Dickens of a Christmas

I took the girls to downtown McKinney for Dickens of a Christmas. Aunt Shea went with us and we met Shannon for some quick photos.
We had a great time! The square was decorated top to bottom for Christmas, carolers were singing, Frosty was riding in the little train, and everyone had on santa hats as they rode the carosel.
We went into a few of the little shops along the square. They were full of things I'd love to decorate my house with, but I did good, and didn't buy anything. I tried to buy Livie anything in the childrens boutique. She had a death grip on a chicken nugget and I was trying to trade her with everything I could! Nope, she was not letting go! So, she's holding it in the majority of her pictures. I was able to snatch a few bites to down-size the nugget, and Shannon cropped it out or took close-ups until she finally decided she was done with it. I tasted the nugget, and there was nothing special about it. The adorable $50 kitty blanket was 100x better, but whatever. I saved money!!
Taylor loved having Aunt Shea with us. She pranced around posing for pictures anywhere she could! Her day was complete when she rode the carosel on a pretty painted horse.
The pictures Shannon took turned out amazing. I have been blessed with gorgeous girls that clearly love each other! Now, I just have to get some pictures of my boys!!!

Chicken Spaghetti

Craig loves Chicken Spaghetti. It is something that he told me he enjoyed for a while before I finally caught on and made it. I did my research, looking up a variety of recipes for it, and tried a few before I found the recipe I use today. It's pretty stinking good if I say so myself!

You will need:
1 can of cream of chicken
1 can of cream of mushroom
1 large brick of Velveeta Cheese
1 large pack of spaghetti
1 can of Rotel (I mix 1/2 can of original and 1/2 can of hot because I like the heat)
1 large can of chicken (I've also cooked the chicken and pulled it from the bone. Honestly, it tastes the same to me and it's soooo much faster in the can!)

To make:
1. Bowl water for spaghetti. I make a lot of spaghetti and slowly mix it into the cheese mixture until I have a good ratio of chicken:sauce
2. In a large pot mix the cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, rotel, and velveeta all together until the velveeta is all melted. ( I cut the velveeta into small cubes, then put it into the pot to melt) Then, stir the chicken in.
3. Combine the spaghetti and cheese sauce


It's super easy and super good!

Livie with Santa 2010

Olivia visited with Santa this year and she loved every minute of it. Her visit was not planned at all. Nope. I had the cutest little dress for her to wear when we planned our visit to Santa, and that was not what she was wearing. Oh well, at some point the minor details will not surprise me.
We were at Stonebriar celebrating my dad's birthday at Dave & Buster's and we decided to walk down to let Livie "see" Santa. Notice I said "see" not "talk to". There was no line, and the mall was about to close, so we jumped on the chance to get an annual picture with Santa.
Olivia went to Santa without a problem. She was awe struck, seeing him in person. She kept pointing to him saying, "Sant-e, Sant-e". A few times she reached up and touched his beard. A few pictures were taken and Santa allowed her to hug on Rudolph (the snuggle from Build A Bear), then off we went!

Texas Skatium

This past weekend, I took Collin and Caleb to a birthday party at Texas Skatium. Walking into this place gave me more flashbacks than I care to describe. Everything about it looked exactly how I remembered it...the disco ball, the mirrored DJ booth, the 4 corners of the rink numbered for various skating games. Ahhh...good times.
The boys had each been skating one other time. As they put on their skates, they each found me and hung on me. Let me state this, my plan was to go the party and relax as I watched them zoom by on their skates, waving to me (maybe even blow a few kisses my way) as they passed. Within the first 5 minutes of their skates being on, my plan was quickly screeching to a halt. Luckily, for only $4 each (yes, I said $4-we're not getting anything for free, don't worry)I was able to rent each of the boys a PBC pipe contraption that resembled a walker, except it had wheels. This brilliant invention is what gave some hope to my delusion of relaxing. They boys skated their little hearts out once they had these! They were sweaty, stinky boys by the time they had made a few laps around the rink. By the end of the party, they were each ready to try skating without their "helper", and they did a pretty good job! They each had their share of falls, but the smiles never left their faces! I am so glad that there are some things, like roller skating, that haven't changed much since I was little. I love that I was able to share this experience with them. Oh, I should mention that I did not put on skates and give it a go. I'm sure I still have mad skating skills, however, my goal was not to show-off to the other parents. My goal was to be the encouraging mom to my two newest skaters.

