Happy Birthday Sam

It's a happy birthday It's a happy day!!!!
Not only is it Christmas day, but it is also Sam's birthday. It was 27 yaers ago today that you came into our lives. We are so proud of what you have done and accomplished in the last 27 years. You were a gift to us and what a great Christmas present you were and still are. You are blessing to all that are around you. You are the one that Briana looks to for advice, comfort, and strength. You are the one that Kinsley looks to as her "daddy" and provider......You are the Spiritual leader of your household, the one Briana loves and cherishes and the one Kinsley adores. You are the uncle that encourages his nephews and the example of what a Christ- follower is. We pray that God will continue to guide an direct you and that you will always stay sensitive to His Spirit and His direction. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has conceived what God has prepared beforehand for those who love him. We love you Sam, Happy Birthday

"OPERATION GRAB AND GO"

FOXY LOXY reporting on "Operation Grab and Go." On the evening of November 27th, 2009 we sat around the table planning and stratagizing as to how we were going to pull this off. There were only 5 of us (including the designated driver). How would we ever get to all the places we needed to get to and still make it back for PAPPA BEAR to go to work and the CUBS COULD stay asleep. We put our heads together and came up with a plan.....Pappa Bear would remain home so the cubs could sleep while BUMBLE BEE , TUNA, COD AND DRAGONFLY would set out to the Wal-Mart to scope things out. At 1:30 a.m. Bumble Bee returned to home to refresh , and pick up Foxy Loxy while Tuna, Cod and Dragon Fly stood in lines at Wal-Mart waiting for the big moment. At 3:30 a.m. Foxy Loxy and Bumble Bee pulled out of the driveway and headed for Old Navy and Sears and Operation Grab and Go was well under way. However, while standing in line at Sears Bumble Bee realized the place in the store we needed to be was at the OTHER door. No problem Bumble Bee headed over to the other door, which enabled her to get what she needed ASAP. Finally the doors opened and big items were purchased. Bumble Bee then dropped Foxy Loxy off at home so Pappa Bear could go to work and Foxy Loxy would stay home with the little cubs while they SLEPT peacefully and snuggly in their beds. At 5:30 P.M. Foxy Loxy gets a phone call. Bumble Bee has left Cod Dragonfly and Tuna waiting to check out, while she stands in line at Home Depot to get certain items for Foxy Loxy who is home with the cubs. So far all is well at the home front.....This just in at 6:07.....Bumble Bee has got the honey and is on her way home. So I can safely assume that the rest of the team has got the honey as well. Looks like everyone will get what they set out for, Operation Grab and Go was a huge success and BREAKFAST will be SOON........ Foxy Loxy signing off

TEN YEARS AGO TODAY

It was 10 years ago today that you made us grandparents for the first time....but I can remember it like it was yesterday. I can remember standing at the viewing window looking at you and wondering what God had in store for you and us....Over the last 10 years you have warmed our hearts with the things that you have said and done. I think about the times you played hide and seek and hid in the cabinet so we wouldn't find you, the times we baked cookies and ate them in the closet so mommy wouldn't find out, the times I would drop you off at day care and you would scream because you didn't want us to leave you. The many times you would kick and cry because you couldn't stay with us and the times that when we would bring you home you would fall asleep on my lap while pappa drove. I can remember the times I rocked you to sleep at night and you would have paciey in mouth and a pillow for your head AND your feet....We called you the little prince...and that you were. Pappa and I spoiled you like no other could and we love you so much. So many memories of you are locked away in our hearts. Your are sensitive and smart and a blessing to all those around you. We are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished. You are a joy and a treasure to watch grow and some day you will be the heart doctor you want to be. Stay close to Jesus, Ethen. Always listen for His voice and His plan for your life. He created you with a very special purpose that only you can fulfill. Happy 10th birthday to the sweetest grandson we could ask for. We love you

on October 27, you were 8 months old. Mommy says you are growing, you learned to crawl, pull yourself up, and you even got your first tooth :0) You are the prettiest little girl ever aside from aunti and mommy of course. We love you so much, Kinsley, and can't wait until we see you again....You are such a joy and we can see the love of Jesus in your big blue eyes.....Nanna and Pappa are thinking a pony is on order for your first birthday.......Until then, happy 8 months old birthday......

