Chatham Post

Happy 17th Birthday, Brooke!

2011-10-21T11:00:00.000-05:00

I am so blessed to have you as my sister! Thank you so much for all that you do! Love you girl!

Family Camp 2011

2011-10-17T18:06:00.000-05:00

The never ending road. . .

Sunrise at Big Sandy!

Sunrise on the lake. . .

Brooke, Brenna, Charity, Abbie, and I all went on a devotional hike early Sunday morning.
It was lots of fun!

The hike went through some trails through the woods, and we would stop every so often and read a Bible verse and pray.

Miss Esther

Caleb had lots of fun riding his bike around the campgrounds and surrounding areas!

Look at that sweet face!

Sliding down the slide...backwards of course! That is just what babies do!

Clay Elliott

Abbie and Charity Burnett! These girls got to stay in the dorm with us, and let me tell you, we had TONS of fun! From late night talking and visiting, to getting up at 6 in the morning so we could be the first ones at the rappelling tower...let me just say, we had FUN!

Campgrounds!

You know you are in Big Sandy if you look up and see this!

Or this . . .

Another campground shot! Look at how beautiful everything is!

Clay and Caleb were best buddies on this trip! They did everything together!

Abbie and Brittney

This might be my favorite shot of the whole trip. :)

Look at how big Levi is getting!

Mom and Dad pose for a quick shot with Titus and Levi! These two little boys keep us all on our toes!

Me and my Dad!

Levi...look at him hold his head up!

Cammie

Abbie Burnett and Abby Mount.

Titus and Mr. Elliott

Brooke and Charity at a Lew Sterrett sermon.

We all enjoyed listening to Mr. Sterrett!

Titus. . . I think he would rather have been running around!

Everything was so pretty this time of year!

It actually rained one night/day! The rain was really refreshing!

Look close and you can see the airplane!

Brooke and Brenna!

Beautiful clouds!

Some things were greener than others!

We got to go on a horse trail ride! Here are Brooke and Brenna sporting their helmets we had to wear during our horse ride!

Abbie, Charity, and Brenna at the rappelling tower! We thought we all looked like construction workers with our helmets on!

Brenna, waiting in line for the rappelling!

Charity

Waiting in line for rappelling. . . it was sure worth the wait!

Abbie

A quick moment caught of Parker Elliott and Oliver Covey! These two were having so much fun, they never even knew I was taking a picture!

Aren't they cute?

Here is Brenna coming down the rappelling tower!

Look close and you can see Abbie and Charity about to come down!

Charity comin' down!

Abbie. . . headed down!

The rappelling tower! Unless you got there pretty early, you would have to wait in line for awhile!

Esther got to go on a plane ride! She had lots of fun!

Caleb ( he got to ride on the back seat!)

Dad. . .

A view from the airplane!

That's a highway!

If you look REALLY close, you can see the rappelling tower . . . it's in the top left of the picture.

A lake view from the air!

Brenna doing the rock climbing! That girl made it up all of the rock walls!

Yay, she made it to the top! Now she has to come back down :)

Mrs. Elliott on the rappelling tower!

Brooke about to come down!

Here is one of Brooke's "graceful" landings, as the ALERT guys called it!

Brooke got some serious rappelling in!

Brenna, all ready to go over the edge!

Brooke and Charity! Smile girls. :)

Charity, you are beautiful!

Caleb at the skillet throwing contest. And yes, that is a real cast iron skillet!

Clay! Dude, you have got some moves goin'!

Dad helped Esther with the bigger skillets, since they were a little heavy for her!

Clay and Caleb, best buddies!

Clay at the knife throwing!

Esther: "Parker I bet you can't pick me up!"
Parker: "Yes I can, Esther!"

Mrs. Elliott and Mom

Dad did the hatchet throwing! He got two in the target!

Caleb and the hatchet throwing!

And Esther ! I don't know why the ALERT guy looks so stressed out. :)

Dad and Mom

Pony rides!

Mr. Elliott even did the rock climbing!

Our attempt at a self portrait!

Random Pictures

2011-10-07T09:51:00.002-05:00

This picture was taken yesterday of Mr. Levi, he has the sweetest smile!!

Britt took this picture just a couple of days before I had Levi, little did I know how big he was going to be for being almost 3 weeks early.

Titus kissing on his baby brother, he is already in love with him!

Levi's first day at church out of the womb & Sarah who is 3 weeks older!

