Valentines

So we had a nice quiet Valentines. We actually went out Friday and Saturday - thanks to the YW fundraiser!! We hit Outback Friday night and Saturday we actually hung out with our friend Travis and the missionaries!! Travis made awesome Fajitas.
David got me this picture - I had wanted it since September - when I first saw it I thought of Zachary and wanted it as our reminder of him.


It came with a poem that the artist uses to describe the artwork -
TAKE MY HAND
Take my hand and follow me.
There are things ahead for you to see.
Little wonders are all around,
And tender mercies to be found.
We'll take our time, no need to run,
Breathe deep the air and feel the sun.
The grass is soft beneath our feet,
Sounds are soothing, the air is sweet.
Sometimes we'll stop and just be still,
Our hearts will tell us God is real!
Small graces along our path appear,
They let us know that Heaven's near.
So take my hand anew each day.
The walk is lovely and I know the way.

The picture and the poem just brings me peace.

Miles Basketball

Miles played basketball this year for the first time. Our team ended the season in a four-way tie for second place! Last night was our first tournament game - we won so we are in the semi-finals! Miles has gotten better - he almost even scored last night!

Happy Birthday Miles!!

Our baby boy is seven today! Can't believe how time flies. He wants to go to Texas Roadhouse for his birthday dinner - at least he has good taste! More pictures to come!!

Christmas

Christmas was very good this year. It gets better and more fun as the kids get older and really understand. This year Santa wrapped all the gifts - past years he hasn't - then we opened one at a time. Christmas lasted about 2 hours opposed to 20 minutes. The kids were very pleased and happy. Lots of Star Wars and Princess!! Both Grandparents pitched in and got the kids a trampoline which they have loved. The Christmas tree was down by five and all Christmas put away by that evening - I was done with the clutter!
We have had a good Christmas break - hanging out with the kids and playing. David has had three weeks off - we will call it a working vacation but it has been good to have him around. All the chores have not gotten done but we are enjoying time together.
New Year's Eve was quiet - our friend Travis came by and had dinner with us and then the boys played Wii all hours of the night - David and Miles did not go to bed until after 2!! David couldn't believe that Miles lasted that long.
Only a couple more days and real life will be back!!

Thanksgiving

I know this has taken forever but at least I got it up before Christmas! We decided to take the long trip across to the south to Atlanta to see David's brother who conveniently is married to my cousin Suzy! It was a long drive but we had fun and it was good to be with family. We spent the first day at a bounce house that had huge slide inflatables and we were the only ones there - we spent over 3 hours and had a blast. Then we went to the Atlanta Aquarium which is huge. The kids liked seeing it. Lost Miles at the end which freaked me out but that is another story. Had a great Thanksgiving feast, did a little shopping, and David and the boys golfed with Marc and Luke. The kids liked playing with each other and all my kids love baby Sara!

Jackson Music Program

Jackson had his first Music Program of the year. He actually sang this time but he still his very shy! He sure is cute though!

Halloween 2008

The kids had a fun Halloween - of course it starts three weeks early it seems with all the parties - I kind of find it out of control and opted not to attend everything. The kids love to dress up - Addison was all decked out in her Belle attire thanks to Grandma Hinckley and the boys loved being Clones. Miles couldn't carry his gun and candy bag because he broke his elbow two days before. I love the warm Texas evenings - alot of people on the street just pull out lawn chairs and sit on their driveways which makes it fun and easy!

Zachary

They laid Zachary's headstone this week. We also got the results of the genetic tests. He was perfectly normal which is good in the sense that we don't have increased chances of chromosome abnormalities next time. I tested positive for CMV which is probably the reason he died. There were abnormalities in the cord which the doctor thinks was caused by the infection. We can't be 100% because we were unable to do an autopsy but most likely it was the cause. The good thing is we know that can't happen again. Again we want to thank all of you for you thoughts and prayers it really has meant alot to us.

Last Tee-ball games

Tee-ball has finally ended - today was the last games. Both boys did very well. Jackson is stopping balls and throwing good. Miles is hitting pitches balls and hit a triple today. It was a fun season. Both boys really improved which will make spring more fun!

Daddy and Jackson Rodeo

Jackson's preschool had another Daddy and Me rodeo this year! Jackson loves having his dad go to school with him and had lots of fun playing the games! Here are the answers to his Dad questions -
My dad is special because he loves me.
My dad's favorite thing to eat is apples. (Don't think I've ever scene him eat one!)
My dad is as handsome as me!
I like to play baseball with my dad!