Family Pictures

Jennifer helped us take family pictures yesterday for Christmas gifts and such. Enjoy!

I'm going to have

A nephew. His name is Samuel.

Please take the time to visit Megan's blog and remember our entire family in your prayers. \

http://pearlmusic.wordpress.com/2009/12/08/update/

Its the little things...

Ever since I was little we had a tradition. Each year we get a new ornament for the tree. When I grew up and had my own tree I got all the ornaments that were mine from my childhood. Its a well loved tradition, and one we have continued with our own children.

Last year was our first holiday season living away from home. I was already mopey because my lovely Christmas tree had been left behind at our old house, never to be seen again. I decided to be thankful that I at least had my ornaments. As I half heartedly decorated a gimpy 5 foot tree, I reached into the box to find one of my childhood ornaments shattered. Not simply broken, but shattered. It was my Precious Moments cheerleader.

The tears formed automatically. I couldn't stop them as they overflowed my eyes and ran freely.

"She. Was. My. Favorite!" I sobbed. Honestly, I don't know if she was my favorite, or if it was simply the last straw to my emotional holiday. I never fully felt the "Christmas spirit" last year.

This year, our second away from home, we are going to be unable to travel back home for the holidays, and that has been hard on me. I have thrown myself into decorating our home.

I have a new tree, and while it still pales in comparison to my old one, its much nicer than the one we had last year. Christmas is sprinkled all over our home, yet there was still that nagging feeling that I was going to be unable to fully emotionally enjoy the holidays giving we won't be going home. I wanted to. I love Christmas. Its my favorite holiday. I'm one of the few people I know that wishes Christmas decor would be out all year. When Hobby Lobby puts their's out in July I love it, I don't groan.

A few days ago, Jennifer's mom called and told her she had some boxes of Christmas decor for us. Would we come get it? After our morning of shopping we ran by her moms, picked up three boxes and headed home. When we got home I proceeded to go through each of the boxes, deciding where I was going to put each item. I reached into the bottom of the last box and my heart stopped. Surely not! There was no way right? But it was, the ornament from my childhood. The Precious Moments Cheerleader, in its original box carefully wrapped in bubble wrap. What are the odds that an ornament from 1988, the exact ornament would end up back in my hands.

All I can say is...

Merry CHRISTmas. :)

Kids Speak

Its been a while since I posted one of these, and I wanted to get them down before I forgot. I spent some time the past few days reading back over my blog and loved reading stories about the kids that I had totally forgotten about.

So without further ado, here are some of my favorite recent, what we refer to affectionatly as "Matthewisms"

Mom changing Matty's diaper "Pee-ew!"

Matthew: "Yeah, Pee Me"

Driving in the car:

Matthew: "There's something in my eye"

Jen: "Its the sun baby"

Matthew: "Will you turn the sun off please?"

He has also taken to coming up behind us, sticking out his little finger and poking our backs saying "boop"

I'm still alive...

I've just been sucked into facebook land. I post most pictures and updates there, and have totally neglected my blog, the fact of which has been brought to my attention. So here is a rundown of our life as of late.

* We all recovered from swine flu/bronchitis and now we all have colds. Except for Aaron. He's superman. Except for the two days out of the year when he actually gets sick, then he's not superman. ;)

*I'm going back to school. I will be taking classes through Kaplan University and then once I have enough credits (24 to be exact) I will transfer to University of Texas at Arlington and enter their nursing program. My goal eventually is to become an L&D nurse. Then once my kids are much older, get my midwifery license.

*School is going ok for the kids. Not great, but not terrible right now. We have decided that we will be moving once our lease is up here in May.

*I had a parent teacher conference with Connor's teacher, and she flat out told me he is a genius. No laughing. He's testing the highest he can possibly test on all their tests, and has all the teachers astounded. He's in the 2nd grade and she said he could easily excel in 3d, 4th or 5th. Due to his other issues however, we're leaving him where he is.

*I'm going to be an aunt! Steven and Megan are expecting in late April. I'm SO excited!

*I got my haircut. Love it! It is taking some getting used to however, no more ponytails for me, I have to make an effort every day.

