Galvan Family Ramblings

Happy New Year

2010-01-04T19:18:00.001-08:00

Happy 2010 to everyone! Ricky and I just celebrated our 11-year-anniversary on the 2nd. I am very blessed by Ricky. He is a wonderful dad and husband. I am thankful that God put him in my life. We are looking forward to the blessings of 2010. May God continue to bless you and your family!

December 2009

2009-12-18T18:30:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas 2009! Ricky, Jennifer, Braden (9), Kanton (7), Ashton (5), and Bryson (10 months)

Kanton, Braden, Bryson, Ashton

Ten months old!!

September & October Updates

2009-10-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

Braden, Kanton, and Ashton after soccer

the reason Upward should not send us white uniforms...Ashton looks like a Tide commercial!

Kanton playing soccer in the fog

workin' the bib...Thanks, Paula!!

the start of Ashton's shingles

We have just been extremely busy the past couple of months. With school, taxiing, soccer on Tuesdays and Saturdays, AWANA, church, and now festivals, it's been crazy...not to mention we had 4/6 family members have a birthday within 6 weeks of each other. Kanton had his party, and it was a blast!! We had 35 kids, 18 adults, and 7 pizzas. We did 8 expiraments, and had tons of fun!! I think I will definitely do this party again. We moved Ashton's party due to conflicts with fall break and swine flu! It will be November 7, so updates will follow. Soccer is over in a week, and we're getting into the full swing of all! I plan on doing lots of baking with the kids, decluttering, and getting ready for Christmas.

Bryson is now 8 months old. He is crawling everywhere, and he is so fun. He is happy at 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m....and all hours between. He hardly fusses at all. We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 2nd dose of flu shots, and we are anticipating the H1N1 vaccine as well. I pray for my kids daily to remain healthy. There is no medicine for the kids under 2, and Kanton has asthma. He has had pneumonia more than 6 times, and he has also had RSV. Ashton was hospitalized with pneumonia for a few days when he was a baby, and had RSV as well. Braden had a febrile seizure when he was 2, and he was diagnosed with bronchitis at the time. He has not had as much trouble as Kanton. Bryson had RSV in May, so we are praying that the swine flu stays away!!

On Thursday night, Kanton asked Jesus into his heart! Way to go, Kanton!!

Happy Fall, Y'all!!

Kanton's party pictures will have to come later. My computer is running way too slow in this rain!

First Day of School 2009

2009-08-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

Bryson

Braden

Kanton

Ashton

Braden going into 4th grade, Kanton going into 1st grade, and Ashton going into Pre-K

Galveston, Texas 8-16-09

2009-08-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

This was the first time any of us had ever seen the ocean!

Well, we took a mini-vacation to Moody Gardens on August 16, 2009. We were blessed to have won tickets from KSBJ, our local Christian radio station. Yay!! We were so excited. Trying to find time to go was a little hard, because we got them and had to use them quickly. We decided that this weekend worked best due to other scheduling conflicts. The boys started school on Friday, the 14th, and we went that weekend. We had a great time. None of us had ever seen the ocean. We were so excited!! We went to Moody Gardens, and we had lots of fun. We got to see the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, and the Discovery Pyramid. We watched a 3-D movie of "Wild Ocean," and played at Palm Beach, the water park. I was very worried that it would be super hard with Mr. Bryson, who turned 6 months old on that day. He was wonderful. He cried about 10 minutes in the car on the way, but that is my fault. I let him sleep instead of waking him up, so I put him in the car when he was ready to play. He did well, adjusted, and we went. After Moody Gardens, which closes at 6:00 p.m., we went to the beach. We found locals who pointed us to Sea Wall Blvd, which was where Hurricane Ike hit pretty bad last year on my birthday, September 13, 2008. We parked alongside the road, and we pushed Bryson in the stroller. The other boys walked. Ricky carried the stroller down the steps, and everyone got in the ocean. We had to walk a long way to the water, so it is a good thing Ricky suggested the stroller. We got carried away watching the water, looking for shells, and playing in the sand. We had a blast, and we left late. The boys ate dinner in the car, fell asleep at their normal bed time...in the car, and got baths in the morning. They weren't even over tired the next day! We had a blast, and we're planning on making another run to the ocean soon.

in front of the Rainforest Pyramid

Braden, Kanton, Ashton & Bryson

They look so cool in their 3-D glasses!

the boys in the Rainforest Pyramid

Shark!

me & Bryson

Dinosaurs Alive

Bryson and I took a break from the water and watched from the shore.

Ricky and the boys in the ocean

dirty little toes....love it!

Hello!! Mr. Bryson is now 6 months old. My! What big, brown eyes you have!

Our First Design is Ready!

2009-07-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

I feel like we waited forever, but our website is finally ready. Most of you know that we are making Christian t-shirts. We are very excited about what God's doing in this business, and we hope you can help us spread the word!

Go check it out: http://www.2hog.org/

They Saw It!

2009-07-08T20:44:00.001-07:00

Ricky took the boys to Texas World Speedway on Sunday, July 5, to the Red, White, and Blue Charity Extravaganza. They saw the Wienermobile there. I missed it. :( Ricky was a little sad the whole thing wasn't in the picture, but it's still cute. I've always wanted to see that thing! Guess there's always next year!

Summertime

2009-07-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

We are having a wonderful summer. Whoever panned the term "lazy days of summer" obviously didn't have 4 busy boys. We have been super busy. We went on a 10-day road trip to visit my parents in West Texas. We came back through San Angelo and visited friends. What a great trip it was, and I miss my friends there. We survived that trip with Bryson being 3 months old, nursing, and not taking a pacifier. Whew! On Mother's Day, Ricky and the kids planted a garden, and on Father's Day, we got to eat the green beans. After the trip, the 3 older guys did VBS at Christ United Methodist Church and had a blast. We have done Sports Camp at Grace Bible Church and Central Baptist Church. We enjoyed a wonderful 4th with great friends. Now, we are relaxing, taking our trips to the pool, and still trying to get the house clean...I've been trying all summer. We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Summer Fun Days on Thursday. Also, we have 5 1/2 weeks until school starts. This summer is flying by. I hope the kids are having fun. We tried to make a solar oven, and it didn't work. Our cinnamon rolls were soggy. We tie-dyed t-shirts when my mom was here. The kids looked great!
We planted a garden and had enough green beans to eat for dinner. I have never seen kids arguing over who got the most green beans (like it was dessert). It was so funny!

Bryson turned 4 months old on 6-16-09. He is such a great little guy! At 4 months, he was 15 lbs 6 oz and 23 inches long!

Kanton and Ashton learned how to ride their bikes on the same day!

first try

I hope everyone is having as much fun as we are. We are truly blessed having kids that enjoy everything we do. We could dig a hole in the backyard, put water in it, and they would have a blast. I'm thankful that little things like visiting my parents and swimming in the hot tub is a 'vacation' to them, and we can do the bigger things when Bryson gets a little older. I can't imagine attempting the zoo in this hot weather or Sea World for that matter. We may try to see Blue Bell before the end of the summer, but that's about it until cooler weather comes!

I must throw in a funny story: When we were at my mom's house, the kids were playing in the hot tub in the backyard. They were splashing around, having fun, and they got quiet. We looked up and saw Braden on one side, Kanton on the other, and Ashton was in the middle. We heard Kanton say "Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit," and then they baptized Ashton! I think he was baptized 20 times. Maybe he will grow up to be a preacher one day. :)

Kanton-isms

2009-06-24T12:59:00.001-07:00

So, I really should be updating with pictures right now. Well, let's back up...I really should be doing laundry or something more productive right now. I have decided to post some funny things that Kanton has said. He is such a funny guy, because he says things that he doesn't mean to be funny. He is very sincere, and that makes it even better. So, I want to do this before I forget.

1. A few weeks ago, Kanton saw me cooking in the kitchen. He makes me want to work out!
Kanton: Mom, those are some tiny shorts!

2. One night, we were watching Biggest Loser a while ago (and pre-Bryson), I was weighing myself in the bathroom while Kanton was in the bath tub. He thought he was giving me a compliment!
Kanton: Mom, you could be on Big Fat Loser!

3. At my parents' house, my dad was getting the go-kart ready to ride. The throttle got hung, and the go-kart started going on its own. My dad jumped on the back trying to stop it, and it hit the fence and flipped over on him. Kanton came outside, looked at the go-kart and looked at the fence...
Kanton: Ron Ron, I know why you hit the fence! You forgot to open the gate!

4. Braden was walking in the hallway, and his shoulder hit the trim on the doorframe. Braden was holding his shoulder in pain.
Kanton: Braden, if you would scoot over, you wouldn't hit your arm!

5. One day, I was frustrated with the kids, and I started calling Braden's name for Kanton and Kanton's name for Ashton and vice versa. Well, Kanton just stopped and looked at me and said... "Mom, why did you name us that if you couldn't remember it?"

6. The newest one happened the other night. Kanton is a very picky eater, and we have tried bribing him with $1 for everything he tries, and it still doesn't work.

Me: Kanton, you're going to have to try some kind of lunch meat this summer so we can pack it in your lunch next year.

Kanton: I don't like meat!

Me: Well, if you're going to be a vegetarian, you have to eat more fruits and vegetables and get some protein.

Kanton: I was going to be a scientist!

3 months old

2009-05-23T20:28:00.001-07:00

Bryson is 3 months old now. I can't believe it. I knew it would fly by, but I'm in the middle of it, and I still can't believe it. This sweet baby has made it through 7 weeks of soccer. It went from cold to hot to hotter. He been to church, sat through endless ceremonies and presentations. He has been to a Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting, pool parties, and the park. He is my little take everywhere baby. My other guys were so sheltered. Now, this boy did get RSV. He had the nebulizer and whole deal. We were able to stay home and continue breathing treatments here. He started getting sick on the Friday before Mother's Day, and he got better right before baby dedication. Kanton got pneumonia that same week and missed 3 of the last 6 days of school. Poor guy! He is a joy!! He never cries. The day he got his shots, I think I freaked a little. I was not used to him being cranky. I made it through this week making cake for 300 people, and he took 3 hour naps for me! What a trooper!!

I just love this face.

Here we all are at baby dedication at church on 5-17-09.

He prefers to suck on his hand, but we are working on the paci. My friend, Erin, bought him some soothies, so we're trying!

He looks so cute in his horse outfit!

Bryson likes to swing if he's sleepy. Other than that, you have to be in eyesight, or he doesn't like it all that much.

In His Steps 2009

2009-05-23T19:56:00.000-07:00

This is Ashton's favorite thing to do. Braden's friends especially think it's cool. I don't know many 3rd...now 4th grade boys...who can do this, so it is very entertaining to them. I think this will be the photo I put in Ashton's senior yearbook. This was done between ceremonies.

Here's the family between ceremonies. You didn't want to see us after 4 hours of awards. Whew!

Hey, there's nothing in here!

Poor Kanton had an allergy, and his eyes were killing him. Most of my shots, he's rubbing them or they're closed.

Kanton received the Godly character trait of "obedeince." His teacher told me he always tried really hard to be good, and he made it through the entire year of kindergarten without getting in trouble! Yeah, Kanton!!

Kanton is getting his diploma from his wonderful teacher, Mrs. Taylor.

Braden received the Godly character trait of "faithfulness" and was on the Head Master's Honor Roll (meaning he received all A's all year long).

Braden and 3rd graders reciting their memory verses

Mr. Meaty Legs

2009-04-29T07:19:00.001-07:00

Bryson had his 2 month check-up yesterday. It was supposed to be on 4/16/09, but the doctor was going to be out of town. It was rescheduled, and he is now 10 weeks old.

We call him Mr. Meaty Legs, because this boy has some major chunky thighs. They are so much cuter on him, but they look just like mine! Anyway, we are going to have a t-shirt made as soon as mommy has time to go shopping. Mrs. Germ-a-phobe has been only to Target once and Walmart once with a stroller, and it was closed in Walmart. Eww, that place is just yucky!

He finally got his shots. He got 3 and one oral vaccine for Rotavirus. I hate that stuff. All three of my boys had it, and it's nasty, but the vaccine is bad. He choked on it, it came out his nose, and they said he will have runny stools and might throw up. I am not looking forward to this. Also, they said to expect a fever of 101 to 102 for a few days. My boy is not feeling well, and mommy just can't take it! Makes me sad.

So here are his 2 month stats:

Weight: 13 pounds 3 ounces, 90th percentile

Height: 24 inches, 75th percentile *above average! We are vertically challenged in this house!

**He was 7 lbs 2.5 oz and 19 in. when he was born! He dropped to 6 lbs 8 oz and left the hospital at 6 lbs 10 oz. He was 7 lbs 6 oz at his two week check-up.

