Can I watch Cartoons?

Learning to ride bikes

2011-03-12T16:58:00.004-06:00

The kids got bikes for Christmas and sadly the first time we took them out to ride them was in February. Andie was determined to learn to ride her big girl bike. Probably because I told her I learned how to ride a bike with no training wheels when I was five. Seeing as she is 5 1/2 she was feeling the pressure to say she also learned to ride her bike at 5. So, Stephen took the training wheels and we took her riding.

It's totally a two person job. Since, Andie still wants someone near her (even though she can ride by herself) and this little guy is more fascinated with how the bike works rather than watching where he's going. Such a little engineer. I'm not kidding he is constantly watching his legs going around and around and how the chain moves. too funny! The one time I took my eyes off him to snap a picture of Andie he rode eight off into a ditch. It was pretty funny. He was fine just a little dirty.

Once they both got the hang of it they LOVED it. Andie learned pretty quickly with no major spills. Which is good because any injury andshe probably wouldn't have gotten back a bike again til her mid 20's.

What better way to celebrate the success of these two youngsters than with ice cream. I would say that was a pretty special day. How is this happening so fast, my kids are growing up? (sniffle)

Keystone Take 2

2011-01-23T08:04:00.006-06:00

Here we go again. While Andie was already at ski school we decided to bundle the boys up and take them out to hit the slopes again. Don't they just look thrilled.

(Brennan and Gray)

How cute are these two little boys? What about the cute little wagons? This idea was genius. I'm sure a mom came up with the idea. These little wagons were all over the town and anyone could use them to transport all your gear (or your kids gear) to lift or back to your condo. The first day we had no idea about these suckers until we were at the lift and a nice little old man told us about them. Let me tell we took full advantage of these things the remainder of the trip. Trying to carry a 2 year old all bundled up along with skis made for a challenge not to mention how ridiculous you looked dropping things along the way.
I'm so sad I didn't take more pictures of our trip but that camera and camera bag is just so cumbersome when you have all your ski gear and gloves on. That makes for difficult picture taking so I'm so disappointed that I didn't get more pictures of everyone. I'm really sad I didn't get more of Andie skiing.

(Mom, Melody, Sister, Me)

This picture was taken about 2 minutes after I slipped on a patch of ice. Let me tell you, I knew I was going down and I just couldn't do anything to save my self. It was like it was in slow motion. All I could her was, "ohhhh nooo" from all my family. Then I hit the ground. Thankfully that I day, I was wearing camera bag (ya know, that cumbersome bag). That baby, saved my back and tail bone. I guess I should wear that thing more often knowing how accident prone I am. Everyone said all they could see were my legs above my head and next thing I was on my back. I kid you not, I really didn't feel a thing thanks to that camera bag. I don't know how that lens didn't get crushed. I'm just thankful I had it with me that day because that could have bad, real bad.

Skiing Keystone- Take 1

2011-01-21T08:24:00.006-06:00

This past week we had the opportunity to go skiing with the with my entire family in Keystone. We decided to put Gray on skis and see how he does, I mean the kid's 2 he should be skiing right?! Ha! It is pretty amazing seeing some of these youngsters zipping down the mountain. They are fearless. I guess they don't really know the risk involved. They are also pretty close the ground so the fall doesn't hurt as bad.

He we are trying to get Gray's gear on. Talk about a lot of work. He actually has no idea what's about to happen notice he's not yet crying.
He seemed okay at first if you had a tight grip on him. I mean, he had to feel that you were hanging on to his jacket. He would sort of freak out if he didn't feel a death grip on his jacket.

Leaning back a little to much. We kept telling him to lean forward a bit so he wouldn't fall backwards, not sure he understood what I was saying. Then, I got on my knees right in front of him. I pointed the tips of his skies down and began to ski to me. Then, I would move a little bit back and told him to ski to me again. This is the face I got.

Hilarious!! He was laughing and crying at the same time. He wanted to like it but was scared at the same time. Ha!

I think his favorite part of the day was riding the little magic carpet. He would get to the top and say again. I knew he wasn't talking about the skiing part but the little ride. He kept saying, "ride again, ride again."

Then, you've got Brennan who the minute he got his skis on he was zipping down the mountain. He was a natural. He would get to the top and say, "Self and I go fast." That's all that kid wanted to do was get some speed. Too funny!

This was her second time to go skiing so she was a little familiar with the routine but still not sure if she liked it. The first day she said they worked on stopping by doing the pizza wedge. Her right leg wasn't exactly doing what she wanted it to do so she was a little frustrated with that. That night before bed I asked her what she wanted to pray for and she said, "Please pray that my right leg would just do what it's supposed to do when I'm skiing. " So cute!

Pumpkin Patch 2010

2011-01-02T15:44:00.003-06:00

Siblings!

2010-12-23T08:09:00.005-06:00

I think these pictures might give you the wrong impression of how well me kids get along. They appear to be very loving and truly enjoy each other's company. Ha! I'm here to tell you there is defiantly a bit of sibling rivalry between these two. I feel like I am putting out fires all day long. I look at these pictures I think about what every mother out there has gone through raising kids. The constant arguing and fighting over toys. One screaming, "he touched me", "she kicked me" and my favorite, "he looked at me". Have you heard this before?

I look at my relationships with my siblings and we are very close. I know my mom thought at times they will never like each other. Stephen is also very close to his brother and sister. He's business partners with his brother and they truly are best friends. I love that! So I will wait with great anticipation for that day! I will continually pray for a strong bond between the two of them. Until that day, could you pray for my sanity?

I just love this picture. Stephen took this at the Austin zoo. It cracks me up!

Halloween

2010-12-05T09:28:00.007-06:00

I really can't seem to find time anymore to blog. What is happening?! I'm feeling so busy with life and kids that I can't seem to get a single post completed. UGH!!! So here I am on December 5th posting Halloween pictures. Ha! What, What's wrong with that?!

Andie LOVEs to dress up all the time. She loves to dress up as Princess. (I guess that's the truth with most little girls.) Oh may she always know that she is a true Princess, a daughter of the KING!! Just gives me chills knowing that the Lord above adores t

his little Princess as much as I do and then some.

This year she was persistent about being Pocahontas. We have had her costume since August. She has watched this movie more times than I can count. She now, not only watches the movie but acts it out! There's a scene in the movie where Pocahontas dives off this cliff well, I have caught her diving off the couch. This girl does not sit to watch this movie, she is acting the whole thing out. It's hilarious!!! So here she is as Pocahontas.

It's a bird, It's a plane, It's super man!!! Gray really had no what the in world halloween was all about. I took the liberty to choose his costume for him. I thought he would make a very cute Superman. Don't ya think he makes a cute super hero??? I really choose this because the cape. What boy does not like to have a cape to flap in the wind as he runs. Ha!

We had so much fun trick or treating! We did a little hay ride through my friends neighborhood. The kids had a blast! Andie was all about getting the most candy. Gray was just along for the ride until he started realizing, hey these people are giving me lollipops and then he was on board with it.

Thanks Bates family for another fun year of trick or treating.

1st Days of School

2010-09-07T13:18:00.007-05:00

Ahhh...it's finally here, SCHOOL. Here are a few photos of Gray meeting his teacher and class mates and also his first day of Mother's Day Out.

"CHEESE."

Gray is super excited about painting. He loves to paint.

Andie's first day of school. I woke her up at 6:40 and she acted like she was soooo tired and then asked me, "do have to go to school today" as she had a big smile on her face. She was so cute in her uniform. LOVE the uniform! No arguing about what she's going to wear.

Andie and her very dear friend, Margaret.

Lord, Thank you for my wonderful children. I pray that you keep our children well. I ask for a hedge of protection around them and their schools. I pray that you bless each of their days. I pray that You would be glorified by their lives. May they live their lives boldly for You and proclaim Your word to those that don't know you.

Just in time for summer...

2010-06-28T09:41:00.006-05:00

Gray breaks his leg. What a pain! At least this is a temporary thing. He will be in a cast for about four weeks so swimming is out and so is bathing. We are back to good ole' sponge baths for this little guy. And let me tell you he D-O-S-E N-O-T like them at all! I'm so sad about not swimming. That was my saving grace. I would take the kids to the pool from around 4-6pm and it got us (or should I say me) through that witching hour.

