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!