tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76287298912378261442024-03-05T04:16:27.542-05:00The Stokes StorySince You are our rock and our fortress, for the sake of Your name lead and guide us. Psalm 31:3The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-50508031510773752972009-08-02T21:03:00.004-04:002009-08-02T21:28:44.873-04:00Mother's Day 2009<span style="font-family:verdana;">We spent Mother's Day in Warner Robins this year--Saturday was spent with Kip's mom and Sunday with my mom. We love our moms and miss spending time with them . . . the short time we had there was not enough, but we enjoyed every minute. Unfortunately, I only have photos from Sunday, here are a few:<br /><div align="center"><embed style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 320px" name="flashticker" align="middle" src="http://widget-52.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=504403158313140050&site=widget-52.slide.com"></embed></div><div></div><div><div style="WIDTH: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158313140050&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-52.slide.com/p1/504403158313140050/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158313140050&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-52.slide.com/p2/504403158313140050/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158313140050&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-52.slide.com/p4/504403158313140050/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" /></a></div></div><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-54845410295852223012009-08-02T20:02:00.005-04:002009-08-02T20:15:09.791-04:00Soccer Season Comes to an End, May 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQ2KIs3ilrsU8nHhegN2keSiHSjVLA7sB_sDw3jdNrLhnAu8pA2CJHgE51t1VN682W7Q1yYdmWkpXJHS1mmVm3HPRmnQwRYVRrj-RgkcRPM4Ij-7-ij1OzMqEP0uhDGrNbk6XAFNWX64/s1600-h/IMG_2462.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365523171795844338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQ2KIs3ilrsU8nHhegN2keSiHSjVLA7sB_sDw3jdNrLhnAu8pA2CJHgE51t1VN682W7Q1yYdmWkpXJHS1mmVm3HPRmnQwRYVRrj-RgkcRPM4Ij-7-ij1OzMqEP0uhDGrNbk6XAFNWX64/s320/IMG_2462.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>Anna Beth finished up her first soccer season in May. We had her team party at the field, complete with yummy pizza, a soccer cake made by one of the grandmas, and soccer goody bags for all. OH, and don't forget the long-awaited trophy . . . Anna Beth was absolutely thrilled to have a trophy of her own, just like the boys! I have a feeling we will be adding a trophy case to that strawberry-colored room with the chandelier and prissy decor! When Coach Robert and Coach Greg gave Anna Beth her trophy, she was named "Ms. Determination" because she ALWAYS came to the field ready to play and determined to score goals. We are so proud of our sweet girl!</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365523181575320402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRpRDsbzqmX18ZqoiZGUNR4FkJDKK-zct4ctHKkryMg0eMZ1BVy3R46auRl0E1QJRZih3nmOFKcM6aDR6n5VSUdqTwORCZdF2LI1EW6TJnABM298h52GEBjxjHD_mzUeZm5LVGGfXu-s/s320/IMG_2481.JPG" border="0" /></div></div>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-85189596387143094532009-08-02T19:18:00.006-04:002009-08-02T20:00:37.452-04:00Special Moments: Graham's Spring Recital, May 4th, 2009<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9kR1PDX38iKGzx8pIYjSRVNmjMb5roSjfYdT59XuKtxPtGDDivwepp-MBoT8-CsuLRGllwH_lYypLKhKe7dNpl6gNIIWhZOchLm8ksMzkCL9aVyMfCWzAw1SpL5cvuJFNn1Yp-D9KP4/s1600-h/IMG_2420.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365511579327286610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9kR1PDX38iKGzx8pIYjSRVNmjMb5roSjfYdT59XuKtxPtGDDivwepp-MBoT8-CsuLRGllwH_lYypLKhKe7dNpl6gNIIWhZOchLm8ksMzkCL9aVyMfCWzAw1SpL5cvuJFNn1Yp-D9KP4/s320/IMG_2420.JPG" border="0" /></a> Graham's Spring Piano Recital was held on Monday, May 4th. He did a fabulous job as always. He knew his song "Special Moments" so well that he could probably play it in his sleep! He got off key a few times during the recital and was very frustrated; he is our little perfectionist and doesn't like to mess up. We loved every moment though, and appreciate the time our little guy puts into improving his God-given talent!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365511571730343938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JBVVQDvoZEsMs9K_254Yvb8ICPeiVs-lDPvi-0_NJ9ZbSIt2d8dL2Kcuch_CdpjJoudSA-jwOeYvJJdwBHlIPIofisiAptmOkdd4FPTyl28n9Hud-yH9GEbQdyQAiiwndXXaT5XR2Wk/s320/IMG_2414.JPG" border="0" />The three amigos before the recital: Daniel, Ryan & Graham</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx_sd4zdl5H2FYsAgBDmS_frq-R-6FFFAu9O3yopTmAN5tD_b6RrlHAq_3GtaldijZHHncPtLKJbvPB7butJg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-78177323799371099752009-05-02T22:14:00.007-04:002009-08-02T21:58:27.593-04:00Sleeping Beauty<span style="font-family:verdana;">The long-anticipated 'Sleeping Beauty' ballet recital was this evening. I think it was every bit as magical as Anna Beth hoped it would be! She absolutely *loved* being on the stage, her only disappointment was that she couldn't find us in the audience (ironically, we were right in front of her!). She looked beautiful, of course, in her 'Ruby Fairy' ballet dress. She did her best to remember her dance; it wasn't perfect, but it was beautiful! Our favorite part (ha, ha) was this little chicken-hop looking move they did near the end--it is hysterical, and happens to be Anna Beth's favorite part of the dance! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">We are so proud of our little ballerina, and thankful for her opportunity to dance for Jesus in this Christian dance program!</span><br /><br /><div align="center"><embed style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 320px" name="flashticker" align="middle" src="http://widget-2f.