And Then There Were 4.....

Up date

2011-04-25T09:20:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I blogged! My about me is very out dated! I am no longer 45 years old and Katy isn't in the the 3rd grade. We also have a new Grandson! Oliver Fenway Walker born June 22, 2010. We just celebrated Easter and April birthdays with our family.

Our Little Skeletons!

2009-11-19T11:36:00.000-08:00

Halloween

2009-11-19T11:13:00.000-08:00

Peyton and Hayden are all about Batman and Robin! They decided months before Halloween that they were going to be Batman and Robin and they wanted Brooklynn to be Bat Girl. Brooklynn was happy to oblige. Peyton was concerned that there was no ema-ny(his word for enemy) After careful consideration he came up with the brilliant idea of Katy being the Joker!
They had a blast!

Deer Ears?

2009-11-07T13:11:00.000-08:00

Brooklynn shot her first deer. She was excited about taking the antlers to show and tell. Hayden was disappointed that he didn't have antlers for show and tell so Poppa gave him some too.

For those of you who don't know Randy, Ashley, Brooklynn and Hayden are living with us until their new home is finished. They sold the home they were living in sooner than expected so they moved in here for a bit. Peyton my other grandson asked his Mom if they could sell their home so he could move in with Nana and Poppa too!

Peyton was here visiting and he was playing in Hayden's room. He came into the kitchen with his big blue eyes shining and he said "Nana did you know Hayden had deer ears in his room?"

Bowling

2009-10-15T22:24:00.000-07:00

Katy placed first at the State Special Olympics Bowling Competition.

Pictures

2009-10-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

Ashley and Peyton were here Friday and Saturday. Ashley took advantage of the fact that all the grandchildren were here and took some pictures.
Katy

Brooklynn
Peyton, Hayden, Brooklynn, Katy
Hayden, Brooklynn and Peyton

Peyton and Hayden

Land Forms

2009-10-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

Katy's project for her Social Studies class was to make a Physical map of the U.S.
She was instructed to make a map of the U.S. using dough and to put land forms in the appropriate places coloring them certain colors and then labeling them. I should of took pictures of the huge mess she made with the paint! We actually had to put the map on a different cookie sheet because the one she used to paint it in was so painted!

Easy Mexican Casserole

2009-09-17T19:30:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from my daughter, Ashley. I made it tonight and it was really good. Here is a picture of the casserole.

Easy Mexican Casserole

INGREDIENTS
1 pound lean ground beef
2 cups salsa
1 (16 ounce) can chili beans, drained
3 cups tortilla chips, crushed
2 cups sour cream
1 (2 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh tomato
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Stir in salsa, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Stir in beans, and heat through.
3. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Spread crushed tortilla chips in dish, and then spoon beef mixture over chips. Spread sour cream over beef, and sprinkle olives, green onion, and tomato over the sour cream. Top with Cheddar cheese.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Before and After

2009-09-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

I am embarrassed to post the before pictures. I was using my spare bedroom as a storage room! It was a mess. I had several totes of clothing that Katy had out grown. There was a table with six chairs and four matching bar stools. A lot of stuff! I found a new home for some of it. I threw some of it away and the rest I organized and packed away in the storage building for a garage sale. Here are the before and after pictures.

Blast From The Past

2009-09-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

I was looking for a recipe when I decided to organize my recipe box. I found this recipe that Ashley my oldest daughter had written many years ago. She called her Memaw for a cookie recipe and wrote it down as Memaw read it to her. It was a recipe for Giant Cookies. Notice how she wrote Jiant. I was laughing as I read over her interpretation of this recipe. In case you are wondering she was 7 years old. She is 25 now. It looks like she spilled some valina (vanilla)on it or maybe it was shortney(shortening)

Volcano

2009-09-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

Poor Katy! I had her start her Volcano several days before it was due. I think maybe we should have waited. I don't know if she didn't get the dough mixed well enough or what. We decided painting the volcano would be a pain because Katy isn't very artistically inclined. (Neither am I)We made a batch of dough with brown food coloring and a batch of dough with green food coloring and had her mix them. We were going for a land and tree look! I could tell Katy was embarrassed because she asked me to carry her Volcano in to school her excuse was it was too heavy! When we got up Monday morning this is what the Volcano had evolved to. Notice the lovely cracks!

Jalapeno Peppers

2009-09-09T17:22:00.000-07:00

I am not a big Jalapeno fan but Clint is! The Kids like them too. They do look pretty though. Every jar sealed!

My Special Girl

2009-09-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

We had a meeting with the 5th grade teachers at school Tuesday evening. It was so we would know what would be going on through out the school year. They told us when big projects would be due and what was expected of the students. I didn't expect to feel so sad! I had to work at not crying as I listened to all that would take place knowing that Katy wouldn't be able to do most of it. It breaks my heart to know that she can not come close to doing what most of the other students will do with ease. Don't misunderstand I am so thankful and proud of each new milestone. It's just that the older Katy gets the more apparent her delays have gotten. I worry about how she will feel knowing that she is so far behind. She doesn't seem to notice right now.
Though she struggles to decode the words on the page in front of her getting frustrated easily she is a happy, growing, beautiful girl with a wonderful smile and friendly personality. I am grateful for each new thing she accomplishes and I continue to be in awe of how God chose us to be apart of her life.

