Summertime !!! Next up... Fall

Every season has a different adventure... In the summertime, I enjoy being lazy, playing in the water, traveling to different places, and spending time with friends and family,. In the fall.. I enjoy the routine, football games, Saturday morning pancakes, walks in the park to look at the pretty trees, and being esctactic to see my girls every afternoon... Let's not forget Thanksgiving. The Winter... reading books , drinking hot coffee, getting cozy by the fire, Christmas, and not to mention my Birthday in January. In the Spring, theres is Beauty, Beauty, Beauty... Lots of time outside, Daylights savings time begins, pictures in the blue-bonnets, picnics, Easter... and more. I look forward to change as each season arrives... Here are some pictures from this summer.

Miracles

God breathes life into existence. When looking at the complexities of life, one has to believe that God's creation is nothing more than miraculous. The unique pattern of a leaf, the colors of a rainbow, the power of the sea, the majesty of the mountains, the order that exists between the sun, moon and Earth, the beauty of a sunset, the diversity of animals and wildlife (too many to fathom) , the intricate handiwork of a human cell, the heartbeat of an unborn child , a newborn baby ....

Colossians 1:16- 17 reads:

" For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. "

About twelve years ago my older sister Marla began trying to have a baby. She has always been very nurturing simply because she was the oldest sister of three. It was only natural for her to start planning her family after a couple of years of marriage. But, when pregnancy test after pregnancy test showed up negative, she began to battle what God REALLY had planned for them.

She was diagnosed with endometriosis and was told by doctors that it would be difficult to ever conceive and grow a baby . Still... she prayed for a miracle. We all prayed for a miracle...

On August 12, 2002 ,prayers were answered and a miracle had arrived --Kylee Girl was a gift from God. A blessing that continues to grow and is now six years old. She has brought joy, laughter, beauty, and a heart of gold. God knew what was best.

Years passed and the questions came... Kylee now longed for a brother or sister. Marla and Mark would have done anything to provide her with a sibling instantly, but knew fully that in God's timing he would provide. Marla told Kylee to pray... PRAY for answers, PRAY for a brother or sister, Just PRAY... So they began as a family to pray...

Still doctors suggested that having a baby on her own was not probable. Procedure after Procedure made it seem so...

Then it happened... God answered , not in a way that was expected. But... He answered. After twelve years of infertility, Marla was now going to have a baby. Another child would be added to their family. Another miracle had taken place.

Isaiah 55: 8-9 reads:

" 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9 As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. "

Marcus Bishop Kuykendall is expected to arrive September 10, 2009 ... Marla, God only knows the journey that you have been on... but, I know that He has carried you through it all. And, He will continue to do so. I am so... excited for you !!!

Three-- Really????

Three summers ago I was sitting in my living room in Lockhart, Tx rocking my sweet , precious "Abigail" and wandering if I would ever manage to master this thing called, "Motherhood". She was so fragile and every moment was spent watching over her making sure she was fed, held, rocked, loved , sung to, etc. I was so afraid that with any wrong move she might break...

Well , little darlin', you proved mama wrong. You showed me just how resilient you really were. And, that no matter how many mistakes I made, God was surely holding you in the palm of his hand. And, all the while, you continued to blossom and grow.

Day after day , I continue to watch you grow-- Your crooked little grin, eyes wide-opened, and mouth always running 90 miles an hour. SLOW DOWN-- I can't keep up :) You are simply beautiful, God's creation, a rare jewel . You are our little princess !!!

I love our conversations together, our walks together, reading together, singing and dancing together, and being completely silly together. My heart explodes with joy over you !!!

And, now, you are three years old, such a "big girl" , as you would certainly say. Truly, truly, you are a GIFT !!! Happy 3rd birthday, Abigail !!!

Seven Years and Counting

It seems like yesterday went I first met Gifford. My very first words to him were , "How's your back?" NOW, what kind of goofball asks a guy about his back after he was hit by a baseball earlier that day ? ... ME. I guess you could say the question somehow broke the ice (deep down I think he knew I just wanted to talk to him, so he was very gentleman-like and just starting talking to me ).