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=504403158312118319&site=widget-2f.slide.com"></embed></div><div></div><div><div style="WIDTH: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><p align="center"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158312118319&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-2f.slide.com/p1/504403158312118319/bb_t011_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" /></a></p><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158312118319&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-2f.slide.com/p2/504403158312118319/bb_t011_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158312118319&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-2f.slide.com/p4/504403158312118319/bb_t011_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" /></a></div></div>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-82589748787888495272009-04-27T22:49:00.007-04:002009-04-27T23:07:31.408-04:00Dancing for Him<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVshbrUL4axZCUbY-HU3HF6_FaGFVe0z0kxL_VfCwl_yLJZFAv2Hzl1pdDdWvDQhgzhHz9mQ-LTeIyao5y2oxxfGW9h4PApZdhJdMl9gGpYZ0Q65eXbisyyr4Il6zyjcdT8YYZEzCFKdU/s1600-h/IMG_2187.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329571361657389746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVshbrUL4axZCUbY-HU3HF6_FaGFVe0z0kxL_VfCwl_yLJZFAv2Hzl1pdDdWvDQhgzhHz9mQ-LTeIyao5y2oxxfGW9h4PApZdhJdMl9gGpYZ0Q65eXbisyyr4Il6zyjcdT8YYZEzCFKdU/s400/IMG_2187.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><em>You changed my mourning into dancing; </em></span><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><em>You took off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, </em></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><em>that my soul might sing praise to You without ceasing; </em></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><em>O Lord, my God,</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><em>forever will I give You thanks.</em></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><em></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><em>~ Psalm 30:12-13 ~</em></span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"></span></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"></span></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"></span></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329571363691046962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJL67Gg8F48FhnNZ-n507drpU4VfsI5G6NoLioPIn0T6g2azgcMhYpODUK1jxaTRjl2uV4vJuRC-mJRiq7hj0OUTHnMubni4XkFhynn9yjpxuH4cPx-tOtKzJ6dlHOYWBcDYRdrm7jB5E/s400/Anna+Beth+Post.jpg" border="0" /></em></span></div></div>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-36079637083320032462009-04-14T10:37:00.003-04:002009-04-14T11:02:58.772-04:00Jax Goes to School!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpZcG9xeUkbw8y3lw21Wo9ImHiOLC82x42Iaz4ZwpOqHgl0YAkFo2d_lMj8bm7N6DaWb16oAOm7aAb3WkHvDDDj4FrGiK-g9ASWeDcqFwkRowYGaDro2yyHsFwwAXEUFcyLJOdMvLaxE/s1600-h/IMG_1773.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324562595562638450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpZcG9xeUkbw8y3lw21Wo9ImHiOLC82x42Iaz4ZwpOqHgl0YAkFo2d_lMj8bm7N6DaWb16oAOm7aAb3WkHvDDDj4FrGiK-g9ASWeDcqFwkRowYGaDro2yyHsFwwAXEUFcyLJOdMvLaxE/s320/IMG_1773.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div>Anna Beth has 'sharing day' once a month at preschool. She was begging to take Jax to 'share' this month so we okayed it with Mrs. Boswell. We took him in this morning for his special visit. Anna Beth brought Jax's toy lion for him to demonstrate how he plays with it. He put on a good show with his lion . . .<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324561553383318834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbNK68v4d4gr5XeEBsuqjFayp0yD38qHUYn1GidSVRmJk2aJKrQE6c0Mez0-qozRRMVX6hmrTHRuWLOx4EFqQjr_FPro97cL2FvYzU_0iwfWGL2CFrmWp7Nz9HAuivtTtj1b_XsronZA/s320/IMG_1767.JPG" border="0" /><br />He had a great time and everyone enjoyed petting him and playing with him. He even untied a few of the kids' shoes and tried to chew on them.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324561532347277266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7RygevqBfpeQPQVcOsgvSLeX9irz39QGNVGMyE8X1NZN_6a9-cGb_7b4wsjRXIvdgKKlFS5jFm8bSnhRo3hntnaFQfht5Y8xMWJCy3skLBYSl12RsBqTGU4nrMrgYzGFyfVYeygGJ0I/s320/IMG_1769.JPG" border="0" /></div></div>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-73236374413740115512009-04-12T22:30:00.003-04:002009-04-12T22:55:11.414-04:00Easter 2009: He is Alive!<div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead</strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>~ 1 Peter 1:3 ~</strong></span></em></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgATkvmB3S_e66U3FyvrbaVMijyZQ59llBYSHzib2zUjr85Fvi2jpcK6OOI6wZv4TruoKkanJ1n8p1wlYCp-3UI01Erz3z7Zbi3a2MupIGASlWBiTbTANN1LnK3G1p4r98R4elo08XBhQ/s1600-h/Easter+kids+on+rock.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324002651888635778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgATkvmB3S_e66U3FyvrbaVMijyZQ59llBYSHzib2zUjr85Fvi2jpcK6OOI6wZv4TruoKkanJ1n8p1wlYCp-3UI01Erz3z7Zbi3a2MupIGASlWBiTbTANN1LnK3G1p4r98R4elo08XBhQ/s320/Easter+kids+on+rock.jpg" border="0" /></a>We spent Easter here at home again this year . . . this time because of our new puppy, Jax. We have only had him for a few weeks and were concerned about messing up his 'crate training' if we boarded him or transported him with us. So, we stayed here in town and enjoyed a wonderful service at Hebron. The kids especially enjoyed putting their flowers on the flower cross; we then had a family photo taken in front of it: <div><div><div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324002655269549666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmNyL9pbjKrgHoGkd28ATdLr48X-Xh2Mbtcz4WIENiqEcjOGNwbst679AgQ4JlIm1s5BRQBQ_cGNnmTWPnBh36E4_iP_kkWakQecCGKt0W_7qPegRBDfGrwqcuJali2fyqIZ_xScxxLE/s320/IMG_1691.JPG" border="0" />After church, I cooked the requested 'ham' like Mamaw's and 'baked mac n' cheese' like Nana's . . . I'm not sure it was all quite the same, but the family loved it. Of course, we missed our family back in Warner Robins, but all in all it was a relaxing day with our little family. </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324002652324578386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SoGXBSaxC8MzoXkrjhtNoiAGR80sKh3IzRsZc8AuJ-My_3-VPVebqBuEWtPLBOiwmEXVI6xKRl46ykV-cyOXH7RcnbShzc37soNaD9oB28D5jqOON237eixUAOuyRWOezFIsZ_X4vUM/s320/Easter+kids+4.