There are many things that delight my soul; however, one of my greatest delights is listening to the joyful noise my children make ask they "sing" at the top of their lungs each time all of them are in the car together.

On our way home from soccer practice we were listening to the "mix' of music on the i-Pod...first some Third Day with which they were slightly amused, but then the good old "Pissin' in the Wind" comes on, and well, the car goes wild! Granted, I know I should monitor their choice in music selection a little more, but it makes me so happy to see them so happy! They all scream/sing and clap...even Ballerina! ...It is so delightful!
This is in the parking lot...It is a really cruddy picture, but they were laughing hysterically as they sang!

Oh, Sundays...

I love and hate Sundays. I love Sundays because we always begin the day with breakfast together as a family. And, we usually eat it out...well, if you count McDonalds as eating out!We then wash up before heading to church. Church is another reason I love Sundays. Of all the places I go each week, church is my favorite. It also delights me that my children often seem to find the same delight I do in going each week. This morning G said when I told him to find his pants so we could go, "Yea, church day is my favorite day!" After church we head to the grocery store...Where there is a hot commodity on these things. Now, I will be honest, I do not love Sundays because we go to the grocery store, but I do love that we ALWAYS do it together. Some have said that it perhaps is not the smartest thing we do, but it is quite the experience each week nonetheless!

The rest of the afternoons are usually filled with little household chores and big fun times outside. The boys all play...and Ballerina..Well, she guards the door! Sundays are my favorite days for all these reasons. Yet, at this time each Sunday evening I grow a little weary... because I know tomorrow is Monday. It is not that I dislike our jobs or do not look forward to our week days...It is just that there is something about the peace of Sundays and the time with family that brings me such joy.

Until next Sunday...

Coker, Coker, Coker

I think it is pretty amazing that my children (the older children) are blessed to have known at least 4 of their great-grandparents. And, this weekend we were honored that Papa Arnol was able to spend a good part of the day with us! Three generations of Cokers!

We began our day with Gunnar having his first soccer game of the season...After the rain, we moved to fields across town where Papa Randy and Papa Arnol joined us in the HORRIBLE wind for Cannon's game!While Cannon was playing the other boys did this...And, Ballerina did this....Yes, she is sleeping the the chair that I had to hold from blowing over!

After the games, we headed to lunch where we learned that Kason had been hit with a rifle while performing with the RVs at a parade! So, I ditched the kids at the house and headed to the ER with Kason. You know, the ER is an incredibly interesting place to visit...However, I will save that story for another time!

Meanwhile, Eric was at home cooking and after the ER visit, Arnol, Becky, Randy, Kason, Gigi and K-Dan all joined us for dinner. And, minus the ER visit, it was a great evening...It is always not just a joy, it is a honor to be able to spend time with our families. I pray that our children will learn to cherish the times like these that we have had together...I wish I had taken a better picture of this, but Ballerina is making Arnol play babies with her. She was telling him to hold her baby so she could get a diaper for her. He! How many little girls get to play babies with their great-grandfather? How awesome!

The Bachelor and Potato Chips

After being at home for the day, I was able to take G to choir (something I am not usually able to do when I am at work). When we got back in the car after choir practice G said, "Mommy, how much longer do you think I am going to be a bachelor?"

First, I must say that a couple of weeks ago I was working on somethings for school with the show The Bachelor in the background. He was captivated by the show, and wanted to know all about the dating process. Not thinking that it was the best explanation for dating for the 4 year old, I turned it off and offered my own explanation. He truly seemed to understand, and I assumed that we would not be addressing the issue again for many years to come!

So, back to this evening when we were on our way home from choir...

He was quite concerned that he was a bachelor. "When do you think I should get married Mommy?"

"Well, G, I think you should get married a long time from now...when you are grown up, when you meet a girl you think is pretty and smart...and when you fall in love." We talked about how Mommy and Daddy met at school...how we went to Aggie games...and how we fell in love...and then how we got married.

He was quite perplexed, "What if I get married sooner?"

"Why?" I was most intrigued that he thought that he was no longer wanting to be a bachelor, "Is there someone you think is pretty and smart...and that you love a whole lot? And you want to marry them now?"

"Well, we have to go to dinner first, but maybe..."

"Oh, so you have to go on a date?"

"Yea...and then we will get engaged like Uncle Justin and Uncle Kason..."

"That is true, but she will have to be your girlfriend first, " I reminded him. "Oh..." he said as he drifted into thought for a while. I could see him in his carseat in my rear view mirror with his hands on his head deep in thought...By this time we were well into our neighborhood.

"Well, I just need to be sure that after we get married that she eats a lot of potato chips. It is real important..."

"Why?" I was confused. I just could not figure out his connection!

"Mommy! You know!..After we are married we will want to have babies, and she will have to get real fat to have them! So, she needs to eat a lot of potato chips!"

Who knew? Needless to say, we will not be eating many potato chips in our house for a while!

After we were home we did enjoy some time on the driveway playing basketball with the friends and Daddy...

At Home Sick?

We were called yesterday from daycare with news that Ballerina was not feeling well. Eric and I toggled her between schools/meetings yesterday, and I am at home with her today; however, can't you tell that she is feeling ever so bad? We have played outside...

Dressed up in our brothers' clothes and boots...and then climbed on a table...

We rode horses! (Do you see it? He!) And, don't you just love our hair?

And given Daddy big kisses!
I truly think we are in bad shape!

I guess in the scheme of things it is not bad for it to be February and for today to be the first time that I have been our this year! Yet, it would be during a crunch time at work...So, with that I better get back to work! Ballerina is napping and I am redoing TAKS lunch schedules! Fun!

Leading the Aggie Band!

Congratulations KK - the 2009-2010 Combined Band Commander!
We love you!

Valentine Date Time

After the berry patch we hit the grocery store, took naps and then settled in...However, Eric has teased that Ballerina had her firs date today, and I could not help but to comment!

We met one of her classmates, Noah, and his parents (some of our friends) for lunch , and Ballerina received the cutest little dog! Unfortunately I am an idiot and the pictures I took at the restaurant did not take because I did not have a memory card, but I did think it was cute that she has been carrying around the dog ALL day today...and even decided to take it to nap this afternoon! He!
As for Eric and myself...Well, after this...

They finally settled into bed, and we had this as we watched a movie!
Hope you and your loved ones had a very happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine Strawberry Pickin'

Those of you who know G, know that he is quite the fan of strawberries...You may even recall the more than one occasion where we have discovered him on the floor of his closet after having eaten an entire pint of strawberries. So, one can only imagine the excitement to this 4-year-old when we told him that we were off to pick strawberries...and that he could eat ALL he wanted! No doubt, this is his heaven!At first we were really ticked that this was takin' so stinkin' long! He had clearly envisioned that we would walk through the gate and there would be nothing but strawberries. This walking to the field did not suit him.It was as if we had let him in a candy store! His mood changed dramatically! It was a riot! He even became incredibly interested in assisting his sister!He could not stay contained as he hopped over rows seeking strawberries!And, it was necessary that he confirmed each one he picked with Eric and myself! These were not so good! Each time I turned around, however, it was Ballerina eating the berries! With his loot...It was as if he was carrying gold! We were instructed to be extra cautious because the strawberries were "so awesome!"Definitely another fun day at the orchard...Soon to return again!