Happy 1st Birthday, Olivia!

Happy 1st Birthday, Doodle!
I can hardly believe that you are already one! It seems like just yesterday we were bringing you home from the hospital. Each and every day you have brought joy beyond measure into my life. I love the sweet way you say, "momma". It is like music to my ears. I promise you that I will never forget the way you say it now. I laugh whenever I hear you say, "meow..." The way you move your mouth is cuter than anything I could begin to describe. I admire your independence, though I know there will be a time when I am not so fond of it. You are always watching your older brothers and sister, eager to be doing whatever it is they're doing. I can see the wheels in you mind turning, as you soak everything in. You are brilliant already, sweet girl. I can only imagine what big things God has in store for you!
For your 1st birthday, we celebrated at home. We had banana cupcakes(your favorite)with cream cheese frosting.I wish I could say you dug in and had cake everywhere, but you did not. You were very lady-like. We decided that you weren't going to take full advantage of your smash cake, so we gave you a cupcake instead. You enjoyed the icing (purple)and were successful in getting that just about everywhere. Daddy was on hand to stick you in the kitchen sink for a quick bath! You received lots of great presents from people that love and adore you. One of your favorite things to play with right now is Little People. You show off your brilliance, yet again, every time you play. Daddy and I got you a Little People's house. You have already figured out that the baby goes in the cradle and you keep putting the people in the beds. (I guess you feel they need a nap?!) You love pushing the button that makes the little doorbell ring, and the button that makes a sound like a toilet flushing. Your little face lights up with these sounds.
You are one special little girl, Olivia. I love you more with every breath that I take. I am so blessed that God chose me to be your mommy.
Thank you for an amazing year. Happy Birthday, Doodle.

Diet...AGH!

Ok, Olivia is 10 months old now. There is only so long I can blame the extra weight I am carrying around on "the baby". I wish I was one of those people that was just naturally skinny, but I am not. Instead, I am one of those people that love mexican food and could eat it for just about every meal. I try to eat it for just about every meal. However, mexican food and losing weight don't mix. Not with my body anyway. So, I am going to diet. For real. I will be grouchy and hungry and in desprate need of mexican food, but I am determined to lose a signifigant amount of weight. I will blog about my journey in hopes that my frustration, along with my happiness of seeing the pounds shed, will inspire others to either do the same, or encourage me along the way!

Life of a teacher

I have only one more day of "freedom".
I love my job. I feel blessed to be a teacher and to have an impact on children daily, but I would do just about anything to not have to go back to work on Friday. I have enjoyed every single minute of my summer. By every single minute, I mean the happy minutes and the pull-out-my-hair, losing my mind minutes, too. There is absolutely nothing better than spending time with my babies and my husband.
So, that being said, I am going to sit and do nothing but soak up every last second I have of my "freedom" before I put on my teacher hat for yet another school year.