Dear Child,You may not know me, but I know everything about you (Psalm 139:1). I know when you sit down and when you rise up (Psalm 139:2). I am familiar with all your ways (Psalm 139:3). Even the very hairs on your head are numbered (Matthew 10:29-31). For you were made in my image (Genesis 1:27). In me you live and move and have your being (Acts 17:28). For you are my offspring (Acts 17:28). I knew you even before you were conceived (Jeremiah 1:4-5) and I chose you when I planned creation (Ephesians 1:11-12). You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book (Psalm 139:15-16). I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live (Acts 17:26). You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

Branson

2009-08-25T08:37:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed our trip to Branson. Clint, Katy and I along with Randy, Ashley, Brooklynn, Hayden and my parent's and Dominic left out early Wednesday morning to Branson. We enjoyed Silver Dollar City, night shows, shopping, eating, and bumper boats.

Katy's First Day of School

2009-08-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

Katy's first day of school. It is hard to believe she is in the 5th. grade! Katy is doing great so far. I am so proud of her.

Summer Fun

2009-07-24T11:47:00.001-07:00

The Grandkids had fun playing together this week.

Oops

2009-07-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

Someone didn't get stopped soon enough! Looks like I will be vehicle shopping.

Katy

2009-07-19T14:18:00.000-07:00

Ashley and I were looking at pictures this weekend and we ran across some old pictures. Katy has really changed! These were taken before we adopted her. She was living with us as a foster child. This was also before her brain injury.

Our Weekend

2009-07-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

Ashley and Peyton were here Friday and Saturday. It was so nice having them here again. Friday evening we visited the cows. Which is a favorite for Peyton. Later we made Salsa with our surplus of homegrown tomatoes. We went to Garage Sales Saturday morning and met Clint and Chris for breakfast at Braums. We went couponing then picked Hayden up so he could play with Peyton. The boys had so much fun playing and swimming.Peyton had a bat mobile that Ashley had made from a box. Hayden wanted one too so of course we rounded up a box and a few supplies and come up with another bat mobile! Thanks for coming Ashley and Peyton we enjoyed having you!

An American Girl

2009-07-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

Katy truly has a love for dolls. Baby dolls, Barbie dolls, Polly pockets or the 18 inch dolls such as American girl dolls. She plays with them all. She watched a movie about an American girl Samantha a few years ago and fell in love! Samantha is orphaned at age five and raised by her wealthy Victorian era grandmother. Samantha befriends a poor servant girl named Nellie O'Malley. Eventually Samantha, Nellie and Nellie's young sisters are adopted by Samantha's uncle and aunt.Katy received Samantha for Christmas that same year and has enjoyed many hours of playing with her.We picked Samantha partly because she was adopted and partly because she is such a pretty doll.We soon found out that Samantha and all her accessories were going to be archived and when they sold out they would be gone. I guess I didn't take into consideration that Nellie was part of Samantha's accessories. Anyway Nellie sold out and could no longer be bought before I realized it. So the search for Nellie began. We ended up getting her cheaper than she would of been new from a very sweet lady that we met on an American girl doll forum. These dolls were going for $200.00 to $300.00 on eBay at the time! She said she felt that dolls were meant to be played with. So that is how Nellie came to live with us. She truly is adopted!

It's Hot!!!

2009-07-10T16:23:00.000-07:00

Ashley and Peyton are here this weekend. Ashley, Peyton and Katy having fun in the pool. The pool feels good in this 107 degree weather.

Rainbow Brite

2009-07-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

Look what Katy and I found at our local Thrift Store! Rainbow Brite from the 80's. Katy thought it was neat because big sister Ashley had one when she was little. Isn't she cute?

Katy & Hannah

2009-07-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

Our dear neighbors had visitors this past month! Their daughter Melisa and her family have been here from S. Carolina. Hannah the oldest and Katy really clicked! Katy has enjoyed playing, swimming and getting to know her. They left for the 18 hour trip home today. Katy is already planning what they will do when they come back next summer! I am so empressed with the wonderful job Melisa and Edwin are doing with their family. They have very well behaved and polite children. Hannah was a joy to have here.

Tshirt giveaway

2009-06-12T21:46:00.000-07:00

Make sure you check out this giveaway over at Snips, Snails and Pigtails for a chance to win an adorable Mom Tshirt for Living the Dream!

Peyton

2009-06-11T12:44:00.000-07:00

Peyton riding his bike that his Nana and Pop Walker bought him.

Fresh From The Garden

2009-06-11T12:29:00.001-07:00

We had our first fresh vegetables from the garden. We raised everything on the table. The longhorn beef which is very lean and tasty. The cabbage, new potatoes, yellow and zucchini squash with onion, beets, and spinach and lettuce salad with fresh eggs straight from the chicken house.

T Ball

2009-06-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

We watched Brooklynn play T ball Tuesday evening. She was so cute and did a great job!

Fishing

2009-06-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

We took Peyton and Katy fishing at the Ole Fishing Hole. I t was hot and windy but they still managed to catch some fish and a turtle! The Spider Man pole is defiantly a keeper! Brooklynn and Hayden were staying at the other Nana and Poppa's so they were not able to come this time.

On The Farm

2009-06-02T16:39:00.001-07:00

Summer Fun!

2009-06-02T16:19:00.001-07:00

Peyton and Hayden have had a fun time playing together at Poppa and Nanas since Friday. They have gone swimming, Ate pizza and played games at Chuck E Cheese, rode bikes, Ate at McDonald's, Ice cream at Brahms, Played in the sandbox and watched Spiderman about 5 times.

Look Nana! I Can Dress Myself!!

2009-05-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

Special Olympics

2009-05-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

Katy had a great time at the State Special Olympics. She placed 4th in her run. The Fire department came to the school to give the kids a big send off! The Elementary cheered them on!

