FAMILY HOME EVENING IS NOT ALL IN VAIN

Well yesterday, we had our little FHE. Sundays work better with our schedule. So it is very busy around 5pm. Todd is trying to go to work and we are gathering all the Chick a Dees to come and join us. Today we had it on Testimonies. I thought it was OK for the amount of time that I put in it. Everyone seemed to pay attention, answer questions, stay awake, no fighting and wow how exciting. We set some goals of bearing our testimonies in church for May or June. Braylee quickly set hers for June. Anyways after it was over, Breyson said, "that was a good one, Mom". Simple and to the point. What a great compliment I thought. Kids are full of surprises just like life.

JUST TODD AND I

So here we are. Don't we look cute. Let me tell you a story. I was looking through some pictures and noticed that there were pictures of me and the kids and Todd and the kids but very few of my honey and me. This is what we decided to do. We try to have one of the kids take our picture. It might not look the best but we still create memories as a couple. Talk about fun. This picture was a little crazy as we are leaving the Blue Bonnet Creamery. The camera had no more juice and we took it in the nick of time. What a gorgeous day it was. We had such a fun time hanging out.

BEAUTIFUL BLUE BONNETS

Have you ever seen Blue Bonnets, Texas State flower? They are absolutely beautiful. During this time of season, they grow wild on the side of the highway. It is amazing to see. Todd bought some seeds so we could bring a little Texas to Arizona. Yes, that is right, our house is almost sold. Contract pending, it saddens me at times and it brings joy to me at other times. It is a very difficult time to know we are leaving in about 100 days. Texas is the only state that has so much pride. It is crazy what the kids know about Texas like; the mockingbird is the state bird, the pecan tree is the state tree, Texas flag is the only flag that can hang at the same level as the American Flag and The State of Texas is the best State ever. So many facts and so much to be proud of. Texas has been good to us and I will always be a Texan at heart.

EXCITING NEW LOOK

Look at Braylee now. Short hair, can you believe it? This is what happens when you take her for a trim. In her mind, she knew all a long what she wanted. This is my child that knows what she wants and no one can talk her out of it. I was a little freaked. She looked so grown up so of course I had to put a bow in her hair to knock off some years. Braylee was so excited, she said she felt so new. It was like her birthday she said. I thought that was so cute. She is my baby and growing up too fast right in front of my eyes. I giggle with her and we have lots of conversations about everything. She loves to play, and she is so happy doing it. I find myself watching her from afar and I wish I could live like her--happy, free, happy, loving, happy, excited, happy, no care in the world...

This is Ava Houghton and Brindlee. Ava is our newest member of our family. She is my second niece. She belongs to Cinco and Ashley Houghton. She has a special spot in my heart. I was able to give her her first bath and be her nurse when she was born. It is amazing how Heavenly Father works his miraculous plan. It so happened that I was working that day at the same hospital Ava was born. It was my first day and boy was it memorable. Anyways it was an awesome time to be included at a very special time in their lives. I am indeed blessed. Ava comes on Saturday nights for a date night with me. She gives her parents a break and gives me and the kids somebody to kiss, hold and fall asleep with. As I look at this picture, all kinds of memories come pouring in. Brindlee was my first, she was so little and sweet. She has gotten bigger but not less sweet. She is growing up so fast. It thrills me to see how attached all of my kids are to this sweet little one. I am grateful to be a mother of 3 wonderful kids that love to show their love.

This past week was spring break! This was awesome because I got to sleep in every day! On Thursday my family and the Coons went to the Blue Bell factory in Brenham,Texas. We were able to learn how to make ice cream! After the factory we all went to take pics by some blue bonnets, they were so pretty!! Spring break was great and so was the ice cream.

-Brindlee

I was playing three football games.It was fun we played in Dallas.We played against the longhorns,Buffalo Bills and the cardinals. I couldn't handle all three games.Then the next day we had to go home.Then my team played four games my friend Xavier got hurt in the game.The whole season we never lost a game until we lost by one touchdown we came in 2nd place.