The Faces You Can't Live Without

Theses are not in order but you get the idea.

This is Christmas after we finally got dressed! Nanno and the boys playing Webkinz.

This is after Presents eating breakfast.

Carson, being Carson!

Marshall told me this was a delicious breakfast. He is so sweet.

This is opening presents.
Parker told us, that he look like the president in his suit!

This was Christmas Eve.
My little men are so handsome





Back to Christmas morning

And Christmas Eve one more time!!

Parker was proud of his creation.

We took the boys bowling with the passes they got at the Halloween party.


Carson wanted a picture of his bowling shoes. He thinks they were great!

He also had me take a picture of his gum, the TVs, and the bowling balls all lined up.

Are We There Yet?

OK I know that the only reason most of you look here is to see pics of my wonderful little monsters. But I'm too lazy to get them on right now, so deal. OK really I will get some soon I know that I have made several posts without them but it just hasn't been real high on the to-do list.

Christmas morning was great the kids were so much fun they are really at great ages where there is a lot of magic about Christmas. Parker was the first one up and he came in the loving room still half asleep and saw me sitting on the couch, which freaked him out because I am usually still in bed at the crack of dawn but for this day I was up early and he late, go figure! When he woke up enough to remember it was Christmas he looks over to see the goodies Santa has left by the fire place and runs back to his room screaming "Marshall, Carson, Get up Santa came, You got a blue one, you got a green one, and I got a red one. Come on get up come see." The above were light sabers that they asked Santa for. They also got Buzz Lightyear light up shoes and BIG pencils scooby doo movies and to Parker's surprise... "Santa brought us Sugar?!!?" OK People you know I don't keep them from junk but it's nice to know that they see this as a treat, by the way "sugar" is candy. We opened gifts and I fixed our yummy Chicken and Biscuits and gravy then played, played played. They got so many games and more movies and wonderful clothes. Like I said before they fall in the over privileged category. Nanno was wonderful to us to. It felt odd with out Grandad and Boppie but It was fun to open the gifts they sent.
Thank you mom for telling us to wait till Christmas.

We all piled up to watch a movie and I got lunch together. Nothing big just brisket, mashed taters, and asparagus. But it was yummy. We got things cleaned up and packed for our mommy and daddy present. Instead of gifts for one another we went away for 2 nights. We had a great time we didn't go far but Gruene (you say it green) was fun for us. We got there about 7 Christmas night and the only things open were IHOP and Burger King which was fine but our waitress at IHOP quit in the middle of her shift! We really got a much nicer girl so good for us. Then Friday we walked all day finding treasure in all the little shops. We got to go see a movie and then had a wonderful dinner at the Gruene River Grill. We stayed up late watching stupid people hurt themselves and attack others all to save the whales! I don't know who is worse, us for been pulled in like a bug to light or them. OK it's them but some times its fun to watch stupid people and say "do you see how dumb they are?" We got home late Saturday afternoon, then the whole lot of us went to see Bedtime Stories. It was great I really enjoyed watching them watch it. Now here we are less than a week from a new year, where we will get to do it all over again only it's as if we have to move up to the next level. I some times wish we could just do this one again now we know what we're doing and know where the "secret" passages and extra points are. But no we go one to the next level, it will be harder. It will have new fun surprises. We will probably have to take turns trying to get it right, and one thing I have learned is while there is no Cheat Book, it is very helpful to find some one who has completed this level before! OK enough video game analogy, my real goals for this next year are 1) To keep my head in the book to get the book in my head. God is Great and because he lives I can face tomorrow. 2) To let my light shine brighter than ever. So I can continue to teach my children what this life is really about. Getting to the next one.

It's Chtristmas it's Christmas!!!

