Shahan Shazaam!

SPRING BREAK!

2011-03-12T13:45:00.007-06:00

Madison is wanting to play and update the blog so I am letting her. Here goes her first post!

It's spring break!!! Hope you have a good one too! I would want to go one of these places for spring break!

oror

France,Philippines or South Africa

Tell me which one you would choose!

-------Madison

Ashton and Mason with the Kids choir

2010-08-18T10:25:00.003-05:00

Community Day!!!

2010-03-24T23:55:00.002-05:00

Come out and join us for a Great day!

Preparing for THE KING!

2009-08-30T00:39:00.005-05:00

We had a wonderful day for our girls ages 10-17. We shared in a time of teaching and dedication to Jesus. Our ladies taught our girls about Hygiene and Self worth. Then we had a wonderful time of re dedication after Sis. Holley taught an incredible message. She taught on Esther and also the POWER we have within us! WOW I have never heard some of what she taught it was amazing! God meet us there and we had a time of prayer and dedication. Then we went off to pampering ourselves. We hand manicures and fixed our hair. Then we got dressed to have our special dinner with our dads! It was a magical day that won't soon be forgotten. Thanks Sis. Priscilla for wanting to host this awesome event! We can't wait to do it again! I know MANY ladies took this day to be a servant to our young girls....I thank you for this!

Happy Birthday!!!

2009-07-28T08:51:00.002-05:00

Lauren I hope you have a wonderful birthday today!!!

Crusader Camp!

2009-07-05T00:37:00.002-05:00

Crusader camp was great! We had so much fun visiting with old friends and family. Mason had a great first year. Madison well this was her 3rd year and she had a blast. We took 17 of our Life Tab kids to camp. Only 5 had not been filled with the Holy Spirit and well 4 of them were filled!!! The 5th one was soooooo close! All of the children received great blessings from the Lord! There were 577 campers total and I think at least 40 were filled with the spirit for the first time! I took over 100 pictures with my iPhone. I loved being with the kids and getting to know them all a little better!

Look out Lufkin here we come!

2009-06-29T01:48:00.003-05:00

Look out Lufkin here we come!!!!!
2 vans full of crusader campers heading out at 4:30am. They are all so excited!! Keep them in your prayers we want to bring them all back filled with the Holy Spirit! It's going to be a great week!

Summer has begun

2009-06-26T03:13:00.001-05:00

Summer is:

Staying up late .......and sleeping in
playing in the pool.......or the water sprinkler
Bike rides.......relaxing on the porch swing
Mowing the lawn.......flowers blooming
youth camp......humidity in Lufkin
kids giggling and giggling and giggling!!!

I love to hear the laughter and fun of summer. I just wish it was not sooooooooo HOT!

We are going to Lufkin for youth camp next week with the kids. Its gonna be fun and I will have lots of pictures then.

Sonic give away YUMMY!

2009-06-01T23:30:00.002-05:00

Yes I have checked my sources......My cousin is a district owner/manager.....Wednesday night after church I know where we are going!
Sonic is giving away free root beer floats from 8pm-midnight.
And no strings attached....just go up and order a root beer float! Yummy hope you all enjoy!

May Madness in Extreme Church!

2009-05-31T00:24:00.002-05:00

The kids.....AND STAFF....are having a blast in EXTREME CHURCH! May has been crazy days. I missed pictures of the first week of Crazy Feet. The last 3 weeks have been inside out, Crazy hair, and When i grow up. Today the last Sunday or May is a hawaiian day. Don't have pictures yet everybody is in bed still but i will add them later. Hope you all have a great day and ENJOY!

The Finer things of Life

2009-05-30T23:58:00.002-05:00

Yes I know they are late, But it has been a busy last couple of weeks. Family came in, lots going on at church, and trying to finish up the school year! But here it is THE 2009 Life Tabernacle Ladies Tea. The Finer things of Life........Chocolate and Friends. It was a wonderful evening. Sis Priscilla did a wonderful job planning and pushing us all to make it so special! Hope you Enjoy!

Tree Climbing

2009-05-16T21:50:00.002-05:00

Well we went to Misty And Jason's to help clean up around the house after they moved out. The kids did not help much with cleaning, but they did stay out of the way. They had fun climbing the big tree in the front yard! Here are the monkey's in the tree. I got them to stop and pose a little.

What a cutie pie

2009-05-16T21:46:00.002-05:00

True Harley boy! We went in to turn out lights and found this.....Must have picture!

Birthday Boy!

2009-04-20T17:20:00.002-05:00

Well my Baby is growing up! He is a Big 8 years old today!
Happy Birthday Mason!

Tonight we are having a party at Jump 4 Joy to celebrate with friends and family. I will add pictures later but here is a picture of his cake. Thanks Sis Carmen for making his birthday wish come true. A Texas Longhorn cake She is so amazing. And it is just what he wanted!

The tooth is now out

2009-04-16T20:45:00.003-05:00

We went to Mason's PTA program and after Aunt Julie gave his tooth a little wiggle and out it came! Mason is on cloud nine and headed to bed. The tooth fairy pillow is set and ready to go.

Mason has a loose tooth!

2009-04-16T17:32:00.003-05:00

This is Mason's first every loose tooth!!! He will be 8 on Monday! Mason is sooooo excited!
Here is a pre toothless grin!

Madison's Post

2009-04-14T21:56:00.003-05:00

Madison wrote a poem for her friend Howie. Howie has the chicken pox and she wanted to write him a get well letter. It was to cute so I am retyping this to share with you all

Dear Howie,
I heard that you have Chicken Pox. I am very sorry about that.
Here is a poem to cheer you up!
Your Sick
Lying in your bed
with bumps on your head
you have red dots
like a dog with spots
You have been sick for awhile
nothing can make you smile
all except, a friend that's the key

Written by Madison Shahan

Easter Pics

2009-04-12T23:29:00.001-05:00

They grow up so fast!