He sleeps usually from 10 p.m. til 3:15 a.m., and then back to sleep til 5:30. Then, he sleeps til 7:30. He is usually up an hour and a half before his first morning nap. I think he is my best sleeper, but it's been a long time, and it's hard to remember.

Have a blessed week!!

2 months old and Spring-time Fun

2009-04-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

Looking for some good, clean fun? Welcome to our blog. Note: It gets a little dirty toward the end. I apologize.

*Note: For a better viewing experience, please hum the Indiana Jones theme song. This helps my kids when they are playing, and I know it will help your blog viewing! Here are Kanton, Ashton, and Braden...errr, I mean Indiana Jones and his 2 stunt doubles.

Bryson is smiling now! He is also grabbing his toys and cooing lots. He reaches for my face and for his brothers' faces. He only woke up one time last night to eat, and he only snacks. I think he is just a sleepy guy. He's got a lot to watch over in our crazy house! He needs all the rest he can get!

Ron Ron and all the chubby bunnies getting ready to hunt eggs. We weren't going to hunt them, but the kids insisted. Please do not be fooled. The kids were not upset at all by their baskets remaining in the attic. They enjoyed the light-weight plastic bags. It made them run so much faster this year!

Happy 1st Easter, Bryson!

Pit Stop! The kids were pretending to change the tires on the go-cart. It was so cute!

Look out Angelina Jolie! Bryson can pucker up, too!

Bryson turned 2 months old on 4-16-09.

This is my parents' cake. My mom is a hygienist, and dad is a mechanic.

Kanton the dirty dude...They decided to play in a "pig puddle," which is what my boys call mud puddles.

Ashton the mud monster...Don't worry Em, the shirt came clean! So did Ashton after 5 shampoos and 3 body scrubs. It took 4 Q-tips to clean his ears! And as I told you, I apologize for the dirt in my blog! Have a great day!!

Six Weeks Old and Other pics

2009-04-05T06:51:00.000-07:00

Bryson is 6 weeks old already! I can't believe how fast it has gone by. Then again, I think I can't believe my other guys are as old as they are! So, we are taking lots of pictures and having lots of snuggle time and hugs. I know it won't last long, but we're trying to enjoy baby time as much as we can! Before you know it, Bryson will be running around the house with the rest of the boys. He will be into the cabinets and not interested in sitting in my lap. For now, I am enjoying every bit of it. He is such a sweet boy. He is smiling and cooing. He sleeps very, very well. He can go down for a 12-hour stretch at night, and he wakes up every 2 to 4 hours to eat, but he's right back to sleep when he's done. It seems like he only eats enough to hold off the hunger. Just a 5 minute snack here and there in the night, and he's good.

Peace!

Bryson

Ashton. He is a mess. He is always, always playing sports. If he doesn't get a scholarship to play basketball for A&M, I'm protesting. The boy is constantly dribbling, dunking, and running through my living room. When Ricky told him that he saw the Coach Sherman at church, Ashton asked, "Did you tell him I'm going to play there when I grow up?" No, he didn't, but that's okay. One of my favorite movies is Rudy, and I know Ashton's going to be like he was for Notre Dame. If he can't play, he's going to paint the helmets (movie reference) or be the best water boy ever. He might even take care of Revielle. Ashton has both knees super scraped up from playing "street" ball on the driveway. Not to mention that his wounds cannot heal, because he won't leave them alone. He is in love with Bryson, and if his brother is awake, he has to hold him, kiss him, hug him, or play with him. Yesterday, we were going to soccer, and it was cloudy outside. Ashton was looking at the window in the van, and he said, "Mom, look, Jesus!" The clouds were opening up, and the sun was shining through. He said, "Look, Jesus is following us! He is watching over us!" I thought it was so sweet that he was reminding me of something so simple and sweet that I needed to hear! What a sweet boy.

Kanton. Kanton is doing really well in Kindergarten, and he is graduating in a few weeks. He is learning to tie his shoes. He loves drawing and telling us jokes. He loves to read. He is reading well into the 2nd grade level. He loves playing on the computer and talking to his friends. He is good at soccer, and runs really fast. He can't do a cartwheel. He has a very good attitude about it, and it's so funny to our family. He just can't. He is very good at playing with his brothers, and he is very good at playing by himself. He is the best at washing his hands before he holds Bryson. He will wash them, and then he comes in the room like a doctor and grabs things with his elbows. He looks like he's preparing for surgery. He won't touch anything before he holds him. Also, he is my little paramedic. If someone gets hurt, Kanton does a full sprint to the medicine closet and grabs the bandaids. I told him that one day he is going to be a paramedic or doctor, because he is very good at taking care of us when we are hurt. What a fun little guy he is!

Braden. Braden is growing up. He is friends with everyone. He likes taking things apart and making inventions. His teacher told me last year that he enjoys reading science manuals in class. He is reading on the 5th grade level. He likes playing with his brothers, and he likes trying to climb trees. He played basketball, and he is now doing soccer. He loves all gadgets. He says that he is going to be an engineer one day. He loves Bryson, and he is very careful with him. Braden is helpful when Ricky's at work, and he is growing more independent. I am thankful that he can help me as much as he does. What a great guy!

Bryson playing in the bouncer...He watches us when we walk around him while he sits in this.

Smile!

Ashton 2, Kanton 4, and Braden 7 with the Snow Bunny in Easter 2007

Bluebonnets 2009

2009-03-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more exciting than the beautiful bluebonnets that align the highways in late March and April here. I had never seen them until we moved here, and last year was our first spring to experience. They are breathtaking! I love the feeling that comes over me when I find the patches of blue, and the kids and I love hunting for picture spots. We are so thrilled that a nice lady asked if we would like our picture taken together, so we got a nice family photo in the flowers as well. Happy Spring, everyone!!

Spring Break so far...

2009-03-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

Ashton getting ready for rodeo day with Bryson

MeMe and RonRon came to visit!

Daddy said mommy makes this face, too!

One month old on 3-16-09

Who doesn't love a good bucket full of mud?

I found a couple of these guys hanging around the furniture! Don't worry, they're not as crazy as they look!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Daddy's little good luck charm

Here are two future Aggies. One likes Powerade. Can you guess who? The red mouth should give you a hint!

Gig 'em Aggies!

We don't comb our hair much on spring break!

Blessed

2009-03-02T07:26:00.000-08:00

The past few months and now these couple of weeks since Bryson has been born have just been so quick. I can't believe he's already two weeks old, and I know I will be looking back at this in a few months wondering how those passed so quickly as well.

A year ago, if you told me that I would be sitting here with a new baby, I would have thought you were nuts! We were not planning on this little guy, and yet here he is. I comment to Ricky all the time that God knew what we needed. He knew we needed Bryson in ourl ives, and He would take care of us, because it was in His plan.

A few months ago, I had no baby clothes, no diapers, no baby stuff at all. I am now sitting in this house surrounded by baby clothes, tons of diapers and wipes, and all the baby accessories that come along with having a baby. God has provided for us in so many ways, and He blessed us with some amazing people! People have given us new things, people have given us used things. We have been blessed by wonderful people bringing the most delicious meals. I just can't tell you how overwhelmingly blessed I feel. My boys even commented how nice it was that people brought us dinner. I told them that we had to do the same thing for people when they needed dinner brought to them.

I just want to say thanks to everyone who has done something for us. Whether you gave us some gently used clothes, found me a swing on Craigslist (Kelly V.), or made us a fabulous dinner, "Thank You!" I know that God has taken care of us through you, and we feel truly blessed. It is so nice to get to spend extra time with your family and someone brings you dinner. You get to visit with your friends a little, show them the baby, and then dig in!!

Also, thank you to those of you who prayed for Bryson's jaundice. It reached 20.3 last Saturday, but it went down to 19.6 on Sunday, and they allowed us to stay home. We got to be here for Braden's 9th birthday instead of the hospital. His jaundice has almost disappeared. I'm sure there's probably a little pinch of it in his face, but he's much better. We go today for his 2-week checkup. I can't believe 2 weeks have flown by! Our new prayers are for health. Measles, chicken pox, and the good ol' flu and stomach bug are making their way through the kids' school, and I am so worried! We pray over Bryson often, and I am even praying for all of the rest of us. It would be nuts to have that going on as well.

For those of you wondering about me being a hermit, I promise it won't be forever. I'm trying to keep Bryson under lockdown for a while. All of my kids had RSV. Ashton spent 4 days in the hospital when he was 7 months old with pneumonia, and Kanton now has asthma. We are just trying to be super careful. It seems like our boys catch this stuff easily. Thanks for everything, and I hope that you are blessed just like you all have blessed us!!

Bryson photos

2009-02-21T15:00:00.001-08:00

snuggly

all my boys: Braden, Kanton, Ricky, Bryson and Ashton

wide awake

sunbathing...getting the jaundice out

first bath at home

Just a few pictures of the last few days. We got blood drawn again from Bryson to get his billirubin serum. We have not heard any results today. I guess we will go in tomorrow to get more blood drawn. He has a weight check Monday. He was 7 lbs 2.5 oz when he was born, and he was down to 6 lbs 10 oz when we left. He's doing great besides the jaundice thing. He is eating like crazy, and he is such a sweet guy. We're praying that this goes away soon. Updates on the jaundice to come.

Prayers Needed--Jaundice

2009-02-20T12:01:00.000-08:00

Bryson had his billirubin checked on Wednesday. It was a little high Thursday, but they let us go home. We went back to the hospital this morning and had it checked. It went up 4 points. We have to go back to the hospital on Saturday and Sunday to draw more blood and check his bilirubin. The doctor says that if his levels don't fall by Monday, he will be readmitted to the hospital. I am breastfeeding, and this is very frustrating to me. The only way to get rid of it is for him to pee and poop it out, plus sit in the sun. He's eating every 30 minutes and tanning in the window right now. Please pray for us. Braden's birthday is Monday, and he would seriously be so upset if Bryson and mommy go to the hospital on his birthday.

Thanks, everyone!
Jennifer and the boys

Hospital Posting

2009-02-17T15:21:00.000-08:00

My sweet hubby is here with me at the hospital, and he brought his laptop so I could update. I am sure everyone already knows, and I will have to do pictures tomorrow.

So, I just wanted to share that our sweet baby boy came into the world on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 4:27 a.m. He weighed 7 lbs 2.5 oz, and he was 19 inches long. He was delivered by cesarean section. His name is BRYSON CLAY. He is a sweetie. He came out screaming. His 3 brothers came out looking around and being super quiet, so mommy thought "Uh oh," but this little guy is so super good, and he's letting me get as much rest as I will let myself get (not alot for now).

So, I should be home Wednesday hoping all goes well. We do need prayers, because Kanton was running a 102.5 fever and throwing up Saturday evening. Bryson came Sunday evening/actually Monday morning. Braden has had a headache for 2 days, and they called us to get him from school today. The doctor said he needs to stay home tomorrow, and they think he has the flu. I am very nervous to take this sweet baby home with crazy sickness around. Please pray God will get our boys well, and we can have this sweet guy home soon! I need everyone well!

Thanks for your prayers and well wishes. We are doing well!

25 Random Things

2009-02-02T17:05:00.001-08:00

I don't have time to sit and post with pictures and things. For the sake of posting, I decided to do this.

25 Random Things About Me:
1. My first car was a red 65 Mustang Convertible. My dad still has it.
2. I was voted Wittiest in High School.
3. The first word I spelled when I was 2 was indian, and I spelled it "N-D-N."
4. My arm was broken for a week before I knew I broke it.
5. I had the chicken pox when I was a freshman and missed a week of driver's ed (which would be why I can't drive in construction zones).
6. I used to want to be a teacher when I grew up so I could drink cokes in class.
7. My favorite drink is Dr Pepper.
8. I have two degrees, one in English/Kinesiology and one in medical transcription.
9. I am afraid of heights.
10. When I was a cheerleader in college, a guy broke his neck in front of me. I have really bad anxiety because of this. I can not stand to watch my kids swing or jump on the trampoline.
11. I made my sister move into our closet when we were little so I could have my own room.
12. I had purple contacts when I was a freshman.
13. I used to wear a headgear.
14. I once got a ticket for driving with no headlights. (Hey, my Mustang didn't have interior lights!)
15. My first job was as a lifeguard.
16. This is my lucky number.
17. I don't like to eat leftovers.
18. I enjoy writing, and I want to publish my children's books that I have written.
19. I played basketball in high school, and the coach would put me in for 7 seconds or after everyone else fouled out.
20. I can type really fast, and I used to compete in typing for UIL... on a typewriter.
21. I want to learn how to sew.
22. I miss my husband when he's at work, and I wish we could work together.
23. I had a pet frog in high school/college named Romeo.
24. Chewing gum hurts my jaws, because I have TMJ.
25. When I was a cheerleader in college, I got smacked in the head with a tortilla that someone threw at us from the stands.

