who loves math?

We are so proud of our son!!

2012-01-30T20:02:00.000-08:00

So our first born...our little boy...our Mr C... can read. So when he had early release from school last Thursday, Granny took him to AM's preschool and he read her class a book. A little book his Auntie Peg(Granny's BFF) had given him called Tummies and Tails.

He did a great job and we are sooo proud of him. When was the last time his smile was THAT big for a picture!!???

Granny took this picture of his proud sister and reluctant hero brother!! I think this is just priceless!!

San Diego

2012-01-17T19:38:00.000-08:00

...which of course in German means... :) oh never mind.

So I took C and AM to San Diego to visit some of our lifelong friends that moved out their 3 or so years ago. We truly had a wonderful time. I was so impressed with the weather and their home and neighborhood. Everything was amazing...I can't wait to go back.

Here we are looking over the wildlife at La Jolla and then we went down to the tide pools.

They have these magnificent tree where the girls pretended they were monkeys(complete with sounds) and then all the kids played hide and seek:)

We went out for wine and bread and cheese...adults only. I bought him that sweet shirt! I would be amis if I didn't mention he loves Bread and Cie. I should have made a slide show so I could include all the pictures!

Here we are workin the glasses I bought. Very Californian right?

Have you heard of Corvette Diner...Incredible Pizza....maybe a place where your kids are over stimulated and it cost you LOTS of money? That was this place. We had a great time:)

We stay with our friends 2 night and then at a SWEET Ramada for 2 nights. Evidently the Club level is a must so I made it happen with a little help from an adorable 8 year old. Look at the bedtime reading they have for newborns.

Not to mention the hours of fun had by these kiddos. All this after we swam in the ginormous pool and spent time in the awesome hot tub at the hotel.

We spend Sunday at Mission Beach. We stayed mainly on the boardwalk, but I really wanted the kids to be able to say they felt the Pacific Ocean. AM put her feet in, but not C so much.

I tried to bribe the kids with cotton candy...I think it worked:) They love me.

Group picture out side the boardwalk area.

This is out last night together in Old Town. Evidently this is the first town established in CA...who knew?

This is the view from the CLUB LEVEL where we spent breakfast our last day. Even the kids were impressed!

All in all...we had a great time and I feel like it is an important investment for the kids to travel. I feel like they learned a lot about themselves and about interacting with others. I really liked that they got to see a different culture than where we live:)

TX Christmas

2012-01-09T19:32:00.000-08:00

After we got home from SC we had Christmas with B's parents:) I told C to keep his hands to himself for the picture...

AC has really enjoyed the holiday season this year. She really gets it that if you unwrap the box there is a wonderful present inside!!

Check out AM and the purse Granny and Pops got her...probably more from Granny than Pops:)

So tired after all the eating and present opening!

Look at these angels in their new princess jammies! WOW they are cute right?

We capped off the day with some S'mores for dessert. This may be one of C's favorite foods. He got soooo messy...he's usually the clean on!

No, he really likes S'mores. Even ones made by some crazy microwave s'more maker:)

Our bi-annual hike to a water fall

2012-01-04T08:05:00.000-08:00

Our family loves hiking. B and I love hiking...I don't know why, but we do. We do always seem to run into some sort of mishap, but I guess the good out ways the bad? This hike was no different. Look at my little AC, she seems so cute and happy....

And then she started to turn. I ended up having to carry her almost the entire way to the falls and a little on the way back. I am claiming that she was car sick after riding in the back back through the curvy roads up and down the mountain.

This hike's incident involve B trying to cross the river/stream by walking across a log...with rubber boots on...holding C...wearing a backpack. He didn't make it across dry. He slip and fell off the log, but caught himself and just stepped in the water that was knee deep. While trying to keep C from getting wet and manage his footing on the rocky bottom, he succumbed to the icy waters of the Chattooga River.

Here's the Falls...

And some attempts at a group shot.

It's sad that this is the best one and Cedar's tail is covering Andy.

You can see by AM's face how cold it was.

And then the crying began. B was such a great sport as he sloshed the whole way back with water in his boots, freezing in wet clothes and carrying a screaming 2 year old.

Christmas Day

2012-01-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

Ac loves the movie "Tangled". and by loves I means she has probably watched it over a dozen times and she sings all the songs and its a good thing that Santa brought her Crash Cart with scissors on it to open her Tangled Barbie!

AM got a huge Doll House and a baby Belle with tea set! She loved it!!

C got a HUGE air hockey table. This is what happens when Santa is entitled to bring his favorite son a present...

I got Papa a sweet Knuckle Sandwich Knife by Guy Fieri. I thought he would think it was super cool...he is hard to impress.

My AM with her new hat, gloves, and boots. She is such an angel:)

C playing with his bubbles in his new boots...

and AC

Throwing sticks off the dock...a time honored tradition.

Christmas Eve

2012-01-03T18:56:00.000-08:00

Our tradition has been to go to the Kwist church for Christmas Eve service and then we go over to their house for dinner. Here is the traditional kids picture around the tree. AC was not in a good mood:( AM however was woking it!!

We both had on boots, tights, and a dress...we are so hip!

The grand kids and Papa...Again..AC was not in a good place.

Two of my favorite people.

Getting ready for the group picture.

I should really learn how to edit these things, but it is pretty good despite the family patriarch not looking at the camera!!

Ehh... Not bad

Babysitting the cousins

2012-01-02T08:39:00.000-08:00

That's a joke because it was more like "getting to hang out with the cousins" while their mom and dad still had to work on Wed and Thursday...boo!

We managed to have some fun without them. Here the boys are in a rousing game of trouble. I believe it took 3 or 4 session of reconvening before the game was finally finished.

We also made some cookies. The kids were impressive with their cookie cutting skills.

The proverbial "kids" table for meals. They insisted on all sitting together. Isn't that sweet?

Iced the cookies...

Watched some DORA!!

Wrestled with Uncle B...

Aunt Turah introduced everyone to cake pops from Starbucks:)

And we had a great time at the Play Nation:)

This was Occupy the house. Many kids were chased in order for these kids to gain entrance:)

Chapel and B's party

2011-12-17T08:53:00.000-08:00

At AM and AC's school they have chapel every week and on the last week of the Fall semester, family is allowed to come and watch. It is soo cute. AC was on my lap and AM sat on Granny's lap.

AC was so cute. She cried when I left her...she really loves me!! Or it turned out she was getting sick. She took a nap at school which she hadn't done all year and woke up with a fever.

Thursday some of the people B worked with had a little celebration for him. He got a bit of a promotion at another school in the district. All the secretaries got together and made him a bunch of sack lunches...because he always eats the lunches that parents bring up to their kids when they forget their lunch...

I was pretty impressive how many sack lunch we have now. Very thoughtful!!

AM's Dance Recital

2011-12-17T08:38:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday was AM's dance recital. I couldn't take enough pictures of her:)

You know dancers get beautiful flowers at their performance:)

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T18:20:00.001-08:00

First, I wanted to share this ridiculous picture of a fraction of all the arts and crafts the kids bring home. Poor AM and AC, it was moderately cute when C brought them home, but now that we have 3...Man alive!

This year we spent Thanksgiving at B's parents. On Wednesday, we had everyone over for some fondue:) Cheese fondue and chocolate fondue for dessert.

On Thanksgiving morning, I slept in and we hung out at the house for a bit. I got to go on a jog, B and C played some SORRY...

