The Davis's

Happy Birthday America!!

2010-07-08T21:21:00.000-05:00

We had a fabulous 4th even though our original plans were rained out! My aunt Sarah & cousin Tristan were here from Canada and my cousin Amanda came from Canyon. We had planned to go to the lake on the 4th & BD went ahead of us, but ended up getting stuck out there because they closed the road down due to all the rain, so for the 1st time in 10 years I didn't celebrate the 4th with him :((( But we made the best of it. We made all the cousins tye dye shirts...so fun, but so messy!! They looked adorable in them! We painted our faces too....I told Briley stop smilig so I could do his face & the kid just changed his smile...he can't not smile!! Of course we popped fireworks, but in the driveway (I know that's a no-no, but the whole block seemed to be doing it...I mean the idea of going & finding a muddy spot in the country wasn't too appealing!)) Briley wasn't a huge fan of the loud ones (made him cry)...we could see really big ones not far from us in the sky & he LOVED those, so he told me, "I don't like fireworks, but I like fireworks"! Silly boy!! Avery helped do his first sparkler...he has no fear, unfortunately! Anyway, here are some pics....

Super Naked Heroes

2010-06-22T09:26:00.003-05:00

I made the boys super hero costumes just for fun and they loved them...they immediately felt like they could fly off couches and other high places?! Of course we're STILL potty training (yes it's nearly been a whole month & Avery is basically trained, but my double stubb is having some issues that are causing his father & I to pull our hair out!!), so when we're at home, we're pretty much naked all of the time, except now they're naked with capes & masks, which hides you're identity so nobody knows who the naked boys are anyway right?! And yes I hid the identity of their specials with a little pixilation action so I don't have any perves stealing my sweet boys pics!!

Ice Cream prayers

2010-06-22T09:26:00.002-05:00

The ice cream man comes by pretty much everyday, and of course they ask EVERYDAY if we can go get some! Lucky for them their Daddy has just as big of a sweet tooth as they do, so he races out there with them at least once or twice a week!

Well, after he came the other day, Avery was saying his prayers that night and he said "Thank you God for Grandma and the ice cream truck"...Briley chimes in "and the ice cream MAN!"! So funny! They of course went on to list everyone else they know, but I know God loves a child's honesty and the ice cream man & his truck are all part of His creation, so definitely deserve prayers right?!

Toy Story 3 in 3D

2010-06-22T09:26:00.001-05:00

We love love Toys Story 1 & 2, "Wooyee & Buzz Yightyear" are the coolest, so of course we were super excited to see TS3 and had to go opening day. Toy Story was the first movie Chloe ever saw in the ttheatre so I think it's pretty cool that Avery's first movie was the 3rd one. He did really great for his first movie, I had envisioned him running around hiding fro me in the dark, but being his favorite I think helped...at the end he did get a little carried away dancing and went too far, but overall he was great!!!

You're never too old for this movie, Chloe, my mom & me laughed more than the boys and Mom & Chloe both cried...I know I would have, but spilled my coke on Avery & I, he proceeds to try to strip, so right at the tear jerking part I was a bit distracted! But we highly recommend it to ALL! It was their first 3D movie & mine since the they started using these cool glasses versus the paper boxes! Avery kept his on about 50% of the time, Briley set on the edge of his seat and barely even moved to eat his popcorn...he loved it needless to say!!

So cute!!This was right when the guy told us we couldn't take pictures in the theatre!!! What, even when the movie is over? I had no idea!

Little Daddy

2010-06-22T09:26:00.000-05:00

Avery is going to be a great Daddy someday, he love loves babydolls! We got our niece Sydney this fun babydoll from Target, it sucks the bottle, burps & then falls asleep, it also cries & laughs. Avery loved it more than she did! I couldn't resist getting him one, but I put it in my prize stash for potty training. So, he has been doing so good potty training & has earned many prizes, one of them being the babydoll! Oh he was so excited, he has dragged her around every since!!

I caught him attempting to put her pants on and told him he wouldn't fit, "Mommy can't wear your clothes and you can't wear your babies clothes!". Well he proved me wrong...he's such a determined little guy! So here is Avery in his pink knickers....crazy kid!

Lake'N'it @ Allen Henry!

2010-06-22T09:25:00.001-05:00

Briley actually got in the water this year...wooHOO! It was a little cold at first...so his smile is a little rigid here! He then said, "Okay, I did it, now I want back in the boat!"

Avery wasn't as big of a fan of the lake this year, as he was last year! Last year he was trying to jump in before we were even anchored and this year we had to talk him into it & he hated the tube!! Briley absolutely loved the tube this year...it's like they switched...weirdos!

Chloe & her BFF, Steely being silly & having lots of fun!

This kid is a magnet for gross!!! He loves the worms...let them all go one time playing with them, wants to kiss the fish, and just get down and dirty in it! Briley on the otherhand just wants to do whatever Daddy is doing, except touch anything nasty...so funny how opposite they are!

Buster

2010-06-08T23:35:00.001-05:00

Meet Buster the newest member of our family!

So Buster isn't really a fitting name since our turtle happens to be a GIRL! But Briley named her, Buster (actually he has been naming everything Buster lately!), so Buster she is! My mom found her in her yard being attacked, rough housed whatever, by her weenie dog, Pixie...poor turtle...did you know their shells aren't really all that much protection? They can feel you pet them or Bite them through it! Well, she survived Pixie, hopefully she can survive Briley & Avery...they're a little obsessed with "Buster"! All I heard today was "where's the tuttle, can I see the the tuttle?".

She likes apples!

Buster really likes living in my four clocks, she buried herself in & hid most the day...not that exciting of a pet, but it's pretty much all we can have for now besides fish, but no thanks don't really care to deal with death on a daily basis...so no fish for us either!!

Digging in to escape the heat!

Where did MAY go?!

2010-06-05T14:59:00.004-05:00

Wow this month just flew, actually make that April & May just vanished!!! We have been so busy, but that always seems to happen with softball and end of school stuff!!

Let's see we ended April with Briley in the hospital, fun times!! Poor guy! Apparently what I have thought was impetigo was really fever blisters all over his hands, never on his lip or in his mouth, so it never even occurred to me that it could be that, even though we only got it when he ran fever?! Every time he got this I would pop the blisters (ouch!) and wash it with anti-bacterial soap & bandage it up (that's how you treat impetigo), but this time it only got worse to the point that his little hand swelled and looked like it was eating his flesh. I got scared!! Took him to Dr. Brodbeck, he didn't know what it was either, but put him on heavy antibiotics and sent us home. The next day it wasn't any better so he had us go to the hospital. He had an infectious disease Dr. (nice title right?) diagnose it. So, after 3 days in the hospital we finally have a cure for it and hopefully meds that will prevent it from getting that bad again. Briley loved ordering chicken strips & gravy for every meal and eating all the green popsicles his little heart desired, but hated having the IV & he missed his "friend" Avery! He would ask wheres my friend Avery...broke my heart, they have never spent a night apart!!!

Pretty nasty looking huh?

Chloe's first year of junior high just woooshed by! She has had so much fun at Hutch and made all A's except for one little 89! She also did amazing on her stupid TAKS tests..she made a 100 on the Math and she was disappointed that she didn't get a 100 on the Reading for the 1st time, I said "What?! You did great!! I have to remind myself not to put to much pressure on her, she obviously puts a lot on herself! She's a great girl, couldn't have asked for better!

Softball has pretty much ruled our schedule lately, but it's so much fun! She likes playing center field & has been catching those pop flies in the outfield & hit a home run! Very proud of how much she has improved! We still have softball games through the middle of June and Coronado softball camp this week, so we'll be living & breathing it a little longer!

Camden came to one of the games with Bubs & JoJo and the three cousins had fun eating pickle pops (frozen pickle juice)...Avery loved them the most!!

Chloe's choir won best in show for a non-varsity choir at a regional competition! The trophy was huge!!! When I went to the end of school concert I was definitely wowed!! Felt more like a Broadway/Rock concert than a junior high choir performance, so glad Chloe is apart of such an awesome program. After the choir competition they went to Joyland for the day, fun times! I couldn't make it to that, Chloe was so upset, NOT! (BTW I'm totally uncool when I say Not!) The new words are "that's Epic", "I know right" (ikr), and "fail"....just in case you want to speak teenager! It's so funny to me how lingo changes!

They had an end of year Choir lock-in that I helped with, even though Chloe probably would have preferred I missed out on that too...! I was in the karaoke room and she avoided it most the night..lol! I still got a few cute pics of her doing a line-dance they've learned, she was really good & knew all the moves!

On the last full day of school all of Choir had a Jello war after school (how fun is that?)!! Chloe & Taylor made a bunch of red red jello and had a blast with it, Chloe is covered from head to toe in it!! Here she is with Taylor, Addison & Mrs. Witt!

Chloe with me after her choir concert! The sopranos had to wear something pink, hence the pink flower in her hair.

Camden came over to play, the boys loved getting to show her all their toys!!She had fun & didn't want to leave.

The boys had there first school program at Sugar n Spice. They both did so good & didn't have any stage fright issues, we were super proud! Avery bounced the entire time with a serious expression & did the occasional waving of his flag. Briley was actually next to his buddy Ryder, but once on the risers he pushed his way over by Roxie! So funny! He loves her!

I took the boys to Walter's World of Pets, about as close to a zoo as we have here in the LBK, but it's no where close to a zoo!!. The boys loved it...me not so much! When we first entered the dark box that smelled like pee, I was busy looking at my eye level, when I hear a loudbang...a freaking cobra tried to attack Avery (through class of course, but still!!!), they were face to face!!! I screamed, Avery screamed, but unlike me he thought it was pretty funny!! Then across from the cobra was this creepy Boa constrictor that would follow the boys as they walked by....bad pic of Avery but you can see the creepster following him, eyeing him like he's lunch!

The monkeys were funny, but they kept jumping at the window trying to bust out, which would make me scream because I was so freaked out thinking about the snakes escaping! Sorry boys, but I'm afraid that may have been your first & last visit to Walter's World of Creepies, ugh!

Chloe with our Memorial Day cake....we had trouble icing the sides, but oh well you can see our patriotism better this way! We ate it with blueberries & strawberries and it was really yummy!!

My Lil Models

2010-04-12T22:24:00.005-05:00

The boys had their pics taken by 2 amazing ladies the other day in a hangar out by the airport, turns out it was actually the original Lubbock airport...which I thought was so cool! The guys working on the planes were so nice and let the boys get inside 2 planes & FLY! They of course thought that was so cool, we didn't expect them to let us do that. Anyway you can check out a preview here and here

********My friend Melanie just posted this super sweet picture!
Thanks for the sweet comments...I think they're pretty handsome myself! Apparently Briley only thinks he is "cute" after I have fixed his hair (I must say that a lot after I do it?!) because this morning while I was fixing it he kept saying "and now I'm cute" (or in other words and now I'm done).

