The Sheppard Sheep

FANTASTIC Gavin

2012-01-30T14:34:00.001-08:00

Gavin's teacher sent me this in an email today:

I know I wrote it on his behavior sheet but I promised him that I would email you to let you know that he has done a FANTASTIC job in class the last few weeks. He has been really trying hard and trying to “set himself up for success” by sitting in places where he will be able to listen and pay attention to what we are learning in class. I am SO very proud of him! I am seeing the effects of this in his work. Anyway, just wanted to brag on your boy.

Still a Single Mom

2012-01-29T19:49:00.000-08:00

Sam left on the 9th and was supposed to be home on the 27th, in time for Gavin's birthday party. Unfortunately, they still need him in Tennessee and really are not sure when they are going to give him back to us. I have switched from, "I can handle a few weeks alone" to "Are you kidding me? Six weeks by myself? I am going crazy!!!" Seriously, I may go crazy. My friends have been really nice and try to help me out by offers to babysit. The problem is that my kids are struggling going so long without their dad and I am seeing signs of separation anxiety. Since they don't have Sam, I am trying not to leave them with sitters more that I have to. Thank goodness Carter is in preschool, or I would have no time to myself. Not only is it hard to be a single mom, but I really miss Sam. As of now Sam doesn't have a return date, but it shouldn't be more than three more weeks. Hopefully it will be sooner.

Wooden Dinosaurs

2012-01-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

The kids made dinosaurs at the Lowe's Build and Grow workshop.

Laser Tag Birthday

2012-01-27T19:11:00.000-08:00

Gavin and a few friends played laser tag to celebrate his birthday. He chose his friends from our street. The boys were hysterical to listen to on the way there. Although, I was surprise to find out that the seventh grade cheerleaders are "hot." They had a blast playing laser tag. I came in dead last. When we got back to the house, I grilled hot dogs and Lindsey came over with Carter. After dinner, cake, and opening presents, the boys played Wii until 9pm. Gavin had a great time.

Aaron, Gavin, Seth, and Tyler getting ready to go play Lasertag.

Hot dogs for dinner. Some of the boys ate three!

Nine birthday cake.

Make a wish.

PEDAGOGY & PROF RESP EC-12 (CAT) Test Code 160

2012-01-26T19:26:00.000-08:00

I am working on getting certified to teach in Texas. Carter goes to kindergarten next year, so I am going to go back to work. I took my first certification test, of two and was a nervous wreck. I have not taken a test since 2000. I was supposed to be at the testing center at 7:30am and I got lost and didn't make it there until a little after 8. I called Leslie and she gave me verbal directions until I made it. The testing center official still let me take the test, which was a huge relief. The paperwork required that I write in cursive a paragraph that basically said I am who I say I am and I will not cheat. Cursive???? I can't remember the last time I wrote in cursive. The test was a nightmare of me second guessing what the correct answer was. I came out of the test and had no idea if I passed or not. I got the email on Friday with my score. At first glance I thought I had earned a 160, which is the test number, but I passed with a 274. You only need 240 to pass so I am thrilled to be done. My next test is about art, which will be a lot easier for me.
It was such a blessing to have Jenné and Jace visiting. They were able to get everyone off to school. Thanks so much!

Off to Midland

2012-01-26T19:00:00.000-08:00

I sure enjoyed having Jenné and Jace stay with us this week. They were such a huge help to me and the kids love them so much. I'm so glad they are within driving distance to us so we can see them more often.

Trying out a bed at Rooms to Go

Uncle Jace listening to Renée read her bag book.

Their paintings at Let's Art Party

Happy 9th Birthday Gavin

2012-01-24T09:31:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that nine years have gone by since I held Gavin in my arms for the very first time. The years have indeed passed and I have a burn on the back of my sofa, an iron melted carpet, and most recently Carter has shorter hair to prove it:) Gavin is a sweet boy who is hysterical to listen to. He is fascinated with the world around him and we all get to listen to his inventions and ideas. We started off the day with a nine pancake. Jenné, Jace, and I brought cookie to his class at school. When he got home from school we had him finish his homework and practice the piano before opening his presents. I know that sounds mean, but his gift hadn't arrived yet and I was praying it would get here on time. It did come with five minutes left to go on the practicing. His big gift from us was the pocket knife. We ate dinner at Babe's where Gavin was able to eat his weight in mashed potatoes, his favorite food. I made Gavin a marbled cake, which he requested. We really missed Sam but have Uncle Jace and Aunt Jenné here really helped.

9 pancake

Cookies for his school class.

present time

Bear scout stuff.

from Aunt Nay and Uncle Jace

I love that face. He had no idea he was getting it.

He did ask me if he could cut his food with it at Babe's. I said no:)

Fried Chicken!

Gavin was very excited to flap his "wings" while we sang happy birthday.