Timing

2009-01-13T07:17:00.000-08:00

Friday evening, I got the kids ice cream. The vanilla was so mushy, it was like soft serve. I thought the kids left the freezer door open. Saturday morning, we were getting ready for Braden's Upward basketball game, and I opened the freezer to get some cold packs out. Thank goodness it was our week for snacks and drinks, or I wouldn't have even got in the freezer. Well, I noticed the boxes were getting soggy, and it was warm.

I panicked. The fridge went out. Ricky and I grabbed the steaks and 2 gallons of milk we bought that morning and put them in the stand up freezer. The good news is that we saved a lot of food. We did throw some things away and give our fridge a good ol' cleaning out. After working on it, vacuuming under the fridge, using an air compressor and cleaning off the fan/compressor, we noticed that the compressor and fan still were not coming on. We went to Walmart and got bags of ice and another cooler.

So, we are still living out of two coolers. One is for drinks, and the other is for the fridge food. If we didn't have the stand up freezer, I think it would be way worse. So, I think we may just buy a less expensive model. We have the baby coming in 4 1/2 to 6 1/2 weeks, depending on whether he arrives on his own or at the scheduled c-section. We may just make that our garage fridge in a few years when we decide to buy another fridge. I'm thinking that with 4 kids, especially 4 BOYS, you can never have enough food in the freezer/fridge. Plus, if I continue coupon shopping and cake making, I always need a place to store ingredients/stockpiled items.

I have two cakes to make this weekend. I threw out the eggs, because I don't want to take a chance. The butter is in the freezer for now. It's just bad timing. I know there's a lesson that God's trying to teach us. Ricky seems to think it's about having more money in our emergency fund. I am not sure. I am thankful that it's just the fridge. Seriously, there are so many more things that could happen, and this is minor compared to those. I know one day we will look back on this and laugh. It might not be very soon, because I am panicking a little that we have to buy a fridge when I need a bathtub for the baby, side sleeper, sling, baby clothes, etc., but hey....God will take care of us. He always does! Maybe it's in His timing. We just have to find the lesson He is wanting us to learn.

RIP GE Side by Side Refrigerator : Jan. 7, 2003 -- Jan. 9, 2009

Countdown to Quatro

2009-01-09T08:48:00.000-08:00

Quatro is sort of a nick name that we call the baby. That, and Ocho-cinco...jokingly guessing he will be 8 lbs 5 oz. The doctor said that's a pretty good guess considering he's almost 4 pounds now, but that's average. That would make him the biggest. My guys ranged from 7 lbs 2 oz to 7 lbs 11 1/2 oz. In length, they ranged from 18 inchs to 21 inches.

So, D-Day has been set for March 2nd. It's a Monday. My sister is going to be working. Mom is supposed to be working, and the kids have school. I'm hoping that the little guy decides to show up the week before on his own. The doctor said he wouldn't do the c-section any earlier, but if I go on my own, it's okay. So, I just want to make it through Braden's birthday party, which should be February 20th weekend. His birthday is February 23rd. So, the 24th or later, I'm good. Ashton was born at 37 weeks, but the other guys were right around 39 weeks. We'll see what happens. God knows when he's coming, and we will be ready no matter what!

10 year anniversary

2009-01-02T10:11:00.000-08:00

Happy 10 year anniversary to us!! Ricky and I were married 10 years ago today. It's amazing how fast that time flew by. Here are 10 things I love about Ricky. Happy Anniversary, Babe!

1. He does most of the cooking, and he's good at it.
2. He helps me clean.
3. He works 2 jobs and doesn't complain about it.
4. He is a good dad to our 3 boys (and one on the way).
5. He almost always lets me choose the restaurant.
6. He reads his bible and encourages me.
7. He puts up with my worrying and planning everything and tells me to just pray about it!
8. He will gladly give up watching a football game to play with his kids!
9. He puts up with me (this is a full time job).
10. He loves me no matter what!

Here's to the next 10 years and more. Thanks for hanging in there with me! I love you!!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-30T19:59:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas. We had a wonderful time with my brother, his wife, and my parents, MeMe and RonRon. We missed having my sister, her hubby, and the girls over, but we got to see them on Saturday. Anyway, we had a great day, and I hope everyone else did as well. Here is a review of our Christmas in pictures!! Enjoy!
"Oh, these were Santa's cookies??"

Ashton setting out the lone cookie for Santa

Braden getting the milk ready for Santa

Twas the night before Christmas...

Thank you, Santa!

Ashton asked Santa for a baseball, basketball, soccer ball, and football. This was his favorite!

Braden was very excited to finally get a DS! (and Kanton got one, too)

Kanton asked the elves to make him something out of cardboard, and he got this ornament for the tree.

Now we can have even sweeter dreams on these Aggie pillows!

"Are you serious??" (wish I could see Kanton's face...the flag's in the way!)

Ready, Set, Go!!

Baby bump

2008-12-11T07:53:00.000-08:00

Ashton and me at 27 weeks pregnant

Happy December

2008-12-11T07:09:00.001-08:00

What a great way to start the day!!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!! What a beautiful morning!!!

Ashton slept in but still got to play in the snow!

Braden and Kanton had a few minutes of snow time before they had to get dressed for school!

This is a view of the backyard this morning!

This was a very fun princess cake I made for Ashton's friend, A. She made my day. She said her favorite part of her party was her cake.

I just happened to be standing closest to the tree farmer when he asked which tree we wanted for the kids' school. I said, "That one looks good." So, in a way, I got to pick it out. I hope they liked it!

Here's Kanton's kindergarten class and his wonderful teacher, Mrs. T!!

Here are Kanton, Ashton, and I at the Christmas Tree Farm on December 4. It was a nippy 34 degrees that morning, so I'm sporting a lovely oversized coat courtesy of my hubby! Warmth over style, people!

It's been a crazy while since I posted. We have been so busy with birthday parties, Christmas parties, Christmas shopping, and work. I have had a sinus infection for 5 weeks now. I'm on my second round of antibiotics. I am so tired and run down from all the craziness! Yesterday at work, I was having some contractions and feeling really dizzy. I think my body is getting a little worn out from all I'm trying to do.

We really need some sit down family time. I am going to be 28 weeks on Saturday, and entering the third trimester, I just really want to take a deep breath and focus on family time. I have been praying that God will just help me through this time. We get so caught up in our to do lists, laundry, house cleaning, and the million Christmas parties and gifts we have to buy. I have not done Christmas pictures, Christmas cards, wrapped presents, or sat down much lately. I just pray that I can focus on the family and spiritual aspect of this holiday. We had a great program at church a month ago, and the woman in the play reminded us that Mary wasn't running around wrapping gifts and sending out cards when Jesus was coming. She was so focused on what God had her doing, and she just did what He told her to do.

I know that these busy things won't go away. They will get done. Otherwise, kids will be disappointed, parties will be messed up if I forget my contributions, and people will wonder why we didn't have our pictures made. I just wish that it wasn't so crazy. It's such a happy, wonderful time of year. I just hope to make sure my kids know the true meaning of the Christmas season, and I hope that I have a joyful heart throughout the busyness. I'm praying for rest, family time, and joyful hearts for all of you! Please pray for me as well!

Our First Concussion

2008-11-19T16:05:00.000-08:00

Well, last night we experienced our first concussion with the boys. We attended the Upward Soccer award ceremony at church. Because I work in the nursery so much, the kids are really comfortable playing there...probably too comfortable. We told the kids it was time to go, and we were upset they had wandered off and around the church. It makes a huge circle around the sanctuary. Anyway, Braden and Kanton were walking toward us, and Ashton was by my side. Kanton's soccer coach told the boys they needed to RUN. Well, Ashton took off running toward the boys. I'm not sure if he was going to race them back to us, or if he just wanted to run with them. Kanton and Braden took off running toward us. Kanton was in a dead sprint, and he was looking down at the ground. He plowed over Ashton, knocking him backward onto the cement-covered carpet in the foyer. We heard his head hit the ground, and Ashton was screaming. I ran over and scooped him up, looking for blood. He hit so hard. Ashton's eyes were not dilated, and the coach said he was fine.

Mommy instinct knew that Ashton was not fine. He was squinting, he was holding his forehead, and he was pale. He told me he needed to go to sleep, and I wouldn't let him. We decided to take the other boys home, and Ashton started throwing up in the van. This freaked me out, because I knew he had a concussion at this point. I started crying. Ricky dropped me, Braden, and Kanton off at the house. He changed Ashton's clothes and cleaned out the car seat. Ricky then took Ashton to the doctor. I didn't go with him, since I'm pregnant...if they needed to do an x-ray, I would rather Ricky get to go in with him than Ashton have to be alone. He took him to the Urgent Care Center first, and it was closed. Ashton threw up in the parking lot. So, he took him to the Emergency Room. The doctor looked him over, asked the questions, examined him, and told Ricky that he had a mild concussion. Because he had only thrown up twice, we could continue to watch him at home.

I was relieved it wasn't as serious as it could have been. The doctor said to let him sleep if he was tired. We were supposed to bring him back if he experience convulsions, a stiff neck, difficulty controlling his bladder/bowels, and if his arms/legs didn't work. Ashton took some Tylenol and slept fine. He woke up around 2:30 a.m. whining, which scared me. He wanted a drink. I was relieved at this, gave him his drink, and we went back to sleep. My boss was nice enough to let Ashton sleep in this morning. He didn't go to bed until 11 p.m., so we slept until 9 a.m. We got up, and he ate breakfast and took his bath as usual. He seemed his usual self.

Now, I'm having to make the kids be careful with Ashton for a few days. Ashton is going nuts not being able to run and do full contact football or soccer. I told him that he couldn't play football for a few days. He doesn't understand how long that is, and he asked if he should wait until the Aggies are winning to play again! Ha. I think he thinks that's a long time. Well, we're doing better, and I'm trying not to be Mrs. Over Protective, but it's really hard. I don't want him to hit his head again, and I'm trying my best to let him rest and recover, but keeping this boy in 1st gear is a little difficult! He wants to go full throttle all the time! We are very thankful that it was just a mild concussion and not more. It was a very scary experience!

Ashton's First Aggie Game

2008-11-04T19:31:00.001-08:00

Dad with the future Aggie, Ashton

This is the view from our seats.

Here's our view of the student section.

Aggies don't take breaks. They just wet their towels when they are hot, and they put them on their heads. That way, you don't miss any action!!

We couldn't leave at half time, or we'd miss the Aggie band! Awesome!

It's fourth quarter, and he's still standing! Go Aggies!!

Here's Ashton looking a little silly. Maybe it was the grapes, or cheese crackers, or snow cone, or Dippin' Dots...yeah, he ate a lot at the game. But he had fun!!

Ashton thinks this is how you say "boo Longhorns."

The yell leaders were chased by the corps after the game.

The yell leaders were hoisted up like heroes and carried off the field.

Here is my tired little Aggie asleep in the van with his Aggie blanket. Don't worry, Revielle kept a watch over him while he slept...in case any longhorns tried to wake him!!

So we were super excited to get a phone call from a friend at work, Jennifer, who was going out of town and getting rid of her Aggie tickets. Ashton could not wait!! I am trading Jennifer some birthday cakes for her kids for the once in a lifetime chance for Ashton to go to his FIRST Aggie game.

Anyway, Ashton literally jumped out of bed on Saturday morning and said, "Is it Aggie game day?" So, it began. We went to the game around 11:15. We ate our lunch in the car in the parking garage. Ashton was so afraid he would miss the game, he would barely eat. He didn't want to drink too much, because he might have to go to the bathroom. So, we went to the stadium and sat down in our seats...45 minutes early. He didn't care. We watched the corps march in, saw George Bush, Sr., and watched the Aggies warm up. He was there, so he didn't care how early we were.

It was 89 degrees, and it was hot. Ashton didn't care. We had to make him get drinks. He went to the bathroom only twice, and he was hurrying me and saying he wasn't going to miss the touchdown!! Well, the Aggies ended up winning, and he loved it. It wasn't long enough for him. It was great. We walked to the van in the parking garage, and we sat in one spot in line trying to get out for 20 minutes! We finally got out, and he was fast asleep. He was in his blanket, because his wet shirt and the A/C made him cold. I have never seen a little kid enjoy the game like that. The kids behind us were laying on the bleachers asking their parents how much longer. Ashton was in heaven!! Thanks, Jennifer!! Gig 'em Ags!! Ashton showed us where he was going to sit when he goes to A&M. I asked him not to sit on the top or sides so mommy wasn't scared. He agreed.

