Welcome 2009!

Before we head to our neighbor's home for a New Year's Eve celebration, I want to wish everyone a safe and happy new year. I plan to sit down tomorrow and blah, blah, blog all about our wonderful Christmas season and share the many moments we captured. Stay tuned...

Samuel David's One Year Pictures

Here are a few pictures we had taken of Sam to mark his first year. I know I'm his mother, but he is one handsome little boy. Enjoy!

Oh, Eli!

My original purpose for this blog was to chronicle all of the everyday happenings in our family's life. So, I thought I would post a few cute things Eli has said in the past couple of days before I forget them.

1. While we were playing in front of the Christmas tree, he grabbed a Little People plastic Santa and looked at it as though he was deep in thought. Then all of a sudden he says, "Mommy, we can call Sam 'Samma Claus.'" I thought it was so cute and very clever for a three year old.

2. Yesterday he comes up to me and says, "Mommy, I want to watch that movie with the brown dinosaur." Having no idea what he is talking about, I ask,"What movie?" He says, "You know, A.T." Then I realized he was talking about E.T. He saw a preview for it the day before. Now everytime the tv is on he asks to watch A.T.

3. We were looking at pictures of the half marathon Nick and ran Sunday. He says, "Mommy, that's you and daddy running. Did you smoke him?" I wished I could say I did, but I was laughing too hard, and I most certainly did not "smoke him."

4. masketti = spaghetti
bazanya = lasagna
maddition = magician
buzz bunny = Bugs Bunny
droopiter = Jupiter
Jesus isn't simply Jesus; he's "Dear Jesus" because that is how he starts his prayers

Oh, Eli!

We ran the Rock!

This morning Nick and I completed the Dallas White Rock Half-Marathon. It was the first half for both of us (Nick ran the full marathon back in 2005). The atmosphere was electrifying and I enjoyed myself for about the first ten miles, then it was not so fun. Thanks to Nick, who encouraged me when I needed it most, we finished under my goal time. I certainly have a new respect for full marathoners and even elite half-marathoners. The mental training for a race like that is just as important as the physical. Somewhere between miles 11 and 12, I vowed to never run another race like that again, but now that I'm sitting comfortably in my house and the shooting pain in my hip has subsided, I'm reconsidering. I can't speak for Nick, but you'll probably catch me on the course again in 2009. Thanks to all of you guys who supported us in our training. It means a lot. And thanks to my sweet husband who encouraged me all the way today. I love ya! Thanks also to our great neighbor Jill for watching the boys for us while we ran. We appreciate it so much.

Sam's First Birthday - Part II

On Saturday, we had a party at our house for Sam so our friends in the area could help us celebrate our special boy. We ate lunch, played games, opened gifts, and played in the backyard. Thanks to everyone that attended; we had a great time. And for those of you who couldn't, enjoy the pictures. I'm sorry there are so many, but Nick and I gave ourselves a new camera for Christmas, so we were snap happy. If you make it through the whole slide show, you're a trooper. Have a great week!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy Birthday Sweet Sammy!

Today my baby turns 1! I can't believe it. It's wonderful to see him thriving and becoming a sweet, cuddly little boy, but I'm sad because he's growing up too fast for me. I know I'm not alone; most parents wish they could stop time to relish the cute baby phase. Anyway, here are a few things I want to remember about my sweet boy Sam on his first birthday:

1. He gives his mommy the best slobbery kisses ever!

2. He's definitely a daddy's boy. As soon as Nick walks through the door, he makes a mad dash for him with his arms high in the air.

3. He sleeps through the night! Need I say more?

4. Sammy is mommy's little shopping buddy. He could go all day with me as long as I keep food in his belly.

5. His big brown eyes melt my heart.

6. When I sing to him, he tries to sing along with me.

7. He doesn't let his big brother walk all over him.

8. He has such a gentle nature. He's observant - likes to sit back and watch what everyone else is doing.

9. Sammy LOVES to eat. Nick started feeding him ice cream at a young age and that by far is his favorite food. I've never seen anyone open their mouth so wide as when he's getting ice cream.

10. I love his face when he first wakes up. Precious!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SAMMA-LAMMA DING DONG! We love you so much!