AM did some baking...She made Gramma's meat stuffing. People around here get kinda touchy if you call it stuffing, so we call it meat dressing. I am 100% on the difference any ways.

Here are the girls playing at Granny and Pops'.

A rousing game of trouble was played. C won...no cheating. That kid can roll 6's like nobody's business.

Here is Thanksgiving meal... Granny cooked up and amazing feast as usual:)

Tough loss for the Ags that night...

Thanksgiving Feasts at school

2011-11-19T18:10:00.001-08:00

B and Granny were able to go to the kids' Feasts at school. AM has a tie dyed Indian shirt on:) She also made a drum, necklace and head dress. She had a great time:)

CMJ made a shirt into a vest:) His Indian name was on the back. It is "Flying Squirrel". So fitting...right?

AM had one of her teammates over after their last soccer game and they drove around the backyard chasing C yelling, "Owh Owh Owh Owh Owh!" I didn't know if that was politically correct, but they saw it on Tom and Jerry.

AMAYTC 2011

2011-11-16T19:00:00.001-08:00

This year was in Austin. Not too exciting since my first year was in Vegas and I had to skip Boston last year for S's wedding, but I did have a great time and learned ALOT!

These are some of the ladies I work with. I met so many new people from all over the country.

I even got to see my nephew:)

Pete's Piano bar

My poster session... I described my project like 50 times, but it was fun!!

Blue Moon Bar...our last night:(

C gets Knighted

2011-11-09T20:41:00.000-08:00

We are so proud of our C. His school is implementing a new character education curriculum. They call it "The Code" and it has a sort of knights theme to it. They recognize one student from each class who best displays part of The Code. This was the first month, and the part of The Code being emphasized was tolerance. C was chosen by his teacher as the student who best displays tolerance in his class, so he was knighted. Here we are backstage prior to the ceremony.

Each student was called up on stage, met by their family and given a medal. C's teacher said a few words about how he displays tolerance in class and what not. It was so sweet and made us so proud.

Look closely at the knight on the left! All of the moms wanted their picture taken with Sir Cass!

Hey-o!

All joking aside, these guys were REAL knights. They have been knighted overseas. They had real armor and real swords. They say that they are "trying to make chivalry cool again." They said "kids get awards for sports and doing well in school; we want to give them awards for being good kids and doing the right things." At that point, all the moms were crying.

Again, we couldn't be more proud of our C.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-07T04:24:00.000-08:00

Here are C and AM before we went out. I was in the back trying to calm AC down. She wasn't sure she wanted to go as Dora afterall.

Trick or Treating is so fun now because they all say it and know what they get!!

Granny and Pops came over for dinner(Fish Tacos) and then went trick or treating with us:)

Here's the first family photo. B and I got dressed up for the occasion:)

B wore the backpack and wig when AC didn't want too:)

Here are the kiddos and Cedar inspecting their loot:)

School Halloween

2011-11-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

We went to the pumpkin patch again this year....It was lovely:)

See, the kids are overjoyed!

This is AM at her school parade. She is Belle!

And this is her preschool class this year...

AC went as Dora. She had backpack and boots, but she wouldn't wear the wig:)

Here is C at his parade. He is General Grievous...BUT, he wouldn't wear the mask:) It is funny because in public school they can't actually celebrate Halloween, so they call it a Storybook Parade.

This is C's class:) His teacher was Goldy Locks.

Gramma's Fall Break Visit

2011-10-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

Gramma came for a visit last weekend! We had so much fun and we hope she and Papa can come more often once Gramma retires in January!

Gramma and Audrey Christine...

Annemarie and her boyfriend Huddy...

Our big soccer player: He is so good and is getting so much more aggressive...

Daddy "coaching" Annemarie. We use the term coaching loosely...

More pics of Gramma with her grandchildren....

Quotes of the weekend:

Audrey (upon being woken up by mom or dad every single morning and after every nap): "I want Gramma!"

Annemarie: "Gramma, next time you come to our house, make sure you bring Papa."

Charlie: "Mom, don't tell me the next time we are going to South Carolina. I get so excited...I can't sleep! Don't tell me until the day we're leaving."

In a few short weeks he is really reading:)

2011-10-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's soccer season again...

2011-10-01T19:56:00.000-07:00

This Fall B is coaching both kiddos teams. He felt out of touch I think last Spring because he was down at Rice. So this means that he runs practice for AM's team of 6 4 and 5 year old girls and then for C's team of 7 6 year old boys. Then, they usually both have games on Sat. It has been a real learning experience:)

Practice is a real family affair...

Here is C in his game. He scored a goal on Sat and I therefore bought him a new Wii game as promised. I am not above bribery.

More pics to come. I have been so darn busy!!

AM's haircut

2011-09-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

So AM really didn't like having her hair brushed or styled. And by styled, I just mean put up in a pony tail. She has a very sensitive head and her hair would get so tangled!! So we got her a shorter hair cut and it has been GREAT!!

Here she is getting it cut...

And here she is on an average day. It is shorter in the back and layered. Then longer around her face...this is very in now!!

rainbow

2011-09-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

The weather has been crazy here....drought, record number of days over 100, and now wildfires:( It did pseudo sprinkler one evening and we saw the greatest rainbow!!

Its funny how excited everyone got! I loved it!!

First Day of school

2011-08-25T21:05:00.000-07:00

Here is our boy on his first day of Kindergarten. I remember so vividly when he was born, when we brought him home from the hospital, when he peed out his diaper, when he wouldn't take a nap, when he started pre-school, when he rode his bike without training wheels... the list goes on and on.

Yeah, his eyes are shut, but I will remember his first and 3rd day of school for the rest of my life!!

C is so wonderful. He got right to work on the first day and wanted to know what to do after he finished his first assignment!

AM started on Monday as well. She was sooooo excited. No nervousness like her brother. She wore red socks with red shoes...classic.

On AC's first day of school, we started with C for his 2nd day of kindergarten. He showed his sisters that he knew where to go...

AM insisted that they wear matching dresses...I obliged~

This is the night after day 2 for the older ones and day 1 for AC. Such a great picture!!!

C Turns 6!!

2011-08-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

He is getting to0 big!! And starting kindergarten next week!! WOW...tear.

For his Bday this year we went with a more low key party. He invited 3 friends over for a sleepover! Here they are sliding into the pool! We also had a small water balloon fight:)
IT was a Pokeman slash Star Wars Party!! Yeah!!
There was some Wii playing as well. Here they are playing a SMURF dancing game....it was awesome to watch them. They were sooo serious!

Blowing out the candles!

B threw in that it was also a camping party and let the boys roast two marshmallows!

I know what you are thinking, but these kids are all angels!! They were asleep by 10 and let us sleep until 7! PERFECT!!

Trip to the aquarium...

2011-07-31T19:34:00.000-07:00

Granny and Pops took the kiddos here while we were celebrating our 10 yr anniversary in Destin. C was sick when his school took a field trip here so I was so glad he got to go...BUT a little jealous that I didn't get to go. Luckily, my soccer buddy from high school and college was in town and we got to go again!!

She has 3 kiddos as well. IT was PERFECT!!!

SO CUTE!!!

And to cap it off....FREE DR PEPPER!!!! I don't think that either of us have ever given our kids soda like this, but it was cold and free!!!

Week 3 - DISNEY!!

2011-07-22T06:10:00.000-07:00

This is a long one...

Week 2 - Destin

2011-07-12T18:29:00.000-07:00

That little one in the middle was where our condo was! B did so good!! It was perfect:)

This is our shadows wearing our chairs and all beach necessities...
This is us on the beach!!
This is us on our balcony...