Seven years later (actually 10 years later if you are counting from the time we met until now ), we have managed to move four times, have two beautiful girls, and make the most out of teaching junior high and high school students :) I have to say, it has been quite a journey so far.

The CRAZY thing is I LOVE HIM more than ever. Sure, there are days that I take him for granted and BITE his head off when he walks in the door. But, he truly is my best friend. He sees the "REAL" me, and I see the "REAL" him. And, yet, we still love each other so much. Through the tears, fears, laughs, happy moments , sad moments, frustrating moments, crazy moments, and down-right "AWESOME" moments, our love still runs deep.

Gifford, there are many things that I love about you. But I love you most for: the sacrifices you have made to see that your families' needs are met; your inner strength when times have become scary, lonesome, or difficult; your servant's heart when people have needed you the most; your compassion towards young people as they are trying to make there way; And, MOST of all for being my husband and BEST friend. I LOVE YOU !!!

"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it . " Psalm 127:1

U Pick Blueberries

I have been intrigued with the idea of picking blueberries since Abby turned one. That was two years ago ... Finally the day came , and we all loaded up to go to the Blueberry farm. We were to arrive at about 7:30 p.m. ( I love this time of day during the summer )

My love for picking berries started when I was a kid. My parents and sisters and I would all go for a walk to the blackberry patch and spend hours just picking away. My mom would then make the best blackberry cobbler (we always made sure we had more than enough berries so that she could make plenty of cobbler ). So, when I found out they had a "BLUEBERRY FARM" right down the road-- I was on it !!! I just had to convince Gifford that he would have a good time.

Anywhoo -- we arrived shortly after 7:30. Abby and I really didn't know where to start, but once we did, we didn't know when to end. "Look, mama, I found one; Oh! and look -- there's a bunch over there: Mama, I got the biggest one !; Mama, did you see that bunny hoppin' ober there?; Daddy, you need to get those ones up high; Mama, is Aleah gonna pick any 'cause she's too little ?; And on and on and on... "

I felt like we were back in the olden days when they had to pick their own crops. I absolutely loved it, but couldn't believe that many of them had to work like this pickin' all day long. My grandmother used to pick cotton all day -- I can't even imagine. The sun started to go down and all four of us were tired from our adventure. Abby could not stop talking about how much fun she had at the blueberry farm.

When we got home , we all had a shower and had blueberries with a tall glass of milk. All this waiting was worth it !!! We will go again next year :)

Aleah turns ONE !!!

They grow, They grow, and They grow!!! There are many nights that I stand over my girls' beds and watch them sleep as if to slow down the time for a moment. In those moments, I often talk to God -- asking him to protect, embrace, and love my girls as they continue to grow in their journey of life. It is in these moments that I wonder what plans God has for them as I thank God for these two precious gifts that He has created.
Wisdom? I pray for wisdom -- Believe me, I have failed countless times when trying to do this on my own. As one can see , God has a sense of humor, when it comes to teaching a 3 year old and 1 year old about ediquette. (Smile) Happy Birthday , Aleah !!!

My Two Grandmothers

As I have watched my two grandmothers throughout the years, there are countless lessons that will forever be written on the walls of my heart.

From Minmaw Bishop these are a few of the things I learned:

• How to give a hug and really mean it ( Thank you for some of the BEST hugs in the world )



• What selflessness means when it comes to giving of yourself for others and especially for your family



• What a home-cooked meal should really taste like: fried round steak, fried squash, fried okra, mashed potatoes, fesh green beans, ripe tomatoes, cantaloupe, fried apple pies, and don't forget the cool whip !



• How to make " Jack-and-the Beanstalk" , "The Three Little Pigs" and "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" come ALIVE.



• How to be a wife and serve your husband in sickness and in health



• How to enjoy the simple things in life such as pickin' up pecans, decorating a Christmas tree, or singing 27 rounds of "How Great Thou Art"



• How to pull your britches up, take a trip to Walmarts, and pick up a bag of Frittos (Fritos) !



• Contentment: I never have heard you complain about this or that; you just live for the moment.



