B&E

Christmas Card 2011

2011-12-23T08:15:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas!

New bed

2011-12-05T09:00:00.003-06:00

We were in need of a new bed and when we looked at them and couldn't find one we loved I decided to take my friend up on her offer to help me build a headboard. I had doubts about my being able to do it. But I did actually do it, and it turned out pretty great I might add. I used power tools and saws and I enjoyed doing it and the time with my friend. With 7 kids running around it only took about 4 hrs. to build. Not too bad. Of course it took a lot longer to prime and paint and get it in my room. But it is finished and I LOVE it! I need to paint my room and get some new bedding and hang pictures on the wall and I will finally have a pretty bedroom. Here are some pictures of the process

After we were finished building it.
It sat in the garage for a month and it got cold so we moved it inside to prime it.
We painted it it with oil based paint and it is stinky so we moved it back outside to paint and let it dry.
In our room and hung on the wall. Once I paint the wall and find bedding I love, I will post a new picture.

Tonsils x's3

2011-11-29T22:23:00.004-06:00

The kids kept swapping strep throat back and forth to eachother and to me as well. After a year of going to the Dr. only for strep throat and getting new toothbrushes and more antibiotics that I would like to think about as well as keeping them home from school. I decided enough was enough. I took them to the ENT in August and he reccommended they all get their tonsils out. I decided to do all 3 kiddos at the same time. One crazy recovery and then we would be done and move on with our lives. It was intense, there was a lot of popsicles and not a lot of sleep, but we all survived and I am glad we did it. Hopefully no more strep throat, for the kids or for me. (September 2, 2011- Mitchell in the recovery room watching his movie waiting to be discharged)
Isaac with his popsicle and watching his movie in the recovery room. Gracie didn't wake up all that happy after her surgery and she forbid me to take her picture.
I had to keep the kids down for a few weeks, no playing, running, jumping. Not the easiest thing in the whole world especially with the boys. We watched a lot of Movies, and played games, and they had their Ipods to keep them busy, but they still got bored. Mitchell got some scissors and went in the back to "cut" the grass. Not that there is much of it without any rain this Summer. It kept him busy for a while and it was really cute.

Isaac Turning 8

2011-11-19T15:29:00.007-06:00

Isaac recently turned 8 yrears old. He had been looking forward to his birthday for about a year. He knew that he would be a cub scout and get baptized and he was excited for both. He is opening a gift he had wanted and him and Mitchell are playing with it.

Isaac with his cub scout pack.

Isaac handsome in his scout shirt. Shortly after he started scouts they had a Pack meeting and he earned his bobcat. He laughed the whole time Brad had him upside down. He loves scouts and is so excited to be a part of it.

Isaac with grandpa Stosich who baptized him.

The kids with Grandma and Grandpa S

My Sister Rebecca was able to come and stay for a few weeks and we had a lot of fun with her. Isaac called her aunt Becca and he loved her foot rubs and she loved watching him dance.

The kids with Grandma Tippetts. We were sad Grandpa couldn't make it, but we understand why.
Isaac and his adopted grandparents the Andersons. The day woulnd't have been complete without them. Grandpa Anderson made Isaac the cutest baptism book, we will cherish it forever.
After he was baptized we went to some friends house to swim and eat and celebreate Isaac's birthday. He had a lot of fun with everyone that was great enough to take time out of their schedules to come and celebrate this special day with him. We love Isaac so much, he is such a blessing to our lives and makes life so much fun. We are so proud of him.

Busy Spring (catching up)

2011-11-08T12:24:00.014-06:00

We decided to try Mitchell on Swim Team this year. He was scared to try. He didn't think he wanted to swim the length of that really big pool. I was really proud of him for getting in and facing his fears. He tried really hard. He didn't make the team this year, but he improved a lot over the Summer and he says he is ready to try again next year.
Isaac took some convincing to get into the water the first couple of weeks. It was too cold for him. He would do the minimal amount of laps and then get out purple mouthed and shivering. He improved a lot on his back stroke and he enjoyed learning the breast and butterfly strokes. He made it to meet of champs for freestyle.
Isaac got "Most Spirited Award" He would show up happy and ready to swim everyday. He got a swim team hat, which he is anxiously waiting his head to grow into.
Gracie had a lot of fun with swim team this year. She improved on some of her strokes and enjoyed playing and making new friends. So proud of her hard work.
The kids with two of their swim team coaches, at the end of season party.
Isaac wanted a blue mow hawk for at least 3 months. I had to keep telling him no because of school. So on the last day of school we went to get his hair cut and to buy blue hairspray. He was beyond excited.

Our Church had their annual 5k and family fun run. I had registered well in advance. I was looking forward to beating my time from last year. But my back had been hurting and I finally decided to go to the Dr. and he told me no working out or running. He said I could walk this 5k since I was already registered. I was very disappointed, but my good friend was nice enough to sacrifice her time to walk it with me. Even walking I was only 5 minutes slower than the year before.
We decided to run the last few hundred meters, I couldn't finish not running.
Gracie turned 10! wow how time flies. She wanted to go to Red Lobster with just mom and dad. So we got a sitter for the boys and took her to eat. Her other request was to play with a dog for the day. So I called up a friend with 2 dogs and she let us bring them over to play for a good part oft he day and she could play and the boys loved having one to pester as well.
She wanted some Harry Potter movies she didn't have, and Harry Potter Lego's. She is such a creative, fun, and loving addition to our family.

