What a SURPRISE!

This week is our annual "Camp Arizona". Beginning in the year Ruth and Greg got married, the majority of our family has traveled to Arizona for new years and it has become our annual family reunion. Well, this year we were really hoping PJ, Shawna and the kids would be able to join us, however a couple of weeks ago we got the bad news that they would not be able to. Needless, to say we were pretty bummed. Well Mom and Dad have been here since last Wednesday, and they attended church with us on Sunday. There we are in church Sunday morning, (me on the platform) and to our surprise in walk PJ & Shawna... what a bunch of dorks we probably all looked like with huge cheezy smiles on our faces. =) Apparently when they dropped off Lex and Gentry at Sunday School, Taylor and Trevin were ecstatic also!!! We are so excited to be able to spend time with ALL of our family this holiday season! What an AWESOME surprise! Check back later for pics!

Trevin's 5th Birthday Party!!

How Time Flies!

Yesterday Trevin turned 5. I am a horrible mother... The day flew by yesterday without me even getting a chance to sit down and write about it. Most of the day I spent on the verge of tears, and I finally broke down and let them flow that evening as we were sitting down to have cake together. I can't believe our baby is already 5... it has went by way too fast! It literally seems like just yesterday we were holding him in our arms for the first time. However, as hard as it is to believe its true... he is turning into our little man. So needless to say, although we are getting ready to celebrate on Saturday at Pump it Up, I am saddened by the thought that these past five years have gone by in a flash.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE GREATEST SON IN THE WORLD... TREVIN--- MOMMY AND DADDY ARE SO HAPPY GOD HAS GIVEN US SUCH A SPECIAL LITTLE BOY... WE LOVE YOU!

With Full Hearts!

The conclusion of a long, stressful day, yet here we are with FULL Hearts!
Tonight as we were putting the kids to bed, I went in to pray with Taylor, as I finished my bedtime prayer, Taylor asked me...

"Mom, how old were you when you got baptized?"

"Um, 9 why?"

"Cuz I'm scared"

"Why, Baby what are you scared of?"

"I wanna hurry and get baptized?"
At this point she was fully crying and I also have begun to cry.

I proceeded to ask her why she felt like she needed to hurry and get baptized and she said...

"I'm scared Jesus is going to come and I won't be baptized yet" !!!

I wasn't sure what to say... I called Shane in... and he too became choked up with emotion.

How do you know if its the right time or not? I'm sure some would say to have them baptized as soon as they say they are ready. However, I think it's extremely important for her to understand the significance of baptism. Anyways, we explained to her that Jesus sees her heart and is very happy with her because He knows how important He is to her. And we are going to be praying for this desire to blossom and for God to help her have a clear understanding.

What an amazing feeling. I can not even begin to express the overwhelming sense of pride and gratefulness that began to flow through me. God has truly blessed us with 2 amazing kids! How fortunate we are, that our daughter at the young age of 6 has already developed a desire to live for God.
All I can say is "God thank you so much for trusting us with such special gifts! And help us as parents to always put You first and be Godly examples.

Sunday Night!

"Precious"

"Handsome Little Men"

Taylor & Baby Caden

Nanna & Caden

Hello... It's been a while!

Well it's been a while since I have blogged about the current happenings in the Eccles Family. Things have been crazy busy around here for us, Shane and I both just got over bronchitis, now Taylor has Strep Throat and we are just hoping and praying Trevin can stay well.
School is going great for all of us!!!=)
Taylor- is doing AWESOME, each week they have a homework packet and throughout the week we complete the assignments and return it on Friday. It seems like the jump from kindergarten reading, writing and spelling to the first grade level was huge, however Taylor has really caught on quickly and is doing GREAT!!!

