Nativity

I do love Christmas. Although I’ve noticed that I don’t see nearly as many Nativity scenes as I used to. Now, I understand that the “separation of church and state” crowd has had them effectively banned from public buildings (I could go on for pages about this topic alone!), but even in yards and private buildings you just don’t see it any more. I don’t know about you, but an inflatable elephant in a Santa hat does not really say Christmas to me.

Kim and I try to raise good Catholic, Christian kids. We go to church on Sunday, kids in Catholic school, talk about Bible stories, discuss theology with the older ones, prayers at meals, bedtime, for sick friends, etc. and we still need to take time to emphasize the Christmas Story (not the one with the leg lamp). We take extra time to remind them why we celebrate and what the true meaning of Christmas is. That’s what got me thinking about the Nativity scenes. How many children don’t know the true meaning, aren’t told the amazing story of Mary’s faith, have no idea what a manger is? It really saddens me that our country is losing its’ Christian heritage. I don’t realize it most of the time because our friends are pretty much church-going, Christian people, but when I look around at the way society as a whole looks at this most important of days, it gives me the willies. It also makes me think about the early Christians who were persecuted and martyred for their faith. They certainly wouldn’t have backed down because a statue of a baby in a manger “offended” someone. Maybe I’m just rambling here, but it’s been on my mind. Anyway, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Gifts

Isn't it amazing the way gifts "touch" others? I mean, the most simple "no big deal" gifts are often the most moving, meaningful gifts that we receive. Children often show us that. We parents spend an insane amount of money on presents throughout the years...and what do they love??? Banging the pots and pans with spoons....or playing with the wooden characters of our nativity sets! And, some of the best gifts ever are the ones that we did not have on our list, but someone thought "they'll LOVE this!" I have countless presents that I have been given over the years that truly have moved me beyond words. One of those came a few years ago from one of my closest friends. She gave me a glass angel ornament with the following inscription:

"Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy."

Even typing those words brings tears to my eyes, and honestly, takes a little of my breath away~ still. You see, Brittney, that angel ornament gift did and continues to touch me. I will always view the stars a little differently now. And Mom, I long for you to be here with us...especially during this, your favorite holiday season. I remember the house was always DECKED out. Real Christmas tree...with RED bows...beautiful ornament balls, along with many wooden ornaments...and of course, those which we made. Every Snow Village figurine made was set up in the hallway. Christmas floral arrangements on the dining room table and hearth. The nutcrackers, music boxes, the music, snow globes, wrapping paper, Christmas movies, bows, scotch tape, gift tags, Christmas cookies, tissue, tinsel, Christmas lights inside and out, advent calendars, the precious nativity that Kris has today, lining up on Christmas morning according to height, Christmas eve turkey, ..and the list goes on.

I want you to know that I hear you in every verse of "O Holy Night", "What Childs Is This", "Do You Hear What I Hear?"....I hear your sarcasm in Brittany and Tod....I see your strength in Mei-Mei....your goofiness in Mike...your desire to play and be a part of the fun shines through Dawn...your hilarousness/silliness in Jay. I feel your touch with Karen....your tenderness with Brad...and your unconditional acceptance with Kris. Your determination lives on through Cole and Colin....your empathy shines through Craig and Alex....and your "take the bull by the horns"-ness is seen in Dylan. Thankfully, we see your beautiful face in Ethan.Your heart will forever be seen in Dad. I can not thank you enough for gifting all of us with a love for this holiday season. Through that love, we have all come to know, in our own time, love, and worship the most amazing and divine Gift ever given..all wrapped in swaddling clothes.

"It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?"
~Dr. Seuss

Preparation

We do a LOT of preparing in this household. We prepare lunches for school, prepare our clothes for the next school/work day, prepare the house for the arrival of guests, prepare food, prepare children, prepare for work...and the list goes on. Most of these things fall in to the mundane routine of our everyday lives, and quite honestly, are often taken for granted. The insurmountable time we spend is infinite it seems. This preparation theme alone has dominated my thoughts as of late. This inordinate amount of time is being spent on worldly things ~ disturbs me, and really caused me to stop and think about the very core of our existence and creation. Our only job here is to bring glory and praise to God. So whatever path God has blessed you with, your job remains the same....bring Him glory. Wow, in Cole's words a long time ago, I "suck out loud" at this. (And yes, he did get some soap in his mouth) And don't get me wrong, like you, I am so in love with God, and the things of God. I just do not give Him all of me, all the time....but I want to, and He is so deserving. The liturgical seasons are such a beautiful reminder of God's most Holy Gift, Himself. As my mom and dad used to say, "Prepare, and prepare well." As we are about to enter one of my most favorite liturgical seasons, Advent, I intend to prepare and prepare well as we...

