A Real Good Man

 Grandpa Coke passed away on April 26.  He was a wonderful example to Mike on how to be a hard worker, a wonderful husband and a good man.  The one thing that everyone had to say about Grandpa was his wonderful smile could light up a room.  It definitely could.  Something that will always ring true to me is how much he loves his precious Wilma. 

 He was married to Wilma A. McCall July 13 1940 in Los Angeles, California. Merle was raised in Horton, Kansas and graduated from High School there. He moved to California 1939. Merle served in the Army in Europe during WWII. He moved from Hawthorne to Ojai in June 1948. He worked for Southern California Gas Company retiring after 36 years in 1984. Merle was Master at the Ojai Masonic lodge #663 and was a sergeant with the volunteer Ojai Security Patrol. Merle was a member of the American Legion and past president of Toastmasters. For many years Merle enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling in their motor home. He is survived by his wife of 71 years Wilma Coke, Son Merle Coke Jr. and wife Beverly Coke of Grove, OK, 14 grand Children, 45 great grandchildren and 8 great great- grandchildren. Merle and Wilma are longtime members of the Ojai United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by His parents, 5 brothers, one sister and his sons Gary Lynn, Lawrence Alan and Dale Malcolm.

We are so thankful to know that we will see Grandpa again and that we were able to make the trip to California to celebrate his life with the rest of the family. 

Happy 17 th Birthday, Krystal

 Krystal turned 17 on April 21.  It was a long day of Lacrosse practice and waiting for dad and David to return from a scout camp out before we can celebrate.  It wasn't too back because on Friday the celebration started with Grandma Lisa taking her to get a manicure and Saturday after practice Grandma Tam took her for a pedicure and lunch.  Both sessions were followed by what every 17 year old girl loves.....shopping!!!

 For the first time in our history as we were singing happy birthday and Krystal was blowing out the candles her hair caught on fire.  It didn't burn much but it was very scary.  Of course dad was video taping and Laura thought it was the best part of the day!  When I figure out how, we will post it to facebook.

Krystal was very surprised at the abundance of presents this year.  She loved the new vanity from Aunt Diana and was so surprised about a laptop.  All fun things for her new room.  Krystal we are very proud of the young lady you have become and look forward to the adventures  you will be taking on this next year!  Love you....

Happy Valentines Day

We woke up early to make our kids pink heart shaped pancakes with bacon and eggs. The two little girls were so excited! The two older ones acted like it wasn't a big deal but we could tell they really liked it. Each of the kids had a chocolate heart to take to school.

For lunch I got a surprise visit from Mikey at work and we picked up my mom and Bella for lunch. She was so cute and loves her ranch dressing. When Uncle Mike had to leave back to work he kissed me goodbye. Bella said.....my mommy has a honey too, his name is daddy. It was very cute!

At dinner time we weren't really hungry so we decided to go to the movie and we watched The Vow. What a great love story and even better when you find out that it's a true story. We ordered the kids heart shaped pizza before we left to surprise them.  Wouldn't you know it.....the only one that noticed it was heart shaped was Laura.  I hope everyone had a wonderful valentines day!

HATS

Tuesday was New Beginnings for all three of our girls.  That is when the girls all speak about the different Young Women Values.  They also introduce the girls that will be entering the YW program within the next year.  Since Haley's birthday is technically next year but before the next New Beginnings program all three of the girls were there.  The theme for this year was, "hats". 

It was such a cute idea and great the way the older girls picked a hat that represented the value they spoke about.  Krystal spoke on Good Works and so she picked a pioneer hat because of the work ethic of pioneer woman.  Laura spoke on Integrity and so she picked a cowboy hat since they have integrity.

Haley's hat I got to pick.  It was a hat to introduce her to the other girls and let them know something about her.  She got a chefs hat.  Haley loves to cook and help in the kitchen.  She really liked her hat and has even been wearing it while reading this week.  It was a wonderful night for everyone and we are so excited to have all our girls in the YW program!