the truest thing

Interrupted

2012-01-20T19:25:00.001-06:00

A wacky slow internet connection, which makes for downloading pictures unbearable, combined with packing, a trip, a birthday, and a little bit of life in the mix means I momentarily lost momentum!

I am getting more pics downloaded this weekend and hope to continue to make great progress in my catch-up quest next week!

Enjoy!

Stacey

Luke Kindergarten Graduation 2011

2012-01-10T21:13:00.002-06:00

As you may remember, Luke did already experience an incredible Kindergarten graduation, but since he did a bonus year at his new school last year (to allow him to become the oldest instead of the youngest through his school years), I had to document his second one as well.

Plus, I am always looking for a way to share actual family pictures!

On our way to graduation. I have no idea how he got wet spots on his shirt!

One very smart and very cool dude!

Top row. Third from left. The handsome one! :)

I would say he was proud of himself!

The principal and teachers are all so wonderful about loving on our kids. And it's a good thing because Luke is a hugger at school!

I love how he is checking out his diploma.

Luke and Mrs. M.

For all the gray hairs he might be giving me, I love this boy something fierce!

Stacey

May 2011

2012-01-09T21:08:00.002-06:00

May always seems to be a melting pot with so much on the calendar.
One of those rare pics with me not behind the camera!

Gigi and her babes.

For years, a local cattle farmer in town grazed some of his cows on this property. We continued that when we moved here. Good for the cows. Good for our taxes! In the spring, the mamas had their babies and Anysa loved it. She worked really hard to get those cows to trust her.

I love how Brax held "still" while my mom cut his hair.

Cousins came to visit for Brax's birthday weekend. He and Lylleigh (9 months older) make quite a pair!

His "swim" did include dunking his head as you can tell!

Brax had a hard time transitioning into bible class without me. I have some theories about that, but for another time. When he wasn't having difficulty, he loved class. Being the oldest in his class, he likes to take charge!

Love this!

Luke and his buddies when we took snacks for his birthday celebration at school.

Now who gave him a cupcake?!?! ;)

Machine-pitch was a tough transition for Luke, but I think he found his groove near the end. He did a great job behind the plate.

Team mascot!

Stacey

Easter 2011

2012-01-06T20:58:00.002-06:00

It's always fun to see the kids' anticipation of what goodies the Easter Bunny has left them.

The day was actually great for pictures. Maybe a bit of wind, but overcast. For some reason, the kids were into squinting that day. Oh well, I still have some cuties!

We tried again at church. Same results!

As you can see, the Easter Bunny's arrival after church was, well, not taken very well by little man.

Checking back to make sure he is not being followed.

Then the real fun began!

The big kids got competitive!

Brax kept a steady pace and still scored the goods.

Everyone was happy with the outcome!

Stacey

April 2011

2012-01-05T08:28:00.047-06:00

When Luke started playing baseball this last spring, Daddy was one of his coaches. You can imagine how hard it was to keep an anxious, up and coming young ball player like Brax off the field and out of the dugout during the games. Especially when both Daddy and big brother were out there. Not fair, right?!
Warming up the bat for brother!

Am I next, Coach?

Our backyard is his practice field.

It is so funny to me to watch how closely he resembles Luke in his tendency to want to play ball. Any kind of ball! This is serious business to him! He is forever asking someone to "pway ball wif me?". Glove, bat, helmet...all too big. Doesn't matter!!

Just a few random egg-dying pics! Apparently, someone was hungry!

OK, this is a terrible picture, but this is too important not to document! Our anesthesiologist took this pic with his phone and texted it for me since I had not brought my phone back to the waiting area to be with Brax. Following in his siblings footsteps, Brax inherited large tonsils and adnoids. We noticed Brax's problems (actually, I really do think he was worse than the other two) sooner because he stayed in our bedroom until he was 14 months old. By 5 months of age, we knew he was a heavy breather and often snorted when sleeping. It only got worse and allergies didn't help. The big kids were both 3 when they had both their tonsils and adenoids removed. It was such a difference for their breathing, sleeping, moods! We didn't do it because they were sick all the time....they weren't. Brax's tonsils are profoundly huge. Take a look sometime! We often wonder why he doesn't choke more when he eats. Our human bodies are amazing! We had to guess that his adenoids were the same. Post operation, our ENT told us that he had almost 100% blockage from his adenoids! I am so glad we had them removed. We decided to wait on tonsils, but I am thinking it will be sometime in the next year.

Stacey

March 2011

2012-01-04T12:27:00.005-06:00

March was full of activity! Here we go!

Anysa won 4th place at her first UIL competition!

The kids both played UpWard basketball and this was the awards celebration.

Brax in the "out" house!

A row of thicket and yucky trees separated our property from my in-laws. It got cleared and changed the look so much. The clump of green trees right in the middle holds a little gem for the kids. It is situated in such a way that kids have a nature clubhouse! It's open in the middle, has some "seating", and an additional room! Bonus for mom: I can actually see my kids when they are playing in the woods.

I don't know what he was thinking, but yep, that is Luke asleep in Brax's crib.

Brax had fallen asleep after waking up too early one morning. The crazy thing is that he stayed asleep while 6 other kids were being loud right outside the office door.

A game of Curious George at the Zoo, anyone?

During part of Spring Break, we hosted our dear friends! The kids had a blast! And I got some mommy time with my friend, Golda!

Weird sleeping again!

Forgive me, but I love pictures of sleeping kids and had to save our memories. Anysa and Annebelle.

Sweet Jonah.

Isaac and Levi.

The weather cooperated and we took everyone fishing at my in-laws pond. Gigi and Brax caught one!

Annebelle squealed with delight over her catch!

Anysa's catch!

I love this pic of the boys! They have known each other since birth.

On the dock.

These two are quite a pair. He is definately Papa's little buddy!

Yea for Isaac!

Teamwork!

Go Levi!

Luke did it!

Trying for a group shot before the gang went home. You can see how well that went! :)

The start of a new baseball season...machine pitch!

Stacey

February 2011

2012-01-03T21:00:00.000-06:00

He loves his boots and his not afraid to wear them...with anything! :)

We got MORE snow in February! Another fun day at home!

I love how Brax is flinching as Luke throws the snowball to the window.

Luke and Anysa working on a electric creation. We love that electric set.

Luke and Brax working on, uh, something.

Anysa attended her first ever Father-Daughter dance. She was simply beautiful!

Getting her first corsage from Daddy.

The lovely couple!

The official party shot.

Brax herding his puppies! Oh my, those were some crazy days!

We kept one of the puppies and I often wonder what a pair he and Brax would have made had we not lost him around 5 months of age.

Stacey

Traffic Jam

2012-01-02T22:27:00.000-06:00

Just a quick reminder that I am totally catching up from 2011.

It's just not in my nature to pretend all that didn't happen.

This is my digital scrapbook for now.

So if you are new to my blog, please know that I am spending the month of January catching up. You will see monthly update posts plus all the special events in our lives from 2011.