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324002645277407842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJq0qtL5eBAofgFNIeU8TsF2xkbzf_SKKHDkc9Cu4YD_AtBJQLJ5HDTp7SUnX01y4GJFZvT6WqVdHUubJ-MFxUrfezWDwr7cgiOIkp5hPDHuH2f7vPGCPLG-Jp5h3einEh4CiN61szcQ/s320/Easter+dog+2B.jpg" border="0" />The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-18701912872082113432009-04-10T00:27:00.011-04:002009-04-10T00:50:02.381-04:00The Blessings of Friendship<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We were thrilled to have the Spain Family visiting from Lake Placid, NY, this past week. Kim and Derek quickly became some of our closest friends when we moved here almost 13 years ago. We are so excited for their ministry in Lake Placid, but miss them SO MUCH. It is always a joy to spend part of our Spring Break with them. Our children love each other as well, here are a few snapshots from the week:<br /><br /></span><div><div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322917180117561394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoddIKj4MdQ8P-hdLF_QEM4E9QQFw6t5a2p9cytDamsKAnIRW5tEx_1nZSxRv3Mo00asLfTvx6Y6-whFB7dJIi7c5z3o1S56bcnOvQ3uB6oDE2JgAHjM6oMv9tsnm6DznKSKe8QlxJRw/s320/IMG_1655.JPG" border="0" /> </span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Emma Grace and Anna Beth, playing the piano and then pretending to be dogs in the puppy's crate:</span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322917186606195122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7P3DviljfpqkK6vHqKLAXn-tazZ2PWuGIwWjZLbuCt1Flw8tjKjsB_l7l2mHrq-w0GrPj_cfuN_VvJQ4rNWrgaqzmzS4i-ScAFOHzyqHVp7hL_1zqHA7AmIXLVa8tXmBH1-220sNDTMk/s320/IMG_1658.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322917192886498386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3rh-p2VbLgcgg4KZHhdOa2uZSsSMUlgfvNDI6AQgzK71i63KFMH8Pb8u5NlzVan4g9Ldw0oCseKVebyUxbZ9gACiv0zvXcuxzycNdS6dx75Yt2833iFOwVk6PQiwPBvLrbhVVBZQFW4/s320/IMG_1649.JPG" border="0" /></span> <div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Grant and Ethan, on a ride at Six Flags:</span></div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322917726109795394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkU6xaLdloZ_GOOTB6KaRWTXT04OqeZoOwqMOMb3dWaJ5ct8BIyqM2ottFLGnAvgCGZHoAdCvoT0fsiGCLjSUR-9tPu902qo4xmC8iluFxfDoCfQ-zurxmWp2kNcZbsmxgGvcMSPe9U6U/s320/IMG00003%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span> <div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Andy and Graham, on a ride at Six Flags:</span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span> </div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322917729336526290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WFzLsJhvyUHd6JckXUEeXUeRU8AikdceWob4gGaMIQFREY5vroezJKWAVDkLWI2nRgHhl6M-9nDYavhF4onPVLoRrqe8QRVJMfK75KMPy8Zk5D9nuzWzyzajoz30ES_QZ3TtoHdSWHY/s320/IMG00002%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong><em>A man who has friends must himself be friendly, </em></strong></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong><em>but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.</em> </strong></span></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-size:100%;">~ Proverbs 18:24 </span>~</strong></span></em></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></p>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-84447067041985313902009-04-10T00:20:00.005-04:002009-04-13T17:21:48.233-04:00The Sound of Music Fills Our Home!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF05XlYTT2dQK-pxS_1IEDIpGRtXDXpTzFot3ZUzai_7CoKken8ipBKSYPa043CLU3WZXoxLtcuCgWQQpJb_DIS0mK5FEwqvJkBpuTOH2myaTGDYn1Su8uvKQr9Zm4rQyjAss1X2UqJvo/s1600-h/IMG_1760.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324288295552545314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF05XlYTT2dQK-pxS_1IEDIpGRtXDXpTzFot3ZUzai_7CoKken8ipBKSYPa043CLU3WZXoxLtcuCgWQQpJb_DIS0mK5FEwqvJkBpuTOH2myaTGDYn1Su8uvKQr9Zm4rQyjAss1X2UqJvo/s320/IMG_1760.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5xsdL-dzmfAjcYXPBx7mtAQnxwqSoDPim5kYH_lNm5OUTcqSNgvBjHA2iWhRh9zj0gvpWaQ9OEKntoDZfYjQ8ambPetRTI6vQNcsjgyZBbPrMH0rKjmefZT4x7hjr9izjvFChdpXsLU/s1600-h/IMG_1751.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324288286901642946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5xsdL-dzmfAjcYXPBx7mtAQnxwqSoDPim5kYH_lNm5OUTcqSNgvBjHA2iWhRh9zj0gvpWaQ9OEKntoDZfYjQ8ambPetRTI6vQNcsjgyZBbPrMH0rKjmefZT4x7hjr9izjvFChdpXsLU/s320/IMG_1751.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><div>We are SO excited to finally have a piano in our home! Graham has been taking piano lessons for two and a half years now; he has been practicing on a borrowed weighted keyboard. He is doing so well and has advanced to the point that he really needed a full keyboard or a piano. We've been watching craigslist for months now and finally found the right one. It has been incredible to have the sound of music throughout our home . . . . We are so proud of you, Graham! <div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324288290213775362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBodFz5nEudvA942eb5h3V7NWoBrQ-IhBtEtc2AlO2qaAqtNYmEJRnSpfR92Txfb20JdhGWcqhItf-j7q6yNG9B1uop6SgJ_MeqyuCEHlktSh6Jt7OaJUtuayPKUAVo6VnRjU-j4vQhG0/s320/IMG_1758.JPG" border="0" />I've said it before, but we can't wait to see how God will use Graham's little fingers for His glory!</div></div></div>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-36981594648191905182009-04-10T00:02:00.006-04:002009-04-10T00:20:21.899-04:00Easter Egg-citement!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pZueDLQq4gOd6-cAlj_nYyDmzGz8hchT-302-yF6-yWIvwV0TgOu8lhFR2YVYVV4PpaDqIzZii30DPkte4vPCUkknj0Quc1Xl0C8uNLS3rZhj5JQJOEBf64gvOU2HXIOVQbLFNToM3Y/s1600-h/IMG_1457.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322911027014361442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pZueDLQq4gOd6-cAlj_nYyDmzGz8hchT-302-yF6-yWIvwV0TgOu8lhFR2YVYVV4PpaDqIzZii30DPkte4vPCUkknj0Quc1Xl0C8uNLS3rZhj5JQJOEBf64gvOU2HXIOVQbLFNToM3Y/s320/IMG_1457.