~ Life In The Garden with The Flowers Family ~

Emily Moments

2010-10-01T15:43:00.000-07:00

At church we have a time during the second service when the elementary aged children go to a worship time - Kids Life Live. Each week a child gets an opportunity to be onstage. The same songs are sung all month. Emily was excited one of her favorite songs was Inside Out by Hillsong.

She captivates my heart.

Hanging with one of her best friends - Denali.

After school fun at the park before going to get her brother.

We went to the local Barnes and Noble late Sunday afternoon. A "cold" front came through over the weekend and cooled us down to the upper 70's low 80's during the day. To us Texans that is heaven on earth. The wind picked up that evening while we were in the store. Of course we had to get a hot chocolate and a treat on the way out. As we get to the car I turn around to help Emily into the van and catch her just enjoying the moment. Life couldn't be better than her favorite drink, a book on her favorite topic-horses and a treat to top it off. Yes, I travel with my camera everywhere to catch moments like this.

A Grand Day - Emily Style

2010-09-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

So, Emily has been after me almost all summer to have a just for fun tea party.
So we set the date and got the word out. Emily had a definite plan.
She wanted to serve a mud (ice cream) pie, pumpkin pie, strawberry shortcake
and decorate-it-yourself mini cake. We used my grandmother's china tea cups.
Better to make memories than let them catch dust in the cupboard. The girls had so much fun!

~The Hostess with the Mostess~

Beautiful girls
Mari, Bella, Denali, Emily.
Fun times!

The table all set for the girls!

Ice skating with Denali .The girls had a blast!
While their brothers attended a church event from our church,
Emily and Denali enjoyed this one with Denali's church.
Those girls tore it up!

~First Day of School~ 2010

2010-08-25T10:50:00.001-07:00

The first day of the 2010/2011 school year went great!. Emily was so excited for school to start. Although she enjoyed summer break she was more than ready to get back to school. Emily has an awesome teacher (again) and more familiar classmates this year. God definitely answered our prayers! Seeing her truly thrive and overcome the challenges from last year has been amazing.
Ethan and middle school agree with one another so far. He is loving his new level of independence. Watching him grow up is bittersweet. I am glad its a gradual process.I am so proud of him and who God is molding him to be.

2nd grade and 6th grade - here we come!

Houla and the Pizza Box

2010-08-19T07:11:00.001-07:00

The Houla is a very vocal thing and the saying "The squeeky wheel gets the oil" very much applies to this critter. The only part is we don't (always) give in to the demand no matter how much he squeeks. Usually when I make dinner he is right by my knee and feels he complusion to bark intermitently as if to say "Hurry up!" "Don't forget ME!".
I was making pizza for dinner and place the box by the trash can to go out later. Houla gets a whiff of the pizza box. After a few unsuccesfull attempts at trying to get into the empty box, Houla decides to plop himself on the floor and be patient while I finish up dinner.
He does well for a bit and then I turn around from the sink and see he has scooted himself to the box. The pictures show the progression. It was such a "had to be there moment".

That Houla makes life and bold adventure! :) Closer.....
a little bit closer....

Uh-oh!

Score!

Houla and the Frisbee

2010-08-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

So, the Houla needed some play time. We got the frisbee out and skid it across the floor. Buddy chases right after it. However, he could not get it flipped over. He scooted and scratched at that thing like a woman trying to pick up a coin with solar (fake) nails. Oh, did we laugh! Poor thing got so frustrated and started this funny little bark directed at us and the frisbee. That made us laugh even harder. Fun Times with the Houla!

The Bark!

VICTORY!!
He did it all by himself

Lake Georgetown (July/August 2010)

2010-08-18T07:24:00.000-07:00

Cuzins!

Lake Georgetown - Russell Park

Rock Throwing

Minnow Patrol

Bottoms Up!

Homeward Bound :)

5Th Grade Graduation Day

2010-05-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

Ethan was born the year CHE opened in 1999.

He graduated the school year of their 10th Anniversary.

Children grow up so quickly from our parental perspective.

We are so proud of you Ethan!!

Mrs. Lisa Roberts (Assistant Principal)

Ethan and Mrs. Mandy Estes (Principal)

How fun to arrive in a limo on the last day of elementary school!

Thanks Mr. Faiq!

It was all good until Mrs. Estes read that kite poem ...
I then bawled like a baby.

Grammy and E

Receiving his awards for the year.

Go Ethan!

The final walk as elementary students.

Watch Out Middle School! ;)

Random Moment

2010-05-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

Buddy has been a special case from nearly Day 1. He at least waited until Day 2 to throw us any curve balls. Buddy has come a long way in the 14 months we've had him. He is Catahoula through and through. One of the Houla traits is strong loyalty to their family. Shannon and Buddy have gotten along better in the last 6 months or so. While Shannon sat down to play the Wii, Buddy plopped himself snugly beside Shannon for a snooze. :)

~Ethan's Early Birthday Present~

2010-05-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

Poor E-man came down with a virus (fever/sore throat) on Thursday evening and has been down for the count since then (we found out after his bday he had pnuemonia!). Shannon and I planned on getting him a PS2 for his birthday which is on Tuesday and since the poor critter has time on his hands, we surprised him a few days early with his gift. Ethan was thrilled as one could be when sick and played all afternoon.

Ughh - stupid fever!

No words but the look was great.

I wish the flash hadn't decided to "call in sick" at that moment.

The second pic did all right.

getting ready to veg with his new system

Doggie Choo Choo

2010-05-14T14:13:00.000-07:00

Flower was minding her own business taking a nap in the blanket basket when Emily decided she needed to go for a ride down the hallway. Away they went! Houla was contentedly playing with his tennis ball when the ride started and needed some attention too. Emily was a good sport and tossed him his tennis ball a few times. And as quickly as the fun started it ended and Flower was able to resume her urgent task of taking a nap.