HOA President No More

2012-01-23T07:49:00.000-08:00

I conducted my last meeting as the Crawford Farms HOA President at our annual meeting. My term was up and I didn't allow my name to put on the ballot. I was elected in 2008 to the board and served as secretary, member at large, and spent the last year as president. I have learned a lot from the experience and will miss the other board members and our manager. I won't miss the responsibility and the difficulty I had finding childcare so I could attend meetings, since Sam is so rarely in town. All in all, I am glad I served my community and I am glad I'm done serving in this capacity.

Uncle Jace

2012-01-23T07:45:00.000-08:00

Uncle Jace arrived late Sunday night. The kids adore him! We took a trip to IKEA so Jace and Jenné could get idea for their new apartment in Midland, TX. Carter loves IKEA.

Valentine Making

2012-01-22T19:26:00.000-08:00

Jenné volunteered to make the kids' valentines this year. She has been hard at work.

Painting Parties

2012-01-21T19:27:00.000-08:00

I had a full day of painting classes. I taught at a birthday party for my buisness. I got there, set everything up, only to realize that I had forgot the easels. I was 45 minutes from home and had to call Jenné to bring them and rescue me. Sue watched the kids because Jenné couldn't fit my kids and the easels in her car. It all worked out and the party went really well.
I taught at Let's Art Party in the evening and Jenné came to the class. She did a fabulous job on her painting and even helped Leslie and I set up and clean brushes.

Science Museum, IMAX, Stock Show, and Ice Cream

2012-01-20T19:10:00.000-08:00

Jenné and I picked up the kids from school 30 minutes early so we could head down to the city. Our first stop was the science museum. The kids showed Jenné all the fun things there to play with. We also went to a dome IMAX move about the history of horse riding. Renée loved it. Jenné fell asleep. I forgot that the Stock Show was going on and my museum membership got us in free. We walked around looking at all the animals. We had to be really careful where we stepped and Jenné had to be extra careful in her city flats. We ate dinner at Braum's and of course had ice cream. Gavin has been begging for a banana split and I finally gave in. He couldn't eat it all, but he sure enjoyed trying. We slept in until 9 the next day.

Add caption

Renée did not enjoy the smell of pigs.

Watching the sheep get sheered.

Banana Split

Shopping and Shopping and Shopping

2012-01-20T19:07:00.000-08:00

Jenné needed clothes for her new job so we went shopping at Grapevine Mills. I do not spend much time shopping anymore so Carter is not used to it. After a melt down in Ann Taylor we took a little break in Gymboree. After I bought him a ball that splats on the floor like an egg, he was a little better about the experience.

Family Fun Night

2012-01-19T18:56:00.000-08:00

Gavin and Reneé were both recognized for participating in the reflections art contest at the PTA meeting. Renée was also recognized for being selected as a student of the month. Renée lost both of her awards before we even left the school. Luckily the art teacher found them and gave them to her in the school the next day. Eagle Ridge Elementary had family fun night where we got to do activities in their fine arts, P.E., science, and computer classes. My sister, Jenné is in the process of moving from Utah to Midland, TX to be a report. She is staying we me during the transition and I am thrilled to have her here, especially since Sam's travel has taken him away from us for three straight weeks.

Reflections Award

Student of the Month Ribbon

Rock On

The music room was a little loud.

The kids got to stack giant cubs in the gym.

We made masks in art.

Freedom

2012-01-17T06:21:00.000-08:00

Gavin's homework this week was to create a collage and he a list of words to choose from to represent. He chose freedom. We were aloud to make the collage in word, which meant looking for pictures in Google images and arranging them the way Gavin wanted them. Collages are a lot easier in the computer age. I remember looking through magazines for hours trying to find pictures for my collages. Gavin requested that I take his picture for my blog:)

Lake Mineral Wells State Park

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

The kids had Martin Luther King Day off from school, so Lindsey and I took the kids hiking at Lake Mineral Wells State Park. It is an hour a way and it was a beautiful hike with huge boulders for the kids to climb on. Aaron Layne tagged along two and gave the little ones piggy back rides. We did our first hike on a trail that took us along the shore. We took our second hike on the State Trailway, which used to be a railroad line. We parked one van in the state park and the other in Garner. That way we only had to hike in one direction. It was a really easy hike but a little boring. I think it would be a lot more fun on a bike. Carter decided he was tired and screamed for about an hour of the second hike, which might have something to do with me not liking the it as much. The last 30 minutes he decided he was happy again and was pleasant. Other than that, it was a great day outside since the weather was in the high 70s. We stopped at Dairy Queen on the way home!

Mason, Jack (in front), Tyler, Aaron, Gavin, Renée, and Carter overlooking Lake Mineral Wells.

The hike started and ended with these stairs.

Taking a rest during our second hike.

