Mother's Day

When I was growing up, I was not a good babysitter. I wasn't great with kids and never really thought I would take to mothering. So I made plans that involved careers and education and travel. Marriage and family sounded nice, but I never felt like they were guaranteed and so I shied away from planning on them. Little did I know that by the time I was 20, I would have found a man who loved me and who was easy to love. When Audrey was placed in my arms a couple of years later, God whispered to my heart that being a mother was truly my purpose. It is where my joy is found and where my dreams are fulfilled. I understand God's love more fully and I need it more than ever. I literally do not know who I would be without these kids and I wouldn't have it any other way. They are my most prized possession and my greatest joy. Don't ever leave, guys!

If you know me, you know I am super sentimental, so these little thoughts about me that Miles wrote in his gift he made at school mean the world to me. Who knew little boys could be so perceptive? Plus, teeny handwriting.

Easter 2017

I know that my Redeemer lives. What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, he lives who once was dead. He lives, my ever-living head. He lives to bless me with his love. He lives to plead for me above. He lives my hungry soul to feed. He lives to bless in time of need. Because of Him my family can be eternal and I can feel His peace every day. Happy Easter!

Audrey's birthday!

We had fun with Audrey and her friends in Fort Worth for her sixteenth birthday. We started out the evening at Ephemera on West Magnolia, where we made custom mini terrariums. Then we walked down the road to Brewed for dinner, and slowly made our way up to Melt for dessert. Such a fun crew!

In our ward, around the girls' birthdays, everyone fills a chalkboard with their compliments and favorite things about the birthday girl! This was Audrey's board. :)

Neal's Birthday

For Neal's birthday, he wanted to go to a fruit tree sale in Houston, so we did! Just a quick overnight in N. Houston, the tree sale in the morning, and then a little bit of leg-stretching at Huntsville State Park on the way home. Pie for the birthday boy!

Halloween 2016

We had a fun Halloween week this year. Neal and I even dressed up, for an adult party at our friends, the Murrays' house. We were Vincent VanGogh and Andy Warhol. Who knows why, just thought it was a funny idea. :)

Our friend, Scott, was an impeccable Dr. Spock!

We spent some time at the Florences' house for FHE, carving pumpkins and looking at the cool record player that Brother Florence used on his mission to native people in Guatemala. The missionaries there, back in the 80s, used these to play parts of the lessons in the native language. It was the coolest thing.

Miles dressed as a Dementor from Harry Potter for Halloween. This is him at Storybook Character Day at school. He had to bring a book to go with his costume.

We always have fun at the ward party, too! My friend, NaYoung, and I wore very similar outfits. :)

With our friends, the Baileys.

Sweet friends, Lauren and Alecia.

Audrey and Julia.

Audrey was a sort of autumnal princess, while Parker went the dark route with Miles and dressed as a Plague Doctor. Yikes!

Parker and his friends from school.

Trick-or-treating was fun, even though Neal and I only had Miles with us. We went to our friends, the Mendenhalls' house and Miles went around with his buddy, Matthew.

Fathers Day

Parker's Birthday

Our quiet, smart dude has turned twelve! He had a great birthday, made even better because Ben was in town to celebrate his birthday, too!

Parker received the Aaronic Priesthood the Sunday after his birthday. Bramma and Pa; Martha and Mark; Julianne, Toni and Ben were able to celebrate the occasion with us. We are so proud of this guy!

Black Bottom Banana Cream Pie was on the menu for Parker. He's not a cake fan. As you wish, Parker!

Audrey's Birthday

Birthdays just aren't as exciting as they used to be! Audrey turned 14 on a pretty normal old Wednesday. School, DI, Young Women, the usual! But she is anything but usual. We love this girl so much and enjoy seeing her blossom into young adulthood! 

Friends ordered her cinnamon sticks after school.

The boringest (but yummy) birthday cake ever!

Meredith's Wedding

We had such a lovely time visiting Lubbock and Canyon for Meredith and Jon's wedding. It is so nice to be close enough to family that trips like this are possible! The whole weekend was so fun and the blessings were abounding.

Horn folks gathering outside the Lubbock Temple after the sealing ceremony.

Audrey and Claire! Love these girls.

Audrey with the bride.

With the happy couple.

Taking photos on the lawn.

Canyon, Texas is called Canyon because of Palo Duro Canyon, just outside of town. All the times we have been coming to Canyon, this was our first time stopping. It was so pretty! Parker and Miles had to leave the weekend early to get back in time for baseball tryouts.