~Reunion Ranch~

2010-05-13T14:04:00.000-07:00

The 5th Grade Field Trip out to Reunion Ranch in Georgetown was a blast. The kids got to paddle boat, play kickball, use a zip line and play miniature golf among other activities. The parents had fun catching up and playing a bit of Bocce Ball. Ethan hung out with his fav pals: Isaac and Caleb. Sadly by the days end Ethan started to feel badly with a sore throat and came down with fever overnight. But overall a good day with fun memories.

Day of Dogs

2010-05-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

Emily's was very excited it was her turn to bring home

the class fuzzy friend, Biscuit,and journal.

Biscuit had lots of adventures and a yummy dinner.

That night Emily wrote two pages in the journal!

So while I am cleaning the house and decluttering the closet, I take a break in the kitchen and look up to see these two yahoos side by side on the sofa. It was remarkable to me bc they were sharing the same space peacefully and looked absolutely pathetic as they had nary exerted any energy that day. Crazy Weirdos!

Spring Break Fun ~ Mayborn Museum (Waco)

2010-03-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

We headed out to Waco for a daytrip to the Mammoth Site.

That took hardly anytime...So, we decided to take a sidetrip to the

Mayborn Museum. We were pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

~All Aboard!~

~What's this? ~

Before computers and keyboards...

~Weather Forecasting~

~Bubble Room~

~Pioneer Days~

~The Outlaw and The Angel~

~Fun Stuff!~

Spring Break Fun ~ Waco Mammoth Site

2010-03-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

Buddy's Playdate!

2010-03-13T10:43:00.000-08:00

Caleb's dog, Scout, came over

for some playtime with Buddy.

The dogs sped around the yard and

tumbled about for about 2 hours.

My goodness, to have so much good energy!

"Let's Get It Started..."

Break Time

The End

One tuckered 'Houla

~Saturday Morning~

2010-03-13T09:44:00.001-08:00

Cartoons and Cuddles.

I love how her tongue sticks out when she's sleeping.

Are there words for this one? ;)

The Adventures of Ethan

2010-03-13T06:53:00.000-08:00

Ethan had a busy month in February. One of his adventures was with his friend Caleb. Ethan was invited to join Caleb for the weekend on his grandmother's ranch. The boys had a blast doing all things BOY!

Showing off Caleb's marksmanship.

Cade (Caleb's brother)

Caleb with his prize.

Ethan fell in love with a new litter of puppies....I said NO!

Please Mom!

~THE CAST~

So, it figures that just as the football season starts we would have a bit of excitement. Ethan had his hand squashed by a cleat and then crumpled under him in the same drill during the 2nd practice of the season. Poor kid! The doctor told us he had broken 3 fingers and would be in a cast for 3 weeks. Ethan went to a splint for another 3 weeks. He was fully healed and good to get back to football by the first Friday in March. The next day at the kick off Jubilee in a scrimmage game he sacked the quarterback. Oh yeah!!!! In practice the next week during another scrimmage he took an interception back for a touch down. Good things coming on the E Train this season.

Go Ethan!!!!!!!!

Monkeys in the Tree

2010-03-10T17:00:00.000-08:00

Emily and Ethan caught climbing our tree in the front yard.

It's finally big enough for a good climb!

Always more fun with friends - Denali, Isaac and Graeme.

The Artist

2010-03-08T13:51:00.000-08:00

~Emily and Daddy ~

So proud of his daughter!

Emily's artwork was selected to be part

of the Round Rock ISD Elementary Art Show.

The show featured artwork from all the

elementary schools in RRISD.

Way to Go Emily!

The Piece de Resistance!

My little artist

Emily's art teacher Ms. Tatiana Wiersema

This was one of my favorite pictures from the artshow.

Silly Faces

2010-02-23T09:23:00.000-08:00

~Snow Day 2010 ~

Goofing off with the camera after a good snowball fight.

Not a flattering angle (for me) but the fun was priceless!

Snow!

2010-02-23T07:23:00.000-08:00

SNOW!

We don't often get snow in our part of Central Texas.

When we do we take as many pictures as possible to prove it really happened.

Typically, it all melts by midmorning.

The Day After......

We were stunned to see the snowman still

standing when we all came home from school/work.

Saying goodbye... wait that would be fixing his face. ;)

On the way to school the next morning-

"Mom, wait! I want to walk in the snow."

Crunch. crunch.

Still here!

Wow! The snow ball hasn't
melted and it's almost 10 a.m.

It may have taken almost all the snow in the yard

but a snowman was made.

Snowball Fight!!!

Beautiful Snowflakes!

Just makes you smile :)

~Snow Angel~

Buddy's First Snow :D

Eat it!?

No - Run in it!

Tag! You're it!

I loved the trees where I work.

The view from our house.

"Our house is very very very fine house....."

Moments of Being

2010-02-17T10:06:00.000-08:00

"God is the giver of good gifts and of healing." I heard that from the mouth of a dj on KLOVE this morning. It made me pause in my actions of making the bed. Those words have never fit so well or been so real to me as they are now. This family has been through so much and to see the blessings flow from God has been astounding. I literally stand there in amazed wonder as I watch Him unfold the beauty of each healing moment when He chooses to reveal it. I never know when God will bring them. I just know without a doubt He does and I watch amazed at Him in action. They are moments of being. There are still weeds that like to sprout their ugliness up now and again but the occurrance is less and less and I love the God who tends this garden.

More often than not in the past few months He has brought people across my path with shared experiences. I am stunned at His thoughful planning and timing for this to take place. It usually involves a minor life change when it happens. He has brought my attentions homeward and He keeps redirecting me back here. I don't know how or what I am suppossed to do. Iwill just keep praying for His wisdom to help others along the way to healing. He is the healer of he broken and wounded. I love for people to see a better ending to the story. Just because it's broken doesn't mean it can't be fixed. Praise God for that!

A Daddy Moment

2010-01-12T09:03:00.000-08:00

Shannon braved the craziness that is Emily's room and helped her with one of her Christmas gifts. It's a messenger bag that has iron on decorative applications. I came home from a children's ministry meeting and discovered the two of them hard at work.