Family Reunion

2009-05-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

We had our family reunion at the Space Museum. We had a great time visiting with everyone! We also celebrated Grandma Kimble's 97th birthday. The newest member of our family was born on Grandma Kimbles birthday and has her middle name Rose. Below is a picture of Grandma Kimble kissing Baby Calverty Rose on her feet.

Ashley & Chris
Katy Grandma & Calverty Rose
Grandma , Hayden & Peyton
Brooklynn
Happy Birthday!!

Special Olympics

2009-05-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

Katy is so excited! She will be traveling to Stillwater for the State Special Olympics. The State games are on May 13, 14 and 15th. Some of the activities she is looking forward to include eating and shopping at Eskimo Joe's, playing games,watching a movie,doing activities at Olymmpic Village and going to Celebration Night. Katy will run in the 50 meter run and throw the ball in the softball throw. Good luck Team!!!!! Go Bobcats!

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month

2009-05-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

May is Foster Care Awareness Month which issues a call to motivate, inspire and assist others to come forward and help change a life for a young person in foster care. All children deserve a safe, happy life. Young people, especially in foster care, need nurturing adults on their side because their own families are in crisis and unable to care for them. Now is the time to get involved. No matter how much time you have to give, you have the power to do something positive that will change a life for a child in foster care.

Happy Birthday Ashley!

2009-04-28T12:19:00.001-07:00

Ashley is the best daughter anyone could ever hope to have and we are so proud of her. Ashley I hope your birthday was as wonderful as you are! Here is a picture of her with her son Peyton on Mothers day.

2009-03-24T10:48:00.000-07:00

Some of you know that Katy is being tutored by a dear lady that has many years of experience in teaching among a number of other things. I could go on about her credentials and what a wonderful person she is but this post is about what happened yesterday at Katy’s reading session. Katy has had a very difficult time reading. She has trouble retaining what she has learned. Sometimes it feels like we never move on because we have to go back and learn what we thought she had already mastered. Opal brought out a book that Katy had finished last summer just to see how much she remembered. Katy began to read with out missing too many words she finished the first story. She read the second story and I was amazed at how much faster she was reading. She was reading the third story when I became so overwhelmed with happiness. I had goose bumps on my arms and tears were starting to fall. Opal reached over and put her hand on Katy’s shoulder and began to pray. She immediately thanked God for his faithfulness and asked forgiveness when our faith was less than it should be. She asked him to continue to help us with Katy’s learning disability. Time just stood still for a while. We actually left 15 minutes early but Katy read more stories and flash cards than we have ever been able to do in our hour sessions. Thank you Father for hearing and answering our prayers!!!

2009-03-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

My heart is breaking for a very dear family as our community has suffered a tragic loss. Below are some high lights taken from a news report. Please remember this family in your prayers.

A volunteer fire chief died Monday fighting a blaze inside a downtown grain bin, while his two firefighting brothers were pulled from the flames and taken to hospitals, authorities said. Hydro Fire Chief Nolan Schmidt a father of two and a local mechanic was one of five firefighters who climbed into the mammoth bin half full of soybeans at the Hydro Cooperative. Fellow firefighters later cut through the side of the metal bin to remove Schmidt and four other colleagues, who were overwhelmed by the thick smoke. The Hydro Fire Department consisted of only 10 volunteer firefighters three of whom carried the Schmidt name. "We’re a small department,” Ward said. "We spend a lot of time together, and we are very close. We’re like family. The Schmidt brothers are the very best Christian, family oriented people. We have suffered a horrific loss.”
Jimmy Murray, Hydro’s police chief, cried when he spoke of that loss.
"We’re a small community,” he said. "I want the families to know that our hearts got out to them. These guys are not only firefighters, they are our friends.” The Schmidt brothers are considered cornerstones in the community, especially at the local firehouse where their father, Max, served as a firefighter for years. Nolan Schmidt was also a member of the Mennonite brethren.
"He was an outstanding young man who did a lot for the community,” said Jeff Krehbiel, chairman of the state Wheat Commission and a Hydro resident. "He was a close friend. He was an outstanding man.”

These volunteer firefighters in rural Oklahoma often put their lives on the lines and we sometimes take it for granted.

Happy Birthday Peyton!

2009-01-31T21:27:00.000-08:00

A+ Son in law

2009-01-27T16:51:00.000-08:00

I just have to brag a bit about our son in law Chris. We are so proud of him. He is working in a church as a Worship Leader/Youth Pastor. Of course that is just the tip of the ice berg he does so much more. He is an awesome singer and guitar and piano player. He performs and is involved in many other parts of the service. He is also attending a Christian College where he makes straight A's. Did I mention that he makes my daughter very happy and he is an awesome Dad to Peyton? He helps Ashley out at home with laundry and house work and builds lincoln log houses and lego castles with Peyton. Oh and he is a great cook! We are very proud of you Chris!

Ashley and Ashley

2009-01-27T16:20:00.000-08:00

You might get confused when I write about Ashley sometimes. My daughters name is Ashley and my daughter in laws name is Ashley. They are both the same age and both are beautiful!

My oldest sons name is Chris and my son in laws name is Chris also. Can you understand how happy we were when we found out Chris was marrying a girl named Dana?

No School

2009-01-27T16:08:00.000-08:00

We went to school half a day on Monday. We were out today and will also be out tomorrow. Katy and I are already tired of being home. We want to go to town!

