Some Birthday Pictures

Here are a few pictures from Barbie's birthday. Here are our beautiful children posing for pic in front of the dozen lavender roses that were delivered to the academy on Barbie's birthday. There is also a very pretty pink rose that AJ got for Barbie. I love how Jarod and Dianna are holding hands in this picture. So cute!!!! Here Jarod is scoping out Mom's other roses. These roses were delivered to the restaurant that Barbie and I went to the day after for her birthday and Valentine's Day. These four roses were from the children for their Mom - two orange roses from Jarod and two green roses from Dianna. The green roses were so neat; I was not aware that there was such a rose.

Here is Barbie holding her roses that she received at The Melting Pot: A Fondue Restaurant. It was a complete surprise for her when we got to our table and found her roses waiting for her.

Here is a close-up of one of the lavender roses from the dozen in the vase. Pretty!!

Here is a closer look at the bouquet and single rose on the shelf in the entry way of the house.

I was so glad that I was able to surprise her with the roses. Going out to dinner was a little surprise as well. I was able to secure a babysitter for the date night without her knowing. And was able to get both sets of roses delivered without her knowledge. I am so lucky to have her as my wife. The LORD has a truly blessed me with the best help meet possible. I love her so much and cannot imagine my life without her, and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with her.

A Short Story, Same Story, Different Blog

This was on my parent's blog and my sister Lika suggested that I copy it to my blog for others to read. I hope you all enjoy it.
It was a long journey for the winding column of soldiers and retainers that were attached to Barbie-sama's entourage. The column stretched for at least two miles. Returning home from a diplomatic mission to the neighboring kingdom of Arkanssippi. The mission was a success-effectively establishing an amiable trade agreement. As the day wore on, it became evident to General Talani that the column would have to stop and rest for the night, but where? The general sent out his best Anbu squad led by Kuresa-sensei to scout the nearby countryside for a place to set up camp. After a time, Kuresa-sensei and his wards (Dianna-chan and Jarod-kun) return with a report. The Anbu leader reported that they had found the ruins of a small settlement just to the north of the road. The general, after being reassured that it was a defensible position, gave the order to head north from the road toward the settlement.
Upon arrival at the ruins of the settlement, the column was greeted by the sight of a large mill or barn on the bank of a small lake. Dianna-chan was surveying the landscape as the column arrived. The settlement was surrounded by the remains of a seven foot high rock wall on three sides. If the settlement were to be attacked, the attack could only come from the water, and that, not very likely.
As the head of the military contingent attached to the entourage, the general felt it his duty to personally see to the security of the building that would serve as Barbie-sama's sleeping quarters for the night. The general took Dianna-chan along with his personal security team on the sweep of the large building. The first floor yielded no surprises; as the security team moved to the second floor everything seemed clear. Dianna-chan thought she saw something moving on the hill beside the house......
.....but when she looked back, there was no one there. The general dispatched some men to search the surrounding area, but found no one, or any trace of anyone.
The rest of the night passed without incident. In the morning the army broke camp and made its was back to the road. As the column moved its was down the road, one the scouts reported finding a piece of signage that may have the name of the now defunct settlement.

Just a Day in the Life

Here is Dianna with her necklace and shirt that came in Jarod's package. So cute. She takes such goofy pictures sometimes. I know that when she is older she is going to ask me why we took such silly pictures of her and I will say, "You were the one who was making the face in the picture, not me."
Here is Jarod hidng behind his birthday from Grandma Ella and Grandpa David. He was very excited about getting a package for his birthday. Thank you so much, Mom and Dad.

Getting ready to go out and play in the winter cold. "I'm gonna get you!"

Look at me. I can reach the ceiling...with a foam noodle.

Here are my cutie children. Mom, do you remember the dress Dianna is wearing? You sent it to her when she turned two. She is finally tall enough to wear it. She is so cute. Here we are off to church this morning. The shirt is one that Mom Bailey made for Jarod with material from Mom.

Sorry about the lack of postings. We are all well and are eagerly awaiting the time of vacation to spend time with Mom and Dad. We will talk at you all later. Love you all.