Finally Recess

It's Beginning to Feel A Lot Like Christmas!

2009-12-06T22:42:00.004-06:00

This weekend was busy! I managed to get the Christmas tree decorated and the Christmas cards in the mail.

It was a pleasure to have my darling Caitlyn help me! She is becoming quite the organizer. I showed her how to lay out the ornaments first so we would know what we had to work with and how to start with the red and white ones first. She did very well actually. There are many clumps of ornaments and my tree has been redecorated multiple times already but it is being well loved!

Brent is doing well with the Christmas tree and he even hung a few ornaments. His sister gave him directions and he was sure to follow! It's amazing how he listens to her better than he listens to me.

Caitlyn and Brent figured out how beautiful it looked with the lights out and Brent quickly become in charge of the lights. It has also been really nice to have Caitlyn turn on and off all the Christmas lights in the house.

Today we enjoyed hot chocolate in front of the Christmas tree while we stuffed Christmas cards. Caitlyn really enjoyed putting labels and stamps on the envelopes. She did an excellent job too. She is such an excellent helper! Can you tell I'm so proud?

There is much more to do but I'm taking it one moment at a time and enjoying it all! I hope your Christmas preparations are going well too. Merry Christmas!!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T08:31:00.000-06:00

There is so much to be thankful for this year! Wow what a wonderful world we live in. It might not be perfect but we have so many wonderful advantages! I'm so thankful that I know that Jesus has blessed me with everything I have!

I am thankful for husband who loves me and I'm still not sure why!

I am thankful for two precious children who play so well together and I pray that they will always love each other the way they do now.

I am thankful for my entire family that has taught me about Jesus, relationships, friendships and has set good examples for myself and my children.

I am thankful for great jobs for my husband and I that we enjoy going to every day.

I am thankful for a terrific church to raise my children in.

I am thankful for a safe neighborhood and terrific, fun neighbors!

I am thankful for my friends to make each day as fun-filled as possible.

Thank you for being in my life. I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Catching up!

2009-11-21T14:23:00.006-06:00

I am so bad at blogging these days. I have tons to write about and not enough time. Oh well, for the 3 of you out there, here are some fun things going on!

Brent is talking non-stop. He is talking in sentences, repeating everything we say and absolutely adorable. It is fun that others are able to understand him as well. He is proud to be in "unerwer" (underwear). He is obviously a self-starter like Jeff because he took on this task and we are following through. I'm in awe at how well he is doing especially after Caitlyn's potty training was such a train wreck.

Caitlyn is doing well in school. She can write her first and last name and is beginning to inquire about how things are spelled. Yesterday she told me that go was spelled "g-o". I love that! She loves to dress up - all the time. Thank goodness I found some good deals after Halloween on princess costumes!! She will love those presents for Christmas. We pick out Caitlyn's clothes every night for the next day. The other night she couldn't decide on an outfit so I stepped in and made a choice after about 15 minutes. She was so upset and cried, "Put it back. I want to be pinkalicious!!" I had picked out a brown shirt and jeans. When I picked her up at school she still had her pink jacket on and zipped all the way up. Little stinker!

Jeff is full swing into hunting and is on a new deer lease where there is more for the kids to do, i.e. four-wheeling. Luckily Caitlyn is old enough to go several times this year. Last week Jeff took Caitlyn and I got to spend time with Brent. After he settled down from crying hysterically that he didn't get to go we had a great weekend together.I love teaching first grade! There is nothing better than seeing your students learn to read! I have also been scrap booking digitally and I just got my first book. I made the blog header at the top which I am very excited about.

Carbon Copy

2009-11-02T11:39:00.000-06:00

Do you see what I see?
I see a little Jeff and a big Jeff! Brent loves his daddy so much!

Fall Festival

2009-10-31T12:08:00.000-05:00

We picked up our friend Carson and went to our neighborhood Fall Festival.
Of course the first step was getting our face painted.
Even Brent wanted a pumpkin on his face. I love how still he sits!
We got to ride ponies, jump in bounce houses, chase Brent out of the bounce house, carry away a crying boy from the bounce house and luckily there was a fire truck!!!
Don't the look precious!
Unfortunately the last of the hats had been given out, but my kids didn't know any better. They loved sitting in the drivers seat.
Who knows maybe they will be a fireman or firewoman?

