The Sears Story

2 months, 3 months

2012-01-22T10:16:00.001-08:00

Klaire is 3 months old!!!

2 months...

Pics...

2012-01-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

I'm Baaack!

2012-01-15T15:09:00.000-08:00

Wow- No excuses...
Blogging has been the LAST thing on my mind lately! Thank goodness for the 3 day weekend (MLK) so I can get caught up on some things I have been neglecting...
Where to even begin?? December was a blur! We REALLY enjoyed my last month at home... A lot of time was spent dreading my return and in hind-sight, that is silly because it has worked out great! We did the normal Christmas stuff- Santa was TOO kind to ALL of us!
We enjoyed family time, ate delicious goodies (IN MASS QUANTITIES) and went on several 'adventures.' Cory and I also celebrated our 6Th Wedding Anniversary! (Awwwww)
So here is what's been up...

Cory... has been working a TON. However, that is changing because he now stays home with the kids a few days a week. The plus side of shift work is that he is often off during the week... He keeps Klaire 2 or 3 days a week and our sitter (Ms. Debbi- who we LOVE) keeps her/them the other 2 or 3 days and I get the weekends! :) So far it is working out great. It is just the plan to get us through the rest of the school year. He keeps getting pesky little illnesses but hopefully he is done with that! He has been a HUGE help with the house and with the kids! He even had to give up a little hunting this year... and we love and appreciate him TONS!

Casey... I don't even know where to begin. Despite certain people's fears, he LOVES having a baby sister and NEVER shows signs of feeling left out. He is still SO excited about her and extremely helpful! He loves having her at Ms. Debbi's with him! (And he reports back to me!) He is kind and gentle... always covering her up or showing her toys, etc... Very sweet. He kisses her and talks baby talk to her... so cute. He got TONS of cool toys for Christmas. We've been enjoying his new games, puzzles and other toys. I can't believe how smart he is!! Tomorrow we are going to the pyramids at Moody Gardens- his favorite!! He is growing like a weed- VERY tall, going through a VERY picky eating stage, and about to turn 4. I can't believe my baby will be 4. He decided he wants a 'big boy' party at Chuck E. Cheese. Whoa. This outta be fun! It is in 3 weeks!! I'm sure he will enjoy it and we will enjoy having the nice people there do all the work! :) He is a joy. Simple as that... Don't get me wrong- he is an almost 4 yr old boy so we have our moments... but overall- a pure delight and funny as heck!

Klaire... She is the best baby ever! She is growing like a weed. We don't go to the Dr. until next month but we are pretty sure she weighs over 12 lbs!! She eats 4 times a day... and sleeps between 8-12 hrs at night. So far she seems to be adjusting well to Debbi's... We just have to make it to May. She smiles and cooos now and is VERY alert. She never really gets 'fussy' only if it is time to eat. She still has her dark hair, but it is growing in lighter now. She is SO close to full out laughing! She is just a doll. She already adores her big brother. She turns her head when she hears him and follows him with her eyes! I can't get over how blessed we were with her- from conception to this very moment. The pregnancy and delivery were truly 2 of the best moments of my life.

Me... I am doing well. I slid right back into work without skipping a beat. It was like riding a bike. It was made easier by the fact that my class this year is one of the best I've ever had! 24 wonderful students- all eager to succeed and do the right thing! I'm very lucky to have such a great group! I missed teaching, and being around friends, and being active. It's almost like a break!! (SAHMs know what I mean!) Juggling it all is tough... getting home in the evenings/ dinner/ feeding her/ baths/ pumping twice/ bedtime/ getting everything ready to do it again the next day.... all this in about 4 hrs... now that is what has proven to be the hardest!
I am also pumping in an un-used room at work during recess and conference period- also fun! These past 2 weeks I've started eating healthy again and trying to lose weight. We did a 2 week 'cleanse.' No sugar/ carbs. I lost 5 lbs (He lost 10... men!) However, it has gotten me back to focusing on what I'm putting in my body and why. I'm now trying to incorporate working out back into my routine. I'm planning to do a 5K next Saturday. Although, I doubt I can run it entirely. There is another in late Feb that I should be able to run. Yesterday I was running- alone- and it was beautiful- and I really had a 'moment.' It felt good, feels good, to be getting back in touch/ in control of my body. I have a long way to go, but I've done it before and I know I'll reach my goals by June. At times it is frustrating b/c it is a slow process and b/c I worked so hard to get into shape and now I'm at ground 0... but then I look at her and know it is ALL worth it.

SO, we are doing great. Busy, Busy. Adjusting to our new life, new routines, etc... I feel such a sense of being complete when I look at the 4 of us... It really is a special feeling.
Hope all is well...
Until Next Time... (PICS to come...)

“When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses.”
-Joyce Brothers

Pics...

2011-12-01T15:09:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pics to go with the latest post...

My Puppies, on Halloween

Visit From Garce & Braden

Kalire- 1 month old

Thanksgiving Day

Plenty of time... not too busy...

2011-12-01T08:22:00.000-08:00

The truth is... I coulda/ woulda/ shoulda updated this blog a zillion times by now!

I'm supposed to say how I'm SO tired and up all night and way too busy to worry about blogging... Well, actually... I'm just lazy. I just haven't felt like doing much except playing with the kiddos and enjoying this precious family time!!

Here is what we've been up to, in a nut-shell.

Klaire... is the best baby ever. (No... Seriously.)
At her 1 month check up she had gained around 3 lbs! She is about 8 1/2 lbs and 20 inches long. (Prob closer to 9lbs now!)
The Dr. says she is probably going to be petite! She is pretty short for her age! She is SO alert and happy! She smiles and is starting to 'talk' already! She is on a great schedule! I feed her about every 3 hours during the day. At night I let her sleep until she wakes... for the past few weeks she is already sleeping for around 5 to 7 hours!! NICE! By the time I go back to work it will be ironed out so that she sleeps through the night and I can feed her before work. I know everyone says this, but she really is the cutest thing ever and so good!! She hardly ever fusses. It's either feed me or change me...
Sometimes I just hold her and stare at her and thank God for this precious gift! We can't tell yet who she looks like. We see different people at different times... But there is no doubt that her deep blue eyes, silky smooth ivory complexion and dark hair (For now) are stunning!

Casey... ohhhh Casey. What a sweet boy. Poor thing, his 'schedule' hasn't been consistent since June! (When I got out of school!) He has been nothing but wonderful! He ADORES Klaire! He plays with her, reads her books, kisses her, burps her and even wipes her spit up!
He has been a busy boy... We still try to take him to Debbi's (OUR WONDERFUL BABYSITTER) a couple of times a week... so he can learn and play with his friends. He has had parties for the holidays, special time with his Nana, fun outings with Daddy, quality time with Granny Joan & Paw-Paw, and lots of playtime at with Mommy! He is getting super excited about Christmas!! Santa sent us an 'Elf on a Shelf!' Casey named him Ernie. He watches over the kids and then flies to the North Pole at Night to report to Santa whether they've been Naughty OR Nice! So cute! He helped us decorate the Christmas tree and is enjoying the great movies and shows played during this season. It's going to be a FUN Christmas!

Mommy & Daddy... I have actually gotten to leave the house- alone- once to get a mani / pedi and do a Walmart trip!! We did get to go to my cousin Doug's house for Thanksgiving!! Our first family outing and a day I ALWAYS enjoy! Jodie and Grace came for a visit and so did Heidi and Braden!! It was so wonderful having my sweet friends here and with OUR kids... crazy! (All that was missing was Kelli!) I think I'm doing well in the recovery department. Today is 6 weeks... and I am still pretty sore, if I do too much! I go to the Dr. next week and hopefully all is well. I've adjusted pretty well, I'd say, to having 2 kiddos. Now- (OK, Jan) Time to get the rest of this weight (and then some extra) OFF- FOR GOOD! I'm maintaining through the holidays but ready to get back in shape after the new year! I found a little Galveston 5K I'd like to be ready for in late Jan! (That's my goal... Plus to have reached my goal weight by the end of the school year!) Cory has been bust working. When he isn't working , he is hunting. He is actually under the weather right now. A few years ago he got walking pneumonia and every since when he gets the 'cruds'... they hang around for a long time!
We are thankful that someone switched with him at work, so he will be off Christmas day!! He is crazy about his baby girl and has been a HUGE HELP with Casey... even when he comes home tired from a long day at work! We know that Jan- June will be a challenge for us and we are beginning to gear up for that! On December 22, we celebrate our 6th Wedding Anniversary! Although there will be no trip this year, I'm sure we'll do something special!

I've really been overwhelmed with such a wonderfully blessed feeling lately... It is just so awesome looking at my boys and my sweet baby girl and knowing.. I'm complete... this is my family... What I've always wanted!

I'll try to post more pictures and updates more often!
I'll post pictures from the last month on another Blog.

Hope all is well with you and yours... Happy December!

Until Next time...

"Family is not an important thing, it's everything!"
~Michael J. Fox

Perfection...

2011-11-04T09:34:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note...

Everything went beautifully. The entire experience was a dream come true. Thank you for your prayers... they were all answered... and then some!!

Klaire JoNell Sears

October 20, 2011 1:11 pm

6lbs 7ozs 18 inches

She is beautiful and a very good baby! I'm even getting SLEEP!!! She is perfection! Casey ADORES her and has had no problem adjusting. My Mom has been here and I am so thankful for that! (I have a CLEAN house AND wonderful dinners each night!) Cory is working a shut down... so we see him about 2 or 3 hours a day, in the evenings, and this will be this way until Thanksgiving. But overall, I couldn't have asked for a better situtaion. Blessed.

Count Down...

2011-10-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

Well, as my Dr. put it last Wednesday... We are in the 'final countdown stage!' I made this 'count down' poster for Casey. Each night he takes off a number and we are a day closer to having Klaire in our lives! He LOVES it! It's a great visual for ALL of us!

(Ready or not... those numbers keep coming off!!)

Words cannot explain how very blessed, excited, grateful, anxious, and thankful I am to be 38 weeks!!

I have made it full term and as far as we can tell ALL IS WELL! Thank you God for all of these blessings. Thank you family and friends for your constant thoughts, prayers, love and support throughout these 9 months!

Although I am starting to be pretty uncomfortable the fact that I have made it this far way surpasses that! I can 'hang' for another week.
However, we are VERY much ready to 'get this show on the road!' I just want to meet Klaire SO badly and have 'our family' (As Casey calls it) together. I know the first few weeks will be tough- also new for us as Casey spent those first couple of months in the NICU. Once again we are in unfamiliar territory! I feel prepared though. Ready to get her here and on a good healthy schedule! And ENJOY these 2 1/2 months! (I will be returning to work after the Christmas break.)

"Let's get this show on the road!" LOL

Casey is also very much ready! A few people have expressed concern or worry about him 'adjusting' or 'feeling left out.' I know there will be a 'normal' or 'healthy' amount of adjusting. However, Cory and I are BIG on Casey not thinking that the entire world revolves around him. Of course he is our world... BUT since day one we've taken great care to integrate him into the our family, our world. Thus, we can take him out to eat and enjoy it... he can play alone in his room at times, he could 'self soothe' as an infant, he has empathy for others and I believe that he is genuinely excited about having a sister. He knows each member of our family is precious... but also that the world doesn't always stop and cater to you... (A skill many adults don't grasp!) As a teacher... I've seen many children who... ummm, do not get this point. They can be a real challenge. Casey is secure and knows he a part of a family that is full of love... however he also knows that it doesn't revolve around him... instead its more of a carousel that we are all on/ a part of together! I do not feel that he needs to be showered with gifts for Klaire's birth. Instead I feel he should want to shower her... celebrate her. And that's ALL he is talking about. I often find his old toys in her room (he gives her his 'baby' toys) Now, several people have gotten him 'big brother' books or shirts (adorable) that are helping him understand his new role as a big brother. But other than that... I feel over-doing it by buying gifts etc... will teach him the opposite (Un-do his natural ability to be joyful for others) and not teach him to be happy for others... Sorry for the rant :) I've just seen the outcome of this 'child-centered philosophy' of parenting and we've chosen to take another route. To each their own.

Here are a pic from after Casey and Cory enjoyed the rain the other day! BOYS!

Handsome/ silly boy getting a haircut!

Well... We've got 3 more days... so this may be my last blog for a little while.... Although I'll try to post a few pics fairly soon! Thanks again for your love, prayers and support!

Tuesday- Mt last Dr. appointment

Wednesday- Pre-Op

Thursday afternoon- C-section

YAY! Please pray that delivery and healing go smoothly!

Until next time...

"Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life."

~ Albert Einstein

2 More weeks...

2011-10-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

~ 9 MONTHS ~

Believe it or not... time is going by rather quickly!
I had expected these last few weeks to DRAG by...

The past 2 weekends we've enjoyed having family over! Nana and Granny came to visit and then Granny Joan and Paw-Paw came the next weekend! It was nice to have company!! Cory is working a lot... preparing to take off a little while once Klaire gets here. Here are some hanging out pics...

I had a Dr. appointment today and she hugged me and said "Congratulations- you are FULL TERM... We've made it!" "You get an A+!" Wow... words I still can't quite take in! WOW! I finally made a good little oven! If I have Klaire now... everything should be fine! Although it is seriously looking like she is planning on hanging tight for a while!
(There are no 'changes' to indicate otherwise.) I am 37 weeks now.

The C-Section is set for October 20th! 2 more weeks! We are pretty much ready... just doing small things like, packing for the hospital, freezing meals for after we get home, and planning out who is coming down to visit/ help and when. We are also doing things like taking the dogs to the vet, getting flu shots, haircuts, mani/ pedis... things we won't be getting around to for a while! I'm just trying to get as much done as possible so that things won't get toooo crazy after she gets here. I know we won't have the time to take care of all of those little things then.
I can't believe I'll be holding her in 2 weeks! I cannot wait to see her face! I've really been wondering what she'll look like! I still feel her move a lot, although I can tell she is getting cramped. At times her pushing on my ribs and sides and her head on my pelvic bone make me quite uncomfortable, but I'm trying to enjoy every single part of this miracle!

My sweet team gave me a shower at school last week... Which was VERY thoughtful and sweet of them, considering they ALL came to my shower this summer! (I HEART THEM!) And I don't even have the words to describe how wonderful my school is. So kind and loving... The prayers and love they've been sending our way, not mention all the precious gifts... We were able to complete our registry and we have everything we need for Klaire. Now we are just stocking up on diapers & wipes! I feel so blessed to be a part of the RW family!

Until Next Time...

" A mother's JOY begins when new life is stirring inside... when a tiny heart beat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kicks reminds her that she is never alone."

~ Author Unknown

" A grand adventure is about to begin!"