Sam's Travel

2012-01-15T14:07:00.000-08:00

Sam has been traveling a lot with Bell Helicopter. He spent two weeks in November, two weeks in December, and will spend three weeks this month in Piney Flats, Tennessee. He left on January 9th and won't be back until the 27th. The kids and I are getting used to the schedule and there are a few perks like less laundry and I don't need to make real dinners. We do really miss him and the kids fight over talking to him on the phone. This schedule will continue until June (or so we hope). I think it is a little ironic that he took this job to stay in Texas and now he is working in Tennessee.

9am Church

2012-01-15T13:50:00.000-08:00

Church starts at 9am. This is how Carter feels about it:

"He looks like a pilot"

2012-01-14T14:08:00.000-08:00

Gavin talked to Sam last on the headset and I asked him to hang it up. A little while later he took me down stairs to see how he decorated Carter and he requested that I take a picture.

Painting Party To Go

2012-01-14T13:50:00.000-08:00

I started another buisness doing private painting parties. So far I have done Renée's party, Mark Angerbauer's dental practices Christmas party, and Neal's birthday party. I am working on getting a body of work together so I can launch my new website, but I am still getting parties booked just through word of mouth. I am teaching the horse one again next Saturday. For Neal's party we painted a Lego Harry Potter, which was a little ambitious, but the kids did a really great job.

Down Town Disney

2012-01-07T21:37:00.000-08:00

We slept in after leaving Hollywood Studio's at 11pm the night before. After a late breakfast and saying farewell to the Nelson's, we took the boat to Down Town Disney. Gavin really wanted to spend his Christmas money at the Lego store. After browsing a buying a few souvenirs, we headed back to the hotel to get on with our journey home. We drove through the night, 17 hours, making it to our beds at 6am. I was the driver taking a 5 hour energy drink at 11pm and then a sleeping pill when we got home. I was awake briefly to eat the cheese omelet that Gavin made for me and brought me in bed, but slept in until 1pm.

On the riverboat.

Create your own t-shirt.

We took our picture here when we went to Down town Disney in 2005.

Gavin and a lego Buzz Lightyear.

This is a lego sea servant.

Renée and Sleeping Beauty.

Back on the boat.

Renée is very excited about her new legos.

Our van decked out with our Disney souvenir.

Hollywood Studios

2012-01-06T20:44:00.000-08:00

We dressed Renée and Sydney up as Jasmine. We even bought them princess crowns. Our last day at Disney World was spent at Hollywood Studios. It was the first park we were in that was really crowed, but was Friday, so maybe that explains it. We spent a lot of our time at the shows. We saw Beauty and the Beast, Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Fantasmic, and the Little Mermaid. There aren't a lot of rides in Hollywood Studios, but we made it on Hollywood Tower of Terror, Star Tours, and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. We spent our last 30 minutes waiting in line to get on the Toy Story Ride only to be turned away just before we were about to get on. The ride was broken.

Jasmine (aka: Renée) and her new Minnie Mouse.

Renée and Sydney all dressed up.

Before breakfast at Port Orleans Riverside.

Renér and a view of Mickey's magic hat.

Waiting for Beauty and the Beast.

Belle and some of the other Beauty and the Beast characters.

Belle and a transformed Beast.

The Hollywood Tower of Terror

Lights, Motors, Extreme, Stunt Show

Big Explosion!

Carter loved it.

Riding on the Studio Backlot Tour

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

Indiana Jones show explosion.

Projections of movies on mists of water.

A boat full of characters during the Fantasmic show.

Little Mermaid musical

Blake, Gavin, Renée, Sydney, and Carter

It's snowing.

Ready to take on some storm troopers.

Animal Kingdom

2012-01-05T19:08:00.000-08:00

Disney Animal Kingdom was fantastic. We started our day with a safari. We saw a ton of animals and even Carter enjoyed the ride. We went to the Lion King show next and it was the best show in Disney. The kids were chosen to participate and lead our seating section in elephant noises. Finding Nemo was fantastic too. It was only 40 minutes, which is perfect for kids to watch. Dinoland was Carter's favorite. He loved digging for dinosaur bones. He did not enjoy the Dinosaur ride which we forced him on. We really had no idea that it was going to be so scary. You can tell by the photo how scared everyone really was when a T-Rex tried to eat us. Expedition Everest was a fantastic roller coaster. Gavin was too scared to ride it and was sad about it the whole day. No amount of coaxing could get him on. Renée, on the other hand, will ride anything. We went to a Birds of Flight show and saw all kinds of birds. We explored the shops of Asia and tried on more hats that we did not buy. We ate a wonderful dinner at Yak & Yeti, probably my favorite in Disney. Most of the animal experience and shows end by 5, so we spent the evening riding rides and letting Carter dig for more bones.

Rhinos

Hippos

Sam took this of me doing what I spent most of the safari doing.

I love how beautiful giraffes are.

There was a whole herd of elephants.

These trees grow in Africa.

The kids getting ready for their part in the Lion King show.

