QOY (Quote of the Year):

"Mommy and Daddy, They have date nights. They Go in their room, close the door, turn up the TV real loud. I can't go in there." Said Caleb to his grandparents.

Ooopps! Wonder where that Came from?!

Shall I play for you?

Little Drummer Boy:

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum 

A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.

Walk a mile...

...but in her case, ACROSS the ROOM...;o)
Sarah is walking now. She started on Christmas, and then the Day after Christmas it was more evident, she was walking Full Throttle. We are so excited to see her new developments.  Especially Caleb! H e starts yelling for me every time she steps away from the couch and takes off. I love his enthusiasm. He loves having a sibling, and I'm proud of him for being such a big brother! She and Caleb Constantly amaze me. But in different ways. With Caleb he amazes me how much he's learning and how his vocab. is improving daily. He comprehends things so much better than he did last year at this time, he is just the most awesome little man! I have never regretted him starting school this year. It was the best thing we've done for him.

I hope everyone had a great and Merry Christmas. I know we did!

Christmas on Short Street

Well, as another year rolls around, there have been plenty of blessings and discouragements, I'm sure for all of us. Things have been crazy in our household to say the least. But through it all, My God is a Mighty One. He's seen us through each and every storm. We are truly starting to learn how to dance in the rain, instead of waiting for the Sunshine and Rainbows...Even though you may not see them now, in your present situation, God has plan's and there IS a reason for everything! If not to make your Stronger, but more Understanding of Him.

So, With that said, I'm feeling very blessed this Christmas. I'm blessed that everyone was here and alive. God seems to constantly remind me daily of what we almost lost. My beautiful children are healthy, and living full happy lives. Life is short, and can be so easily whisked away from you. Within the same breath I can definitely say that I will never forget this year, and I never want to remember this year, for that simple fact alone. And you know, no matter what..With all the presents, the money, the gifts, the ONLY thing that really matters is the Love and Blessings of a family.
We were concerned this year, because Rob wasn't working very much since a week before Thanksgiving. It was to the point that we wouldn't know where Christmas was going to come from for the kids (we NEVER give each other anything) and we didn't know where this months money for 1/2 the bills was going to come from. I couldn't really get mad at his work, nor the weather. It was just one of those things, that you can't prevent. That is just part of the field of work that he is in.

We did the best we could this year, and when it comes down to it, we were just all glad to be together, relaxing, eating with family, and enjoying the day inside where it was warm and cozy. This year we had Christmas dinner at our house. Wow, talk about excitement! It has always been a goal of mine to be able to host Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner at my home. I feel so honored that I was able to. We had loads of fun, and lots to eat. Even though not all the family could make it, because of sickness or trips back to their own homes, but all were thought of on a wonderful day!

All in all, Christmas 2009 was a fantastic one!

Blessings this year? My Daughter, Sarah. My Beautiful New Home, My BIG spacious Van!

The Abundant Love of My Sweet Little Family! Love you Robert, Caleb and Sarah!

We love you all, and Wish You a Very Merry Christmas!

God is all knowing and all powerful.

Trust in Him for everything.

Let Go and Let God, Lead you in everything.

There is no sweeter name, than His!

14 months

Sarah, you seem to be getting so big, faster than we can handle!

We love you so much, and are so happy you are a part of our little family!

Sometimes you can outeat your brother AND daddy.

You have the best little smile this side of heaven, and you always keep us laughing!

You know how to say kitty, ball, momma, daddy, bubba, duck, I love you, and a few others.

You're taking half steps "When you want to" and would rather Crawl than walk anywhere.

You adore your brother to no end. Comfort him when he's upset, and pick on him when he doesn't welcome it!

You love bananas, crackers, Cereal Puffs, cheese, bread by the slice, and just about any other thing we put in front of you to eat!

You love Mothers Day Out, but also love to cuddle with mom or dad when relaxing at home.

You are a true daddy's girl, and relish in it!

You have a love for all animals, and are currently not afraid of Gauge and Farrah anymore. :)

You love to climb and be in the middle of your brothers toys when he's playing. (By the way, he's not too fond of that!)

You're willing to go to anyone that is standing rather than sitting. You like to be high in the air to see all that is going on around you.