~ Winnie the Pooh

Time is a tickin'

2011-09-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

8 1/2 Months

Well, here is the latest! I just got back from my LAST appointment with my 'specialist,' Dr. Rowe. He dismisses his cases at 35 weeks, which I am today! I am also done with my painfully annoying weekly progesterone shot! Although if born now Klaire will be perfectly fin- everything looks GREAT, she is still a little small. He actually said that Casey was 'small' for 29 weeks and that since my family and I are so 'small' I probably just make petite babies. He doesn't expect Klaire to weigh more than about 6 1/2 lbs... at birth!! (Which is actually pretty normal and perfectly healthy!) Right now she weighs 4 1/2. I was hoping she'd weigh 5 (So that if she is early she can come home with us, but he said she should weigh that next week...)

Next week I'll be 36 weeks (Officially 9 months pregnant!- WHOA) We've just about made it!

Casey came with me today... He LOVES going to the "TV Doctor." He calls him that because we always have an ultra sound and they have a big TV up on the wall! ! He loves hearing her heart "beep" and seeing her face. It is so neat to see all of her perfect little organs hard at work. He brought his 'Dr. Kit' today and monitored my temperature and blood pressure during the Ultra sound! ;) He also gave me about 100 shots and even gave the Dr. one! He also informed the Dr. that "Stupid is a BAD WORD!" (Dr. was talking about some hospital rule...etc...) It was a fun visit!

It has been really neat to get to 'see' her so often! I love that it is something Casey will always remember! We can already tell that she is beautiful!
(The C-section will help with that too!)

Speaking of...

It is set- officially. I will have my C-section Thursday, October 20Th at 12:30 pm.

(Unless of course she decides to come sooner... but I really think she'll make it!)

That is 4 weeks from... right now actually!
I have a feeling these 4 weeks are going to DRAG by!

I am feeling good- starting to get a little 'puffy' but still not "miserable." When I tell people how far along I am they always seem shocked... but I feel like I'm really starting to pack it on... we'll see... I can hang for 4 more weeks! My weight gain is good and it looks like I'll hit right on my goal of NO MORE than 40 lbs... Probably closer to 30 or 35. BIG YAY!

Other Big news...

Casey had major dental work done this week. Long story short...

He has VERY bad/weak enamel on his teeth! (Bad genes- nothing we did, thank goodness!) His 4 back molars needed to be repaired (nerve damage) and saved. He got caps on all 4. He needs these teeth until he is about 13! They had to completely sedate him. NOT fun. I cried. Cory almost did. When he came to, he was pitiful... dealing with numb mouth for a few hours was challenging... but he handled it all like a champ and bounced back VERY fast. In fact, he was upset later that evening when we told him he had to 'rest' instead of riding his bike! Not a fun experience but at least it is OVER and was a success!

Here are a couple of the 3D Ultra Sound pics from last week. Kinda cool... or creepy. Crazy what they can do these days! You can definitely see her chubby cheeks, little nose and big lips!

Can't wait to meet the little pumpkin!

Until next time...

"I grow people... What's your super power?"

~Unknown

"If pregnancy were a book, they would cut the last two chapters!"

~ Nora Ephron

Update...

2011-09-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it feels as though time is flying by, and although I am trying to enjoy this precious time home with Casey, I am growing increasingly excited about having Klaire here! I think we are all ready to 'get this show on the road!' Even Casey seems to think she is 'taking forever' to get here! However, we DO NOT want to rush it! The other day my friend Kelly reminded me how awesome it is that each day I am living out an answered prayer! SO many people have prayed that she will make it full term/ or long enough to be healthy and come home with us and each and everyday those prayers are being answered! That is really amazing to me! Although we are still praying for an October baby... If she comes now Dr.s say she would most likely be just fine and not have to stay in the hospital very long.

The goal is at least 35 weeks and 5 lbs (Once she reaches this point, if she is born she can come home WITH US!) Why is that such a big deal?? Trust me. Getting discharged from the hospital without your baby, pumping in the middle of the night looking at an empty bassinet and knowing nurses are taking care of your baby instead of you... Hardest thing in the world to except. Trust me. I want Klaire to come home WITH us. With balloons and flowers... just like all the families I walked past for months as I went upstairs to visit Casey. So, that's why its a 'big deal!'

At 36 weeks as long as she is healthy she can be released with us!

I am 33 1/2 weeks now! (That means 5 1/2 weeks until she is here... Maximum!)

So 35 will be 9/22 and 36 will be 9/29!! So Close!

I am feeling good. No major complaints. I've slowed down quite a bit and feel like she is REALLY growing right now. I've done good with monitoring my weight but this past week I've been STARVING! She is sucking everything outta me, I guess! Hopefully it is just a spurt!

Last time we checked she was only around 4 lbs (BUT Double what Casey was when he was born!)

There have been a few 'changes' with me. Nothing major just some pressure and other stuff... That could mean my body is starting to get ready... which could take 6 weeks or a day!! I have an 'emergency' plan in case she decides to come early. Thanks to sweet Kelly and my parents!! It then becomes kinda a mess... b/c I have to get to the hospital quick and get prepped b/c I HAVE to have a C-section!

Next Thursday we will have a 3D Ultra Sound and a Dr. visit. We are hoping to receive a lot more information about her development and if I am indeed showing signs of preparing for 'labor.'

So more on that soon.

I am very excited to reach 35 weeks! It means no more weekly progesterone shots! OUCH! And it also means that I no longer have to see Dr. Rowe, my 'specialist' the fetal & maternal medicine doctor... I'll just see my regular OBGYN weekly! Dr. Rowe has said once we reach that mark... "We are in the clear and I'm released from his monitoring!" I can't wait!

So... all is well.

We've really been enjoying the 'cooler' weather! Playing outside in the evening is SO nice! Here is Casey enjoying a treat from the ice-cream truck!

Just getting Started...

Well under way...

The final product...

Until Next Time...

"Life is tough enough without having someone kick you from the inside."

~Rita Rudner

"A ship under sail and a big-bellied woman, are the handsomest two things that can be seen common."

~Benjamin Franklin

Home... Fall... Bed Rest and such...

2011-08-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

This past month hasn't been overwhelmingly eventful but we have seen some pretty exciting things around the Sears home!

Klaire's room is complete! Everything that was 'back ordered' has come in and we've finished it completely! It is beautiful, peaceful, like a picture from a magazine and we are very proud of it and excited to watch her enjoy it! We still 'need' a lot of little things, for feeding...etc..., but we are hoping to complete our Babies R Us registry by the beginning of October. So we will be ready when she comes!

We have done some remodeling. We had our disgusting, nasty, atrocious, carpet in the den and halls replaced with wood laminate! This is something I've been wanting to do for years, like since before Casey was born! When the builders build these little 'cookie-cutter' homes they use the cheapest carpet they can find and we've been here almost 6 years! I just couldn't bare the thought of Klaire crawling around on that gross filth! I didn't know it'd make such a HUGE difference and I didn't know that the process would make such a HUGE mess!! EVERYTHING was covered in a layer of white dust from the sawing and trimming...etc. But in the end (Just 3 days) it was well worth it! It looks like an entirely new home! We re-decorated and re-arranged a little, but nothing major. Its rich, warm and inviting... and most of all SO much cleaner!! I'm

very pleased and excited that we finally decided to do this!

Bed Rest... So, when I went to my Doctor a few weeks ago she advised that I DO NOT start the school year. The problem is that I am right in that crucial stage of my pregnancy. You really don't want to deliver between 28 and 32 weeks (Trust me!) and that is right where I fell as school was starting back. She said had I already been 36 or so it would have been fine but they are basically guarding me like a hawk during these fragile weeks. Let's face it... my pregnancy track record hasn't been the best. First an early miscarriage- we thought we solved that problem (Low progesterone) then Casey's water broke at 27 and he came at 29... so... yeah... Thus far I've pretty much sucked at being pregnant! But not anymore!! I've made a new record and plan to keep on going... growing! I did return to work for one day, you have to "work the first day of your contract" to receive the sick leave for that year... Plus I wanted to see everyone and make sure my room was ready for a long-term sub. Not being there as school has started has really been tough. As a teacher and a Mom, I'm torn. But I know this is best... To error on the side of caution. Plus it is giving me the chance to really slow down and enjoy this stage of pregnancy that I've never experienced before. It also gives me a little more quality time with Casey before his baby sister gets here! It's nice being home when Cory is off. I'm not confined to bed... yet. As long as everything stays good I won't be. However, I can't do too much. I can run an errand or 2 or do small things around the house but I am to spend more time resting and with my feet up than being busy. The only 'work-out' I'm allowed to do is swim. I've grown to LOVE it! My gym has an indoor pool. It is relaxing, yet gets my heart rate up a little and takes a ton of pressure off my back. It is better than nothing... who would have thought I'd miss working out SO much! Most of all being forced to slow down and stay home has made me appreciate a few things a little more. Just day to day things that I'm generally too busy to stop and think about... breakfast at our table, coffee, a good book, our beautiful home, playing with Casey, sitting in Klaire's room, snuggling, pedicures... I guess I'm just enjoying the slow pace because I know all that will be turned upside down in a couple of months!

Medically- here is where we stand and what my Doctors do each week.
(Yes... Doctors. I see my regular OBGYN and a Specialist, one each week)

* I'm 31 weeks 1 day (That's a HUGE deal for me!!)- that means 8 more weeks at MAX!
* My weight is great... gaining perfect amount- although I feel like a whale!

* Klaire is measuring perfectly (Already weighs more than Casey did when he when he was born... 3lbs 5oz) She is measuring a little 'short' around 14 something inches... but she may just take after Momma. I have an ultra sound every other week.

* Each week they check my Amniotic Fluid levels b/c of Casey... and they have always been perfect

* Cervix is great

* no sign of infections or bacteria (All of these things are possible causes for Casey's water breaking so they test frequently)

* I get a shot of Progesterone each week (OUCH)
* I have a long list of Don'ts... that I won't get into

* They have long term and short term goals for me... The biggest goal was 30, then 32- all based on development of baby at these stages. The next BIG one is 36 (Which I'm praying for b/c this means that as long as she is healthy... we can all come home together... as a family!!)

* Thanks to my 'snoogle' I'm sleeping good still!

* Klaire has decided that she likes to rest her head on my pelvic bone (So I potty every 4 minutes or so... and her feet in my right rib cage... kicking constantly! She is VERY active!

* Cory is convinced that she will be a red head ;) I know a few people who would LOVE that!!

CASEY...
is beyond excited about Klaire! It really surprises me how much he actually understands. He has a doctor kit. When he gets it out we have to call him Dr. Casey! And he checks to to make sure we are all healthy... Me, Klaire, Daddy and even the dogs! He kisses my belly ALL the time and talks about all he wants to do with and to show his baby sister. I think he is going to be the best big brother ever! His gentle spirit and kind heart amaze me. I keep finding some of his older more 'baby' toys in her room. When I ask him about it he says, "That's ok- I gave them to Klaire!" I'm not saying he won't have some adjusting to do... but I really do think that for the most part he is going to do really well and that he will be a HUGE help! He is getting SO big... I know I always say that but, WOW! Sometimes I look at him and am taken back at what a big kid he is! He has been enjoying me being home more, too! He got a Big Boy Bike and he is beyond excited about that, too! He is the funniest thing ever... always cracking us up! What a sweet boy! It fun to listen to him play now. He acts things out and I can see his little imagination flourishing!

Fall has always been probably my most favorite time of year! I never thought I'd have a fall baby! But I am beyond excited about having a little pumpkin! I just don't think people realize how close it really is! When I say October, (I guess b/c it's so HOT still), people just seem to brush it off! It will be here before we know it! All the stores have fall fashion out, candles have gone from 'crisp linen' to 'pumpkin spice' and Halloween costumes are out! It is here people and Klaire will be to, before ya know it! What a wonderful fall season we'll have this year!!

Until Next time...

"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.

~ Jane Austen

Very Special Day

2011-08-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday my precious friends gave me a wonderful shower. Now whats the big deal? I mean a shower is a shower... Well this was actually the only shower I've ever had. We didn't do all the shower / party stuff with our wedding and Casey was so early that we weren't able to have one. So this meant the world to me. The schools I've worked for have usually done a little something for me, but I've never had a 'real' family and friends shower before.
Jodie was amazing. Amidst her busy / hectic life she planned every little detail... right down to the butterfly stamps on the the beautiful invitations. Heidi & Kelli did their fair share, too... Despite the fact that Heidi is a new Mom herself and Kelli is pregnant too!! (2 weeks ahead of me!) My sweet friend Kelly (Another 'Kelly' that I work with with) had a special cake made just for the occasion. It literally was the most gorgeous cake I've EVER seen. Perfection. My Mom also helped with decorations and food as did Heidi's Mom. To everyone involved, Thank you just doesn't cut it. You will never truly understand what it meant to me that you took time out of your busy lives to do this for me!
It was also a special day because at the shower I was 26 weeks along... That's when my water broke with Casey... So it was a little emotional yet very uplifting that I'd reached that point- that exact week- and instead of being frightened out of my mind in a hospital... I was here at the shower surrounded by those who love me and my family. Sure, it was 'just a shower' but it seemed so much more significant and symbolic. It marked the beginning of 'new things' in many ways.

Lavender decorations, butterflies and FLOWERS adorned our home. Heidi made an amazing diaper cake and Kelli was the hostess with the most-ess! Thank you girls. I'm blessed to have you guys in my life... have been since Elementary school, just maybe didn't appreciate it as much then!
Another reason the shower was so incredible is that my Aunt Nancy was here. Speechless.
She is fighting stage 4 Cancer... Her bright smile really made my day. Having her and my Aunt GayNell here was priceless.
As we begin this uncharted territory called the 3rd trimester having a home full of people that love, support and continually pray for us was definitely the most moving part of the day.

Thank you all... for coming/ helping with my 'shower.' Although to me... it was so much more!

Thank you also for ALL of the gifts we received! I was telling Cory that it was really special how many thoughtful, unique gifts we received for baby Klaire. So many personalized items... etc...

Thank you also to those who couldn't make it but went out of their way to send a gift... to make sure we knew you were thinking of us. We are so blessed and so excited to see our sweet Klaire... in 11 weeks, that is.

Thanks Again! We deeply appreciate it.

Until next time...

The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.

~ Elisabeth Foley

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates vision for tomorrow.

~ Melody Beattie

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, 'thank you,' that would suffice.

~ Meister Eckhart

I know... I know...

2011-07-28T11:18:00.000-07:00

Where have I been?? I know... I know. It's been forever!! We've been way too busy having fun to stop and blog about it! However, now I find myself overwhelmed with stories and pictures to share and no idea where to start and not wanting to leave anything out...