• How to raise children the right way and understand what you really meant when you said, "All your troubles will be over when they start walking. " I realize now that it is just the beginning, but that it's well worth it.



• What the Great Depression was really like: I'll never understand fully what it meant to do without. You had to pick cotton early in the morning just to make ends meet.



• That it's important to NOT always do what everyone else is doing, but to do what you know is right.



• How to love people for who they are. It never mattered to you whether I was rich or poor, tall or short, popular or not-- you loved me for me.



• The importance of sitting around the table with your family telling one story after another. (much more entertaining than any of the movies I have watched)



• How to use your living room as a refrigerator when you run out of room.



• Drinking black coffee is just good for the soul.



• Smile- and make everybod love you ; Frown-- and make everybody hate you.



• How to do things out of love-- Not because you were obligated or wanted something in return, but because you genuinely loved those around you.



• Why it's important to tell stories about life experiences-- It's what keeps those memories with us forever.



• That Minmaw's is a place where anyone can just relax and be FREE !!



• That possessing wisdom is more important than how much you know



• That being a part of the "Bishop" family is something only a fortunate few get to experience, and for that I am thankful ! I love you Minmaw Bishop

From Grandmama, these are a few of the lessons I have learned:

• That laughter is the best medicine there is ( I have shared many laughs with you )



• That reading is a gift (It can teach us so much )



• How to make someone feel so.. special by giving them the most precious kiss on the cheek (Thank you for making me feel special when I see you )



• That you don't have to spend a fortune to look fashionable ( I can remember always being fascinated by all the jewelry you owned )



• That chocolate is good for you !!!



• It's important to remember your heritage -- I am always proud to say that my grandmother is full blood chech and that I am a quarter.



• How to truly love your husband as a wife should (I always love the stories you tell about you and papa )



• The gift of giving-- Thank you for all the times you stayed up late to finish an Easter dress, crochet, or make a blanket for your grandchildren. ( We all have been blessed by your giving heart)



• The importance of prayer. I always know that when Grandmama says she is praying for you, she means it. Believe me- I have felt the power, comfort, and guidance of my your prayers throughout my life.



• Teaching me what it means to serve God through your church whether it be through teaching, working with missions, singing, helping make crafts for special events, or just writing someone a letter.



• That manners are respectable and should be demonstrated. ( Having my father for a son-in-law must have been difficult -- just kidding :) )



• That a smile can brighten up somenone's day -- You are always so friendly to anyone you meet



• How to make the most beautiful dresses, blankets, crafts, etc.



• That sometimes the best day means sitting around with the ones we love as we enjoy the time we have together.



• How to listen to others-- You've always taken the time to listen and encourage.



• How to use the English language correctly (Thank you for inspiring me to love English )



• That it's ok to do without -- God will always provide



• How to trust God in all circumstances-- you have had such a strong faith in God



• The fun in being a girl-- The beautiful dolls you made for me as a child, the dresses, the shopping trips, the lunch dates, I could go on .



• How to be a friend to someone ( you have always made time for your friends by calling or writing to them )



• That your family is a treasure and should not be taken for granted. (We all love our GG) I love you Grandmama !

*Thanks PJ for inspiring me to write this blog on my grandmothers ( I read your article about your mother and was very moved by it )

Chicken and Dumplins

Abby has not been her self for the past week. I guess all two year olds go through this phase of throwing fits, but this week was just over the top. So... Let me back up to Tuesday .

I go to pick Abby up from Mrs. Kim and Mrs. Annette 's , when both tell me that Abby has been rather fussy that day. I know it was a combination of her being sick with a cold , not to mention that she was not getting much sleep at night because of her cough, but MAN, there was no excuse for this kind of behavior... I politely apologized and told Abby that she would not be going to the planned visit to McDonalds unless she could straighten up. I guess she didn't hear me because she continued to yell and scream all the way to the car.

Still kicking and screaming when we get home, I placed her in time out and told her that she could not come out until she was ready to stop crying and make good "big" girl choices. She finally stopped crying and realized that life is so much better when we listen to our mommies. (It took me 26 years to finally listen to my mother-- It took having my first child)

Nevertheless, I gave her a huge hug and invited her to help me make chicken and dumplins ,since she wasn't feeling all that well. I thought that I had really gotten through to her earlier until I turned and saw the flour all over her body--- I had just told her to keep the flour on the cutting board. Did she listen? No... All I could do at that point was laugh and say " Some battles are just not worth fighting over" As you can see, Gifford had to get involved.

