Cornelius Chronicles

Loyd lost one of his teeth today after church while eating an apple.  I'm feeling very grateful it held on in there until today.  We got Loyd's birthday pictures taken yesterday. Talk about a small mercy in timing.  :)

Pepperoni and Greek Isle Heart Pizzas for Valentine's Day Dinner. Carnations, my favorite flower, from Dustin for my Valentine's Day flowers We had a busy, but fun Valentine's Day this year.  As we have had more children and they get older I'm finding that Valentine's Day changes for me. Each stage of my life has lead to a different celebration and understanding of this day of love.  When I was a child this holiday was all about decorating boxes with hearts and glitter, giving and getting cards at school, and eating my box of special Valentine cookies from my parents.  When I was a teenager and young single adult I spent most Valentine's Days bemoaning my lack of a special Valentine and celebrating instead Single Awareness Day.  However, as I met Dustin and soon thereafter married my sweet heart it was a special day to spend extra time together and share small tokens representing our love and gratitude for one another.  Now as a mother with several you

"Cornelius Family Portrait" by Xavier, January 2015.   I think he captured us very well.  :) ***** What a fun fort and what a great way to spend an afternoon with your brothers and sisters.  Love this creativity!

Rebekah won third place at her elementary school's Blue Bonnet Book Club Knowledge Bowl.  The best part of this accomplishment is that it is something Rebekah did all on her own.  She decided she wanted to participate all on her own (no pushing from me).  So she set her own goals and worked hard to accomplish them without my help.  In order for her to participate she had to read at least five books from the Texas Bluebonnet List, get one of the top scores on the Bluebonnet book test, and then do an awesome job at the Knowledge Bowl competition.  All contestants enjoyed a pizza lunch and the winners got some pretty neat medals for their accomplishment.  Go Rebekah!  Rebekah proudly wore her medal all day at school, all night at home (taking it off only to sleep), all weekend at home, and then tried to wear it to church.  We thought it might clash with her Sunday dress so we convinced her to take it off for church.  We're very proud of our smart daughter.  Maybe Academic D