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.