Home is Where our Story Starts

Helllooooo Hellllloooo HOLA!!!

2011-04-27T13:11:00.001-05:00

hey guys! I haven't forgotten about you....I just have been sooooo busy that I let the bloggy thing slip behind a bit, ahem. I am working on a bunch of new pictures, YES, including Stars end of season and Easter and tons of fun with the peeps... I will get them edited and posted ASAP!!!

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T21:33:00.004-06:00

Valentine's Day, not just for lovers...it's just a day set aside, seperate from the rest...to remind us to say " I love you". Sometimes, we just get busy or frustrated or have just had a bad day or two or three.... it's good to be reminded...to say those little words, we all need to hear them a little more often.
My little peeps and I { ethan and brandon were at school when this was taken }... I promise you little ones, that it will get better....next year, Valentines Day will be more fun, I will make sure of it... but until then know this...that Momsie loves you all dearly...you are all my reason - for everything....

Dear Chloe... I have a mad kinda love for you! For all that you don't have right now...you more than make up for it all with your beautiful smile and your spunky ways:)
Dear Pooh, please cover BOTH of your shoulders, you are too young for Flash Dance....
REd velour flair pants, pink boots ( can't see them but they are there), pink lacy sweatshirt, denim fur edged jacket....VALENTINES fashion tips from a Pooh .... hehe
I do believe my heart just shrieked at the sheer cuteness!
Ethan , my handsome little man. I LOVE that you LOVE red bandannas, have carried the same little red paper heart with you everywhere for days.. like mommy, can't seem to put the cell phone down:) We often struggle with one another but I love you dearly Peach's!
Pooh....showing some love for the teddy bear a kind nice at the hospital gave her last week...

PS.... Pooh, I LOVE the way your curly hair always falls in your face because you won't keep your hairclips in... I LOVE watching my beloved peeps play together... Chloe and Jacob share a moment on the windowsill...

Jacob and Daddy....it's a good thing.

Dear Jacob, I love you for your snuggly , loveable, smooshy kisses, baby voice, works so hard to learn to talk more and more clearly.. I love the way you help chase after Pooh outside. I love that you would live on milk, apples, hot dogs and yogurt if I let you.. I love you for being the biggest boy of all.. I love you for always trying to kick me out of bed at night... love, momsie

This wasn't the best of valentine's days for my little crew' and I.. it wasn't the one I wanted.. but things rarely are what I want for us right now. It was however a handful of memories thruout the day.. and handful of smiles and giggles.. an adventure with Jacob where I got to just hang out with him for a bit... it was a day to focus on the ONLY thing that matters.. How much I love my peeps...for better or worse.. in sickness and in health...in richer and for poorer.. in good times and in bad... I love them, everyday....even when they are super trolls. I got to laugh and hug them all, I am snuggled up with a Jacob right now.. and I know that they know that they are loved.. the rest is just a bunch of details that I am going to fix...so that next valentine's Day will be better...

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Don't forget...that the love of good friends, peeps and family...is really the most important thing to OWN.

It's a beautiful Day to fall in Love....

2011-02-13T22:25:00.000-06:00

Passing Time...

2011-02-13T20:47:00.002-06:00

Yep, that's what the snow looked like...beofre it all melted a few days ago. I thought you might like to see what we did while all trapped indoors for several days due to the ice that came before the snow...

We did

a little of this and that

we watched a movie or two

played with lots of toys

and

Made PlayDoh cheeseburgers and french fries....

Someone also spent alot of time just being as cute as a button:)

Snowmapalooza

2011-02-12T22:46:00.002-06:00

We here in Texas, don't get most of the fun that some of you might get during winter. It might snow for a day, but just that day...and then it's gone 24 hours later. We usually get ice, sleet. the not so fun variety....everyone takes a day off and plays.. then we all go back to to the real world the following day...

This year Mother Nature decided to remind us how powerful she really is again. We got rain, freezing rain, sleet, sub zero temps and Ice 4: thick from city to city. It was gridlock. An unprecedented 4 bad weather days from school....

But that wasn't the end...o no... after 3 days of ICE... we got SNOWMAGGEDON!!! It was unreal amounts of snow!! On top of all the ice that couldn't melt...

I know have 3 ziplocs of snow in the freezer, to make snow ice cream with the peeps on a rainy day...{giggle}....

Chloe took off running across the sheet of ice as if she was on grass.. never even faltered once, a born ice skater that girl...

We are pleased to report that 1 more ice day and a week later, it's 60 degrees and feels a little more like Texas but we will be talking about SNOWMAGEDDON 2011 for years to come:)

Sometimes You don't need words.....

2011-02-12T22:18:00.006-06:00

Sometimes you don't need words... sometimes the pictures speak for themselves. With everything my beloved peeps have gone through and are still going through... it's days like this one, where they are able to really bust loose and run free, that are the most fun for us all. There is nothing like a little sunshine and the Park to lift everyone's spirits. There is nothing this momsie loves more than watching these lovely children, run and play and giggle....sometimes you don't need words.

*** As you may know we were recently hit with Snowmageddon and as such these pictures were actually taken a few weeks ago.

~Desiderata~

2011-02-04T13:51:00.002-06:00

-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --
Not "Found in Old St. Paul's Church"! -- see below

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

**I think one of the most difficult things any of us have to do is acknowledge our HUMANNESS. Let's face it - ALL OF US HAVE A PULSE. Sometimes we need to remember that

The Sword of the Stars....

2011-01-23T20:56:00.004-06:00

http://watch.tsn.ca/nhl/clip404844#clip404844

OK, Did you know I am a slight hockey fan? OK, I live and breathe Hockey.. but you probably know that already. The teams that are the most successful ( in any sport ) are the one's that have the most fun. This year, My Stars are having ALOT of fun... both on and off the ice. Click the link to see a recent video of a challange they have issued to one another. It's not a long video... but you need to watch the entire thing.. and then when you are done laughing hysterically...let me know how long it will take you to run to the store for your own SWORD...

*** note.. due to technical issues you might have to copy & paste the link into a new window but trust me, it's worth it!

My little Cowboy

2011-01-21T22:26:00.002-06:00

Ethan's Kindergarten class had a Cowboy day theme one day recently. They all had to wear something that fit the theme. We decided our little fashion maven would love to wear the bandanna scarf. And yes he did! He fell in love with his dad's of course, so I had to find clothes that matched, and let me tell you.. .he wore this bandanna day and night, for about a week... we might have to buy him more colors he liked it so much....

It's the little things

2011-01-21T21:42:00.002-06:00

Did you know... that Chloe has mad kind of love of balloons? Well, she does! Anytime she see's them, she gets wonderfully excited, and her love of them...well, it just shines thru.....

She will take them, hug them, kiss them ( with lots of supervison ) ... she will carry them around & in general, she just LOVES balloons...

"Nobody can be uncheered by a balloon."

~Winnie the Pooh

**** note. These pictures were all taken at Jacobs 4th Birthday party. I chose to make a seperate post just for these, so his adorable little sister wouldn't trump his Birthday Party Post...

Balloons, Bowling & a 4th Birthday Party

2011-01-20T12:25:00.008-06:00

It was a PARTY! We chose Bowling because that's one of Jacob's new favorite things. I got the cupcakes - made allergy free by whole Foods, especially for the Party. There will be a seperate post for Chloe and her mad love for the birthday balloons:)

Everyone bowled, ate too much, shared frosting, picked up stray wrapping paper, wiped up spilled lemonade and in general had a wonderful time.

I still can't believe my little snuggle bear is FOUR! Time is going by so very quickly.

Happy 4th Birthday Jacob! Mommy & Daddy (and a slew of other people ) love you bunch's and bunch's...

A day.... with a Pooh

2011-01-16T21:11:00.002-06:00

We should all start our day with... I pledge allegiance.... Chloe loves the whole world...

Getting ready for her Throw Down with Bobby Flay...

So many choices....

When all else fails....grab a lollipop, right?

Gods 26 Guards....

2011-01-13T22:22:00.002-06:00

My dear Mom, who knows how I have struggled over the past few months...sent this to me today... I was immediately obsessed with it...can I say "obsessed" about something Biblical? Yes, I think I can. I am blessed to have many people praying for my peeps & I as we struggle to move forward.. this spoke to me, about the sheer power of Prayer.. and most importantly, FAITH..which sadly, in this day, is so hard to lose, or to become blind too. I encourage you to read this and really think on what it is saying. It's a very powerful message.

A missionary on furlough told this true story while visiting his home church in Michigan.

'While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, every two weeks I traveled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the halfway point.

