The Great Card Debaucle - Updated

It's that time again when I make my family somewhat coordinate their clothes and take the annual Christmas picture. It comes with lots of drama, but I think I will look back on the pictures and reminisce about days gone by. I am always looking for a good deal so when I saw the Shutterfly deal I decided I would try it out. 50 free cards is good, especially for those of us on a budget and who have lots of friends. I have used Shutterfly to develop some of my photos in previous years so I know that it is a trusted site. They are also always having deals for free pictures. The emails come frequently. There are so many Christmas cards to pick from and you can even choose by color (which I love). I may even decide to do calendars for the grandparents this year. The cool thing is it doesn't have to stop at Christmas. If I can't get it done quick enough, I may do a New Year's Card. (www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationary/new-years-cards)

One reason I love to send photo cards is because I love to get them. Our family uses them to make a prayer photo album. It teaches my children to think about others and their needs instead of constantly thinking about themselves. (what a concept) Anyway, check out Shutterfly and see what you think.

Peace

This is such a beautiful picture to me. Three boys playing together and no one is arguing or fighting. Let me explain...it seems like the older two can do nothing but tattle tale on each other or compete to see who can be the best. There is nothing wrong with a little competition. They are boys after all, but one of the things we want to teach our children is how to respect each other and how to put themselves last. There have been many days when I thought I would lose my mind. Even this afternoon it was constant, but then, redemption. May I say it again? This is a beautiful picture to me.

(By the way the game they are playing is called Zingo. It was super fun and even Asher was able to play. Two would work on the cards and one would slide. The took turns. There are some advantages to having lots of siblings)

Oklahoma Sunrise

As I said in the previous post our main reason for going was to honor Adam's grandpa. He was a Southern Baptist preacher for over 40 years. He lived a good life serving others. One request he had was to have his ashes spread in a nearby lake. We all gathered to say our final goodbyes and send him off with the fish he never caught.

(taken by my bro-in-law)

OBU

We recently we to Oklahoma for a couple of reasons. The primary reason was that Adam's grandpa had passed away so we needed to get out for the memorial service. The second reason was our 10 year college reunion. Adam and I both went to OBU. That is where we met and where our relationship blossomed from friendship to marriage. I love that school. It was the only place I wanted to go and the only place I applied for. Some may think I am over the top, but it was such a life changing place for me. My relationship with God grew in many ways and I was pushed and challenged to really know what I believe and why. The professors truly cared about their students and invested in more than just our education. I participated in too much I am sure, but everything I did help to make me who I am today.

GOD BLESS OBU!

G-pa and his grand-boys

I hope that one of them will go to OBU to keep the tradition alive. It would be the third generation to go there.

My dad and I graduated from the same place 20 years apart.

We now get to go back to our reunions together.

This is the corner where Adam proposed to me

The Atchisons and The Cloars

with our future Bison

Thankful

Well, it has been too long folks. To be honest, I just haven't had the energy to do a blog. It has been one long month, but here we are in a new month. A month to remember all the things we are thankful for. I have many things this year to be thankful for. It has been a year, if you know what I mean. Lots of changes around here. So here are few things I am so thankful for.

For little boys who love to eat birthday cupcakes.

For nap times.

For lazy days on the couch.

More to come....

What are you thankful for?

(on a side note, I look at those four boys and can't believe they are mine....it is a little overwhelming at times...and scary....and chaotic....and so much fun)