Await the Celebration

happy almost Advent

WAR!!!

I feel like I need to gear up for war. Washing machine runs, but that's it. Dishwasher computer system is JACKED (Kar & Kris, that word was for you!) up and you never know if it is going to be YOUR lucky day and you can run it. Master bath sink has been out of commission for many, many, many months....and now the boys bathroom toilet needs to go (and does literally). Fridge freezes EVERY single morsel of food or liquid in it...even set on "1." I almost threw the rock solid ice ONION at someone tonight.... Virus on desktop and Craig's laptop...but I'm sure the computer virus fairy will come while we are working to fix them... Brakes on van (completely done and redone THREE times) still squeaking.

So, how's life with you?

It's me, Mike!

Awhile back I was talking to a friend who mentioned that he was amazed I could keep up with all the stuff I do. Well, if you have read our blog you realize that I have let it slip. It's not that my thoughts have become too deep or too shallow to share, it's just a matter if time. I guess I shouldn't really use that excuse because Kim does twice as much as I do and still has time to update this thing, maybe it's just me...

Tonight Cole and I were watching the World Series and he said, "I don't like peoples breath after they eat Gushers or Fruit Roll-ups... How about you?" I told him I didn't have a real position on that subject. There are plenty of subjects I have no real position on. I have actually become quite adept at presenting arguments for both sides of issues, which sometimes leads people to think I am not passionate about the things I really believe in. It's a shame.

We had a good soccer season. Cole changed teams and played in Carrollton with his school buddies. This whole change to MIS has been a good one for our family. Especially for the lone female. It's been great going to football and volleyball games and becoming a vital member of the community. We have had that at other places to be sure, and this is not necessarily better, but it is the right one for us now. God is good.

There lots more where this came from, but I've got to fold some laundry before Kim gets home from here hair appointment. It's good to be back.

Jesuit Homecoming 2009

Craig and Valeria before the game!

We met at Valeria's house and Ellen, Valeria's best friend, met up with her date later at California Pizza Kitchen. Little blurry...after arriving 30 min. late for "picture" time because of Northwest Highway traffic...guess Mommy was a LITTLE shaking!!!! (Understatement)

How did we get this far so FAST?? #2's first Homecoming!

Two "first" Homecomings down.....2 two go!
More to come tonight....the DANCE!
So much fun!

She's won his heart!

Good things are happening at our house!! God is so amazing. And so is the power behind a praying parent! We have always lifted our boys up in prayer...for all the obvious reasons. But I remember even when Tod was little, Mike and I praying for "THE" girl who would win his heart. Gemina has won his heart, and has brought so much color to our house. Not only has she brought out the best in Tod, but Cole and Reed literally jump for joy at the sight of her...or at the sight of her car at the house! They also "watch" every move the two of them make...especially when Tod walks Gemina to her car. I thought the house was on fire the first time Cole sprint back to me...out of breath..."Mom, they kissed!"

God heard our prayers. And, God answered them. As always.