Bedtime was later but the time with Daddy was priceless.

This moment is a jewel for our family. God is good ALL the time and He always brings the sunshine after the storm. Thank you God!

Ethan and Buddy Moments

2010-01-12T08:51:00.001-08:00

Amazingly these are not staged nor was their any bribing involved.
For all of Buddy's Catahoula craziness he likes structure and a regular bedtime.
However, we were all up watching UT & Buddy wanted to be with his kids.
He chewed a rawhide and then actually snuggled up to Ethan.
Those stayed like this for most of the evening.

Very sweet moment.

In the Zone

Blanket hog

Emily's Strawberries and Sugar

2010-01-12T08:36:00.000-08:00

My funny little girl LOVEs her some a little bit of strawberries with alot of sugar.
Emily came into the kitchen and said she was S-T-A-R-V-I-NG!

Good thing I'd just come back from Sam's Club. Emily made quick work of getting the strawberries out, washing them and cutting them up. She hightailed it to the pantry to get the sugar down from the shelf. All this with no assistance from her momma.

Typically Emily would prefer others to assist her.
Today I was much pleased at her independence. ;)

Yummy!

Daddy trying to sneak a bite of those yummy strawberries!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas was simple and sweet this year. The kids are at an age where they like more expensive and less packaged toys. Ethan's requests were for an iTouch and XBox. We are not the Rockerfellers but got him started towards a savings plan. Didn't want to waste a teachable moment. ;D

Emily is still in the simpler stage of the artistic and creative and cute & cuddly. Next year I imagine a request for a fancy sewing machine....

We have definitely turned a corner. Santa is no longer and consumerism is trying to bombard them. In some ways this stage is nicer and in other ways it is hard to say farewell to the simplicity of childhood of Santa, reindeer and elves. Thankfully, the wonderment of the season is alive and strong. It is the celebration of Jesus' birth after all. Gifts are given because He gave the ulimate gift of sacrificial love.

We love because He first loved us. That gift I will be amazed over all my life.

Emily's art projects.
She couldn't wait to get started!

The kids and I gave Dad a DVD of Family Fued.

We had a blast playing that game together!

Christmas hugs and rawhides for Buddy. :)

Flower received a Dog Snuggie.

Sleeping Beauty

2010-01-10T15:31:00.000-08:00

Emily came down with a sinus infection during Christmas break.

Tired and not feeling well, she finally fell asleep on the sofa.

She is wearing pj's her Grammy gave her for Christmas.

I kid you not, Emily wore those pj's day & night with few exceptions.

As a parent you learn to pick your battles. ;)

Emily has slept with her hands positioned like this since infancy.

I couldn't resist this photo op. of one of my fav Mommy Memories.

~Sweet precious girl~

Emily & Elizabeth - BFFs

2010-01-10T15:13:00.001-08:00

Emily met Elizabeth last year in Kindergarten.

Ironically her momma worked with me at the Y.

Our families became fast friends.

They were only here for a year & a half but they will be in our hearts forever!

Tina (Elizabeth's sister), Elizabeth and Emily

The girls spent a last play date together while mom and dad did more packing

Movie Time!

What else would three beautiful girls watch but a princess movie!

Busy painting with Tina Bo-beena

Learning the Wii

Buddy

2010-01-10T14:57:00.000-08:00

Buddy at 11months old. I can't believe he has been part of our lives since a mere 7 1/2 weeks old. I nearly lost my sanity and my religion when we first got him. His puppiness has settled down a bit and he is turning into a pleasant though albeit very mischievious creature. We have learned not to leave anything within in his reach~especially hand towels, socks and pot holders.

Priceless!

Buddy's new blanket and chewy (rawhide) from Grammy

This is the best way I like to see the dogs~Quiet!

Hook 'Em Horns!

2010-01-10T14:10:00.000-08:00

(Emily showed her team spirit in her own artistic way.)

The Texas Longhorns played in the BCS Bowl in Pasadena on Thursday (1/7). So many people in burnt orange that day including me! Our family was so excited to watch the game that night.Shannon was on his way back into town and didn't want us to tell him how the game was going. I didn't think he'd make it through the airport without being made aware of that night's events. Sadly, the Horns lost the game. However, the family time together was great!

All together:Ethan and his friend Caleb, Emily, Buddy and Flower

Today is Monday....Some Lessons Are Hard

2009-10-26T05:49:00.001-07:00

So today I am sitting at the kitchen table posting on my blog while enjoying a venti peppermint mocha and banana chocolate chip coffee cake. I have one very stuffy nose and sore throat and seem to be starting on the upside of this, I am sure cold. The rain is falling and the dogs are settled in on the sofas. I have a job interview today at 10:00 a.m. I also am expecting the pest control man to come by any time now for the 8:00 a.m. appointment. I have also had very little sleep overnight due to my very stuffy nose. I'll spare the details. My son has also endured a sleepless night. His complaints are of a stomach ache and not being able to sleep. He and I watched the news and cartoons from about 2:30 a.m. on. He finally dozed off about 6:00 a.m. Sadly it was short loved because he had to go to school. I would love to let him stay home and rest his weary eyes but alas that is not how the world goes and better he learn now than to grow up an irresponsible adult. There is mild suspicion that he may have encountered a Monster energy drink yesterday. I do not know this as fact. He grumbled and generally let me know being at home on this rainy day would be best. I agreed and told him I understood. I have my own responsibilities today- including 3 appointments -that must be met today. And oh how I would rather just curl up and rest today..... Welome to Life My Precious Son.

Pumpkins and Clean Hearts!

