Back to School

Well he is gone.  My last one has left the nest.  I am so proud of Connor Smith.  He achieved his Eagle Scout this summer and worked all while in Austin on his own.  He did have a little help from Momma and Pappa Sloan and we will be eternally grateful to them.  It was a huge lesson for me that your children are not your own.  It's true we birth them, raise them and nourish them, but there are so many other people who help along the way.  I am so thankful for all that have helped me raise this fine young man.  You know who you are and thanks for pouring your love into him.  I look forward to see what great things Connor does in this world.  I know God has great things in store for him.  We took him two weeks ago to UNT.  I was only allowed to take one picture and make the bed up.  There is not that much boys need.  It was so different from my girls.  So what are Kirk and I to do with no children at home?  Don't worry, we are figuring it out. Life is gloriously fun and exciting.

 Maples Dorm at UNT

"The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence."

Denis Waitly

Count Your Blessings, Bella

Last Days of Summer

School begins next week.  I have been back for a month now in my new job, learning how to be a " super Principal" in Dallas ISD.  I am loving the work, but miss getting a school ready to open.  I will be at a school all next week, so am looking forward to seeing the kids.  My heart aches for my friends and colleagues in Round Rock ISD.  I also miss my kids at Deerpark.  I know they are in good hands and will have a wonderful year.   Here are some end of summer activities.

We got to see Kirk's whole side of the family at a birthday party for my nieces.  I have so enjoyed seeing Ross and Debbie and their kids this summer. I look forward to many more celebrations and being a part of their kids' live as we live closer now.

We went back to the ranch one last time before the house is demolished and redone.  The whole family came this time.  We all are so excited and cannot wait until the house is done in November.

Kirk and I took the kids to see the circus.  We liked it alot better than they did.  Check out those $11.00 snow cones.  You should have seen the look on their faces when Pops bought them.

Finally, Look how my grand babies have grown!

"People don't notice whether it's winter or summer when they're happy."

Count Your Blessings, Bella

A Little Fun and Relaxation

Hmmm what have I been up to- well work started so I have been incredibly busy to say the least.  I did finish up the summer with a little time to my self and time with my Austin girls.  I spent a weekend at a scrapbook retreat.  It was wonderful.  I got caught up on  Connor's graduation book and finally went digital! I made a cute book of the three new babies.  I really enjoy my time doing my craft and creating lasting memories for my family. I also get to spend it with one of my best friends Dana.

My friend of 30 years- Dana with Mark and Drew

I took my big vacation to Las Vegas to celebrate Donna's birthday and spend some time with my Austin girls.  We stayed at the beautiful Venetian.  The one thing I want you to know about Las Vegas is you walk and walk and walk.  Here is the trip in a nut shell.  Well the things I can show you............

That's right- we rode in style to our hotel

The beautiful Venetian

That's right- we saw Rod Stewart!

Isn't he lovely!

Still has it as 67!

Beautiful Donna!  She looks great and is a great person as well.

Viva Las Vegas

A Little Shopping

Time to come home!

We really had a wonderful time!

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” 
― Ernest Hemingway

Count Your Blessings, Bella

The Ranch

Jeremy and Luci bought some land in Central Texas near May,Texas.  Luci plans on remodeling the house so the entire family can come and hang out.  Jeremy plans on deer hunting, duck hunting, dirt bike racing, Polaris riding, and who knows what else.  They have been so sweet and included Kirk and I in this adventure.  I plan on cooking, playing with grand kids, gardening ( we will grow our own vegetables), and scrap booking.  I am not quite sure what Kirk will do.  I am sure he will go along and have a great time as long as he can watch his football.  The house will be be ready in November hopefully.  I will keep you posted on the blog.  We did have an exciting adventure on Wednesday as Jeremy accidentally flipped his smaller Polaris with Kirk in it.  All were okay, just kind of scary. Here are some pictures of the land.  I fall more in love with it every time I go out.  Right now it has no name except " the Ranch."

Boys and their toys!

Such a cute house!

Okay- needs a little work

5 ponds on the land!

A hog cage- hmmm?

The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.
Maya Angelou 

Count Your Blessings, Bella

July Birthdays

We have lots of birthdays in July in our family.  On July 4th two of my favorite people were born- Luci and my mom.  We had a cookout with the family to celebrate and it was so fun.  For Luci's 30th birthday Jeremy pulled out an outstanding surprise party at a wonderful restaurant.  Kirk's birthday was also July 15th.  We celebrated at a restaurant with the kids, then cake afterwards.  Most importantly, he got to talk to all of his children.  He was a happy man!

Paige and Connor at Luci's party

Party Time

Momses and Papa came out

College Friends and Luci's best friend Jenny

The Guys to celebrate Luci 

Brooke and Travis came in.

Abbey and Justin came in

Kirk's birthday cake

Count your Blessings, Bella

Up and Down 35 Again!

Well Kirk and I made the trek last weekend down 35 to Austin and San Antonio.  We saw Brooke, Travis, and the boys in San Antonio on Friday/Saturday, then up to Austin on Saturday to see Abbey, Justin, Wyatt and Connor.  We had such a great time.  As I have said before, my girls are always so hospitable.  Brooke made a cake for her daddy and Travis made the best red fish I have ever had.  Abbey made a delicious pot roast and got her daddy special ice cream.  Luci took care of the dogs and gave them some loving.  We had a great visit and were able to get our stuff out of the house in Austin.  It was a little bittersweet saying goodbye to a place with such great memories.

Hudson loves to mow the lawn with his daddy!

A little direction from daddy

Caleb is crawling

Oh how Sweet it is!

Bless sweet Wyatt


Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence.
Pope John Paul II 
 


Count your Blessings, Bella

Park Days

We have had some great days at the park in July.  We went to a water park in Allen, A dog park called mutts where you can sit and drink a beer and they have handlers that watch the dogs and scoop the poop, and a city park built above a tunnel.  Such fun places!

“A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men.” 
― Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator
Count Your Blessings, Bella