Family

So, I often blog about how much I love my family. I'm sure you, the reader, get very tired of hearing about them. But I don't apologize about it. My world revolves around two things, my relationship with God and my family. This summer seems to have been very busy, but still we have had lots of fun with our extended family. Some of them live here in the Houston area, but most of them live far away. I've posted pictures of my nieces and nephews but today, you meet Aunt Jan and Maegan. (yes that's how you spell her name)

My aunt and cousin came to see us and spent almost a week. I can't even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed them being here. Aunt Jan actually baby sat for us while we went to a leadership retreat one night, and in heroic fashion took on the task of my kids camp laundry. She truly is wonderful! My son fell in love with Maegan and rightfully so, she is beautiful! Gabby looks up to her, and I have already explained the HUGE responsibility that is. We even snookered them into stayin one extra night, but the whole concept of transferring down here didn't really fly. You can't blame a girl for trying! We even decided to get crafty and made tie dye t-shirts one night. Jaden decided to open the green dye bottle with his teeth,so needless to say we were dealing with green lips, teeth, and so very much more! When you vacation with the Ayala's...there's never a dull moment! SERIOUSLY!!

Wanna See..??

If you wanna see what my family has been up to this week, go to www.magnifykidschurch.blogspot.com ..There are some great pictures and a fun video of Jaden and Edgar on the water slide. Wish i was there! Seriously!

Quiet Time

Well, for the first time in a very long time, maybe EVER, my entire family is gone and I have been left at home. Edgar and both kids are gone to Kids Camp this week,and I had to stay and work. Lucky for me that my friend Deb sent her boys to camp and agreed to come and stay with me. I know that it's good to have a break from your family, but it's way to quiet at my house. It's funny how on a "normal" day when everyone is screaming and yelling and running through the halls,I want it to calm down. And now that it's calm, I really want them to come home. I guess we always want what we don't have, and then when we get it we aren't sure we want it after all. I heard a quote once that said,"If you don't have what you want, want what you have."

This morning as I was making my coffee, Deb pointed out how many times in God's word He tells us to "Be quiet or be still". I am so not good at being quiet or still - EVER. This is definitely an area that He and I are working on. What a great chance for me this week to "Be still and know that He is God". May you this week find a quiet place and do the same. Listen to His voice and feel Him smother you with His great love and just rest in the peace that His hand offers.

I love the Beach

Living so close to the coast we have the "luxury" of going to the beach pretty much at will. It may not be the beautiful white sand of the Bahama's or Destin, but it is sand and salt water. Being there with the sun shining, the waves rolling in, the sea gulls calling, and friends and family makes for an incredibly relaxing and just plain fun place to be.

This summer we've been to Galveston 3 times and hope to go at least once more. We look like the Beverly Hillbillies when we get there. We pull into the parking lot at the beach and take out our tent, ice chest, chairs, beach toys, boogie boards, beach bag, hats, and towels and item by item set up a pretty amazing site. Anyway, the more people we can take the more fun it always is. Enjoy our beach pic's. Some of them are with our nephews, Noah and Joshua. A few of them are friends, and several are just of us, the Ayala's. Seriously....WE LOVE THE BEACH

IT'S ALREADY JULY..??!!

I can't believe that it is already the middle of July and camp and missions trips have come and gone. This summer has gone by way faster for me than the last few. I don't want summer to end this year. What an amazing one we have had. I am grateful that we have a month or so left though, and believe me we will take full advantage! We are heading to the beach on Friday and Saturday, still have several fun things we want to do before school starts and plan to savor every second of summer fun and sun.

Last week we were in Destin, Florida for camp. I was amazed at what God did in our students lives, but in mine as well. One of the best parts for me was that I got to see my niece's that live in Tulsa. I soooo enjoyed swimming, painting toe nails and finger nails and listening to them giggle. Any time I can get with them is very valuable. Here are a couple of "family pictures" we took while we were there.

VBS is the BOMB!

So last week we were in Oklahoma City doing VBS for Inner City OKC. What an amazing week! We came back exhausted, excited, challenged, and ready to do more than we ever have before. Not only did we have an incredible week of ministry, but I had the opportunity to spend some time with my family and very precious friends. If you don't have a facebook page you need to get one. Not to long ago I bit the bullet and bowed to the facebook fad. It is very cool!


I said all that to say how great to catch up with high school friends and people we have gotten aquainted with through ministry. One of my best friends in high school brought her family and met my family for lunch one day. I sooo enjoyed catching up and getting a chance to meet her family. My sides still hurt from laughing as we talked about old times. We are for sure legends in our own minds!