2009-10-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

It's pumpkin time again! The kids still love carving pumpkins and so they did last weekend. They drew their designs on paper and then I wielded the knife to carve. Ethan wanted a "Jason" pumpkin bc he is into all the gory stuff boys like. Emily wanted a classic pumpkin face like they made last year in her Kinder class. She's a classic kind of a gal. All that pumpkin carving brought to mind the book I have for preschoolers: "The Pumpkin Gospel". Step by step it demonstrates how, like a pumpkin, God removes the sin (yucky insides) and makes us clean and able to shine a light for others to see. How thankful I am for a God can clean us up and make us shiny. I didn't read the book at the time we were doing our pumpkin thing but had read it to Emily a week or more before. So when Emily finished with her pumpkin and started to clean it off I thought there was a bit of symbolism in that. Happy October!

2009-09-16T06:49:00.000-07:00

Emily's birthday is technically in October. However, this child has been requesting a pool party in the summer months for as long as either her daddy or I can remember. She specifically wanted it at the Rock 'N River. If nothing else Emily knows what she wants. Emily is her own person right down to her wolf cake and hand delivered invites (I would have gone the way of Evite myself). I love that about her. I finally found a copyright free photo and HEB did their thing. Emily had a great time. The weather was just right. Labor Day weekend was a true celebration for us. Happy 7th Birthday Emily!

After Party Snack -Yummy!

Emily and Rachel

The Gang is ALL here - where's Emily!
She and Rachel were waiting to tube on the lazy river.

PRESENTS! Friends are the best presents :)

Jacob, Emily and Rachel

Can you see them in about five years - TROUBLE!

Jake and Cake ;0)

Making a wish!

Emily and her wolf cake

At HEB picking up her cake.

Spa Treatment & Dinner Combo

2009-09-16T06:42:00.000-07:00

So this picture just cracks me up. Ethan and two of his buddies wer eating dinner with us after we attended an amatuer hockey game. Salad and spaghetti was on the menu. One of Ethan's friends picks up two cucumber slices from his plate and asks if this what people use at spas. I confirmed that it was. They proceeded to place the cucumbers on their eyes. I wasn't quick enough to get their pics but managed to snap one of Emily...silly kids. :)

RAIN!

2009-09-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

Texas has endured a 2 year drought and this past summer was one day short of a tie to be the hottest on record. 67 days of 100+ degree weather will eventually make you crazier than a June Bug. The lakes are low as low and we are on phase 2 and 4 water restrictions - some counties worse than others. Trees dying in Zilker and elsewhere. Overall just harsh. All summer rain has passed over our area as if we had a shield over us! It was maddening and got to be a running joke about the dome overhead. Well, September rolls around and we are one day away from matching the all time hottest record (1927) since record keeping began. So, we get RAIN. It fell for days straight! It was the good soaking kind and brought problems of its own with flash flooding. Regardless, we all relished the wet weather and cooler temps that have managed to stay. When its the low 90's and you think that's a cold snap you know its been a hot summer.

Funny to watch Buddy. He was born in February and hasn't experienced much rain.

September

2009-08-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

It comes around every year. I should know by now I can't avoid it. It gets a little less painful each year as God brings in more pleasant associations with the month. For awhile there I thought there I was sure God was going to allow September to be the dumped on month. Ironically my birthday falls in this month and for a while a negative memory shrouded the joy one should have in celebrating their life. However, I am so grateful for his mercy on me. There are many dates in September that have negative associations but one in particular has a deep wound associated with it. September 9th has been burned into my memories in the negative column. I was still a bit raw about this date when two years later, in 2007, it became the first official service date for the church plant we had joined. At first I thought God's was allowing this was a cruel joke. Of course, I know it is not, but at the time I was not very pleased. God used that date that was associated with something so heartwrenchingly negative to be replaced with something so heartlifting and beautiful. God's people worshipping Him and reaching out to a community that needs to hear about His story of love and forgiveness and new life. That's what He allowed on September 9th, His love to heal, His example of forgiveness and the beginning of a new life. It became a new chapter in my life. God is so good all the time and so now is September.

First Day of School 2009

2009-08-26T05:49:00.001-07:00

Wow! It's finally here. The kids were so excited to get back to their school and friends. We attended Back To School night last Friday and that lit the fire. Ethan is thrilled with his teacher. He technically has three but he was really hoping for Mrs. Sweet to be his homeroom teacher. He is also in class with his best friend. What a great start to the school year. This year for him will be about focusing in the "here and now"/ living in the moment. In Fifth Grade they rotate between three teachers for different subject in preparation for middle school. Emily really likes her teacher! The only negative for her is not being in the same class as her best friend, or as she says "My BFF". Thankfully their classrooms are right next to each other. We walked to school with some dear friends and that made for a great start to the day. I knew it would be quiet so I made sure to not be at the house too much. I scheduled a fun day for me:haircut, lunch at my favorite sandwich shop with a good book and errands. Today, it is quiet....I'm going to sew at my sister's house- I don't know how.... :)

Ethan the 5th grader and Emily the 1st grader.

Ethan has ridden his bike to school since Kinder (I shadowed him).

This year he rides with his best buddy. They are loving it!

Emily-sleepy head!

First call to "Wake Up!" I was met with this. Ethan buried his head under his blanket and Emily barely budged. Of the two, she is NOT the morning person. This will quickly change I am sure.

Ethan and Emily

2009-08-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

Just a random sibling moment -

Emily and Ethan wrestling before we head out to Emily's gymnastics class.