Dewberry Farm

2008-11-04T19:24:00.000-08:00

Here's Kanton petting the cow, Daisy.

This was like a big, huge trampoline tarp. The kids loved it. It made me nervous.

This is the reason Kanton had allergies and coughed the rest of the week. This is a huge mountain of hay.

Here's the whole kindergarten in front of the Dewberry Farm windmill and with some local grown pumpkins.

Here are Ashton and Kanton on the hayride!!

Birthday Weekend 2008

2008-10-21T18:57:00.000-07:00

This is Kanton's cake that he designed on paper. For those of you who are wondering, they are lightsabers from Star Wars....I think I didn't do a great job on these, but the kids knew what they were.

I used Ashton's Webkinz Collie dog for inspiration.

Ashton requested a 3-D Reveille cake.

So we had the kids' party this weekend. Kanton and Ashton's birthdays are 2 years and 13 days apart, so they fall within 2 weeks of each other. We planned their party together this year so they could have it at a really fun place! The kids had a blast playing on bouncy slides, the velcro walls, and running around with a rubber ball chasing the other kids. I seriously think there was more running around with the ball than there was bouncing. We could have saved some dough and had this thing outside with a few balls!! Well, you know then it would have been cold or rained or another hurricane would have showed up.

Anyway, we had a blast seeing family and friends, and except for the Aggies losing, it was a great day! I will say that they kept up with the Raiders pretty well considering that we thought it was going to be a stomping!

I need to make a request to anyone who ever knows of Aggie tickets for cheap. My Ashton wants to save his $10 birthday money to go and see an Aggie game. How sweet is that? He practices football every day thinking he is going to play! He keeps asking when he can play there. If he doesn't get to, he's going to make one heck of a water boy!!

So here are some party pictures...

Here is Ashton climbing to the top of the rock wall once again!

Braden sliding down one of the slides

Here is Kanton in the velcro suit. It was so heavy that when he fell down, he couldn't get up by himself. I laughed so hard at him falling and trying to stand up. It was very funny!!

Happy 4th Birthday, Ashton!!

Happy 6th Birthday, Kanton!!

Here's Braden enjoying the party!

Sonogram results are in

2008-10-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

IT'S ANOTHER BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will post pictures when I can, but the boys were surprised...except for Ricky and my dad who said they knew. I don't have a name, so I have to get to working on that one!!

Thanks for thinking of us. I will just be the QUEEN of this CASTLE for a very long time. He is healthy, and that's what matters!! I have until February to think of something. He waved at us during the sonogram, and he wouldn't be still. I'm sure we will have our hands full...like we didn't already!!

Baby Poll

2008-10-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

I am anxiously awaiting our sonogram which will happen on Thursday, October 9, at 11:30 a.m. It also happens to be Ricky's birthday that day. We are hoping that you will help us join in the fun and participate in our little survery about the baby's gender. I promise to post on Thursday with the news!!

Please pray for a healthy baby. We will be super excited no matter what the sex of the baby is! I have been having trouble sleeping the last two nights! Now, we just have to hope that the baby cooperates, or I'm really going to be anxious!!

Oh how we've changed!!

2008-09-27T20:11:00.000-07:00

I've tried for about 30 minutes now to get these bigger, and I just don't know how. You will just have to click on them and see what happens. The top photo is taken September 2008. Ricky and I have lost a lot of weight. Ricky lost 30 pounds, and I lost 12...and I'm 4 months pregnant...and smaller. The kids have all grown a lot. The bottom photo was taken in December 2006. I have had several friends from San Angelo comment on how they thought I looked like I lost weight. I knew I had, but I just didn't know it was obvious until seeing it in a photo.

My ob/gyn told me I needed to gain more weight, because I've only gained one pound!! Don't worry, guys. I'm eating!! I just lost about 5 pounds after the crypto parasite, so I really have gained 6 pounds!!

September Days

2008-09-27T19:56:00.001-07:00

What do you think our favorite thing to do is...especially on a lazy September Saturday??

...get down and dirty in the mud!

Braden had his first soccer game in 4 years. Ashton was born during the season the last time Braden played, so it's been quite a while!

Here is Ricky waiting with Kanton on the sidelines at Kanton's first soccer game. Ricky coaches Braden's team, but he got to help Kanton's coach until his assistant coach could help out! Don't they look cute standing there?

Kanton has been super excited about learning all about apples and finishing his unit at school with Johnny Appleseed. He even tried an apple! This is a major step for my picky little eater. He doesn't believe me that he used to like everything!

Can I get a WHOOP??

2008-09-22T21:29:00.001-07:00

Here is their cake.

Here are Emily and Jessica showing off their Aggie rings! Congrats on your rings!

Thirty one-derful and other stuff

2008-09-14T20:00:00.001-07:00

Here I am at 15 weeks and 1 day pregnant. I know, I know. I look bigger, but I am short, people. I am 5 feet 2 inches on a good day.

Don't you wonder what this little guy is thinking?

Here are Ashton, Kanton, and Kanton's friend at the zoo.

Kanton took this picture of a cute little monkey.

Kanton and Ashton at the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco

Well, we went to the zoo over a week ago, but I have been so busy, I didn't get to blog about it. I went with Kanton and Ashton, 2 more kindergarten classmates, and Kanton's sweet teacher. We had a great visit, and the kids were super. I think the DVD player and VeggieTales movie helped just a little. We had a wonderful time, and that zoo is beautiful. I have heard about it, but I just assumed it was a small zoo. It was so beautiful, well planned, and fun....we are planning to go back for fall break. I think it was nicer than San Antonio zoo. It was more full of nature and less cement. There were even monkeys that were on an island and not in cages. I wondered how they didn't learn to swim and escape. Who knows?

School was cancelled Friday, September 12. My work was cancelled, and Friday Night Out at church was cancelled. I was bummed, because Ricky was going to take me to dinner and bowling with friends for my birthday. Instead, I got Hurricane Ike who arrived on my birthday. I am now thirty one-derful!!! We sat in the house and looked at the wind and rain out the window. It was a nice day watching nature and being thankful that we were protected, and our kids and home were safe. We had a few branches from oak trees and a small tree that was uprooted, but no big deal. I've been through many tornadoes worse than that. This west Texas girl thinks that tornadoes are much faster and scarier. Hurricanes just take longer to pass and have more rain. No thunder or hail, which is what I'm used to, so I didn't miss that.

I just found out a great friend is pregnant, and I am praying for her and her sweet family. I hope everyone has a great week.

Preschool and Random Updates

2008-09-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

Well, Ashton's first day of preschool was today. He has been asking for a week or more when he gets to go. Today was finally the day. He was excited. He got up early. He was dressed first. Mommy was taking entirely too long to get herself ready (even though she left with wet hair to get him there on time). Ashton walked in, found his class, found his cubby, picked out a seat, and opened the play-doh by himself. We took pictures, and he was great...until I said "goodbye." I have been dropping this sweet boy off 2 years at Mom's Day Out. He is still crying. It still breaks my heart. He only cries for me. He gives me a big hug, a sigh, and then he looks so sad. Two minutes later, he's laughing. He just wants me to miss him.

It would have been my first day at work for the fall, but as many of you know, I have been SO VERY SICK. Thursday, I was hit with the horrible diarrhea, and Friday, I started vomiting. Kanton was sick as well, and he stayed home from school that day. I continued on my downhill journey. I was vomiting and having diarrhea, and by Saturday a.m., I was not good. I had Ricky drive me to the clinic in town. They checked me out, and they decided that since my pulse was only 100 and not 120, I could wait about 4 more hours before giving me an IV. So, sadly, I went home with a phenegran prescription and kept puking. About 4:30, I had my sister drive me to the ER. By this time, it had been 3 days of diarrhea, 2 days of vomiting, and hardly any fluids were staying in me. I am pregnant, and I wasn't running to the bathroom every half hour. My lips were chapped, my head hurt, and I was shaking. So, she took me in, and they were telling me how dry my skin was, how I had leather skin, and making me feel like I waited too long. I got 2 Liters of fluid IV, and felt alive again!

I went home that night, and I was okay. I went to a parent conference Sunday night, and I ate about 1/2 of a fajita (this is all I had eaten since Thursday lunch when I had one chicken strip). That one fajita had me up the rest of Sunday night with diarrhea. Monday morning, I was a little better, but I was not great. I got out of bed, and I tried to drink and eat. I had Ricky bring me a hamburger. Big mistake. I threw the entire thing up, and I'm going to avoid Sonic for a while. So, I missed taking my boys bowling, and two of them had never gone before. Ricky took them to eat at Golden Corral by themselves, and he took them bowling. They had a great day without mom. I was sad, but at least they were out of the house enjoying themselves. So, Thursday evening through Tuesday morning, I was in bed. I emerged out of my cave for the parent conference Sunday only to find that was too soon.

It is now Wednesday, and I don't feel great. I still can hardly eat. I've lost 5 pounds. I am sweating. I am trying to drink, but that's hard, too. The doctor listened to the baby today. Do you want to know what he did to me? He said, "Well, 151 beats per minute. It's a girl!" I said, "What? You can't tell that." He said, "Yeah, if you believe old wives tales, it's a girl." Ashton heard this, and he said, "It's a girl, mommy?" I said, "Ashton, he's just teasing us." The doctor said, "Well, I just tell the moms what they want to hear." Okay, seriously, I never said a thing. He must have read my chart or saw Ashton figuring that I wanted a girl. I am okay either way. Seriously.

The air conditioner went out this morning. The compressor is out. It will be fixed tomorrow. Did I mention I'm sweating? Sickness, pregnancy, and no a/c. Take your pic.

Ricky, Braden, and I got struck by lightning a few weeks ago. Well, the ground very close to us got struck, and we all felt it, ducked, and felt pain. My left arm hurt where I was grabbing the van, Ricky's arm hurt as he was also holding the van, and Braden jumped out of the car and held the door. So, Kanton and Ashton were unaffected, because they were still inside the van. It hit so close, I saw a flash, and I ducked. Braden started screaming and crying. It was really scary.

So, it's crazy around here. We're still having scorpion troubles. Ashton got bit again last weekend. Not fun. We're going on a field trip to the Waco Zoo tomorrow for kindergarten. I'm driving. Let's pray I feel a little better. This stupid virus is horrible. I hope no one else gets it!

First Day of School

2008-08-14T06:08:00.000-07:00

Kanton's going to Kindergarten!

Braden is ready for 3rd grade!

Here are the boys outside the school on the first day! Ashton wore his school t-shirt, too!

The boys started school yesterday. They were so excited. I think Kanton was asking me all summer when he could start. He was ready! We got there early and took pictures, saw friends, and found lockers. We did this the day before at Meet the Teacher, but it was fun to do it again the first day! Braden walked into school, saw his old friends, and nearly forgot we were there. He did let me get a few pictures before he was busy talking to friends. Everyone was excited to see their old buddies that they hadn't seen much during the summer. Kanton was a little nervous, but he had a sweet friend in his class who came up and hugged him and said, "Kanton, I'm so glad you're in my class." Then this sweet boy told the teacher, "Kanton is my very best friend." That should help you feel welcome on the first day of school! Well, I was doing great and holding it together. It was like old hat, because I've dropped Kanton off at Mom's Day Out for three years now. I was great until the teacher asked, "Mom, are you okay?" I thought I am dropping my baby off at kindergarten, and it didn't even hit me. So then, I start getting a little emotional. The teacher handed me a bag of tissues with a sentimental poem about how he's been home with me for 5 years and that it's the teacher's turn to take care of him. It went on to say how she would help him learn and grow and take care of him for me. It was a very sweet poem.

The boys had a great day. Braden had some homework due Friday that he already started. He was anxious to come home and read a parable out of his bible. Kanton didn't have homework, but he made a cute handprint picture and painted red handprints on his bookbag. He got a little red paint on his uniform, and I am not sure how. I sent a paint shirt for him to wear!

So we made it through the first day, and the kids woke up excited again this morning. They were singing in the car and ready to go. Every morning, Braden asks if he can go and wait in the car until I'm ready. I told him I would hurry, but he did this last year as well. He doesn't like to be late! Don't worry. He is always on time, and the boy helps me make sure of that.

So, we are excited about the things that God has planned for this year. We have started third grade and kindergarten, I am returning to work in a couple of weeks, Ashton is moving up to preschool, and we're expecting the baby in the spring. It was an exciting start to a new year! I am looking forward to all the adventures that are in store for us! I am going to enjoy my week off before we get into the swing of things at MDO as well. Upward soccer is coming up, and I know things are going to get even more busy! Throw in the orthodontist appointments, baby doctor appointments, 16 field trips between my two school guys and 2 for preschool, soccer practice and games, and other life events, and we're going to be extremely busy!