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>Anna Beth participated in the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Child's World (her preschool) last week. It was a lot of fun as she raced around with the other kids picking up eggs. After she was done, we realized she had picked up five or six eggs that were filled with sparkly 'goo' . . . such fun for a little girl like mine who enjoys the 'boy' stuff!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322911031507060434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKWL7CRP4Bw2d6_7lYvq0rhzuJrzs7DwGaDqA-vZ2EvlzDTE2F-K8kS2vd1TCCDG_SpFMn8qL9xIwiGAV7i_PQfl7HzdKD-TvMwvjrilZL4sCWCXJahJT7nEv4emHJyGUxWu9SL75zyU/s320/IMG_1490.JPG" border="0" /> <div>Here we are enjoying a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">picnic lunch</span> after the egg hunt!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322911040480507458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OQtFUshhlP694KZtvljntqSQu8Xx-0At6WGl0fC9xgm8ExFudkjYAZ_gSskALz8LgE-OkJ7KjsGobZenK1lZyftC7GVsubu3a-Pzkr8pf4uGby2IFwnnr3nEso2mXallBQPFJtcrt_E/s320/IMG_1509.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>And here is Anna Beth posing with her best buddy, Jaden Moody.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322911043120067490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLgcRT3Aa5o_0Yjj3pfHoVUhaNhLyWNF4H7nuOvrehjaY8ZJQgFrmYwQ97xKceT3r8ZdWF6vROvjgNKxmeuBpdohQVll27bLkWLTUHcOWd1En4n8y4ATEvjnRCg__6b6Xa2RbU1-xkv0/s320/IMG_1512.JPG" border="0" /></div>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-75020248137815069602009-04-06T15:23:00.003-04:002009-04-06T15:44:00.916-04:00Parablelooza!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdR41eZb_ou6ueQWvMD3kiuXD88W13QxOu9kvt2RSldy0X9b8-zn2RXhwgTCejiKkO8v-BrtdqaelwWfhJQWgh_Twy20MmGgN0UGSm2tuCO0MEwmizQUzGfXQP2mfZqJxh2DCdtFbHPBc/s1600-h/IMG_1435.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321665407128328306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdR41eZb_ou6ueQWvMD3kiuXD88W13QxOu9kvt2RSldy0X9b8-zn2RXhwgTCejiKkO8v-BrtdqaelwWfhJQWgh_Twy20MmGgN0UGSm2tuCO0MEwmizQUzGfXQP2mfZqJxh2DCdtFbHPBc/s320/IMG_1435.JPG" border="0" /></a> Graham has been involved in choir this year as well and had his final perfomance "Parablelooza" on March 29th. It was an incredible performance--entertaining AND spiritually challenging as well. It was tough to get pictures, but here are a few:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321665397224099250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuJcaIp4dWJ0oBWO-Q3MV2n6nn67Xh05rLj_UXiMAQgbe-wsCumt_PIGZUFfdcgVaG7AlwJToQ1iYmZ8-2hN6-Jmy62vJWU0z6okWLF4SPejNz3qjW7i_7k5PNuNm4ulQ9amtHQ8r1Is/s320/IMG_1436.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321665403677295074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyEE2gS0UsJnnz838RR5Daq6ew71sGLCbgL20svPPgTBMRjlPDKPzC4xP8O2kDokv5J5Oak9jzCOTr_e9Qgrb5HZzMvFG4SmCKo5QVzjI7c1HS3_r1HVUevy_Gg4oSKh1bcVF4hstu3M/s320/IMG_1437.JPG" border="0" /> <div> </div>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-36958429516162510952009-04-06T14:44:00.006-04:002009-04-06T17:29:08.678-04:00Jax, Our Little Gift from God!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyS6PX5P3Ix3AZ1FKDqB3HZUxBDz1hv6JWpMKpOX17dE-YZ6vZOOimOklvX9z2jDFnEJ4LOrcFV2m3V3xP970pcL8adDYCNA0hMUPrIL9-zLU5Jp7q1mvPVEW5XFoVnHT6GWHaQJM_0Rc/s1600-h/IMG_1355.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321655295733113426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyS6PX5P3Ix3AZ1FKDqB3HZUxBDz1hv6JWpMKpOX17dE-YZ6vZOOimOklvX9z2jDFnEJ4LOrcFV2m3V3xP970pcL8adDYCNA0hMUPrIL9-zLU5Jp7q1mvPVEW5XFoVnHT6GWHaQJM_0Rc/s320/IMG_1355.JPG" border="0" /></a> We are excited to announce a new member of the family: Jackson, a 12-week-old yellow Labrador, aka "Jax". He is a precious addition with a great temperment . . . he loves to play rough, but is very sweet and laid-back as well. His talents include chewing on the kids' flip-flops and shoe laces and pottying in his crate (AHHHH!). All in all, though, he is fitting in perfectly with our family! <div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321655281894082114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLr53H0zLoI79G96wKVSi_hu1frVazmp_FZFn4jAq2lEISbOhy0M8Gv1ss_unWtj9GHNGjFrxNvS9RpsN6hg0M9ECc3Lq6AgdnWT2BndiQttB7m95rkI6UVt4plICilMIxlfcDMw7Cew/s320/IMG_1353.JPG" border="0" /> <div>Ever since our sweet Bailey died in February, there has been a void in our family. The boys, particularly, have really struggled. Last week, we decided it was time; I started looking online and came across our little sweetie. He was 12-weeks-old and the last of the litter. I emailed the owner and found out that he was still available and forwarded the information on to Kip at work. It just so happened that Kip was at a meeting in the area where the puppy was located, so he stopped by to see him. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321655300015166146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fBtPQFMR7NUs7nKyFJaFPUAm08WFMgcyQnTT-mYr5zg5C6n12WG2l6y1HIhyaUmj3glwBvlJr4jHLlRtLEC-U2LWXz9804sWQ-uqYNjexwW33RMpNNcn6OmxM47Z8CgQW31zD7VSgg4/s320/IMG_1390.JPG" border="0" /> <div>Kip loved him and signed the papers and tried to pay for him. The owner stopped him, saying that she and her husband had been praying about the puppy and felt God was telling her to give us the puppy, that he was meant for us. Kip insisted on paying her, but she wouldn't let him; she felt God telling her this puppy had been saved for our family. Just a bit more information . . . she says he was the pick of the litter and they had been shocked that no one had chosen him early on. She has had him advertised for weeks now, and no one has called about him . . . until our email came. Then, immediately afterwards, she had 15 calls and emails about him. </div><div> </div><div>It is as if God was holding this little one just for us . . . our precious pet <em>was hand-picked for our family by God Himself.