second birthday was Shanlee, who turned 6. Her mother, Kortnie and I were pregnant at the same time. She had a cute birthday party complete with a bounce house, treasure hunt with burried treasure, and a pinata. Unfortunately I forgot to grab my camera for this one! :(

Monday morning Gavin wanted to show his Daddy his new love of water. Not only a week ago, he was terrified to go under water, and now he is doing back flips, jumping off the ladder, attempting to swim underwater. I am so proud of him!!!

loving the water!

Monday night our friends Mitchell and Brandi and their 2 precious girls came over for dinner, hamburgers and hotdogs!!! The kids had fun playing after dinner.

playing with trains

train tent

sweet friends!

Gavin,

Anna & Maggie

cutie pie Anna!

Shawn and I

Maggie- look at that smile!

Gavin, Anna, Maggie and Brandi

We had a wonderful relaxing weekend!

Thanks to all who serve our country. Thanks to the families who stand by them as they serve!

A special thanks to my friends who have served or are still serving this great country!

Kyle Stansell- Army National Guard

Tommy Newcomb- Navy

Parks, Picnics and the Past

2010-03-16T17:16:00.000-10:00

It is SPRING BREAK!!! I am so excited to be off for a week and spend it with my 2 favorite guys!

Today, Gavin and I had a picnic in the park in Mt. Pleasant with my sister and nephew. It brought back such memories for me. As my sister Julie and I were sitting there watching our kids play, I couldn't help but remember all the times I had spent at that same park as a child. My most precious memories are those of my Grandmommie (my moms mom) and I packing up her picnic basket full of great picnic food, and taking it to that same park. I love the memories I have with her. I miss her so much every day! She went to heaven when I was 6 months pregnant. I have many wonderful memories with her. I loved to sit and listen to her stories, and spend time at her house. I now get to see my son love to go to his Granny's house (my mom). He loves to get to spend time with her. It is so great for me to watch how excited he gets when he knows he is going to her house. I have been truly blessed to have her be the one to watch him while I am at work. She has watched him since he was a tiny baby. It is a great comforting feeling knowing that he is taken care of by someone who loves him as much as I do. He will be beginning school in August and I know he will miss going to her house all the time. (But we are remodeling my grandmothers home right next door to them, so I am sure he will get his Granny fixes!)

Show us your life...Valentine's Day!

2010-02-12T12:17:00.000-10:00

I am joining in on Kelly's blog hop, show us your life Valentine's Dates.

My favorite Valentine's Day was our first year of marriage. It didn't start off that way though... I worked at El Chico, and had to work both lunch and dinner. I wasn't going to get home until late, and I was so sad I wasn't going to get to celebrate Valentine's Day with my new husband (of less than a month).

Little did I know that my husband was planning a wonderful surprise! We lived in a 2 bedroom apartment, life was simple, we didn't have a lot then, but we didn't care, we were together! When I pulled up to the door at around 10:30 I noticed all the lights were off and I thought to myself, "I can't believe he didn't even wait up on me!!!" When I got to the door, I was trying to get in and the door was dead bolted... It was cold and I just wanted to get in. When he finally came to the door, I saw he had a wonderful candlelit dinner prepared. He made steak, mashed potatoes, salad and rolls. He really took time and prepared every detail, even garnishing the plate with parsley. I was so surprised and it was sooooo good! Then he showed me the gift he had so carefully picked out. It was a jewelry box with a necklace, ring and earrings inside! I was so pleased that he knew I was sad that we weren't going to be able to go out, and made staying in so special!

I love my husband of 9 years more every day!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Snow...Day 2!

2010-02-12T11:09:00.000-10:00

Wow, God is good! We woke up to another beautiful day! The snow is everywhere, and even though this afternoon it is melting away, we had snow...we had snow in East Texas. 9 inches of SNOW! For all of you who have snow all the time pardon my excitement, but we never get it, maybe a dusting now and then. My son, who has been praying for snow since November has been on cloud 9! Here are some more pictures of Gavin playing today...

MY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED!

MANY, MANY, MANY PRAYERS FOR SNOW!