Mitchell Graduated Pre School. He is getting his award and posing with his teachers. He loved having them for 2 years and misses them a lot.

Every year at the end of year picnic we would go to the park and eat and play and fish. Isaac would always say he wanted to catch a fish and he never did. Until this year. He was so excited he almost dropped the fishing pole and lost the fish. He finally caught one his last year attending.
Mitchell also had a birthday. He turned 5 years old. I can't believe he is getting so grown up. He is so sweet and loving and so much fun to have around. He wanted a red remote controlled helicopter and I found him one, and he was so happy. He loves flying it.

Mitchell complained of a stomach ache for a few days off and on. I didn't really take him seriously because he would tell me, and then go jump on the trampoline or wrestle Isaac. But after 4 days of him complaining I took him to the Dr. It turns out he had strep throat and I had ignored it for 4 days. One of the symptoms of strep throat can be an upset stomach. So we got him on the antibiotics and I thought we were on the road to recovery. But 2 days later he said his stomach hurt even more. So back to the Dr. we went and she ordered to have some blood drawn and an ultrasound of his tummy. We got the blood work done right away, but the ultrasound had to wait 3 days. We scheduled it and went home to wait. That night he wouldn't walk or eat or get up off the couch because he said it hurt too much. I took him to the ER thinking it might be his appendix. They drew more blood and did an ultrasound on his belly, and they didn't have a definite answer for us. So they admitted us to observe him. After a night and a day of being pale and laying in bed and not eating, they did a CT scan and it turns out he just REALLY had to use the bathroom. So some laxatives and apple juice were perscribed and we were headed home. I felt so bad that he had to go through it all, but glad it wasn't anything worse. He did not like sleeping in the Hospital and he really wanted his blanket. When dad came and brought it to him he was a very happy little boy.

Home Entertainment

2011-10-31T10:58:00.004-05:00

We have always wanted to do something with this awkward space. We had an entertainment center for our TV here, but it never fit. We loved the idea of building an entertainment center, but never got around to it. So when a friend told us her dad was coming down and he was a Carpenter his whole career and wanted to earn money for a fishing trip we decided to go for it.
The kids had so much fun watching him build it, and playing in the sawdust. He was such a good sport to let them out there and be in his way.
Our garage turned into a workshop for a couple of days
It's installed but still needed to be primed and painted.
And here is the finished product. We LOVE it. We are so happy with it. He did a great job and we are so happy we did it. It makes the room looked finished now and more open. The only problem is I can't take it with me if we ever move. It's now part of the house.

First day of school 2011

2011-09-04T10:16:00.005-05:00

Mitchell was very excited to start school this year. He was so excited to see his name tag on the table and find his seat. He sat down and started coloring and told us goodbye. He was ready to go.
This is how we left him. I don't think he even realized, or cared that we left. I tried to keep the tears in all morning, but walking out of the classroom I couldn't hold them in anymore. My baby is in school all day. I am going to miss hanging out with my buddy. It's been just the two of us for half the day since he was born, and I have really enjoyed that time with him.
Gracie does safety patrol and on the first day she got to open the door for her brothers in the carpool line, which was perfect so I could get a picture of all of them after their first day. All smiles is always a good thing.
Mitchell ready for his first day of school.
Isaac and Gracie and Mitchell are at the same school for the first time. Isaac was very excited to go to " Gracie's School" But he still has an itinerant teacher from his old school from the deaf ed department. She came to see him the first day and he was excited to see her, and I think it helped calm his nerves.
Here he is sitting in his classroom.
Isaac ready to go to school
Gracie at her desk in the 5th grade class. She is constantly reminding me that this is her last year of elementary. I really don't like to think about that.
Gracie ready to go.
I have a smile, but was not happy to have the kids go off to school. I am adjusting to having the days to myself. It gets long and quiet, but I have enjoyed some parts of it too.
Dad stayed home to help us get everyone off to school and to their classrooms.

My kids were so thrilled to see their friends before school started. They are all happy to be going to the same school together.

Oregon family trip

2011-07-30T15:30:00.010-05:00

We went up to Oregon to see Brads parents, and have a little family reunion. The kids really enjoyed their time with grandpa and grandma. They loved wrestling with Grandpa and playing with their dog Jake. They loved taking turns having a ride with grandpa and grandma in the truck. It was nice to spend time together as a family. We were able to go do a lot of fun things. I will just let the pictures explain themselves.

Spring Break Camping Trip

2011-05-26T10:17:00.002-05:00

Most of the kids that joined us on our Spring Break Camping Trip. Everyone was mostly packed up and ready to go. We are missing a few that had already left.
We saw Mitchell like this a lot. He would just drop anywhere, he didn't care where he was, or who was watching.
One of the highlights of camping was the Marshmallow guns. The kids loved them, but the adults joined in too. We had one fight at night, and it was really fun. Here Isaac and Gracie are looking for more Marshmallows to go back in for more fun.
We were there over St. Patricks day and someone brought up green hair dye. Isaac wanted a green stripe like a mo hawk, it might just make him look like a green skunk. He was excited about it either way.
I went up on Wednesday night with me and the kiddos. They kids were great, but I was overly ready for Brad to get there Thursday night. It was a great time with good friends and yummy food. The kids played so hard all day that Isaac actually asked to go to bed. The weather was perfect. It was overall a great way to spend Spring Break.

