Ben's First Turkey Day

Here is Benjamin with his cousins and sisters all at Grandpa Max and Roseann's in Dodge City. He loved all the attention from Morgan (in the pink) and Reagan, and was glad to see there's another boy in the family with Brock!

Happy Thanksgiving with spooky pictures

myMom and Dad

Here are pictures of my Momma and Daddy. I love them!!! Cade Michael

A.J. has taken to being a big brother! He is always touching and messing with him. Loves to give wet kisses and is ready to teach him the fine art of being a Jedi, he is his youngling. Cade is a trooper and loves all the attention.

Big Sissy Josie Ann Marie

Josie loves Cade and now is an expert at changing diapers!!!!!!!!!! 9/2007

ok I need some work on my blogging skills.....here is Hemphill Middle School. It was named for Kevin's dad which is such a huge honor. Josie and A.J. cut the ribbon and really think that it is cool.

I'm back

The reason I haven't been blogging...is Master Cade Michael Hemphill born 8-29-07. He is such a joy. Josie and A.J. are so sweet with him. He is really smiling and kicking and cooing now, this was taken the 30th of Oct. I will send more..........

It Takes a Soul

Enjoyed a piece on KWCH last night about the Cimmaron National Grasslands west of Dodge City. As the ranger they interviewed gave some facts about the grasslands -- which were created following the dust bowl to restore the land to its natural state and keep the soil from blowing -- images of the endless prairie appeared on the screen. Sights we've all witnessed and loved through the years: a sun setting over vast expanses, the gentle waves of tall, native grasses stretching as far as the eye can see, and prairie weeds mingling amid colorful wildflowers.

Right before the interview ended, the ranger said that the true beauty of the prairie is within the eye of the beholder, adding, "Anyone can love the mountains, but it takes a soul to love the prairie."

It struck a chord deep within me and his words have been with me most of today as I think of the place I call home. No, not everyone appreciates it. No, not everyone thinks it is beautiful. But those of us who view it with the heart -- not just the eye -- see it for what it truly is.

Living.

Breathing.

Land.

It's beautiful. And I'm thankful my soul lets me see it.

Still Wearing That Purple

Even after getting trounced by Big Red last week, Abbie, Zoe and Ben were still donning the purple. At least basketball season has started ....

Fun with the Fallen

Ahhhh.... the leaves have begun to fall. Some use the traditional method of raking in fall attire of hat and jacket, while others prefer to utilize a stick and beat the leaves into oblivion while dressed in a skirted leotard. Still others love the photo op of just relaxing in a nest of crisp, dry, pungent leaves. We certainly have plenty to try all tactics!

Geoffrey and Lauren dancing at the wedding

Lets Dance

Geoffrey had a great time at the wedding we went to this weekend. He did some good dancing in his cow boots

It's not quite meat and potatoes ...

But Ben was very excited to eat something other than formula and cereal. The little man got to tempt his taste buds with Gerber squash and really liked it.

Ben roars into 6 months

Big Ben turned 6 months old on Nov. 6. He is a happy, happy guy.

Fall Tradition

Some rake leaves, others bob apples, but at the Maxwell house, we eat pomegranates. Abbie and Zoe wanted to thank Uncle Roo for getting the tradition started. As we were cutting it open yesterday, I asked them who pomegranates made them think of, and Zoe smiled and said, "Adam!" We love and miss you ... this one's for you:)

Halloween

Here is a picture of Geoffrey and I carving the pumpkin and him in his Elmo costume. He had a good time Trick or Treating.

Happy Halloween

A few costume changes, a few tears from everyone and several Milk Duds later, Halloween '07 is in the books. Abbie did her best to recreate the '80s look, Zoe was a fortune teller, Nattie Ruth was Sleeping Beauty, and Ben was baby Josh Freeman (sans the tan and 'fro) with the cute bib from Aunt Ka.

Queen of the Kitchen

Not everyone can stir up a mean chili while wearning a crown, but Nattie Ruth does her best.