Today

If only I had known yesterday what I know today. . .I would of been here in Oklahoma a lot sooner. However I am so thankful that God allowed my Dad to hang on fighting hard long enough for me to get here. I know he faught hard so that I could say good~bye. I just wish I had gotten here sooner so he wouldn't of had to.

It just all happened too fast!

At the begining of this month the kids and I made a trip to Oklahoma. We were blessed to get to make two trips to see Papa Larry ~ as my kids so sweetly call him. The first one to the shop for an oil changed that turned into needing new breaks for that I am now thankful because the kids and I got to spend a few hours talking with Papa.



And Papa got all of the kids the snacks that he is so famous for getting them. Everytime we pass a Goodyear anywhere including in Louisiana Caden wants to go see Papa at work.



We also had lunch with him before we left to head back home. I will remember that day forever. Caden spent most of the lunch going back and forth with his Papa Larry. I do not think that either of them have an ounce of stubborness in them!!! Caden did impress his Papa by eating a pepper off of the salad bar though!

A story ~ the day at Goodyear Caden was wearing red flip flops. Papa kept telling Caden that they were girl shoes. Of course if you know my son you know that he argued and argued. All day he talked about how they were not girl shoes. However the day we went to lunch with Papa he did not want to wear flip flops. Also this morning when I told him we were going to Oklahoma to see Papa he informed me he wanted "To show Papa his crocks ~ they are not girls shoes"

Today we said good bye to a man that loved his family ~ A Brother



A husband



A Father



an amazing Papa







And a Friend

We all love you and you are greatly missed by us all!

Prayer Needs

I really needed this laugh today!



A few prayer requests for those of you that don't mind please.

My sister Stephanie and family in your prayers. WA shipped out today to Afghanistan ~ they have 3 boys the same age as my children. I have a hard time sleeping when Anthony is gone for a few day's I couldn't imagine a year without him. I am praying for you everyday Stephanie ~ let me know if there is anything at all I can do for you guys!

My Dad is in the hospital. I am not going to share details about this here but please keep him in your prayers . . .we will find out more tomorrow. I will just say it could be a situation that I maybe heading to Oklahoma here soon.

Anthonys cousin Daniel has been in the hospital and the doctors still aren't sure what is going on with him.

I just spoke with my sister and Amanda took my 1year old niece to the doctor and her lungs are filled with fluid. They are doing x-rays praying it's nothing to serious and for her to be well quickly!

Ashley Adams is not doing well here is a link to her blog http://ashleyadamsjournal.blogspot.com/

Our sweet Realtor from Oklahoma's son Boston was hit by a drunk driver he is making progress but still has a long way to go. Linda has always been so sweet and encouraging to me as I am sure she has to so many others. I know that they appreciate the prayer and encouragement. Here is a link to her son's page on facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boston-Tracy-Fund/139650982767007?ref=ts

I also have several unspoken that I won't post here however if you have anything you would like me to pray for please feel free to comment on my blog or send me an email.

I am feeling very overwhelmed today. I know that God knows everything that is going on and I know that He is able!

Thank you my friends!

Martin Lake

While we were in Lafayette a few weeks ago some friends took us to Martin lake to see all of the birds that stop in this time of the year. The kids and I really wanted to see a gator.

We didn’t see any gators however they had the coolest bridge/dock that went out over a swampy part of the lake it was so neat. I wish I had changed my lens on my camera. I think I could of gotten some better shots but I had my larger lens on. I just loved the look of the area. The kids and I really loved the whole town. If we ever have a chance to move to Lafayette we might just have to do it!

This is a picture of Karen with the kids at Martin Lake.


After Martin Lake we went with our friends Karen and Carl to a cool little place called The Fillin’ Station. It was an old gas station now turned into a little mexican diner.


It was late and dark I wish I had thought to get some more pictures of it earlier in our time there. Oh well one day we will just have to go back!

Wednesday

Wednesday the kids and I went with Anthony's co-workers wife Karen to the zoo of Acadiana. It was a beautiful day. We really enjoyed ourselves. I wanted to make it back out to that zoo but we just didn't have the time.

I am so thankful that we got to meet and hang out with Karen that week she is just the sweetest lady. My kids thought so also! She was each of the kids new best buddy! I really do think she formed a unique bond with each of them though out our time together that week. Thank you so much Karen for your willingness to sacrifice your time to spend so much of it with us! You are one of the sweetest ladies I know!









My kids have now spent more time in a hotel than I did the first 30 years of my life. They are such good little hotel stayers! :)

Lafayette, Louisiana

The kids and I got home from Oklahoma on Saturday the 12 and the next day on Sunday we left for Lafayette straight from church. So we were home less than 24 hours. I am so glad that we went though. On Monday I just took that day to really relax and rest. The kids and I found a McAlisters (our favorite place for lunch) and then we went by target to get some busy toys as I wasn't thinking about being in a hotel with the kids when I was repacking. (I did have to repack because Oklahoma was quite a bit cooler than S. Louisiana!)

