DAVID'S HOUSE OF HOPE

Dad, Jamie (David's Wife), and Mom in front of the door of David's House of
Hope. My brother, David, had a heart for Inside Out Ministries and the Healing Ranch (a place where people who are hurting, who have habits and hangups, can come for healing). David worked very hard in helping to build this house, and he poured his heart into the vision and mission of Inside-out Ministries. We visited the ranch today for a time of fellowship and dedication. Above the door the sign reads "David's House of Hope". I know that my brother would be honored. My prayer is that anyone who enters that door will indeed find the hope that they are looking for....that hope being in Christ Jesus.

David's House of Hope....consists of 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, living area, and kitchen....not yet completed, but well on its way. The beautiful cross in front is stain-glassed; the picture doesn't do it justice, but it's gorgeous. This piece was created by Jan Chipps. She also has many other pieces of art...pottery, metal, cloth, etc....that are simply beautiful, and for sale...proceeds going towards Inside-Out Ministries.

Jamie Sharp giving her testimony and sharing David's heart about the Ranch and

Inside-Out Ministries. She spoke beautifully...even though her heart is

still breaking over the loss of David.

Anna and Luke enjoy their day at 'The Healing Ranch'.

John Mark's Senior Ring!!!

John Mark shows off his senior ring! We sent him on a treasure hunt November 2nd. The hunt consisted of clues which led him....eventually....to the prize, the "senior ring". It was a lot of fun, especially because it was raining outside, and John Mark had to search in the rain! The last clue led him to the kitchen where he was to look in the dishwasher. Inside was a beautifully wrapped gift....which held another gift bag, and another , and another, and another. After a lot of laughs, John Mark finally claimed the prize.

And of course, the little siblings had to see if it would fit on their finger. Luke thought it was very nice....he kept saying "awwww". John Mark had a hard time getting it back from Luke....and the chase was on, with Luke yelling, "MINE!"

Anna enjoyed herself trying on Big Bubba's ring.

HALLOWEEN 2010

Anna was a little rodeo queen and Luke was "Woody" from Toy Story. They had such fun trick-or-treating downtown Smackover. They came home with way too much candy...enough to last til next Halloween anyway.

Fall Fun!

Anna's Cartwheel

Hug or Choke-hold?

Rodeo Bound

Anna and Rio

John Mark showing Rocky at Fair

18 Already?!?

OH MY GOODNESS!!! How time flies. It seems just like yesterday that I was bringing this bundle of joy home from Children's Hospital! I can't believe that he is 18 already. Although he thinks he is quite ready to be an adult, I'm not quite ready for him to be.

I'm so proud of John Mark and the way he always finds something to smile about. He has taught me so much about life and love and how to be truly grateful. I love you John Mark and wish you a very happy birthday!

ABC's and 1,2,3's....

Anna and her 1st grade teacher Mrs. Doherty...Anna
is doing very well in school. She just brought home her
first 9 weeks report card and she had 2 A's!! One A for
reading/literacy and one A for Math. Yippee! Way to go
Anna!

Luke and his Preschool teacher, Miss Brittney...Luke
loves "Miss Nitney" so much. He leaves the house each
morning jumping up and down saying, "Nitney, Nitney"!
He is doing great. He is learning his colors and recognizing
and saying many picture names. His teachers are proud of
what he is accomplishing. I know they are amazed, unlike
me, because I know how smart this boy is. Keep up the good
work, Lukey!

ANNA'S First Riding Lesson!!

What a natural!!! Anna had her first riding lesson today. The horse she rode was named Rio. Anna learned how to make Rio go, turn, and stop. She learned how to sit up straight on Rio's back. She also learned how to make Rio trot!! She let out a little yell when Rio started trotting, but the scared look soon turned into a big smile:) I think horses just may be in our future.

LUKE...Future Rodeo Champ!

LUKE couldn't let his big sister outdo him. He had to show everyone that he could ride just as well as Anna....even if it was on a horse swing! He does try to do everything big sister does. Maybe it's because he is only 2 inches shorter and only 6 pounds lighter than her. He enjoys chasing her around....probably just so he can get close enough to get a handful of that beautiful hair of hers! All kidding aside...he loves her and his Bubba so much and he is learning so much from both of them.

I really want to know where he learned to throw so well! Today he threw my cell phone into the pool....yes, that's the 3rd new one in a year. John Mark thinks Verizon won't let me have anymore! I must clarify that only 1 of the (swimming) phones is Luke's fault. The other two were completely my fault....one went swimming in Dr. Pepper and one went swimming in Sprite. Cell phones do not like to go swimming!!!

More Summer Fun!!!

JOHN MARK has had a ton of fun this summer. He attended FFA Leadership Camp at Camp Couchdale, close to Hot Springs. He just returned home from Camp Aldersgate where he spent a week at Med Camp for kids with heart or kidney conditions. He had a blast! He brought home towels in the 'to be washed' bag.....does this mean he actually took a shower, or is he learning how to keep mom happy? Let's make it look like I used the towels! The guys in the picture
were counselors and campers from Camp Aldersgate..John Mark in the white Camp shirt.

He is also staying busy on the farm with his show animals, Rocky the goat, and Miss Piggy, the pig. We've just acquired another show pig, Mr. Hammy.
John Mark works at the Hardware Store one day a week....when Jerry can talk him into it and he can fit it into his busy schedule. He says he's ready to retire like PawPaw!!!

John Mark will start summer band practice next week. Where did this summer go?

BIRTHDAYS IN JULY...2010!!!

WOW! How time flies...and flies, and flies!!! Can't believe it has been 2 years since last post. Oh, so much to do and so little time. We've been so busy making memories that I forget to share them. My youngest two just had birthdays. Luke turned 4 on July 3rd and Anna turned 6 on July 9th. Luke had a really fun carnival party, complete with games, popcorn, cupcakes, and even a carnival ride (to see all of the farm animals). We can't have a party for Luke without the animals. Anna had a swim party at Mawmaw and Pawpaw's house with many of her friends attending. We enjoyed the pool (especially the slide), a pool cake, and an unplanned trip to the barn to see the animals. Yes, Anna loves the farm too! Birthdays, for these two anyway, seem to come around way too often. I know I can't keep them little forever but these days with them are just so sweet. I love these years of sweet innocence.