Ramblings....

Well I look at the last time I blogged and it has been way to long ... again! I really need to do better about blogging. I really love to look back and read about the memories (even though they have been few) of things my kids have said or done. It's amazing how fast we forget the little things.

Over the past couple of months we have been busy getting into the routine of school and we wrapped up Jacob's first season of Mighty Mites Football. He LOVED it! I believe this is the first time Jacob has been on a team without at least one buddy. He did great! Now we are enjoying a nice break from sports at least for the remainder of this month, then we will start basketball, at least all of this sport takes place in Ozark.

Abby played soccer this fall. She said she was already "over it" before the games even started! This child just cracks me up! She did great. She even scored a couple of goals this season!

We had parent teacher conferences and both of the kids are doing great. I believe with everything in me that my kids are with the teachers they are suppose to be with. God is faithful! Abby is learning to write short stories (a beginning, middle and end). Mrs. Maness showed me a book she had made about pumpkins, it brought tears to my eyes! I could actually read what she was writing, it was truly unbelievable! She is learning so much! This is Jacob's first year to receive letter grades. He really liked to see all the A's on his report card!

I was able to go on a trail riding trip with my parents and my sister. I had such an amazing time! It seemed to go by so fast! The trails were beautiful and long! After the first day I was so sore, thank God for Aleve! On the first ride we went on, I literally got the devil scared right out of me, literally. The horse I was riding decided to give me a scare and jump with with me like 4 or 5 times. I don't even know for sure what happened, I'm sure Tammy could tell you, she saw the whole thing and she couldn't stop laughing!! Yes, laughing at me! It was a great trip. I enjoyed the time with my parents and my sister. So many great memories were made that I will cherish! Thanks Matt for making it possible for me to go!

That just about brings me back up to date. Oh, except for while I was on my trip, Matt took the kids to Salem to see his parents and take Jacob hunting for his first time. Jacob got an 8 point buck! He was so excited. The post precious things to me was when he wanted to thank God for giving him the opportunity to get his dear. He is such a tender boy!

Now Matt is gone on his hunting trip, and it's just me and the kids! That brings us to present time and hopefully I will do better about blogging more regularly!

Blessings

I have so many blessings in my life let me list them:

1. I'm so thankful to have a husband who isn't afraid of a little hard work even when he's already put a full day in.
2. I'm so thankful for a dad who no matter what his day had entailed, will come and help my husband complete a project to the end.
3. I'm so thankful for a mom with the best moral support.
4. I'm so thankful for my son, who help his daddy as much as he could help, without complaining.
5. I'm so thankful for my daughter who can make me laugh and lighten the load by a simple statement.
6. I'm so thankful for my God who shows me these blessings in the midst of a storm.

Happy Birthday Mom!!

Mom, I hope your day is filled with many smiles and lots of love!! You are the best mom ever, and you deserve the best!!!

We all love you so much!!


Tonya (and family)

It's been to long...

It has been way to long since I have blogged but I am back yet again!

I was sitting catching up on all my friends blogs and I thought I would share what has been consuming my life recently.

We will start with Jacob. He is 4 1/2 days away from summer vacation. He can't wait!!! I asked him the other day if he would want to go to summer school (because Abby is) and he said no way! I can't say that I can blame him. He has worked hard through the year and he is ready for his much needed break! He is about to wrap up his soccer season (he has been playing against 3 rd adn 4th graders) and has been practicing baseball now for a little over a month and he is loving it. He is quit the hitter. We are so proud of him. His first game of the season is on Friday the 21st at 6:30. We are doing a count down for that as well!

Now for Abby. I'm feeling a little sentimental about my precious girl. She is a whole hand now (5) and is getting ready to go to Kindergarten. We went to her last preschool ever on Monday night. That was a little sad for me. She danced her "Patty Cake Polka" and did so well! She just seems so grown up, I say it all the time, but Abby was never a baby. As I'm typing this blog, she has come up beside me and laid her head on my shoulder and she has fallen asleep. She is just precious. Abby will be going to summer school to help get her more prepared for Kindergarten. She is so excited, which I'm glad for because if not, it would be a fight every day. Like Jacob, Abby is playing soccer, she has done very well this year! She has also started practicing for T-Ball. Her team is call the "The Little Dirties" and she is so excited because we picked her out some polka dot baseball socks to match her team shirts. She is going to be very good. She is a very good little hitter, and not just off the T. She can hit really well when pitched to also. She is going to be #5 like her Great Aunt Carole. I'm so proud of my little princess!

I have so many things and people in my life to be thankful for, God has blessed me beyond I deserve.

Jacob, I can't believe you are 7!!

