Well, today was the Jr. Sr. Prom at Omaha. Brian was Hannah's date. She is such a beautiful young lady. She called me a couple of weeks ago and asked me if I would take some pictures of them. I was so excited. Had big plans of several places outside but had to change my plans. It has stormed and rained off and on all day today. There was a break in the rain at about 4 pm when she got here to we got to go outside but the wind was blowing so hard and it was cold. Still very pleased with the pictures that I did take.

I so miss Drew. Didn't get to see him last weekend because we were in Texas. Haven't got to see his this weekend yet either. Makes me sad. I visited with Kayla tonight. She is feeling like I have felt for many years and the way many working moms feel I am sure. So pulled between work and helping provide for her family and feeling the want and need to stay home with Drew. And I talked to Kristin and as of right now, she and Brandon are planning on coming up next weekend.

12 hours!

I love love love this time of year. I went to Kayla's after work today and helped her with Drew while she planted flowers. Their little house is so cute. She has three hanging baskets on her porch and then two pots of flowers in front of her house. I will post pictures when they grow a little.

However, the most important news of the day is . . . . Drew slept ALL night! Here is Kayla's face book post . . . . "i have to let my momma friends know that . . . DREW SLEPT ALL NIGHT!!! Asleep at 8:30 pm and I only got up once to feed him at 6:15 am. He went back to sleep and is still sleeping now at 8:25 am!!! THAT'S 12 HOURS FOLKS!!!!"

I remember when my children slept all night for the first time. When I woke up that morning and realized that was the first time I had been awake all night long, panic set in and I wondered what was wrong with them.

Drew had strawberry yogurt for desert after supper tonight. He loved it! Kayla also gave him his first finger food. They were little air puff things. He chased them around on his tray forever before he could ever get it to his mouth. It was so funny to watch him. He is so adorable!

Kristin got her counter tops finished. Richard bought her some stuff to "paint" her butcher block counter tops with. Suppose to look like granite. She is so pleased with the way they turned out. I am happy for her. It will be interesting to see how they wear with everyday use.

Talented Young Man

I am dedicating this post to my youngest, Brian. I am so proud of him. Below are pictures of a project he just completed. He bought a totaled truck on April 1, 2010. It is a 2006 Dodge with 60,000 miles, paid $9,500. Spent another $4,000 for parts. This is an automatic, diesel, four-wheel drive. Just after six days, look at the transformation! Of course, a couple of his buddies helped him, a lot; Aaron Huffman and Austin Williamson. Awesome friends!

I am so proud of him. When he starts something like this, I have never seen anyone so dedicated and focused on a project. He has such a talent. I am so thankful that his daddy has taught him those skills. So proud that they have spent endless hours together in the shop working on numerous different projects. These pictures in no way show the detail and all of the prep work that went into this. Nor does it adequately display the skills this young man has to do this stuff. Anyway, you can say, I am one proud momma.

Family

I love my family. I am so blessed! This was a wonderful weekend. Lots of sunshine and temps in the upper 70's, lower 80's. Kayla called and wanted me to keep Drew on Saturday morning as she needed to get some things done in preparation for company at her house that evening. Of course, I jumped at the chance. So I got to keep him until about 1:30. Kristin was coming home and had planned on going shopping and wanted me to go with her. She got to play with Drew a little while before we left. And she finally got to feed him, she thought that would be so fun.
So below are some pictures from this weekend.
Kayla and I measured Drew on Sunday; he was 29 1/4 inches tall (long).
The next two pictures are of Kristin feeding Drew. He was so funny. This was lunch and he had sweet potatoes and green peas.

Drew was fascinated with Kristin's necklace.

Another Year Older

My baby turned 20 today. We are through with the teenage years. We have had a teenager since 1996! That is 13 1/2 years! I have such mixed feelings tonight. I am very sad for that part of my life to be over. However, I am excited to see what the next phase has in store for us. I have been so very blessed with three beautiful children, all of which love the Lord. We have not had any problems from any of them. They have always been so obedient. Oh of course, we have gone thru the normal teenage stuff, but there has been nothing to complain about. I love my children more than life itself.

Easter 2010

Easter weekend 2010! Warning. . .lots and lots of pictures. On an exciting and happy note, this was my first Easter as a Nana (Grandma)! Drew was a little young this year but wait until next year. On a sad note, this was the first Easter that all of our children weren't with us. I missed Kristin. I missed getting to take a family picture. But thank goodness Richard and I got to go see them on Saturday. She and Brandon were in their churches Easter production. Brandon, again this year played the part of Jesus. I still can't watch or listen to all of this. The tears just start flowing and won't stop. I seem to have no control. Brandon did such a wonderful job. Here are a couple of pictures.

This is my awesome husband and wonderful father to my children. We are on our way to church. It was a beautiful Lord's day.

Here is Drew. This was his first Easter basket/bucket. He is 6 months old here. Darling Easter outfit!

The Easter bunny brought him a pair of sunglasses, a couple of books, a new swimsuit with a hat, and a new summer outfit. And look at his shoes. Just darling!

Mother and son. What an awesome blessing.

And an updated five generation picture. Great-Great Grandma Opal, Great Grandpa Jerry, Grandpa Richard, Kayla and Drew. Family. . . such a blessing.

And Kayla and Drew again. He was in such a good mood, at least long enough to get a few pictures.

And this was his first encounter with grass. Itchy, scratchy, grass. Not to sure what to think about it.

Kristin labeled this picture "Crazy Baby".

And more new shoes. These are from Grandma and Grandpa Payne.

Hannah got to come over and eat Easter lunch with us. And then spent the afternoon with Brian. Very pretty and sweet girl.

And this is my Poppa. Richard and I went to vist them after lunch. My dad is
68 years old.

I had an absolute wonderful Easter weekend. I am so blessed. Thank you Lord! Thank you Jesus for so freely giving up your life on the cross so that I might have a chance of ever lasting life with you in eternity.