Our elephants.

The monkeys in the show.

The Lion King show was incredible.

Finding Nemo the Musical

I loved the directing fish.

Merlin and Dory

This sea turtle was pretty awesome on stage.

On the way to Dinoland

Carter going from the playground to the digging area.

On their way to becoming paleontologist.

Before the Dinosaur ride

I am chuckling at our expressions.

Mt. Everest in the background.

Poor Gavin not riding Expedition Everest

Watching the Birds of Flight

Bald Eagle

Carter sure loves digging.

On the way to Asia.

Fun with hats.

Renée and Blake playing in the fountain.

Yak & Yedi

One more time on Expedition Everest

Me, Sam, Sydney, and Renée

Magic Kingdom Day Two

2012-01-04T14:51:00.000-08:00

After our long day on Tuesday, we didn't make it to Magic Kingdom until 11. We road the few rides we missed, road our favorite rides again, watched a parade, danced in the streets, met Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and stayed until the park closed at 11pm

Jungle River Cruise

Blake and Gavin in the Swiss Family Robinson's tree house.

We got Carter on Thunder Mountain the day before, but he wasn't going to do it again.

Dream come true parade.

Tomorrowland

Riding Aladdin's Magic Carpet

Sam and Carter on the Buzz Lightyear ride.

Sam & Carter

Me and Renée

Waiting to drive race cars.

Carter loved driving.

Gavin loved it too.

Meeting Minnie and Mickey Mouse

We didn't buy hats but the kids had fun trying them on.

Pulling the sword from the stone.

I love Carter's determination.


The dress the mice made for Cinderella.

Us dancing in the streets of Disney World.

Magic Kingdom

2012-01-03T14:12:00.000-08:00

We got to the Magic Kingdom at 9 am and stayed until after 10pm. We made it on almost every ride, watched the fireworks show, the electric parade, and ate dinner with Winnie the Pooh. Gavin and Renée loved every minute of it. Carter hated most of the rides. We had to drag him on and then afterwards, he would pronounce that he loved it. He also went to the bathroom more than we thought humanly possible. Other than a cranky Carter, we had a magical time.

In bars with Zurg.

Driving for the first time.


Carter loved driving, even if he couldn't see where he was going.

The tea cups.

The White Rabbit from Alison Wonderland.

Riding the carousel.

Our reactions to Slash Mountain.

Carter and Sam in front of the Haunted Mansion, which he did not enjoy.

Gavin, Blake, Renée, Sydney, and Trey in front of Thunder Mountain.

It's a Small World.

Waiting for Carter in the bathroom, we took some pictures.

It's a pirates life for Sam.

Piglet

Tigger attacking Sam.

Winnie the Pooh.

Fireworks!

Main Street Lights

The Electric Parade

We made it to our Disney resort - Port Orleands Riverside

2012-01-02T11:53:00.000-08:00

When we checked the weather before we left for Florida, the report was for weather in the 70s. Once in Miami, that forecast changed and our first day at Disney World was supposed to be in the 40s. We hadn't brought our coats, so we spent Tuesday morning checking Goodwill and Walmart for coats and gloves. We also had to make a stop to have our tire fixed. There was a nail in it, which caused a slow leak. We finally made it to our resort an hour before our dinner reservation, which began the joys of the Disney dinner plan. Because we were staying at a Disney resort, we ate for free while we were there. After dinner we took a boat ride to downtown Disney.

Waiting for the tire to be fixed.

Happy New Year 2012!

2012-01-01T17:40:00.000-08:00

Here is how we celebrated:

Brielle made us roast pork and a mountain of mashed potatoes.

We made naddles, our family tradition.

Sparkling grape juice.

A lot of Wii.

The girls watched a lot of movies.

The kids' table.

The grown up table.

I gave Bennett his first hair cut.

We took a walk.

We fed some ducks.

We were swinging from the trees.

I took the Kennington's family photos.

Another Day at the Beach and New Years Eve

2011-12-31T15:41:00.000-08:00

We spend another day at the beach and stayed even longer armed with snacks. That evening we took a walk on main street which was still decorated for Christmas. After a lot of games, cookies made by Nick, and brownie Sundays, we watched the ball drop on the computer.

Blake digging a really big hole.

Trey, Gavin, and Carter playing in the sand.

It is getting better.

A lot of cousins

Main Street

Watching the ball drop on the computer (Jeff and Brielle don't have cable.)

Miami

2011-12-30T15:10:00.000-08:00

We drove through the night to get to Miami to see Brielle, Jeff, Austin, and Bennett. After a much needed night sleep, we hit the beach. The water temps were in the 70s, which was too cold for me, but not for the kids. The air was in the 80s. The kids played in the sand a lot and had a wonderful time. Alycia's kids hadn't been to the beach for a really long time, so it was exciting and new. My kids could live at the beach, so we had a great afternoon.