On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city where I planned to collect money from a bank, purchase medicine, and supplies, and then begin my two-day journey back to the field hospital.

Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men fighting, one of whom had been seriously injured. I treated him for his injuries and at the same time talked to him about the Lord.

I then traveled two days, camping overnight, and arrived home without incident....

Two weeks later I repeated my journey. Upon arriving in the city, I was approached by the young man I had treated. He told me that he had known I carried money and medicines. He said, 'Some friends and I followed you in to the jungle knowing you would camp overnight. We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs, but just as we were about to move into your camp, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards.

At this, I laughed and said that I was certainly all alone in that jungle campsite. The young man pressed the point, however, and said, 'No, sir, I was not the only person to see the guards, my friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.'

At this point in the sermon, one of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the exact day this happened. The missionary told the congregation the date and the man who interrupted told him this story:

'On the night of your incident in Africa, it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf. I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong I called men in this church to meet with me here in the sanctuary to pray for you.

Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?' The men who had met together to pray that day stood up. The missionary wasn't concerned with whom they were, he was too busy counting how many men he saw.

There were 26.

This story is an incredible example of how the Spirit of the Lord moves in behalf of those who love Him. If you ever feel such prodding to pray, go along with it, you don't know what it can mean to that person.

Nothing is ever hurt by prayer except the gates of hell. I encourage you to forward this to as many people as you know. If we all take it to heart, we can turn this world toward God once again. As the above true story clearly illustrates, with God all things are possible'.

More importantly, how God hears and Answers the prayers of the faithful.

After you read this, please pass it on and Give God thanks for the beautiful gift of your faith, for the powerful gift of prayer, and for the many miracles He works in your own daily life... And then pass it on.
Who says God does not move on the earth today?

I ask the Lord to bless you as I pray for you today. To guide you and protect you as you go along your way.
His love is always with you, His promises are true, and when we give Him our cares you know He will see us through. So when the road you're traveling on seems difficult at best, just remember I'm here praying, and God will do the rest.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Nine Years

2011-01-13T21:40:00.002-06:00

Nine years
Is a long time
I waited
Ahem...many people waited
For THIS man
to come HOME

HE was a Dallas Star
He won Stanley with us
One of the BEST

In a stupid, stupid move
Dallas traded him
to New Jersey
where he has been for almost NINE years

He was their Captain
He was the Captain of the United States Olympic Hockey team last year
He won the silver medal
We were proud
Dang proud

He won Stanley again in New Jersey
I wept
We lost
But he won

I prayed
and
prayed
and begged
and dreamed
of the day he would return

THEN one day last week
HE CAME HOME!!!

After almost NINE years

JAMIE LANGENBRUNNER is a DALLAS STAR again
and now everyone can stand up and do the Happy Dance
I did
Yep, I did...
I'll have to tell you about it sometime
not now

This picture... I took this
nifty isn't it?

It's of the very first time Langie ( as we old time Stars fans still call him)
stepped on the Stars Ice
to play his first game
at HOME
in almost NINE years...

Yes, even in hockey...we weep...sometimes.. not often...but it happens.. not so much the players..
Well, unless you WEAR Number 9. But that's a post for another day...

WELCOME HOME JAMIE LANGENBRUNNER!!!!

You were missed! We are delirious with JOY you are back.... now never leave us again!

Onward we go..... we have a CUP to win this year:)

Many happy Faces

2011-01-13T21:31:00.002-06:00

"Children will not remember you for
the material things you provided but
for the feeling that you cherished them.”

For the love of FOUR

2011-01-13T21:12:00.003-06:00

Because....you only turn FOUR once..... and get to wear a cute hat, err...momsie's cute hat....
Because everything in the beautiful eyes of a NEW FOUR year old... is beautiful....

Becasue...when there is snow on the ground and the windchill is - 8 doesn't eveyone want ice cream? His own private little party with momsie & daddy... ( the big party is this weekend )

There may literally be nothing, absolutely nothing better than the sheer delight on a childs face as they open a present that is exactly what they would have picked out, if you had taken them shopping for their own birthday gifts...

A special kiss for my loveable, huggable, bed stealing, snuggable, smart, adorable, baby faced, blue eyed, long haired, adorable, little pint sized hunk of burnin' love... Happy Birthday Pea! We love you as long as the stars go on and on and on... and on.....

The Christmas that Santa Saved

2010-12-30T21:25:00.005-06:00

I haven't been on in awhile, there's alot to catch up on...but first....some Christmas magic. For those of you that know me well, you know that this didn't start out to be just the best Holiday for me ever but it sure did end up being one of the best Christmas's EVER. See these beautiful, lovely, amazing children? They are my peeps, and I love them more than anything in the world. For Christmas I just enjoyed them...and their laughter, giggles and surprise as they opened gifts. I marveled at their beauty and spunk. I enjoyed being their mom. For Christmas, Santa gave me a day to do nothing, but love my children. It was the best day, surrounded by the best of friends, with much joy, celebration and laughter rang out all day. It will be a Christmas we will never forget. * yes, someday, I will tell you the whole story. But, for now, BEHOLD...the JOY of CHRISTMAS!!!

Just a Peek...

2010-11-28T12:23:00.001-06:00

* FIFTEEN*

2010-07-22T23:16:00.005-05:00

How did it come to THIS? Brandon has turned FIFTEEN! Gasp... It seems just like yesterday that I was waking his Dad and saying " Honey, it's time..."

Brandon, who gave me hope & strength thru some of the darkest days. Brandon who never lets a night go without texting "night" to me.. he calls me everyday when he's home from school...he spends all his weekends & vacations here...but O how I miss my Munchkin during the school week.

Speaking of school. Have I told you that Brandon is going to Collegiate? He is. He wanted to. Applied all on his own. Gathered recomendations from all of his teachers and sailed thru the daunting ( to me ) applications and interview. He will complete High school in TWO years... Woha Doggies.. and the remaining two "highschool" years are spent attending the local community college for an associates degree. So, in other words, when he finish's High School he will have an associates degree already. BOOYA. The word PROUD seems pretty small.

Brandon is the worlds BEST Big Brother. Unending paitence. Loves the Peeps. He is almost another parent. He watch's them, plays with them, refills sippy cups, puts in the car, holds them in the pool, watch's movies with them and everything in between. a better Older Brother can not be found. Anywhere. I promise.

Fifteen years of just the best of Life. Brandon is so much more than just a child. He is growing into an amazing person, an amazing man.

Brandon is MY Hero. He always has been. He always will be.

Happy Birthday America

2010-07-05T00:10:00.002-05:00

WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA....Please remember only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you...JESUS CHRIST and the AMERICAN SOLIDER. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. Amen and GOD BLESS THE USA. Happy 4th of July!!

FIVE

2010-06-30T21:45:00.005-05:00

Yes, it's true. Ethan has turned FIVE. I can't believe it. Where did FIVE years go? We celebrated on the day of his birthday ( june 21) by opening a few presents and taking him to his favorite Play Place and then Whole Foods bakery to pick out his very own cupcake.
Then a few days later a small party with good friends.
Ethan would say he had a fabulous birthday, which is all that matters.
I apologize, again for the delay in posting these. Again, unedited but I know you are waiting. So here we go....

How old are you Ethan??? Party Ready in her adorable TuTu :)

Looks Good Ethan!

He asked for a Green Cake...for months, Mommy delivered..

seriously thinking about a Wish....

PRESENTS!

Jacob helped open them...

at his favorite Play Place...

Whole Foods Bakery...

so hard to choose just ONE......

They like their choices!

Someday, I will make a post telling you all about the many wonderful and amazing ways our Ethan has grown and changed in just FIVE short years. But for now, he is our little ringleader. Michevious. Full of energy. A true lover of Chloe. Daddy's boy. Loves to talk, play outside, watch Cars and Harry Potter. He loves to do everything he can. He always wants to help. Spends alot of time in time out ( ahem ). He has grown and changed in so many ways it's stunning to think about. He was mine and Brians 1st. He is the older of the youngest three and bears that well, usually. He is handsome, stuuborn and adorable, in his own way. He is independent. He has spent 3 years doing alot of therepy to learn how to talk. He jabbers our ears off. He loves his blankie and his rabbit. Ethan is just Peach's to us and we couldn't LOVE him more if we tried.