Thanks ladies for such a fun opportunity, the boys had a blast and I got priceless memories! You are both amazingly talented!!

Did you know??

2010-04-09T20:09:00.003-05:00

One of my best friends sent me this in a chain email the other day...I'm not big on passing stuff on, actually don't read a lot of them either, but I'm glad I read this...it has so many awesome suggestions. God knows I can use all the domestic help I can get!! Thought I'd share for my domestically dysfunctional friends ha!

DID YOU KNOW?

Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store.
If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.
((((Testing this out now, we'll see!?))))

Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil.
It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!

Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating.
Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.

Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef.
It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.

To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of
spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat them up.

For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonderful minty frosting.

Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste
of garlic and at the end of the recipe if your want a stronger taste of garlic.

Leftover snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert.
Simply chop them up with the food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes!!! Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream. Yummm!

Reheat Pizza
Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.

Easy Deviled Eggs
Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.

Expanding Frosting ((((Who knew?! This is awesome!))))
When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.

Reheating refrigerated bread
To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in
a microwave with a cup of water.. The increased moisture will keep the food
moist and help it reheat faster.

Newspaper weeds away
Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers,
put layers around the plants overlapping as you go cover with mulch and for-
get about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not
get through wet newspapers.

Broken Glass
Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily.

No More Mosquitoes
Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.

Squirrel Away!
To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.

Flexible vacuum (((I love this, wish I'd thought of it sooner!))))
To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.

Reducing Static Cling
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and .... ta da! ... static is gone.

Measuring Cups
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water.
Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such
as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.

Foggy Windshield?
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!

Reopening envelopes
If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.

Conditioner
Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair.

Goodbye Fruit Flies
To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2' with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!

Get Rid of Ants
Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it 'home,' can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!

INFO ABOUT CLOTHES DRYERS(((Wish I'd heard this advice sooner, our 2YEAR old dryer went out & we've been waiting nearly 2 weeks for a new one to get here!!! Feels like a lifetime! Hopefully the new one will last longer!!!)))
The heating unit went out on my dryer! The gentleman that fixes things around the house for us told us that he wanted to show us something and he went over to the dryer and pulled out the lint filter. It was clean. (I always clean the lint from the filter after every load clothes.) He told us that he wanted to show us something; he took the filter over to the sink and ran hot water over it. The lint filter is made of a mesh material .. I'm sure you know what your dryer's lint filter looks like. Well ... the hot water just sat on top of the mesh! It didn't go through it at all! He told us that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh that's what burns out the heating unit. You can't SEE the film, but it's there. It's what is in the dryer sheets to make your clothes soft and static free ... that nice fragrance, too. You know how they can feel waxy when you take them out of the box ... well this stuff builds up on your clothes and on your lint screen. This is also what causes dryer units to potentially burn your house down with it! He said the best way to keep your dryer working for a very long time (and to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that filter out and wash it with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six months. He said that makes the life of the dryer at least twice as long! How about that!?! Learn something new everyday! I certainly didn't know dryer sheets would do that. So, I thought I'd share!
Note: I went to my dryer and tested my screen by running water on it. The water ran through a little bit but mostly collected all the water in the mesh screen. I washed it with warm soapy water and a nylon brush and I had it done in 30 seconds. Then when I rinsed it .. the water ran right thru the screen! There wasn't any puddling at all! That repairman knew what he was talking about!
PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK.
NOT ONLY COULD IT SAVE SOMEONE'S HOME, BUT IT COULD SAVE A LIFE!

Braces

2010-04-09T19:28:00.005-05:00

We've been trying to get braces on this girl for several years now, but kept having it delayed because we didn't start when she was like five(seriously!) and because of how slowly her teeth move, we had to have like 5 baby teeth removed just to start the process!! We had one baby tooth removed last May and the permanent one still hasn't come down...crazy! But Dr. St. Clair said that is actually a good thing because the teeth are less likely to get cavities when they do that...so what's cheaper braces or cavities?! I guess it depends on how many cavities, but my guess is braces are def more! She has desperately wanted them & I wanted her to be able to get it over with in junior high, so it finally happened!! Yay!
She was so so so happy! Until that 1st night when her wire popped out, she called me crying (like hysterically!), poor BD was the only one there and he doesn't do well with teenage dramatics! He called the emergency hot line (lol) but it said "if you're wire has popped out, this is not an emergency"!! I took her 1st thing the next morning and they said this first wire is more flexible than the other wires she will have so it's common for it to pop out...great! They tried to show me how to fix it...eek, don't know about that! But when I told BD they used a needle nose pliers, he of course felt he could do it (men love anything involving tools I think!). Anyway, I think she looks really cute with her braces. She said she got lots of compliments on them...that makes me laugh, but I can see why! Can't wait to see the final results..well nvm yes I can because that means she'll be in like 8th or 9th grade!!

Before braces

with the mouth guard getting em buffed

Dr. St. Clair putting the 1st one on

She's loving it!

Her 1st look at herself
GORGEOUS GIRL!!
Highly recommend them, honest Christian people!

Easter Blessings

2010-04-04T21:51:00.005-05:00

We had a great Easter weekend! Saturday was Miss. Sydney Kate's 1st birthday & she was loving being the center of attention! She has such a fun personality and loves loves being with alll her cousins. Oh the fun they are going to have together in the years to come!
My cousin Amanda (my 1st baby) came down from Canyon to spend Easter with us (she's attending WTA&M) and we had a fun night/day crafting together...I taught her to thread a needle and hand sew WOOHOO! that's where it all begins...we were making shirts with fabric flowers.
Wednesday morning the boys dyed eggs with their cousin Brett, but I think they got more dye on themselves than they did on the eggs, so we skipped our plans to dye more Sat. night...they were oblivious to it so no biggie! Sunday morning we went to a beautiful service at church, was very very moving! Made the whole day just wonderful. We're so incredibly blessed and Easter is a beautiful reminder of exactly why we're so blessed.

Some pictures....

Avery, Briley & Brett

Blue man, it was all over their legs too...

Avery & his buddy Thatcher, cute little bunnies!

Camden, Uncle Wes & Avery

Briley & his buddy Ryder...Ryder told Briley, "I hope you have a Happy Easter time!!", as we were leaving. I thought it was so cute ;)

Sydney liked her cake!

In her dress Mimaw made...gorgeous!

She sashayed around & was loving all the attention...here comes the next Miss. America! Jennifer you better start watching Little Miss. Perfect..haha!!

Ready to hunt some eggs

And he's off!
Helping Sydney

Briley loved hunting eggs, he especially liked rehiding & finding his own eggs...silly boy!

Avery can ride this scooter like a big kid...he isn't afraid to do anything & doesn't quit until he does it, which is a good quality, but scary at the same time! He could get going fast on it & unlike his Uncle AD he didn't fall ;)

Riding with Bubs

Chloe & Briley counting eggs & checking for the good stuff!

Pretty girl, she still has lots of fun hunting too!!

Playing with Cole...don't ask?@!

Uncle AD hid all the kiddos in the box & they thought it was so much fun...we should've all just gotten her a box!

We got this babydoll for Sydney & guess who loved it the most?! He is going to be a good Daddy someday, he loves to play with babies.

He layed down on her & was kissing her ;) my little romeo!

He fed her & changed her diaper...

Easter morning, checking out what the Easter Bunny brought

Briley with his pizza & "diet coke" ha!

Avery & his "cancakes"

All of us
Chloe & Avery with Amanda

One of the flowers shirts we were making... this is for Chloe, but I don't think she likes it as much I do?!
Crazy pre-teen child of mine!

BIG BOYS!

2010-03-19T11:17:00.003-05:00

Well we FINALLY got the boys out of their cribs...I've just had a hard time deciding what I wanted, but besides that why fix it if isn't broke right? Briley probably would have never climbed out of the crib had he not learned from Avery, so yes we really had a 3 year old in a crib!! Avery was like Spider man scaling his to make his nightly trip to our bed....

So, I found them a bunk bed with a full on the bottom & pushed it up against the wall so they can't climb the ladder yet...I want to have the 2 beds so they can have a space of their own & for having friends over in the years to come, but I'm not ready for them to swing from the fan!!

They are both so excited about naps & bedtime now, if only we could get new beds every month or so...how easy sleep would be!! They both love their bed, I love that they can't jump on it or they'll hit their heads, so NO more monkeys jumping on the bed!!

Briley said we're big boys now, we're not babies anymore! Darn it I know!! But they'll always be my babies no matter how old they are.

I ♥ Flip Flops!

2010-03-15T20:30:00.001-05:00

I love flip flops, so much so I was the crazy woman wearing mine at the grocery store this morning, of course I went before the snow came, slipped them on in a hurry to get out of the house with just one kiddo (and no he didn't have flip flops on too!). But anyway, how freaking cute are these Interchangeable flip flops?! Spring weather will be here shortly (after spring break is gone!!) & I'd like to jazz up my flip flops!! You only need to be able to sew a straight stitch & not even perfectly I mean who is going to get down on their hands & knees to examine them, well if they do then they have problems far worse than not being able to sew very good!? Just thought these were too cute not to share!

Quarantined...

2010-03-08T09:02:00.003-06:00

Briley had impetigo again! It's on his face this time which is almost impossible to bandage & keep bandaged. If you're not familiar which I know I'd never heard of it until he got it, it's really common in kids with eczema because they have open sores they scratch. It starts as patches of blisters & as they pop, ooze & then it spreads, normally he gets it on his finger & I pop the blisters, he cries & I cry (it's the most awful thing to put your kid in pain ;(! ), but it goes away quicker because I wash it with antibacterial soap, put neosporin on it & cover it up. Can't pop blisters along the bridge of the nose, in the nose or over the eye!!! He keeps trying to scratch it, so I'm trying to wash it a lot, neosporin it & cover it the best I can, but as you can see that's not working too well!! Briley was saying he was a band aid super hero last night...at least he can laugh at himself cause he does look pretty silly..poor guy!! Pray for us, we don't like being cooped up... but it's highly contagious!!

Finally.....

2010-03-08T08:31:00.002-06:00

I couldn't take it that I had let my blog go!! Since I don't have time for scrapbooking these days this is the closest thing I have to it!! I wanted to remember before I forget it ALL! So if you have some time on your hands ;) here's some of what we've been up to since October!

