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