Gavin and Blake burying Trey in the sand.

Crazy Carter.

Austin and Carter getting attacked by a wave.

The Sheppards

Brielle spent most of her time like this under the umbrella.

Sydney and Renée (best of friends)

A very sandy Austin.

Miami

Bennett is such a sweet happy baby.

Gavin feeding Blake after he buried him.

Digging.

Carter's really sandy ear.

Gavin the Barber

2011-12-27T15:03:00.000-08:00

I was on the phone with a client when Gavin came down stairs to ask me if he could cut gum out of Carter's hair. I stopped my conversation to tell him absolutely not and I would take care of it when I got off the phone. By the time my conversation was over the damage was done. The saddest part was that Carter didn't have gum in his hair. It was tooth paste!

Carter the Builder

2011-12-26T14:50:00.000-08:00

Carter got some new tools for Christmas and some building kits. He actually squealed with delight when he opened them.

Christmas

2011-12-25T19:57:00.000-08:00

The kids slept in until 7:48am! That was my favorite Christmas gift. We opened presents, ate our apple multaschen, and then got ready for church. This is the most dressed up we have ever been on Christmas. We usually stay in our PJs all day. Sam and I both sang in the choir at church and our ward put on a beautiful Christmas program. After church we played with our new toys. Carter worked on his legos and Renée and I painted. We hosted dinner for the Jensens, Laynes, and Angerbauers. After having my whole family here for Christmas last year, I knew I needed a house full of friends to make it feel like Christmas. We ate and played games and it felt just like family.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T04:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T19:27:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas Eve festivities included fried shrimp and cheese fondue, and chocolate fondue. We acted out the nativity story. We let the kids open their gifts from their grandparents. Then we played with the toys they received and the game from Grandma Lil. After everyone was ready for bed, Sam read Twas the Night Before Christmas.

I got to be Mary and Carter was Joseph.

Renée was the angle and Sam was a shepherd.

Gavin was a wise man.

Day of Museums

2011-12-23T19:09:00.000-08:00

Sam had off work, so we spent the afternoon and evening at the science museum and the Kimbell. The science museum was first where the kids could play and run around. We also saw an IMAX movie while we were there. We ate dinner at In-N-Out and then headed over to the Kimbell Art Museum to see the Caravaggio exhibit. I had been in the exhibit several times because of my docent program, but I wanted to listen to the audio tour. The kids did really well there.

Carter lying in a dinosaur print.

Carter and Renée playing dinosaur games.

Carter played with these blocks for a really long time.

I used to love my light bright.

This huge one was the first one my kids have used.

spinning tops

Renée and Carter at In-N-Out

Gavin and Renée

"The Cardsharps," by Caravaggio

Christmas Cookies

2011-12-21T18:59:00.000-08:00

Jessica, Kendell, and Kameryn came up from Mansfield to make cookies with us.

Happy (real) birthday, Sam!

2011-12-20T18:55:00.000-08:00

Sam wanted to celebrate his birthday in August, so we kept the real birthday celebration low key. We had cupcakes and I made Sam that hat at the science museum.

Gingerbread

2011-12-20T18:53:00.000-08:00

Thanks to hot glue and a Wilton kit, Renée, Carter and I put this together.

Let's Jump

2011-12-20T18:46:00.000-08:00

Trying to wear out the kids during their break from school.

Fort Worth Science Museum

2011-12-19T18:40:00.000-08:00

We got a year pass to the Fort Worth Science Museum. I took the kids and we had such a good time playing there. Lindsey and kids met us and showed us around. Afterwards, we met Sam at King Tut for dinner. I love that my kids will eat Egyptian food.

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party

2011-12-17T13:05:00.000-08:00

We hosted an Ugly Sweater Christmas party this year. We had a white elephant gift exchange, which was really funny, and a prize for the the ugliest sweater.

Lindsey opening the first gift, with Mark, Kelli, Josh, and Sam watching.

Jayne opening her gift with Jonathan and Justin watching.

Christian is very excited about his Pee Wee Herman box set of videos.

Azure is ready to garden with her Topsy Turby

Crista and Tyler.

Mark trying out his new exercise equipment.

You have to look closely, but those are cheetahs on my shoulders.

Jonathan won the ugliest sweater prize.

Wendy is thrilled with her gift.

Pleasure pack!

I love Sue's sequins.

Matt came in second place with that velor jump suit.

Renée

2011-12-17T13:02:00.000-08:00

I saw this out the window. Renée barefoot on top of the mailbox.

School Christmas Parties

2011-12-16T12:49:00.000-08:00

chorus sing along

Gavin's class playing musical chairs.

Fruit kabobs.

Renée's party.

Carter's Preschool Concert

2011-12-15T12:43:00.000-08:00

Carter's preschool had a concert and he was adorable. He sang really loud and was very interested in the church he was singing in.