♥ Be mine Valentine ♥

2010-02-14T15:38:00.006-06:00

♥♥♥♥The boys had their Vday parties at school, but I made the mistake of going to Briley's 1st so I pretty much missed Avery's ;( Oh well! I know they both had fun & for some strange reason Briley had I think his 2nd nap all year, the other one was the day of the Christmas party!! He knows he needs that nap so he can party hardy! My Vday party pics turned out pretty bad, still trying to figure this camera out, but whatever!?

The boys made Vday cakes....mmmmMMM!

Avery's was definetly the sprinkliest!

Mickey Mouse LIVE!!

2010-02-12T13:44:00.013-06:00

Waiting around outside...ready to go, they were soo excited to see Mickey Mouse!!!

Avery & his little buddy Zane..they're both short & round & too too cute! (Avery is still shorter than his short friend! ;)

Aww look at that dimple, cuteness!

Elise let him play with her spinning light thingy, she is a sweetheart!

" WOOYEE" & Jesse were strange looking, Jenn & I were a bit creeped out by it!

Avery dancing with all the girls!!

I caught this pic of this girl running into Avery...knocked him to the ground!!!

But if you know Avery, then you know he's a tough one...he got right up & got back to dancing!!!

We had the confetti thing spewing out right over our heads.... probably the coolest part of the whole show!!!

Zane was really loving it...here he is throwing it all over his mama!

I didn't get a single pic with the kids looking at me...took like 10 too, the show was over so I know they were distracted by all the people leaving! Zane was smiling in most my pictures!

Chloe's 12...eeek she's almost a teenager

2010-01-11T10:35:00.009-06:00

Chloe turned 12 this year, very very hard to believe! She is the best 12 year old there ever was ;)& I am so proud of her!! I truly admire how brave she is! Choosing to go to Hutch was very brave, but more than that, she is so confident...she always trys and even if she doesn't succeed it doesn't stop her from trying again..for instance she went out for all-region choir, but said she choked and knew instantly it wasn't going to happen, but did she cry about it, No!... she said it's okay mom I'll try again next time....really?! I did not have that kind of confidence & acceptance of myself at 12! In theatre she started singing Happy Birthday to her friend Taylor all by herself, even walked up onto the stage & was joined by some other girls, but she started it w/o needing a crowd to help her...I would have never done that, still wouldn't today, but I can't sing either!! These are just a few of the many many things my daughter does to amaze me!! I hope someday I can be more like her! ;) I look forward to seeing all that she will become in the years to come, but I'm def trying to hold on today & relish all that she is TODAY!!

Twilight New Moon Party

2010-01-08T10:36:00.019-06:00

Chloe's invitations. I used photoshop to merge her face with Bella's...not bad for my first time, took Chloe a minute to realize it was her. You can't read it very good on here, but they printed nicely. I asked the girls to come wearing red & black or something Twilight...chose colors because I wasn't sure if all the girls were into it or not?

TEAM Jacob table..

I made werewolf ears using wire headbands, craft fur, & hot glue...it was easy, but messy!!! Cutting the fur was like having 10 shedding dogs in our house...it was everywhere, took a little while before I wasn't finding it places!! But they turned out great & the girls loved them, we only had one who was total Team Edward, so she only wore the fangs! As you can see most were Team Jacob, but a couple are on both sides...these girls were all so fun!!

I was going to make my own werewolf kibble but found cocoa flavored ChexMix that had the same look I was going for, plus it was one less thing to do!
Red velvet cupcakes, Team Werewolf (claw marks) or Team Vampire (fang bites)? I added crystal sprinkles to the vampire cupcakes to make them sparkle! Chloe & I made them the night before & they were super easy & tasted delicious...thank you Betty Crocker!

The whole set-up... red, red, red!

The blood red punch...super easy & super delish!! I just mixed a can of frozen fruit punch with equal parts Pineapple juice & Sprite & then added red food coloring to make it look more like blood...

If you are a Twilight Freak like Chloe & I are, then you know why we had to have Italian for dinner, sure I could've done pizza, would've been way easier, but not nearly as yummy as my meatballs!!!

TEAM Edward Table

Red Candy...

You have to have apples!

Birthday girl being silly!

Lots of silliness...

Wishes do come true..

Her friends smashed a cupcake in her face....

We made necklaces for a party favor...I didn't want to waste my money on junk! The girls really liked making them. I printed out lots of choices for them, at first I just had Twilight themed pictures, but decided not everyone might want that even if they're into Twilight (Chloe doesn't wear any of the clothes), so I picked some fun designs & pictures. I used my word program where you print labels made them all 1x1" to fit on the glass tiles. I found the idea for this HERE, just made them more for pre-teen girls. I didn't really get any pictures of the girls because I was so busy helping them & afterwards we had to let them dry overnight, so no pictures of their necklaces, but I did make me one & one girl couldn't find hers the next morning, so I made her another one...took pictures of that. Chloe said all the girls wore their necklaces to school that next week ;)

Some of the choices...

Supplies

TADA!

One other thing we were going to do was play pin the Lips on the vampire & wolf, but the girls had more fum swimming, dancing, prank calling boys and just being girls...so we never got to it! I was one tired mama at the end of the night, we had a hotel room where I could shut them off in the bedroom and I slept on a fold out couch in the "living room area"....I passed out around midnight and as far as I could tell they were being quiet cause I didn't hear a thing, but everyone else apparently did...the desk manager came to the door twice because the people below us were complaining!! In my sleepy confusion I told him I would make them be quiet, but I really was a little upset at the hotel for not putting us on the 1st floor, when I made the reservations I told them it was a slumber party...I mean hello?!

Chloe's birthday was a lot of fun, I know it will be one she always remembers...don't know if I can top it!! And with 11 girls total (one showed up later) there was NO drama, unlike last year, so that was great! Chloe's new friends from Hutch are all so much fun, sweet & well behaved, I enjoyed getting to know them.

Happy New Year!!!!!

2010-01-01T00:00:00.003-06:00

We rang in the New Year with our favorite party people! We had steak & shrimp/pineapple kabobs, yum yum and of course black eyed peas (for luck) & collard greens (for money) ! It's been a hard year, but we survived by the grace of God and we're looking forward to the New Year. My only resolution is to spend more quality time with my kids & those that I love because life is sooo short, even if I live to be a hundred I know it'll feel like it happened so fast! And in the end the people you love & who love you are all that really matters!

Avery was blowin so hard, we were laughing at him!

Like it wasn't hard enough with one...

Shopping with Chloe & Sarah

2009-12-28T13:43:00.011-06:00

Chloe & Sarah are both at an age where we don't dare pick their clothes out for them, so they got lots of gift cards for Christmas, which they couldn't wait to spend!! I volunteered cause I love hanging out with my Chloe girl, free of little "bothers" :)...she needs that from time to time, so I took the girls to the mall for about 4 hours...whew! Here they are having some fun in Forever 21...

I love her...she is so fun!

Lil Cowboys & Cowgirls

2009-12-28T08:52:00.010-06:00

JoJo & Bubs gave the boys their 1st pair of boots & stick horses for Christmas, they love them! They had lots of fun with cousins Camden & Sydney playing cowboys & cowgirls!

Later at home, Avery put his boots on by himself...on the wrong feet, but he didn't care, he was super proud of himself!! His silly little personality cracks us up all day long... who couldn't love those chubby little legs?!

To emphasize the little squatty legs...God bless him he got my short genes...but he has so much might, it makes up for his size!

White Christmas

2009-12-25T10:31:00.005-06:00

We had a beautiful white Christmas this year...loved it! Dreams do come true! We had lots of fun playing in it as a family...Avery liked it for a little bit, but his hands got cold and he kept falling in it, some of the drifts in our backyard were as tall as he is(which is not that tall;)) (I couldn't find the boys water proof mittens for this one, but I did find some later). Chloe, Briley & BD stayed out there for at least 2 hours!!! Avery & I said that's crazy....we had more fun snuggling inside!

Chloe & Briley had a snowball fight!!

Making a snow angel!

Our Bob the Builder Snowman!

He's had enough....

Here comes Santa Clause...

2009-12-25T08:50:00.013-06:00

The boys opening a gift from Grandma Boo on Christmas Eve

A real horsey...well close enough!
It came out of the box headless...a little freaky!
My little jockey mounted it like a pro & to think we were worried he wouldn't be big enough since it says it's for 3 - 8year olds!
The tongue makes things easier to do...
YeeHaw

Now Briley had a little more trouble with his mount...

hey whatever works...we all have our own style

He had no problems riding...they just bounce their little hineys and off they go...it's the coolest thing ever!

Peace boots from Justice! I can remember when she would get disappointed to get clothes, seems like yesterday ;(

Opening her Grandma Boo gift

obviously she didn't want a camera, can't you see the disappointment?! ;)

He was so into it!

Yeehaw, of course they needed some cowboy gear to go with their horse!

He smiles at cha before he shoots you...the happy outlaw!

riding & shooting

They took turns riding for hours!

Then we made cookies for Santa...some of us did a little more taste testing than others...

Chloe quite proud of her cookies for Santa...the boys cookies were a little too lickery for Santa

Christmas morning...they are in awe

Happy Girl!

BRiley got Buzz & Avery got a Woody (WooYee), but Santa accidentally got the Woody w/o the string to pull on his back, so no sound & then Buzz is just like on the movie, "a cool toy" w/all the fun sounds & actions!! The first thing Avery noticed was "WooYEE" he was so excited!! He still loved it even without sound! Of course he loved the Buzz too...what's mine is yours, when you're this close in age!

Being silly as usual!

My little fashionista!!

No Mo Ninny

2009-12-19T08:26:00.004-06:00

This is the last picture of Avery with his ninny!! We were on our way to Pleasanton, TX for Christmas with my Dad's family. This was the only one I packed & he chewed it up, so he had to throw it away. This is how Briley got off the ninny too, each time they would chew one up I would make them throw it in the thrash & tell them if they kept chewing them up then they wouldn't have one anymore...and eventually that's exactly what happened! He was upset the first night & asked for it occasionally when he'd get upset or tired, but the break was pretty painless. All 3 of my kids got off their ninnies at age 2, but Chloe quit hers because she had blisters all in her mouth & didn't want to eat or anything for like 4 days it was pure misery for her & I both!! Poor baby! She never asked for it again. My Memaw always said "they won't go to kindergarten doing it", referring to all baby habits we worry about and I think that's pretty sound advice!