I am hoping that by February I will be on track and can spend time sharing our lives, and my thoughts, in the moment!

Ah, this feels good!

Stacey

Anysa~9

2012-01-02T22:00:00.002-06:00

That's my girl.

My 9 yo girl. And while I know this was really 51 weeks ago in our lives, I am pretending this was now.

Indulge me. I am having a hard enough time letting her grow up!

She got to celebrate with her class at school.

Then we took 2 of her friends home with us for a fun little party night. I took them to eat pizza.

And then I told the girls that we should go to W to get some snacks for the night. They acted silly and had some fun.

THEN!

Then, I completely surprised her by telling her that she was going to get to have her ears pierced! It is not hard to tell that she had.no.idea! I had always told her that she would have to wait until 10 to get them pierced, but I thought she totally deserved it a little early. Don't you just love G's face in the background?! She was scared and excited for Anysa!

Getttting ready!

Double whammy!

She was so proud of them!

Fun pic!

Those silly girls crammed themselves into my tub.

After presents, they crashed for a movie. I went to bed after this. I loved having a small group of girls I completely trust so I didn't have to stay up all night!

Getting creative the next morning.

Dinner, presents, and cake the next night!

Luke got her a watch he picked out himself. :)

Another cute outfit!

And 9 candles to sparkle on her cake!

Things I want to remember about you right now~

You are absolutely the best big sister those boys could have.

You tolerate a lot from Luke!

You have become so responsible with Brax.

You still love being creative.

You have fun singing, dancing, and acting in your room.

You love Francesca, Taylor, and love singing along with the christian radio in the car.

You are letting your hair get long.

You are Micki's favorite human and you take such good care of her.

You fell in love with horses this year.

You are determined to get one.

You love watching Cake Boss, chef competitions, and Little House on the Prairie.

How much more confident you have become in your public speaking, your intelligence, and your independence.

How special you think it is when Mommy sleeps in your bed with you.

How sweet you are to our 92-year old neighbor and that you like to visit her on your own.

What a strong swimmer you have become.

How you trust me enough to talk about what's bothering you.

How you still believe in things.

I love you precious girl!

Mommy

Letting Go and Grabbing On

2012-01-01T20:23:00.003-06:00

2011.

It was a good year if I look back on it from the perspective that I truly have nothing to complain about or terrible hardships to remember.

Don't get me wrong.

I complained. I thought some things were hard at times.

But when I am mindful of those who lost a job, a husband, and even a child, I have to call my 2011 a good year.

2012.

I have no idea.

I have...

Hopes. Dreams. Expectations.

I dare say that I even have Plans.

And not a one of those things is wrong to have. But I am pretty sure that if I clutch too tightly to anything (which I always have a tendency to do!), then I won't have room to receive the things that God is going to give me.

His Hopes, Dreams, Expectations, and yes, even His Plans for me.

He has that good stuff, and that stretching stuff, ready for me all the time.

He wants me to have my heart's desires.

I just need to make sure I am allowing Him to create those desires.

Deep! Deeper than I wanted to go tonight! I'm going to swim back to the shallow end now, but I think I will invite you to join me in the deep end another day!

The shallow version is that I am going to try my best this year to let go of me and and grab onto Him.

How do all those deeeeep thoughts relate to goals, aspirations, resolutions, whatever you choose to call them?

Maybe that if I keep it simple on my end then there will be more room for God to make it grand on His end.

So not too much unlike my 2011 Resolutions, I present to you the 2012 version. Or really just the 2011.2 version!

• Read 1 book a month.

• Organize 1 room a month.
• Kid date 1 time a month.

• Complete 1 project a month.

• Healthy is as Healthy does. (ok, so that may not sound like a goal, but it is a reminder that everything i do counts towards my health...what i eat, how i exercise, when i sleep. all those things together will add up and equal my ultimate goal.)

• Stay in God's presence. (again, this could be read as me being vague. this allows me to not get hung up on whether or not i got my "study" completed and focus on Him. the end result could be completing a study or two, memorizing some verses with my kids, being a more fervent prayer warrior, or just plain ol' reading the bible!)

• Learn to love my blog again....post consistently.

• Stay connected.

• Dream and plan...in pencil of course! (there are a few house and vacation ideas i have.)

Tonight, the kids and I started discussing some ideas for them for this new 2012. We are going to work on those ideas and I will share them later.

Happy Blessed New Year!

Stacey

Old, Older, and Not Quite Ready Yet!

2011-12-31T01:05:00.009-06:00

These were my goal ideas for 2011.

I was actually pretty proud of these. Simple. Realistic. Doable.

Here is what they looked like in my final draft plus my update:

2011 Resolutions

• Read 1 book a month. Redo please.
• Organize 1 room a month. Not so much, although I have had some recent bursts of energy in this area. I have just felt so uninspired since moving into the house. Gotta get my groove going here.
• Kid date 1 time a month. Not as stated, but I think both of us have done better with 1:1 time with each kiddo.
• Complete 1 project a month. Nope.
• Exercise 3-4 times a week. YES, YES, YES!
• Bible study 3-4 times a week. I'm having some issues in this department.
• Blog post 3-4 times a week. Just smile, nod, and move on. But the Resurgence of 2012 is on!
• Memorize 1 verse a week. Take a guess.
• Try 1 new recipe a week. Not as stated, but I have tried lots of new recipes this past year.
• Organize computer. Off and on.
• Organize blog. Just recently.
• Work on vacation plans; skiing, California, Lubbock/San Angelo, Florida, Disney. Skiing-thinking about March maybe; we'll see. California-booked this week!! Details later! Lubbock/San Angelo-probably summer. Florida/Disney-YES! Can't wait to share that trip from this past August! A longer Florida beach stay is a must though!

As compared to these high aspirations back in 2008!!

Let's revisit just for fun now shall we?!!

Health
* Exercise 3 times a week. Yes.

* Do back stretches 2 times a week. Yes; incorporated into general exercise.

* Stretch 5 times a week. Yes; same.

* 25 sit-ups & 25 push-ups 5 times a week. Not so much, but that's about to change! :)

* Increase organic and/or natural food purchases to 80% of total food purchases. Ongoing; in progress.
* Increase food purchases from local growers, farmer's markets. Not so much. Need to work on that.

* Minimize sugar intake. Ongoing; in progress. I have my ups and downs, but I have seen changes when I do.

* Minimize caffeine intake. Met, I would say! I do decaf coffee mostly and other caffeine beverages infrequently.

* Take supplements daily. Nope. I can't seem to get into a routine with this. Need to change that.

* Go to bed by 11 PM 4 nights a week. Maybe, maybe not! I know I should because it is an health essential.

* Eliminate 80% of plastic food storage containers. I have done well with this, but could always do better.

* Eliminate 80% of "Made in China" purchases. Up and down, but still important to me.

Faith
* Read Bible or work on a study 4 times a week. I'm just going to hang my head in shame now.

