The Clan

This was on Mothers Day this year. The whole gang. I love this photo. It's been a long time since I had all my kids together for this special day.

Here are a few photos of Josh and Jordan. Its been a while since they have been together and to see them side by side is remarkable. Same height finally. Jordan 18 and Josh 20. Aren't they handsome?

Home with Kate and Abby

They are home!!! Today is Tuesday and we went to mom and dad's to visit with Kate and Abby for a few hours. Boy are they adorable. Kate would grab my hand and says" Tracy, come" and off we would go, here and there, playing with the dogs, reading a book, pretending we were taking a nap and laughing when she knew we just playing around. Abby is the most beautiful girl. Her blonde hair is naturally highlighted and so long. Katie has pony tails now too. They have grown so much and are so much fun to be with. I cant believe I have missed the past 10 months of their precious lives. They have changed so much. I am the most blessed aunt in the world. I have the most adorable and lovable nieces and amazing sister. I am blessed beyond words. God has been so good to me. So kind. So gracious and granted much mercy to me. I have been given life with Christ and life with my family. I am thankful for my sister and Jason in our lives and their Godly influence and faithful example. We are so looking forward to Jason being on our pastoral leadership at church. What a blessing. God is good.

The girls will be with us wed night and Thursday is swim day. More photos to come....

4 More Days

Well everyone, Tiffany and Jason will be home this coming Thursday the 18th. Its been 10 long months. Actually it has gone by real fast but its been almost a year. Abby and Katie will be home Monday the 15th with my folks and they will be here until Tiffany gets home thurs. They are driving back from Chicago. The girls will be with us Wednesday night and then we have plans to spend the day with Jessica and the kids for a day of swimming and fun in the sun. Cousin reunion. I cant wait to see them all. Church is going to be so welcoming to have them back home. We look forward to hearing all Jason has learned and grown this past year and look forward to enjoying family once again.

RATS!!!

Madison got a few new pets and she is a good mommy. There names are Travis and Julio. they are so lovable and such cuddle bugs. They are getting bigger and eat everything in sight. Literally. Here are a few pictures of our latest additions.

This one is
Julio

Travis

My amazing trip to Maryland/D.C.

Its taken time way to long to write this post about my visit to Maryland. I can start by saying that God is so good and kind and he provides for those who love him. I flew 4 hours there and 5 hours back alone with no children in tow. I actually was sad when I left on the first day. I was saddened to leave the girls and my hubby. I haven't been away from them this long before. I wish I could have taken them all with me but this trip was a great reminder of how much I am blessed with a wonderful husband and 2 daughters who patiently took care of dad for 8 days.

Now for the bad news. When I returned home I loaded my 500 photos to the laptop and a week later the computer crashed and is out of commission. I also didn't save them to a disc and therefore have no photos to post. I hope to get the laptop fixed and retrieve them but it may be a lost cause.

(This may be the most confusing post ever. I actually had 5 precious photos on my camera still. Strange photos that were kept but needless to say here they are.)

I was so thrilled to see my sister. Tiff and I are very close. I adore her and admire her spirit. She lights up a room and people who know her love to be around her. She is a devoted and loving wife an mother and a beautiful Christian woman.

The week with Tiffany and Jason started out busy. Tiffany ran her first 1/2 marathon in D.C. Saturday morning bright and early. I arrived at 3pm Friday. The east coast is 3 hrs ahead of AZ. So 5am (2am to me) came fairly early the next morning. We got up and boy was it chilly. It was in the 40's for the high but that wasn't until later in the day! We got the girls up and rushed to catch the METRO about 5 minutes from there apt. We caught it just in the nick of time too. Had we of missed that ride Tiffany would have missed the race. By the way I thought the Metro was the coolest thing ever. Some of it above ground and most of it under ground. Like a really nice subway. Tiff and a few of her friends were running the race and they got off a little before we did and Jason, the girls and I had quite an adventure attempting to catch Tiffany come by at 2 points in the race. WE were on and off the metro a million times trying to find her and when we finally made it to the 2 point (mind you we ran a mile and a 1/2 uphill with the stroller) we saw her friends but Tiff had already come by about a half hr before. So of course not wanting to miss her at the finish we ran down the hill and hopped back on the metro an raced to the finish only to see her waiting for us! She had finished about 40 minutes before we got there. Jason and I felt so BAD. We didn't get to see her run at all and she didn't get to hear us cheering for her at all. IT was sad but we were so proud of her. She ran the 1/2 marathon in 2:04 minutes! That is incredible. Tiff is a fast runner and for her 1st race we were impressed. Way to go Tiffany! After that we walked around a bit then headed back to the metro to take the girls home for nap time.

