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.

Summer Recap '09

I know it has been 4 months since I have written anything. I kept telling myself to do something but never did a thing. So, I thought I'd recap our summer. It was great and the boys had a lot of fun. There really wasn't much down time. That can be good and bad.

In June Shane and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary with a weekend in Fort Worth. We keep saying we are going on a trip but that hasn't happened yet. Maybe next June! We had two weddings and a trip to Great Wolf Lodge.

Mixed in June was Corbin going to Scout camp and Carson and Cannon had swim lessons for 2 weeks. We were busy but it was all fun.

July seem to fly by. Each week was something new. We spent the 4th at the lake with family. The next week Corbin went to RA camp with the boys from church and I prepared for Vacation Bible School. Then it was the week of VBS!! I love it. What a great time we had with all the kids and workers. We finished up July with a family vacation to Red River, New Mexico. The boys loved it. We hiked, rode the ski lift, hiked, played in the cold water, hiked, went driving up in the mountains in a rough looking truck that shook my insides and did I mentioned we hiked? It was a blast!!

Cannon is pretending to be a bear in the last one!

So, August was full of little trips. The boys and I went to Oklahoma to visit friends and family for a few days. Then I went on a girls trip to Austin with my "old" friends from Gainesville. It was the best! We tell each other that we have to stay friends because we know too much about the other. We had a massage, was lazy at the pool and laughed until way too early in the morning! Corbin started Pee Wee football and loves it. He likes to tackle and does a pretty good job. Having brothers has paid off. The first day of school came for Corbin and Carson. What a great day! They have wonderful teachers and are enjoying their classes. I spent the last week of August in Oklahoma with family. My wonderful uncle Dennis passed away and I was honored to read scripture at his service and be there for my Aunt Bonnie and cousins Jeri, Beth and Denny. My cousin Melissa flew in from Colorado and we stayed together in a hotel and had the best time talking and catching up. She really is more like a sister! I love her! She cracks me up!

So, that is about it. I'm sure I left out something. The Cody family Summer of 09! I miss it already.

He GOT Me!!

Well, he did it. The Big Guy got me! My Shane had a surprise party for me last night and I WAS actually surprised. I thought he would never be able to pull one off and he did. (I'm gonna have to keep a closer eye one him!) He called it the 20th anniversary of my 16th Birthday! If you know Shane that sounds just like him! Some people don't get him but I think he is so funny!

He and some "friends" have apparently been working on this for a little while. It was so nice and so "girly pretty"! And I love that! There were new friends and long time friends and family there. I was so happy! Shane had a few people stand up and tell a little story about me or a memory and they blessed my heart. I had to sit in a chair in front of everyone and if you know me that is not what I like at all! Center of attention ...go away!

My God has blessed me with so many loving and faithful family and friends! I grew up in a Christian home with my parents and 2 sisters. We were taught about Jesus from the get go! My Mom says,"You were born on Monday and in the church nursery on Sunday!" See, so I have no other choice! I have really had the best life. Easy...not always. But, God has seen me through losing my two sisters, parents moving away (and back thank goodness!), getting married and moving to a new town where I knew NO one, and having 3 boys to raise!! My prayer is that I will be able to point Corbin, Carson and Cannon to Jesus to love with all their hearts, soul and mind!

My God is so good!
Thanks Shane for the party! You got me!

First Day of Spring Break!

I had no idea it has been over a month since I posted anything here. I am getting too wrapped up reading other blogs and being on Facebook! It is addicting! Anyway...Today is the first day of Spring Break for the Cody family. I have no idea what we are going to do. I always have high expectations to go and entertain and it never seems to work that way. Cannon has been telling me for about a month he wants to go to Chuck E. Cheese so I'm pretty sure we will make a stop in to visit and PLAY!
For now I need to stop the fighting and it is only 8:36 AM! I think it might be a long week! Lord help me!

And He's Off!!