Daddy & two of his three boys, such a blessing to have!

First day of Archery Season with Brian & Caleb 20 feet up in a tree stand! Caleb got to see a 12 point buck that was too far to shoot, however he had fun just being with his Dad!

Esther, the "Bad Guy"

2011-09-26T16:59:00.000-05:00

Here is Esther this morning playing with Caleb. She came running into the room saying: "Look, I'm the bad guy!"

'Cause He's Cute

2011-08-20T16:55:00.000-05:00

Here is Mr. Levi! Isn't he precious?!?!?

Happy 15th Birthday, Brenna!

2011-08-10T20:58:00.000-05:00

Brenna turned 15 today! Wahoo! Leave a comment and share your favorite thing about Brenna!

A few things about Brenna!

B- Beautiful on the inside and outside.
R- Reserved.
E- Energetic.
N- Needed.
N-Nifty
A- Awesome sister and friend.

2011-08-06T11:49:00.000-05:00

Levi's newborn pictures are up on my blog! Go take a look!

Newborn Pictures of Levi

2011-07-30T17:20:00.000-05:00

I should have the rest of Levi's pictures up over at my blog in the next couple of days, so keep watching!

More pictures of Levi!!!

2011-07-23T15:05:00.003-05:00

Levi is so cute and precious!!! Mom is recovering well and Levi is doing great!! Here are some more pictures of him.

Brenna

Isn't he a cutie?

Levi Richard is here!!!!!!!!

2011-07-22T14:41:00.001-05:00

Levi was born this morning at 7:50 a.m, weighed 7 pounds 3 ounces and is 19 1/2 inches long!!! Both Mom and Levi are doing great! Thank you everyone for your prayers! We continue to covet your prayers as Mom heals from the c-section!!! So, here is what everyone has been waiting for...the pictures!!!

Esther, waiting for the O.R. doors to open and for Mom, Dad and the baby to come out!

VeggieTales songs! Hey, it kept him entertained!

Dr. Ryan, Mom's doctor. Right after surgery.

Mom, listening to Levi cry for the first time.

Just born! His lungs work really well :)

Brooke, Dennah, and Titus in the hallway, waiting for Mom to come out!

Here they comes!

Proud Daddy!

Titus getting some Daddy time in!

Brooke, holding Levi for the first time!

So happy!

Titus, trying to figure out what that is! He keeps pointing at Levi and saying "baby."

Esther, a big sister again!

Gettin' cleaned up by the nurses.

Brenna and Levi.

Brittney and Levi.

Oh yeah, those lungs work great!

Mom with her precious baby boy.

Caleb getting to hold Levi!

Dennah and Caleb!

Aunt Shirley gets to hold Levi!

Isn't he precious?!?!?

Mrs. Elliott's turn!

Dennah's turn!

Laura gets to hold Levi!

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."

~ Psalm 127:3

Coolin' Off

2011-06-06T18:39:00.000-05:00

Recently opened up in town is a water park! This was the first time that we had taken the kids to try it out and they loved it! Titus was a little scared at first, but as soon as Caleb went out with him he was fine. The kids all had lots of fun and can't wait to go play there again!

Gettin' brave, going out by himself.

Run Esther, run!

Doin' some moves.

The cool water felt great!

Sun tan lotion is a must!

When the buckets above Caleb and Esther heads were full, they would dump out lots of water!

Mr. Serious.

That was cold!

Caleb had fun shooting the gun type thing that he is holding in this picture!

Cheese!

Happy boy!

It's a BOY!!!!!

2011-03-23T16:30:00.000-05:00

Mom had her ultrasound done yesterday and the baby is a boy!!! We are all super excited, especially these two little boys, can you tell?

Here's Titus eating his breakfast this morning!

Caleb, playing outside this afternoon. His teeth are coming in :)

Here is the new baby! He already looks like a Chatham, can you tell?

2011-03-21T12:20:00.001-05:00

There is a new poll on the sidebar!!! Vote soon!!!

Titus' One Year Pictures

2011-03-10T19:35:00.000-06:00

Here are the pictures from Titus' one year photo shoot!! He is such a sweet little guy!!! He is getting really close to starting to walk! Where does the time go?

Titus' One Year Pictures

2011-03-08T13:38:00.000-06:00

Head over to Brittney's blog to see a sneak peek from Titus' one year photo shoot! More photos coming soon!

Happy Birthday, Titus!!!!!!

