Campbell happenings in April/May

BTW~ I wrote this early May & then never posted it.

Ash, I did it! Okay so I'll do a quick catch up of the last month. Lots of fun and exciting things took place...Tate turned 5, Tayah and I got the rare privilege of testing together for our next belt (orange...we're movin right along), before that the kids and I went with friends to watch the filming of an ABC TV show of High School Muscial. The Children's Musical Theatre of Oregon performed this musical last year, and ABC asked if they could gather the cast and be ready in 3 days for them to come film. It was great and fun to be a part of something special in our community. Tayah loved it because she and her best friends, McKenna and Gracie, (who absolutely LOVE HSM) came and they were asked to come down front be in the audience scences. Tayah is so excited because she was told she'll be on TV. Who knows, it could be her movie debut! When she gets older she wants to try out for on of the CMTO productions. Can't you just see Tay acting? I can! My beautiful precious "drama queen". She's too much!

Now you can see what we've been up to lately.

Tate's 5th B-day

It's hard to believe Tate is 5 years old. We had a great time celebrating his special day. On May 1st, Tate invited his buddies from school to come to ABK (a sports center we belong to) for pizza, cupcakes(thanks Amanda) and open gym. They loved running around playing hard. I think their favorite was "the Pit." Running, jumping, & flipping it a pit full of soft sponge-like things. Tate really enjoyed hanging with his friends, and mom enjoyed the easy entertainment.





On Sat. we did a family/friend party at our house. It was a NINJA PARTY! Which was great, since we're all into the martial art thing. For the first time EVER, I actually was ready before the guests arrived. That NEVER NEVER happens. It felt wonderful. I can't believe how nice it is to have things go smoothly. That's rare to procrastinators like myself. Anyways, random tangent... I think the everyone had a great time. I know I did. Plus, afterwards we had my niece and nephew ... and Shauna and the kids all joined us for a slumber party. It was great. 9kids and Shauna and I. Memories. Gotta love 'em.





All in all Tate loved his birth-days. Fun times

Havin' fun at home! You gotta love lazy dayz! Lately, it's been rare to have a day we can enjoy just being home, so we ALL had a great time playin and wrestling around. Tonite we are headed out to have a Family Date Nite... to see a play. It should be a great time.

"He's Got the Whole In His Hands" Tate's got the hat on... can you find him?

Smoky Mtn. Kids

We had a great time last night and enjoyed watching the kids and hearing their wonderful songs and verses they have learned. Tessa loved watching her big sis & bro and cheered them on through whole programs. What a little trooper she is! Although, it wasn't tough makin them look the part of hill-billys... since they are 1/2 hick! Their dad was from the sticks! That's what I loved...he was a good ol' boy!


Tayah and Gracie~ best buds at school













Cutest 'lil' ol' hill-billys ever! Like Tayah's freckles? She did those herself. We had a great time together and were so glad grandma and grandpa could come up to watch. Thanks!

This past week I have been blessed with the privilege of taking some time to be with the Kostjuk Family. Most of you know the story of Baby Reese. But if not, check out this site... www.kostjuk5.blogspot.com or Ash and Todd on my friends column. Little Reesie is now five months old and still fighting to survive. She's quite the precious gift. Monday Reese had heart surgery, and with each day she is getting a bit better. Her sweet body has been through so much. Everytime I think of her I am reminded of how great our God is and how He holds us in His hands. His plan is perfect even when don't understand what it looks like. I love this little bug. Please pray for her and her family as they endure this long bumpy road.

Who are the Kostjuk's???
Todd, Ashley, Gavin (5), Lexi (3), & Reese (5months)
Well... Ashley and I have been friends since birth (if that can truly happen). Our mom's were best friends, so we had no choice but to become best friends too. hee-hee. Ashley's mom past away from cancer when we were young and I never understood WHY?? But God has mightly used Ashley in my life, especially in the last year. Who would have thought it would be her that would help me with relating to my kids. She knows first hand. God blows me away with how He knows what we need, when we need it.

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, ...plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Time With Reese

Michelle, Reese, & I













Mic & Dakota ~ Ash & Lexi


Ashley, Michelle, and I are life long friends. It was such a joy and blessing to be able to see one another this week. God has carried us all through tough and trying times in our life. I am so thankful for their friendship and continued support over the years. I love you girls!!