It was also great to be able to see my parents and my Memaw while I was there. I was however, very bummed that both of my nieces were sick and didn't get to come. I miss those little girls more than I can begin to express!

The students that went on this trip were absolutely amazing. They worked and worked hard everyday. There was never a task or request they didn't embrace with eagerness. We are so blessed to have them and to be a part of thier lives. I can't wait to see what this summer holds for them. It's going to be great.

Father's Day was quite relaxing. We went to church and then to lunch and spent the rest of the day swimming. Later that night we went to the movies and enjoyed loving on the greatest Daddy in the world. (or at least in our house. gotta be careful my Daddy reads this too, and he is TRUELY the greatest Daddy in the world!) Anywhooo, Enjoy the pic's...

Busy, Busy, Busy

Whatever happend to those "lazy" days of summer?! We haven't had much laziness yet. This weekend was no execption. Friday night was date night. My wonderful man took me to see "Fiddler on the Roof" and to an incredible dinner. I ate so much Friday night I need to eat celery and air for the next week to make up for it.
But, then Saturday came around. It was divide and conquer. Edgar and Jaden went to football camp bright and early, and Gabby and I went to the church to run the OKC missions trip meeting and training. Football camp was a success and training was, well training but we had fun. Saturday afternoon it was time to head to the lake to do some jet skiing. How pathetic that Jaden has never been to the lake in his whole life. When I was growing up going to the lake was called "vacation". Gabby opted out of the lake and went to a friends house. Once on the jet ski and tube I discovered muscles in places apparently I did not know existed. Watching me ride a tube is quite entertaining I'm told. I believe the quote was " You looked like an octopus with 12 arms and legs". Nevertheless, it was fun. Now, Sunday. Church came first of course but after lunch...to the Roller Rink Baby! Oh, yes, I got my skate on! I am still a beast on four wheels. I did the "Hokey Pokey", played "Four Corners" and "Shoot the Duck" and never once did my behind graze the roller rink floor. I amaze myself. We were there for a birthday party and not only did we skate but we ate some really good cookie cake. Then it was home to pack for Edgar's trip to Haiti. Like a said busy, busy, busy...seriously!

Sharing

I wanted you to see a few pictures of fun things we have been up to lately. There are a couple of pictures of Jaden being fitted for his helmet and pads, and one of some fun in the pool with the Perry kids and Tibbitt's girls. It's starting to feel like the Houston we've always known, hot, muggy,and very humid! That tells me hurricane season has started and the very mention of it gives me a tummy ache. All the news weathermen are giving out those free hurricane preparedness booklets. I don't even want to think about all that stuff! But, I know I need to. In the mean time, enjoy our fun summer shots.

Love the Summer...

I love summer time! The pool, sleeping late, hot sunny days, late nights watching movies, and so much more. This summer we are adding football practices 3 times a week to the list. Next week Jaden starts football practices for the sophmore squad of the Atascocita Titans. Edgar and I are as excited as he is, I think. Gabby is going to spend the summer learning how to serve the volleyball overhanded. She can do it, just needs a little practice. Not a whole lot of new stuff going on in our house though.

I have been reading a book called "Jesus Mean and Wild", and I am loving it. The idea that Jesus confronted stuff and didn't shy away from it -EVER, makes me happy. I guess watching different things go on around me, I'm seeing how many things we as the body of Christ have shyed away from dealing with for one reason or another. Wonder what would happen if we started calling sin what it is -SIN. That's exactly what Jesus did. He didn't decide what to address based on how many people or who might be offended, he just spoke the truth in love. Hoping I can start to do a little more of that! May this be the summer of truth and renewed passion for just more of Him.

SOOOO PROUD!

For the Ayala family, the 2008-2009 school year is officially over. Edgar and I are no longer living with 1st and 5th graders. We now share living space with 2nd and 6th graders. The awards assembly was this morning and both kids won awards. Now, as all parents often do, i had a feeling that they would be getting "A" or "A B" honor roll certificates. And sure enough they did. But the next one was a shocker for mom and dad. Gabby and Jaden both won the Christian Leadership Award for their class. That award is given to the student who most consistently displays a Christlike character in the classroom and on the playground. Do you know what that means?! It means they don't act like they do at home when they are in public! I dare anyone to tell me that there is not a God in Heaven. I actually could have cried. It makes everyday that we feel like the worst parents ever, because we say no, worth it. We could not be more proud of both of them. And to top it all off, as Jaden's teacher commented that the students in her classroom were going somewhere, he hollered "yeah college". So now we know he's even looking into his future. It's been a good day!

