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.

First day of school

Today was the first day of school for Sierra and Pierce. Sierra is entering the fourth grade, and Pierce is going into first. They were both so cute, and excited about school. I thought Pierce would be nervous, but Sierra is the one that seemed nervous. I think there is a lot of pressure on kids these days - how they look, how they act, what they wear.
Sierra said over and over

how good she looked. :) She is getting so grown up and really likes dressing up for school. Pierce was more concerned with his watch (probably so he would know when it was lunch time, recess, and time to go home:), but he also was pretty proud of his new clothes.
They both took their lunch today - Sierra PBJ, her fav! And Pierce took his staple

Ramon Noodles. Which I had to make sure and get them just right. Guess I will find out at 3:30 if I passed the test. We actually did a test several days ago and made them in the morning, and he tested them that afternoon. haha Lot of pressure these days being a parent.

Other than a little rain, lightening, and traffic (due to road construction)...this morning was flawless. No stress, no worries, just two happy children. JUST the way we like it!

Happy first day of school Sierra and Pierce!!!

Kind of weird to put song lyrics on your blog, but a friend sent this to me and it has such a powerful message and gives us much to think about.
What would you do if today was your last day?

If Today Was Your Last Day lyrics
Songwriters: Kroeger, Chad;
Singer: Nickelback

My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day's a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had, if today was your last day?
What if, what if, if today was your last day?

Against the grain should be a way of life
What's worth the price is always worth the fight
Every second counts 'cause there's no second try
So live like you're never living twice
Don't take the free ride in your own life

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had?

And would you call those friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories?
Would you forgive your enemies?
And would you find that one you're dreaming of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you'd finally fall in love if today was your last day?

If today was your last day
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are

So do whatever it takes
'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life
Let nothing stand in your way
'Cause the hands of time are never on your side

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had?

And would you call those friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories?
Would you forgive your enemies?
And would you find that one you're dreaming of
Swear up and down to God above
That you'd finally fall in love if today was your last day

I Would Gather Children

One of my favorite poems. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

I Would Gather Children

Some would gather money
Along the path of life,
Some would gather roses,
And rest from worldly strife.

But I would gather children
From among the thorns of sin,
I would seek a golden curl,
And a freckled, toothless grin.

For money cannot enter
In that land of endless day,
And roses that are gathered
Soon will wilt along the way.

But oh, the laughing children,
As I cross the sunset sea,
And the gates swing wide to heaven
I can take them in with me!
~ Author Unknown ~

Best Friends

These are pictures of Pierce and Jack. They have been best friends since they were 3 years old and attended the same daycare. They no longer go to the same school or daycare - but we stay in contact with Jack's parents and get the boys together as often as possible. This past week, Pierce had Jack over to spend the night. They stayed up late and got up early playing non-stop. I don't think I heard them argue one time. They are so cute together and have so much fun!
Nice to have a best friend.

Kindergarten Field Trip

Friday was the kindergarten field trip to the zoo. I went with Pierce and we had a blast! We were assigned two additional boys in his class, Zion and Dawnta. The boys were so cute and did so well together. It started out a little muggy but by the time we left, it was the perfect day for the zoo. Here are a few pictures from the zoo. Oh, forgot to mention...every time we saw a "mister" the boys had to get wet. Just wanted to let you know why Pierce has wet hair in all the pictures.

Pierce(isms)

I had such a great time this week with the kids. Brett came in one evening as I was working on the computer, and told me that I HAVE to start writing down all the Pierce(isms). Here are a few we heard this week...

1) "Dad, Pudge (bulldog) is sick. Can we give him some cold medicine? If we have to take him to the dr. can you please ask them NOT to take his privates off like they did last time?"

2) "Mom, which finger is bad if I stick it up, and why?"

3) "Mom, if you REALLY want to get a hangnail off, you have to wait a day...and a few hours. Then whichever way your hangnail is leaning, turn it the other way. Then twist really hard. If you wait a day...and a few hours, the skin will be dead and it won't hurt."

4) "MOM, COME QUICK! If you call this number we can get 250 Bendaroos."

5) "Mom, we really need to call this number. They are selling water globes for your plants. The number is 1-800-2-sell-homes!" (of course we have all silk plants)

6) "Mom, this is the BEST day of my life. Even better than Great Wolf Lodge." (without two front teeth it comes out Wolf Wolf Lodge!) haha

7) "Mom, do you need to lose weight? If so, there is this number you can call and they PROMISE you will lose weight. Promise, they said it will work." (thanks!)