Zephaniah 3:17

2009-08-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

So the past two years (plus some) have been similar in some ways to hell on earth for me. In all of it God has never left my side. Some days I feel there has been too much to handle and I've nearly choked on it all. Then this past week brought about some quiet subtle discoveries.
I am able to feel the sun on my face; feel it's warmth without fear of being burned. I feel the breeze and and finally know it isn't a hurricane wind. I can inhale life giving fresh air and not have to justify it. It is as if I've been in a cave of rubble or in a musty attic. Sometimes while you are there you find treasure and rejoice. Sometimes you come face to face with old and very painful memories of past events some reconciled and some still needing closure. This week I've felt the sparks of inspiration in the musty attic. It still doesn't flow like it has in recent years past, but it's still there. It is God breathed and inspired and this I know deeply and without doubt. I've heard a new phrase from a dear friend describing how I have been "kingdom true" in the midst of some very grim life altering circumstances. I know what that means and I will embrace it. I was also renewed in the knowledge that I am rejoiced over by God. That was a pleasantly sobering and delightful thought. He made ME for His enjoyment. I was not an accident. I was made on purpose with certain inate abilities He knew I would need in the course of my life. He meant them on purpose. I should not be ashamed when I have strength in dire situations; when hope is not even found. I should take ownership of my accomplishments and not apologise for them. I have been strong. I have fought hard. He has put me through one heck of a boot camp, placed me on the front line and allowed me to take some serious hits with all the hurting. And I have grown all because my God rejoices over me with a plan and a purpose. I won't apologise or not take credit for that. This is not arrogance. It is confidence in myself and being comfortable with who I am by God's hand. I feel God moving me in yet another direction. He has brought some very key verses that have been definitions of my life at different times of growth. This season is Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is with you...He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Wow! God sing over me?! Yes, He does! I will learn this season how to accept that and regain confidence and enjoy the restored years the locust have eaten. Thank you, Father God!

Emily

2009-08-20T18:48:00.001-07:00

My sister took these shots of Emily in March 2008.

They were taken while Emily was playing with her dog, Mona Lisa.

Emily and Lisa have a special bond.

This is one of my favorite series of photos of Emily.

Such precious spirit is housed in this little girl.

More Friends and Celebrations

2009-08-17T12:04:00.001-07:00

We went out to Thrall,Tx. to celebrate Larah 5th birthday and her older sister Katie's 11th birthday. Emily very much enjoyed seeing Larah. We hadn't seen them in too long and they had just recently moved to Thrall to a small farm. Emily loved the barn kittens and chickens. She was so excited when we arrived she accidently called them pickens! We all enjoyed that one. :)

Emily with one of the kittens. I think this one was named Ariel.

Hula Hoop contest.

Ethan won the 10 and under category.

We had no idea he had such moves.

Limbo!

Ethan was game while Emily was all focused on the kittens.

Friends and Celebrations

2009-08-17T11:43:00.000-07:00

Emily, Elizabeth and Tina

Happy 6th Birthday Lizzie Lou!

The girls participated in an Abrakadoodle Art party and had a blast!

~ Friends ~
Madison P., Taylar, Mariana, Madison

Emily in her element working on her Abrakadoodle project.

Elizabeth and the Abrakadoodle instructor

My First 5K

2009-08-17T11:25:00.001-07:00

My sister asked me to "just walk" the 5K for Clay in August. I agreed. We ended up joining a beginner running class and decided to try running as much as we could. Injuries kept Jaime limited. We both finished under our target time of one hour. I came in at 56:30, Jaime at 57: ?.
I wasn't able to run as much as I usually do bc my legs felt like molasses. Turns out I was dehydrated. What a dumb way to sabotage all my hard work. That's okay, lesson learned.

The important thing is I finished and was standing upright. :)

Home stretch

Emily, Jacob and Ethan waiting for us at the Finish Line.

and we are off......

Jaime and I just before the race.

Taylar's Birthday

2009-07-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

Emily and Taylar

Emily enjoyed seeing her former classmates when they

got together to celebrate Taylar's 6th birthday.

Water Fun!

Summer Vacation 2009 ~ Rockport, Texas

2009-07-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

What a fun time we had just relaxing to a slower pace of life.

While in Rockport we saw a rookery and dolphins feeding behind shrimp boats. The neat thing was the bay was only 2-12 feet for miles out. Emily being silly at the restaurant our first night on vacation.

Second story of the restaurant.

Ethan being Ethan.

More Summer Vacation Rockport, Texas

2009-07-08T13:25:00.000-07:00

Sitting on the dock outside the condo we were staying in.

More Summer Vacation Rockport, Texas

2009-07-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

My Daddy, My Hero...

Emily cut her foot on a shell and "needed" Daddy to carry her.

Grammy, Shannon and Aunt April

More Summer Vacation in Rockport, Texas

2009-07-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

We saw lots of crabs while enjoying the water.

Ethan and Shannon went on a crab hunt. No Crab Bake here.

They released him back into the ocean. Way to go boys!

Emily and Ethan found a hermit crab.

After the ordeal from the one they found and brought home last year

from Biloxi, nothing was allowed out of the ocean this year!

Emily and Ethan on the hunt.

Transition and New Challenges

2009-06-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

As this school year came to an end I had bittersweet feelings. As my Pre K students graduated I was so proud of them and their accomplishments but it also reminded me it would be my last Pre K graduation for a while. God finally got it through my stubborn head that it was time for me to rest. I officially gave my notice in late April in the aftermath of a wicked nearly week-long spell of a migraine that required a trip to the doctor for medicine. This following a month long episode with a sinus infection requiring bigger drugs for longer durations than it had in the past. Knowing me that was a big deal. It was all stress related. I get the occassional headache NOT migraines ever and being sick. Seriously! When your husband tells you he doesn't know what to do bc he hasn't seen you this way in 13 years of marriage, you know something's up. I finally listened and God has allowed me the privledge of staying home to care for my children and the house we live in. All of us need some TLC after the ride we've endured the last few years. God will continue to lead me through a purging process of things I don't need (on all fronts: spiritually, physically,emotionally...). It has been a long time in coming. God tells us His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I am so looking forward to that.

Awards and Last Day of School 2008/2009

2009-06-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

The 4th grade classes had relay races. Here is Ethan's class/team doing a relay with summer items. Each person had to carry all this stuff (sunglasses, sand bucket, beach ball, etc...) run around a cone and get back and trade it all off to the next person in line. Of course whichever class went through their people first won. This relay was interrupted by the 5th grade "Last Walk" ceremony just before the dismissal bell rang . Time sure flew as they were having fun!