After school we took them to see the new Night at the Museum movie at the Imax downtown. It was a fantastic movie and we all enjoyed it! Edgar did pick up on the Jonas Brother's vocals in the movie long before anyone else did though. (a little strange perhaps?!) What an appropriate end to an almost perfect day!

End of School

Well it's our last week of school, can you believe that? It's crazy to me that another year has come and gone and all I have to prove it are a couple of art projects and some report cards. And speaking of report cards, I am living with 2 straight A students! Both kids have had fantastic school years and are very excited for the summer to finally be here. It's warming up and they are ready to ride bikes, swim, go to the park, and just sleep in each morning. Hope your house is as ready for summer as ours is!

I wanted to post just a few more vacation pictures then I promise to quit talking about it.

This is us at Epcot Center. It was beautiful during the flower and garden show

Me and my Brother! I love him very much!

Me and my honey. Nothing more romantic!

The Rockin' Roller Coaster was Jaden's favorite ride. (Mom and Dad liked it too)

Mother's Day

Mother's Day in the Ayala house is always quite the show. Normally, my family plans and surprises me with sweet cards and presents. This year was a little different. Since we were just on vacation, all of my Mother's Day fun stuff was given ahead of time. They got me some great new kitchen things, like a new tea kettle, towels, & measuring cups. THe best part was we got to spend the entire day with family. All of Edgar's family came over and we had a blast. Edgar grilled pork chops (covered in his new honey lime glaze he made). Let me just say no one ever leaves hungry after an Ayala get together. Here are our Mother's Day pictures.

More Vacation

Justin and I took this exact picture about 20 years ago on our first family trip. Gotta love the pose!

So here is a little more about our vacation. Spending the week with our family and friends was so much fun. The hard part was going home after being with them for a week, and having "anytime access" to them. If you are a person that takes family for granted, move 8 hours away from them and try seeing them only a couple times a year for 4 years, and then see how you feel. The time I get to spend with my nieces and nephews (Burke boy's included) is so precious to me, and this trip was no exception!

Disney 2009

(Sigh) Well, after months of planning and saving the Ayala/Graves/Burke/Gomez vacation to Disneyworld is officially in the history books. We had a blast! I can assure you that Edgar and I soaked in every single moment we spent in the "happiest place on earth". Watching the kids interact with each other, listening to them laugh, feeling those little hands grab hold of ours was absolutely priceless to us. Here are a few of my favorite moments:

Walking into the room and my kids finding the Mickey Mouse towel formation on the bed

Playing with the kids in the middle of Main Street USA waiting on the parade to begin

Riding It's a Small World just me and Chloe

Charli spending the night with us

Taking "matching" 80's pic's with Justin

Laughing with Deb when I almost flipped mom out of her wheelchair

Test Track with the Gomez boys

Rockin Roller Coaster with Debbie

Swimming with the Burke boys

Gabby singing karaoke at the pool

Jaden's smile after he got off Expedition Everest and Rockin Roller Coaster

Kissing Edgar in front of Cinderella's Castle at night

Riding Soarin with my daddy

Watching mom hold the kids in her lap as they both rode in the wheelchair

This will forever go down as one of my all time favorite vacation's ever! I will be posting lots of pictures in the next few weeks, but here are just a couple of my favorites for now.

Vacation is Almost Here

There is an intense energy around our house right now. All four of us are buzzing around and seems like we can't stop smiling. In 5 days we will be on our way to Florida to spend the week. The last minute preparations are being made. You know stuff like getting more socks that you really needed 6 months ago but put off, and now that you can't do laundry you have to have. Gabby and I have been planning everyone's daily wardrobe. Jaden really would be fine if we let him wear the same t-shirt and shorts the entire week. She on the other hand thinks it necessary to pack 3 outfits per day. Oh, the HUGE abyss between the mind of a boy and the mind of a girl.

Reservations have been made, tickets purchased, and now we endure the long grueling days before lift off. Have you ever noticed how slow the days go by when you are ready to "get the heck 'outta Dodge" and hit the road? I know I am going to enjoy every second of this trip. We will be with my parents, grandparents, my brother's family, my precious friend Deb and her boys, and last but certainly not least Edgar's sister and her family. I can't wait to spoil all my nieces and nephew's rotten! We will try and post some pictures while we are gone. Until then...ready to get to the "happiest place on earth"...(at least until everyone is tired, hot, and hungry right?)

Gabby is 11?!