* Have prayer and quiet time every day. Oh, I pray every day. Quiet time is another story.

Home
* Implement and maintain a general household cleaning routine; daily, weekly, monthly. I did really good with this several times, but not so much right now. Gotta work on that!

Family
* Implement a responsibility system for kids. Up and down over years, but on upswing right now and planning for some new ideas this year.

* Implement a "value of the month" for kids. I loved when we did this! Might be time to try again.

* Implement a "verse of the week" for kids. Totally need to get this one back in rotation!

* Implement daily quiet time for kids. This was originally when the older kids were home several times a week. Might try it again, but need to think of some ideas how to implement.

* Create a family schedule. Hmmmm?!

* Spend at least 15 minutes alone with each child daily. I do this at night with big kids.

* Play with both kids together daily doing purposeful (and fun!) activities. This was originally when I had both big kids at home several days a week. I need to make sure I am being purposeful with Brax now.

* Have a special activity with each child individually once a month. This one is up and down. Need to work on this.

* Read the bible with kids daily. Oh, please don't ask!

* Work on academic activities with kids for 1 hour on Wednesdays and Fridays. Then with big kids. Just need to incorporate with Brax during our fun time.

* Continue monthly coop schedule; 2 Saturdays out, 1 Saturday keep kids. Oh, oh, how I miss my coop...and my friends!

Organization
* Organize and transfer all video tapes to DVD/CD's. Can we say 2011/2012?! Finally started this week! WooHoo!

* Organize all pictures. Need to work on this on computer and hands-on.

* Transfer all pictures to CD's. Now I want a picture transfer machine!

* Clean out and organize computer files. Always in progress, but time for a redo anyway!

* Clean out/organize and back up all computer files once a month. Nope.

* Clean out and organize email accounts. Probably.

* Maintain clean and organized email accounts weekly. Maybe.

* Purge and organize office/paperwork. Always a work in progress!

* Maintain office organizational system monthly. Ummm...

Internet
* Begin writing paid posts on blog. A pipe dream and I don't consider it my thing anymore.

* Label and organize blog posts. I did that at one time, but really would like to simplify list. Not sure an easy way to do that.

* Update and reorganize blog categories. Yes, and even had a recent purge.

* Update blog site or change to new one completely. I did that and loved it for so long, but recently revamped on my own. Work in progress.

* Clean out and update "favorites" list. Did it.

* Learn how to "sweep" online contests quickly. Nay, who has time! Gave it up!

* Check emails 3 times a day. This was back before I was smart phone savvy! ;)

* Check and read Google Reader in evenings after kids are in bed.(weekdays) I mostly read blogs from my phone, but NEED to get back to doing it on my computer so I can comment again. Unless, anyone knows how I comment from my phone!

* Work on own blog posts/management 1 hour a day and after kids are in bed.(weekdays) Total fail this last year. I could barely find my blog much less post to it!

Hobbies
* Begin and finish Luke's 1st year scrapbook. What?!

* Begin 2nd year scrapbook for Anysa and Luke. Stop staring at me!

* Begin using current picture scrapbooks. Sigh.

Financial
* Re-examine budget with husband. Sure.

* Develop a plan to maintain budget guidelines for family. Probably.

* Develop debt-reduction plan for 2008. So many changes since then.

* Be 80-100% debt-free by December 31, 2008. We're in a good place.

Work
* Update all work reports. Not applicable at this point.

Head.Spinning.

I am pretty sure I still like my 2011 goals best, but I'm going to tweak just a bit and come back with the redo! (The 2008 version is great as a back up though!)

Stacey

ps. I broke my caffeine resolution tonight accidently, so yes I am really posting at 1 AM! Yikes! I see a nap in my future!

January 2011

2011-12-30T23:41:00.002-06:00

We know how to party hardy on NYE around here!

I promise that it's only sparkling grapejuice!

Ahhhh!

My hat man

We got some great snow last January and the kids had SNOW much fun!

He couldn't wait to throw this one!

He is also serious about his teeth! :)

Anysa getting her award at assembly last year.

Mrs. G is God's gift to teaching and she will forever take up a huge spot in our hearts! I could write a whole post on her.

Anticipation!

Satisfaction!

My girl!

"Ook, I vcoom!"

Outside fun!

He's been learning about tractors from his PaPa.

Both kids played Upward basketball last year.

Stacey

Fall 2010

2011-12-29T17:16:00.003-06:00

Wasn't this just yesterday?!

No, I guess not.

When we were in our rent home, Brax loved exploring the kitchen cabinets.

Grandparents Day at Chapel Hill

Playing dress up in sister's room

Eating popcorn with Nana

He loves being outside

He wants to play with Sissy and Bubba so bad that he will even be their "horse"!

Working on the tractor for Daddy

Some days, I had to trick him into taking a nap.

Pink Day at school!

Crazy Day at school

Brax wanted to dress up too!

Hard to tell from the pic, but Brax is actually in the dog pen. Notice who is not in there!

Watching Luke play football

Flag Football

When Anysa was 18 months old, she was in a pageant in Dallas. She actually won Miss Photogenic. :) I thought she might like to try one of the local small town pageants. Silly me, thought it would fun and simple. I should have known better. These girls-and mommas-were serious.

Notice that she is the only one with straight hair! I thought she looked beautiful, did a great job, and won first place in my heart!

Some of my pictures seem out of focus, but I think it is my editing. I'm rusty!

Stacey

The Blog Drought of 2011

2011-12-26T14:14:00.000-06:00

12 posts in 2011.

Seriously?

Well, 13 if you count this one.

Obviously, I need to count all that I can!

When I started in 2007, I posted 188 times that year. 201 in 2008. 132 in 2009. 65 in 2010.

The pattern is frightening.

But I am here to say that I hope to finish out 2011 with a few bonus tracks and start 2012 with a game plan!

I have done a bit of housekeeping around here in hopes to spruce the place up a bit on my own. This will do for now. :)

I am going to leave a breadcrumb trail so everyone can find their way back here!

Stacey

Christmas (2010) in July or And you thought I was kidding!

2011-07-22T07:41:00.003-05:00

Since I'm going to go back and add pre-Christmas posts, this will get out of order. BUT who could pass up such a great title! :)

Always fun, and a little nostalgic, to go back and look at pictures. Yes, even from 6 months ago. They always change so much so fast.

Blessings all around again this Christmas. Family gatherings, lots of playing, and goodies for all!

Cousin pic

He hasn't practiced opening presents since his birthday, so taking his time.

We love games!

Santa Brax!

The boys enjoying some yummy food!

Chillin' with Gigi. (Awww, it seemed just yesterday he was a paci dude.)

Rockin' the house!

Christmas kid craft at my home church. Marshall and his wife have devoted themselves to children's worship for many wonderful years!

You can see Luke, Jackson (cousin), and Anysa on the front row.

Brrrr in Oklahoma!

Grandpa with Lylleigh and Brax

Cool dude cousins!

Princess cousins!