Brothers

2011-03-28T13:53:00.004-05:00

The kids doing their thing on the swing set in the backyard
Isaac and Mitchell are Best Friends. They do everything together. I love to look out the window and see the things they are doing. Or if I can't see them to just sit and listen to them play and imagine and laugh. They have so much fun together and bring such joy to me.
They spend hours at a time outside, come in and rest get a drink and go right back out. Some Saturdays they are out there ALL day in their pajamas and are dirty and worn out by the end of the day. I love that they can go in the backyard and be outside and play and be boys and get their energy out.
They were playing doggie, and Isaac was pulling Mitchell with the jump rope as a leash. They came in the family room to find daddy putting together a dog kennel and they climbed inside and played doggie in it for a while. We got rid of the dog, so we got rid of the kennel, maybe I should have held on to it.

Juggling Elephants

2011-02-06T15:44:00.005-06:00

I know what I am about to say is bold, but I have been thinking about it for some time, and I just really need to vent it out. I also wonder if anyone else feels this way, which I am sure you do, because how many demands can really be placed on us before we crack?

Do you ever feel like you are trying to Juggle so much already, and more needs to be added to the mix? And you have no idea how you are going to do what you are already doing let a lone add more to it? Being a parent is hard, and being a good parent is even harder. And being a parent of kids that have special needs above and beyond the "norm" is even harder still. But it's really hard to teach them responsibility, and accountability, respect and to serve and love one another. It's really hard to get them to learn how to read, and do their homework. It's hard to balance family and all that comes with it. And church and the time demands, and the different requirements for me and my kids. And then of course there is the kids and school With fund raisers and who wants me to go eat lunch when, or who's party I may or may not be able to attend. Then you add in Dr. appointments and exercise and trying to be healthy, and trying to eat what's good for you and your family, but everyday what is good for you changes depending on who you talk to or what you read or who says what on TV that day. Then how do I even have a spare minute for myself to read a book, take a relaxing bath or do something that I want to do? Or what if someone doesn't like what you did in a certain situation or what you said? How can I live my life and try and please everyone else too? Is it too much to want to be accepted for who you are? Sometimes it just seems to be too much. Sometimes I wish I could just snap my fingers and make it all better. Sometimes I wish there really were such things and magic to help make things easier and crystal balls to give me answers. But Life is just hard, and the answers are hard and they don't come easy.

Mans Best friend is no friend of mine

2011-01-23T19:41:00.005-06:00

7 week old Puppy- lasted one night

1yr. old house-trained puppy- lasted four nights

2 beta fish- we'll see

3 kids- might be why I couldn't handle the dogs

18 days of no school

2011-01-09T09:39:00.006-06:00

I have yet to write anything about our Holiday Season, it could be that having kids home made me way too busy to post anything. Here are some highlights of our holiday season:

1. Tacky Christmas Sweater party. It may have been the best one yet. We hosted it for our good friends this year, and it was so great to have it here, and have everyone over.

2. Sleeping in past 6:30.

3. Brad taking Vacation time so we could be together as a family.

4. Going bowling as a family. Mitchell got the second highest score. It may have been because he had a ramp and the bumpers, but in my case, I don't think that would have made a difference.

5. Christmas day, other than watching the kids open presents, we had a few families over for dinner, and it was a fun day with good food, and great friends.

6. Fireworks on New Years Eve- at our friends house. It was a great show that lasted well into the new year. It was warmer than last year. And the fire in the neighbors yard made it more exciting.

7. Lunch with friends on New Years day. Again, great food, and great company.

8. The kids exercising almost everyday. We got their workouts from crossfitkids.com. And they all enjoyed doing it, and we enjoyed watching them.

9. Having some great Weather so the kids could play outside and get some energy out.

I am sure I have left some things out, but we really did have a great Holiday and we are very blessed and very Thankful. We are so glad to have 2010 behind us, and really hope 2011 is a great year.

Exercising Patience

2010-11-18T08:26:00.003-06:00

I was doing my work out, and Mitchell came out to watch me. He brought this book out to have something to do, and I just had to get a picture of how patiently he waits for me to work out. He is so good, I love this little boy!

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T15:20:00.004-05:00

Gracie wanted to be Hermione for Halloween. She didn't want curlers in her hair because it would take away from the length. So I came up with this idea to get her hair curly without sacrificing the length.

This is what it looked like when I took it all out, before I combed through it and made it Hermione poofy.

Isaac and Mitchell ready to go to the Trunk or Treat. No costume for Mitchell again. He had 2 costume choices to choose from, spider man or a cowboy. He said it's too scary to dress up.
Here all three kids are in costume ready to go.
I am pretty proud of how Gracie's hair turned out.
Isaac wanted a bat, Mitchell a Cat and Gracie came up with her own invention.
They had to make some funny faces in the pictures after I took some of them looking cute.

My Blog

2010-10-26T06:53:00.004-05:00

Our home was broken into in July, and with that our computer was taken and all of our pictures on it. I was upset about our house, but I was really sad that all of those pictures of my kids at various times of their lives were gone. A few weeks ago, I was on my blog and I was looking at older posts, and there were so many posts of events and favorite pictures of the kids. I love that we have the technology now so that we can do these things to keep a record of our family. Although my blog might not be that interesting or exciting, it's our lives and what we do, and now I have some fun memories and documentation of things in our lives. I might start posting more with pictures and random things, so that I have them, just in case. It doesn't make up for all the pictures lost, but it's a foundation to build upon. I am also so grateful for those people that have found pictures of our family or my kids and have sent them to me, so I can get a collection going again.