Houston

Craig and I took Olivia to Houston for a much needed break. It was one of the best times we have spent together, ever.
The drive down to Houston was actually quite nice. We left early enough for Olivia to go back to sleep, and she slept a little over half the drive. We laughed at all of the Buc-ees billboards with quotes like, "Eat here - Get Gas" and "My overbite is cute". On out way home from Houston we couldn't resist the temptation to stop at this acclaimed rest stop. We would've been crazy to be that close to a bathroom that has made itself into the Restroom Hall of Fame and not stop! Olivia fell in love with a stuffed Buc-ee, so she is now a proud owner of her very own beaver snuggle! Everything in that place had the Buc-ees name on it...drinks, candied jalapenos, gummy worms (which Craig enjoyed), etc. It was marketing genius in that place!
The first night in Houston, we were able to see Craig's brother, Tyler. He came in for the Man U soccer game. It was nice getting to spend some time with him. We walked around the mall in Baytown and saw stores with names like, TT Jewelry. I'm sure they had nice jewelry in there, but I'm not sure I'd be thrilled if Craig came home with a necklace for me from a place with the word TT in it!
Thursday morning Craig's dad surprised us with tickets to NASA. I was super excited! I have always wanted to go to NASA and could hardly wait to get there! The theme at NASA right now is STAR WARS, too! You can't get much better than that in the Stevens' household!
We loved every single minute at NASA! It was so amazing seeing all of the shuttles in person. We went on a tour of where the astronauts actually train, and we were able to see the Saturn V and an actual Apollo capsule! I was in awe of how huge the rockets were and at how small the Apollo was. Pictures do neither justice.
The only side-note I have about NASA is that it was full of Middle Eastern tourists. Not a problem, EXCEPT, they kept touching Olivia! I am not exaggerating, she must have been touched 20 times. They would rub her face, her hands, her hair, commenting on how pretty she is. The woman sitting on the row in front of us on the tram literally turned around in the middle of the tour and started stroking her cheek. They were all polite (despite the fact they kept touching my daughter without asking).
Friday we went to the beach. We knew we were going to the beach. We talked about going to the beach when we were at home, but did we "plan" for the beach? Um...no. No chairs, towels, or even swimsuits for us! So, the beach was not a day long excursion, but it was fun, none the less. We looked for shells and walked along the shore, feeling the sand and water on our feet. Olivia did not like the feel of the sand or the water on her feet! She did like the sea gulls, however. She kicked her feet and squeeled whenever she saw them!
Friday night we had dinner at Craig's cousin, Nicole's, house. His Aunt Carol was there with all of her children and their children. It was a gathering that has needed to take place for quite some time. Craig soaked up every minute he spent with everyone there. I loved meeting people I had heard about, people that I know played a huge part of his childhood.
We can not wait to go back to Houston. The time we spent with Craig's dad and the rest of his family was special and memorable. And, of course, another trip to Buc-ees is always needed!

Burger's Lake

On Wednesday, July 21, we took the kids (minus Olivia, she stayed with Brandie) to Burger's Lake in Ft. Worth. It was a blast!
The drive there was easy, for the most part. It's a straight shot from 80, which becomes 30, and takes you straight into Ft. Worth. Once we made our exit, we had a few minutes of drama, but that was short lived (Craig doesn't like to be lost and my directions weren't clear enough for him). But, we arrived on schedule and our day continued without a hitch!
Burger's Lake is beautiful! It is a spring fed lake with sandy beaches and a sandy bottom. It's the best of both worlds, the lake and the beach, without animals swimming in the water with you! The lifeguards were amazing! There was never a big rescue, but they were diving in the water left and right to help kids and whistles were blowing to warn kids to stop running, etc. The bathrooms were super clean. There was someone assigned to keep the bathrooms hosed out (to wash the sand away), toilet paper filled, and room spray sprayed. I was very impressed!
The kids didn't know what they wanted to do first! They finally agreed on the trapeze. Tay watched them from the comfort of the water below as we took pictures. Craig swung the trapeze bar out, picked up Collin and Caleb, and they grabbed the bar when it swung back towards them. They did fantastic on it! Noah's big enough to grab the bar himself, and he loved it, too! Taylor wanted to try it, but decided she should wait until next year when she's bigger.
After that, we built sand castles, went down water slides, jumped off diving boards, and swam for hours! We buried Noah then Collin in the sand, found shells and special rocks, and watched some of the lifeguards do diving tricks from the high dive.
The kids were exhausted when we left! They were all asleep in the car just a few miles down the road! Burger's Lake is our new annual summer spot! We can not wait to go back next year!

live, laugh, love

We've all heard the familiar saying, "live, laugh, love". I think most of us have some form of the saying hanging around our house, thanks to Kirkland's. Instead of looking at this today and thinking how cute it was, I looked at it today and thought how true it was.
Craig's best friend, Dave's, father passed away suddenly today. The cause of his death is still unknown. My heart is in pieces for his family. He was a wonderful man. He was a huge part of Craig's upbringing.
I can not wrap my mind around the fact that no one was able to tell him goodbye. Not a final goodbye, anyway. I realize that death happend every day. And I realize that many times it is unexpected. This is just the first time that I have sat and really thought about how quick it can happen, and how so many things are left unfinished when it happens that way. The questions and things that will never be answered or said are just there....there's no conclusion to those.
I have no doubt that his family will be at peace with all of this in time. He was a man of God and I know the angels are singing today as they welcome him home. That makes me smile. I hope it makes them smile, as well.
All of my rambling brings me back to my original thought...live, laugh, love. We must live every minute to it's fullest. We must not waste time worrying about petty things, arguing for the sake of being right, and holding grudges because we're too proud to move on. Life is about living for God with the people you love, doing the things that honor HIM and make you happy.
We must laugh. The sound of my children laughing is my favorite sound in the world. It is the sound of happiness. As with all parents, if my children are happy, I am happy. Laughter is a must. Laughter is essential to our well being.
We must love. We must love one another as Christ loves us. We must love our spouse, we must love our friends, we must love our family. We must teach our children how to love through our examples and we must love them with every fiber of our being.
I thank God daily for the many blessings in my life. Today I have had a wake-up call that has reminded me that I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams and that in a second, it can all be taken away. My job is to be the heart of my home. I must see that all members of this home are living, laughing, and loving. My prayer is that I can set an example to each of my children that they will carry with them forever on how to live life to its fullest. When it is my time to go home to Christ, I want everyone that knows me to be able to say I lived, laughed, and loved.

