6 happy thing

I was tagged by Megan to list six different things that make me happy so here goes!!

1) I am so happy to have a Lord and Saviour that loves me and watches over me! I always wonder how those who do not have god as a part of their life make it from day to day!! I know every moment of every day My god is watching over me and listening to me. What greater gift could anyone ask for.

2)My number two would have to be my wonderful husband Kevin. We just celebrated our 8th anniversary in Branson, Mo. I cannot imagine my life without him. I love this man with all of my heart and I know he feels the same.

This is a picture of us in the pizza parlor at the Children's Museum in Nebraska.

3) My boys are a happy part of my life. They know how to bring a smile to my face. An example would be Rusty at the mall with me when I tried on a dress. He was very grumpy and ready to go. I put on the dress and he smiled and said my mommy is a princess. My hunter has grown up so much so fast. Yesterday at the grocery store I forgot to get chips for the salsa. He wanted to go get it for me so I sent him on his way and he did it!!! I was so proud of him and he was so proud of himself!!!This is a picture of the boys at the park in Arkansas City. They had a blast playing on the train but it was so hot that we did not stay for long.

Here are the boys at the Children's Museum in Nebraska, it is a very cool place to go!

4)My mom is one of those people that just makes everyone happy!! She brings out the best in everyone!! She would do anything to help some one else out. She is not only my mom but my best friend. This has been a very rough year for her and the rest of us as well. One year ago today my daddy passed away. I have never seen her hurt so bad, yet she has helped out so many others who have experienced her pain in the last few month. She calls and sends cards to those who loose their spouse and they are all complete strangers. I'm no the only one that this wonderful lady makes happy!

5) Vacations makes me happy! There is nothing like getting away from the real world to enjoy yourself and relax.

Here are just a few pictures for our Anniversary trip to Branson!

There was a Titanic museum. To bad they didn't allow camera on the inside:(

This is our hotel that we stayed in, The Castle Inn!! it was very nice!
We rode the Ducks while in Branson onto Table Rock Lake! It was fun except I got soaked when driving into the lake. I got a big splash right in my face!!!

6)And last but not least Friends and family make me happy!! I love getting together and catching up with those I love so much. We just need to do it more often!

Now I have to tag 6 people

Jennie

Meagan

Tammy

Alicia

Cheslea

Katy

Bring on the summer!

TEXAS STAE AQAURIUM in CORPUS CHRISTI
The Smallest helper of the house helping day install a new faucet

Rusty and Hunter loved the coast!

AND thinks to alot of dead grass we get to have fun in the mud! God knew what he was doing when he gave me boys!! I was just as dirty as they were!

Hunter graduated form Kindergarten. This is his teacher Miss McDonald. My Muddy happy Rusty!

My Graduate Hunter Hunter played his second year of T-Ball and did such a great job. he was best on the pitchers mount where he earned 2 game galls for lots of outs!

Summer has started off great this year. We have had three great days filled with lots of fun! To bad I can't show you any pictures. Thanks to our dog Lucky who chewed up my camera. Hopefully Best Buy will call soon with news that it is fixed. So for now I an tell you about our summer.

The kids and I are trying to spend as much time as we can outside early in the day before it gets to hot. They should have legs of steal by the end of summer from all the running and bike rides. Each day we spend a little time doing what the kids call school time. We are trying to make sure he knows his colors. Sometimes he does and sometimes he doesn't but he is only three and he would rather trick you by saying the wrong color. So far we have practiced orange and green. And I think he has those colors down. I try to make it fun. We spend the morning looking for orange things while we are out and about. I have come to realize orange is his favorite color. We practice orange this morning by going to a park that had an orange playground, eating goldfish and oranges. Hunter has had a great time helping Hunter look for things that are the color of the day. We also worked on the #1 , what it looks like. Hunter and I are working on his writing. He usually complains because he would rather do something else. So we take turns writing. It reminds me so much of teaching 1st grade. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT MY HUNTER IS GOING TO BE A 1st GRADER!!!! WOW!!!!! So that has been our summer so far.

I also want to update everybody about the last post. Toby has pretty much made a full recovery. he will still need on going help to keep him where he is at but he is doing great. They are doing lots of Fundraisers to help with their financial situation. There is a benefit dinner on June 26th. Email me if you would like more information

Tyler my student will go into the hospital next week to start his Bone Marrow transplant. He is so lucky to have his grandparents. I don't know what he would do with out them.

Kendrick still wakes up each day with a smile. Some days are better than others. They are just living life day by day and enjoying the time they have.

As for Rusty, he has been diagnosed for now as having ODD(Oppositional Defiant Disorder). he has started taking medication and we have seen a huge improvement. he is not fixed it still is constant work but much more manageable. We are reading and learning as much as we can to help not only him but us as well. Things are really looking up in the Crabtree house. Yippee!!!

