Alyssa graduating from ESU

Our oldest daughter graduated from Emporia State University this weekend.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and a Minor in Crime and Delinquency.  Wow she is just so smart.

As soon as she came walking in I was crying.  I just could not control the tears.  After she sat down she sent me a text say, "stop crying".  Yes she was texting me during her graduation.  Gotta love her.  But I was just so proud.  I was going through in my mind all the struggles she went through and all the prayer and encouraging it took to get her here.  It was just an overwhelming and wonderful feeling seeing her sit there.  When she was done and I got to give her a big hug and all I could do was hug her and put my arms in the air and say YOU DID IT!!!! YOU DID IT!!!! As I sit here typing this I am still crying.  I always think I can never feel more proud of my children with each goal they accomplish but the feelings just get stronger and stronger with each accomplishment.  Well, here are a few pictures of her big day. 

                                            Her cap she decorated
 Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.  Proverbs 16:3

Alyssa's brother and sister.  Ryan will be graduating college in a few years.
           I have 2 years to get my emotions back in check.

         Family party at her apartment.  Not bad for a college pad.

                                She made it and I am one proud momma.

Congratulations Alyssa.  Now for the next chapter in the wonderful life God has given you. 

No Longer a Teenager

This sweet little boy is growing up way to fast. 

It seems it was just yesterday I was running around the house telling him to put some clothes on because he loved to be a naked boy.  Sorry Ryan.

Today at 1:30 a.m. this handsome young man turned 20 years old. 

Picture taken by Macy

How did I get old enough to have a son that is 20 years old and in college.   I love watching you grow into a wonderful, God loving, caring and hard working young man.  Some of my prayers for you everyday are for you to Grow in Grace, have Self Control, Courage, Kindness, Joy and  be Self Disciplined.

Thank you for being a wonderful son. I love you

and

Happy 20th Birthday. 

Mom

What Are You Paying????

A couple of my favorite blogs The Chatty Mommy and Stairstep Boys have a little survey going.  They want to know What You Are Paying for some basic items in your area.  I found it so interesting so I thought I would join in the fun.  You can find their prices here and here.

Here are mine.

   *A Regular Gallon of Gas - $3.05 a gallon
   *A Gallon of Milk - Aldi $2.00 a gallon Walmart $4.00 a gallon
   *A Box of Store Brand Butter -  $2.50 just got it on sale for $1.88
   *A Dozen Large Eggs - $1.88 Walmart
   *A Loaf of Mrs Bairds Whole Grain White or Wheat Bread - $1.99 Price Chopper
   *A Bunch of Bananas - 69 cents a pound

So that is what we are paying in my neck of the woods.  How does it compare to where you are living? 

If you want to play along you can leave a comment and let us know what you are paying or you can blog about it, just leave a link in the comments so we can check it out. 

Blessings

Crystal

He Proposed, She Said Yes!!

This is our 22 year old, beautiful, God loving, a little bit loud, very giving, smart daughter.  Everything about her screams her daddy.  From her strength, to her muscular legs, stubby toes and beautiful teeth.  She looks like her mommy (so we are told) but everything else about her is her daddy.  She is just 1 of our pride and joys.  She is a senior in college and has been dating the same young man for a while now.  Well not long ago that wonderful young man asked her daddy for permission to marry his daughter.  After a few words of what daddy expects from this young man he gave his approval. 


She thought it was a night out for her birthday with her wonderful man, her brother and his girl friend and several friends.  But it went a little something like this;

That is the proposal in pictures.  Thanks so much to my sons girlfriend Macy of Next Chapter Photography for capturing it all for us to see. 





The newly, happily engaged couple. 

This is how the crazy couple is usually acting.

Congratulations you two.  We love you both so much.


On to the planning. 

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Happy Birthday & Woot, Woot

Today is our youngest babies birthday.  She is the big 15.  I just can not believe our youngest is that old.  She was our WHAT, I am pregnant, baby.  Oh boy, how did this happen?  Well, obviously we know how it happen but you know what I mean.  We did not plan on 3 children.  But God had other plans for us and I am so glad he did.  She is such an absolute joy.  She is a child that is very calm, pretty quite, self soothing, God loving and pretty wise for a 15 year old girl.  She is so aware of others feelings, she loves animals, being home, volleyball and her family.  She is a girl who can easily take care of her cousins just as a mom would.  It amazes me because I had to learn things that just seem to come so natural to her.  Thank you God for this wonderful child of yours you gave me to raise.  I pray I am doing a good job. 

Courtney is a freshman in high school and is on the volleyball team.  A few weeks ago she had an exciting game.  She served 25 straight points in a volleyball game.  So that meant she set a Kansas State High School Activities Association state volleyball record for points served in a single game. It was just unbelievable to watch.  Her team was so excited.  I attached the newspaper article if anyone would like to read it.
http://www.kccommunitynews.com/miami-county-republic-sports/29180413/detail.html

                  HAPPY 15th BIRTHDAY LITTLE ONE. 
                                              You are definitely a blessing from God.

Blessings

Crystal

Have you read it yet?

Have you read this book?  I am in the middle of it and I hate putting it down.  It is one of those books I have to make myself do all the things I have to do for the day before I allow myself to pick it up and read it.  I can't wait to see the movie.  It will be a while though, going to the movies is just not in our budget.

Praying for all that are in the path of the hurricane. 

Happy Saturday.

Crystal

A wonderful Summer

Boy it has been a long time since I have written anything.  But here is a few things in pictures that I have been up to this summer.



Started making Vanilla in July

Moved Ryan into his new apt at college

Got to see Alyssas new apartment at college.

Sent Courtney off to High School.

Have made lots and lots of sweet tea.

Just enjoying the beauty of summer. 

Now the kids are all back at school and the house is way, way to quite.  I am anxious to get all my fall decorations out but I am making myself wait until September.  Hope you all have had a wonderful summer. 

Summer Blessings

Crystal