Head lights

2009-01-23T15:11:00.000-08:00

One of Katy's teachers shared something that Katy had said at school shortly after she had been to get her hair cut. As Katy tossed her long hair over her shoulder she excitedly told the teacher that she had head lights. Her teacher was concerned as she understood Katy to say head lice. (Which was going around school) She asked Katy if she was sure and Katy answered by telling her that yes she was sure because the lady that cut her hair told her she had natural head lights. The teacher quickly realized that Katy meant high lights in her hair and breathed a sigh of relief.

Ridiculous

2009-01-21T18:58:00.001-08:00

I couldn't resist posting this after I read Ashley's blog on Peyton's use of the word ridiculous. We were at Walmart and he wanted to walk instead of riding in the cart. I told him if he would stay with me and listen that he could walk but if he didn't he would have to ride in the cart so Nana could keep up with him. Well it didn't take long and Peyton along with his cousin Hayden (Hayden's Mom was there with him) were all over the place and not listening. I picked Peyton up and stuffed him in the front of the cart. I explained to him why he had to ride instead of walk. His bottom lipped dropped and he folded his little arms across his chest and said "This is ridiculous" So Nana quickly gave him another chance.

Our Grandchildren A Gift From God

2009-01-17T16:48:00.000-08:00

I pray for you, Brooklynn, Peyton and Hayden, that you each make a decision someday for Jesus. I believe that you will. I am confident that you will be believer’s and carry on the heritage of faith and that the world will be a better place because of you!

Yum Ice Cream

2009-01-17T12:03:00.001-08:00

Peyton and Hayden enjoying home made ice cream.

Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See?

2009-01-17T11:55:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist snapping this picture! Peyton and Hayden brought the chairs up from the playroom and sat down to read. They were both reading their memorized books at the same time. They sounded so sweet reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See! Peyton spent a few days with us and Hayden was able to come one day too. They had so much fun together.

THE WINDOW THROUGH WHICH WE LOOK.....

2008-12-31T18:04:00.000-08:00

A young couple moves into a new neighborhood.
The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young
woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside.
"That laundry is not very clean", she said.
"She doesn't know how to wash correctly.
Perhaps she needs better laundry soap"
Her husband looked on, but remained silent.
Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the
young woman would make the same comments.
About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a
nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband:
"Look, she has learned how to wash correctly.
I wonder who taught her this?"
The husband said, "I got up early this morning and
cleaned our windows."
And so it is with life. What we see when watching others
depends on the purity of the window through which we look.
Unknown

Christmas at Memaw and Poppa's

2008-12-24T21:12:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Christmas at Mom and Dad's today. We had a great time! The little ones were so excited. We had a great meal with turkey and ham and all the fix en's. We unwrapped gifts and then played Dirty Santa. Clint and Katy and I were the last ones to leave we stayed and enjoyed visiting with Mom and Dad. I always enjoy just sitting down and talking but everyone is always in a hurry. I think we should defiantly make more time for each other this year!

Nativity

2008-12-20T13:09:00.000-08:00

This is the cutest little Nativity. It is a Little People set by Fisher Price. It is very kid friendly. The grandchildren have had so much fun arranging it like they think it should be. They all have their own ideas of how it should look. This picture shows it on top of a Christmas package so it looks a little bright.

Our Christmas Tree

2008-12-20T12:43:00.000-08:00

Ashley this is for you. You wanted me to post a picture of my tree so here it is. It really isn't all that great but we had fun decorating it. Katy and I like to turn all the lights off and turn the lights on the tree and just look at it. I love Christmas lights! I am getting excited about everyone being here for Christmas. We are having ours on the 27 th to accommodate everyone. Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Program

2008-12-20T12:37:00.001-08:00

This post is a little late but we had a very nice Christmas program at school. It was so nice to see all the kiddo's dressed up in their Christmas attire! They all looked so nice and did a great job with their singing. We have an awesome music teacher and she always puts a lot of work into the program. Here are a couple of pics of our little singer!

Oh Christmas Tree

2008-12-12T19:25:00.001-08:00

Katy loves to make things. She has so much fun "helping" in the kitchen. When I saw this Christmas tree kit I knew that Katy would love it. She was very excited to begin the project. She made such a mess but had so much fun! She dropped a few cookies and broke them. The little round decorating beads just wouldn't stay put! They rolled off the counter about as fast as she took them out of the package. I gave her a small bowl to put the round decorating beads in thinking they would be easier to handle, but she spilled the entire bowl and pretty little candied beads decorated the kitchen floor. She got tired and decided to sit on the counter beside the Christmas tree. She cleaned the sticky icing and broken cookie crumbs off the counter with her jeans and shirt! She insisted upon doing it all herself and she was very pleased with the outcome.

You did a great job Katy!!

Sleep Study

2008-12-12T19:06:00.000-08:00

We took Katy to Children’s Hospital to get a sleep study. She is difficult to wake most mornings and she snores like a train! Her developmental pediatrician referred her to an ENT and he set up the sleep study. We left a little early so we could do some Christmas shopping before we had to be at the Hospital. We arrived at the Sleep Lab at 8:30 and it was 10:30 before they had Katy hooked up and ready for bed. They had an empty room so Clint was able to sleep in there and I stayed in a chair that made into a bed in the room for Katy. The room was small so there wasn't room for both of us to sleep in the same room with Katy. The technician was so good with Katy. He kept her laughing with his funny little jokes and made her feel very comfortable. He brought Clint and I extra blankets and pillows and was very attentive. Katy started snoring almost immediately. I turned on a fan to help buffer the noise! I didn’t sleep too well but it is a little difficult to sleep in a room where you know they are watching and listening to you! We haven’t received the results yet but should have them in a few weeks.
Here are a few pictures of Katy getting hooked up and ready for the sleep study.