Cub Scout Skit

2011-12-13T13:21:00.000-08:00

Here is Gavin's skit for a pack meeting.

Piano Recital

2011-12-13T12:32:00.000-08:00

Gavin played in his second piano recital. I'll ask him what he played when he gets home from school.

Injury

2011-12-11T12:28:00.000-08:00

Gavin was carrying a crib mattress and knocked Carter into a chair with it. Mark fixed him up for me. He had to keep the tape on his face for a week, but his cut healed nicely.

Santa's Lap

2011-12-11T12:10:00.000-08:00

Crawford Farms always has a wonderful Christmas party. Here is what we did.

Christmas Longhorn

A real reindeer.

Carriage ride.

Hair Cut

2011-12-07T20:19:00.000-08:00

I got sick of my long hair and had it all cut off.

I was able to donate 10 inches to Locks of Love.

Busy Photography Session

2011-12-07T12:03:00.000-08:00

I had a lot of photo sessions these past two months. The kids would often come with me to the Keller Town Center. While I took photos, the kids played at the playground.

Renée's 7th Birthday

2011-12-03T11:47:00.000-08:00

Renée started her birthday with her 7 birthday pancake. We gave her a scooter and a new helmet for her birthday. That afternoon we had a painting party for Renée's birthday. She wanted to paint a horse, of course. She was so excited the whole time and her friends loved their horse paintings.

Our family room turned into an art studio.

Ready to get started.

The horns were a bad idea:)

Our Composers

2011-11-27T13:09:00.000-08:00

Gavin and Blake came up with this arrangement themselves.

Sick of Turkey

2011-11-26T13:04:00.000-08:00

After eating a lot of turkey we were all ready for something else. Blake begged us to have dinner at Rosa's.

Watching tortillas being made.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T11:34:00.000-08:00

After the Turkey Trot was completed we got to work on Thanksgiving dinner. We were happy to have the Nelsons back in town and spending their vacation with us. Alycia and I spent the night shopping and got back at 5am!

Turkey Trot

2011-11-24T10:01:00.000-08:00

I hosted the second annual Your Neighborhood Turkey Trot. This year we had 90 runners participate in three races (10K, 5K, and 1 mile). We raised $494 for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Fund. As much fun as it was to organize this event, I was sad not to be able to participate because of my hurt feet.

Start Line

5K and 10K racers are off.

Renée and Sam finishing the 5K

Blake, Gavin, and Tyler finishing the 5K

This years medal.

Carter at the start of the 1 mile.

Carter and Sam finishing the 1 mile.

Carter's ribbon.

Riding

2011-11-22T12:37:00.000-08:00

I bought a groupon for horseback riding, so we took advantage of Thanksgiving break to go riding.

The Fun of Carter

2011-11-15T12:32:00.000-08:00

Carter was playing this rubber band like a musical instrument.

Carter made this pilgrim costume at preschool.

My Friends from Let's Art Party

2011-11-14T12:28:00.000-08:00

My manager, Alyssa, moved to Texarcana so we had a goodbye dinner for her.

me, Alyssa, Leslie, and Kelly

French Bread Pizza

2011-11-14T12:24:00.000-08:00

Renée had a book from school that taught her how to make French bread pizza. Sam, Renée, and Carter had a great time make it together.

Last Game of the Season

2011-11-12T09:56:00.000-08:00

The Irish lost their last game, but the boys had a fun time at the post game party. Gavin was very excited about his trophy.

A Win!

2011-11-05T09:50:00.000-07:00

Gavin is number 6 if you can find him.

Halloween

2011-10-31T21:17:00.000-07:00

Gavin wore my warrior dash horns to be a viking this year.

Carter with his mask on. He didn't wear it much.

Renée wanted to be a vampire.

Using the force.

Hay ride at Crawford Farms.

Candy!!!!

One of Gavin's Halloween treats.

Spooky Playing

2011-10-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

Gavin trying to practice without moving the Halloween webs.

Carving

2011-10-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Fondue For Breakfast

2011-10-30T02:28:00.000-07:00

The kids ate the left over chocolate fountain for breakfast before church.

Halloween Costume Party

2011-10-29T23:21:00.000-07:00

We decided to throw an adult Halloween costume party this year. It was a ton of fun getting to see a whole different side of our friends.

Jen stayed in character all night.

Ben and Amory in a zombie/Jedi combination.

I love Jens junk in the trunk.

Josh and Laura as tourists.

Ben as a Mong.

Matt and Azure the Black Eyed Peas.

I have no idea what Peter is.

Melanie and Jonathan as angry birds.

Our winners of the best costume award, Stewart and Doreen (Michalann & Jerry) Thank you for preforming for us all evening.

Jen and Joe broke out to join the party.

We pulled our caveman/woman costumes out of our costume bin. I could figure out why mine was so large, then I remembered that I was pregnant with Renée the last time I wore it.