I am home with Pierce every morning until he goes to school at 1pm. My jaws hurt by the time I get him to school from laughing. He is one of the most sweet, funny, inquisitive kids that I have ever been around.

I will keep them coming! At least now we will have them in print :)

Hudson's Easter program...

Here are a few pictures taken at Hudson's Easter program at daycare. He didn't cry...but he was a little "shell shocked" with all the people staring at him. He and Pierce had so much fun playing afterward.

Happy Easter!

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
1 Peter 2:24

Actions

This was sent to me by a good friend. I loved the story and wanted to share...

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.' I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friend’s tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes my heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks.' They really should get lives. ' He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!' There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday! ' He just laughed and handed me half the books. Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends..

When we were seniors we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship. Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous! Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!' He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. 'Thanks,' he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began 'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends... I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story.' I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. 'Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable...' I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.

Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse, God puts us all in each others lives to impact one another in some way... Look for God in others.

Dinner with James

This has been one of the best, very interesting, eye-awakening, weekends. First let me say, I had a wonderful weekend with my husband. We always have a great time when the kids are with us, but this past weekend we seemed to truly enjoy each other and the time we spent together. Friday night we went to dinner and saw some friends while we were out. We had a great time talking with them and dinner was great! Saturday Brett played golf with friends and I hung out and had a little "me" time...which is important for everyone. When he got home, we worked around the yard. We decided we would get dressed and go out to dinner. Literally, as we were driving toward Abuelos, Brett mentioned a new restaurant that he had heard about from one of the guys playing golf. You have to understand...we are creatures of habit. We never try new restaurants because we like our "favorites" too much. But not this time. We were feeling adventurous. So we headed to this new place (which I'll leave anonymous). Once there, Brett ran into someone he knew. He knows someone everywhere we go! haha Right off the bat, we loved the place. Server was great, they have more beer than Tapwerks, and their food was awesome!!! We had been sitting there about 30 minutes and in walks Bob Stoops. We laughed and said we guessed we were in the right place. I thought if we were going to go to a new place, I was going out on a limb and wanted to try new things. I had a Raspberry Cream and Banana Bread beer. They were the best i had ever tasted. We had been there about an hour and had just started eating our food (sandwiches and sweet potato fries)...when in walked James. James sat at the table next to us...which was a table for six. It was an awkward moment because I felt like everyone in the place stopped what they were doing and stared at him. You see, James was a homeless man. He had dirty hair, a huge hoop earring in one ear, a large gash over his nose (we were sure it was broken), dirty clothes and was obviously lit. Not sure if it was beer or drugs...but he wasn't all there. He hung his head and just sat there. Our sever walked up and asked if he would like a water or pepsi...he only had $2. He turned to say something to Brett and it was like the whole place went silent and looked at us. For some odd reason this was a very surreal moment. I felt like time almost stopped. Brett scooted over and started talking to him. As he was talking, a gentleman walked out from the back and leaned over and said, "we're going to have to ask you to leave." Brett looked up and said, "well, we have a problem then. I'm buying James dinner and a pepsi." The gentleman said that was fine, but no alcohol. For the next 30 minutes or so, we spoke to James, shook his hand or hugged him about a dozen times, and tried to let him know that we cared and wanted to talk to him. He spoke to Brett about Jesus and at one point he looked at me and said, "I don't want to offend anyone, but you're pretty." As we left, we asked James if he wanted to take our to-go box (which was half of an untouched sandwich and fries), and he said yes! We walked to the car, neither of us saying a word...and once inside, we both broke down and cried. We just sat there. Brett said he didn't feel good leaving him. I felt like everyone in that place looked at us like "what are you doing?" Maybe I'm wrong...hopefully I'm wrong. Maybe they were thinking...thank you for talking to him. I just know that no one said a word to James. On our drive home we only talked about James...how blessed "we" were to have met him. And I almost felt mad that "who am I" to think I'm any better than he is?? We don't know his story or his history. And sure, the downtown merchants have to deal with the homeless on a day-to-day basis. I know they may not have been happy that we bought him a meal or encouraged him to stay. But how do you just turn your back? What is wrong with our society today? It could be any one of us homeless at any given time. Again, there are probably circumstances we aren't aware of...all I know is that James made a huge impact on our lives. He was a kind human being and we feel very fortunate to have met him. He kept telling Brett he wanted to repay us. Brett told him the way he could repay us is to do something nice for someone else sometime. He said he promised he would.