I hope everyone has a blessed school year!

What a Difference a Year Makes

2008-07-22T20:16:00.000-07:00

Our one year anniversary of living here was this Saturday. A year ago, I left in my van very sad to leave. I was unsure of what was ahead and what God had planned for us. I was leaving a great church, wonderful friends, and a town I had called home for 11 years. My kids were all born in San Angelo. It was hard to leave.
When we got here, I was really sad. I missed my friends. I missed my church. We visited several churches, and we met a lot of nice people. It just wasn't what I was used to. I found a job, and it's the only job I applied for. It's funny how God must have sent me there. I know that now.

I am very thankful to have visited Braden's school and felt at peace that he needed to be there. It was the only place I felt he belonged. I didn't know how much of a blessing his little school would be, but God knew!

Well, I understand now the reasons God moved us here. I love my job. I have met great people. I have learned to save money and do coupons. I am convicted to get out of debt. My husband has a good job, although I hate the whole out of town work he has to do. I just feel we have been blessed in many ways. For now, this is home for us. Braden loves his school. He did really well, and in a few weeks, Kanton will experience it for himself. God truly has blessed us. Now, with the unexpected blessing that will fill our lives, we have something else to be thankful for. I am usually very happy to go to work, and I have a smile on my face, and even when I can't do cartwheels any more, I will be doing them in my heart!

I am so glad I have met all of you wonderful ladies at work, through coupons, and at church. We are doing great, and I am so happy that our family had adjusted so well. Just look back to my very first blog post. We've come a long way, baby! Looking back to last July and to my attitude and outlook, it's amazing God's blessings and what a difference a year makes!

Unexpected Blessings

2008-07-14T09:09:00.001-07:00

God has blessed us with an unexpected blessing! We should see this little blessing near the end of February or beginning of March 2009. The boys are excited. While it is early to announce this, I feel that the more prayers that can surround us, the better it is for all of us! Thank you for praying for us and loving us! We are praying for a healthy baby!!

Cow Appreciation Day

2008-07-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

the boys in their cow costumes

Please, save your cow jokes.

So, today we did it. We got creative and got brave. We made our costumes with glue, felt, cow-print material, safety pins, and posterboard. I even talked Ricky into doing it. We marched into Chick Fil-A as a herd. We got $27 worth of food for 36 cents. We had to pay for a fruit cup for one of the boys. It was well worth it, and the kids spent a lot of time helping with costumes. We will do it every year from now on. There were kids, parents, and even college students dressed up. We were laughing at some college boys in the same material our boys had on, but they were sneaking people under it, holding a cow mask, and making a two person cow. It was funny. I think the kids will look forward to doing it again next year.

Cake Blog

2008-07-11T13:36:00.001-07:00

I added a cake blog. My address is http://sweettoothcakes.blogspot.com

Sweet Tooth

2008-06-26T22:43:00.000-07:00

This is a Nemo cake. He's swimming out of seaweed (in case you're wondering what in the world Nemo's doing with green-colored porkchop sideburns. He is chocolate cake with buttercream icing.

This is yellow cake with chocolate buttercream icing. The "mountain" is white cake with buttercream icing. It's designed by the birthday boy himself who was having his party at Mt. Aggie. I'm glad to learn of this place. It sounds so fun!

Okay, so you guys know I do cakes. Did you know my number is in the phone book? Just look in the big phone book under CAKE and you will see Sweet Tooth. That's me.

Anyway, here are some pictures of our latest creations. My sister is staying the week, and she loves doing cakes. So, she helped me for free. What a nice sister. She probably did 75% of the work, and I just helped with details. I think we did a pretty good job. Now, we did run out of orange, black, and red icing during these cakes, so it was a close one. We managed to squeeze by. Sorry, icing joke. Have a sweet day. :)

My Poor Ashton

2008-06-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

Well, we were home last night, cleaning up dinner. The kids were playing in the room with their cousins, and we heard this awful scream from Ashton. He screamed and cried, "Something is biting me mommy!" I already knew what it was...a scorpion. I ran in there, got a sheet he was playing in on the floor, and got him out. Ricky ran in the room and started whipping the sheet, and the thing flew on him! My sister yelled at him, and he knocked it off and tried to kill it. The scorpion was quickly scurrying behind the tv stand in Ashton's room. Ricky finally killed it. My 7-year-old niece was too afraid to sleep last night, and she was up ALL night. I kid you not. My poor sister had to listen to her cry all night, because she was so scared. The landlord has sprayed. We found 3 after that...then Ashton was stung.

What's next? Anyone know how to get rid of scorpions?

Summer Rain

2008-06-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

Yeah!! It's finally raining! Let's get wet!

Here, let me help you get your hair a little wetter!

That's looking better.

There's nothing quite like a lightsaber fight in the rain!

Cheap shot! Sorry about that.

This is a great look!

We love the rain! Thank you God for the rain!

In His Steps Ceremony and cakes

2008-05-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

This was the cake for BCS graduation tonight.

Here is Braden receiving his Godly character trait of "friendliness." He also got Headmaster's Honor Roll for making straight A's all year and the All-Star PE Award. There was one given per grade. We are so proud of him!

This is Braden's entire 2nd grade class.

These are the boys from his class, all good friends.

This is one of the 150 serving cakes for a lady who was retiring.

Here's 50 servings of strawberry cake.

Here's 100 servings of a little lopsided (but still tasty) chocolate and white. This was actually 4 cakes, and I stacked them 2 high and tried to butt them together. Note, it's not that easy and doesn't always turn out as well. You learn from your mistakes, right??

So, Kanton's pics are being developed as we speak. I will scan a picture next week some time.

Moving on...

2008-05-23T16:59:00.000-07:00

I deleted the previous post. Moving on. A lot of people asked me about it. It's over and done. We're moving on. I think it doesn't matter who said what, but we should all, myself included, strive to be great examples and Godly women.

I am pretty much exhausted right now, so this will be a small post. I stayed up til 5:00 a.m. this morning making 16 different cakes for Brazos Christian. I got up at 6:00 and took the cakes. I am staying up tonight to make the graduation cake for tomorrow.

On a good note, a very sweet man called me and thanked me for his wife's birthday cake that a friend ordred for a surprise party. He said he would recommend me any time, and he just wanted to tell me how good the cake was. I thought that was very sweet for him to take the time to call me and let me know! Sometimes you just wonder how it was. He told me he is the Agricultural and Nutritional Director (or something close) at Texas A&M. I thought that was pretty nice of him to take time to call me.

So I'm sleep deprived and a little silly...sillier than usual. I am happy to say that I used my CVS coupon and got a $25 gift card for transferring my prescription there. I have one more to transfer. I can't wait til the circular comes out on Sunday so I can figure out how many ways to rollover those ECBs I'm going to earn. (evil laughing)

My hubby's home after a long 4 1/2 months. Whew. That was crazy. I hope to post more pictures of the kids end of the year ceremonies soon.

Two crazy days

2008-05-15T13:52:00.000-07:00

So, I thankfully, I don't have any pictures. I have had two crazy days. Let's start off with yesterday. I woke up, took a bath as usual. I get out, see something out of the corner of my eye. It's a scorpion. Okay, so I showed the boys the scorpion so they would know not to pick one up or touch it. I was smart enough to avoid picking the thing up with toilet paper, because it freaked me out. The thing was still moving, and when I got a piece of paper to scoop it up and flush it, it startled the nasty thing, and I screamed. I flushed it, but let me tell you...I have to make sure it hasn't crawled back up the toilet every time someone uses it. EWWW!!!

Then, you all know it was pouring rain yesterday. It was lightning and thundering, and I rushed to get into the car. We hurried a few minutes late down the road and got stopped...behind a stupid train. 5 minutes slowly rolled by. Kanton was nice enough to point out some of the grafiti on the train was "a really good picture." I told him it was not nice to paint on trains. :) So, we went to school, and for the first time ALL year, Braden was tardy. Not only is he tardy, but I have to go inside and leave the other two kids in the car for a minute (I have never done this!) and sign his name. I had to wait in line. Can we excuse tardies on days of severe downpours, please? Can we make exceptions when there are more than 10 people late, standing in line? Strange. Okay, so I get in the car, leave, head to work. I notice that I have no purse. Forgot it. Carefully, I drive to work. Ashton's crying as we pass the donut shop. Sorry!

Almost to work, I get into the turning lane, and WHHOOAAAHHHHH! we start hydroplaning on the water and bump the side of the curb. My poor van. It was really scary. 15 minutes left to get to work. It took us an hour in the car in the pouring rain to get there.

I make it to work, work a little while, and at 15 til 11:00, I get a phone call. Braden, for the first time all year, forgets his lunch. I had to clock out of work and drive over and back, taking an hour out of my pay and time, and take him lunch. Luckily, we had lunch at school. I had no money. Remember, I forgot my purse.

So, the extra trip was unexpected. I get Braden from school. I look down, and the gas light's on. I tell Braden, "Sorry, I know you're hungry, but we have to get gas." Start driving, and he says, "Mom, there's a gas station right there. Stop there." I told him, "I have to use my Kroger card..." I stop and think ..." I forgot my purse! The Kroger card's in my purse." Luckily, my friend Lana, whom I work with, came to my rescue. I called her and asked if I could cash a check at her husband's bank. Instead, she drops her shopping in the middle of Kohls and comes to my rescue. What a friend! She drove across town, got her card, put $20 of gas in my tank, and sent me on my way! Yesterday was a weird day.

Now, today. Today was better. We left early. I decided to go a new way that a man told me in line while waiting for the tardy slip the previous day. I turned down Highway 60 and exited on Highway 47. There was some construction. I saw the sign and asked Ricky, whom I was on the phone with, "Hey, it says 1179. Is that the road?" Ricky: "I don't know. Look for a sign." (men!) Anyway, I pass the road. I keep going, and the left lane ends. I am driving, freaking out, don't want 2 tardies in a row. I turn around, stay on the other side of the cones, and I start going up a ramp. There are construction guys on the top of this bridge they are building over 47. I wonder why they won't move. I run over the handle of a guy's shovel. No one bothers to stand up, wave their arms, and say "Lady, you're on a road that's closed!" Nope. They just sit and watch me. So, I drive around the sign that says "Ramp closed." I proceed down the road and notice that I'm on a one way going the wrong way. So, I pull over in the ditch and turn around. I get going the right way. Heart pounding. Fists clinched. Palms sweating. My kids are laughing. They think it's funny and want to do it again.

No thank you. I am not a good driver in construction. Is that all this town is...one big construction zone? Anybody have a bus pass?? Oh, and my gas light came on again on the way home. $20 gets you nowhere these days.

Busy, busy, busy

2008-04-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the house we just moved into. It feels like we're in the middle of the woods out here!!

Wow, these are great seats! This was in the press box. Wow!

Kanton had a field trip to Texas A&M and the Aggie Sports Museum for preschool. It was a lot of fun. I have never been, and the kids had a great time using a picture guide to do a scavenger hunt and checking off what they saw with little star stickers. Ashton especially liked seeing all the Aggies. We saw a cadet, and they were so excited. Well, we've been very busy with programs, moving ,and field trips. I've had to take off work 4 Fridays to get all the things done that we're doing...cakes, moving, field day at school for Braden, and a Mom's Tea that's coming up.

Kanton and Ashton with the 12th man statue and Texas A&M

The moving guys are ready to roll in the U-Haul.

This is our first bluebonnet picture!

me and the boys at Braden's program

Well, after the auction, we packed up the boxes, storage building, and outisde stuff and headed for the country. The boys were so excited. My parents came down and helped on Thursday evening. We went to Braden's grandparents' day program at school. They all wore tie dye shirts. After that, we took pictures in the bluebonnets before they were all squashed. I meant to take Braden's "nicer" shirt for the pictures, but they let him go home after the program, which was unexpected, so we settled for the wild tie dye.

I am sure that the busy will not slow down soon. I have 3 cake orders in the next 2 weeks, so I am excited about that. I hope you all have a super duper week (as Ashton would say)!!

Can you believe this?