Trevin- is loving going to school. He has a bunch of little friends and every time I see any of them in the hallway or on the playground, they are always screaming "Your Trevin's Mom"!=) I have recently discovered that Trevin is the oldest boy in the class, due to his Late November birthday. This can pose as a difficult situation or a positive one, we are really working towards the positive. Apparently it seems many of the children are followers and tend to shadow the behavior of many others in the class, being that Trevin is the oldest, his teacher is trying to help him to be a leader and make positve choices with the hopes of many friends following his lead. =) Wow, that seems like alot to ask of my little rambuctious son, that seems to find difficulty sitting still for any length of time and seems to me to be following the role model of "Dennis the Menace". LOL!

Shane- is doing great is school I think he has about 7 or 8 months left until he completes his Associates and then another 1yr 9 mos to recieve his Bachelors. Now he is considering going for his masters? We shall see...

I am about 1 yr and 4 months away from getting my Associates. No I am NOT going to go any longer than that...only 48 credits to go! =) I can't Wait!

Love and Miss everybody! Looking forward to the next couple months... we are expecting visitors... Next week we will finally get to see Papa & Grandma! we always hate the summer months cuz its Papa's busy season and they don't get to come visit... so its been about 3 1/2 months since we've seen them. WAY TOO LONG! Looking foward to Thanksgiving...Mom, Dad, Pj, Shawna, Lex & Gentry will all be here! I think this is going to be the first holiday we have all got to be together since we left California 2 years ago. WE CAN'T WAIT!

Expecting Our First Visit from the Tooth Fairy...

Last night after church Taylor lost her very first tooth. I know, some of you are probably thinking how silly to put this on our blog, but if you only knew how huge of thing this has been for us you would understand. All last year in Kindergarten Taylor was in turmoil because all of her friends were losing teeth and she didn't even have one single LOOSE tooth. Well, finally in first grade she got her first loose tooth and had to let everyone know about it. Then as it began to get really loose she was a nervous wreck worrying about it falling out. Finally, last night it was pretty loose and her and Daddy worked together wiggling that stubborn little tooth free. Silly tooth fairy had no cash on her and was not prepared to make her visit last night, so we had to tell Taylor that the tooth fairy was off on weekends and was tired from church so she would have to wait to put her tooth under her pillow on monday night. =) She looks adorable Here are a few pictures!!! Enjoy!

Off to School!

Well, Taylor started first grade today and Trevin had his first official day of preschool. Last week was still considered the summer program, so today was the actual first day. I can't believe my babies are growing up so fast. It seems like just yesterday I was the nervous kindergartners mom reluctant to leave my little one in the hands of someone else. Now here we are 1 year later, and Tay's a First grader and Trevin is in preschool. Anyways, lots has been going on here lately. I am working full time, at the same preschool Trevin is at. It's a great school, they are an accredited private school, and teach a structured curriculum. This year Trevin will be learning phonics and basic reading and writing. Here are some pictures of the kids this morning. =)

Meet Taylor's First Grade Teacher

Taylor starts First Grade on Monday Aug. 11th. She is very excited to be a BIG first grader. Here is Taylor and Mrs. Johnson, her first grade teacher.

"First Day of Preschool"

Today was Trevin's first day of preschool. (sniff)> My baby is getting big too fast! He had a great day! Although I work there at the school, I was a nervous all day that he wasn't adjusting well, but his teacher said he did very well! I will be taking more pictures later when his uniforms arrive. Enjoy!

Misc. Pictures

Taylor & Caden Sunday Night...




Erica's first Church Service...
.

Check It Out!!!

Hey guys, you should check out The Greatest Generation for a great slide show of Ashtyn, Taylor and Trevin having a great time!

Inspired...

