Summer's here!

It is definately summer here in southwest Oklahoma. The temps have already reached beyond 100 degrees on several days. We are so thankful to have a pool and enjoy spashing around on these hot summer days.
This month, my inlaws have been to visit us from Florida on their way to and from Colorado Springs. They are retired and purchased a camper about 5 years ago and love to travel.
We enjoyed having them with us for two different weeks. And Jim's sister, Jennifer, was here last week as well. She brought her new dog, Toby, a 3 year old golden retriver with her and we feel in love with him. He is the best dog, don't tell Colby, our 11 year old beagle, I said that though. He doesn't shed and he is just the most lovable, kind dog ever!
Jim's parents have been pet hospice for both of Jennifer's elderly dogs the past few years. They had to put the last one down to rest a few months ago. Knowing that they wanted to have a younger dog, we found the perfect one for them. Our good friends here in Altus had a litter of 5 and we, along with Jennifer gave them a puppy for their anniversary and summer birthday presents. We got to enjoy the new puppy, "Grits", while they were here.
The girls have a break from cheerleading after their summer cheer camps, VBS was last week and next week is Drivers Training for Rachel. Yes, she is going to be driving! I can't believe it either.
Just alittle of whats going on out here in the country. hope you all are having a wonderful summer. if you are traveling through Oklahoma or North Texas, give us a call.....we'd love to have some visitors.

May Madness

30 friends came over on May 3rd for our Mexican Fiesta. We had lots of munchies and mingling. They spoiled me on my birthday with a cake (from June's Tasty Treats)fresh flowers, a fern that Hannah picked out, a gift certificate for sunglasses, and my favorite bath products from Origins. We went to Wichita Falls for Rachel's ortho appointment and went to eat at McAlester's. We made it back in time for the girls to go to youth group at 7 p.m.
Mother's Day is always special as I remember my own mother and thank the Lord for the gift of being a mother myself. It has been a great 15 years, yes, Rachel will be driving soon and Hannah is about to become a teenager on the 22nd of this month. I have to say, they are the best teenagers!
The school year is coming to a close and we are all excited about summer schedule and spending lots of time by the pool. Rachel ended year first year in high school with top honors. She was inducted into the National Honor Society, following the footsteps of her father. (He drug out his certificate to show us.)She also got top honors in solo and ensemble choir contests. She will be on the varsity cheerleading squadron next school year. And hopes to be class president again.
Hannah has also been an honor student and a leader in her 7th grade class. She has been chosen to represent Altus Junior High as a cheerleader again next year and elected to be President of the student Council.
As for me, i am on facebook now and having a blast reconnecting with many friends all over the country that I met along our journey in the air force. Its great to be back in touch.

A Month Full of Activities

Who says January can be a let down after the holidays?
Things have been far from boring in Altus lately...
well, for our family anyway. Having two active teenagers keeps Jim and I jumpin'...
To start out 2009, LIGHT, a talented group of Christian singers,
came from Liberty University in Lynchburg VA to our church.
We were also blessed and revived when Afshin Ziafat came to share his testimony and the hope in Christ with us.

Then our talented Miss Rachel performed with the Oklahoma State Honor Choir in Oklahoma City. It was a joy to see and hear her sing with over 200 7th-9th graders, the best from all over the state.

The weather has been bearable this winter, however we had some ice and snow last week which resulted in two snow days for Altus schools.
To finish off the month of January, the girls and I went to The Revolve Tour in OKC last weekend. We were inspired by Natalie Grant, Jenna Lucado, Chad Eastham, and a few great Christian bands...our new favorite is Group 1 Crew!

Both Rachel and Hannah continue to cheer their classmates on at the basketball games. And both are super excited for DNow (Disciple Now) this weekend. Pray for us as we host the 7th grade girls at our home.

Happy New Year

Christmas in Altus

My mom came to see us for a few days before Christmas and then she went down on Christmas Eve to my sister's new house. Jim's parents drove out from Florida to spend a week with us and his sister, Jennifer, came from Colorado Springs for a few days as well. We were definately spoiled this year not to have to travel. Thank you so much for coming to "lil ole Altus" to spend this special time of year with us. I believe I see a Christmas vacation to the south next year.

So...it was definately alittle different this year when we all gathered to open presents. As a tradition, Rachel and Hannah always open their stockings first and then we have breakfast. Well, the night before Christmas, Rachel (14 yrs.) informed us that she was going to get up and take a shower before meeting us at the Christmas tree. So, this year everyone was dressed for the day before we opened even the first gift. The stockings were filled with lip gloss, brushes, cami's and boxers, not a barbie in sight. They were thrilled but I watched with a little bit of sadness that they are growing up so fast.

We spent the next few days eating alot, watching football, searching for a furry companion for Aunt Jennifer, and trying out this year's favorite gift "the Cricut" cutting system. I have decided, again, to work on my Christmas Scrapbook album. I have 4 Christmas' completed of the girls 14 years. My goal is to have it up to date so we can reflect back when we get together with family next Christmas.

A Snowy Thanksgiving

We had a great trip to Jennifer's (Jim's sister)house in Colorado Springs for Thanksgiving. Our trip there with the beagle was uneventful. Colby settled down for the nine hour drive and slept most of the way.
Lots of food, football, and yes...shopping!!! The mall in Denver is amazing! I ran into old friends from when we lived at the AF Academy 12 years ago. It was so cool. And then we met two different gals (one who lived in Altus, and one whose husband had lived in Altus.) See, Altus is on the map!

We encountered a blizzard on the way home. With blowing snow and icy roads, God protected us from sliding off the road. We were very thankful to have a full tank of gas after leaving the Raton Pass. Over two hours later, we hit dry pavement.

The beagle loved going back to her birthplace.

Now its back to work and school. Love to all!

Altus Homecoming '08