There WAS a celebration...

... A whole weekend full! I mean, who doesn't love fireworks on the weekend of their birthday? Here's my birthday in photos, because after this week, I'm too tired to be writing words right now :) Enjoy!

The day started off with me sleeping in! That's what I always ask for. Oh, to sleep until I wake up... Sorry, just re-living the moment for a second. I slept till 10... but who's counting?

This first photo Tobin took. I think I was blinking, but I thought it was too precious not to post.

He didn't want to smile for the camera. He was mad it wasn't his birthday. Figures!

Then we goofed off a bit...

... and headed to lunch. It was my weekend *ahem* day, and I got to choose where to go. I wanted chips and salsa, so we went to Chili's for lunch.

This is what a 3 year old does while he waits for his food :) Yes, that's two straws and a fork.

I had my cake, folks... and I didn't have to make it myself this year! If you go to Chili's for your birthday, they give you a free dessert. I chose the molten chocolate cake. YUMMO!

Look at the amazing necklace I got in the mail from my parents? I know, don't be jealous!

Friday night my hubby and I went on a date to see Eclipse in the IMAX. It was great! Thanks Lulu for babysitting! (and not letting us pay you, too! We love you!)

Saturday night, after church- we went out to dinner at Ted's. The BEST Mexican restaurant in the OKC Metro! So great! (yes, that's a plate of butter that he stacked up and knocked over about 30 times before his food came)

The girls...

It was a fabulous Celebration of my 28th year beginning. Thank you for all the sweet cards and gifts and facebook messages. I was overwhelmed with feelings of joy at how much I am loved!
I was so blessed to get to spend another birthday with the ones I love!

It's A Celebration

When I was younger, I LOVED birthdays!

I loved everything about them... the presents, the cake,...get-together's with friends and family,

...and I supposed I even loved getting a little older each year. After 21, it's kind of gone down hill for me. I'm not really sure why except that every year I get down in the dumps about what I haven't accomplished. I don't really know why. I guess it's different when you have to make your own birthday cake.

This year is going to be different! This year I'm celebrating a life that I almost lost. I'm not sure if you know how serious my ITP diagnosis in October was. The fact that I walked out of that hospital at all is a true miracle. The fact that I'm in remission now with now daily treatment is another miracle in itself. I'm not sure why God gave me a second chance but this birthday is going to be filled with CELEBRATING!!! I'm going to make Tony get me a cake. I'm going to demand a song to be sung. I'm going to actually spend my birthday money on ME this year. And, I"m going to be happy on my special day!

This year is going to be different too! A year of purpose and excitement for the unknown. A year full of laughter and giggles with my sweet husband. And lots of snuggles with my babies.

HAPPY 28TH BIRTHDAY TO ME... tomorrow!

Thank you, Lord for blessing me with this year! I am truly thankful!

(PS- To read about my ITP diagnosis and updates click on "ITP UPDATES" under the "LABELS" section to the right on my side bar.)

A New Season

Our life has been crazy the last couple months. We have had 3 trips to Arkansas (which I will document with photos at the end of this post). Caroline started walking (finally), and Tony has taken a new position at Lifechurch.tv. He has been the Youth Pastor for the NW OKC campus for almost 3 years. We are now entering our 3rd week as official team members of the Edmond Campus of Lifechurch.tv. We are thrilled about this new journey, and excited to see how God is going to use us at this new campus. This week starts the "At The Movies" Series at Lifechurch.tv and God does amazing things through this series every year! I'll update you all as we move along in the process of Decorating the Edmond campus like a famous animated movie! (more on that later)

With two kids running around, driving a different direction across town, season passes to Frontier City and White water, new responsibilities, and the craziness of Summer... We enter a new Season in our life. One of change, excitement, and moving forward with the new blessings God is going to do in (and through) our family. Here's some photos to document the last 2 months. Enjoy! (This sums most of it up, if you're thirsty for LOTS more photos, check out my facebook! If we're not friends, we should be!)

We spent the days trying to stay cool...

...And spent the evenings soaking in the cool breeze and just being together as a family...

...As we looked over the amazing view of Mountain tops...

One of Caroline's first steps on her own! She's a pro now!

The boys (my son and my brothers- 30 and 24) did lots of fighting with light sabers!

There were lots of rides on the golf cart-I like to call the farm mobile! It's got a bed on the back like a pick up!

Lots of yummy food from the garden...



... and homemade goodness inside, too!

Tobin caught his first fish and first lightning bugs!
...He liked the bugs better :)

3 generations all together at once! Grammy came to visit from Mississippi!

A new cousin (baby zoe) was added to make THREE!

Isn't she beautiful?!

Grammy was beaming over her4th great grandchild!

Tobin spent time helping Papa around the farm. He was fixing the tractor this day!

My baby sister and brother graduated from the University of Arkansas! Aunt Carol (from California) came out for the celebration!

Family self-timer photo... (obviously taken before Baby Zoe arrived (: )

We had some great times and made some great memories!

Busy Me

I have so many photos to upload, and blogs to write, and things to update everyone on.... But right now I'm working on a not-so-tiny and it-will-be-easy kinda project. You know how those are, right? Here's a little hint. Can you guess what my project is?

Remember this weekend...

As we enter the Memorial Day holiday weekend, may we remember the men and women who have given their life so we can have freedom today! We are so thankful and blessed!

I hope your weekend is filled with wonderful memories of friends and loved ones who served for us!

I'm an Aunt!

My brother Collin, and sister-in-law Serina had a baby girl 4:27 this morning!
Zoe Esther Allen
6lbs 8oz
19 inches long
A mop of brown hair.

Thanks for making me an Aunt Rachel! I can't wait to hold you!

Happy Birthday Papa

We love you so much and wish we could have spent the day with you. We hope this year will be filled with wonderful things for you!