Letter to a friend...

Dear Diet Coke,

This is just a little note to let you know that I have not forgotten about you. I miss you terribly. I'm so sorry that the taste and even the smell of you make me sick right now. It has been six long weeks since I have experienced your joy. Please know that I still think of all the good times we have had over the past 20+ years. I feel sure that this is temporary. I know that Sonic misses me just as much as you do. But, for now, all my precious little baby will let me stomach is cold water, iced tea (!?!) and lemonade. I hope to see you soon, my friend.

Love and regrets,
Cherise

P.S. Please let your good friend COFFEE know that I miss him too. However, the actual thought of him right now makes me violently ill....

**Sigh**

Bryson's 9th Birthday

Bryson's Match game / swimming party.

Bryson James turned 9 on July 27th. We had his party on Monday at the church swimming pool. Over 20 kids showed up to enjoy the fun and celebrate our young man.
Bryson is still a game show junkie. His favorite game show right now is Match Game. This is an OLD game show from the 70's that plays on Game Show Network. Our friend Jolie did an awesome job on the cake, as usual. We enjoyed swimming, pizza, chicken nuggets from Chick-fil-A and cake. Bryson came up with menu. :)
We are so proud of Bryson and all he has accomplished in his young life. He is growing and maturing into a wonderful, godly, young man.
Happy Birthday, Bryson. You are so very loved!!!!

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Cousins

They're here!

Just stumbled across this blog, somehow we forgot to publish. The saddest part is they are about to return to Africa.
We loved having them here. We are going to meet up with them this week-end for one last fun and activity filled time.
I love the pictures of "the cousins". I love that even though MANY miles seperate us for long periods of time, the relationship continues to grow and get stronger.
We love you, Cashes. Hurry back! (February, maybe...:))

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Surprise!!!

I have never had a surprise party. However, I have always loved surprises. Well, about 4 weeks ago, I received a rather big surprise. Come the end of February, our little of family of 4 will become a family of 5!
I went to the Dr. on Tuesday and we saw our precious little gift and the heart beating away. One downer is that I am not as far along as I thought I was. According to "the chart" I should be 10 weeks along. However, my body did not obey all the rules and I am actually 8 1/2 weeks along. Only 10 days behind. Oh well. I spend my life "behind" so I don't know why that info "surprised" me.
This has been the sickest I have ever felt with a pregnancy. That is all I will say about that. I know that is a sign of a healthy pregnancy and for that I am thankful. I did get some great pills at the Dr. so I have enjoyed life a little more the last couple of days.
I have lots of fun stuff for the blog. We have been having a great time with my sister and her family... "The Cousins" as Cason refers to them.
We also had Bryson's birthday party on Monday. He turned 9 on Sunday. I have lots of emotions about that one. I'm sure none of that has to do with the hormones of pregnancy. :) I will post all of that soon. But, for now, I am off to bed.
Blessings, friends!

Lake Brownwood

So sorry that I have been a bad blogger lately. Things have been wonderful, but busy. My sister and her family arrived around midnight last night...YEA!!!!!!!!
This summer has already been very eventful! :-) Stayed tuned to here why...
For now, here are some pictures of the our week-end lake trip. We had an awesome time. I love Lake Brownwood. Many of my best childhood memories are of our time with family at my grandparents place there. We had a great time swimming, riding the jet ski and hanging out.
Probably my favorite thing was our worship service on Sunday morning. The boys planned the service. Bryson was the worship leader, Alex was the preacher and Cason served communion. It was precious...and of course, I did not get any pictures of it. Oh well...

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Respite

Respite- a period of temporary delay; an interval of rest or relief.

The boys and I are about to leave for a much needed respite. The only downside is that Wade has to stay and work. We are going to the lake with our friends Trisha, Alex, Katy, Elijah and Olivia. (Mr. Ben has to work, too.) The change of scenery will be refreshing for all of us.
I am loving the thought of sitting on the patio with a Diet Coke, overlooking the beautiful lake, visiting with my sweet friend. I am also excited because a friend of Trisha's is going to meet us there. What is so exciting is that Jana is also one of my sister's dearest friends. I have heard so much about her, but have never been able to spend time with her.
Cheryl, your ears will be burning! We will be making many plans for your arrival in the Lone Star State. That will be in 18 days!!! Not that we're counting or anything. :)
Happy week-end, my friends!

Update

Wow, it has been a while since I have posted. We have had a busy start to a fun and full summer. School was out on May 23rd. We were in the pool for our first swim of the summer on May 24th. We have been in the water just about every day since then.
Cason started T-Ball. That has been quite an adventure. The games are too fun. Cason seems to be enjoying himself and is quite entertaining. :)
We are full steam ahead on planning our summer kid's program at church. "Backyard Buddies" will begin this Thursday. This is our version of VBS. We will meet every Thursday for the next 8 weeks. After each meeting, which is from 10am-12pm, we will have family swim time from 12-2. God has blessed our church with a beautiful and BIG backyard...and a pool. It is these little treasures that make children's ministry so fun!
Here are a few pictures of the end of school and our summer so far.
Happy Summer, friends!

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