It is 6am here and I am up the cameras are ready the presents are wrapped and Santa has been here!!!!! But no one else is awake yet, Ugh! Anyone who knows me knows my intense love for Christmas morning. Well now I have the kids, and I think I love it more. As my sister and I always say, "If you believe he will come!" So yes folks I believe. Although here in the big Tex the weather makes it harder to get in the mood, there in nothing like the night before to get my adrenaline pumping. It was so funny last night we let the kids open a few gifts and they were having so much fun. They kept saying, "One more, please Nanno." But Daddy finally said we had to go to bed. Then I, being the Christmas Eve freak that I am, asked if we could go set up their new Webkinz first. I mean you can't go to bed without naming and adopting you new toy right? Any-who, he lovingly said yes and even did the dishes while we played a bit longer.

Can I just take this moment to say how very lucky and loved I am.

Well at this point in our evening it's just after 10pm (Which is very late for my children but they had had a great nap so they were still in good spirits) after the last pet was named and they were still begging for more play time I gently reminded them that if they wanted Santa to come they must get to bed. It was like Wylie Coyote just lit a fuse under them. Parker ran faster than I have ever seen him run, and had brushed his teeth and started to pray before I could get into the next room. Marshall and Carson did not move so fast so I showed them on NORAD where Santa was, at that time he was in Florida. This prompted Marshall to get a move on, and Carson being the copy cat that he can be figured if they are running I should too. They went to bed and to sleep faster last night than I think they ever have. We stayed up a while to make sure they were out and it did not even take 30min. The grown ups no let me rephrase that the adults stayed up awhile longer and enjoyed the fire as it burned down and then a little after midnight said good night. At which point I felt like I was going to crawl out of my skin ready for the kiddos to wake up. I woke up several times thru the night and at 5:30 couldn't take it any more thus I'm here blogging !! Lucky you.

Let me ask you what are your traditions? How far back do they go? I hope you will all comment and share you traditions with me. We have some from both sides and a few we have started on our own. For instance, on my side of the family we have a breakfast tradition of fried chicken and biscuits and gravy. Yes my friends it is very yummy. Even to me who usually is not a huge fan of breakfast. I recently found this goes back at least 3 generations and I hope to keep it going. My mother tells me her Granny did this and she thinks it's because on the farm they always had sausage or bacon for breakfast so fried chicken was a real treat. This makes sense to me and I am so glad to know that even if it was a matter of privilege that this started years ago. It serves to keep alive the memory of loved ones and I love that. One that I have made my own is chili. Growing up we usually had stew but my dear sweet love doesn't care for stew, so I started making chili and it has been a hit ever since. In my family we could only open one present on Christmas eve and it didn't matter how much you asked, that was just that. On my loves side they opened everything but their big gift so we have blended. At first it felt very wrong to me but hey now I kind of like opening several on Christmas eve. And I must say it does spread things out for my overly indulged children. One other thing that we keep from his side is the game "Christmas gift", or "Christmas eve gift", or really "any holiday gift" What you do is try to say Christmas gift to someone before they say it to you and if you do they owe you a gift! Now I don't know that there has ever been much pay up on the owed gift but it is very fun to beat every one. I'm sure there is more we do every year that would be called tradition but like a mindless robot who just does what I do I can't think of any more at this point. Well it is now just before seven and the only sound is the keys but I have a feeling it won't be much longer. So for now I will leave you with warm wishes and a prayer for the new year. Now to go get my coffee fix!!!!!

My ABC's

A is for age: 28 for two more months
B is for burger of choice: In my tummy
C is for the car I drive: Ford Expedition
D is for your dog's name: Bluedreaux
E is for essential item you use every day: Husband
F is for favorite TV show at the moment: Lost
G is for favorite game: Anything played with loved ones
H is for home state: TX now formally CO
I is for instruments you play: I played Piano, Flute, Tuba, Organ
J is for favorite juice: White Grape
K is for whose bum you'd like to kick: I could tell you but I'd have to kill you
L is for last restaurant at which you ate: Bush's Chicken
M is for your favorite Muppet: I really can't chose
N is for number of piercings: Currently 5
O is for overnight hospital stays: I know 6 maybe more
P is for people you were with today: My husband & children
Q is for what you do with your quiet time: Catch up on my shows on http://www.abc.go.tv/
R is for your biggest regret: My health bums me out but I don't have complete control to change that so no real regrets
S is for relationship status: Very married 7 years
T is for time you woke up today: I could tell you but I'd have to kill you-We were up late
U is for what you consider unique about yourself: My goofyness
V is for the vegetable you love most: Asparagus
W is for worst habit: procrastinating
X is for x-rays you've had: So many that you may want to stay back for fear of radiation exposure
Y is for yummy food you ate today: Gumbo
Z is for zodiac: Aquarius