Black Friday

2008-11-29T12:09:00.000-08:00

Yes I arose at 3:30 a.m. to be among the first in line to shop the bargains! I quickly dressed in the dark and grabbed my purse and Christmas list as I quitely left the house so I wouldn't wake anyone. I drove the 12 miles into town to pick up my daughter in law and we hurried off in pursuit of the big sales! We were excited to be getting around so early but as we pulled into the parking lot our hearts sank. There was a line from the front of the store to the back of the parking lot! Oh no! It was cold and dark and I didn't want to stand in that line. I convinced Ashley to stay in the warm car and we waited. At a few minutes till 5 we got out of the car and got in a short newly formed line that was forming at the side entrance to the store. They opened all the doors at the same time and I will admit that I felt a little guilty as we were in the store before most of those that stood in that long line. I consoled myself with the fact that they were the ones that chose to stand there and freeze! I grabbed two buggies and Ashley went one direction and I went the other. I grabbed two of all the bargains and she did the same we met in the middle and exchanged bargains. We met up with my Mom and Ashley's sister, called my daughter in Kingfisher to make sure she got what she wanted then headed for the checkout lines. We visited a few other places and were home when we would normally just be getting up. When I took my coat off I noticed that I had my shirt on backwards! I guess thats what I get for dressing in the dark. I had a good time despite the early hour!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-29T12:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, Thanksgiving day has come and gone and I didn’t blog about what I am thankful for. I am very blessed and am so thankful for all that I have been given that I think any day would be appropriate to blog about thankfulness. I am thankful that Jesus died on the cross for my sins! I am thankful for a husband that loves and respects me, who goes above and beyond to make me happy. Not only is he an awesome husband but my best friend. He is a wonderful father and Poppa. I am thankful for 4 healthy children. I am so proud of each of them. We have 3 grandchildren that are the joy of our lives and I thank God for them every day! I am thankful I have a nice home and plenty to eat. I am thankful to live in the land of the free! I am Thankful!!!!

Did you Vote?

2008-11-05T09:11:00.000-08:00

As a Republican, I will admit that Senator McCain was not my first choice for the party's nomination. But I did make sure that I took the time to go vote for him yesterday. Now I have the right to complain! I hope you exercised your right to vote. Our forefathers fought hard to get and maintain our right to govern ourselves.

Unconditional Love for all Children

2008-11-01T17:38:00.001-07:00

When I was young I never really understood the love of my parents. How wise and patient they were. Years went by before I fully understood the depth of their love and concern for me and my siblings. But as I matured and had children I finally understand and can look back and see through older eyes and a wiser heart the unconditional love and devotion. It's these and many other things that make me realize how lucky I am to have such wonderful people in my life. I wish every child could experience the unconditional love that I have had and provide for my own children. My heart is saddened when I think about all the children that have come to us through foster care that have to compete with addictions, time and many other things their parents might be dealing with. Becoming a foster parent requires sacrifices of time and emotion, flexibility and compassion. It is being able to love and care for a child you don’t know. Many children come with baggage but they all need and deserve unconditional love. As I held a child I barely know last night as she cried after waking up in the night I thanked God that I had loving parents and that through God I was and am able to be a loving parent to my own children. Please remember these children especially through the holidays and do whatever you can to make a difference in a child’s life.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T23:15:00.000-07:00

The school called today because Katy had an outburst. She has a very difficult time controlling her emotions. She had to miss her Halloween party at school. She is getting much better at handling her anger but she still has trouble from time to time. I am so thankful for understanding and helpful teachers! Ashley and Peyton came to go trick or treating with us. We picked up the other Ashley (our daughter in law) and Hayden and Brooklynn. We went to great great grandma's and Memaws and aunt Judy's and a few other special places and called it a night. Katy went to bed as soon as we got home. Hopefully tomorrow she will have a better attitude and be in a much better mood!

My Friday

2008-10-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

Ashley and I went to OKC today. She needed to get food for the fall festival. Katy didn't have school today so Ashley, Peyton, Katy and I made a day of it. We went to the mall, Target, Sam's, Lakeshore and Mardells. We spent the most money at Sam's but we bought large quantities and we are stocked up now. DHS called while we were shopping and they are bringing two little girls to our house this evening. They always seem to call when I am least expecting it. As I said in my last post we have been doing a lot of redecorating at our house and everything isn't where it should be. We have a lot of moving furniture and hanging pictures to do so I can get the spare room looking like a bedroom again. The girls played with Katy and did great until it came time for bed and then they got a little homesick. My heart hurt for them it must be hard to be pulled from your family and taken to a strange place. Morning will be here soon and it is the first day of black powder season so Clint will be up early and I have a feeling I will be too!

Catching up

2008-10-23T05:32:00.000-07:00

I can't beleive I have let so much time pass between blogs! I just haven't had the desire to sit down and write anything. We have been very busy at the Kimble house. We have painted the kitchen, dining room, living room and the extra bathroom. We put down tile that looks like wood in the living room and halls. We put up new blinds and curtains in the living room. We still haven't put anything back on the walls. I bought a few new things and I am still deciding where I want everything to go.

Katy is in gymnastics and she is enjoying it. She recently got new glasses. She was determined to get this particular pair. I planned to go with something else but she really wanted this pair! I figured she was the one wearing them so she should have a say. She is very pleased! Thats all for now. Hopefully I will keep up better. I hope everyone has a great day!

Over Night At Memaw And Poppa's

2008-07-31T19:43:00.000-07:00

Katy spent a few days with my parent’s. She had a great time! She loves her Memaw and Poppa. Katy thinks my Mom is wonderful! (and she is) Katy talks non stop so I’m pretty sure Mom is caught up to date on everything! She came home telling us about all the fun she had and showing me all the neat things Memaw had given her.

