Christmas in July

A little girl in a community close by is battling brain cancer. Reagan is 5 years old, was diagnosed in December 2008, & she has been given very little time. She kept asking her father when Christmas was coming, & he finally decided his family would celebrate Christmas in July! After having to get permission to hang lights on his home, the city of Krum & many other communities came together to have Christmas in July for Reagan! For more information http://cbs11tv.com/local/krum.5.year.2.1101790.html

It was unbelievable to witness what went on in Krum, Texas on Saturday evening! It was literally 100+ degrees, but the streets were lined with tons & tons of people from all over to show support for this little girl & her family. There was a parade that was a half block & took about 1 hour due to all the people who took part. It was WONDERFUL! It amazed me at how many people & communities wanted this little girl's wish to come true!

I took a lot of pictures but here were the ones that I thought might get the message across for those who were unable to attend.

Merry Christmas Reagan!

Here is a picture of some of the people who attended. This was taken very early, just after we arrived. And this was just to my right. There were more people to my left. A real reindeer. A care flight helicopter flew overhead to begin the parade. There were tons of floats, walkers, old cars, horses, etc. But there were 155 motorcycles that took part! Even zebras! Yes, you are reading right ... 2 New York firetrucks took part. There were firetrucks from 44 different cities! And it wouldn't be Christmas without SANTA! After Santa talked to Reagan, everyone witnessed SNOW in July! A film company from Austin, Texas made snow possible for Reagan! I pray that Reagan gets Christmas twice this year, I pray she beats all odds, & I pray that a miracle takes place in Krum, Texas! Please pray for Reagan & all of her family!

~Patsi~

And the slab work has began!

We are very excited! The building process is moving along. The slab work began last week. We were hoping to have the slab poured by Friday, but the rain may cause a delay.

~Patsi~

Vacation Bible School

Zane attended Vacation Bible School at the First Baptist Church here in Justin. I grew up in church all my life (Thank you mom!) & some of my favorite childhood memories are from church. It was nice to send Zane off to VBS & know he would have a blast! And get this ... according to his teacher (who is a friend & had permission to whip him into shape) he was one of the best kids in the class! God is good!

Thursday night was family night. We were a little late & didn't get to do the Praise & Worship prior to the Family Fun. But the kids had a blast!

Hot dogs!

Zane & his teacher, Deedra Snow cones ... his was blue! The theme was "Boomerang Express". Zane said he loves birds & lizards (below). Jump house fun! Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. Last week was C.R.A.Z.Y.! We had Vacation Bible School going on, which meant earlier bed & earlier rise times. Plus, we had a friend here in Justin who took his own life. Very sad! Patrick & I was actually pretty torn up about it, even though we only met him & his family a few months ago. No one knew what was going on & the news took everyone by complete surprise. He leaves behind 3 young children, a wife, siblings, & some very loving parents. Everyone who knew him in town would have never thought this possible. He was a very outgoing, happy, & talkative young man. Please keep the Leon Family in your prayers as they have a really rough road ahead of them!

~Patsi~

Look who is 15 months old today ....

Berkley Marie Cassidy
15 months old

Ht: 30.5 inches (50%)
Wt: 23 lbs. 3 oz. (55%)
Head: 48 cm (95%)

This one is my favorite!
Today was her 15 month check up (stats above). Nothing really surprising except the nurse measured her head multiple times because her head measured big but as the nurse stated, "It does not look too big for her body." Needless to say, the nurse measured right the first time, with no changes the second & third time. Nothing will change with her diet at this point. Things seem to be moving along very well right now, & the pedi doesn't want to mess anything up. We will begin giving milk products after her 18 month check up.

Princess Berkley is walking every where. Sometimes she has to be reminded that she can walk, especially if her big brother sees her crawling. She continues to be a very easy little girl. She sleeps very well, but it must be on schedule! She loves Zane more than anything else in this world. Her favorite foods are fruits, Fig Newtons, & raisins. She says multiple words (da-da, ma-ma, bu-ba, hot, dog, hey, & hi). She knows what she wants & doesn't hesitate to shake her head "no"! She loves to give huggies & suggies (hugs & kisses). She loves babies, real or pretend. (And has gotten the "choke hold" down quite well, although I think she means to be giving hugs!) She can tell you where a hair bow goes. She even throws a fit when you take one out of her hair, but she can remove them all day long if SHE wants! She enjoys turning the Wii off & running while Zane is in the middle of a game! And she loves to laugh -- Zane can really get her to laughing!

As you can tell, she is LOVED! We thank God daily for blessing all of us with this precious little princess!