Happy Birthday Ethan! ♥ Mommy

Next Stop : Kindergarten

2010-06-30T21:35:00.002-05:00

Did you miss this? I think you did. Ethan GRADUATED from his Preschool/Speech Therepy early in June. It was an exciting year, full of many changes for our little man, and he sailed thru them all like a pro. He is excited about Kindergarten in the fall and a new Speech Therapist that will continue the work that started with the now famous Miss Laura not to long ago... back when Ethan didn't talk at all.... now we can't get him to be quiet for a moment :)

Congratulations Ethan! We are all so proud of you and all of your hard work ♥

~ catching up ~

2010-06-28T22:51:00.004-05:00

Did you think we forgot about you? again? well, we didn't. I can assure you, we always think of you... and sometimes I would really rather be blogging.....BUT...we have been busy,busy, busy... over the course of the next few days it is my Goal to catch you up, a little each day...and this is Day 1 of catching up. These pictures have not been edited ( ahem, well...would you like to wait another 2 months? hehe ) and are just random shots from around town...

Yes, she does just get Cuter and Cuter!
Lunch... the boys choice...grilled cheese, tomatoes & cucumers...yummy! We eat this alot..

God Bless the person who invented these handy little carts!~ taken at Whole Foods...( on Ethans Birthday, which will be posted maybe tomorrow )

Chloe can always be counted on for a smile...well, almost :)

have you seen Aqua Sand? It's one of the neatest things EVER! The boys Love it and are happy for hours playing with it...OK, so you might have to vacume a bit after they play but if it keeps them happy - I will vacume!!

Yes, that is a "ice pop" - the peeps BEG for them every summer..Ice on a stick, what could be better?

ahhh...the Lego table...they loved it!!! and that crib is no longer there...nope, all big boys now...that too is another post :)

The boys cleaning up a "certain uncles" kitchen...hehe

SPRINKLERS!!!!

the boys loved them...chloe hated them...

We have been all over town, Play Place, Library, Grocery Stores... We have been swimming...Gotten Brandon back after his 1st 2 weeks at Collegiate ( where he was a smashing success :) We have spent time with friends, laughed, ate way too much and tried to beat the heat, eeeekkkkkk hot already. Jacob is registered to begin a 2 day a week 2 hour speech/communication class in the Fall at what is now Ethan's old school. Chloe is having surgery in 2 weeks. Some friends have been back and forth on vacations, bringing home wonderful stories and photos' . I had a birthday.. Ethan had a Birthday. Fathers Day. I am also pleased to announce that I am FINALLY almost done unpacking! It has NEVER before taken me sooo long to just get settled. Whew! I am sure that as you read thru this, and add just the day to day needs of 3 small children and a growing ( and usually bored teen ) you can see why Blogging has just fallen by the wayside. I had some technical issues with the laptop as well. But, as you can see, I am BACK! WOW! I just read that list and I am exhausted. It is time for mama to go to bed. I hope you enjoyed this little peek into the weeks here on the Proctor Homestead and I will get another post out lickity split with lots more cathing up - perhaps Ethans 5th Birthday... yes, you are waiting for those aren't you :)

....Finally....

2010-06-01T22:18:00.003-05:00

Nineteen months old
20 lbs 8 oz
30 1/2" tall

Chloe FINALLY gets to face FORWARD in the car

O what a happy Day for our little Pooh..

No words... Just alot of Fun.

2010-05-31T22:37:00.003-05:00

Don't forget .....

2010-05-30T21:23:00.006-05:00

Memorial Day

A Day off work

No school

Family & friends come together around pools and backyard Grills

{ chloe couldn't decide between the Diet Cherry Coke or the can of Reddi Whip....giggling }

But too often we forget

What this day is all about

It's about the courage and sacrifice of men before us

Who gave it all up, for us

So that we may live in Freedom

And I'm proud to be an American,where at least I know I'm free.And I won't forget the men who died,who gave that right to me.~Lee Greenwood

So while you are opening a beer, sitting by the pool, getting sunburned, watching the kids play, grilling some burgers or enjoying some BBQ...

Don't forget to bow your head and say a prayer of Thanks... to the men who gave it all up.

And if you know a vet, make it a point to say Thank you!

{taken 5 minutes ago. 10 pm. hallway floor. they can see the TV. what are your kids doing?- I love moments like this}

The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example. ~Benjamin Disraeli

If you come by again tomorrow (night) I will have pictures of what we did for Memorial Day - wishing you & yours a safe AND fun one!

Wordless Wednesday...

2010-05-26T21:18:00.002-05:00

there might be nothing more exciting than the sheer joy in watching a little girl learning to walk on her own... each day our Chloe does this more and more....

Remember Me??

2010-05-19T18:35:00.007-05:00

No, We did NOT forget about you.. I just kinda fell into a bit of a bloggy slump....but I am back now.. {everyone stand up & do the Happy Dance }... despite the lack of posts, never fear...my camera is always near....
You did see the previously posted video? Of course you did.... of a newly Walking Chloe? Yep, One week ago today to be precise.... she took off and let me tell you, she hasn't looked back! This girl is not only a walker, she's a climber...yes sirreee....on the furniture, end tables, dining tables... even tried to climb in jacobs crib... she knows no boundries....keeps us on our toes for sure!

And without further ado, I will catch you up on our life and times as seen thru the lens of my camera! This one {above } just TAKES MY BREATH AWAY... Holy Beautiful

This is how Brandon usually looks.....head down, texting...or head in the refrigerator.....hehe

..... and she has Betty Davis Eyes.....

o dear... look at the way that girl is standing already....

The boys recently enjoyed their 1st snowcones...big mess...big hit...chloe hated them...

I am telling you, this girl is an eater, she's actually trying to get Ethan's sippy cup here....hehe

The night before Mothers Day....Brian snapped this right before I went out with Miss Sylvia :)

This Boy...Yes, Ethan...is going to be FIVE next month...o my...where has the time gone?

Yes, that is three boys, going down the slide, with three snow cones...no one spilled...wow

O, this just might be one of my all time favorites... and so totally what life with jacob is like....hehe

Some more of Pooh in her Red Cowgirl Dress... I just am in love with these pictures I took in the park....

It should be noted, that Jacob PROUDLY dressed himself today....

Perhaps nothing as sweet as a daughter dancing with her daddy....

Brandon...Golfs...Did you know? Yes, he does. He's been on the Golf time for some time... Don't worry, he has NO desire to be the next Tiger.. nope, never fear...but he does look quite smart out there now doesn't he??

And there you have it.. you haven't missed a whole lot....Chloe is walking & climbing....it's getting hotter, lots of time in the yard & the parks, a picnic, Brandons golf tournament (s), I am still of course, unpacking, finding the perfect spot for this and that, Hanging things on the walls... and finding yummy things to cook for the peeps... they love when daddy Grills... yummo!!! Summer is coming and we can't wait.. all that extra time with Brandon...Ethan's Birthday..Toy Story 3 and Eclipse.. it's going to be sooo much fun and I promise not to go weeekkksss without posting again!!!

{ A special shout out to Emily's Beautiful Mama for all her help with the editing...couldn't have made these pictures NEARLY as beautiful without you.....}

Behold...a Walking Chloe!!!

2010-05-14T22:00:00.003-05:00

On Wednesday May 12, 2010 our Beautiful Chloe, let go and took her 1st unassisted steps!! Ethan was the one who alerted us all ( of course :) and the party began! Just 2 weeks shy of 19 months, she is well one her way....

This 2nd clip I got tonight and she is really getting good. She will walk a bit. Crawl a bit. Walk a bit. Crawl a bit. Ethan always starts cheering & clapping when she gets up and walks....she really likes that! hehe

This one is from tonight too... I just love the way her face lights up when she walks. She is so happy & proud of herself! What a beautiful site....

Eighteeen Months

2010-04-27T22:29:00.002-05:00

Today... Pooh is EIGHTEEN MONTHS old....wwwhhhaaatttt??? How can that be??? She was just BORN... I don't get how fast she is growing at all!

One of her newest things is playing peek a boo and hide n seek with you.. she really loves to make you "Find" her and "chase" is big as well... it's ADORABLE

She still eats everything and LOVES grated cheese and goldfish...{cinnamon :) }

She is still super tiny but don't tell her that!

Tonight...she was batting her eyelash's at Uncle Keith!! Yes, she was FLIRTING!!

We can't believe how beautiful & Perfect our little Pooh is getting, it's been an adventerous 18 months and she made every step BEAUTIFUL!!

*** I am lame....sorry, I will upload pictures tomorrow...COME BACK now ya here??

Perfect Day at the Park

2010-04-26T22:47:00.003-05:00

It was a beautiful day. Sun Shining, a little breeze and Daddy had some time off...

{ Chloe LOVES the wind in her face ~ giggle }

we packed the peeps up and headed for the BIG Park...

The boys fed the duckies...

Jacob the "Wild Man" on the Playground...

Pooh would happily SWING all day long...

Ethan is pretty fond of the swing too!