Ben and Sue

Horse Costume Judge

2011-10-29T21:19:00.000-07:00

Renée and I got to judge a horse and rider costume contest at her riding school. She was pretty excited to be the judge and was telling everyone that when she is a teenager she is going to buy a horse.

Irish vs. Bills

2011-10-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

Finally a WIN! Gavin played so well. He would tackle his guy and then look around to help out the team. He even tackled the quarterback several times. It was great to see and the boys were so excited about their win. I was on a bike ride when Sam and Gavin left the house. I would not have let him out of the house in those maroon socks, but it will make it easy to pick him out in photos.

Celebration!

Preschool Halloween

2011-10-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

At Carter's preschool they had a Halloween parade. Carter wouldn't wear his mask.

Cub Scouts

2011-10-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

I am still a den leader for the wolf pack. Gavin loves being in cub scouts. Me, not so much. Here are some photos from our Halloween party.

Isaac, Darren, and Gavin with their spider treats.

Isaac eating his spider.

The wolves: Wade, Tyler, Gavin, Darren, and Isaac.

Crawford Farms Fall Festival

2011-10-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

We live in a fantastic neighborhood. Every year they put on several social activities, one of which is the Fall Festival. This year there was a petting zoo, bounce house, barrel train, and as much cotton candy as we could eat.

This baby goat was only three days old.

Mmmm cotton candy.

Irish vs. Panthers

2011-10-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

Another loss. Gavin seems to play well. He is a good little (or should I say big) lineman.

Gloved Piano Playing

2011-10-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

It wasn't cold in our house, so it must be that the gloves have bone fingers on them. Gavin is so funny sometimes.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

Every year I take the kids to the Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch. There are bounce houses, a haze maze, a playground, tons of wagons, and of course pumpkins. This year it was a struggle to find a time to take the kids. Renée has horseback ridding on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday Gavin has football. Wednesday we have cub scouts. We also have running club on Thursday.
Sam was in Tennessee working and was gone all week, so I pulled the kids out of school 15 minutes early so we could make it to Flower Mound for a few hours before Gavin's practice. We had a great time and ate our packed dinner on the drive back. All this crazy scheduling makes me miss the times when none of the kids were in school and we could just come and spend a lazy day at the pumpkin patch, with nothing to rush back to. Then again, I am really enjoying my days while they are all in school.

Finding her way in the hay maze.

I love the three kids lined up with only Carter's head peeking up.

Picking their mini pumpkins.

Renée really got some air on this slide.

This was not how this bounce obstacle was supposed to be used.

And this is why.

On the hayride

Irish vs. Aggies

2011-10-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

Gavin got to play his football game at the high school's practice field. It had turf! Another loss for the Irish. This is getting sad.

Eagle Ridge Elementary Tailgate Party

2011-10-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

We spent our Friday evening at the ERE tailgate party. The kids had a blast.

Renée with the ERE Eagle

Gavin playing a game where you have to pull off other kids belts but not loose yours.

Carter enjoying the bounce house.

Renée won the award for the most spirited kid presented by the TCU cheerleaders.

BB

2011-10-11T22:19:00.000-07:00

I went out for a bike ride and came home to five messages on my phone. All were regarding Gavin, who had a yellow plastic BB stuck in his ear. His story was that he was laying down on the ground at recess looking at the body of an ant and it just fell in there. (Because that could really happen.) After trying to contact me, the school nurse called my emergency contact, Alycia. Alycia wasn't willing to drive four hours to pick him up, so he just had to wait for me to get back. When I picked him up I took him over to Linsdey's house to use Mark's medical kit (he is a dentist). We tried three different tweezers until we finally found a pair that would work. Lindsey put lidocaine in his ear because we scratched him up a bit with the tweezers. Gavin was freaking out saying that he couldn't take it and that he just wanted to wait until he grew and it fell out. The whole process probably took five minutes and he was completely fine after we pulled it out. Hopefully it was a bad enough experience that he won't stick anything else in his ears.

Irish vs. Warriors

2011-10-08T22:13:00.000-07:00

Gavin is still loving football. He still has no desire to touch the ball but he is becoming a good lineman. Now he doesn't look around and try to protect his quarterback. He just tackles the kid that is lined up directly in front of him. The Irish lost to the Warriors. Hopefully we will get a win next week.

Ward Campout

2011-10-07T18:53:00.000-07:00

We went camping with some families from our church. The entertainment was a man who had us all participate in a wash tub band. The kids loved it and were really into it. The burn ban is still in effect here in Texas so we could not make s'mores by the fire. I brought s'more cookie bars and they were really good. You can find the recipe here. Jinx had a great time running around with the kids. We even attached a glow stick to him so we could keep track of him. We kept his leash on him until he ran into the lake. No one wanted to hold onto a wet, muddy leash, so he just played with the kids after that. My favorite part of the whole trip was watching Jinx steal Kristin Talbot's soccer ball while the kids were playing with it. The kids were trying to catch him and he was having the greatest time being chased. It was a windy night but I brought ear plugs (a must for camping) so I slept pretty well. Our kids, FINALLY, sleep through the night while we camp.