Sunday I had the privilege to attend Covenant Life Church. Its Big and beautiful. I met C.J.'s sister Betsy and some of wives at the PC.. The worship was awesome and to hear Bob Kaughlin in person was a treat. Just like back home at Sovereign Grace, the folks are warm and friendly and welcome guests with love. Tiff showed me around the pastors college part of the church and we ran into Jeff Purswell too. What a humble man. Some of these men and their families are from all over the world, As far as Korea, Germany to name a few. There are only 20 men in the college this year. As far as I understand, the group is usually small in size. We saw the library and there were men studying there and in class well after class was over. They have access to the school rooms late into the evenings if needed to study. Which Jason took advantage of often. Jason even read some Greek to us from his Greek bible. That was really cool.

Sunday after church The girls and I hung out at the apt while they got out for a while for lunch with Gary and Betsy Ricuii. Katie took a nap while Abby and I watched a movie. They are getting so BIG. Abby is like a little lady. She is beautiful. Long blond curly hair and big blue eyes. She is adorable. Katie is a ham. She repeats everything she says at least 2x. She says "no mama, no mama" real well. which is followed by loving and gentle correction. She has such a little personality. She dropped a sticker in the car and she said "reach it, reach it" anything she says is in twos. Abby, Abby, Daddy Daddy, Dora Dora, Mickey Mickey. Its so cute. She is a little love bug. She loves her mama. She is a cuddle bug too. I loved it when in the the mornings Abby would crawl into bed with me and she was so excited to just hang with me and watch cartoons. The littlest things bring the biggest smiles:)

This was the Massive Lincoln Memorial. Isn't Abby gorgeous...

The girls were getting colds and coughing a bit but we still managed to get to D.C. 4 days in a row. Tiff showed me all the sights we could possibly cram into 4 days. The first day we spent time in the Smithsonian Museums. The Archives, National and American History Museums. I saw the Declaration Of Independence, Bill of Rights, Magna Carta and many more historical documents. We saw the dinosaurs and fossils, the gems and minerals. The HOPE Diamond was too cool. 42.50 carats. Marie Antoinette's earrings and the First Ladies inaugural gowns. Even Martha Washington's. One the 2nd day down town we hit all the memorials. Wow!! is all I can say. Everything is White and Marble. Massive in size. The pictures I have seen in my life just don't do them justice. We saw the FDR memorial. Jefferson Memorial, WWII memorial. The Lincoln memorial, Vietnam and the Korean memorials. and of course the Washington Monument. I had alot of pictures of it because everywhere you look you see this massive, huge towering , tall steeple of a memorial everywhere you look. Pretty impressive. The 3rd day I was bound and determined to get close to the White House. We walked around the whole block which took us to the South Lawn and the North Lawn. We got close alright. Lots of great photos (of course that will hopefully make it to this blog) and even saw some protesters outside the south side. They were quiet though and dressed in orange and black. The buildings downtown are amazing. I thought of Haley the whole time. She loves old buildings so I tried to get lots of pictures for her to see. We went to the White House Information Center and they said that tours were 6 weeks to 6 months out! During our time in the visitors center we realized that we had lost track of time for our meter. We were parked on Constitution Ave and had about 6 blocks to run to attempt to avoid a ticket. Tiff took off and I followed behind. When we reached the van God was kind to us and there was no ticket on the window. We decided to have lunch with the girls in the van. We noticed all of a sudden there was absolutely NO traffic on the streets. We got out and realized the presidential motorcade was about to pass us. Seriously, They went right next to our car. I filmed it and by the time Tiff got her camera out it had already passed. But it's on film of course. After lunch we trekked a few miles it seemed to the Capitol. The place where the Inauguration took place. We ran out of time and didn't make it inside but it is massive too. Huge. Bigger than I imagined. We did manage to see a few Cherry Blossoms and a few trees with white flowers. I was a few weeks early for the full bloom of the Cherry Blossoms but I saw a few.

I saw this total hippie van and thought of Haley. She wants a van like this but Cherry red. I had to get this photo for her.

One of the best parts of the trip for me was when we found the Law Enforcement Memorial. It wasn't on the National Mall with the rest of the memorials though. It was in the business district where everyday business folks work. I wanted to find this because I have a co-worker whose husband was a sheriff and he died in 1978. His name is one of 1800 names on the wall at this particular memorial. She has never seen it of been to it and I told her I would try my best to locate it and scratch his name for her. After some hunting down and illegal turns on the streets of DC we found it and I got some great pictures for her too. It was truly a privilege for me to have found this for her. I know she will cherish these memories for a lifetime.