Temple Trip

2010-10-13T08:01:00.005-05:00

This is the group that Isaac decided to walk around with.
We got Mitchell to stop playing in the fountain, long enough to get a picture
Gracie with some girls from her primary class

In September our ward had a Temple trip for a Primary activity. It was so great to go to the temple as a family and get to walk around and look at the beautiful grounds, and have the kids be so excited about the temple. We walked around for about 35 minutes, and then we went into to the waiting room and sang primary songs, until a Patron from the temple came in to talk to the children and answer any questions that they had. It was a great activity that we will remember for a long time.

Art Lessons

2010-10-02T12:56:00.004-05:00

Gracie has always loved to draw and paint. So, I was so excited when I found a lady that goes to our church that was willing to teach her art lessons. She has had 5 lessons and has been loving it. This is her first completed project and I am excited to see what more comes.

birthday Boy

2010-09-28T15:13:00.005-05:00

Isaac turned 7 a few weeks ago. He wanted a white, round cake, he was very specific, then he didn't eat any.

He wanted a skate board ( a death trap) and he is wearing his new superman/spiderman cape
We celebrated by going swimming at some awesome friends house, that let us invite ourselves over. Then we came home and had pizza and opened presents and had cake and ice cream. We love you Isaac and really hope that you had a great birthday.

Fun Memories

2010-09-06T09:31:00.008-05:00

My nephew Thomas
My sister in laws Jo, Marie and Karee and me and my mom.
Everyone was in this pictures except my sister, who is on her mission
My dad and Brothers, David, John, James and Daniel and Brad
My nephew Sam, giving Grandma a piggy back ride
Isaac and Mitchell going up the slide.
My mom and dad will all of their grand kids
My mom and Gracie
My nephew Aaron goofing around

One night while we were in Utah, we decided to go to the park behind my mom's house and take pictures. Even though we didn't have make up or hair done, and most of the kids were in pajamas. But it was a great night. We took a lot of fun pictures and the kids got to give and be given piggy back rides, and make pyramids and run around with Holmes their uncles dog. It was so great to sit on the bench and just watch all of them running laughing and playing. Memories we will cherish.

I love to eat my words

2010-08-23T13:39:00.010-05:00

When we moved down here to Texas, I said I would never go to Utah unless we could fly. Well, I now know how those words taste. We made that drive this Summer, and the kids did great, it was me who had the problem with the length and time it took. We were not even planning on going until about the Middle of May. I thought I would send Gracie up on an airplane all by herself to visit with cousins and grandparents, and made the mistake of telling her that she was going, before I checked airfare. Well I soon learned that it's $1o0 extra per way for an unaccompanied minor, and when tickets are already $550 I was NOT going to pay that. But I had a little girl who I had promised could go. So I did what every mother would do and swallowed hard and told her we would still go, but drive as a family. Then everything that almost could happen to make me not want to go happened. I would tell myself that I was not going to go, but knew that I had a little girl that REALLY needed to see her cousins. So I would get over it and decide we were going again. Then our house got broken into, and I really decided we were not going. I had a mess to clean up, and insurance to deal with and I didn't want to leave my house a lone for 3 weeks either. But once again I was convinced that I needed to go and I decided that I didn't want to be at my house because it scared me. So my wonderful husband that was driving us up there, just to fly home to work, told me that he would take care of the house and the insurance while I was gone. I kept wondering why it was so important to make this road trip. And then I was there and I saw her smile and I knew in my heart why we had done everything for her. But then I realized it wasn't just her that needed it. Our whole family needed to go build family relationships. Mitchell was one when we moved to Texas and he didn't remember my younger brothers, both have gotten married since we moved and my kids got to meet their new Aunts. I was able to see cousins that I miss so much it hurts, and we were able to build some great memories. I don't have many pictures of the trip because our camera was taken but I have the memories forever in my mind. I am so grateful that we were able to go and spend some time with family and some wonderful friends.

Swim Team

2010-08-06T16:38:00.003-05:00

Gracie got a new comer and attendance award. She made it to Meet of champs for freestyle, she was able to shave over 6 seconds off of her time from the first meet to the last.
Isaac got a new comer and attendance award as well as most improved. He did not love getting in the cold water.
After a few extracurricular activities that the kids did not especially like, it was great to find one that they LOVED! Swim team was a new experience for us, but we will for sure be doing it next year. Gracie was happy doing it, and it helped Isaac go to sleep at night. What else can I say.

Ballet Recital

2010-06-21T08:45:00.002-05:00

We are really proud of Gracie. She didn't love Ballet this year, but she stuck it out and did an Amazing job in her recital. She was a little nervous, but luckily I was backstage with her and I was able to work some of the nerves out and she went on stage and did it! Grandma came down for the occasion and Gracie loved having her there. And she also loved the flowers that she received. She came home and put them in a vase and arranged them to her liking. We celebrated by getting Papa Johns Pizza and going to Ritters for Ice Cream-YUM! We love you and we are so very proud of you.

Where did the last 9 yrs go?