Clearing things up

2009-04-12T14:59:00.003-05:00

Let me clear things up. Sorry about the confusion :(. We went to Colorado a couple weekends ago. I just have not had time to blog! We were home for a wonderful Easter service! Thanks Bro & Sis Holley for missing us! I will add a couple pictures of the kids tonight. I'm gonna take my Sunday afternoon nap!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-11T20:57:00.003-05:00

Beautiful sunset over the mountains!
Madison's snow chick!
Playing in the snow!
So pretty and white!
View from the hotel window!
I hope everyone has a Happy Easter!
We have had a busy last few weeks. We ran away to spend some time with the kids in Colorado!
We enjoyed eating with my cousins in Denver and just playing in the snow for a few days. The white snow brings to mind the purity of God. How He died for us to make us clean. How we are washed with the blood of Jesus and our sins become white as snow!

Quick update

2009-04-02T21:53:00.003-05:00

I am sick with strep throat have not felt much like blogging. We were out of town over the weekend and had a great time. I know Granny Sue is waiting for more pictures. I promise they will come. Madison wore her new black coat this weekend and she looked like a princess. I will try for Saturday to make a post! Sue you can go under my profile at the bottom of my blog and find my email address. I hope everybody else is having a great week!

Very special day!

2009-03-25T00:42:00.002-05:00

I want to be the first to wish a very special person a very happy birthday! She is not just a sister-in-law or a wonderful aunt she is a true friend! She listens and does not judge, she always has a kind word, you can trust her and she is very dependable. If you ever need a friend she is one of the best you could ever ask for!!! And if all those qualities are not enough well...she is a wonderful Sunday school teacher, she is compassionate , she is very giving, and she adores her niece and nephews. She makes you feel extra special even in the smallest gestures. And if that's not enough well.... you just need to get to know her I know you wouldn't regret it. Thanks Julie for being such a wonderful sister (in-law) and true friend. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful name LOL! I hope you have a wonderful day.
We love you bunches and bunches!!!
Happy Birthday Julie D.!!!!

We rode a SEGWAY!

2009-03-23T18:38:00.004-05:00

I think this was Todd's favorite part of the trip. The museum had a Segway you could ride. I was amazed at how easy it really was! I will make a slide show another day of all the pictures, but today I am just putting on a few pictures. No slide show so Sis. Holley can see everything :) Sis. Holley's internet at the new house is not up and going yet. Only down fall on an iPhone is can't see the slide shows!

Spring break was great!

2009-03-23T18:13:00.004-05:00

Fun at the museum

Feeding ducks at the river walk at Bricktown
With Zio's Italian kitchen in the background it was yummy!

carriage ride around downtown it was really neat!

The Wild Buffalo are all around town!!!!

We had a relaxing spring break!! Between sleeping in and staying up late we had an eventful week! Monday I had a doctors check up and he said everything looked great! We cleaned house top to bottom except our room. On Tuesday and Wednesday we had dental appointments, Play-a-Thon, and even went on out reach! The kids had a blast meeting other kids and inviting them to church. Then on Sunday they saw the work of them and others had paid off!!!! 67 in extreme WOW it was neat seeing our kids faces as people they invited showed up at church! We did escape town for one night. We left Thursday morning and went to OK City for the night. Of course we stopped at Jake's BBQ on the way up. We went to bricktown, down the river walk, and of course had some good ice cream! On Friday we went to the science museum and spent the day exploring. Saturday again sleeping in and eating at the newly opened ARBY's, Yummy Thanks Bro. Kurani for opening this up! And then back around to a wonderful day on SUNDAY! We had community day over 400 in attendance over 100 visitors! 13 got baptized and at least 3 got the Holy Ghost! It was amazing it reminded me of the dream that had been given to the church many years ago! The dream was about people being lined up down the sides to get baptized! The revival is here and God's promises are happening!!! One of the girls that got baptized is from street rage many years ago! Its awesome to see the fruits coming forth from the seeds that had been planted! God is doing Great things in Wichita Falls!

The Grades are in!

2009-03-23T16:48:00.003-05:00

Go Madison we are so proud!!!

Part of the Gang!

Go Wesley!!!!

Beautiful Kelsey holding Mrs. Hedi's brand new baby!!!
I am sooooo excited and proud of all our kiddos! Madison, Kelsey, Wesley, Darren and Howie are all I know so far but they all passed the TAKS with flying colors!!!! Yippy!!!! Great job guys I am so proud of all your hard work.

Maybe a day on the farm

2009-03-15T00:27:00.002-05:00

Maybe we will spend at least one day on the farm this week. Todd has enjoyed his tractor. The kids think it is great also. Here is a picture of Madison on the tractor with Todd going for a ride. For those who may be concerned, no they are not on it when we are working. They love running and planning on the land. Soon the go cart will be ready to take out with us! Let the fun begin!

Beginning of Spring Break

2009-03-15T00:11:00.002-05:00

We decided to do some spring cleaning on our spring break.
today we started out in Madison's room. We rearranged her room and cleaned every corner. The closet is almost cleaned out and Mason's room is next. But after a long day of work and play we went for a treat. We thought we would go to Maggie Moo's but the line was out the door....so off to good old Braums instead.

Boy scouts

2009-03-14T23:40:00.002-05:00

The boys are so cute in their uniforms. Here are some cute pictures of the boy scouts at their ceremony last week.

Kids Choir

2009-03-14T00:20:00.000-05:00

The children sang last Sunday and they did great. I think all these children are amazing! Almost everyone of these children are already filled with the Holy Ghost!

Another Busy Week

2009-03-01T22:35:00.000-06:00

The last week has been very busy. Between church, work and school and not to forget girl scout cookies it has been a busy week. Thursday through Friday Todd was gone to the men's outing. The kids were pretty good. We went to diner with a friend on Thursday night and then sold girl scout cookies all weekend Our girls are doing very well. There are 9 girls selling and I am cookie mom. I have had my hands on almost 3000 boxes of cookies!!! I have only ate half of a box of caramel delights aka samoas. Not to bad! Well tomorrow starts yet another very busy week. We are preparing to be in revival with Bro. and Sis. Cook! Mason has a boy scout banquet Monday night, Tuesday is girl scouts, Wednesday is church, Thursday I think we get a break. Friday and Saturday we sale cookies again. Then back in Church on Sunday with the Cooks! May God bless you all this week! I promise to take lots of pictures and post sometime next week!