This photo was on one of the museums. I thought he was so cute and cozy.

The day before I came home Jason was out of school a little early and Tiffany and I had a few hours to ourselves. So we caught the Metro in the rain and went into town to see the SPY Museum. It was by far the coolest museum. We ended up buying the movie Breech about Robert Hansen, The biggest spy in American history who worked 20 years for the FBI. The movie was good. It was good to have some time with my sister before I left. Thanks Jason for giving us some time together that day.
This Aquarium was so big and beautiful. Great screen saver.

Tiff and Jason are blessed with an apt in a home real close to the church. About a mile away. There door backs up to the woods and we even saw 2 deer walking just a few yards from the fence of the yard. It is beautiful in Maryland. I loved it. Some of the homes are huge and on lots of land, with acres and acres of green rolling hills. The drive to the airport was so beautiful. I hope you can catch a glimpse of where they live for now. Thanks Tiffany and Jason for having me and spending a week with me in DC and in your home. I cant wait for you to come home though. Home sweet home. Jason graduates June 7th and they will be home towards the end of the month. I had an amazing and memorable visit with you all. Kiss the girls for me. We'll see you guys soon.

D.C./Maryland, Katie and Abby, here I come

I should put a countdown on my blog but its only 7 days away!!!!!!! I am so ecstatic to go and see my sister Tiffany, Jason, Kate and Abby I can hardly stand it. I miss you guys sooooo much. Tiffany is running a marathon the morning after I arrive and she informed me that we will be needing to go to bed quite early Friday night and rising fairly early sat morning to head into town for the race. So in other words, I will be getting to bed about 5pm my time and waking about 2 am my time too. That will be interesting. I plan on not napping on the plane ride there and reading alot to get to sleep. But it's all good. A sacrifice well worth the wait. 3 hour time change. I hope to see a ton of sites and take lots of pictures and videos of my precious nieces, Kate 2, and Abby 3 1/2. Mom and dad were just out there this past week and they were touring the sites too so I hope Tiffany and Jason aren't worn out from all the stuff to see. Just remember guys its my first time out there... I get to stay from Friday to Friday and travel by myself. It will be a treat. I have never been anywhere alone before, as far as no kids in tow so it will be nice but I will certainly miss my girls, and you too Josh. Oh and my handsome hubby, who is sacficing for me to go. Dave is taking some time off to be with the girls at home and they should have a fun time too. Thank you first, Dad for sending me out to visit. I cant thank you enough. I love you and so appreciate this gift. Dave, thank you for encouraging me to go and enjoy my sister and to have a good time. I will miss you. I'm sure I'll have lots to blog about in the next 3 weeks. Stay tuned. The best part of this whole deal is God is so good to our family. He has blessed Tiff and Jay with a beautiful home about 2 miles from me and it is ready and waiting for them to come home and take up occupancy again real soon. Jason will be serving at our amazing church sovereign grace as the singles pastor and a few other ministries when they return in June. We are so thankful to have them back in our home state and at the same house, in the same town. God is so good and kind and obviously has plans for their family in ministry. Jason is so gifted with teaching and counseling and a Godly husband and father. He has been a blessing to my husband Dave and served him and us with the light of his savior, Jesus, always pointing us to the cross and Gods inerrant Word. We cant wait to have you all back home. See your smiling faces in church again too. But in the mean time I cant wait to see you guys in 1 week. Hugs and kisses guys, See you real soon.

Dancing update

First night of Dancing with the Stars was this past Monday the 9th. I know what your thinking. Dancing with the Stars??? YES Dancing with the STARS!!! OMGosh I am addicted. Just like some of you can't miss 24 or Lost, CSI etc, Dancing and finally I have tuned into the whole season of American Idol. Even if I have to tape them, those are my 2 shows. This week There was some good competition and then some not so good competition. I am extending some grace here due to it being the first week. BUT No matter who Julianne Hough's dance partner is I WILL vote for her. She is amazing. She is multi talented too. She has a new country album out and a Christmas CD that is beautiful. On the show her real life Fiance is her dance partner and they did great. She looked amazing and they looked adorable. GO Julianne!! You have my vote like 12x! Also Shawn Johnson, the 17 yr old Olympic Gold Medal winner for women's gymnastics fantastic. An actor name Gerald something er uther,from a show I will leave unmentioned, was awesome too. His partner is Cheryl and Shawn's partner is Mark Ballace. Also Melissa Rycoft from the Bachelor, who by the way had 48 hrs to learn a dance as she filled in for Jewel who was injured before the season even began. It will be an exciting season and I will be either taping it or fixated on the Tube every Monday. IS this sinful? I sure hope not. At least it is just dancing and not some blow um up murder mystery solving series. (wink) Anyways I sure hope Tiffany will let me watch it when I am in MD next week. (hint hint) Its on Monday and so is 24 so we may have issues.! Anyhow, Tune in if you haven't already begun, it's not to late.

