Freckles

A face without Freckles

is like a Night Sky

without Stars.

"I a Cowboy"

Tater moved out and Tex moved in. He got his first cowboy giddy up gear...boots, jeans, pearl snap, belt, hat (which he loves almost as much as he loves his new tractor)!!! He even checks to make sure it has enough diesel.

"I a cowboy"

Cutest cowboy I've ever seen!

This Moment

As the holiday season winds down, I feel more grateful than ever. Not because of the presents I got, or what Santa gave my kids, but because of all this family time I was able to soak up. I don't take for granted what I have. I know it's special. I get to see my parents love my kids and my niece unconditional. I see them play game after game, take them on nature walks, take them to feed the cows, go deer "hunting", or make them their favorite treats. With my eyes filled with tears, and my heart full all I can say is I'm blessed.Choose Love

She's Got Skills

When we moved from Abilene the hardest thing for Lyssa was to leave her soccer team. She spent a lot of time with these girls and she grew to love them. For three years they learned about team work, discipline, persistence, winning and losing.

Then she meet these girls. What a blessing they are. She fit right in and they welcomed her with open arms. We just finished our season this past weekend at the regional tournament. They were just one game short of making it to state.

They were so fun to watch!

These are just a few pics I snapped of Lyssa throughout the season...

So proud of you Lys! Can't wait to watch you in the spring!!

Christmas Cheer

Here's a little Christmas cheer from our home to yours...

Choose Love...

Randomness

I forgot how nice it is to have another set of hands at home. It reminds me that I'm normal, that I'm not going crazy. Football season is over for the year. We had an awesome year! You can get play by play action at www.templewildcatfootball.blogspot.com. Seriously, I think we were picked 7th in the district and we tied for second. It was so fun watching the Wildcats get better week after week. My very most favorite part of the year was watching this guy...
I just love him! He coaches with such a passion and love for the game, but most of all he just loves the kids.


Which is the same reason I love him at home. Looking at the days ahead, my heart is full of joy and happiness that I could just skip everywhere I go. I have so many things I want to post. Lyssa's soccer, which she is still playing! They have advanced to the final tournament! Parker's first year of playing baseball, what a little cutie, I mean stud he was. My baby, Tate, all the joy he brings us. My niece, whom I adore! But, for now I'm going to just sit back and enjoy all this family time, and soak up all these blessings. I'll have one heck of a catch up post after Thanksgiving. I hope you remember to enjoy all your blessings.

Choose Love,
Cassi

I Choose LOVE

When I met Summer I knew she would hold a special place in my heart forever. She's the kind of girl that always leaves you smiling. She's good at sooooo many things and she's one of the funniest people I know. We first met at college. The first time I was around her we planned a girls day with one of our mutual friends, Natalie. They told me they would come pick me up, I was living in the dorm at the time. As I was watching and waiting for them, I noticed Natalie's pick up truck jump the curb and literally drive right up to the front door laying on the horn. At that moment, I knew we were friends forever. We soon moved in together and started building a friendship that I still cherish to this day. She was in my wedding, we had our first babies not to far apart. We went through many ups and downs together.

Time passed and even though we didn't talk everyday, when we did we picked up right where we left off.

Now, as I think of Summer, which is everyday at least ten times I day, sometimes I smile, sometimes I cry. See, Summer is experiencing what most of us can't even imagine. She tells her story beautifully and you can read more at http://www.thebeaversjourney.blogspot.com/. Summer lost her beautiful baby girl about a month ago. Even if you don't know her, you won't believe how much Summer, Jeff (her husband), Dylan (her son), and Kelsie (her angel) can teach you just by reading her blog.

They have taught me to choose LOVE. It's that simple. Whether it's through my kids, my husband, my family, myself...I choose LOVE. And every time I do in my mind I feel like I'm keeping Kelsie's legacy alive. Even when my patience are shot or I'm tired, I still choose LOVE. I can't thank you enough Summer for showing me it's just that simple.

I bought this T-shirt last week... I also got one for my daughter. My sister also got one. We wear them proud. Each time we put them on we say a little prayer for Summer and her family and we are sure to pass on the love through our actions and thoughts. You can order one at http://www.reneetrudeau.com/.

Please join us...through your prayers, leave a comment for Summer even if you don't know her. Let her know that she isn't alone, through her loss we will create more love and pass it on. And every time we do, we will smile and think of Summer and her family....and maybe, just maybe Summer will feel that love come all the way back around.

I love you, sweet friend.