Double Blessing

2009-02-22T16:11:00.003-06:00

On our way home from the quiz tournament we decided to stay over in Dallas. We were in service with Andrew and Mandy and the girls! But what was really great is the double blessing....of The Elms! Sis Mandy knew we were coming, but hide it from the girls and mom and dad Elms. When Sis Elms walked in hugs couldn't happen fast enough! Service was wonderful the sweet presence of the Lord was in the house. The saints of the church were so welcoming. Precious people of God! I am blessed we got to meet so many of their wonderful saints. They surely do love their pastor. Bro Andrew and Sis Mandy are doing an incredible job! Then we enjoyed the fellowship at lunch. Lots of laughter and catching up. Now we are off to Wichita falls to go straight to another wonderful service. Time always seems short and we hated to rush off, but we are glad we got a little visit. I picked at Sis Elms and told her it is funny that we can't catch them in Lufkin. That we have to find them out running the roads. Hopefully our next visit can be a little longer. But as Sis Elms has always said if we don't meet up again down here I will meet you around the Throne of Heaven! We love you bunches and appreciate all the time you have invested in our lives! Hope to visit again real soon!

They did awesome!!!!

2009-02-21T14:02:00.005-06:00

I am so proud of our kids!!!!! They did awesome! the beginners placed in the top 10 I think. The JR team tied for 7th out of 35 teams!!! We are so proud of these guys! Way to go Life Tab quiz team! You rock! They couldn't do it without the help of awesome coaches. Jessica we missed you - hope your feeling better. I will post a slide show when I am on my lap top. I'm on the iPhone.

The Whitty one of the bunch!

2009-02-16T00:04:00.004-06:00

Pastor Holley was talking tonight about all the incredible upcoming events of Life Tab and just when you don't think the kids are listening....well they are! Bro. Holley was talking about several different Fasts we as a church are going to take and they all sound great!!! If you want to hear all about it go to lifetab.org and listen to the message! But one fast in particular was a technology fast. Well most of you know my husband is the Director of Technology at City View ISD. Well you guessed it Mason said Wow will daddy get to take the whole week off!!! I about fell out of the pew laughing. He is Witty much like his father! I guess Bro. Todd just needs a letter from the pastor LOL. I wonder what work would say about that fast? We went on to explain to the kids that Pastor Holley means anything above what is required for our daily work. But that Bro. Holley would explain it more in detail when the time comes. So on our way home tonight when they asked for the iPhones to play games on in the car we said NO! Then we said lets start some Technology fast now and just talk! We giggled and laughed talked about many things. And when we got home the kids kept talking, of course not wanting to go to bed. I will cherish these times as much as we can in the fast paced world we live in these days. I want to also add I was so blessed to see my children's worship in the alter this evening. There is nothing greater than seeing your children loving God! Madison was getting such a blessing, speaking in that heavenly language, and dancing in the spirit. Just pure Joy in the presence of the Lord! Mason is so tender hearted and began to pray with his sister, along with many other children gathered around. Oh what blessings these children received. If they can only stay as strong and close to one another at this age, we have an awesome youth group coming up in just a few short years. These kids pray so hard with one another and they all are blessed by one another. I wish you could witness the power of God these kids bring into a service. Well I apologize for the long post and rambling of many topics. My fingers just couldn't stop LOL! I hope you all have a blessed week!
Part of the future youth group of Life Tab I count around 20 in my head and almost all have the Holy Ghost! And it won't be long until the rest get IT!

Ok here it is!

2009-02-15T15:42:00.003-06:00

I'll give you the story to go with the Picture! Saturday Todd worked in Comanche Ok. For the school district, doing computer work of course. They hire him out and we really appreciate the extra money! It helps us pay off some bills. The superintendent and his wife are really great people. We think of them as family and love them dearly! Well any way he worked all day. I had a girl scout cookie booth (yes I know it was 37 out) but we had signed up for it and did very well. In only 2 hours we sold almost 200 boxes of cookies! The girls were cold so we rotated them sitting in the cars out of the wind. One of the girls accidentally left one of my interior lights on. I never knew it and when Todd got home we went to eat. Yep dead battery with freezing cold weather! This is when we found out about the light.....uhmmmm 6 hours later. Well no harm done right? get Todd's jeep and jump start it. Well nope not so easy we loaned the jeep to a friend so they would have a vehicle to get to church on Sunday. Well of course Farmer Todd always knows what to do! Out comes the ford 9n tractor from the 40's I think to jump start my 2005 trailblazer LOL!!! What a sight to see! Of course I had to take a picture who would have every thought this would happen. Sorry the picture is a little blurry, I took it with my IPhone. I am sure I was wiggling with all the laughter!!! Just another Shahan Adventure that I hope leaves you giggling because I am still laughing! Enjoy! I hope you all have a great week, It will be a busy one for us! Quiz practices, girl scouts, boy scouts and leaving on Friday for Longview for our quiz tournament! Keep us in your prayers we are getting really excited!!!!

The next Shahan adventure

2009-02-14T20:21:00.001-06:00

Do I have a picture to share. Be watching for the latest adventure!!!

Yummy!!!

2009-02-13T19:49:00.002-06:00

Girl Scout cookies are officially on sale!!! Madison and Kelsey are both selling cookies. If you want any cookies give us a call!

Valentines

2009-02-12T20:44:00.002-06:00

Tonight we went and delivered valentines to a nursing home. The residents loved the kids and the kids loved them. They passed out not only candy but lots of hugs. I was proud of them. Thanks Sis. Kim for setting this all up we had a great time.

Busy Saturday!

2009-02-08T23:05:00.002-06:00

The kids both had scouting events today. I felt we were running all over the place. First we weighed in Mason's box car at the derby. Took Madison to test all the Girl scout cookies and make fun little swaps to go along with it. By the way girl scout cookies go on sell This Friday the 13th!!! I should have close to 2000 boxes of cookies in my living room again this year!!! We should get our pick up time any day. Then back to the school to race Mason's car! Everyone got a trophy, which I think was great. Mason's car was 3rd in his heat, but only the 1st place cars went on to be in the top 20 for the 1st-4th big trophies. He had fun and that's all that matters. We learned a few things....so we can be ready with an awesome car next year! We went for a walk with the dogs and just played the rest of the afternoon. Madison of course had to quote her verses, which she is improving on daily! Hope you all had a great weekend and hope you have a great week!