</em> How amazing is that, and what an incredible story this was to share with our children! How comforting to know that God is involved in every aspect of our lives, no matter how large or small it may be, and to actually see his hands at work. God is SO GOOD!</div></div></div>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-77638195181752269132009-04-06T13:57:00.002-04:002009-04-06T14:32:49.632-04:00Anna Beth's 'Praise Pals' performance<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCPp0rTwFUWgLdRfBju29iZrNW-AcnUfn4qhokVCSbpssLnwdtyZeGSJ6u7qsy8vzRUWZ5MAHGZvGfmQnbbUCrUfDCZI-fIGfPhSmELALjpZAyzuupqFwB36ARlL-3P_GWA6aUTPRt_I/s1600-h/IMG_1341.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321647908286898658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCPp0rTwFUWgLdRfBju29iZrNW-AcnUfn4qhokVCSbpssLnwdtyZeGSJ6u7qsy8vzRUWZ5MAHGZvGfmQnbbUCrUfDCZI-fIGfPhSmELALjpZAyzuupqFwB36ARlL-3P_GWA6aUTPRt_I/s320/IMG_1341.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgKDy7ppuQhVuzi1Z_Pz1x8HPKBm65z-Z6lbwv2AqExICagg3pSi58I0HlBN0Hnr1jwqyJSY6MRDy3BKYyaEhHZ_ppBV1zf6_MqRvz2kyVrPULqoO1pf5bttHg6_ivwJf8Zxu26K26O4/s1600-h/IMG_1331.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321647897726423586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgKDy7ppuQhVuzi1Z_Pz1x8HPKBm65z-Z6lbwv2AqExICagg3pSi58I0HlBN0Hnr1jwqyJSY6MRDy3BKYyaEhHZ_ppBV1zf6_MqRvz2kyVrPULqoO1pf5bttHg6_ivwJf8Zxu26K26O4/s320/IMG_1331.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Anna Beth has loved being a part of the children's choir this year. She had her final performance on Sunday, March 22nd. It was precious to see and hear her sing of her love for God! She is anxiously awaiting her choir class to start again after summer!</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321647902642058786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2j_svrTfqerIaU5Xj90VFL46XvsM3QRBQn2NDFZAwq9TivoDDWL0_rHKtSug0AYI3DMpabQ1Hlt2c-mcNoDmFNuQWG1WbYkuxtzgb9JLEWA8xBYDfYho3-rRcncRKVQKV6Krb2UShn8/s320/IMG_1350.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-45967445729837352352009-04-06T13:24:00.009-04:002009-04-06T13:54:22.576-04:00DiscipleNow 2009We had the opportunity to host a group of GREAT boys for DiscipleNow this year. We had nine 9th Grade boys and three awesome leaders in our home from Friday to Sunday. What a great experience for our children to see these teens bonding and experiencing God throughout the weekend! This was especially important to us since Ethan will be able to attend DiscipleNow next year. Everyone seemed to have a great time . . . tons of food, of course . . . manhunt games at night . . . fishing and rowing on the lake, one boy IN the lake . . . go-cart riding . . . time spent in God's Word. What a blessing to be a part of God's work. We can't wait to host again next year!<br /><br /><div align="center"><embed style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 320px" name="flashticker" align="middle" src="http://widget-8f.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=504403158311587215&site=widget-8f.slide.com" wmode="transparent" salign="l" scale="noscale" quality="high"></embed></div><br /><div align="center"><div style="WIDTH: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158311587215&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-8f.slide.com/p1/504403158311587215/bb_t040_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158311587215&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-8f.slide.com/p2/504403158311587215/bb_t040_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158311587215&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-8f.slide.com/p4/504403158311587215/bb_t040_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" /></a></div></div>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-9674643406296828382009-04-05T21:52:00.003-04:002009-04-05T22:04:17.414-04:00Date Night with Daddy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6cXoIR_extIXmtw-D9u_VC5jxlFYniTCHVqTliXq5hrPJGq3PH94gEJnMATR_djgZITpYuNSMsqNHOx5IRZAaUdpUZB0JQEZQOR7iNRGqFWL6oUYM0mIuQVVqEg73vPheLhm_xETkNQ/s1600-h/IMG_1217.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321393309687287746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6cXoIR_extIXmtw-D9u_VC5jxlFYniTCHVqTliXq5hrPJGq3PH94gEJnMATR_djgZITpYuNSMsqNHOx5IRZAaUdpUZB0JQEZQOR7iNRGqFWL6oUYM0mIuQVVqEg73vPheLhm_xETkNQ/s320/IMG_1217.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>Anna Beth was so excited about her date night with daddy. Notice the flower in her hair and the sparkly lipgloss! They were going to dinner and then for a special 'surprise'. Anna Beth requested a meal from 'Berber King', but daddy took it up a notch by taking her to Chick-fil-A! Afterwards, they headed to Build-a-Bear at the mall where she stuffed a cute lamb and dressed it in an outfit and shoes (we had four coupons to use and paid almost nothing!). She came home glowing . . . what a special treat for daddy AND daughter!</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321392296725225682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnJ98Kl-gAiFaoybEAP8jOEz2i6D5duQ2xhLw8YE48YbQeNjxq6pDB2cnLI7FxRf0vc7wA68Nsx2qGw-vJfOpmeWLlwR4aKAJ3wVeLrve4ASi4PYWRIej_cO2dZBxuzNG1S88XuZsugY/s320/IMG_1221.JPG" border="0" /></div>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-67354079905431513452009-04-05T21:45:00.006-04:002009-04-05T22:08:59.585-04:00Boys' Night!Ethan and Graham didn't want a big birthday party this year, they simply asked for a few friends to sleep over. We decided to do it all on one night and each of the boys was allowed to invite four friends. That was tough, as they wanted to invite everyone, but they narrowed it down. The boys enjoyed a basketball game, then pizza, cookie cake, video games, gifts, and finally a movie on the projection screen in the basement. The big boys slept in the basement and the younger boys slept on the main floor. We aren't too sure what time they finally went to sleep, but it was LATE! After pancakes, eggs and bacon the next morning, the boys were off to their homes . . . and we were off to bed!<br /><div align="center"><embed style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 320px" name="flashticker" align="middle" src="http://widget-f0.