Smitten...

We had a theater class together. He was crazy shy and I was just crazy. I thought he was so so handsome and wanted to know him. We got to know each other a little and then he moved with his family to SC. I was heartbroken!! We hadn't known each other long, but I knew there was something BIG there and was begging God to work it out! When school began again that following year I was shocked when he came walking down the hall! I yelled to him and even though he's quiet and shy he grinned and yelled back. I fell hard and quick. I remember telling my dad one evening "Dad, I am smitten." He gave me a goofy look and said "well, who has smitten thee daughter?" I told him about this amazing man and it wasn't long that they would meet.
We were young... really young! But confident in our love for each other and we knew that God was orchestrating every detail. We had the easiest first year of marriage EVER! We were poor but didn't know it, we played video games for dates, made each other meals every day and dreamed of quitting jobs and doing nothing but being together! Nowadays we play superheros and knights, feed a child every five minutes and dream of being successful enough to do nothing but be together. There's no one on earth I'd rather have children with, share my heart with.


As for things that drive me crazy!! This wonderful man of mine can NOT find anything. His shoes could fall out of the sky and hit him in the face and he would still ask, "Honey, do you know where my shoes are?" Just this morning our oldest came in the bathroom and said "mommy, daddy is looking for my shoes. Can you go find them please, I wanna go bye bye." To be fair, he DID find the shoes THIS time. I love you, Husband.

Phojo:

My beautiful wife knows me better then anyone. I think it is safe to say that I am a shy person which is why my version seems so much funnier in my head. During the middle of my junior year I had returned to Kansas to finish up High School in hopes to redefine myself. I knew that God had plans for me and that I was willing to listen to Him. My thought was that I would become more outgoing and adventurous so I enrolled in a theater class to push myself in front of the crowd....then I walked in and met my future wife. First, I'm a sucker for blue eyes and she has the most stunning blue eyes you could ever hope to see. They also scared the ever loving pants off me. Obviously this made the whole process of making Phojo a new man a little bit harder. It took about three months for me to move my seat from one side of the room to the other in hopes to catch the attention of my future bride. Unfortunately once I finally got enough nerve to talk to her I had to move back to South Carolina (stinkin parents) for the summer.

I spent the entire summer trying to plan my next move. Yes, I am that smooth. After returning yet again to Kansas to finally finish school I made it my personal goal to learn everything about this little Rockstar and make her my best friend. Finally we both felt that we had developed something more than just friendship and my lovely wife confessed that she had a "crush" to which I politely turned her down. WHAT AN IDIOT. Didn't I say I was smooth. I was so unsure about my parents future plans for me that it made it hard to pursue Rockstar.

We decided to remain friends but it soon became abundantly clear that this amazing woman was what God had been leading me to all along. I told God that I wasn't sure of myself but I was completely sure of His will. So with this extra boost of confidence I finally had the courage to confess to Rockstar that I too had a "crush" and that it was more than just that. I was smitten.

My wife and I still laugh when we think about how we fell in love. Everyday I get to stare into those stunning blue eyes and I feel complete. I am amazed at how God orchestrates our life and how I know that this has all been within His timing. I could not imagine anyone else being the answer to so many prayers. If you have ever made a list of things you hope God will present in your life you can go ahead and look at my wife and you'll know what mine are.

As for the things that drive me crazy.....my wife really enjoys rearranging our home..a lot...just about every two weeks. Hmm..maybe that's why Phojo can't find anything.

Our Story

This is us on the top of the Empire State Building in December of 2008.

EJ's version: So I happened to eat lunch on Monday November 1st, 1999 at a different than usual time at the dining hall at college. I decided to go sit with two RAs (resident assistants) that I knew that were nice and another that I didn't know, but was cute. I enjoyed the conversation and was flirting with Farm Chick. On the way out of the dining hall she had gotten an ice cream cone and I casually asked if I could have a bite, she awkwardly obliged. So I bit the bottom of the cone off, laughed and ran off. She on the other hand held on to the cone (now dripping from the bottom...awesome!) and went to her boss and said..."Who's EJ?"...to which this gal said "...oh...I see you've met him." knowing that I had a big personality.