I'll give it a go!

Normal Summer Stuff:
Moody Gardens

The Beach

A Ferry Ride

The Park

The Movies- Cars 2

Visits to Granny's

College Station BDay Party

Visiting with Family & Friends

Swimming

The Park
Trying not to melt from the heat

The 'biggest' adventure we've been on this summer, and possibly EVER, was Branson! That's right! We took a down home good ole' fashion Griswald vacation to Branson, MO!

We went with my parents and had a wonderful time! It was HOT- we missed the gulf breeze, and crowded and busy and un-like any place I've ever been!!
We saw 3 'shows.' Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede, Noah the Musical and The Sons of the Pioneers. Noah was by far every one's favorite! It was truly amazing. Casey LOVED it! He is still talking about it! We honestly did too much to type!

It was a wonderful family vacation that we will remember always!

More recently my sweet friends gave me the BEST shower ever. It was so sweet and SO special. I've never been able to have one before + I'm entering into my 3rd trimester and am right at the point my water broke with Casey... so it really was an emotional / wonderful day. (I'll do an entire post on it later)
Also... Casey spent 3 nights with my parents and will be going to his Nana's soon for a visit there. I can't believe how big he is. I shed a little tear when he left. Whats next? Kindergarten? College? uhhhh

He was real upset to... as he left he ran out the door, turned, looked over his shoulder and yelled, "BYE Y'ALL!!!" to me and Cory!

Cory and I really did enjoy the time as a couple though... we ate out a lot (which is MUCH easier!!) and had a VERY nice and VERY fancy date night! (More on our date later) Those times are precious! I luv my man!!

We've also been VERY busy getting Klaire's room ready. A lot of people seem to think that it is still forever away, before she'll be here... Well... think again!

I saw FALL BOOTS out at Macy's, Halloween decorations at a restaurant, AND the harvest Yankee candle display! FALL is almost here! She will be here in about 12 weeks! And we all know that goes by in a blink of an eye!

Her room is pretty much done... I'm very proud of it/ excited about it! It is beautiful and calming... I'm hoping to get to spend a lot more time in there than I did with Casey! I like it much better than the NICU!! (More on her room later, too!)

I'm feeling good still... Starting to slow down a bit!! And I feel HUGE! All of this is uncharted territory for me! However, I'm excited and I really feel like I'll carry her full term!
My Doctors are being VERY cautious and monitoring me like a hawk. I have a full list of "DO's" and and even fuller list of "DON'Ts."

One of the worst is the weekly progesterone shot I have to get! I swear it is thicker than olive oil!! OUCH! But it is all worth.... to keep her put until October 2oth!!

So, as you can see.... it's been a fun, busy summer! We are going to squeeze all we can out of these last few weeks too!

Until next time!

"And that's the wonderful thing about family travel: it provides you with experiences that will remain locked forever in the scar tissue of your mind."

~ Dave Berry

Hahaaaa- just kidding Mom... I came across this while searching for a 'vacation quote.' I almost fell out of my chair! It made me laugh at some of the funny/ silly moments in 'braunsin!' LOL :)

Here is one more suitable for us!

"A vacation frequently means that the family goes away for a rest, accompanied by Mom, who sees that the other's get it!"

~ Marcelene Cox

Isn't that the TRUTH!!

Love ya Mom!

Going... Going & Growing

2011-06-14T15:31:00.000-07:00

Isn't summer 'supposed' to be more relaxing and less hectic?? Aren't we supposed to be more carefree... like a butterfly... fluttering around??

I guess for teachers it is more about trying to squeeze all that you've wanted to do all year in 2 short months... YES- I said 2. (For those of you that still insist it "must be nice to get 3 months a year off!") I worked until June 6th and I go back August 12th. So 2 months and a week. AND... just FYI (My other pet peeve... we get paid in the summer b/c they divide our salary by 12 months... we could chose to only get paid the months we work... in most districts. It is not like a 'bonus' or something... it is part of our salary.) OK...cleared up those myths. 'They' might as well take our summers away anyways... at this point year round is looking nice. However, I am grateful... for my 2 months! :)

We've been going, going, going..

Going to Moody Gardens- Never gets old! So much to do and it's all paid for with our pass!

Going to Swim Lessons- Just started and he did GREAT! YAY~

Going Potty- Still going great. (By George... I think he's got it!)

Going Potty- I always need to!

Going to run errands-(long overdue.)
Going to Dr. appointments. (Fun- Now have to get a weekly SHOT! OUCH!)

Going to Granny's (tomorrow).

Going to the 'real beach' (Thursday).

Going to register for baby stuff (Friday).

Going to work... (Cory's summer thus far can be summed up this way...) We miss our Daddy, but we are ...

Going on vacation soon and he will have some time off!

We've also been growing...

Growing our tomatoes... Yummy... they are out of control!! We are having to give them away we are getting SO many! Its been fun watching the whole process and Casey loves going out with his Daddy to water and pick 'mators.'

Growing our sweet baby girl... along with my belly!!

I'm really starting to feel her and I feel great! I am over 1/2 way done! Just a little over 4 months and she will be here! I can't believe that!!

Growing my appreciation for 'nap time' and how wonderful Casey is about it.

Growing my appreciation about how wonderful Casey is about most everything.

Growing our appreciation for Cory and all he does for our family.

Growing a funny, intelligent and kind hearted little boy that I absolutely enjoy spending my days with!

Growing hotter and hotter.

Growing more and more grateful for my family and friends.

Growing our family.

Growing our flowers that are trying to beat the brutal sun.

Growing and slowing down to enjoy.

Growing new things and new adventures.

Growing fun.

If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good.

~ Dr. Seuss

YAY for Summer and Whitey Tighties...

2011-06-05T07:17:00.000-07:00

Man is it HOT already! I just love all of the people out there that love to point to my 'ever expanding waistline' and say, "Man... it sure will be a long HOT summer for you!"

Thanks. I'm aware that I'm making a human and it is miserably hot in Texas in the summer. Thanks. Got it. (Captain Obvious)

This weekend we celebrated our 'first weekend of freedom' by going to Moody Gardens to get our passes. (NOTE TO SELF- never go to Moody Gardens the first Saturday everyone is off of school... wait until a weekday!) This year we decided to get an entire year family pass. Boy will we get our $ worth and then some! It really saves a lot and you can go to ANYTHING Moody all YEAR! They've done a TON of work on Palm Beach... I didn't even recognize it! It even has a big slide and a lazy river! OH YEA!

The Rain Forest Pyramid has been under construction too and looks great! Yesterday we just did that and Dora's 4D adventure! (FUN!) (Thus the awesome rockin' glasses!)

I look forward to many summer days there!

Next week marks my half way point of my pregnancy! I'm excited about that! It seems to be flying by! She will be here before we know it!

That's all for now... I'll try to post more often this summer!

Until next time...

"Ah, Summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it!"

~Russel Baker

It's a... WHAT???

2011-05-30T17:13:00.000-07:00

May has been a great month!

We've had several visitors. My parents came down for a visit! We spent the day shopping and hanging out... it was a lot of fun! We hadn't had them over in a while and we always enjoy our Granny Joan & Paw-Paw time!!! Jodie and Grace also came to see us! We just hung out and relaxed and watched our kiddos play... It was a wonderfully laid back weekend!! Grace is absolutely precious! She is SO chubby and adorable! Casey was sweet and gentle with her. It was so precious to see! My brother and sister-in-law even popped in for a short visit while hanging out in Galveston! They were on the Harley... always fun and good to see them!

Casey is now FULLY potty trained- thanks to Walt Disney. Well, Bambi, actually.

(WE HEART BAMBI!)

Goes like this...

He loves Bambi. We buy Bambi. He has 'an accident.' We take away Bambi. He is devastated beyond belief. He goes in potty. He gets Bambi back. He never poops his pants again for fear of having his beloved Bambi taken away.

Potty Trained... CHECK.

Although most teachers look forward to May... I think we forget how hectic, stressful and jammed full of 'Things to Do,' it actually is! Its exhausting! 4 more days and I'm out for the summer! I'm looking forward to being able to be 'off'' while I'm pregnant! I think it will be good for me! Speaking of....

At our 12 week appointment our Dr. said he'd "eat crow if the baby ended up being a girl!" He was SOOOO sure that it was a boy he even wrote 'woody' and a line pointing on the ultrasound!! Well... he ate crow!! At 12 weeks they can actually tell you with only a 83% chance of accuracy... at 18 weeks it is a 99.9% chance... and guess what?!?!

We are having a BABY GIRL!

We were shocked and thrilled and overwhelmed... I mean bottom line- I want to carry full term and to deliver a healthy baby in late October.... BUT... A GIRL??? It was amazing! Again... God reminding me, "he's got this under control." And all is as it should be...
As I type this Cory is painting her room lavender... excited much??? LOL

I am thankful for my family and my sweet friends.

I am thankful for SUMMER and time at home- and Moody Palm Beach!

I am thankful that my sweet family will be complete...
I can't wait to meet our little princess. I can't wait to see her with her daddy and her kind hearted big brother.

Until next time...

"She will fill our lives with sunshine... and our hearts with love."

~Author Unknown

April... May... Come on JUNE!!

2011-05-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind! Thank goodness I only have 3 more weeks of school! I always forget, however, how extremely stressful and BUSY the 'end of the year' is! I'm trying to NOT let it get me all worked up and to take it easy... when possible. I am now a little over 16 weeks preggers. I am glad to say that I am feeling much better now... I DO NOT miss morning- make that ALL DAY- sickness. May 26 th we go for a pretty 'big' ultrasound. They will check to make sure all is on track and to 're-confirm' that it is indeed... a little boy. It will most likely be a long, hot summer for me! :)

Other than the excitement of the new little one... there really isn't much new going on around here! Cory is busy working and Casey is growing like a weed and keeping us in stitches! Yesterday he told me he was "going to put his juice in the refrigerator for safe keeping." I swear!!! Where do they get these things!

He is pretty much completely potty trained now! (YAY!)

He loves playing outside and going to the park... We've been doing that a lot lately and I imagine that is how most of our summer days will play out... that and Moody Gardens Palm Beach/ the beach. My Dr. has told me to SLOW down and take it easy... with my history and all... plus I had a 'little scare.' Slowing down... with a 3 year old and working... etc... Is not easy. Plus I'm not one to just 'sit around.' But... I am trying to take it easy. She also has said not to work out...

This was very upsetting to me... As I've worked REALLY hard and don't want to get out of shape. She said it was ok to walk on days that I haven't done much else.

Hopefully this summer I can figure out a light workout routine, but all in all... having a healthy pregnancy and baby is most important!!

In April Casey, Cory and I went to Disney's Toy Story 3 on Ice. We had SO much fun! It really was neat to see the movie acted out on ice! Casey LOVED it! It was a wonderful, exciting day!

Easter was nice... The usual. Easter eggs (The ones the Dog didn't EAT, that is! LOL), the Easter bunny/ baskets, church and a lovely lunch. I always love Easter! The Easter bunny brought Casey a fun outside sand/ water toy! He LOVES it!

Until next time...

Hope everyone is well... and enjoying Spring!

"The mere sense of living is joy enough."

~ Emily Dickinson

Sunshine & New Beginnings....

2011-04-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

We have just really been enjoying this SUNSHINE!! (And although the 'drought' is no fun... the non- existence of pesky mosquitoes makes evenings outside MUCH more enjoyable!!) We've really just been doing the same ole' same ole'. Count down to TAKS and then SUMMER, is on!!

We are just 'all smiles' around here lately!

Casey picked a flower for me the other day... all on his own... so sweet.

We visited Granny a few weeks ago...

Casey now knows ALL ABOUT "The Ice Cream Truck!" I swear he can hear it a mile away... from inside the house!! LOL!!

BEFORE

AFTER

He also finally experienced his first FREEBIRDS Burrito!!

HE LOVED IT!

So all that was the 'sunshine' part...
And... In other NEWS...

One of the 'new beginnings' is the 13 week old baby I've been making!!

YEP... for those of you who didn't already know... I'm preggers!

We waited a while to tell... to be on the safe side. And all seems well...

I'm 13 weeks along. My 'high risk' Doctor and his fancy machines tell us 90 % chance it is another boy. To be honest, I was a little disappointed at first. I REALLY wanted a little princess... BUT the idea of me and the boys is definitely growing on me and the main thing is that the baby is healthy and will stay put until October and NOT COME EARLY! :)

Casey really wanted "2 brud-ders" he kept saying... So hopefully he'll be happy with 1!!

I've had a rough 3 months... very, VERY tired and nauseated about 25 hours a day. I feel better everyday now and think/ hope the worst is behind me.

(I didn't have any of that with Casey.)

(Hard to see... but It is his profile. Head/ chin/ nose on the left side and his little spine curved along the bottom...)

He is due October 27th. I will have a scheduled C-section- No choice :(

So we are thinking it may be a week or 2 before that!

Please pray that this little guy hangs out inside me a lot longer than his big brother did!!

More New beginnings...

My Sweet Heidi gave birth to Brayden John Byrd, early this morning.

(BIG boy!! 9lbs 3oz, 21.5 inches!)

Mom and baby are fine and I am so so excited for Heidi and Chris as they begin this journey of parenthood!

SIDENOTE: Now all 4 of "The 4 Girls" are Mommies! Wow... That is crazy.

(AND 2 are working on #2.. lol)

Seems like yesterday we were at a slumber party watching 'Drop Dead Fred!' I'm so glad these 3 beautiful, special women are still such an important part of my life. I cherish our friendships!

"A baby has a special way of adding joy in every single day."

~ Author Unknown

Spring is in the Air...

2011-04-03T11:48:00.001-07:00

Yay... Spring is in the air! I love this time if year.

All things new and green.

New beginnings. New chances. New blessings.

It ALWAYS reminds of of my Granny Nell & Pappy. How I wish they were still here. How I wish I could swing barefoot on her swing, smell her flowers, eat her cobbler, laugh at his goofiness, and find my plastic egg. I always feel like they ARE here as I see these precious signs of life popping up around me... As we think of the sacrifices God made for us during this time... I always feel so close to them.

Nothing tooo exciting around here. Just work and the usual. Cory has been working A TON. He is off this weekend though and today is his Birthday!

HAPPY BDAY CORY... WE LOVE YOU!

A few weeks ago we went to the Galveston Mardi Gras (Children and Pet) parade! Casey had a BLAST and had more beads than MR.T! It was a lot of fun. It was our first time going but now I know we will go each year!

During Spring Break Casey and I went to Beaumont for Heidi's baby shower! It was REAL nice! She looked SO great and it was wonderful getting to see everyone again! It was a nice weekend. We got to spend some great time with Jodie, Sandy and 'baby- Grace' as well as Kelli, Frances and Seth. It is so awesome hanging out with my girls and our kiddos! CRAZY!

