PEACE BEGINS WITH A SMILE...

"Do all the good you can, By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can, In all the places you can,
At all the times you can, To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can." -John Wesley

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Happy Birthday Ian

Another year older! I can't believe Grayson and Ian have been friends for almost 8 years!! Jacob and Grayson celebrated with Ian at Main Event last weekend. They played laser tag and all 3 agreed it was the most fun thing they have ever done!!

End of Basketball Season

Grayson's winter basketball team celebrated their season at Dairy Queen with ice cream and trophies!

Monday, February 23, 2009

The Acadamey Awards!!

My friend Tawni attended the Acadamey Awards last night. This is one pic she sent over. She said her seats were amazing! Meryle Steep is my favorite...I am jealous!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Pretty and Preppy...

Jessie looked so cute in her new red dress that Nani sent for Valentine's Day! She had to model before we could get out the door for church!

It's Only Been a Week!

Well, it has only been a week since my last update, but it feels like forever!! A few of you asked emailed asking if everything was okay since I haven't posted anything. Yes, we are fine, just busy as ever. We had a great Valentine's Day. Kendall took me to our favorite restaurant for dinner and we ran in to Mary and Connor. As silly as it sounds, that was one of the highlights of the night. We never really get to hang out with them anymore, so we crashed their table and hung out for a little while after our dinner!
The rest of the week was pretty normal - work, out of town, school, scouts, gym, taekwondo...
Friday night Grayson broke his board at the TKD board breaking seminar. That was very exciting for him! Then he went to the YMCA lock in. He was having a great time, but his over protective mother kept worrying about him. So, I went up at 1:00 in the morning and brought him home. He has spent the night plenty of times with friends, but never at a lock in. I really have no excuse. There was nothing to worry about and I know that. It's like letting him ride the bus on a field trip - I can't do that either! Yesterday we collected food for the Cub Scouts annual food drive. Our Pack collected 1083 items! The boys did a great job with this responsibility. At last count, our boys were in the lead with how much they collected! Lots of families will benefit from the generosity.
Today we were on to church. We were confused to see Clayton limping around during the sermon. I later found out that he hurt himself playing basketball with Kendall and the guys last Sunday afternoon. So, Kendall decided to joke on Clayton for the better part of the morning. Well, the Lord works in mysterious ways. Kendall came home with a softball sized ankle this afternoon after practice. He rolled his ankle and now he is having a hard time walking. That's what he gets for making fun of the Pastor!
Below are a couple of pictures from the week...
The big baby icing his foot!
My sweet Tazzy sleeping in his bed in Jessie's room
Valentine Goodies for my little Sweethearts!
Kendall and me at Daddy Jack's on Valentine's Day
Kendall and Connor in all their gayness!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

A Sweet Valentine...

Grayson and Jessie made Valentine's Day signs for the grandparents! Hope everyone has a wonderful day with their sweethearts!!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

My Baby Girl is Growing Up So Fast!

Jessie's teacher gave us some great news today. She said that Jessie read a whole book to her class yesterday! The book is called "Please, Puppy, Please". Ms. Pria said that the class sat so quietly and patient while she read. I can't believe my 4 year old is reading so well. They had already told us that she scored one of the highest scores in class on her last assessment. Well, tonight she tells me that Britton married her today and that she is no longer Jessie Huff, she is Jessie Martin. First they read, then they marry!

Largest Cross in Western Hemisphere

In the 400 miles I drove in west Texas yesterday, I went through a small town called Groom. There isn't much there. Only 567 people live there. But, it is the home of the largest cross in the western hemisphere. It is 19 stories tall. How awesome is that? You can see it for miles driving on the interstate, but I couldn't resist the urge to go see it up close!