Tod and Gemina, know that we continue to lift you both up seperately and together in prayer. More than anything else, we pray that you both allow God to direct your paths, His Light to forever shine brightly through you, and that whatever it is you choose to do in this life....
it honors Him.
We love you.

stop this train

Funny how much I've been thinking about ending things lately. Quit facebook, quit email, quit phone calls, quit homework, and quit this blog. I'm giggling to myself even thinking about it. Like, get OVER yourself, kim. it's been one of those kind of days....well, okay, weeks...nah, several weeks around here. first the tree. then swine. and then the check. the check actually pushed this girl right over the edge. you see, our lovely economy has caused much harm to mom's trust. so much so that brad's, my little brother and overseer of her trust, gray hairs have probably tripled in the last few years. stinks...., not the gray by the way...he looks amazing gray & blonde. so, the four of us decided to make an investment decision. we bought a house. for those of you who are not family but know me well...sit down. we bought a house for dad. it was the right thing to do. it is absolutely what mom would want and i know you're proud. so, the remaining monies (minus a little to stay in the account) were divided by four....and hence, the check. that check bears her name and for some odd reason i don't ever want that to go away. there is just something about that account staying with us...i know she is gone...but it was so much "her baby" and it being open ("alive") just feels better. by the response i got from my poor little brother (who has had to put up with PMS-ing sisters all his life) on the phone, and mike, this must be a "girl thing!"....and you know, we need a whole LOT of girl things around here. so, the tears, sobbing, mood swings, screaming, pouting, complaining/whining...all that....it's all good. i'm just trying to keep this pfaff pond BALANCED.

i SEE you!!

This picture makes me smile ALL OVER!!

Counting the days, Ellis, until I get to hold you!

We love you, sweet girl,

Aunt Kimmy, Uncle Mike, Tod, Craig, Cole, and Reed

Not busy enough

!







Evidently God knew we could fit a few more things on our plate.....so at 2 in the morning last night I literally watched this happen....after I heard (attempted to wake Mike up) 3 super loud snapping sounds several minutes a part. I truly thought it was something electrical in the vacant house next door. Nope. By the time I reached to shut the blinds after my investigation I saw this 45 foot live oak slowly start to fall! Mike woke to my SCREAMING TERROR. I just knew it would come ALL the way through and land on Cole in the top bunk. I still tear up thinking about it. By the way, Dad or Larry, just how long will the frame of this house hold up a tree weighing a TON? Guess this is what we'll be doing over the next few days....months....

Coming up for air

So, what have you guys been up to lately? Sleeping in, going in to work late, traveling a little, reading your favorite books, romantic dinners with your love one, and spending great QUALITY time with each of your children? Sounds so much like us. NOT. Oh my gosh, it has been a while since I have posted anything because truthfully we haven't even had the opportunity to come up for AIR!! We are HOUR by HOUR people it seems. My little brother and I were chatting the other day about the craziness...and how the work really begins when you leave work. Trust me, it is the most rewarding, the most loved, and the most God honoring work I know but goodness!! Because of the craziness, we have become very impulsive people, however. Like, dropping everything and literally running for the car as we "spaceship" drive to a parent "meeting" that was "forgotten." No doubt that is age and circumstance put together. We laugh at ourselves often. Tuesday we had our first Freshman Class meeting at Jesuit....meanwhile Tod is home with Craig, Cole, and Reed and there is homework to be done and checked, baths to be taken, lunches to be made, teeth to be brushed, and oh, the laundry....and did you all know that all of those things CAN be done while we attended this meeting ....if only we had taken the WII, cell phones, and the laptops with us to the meeting!! :)

All the while this craziness happens, my little sister and Garth are viewing the Great Wall of China!! They are days away from seeing their daughter, Ellis, for the first time. Ellis Day is Monday the 14th of September! They are so excited and so crazy nervous! The above paragraph is a reason I giggle about Kris and Garth being all crazy nervous about adopting ONE. Brad and I both laughed out loud entertaining the thought of just having Brittany and Tod! We would be DONE!! I do get it though....just before becoming a parent floods your brain and heart with many thoughts of "how in the world are we going to do this!!" If you haven't stopped by my little sisters blog...it is at www.tell-her-this.blogspot.com. She is an amazing writer and does a far better job "blogging" than I do! Anyway, above is the latest picture of them in China. It brought tears to my eyes as it threw me back to my Banglasdesh, India days of riding on the rickshaws.

We anxiously await meeting Ellis face to face.

Steal Away

Steel away we did thanks to Tod and Craig! Mike and I celebrated our 21st anniversary at the Gaylord for a night. Atrium view....door to patio was opened immediately to the scrumptious sounds of the many waterfalls. How I wish we could recreate that sound in our own home!

So relaxing. So needed. So happy.