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=504403158311565296&site=widget-f0.slide.com"></embed></div><div></div><div><div style="WIDTH: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><p align="center"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158311565296&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-f0.slide.com/p1/504403158311565296/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158311565296&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-f0.slide.com/p2/504403158311565296/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158311565296&map=2" target="_blank"></a> </p><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158311565296&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-f0.slide.com/p4/504403158311565296/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" /></a></div></div>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-4686457487066320732009-04-05T20:30:00.005-04:002009-04-05T20:52:19.440-04:00Afternoon Tea for Two<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQ1vIFXuRC44-ydkAkYVAWwAYxk0lH59gPcv7osh9WV1psIvf2k8CKVoMdWSWWF-yBhj82mqm1zrRTdNkNleByUsF-7x2GfC9EvC_4F8E2f3RAtzUoG9pxvODEAo6k88BjqSjZaplvig/s1600-h/IMG_1097.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321374753762279954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQ1vIFXuRC44-ydkAkYVAWwAYxk0lH59gPcv7osh9WV1psIvf2k8CKVoMdWSWWF-yBhj82mqm1zrRTdNkNleByUsF-7x2GfC9EvC_4F8E2f3RAtzUoG9pxvODEAo6k88BjqSjZaplvig/s320/IMG_1097.JPG" border="0" /></a> The weather here in Georgia has been so wacky this year . . . one day it is snowing, the next it is 70 degrees! On one of those warm and sunny days, Anna Beth and I decided it was time for an afternoon tea party. We pulled out all the leftovers (notice the cut-up hotdogs, lol!) and some fruit, made it look a little fancy and headed to the back porch. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321372333326679746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBfmHSTXS699d2LDnFX50J6KaWEOn0RL1Zm_qQjtc20JNcH77nvzMWvksxYP6E13Aq8nSii1qqRSIbAGcpRRR7P7xXZMjNcmtKjaxEvJD9y_oD1Ix1h8KsYM50nee0MVwKiS-BOUS3G8/s320/IMG_1095.JPG" border="0" />We turned on our 'tea party music' and enjoyed a fun afternoon . . . just mommy and daughter. The music was just too good, my fun-loving daughter had to get up and dance!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321372340287675586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rHFTzkn-Gz_vQTTCFJKX-G1zde6hB9CgDDE8xNeySEsEXOVHE-Kj08HAM-TdCYgpH1OXXqeIKOMl2PVW5LZ0tljIstz1JrjVRVasLVISwAT3R4hA24jJQ8f7zg1uNI3Qmf5v5mSQH1Y/s320/IMG_1099.JPG" border="0" /> I love these precious moments with my little girl; she is such a joy to be around, so full of life! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321372344380090498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-1GTAlHPdDQb3J53qvDHqfNyR03hMkIxtqCxGjM3HfqOLN2Tt-3MSUtA4hk-QboImpyhpVzSoU6K5plJSuhNOokbyxc0XYoAO7cllmLPF_qW-YmWAmpSsNo_A2sv2O9V7EGoEaXuPJA/s320/IMG_1103.JPG" border="0" /> <div><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">I love you, Anna Beth!</span></p></div>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-47457269339871113372009-04-05T17:17:00.006-04:002009-04-05T19:32:53.259-04:00Happy Birthday, Ethan & Graham!The boys celebrated their birthdays with family here at our home on March 8th. It was SO GREAT having everyone up, we had not seen most of them since Christmas. We missed Ray, Amy and the girls, they weren't able to make it. We cooked-out and enjoyed lunch together. It was a beautiful day so the kids (and adults) were able to play outside and ride the go-carts. We are SO THANKFUL for our family; we love and miss you guys so much! Here are some highlights from the afternoon:<br /><br /><div align="center"><embed style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 320px" name="flashticker" align="middle" src="http://widget-d8.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=504403158311560152&site=widget-d8.slide.com" wmode="transparent" salign="l" scale="noscale" quality="high"></embed></div><br /><div style="WIDTH: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><p align="center"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158311560152&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-d8.slide.com/p1/504403158311560152/bb_t013_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158311560152&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-d8.slide.com/p2/504403158311560152/bb_t013_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158311560152&map=2" target="_blank"></a></p><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158311560152&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-d8.slide.com/p4/504403158311560152/bb_t013_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" /></a></div>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-38545959910537885502009-04-05T16:34:00.006-04:002009-04-05T17:16:55.985-04:00Her VERY FIRST Soccer Game!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtuFXyda_iTHczfDcavlTJGxHQezKlgtOFM2RXmoOxUqC38fjA-Y8da9yYZ-wckhRraX-Pyr_WaQFMpQZKOAVW22hB0RBUIMSaGFMfrc4roXVd9yIFKkoxphq6tcHuAa4xZqfi13B6gg/s1600-h/IMG_0880.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321313597054919666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtuFXyda_iTHczfDcavlTJGxHQezKlgtOFM2RXmoOxUqC38fjA-Y8da9yYZ-wckhRraX-Pyr_WaQFMpQZKOAVW22hB0RBUIMSaGFMfrc4roXVd9yIFKkoxphq6tcHuAa4xZqfi13B6gg/s320/IMG_0880.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>"Mom, I can't believe it! It's my VERY FIRST soccer game!" She was buckled in her booster seat, headed for her first game, and could hardly contain herself! For years, Anna Beth has watched the boys play baseball, soccer, basketball, football . . . and she has always insisted "I can't wait to have my own team; I need a team and a uniform, Mom". Well, the girl has a team, and she *LOVES* it!