It was a wonderful time. Much fresh air and laughter was had by all.

What happened to Easter?

2010-04-15T21:41:00.007-05:00

Where did Easter go? No where. We had a FABULOUS Easter!!! I have been so busy I haven't been able to post....please forgive...
and without making you a wait another millisecond...

No, silly...Chloe is much bigger now.. I just wanted to show off one of my all time favorite Easter pictures...last year.. my little Lamb... This is EASTER 2010....

If you know anything about Ethan at all... he's a Daddy's boy thru and thru...

Jacob did it!!!

G'ma Janet came to see the new place & spend the holiday weekend... we had sooo much fun!

Toasting to the Celebrations!!!

Easter is such a special occasion there was Champagne in the house....wooo hooo!

shhhhh... do you see Uncle Keith there in the back? hehehe
{ he is almost as big a Stars fan as I am... }

Looks like Chloe found some eggs...

ummm... the bunny left me an EMPTY egg!
Totally concentrating on Eggs....must find ALL the eggs..

Ethan is searching far and wide for the eggs....

Everyone, this is G'ma Sylvia.. she is the newest biggest fan of Chloe & the feeling is mutual all around... Chloe just adored her on sight!! Get used to seeing alot more of this lady...

What did the Easter Bunny leave for me??

Couldn't be cuter if he tried!

Proving you are never too cool for the Easter Bunny... :)

Ethan loves his little game the bunny ( shhh....grandma ) brought him....

Almost as much fun as Christmas Morning....

Pooh gets in on the egg hunt

Sittin' Pretty

My Munchkin and I....

Gee, we do kinda look alike...eeeeeekkkk... :) .. beautiful G'ma...

Looks like The Easter Bunny thought we were all good little bunnies....

Out with the Old ~ In with the New

2010-03-30T22:09:00.002-05:00

This carseat
Is blue
Is 4 years old
We bought it when I was expecting Ethan
It has served us well
brought 3 babies home from the hospital
Brought Chloe home from the hosptial
twice
carried them
snuggles them
was drooled on by them
But today
we said Good Bye
to our faithfu
Blue checkered infant carseat....

And HELLO
to Chloe's
Brand new
PINK
Big Girl Carseat!!

She's so tiny still we can't turn her forward yet but she has tons more leg room now...

~ On a side note : is that the most scrumptious face eva?

Almost 18 months

2010-03-27T23:08:00.004-05:00

Chloe You Are 17 months old today!
Yes
SEVENTEEN months old
almost
18 months
I do not believe it .
You are almost 20 lbs. & around 24 in long
built like your Daddy
you have tiny, piano type fingers
and use them to PINCH us
{ giggle }
You love to eat and your very favorite food
is... are you ready?
Grated cheese... yup, you heard it right here 1st.
Don't even show you the bag unless we are prepared
to share.
You love to eat almost everything. Except avacado...and sometime you
like tomoatoes
and sometimes you don't.. it's a mood thing
You love milk
Especially if it's in Jacobs sippy cup { shhhhh...do not tell him....}

You are EVERYWHERE
you crawl at 100 miles an hour
you are pulling up on everything
you cruise and will let go for just a minute
you have stood on your own
You took 2 steps all by yourself the other day
You love your baby doll stroller and "walk" your baby all day!!!
{ The boys are pretty fond of it too }
You have the most wonderful smile
and a simply scrumptious face!

You laugh, giggle , and squeal all day.. it's adorable!
You say mamamamama.. all the time & I love it
When you are mad, you double up on the floor and
cry...it's pitiful.. and kinda cute :)
You hate it when we all leave the room, and you are still there
You don't like getting dressed
You don't much care for socks
You love your crib and your new room!

You love your baby dolls AND the boys hot wheels
you DON'T suck any fingers and I am soooo grateful!
You wake up READY TO GO!

You take 1 good nap, usually in the afternoon and if we are all blessed you
take a morning one as well.
That one is harder. You get woken up by those brothers.

Ethan, Jacob & Brandon all dote on you.
It's sooo sweet!

We love you soo very much and just can not believe that it's been SEVENTEEN months since we 1st held our beautiful Pooh.

♥ Happy 17 month old Birthday Pooh ♥

Welcome Spring

2010-03-24T21:04:00.002-05:00

The 1st day of Spring...

I bet you were expecting pictures of the Peeps at play...perhaps feeding ducks
wagon rides or maybe looking at beautiful Spring Flowers in Bloom
weren't you?

well... SURPRISE!!!
It SNOWED!!!!
yup, 1st day of Spring and it snows......

surprising...Exciting..Breathtaking.. Beautiful.. and for ONE day only.. Springtime Snow...

{ if you recall, Chloe loves to look at it but " please don't make me touch it, Daddy" }

Can I tell you how much FUN that was? They boys were SO excited when Daddy showed them th esnow out the window in the morning... They loved playing in it. So much fun. Jacob hated to come inside.

By 6 pm... the snow was all but melted and the next day it was almost 70 degrees! I think that's the end of winter....

But we sure have enjoyed all the extra WINTER fun this year!

It's Love People....

2010-03-17T21:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Anniversary Honey

2010-03-15T22:49:00.005-05:00

Four years ago today, Brian & I were married. Surrounded by a few very close friends, our 9 month old son Ethan and my son Brandon.. my parents. We were married in a simple ceremony on the stage at our church. The church I attended for years before I even met Brian. The church we attended together. The Pastor that married us is one of the most amazing men I have ever met. He watched me struggle for awhile. He has watched me struggle since that day as well. But no matter what those struggles were or are about. I know that he loves watching my family learn and grow. And that's what we are doing, Brian & I. We are learning & growing, as parents, as a couple, with our children. We learn new things about God, Faith, Friends, Hope, Strength, and our amazing children everysingle day. We learn them togehter. We grow a little more each day, together.

It's been 4 years, it seems like longer until I look at Ethan. Who was 9 months old then and is about to be five. I realize how fast it has really gone by. And how much has changed. How hard we have struggled. How far we have come.

I am proud.
of my husband
for he has worked
very hard
to keep this
family together
he loves us
all so much

he never complains
ever
He has made us a family. A good home.

Here's to EIGHTY FOUR more wonderful years together honey.

~ Beautiful Days ~

2010-03-15T22:27:00.003-05:00

Looking at this picture of Ethan and marveling at the beautiful child he is and wondering how on earth he could be turning FIVE this summer? He's my HANDSOME little man!

I don't know about you, but when I look at Chloe's perfect little arms, I get a little jealous :)

She goes up the stairs, and down the slide...all by herself!
Look what I found sitting in a tub of toys the other day....a POOH! Silly ol' Pooh...

Jacob is always happy...from the grocery store to playing in the yard, he finds joy in everything:)

We also find him HERE alot, the inside of the refrigerator..I keep waiting for him to just crawl in and shut the door...hehe
Shopping for new furniture for the new DECK in the new BACKYARD.. and we found this adorable PEEP sized wooden bench...how cute it that?
It's a Jacob -N- the - Bench
Dear Blogspot, we didn't forget about you. We are still unpacking. Washing things out. Getting all the new Patio furniture put together, eating lunch on the deck, sliding down the slide, running thru the yard, driving a big cool truck all over town,enjoying Spring Break, planning dates to Dallas Stars games, missing old neighbors, meeting new neighbors,hanging things on the walls, playing in the boys HUGE new bedroom...we are still here, having fun and forgetting to blog, being to tired to blog, watching Twilight instead of blogging...waiting anxiously for New Moon on DVD {saturday at 1201am}.. If you miss us, come visit us on Face Book. Mommy wastes alot of time there :). In the meantime, enjoy the glimpse into our days and look for us to return again real soon!!!

Fun Stuff...

2010-03-10T21:49:00.003-06:00

Sitting in the truck! Isn't this every mans dream? haha.. I wish I had a picture of Brians face when he came home driving this! and of course, Ethans.. when I picked him up from school, he was soooo excited!! He is Brian's son for sure...haha.. Yes, we can get all three kids in the backseat...just barely...but they fit...yea!! { Go to my Twitter and see a pic of all 3 kids in the backseat}...

It's a Beautiful Day...

2010-03-10T21:26:00.005-06:00

The dawned, bright and sunny.. it was 80 degrees!! Wow.. and it was Brian's day off...

So, we loaded the peeps into the truck.

Made sure we had lots of bread and crackers...

and went to the Park!! Ethan & Jacob had been BEGGING to go.. and FINALLY we could!!

They were all so excited!!

The Playground....

I love this!! Jacob is actually trying to pull Ethan back up the slide...it was cute!

