Saturday, December 10

Happy birthday Bippy!

THE BLOG LIIIIIIVES!!!

Happy birthday, you handsome devil, you!


Thursday, November 3

Update

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to give an update on our family.  We still haven't made any progress with the divorce, and we all continue to live together still.

We have a hearing on Nov. 14th at the courthouse where we will present evidence for our differing stances on certain aspects, specifically regarding parenting time and ownership of the marital home.  That hearing isn't before the judge, but will be with a "Referee" with the Friend of the Court.  The Referee will then make another recommendation for us and will submit it to the judge.

After that, the judge will decide if she will just accept the recommendation and make it the final judgement, or have us continue into trial.  We have a tentative trial date set for Dec. 5th, though that will likely be pushed back to allow 4-6 weeks for the referee to make her recommendation.

At this point, we're looking at least until the end of January or into February before anything becomes finalized.  My goal is (and I believe Van's still is, as well) to keep the children in their current schools where they are thriving, especially Khai.

We appreciate any prayers and thoughts you can send our way, especially for the kids.

Saturday, October 15

Happy Birthday, Raegan!

We love you!
Image result for happy birthday 4 yr old

Thursday, October 13

Happy Birthday, David!

We love you!
Image result for Happy birthday son

Monday, October 10

We love you, Carlie! Since I was with you on your birthday, I forgot to post anything.
Image result for happy birthday 7 yr old girl

Thursday, October 6

Happy Birthday, Katie bug!


Love you lots, from all of us spread out!

Sunday, September 18

Happy birthday, Rebecca!

Wow! Eight years old!  We love you!
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Monday, September 5

Happenings in August

So, I thought I would tell everyone what has been happening here in Texas in an effort to keep people informed on our lives.  The kids started back to school.  They love their classes and it looks like it will be a good year.  Elizabeth is starting to play the flute and is very excited.  We are working on getting a piano teacher for Rebecca as well.
The study that we thought that we would have Jacob participate in is not going to happen at this point.  The study would require Jacob to take medicine for a month and then have a surgery to remove his tumor.  The doctor in charge of the study did not think this would be the best for Jacob.  He doesn't want Jacob to have surgeries unless they are absolutely necessary.  The doctor has done other studies with other medicines that have worked for him in the past.  He wants Jacob to take those to see if it is possible for him to avoid the next surgery all together.  The medicine is also non toxic and has been used for sickle cell for years.  Here's to hoping for success.  If they keep trying long enough, something has to work, right?!
We had a lot of fun playing in a stream for Labor Day today with my sister, Virginia.





Tuesday, August 23

Scott's Dolphin statuette

Scott is trying to sell one his dolphin statues right now on ebay.  He made one for me first, and I love it.

If you guys could spread the word around, that would be great.

Thanks!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252505366513

Sunday, August 21

Happy birthday, Leighann!

We love you!  

Wednesday, August 17

Happy Birthday, Melissa!

Kind of rude having your birthday right after Mom and Dad's anniversary, but I guess I like you enough to wish you a happy birthday anyway.




Tuesday, August 16

Thursday, August 11

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AARON!! 




Monday, August 8

Just wanted to share

Hi everyone, I am trying to change from my lack of communication and involvement with the family previously, so I thought I'd share something from yesterday.  Even though my current circumstances make it difficult for me to feel spiritual, I was able to recognize the Lord reaching out to me at church yesterday.

During Sunday School, my bishop (who I meet with once a month) asked to speak with me and mentioned he felt impressed to have a discussion.  After asking how things are going, he proceeded to ask me if I was aware that my temple recommend expired at the end of July.  I told him that I was, in fact, aware of that, and that I had intended to allow it to lapse due to my inner struggle between the divorce and the messages of the temple.  I figured that once I felt ready to return to the temple, that I would then renew my recommend, because, why would one need a recommend if they were not attending the temple?

Seeing that I mistakenly viewed the recommend as a simple piece of paper, my bishop began to explain that holding a temple recommend is our way of utilizing faith; our way of putting an action to our testament that we feel we are doing what the Lord asks of us, even in the most difficult of times.  Obtaining the temple recommend is our opportunity to look the Lord's representative, and thereby the Lord himself, in the eye and claim I believe in Him, and I strive to follow Him.

Of course, I knew in my mind that is what the recommend signifies, but I realized through the Spirit warming my heart that I had not truly understood.  As he spoke, I felt the Spirit very strongly and his point was made very clear in my mind.  Throughout this divorce, and through the years prior, I have dreaded the thought of one day standing before my Lord and answering the question "Did you do all you could to save your marriage?"  How does one even BEGIN to know the answer to that question??  How can someone buried in the dirt of life look upon themselves and tell where the dirt ends and the body begins?  The Lord answered my question yesterday.

While I am still no where near being to a point that I will attend the temple, and I still feel I am struggling to shake off the wretched dirt, I now feel I understand what I need in order to heal.  I doubt it was coincidence that a member of the Stake presidency was attending our Ward yesterday, so I was able to renew my temple recommend that same day.

Struggling to have faith in the Lord for my and my children's future is proving as difficult as the struggle with the divorce.  But, as I look forward, I feel like I am beginning to see how to strengthen my family and see the Lord's hand and love for us.

Monday, August 1

Happy birthday, Kelsey!

We love you!

Monday, July 11

One week!

I just wanted to remind everyone that reunion starts Saturday. One week (ish).
I hope you're all excited. It should be a good time.

That's all. You may return to your normal routines.


Sunday, July 3

Happy birthday, Sydnie!

We love you!

Friday, June 17

Happy First Birthday, Evelyn!

We love you, Sweetie!

Wednesday, June 15

Happy Late Birthday, Sarah!

I'm so sorry this is late, Sarah.  Thought about you all day Monday while we were in the temple, but got home late and crashed (like the old person I am). 
Love you!!!  Grandpa and Grandma