You love watching the weather, rather snow or rain, or the beautiful leaves blowing.

You love our family afternoon walks.

You love the van and car rides.

You love shoes, and wearing them. Because that means we are "going" somewhere. You don't care where. :)

You love to sing along, even though we don't understand.

You love to "gripe" us out when things don't go your way!

Daddy, Mommy and Bubba love you bunches!

Our sweet little princess.

You are truly a blessing to us all.

Oh Baby, Its Cold Outside....

Today, there was snow when we woke up, and Caleb was super excited. His daddy and Him had so much fun playing, making snowballs, and snow angels! He did mention that we needed a carrot. Why?

For the snowman!!..But he mentioned, "Mittens, aren't good for building snowmen." 

LOL TOO CUTE!!?

Starting Young....

I think my daughter is acquiring a shoe fetish...if she knows where her shoes are, she'll bring them to me to put them on, and she gets excited and holds her feet out to you! TOO CUTE!

Her favorite pairs, thus far!...The beginning of a lifelong hobby!!...hey, a girl has to have at lease ONE guilty pleasure!

Family Traditions...

Oh, how we love that the holidays are upon us. The kids did our tradition of decorating the tree the day after Thanksgiving. And not a moment too soon. Both were excited to see the beautiful tree in our living room. I'm looking past the little incident of Sarah actually trying to EAT the ornaments. It was too cute to watch her! Caleb is getting so big, and I can't believe he's actually big enough to help decide where the ornaments go. So much fun!

Caleb ~ 9 months old.

"Super Cabo" Pretty Awesome Kiddo :)

My little boy is growing up and I couldn't be prouder of him. He's loving school and is taking the recent events in our little families life in stride. We were worried about him at first, as clingy as he was. But now, he's back to his normal Caleb "Cabo" self. Best Thing? He's Alive, and Healthy!

Okay, So this little man is learning stuff like CRAZY?!

Learning to write his name, Color in the lines,

Songs and Dances,

How to carries himself (holding his hands behind his back wherever he's walking.

He calls it "Making a Duck Tail":) Super Cute!

Independence, Decision making,

Being aware of his surroundings.

 (By describing how to find something, He'll eliminate where it isn't, but also locate where it actually is.)

Rob and I are so proud of how far he's come, and how far we know he can go.

In the words of our sweet boy, "You know how I know that? Because, I'm a smart boy!"

Love to all.

Leaving a Legacy...

There aren't many things that I don't post about on here about my family, friends and church.
I even post about others blogs, which is the agenda of this blog entry.

My sister sent me the link of a blog that, I have never read before until last week. The first entry I read that day, had me hooked and I didn't even know these people. Only that they were from the Houston Area, and that they needed prayers. Reading...

1 Fish, 2 Fish?!...

Well, the church picnic went off without a hitch.

Lots of friends, Lots of family! Lots of Food & Water Activity.
However....

..Caleb was not feelin' it!

• No Way he wanted to be in that water with his life jacket.
  
• No Way he wanted to be in the deep end with daddy. (Screamed the whole time.)
• No Way he was going to even SIT in the baby pool
  

But of course he wanted his "flippers"

We were in the baby pool playing and Sarah was like a fish in the water. Loving her little life jacket and even laying back in the water floating with her feet crossed! Little Daredevil, she is! No, Not Scared!
Very happy, but very cold.

Thought I would post a few pics. Hope yesterday was great, and you were all as blessed as we were!

Good Times.

Happy Labor Day!!

Happy Labor Day! From Caleb Sarah and Mommy!

(sarah was taking a nap, sorry!)

We'll post more pics tonight after church picnic!

11 Months & 2 weeks

With So much going on, I forgot to update on Sarah turning 10 months, so I thought I'd better update for 11 months. She's doing great and will go in on her birthday for her check up next month. Can't believe my little Sarah bear will already be a year.

Crazy how the time slips between your fingers. I know it didn't go by THIS fast with C! Because I only had the one child, I'm sure. With C. being as old as he is, and there being an baby in the house there is never a dull moment. Or a moment of peace an quiet for that matter! Ha! C. and S. have so much fun together and I get a kick out of watching them play games, and toys together. Who knew with their age gap that they would have so much fun! And Caleb is so sweet and gentle with his baby sister! What a great guy to share toys and playtime! Such a trooper.