Madison's Post

2009-02-06T23:56:00.003-06:00

Thank you Sis Christina for helping me work on my Bible Quizzing!!!!! Let mom explain...
Sis Christina Kept the kids for me because I had to work. Well she made Madison work hard! And the work has paid off! Madison has to re quote on Monday but the verdict is in she is going to the February quiz trip!!!!! Yeah Madison we are so proud of you. Madison wanted to post a thank you to Sis Christina! The kids had a great time!

Another special Happy Birthday!!!

2009-01-31T22:55:00.001-06:00

M niece Alyssa has turned 8 and my Dad well we won't say!!! I hope you both have a wonderful b-day! Alyssa you still need to tell mommy what you want aunt Julie to buy you for your b-day! We love you bunches!

A day Of Fun!

2009-01-31T22:10:00.000-06:00

We went to the pancake festival for brunch, then off to run a few errands. On our way we stopped at the park. We played for quite some time and I broke out the camera. I think i got a few keepers. Hope you enjoy the pictures. We had fun making memories. It was a beautiful day outside.

Snow Castle!

2009-01-31T22:08:00.000-06:00

Yes I said Snow castle. The kids made a snow castle not a snow man! They had so much fun being off for a few days. Sorry the picture is dark but it is what I got!

The stories that could be told

2009-01-29T23:05:00.002-06:00

We went to the Faith mission tonight. It is so wonderful seeing our children being used of God. Teaching them to be a Servant for God's work is one of the most important messages Pastor Elms taught! My Children remember this message and talk about it often. Tonight Our kids made us PROUD! Well from the moment we got to the mission the kids had their aprons on and worked very hard. Filling bowls with peach cobbler. Setting the table and of course eating. But then came the proud moments that makes a momma cry! During the service they set right in the middle of the people. Worshiping and singing with all their hearts!!! Then they went to the dinning hall and SERVED!!! They filled everyone's tea glasses Many times. Then Seeing Mason & Howie playing with the children and Madison oooohing over the babies. Howie was right in the middle of all this serving up tea and helping out were ever he could. The kids bring joy to a room. Where joy is not always found. These people have so many stories. One lady with 2 little boys said she just moved here. She has a car to her name and that is it. She is just looking for a fresh start. We were able to talk awhile and she is going to bring her children to church Sunday. Looking for that fresh start! Others just needed to get a jump start in life. I heard Madison tonight giving advise to a man. I listened waiting to step in if needed. But I didn't have to she made me proud. A sweet man was commenting on how nice it was of her to serve the tea. She told him well its what the Lord would do for you. He looked at her puzzled that a child would know this. Then she told him I know life is hard right now but God can help you if you just trust him. My family had to live in a trailer for awhile while my dad was out of a job. God took care of us and gave my daddy a good job and we never went hungry. If you trust God he can help you get where you need to be. I know that the Holy Ghost was speaking through our children this evening and showing others a God that wants to change the stories of their lives. I did not have to to step in on this conversation. I stood back in amazement at the work God was doing. Thanks Pastor Elms and Pastor Holley for all you have put into our children. Its not just the parents and our life stories that have taught these things. Many people were touched tonight. Hopefully some lives will be changed. I am looking forward to the new stories we will hear next time we go.

ITS COLD OUTSIDE!

2009-01-27T19:52:00.002-06:00

BRRRRRRR!!!! We have enjoyed being off today and now we will be off again tomorrow! The kids had fun outside today. They Wrote their names in the snow ice. Made snow balls and just had fun. Hope you all can stay warm the next few days!

Happy Birthday!!!

2009-01-26T23:05:00.002-06:00

Wesley I hope you have a wonderful birthday! We love you bunches. Just can't believe you are growing up so fast! Here are a few pictures for all to enjoy of the birthday party!

Fun with the Girls!

2009-01-24T20:47:00.003-06:00

We went to Alice and Wonderland today with the girls scout troop. They had so much fun!!! Here is a slide show of the Characters. The girls got to be on stage after and earn a badge. They did a little acting! And had a blast!

Happy Birthday!!!

2009-01-21T21:53:00.002-06:00

Kelsey I hope you had a wonderful day! You are growing up so fast. We love you lots!

Let it Snow!

2009-01-11T01:11:00.002-06:00

Snowmen fall from heaven unassembled. I found this saying and clip and it is to cute. We really want it to snow around here!!!

A few captured Pictures

2009-01-10T23:27:00.002-06:00

I need Joesph or Sis. Karla to email me one of all the quizzers together. My battery died before they all got together. But here is what I have. Thank you everyone for keeping our quizzers in your prayers!

I caught it on video!

2009-01-10T22:31:00.006-06:00

Madison and Mason both answered correct questions at the tournament today! I caught Madison on my camera! They both are trying really hard and we are so proud of all they are doing! All the other quizzers are doing awesome also. We are so proud of all their hard work! I got a few video clips and pictures I will post.

Oh how Sweet!

2009-01-10T22:09:00.002-06:00

Madison was trying to encourage her brother and made him a card today! It was so sweet and unexpected. The front says GO MASON YOU ARE DOING GREAT
The inside says SHINE YOU CAN DO IT! YOU CAN DO BIBLE QUIZZING BETTER THAN US!
Then she drew a picture of a bible and wrote love Hammy the mouse and Madison. On the back she wrote I LOVE YOU! I love how close they are with one another. Mason had a rough day quoting today. I think he forgot everything after chapter 6. We finally just had to stop. Pray for these guys as they are putting the word od God in their hearts.

Must make a correction!

2009-01-08T11:08:00.001-06:00

Madison learned 7 verses in one night not 6. But Wednesday we only got 3 done because of my staff meeting and church. We will hit it hard again tonight they are trying really hard!

Giving an update!

2009-01-06T23:15:00.002-06:00

Madison and Mason were so excited when I read all the cheering on today! The kids asked for me to blog an update. Mason learned 3 verses tonight and Madison learned 6....Yes I said 6. They had a quick snack after school and was finished with homework by 4:30. We started on verses and then went to Girl Scouts and Luby's for dinner. Back home for review and then 10 minutes of Wii fit! Good reward for 6 verses! 23 verses to go at 6 a day she can be ready by Saturday! Go Madison and Mason We are so proud of you!!!! You can do it

Ok I really did it and on a Monday!

2009-01-05T18:10:00.004-06:00

These are the kids new ornament for this year that Gramma bought them and brought home from Disney World! Thanks Gramma and Grammpa!

