One of my favorites!

Halloween is one of my most favorite holidays!!!

I thought I would share some pictures of the kids dressed up starting in 2004

2004 - Alexis (Lady Bug) Joe (Skeleton Pirate) Hailey (Rapunzel)

2005 - Alexis (Ribbon Fairy) Joe (Alien) Hailey (Geisha)

2006 - Alexis (Princess) Joe (Egyptian Warrior) Hailey (Vampire)

2007 - Alexis (Gabriella) Joe (West County Chopper Biker Skeleton) Hailey (Rock Star)

(Alexis was also an Egyptian belly dancer last year for her Girl Sc0ut Halloween Party)

Madame Vice-President

It is with great pleasure and a honor to be the one to tell everyone. Last week, Mel had applied for a new position at Warren Federal Credit Union -- Assistant Branch Manager. And, I'm so excited -------- she got the position!!!!!!! I couldn't think of anyone more qualified and skilled for the position. With the change of duties, will be a slight change in her "normal" working day. She won't be home right at 5:00 pm like usual, but we can eat dinner a little later anyway. And, she has to work every third Saturday from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (or something like that), but the kids and I will be thrilled to see her when she comes home.
I can't tell you how proud of Mel I am. She's the one who tirelessly works her fingers to the bone without seeking any recognition. For example, I don't remember the last time she had taken an hour off away from the Credit Union for lunch. She will do a FANTASTIC job in her new position!
We are so darn proud of our Madame Vice-President!!!!!!!!!

A Wonderful Day

Well, I'm finally getting to this blog thing to tell you Mel has turned another year younger!!!!! Sunday was her 31st birthday. Unfortunately, she wasn't feeling well with a combination of a cold and symptoms of TMJ -- they couldn't have come and a more unfortunate time. But, none the less, we celebrated and love her just the same. Here's a picture of her opening one of her presents:

Family Football ~ Hobbs vs. Jessup

This year, being 5th Graders, Joe and Hailey are able to play flag football for their schools. The cool thing is that all of the Elementary Schools verse each other over the next few weeks. The 2nd game of the season - Hobbs Elementary (Hailey's School) and Jessup Elementary (Joe and Lady's School) versed each other. So....I had to get some pictures of the action - before the game.

You are probably wondering...Which team won???

The final score was:
Hobbs - 0 Jessup - 12

Joe was on cloud 9 and Hailey was disappointed but they were both Big Kids about it and we ended up having a great evening.

Being Part of the Group

Clint and I had Dorothy (My Grandmother) over for dinner this evening.
The kids got all of their instruments out to show her and ended up
bringing her an electric guitar to be able to be "part of the group."
I had to get a picture of this!

1st Girl Scout Meeting of the Year!

Alexis had her first Brownie meeting of this school year ~

The girls had 3 leg races, spoon and egg races and received their

patches and prizes from last years cookies sales and activities.
It was great fun!

Our Wedding Vows

4 Years ago today Clint and I exchanged these vows:

Clint to Mel

"It is rare in life to find a love like the one we share. When I look towards the heavens at night, I see the ever-lasting and deep love we share for each other. When I see the sun shining, I feel the warmth of your smile, your embraces and your commitment to our new family. When I smell the rain, it comforts me as it reminds me of the growth and the transformation of uniting two families into one. When I feel the wind blowing against my skin, it reminds me of how you help me feel alive and of you holding me in your arms helping me feel safe and secure. When I look into your eyes, I feel the love and devotion you share with me. I hope when you look into my eyes, you feel how much I love you, cherish you and am devoted to you. My love for you continues to grow as the wind pollinates the flowers, the rain and sun give the flowers the necessary elements to grow and nighttime allows the flower to rejuvenate. I love you now with the truest of hearts, and I always will."

Mel to Clint

"I am the luckiest woman in the world to have found a love that never fails. I am amazed that you can always make me laugh and never fail to comfort me when I am saddened. One simple glance or touch from you still has the power to take my breath away. My love for you is unconditional and I find myself falling more in love with you as each day passes. As we grow old together I promise to love, respect and honor you. I will always support your plans, decisions and interests, ideals and emotions through all the trials and tribulations of life. I will be with you to celebrate the joyous times and will nurture you and our children in this lifelong commitment. I will honor the special bond and unique relationship between us, and promise to always keep this eternal flame in my heart for all the days of my life. My Love....you are in my voice when I speak, you are in the air that I breathe. Thank you for making me complete, showing me the true meaning of love, and allowing me to give my entire heart and soul to you. I love you now, always and forever."

I must say I was a ball of nerves and overly stressed (to say the least) the last few days before the wedding knowing that I had to write my own vows...Clint was as cool as a cucumber about it.

I saved the vows, the exact papers we read them off of, and have pulled them out on our anniversary each year since the wedding. I am so thankful that I saved them! They are so beautiful!

One last thing - Although September 11th, 2004 was an amazing day for our family; I don't want to forget those who lost family and friends on September 11th, 2001. Our prayers remain with you and yours now and forever. In addition, Thank You to all of the Troops who risk their lives for our freedom to be an American!

God Bless America