Taekwondo Belt Ceremony

Chandler increased in rank last night at Taekwondo. He is now a Level 2 Camouflage Belt! He did a great job and still enjoys doing his Taekwondo. He doesnt practice like he should, but he has a great memory and does his Forms and Self Defense moves wonderfully!

Wordless Wednesday

Mmmm, mmmm, mmmmmmm. Wow, is the only word I have.

Have your cake and eat it too, girl!

This last one is kinda blurry in places and not a "great" picture, but it is great in sooo many other ways. It just fits Kaylee to a T! Brings back memories I tell ya. Kaylee went BONKERS over her first birthday cake, almost ate the whole thing in like 7 seconds! And here she is lapping up Chayse's cake 5 years later! Too funny!

My BABY turns 1

Well, today my baby, literally, MY BABY turns one year old. Wow, how fast this time has gone. What a hard couple of months, as far as birthdays go. First my oldest baby turns 9 and then my youngest baby has her very first birthday. I have truly have tried to cherish each moment with her, because I KNOW how time slips away, but that is really easier said than done, when there are 3 other kids to care for. I try to relish each milestone with her. Her first smiles and giggles and watching her now exploring her independence and strength in trying to walk. She almost has enough confidence to let go and take off.

But do I have enough in me to let go?

Luckily, I dont have to...yet. I know that as my kids grow it is my job to raise them and slowly, ever so slowly, release them. It is a process that I know is inevitable and I want them to go out on their own and lead amazing and fulfilled lives, but... it is so hard for me to imagine my life... my existence without them in the forefront of my everyday duties. I know that this is a ways away and my kids will need, truly need me for a long time yet. But, as I see how fast the time has already slipped away from me, I know that it will be upon me in no time flat.

Now please indulge me and enjoy a few memories with me of the past year.


2 days old
4 months old
6 months old
9 months old
11 months old

Chayse Avery, I love you with all my heart. I pray that you know your place in this family and how important you are to each of us. I know you will make your voice heard and we will listen intently. I look forward to seeing your personality emerge and loving you every step of the way on your journey through life.

The Christmas Train

I copied this info from the website christmastrain.com and would love for you to go there and check it out yourself. There is tons more info and I PROMISE you will really enjoy your trip this year to The Christmas Train. If you have never been, it is a wonderful time! And if you have been in years past, the whole experience is greatly improved, if you can imagine that!

The Story of the Train

How It Began

Since its conception over 20 years ago, Dry Gulch, U.S.A. has become one of Oklahoma's premier retreat centers and summer camps. The property was purchased in 1985 and originally constructed to be an Old West movie set for feature family films. In 1996, Dry Gulch added a narrow-gauge steam locomotive to its list of attractions. The Christmas Train was launched later that year, and the attraction now welcomes an average attendance of 50,000 guests over the course of select nights of operation in November and December.

The Train Today

Over the last three years, major renovations have taken place at the Dry Gulch facility, and several attractions have been added, including a new and improved train experience, a spectacular new depot and theater, extra restaurants and shops, and much more. As part of an evening at The Christmas Train, you will experience the true meaning of Christmas amidst the sights and sounds of the season. The train ride itself features breathtaking artwork, several live reenactments, a multimedia presentation, and an original music score.

Let your imagination come alive at The Christmas Train!

Enter a world of wonder and delight this holiday season, dine and shop in a place untouched by time, and take a horse-drawn wagon ride through a winter wonderland. Amidst the Old West setting at The Christmas Train, you will find lots to see and do, and Old Claus himself will be on hand to greet you. Board an old-fashioned steam train, and you and yours will witness an unforgettable retelling of the true story of Christmas.

Attractions

• Featured ride aboard an old-fashioned steam train
  
• Multimedia presentation of the Christmas story
• Specialty gift shops & restaurants
• Live western music show
• Horse-drawn wagon rides
• Photos with Old Saint Nick and family photos at White Chapel*
• Game rooms with video and arcade games*
• Carousel rides, pony rides, and bumper cars*

*Additional cost and age restrictions apply

Mark Your Calendar!

Tickets for the 2008 season go on sale November 10.