I love this one!

fun, fun, fun!

He was so proud of our "little" snowman

Gavin and Gauge!

He is so handsome! I am not biased or anything!

Gavin and his snowman he made

Eating snow ice cream...yumm!

***This has been an amazing couple of days! Thanks to God for blessing us with another one of His beautiful gifts!***

Snow Day!!!

2010-02-11T13:44:00.000-10:00

We got out of school at 2:00 today....because of SNOW! This never happens in our area! I was so excited! It has snowed ALL day, and it is really piling up out there! And there is supposed to be more!

This afternoon when Shawn got home we went outside and let Gavin play in it! I was so thrilled to see how happy it made him, he had a blast!!!

Gavin's Snow Angel!

My Snow Angel!

(I don't recall ever making one, so I thought I would try! :)

Kissing in the snow...another first! haha

(not sure about Shawn's face...we were waiting to see if Gavin took the picture!)

Working on a snowman...that we never finished!

They were having so much fun with their snowball fight!

Me and my baby boy!

I LOVE THE SNOW!!!

Maybe we won't have school at all tomorrow, but at least we don't go in until 10:00 if we do! Hope everyone who got snow today had as much fun in it as we did!!!

No picture post...

2010-01-30T13:41:00.000-10:00

Today has been a relaxing, lazy day. This morning we laid around the house, then ate some Mexican food. Shawn went to town to get some supplies for the remodel/add on... Gavin and I just got home from a birthday party. It was very unlike me not to take my camera...so I have no pictures! :( It was one of Gavin's friends from church, Kyler. (She is also my principal's youngest daughter). They had a bounce house which is always a hit with kids. Gavin had so much fun. I on the other hand enjoyed getting to just sit down and talk with friends. Now I am home and doing my Saturday duties...laundry, dusting, cleaning, etc...

God Bless!

Amy

Life as a wife, mom, teacher...

2010-01-28T15:58:00.000-10:00

I really have nothing too exciting going on tonight...No Grey's Anatomy and no Private Practice...this is the night I actually watch TV.

I was just reading with my 5 year old. He learned his letters and sounds when he was 2 (Leap Frog Letter Factory is a must for moms of toddlers). Anyway he is sounding out words, when I make him stop and look at them that is, otherwise he is looking at the pictures and making up stories. (which is good for young kids to do as well!) I love the fact that he is at the age where things are beginning for him! I am so excited about him starting school next year. Being a teacher I want him to do well. I want him to be ahead of the game. With what kids are expected to learn now days it can't hurt to be a little ahead! I am first and foremost his "mother" and his "teacher".

Speaking of what kids are learning...I teach 1st grade and in my opinion it is the best grade to teach! They come to you not reading, writing, adding or subtracting and they leave reading a minimum of 60 words per minute! It is amazing how one year can change a child's life so much! They are now able to read signs and cereal boxes, not to mention books, tell time, count money (coins) write stories and letters, and so much more!

I love my job it is so rewarding! Even after a long week with very talkitive 6 and 7 year olds it is all worth it! I am so proud of them!

9th Anniversary!!!

2010-01-27T12:22:00.001-10:00

Today is our 9th Anniversary!!!

I can't believe it has been that long! I wish my wedding pics were digital but since they are not, I took a picture of a couple of pictures in our house...I know they are not the best quality...but it's all I have to offer! haha

One of my favorite pictures...that's when it all began!

Guess I should have dusted before I snapped these pictures! ;)

Happy Anniversary Shawn, I love you!!!

My poor sick baby!

2010-01-27T12:10:00.000-10:00

Yesterday I took off work to take Gavin to the Dr. He started Friday with the sniffles and by Monday his chest was rattling. He has double ear infections and a lot of congestion... He sounds aweful.

Notice the raw spot below his nose... I have tried putting all kinds of things on it, nothing seems to be working...ANY SUGGESTIONS???

Because he didn't feel well, this is what I saw and heard all day...Mario Cart...Wii!

And here he is...

He is on an antibiotic and Children's Clariton, along with breathing treatments. Hopefully he will feel better soon! But with this weather, you never know! Gotta love this Texas weather!