He is actually doing great! He finally has figured out that he can walk with his cast. But he likes to pull the sympathy card quit a bit. It seems to work for him most of the time. ( I need to be stronger but he gives me those sad eyes and I just swoop him up.) I sure hope this is the last one but with this crazy boy I'm guessing this won't be the last time. Would you believe he is still trying to stand on toys that roll. Seriously??!! I do not need him breaking his arm too.

Graduation Night

2010-05-23T21:29:00.012-05:00

The other night Andie had her B-I-G graduation from Pre-K. She will be leaving the only the school that she has really every known. It is so bittersweet. She L-O-V-E-S that school but she will be moving on to another wonderful school. Andie has heard God's word daily at this school and been with so many loving teachers. She has made so many sweet friends there. Many of them have been together since they were 18 months old. I am sad to see her leave but excited to see what God has in store for her at her new school.

Andie and her knew Bible from her school. The graduation ran a little long for Andie so while they were calling all the other graduating Pre-K students she decided she would take time to look at her new Bible. While they were to be standing there Andie thought she would study God's word. Ha!

She got a little cash.

Why is this man so happy? He will be going to this school next year. I cannot wait for Gray to have the same introduction to school that Andie has had. Oh boy, this kid is very different from Andie so this should be interesting.

Momma is also smiling because gray will be going to school. Ha!

Cookies for my Little man.

2010-05-12T15:50:00.006-05:00

Okay so, I L-O-V-E decorated cookies. I actually have a "secret" desire to be able to decorate cookies like this lady. Aren't they just beautiful? It's a piece of eatable art what more could someone want. For Gray's birthday I wanted to make some cookies for his little class mates so I whipped a little something together.

Naaa, just kidding I couldn't do that. Mine look more like this. Just a simple name, a number and few dots. That is the extent of my cookie decorating talents. HA!

These will be okay for a few 2 year olds don't ya think?

Happy 2nd Birthday Gray!

2010-05-12T07:38:00.012-05:00

I cannot believe my little man is turning 2 today!!! Am I really two years older. Ahhhh... stop this aging madness!

Gray just a few minutes old. Such a tiny little guy when you were born. 6 pounds 10 ounces.

Such a happy baby. You L-O-V-E taking baths. When ever we say bath time you run to bath room, pull back the shower curtain and stand there waiting for Daddy to fill the tub. You especially love splashing and your most favorite thing to do is dump buckets of water outside the tube. This does not make mommy very happy.

Your first time at the pumpkin patch. You weren't quit sure what to do so you just tired to eat the hay. Love those cubby cheeks.

This was your first Christmas.

Here you are playing your little piano. Gray you love music. Anytime you hear some music playing you stop what you are doing and start dancing. You have the cutest little dance. You put your hands on your hips and sway from left to right. I love to see you dancing. It just makes me smile.

How cute is little face?!

You have a tiny obsession with brushing your teeth. You will brush your teeth anytime of the day. Sometimes I will find you wandering around the house with toothbrush in your mouth and your toothpaste in hand. You must have the cleanest teeth for a two year old.

This picture cracks me up. You love to stand in front of the pantry.

This was your second trip to Colorado but your first time to see snow.

You weren't sure what to think.

Some of the things you like to do

throwing a ball or anything for that matter.

You love to follow daddy around and do what ever he is doing.

You love to hum.

You love to swing and play in the backyard.

You love sticks. You just like to walk around with them.

You love to snack. Your favorite things are goldfish,

raisins and fruit snacks (your most favorite snack).

Gray you are such a blessing to Mommy and Daddy. We love you so much. You bring so much joy and life to our family. Andie adores you and loves being your second mom.

You are such a smiley little boy. I thank God for you each day.

I cannot wait to see how God is going to use you.

Sons are a heritage from the Lord,

children a reward from him.

Psalm 127:3

Cousins

2010-05-12T07:21:00.003-05:00

It is so fun to grow up around cousins. I didn't get to be near my cousins as I grew up but I am L-O-V-I-N-G seeing my kiddos grow up around theirs. Andie and Gray love being with them.

I love in this picture Andie is trying to get Gray to turn his head to look at the camera. She is so motherly to Gray. She's always trying to tell him what to do or telling me what he is doing that he shouldn't be doing. Which is generally writing on my walls, couch, oven, doors what ever you can think of with markers or crayons.

Being near family is just such a blessing!

Summer is almost here.

2010-05-08T07:58:00.006-05:00

I love summer time. I love that our schedule is free from all

activities like gymnastics, reading classes, school

(well, I'm sort of sad about that because that is the only

time I have to my self) but, i just love that we

have no place to really be at a specific time.

I love staying outside late and playing in the

back yard watching the kids ride bikes, take late

night walks, and playing in the water. I have to

say though I hate the HOT weather that is on it's

way in. That is the one thing I dread

about the summer here in Texas.

I got in my car yesterday and the

temperature said 100 yes, folks it is here.

With the weather so hot during the day

what do you do with your kids?

I need ideas for the summer.

Yummy Muffin recipe.

2010-04-07T21:10:00.005-05:00

I don't know about you all but getting my kids to eat breakfast is not an easy task. All they want to do is play. No time for eating in the am for them. I know that they both love muffins but not all muffin mixes are that good for you. SO, I came across this recipe on one of my favorite recipe websites. www.allrecipes.com It is so fun! You can search for recipes and then add them to recipe box. I find so many wonderful recipes on line and can never remember were I had come across them. Here you can file them away on your very own on line recipe box. LOVE IT! But any who... I came across these little muffins. Very tasty and a bonus they are healthy too!

Morning Glory Muffins.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (I used 1 cup of all-purpose flour)
1/2 cup whole wheat flour (I used 1 cup of whole wheat flour)
1 1/4 cups white sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups grated carrots
1 apple - peeled, cored, and chopped
1 cup raisins
1 egg
2 egg whites
1/2 cup apple butter (substituted with 1 cup of applesauce)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (omitted these because my kids won't eat nuts)
2 tablespoons toasted wheat germ (omitted this just because)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly oil 18 muffin cups, or coat with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, apple butter, oil and vanilla.In a large bowl, stir together flours, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in carrots, apples and raisins. Stir in apple butter mixture until just moistened. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full.In a small bowl, combine walnuts and wheat germ; sprinkle over the muffin tops.
Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 15

We shall see if my two little monkeys will eat them in the morning. Ha! I'll let you know.

I leave you with two pictures of my little cuties.

Now this is a horse I'll ride.

2010-03-16T21:31:00.005-05:00

We all know my track record with horses. Well, it's not good. But I have finally found a horse that I might ride again. These little darlings are about 3 ft tall from the ground to the top of their heads. Now were talking. I mean if I was riding one of this little cuties and he begin to buck I could just stand up and their you have it no one gets hurt. Anywhoooo my mom told me about this place just outside Brenham. It's a miniature horse farm run by nuns.

I love this picture of Andie.

Andie loved petting the horses and looking at them.

Gray took a few looks and then he found some

sticks which seemed to be of more interest to him.

He tried to poke the horses in the eyes a few times. Boys are just so

different from girls I am learning very fast.

If you are looking for something to do near Brenham check this place out.

You could get some Blue Bell Ice Cream while you are there.

http://www.monasteryminiaturehorses.com/index.html

Toys, who needs them?

2010-02-24T07:24:00.005-06:00

My kids would prefer to play with an old beat up box. It cracks me up. They had so much fun with this box and their daddy.

Who's in the box?

Gray's in the box.

Who doesn't want to share the box?

Who's in the box?

Andie's in the box.

So there you have it folks, I am not buying my kids toys anymore I think I'll just scavenge around in other's trash and get them so good clean junk.

No trip to Colorado would be complete without...

2010-01-12T16:27:00.004-06:00

Casa Bonita. Yes, I said it, a trip to Colorado must include a stop at the great Casa Bonita where the food is less than desirable but oh so fun for the kids. Like I said, Stephen grew up going to Colorado and most of his trips also included a trip to Casa Bonita. I guess Stephen's memories are quit fond of this place. Maybe the food was better tasting when he was younger or he has forgotten. Needless to say the kids totally enjoyed it. Gray was fixated on the stage and the performers. Can I call them that? At any rate both Andie and Gray loved it.