I was rather intrigued by this beautiful girl and decided to stalk her at lunch and found her at the same time the next two days...right at 12:30pm. We had some great talks and really enjoyed each other. Thursday I went to ask her out right before I went to go run...so I was just in my running shorts...very short and leopardish. She was somewhat shocked to see me like that and then promptly turned me down...without an alternative. So I took my heart that was wounded and ran it off. The next day I decided to ask again...I'm very persistent...and she said yes (finally). She spent the next month being pursued like no one has ever pursued anything. You've got to understand that I'm very very competitive and when I set my mind on doing something, I will do it and I will win. I am not trying to say that in a cocky way, I'm just very persistent. I knew within that month that she would be my bride and we would grow old together and chase after our dreams together. We knew that it'd be best to finish college before we got married so I waited 2 years to get engaged; the Christmas before we graduated. I played and sang "The Gift" by Jim Brickman on the piano to her in a really cool church. We wed 6+ months later in our home town on June 15th, 2002.
Now Farm Chick and I know some people. To give you an idea here are some statistics (only because I LOVE stats!). We had 7 bridesmaids, 7 groomsmen, 2 preachers, an organist, a pianist, a string quartet, a guitarist, a soloist, and we invited around 1,100 people to the party we called our wedding. That day there was several tornadoes and hail storms so there weren't that many people there, however there were around 550 people there even so.

Farm Chick and I have been through a lot in our short marriage, however I know that God has been there every step of the way. He has grown us closer together than I ever could have imagined. He has changed both of us to conform to His will and changed us and our desires drastically. That's what's great about Christ is that when you let him change you, His will is great to live under; much better than mine. I have a client who just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and they are as loving to each other as ever. I can't wait until we are there! Here's to you Farm Chick!

Farm Chick says: I just read EJ's part and I'm grinning from ear to ear. It is true that he was persistent. I never had to wonder if I was "the one" for him.

I remember that first day in the dining hall. I had noticed EJ before on campus because he was always dressed nice and I thought he was very handsome. That day at the lunch table it seemed like everyone else disappeared and it was just us. I can remember being intrigued by this outgoing and joyful guy. I have to admit the ice cream cone thing was really strange. I guess he wanted to be sure he left an impression!

He worked hard to win me and I worked hard to guard my heart. I can remember praying that God would take him out of my life if this wasn't the right man. EJ thinks that is really funny...now. I distinctly remember God's response (no it wasn't audible but it was obvious in my spirit) "He is my gift to you. Don't reject my gift." After that I just felt a peace about it. I knew that we would have to do a lot of work to grow up together but I was up for the challenge.

The best day of my life was when I became EJ's wife. I will never forget walking down the aisle on Pop's arm and seeing him standing there. Tears were in his eyes and a huge grin was on his face. He loves me with an unconditional love. I love him back in the same way. We are human and we make mistakes but we are so thankful that we can find forgiveness in each other and in the mighty God we serve.

Our marriage has not been perfect but it has been an exciting ride so far! I am reminded of a quote from a favorite pastor (Voddie Baucham, Jr). He said, "I told my wife if you leave me, I'm going with you."

EJ and I are complete opposites in a lot of ways. We are as Grammy often says, "iron sharpening iron."

Here are some of our differences that create lovely irritations with each other...
He speaks in detail, I speak in headlines
He is a morning person, I am not
He loves corny jokes, I like dry humor
He sees the big picture, I get lost in the details
He is bold and adventurous, I am cautious and careful

The good news is...
We are both believers
We agree on our values
We agree on politics
We agree on budgeting (mostly)
We agree on the importance of family
We agree that we were made for each other
We agree that the cowboys are the biggest blessing we have ever received
We agree on loving the adventure of Four Sisters Farm
We agree that we love being married to each other!

The "Arranged" Marriage: Doc and DW

Our love story began before the two of us even knew each other. While I was in high school, we moved back to this area. Grammy and Pop were determined to find a good church home for our family. One Sunday morning, we went to try out a new church and we were warmly greeted at the door by my future Father-In-Law. He has sparkly, happy eyes and a quick smile and he was one of the main reasons we came back and started attending that church.