Zucchini Anyone?

2008-07-24T14:31:00.000-07:00

Big Fish

2008-07-17T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Big boys went fishing later in the evening. Clint, Chris and Randy. They caught some big fish with the little fish we caught earlier that day. I think they had as much fun as the little kids!

Here they are with their catch.

Fishing

2008-07-17T09:49:00.001-07:00

Peyton has been with us this past week while his Mommy and Daddy were in Boston with their youth group. He has been a joy! We took Peyton and Katy to the Ole Fishing Hole. Randy, Brooklynn and Hayden joined us a little later. Peyton loved reeling in the fishing pole as soon as we got it in the water! He was having such a good time. I took Peyton and Hayden into town to get cold drinks for everyone and we couldn't resist the spider man fishing poles. The boys loved them! What could be better than fishing with spiderman poles? Katy and Brooklynn found some fishing line with hooks and they would lower the lines into the water and watch the perch eat the bait off their hooks. We had a lot of fun catching bait for the big boys fishing trip later that evening.

Happy Fourth Of July!

2008-07-04T21:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth Of July! We celebrated at Memaws! We had grilled hamburgers and hotdogs with all the fixins. Watermelon and Homemade Ice cream and many more yummy dishes.
We enjoyed a beautiful fireworks display. Here are a few pictures.

Another Playground Update

2008-06-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

Clint put down the ground cover and the pebbles today. The pile of pebbles doesn't look all that big but it is 12 tons! The truck is huge but you can see how tall the pile is when you look at the man standing behind it. I think the next project will be the fence. It is really coming together. I can not wait to see the finished project. Poppa would be happy! I included a picture of Clint and his Mom. (Poppa's wife) better known as Memaw.

Happy Birthday Randy!

2008-06-24T10:15:00.000-07:00

Today is my sons birthday. Happy 26th Birthday Randy! It is hard to believe that you are all grown up with two beautiful children of your own. Enjoy every second with them because soon they will be all grown up too. I hope you have a wonderful day! We Love you! Here is a picture of his wonderful family.

Peyton

2008-06-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

Peyton came home with me Saturday after the garage sale. We had a very busy weekend and sold a lot of goodies. I feels good to have it all behind me. It was a lot of work! I made a litttle over a $1000 to put toward my living room fund. We have been saving toward new flooring and living room furniture. Ashley made $300 which was her goal. They just spent $300 on the air conditioner in their car. Not only did we make some extra cash but we did some major cleaning out of closets and toy boxes and other nooks and crannies! Peyton really wanted to come home with me and I can never tell him no. He has me wrapped around his little finger! One look at those baby blues and he pretty much has anything his little heart desires! We have enjoyed him so much. One day Hayden came over to play too. They love being with each other.

Lets Go Swimming!

2008-06-23T07:08:00.000-07:00

I heard the boys (Peyton and Hayden) telling Katy they wanted to go swimming. In a few minutes they came running into the kitchen and said "Nana we want to go swimming" I turned to look at them and this is what I saw!!!! They were wearing Katy's swimmming suit bottoms and she had tied them up with pony tail holders. The boys didn't mind at all! They were just happy to be going swimming.

Sleeping Angels

2008-06-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

Brooklynn and Hayden spent the night with us. Don't they look sweet when they are asleep? Oops I see some eyes staring back at me. He looks sweet even when he's awake!

Peyton Gets A Haircut

2008-06-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

We took Peyton to get a haircut today! We have a barber in town that cut Clint's hair and Chris and Randy's hair(our Sons) and now he is cutting our grandsons. Peyton looked so cute sitting in the barber chair. It brought back memories of Chris and Randy sitting in the same chair getting their flat tops for the summer.

Peyton and Hayden

2008-06-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

The boys had so much fun today! They played in the sand box and then went swimming. We bought Pizza for supper and then they took a warm bath. They have enjoyed each other so much!

Play Ground Update

2008-06-13T20:20:00.000-07:00

The playground equipment arrived today! The kids were so excited. They couldn't wait to try it out. Memaw brought a couple more grandkids up to give it a try too. She even tried it out. There is still more work to be done but it won't be long.

Thanks!

2008-06-13T20:09:00.000-07:00

Ashley and Chris took us out to eat at Toby Keith's at Bricktown for Fathers Day and Clint's birthday. It was very nice. After we ate we went to Bass Pro Shop and then to the Mall. Peyton came home with us. We have enjoyed having him here. We picked Hayden up today and they have had so much fun palying together! Thanks Ashley and Chris we had a great time!

Saturday

2008-06-09T19:53:00.001-07:00

My daughter Ashley and my daughter in law Ashley and I went to garages sales Saturday. We had a lot of fun and we all found some bargains. My favorite buy of the day was this Osterizer blender. Works perfect and only $2.00. Then we headed to Homeland to get in on the specials they were having during their 3 day sale. It is sad that the sale prices now are higher than the regular prices were a few months ago! We picked our first squash today. It was so good!! I love fresh veggies!