Chloe decided to munch out on the crackers we brought for the ducks :-)

Three out of Four of my boys

This is the "money shot" of Jacob...hahaha!

{ yes I trimmed his bangs...but I didn't touch those beautiful curls!}

He's about to throw food!!! hahaa

If you look close you can see the mud in his hair and all over the back of his shirt...yes, that was about 2 minutes after gettting there.... that's Jacob....(BG)

The Peeps ran & Played, I wore sandals & sunglasses, we walked, fed the ducks, chased birds {well, the boys did}... we ran and slid and climbed and swang.. it was alot of fun & already they want to go back! We will - alot!

Dancing with Daddy

2010-03-05T22:20:00.000-06:00

~ I don't know about you, but this one kinda takes my breath away...

Just a Peek

2010-03-05T22:11:00.002-06:00

We are still unpacking...getting all settled... getting the peeps back on track...being grateful.. for good friends, love in our hearts, a new home & fresh beginnings!

We didn't forget about you...

2010-02-25T21:47:00.002-06:00

We didn't abandon you... I promise.. It's been - very busy... much coming & going...
We have moved into the new place & are almost completely unpacked...which is a miracle in itself...with everything else going on and of course, all the "help" from 3 toddlers!

This is Jacob helping to unload the truck
{can you see Ethan hiding? LOL} For those of you that don't know, Jacob LOVES Caillou.. and this is his little Caillou doll & that little rag is his bankie... they are virtually inseperable these days & we think that is adorable!

Ethan likes the new place!

Chloe is walking her baby up & down the halls

Ethan.. his new favorite spot...the Front Porch

We are busy..

unpacking

playing

watching Olympics

unpacking

getting settled

missing you..

planning Spring

unpacking

.....you get the picture!....

{ Be looking for many pictures of the Peeps in their brand new Back yard!!! }

Valentines Day & a Surprise

2010-02-15T22:01:00.002-06:00

We hope you all had a wonderful Valentines Day! We had a good one. We played a little. Spent the day out with Brandon. Brian & I took the little Peeps out to eat earlier in the week for dinner. A REAL Valentines Day celebration is waiting on us to be done...

MOVING

Yes. It's true. We are MOVING. We found a wonderful little home. Right on the edge of a huge park. With a good sized yard and a beautiful deck already built in the back. We fell in love the second we saw the place and were so blessed to get it as quick as we did.

We are MOVING people!! Back out on our own and we can't wait. We will miss our friends. They have been little angels... they put up with alot and had fantastic paitence with us and all of my O.C.D. ways ( Obsessive Cullen Disorder.. if you are in the "know")...hehe

But mostly, we can't wait to grant Ethan & Jacob their nightly request....they will get their BEDS back in just a couple of nights.. ..it's going to be wonderful!

Thank God for friends.. Hope...Snowstorms in Texas... and Beautiful Days where just about anything seems possible.

Did you say snow?

2010-02-11T21:51:00.005-06:00

Today
{in case you hadn't heard... hehe}
it
SNOWED!!!! As of 9 pm we had 9.4 inches of SNOW on the ground ... the LARGEST snowstorm in DFW history!! OMG!!!
Huge~Fluffy~ White~ Cotton ball sized Flakes..
ALL DAY

So, of course...we took everyone out to PLAY

before there is any confusion... YES, that's a Dallas Cowboys helmet... NO, I have not changed my mind.. I still detest them.. { woot woot to those Saints tho!! } Jacob found it... we needed a hat...

It should also be noted that the snowman was decapitated several times....

so clearly, Jacob is against the Cowboys as well :)

Chloe CAUTIOUSLY investigated a snowball.. she wasn't overly fond of the white stuff

Daddy & Ethan building Mr Snowman

will you just look at those HUGE snowflakes??!!!

Our Snowman is almost as tall as the boys!!! {giggle}

teaching the fine art of snowball making..

There were ALOT of snowballs flying!

Chloe wanted absolutely NOTHING to do with touching that stuff....she went in for a nap to rest her frayed nerves shortly after this was taken...

SNOW ANGELS

{ Renee, this is just for you.. and yes, I know... I owe you one... sigh, i will get it there :) }

Chloe glances at the dreaded white stuff cautiously... "Just don't make me touch it Daddy"

Ethan and his snowball

This was taken 1st thing this morning.. jacob wanted to go right out and like his mama, he will stay in his Pj's until the last possible minute.. so there.. Jacob.. in his pj's - in the snow!

Three Men and a Snowman... is that 4 men?? hehe

We laughed...We pelted one another with snowballs....we made a snow man... we laughed some more... we giggled and behaved like people who had never seen snow... and we haven't - not liek this... it was an amazing day!! So much fun to watch the boys ♥

look who's shopping?

2010-02-11T21:50:00.000-06:00

Pet Store

2010-02-09T21:05:00.002-06:00

These weren't taken today.. I just hadn't posted them.. but aren't they cute? We would love to get the boys a puppy { actually Brian would really love that too } and another kitty kat for Brandon.... but we have been enjoying taking the boys to a local pet store whenever we can to see all the pets...

They love it... all of them

jacob is really fascinated by the birds.. .o dear :)

Ethan asks for a dog quite often...

On the Mend

2010-02-08T14:25:00.002-06:00

2 ear infections

Strep throat

RSV

...hasn't had a decent nap outside of his carseat in a couple weeks.... hasn't been asleep before 10 pm in weeks, usually closer to 11............... has become a very strange eater.. but he is eating....

and he still Plays....Runs....laughs....and delivers amazing hugs & kisses.....

Jacob is (slowly) gettting better.... medicine.. a great Peditrician....breathing treatments.. and a few adventures..

{we will tell you about those later :) }

Jacob is on the mend... the cough isn't quite as bad....he is sounding a little better.... a little better

Each & Every Day....
♥

Shopping!

2010-02-06T22:33:00.002-06:00

I don't know if you are aware, but my Peeps LOVE to go shopping. I don't care if it's the grocery store, WalMart, or the Mall.. they just flat love to go shopping.. I take them out...just for fun!
Here we are just a few days ago in our favorite store...TARGET!
Chloe LOOKS so wide awake here but actually it was freezign outside and the wind woke her right up!
Trucks. BIG Trucks. RED Trucks. BIG and RED Trucks... a little slice of Heaven for Jacob!

Ethan has been looking everywhere for a GREEN phone..today he found one!
He found a purple one for Chloe!
and speaking of Purple...look what Jacob just fell in love with!ha!

Could have been blogging...

2010-02-06T22:12:00.003-06:00

I could have been blogging....
but instead :-)
I was checking out the new remodeled Play area
this USED to be the Food Playground...
I will miss those Fried Eggs and Sugar Packets..
But Pooh sure seems to like this new design!

I could have been blogging

But

I was at the Stars game

It was a fantastic game

We won

My Mo scored twice

This is a picture of my other Mo...

( Thanks Keith!! ) :)

I could have been Blogging

But I was at the bookstore

with the Peeps

and I was discovering

(finally)

what the hullabaloo about the

Twilight Series is all about...

I could have been blogging

But I was giving our little

grated cheese fiend

some more cheese...

I could have been blogging

But I was watching

this little girl

get into places

she knows she shouldn't be....

I could have been Blogging....

But I was having too much fun with my Peeps :)

A Study of A Pooh

2010-02-06T21:19:00.002-06:00

( we just love those tiny toes...)

( no, chloe we don't eat the chairs....)

( tiny hands )

( what's not to love about that face ?)
WE LOVE THE LOOK ON HER FACE HERE...she's all .. Ya talkin' to me??!!

The girls got some kinda reach with those long arms...

Blogger...Did we forget about you???

2010-02-02T22:10:00.003-06:00

Hello there! We didn't forget about you .. I promise. We have been very, very busy and well, as so many things do.. the blogging kinda fell to the way side... But, we thought about you everyday..we did, really... We did have some fun
and we will fill you in on all of that... a little later
by that I mean, another day {bg}

we have battled stomach virus
teething
and now...

the three little ones
and
MOMMY
have
STREP...ugh
the two boys also have ear infections...
Chloe needs breathing treatments...

Daddy has been FABULOUS...
has helped so much

Right now...it's 1015 pm
and Jacob is STILL awake
that's normal
he doesn't sleep well these days
all being in one room
this of course means
NO ONE sleeps well...

lots of tired peeps & parents....

we try to get him as comfortable as we can...
and we pray....
watch movies
{ on their brand new 8" portable DVD player :-) }
play with (small) toys..
dodge flying stuffed animals launched by a Pooh
a giggling Pooh
who loves to blow rasberries
and is getting some adorable dresses with her name on them!
{ look for those pics soon, GIGGLE }
and finally , they sleep...
and I read, watch a movie with Brian
edit some pictures..
and try to blog..