A few years later, my parents and in-laws were part of the same small group, meeting at our house every week. I was in college, but still living at home and I didn't really even know a "Doc" existed. He had been in college the whole time I had been acquainted with his parents. I guess I found out about him when his Mom started telling me to "break up with that boyfriend and wait until Doc moved back." I just laughed. I wasn't about to break up with my boyfriend to wait for a guy I'd never met. Turns out, Doc was hearing the same message over the phone. His Dad would casually mention my existence and tell Doc he needed to meet me when he moved home to finish his last two years of med school in our home town. Doc wondered why his Dad was constantly telling him about me. He thought I was too young (he's 4 years older than me) and anyway, he'd kind of sworn off any serious relationships until he was in residency. Don't get me wrong...he was dating, just not women with spousal potential!

Doc moved home in the fall of 1998... the same fall that I packed my bags and went to France for four months to study abroad. Before I had left, I was volunteering as a youth group sponsor at church. When I returned and got back to volunteering, I discovered that Doc had moved back and was teaching the High School Sunday school class (Rock Star and Farm Chick were in his class). We began co-sponsoring a Bible study (on Revelations no less) together. I must point out here that when I say co-sponsoring, I mean Doc taught and I helped facilitate discussions...he's the brains of the outfit. One evening, after the kids had left, I was the last one out the door and Doc caught me. He asked if I was ok. He had noticed that I was a little down. I told him I was having guys problems. I was casually dating 3 guys (and yes, they all knew it wasn't exclusive) but none of them had real long term potential. I don't really remember exactly what Doc said, but I think it was something along the lines of, "you probably don't need to keep dating them if it isn't making you happy." All I remember was that he seemed genuine and caring and I was intrigued.

The following Sunday, I was at the back of the church video taping something from the service. Doc was sitting back there with his sister and her twin babies. I ended up sitting by Doc and playing with my future nephew the whole time. After the service, Doc suggested that we meet up and get something to eat the following Tuesday so that we could get to know each other better since we were doing the Bible study together. I agreed. We went out and I peppered him with questions about being a doctor, delivering babies and the like. I hung on his every word. He was so interesting. He dropped me off at my work (where my car was) and since we both had a great time, we agreed we should hang out again. The following Friday, we met up for a late movie and hung out at his apartment afterwards. By this time, it was apparent that we had sparks. Sparkly sparks.

We both had dates with other people the next night. The funny thing is, our other dates sealed the deal. We both ended up realizing that we had much more fun with each other than we did with our respective Saturday night dates. Sunday night, we got together and confessed our dissatisfaction with dating the others and decided we would date each other exclusively. Our first official date was the next Saturday. He took me to dinner and a jazz concert. We decided that we weren't huge jazz fans and left to hang out at his house. He had written me a letter telling me that he thought that this thing was the real deal. I told him that I agreed. About a week later, my mom and I went to dinner and I told her I was going to marry Doc. She said, " I know." Our parents knew, way before we did, that we would be good together...hence the on going joke that we had an "arranged marriage."

Our first date was in April. We got engaged (at church) the following August and were married the following May 29th. We have been joined at the hip and in the spirit ever since. We are best friends, partners, co-parents and the love of each other's life. We will celebrate our 10th anniversary this year and I can honestly say that we love each other more and more everyday. He complains about the grey in his beard making him look older but I relish it! I know it means that we are on our way to spending our lives together and growing old together. And grey hair or no hair, that man will always be my sweetheart and I will be his!

High School Sweethearts: Grammy & Pop

Grammy's Version: We grew up in the same small Kansas town and I remember the day I fell in love with Pop. I was in the fifth grade and he in the sixth. I had seen him before and knew who he was but one day as I met him on the stairs at school (for some reason it was just the two of us – we must have been running errands for our teachers), I saw him for the first time as someone I loved. I awkwardly said, “Hi” and he nodded. I was deeply impacted. I can still see the sunlight streaming in the window and highlighting his blond hair, blue eyes, and strong shape. We didn’t date until high school but God planted something in my heart that day I didn’t quite understand. I didn’t chase after him or stake any claims; but I was filled with a sense of assurance in the way I felt about him. We married while we were still in high school and 32 years, four children, and eight grandchildren later, I love him more than ever. There has never been another man I have loved as deeply and I know there will never be another I love so much.