</div><div></div><div></div><div>Here are a few pictures of her in action during her first game. She scored three goals that first game and has consistently scored every game. The boys call her a 'ball hog'; lol, I never imagined that would by MY girl's nickname. Her best game was in rain and 42 degree weather when she scored seven of her team's eight goals. Afterwards, she insisted that soccer is "more funner in the rain".</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321313997753247170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAuBjJtf_CA0uDCZnM_gobSFpkQXFF9VB64peoJNBJr6bCDSb0HxWvAe4K0Mt6vcT3ylWlQGH7j8kLOXvfy1XwNuAB4lxhIeAP0RY7hHeSaFwEPopgUL8rbiAykPsGphj2S0BFIMEmQM/s320/IMG_0887.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321314002354655218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5blOr1GuSbRwLYU1nx2Oqf18whR4sQRM4UP1OOR0InuyXG7gx9jmBLBi37ajUDVME2TEvsQ5xdDylfav4d3ewpB14-MS_aJIPOhvLafzfsmf32oCzWiQI2OpnMNIuSLKmuLsFbkED0xE/s320/IMG_0888.JPG" border="0" /> <div>And here she is AFTER the first game--napping on the back porch! She was full of adrenaline, but physically exhausted! We are praying that she continues to give this (and everything she does) her ALL . . . </div><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321313605746566482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRood9jF86q8iK_6bbcHlLupGtzSWtgq4BJjt6RE9B5Kk7lSOQHV9iGSVIYntg0ncZV4nB_nMt7ar-VsiKos14RCZSYEusr8ZluB8on47TYTp0bvA8K-_fFPSouQStefJMsjw1dnYIfBQ/s320/IMG_0949.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men!</span></em></strong></p>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-60590439743109120092009-03-08T23:27:00.002-04:002009-03-08T23:32:32.558-04:00Georgia Snow!We got some snow in Georgia and it was an exciting weekend for all! The snow began falling around lunch on Sunday (March 1st) and continued throughout the day--about three inchess fell and it was BEAUTIFUL! The kids went out to play for a bit, but we spent most of the day by the fire, watching a movie and playing games. Then the kids were out of school for the snow on Monday--lots of time was spent outdoors, sledding and exploring. How FUN!<br /><br /><div align="center"><embed style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 320px" name="flashticker" align="middle" src="http://widget-ca.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=504403158309010378&site=widget-ca.slide.com"></embed></div><div></div><div align="center"><div style="WIDTH: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><div align="left"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158309010378&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-ca.slide.com/p1/504403158309010378/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158309010378&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-ca.slide.com/p2/504403158309010378/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158309010378&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-ca.slide.com/p4/504403158309010378/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" /></a></div></div></div>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-67013460297187947412009-03-04T22:59:00.003-05:002009-03-04T23:12:29.105-05:00Our Mad Scientists!<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">The boys both entered a science project in the Mulberry Science Fair this year. No, they are not super interested in science but it was 'highly suggested' that the gifted students participate . . . and so they did with a little prodding. Ethan won a 2nd place prize for his 'Red Cabbage Chemistry' project and Graham won a 3rd place prize for exploring 'Which Veggies are the Most Nutritious'. All in all it was a fun project for each!</span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309551518535863538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kbePevEfDesKufmHWNe7YnuwIFEhlf2XPZQo2mgylDLk5MZ6p4HGDCGilWFJRN2Tf-i90h4YewIo0L0QlEDwxiLxZE0jXLF82nNn01i7km06JhcJjKDkBqM69ipTtzDmjAyKywC23uo/s320/IMG_0545.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309550455453615234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEWf6zxNEggxR_RrpctJHJuZ1WUel7jzytyiFlP8ZUEZs5YzNDQYkyCq_u_HXQp0soec7eDXQNxMQmDxjsMUm6bMYx3Z6KHljvTL2wy_JE0HhJKqBzJL7-T3AvsPBaWiPHLrUF2l8ZZU/s320/IMG_0551.JPG" border="0" />The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-10271131531889537032009-03-04T22:37:00.006-05:002009-03-04T22:58:39.076-05:00In Memory of Sweet Bailey<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZIS11wfTvDxUnm0KNkA7RMChFr4De5_-SuQKVDQjwr-qVT_iw_I7LTz43EF-g8Kfgfs9TB_hsPuv_Cw9ytejI14lA8NCuikhzFOQBFb88fzEaajiQMqce75jF6fz-Uz4dbtTpBvWX2Q/s1600-h/IMG_6691.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309547450124707778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZIS11wfTvDxUnm0KNkA7RMChFr4De5_-SuQKVDQjwr-qVT_iw_I7LTz43EF-g8Kfgfs9TB_hsPuv_Cw9ytejI14lA8NCuikhzFOQBFb88fzEaajiQMqce75jF6fz-Uz4dbtTpBvWX2Q/s400/IMG_6691.jpg" border="0" /></a> Our precious Bailey girl left us on February 19th. She would have been 15 years old on May 21st . . . an amazing lifespan for a labrador! We like to think she hung around because she loved us and she was happy. One thing is for certain--we loved that precious dog! She has been a part of our lives since Kip and I were first married. She has been here with us through it all . . . the newlywed days, four different moves, the first baby and then two more, etc. and etc. We almost lost her a year ago; the boys were devastated and prayed that she would make it to the new house with us. Our prayers were answered and she enjoyed almost a year here with us . . . swimming in the lake, enjoying the wildlife and outdoors, barking at the geese! What a precious gift that time was for all of us . . . Thank you, Lord, for the time we had with her!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309547444874727154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vu9RaGSxfcmZ1GJouDF3PqXCOZlObYtbJpYU8Fgwxuc7AjZD9ISiIBYJ6m_vkCuEqE368gx-L5I23ozz39ZXAnSC2WLsI8oQEMLONhTfsKT5ar6qrvpibFclivXSgPBlFihaCtdPJBM/s400/IMG_6698.jpg" border="0" />The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-9636632023263594842009-03-04T22:24:00.003-05:002009-03-04T22:34:53.878-05:00Anna Beth is on 'The Star Team'<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTOd882_PoHNcVAkfwrQn3oCH7Y4YUws1782UKsLNmlHsfOc5yS5eX2o4DnMV5uSonqPyy7kVT3B5Id2JYYnoxYKvl6t3PMVcbtTTX32ESCXV0ACnWTLrgPxoJ4OxHSaWNzfNW23OHAY/s1600-h/IMG_0469.