~Patsi~

Shirley Reunion in Oklahoma City

On Friday, Cindy (mother-in-law), Berkley & myself headed to Oklahoma City for the Shirley Family Reunion. (Patrick's mother was a Shirley.) Patrick was unsure if he would be able to make it, decided no, & then made plans for he & Zane to spend the day fishing. It was a nice trip! I met many of Patrick's family members that I had never met. We spent time eating, socializing, walking in the heat, & swimming. The hotel was very nice & WONDERFUL for kids (see below).

We stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suite on Sheridan.

The AAA team for the Texas Rangers (I believe) played directly behind our hotel. This is the actual view from our room. Many of the men spent time watching baseball games while we were there. This is the "strip" in front of our hotel. There were tons of restaurants & stores & even carriage rides.
The hotel had an indoor pool with this WONDERFUL kiddie area. It was a beach entrance with tons of water spouts, a small slide, some water pumps, & basketball goals.

Saturday morning we slept in a little so Berkley had to eat breakfast in her pajamas. She wasn't fond of sleeping in the hotel room, but she did find a hiding spot.
I wonder where she gets this? Must be her dad! Ha Ha! She gets a phone & says "Hey"!
As mentioned before, Berkley didn't sleep well on Friday night. The actual reunion lunch began at noon on Saturday. Berkley was so exhausted that she fell asleep in the hotel room at 11:15am & didn't wake up until 2:30pm. Everyone had already eaten & were sitting around talking by the time we made it downstairs.

Berkley & I

Me, Berkley & Cindy (aka Nana)

This was Berkley's face most of the trip. She is such a homebody! I kept telling the others how happy she usually is, tired or not. By Saturday afternoon, she kept saying "Bu-ba".
Anyone in my family will tell you that this little Missy will ONLY sleep in her crib or her pack & play (at the shop). She wants to be put down with a few rags to rub her face in, all lights out, door shut, & by herself. She is asleep within minutes! She very rarely sleeps in her car seat & has NEVER done this --- fall asleep in her stroller!
Sunday was departure day. Here is Cindy with her cousin, Jim & his wife, Denise, & grand baby, Sadie (all from California). Little Miss Sadie was P-E-R-F-E-C-T the entire weekend! She didn't care who held her, would get tired & crawl up in her stroller to sleep, & just played her little heart out. And was a complete doll!

Here is Cindy's cousin Kim's daughter with her friend.

Just before leaving the hotel, this is what I found ...

We had a wonderful time! I had never stayed in the Oklahoma City area, only been thru it. It was nice & very friendly.

Berkley was so tired when we got home. She went to bed at 7:00pm last night & woke up at 10:50am this morning! We had one tired baby girl!

~Patsi~

First Pig Tails

Last week, Berkley got her first pig tails! They didn't last long, but I did get them in. She immediately pulled one of them out when we got in the car! I just LOVE her hair!

~Patsi~

Mommy & Zane Day

On Wednesday, Zane & I had a few hours of "Mommy & Zane Time". Patrick's mom watched Berkley while Zane & I headed to the movies to see Ice Age #3 (Return of the Dinosaurs, I think). As we were pulling into the theatre, I saw that there is a NOW OPEN Beth Marie's ice cream shop just across the street! I happened to mention it with excitement so when the movie was over, Zane said, "Now it's time for ice cream!" Oh, YUMMY YUMMY!

Enjoying his chocolate cone!

Tomorrow the kids & I, along with Patrick's mother, head to Oklahoma City for a Shirley Family Reunion (Shirley being Patrick's mother's side of the family). At this point, we are not sure if we are returning on Saturday evening or Sunday morning. Look for some family reunion pictures on Monday!

~Patsi~

Pony Care

Not only has Zane been enjoying riding his pony, but he is getting "Pony Care" lessons from Aunt Nae. He does a pretty good job!

Removing the saddle

Zane loves his new saddle from Aunt Nae! Thank you Aunt Nae!

Brushing Butter

He liked it so much, he even helped Jessica!

~Patsi~

More Pony Pictures

I promised more pony pictures & you got them!

Now is this a happy face or what?

All ponies need kisses!

~Patsi~

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!

We started our morning off bright & early. We headed to Sanger for the Fourth of July parade. Zane was in the parade riding his pony while my nephews drove one of the Corple Corral golf carts. It was hot, but a nice way to start the day.

Princess Berkley before heading to the parade. Zane riding Butter with Aunt Nae. (Oh, & boy does he DIG these sunglasses Aunt Nae bought him!) Norman & Nolan Zane with his many flags. Kisses for Butter from Berkley We are heading out tonight for some pool fun, cookout & fireworks at Sally's.

A big thank you to our soldiers, past & present!
~Patsi~