I've waited almost two weeks to write about this because it was a day full of emotions. So, I'll try to start from the beginning. It was a lovely Sunday morning sitting in church with Corbin and Jimmy was up at the pulpit getting ready to make announcements. When out of no where my Cannon Ball runs down the aisle!!! I was in complete shock. I stepped out and started walking very fast toward him. He had stopped and turned and when he saw me he made the cutest smile like we were playing a game and he was off again. This time up on the stage!!! I wanted to get under a pew so bad and yet no one would move to let me in! I stopped in the first row by the Pastor and for about 3 seconds looked at Cannon thinking he would come down but at the same time saying in my head "You've got to get him"!!! But the next thought was he is going to run and guess what he did. As soon as I started toward him he ran to the choir loft and then down the front row! But, I am smarter than a Three year old and went to the middle and cut him off!! I picked him up like a sack of potatoes and headed to the door as fast as I could. I do not remember what anyone was saying or who I walked past. It is a complete blur! From now on I will be on guard whenever that door opens. Those ushers better watch out I might take one of them down! I don't think I'll ever be able to relax in church again!

I Speak Texan

Today I got the chance to hang out with my good friend Cindy. We went to see the movie Bride Wars and it was so funny. It was nice to have a little girl time and then she dropped me off at Big Guy's offfice and it was back to Boy World.
After we all got home we went for a ride around our "ranch" to look for "The Pig". Corbin and his friend Garrett have told us they have seen a BIG pig two times so we went looking. We didn't see anything except a skunk! Anyway, while we were driving Corbin was telling a story of an incident between him and Big Guy. When he finished he said that's not really what we said, I speak Texan! I thought that was so funny. And he was very serious. Out of the mouth of babes! Aren't they fun!

Having a Jesus Year

I don't know if I have mentioned this or not but I love to read the Living Proof Ministries Blog. It speaks to me every time. And it usually cracks me up! They are so funny and they love Jesus!! Anyway, Beth has been talking about having a Jesus year in 2009 and I thought that is exactly what I need to do and really do it!! She has asked for anyone who is Game to sign up to memorize scripture through out the year. You just have to memorize 2 scriptures a month. And you pick them so that they are meaningful to you and will meet you right where you are. I have signed up because I know I need to be filled with the Word. And I am thinking about writing out a verse for my boys to learn, even if it is one a month. I want them to be easy to learn and on their level of understanding. I figure it will not take so much to "fill them up" since they are still small and by the time they are my age the Word will be oozing out of them and that is just what I want for my boys!!

If you are interested head over and check it out. www.livingproofministries.blogspot.com

I am praying a Jesus year for us all!!

Merry Christmas Eve

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

My wish for this Christmas season is that we will know the real meaning of celebrating Christmas. It is Jesus' birthday! I Hope that we will keep that in every part of our goings on. When we are with family, driving to the next stop, opening our packages, and eating all day long! I want to remember that my best gift is that God sent Jesus to be my Savior. He is the most precious gift we can ever receive.

This past Sunday I taught a lesson on Mary in my Jr. High girls SS class. We talked about all the different emotions that Mary went through and decisions she made to be willing to follow God's plan even when it didn't seem right. Having given birth 3 times I can't imagine being away from family and in a dirty cave or stable with just the Big Guy to help me deliver. I would have been questioning if all this was the right way or had I messed up some how, but it says that after all this and the visits from he shepherds Mary treasured all these things in her heart. I pray to have a Mary attitude of being willing to follow God any where at anytime. Here am I, Send me!!

Luke 2:8-20
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them,"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find the baby wrapped in cloths lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying," Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,"Let's go into Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned glorifying God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Merry Christmas!!

Weekend at Burnet

I went to see my wonderful friend Lynda a week or two ago and we had a great time. It was so nice to see her and spend time doing girl things with no children around. I love my children but sometimes PrincessMommy needs a break! So here are a few pictures from our time together with her daughter Haley!

We went to a bead store that morning because they decided we needed to make our own jewelry so here we are with our new necklaces and pretty santa socks!

And then we got all dressed up and went to church on Sunday!

I miss Lynda a lot. She is so funny and makes me want to be a better mom, wife, friend, christian. I love her laugh and the fact that she cries every Sunday! No matter what. I actually make fun of her for that too. She helped me to grow in my relationship with the LORD more than I ever thought possible. I will never be able to thank her enough for helping me to really KNOW HIM!!!

I am so thankful that God knew I needed Lynda in my life and brought her here to me! She has been a wonderful blessing and Super sweet friend!