I would love to send out many more cards but between postage and the cost of cards I have to cut down my list. If you did not receive a card it wasn't because I didn't want too.
All the fabulous photos were taken by the most amazing photographer and my awesome sister-in-law, Kym. You too can have your pictures taken with her by contacting her at www.portraitsbykym.com
Have a very blessed Christmas!!!
Last Friday night Courtney celebrated her 13th birthday with friends hosting a slumber party. She had 7 friends over and had a great evening. They started the evening with pizza and smores outside by the firepit.
Next we took them down the street to the middle school field and played flash light tag. Lots of room to run and yell! They came back for hot chocolate, cake balls and an impromtu techno dance party with the lights out and the music playing while shining their flashlights. 
They were having a great time. Thye ended watching the Twilight movie "Eclipse" and late night game of "truth or dare" and fell asleep around 4:00 a.m..
All in all a good night was had by all and I survived another sleepover. Can't believe my little girl will be 13 on the 15th. Time really is flying bye!
So, I've been really bad at blogging lately. My sister, Kim, inspired me earlier this year to start RUNNING. I was so impressed with her drive and dedication in setting a goal to run a half marathon and achieving it that I too set a goal to run a 5k.
So, in May I started running and set a goal to run the YMCA Turkey Trot 5k in November. I use that term, RUNNING, loosely. I've never been a runner before. I did the required running in school PE classes and played soccer and softball as a youth. I also got a group of friends together as an adult in a coed softball league. So running, VERY short, minuscule distances is all I had done.
In May, I started the couch to 5k program with Kim and good friend Wendolin. Kim was kind enough to tweak it for my non-running self. We literally started with 10 seconds of running alternated with 60 seconds of walking. I had to work up to the couch to 5k program. Part of the reason why was being out of shape and over weight.
I completed the couch to 5k program at the end of September. At that time, I was running a 20 minute mile. But I was running a mile without stopping and that was something that I never dreamed I would be able to do when I started. I am obviously going for DISTANCE not TIME.
I'm proud to say that I have continued the running to train for the 5k. I have also improved my time. Tonight, I ran 3.24 miles in 42 minutes and 41 seconds. I am now anxiously awaiting the Turkey Trot in less than a week on Thanksgiving Day.
I am realizing the importance of setting goals in both business, my personal and spiritual life. It is a great example for my kids and the feeling of accomplishment you feel when you achieve a goal is like nothing I've felt before.
So, get out there and set some goals and 10k training here I come!!!
Sunday evening was a very special evening. My husband was ordained as a Deacon at our Church. I am so proud of him and excited about how are family can serve the Lord.
The process for this special evening began months ago. In August, he was notified that he had been nominated. There was a very thorough questionnaire that had to be completed about himself, our family and our beliefs. The questionnaire was reviewed by the current Deacons and the Senior Ministry Staff at the Church. We were then contacted by a couple of the Deacons to set up a home interview. Two gentlemen that currently serve as Deacons came out to the home and talked with both Keith and I. At this time we both shared our testimony with the gentlemen and answered any questions they had in regards to the questionnaire that had been previously filled out. After a few more weeks we were contacted to have Keith attend a 3 week class, it met for two hours for three Sundays. Then came the BIG day. Deacon Ordination. We had NO clue what to expect that evening. It was one of the most touching evenings that I've ever had. It started off with breaking up into small groups. The groups included current Deacons, Deacon candidates, their wives and involved sharing with the group your testimony. It is amazing to see the different ways God works in each of our lives and how different each person's testimony is. It also showed how God never gives up on us and while we are each sinners his love and forgiveness is always there. Next, we headed into the house of worship and enjoyed singing some old hymns with Dennis George and wife Sharon and a special message delivered by Joe Patton. They then called each of the Deacon candidates and their wives up to the front of the Church. They had chairs spread out in front for the wives to sit in and next to each wife the Deacon candidate kneeled next to her. They then called the current Deacon body up and they laid hands on each wife and candidate and voiced prayers. It was absolutely amazing and humbling. The outpouring of love is one that I will never forget.
Keith's mom and grandmother were able to attend. We are so thankful that they could make it.
I also had to grab a picture of Keith with our Pastor John Mark Caton.
We are amazed and stunned at where God has led us. God has been working in our lives and we are excited about what the future holds.
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17
Connor and a couple of buddies from his soccer team, the Ninjas, were guest players on the Supersonics this past weekend for the end of season tournament. The tournament is voluntary and there were 6 teams for the boys U10. They played 3 games and won all of them advancing them to the Championship game on Sunday. I am proud to say that Connor scored the game winning goal in game 3 of the tournament to advance them to the Championship game.
Sunday the boys played the Championship game and won, awarding them 1st place for Boys U10. They all played really well and it was neat to see our three boys mesh so well the the Supersonic players. They all brought their "A" game.
Keith turns 40 in a few short weeks. In celebration of this milestone I had to throw him a party. A surprise party! I thought about what to do for weeks then it dawned on me. I knew he would want to do something that the kids could be included. Courtney is daddy's lil girl and she would have been heart broken if she didn't get to be in on his big day.
We love going out on Lake Grapevine with our dear friend's the Huffman's. They live so close to the lake they can walk to it. They are also thoughful enough each summer to invite our family out to enjoy a day of tubing, picnicing and boating.
So, I rented a party barge on lake grapevine to celebrate his birthday, 3 weeks early. The one downfall was that I wasn't able to invite everyone I wanted to due to a limit on passengers. So, I apologize if you didn't receive an invite.
The surprise was a huge success, it turns out my friends, family and I can lie to my husband very well. :-)
Here are some pictures from that fun day.
Courtney and Connor competed in their 3rd triathlon for the McKinney Kiwanis. They both did very well and it is so much fun to watch them compete and cheer.