*Aaron just celebrated his 4 year anniversary for Blue Cross on Halloween. Still loves it, still going strong. They move to their new building in January.

*Matthew is 2. Ornery as ever, but hilarious. Not a day goes by where I'm not cracking up at him.

*Aaron and I will celebrate 10 years of marriage in 20 days. I can't believe its been a decade! Time flies by so fast! I still feel like a young girl in love most days.

I think that's about it. Most of you probably know everything, but I got fussed at by a couple of people for not blogging recently, so here ya go. A blog :) I'll do my best to keep it up, but not promising anything, especially since classes start on Wednesday. I'll be one busy bee! Facebook is easy for me to update because I can do it from my phone. So if you haven't already, look me up there.

Happy Birthday Honey!

Happy birthday to my husband, my best friend, the father of my children, the love of my life.
You are everything I need and more.
Hope its a wonderful one for you!

First week of school wrap up

The first week went very well. All the kids adjusted to the new school better than expected, and so far teachers seem awesome.
Connor made a new friend, which I'm very pleased with. Socializing is just not his thing.
It was a busy week, Tuesday we went to the Air Hog game as a back to school celebration.
Thursday we went out to eat to help celebrate our good friend Jennifer getting her promotion.
Saturday Sadie performed with her group again at the district health fair.

Now for Grace..... as you all know Grace has always been a stubborn little thing. She has a mind of her own thats for sure. I've never met a 2 year old who would stand in time out for 45 minutes, but she did. Because she refused to say she was sorry. She never asked to get out of time out, just stood there serious as could be.
So now we are in Kindergarten. Day 1- Grace informed her teacher "I'm not going to do that, its to hard."
Day 3- Grace tells her teacher "I don't feel like reading, I'm going to dance" and proceeds to dance.
Day 5- We're talking about the school day, and the kids are all telling me that their team won for the week. Their school is divided into two teams "Heroes" and the "Owls" they get points for good behavior, keeping their specified bathroom clean, as well as classrooms, and then finally on Fridays they have an academic bowl, and then announce the winners.
Well we are discussing their team's victory and Sadie tells me how she consoled a girl who got a question wrong, and everyone knows that specific girl is the meanest one in school. I applaud Sadie for her good sportsmanship and kind behavior and then Grace pipes up....
"You know what I'm going to do? I'm going to go to the Owls bathroom and throw trash all over the place so they will lose points"

I just don't know what I'm going to do with her. I redirect often (and I do mean often) but she's going to give me a run for my money, this much is sure!

First Day of School

Meet The Teacher

School Starts Monday!!!

Walgreens Trip!!!

I'm floored! The savings just keep getting better and better! This is awesome!
Spent $2.64 Saved $10.70 Total savings of about 90%
I'm hooked on this coupon thing- I can't believe I just now started doing this!

This Mornings Kroger Deals

Total Spent= $21.92
Total Saved= $29.35 (57%)

I ran into Walgreens to try and take advantage of a deal I found, but they were all out- my trip wasn't in vain though, I struck an awesome deal on body wash- marked down to 3.99 with $4 RR back, so ends up being "free" Will work out awesome for me if the other Walgreens I go to today has the wipes I'm looking for in stock. :)

My Kroger Shopping Trip

I have taken up coupon shopping. Its fun to see how much I can save.
On my most recent Kroger shopping trip I saved the most I have ever saved so far- 20% which equaled about $64!!!

Here are some of my best deals:

Pillsbury Crescent Rolls-
.73 cents each. (I bought 4)

Kellogs Cereals
I got 6 boxes for .61 cents each!

There is much much more, but combined with the awesome sale Kroger has going on now, with e-coupons, and paper coupons here's how it broke down in savings:

Paper Manufacture Coupon Savings- $19.00
Kroger Plus Savings-$44.29

Total Savings- $63.29

I was very excited! Its never been so fun to cut coupons!

Tomorrow...