I cooked dinner on one of the craziest nights of the week for us. I picked up the kids got home at 3:45. We got home work done by 4:45 and dinner on the table by 5:15. Sloppy Joe's, green beans and salad. WOOOHOO I cooked! Todd dashed off to drop the kids at quiz practice by 6 while I cleaned up the kitchen and rested a few minutes from a really long hard day. The 1st day back after being off for the last 3 weeks from my surgery. I made it I just was pretty wore out. Todd picked me up and we went to prayer and then choir practice. Now I think I am finally getting sleepy and headed to bed after a relaxing cup of Starbucks. Todd surprised us on the way home by pulling in.....He wanted a white chocolate hot chocolate :) Yummy!

Well I wanted to say even though life gets busy sometimes stop and make memories along the way. Take time for the important stuff. We all chipped in and got it all done. The kids even learned Luke 10: 7-11 tonight in the middle of all the going. Keep them in your prayers, Which I we know you are praying. Mason needs10 more verses completed by Saturday for our Life Tab quiz meet, and Madison 30. Six verses a day not to bad she can do anything she sets her mind to do. I think a little spark of fire was set inside my little procrastinating child. I am proud for their hard work and all their trying. By Saturday they should have 100 verses memorized!

Well the only thing we have left this week is Church on Wednesday.....They can do it!

Have a great Tuesday and remember Bro. holley says its the day to start our diets!

I am telling on myself :)

2009-01-05T14:27:00.003-06:00

I made a list of dinner ideas and posted it on the fridge. I have promised to try to cook more this year. Well out of the mouth of babes Madison saw the list. Madison said.....Mom what is this list, I then explained and her reply was, "Mom you really know how to cook all these things?" Oh my poor children. I just have never really liked to cook. I love their pure honesty! If any body has any great easy dinner ideas I woud love to have them! I guess this is one of my new years resolutions along with the typical loose weight. We did purchase the Wii fit and I am starting it this afternoon! I plan on posting a picture of our Wii family soon so be watching!

Try not to get in the rat race!

2009-01-04T23:26:00.004-06:00

Back to work and school tomorrow we go. Christmas break was wonderful and a much needed time of rest. I know it will be hard to get everyone up in the morning, but we will try. Especially since it is 1130 and I am not asleep yet. I think I might just have to take a nap with my pre-k kids tomorrow. Try to stay out of the rat race this year... that would be a great new years resolution. Hope you all have a wonderful Monday and a blessed week!

Kids Got their Wii

2009-01-03T02:54:00.005-06:00

We had a wonderful time relaxing, and are now back in WF enjoying the New Year. The weather has been great so we have played outside with the kids. We have also played the Wii hours upon hours. Yes I said Wii!!! For those who have not heard the kids have quoted 60+ verses each. Todd promised them $1 per verse towards their Wii. They have done great and bought it with their own money. Between good grades, b-day $, chores $ and quoting they earned their Wii. God also blessed them back for giving of their money to the Christmas for Christ offering. Several added some money to the Wii fund....God knows who those angels were and He will bless them back THANKS. The kids have learned a lot this year about giving. They have always been so willing to give of their things. Keep praying for them they are struggling with learning the verses for quizzing. They are so close but they are tired. The school system puts so much on them and their brains just need a break. I am proud they are putting the word of God in their hearts and that is what it is all about. If they could just get this first tournament I think they might get an extra push of excitement. Keep all the quizzers in your prayers! Now Madison and Mason have to earn time to play the Wii by learning their verses.

The Annual Kids Christmas Story

2009-01-03T02:29:00.003-06:00

The Kids came out with towels and ribbons on their heads. They were ready to tell the Christmas Story......Before we could open presents WOW! Hope you enjoy!

Todd has wisked me away to Houston for the weekend :)

2008-12-27T22:49:00.002-06:00

We are at the Houstonian Resort Spa It is amazing!!!! Thanks Mom and Dad for watching the kids! We have been married for 13 wonderful years.... Thanks babe for the surprise!!! Since all we are doing is relaxing no more internet for us until we get back!

Christmas was great... Have to post more when I have Internet

2008-12-26T22:46:00.003-06:00

Mom and Dad's internet is down and I can not figure out how to post more then a title from my Iphone

Christmas is coming!

2008-12-21T23:42:00.002-06:00

The tree is decorated in almost every room. The presents are wrapped and under the tree. The lights are hung on the roof tops and everything looks so pretty. All we are missing is SNOW!!!! Tonight I took pictures of the kids in front of our family tree. Then pictures of their trees and the one i have in the kitchen. The Tree in the kitchen is decorated with school made ornaments by my children and my students. It also holds most of the ornaments form our ladies Christmas parties. Our family tree is just that. Ever year I buy a new ornament and this year was a red silhouette of Micky mouse that a family picture is going in. There is not an ornament on the tree that doesn't have some kind of story. The Kids trees well, Mason's has monkeys trucks and puppy dogs on it. I try to find him a monkey every year since his nickname is monkey. Madison's tree we had to get a new one this year a she wanted a white tree. It is decorated in mice, her nickname is mouse. She also has a pink feather boa and lace, crystals from her Granny's tree and even a pink chandelier. It is soooo girly and I love it! I usually decorate every room in the house but this year we ran short of time with my surgery and I finally said well I have done enough. I hope every one has a Merry Christmas!

The Nutcracker

2008-12-18T20:52:00.003-06:00

Presented by the 3rd grade of Ben Franklin! Madison was a Chinese Dancer and Jordann a Sugar plum fairy! The girls had so much fun. They were both really excited that Sis Carmen came to watch them! They love the fact that Sis. Teresa Gaitain, Bro. Joseph O., And even Bro. Ojeda works at their school. They felt like they had the biggest group of fans! Off to bed again I go I made it out for an hour today YEAH! Building up for church on Sunday! For those that know me I have a hard time being confined LOL.

Christmas lights

2008-12-17T22:17:00.005-06:00

A few nights before I had surgery we took time and took the kids looking at christmas lights. Of course we stopped by starbucks first. Then off to the fantasy of lights at MSU. A little drive through some neighbor hoods on the way home.

We are getting closer

2008-12-17T22:05:00.003-06:00

Well the kids earned 5 more dollars today for learning their quiz material. Grammpa gave the kids money for their report cards so there is some more money. So the Wii fund is now up to $205 just $45 more to go. They can do this easy if they will get busy with their memory verses.