The Gang!

Someone is not cooperating with the Mommy picture.

I love traditions!

Aren't they cuties?!

Who's going to win?

Movie time!

Mmmm, breakfast!

Presents with Nana.

Brax loves his new stool Nana made him!

Uncle Chris bringing on the fun!

Santa won't mind if we taste test the batter!

My 3 favorite people!

My sleepyheads before they wake up for Christmas!

What do you mean, this belongs to Luke?

Santa caved and brought an electronic game into the house! Wii time!

He doesn't like his new ride at all. I promise!

Can't forget our sweet Micki on Christmas!

A new sheriff in town.

This boy cracks me up!

Oh my!

So sweet. He was more interested in Dora than opening the present. Love his new shoes from Papa...dinosaur shoes with the feet on the bottom!

Mommy and Daddy's Christmas present!

He was amazed that SB was on his body!

Poor little man was sick the next day!

Stacey

Open for discussion

2011-05-15T22:42:00.000-05:00

This is my attempt at creating a cleaner look and beginning the process of changing things up a bit.

I think I may have to have someone actually create a new look for me, but if you know how and can teach me online (yes, I'm looking at you Martie!), I am ready and willing to learn!

Stacey

Sigh....

2011-05-13T15:52:00.000-05:00

I miss my voice.

Oh, I still have one.

I just really really miss the one that talks here.

Facebook is quick and easy, but just not the same.

I have needed quick and easy these past few months, but at some point I HAVE to catch up here.

So please don't be surprised when I post about Christmas in July!

I tried to post a few times between February and now, but I got easily frustrated with our online being slow, Blogger being REALLY slow downloading pics, and lots going on around the homestead.

I continue to read my blogs all the time, but once again, I read them on my phone and fell behind commenting as well.

Anyway, I updated my blog to-do list for posts and hope to download some pics so I can try try again!

I need a magic wand!

Here is my teaser...Easter pics!

Stacey

Puppy Love

2011-02-06T21:44:00.000-06:00

Just a quick update on a recent event to tell you of some exciting news around here. And so my husband can pull up these pictures to show at work....and try to convince some people to take a puppy! :)

We got Micki in October from a neighbor of a friend of mine. Turned out my husband actually knew the owner, but we didn't figure that out until we went to pick up Micki. Micki is a registered full chocolate lab. She is 3 years old and the family had kept her from the last litter their dog, Mandy, had. The family had decided they were too busy for a "puppy" and wanted to give her to a family with kids so she could have lots of attention and fun. Micki had had a litter of puppies once herself, but it wasn't a good delivery and we were told she had not been in heat since then. That made us a little slow on the move as far as getting her fixed. Silly us!! :) Micki is more on the timid side as she had never been away from her mother who was definately the matriarch. However, she is a wonderful dog and has been so good with the kids. She loves to run and enjoys the pond now and then.

About a month after we got her, we started having some visitors. Yep, she was in heat! I tell you, I have never seen anything like it. It was like an antenae up on our roof and the signal went out!! We tried to discourage suitors, but of course, we weren't always here to supervise Micki's "dates". After we realized she was pregnant, we had our hunch on two dogs; another chocolate lab and a hound dog from across the street.

It turns out the hound won her affections. So, while we weren't able to carry on the pure chocolate lab tradition, we did find out that Rivers is a registered American Black and Tan Hound. Apparently, a good dog. A big dog!!

These pictures are a bit mixed up but I wanted to get them loaded and show a variety. It seems to take so long to load pictures with Blogger these days, I didn't want to spend more time rearranging them!

Anysa helping Micki open her Christmas present.

Checking out her new bone treat.

Don't mind if I do!

Yum! Yum!

Brax and Micki during our January snow.

Our new Mommy! Three weeks ago, Micki gave birth to TWELVE puppies! Oh my, Momma! And I thought it was hard to nurse and care for one baby at a time. I had never been present for an animal birth, so this was a good and interesting experience. I am so glad that a retired vet at church had told us a few things to expect so we wouldn't feel so lost once the birthing started. Sadly, we lost one puppy. We think Micki might have sat on the puppy. :( On a more positive note, the other 11 puppies did great and have grown like crazy.

Meet Daddy Rivers.

This was a sweet family pic in late October.

I thought this was a really good pic of Micki. And who is that little human in the background, you ask? Why yes, that is Brax trying so hard to get in the pen so he can play in the tub of water!

Our sweet little puppies checking out their new play area. We built a welping box for Micki to have her puppies and we knew this weekend that they were getting ready to escape, so we used it and several other barriers to build a "pen" and still allow them to sleep in their box at night.

A big yawn!

Now how can anyone resist this cuteness?!

Or this?!

The gang

Daddy checking on his little pups.

The kids are having fun with all these puppies to love on and play with. Daddy is having fun with all the, um you know, stuff to clean up every day. Since Micki decided to give birth in January and we have had lots of snow, it has been really cold with Micki spending lots of time in the garage. Good times for Daddy!

We have 8 boys and 3 girls. All beautiful with shiny black coats. Most are pretty chunky with a few on the lean (but healthy) side. Only one a special mark...a white spot on his chest. The kids are negotiating hard for 2 (or more!!), but we have agreed to keep one boy puppy. We like the idea of having a companion for Micki. Of course, right now, they are all so stinkin' cute that we want them all but I am sure reality will set in soon of what a crazy thought that is! :)

We are figuring that they will be ready for new homes in March.

Which one do you want?!! ;)

Stacey

Alamo & Sea World 2010

2011-01-31T10:44:00.001-06:00

In September, I convinced my husband that we needed a little vaca since we skipped the summer one dealing with the house. We have friends in San Antonio, so we decided on Alamo and Sea World. The last time we had been to Sea World, Anysa was just about Brax's age now.

I was so excited to get us really good Sea World tickets. They had a special that you could buy a kid ticket for $5 with each adult ticket purchase. Plus, Brett Michaels was playing in concert that night so that made the trip complete...ha!

The kids had a Friday off, so we headed down on Thursday night so we could check out the Alamo before SW opened.

Heading in for the tour.

Forgot the details, but this tree is BIG and OLD!

Waiting for the dolphins!

This was so fun!! Since we were there on a Friday morning, the crowds were still really low for the shows. Anysa was asked to be in the seal show!!

Finding out what it was like to be a seal.

She was a trooper!

Meeting her new friend!

They gave us fish coupons for being in the show. Those seals can really eat!

Mommy, Luke, and Anysa coming in for the big splash!

SO FUN!!

Our cool dude! We did take him on a few rides, including a water one.

Having fun at the SW park.

Waiting on Shamu!

Seriously, I could have taken even more pictures of this. I don't think it ever stops being magical! Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.

Goosebumps again!

Shortly after this picture, Daddy headed to high ground with Brax while I braved the upcoming tidal wave with the big kids.

We got to meet the new baby whale!

A family performance!