OK, I get a little lost on face book too...(giggle)
what can I say, I have cool friends!

What you can't see is the BOY In the tunnel that Chloe flirted with the entire time!
What a Pixie!

CHLOE IS 15 MONTHS OLD NOW !!!!

She's 18 lbs ( again
and 29 in

she's fiesty, sweet, sassy, blows rasberries , loves grated cheese, hated baby food, loves to be outside, loves learning to walk, laughs all day.....she's our sunshine Princess for sure!

It should be nothed that these pictures were all taken about 3 weeks ago.. because if I posted one of today...they would be crying, snotty,cranky, no napped, streppy infected looking and not nearly this fun!

I will try to continue catching up this week!

♥ mommy

Catching Up with Us....

2010-01-19T22:23:00.010-06:00

This is going to be the longest post ever, but I have fallen so far behind with all the sicky - pooh - g'ma came & we played alot - celebrating a New 3 year old's bday - trying to stay caught up with the laundry - and all that fun stuff - that I decided to just catch you all up at once.

Simply Beautiful, right? This New THREE year old has decided he no longer needs to sleep and gets a little closer to midnight every night...{sigh}...

Birthday Sundae with G'ma!!! Yummy!

Just on a walk one day... love the way he loves to be outside!

Is that not the most adorable hat for a Pooh that you ever saw?

My biggest brother Brandon can be so silly...:-)

Running around at our fave place with Brandon...

Play Place!

seriously... really, seriously cute!!!

Of course, if we are THERE... Jacob is HERE...Ice Ice baby...hehe

( be looking.. there will be a post soon about Jacob and his 1st skates...)

already getting that hockey player snear going...

Look who else is showing fascination with the Ice...

Lunch out with G'ma!! Chloe loved it.. Mexican.. yummo!

just look at her eating that rice...

meanwhile, Jacob abandoned lunch and played under the table.. it should be noted that this was HIS birthday lunch...

A few precious pics of G'ma & her little Grand Pooh!

"I am three? But how is that possible? I still act like I am two! "

Ethan & Daddy playing in the corner...

G'ma saved the day with new Pirate Boats....yea fun!

Back at home, Chloe tries to look cute despite day 2 of the stomach flu...

This one, will sleep...sometimes...

Pasta Night!

This is my view when we go shopping.. all those boys are MINE...yikes! I have Pooh with me...

Once again, I apologize for the longest Post ever, but you are all caught up now and maybe I can get back to some of those lovely edits I am hoping to get done... just because I know a few of you really like them!

Taking a Walk

2010-01-19T22:07:00.002-06:00

We have been having a little burst of beautiful days... Fall is here again it would seem..
{ yes, my dear friends I am aware that some of you are seething right now, I know who you are :-) }

Before our little Pooh got sick, we were enjoying the walks outside...

This bench is actually in a neighbors yard but the boys always sit in it for a bit... funny little boys...

I would still love a little snow...girls, think you can help me with that??? You know who you are... need I name names?haha

Our Brave little Pooh

2010-01-19T21:40:00.002-06:00

The past few days have not been easy for our little Pooh. She has had a stomach bug that would not give up. Poor Chloe would get {grossly} sick anytime she ate anything...anything at all. She wanted to eat and would eagerly get a small bite of toast.. but no, she couldn't keep it down. It was so sad... and gross...
We had the Zofran to help her from getting sick, but she was taking alot of it..... after she got sick yesterday morning her {amazing} Peditrician sent us to the ER.. she was dehydrated...
Some IV fluids. Can I tell you how absolutely heartbreaking the IV process was? She was so brave but her veins are so tiny... it was just awful... she hated all the drinks.. she licked a popscicle....very carefully... and finally, they sent her home...
UPDATE : Chloe has been "throw up" free for 24 hours now. She is sleeping and is still very tired and weak but is doing better.
We are so very proud of our brave little Pooh ♥

Chloe's Mommy

LIfe is a Highway

2010-01-14T22:23:00.003-06:00

There has been a shiny red jeep in the garage that the boys have been fascinated with for weeks... so James very sweetly agreed to take the boys for a spin.. in HIS jeep {giggle}... it was COLD and once we were going, it quickly got colder... but as you can see, the boys LOVED it....

Thank you James... for the very COOL ride....

Jacobs 3rd Birthday

2010-01-12T21:36:00.007-06:00

Yesterday was Jacobs 3rd birthday! We just can't believe our little Pea is 3! He is such a loving and beautiful little boy. He is always happy {well, almost always..:0} and is such a big helper to me when picking things up . He snuggles, loves to watch movies & looks at books. Loves walking thru the leaves, eating cheese and other fun snacks. He's adorable and the time is going by so very fast, I can't stand it!
Nothing like a bunch of balloons on your birthday! Thank you Miss Stacy!

and Handy Manny Laptops!! {for both boys} - Thank you again, Miss Stacy!!! { she get's alot of Thank you's doesn't she...LOL }

Pooh wanted a little peice of the action...hehe

We opened a couple gifts with Daddy this morning while Ethan was at school...

After we picked Ethan up , we headed to the Play Place to well, PLAY, eat apples and open more gifts!

Well, apparently I got a little ahead of myself... here we are opening our new Handy Manny Laptops...

Mama's Boy... totally!! He is such a little snuggle bear!

Turning Three is HARD work people!

opening a present with Daddy....

There we go, after school we headed to the play place....remember the rest? LOL

Yes, as a matter of fact, he is ON the table!

Sadly, due to allergies Jacob doesn't get to have much of the actual food, ( apples are good).. but he prefers to PLAY and Chloe prefers to EAT , so it works out...{big grin}

Ethan had fun at the Play Place too!

such a serious little face!

opening the little mini backpack was no problem for the little guy

Chloe is sooo excited! " My Brother is THREE"!

Dear Jacob,We love you so much and are so blessed & grateful that you are a part of our family. You bring is so much joy and love every day. Your hugs & kisses are the best. I love watching movies with you. We all love watching you grow and learn more each day! We love you Pea! Happy Birthday!

{due to our current circumstances, this was not quite the same as a normal birthday in our family but Jacob had a good time and enjoyed his special treats. This weekend G'ma will be here and we will have another celebration for the birthday boy! }

Jacob is 3!!!

2010-01-10T23:14:00.003-06:00

How is it possible? It seems like just yesterday I was bringing my Tator Tot of a boy home. But, it's true..

Jacob is 3!!

Happy Birthday Jacob!!

Jacob is so much fun... he is full of energy , laughter, hugs & kisses. He loves to run & deliver little kisses. He is a great snuggler. Loves his books & choo choo's.

We love him so much & are so proud of what an amazing boy he is!!

Happy Happy 3rd Birthday Jacob!!!

♥ mommy

Click here to view these pictures larger

- if you click the above link it should take you to a photo album of when he was born :-)

{for the record, Jacobs birthday is tomorrow January 11th but it's 30 minutes until midnight and I am tired so I am posting this now}

Playtime & an upcoming Birthday

2010-01-05T21:38:00.003-06:00

Today... was Ethan's 1st day back at school after the Winter Break. He was so happy when I picked him up! These days, just the simple act of going to school & sitting in the car line may be the only parts of our day that feels normal, and that felt good!

They are saying it's going to get COLD... down to 14 degrees here in a couple of days.. BRRR...

BUT, today it was a balmy 43 ( hehe) so, I took the peeps out to play while I could.

Is it just me, or does Chloe get cuter by the second???? no doubt looking to see what kinds of trouble her brothers are getting into...

Ethan.. heheh...Mr Big!
Love his SMILE!!!

And... can you believe that in just 6 days....this boy... this beautiful boy will be 3?!!!
{ps..this shirt was actually a hand me down from a friend. My kids don't play football, period! If you want a lecture, ask me why someday... hehe... they are however totally welcome to play Hockey!!! }

Giggles & Grins

2010-01-04T22:42:00.006-06:00

There comes a time....in every day... where you just have to throw back your head and laugh with pure delight!!

Come along and share some laughter with a Pooh ♥

My look at those beautiful teeth!

and yes, we do believe her hair is going to be alot like Jacobs.. o dear, that's just going to be impossible to resist!
I wish I had gotten a little more of this but I think you will enjoy this little bit of Chloe, she does this ALL THE TIME.. and yes, we LOVE it!

"If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus one day, so I never have to live without you"

- Winnie the Pooh

In with the new...

2010-01-01T21:17:00.005-06:00

Before we go forward...