Christmas in the Hill Country

2009-12-18T08:14:00.012-06:00

We headed to Pleasanton, Texas to celebrate Christmas with my Dad's family @ my Uncle Gene's house. It was so wonderful to be with them, but so bittersweet because when we made the plans to go, my Dad was still alive, and I just wish more than anything he could've been there. I don't know if many of you know all the details because it's too difficult for me to talk about it w/o bawling like a baby, so I just don't. My Dad and I didn't really have much of a relationship, when I was a little girl he was in & out of my life and then we moved to Lubbock when I was 7, I went and saw him a few times, but it was always a strained relationship..hard to have one when you barely see each other or talk. Once I had Chloe he did try harder to have a relationship, but I wasn't really interested...I was pretty angry, I couldn't understand how he could let so much time pass w/o communication, especially now that I had a child and knew the kind of love a parent has for their child, made me even madder thinking he didn't love me like I loved Chloe. We did talk some, he came to my wedding, but nothing really improved between us. So fast forward to this summer, my mom called my Aunt Sharon, my dad's sister because she's a nurse in the Woodlands and would be able to find out about my Dr. there (he's awesome!!). So my Aunt called my Dad, asked me if it was okay if he came, of course I said it was. He came to the hospital & was there throughout the whole ordeal & with my Aunt Sharon who was also like my own personal nurse, the best, she made understanding everything easy & she was so gentle with me, helping get me as comfy as possible!! It was really nice to be with both of them & we made plans to come down for Christmas so my Dad & everyone could meet the kiddos and so I could meet my sister & brother. He called me once I was back home & we talked A LOT, it was nice better than before. I don't know if this was because I wasn't angry anymore or that he had changed, who knows if this time would've been different, guess I'll never know. Anyway, so I have my heart attack the same day he found out he had lung cancer, he didn't want to tell me just then because he was worried about my health, then pretty much within a week he was hospitalized because of an infection. So, my mom decided she'd better tell me, but that same night before I got to talk to him he had a stroke and went into a coma. I flew down, and watched this man I barely know die...it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but I was glad to be there because although it wasn't the ideal situation, I got to bond with my brother & sister and it was as though we had always been, not awkward at all. So in the midst of losing my Dad and losing all hope of having that relationship I had always dreamed about, God blessed me with two new relationships. God def works in mysterious ways...imagine if I hadn't had this rare (to still have at my age) birth defect that required me to go to a specialist in Houston, where my aunt lives & my Dad lived near, a month & half before my Dad died...I wouldn't have gotten to reconnect with him and that would have made this all 10x harder. So I'm trying to be grateful for that, but I'm still really sad, like I said still can't talk about it w/o crying. I'm especially just so sad he didn't get to meet my sweet babes. So, if you read all that thanks for sticking with me...I needed some therapeutic rambling.

So this is my Aunt Sharon w/Briley, love her!

Briley & Aunt Emma, my seester ;)
Oh Avery!
Will, my 15yr old brother, yes he plays football, he's like 6'3, Emma Uncle Gene w/the kiddos
Chloe with Uncle Rick & Aunt Sharon
PaPa Gene (my Dad's dad) and Granny Ruth
We headed to Karnes City to my great grandparents old house, this is my dad's mom's side of the family, look at how many of them came to see us!! This is love!

Briley played football with some 2nd cousins

and Avery thought he'd join in...goofball

Then we ended our trip in San Marcos @ my Aunt Dixie & Uncle Bobby's house. This is my Aunt Amy giving Chloe a hula lesson with the hulas skirt kit she brought her from Hawaii...my cousin Clayton in the background is obviously entertained..ha!

Hula Hula GIrl
Uncle Bob helping Briley w/his present
and Uncle David helping Avery
Avery giving Aunt Amy smooches

We took the kids to the park...lots of fun! Briley chased some kid around, he told me his name was Tony, but later my Aunt said she asked the little boy his name & it wasn't Tony (can't remember it)...turns out Briley has (or had) a Tony in his class at SNS & this kid kinda looked like him...ha it was funny to me!

Swinging...

I like this pic a lot!
Kisses from Aunt Dixie
Briley & Clayton, buddies ;)

Our 2nd to last night was spent in the emergency room, Briley & BD both! That was a 1st for me to have my husband in one room while I'm in another with my son...glad my Aunt was there she got us VIP treatment..ha! Long story..I've written enough! Alls well that ends well..loved seeing all my family, best present I got this year!

SNS Xmas Partay

2009-12-17T15:44:00.008-06:00

Briley & his "partner in crime" Ryder, they are 2 of the 3 Amigos in their class! There are 3 boys & 7 girls, so that's what Miss. "Kisstie" (Kristie) calls them...Aiden is the 3rd

I could not get him to look at me!!
Foxy Roxie, Briley loves this girl...he talks about her all the time!!
Opening gifts in the book exchange!
Bad pic, but you can see how he was super happy to get Elmo books!!

Avery & Camden traded books, he loves "Wooyee" & Buzz
Cousins, apparently Avery is the only one who got the memo & what'd you know, it's actually a not so cheesy smile...wooohoo!
And again my little cheesy poser, with his buds Hudson & Zane

You gotta take what you can get, when it comes to boys & pictures!

I took several & Briley's eyes were closed in them all...turd! I think he was looking down at something?

He's on the verge of a total cheese, where I can barely see his eyes...it's like an automatic thing for him now...I don't know how to break him of it!!! I know I'll look back & laugh because it's just part of his personality right now...which I love, 2 is such a fun age!!! Briley is 3 and it's much more terrible than 2...I said that with Chloe, but it's official now!

HoHoHo...Merry kissmas

2009-12-16T08:17:00.008-06:00

We went & saw Santa at my father-in-law's office, they have an authentic looking Santa & have a proffesional photo shoot, very cool!

Avery froze & was very unsure of Santa...he fleed from Santa's lap pretty quickly! But at least he didn't cry this year.

Briley loved Santa...he really got it this year and had no problems telling Santa he wanted a choo choo train for Christmas.

You're never to old for Santa right?! Chloe wanted an iphone, but hello uh NO! I told her she had to ask for something Santa would actually bring her, especially since she knows who Santa really is!! So she asked for a Wii or a laptop.

Merry Kissmas, that's how Avery says it...so cute!

My Briley Boy ;)

2009-12-14T23:11:00.003-06:00

I LOVE THIS LITTLE GUY!!! He is so much fun, even though we have hit the totally terrible threes!! He definitely has a stubborn streak & is very determined once he decides on something. Some days are power struggles & I def have to pick my battles, but most the time he is a lot of fun & amazingly smart! He knows all his letters (can recognize them at random), numbers, shapes, colors, opposites, & he has quite a few books memorized, so he reads at 3! He loves Eye Spy Books, he can find things better than I can, don't know if that says something about him or me?! He can also be such a sweet big brother to Avery, of course this can turn in the blink of an eye, but they play pretend a lot & seem to have their own little language...I love when I hear them laughing & being silly together! He is all Boy, although he loves Olivia (the pig) and wants to do ballet like her...this of course worries his Daddy! But he did make his Dad feel better when Chloe asked him what he wanted to be when he grows up, she said how about a doctor or something else & he got a little upset at her & said NO! I'm going to play baseball & Avery's going to play football! BD loved it!! Sounds about right! I love how he's deciding for Avery, not, he does it all the time, Avery wants this or that...is this a normal sibling thing or just a bossy thing?! I have to tell him Avery gets to decide what Avery wants to do, but Avery is so easy going, he could care less most the time...sometimes they'll be fighting over a toy and if I know Avery had it I jump in to help him & before I know it Avery has moved on & I'm fighting his battle for nothing!

Sorry for rambling, probably lost most of you already, but I just wanted to remember these little things because I know there is already so much I have forgotten ;), my memory is horrible enough on it's own & now I'm on all this medication that has side effects that mess up the memory & can cause alzheimers (sp?)..nice!

Anyway I took these playing with my camera...love them! Avery was napping so that's why I don't have any of him...he's also much harder to photograph...we say Avery has like a million facial expressions & Briley has one, his permanent smile!!

He was making fun of his brother here, he kept saying cheeeeeeeese in this goofy voice & then he would laugh at himself!!! Yes, it's true I can rarely get a pick of Avery with his regular smile...I don't tell him to say cheese, all it takes is for him to see a camera & he'll stop say cheese with his no eyes, all teeth grin & then he's gone!! So funny how Briley picked up on that!!

Aww his sweet laughter is music to this momma's ears!

Nutcracker

2009-12-13T15:51:00.002-06:00

We were spotted by the AJ!

Chloe posing next to one of the gorgeous nutcrackers, wish I could afford one of those to decorate with at Christmas!!
Chloe & her friend from school, Tom, the Nutcracker Prince!
I got our tickets kinda last minute, the day before, but because it was just us 2, there were a pair pretty much front & center! The founder of Ballet Lubbock, Suzanne Aker was right in front of us, so we felt very VIP! It was a beautiful performance & still just as magical as when I would go see it as a child.

Santa Land

2009-12-13T15:50:00.008-06:00

This was actually the boy's first trip to Santa Land, aren't they deprived? I took Chloe several times when she was little, but since Briley was born we haven't been....cold nights are not my idea of a good time. It was a lot of fun, the only thing missing was the fire pit? Probably a good thing with my 2 asthma boys... We didn't wait in the out the entrance door line, we had already seen Santa twice so no biggie.

This was their favorite, they both got really excited!

A little blurry...I think it was too far for the flash, but good enough for our memory books!

Oh Christmas Tree..how we love thee

2009-12-01T15:42:00.009-06:00

I broke down and bought a pre-lit tree this year, wow if I had known how easy it would be I might have done it a long time ago!! My tree from the dinosaur ages was much fuller, but this tree was taller which works well with our vaulted ceiling.

So proud of his handy work!

I actually let the balls stay all clumped together...they were so darn proud of it and having a perfect tree isn't what Christmas is about!

Avery had his own little spot on the tree, he hung his cell phone, cookie tree ornament he made for me at school, and his ornament from our Church class party, he would go and move them around but they stayed in the same general area together...he is a funny little guy!

I found these ornaments with one of their hammers, notice one of the balls is destroyed...don't even have to ask, I know who the culprit was....AVERY, my little mess-pot! Also notice he got Briley's ornament he made at school, not his own.

Polar Express

2009-11-27T20:41:00.004-06:00

This was our 2nd year to get to do the Polar Express. It was so much fun & even better than last time, especially since we didn't have anyone get sick! Our crew took up half of a cabin, which made it so much fun! It was nice because the toddlers could roam the isle & they had lots of laps to choose from. Briley asked Santa for a choo choo train, Avery said he wanted toys (amazed he answered), and Chloe asked for a Wii. They weren't scared of Santa, more in awe of him!

