Pics from our trip to Ca

SR Father's Day @ Sheppards

Happy Father's Day!

So, Father's Day is a little different in our house. We celebrate Grandpa's Day, since Ryan isn't with us. Yesterday, after Tate tested we were able to celebrate with Grandpa Ron. We had a great dinner out at this awesome BBQ place. YUMMY! Then, tonite we headed down to surprise my dad. Oh, was he surprised as the kids and I creeped up the stairs at 11pm, and suddenly shouted out "Happy Father's Day"!!! He was speechless. We are excited to spend a few days with Papa & Grammy.

Since it is Father's Day, I wanted to give tribute to Ryan...What an AMAZING DAD!

No one could ever replace him. But, God is faithful. He has/will continue to make provisions when there are gaps, as a result of our loss.

God has so richly blessed our lives. Even though Ry is gone. God has not failed us in leaving a void in our lives. Instead He has provided many wonderful, amazing, and Godly men to step in and fill those empty places that we need filled. Ryan had so many close family and friends, each with different gifts, talents, and strengths. I feel like my children are getting to know the character of their father through the different guys that are investing time in my kids. There are no words that can beginning to express my thankfulness, graditude, appreciation, and joy. Thank you for allowing God to use you in blessing me and the kids. God is so good to supply us with the desires of our hearts.

Tate Got His Yellow One Belt!

Tate has done it again. I was so excited to watch Tate test and get his Yellow One Belt. He did a great job. Here a few pics of him and our instructors...

Tayah's Grad. Pics

thanks papa

This is from a few weeks ago. Many of you have heard that my parents came up and my a dad (we helped some), built the kids this awesome playhouse. Because I have an odd shaped backyard we had to separate the structure so it would fit. Then papa made it Bigger and Better to allow for growth and lots of friends. We love it and are so appreciative of it!! THANKS PAPA!!

Papa built us a Playhouse

Capturing the Memories of Their Youth

Boy, do my children bring joy to my soul. Tonite we had a family night, showing-off and singing our favorite songs. Tayah and Tate are fabulous at putting on "shows" for others to enjoy. I rarely video these priceless great times. So I hope you enjoy.



Tate used his birthday $$ to buy this new guitar. He wants to learn to play like his grandpa Ron. His new thing when we are listening to the radio is, "Mom, I wrote this on my guitar...don't you like it...it's great, huh." lol I love it!! He is quite a character. Here's one Tate personally wrote...(from the heart and mind of a child).

Sweet Tess unforunate had to participate from her bed. The consequences of disobedience. No fun. For her or me. Sometimes it's so hard to stick to it, when they change their attitude, yet you already told them "no" (in this case it was staying in her room). Follow thru can be such a bummer, yet I am told it WILL pay off in the end. So I do it, because I love them!!! Anyways, I did go into her room and capture this precious moment of her sharing some of her bible verses, or should I say Tate's verses that he's memorized all year and practiced...So Tess too has them all memorized. I love it. Is there anything greater than the sound of our children quoting God's Word? Not to me. I guess the next best thing is to see those words stick, and become part of their actions in the way they live. Okay, it's late and I am beginning to ramble. ENJOY!

Tessa video will not upload, so I will try again on another post.