2010-05-30T21:47:00.005-05:00

These are not in order at all, but I am too lazy to change that. Gracie just turned 9. She wanted our family and some friends to go the beach. We thank them for taking the time to drive down there and spending the day with us to help her have a great birthday. After the beach we went to IHOP for dinner where she got free ice cream.

She got an awesome scrapbook kit which she loves. It's just her kind of thing.
She got 3 new Webkinz, which she was very happy to receive.
She got her ears pierced a few months ago and she got many new earrings.
I can't believe she is 9, where does the time go? She is such a sweet girl I really love having her in our family.

We Love you Gracie, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Our big 4 yr. old

2010-05-18T11:41:00.005-05:00

I LOVE this look that he gives. It' a I am excited but I am going to be shy face. It melts me!
One of my AWESOME friends made this car cake for our birthday boy.
Brad and I were able to go to his school to share cup cakes with his class.

He had a great birthday. When I asked him what he wanted for his birthday he said a red, purple, and blue car. So we bought him some cars and he got a few from other people and he couldn't have been happier. We went to a movie as a family and then went to eat at the "cow"-chick fil a. We love our little guy!!!

5K

2010-05-09T17:11:00.003-05:00

Our church put together a Community Health Fair on May 1st; and part of this fair was a 5K. I wasn't going to register and run, because my leg still gives me grief upon occasion, and my work out partner is nearing the end of her pregnancy and she couldn't run it with me. The day before the race I had a friend text me and ask if I was interested in trying to run it with her, because she knew she couldn't do it by herself. So we got this crazy idea that we would try. We showed up and did the late registration, and on a very hot and humid day decided to run our first 5K . I haven't been running at all but I have been doing all of my crossfit training and I know that is the only way that I was able to run this thing. Not the best time in the world, (36:51) but I guess there is next year to improve. I'm proud that I finished and that my leg held out and didn't even hurt afterwards.

A whole bunch of pictures

2010-04-07T08:57:00.007-05:00

Isaac after he found some eggs in our yard planted by a special Easter bunny. He got those pink ears from school and he wore them a lot all weekend.
One of the eggs broke open and there was candy on the grass and he just couldn't let it waste.
Gracie after all of her egg were collected.
Mitchell proud of his amount.
All three kids in the yard looking for eggs.
We woke up Sunday morning to find our lawn full of eggs, and this is the kids waiting to be let outside to go find them. We were mean parents and made them eat breakfast first.
Saturday we died eggs and the boys immediately began to eat them after they were done being decorated.

Some of the finished product.
Mitchell went to his Ms. Amy's house for an egg hunt. She used to come over ever week to do therapy with him. I hadn't seen her for a year, but Mitchell sees her sometimes at school. He wanted to pose this way.
Mitchell's pre school teacher Mrs. G. He wanted pictures with both teachers. It was sweet.
Mitchell and Ms. Amy. We miss her coming to our home. She was so great. It was a lot of fun to get to go to her house and see her for this egg hunt.
Gracie decided to have a "room" sale to earn some money. She wanted to sale each item for $10. I told her that's not really the way it's done, but she replied that is how she will make the most money. Surprisingly, nothing sold. I love the sun glasses over her glasses and the bunny ears.
Gracie was singing to us while she decorated her eggs. She was using the paint brush as her microphone. She was giving us a little Kelly Clarkson to listen to while we died the eggs.
I have been asking Gracie if she would like her ears pierced for a bout 4 yrs. and the answer is always a very polite, no thank you. So I was very shocked when a few Sundays ago she asked me if she could get them done. I said yes and told her she had Friday off school and we would do it then.
Getting her first ear done. She had my hand pretty tight. I don't think she was that excited that there was another ear to do. But she was really brave.
The ears pre earrings.
This year we put Isaac in Baseball. He has not really enjoyed it so far. I think it's too slow for him. But he is pretty cute in his uniform so I had to get a few pictures one day before a game. He does love the socks that go all the way up to his thigh. He wears those on a regular basis.
Last Week he got 2 runs for the team and got the team ball. He really liked that. I think it made him not dislike it so much. He likes to hit and run, but not anything else.

It's new to Us

2010-03-16T18:49:00.004-05:00

We have known for about a year that we would be replacing Brads car. So after some saving and stressing and looking we finally bought one. We got all of the things we felt we needed and some wants to. We hope to get many years and a lot of use out of this car.
I'm sure Brad is really going to miss putting a gallon of anti freeze in his car once a week just so it doesn't over heat trying to get to his destination. So out with the old and in with the new-er.

Night Out

2010-03-10T08:51:00.003-06:00

We were able to go watch the rodeo with some tickets that Brad got through work. And then we got to watch this guy perform!!!!!
Time Mcgraw for thos that don't know
I was a little excited. My husband is so great to take me to a concert to a guy that he knows I think is so..... sigh. Thanks for the great night Brad. Love ya!

Rodeo Family Fun

2010-02-27T18:25:00.007-06:00

We attempted to brave the Rodeo in the freezing cold weather. Here we all are bundled and trying to stay warm.
The sad thing is this is Texas and it's not supposed to be this cold, on a normal year it would have been 70 outside.
We lasted a little over an hour. But it was just too cold. The kids had a blast though, and we will return next year, but only if it's warmer.
I stopped taking pictures because the battery to the camera was runing low. It was great to go with good friends and have a fun night!

