Palo Duro Camping

by Holly

We spent Mother's Day weekend in Palo Duro Canyon, camping with our friends from church, Kelly, Katie, Kole, Kade and Kennedy. We had a lot of fun getting to know them better, enjoying beautiful scenery and weather and just being away from our normal.

Eli, Kole and Kade at their 'big boy' table. Not sure what the faces are.

Katie, Kelly and Justin. Kole, Kade, Eli and Holly. Kennedy was taking her nap.

(Yes, I see where Justin's hand is.)

Holly and Justin

A view Justin had on his solitary hike in the canyon. Looks beautiful!

Taking a stroll through the campground. Holly, Katie with Kennedy, Kelly with Kade, Kole and Eli, dog Dolly.

Visiting Family

by Holly

The evening of the zoo trip, we visited our family James, Cheryl and Savannah Brown in Canyon. James is Justin's uncle. They have a beautiful new home and we had a wonderful time playing on the playground near their house and having a delicious dinner.

Eli and Savannah watching Cars- Eli's current favorite!

We borrowed Aunt Cheryl's jacuzzi tub to get Eli bathed and in his jammies for the ride home. Catching a quick snuggle with Uncle James. Eli really latched onto him!

Cheryl telling something captivating, with James and Justin listening intently. I think the guys were wondering how long till she put the food in the oven. :) Just kidding Cheryl. Thank you again for having us. We had a wonderful time!

Zoo Fun

by Holly

We met our friends Jeff, Canna, Brooklyn and Brianna in Amarillo a few weeks ago to explore the zoo there. It was small, but we had a great time with friends and the kids enjoyed the playground as much as the animals. All went well, even without naps, until our littlest friend Brianna fell and scraped her chin, mouth and nose. We departed soon after for ice cream.

Brianna, Brooklyn and Eli. What's in here??

Mama loves the lemurs. Eli isn't sure what all the fuss is about.

Daddy and Eli. You've got to get up here for the best view!

Here horsey horsey horsey!

Jeff, Eli and Brooklyn taunting the peacock. This was one of Eli's favorite finds, and he tormented the poor bird with his stick 'gun'.

Eli was also fascinated with the snake exhibit, the 'scewy snakes'! He has since come up with a unique noise he makes and we are to beware of the scewy snake when he directs it at us!

Women of Faith 2010

by Holly

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! This wasn't a song we sang at the Women of Faith conference this past weekend, but it definitely could have been. I was blessed with a prize package including 4 free tickets, 2 hotel rooms for 2 nights and front row seats for the conference of my choice in 2010 and I chose the Shreveport/Bossier City conference. I took with me three of my closest ladies, Erin who I always attend WOF events with, my mom and my aunt. We flew to Dallas on Thursday and Erin picked us up for the drive to Shreveport from there. Our first blessing- missing by seconds a horrible car accident where a drunk man was weaving in and out of traffic and tailgating every vehicle he came upon. After my heart stopped racing when he passed us (I was driving), it was about 5 minutes before we found his car flipped in the median. He was okay, probably b/c his drunk body was so relaxed. That could have been us, but God had better plans for us that day.

The weekend was filled with laughter that we all needed, a break from the dailyness of our lives, and special moments of sharing together in what we are learning from our gracious God. The conference was amazing, as it always is, and the speakers seemed to speak right to our hearts, with words that encouraged and lifted us up and showed us the power and grace that only He can give. I won't even begin to pretend that my tears didn't flow freely, and Erin was even amazed that I cried within the first four minutes of being there. :) The praise team was singing "You are God Alone" which just took my breath away. As if the amazing speakers weren't enough, including guest speaker Andy Andrews whose books I highly recommend, we were blessed with concerts by both Mandisa and Nicole C. Mullen. Front row is where you need to be for these ladies! Wow! If I were a person prone to charismatic praise, this would have been the time and place. I'm not, but I did enjoy it immensely and purchased two CD's that I'm listening to even now.

I took so much away from this conference that I can't begin to put it all down here, but one quote that I am holding tight to is "If you are breathing you are still alive, and if you are still alive, you have not yet fulfilled God's purpose for your life." This doesn't mean you aren't doing what you are supposed to be doing, but that God may have a time/purpose/place/person you are supposed to be there for that has yet to come. Wow. We are not here just randomly. He has directed our steps and is with us for each one of them. May you be blessed today by His holy hand!

Erin, Holly, my mom Keri and my aunt Bobbi- waiting for the conference to begin!