This is us on a night out on the town...

This was our last meal at Steamers!! It was wonderful!!

Week 1 - SC 2011

2011-07-12T06:01:00.000-07:00

June 12th Shower

2011-07-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

Again, I know its late, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention the small shower we had for Kristina. It's kinda a big deal because we rarely get to all be together. These girls truly helped make me who I am. All that was missing was KC!!

First we went out to lunch and then all got pedicures!! Pretty good shower if you ask me...everyone wins!!!

That night JuJu, S and family came over for some porch time...

Things got competitive with the Cozy Coupe race, but we had a lot of laughs!

The problem with vacation is...

2011-07-04T21:40:00.000-07:00

...You never have any time to blog. Before we left for our trip around the south, C and I did the MuddMaxx!! We had a great time and I was so impressed with how well C ran!!

Here we are enjoying our kiddy pool in the back yard!!!

AC insisted on wearing a floaty!! I am so glad she loved it so much!!
More to come, but these are a few pics from June!

AM's tea party

2011-06-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

We had two of AM's girl-y friends over for a tea party. AM got this FANCY party book for her birthday and she wanted to make these fancy rainbow colored cupcakes. It involved many bowls and food coloring.

We set the table all fancy and lit the candles. I didn't get a close up of the cupcakes, but they were very time intensive and were gone in about 2 minutes.Here are all the fancy ladies:)

After the tea and cupcake, we had a dance party...

Nothing like watching a little Tom and Jerry and eatin' some popcorn to cap off a tea party...

Going to the zoo...

2011-05-20T08:46:00.001-07:00

The weekend of AC's birthday, we went to the zoo on Saturday and her party was on Sunday. My blogging has been lagging. I feel busy, but I'm not. I'll work on it.

We rode the carousel of course.
C and AC did not what to ride on an animal. We sat on the bench.

6 kids, 3 adults, it went pretty well.

Here we are at the kid part where you can brush the goats...Aren't the girls cure in their matching outfits:)?

We went with our good friends whose kids are 4, 5 and 6. I love them because everyone has someone to play with. Here the boys are prairie dogs. My C has been to the zoo a number of times, but never had the courage to climb all the way through to poke his head out like this. Thank God for peer pressure!

Baby and mama elephant! so cute right?

Some lions...

Some baby and mama giraffes...its spring at the zoo!

I think all the kids had a great time, but AC had a TIME!!! She was RUNNING everywhere. Climbing on things, laughing, being really stubborn and not keeping up with us and then getting mad at me when I tried to hold her had. It was great. That AC is stubborn as a mule...we say that a lot.

Group picture...I sure wish my kids were as good at taking pictures as their friends. Look at those kids, they are super stars!

C's Cinco de Mayo and riding his bike:)

2011-05-11T11:49:00.000-07:00

At C's school they had a Cinco de Mayo celebration. They showcased all their Spanish knowledge through song and dance. Then, we got to partake in a lunch of fajitas and quesadillas. Granny and I attended and it was delicious!!
Here is C with his big line!!

He is so cute:) We can't believe he is headed to kindergarten next year!! He is definitely ready:)

Speaking of ready for kindergarten, he had been working on riding his bike with no training wheels. Now, he is a little timid and hasn't really wanted to do it by himself, but after AC's birthday party where some of his friends were showing off their bike skills, he was ready. It didn't hurt that he has mastered the razor scooter which involves a good bit of balance, but not as far of a fall as a bike:) Now he can even get going by himself!!

AC is 2!

2011-05-08T20:57:00.000-07:00

Excuse me while I go get another tissue. My baby is 2 and she can walk and talk and run and state her opinion and fight with her siblings and she is not really a baby anymore. I love babies and since B has more or less forbid me to drink any water where someone may be pregnant...I guess I am missing the days when AC was actually a baby. BUT, enough about me...IT's not like its Mother's Day or some thing;)

We had a ride-on/push/swim party. Here is everyone lined up for the push something race. Granny was such a sport to push AC...it was HOT!!!

Here is the ride on Race!

This pool with the built in slide was a major hit!! There were a few injuries, but overall very fun! I had to shove it in the back of my car to get it home from Wal-mart. I am still talking about it!!

I was so proud that AC was able to blow out her candle...wait for it...wait for it

AM's Spring Recital

2011-05-07T05:51:00.003-07:00

AM did so well at her recital. I feel like she was one of the only ones that was doing what she was suppose to. They performed in the gym at the high school and the stands were packed. We were so impressed and very proud:)

Easter Weekend

2011-04-24T19:49:00.001-07:00

The kids didn't have school Thursday or Friday so they started off the weekend with some pool time. It has just recently started getting warm enough outside, which is nice that it stayed cool for so long.

Here they are at war with the sprinkler...where do they learn this stuff?

After I worked Thursday and B worked Thursday night, we headed out to go camping for the long weekend. We took the pool with us. AC loves it more than anyone else. We have to drag her kicking and screaming from it...

B reading C a book :)

This was so adorable. The kids spontaneously laid down and were starring at the clouds. B turned to me and said that it made him realize how busy we have been. He told me he used to just stare at the clouds when he was in Montana and he can't remember the last time he looked at the clouds:)

Our camping trip got cut short when AM started running a fever. We stuck it out through the night although there wasn't much sleeping. We came home the next morning and AC started running a fever as well.

So, Easter morning was wonderful. The kids got their Easter baskets and we headed out for the egg hunt...

Since the girls were sick we could go to church(we had decided it would be too crowded anyways). We had a small service in our back yard on Glacier's Bench. We read from C's bible and sang a song.

Said a little prayer...
Played a little Wii...

And had a pretty good Easter!!

C's birthday celebration at school

2011-04-20T05:40:00.000-07:00

C's birthday is in the summer so we got to celebrate his birthday at school yesterday:) He was very excited. He got to wear all comfy clothes and wear the birthday hat!!

We also celebrated by having a sing-a-long. I think the kids enjoyed it. I also read 2 books...how is that for ironic!

C's Rodeo!!

2011-04-08T18:14:00.000-07:00

Look at this guy singing "God Bless America!" Do you think he is going to be a republican?

Here's a picture of C doing his FAVORITE dance....the Chicken Dance!!
I will have you know that C has never eaten an entire hot dog, bun and all...He did this day and it was amazing!!!
Of course, his favorite part was the cupcake!!!
Here is C's art contribution to the Rodeo Lunch!!

Just in case you forgot what the Chicken Dance was....GO TO A WEDDING!!!

B and I LOVE Texas. We have soooo much TX pride!! This is then our favorite song...

AM's Field Trip to Old McDonald's Farm

2011-04-04T19:27:00.000-07:00

Pops was the lucky one that got to accompany AM on her field trip last week. Lucky for me, he took pictures as well. There is a big dirt pile the kids like to run up and down!!

Then, of course there was animals at the farm...

And a train to ride...

And a rope swing that you jump of into hay!

Look what we can do!!!

2011-04-02T18:06:00.000-07:00

Here is C reading a book to his sister!! He has learned so much this year:)

AM has started to read and write her own letters. All relatives should expect one in the mail:)

AC had started feeding herself with utensils! This makes life sooo much easier for mom and dad:)

AM's bday party

2011-03-27T14:28:00.001-07:00

Have we talked about this? Because of the time of year, AM ends up having a number of birthday celebrations. It is therefore difficult for me to justify a huge party...like we seem to do for C.

