No Way

Paige's favorite phrase is "No Way!!!" She says it when she's mad, happy, or everything in between. She's a little lady who knows what she wants and certainly knows what she doesn't want.

This phrase will come in handy as she grows up, and I hope she says it with as much conviction as she does now....unless she's sayin' it to me!

Happy Birthday Little Bro

Twenty-eight years ago I became a big sister. I was only five years old, but I remember that night very clearly. My dad woke me up in the middle of the night, wrapped me in a blanket, and put me in the car. I was so confused! I woke up the next morning in a strange bed that had a picture of Jesus right above it. I was at the Jones' house, friends of my parents. Mrs. Jones woke me up and told me my dad was on the phone. He told me that I had a little brother and I got very sad. I really, really wanted a sister!!! I laid back in bed and looked up at that picture of Jesus and said to myself, "I'm going to love my baby brother anyway."

And, that is just what I did!!

This quote pretty much sums up how I feel about Jay....

The mildest, drowsiest girl has been known to turn tiger if her sibling is in trouble.

Clara Ortega

Hands Off

Sis, look at my birthday sopapillas...

I didn't say you could touch them!!!

Seriously, hands off!!!

Now I'm mad....really, really mad!

Ready for Summer

It's only they beginning of January, but I'm already craving the smell of suntan lotion and chlorine. I am not particularly fond of this time of year. I think it has to do with my teaching days. Third nine weeks was awful....back from a two week Christmas break with no days off until Spring break. With teaching 3rd grade, this time of year was always about preparing for state testing. I almost became ill last Sunday night when I was preparing Jake for his first day back. I was thinking that if I was still a teacher I would have to be going back the next day too. Didn't mean to get on the whole "I'm glad I'm not a teacher" kick....it just came out! Sorry!

Back to summer...I need sunshine. This cold, icy weather is making me grumpy. It probably doesn't help that my Christmas tree is still up, and I have toys scattered everywhere that have no place yet. I love to be bundled up and cozy right up until Christmas day, and then I'm ready for the pool. It is supposed to get Arctic cold tonight. Like zero degrees! The kids don't even have school tomorrow because of the freezing temps.

Tomorrow I am going to daydream about warmer weather. Our trip to Vegas in March. The Jimmy Buffett concert in April. Laying by the pool with my Sonic drink. The beach. Tank tops. Flip flops. Sunglasses. Shorts....Oh, wait. I hate shorts. Sundresses. The lake. Watermelon.

Summer also means more time with my honey. Residency over. One whole month off. Can't wait!

Thomas

Meet Thomas. My kids love this dog! They want this dog. They are obsessed with him. He belongs to my mom and she had to bring him with her last weekend when she came to watch the kids. This is the first time a dog has ever been in my house. I'm not really a dog lover. Don't judge me. I don't like my feet being licked. I don't like dog hair. I don't like the annoying barking. I don't like the idea of having to "potty train" yet another being. Frankly, I don't want the responsibility. I have enough on my plate with my two kids.

Ok, I've caved. All that being said above we are going to have to get our kids a dog. They need a dog. I guess I've been convinced that all children need an animal to love and according to Jake a fish doesn't count. We've had 4 fish, which have all gone to pet heaven. Jake has decided that fish aren't really pets because you can't "pet" them. I guess I would have to agree.

We are looking for the perfect dog, if one exist. Our plan is to ask Santa for one next Christmas. This gives us plenty of time to adjust to our new house and research what kind of dog would be perfect for us.....

In the meantime, they will just have to play with Thomas.

Cotton Bowl Weekend

After celebrating with the birthday boy....

At the Riverwalk....(which is where he wanted to go).....

And eating at Los Cabos....

And taking him to play video games....

We headed to Dallas for the Cotton Bowl!!!!

Even though the game turned out to be a huge disappointment we sure had fun!!

It was nice to spend quality time with my husband....

And my family!!

Chandra and Jim the night before the game.

Dad and Nancy

At halftime when we still had high hopes of winning.

Happy!!!!!!!!!

John and Lindsay

Jay and Steph

This weekend was one of the best weekends I've ever had! I will always remember this weekend as a time I got to spend with my family doing what we were raised to do.....support our OSU Cowboys....win or lose.

Happy 6th Birthday Jake

Six years ago my whole life changed.

I became something that I had always longed to be....a MOTHER.

How could the big boy that is sitting next to me as I type right now ever have been in my tummy?

Is it possible that it's the same boy who stole my heart from the moment he was born?

Is it possible that it's the same boy who watched the OSU bowl game in the hospital the day after he was born?

Jake has always been such a special child. He is the light of my life and he brings a smile to my face everyday.

My boy loves water...the swimming pool, the lake, the ocean, or the tiny plastic pool we have in our backyard.

He loves to play outside whether it's hot or cold.

He is a great big brother. He loves, cuddles, and protects his baby sister.

My boy loves to fish!!!

And, he loves OSU and shoots OU flags with his Pistol Pete gun. ( I love it)

He has always been my cuddle bug. He still likes to lay with me on the couch and watch TV. He still gives me hugs and kisses and tells me, "Mama, I just love you so much." Oh, it melts my heart.

He is Daddy's little shadow. He looks up to Brad and wants to be just like him. I probably hear 100 times a day..."When is Daddy coming home?" Their bond is incredible.

My boy loves Star Wars, Batman, and all kinds of superheros.

Six years ago God blessed us with a precious gift we named Jake. My mom always told me that a mother has a special bond with their first child. Not that mothers don't love their other children as much, but their first child is what made them a MOM!!!

Happy 6th Birthday sweet, precious, loving boy!!!!