CELEBRATING BRIANA

You came into our lives officially on Aug 10, 2007. We prayed for you and loved you way before that. You are the joy of our hearts and the love of our son's life. Today is your birthday and we CELEBRATE you today. We are so proud of you Bri....So proud to call you our daughter. God has taken you from where you were and brought you to where you are now because of your willingness to be all that he has created you to be. You are the balance to Sam and the one Kinley looks up to. You are growing into the woman God has created you to be. When I see you with Kinsley, I see how her eyes light up when you walk into the room and how you can calm her when she is upset. You are an awsome momma and a loving wife. You are the one that Sam relies upon for advice and counsel, and the one he trusts with his heart and his dreams. You are a joy to your heavenly father just because of who you are, "his child." Never forget that. We are so blessed to be able to be a part of your life and wish you all the best in the years to come. Our prayer is that you keep seeking Him and trusting Him for everything and that you know that He holds your future in His hands. May you walk with Him and do what is pleasing in His sight. Know that He gives His angels charge concerning you and that nothing is to hard for Him concerning you. We love you and wish you many more years of joy and happiness.

"GOOEY GIRL"

Kinsley in the pumpkin patch
This one will do just nicely thank you!

Family

Well here they are. All Three Grands. What a great week we had. At one point I had 9 people in my house. yes there were bodies everywhere, but I didn't care. We were all together and that's all that mattered. Brother and Sister were together, playing games, and talking. It was great to see. Seth and Ethen played with Kinsley as much as they good. She has officially been named our "Gooey Girl". Aunti, loved and hugged on her as much as possible. My dining room table was full. My cup ran over.....it was a great time of being together. That is what family is all about. Thank you Lord for the blessing of family and for allowing us to have the time even though it was short.

My Friend

Today, September 10, is my friend's birthday....What a great friend she has been...I remember all the times we spent together, raising our kids together, going to second hand stores together, trudging around in the snow together, camping out at each other's homes ....having bible study together, our kids had fun and we had fun... sharing life...knowing God and helping others...that is what friendship is all about. I remember the time I went to your house and you made chicken pot pie, yum, and yes we had cashews...How funny, tomorrow, we are having chicken pot pie for dinner, no cashews though. I'll miss you but I hope you have a great day and know that you are blessed and I am blessed for having known you....Have a great day my friend. For I know the thoughts I think toward you says the Lord, thoughts of good and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.....I love you.

Committment

It was 52 years ago on August 29th, you said your wedding vows....and today in 2009, you are still togeter.....What a picture of committment you have been for me in a day and time when we all to easily give up on our marriage....the majority of those years were "without Jesus", but Jesus was always with you....Thank you mom and dad for always showing that no matter what the road is like or what lies before you, your love for each other and committment to each other is what makes it easier....The journey hasn't always been easy, with 5 kids, and I can't count how many animals, and all the pain and joy that goes with raising a family (a big family), there have been many ups and downs, but you chose each other....you chose to stick it out....you chose to support one another and not give in to the circumstances surrounding you. I love you for it...so here's to the last 52 years and the next 52 years if Jesus should tarry....Recall the years you've spent together, reaffirm the friendship you have with each other,Reflect on the lessons that time has taught you, Renew your committment to each other, a lifetime of "I do's" and Remember how lucky you are to have found each other. I love you mom and dad.....Happy Anniversary!!!!

SHE MAKES OUR HEART GROW

You are six month old today.....Nanna was praying for you and this thought came into her mind: You are the Joy of your mommy's heart and the apple of your daddy's eye. You bring so much joy to their lives.....you giggle and smile all the time, so they tell me......you make all of hearts grow and we love you so very much......Perhaps the biggest accomplishment at 6 months (from what I hear) is that you are sleeping in your own room now, naps and night time, and mommy and daddy can put you down and you don't fuss for very long before you are asleep......We are so excited that God sent you to us and look forward to what will unfold as your life unfolds.....We love you and happy 6 months.......

HAPPY 5 MONTHS

TIME WELL SPENT

It was a great 2 and half weeks with Angela and the boys.....Had so much fun playing Yatzee, Candy Land, and the dreaded Monopoly. Watching movies and singing silly songs with Larry the vegetale. Stepped on left out legos constantly, went shopping with Angela till we couldn't find any more stores to shop in (which isn't very hard in San Angelo). The boys went to the park with Pappa, had water baloon fights with mommy in the back yord, went to the pool with Nanna and just had fun being family.....Wish we could do it all over again...... Many tears were shead when it was time to go home, but home they have gone.....and Nanna and Pappa look forward to the next time they come to visit. Yes it was a great time of making memories and spending time the way God intended. Well, today, the house is quiet(even the dog is gone to be with Ethen) and put back in order and ready for the next set of relatives that should grace our lovely abode for a visit......don't know when that will be but at least everything is ready.....