We celebrated her bday at school with some cupcakes.

We celebrated her bday while we were camping.

We celebrated her bday with Granny and Pops. I forgot my camera, but the Sharky's put a shark hat on her head an brought her an ice cream with whip cream, sprinkles AND a sparkler:)

AND THEN, we had her party...Ridiculous! We tell our kids they should only be having dessert for special occasions, but when you celebrate a bday that many times, it gets out of hand:) It's kinda like when Easter time comes, the kids end up going on 5 or 6 egg hunts before Easter Day. Anywhoskis...

We just had a few close friends over. We already had 5 kids at the house and then with two more families, we had a decent turn out. We borrowed a friend's bounce house, got a cake from HEB and set out the bubbles.

Pretty early in the party, AM decided she was ready for present time.

She is so sweet opening her presents. She is sincerely excited about every one. She says things like, "What is it? Wha-aat could it be?" when she is opening them and then says things like, "Ohhh!!! Thank You! Thank you so much!!" It's pretty cute:)

We went with a hello kitty theme after Gramma had given her a fabulous hello kitty skirt!

Here she is in the jump house all hello kitty-ed out!

And for the Grande Finale!!! AC truly loved this gift as well!!

Spring Break with the Cousins!! Round 1

2011-03-26T17:52:00.001-07:00

We had a great time! The kids played so well together and it really wasn't until the last day or so that the baby's whining got on anyone's nerves. They are at great ages and I am so glad that they look forward to seeing each other soooooo much!!! They already can't wait until the summer and next year:)

Here are two tired parents after driving 14.5 hrs to Houston! We were so proud of them...They have come along way since their 18hr drive from Dallas to Seneca...am I right?

I love that Andy is into wrestling. My kids don't wrestle hardly at all and as soon as Andy and James walk in...they are all in...even little AC. She LOVED tackling James!!!

Here is Aunt Kerri trying to calm everyone down after a good wrestling match with some yoga. They were into it, but I think AC tackled Aunt Kerri...

Here Uncle Mark is reading a bedtime story...evidently it was the funniest bed time story ever and they got pretty silly!!
We watched some movies and shows which is always nice for moms and dads!!

Best Camping Trip ever...

2011-03-17T12:38:00.001-07:00

Seriously...can you see how serious they are?

We scored a spot this week at Sam Houston National Forest. We spend two nights there and the weather was BEAUTIFUL!! Couldn't have asked for a better spring break!

B and I kept talking about what a great trip this was. It seems that something usually goes wrong...(our toilet over flowed, glacier got snagged by fishing hook, we got a spot next to karokeers, etc.)

Our hike along the Lone Star Trail.

We went on some hikes, enjoyed pancakes for breakfast and mallows at night. And AC even took a nap...

AM is 4

2011-03-15T18:27:00.001-07:00

This is the family out celebrating AM's birthday. We had a GREAT time:)

They even brought AM a bunch os sopapillas with whipped cream and chocolate syrup...with honey on the side...TOO MUCH SUGAR!!
She got a piggy bank!!
And some sparkly clothes from Gramma and Papa which she wore for 48 hours straight:)

She is 4 years old now. And Amazing.

Just a day at the park..

2011-03-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

I am always amazed at how much these kids love going to the park!

My Angel

2011-02-18T19:17:00.001-08:00

Look at this girl dancing with her daddy!!

She loves to dance... and to be dipped!!

We got her this super cute soccer outfit for Valentine's Day!! We can't get enough of her in it!!
Are you kidding me with this!?!? Look at my Angel! She is my Angel.

I love her so much it hurts. She is truly my heart walking outside my body.

We had a snow day...well, more of an ice day

2011-02-08T20:43:00.001-08:00

I wish I had a video of the first time the pups ran out across the deck to the yard...because the deck was completely iced over and they slipped and slidded all over the place. IT WAS HILARIOUS, or as I like to say...Filarious(Freakin' Hilarious). Not to worry, no dogs were hurt.

At least AM was warmly dressed!!

The grill was frozen over...lit-rah-ly
Here is a picture of the icicles off the car... Burrr!

Oh yeah, C got new glasses!!

2011-01-31T20:28:00.000-08:00

I am going on Kerri's blog probation...

2011-01-31T13:22:00.000-08:00

I just know it! This is been a poor blogging month for me...huh?

Well, let's see...what can I blog about? What can I blog about?

Ummmm...One day the kids got introduced to bubble wrap and had a good time popping all those plastic bubbles!

Here is just a picture of B and AC!!
This is a picture of Newie...I didn't even put that pillow there...She just ended up under it:)
Oh! And C has started trying to ride his bike without training wheels! He is sooooo close!

After Christmas and New Years

2011-01-09T20:36:00.000-08:00

I just like this picture, but we didn't catch any fish:(

We left Gramma and Papa's the Monday after Christmas so that we could attend the wedding of one of our previous babysitters. Their family is so special to us. Here are the two younger sisters and former babysitters:)

And the BRIDE! As you can see it was a rainy day, but EVERYONE had a great time. The 1-hour rain delay allowed the guests to mingle and have a drink, so by the time the nuptials were said, no one was complaining.

The newlyweds...

Me and the Bride!! What a great time!!

New Years Eve found us having a full-family sleepover at friends. We kicked of the evening with some fireworks...aka sparklers and those pop firecracker that you throw on the ground.

The kids rung in the New Year with our family tradition..."Purple Cows"

We also started off the year with a tragedy at the house behind the ditch from our backyard. New Pup woke me up to go out at 3:30am. As I went to the door, I gasped and yelled at B that the house behind us was on fire. B being the complete level headed administrator, jumped out of bed and began to get dressed while simultaneously calling 911. He jumped in his car and went over there to bang on the door of the house and its neighbors.

Unfortunately, we later found out that there had been someone inside. I was so proud of my husband and it definitely made us talk to the kids about fire safety and formulate a plan in the event of something like this!

Yes, It snowed!!

2011-01-06T18:37:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day...well, Christmas night it snowed and snowed. It had stopped by morning, but there was a little left on the ground. We thought we could find more if we went to Wahalla, but it was the same. There were some good sleding hills! Unfortunately, we didn't have a sled:)

Gramma did help us build a GREAT snowman!! AM was really working the ear warmer:)

Here is C's most successful sleding...

Christmas Day

2010-12-31T08:38:00.000-08:00

The most important thing...the standing rib roast. Just Kidding...We don't forget the reason for the season, but the food is pretty good too:)

C has developed into quite a gamer. Whether it be video games, card games, or board games. We gave him TROUBLE and he can't get enough of it. We played a few rousing games...things got pretty heated, but not as bad as the infamous UNO game back in PK FL 08.

I just thought this was cute. AC using a talking book pen as a remote. She loves getting into things.
I like this too because she thinks he is distracted reading a book and she is messing with the remote... Papa KNOWS, AC!
Here is the DS that Santa brought for C. The jury is still out on whether this was a good or bad decision...

Christmas morning...

The cousins opening their awesome Pillow Pals:)

Leading up to Christmas...

2010-12-30T11:19:00.000-08:00

This year I feel like the cousins all played so well together!! They played "monster" which involves a lot of running and screaming. We all spend the night at Gramma and Papa's one night.

Here's a jammie picture.

We decorated Christmas cookies for Santa. Aunt Kerri is so organized. She had m&ms, chocolate chips, gum drops, and crushed candy canes on individual plates for the kids to use. They came out awesome and Santa LOVED them!!

These boys are growing up and learning to love electronics. They sat there quietly for a good 15 minutes.