2008-04-16T21:53:00.001-07:00

So, over Spring Break, Braden got a crazy rash. His cheeks were red, and his arms, legs, and trunk were also red. Well, I thought it was from the bromine in my parents' hot tub, so I thought no more of it. Well, about 2 weeks ago, Ashton got red cheeks and the rash over his body. Everyone at school said it was Fifth Disease or slapped cheek syndrome. So, he's finally over it, and yesterday, Kanton starts getting the rash on his face, arms, and trunk. Well, guess who has it today??? Me. I can't believe this. So, I have a red chest, cheeks, and shoulders. I feel like I've been sunburned, and my face feels like it's on fire. I don't have a fever, but I do feel flushed. I feel hot. It's weird. So, all you people who were around me several weeks ago when I was contagious, sorry. I didn't think adults could get it. Apparently, they can! No need to panic, Becky! :)

Auction Cake

2008-04-12T13:42:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you know I've been stressing about this cake for a while now. I am pleased to say that after a lot of prayers, lost sleep, and time spent worrying, it's finished and has already been eaten. I worked on the little gumpaste people, signs, and vehicles for about a week. My idea of making the cake the day before to keep it fresh was a little exhausting. My oven was on from 10 a.m. on Friday til 3 a.m. on Saturday morning. It made it to the auction site, and it went well. Thanks to everyone who prayed for me and helped me to get through this one. I found a neat verse I wanted to share. The kids were watching Bibleman, a DVD they checked out from the church library, and I heard this scripture:

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..." Colossians 3:23

I think this will be a very good verse to remember! I could not have made it through that project without Him!

How Smart is your right foot?

2008-04-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

My friend Kristi sent this to me, and I just thought it was something fun to share! Thanks, Kristi!

How smart is your right foot?

Just try this. It is from an orthopedic surgeon............ This will boggle your mind and you will keep trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but you can't. It's preprogrammed in your Brain!

1. While sitting where you are at your desk in front of your Computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your Right hand. Your foot will change direction.

I told you so!!!

Coupon Mom

2008-04-06T23:00:00.001-07:00

At Walmart this weekend, Kanton asked me, "Mom, why are you going to be a coupon mom?" Too funny the things that boy comes up with!! Happy Coupon Clipping.

My First SWEET Deal

2008-04-06T22:45:00.000-07:00

These are the sweet bears that made me fork over some hard-earned cash.

These are the fabulous products I got for FREE at CVS. And all the Aggies said WHOOP!

So, Myrna has taught me how to do coupons. I am learning. I am nowhere near her level of expertise, but I did manage a few deals that made me happy today. First, I went to Kroger and bought sale items with coupons. My total was $71, but after coupons, it was $52. Now, again, not as good as Myrna, but it's a starting point. I then took my monthly gas rewards and got gas for $3.11 a gallon instead of $3.21. That's a great deal in itself.

Now, here's for the really sweet deal. I went a week or two ago and bought some body wash with a coupon that Myrna told me to buy. I spent around $7 or so and got $14.97 extra care bucks at CVS. Today, Ricky and I went into CVS and got 3 Pantene hair products including hairspray, mousse, and gel that were $3/11, 3 Febreeze Products that were $2.50, $3.99, and $6.99, and a 99-cent package of Teddy Grahams that Ashton had to have. I gave the lady at the register a $1.00 coupon for the Pantene products, a coupon for $7.99 for Febreeze, a 50-cent in store coupon and the $14.97 extra care bucks I saved from the body wash. My grand total was....drum roll please..............$1.02. So, the Teddy Graham's made me have to fork over some cash!! My savings were $30.11 today! I also got $9 back in extra care bucks. So, thanks to Myrna for teaching me this suave new coupon thing, I am going to CVS to buy some CVS brand Acetaminophen for $3.98 and getting $3.98 back. Yeah!! I can't wait to go and spend some more!

Boxes Needed

2008-03-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

We've found a house, and we need some moving boxes. Diaper boxes, package boxes, whatever you've got, we need 'em. If you know where I could find some, please let me know. I can even pick them up!! If you don't have any at home, what stores give boxes? We're moving the weekend of April 18!

Thanks!

Where has the time gone?

2008-03-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

Here are Kanton, Ashton, and some friends playing tug of war with a pair of jeans on Rodeo Day!

Ricky asked why there are no pictures of him. Here you go, Honey!!

This is not a great picture, but if you lean very close to your screen and look closely at the top of the carport, there is a snowflake. Yes, there it is, folks. Awesome!

"What time is it, Mom? The gift shop's going to close!"

These are the homemade stick horses with Kanton and Ashton. No, they are not greyhounds...or sea horses.

I haven't stopped. Since 2008 began, I think I have just been busy. My kids are not playing any sports right now, and only one is in school. How can I be this busy? Well, I will try to sum up a few of the things I have been doing and why I haven't blogged at all.

Let's see....I ran (maybe 50 yards) and walked in a 5k. Yes, 5k sounds so much longer than the 3.1 miles, but it was a long way. Next year, I'm running it...and getting a size smaller shirt. Well, that's the goal anyway. Because I was too lazy to walk back to the parking garage and get my camera, please click on Myrna's link to see the picture. Thanks, girl! It took longer than I will post. I know a few people posted their times. Let me just say that at the 2 mile marker, Lana and I went in a building to get a drink of water since we were walking with Myrna's daughter. Every other person in the walk had already drank all the water, so we had to go get a drink from the water fountain. A lady who was with our group was finished, and she thought we were done. Nope, we were just at the 2 mile mark. She looked surprised and said, "Oh!" I am sure she thought we were the slowest people. These college kids were telling us "Come on, you're nearly in first place." They were lying. We were nearly last. They were making fun of us. Not next year. Watch out. Time will be posted, I will run.

I would like to say that I have cut myself down to one Dr Pepper a day. Yes, this is truly amazing and nothing short of a miracle. For 10 years or longer, I have been drinking 6 a day. Yes, I do know how many calories that is. So, I've managed to cut out about 750 calories per day just drinking water and having that one little DP in the morning. I am quite proud of myself.

Kanton had rodeo day. Instead of buying stick horses, I made one for Kanton and Ashton. I have enough stuffing and material to make one for everyone in Mom's Day Out. We had fun making our own horses, and the kids have played with them quite a bit. Kantons' horse is named Luke Skywalker, and Ashton's is Baby Boy. We had lots of fun on rodeo day, and they even let Ashton participate. He was very excited.

We woke up the morning of March 7, the same day as rodeo day, and it was snowing!! I was told it didn't snow here. Well, it didn't stick, but it did happen. I saw it. The kids got up on the first time that I called them. I wish it would snow more often. It was such a fun day, and I was so excited. I don't think I stopped smiling until the snow stopped falling. It was a beautiful sight.

We also had Spring Break, and I went home to good ol' West Texas. I got to smell the oil (blah), be sandblasted by 55 mph wind and sand, remember what stickers (or grassburs) felt like, and see quite a few tumbleweeds. We had a short 45 minute stop at the Abilene Zoo. The zoo is very small, and it only takes about that long to walk it. We got there at 4:15, and it closed at 5:00. My kids would go to the animals and look at them, and I would say, "Oh, look at the Jaguar," and they would say, "Yeah, come on." They were in such a hurry to get to the gift shop before it closed, I think they hardly cared about the animals.

It was nice to visit my family. My parents spent like $300 on groceries for us to come, and I think they were quite shocked at how much 3 growing boys and 2 little girls could eat. Thanks, MeMe and RonRon. We had fun. Hope we didn't eat you out of house and home! My sister and her kids were down, because it was their Spring Break, too, and we had a great time hanging out with them. We had dentist appointments, hair appointments, and a birthday party for my niece, who turned 2. Let me also add that Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday a.m., I ran a low fever of about 100 degrees, Braden woke up with a rash on Tuesday through Thursday, and Ashton started throwing up on Wednesday. It was a very eventful week.

We returned from Spring Break to find out that Easter was coming out of nowhere, and I had to make mad dashes to the store to buy eggs and candy in the middle of the downpour that came on Tuesday. I'm usually very prepared, but this year, it all kind of got squished together. My babies at MDO had their egg hunt, and they were so cute. They couldn't even walk at the beginning of the year, and now they're hunting eggs!

Well, we're all ready for the Easter weekend. Braden's party was today, and the discussed the Resurrection eggs and told the story of Jesus' death and resurrection. It was very interesting for me as well. We will celebrate Easter Sunday with some friends who invited us for a barbeque and egg hunt.

On a very happy note, I would like to add that Kanton is reading. We were in the resource room at church, and he started showing me the words on the die cuts. He showed me "cross" and "corn", which he thought was "crayon." I told his teacher I thought he could read. She said she thought he could, too. He was dismissed from speech after 2 years of going. He did really well, and his teacher thought she had done all she could for him, and he didn't need to go. She also told me she thought he could read. So, I bought Hop on Pop by Dr Seuss at the recommendation of my friend Amy, whose son is also reading and also in pre-k. Kanton read the first 34 pages the first day. I was so impressed. A few days later, he read the whole thing. He is now reading, but he doesn't like to read for anyone unless I offer a dollar, which I did for my parents the first night he read aloud to them on the phone.

I am sorry this is so long. I am just trying to squeeze in all the details of the happenings. I am liking it here a little more. I absolutely love my job. It is really fun, I love the people I work with, and I love the kids in my class. It is so flexible and understanding, and it feels great working at a place like this. I especially like that my kids are there with me and getting a great experience as well. I still miss our old church, and I have not found that same experience here. I am still praying that God will show us where to go. I am thankful for Braden's school, my job, the kids' preschool, and Ricky's job. I am thankful that we are happy and healthy. I think that we have found a house to rent until we buy something later on. We really want to get out of our current lease, which is ending, and take our time to look around.

Please keep praying for us.

Happy 8th Birthday, Braden

2008-02-25T17:26:00.000-08:00

Asthon, Braden, and Kanton with the cake

Braden's cake

Braden with Mumble

Braden's 8th Birthday was this weekend. He really loves penguins, so he had a penguin cake and penguin balloons. Thank goodness the weather was a little warmer than penguins prefer, because we had a wonderful time at Braden's favorite park. Braden has only had indoor birthdays in the past (since his birthday is in February) so we were thrilled with the beautiful weather!
I am so proud of Braden. He is doing great in school. He has 100's in nearly every subject, and those he doesn't, he just missed it by a few points. I am very proud of him. He is quite the perfectionist about school, and it reminds me of myself. I have created a monster! (but a good monster) He is reading on a 3.5 grade level and memorizing scripture and poems by Robert Frost. He is also in AWANA at church, and he memorizes even more scripture. He informed us that the teacher asked him not to raise his hand so much to allow other kids to answer at church. :)
Braden is a great kid, and right now, he wants to be an inventor when he grows up. He loves watching shows like Mythbusters to figure out how things work. His teacher at school told me he loves reading non-fiction books, which are quite difficult. He reads the science articles and things no one else wants to pick up.
When Braden was little, he said a couple of things that made me think he was going to be a very inquisitive child. ie., Once, I was nursing Kanton when Braden was about 2 1/2, and he said, "Mom, why do you have two of those? Is one chocolate milk?" Another time, he was 2-ish, and he was jumping on the bed. I said, "Braden, stop jumping on the bed. You're going to fall off and break your arm!" He said, "That's okay, Mom. I have another one."

We love you, Braden, You're such a great kid, and we are so proud of you. We look forward to even greater things in your future. We're so glad your our kid!!! Thank you, God, for Braden!

Tag Time

2008-02-05T14:04:00.001-08:00

I was tagged by Mitzi. The task: Answer each question about yourself, then tag 5 people by posting their names and leaving a comment about them on their blog.

10 years ago: In January 1998, I was in college at Angelo State University, I was a cheerleader, and I was working at Cellular One in a litle kiosk inside Walmart.

Things on my to do list tomorrow: Get Braden to school on time, get kids to preschool and Mom's Day Out as well as get to work on time (notice a pattern?), work, eat Olive Garden at work (special day!), get Braden, home for an hour, church, home, baths, brush teeth, and bed! Whew. I'm tired already!

Snacks I enjoy: Dr Pepper (still trying to quit), Hershey's chocolate, french onion dip with ruffled potato chips, and most of the things little kids like.

What would I do if I were suddenly made a billionaire? I would pay off all bills, buy lots of land, buy houses for my parents, siblings, extended family, and grandparents. I would tithe 10% of it, save some for the kids for college, and buy me another '65 Mustang Convertible. I think that I would make sure that I could take care of everyone who has helped me through the years, like Mitzi as well.

3 of my bad habits: I drink way too much Dr Pepper, don't exercise any more, and I think of what I am going to say while people are talking. I also start talking too soon on most phone conversations, hence interrupting. Oops. Bad habits. More than three. Even worse.

Jobs that I have worked: Lifeguard, Gymnastics Coach, Cellular One Salesperson, Cashier/File Girl, Medical Transcriptionist, Mom's Day Out Teacher, Cake decorator, Cold Stone Creamery Cake decorator (yes, I know the songs), wife, and mom.