Today my baby girl turned 11 years old. (I had her when I was only 15..lol) We had lunch at school and brought a cookie cake from the mall. I let her do something tonight that my mom and dad never let me do...she had a friend spend the night on a school night. (I always wanted to that but never could..) We took them to Denny's for dinner.(because kids eat free on Tuesday nights...the Randy Graves in me lives on!) I can't believe that 11 years ago toady I started this crazy journey of parenting. I can remember thinking after everyone was gone and Edgar and I were alone in the room holding her and looking at her in absolute amazement, "What do I do now?". It's unbeleiveable how many mistakes I've already made with her and yet she is truly wonderful. I hope the next 11 years, and beyond, are just like the first. I know I repeat myself often, but she really is amazing. Who knew in that tiny room in Tyler, Texas how radically our lives would change.....for the better. Happy Birthday Madison Gabrielle
I love you!!! (my have we changed!)

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! I hope your Easter was great. Ours was very stormy and wet, but it was good. It was the first Easter we can remember not spending it with family, but just with the four of us. The bad storms kept Edgar's family from being able to come today and we missed them! The egg hunt was in the gym and the kids had a great time. Jaden has learned a lot about the "crutchifixtion" and the sacrifice Jesus made for us. What a wonderful Savior we have. I'm so grateful for all He has done for us, and most of all for the fact that HE IS ALIVE!

Enjoy our Easter pictures. Gabby picked out my dress and hers on the Good Friday shopping trip. Jaden and daddy both picked out their "duds".

Academy

In my last blog I shared the oh so sad quest to find a swim suit. As I had assumed I would, I despised every minute of it. Can anyone tell me how or why the top half of a modest tankini should cost $98? And the bottom an additional $98? Yes, at Dillard's I actually saw those prices on "swim separates". The cheapest I saw in the mall was $35 per piece. If you could promise me that I would look like a Sport's Illustrated swim suit model when I put your swim wear on, I would still question if $35 per piece was worth it! After the complete disgust at the mall I strangely ended up at Academy. There I found cute swim suits that were only $15 per piece. The best part was when I tried the swim suits on and closed my eyes I DID look like a swim suit model. So for all of you that like me, need new summer wear, look in places that you might not think to look and you just might find something amazing!!!!

I am sooooo having fun working at the attorney's office this month. It's a nice change of pace for me.

Oh, Summertime!

It's time to start thinking about summer here in South Texas. It gets hot here alot faster than it does in most places. Normally, it's no big deal to drag out the summer wardrobe and endure the blazing tempratures. However, this year I have to buy an entirely new summer wardrobe. I have been working very hard to loose some unwanted poundage. The current total is right around 25 or so pounds. Although I am very proud of the loss, it creates a new problem - swim suit shopping. Ugh! It doesn't matter what I weigh, I always hate shopping for swim suits. It is difficult for people like me that tend to be a tad petite in the "northern hemisphere" and a little more rounded in the "southern hemisphere". Thank God for the person that came up with the "mix and match" tankini. They should be heralded as some of the greatest inventors of our modern era. Shopping is always fun for the most part, unless you have to take the children. So hopefully in the next couple of evenings I can sneak away for the entertaining task of swim suit shopping.

Gabs Blog

Oh by the way...for those of you that have tried to see Gabby's blog and only found some kind of "wise sayings" we have fixed it now. You can go to www.gabsvstheworld.blogspot.com and I think you should be good to go. When she calls herself "Maddi" she doesn't have multiple personalities or anything, it's just what her friends at school call her. For some reason she goes by her first name at school now. It get very confusing to try to call her by the right name in the right location and know who "Madison's mom" actually is. Anyway, she will be blogging tomorrow night so, check her out!

I've Missed You!

Hello my friends and family! It's been a while since I have had a chance to sit down and blog. The Ayala family has been very busy the past few weeks. It's funny how time seems to move a little quicker now days than it used to. Let's see, what can I catch you up on?

Jaden - The next generation Sooner, has now played 2 football games and scored in both of them. The last game he broke a 99 yard run. 99 yards!!! I was an absolute idiot. You would have thought he was playing in the Superbowl. He is loving this football thing and is pretty good at it. On spring break we went to Oklahoma City to work with our precious friends Deborah, Nathan and Jon Burke at Inner City. Much to my and Deb's dismay, Jon and Jaden almost quit being friends over a girl. It was tense for a few minutes but they worked through it, what a relief. First grade has almost come and gone and I can't seem to find where it went. He is reading very well and wants to be a preaching football player. The future should be interesting.