Briley's allergy test

2009-11-09T18:51:00.004-06:00

So, I took Briley to Dr. Mamlok for allergy testing aka allergy torture. It was totally pointless, told me he's allergic to everything to some degree...I knew that before we pricked my sweet boys back one by one, as he's screaming please stop!!! To make it even worse we thought the worst part was over, but noo they had to redo one...they made him want to itch like crazy and of course he can't or they'll have to do it again....it was total torture for us both and all for nothing really, a $100 EPI pen that will probably expire before we need it!? They said we can come back in a few years to retest him and discuss allergy shots then.
We went to United afterwards and picked out some yummy ice cream for a treat and he even picked some out for his brother & Camden!

The stickers were a good distraction while we waited for the spots they pricked to get red & puffy, which they all did ;(

Twin Day

2009-11-08T19:23:00.005-06:00

Chloe & her buddy Taylor dressed alike for twin Day @ Hutch! We tried to find a blonde wig, but they were all big & poofy, like Dolly Partenish, so the hair isn't the same, but I think they were still very twinish...cute girls, love them!!

Halloweenie 2009

2009-10-31T13:16:00.007-05:00

The boys were racecar drivers & Chloe was a vampire, but I didn't get any pictures of her because she was with her Dad. We trick or treated at bub's office and then at MCOC's trunk or treat. The boys had a lot of fun this year!

Painting Pumpkins!

On your mark, get set, GO get some candy!!

He wasn't scared, especially not if there's candy involved!

Riding the barrell rides, over & over again!

Briley loves Roxie! Talks about her all the time...I can't blame him, she's a beauty!

Doing our nightly breathing treatment...Avery wishes he could too...

Avery needs an ear to rub when he gets sleepy, Brother's not into the ear thing!

Fine, I'll get my own ear...Briley knows that won't last long & he'll be back for more ear!!!
Instead of asking for a kiss at bedtime he asks for an ear from all of us, he just needs a little rub!!! Silly boy!

Family Pictures......

2009-10-22T09:00:00.004-05:00

We had family pics taken by Christiane Wheatley, I think she did a super job, especially considering my boys don't sit for long and were more into pretending they were fishing than posing...Chloe did fabulous of course! Here are some of my favorites...

Chloe found a grasshopper, Avery loved it..Briley liked it from a distance, in Daddy's arms ;)

Briley's first TTU football game

2009-10-10T18:39:00.002-05:00

We froze to death, but it was still so much fun!! Briley's been to basketball games, but never Tech's football games, he LOVED it! Tech played Kansas State and by half-time we were so ahead (like 60ish-10?) and sooo cold that we left. We left Avery with my mom, and she said he cried for a long time, when he realized he had been left. He was still mad at us when we got home, awww I felt bad for him, but he can't sit still longer than a minute!!! Maybe next year we'll take him!

My girly man...

2009-10-06T19:11:00.003-05:00

Avery likes mine & Chloe's shoes & jewelry a little more than his daddy would like him too, but I'm not worried he is ALL boy!!

Chloe's 1st LYSO Concert

2009-10-05T07:45:00.005-05:00

Chloe had her first Lubbock Youth Symphony concert...she did great & they all sounded beautiful! Sadly, my freshly charged batteries died, before her first song was even done!! And I'm so unprepared these days, so no spares! I didn't even get a picture of Chloe all dressed up, she looked so beautiful in her heels & fancy dress & way too grown-up ;(! I did get a bit of their March of the Mouse Song, the squeaking is purposeful, it's the mouse! The Bells of Pizzicato was my favorite & I'm so sad I didn't get it recorded! Each level of LYSO, she's in Prelude (the beginner level) learned 3 songs in a just a little over a month, which is amazing if you ask me! It was the hardest music Chloe has had to learn, but she practiced and practiced and it payed off! Bravo Chloe girl!!

Birthday Boys!

2009-09-30T14:17:00.000-05:00

HAPPY HAPPY

3rd BIRTHDAY TO MY BRILEY BOY

2nd BIRTHDAY TO MY AVIES BABIES!!!

Briley with his Bee cake that he picked out at United...we had to break from our tradition this year of Chloe making their cakes for our family b-day celebrations because I had to fly to Houston to be with my Dad on Briley's Bday. We went to the Science Spectrum that morning to play with friends (yay for great friends & great distractions on what was meant to be a fun day!), and on the way home Briley informed me out of nowhere, "I not eat dinner (lunch) I just eat cake"...I laughed so hard and said, "Why not!! You only get one 3rd birthday!"

Briley opening one of his presents from Grandma Boo, he thought his singing Little Einstein card was the coolest, probably would've been happy to get just that!

On Avery's b-day we went & played with friends at the mall, and while we window shopped for a bit he kept singing Happy birthday to himself and talking about cake, so on the way home we of course had to stop at United...Avery chose the frog, even though brother tried to convince him to get the ladybug he stuck to his guns...
Avery opening one of his presents from Grandma Boo on his Bday & his singing Mr. Roboto card...he loves to do the robot...and can't you tell he obviously knows how to read!?!

This year we decided to just do a family birthday because I was just a little bit too occupied to plan anything. Chloe & I made these Cookie & Elmo cupcakes....the boys got a kick out of them!

Bubs & JoJo got them their first car.....saweeet!!!!!!!!

It's funny how they automatically assume their roles of the driver & passenger...

Avery cracks me up in this picture...he likes the tunes on the radio!

Daddy had to help steer...

all the way around the block....driver's ed badly needed!

Avery, Briley & Camden...not easy to get them all looking & smiling, but hey I tried!

Briley has a hard time blowing out candles ;( asthmatics don't have enough lung capacity....I had to step in blow the last one as Avery reached out to touch it!

Are they tasty? Looks like they just might be!

Camden helping...it's hard when you're not the one getting any presents!

This boy has been pretending to play soccer with every kind of ball but a soccer ball, even pretends without a ball, so he was really excited to get a "real" soccer ball! He can't wait to play, it's tough being a September baby sometimes!

Sissy stuffed him with tissue paper, he looked like a real football player!

Can't believe another year has come & gone so quickly...I know it's so cliche and I'm sure I'll say it every year! But really this one was hard on me.... my baby is officially NOT a baby anymore!!! They will all be my babies forever & ever, no matter how big they get!

First Day of School

2009-09-01T10:13:00.000-05:00

Chloe loves Hutch! She had an awesome first day! One of her BFs Taylor is in 4 of her classes, 2 of which are before and after lunch...you know how important it is to have someone to walk to lunch with in jr high! She actually got sick on the 2nd day of school, but not until we were on our way home at a red light....we all caught the stomach bug unfortunately!

The boys started mothers day out today at our church and they were both soo excited!! Briley is not always a morning person, but he was up and ready to go! I only had to take one picture of them, they actually posed for me...I thought that would never happen. I can't believe how much they have already grown over the summer! Avery is about to be 2 which means he officially will not be a baby....makes me cry. Anyway they both went into class excited to be there....I'm going to be nervous all day wondering how they're doing....am I the only one? I didn't get my napmats finished, but hope to this week...life is just so unpredictable!

Sometimes, you think you're firmly planted "back on the ground" and then it just comes and knocks you down again. This past weekend was an even bigger shock than the heart surgery for some reason. They told me to go home and live a long life, I never expected to hear the words you had a heart attack, it just seems wrong. I can't tell you how many times people said you're too young to be in here....I know I think that too! I'm praying this is the end of my health problems for a long time...with all this medication I have to take now! Anyway here are some pictures.....

Chloe being silly before school on the 2nd Day...

My preschoolers all ready to go!!!

Home Sweet Home!

2009-08-09T14:14:00.001-05:00

So we've been home a little over a week & everything is going great! Mornings are the roughest time for me, after sleeping all night (in the recliner) my ribs push forward & pinch me & it is extremely painful. I'm having a hard time doing nothing, but I overdid one day & payed for it dearly, so I just can't or my recovery will take even longer.... but we are so grateful to all the helpers in our life who have made this as easy as possible. We're just blessed beyond our wildest dreams!

I feel bad that I haven't posted anything on my kids all summer....they have done stuff, it def hasn't been all about me being sick, but it hasn't been the most exciting summer in history either.....oh well we have lots more summers to come! So I'm just randomly going to post some stuff I guess....

Ruidosa

Golfing @ Innsbrook

Mi Amigo

Mi Amiga

This is what happens when Daddy goes golfing....

Ruidosa Downs....

Doing Sissy's hair

I so funny...

Hunting deer..

HAppy Birthday America!

Avery's a man of many faces....this one cracks me up!

Cake the boys helped me make & then we sang Happy Birthday to America!
We found a prairie dog in our yard! Crazy!

Briley got to go see his 1st movie, Ice Age, yes he's so deprived....he loved it, especially the Icee!

Went to Science Spectrum with Aunt Sarah & cousin Tristan, they live in Canada, but not for long YAY!

Lake Allen Henry, Chloe & Uncle A.D.

Chloe & Steely

Tubing it
The boys actually rode it with me, nobody cried either!

Avery wanted to kiss all the fish, he is my gross kid! PS hes not really kissing it!

Just hanging out...

Daddy & his 1st mate

Chloe @ camp Pine Springs

Her cabin Sparrow

OKAY so that was a lot of pictures! I have plenty more, but I'm tired!

Almost Home!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-28T08:27:00.005-05:00

Today is off to a great start! I am up and able to move about...slowly, but after laying flat for days, I'll take anything! This whole experience has beeen nothing that I had imagined, after never having had a real surgery in my life I had no clue & lets just say that sometimes ignorance is bliss. I have done remarkably well, the surgeons finished my surgery almost an hour early. I have amazed them with my progress throughout, of course I think I am the youngest patient in this unit, we only hit onee speed bump with the lumbar drain. They had put this is in my spine (sort of like an epidural) to monitor pressure on my spine during surgery, so when they pulled the lumbar drain out Saturday afternoon I had been doing great as far as progress, just had one chest tube left to be removed. I laid on my back for 4 hours so that the hole could seal on my spine, well apparently this works great in old people, but young people not so much! By that night I was getting headaches and nausea anytime I sat up or got up, it was soo bad I was able to forget my pain....Anyway, we finally fixed it with a blood patch yesterday, like an epidural except that they;d insert about 20ccs of my own blood back into my spine and it seals in 90% of the cases....and it def worked for me w/in 2 hours!

