Lost Tooth and "the sickies"

Provi lost another tooth yesterday. She woke up and it was in her mouth unattached. (kindof scary) Both Provi and Brayden have the flu. Hopefully, they will get over it soon and nobody else will get it.

School on Sunday Evening!

The beauty of home-schooling is that I don't have to do school within any particular hours. Now, I typically do teach during the traditional times however it doesn't always work out that way, and it doesn't matter.

By God's Grace We Celebrate!

The title of this post was the theme for Madi's party. She is 10 years old and 5 years in remission from cancer. Jeanne put together a DVD of the two years that she battled the disease. It was difficult to revisit that time yet important to remember God's grace and mercy in her life. Matt and Val both stated that they wouldn't change that time except for the pain that Madi experienced. Through the valley of pain and hardship they learned to truly trust God. They are thankful for each and everyday of life and they have learned the blessings that come through "rain".

Knotts Berry Farm!

On Thursday morning, we woke the kids up and surprised them by announcing that we were going to spend the day at Knotts Berry Farm with the Home Instead office staff. They were so excited. They even got to drive in a Limo to and from the park. I was amazed at how brave they were with the big rides. My tolerance for rides has decreased significantly and my fear has increased. The park was not very busy so we were able to go on many rides and even see a couple of shows. The King kids also went with us.

Instruments!

This year Brayden is part of a homeschool band. He wanted to learn how to play the saxophone and it certainly suits his personality. Band teachers must have an extra dose of patience because "cacophony" is typically what is heard. Dallas is taking guitar lessons and I am teaching all the kids piano. So, we hear alot of music around our house and I am thoroughly enjoying it.

Jason's 40th birthday party!

Jason turned 40 years old on October 10th. It is amazing how fast time flies. We started dating when I was 16 years old and he was 20. The last 10 years have gone the fastest. I wanted to have a large birthday party for him, so I started planning months ago. The party took place on October 8 at our home. We had a western theme with a blue grass band, BBQ, photo booth, zipline rides, and DVD of Jason's life (created by our own professional videographer Jeanne Baker). My dad built a Conestoga Wagon that we put the drinks in. Unfortunately, I was too busy during the party to take many pictures and the ones I do have are not cooperating tonight. This party was not a surprise due to the fact that I knew I couldn't pull it off.

Two days in a row!

I am on day two of being consistent with this blog. My goal is to post a picture a day for at least a year so that I am recording the "simple things" in life. These are a reminder of the gifts that God gives us on a daily basis. I don't want to miss these moments because I am too busy. So, here we go. Some days I won't even write anything, just post a picture. But today, I thought I would write a little about one of these pictures. Madison Hixson is a gift from God. She is 10 years old. To some, 10 years old may mean nothing. But to Madi and her family and friends, 10 is a milestone. You see, there was a time when we did not think that Madi would survive to her 10th birthday. She was diagnosed with malignant brain cancer at the age of 3. It was a difficult time and more than once she could've died. She has been cancer free for 5 years and on Saturday, her family and friends will celebrate her birthday and her freedom from an awful disease. Madi is one of the sweetest, Godly young girls that I have ever been around. She is Dallas' best buddy and such a gift from God. The second picture speaks for itself. We are blessed with grandmas and grandpas who invest in the lives of our kids.

Two little girls in their Sunday best!!

Emmitt Jacob Norris

This post is a little overdue but our little nephew Emmitt was born on October 28. He weighed 8 pounds 6 ounces and is 21 inches long. I had the honor of being in the delivery room. He was born at 3:52 pm. Tom and Maria are exhausted as they are having to feed him more often due to the potential diagnosis of Stadd's. He tested positive for this disease but there are many false positives. They will know more in the next couple of weeks but for the time being, sleep isn't happening. I know these pictures aren't real great and I will try to post a close up of him in the near future. On a side note, those of you who are receiving these posts by email will have to log onto my blogspot in the future if you want updates. I am hoping to make this more of a journal with more pictures but will not be sending them via email.