Sam playing the jug.

Renée is really getting into the tambourine.

Gavin on the drum.

Carter rocking out with maracas.

I love the tongue hanging out.

I am playing a rain stick.

Darren and Gavin playing in the sand with a very wet Jinx running by.

Coming Home

2011-10-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

After playing for a few hours on the beach we headed home to Texas. We stopped in Shrevesport again to visit John at his home, but we didn't stay long. We didn't get in until 1:30am, but I didn't have to use the energy drink this time. (I was afraid I would be awake until 7am again.) Sunday was our General Conference meeting. Thanks to DVR we were able to watch Saturday and Sunday's meetings all in one day. It was really hard to come home a be scheduled again. This was my Monday:

6:30 Get kids up for school, pack lunches, do hair, enforce piano practicing and teeth brushing.
7:30 Get kids out the door.
Grocery shopping and unpacking
12:45 Drop off Carter at Michalann's house
1:30-3:45 Museum Class
4:25 Pick up Carter (Class went long by 15 minutes, which made things really rushed)
4:30 Pick up Renée at Keith's house
4:35 Get Renée's riding clothes and helmet and get Gavin from the Angerbauers
4:45 Pick up Ainsley for ridding lessons
5:00-5:30 Renée's horseback riding lesson
5:45 Drop off Ainsley
6:00 Come home, make dinner, start on homework
7:00 Sam comes home (he is usually home at 4:30 but he has a class this week)
8:00 Get the Renée and Carter to bed. Gavin is still working on homework.
9:00 meet Kris for a run
10:00 come home and try to get the house a little cleaned up
11:00 crash in my bed after stretching my feet according to my podiatrist's instructions.

This was a big change from laying on the beach all day. I think I have post vacation blues.

Day seven in Destin

2011-09-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

Gavin, Renée, and I started our day with a walk to the rock pier to collect shells. It was a four mile walk all together. Everyone had a wonderful time on the way there but there was a lot of complaining on the way back. We did find a lot of beautiful shells. After a day at the beach we went to the sea food festival. Renée, Carter, and I had shrimp. Gavin and Sam had alligator. We walked around all the booths and our night concluded with fireworks.

Sam snorkeling.

Our shade tent was broken by a gust of wind. Some people on the beach let us this.

Fried shrimp

Alligator

The think he is a swordfish.

Dancing!

The kids won these 3-D bubble glasses.

This is what they look like.

They got balloon swords from a pirate.

Day six in Destin

2011-09-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

We spent the entire day at the beach. Sam heated up chicken pot pies and brought them to us and we ate while watching the sun set.

I feel this way about ice cream too.

Relaxing

Hermit crab find of the day.

We didn't build this but Carter helps anyone who is digging.

My kids asked this poor life guard questions for a good 30 minutes before he was able to escape.

Some things never change.

Carter loves the sand more than the water.


A net full of jelly fish.

Sam trying to get the seagulls to eat out of his hand.

Chicken pot pie while watching the sun set.

Birds are always fun to chase.

Day five in Destin (Carter's Birthday)

2011-09-28T22:16:00.000-07:00

We woke up to rain on Carter's birthday, but we found other things to entertain us. Carter had a five pancake for breakfast. We fed some alligators and got to touch one. Don't worry it's mouth was taped shut. We rented journey to the center of the earth and watched it together. Once the rain cleared, we took a walk on the beach. Carter chose corn dogs for dinner and wanted chocolate cake. This is the first store bought cake that we have had for a birthday.

5 pancake

Legos

Getting some help putting it together.

Feeding the alligators

We got to touch this little guy.

Walking on the beach and collecting treasures.

A huge jelly fish.

corn dogs

and chocolate cake.

Day four in Destin

2011-09-27T22:15:00.000-07:00

Day fours was just as delightful as all the others. We played on the boggie board and fed/chased the birds. The kids got along so well the whole time we were in Destin. Strangers were coming up to us and commenting on how good they were and how well they played together. We love vacationing with other families but it was really nice to see Gavin, Renée, and Carter focus on each other.
We took family photos on the beach. I haven't edited them yet, so I will have to edit them later. The sunset was beautiful.

Feeding the birds is fun.

Chasing them is even more fun. (I love the lady in the background laughing at Gavin.)

Sam did promise five dollars to the first kid who touched a a bird.

Helping out Carter

Cheering Carter on

After an ice cream cone.

Day three in Destin

2011-09-26T21:50:00.000-07:00

Another day spent entirely at the beach. We bring our lunch and go home when we want to eat dinner.

watermellon

Renée was the victim this time.