Monday night we went to eat at Blue Dog Cafe it was highly recommended for their Cajun food. I had blackened catfish it was delish!



Carolina and Caden had catfish and Caylea had a grilled cheese :)



We all really enjoyed it! Anthony had something that I can not remember nor could I pronounce. He said it was really good though!

Tuesday the kids and I got up early and went to the Children's Museum of Acadiana. I personally didn't love it. But the kids did so for that reason I would go back again. It was really a great place for kids. Especially kids that like to pretend. My girls especially loved the vet clinic and the grocery shopping. I think the reason I didn't love it was because I was tired and being inside was not really what I needed I needed to be outside to enjoy the beautiful weather (I miss our zoo!)

Caylea playing vet



Carolina checking out at the grocery store



And my poor son demonstrating how we have tried to make him take medicine. . .poor kitty cat!



Tuesday night we went to dinner with Anthony's boss Mica his wife and son, Anthony's co-worker Carl and his wife Karen and the guy Anthony was training and his wife they also had a little baby. We went to a place called Deano's pizza. It was nice and the food was good. I had got a salad because I am on Atkins. There was a tour group that came through I thought that was interesting. Also a guy came around making balloon animals for the kids. My kids played with theirs for several days!

We love the zoo

Friday morning we got up and had plans to meet my sister and some friends at the zoo. My sister as it turns out woke up sick on that day. However I did get to see two of her kiddos because her wonderful mother in law took them up to the zoo herself. I had picked up Samuel to spend a little more time with him before we left Saturday morning. Then we were off to the zoo. We met our friends at the end of the trails and made our way over to the new elephant exhibit. We really didn't get to see much on that day because that was the day it was opened to the public. It looked neat and when I go back I will visit it and get more of an idea what it's really all about.



My kids had a really great time hanging with their friends and I also did with mine. It turned out to be a beautiful day. I just wish I had taken more pictures.



That night I had plans to hang with my amazing friend. I decided to have a cheat "meal" on my diet and I had Chinese and she made the most yummy cake-balls ever! We just hung out all evening/night talking and we also watched a movie called "Like Dandelion Dust" very good movie! It was written by her favorite author Karen Kingsbury so I knew it would be great. I am not a reader but I really enjoyed one of series. I just wished I had finished it I took a break after the first 4 or 5 books and just never picked them up again.



I think it was around midnight when I got back to my Mom's. I was so happy when I got there to see that she had done all of our laundry. I really wasn't surprised though she does that a lot! It is so great not to have to pack up a bunch of dirty clothes to bring home. Especially since we would be getting home at about 5 on Friday evening and leaving for Lafayette with Anthony for work from church Sunday around 4. Thank you Mom for all that you do for us! Not just the laundry but everything. The kids and I really enjoy staying with you when we are in Oklahoma!

Super Caden

Our Thursday in Oklahoma

We met the kids Papa Larry for lunch at pizza hut. We had a nice visit. The kids love their Papa and it's so funny to watch them banter back and forth. Especially Caden that little boy is a fire cracker! We defiantly have our hands full with him. Carolina is such a carefree spirit so that worries me some but Caden is a go against the grain kind of kid. You say it's red and he says it's orange. I am not pointing any fingers but I wonder where he gets this from? lol

The kids and I then went shopping. I love to shop if I had all the money in the world I would still be broke because I would spend it all! UGH!

We went back to my Mom's and I wanted to take a picture of Caden in his super man shirt. He picked out the shirt. He loves Krypto the super dog (cartoon~it's superman's dog) so of course he loves everything superman! I wish I had paid more attention to the lighting behind the kids however I was in a hurry to leave so I will try to get a better one later.



My little Carolina came outside with us and she wanted her picture taken. Isn't she a cutie?!?!



That evening I was hanging out with Anthony's cousin Melissa. We went to the mall and went shopping. (remember I mentioned that I love to shop!) HE! HE! Then we had dinner at El Chico. I had the taco salad it was so very yummy! After all that work it was time to hit the salon for a pedicure, manicure and wax (OUCH!). Then we saw the best little movie I think it was called "Just Go With It". I just loved it ~ it was the perfect way to end the night. I love you Melissa ~ it was great hanging/catching up with you!

Moore,OK

I lived in Moore,OK my whole life until I was in my early 20's. It is such a familiar place yet has changed a whole lot in the last 10+ years. I really enjoy our visits back to my childhood town.

Wednesday morning Brandy, I and the kids met my Mom's friend Diane at IHOP in Moore. Her granddaughter Ashley came by to see me for a few minutes. It is so crazy I watched her when she was just a little baby/girl. Now she is all grown up! The service was horrible but the company was amazing! I am so glad that we took the time to meet and catch up. I love those two ladies!



