2009 Family Reunion - Garner State Park

Well we had our Annual Chavez Family Reunion.  The kids had lots of fun as always.  It rained but that didn't stop the Chavez family.  We figured out that Mom and Dad have been taking us to Garner State Park since 1976!  We have continued the tradition and hopefully our boys and girl will continue with their kids and with each other.  So Mom and Dad went from a family of 6 to a family of 17!  Mom you said you wanted a big family- looks like you got it! 

Phillip Ryan GRADUATES

OH MY GOSH! I cannot believe my baby has graduated from elementary. Phillip is officially going to middle school. We have had some tough challenges but Phillip received all A's and was on the honor roll for the entire year! The best of it is that Phillip is reading "above grade level". Can you believe that "above grade level". I am so proud of him and admire him that he never ever gave up and how hard he has worked to make those grades and ABOVE READING LEVEL!!!! Did I say that ABOVE READING LEVEL. He has grown so much and I just can't believe he's going to MIDDLE SCHOOL.

Phillip's BSA Summer Camping Trip

Phillip went on his first Summer Camping Trip with BSA. He was there an entire week and earned a Wilderness Survival Merit. He earned and learned lots of things but I think he was most proud of that one. We went to visit him on Family Night and they had a Rodeo. Phillip and his troop had to dress a goat. We were very proud of him and he really enjoyed it!

Joseph's First Communion

In May 2009 Joseph Michael made his first communion. It was so wonderful. He was very excited and it was a great day for all of us. Here are some pictures so you can enjoy.

I can't believe it's SUMMER TIME. Since February we visited San Diego California. We met Kirk Cameron the actor from Fire Proof. We enjoyed the Spring Time weather with family friends. We visited the Capitol and the beautiful Austin Parks. Phillip received his Arrow of Light and crossed over to Boys Scouts. He went on his first camping trip and since has been on 3!

Happy Valentine's Day

As life presents it's own challenges for many in ways that are out of our control I'd like to share a poem that was shared with me, the author is unknown:


I asked God to take away my habit.
God said No.
It is not for me to take away,
but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole
God said No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience
God said No.
Patience is the byproduct of tribulations;
it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said No.
I give you blessings;
Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said No.
Suffering draws you aprt from worldy cares
and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said No.
you must grow on your own!
But I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said No.
I will give you life,
so that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God Said...
Ahh finally you have the idea!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year Everyone. I have to say we had a wonderful Christmas and what a beginning to our New Year. We had lots of family come to Austin for Christmas and Phillip and I were invited to the Chick-fil-A Bowl in Atlanta GA. We had a wonderful time. I have to say this was our first year that we rung in the New Year without the boys but Uncle Gill took them over to his house and they had a wonderful time. The holidays were great for the store. We had a great end to the year and we have a great start to the year 2009. The boys are doing great. We went home this weekend and had a great visit with everyone. As far as New Year Resolutions, I of course am on a mission to lose weight. I started back on Weight Watchers and need all the help I can get. Today I went with Amber and got the DVD from the Biggest Loser and I came home and did the tape. Hopefully, I won't be dying tomorrow. Phillip was very encouraging telling me to not give up when I was ready to pass out. (I am so out of SHAPE... LOL) Phillip and I made a New Year's Resolution together and it is to laugh together more.. Live Laugh and Love. Happy New Year!!!