2011-03-07T16:51:00.000-06:00

Today we are celebrating Titus' first birthday!!! Happy Birthday, buddy!!! I can't believe this little guy is already turning one, it seems like he was just born yesterday!!! This past year sure has flown by fast!!! Titus will be a big brother in a few months, Lord willing!!!

Fun With Friends :)

2011-02-28T18:37:00.000-06:00

We were blessed to spend most of today with our good friends the Burnett's, Elliott's, and Gloria Fagala!!! We had a great time going to the OKC zoo and seeing all of the animals!!! There are so many amazing animals that the Lord has created, and we had fun watching a few of them!!!

Here is some of our group . . .

These guys were pretty cool looking!

Carinna, Lillie, and Gloria.

Another group shot.

Camie and Esther, best friends!!!

This guy looks grumpier that he really was :)

Gloria . . .

Brittney and Lillie, BFF!!!

Look at that milky face!!!

Brenna.

Jessie . . .

Clay . . . isn't he cute?

This looked interesting . . . a snake in the middle of two turtles!

Charity and Gloria!

All of the boys, who were quite outnumbered by the girls!!!

Emma, Esther, and Camie!!!

Look at him!!!

All of the Mom's!!!

Having fun on the playground after walking through the zoo!!!

Titus Eating Breakfast

2011-02-14T10:14:00.002-06:00

Isn't he cute? Look at those eyes . . . they will melt your heart!!! This little guy has so many different expressions, here are a few!!!

Aquarium Fun

2011-01-29T13:56:00.000-06:00

Last weekend we all loaded up in the van and drove to Jenks to go to the Aquarium. Caleb's favorite part was seeing all of the sharks!!!! He loves to watch shark documentaries and likes to get shark books at the library, so he has learned quite a bit about sharks. They had several different kinds of sharks there (lemon sharks, tiger sharks, sand sharks, and bull sharks.) Caleb was a little disappointed that they did not have a great white shark, although after we explained to him that they did not have a big enough tank for the great white sharks, I think he understood. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Announcing . . .

2011-01-11T21:20:00.001-06:00

My new photography blog!!! Take a look and let me know what you think!!!

Esther's Party Pictures

2010-12-22T07:49:00.005-06:00

Happy 4th Birthday, Esther!!

2010-12-21T10:53:00.003-06:00

Today is Esther's 4th birthday!! I cannot believe it has already been 4 years since she was born, time sure does fly by!!! Happy birthday Jesse!!!

Winter Recital

2010-12-18T20:59:00.006-06:00

Brooke played a Hungarian Dance, Brenna played the 3rd movement of Concerto in A Minor, and I played Tidings of Great Joy.
After the recital, we went to Braum's with the Southerland girls and their Grandma and had dinner and ice cream.Thank you Southerlands for coming, we had lots of fun visiting and catching up with you all!!!

Quilts Done!!!

2010-11-23T11:01:00.007-06:00

Each of us girls finished our lap quilts that we have been working on for the last few months!!! Here are a few pictures!!!

From left to right: Brittney's quilt, Brenna's quilt, and Brooke's quilt

Trip To Branson

2010-11-16T17:54:00.026-06:00

Here are some pictures from our trip to Branson!! We had lots of fun!! We got to go at the same time as the Cole family, so that was an added treat!! Thursday and Friday we spent the day at Silver Dollar City, riding most of the rides and visiting a few shops. On Saturday we got to go and see the Wissmann family do their Christmas show, that was lots of fun!! Saturday afternoon we had lots of fun playing games and having fellowship with the Cole's!!

Fun With Lighting

2010-11-08T16:06:00.008-06:00

The Everlasting King

2010-11-05T06:35:00.007-05:00

I thought I would share my reading this morning since it brought me such encouragement, hopefully it will bless you as well!