Ginger bread houses

2008-12-17T21:15:00.002-06:00

Today Madison had make gingerbread houses at school. I felt up to going for about 30 minutes and then I was wore out. I was in bed for the rest of the evening. I did not realize how this surgery would wipe me out. Todd is doing the best he can. Thanks babe! The kids have been pretty understanding and everyone has worked well together. Toddd has even done really well with following directions on how to cook. He has made (brought home) Pizza, Olive Garden soup, and Pats frisco burgers. He did get everything together and set out on the cabinet so I could put a roast on today. Tomorrow at lunch I will try to walk him through putting on a stew. Back to the ginger bread houses. Well Jordann and Madison go to school together and so here is a few cute pictures of the few minutes I could join in.

Even the big kids had fun!!!

2008-12-14T22:03:00.005-06:00

Oh what fun it is....

2008-12-14T21:56:00.003-06:00

Going on a Sleigh Ride

2008-12-14T21:51:00.003-06:00

A great tradition!

2008-12-14T21:02:00.003-06:00

Giving Thanks

2008-12-14T20:38:00.003-06:00

Cute photos

2008-12-14T20:23:00.002-06:00

We went to Dallas for Thanksgiving then Six flags with my sister and her kids! Here are a few pictures Enjoy!

Jesus, Santa and an Elf!!!

2008-12-10T22:27:00.002-06:00

Wow that sure is a group LOL! Madison learned more verses today and asked me to have her money so she could feel the Wii jar back up. Of course I gave her the money and the next thing I heard was a scream. Mommy there is a lot of money in our jar!!! Nobody has been home how did this happen? Mason said Santa did it Madison said Santa doesn't come until Christmas eve. Madison then said Jesus told Santa to tell an Elf to put money in our Wii jar WOOOOW!!! I asked her why she thought that? Madison said well God must have seen how much Mason and I gave to help build Bro. Princes church and he is blessing us back. Remember you can never out give God he always blesses you back! We counted the money to see how much was there $188.oo that is pretty good. Only $62 more dollars to go. I think they both went to bed tonight reading over the word of God trying to study by osmosis and learn a few more bible quiz verses.

You can never out give God!

2008-12-07T23:57:00.004-06:00

I got an A in History and a B in Macro. Not to bad. Thanks to my wonderful husband! Many long hours and helping me along! I love ya Babe!!!! I have pictures, hopefully I will be able to put on tomorrow of our trip to MSU lights and of course our church Christmas for Christ tradition. I must say My children really know how to Shock their mother. They were arguing and just being kids....then out of no where asked mom when are we doing our presents for JESUS? Will our NEW Pastor keep this tradition? Bro. Holley can't change that it just belongs with Christmas. Well I assured the kids that our Pastor would have a plan and we will see what happens. Well Tonight we had a beautiful candle lite service just like our TRADITION! But Bro. Holley added one more thing....place inside your card, present, or envelope something you want to happen this next year in your life. Well the kids wrote letters to Jesus and loved this idea. Madison asked to do better at bible quizzing and for God to keep giving her the Holy Ghost all over again. Well she got it all over again tonight and said Mom how did God answer that so fast??? I love it! Mason asked to get closer to God and keep getting the Holy Ghost. I love their sensitivite to the Lord. They love giving and tonight proved it one more time. They have been saving their own money up for a Wii gaming system. In a big pickle jar on my kitchen cabinet. It even has DO NO STEAL written across it. Well before church this evening I heard a lot of clangging going on in the kitchen. When I walked in they were in their Wii jar digging out money to put in their presents for JESUS! They looked up at me and said "you can never out give God right MOM! He will give us a Wii when it is time, but now we have to help build those churches." These kids know how to get their mother to tears! And they are right you can Never out give God! Even when the fuss and argue, I guess we are doing something right! I hope you all have a blessed week and remember........Jesus is the reason for the season! I love going around saying Merry Chritmas to the employees before they say happy holidays.....hehehehe then they can say Merry Christmas right back.

Just one More!

2008-12-04T14:07:00.002-06:00

I have one more final tonight in macro economics!!!! So far it looks like I am getting an A in both classes! I am so excited. I give thanks to my wonderful husband who has been helping me through these classes. He helps me study and read through the test. The Test are 60 questions in 60 minutes it tough, so he helps me read through them. He as been so encouraging and helpful with the kids! Thanks Babe for all your help. I promise I will post some pictures this weekend. I hope everyone is enjoying this winter weather. It gets me ready for Christmas!!! I can't stand it being warm outside when we should be thinking about snow.

Farley Award

2008-11-30T00:42:00.003-06:00

Thank you for the Farley Award! Go to Dubya's blog to read more! Got to keep those Eyes open for the Farley sightings! I promise you it was a good one and we laughed and laughed!

Keeping with Tradition

2008-11-25T11:40:00.002-06:00

This post is especially for Sis. Elms!!! Sunday Todd was teaching about change.....might I add it was very good. Back to the main reason for blogging LOL He got finished and pulled out Sis. Elms tradition! Every year Sis. Elms would have prime life say a little something they were THANKFUL FOR! We all new it was coming and some of us even dreaded it LOL. But I was proud to see so many excited to share what they were thankful for. So Sis Elms some traditions must just be kept no matter what other changes happen! I am very Thankful this year God has blessed our family in so many ways. We all have great jobs, our health is good, and most important we are living for God! God has been so good to us. Some may know I had some surgery this summer and that entire bill was written off by the hospital THANK YOU JESUS! I am thankful for a wonderful husband who is so understanding and loves us with all his heart. I am thankful for 2 wonderful children.....most of the time LOL! They are hiding the word of God in their heart by trying to do bible quizzing. We have some rough days but God is working on them and every verse we can put in God will bless them with. I encourage everyone in blog world so blog about being thankful this year or at least when your family is gathered around the table. We have a Shahan tradition that before we eat everyone young and old talks about what they are thankful for. It is neat to hear my kids already starting to discuss what they are going to say this year! Well I guess I could keep rambling but I will stop. Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Prayers have been answered!

2008-11-23T22:59:00.002-06:00

We have been praying for our friend in FL to get the Holy Ghost! She got it at home tonight!!!! Roxana's little girl Brianna! Thank you Jesus for filling another precious little girl with the Holy Ghost! Now she can live a full life for The Lord! Brianna we are so happy for you! And Jaren we are still praying God will give it to you soon!