First day of school.

The time came and the time went....and boy has it gone by fast.

Our little boy is growing up and we couldn't be more proud of him.
He's so special and smart. His first day of school was yesterday and he was in the very
least excited about his new school and new teacher. He was singing, "i'm going to pre-k, i'm going to Pre-k!" skipping down the sidewalks at the Meet and Greet on the Friday before school.

This year should be fun, and definitely full of activities for Caleb and Mommy.
I have signed up for PTA (yes, PTA in Prek) and to be a room mommy.

I know that saying this will be an adventure is a huge understatement! :) But we can't wait!
His first day came to an end with a sticker for good behavior and a pile of paperwork for mommy's "homework" :)

How he loves.

He is jealous for me
Loves like a hurricane - I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy

When all of a sudden I am unaware
These afflictions eclipse my glory
and I realize just how beautiful you are
and how great your affections are for me

yeah, he loves us - whoa how he loves us so
whoa how he loves us
whoa how he loves us

we are his portion and he is our prize
drawn to redemption by the grace in his eyes
if grace is an ocean - we're all sinking
so heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss
my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets
when I think about the way that he loves us

~ How He Loves Us, John Mark McMillan

We're are so excited about the new praise band at our church!

They start this Wednesday and I'm looking forward to how God will move in that place. Please Lord even if ONE Soul is broken for you, let it be true and to YOUR Glory!

Summertime FUN @ HOME!

Sarah and Ava

Sarahs finally at the age where a little playtime is healthy for her! Someone BESIDES her brother! lol. She's very intersted in other kids, especially little girls. :)
Our Mommies Group has been so good for both my children AND me.
We have made great friends and I know they have truly enriched our lives and started great friendships and relationships. We're so happy to meet Ava, and her momma Krystal.
Ava is about 15 months old. Sarah and Ava hit it off automatically. Here are a few pics of their latest playdates.

9 month update

Sarah went to the Dr. Today.
But of course, nothing was wrong.
It was just her 9 month wellness check up!
Although I was for some reason anticipating shots. She received none at todays visit!
I think we were all glad for that!

Mimi went with us and we made a day of it! Ate lunch, did a few errands, etc.

Her stats are:
Height : 26 1/2 (10%)
Weight: 16# 14 oz (10%)
FOC: 17 3/4 " (75%) lol. ;o) Dr. Said *big head*

He was very happy with her progression and how well she was developing. The doctor said that he expected her to be walking by 12 months. Oh, and talking (baby babble) A LOT!

Ready, Set, Here We GO!

Sarah will also have her very first play date this Wed. So Excited! I Will post pictures!


Healthy Baby + Happy Baby =☺ Great Day!☺

On the Fourth

Sarah Relaxing in the Pool!
Caleb Cheesing after playing in the pool!

Caleb's Windsock He made at Moms Day out for July 4th!
Just a few pics from our July 4th Holiday!

Caleb has been having a great summer doing so many things. The Windsock is just one of the things he gets to make everyday at MDO every week. :) June was bugs and this month is packed with fun filled trips to the Fire Station, Library, Water Day, and Back to CVG (gymnastics)!

Saturday we decided to grill hamburgers and take out the pool for him to relax. Once Sarah saw how much fun brother was having, she just HAD to get in the water too! They are both such water babies! Everyone had ton of fun!

~SarahBear~ 3/4 of a Year Old.

How time flies when you're raising kids. Oh what blessings they are though. They are teachers, comforters, fighters, lovers, stress relievers, philosophers , foreseers , animators, excavators, storytelling experts, and know-it-all's.

Sarah is definitely coming into her own. She turned 8 months yesterday and has found her voice in this world. Being more vocal everyday, we are definitely seeing her own personality shining through.
She lets you know what she does/doesn't like, when she wants to cuddle or when she just wants to goof around.
She still only has eyes for the men in her life. Daddy and Caleb. Always smiling and giving them big grins. There's never a time that she doesn't look around the room though, just to make sure I haven't left her side. Just in case, you know, I would happen to sneak off without her. HA!

