Ten Years Later...

I can't believe it has been ten years since our last blog. Six grandsons and many changes later...it would take me multiple posts to catch you up, but I'll try to summarize it for you. We have two married children - both married and each have three sons. We also have two children still in high school. Brandon: Brandon is 34 years old, married, working for a medical device company and lives near us with his wife and three sons. Wife Amber who works for a home builder and sons, Cayden (14), Easton (4) and Beckett (1). Brandon played baseball in college (University of OK and New Mexico State). He was drafted by the KC Royals and played in their minor league system several years before leaving to come back and start his professional life and his family. He loves his family and spends hours at the ballpark with Cayden and Easton. Cayden plays basketball and football and Easton just started soccer but his true love is baseball. Megan: Megan is 31 years old, married, works from home and they live near us as well. Husband Mark who works as a GM for a local hotel chain and sons, Hudson (10), Corden (7) and Calvin (2). Megan loves family and being a mom. She is very independent and strong-willed. Fun to watch her as she continues to grow into a great mother and wife. Hudson and Corden both play baseball, basketball, and football - never a dull moment. Sierra: Sierra is 18 and is a senior in high school! I can't believe how fast they have all grown up. Sierra played softball for her high school and a tournament team. She is involved in church, loves spending time with family and as sweet and kind as ever. She is a little sentimental about finishing high school but excited about what God has planned for her future. Pierce: Pierce is 15 and in the ninth grade. Pierce is now about 3" taller than his sister, and he reminds her often. He has played, baseball, football, soccer, lacrosse, and run track over the years. His best friend is still Jack. Even though they attend different schools, they still spend a lot of time together. Pierce is also involved in church and loves playing basketball at the house. We spend the majority of our time when we are not working, at ballgames, church or just hanging out at home. Life has been good to us over the years and we are very blessed with such a wonderful family! I'm still trying to figure out my purpose in life. I know God put me here for a reason, and I know it is to fulfill His kingdom work here on earth. What that is...I'm sure He will make it clear to me soon. In the meantime, I love being Momma and BeBe and will continue my journey of spreading His word. K-

Manipulation

Hey blogger world! I haven't posted in so long...but had a few things on my mind, and really enjoy blogging about them. Most of my time is spent in the "business" blogging world - but I sure miss our personal blog! Just a few thoughts today...

Webster defines manipulation as: to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means especially to one's own advantage: to change by artful or unfair means so as to serve one's purpose.

Have you ever known someone who constantly manipulates a situation to fit his/her own purpose? Whether it be for their own self gain, or to make themselves look better in another person/child's eye?

I've thought a lot about manipulation lately and how hurtful and damaging it can be to those around you. The "manipulator" probably doesn't see the damage they are doing. And at times, I would say manipulation is controlling a situation or others for selfish reasons. But when you really get down to it, manipulation usually involves lying. If you are telling someone something for your "own" good or gain - you are usually twisting the truth to serve your own purpose.

We've all dealt with someone who is a manipulator at some point in our lives. My first reaction is to feel sorry for them. What a terribly painful life that must be to be in constant denial. My second thought is...shame on you for using others or trying to make others look bad to make yourself look better.

I'm not saying I have never been guilty of this myself...we are only human. Just want to be mindful how my actions effect those around me. And hopefully if I really think about my actions before I say or do anything - it will help me in dealing with others.

Our Baby Boy is 7 Today!

I can't believe our baby boy turned 7 today. Where does the time go? I still remember driving to the baseball games - OU, Texas Collegiate, and even New Mexico with Sierra and Pierce. Pierce LOVED going out on the field with the "big boys" and we would find him smack dab in the middle - baseball hat and all!












Over the years, Pierce has grown into such a sweet, smart, funny little boy. His teachers have all told us stories of how Pierce is such the politician. If you tell him he can have one, he asks for three. If you tell him not to step over the line, he runs and jumps - then turns around and comes back over the same way. But always with a smile, and always telling you he loves you along the way.

Pierce is also a "true" friend. He has several close friends (Will and Jack) and Pierce would do anything for them. He is so compassionate and caring...and always thanks God during our evening prayer that he has them in his life. I truly believe Pierce would give them the shirt off his back if it was cold outside. Which brings up another thing about Pierce...if we would let him, he would very rarely wear a shirt or shoes. It can be 30 degrees outside and you will find Pierce in the front yard playing with his friends with only gym shorts on! haha

It's his love for animals that always makes me smile. Many mornings you can find Pierce sitting on the floor petting "his" dog, Pudge. If it is cold outside, Pierce begs us to leave Pudge inside so he won't get cold...even though he has a cozy doghouse up on the patio...Pierce always worries about him.

I've been known to spoil Pierce "just a little" - but I can't imagine my life without him. Whether as a son, brother, uncle, or friend, Pierce always brings a smile to your face.

It has been fun watching Pierce grow - and every day brings a new Pierce(ism). Sometimes there is a little drama involved, but that's what makes Pierce unique. He is a little mini-me of his daddy - looks, actions, and all! It is fun watching them together.

God blessed us when he gave us Pierce...he is one of a kind.

Happy Birthday, Pierce!
We Love You!

Sierra's 10th Birthday

Wow...has it really been since August 21st that I posted? Sorry - you might say we've been a little busy lately. Since August, we have had Megan's 23rd birthday, Brandon's 26th birthday, my grandmother's 93rd birthday, my mother-in-law's (?) birthday, and Sierra's 10th birthday! Now we have our second grand-baby (Corden) who will be delivered c-section this Friday, October 23rd! Busy, busy, busy!!!

Sierra had a great birthday. She went out to eat and shopping with Grams and Papaw, on a dinner date and to Barnes & Noble with dad, AND most important...her DIVA party! She invited 3 girls over for a sleep-over and they had a blast! At 10pm they decided they wanted me to give them facials, fix their hair, put on make-up and paint their nails. I'm not sure who had more fun...them, or me! They were really good and everyone seemed to have a good time.

Thanks to everyone who made Sierra's birthday special. I can't believe our little girl turned 10...and that our other little girl is having her second child this week. They grow up so fast.

A "Moment"

Last night, Pierce had gone to eat with Will, his best friend that lives down the street. So it was just the three of us - me, Brett, and Sierra at home. Sierra was sitting at the table doing homework. She had to make a "me" bag and write a paragraph about herself. In her "me" bag, she had pictures of her animals, a softball, jewelry, and a picture from our wedding of the whole family. As she was writing, Brett started telling her how proud we are of her. She has really grown-up and is becoming such a sweet, beautiful girl. She is kind-hearted, sensitive, and truly cares about others. During the conversation, Sierra looks up - straight at me and says, "I couldn't do it without you." Then she gets out of her chair and comes over to hug me. Of course, I teared up and started to cry. It was a "Moment" that I will never forget. I realize that I have a place in Pierce and Sierra's life as a step-parent. I don't want to take their moms place, or do anything to jeopardize their relationship with her. Luckily, I had a step-mother, and my children have a step-mother, so it prepared me for this time in my life. Sierra then looked at me and said, "sometimes I forget you are my step-mom."

I know we've had some tough "moments" and there will be more to come in the future. But who doesn't? That is part of being a parent..sometimes saying and doing things your children don't agree with, or understand.

But last night, Thursday, August 20, 2009, will be a day I remember for a long time.