OUR PRINCAPAGIA

She is 4 months old today and has quite the personality.....She had her first playdate and kicked her little friend.....Princess lesson number one will be that we don't kick our allies......At any rate she is growing and getting pudgy....but we love her just the same.....She can hold her head up and rolls from back to tummy.....she lays around in her diaper and plays on the floor......She giggles and cooes....Sam and Bri are so good to share these times with us via the phone....We miss her terribly and can't wait to see her again.......Hopefully it will be soon.

She Stole Our Hearts

Here is Kinsley Ella at 3 months old....wow it is hard to believe in a few days she will be 3 months old....3 months ago she graced our lives and has won our hearts...She has found her hands and will hold them. She coos and tries to mimic everything you do.....at least she did when she was visiting Nanna.....Can't wait to see her again and hold her....hopefully that will be soon.....

SO PROUD

Seth graduated from pre-school today. He was so proud to get his first diploma. I wish I could have been there to see him. I'm sure every thing had to be perfect and nothing out of order.....How cute he looks in his "red cap. Way to go Seth

MOTHER'S DAY 2009 THE BEST

What an awsome day, no awsome weekend, I had. It started with a "planned" trip to Corpus to spend the weekend with my daughter at the beach. Little did I know what awaited me as the day unfolded.....We left on Saturday afternoon and took our time getting to San Antonio where we were spending the night. We shopped in Comfort in the antique stores for a bit and then went on to San Antonio. We got to our hotel and when I walked in was quite surprised to see a two bedroom suite. Hmmm why would we need a two bedroom suite I thought to myself? I walked upstairs to check it out and to "my surprise" saw Angela, Ramiro, Ethen and SEth AND Sam, Briana and the BABY standing there.....My wonderful awsome husband planned the whole thing. He flew Sam, Bri and the baby from California to be with me for Mother's day. It was the best Mother's day ever. We visited for the weekend and then drove back to San Angelo and spent Monday through Wednesday loving on and enjoying Kinsley and of course Sam and Bri. I couldn't have asked for anything better, nor wanted anything more than to be with all of them. I even got my wish of one day eating RASBERRY TRUFFELS with my girls. What more could a girl ask for!!!!

Thank you honey for the best day ever. I love you.

Checkup

............At her two month check up she weighed 12.5 pounds and is 24 inches long. She is growing and you can tell in the picture that she is getting chunky. She laughs, coos and even giggles and eats and eats and eats. She definitely is the "little princess" as we have nicknamed her in our family. Her Auntie Angie even bought her a ceramic tea set to have a tea party with. Yes we are training her well. Yes, that is a satin background she is laying on....She is the "princess" you know!!!!!

Twister Anyone?

Almost 2 months

In just a few days, April 27, she will be 2 months old. I miss her so much. They tell me she is soooooooooooooo fun. I feel a trip coming on really soon......Just have to see this sweet baby.......

MISSING HER!!!

On Friday, March 27th, she will be one month old. As you can tell from the picture, she is growing.....she is doing new things like "smiling" and "laughing"....Oh how I wish I could go visit every two to three months, but financially that just isn't possible, nor do I think my job would allow such a thing. I have known ever since Sam was little what the Lord had wanted him to do and I'm proud that he is doing it, but why can't he do it so he is in driving distance......I pray that God will move him closer every day, but it doesn't seem to be happening fast enough.....How can you bond with those you love when they live so far away?

Happy one month birthday, Kinsley. Nanna wishes she could be there to hold you and love you and kiss your little cheeks, to rock you to sleep and sing to you just like I did your daddy. I love you so much.....I just wish I could share that love with you and you hear it and feel it......I love you....Nanna.

Well, it is officially the end of my vacation. We dropped the boys off in Kerrville and they went on with their dad to Corpus......It was a sad time, but we will probably see them again soon. It was a great time while they were here....I tried to make Ramiro an "offer he couldn't refuse", but he refused to hear it. My daughter spoiled me by cooking dinner for us every night, something besides grilled chicken...I really think she is a gourmet cook.....She made fresh homemade pizza without sauce, roast and red potatoes with green beens, awsome cheeseburgers, just to name a few......We played lost of Monopoly games and sorry games, card games, and just snuggled and loved on them. It was a great time and we hope they will be coming for a month or so in the summer.