Tomorrow I go and register the kids for the new school year. Sadie for 4th, Connor for 2nd, and Grace for Kinder. Its bittersweet. Time flies by so fast doesn't it?
Matthew is nearly 2 1/2 now, and before I know it we'll be buying our last pack of diapers.
No more babies for us, (barring a miracle) that chapter of parenting is now closed.
Its exciting and nerve wrecking all rolled into one. We're getting rid of diapers, and wipes, and baby talk, and entering the world of pimples, and late night talks about changes. Gone are the reminders to wash your hands, instead its replaced with, don't forget to wash your face, and when am I old enough to shave my legs?
No more barbies, instead we're being asked for MP3 players, and clothes(!)
The age gap between Sadie and Grace has never been so apparent until now, as Sadie enters a new stage of her life, becoming a young lady, as Grace is still a little girl. Why is it that girls seem to grow up faster than boys? I could write a whole post on that alone! Sadie and Connor aren't that far apart in age, yet Connor is still all about super heroes, trucks and toys, Sadie prefers books, music, and fashion. Could be a personality thing, but I'm willing to bet a majority is gender related as well.
I love it. I love being a mom, but its scary. The scariest thing I've ever done.
Prayers are changing, becoming more fervent, requesting more wisdom than ever before to answer those tough questions.
I'm so proud of my kids- they really are awesome.
They just grow up so fast. I spent this evening looking at old pictures- it seems like just yesterday I was standing belly to belly with my grandpa, awaiting the birth of my first baby. Now, 9 years later, I'm registering her for her next to last year of elementary school!
We think we're busy now, just wait. Right around the corner is middle school, science fairs, band practice and all that goes with.
I wouldn't trade it for the world.

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY SADIE!!!

Happy birthday baby girl! It is so hard to believe you on your last 'single digit' year!
You are growing into such a wonderful young lady. Your maturity and beauty astound me every day. It has been an honor to be your mom. I can't wait to see all you do with your life.
I love you doodle-bug!

Ten Days of Sadie-Day 10

She's just an all around fun chick to be around. I have loved watching her grow up, and develop her own sense of style. She knows what she likes, and thankfully, at this point, we don't have any disagreements.

Ten Days of Sadie-Day 9

She is grateful. Even for the little things, she is so excited for.

Extreme Home Makeover Howe addition

If you want to join my journey of taking my home from flea market/garage sale/hand me down to ultra-fab on a teeny budget click on over to my new blog:

http://champagnetastewaterbudget.blogspot.com/

I've already posted a couple really fun makeovers and have lots more scheduled to post over the next week! Leave me a comment to let me know you stopped by.

Ten Days of Sadie- Day 8

She has that theatrical personality, she loves to sing, dance, act, write stories- anything to be in the spotlight. She just eats it up.

Ten Days of Sadie- Day 7

She is kind and considerate. She is always looking out for other people's feelings.

Ten Days of Sadie- Day 6

She loves God, church or anything to do with the two. She warmed everyone's hearts very recently by asking the Lord into her heart.

Ten Days of Sadie- Day 5

She loves her family. She always looks forward to family get togethers.

Ten Days of Sadie-Day 4

She makes friends so easily- and they are friends for life. She loves and cares for her friends, and holds them dear to her heart.

Ten Days of Sadie- Day 3

She cares for her Siblings greatly. She's always looking out for them.
Fun fact - this photo was published in the Longview News Journal on the one year anniversary of 9-11

Ten Days of Sadie- Day 2

I love her laugh and her sense of humor. When something really tickles her funny bone you can't help but laugh right along with her.

Ten Days of Sadie- Day 1

She's so beautiful! From the time she was a baby she has just been so pretty.

Jonas Brothers Concert

The reaction when she was told what her gift from the grandparents was....


Her reaction when the Jonas Brothers hit the stage....


A huge thank you goes out to my parents, Aarons parents and both sets of my grandparents for making this possible for Sadie! For her (early) birthday gift they all chipped in and sent her and I to the Jonas Brothers Concert this past Saturday night. We had a blast! And she was OH so excited.
I've posted more pics on facebook, if you don't have a facebook let me know and I think I can email you a link to the album.

Connor's Awards

Connor received:

1. Superintendants Honor Roll (Straight A's all year)
2. Student of the Month
3. Mavericks Club (excellent behavior)
4. Bright Idea Award (classroom participation)
5. Good Reader Award.