We attended Christmas Eve service and then had dinner at Mark and Kerri's. Here is everybody and fancied up.

Gramma got every one Christmas jammies that they HAD to put on immediately!! They also all got these sweet sling shot animals. Things got crazy on the stairs...

Group picture!!

Then we went on a hike:)

2010-12-29T18:38:00.000-08:00

Look at me...baby wearing AC!! She is soooo cute!! I love her sooo much!!

I took a couple pictures, but I loved this picture of Gramma and Andy...so cute!!

Here is the waterfall!!! IT WAS GREAT!!!

This is the group picture!! Everyone is accounted for!!

This party was out of this world...

2010-12-28T11:45:00.000-08:00

Did I just say that?

My sister and her sons invited us to a Star Wars Party the first day we were in SC. She posted about it here, Star Wars Party, but it was so fun I wanted to share a few pictures too!! Initially I was told "No GIRLS ALLOWED!", but me and my daughters crashed!

Here is C in his pod. They all decorated boxes. We were going to give him that light saber for Christmas, but gave it to him early for the party. He was so thankful and rarely put it down.
I highly recommend this idea for a fun get together. Don't worry, my sister, mom and I are against violence and guns and stuff, but these boys sure had a GREAT time!!

Where to begin?

2010-12-27T19:09:00.001-08:00

Let's see... Our Christmas Vacation started on Sat with a celebration at B's parents. The kids were so excited they could barely sleep on Friday night!!

There were presents...delicious food...pumpkin pie:)
and more presents...AC did pretty well with the unwrapping.
Everyone loved C's rocket launch pad:)

C's Christmas Performance

2010-12-16T11:00:00.000-08:00

At C's school, they put on a Christmas program. He does such a great job... and look at him in that sweater vest...It's magical!

He was a palm tree when they told the story of Baby Jesus!!

This is Daddy's favorite song!

AM's First Dance Recital

2010-12-12T18:30:00.000-08:00

AM had her Winter Wonderland Dance Recital this Sat. She did such a great job!!! The weeks leading up to it she had been nervous and cried a couple times when they talked about it in class. Granny takes her to class every Monday and said this last week AM had been doing GREAT in class.

Here we are on the way...

This is when we first got to the studio. All the girls and their family and friends were standing around and the excitement was building. One of the other mothers motioned to me and then whispered, "I think you have AM's outfit on backwards!" Oops...off to the bathroom...

Here we are with it on the correct way:)

Our big girl had a wonderful time and we were so proud of her....ENJOY!!

Santa's Farm

2010-12-10T17:27:00.000-08:00

The FFA(Future Farmers of America) put on a fun time called Santa's Farm where the community is invited to come have FREE hot cocoa and cookie and enjoy all the festive animals.

Like this lamb with an elf hat on:)

Here is AM looking at a pig...
She is not a fan of bad smells...like those found at a barn...

AC couldn't be bothered with pictures...AM spilled her cocoa on her dress...by the way it was like 75 degrees out:)

This is on the hayride where we sung all kinds of Christmas songs. The FFA girls on the ride said we were their best group ALL night!! C was sooooo proud!!

The kids also got to see Santa...they were more excited than they look:) C said he wanted a DS, Donkey Kong and Mario Party 8. AM said she wanted a Belle Doll and matching dress... I hope Santa delivers;)

Not to worry...She's alright!

2010-12-04T12:42:00.000-08:00

So, Monday night, we put the kiddos to bed and then went to sit and wait in the living room. AM always gets up a couple times and this night was no different. The problem was she fell off her bed while trying to come out to the living room. I went to her room when she started crying and I knew something was wrong. I let her lay in our bed thinking that would calm her down. When it didn't, I took her out to B because things were serious. He took one look at her shoulder and said they were going to the ER.

Luckily, he came back and the ER doc said he wouldn't charge us for advice, but there was definitely something wrong. The diagnoses was the same whether it was a break, fracture, or strain. He told B to wait and see if kept bothering her and then take her to our pediatrician for x-rays so that it would defray the cost. I can't tell you how appreciative we were!!!

Our AM is fragile. Recall here when she "fractured" her arm as a baby. Maybe we don't give her enough milk!! She did break her clavicle, but nothing too serious. Our DR told her to wear a brace...

She is less than excited about it, so we can barely keep it on her!! She is also upset because it is blue...

On a lighter note than we are allowing our kids to break their bones, we found a pup in our backyard 3 weeks ago.

She is very sweet and good with kids... We hung up signs and posted ads online, but no one has claimed her.

We have been just calling her "new pup".

I bought her a bed and collar last week...

She is one of a kind!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-27T19:48:00.000-08:00

Here is AM's thanksgiving feast. I made these mini muffins that were suppose to look like mini pies. She is wearing a pilgrim's women hat.

Here is Running Buffalo! His dad was so proud.... and so was C. I made turkey and ham roll ups for his feast and they went quickly!!! :) C was so proud!

This is the day before Thanksgiving when B smoked ribs, sausage, stuffed jalapenos, and a bacon explosion. Everything turned out GREAT!!!

Here we are at Thanksgiving dinner. With all the kids and parents, we didn't all eat together, but the meal was so delish!!!

Here we have Aunt Tbird, Baby M and AM! They are all so beautiful!!

Family pic of the Austin contingency!
FAMILY PORTRAIT!!!

S's Wedding!!

2010-11-20T20:36:00.001-08:00

Pre-Wedding round of hair-cuts

2010-11-17T20:38:00.001-08:00

For our big wedding that we attended this weekend, I took all the kids to get their hair cut. This was AC's first hair cut....she was a little skeptical at first:)

But, then they gave her a lollipop and she was fine :)
C was a pro and he looked like a STUD when he was done. He hasn't had a legit hair cut(not from dad) in a long time!!

While AM was getting her hair cut, she talked and talked. She told her stylist how her daddy had hairy legs and arms, but not so much on his head.

Thank God for Lollipops!!

Gramma, Papa and G.G. came for the weekend!!

2010-11-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

We had a great time! I can't believe my 84 year old grandmother came to Texas to visit us!! Luckily the weather was GREAT!

G.G. and AC got along famously...
Papa was a last minute addition. He drove down to be with us...and thank God because we went out to eat twice and someone had to pay...
Everyone went to C and AM's soccer games. The kids played great for their fans. C even scored a goal. AM dribbled the ball almost the WHOLE field...granted it was the wrong direction, but we were still proud.
I was amazed how well Papa and G.G. got along. I almost think that Papa made the drive just to have someone listen to a few of his lectures:)

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T20:26:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween!!! We carved some awesome pumpkins again this year...starting with the skeleton...

And then...Of course...a MARIO!!! The theme for the whole Halloween!!!
Here are the kiddos getting some candy!!!
It is so wonderful that AM and C are fully understanding what it is to get candy on Halloween...
Here are the kiddos before we ventured out for the evening!! C is MARIO and AM is Princess Peach. AC?... Well, we are just glad AC decided to go along... We may play some video games around here!!

Pumpkin patch 2010

2010-10-28T18:35:00.000-07:00

We went to the pumpkin patch again this year at C's school:) This is the scarecrow his class made for decoration.

Here is AM with a pumpkin she liked. Not her best picture ever, but this was not a stellar day for pictures for our fam...

Here is AC...She has been drooling sooo much!! She has to wear a bib all the time. This "Little Pumpkin" bib C wore when he was a baby 5 years ago!!