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309540908989614514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTOd882_PoHNcVAkfwrQn3oCH7Y4YUws1782UKsLNmlHsfOc5yS5eX2o4DnMV5uSonqPyy7kVT3B5Id2JYYnoxYKvl6t3PMVcbtTTX32ESCXV0ACnWTLrgPxoJ4OxHSaWNzfNW23OHAY/s320/IMG_0469.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We have a soccer player! Anna Beth is THRILLED to be playing her first team sport. These pictures were taken the evening we picked up her uniform--she couldn't wait to try it on. Then I caught her practicing her ballet moves--in full uniform/cleats! We were all very impressed it could be done in cleats, lol!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309540921064180546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujtp4VKS07xnWOL7S8gCFSSAHRYXfX25LL7jBWI7xnpodAewqwdaMFUiwcbDRc5_gzYJk41Mh-srXFKW94Y1wZ0S9CzpwP621HFFmz8EzfnmjjYt9Fk9dMqvr_H-1SSeGwOEfwfvm-UI/s320/IMG_0474.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309540919322530642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQys8BlLhLp1_ep77eQu0hbVM0rvbzt3fJAuaG5SWbBtEFXIGRZAyOFZQvBZpXHEopXmScA-lMUBp4YlBh23i5wTi1GUGhosHrTHaeTN4jttBhyphenhyphenf_N1GIzPZI_dT81eIFLGT5l2icLxA/s320/IMG_0473.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div><br />She has been to several soccer practices since then and absolutely *LOVES* it. She is the tallest girl and all the other girls think she knows what she is doing because she is 'bigger'. HA--it is hilarious! Will have more picts after her first game on Saturday! By the way, the girls named themselves 'The Star Team'!The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-13152749388353842732009-01-18T16:25:00.003-05:002009-01-18T17:04:58.254-05:00Shootin' Hoops!Basketball season is in full swing and the boys are loving it! Ethan has played several seasons but this is Graham's very first season. After his first game he was upset and pouting--I thought maybe he was disappointed with himself? No . . . he was mad because the game was over and he wanted to play some more! Graham is definitely a little more timid, however he is doing well and putting forth a lot of effort. Ethan has become a lot more aggressive, lol, and his shots are a little better too. We are so proud of both of them! Here are a few pictures from their first day of games . . . they aren't great due to the fluorescent lighting, but I did my best!<br /><div align="center"><embed style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 320px" name="flashticker" align="middle" src="http://widget-08.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=504403158304508424&site=widget-08.slide.com"></embed></div><div></div><div><div style="WIDTH: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><p align="center"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158304508424&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-08.slide.com/p1/504403158304508424/bb_t024_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158304508424&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-08.slide.com/p2/504403158304508424/bb_t024_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" /></a></p> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=504403158304508424&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-08.slide.com/p4/504403158304508424/bb_t024_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" /></a></div></div>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628729891237826144.post-12178468139233520232009-01-18T15:28:00.006-05:002009-01-18T17:06:20.573-05:00Our Sweet Bailey<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUa30Exj_zynWItBZ5rkwH71bVeDBUNhvhM6CtunSAcDLWu0cgJOQOwojxEJlOL5DrLrubrNEgBWUO86I-ntRqRepRDNLIGsywCfDUdTHM007a_-084a0-Hl-j5lf9ZUUaoBNL_bvYUP0/s1600-h/Bailey+face.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292737345183389682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUa30Exj_zynWItBZ5rkwH71bVeDBUNhvhM6CtunSAcDLWu0cgJOQOwojxEJlOL5DrLrubrNEgBWUO86I-ntRqRepRDNLIGsywCfDUdTHM007a_-084a0-Hl-j5lf9ZUUaoBNL_bvYUP0/s320/Bailey+face.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="left">Bailey is our sweet black labrador. She is now almost fifteen years old and will probably not be here much longer. She has gone from 75 pounds to 41 pounds in the last year and her kidneys are beginning to fail. Our family is struggling with this news, as she has been a part of our family for a long time. Kip and I got her a few months after we were married . . . she was only 3 months old! Anna Beth prays every night for Bailey not to die and poor Ethan can't even think about it without losing all composure. Bailey is now an outdoor dog; however, with the cold snap we've been bringing her in for just a bit to rest by the fire in the evenings. She loves it, and the kids love it even more . . . I thought I would post a few of the sweet pictures and a video from one of her visits with us.</div><br /><div align="center">Snuggling by the fire<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292736306760087330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgl7nxkQ0mzW1xfnDDzAyhFA6FvwpTWyOl5sRDyNPBsn3esAwxq02LTvMP3auYOxVSQflDnG_sCiYE2nV2LuUMnaXmHymecgtBeuxJ38UC6hBoT34YmaD2YY-_250fnMptVpYtnguOug/s320/IMG_0058.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Doggy kisses!<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292736290861280386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxUwOZhgqlC2Qap1Uanm04uxyPJPcjhbtqmy2LLfMvaEPH7SRHhEoWmd-czXHLQx39ZwvEpjwLhmVauD-B2Am5cUOy-o2r0pyWFBEOKyu6vpO79JIcRaYXnpCDarXturTGh5VNsAheB0/s320/IMG_0053.JPG" border="0" /><br />Bailey trying to do her trick!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyfU4N06y3S6fyliUY8lPZJmsf54iZNJvhqoQpf7sKXCRaCsf9HhgBbUrlZIoysuGZXcem9cNbyu2rC0_kIDA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>The Stokes Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818722656418172149noreply@blogger.com1