My Baby Brother...

Isn't he a cutie! Zach and his twin sister Katie will be turning 21 in just over a month. I can't believe it!!

Zach is in his 3rd year at the University of Central Oklahoma studying Criminal Justice. As long as I can remember Zach has wanted to be a cop and it looks like he is well on his way. Cara is his beautiful girlfriend who was runner up in the Miss UCO pageant last year.

He is working for a security company and as a part time bank teller at Citizens Bank in Edmond.



Katie has returned to the University of Oklahoma this spring and is in her second year there. Last I heard she was studying sociology but for those of you who know Kate she could have changed by now. She is playing in a band with some friends. Gotta catch up with her but she is hard to catch up with!!


So there is the update for all of you who keep asking me how they are. I think they are good!!

The Shining!!

The Shining SUN that is!

What a gorgeous day today!!! Thank you Lord!!

After a week of gray skies and rain (my yard is thankful) today was just perfect.

Paige didn't go to school today due to an earache and after I taught my class we met Mindy and the Schoeb kids for lunch and then a fun play time at Imagination Station in Brighton. I just couldn't let an earache keep us from the beautiful day.

Life just doesn't get any better because then...about 4:00 a really cool thunderstorm (almost like an Oklahoma one!) came through. It was awesome!!

It might be spring if...

Back in my neck of the woods we would say, "you might be a REDNECK if...," but I prefer my own version.

Spending spring in Michigan the last three years I have learned some things that I think might benefit others...

It might be spring in Michigan if...

...you can let your cold-blooded animals outside for the first time in 7 months!!
...your cold-blooded animals enjoy eating the dandelions in your yard.










...you begin seeing birds make nests in the birdhouse your son made over the winter




















...the two favorite men in your life enjoy time together

















...your flowers aren't frozen solid in a late April snowstorm















...the hammock is back out

A HAM (I mean STAR!) is Born!!

One of my favorite memories as a child is when I was about 9 and was in our church's Easter Musical. One night on the way home from practice my mom and I were recapping our shining moments in the musical. She was giving me last minute stage direction and I remember saying to her, "Thanks mom, but I am just going to stay close to Jesus because everyone is watching him!" Although there is probably a deep theological message there, I think back on what a ham I was at 9 (and 34 really!)

Last night, these thoughts came back in my mind as Paige participated in her school's Spring Concert.

In the finale the entire school sang "We Are the People". It was a magical moment as the kids surrounded the auditorium to sing their song. But of course the only one I was interested in was Paige. I found her class and a very eager 7 year old attempting to get the attention of the rest of the audience.

One of the teachers kept moving her back a little but that little head kept coming around her classmates trying to steal the spotlight.

Click play to see what I mean. Notice the little head poking through at the end.

Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing

Kurtis participates during the audience participation part.

Animal Farm

Everyone knows my kids love animals. Anytime we go to PetSmart just to buy crickets for one of our reptiles we end up in the store for an hour petting all the dogs we see. But only animals in aquariums are allowed in the Minney household and that is why we volunteer weekly at the Livingston County Humane Society.

Each of the kids have a cat that they play with everyweek. We go every Tuesday and play with the cats and perform other duties that may be needed that day like folding laundry, cleaning cages, etc.
Grant's buddy is Bugaboo. Bugaboo is a black long-haired cat with a great personality. He has been at the shelter almost two years and we are hoping he will find a good home soon.

Abi has a pal named Neo. Neo is a short haired cat who has been at the shelter several months. Neo is still a young cat and is very playful. Of course, Abi really loves the dogs and right now a St. Bernard named Sasha has her heart. Maybe Mom's too! Sasha is a sweet heart and there is no doubt if we lived on lots of land Sasha would come home with the Minneys!!

Paige will be back volunteering as soon as school is out but she is no stranger to animals!! Last week we attended a sheep shearing demonstration at Maybury Farm in Northville, MI. She went right to the horses!! Paige also made friends with this little goat. (It is right in front of her hand.)

You just never know what kind of a furry (or scaly) friend my kids will make next!