MAN... I love that girl.

Christmas Break! It's Finally Here !

The break is finally here ! When what to my wondering eyes should appear , but a stuffy nose, a sinus headache, and 8 tablets of sudafed.

I am not trying to complain, but I was a little bit annoyed at the fact that I was sick for most of the break. Regardless -- I had a fabulous time. Here are a few of the things we did over the break:

We arrived at Granda's house -- the whole family was awaiting us !!! We spent the afternoon wrapping presents.

I helped build a Gingerbread house with my neices-- needless to say, it fell apart when we finished it!!! Kylee was determined to put it back together while Abby, Mia, and Tara took it upon themselves to go ahead and eat the darn thing. I didn't really know you could actually eat the Gingerbread house. They did anyway.

Abby decided to climb my parents 8 ft. tall treehouse by herself while I was asleep-- great parenting, huh!

We went to church with my parents on Sunday morning. It was my idea to take the both girls in the service. All was great for about 45 minutes until Aleah starting choking because I had dressed her too warm for winter and Abby starting yelling, "Where is baby Jesus, mama? I can't see the manger. Where is the manger? "

Santa came early to Granda's house -- There were literally about 20 stockings lined up filled to the brim with surprises :)

My sisters and I all got matching fuzzy , white robes from my parents ; It is the BEST !!!

My dad's gift was kind of special this year-- He loves the Dallas Cowboys so we found a picture of the field that they used to play on; we also found a picture of Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, and Emmitt Smith along with an autographed football signed by Earl Campbell ( I guess you could say football was the theme) Morgan and Laurell were the ones who stood in line for an hour to get his autograph -- thank you girls :)

SANTA came again to our house- He brought Abby and EASLE- she loves it !! Her favorite gift that we gave her was the Hungry Hippo game . She actually beat Gifford a few times :)


We arrived at Corpus on Christmas Eve. We went to the Christmas Eve service. Abby loved the Christmas music while Aleah was completed fascinated by the candles after they had all been lit. Abby found herself a little boyfriend ,Will (not really), for the evening. He kept sticking out his tongue at her during the service-- she wasn't quite sure what to think of him. Later we went to MR. Bill and Mrs. Nell's house for the annual Christmas Eve Party. Abby got to hit a pinata. She was so proud of herself.

Abby stayed glued to gina the entire time we were down. I want Aunt gina, I want Aunt gina...


Christmas morning SANTA came again, and boy did he come !!!! Abby got more toys and presents than she knew what to do with :) I always think of the song , " Have yourself a merry little Christmas....Tiny Tots with their eyes all a glow... Merry Christmas to you " We had to keep reminding her , though, that the best Gift to us is Jesus, and that is why we are celebrating. I pray that one day she will understand. Aleah did nothing but smile the entire day. She had never experienced anything like this.

Christmas afternoon was spent with Gifford's moms side of the family. The grandchildren all went and picked his 94 year old great grandmother up -- Memaw. She did not care about the presents . She just enjoyed being with everybody. Tracy read the Christmas story and Abby sang, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reigndeer" to everyone.

Christmas evening we went and saw "Marley and Me"; Boy, did we bawl our eyes out. I had a cold , so you could really hear me crying...

The next day we just spent the day shopping, relaxing, and eating at Gifford's favorite restauraunt , P.O.E.T.S.

Sunday we went to Grandma's house for another Christmas with Gifford's dads side of the family. We ate till we were more than full and laughed forever at how distorted our faces looked with Ryan's (Giff's cousin) new camera on his laptop.

New Year's Eve came and we spent it relaxing at the house drinking our Sparkling Red Grape Juice discussing New year's resolutions.

I could go on and on about how much fun we had over the break. I am truly blessed by all of the people God has placed in our lives. He has given us so... much. Most importantly, Jesus, our Savior and Lord.