The Kindergarten classes had a Luau theme. Here she is doing a mango spoon race. Go Girl!

Emily received two awards at K-2nd Awards Day on June 2nd:

Perfect Attendance (first one) and Good Citizen (again!)
Ethan received his awards the next day: A/B Honor Roll (again!) and Perfect Attendance (first)

Daddy surprised Ethan by attending the ceremony which was a special treat for E. after such a rough year

We are proud of both of you!

Buddy the Blessing

2009-06-03T19:01:00.000-07:00

Buddy has changed our lives and turned us upside down. The optimist in me was in denial as to what I was getting myself into the day we adopted a cute warm and sleepy 7 week old puppy. The realist in me quickly shook me to my senses. Buddy is one of those tools God uses/allows to bring about growth. Buddy has been God's way of showing me not to give up: "what is worth the prize is always worth the fight". God never gives up on us and loves us in spite of our rough edges, lack of manners/knowledge and immaturity. He doesn't mutter naughty words under His breathe when we "bite" him or ruin too many pairs of pants and shirts with puppy teeth holes, or ever threaten to give us away when we don't measure up to unattainable expectations. He never places more on us than we truly can handle and He never wishes we weren't His. Buddy is a puppy and it definitely shows more on some days than others. However, through the right balance of instruction and boundaries always supported by love we have seen Buddy's personality and abilities revealed more and more. How much more does God do that with us? I will enjoy the blessing of a puppy.

Buddy Now

2009-06-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

Where's Buddy?

There he is!

Awwww!

Buddy is now 4 months and at times a puppy terror. We started him in puppy training which has saved our sanity and his life on some days. ;) It wasn't just us, he was a handful with the trainer.

(All my Facebook posts were not me being whiney.)

The trainer has a great way with Buddy and has taught us so much on how to deal with him.

The lightweight methods are not for "Mr. Stubborn".

He is a lot like Ethan in some uncanny ways.

Buddy LOVES his people and will do just about anything to be with us. Buddy and I have declared a truce and now sit on the sofa and share a bag of carrots while watching t.v. It's our thing. As he has grown more of his sweet personality has emerged. After all he is just being what he is - a puppy.

Field Day at School

2009-06-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

Field Day sure has changed through the years. Water slides and carnival games sure beats the 3-legged race and 50 yard dash! The kids had so much fun.

Hair

2009-05-26T16:32:00.000-07:00

Ethan randomly decided to go back to his previous short do.
Wow! What a change. I like it either way.

2009-05-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

Emily has shown a natural talent for sewing. Sadly her mother is not so inclined. She has been mentoring under her Auntie Jaime. Last week's project was dolls for orphans in Nicaragua.

Baptism / Ethan

2009-05-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

Ethan accepted Christ on September 28, 2005. Ironically this is my birthday. He finally felt the call to follow in obedience for baptism. He was baptised on May 17, 2009 - the day before his 10th birthday. Our church baptises in the San Gabriel River (San Gabriel Park Georgetown,Tx.) after a family picnic. What a way to celebrate a physical and spiritual birthday!

Family on Earth and a ALL Heaven Bound....

Our pastor Keith Ferguson - he and Ethan have the same birthdate.

I'm seeing a trend here....just sayin'....

Family Pastor Nick Shock baptising Ethan.

Precious in His sight...........

"The Lord your God is with you...He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

Baptism / Emily

2009-05-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

Emily and Ethan were both baptised on May 17, 2009. Our church does baptisms twice a year in the San Gabriel River in Georgetown at San Gabriel Park. We have a family style picnic and then head to the river for the baptisms. Emily had just trusted Jesus with her heart and life in April. It was special that she and her brother got to be baptised together.

A family on Earth and all Heaven bound.

Pastor Keith Ferguson

Family Pastor Nick Shock with Shannon and Emily

Precious in His sight....

"The Lord your God is with you... He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing" Zephaniah 3:17

The Egg ~ 3 in 1

2009-05-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

So it's been a wild ride for the Flowers in the past 6 weeks: illness, job changes (positives), loss of pet, gaining of two in addition to the normal business of life.In the middle of this Emily has been asking questions about God and Jesus. She's asked things here and there over the past year but in the last month the questions have been coming with more frequency and deeper content. She asks if God Jesus and the Holy Spirit are all the same. I tell her yes. She asks how- I explain. She wrestles with many other hows and whys. I tell her the answers I know and I tell her I don't have all the answers but what I do know is that God loves me, wants a relationship with me and has a plan for me. Later, my sister helped Emily put the Trinity visually with an egg. She liked that. Fast Forward: So, in the midst of this our pet passes away. I knew it would hit Emily pretty hard. To help her artsy self (and me) to process and grieve we decided we would each make a scrapbook of Tess and the things we so loved about her. We headed out to Hobby Lobby one week after Tess died and picked out all the supplies we would need. Emily is so excited and chattering away and I'm trying not to let a tear slip. I can see this whole exercise is definitely what Emily needed. As we head back home Emily starts asking more questions about God. I give her the bridge analogy again. When I tell her our sin will keep us away from God forvever without Jesus she replies truly moved with, "that's sad". Clearly she did not like the thought of being without God. as we are on the highway she tells me to plug my ears. Really on IH35 at 65 mph?! I do my best to safely oblige. She tells me I can unplug my ears and after I inquire she explains: "I told God I was sorry and I want Him to be in my heart." My heart sings with gladness for my little girl. As sad as I was to let Tess go, God knew it would be the catalyst He used to bring Emily closer to Him. I can explain the details of this multi layer process but we all know it would be very long. Emily will be baptized along with her brother on May 17th.

Emily's New Dog

2009-05-08T17:34:00.000-07:00

Emily's new dog - Flower. Yes, you are either shocked or rolling on the floor with laughter.

We fostered then adopted Flower from the Williamson County Animal Shelter where she was given her name by the shelter staff. Emily liked it and chose to keep it.