Let's Play Catch,,,. Up

Wow where should I start? It's only been a few weeks and it feels like a whole year has come and gone. Hopefully I can get you all caught up on our crazed whirl wind we like to call life. The boys have move up to the next levels in tae-kwon-do and really love it. I know that you can't see Carson's face but he was so proud of his certificate that he wouldn't take his eyes off it. Marshall thinks he can do all now that he is a yellow belt, and while Parker is very happy to move to a yellow belt he is sick in this picture I just had no idea at the time! talk about mother intuition maybe some day I'll get some of that.

We left the day before Thanks Giving to head to the Lufkin/Broaddus/Camp-house where we would get to see the first 61 family members on our long road trip. So off we go 3 kids 1 dog and a partridge in a pear tree! In other words the car looked like one of the cars you see headed to Mexico full of junk. Thanks Giving day was great. The weather was really great for that area at this time of year and we all enjoyed every minute of the day. Even Bluedreaux who never sat down that day had a blast with a few dogie cousins and wore all of them out. At the Camp house is the ever loved "ditch" which is very wide about 10 or 11 feet deep and the favorite place for the 10 and under crowd. It has exposed roots for climbing and a tree swing what else could a kid need!

Then late Thursday night we headed to Beaumont to see the Wise side. It tends to be tradition to get together the day after Thanks Giving, there was another 18 family members to catch up with. Again a wonderful day of fun. Reegan and Aunt Melissa made a really fun pinata and of course Uncle Gerald and Aunt Candy had fun trinkets for the kiddos.

Above is Reegan and the boys.

Below is Grandpa and Grandma Wise with the boys!

This was our first real day in Colorado, after we finally got things worked out with the alternator and got Marshall's ear feeling better. We went to the Famous Casa Bonita. For those of you who don't know this is a fun mexican food restaurant, but really people go for the sopapias and entertainment not the food. The food is not horrible but in no way wonderful. During your dinner you are seated some where around the cliffs. Where you can witness the brave cliff divers plunging from a spectacular 30-foot waterfall into a 14 feet deep pool. You don't want to miss Casa Bonita's own fire juggling cliff divers as they juggle flaming torches and perform death-defying dives into the lagoon below. This was Marshall very favorite. Then you and watch the "gorilla trainer" chase down Chiquita - a 500 pound gorilla. Not to mention, gold and silver mines, Cliff Divers, caverns and caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites, Chiquita the angry Gorilla, The Sheriff and Bad Guy Black Bart shoot-em-up, amusement arcades, Governor's Mansion, Gran Vista Casa El Mercado - a shopper's delight, Strolling Mariachis, Puppets, magicians, games, prizes and more, Authentic Mexican dancers. Needless to say a really fun night. The boys did not appreciate Black Bart's Cave which is a little dark cave to wander thru. But they lived thru it and basically believe it's fake and just for fun. Parker how ever does not think it was funny at all!!

I was able to see one of my dear friends/old client. I love it when our paths cross. then Tuesday night my Girl Beth called to tell me her youngest was sick and we would have to cancel our plans for the next day. This had me very bummed Beth and I only talk well daily! It had been two years since we have been together. Needless to say we dumped the kids and went to get Dessert and pig out over girl talk. Which hasn't changed to much over the years it's just about little men now!

Thursday we got to go see Santa and the boys thought that was great. Even Carson did very well he was impressed by Santa's "glubs". That day was very cold so for the first time he could remember he got to wear gloves and thought they we the coolest thing ever. Don't ask I just tell 'em like I see 'em. We did get to see my grandpa but had to have a short cold meet and greet out side since his apartments were under quarantine due to a stomach bug. We Put a mask on him more for his protection than ours because he had to walk to halls to come out. But he left it on for our sake and bless his heart the whole thing really got him down. I hope our visit brought a bit of cheer I know how much it means to me to get to see him.