I feel so fortunate to be at this point in my recovery, and I feel Gods love more than I ever have in my entire life....everything has just happened exactly as He planned it & being patient with that has been hard, but I know that He ultimately has a plan for my life and this is just a part of it. When we were basically signing my life away right before surgery, a form talking about my condition, the surgery & the risks; it said I had about 2 years at the most before it would've burst....What!? nobody had told us that, we were totally shocked, and I was glad I hadn't been told that I might've had an anxiety attack while waiting for this, so the Lord's timing is perfect once again. The thought of leaving my children motherless just hurts so bad....but thank God! I don't have to worry about it anymore...I feel like God's favorite right now and let me tell you its a pretty cool feeling! I still have a little bit of work ahead of me, but thanks to all of God's other favorite people He put in my life I'm not worrying about it at all! Just missing my sweet babies & ready to come home in a day or so! Thanks to ALL of you! I love you & I;m so grateful to have you in my life!

PS We haven't been to good at updating facebook because its forbidden in the hospital because they want to keep employees off it. Stinks! But oh well!

My ♥♥♥♥♥

2009-06-20T16:35:00.000-05:00

Well, we did the angiogram and everything went fine with the procedure, but the results weren't at all what we expected. I assumed because they couldn't see the coarctation in any of the echos that it was in my leg, it's not, it's right behind my heart. The surgeon said I will have to have open heart surgery to fix it, or by the time I'm 60 I will have kidney &/or heart failure. And of course I want to live to be 150! HA! OKay so that may be pushing it, but you know what I mean...I want to be a GoGo Granny someday!

So there are only 2 doctors who do this surgery, and I mean do it all the time because it is so close to my spine there is also a risk of paralysis....so we want the best of the best and they are both in Houston! The surgeon here is sending my info to them & we are meeting with him on Thursday to see if they want to do it now or if I should wait...which as scared as I am to do this surgery I would rather just get it over with. It will put me out of service for 2 to 3 months, that just seems like forever, but I know in the grand scheme of things it is only a tiny fragment of my life. Anyway, that's about all I know for now, so if you could please keep me in your prayers just a little while longer it would make me feel better! I'm so blessed to be surrounded by such caring friends & family and to live in a time when this sort of thing can be discovered and corrected!

I'll leave you with a picture....

update on my ♥

2009-06-16T22:36:00.000-05:00

Okay so I thought I'd update on my heart ....I went to the cardiologist last Wednesday & of course after not feeling good for over 2 weeks I woke up feeling pretty good, finally! Of course I want to feel good, but that doesn't help the Dr fix me! They did an echo (sonogram) on my heart & abdomen & they couldn't see the coarctation, same as last time, but the nurse said I was very photogenic, my insides that is HA! at least part of me is!....so it is somewhere below my stomach so they'll have to do an angiogram to know more....groan....same thing I heard 3 years ago! Some of you might be going 3 years ago, what?....so if I haven't already told you the whole story heres the gist of it.... apparently I was born with this heart defect & actually went to a heart specialists as a young child because of 2 murmurs & having rheumatic fever. They diagnosed me w/something completely different, a bicuspid aorta valve (2 instead of 3), which now I may or not have? So confusing, I know! I was never sick because of it, just required me to have antibiotics anytime I had dental work or surgery. So, when I was pregnant with Briley I was having High blood pressure & told my OB my past history so he sent me to Dr. Brogan & that's when I learned I had this, but they said I would need an angiogram after I gave birth too decide the next move, well then came Avery & then life w/3 kids seemed way to busy to stop & mess with it....I didn't think I was feeling bad, but looking back I think maybe I was, I just attributed to other things....

If you are like most people you are going, okay so you have what? what does all that mean? My coarctation is mild, or I wouldn't have gone this far in life w/o having symptoms, they said my aorta is slightly smaller than average & the coarc is 50% narrow. A coarctation basically means it makes it hard for my blood to get to my legs, so my legs tell my brain they aren't getting enough blood, and then my brain tells my heart & it starts pumping harder & then I get high blood pressure in my upper body because the blood can't flow to my legs fast enough, which is what is making me feel like total poop! I have been feeling better than I was for those 2 weeks, but I'm def not 100%....still low on energy, my legs get shooting pains & I'm still having major migraines, but not all day long like it was, but still I never really have had headaches before & pain meds don't make them go away....not fun, especially w/little ones & big ones who don't know the meaning of quiet unless they're asleep! Normally their noise is music to my ears...won't take that for granted when I feel better! Blood pressure medicine won't work because my blood pressure is so dramatically different from limb to limb....

So now, I'm going to have blood work done tomorrow & an angiogram on Friday....not excited about the fact that I won't be able to pick my babies up for a few days, but lucky my husband is soo hands-down the best! (ha was going to write hands-on, but whatever he's both of those!) I'm just praying they figure out a solution asap & it fixes me, so I can get on with life! I've already missed out on lots of summer activities & vacation and I know I shouldn't complain because it could be worse, but really it stinks...I've had enough R&R!

Anyway thank you all for your sweet gestures & prayers, means so much to me! I will keep you posted!

Next President of the USA@!

2009-05-27T09:20:00.000-05:00

My Chloe girl is moving onto Middle School...man the school years fly so fast! I volunteered on Buddy Fun Day for my final time & I watched her 1st grade teacher walk by with her class and my eyes just welled up because it felt like yesterday that Chloe was in that line....I could hardly believe her elem. days are over, I mean I knew it was coming, but something about that moment it just hit me hard! I swear I'm such a sap...& the biggest cry baby you'll ever meet, but I hate crying in front of people...not a good mix!

The day before that we had her class party & recognition assembly....her classmates voted her most likely to be President!!!! Wowsers! SO whose voting for Chloe in 2036!??! Hearing this also made me cry... That is awesome that her friends think that highly of her, you know as a parent of course you think everything, well almost everything ;), your kids do is great, but to know that others feel that way also is a neat thing. She also got an award for Salutatorian...can't even tell you how proud that made me! Now y'all pray we can get one of those in HS so we can get some scholarships cause lord we'll need it! Anyway just had to take a second to brag on my 1st baby...I just love her & her awesomness!

Chloe & her sweetheart of a BFFE, Kara
Chloe & Taylor...one of like 3 friends going to Hutch with her! Yay!

Chloe receiving her awards from her teacher Mrs. Hobbs, who is also moving to Hutch next year! Not the best picture, but it'll do!

My other babes are doing great, and I could blog a whole lot about them, but I just haven't had a lot of time for much of anything lately...between softball (3 games last week & a tourney the weekend before), end of school madness, being sickie YUCK! and I've been trying to find summer camps for my kids at Dunbar & trying to find funding because ours was cut (donations welcome! ;-)... seriously!), but maybe I'll have a little more time this summer....

The boys playing in the rain...life is grand!

Chloe & 2 Monkeys

2009-04-01T09:28:00.002-05:00

So I really haven't sold anything since the Holiday Memories at church...I just haven't had enough time to sew much....next year I will have even less time for it because I'm going to tutor/mentor 2-3 days a week and put the boys in SnS. I've still been sewing, but just for fun...I realized I've never made myself anything!!! So I made myself a purse (and want to make another one!) I'm also making Chloe a large tote she designed and I'm working on a super hero outfit for the boys (sounds dumb, but I think it'll be cute!). My best friend and SIL just had babies a day apart (both girls, so easy to design for!!)...I made them both personalized name pillows to match their bedding and an outfit....since I never update the other website & I doubt anyone even checks it.... I'm posting here but go check out the pics on the other website....I'm still up for sewing for friends & family, but I'm not really trying to market myself right now...maybe someday when my kids are bigger. Depending on what I'm sewing it can really be time consuming...I love doing it, but I just don't have the time for too much these days! Anyway GO LOOK!

My Avies Baby

2009-03-25T10:45:00.000-05:00

Avery is 18 months today!!!!!

My baby is getting so BIG! He is such a character & we love every bit of it! HE makes the funniest faces....and he can give some crazy looks! I wish I could capture them all!

I know this is totally unoriginal, but whatever....

18 things Avery is doing....

HE LOVES:

EARS...my right ear is pretty sore where it's pierced because he likes to rub the ball of cartilidge (I guess that's what you call it?) We've tried denying him the ear..ha..but he denied us peace & quiet & won that battle! He likes to check out anyone & everyones ears so beware!

Favorite things to eat....anything thats not healthy...ha jk...but really, pancakes, mac & cheese, meat, cheese, ButtBars (AKA fruitbars)...Briley also now calls them buttbars? I don't call them buttbars...boys are silly

to help me sweep and do laundry...he loves messing up my piles actually...but hey he thinks hes doing a great job and someday maybe he really will!

talking on the phone but only if nobody is actually on it...he says "yah yah yah yah BYE", really fast and then hangs up....don't think I sound like that when I talk?!

says momma, daddy, Briley, Chloe & Sissy, plane (pane), bone(phone), Wake up (ha!), night night, bird, okay, you okay?, I'm okay! (says this a lot after he falls!), eat, more, side( outside), bath, cheese, one, two, jump, up, down, ewww yuck, oh no!, ball, book, block, the end, Melmo (Elmo), Boo, Bubs, JoJo, eye, ear, mouth, nose, teeth, hair, juice, cookie, nanna, apull, choochoo, baby, hug, hot, yight (light), car, hat, sit (sounds like a bad word though!), pat, clap...I know he says more than this, but my brain can't think!

he can throw a mean curve ball...with a little too much curve, but to be so little & have that kind of strength is unreal!

loves to cuddle with me, but only if he is tired or sick...otherwise he is way too busy to be still more than a minute

LOVES to eat! If you are eating a mile a way he will sniff you out & suddenly appear demanding more food to go in his already FULL stomach!

likes hot sauce & chips......crazy kid!

Still loves his "ninny", but we are down to like 2 he will accept...not good

Loves baths, he ask for one everynight

cooking in his kitchen...he is always feeding me something he made

he loves to do Ring Around the Rosies...he likes to get dizzy actually, he also likes to march to I'm in the Lords Army & likes singing The Wheels on the Bus & Row Row Row your Boat

going to the park, he can now do the BIG slides all by himself, not the twisty ones...

his favorite show to watch is BAby Einsteins AKA Baby Crack! He loves patting & clapping along

LOVES dirt, especially in his mouth (yuck!) but whatever it's a battle I'm not fighting anymore..... I'm sure their are some nutrients in there somewhere

to give hugs & kisses if you ask him to he most likely will

LOVE LOVES his brother & sister, whatever they're doing he wants to be doing, he thinks Chloe is so funny!

HE is such a blessing in our lives! Although I hate letting them grow up..I know it's an inevitable part of life...and I'm excited to see what the future holds for this little spunky guy!

Some other news in our lives, Chloe made the Lubbock Youth Symphony, YAY! So to say the least, we are going to be really busy this spring!!!! We are already going to Softball practice MWF and violin on TuTh, once the games start it will get even crazier, but honestly we love it!