These two are pretty tight. Flower is a 4 yr old Jack Russell/Rat Terrier mix. Emily had her fill of puppies and was very clear she did not want to adopt one. She found a winner in Flower.

~Good Bye Love~

2009-04-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

My precious puppy had to leave today. I miss her so much. She was 18 yrs this month.

God gave her to me for a time and is a gift I always treasure. Good bye, little goose.

~New Puppy! (What Was I Thinking!)~

2009-04-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

A Saturday trip to the pet store for dog food for our current dog, Tess, lead to a crazy decision.
See, Tess (my dog) will be 18 yrs old this month and the kids have been wanting a dog of their own. They preferred a dog for each of them (like that's gonna right now-good grief!) but miraculously they both liked this one. So after a phone call to Dad who was working, we adopted Buddy from CNC Rescue. CNC Rescue is in the business of rescueing animals (cats and canines) from shelters that euthanize the animals (yikes!). The kids originally called him Bud (with our last name?!), after a small suggestion they were happy to settle on Buddy.
Buddy has been a bit under the weather with a cold but is quickly making up for the down time. After some sleepless nights for me, we are adjusting. Buddy is fairly calm aside from puppy busyness and sweet natured. His mother is a Catahoula mix and the father is unknown. The vet assured us there is no Rottweiler in him but suspects German Shepherd or even Miniature Pincher.

Welcome Home, Buddy!

First day home and tuckered out. Awww.

Newest chew toy (got it just about 30 mins ago).
He carries it everywhere!

It's now my spot, so whatcha gonna do about it.

~ Camping! ~

2009-03-22T17:43:00.000-07:00

O hmy what a weekend! We headed out camping at Inks Lake during Spring Break with our friends the Ketchums. What a blast!!! Ethan had so much energy and couldn't wait for the fun to begin. He wanted to try kayaking. We'd gone canoeing that morning and that wet his appetite (pun intended). We were sad upon returning to find out they'd closed for the day and would be able to go before leaving the next morning. Needless to say it is on the top of the list the next time out. That boy wore himself out! He was in bed early and the last one up for breakfast. Anyone who knows our E knows he is awake before the rooster. Emily had a wonderful time in the great outdoors! For a child who was TERRIFIED of flies and any type insect really has turned a corner in that department. One night after using the shower facilities we headed to the bathroom to dry her hair and happened upon a spider. We were the privledged observers as he trapped and wrapped a fly and then caught himself a june bug. That poor bug wore himself plum out trying to get away. Emily's take on it all was jaded, as if she witnessed that everyday. Emily's comment on the whole camping experience was" the worst thing about camping is packing up." Amen! We already have the next trip planned...

~ Hoe Down ~

2009-03-13T06:36:00.001-07:00

Each year the kids have a learning unit that incorporates square dancing and the parents/loved ones get to watch the performance at Hoe Down. Get the boots out and get scootin'!

~Bow to you partner ~

~ Dosey doe, round and round we go ~

~ BBQ ~

2009-03-13T06:27:00.000-07:00

Nothing seems to taste better than Rudy's (extra moist brisket and ribs!). But good company just makes it the blending for a perfect moment. Being there with the kiddos at Rudy's last night was one of those times you don't ever want to forget. Ethan topped it all off by giving a toast to his dad (who was MIA due to a late work schedule) thanking him for his hard work that allowed for a fun treat. Wow! that boy amazes me. God is good.

The Bicycle...A Foe Finally Conquered

2009-03-09T17:40:00.000-07:00

Emily being more cautious by nature, it took her a small while to brave not having training wheels. However, once she decided she would do it she was off. Way to Go!

Explore UT 2009

2009-03-09T16:43:00.000-07:00

Every year the University of Texas hosts the public to view its various colleges.
Its like Disney World - you can try to see it all in one day - just bc you can doesn't mean you should. We stayed with the Sciences. The kids loved the College of Natural Science.

E holding a millipede

Sheep's lungs.
The dark one shows why you shouldn't start a nasty cigarette habit.

Curious... but what a smell!

Gourmet Chefs~Breakfast for Dinner Special

2009-03-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

Once they get a hold of a new skill what better way than to practice it... and mom gets a night off of cooking!

The Flu Hit

2009-02-21T16:06:00.000-08:00

This week we have been targeted by the Flu Mob. It has deftly come in and taken down three fourths of the Flowers Clan. I am all for family time but this isn't what I had in mind. I will enjoy the one-on-one time with each child and pray The Leader can get back in game fully recovered. I will also pray that I will be able to out-manouver the Flu Spy that may have me targeted next.

Going On a Big Brother Hunt ~ Gotcha!

2009-02-19T17:09:00.000-08:00

Emily had a blast trapping her brother in the pantry this afternoon.

Fruit(ty) Salad

2009-02-19T16:39:00.000-08:00

At the end of dinner the other evening Emily decided she would "make fruit". I said how yummy "you're making fruit salad!" (Note:I will forever associate fruit salad with the Wiggles song since having children) " No Mom, it's NOT fruit salad, it's fruit". Whatever gets you through the day, dear girl. I never knew making could fruit/fruit salad would get so crazy!

Jaime - this one's for you. ;)

School Valentine Party

2009-02-19T16:01:00.000-08:00

Enjoying notes from classmates. It was such a joy to see all the kids' reaction to the cards. Everyone was using such good manners and thanking each other ~truly genuine. You'd have thought they'd been given the moon. I love this age. After checking out the cards they all ate the yummy ice cream sundaes they'd made.

2009-02-19T15:55:00.000-08:00

Posing in Dad's high school letter jacket.

See what happens when the closet gets cleaned out. ;)

Self Portrait (Playing with the Camera)

2009-02-19T15:43:00.000-08:00

Emily loves to take the camera and shoot pics of anything.

It's always a surprise to see what shows up on my camera.

I liked these. That silly girl. :)

First School Award!

