Where did the years go???

Kaylea, Rubea, Emilea, Ethan, Owen, Jackson, Rylea, Johnathan

Emilea

She is a bit embarrassed while they are singing for her at Olive G@rden....Emilea and Rubea

My *baby* turned 15 today!! Poor girl... what a day to have your birthday! She is such a beautiful young lady! She loves, loves, loves her siblings, especially Rubea. (she traveled with me to China to get Rubea)  She loves her family and friends. She loves Jesus. She loves life!! She loves school and is an *A* student!!! She enjoys reading, music & her guitars. She is over the moon excited about getting her driver's permit, getting a job at Sea*World and going to Camp E*lectric this summer!! She chose Olive G@rden for dinner and had Cheesec@ke F@ctory for her b-day cake!!  What a very full day we had!  Taxes are filed, cake is eaten, gifts are opened and everyone is ASLEEP!!!!

Enjoy the pictures!!

Love,

Carla

Our weekend in pictures...

Saturday morning I went to the spa....it was luxurious!!  I think I deserve a visit with Rose at least once a month, don't you???  It was my first visit....did I mention it was luxurious??  Our oldest daughter, Marissa  was so sweet to get me a gift certificate for Mother*s Day last year.  I finally got the chance to go!!!  It was luxurious!!!!

Daddy took all 8 kids to a party/egg hunt at his squadron!!  I know I got the better deal!! lol But, he took pictures!!!  

Rylea and Kaylea....

Little boys with the bunny!!  Ethan looks so excited!! ha!

Owen....well, being OWEN!!

Rylea with headless Johnathan :-)

Poor bunny....he looks happy, though!

Then they came home and we dyed our eggs!  All 5 dozen!!!!  Rylea and Rubea really had fun and required very little assistance.

Rylea dying her very FIRST egg!!  Such a beautiful color, too!!!

Rubea, Daddy & Kaylea writing on the eggs before coloring.

Team work!

Typical Ethan *face*  The last egg.....

The *Bunny* showed up this year with 1 big gift. Mommy told him that she was tired of all the candy and *cheap* toys!!  So, he brought 1 great gift that all 8 will enjoy!!!

Trying to get a good picture after church....took about 20....none were great....

Then it was time for the *hunt*   Rylea and Rubea have been to 3 already this year, so they are almost pros by now!! 

Kaylea found some, but can't reach them!  BUMMER!! :-)  Luckily her big brother helped her out.

Jack....not sure what he is doing??!??!

Owen....in a run!  He is so stinkin' cute!!

Rylea guarding her bucket. She won't let ANYONE touch it!!

Ethan proud of all his eggs!!

Daddy helping Rubea look for eggs.

So, the gift from the *Bunny* was a snow cone maker with cups, holders, and syrups!  It was a huge hit!  They all had at least 2 today!  Hopefully it will be fun this summer when it is HOT!!

Rylea, Daddy and Rubea enjoying their snow cones

Owen, Kaylea, Jack and Ethan...with their cones

Johnathan still shaving ice!!!!

Rylea's favorite was rootbeer!

Rubea's was cherry!

Happy Easter!

Thank you, Lanxi

I was given this Sisterhood award from Lanxi over at chinesetakeout!  I don't have a speech prepared...ha ha, but and thankful to Lanxi for passing this on to me!!  As of Tuesday she was still pregnant and overdue! YIKES!!  Stop by her place and leave her and encouraging work or a funny story...I've heard laughter can put you into labor!!  I am sure she could use the distractions!!  

Since she passed the award on to those who show great attitude and/or gratitude, I will do the same!  Soooo,  the first  Ellen at mommaof3boys she is one of my *real life* dear friends and always has a happy heart and attitude, even though she has 3 boys and NO GIRLS!!!!  Next is Marjorie at morethanahome  for having such a grateful heart, even with all she has been through in the past month!!! She continues to stay positive and thankful to the Lord for His provisions.  Last but not least is Lisa at thisishome for also having a loving attitude and grateful heart not only for her children but for all those children in her life!!  She always makes a point to ask about everyone and their kids, even when her plate is full with her own son and their upcoming move!!!

Stop by their blogs and get to know these deserving *Sisters*!!! They are all WONDERFUL WOMEN!!!

Love,

Carla

For Marjorie

This is one of the wires in Rubea's feet!  More cute pics of the girls on the Rylea and Rubea blog!!

Marjorie, this was for you!!  :-)

Remember the Alamo??

The teens wanted to be involved in the *name gallery* for Stellan.  They have been begging me to take them to the Alam0 so we can get their picture with *Stellan*  So, after everyone finished school and related activities we took our drive into the heart of San *Antonio so Stellan could visit the Alam0! The little guys are always up for going *down town* LOL  I was able to get a couple of good shots.  We are excited that we had the chance to take Stellan somewhere FUN!!  If you haven't visited their site, www.mycharmingkids.net , go take a peek, you will be blessed. Take a moment to get on your knees and pray for this sweet baby boy and his family.

Love,

Carla, Johnathan, Emilea,

Jackson, Ethan, Kaylea, Owen

Rylea & Rubea

Headed out....

....to the Alam0.  Anyone wanna take a guess who we are taking for a visit???  I'll be back later with pictures!!