Things people don't know about me. I talk alot, so this would be difficult not to know things about me. 1) When I was little, my mom put me in a beauty pageant. I said that when I grew up I wanted to work at Dairy Queen, and my favorite group was Twisted Sister. Needless to say, I didn't win. 2) I am a very anxious and nervous person, and I worry about everything. A cheerleader broke his neck in front of me in college, and since that, I think I need therapy. I am always afraid something is going to happen or someone will get hurt. This drives Ricky nuts.
3) I have written 2 children's books, and I want to have them published. 4) People from high school will know this, but others wont. I love frogs. I had a pet frog named Romeo in college.

Do 5 people look at my blog? I tag Natalie, Miranda, Erin, Sarah, and Becky.

Oh, Happy Day!

2008-01-21T15:14:00.000-08:00

Here are Braden's baptism pictures. (This is my first time to use the scanner, so note to self...put pictures in opposite of what order you want them!)

Here's the Galvan family before Braden's baptism on January 13, 2008!

We have good news! Braden was baptized on January 13, 2008! Braden is very excited about being baptized. He talked to the preacher, and he said that Braden was ready. We are so proud of him.

Happy New Year

2007-12-31T15:41:00.001-08:00

Meme and Ron Ron's new Christmas tree...

Braden is posing with his Pokemon cards. He was so excited!

Here is Kanton looking silly and posing with Woody from Toy Story.

We love our Webkinz!

All Ashton wanted was a "little Aggie helmet."

Here are Santa's cookies and carrots for the reindeer!

Christmas Eve pajamas are always a favorite present to look forward to each year!

Here we are! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Galvans!

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! We were blessed to go back home for the first time in several years. My parents were so excited, they went out and bought tons of lights and decorated the tree, yard, and house. My poor dad threw his back out and had to make two trips to the chiropractor because of it! Thanks, Ron Ron. Mom got a beautiful new tree and decorations for the house. We had 13 people there, minus Dustin and Helen, because Dustin had to work weird hours Christmas Eve and the day after. We missed you guys!

The kids had a wonderful time, and they got everything they wanted and then some. They asked for a special hunt for a toy, so my mom, sister, and I made up clues to find a present on Christmas Day, and then we had another hunt (after the kids begged us for one) to find some snowman cookies hidden in the house! We were there for a week, and I think my parents are probably worn out and missing the kids, but enjoying the peace and quiet.

I am thankful that everyone arrived and returned safely, and I am blessed by my beautiful family, great fun, and the memories that were made. My parents were nice enough to bring me and the boys home (yes, all the way back here!) so we could stay a few extra days. We had a great time. Hopefully, we can do it all over again!

I hope that everyone has a blessed and Happy New Year. I wish everyone peace and prosperity, and I hope you keep all your resolutions.

My kids and I were cracking up at this...

2007-12-18T17:36:00.001-08:00

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1546609403

Christmas in the Park

2007-12-10T12:38:00.001-08:00

There's nothing like a Christmas hayride in 75-degree weather. Notice how hot the kids look. We waited in line 25 minutes for the hayride, and they ran, and ran, and ran while we waited. They loved playing tag with their friends as they waited as well.

This display was huge. Each little display was as big as a person, so it probably took up about 50 yards of the park.

Ashton was a little worried about this "reindeer."

He thought it was a coyote, and he was afraid at first. Santa's elves are taking a break from their holiday fun! It looks like one sneaky elf

has a plan! O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!

I am posting pictures from Christmas in the Park which is in College Station at Central Park. They have free hot chocolate and cookies, free hayrides, lights, and entertainment every Friday and Saturday. They have pictures with Santa, but we didn't wait in line for that. The 25-minute wait for the hayride was enough for us. It was a nice experience, and best of all, it was free.

So, we just returned from a 900-mile trip, and I forgot my camera. So, you'll just have to take my word for it. We went to my aunt's house on Wednesday night, San Angelo on Thursday, back to my aunt's house on Friday, and home on Sunday. I must take a minute to say how wonderful it was to be in San Angelo. I got to see most of my friends, hug them, hear them talk, see their kids, and visit their homes. I went to 3 friends homes, and it was great. Amy was so sweet to keep my boys while I had my interview. The boys had so much fun playing with Jett and Levi. They really wanted to move back! Amy was great. She even let me stay a while when I was done. I had a good time. Kristi let me get dressed, went to breakfast, and had a great but short time. She was so sweet to give the kids Christmas nerds. Half of them are in my car, and they ate the other half! Okay, well maybe not half were spilled, but a few were lost on the way! Kim and her family were able to visit for a little while, and the kids had fun playing with Kaden and Kait. Again, Ashton was a little timid around 'Yote, but he was okay. Visiting Paul Ann and just seeing everyone made my heart smile. I just felt so loved and like I was home. I really can't wait to get back "home."

I will make a special post about the interview when I hear the final news. I don't expect them to call. :)

We had fun at my aunt's house, and we had a good time at a birthday party for my cousin's daughter who turned 2. She got so many toys, I don't know what she needs for Christmas. Maybe a box to put them in. My grandparents were there, and we had a great time visiting. It felt like people were missing...my mom and dad, and my sister and kids, and Dustin. So, that was fun, but I wish everyone was there.

I had to take Kanton to the ER last night. He was running a 103 fever, coughing, getting sick from coughing, and breathing heavy. He got 2 antibiotic shots in his leg, an x-ray, and has left lower lobe pneumonia. The poor kid is one tough cookie. He has had pneumonia about 6 times in his life. I had to stay home again. I missed all last week of work, and I thought I was going to work today. Please send donations to....

Just joking.

Merry Christmas to everyone. I have bought 3 presents, and only 1 is for my kids. I am doing terrible, and I just realized we have 2 weeks left. (sigh) The sick and craziness of traveling and doing things is beating me, and I need to get to it with my shopping!! All my friends had presents under the tree.

Thanksgiving 2007

2007-11-27T20:18:00.000-08:00

One of the animal displays!!!

Braden on the rock wall!!!

Braden and Kanton checking out the monkey display!!!

Ashton enjoying his smore!!!
Kanton being silly!!!

Some of the animal displays!!!

Here are four chubby bunnies sitting around the fire and trying to stay warm.

Two little turkeys, a.k.a. Kanton and Braden on Thanksgiving.

Ashton, Thanksgiving 2007.

We had a great Thanksgiving, and despite the cold, dreary, and damp weather, the kids had a lot of fun. We drove to San Antonio to visit my brother and his wife, Helen. We spent Thanksgiving day making food and visiting. We had 18 people, 2 turkeys, a ham, 7 pies, and a chocolate cake! Yes, we had enough food. I'm sure my brother, who has no kids, was a little overwhelmed by his 5 nieces and nephews and the toys, clutter, and noise that they brought!! We went through 20 bags of trash in 5 days. He said they usually go through 2 a week. Oops!

The day after Thanksgiving, it was too cold for the zoo and other outdoor activities, so we went to Outdoor World/The Bass Pro Shop. Fun! I had never been. I should be getting pictures of this soon. They had the neatest displays of animals including zebras, turkeys, raccoons, and reindeer! The reindeer were just amazing! There was a 2-story rock wall that Braden climbed, and an indoor target range for the kids. When you shot the little skunk's target, he would spray you with a mist. It was a lot of fun. I think we spent nearly 3 hours in this store. If you're in San Antonio, check it out. There's a restaurant, fish tank of live fish, fudge shop, clothing, and anything to do with the outdoors you could imagine!

The cold weather never let up, but the kids had fun roasting marshmallows, sitting by the fire, and doing silly cartwheels and handstands in the backyard. There was not much outside time, but they made the most of what they had! Thanksgiving was a great time to spend with family. Now, I need to go and walk a few laps!!

On a side note, I need to tell a silly thing that Kanton said. This child comes up with some crazy things. I don't know where he gets them. They're just too silly to make up! Kanton told me that he wished he was a dog so he could "lick people and bite them!" Where does he come up with this stuff??? He has an awful habit of pinching people when he wants them to pay attention to him. I can't get it across to him that this is not nice, and he does it over and over again. RonRon and Dustin have the bruises to prove it!! Well, maybe not that bad, but have you ever heard a grown man yelp in pain and see a little 5-year-old boy smiling? That would be Kanton. He thinks it's funny. Pinching him back doesn't help, so I hope he outgrows this soon.

Spelling Lesson from Kanton

2007-11-08T20:27:00.000-08:00

Well, today I was helping Braden with homework. I was reading in Genesis about Abraham, Sarah, and read "Almighty God." Braden asked how to spell "almighty." Kanton said, "Oh, I know Mom, 'O M I D- omighty.'" Isn't that cute?? Have a blessed day!!

Weekend Getaway

2007-11-06T19:25:00.000-08:00

This is what 3 worn out boys look like after a long day of playing in the dirt and messing with cousins!

Ashton with my Aunt Niece riding the mower.

Well, we actually had our first getaway since moving way over here! We have stayed in town, believe it or not, every single weekend since July 20th. That's hard to believe! We have enjoyed the parks, water parks, pools, mall, and children's museum. This weekend, we just had enough of the daily grind and doing the same old thing. We headed out to see my aunt in Gatesville. The kids are not used to being cooped up, so having the freedom to run around in the yard, throw dirt on each other, and not worry about being too loud while playing was a great escape for us! Ricky mentioned the idea on Friday, and my poor aunt had a one day notice to get ready for us! We had a great time eating BBQ, getting in the dirt, and staying up late playing great worship songs on the guitar with Alan, my cousin.

Today, it was cold and windy, so we stayed inside after school. The boys were playing in the room and decided to watch Ricky's baptism video from PaulAnn. I enjoyed hearing Clay sing again and was singing a little louder than my neighbors probably liked! The boys were laughing about how they looked so different on the video. Things that you PaulAnn people will have to share with fellow staffers... Ashton saw Jeff talking and getting ready to baptize a student, and he had his beard and long hair. Ashton said, "Oh, Jesus!" I got so tickled, because Ashton thought it was Jesus. He has seen Sunday school and MDO pictures of him, and I think he thought Jeff was Jesus! I was so tickled!! Then, I tried to turn off the video when Kirt started preaching, because I figured the kids just wanted to see the baptism and that's it. No, Ashton started CRYING saying he wanted to listen! Too funny. Every time he sees pics of PaulAnn and him singing, he says "That's where I sing 'Oh, How I love Jesus!'" It's so cute how they remember. I really miss this church, and the people especially. I am 'friends' with people at work, but outside work, not anything more. I miss my friends in San Angelo, I miss my church, and I miss being only 3 hours away from my family. I want to go home, but I don't think I can do the 8 hours and 3 kids alone. Hopefully God can show me what we're supposed to do.

Please pray for us as I have applied for a job, and I would like to know if this is the direction God wants me to go, or if it's not, please help me accept that and figure out where to go from there. Sometimes, things that make sense in my head are not in God's plan for me, and I am struggling still to find out what that is. The boys are doing great in school. Except Ashton still cries at MDO. Those who know Ashton understand he just wants to be in my class. So cute. I miss you all, and hope that you have a wonderful time while I am away. Please try to miss us...just a little!!

Fall Festivals and Fun

2007-10-29T20:04:00.001-07:00

And what's the best thing you could possibly get in the mail?? Bubble wrap!! Thanks, MeMe and RonRon!!

Looking just like the ghost cookie in his hand, Kanton is proud of his "Boo!" face!!

The kids had a great time Sunday afternoon going to a local fall festival. The kids looked great in their costumes as the trunk or treated. They decided it was too hot for helmets, so Ricky and I toted them in our hands along with three sacks of candy and a camera. Fun, fun. The kids had a blast riding the ponies which Kanton kept doing with no hands. This would have made the overly-protective mom I am a little nervous, except for the fact that he was strapped to the saddle. Ashton must have ridden the ponies 4 or 5 times. He told us every color of pony he rode. Kanton and Ashton won cupcakes and cookies on the cake walk. Braden played until they ran out of cakes. He didn't win, but his brothers shared. He enjoyed doing the rock climbing wall in 5 seconds, jumping in the bounce house, and doing the bungee run. Kanton had his face painted and requested a blue ribbon with a #1 for first place. The girl asked if it was for first place in the costume contest, and he said "No, just because." Silly kid! Ashton was the hit of the festival in his Aggie costume. Everybody kept doing thumbs up to him, which he loved. The kids had a great time, and the weather was awesome. Hot at first, then cooler, and then when it was nearly dark and almost too cool, it was over. We had a great time. Wish you were here!!

Stopping for a quick "Hi Mom!" as he makes his way to the top!

Running on the bungee run.

Braden "flying" backwards on the bungee run.

Ashton looking down from the TOP of the rock wall. He just turned 3! No fear!

Guess who thought it would be funny to ride with no hands. Kanton on the pony at a church fall festival.

Braden without the mask so we can see how cute he is!