The rest of the week we really just relaxed and hung out in the sun!

Now, here it is April!! 2 MORE MONTHS OF SCHOOL!!! (Who is counting?!?!)

I CANNOT wait for summer to get here!

3 more weeks until TAKS= STRESS TIME... but I know it will come and go quickly and then next thing you know it will be June!

Here are a few pics from the past few weeks!

Hope everyone is doing great! Happy Spring!

"In the Spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt."

~ Margaret Wood

"An optimist is the human personification of Spring."

~ Susan J. Bissonette

It's my Birthday and I'll...

2011-03-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful and VERY blessed Birthday this year.

Although the actual 'day' was

1. A 'Monday' and

2. the day before 4th grade Writing TAKS (STRESSSSSSS)...

I was able to celebrate 2 weekends in a row and I really enjoyed it!!

The first weekend my parents came for a visit. We always enjoy having them.

We went out to a nice dinner and had a great time.

The next weekend Cory was actually off!!! The 3 of us just hung out and relaxed!

Cory got me a beautiful necklace and new work-out shoes! I love Birthdays!! I am grateful for my friends and my sweet family!

I love being in my 30's and feeling like all is as it should be...

Quote note...

As I was searching for the 'perfect birthday quote...' you know, about being happy and blessed and wiser with age... how life is grand and its almost like being on a drug... lol
I found this. It's a stretch. And, YES, he has LOST HIS MARBLES! And one should not laugh at such matters... BUT

This is MY Birthday post and I'll 'laugh' if I want to, 'laugh' if I want to...

"I'm on a drug. It's called Charlie Sheen."

~ Charlie Sheen

Birthday Bash

2011-02-12T06:43:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday was Casey's 3rd Birthday! It worked out so great because Cory was actually off, so we were able to have his party on his actual Birthday! FUN!

Every since this summer when I took Casey to see his first movie, Toy Story 3, he has been captivated with all things Toy Story. Thus, I decided to give him a Toy Story Party. I usually end up going a little over board with his parties so this year I fully intended not to...

However, now that he is 3 and really excited about things I thought it would be only appropriate to make it a party he'd never forget.

The weather both Saturdays before the party had been PERFECT party weather. Last Saturday was a little chilly, but not too bad! We set up tables in the garage with favors and games and coloring sheets on them. (There were about 14 kids here) They kinda went in and out and it worked out really well. There were also plenty of Adults here as well (Around 15) to help keep an eye on everyone.

Casey was a little overwhelmed with all the kiddos in his room... LOL. He even told me "Mom, my room is a mess!"

I decorated with toys, balloons, streamers, quotes from the movies, paper airplanes my 4th graders made and other items from the movies. It turned out really cute and Casey loved it!

We served 'Pizza Planet Pizza', "Rex Ramen Salad', "Woody Watermelon", "Mr. & Mrs. Potato Chips", and "Jesse Juice!" It was super cute, and easy! Usually poor Cory is stuck grilling the entire party but this time he was able to relax and hang out!

His cake was made by a lady I work with... It was seriously the most AWESOME cake EVER!

And it tasted as good as it looked! I was MORE than pleased with how it turned out!

Nana came and brought Grace, the little girl she babysits. Grace was dressed as Jesse and Nana also brought Buzz and Woody Costumes. I wasn't sure if Casey would go for it, but he was ALL over it! He immediately decided he wanted to be Woody. When his cousin Jude got here, I assigned him the part of Buzz! He was the perfect Buzz! They all looked adorable!

He got SO many goodies, but I was also really please with that to. It was really neat. He got a wide variety of things... Clothes, toys, books, some bath items, some $ for his College Fund, A story story blanket and pillow, and some jumbo coloring pages + markers... It was a nice variety of gifts! Thank you everyone! He loves all of his new things and is such a grateful boy.

By the end of the day he was MORE than ready to go to bed with his new Toy Story blanket, pillow and Hamm...

It was a fun day for everyone! A wonderful celebration of our little 3 year old! I still can't believe he is 3. Wow. He is just such a blessing. I love hanging out with him... He cracks me up! And I know we are blessed to have such a sweet boy with such a kind heart and gentle spirit. Happy Birthday, Casey.

Mommy & Daddy love you sooo much!

There are 364 days a year when you might get un-birthday presents... and only 1 for Birthday presents, you know.

~ Lewis Carrol

Miracle

2011-02-05T07:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday

Three years ago today...

Today...

January

2011-01-26T18:13:00.000-08:00

January has been exciting and busy... It seems like we just can't 'get back into the swing' of things... Little things keep coming up... you know, Life.

Nothing major, just busy/ conflicting work schedules... car trouble... company... Cory went hunting for a week... etc...

The best part of the month has been that we have gotten to see some of the most special people to us...

Matt, Jodie & Grace, My parents, and Granny & Lisa all came for little visits! We have really enjoyed that!

We are gearing up for Casey's 3rd Birthday/ party. It is really cool because this year his actual Birthday (2/5) is on a Saturday and Cory is even OFF!! YAY!

We are planning a Toy Story bash and Casey is SUPER excited!
I just cannot believe that he will be 3. Seriously... It blows my mind! I have a 3 year old?!?!

Everyday he grows and learns and soaks it all in... His little personality is blossoming. He is smart, funny, and very stubborn. He is particular, creative and goofy. He cracks us up daily. The other day we were driving home and he asked if we were almost there... I said yes and to that he replied... "Well, that's not to shabby!" He is a back-seat driver and heaven forbid I take 'another way home.' He will quickly let me know that we are going the wrong way. It is very interesting how observant he is and how good he is with directions.

We are looking forward to this weekend... Cory and I are off together for the first time since New Years! And we have NO PLANS! YAY!
Until next time...

As if you could kill time without injuring eternity.

~ Henry David Thoreau

Merry December... Part 2...

2011-01-14T16:39:00.000-08:00

December 21st

Cory and I celebrated our 5th Wedding anniversary. (Our anniversary is actually the 22nd... but we had our 'Christmas' on the 23rd so we had to go out for our anniversary the night before) I can't believe we've been married 5 years! I still get butterflies when I hear his truck pulling in the driveway! We make a great team and words cannot express how thankful I am for him. We spent a wonderful evening in Galveston. We ate at Rudy and Paco's (The same place we ate the night we got married). We had an amazing night!

December 23 & 25

We actually got to have 2 Christmas Days this year! We celebrated on the 23rd... Santa came... And we stayed in our Pjs ALL day. It was just us 3. A perfectly sweet day! I made a ham and all the trimmings... It was so amazing watching Casey REALLy get into everything this year! He even left cookies, food for Rudolph, and a note for Santa! It was an exciting Christmas. My parents came over on the 25th and we had 'round 2.' It felt more like Christmas that day... Aunt Shelly even came by and we enjoyed a great dinner and hanging out! I love Christmas and even though Cory had to work... this year was special, just the same. Casey ADORES his new train table and ALL of his Toy Story toys... I feel a 'Toy Story BDay party' coming on :)

Everyone loved their gifts... even Kobi! And we enjoyed those precious Christmas moments that we will cherish always!!

Dec. 31

We spent New Years Eve Day at Granny's. As usual, we had a nice visit with her and Aunt Debbie. That evening we had a very low key New Years Eve...

JANUARY

So far this month has been great! We've been settling down, de-cluttering and getting things back to normal after all of the holidays + Cory's crazy work schedule the past few months.

We've celebrated my Mom's Bday and Granny's Bday... Jodie and Grace came to visit... Matt came down and then he and Cory went to the deer lease for a few days... we watched the Cotton Bowl... and now I have a 3 day weekend!!! WOOO HOOO!!!

Although I am sure life will get hectic again... I am enjoying this 'down time'... you know, the normal day to day that we often find ourselves complaining about... I am loving it! That is one of the things I am working on in 2011... slowing down to enjoy these precious moments we've been blessed with.

Until Next Time...

"Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going to fast- you also miss the sense of where you are going and why."

~ Eddie Cantor

Merry December...

2010-12-28T17:32:00.000-08:00

December is one of my most favorite things. Everything about it... The sights, the sounds, the tastes, the time off from work, the hustle & bustle, the cozy naps by the fire, the carols & candles at church... everything about it, recharges my soul!

(Who cares if it also causes my jeans to not quite button!)

This year proved to be no different... busy, busy, busy...

December 1

4th Grade at my school took a Field Trip to a Houston Aeros Hockey game. SO FUN. I'd never been to a hockey game before! They are quite exciting!

December 4

Casey and I made the trip (in 1 day) to College Station and back for Jude & Mia's Birthday Party! It was fun and always good for the cousins to be around one another.

December 6- 17

School was crazy! Benchmark Tests, Christmas Programs, Parties and Meetings... We were all very excited to see the 17th! Cory was only off 2 days during these 2 weeks...

Busy working a 'shut-down' at the plant.

December 18-20

Ahhhhhh... Casey and I got to make the trip to Dallas to spend time with Aunt Jodie... and Baby Grace... (Of course) I must admit, I was a little 'concerned' about making this trip without Cory, and about Casey at Jodie's VERY quaint & cozy condo. (She has these red stairs... major steep and NO rail! We talked with Casey about them before we made the trip)

As usual... Mommy worried for NO reason. I'm not just saying this... He was an angel. I allowed him on the stairs (but not past the 2nd one) he didn't push it or try me... not 1 single time. He was SO kind and gentle and loving towards Grace. Before the trip he was already talking about her all the time but I didn't really expect to see him to take to her this much. He would cover her up and pat her and kiss her and bring her toys and help feed and burp her... It was REALLY sweet. It was beyond description... sitting there... with my Jo... and our precious babies. Mine rocking hers in his arms. It was beautiful. I am always told about how "sweet & great and all that" Casey is, but this weekend I got a true glimpse of his kind heart, gentle spirit and loving personality. He behaved perfectly. Adam and Jodie were even very impressed. Which makes me happy because now I know making the trip and staying there is not only do-able but extremely enjoyable!!! (BTW- He also LOVED Bernie!! He hasn't stopped talking about him or Grace since we left!) We picked Granny up from Keller (She was visiting Cory's Uncle Pat) and she rode home with us. I always enjoy my time with Granny and having her along for the drive home was nice! What a WONDERFUL few days! Plenty of hanging out, a little shopping and just an all around great time! Sweet, special memories we'll have always...

BUT- Still praying that Houston is in their future!!!! :)

That is all for now...

More of our 'Merry December' to come...

Until then...

How did it get late so soon? Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get late so soon?

~ Theodor Geisel

And I think to Myself... What a Wonderful Week...

2010-11-27T07:01:00.000-08:00

There are no words to describe how perfectly wonderful this week was.

It had just the right amount of R&R, rushing around, family, friends, city, woods, great wine and yummy food!

Sat- Casey and I went Grocery Shopping and cleaned up a little

Sun- We laid low... real low :) And waited for Aunt Shelly to arrive. She got to our house later that evening.

Mon- We stayed in our Pjs until 4pm!! We just relaxed and played with Aunt Shelly. Then we went down to Galveston for a lovely Mexican dinner! It was SO much fun! We all really enjoyed ourselves... It was great hanging out with Shelly... We had the best visit ever!! Casey ADORES her! (And I think she may feel the same!!)

Tues- Shelly left and we left for the deer lease. No deer, but very warm weather and BEAUTIFUL fall foliage! Casey and I took a walk and he enjoyed all the beautiful colors!

Wed- We came home from the deer lease and prepared a few things for our Thanksgiving Meal at my Cousin, Doug's, house.

Thurs- Going to Doug's is indescribable. He and Anne are the best Hosts ever! Their home is gorgeous, nestled near Rice Village, and he always makes the occasion feel so special. The food was delicious and Doug's good friend, Tommy, brought red wine from a little villa in Italy where he used to live! Ummmmmm
Casey was pretty much the only 'kid' there. Flynn, My cousin Steve's son, is older but didn't mind playing with him and he did GREAT! He was quite the hit. Very well behaved and grown-up for his age everyone said. Flynn was even nice enough to take TONS of pictures of our family for our Christmas card! And since Casey loved him he actually cooperated! Looks like I have a new photographer!! THANKS Flynn! It was just a great place to be as we took time to be thankful for all that we have! After lunch we drove down to Bass Pro Shop in Katy. (One of Cory & Casey's favorite places.) Cory's Christmas gift was about to sell out so we had to snatch it up! (A gun that allows him to be able to hunt through Jan/ so hopefully we'll get a deer!) We got his gift and a few other things... I had never been. so it was pretty amazing to me. We also played in the Santa Wonderland area but Santa had already gone home. :(

Fri- I made our Christmas cards... We stayed in Pjs until 5pm!!! Jodie called Thursday and decided to come down to Katy for her Family Thanksgiving... She knew I'd never speak to her if they didn't come down!! SO she came Friday evening... I cried when I saw Grace... and Jodie! Grace is and angel... seriously. And Jodie looks beautiful!! She is such a good Momma... It makes my heart smile. Casey is the sweetest thing EVER with Grace. (He calls her "Beby Grace") He kept 'Shhh-ing' us if she was asleep and wanting to share with her!! It was real sweet!

Sat & Sun- Although the week is winding down I'm am trying to enjoy the last few days! When I get back to work it is going to be a hectic few weeks!!!! And with Cory working so much... Home will be a little crazier, too. But I know those weeks will fly by and we'll be out for Christmas Break in no time!

So there was our 'Wonderful Week!'

Hope yours was great, too!

Until Next Time...

We all have SO much to be Thankful for...

For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything thy goodness sends.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

November... in a Flash...

2010-11-21T14:59:00.000-08:00

WOW... We've almost made it to Thanksgiving. The past several weeks have been crazy (above average crazy) for us. Without the help of family members... I don't know what we would have done! Thank-you Nana & Granny and My Parents!!!

Casey's Baby sitter had back surgery. She was closed for almost 4 weeks! We DID NOT just want to 'dump' him off somehwere new... and thanks to our wonderful family... we didn't have to! We worked it all out... and Casey even got some good quality time with most of his favorite people!

Things are finally back to normal... and I am enjoying a much needed Thanksgiving Break!

What else???

Cory has taken several hunting trips... but no deer yet... :(

Casey has taken quite a liking to potty training... I was being lazy and kinda just wasn't pushing the idea... but he is all over it... he wants to do it, so I guess its time!

I haven't taken to the idea that my Best Friend (Jodie) had her baby (Grace) and I cannot get up their to see them. It makes my heart hurt. Dallas feels like Canada. :(

We are looking forward to a visit from Aunt Shelly, Thanksgiving Day at my Cousin Doug's, and maybe a 1 night trip back to the deer lease.

