Poppy and Mimi's House

While we were in Texas, we spent time with Poppy and Mimi. They recently moved into a new house that backs up to Houston's bayou. Here are a few pictures which don't adequately capture their home's romance, size or beauty. We had a relaxing time, playing with toys, taking walks through the neighborhood and listening to the thunderstorms.

Packing the Stires

Kris, Chelle and the girls are moving to Albania in July to be missionaries. They will all be intensely learning the language for the first year or two, so most of their vocational duties will be put on hold until they get a firm grasp on the language. Kris will work at the seminary in Tiranah, while Chelle will manage the home and see the girls to and from school. To get to Albania, they had to sort, pack and load all of their belongings (with some other people's, too) into a container, which may arrive by cargo ship in 4 months. Until then, they'll be living out of their suitcases. It was a bittersweet visit for us all recalling delightful times while packing up remnants from those same visits. Of course we made new memories, which we are now documenting in order to enjoy over and over again.

Fun with Grammie

On our recent trip to Texas, we spent time with Grammie and the Stires. Grammie's signature is her "Surprise Suitcase", which she fills with prizes for good behavior, kind gestures and obedience. The kids LOVE reaching their hand in to grab a goody. Mason couldn't reach in to get a prize (although he was very obedient), so Grammie showered him with kisses and love. That's the best gift of all!

Christmas '06

Backtracking a bit, the Flowers family had their second reunion this past Christmas. Jay's brother, Jon, had all of his children there (including one of his sons-in-law), as well as his darling wife, Vicki. From oldest to youngest (not necessarily in order of height): Niccol, blue jean jacket (with husband Luke in Hawaiian shirt), Cyndi in black, Josh in black, Caleb in red and Asa in blue. Included in a couple of the pictures are Madeline and a cousin, Brandi. Madeline still loves her swing, although she always says, "Higher! I want to swing higher!"

More Grad pictures

Kaitlyn, Whitney, Sierra and Breanna just loved having all their Grandparents there. Wish we could have joined in the fun, too. I heard there was waterplay in the fountain, which, of course, was refreshing on that hot and humid day in Dallas.

Hail the Conquering Graduate!

My brother-in-law, Kris, recently graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary. Most of the family was there to celebrate this milestone in his life. Among them were his parents, Arper and Rose Ann, my mom and her husband, Bud, as well as my dad and his wife, Amanda.

Leaving Office

In March, my dad had his last banquet as President of the College of Biblical Studies-Houston; he will now step into the role of Chancellor at the college. We had a terrific evening together with his wife, Amanda, as well as with Kris and Chelle and their oldest daughter, Kaitlyn. We are so proud of him and the example he has been of a servant who pours his life into the service of his King!

Jon

Jay's brother, Jon, went home to Heaven on Good Friday. We spent about 3 weeks in Idaho with him and his family before he left us. What a blessing to be with him as he contemplated his imminent journey to Heaven and the glory of Christ that he would soon enjoy. We look forward to being with him again and worshiping our Savior together! A neighbor of his made a beautiful quilt of family pictures and thoughts for him.

Playtime

Mason just loves laughing with Daddy! Jay gets him giggling and cooing and Mason just flaps his arms and kicks with glee. It's such fun to see them together! And Madeline dressed up as a bride in her new playclothes. She spent a long time watering the flowers outside and having a tea party in her special outfit.

Mother's Day Weekend

We visited Jay's parents for Mother's Day and had a wonderful time relaxing (I did) and working (Jay did). Jay and his dad planted an Ash tree in their front yard. Mason loved sitting with Grandpa and getting lots of kisses while giving lots of smiles. You can see Grandpa's new scar on his right knee from his recent knee replacement surgery. He's making a full comeback! Madeline continues to grow up; she's becoming quite the big sister. We often refer to Mason as "Buddy Boy", but when Madeline says it, it comes out "Bunny Boy". She always gives a reason to smile! It being Mother's Day, I thought it appropriate to add a picture of Grandma (I only had 2 because you were behind the camera the whole time)...thanks for all your love and hard work.

Look Out Dorothy!

Our friend, Kerry, gave Madeline a pair of sparkly, red shoes. If I'd let her, Madeline would wear them to bed! She loves walking in the sunlight to watch them shine. Thanks, Miss Kerry!

Emergency Expo

Our city has an annual Emergency Expo at the local community college which we attended for the first time. Madeline loved petting the search-and-rescue dogs, seeing all the emergency vehicles and patting Smokey the Bear. We came home with an armload of new coloring books and paraphanalia about household safety. We can't wait for next year's Expo!

Mommy's 'lil Baker

Madeline helped me make a chocolate chip cake recently. She loved eating the chocolate chips and stirring in the ingredients.