Cave Photos

Cave Exploring

In July we made a day trip to Blanchard Springs Caverns located in the Ozark National Forrest. What a beautiful place. Of course, the car ride was a little long for the boys. We heard, "How much longer? Are we there yet?" many times over but how sweet it was. We sure didn't complain because we knew this is precious time with our sweet boys that we will never get back. We sang songs (High School Musical-Sam's favorite) and told jokes (Ben read from his favorite joke book) and enjoyed the scenery along the way. I was a little concerned about how Sam may do once we were in the caves. I knew Ben would love it because he loves science. They both were so good and loved every minute of it. When the tour guides were going over the rules and they began talking about the handrails and how you shouldn't climb or swing on them, I just knew we were in trouble. If there is any kind of railing around Sam (our little monkey) is definitely going to climb and swing on them. But he didn't and was mezmorized by all there was to see. There were some steep inclines to walk up and down and the cement was really wet, so you can imagine how myself (fearful of heights) and Ben (just like his mother) faired at first. We were a little slow until we figured out our footing and we definitely used any handrail provided for us. I sent Sam walking with his father. Ben and I just held hands and walked along. Jeff and Sam never knew we were nervous. It was an unspoken for me and Ben-a silent bonding!!! Isn't great when you know your children so well you don't even have to talk about it. Just a hand squeeze can be enough. You definitely should take the time to visit this wonderful and beautiful creation of God's. It is truly amazing to see. I love these little day trips with my family. It is a time to get away from all the busyness of life and home and really be able to see all we have to be thankful for. I hope you enjoy the pictures of the caves.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

In June, we made a family night trip to the ballgame. We took the boys to the new (2nd season) Dickey Stephens ballpark in NLR to see the Arkansas Travelers take on the Springfield Cardinals. If you haven't been to the stadium it is really nice and a great place to spend family time. We had great seats and lots of fun. Ben was given a game ball by one of the ushers. Sam missed out because we were busy looking for cotton candy!!! We had lots of fun and can't wait to go back.

A Day at the Ranch

In April, Soaring Wings Ranch, held a supporter appreciation day. We participated with the many supporters of the Ranch. We had a great day of fishing, jumping, and eating. The boys especially loved the fishing. We are so blessed by our involvement with the Ranch. We volunteer as an extended family for them. One weekend a month, one week at Christmas, and one week in the summer we have a child from the Ranch stay with us. For the first year of our involvement with this program we invited a sibling group of 3 into our home. WOW! Was it ever exciting and busy. But we loved our time with the children. They were very well behaved and fun to be with. With Jack on the way, we really don't have space for that many children at once. So we are now going to be having one child from the Ranch stay with us. God has really blessed us through this ministry and feel HE still needs us involved. The Soaring Wings Ranch is a wonderful ministry opportunity if you are looking for a way to work for the Lord, in whatever way He leads you. Of course, financial support will also be one of their greatest needs. But even if you do not have the extra money or time to give to the Ranch, we ask that you always remember them in your prayers and tell others about them. If you want specific information, I have provided a link to the Ranch at the side of our blog page. Please visit it and learn all about God's wonderful work at Soaring Wings Ranch.

Our Four Family

Ben, Mom, Dad, & Sam

This photo was take Christmas '07. This is before we knew God wanted our "four family" to become a "five family." That may not have much meaning to you, but when we told Ben that he was going to be a big brother his response was, "Now we will be a four family." We are so excited and blessed that God wanted our family to grow. Our continuous prayer is that He will use our family to be a witness and a blessing to others. We can't wait to share a picture of our Five Family.

Brotherly Love

Brotherly Love

Ben and Sam love playing together. They do have their moments but when it is a good one we love just sitting and listening to them laugh, sing, dance, solve problems, and pretend together. What a sweet sound. My heart just skips a beat when I hear Ben say, "Come on Sam...let's build a club!!" My prayer is that all of my boys can be best friends and always be there for each other. Thank Heaven for my little boys.

'THANK YOU FOR THE ONES I LOVE, MY MOTHER AND MY FATHER.

THANK YOU FOR MY VERY BEST FRIEND, WHO ALSO IS MY BROTHER!"

All About Jack

JACK WALKER is due to arrive November 16th. However his delivery will be a scheduled c-section and we are looking for an arrival early November. We are busy planning for his arrival. We are in the process of getting his room ready and getting his brothers ready. We had a lengthy ultrasound yesterday. He appeared to be very healthy. My pregnancy has gone very well too. Yesterday is when we found out it was our third boy. That reminds me of that commercial (Rolaids, I think) when the nurse comes out and points to each new father and says "Boy---Girl---Boy---Boy,Boy,Boy". The last dad says "Oh, Boy!" At least we didn't get ours all at once!!!!! We are so excited and thrilled that God has chosen for us to add to our family. We can't wait to share all of our adventures with Jack.

All About Sam

SAM is four years old. He is our little monkey-constantly climbing and jumping off furniture, stairs, etc. He is trying to be a Super Hero because that is all he plays. When we shared the news of his sibling on the way and we asked if he wanted a baby brother or sister he replied, "I want a baby Batman!" We did not know how we were going to pull that off. Thank goodness he moved on. He is currently enrolled in gymnastics. Not only he is doing very well but he loves every minute of it. He will start the Child Study Center full time in August. We are so proud of him too!!

All About Ben

BEN is 7 years old. He is a very bright young man. He is an excellent reader and does very well in school. He currently is involved in piano lessons and doing very well. As a matter of fact, his piano teacher is having a hard time keeping up with him. He will hear a song, play a portion of it and then go to lessons and show her what he has done. She is constantly looking for new music for him. He will be a very talented musician one day. Ben will start 2nd grade at Vilonia Elementary in August. We are so proud of him!

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