Sam's First Birthday Party - Part 1

While we were visiting family for Thanksgiving, we thought it would be a good chance for them to help Sam celebrate his 1st birthday. Technically, he won't be one until Thursday, December 4th, but with all of the traveling everyone is having to do this time of year, we decided that instead of one monster party, we would have two smaller affairs - one with my family in Port Lavaca, and another with friends and neighbors at home. Sam was spoiled with great gifts and a cool party. He's very lucky to be so loved. Thank you to all that were there! You made it very special for our sweet boy.
Enjoy the pictures. I'll post more after his second party this weekend.

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Make a Smilebox slideshow

Thanksgiving

We had a fun filled Thanksgiving in Port Lavaca this year. On Thursday, the family got together at Aunt Bon and Uncle James' house. The kids played while the adults stuffed themselves silly. We feasted on Uncle Bubo's brisket and turkey, as well as the usual calorie loaded, mouth watering side dishes - mom's broccoli and rice casserole and Aunt Bon's dressing being my all-time favorites.
On Saturday, we were treated to another feast at Uncle Bubo's house. He's done some work to his home and added a nice area outside perfect for this type of family event. His property stretches pretty far, so there was plenty of room for the kiddos to run around. We played horseshoes and washers and at the end of the evening enjoyed a bonfire. Everyone had an awesome time. Thanks Bubo! Now that we know how nice it is, we'll be invading your home again soon!

More Pics from Port Lavaca

I'm finally posting some new pics from our recent week-long trip to Port Lavaca. Nick drove us down and stayed through Halloween weekend then came back home to work for the week. The boys and I had a nice visit with Grammy, PawPaw, NatNat, Uncle James, Aunt Bon, and MeeMaw. While we were there, Eli was able to take in the local Veterans Day Parade, spend the night at NatNat's house, and do some fishing with PawPaw. We had a great time and can't wait to see everyone again for Thanksgiving. Thanks Grammy, PawPaw, and NatNat! We love you!

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Pumpkin patch and playground pics

I just wanted to post a few pictures from October I never got around to. These are from an afternoon at the playground swinging and feeding ducks and our trip to the local pumpkin patch. Enjoy! Everyone have a great day!

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Halloween

Here are a few pictures from our Halloween in Port Lavaca. Halloween is my mom's birthday, so we try to make it down to PL sometime around the 31st every year. Aunt Bon, Uncle James, and MeMaw brought dinner and dessert over, then the boys trick-or treated. Sam fell asleep about halfway through. He slept in his stroller while Eli had a blast handing out candy with Grammy. We had a spooktacular night.

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Free At Last!

Words can't describe how happy I am that America finally stood up and elected a President that truly has the good of EVERYONE at the top of his priority list. As I've posted before, America (and the rest of the world, for that matter) has been yearning to break free of an administration that only cared about the wealthy. I'm hopeful that our country is back on the right track to provide liberty and happiness for all. I know most of you who read this disagree with my point of view, but that's what makes America so great - we can look at things differently and live in harmony. I'm on such a high because this is the first time my candidate has ever won. GOD BLESS EVERYONE! (not just America)

Awesome Hubby Award

This past Sunday I woke up with a terrible sore throat and did not feel like doing much of anything, let alone, taking care of two kiddos. It was one of those days where I wanted to chop my head off. I'm such a wuss when I get a sore throat; I totally forget how to function. Anyway, my incredible husband came through like he always does. He took the boys out to run errands, to have a picnic lunch, and to play at the park. All of this time I was taking a much needed nap. Just having the quiet time to myself did me so much good. He also cleaned the house, cooked breakfast and dinner, and cleaned out my car, among other things. He was a busy guy on Sunday and I just wanted to send him a shout to let him know how much I appreciate what a great father and husband he is. He doesn't get told enough. You're awesome babe and we love you!!!

Time for Change!

