Lizzie's new business card...

A Witherwax Christmas

A Reeves Christmas

Botkin's Surprise Present for Mom

Cousin Lorin- just because she's cute!

Gesch Sisters

Audrey's 8th grade Graduation

Newest member of the family...

Cade

Davis

Kolby

Beautiful Family!

The Special Tree...

I wanted to share with with you something very

special that happened at my church for Christmas.

If you have read my blog from day one,

you would know one of the main reasons why I started it.

I realized almost a year ago,

after the loss of Jackson's best friend,

that time and people are so precious.

My church showed an amazingly amount of love to

children in need in our community this Christmas.

Some friends and I decided to decorate a small tree

in memory of Thomas.

We attached tags that had children's information on them that needed clothes, necessities and gifts that they would not be receiving for Christmas.

Thomas and his mother Terri had in the past shown so much

love and sympathy to some of these children and their families,

especially during the holidays,

that it was only fitting that we honor Thomas in this way.

The church members agreed!

We couldn't keep the tree full!

So many wanted to help with this because of what it symbolized.

The giving and generous donations were able to make a

wonderful Christmas for many!

...brand new bicycles,

basketballs,

remote control vehicles,

clothes for all ,

shoes,

tons of toys for all,

jewelry for the girls,

stuffed animals,

...all priceless!

Jackson felt very honored and proud to have made the tree topper-

a star with a "T" in the middle.

I think everyone would agree that this will be

a new tradition

that we will do at our church for many years to come!

Thank you God for the time and all of the sweet memories we had with Thomas!

I know that in your ways Lord we will continue to see him.

My special girl...

One very special event that happened over the holidays-

my baby girl turned 18!

MY LIZZIE!

I just can't believe it.

Time flies by so fast.

I wish I could just reverse time.

I've been trying so hard to savor every moment of this last year at home.

This last year, the biggest lesson I learned is that we don't know how much time we have with one another so we need to cherish every moment.

It won't be long and we will be leaving her at college.

Ugh!

What am I going to do-

WHAT IS JACKSON GOING TO DO??

They still end up cuddling with each other every night!

I think I can say that after the tough 18 years that I hope every other parent goes through with their teenager, we did a pretty darn good job with her!

I absolutely love her heart.

It is shy, but caring.

It is simple, but so deep.

I love her talent!

Her eye!

I'm jealous.

Her photography is amazing for starting out so young.

Even though I don't always love her independent attitude,

it has made her strong and

puts me at ease when I think about her being out in the world on her own.

I just pray that she remembers who she is,

how to treat others with respect and

that God made her so wonderfully!

Thank you God for such a beautiful and perfect gift!

Here are some fun

Christmas pictures for the family!

Fun day making a

gingerbread village with

Jackaroo, EmmyLou and Lizzaroo!

Greetings from beyond...

Yes, I know it's been a while.

But can I say busy, busy, busy!

And of course more importantly I have been having

too much fun with FAMILY!

I did take some time to snap some shots of the Christmas decor in each room of the house. I just love decorating for the winter,

but now I'm looking forward to cleaning it all up

and putting some fresh new decor out!

So for now, here are the Christmas pics of the house.

Sorry I didn't get them out before Christmas!

Jackson has three woodland trees that I twisted together.

His ornaments are all of his favorites:

animals, sports and cowboys and indians!

Lizzie's tree is so fun! It has of course peace signs all over it

and many ornaments that bring back sweet memories!

Our family tree is a "woodland" tree.
Lots of birds, acorns, squirrels and pine cones!

The next pictures are in my kitchen.

Jackson was about 3 in the picture.

I love it!

The last picture is in our family room and the tree is our

Christian tree.

It is decorated with all of my crowns, crosses and crismons.

I hope everyone had a

Merry Christmas

with lots of

new, special memories!

I know that I did!

2010 5th Annual CHARGE Retreat

What an amazing weekend!

My family and I had so much fun spending it with

some great families.

Families with children that have CHARGE syndrome

came from all over Texas to meet for a

retreat of learning, socializing, entertaining and education.

Let me tell you, the weekend was full of...

games

speakers

dancing

laughter

fishing

a rock wall

a moon bounce

clowns

a petting zoo

a fire truck

face painting

giggling

friendships

great memories & great kids!

Here's the whole gang...

Our Jady

Rock Wall Fun

Parachute Fun

Fishing at the Lake

Proud Grandparents

George Lending a Hand

My Favorite Picture! I love Leigh's face!

Oh and by the way- Lizzie was our photographer for the weekend.

She did a great job capturing all of the memories!

Our Halloween Party at the Witches' Mansion

Oh yeah- GOOD MEMORIES!