We look

Back

at the Good times

even as hard as the year was...

there were good days

laughter

and lots of funny moments...

It's important to us, that while we are tiptoeing into a new year.... that we remember.. what GOOD came out of 2009....

~ chloe crawled.laughed.loved & had a Princess 1st Birthday party... Ethan turned 4 & learned to talk even more. Jacob turned 2 and knocked us down everyday with his fierce energy adn fabulous hugs! Ethan began a new Preschool. Brian & I celebrated 3 years of marriage. We had the BEST 4th of July EVER. We made new friends. Got in touch with old friends. Ethan & Jacob both learned how to ride bicycles, tricycles and scooters. Brandon turned 14. We prayed. A lot. As a family. We learned. To Give Back...even more. Sherdith didn't make a single Carmel macchiato and the world still spins on it's axis. Sheridith really got good at blogging and much better at picture editing.{ thanks Christina }. Chloe & Jacob both had surgery , and did just fine. Brian & Sheridith finally got to go out on a fantastic date night.. to a Stars game... { thanks Keith & G'ma janet }...We loved. We lost. We laughed. ~

and now...
we move forward

welcome

2010!

{ ps... Thanks Renee for the tip on the super fun collages!! I will be making more of them!! }

Happy New Years Eve

2009-12-31T20:31:00.003-06:00

This year. 2009. Will always be remembered. By us. It was a year of struggles. In many ways. We won some. We lost some. We lost a little more than we wanted. A little more than we won. But, we stayed together.

We cried together.

We laughed together.

We moved together.

We are starting over..

together..

Despite the troubles

We are grateful

For God

Faith

Hope

truly AMAZING

Friends

We are grateful for devoted family, and extended family...

We are grateful for

devoted Dr's that help us care for out little flock...

We are grateful..

For Ethan..

who now TALKS alot

loves Chloe MOST

We are grateful

For Jacob

who runs and laughs

all day

who hugs all the time

We are grateful for Chloe

who is practically perfect in every way

who giggles and crawls all over

every day

We are grateful

for a chance

new beginnings

a new lease...

on LIFE.

We are Grateful that although we walked thru much of 2009 feeling lost...

God always knew just where we were...

We wish ALL of you.. a very Happy & Wonderful 2010!! May God Bless Us All...

- come back and tell us all about it!!

Video of Chloe... lay down to watch!!

2009-12-31T20:17:00.003-06:00

This is of Chloe pushing her brand new baby stroller walker toy... isn't it precious?

This is of Chloe "walking" with a little help from Daddy...

.....and , yes.. I am aware the videos are sideways... sigh.. that aggie in me I guess!!

Peeps at Play

2009-12-31T19:47:00.002-06:00

We started out not that cold...compared to the unheated house that is... so, while the fablulous repairman was in the attic...finding a working heater.. Pooh took a nap.. and I took the boys outside to run off some of that crazy BOY energy...

Quite possibly one of my more recent fave pictures of Ethan! Pea...ignoring me telling him NOT to play with that! Notice the cheeky grin...um.. hmmm.
ooo.. a rope ladder....
he went up about 2 rungs and decided he had enough of that!

Seriously, who knew jacob would still fit in the baby swing? hilarious!

{ note to daddy... please come clean up the backyard...thank you ! Love the peeps }
Later the same day, after the now WORKING heater had warmed us all up.. the snow started falling and the peeps sat in the doorway for a bit....staying nice & WARM!

This & That

2009-12-29T22:18:00.002-06:00

These were taken over the past couple of days... just some funny moments with the peeps..

Jacob... you can't tell because I had to have the flash on so bright but this was taken in the dark bedroom as I tried to convince (o so quietly so I didn't wake the 2 sleeping peeps ) that it really was bedtime!
{ and this was a night before the heat was fixed hence the jacket and bulky flannel in bed } Ethan.. GQ bound someday - for sure!

can you ever really have too many pictures of your children sleeping?

Chloe had SO much fun with G'ma Janet over the long Christmas weekend! It was just the best!

Aw....happy Pooh!! Love to all my fans!! { lol... giggle}

Baby...it's COLD out there...

2009-12-29T21:20:00.002-06:00

You may have heard
the heat in the house
went OUT
yup, it did...
for 3 very long
very cold days
our friends were so kind
we found a fantastic repairmen
finally
who got it fixed
just today
just in time
for the snow
to start falling...again
But before that,
we wore alot of footed pj's...mittens..socks... and head caps...
Pooh...got all chapped from the cold..{insert sad face}
we snuggled...alot...

The heater has finally warmed us all and we are toasty warm while watching the snow - I mean the sleet fall outside...Thank God for working Heaters!

Guess who has her own baby now??

2009-12-27T21:07:00.000-06:00

Fun in the Snow...

2009-12-27T21:01:00.002-06:00

Now, I realize that to SOME of you, this is nothing {melody and renee...} BUT, in Texas...this is ALOT of snow! We were sooo excited that some of it stuck from that crazy storm Christmas Eve. Don't you just KNOW the boys had to got out in it and play??!!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T20:18:00.006-06:00

Early Christmas morning...Pooh was the 1st one up & ready to go.. { we waited along time for Jacob to wake up!! }

Merry Christmas honey! { what you can't hear is Brandon in the Background saying " I can SEE you!!!" }

Jacob is all about UN wrapping!

Chloe got it all figured out early on...

Ethan is all buisness

Look at the THAT excitement!!

Jacob is studying a new VMotion game from G'ma Janet

He's loving this one already

Hmm...I think this one is mine...

Ribbon wars!

My Brandon.. NOT so into having his picture taken this year...LOL

BEAUTIFUL Pooh...

yes. she is trying to eat the tree stand! she also was obsessed with Pine Cones..silly girl!

Look at her try to take off in that super cute GingerBread suit!

" I want to do this everyday!"

This Christmas was such a blessing to my family. From the home we celebrated in..the family we celebrated with... the friends we were spoiled by..the amazing presents under the tree for our peeps { and a few really nice ones for us as well }... to time spent togethe. Laughing. Worshipping. Loving the twists & turns in the road that led us to where we are today. Thank you - to EVERYONE who had any hand in the bountiful blessings my little family has experienced recently. God is Good and Friends are Fantastic!!

What a Merry Christmas is was!!

{ only 363 days to go till Christmas!! }

Go Tell it on the mountain..Jesus Christ is BORN!!!

2009-12-24T20:27:00.004-06:00

Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
Our Jesus Christ is born.
When I was a seekerI sought both night and day,
I asked the Lord to help me,
And he showed me the way.
Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
Our Jesus Christ is born.
He made me a watchmanUpon a city wall,
And if I am a Christian,I am the least of all.
Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
Our Jesus Christ is born

( words to Go Tell it on a mountain. by John Work 1907 )

Merry {snowy} Christmas Eve!

2009-12-24T19:57:00.005-06:00

I don't know about YOU..
but I think that
CHRISTMAS EVE
must be one of the
most
MAGICAL
nights of the year...
Everything is silent...
except for the laughing
never took naps
rambamctious
children
running
thru the house

Everyone jumped on Brandon...poor guy...all that love...hahah Chloe is so excited she can't stand it!

Ethan....an Elf said you might have just barely made it OFF the naughty list!

It's just not Christmas without Snoopy now is it?
She's kissing the FREEZING window!! { the windchill was -17 when I took this...o my...brrrr }

Ready to go play in the snow...
yes, that's right...it's SNOWING!!!

{ i'll take pics in the morning, there will be a BUNCH they say...and boy o boy was it FUN to watch falling all afternoon }

Fell asleep waiting for Santa...

Wishing you & yours a very Merry Christmas from our corner of the world to yours!!!

Showing off...

2009-12-24T19:55:00.000-06:00

A Day to Remember

2009-12-24T19:43:00.002-06:00

Do you remember our favorite place to go hang out this summer? With that huge Ice Rink that Jacob would just stare out at - for along time every week? With the carpet and the coolest indoor playground? yes...that's it... WELL, the other day ( sorry, I am behind on the posting over here ) Brandon & I took them and well...
It was AWESOME..
but don't take my word for it...
Looky here for yourself!!

Don't you just love this one? All 3 boys, pushing ONE little Chloe in her stroller... so cute!
Jacob is doing a little window shopping...
Ethan - we always thought he was King of the Jungle!
Chloe is excited by all the fabulous holiday sights and smells...
The look on Jacobs face when he RAN to the ice rink ( as usual ) and saw the HUGE tree, was PRICELESS!! He LOVED IT!!