They warn you a LOT that it is coming, but you are never quite ready! And they are not kidding, you get WET WET WET!! I managed to save my camera right after snapping this shot of Anysa and Luke down front.

Wish Luke could have been that little boy meeting Shamu.

Saying good bye....and one last splash!!

Brett was returning to SW that night after cancelling this concert last year due to going to the hospital.

Anysa's typical pose at loud concerts (despite wanting to be there!). We missed the shot of Luke rocking it out. The couple behind us was laughing at his enthusiasm.

This happened about 5 minutes before the concert started...he was pooped. And he did not wake up despite the noise!!

We only stayed for about 4 or 5 songs, but I liked it and he did a good show.

We crashed HARD at the hotel that night before visiting with friends the next day.

I think everyone had a good time!

Stacey

Halloween 2010

2011-01-17T10:45:00.008-06:00

Don't be spooked how far back in history this takes us!

I can't NOT tell the stories and share the pictures! :)

We had a funny clown, an egyptian princess, and a transformer. Please don't ask me which transformer. Despite working with kids for 13 years, I can never keep the trains, dinosaurs, and special super heroes all straight.

My favorite part of this holiday is that I am usually pulling costumes, etc out of a box where they have been stored since I purchased them the year before at 50-80% off! :) I got so many good deals the year before last that I still have some unopened costumes and accessories to create new looks for 2011.

My trio

cheesing it up...even the transformer!

brax was so funny about it all. we had practiced with his costume a few days before just to make sure he would wear it. the material was pretty yucky and it was almost too small, but he liked it. he loved that hat and even had fun letting me put make-up on him. he liked standing on counter and looking at himself in the mirror while we worked. Can you tell he had been perfecting his "cheese"? My kids are no strangers to mommy with a camera!

headed for his first big go at raking in the loot. he was still stroller bound last year!

mom is interupting his mission

daddy rescuing him from the camera. wish you could have seen him run towards the church

cupcake walk

golf

basketball

cleopatra giving it a shot

little man and daddy had been practicing this move at home just for this perfect opportunity!

the winner!

Stacey

New Digs-Part Trois, Progress

2011-01-10T11:48:00.032-06:00

To review:

The Preview

The Walk-Through

So when we last visited, I shared the skeleton of the house. The "before" move-in pictures.

Building a house was, as some might have experienced, a challenging experience. A dance, or maybe a boxer's ring at times, of compromises! But we survived. Actually, we are still surviving because there always seem to be more decisions that require convincing from one person or another.

The inital process was stressful with many decisions to make. I felt slightly outnumbered many days with my husband, my builder (male), and my father-in-law all giving me their opinions. However, even the decisions that I actually did get to make were stressful. Obviously, designing cabinets can be overwhelming, but I wouldn't have dreamed that considering knobs would make me lose sleep at night! ;)

In the end, the house is nice. Some favorites would be master closet overall, cabinet space/storage, slide out pantry drawers and trash cans, glass cabinet doors in kitchen, mud room, laundry room, hobby room (if I ever get it organized so I can actually use it!). Some things that I would seriously reconsider next time would be glass block window in master bath (I actually think I requested that but nobody else seems to remember that but me!), stained vs painted cabinets through the whole house (Obviously, we needed to make budget considerations and that was one of them. We chose stained cabinets in living and kitchen but painted everywhere else. I am not super impressed with the outcome. Part of it is the color we chose-dark, but i think part of the problem may also be paint quality. A builder issue we need to address.), my idea of the pull out spice cabinet next to stove ventahood (unforseen dimensions rendered it useless for what I wanted), and not having any trees around the house.

The pictures below were taken before our guests arrived for a church class Christmas party. You can rest assure my house is never really this clean or pretty!!

looking from hall with dining on left and living on right

dining room

office

looking from entry towards living room

another dining room pic

looking into breakfast/kitchen from living

extra seating!

kitchen pics

powder bath

master bedroom. still lots to do. i decided on green, creme, and taupe so it would flow into the bathroom which already had green accents in the tile. it has been tough to find curtains to compliment the taupe in the bedspread. i'm gonna have to take a sham cover with me when i go hunting next time. i also want to find an old piece that is much longer to house the TV and accessories. i'm thinking of painting it creme then aging it once i find what i like.

master bath

laundry

mud room. i want to make one of the side walls a fun place for notes, messages, etc.

brax's room. still lots to do. poor guy lived with in his parent's room for 14 months! he has inherited lots of hand-me-downs like the crib, toy storage, book bench, and rug. i am still trying to figure out what i actually want to do for him in here.

boys' bath. i think i may keep the jungle theme and just grow it. what do you think?

anysa's room. we are still working on the transition from little girl. i so loved her dick and jane theme for the last 8 years, but i can live with pink and black. i agreed to a little zebra and a little hot pink, but not TOO much! notice we still have the d and j dresser. we got her bed at an outlet and my mil found her desk/hutch at a garage sale. it was white and we painted it, along with painting her night stand and a few accesseries that had previously been green. her gigi passed along the pink chair. i would really love to try to recover it, but it seems like a scary project! i am hoping to find things to redo. we have a lot to do and i hate making decisions!

luke's room. it was pretty easy because we had everything from previously and we weren't making any major changes. we added the red shelves above the doors. i had them in other places before in previous homes. they are from an original red school house.

FYI, I have had pretty good luck with my orders from Overstock. We got our living room curtains and rug from there. I tried to order my master curtains and some bar stools from them as well, but the stools were too short and curtains wrong color. It was harder to pick a taupe than a dark brown like in the living! We got our dining room curtains from JCPenney. We got our two couches, chair with ottoman, and end tables from a wholesale warehouse in town. Price was great, but not the wait! That being said, I really love the colors. Dark brown and a pretty sea foam/aqua. I am doing red accents in the living, breakfast, and kitchen, then pulling in complimentary colors into the dining room. I love my buy one/get one red lamps from a discount place in town! And did you notice the piano tucked in a corner in the living room?! I snagged that from Freecycle! Yes, free! Well, minus the physical labor from me and husband to move it! Can't wait to get it tuned and start Anysa on lessons!

Hope you enjoyed the tour!

Now would someone please come help me make decisions!! :)

Stacey

http://www.achconstruction.net/index.html

Always good for a chuckle

2011-01-07T12:09:00.005-06:00

**Post originally started in July 2010.

Luke-
~ while watching a runner, we have a car but he only has his body
~ on being naughty, this house makes me do it but when we move i will be nice.
~ we need to pray to rocky (meant to say pray for rocky- our first dog who lived a short life with us)
~ while discussing the kids in his class that speak spanish and have a hard time with english, he mentioned that some kids in class talk england (english)
~ while discussing sports, he mentioned a jeffrey (referee)
~ as we were driving one day, he noticed that the further it got from Christmas that the people got less Christmasy (houses less decorated)

Anysa
~ my memory is locked inside my brain

** I am sure I have loads more of funny things that were said, but forgot to write down! Bad Mommy!

Stacey

one

2011-01-06T07:00:00.002-06:00

**Can you BELIEVE that I never got this posted originally in May 2010?!?!

crawling through the tunnel

running from mommy with paci's in hand and mouth

"you sayin' i got a problem?"

i love that he loves books

and don't even try to get in between him and his blueberries

bubbles with bubba

mommy's helper. no baby, we don't wash paper.

wrestling with bubba

play date (we are so sad O moved)

sharing with baby dino

**I am sure there were more pics to share but I will be doing several more updates on B, so this should do for now!

Stacey

Food~it does a body good.