This is in my parents back yard Friday morning before we headed out to come back to the love of my life and get back to normal, what ever that is. We felt like one more play in the snow was a must even if we were a little later than planed.

Bluedreaux was so funny he even pulled Parker around the yard. But he has started to pose for pics so when he saw the camera he came running to me!

As with any road trip with young ones the potty break is a must and I was so glad to see the back drop here I set up my camera and got the ones I love and the Colorado Flag and the Mountains!! How great is that.

Back together as a family again. We all had a great week and were ready to go home so we loaded up but the reindeer weren't ready to fly yet so back to the long car ride home we went. Oh well it was worth a try!

I hope Everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year.

Fun at The Park

November 4th is here!

First I would like to say that we had great Halloween. I felt very safe with my hero's around me!

We had a fun night, with good friends. The day did not start as smooth as it ended. well let me back up even one more night...... OK Thursday night we were going to go to the trick or treat street put on by the police explores but that proved to be a bust. I can only hope that they got things straightened out for the following night. The tickets cost more that the city web site said they would, 3 of the 7 games had no one to work them, Parker played a game the he didn't get the ball in the can and they said he couldn't have a piece of candy!! The line for the haunted house moved to slow so we got our money back for the tickets I still had and left. It was so hot in the building that I literally felt sick. So we moved to plan B. BY the way when I say we I mean our dear friends Justin ,Stephanie, Baby Meredith, and Me and the boys. Poor daddy had to work. Anyway back to plan B, One of the mothers at tae-kwon-do suggested that we come to the party at her sons school, So off we go, we loaded up and headed out. This was a much better environment for a party it was outside with lights in the trees, games every where, and kids who were smiling! Go figure kids having fun at a party. We came out ahead the tickets cost less and we came home with passes for a free game of bowling! It's now bed time and I have to brave going home with three tiered little boys..... We get in the car and it starts the whining and arguing and the "I'm Hungry" Of course I and out of the wonder staple of Honey so I do what any one wanting sanity would do I pull into Micky D's . Of course they get the order all wrong so I end up with upset children any way. I felt like I made my own Master Card commercial that night. Costumes $40...... Party that make kids happy $11....... Food to stop the tears $14.... knowing the day has to end Priceless !!!! It did end and I was hopeful for tomorrow. My loving hubby had the day off and the only tow things we had going was Parker going to the allegerist and trick or treat time!! Like I said in the begging we had a great night but poor Parker had a rough star to his day. We went to have a panel done to see what his big triggers are well the test is supposed to last for 20 minutes after the first prick. they then measure any reactions to see if they are larger than the control spot. Well my little guy started to sneeze and get spots on his face in less then 10minutes!!!! They had to rush in give him antihistamine and stop the test they messured what was already very obvious and we had to stay over an hour longer so they could make sure he was done reacting! THREE hours after we went in we found out that I pretty much already knew what he was allergic to! But I'm glad we did it because I know have a base line to watch and know if things change as he grows.

The weekend is over Deer season is open and tonight the long wait is over we will finally hear an end to the Crazy political race. I pray for Gods hand to protect my family and country. And no matter what happens I know he is in control and I am his!! I fear for What Parker will do if Obama gets elected he is convinced that the world will end if this is the case! I' keep telling him that no matter what WE will still be fine and God will take care of us and if Obama does get to Office we will pray that God will Change is heart. Really that is my prayer no matter what the outcome.

OK the super long post should make up for no updates in a while.

My love to all.

Parker's Birhtday

One week after his birthday we had his Party. We did a combo Party with the Yakesch family for their daughter Michaela. We had a carnival and it was tons of fun. I think the biggest hit was throwing Pies at daddy's face!

On Parker's birthday we had a wonderful time as a family.

We took the boys to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Expo in Austin.

The boys had so much fun. They dug for dinosaurs, fished, and learned if the fish was a keeper or not! They got to get in a helicopter and jet ski that the game wardens use!! They roped and branded cows. The highlight of the day was kayaking. Parker and Marshall got to do it by themselves.