Looking sweet and innocent if only for a minute, Mr. Kanton in his Transformers costume.

Gig 'em Aggies! Ashton wants to be an Aggie Football player when he grows up.

Jango Fett (from Star Wars), Optimus Prime (Transformers) and an Aggie Football player (said Addie Pitball if you ask Ashton).

Preschool Barnyard

2007-10-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

Braden standing by the wheel of the John Deere. He was on Fall Break from his private school, so he got to go along with us.

So, Kanton had his first field trip ever. He was so excited, since his brother has had several field trips. It just so happened that this field trip fell during the week that Braden had Fall Break with his Christian school. We were all able to go on the field trip. We saw sheep, dairy cows, pigs, a tractor, beef cows, a sheep dog, a horse, and chicks. It was really fun. The kids learned that pigs are turned into bacon, cows make milk, other cows are turned into hamburgers and steaks, and sheep make wool. This was a hands-on experience, and some kids had never seen these animals. I know that we have seen them from a distance, but there's just something about petting that soft spot on a horse's nose that just doesn't get old. My boys were thrilled to touch the baby chicks. My camera's memory card was full, so I missed them. Kanton's teacher snapped a pic of him with his mouth wide open in awe of those chicks. It was a lot of fun. Ashton was so excited to touch a tractor. He's pretty much obsessed with tractors.

At the old house in Wall, he would ride up and down the grass in the yard next to a big chain-link fence that bordered the property line by the highway. He would ride up and down acting like he was mowing next to a real tractor mowing for the county on the other side. He loved it!

Ashton is loving this! He is fascinated with tractors and trailers!

Kanton up on the John Deere.

Here Piggy, Piggy, Piggy! Oh, aren't they cute?? Wilbur, Miss Piggy, Ham, and Bacon.

I have always wanted a pet pig. After reading Charlotte's Web, who could not want a pet pig?? I always thought I wanted a miniature pot-bellied pig. Pink would be good. Did anyone else imagine themselves rescuing a runt and having him as your very own baby? This was something I have always secretly wanted. I think that Ricky has been warned of this, and he tries to keep me away from pigs as much as possible. I think that he must think I would be tempted to bring one home. Well, after smelling the pen of Amy's pig, Phillip, last year. I decided that I would only love pigs in my heart and not in my home. Sorry Phillip.

Kanton checking out the cows.

Kanton's class at the annual Preschool Barnyard at Texas A&M. This is a bad picture, because all the tall moms were in front. Tall moms, please squat down and take a picture so the short moms can have a picture of something besides your heads and arms. I was raising my camera up over the tall moms heads, and I had no idea what I was snapping until I saw my LCD screen. Next time, I should just squeeze in and move to the front. What do you think? Okay, so I don't want to hurt my tall friends feelings...well, all my friends would be my tall friends, because all are taller than me. Oh, Amy, are you? No, I think I'm taller than someone besides my kids. Woo-Hoo. (There were a couple of typos in there I had to fix. Thanks, Nat. I saw them later, but I was too lazy to fix 'em til now. I sounded like a pirate talking about "me kids." LOL or should I say "Argh, argh, argh." Okay. Enough of that mateys.)

What a week

2007-10-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

The cake, which is Whale Island, from Pirates Past Noon by Mary Pope Osborne.

My little pirate, Braden, ready for his pirate party at school.

How do I turn this sideways?? Kanton and his R2D2 laptop, all he wanted for his birthday!

Kanton and his Pre-K teacher, Miss Bruce, with his cookie.

Kanton requested a cookie cake for his birthday. He shared it with his class at Pre-K.

This is a picture of the water heater spilling onto the floor. You can see all our furniture pushed around in the living room. The white chunks are calcium buildup.

Well, starting with Ricky's car being broken into on the 28th, the week was pretty much a mess. Our washer started leaking from the drain, and the carpet was flooded. Who in their right mind would put carpet in a laundry room? Well, someone here thought it would work, and it didn't. For those who don't know, we're renting an apartment until we can figure out where to live or what God has planned for us as far as staying here or going back to San Angelo. Anyway, so the laundry room flooded. The maintenance guy came twice to unclog the drain. Then, we noticed over the weekend that the hot water was slowly disappearing. Well, the hot water heater went out. It only took 4 days of cold showers before they decided to come and replace it. When the man was draining it, he sprayed 5 to 10 gallons of water on the new carpet in the dining room. So, now we have the wet laundry room, some wet carpet in the living room, and now the dining room. 9 days of wet carpet in the laundry room was really gross. Finally, they had someone come and bring us 3 huge fans to dry the carpet. Supposedly they were coming back today. Wrong. It is strange to me how our inconvenience does not matter to anyone here, and we have just had to sit in the wet, stinky, and cold shower house until they decided to get around to it. We did get the water heater fixed. Yeah, the primitive cold baths are gone! We are now living with half torn out padding and unattached carpet. Oh, and the laundry room is down to bare cement, glue, and carpet tack strips! I hope that next week proves more productive.

On a good note, Kanton turned 5 on Wednesday. He woke up in a wonderful mood. He was smiling and told me "Guess what? I'm taller." It was so cute. Well, being five, he informed me that he no longer needed the chair to brush his teeth. He can now reach the sink. Tuesday he could not do it, because he was just four! He could reach his toothbrush way back at the back of the counter. He also informed me that he doesn't cry anymore. Well, I did tell him that I think it's okay to cry, and that sometimes even daddies cry. I told him I didn't care if he was 5 or 25, he could still cry. There are certain times when it's just okay to cry.

I have been watching the show "Biggest Loser," and trying to motivate myself to lose some baby weight. The kids have seen me watching the show, and I explained to them that the people are trying to eat healthy, exercise, and drink water. I cheer for people when they lose weight (I am still a cheerleader in my mind). Well, Ricky was giving Kanton and Ashton a bath, and I walked into the bathroom and stepped on the scale. Kanton, giving me what he thought was a great compliment exclaimed, "Mom, you could be on Big Fat Loser! You could!" I smiled all the way down to my heart! He thought he was giving me this great compliment, but what a way to say it!! If that's not motivation for working out, I don't know what is.

Well, we have been trying to get the house in order. All the furniture is pushed into the middle of the living room. Braden told me that it feels like we're moving. He had a pirate party at school on Friday. The class read the Magic Treehouse book Pirates Past Noon by Mary Pope Osborne. I will have to post pictures of the whale island cake I made. Pictures will have to be added later, because I should be in bed sleeping and resting before church tomorrow.

I think the weekend is a nice break from the chaos that has been going on around here. I hope everyone has a blessed day tomorrow.

Houston and back

2007-09-28T18:35:00.000-07:00

This one's out of order. I forgot to post it! Driving down the HOV lane! Crazy!

Ricky's car after the break in.

Ashton playing with a stingray.

Pretending to be screaming on the ferris wheel.

The Great White that got out of the tank!!

Sharks on the shark train tour.

A very big snake!! (300-pound reticulated python)

Kanton and Ashton looking at fish in the aquarium.

The Houston skyline

Leaving in the early morning fog. We're supposed to be following the van in front of this car, which we can't see.

Well, we took our first trip to Houston for Braden's class field trip. I am so glad that my mom convinced me that I could not drive there. We took the HOV lane (high occupancy vehicle). Our van was driving down the freeway with no lights and no traffic at 65 mph between the two other lanes. It was pretty scary. I am glad I was not driving. We saw the Houston skyline which was pretty impressive to a girl from West Texas. The biggest town I had been to was Dallas, and I think Houston was way more hectic.

The field trip was to the Downtown Aquarium. The kids had a blast looking at jellyfish, alligator snapping turtles, a 300-pound reticulated python, and petting the sting rays and sharks. Yes, I did say petting the sharks! I touched them, too. They were so awesome. We saw a white bengal tiger, and there was a train that took us through a tunnel full of sharks! The audio tour mentioned that the 5-inch thick glass over our heads was holding 700,000 gallons of water, not to mention that there were several aggressive sharks in the tank. The front door closed, leaving us sitting in the train in the dimly lit tunnel surrounded by the sharks. As I smelled the gas from the train get stronger and stronger, I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if we passed out in the tunnel and the door didn't open. I am a worrier like that. It did open, and we rode out of the tunnel. The audio guide mentioned a great white that escaped the tank, and we found it a few yards ahead when the great white jumped out of the water, sprayed us, and scared the kids on the train! They did ride the train again and still jumped when the shark sprayed water in the air and came up out of the water again.

There was a carousel, a fun little ride that went up in the air and down over and over so that you get that feeling in your stomach ...the one that only roller coaster enthusiasts would understand... called Sharky's Dive, and a ferris wheel. For a woman who is afraid of heights, I was proud of myself for braving the ride so Braden could ride. I must mention that there were no seat belts, which I freaked out about as we were leaving the safety of the ground. We did make it. We got lost from the group on the way home, but more people got lost following us. So, we had them lead us out after getting directions from the phone.

Last night, someone broke into Ricky's little car outside the apartment. They busted his window out and stole the front of his radio (because they couldn't get the rest out), his planner that had business appointments in it, and free phonebooks and cd's from Ricky's job. We had to buy a new window today, which we weren't planning for. Let me just tell you how upset I was with my husband when I found that he had left our van, parked next to the car, unlocked all night with our DVD player inside! We are not leaving that out there any more! I think I will be checking the van myself from now on! The police came and lifted prints. Hopefully, they will get a match. That is very scary when someone does this to you, and you just don't know why. I am thankful that it was only the window and not my van and DVD player for my kids. I hope that they are caught.

That's all that has happened the last two days. I think we are worn out from the excitement around here.

Encouragement

2007-09-20T10:22:00.001-07:00

At our Mom's Day Out training, I won a door prize. I never win anything, and I was sitting there thinking to myself "I never win." So, imagine my surprise when I won. Yeah. I got a Women of Faith study guide series journal called Encouraging One Another with foreword by Nicole Johnson. I think that God knew I needed to read this. Here is an excerpt from the journal by Nicole Johnson:

"Sometimes we plod through life with our head down and our back bent under the weight of our load. We feel unimpressive, unkempt, unappreciated, and unneeded. We've put our hands to the plow, but the same theme song that runs through our mind is, "The old gray mare, she aint what she used to be." ... God doesn't want to leave us staggering under such weight of discouragement. It's quite the opposite, really. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much He does His best to cheer us up and cheer us on. Do you know God planned ahead for all of your gloomy days? He knows just when you'll need a little lift, and has arranged for encouragement to be right there, waiting for you to discover it!"

And here's what she says about encouragement:

"Encouragement is to a relationship what confetti is to a party. It's light, refreshing, and fun. It's cheer you can throw someone's way. But even deeper, it is the assurance you are there, that you are standing behind them and supporting them. The time it takes to gather little pieces of love, grace, strength, and hope is well worth it when you see what happens as you shower those gifts on someone else. It's like spiritual confetti, and it's the ultimate encouragement."

I read this and remembered how I would feel sad that we moved here, and a friend from back home would call and just see how we were doing. Even the simplest gestures sometimes lift your heart. My friend Kristi sent me the sweetest birthday gift, and it means so much that she took the time to do that for me even though I am not there to do things with her. It encouraged me that although I have not really had the chance to meet people here, I know that I am blessed with great friends I have made along the way. The friends that I have made will stay with me forever. New friendships cannot replace them, and I wouldn't want them to. God wants us to have a vertical relationship with him and a horizontal relationship with others. This horizontal and vertical picture that I imagine in my mind leads me to think of another symbol...the cross.

First time blogger's heart

2007-09-18T14:28:00.000-07:00

I have been reading blogs the past few months. I have often thought that I have some fun, thoughtful, or just plain interesting things to share. This gives me an outlet to do that. I think that the purpose of this blog will be to stay in touch with friends and family and share things that are on my heart. I turned 30 last week, and I think that it really got me thinking about life and relationships. I always wonder if I am living my life as God has intended it to be. Am I serving to my fullest potential? I am so thankful for my family and the friends that I have grown up with. I thank God for the friendships growing up that I look back on with the fondest memories. I often wish I could see what God has planned for my life, because I often wonder what He is trying to teach me at a particular moment. We recently moved to a new town, and I am trying to find new friendships and a church home. It is frustrating that this is proving so difficult. I know God has a church here for us, but missing our old church really puts a strain on my heart. I pray that God will help us find it here. Our pastor told us that God already has a perfect church planned for us. I wish we could find it! What if we never do? We'll just go to every single church in town! That should keep us busy. At least we will meet a lot of new faces.

On another note, I am working at Mom's Day Out and taking care of babies. We have 6 babies and 2 teachers. Sometimes that is not enough! I enjoy this job more than I thought I would. I think the babies are beginning to like us, too.