This is Julianne and Chuck Wicks

Isn't she beautiful and sweet too

Maddie

Tiffany took this photo at Christmas, I love it!

It's that time again!

Dancing with the Stars is my show. I know you all are dedicated fans of 24 and Lost and I'm sure many more but I reserve Mondays nights for Dancing. This season is going to be so good. Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson will be teaming up with Mark Ballace. Julie Anne Hough (voted most adorable and talented by yes, of course, ME) will be paired up her her real life boyfriend and hopefully fiance. ( I forgot his name, sorry) Country singer Jewel and her husband are on the show but with different partners. Now that is a competition by its self. Any many more. Monday night March 9th kicks off the season and VHS ready 7pm Dont miss it!!

10 years!!!! Happy Anniversary

It's has been 10 years. 10 years since the day I married my husband, Dave. The Lord has a sense of humor that is for sure. 2 sinners heading in the same direction saved by grace. We have come along way, gone through alot of up and alot of downs. Like most couples there have been trials and tribulations, sorrow and joy But for the past 3 years of this journey together it has been with Jesus at the center of who we are together. He has redeemed and restored, rescued and renewed us both as believers in Christ and blessed us with His spirit. United in and by Christ. For our special day we spent it just the 2 of us. We headed out to "The Melting Pot" in North Scottsdale. There is one closer but I kinda wanted to just get out of town without really getting out of town, if that makes sense. We had never been before so it was a special treat. We ordered the 4 course dinner, which was our choice of cheddar and Swiss fondue, we each had salads and dinner was lobster, shrimp, Fillet Mignon, chicken, and sirloin with an array of dipping sauces. Then to top it off we ordered the Carmel milk chocolate with pecans for our fondue dessert. They knew it was out anniversary so we took home a white rose arrangement and sipped on sparkling cider. What a intimate time just us, no kids, no worries for about 24 hours. Our friends, The MacKay Family kept the girls Friday and Saturday for us while we spent some much needed time away. Thank you guys again for blessing and our girls. They had a great time with you once again. I finally got to sleep in!! til like 9:30 too. Awww that was nice....We caught a movie and did some shopping before we came home to meet the girls. Dave, You are the light of my life. My soul mate and treasure. My personal gift and blessing from God. We always reminisce about how we met. It was at Albertsons 11 years ago and just thinking back to how God knew how and when he would save us both. 5 years apart, and the future he has planned for us. We are forever debtors to mercy alone. It is by God's amazing and undeserved grace and pardon on our lives that we can live for Him today. It is all by His Grace. I look forward to a lifetime, however long that may be, of serving and loving my husband.

Our rose arrangement

Cheese Fondue

Yum Yum

Carmel and Chocolate Fondue with Pecans

Our Waiter


Cider

Happy Anniversary

Happy Birthday Madison!!

Remember Candyland? We have all played the game many times as kids and maybe even still play with our own kids. Well we decided to have a candyland themed birthday party. It turned out really good. Alot of work but the kids had fun and will remember it for along time. Thanks Haley for all the hard work you did to help me set up for the big day. Madison, thank you for helping with all the game pieces and set up too. I actually had to work the morning of the party and the girls were home and set up the whole thing by them selves. My friend Heather came over and helped with all the girls and the game. Just like the real game, each girl had to walk through the game and there were a few stops along the way. Marshmallow mania, Lolly pop woods, Nutter Butter Bay, Candy Cane lane, Gumdrop mountain. Each stop had a treat for the girls to take and at the end was Candy table to fill up there bags. M&Ms, chocolate covered pretzels, starbursts, etc. It was a memorable 9th Birthday. We are thankful for you Maddie. You have a warm and kind heart. A gentle and giving spirit and desire to be a blessing to those around you. We love you .

Start of the game
Nutter Butter Bay

Gumdrop Mountains

Candycane lane

Lollipop Woods

More candy! end of the game

Kids decorated cupcakes

(Mom, Thanks for the cupcake tree!)

Gifts
This must have beent he gift card to Target' for 1000.00

(well to a kid 10.00 is like 1000.00)

Madison loves to shop for herself.

Haley and her goofy self with Jayden and Jamie and Carrigan

Tatiana and Taylor Malia:)

After most of the girls went home Maddie and her friends wrote a letter and tied it to her ballons and off they went into the sky.

Maddie and her new bunny from Build-ABear
The End