For Pop's most recent birthday, I came up with one reason for every year of his life that I love him and I can honestly say it wasn't much of a challenge. There are things he does for me because he knows I like them - no other reason at all - just because I like them. Wow.

Even in our worst times I have known I can count on him to love God and love family - even if he didn't like me so much at the time. Just knowing that goes a long way in working through the hard times. I remember when we were really, really young (not kidding - really young) and were newly married...we talked about growing old together...about having a home intact where our children could come and bring our grandchildren too. I think God puts that in the hearts of His children and if we let Him, He brings it all to reality. There have been times I wasn't sure of myself or sure that we could do it but I've always known that God can and that's enough.

I would say that Pop never makes me crazy but that would be untrue...it is interesting though that the things I least understand about him are some of the things I love the most. He is truly passionate about things and his passion is often so intense that it unnerves me a little...it is so different than how passion looks on me. He is driven and self-motivated to work hard and play hard and plan ahead. In so many ways, we are complete opposites; yet somehow it works perfectly. Oh, we have had struggles along the way trying to make sense of each other and God has used those struggles to grown us in grace.

Pop's Version: Grammy and I are truly small town sweethearts. I grew up playing with her brothers and have known her since we were literally children in elementary school. Ours is an unlikely story of young love that has lasted over 30 years and still growing.

I remember Grammy when we were 10 or so years old. She was my buddy’s sister and was often around when we were playing ball. She was cute and athletic but I was much too interested in playing sports to pay much attention to any girl. About the time I got interested in girls, Grammy became a life guard at the small town swimming pool. She was blonde, tan and beautiful. I remember going to the pool and just staring at her up there in the life guard chair. She has always made my heart beat faster and I am hopelessly drawn to her.

We dated in high school and I fell completely in love with Grammy. I was young, selfish and immature but I knew one thing for sure! I loved this girl!! She has always enhanced my life and never been a source of diminishment. She makes me secure, confident, and brave. At one point in our life at a very young age we had to make a decision about the rest of our life. We had to decide to either hold hands and take on the world or listen to others and let each other go. I offered my hand and Grammy took it. The rest as they say is history!!

I remember we only bought wedding bands because it was all we could afford. My brother married us in Grammy’s home because it was another time and getting married in a church would have been difficult. I look back at the pictures and understand the doubt and fear felt by those who loved us. We looked our age and certainly would not have inspired confidence in anyone. I realize now we had two things in our favor; we really loved each other and God is faithful.

It has been a wonderful 32 years. While there have been hard times, it has been a wonderful ride. I can still get lost in those beautiful brown eyes, and God has blessed me with the perfect partner. As surprising as this may sound, Grammy is not perfect but she is perfect for me. Over the years I have grown to appreciate her heart for God and family. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me in this life and in a very real sense she probably rescued me from a life of regret. I am so very glad she took my hand all those many years ago!!

Ok, now as directed, a few of the little things that drive me nuts. It makes me crazy when Grammy does the startle response thing (you know, when someone sucks in air and makes that desperate sound like you are getting ready to be killed in a horrible car accident). Grammy has been known to cause whip lash in my neck as I snap my head around trying to find the emergency. It makes me crazy when Grammy starts major renovation projects at 10 O’clock at night. It seems she never finds inspiration for projects at a decent hour. She occasionally stays up half the night working on a project and then she sneaks into bed and invariably puts her cold feet on me. Even as I write this, a smile is working its way into the corner of my mouth. I realize even the things she does that make me crazy, have somehow become a part of my fascination with her. I am totally and completely taken with Grammy. My love for her is deep and strong. She is my Great Love!!!

About Romeo and Pretty Princess

Pretty Princess says:

I'm a college freshman enjoying the oh so silly, fun stage of falling in love with a boy from my childhood (Romeo.) Cliche? Maybe... but that's just fine with me. He amazes me daily and loves me unconditionally. I'm the baby of the four sisters and have enjoyed the throne of princess as each of my sisters left home to start families of their own. I'm the queen of pet peeves, such as gum chomping, pen clicking, and excessive sniffing... especially during a class. I would like to think that, despite my idiosyncrasies that I am loving toward others and hopefully, lovable myself! I have a serious obsession with Taco Bell burritos and Dove chocolate. I'm also slightly OCD when it comes to cleaning. Advertisements for cleaning products often get me more excited than a new makeup line!