Thank you, God.

First Day of School

You know it's been a rough first week of school when it takes us until Friday to post the pictures! As frantic/hectic/spastic as it's been, I still feel a sense of peace about where my family is. And I love it...

Reed is at a new school. He was a little nervous the first day, but seems to fit right in.

Cole got the teacher he wanted, Miss Griffin, "the cute one".

Kim is teaching 5th grade this year. A little change from the 3rd grade she has had for the last couple years. She has taught 6th-8th, 3rd and 4th, so 5th should be a breeze. It'll take some time to get ahead on lesson plans and to learn the bell schedule, but there is NO DOUBT she will succeed and be a blessing to her students and her new school. Thanks to all our friends who have made this transition easier and who have given their unwavering support to my lovely bride. She is not a big fan of change, but sometimes...it's time.

Happy Birthday, Mom

Mom

August 15, 1936
4:23pm

Summit, New Jersey

7lbs. 21in.

Mom's birthday is such a happy day for me! I am so thankful for the blessing of her life, and even more thankful that God chose her to be my mom. She gave my father, Karen, Kris, Brad, and I all that she was. The amount of joy that she brought to us then, and continues to even today brings a Grinch-sized smile to my face and happy "tears" flowing from my eyes.
She loved with her whole heart and self. She knew no stranger and her love had no limits.

I still hunger and thirst for her touch, her smell, and her voice.

I still ache from missing her.

Happy 73rd Birthday, Mom.

I know it will be Heavenly.

Happy Get Married Day!

When I look at Mike in this photo I still feel the butterflies that I felt twenty-two years ago when I first noticed him at Mama's pizza in Arlington. I remember telling Wendy, one of my best friends in high school, a sorority sister, and, lucky me, Mike's little sister in Sig Ep, set me up with your big brother!! I was actually in a long distance relationship at the time but she quickly dragged me over to him to introduce me. Dreamy. I knew and so the chase began! I will never forget Greek Week that year, spring 1987. Delta Zeta was paired up with Sigma Phi Epsilon. We, Delta Zeta actives, had to nominate a Sig Ep as our "Mr. Greek Week." Hands down Mike "whatever his last name was" won! We ran around the sorority house looking for a Sig Ep composite of any DZ Sig Ep little sister. Because I was President, I had to fill in the name on the nomination form and....how in the world do you spell THAT last name?? Trust me, it only took ONE look and I had it memorized. Couple of nights later a bunch of sorority sisters and I ATTEND the Mr. Greek Week competition....of course...to see Mike. You see, I wasn't the only DZ that had the hots for him. There were several of us! Well, Mike replaced his name on our form with one of his fraternity brothers!! Chicken! And what the heck??? You went with a few frat guy's opinion over 110 women's opinions???? Typical guys! God had great plans, that night however. I remember him coming up to me...I even remember what we were both wearing. We talked about all sorts of things and I distinctly remember him mentioning "not getting" something...I immediately volunteered to "tutor" him....truthfully I just remember gazing into his intensely blue eyes....dreamy. Anyway, the rest is history! Twenty one years of history..on 8/13! Seems like only yesterday that we were walking down that beautiful aisle at St. Luke Catholic Church in Irving! Mike wrote a song for our wedding which Paul and John sang...and he said the most amazing prayer as we placed a beautiful flower arrangement at Mary's feet. Everyday I thank God for the oneness in our marriage and for the way it still is today....dreamy.

Happy Anniversary Michael. Thank you for loving me the way that you do for these twenty-one years. I know God has amazing plans for us ahead.

Ily

High-lights and low-lights

Summer 2009

Highlights in random order:

Tod coming home

spending time with my men

Craig's acceptance into Jesuit

Soccer/Tennis camp

Ellis' letter of Acceptance

Mondays with Kim & Ashley

Swimming at the Arringtons

Fourth of July parade with Arringtons, Ms. Amy & Kimberly, & Kelly& kids

Fireworks with the Armatos

Cold Play

Playing & walking outside

Spending time with family and friends

Girls nights

Playing golf

Sleeping in

No homework

Re-financing our home

grillin' out

having Georgia

a new job

21 years of marriage on the 13th of Aug!!

