A World of Four

January 9, 2010

Fall & Winter 2009

Our fall season began Kaylen Rae turning the big 2. We had a fun little party at home, just us four, followed by a “friend and family party” at our house that weekend. All she wanted for her birthday was (and I quote) “A black cake, with pink and red, with crayons and a book.” Guess what? That is just what she received! Talk about a girl who knows just what she wants.

We suddenly and unexpectedly dealt with the sudden death of Jared’s grandfather. There truly are no words that can be written or said about such a man. Earl Senter was a man who loved and lived for God, his country and his family. Granddaddy will be truly missed for decades to come by all who knew and loved him, and even by a few who were never blessed to be in his presence. What shoes to fill. At the time of his sudden demise, we were actually headed his direction to visit, stopping by on the way to Arkansas. Although the planned visit never took place, I am confident in the last conversation that we did have. Even though I am truly saddened by his passing, I am at ease with the last words that we did speak to each other, and where he rests easy today.

At the time of this sad news, we were on the road to Arkansas the wedding of a dear friend from church who moved there several years back. What a beautiful event in such an amazing part of the country. The wedding was located in a three story log cabin in the Arkansas mountains next to Mt. Maumelle. The scenery was breathtaking and truly refreshing. With the sadness of Granddaddy no longer being around, it was nice to be surrounded by nature and all the beauty that God created. It was just what we needed, and at the perfect time.

Since we combined these two trips into one, we were away from home almost two weeks. We returned home just in time to begin preparing for the Thanksgiving festivities. We spent Thanksgiving with the Senter family, having a wonderful time visiting with Jared’s parents, his brothers and their wives, and Great Granny Beth, whom we don’t see as often as we would like.

We spent one weekend evening getting together with my Mom’s side of the family at my aunt and uncles house down on the coast. We learned that a very special wedding will take place in the spring, as my cousin proposed to his girlfriend, and two new bundles of joy are joining our family in the summer.

One Sunday was spent with my Dad’s family. I truly enjoyed seeing cousins that I have a lot in common with, but just don’t see often. Although it was only for an afternoon, it could have gone on forever. The conversation was nice and everyone had a wonderful time. It was good to see the younger generations playing so well together.

Santa came to our house several days early this year, fulfilling the wish lists that were given to him when we saw him at Sysco, at WCP, and during prayer time around the dinner table. I guess he somehow knew that we would be at the Sneed’s for Christmas this year. He delivered many wonderful toys to two exceptional kiddos who well deserved these gifts. There were only minimal threats made a few days before, that he may not come due to nasty attitudes. Those attitudes cleaned themselves up really fast! Oh yea, and did I tell you? I have the best Santa in the universe! I was totally shocked and surprised to recieve a new camera! We had been looking for some time, but decided ( I thought) to wait another year and continue to check prices. Let me just say, for the record, AMAZING piece of equipment! I have enjoyed learning all I can about it! Thank you Santa Man! You're the best!

We spent Christmas with Mom and Dad this year and had an amazing time. It was wonderful to get to spend a few days with my siblings and their kids. The Sneed family and kinfolk seem to grow in number every year. My brother and his wife are expecting a sweet new baby this summer. The grandkid total will then be – drumroll please-11! Amazing.

New Years was spent in Krum, Texas with the Senters, Wigintons, Lakes, Orndorffs, and Great Granny Beth for the Senter Christmas. We had a great time sitting around reminiscing about old times, eating party mix, watching movies, and watching the kids play. They really enjoy playing together and look forward to the next opportunity that they can see each other again. Hayden & Kaylen Rae enjoyed their first trip to the bowling alley. They both got the hang of it pretty quickly. They both played a better game than I did, and that was with bumpers and a roller. It was amazing to see two people so tiny that maneuvered bowling balls the way they did. What a sight!

This past Wednesday, one of my dearest friends in the world, gave birth to her first child, a beautiful, healthy baby girl. I was so honored to be a part of this wonderful day. It was amazing to see the light and glow of motherhood in the her eyes for the very first time. She and her husband will be amazing parents and are sure to raise this sweet baby, and future babies to come, in the way that God would want her to be raised. I have no doubt. I look forward to many future years of watching our children play together.

