Finally! Some Family Reunion Pictures

I really did take pictures at our family reunion and here are some of them.
Erin

Jonathan

My sister, Beth, and her son, Noah

Dad and Mom

My Sis-in-law, Debbie, during water balloon toss

My brother, Chris, after the water slide.There was a mud pit at the bottom from all the water.

Family Reunion Pictures

Here are some pictures from our family reunion.

My brother, Chris, and his daughter, Sarah

My nephew, Ethan, age 6

My niece, Jordan, age 4

My mom and my nephew, Noah, age 3 months

My niece, Bekah, age 11

My niece, Hannah, age 15 and Erin

Some Day My Prince Will Come!

Well, while we were back east the kids had great fun at the pond at my parent's house. They caught so many bullfrogs and when they brought them to show me, I told them to kiss it. Jonathan was the only on who wouldn't. Hmmm....smart kid.

Cousin Bekah

Jonathan

Erin

Oh, how we miss them!
Kristen sent this picture to me of our

two adorable grandkids.

I really wish I would see them drive

into the driveway for a visit

but Tennessee is a really long way away.

So, for now, we rely on pictures.

I certainly do appreciate today's technology though.

Dylan is 21 months old and Brooklyn is almost 6 months old.

Update From the East Coast

I do not have pictures to share yet but Jonathan, Erin and I are on the east coast visiting my family. We are having a great time so far seeing family that we have not seen in almost 2-1/2 years. All the nieces and nephews have definitely gotten bigger. My nephew, Christopher, has graduated from high school and is planning on going into the army in September. He has already joined on a delayed entry, He has been working out a lot and is no longer a skinny little kid. I also have gotten to meet my new nephew, Noah, for the first time. He is almost three months old. So, it has been fun and I will try to get some pictures on soon. So, look for updates.

Okay, I said I would post pictures of the McDonald's later so here they are.

TO TENNESSEE AND BACK AGAIN




On Wednesday of last week, Kristen, Dylan, Brooklyn and I left to drive them back to Tennessee. Yes, I did say drive. There was not an inch of car left to put anything anywhere. After eight months living with us, she had not only accumulated things for herself and Dylan, but she accumulated a baby and all the things that go with having a baby.

We headed out at about 8:30 in the morning. To keep Brooklyn occupied, Kristen would reach back and push the button on the barn where the cow is. The cow plays music and swings back and forth. It would get almost humorous as she did this over and over again. We drove about 750 miles on that first day. I think we rolled into the hotel parking lot at about 10:00 that night. Can you say tired? That was our longest day. The next day we decided to end early and we stayed at a Holiday Inn. Kristen and Dylan went swimming which was a nice change from the cramped car.

So, what do you do when you are really bored on a road trip? What else? Eat your toes. We knew it was time to stop and eat. LOL! So we stopped at a McDonald's. The pictures of this McDonald's are from Wyoming. This one had flat screen plasma TVs, lounge chairs, video games, and saddles for seats in the children's area. Oh did I mention the fireplace? (I can't seem to get the pictures on here so I will have to post them later.)

We arrived in Tennessee on Saturday evening around 5:00. So, we made our 2,300 mile trip in four days with a 19 month old and a 4 month old. It sure amazed me! I had a wonderful time traveling across the country. The views were spectacular. Well, Nebraska is pretty boring but most of the other areas were pretty. That is enough for now. I will write more later and share more pictures of my grandbabies.

A Tribute to My Dad

Where have all the years gone? It seems like just yesterday I graduated from high school. Next thing I know, you walked me down the aisle. Then came children and now I am a grandmother. The years have gone by so quickly and yet I am still your little girl.

You have taught me so much over the years. The most important things you have taught me are about our Christian walk. You are an example to me. Your love for our Lord Jesus is so evident in all you do. I thank you for giving me a Christian heritage in which to walk in. I also want to thank you for loving mom the way you do. That is one of your most precious gifts. You set an example that has carried on in your children's marriages.

"The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him." (Solomon - Proverbs 20:7 NKJV) I am truly blessed.

"To be in your children's memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today." (Barbara Johnson) Thank you Dad, for continuing to be in my life even though the miles separate us. You have made efforts that mean so much to me and make those miles seem closer.

Happy Father's Day!