On another note, from California, they tell me that Kinsley is smiling and laughing in her sleep, and they are enjoying her. She is getting to be a lot of fun.....I will post some updated picturs as soon as I get them.

In the meantime, my house is trashed, but is quiet for now.

THOUGHTS

I have just spent the last few hours with some very special friends. We havn't seen them for several years so we spent time catching up. Our kids grew up together until they moved away to New Mexico to pastor a church then they moved to Ft. Worth where they now pastor. All of our children, well most of them are grown now. It was great to share pictures and see how big they have gotten. Cameron graduated and working, Phillip in 10th grade and speaking in a "deep" voice, and we were excited to hear that Bethany will be getting married May 5th. It seems like just yesterday I held her for her baby dedication and now she is getting married. And then lets not forget Katelyn who is 7 and still growing. I can't wait to see the treasure that unfolds there. Where has all the time gone. We will be taking a trip to Ft Worth soon. Good friends are hard to come by and it was just great to be with them. We just picked up where we left off like it was just yesterday we had been together. Thanks Lord for "forever friends" that love us no matter what. You have brought us through some rough times in raising our kids, but all to your glory. Your purpose is being accomplished in us.

I had to miss the last week of Esther, but I wouldn't have traded visiting with them for anything. Sometimes we just have to make the right choice. We have our plans and our schedules, but sometimes we just need to be flexible when God says change them.......

Speaking of Esther it has been a great study and I'm sad to see it end.....You never read of God in the book but He is definetly all over it. He has shown me that His hand is on my life even when I don't see or feel Him, that he is working all things together for my good, and that his purpose will be accomplished. Esther had the opportunity to be all God planned for her to be. His purpose was accomplished through her. Like Esther I can be all He has planned for me if I look for the opportunities he places before me and am obedient to His voice.

I held her for the last time tonight.....kissed her precious cheeks 20,000 times...and told her I loved her one hundred million times.....It just doesn't seem fair that I have to leave her.....I want to watch her grow into the treasure that God has created her to be......We dedicated her yesterday. The neatest revelation about her was given to the Pastor concerning her.....He said when he prayed for Kinsley that morning, he thought about the foundation of faith and how Sam was raised in the faith and then he said how Briana was brought in by grace, and that when he thought of Kinsley he thought of her as a bridge between the foundation of faith and the grace that God gives us.....He then talked about Ruth and how the book talks about the "kinsmen redeemer" and how when he thought of Kinsley he thought of Ruth and how Ruth said, ".....Your God will be my God"..... I want to be around her to see and witness this presure treasure that God has blessed us with.

New Pics

It is our last day here in the beautiful city of Sacramento! I don't want to leave tomorrow. It so pretty here. The grass is the greenest I have ever seen grass are the trees budding. "New Life" is cropping up everywhere. I have been nicknamed the "Papparazi" I guess becuase I am constantly taking pics of this new little princess. She has grown like a weed in just the few days that we have been here. She is amost 2 weeks old and will hold up here head and push her feet against your stomach. I try to tell her to quit growing so fast, slow down, what is the hurry. We expect her to be crawling in the next few weeks or so:0)(not really). She is holding her head up and pushing against us though. Here are a few more pics we took for you to enjoy.. She had her first bath last night. We all celebrated with blueberry custard pie. Yum!!!!!

CAPTURED

She has captured our hearts.

PRINCESS KINSLEY

We made it okay. It was a long trip, but well worth it. She is so beautiful. We have just been holding her and loving her and hoping she will come home with us! I will post pics when I can figure out how to do a slide show! Any suggestions?

HERE SHE IS!

Kinsley Ella Reynolds graced our lives on February 27, 2009 at 5:02 p.m. She weighed 8lbs. 10oz. Welcome Kinsley. We are so glad your are finally here. We waited a long time for you. You are so beautiful. We pray God's blessings and favor on you. May He keep you in the palm of his hand and make His face to shine upon you. We pray that He give His angels charge concerning you and keep you in all your ways. May you grow and walk uprightly before Him and be all that He has created you to be. The gifts that He has placed inside of you, may you learn and descern what they are and may they grow and develop and may you walk in the "destiny that He has planned for you. In Jesus Name.