Last...to top off a wonderful weekend, we went to Emanuel Baptist Church in Enid on Sunday. Brett's brother Wade is the pastor. This weekend William "Paul" Young, author of The Shack, was speaking at his church. I sat mesmerized as he spoke. I wish we would have gone to every service, but we only made it to one. He was incredible. When we got home from Enid, I started reading The Shack again for the second time. What a life changing book. And Paul Young was one of the nicest, most sincere people I have ever met.

What a great weekend!!

Defend Michael

Hey all,

If you get time, go to this site. This young man is 25 years old and went to school with Brandon. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison with no chance for parole. He will be 50 years old when he get's out. Irven helped financially with his defense and said they sentenced him to one of the worst prisons in the system, Leavenworth. He has a wonderful mom and dad and two younger brothers. Please keep them in your prayers.

http://defendmichael.wordpress.com/

Spring Break 2009

Well it's been a fun, and busy week. This week is spring break and we've had the kids - and sometimes Hudson. Yesterday we spent the day at Sam Noble Museum and Tiger Safari with my mom (Nanaw Margaret). I had never been to either, so it was fun for all of us. My mom is an animal lover, so she loved the Tiger Safari. The kids were really good and Pierce took Will with him. When we got home, Pierce had Jack over to spend the night. They are so cute together and are having a really good time. I'm going to attach pictures from both places and also one I took last night of Pierce and Jack. We didn't know they had gone in our bedroom and climbed into our bed and fell asleep.




Photos: Jack & Pierce sleeping, Kids in canoe at Sam Noble Museum, Snow Tiger, Kids holding a ferret, Pierce holding a baby alligator)

Hope everyone is enjoying this great weather!
K

Little Hambone!

I kept Hudson yesterday and never stopped laughing. He is such a funny, and loving little boy! I'll attach a few photos of him eating lunch. He is at a stage where he wants to do everything himself. He won't let you help him put his clothes on, he wants to do it himself. As he was trying to put his shirt on, I told him I wanted to take a picture...hence the "cheesy" smile!


Another funny "Hudson" story. Today was his first day at his new daycare. He is now going to my dad's daycare here in Edmond. Megan is so excited because now she and Heath will be able to attend all special events, and not have to rush after work to get him. He is literally 2 miles from Megan now. When she dropped him off this morning...for the first time, he cried and didn't want her to leave. She called me crying and was SO sad that she had to leave him. A couple of hours later, my dad went by the daycare to do some paperwork and asked his director to go check on him to make sure he was okay. She came back laughing and said he was fine. Apparently he got into Mattie's cubby and got her underwear. He was walking around with it on his head!! That's the Hudson we know and LOVE!!!! Hope they were clean :)

Life of leisure

This is how Pierce spends his mornings before school. Camped out on the couch - blanket and tv tray (with Ramen noodles of all things). I have finally gotten him to the point that if he wants/needs something, that he get up and come and get me. He used to just yell, "MOM" until I came in to see what he needed. I changed that pretty quickly. :)

On another note...we kept Hudson Monday and Tuesday this week. I am so amazed how good he is. He minds...seriously he does. If he gets something out, he will put it back. He cleans up his toys when he is finished playing. And, if he does something (like hit) you tell him to go to time-out and he actually walks over and sits in his time-out place. Now, he will give you a "mad face" until he gets out of time-out, but he will sit there. Oh, and did I mention he is only 21 months old?? He and Pierce are really close. They play non-stop when he is here. This past week Pierce taught him to say - Baby and Pierce. He would walk around the house yelling PIERCE! Megan called the house last night and handed the phone to Hudson and he kept yelling PIERCE into the answering machine. Cutest thing I've ever heard! Pierce keeps begging us if he can come back over and spend the night so he can teach him new words. One thing I forgot to mention...he is already starting to be potty-trained. I know, you're saying I sound like a bragging grandma. I'm just amazed at how quickly he is learning and how well he minds. Not to mention he is the cutest kid alive. Okay, now I'm bragging :)

Trying to understand

Last weekend while we were at the Great Wolf Lodge with the kids, I got a text saying a friend of mine had committed suicide that day. It was such a shock because this person always appeared happy, adored his three young boys (ages 9,11 and 13), and seemed to have a strong faith in God. There had been some events in his life over the past year (divorce, change of jobs, etc.) that could lead to depression, but I have never understood someone taking their own life. The grief and sadness it leaves behind is beyond words. His two younger boys go to Sierra and Pierce's school. I just can't stop thinking about how this has changed their lives.

The funeral is Saturday and should be very large. He was very active in the community and worked in the political arena as well. Please keep his family in your prayers. They will need them for a long time to come.

KB