{ on a side note, we are seriously thinking about putting this little man - Jacob - in ice skating lessons..I honestly think he may be a "center" in the hockey world someday...hehe }

~ For the Birds

2009-12-22T22:04:00.002-06:00

Another one of those beautiful days came rolling in over the weekend, and we fianlly did what Ethan had been begging to do for a solid week...
Brian & Brandon took them to the PARK!
They had so much fun!
Feeding & Chasing the birds...
Watching all the birds fly
Chasing Brandon
and then being CHASED by Brandon..

This I think is THE picture of the day... what do you think?
I don't know what it is.. but these days it's alot easier to get pictures of our handsome Ethan, when he is NOT looking at the camera ... {giggle}...
And of course. POOH loved it all!!!
{ in case you were wondering, I was at the house...CLEANING in peace... I will go to the park soon.. I did get to take the Peeps somewhere fun this week.. can you guess where? }

Did you say you had snow?

2009-12-19T22:11:00.002-06:00

While some of the country is experiencing record breaking snow fall...we WISH we had snow...at all...BUT we did have a sunny day... a little chilly but no snow...we were able to let the peeps cut loose in the backyard...

Just look at Pooh ! She's LOVING it!! What a little outdoors girl we have... and a testament to the temp...check out those BARE feet...

Jacob & Ethan.. had fun..in a fort...being boys....
Can you spy Ethan???

AND...

might I show off

THIS man

yes, it really is....

THIS is Brian..

also known as

Daddy...

and isn't he just

looking

soooo good?!

Not even a week to go till Christmas!! I can't believe it! Are you ready? I love Christmas morning...everything is so exciting.. it's better than ever when you are the parent...you get to watch your little ones tear into all that paper .....

Pooh is waiting....for Santa...

2009-12-17T22:18:00.003-06:00

Better watch out
Better not pout
Better not cry
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus
is coming
to town.......

What are we doing?

2009-12-16T22:12:00.002-06:00

We are
busy
very busy
everyone is still
adjusting
to the new place
new people
new friends
new routines
or
old routines
in a new place
there are struggles
and
lots of hugs

The boys on a recent afternoon walk

At church, the boys painted pine cones....

Jacob is always happy. Such a trooper.

Ethan is grateful for wide open spaces to run & play

Pooh ♥ Sunshine ♥ a stroll...♥ what more could you need ♥

Not all the leaves have fallen from their trees & we spied this one...a block over...everyone came to a stop and admired.... a lesson in Natures Beauty.

We wanted to Thank you for your prayers. It has been a rough couple of weeks but the Peeps are hanging in, we are blessed to have such wonderful friends and so manyof you are trying to make sure these Holidays are blessed for our Peeps. We just try and get them thru each day & deliver directions ♥ hope ♥ hugs & love as often as we can all day. We are hanging in and counting our Blessings each day!

One last time

2009-12-12T21:57:00.003-06:00

Before we turned in the keys and began a new chapter.. in a new place...we stopped...
so that
Chloe could look out the big front window
1 more time I took the boys for a walk
around their favorite path
and
they found some
red berries
that caught their eye

Some of the most treasured moments are those little steps you repeat day after day ♥

Behind this door

2009-12-12T21:42:00.002-06:00

This looks like just another door...but it's not.. it's the back of our front door...what used to be our front door... it's white....chipped.. and has a child safety thing on it...so the little ones ( not naming names...but they are boys - giggle ) can't open the door and run thru the neighborhood at odd hours...

We looked at this door...everyday....we closed it every time we came home & at night before bed we would lock it.. and double check it too..

Behind this door..

Chloe came home from the hospital - twice

Jacob started walking

and talking

Ethan really started talking

and he became the house "troll"

Jacob started getting crazy rash's

Jacob was diagnosed with food allergies..

We celebrated all the holidays

some twice

We celebrated

Ethan's 3rd & 4th birthdays

Jacobs 2nd birthday

Brandon became a teenager ( eek )

and then he turned 14

Chloe turned 1

Chloe crawled..

Chloe cruised...

We spent time together...praying.. hoping...loving...laughing.. sometimes fighting....surviving...living life...

I started blogging...

Behind this door were coutless normal family days.. and a few not so normal family days...

Behind this door..

was HOME

we haven't seen the back of this door...

in 10 days...

we have a new door

we are still ...

struggling...laughing...crying...praying...and surviving...with alot of help from God & friends...

We are making new memories ....

behind our new front door.

A beautiful Mess

2009-12-02T22:48:00.003-06:00

Pardon me, for not posting anything in 6 days! EEK.... I hope you have been keeping up to date via Twitter & Face Book {if not, they WHY NOT??!!}....
We have MOVED!!! The big move took place today , in fact Brian & a friend are still at the old place, loading stuff for storage...{it's 11pm}...it's been a VERY long day.... but this morning, it SNOWED...yup, it did...
This is Daddy & Ethan unloading the truck....freezing cold and the boys LOVED to help unload the truck! Pooh... she found her new looking out window... and she likes it!!! She was such a trooper today!!

Instead of blogging this past week, this is what I have been looking at...

I prefer Blogging {giggle}

Before the move, Jacob took one last nap in his Crib. They all share a room with us now & the boys have pallets on the floor....when we move in a few months, we will convert his crib into a toddler bed and so this is his last nap in the crib...{yes, I cried}...that last night that I tucked them into bed in that room was very hard... I treasure those little memories of our last night there...the rituals, the cute walk up the stairs... this will be another post....look for it... there will be a door...{giggle}

Before the move, one last walk around our walking path....the leaves had really piled up and the boys really enjoyed playing in them...

As I type this... in bed...in the dark...in a new room... in a strange new home.. I am so very grateful to our friends today...to Jason, James & Stacy... it will be a different and new path we will walk for the next few months and we will walk it all together...trusting God to lead the way.

Chloe is asleep in her crib...10 feet away.. the boys started out on the floor, wearing brand new pajamas {thank you G'ma Janet} and brand new, super cool Sleeping bags ..{thank you Stacy}... and watching Peter Pan on a portable DVD player.. but they abandoned the floor not to long ago and crawled into bed with me... After a little jumping and prodding...Ethan is sleeping, still holding the little DVD player & Jacob finally has fallen asleep as well....

It's a new beginning for us.. one we pray leads the way to a happier chapter in our lives...

pardon the dust

2009-11-30T13:56:00.001-06:00

Please pardon my dust....while I try to both physically MOVE & attempt a holiday blog makeover at the same time!! Rest assured, the Blog will be back up to par in just a few more days... thanks for your paitence! The kids are well... we are getting thru... we have fabulous friends & are finding more blessings around us everyday!! Couldn't resist the pop up Santa banner.. just for a bit...fun , fun, fun...

Home is Where our Story Starts

Helllooooo Hellllloooo HOLA!!!

Happy Valentines Day

It's a beautiful Day to fall in Love....

Passing Time...

Snowmapalooza

Sometimes You don't need words.....

~Desiderata~

The Sword of the Stars....

My little Cowboy

It's the little things

Balloons, Bowling & a 4th Birthday Party

A day.... with a Pooh

Gods 26 Guards....

Nine Years

Many happy Faces

For the love of FOUR

The Christmas that Santa Saved

Just a Peek...

*** FIFTEEN***

Happy Birthday America

FIVE

Next Stop : Kindergarten

~ catching up ~

....Finally....

No words... Just alot of Fun.

Don't forget .....

Wordless Wednesday...

Remember Me??

Behold...a Walking Chloe!!!

Eighteeen Months

Perfect Day at the Park

What happened to Easter?

Out with the Old ~ In with the New

Almost 18 months

Welcome Spring

It's Love People....

Happy Anniversary Honey

~ Beautiful Days ~

Fun Stuff...

It's a Beautiful Day...

Dancing with Daddy

Just a Peek

We didn't forget about you...

Valentines Day & a Surprise

Did you say snow?

look who's shopping?

Pet Store

On the Mend

Shopping!

Could have been blogging...

A Study of A Pooh

Blogger...Did we forget about you???

Catching Up with Us....

Taking a Walk

Our Brave little Pooh

LIfe is a Highway

Jacobs 3rd Birthday

Jacob is 3!!!

Playtime & an upcoming Birthday

Giggles & Grins

In with the new...

Happy New Years Eve

Video of Chloe... lay down to watch!!

Peeps at Play

This & That

Baby...it's COLD out there...

Guess who has her own baby now??

Fun in the Snow...

Christmas 2009

Go Tell it on the mountain..Jesus Christ is BORN!!!

Merry {snowy} Christmas Eve!

Showing off...

A Day to Remember

~ For the Birds

Did you say you had snow?

Pooh is waiting....for Santa...

What are we doing?

One last time

Behind this door

* FIFTEEN*