Hospital Visit

2010-02-02T20:38:00.002-06:00

I had to go to the emergency room last Tuesday because I woke up with a sharp pain on my left side. Having had one ectopic pregnancy ( on the left) I knew what it was and knew I needed to go to the hospital ASAP. After some tests the results showed that it was positive for a tubal pregnancy and I had to have it surgically removed. I had surgery that early afternoon and after a 2 day stay in the hospital I am home. I have been reading and watching movies to pass some of the time. I am feeling much better and I feel a little better everyday. I hope to have a full recovery in the 6 weeks they told me it would take from the procedure that I had. I am so very thankful for the help with my kids, and the flowers, visits, meals, and phone calls. Our family hopes to resume back to normal very quickly.

Movie Request

2010-01-28T12:07:00.002-06:00

Since I am home from the hospital (explanation to come for those that don't know) and will be on the couch a lot in the next few weeks. If you have any romantic comedies or a Jane Austen type movie, or just a movie that you really like. Can I either borrow it, or have a name so I can send Brad to rent it. Thanks!

Christmas Morning

2010-01-09T11:13:00.003-06:00

The boys pretty much got the same things this year and this to share. It was a hard year to know what they want. Plus, they just play together anyway.
Gracie wanted and got a snuggie for kids, and she was more than excited about it.
We make them wait and start to open them at the same time.
The kids with their stocking, they are some cute kids!

Isaac and Mitchell in their Oregon sweatshirts from Grandpa Tippetts, and their blue rain boots, that they were so excited about.

We had a great Christmas day. We didn't have to get up until 8:00 and then we had a big breakfast that Brad was nice enough to make. We hung around and played with their new toys until the afternoon and then we went to a family's house for dinner. It was great company and the kids played and had fun. It was a great day as a family and with friends.

Thank You, Texas Elks Children Services

2009-12-19T18:06:00.002-06:00

When Isaac was fitted for his hearing aids at 7 months old back in 2004 we were told that they would last between 5 and 7 yrs. Just depending on wear and tear. Well he has had a few things happen here and there and they have required repairs. Just in October his Right hearing aid decided it didn't want to work anymore. So I sent him to school and the audiologist called up the manufacture and told me how much the repair would cost, but also told me that it was recommended that they be replaced because of their condition. My first response was despair because these little devices are not cheap. Well I was informed again by the audiologist at the school about a foundation that gives grants to families with children with hearing loss. I applied thinking that it was a long shot..... But I'm sure you have figured out by now that he has been APPROVED!!!!!! They are going to pay for the entire cost of the replacement. WHEW! that is a load off. We would have had to take out a loan if this didn't work out. I am just so grateful that there are organizations such as this to help out families such as ours, and that we are blessed enough to benefit. Especially that Isaac will get the help that he needs to hear and to continue to learn and grow and try to live as much of a normal life as possible. My heart is really full, and I am really thankful.

Happy Turkey day

2009-11-28T10:30:00.003-06:00

The only difference is Brad is in one and I am in the other.
Growing up I went to my Grandma's house for Thanksgiving. Usually that meant there were about 110 people there. I loved playing all day and eating and I want my kids to experience the same thing. It's harder now that we live away from family. But this year we were really blessed to not only have my parents and my brother here, but some great friends too. It was a very great day. I just wouldn't know what to do with a quiet calm Turkey day.

Trick-or-treat & Happy Birthday

2009-11-12T11:26:00.003-06:00

First of all I have to apologize that most of these pictures are blurry. The kids enjoy playing with the camera and have dropped it one too many times and it's now cracked, so there you have it. With that said, here are a few pictures of the kids getting ready to go to the church for the Trunk-or-Treat. Brad was out of town this year so I was doing Halloween by myself. But we got a really nice treat of Brad coming home at 9:30 5 days earlier than he was supposed to be home. That was my Halloween treat.
These two boys are really good friends and I just think this picture is so cute.
I asked Mitchell a few days before Halloween if he was going to dress up and he said " No, it's too scary" So we threw the Linus t-shirt on him and called it good.
Isaac was a stormtrooper. He had a mask, but I didn't even give it to him because we were going to the Church and I didn't want to fight him to take it off all night. The kids were dressed in their costumes by about 11:00 am. They were really excited.
Gracie was a witch and I dressed up as a witch for the night as well. But Gracie looks cuter.
I had a Birthday last week (31) and Brad got an A+ for the day. He took the day off work, bought me awesome presents, and planned an awesome dinner with some awesome friends. It was a great day/night.
I went to an accessories store and was able to get some much needed Jewelry. I put it all on at once to show it off. My mom went to San Fransisco and bought me some Jade ear rings and those are in there too.
Of course the kids had to help me with my cupcake. Brad had a mini celebration with the kids in the afternoon, and then I had a great cake and yummy ice cream later at my birthday dinner.
My VERY cute kids. I got a lot of birthday hugs and kisses and Gracie wrote me a very sweet note.
One of my wonderful presents was this great Twilight shirt. I am a little obsessed and Brad is nice enough to go along with it. Thanks to all who made it such a great day this year!

Witches, guitars & Flying Humans

2009-10-13T15:58:00.004-05:00

For my monthly Bunco group, the lady hosting decided that it was going to be a "Witches Night Out" since it was October. I decided to have fun with it and dress up. Gracie wanted a "scary" pose, and this is my feeble attempt.

Showing off my awesome black and purple tights.