Olivia-9 months old

Miss Olivia is growing up fast! She is now 9 months old, weighing in at 18 pounds 7 ounces. I can't believe how she's changing every day. She is crawling like crazy and has even taken her first step! In no time she's going to be running, chasing her brothers and sister all over the house. It's cute watching her search for me all over the house. I can hear her sweet "mama...mama" and the pitter-patter of her crawling knees towards me. When she spots me she lets out a "hi" and smiles her huge one-tooth smile!
Livie's favorite foods are cheetos and pizza crust. Healthy, huh?! She'll eat just about all baby food, with the exception of peas...she hates peas. But, give her a cheeto or pizza crust and she's happy! Of course, I watch her carefully while she eats these things. It takes her a while to use her one tooth to gumb through her new found treats, but she doesn't give up. She has recently discovered Oreos and Nilla Wafers, too. This girl has learned early wht the good stuff is!
My little mermaid has learned what swimming is all about and she loves it! Her little feet kick like crazy and she squeels a happy squeel as soon as she hits the water! I picked out a cute little tie-dyed, purple swimsuit (since her daddy's favorite color is purple) that she looks super cute in!
I am so excited to see what this little wonder will do next. She rarely slows down, or skips a beat, so whatever it may be, it'll keep me busy!

Collin's Baptism

Tonight was one of the most special moment I know I will ever have in my life. It was a night I will carry close to my heart forever. Tonight, Collin, made is Public Profession of Faith, and was baptized.
Collin has always been drawn to church. He loves reciting scripture and talking about Jesus dying on the cross. He has already begun spreading the Gospel! Mark my words, he's going to be a preacher one day!!! One example of his preaching abilities took place this past year in his Kinder class. One of his classmates made a comment (no idea what the comment was) and he stood up and proclaimed, "and that's why Jesus died on the cross"! AMEN! Who could argue with that?! He looks forward to going to church every week, and when asked what story he wants to read before bed, he always grabs his Bible. His favorite song is "Lead me to the Cross". He is my special little man, and I am so blessed to have him as my son.
Two weeks ago Collin started talking about wanting to get baptized (or as he calls it, "bap-a-tized"). I asked him if he understood what that meant and sure enough, he was able to tell me all about it. So the following Saturday night, June 12, at the end of the sermon, he said he wanted to talk to someone about being baptized.
Now, tonight was amazing. Like I said, it was a moment I will cherish forever, but the time we spent in the Hospitality Center at Lakepointe,the time when he poured his little heart out and accepted Jesus as his LORD and Savior is a moment that I hope is forever burned into my brain. I cried as I watch him pray like such a big boy. It was all I could do not to pull the camera out to capture every second!! But, I didn't. It wasn't the time or place. It was just a special, sacred moment, that we shared.
The other kids were so excited about Collin's decision. For the most part, they understand what he is doing, but none of them can say it. Caleb says Collin is being "avaporized" and Taylor says he's being "appatized". I love it! It makes me smile hearing them just as sincere as can be talking about his "avaporizing, bap-a-tism, appatized".
Sean was able to baptize Collin tonight. All of our family and friends were there to celebrate with us. I cried as I watch him. It was such a beautiful time! Collin was full of smiles for the entire evening!
Afterwards, we all came back to the house and enjoyed pizza, salads, and cupcakes. We sang "Happy Birthday to You" in honor of his new birthday! The kids played, the adults laughed, it was one of the best nights I've had in a long time.

Thank you, Jesus, for my wonderful, special gift, Collin! I am so proud of the decision he has made and I know he will do great things for the glory of you!