Low lights in random order:

few dates nights

summer school

Metalrite (nightmare glass order at work)

mosquitos

no family vacation

no beach

Mike's dad's news

leaving friends from work

not finishing home repairs/improvements

Amazing to me that I am closing in on my last day of summer, which will actually be spent at a workshop! I have spent every single day of summer with my boys and my man...which truthfully could have fallen into BOTH hi and low lights on BOTH sides...but it is time that I am so thankful for and loved. I absolutely love them with all that I am. They complete me.

A close friend of mine, Misty, sent me an article that has really touched my heart and that I am attempting (but more often failing at) to embrace. I won't burden you with the entire article but will share the title alone, which will be enough.... "Make Friends With Whatever's Next" .... "Change" and Kim are not good friends. But, I know and believe, that God is leading me...actually he's draggin' me with Mike and family pushing...down a new path. He would never send me unequipped, right? I feel unequipped. So many have shared very humbling words about my teaching, and moving on...my head knows all of that, but why in the world is it so hard to convince the heart?

I am blessed to be married to a man that is so able to look beyond. Mike sees the roses, always. That's not to say that he doesn't see thorns at times...but even in the visible thorny time, he sees the roses. Ahhh. The peace he brings to my soul is like the sounds of the waves at the ocean...refreshing, healing, powerful, God-sent.

Here's to the blessings of summer and change.

pensive...

"I'm finding myself at a loss for words, and the funny thing is, it's okay.

The last thing I need is to be heard, but to hear what You would say.

Word of God, speak. Would You pour down like rain, washing my eyes to see Your majesty,

to be still and know that You're in this place? Please let me stay and rest in Your holiness.

Word of God, speak."

~Mercy Me

Best Secret Santa Gift Ever

Growing up both Mike and I had dogs. I love dogs. I love big dogs. Infact, I would love to have a Great Dane but Mike, first, and then my little sister, Kris, have said no...no Great Danes....high maintenance, shorter life span, etc. So over the course of our almost 21 years of marriage we have had a few dogs, too. First, it was Bentley (Mike's choice in name). Bentley was an adorable cocker spaniel, but a HYPER cocker. He was NOTHING like my Sundance growing up, but I've quickly learned that no dog will ever compare to Sundance. Bentley went to Mike's older brother, Paul, and his wife, Maggie, until Maggie could not breathe anymore (terrible allergies from the dog)!! Then, after falling in love with Aunt Karen's found in the wild white WOLF Kane (75% wolf, 25% dog), we decided to adopt a dog from PetsMart...mix, but basically looked like a white lab...which Craig wanted to name "Kane" as well. Kane had MAJOR issues...like needing puppy proszac (sp?)...so he eventually went back to his adopted mother.

Ever since our failed attempts at being dog owners, Mike and I both wanted to try again. Well, one of the many benefits of being friends with the Snelsons is that you get to experience animal life-LIVE. Trey is passionate about animals, animal life, loves to hunt, fish, etc. So when Brittney and Trey made the decision to breed their beautiful yellow labrador (actually she is cinnamon colored...absolutely beautiful...and with her lazy eye, ahhh, you just fall in love with her!) they allowed us to journey with them. It was so fun learning about the breeding process, the pregnancy gestation for dogs, and then ultimately the birthing of her puppies. I remember, still today, the phone call I received from Brittney that Georgia was in labor!! All along Georgia's pregnancy I told Brittney that I wanted one of the puppies. We had promised Craig that when he turned 12 that we would get a dog. You know, Cole would be five and things would be much more managable. You see, we had no idea that God had plans of blessing us with little Reed 3 years after Cole!! :)

During the Christmas season at work we exchanged names for Secret Santa. It was Christmas 2006. We are given the opportunity to try to guess who had us at the party and I, like always, failed to guess who had me. So when BRITTNEY revealed herself to me, she handed me the cutest wrapped gift. In that bag was a gift that immediately brought tears to my eyes....all doggie stuff and a note that said we were being gifted the pick of the litter when Georgia delivered!!

Here was my greatest Secret Santa gift EVER....