Our Grandchildren

2008-06-07T22:03:00.000-07:00

When I was a girl I would tell my Mom that I was going to be the best Grandma in the world. I told her I would wear glasses and an apron and I would bake cookies and cakes for my grandchildren. I knew I wanted to be a grandma but I had no idea how wonderful it would be! I can’t begin to describe the pleasure that Brooklynn, Hayden and Peyton bring to our lives. Hearing Peyton say his prayers and thanking Jesus for his Nana’s and Poppa’s touches my heart in a way that the best planned sermon couldn't. Brooklynn's clear sweet voice fills my heart with joy when she sings to me as only she can. Listening to Hayden tell me about his Daddy and watching him follow every step his Daddy takes reminds me how quickly they grow up and how precious each moment is. I am so thankful that God has allowed me the opportunity to be a Nana. I might not be the apron wearing, cookie baking Grandma I thought I would be as a little girl and I am sure I'm not the best grandma in the world either, but I think I have the best grandchildren in the world!

Junie B. Jones

2008-06-02T18:48:00.000-07:00

Today I took Katy (my daughter) and Brooklynn ( my grand daughter) to see Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus Tour. Katy really enjoys me reading these books to her. I met my Mom and she went with us. Our first stop was Bath and Body. Today was the start of the Big Sale! We loaded up with body butter, body wash, body cream, sugar scrub, shampoos, conditioners and wall flowers! We found so many good deals. Then we went to the Bus Tour. We got there early and found good seats and waited patiently for the show to begin. It was so funny! She did little skits from several of her books. After the show they called out colors. We were all given pieces of colored paper when we got there. The first color called was blue. Yay we had blue. We were part of the first group to get our books stamped and meet Junie B. Then we received a Junie B. pencil, banaid and bookmark before getting in line to buy some Junie B. books. The girls enjoyed the show and so did Mom and I. We had lunch and did some more shopping before coming home.

Ashley Graduates!

2008-06-01T21:20:00.001-07:00

My daughter in law graduated from nursing school! We are so proud of her!
The pinning was very nice and there was a lovely reception afterwards. She will be working at a near by hospital starting tomorrow. Here are some pictures of Ashley and Randy and their two children Brooklynn and Hayden, Clint and Ashley, Randy and Ashley and Katy Ashley and Brooklynn. Way to go Ashley we are very proud of you!

Fun At The Farm!

2008-06-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

I am so behind on blogging! Peyton spent a few days with us last week and his cousin Hayden came to play. We took the kids to the farm. They loved it. The boys have so much fun when they are together. Here are some pictures of them feeding the cows and sticking their hands in the stock tank. Katy was with us too. Brooklynn was at her other Nana and Poppa’s. Hayden said "Nana them cows get me?" I assured him Nana and Poppa would keep him safe! After feeding the cows Peyton said "Ew that yucky!" I guess he wasn't too fond of the rough cow tounges! They both agreed that it was fun though!

Let's Go Fishing!

2008-05-25T23:15:00.001-07:00

Look what we caught!! Randy my son and his wife Ashley caught some pretty nice fish today. They caught others too but these were the big ones! They caught a lot now we can have a fish fry.

Last Day Of School!

2008-05-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

Today was our last day of school. We finished it with a pinic at the park. Katy will continue her reading with her tutor one day a week. She took a test over book one and she received 150 correct answers out of 158 questions. I am so proud of her progress! She will now be going to book 2. I know there are children much younger than her that are reading better than she does but I can't tell you how happy I am when I hear her little voice read! The books she can read are geared toward younger children but we have to start somewhere. I am so thankful for the progress she has made over the past few months!

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

I hope each of you have a wonderful day!

Play Ground Update

2008-05-10T13:41:00.001-07:00

Here is an up date on the playground. The guys measured and cut out the black top in the church parking lot. They made it 26x41 and 6 inches deep. This is where the play ground equipment will go. The play ground itself will be 30x80. Next they chipped out all the black top which was a pretty big job! Then they had to get all the pieces of black top and load them up and haul them off. Next they leveled the ground for the play ground equipment. The play ground equipment has been ordered and it should be here in 2 weeks. Then we will fill around the play ground equipment with what ever we decide to use. That has not been fully determined yet. There will be a fence around it too. Here are some pictures of the progress.

Katy Is Home!

2008-05-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

Katy is back from Special Olympics. She placed 4th in the 50 yard dash. She missed the bronze by inches. She had a great time. They ate at Eskimo Joes and purchased T-shirts and other goodies. Eskimo Joes produces a commemorative Special Olympics Oklahoma Summer Games t-shirt, with part of the proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Oklahoma. The team ended the 3 day event with a dance. Thanks to Coach Sharry and all the other helpers including my sister Lisa for all the time you spend helping the team. The hours of time spent with each athlete does not go unnoticed!

Mother's Day Tea

2008-05-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

My Grand daughter Brooklynn invited me to her Mothers Day Tea at school. They could invite their Mom's and or Nana's. The classroom was decorated with flowers and the children were so adorable! They sang the cutest songs and They made cards for their Moms. They served us Lemonade and cute little cookies and chocolate dipped strawberries. I am so glad I got to be a part of the fun! Thanks for the invitation Brooklynn!

My New Look!

2008-05-09T15:17:00.000-07:00

Thank You Lindsay Kwait for the beautiful new design. You did a great job! Check out her awesome designs at http://www.splatdesigns.blogspot.com/ Thanks again I really like the new look!

School is coming to an end!

2008-05-06T15:29:00.000-07:00

We have 7 more days of school! I am very excited about summer. Swimming, picnics, garage sales, watching my grand daughter play t ball, sleeping in, playing with my daughter and grand children, staying up late and watching movies. We have a lot of end of school activities coming up. Awards assemblies, Field trips and State Special Olympics. My grand daughter, Brooklynn is going to be in first grade! Katy is going to be a fourth grader!

Can you say Beverly Hillbillies?