Gabby - She is holding her own on the volleyball court and JBQ (junior bible quiz) rotations. Her bible quiz team placed 4th in the district and volleyball is coming very naturally to her. The rules state that once you have served 4 points on the other team you have to rotate. She has done that several times and isn't afraid to move to the ball. She is turning into this beautiful young woman and at times I find myself gaining a friend. (being the mom will always come first though!) It's crazy to already be battling the "borrowing affect". "Mom can I borrow a shirt...Mom can I borrow some shoes....Mom can I borrow..?" It is too early for this! But I am so excited to see who she is becoming. She will crown Honor Star (because she wants to - unlike some of us who were FORCED TOO! yes, still a little bitter about that) this summer. Her grades are great and yes, "drama is her life" too!

Ed and Steph - We are trying to keep up with their social schedules and sports stuff and still find time to run a youth ministry and love each other. I will start working for a few weeks at a law firm here in Humble while the receptionist is out on maternity leave tomorrow. (eric and shelley if you read this please know the sarcastic "AND" with the dramatic pause means nothing to these people down here, but someone is always looking for their "Millions") Edgar is sooo ready for vacation at the end of the month. And to be honest I am too! We are bummed the Sooners choked today and take more crap about that stuff than anyone can imagine here in Texas.

Much past that, we are just lovin' each other, lovin' Jesus and missin' you!

A New Blogger

I just wanted to let everyone know there is a new blogger on line! Gabby has started her own blog. It is called The Way I See It. You can find it at www.thewayiseeit.blogspot.com I know you will enjoy reading her thoughts. This blog will be strongly monitored by her nosey mother, so don't assume that you will find any unknown family dirt.(most of it you already know anyway!) Have a great spring break.

It's Crazy Here

What an insane couple of weeks we have had. Planning summer trips, vacation next month (which by the way I am more excited about every day), spring break, a trip to the rodeo, homework, cleaning house, company, Bible study, volleyball, football, you name it and we have attempted to conquer it. So here is the latest family update...

Jaden has some serious football skills! In his first football game ever, he intercepted one pass, almost intercepted another, ran the ball about 40 yds., and had 3 tackles. He is loving football! I am watching this sooner born and sooner bred boy play the one sport he has always wanted to play and he is doing great at it. He is looking forward to seeing Jon and Nathan and Nana and Papaw next week during spring break. (and I think it's in that order too. sorry nana and papaw) If he didn't have to go to school life would be close to perfect for him.

Gabby is so wonderful. I'm watching her turn into a beautiful young woman. We have hit the beginning stages of noticing boys. (sigh) So it only gets more interesting from here. Her first volleyball game was last weekend and she was one of only 2 girls that caused an actual volley to happen. She has potential. (that comes from her daddy because I still do the duck and cover when a ball heads my way!) The highlight of her weekend was her date with her daddy to see the Jonas Brother's concert. They had a blast! The pictures are priceless.

Ed and I are keepin' hope alive! Until later...It's crazy around here!

Nice To Hear

Have you ever noticed that there is always a line to tell you when your kid has done someting stupid or mean? Yet, there is only tumbleweed and wind when they do wonderful stuff? Being on staff at a church has always afforded my kids an extra 100 sets of parents. Someone is always quick to let us know when our little angels have allowed thier halo's to tilt and tarnish.

Today has been the polar opposite of the norm. Each one of my kids has had a random adult compliment them. The mother of one of Gabby's friends let me know how much she enjoy's her daughter being around Gabbby. She made a point to tell me how much more respectful and kind she is after Gabby has been over. And Jaden's teacher made a point to tell Edgar and I how hard he is working in class and how glad she is to have him. You have no idea how nice it is to hear those types of things. Today, I determmined to make a point to say nice things about other kids to their parents. What an encouragement to my kids and to me today.

Happy Birthday Jaden

My baby is 7!!! That sounds so odd to say, especially since I am not old enough for my youngest child to be seven years old. We celebrated with our family this weekend and so I thought it would be fun to post a few pictures. There are a couple from "go texan" day at school on Friday. (for those of you reading from other states, that is the day everyone dresses up and pretends to be cowboys for a day. at least that's my take on it. i wore capri's and flip flops) Have a great week!

Weekend Update

Just thought I would post a few pictures from the fun weekend at our house. You will see "The Four Amiga's". Who by the way, were absolutely amazing! I was so proud of them. And on top of it all ....aren't they beautiful!

Then there are a couple of football evaluation pictures. Jaden was put on a team with a few kids that are actually second graders and have played before. How about that! Anyway, that's about all for us right now. (i added a valentine pic of mom and dad too!)