Look Paul and Stephen were even having a good time. Ha!

The best part of Casa Bonita is the all you can Sopapillas!!! You just raise your little red flag and moments later you have basket full of those lovely things. YUM!!

Rocky Mountain High

2010-01-11T21:13:00.011-06:00

Well, we decided to take sort of a spontaneous trip to Colorado in the new year. Stephen loves everything about Colorado. I have to admit Colorado is one of the most beautiful peaceful places I have ever been to. God is so creative isn't he?

Last night, I was trying to count how many times I have been to Colorado and I honestly can't tell you. Prior to knowing Stephen I hadn't stepped foot in Colorado not so much as even flown over the place and now after almost 14 years with him I have totally lost count. I guess he is slowly transforming this city girl into a wilderness girl. Well, not totally, I will also travel with my make up and flat iron.

Back to the trip...we decided we would take kids with us because neither one of them had truly seen snow. I'm talking snow that actually sticks to the ground. Andie is now 4 and half (and she will tell you that half) which is a great age to get them on skis. I didn't learn to ski until I was in my early twenties and it is much harder to learn when you are older so I've heard. Let's see...I've been skiing three times and I have taken lessons each time I have gone. I think it finally clicked this time. I'm not breaking any records but I can get down the mountain in one piece and with all my gear. Actually, I skied my first blue this year. WooHooo! I totally slowed Stephen and Paul down but I did it. Thanks guys for being patient.

Here are a few photos from our trip. I'm sad to report that we didn't get many pictures of Andie skiing. The few that we got you really couldn't see her.

Gray in his ski bib ready to play in the snow.

Look at Andie she was trying not to act excited

about going out to play in the snow and go tubing.

Such a stinker sometimes!

I just love this picture of her.

Andie tubing. We took her tubing on the first

day just to sort of get her in the mood for skiing.

Our thinking was if she likes tubing she may not

be so apprehensive about going skiing.

While went tubing my mom stayed back and

entertained Gray in the snow.

He was not so sure of this white stuff.

Gray's first snowball to the face.

Give him time and he will be pegging us all.

That kid has already got an arm. You

should see how he can chunk an orange.

Andie got to cook us pizza one night for dinner.

We went to the place called Pizza Carlo where

they have something called Kids in the Kitchen.

They let the kids tour the kitchen and see how pizza

is made and then they get to make a pizza for the family.

She loved it. All night she kept asking,

"How do you like my pizza?"

Look how giddy this girl is, she's getting fitted

for her skis and ski boots. I love it!!

We had a great trip. Stephen and I have been talking about the trip and how things have come full circle for him. We went skiing at Copper Mountain many things have happened there at good ol' Copper. Stephen grew up going to Copper Mountain with his family and has many wonderful memories from all of his trips. We got engaged there Dec 16th 2000 and now we are taking our kids there to ski. How fun is that?!

Round 3...

2010-01-01T21:51:00.009-06:00

Yes, Christmas was done in 3 rounds this year, Christmas at home, Christmas with Zarro's and then Christmas with the Thomas'. My kids were loving it. Andie LOVES spending time with her cousins. It's so cute how she gets so excited at the just the mention of seeing one of them. Now, Gray was not feeling his best. Even though the poor kid had hand foot and mouth he still was a trooper. What the heck is that virus anyway? Here are a few photos of Christmas with the Thomas'. Another great celebration!

Just before the unwrapping began. Notice you can see the floor.

Grammy and Andie with matching aprons. Grammy's said, Grammy and Andie's said Grammy's helper. So cute!

Uncle Stephen searching for something on the internet with both Wesley and William snuggled up next to him. It was so cute to see them so interested in what he was doing.

Andie got a telescope from Grammy and Granddad. She had been asking for one for quite some time. That was defiantly the highlight of her day. However, have you ever tried to teach a kid to look through a telescope? It's not that easy. Once she got it down though she was so excited.

Gray got himself a nice set of golf clubs which he was also very excited about. I do have to keep an eye on him with those suckers because he has been known to use them as a weapon. In fact today, Stephen was sleeping on the couch and got clunked in the head with one of those things. I have to admit it's sort of funny though.

A completed puzzle by Grammy and Andie. Grammy is definalty Andie's little playmate.

Christmas continued...

2009-12-31T08:12:00.011-06:00

Andie got an American Girl doll from Santa so this is how we go everywhere.

Nice!

My nephew Tony checking out his loot. This guy racked in the Academy gift cards. Move over Academy here he comes.

Parker and his new Texans jersey. He's gonna be so cute in this.

Watch out Taylor Swift this girl will be writing her own music in no time.

Right, Cassidy?

Connor and his new nerf gun. I think my brother and sister were having more fun with this thing.

Andie got herself a digital camera. She was taking pictures of everything. When I mean everything I mean it. She was taking pictures of the TV if she saw something she liked on the screen.

Gray and his new little car. So cute! He loved getting in and out of this thing. He didn't even want to be pushed just sit.

My littlest nephew Brennan. He got some new cars. Too cute! He was making motor sounds driving them around.

The girls with our new coffee mugs.

Christmas was so much fun and gifts just kept coming for Andie and Gray.

Now I just have to make room for all the new stuff.

What are y'all doing with all this new stuff?

G'day G'day...

2009-12-30T13:57:00.006-06:00

it was a very g'day.

This is a song Andie has been singing through out the holidays.

The lyrics go something like this...

g'day g'day it was a very g'day

on Christmas morn'

when Christ was born

the Shepards came to say.

g'day g'day

How cute is that song?

I mean, it was a very good day!

Some 2000 years ago Christ was born in

the least desirable conditions,

a stable. Wow! A king born in a

stable. I just get sobby eyed thinking about that.

I mean, the King of Kings Lord of Lords

born in a stable for me and for you!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas

celebrating the birth of our Savior.

We had a wonderful time with family and friends.

Don't you just love this time of year?

Here are some pictures from Christmas morn'

Happy Birthday Jesus!

One of my favorite traditions we have started with Gray and Andie

is one that I just think is so fun. On Christmas Eve we bake and decorate a

cake for Jesus' birthday and the best part, they get to eat cake for

breakfast. I mean what kid wouldn't love that.

Andie's mini concert

2009-12-17T13:39:00.005-06:00

How funny is this?! Andie decided she needed to practice her songs for her Christmas program the other day. She so graciously invited Gray and I into her room to see a "mini concert." She was very serious about this concert. She wrote out the lyrics to her songs and sang from her song board, as she called it. Gray and I were told to take our seats.

Check out the seat Gray choose.

Her mini concert was wonderful!

Pictures from the her school program will be up soon.

Happy Thursday!

Breakfast with Santa

2009-12-13T23:36:00.008-06:00

We had such a fun time on Saturday morning eating breakfast with Santa. It was at the gym that we go to. I was a little skeptical of what a basketball court would look like all decorated for this event but, I have to say they did an amazing job. Andie and Gray had a wonderful time. They had lots of things to for the kids to do.

We ate breakfast of course.

Andie decorated a cookie. I thought Gray would

not want anything to do with that, boy was I wrong.

We took a carriage ride.

Gray did a little dancing.

This is when I discovered he too wanted a to

decorate a cookie. He literaly was screaming and fighting

Andie over her cookie and we know she was not

going to give that up. So we went over and decorated a cookie for Gray.

He was very proud of his snowman cookie.

I was so proud of Andie she went right up and

sat on Santa's lap. Gray on the other hand

was not so sure of this bearded man so, this year, momma

will be in the santa picture.

Feeling Festive

2009-12-12T23:53:00.003-06:00

Okay so my blog is looking very festive. I just wish I had time to actually post some pictures. I can't seem to get caught up. Anyone else feeling that there is just not enough time? I am planning on posting some pictures of our Breakfast with Santa expierence from this morning so check back soon to see those.

"Thankful Jar"

2009-11-06T07:28:00.010-06:00

If you know me, you know that I LOVE LOVE reading blogs. I totally love seeing how creative people can be. It just amazes me! I too love to do creative things but I more of a "creative copier". Ha! I came across this little jar idea that I just loved. I saw it here. I just thought it would be something fun to do with Andie and Gray (when he's older) just as a reminder to be thankful for more things than just our house, toys, family. Yes, were are so thankful that God has provided us the means to have a beautiful home and fun toys, and of course an amazing family but what about the fact that we can hear so let's enjoy some music. Or what about or legs and our eyes. I just love that it reminds us to be thankful for EVERYTHING!