Psalm 145 "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations" (v.13)

Because God's kingdom is everlasting, we can be confident that He will overcome all of His and our enemies. No foe can outlast Him, and nothing will ever cause His throne to fall. We should therefore be unafraid that our service to Him will ever be in vain. He will never de displaced and will therefore never lose the ability to reward His faithful servants. That should motivate us to follow Him wherever He leads.
(Table Talk, November issue p.34)

Today is my son's 6th birthday, which I cannot believe that he is already that old. I have cherished each moment of his precious life! Today Caleb gets a date with Mom for lunch, so just me and the boy's which Caleb really likes because he gets to be the oldest with Mom. When the big sisters stay home he really acts the first born part a whole lot more. He has birthday money so I am going to take him shopping for playmobile, and tonight we will have a birthday celebration! I love Caleb's huge mega smile, his animated personality (hmmmm, wonder where he gets that?), and I love it the most when he says "Mom, you know what, I sure love you a lot." This past year we can really see the Lord working in his life, he has had so many deep questions about the Lord and he has been working on learning to read so he can read his bible. So many precious moments but I have to say the ones where I see him seeking to know who God is and all his questions are by far the most precious!
Britt will post pictures later of Caleb's Birthday Celebration!

Pictures From The Evening

2010-10-28T20:22:00.007-05:00

Guess What ?!?!?!

2010-10-24T19:31:00.004-05:00

We got our first pomegranates ever! You're not supposed to be able to grow pomegranates in Oklahoma, but Dad thought that they could grow here, and they did!!!!

What Caleb is doing . . .

2010-10-23T15:31:00.002-05:00

Here is what Caleb is currently doing. . . well, he is supposed to be hunting with Dad, but I guess he decided to take a nap.

Brooke's Fall Pictures

2010-10-22T17:52:00.007-05:00

Brooke/Grandma's Party Pictures

2010-10-22T09:03:00.009-05:00

Brooke started her day going over to Norman with Mom. They went and picked up Brooke's ring that Mom and Dad got her, then they picked up the cake and party supplies, and last they went to Panera Bread for lunch. Brooke had lots of fun! Yesterday evening we had Brooke and Grandma's birthday party. Uncle Richard's family and Aunt Karen's family came for dinner, Brooke and Grandma opened their presents, and then we all had dessert!! So, here are the party pictures!! I did Brooke's 16th birthday portraits, so hopefully I will be posting those sometime tomorrow!!

Happy Birthday Brooke and Grandma!!!

2010-10-21T22:10:00.003-05:00

Party pictures coming tomorrow!!!

Family Picture, Fall 2010

2010-10-18T12:43:00.002-05:00

Fire Station

2010-10-09T11:28:00.003-05:00

We went to the fire station yesterday with the Cole's!! Caleb and Esther had lots of fun!! We were there for about one hour altogether and Esther wanted to stay at the fire station, I guess she thought there was still more stuff to see!!!

Caleb's Fall Pictures

2010-09-30T18:24:00.008-05:00

Here are Caleb's Fall pictures that I did the other day. He is such a little man!!!

Titus' 6 Month Pictures

2010-09-15T20:23:00.006-05:00

Esther's Fall Pictures

2010-09-11T10:19:00.009-05:00

Here are Esther's Fall pictures that I took this morning. She has the cutest curly hair!!

Chatham Family Visit

2010-08-29T20:01:00.009-05:00

Uncle Paul, Aunt Lynn, and Rachael came to visit and we had lots of fun while they were here!!! They arrived on Saturday evening and we stayed up late and played games that night. On Sunday, Uncle Richard, Aunt Shirley, Laura, and Daniel came over to play games and BBQ with us. After we ate lunch, all of the girls loaded up in the van and went to Orange Tree Frozen Yogurt, that was lots of fun!! After we got back home, we played some six handed Rook, a Chatham family tradition!!!

Watermelons

2010-07-31T14:17:00.005-05:00

Esther and I picked watermelons this afternoon and we got a wheelbarrow full!! Esther got some new pajama's yesterday and she has been wearing her pajama shirt all day, she would not even change her shirt to pick the watermelons!!!

Cookie Cutters

2010-07-29T10:29:00.006-05:00

Do you think we all look alike???? The pictures are in birth order.

Happy 4th Of July!!!

2010-07-05T16:17:00.015-05:00

The Elliott's hosted a GREAT 4th of July celebration this year!!! Thank you for hosting, Elliott Family! We went down on Saturday morning to help the Elliott's get ready for the 4th and to spend some time with them, that was LOTS of fun!!!! The party started around 4 p.m and went until about 11 p.m, we started off with visiting and then played a little volleyball, ate dinner, took the group picture, played water games, more volleyball and visiting after dinner, then we sang patriotic songs, and the grand finale was the fireworks!!! Thank you again Elliott family for opening up your home, we all had TONS of fun!!! We are so blessed to live in a free country where we can worship Christ as we choose.