We are not looking forward to the fact that Cory just found out that he will have to work all except for 5 days in December. We are only off together 3 days the entire month. He will be working Christmas weekend... the entire weekend. We will probably be celebrating our Christmas on the 23rd...

We are pumped up about the Aggies!!! WHOOP!

Our house smells like wonderful fall flavors... (I LOVE that!)

Cory sent me flowers to work last week... for no reason... while he was hunting!!!!

We wish it cool off and stay cool!

Happy Birthday to my Sweet Daddy! I love you!

We are Thankful... for SO many things...

That's about it!

Until next time... Count your Blessings!

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice.

~Meister Eckhart

Halloween Fun

2010-11-10T14:42:00.000-08:00

Halloween was nice ...

At work I was Snow White and the rest of my team were the 7 dwarfs...

At home Casey was 'Ming-Ming'

(From Wonder Pets- if you have a toddler you probably know)

It was pretty low key... I made eye ball salad & coffin chili for dinner, we went trick-or-treating and handed out some candy.

Casey REALLY enjoyed it. It is so fun to see him getting into the holidays more now that he is older and understands more about what is going on! He gets SO excited now... it's really cute!

Halloween always seems like the start of craziness/ fun Holiday Season for us...

(Halloween, Opening Weekend, Hunting, Thanksgiving, Hunting, Our Anniversary- 5 this yr!!, Christmas, New Years, Birthdays...and on and on)

Bring on the holidays...

Until next time...

I'll bet living in a nudist colony takes all the fun out of Halloween.

~Author Unknown

"Am-els"

2010-10-22T16:28:00.000-07:00

If you know my son at all you know that he LOVES 'Am-els.'
(Translation... for those of you whom do not speak-a- de-toddler = Animals)
If it comes in plastic, chances are we have 2 or 3 of them... Should God decide to send another flood... just send Noah our way... we've got it covered! We've got 2 or 3 of every 'am-el' there is!!
We spend countless hours building Zoos... and my 'very particular' son... spends even longer lining up and organizing them into groups... lay off... we didn't 'teach' him this trait... he just enjoys...sorting. :) (No doubt he will ace this in school!) He likes things to go 'where they belong!!'

1 of our Zoos

We decided to visit Bayou Wildlife Park, last weekend. It is literally 10 mins from our house. It is a really cool Wildlife Park that is tucked back on tons of land not that far off 45! It always amazes me that something like that is so close to home! They have TONS of exotic animals, a Rhino, Giraffes, Emus, Ostriches, Zebras, Camels, Pigs, Goats, HUGE long horns, Buffalo and pony rides!! You can visit the petting zoo... walk around a few cages... and take a ride through the other parts of the park. You buy food and feed the animals... Some are VERY hungry and VERY HUGE!!! It is a lot of fun and Casey was SOOOO excited! Every time something ate out of his bucket he'd scream and squeal!! He loved it, and it really is a cool thing that he gets to get so close to so many different types of animals, especially since he loves them so much!

It was a very exciting day... He is at a really fun age... like a little sponge... soaking it all in!

What a great weekend...

Beautiful Weather... Bayou Wildlife Park... Football... Home-made Pizzas

(Casey made his own)... baking cookies... church... and more Football... Ahhhhh...

HUGE Long Horn

Momma and Casey in front of the 'Gator's Home'

Casey loved the pigs... BUT... Did the pigs live Casey??? LOL...

Cindy, the camel... (BTW- she has 1 hump)

Ride 'Em Cowboy!!

Until Next time...

Lessons from Noah's Ark:

1. Don't miss the boat.

2. Remember that we are all on the same boat.

3. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

4. Stay fit. When you're 600 yrs old someone may ask you to do something really big.

5. Don't listen to critics, just get on with the job that needs to be done.

6. Build your future on high ground.

7. For safety's sake, travel in pairs.

8. Speed isn't everything. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

9. When you're stressed, float a while.

10. Remember the Ark was built by amateurs, and the Titanic by professionals.

11. No matter the storm, when you are with God there's always a rainbow waiting...

Short and Sweet...

2010-10-12T17:18:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile!

Busy... Busy...

Cory = Work & Preparing for hunting season

Kari= Work, normal 'house + mommy' stuff, 1 quick visit to see Jodie
Casey= The funniest, cutest Big Boy EVER!!

We had a couple of REALLY nice days of weather...

We took advantage...

Dinner on the bay in Galveston, Feeding the ducks, playing outside...etc...

Last weekend I make a quick trip up to Dallas to help Jodie complete Grace's nursery...

She could be here any day!!!

Cory took Casey to a 'Family Day' at his plant... They had a BLAST! I hate that I missed it, but was SO glad to see Jodie and to help out so much!

This weekend we are both OFF and have NO PLANS! (YAY!)

We are going to relax and do some fun things around here before the craziness of 'November - February' takes over!

Until next time...

Life is meant to be lived.

~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Promises...

2010-10-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

I love when I get a 'gentle nudge' from God... You know... a little reminder.

"Hey- I'm here... and no worries... I've got everything under control!"

"You make known to me the path of life;

in your presence there is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are pleaseures forevermore."

Psalms 16:11

September...... Where did you go???

2010-09-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

Wow... Where did the month go??? (I feel like I am always saying that) But it's SO true! Time really seem to be flying by! And... Who is that HUGE kid?? Seriously... is he 5?

Things are good... We've had a few minor illness issues but hopefully that is all behind us now. Cory is gearing up for Deer Season... Casey is getting huge... and I'm the same ole' same ole'

We enjoyed a wonderful Labor Day at my parent's house.... (as usual)

Then a few weeks later I helped with Jodie's Baby Shower... It turned out real nice! I can't wait to go see her in October!! And I REALLY can't wait to meet Grace!!! Mom and Dad came up for the weekend and Mom and I went together! It was a great day/ weekend!

Today we had a very nice visit with Nana and Granny - pics later-
We are enjoying the rest of our quiet, relaxing weekend...
Until Next time...

Enjoy your weekend...

"Weekends are a bit like rainbows; They look good from a distance but disappear when you get up close to them."
~John Shirley

No longer a 'Baby Fish'

2010-09-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

SAY "CHHHHHEEEEZZZZ"

So... As you can probably tell- by my lack of posts- we are full swing back into the ole' routine again. This time around I actually didn't 'dread' going back to work! It was much easier...
Casey loves his sitter and I love my school... I honestly feel like I have this 'Working Mom' thing pretty much down... I manage to plan our meals, and even cook some ahead, be 150% for my kiddos at work, work out (for ME), be super Mommy in the evenings AND still get the 8 hrs of sleep I require each night! :)
It all seems to work. Don't get me wrong... I have 'my days.' But luckily Cory is so wonderful and always there to help. The only real adjustment this time around is his schedule. He is full on shift work... Sometimes on nights and sometimes on days... Like this week... We only see him in the mornings for a min or 2... Then we are off to work and babysitter and he is off to sleep... Then he is back to work before we even get home. (sucks) BUT... we manage and its nice that he has some weekdays off so he helps out a lot around here and even keeps Casey home so they can have special time :)
Casey is amazing beyond words. He is growing up SO fast... Everyday I am amazed at the things he says, does, and knows! His baby sitter told Cory the other day that he has "such a good heart." That is probably the best compliment a parent can get...
He really is a sweet boy...
(EX. When those sad animal rescue commercials come on (With the beat up pets and sad music) or on a movie when a person cries or has a sad face... Casey says "Awwwwwww so sad Momma" or "Awwww Buzz is sad Mom" and he makes the saddest face ever!) I love that he has so much empathy at his age!)
Although things have been crazy Casey and I were able to sneak off to Moody Gardens Aquarium and Butterfly Exhibit a weekend ago... while Daddy slept from working the night before. It was a wonderful day! Casey was SO excited at EVERY exhibit!! He LOVES animals of ALL kinds!! Mommy was excited b/c it was free! (Thanks Kelli!)
He was just such a 'Big Boy' pointing to fish, penguins, sharks and just everything! Not only was he on 'cloud 9'... It was quite obvious to Mommy that her 'baby fish' is no longer a 'baby!'

So...All is well here and we hope the same is true for you and yours...

Anxiously awaiting Fall... (Ok... cooler weather, football, fake leaves on the mantle, my fall wreath and Bath & Body Pumpkin Spice and Candy Apple soap and candles!! YAY!)
I love 'Fall!'
Until next time...

Every leaf speaks bliss to me,
Fluttering from the Autumn tree.
~ Emily Bronte

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting
and autumn a mosaic of them all.
~ Stanley Horowitz

The morns are meeker than they were,
The nuts are getting brown;
The berry's cheek is plumper,
The rose is out of town.
The maple wears a gayer scarf,
The field a scarlet gown.
Lest I should be old-fashioned,
I'll put a trinket on.
~ Emily Dickinson

Casey Week

2010-08-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

So the week after we returned from our trip we decided it was 'Casey Week.' :)

Cory had that week off as well... At first we threw around the idea of taking a mini camping trip with him, but we ultimately decided NOT to battle the triple digits and insane amounts of mosquitoes in our pop-up!!

Instead each day we did a fun activity or took him to a new place! It was nice to stay close to home and really take advantage of all of the wonderful things to do in our area!!

We went to Barnes and Nobles one day... Casey loved the children's area and came home with a few new books to add to his library! He especially loved playing with the Thomas the Train set there... so... (Remember Cory is with us....) So what did we do next?? You got it...

Went straight to Toys R Us to buy... a train set... LOL

We got him a little figure 8 Thomas Track... it is real cute.

Casey has also been really into Dinosaurs lately! So... We got him this HUGE T-Rex that walks, ROARS back at you, munches on your finger, and even purrrrs when you pet under his chin! It is AWESOME!! Casey loves to Roar at it... and everyone else too, lately!

A few days ago we were eating at our favorite little Mexican spot and someone said "Awwww what a good looking sweet boy you are," to our normally pretty shy son... Any guesses what his reply was? If you are thinking "ROOAAARRRRR," you are correct!!!

It was pretty funny though! Everyone got a good laugh!!

We were supposed to go to Moody Palm Beach the next day.... but we got rained out... We went this week though and hope to get a few more visits in before I go back to work.

The next day we took Casey to "Chuck E Cheese's" for the first time! It was very exciting... to say the least... Casey enjoyed riding all the little rides and watching Chucky E Cheese sing...
Although it didn't seem as 'cool' as the Chucky E Cheese's in my memory... we had a blast!

We've been spending countless hours playing with Casey in his room... I love doing that. I know the day will come when he doesn't much want us in there... so I cherish the hours of books, blocks, trucks and animals we have now!!

I've been trying to take Casey up to the little park at the front of our neighborhood in the mornings before it gets too hot... He has gotten so good at climbing the stairs and going down the slide! He loves it and says WEEEEEE the whole way down... too cute.

We've also been introducing Casey to the computer... We figure that technogology isn't going anywhere so he needs to be exposed to it from an early age. We've found some really fun, interactive, educational sites that he really enjoys! He looks so big sitting at the desk! Priceless...

The last 'big' thing we did was The Children's Museum of Houston. This is something I'd been wanting to do for quite some time! It was amazing... At little crowded and quite chaotic... but really neat! Apparently a lot of summer camps where there so it gets really rowdy and crazy during the summer... Also, there was a baby/ toddler room (Which Casey was just about too big for) and then everything else was geared for older kiddos... So he was a little in between most they had to offer. There was SO much to do there that it was almost over whelming!! He had a blast just running around and playing and we will definitely go back when he is a little older and can really appreciate all the interesting exhibits a little more!

Casey is still walking up on his tip toes a lot... We had at PT from Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) come out and check him out... I am NOT bragging.... I am quoting!!!

The ladies that came out were simply amazed by Casey... I guess sometimes I 'forget' all he went through to get to where he is today... I mean now when I see him I don't see the 2 lb baby in the NICU fighting to meet each new expectation set for him. I see a precious, happy, healthy, super smart 2 1/2 year old kiddo.These ladies kept saying.... "How many weeks was he?" "How much did he weigh?" They couldn't get over how "Advanced" he was for his age in every single area on their 'check lists' advanced for a 'normal' child never mind the fact that he was a premee. And as for the toe thing... It is not a physical problem... more of a habbit because of tactile issues... She gave me some cool ideas of things to work with him on... but said that he was "so smart" you could mostly just 'verbally correct' him to break the habbit and that, once again... He doesn't qualify for thier program. Our little Miracle Man... has come a very long way!!

Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid, one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.
~ Douglas MacArthur

Until next time... Enjoy what is left of your summer!!!

Rivera Maya

2010-07-30T17:53:00.000-07:00

This past week, Cory and I took a "Mommy/ Daddy Trip" to Mexico... Words cannot describe how wonderful it was...

Casey stayed home- at our house- with Nana and Granny... They said he never even mentioned us once!! We were glad that they were able to spend that special time with him! Everyday when we called to check in, they all sounded as if they were having a blast! We missed him and the place we stayed was very family oriented, so we may take him along next time... but we were thankful for the "2 of us" time and we know he enjoyed his week as well!

We stayed about 30 mins past Cancun and 20 mins before Playa del Carmen...

Along the Mayan Rivera.

We did nothing... nothing... It was amazing... For those of you with hectic schedules like ours... you understand the beauty in that!!
We just sat down by the emerald beach listening to the waves.
I read a book, drank pina coladas and swam...

Cory did Sudoku puzzles, drank Mexican beer, and boogie boarded!

It was the first trip we've taken where we literally just relaxed in the sun!! We didn't plan anything... we just hung out! The resort was gorgeous!!It wasn't like others we've stayed in. Instead of a huge 30 story hotel, it was more like a villa... No building was taller than 2 or 3 stories. There were cobble stone paths and thatched roof tops... It was a cozy, warm place, spread out on a TON of land! We walked around each morning looking at all the wildlife- peacocks, flamingos, swans, and a lot more! The vegetation was incredible and the water was crystal clear... breath-taking!!!!

Every evening we had dinner reservations at a different 'themed' restaurant

(There were over 10 in our resort)... So we'd come in from the beach and get all dressed up and go 'out.'

What a wonderful week for me and my Hubby!! :)
Love you Core...

A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in.
~ Robert Orben

Summer Fun...

2010-07-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

Words cannot express how very much we are enjoying our summer!

It is so wonderful to have this quality time with Casey and extra time to do the little things I've been putting off! I also get to workout a lot more so I am enjoying that as well!!

We are doing so many fun things that I can't hardly keep the blog up to date :)

We celebrated a very quiet 4Th of July at home! It was the first day we'd even SEEN the sun in 8 days!! We played outside and ate hot dogs while Daddy worked!