2011-01-05T13:30:00.001-06:00

**This post was originally started in May 2010. New stuff is in italics.

This stuff has been in my head for awhile.

The problem with more semi-serious posts like this is that I never feel like I have time to give them justice. Especially when others do a much better job than I do! For that very reason, I may do a lot of linking here!

I would say my quest for living a healthier life, for me and my family, continues to find me traveling a windy road. There are usually a few valleys for every mountain top I reach.

That is why I keep good people like Cara close by! I love learning new things from her. She inspires me while never making me feel bad.

I will be honest. I have chucked a few health gurus off my Google Reader after tiring of their belittling attitude; if you aren't making these choices for your family, then you just don't really care, doooo you kind of people.

Cara will NEVER be one of those people! :) You will love learning more about her family's Real Food Journey!

There are so many things I want to share, so forgive me if I bounce around.

**I had been cooresponding with Cara awhile before the subject of coconuts came up, but I seemed to latch on to this because it seemed like an easy transition to make.

Coconut Milk and Coconut Oil
http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/faq.htm#1

http://www.ehow.com/facts_4744724_coconut-milk-health-benefits.html

**Just this week, I signed up for her newsletter and got a Grain Free 3-Day Sample Meal Plan. I am very excited to try several of her recipes!! She makes it very easy which is very appealing!!

Grain Free Sample Meal Plan

**A few of my resolutions center around an healthier lifestyle, including exercising 3-4 times a week, trying 1 new recipe a week, and supplementing with more green smoothie shakes.

Stacey

Here's the plan

2011-01-05T13:07:00.000-06:00

I decided to tackle some posts that I had previously started but never finished.

If they keep sliding down the post list then I will never see them and forget again.

So, it could look crazy around here for a few days.

But then my plan is to get back on track with the following:

Fall 2010 Trip/Alamo and Sea World
Job
December
Christmas
Resolutions
Anysa
Luke
Brax
plus much much more!

Let's get started!

Stacey

1:1

2011-01-03T22:50:00.000-06:00

It's a new year and I am already cheating.

I had every intention of settling in here on January 1st with a hot cup of something and words that overflowed.

But somehow, January 1st came and went, so here we are on January 3rd and the words are barely sputtering out.

Obviously, the things that have transpired in my life since being consistent around here are too numerous to mention right now. But don't worry, I'm making a list behind the scenes!

Just for the record, my posting has been pretty weak all year with my biggest producing month bringing in only 12. The fact that I didn't even post ONCE in August or October, then only ONLY once in November and December leaves me thinking I may only be talking to myself right now! :) It would totally serve me right since I have been a neglient commenter for so long.

I have a lot of excuses, some of which I will try to summarize in a later post. But the bottom line is that I miss hanging out around here. I have so many good memories.

I also have some pretty funny ones.

Take this one for example...

Life Goals 2008

Oh.My.Word!

Let's try this again. At a slower and simpler pace. One day, one week, one month at a time.

One book
One room
One project
One post
One pound
One child
One verse
One dream...at a time

That was going to be so profound to say on 1.1.11, right?!

But I am here today and it still feels good.

Good to be home.

Stacey

ChristmasCard2010

2010-12-13T21:28:00.001-06:00

Holiday Wrapping Christmas

Visit Shutterfly.com for classic photo Christmas cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Hmmm, now where exactly did I put that blog?

2010-11-09T15:26:00.002-06:00

A tough job with overflowing rewards

2010-09-20T11:45:00.010-05:00

So, my friend Melissa has this really great site that inspires women in their walk with God.

In fact, almost a year ago she started Godly Gals as a way to offer real women the opportunity to share their real lives.

It is always interesting to watch what can happen when we start peeling away the layers. As women, we don't do it enough. We often make nice and pretend that we have our act completely together. You know it's true! Don't let Satan deceive you!!

She offered the opportunity to me, but I stayed under the radar for awhile.

You can read why for yourself.

Nobody

If you are a mother, I KNOW you will relate! We forget that motherhood IS a ministry! Ladies, never let Satan steal the joy of this journey from you and PLEASE remind each other with encouragement that we are not in this alone.

I had to swallow my bravery pill before sharing this. It isn't meant to be a "look at me and the great thing I did" moment. My real purpose is to encourage many of you to step out and do the same. Take the plunge and offer yourself up as a "real" woman! :) And besides, many of you are MUCH better writers than I am!!

Stacey

Her paper heart

2010-09-15T13:08:00.013-05:00

My sweet girl encountered a pretty tough life experience this summer.

Her best friend moved away. Far away.

Geez, I'm already crying.

It has been painful to relive memories of my own difficult move 2 years ago, but of course, watching her deal with it just breaks my heart a little more.

They adore each other (of course, fighting and laughing just like sisters!) and the sadness of not having the other A around sneaks up on her when she least expects it. Sigh.

It was extra sad for me too because A's mom was someone that I connected with and we shared the experience of having sweet baby boys just 4 months apart. So essentially, B's little buddy moved away too! :(

It's a windy tale of how and why they came and went in only 18 months. One that ended on a sad note for us, and for them in some ways, but we know that all the grandparents are probably glad to have them back closer.

Before they moved, I took the girls out for a special date. I took a bunch of fun pictures of them and then out to dinner. We created a special photo book for the girls to have.

One of our favorite artists is Fransesca Battistelli. A and I love singing her songs when they come on the radio and bought her CD herself. For the other A's birthday, we bough her a copy and she was hooked too!

I couldn't find a video of My Paper Heart, but two of our favorite songs are Free To Be Me and Beautiful Beautiful.

I am sad that my sweet girl has had her paper heart torn, but these pictures make me smile.

Hopefully, I will be able to pull off a very special birthday surprise come January! ;)

Stacey

New Digs-Part Deux, The Walk-Through

2010-09-13T07:57:00.003-05:00

We moved in on August 3rd. This is the sneak peek before all our junk messed the whole thing up! ;)

Standing on the driveway looking towards the front of house.

Office on the left of the entry

Standing in entry looking towards living area.

Dining room on right of entry

Close up of living area fireplace and windows

Standing in living looking towards breakfast area

Standing in living looking towards breakfast and more of kitchen

Standing in breakfast looking into kitchen

Standing in hall looking into kitchen from other side

Down the hall from kitchen; standing in hall looking towards garage door with mud room on left and laundry room on right.

Mud room-yea, color!

Laundry room on right-yea, even more color!!