Ok blog world!

2008-11-21T16:55:00.002-06:00

I have one more history assignment and the final and then just maybe I can cath up on some blog stuff!!! For now enjoy the fresh look of the blog and our pet Turkey!!

Pet Turkey

2008-11-21T16:54:00.002-06:00

I thought this was cute and decided to get a turkey! Save the turkey eat more Chicken....I would love to have a Chick-fil-a!!!

Happy Birthday!

2008-11-11T10:00:00.000-06:00

My Baby girl is growing up! Madison turns 9 today she is so excited! Her Aunt Julie went and ate lunch with her and even brought lunch for Jordann her friend. Madison we are so proud of you and love you so much. What a beautiful young lady you are turning into! Remember to always live for God!

We went to the horse ranch and rode horses for her b-day! I will make a slide show soon!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADISON!

My little preacher man

2008-11-10T15:07:00.000-06:00

Bro. Cook Is Mason's new friend! Bro. Cook loved watching the children of Life Tab worship. He got in there and worshiped right with them it was great. All Mason has done is talk about Bro. Cook all week. Here is his picture. Mason says he is going to grow up and be a preacher just like Bro. Holley and Bro. Cook!

Happy Birthday

2008-11-03T00:04:00.002-06:00

Michelle I stayed up to wish you a very happy birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day today!!! Glad you and Billy are going out on Tuesday!

Kids fun fest

2008-10-31T09:47:00.002-05:00

Last night we had a work night getting ready for our kids fun fest! We had an awesome turnout! Thank you everyone for coming and helping. It was so much fun putting things together....kinda like Christmas! We have invited and invited hopefully many will come! We are having cotton candy, popcorn and hotdogs. The Moon Bouncers will be there at 5:30 and the Ponies Yes I said Ponies live Ponies YEAH!!!! Thank you Bro. Holley and Life Tabernacle for an awesome budget and just being so willing to give and give!!!!! We will also be giving away Bicycles at extreme on Sunday Morning to our visitors from kids fun fest! Thanks to a great price from ACADAMY! And Thanks to United Market Street for the Paper sacks for candy bags. Thanks to Home Depot for the Free Pumpkins! Most of all I want to thank my wonderful HUSBAND for all his hard work He is just amazing!!!! And I leave you with a picture of Our NEW Church POPCORN MACHINE no rental it is all ours!!!!!

But of course we had to try it out last night and yes it was YUMMY!!!!

Church remodeling

2008-10-29T20:27:00.004-05:00

Well I think Bro. Holley is going a little extreme on the church remodel. Here is a picture of the Pastor's Potty!!! What did they teach you at General Conference Bro. Holley.....Going back to the basics

LOL I am just funning around. The remodel is looking awesome We love the changes!

Girl scout!

2008-10-23T23:29:00.004-05:00

Here is our little girl scout doing everything the boys can do in a skirt! Several of then men at the camp out called her little Lady. They were amazed at the fun we could have and still be beautiful Godly ladies. I love it when our light shines so bright!!! Blow dart paint balls, Bow and Arrows and even BB Guns!

Boy scouts & Rocket

2008-10-23T22:51:00.002-05:00

Making his rocket with his dad was great and then yelling fire in the HOLE!!! Those rockets flew high into the sky! more boy scouts to come!

Chilly weather!

2008-10-23T21:48:00.002-05:00

I love the weather it is so wonderful! In the mornings its been around 42-49 and by lunch 60ish!!!!! wonderful weather The only thing I hate is in the morning you need the heater on and by afternoon you may need the A/C. But I would take fall weather anyday! My husband has really out done himself this year for my b-day! I think he realizes that his is next Thursday and must really be trying to get some brownie points.....hmmmm wonder what he wants for his
b-day I think it has to do with a tractor. Well tomrrow is really my b-day but I am getting to go to the Affair of the heart so today he made me rotten. My morning did not start out great my co-teacher was sick so we had a sub in the room. I was not sure if I was even going to have a sub. But thankfully I did. I forgot my lunch and the kids ......well they were on the wild side today. But my sweet husband dropped me off lunch at the main office. I went to pick it up and there were 2 dozen roses in a beautiful vase sitting on the desk. I didn't think much of it. Todd usually buys me flowers to plant in my flower beds...they last longer(most of the time :) I said oh how pretty, thanks ladies for watching my lunch I have such a great husband to get me lunch. My principal popped her head out and said yes you have him wrapped around your finger and you are spoiled. I thought nothing of it and started to walk out. They stopped me and said you better take your roses with you. Boy did he surprise me!!! of course I called him and thanked him and then he said don't make diner plans.. Thank you Curtis and Julie they kept the kids and we went to Logans! What a great b-day I am having! Thank you BABE for a wonderful day I love YOU more and more everyday!!!! ok thats it with the mushy stuff! Hope everyone has a wonderful Weekend I know we will OUR PASTOR AND WIFE ARE HOME!!!!!

ANNOUNCING BIG PICTURES!!!

2008-10-16T23:57:00.002-05:00

Just for you Sis Mandy I have POSTED REALLY BIG! honestly I thought that it would delete my side bars like the videos so I never messed with switching anything! So now I know and my settings have changed! They are saved to the SUPER SIZE just for you! Love ya and ENJOY!

We are going camping!

2008-10-16T23:51:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow evening is the big event! Mason's first boy scout camp out. The whole family is allowed to go and so we are going. The sleeping bags are packed and the flash lights have fresh batteries. The Marshmellows are ready and so are we! It is going to be a cool evening so it should be great camping weather! See you all on sunday ( except the Holley's....We miss you!!!)!

