Vegas Vacation...

So, every year, the Logan Family goes to Vegas in January. It used to be for Super Bowl weekend, but now it's playoff's weekend. (less traffic - not as crowded)

This year's trip was January 22nd - 24th. We went, along with Bruce, Lori & Randi, Scott & Alana, and James & Gail.

Colby and I always stay at our FAVORITE hotel, The Signature. It's part of MGM. We absolutely love it there!

It's fun for Colby & I to get away once in a while. We always take the 'vette, which we don't get to use very often at home, and this year there was snow through Tehachapi on the drive. It was beautiful! I love to have time alone with Colby to talk.... without interuptions! We spend a lot of time shopping together, mostly for souvineres for the kids. This years highlight...Dylan's Pete Rose Autograph to add to his collection. He loved it! And at night, we always get dressed up and go out to dinner with the whole group...so fun! And we can't forget about the good old Vegas gaming! ;)

Here are a few pics from this years trip..........................................

Our Sweeties

My Puzzle Piece...

Well, I've written about all of the kids, so I figure today should be Colby's turn. We'll see if I can get through this without tears!

Who would have thought back in January of '95 that a guy from up north, and this girl from Bako' would have a chance at forever? But against all odds, we've made it work, and here we are 15 years later, 4 kids later, and more in love than ever. We didn't take the easy road, by any means, but I couldn't be happier with our life together.



Colby has put everything he has, everything he is, into providing for our family from day 1. He is the hardest worker I know, the smartest man I know, the most capable person ever. And somehow he is always able to come home with a smile on his face, eager to spend time with his family. I can't express how proud I am of Colby. He has developed his business from the ground up...from side jobs here and there, to a successful & thriving company, and still growing. He is so good at what he does, and I am so proud of him for it.

Colby is 100% devoted to his family, and that is one of the things I love about him the most. He is a genuinely GOOD person, honest to a fault, and everything I could have ever hoped for in a husband, and father to my children.



















I think everyone has that one "puzzle piece" out there...that one person that God created just for you... to fit just right... your perfect match. I am SO thankful that I found my puzzle piece... my other half that makes me whole... my true love... my COLBY!

Today I'm Grateful....

Today I'm grateful! Grateful for my Mom, and the fact that she lives so close to me. I needed her last night, and she was there.



What was supposed to be a fun dinner out with Colby, didn't end up being so fun after all. We never even made it in the front door of the The Elephant Bar! My back went into some kind of attack mode on the car ride over there, and every muscle in my back, shoulder, chest, evrything was cramping down on me at the same time. HORRIBLE pain, and hard to breath. It was BAD!

So bad, that I asked Colby to take me to the ER. But sitting in the 'vette was just making the pain worse. And the ER wait was going to be long & painful, so we decided to go home and try to get through it. Mom met us at the ER and was all set to wait with me there, but ended up giving me a ride home in her car. Then she ran to the drug store to get things I needed to try to make the pain go away.
Extra Strength Tylenol, Red Wine (no, probably not a good idea to take pain killers with alchohol, but it worked!), & Icy Hot Patches. The prayer was already in the works. I had my bases covered.

Even though I needed my Mom, and was glad she was there to help, I couldn't have made it without Colby. He was my rock. Well, he always is, so it's no surprise. But he took care of me all night, even in the middle of the night, when he was tired and had a head ache from worrying about me, he still got up to help me and take care of me. I've always loved him, but times like that seem to grow our love, more and more.

And I can't forget to thank the kids! They were awesome! Trying anything they could to help, making me get well cards, bringing me things they thought would make me feel better. Those kids are the best!

So today I'm grateful!!! Not 100% better yet, but grateful. Grateful to God for his healing, and grateful to my loving family who helped me through a rough night. I love each and every one of you!

Chicken Enchiladas...

In the kitchen...
making chicken enchiladas for dinner...
watching the kids out the window as they play in the backyard.

Today they have decided to make a movie with my old video camera.
Shelby is behind the camera, and the boys are the stars of the show.
I love their creativity.
I love the way they can turn any day into an adventure.
And I love watching it all unfold through the kitchen window while making dinner.

I think...I HOPE...that I'll remember this evening, and the view from my kitchen window, every time I make chicken enchiladas!

Pulling In The Driveway...

Who would think something as simple as pulling in the driveway after running errands could turn my day around so quickly? But as I parked and turned off the car, the kids ran out front to meet me...smiling, giggling, greeting me with hugs and kisses...and my grumpy mood from the traffic and hassles of the day melted away. How blessed I am! I love these kids! I was only gone an hour and a half, but they greeted me as if I'd been gone all week! They sure know how to make me smile. :)

Happy Valentines Day!