Laundry room on left

Hobby/Craft/My Whatever nook! Right middle pic.

Hobby/Craft/My Whatever Nook-middle left.

B's FIRST room! It only took 15 months! :) Looks towards front of house.

Looking toward L's and A's rooms. I am sure you can't tell which is which! :) The wall on right backs up to bathroom between boys' rooms.

L's room-looks towards back of house.

A's room-looks towards back of house.

A's bathroom with shower. This will allow our princess a little privacy and place for guests.

Coming back down hall looking towards living, dining.

Standing in living looking towards dining room and front of house.

Powder bath that is between office and our bedroom.

Looking into master bedroom which faces back of house.

Left side of master bath

Right side of master bath

Left side again

Shower and going into closet

Master closet-right side

Left side and back

Back and corner

Back porch from master door

Entry floor design

Standing at house looking towards front and driveway

I am too tired tonite, but I plan on doing a commentary on the results and the whole process later this week. If you have any questions, I can throw in some Q&A as well.

Stacey

Group Hug

2010-09-10T07:33:00.002-05:00

I feel like I dropped the ball in so many areas of my life this summer (and now creeping into fall). I allowed too many things to overwhelm me which made even the UNoverwhelming things feel like too much to deal with. Whether it was family, friendship, social, professional, spiritual, personal, I feel like I have wasted a lot of time.

I am going to try to do better with all the live and in person situations, but today I wanted to share a big ol' group hug with those whose blogs I visit regularly. I am going to try and get back on a schedule so I can visit and comment with a little more consistancy without allowing it to be one more thing that overwhelms me. Truthfully, I have been keeping up by reading my blackberry at night. I just haven't had the energy to fire up the computer and make the rounds at night.

Soooo, it is kinda like I have been spying on you!! :)

I will be dropping by soon!!

Stacey

Swim 2010

2010-09-09T07:50:00.004-05:00

Last year, A joined the competitive summer swim team. This year, L became a Nemo and did swim team as well.

L during a competition.

The one thing that slows him down...looking at his competition!

The finish line!

A in ready position.

A good finish!

I am so proud of both of this year! It amazes me that just last summer L was really only beginning to be an independent swimmer. And this summer, he was swimming LOTS of laps everyday and 25' in competitions! A had a fabulous summer too. She was in a really large age-bracket this year that had lots of good swimmers in it. Even though she didn't "win" as much as she wanted, she lowered her swim times between 8-10 seconds in every stroke.

And this little man endured every practice! Daddy and I actually split the competitions this year because running after a toddler for 7 hours in the summer heat every Saturday did not sound fun!

This is B's first introduction to actually getting in the water. At a friend's swim party. Lots of sideline observing and a little testing of the water. He wasn't too sure!

But he sure was happy to watch!! I love every time I capture this look because you can.just. feel.his.excitement!!

The human cannonball!

Later that week, the kids enjoyed more water fun at the swim team's summer party.

L about to get crazy....

and go for the front flip!

(keep beating heart!!)

And A ready for the running jump....

for her forward flip!

(And we won't even talk about her back back dive/flip that really did stop my heart!)

Hmmm, thinking about it.

Still thinking.

Not so bad.

Going for it!!

And LOVING it!!

Mommy better get bathing suit ready (I boycotted this year.) because I have a feeling that we are going to be in the pool a LOT next summer!

Sweet summer face!

L playing with his friends.

Stacey

Snap! Crackle! Pop! 2010

2010-09-08T07:26:00.041-05:00

A local church hosts the city's fireworks show every year. Several members of our church, including our preacher, live in the neighborhood adjoining the church parking lot where they shoot the fireworks. A cookout before the show seemed like a pretty logical choice!

My trio supervising our preacher's grillin' skills!

L hanging with the preacher man.

Daddy and B.

I prefer the natural, not everyone looking at the camera shot! ;)

Or the silly faces of L shot! But hey, at least I am actually IN the picture! :)

I have a confession.

I am a picture cropper.

Don't hate me.

Before

After

The story is that I worked really hard to make sure we had the family look this year. I was lamenting that we never took family pics. Apparently, that plea meant taking an extended "family" shot! If you look close enough (or maybe you don't actually have to look that close to tell!!), you can see that I am talking behind my teeth. Something along the lines of "why is she in our family picture?" Something like that. You can tell that A is pretty confused by her being in the pic as well! My husband and MIL both brushed it off and said we could just take more pics later. Of course we can! Cause we know that always works out! The sweet extra child was part of the missionary family that was visiting from the Ukraine and she had attached herself to A that weekend. And no, we didn't take more pictures later, so I had to do a little editing. Sorry!

He must see food!

B and Papa

My special girl!

Fireworks...finally!

Stacey

July 2010

2010-09-07T07:11:00.002-05:00

This summer has gone by fast!

Daddy and L working on a carpentry project.

A and A making goop!

L painting his project.

B heading in to check out the big kids' fort.

Saying good-bye to friends before they moved.

B has that love/fear relationship with dogs.

The boys!

My little camera hog! :)

I think he is eyeing O's pacifier!

We sure are going to miss this cutie!

A giving A her going away photo album. Love the boys squatting in this picture.

Making sure we don't forget him!

Playing

Wrestling

One is innocent and one is contemplating! B is 4 months older than O. They were just getting to the fun stage together. I am sad that they won't be playmates and best buddies. :(

Making his list while hanging out in his favorite spot.

My little superstah!

He loves to swing like a monkey from our bed!

Another morning adventure!

Wake up sister!

Morning lovin'!

He stole one of sister's chips and is making a run for it!

He settled for pizza!

A's invention. Can you make out the straw in case she gets thirsty?

Stacey

Obviously, I'm at a loss for words. Obviously.

2010-09-06T21:58:00.000-05:00

I've been laboring on how to gracefully jump back on this moving train.

(well, actually life has felt more like a runaway train this past month.)

I don't really have a good answer, or a good technique, so I am just going to do it.

Stacey

New Digs~The Preview

2010-07-29T07:11:00.001-05:00

In April, we started the process of building a house on some family property that had been purchased the year we moved here. I thought I would do a little preview with more details and the final reveal coming later.

Here are L and A on the property after it had been cleared and cleaned up.

These two trees are near the entrance.

View looking towards side of house with garage.

Standing in the garage.

Looking towards kid side of house.

From the road.

Progress. Front/side of house. That is the office bay window.

Standing at front door looking towards living room and breakfast room.

Same but now with walls up!

Standing in master bath looking into master bedroom. Window and door look out back. Door goes to back patio.

Standing in master looking through master bath and closet. Those are the office windows at front since office backs up to master closet.

Standing at master entrance, looking towards back of master window.

Master bath with walls. Looking towards closet.

Back porch from master.

A cute baby that comes with the house! :)

Standing in living room looking towards breakfast and kitchen.

More of a view of kitchen. You can see dining room on the right. And a runaway baby!!

Breakfast and kitchen with walls up.