Well, I was over at Myndfood the other day and was prompted to share a story from this past Sunday Night at church. It was Shane's weekend to work, so after coming down from the platform, I collected the kids from their various spots in the church (when Shane's working they sit by themselves, one in the very front one in the back). Anyways, we found our seats, and hadn't been seated long when the kids began to have one of their feuds, I began to get nervous, things were getting heated and I could not manage to get them cooled down. So there they were in the middle of church: hitting, swinging, pushing, making faces, turning red in face, crying, pinching etc. Needless to say it ended up being one of those services... No sooner did I get back from one humiliating retreat through those double doors, and I found myself getting right back up and going right back out, each time with a unhappy child. Needles to say, by the time I got home I was frazzled, frustrated, disappointed, and wondering what I was doing wrong. Once home, I quickly fed everyone, and it was off to BED! As I was tucking Taylor in, and got down to pray with her she asked me:

"Mom"

"Yeah"

she said " How old do you have to be to get baptized?"

my breath caught in my throat, I wasn't really expecting this right now, but I laid down next to her and we had a heart felt conversation. Well, needless to say at the end of our conversation she told me, she was going to pray, I said OK go ahead!

She said...
"Jesus, take care of my family, Amen!"

(sigh)...(tear)... I became all choked up and teary eyed, and immediately the frazzledness (if that's a word), frustration, and disappointment vanished.

DEANNA IS 26 TODAY... HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE!!!

Today is my beautiful wife’s birthday!

She turned 26 years old. I went the entire day without telling her Happy Birthday, and had her convinced I had forgotten. (I know, what a jerk!) I talked to her on the phone probably three or four times avoiding the topic at all costs, laughing each time after we hung up. My mother even called my work place and told me she had spoken to her and she thought that I had forgotten. My evil plan was working…

I didn’t get her much but I just want her to know that I love her very much, and she is without a doubt my strength.

Babe, I love you! I want you to know that at times I have not been the man you deserve, and I’m sorry. I also want you to know that you are my strength and the keeper of my heart!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE!!!

-Cousins-

Caden Myrick Teel & Erica Nicole Amundson

-4th of July Weekend-

We had a great 4th of July weekend. We spent the weekend hanging out with Mom & Dad, Rick, Gina, Ash and Caden,Ruth, Greg, Michael and little Erica. We had a great time with everybody! Here are few pics from the weekend. Enjoy!!!



- Erica in Taylor's baby doll carrier-




We had a great 4th of July weekend. We spent the weekend hanging out with Mom & Dad, Rick, Gina, Ash and Caden,Ruth, Greg, Michael and little Erica. We had a great time with everybody! Here are few pics from the weekend. Enjoy!!!

-Erica Nicole Amundson-

We have a new addition in our family! Wait, Wait... let me clarify. Not my immediate family...phew! Ok so anyways, Ruth and Greg have been blessed with a beautiful, healthy baby girl! Erica Nicole Amundson was born on July 1st at 12:35 pm, weighing in @ 6lbs. 6 oz., 20 1/2 inches long. She is soooo... tiny! But for being such a tiny little girl, she sure has long legs and arms, and big hands and feet! =) She is definately Ruths daughter!!!=) Here's a few pictures I took of her yesterday! Enjoy!

Weekend in CA & Caden's Dedication

We left Friday afternoon and headed to Kerman for Caden's Dedication service. We arrived in Kerman Saturday morning at about 1am. Taylor and Trevin & Lex and Gentry were so excited to see each other, they didn't fall asleep until about 4 am ( thankfully they were sleeping in Papa and Grandma's room). Saturday we had lunch with Laura at our favorite ( Japanese Kitchen) and then spent the rest of the day hanging with all our family. Sunday morning was the dedication service in Kingburg performed by Uncle Bill. The service was beautiful, Bro. Teel ( Caden's grandpa Teel) spoke for a few minutes, Poppy ( Caden's Poppy Baglin) spoke for a few minutes and Uncle Bill talked for a while and then dedicated Caden. Rick spoke for a couple minutes at the end, and I don't think there was a dry eye in the building. What an amazing time we had! It was so neat to have almost all of our family in church together. Sunday night we went to church with Mom and Dad, PJ, Shawna, Lex, Gentry, Rick, Gina, Ashtyn, Caden and Kimberly @ Mom and Dad's church. Then we had a great time hanging out at Claim Jumper's after service. We took lots of pics. ENJOY!

We FINALLY met Baby Caden!

Sunday night Rick, Gina, Ashtyn and Caden got into AZ with the help of Jen and John. We are so excited that they are FINALLY here. Here a few misc. pics of the kids and Ashtyn and Caden. Enjoy!

