Family Reunion

While we were in California we attended the Bentley Family Reunion.  My Memaw was a Bentley.  Actually the main reason we went to CA was for the reunion I just threw in all the extra fun stuff. We had our reunion at Goleta Beach in Santa Barbara.  It was absolutely beautiful!!  We had 2 days to play at the beach and my boys loved it.

It was great to see all the family again.  It had been 11 years since the last reunion.  Corbin was 2 months old, it was in August 2000 in Gainesville, TX and it was 105 degrees!  Santa Barbara was much better. Nice breeze and temperatures in the 70's!!  Shane and I said we would go to the next reunion if it was in Santa Barbara again!!

This is a picture of my Memaw with her parents and siblings.  Memaw is on the top row, far left. She passed away May 25, 1991,  the day after I graduated from high school.

The boys drug up all kinds of sea weed and other stuff.  They had a huge pile.

Here is my little family with an extra boy, Zach.  Corbin had been playing with Zach all day and when we went for a walk on the pier and had our family picture made he just jumped right in.  I wasn't even sure he was part of our reunion family!  But, he is!!

 This is Memaw's family that was at the reunion.  They took pictures of each family group from each of the siblings.

 The boys and Shane dug out the holes for the boys to sit in!

Our little family enjoying the day!!

Disneyland 2011

For our vacation this year we went to California!  The boys were excited about Disneyland and the beach.  Shane and I were excited about the cooler temperatures.  It was wonderful all the way around. We left here at 5:30 AM on July 13 for DFW.  This would be the boys first time to fly.  They were totally pumped and I was a nervous wreck!  It was so fun to watch the expressions on their faces when we were lifting off.  Carson's smile was so big and as soon as we lifted off the ground he said,"we're in the air, we're in the air!!"

Watching the planes before lift off!!

The next day we went to Disneyland ALL DAY LONG!!  We left around 8:00 that morning and came back to crash at 11:30 that night.  This was the first time the boys would ride a roller coaster.  Of course my guys loved it !!  The faster the better. When we came off the first fast ride I heard," That was awesome", "It will take your breath away!" And they were laughing the whole time! We did have a few time of whiney but for the most part it was good.

 We went to Downtown Disney the night before.  Lots of fun shops and food!  Just outside the gates.

   This was at the Lego store in Downtown Disney.

Corbin riding with Pawpaw, Carson with Nonnie on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!!!

The whole gang!  We were so happy that Nonnie, Pawpaw, Aunt Robin and Uncle Mikey went with us!!

On Friday morning we got up a little later and headed for HOLLYWOOD!  We weren't sure what we were going to do when we got there but we were going.  We stopped on Hollywood BLVD and saw all the stars on sidewalk, we drove past the Kodak Theater and saw the big Hollywood sign on the hill.  Shane had the camera to take pictures of the stars and other things.  We weren't there long because little guy was so tired and not in the mood to walk.  We got back in the car and headed for Santa Barbara!!

Under the smoke shop sign it says "We are glass blowers."  Shane thought that was funny!

Big Brother Corbin

Corbin is 10 years old and this past year has really stepped into the Big Brother role.  He makes me so proud.  Here are a few things I have taken note of the last few months.

*You are a very good swimmer.
*Helped Cannon to learn to swim  last summer.
*Holds Cannon when he starts to fall behind.
*Concerned about your brothers feelings.
*Likes to hunt and shoot guns.
*Likes the Texas Longhorns.
*Wants to be involved in all sports.
*Questions everything.  In a good way.
*Likes to talk politics, and that makes your Dad very happy.
*You will always be the first to bring Jesus into a conversation.  You have no doubt who Jesus is and what he does for us.

Corbin I love you sweet boy!!

Carrying your brother through the mall.

At your first Texas Rangers Game!

Christmas in Granbury!

Playing Chess at the Austin Children's Muesem.

SNOW DAY!!

The boys are out of school today for a snow day and I am so happy that Shane stayed home with us. He makes it so much fun. Th guys were out early getting the 4-wheeler and sled ready for the day. I was sure to say thank you to God for sending the snow. I have been praying for snow for a while now. He always answers. I love the beauty of the snow and the time I get to spend with all my guys!

The boys having a snow ball fight. Corbin is a Star Wars guy!

Shane helping Cannon paint his car.

Siesta SMT Celebration

Probably my favorite picture, all the ladies saying their scripture. Can you imagine what was going on in the Heavenlies? Makes me so happy!!

WOW what a fun weekend. Beth, Travis, and 506 other siestas meeting in one place to give praise and worship our King. I learned so many things from Beth's teaching that made me stop and think about my own walk. This past year has been a growing experience while I was looking up scripture, memorizing scripture and reading through all the other scripture that was posted on the blog. One of the funnest parts for me was reading all the new verses each time. And I also agree with Beth that if someone looked at my notebook from last year, they might have a little too much information about me! Yikes!

When we had our Q & A time I felt a little convicted about my own quiet time. Being a Mom with 3 boys I don't seem to have a consistent one at a specific time daily. One of the ladies asked the girls what they saw in their Mom that made them stay in the Word and continue their walk. Amanda answered that she saw Beth doing her daily quiet time. I am ashamed to say that my boys do not see me do that. I either do it during nap time or after everyone has gone to bed. They know that I go to Bible study at church on Tuesday night with the ladies, but is that enough? Being in church every Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday, is that enough? I want so much for my boys to grow into Godly men. I hope I do not let them down. I have been asking God to put a hunger in me for His Word and to direct me in raising these sweet boys.

Also, my sweet friend Cindy and I had an awakening Saturday morning that God spoke to both of us. It is so strange how He works that way. We were talking about how we were so pumped and excited to get there early but are we that excited to wake up early and have our quiet time alone with Him? OUCH!!

I am so appreciative to Beth for starting the SMT last January. I know that we will not know until we get to heaven all the great rewards that will come from the past year! It will be a great day.

The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy!! Psalm 126:3

After School

This is what the boys do as soon as they get home form school...EAT!! I'm thinking I will have to get a job as they get older. They will eat us out of the house. I love my boys!

My Baby Started Preschool

Yesterday was Cannon's first day of preschool at the Little Learning Ranch. He was so excited and had a great day. I was getting a little teary when we were walking up to the door but I pulled it together. We went inside put his backpack in his cubby and his lunchbox in the fridge. Then Ms. Trish took our picture. I wanted one with her but he started hiding behind me. Just like Carson use to do. We decided to wait until the end of the day.

The time came for me to GO. Oh, it was so hard and I cry now thinking about it. On one hand I am excited for him because he is such a big boy but the other hand says,"Where did my baby go? I want him back." I have had the wonderful privilege to be at home with my boys each day. I have loved it. I am so thankful for this time I have had. I know, I know he has two years of preschool he isn't going to college but it will happen sooner than I want!

OK, back to LLR. I gave him several hugs and left. I walked quickly to the car trying not to make eye contact with anyone. I closed my door and let it out. I cried all the way home and then some. I called Shane on the way home to cry to him. I think he was a little sad too. Not as much as me though!!

When I went to pick him up he had a great day and took a picture with both his teachers. He was asking to go back today. It is going to be an very exciting time.

I had the boys stand by the sign. Two former students and one present! We love the Little Learnig Ranch.