The most important part of my life, however, is my relationship with the Lord. I am a young woman who is trying to fully understand just how truly blessed I am. Sometimes I have to stand in awe at how God has blessed our family so abundantly! I am trying, often failing, at becoming the woman that God has intended me to be. Life is such a precious gift!

Romeo says:

Younger brother of two and son of a happily married couple of over 35 years, I'm a college student, a marketing major with a possible minor in entrepreneurship or advertising. Also, I am currently working at AT&T as a retail sales consultant and loving every minute of it despite the stress that is sometimes associated with the job.

Now, on to the only thing Romeo is good for... being in love. I am truly in awe of what God has given me in this woman (pretty princess), and cannot wait to see what He has in store for our relationship. Similar to pretty princess, I have pet peeves: heavy breathing, smacking, and picking at things really drive me crazy.

Some interesting things that you might not know about Romeo:

I absolutely love electronics. Anything from my iPhone, iPods, TVs, Surround Sound systems, and gaming systems.

Speaking of gaming systems, I'm an avid player of XBOX 360. I hang out with my friends all the time and play Call of Duty: World at War and RockBand on my 126" high definition projector. We have a lot of fun. Besides my relationship with Christ and Pretty Princess, my friends are extremely important to me and I'm really thankful that God has blessed me with them.

The family of SUPERHEROES!!

Our family is SILLY! We dance for no reason, tell jokes that make no sense and our favorite thing to do as a group is play "superheroes".

PhoJo is the lead superman and my hero. He works harder than anyone I know and doesn't seem to mind. He loves me and our boys and loves the Lord. He dreams big, and accomplishes much! He's gentle and sweet and has an obsession with chinese food.

I prefer mexican food... and italian... and anything meatless! I have recently lost about 70lbs and that's where the "rockstar" name comes from. (thanks to my oldest sis for that!)

I love to make people laugh. I love to laugh at myself too, which I had to do growing up because mom and dad didn't seem to find me as funny as I found myself! LOL Thank God for Farm Chick who laughed at everything I did! She was great for my self-esteem. I love love love being a mom. I think it's the coolest job in the world and I believe that all mom's should receive a superhero name and cape the moment their children arrive.

Speaking of children, let me introduce my boys!! My oldest, known as superman is a hoot!! His personality is much like his aunt (farm chick). He's so so sweet, sensitive and has a gag reflex that you would not believe!! He almost pukes every time his little brother poops, so we change diapers quickly in this house. Chocolate makes him puke, hair will too... it's insane! He was born to be a super hero and maybe a comedian as his day job. He loves to make face and tells me a hundred times a day, "mom check out my serious face!" (see pic below LOL) He's just

amazing.

Now for Spiderman! He's chubby and snuggly and into EVERYTHING! He's so funny, loves to smile and laugh, loves to eat, and hates being contained in his car seat. He's one now and terribly smart! We read books all day and he learns new words by the minute! He's so stinking cute (just like brother), he's stubborn and seems to have an opinion about everything, it will be crazy when he has the vocabulary to let us know what he's thinking. He's just amazing.

I feel like crying as I tell you about my boys because I love them so much. They have taught me more about God's love than I ever dreamed possible. My love for my family makes me want to break out into song! Someday they will make fun of me for saying that, but I'll just sing "I love you a bushel and a peck!"

The Farm Hands

So are you enjoying this week's getting to know you theme? I have heard folks say that they get confused about who is who. This week should help!
It's my turn now. "You got me, Dad? You got me?" (hold on, I'll explain)

I am a middle child. Although there are four of us, by the time Pretty Princess came along I had claimed the spot as middle child. Always trying to get the attention. There is a home video of all of us in the Sheriff's back yard (the Sheriff is our beloved paternal grandpa...Pop's Pop...he went home in 1990). Anyway, the video shows a graceful DW doing gymnastic moves and a cute baby Rock Star toddling around. I am busy trying to get in the middle of the action. Yelling at the camera, "You got me, Dad? Dad, you got me?" as I attempt to get in every shot. At one point, he finally says, "move out of the way." I was watching this with the family several years ago and told them all, "See there's proof! This is why I have middle child syndrome." What a dork! :)

EJ and I are college sweet hearts. We will celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary in June. We love to talk about politics and both like to listen to talk radio. We are striving to learn what it means to have a biblical worldview and to live that out. Like most families we struggle to keep a balance. EJ works a lot of hours at his office and also works hard at the farm. We say no to a lot of opportunities. There is only so much of us to go around.