2008-05-04T14:23:00.001-07:00

We had so much fun going to garage sales. My daughter Ashley and my daughter in law Ashley all went with kids in tow Friday evening. Ashley and I went Saturday as daughter in law had to study for her exit exam in nursing school. Ashley found a lot! You can read about her bargains here. She was loaded down when she left Saturday afternoon. I couldn’t resist taking a picture. Her Dad told her she would have to leave something behind until our next visit. Ashley was determined to get it all home. So this was the end result of all the packing and loading!

Happy Birthday Hayden!

2008-05-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

We got home too late for me to post on Hayden's actual Birthday. He was three years old yesterday. We had a party at the park. His Mom and Dad and Nana's and Poppa's and his great Grandparents and his Aunts and Uncles and all his cousins were there to help celebrate. He had a car's cake and received some fun presents! His favorite was his ride on gator. Happy Birthday Hayden we love you!

Dreams Really Do Come True!

2008-05-01T15:15:00.001-07:00

Bargains

2008-04-30T13:11:00.000-07:00

I picked Katy up after school and we headed to OKC to meet Ashley. Chris goes to school at Southwestern Christian University on Tuesday nights. Ashley sometimes goes with him to do a little shopping. She has been wanting me to go so Katy and I met her and Peyton. We found so many good deals and had a blast! Yes I did get home a little late and I certainly wouldn’t want to do it every week, but I am very glad we went. Ashley and I both found several items for our kiddo’s winter wardrobe next year at wonderful prices. We were so excited about the prices and when we went to pay some of the items rang up even cheaper than we thought! We found great bargains at The Children’s Place, Gymboree and The Disney Store. Ashley bought a really cute pair of tennis shoes for herself with some of her birthday money. They were a good deal too! Ashley is a natural born bargain shopper. She can spot a bargain from a mile away! I love to go to garage sales with her because she finds things I don’t even see. This weekend is our town’s annual town wide garage sales and Ashley is planning to come. I can’t wait!!! Oh I almost forgot the best part of the trip! Peyton came home with us. He snuggled with Nana and Poppa last night. We are having so much fun!

Happy Birthday Ashley

2008-04-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

Today is my daughter Ashley's birthday! She is 24 years old. She is just as sweet today as she was the day she was born. She is the wife of a youth pastor and Mommy to a very special little boy, our Grandson Peyton Kimble Walker. I am so blessed to have a daughter like her. Clint and I drove to Kingfisher today to give Ashley her gift and wish her a Happy Birthday.

Katy

2008-04-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

I was looking at Katy's scrap book today and wanted to share these pictures.

And Then There Were 4..... April 27, 2001

2008-04-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

Today is a very special day! Seven years ago today Kaitlin Elizabeth became our forever daughter through adoption. God blessed us with another beautiful child. We are very blessed to have such a wonderful family. Memaw took us out to eat after church today to celebrate this special day!

A Play Ground For The Children

2008-04-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

If you have been reading my blog very long you have heard me talk about Poppa (Clint’s Dad) and how we miss him so. Before he passed away he was working on a project at our church. He was trying to get the approval and funds for a play ground for the children. He had drawn up some plans, priced and compared play ground equipment and brought it up to our then Pastor. I think Poppa only sat in on one church service with our new pastor. Well we thought it would be neat to continue this project in his memory. Memaw (Clint’s Mom, Rita) has talked to the church board and just recently got approval for the play ground! I am so excited about this. I know Poppa would be pleased. It will be a very nice addition to our church. It will also be nice for Christ Kids as the children only have a basket ball goal at this time. I will keep you updated as the project begins to take place.

Honest Ash

2008-04-23T21:16:00.000-07:00

My daughter in law, Ashley and I were at Wal-Mart today buying laundry supplies and other essentials. We were going to eat lunch as soon as we finished shopping. Ashley wrote her check for 10.00 over her total so she would have cash. It was raining and we both had carts full of goodies that we were trying to get out of the rain. Ashley had her receipt and her money in her hand as she climbed in the front seat she went to put her money in her wallet. She saw that she had a 20.00 bill. She suddenly realized that she had been given too much money. She looked at me and in the sweetest voice she said I need to go back in and tell her so her drawer won’t be short tonight. She went out into the rain and headed back into Wal-Mart to give the cashier back the extra money. It took a while for her to come back and as I waited for her I couldn’t help but thank my heavenly father for such a sweet, honest daughter in law. I couldn’t ask for a better daughter in law or son in law. They are both very special.

Big Boy

2008-04-22T16:42:00.000-07:00

Brooklynn rode the school bus home with Katy today. Randy and Hayden came out later to get her. They ate supper with us and Hayden brought his school pictures. Hayden will be three in May. Ashley was working at the Hospital. I just had to post so I could put Haydens pictures up.

A New Look!

2008-04-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! I won a Blogger template from Lindsay Kwait at Splat Creative Designs. I entered the contest at http://www.themommiesunited.com/ during their blog party. Be sure and watch for my new look!

Happy Birthday!

2008-04-19T16:42:00.001-07:00

Today is my oldest Son’s birthday! He is 27 years old. It does not seem possible! Ashley and Peyton spent Friday night and part of Saturday with us! It was a wonderful surprise! Ashley and I watched a movie after everyone else went to sleep. Well I should say I actually watched it because Ashley fell asleep about 30 minutes into the movie. I wish I would have taken a picture with her popcorn sitting on her while she slept! Clint made us breakfast. We had eggs, biscuits and gravy and sausage and bacon. Ashley, Peyton, Katy and I went to Garage sales while Clint and Chris went fishing. We ate and gave Chris his gifts before Ashley had to get back home. They had plans with their youth group tonight.
Happy Birthday Chris!