My Truths

1. I know I love my kids. They bring me joy I didn’t know was humanly possible.
2. I know I love and adore my boyfriend. He is an unexpected gift.
3. I know I love my family. Mom, Dad, Wendy, Heather, Jared, Andrea, Sam, and Eli.
4. I know I love my extended family. I’ve had some of the best times with them.
5. I know I miss my Grandma Clavin a lot during the holidays. I loved talking with her about my Christmas menu.
6. I know my favorite color is blue.
7. I know there is something bigger than me in this life.
8. I know I love to cook.
9. I know I love to eat.
10. I know I have a sweet tooth.
11. I know I love to watch someone eat something I made for them.
12. I know I wish I could sing like a rock star.
13. I know I’m a perfectionist and it holds me back sometimes.
14. I know I love to kiss.
15. I know I’ve made mistakes.
16. I know that I’m sorry for them.
17. I know I love bubble baths.
18. I know I love sun dresses.
19. I know I feel frustrated when people tell me they pray for me to “come back”. I’d rather they just tell me they prayed for me because they love me. We all need extra prayers.
20. I know the grass is not always greener on the other side.
21. I know I have been blessed with the most amazing friends both near and far.
22. I know I’m happiest when all my bills are paid on time.
23. I know I find comfort in having all the ingredients to make chocolate chip cookies in my pantry.
24. I know I love diet coke with fresh lime and crushed ice from Sonic.
25. I know I still have a lot to learn.
26. I know I’m 33 and see a great future for myself.
27. I know I love to dance and wish I was really good at it.
28. I know I love music and it makes me tear up a lot.
29. I know that the dishes are my favorite chore.
30. I know that I love to hear from old friends.
31. I know that I’m a spiritual person.
32. I know that I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.
33. I know I’m a nice person by nature.
34. I know I’m too sensitive.
35. I know I’m a dreamer.
36. I know I love to run in the rain.
37. I know I love babies.
38. I know I love to sew. Not cutting it out, just the actual sewing part.
39. I know I’m hopelessly flawed.
40. I know I wish I was practically perfect in every way.

Happy Birthday Christian

My little guy better known as Bubba around here, turned 3 years old yesterday. Christian has always been my little snuggle bug. He puts his hands on my face and tells me that I'm pretty. What mom wouldn't love that. He's got such a fun personality. At times he's quite reserved and can entertain himself for hours with cars, books, his train set, or a his favorite movie. He can be particular about how his food is cut up or how I tuck his blanket around him. He calls his blanket his "me me" and has to have it with him most times. Christian loves his big brother and sisters. They all have their own little things they do with him and it's fun to see them interact with each other. Christian has been a huge blessing in my life as every child is, but he's what made me get out of bed and carry on when I was going through tough times. He's my little man and I'm so glad he's part of our family.

Oh Holy Night

This is my all time favorite Christmas song. I love how Mannheim Steamroller plays it, but couldn't find it so I'm putting my second favorite version. I wish I could belt it out like her.

Happy Birthday Marcus

Marcus turned 12 on November 8th. Oh how this little boy changed my life. I never knew I was capable of such love until I held him in my arms for the first time. Marcus was a really hard baby and was very attached to me. I think he spent the first 3 years of his life in my arms. Thankfully he outgrew that and became quite independent. Marcus has always been a smarty. He retains everything he reads and loves to talk about all the latest things he's learned. Anytime you sit next to him for any length of time he'll talk your ear off. I love that he feels comfortable talking to other adults. Marcus is a thoughtful person. Since he was about 5 he's been making me "spoil kits". He would tell me "mom, you go lay down and I'll be right back." He would put turkey, cheese, and a green olive on a toothpick and bring them to me on a tray and then rub my back. He still does little things like this and asks me how my day was. Marcus is quite the ladies man these days. I find notes in his jeans regularly, but the cool thing is he tells me about it and he just laughs it off like its no big deal. I'm really enjoying watching him grow into such a fine young man, but feel a little tug at my heart knowing he'll be gone before I know it. I love you so much Marcus. Thank you for bringing such joy to my life. You better never be too old or cool to sit on my lap and tell me you love me. :) Six months old