Spc. Taylor A. Bradley

As Memorial Day approaches, I want to take time to thank our son-in-law, Taylor, for his service in the United States Army. Taylor, you have given up so much to give us our freedoms. So many people take their freedoms for granted, but I see first hand the things you give up to serve your country for us. We have done our best to take care of your loved ones as you take care of us. We have had the privilege of having Kristen and the kids here for the last eight months. Thinking about them leaving and going back to Tennessee is bitter sweet. It means we will not see them every day but it also means that you will be home from Iraq soon. We will dearly miss them but I know that Kristen will send pictures and the web cam is such a great tool that keeps us close. We are so proud of you and we thank the Lord for all He is doing in your life. You are not the same man that married our daughter, you are a better man. You have become a man longing to do God's will and to raise his family for the Lord. That is so much greater a service to us than even your job in serving your country. We are proud of you and we love you and miss you. May God keep you safe during the rest of your time in Iraq and may He bring you home safely.

How We Recall

by ©2004 Roger J. Robicheau

(Sp 5, US Army)

How we recall that day we swore

To serve our country to the core

That clothing issued brought a view

Of raw recruits, this showed so true

Remembered hair was cut away

This look for quite awhile would stay

Our trek before too long did show

New GI’s marching, row by row

And then one day emerged a form

Each proud trained troop in uniform

We followed orders as we should

To do our best, in pride we would

Some served in peace, some went to war

Brave heroes passed through Heaven’s door

We cherished friends who served with us

Great buddies all, how we’d discuss

So many thoughts will never wane

For what we shared, let closeness reign

Our bond was tight, the best to see

For when we served, this had to be

The purpose was to keep you free

God Bless the brave, deservedly

Jonathan & Erin defying gravity!

Summer is on it's way. Last week, we had temperatures of up to 98 degrees. It is only May but it sure feels like the middle of summer. Due to the extremely warm weather, Jim opened the pool. Even though the temperature of the water was only in the high 60s and low 70s, the kids went swimming anyway. They sure look like the are having a lot of fun.

Happy Birthday Erin!

Erin turned eight years old this year. She really made out big because her birthday fell on Mother's Day. We didn't want her to lose out so she had a family birthday a week before her birthday and a friend birthday party the day before.

Erin had four friends come over for her birthday and they used my glass beads to make necklaces and bracelets. Emma even made a ring. It was fun watching the girls make different designs with the beads. They each got to bring home a one of kind piece made just by them.

A Tribute to My Mom

Mother's Day is fast approaching and with it come thoughts of my mother. My mother is one of my best friends. Some of you may not know it but I talk to my mom almost every day. She lives in New Hampshire and I am not able to see her very often although the closeness we share is something that many miles can not take away.

When I think of my mother, "Godly woman" is what comes to mind. My mother is one that sets an example of what a Godly woman is. Her relationship with the Lord is evident and she lives out that relationship on a daily basis. She treats others with love and kindness.

The Bible talks about a wife of noble character. Proverbs 31:10-31 says, "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for the tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.' Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

Do you have to do all of these things that are described here to be considered a wife of noble character? I don't think so. Superwoman does not really exist. My mother didn't sew a lot, she didn't buy fields, and she didn't have servants. She did however shop for our clothes, always had food for us, was there when we needed her and most of all, she feared the LORD and still does to this day. I always remember my mother being up before everyone else. During that time she had her quiet time with the Lord because that was where she received her strength.

My mother was never into the latest clothing or fashion although she took care in how she looked. 1 Peter 3:3-4 says, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

I believe my mom is a great example of what a wife and mother should be. I thank the Lord for such a Godly example. My prayer is to be that kind of example to my own kids. Thank you Mom! Happy Mother's Day!

Pictures of Our Beach House

3rd Bedroom/Den

Front of house

Livingroom

Kitchen

Diningroom

Master bedroom

Master bathroom

Main bathroom

2nd bedroom

It's fun being Grammy and Papa!

I am now understanding what people mean

by, "If I'd known it was so much fun being a

grandparent, I would have done it first."

Believe it or not, this is the first time

Uncle Jonathan has held Brooklyn.

Dylan at the beach. He really enjoyed his time

playing in the sand and water.

Brooklyn, and Dylan with

Uncle Jonathan, Aunt Erin

We recently bought a beach house. It is located in Lincoln City, Oregon. It has been so much fun to take the kids to the beach and spend some quality time as a family without all the demands of home. And yet, we are home so there is a home quality to it also. The kids have had fun playing in the sand, going to the aquarium, and just playing at the new house.


The kids were so excited when we went to Depot Bay and the geysers were really shooting up. If you go at high tide and the waves come in right, the geysers go up about 50 feet!




We are renting the beach house out on a nightly and weekly basis so if you would like to take a vacation and play at the beach, let us know. The house is only 3/10 of a mile from beach access.