Berries

2010-06-21T16:26:00.008-05:00

Snake

2010-05-24T19:17:00.005-05:00

Dad killed this snake out by his new shop this morning. Isn't the snake huge?

Fruit And Bees

2010-05-14T08:23:00.016-05:00

More April

2010-05-07T10:25:00.009-05:00

Our church hosted a beautiful baby shower for Titus and he was blessed with many gifts of love. We are so grateful for the families that we worship and fellowship with at our little church!
A couple more pics of spring.....I love the red bud picture! The fruit is growing, the plums, apricots and nectarines should be the first fruit to harvest.
Nana bought Caleb this scooter and he absolutely loves It, you should see him zip around on it!
Titus is growing, he is over 10 pounds now! He is quickly losing his hair especially on top, he is smiling a lot and we think he smiles like his Grandpa Chatham did. He is so adorable.........

Big Sandy

2010-05-06T21:31:00.013-05:00

Playing " Leaning On The Everlasting Arms " with Hannah and Abbie. While we were playing Brooke's music blew off of the music stand onto the floor two times!!!!

Spring Pictures

2010-05-06T20:48:00.010-05:00

Here are a few pictures of Caleb and Esther. They are both so cute!!!

April

2010-04-21T11:59:00.012-05:00

Whew........April has been a very busy month!! Our unfolding spring has been beautiful, my favorite so far is the apple blossoms, they smell so very good!!
The garden has been planted and is growing. We are praying for a bountiful harvest from the veggie garden and the fruit orchard. Should be lots of canning this year, I can't wait!!
My Mother, Sister, nephews, nieces, grandpa and his wife Patty all came for a visit, we all had a great time being together!
With all the busyness Brian was still able to squeeze in a little fishing time with the little ones, I love to see them sitting on the bank together!
Titus is doing amazingly well, he is such a good baby, we just love him so much.
It is much harder to find time to blog but I will try to put a few lines on here everyone once in awhile.
Thanks for keeping up with us!

Brittney's 17th Birthday Pictures

2010-03-31T13:55:00.007-05:00

Here are the belated birthday pictures of Britt's Birthday. I can't believe she is 17, seems only like yesterday that I was having my first baby. One of the neat blessings I am experimenting is having a 17 year old and a newborn at the same time, I love being a Mom!!
Brittney you are such a blessing to me, I am so honored to be your Mom! I love you!!

Esther's Sweet & Funny Sayings

2010-03-20T16:08:00.005-05:00

I thought I would journal some funny things Esther has been saying so that I can remember them when doing her scrapbook.
The other day on one of our beautiful weather days she had been playing outside barefoot and gotten mud all over her feet and she came through the kitchen all frustrated with her muddy feet and says "I need to go wash my foots" and with a sigh "they are all dirty"
The other sweet thing she said was to Titus, "Oh, I just love you so much, you such a blessin" with lots of kisses. She has been sticking to me pretty close because she loves to love on baby Titus, it is so cute how she raises her voice when she talks to him. I love seeing toddlers with babies!

At bed time we sort of all go to bed at the same time so when Esther gets tucked up in her bed she is suppose to go to sleep, while she of course wants to do what her older three sisters are doing so she will yell out from her bed "will somebody please get me a journal?" So now Esther Journal's before going to bed and is quite happy!

We went from beautiful sunny and warm weather yesterday to a full blown snow storm today........only in Oklahoma :)

Have a great Weekend!

Titus' Photo Shoot

2010-03-17T13:55:00.014-05:00

First of all I just want to say Praise The Lord for this wonderful blessing of a precious son!! It is very difficult for me to express in words just how grateful we are for Titus. Pregnancy has been very difficult for our family, but this pregnancy has felt so "normal" and except for the last couple of weeks with my blood pressure spiking it has been my best pregnancy in 13 years. (Sometime in the near future I will have to post in the side bar our testimony with having babies, miscarriages and the death of our son Benjamin).
My first thought as soon as I heard Titus let out his first cry, was "Praise You Lord", this precious baby is worth all the work and all the pain we have been through. I am so thankful for the strength and faith he has given us and his promises from his word. Each pregnancy is one day at a time, and this pregnancy went by so very fast. While on bed rest the last couple of weeks I really thought about this baby in my womb and enjoyed those last kicks and wiggles and the feelings of a child growing within your body and how it's possible he could be our last baby.
Okay.......A little bit about Titus......He is such a good baby, I have only heard him cry once at birth and since he is just a happy little guy! He is nursing very well and back to his birth weight another answer to prayer which we are grateful for. I think he looks a little like each of the children, he definitely has his own look. I am enjoying each moment with him, I especially enjoy the middle of the night feedings because the house is so quiet and I just stare at him in awe that he is really here and that I really have another child. Titus has not been put down yet because there are always a set of arms waiting to hold him (we just can't get enough of him).
I am also grateful to my wonderful husband and daughters who have taken such good care of me while on bed rest and during my recovery. I am feeling a little stronger each day and can't wait to feel "normal" again.
Thank you everyone for your prayers, meals, emails, visits and phone calls, I am truly blessed by the body of Christ!
Below is the scripture that the Lord gave us as confirmation that our son's name would be Titus.

