Happy 1st Birthday Little Tyler!

Thought this was just a special picture with Tyler and his daddy! How can this little guy already be a year old!

Tyler was more interested in feeling the texture of his birthday cake than posing for a picture.

Kayla and Mommy helping Tyler open his gifts.

I made a trip to Mother and Dad's in DeSoto while John was visiting in April. One meal we walked over to Marilyn's for lunch and this especially was a big "hit" for Mother. Mother gets such a kick of catching glimpses of Dorothy Cat while we are there.

An outside picture on the porch just as John was ready to leave for the airport.

Weekend Visit to Stephen and Freya's

Lena, you are growing up and changing so quickly! I don't think there are many days that this little lady doesn't have pink on or a bow in her hair!

Max and Henry playing a Match Game with Grandpa.

This was the baby quilt that I made for Lena----totally different then the others I have made. Since it was late anyway, I wish I would have used "girlie colors."

Going out for pizza on Saturday night.

More pizza pictures.

Welcome Lena Mae Varner!

Lena arrived January 26 weighing 9 lbs, 4ozs. Max and Henry were excited to see her at the hospital and Henry was so anxious to show her his new glow light! I have a feeling it won't be the last time that Lena will be "shown" toys!

Lena all in pink! Stephen and Freya just assumed they would have another boy. What a fun surprise!

Max asked if I would take his picture with his new little sister! He whispered to Lena that he was glad she was out of Mommy's belly!

Then....Max wanted to take Grandma's picture with Lena. Pretty Good!

All together.....Lena, Freya, Max, Stephen and Henry!

More Christmas Gatherings

Richard with his parents and siblings. We were at Roy's for our Christmas Get-Together.

Richard with his mom and Dad.

Tyler is just always happy to be on board! When Tyler smiles, he smiles with his eyes, his mouth, his whole little self!

On our way back home from visiting Mother and Dad at Christmas in DeSoto, we drove by this Case tractor and it's very similar to the one Richard's grandpa had. Just had to stop and take a picture of it.

And here I am with Mother and Dad. Merry Christmas!

Holiday Pictures

In the last blog, I accidentally posted the same picture twice. This was the intended last picture. Lisa and I gave our Spark leaders little loaves of bread, and this is the finished product before we gave them out that night!

Richard and I were in DeSoto Saturday and Sunday to have Christmas with Mother and Dad. Sunday isn't Sunday without lunch at McDonalds.

Christmas evening at our house. The table was all set and stockings waiting for the kids to come. For sure it was, "Over the (Kansas) river and through the snow to Grandmother's house we go!"

There really was 9 inches of snow. A Christmas we won't forget.

Making gingerbread men with Joshua and Kayla. You know those Wilton pre-packaged kits you can get drastically on sale at Walmart? It's a neat craft, but don't count on them being a "yummy" treat!!

These Are the Sparks I've Been Talking About!

First of all.....Topeka Bible Church Light Show 2009! The "new addition" for this year was this huge, unbelievable star at the top. It was so huge with so many lights, the electricity had to be re-configured. Somebody has a lot of creative juices.

Now, here's one section of Sparks (ages Kindg-2nd grade)....and....

here's the other section of Sparks. We regularly have around 80 children each night. It's been a great ministry for our church. Lisa and I are co-directing this age group and it's been a "stretching" experience for us!!

Sorry 'bout that....same pic got posted twice and can't figure out how to edit it out

Random Pictures!

The newest way to learn to play the piano......I got home very, very late one night and found Ryan picking out a song he wanted to learn using his iphone that not only plays the "tune," but then using another program to "show" him which notes to play.

Ryan's new girlfriend. His new tool box!

Let's just say he's pretty proud of it.

Brian and Carly
Pictures from the church Fall Festival at Gary's Pumpkin Patch.

The Nelson Crew......right before it was time to leave.