She is also officially going to Hutch next year, a magnet JHS..... I am so thrilled she made this MAJOR choice! It was kinda like friends or lots of fun electives (theatre, music, ++more)....I think maybe 2 or 3 other kids from her school are going there to, but not one of her BFFS, so I am really proud of her for being so brave! She has a bright future!

Briley is talking so clearly these days & it is so nice! He is a lot happier too. We haven't been too sick this year, not one ear infection since the tubes AMEN!, just some asthma, but we do breathing treatments w/ steroids everyday & have managed to keep it under control for the most part. He is NOT interested in the potty....he likes his tow mater underwear, okay so he thought they were a hat....I don't know if I'm ready for potty training anyway...it just means you have to find a nasty public bathroom every 5 seconds...so I'm not rushing it, maybe this summer we'll push it more?!

Avery may potty train first? He has to do whatever brother does!

I think he likes girls.....

2009-02-23T14:19:00.005-06:00

I've been a very bad blogger...I could post a ton of posts and play catch up, but I'm not going to...

Here is Daddy's pride & joy checking out the Sport's Illustrated Swimsuit issue, he sat for like 20 whole minutes (world record for this kid!) and studied it a little to hard for his mommy's liking....

****please excuse the kookoo hair...I didn't do a very

good job washing all the syrup he rubbed in it, out!****

We played with our friends Tyson & Taytum Saturday night....this pose lasted a second & I was lucky enough to catch it!

The Four Christmases

2008-12-31T09:53:00.000-06:00

So we had 4 Christmases, although none as raunchy as the movie! I only have pictures from 2 of them...first we had Christmas early with BD's Dad's side of the family....which is always fun...lots of kids and more and more each year it seems! Then we had Christmas Eve with my mom & my aunts family (no pictures). Christmas day as a family! (Lots of pictures!) And then Christmas again with just BD's immediate family. (I took pictures with Jody's camera, but I don't have them yet, and wanted to blog before the New Year) But we had a GREAT Christmas! We are so blessed and so loved! The joy Christmas brings to my kids is worth a million presents for myself...I just love it! Hope you all have a very Happy New Year!

Briley sees what Santa has left and makes a run for it!!!!
Its so fun when they get it "kinda"...notice Avery is happy with a plastic box in the background!
He loved his 4wheeler, until we made it go! Maybe it'll grow on him...Avery didn't weigh enough to make his go?! BD says we can fix that...

Checking out all the goods...
The whole set-up...I always take a picture before it gets disturbed?!
Hello Santa? Thanks for my new toys!
I LOVE LOLLIPOPS!
Riding! It was such a nice day CDay!
She got a new bike too with brakes & all!

This is just a tiny peek at Chloe's room....I still have some minor detailing to do...so I will blog about in the next few weeks...she loves it so much, when she first saw it she jumped up & down, screaming!!! Made me feel so good!

tHE cOUNTRY eLVES

2008-12-26T22:57:00.002-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Jolly ol Saint Nicholas!

2008-12-09T21:05:00.001-06:00

Santa, Polar Express & Sickness

2008-12-09T12:34:00.002-06:00

We had a busy day last Friday, lots of fun that ended with lots of sickness! First we went & saw Santa, professional pictures to come later. Briley did great, a little unsure of the big jolly guy, but he didn't cry, Avery who we call Bravery, was anything, but brave! I totally didn't expect him to cry...children are so unpredictable! I didn't get a picture of Chloe, but she sat on Santa's lap, even though she knows who Santa "really" is this year....she believed longer than most or at least she let me think she did! She promised me she won't spoil the fun for her brothers! I think she'll love seeing their joy and excitement on Christmas morning the way I have enjoyed seeing it from her. Santa will still come for her too, of course!

Here they all are getting ready for the Polar Express...

Listening to the bear tell a Christmas story.

Chloe waiting to get on the train!

Bubs & Briley!

ALL ABOARD~

Whitey & the gang!

Blurry, but it's the only one I got of the two of us!

The Conductor!

Briley thought he was pretty neat!

Getting our tickets punched...

The conductor asked Chloe if she liked snow, she was like what is it snowing outside...a little confused and then he dumped all the little punched out pieces on her head!

Chloe got picked to go sing for everyone....she loves to sing, she was soo excited!

Daddy and the Baybay

Daddy and his little buddy

The boys loved standing & facing everyone on the train...we were at the very front, so I think they thought they had this huge audience all looking at them & they were loving it!

Avery has an ear fetish! Just call him Earvry...he decided Bubs has great ears and he also thought he needed to taste them (bite them)...ouch!

HERE COMES SANTA!!!!!!!!!!

Me & My Chloe girl

Another blurry, but cute picture....this is what happens when you're swaying in a dimly lit space

This guy had SO much fun!

We all had so much fun! My husband is such a trooper, he was really not well, but you certainly couldn't tell, he seemed to be having a blast and he was, but he couldn't breathe very well, so as we all made plans to go eat at Furr's afterwards he decided to go do a breathing treatment. We all get to Furr's and are just about to go through the line when Camden begins to cough & choke and then throws up a TON...poor thing, poor mommy & daddy! They go home & we still have hungry boys, so we still get something to eat, then I call to check on BD and he says the treatment didn't help, so he thinks maybe he should go to the emergency room...I'm like if you think you should go, then GO! His momma was really worried about him driving himself, but he of course insist he can do it! She sends Butch to meet him, so I take her home...as if enough wasn't happening I nearly get side swiped by a guy in the turning lane trying to merge...at this point I couldn't take it anymore and cried! He had bronchitis, as most of you now know, and is doing much better now! Can't wait to do this all over again next year, just without all the sickness would be nice!

What child are you?

2008-12-01T13:20:00.002-06:00

Monday's Child

Monday's child is fair of face,
Tuesday's child is full of grace,
Wednesday's child is full of woe,
Thursday's child has far to go.
Friday's child is loving and giving,
Saturday's child works hard for a living,
But the child born of the Sabbath Day,
Is fair and wise and good and gay.
-Mother Goose

MONDAY:
Monday's child is fair of face.
You are good-looking, especially when you smile!
You are beautiful inside and out.

TUESDAY:
Tuesday's child is full of grace.
You have many talents, and are fun to be around.
You dance through life!

WEDNESDAY:
Wednesday's child is full of woe.
You are a serious person, and try to change things that seem unfair.
You make the world a better place!

THURSDAY:
Thursday's child has far to go.
You have many ideas, and you want to do them all.
You will go far in life!

FRIDAY:
Friday's child is loving and giving.
You are caring and sharing. You are kind,
you love people, and people love you!

SATURDAY:
Saturday's child works hard for a living.
You are ambitious, enjoy work, and like to accomplish things.
You know what you want!

SUNDAY:
But the child born on the Sabbath day,
Is fair and wise and good and gay.
You are sunny, fun, and loving.
You bring much joy to other people!

I always loved this nursery rhyme! Chloe is Sunday, Briley is Monday, Avery is Tuesday, I'm Tuesday, and BD is Thursday. So which child are you?????? If you don't know go here

Happy Burkey Day!

2008-11-28T22:51:00.003-06:00

Happy Burkey Day!, as Chloe said to me all day since it was Thanksgiving and my birthday....this was the 4th time for my Bday to fall on Thanksgiving...my 1st birthday was on TDay, as well as my 7th and 17th, and now my 29th! No real pattern to when it happens.
We had Tday lunch at Bubs & JoJos...lots of yummy yummy food and JoJo somehow managed to do it ALL without her cooking buddy Kathi this year! JoJo took pictures of the kids eating because I can't seem to remember my camera these days....so this will be a NO PICTURE! omg! post! Avery had a hard time waiting until Noon because he prefers to eat no later than 11:30...his poor wife someday! But he decided it was well worth the wait as he shoveled all of the yummy fattening food in! After we all stuffed are selves silly, we played Wits and Wagers, lots of fun...and I was better at it than I thought I would be...made me feel quite smart...ha! The kids went to sleep and BD watched the Cowboys game of COURSE!
My fav aunt & uncle were here with my cousins, Amanda & Clayton so that was a real treat since we haven't been able to do Thanksgiving with them in many many years! We all went and saw Four Christmases, which I highly recommend for the mature crowd! I made the BIG misktake of taking Chloe thinking it couldn't be too bad since it was about visiting family for Christmas and it had Reese Whitherspoon in it!, the first scene was so inappropiate I nearly left with her, but gave it a chance and it wasn't to bad after that...I think most of it went over her head...but still I felt like a horrible mother! It was really funny though...
Then we had a Tday dinner at my house minus the Turkey, we had some fat juicy steaks, a turkey was pardoned by us!, but we did have some of the usual fixins with the steak, plus a cake from Mrs. Camp's for me yeah! Briley helped me blow out my candles...he's never blown out his own candles, but I think he thought it was for him AGAIN! Silly boy!

I had a really great burkey day filled with lots of family and warm wishes! Thanks!

Girly man!

2008-11-28T22:40:00.002-06:00

"Mom wouldn't I have made a pretty girl?"

"No Avery you can't be a girl"

"Okay Mom take your headband back"
"Nice!"

Trick or Treating & A Party

2008-11-17T14:31:00.000-06:00

Trick Or Treating @ Bub's office
The Lion Tamer & her little lions

Avery knew just what to do...

But he wanted to eat it all NOW! not later!

Cute picture, but Daddy doesn't use the camera much so NO flash!

Aww there we go!

He cried because we wouldn't let him take ALL the candy...he doesn't quite have the concept of just ONE!

Hey this is pretty fun!

Uhh hey this isn't candy!!!!

Look up boys!
Okay good enough!
Avery rolling down a hill...we call him bruiser these days...I forsee lots of trips to the emergency room with this one!

The Aber's Halloween Party!

We had so much fun, there were kids galore!!!!! They took the older kids trick or treating by riding in the back of a truck or two, we're so ghetto...ha...there were plenty of Daddies, so all were very safe!! At first they tried unloading them all, but nobody would answer the door so they started just having one or two go the door, and then as soon as you'd hear the person go "oh aren't you cute", here would come all 20-30 kids, the people's faces would just drop! I'm sure they cleaned a few houses out! Oh well it was Halloween and the kids had to get some candy....it wasn't there fault they were in a HUGE group! I wish I had gotten a picture of ALL the kids cause it was a madhouse! Chris and Sara went all out with lots of decor and lots of yummy snacks and treats...it was a blast, can't wait to do it again next year!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!

2008-11-16T22:15:00.000-06:00

TRUNK OR TREAT
Chloe the Lion Tamer and Steely the Pirate

With the lions ignoring my pleas for a picture please!

Avery headed for the action

Briley trapped in Jenn's Zoo!

IS this not the cutest Minnie Mouse you have ever seen? She played the part so well...uh future actress...look for her name in the big lights someday!