Speaking of... Cory has been working a TON... He pretty much takes 1 day off every 6 or 7. It is shift work so he is also swapping between working nights and working days.
For example:
He worked Wed- Today (Mon) his 12 hr day shift and will work Tues- Thurs night shift.
I DON'T KNOW HOW HE DOES IT!!?!?!! I could never do it!!
After that he is taking a nice little vacation for a couple of weeks!
YAY!! I'm looking forward to all 3 of us getting to hang out as my summer draws to an end...

Once a week or so Casey and I have gone to Palm beach... He LOVES it!!

"Cheese" with a mouth full of gold fish

Here are a few other pics from the past week or so...

Dinner with friends- He always lines his toys up like this!

Big Boy Haircut!!

"Blue Hunt"

Until Next Time...

"A life without love is like a year without Summer."

~Swedish Proverb

Over the Beltway and through the Loop...

2010-06-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

To Granny's House we go...

Last weekend we made a quick little day trip up to visit Granny...

We always enjoy seeing her and Aunt Debbie! Casey loves chasing her kitty, Nolan, around! It was a wonderful day...

Notice his hat in some of the pictures... It 'was' Granny's!! We always try to get him to wear hats- usually to no avail... but this one he fell in love with and of course got to keep :) What do ya say??? :)
There is no place like home... except for Grandma's.

~Author Unknown

On another note.... RAIN, RAIN... GO AWAY!! We are about out of rainy day toddler activities!! ahhhh

Our 'Red Hunt' and Movie Day...

2010-06-25T16:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Casey and I had such a wonderful day... Daddy was working... but we made the most of our day without him.:)

When I woke up in the morning I decided... no working out, no cleaning or cooking or anything 'important.' I declared 'Casey Day!'

We began our day by eating breakfast while watching Dora! (Always Fun!) Then we went on a 'Red Hunt.' Although he pretty much 'knows' his colors often times children his age will simply memorize or repeat things when they actually don't really grasp the concept... So I thought I'd drive the concept home this way...

I 'formally introduced' him to 'red'... We read books about 'red'... We sang a song about red... We got dressed, in red... ok... you get the point...

So then we marched all around the house 'hunting' for all the red things we could find- while singing our 'red song.' We gathered them all up on the coffee table and played with them and talked about them... (I will do this with the other colors as well... print out the pics... and make a book for him to always have to go back to and look at.) He really seemed to enjoy it! He came out of my closet dragging my red gym bag... it was so cute... He'd pick things up and say "No Red" and throw them back down...

When we were finished we colored and drew with red pens, markers...etc...

It was a lot of fun, and I think Casey really enjoyed it!! He is still singing the R-E-D song! :)

So then I get a wild hair...

I decided it was time for his first experience at the movies!!! We loaded up and headed to the movies...

I figured Toy Story 3 would be an appropriate introduction to 'the movies.' BOY... was I right?!?!?!

He LOVED it... He was SOOOO excited and amazingly behaved... We were both very into the movie! (Mommy even cried!! Hey... its about a little boy... all grown up... going to College. As I sat there with my big boy on my lap... I was over whelmed by him... by how much I love him... by how much he has grown... just by how fast these years have gone by... Give me a break!)

Later that night Daddy went with us to buy Casey a 'Woody doll' and Toy Story 1! He is a fan now!

Until Next time...

"Now Woody, He's been my pal for as long as I can remember. He's brave, like a cowboy should be. And kind, and smart. But the thing that makes Woody special, is he'll never give up on you...ever. He'll be there for you, no matter what."

~ Andy

Take a Little Time...

2010-06-21T15:46:00.001-07:00

To Stop and Smell the Flowers :)

Happy Summer!

The past couple of weeks have seriously flown by... I am trying not to concentrate on that fact- the fact that my summer in dwindling down far too quickly- but instead enjoy each day we have...

After my quick trip to Dallas we have been going non-stop! We got season passes again to Moody Gardens Palm Beach!! It is just SOOOO fun!! Casey REALLY enjoys the water this year and the splash pad and slides! He is quite the little swimmer and definitely keeps me on my toes at the pool!! We also met a friend from work and her kiddos at the 'real beach.' He was unsure of the waves and seaweed at first but quickly got his sea legs and cried when we left!

This past weekend we had my parents down for a Father's Day visit- We had a great time- more on that and pics later...

Today we met up with an old friend of mine at Moody. It was so wonderful to see her and to meet her little guy! Plus she is having a little girl in 3 weeks!! It was great catching up with you Cristina! We really enjoyed our time in the pool!!

We've been doing a ton of playing outside in the mornings and evenings. We've been grilling a lot and really just hanging out... I've had 'plans' each week since school has been out... nothing huge but just little things I was planning to do... I look forward to these next few weeks of no plans and just hanging out at home, getting some great workout classes in and spending quality time with Casey! I like trying 'new things' with him! I think I'll take him on the Ferry next week... maybe do a little art project or two as well. We are working on counting and numbers... and I'm pretty sure he is a genius! :)

SIDE NOTE: Today is my Brother's Birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEN!!! LOVE YA!!

Until next time... a few pics from our summer thus far...

Some are of Casey's first experience with... duh... duh.. duh..... (Drum Roll)

The Ice Cream Man!!!!

FUN :)

Rockin' the 'Jean Diaper Look'

Best Buds

I doubt whether the world holds for anyone a more soul-stirring surprise than the first adventure with ice cream.

~ Heywood Broun

Without ice cream, there would be darkness and chaos.

~ Don Kardong

Dallas...

2010-06-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

Despite the fact that my 55 min flight to Dallas ended up taking over 3 hrs... I had a wonderful visit with my Jodie!!
(First my flight was running late... then the weather was "too bad to land")
But once I finally got there...It was all worth it... and the sun was shining!!

I cherish how Jodie and I pick up like no time has gone by... I hate that she lives 'so far' away... We did a little, ok... a lot :), of shopping, had a lovely dinner and
saw Sex and the City 2. It went by WAY to quickly! Everyday I am thankful for my sister!
Im so excited for her and Adam! She is going to be such a wonderful, laid back Mom!!
Her house is adorable and so is her growing belly!
LOVE IT!!
Until next time...
Be thankful for your friends... and tell them so!

~What do we live for? If it is not to make life less difficult for each other...
~George Eliot

Summer Time... da...da...da... the living's easy...

2010-06-06T10:22:00.000-07:00

Well I made it.. WE made it! My first year of teaching and being a Mommy has come to an end! I don't think it has really even hit me just yet! All I can think about it doing all of those little things around the house, Dr. visits, Dentist trips... etc...

All the things I've been putting off/ haven't had the time for this school year...

Cory worked last night and I completely cleaned/ re-organized/ down-sized junk in our kitchen- from top to bottom- until all hours of the night! I am so excited to be off, but also fully aware of how fast the weeks will pass by!

I'm super excited about next week!! I am flying to Dallas for a visit with Jodie!! YAY! Although I'll only be there a day- we are like giddy little girls! I can't wait to see her growing belly, do some shopping and the big plan is to get all dressed up and go to dinner and see

Sex and the City 2 (It's kinda our thing) :)

I need my Jodie fix bad! CANNOT WAIT!

After that I don't have a ton planned... Little fun days with Casey- Feeding the ducks, going to the park, Moody Gardens, the beach... etc...

He can still go to his Babysitter 2 days a week and I plan on doing this at least once a week. I don't want him to get totally out of his routine... plus he needs that interaction with his friends! (Plus Mommy can have some 'Mommy Time'- Although I'll probably use it to clean and run errands! But I'm sure I'll throw a yoga class or 2 in there!)

We plan on taking a few small camping trips with Casey...

In July, Cory and I are spending 5 days in Riviera Maya... near Playa del Carmen. This past December when we went to Puerto Vallarta we did so much... tours, zip lines, boat rides... etc...

So, we are looking forward to laying by the crystal clear water and relaxing! Our hotel even has a lazy river!! At first I didn't want to leave Casey... but we will do several small family trips and I LOVE taking Mommy / Daddy trips... It recharges your battery :)

This past weekend we spent time in College Station for Cory's little sister, Emilie's High School Graduation. It was nice to have Cory's entire family together! We are excited for Em!

I'll post summer pics as we take them...

Until next time...

Let's slow down and notice the blessings all around us!

YAY FOR SUMMER!!!

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night."

~Steve Martin

The Month in Pics.... (Tired Mommy)

2010-05-19T15:44:00.000-07:00

"Where to next??? How about the Zebra's?"

I know... it has been FOREVER!
April and May have gone by in a whirlwind and to say the least between school (TAKS) and life I am beyond exhausted.

I cannot wait for these last 12 days... It has been a great work year- I LOVE my school (etc...)

BUT I am SOOOOOOOOOOO ready to be a SAHM again :)

(for a couple of months... at least... I go back August 13TH!!!) I HATE when people say "Oh it must be nice to be a teacher and get 3 months off"... I wouldn't know- no teacher would)

So we have been busy... we enjoyed Kelli and Jimmy's beautiful Wedding... a trip to the Zoo... a visit from Nana and Granny... and much more...

Mother's day was wonderful... I just LOVE that day :)

Being a Mommy is the BEST and I cannot describe how excited I am about this summer home with my BIG BOY!

We are planning a trip or 2 and gearing up for Aunt Emilie's High School Graduation...

June 4Th is my last day!

Gotta run...

Hope you enjoyed the pics from this month!

Until Next Time...

P.S. Sure enjoyed my time with the "5th girl" :)

Birthday Boy & Easter Bunny

2010-04-10T17:37:00.001-07:00

Last weekend was wonderful...

We celebrated Cory's 31st Birthday and Easter... all in 1 weekend.

(His BDay fell the Saturday before Easter this year.) My parents came up on Good Friday and stayed the night. We always love having them... We laughed SO hard and ATE SOOO much :)

Friday evening we had seafood, well they had seafood... And Dad still tries, despite the fact that I am 30 to convince me "ooohh try this, Kari... you'll like this... it doesn't even taste like seafood!" I guess he'll never give up :) Saturday morning Cory let me and my parents join in on his and Casey's favorite morning adventure... Breakfast at the iHOP right down the road.

~Sidenote- Casey loves it SO much that almost every time we pass it, which is daily... several times, he says "EAT!!! EEEAAAATTTTTT!!!! PWEAZZZZ, EAT!!!!"

I seriously think that he thinks it is his own personal kitchen... there just for him. It very well maybe... when he walks in the door he pretty much owns the place!

Ok- so after a 'yummy' Cory Birthday Breakfast the Birthday boy decided he wanted to go next door to walmart... to get flowers and mulch... to fix up our front flower beds... all day... in the sun... working... on his Birthday...

~Side note- See, this is where we are different... I much prefer my day at the spa on my Birthday :)

So we spent the day outside- watching him fix up the flower beds! :) And they do look great, I must say!

Later that afternoon we hung out in the back yard while Cory grilled the best steaks EVER! Then we enjoyed a delicious meal... and laughed until... well, we laughed a lot :)

Don't worry... I won't spill "the beans." LOL...

We just really enjoyed our time with Granny Joan and Paw- Paw, as usual.

That evening Mom and Dad left and we went to bed early so the Easter bunny could come!

The next day was Easter. We did the

traditional... egg hunt... Church... Easter Ham lunch with all the trimmings...

We just relaxed and really enjoyed the beautiful day...
What a wonderful weekend!! We are truly blessed...

A few thoughts on my mind...

EASTER

I always love Easter time... It is just so symbolic.

Up until then everything is dead and brown and hopeless... and then comes Spring...

Green. Renewal. Fresh. Life. Rebirth. Newness.

Thank you Lord for reminding us. Thank you for life.

Thank you for the 'gentle nudge' each year- that tells us we are not alone.

Our pastor always mentions death in the Easter sermon... Death- but hope in Christ.

This time of year always reminds me of my Granny Nell and Pappy. Maybe its the flowers or the green... for there are no longer any plastic eggs with 'Kari' written on mas kin tape containing 5$

Maybe it is the smell- or the hope... Whatever it is- I look forward to it each year... Its the time I feel closest to them... I can almost feel the grass in their back yard between my toes and smell their flowers and Easter lunch... Maybe its just when they remind me to stay close to God and that they are looking over us... Whatever it is... I love it.

CORY

I think Cory really enjoyed his birthday... He got a really nice grill guard for his new truck... It looks great and it is what he really wanted! I always enjoy celebrating his birthday...

364 days out of the year he pretty much focuses on us... what we need and want. So I look forward to April 3rd each year so that he can't turn the focus anywhere but on him. He is the rock of our family. Everyday I thank God for you Cory and all you do for us. We love you and appreciate you. Being your wife makes life fun and special and... well, wonderful.

I love you and I hope your Birthday was perfect!

CASEY

All I can say is WOW... God is amazing. Casey had his 2 year old Doctor visit this past month- in which his progress actually brought her to tears... Her exact words were, "THIS is why we do this... look at him... he is perfect... you would never think he was born at 29 weeks... Kari, he is a miracle."

WOW... I know this, but to hear his Doctor say it... WOW.

How he has grown... He is at the most fun stage ever!

(minus his new word -"NOOO!!!!!" and be care full, he knows how to use it!!)

He cracks us up... Seriously, every single day he shocks us!! Even his babysitter has said that he is just really growing and changing each day... The other day he saw squirrels outside their window and got crazy excited (Jumping up and down) and yelled "Hey guys come look!"

So funny... And although I HATE that I am not the one always witnessing these events... I know he is in the right place and that being with the other kiddos has been detrimental in his development!!! He learns SO much from his friends and Ms. Debbi!! We are blessed to have found her!

Here are a few things he has been doing...

He likes things to be very neat and in order... Yet he also likes to destroy his room :)

So he does and then he just picks it all up afterwards! :)

He loves walking around in Daddy's shoes...

He has started yelling and being very silly...

He is tough as nails- he'll smack right into a wall and just bounce back up and go back for more... (all boy)

He LOVES animals and our dogs especially!!

He gives sweet hugs and kisses...

He has a 'chucky' face...

He LOVES puzzles and books...

He repeats everything...

When he drops something or if something doesn't go his way he says, "Awwww Maaaan"

He weighs almost 30lbs... (my back hurts)

He is generally a good natured boy, (if he hurts you or the dogs, he'll say "sorrryyy" and kiss you... without being told)

He is smart and doesn't miss a thing...

His smile melts my heart...

I still get stopped everywhere about his big blue eyes...

He notices and points out things everywhere we go... (birds, planes, cows... even while we are driving)

He calls nearly ALL other children (of any age) 'babies.' Like at Target the other day... I'm pushing him and we are talking... when we pass a cart with a rather frazzled Mom (been there) and her 3 young children- 2 of which are crying-

I smile at her as to say "I SO understand"

She smiles back..