Six Flags at Night

2009-10-30T11:43:00.000-05:00

We went and enjoyed Six Flags this season at night. It was chilly, crowded but still fun.
The kids are enjoying getting candy at every location. Mom, not so much!
Caitlyn is finally not so scared of cartoon characters.

Brent loved riding the train and started saying, "all aboard!"

Caitlyn rode the big swings this time! This completely freaked me out but she loved it!

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-29T14:10:00.000-05:00

Caitlyn is quite the poser these days. We started out at the Pumpkin Patch in a maze.
Brent loved it and it was great this day because we were the only ones.
They have a great stage where they show movies when there is good weather (which is hardly never).
Thank goodness for Jenn so we could get a family shot.
The kids in the pumpkin house.

Caitlyn was scared of the spider at first so this is good that I could get a picture.
Brent and his buddy Mason with the huge pumpkin.
One final picture with all the Caitlyn, Mason and Brent!

Deer Lease

2009-10-28T14:43:00.000-05:00

We spent a weekend together with Jeff at his new deer lease. We had a great time and had very nice weather. Although we needed about 5 more pairs of socks for Brent, all in all it was a great weekend!
Jeff was able to cut branches and clear a path in his deer stand for bow hunting.
See all his hard work - not really!!!
We lounged.
Lounged and played in the dirt.
Rode on the four wheeler.
Played in the dog kennel.
Danced.
Climbed on all the structures. And did I mention went in and out of the trailer, over and over, bringing in mud and dirt. Again. And. Again! Love my babies.

Around the House

2009-10-27T21:30:00.004-05:00

I often walk in and find Brent and Caitlyn reading. On the couch, in the office, or in Caitlyn's bed.
I love the Superman shirt in the flower bedding! Priceless!
You can catch Brent in a basket!
With a book!
Or on the couch! And believe me he was just jumping. Caitlyn has her Leapster!
Cheese~
I love these precious moments!

Another Cake

2009-09-18T19:32:00.005-05:00

In September we now to get to have cake 9 days apart. This can be a good thing or bad, depending on how many friends you can find to eat it with you!!!

Today is my birthday and I have had a really good one. Last night Jeff took me to a great pizza place in downtown named Zanata. It was low key but very fancy! It reminded me of Albuquerque.

My morning started off with my friends in class singing me happy birthday with a twist. At the end of each line kids now add, "eat more chicken". None of us are sure what it means. Perplexing! They don't really even know?????

My team brought me a gorgeous cake and when I got home another friend had sent me a beautiful flowers and a candle. Tonight I am spending time with the girls. So even though I am half way to 70, which sounds extremely frightening life is really good.

There is a monkey on a back. That I must put to bed now.

Fun Celebration

2009-09-14T21:21:00.006-05:00

Here is Brent on his 2nd birthday, the actual day. It was so cute because I took about 3 pictures and he loved looking in the camera and then going back and posing again. Love that smile!
I made his cake and enjoyed having a few minutes to decorate it. It was one of the calmest things that I did all day. We had several close friends over to bar-b-q and have cake and ice cream. Very low key but so fun.
When I showed Brent his cake he even said, "wow"
Luckily Brigette had the idea to get a family picture. I'm so pleased with how it came out.
Mason and Brent had fun playing and talking with the dogs through the window.
Present time was fun. Brent had lots of good help opening presents and tons of fun with all the goodies!

Happy Birthday Brent

2009-09-09T21:57:00.002-05:00

Brent turned 2 today. Hard to believe because he is growing up so fast!

He loves to climb up on everything.
He will follow after his sister and do whatever she is doing.
He enjoys playing cars, shooting baskets, and making "play" food with his sisters.

He has started climbing out of his bed but luckily we have found some peace in that he will stay now until the morning! Thankfully! I am not ready for the toddler bed.

He has begun potty training. All his doing. Not mine. I'm fine waiting until forever.... But choo-choo underwear are so cool.

He throws a fit when we make him sit in a high-chair of any sort or wear a bib, because of course he is a big boy now.

He still gives me kisses, and hugs and lets me rock him whenever I want to. I love him dearly!