I can't believe my little Jakey turned 7 last week. Time goes by so fast, it is scary! Here are a couple of shots from the celebration of his big day. On his actual birthday, the 18th, he had several of his buddies over for hots dogs, chips and cupcakes, and then we were off to Wacky World.

A few of the "little sisters" came to celebrate too.

After the food and presents, we headed up to Wacky World. All of the kids had a great time and we had even more kids join us there, it was great! Here is a picture the boys at Wacky World.

Then, on the 20th, we had all of the family come over to celebrate with us as well. Here are a few shots of that.

Thanks to everyone who celebrated Jacob's birthday with us this year. It was great!!

Tonya

Wait.. not so fast

Just when you think that you are going to have a great week, then life seems to smack you in the face. Maybe it isn't really even life, maybe it is just a bunch of feelings that are going through your heart and mind that can't be trusted. Maybe things aren't really what they appear, maybe I'm just too sensitive, or maybe it is my insecurities rearing their ugly head. When will I even get over this mountain? Why must I keep going around it over and over again?

God, I just want to hear Your truths, help me to hear Your voice.

God is SO good!

There have been some things that have been weighing heavily on my mind lately. I have given it over to God and it has been so sweet because I have felt Him beside me through it all. He just keeps telling me to take one day at a time, go through the doors as He opens them. Even though the situation is a stressful one in itself, these times of growing in my faith makes it so worth it in the end. It seems like such a simple concept but so hard for me to do.

"Living Beyond Myself"

I have just started a Bible Study with a friend of mine and have been slapped in the face by what I'm reading countless times already. It is truly amazing! We are studying Living Beyond Yourself by Beth Moore. Once again, she is amazing! This study teaches how to live beyond our self and live in the Spirit. I have wasted so much time and energy on the things that don't matter, and not enough living the life God has for me. A life full of joy and peace and love. I could go on and on.

In the weeks to come we will be studying in depth each of part of the fruit of the spirit. The first week we discussed who and what the Holy Spirit is and what all he does for us. This week we are learning how love. I can't wait to see what else God has to show me through this study!

God is so good!

Hanging in there..

Well, my husband left Saturday morning at 3:30 to go hunting until the 15th. I thought I would be in a major funk by now, missing him and pulling my hair out with my children. But wow, has God helped me, I have been so content. The hardest times for me, when Matt gone is the weekend, I guess because that is when we spend most of our time together, but yesterday me and the kids spent all day at home, and I perfectly content. This is huge for me!!!

Anyway, I think the rest of the time Matt is gone will be all downhill from here. Once the week starts our normal routine will kick in and I know with Gods help, we will get through that as well. Friday after Jacob gets out of school, we are heading up to the Kansas City area to see Heather and her kids. Kirk is also going to be out of town so we will enjoy the time seeing them, we haven't seen them in 2 years.

I can't wait to see my hubby again 1 week from today, but I hope with all of my heart that he has an amazing time and I hope he is able to enjoy is dad and relax!

By the way, he got a dear this morning with the arrow we all kissed and rubbed for good luck, he put our names on each of the feathers. He is such a softy!! I love him dearly!

10 Years

Ten Years ago today I was marrying my best friend! I feel so blessed to be able to say that. I thank God for sending me Matt. He is my best friend and my soul mate. I have never doubted whether or not he loves me, he shows me every day in some form or another. I can't wait to spend many many more years with this man. I can spend the rest of my life trying to give him all of the love I have in my heart for you, and I would still probably have more to give. Matt, I love you more and more each day. Thanks for sticking with me and putting up with all of my drama! You are the best!

I'm back...

I can't believe I have waited this long again to do a post. Like everyone else we have been busy finishing up our summer activities and getting back into the swing of starting school.

Jacob finished up his ball season last week. I'm a little sad to see it end, but it will be nice not to have to make that trip to town every week. He played in two sessions of baseball and his team were the league champs both times. They were undefeated both rounds. We are very proud of our ball team!!

Jacob has started back to school and is loving the 1st grade he is in class again with his best buddy Clint, I'm sure that has helped things.

Abby started school on Monday. She was missing Ms. Shirley. She is sad however, because her good friend Skylar has moved to the afternoon class. Now she says all of her friends are in that class and she doesn't have anyone to play with. I'm sure you can hear all the drama in her voice! That is one thing about Abby though, she makes friends wherever she goes. I don't worry about her for a minute.

We have still been on the church hunt. We had been trying Life Point for several weeks but it just started to feel like something was missing for me. Then one Sunday a couple of weeks ago Matt agreed to go with me to James River. I absolutely love it!! The Spirit that is in that place is so sweet, you truly feel in the presence of the Lord. The kids love it. And I think that Matt even likes it if he can get past the size. But it is all part of stepping out of our boat right? I'm excited to see what God has in store for us.

