Christmas Programs

Christmas programs have always been one of my favorite things at Christmastime.  Even overseas, we have found a way to share the story of Christmas through song and story.  This year, it was so fun for my kids to both have a chance to participate in their school programs.  We had quite a crowd both weeks of all the family that lives in OK as well as friends.  A HUGE thank you to all who came to support our two kids in their performances, it really meant a lot to them and to us!! 

Hudson tried out for the roll of the shepherd in the 4th-6th play, and he got it.  Here he is in his performance last week.  

This one is a little fuzzy.....but he was singing with his classmates.  He is the one in the shepherd costume.  He was secretly very glad not to have to wear dress pants.

All of the 4th - 6th graders finishing strong.

And last night Hannah had her first choir concert.  Her jr. high choir did a great job!  I was such a proud mom!! 

Hannah has been really blessed this year with some great friends! Here are a few of them who also participtaed in the band and choir concert.  

My Favorite Carol.....this season

I love music.

This month as I have prayed, thought, and pondered this Christmas season, life around me, and the world in which we live, this song has really spoken so much to me.  Life in the States is hectic, crazy, and fast-paced.  I am looking forward to the week of Christmas to spend with family.  But in the midst of life, this carol has calmed my soul and helped me connect again with the One who came to heal and restore.

My favorite rendition of it, in case you were wondering, is from Chris Tomlin's Glory in the Highest: Christmas album.

May you have a blessed Christmas Season!

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

Our Super Fun Backyard!

I would like to report on the fun we are having here in Oklahoma, even here in our own backyard!! Look at the succession of picutres and see uncle Rob swinging a very brave Abigial through the trees.  This swing allows Rob to push her, with all his might,  in a circular motion and she will swing in a circle all the way around where you see Hudson standing in the background.  It is a little alarming to watch it in person, but understand she holds on for dear life, and her parents allow it. :)

 We also have a baby swing and two "normal swings" for those who are a little more faint of heart.  Here is our sweet cousing, Ainsley swinging with Aunt Krista and Uncle Phil.

 And the big kids?

 on the iproducts.

 Or up in our super huge gigantic tree!!

Hooray for big backyards!!!  The basketball goal is going up today, so this yard will be complete!

A little Branson time

After 2 weeks home, we finally got to see all of my family!!  Here is my brother and his wife, Heather, with their family...including new baby Tessa.  They were troopers and brought their entire family on vacation with a 3 week old!! 

 If you have ever wondered where Hudson gets his love of all things Mavericks....here it is!!  He has found he is not as popular in OKC with his Mavs gear on.  People think he should be wearing OKC Thunder, but it makes him more determined to wear his Mavs stuff.  Never fear.....OU football will begin soon. He will fall in line.

 While in Branson we spent a few days out on Table Rock Lake!! soooooo fun! We tubed and swam and got some serious sun!! I am way darker than I have been in 3 years.  :)  Ryan and Hudson taking a break from tubing.

 Me and Hannah, hoping Rob doesn't throw us off.  Or at least will be kind.  He was, we are his girls, after all.

 Hudson and Rob having fun.

 Hudson jumpin off a cliff.  He was proud of this picture.  He and Ryan jumped several times.

 On the boat.

 Even baby Tessa enjoyed the boat and a few Ruffles chips....ok, not really the chips.  She didn't tube.

 Captain Reagan.

 Reese, or I think it might be Rapunzel in this picture.  She was chilin' with her Nana.

 My sister-in-law, the real champion of the vacation.  Looking good after giving birth 3 weeks before!! She are Reagan are so cute!

Other than boating, we saw Noah, the Branson show.  We all enjoyed it and the kids thought it was lots of fun.   We played games, golfed, and went to the Titanic museum.  We had a great week with our family!!  It is so nice to be with them all again!

Wedding Fun

On our second weekend back home, we got to attend Emily's wedding!  We traveled to AR and stayed with some WONDERFUL friends then had a fun time seeing these 2 girls again.   If you remember, Emily and Joanna lived in our city for 6 months at the end of 2010.  We love them and were so honored to be a part of Emily's wedding. 

 The beautiful bride.  Rob is apparently deep in conversation in the background. 

 Together again!!

The wedding singers. 

 Two beautiful girls, inside and out!

 Congratulations Emily and Matt!!

After our time in AR we traveled for another week of meetings then headed to Branson, MO...... 

4th of July....in America

It is hard to believe we have already been back in the states for a month! Where does the time go? I guess it moves rapidly whether we are here or there! 

We had a great day with our family on the 4th of  July!  Here are Hannah and Hudson with their cousins on Rob's side of the family.  We started the day off with a 4th of July parade in Bethany, OK.  There was a Sonic right down the road from our parade so we all got BIG Sonic drinks to enjoy while watching the parade.  Hannah and Hudson had such a great day playing with their cousins and getting to hang out with family.  We ate way too much good American food.  I would show you the spread of food, but my friends who still live afar would be quite jealous. 

 Here is Hudson posing with his new friend, Dr. Pepper.  He thought he looked like quite the all-American boy with his flag shirt and Dr. Pepper.

It was so fun celebrating the 4th of July in the States!!

Welcome Home!!

We arrived safely home on the evening of July 1.  We had a fun crowd waiting for us at the airport.  The funny this was we had partaken of the free refills in Salt Lake City while eating a late lunch that by the time we arrived in OKC, we were in desperate need of a pit stop.  So before we left the secure area we stopped in the restroom, but the problem was we had to pass all the people who were waiting for us on the other side of the security.  Whoops.

Here are Hannah, my mom and I!

 Hudson and his good friends, friends from birth!

 Hannah also had two of her great friends at the airport, coincidentally, they have all been friends since birth as well.  These girls have all sure grown up!!

 Rob and his dad.  So fun!!

Hooray for being home!!