Happy Birthday Brent

Weekend Fun

2009-08-25T20:42:00.009-05:00

Friday night was Meet the Teacher Night. It went very well and afterwards Jeff and I rushed over to the new Cowboys Stadium for the first game there. We met our friends and had a great time.
We actually found decent parking where we didn't have to walk for but it isn't known for being cheap, even though we found a cheaper spot. Check it out, Jeff thinks it looks like a space ship!
The view from our seats. Very nice. We were about 3 out of 7 levels.
Saturday Jeff and Caitlyn headed to the deer lease. Jeff said Caitlyn was a fantastic help, handing him tools and such. She enjoyed laying on the corn and playing in her boots!! Brent was sad not to go but maybe next year.
Before they took off Jeff was able to get in a golf lesson with Brent.
Check out that swing!

He would run after the ball dragging his club back. So precious! More pictures coming of our late minute trip to the lake too.

A New Year

2009-08-18T21:17:00.003-05:00

We started a new school year yesterday. Our district always has a convocation and our guest speaker this year was Mrs. Laura Bush. She was a terrific speaker and I really enjoyed it. We were not allowed to take photographs of her unfortunately. It was very intriguing to see the secret service around the building.

Mrs. Bush spoke about the importance of educators and literacy. She told about being a teacher in Dallas and Houston but then quit for 6 months because there were no dating prospects in teaching!! Obviously she worked that out. She went back quickly because teaching wasn't a boring job and I guess the brokerage job she worked out didn't quite hold her interest. She knew she always wanted to be a teacher since 2nd grade and her mother knew too. Her mother overheard her getting on to her stuffed animals for not paying attention when she was teaching them. I can remember doing this myself!!

She started off telling about her family. They had just come back from a vacation in Maine with the extended Bush family. I wish I could remember the funny advice that Barbara Bush gave her! She told us that since they have moved back to Dallas it has been like living like newlyweds because all their furniture is in Crawford. So they are in the process of furnishing their new home. In stand up comedic form she told us that George (as she called him of course but I think we are supposed to refer to him differently - don't tell) rides up and down the street in their neighborhood and introduces himself to the neighbors. She's so funny!

Here is a picture of my first grade team at the convocation. Kimberly, Julie, me, Kristina and Susan

Boots!

2009-08-15T17:03:00.002-05:00

I got the kids rain boots. Especially news worthy because we have had so much rain and now that they have them we will most likely not have rain for months! Caitlyn loves to wear hers. She will wear hers with every outfit imaginable! Adorable!
Dress up and baby dolls are all the rage right now!
Brent is more of a natural guy!
I got his a size bigger. Ya know so he can grow into them and I can get my monies worth. So his slip off all the time. I love how he is stuck in this "monkey" pose! Priceless! Isn't that a kissable face!

Rocking Good Mornings!

2009-08-14T17:13:00.005-05:00

This is what I found when I went into the living room after breakfast. Last night Jeff and his friends went to a Ducks Unlimited banquet and one of our dear friends bought the kids this beautiful children's rocking chair. I've been so impressed because the kids have shared the rocking chair and haven't fought over it all day. Right before I came into the living room I heard Caitlyn say, "Hey buddy you want to sit in the rocking chair?"
I found her looking at the pictures of Brent. She loves looking at pictures and inquires about every detail!!
They can also fit in the rocking chair together. They loved the rocking chair and the puzzles we pulled out of the closet again. It was a great way to spend our last official summer morning together.

Thank you John!

Sweet Things

2009-08-06T14:46:00.004-05:00

Here are some things I have had the pleasure to see as I have stayed at home with the kids this summer.

Caitlyn and Brent were sitting together watching a movie and Caitlyn reached over and put her arm around Brent and kissed him on the head.
Today at Chick-Fil-A I told Caitlyn to keep an eye on her brother while playing and she was with him every step of the way, until he took off ahead of her! It was so fun to see them come down the slide together.
Then they shared ice cream and she even tried to feed him but ended up gagging him. LOL!
Caitlyn will tell Brent, "say das, say das." And he will. I have to correct her to tell him the correct word YES so he is hearing the correct language.
Caitlyn has gone in to the bathroom and fixed his toothbrush up for him.
Brent will do everything Caitlyn does. If she leans against a tree, he will too. Today Caitlyn was leaning against a wall doing a special drawing game, so Brent got a game and leaned against the wall and read his book.
Tonight the kids got their blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and books and had a camp out.

I especially love to see them hug each other and see their special bond grow stronger each day.