Trip to the Zoo and Imax

Saturday we went to the zoo and afterwards went to the Imax. We had alot of FUN! The Phoenix zoo is huge and it was slightly warm so the kids were tired after about 2 hrs. We saw most of the zoo, and then left and went to the Phoenix science center and watched a 3D show on the Grand Canyon at the Imax. Enjoy the Pics

-Kindergarten Grad-

Last thursday (the 22nd) Taylor was promoted from Kindergarten. She is now moving on to be a BIG first grader. We are so proud of her, she has learned a lot, and grown a lot this year. I sat through the whole ceremony and cried! As the years march on I'm afraid the days of her freely and willingly providing hugs and kisses are numbered. =( I'm afraid that soon she will not want me to wait at the gate to make sure she makes it to class ok. =( Soon, I'm sure she won't be running to give me a hug at the end of the day. But one thing I am sure of is that she will always be MY BABY GIRL!!! Congratulations! Tay we are so proud of you!
-I tried to put more video clips but I was having difficulties-
Maybe I'll try again later =)

Sunflower! =)

I am a Sunflower What Flower Are You?

"When my friends think smile, they think of me. There is not a day that goes by that I can't find something good about the world and my fellow human."

Misc...

Well, Summer is almost here! Taylor will be having her kindergarten promotion on the 22nd. I can't believe it! she is growing up too... fast! Last friday they had mom's muffin day at her school. It was so cute! they sang a few songs and read the story I'll Love You Forever! I was literally in tears the whole time. It was VERY special! I was given a cute little hat Taylor made and a card all about me! I had a GREAT mother's day! I spent the weekend hanging out with my Mom ( the BEST in the
WORLD). I got a new camera from my honey! =) Finally! I have been in desperate need of one for a long time.
Shane and I are both college students now! I recently began attending Universtiy of Phoenix. Shane just began his 2nd academic year, and I am getting ready to began my 4th week. I don't know how Shane does it, He is doing AWESOME! He works like 60 hr weeks, is a AWESOME hubby and Daddy and is a full time student. I'm having hard time balancing my time to fit in schooling, and I'm home most of the day. About a year and half from now I'll have a AS in Medical Records, and in about 9 months Shane will have his AA and be starting to work towards his BA.
Trevin, is full of mischief and energy. He is going to be going to preschool this next school year. So over the next few months please keep his teachers in your prayers. =) j/k Well anyways not much else new in our lives! I posted some random pictures and I will post more next week when my Kindergartner becomes a First grader!

Taylor is 6!!!

Today Taylor turned 6. She had 5 friends from school, 2 from church, Trevin and Michael over to play on a water slide we borrowed form Uncle PJ, Aunt Shawna, Lex and Gentry, the slide was a huge hit the kids absolutely loved it. On Friday I took cupcakes and we celebrated with Taylor's class. As we were about to leave and Taylor asked Mrs. Hatfield (her teacher) if she could come to her party=) I told her she was more than welcome to come, but I felt awkward because I know she has 25 students and didn't want her to feel obligated. Well, I gave her our address in case she decided to come, but honestly didn't expect her too. Well, she did show up, and brought her son who TA's in Tay's class, and brought her a Fox in Socks book by Dr. Seuss with a stuffed Dr. Seuss Fox. She is such a sweet teacher!!! I really appreciate her taking the time out of her weekend to make one of her students feel special on her birthday.
Thank you so much to everyone who helped make Taylor's day special. We all had a great time! Thanks Papa and Grandma for driving all the way out here and bringing the water slide and all you did to help. Thanks PJ, Shawna, Lex and Gentry for letting us borrow the water slide. And most importantly Thank you Taylor for being such a special girl!! We love you so much! You are our precious little princess, and we are so thankful Jesus gave you to us! Happy Birthday Baby Girl!!!