We then headed to my Grandma and Grandpa Apples to visit. It was great to see them. The kids played out in the back yard most of the time. It was great watching them play in the same yard I spent so much time in as a child. I have so many memories out in that backyard. I should of taken some pictures of the kids out there. I will have to do that next time we are over there.

I think my Grandparents are quite possibly the best grandparents ever. They played such a strong role in our life growing up. They were always there to help us or my mom but weren't overly intrusive. Honestly two amazing people! I love them so very much!

Baby Caleb's first day to sit by himself



Great Grandma Apple holding Caleb



Memaw with Caleb



Kiddos watching cartoons with Great Grandpa Apple

So Great!

Monday the kids and I had lunch with Anthony's parents, Charles and Ellen. We went to Taco Bueno which by the way is one of our favorites and they do not have them in Louisiana. We had a really nice visit with them!



After lunch we went by to pick up the kids Great Grandma Ina for a trip to the zoo. We were also meeting our old zoo buddies up there. It was great to hang out with everyone. The kids had a blast playing with our old friends and visiting with their Great Grandma. We really miss our zoo! I am going to have to find something fun for the kids and I to do outside in Louisiana!



When we were fixing to leave the zoo I got a text from my sister saying that they were in Norman. I text her back and told her I was leaving the zoo. She said come over. So the kids and I took their Grandma Ina home then we headed to see Brandy, Chris and the kids.



We were all so excited to hang out with Brandy and the kids Monday night. It was an awesome night and my baby nephew Caleb gave me this amazing smile right when I walked through the door! Boy do I love my peeps!



Monday was a busy day however Tuesday turned out to be a little more relaxing. The kids and I were suppose to go to lunch with Papa Larry. However when I called him he was just getting over a sickness so we post poned til tomorrow. We met Brandy and the kids at the grocery store. My sweet babies missed their cousins so much it was so hard to keep them quite and calm while shopping however we managed through and all of the cousins had a great time!

Our kiddos at the kids table




Tuesday night we had a family dinner. Everyone except my brother Nathan was able to come. I loved the night and being with my family. It is so great that we still have this closeness even though I live in another state and Brandy and Chris travel a lot raising support for them to be missionaries to Brazil. I can't wait til the next "dinner" hopefully Nathan will be able to come!

So today is Wednesday that means basically the kids and I have two days left of our trip. As much as I am ready to get home and to see my husband I am not looking forward to leaving my friends and family! I am not sure why but I think leaving is getting harder instead of easier. I think it's because we are going a little longer in between trips. I am not even sure when we are coming back again.

I would love to post more of my zoo pictures but they are taking too long to download so I will try to remember to add some more to this post later.

Lovin' it!

This morning the kids and I got up and went to church at Edmond Road. Our home church from before we moved. It was so great to see everyone and hug a bunch of our friends. The kids had a great time also. Caden didn't want to go to children's church but once he saw that his Aunt Amanda and Uncle Aaron had it he was ready to stay.

After church we went to lunch with my Mom, sister and her husband Aaron their two kids Samuel and Elizabeth and Aunt Patsy. I had a great time talking with everyone. I could of stayed all day but we had to eventually all leave. After all the kids needed a nap/rest time. ~HA HA the parents too!~



The girls have been painting pictures like crazy. I love how artistic they are. This is a picture that Caylea painted for her Daddy.



This is a picture of me and my awesome friend Rachael. Oh how I love her and have missed her. I am so glad that we have been able to hang out the last few days. She plans to come down to Louisiana and see us in May! I am so excited!



That picture was taken yesterday while we were at PMA for her son Joshua's black belt test. Those kids are some tough kids. They went through more than 5 hours of intense physical and emotional pain. They are so strong! I am so excited that I get to know Joshua he is definatly a quality young man with amazing character! This video is just a few seconds of the time he spend doing forms yesterday.



Here is Joshua getting his black belt.

Friday

Yesterday we spent the morning up at Goodyear with Papa Larry. The kids love going up there and seeing their Papa. I am so thankful that we went up there when we did because as it turned out it was very important that the van get new breaks along with an oil change and tire rotation. It defiantly turned out to be a blessing!



Then it was time for lunch. We met my friend Rae and her kids up at Mazzio's to eat lunch. After lunch we went back to Rae's house to just hang out for the rest of the afternoon. I had a great time catching up with my friend and the kids had a great time playing with theirs!





Friday evening we went back to Mom's. I had dinner with my Mom, Amanda and all of our kiddos and we hung out for the evening. Have I ever mentioned that I love to chat with those I love!




Have I ever mentioned that I love my family and friends. They are so amazed and God has truly blessed me!