Cooking, Playing and Poppins

2009-07-23T16:44:00.004-05:00

These pictures show what a typical day of summer might look around our house when we don't get out of the house all day. I turned my back for a couple of minutes and Caitlyn had all these kitchen tools out and was cooking up a mean dish of "spicy" cheese sticks with salt and pepper. To me it looks like more dishes to wash. But the smile is worth it, huh!
Caitlyn and Brent are loving there swing set/play area outside now that the weather has cooled off and it is not a blazing 110 degrees! Brent prefers to be outside and Caitlyn is fine with it as long as she can dress up and take all her toys too. Bonus for me: They love playing together!
First they were playing inside the dog houses. Gross - I know! Then they began crawling all over the tops of them and I finally figured out they are "airplanes." Gotta love those imaginations!
Last night Caitlyn and I had a movie date to watch Mary Poppins. This was her first musical and I was so hoping she would love it. She did! Mary Poppins, the musical is coming to Dallas in September and October and I'm hoping to get us tickets to go.

For our movie night we had to have popcorn and candy. How did she know this? Not quite sure. We have taken her to the movie once, at Christmas time and I don't remember making a big deal about the food. The movie on the other hand will forever stick out in my mind, it was the new movie about dogs and we thought she would love it. What we didn't know and now feel kind of dumb admitting it is that it was a tear jerker, Marley & Me. So I was holding her and trying not to lose it.

I digress. We had a great time and I can't wait to take her to the musical.

Lazy Saturdays

2009-07-18T13:01:00.002-05:00

I love lazy days when you can lounge around in your pj's, drink coffee and watch the kids play. Today has been one of those days.

I have been letting the kids go outside and play early in the morning, usually anywhere between 7 and 9 before it gets scorching hot. Yesterday and today we have had a break in our 17 day stretch of over 100 degree temperatures so the kids got to enjoy playing longer. Which was really good since we slept in 'til 9:15!!! Lucky break for me!

Caitlyn went out in her nightgown, bracelet and princess shoes. Don't think she forgot her purse! It was so cute to watch her go up the ladder and down the slide all decked out. She and Brent were playing restaurant. I wish I would have gotten pictures, but then it wouldn't have been a lazy day!

Brent can now go up the ladder all on his own and is so proud of himself when he gets to the top. I know I say it every time but he is getting so big, so fast.

When the kids were ready to come inside we went upstairs to play dollhouse, kitchen, dancing, and of course doctor.

I got to be the patient. My ailment was an upset tummy. Caitlyn looked around for the doctor toys. Her dad lets her play with some of his doctor kit when he is home and playing her (nothing like starting her off early, huh?).

I explained that is off limits so she begins to look around for other options and to watch her brain begin to work. So she uses a ketchup bottle to take my temperature. She gives me a shot with a dollhouse lamp. Then she runs to Brent's room and grabs 4 blocks and runs back in.

Now while she was gone, she has instructed Brent to rub my feet. He does. Nice! I'm liking this! Then she puts 2 blocks underneath each heel. "Hey, is this some kind of acupuncture medicine?"

She begins to move to the stomach area. "So mommy. You have a baby in your tummy, right."
"No"
"Yes"
Back and forth we go.
I was cracking up. This little one of mine. Hand-full!!! Love her so much.

Hurricane Harbor

2009-07-17T18:19:00.008-05:00

We recently headed to the water park with these two cuties! Love those hats.
They love the water. Caitlyn is happy to walk around in her princess glory and maybe grace the slides. We have always been able to tell that Brent was our water boy since he was very young.
This particular day Brent decided to start going under water and he loves to jump in from the side of the pool.
Caitlyn has finally gotten comfortable swimming by herself with her life jacket on. All in good time!
I love the expression on her face. "I can do this! I can be brave!"
Brent loves to splash and to be one with the water!
Either way we all had a great day and were worn out when all was said and done!

Recital Princess

2009-07-15T14:44:00.003-05:00

Caitlyn joined the dance class at her daycare when she began in March. Their recital was at the end of May. After her "performance" at Little Gym we were unsure what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised. She performed and did what she was supposed to. She smiled, danced, and followed the choreography. We enjoyed watching her and the other girls, 4 year olds can always make you smile and laugh with their specials "goofs".

One of our favorite things about dance class is that she goes during the day, so we don't have to go after work and find something to do with Brent to keep him happy or rush to feed the kids before class.
Here are the kids before the recital or pictures - I can't remember.
Here is Caitlyn with her friend Sophia and her trophy after the recital.