Honestly, this was the best picture of the kids...honestly!!

And the best family picture...

2010-10-21T17:42:00.001-07:00

I think I am having trouble pushing Glacier's tribute down on my blog. That and I have been pretty busy, but I really don't want to visit my blog and not see it. Sweet girl. We buried her on Wed night in the back corner of our backyard. The kids spent the night at Granny and Pops, so they didn't find out until Thursday afternoon. We were so amazed at the way C reacted. He has such a big heart and said he missed her so much. That night he wanted to draw a picture of the family...including Glacier...

We have been trying to make sure Cedar is alright through all of this as well. He has been accompanying us on some of our outings so he wouldn't have to be alone. C amazed us again when he gave Cedar his "doggie" stuffed animal so he would not get lonely while we were all gone during the day.

AM has been sweet too, but she is too young to realize what it all means. AC, of course, has no idea, but C has just been SUCH an angel through everything!! We have found ourselves so undeserving to be his parents...

A small tribute to Glacier

2010-10-10T19:39:00.001-07:00

soccer season starts...

2010-09-30T21:13:00.001-07:00

C is playing with a league that has them play 3v3 with no goalies. He hasn't scored (for his team) but he does get to kick the ball more frequently. This guy is a natural defender!!!

B is coaching him again. They are both really enjoying this season!!
AM is also playing this season at the Y, but her season isn't going as smoothly. I wish I knew when this cute picture was taken, but it could have been during a quarter when AM was suppose to be playing, but she didn't want to...
That's right, I had no idea where she was because I was begging other 3 and 4 yr olds to stay on the field. I have teamed up with my old coaching buddy Tbone to coach our 3 yr old daughters...As you can see...I am not coaching my daughter all that much, but she sure is cute in that uniform!!
AC is a GREAT fan!!!

I know I put these on FB, but

2010-09-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

I wanted to go ahead an blog about S's wedding shower that we gave her. Who knows how long that facebook thing will last anyways. Blogging is forever...right?

Some tears were shed and some jokes were told, all to honor a young girl we all saw grown up into a beautiful woman. Everyone there was so happy for her, none more than me:)

T bone brought her little one:)

The new kitchen is perfect for entertaining:) (It's almost 2 yrs old now?)

B worked so hard to get the bookshelves in the living room painted and the bathroom redone, but he got sooo sick he couldn't finish the bathroom. He slept while the kids watched movies in our bedroom all during the shower.

A little adventure

2010-09-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

If I had my way, I would take my kids to a park everyday. Sadly, when I get home from work, most days, I am just looking forward to laying all my angels in their beds so I can relax in peace and quiet.

I have found that when I tell them..."We are going on an adventure!" They are all in and like the element of surprise. This adventure was to a small park with nature trails about 20 min from our house. We went on a hike first...I am not sure you could really call it a hike because it is so flat here, but we looked for maps and trail markers...

We went on the boardwalk loop...through the swamp...there were sooo many banana spiders!

We had a GREAT time and AC was an angel, just sitting in her stroller observing:)

There was also a play ground!! That was a nice end to the "hike"!! There was this grasshopper and two people could ride it at once... I KNOW!! That is awesome!

C and AM play so well together. They usually are on the same team and have to save each other when they create imaginary situations. I love seeing what they come up with and especially love when they do it together!!

AC is in her own little world. She LOVES climbing. She is all over playgrounds and loves climbing up the slides, then sliding down. She is a little too fearless for me, but I am glad she is so adventuresome!!

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-06T20:58:00.001-07:00

So B went out of town to Park City Utah for a Mancation with some buddies. I was left alone for 5 days...by myself...not even in-laws!

I did what any normal, sane mother would do. I went to Toys R Us to buy some toys to pass the time. I got the kids a slinky per C's request. They LOVED them! Even AC loved hers...

On Sunday morning, I thought I could get away with taking them to a popular, fun spot to avoid some labor day crowds. Other than all the people pushing me off my picnic table, the random man that borrowed my phone and the afternoon of calls from his friends that commenced...We had a GREAT time!!

After AC's lack of nap, we had snack outside because the weather was AMAZING!!

I also bought the kids some bubbles and some activity books. The bubbles were a hit for all of 5 minutes, but...again...the weather...

It warranted a group hug!! I mean, it wasn't really that humid!!

Monday was a different story. It rained on and off all day so we were couped up indoors, but we still had fun. AC really wanted to put on the Male's in her life's clothes...

Back to school...

2010-08-31T08:47:00.001-07:00

C is entering "Transitional Kindergarten". His birthday is so close we decided to wait one more year for Kindergarten:) This is his first day of school last week...It was also AM's first day of dance:) AC just doesn't want her siblings t touch her:)

All the kids were excited for AM and AC's first day of school...especially C!!! I made them pose in the back yard like two years ago:)

Initially, AC's back pack might have been too heavy!!

AC just walked in to her room and never looked back!!

Here is AM by her new cubby!! She literally jumped right into her class and LITERALLY did NOT look back for me! She loves school so far!!

But, when the girls walked in and C was at another school, I was reminded of last year when the older two stared at different school :) It is tough for drop off, but we know now that was the BEST decision to ensure that C got into the competitive "Transitional Kindergarten" and we just LOVE everyone at AC and AM's school!!! Next year should be interesting when C goes to school for real...

Holy Cow! C is 5!!!

2010-08-16T14:51:00.001-07:00

C's birthday was on a Thursday so we just went out to eat for a small celebration.

We opened his present from the family at home. He was probably most excited about his whoopee cushion. They each took turns making it "toot".

I have to begin C's birthday party with a brief discussion on the invitations. I, of course, didn't PPP(prior proper plan) and was in a pinch to get the invitations in the mail in a hurry. We ended up just ordering them online and having them printed at our local Walgreens. This is what we wore to go pick them up... I think its time we hand down these jammies and boots!

C wanted a water slide like last year. This one had a jump house that you had to go through to get up the slide.

C was so sweet and made sure that we invited some of AM's friends so that she would have someone to play with.

This was mainly for me, but I covered the mantle with pictures of C...from pregnancy to the present. I don't know if its just me, but 5 seems so old...like a milestone. I officially have a boy, not a baby boy :(

We got him this sweet Mario cake...I know, you're impressed right? I know. The cake was delicious also!!

4th Annual Aggie BBQ

2010-08-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again!! I was trying to figure out where all the previous year BBQs were held and it turns out the first annual was in 2007...at my house...I probably don't remember because Annemarie was a baby baby and I was functioning on very little sleep:)

2008, 2009 and 2010 have all been in Pearland. The house really does lend itself to this sort of thing!!! Here is the group picture...

The kids are really maturing...I didn't even have to bribe anyone with cupcakes. I think they know the drill now:)

This year we got to have some over night company as well. This is such a treat because thing can be chaotic with all the kids running around. I feel like I am trying to prevent and redirect meltdowns...
The boys even played a little Wii in the morning...reliving their college days. All we were missing were 2 more recliners.
The kids played pretty well together too... C is all about putting his arms around the people around him :)

AM is taking "dance"...

2010-07-26T17:39:00.001-07:00

So I signed up AM for some ballet/gymnastic/dance classes this summer and they continue into the fall. She has only been to a few class since we have vacationed through out June and July.

This is her back in June...after class. You can see her hair is desheveled after all the summersalts:)

This is in July when B was taking her to class...
He is so excited and proud of his tiny dancer:) There is nothing he wants more in life then to have a couple girls on the drill team...the cost, the outfits, the suggestive dance moves...he can't wait!!