Well enough blabbering, here are some pics from the spring~

I think I have prayed more this year than ever in my life. Without GOD life would just be impossible.

I haven’t written a blog lately to share the wonderful times we have had because there is just not much time. Lately I have been so down with what to do about Rusty’s behavior and I am always hesitant to share that side of my life. He gets evaluated on Monday at the Child Study center and I hope to get some answers. I have started an awards chart again and it has worked pretty well the last few days.
I have however really stopped and thanked God for giving me two healthy children. These behaviors are horrible but nothing like not knowing the future of your child. My two very best friends have children who are not healthy at the moment. Kendrick Alicia’s son was diagnosed around Thanksgiving with a brain tumor. He is doing well but I know it is a constant worry for his family. Tuesday I found out that Elisha’s son Toby has Encephalitis and is not doing well. He has lost use of his legs for the moment. He is unable to sit, hold his head up or walk. I also have a student Tyler who has Leukemia for the third time. He is suppose to have a bone marrow transplant soon. However the chemo is causing his kidneys to stop functioning correctly and it is effecting his breathing as well. It is really hard when you have no idea what to say to your best friends when they are hurting. I am asking everyone to please pray for these three little boys.

Surgery went well

Kevins' Surgery is done and over. Now we just have to wait for him to recover. He is still in recovery due to a shortages of rooms so. I have only seen him for 5 minutes since he got out of surgery and can't see him again until he gets a room:( When you go through something like this you truely see how much you love a person. I love Kevin with all of my heart and can't wait for him to feel better. I love you sweetheart!
I have to also say that I have the best mother in the world. She stayed by my side all day today! And thank you Bridget for stopping by to keep us company:)

A busy week

This week Kevin is having back surgery yet again! He has been down with his back since the early part of Dec. I hope with surgery he will be feling better soon. Hunter is also home today with Strep, yuck! I hope both of my guys are up and going again soon!

Christmas

This year for Christmas with my family we went to my brother house a few days before Christmas to have dinner and Present and had a great time doing so. It is so different without my dad. It still seems like we should enter the room and him be sitting there. We did have a great Christmas and I enjoyed thinking back to my many precious memories of my dad. I will always cherish each moment I have with all those I love because you never know which moment will be your last.

The best present I got this year was a poem from one of my friends(Marion) Here it it:
First Christmas in Heaven I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow The sight is so spectacular,please wipe away the tear For I am spending Christmas withJesus Christ this year.I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.I have no words to tell you,the joy their voices bring,For it is beyond description,to hear the angels sing.I know how much you miss me,I see the pain inside your heart.But I am not so far away,We really aren't apart.So be happy for me, dear ones,You know I hold you dear.And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.I sent you each a special gift,from my heavenly home above.I sent you each a memory of my undying love.After all, Loveis a gift more precious than pure gold.It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.Please love and keep each other,as my Father said to do.For I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you.So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.Remember, I am spending Christmaswith Jesus Christ this year Author Unknown

This year was our year to go to Nebraska. I was not excited what so ever because I wanted to be home with my mom. I knew it would be a tough year. But we all made it thru. We actually had a White Christmas. It was so much fun and absolutely beautiful. The boys had a blast. Ever since I can remember Hunter has always asked when it would snow so he could make snow angels. And even if it did snow here there was never enough for snow angels. There was not much snow but more than we would have gotten in Texas and the snow is real now not Sleet! Here is the first thing Hunter did in the snow.

And he knew exactly what to do

He made many snow angels And they were just perfect.

Rusty made his attempts also but it was more like rolling with the giggles

If you know me very well you know that I hate the cold but I spent as much time as I could outside and I quickly learned to stay busy to stay warm. the plan was to get the boys the build a snow man but I did all the work. But I have to say I had the time of my life. watching my boys run giggle and have so much fun while bundled up like Eskimos and red little faces.

The boys quickly learned that throwing ice was not as fun as throwing Snow. Rusty was hit in the face and got cut. He was lucky that it missed his eye. There were a few tears but then he was off to play again.

Here are a few pictures from Christmas
Grandad and Rusty

The boys inside the giant tree in Great Grandma's yardHunter enjoying his new DS with his mommy

Grandad(Kevin's Dad) and me

Kevin and Nina(Kris - Kevin's mom)The boys playing guitarsThe boys and Nathan

My grandma and RustyMy grandma now called Nanny and the boysPa and the boys

Where does time go

I never have enough time to blog any more. We are always on the go or busy playing here at home. So much has happened in the last few months that it will be hard to sum it up into one entry but I'll try my best.

First an update on Kendrick. Test results did come back and they were not good. Kendrick and his family were able to go home where they will celebrate Christmas with their family. Soon after Dec. 29 Kendrick will return for Radiation for 6 weeks M-F. They have said his life will be cut short due to the tumor that originated on his brain stem. My heart goes out to them for the pain they are enduring. They are strong Christians and they have never given up. Kendrick is such a good sport. I love when he smiles, his eyes just shine! Please keep them in your prayers.