Lady Girl!
Well, two and a half years later we finally get the opportunity to keep Georgia for a week!! While Brittney and Trey are vacationing in Colorado, we are giving Georgia the vacation of a lifetime! Constant wrestling and excercising, and then some cuddley time with her daughter!! Lady will NOT leave her alone, and every once in a while Georgia still shows her whose boss!! Rightly so!!! Georgia will retreat to her kennel every once in a while, as if tried from the constant nagging of her little one, with Lady laying outside the kennel whinning the entire time!

Georgia!
We are having the best time. The boys are so proud and make sure on our walks that the neighborhood knows that the "other" dog we have is Lady's mom! So cute. They have asked me numerous times, "Mom, do you think they know they are mom and daughter?" I don't know the answer to that, but I would like to think so.

Georgia and Lady!
Thanks Brittney and Trey, we have had the best time with "the girls!!"

LOA...July 21st

My little sister received her formal Letter of Acceptance yesterday and will soon be receiving the final travel documents in about 3-4 weeks!

China, here "we" come!!

By the way, Ellis, we celebrated this news at a fantastic Cold Play concert!!

We love you sweet girl,

Uncle Mike, Aunt Kimmy, Tod, Craig, Cole and Reed

Cheers to Brittney

POSITIVELY the funnest bunch!

Thoughts While Driving

I saw a bumper sticker the other day that said, “Another soulless atheist looking for harmony and world peace”. It got me thinking. Now, just because the guy thinks he’s soulless doesn’t mean he is. He has a soul just like everyone else in the world, he is just too egotistical or blind or whatever to know it. Just because he doesn’t acknowledge the truth doesn’t make it any less true.

Then I thought, Jesus died for all humanity whether “all humanity” believes it or not. He died for me, for Hitler, for Mother Teresa, for Attila the Hun, for Pope Benedict and for Saddam Hussein. The issue is not whether He did it, but whether or not you choose to acknowledge and accept it. Some in the list above did not accept it, but it is no less true because of that.

Then I thought about the Right to Life debate. I am pro-life. That means I believe in the sanctity of all human life. As such, I am anti-capital punishment. The way I see it, just because some murderer does not believe that life is God-given and sacred does not mean this it isn’t. You know? If I truly believe that life is sacred, I need to believe ALL human life in sacred, even if others don’t.

Then I thought about family. Cole talks a mile a minute… every minute. Now, you wouldn’t know it to see me now, but I was almost held back in first grade. My grades were fine, but the teacher had to put my desk right next to hers because I was talking to everyone all the time. I had forgotten about that until I started thinking about Cole.

Then I thought, I wish these idiots would speed up, we're on the freeway!

"Brace Face!"

Hard to tell, but the rubber bands are blue and gold...covers the Bruins and Rangers!
Baby boy #2!

Today Dr. Ohlenforst started Craig's braces. Tops today...bottoms in about 2-3 months.

Amazing part...OFF in 8-9 months!!

He was great about it TODAY...we'll see how he feels about them in a week! :)

2TH AYK

The title of this post is actually stolen from the best dentist in the metroplex, Dr. Pfaffenberger's (a.k.a. AUNT MaryLou), personalized license plate!! I could only think of one other title that I quickly decided was not appropriate for our family blog. Let me just say, next time (and YES, there will be a next time...infact, if you ask Reed he will bow his little head and hold up THREE fingers indicating how many more visits he has left with Aunt MaryLou) DADDY needs to go along!! We certainly owe Dr. Pfaffenberger a massage after all she went through with Reed. Cole was a champion...got in the chair opened his mouth...no big deal. He takes after his father and oldest brother who practically fall asleep (Mike actually DOES fall asleep) during dental treatments. Reed, on the other hand, is like his mother. He laid there clenched fisted and screaming for the majority of the time it took MaryLou to fill TWO of the EIGHT cavities in his mouth. And did I mention that we started out with a little children's benadryl...just to relax him a little and get him a wee bit sleepy?!? While Cole was being worked on, Reed and I waited in the waiting room...and he was really having to struggle to keep his eyes open. PERFECT. I thought. First hurdle, the numbing. Went VERY well. I was falsely lead to believe that this was going to go easily...afterall, he handled the numbing better than his mommy!! :) After getting him positioned for the fillings, she placed "Mr. Thirsty" in his mouth....didn't go well. He told her it hurt. Yes, just the tiny suction tube that she hung on one side of his mouth. We managed to distract him with Spongebob (never did I think I would EVER say, "Reed, watch Spongebob!") and the second the drill hit is tooth the tears started rolling with him screaming, "It's all scratchy in my mouth!!!!" He must have asked Aunt MaryLou fifty times, "Am I done now???"