It was so simple to make. I found a little glass jar at Michesl's for $3.99 and some Thanksgiving scrapbooking stickers to decorate the outside of the jar. I grabbed some orange and brown ribbon to tie around the top of the jar. The ribbon was 2/$5.00 and some fall leaves to hot glue on the top of the jar. I took all the little thankful coupons h ere cut them out and stuck them inside. That simple! The whole project costs mayb2 $12. Here is what mine looks like.

For the fullness of His grace we have all

received one blessing after another.

John 1:16

Pretty Spooky Don't you think?

2009-11-03T13:26:00.008-06:00

I'm pretty sure this queen

and this Lion didn't scare a soul on Halloween.

I just love this picture of Andie.

Look at this little Pun-kin'.

Look at the grill on this munchkin.

This little pirate was not so sure of the Trick or Treating thing until....

he saw all the loot all the other kids were getting.

This was the cutest little flapper girl!

Thank you Bates family for inviting us over to go Trick or Treating. The hay ride was a huge success. Andie wants to know when she gets go Trick or Treating again.

Pumpkin Carving

2009-11-02T15:15:00.002-06:00

Before

After

Good job Stephen! He is a lot more patient and meticulous than I am so tedious projects like this he is much better than me. Andie totally enjoyed doing this with him.

She thought it was pretty cool.

My Punkins at the Pumpkin Patch.

2009-11-02T14:50:00.003-06:00

I am so behind with updating my blog. I know, I know, I have so many followers out there you all are just dying to see what the Thomas' are up to.

So here you go.

Check out this little cutie!

Handsome little man!

This is what happens when you try and take pictures

at the pumpkin patch without Daddy.

You get nothin'.

That's all for Gray. He's outta here!

Pajama Day at School

2009-10-16T08:05:00.003-05:00

A couple of days ago at school Andie had pajama day. She was so excited to wear her Pj's to school. Pretty sure I would fake being sick to prevent the humiliation of what I look like when I go to bed. She looked so cute and was so eager to see all of her friends in their pj's. I have to say, it made the morning routine a lot easier. There was no arguing about what she wanted to wear.

Check out the necklace.

My mom gave her that to play with and

yes she has worn it to school many times.

Ready Set Mow

2009-10-13T23:01:00.011-05:00

I decided since Gray was so close to walking on his own I would buy him a little lawn mower. He has been "walking" for about a month or so but always had to hang on to something or someone. He has got this walking thing down let me tell you...For the past two days he has been walking all over the place. Tonight he was even walking around drinking from his cup. I kid you not he had this look like look at me. Check him out mowing the side walk because every sidewalk needs some good mowing. Ha!

and we're off. How cute are these little converse?

Gotta give props to my sista!

2009-10-10T20:16:00.010-05:00

Ya know, we all have a friend or two who are so over the top creative. That is my friend Lacey. Actually, several of my sista's are so stinkin' creative. The things they can come up with just blow me away. Check out this birthday party my friend planned for her 4 year old. It was a good time had by all.

Birthday Boy!

I mean, how cute are these center pieces?

Birthday Boy's little Brother.

Thomas the Train

I wish you could have seen Andie's face when she saw this.

She was loving this. As was every kid there.

Including this kid. Ha!

Gray totally loved taking his first train ride.

Check out this cutie. Look at those blue eyes.

The Thomas party was a huge hit. Andie couldn't stop talking about it and she really couldn't wait to tell her daddy that she rode on a real train.

Fall Favs.

2009-10-05T15:27:00.005-05:00

I love everything about fall. I love the clothing, colors, the food, drinks, the smells and weather. Well, not a Texas fall. Maybe, one that you experience in the Northeast. Ya know one like you would have in Maine or something. I love the changing of the leaves and when they begin to fall to the ground and the sound of them crackling under your feet. Here are some of my most favorite fall things.

Hot chocolate with lots of Marshmallows.

Andie loves to drink Hot chocolate and watch Rudolph.

Nothing better than your house smelling like your baking

and there's no mess to clean up.

Candy corn and peanuts. Yum-o!

The sweet and salty combo is just so perfect.

Who doesn't love this?!

This has got to be hands down the best soup and sandwich combo.

What are some of your fall Favs?

We all like good clean teeth, right?

2009-09-26T14:57:00.005-05:00

It has been such a joy to watch little Gray learn new things. Each day I am just amazed at the new things he has learned either by watching me, Stephen or big sis, Andie. Which by the way he adores her. Lately, my heart is overjoyed with the way he just lights up when he hears her voice or the mere sight of his big sister. PRECIOUS!!!

Well, this was one thing he has learned from his big sister. We have this little routine every night. We get baths, dressed, brush our hair and then brush our teeth. Gray has become quit familiar with this I guess because this is what he did on his own while I was getting Andie dressed. He crawled up on the stool, opened the drawer and got his own toothbrush out. Too Funny!

"I'M NOT TIRED"

2009-09-23T19:19:00.004-05:00

This what I usually hear from Andie when it is time for her to take a nap. Sometimes, I admit it she really can go without taking a nap. But there are times I can tell when she needs to get some shut eye. Honestly, I need her to take a nap or at least go in her room for a while so I can have 30 minutes to myself. This particular day she decided she was not tired and didn't need to rest. This is what I found.

Of course, I'm not going to wake her up because I have finally got some time to myself. Who cares that's 5 o'clock and she probably won't go to bed until 10 but at least her dad will be home to do night time duty.

Apparently I'm not feeding this boy enough

2009-09-23T13:59:00.002-05:00

beacause this is what I found. Ha!

Goldfish...now that's what I want.

You know why I'm smiling?

2009-09-16T13:51:00.007-05:00

Because it's that time of year again.

Your local Starbucks Barista will now serve you one of these.

This my friend's is Pumpkin Spice Latte. Now, it looks beautiful in the picture but yours will look more like this.

Not nearly as pretty but just as yummy! Here's a good lesson...it's not what's on the outside but what's on the inside. Right?

Go get one of the these and it will make you want to start your Christmas shopping. Warning...if you walk outside in the Texas heat the feeling of Christmas shopping will be an after thought. This is what you have to do. You go into the mall make a B-line to Starbucks and get a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Then, you shop around until you've sucked that paper cup dry and then you're free to walk out to your car. So there for about 30 minutes you felt like you were in the middle of fall in some very cool climate. I know what I'll be doing tomorrow while the kids are at school. Want to join me?

First day of Pre-K

2009-08-31T20:49:00.004-05:00

Andie was very excited about going back to her "old" school. She calls it her old school because she went to a different school this summer for a very short summer camp. When I asked her what she was most excited about going into the 4 year old class she told me, "no naps in the 4 year old class." Ha! I think it's so funny that she was most excited about not taking a nap.

Another funny thing, while driving her to school I told her I was going to miss her while she was at school all day. Her response was, "it's okay mommy, I'll be there when you pick. Everything will be okay." Too cute! She was more worried about me.

I totally love this picture. Just look at how Andie's teacher showed her so much love as she got to the door. It just warms my heart knowing that she is with a loving teacher who loves the Lord and loves my sweet little girl.

Need a good laugh?

2009-08-31T20:39:00.008-05:00

I know this has happened to any woman who has ever gone to get their nails done.

Okay, if you have not seen this on youtube take a few minutes to watch it. So stinking funny!

Hmmmmm...

2009-08-11T08:15:00.001-05:00

How many of you are at a loss for what to do with the kiddos in this 100 degree weather? It is literally driving me crazy. There is truly nothing to do outside without nearly passing out and swimming is not even refreshing because the water is like bath water. We could go eat at chick-fil-a and play there but any more chicken and my kids might just start clucking and peeking at the ground or we could go to the mall and play. Then what usually happens there is I end up spending way too much money. What's supposed to be free outing usually turns into an expensive one. So the other day Andie and I decided to bake some Easy butter cookies. They were super easy and quit tasty. Gray seemed to like them too.

This picture cracks me up. Andie is waiting on the cookies watching a movie on my iphone. When we were kids we just sat and watched the cookies bake. Ha!

