Our Christmas Celebrations Begin

Cats Win 1st Place!

Congrats, Wildcats...you've worked hard this season, and have improved lots! Conference Champs!!!!

We Believe

Praying for Peace

It is difficult to talk to our kids about what has happened in Paris over the past week - most difficult to explain "terrorists" and the "why" behind the horror. We don't think Bryton and Avery are too young to hear details - we share more with Bryton than Avery, as his teachers discuss it in school. We discuss 9/11 - and those who serve and protect us, including family members. And - we don't want them to live in fear - I saw this on the news today, and I will be sharing it with our kids...a Facebook post, from a victim's husband: YOU WILL NOT HAVE MY HATRED Friday night, you took an exceptional life -- the love of my life, the mother of my son -- but you will not have my hatred. I don't know who you are and I don't want to know, you are dead souls. If this God, for whom you kill blindly, made us in his image, every bullet in the body of my wife would have been one more wound in his heart. So, no, I will not grant you the gift of my hatred. You're asking for it, but responding to hatred with anger is falling victim to the same ignorance that has made you what you are. You want me to be scared, to view my countrymen with mistrust, to sacrifice my liberty for my security. You lost. I saw her this morning. Finally, after nights and days of waiting. She was just as beautiful as when she left on Friday night, just as beautiful as when I fell hopelessly in love over 12 years ago. Of course I am devastated by this pain, I give you this little victory, but the pain will be short-lived. I know that she will be with us every day and that we will find ourselves again in this paradise of free love to which you have no access. We are just two, my son and me, but we are stronger than all the armies in the world. I don't have any more time to devote to you, I have to join Melvil who is waking up from his nap. He is barely 17-months-old. He will eat his meals as usual, and then we are going to play as usual, and for his whole life this little boy will threaten you by being happy and free. Because no, you will not have his hatred either.

Introducing Archer Max Engle...

...the newest member of our family, and we love him dearly! We've been busy making campfire pizza's, dressing up for a Middle School Halloween Dance, playing in the "Girls' Fort" out back, building a railing for Grandma Joyce, and putting together a kennel for Archer!

Miranda Lambert concert 2015!

We had a GREAT time, rockin' our boots w/ Miranda Lambert. Opening acts were Clare Dunn (one of my very fav's - a bad arss cowgirl :) and Raelynn (Avery just loves her). Thank you, Grandma Cheryl, for such a special 10th Birthday TREAT!!!!

Happy 10th Birthday, Avery Lynn!!!!

You are officially double digits! You are sweet, organized, friendly, polite, and hard working. On this day, and always, we appreciate your gypsy-like spirit :) You enjoy time spent with family and friends, love from your parents and siblings, picking flowers, taking care of animals, playing babies, school, and house... and eating ramen noodles when your mother lets you! Hugs and kisses - Happy Birthday to YOU, sweetheart! (Can't wait to rock our boots w/ Miranda Lambert!)

Bryton

...He is a good kid, even though this Mama wishes he would pay attention to what he's being asked to do a little more often :) He'd much rather be hunting, playing catch, shooting hoops, playing video games, picking on his sisters...anything other than following directions! (thus the reason last night he got to make his bed AND ours, b/c he "forgot" to do his laundry chores after supper...sighhhh) Love him.

August Sunset, Our New Front Porch, and Growing Pre-Teens....

Happy 3rd Birthday, Lily Grace!

We thank God for our Lily Grace every day - can't imagine what life would be like without her smiles, giggles, temper tantrums, sweet singing, book reading, question asking, and sassy "testing" responses (from time to time :) Lover of all things furry, skirts, shoes, and babies....she is a happy, energetic, and healthy 3 year old! Happy Birthday to YOU!!!

May You Rest In Peace, Crazy Jake

I don't like that this is the first post, in a long time. We have to say goodbye to Jake today, due to bone cancer. Jake has brought us (and Nana Cheryl) many laughs - and lots of frustration, from the first day we brought him home 8 years ago!!! There was rarely a dull moment with him - such an active, fun loving, vocal boy. We will miss your "smiles" and "talking" to us - and I greatly miss my morning running buddy, and bedside security blanket. We love you, Jakey (as Lily calls him) and we know you will be running around, being good-old crazy you, in heaven!

Time With Our Great Grandma's....

....is always treasured :)

Brian's Company Christmas Party. Our Sweet Lily Grace. A Big Girl Bed. Brian's Studio. Our Bathing Beauty :)