Special Connection

2009-07-11T16:02:00.003-05:00

This summer has been so special for so many reasons but mostly I'm enjoying the tiny moments. I love finding Caitlyn and Brent together.
Brent is always imitating his big sister. And Caitlyn is always patient and gentle with him too.
On a side note, this week Brent began walking down the stairs foward facing. Another big milestone. He is growing up way too fast.

San Diego Vacation 2009

2009-07-11T14:41:00.004-05:00

This post along with so many others are so late in being completed. But in someone's famous words, "Better late, than never!"

Jeff and I had the opportunity to go to San Diego with the kids this summer. We went to Sea World, Wild Animal Park, and the World's Famous San Diego Zoo. However the highlight of our trip was when Jeff met his dad. We had a great time reconnecting.

I have uploaded the pictures to www.snapfish.com and am not sure how well this will work but if you get a chance to breeze through them enjoy. We truly had a great time!

8th Anniversary

2009-06-10T17:06:00.002-05:00

Jeff and I celebrated our 8th anniversary yesterday. He sent me a dozen long stem red roses during the day. I got to swim with my sweet children while I am off for the summer while he slaved away at work! Then for the evening we went to dinner and a movie. We went back to the restaurant where we got engaged at 8 years ago. So hard to believe it has been that long ago. We have made it through PA school, a big move, buying our first house and having two magnificent children. It has been so much fun!

I told Caitlyn that we would be going out for the evening and she was intrigued with the whole idea that we were celebrating our anniversary but from all the discussion she really only focused on two points. We were going to our wedding and that she wanted a man-boy to marry! This morning when I woke up she immediately asked me (because she is staring at me waiting for me to open my eyes), "Did you have fun at your wedding last night mommie?" Her second question was when will I have a man-boy and/or will you be my man-boy? She obviously doesn't get that one at all. Thankfully for this mom and dad's sake!

Ophelia Gilmore June 26, 1923-May 5, 2009

2009-05-06T22:14:00.003-05:00

Dear Torchy,

I always loved your nickname and thought it was neat that I could call you Torchy instead of Grandma. I felt like I was getting away with something.

Torchy, I am so thankful for the time we had together when I first moved to Dallas and began my teaching career. I would come over every Tuesday night (and any other night I called and you let me drop by) and you would cook me dinner. I so enjoyed hanging out with you and watching you cook. You were so good at setting the timer and you were sure to fuss everytime I did the dishes, but I had to do something to help out. That was such an extra special time in my life that I think of so fondly. You tried several times to teach me to make Jalepeno Dressing and you would make it on everyday occasions just because you, Uncle James and I loved it so much. I am pretty sure that everytime I came over I would crash out on your couch and watch tv and so many of those times I remember getting to lay my head in your lap. I could also bring laundry to your house and it was never a problem.

It was fun times helping you pack up your apartment. Maybe not so fun. You were so adament on how to do things and of course I had a much better plan. You were going to be packed weeks before your move but I realized then where I got my stubborness from.

I remember crawling up in the bed with you one time when you were at the hospital and watching game shows. The nurses frowned on us, but we didn't care. Grandma, I so badly wanted to crawl into bed with you yesterday at the hospital and watch tv but instead I got to hold your hand, give you a kiss and tell you to go on to heaven. I'm so glad you are with Jesus and so many other loved ones.

I have such wonderful memories that have been brought to my mind since yesterday. One time when I was little I came by myself to Dallas and when we went to the grocery store you bought me green apples just because I wanted them. Then I got in trouble because I didn't eat them. I loved coming to see you because you always had treats and especially Honey Buns. I particulary remember sitting in front of your old house on Audelia and the song that goes, "You gotta know when to hold em, know when to fold em" came one and you said that was one your favorites. I was floored because that didn't really seem your style. I love that song to this day. I remember driving to your bank, which seemed like the longest drive in the world. All the cashiers knew and loved you there. When I moved to Dallas you would go home with me and I so enjoyed the company and you always had change in your pockets to pay the toll. You always loved to stop and get a "cold drink"!

I can vividly remember a scary time too. We had gone Christmas shopping at Town East Mall and Kari and I were with you in the car. You began driving us home and I was terrified we wouldn't make it doing 45 mph on the freeway. But you did. (I drove from there on out.) You made it to 85 years old. There are so many more memories, some sad, some that made us mad, but most of the them are so funny and good!

Thank you for loving me all the time. I'm so thankful of all the special times we had together. I love you so much. I miss you already!

Love always,

Stephanie