2 Corinthians 7: 6-7
Nevertheless God that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus. And not by his coming only but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.

Titus Is Home!!!!!

2010-03-11T17:14:00.016-06:00

A Few More Pictures

2010-03-08T10:43:00.005-06:00

Here are a few more pictures of Titus! Thank you Aunt Shirley for taking the pictures!

He's Here!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-07T14:20:00.028-06:00

Titus Elbert Chatham!! He was born at 8:18 a.m, weighs 6 pounds 6 ounces and is 19 inches long!!!!! Both Mom and Titus are doing well!! Thank you everyone for yours prayers!!! Get ready, there are A LOT of pictures!!!!

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place . . . . .

Psalm 139:13-15

Maternity Pictures

2010-03-01T08:48:00.013-06:00

I did Mom's maternity pictures a couple of days ago, and thought that I would post them ( it took me a couple of days to edit them!). Mom is planning to have the baby this Sunday, so please pray for a safe and healthy delivery! We appreciate your prayers!

~ Brittney

Quilting

2010-02-12T17:19:00.012-06:00

For the last couple of months we have been working on quilts with our friends, Brittney and Brianna. We have a lot of fun talking, sewing and now we tried something new: Quilting. I think we all thought quilting was a lot of fun! Here is a picture of all of us with our quilts!

New Poll On The Sidebar!!!!!

2010-02-10T10:22:00.006-06:00

Helpin' Dad

2010-02-05T13:25:00.009-06:00

Esther loved helping Dad paint yesterday! Can you guess where she is painting?

Havin' Fun In the Snow

2010-01-31T12:39:00.014-06:00

We had a lot of fun going sledding! The ice underneath the snow made it nice and slick, PERFECT for sledding!!!

Ice Storm . . . and Snow Storm

2010-01-30T16:17:00.009-06:00

We had a ice storm/snow storm at our house yesterday. It started with freezing rain, then ice, and then some snow, we got about 3 inches of snow, plus the bottom layer of ice, which was about 1 inch thick. This makes for GREAT sledding!

2010-01-21T17:38:00.006-06:00

Esther Noelle . . . . isn't she cute?

UPDATE ON BROOKE

2009-12-29T16:01:00.006-06:00

Today we got the results from Brooke's MRI that she had done on her arm last week......Good News, there is no further damage then the compression fracture and no torn ligaments, we praise the Lord for a good report. Brooke is adjusting to using one hand but is definitely having a hard time not being able to play her violin and piano like she would like to do. The doctor said it would take about 12 weeks to heal up, that is a long time for Brooke. Thank you to those that have prayed and called to check on Brooke, we sure appreciate everyone!

Merry Christmas!!!!

2009-12-25T11:14:00.011-06:00

For Christmas this year we have SNOW! The storm got here yesterday morning, started out as rain, then ice, and then snow. So, the roads are pretty slick. We all opened our presents this morning and then later this afternoon Uncle Richard, Aunt Shirley, Laura and Daniel are going to come over and have Christmas dinner with us and dessert later in the evening, we will probably play some games too! Here are some pictures of the snow, pictures of opening presents, and I have to add a few pictures of the dogs, they are SO CUTE!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Happy 3rd Birthday Esther!

2009-12-22T11:12:00.012-06:00

Yesterday was Esther's 3rd birthday! It is hard to believe that it has already been 3 years since she was born! Time sure does go by fast! Esther requested Pizza for her birthday dinner and then of course cake and ice cream for dessert. Uncle Richard, Aunt Shirley, Laura & Daniel came over after dinner to watch Esther open her presents and have cake and ice cream with us! Here are some pictures from her party and some pictures Mom wanted me to take in her new birthday dress. Happy birthday Esther Noelle!