Happy 6th birthday!

Happy Birthday, Collin! How could I have ever known that a little man, that is now 6 years old, could hold my heart in the palm of his hand. Collin is the first of my many blessings. I am still in awe of how amazing he is and what a miracle he is.
His 6th birthday was special! He celebrated at school (May 28 was on a Friday this year) with his classmates. Gram brought sports-themed cupcakes for him to share. He wore the biggest grin around all day! One of the perks to being a teacher's kid is that just about everyone in the building knows it's your birthday. So, everywhere he went he was showered with, "Happy Birthday, Collin!" He popped his head into my classroom at one point and my entire class started singing, "Happy Birthday to you" to him...he felt like a celebrity!
Friday night at our house is normally spaghetti night followed by a pig pile. Things were different on this special night. We ordered pizza and celebrated his birthday along with Caleb's birthday (June 9). Gram, Dink, Brandie, Jason, and their kiddos joined us. They opened presents and played!
Last Thursday we took Collin and Caleb for a day just for them and their 6-year-old selves! We were going to go to Wet Zone, but it was raining, so onto Plan B we went. We went to Northpark Mall (yes, they chose this...keep reading). The boys wanted grilled cheese sandwiches from Sonic, so that's what they had! We let them chose where to have lunch and this is what they wanted. I guess their sandwiches are just that good!?! Then we played in a random toy store on the way to our destination, the Lego Store. I'm not sure who had more fun in this toy store, the boys or Craig. This store had tons of Star Wars things. Action figures, statues, alarm clocks, Christmas tree ornaments, light sabers, etc. Craig was in his zone!! To top it all off, there was a Batman statue and a Superman statue at the entrance to the store that the boys (yes, ALL the boys) had their picture taken with.
Once we reached the Lego Store the boys were overwhelmed! They ran from side to side, choosing between Toy Story, then Star Wars, then Treasure Island, and on and on. Their main goal, however, was to build more Lego men before they left. They could not do that fast enough! Their final selection was actually fairly easy, and a great decision. They filled large cups with various Lego pieces that they got to pick themselves. They got tires, and bricks, and windows, and flowers, and random other things. They were so happy!! They have been building with these daily since.
The last part of their birthday was new bikes! It is so awesome watching them ride big boy bikes up and down the street!
The past 6 years have been filled with more love than I can describe. I love you, Licious! Happy 6th birthday!

Ahhhh....

I think I'll take a moment to breath. I am almost to the pint where I can relax. I say almost because I still have quite a bit to do. And to be honest, I think I'll be in this "almost" state for then next 18 years. But for now, I feel fairly confident that I am in a small state of "almost".
The new house is coming along nicely. We've had a few hiccups, but nothing major. At some point, I will finish painting. Daily I stare at my half-painted wall and it drives me crazy!! I do realize that since I am so OCD, the wall will be completely painted in no time. I visualize myself painting at midnight one night, when all the kids are asleep. I'm a strong believer in getting things done in the middle of the night. It seems to be one of the best times, in my book. It's one of the only times my house is quiet and someone is not needing something. Until that sleepless night comes, I'll just look at the half-painted wall, where my large cross will hang (see, I have it decorated...that's a good step, right?!).
Olivia is resting now in her swing, and Craig has the other kids out running erronds. I have taken this precious time to finish the dishes, and to start a load of laundry. I could not resisit a moment to blog. It's probably not the best way to spend these hard to come by minutes, but seeing as how we just got internet and cable today, I have some catching up to do!!
As soon as I have more complete around the house I will post some pictures. I have so many projects to tackle over the summer. If they turn out half as pretty as they look in my head, you'll all be impressed!

Kinder Awards

My little boy has completed Kindergarten! He is one smart cookie! He is reading on an almost second grade level, loves math, and most important, he is excited about school!
His award's assembly was bitter sweet. I can not believe how fast he is growing up, right before my eyes. There are many times when I want tom freeze time and hold onto him forever as my little man. I've convinced him that he needs a minimum of 100 kisses a day in order to grow. He has totally bought into this, with some wonderful help from friends and other teachers! I am now able to kiss all over his adorable little face whenever I want...afterall, I'm helping him grow!
He earned the Computer Award, Super Scientist Award, Writing Award, and of course, his Kinder Certificate of Completion. He was so excited when his teacher, Mrs. White called his name and awards. His face lights up when he smiles!
Now, we'll enjoy our summer before First Grade is tackled. I do, however, have to call him "My Big First Grader" now. This is the name is prefers at the moment. And I figure, if I am getting my 100 kisses in, I can handle a fabulous name like that!

