Happy Birthday to my Life-Long Best Friend~Sister

Happy Birthday, my friend! There is not enough space or time to go into detail about our relationship.But the people that know us, already know that. You are one of the greatest people I know--for many reasons. You are so caring and thoughtful. You just make the days brighter. We've grow up together-so to speak. We have been through the good and the bad--side by side. You truly know my heart--inside and out!! I've never known anyone like you. You and I can be COMPLETELY honest and know that is comes only from LOVE!!! We have SO much fun together. It can be the major family holidays, floating in the pool, chatting on the phone, venting about school or just sitting in the living room laughing with our glasses of tea:)I laugh when think of some of our late night/early morning shopping trips or meeting to watch Miss America ~ there are too many others to list. These are the memories that I cherish the most. In the end, you really only have family to count on. We have said hundreds of times that you only have a few people that you can truly count on. Celena~ You are that person for me. 18 years ago, we started a friendship. Through my marriage to Rick I got 2 things....to a be a mother to my sweet son and to call you family!!!!!! I would do it all again. I thank God for you and your family! My life is better because of you and your family. Thank you for letting me be an Aunt and loving Nolan and Haley. I cherish our times together. I do not take you for granted. I pray that this is your best year yet. I am looking forward to when we are old ladies getting our toes done and going to lunch at the Olive Garden! Happy Birthday Girl! I love ya!!!!!!!
Below are a few pictures that I found! I must say--We are like wine~getting better with age!

Family Photo Shoot~Sneak Peek

Sneak Peek~ There is much more to come!! Life is crazy and coordinating schedules is nearly impossible. However, Diah made this happen and I am SOOOOOOOOOO thankful. She and I think alike so she knows what pose I will like or dislike. As the kids get older, they are getting better with dealing with the picture taking process. We had a great time!! My family is gorgeous inside and out!!! Wait until you see the rest...they are crazy good!!!!! If you need a photographer, call Diah! www.facebook.com/pages/Danielle-Branch-Photography

Seriously, if you know me..you know that I am so happy right now!! SOOO GOOD!

Operation Christmas Child

After we got home from the game, we made a fire. We enjoy our family time!!!! I would not trade it for anything!
Operation Christmas Child is a ministry that sends gift-filled shoeboxes to children in need. They go all over the world. I have been doing this for many years in our church. Since I have been with John, we take our children shopping to fill their own box. I had 2 people at my school help donate this year as well. As you can see, we were able to send 8 boxes from our family. We gave 8 children Christmas, that would not have had it otherwise! I LOVE GIVING!! IT IS SO FUN!!!

8 boxes filled with love, prayers and goodies!!! You can go to www.samartianspurse.org/occ and donate!! Year around!!!!

Caitlin and Tyler....First Gator Game

For over three years I've heard...I want to go to a Gator game, I want to goooooo!!!!!!! As you know it is a not easy to get 5 tickets to a game that are together. Well, I am blessed with WONDERFUL, AMAZING friends that are so giving. We were able to take the entire family to the game. John had not been to a game in VERY long time. This was very exciting for him to experience this with them. We went early to go to the Gator Walk---this where the players walk into the stadium. We had lunch and watched the game! We got SOOOOOO LUCKY!!!! Albert and Alberta came over to the kids during the Gator Walk so we did not have to track them down!

John with his little Gator fans......

and me with my little Seminole.

As you can see by Tyler's hands...he wanted no part of the alligator :)

Ready for the game......

The first time in The Swamp...they were amazed!!

SOOOOO happy for John and the kids. It was so fun to sit back and watch them enjoy the entire day!!!

OUR CHAIRBACK SEATS WERE AWESOME!!!!!

Tyler was worn out by the end of the day!!! As he was getting into the shower later that night, he said---This has been the BEST DAY EVER!!! Thank you to all who made this special possible! I love ya!!!!!

Busy Friday---Sis and Soccer/Preseason basketball

Caitlin tried out and made the soccer team. She is trying sports this year. This has been a big decision for her. We told her that she could not do both dance and sports. She really is a good athlete. More to come......

Chase had 4 days between football and his first basketball game. I love to watch him play basketball. They did not win but it was only preseason.

Last Volley game and Last Football game

This Friday was the last for both kids. Caitlin did great in her volleyball game.

This was the last football game in Interlachen. Evan got hurt and Chase had to go in as QB. He did well. They ended up losing the game but it a good one. I wish they would have won especially for the seniors.

I really like this one!

The head coach for Interlachen has a son that plays on Tyler's team. Chase coaches his son. He was telling Chase that he did really well.

After the game was very emotional. Chase and Tyler played their last game together :(

Coach Geiger is very special to our family. He coached his last game. I am very sad but happy for Mrs. Frankie.We will miss Reggie next year!!!!!! We are so glad he came to Keystone!