Poor baby.

We ARE done, for today.

Next week, same time, same place, same procedure.

Here are some pictures of our time....these are not "celebration" picutures...just history, survival (for ALL involved) pictures!!! Trust me, and ask the boys, THEY WILL TELL YOU, our "celebration" is milk and water as drink choices for the rest of their lives!!!

Cole and Aunt MaryLou

Poor baby Reed! Poor Dr. Pfaffenberger!!

Our All Star!

Mike was a catcher, my dad was a catcher, my brother was a catcher, Tod was a catcher...
After the game Cole commented, "That coach pitching was only trying to hit me!"

2009 Coach Pitch All Stars

Only 2 Dodger All-Stars....Cole and Riler....with "Coach" Mike

Cole and his biggest fans!

Are you ready for some football????? The countdown begins....

The pfaff household starts looking forward to things WAY far out!! I have often thought about making a Ms. Becky construction paper chain link to help Reed and Cole count the days away!! Cole suited up this past weekend!!

Down, Set, READY....only a little more than a month away from Dallas' first pre- season game!!

Wonder what's gonna happen on November 22nd and December 27th?

And you know, that's not even at the TOP of the pfaff "looking forward to" countdown list.

College Football wins that list! Actually,

U C L A

wins that list!

Let's go Bruins!

In love with summer....

10am still in their undies.....cinnamon toast still not quite finished.....laying together watching cartoons..... these are the BEST times...I still remember mine...

Happy Father's Day!

Craig's wishful (for now anyway) height! :)

My greatest God-given gift ever, the most peaceful, Christ-filled man I am honored to call my husband, and father to our children. Thank you, Mickey, for showing us Jesus everyday...and for blessing my world with MEN.

Happy Daddy's Day!

We love you!

Disappointment

I am absolutely in love with God. He is everything perfect for me....strength, power, comfort, peace, love, counselor, wisdom, forgiving, healing, life giving, and so much more. His blessings have been many, and his patience with me has been MUCH. So many times throughout my life I have had that "pinch me is this for real-it is so good" kind of feeling. They all point to Him. Equally many times in my life I have been knocked down to below my knees in desperation, sadness, or anger truly unable to pick myself up...all a direct result of things of this world...and getting back up, successfully, all points to Him, too. Perhaps it is all of the above that has brought back the clouds....the dark ones, that seem to linger and feel so heavy. Hence, the disappointment. My very favorite story in the Bible is in Matthew 14: 25-33. To me, it is so indicative of life. Jesus is so amazing and so loving...anxious, if you will, for us to venture out, trust, and as John Ortberg says so well, "get out of the boat"...extending his Arms and Hands with "Come to Me." He wants nothing else...but for me, and us, to come to Him. I feel like I do that often....but just like Peter. Confident, strong, and really excited at first and then the winds come...some blow softly unable to move my focus, and then some blow hard enough to shift my focus...and I allow the stuff of this world to cloud my world and to distract me from what is most important, Him. Why is it so hard at times? And why is it that some of those "winds" seem to engulf me? I can and do hear my mom's quiet heaven spoken voice in her answer as I type..."cuz you let them, Kimmy Ann." It truly throws me into this world of not darkness, per se, but "blahness" as I dwell in this place of disappointment constantly whispering words to myself of "oh you of little faith..."

I spend way too much time, I know, trying to figure people out...trying to grasp at understanding their motives and decisions....and why? What good truly comes from that?

All I need is to put my eyes back on Him and never give Him the reason to ask me,

"Why did you doubt Me?"

The newest "Jackson".....

We are tickled PINK!!

My little sister, Kris, has just received her pre-approval from China!!

Ellis Gao Mei

So excited!