"THE PRINCESS HAS ARRIVED"

That is correct, this just in from Sacramento, California. Word has it that Kinsley Ella Reynolds graced our lives on Friday February 27 at 5:02 p.m. weighing in at 8lbs 10 ounces. She weighed almost as big as her daddy did when he was born less .5 ounces. No pictures yet of this fantastic long awaited event, but those will be coming soon, as nanna and pappa will be going to see her in just a few days. Momma and daddy are doing well. A bit tired, but that is to be expected. More on this breaking news later.

ANTICIPATION

Today is the day!!! As we anticipate her arrival I can't help but think of the scripture in ps 139:13-16, You created my inmost being.....all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. All of the days God worked and created and formed Kinsley's inner part of her, will come to a head soon. Everything is ready for her, room is ready, clothes hung in closet, momma is 100% effaced and 1 cm as of yesterday and very anxious for this to be OVER. This weekend would be a great time to be born. I can't help but wonder what is like for God. If we are this anxious about a baby being born and ready to meet her, how he must be anticipating that day when we will be home with Him.

I wonder continually what will she be like. Who will she look like. What will her personality be. Who would of though that being a grandparent was this much fun.

Lord as this time comes to an end, be with Kinsley as You deliver her to us. Keep your hand upon her as she travels. Let everything go smoothly. Give Bri the strength she needs to deliver her into this world. Give Sam the CALMNESS and COMPASSION he needs to encourage and keep Bri focused. Help him to let go of other responsibilities for the time being so that he can be what Bri needs him to be. And thank you Lord for this precious gift that you are giving to us.

Almost here

She'll be here in one week. What will you think of us Kinsley. I know what we think of you. There isn't a day or moment I don't think about you and what you will be like. I can't wait to see you and hold you and shower our love on you. We have waited a long time for you and prayed for you. I wonder you will look like. As you grow, what will your interests be. I wonder what color your hair will you have and your eyes, I bet will sparkle and light up when you see your daddy. And oh how you will laugh and giggle when mommy holds you. I wonder what your personality will be like. Will you be outgoing like momma or laid back and easy going like daddy. I know you will bring joy to everyone around you. So many questions that will answered in just 7 days.....! I'm excited I can't wait to meet my new little princess. And oh what a princess you will be.

UPDATE

Ethen is doing well in school. He is cathching on to multiplication. Angela has been teaching him the concept using beans. He is doing well in Reading. He is one of the top readers in his class. Check this out he is reading Chronicles of Narnia series and he's only in 3rd grade. He says there are 5 girls that are "in love" with him. They think he is cute. One of them he says is "very annoying", she is constantly bothering him and wanting him to call her at home after school, and when they are in line, she is always touching him. I want to know what happen the the famous 6-inch rule. I do believe Angela will be taking care of this if it continues. At any rate, he sort of likes school in Texas which is better than hating it. I'm hoping it will get better as the year goes on. At any rate, I'm glad they are closer to home.

Calling all teachers or anyone else that can help!

In case you havn't been following my blogs, Ethen started a new school in Corpus. Very different from the Maine school he attended. He has done well on the reading portion, scored a 97 (only missed one question). Our delema is the math. He is in the 3rd grade and apparently in Texas they have finished teaching multiplication and division. In Maine they hadn't introduced this yet. There school year is different, so I kind of think they were going to introduce this in the next few months. At any rate we don't want him to struggle in Math. Math is one of his favorite subjects. SO ANY OF YOU TEACHERS or anyone else have any suggestions that would work to catch him up for those INFAMOUS TASK TESTS.

GOD IS FAITHFUL

I've been praying for Ethen especially this week as he started a new school on Monday. The first day was pretty rough, so I've been praying that God would reveal himself to Ethen and do something special for him each day. Today in the lunch room some boys called him over to eat with them. Another student in Ethen's class who (by God's design) is one of his friends stopped Ethen and told him not to go over to them because they are bullys and they will corner you and pick on you. This was one of Ethen's major concerns that there would be kids that would pick on him. God again was faithful and was watching out for Ethen. Isn't that just like our God to keep and perfect those thngs that concern us. His word says he gives his angels charge concerning us. I would say that Ethen's angels were on double duty today.

He had to take a reading test. He scored a 97. Only missed one question. so far the only struggle he has is Math (which happens to be his favorite subject) Apparently they have already finished multiplication and divison. In Maine, he hadn't started that yet. So we are learning multiplitcation facts. Just another area for MY GOD to work miracles. I am confident that God will perfect this concern as well.

Thank you Lord, for you are so awsome. When I think your'e a million miles away and I can't seemn to find you, you show me that you do hear when I call out to you and what concerns me concerns you. Thank you for being a real part of my life.