They took his candy....and then expected him to smile?

Pretty Pretty girls

At Home Plate Diner afterwards...they thought this car was SO fun, they laughed so hard! They cried when it stopped going!

TUBES

2008-11-15T12:14:00.000-06:00

Briley got tubes on the 23rd of October, poor guy has been "underwater" for awhile now. Dr. Potocki did great, it was maybe ten minutes after they had taken him that he came out to tell us it went smoothly..I was shocked! Glad it was over, but I expected it to last longer for some reason! Briley did really great too, he was a little upset when we went back to get him, but he woke up to some strange lady holding him, so who can blame him! He calmed down once I got him and we turned on a cartoon! He was able to stay in his jammies the whole time...I so pictured him in a hospital gown and laying on a stretcher...ha, but it was nice that he was able to be so relaxed with his own familiar things. Anyway, I pray this is going to improve his speech & lower his frustration (and ours) levels quickly! This guy talks in sentences and ALOT but he sounds like he came over from China most the time with one or two clear words mixed in....but hopefully soon it beging to resemble English!

HOLIDAY MEMORIES 2008

2008-11-12T17:34:00.002-06:00

Don't forget to come this Saturday! I have Christmas tees for boys & girls, some boutique sets, crayon holders, plus more, Kayla has wipee cases and painted crosses, and Jody has womens aprons and burp cloths.....so come check us out! Fun stuff!

When it's all said and done I have some past due blogging to do!!!!

The Boy's 1 and 2 yr pics

2008-10-30T21:51:00.003-05:00

So, I finally got Briley & Avery's 1 and 2 year pictures done...this is such a chore right now! I was going to try this new lady at JC PEnney that Tierney had so much luck with, but they told me she only works when she can & so I couldn't get an appointment with her, so I decided to try Sears, where Kayla has had good luck....not doing that EVER again! I mean yes I got some cute pictures, but the lady in there drove me nuts! We first went 2 weeks ago, but my kids weren't cooperating, Briley wouldn't leave the giant table with wires that you move beads on (what are those called?) plus he was having bad asthma, and Avery was being well Avery! so we rescheduled.
When they called to confirm the appointment I talked to the same lady who had tried before and she told me she would be there in the morning doing them & she put that table thing away. My appointment was the very first one 10am, so we get there and Briley goes right in and is standing in place smiling & being cute like he knows whats happening, well he's 2 if you don't have that camera ready to shoot then you miss it, she didn't have anything prepared, computer wasn't on, camera wasn't on....c'mon lady you knew you were expecting a 1 and 2 year old! I'm not usually a big complainer, but after 2 times of getting your kids all spiffed up and fed properly so they can take good pictures it's frustrating! I would think that her job is to get there earlier and have things ready, but whatever. She just wasn't really trying annything fun and kept trying to be funny and tell us stories that we didn't have time for, Jody & I were just like uh huh okay take the picture, hurry take that, take something anything really! We didn't care if they were fighting, crying, screaming...whatever you know it's what they do & I think those moments are worth remembering too! You just have to be fast and creative with them when they're this little....but I have to say they did turn out really cute...just not too many to choose from....the individual ones were a little easier to get...I just saw a lot of great picture missed, hence the frustration! I really want to have "real" proffesional pictures done with Toni , but I want to be sure I can get everyone to cooperate for a family picture before we spend that kind of money....someday soon I hope! Anyway drumroll please.....

This one was from the first time...we had to bring this table in from the waiting room...it lasted for a second and then he went into OCD and wouldn't stop moving the beads!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-08T09:35:00.002-05:00

I had to post all of the group shots I took! They are just too funny to me....getting this many kids (and actually there were more kids than this at playgroup) to cooperate was a hoot....

"Tell him to get his butt out of my face!"

Avery made a friend....or so he thought!

Avery's ONE!

2008-10-08T09:05:00.000-05:00

So I would feel like a bad mom if I didn't give Avery his very own birthday blog....can't believe I no longer have a "baby" baby, he is such a big boy now walking, running all over. He's been walking since he was 8 months old, crazy! He wanted to go after his brother and is very determined when he wants something....someone told me it means you are going to have another baby soon when your baby walks early, I don't think that is possible this time, but it was true with Briley walking at 9 months & here I was pregnant about 6 months later! I'm glad I didn't hear that wives tale then (not that it would've made a difference) because having Avery has been such a blessing...he's a funny kid and super smart, every mom says that I know, what kind of mom would I be if I didn't!

His favorite game lately is "ring around the roses", but he can't make it through the whole song because his favorite part is to fall down...it's so funny! He loves to eat and eat and eat...can't you tell? He prefers meat & potatoes to fruits & veggies.....I keep trying, I think I may have to finally use my Deceptively Delicious book to get this kid to eat healthy! I'm just not that organized yet! I think he may be the hardest one to raise, he was the easiest to give birth to, and nothing comes easy so you know! He knows what No means and before he does something he shouldn't he looks at us and shakes his head No, but does it anyway...toot! As tooty as he can be sometimes, he is so sweet too, loves to lay big wet sloppy kisses on me and cuddle when hes tired. Anyway, we had our traditional family celebration at home...

Sister made him this girly birthday hat, can you tell he likes it?
Ah Ha I got it off! Dad was so proud he didn't like it!

"I want cake!"

Chloe's cake she made for him....mmmm it was yummy!

He hated it, can't you tell?!
He devoured this one better than he did at his party!

Briley did not understand that it was Avery's present....we thought it was funny, what mean parents we are!
Avery LOVED his new broom, now maybe he can quit stealing momma's...not!

BRILEY & AVERY'S PARTY!

2008-09-28T22:08:00.005-05:00

THE BIRTHDAY BOYS

DOUBLE T CUPCAKE CAKE

THEIR BABY CAKES

THE PARTY FAVORS....Crayola holders & Raider Red coloring pages

CHLOE THE TATOO ARTIST....I couldn't have done it without her help!

BIRTHDAY FAMILY & FRIENDS\

CAKE TIME

PRESENT TIME!

It was a wonderfully crazy day filled with lots of family and friends, fun, and love! Thanks to everyone who came and shared it with us!

We cheated a bit!

2008-09-17T13:38:00.009-05:00

Okay so if you're the police you can just please leave now! Ha only kidding, we put Avery's big boy carseat in about a week early...he definetly weighs enough so I don't think it's that big of a deal! HE LOVES IT! He started ooohing and pointed out the window as if to say I can see! He's been crying lately whenever we go anywhere, but we were in & out of the car all morning & he didn't cry once! I can't get over how little he looks in it compared to how big he looked in his other seat!

Who needs toys when you have box?!

Happy 2nd Bday Briley!

2008-09-11T11:29:00.003-05:00

Two years doesn't seem like a long time, but it's hard to imagine my life without this little guy in it! He is such a joy, not counting his typical two year old tantrums or his love for the word "no", but the times when he ask for a kiss & hug or the way he loves to help me. Right now he LOVES cars and books, he can stay entertained with just those things all day! He lines his cars up and makes them drive one by one, driving each one back into line...he has a very particular way of doing things & falls apart when things don't go the way he has planned. He loves loves books, we've noticed that he keeps picking out a few more for bedtime than he did the previous night....pretty soon we'll be reading the whole shelf if it were up to him. I don't mind, I hope he continues to love books...I know reading to kids makes a huge difference in their learning abilities...so if you've been under a rock & haven't heard I recommend it!

So to celebrate, we just had a family dinner for the B-day boy! And Chloe made him a cake just like she did last year....he barely ate dinner because we made the mistake of setting the cake on the table, so he kept saying cake and laughing...silly boy...I'm kinda strict about having food that's good for you before having sweets, but you know Birthdays are an exception! Daddy got him a car toy that he was obsessed with the rest of the night, he had to sit at the table so Brother would leave it alone! In 2 more weeks the tables will be turned and Avery will have his very own toy that he won't have to share, we;ll see how well that goes over! Anyway here are some pictures..........

Of course Avery had no problems eating his dinner or his cake!

Briley on his new trike from Bubs & JoJo along with his gift bag from Red Raider Outfitter, he needed the bag to go Bye Bye...you know how those 2 year olds are?!

Partied Out!

2008-08-30T21:20:00.008-05:00

Briley tried really hard to go all day without a nap...he had so much fun at cousin KK's (he calls Kayla and Camden, "KK") 1st birthday today, it was an all afternoon celebration...so no nap....when we got home around 4pm, we asked him if he wanted a nap, "NO no nap!", but he asked for some y"ogurt" & a s"poon", we both started doing stuff...5 minutes later BD whispered look, our little guy had pooped out on us, so of course i had to snap a picture....he's never done that, Avery does it all the time & keeps eating while asleep!

Anyway, wish I had a picture of Camden's party, but I forgot my camera...grabbed my extra batteries, but forgot my camera! I did however help & take some pictures with Kayla's camera so they could just enjoy the moment! Camden was so fun eating her cake & opening her presents, she would get so excited for each & every gift, it was adorable! Not to give away too many details because I know her mommy will post some details & pics soon, but it was a blast! Camden has been so much fun to watch grow & change this year...I look forward to watching her for many more years!

1st Day of 5th grade & crazy silly pics!

2008-08-29T10:44:00.000-05:00

Chloe ready for 5th grade! Every year since kindergarten she can't fall asleep and then she wakes up before the sun and gets ready, well not this year, she still couldn't fall asleeep, but we had to wake her up....it kinda made me sad....I mean I want her to get her sleep, but I wondered does this mean she isn't excited about school anymore? I hope not! She had a great day though & is really loving all of her teachers...she is sad that all of her besties are in another class, but I think it'll be good for her to expand on her friendships...the more the merrier! I truly cannot believe this will be her last year in elementary....

It's hard to believe this was only 5 years ago! She was so excited for her first day of school, some kids were crying & begging their moms & dads not to leave them, not my baby, she was telling me she'd see me later! I was the only one crying. Before K started she would see school buses & get so excited that she was going to ride on one & she could not wait for homework...HA! That of course has changed, but I don't have to force her to do it, she willingly does it, but I know if there was an option she would rather do something else...I can't blame her there! She had the best start with Mrs. Beene and that tradition has continued, we have been very blessed by the dedicated teachers who have made her elementary years so enriching & memorable! I pray this continues in the years to come as we enter the halls of junior high & high school....oh my! Was she not adorable? She still is, but you know what I mean!

Okay so please excuse my scariness, but the boys & I were having fun with the digital camera...they both love to look at the picture after I take it.

Avery laying a wet sloppy kiss on me!

What in the world is happening?! This pretty much sums up life with 2 boys under 2!