Later that evening we had friends join us for some of Parker's favorites, lasagna and cake!

That's my Baby I think I am the only one who refers to him as baby these days!

School work

This is some of the hand writing that Parker has done over the last six weeks.

He has now learned several Capital and lower case letters .

I am so very proud of him. I am trying to improve my own handwriting with him!

All of the pages you see here represent the work that Parker does each day!! On top of this he Has seat work to copy off the chalkboard. The last few days He has Written out Gen1:1, his spelling list and other random words we are working on for reading!! He also has to read to Daddy and brothers!

This is Parker next spelling list!!

This is some of Parker's work from the last six weeks.

Which By the way he got all A's, and no I don't give him any slack!

This is some of his speed drills. Each day he does one section.

He gets 3min. each day!! But it never takes him the full 3 min.

Once a week he has a full test for everything we've covered up to that point.

This is some of his math work book he is learning to add different coins to get the grand total. I read him the story problem and then he figures our the answer. and then he has to find greatest and least.

This is from his letters and sounds book. He has to work with out my help!

This is from his phonics book. This is also part of he's seat work.

This is one of his spelling/ phonics test!! he also has oral section where is reads a row of words, but he always read all three lines!!

Graduation!!

From left to right Marshall Parker

and on the back left is Carson.













Carson is now an orange belt he is very proud.

They all worked very hard the last 8 weeks. Parker and Marshall are now an orange belt with a tiger patch! I can't tell you what that really means but they feel cool!

These Pics Make Me Feel Happy

My guys walking through the field
They are feeding the horses carrots!!

Carson just watched from afar!

Parker told me he could fly!!!

Marshall copying me as I looked

around the camera.

Carson being Carson he is such a free spirit. Everyday

he talks more and more. I love getting to see in his world.

Well, I still have pain in the left kidney. Sometimes it all but stops me in my tracks. I laughed as I told mom, that if I was asking for pain meds I thinks they would tell me, it's in my head and would think I was addicted to the junk. Thankfully I continue to refuse anything but Ibuprofen, but as often as I take that its' not good for my body either. So I was very happy when my doctor said he would order some more test. They will look in my kidney, I will hear in a few days when they will set me up in day surgery to look at my kidney. The doctor really feels like there is some sort of blockage, how ever small it might be, causing this never ending pain. I pray that they find something. I hate feeling crummy all the time. It breaks my heart that my kids have been drug to the doctors office countless times, just for me to pee in a cup. The whole family has been so strong for me through this whole year. The Super man of my life has been there to work to pay medical bills,and food when I can't cook! He's at home to help with whatever he can, and with his arms around me asking God for Wisdom for the doctors and relief for my body. Not a day goes by that I don't feel blessed.

That Crazy Time Of Year

Hi, We are new to this but family keeps asking us if we have a blog.... So here goes.

Parker is staring his 6th week of first grade. He is amazing, He wanted to do cursive so we did and he is great. He puts my handrwriting to shame!! Marshall really just can't stand that Parker is doing school and he isn't so I Told him we could say he's in Pre-K. I have started some Basic Phonics Work with him and we go over numbers, shapes, and stuff like that. Which, by the way, we did these things already but when we call them school he can't wait!! Carson is still a toot I can never let my guard down with this one he keeps us on our toes, but he makes us laugh just as much so I guess I won't complain.

This is the time of year that I love and hate. Parker will turn 6 on Saturday. We will do his party a week later. The week after that Eric leaves town for a school. Then he's gone again for one more week. That school will be in Jefferson county (TX) so who knows the boys and I might go too. By the time all the is over its Halloween !!! The boys can't wait they put their costumes on daily!!! Then we are already to November which has holidays and travel on the books!! Then Christmas... New Years... Carson's Bday and man I have to stop thinking about it my head is already spinning.

And with all this I still have to be Mom, Teacher, Wife, Cook, Maid .....Like I said in the end it all puts a smile on my face so I may be tired but I am Happy and Blessed!!