One more little vacay...

2010-07-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

A guy B works with invited us up for the weekend to his lake house. The lake was perfect...small, quiet, and low key. We had a great time! There were jet skis and inner tubes, and swimming and floating.

Our C has become courageous in his old age. I recall the first time he was offered a ride on a jet ski and he made his sister go first to make sure it was safe. This time, he jumped right on and Dad had it full boar!! This too after an inner tube ride where C giggled the whole time!!

AM was more reserved, but by the end of the day, she was swimming around by herself in the "deep water" with only a life vest on. I was a pinch nervous! Here we are before our tube ride...I think we stayed out for 20 seconds...

AM had a time!! There were 5 older girls there from 7-13 years old...she was in heaven. Here she is having some girl time...floatin'...

Just like Parking Lot Duty...but with out a bunch of teens peelin' out and hitting parked cars.

Did I mention that AM loved the older girls? I mean honestly, she didn't even know them for 24 hours...she won't even lay on daddy like that :)

My babies!! AC was napping and then gone to bed during our lake time, but she toddled around and the older girls played with her. She still had a great time:)

Galveston 2010

2010-07-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

A friendly visit

2010-07-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine brought her family to visit from Austin because her husband had some meetings in H-town. I can't remember the last time I saw her, but it has been too long. She and I played soccer together in high school and in college. We even went on an excursion through Europe after I graduated from college. Thanks to technology, we have been able to keep in touch! Her kids are roughly the same age as mine, but instead of boy, girl, girl, she has girl, boy, boy. LOVE THEM!!

AC had to go to bed...she was FUS-SY! She missed the group shot:) C had bumped his chin and he was covering it for the picture.

The boys played together and the girls played together....

She is on her tippy toes... :)

Although it was moderately difficult for us to have a conversation, I did enjoy watching our kiddos play together!! Can't wait to see them again!

We even remember to give them their wedding present!! The celebrate 8 years this summer!

SC 2010

2010-07-03T23:31:00.000-07:00

Celebrating summer and 9 years...

2010-06-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

If you know me...this anniversary was a big one as nine is my FAVORITE number. We went to Lake Livingston for one night and had a great time!!!

After we got the camper set up, we went straight for a swim!

We got a GREAT campsite with a great view of the lake. We went for a walk after dinner to pick up sticks...even the dogs were in the picture!!

We roasted marshmallows by the fire before the kids went to bed...

The next day we went fishing first thing in the morning. As you can see all was well, until...

This picture is where all the trouble began. You can see Mr. C was about to cast and I was going to shoot a video. What you can' t see in the picture is that Glacier was interested in the worm on the hook on the end of C's line...

I didn't get a picture of the fish hook hanging out of the side Glacier's mouth, but AM and I made a short trip with Gla Gla to the local vet to have the hook removed. By all accounts, we were VERY VERY lucky!! We even went to the pool in the afternoon to finish up trip. Then, had to race back to the camper to close it up before it started raining... we might have a touch of bad luck with our camping:) Did I mention that the toilet over flowed on out last trip?

And she grows up and grows up...

2010-06-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

Our good friend S is engaged...to be married...to a boy...in November...Gasp! Such a big deal as I was just recalling the first time I met her was when she was in 7th grade and I was one of her 4 favorite coaches. She has since graduated from college and is living and working in Fort Worth like a real adult. She used to be this cute, lanky, complaining little girl and now she is all grown up...she still complains thought...JOKES!! We were lucky enough to celebrate with a little bachelorette party this past weekend. All her favs were there!!!

We started with a little porch time on Friday after dinner...

Then we headed to the lake...Thank God for in-laws with lake houses!! :) Here I am putting on her veil. We told her if it ever came off she would have to take a shot...

T-bone even made the trek with her 4 week old angel!!!

We pretty much hung out at the lake all day and evening. I got sooooo sunburned :( The time was amazing. We all just talked and talked and talked until 12pm...that is really late for us now!

The next morning we just talked and talked and talked for another couple hours.

I LOVED catching up with my old friends. There was a time when we would see each other EVERY DAY...even weekends. I miss those times, but am so glad that we are able to get together and just pick back up!! Can't wait for the wedding...

What?! These are my regular glasses?

2010-06-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

AC: What are those?

AC: Let me try those!!

So, C was having some trouble when he was tired with a "lazy eye" or "going cross-eyed" as we called it. I noticed it at night sometimes at dinner for a couple months, but B just figured he took after his uncle. One Monday, our babysitter noticed it as well. I made an appointment for the next day. Turns out, our boy can't see so good:( He has a pretty thick lens, but they say after a couple months, the problem might correct itself...we'll see.

We think they are so fitting for him. They have helped TREMENDOUSLY already!!!

Blueberry picking

2010-06-08T07:05:00.001-07:00

They say that the cold winter and long spring have produced one of the best blueberry harvest!! We got there nice and early. Luckily the weather cooperated and we had cloud cover, but no rain.

First, stop... EVERYONE had to go potty!

These 3 were GREAT at staying on task...

The younger two...not so much. They ate and drank and were merry :)

C is very focused on getting the most blueberries..

AM and her buddy are so cute holding hands:)

We ended up with 4.19 lbs! I was very excited. It would have been more if AM didn't eat so much :)

Just some pics

2010-06-02T19:37:00.000-07:00

AC jumping on the trampoline. Its funny...she has to hold the red balls and not the blue handles!!

AM loves to make funny faces!!
These kiddos love their TV!!!

Taco Party!

2010-05-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we had out "end of the season" T-ball party. The team had decided to be called the Taco's, so we of course had a BIG TACO Fiesta to celebrate a great season!!

We had a great time and AM had her first taco. C has since followed suit and had himself some tacos :)

Here is B handing out the trophies!!

C graduated from preschool!

2010-05-18T20:04:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, It's a little ridiculous to have a preschool graduation, right? BUT, it was the cutest thing! And B and I were so proud of our BIG BOY!!

Just like any graduation, here we are waiting for the ceremony to begin!!

The classes sung a bunch of great songs....like "Texas, Our Texas" Notice how C holds his hands in his pockets:) And notice that my husband would sing with the same vitality if he were a 4 yr old!!!

All the kiddos got to walk and get their certificate....Here is C!

Afterwards, we took family pictures in the parking lot...of course!!! C made sure the programs were held up for the picture...

Gramma came to visit...

2010-05-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

But, Papa was missing :(

We had a great time. AC turned ONE! So, there was a party. We played outside a bunch... sometimes with bubbles!

I am always surprised at how excited the kids get to see their grandparents...it really sweet!

I think that Gramma enjoyed the "change of pace" from her two grandsons in SC to the two granddaughters in TX...and CMJ!!

Poor Gramma and kiddos...I am always trying to take a picture!!

AC is one!!

2010-05-10T20:03:00.001-07:00

She is not walking, but she gets around! She really lets her opinion be heard, but she is still a great baby!! She is an excellent eater, but she has spit out this and that...

The happy birthday song can be overwhelming to a one year old...just ask C!!

To kick off Mother's Day Weekend...

2010-05-06T20:31:00.000-07:00

Mothers were invited to Chapel with their kids on Thursday. We sung songs...it was GREAT!! C also got a ribbon for his birthday along with 11 other kiddos with summer birthdays...

Then, all the mom's went back to their classroom where the kids sung song and served "Sombrero Cookies" for snack with "Margaritas" to drink...aka cookies and lemonade:)
Here is C saying the pledge...