My little builder.

2009-08-10T14:03:00.000-05:00

Gray has really gotten to stacking cups. I just love to watch his little mind work. He really concentrates when he is putting those cups in the right order. It just kills me. I'm beginning to see a bit of a perfectionist personality. He's also quit the comedian too.

He even cleans for me sometimes.

I've seen him fill these little cups with

all the stray cheerios he finds on the floor.

I just can't believe it!

2009-08-10T13:34:00.000-05:00

I am about a year late for Andie's first dentist appointment. I've heard you're supposed to take them at age three. Well, I decided I would just hold off for one more year. I was totally dreading the whole thing. Andie is not the best of patients. The kid hears that I am going to take her to the doctor and she just about comes out of her skin. Not only that she has just about thrown up on me and herself every time we have gone to the doctor. She gets her self all worked up about it. Not at the dentist. She did WONDERFUL! The dentist office I took her to was AMAZING. In fact, a very sweet friend of mine from high school was the one who cleaned Andie's teeth. Overall her apponintment was very uneventful. She got a good report except...Andie has a little habit that was oh so cute when she was a baby because she could sooth herself but, not so wonderful anymore. Can you guess what it is? She is a big time thumb sucker. She mainly does it when she is tired, watching TV, or just the mere sight of her blankie the thumb goes right into her mouth. (I guess that's a lot of the time.) How many of you were guilty of this same little habit? Yours truly sucked her thumb until I believe close to the 5th grade. And yes my parents have the orthodontist bills to prove it. But I am grateful they spent the money on my teeth. All this to say, the dentist told Andie she needed to make the decision to stop. Yea right, how is a 4 year going to make that decision on her own. Well, I decided to intervene with a little help. I bought this stuff called Mavala Stop. You just paint a little on her finger nail and when she tries to suck her thumb it just taste awful. It really does I tasted it and was totally appalled by it. I am so proud of her she has gone 36 hours without sucking her thumb. The first day without sucking her thumb and she wanted me to buy her some chips from the gym. Easy to do! I wonder what she will want for the next 24 hours?! She has already mentioned a doll. This could get expensive!

OH MY GOSH...

2009-08-07T22:20:00.000-05:00

I just came across one of the most amazing and delicious looking blogs. You have got to peruse through this blog and see what decedent recipes you can make for your family or just for yourself. YUM-O!

Maybe I'm just really hungry!

Look what I have come across.

2009-08-07T16:17:00.000-05:00

I have recently come across this website. Oh my goodness, I love to see what the deals are. I haven't yet bought anything but, have no fear I'm sure there will be a few purchases. It's great, you just need to add yourself to the email address and they will send you an email about what the deal is for the day or you can just check it each morning. Make sure you check it each day at 9 am MST. So fun!

I've got Colorado on my mind.

2009-07-31T12:44:00.000-05:00

We've been home from Colorado for a week now and I do believe I am ready to go back real soon. There is just something about that place that makes me feel so alive. It does the same thing to Stephen. Maybe it's the fact that it's not blazing hot outside. We hiked several miles one day at a very rapid pace and you know we didn't really sweat. Yes, I was getting a great workout with out nearly passing out from heat exhaustion. I think I sweat more here just taking my kids out of the car. There's just so much to do outside there. I just love that place and so did Andie and Gray.

Another very obvious reason I love Colorado is the beauty of the mountains. It's just so quiet and peaceful. You see these amazing mountains that only God could have created with these beautiful trickling rivers and streams running beside them with ice cold fresh water. Ahhhh! Love it and miss it!

Andie and Wesley feeding the "chipies" that would be chipmunks.

Stephen and Gray at Lily's Lake

Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Hiking to the Baldpate Inn to eat lunch.

How cute is this?!

2009-07-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

I just had to post this picture of Gray and his Grandad.

The way Gray is looking at him is priceless.

First plane ride less desirable for some.

2009-07-21T22:54:00.000-05:00

On Saturday both Gray and Andie experienced their first plane ride. It was a bit interesting. Saturday morning started with Andie coming into our room and vomited all over our floor. Then she proceeded to toss her cookies a few more times that morning. Ugh! I'm thinking this should be real fun flying with an upset stomach. I can't think of anything worse. She seemed to be feeling better later on that morning. Our flight wasn't until noon so, I was thinking we might be okay and we should have some time to get over this.

We boarded the plane with all of our stuff. Holy cow did we have a lot! Andie loved the plane and she did great. She watched a movie and even slept a bit. Now, Gray did so much as rest his eyes. He was awake the WHOLE time. I was sort of hoping he might sleep a bit but nothing. Overall he did great. He maybe cried a few times for a very short amount of time. Like I said the flight was great until we started our decent into Dever. Andie's little tummy just couldn't take it and she began to lose it. Bless her heart. Fortunately, mommy remembered to pack an extra change of clothes for her. We changed on the plane and she was in pretty good spirits again. Well, as good as she could be for having some little 24 hour bug. After a very long wait at the airport looking for mine and Stephen's suitcase which was no where to be found (that's another story) and then waiting in an hour line to pick up our rental car (don't get me started on this) we were finally off to Estes Park, Colorado. We did make one stop at Target to get some simple necessities for Stephen and I until our luggage should show up. Thankfully it did. Now, we are finally off to Estes. Andie and Gray both sacked out in the back seat. Then Andie woke up and discovered the mountains and the very windy roads through the mountains and again she got sick. Ugh! It was everywhere she was crying then Gray started crying because his sister was so upset and Stephen and I where thinking this traveling thing is not what it is cracked up to be.

Checking out the kitchen in our place.

View from our porch. Wow!

We finally got to our house, which is beautiful and the scenery is just unbelievable. It is such a great reminder of God's great work. What beauty He Created for us to enjoy. Back to our travels..both Gray and Andie got baths and went to bed and Praise God Andie woke up and she was her sweet bubbly self and oh so excited to see her cousin Wesley. Gray was just ready for breakfast.

Let the fun begin. More pictures to come.

Princesses + cup cakes= Princess Party

2009-07-13T15:34:00.000-05:00

This year for the first time Andie wanted a say in what she wanted to do for her birthday party. At first I was thinking I would pass on doing a party for her and Stephen and I would take her out to dinner and do something special with her but with a little persuasion from a friend I decided to do an old fashioned birthday party. Ya know, the kind you have at your house. Yikes!!! It seems like everyone has gone to off site parties which are great but they end up costing so much. At least the few I have done for Andie have. I had such a fun time planning the party. There are hundreds of websites dedicated to planning children's birthday parties. Some a bit elaborate and over the top and some very modest. Trying to find a happy median is difficult because some of the ideas where just so stinkin' cute but I wanted to stick to my budget. Which meant I needed to make a lot of the decorations, food, and I even made the cupcakes and they were a hit. Andie and the girls seemed to have a wonderful time and that's what matters. I think the party was a success. Yippee!

First Hair Cut.

2009-07-13T15:22:00.000-05:00

Check out Gray's haircut. He looks like he has grown up so much just with a little hair cut. He no longer looks like a baby. Gray definitely resembles the Thomas clan with his short hair. You know those Thomas boys keep their hair short. It took me awhile to take him in because I just wasn't ready to cut of his cute little curls but I do love his big boy hair cut.

Before

Of course there was food involved.

After

How cute is he?

This is the note I got from school the other day.

2009-07-01T13:53:00.000-05:00

Andie and Gray are both attending a little summer Mother's Day Out program on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is WONDERFUL! They seem to totally enjoy it and it is nice break for me. When I pick them up from school the teachers are great at informing the parents of what the kids did that day. Things like what they liked most, the bible story they learned and what their appetite was like. Andie's notes usually say appetite was fair or sometimes she even gets a good. This is what Gray's note said

This is the life of a Mother with sons I guess. The boy never gets full. I kid you not he will eat until it just does not fit in is stomach anymore. Basically, when he starts to overflow I stop feeding him.

Just to give you a little perspective on how much this kid eats. We were out to eat at Panaera bread the other day and ordered each kid their own meal, because there is no sharing with Gray. Gray proceeded to eat his entire grilled cheese sandwich, some fruit and his yogurt and then ate the rest of Andie's sandwich. There was a cute little couple sitting next to us who commented on much Gray was eating. I couldn't understand why my grocery bill was getting bigger and bigger. At first I was thinking it was the economy and the price of food was going up but I have come to conclusion that is my growing boy.