Happy 4th Birthday, Taylor!

Happy 4th Birthdy, Princess! May 17, has come and gone once again. I can not believe you are 4 years old! It feels like just yesterday I was bringing home my first little pink bundle. (Yes, Collin's the oldest, but he was a blue bundle) You have been 100% girl, 100% pink since day 1. I love your smile, your laugh, and your sassy personality that is sometimes a little too much like my own.
I had so much fun celebrating your birthday with a special "girl's day". I know that you will not want these specail days forever, so I will shower you with them until that day comes. I am so proud of how brave you were getting your ears pierced! The flower earrings you picked out sparkle like your pretty blue eyes.
And your finger nails and toes look beautiful! (Now, if we can somehow keep you from biting them?!?!)Everything about you is my favorite. I think God picked out all of my favorite things and put them together when he was creating you. I am so proud of the young lady you've become. You're a great big sister to Olivia. She is going to grow up lookin up to you, and I know you're going to teach her tons!
I love you more than you will ever know, Lovie. You light up my world!

Tiny Dancer

Taylor's dance recital was on May 23. She was great! I must say, she has some natural talent, that I am pretty sure she got from me. She was so excited all morning as we got ready for her big performance! I even let her wear some makeup!! Her hair was full of spray glitter, too...don't you worry! She was 100% ready to perform.
Her first performance was a ballet number. She wore a black leotard with a frog costume on top. She was the best little frog! She twirrled on count, and smiled on cue! Yep, like I said, she's a natural!
Her next number was a tap dance to "Colonel's March". She wore an adorable pink and purple tutu with silver "sparklies". The "sparklies" were itcihng her so we sprinkled some fairy dust..aka baby powder, on the itchy spots.
The finale summed up the theme, "We're going to the Zoo". She wore a zebra print hat. Tay earned a metal for 2 years of dancing. She wore it around proudly all day!!
I am one proud momma! I love watching my little girl twirl around on stage, enjoying every minute of it. Each time she took the stage, tears started to form in my eyes. I can't believe she is such a big girl!
The recital ended with Tay being showered with flowers, like every dancer should be after a fabulous performance! Now, I've just got to find a way to keep her from wearing the outfits every single day?!?!?

Moving Woes

Who knew that moving could be so stressful?!!? Dumb question, I know. I think everyone knows that moving can be stressful. I think the more important question is how could I possibly think that moving would not be stressful? I have been packing until I don't think I can pack anymore. I have thrown away bags and bags of random things and donated enough things to Salvation Army and Once Upon a Child that I could've opened my own little store. Yet, the stress is still calling my name loud and clear.
The thing that surprises me the most is how it's the little things that are the most stressful. I'm not stressed wondering if we've made a good decision, I'm not stressed thinking if I'm going to like my new neighbors. Nope, that stuff is not bothering me. I am confident that this house is wonderful and the people I've met seem nice, so far. I am stressed about what color to paint the walls. And do I want white bookshelves, or should I keep them brown? What about the couch...what direction should it be placed? Guest bath...hang up my mothers day gift, or sit it on the little table I plan to put in there?! Girls room, oh! Do I put the Dora kitchen on the back wall or by Tay's bed? See....crazy things. I am aware of that. However, these things are haunting me in my sleep! I am an organizer, a planner, a perfectionist. The fact that I can not simply close my head and see everything in its place is driving me insane! OCD? I think not! A tiny bit controlling? Nah! I know that in a little less than a month, everything will be in it's rightful place and I will then be able to sleep peacefully.

Happy Mothers Day!