I didn't stop for a picture of the leaning water tower that is just a few miles down the road, but it was pretty cool too.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

One More Picture

Rosemond sent me this picture today that Eric took at the dance. So cute! Jessie loved seeing Nemo. Kendall said she wouldn't quit giving him hugs!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Father/Daughter Valentine's Day Dance

Dressed and ready to go!
Getting in a little practice before they leave.
What a cute couple! Jessie is very excited to go on a date with daddy!
Strike a pose!
Well, Kendall and Jessie are off to the dance. I didn't send a camera with Kendall because I knew he would forget to use it, just like last year. So, these are the pictures from before they left the house! And yes, my 4 year old has on red lipstick!

Friday, February 6, 2009

Mother/Son Valentine's Day Dance

This was our 4th year to attend the Mother/Son Sweetheart Ball. When Grayson knows it is close to Valentine's Day, he asks if we are going to the dance! This year's theme was Enchantment Under the Sea. Unfortunately, Grayson is getting to the age where it isn't so cool to dance with your mom. So, Jill and Jeanine and I sat at the table while the boys danced most of the night. He did allow me to join the dance competition with him! Before we left the house, he said "Mom, if I am going on a date with you, does that mean I can go on a date with other girls?". Of course I said "no". He asked "Is that a Texas state law?". I had to tell him no, that was mom's law! He didn't ask anymore questions. I love my boy and I love that he allows me to do these things with him. Kendall will be taking Jessie tomorrow night for the Father/Daughter dance. She is sooooo excited!

Nemo made a vist. Grayson and Jett didn't hesitate for the photo opp...
Show your stuff Grayson!
Grayson and Ian dance like they are in Riverdance!
Ian, Jett, Grayson
Making a Valentine cookie for his sister :)
My handsome date
Get down Grayson!

Angie's Week

I spent the first 3 days of the week in Orlando for a regional sales meeting. I was excited at first since I have never been to Orlando. Well, the excitement ended quickly once I realized how much work we had ahead of us. But, nonetheless, I got to have some time with Lesley (aka Lola). I love her so much and we had a great time together!
Lola and me the last day of the meeting...

Monday, February 2, 2009

I Can't Sleep, So I Will Vent...

As I sit in my hotel room in Orlando, I can't sleep. So, why not vent?? I'm sure all of you have seen the news story of the single mom in LA who gave birth to 8 babies last week. I am disgusted to learn that she is willing to tell her story for $2MM to the first media personnel willing to offer. Now, keep in mind she has 6 other youngsters at home. Three other sets of twins. So, I ask - is this a stunt to exploit her kids to get a little cash? Probably. The hospital has already filed Medicaid (my tax money) to help pay for these babies. Obviously the kids aren't at fault. But this woman ought to be held accountable for actions. As should the fertility clinic that she had invitro done (and if I am not mistaken worked in). In my opinion this is nothing short of child abuse. She is setting these children up for neglect. How is a single mom going to care for 14 kids when she has no job?? Well, I'm sure the President will figure out a free program for her. After all, what's mine and what's yours is now hers - socialism at it's best... I pray that I am wrong. I pray for the 6 at home and the 8 still in ICU. I pray that these kids are taken care of.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

A $500 Superbowl!

Kendall and I, along with the Robert's and Cates' won $500 each on the Superbowl tonitght! I would say that is a pretty good ROI on our $20 square! Melissa, Terry and Averi Ward and Jeanine, Kiki and Addyson Olivas came over to watch the game. The kids were GREAT playing upstairs! We had so much fun with everyone. I really wanted the "Cinderella Story" of the Cardinals winning the game. I feel for the fans for Arizona. Not to mention I'm not a Steeler fan for a number of unmentioned reasons. But, at least we got something out of it! (okay, I know that was selfish!)

Now that the game is over and everyone is gone, I am going to pack for my trip to Orlando tomorrow!

Melissa, Terry and Averi
Kiki and Kendall - up to no good
You can't see our numbers, but WE WON!
Are these the chessiest smiles you have ever seen or what?
Jessie, Averi, Grayson...