Check out my new ride!

2009-06-21T15:14:00.000-05:00

Well, Gray has never been one for sitting on or being in any toy type thing. The exersauser was a life saver for me with Andie. I could put her in that thing and I was able shower, fix my hair, put on my makeup and I probably could have cleaned the house with her not making a peep. She would sit in her walker...not Gray, unless there is food on the tray. The jumping thing that you hang in the door way, nope not Gray. I guess because his food won't stay on the tray. He just loves to be right next to me every waking hour. Which is so sweet but makes it very hard to shower or do anything at that. So we went to a friend's house the other day for a playdate and Gray discovered something that he totally loved. I am willing to buy anything for him that will entertain him for more than 3 minutes. You are probably wondering what it is aren't you? Meet Mater!

He is very protective of Mater. If you so even look at or get to close to him he straightens his legs and arms and lets a very loud growl type thing. It is HILARIOUS! The funny thing is he doesn't really sit on it he just pushes the buttons and pushes it around on his knees.

Happy Father's Day Stephen!

2009-06-21T08:13:00.000-05:00

So, here is what we did for Father's Day this year. I would love to say that I came up with the idea with all my creativity but, I would be lying if I did. I got the idea for a dear friend of mine.

Stephen totally loved it.

The finished product!

Happy Father's day to a wonderful dad.

Check out this cutie!

2009-05-30T09:04:00.000-05:00

How cute is my little nephew? We call him Mr. Business because he is all business and oh so serious. Do you like is paci? My sister in law sent my brother to the store to buy Brennan some new pacis and this is the one he came home with. Brennan is very secure in his manhood and doesn't mind the bright pink paci. Love him!

So I have a little addiction.

2009-05-27T15:00:00.000-05:00

Well, here it is. My little addiction.

I love love love coconut creamer by coffee-mate. I mean, I can get excited at 6am when my alarm clock goes off knowing that I am going to have some of that goodness in my coffee. I think when I open my fridge in the morning it's just glowing as it sits there waiting to meet me. Thank you Coffee-mate for meeting me each morning and waking me up. See you in the am. Pretty sad I know! Oh come on, what is your addiction? We all have them. The way I look at it is it could be a whole lot worse.

One more thing...I also have to drink from this mug. I don't know why but this mug seems to just complete the whole routine.

Happy First Birthday Gray!

2009-05-24T15:28:00.000-05:00

I can not believe this little guy is one already.

Such a tiny little guy to start out but has grown with leaps and bounds. Starting out weighing 6 pounds 11 ounces to weighing 23.6 pounds. He's a big dude! Gray is machine when it comes to eating. In fact, in just about every picture below he is either eating or just finished eating. About the only time he's not happy is when he's hungry. Gray is a great little guy who we feel so blessed that God has given him to us. He has blessed each our lives in so many ways. I mean, if you are feeling down about anything at all a little Gray smile can cheer anyone up. Happy 1st Birthday, Gray!

Tiny Dancer

2009-05-21T21:51:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, Andie was in her very first Dance Recital. It was absolutely precious. She's been taking ballet and tap for a few months and really enjoys it. I'm not sure if this is what she is most skilled at but she does love to dance. She did a wonderful job and totally loved being on the "big" stage performing. She does not get this from me because I loath being in front of people. She was not nervous at she all. She was so excited to get into her ballet costume and get the show on the road. After she danced, I asked her, "Andie were you nervous being in front of all those people?" Her response was, "Mom, I wasn't nervousing at all." Nervousing what does that mean? Not sure, but in her mind she was not that. I have to admit I got a little teary eyed seeing my little girl up on stage dancing. She is getting so big I can't believe it!

I'm so glad I got some pictures of her wearing her ballet costume because on the car ride home she told me that she wanted to take gymnastics next. Oh well, I guess we all need to try out a few things before we find the one thing that we love most.

I've got Cabin Fever.

2009-05-21T21:33:00.000-05:00

A few weekends ago, Stephen decided we needed a weekend away. So, we packed up the car and headed north to Log Country Cove in Burnet, Texas. It is absolutely beautiful there with so much to do outdoors. There were trails to hike, volleyball, horse shoes, tether ball (one of my favorite childhood games), swimming and of course relaxing. Our little weekend get away was so much fun. We brought along some friends to relax and play with us. What a great time!

Andie teaching. I love the pointing finger.

Her captivated audience. I know she is loving the control.

Gray taking in the sun. Notice he's smiling he must have just eaten.

Why can't I ever get a good picture of my kids?

2009-05-05T14:59:00.000-05:00

Some people have this amazing talent for capturing tons of wonderful pictures of their kids...I do not have that talent. I so want to have the ability to capture all those precious moments. I like to blame my camera but I am beginning to think it is just me. Okay, I admit it, it's me not my camera. Here's what I got for Easter.

I think I'll take them somewhere to get someone who has a eye for this kind of thing.

Move over Billy Joel

2009-04-08T21:20:00.000-05:00

Sing us a song you're the piano man

Sing us a song tonight.

Well, we're all in the mood for a melody

And you've got us feelin alright

My little artist.

2009-03-27T12:44:00.000-05:00

Andie is my crafty little girl. She loves to paint, draw, cut, color anything that is creative. I love that about her. I think she comes by it honestly. I am the same way and so is my mom and sister...now my sister and mom can look at something one time and create the same exact thing even better than the original. Every Friday she comes home from school and we look at all of her work. She loves to share what she has done. I love this time! I think it is important to show a her that I think her work is valuable and deserves recognition. Here are few examples of her school art work. How cute!

Here you can see she has painted a "rainbow" tractor,

an adorable little piggy, some stamped birds and that red blob

there is a cardinal. Can't you tell!

Sanity on a rainy day.

2009-03-26T21:24:00.000-05:00

The past couple of days have been a little wet and gloomy around here. Not a huge fan of these days. It just feels like the clock just stands still and I just can't seem to keep the inmates

from getting restless. I guess the only time I like these days is when I can curl up with a good book, sleep if I want to and just relax with out anyone crying for me or calling "mommy". These don't happen very often so I guess I just don't like thse days then. This is always a good go to...."hurry everyone in the tent." That never gets old I don't care how old you are. Laughter for eve

ryone.

Is it already time for this....

2009-03-26T20:56:00.000-05:00

Introducing....

2009-03-10T16:21:00.000-05:00

my new Mac!!

I love it! I have to say, I have had a few frustrating moments because I am hardly technological. I have been playing with it for the past couple of hours and feel like I haven't figured much out. I can however upload photos, crop and play in iphoto and that's about all. Much to learn.

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a...

2009-02-27T22:23:00.001-06:00

not sure what he's looking at honestly! I like to think he is in deep thought about something very profound. What do you think?

Hammers aren't only for boys!

2009-02-27T21:54:00.001-06:00

For those of you know, we are in the process of remodeling our kitchen. It was supposed to only take about two weeks and we are now going on four weeks. It actually has not been that bad though. Stephen decided to do all the demo. It had it's pros and cons. It did save us some money and he did a great job at taking out things like my stove, sink and counters just before the workers would be coming to do each job. I was only with out my sink for one day, my stove for a weekend (not to sad about that since I don't really enjoy cooking), and with out counters for 3 days. The down side was if you know Stephen, he is night owl...so most of the work was done after dinner. I don't know how my kids slept through the sounds of the nail gun, various saws, and hammers but they did. Fun times! It defiantly was for Andie. She totally loved helping her daddy pound some of the nails in the old counter tops.

I do believe it is Mac time!!

2009-02-27T20:12:00.000-06:00

So, I have not updated my blog in about three weeks. My computer was on it's last leg and think it is officially dead. It is painfully slow! I mean so slow that you can type a sentence and you have to wait at least 10 seconds for it to finish the sentence. Mixed emotions about the dead computer, one I have no computer when Stephen is at work but this also means I am that much closer to a much desired Mac. I feel like I am totally disconnected from the world without the Internet. It's that same feeling when you leave the house and realize you don't have your cell phone. I mean if you didn't even realize you didn't have that sucker everything would be fine but the minute you realize you're without it you think of all the worst possible things that could happen to you without it. Anyone agree? Same thing with the computer. That thing could not even be on and I'm okay. It's just knowing that if I wanted to get on the Internet I could. I feel closed off to everyone and everything. So frustrating. On the flip side though, I have almost finished reading The Shack and getting ready to start another book. Did I mention too that our cable box is also going out. I do believe the Lord is telling me something.