Gracie has now decided that she is also going to be a Witch for Halloween. Isaac thought I was cool, Mitchell wasn't so sure what to think.
Trying to show how much make-up I had on, but you can't really tell.
One day after work last week, Brad said he needed a few minutes to de-stress. He got his guitar and sat at the computer to practice. Mitchell went and got his guitar and sat by his daddy, he has a guitar pick in his hand an everything. I had to take a picture because it's so darn cute!
Isaac's wheels are turning at all times. He decided putting my exercise resistance bands on the posts of my bed and leaning into it, and having it thrust him forward was a good idea. And of course he had to have a sword in his hands at all times. I think he has a few guardian angels because he has yet to get injured doing these crazy things.

GIVE ME YOUR BOOK SUGGESTIONS

2009-10-02T11:21:00.003-05:00

I am always looking for a great book to read, so if you have any thing to suggest I would love to hear about it. Even if it's an Author that you love, I can go looking for something written by that person. Thanks for your help!

Birthdays and Ballet

2009-09-23T08:27:00.006-05:00

Brad had a birthday this week. He was really confused by this big box. I love the look on his face.
This is Brad taking his present out of the box. I also love this huge smile once he realizes what it is.
And this is Brad playing his new present. I hope he had a good birthday. He went golfing and got fried from being in the sun, and then he got the dinner of his choice and then we went to get ice cream. Happy birthday Brad we love you!!
Brad is a huge fan of the show on discovery channel " Myth Busters" I'm pretty sure he just wishes he could blow stuff up everyday for his job. I saw this little kit and I thought it would be a good activity on a Saturday for him and the kids. He will get to shoot off a water rocket and I know he will love shooting it and I know Isaac and Mitchell will love watching it.
Isaac also had a birthday this month. Here are all of the kids admiring the marble run that he received from his grandma and grandpa Tippetts. Thanks!
He is wearing his birthday hat from school and he just looks so happy. He was so excited for his birthday. I think this is the first year he really understood. It was really cute.
Isaac and his Anna eating pizza and drinking root beer from their crazy straws, what more could you ask for?
And Gracie started Ballet this month. She was really excited to start. Mondays are now crazy around here, but I hope it is a good thing for her.

life around here

2009-09-10T07:58:00.004-05:00

Well of course since school started I have to put a picture of each one on their first day of school. Mitchell is in pre school again and I'm sure he will go to the same program next year.
Isaac is in Kindergarten this year. He has a general ed teacher and a deaf ed teacher. Both must be saints to have him all day. But he is doing well and seems happy with school.
Gracie is in third grade this year. It's so weird because I feel like I just sent her off to Kinder.

This is Isaac sitting in the Fireplace. I couldn't find him anywhere. The lights were all out and then I see a faint light coming from the fireplace and it's Isaac saying " let's see whats going on here"
This pile of blanket is Mitchell sleeping. I just had to take a picture to remember how he slept. He doesn't use a sheet, just the plastic mattress and he gets in his cocoon and he is ready to sleep. ( and we painted the boys room blue as it shows in the picture)
Back in July Brad took Gracie to the Museum of Natural History because Gracie kept begging to go. This is her outside the Museum. The picture is a little far away but she just looks so happy and so grown up!

Brad is getting ready to start a new rotation at work. And thankfully his last. He will be on a WELLS team for sub sea, Gulf of Mexico. He is going to be offshore a lot in the next year and we are not happy about that. But then he will be done with the challenge program and he can get a position he likes at work with a little less travel we hope.

I am trying to get used to having the mornings to myself with the kids at school. I am enjoying the quiet, and time to exercise without kids. I have been doing more of what needs to be done and less of what I would like to do, but I'll get used to it and find a balance.

Galveston Trip

2009-08-10T16:17:00.004-05:00

Way back in June when we had family in town we drove down to Galveston to play at the beach. Here are Isaac and Mitchell and their grandpa playing in the water.
Gracie had so much fun swimming in the ocean.
Isaac and Mitchell liked to spray the water and splash but they mostly sat and ate snacks.

We decided it was time to go home when the Jelly Fish were coming out by the dozens.

Isaac, Lizard hunter

2009-07-18T08:36:00.003-05:00

Isaac was on bug catching kick a few months ago. He then decided that bugs were not cool anymore, and wanted a lizard. We have a ton of these little guys running around but they are really fast and really hard to catch. But with some patience and a strategy I captured him one. He carried it around for hours, he was so excited to have a lizard, but after a few hours of captivity he wasn't looking so good so we released it, but sad to say I don't think he made it. Isaac now says he wants me to catch him a frog.

Gracie's Baptism

2009-06-27T09:26:00.004-05:00

Gracie with her Grandma & Grandpa Tippetts. It was so much fun having them here.
Gracie with her Uncle Paul, Aunt Amy, and cousin Luke. Thanks for sharing her special day.
I can't believe she is growing up so fast!
Gracie with her little Ansly. She wanted a picture with Ansly on her big day.
Brad and Gracie all dressed in white.
Gracie with her brothers above, and our family below.
Gracie turned 8 on May 22, and was baptized on June 6, 2009. She had a great day and she was so happy, we are so proud of her and we love her very much. We are so thankful that she got to come to our family, she is so sweet and such a big helper.