I couldn't ask for a better treat for Valentine's Day.... Colby's home today! And the day started off beautifully, when I woke up to the sound of Dylan in the kitchen. He got up early to make us all breakfast! Pancakes sprinkled with powdered sugar and tiny heart shaped candies, scrambled eggs with onion and bell pepper, and crispy turkey bacon. The only thing left for me to help with was the coffee! What a sweet heart he is.
Yesterday was a special day because Bruce came down for the day to visit, check out Colby's new pump truck, and go out to lunch with us. It's always nice to have Grandpa Bruce come down to Bakersfield to see us. AND... we finished off the day by sneaking away for an early Valentine's date....just Colby & I! Yeah! :)
Tomorrow, Grandma Connie is stopping by on her way up north, and Mendy is bringing Judah by as well! What a fun weekend of family time!
There really isn't anything on earth more important....family is forever! And I feel blessed with the loving family that we do have.

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!

Cameron Kencaid...

Cam is our baby, although he is growing up so fast I guess I can hardly call him a baby anymore! At 3 years old, Cameron is giving his brothers and sister a run for their money...always copying them and trying to keep up. And he just about can in a lot of ways!

Cameron is his Daddy's boy, taking after him in so many ways. He is the sweetest little cuddle bug you ever will find. And although he is growing up so fast, he still likes to be held and rocked and snuggled. Those are some of my favorite times.

And just like his daddy, Cameron is a little smarty pants, picking up things so quickly and remembering what he learns. He will have a huge head start on Kindergarten when the time comes, since he gets to go to the Charter School with Colson on Wednesdays and learn right along with the rest of the class. He fits right in, almost as big as some of them, and is able to keep up with what they are doing most of the time. It's so neat to see the lights come on when he understands and learns new things.

I can't imagine our family without Cameron in it. He completes us...makes us whole. Our family dynamic feels just right with him in it. What a blessing he is to each and every one of us!!!!!

And I don't care how big he gets...he will always be my baby............

Colson Christian......

Just thinking of Colson brings a smile to my face. He's 5 years old now and such a big, strong boy. He definitely has a unique personality...always making us laugh, and still a mama's boy at heart.

It has been so fun watching Colson grow and change this year as he started Kindergarten and is learning so fast. Such a bright boy...he reminds me a lot of Dylan. And he likes to try to keep up with Dylan and Shelby in all that they do. I don't think he realizes the age difference. He sees himself limitless!

He has proven to have that Logan Entrepreneurial spirit, starting his own business this year called "Colson's Cafe". He sets up a stand on weekends in the front yard selling goodies. It started as an Ice business, but he soon learned that it's hard to sell ice in the middle of winter. :)

What fascinating, wonderful things lie ahead for our Colson! I look forward to watching his life develop and change over the years. And I thank God for the opportunity to be Colson's Mom!

Shelby Elizabeth...

Shelby...our only girl. Already 12 years old, and growing into such a beautiful young lady, inside & out. She lights up my life every single day with her fun personality, her energetic spirit, and her loving heart.


Shelby is at her best and happiest when she is with animals, and our family has developed quite a zoo!
Lizzy the lizard, 4 hermit crabs, 2 rabbits (Mr. Whiskers & Peanut - AKA: Bun Bun), Delilah (our German Shepherd/Husky who bares a wonderful resemblance to our beloved Sampson who we'll always love & miss), Bo & Luke (our blood hound/great dane brothers) and Shelby's horse Jimmy. Whew! That's a lot!
I know Shelby's future will have abundant animals in it, and that whatever she chooses to do in life, her true love will remain in the outdoors with the critters.
I'm so grateful that we have Shelby...our one and only daughter. I love spending time with her, from our girls only shopping trips, to horse back riding, to just hanging out. She is such a good, kind person, and I'm lucky to have her in my life.

Dylan Jason....

Well...I guess I'll start our family blog with a quick note about each of the kids. Dylan is our oldest, @ 13, with his 14Th birthday just a month away. I can hardly believe it. The time has flown by.

He is such a bright young man, with endless opportunities lying in front of him. I think it would be a shame if he didn't find a career one day that involves history. He has such a passion for the past, and he loves to share that passion with others. He'd make a great Professor one day. Although, what he chooses to do in life...time will tell! I know he will go far, whatever he does.

You'd have to search the world to find a boy with as much kindness & thoughtfulness as Dylan has. He is so good with his brothers....they look up to him and love spending time with him. And he helps keep this house running smoothly, helping with meals (Dylan loves to cook & he's really good!), always helping with chores, usually without even being asked.

This is not to say there isn't a stubborn bone in his body...
and that the occasional battle of wills doesn't play out in the Logan house....
but whatever we have to go through in these crazy teenage years is nothing compared to the joy I have received, and will continue to receive in the future, from having Dylan in my life. I'm so glad God gave him to us!!!!!

Getting Started...

Trying to learn how do do this blog thing. :)
Can't wait until it's all set up so I can start recording
things more easily. Bare with me!