Now that's a sign of some good sleep...

2009-01-29T14:27:00.000-06:00

For those of you who know Gray know that he is not the best of nappers. He's a wonderful sleeper at night but during the day he would rather be up and playing or sitting on my hip. He was a trooper all day yesterday. We went to the gym where he played with his little friend Carter and then we headed to mall to meet his other little friend Evelyn. We ate lunch, shopped and just strolled around for two hours. I didn't hear a peep out of him. He wasn't sleeping, I think he was just taking in all the sights and sounds. After a few hours there we ran to pick Andie up from school and headed home. I thought surely he has got to be tired...he really hadn't napped all day. I laid him down and would you believe he slept for 2 hours. Yippee!! But this is what he looked like when he woke up.

Now that my friends is some good bed hair.

Do you want to play dress up?

2009-01-29T13:52:00.000-06:00

This seems to be a very common question asked around our house. Andie is so into dress up right now, which I think is adorable but actually hard to play. Why?? because what the heck, I can't fit into her Cinderella, Belle, or Snow White dresses so how do you play dress up with nothing to dress up in. I've been told I am too big to wear her pretty little dresses and I am okay with that coming from my daughter. So, what usually happens is I end up wearing an excessive amount of jewelry. I do believe I am supposed to look like a princess but when I look at myself in the mirror I am feeling more like the girl version of Mr. T. At any rate, she loves to put it on me and top me off with a crown. That's usually how we play dress up around here. Sometimes she even makes daddy into a princess. That you have got to see. (Pictures to come on that one...I have not be able to capture that just yet.)

This was how we spent our New Year's...

2009-01-23T17:46:00.000-06:00

Well, it was an interesting New Year's for the Thomas Family this year. One I hope to never repeat. It was a nice little stay in the hospital with our little man, Gray. What was supposed to only be an over night stay turned into three nights. This is how it went down. On Sunday morning Gray woke with a bit of fever and very fussy. Not like himself...I mean the little guy is a little needy but this was just over the top. I noticed he was having a difficult time breathing so, we immediately started breathing treatments. He seemed a little better but he still wasn't himself and still stuggling to breath. So, Monday evening I took him to the doctor. They tested him for the flu, nope not that...Thank goodness. One more dig in his nose...he was not liking that. This one would determine if he had RSV and we would not know the outcome until Wednesday, which was New Year's Eve. So, we went home did round the clock breathing treatments and went back in on Wednesday. As soon as we got there the results where in...she said he tested positive for RSV and my options were to take him to the ER at a local hospital or down to Texas Children's and risk them not taking him at all because it was RSV season and they probably won't have any rooms available. I just broke down! I can't believe I have to take my little guy to the hospital. We immediately ran home, I packed an "overnight" bag for me and for him, thinking we would only be there for one night. With a two hour wait in the ER and that was a direct admit so, you can imagine how long some of those people were there waiting. Within a few hours they had him on oxygen and round the clock breathing treatments. I felt like I had a newborn all over again. They would come in do his breathing treatments and then take his vitals. Once he was good and awake, they would give him back to me and there I was trying to calm him down and get him to sleep again. I would get back into what they called a pull out bed, which was the most uncomfortable place I've ever slept and I have slept on a roof in Mexico in the middle of July and that was better. The next thing I knew they were back to do the same thing again. Are you kidding me?? The next night was a little easier . Gray was showing signs of improvment but they still wouldn't allow us to take him home just yet. They just didn't feel comfortable releasing him with his oxygen levels not at consistant number. Once, he was at 99-100% O2 all day he would be discharged. Finally, Saturday morning they took him off the Oxygen and by that afternoon he was free to go. Yippee!!! After three long nights we were able to go home and with in a few days at home he was back to himself. What an experience! Happy New Year!

Even with a little Oxygen tube up his nose he's still so stinkin' cute!

Christmas Eve

2009-01-13T21:35:00.000-06:00

Well, Christmas Eve is one of my favorite nights of the year. It is the night of the much anticipation. For kids, it's the excitement of what Santa will bring and all the loot that they will have to unwrap. For parents, it's the thought of, "Where are we going to put all this loot?" Here are a few pictures of Gray and Andie all dressed up on Christmas Eve ready for Church. Another thing I just love about Christmas Eve.

Someone's in the kitchen with Andie...

2008-12-28T22:03:00.000-06:00

We have adopted this little tradition from a very dear friend of mine. She shared this with me and I knew it was something I wanted to do with my kids for many years, and hopefully, Andie and Gray will do with their kids one day. Each year, on Christmas Eve, we bake a cake for Jesus' Birthday. Your kids can decorate how ever they choose. Andie just chooses sprinkles. It's not the prettiest cake but they have fun doing it. The best part of the whole tradition is they get to eat the cake for breakfast on Christmas morning. Not something you would do normally so, it makes Christmas that much more special. I mean what kid would not love to wake up to presents and cake. It makes for a great birthday celebration!

8 Things

2008-12-23T22:56:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I saw this on someone else's blog and thought it would be fun to add to mine. Just a few little things about me.

8 TV shows I watch:
1) Amazing Race
2) So You Think You Can Dance
3) Desperate Housewives
4) Gray's Anatomy
5) House Hunters
6) Good Morning America (when I can)
7) Ellen (Nothing Like a good Laugh)
8) CARTOONS

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1) Cheesecake Factory
2) Cafe Express
3) Macaroni Grill
4) Cafe Lilli
5) Sushi from Hido
6) Mi Luna (yummy spanish tapas)
7) Fogo de Chao
8) Panera Bread

8 Things that Happened to me today:
1) Woke up and had no water pressure
2) Let Andie eat a cookie for breakfast
3) Had to boil water because apparently the water company is taking precautionary measures against possible tainted water.
4) had to sterilize bottles today
5) Asked Stephen to bring Andie a change of clothes to the gym because she had an accident
6) Was spit up on multiple times
7) Wrapped all of our Christmas gifts
8) and my brother-in-laws

8 Things I look forward to:
1) Celebrating the Birth of Our Savior
2) Christmas Eve Service
3) Dressing Andie and Gray in their Christmas outfits
4) Making a birthday cake for Jesus with Andie
5) Andie when she sees her gifts Christmas morning
6) Being with Family
7) Taking Andie and Gray to Disneyworld. (of course when they are older)
8) Going to bed

8 Things I Wish For:
1) That Andie and Gray would love the Lord more than anything else in this world.
2) That laundry could get washed and put away on it's own
3) A clean house
4) A clean car
5) That pants would fit me in the length..Either shorter pants or a taller me. Second not likely to happen.
6) A vacation with my husband. I love to travel!
7) Cooler weather for Christmas
8) I have to put this one on here, for those who know me well know that I have been asking for these for a very long time....Diamond Earrings!

My Resposibility...

2008-12-21T16:58:00.000-06:00

One afternoon I was actually sitting down watching a little TV while both my kids were sleeping and I saw a commercial for a free Christmas Puppet Show put on by Second Baptist Church. I thought what a great thing for Andie and I to do together. She'll love it because she is totally into puppet shows right now. So, Saturday we hopped in the car and headed out. We got there a little early so we were able to find perfect seats...which she choose. The down side to getting there early, what do you do with a three year old while you wait 25 minutes. She did great. It was so much fun to watch the anticipation build. She was so curious about what the play was going to be about and what all the puppets would do and what she was going to see. It was fun to see her so excited. When the lights went down and the dancers came out to dance and sing, her eyes were locked on the stage. She was smiling from ear to ear. As they began to tell the story of the Birth of Jesus I began to get a little emotional. I know it was a silly little puppet show but the birth of our Savior is always moving to me no matter how it is presented. It was a surreal moment for me. God has given me two sweet little children to raise up to know and love him. I began thinking, it is my responsibility to teach Andie and Gray that Jesus is the perfect gift. I began to get a little teary eyed thinking about how big she is getting and how one day she will have to make the decision on her own to accept God's free gift of grace. Wow! As parents, we want to help our kids make choices and decisions that are best for them but this is one decision she and Gray will have to make on their own. Andie totally enjoyed the play. I know she understood who Mary, Joseph and Jesus were in the play. She saw the shepards, the angels, and wisemen. Does she really understand the significance of Jesus and who He really is, not yet. So my responsibility is to teach them truth and expose them to Him daily. And make sure they know that he loves them just as they are.