What they have gone through has made me appreciate my family so much more.

My baby boy celebrated his 3rd birthday on Nov. 22. I can hardly believe that

he is already three. We a had a party with some of his friend and we had a blast. The huge monster truck bounce house was great entertainment. We have try to convince Rusty that he is 3 not 5. He knows he's three but he will tell you five and then giggle. He loved everyone singing to him.We have raked plenty of leaves this year however it takes a while around here to get them actually out of the yard and into the bag.

And now it is Christmas time where has time gone!!!! The boys sang in a Christmas program at church and they were so adorable. I didn't take video with my camera so only pictures for now. There is nothing like seeing your children up on stage singing at church. They love to sing!

This holiday season has been very difficult. I miss my dad and Meme so much and Christmas just won't be the same. I am so thankful for all the memories I have with them at Christmas time and all the photos I have with them. We are going to Nebraska this year. which I am not Happy about. I do not want to leave my mom but my little family needs me too. I hope and pray that next year is much different then this year. I hope it is filled with much love and happiness and I wish the same for all my family and friends!

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Our God is anAwesome GOD

Kendrick had surgery today and the family had been told they were sure it was cancer. They took him this morning at 6:15 and we heard a little throughout the day And 7:00 pm the doctor cam eout and spoke to Alica and Allen his parents. he does not think it is cancer any more but a biopsy is being done. He will be six for a while while recovering from such a long and difficult surgery. BUt when they said it did not seem to be cancer the whole room changed. it was like lifting this heavy weight off your chest that was keeping you from breathing. The faith that AQlicia and Allen have in the LORD is stronger than any other. And my faith has grown today watching them pray and praise GOD. Please keep them in your prayers.

Prayers

I know I haven't posted in a while but I'll try to catch up later. For now I need your prayers. My best Friend Alicia who lives in Witchita Falls called me yesterday with and bad news. Her almost 5 year old had been careflighted to Cooks Childrens Hospital in Fort Worth. He had been acting strange so they had takenhim to a local hosptial. They found a tumor on his brain and have told them that it is cancer. Alica and Allen are both scared and worried out of their mind as all parent would be. Please pray for God's hands to be on their family at this time. They have 6 children the others are back in Witchita falls with their Grandma who are worried also. Hold your babies a little longer today andbe thankful for the little things.

Movie Date

Tonight was so much fun! Hunter and I went to the movies. it was Hunter's first time to ever go! I know some of you are probably shocked that it is his first time but I wanted him to be ready to sit the whole movie and he did it. My kids are not big movie watching sit down kind of kids. We saw Beverly Hill Chihuahua, and it was great! Hunter has done so well at school this year and had to do things a little differently last week and it was tough on him. Usually Kris, Kevin's mom, takes Hunter to school so he always just get there at the bell to go to class. But the week she was gone to Nebraska I took him and because the bell rings at the same time at my school his normal routine would not work. he had to go to the cafeteria and sit for 20-25 minutes. The first day I walked him in and he cried because he did not know anyone and wanted me to stay. I left teary eyed and felt terrible. The Next day we simply talked about being a big boy and doing big boy things. he said what are big boy thing and we talked about being Brave. then I decided if he could be brave and sit for 20 min. reading a book in silence then he could go to the movies. At first He cried and cried the second day but once we got to school he said mom I'm brave I can do this. And he gave me a hug , kiss and a wave good bye and off he went. then I was really Teary! What has happened to my Baby! Yet I was glad that no one had to pry him off me. Before having my own kid go to school I though other parents were crazy with no being able to leave their five year old and the five year old crying but when it is your turn you see it totally different. I told Hunter he was my date tonight and he was so proud. I just love my Hunter and I am so proud of him!

I'm proud of my littliest guy to. We have had 3 days of no crying or screaming or tantrums when I leave him in the morning! Hip Hip Hooray!!!! I hope to have more days like that! Rusty is learning so much. He does a lot of learning and not a lot of playing which he complains about but I think he is the kid who needs lots of structure. He know the months of the year, I was so impressed when he said them to me. I'll have to try to catch him on tape. Along with Hunter reading.!!!

Lucky

We have new family member at the Crabtree House and we think her name will be Lucky. We have been told she is 8 weeks old but she seems kind of big. She belonged to a 16 year old boy who brought her home and his mother said no way! Which is really good for us. The boys have had a blast playing with her. Our other dogs are having to make some adjustments. Thye seem ok with her but try to stay away. We have had a lot of doggie time tonight trying to give everyone attention.

Brittney is not to sure, but soon Lucky will be bigger than her!
You can tell she is puppy because she plays and then takes a nap!


And her is Sandy just being happy!

Other than that Kevin has been sick. Whish is no fun considering today is his 29th birthday! Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband and a wonderful daddy!