Exciting News

I'm so happy and excited for my sister that I had to post it on here. Andrea went in for an early ultrasound and to her shock the technician informed her that she was pregnant with identical twin girls. This will be number 5 and 6 for her. She had an ultrasound at 8 weeks and nobody informed her that she had two babies growing in her at that time, so the tech was really casual about it. Andrea said her heart was pounding and was in shock. She called me after Jordan and I of course screamed. There is something special about twins and I'm so happy that she and Jordan will get these two special blessings. I'm also thrilled that she gets to carry twins and not me. LOL! Congratulations Andrea and Jordan. We're all so excited for the girls to come in May.

Halloween

I love Halloween, but it gets harder each year with kids having an opinion on what they need to be. I love the days when I said this is what you're wearing and they were happy to do it. The kids had a fun time trunk or treating at our church and then trick or treating in Grandma and Papas neighborhood. My parents were kind enough to take the kids overnight so I could go to a Halloween party. I had a blast and so did they. :)

Auntie Laura Came To Texas

My Uncle Jim had a business trip in San Antonio so my Aunt Laura decided to come out as well. I have a feeling now that Mom and Dad are here I'll get to see more of my family. I had Aunt Laura, Mom, and Dad over for lunch. It was so great to visit and catch up on all the family. I knew her trip was really booked, but she made time to come back after school to see the kids. When I picked up the girls from school I told them I had a surprise for them and that Auntie Laura was here. They were SO excited. They came home and changed and started working out a little song and dance they could preform for her. They sang a Hannah Montana song and had little dance moves to go along with it. Marcus got out his trombone to show off as well.
My Aunt Laura is such an amazing woman. I've never seen anyone as service oriented as she is. Her house has always been the hang out and happening place to be. Aunt Laura is such a fun person to be with. I have so many fond memories sitting around the table playing PIT with all the cousins. She's right there with all of us acting crazy. Even though my kids havn't spent a ton of time with her, they have the same gravitation towards her that everyone seems to have. I'm so glad you found time to stop by. I wish I could have seen Uncle Jim too. Next time right. Mom and Dad went to San Marcus to hit the Pottery Barn outlet and then to San Antonio and did the river walk with them. I hope more family will make the long trip out to Texas. Jayna you have no excuse with free flights! :) We love having you here. I love you Aunt Laura!
Christian, Me, and Aunt Laura








They're off to San Antonio

Annie Bug Turned 6

My sweet little Annie turned 6 on Sunday. Annie was born 29 days early. She even tried to come a few days before that. I guess that's what happens when you mow the lawn being that pregnant. Even being so early she weighed in at 6lbs 12ounces. Annie was born with a ton of fuzzy black hair and the biggest blue eyes. I remember people being so surprised that she was my baby because her hair was so dark.
Annie is such a sweet little girl. She is very bubbly and full of life. She loves to play dress up and is constantly working on a masterpiece of some sort. Annie can be very sensitive. She wears her heart on her sleeve. She's quick to tears and quick to forgive. Annie is probably my most helpful child. She says to me "mom, don't do anything, I'm gonna clean up for you." She gets busy and puts everything away. She even straightens shoes in the closet. She's a girl after my own heart. I love you Annie and I'm so glad I get to be your mama.My beautiful Mom and Annie at 2 weeks old3 months old6 months oldHer first birthdayAnnie and Rachel