Violin Recital

2009-12-19T18:15:00.003-06:00

Our winter violin recital was yesterday. Brooke played Symphonie Espangole, I played Tambourin, and Brenna played Seitz 5.1.
We were on our way home from the recital and Grandma was sitting next to Caleb in the van. Caleb was making a lot of noise, talking and singing, so Grandma said: "Caleb, do you have a turn off button?" Caleb says: "No, but I have a belly button" We all just started laughing so hard! Only Caleb would say that! On the way home from the recital Dad drove us by this really pretty Christmas light thing, all of the trees were decorated with SO many lights, I don't think that there was one inch on the trees that was not decorated!

Gingerbread "People"

2009-12-17T18:07:00.002-06:00

The Elliott's came over for the annual gingerbread decorating day. We usually make the kids gingerbread houses to decorate, but this year they got to do gingerbread "People", which are much easier to make than the houses! They all had fun decorating their people! Parker and Becker are very experienced at decorating their people, so they knew to load theirs with candy to eat later!

Happy ThanksGiving!!

2009-11-27T08:55:00.004-06:00

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with much to be thankful for!! We sure missed all our family from CA! We have so much to be thankful for I could go on and on, but I will just list a few. First and foremost I am so thankful that Jesus Saves and that he has saved me, he is my Lord & my Savior! I am thankful for my wonderful husband who has been faithful to lead our family on the narrow path of Jesus Christ and who loves me. I am thankful for each one of my children that are here with me and for the ones that the Lord called home to himself. I am thankful for the life that grows inside of me and he is getting stronger every day. So very thankful that we have made it to 23 weeks with no complications, Praise The Lord!!

Brittney and Brooke woke up sick on Wednesday morning with flu like symptoms. We were thinking that we were not going to be able to go to Aunt Shirley's & Uncle Richard's for dinner however on Thursday Britt & Brooke woke up feeling better but not 100%. So we decided to keep them home and the rest of us well ones went. We had a wonderful time, Shirley & Laura did a fabulous job preparing and cooking a delicious meal!! Caleb and Esther wore themselves out with Daniel's rubber band guns, they literally crawled up into my lap and fell asleep from exhaustion. We had fun playing some games and talking. I think Richard and Brian did a lot of brain storming, I do hope they come up with some invention one of these days!! Thank you Aunt Shirley, Uncle Richard, Laura and Daniel for hosting a wonderful afternoon and evening!!

A FUN weekend . . .

2009-11-23T17:24:00.009-06:00

We had a blast at the Elliott's house this weekend. We stayed Friday through Sunday night, it was SO much fun! Thank you Elliott family for opening up your home!

~Brittney

Happy 5th birthday Caleb!

2009-11-05T18:15:00.006-06:00

Today is Caleb's 5th birthday! He opened his presents this morning since we have people coming to pick up puppies tonight. He was really exited about his toy pistol that Brenna got for him, and he loves his binoculars and new bike! He also got two new sweatshirts and a new shirt!
Here are some pictures from this morning!

~Brittney

Fall Pictures

2009-11-02T13:54:00.016-06:00

Here are some pictures that I took over the last few days. Enjoy!

~Brittney

For Those That Asked!

2009-11-01T19:32:00.004-06:00

Here are a few pictures of Brian, Caleb & Brittney processing the deer. It takes them a few hours from start to finish. When all is done we will have about 35 pounds of meat in the freezer. We are grateful for our dear friends The Elliott's who let us hunt...Thank You!! Sorry if some of these pictures gross some of you out.

Kim

All Set . . . .

2009-10-29T16:29:00.006-05:00

Caleb and Dad are all set to go hunting in their new hunting clothes!! Caleb got to go hunting last week, he had a lot of fun! He even saw a couple of deer!

~Brittney

Brooke's Birthday Pictures

2009-10-22T17:24:00.008-05:00

Brooke went shopping with Dennah last Saturday ALL DAY, and they went to the tea house for lunch, so she got to have part of her birthday early. We celebrated Brooke and Grandma's birthday's last night. Uncle Richard, Aunt Shirley, Laura and Daniel came over last night to help us celebrate.
Here are pictures from Brooke's birthday yesterday. Enjoy!