Fourth of July Festivities...

Well, are day was suppose to be filled with swimming and then going to Auntie Ann's for fireworks. The kids were pretty disappointed when the sun never made an appearance for the pool. We just hung out here at the house together and it was really nice. We haven't had that kind of day in a long time, it was nice.

Then we got a call from Tina inviting us over for dinner at her house then we all headed to Gaye Ann's for a game of ball and some amazing fireworks. But we had to stop at a fireworks stand first to get some stuff for the kiddos.

On the way out to Gaye Ann's, Chase and Garrett decided to ride with us and Jacob and Abby rode with Aunt Tina. The boys had some pretty good stories to tell on their mom but I love my sister too much to repeat them. You owe me sis!!!

Here are a few pictures of the evening....

We had an amazing time once again with our amazing family! Most of you know that our family is going through a very difficult time. We are all going through a season of hurt and confusion, and change. But I am so thankful that with our family, when things get tough, we just get that much closer. Through all of this, I have felt God loving me through each and every one of them. I feel like he is showing me that even though me might not all go to the same building together to worship and serve, we will still be as close as ever if not stronger. I'm so thankful for the blessings in my life. God is so good.

It's been another month!! Are you kidding me?

I can't believe it has already been another month since I have blogged. Wow, I am really bad at this.

Let me see if I can catch you up ....

Jacob just finished his first session of baseball. I am so proud to say that his team (6 and under) won the championship!! They were undefeated!! They were so excited and proud of themselves. Here is a picture of them wearing their Championship T-shirts. Aren't they the cutest little team ever?

Other than that, we haven't been up to much. We have been spending alot of time at the pool. It is our free entertainment and the kids love it. Here is a picture of Abby soaking up the rays at the pool last week. She loves her pool days.

We have definitely been enjoying the summer. We are still adjusting the all that wonderful quality time together. The kids have been fighting allot. But thanks to Tammy's creativity, we are hanging in there. Well, now that I have caught you up once again on what has been going on with us, lets see if I can stay current.... don't hold your breathe. Love you all!!

Catching Up!

Here is an overview of some of the activities that have filled our lives. I'm so bad at keeping up on blogging, so here we go, about a whole month in one blog, this ought to be fun....

I guess we will start off with Jacob's and Abby's last days of school. Jacob was pleasantly surprised when I picked him up and I told him we were going to play with his cousins. Tina was in San Francisco and mom had some stuff she needed to get done, I picked up Jacob and we went to Tina's for the day. Here is a picture of Jacob and two of his buddies after school. We didn't know who the one little boy was, he wasn't in any of the boys class and he isn't normally picked up in the back of the school. We had to end up taking him back inside. It was kind of crazy.

On Abby's last day of school, she had a picnic, we me and mom took all of the other kids (Jacob, Garrett, and Chase) to the Ethan and Abby's picnic to share in there special day. Here are a couple of photos from that adventure...

We have been busy with the kids being in sports and stuff. Jacob and Abby both played spring soccer which finished up this past Saturday. Abby even scored a goal!! Jacob also did really well too. I'm so proud of both of them, and Matt too for coaching Abby's team, talk about a challenge!

Abby is in T-ball and has two games left. She does pretty well once we get past the fascination with the dirt. We have filled our glove up with dirt and even did a dirt angel I guess you would call it. All you can do is laugh right? Here is a video clip of this adventure....






Jacob is also playing baseball. He is a really good little ball player. I am ashamed to say I haven't gotten any pictures of him in action yet. I will try to do better this week. They have had two games thus far and the first game they won 10 - 0. Jacob hit a single, a double and a triple. It was pretty amazing. The second game they won 13-3 ( I think) and he got another double! I'm so proud of him and his little team!


Lets, see what else? Oh yeah, recently we had the whole family (Tammy, mom and dad, and the Sutherland's) over for a night of Mario Kart. It was pretty fun and I'm glad to say that I won!! I even beat Chase. Maybe that is just a little sad on my part?!?! Here a some photos of that night..

I promise Tina and Chris were there even though you can see them. And this picture of Abby and Pop cracks me up. Dad was the mediator for Abby and Chloe. Abby loves that dog a little too much! I think this post is long enough for now, but I will try to do better about not waiting as long to post again. Until next time....

Jacob's Field Day

Well Jacob had his first field day on Tuesday, he had a blast! Matt took the day off of work to go and spend the day at the school with Jacob. I was also able to go in the morning since Abby was in school and she went home with a friend so that gave me a little extra time.