Casey yells- "NO NO babies... Babies crying NO NO... STOP CRY... BAD Babies"

We left.

He quizzes himself- I guess he got this from us... We used to ask him "Whats that" (He has combined this into "SAT" meaning "Whats that") So I hear him ALL the time- with flashcards or books or just in his room... "SAT Casseeey... Cow, moo.... SAT Casseey... Cat... maauw... Sat Caseey... shoe..." and so on...

He knows not to touch certain things- the remote our phones... etc... So now he picks them up and brings them to us -all the time... He says here Momma... like "just wanna give you this, I know I am not supposed to play with it- and I'm not- I'm just delivering it to you!"

We try not to do too much tv...

But he loves Dora, Deigo, Wonder Pets, Babe the pig (movie)

He has just started talking about 'potty matters' so that will be coming soon...

He asked to call his Paw-Paw today...

He says "Dada work" when Cory isn't here

He has a mouth full of teeth and loves brushing them...

He is stubborn and strong willed yet able to be reasoned with and learns from his mistakes...

He is making a rooster sound right now and is in desperate need of a bath...

Until Next time...

Enjoy the newness of Spring!

St. Patrick's Day... Texas Style!!!

2010-03-23T17:17:00.000-07:00

A Few weeks before Spring Break Cory surprised me with. "Hey we are going to the Rodeo on St. Patrick's Day!" Why would this surprise me, you might ask?!?!

Because my husband doesn't ever really make 'wild/ crazy' plans... unless they involve the deer lease...:)

So I was delighted- yet a little worried about the LONG day with the crowd and Casey and all that! Overall, it went well... Great, really! We had a lot of fun!

The carnival was BEYOND PACKED... but Casey still got to see animals, pet some and ride a few rides... Oh, and eat tons of stuff Mommy would never usually allow him to eat! He was worn out during the actual Rodeo, but he perked WAY up when Gary Allan performed! He was SO funny! He was dancing and singing into his 'microphone!' We were there from noon to midnight!!!

What a wonderful way to spend a beautiful Spring Break St. Patrick's Day!

(My Irish friends would be pleased and get a real kick out of St. Patrick's Day at the Rodeo! Seeing as we celebrate 'their' holiday more than they actually do!) Perfecto!

Spring Break came and went in a flash... The last few days were rainy and cold and Daddy was working so we relaxed and snuggled at home... A little over 2 months of school left... YAY!!

Until Next time...

Happy Spring!

Yay... For Kelli!

2010-03-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Casey and I traveled to Beaumont to celebrate Kelli's Wedding Shower and Bachelorette Party! It was great to see so many people that I haven't seen in years! And Beaumont was... still Beaumont :)

(That's all I'll say about that)

I am so excited and happy for Kelli and looking forward to her big day next month!

Love you Kelli!

I cannot believe the "4 Girls" are all grown up and married... WOW!

Time flies! Having them has made my life that much happier and exciting! I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends!

I LOVE my girls!

I'm BACK!!!!

2010-03-05T18:13:00.000-08:00

Not that anyone actually reads this, comments, or cares... BUT...

Our Computer CRASHED and I haven't been able to read other's blogs or make new ones...

Until now...

We are back up and running... And I kinda missed it!!

SO...

January went by in a blink... seriously...

February...

I ran a 5K... (YAY!)

Casey turned 2 and his Birthday party was an amazing 'Sponge Bob Under the Sea Event' that HE loved and was a ton of fun... (Same day as my 5K!!!!)

Valentine's Day was sweet... :)

Cory went to fire school...

I turned 30!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cory did SO much for me... It was the BEST weekend ever! A day at the spa... beautiful flowers waiting for me...

and a surprise visit from Jodie... and a dinner at Ichibon Grill... Perfecto!!

Best Birthday EVER!!!!
(Oh... and I got a tattoo to commemorate it... and my "never ending love for my boys")

It is a "Celtic Motherhood Knot"...

It represents the love a Mother has for her family... each color is for a birthstone or birth month... Mine, Our Wedding Anniversary, Cory's and Casey's... with room for more :)

It is SO much prettier in person!!

On my actual Birthday we spent the day in beautiful Galveston... It was a cool, SUNNY, beautiful day... a perfect seawall/ strand day...

All around... A PERFECT DAY...
Followed by...

Writing TAKS Test... uhhhgggg

Wow... busy few months...

1 more weekend until SPRING BREAK...

THANKS GOODNESS!!!

I have never been more ready for SPRING!!!

Bring on the green, fresh starts and renewal!!!
Until next time...

Enjoy each moment... They slip by too quickly!

Christmas Day

2010-01-06T18:51:00.000-08:00

Sweet Boy and his Sock Monkey

After a whirl-wind December we spent Christmas doing our favorite thing...

We stayed in our PJs all day, opened presents, played, ate, played and ate some more! It was the perfect day! Santa brought TONS of goodies for Casey. He wasn't quite sure what to think and was a bit over whelmed! Cory got me some beautiful Tiffany's Jewelry and I got him some tools and other goodies... Casey got a play kitchen, a wagon full of blocks, tons of little trucks and hot wheels, books, a 4 wheeler, a tent that looks like a tree, and TONS more.

I made a yummy ham, sweet potatoes and green bean casserole for dinner

What a wonderful Christmas... it was a great family day for us...

Christmas at home as a family has to be one of my very most favorite things... EVER!!
Until Next time...

STAY WARM :)

Puerto Vallarta - Happy Anniversary

2009-12-27T08:18:00.000-08:00

Cory and I spent our 4th Anniversary in Pureto Vallarta, Mexico.

We were there for 5 days! (WONDERFUL- much needed Mommy + Daddy time!!)

We stayed real busy- touring the town (Amazing + Beautiful tucked away, under-rated treasure), Zip- lining and repelling through jungle and waterfalls, and resting by the pool and beach... and EATING and EATING!!!

We missed Casey SO much and were VERY ready to be home toward the end of the trip. We like to take a little trip each year to celebrate our anniversary and this was definitely the BEST yet!! My parents came here to keep Casey and they all had a blast!

(We are still 'un-spoiling' him!) That's what Grandparents are for!! :)

I cannot even describe our trip and pictures don't do it justice...

This trip and holiday season really have me counting my blessings.

I love that Cory and I can get away together and have a blast...

I love that I love being married to him...

I love that he turns on my seat warmers before I get in the car...

I love that he found a florist in Mexico to give me roses by the pool on our Anniversary...

I love watching him and Casey play...

I love when he makes me laugh so hard my sides hurt...

I love him and cherish these memories!!

Happy Anniversary... Hubby!!

I love you!

Here is the view from our room:

Ahhhhh

Until Next time...

Christmas Pics...

2009-12-10T15:41:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we had to stay home... We HATED missing our Niece and Nephew's party and Christmas at Nana's, but the ice was such a mess we decided no to attempt driving through Houston.

(At 9 am it was 25 degrees here and our entire neighborhood was still COMPLETELY iced over!)

We stayed home and took our Christmas pictures instead...

Neither boy was 'in the mood' for pictures and the dogs would not cooperate at all!!

So we don't have a lot of good ones this year... but they'll do... and it is one thing off the list!

Here are a few descent ones! And one where Casey is crying! HA HA HA!!

5 1/2 more days till Christmas break!! YAY!

Until next time...

HO... HO... HO!!

Happy December!

2009-12-03T17:26:00.001-08:00

Big Boy... Staying Warm!!

Wow... I cannot believe that November has come and gone already...

I blinked an eye and here it is a week into December... This year is flying by!

(YAY!!! Come on summer!!!)

This time of year is always crazy for us, but we enjoy getting to see our friends and family so often! We are finished with deer hunting... I got 1 and Cory got 2 and we had to get another freezer! :) (I guess thats a good problem to have!)

We won't be buying meat for a while!!

This weekend we are supposed to go to College Station for the day Saturday- as long as the snowy/ icy weather doesn't get in the way. We are going to celebrate Christmas with Cory's family and the double Birthday party for my Brother's 2 youngest kiddos- Jude will be 2 and Mia will be 1.

Followed by a week of 'Benchmark' testing at school...

The next weekend we plan on hanging around here and doing a few fun Christmas things... Lights at Moody... Santa... etc...

We are hoping the Santa experience will go smoothly! :)

Then my last week of school... and that Saturday we are off to Puerto Vallarta!!

YAY!!! We are so excited! My parents will be here keeping Casey... I am going to miss him big time though... I wasn't thinking about how long it will be when I booked the trip! It is 4 nights and 5 full days!! The most I have ever been away is 1 night!!

I'm sure we will enjoy the much needed relaxing though! Then we will have our special Christmas day here... just the 3 of us!!

Followed by Christmas at my parent's house the next day!!

And after that.... NOTHING!!! YAY!!! A week to rest... and clean and etc...

Our house is all lit up and decorated like a winter wonderland! We are expecting snow tomorrow... How exciting!

Casey is doing great... Growing SOOOO fast... He repeats everything, is very curious and very independent! He LOVED being outside at the deer lease and his new thing to say all the time is "SAT?" ("Whats that?") As he points to ANYTHING and EVERYTHING! But at least that means he is a thinker! :)

I just can't believe he'll be 2 in a couple of months.... wow...

Have to enter grades and clean up and get the little man down...

Here are a few pics from the deer lease!

Until next time...

Snuggle and sip some coco! Stay Warm!

The Deer Slayer

2009-11-16T18:33:00.000-08:00

Nope... I'm not talking about Cory...

I'm talking about ME!!!

That is right... I killed my very first deer!

I killed a doe... dropped her dead where she stood! I think I am a pretty darn good shot!!

Hey... some one's gotta put meat on the table!! Teeheheeee

We already enjoyed some back strap and the sausage should be ready this week.

It was a great experience! So awesome...

Cory laughed- He said he knew I'd be a great shot!

Then I kept the shell and tucked it away in a pocket of my COACH purse...

He laughed and laughed... The 2 sides of Kari... Kills a deer in camo and puts the shell in her sparkly COACH purse :)

Gotta love it...

This month is crazy busy...

Deer lease every weekend... Thanksgiving in College Station (Followed by the deer lease)...

And every weekend in December is full, too!

Busy time of year! But TONS of fun!

Casey is huge... he is getting a mouth full of teeth... poor baby always gets like 4 at once!!

He loves the deer lease and playing outside...

This weekend is Christmas in Crockett- tons of food and shopping in the little town square.

Fun... Fun... Fun...

Tired Mommy/ Teacher/ Wife/ etc...

Enjoy pics...

Until next time...

Trick- or- Treat

2009-11-02T18:16:00.000-08:00

Superman and Lois Lane

Happy Halloween...

We hope this finds you all enjoying your fall...

Here are a few pics from our Halloween weekend.

Casey had a blast at Ms. Debbie's on the Friday before...

They played musical chairs, carved pumpkins, and ate and ate and ate...

(Tons of stuff mommy doesn't feed him = Unpleasant surprises in diaper!!)

They even had a costume 'contest' and he won "Coolest Costume." We went with super man b/c there was no mask or anything that really bugged him- so he didn't really know he was even dressed up! :)

Sneaky... Sneaky (But I guess he was probably wondering why we were calling him 'Clark' and 'Superman' for 2 days and why he had a cape!) :)

Saturday Daddy had to work and barely made it home in time for Trick-or Treating. :(

We went around the neighborhood and then let him eat and play with the cull-de-sac kiddos for a little while. I made 'a chili - filled coffin' for dinner and 'monster toes' for dessert.

It all turned out real cute!

I was Superman's leading lady, Lois Lane.

Thus the long wig and official 'Daily Planet Press Pass.'

Casey was actually more into the trick-or-treating than I had thought he would be! It was a fun night and a nice weekend at home before hunting season begins!

We are off this Friday to the deer lease. I will be getting my first deer this year, Casey will be all over the place, and we are just really looking forward to it ALL!!

YAY for Deer Season! :)
More pictures from Halloween...

Until next time...

Happy Fall

2009-10-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

I have decided that Fall might just be my very most favorite time of year. I love the colors, the smells and the all around coziness of it. I love it when that first 'cool front' blows in and the humidity isn't 110%... The dogs run around crazy when you let them out and the air is light and crisp. I love the idea of getting warm and snugly. I love soup and pumpkin scented soaps and candles. I wish I lived where there was an actual 'Autumn.' For me, on the gulf coast of Texas, Fall is stocking up at Bath and Body works and putting fall leaves above our fireplace! :)

It works though...

This weekend Lisa, Emilie and Nikki visited us! It was a WONDERFUL visit! We really enjoyed having them here and spending that nice relaxing time together!

Casey is so in love with his Nana!!

Speaking of the devil... Where on Earth has my baby gone???? Seriously!! I blinked and now he is a Toddler! He is huge!! This weekend we took pictures and now that I look at them I can hardly believe this is my little man!

He is SO tall!!

Well- I have to get some rest for another busy week...

Hope this finds you well... Just had to share these pics of our big boy!

Happy Fall...

Until Next time...

Busy Mommy = Bad Blogger!!

2009-09-26T16:33:00.000-07:00

Wow....
It has been WAY too long! Sorry!!
This past month or so has been a whirl-wind of ups and downs and new challenges and settling into our new life style. Being back at teaching reminded me that I do enjoy the 'teaching' part and I did miss the kiddos... but that being a Mom is the most important job ever! Casey has settled in great with his babysitter and the only tears that are occasionally shed are from me- dropping him off! I'm teaching 4Th grade. I love my school and kiddos- but all the extra stuff... is same ole' same ole'!
Cory has been a huge help... He is off way more than me now- so he is learning to navigate the world of Dr visits, vet visits, and cleaning!! I try to cook several meals on Sundays so we can enjoy our family time in the evenings, during the week.
I cannot believe how much Casey is growing! He is almost 20 months old. He is in the 75% for height but still the 25% for weight. We think he might be a baby genius! He says all kind of words, repeats everything and copies us like a little parrot! The other day Daddy went to work at the deer lease and Casey and I want shopping. We were at the mall and in the restroom. The lady next to us coughed and sneezed real loud... so... you guessed it...
Casey starts fake coughing and sneezing and laughing real loud!!! I waited to see her shoes leave before we snuck out- cracking up laughing!!
Today he started running around the house yelling "YO...BABY!!"
It is too funny!
I miss being with him all day, but cherish every single moment we do get to share! Being around the other kids is great for him! He has picked up on so much and is developing right on track! We ran into a family at the store the other day with a tiny preemie little girl... They were so encouraged by Casey and we were reminded of how very special our little miracle man is!
We are looking forward to fall- to cooler weather and less mosquitoes!! We are also looking forward to all the family time we'll spend at theed deer lease! Cory built a really nice deer stand- for 2! That's right.... I'm hunting this year, too!! We can't wait to see everyone and head out to the woods!! Casey will be into everything and will really enjoy playing with his cousins this year!! Opening weekend is about a month away...
Cory and I are also planning a trip for our 4Th Anniversary. (In December)
We are wanting to do an all inclusive type deal to Mexico or Costa Rico?!?! We'll see... We are booking in October...
Although I won't be able to blog as much... I will continue to keep updated info and pics on here as much as possible...
We've been bad and haven't taken a lot of new pics... but here are a few! And one of the stand Cory bulit!! Hope this finds you well and looking forward to the new season and all the warmth it brings your heart...
Until next time...

