Our first fire

Casey and both have so many memories of real fireplaces. I remember living in Corsicana having a real fireplace and Santa would loose his boot in it every year. Casey shares stories with the boys of Mamaw's Eclairs. By the way Mamaw I don't suppose you still have those wooden sticks. We would LOVE to make them. Don't get me wrong we have thoroughly enjoyed our electric fireplace. Just flip a switch and see and feel fire. But we did miss the "real" fire feeling. There is more work and clean up but there are so many more rewards.

Parker was excited to help carry in firewood with daddy. Thanks Dandy for sharing your firewood! We will always remember our first fire (in the fire place haha) in our home.

I was cooking dinner while Casey was making the fire. I looked over and Paxson (I mean mini Spidermann. Thanks Gammer for the costumes.) was curled up next to it.

Paxson enjoying a smore. :)

Parker roasting marshmellows! He will be a pro in no time.

Moving....UGH!!!!!!.....

We took this as a sign......it will all work out. Near the end of the day the rain cleared and left us a rainbow! I thought it was a great gift for our new adventure.



I had Parker's room somewhat set up so they could come home from Gigi's and see their new room. They were excited!


In the middle of carrying boxes I looked up and there they were sitting at the top of the stairs excitedly eating Cheetos watching the action.

Casey and I have moved five times since we were married. We moved from our college home to an apt. in Wichita Falls, then to our "first" home, then to our most recent home, and now to Henerietta. This move was CRAZY. My mom and Dad kept the boys for 3 NIGHTS (we have never been away from them for that long) so that we could move. We knew that moving with the boys would be way more challenging. It is always fun to go and stay with Grandparents. Casey had to work a lot so the move was was a little here and there. My Super Duper Awesome Brother brought two friends to Wichita Falls to help move on Saturday. So the three boys and myself loaded the Uhaul all day in the wet, cold, windy and raining weather. Honesty we could NOT have done it without their help. Then Saturday evening when Casey got home from work he finished the move.My brother and his friends headed back to OK that evening and Casey and I prepared for our last load to deliver on Sunday. We knew our family had collected many things over the past few years. But I don't think we truly realized how much "stuff" we had. With this move we had an entire kindergarten classroom, all the belongings of a four year old, all the belongings of a two year old, an office, and the rest of our rest of our lovely "stuff". By the end of our move we were not referring to our belongings as "stuff". I think you can use your imagination and figure out what we referred to our belongings as. Then to top it all off we still had the Christmas lights to take down. My brother was planning to take them down on Saturday but it was raining all day and I didn't want him on the roof while it was raining. So the lights had to come down on Sunday before we handed over the keys. The lights did come down and I decided that I really need to pay my brother more next year for putting our lights up and taking them down. Anyway we are here now and things are beginning to settle down. On Sunday Dandy and Meme helped us settle in. Meme started in the kitchen while Dandy hooked everything up and helped Casey deliver boxes to each room. A special thanks for feeding us so often until we get our kitchen together. It will take some time to have our home looking normal but we are very excited and feel happy and peaceful about the decision. We get to have lunch with daddy and he makes it home in 3 minutes. :)

What it's all about...

Family is what it's all about!

My mom and Gammer met us in Chickasaw to pick up the boys for the weekend so I could get some major packing accomplished. Kasi took Parker to the Aquarium on Saturday while Jesse and Paxson had a little bonding time. Gigi seemed to be alive and in good spirits (LOL) on Sunday when we met to retrieve the perfect little angels so I assume she isn't to worn out to keep them again this coming weekend. Thank you mom! I know you say it's your pleasure but we do owe you!

Pictures from the Aquarium

Kasi and her little big man!

Parker checking out the sharks swimming by him.

Kasi said he was slightly timid about touching the fish until Micheal touched them with him. Then he was ready for more.

I love his expression....I can't wait put my hand in this......

The Nemo fish

I am so fortunate and aware of my blessings. I admit that I do get caught up in the daily distractions of life. However, for the most part I tend to stay pretty grounded and appreciate my gifts. I am continuously supported by family and friends which complete my life. I also admit that I am pretty used to being spoiled by my family. Since moving to Texas I can honestly say that there have been very very few times which I have called my mom in panic or overwhelmed in overload that they haven't responded with a knock on my door approx. three hours later. No matter what day of week it is, no matter if they have to turn around and head home the same day, no matter what plans they may have to cancel. I was raised to always always love and support your family. My parents have continuously encouraged and supported my brother, sister, and myself to the fullest!!! I am extremely grateful for my family and their devotion. My parents have inspired me to fully understand what being there for your family means and I hope Parker and Paxson grow to feel and understand the dedication and commitment from family.

What's going on at School....

I thought some photos might be enjoyable .....to back up all my bragging on Paxson's teachers. You have seen so many wonderful pictures of Parker at school over the years.


Ms. Bonnie and Paxson painting a pine cone

Micah and Paxson

Just hanging with friends

making sugar cookies

baking

turkey painting

painting a pumpkins with orange Karo syrup

music class...his class started having music class with mine with Mrs. Canafax

Eating the spiders they made---- Crescents, little smokies, and pretzels

Painting a spider...