Updated Family Tree- for Sis. Mandy

2008-10-12T23:40:00.004-05:00

Madison had homework to make a family tree! I love it! I love finding out cool things about the family. Going back in time and revisiting many memories! I asked Madison how she wanted to make her family tree....and i was so excited! She said she wanted it to be a real tree with leaves and not just a picture. if any one knows me it has to be fun. So I told Madison some ideas and here is what we came up with. We used paper sacks and twisted them for the branches. Cloth leaves (thanks Sis Michelle) with the family members names written on them. Snap shots of pictures glued around their names. I think it really turned out neat! In our hunt for history we found out on my side my great great grandmother was an indian princess. On Todd's mom's side Daniel Boone would be Madison's 8th great uncle. This was really cool to find out. Of course making the tree was bitter sweet with our memories. So many who have gone on to heaven that we miss so much. A few tears were shed and many fun times talked about. This tree starts with us and on Todd's side goes back with his mom and dad 5 generations. On my side we went back 6 and 7 generations. The really neat thing is Pentecost actually began with Todd and I great grandparents but our heritage goes back even further before pentecost began. There are 30 names on this list and 21 of them we know were filled with the Holy Ghost and Baptized in Jesus Name! That is just so awesome

Picture of the Week!

2008-10-09T22:23:00.003-05:00

Here is a little fun we had at ladies meeting the other night! Yep Sis Bean caught Chocolate handed! She was cutting the cake but it was sooo moist (SIS TAMMY) that it was crumbling in her hands. What a great cake Sis Tammy we know you put soooo much time and effort into it. We did miss the layered delight :)

Horsing around!

2008-10-09T22:00:00.000-05:00

Well if you live around Wichita Falls you have seen some beautiful horses hanging around, in some unusual places. Well of course the kids have spotted them and wanted to know more, and see them up close. So we went on a horse hunt. And I found out more info about these horses. Go here to read more about this fundraiser, it is really cool http://www.themaneevent.org/ . If you want something off the wall but it was fun to do go on a relaxing horse hunt. My two really had a great day doing this. Of course we had sonic and a few other surprises thrown in with the day. We did not find them all in one day. We have made several days of this event. Just making memories thats what it is about!!!!

Visit www.moblyng.com to make your own!

LOL LOL LOL

2008-10-05T22:51:00.002-05:00

If you have not been to the Bowen's blog, Go now!!!! It is so true and absolutely hilarious!
I LOVE IT!

Kids and Quizzing

2008-09-30T13:40:00.002-05:00

The kids are doing great in school. Mason's grades have really improved since we started working on quizzing. Its funny how you think one child will do better and then they shock you. Mason can spit out his verses and correct his sister it is so funny. Madison on the other hand is not showing much interest. I have to make her work on her verses. I think she could do really great at this, but she is not seeing that its time now to learn. She thinks she can wait until we start practicing at church. Well I am sure Sis. Christina will get ahold of her. I have been very busy with my classes and my new teaching position. Sorry the blog has been lacking :( Hope you are all having a blessed day. Keep our kids in your prayers as they put the word of God in their hearts.

Not much going on

2008-09-23T21:22:00.002-05:00

We have just been really busy. Everybody is doing great. The kids are doing good on quizzing. They are studying everyday and learning very well. They can't wait to get to practicing with their friends. Hope everyone in blog world is having a great week!

To cute

2008-09-14T22:49:00.002-05:00

I am sure Ashley will see these soon for Hiedi soon enough if she has not already. It is a baby high heel shoe. Google this they are kinda cute The heelarious® Story. heelarious.com Just had to share.

Pictures for Grandma Sue

2008-09-14T22:13:00.003-05:00

silly girl with wild hair and stopping to smell the flowers!

Yummy Mickey Mouse ice cream!!!!

Sue is a very dear friend of the family. She was one of Granny's very best friends. She loves the kids so much and is always checking on us. She just loves to see pictures of the kids so these pictures are for her....and anyone else who wants to enjoy them. Sue reminds us a lot of our Granny that we miss alot. The kids think she is special because she is like their Granny. They miss their Granny and will never forget her....But I am glad they have really big hearts and have learned to love other ladies in the church that treat them like grand kids. It must be fun to be grandma. Hope you enjoy a few random pics. We love you granma Sue!

What a life!

2008-09-14T21:59:00.004-05:00

Dogs life .....What a life laid out with nothing to do! This is Daisy our westie we adopted back in Feburary. She is a cutie and has gotten used to being spoiled rotten just like Molly. They really are good dogs. They play together and rough house, it is really funny to watch. Todd and I looked down last night and saw her laid out sound asleep. She didn't flinch until we made her move. What a life.

They still know it!

2008-09-10T10:28:00.003-05:00

Yes I know it is still early and it is only one verse...a really long verse....but this morning when I woke the kids up I asked them to quote Luke 4:16. And they both did with out much hesitation. Mason hurried around to get ready so he could READ over his next verse. It had a few hard words in it but he barreled through it with out any whining I can't read this. I dropped Mason off at his class door and walked Madison to her class. Madison's teachers said she could read over her verses anytime she was finished with her work. She is always reading!!! She has read 2 chapter books in just the last 3 days. Her homeroom teacher said she could have a friend test her if they were finished with all their work. Wow we are bringing God's word into the school system!!! After I left Madison I dropped back bye Mason's room. His teacher met me at the door. She said Mason came in so excited this morning. He is already finished with his morning Reading worksheet. How What did we do to change his attitude?????? I told her that I had told him that if his teacher would let him....when he was finished with all his work....he could work on his quizzing memorization. But that he could not disrupt the class. He would just need to read over his verses to himself. She said he is able to do this at anytime and we pulled him out in the hall and talked about it with his teacher. He quoted his 1st verse to her. She stated WOW this could really build his self confidence and totally change his study skills. HMMMM where have I heard this before. I told her that bible quizzing is very important but that he knows if he is not getting his school work done he can't be involved. His teacher was amazed. I will leave this post with one last thought. Mason was singing in the shower this morning. At 1st i thought it was just cute and sweet, but after this mornings events unfolded all I can say is wow! Oh the song...... This little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine, Let it Shine let it shine.....Thanks Sis. Carmen for teaching our children this song with the extra verse.....All over Wichita Falls I'm gonna let it SHINE!!! Keep these children (all the quizzers) in your prayers that their minds just soak this up and that God uses them to be a witness to their friends and teachers in their CITY!

Yes he did.....

2008-09-09T22:33:00.002-05:00

Yes he did...I came home to sleeping children and a smell. What is that smell??? No He didn't....Oh Yes he did. That smell was burnt cookies. I had left him a timer to check on and he forgot. I all can say is he burnt the cookies I left for him. Oh well Tonight we had such a wonderful time at the Ladies of life party. I even got a great video of Ondrea doing a little JIG! But I will be kind and respect her and not blog it...But I will keep it for bribery.