Looking into kitchen from breakfast.

Another breakfast shot. Doors and window look to back porch.

Looking into office from door.

Looking into entry and office from dining. There is a sleepy baby!

Looking into mudroom then garage from hallway. Mud room is on left. Laundry room in on right.

My sacred place~the craft/hobby/sewing room. It is small yet oh so big!!

Looking into A's room. The boys are across the hall and they share a bath. A has her own small bath which we will use for company.

The part where I tell what a wonderful and easy experience it is building a house with your spouse will come later. Or never! However, I will share as much insight as I can into our experience, my feelings about the whole thing, and how excited the kids are that they can finally get a dog soon!

Stacey

June 2010

2010-07-28T07:15:00.004-05:00

This is one of the fun things I get to watch most mornings...B anxious to go wake up the kids! In our rental house, the kids have had to share a room. Can you imagine how excited they are since that is all coming to an end soon!

Some fun at breakfast!

He is all about sharing his food these days.

Although the big kids swim almost every day in the summer, they can't get enough so the sprinklers came out one evening. This was B's first sprinkler experience. Of course, he is ALWAYS excited to do what the big kids are doing!

Laundry duty!

One of new tricks in June was start climbing up onto his "stage"! I think he misses his stairs from the old house. I don't!!

Ta Da!

Sister turned him into a super hero one day!

I can never get enough of feet pictures!

Good morning!!

I have my first full-on pacifier baby (more on that later!) and it is stressing me out.

Look at those cute chompers! Still only four teeth, but a few more will emerge next month!

L got a Wii-like game for his birthday, so B is helping him out here.

We got a great deal on mirrors for our new house at Hobby Lobby and have had to store them in our bedroom the past few months. You can imagine the enjoyment B got from those mirrors!

He is sneaking up on me and thinks it is so funny!

He discovered his love of other people's shoes this month. I love this age!!

Notice where he is standing? He knows exactly what putting on shoes means....going outside!

See the trail of mess in the kitchen? That is his trail every day...many times a day! He loves his drawer with his cups and straws and he also loves my pans. I would love to know what is going on in his head. He does this all the time. Gets out the pans and stands on them like he is going to skate or surf! He is so determined every time!

A fun day meeting friends at Chic-Fi-La!

MUST CLIMB UP!

The day after L's birthday party was B's favorite....party balloons!! And shoes, of course!

And my monthly round-up would not be complete without some self-portraits from my kids!

L must have wanted everyone to see the guitar he got for his birthday! He is taking lessons in hopes of attaining his rock star status!

The kids made these fun trays for Daddy for Father's Day! Thanks to my friend, Kelli, for letting me know about this project. Melting records in the oven to make bowls!

Happy Father's Day!

Stacey

I Love Rock-n-Roll!

2010-07-23T08:00:00.007-05:00

I used to do such fun (at least in my opinion!) birthday parties for the kids, but had taken the simple route the last few years. The kids throughly enjoyed those years as well while I enjoyed less stuff coming into my house! That being said, my little man (can I still call him that?!) had a Rock Star that couldn't wait any longer to come out, so we jumped back on the party wagon this year.

I also have to say that I pride myself on as much fun as possible as cheaply as possibly, so free location and low-cost fun really made the difference.

Welcome to the party!!

Hope you are ready for the show!

Are you ready to ROCK?!!!

I said, Are you ready to ROCK?!!!

Meet the band.

Behind every Rock Star is a GREAT Mama!

Working it!

Enjoying some pizza before the show.

And a little milk!

Freeze Dance!

(We also played Musical Chairs and spiked the boys' hair!)

Back stage break to make their own guitars.

The band leader got the silver guitar!

The rest of the band had red guitars.

Can't you just hear the crowd?!

Mama attempted her first (and likely her last!) homemade birthday cake! I am totally leaving that job to my sister!

Making the wish!

May all your Rock Star wishes come true!!!

Stacey

p.s. Just for the record, this birthday party just about killed me. RSVP'g doesn't seem to be in anyone's vocabulary anymore, so we went into the party blind as far as food. Let's just say, we had pizza in our freezer for awhile! THEN, I just happened to have a strange combination of semi-inattentive parents AND THE WILDEST BOYS EVER all rolled together. Maybe I will reconsider the over-priced bounce party next year!!

ONEderful!

2010-07-22T21:11:00.002-05:00

I knew this would happen.

He turned ONE before I was ready. (well, 2 months ago, but whose counting!)

Maybe the Duggers have the right idea!

I had postponed these pics once due to allergy attacks and major runny nose. We barely escaped one at this appointment, but I managed to keep it at bay with a little allergy med dose and handy kleenex. He didn't have his full on grin for us, but he did have his full on energy which meant a busy Mommy and Photographer trying to catch the good shots.

I love this grin. Too bad his hair piece had shifted! I hadn't brought myself to cut his hair yet, so this was bound to happen!

I know I should take the time to find a picture of L and move it next to this one, but no time my friends! I decided to take B's picture in the same outfit as L for his ONE year pictures. I am glad I did. So much alike, yet so different !

That tongue!

Those eyes!

The total package!

I always take ONE year pictures with a favorite book. I love the pointing!

"Look Mama!"

"Wanna see?"

So, I had this great idea for the balls. Who knew they wouldn't stop rolling around the JCP floor! AND, why do the barcodes have to be imprinted on the ball? UGH! I actually really love this pic, but didn't order it because of the barcodes. What do you think? Do they ruin the pic or should I just let go of my OCD in this case?

Sweet smile!

I really love this one too!

Stacey

Limbo

2010-07-19T07:43:00.001-05:00

I feel like that is my permanent position these days.

And let me tell you, it is not a comfortable one.

I am still keeping my running list for around here, but I feel ever so uninspired lately.

Work is overbearing; most times bleeding into my home life which is entirely ridiculous seeing as how I only work 2 days a week!

Waiting for the house to get finished has now threatened to bleed into my long-awaited girls' trip; I draw the line there!

Dealing with life in a rental has rendered me so unmotivated; to clean (more than the basics), do laundry (until absolutely necessary), and be a fun Mom (i am trying, but also hoping this doesn't turn into the let down summer of 2010).

All that to say, it is likely that as long as I am in limbo then my little blog home will be in limbo. I might manage to squeeze a drop of inspiration out of me in the next few weeks, but no promises!

Just keeping it real!

Stacey

May 2010

2010-07-07T07:30:00.002-05:00

Sadly, it has come to this for sharing some of my life here.

Dated posts!

My silly boy after school one afternoon!

Somebody might have had to have a time out soon after, resulting in an impromtu nap! Can't you just hear him saying minutes before, "BUT I'm NOT tired!".

I still love watching my kids sleep.

B wants to escape outside every chance he gets. Luckily, big sister is there to shadow him on his adventures!

Oh my!

I love this pic~he looks like he is stretching.

Self-portrait #429!

If you think these are interesting, bet you can't wait for me to figure out how to download my phone pictures!

Stacey