They're Here...FINALLY

About a year ago my parents were visiting my sister and I in Texas and they said "hey, if we move to the Austin area would any of you kids move there too?" There were a lot of glitches along the way, but I eventually made it here and now my parents have as well. They rolled in with the biggest Uhaul you can rent with one car in tow and my Mom driving the truck with another trailer hitched to it. I think it's time to declutter Mom and Dad. :) Needless to say, they made it safely and it was my Dads birthday on top of it. I was on the phone with Andrea and told her that I was making a birthday dinner for Dad and she said I'm gonna go home and throw a bag together and come down to celebrate. It's a 3 hour drive from Dallas. It was fun to surprise them with Andrea and the kids. We had chicken enchiladas, rice, beans, and salad. Then my dads favorite cake. Homemade yellow cake with whipped cream and bananas. It was so nice to see all the kids eating up Grandma and Papas attention and loving every minute of it. I'm so glad they made it and look forward to many more fun days like that. I love you Mom and Dad.Mom and Dad with some of the GrandkidsAndrea, Dad, and I Mom and Dad

Underpants

Why is it that little boys look so darn cute in tighty whiteys, but grown men don't! Something to ponder. Christian was in the kitchen the other day and I hear him grunting. I said "watcha doing bubba"? He said "I'm poopin"! I asked him if he wanted to go in the toilet and his reply was "nah I'm just gonna go in my diaper." I figure when he's big enough to carry on a conversation on his preferences of whether he should poop in his diaper or the toilet its time to potty train. I always dread doing it, but know it's time. He's done great with number one and we'll see on number two later. Wish us luck! And why is it that they always have their hands in their pants? We'll have to work on that too!

Happy Birthday To Me

Annie was crying last night when I put her to bed because she hadn't made me a birthday card yet. I told her it was ok and I'd love her to make me one the next day. At 6:30 this morning I heard banging around in the kitchen and Annie was coloring as fast as she could to come up with a birthday card for me. She came running in to me to wish me a Happy Birthday. Nothing beats being covered by kisses first thing in the morning. What a great way to start my birthday.
I've felt especially grateful for the friendships I've been blessed with in my life. I've moved so many places and have made wonderful friends along the way. Some have been my friend since I was 13. Thank you to all my dear friends and family who have made my day a happy one. I feel loved. Here are a couple pictures from my girls retreat in Alabama. Amy made a to die for cake and I'm wishing she was here to make me another one. It seriously is the best chocolate cake in the world. Life is good at 33.

Meta, Me, Amy, Sara, and Kim

Back To School

Today was the day...all the kiddos went back to school. My fire alarm went off at 12:30 last night and Annie hopped out of bed to get ready for school. She was that excited for Kindergarten. I think out of all the kids she was the most ready to go. Annie fell asleep at 4:30 this afternoon. It was a long day.
Rachel was pretty confidant this year. She knew a couple of the kids in her class and was excited for that. Rachel always has little admirers right away. There was a boy named Chase waiting at our house after school. I'm gonna have to lock that girl up when she turns 16.
Marcus was a little nervous this morning. He was worried because he didn't have his schedule yet and he thought I'd just drop him off to figure it out himself. We got to school and got him situated and I could tell he wanted us to leave right away. I was most anxious to hear how his day was. I mean middle school is a whole new world. Three more years and he'll be in High School. Am I that old? UGH!
Everyone seemed happy, hungry, and tired after their first day. Always a good sign to me. I got to clean the house and hang out with Christian today. It was nice to have my little buddy with me. He seemed to enjoy the quiet as well.
Rachel Annie
Marcus
Christian, Annie, Rachel, and Marcus
Me and the Kiddos

Vote For Bree!

My sweet cousin Bree entered a photo contest and is currently in 3rd place. We're all a little competitive in our family and want her to come in first place, so if you have a minute I would love if you'd vote for her. I'm pasting her blog post to mine for instructions. Good luck Bree...we're all rooting for you.

Don't forget to vote!
I am less then 100 votes from 3rd place and only 250 away from first! Please vote for me! Every vote really does count, so please please help me out and post this on your blogs for me, message boards and facebook/myspace/twitter. Just think if everyone who read this passed it along to their friends/family/posted on blogs and their friends voted and plugged it....I could have a chance! At this point its all about who can get enough people to vote... :(

So why not try and join them? I would love to at least be in the running to win, not left in the dust! Whats a little fun competition!?! :) I could be the Cinderella Story...coming up from 12th place to take the lead ;) WHOO HOO!