I guess I should be gracious and tell you about EJ first. I'm used to it. You know being a middle child and all. Hee Hee.

EJ is a one of a kind, never forget him, sort of guy. He has a big smile and he loves to use it. "I like smiling, smilings my favorite" (Will Farrel as Buddy Elf) He is an only child and a born salesman. He always says the best sale of his life was convincing me to marry him! He has an inner joy that could only come from the Lord. He is a runner. He has run in two marathons. He has a beautiful voice and always wows anyone who hears it. He is also the "piano man" in the family. He is a hunter, a fisherman and now it seems a farmer. He loves Christmas time. Each year he anxiously awaits the day after Thanksgiving when it is time for the ceremonially hanging of the Christmas lights. (Think Clark Griswold) He is a hard worker and is driven to accomplish the next goal. He is known to jump in with both feet when he has a new challenge to conquer. His mind is always on overdrive. Man, that man is a thinker. He loves his career and he loves people. Good thing they go hand in hand. He is highly motivated by prizes. (This has served me well as EJ's job rewards him with trips when he reaches certain goals). He is a talker and he loves any kind of social gathering. A party isn't a party without EJ.

I am tender hearted and compassionate, sometimes to a fault. I love organization and having things scheduled. I struggle to stay fashionable and wish my sisters could always be on hand to shop for me and dress me. I have a strange fear of hair. Not when it is attached but when it is on the floor, in the drain, etc. Grosses me out SO much. I could never be a hair dresser. I love to cook and have company over. I love to laugh, not at corny jokes (sorry EJ) but usually at funny stories told by my family and friends. I like to read, especially books that make me truly ponder how to be a better wife and mother. I drink too much coffee but gave up soda pop and I still miss it. 4 or 5 times a week I escape to the gym (once the boys are in bed and EJ is home) I go for three reasons. 1. To get healthy and strong 2. To spend time with my gym buddy (a dear friend I met over a year ago at the gym) 3. To take a break from the 24/7 job of being a momma. I cry easily. I am incredibly passionate about my family, my friends & my faith. I never take being a mother for granted. For two long years I wept and cried out to God for children. EJ was a steady support system and always assured me that we would have little ones one way or another. I believe that God is the giver of life and I will always be grateful that he chose me to be the cowboys' momma. I will continue to pray that he will bless us with more.

Our oldest cowboy, Bubba, turned 3 years old in December. He is pretty sure that the month of December exists just for him. Santa, Baby Jesus and his birthday. He keeps asking us "when is it December?" He is the only brown eyed baby in the family. He is potty trained now...whoo hoo! His vocabulary is huge and he is always picking up new words. He is a little moody in the morning and when he is hungry or tired. (Okay, he definitely got this from me) He loves to do anything with Daddy. He is fascinated by the tractor. He wants to be outside running free at all times. Winter has been tough for him. He often says, "Daddy is my best friend." He is my little helper around the house. His favorite job is taking a trash sack (with Wubba's diaper in it) to the mud room. This job has benefits because his fishing pole is in there. This task usually takes him a few minutes while he dreams about going fishing.

Little brother, Wubba, is always hot on Bubba's trail. He keeps up very well! His smile will melt your heart. He can communicate clearly although he doesn't have that many words yet. He is 21 months old and his baby stage is going way too fast! He has always been able to climb and jump his way out of anything. We had to take his crib down much earlier than Bubba because he kept doing a spiderman jump out of it! I love watching his little mind work. He is always trying to put toys together, put on shoes, etc. He also loves the outdoors and yells at Daddy if he is outside without him. We laugh because he will yell outside, "Daddy, DADDY, DADDY" if that gets no response he starts to yell Daddy's first name. I guess he figures that works for mommy!

We adore watching them just be brothers. We are so glad they have each other to do this life with.