Half Way...

2009-08-12T17:32:00.000-07:00

Well we have made it half way through our first week of daycare (Ms. Debbie's) and Teacher inservice- more in detail on that when I can keep my eyes open :)

Last week we 'enjoyed' our last week at home with a trip to Palm Beach a stomach virus and a trip to Crockett...

Here are a few pics...

Our Thoughts Today...

2009-07-29T13:41:00.000-07:00

Casey:
Man... My Mom is SOOOO cool... Like today- she took me to this very special place to play and have fun with other kids... I guess she just waits outside so that I can have some 'Casey time.'
Then we came home and I had a lunch fit for a King and watched Barn animals on this big screen in our den that we have just for me... And then she knew I was tired- even though I tried my best to not give it away... So she let me rest for a couple of hours... I guess she just knows these things and waited around for me to wake up. Then when I got up she chased me around with this loud rectangular thing that sucks the carpet... and sometimes my toes... We went from room to room playing chase with that thing... And in the laundry room, every time the white box beeped... we'd scream real loud! So FUN!! Love that game!! She waved a wand around in the place I bathe and I laughed and laughed... Soon I'll have a snack and then Daddy will be here and we'll eat dinner... What a great day!!

Mom:
Man... I am the worst Mom ever! I only have 2 weeks left at home and everyday I dump Casey in the 'kid's club' at the gym so I can workout!
Today for lunch I gave him a banana that I am pretty sure was 'on it's last day!' And put on a Baby Einstein video for him to watch so I could make my lunch, too!
I am getting him on a new schedule so he went down for a nap at noon... tired or not!!
Then when he got up I still had some cleaning to do- so the poor thing followed me around as I vacuumed, did laundry and cleaned the bathrooms!
I'm typing this instead of making his snack and before you know it Daddy will be home and dinner hasn't crossed my mind yet! Uhhhhh
Poor kid...

Big Boy...

2009-07-21T05:51:00.000-07:00

Best Buds...

Every single day I am amazed at something new Casey picks up...

I just love this stage! He is like a little sponge, just soaking everything in. He copies everything we do, loves exploring new/ EVERYTHING, and loves books and music.

Today marks 3 more weeks of my job as a 'Stay at home Mom.' Although I am sad that I won't be the one taking care of my little man, I am beginning to get excited about working again, and I know that Casey being around other kids at this stage will be very beneficial to his development! He will be staying at a woman's home(Ms. Kim)- which i like- and there will only be like 4 or 5 other kiddos. She is very strict and really good about having a schedule- which I LOVE. I know the transition will be tough for us all, but once we settle in I really think it will be great!

So we are really enjoying these 'last few weeks' together at home.

I am getting in as many classes at the gym as I can (I haven't figured out my workout routine once I go back to work), we are playing and doing all sorts of fun things... Enjoying this great quality time...

Today we went to the local Barnes and Nobles "Story time." That was quite interesting!! hehehe

Casey and another little boy were more interested in playing chase up and down an isle than listening to the sweet lady reading "Corduroy goes to the Beach"

He also enjoyed walking around the 'crowd' and waving and smiling at all the little girls trying to hear the story!! What a flirt!! It was TOOO funny!!

This weekend we are headed to Beaumont to visit with Granny Joan and Paw-Paw. Saturday they are having a 'family get-together' to officially welcome Mia to our family! We are excited to see everyone!!

Here are a few pics from the last several weeks...

Until next time...

Baby in a Basket...

(He got in by himself!!)

Poor Baby-doesn't have any toys to play with... Has to play in Kitchen cabinets!!

ROAR... Silly Boy...

Sweet Boy... Sweet Summer Days...

2009-07-06T11:36:00.002-07:00

As most of you know... It is REALLY hot here! Thank goodness for the gulf breeze- it helps a little- when you are scorching hot and sweating and it gusts... it feels almost cool as it hits your sweat!! LOL!!

We are staying in a lot but I do want Casey to get used to the heat... I mean... he HAS to... he IS a Texan, after all!!

Cory's family came to visit last weekend- we had a real nice time...

After that Aunt Jodie came and it was SO wonderful to be with her!!! We took Casey to Palm Beach and the 3 of us just enjoyed some good ole' quality time!!

Thank goodness for our season passes to Palm Beach at Moody Gardens!! We went 3 times last week!! It is so fun and not too hot! Casey is really starting to LOVE the water- He doesn't get that I can't just 'let him go' and he gets so frustrated! It's funny... It is such a nice, clean, and cool place to hang out on these miserably hot days!

Couldn't take any more...

For the 4Th of July we really didn't do much... After all the company and visiting we'd done the past 2 weeks it was nice to have some 'just the 3 of us' family time!!

We did go 'help' Matt paint his condo in Houston and we got to see Christine and Jeremy and Matt's sweet new girlfriend, Julie! It was nice to see them all!!

Then we came home and rested and then headed down to the island... We ate a nice dinner and walked around the strand- but Casey was not going to hang 'till 9:30- for the fireworks... So, we came home and put him down and watched some on TV... in the a.c. :)

I know... I know... We are getting old, but it was really nice!

Happy 4th of July!!!

What an eventful past few weeks for our family, our nation, and our world... God has really been reminding me of just how precious each day is and that we should slow down and appreciate them as the gifts they are... And that so often we are loosing sight of the things that REALLY matter in our lives...

Yesterday we did just that (slowed down)...

We never left the house... Washed cars... cooked out... rode 4 wheelers... got some sun... took naps... went for a walk... played...

It was nice... A perfect day at home with my boys...

I am grateful for each day I have with them...

Until next time...

Happy July!!

Pics From Mia's Adoption...

2009-07-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

For some reason I couldn't get these to post on that post...

I'll try again...

My Brother's Family

Sweet Day...

2009-06-30T14:57:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday I went to College Station to be a part of a VERY special day...
It was the day that Mia would 'officially' become a Simmons.

My brother, Ken, along with his wife, Christy, and their 4 kiddos,

Jake- Madelyn- Jared- & Jude,

officially adopted Mia Destiny Simmons.

She has been a part of their family since December when she came home from the hospital at 6 days old. And she has been in their thoughts and prayers for much, much longer than that,

and on this beautiful day she was officially adopted.

We went to the court house for all the legal stuff in front of the judge and then to a little reception for them. We are so blessed to have Mia in our family! She is a gorgeous little girl! I feel so privileged to get to watch her grow and to be her Aunt Kari! It was a perfectly, beautiful day...

the perfect day to celebrate our perfectly beautiful Mia!

Father's Day Weekend...

2009-06-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day

We had a WONDERFUL Father's Day weekend! My parents came to visit! It has been so long since they stayed with us and we had SO much fun! Friday the 'boys' went to a shooting range to play with their newest toys and the girls went shopping! Cory grilled some delicious steaks and we had a great evening! Saturday we all went to the Bayou Wildlife Reserve in Alvin! It is SO neat! You ride on a tram and all of these exotic animals come eat feed out of your buckets. Casey got a little tired of being held on the tram (He wanted down- Mr. Independent) but he LOVED the petting zoo and... (Drum roll please)
His very first pony ride!! He loved it and looked like SUCH A BIG BOY!

It really is a neat place!

Huge Longhorn!

The Camels made him giggle!!

BIG BOY! He LOVED the horse!!

Saturday evening we grilled 'poppers' and ate and ate!! :) and ate some more!

We rode 4 wheelers and just hung out... Even Granny Joan took a spin :)

Sunday we went to church on the island and ate at Landry's!

It is always so nice to spend good quality time with Granny Joan and Paw-Paw!!

It was special being with my Daddy on Father's Day!

What a wonderful weekend!

Landry's

Cory and Casey on the tram ride...

Happy Father's Day!

Seeing Cory with Casey is the most wonderful feeling I've ever had... It is hard to put into words... Those of you with children probably know what I'm trying to say...

It is like you love this person so much and you get married and you think you could never love them more than at that moment... Then you see them with your son... and how gentle, patient and all around wonderful he is with him... and you love him even more.

Cory is the best Daddy ever! He comes home late from work all tired and hot and still finds it in him to read Casey's animal book to him 100 times! He teaches Casey little things and Casey just adores him... I had no doubt he'd be a wonderful dad... but seeing it everyday and getting to be a part of my boy's world... makes me the happiest girl in the world!

Happy Father's Day, Cory!

You're the best Daddy in the world and we are so thankful for you and all you do for us!!!

We love you, Daddy!!

Unitl Next time...

Cute Boy...

2009-06-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd post a few pics and little update...

He is 90% walking now and 10% full out running- with the occasional crash and hop right back off and blast off again... (Pics later...)

I took these pics the other day of my boys... Kobi & Casey.

At times Kobi loves him- and at others he puts up with him- and others he runs as fast as he can to get away from the little hair puller!!

Kobi's face in this pic cracks me up!

Sleeping boy... I thought this was SO cute... He is so big!

We think he'll be tall... he has really grown in height!!

Until next time...

Summer Time...

2009-06-09T07:06:00.000-07:00

Well it is that time of year again... Get out your sunscreen and OFF!
Although we fully intended to do nothing this summer, it seems ours has pretty much filled up already! Just about every other week through August we have family events to attend or people coming to visit! I love doing family stuff but hope we find the time to relax at our home and enjoy our 'just the 3 of us' time! Especially since I will be returning to work in August! That's right... I'm going to be teaching 4Th grade in Texas City. So the count down is on. It is going to be SO hard and such a major adjustment for all of us but we know it is whats best for us right now. We found a lady to keep Casey at her house so he isn't in a huge 'daycare' setting... We are meeting with her Sunday- Hopefully all will go well and that will be a done deal, too!
Meanwhile we are enjoying the summer- We got season passes to Palm Beach @ Moody Gardens... It is SO much fun and so nice... We go once a week! This week Cory is off Thursday- Sunday and we are looking forward to all that time!

These are a few things we are looking forward to this month:
My Parents visit
My Brother and his family's Adoption of Mia will be finalized
My brother, his son Jared and Nana all have a Birthday coming up
Aunt Shelly's visit

Busy Month :)
No pics today.... Oh and take the poll on the side if you read this!!!
We are polling to see if Casey looks more like me or Cory!!

CASEY UPDATE

Casey is 16 months old now... I swear a new tooth pops up everyday! He is walking now... Sometimes he still decides to crawl- bc its faster- but he is mostly walking!! He holds his hand out like a mummy- it is SO funny! He has really hit a growth spurt! He is already in the 50% for height but still 25% for weight, but his Dr. says that really is amazing that he is 'catching up' SO quickly! His hair seems to be coming in more blonde- I have a feeling that after his next cut it will be MUCH lighter!! He always makes us laugh- He copies everything!! If you cough or laugh- He does too... He is so funny! He is into EVERYTHING, loves to be outside and loves looking at books...

He says Mama, Dada, dog, go, ball, more, and knows the signs for several other words. He is such a joy and growing up so fast!

Until next time...

Camping Trip

2009-05-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

Lake

Livingston

State Park

Last weekend we loaded up the pop-up and all of our gear and went on our first 'official' family camping trip- minus the deer lease. We had a cozy little spot in the beautiful forests surrounding Lake Livingston. The park was beautiful... the lake was HUGE... and the mosquitoes were terrible! Poor Casey got eaten alive!! (We did EVERYTHING we could to prevent it and treat it after the fact... but that is East TX for you!! What can ya do??) Other than that and the pool NOT being open yet... the trip was great! Casey did really well. He was everywhere and into everything. (What's new?!?!) It rained on us Saturday night and while we were packing up Sunday morning, but nothing too bad...

We did a little fishing... mainly just hung out and enjoyed the great outdoors... Ahhhh

I love being in the woods! Here are a few pics from the trip...

SO MUCH FUN...

Until next time...

Mother's Day (My new favorite day!)

2009-05-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh... Mother's Day...

For the sake of NOT being too 'mushy' I will try to make this short. There is something about Mother's Day... All your life you celebrate your Birthday, Christmas, Easter, etc...

But Mother's Day is a day you celebrate the women in your life and all they've done to make you who you are. When the tables turns and you are the one being celebrated it really hits you... YOU are the one making the difference... You are in the midst of the single most important job on earth... being a Mother!! There is no feeling like it in the world. This Mother's day we were 'out and about' and everywhere we went total strangers would say... "Oh, Happy Mother's Day!"

And I wanted to be like, "Yeah... I know that's right... I'm a Mom... I earned this day now, too!"

LOL!!! But seriously it was this really special feeling... And spending the day with my boys just made it even more wonderful! Cory always goes out of his way to make special days even more special... He bought me a Vera Wang perfume set and roses and the sweetest card EVER! We spent the day on the beach and eating Mexican food! :) (My favorite things!!)

Being a Mom is such a gift. All day I thought about my Mom and Granny Nell and all the other Mothers that have been such an inspiration to me... I understand and appreciate them on a whole new level now! I am so blessed to have my Mother and to be a Mother!

Until Next time... Call/ Hug your Mom

A few quotes about Moms...

"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother."-- Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."-- Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

"A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path."-- Agatha Christie

"By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class."-- Anne Morrow Lindbergh

"A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take."-- Cardinal Mermillod

"If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylum would be filled with mothers."-- Edgar Watson Howe

"My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her."-- George Washington (1732-1799)

"Whatever else is unsure in this stinking dunghill of a world a mother's love is not."-- James Joyce

"The phrase "working mother" is redundant."-- Jane Sellman

"God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers."-- Jewish proverb

"Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother."-- Lin Yutang

"My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it."-- Mark Twain

"All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his."-- Oscar Wilde"

"When I was a child, my mother said to me, 'If you become a soldier, you'll be a general. If you become a monk you'll end up as the pope.' Instead I became a painter and wound up as Picasso."-- Pablo Picasso

"Men are what their mothers made them."-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"The commonest fallacy among women is that simply having children makes one a mother—which is as absurd as believing that having a piano makes one a musician."-- Sydney J. Harris

"An ounce of mother is worth a ton of priest."-- Spanish proverb

"The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother."-- Theodore Hesburgh

"The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world."-- William Ross Wallace