"Welcome Baby Caden"

Caden Myrick Teel has arrived! He was born today April 9th, weighed 8 lbs. and was 19 in long. =) Congratulations!!! Uncle Rick, Aunt Gina and Ashtyn. We love you guys, and can't wait to meet baby Caden!!!=)=)

Easter '08

Sorry it's taken me so long to post these pictures. We had a pretty chaotic Easter. and then we left the next day for CA. Hope everyone had a good one.

Gooder!!?...=)

Last night at bed time Trevin was not feeling good! He was very restless and was crying and complaining of a headache. Tay just recently got over a virus that caused her to have a headache so I figured he must have caught it. Well after about30 minutes of him obviously not feeling well, I finally told him to come lay on the couch. He didn't make it, he had to make a run for the bathroom and began vomiting. =( Poor Baby! Then he returned to bed and slept soundly the rest of the night.
This morning I had to leave for work before he was up, so as soon as I got home from work I was anxious to see how he was feeling. As soon as I walked in the door the first thing I asked him was... "how are you feeling bub?"
His reply was... "I feel gooder on this beautiful morning!!"
-He cracks me up-

Hello!!!

Just wanted to drop a little message to say Hello! to all our family and friends. Miss you all! We are looking foward to this weekend... Mom, Dad, Pj, Shawna, Lex and Gentry are all coming for a visit. Can't wait!!!




This past weekend Michael came over to play with Trevin. They had a blast!!

Not Appropriate for school!?...

Every week Taylor has to take something for sharing, the item has to begin with that weeks letter. This week is "U". Tonight we were trying to think of something besides... Umbrella or unicorn but were having no luck. So I teasingly told her "how about a pair of underware." =0
She said "Ewwww.. that's not propriate for school"...

LOL! so due to the lack of appropriate "U" items available she's taking an umbrella.

Livin' and tellin' at age 5!

Yesterday after school Taylor's friend Tara, who goes to the same school as Tay and lives right next door, came over to play for awhile. Then Taylor went over to her house for about an hour. Trevin and I were in the back yard, and they were also playing in the yard. I (being the nosy mom that I am) was listening to the two girls talk, and I heard Tara ask "Do you wanna play make-up"? then they went running in the house. I wasn't sure what I should do... should I hollar for her to come home? or should I just let her be, and see how she reacts? So... I just left it alone.
Later when Taylor came home I said: "I heard Tara ask you if you wanted to play make-up"....
She said " I told her I didn't want to play cuz we don't wear make-up"!

I was so PROUD!!! of her. And of course, you know me, I started getting all teary-eyed and gave her a hug and told her how proud I was of her, and how happy Jesus was and how much he loved her.

Our little girl, the only pentecostal girl in a school of over a thousand students is not ashamed to only live a christian life but to also share it. I pray as she is growing and maturing physically and mentally, she will never outgrow her desire to live for Jesus, and to share with those around her. =)

-It's moments like these that brighten a Mommy's Day! I love you Tay!!

Vacation...

We spent the 26th of Jan thru the 30th in Kerman with family and friends. We had a really good time with everyone. It seems it has been a while since we have actually all been together, and even though due to weather conditions we couldn't do what we originally planned, we had a GREAT TIME! On Monday Mom, Dad, us, Pj, Shawna, Lex and Gentry all went Bowling and Ice Skating. Well, we all bowled except for Dad (party pooper) and everybody except for Mom and Dad started out skating... Trevin hadn't even got on the ice and already wanted his skates off, Gentry and Shane I think went around once, PJ stayed out for a while longer then the other guys. But I must say the women of the family showed up our men out on the ice rink. --I guess you could say one of the women showed up everyone else at the bowling alley too. Wasn't me... the kiddos did better than me. Go on over to Myndfood to see Shawna's record breaking score... =) After all the fun we met Poppy and Grandma Joyce at Tahoe Joe's and had a AWESOME!! dinner with everyone. Thank you so much to everyone who helped make our vacation and time in Kerman special. We had such a GOOD!!! time with everyone and were sad to go. But we are hoping we can have everyone here next time. (hint,hint)