At the beginning of the day they were separated into teams (Kindergarten and 1st grade). Then they all went around from station to station competing to see who could win or score the most at each station. Jacob's group did really well. His favorite thing was the tug of war which his group won! He had such a great time!! The whole day ended with a little assembly to announce the winners of each event and then the 1st grade teachers and the Kindergarten teachers had a tug of war contest. The Kindergarten teachers didn't even last a minute, it was so funny! Here is a little clip of Jacob in the championship tug of war contest! He was having the time of his life!

He Lost His First Tooth!!!!

He finally lost his first tooth. Yesterday he came home from school on a mission to get that loose tooth out. He was eating granola bars and apples, anything to get that tooth out. Well, we finally decided that it just wasn't quit ready yet. Well, this morning he woke up and was determined to get that tooth out before school today. I called Matt to see if he could come back by the house before heading out on his route and it worked out that he could. He came home and pulled the tooth. Jacob was so excited. He couldn't wait to show his classmates and his teacher. He looks adorable don't ya think?

Saturday was such a great day. We started off the morning with soccer pictures and soccer games. Then I we went to buy some flowers to plant in the yard. We ended up getting 2 purple day lillies and a lilac bush. Can you tell I love purple? Anyway, Tina had brought Ethan to us earlier that morning and he was with us for all of this fun stuff. Then we took the kids home and let them play while I went to Garrett's baseball practice. Just as I was getting out of the car to go sit closer to watch, Garrett was taking a pop fly to the forehead! That child seems to be so accident prone. I say that with nothing but love, it's a good thing he is as tough as nails! He was one tired little boy though.

Then after baseball practice we went to get Teddy (their dog) and then we headed back to our house for a day of play. My sweet nephews along with my sweet babies and my awesome husband planted our new flowers. I love them even more because of all the love that has gone into them. Here are a few pictures to capture the day. Please notice that Jacob had nothing to do with planting the flowers, he was to busy working on his swing!

Here is what I have been up to on Saturday's.....

Jacob and Abby have been playing in soccer games for the last several weeks. The bad thing about it is, all of their games this far have been at the exact same time. Matt coaches Abby's team and so he needs my help a little to rotate out the kids. I hate it for Jacob because he is on his own. But thankfully that is all about to end. They aren't going to be at the same time for a little while now. Abby's team has won 1 game and Jacob is won all of them except for 1. He does a really great job and I'm so proud of him. He has gotten close several times to scoring a goal! I can't wait to see it when he does. Here is a picture of Abby kicking the ball into play!

You just never know...

When I woke up this morning, I thought today twas going to be a nice and lazy day around the house. I never thought it was going to be as crazy as it turned out. Tina called me this morning crying, telling me that she needed me to come over, that Garrett had cut his eye open while at his cousins house (obviously not my house). Chris was still out of town and she needed me to stay with the boys so she could do what she needed to do with him. So I rushed the kids around and we went to Tina's house. Once Garrett got there, Tina and Tammy left with him they were on there way to Dr. Jess. Thankfully they were able to glue his eye instead of giving him stitches. I took the rest of the kids to town and met them for lunch. His eye looks good, puffy but good. Then we took the kids to Monsters v.s. Aliens in 3-D. It was so good! Now we are back at home and I'm ready for a peaceful evening with my family. I hope all of you have a great Easter!!

My Baby is 4!!

It doesn't seem possible that Abgail Kalynne is 4 years old. It just seems like yesterday that God blessed our family with this precious little one. She is such a free spirit and many say she is just like her Great Aunt Carole (I think thats one of those extra blessings from God). My prayer for Abby is that she always lead her heart and as you follow where God leads you. I know that these years I have been able to stay home with her it such a blessing from God. She never fails to brighten my day with her unpredictable nature. I love you Abby and I pray that I will be the mommy to you that God has called me to be!!

Here are some photos of her birthday party that we had last night. Abby invited 5 of her girlfriends to come and celebrate with her. And of course her favorite guys her in life joined the fun as well. She is so crazy about her cousins, she was worried that they wouldn't come to the party since it was a Tinkerbell Party. She was very relieved when I told her that they would come to her party just because they love her!

Needless to say after a full night of fun, getting the kids to bed wasn't difficult at all. Just before me and Matt went to bed we went to check on the kids. We went to Abby's room first and we couldn't find her. We looked on the floor next to her bed, we looked in her closet, then we decided to make sure she wasn't in Jacob's room. After taking a second look, we found her all snuggled in to her brothers bed. She is so crazy about her brother.

What a gift!!