On his Reading Diagnostic these are his results on Phonemic Awareness, 3 of 4 is passing, he got 4 of 4. Graphophonemic knowledge 4 of 5 is passing, he got 5 of 5. Oral Reading Accuracy 90-94% is passing, he got 100%. Oral Reading Fluency, min of 60 words correct per minute is passing, Connor reads with 129 words correct per minute. Comprehension, 6 of 8 is passing, he got 8 of 8.
His teacher wrote: "Connor is so far ahead of his peers. Continue to read over the summer to stay ahead"

Words can't express how stinking proud we are of both kiddos. We're looking forward to a great school year with three of them this year!

Sadie's Awards

Sadie with the school counselor
Girls with the Vice Prin.
Receiving her awards from the principal.

Each of the kids had class picnics and awards ceremonies at the end of the year.
Sadie got 3 awards, Principals Honor Roll (A's & B's all year), Excellence in Music, and Considerably Caring award.

I'm alive!!!

I know, I know, long time no post. Things have just been downright crazy lately. What with the end of school, and moving, and doctor visits. Life just now seems to be slipping back into a rythim.
So we'll take one thing at a time.
We have finally moved- we found a 4 bedroom 2 bathroom townhouse for an awesome price. Its in a community so of course we're having to get used to having neighbors so close again, but we're also taking advantage of the perks of living in a place like this as well. The kids are making friends, we have two playgrounds, a basketball court, a volleyball court and a nice pool. Helps the summer go by faster. Before I know it they will be off to school again. We have a 4th, 2nd and kindergartner this year! Can you believe it??
The doctor visits:
Aaron- we can't avoid surgery on his shoulder. All other therapies have just covered up the pain for a while before it just comes roaring back. So probably in January he will take some time off work, and have the surgery done. I just pray that it works.
Connor: Connor has been battling staph here lately. The dr is afraid it might be MRSA. The latest round of antibiotics has made the rash go away, but so did the first one, it just came back faster and worse. So now we hold our breaths and see if it returns. If so, we're probably looking at a hospital admission for him. We pray it stays away this time because he's already looking at probable surgery on his right toe due to a cyst. We'll find out more about that in the next couple weeks.
Me: I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Not much to say about that. It hasn't changed my life any, I just have a name as to why I'm tired and in pain all the time.
I'll save the end of school stuff for the next post so I can include pictures. I'm also going to try and take pics of the house so you can see that too.

Grace's 5th Birthday

We had fun- the kids ate popcorn and cookies for dinner. Two of Grace's favorite things. Its what she requested, so I let it slide. Then a slice of cake, Skype with Gramma and Papa Steve+kids, phone call to Nana, and bedtime it was. Oh, and a scavenger hunt to find her gift.

Saying Goodbye

www.mandyhowephotography.blogspot.com

Happy 5th Birthday Grace!!

WOW! 5!!!!!! I'm having such a hard time believing it, but I suppose its true huh?
5 years ago today I woke up to strong contractions and about 3 hours later, was holding you and nursing you for the first time, then back up in my bed and asleep I went. I loved the homebirth experience, and cling to the fact that I got to experience it once, rather than spend my time wishing I'd been able to do it again. It was such a magical time, and I loved every second of it.
We love you stinker-bell! Hope your 5th birthday is one to remember!

10 Days of Grace day 10

She's a cuddler. As the kids have gotten older, cuddling with mom is no longer 'cool'
Grace still loves to cuddle. With me, with Aaron, with grandparents, etc. She loves to be held and to give and receive hugs.

Happy Mothers Day to Me

I knew Aaron and the kids were planning something special. I had no idea what though.
Tonight him and a friend who was helping him plan went to the store, and when they came back they had me lock myself up in my room for a while. I came out and was seated at our little white table, where Sadie brought me a bowl of chips, and a bowl of salsa, and handed me a homemade menu. Of course I was only able to choose what we really had but it was all fun and games. Aaron sat with me, and Sadie was our waitress. We had fajitas, with all the fixens, and for dessert, she brought me a plate of cotton candy and under it was some resses cups. Two of my favorite things!
It was certainly a night to remember. I love my family and friends, and the thought that went into making the evening memorable for me.

10 Days of Grace day 9

She's thankful. Little things are HUGE to her. And she's thankful for them all.