~Brittney

An Evening Out

2009-10-16T10:46:00.004-05:00

Brittney, Brooke & Brittney S have been working on these dresses for a couple of months and because they are so dressy the concert was the perfect place to wear them. The dress then led to dress shoes, head band and they already had the jewelry so that was a good thing. It was fun seeing the girls all dressed up! The concert that they went to was a violinist named Corey Cerovsek and one of the pieces that he played was the Symphonie Espagnole which Brooke has been working on since the summer. The girls had a special evening out with their Dad and they all had a wonderful time!

Can you guess what kind of snake???

2009-10-13T17:03:00.005-05:00

Here are some pictures of the snake Dad killed out of our flower bed yesterday. Can you guess what kind of snake it is?

Enjoy the pictures!

~Brittney

2009-09-24T10:59:00.004-05:00

I was going through my pictures and I can't believe I almost forgot to post the pictures of Brian and Caleb cutting down one of our oak trees that was hit by lightning. My little man loves to be about his daddy's work, it is so sweet!

Photo Contest

2009-09-21T20:16:00.007-05:00

Please vote for my picture on the Cutest Dog Competition!
If you would like to vote, her name is Bloom. Here is the picture.

This is a direct link to the photo!
http://www.cutestdogcompetition.com/vote.cfm?h=484939368A2A8B953716500612AA2A63

~ Brittney

Esther

2009-09-12T14:35:00.007-05:00

Brittney took these pictures of our changing little girl. Esther is getting so big! I needed a new picture to represent how much she is changing and these were my favorites! The picture with puppy was just an extra I threw in that Britt took, I thought it was a very sweet picture!

2009-09-11T22:59:00.001-05:00

Remembering Benjamin

This old hymn has a lot of meaning to me this past year and especially when I think of Benjamin and our trails with having babies. I am posting it more for me more then anything else. I have been printing my posts at the end of the year as a record or journal of what goes on with our family.
May we always have an eternal perspective!

Lyrics and Composer: C. Austin Miles, 1911.

Far away the noise of strife upon my ear is falling.
Then I know the sins of earth beset on every hand.
Doubt and fear and things of earth in vain to me are calling.
None of these shall move me from Beulah Land.

I’m living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky.
I’m drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry.
O yes! I’m feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,
For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.

Far below the storm of doubt upon the world is beating.
Sons of men in battle long the enemy withstand.
Safe am I within the castle of God’s Word retreating.
Nothing then can reach me—’tis Beulah Land.

I’m living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky.
I’m drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry.
O yes! I’m feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,
For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.

Let the stormy breezes blow, their cry cannot alarm me;
I am safely sheltered here, protected by God’s hand.
Here the sun is always shining, here there’s naught can harm me.
I am safe forever in Beulah Land.

I’m living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky.
I’m drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry.
O yes! I’m feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,
For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.

Viewing here the works of God, I sink in contemplation.
Hearing now His blessèd voice, I see the way He planned.
Dwelling in the Spirit here I learn of full salvation.
Gladly I will tarry in Beulah Land.

I’m living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky.
I’m drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry.
O yes! I’m feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,
For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.

Mom and Brenna's Birthdays

2009-09-03T12:36:00.001-05:00

Blowing out the candles . . .

These mexican burritos, made by Papa, were soooo good! He is famous around the family for making these!

Happy Birthday Mom . . . we love you!

Brenna and all of her gifts -

Opening Aunt Misty's

Special birthday cake specially made by Brittney!

Happy Birthday to both Mom and Brenna . . . may the Lord continue to bless both of you as you serve Him. We love you!

Incredible Pizza!!!

2009-08-28T19:59:00.000-05:00

On Thursday (Aug. 13), all of us went to Incredible Pizza in Oklahoma City. First, we ate lunch, then me, Ian, Brittney, Brenna, and Demi went go-kart riding - that was really fun! Uncle Brian took Nathan a few times, and Dad took Caleb. Seth had to go by himself because he wasn't old enough to go on the faster go-karts. Aunt Misty took Nathan and Mom took Caleb. The oldest five cousins (Brittney, Ian, me, Demi, and Brenna) raced together several times. The 2nd picture down is of the five of us getting ready to go.

Ian and Brittney racing : )

The first row (left, from front to back) is Brittney, Ian, and Brenna - the second row (right, from front to back) is Demi and me.

Dad and Caleb on the SLOW go-kart!!!

Uncle Brian and Nathan . . .

Demi and I eating our pizza . . .

posted by Brooke . . .