Erin and Holly- these smiles didn't leave our faces much at all!

Patsy Clairmont, who is hilarious and inspiring. I'm reading her book "Kaleidoscope" which is a humorous walk through Proverbs and how to apply them to your own life.

Nicole C. Mullen. I first heard of her during nursing school many years ago, when her song "When I Call on Jesus" touched my heart and carried me through those rough 2 years. This was the second time I'd seen her at WOF and I cry every time. The kids are boys and girls she mentors, teaches to sing and dance but more than that, disciples to follow God's calling for their lives. They are an inspiration themselves.

The stage, about 10 feet away from our seats. Here's one interesting note- this CenturyTel Arena is used for their ice hockey team and the ice was covered with rubber mats that didn't quite cut the cold or the melting ice seeping through the cracks! Our floor seats let us enjoy that on a very real level!

Gay Divorce

By Justin

Story from Associated Press

Yes I am going to go there.  Currently circulating around our great State is two cases where gay people who were married in other states, where gay marriage is legal, are requesting divorces from Texas courts.  Problem is the voters of this State in 2005 approved by 76 percent an amendment to our State’s constitution that defines marriage as between one man and one woman.  Now we can argue all day on this amendment and get nowhere.  But frankly I am annoyed.

Most people want to make this a case of equal rights.  In my head it has nothing to do with equal rights.  It has to do with a basic understanding of law.  In these United States of America marriage is defined and governed by the states.  Each state creates its own set of laws and rules on how that is to occur.  In Nevada you can get married on a whim.  In some states blood tests are required.  In Texas you need 24 hours.  Also in Texas, you must be a man and woman.  Like it or not it is the rule of the land in these parts as decided by 76 percent of that balloting cycle’s voters. 

This case is not unlike other rules we abide by.  Seat belts are mandatory on a state level in 49 states.  As you drive across this great Union, you are required to abide by the laws of that state, not the state you are from.  The same is true for homeowner’s associations.  In Texas, you are required by law to be told of an HOA upon signing an offer on a home.  You agree to live by those covenants when you buy the house.  If you didn’t read them, that isn’t the HOA’s fault that is yours.

So this case is simple to me.  You chose to leave the State in which your marriage was valid and legal and opted to move to a State in which it is not.  Please save our (yours and mine) tax dollars and stop pressing the courts to do something they should have to in the first place. 

Now if we want to discuss gay rights….

April 15, 2010

By Justin

Why is it that every April 15th the news feels the need to report on last minute tax filers. I realize that there is really nothing else going on in the world to report on. I am sure they can’t devote that three minutes of some poor sap standing by the main post office drop off to any other issue. And I guess honestly I care that you are such a procrastinator that you waited until the day of to do your taxes anyway. And who does their taxes on paper anyway (besides Jenise)? Haven’t you hear of taxact.com? If you are filing an extension, shame on you. Pay your taxes already.

To the poor sap on the news sorry? If you need story ideas email me.

Easter 2010- Its more than just about a bunny!

by Holly

I believe that this Easter has been more meaningful for me than any other in the past. Not that I haven't enjoyed Easter's past, or that I don't have great memories of time spent with family, but just that I'm in a different place spiritually than I have been before, and so I was able to more fully embrace the true reason we celebrate Easter. We have gotten more involved in our church here in Lubbock, are working on developing some good friendships and have become more servant hearted, as that is a huge focus of our class and the church itself. And the rewards of that greatly overshadow any inconvenience of the service itself. But back on topic.

Our church had a Maundy Thursday service on Thursday evening before Easter. I've never attended one of these and didn't really understand what it was about, but I did this time. Justin was at a work dinner and Eli was at a birthday party, so I went alone. There wasn't a huge crowd, but a decent number, and I sat with a few of our friends that had come. The point of the Thursday service is to recognize and celebrate the Lord's supper, the night that Jesus taught his disciples to eat the bread and drink of the cup, in remembrance of Him. So after a moving service, we did enjoy the Lord's supper. I left feeling spiritually uplifted and full of hope, which is the whole point of why Christ died for our sins.

On Sunday morning we attended the early service and Sunday School so we could drive to Friona and spend the day with my family for lunch and to celebrate Tyler's 5th birthday. But the Sunday School lesson was on Abraham and how he listened to, obeyed and trusted God's instruction to sacrifice his son Isaac on the altar. God stopped him at the last second, and instead revealed a ram to offer as a sacrifice instead. What an amazing story of trusting in God. Could you do it? If God asked you to sacrifice your only child, could you trust Him? As if that was not powerful enough, then liken that to God sacrificing His only Son for our sins. That's right. Yours and mine. We did this. Wow. Who can hear that and not be overwhelmed. That is the right word for me right now (and yes McNeely, I did borrow that word from your Easter post). Overwhelmed not b/c of worldly pressures or worries or obligations, but overwhelmed that I don't have to worry about any of that b/c Jesus died and rose again, for me.