Making and eating dirt pudding

They really are so good to plan fun age appropriate activities for the children! I do realize that I am fortunate to have found such an amazing school. An I hope Parker and Paxon's teachers know how grateful I am!!!

Make a Difference...

the beauty of Haitithe devastation of Haiti

Do you want to make a DIFFERENCE...

I thought I would share a few ways to help with you. I can't imagine the devastation and pain so many are going through. I want to help but it is difficult to know where your money is really going or if the foundations are really legitimate. It is utterly disgusting to me that people try to profit from others pain. I realize the world is filled with "scammers" but I will not let this detour me from helping simply cause me to do a little more research first!

Below are a few ways that I have found to help. I found a few of these on my own and some from a friend. If you feel the desire at all please consider doing so. I honesty feel that any donations will help significantly with this disaster. I wish I could do more to help financially but I know that even the small amount I share will help others and I will continue to pray for them. Coming together in crisis is what it is all about. Great opportunity to get a "gold star" Just kidding

The Red Cross offers an option to donate $10 by sending a simple text message. Just send a text "Haiti" to 90999 to donate $10. More details on their website.

CNN has also put a list together

The Samaritans Purse which I have mentioned many times before also has put together an option for donating.

As a wise woman reminded me earlier.....

Proverbs 19:17

He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done!!!

The celebration continues

Anticipating blowing out the candles.

Dandy lighting the candles

Re-blowing the candles out

The birthday celebration in Henerietta at Meme and Dandy's.

Big Little Man turns 2!!!

Paxson's 2nd Birthday Day

Gigi invited us for a day of fun at Incredible Pizza. Gammer, Kasi, and Jesse came along for the celebration. It was our first time there and we all enjoyed it! Even Gammer kept up with all the action. :) It really is a great place and I have a feeling we will be meeting there often.


Post Party...On the way home

The ball machine. I believe this was Paxson's favorite. It was fun. You filled the bottom with balls then when you pushed the button and the air shot the balls into the air. I think the adults all enjoyed it as much as the boys. Kasi and I tried very hard to get all the balls in before Paxson released them but it was a difficult task.

Eating lunch at the diner watching Happy Feet. Dinner and a movie.

Starting the engine...he rides the rides for about 30 seconds then he is done. I usually just let him steer and pretend because he never stays for the entire ride. :)

Leave it to Paxson to try it head first.

Not to impressed with this one...

Vrrrmmmmm...let the race begin

Saying that Parker enjoyed riding the go carts with Jesse would be huge understatement. Later in the day when we were eating dinner I asked him what his favorite part of the day was and he said "winning the race with Jesse". I also asked him what he thought Gammer's favorite part of the day was and he said "watching me and Jesse win the race". Then when I asked him what he thought Gigi's favorite part of the day was he said " sharing a birthday with Paxson". Pretty smart little guy!

Jesse and Parker won the race. Parker said it was because he was in the fastest car. He wanted the OSU car.

It was a perfectly wonderful day! I probably should have been home doing laundry, packing or unpacking (LOL) but a 2nd birthday only happens once. We have so much going on right now I couldn't plan a big party so this was the perfect solution. We are saving our cake party for Sunday when daddy and other family can be with us.

Happy 2nd birthday to my precious baby boy. As daddy and I talk we remember everything about the day you were born. We can't believe it has already been 2 years since you joined our family. You are an amazing little guy and daddy and I are so proud to be your parents. I love how you say "my mommy"....I love when you say "movie movie"....I love how you get so excited when you see balls...It makes me smile every time you say "see you later". You are a true blessing to this family. Parker adores being your big brother and I love how much you look up to him. Thank you for being our little man!

Paxson's Party at School

Guess what kind of cake/cupcakes Paxson wanted.

Parker and Cale. Cale's mommy is also a 2 year old teacher at SLP. They are expecting their 4th boy next month. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I said no more pictures please.....LOL

Pizza Party Time

Now on the cupcakes...

Christan and Mary Clare enjoying the yummy green frosting......sorry mom and dads I didn't know what other color to put under the footballs

Paxson wanted footballs...I showed him several different pictures of cake pans and he wanted the football one. Imagine that...

You expect me to do what Ms. Bonnie???? (As his shirt mentions "I'm kinda a big deal")

Paxson is being Mr. Cool with his head cocked back.............yeah it's my birthday and I'm 2 now

Paxson and his friend Micha. Micha turned 2 in Oct.
I can't wait for these little ones to be with me next year.

Paxson celebrated his 2nd birthday at school by sharing pizza and cupcakes with his friends at school. I have to say these little Angels are very good eaters. I also have to give a huge praise to Ms. Bonnie and (Ms. Courtney but she is currently on maternity leave) Ms. Lynette for their extreme enthusiasm, patience, and dedication. This is very difficult age. They are learning to eat sitting in chairs (opposed to in high chairs), take naps on mats (opposed to cribs), potty training, etc. Lots of firsts with this age group. It is pretty amazing what these teachers plan and carry out with the children. :)