Been Way Too Busy

Sorry that I have not posted like I should, but is been crazy around here. Where do I begin. First of all there will be some new pics on-line today. Pictures from our get away weekend and apple butter. Our anniversary weekend was wonderful. We spent it at bed and breakfast near Paducah. Had a great time. Then with school, work, kids needing to be every where, church and every thing else, it has been a crazy couple of months. We had an awesome time at applebutter this year. Good seeing family. Halloween was also good this year. We had a harvest party and trunk or treat at church. Had a hayride at the end. We are all doing great. Austin's speech has started up and Danae's tennis conditioning is also in full force. Keeping up with the Church's website is also keeping me busy. You can check it out at lucasgrove.org. Well, that is about all for now. Be sure to check the pics out in the photo album. We will try to post more regularly.

Our 20th

Today is a very special day for Tonya and I. We have been married 20 years today. God has been great to us the entire time we have been married. As I look back I realize he has been there with us every step of the way. From my tour in Turkey, Fort Irwin and the tough times we had when I first got out of the Army. He has always been there. All I can do is praise Him. For me, it has been the best 20 years of my life. Tonya has given me 2 beautiful children and much happiness and love. I am truly looking forward to the next 20 years. May they be as good as the first. I love you Tonya with all my heart.

Getting Better

Just a quick update on what is going on. Tonya had her bone scan and we have not heard anything back yet. That is normally good news. After being out all day Thursday, she thought she would have to go back to the doctor. But, when she awoke on Friday, she said it was the best she have felt in the last 4 weeks. Today is Sunday and she got to go to church for the first time in 3 weeks. Thanks to all those that have prayed for her. God sure does take care of us. She got a call on Friday that she will start to work on Monday. Up until Friday, she would not have been able to do so. Kids are doing good. Speech has started for Austin and he is enjoying it. I am going to try to get a video of a performance and post to the blog. I am enjoying my break, although I am working on my next class. Hope to have all my papers for it done before the class starts. Well, that is all for now. Will try to keep up better.

Been awhile

It has been awhile since I had the chance to post. Work has been hectic, school, kids and school, and church have kept us busy. I will try to catch up. School for me is great. Finished my first term and have already started on my 2nd. Should have my masters by June. The kids are in the swing of things and speech is getting ready to start for Austin. That means Mondays and Thursday until March. He is really excited about it. Danae is trying to practice tennis 2 times a week. It will be easier now with speech. I will pick her up and her and I will practice. Tonya fell a couple of weeks ago and we finally found it to be a bruised nerve. It is taking some time but should heal. School has called her back to work, although it is only 2 days a week. We have called our new pastor to our church. His name is Brandon and he was well recieved. Well that is all for now. I will try to have some new pictures up soon.

Great week

Well, the kids are finally back in the routine of getting up and going to school. Danae has been staying after school 2-3 days a week to practice tennis with some friends. She really seems to like to play and she is slowly getting better. Austin has been doing good and can not wait for speech to start. The fundraisers have already started for band for Austin. They are getting high tech and it can all be done on line. It sure is nice because they will also mail it to you. We are getting ready to hear a prospective pastor this Sunday. We heard his trial sermon and was very impressed. We are looking forward to hear him speak again. Then we have a fellowship following. Of course it will be pot luck and I am making lasagna. Tonya is doing OK. Her and the cat had an argument on who should stand where and she pulled her back again. Seems to be doing better for now but it comes and goes. Any way, need to go for tonight have to get the fix ens ready.

Almost time for school

Well, we are just a couple of days away from the kids returning to school. Today we celebrated Richard's birthday. All the kids chipped in and got him a TOM TOM GPS. He seem very pleased with it. We had a great dinner then sat around outside and talked. This past week was a tough one. We had company at the beginning of the week and then spent almost every day in town for one reason or the other. We went bowling on Thursday with our friends from California. We finally had a little rain, just enough to force me to mow the grass. For me, school is moving right along. I am waiting for results on my current class to see if it is completed. Then I will have a couple of week break until the next one starts. Tonya is still waiting to hear from school to see if she gets to go back to work. Well this is it for now.

Visit from an old friend

Well, it has been a whirlwind of a week. Elaine and the boys arrived Thursday, then Friday we had a cook out at Richard and Lois's. Made use of their new gazebo. It sure was nice to eat outside with out any bugs. Today we hung out at the house, did a little work outside, watched a movie and played some WII. I will post some pictures later this week. Kids are counting the days until school starts, dreading every minute. Not much else happening.

Newest Arrival

Almost forgot. This has been a crazy week and I forgot to mention our newest arrival. Tonya and the kids rescued this little guy from a round bale of hay out behind the house. So, Danae, who has never had any animal asked if she could keep him. The puppies belong to the neighbors up the road. He is a beagle mix. I decided to let her keep him on one condition. He is all hers to take care of. No help from any one else. It has been 5 days and she is doing great. Danae named him Tux because his colors look like one. He is already potty trained. It only took one day. Chloe and Izzy are still unsure of what to think of him. Over all he is a very good and has not been any bother.

Austin's Birthday

We celebrated Austin's birthday today after church. He requested nachos and baked potatoes for lunch. Richard and Lois were coming over so I also made ribs, hot dogs, and brats (on the grill of course). Austin also had a friend over. We ate, then did presents and had a great tasting ice cream cake from Baskin Robins(see picture). The kids played and we all talked. We are getting ready to go to evening service and then do some work at Richard and Lois's.

Another week and another birthday

It has been a week since our last post. Needless to say we have been busy. In-laws were on vacation first part of the week so we have chores to do at their house 2 times a day. Austin had a sleep over birthday party. All went well except for a major bike wreck. He is OK, just skinned up. Then we had ball tournament for a church that the kids play for. That was Thursday and Friday. Now we are getting ready for Austin's birthday tomorrow. This would not normally be a big deal, but earlier this week both kids decided to rearrange their rooms. So, we are dealing with a rather large mess. Getting rid of old toys and clothes that have been tucked away. Overall not a bad week.

B-Day dinner

Here Danae is eating at her choice of restaurant. Did not hurt that Tonya and I really like it as well. Good food, great service and being together as a family. Life and God is great.

Birthdays

Well, we celebrated Danae's birthday yesterday. She turned 15 and got to pick the place we ate at as well as go shopping. Let me tell you, it was fun, but a long day. She successfully spent all of her birthday money. (clothes and books) Yes I said books. The girl is a true book worm. It is Sunday today and we are taking it easy. I have been working on the Church's website. The kids are cleaning and rearranging rooms. As soon as I find the camera cable, I will post the pics from yesterday. Well, need to get some studying done. Bye for now.

Photos

Well, I had some time this evening when I took a break from reading. I have started an online photo album. I have a couple of pics from bible school and pictures of us from a wedding. You can dress them up and they sure do look good. Danae is still on a mission trip and is due home Thursday. School is going good and I am working on my fourth class. With any luck, I will be done in April. If not, it will be September of next year. The summer is going by too fast. It is already July. We have a busy month with three birthdays, a visit from close friends from sunny California and all the other summer time activities. The kids and Tonya are enjoying the time off, but for me it is business as always. Well, back to the books.

Getting Started

Well, since my family is spread all over the US, I decided to start a blog for family and close friends. I hope that all will participate. Recently I have found that a blog is a good way to keep in touch. Our pastor just left our church to be an Arm chaplain and he has a blog that he is using to keep in touch. I have enjoyed this and decided to do one for the family. Over the next couple of days I will be adding some links and pictures. Looking forward to hearing from all those that have been invited. This will be a private blog for family and friends only. This is to ensure that all posts and those reading will be family related.