I wanted to write about my Mother's Day sooner, but as our crazy days go, this is as soon as I could find a moment to remember a great day.
The kids spoiled me all weekend long! They LOVED it, too. All weekend they were telling me, "Happy Mothers Day" and hugging me, or kissing me. It was great! I hope they always love hugging and kissing me. Friday Collin gave me flowers he painted at school. Taylor made me a sweet book at school and a card with a handprint flower on the cover. She was so excited about the gifts that she gave them to me as soon as she hopped in the car! I also brought home a TON of flowers that my students showered me with for Teacher Appreciation. And although I received gorgeous flowers, none were as perfect as the ones from my babies.
Saturday was spent at Collin's soccer game, then at lunch with Gram and Dink at Burger House. That place is incredible! Their secret special seasoning is m'm, m'm, good!! Craig and the kids showered me with gifts later that evening...after being asked if I wanted to open gifts early, or wait until Sunday. Duh! Open gifts early! They bought me butterfly earrings from James Avery and they got me the statue things (nice description, I know) I've been wanting from Pier 1. I was one happy mommy!
Sunday was a very relaxing day. It included lunch at my favorite restaurant, Ojedas, and lots of love for mom. It was a very special day spent with my babies and fabulous husband.

It's a jungle out there...

Last Friday, April 23, 2010, I went to the Dallas Zoo with Collin and his Kindergarten class on a field trip. Oh my! That's all I can say...Oh my! It wore me out! 5 and 6 year olds have more energy than one can ever imagine!
We must have covered every square inch of the Zoo! We saw otters, alligators, snakes, lizards, monkeys, giraffes, zebras, anteaters, camels, owls....I can't name everything. The gorilla we saw was the biggest, hairiest thing I've ever seen. The kids continued to beat on the glass, right beside the big, sleeping beast, despite the big signs that said, "quiet in this area". Images of the gorilla waking up and coming through the glass filled my mind as I used my mommy/teacher voice to move the kids along. Though the gorilla was cool, and the snakes were scary, the favorite animal of the day was the ant eater. Yep! The long nose and super cute furry body won the kids over!
Lunch took place at the little pavilion, so we had shade. The boys ate their lunches in a record amount of time while the girls sat and chatted and tasted their food. Once the girls finished and the boys fed scraps to the random squirrels, we completed our Zoo experience.
For a day that started off with rain, it ended with sunshine and a ton of happy campers. I enjoyed every minute of the Zoo and I loved my special time with Collin!

Jerimiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope in a future." Jerimiah 29:11

This is one of my favorite Bible verses. It gives me the calm I need when days are crazy. This verse has been making a daily appearance in my mind lately. I think it's because we're going through a time of change in our house. Not bad change, but change is change. And, unfortunatly, with change comes stress.
I love my job. I love my students and the teachers that I teach with. However, I can't think of a school year where I have been more ready for summer than this one. I can not wait to spend more time with all of my kids. I can not wait to decorate our new house (don't worry, I'll blog all about the new house when the time is right). I can't wait to sleep in, drink coffee, watch Price is Right, and take naps in the middle of the day. Ahhh...summer.
So with all that said, I am very restless right now. I am ready for another wave of peace to spread over me. Until then, I have Jerimiah 29:11 to comfort me and to remind me that although I don't know the plans HE has for me, HE does.

Army Brat

Today Livie did a photo shoot in honor of her hero, her Daddy. She wore an adorable tutu and onesie that said, "Army Brat". She looked like a perfect little package with her over-sized bow on top!
Daddy has only seen the pictures I took with my camera, as I once again practiced my not-so-professional photography skills.(I don't even know how to set the date on the camera! Today is April 3, 2010, but the camera thinks it sometime in February-agh!)I know when he sees the "good" ones he will be so proud.
I know he thinks the pictures were just another excuse to get her dressed up. Although it doesn't take much to convince me to do this, this particular day of dress up meant a lot more to me. I want Olivia to grow up understanding what a hero her daddy is. I want her to know that he fought for her freedom and that because of the sacrifices he made, our country is a better place for her to grow up in.
He rarely talks about his time in the military. When he does talk about it, you can tell how much he loved being a part of something so much bigger than himself. I, personally, enjoy looking at the pictures he has from that time. I put together a photo album for him, and plan to create a scrapbook for him one of these days. He looks so handsome in the pictures....so strong, so proud. I don't think he'll ever realize how proud I am of him. which brings me back to my original point (befoe I get too sappy)...
Olivia took adorable Army pictures today. Taylor came with us for some coveted "girl time". She wore her new butterfly dress that Craig picked out for her and knew she looked super cute! She pranced around in my sunglasses begging me to take pictures of her. I took pictures of her, too, and some of my girls together. Just about everyone that past us stopped to tell me how beautiful my girls are. I couldn't agree more.