Life on the farm is exciting but also very challenging. We are trying to learn as fast as we can. We have never regretted our decision to be the "farm hands" for one second. Although this city girl is still shocked that I am so happy here. We have the opportunity to slow down and really enjoy life each day!

"Ya'll come back now...you HEAR ME?" Says Bubba who is packin' some serious heat!

About the Unconventional Family

I'm The Unconventional Doctor's Wife (DW for short) and this is my husband The Unconventional Doctor (Doc). I'm the oldest of the four sisters. Doc and I have been married for almost 10 years. Doc is a physician at a rural medical clinic and I am blessed to stay at home with our 4 crazy kiddos! They keep us busy and we try to do our best to balance family time and Doc's work schedule. Jesus Christ is absolutely the center of our lives. It is our goal to raise our children to know him and develop a relationship with Him.

Doc is an avid KU Jayhawk fan! He catches every game he can and takes joy in hearing our kids belt out "ROOOCKKKK CHAAALLKKKK, JAAAYYYHAAAWWKK, KKKKKKK UUUUUUU." He has taught them well! He also enjoys fishing. He got a boat last year and enjoyed going out as often as he finds time. The kids love to go out on Daddy's boat, as well. Doc's other passion (besides me) is exercising. He swims and lifts weights as often as possible. He also is an avid reader and much deeper thinker than I!

As I said before, I stay at home with our kids. I view myself as a "home manager" and see my mission as taking care of the home front so that Doc can give as much as he can to his career! We both view his job as a ministry, of sorts. I home school our oldest daughter, Lou Lou. I also serve as a taxi driver, short order cook and maid. Or at least sometimes it feels that way! I try to keep in mind that this period in life will be over sooner than I think and I try my best to enjoy the crazy chaos. My very favorite thing to do is get a little time alone with my hubby. Going on vacation with him is bliss. I try to like working out, but I don't. I enjoy shopping when I can get to the "big city" and my current favorite hobby is blogging. I LOVE blogging. I view it as a scrapbook of sorts for my family and potential blackmailing material for their teenage years! I'm a no nonsense kind of gal. Just ask my sisters. They don't ask my opinion, on things, unless they REALLY want to know!

Lou Lou is our oldest child. She is funny, smart, beautiful (as you can see) and more than any Mom and Dad could ever hope to have in a daughter. She brings light and sunshine to our lives. It is one of my greatest joys in life, to see my Lou with my Dad. Pop's father, my grandfather had a tremendous impact on my life and I'm thrilled that my dad gets to play an important role in Lou's life as well. It is her joy in life to get to go to the farm and do what she wants to do because "Pop said she could." She loves to play with the cats and dogs that are there. I enjoy it, too, because she gets her pet "fix" without me having to clean up after them at our house!

Bub is second in line. He is a crazy boy. He started preschool this year and frankly, it is a good thing for both of us. He needs the social interaction and outlet and I need the peace! He is very creative and figures out a "solution" for every problem. (Unfortunately his "problems" are usually something like, "I'm hungry and the chocolate is on top of the fridge. How can I get up there?") He is also a Nintendo pro. He is better than his Dad, already, at the age of 4. The farm is paradise for Bub. He's a "don't fence me in" type of guy. He views boundaries as things to be crossed. It is wonderful to have a place where he can run and climb and explore to his heart's content (and I like it because he gets worn out and sleeps really well when we get home!)


The Southern Gentleman (SG for short) is our 3rd. He is a tenderhearted, love monkey! He loves snuggles and makes sure to get a "shmoochie" and a "squeeze" several times a day! He keeps up with the other 2 as much as his short little legs will let him. He is starting to learn that orneriness can be fun (much to my chagrin). His claim to fame is his beautiful long eyelashes and bright blue eyes. I tell people that he got a mutant gene combination that added the length of my eye lashes with Doc's to make for really long and thick lashes. I also call him my little elf. He uses phrases in his speech that kids don't normally use (like, "oh my goodness") in his high little elfy voice and it just cracks me up!

Ladybug is our little surprise joy. She is different from the others...never sucked her thumb, was born with WHITE hair, crawled earlier, etc. She has cheeks that you just want to squeeze and is the most social little thing ever. Here is a glimpse of the joy she brings to our lives...



