God Bless Annabelle Louise

We headed down  to san Antonio and spent New Years Day with Brooke and family.  We also celebrated the baptism of Annabelle Louise.

It was such a special day as Annabelle wore the same dress that Brooke was baptised in.  The dress was made by my dear friend Mary Allen 28 years ago.  I think they look alot alike!

Annabelle Louise 2015

Brooke Marie 1987

More Pics of Bella and the boys in San Antonio:

Count Your Blessings, Bella

Welcome 2015

New Years 2015!

Kirk and I celebrated at the STARS game.

We then went to some dear friends house Mark and Dana and made some great memories.  We remembered about the days when we would leave all 8 children ( thanks Sheree Rodriguez) and go to dinner and a movie on New Years.  We would celebrate at one of our houses and bring in the New Years together.  It is great to get back together with lifelong friends and create new memories!

So I always pick a word of the year and my word of the year is:

persevere

      

be determined or resolved, carry on, continue, endure, go on, hang on, hold fast, hold on     (informal)   keep going, keep on or at, keep one's hand in, maintain, persist, plug away    (informal)   pursue, remain, stand firm, stay the course, stick at or to

Last year my word was te·na·cious

[tuh-ney-shuhs]

adjective

1. holding fast; characterized by keeping a firm hold (often followed by of )

2. pertinacious, persistent, stubborn, or obstinate.

3. holding together; cohesive; not easily pulled asunder; tough

As the definition states, having tenacity means being persistent. Some people are born with tenacity. Others acquire it. Regardless, it is a key ingredient for success in life.

I was tenacious about getting healthy and getting a principal job.

This year I will persevere in these area as well.  I will continue to grow in my leadership skills and continue my healthy journey!

Lots to be thankful for in 2015!

Count Your Blessing, Bella

Christmas Babies

Our family is so blessed to have three birthdays around Christmas:

Good blessed Kirk and I with Abbey Christine on December 27th.

Our Grandson Caleb August was also born on December 27th.

Our first grandchild Finley grace was born on December 26th.

We celebrated these three wonderful birthdays at the ranch this year.

Finley had a frozen party with snowballs and all

Caleb had a Bob the Builder party

Abbey had her favorite cookie cake and games party

Lots of celebrating!

Have a wonderful happy, healthy birthday and many more to come. Happy Birthday!

Count Your Blessings, Bella

Christmas Memories

This was our Christmas card this year:

We had a few activities at the ranch.

Packing bags for the homeless:

Lots of cuddle time:

The great ginger bread house contest:

We had a wonderful Christmas season full of love and warmth of family smothered in the love of Jesus Christ our Savior.

Count Your Blessings, Bella

Christmas is in the Air

The holidays are upon us. Kirk and I had some parties and a Christmas concert. Christmas is such a great time of year to spend with family and friends. We were able to see most of our friends and all of our family. We love this time of year. My favorite quote is "let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me".  I found a new peaceful place and that is with my family, children and grandchildren.  We created many Christmas memories. Here is December 2014!

The Dallas kids Christmas Program:

Christmas at my mom and dads house:

Christmas with the Smiths:

Christmas at the Ranch:

It Just doesn't get any better than this!

Count Your Blessings, Bella

Thanksgiving 2014

We had a lovely Thanksgiving and spent it in San Antonio with all the kids and in laws. Brooke did a wonderful job of hosting even with a new baby!  Kirk and I stayed the weekend with Brooke and the grand kids.  We really enjoyed our time. All of the grand kids were together and I was one happy Bella!

Activity #1 - making Turkey rice krispies

Activity #2 The beautiful table with thankful leaves

Activity #3 Making cards with Aunt Tracy

Activity #4 The kids made I am Thankful Placemats

"Forever on Thanksgiving Day the heart will find the pathway home." 

Wilbur D. Nesbit 

Count Your Blessings, Bella

The Art of the Selfie

Kirk and I attended a few sporting events during the fall. We went to a couple of Stars games and two Texas games.  I have tried to master the selfie to capture the events with a phone that you cannot see the picture with- you know you can't turn around the camera part.  So here they are in sequence.  Don't worry, we just got I phones so I know they will get better.  Kirk still only 1/2 smiles, but you know it captures the memories at least.

“Celebrate who you are in your deepest heart. Love yourself and the world will love you.”

Count your Blessings, Bella