She a lot more mobile with her feet and legs. She Can even stay balanced on her hands and knees for a few minutes at a time. I wouldn't doubt that she will pull up next to the couch or a chair soon. However, any day she'll be crawling. She seems to want to so bad she can taste it. As in my previous post wtih the video of her scoochin across the living room floor. She keeps bruising her face by lunging for something from a sitting position and landing on her face. A shame that gorgeous baby has to get bruises on that cute face! I'm sure its just one of many accidents that will happen. Caleb went through it, I'm sure she will too.

I also haven't been putting as many bows/headbands on her because she has started grabbing at them and pulling them off herself. We'll see how long they last! ;)
Her next check up is in July for her 9 month and she will be getting more shots as well.
I'm really proud of her for yet going for a sick visit. She's so healthy and thriving! I'm so proud of my little girl and pleased with how well she adapts. I'm sure it has helped me taking her out of the house as much as I have. She's such an easygoing and laidback little girl!

With every baby reaching milestones, it can have its UPS and downs.
Sarah is definitely no different.
Shes doing good with all developmental and food milestones.
Shes sitting up and starting to "scooch"/trying to crawl.
She can eat soft solids (i.e. bread, crackers, peaches, avacados, bananas)
She can eat 2nd baby foods.
But we seem to have run into a invisible wall on her being babysat by anyone. She has refused to take a bottle because since I am now a SAHM, I don't have to rely on bottles during the day or even on outings to the store or church. I just nurse her. Easy, Quick, Convenient.
Well, it was warying on a few of our sitters because she wouldn't even take breast milk out of a bottle. If was making both her and the sitter miserable.
So, setting aside my pride, and fear. I'd started Sarah on one bottle a day with 4 oz of either breast milk or formula. Trying to get her USED to the feel and texture of a bottle.
She was very unhappy at first, but its now day3 and we are a consistent success, SO FAR.
As I type, I sit here next to my husband, as he has fed her 3 of the 4 oz of a bottle. Both asleep and content.

The initial fear of her dependence on the bottle only has subsided and I think we can live with my new found love of a bottle "every once in a while" so that mommy can have a break and daddy can enjoy some time with his daughter.:)

I'm sure this is just the first step of "letting my little girl go" over the next 18-25 years of her life.

Last few days in pictures....

not much to say, so it will be said in pictures....

MOM Turned Upside Down Spells WOW!

~Caleb 4 years~

~Sarah 7 months~

What a great day!
Never had such a better day.
I woke up to have breakfast in bed thanks to my spectacular husband. Yum! Blueberry Pankcakes ;)
Cuddling with both the babies in bed. How fun to tickle and laugh so early all snug in the covers.
We had a great church service with our family and friends.
After church we went home. Caleb and Robert set out to get lunch for us. (*Rob was Cooking*)
Armed with takeout they returned a little after I woke up from a much needed/desired nap.
We had a picnic on the Living Room Floor and watched a movie.
Then we had more great activities planned this afternoon as a family.
Then we ended the day by having dinner with Robs Mom at a Local Steakhouse.

I didn't get to spend today with my mother, but I was lucky to last Sunday on her birthday!
I called her tonight and it felt wonderful to know that it was her best Birthday/Mothers Day Yet!
I'm so blessed to have such a loving, forgiving, generous, caring mother! I love you!

MOM Turned Upside Down Spells WOW! Is it Any Wonder?!
Moms do so much, for so many with
such a thankless and generous heart!
To all the mothers that I love and adore. To all the First Time, Future and FULL TIME Mothers Out there.
Happy Mothers Day.

See you....

Next week...Going on a much needed Vacation!
For those that are family in the Houston Area. We'll be at Mom/Dad Howsers Till Thursday!

Love you all!

The Camera Snob & The Many Faces of Sarah

I have to hand it to him. He sure knows how to put on a show. From his Goofy shenanigans to his quirkiness my Caleb LOVES being in front of the Camera. Even if I had meant for it to be JUST a picture of Sarah. LOL Priceless!





...and THEN there is my silly little girl!
What a HAM..~Check this little darlin' out!
(mind the wet spots on my shirt. That comes with
having a teething infant!) Sarah is working on her 3rd tooth.