Christmas Party

2008-12-21T16:15:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures of Andie's Christmas Party at her school. It was really interesting to see how Andie interacts with her classmates and her teachers. I'm sure she wasn't the same as she would be without me there but at least I got to get a glimpse of her in action. I do know that she loves school, her teachers and her friends. Apparently, the two little girls that are in most of the pictures with Andie are the friends she plays with most of the time. Too Cute, she has girl friends...we all need them, right ladies?

Singing Jingle Bells

Getting ready to decorate a cake for Jesus' Birthday

I think we have a Cookie Monster on our hands.

2008-12-21T15:33:00.000-06:00

It seems as if our little man loves to have himself a cookie from time to time. Gray has been working on getting his bottom two teeth for quit some time now. Not only have they been a headache for him but also for me. He is a bit fussy and really only wants to be held in times of pain. So, to ease some of that pain and take his mind off of those pesky little suckers I have introduced into something called "Biter Biscuits." He LOVES them! They are wonderful because they seem to keep him occupied for about 15 minutes or so and that's just enough time for me to clean the kitchen, fold the laundry, wipe down the bathrooms and get dinner going. Isn't amazing what a mom can do in 15 minutes? That's another topic. The only complaint I have with this these little baby delicacies is the mess they make. Oh well, it makes for some cute pictures.

Happy Baby, Happy Mom!

Texas weather sure turns quick!

2008-12-12T21:53:00.000-06:00

I remember a song we use to sing when I was in elementary school. It went something like this...

Texas weather sure turns quick,
turns quick,
turns quick,
turns quick!

Not sure why I remember singing this but, I do and it couldn't be more true. So, on Wednesday I do believe the ole mercury was topping out at a nice warm 75 degrees. It was hot and muggy! Just gross outside not feeling like Christmas. We all go to bed and it's a little chilly outside. Nothing too frigid. Then, we all wake up to freezing temperatures. I take Andie to school and Gray to the doctor, braving the elements. Not so bad just cold and a little drizzle. I would rather be at home but I have things to get done. I go pick Andie up from school, we get inside and I start feeding Gray. I'm looking out the window with my head sort of cocked, probably looking a little confused. "Is that snow? No Way!" I walk over to the window and to my surprise it is snowing outside. Oh my goodness! I tell Andie, "let's get your coat, socks, and shoes on so you can play in the snow. You have never seen snow and probably won't ever again in Texas." I am just so excited about the whole idea of getting her outside to experience the snow. I kid you not she looks at me and says, "I'm not going out there, it's cold!" So, Andie didn't get to play in the snow and the only pictures I got of her is her looking out the window at the snow. So, Texas weather sure turns quick and I do believe we should be back up in the 70's by the weekend. So long cold weather and so long snow. We shall see you in another 15 or so years!

We're doing our part...

2008-12-12T21:30:00.001-06:00

I think there will come a time when taking a bath with your baby brother will not be so cool but right now it works out perfectly. The past couple of nights Andie has seen me give Gray a bath and asked if she can get in. My thought about the whole idea...GREAT! It gives Stephen a break from giving Andie a bath and allows me, the control freak that I am, to have bath time over and done in about 15 minutes. The best part is after I get Gray out of the tub, Andie will wash the entire tub...walls and all for me. Talk about efficient. Clean kids, Clean Tub, saving time and water all at same time. Am I being Green or what?

Quiet time vs. Quality time

2008-12-12T19:39:00.001-06:00

I am not a morning person nor am I night person...I'm thinking I might be a middle of the day type person. Is there such a thing? Well, I would love to be the person who got up early in the morning to spend time with the Lord. Ya know, just a good chunk of uninterrupted time but, I can't seem to drag myself out of bed any earlier than 6:45 and my kids start stirring at 7ish. The night time, forget about that...when the sun sets I'm finished. So, I admit it, my quiet times have been hard to come by. So today I felt the Lord's tug at me to sit with Him and this is how it went down...both kids were sleeping and I was wide awake and ready to be fed. I sat down on the couch with my Bible and pen ready to take in what He needed to teach me and I kid you not Gray began to cry. I quietly walked down the hall to give him his paci with hopes that he would drift back off to dream land and he did. Yippee! I walked out of his room and standing in the hallway was sweet little Andie. She looks up at me and says, "Hey, mommy do you want to play play dough with me?" How can I say no to that. So, there went my quiet time but this is what I learned. My daughter loves to spend time with me playing mail girl (post office basically), play dough, and coloring. She too loves to have uninterrupted time with someone important to her. I do believe my day came full circle. It started out with me wanting some QT with the Lord and ended with my daughter needing some QT with me. So, I do believe a valuable lesson was taught today...my daughter's love language just might be quality time. Thank you Lord for teaching me something very important today.

Perfect Gift...

2008-12-08T13:09:00.000-06:00

Well, it's that time of year again where we all try and find that perfect gift for all those special people in our lives. I have not yet mastered this skill. I mean, how nice it would be to go into a store and confidently say, "oh this is perfect for such and such!" Not me, I have to call practically everyone that person knows without calling him/her directly to find out if this thing is the perfect gift. By the time they unwrap it they know exactly what it is. Perfect example, I was absolutly sure I knew just the perfect gift for my daughter. I was so excited to inform Santa that she was going to need a puppet theater because we have been doing puppet shows each night with her make-shift theater...not a very good one I might add. Well, I was sadly mistaken. I have to thank my husband's very good friend Jim for finding this out for me. The conversation went something like this.

Jim: "Andie, what do you want from Santa this year?"

Jennifer: Standing right next to Andie thinking she is so going to say a puppet stage.

Andie: "I want this bicycle game that you hook up to the TV and play games."

Jennifer: Again, I'm thinking no way does she want that thing. I thought we were over that.

Jennifer: quietly tells Jim, "She has been asking for this game since she was about two years old. I've sort of been avoiding for many reasons...one I don't want to have to store it and two I'm not sure she will even play it. "

Jim:"Jennifer, Can Santa still get this game?"

Jennifer: "Sure they still make it."

Jim: "Andie, you know what, Santa will bring that game!"

Andie:" Yahoo!"

So guess what Santa will be bringing Andie this Christmas! Thanks so much Jim!!!!

Please Explain...

2008-12-06T17:19:00.000-06:00

Okay, so the title of my blog is Can I watch cartoons. I know you are thinking why...well, I shall tell you. My daughter has this incredible desire to watch cartoons from sun up to sun down. Of course we put a limit on it but I kid you not she could watch them all day long. The morning usually starts like this. I wake up and quietly sneak out to the kitchen to get my cup of coffee. I mean I can't get started without that stuff. I'm not even sure if it's the caffeine I need or if it's just the routine of the whole thing. I then tip toe to turn on the TV to Good Morning America, my favorite thing to watch in the morning. There again, not sure if it's really my favorite show or just the routine of it. I have the TV turned down so low you couldn't even hear if you had your ear pressed against the thing. I don't want to wake anyone. I then sit on he couch prop my feet up and here she comes. She sits next to me and says, "can I watch cartoons?" How can you say no to a precious little girl, hair all a mess from a good nights sleep, wearing her sweet little jammies, carrying her little blanket, and sucking her thumb. I think I had one sip of coffee and barely had enough time to even say hello to Robin Roberts and Dianne Sawyer. So, there goes my morning routine over just like that. Maybe tomorrow!

Happy Girl!

I can't believe I'm blogging!

2008-12-05T14:58:00.000-06:00

So I have decided that I would start to blog. My reasons, I'm really not sure other than the fact that I think it would be a wonderful way to reflect on my life. I think this is why most people start to blog. Another reason, I have decided to do this is to allow my family and friends to see what life is like with a 3 year and a 7 month old. Life is full of interesting, funny, messy and some times sad moments that often get overlooked or forgotten because I don't write them down or pass them along. So here goes nothin'!