Thank you for reading, if you stuck with me that long. I did enjoy Easter celebration with my family and watching Eli's delight in finding and opening eggs, the goodies my parents gave him, and the fun he has with his cousins. That's like my favorite childhood memories of Easter. We were always with my cousins and my grandma always gave everyone a chocolate bunny. This is the first year she didn't and although I'm almost 32, I was a little disappointed. :)

Enjoy these fun pictures and see how our Eli is growing!


Eli on Easter morning.

Easter morning family picture.

Hunting eggs with Jared and Tyler.

Jared on his motorcycle and Eli with his Big Wheel, which he calls his 'bicycle'.

Tyler on his battery powered motorcycle.

Definition: Blog-stalker

By: Justin

A blog-stalker is one who reads the blog, pretends they don't, then uses the information gained to 'test' the blogger about their life.  It is a very immature thing to do, and very annoying.  The best part of blog-stalkers is if we know you are blog-stalking us, we are having just as much fun in the cat and mouse game as you are.

Really the final decision came down to Holly making a very wise comment.  Why does the majority of people have to be inconvenienced for the few we want to dodge?  It hit a nerve with me because that is my annoyance with laws and rules in general.  Somewhere we have decided to govern, teach and live by the lowest common denominator.  Majority rules, so long as the minority isn't 'damaged' in some way.  So in reality neither rules and utter chaos ensues.  Alas, my definition has turned political, imagine that.  

Anyway, for the few of you out there blog-stalking.  Go ahead, get mad.  I promise I am laughing.  Holly is probably grimacing, but I am laughing!  The rest of you can expect our blog to go on as normal.  That is Holly posting family stuff and my random tidbits and rants!

Retraction

by Holly

We have had an overwhelming response that we have faithful readers and that it would be unfortunate to have to use a password to continue reading. In all honesty, the password was aimed at a very small population, so to avoid inconveniencing the rest of you, we are going to remain password free and just pretend that small population is not blog-stalking.

Thank you all for reading, even if you don't comment, and please continue to visit our site! But comments are always appreciated!! :)

Blog Stalker Warning

By Justin

We have tolerated blog stalking long enough. You don’t have to comment but you can’t read our blog and use it for your own nosy information. Effective April 1st, we will be putting this blog behind password protection. If you would like to have access please let me know and we will add you to the list!

This ain’t no April Fools Joke!
Management

Happy Blog-versary to Us!

By Justin

March 9th...our Blog Anniversary. Since it seems that no one reads this anymore, we will just wish ourselves Happy Anniversary and move on.

Happy Anniversary Holly.
Happy Anniversary Justin.
Happy Anniversary Eli.
Happy Anniversary unborn child.

There, that about does it.

Stats: 313 posts to date.

Sweet Memories

by Holly

Not much I feel like talking about right now, current event wise. So I thought I would just share a precious picture from almost two years ago. This was at our friends' Scott and Laura's wedding in San Antonio, April of 2008. That was a wonderful weekend of celebration with friends and Eli's first time in a hotel and first wedding. He did great! And what a handsome couple of guys here!

Happy Texas Independence Day

"The Unanimous
Declaration of Independence
made by the
Delegates of the People of Texas
in General Convention
at the town of Washington
on the 2nd day of March 1836."

The sun has set on this day of jubilant celebration. I hope you rest in awe of the Great State of Texas and say a prayer for us sleeping in God's Country.

Victory or Death!

Ski Trip

by Holly

In January, we took a trip to Eagle Nest, NM with my brother's family and my parents to go skiing. This was the boys' first time to ski, and only Justin's second. I didn't participate, as I wasn't feeling well and stayed at the trailer with my parents and Eli. The first day they went to Taos where the boys went to ski school, and the second day was at Angel Fire. Jared loved it, and Tyler hated it. Tyler was home with us the second day.

Teresa, Kelly and Justin, Tyler and Jared

Tyler and Jared

Christmas with Eli

by Holly

Yes, I'm still getting caught up on blog posts from December. Bear with me. :)

Here Eli is opening presents with Mama. He was thrilled with each gift and we had to coax him on to open the rest of them; I'm sure that won't last as he grows!

