Getting Ready For School

It has been a hard week for Mama as we are preparing for school. Abbie returns as a third grader. That is just crazy! Kayanna Hope will start kindergarten. They have enjoyed shopping for a back to school outfit with both Mama & Aunite Keri. We were past due on the haircuts in our home, including Luke, so school gave us a reason to get caught up on those. Backpacks on hooks, lunch boxes ready, and school clothes picked out. We are as ready as it gets for these new adventures ahead. New teachers, new friends, new school work, and new opportunities to glorify God in the way we live our lives. It is our prayer that God meets our girls in new, fresh, and very personal ways at school this year.

A Girl & Her Horse

This past weekend I received a wonderful gift. I (Liz) got to spend a weekend with my horse (Baby Girl) in the mountains. My buddy Benny arranged (with some wonderful people) for us to go to the mountains for some time in the saddle. We moved some cattle, had a ton of teaching time, and marveled at this great creation (horseback). He even surprised me with my other buddy Steve and his family to join us for the weekend. We had a great time.

God's amazing creation, a cup of coffee, my horse

~ it was a piece of heaven for me!

The Birthday Girl

It's here folks! Kayanna Hope turned 6 years old today! We celebrated all day. Hope & Abbie frosted and decorated cupcakes for her friends. We headed to a park that had splash toys and cooled off. We loved it.
Hopie got to pick her supper for her birthday and she wanted Perkos (a local diner). So a couple of close friends and their children filled a whole row of tables to celebrate this very special girl. Our Hopie brings such life to this already lively family we call the Abshires. We are so very thankful for her life.

The Whole Day of Pictures

The Eve of the Birthday - Hopie

Six years ago tonight was an exciting time. We knew we were having a baby very soon. Kayanna Hope was born at 3:14 AM. Should I wake her up at 3:14 AM to wish her a true "Happy Birthday"?!? This is the year that she knows she is turning six. The entire household knows that she is the birthday girl and that trumps it all. I just wanted to share a couple shots of the birthday girl on the eve of her 6th birthday. She is Mama's "Little Chef" and very helpful in the kitchen

Fiesta Days

Last weekend we took in the local festivities at Liz's parents (Fiesta Days). The family enjoyed a parade to start things off. Liz's Dad was the Honorary Mayor. We enjoyed seeing them. Then off to the park for some yummy food and gut turning rides. We have concluded that Hopie is our family dare-devil!

A Day at the Beach

With husbands down in Mexico repairing cars at the children's home (Grace Children's Home), and everyone in need of a distraction, Keri & I loaded up six children and headed to the beach for the day. We had a fabulous day watching our children play in the waves, build sand castles (for Luke to destroy), and get sand EVERYWHERE! After a few hours there were the cries for icecream that Keri & I weren't going to argue with! These are precious times.

More Pics of Beach Trip

Picture Worth A Thousand Words

I couldn't resist! I snapped this picture on my way home from feeding Baby Girl this morning. Isn't this so true that the grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence? I have much to say on this particular saying, but will just leave you with the

picture worth a 1000 words!

Summer Favorites of '08

It is hard to believe that the summer is going so fast. We have had some great times this summer. We thought we might capture our favorites list for the summer of '08:

Papa list of favorites include:

• time at Hume Lake with my wife
• Wii moments at the Cobbs
• time with Hopie & Luke while Mama & Abbie were at Wagon Train
• I have broaden my food selections to include gourmet (to Liz's delight)
• time with Rob going to Grace Children's Home to repair vehicles
• later evenings with the girls (Luke's bedtime is pretty set)

Mama has loved having my children home during the summer. Don't let me mislead you, they have had their fightin' days. They aren't fun but nothing prayer, self-control, and a little more sleep doesn't take care of. Then there are the "we are the bestest sisters EVER" ~ man, I love those days. Other favs:

• a surprise massage
• time with my man ~ Hume Lake
• a day working cattle with my buddy Benny
• watching my girls serve Jesus at the Family Fun Nights
• an all nighter on the trampoline with 7 little girls ~ can you say chiropractor needed
• relaxed schedule
• Wagon Train
• watching Luke learn to eat M&Ms

Abbie's summer favorites include:

• Wagon Train
• VBS
• Family Fun Nights
• Makeovers at McKay's house
• making cookies with Mama
• swimming

Hopie's summer favorites include:

• swimming
• morning (PBS Kids) cartoons - (that is so Hopie)
• VBS
• Family Fun Nights
• eating lunch at McDonald's
• helping Mama cook - (she is a good helper)

Luke's favs:

swimming

gettin' this walking thing down

making mud pies

eating M&Ms

Wagon Train 08

Abbie & Mama just spent a week at Hume Lake attending Wagon Train. Wagon Train is where the Old West comes alive as campers sleep in real covered wagons, eat in the Outpost, and purchase items from the Trading Post. We had a great time! Wagon Train is Hume's junior camp for ages 8-11. With its rugged western theme, Wagon Train showed us & 9 other children plus 3 counselors a rootin' tootin' good time while delivering the Good News of Christ. We were led through the week by dedicated staff (dressed in authentic western attire) who took us on hikes, taught us fun crafts, and shared their love for the Lord. This rustic camp gave us the opportunity to experience the outdoors like never before. With such activities as rappelling, archery, the Giant Swing and the Flying Fox zip-line, we were never at a loss for great things to do.

More Wagon Train Photos

Even More Wagon Train Pictures

Romance Weekend at Hume Lake

In June, Aaron & I got an opportunity to go up to Hume Lake and be a host couple for one of their "Romance Weekends". We have attended several of the weekends ourselves over the years. They are incredible! This was our first time going over to the "dark side" of Romance. This side was the hosting of Romance. Caring for the couples, setting up the theme dinner, turning down beds, and anything we could do to love on the 25 couples who attended the Romance weekend. It was a fabulous team of people who work well together. We had an amazing weekend serving together and making new friends.