January in Texas

We're enjoying our early "spring". Most Texans are freezing to death, but we are having a grand time. We've played in the back yard at least 5 times in the past 10 days. Twice this week Emery has been able to ride his bike while I've pushed Chani in the stroller. I planted my garden 12 days ago, and my little peas are sprouted. They look so cute. These aren't the best pictures, I took them in the pitch black of night (I love my camera), but you get the idea. We've had a few nights right about 34 degrees, but peas are undeterred by that and don't mind the cold. My beans will probably stay hidden for another couple of weeks.


The kids and I have been taking advantage of a great running park here in Orange. It has a nice dirt path that is one mile, and we meet with some friends on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays to run. I'm running 2 miles and then we try to walk 2-3 (depending on how the kids do). It's been a lot of fun. On those colder mornings, Chani and Emery appreciate that I packed hats and mittens in the Texas box.



Emery has learned about Lego's. Clint kept all of them from his childhood and is teaching Emery the fine art. It's been a fun project for them to work on together.



Chani has been loving the doll house she got from Papa and Grammy for Christmas. Papa made barns a few years ago for the boys, so it's only fair that the girls get houses! They shipped it all the way from Idaho. In the picture it's missing part of the roof...it came off during shipping and I have not put it back on. It's easy for her to get in and play without that back roof on right now. We sure appreciate it, Papa!

I'm not usually lucky, but that hasn't stopped me yet...

I've been running with some girlfriends here at a great little running park. Clint's working unbelievable hours, so the kids go with me. Chani's a trooper in the stroller and Emery wishes he could ride, but we gave away our hand-me-down, well used, worn out double stroller when we moved. I'd really like to win this. It would give me more time to run since I wouldn't have to stop when Emery is pitching a fit on the side of the trail.

Chani's milestone

Chani has enough hair for one pony! It's been a long time coming, and we've been doing it for a few weeks, but she had a black eye and it was Christmas, and we were busy......and the truth is, I don't have an excuse!

This is the first time I did it, the bow covers most of the hair, but it's there and growing in. Notice Chani's shiner? She fell while climbing the bunk bed ladder (bad mommy).



These two are from today. The hair is getting longer and she loves sitting on the bathroom counter touching all my stuff while I do her hair. The best is when I finish and put the bow in and she says, "Pretty!"

The Lunch Date Blouse GIVEAWAY!!!!

The Lunch Date Blouse GIVEAWAY!!!!

From Emery's Lips 2

On Sunday we were driving to church. Emery always wants to play I-Spy, so I was spying a Mac Truck, which is the only thing Emery will spy. So, I said I saw one, and he saw it and said, "Mama, that Mac truck not have a trailer on itself." I said, "Really?" He replied, "No, and I'm not impressed."

Super Snap and Bug Girl

Today we're playing Super Heroes. We used to make Emery capes from blankets often. However, now that Chani has seen Emery's very cool velcro cape, a blanket just won't do. I suppose I'll have to find some pink fabric......but not today! Emery is Super Snap and Chani is Bug Girl. I love it, they are cracking me up. Emery is using laundry baskets as the feet of the Robot. He wishes he could snap.

beautiful art work of the Savior

David Bowman: has had a passion for art ever since he could pick up a pencil. He loves creating images of the Savior that inspire and uplift. Along with his Christian fine art, David has also written and illustrated a series of scripture storybooks for children titled "Who's Your Hero". Check out his website at www.bowman-art.com to see more of his precious art.



"Innocence"
The Savior tells us we need to become as little children to inherit the kingdom of God. I've often wondered what it is about little children Jesus loves most, and I think its their innocence. They are clean slates, seeing the world and others through untarnished eyes. Their hearts are pure, without the baggage of cynicism and self-doubt. In this piece, I've tried to imagine how a child would act upon meeting the Master for the first time. Without reservation or inhibition, I think he would simply want to play with Him. He would be at complete ease, allowing his pure little heart to soak in the love and laughter of His pure, infinite heart. Its no wonder Christ delights in these little ones and sets them up to be our examples.


"Security"
One of the greatest human needs is a sense of security. In all aspects of life, we naturally gravitate towards anything that makes us feel safe. In this piece, I wanted to convey a sense of complete peace and calm like only the Savior can provide. It's a security that allows us to rest assured, without fear or worry, when we put ourselves trustingly in His arms. Little children have that inherent kind of trust in their parents, so it's fitting that the man and girl who modeled for "Security" are actually father and daughter. They generated
the exact feel I was looking for.




"My Child"
This piece conveys an intimate, up-close-and-personal feeling of the Savior's love. Notice how all the lines draw your attention and point towards Jesus' face in the center. I chose the name "My Child" because the only thing that could compare (even remotely) to Christ's compassion for us is the love of a parent for his/her child. This image is also intended to put things in perspective. Above all, we are God's children first. He allows us the privilege of experiencing parenthood for ourselves and we are entrusted to be the mothers and fathers of His children here on earth.