There is a Canon 40D Body with my name on it! ;) (or at least on hold...hahaha)

Whats it gonna take? Do I need to do a giveaway like one of the finalists is doing?? haha Let me know if you blogged/twittered/facebooked/plugged me, I would love to thank you!!! Would a random winner giveaway really help??

Linking love here.....Summer Photo Contest # 8!!!! Buhtafly Wings!
Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!!

TAGGED!

My cousin Randa tagged me. Here are a few random things about me.


Rules Once Tagged:

1) Link to the person who tagged you.

2) Post the rules on your blog (copy and paste 1-6).

3) Write 6 random things about yourself (see below).

4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post.

5. Let them know they are tagged and leave a comment on their blog.

6) Let the tagger (who tagged you) know when your post is up.


Randomness about me:

1. I love Neil Diamond. Since I was a little girl I remember singing along to his songs and dancing with my mom. I get a bubbly excited feeling when I hear his song "America". I think it's an inspired song.

2. My second toe is much longer than my first. A friend asked me if it was my big toes body guard. LOL!

3. I enjoy hiding behind a door to scare someone occasionally. The weird part is when I'm waiting to jump out, I get so anxious that by the time the person gets there, their scream makes me scream.

4. I always carry nail clippers and floss.

5. I lay in bed and dream of being an amazing athlete or pop star and the whole croud goes wild for me. Hmmmm, do you think I need some attention. HA HA!

6. I gave birth to all my kids without any drugs. Of course my reasons were all good, like I didn't want the drugs to harm the baby and wanted to prove I could do it, but the main reason is because my friend told me she had an epidural and she pooped on the floor because she couldn't feel where she was pushing. I knew then and there that I'd rather feel the most ridiculous pain in the world than poop on the floor in front of everyone. All natural for me baby.

Ok so now I'm tagging Julie, Andrea, Toni, Elyse, Emily, and Jared. You better do it Jared.

Crazy Week

Guess how many kids I have this week?...8! I get to have my sweet nieces and nephews for six days while my sister and her hubby are off to the Bahamas. We're watching the news hoping tropical Storm Fay will cooperate for them. I spent last week getting prepared with snacks, juice boxes, an easy menu, and different activities we can do throughout the week. It's the kids last week of summer so we're going to live it up as much as Aunt Heidi can handle on her own. Wish me luck! :) I wonder if Andrea will have baby number 5 in stow after their cruise? HA HA!
My Mom and Dad are off on a cruise to Alaska with my Dads side of the family. It's a long awaited trip and much deserved as they've had a stressful summer. It took two months for their house to close in Utah, but it finally did and they're officially in the works to move to Texas. I can't wait for Grandma and Papa to get here. I know my kids are super excited too.
As I mentioned before we have the last week of summer. WOO HOO! I'm very ready for my darling children to go back to school. I still need to get their school supplies. That's the worst part of going back to school. Marcus will be in 6th grade, Rachel in 4th, and my little Annie bug in Kindergarten. I think Christian will miss them when they head back.
One of my best friends is flying in from Reno over Labor Day. I'm trying to find fun things to do with her while she visits. I can't wait for her to come.
Life is pretty good. Wish me luck with all these kiddos! Does anyone want to go on a cruise with me? I'm totally willing to go with you. :)

The Little Joys In Life

This little boy of mine absolutely melts my heart. I was watering the yard last week and naturally Christian wanted his clothes off to run through the sprinkler. I sat and watched him feeling perfectly content. There was no other place I'd rather be than watching him digging and even sampling the dirt. He even pooped on the lawn and said "what happened mom". I about died laughing. The other kids were preoccupied in the house so it was just my moment with Christian.
My sister Andrea and I were talking about how much were enjoying our two year old boys the second time around.I'm so glad I got to have another little boy. They say and do the cutest things. Yes, they can be handfuls at this age, but truly, I love their young inquisitive innocent mind, working in full force to grasp the world around them. I love you my baby boy.