And one of many songs. This is the "Round song"...

So, we bought at camper...

2010-05-02T20:14:00.000-07:00

FINALLY, says B. We have been looking and thinking about buying a camper/trailer for about 3 years. We have been actively looking for one for about 5 months. We FINALLY bought one and took it out for its maiden voyage...with us...It is a 2001 Jayco Kiwi. We were headed for Austin for our incoming Nephew/Niece 's shower, so we stayed at a local state park for the night.

Here I am with the mom to be. She is such a natural, another mother had her feeding and comforting her 2 month old baby girl:)

Here is Granny and Jen with her 2nd baby boy. You might remember her...she sang at our wedding and made me CRY!!!! Her son is such and ANGEL!!!!!

Here we are back at the campsite. We had to confine AC:)

As expected, C and AM had such a GREAT time with the fire. We didn't bring firewood, but they managed a decent fire that night and in the morning!!

Here is the family shot in front of the NEW CAMPER!!! C is displaying the park map clearly on his chest...

A pretty good morning...

2010-04-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

AM recently got some great outdoor play stuff like BUBBLES and SIDEWALK CHALK!!

Cup of coffee, pups playing in the yard, kids playing on the porch, husband sleeping it off:), Made for a pretty good morning!

C is playing T-ball!!

2010-04-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

So for the spring, we signed C up for T-ball. He seems to like it pretty well. They have practice once a week on Thursdays and then games on Saturday. He has missed a couple due to having strep throat and he has to run laps. His coach is a real slave driver!!

Yes, B is coach again. He just loves being in charge! JOKES! He just loves C so much and loves helping him learn these new things, like sports. C is one of the bigger kids on the team this season and I think he prefers that!!

And here is C throwing a runner out at first. Of course its the YMCA so no one is ever out, but C is really GREAT at fielding!!

I am trying some different formats for the videos...

Mmmm...Edamame...

2010-04-23T21:56:00.000-07:00

don't forget about Easter...

2010-04-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

Look at my little bunnies!!!! Love THEM!

So for Easter Church we went to a Baptist Church because my Department chair was playing a piano solo and she invited us...and we went. This was so fun and a big deal because I have always been anti-baptist because of their BIG church and everything so fancy smancie, BUT WE LOVED IT!!! and they don't drink...huh? I know!?!? It was so amazing. By the 3rd song, B and I were both crying. Maybe it was because we were sans kids, but it might have been just the AMAZINGNESS of it all...

Here is a family picture...this is as good as it gets...

We did the Easter egg hunt after church... The Easter Bunny had hid the eggs before church and so some squirrels had got to a few eggs. I hate to be them later that day :)

These kids love Easter and all the Easter that Easter brings them!!

So then we took the cousins to the zoo!!

2010-04-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

Don't worry...I've been in touch with Andy and he told me about how great Mac is, but how they are elitist...

Look at these lovable cousins at the zoo:)

Here is a pic of everyone...but me, climbing:)
C is really giving James the evil eye...he really wanted his turn at the helm!
James helped C pet the goats. C is a bit skittish when it comes to getting dirty and petting random animals!!
Before Andy composed himself, these 3 had a go on the carousel. Notice how my sweet C is holding on for dear life and the other two are carefree. Needless to say, C did not go on the Carousel again and made me swear not to show the video of him shaking and holding on with all that is good and holy!

Chuck E Cheese's...where a kid can be a KID!!!

2010-04-07T20:22:00.000-07:00

We loved this place. Aside from my POOR table choice, this was a great place to have a birthday party...or just an afternoon!! James immediately found the video camera where everyone in the place could see him...huh?

EVERYONE loved all the age-appropriate games...even B!!! Here is putting out some fires with his nephew, James!

I am glad to see some adults didn't let the kids steal all the fun...or tokens!!

I mean honestly, do these guys look like they are having fun or no?

Here is my precious AM's birthday cupcake cake with princesses...PERFECT!!!

To my dismay...

2010-03-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

I am having trouble uploading my pictures on this super rad new Mac my hubby got me for Christmas(bless his heart). I am a Mac idiot...there, I said it, maybe now Andy will call me back. At any rate, So much to share, but I am not much of a reader...I like pictures and I assume EVERYONE is like me. Luckily, not many people read this, so I am not letting many people down, BUT for my loyal two readers (thanks mom and GG), You have to know that I only read the Ads on Sunday and it is soooo important for me to post pictures. Therefore, I have forgone any posting until I can figure this thing out...In time, In time:)

BUT, If you were wondering. AM is sick...AGAIN! We took her to the DR on Friday for a hearing problem (we thought it was selective hearing), but the wax in her ear was so hard and built up, they could clear it out. We will hopefully see an ENT on Friday. In the meantime, her fever is up. This presents a problem for B and I as we both work. We are always torn with what to do. Fever willing, we can take her to Ms. Lisa's. We can and have taken off of work to play hand off the sick kid, but it is hard to continue to do that. Last resort, we burden B's mom...yet again. We are so lucky Granny is here and willing to help us out. BUT, man, these kids are AWESOME until they get sick!!

AC is crawling like a fool. We set her down and she is gone to another room in 10 seconds. I remember now why we keep discouraging her to crawl. She is great though. Eats WELL, sleeps Well and is very content! We have been told and agree that she looks like the consummate baby with her pigtails, chubby cheeks and big blue eyes! She loves her older siblings!!!

C is doing well also! We decided to "hold him back", as they say. It is LITERALLY the harder decision you will ever make, deciding what is best for your kids. When it came down to it, we would rather C have an edge by being older and couldn't justify our stinginess(public school is FREE) for his future. He will be in a pseudo-preschool again called "transitional kindergarten". We have heard such GREAT things. He is also enjoying t-ball this season coached by his Dad!!

I hope to figure this picture thing out soon!! I don't write so good :)

AM is 3 years old!! On March 15th...

2010-03-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

For AM's 3rd birthday, we took her ice skating. She got after it!! She really enjoyed herself after she accepted that she was not going to be able to do fancy spins. Granny went and watched AC while we all took to the ice.
Don't misunderstand...she held my or B's hand the majority of the time, but she marched right out on to the ice. She loves to "skate" around the dining room with socks on the laminate floor :)
Across from the rink was Rain Forest Cafe. Have you been here? It is like a indoor jungle. All the rain forest animals are there and move occasionally. AND they have a little rain storm with thunder and lighting!
Here are the kids by a gorilla:)

C did a GREAT job with the ice skating and REALLY enjoyed the Rain Forest Cafe!! It was a great day!!

Thursday was a GREAT day!!!

2010-03-13T19:05:00.000-08:00

We started by meeting up at C's Rodeo Performance:) This was nice because we got to see AC in the middle of the day!! Can you tell B was not feeling well?

Here is our C all dressed up in his boots, bandanna, hat, and TEXAS T-shirt that he had made on Monday! He really is such an angel!! Doesn't he look cute in B's hat?

As the show progressed...C was getting squeezed out of the spotlight. He is such a great kid that he just started trying to make all his dance moves abbreviated and keep his place in line. After the program, they had a big Rodeo Lunch for all the kids! That consists of hot dogs, grapes and pretzels and water!! Ya know, like the cowboys used to eat...

THEN, AM's birthday is Monday and so they celebrated her birthday at school on Thursday!!! She got to be first in line...

Here is when AM sees her balloon and cupcake...

I did take her cupcakes...store bought cupcakes...I know, but we have been really busy. Everyone seemed to enjoy them...including AM!!