2009-02-19T15:15:00.001-08:00

There's my girl! Yes, I am a proud mama. Emily received a Good Citizenship award at her school earlier this month. Due to car trouble I just missed seeing her receive it from her teacher. Nonetheless, the special moment was captured.

Daddy's Girl

2009-01-18T11:39:00.001-08:00

Emily helped Shannon put together Ethan's desk this afternoon.

The kids got new (to us) loft beds during the Christmas break thanks

to a sucessful garage sale and craig's list postings (I love that site!).

The remainder of the funds went to IKEA for new desks. How's that for recycling ;-)

Next up-painting his room!

Science Fair

2009-01-15T16:12:00.000-08:00

Every year the science fair rolls around and with it panic and procrastination consumes.

Not this year. Ethan got to it doing his experiment for school on permeability with sand and soil. I am pleased to say I only measured one cup (literally) of water in the whole process. Ethan handled everything on his own. Emily was there to supervise and make sure the bag didn't fall in. :) I like this year's experiment better than last year-Ethan and I counted numerous popcorn kernels from 21 (7 bags by 3 trials) greasy microwave bags to see which brand popped the most kernels. The thought still haunts me...

New Year's Eve

2009-01-15T16:05:00.000-08:00

~We had a blast hangin out with our friends from Chicagoland-even if they are Bears fans ;)
Roasted marshmallows, hot chocolate and hors d'ouvers galore!
Looking forward to a great 2009

~Gratitude Moment~

2008-12-28T12:05:00.000-08:00

"In the end, what effects your life most deeply are things too simple to talk about." Nell Blaine

That quote is on my daily calendar today. It has reminded me of how God has truly been in the process of showing me He is restoring the time back in my life that the locusts have eaten. This one: a new friend. She has fast become a dear friend. Within that friendship God reminded me of what I had forgotten-myself and things I used to love to do and make-like my own laundry soap-something too simple to talk about. She reminds me of what I used to be before I hid it all away. She challenges me to break free. It is in the too simple things of that relationship God has shown me restoration. Thank you my friend. Keep your Irish up. :)

Christmas Visitor

2008-12-27T23:46:00.001-08:00

I love watching birds. So while cooking Christmas morning I looked out the sliding door to see if any regular visitors had come to the recently filled feeders. It was then I noticed a hawk sitting on my fence! I catch sight of them in the air and occassionally in a tree (we are not country dwellers- we are suburbinites) What a wonderful surprise! The kiddos got to see the full facial view but just as I was getting ready to take another picture from inside the house, it flew away. Amazingly enough this is the second time we've had a hawk on the fence. This one stayed long enough this time to get a few pics.

Tess

2008-12-27T23:10:00.001-08:00

I love this dog! For you who don't know, Tess has been part of my life for ten years. We met when she was seven in April 1998 at the Humane Society. It was love at first sight. She moves a bit slower these days but her spirit is still strong. We nearly lost her twice: first to the crazy bad dog food issue and the second to a painful bad back. God has truly been gracious and allowed her quality of life to be full and mine too.

Christmas Nap & Gifts
(new bed and treats)

E and his prized possesion
cuddling up with Tess.

~Beautiful Girl~

If Emily could put Tess in her pocket and take her everywhere she would

(and tries). She loves mothering her. No wonder Tess has hung around ;)

The Wii vs The Flowers

2008-12-27T22:52:00.000-08:00

The Wii is winning and it is a good thing we are ALL on vacation for two weeks. As if vacations don't mess up sleep schedules enough. The two night owls have been burning the midnight oil playing. These shots are daytime matches the day after Christmas. Thanks, Grammy~we all love it!

Shannon and Emily duke it out.

Emily is typically all about art but she totally gets into the Wii.

Brother watch out- Fore!

Brothers & Sisters

2008-12-27T21:09:00.000-08:00

The Snow Princess and Clone Trooper
Halloween 2008

Gotcha!~ Who better to tackle than a big brother.
God help the one who comes between this sister and brother.

Bakugan Battle~How odd to hear that little girl voice come out with battle calls.

Team Work - A wise man may build his house on a rock, but Ethan and Emily chose icing... if any was left over after they "taste tested" it.

Snuggle Buddies~It is a rare and I mean really rare sight:
snow flakes in (our part of)Texas. Emily and Ethan snuggled and watched.

Beginning

2008-12-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

"If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done." (Ecclesiastes 11:4)
It really isn't as if I was waiting for perfect conditions what for the closet I'd been in I couldn't see the weather. I hadn't even considerd a blog. That is until my dear sister kept "suggesting" at every opportunity that I create one. Its not as if it was on her To Do List! I think she finally gave up ;) Well, as the theme is for me this year I have titled this entry "Beginning". Sister, Thank you.~

2008-05-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

Pre K Graduate!

Oh my, Emily graduated today from preschool!

YES we were sure she'd make it, however, she's the baby of the family and now she's off to Kindergarten. Emily has loved being at the "Brown School" aka

New Hope Kids Day Out.

Program with songs

Receiving diploma from Ms. Shelley (Director) and Ms. Nicole (Teacher)

Party!

Kindergarten ~ Watch Out Here We Come!

2008-05-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten Round Up - April 2008.

I can't believe it is already time to register for Kindergarten. Emily and I went to our neighborhood school and registered today. Emily will be a CHE Eagle and will be going joining her brother who will be going into 4th grade this next year. My goodness how the time passes quickly. Come to think of it my school mascot was also an eagle in elementary school. Anyhow, in May Emily will get to go to a Kinder classroom and visit for about an hour while the current class does their morning calendar time. I like that idea of getting the kiddos exposed to the environment before the "big day" arrives.

Emily and her best friend Mariana.

They have been together since they were toddlers and tearin' it up at the YMCA!

Beautiful girls!

Valentine Parties 2008

2008-02-14T13:40:00.000-08:00

Emily celebrating with her class at New Hope Kids Day Out

Yummy!

More partying with her brother at his 3rd grade class party