It has been an amazing 2009, but we, here at the Senter house, are ready and excited for a new year, a new time, and for new events to take place. I am anxious to see what and who, 2010 brings around.

Night All.

November 9, 2009

Happy 2nd Birthday,

Kaylen Rae!

Love, Mommy

September 26, 2009

"Take Me Out to the Ballgame"

Hayden had a wonderful 4th birthday this year filled with excitement, anticipation, friends and family. The theme he chose was "baseball," and all things baseball it was! It all began on his actual birthday having to attend school. While in session, he was serenaded "the Happy Birthday song" by his class, while out on the playground. During class, he was given a handsome birthday hat, afterward he and his classmates delighted in the "baseball cupcakes" that I had made for his class. For our family dinner that evening, he opted for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (which quickly turned into grilled cheeses,) cheetoes, apples and bananas. As a happy ending, we had "baseball cake." Can you recognize the trend that we have going on here?

Alright, Ally, this one's for you.....

You know it's a good party when.....

On Saturday of last week, the festivities continued with family and several friends. It was Hayden's idea to have peanuts and cracker jacks as "side items." I suppose that singing the famous diddy "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" for four years has taken its toll on him, or been so engrained in his head that he recalled the words of the tune while planning his party menu. Smart guy.

We wanted to send a special "Thank You" to all of our friends who made Hayden's 4th birthday such a special event. To Uncle Luke, to Aunt Brandie, and to Derek, Cailin & Joseph, thank you for making the special trip out of town for the party. We are honored that you spent your weekend with us. Thank you, also, to Grandma & Pawpaw, Grandma & Grandpa Gene and to all the cousins who made the trek to our great city. A big "thank you" to all of our friends from the area, from church, and from the neighborhood who spent the afternoon at our house. You all mean so much to our family. Thank you all for the cards and gifts, and more so, for the love that you show our children each time you meet. Our lives would not be complete without each of you and we hold special memories of each of you individually and as a group. You are all what family is truly about. Tear.

Have a good afternoon, and hope to see you all really soon.

"Play Ball!"

September 14, 2009

Happy 4th Birthday, Hayden Samuel!

I love you, Sweet Boy.

August 4, 2009

A Post for Summertime

OK, so I truly deserve what I have received. Let the hate mail continue on. I, as in previous entries, apologize for the long delay in blogging. The question has been raised, "How can you possibly recall all of your events since your last blog?" Simply, photography! I have photos to document each and every event, yet have not found time, of late, to form them into words and then into a blog to share with you. We recently came to terms with the death of our computer and some of its capacity. I am still mourning the possible demise of about 1,000 photos that I had yet to file onto my external hard drive. Several IT technicians have promised me that the pictures are still there. If so, why can't anybody find them? We put the hard drive on our new laptop, but I still sense that a piece is missing. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

Yes, the Senters are still around, living out here, day to day. Our summer, so far, has been wonderful to say the least. I recently enjoyed an amazing trip out to California for my cousins beautiful wedding (which is another blog in itself!) We have traveled to spend time with family. We have spent many of our days in Austin enjoying freedom with our friends. We endured the loss of a dear friend, which forced me to slow down a bit and realize the things that are of utter importance in my life. Several close friends have given birth over the last month! Yea for new babies and new lives! Seven friends, to date, are due from now until January. Let the baby shower planning begin! We've been to quite a few birthday parties and have been swimming nearly everyday. The Babies both accomplished swimming lessons and progressed onward to the next phases next summer. Happily, Jared & I celebrated another wonderful year of marriage and Jared grew to be another year older.

Since I am consolidating each happenings from the last month, I have decided to turn this entry into a "montage" if you will. So, when you get a moment, sit back, take a breather, and enjoy these photos of our summer, so far. If you know me, you know that there are hundreds more. These are just a few favorites.