I went to early vote yesterday and was pleasantly surprised that I had to wait in line on a Wednesday afternoon. Even though I realize the importance of this election (having survived the horrible Bush years), it really hit me how much the people of this country yearn for a change. I took the boys with me, the whole time trying to answer all of Eli's questions as to what I was doing. I know he's too young to understand, but I hope to take the boys with me every time I vote so they learn just how important our right to vote is, that they do have a voice, and that we are lucky to live in America. Eli even got to push the red "VOTE" button for me when I was finished. He seemed pretty proud of himself. Now, if you haven't done so already, whether you're democrat or republican, GO VOTE!!!
For those who really know me, it's no mystery who I voted for. This mamma loves Obama!

Sammy's walking!

Last week, our sweet baby Sam decided to take his very first steps. It was amazing! Now he's standing up from sitting totally unassisted. It seems when they hit one milestone, things start to happen pretty fast. Hopefully, by Thanksgiving, he'll be runnning all over the place. I'm so proud of him, but he just made mommy's life so much busier!

Kennedy's First Halloween Party

Saturday we went to Keller to Kennedy Pierce's first annual Halloween party. We all had a really good time. Eli was dressed as Bob the Builder and Sam was the cutest turtle ever. Eli spent most of the party running around with Cade (the Transformer) and Sam spent the evening destroying the decorations that were at his level. The hostess, Kennedy, is the one in the pink bunny costume (too cute). Can't wait until next year!

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Big Tex and the State Fair

It's become a tradition for our family to venture out to the State Fair of Texas and stuff ourselves silly with all the delicious fair food. This year was no different, that's for sure. It was raining a little when we arrived, but that didn't stop us. We took our yearly picture in front of Big Tex (Eli's favorite part of the whole fair) and with Elsie the Cow. We tried some of the new fried delicacies featured this year, and by my vote, the fried grilled cheese topped them all. The chicken fried bacon ran a close second. The boys enjoyed looking at the animals; Peter the Great, a 2000+ lb bull was quite impressive. Eli got to ride the Dragon Wagon, a kid roller coaster, once with mommy and later with daddy. He had a blast just walking through the midway. Some college kid gave him a giant Spiderman that he had won and didn't want to take home. He's played with that thing nonstop. We capped off the day with the nightly parade and light show. All in all, it was a great time and wonderful first fair for Sam. Until next year, Big Tex...

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A few more colorado pics

I'm Back!

After finally getting the motivation to start a blog back in January, I'm finally finding the time to really give it a go. It's been a busy year, but a great one. I'm promising myself and my kids to do a better job of blogging to have a better record of their milestones and childhood.
Anyway, we had a fun and relaxing summer. Now that the weather's cooling down and we're coming into Fall, I find that I'm turning into a kid myself. I love this time of year -Halloween, the leaves changing, the hot Texas weather cooling off, and, of course, Thanksgiving. I'm giddy over the thought of costumes, chocolate, pumpkin patches, turkey, my mom's broccoli and cheese casserole - all the things that make this season so great. Eli's going to be Bob the Builder for Halloween and Sam is going to be a turtle. We have our first Halloween party this weekend at Kennedy Pierce's house, so I'll be sure to post pictures.
Last weekend we ventured to Colorado for Nick's cousin Cynthia's wedding. It was gorgeous (as was she) and we were fortunate to take in a few sites while we were there. We visited the Royal Gorge (which I didn't find so royal - too high for my taste) and rode the cog railroad to the top of Pike's Peak. We also got to spend a couple of days with another one of Nick's cousins Tanya and her family. They live on a beautiful piece of property with a barn and several horses. Needless to say, Eli had a blast.
Enjoy the pictures and have a great week!

Finally!

This is my first venture into the blogging world. After months of reading others' thoughts and updates on their daily lives, I figured I'd give it a try. So here goes . . .

For those of you who don't know, I stay at home with my two beautiful boys, Eli (almost 3) and Sam (7 weeks). Today has been a pretty normal day except for the fact that I'm feeling a little under the weather. Sam helped out last night and slept from 9pm-5am. It was WONDERFUL! I can only hope he makes it a habit. As I type, my awesome husband, Nick, is on his way home to give me some relief so I can at least fix my hair. We've decided to brave Chuck E. Cheese this evening as a potty training reward for Eli. That should tell you just how desperate we are for him to go poo-poo in the potty. With a toddler potty training and a newborn, my life seems to revolve around pee and poop. But ya know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.