What else could be in this stocking, Daddy??

Leaving milk and cookies out for Santa at Grandma and Pops' house. Eli was thrilled the next morning to just find some crumbs left!

Just beginning our snowman with Daddy and Pops. The snow would not stick to itself so we ended up with a little snowman-pile but we had fun anyway. We also made snow angels, but didn't get that on camera as we were all involved. Eli made snow angels all day long, in the grass, in the living room floor... he was thrilled to have a new skill.

Christmas at Nana and Papa's house. The best spot in the house- all the boys on the couch with the grandparents in the new log room. We had a wonderful time, so much activity with 3 boys!

My Christmas Decs, with a little help from Sarah

by Holly

I decided I wanted to decorate a little more natural and woodsy for Christmas this year, but wasn't sure how to go about it. We attended a housewarming party for our friends Paul and Sarah a few weeks before Christmas and they had leftover evergreen branches in their yard that they offered me. So, I helped myself, bought some berry garland at Michaels and went to work.

This is a sideways shot of the wreath I hung on our backdoor. I loved these berries, as some were crystal-covered like sugar or frost or whatever your fancy.

This is my bread bowl that I try to change out with the seasons. I used the scraps of the branches and old red Christmas balls for our kitchen table.

Here is the wreath I made for our front door, again sideways. I used berry garland and fake peppermint candy to make this whimsicle and kid friendly look.

This is our mantel, with the new addition of Jazzy's stocking on the right. Note the evergreen arrangement to the right of the picture. They are everywhere! The picture hanging is of the foggy city park in my hometown of Friona, taken by a local photographer there.

And last, my favorite arrangement. This was in the corner of our living room on the stereo speaker. Thankfully Eli understood that it was 'pretty' and left it alone. The green pitcher was a wedding gift and I love it!

Jazzy

by Holly

"How much is that doggie in the window? (arf! arf!)
The one with the waggley tail
How much is that doggie in the window? (arf! arf!)
I do hope that doggie's for sale"

Jazzy is quite spoiled and does not like the cold weather. We have to drag her out by the collar to go potty and when she's ready to come back in she waits on either of our bedroom window sills. Its quite amusing to see this, and I much prefer it to barking or scratching at the back door. And if anyone is really in love with her and needs a doggie, let us know...

Eli's 2nd Birthday

by Holly

We had such a fun time celebrating Eli's 2nd birthday, with family and friends and everything a party should have. The party did happen a few days early so Pops and Grandma could make the trip before Christmas, but Eli just enjoyed stretching out the celebration a little longer.

This one is Eli on his new tractor from Papa and Nana, which proved to be the favorite toy and source of tears on more than one child's part. How do you explain to toddlers that new toys still have to be shared even when its your birthday??
Precious little boys crowded around me as I helped Eli open his gifts. Left to right: Tyler, Jared, Eli, Kole and Jonas in the edge of the picture. Claire must have decided not to join in on the boy fun, as she was the only girl at the party.

Daddy and Eli blowing out the "2" candle! What a big boy!

I made the cake this year, a yummy white cake with buttercream frosting. The ground under the tracks was crushed graham crackers and the tracks themselves were licorice Twizzlers. I'll toot my own horn for my first decorated cake!

Besides the white cake, I also made German chocolate cupcakes with the same buttercream frosting. I ate so many of these I finally had to send the rest to work with Justin to get them out of the house. Mmmm!

Big Brother!

by Holly

Eli is going to be a big brother!! We are pregnant again and expecting our new little one in early September. We have been a little more cautious with the announcements this time, after the heartbreak we had with the miscarriage last fall. But we have had two sonograms and all looks great. The heartbeat is strong, baby is growing and we even saw it move yesterday.

I'm feeling so-so, mornings are good and then things go downhill as the day goes on. But I have gotten a prescription and things are looking up. The belly pictures don't start quite yet, but I'll try to be better about posting since I'm feeling a bit better.

12 Days of Christmas

by Holly

12 white chocolate covered pretzels
11 wooden train tracks
10 thousand miles of driving
9 days of snow
8 pounds of chewy bars
7 sticky Eli kisses
6 blinking twinkle lights
5 snow angels
4 trips to post office
3 happy Noble's
2 family visits
and a precious 2 year old!

We had a great Christmas and hope you all did as well. We are actually still celebrating as we leave in just a few minutes for my family Christmas this weekend. Pictures coming soon!