So, that's us in a nutshell. We love to go to Four Sisters and are blessed that our family is not only family but also friends!

About Grammy and Pop

Pop says:

I am a man who comes from simple, decent people who knew God and loved family. I am one of seven children and was raised as much by my older siblings and grandmother as by my folks. My parents loved me and I’m convinced did the best they could to give us a good life. They struggled to overcome their own demons and shortcomings, and sometimes that translated to hard times for us kids. I grew up simple, playing sports, fishing, hunting and dreaming of the future. It was a good life and I was more fortunate than many.

The greatest blessing in this life has been being married to Grammy. We have been together since we were just kids and I wouldn’t change a thing. She has given me four beautiful daughters who each own the parts of my heart that don’t belong to Grammy. I have three wonderful son-in-laws and a great prospect for a fourth. There is no greater blessing for a father than to see his daughter loved by a Godly man. These are good men and I respect each one.

I have made a career of federal law enforcement and currently work at a prominent law enforcement training academy. I have enjoyed many great years as a law enforcement officer with plenty of excitement and just enough risk to be interesting. It has been an awesome ride and I now find myself in the role of boss and mentor to those who do what I used to do. I believe in justice and have always wanted to challenge those who take advantage and abuse others. God has given me this drive and blessed me with a career where I can pursue my passion.

It is interesting how you can be many different people to many different people. Most of the people I work with and associate with in my have no idea I am “Pop”. This is the title bestowed on me by my grandchildren and I treasure it. It is how my father was known to those who knew him best. I love being Pop and I am never more at peace than when I am with my children and grandchildren.

This is a great time of life and I am humbled by God’s rich blessings. I’m at the peak of my career and enjoying great success. Our children and grandchildren are healthy and blessed. I have time with my beautiful wife and we share this dream we call “Four Sisters Farm”.

Grammy says:

My favorite descriptors of myself are the names by which I am called: I’m called a “Child of God” which is a title that means eternal life to me because He created me, has a purpose for my life, and loves me so much He sent His only Son as my Savior. All my other relationships spring from the relationship I have with my Father God. He is love and it is His love I share with all those who call me by any of my names.

I’m called “Wife”; “Babe” and “Dear” by Pop, my precious husband of more than 32 years (see pic above). You’ll read more about our story soon; but for now I’ll tell you that I love Pop more now than ever. We dream together more than ever before and have been incredibly blessed by God with our family.

I’m called “Mom” by our four beautiful daughters – I remember as a girl dreaming about being a mom. I wanted to be as beautiful a mother as my mom and have a lot of children to love. I wanted to sing songs (like You Are My Sunshine and I Love You a Bushel and a Peck like my mom did) to them and play with them like my mom did. I was not anywhere near the mother I dreamed I would be but our girls love me anyway and still call me “Mom.” I love that I also have three (so far) sons who came to know me as “Mom” when they married our three older daughters. These grownup kids of ours are awesome friends now and one of my favorite pastimes is visiting with them late into the evening after a great day of playing with the grandkids.


I’m called “Grammy” by our eight incredible grandchildren. I chose the title “Grammy” in honor of my paternal grandmother who was called Grammy by her grandchildren. She was my “go to” person anytime I needed total love and acceptance. There was never a time I felt unloved by her and now that I’m a “grammy” I understand why – there is an all-encompassing love that comes with the birth of a grandchild! I have loved being a wife and loved being a mother; but being a grandmother has brought me to a new understanding of what love it.

I’m called “daughter” by my parents and I feel so grateful to God for the privilege to still have them in my life and in the lives of my children and grandchildren. I am also grateful for being called “daughter” by Pop’s parents who are waiting for us in heaven.

I’m called “sister” by one sister and three brothers I don’t get to see or talk to nearly often enough but who I know would do anything I need at a moment’s notice. I am also called "sister" by my "siblings-in-Christ" who claim Christ as Savior and God as their Father like I do. I’m also called “niece”, “cousin”, “sister-in-law” by a large extended family on both branches of my family tree and have so many great memories of family times. I’m called “friend” by people who have made a choice to love me and invite me to share in their lives. I am privileged to have friends from many places over the years. God is good and I am richly blessed.