May in a nutshell

2009-06-13T18:41:00.006-05:00

We aren't normally able to celebrate our anniversary, with Gracie's birthday the day before. But this year we had the time, the money, and someone to watch the kids. We were able to go out and do something to celebrate. I can't believe it's been 9 years. It's gone by so fast, but it seems like we have always had eachother.
We just took eachothers pictures, we weren't brave enough to ask someone to take one for us. We went to Kemah boardwalk, it was a lot of fun.
Gracie got the movie "Bolt" for her 8th b-day from her grandma and she was very excited about it.

Gracie with her cake that a friend was nice enough to make. I heard it was super yummy, I am regreting not eating any of it. Gracie wanted to light her own candles and gave up after almost burning herself.
Mitchell hanging out at the end of school year picnic. He enjoyed his 6 weeks of school.
Isaac and "his" Anna. She is so cute! They are great friends and love to be with eachother.
Isaac graduating from pre-school. He is going on to Kindergarten next year.
For Gracie's Celebration of learning day, they had a few plays and each child had a part. She was the 1st little elephant in an adaptation of " The 3 little pigs" She did a great job.
Gracie waiting for her turn. She sure looks cute, and it was very creative of her to wear grey to school that day. ( the jacket came off after, way too hot to leave it on )
Gracie getting an Amazing Author award. For being very creative and had a great imagination. Her teahcer said she wrote some of the best stories she has ever read.

A few announcements

2009-05-07T08:50:00.003-05:00

First of all for any of you that have heard me say how addicted I am to candy, I would just like to proudly announce that I haven't had candy for 13 days now. I thought I was going to go crazy the first few days, but it hasn't been too bad since. I'm sure I will eat it again some time, but I will eat a few pieces here and there, and not eat a whole bag at a time. ( which I did very often). Until then I'm not eating any. Hopefully this will help me on my quest to be a little more healthy.

The Second VERY exciting thing is that my Brother gets home from his mission in Rio de Jeneiro today! I am so excited that he is coming home. I wasn't able to go up to Utah to see him home, but I am hoping to see him soon. I just am so proud of him and want him to know how much we love him!!!!!!

Mitchell's first day of School

2009-04-28T17:07:00.003-05:00

One exciting thing for Mitchell about turning 3 is that he now gets to go to school like Isaac. He has been looking forward to this day. He was very excited to get on that bus and go to school. He was so brave, he climbed right on and waved goodbye. The teacher said he did great and was very talkative. I will miss having him home all day and getting Mitchell kisses whenever I want them. But I know he needs this and it will be a very good thing for him. Good luck Mitchell!

Mitchell's 3rd Birthday

2009-04-25T15:43:00.005-05:00

Mitchell turned 3 over the weekend. Here are a few pictures of the festivities.
Mitchell licking the frosting, wearing the glasses that came on the cake.
Mitchell blowing out his candles
We went to Chick-Fil-A to eat dinner and let the kids play and to Celebrate Mitchells b-day. The kids had a lot of fun. Thanks for coming with us Bounds Family!

Happy Kids

2009-04-17T10:15:00.004-05:00

Our church had an Easter Egg hunt with a picnic, but we were unable to attend because Isaac had a fever. The kids were really sad that they couldn't go, and I was sad that they weren't going to be able to do an egg hunt. Saturday morning a special person knocked on the door and said he had chased off the Easter Bunny. As I looked out I was shocked to find eggs all over the lawn. The kids went out there in there pajamas and got the eggs. They were so happy! So thank you so much for thinking of us, it meant a lot.

Trampoline Chalk

2009-04-17T09:58:00.005-05:00

I bought a box of Sidewalk Chalk and cleared the back patio for Mitchell to go outside and draw. I found him on the Trampoline coloring. It was very cute, and he had a lot of fun. ( I love the Sunglasses on his head, he has been wearing them all over. He is so cute in them.)

Flour Shower

2009-04-17T09:41:00.003-05:00

I think the pictures explain themselves.

Goodbye Boot

2009-04-10T16:27:00.001-05:00

I went to the DR. today for my leg. I am done with my boot and I have the green light to ease my way back into running. I can run for 5 minutes a day for 2 weeks and then up it if my leg feels alright. At least I don't have to wear the boot anymore, and some exercise is better than none.

Camping Trip

2009-03-27T09:23:00.017-05:00

We were lucky enough to get to go camping over Spring break with some friends. Sorry there are so many pictures but there were so many cute ones, I couldn't help myself. We had a great time!!!!!

   We packed the van as full as we could, and drove to the Nature Center. I think we had 13 people in there.
  So I am changing the caption on this picture because a few people have thought this is Brad. It is not. It's Paul Thomas one of the friends that we were with. And the kids are playing " Duck, Duck, Goose"

   Mitchell lounging by the fire. His face is all white because he ate either a raw potato or marshmallows without roasting them, that takes too long he and he wanted them NOW. ( Brad informed me it was corn on the cob)
   Isaac eating a hot dog off of his roasting stick. I think his was actually cooked. Mitchell ate 4 raw hot dogs and they came back up that night in his sleeping bag.
   Gracie loved the fire. She made sure we were aware when it was running low. She is just hanging out in her jammies before bed.
   Gracie playing checkers with Jennifer and Mitchell looking on.
Mitchell, Brain Thomas, Aaron Thomas and Alex Boyer looking for Alligators. Withe Paul and Jen Thomas besides them.
   Sam Boyer, Gracie and Isaac looking for Alligators.
   Gracie and Isaac actually look like they like each-other in this picture.
Isaac carrying fire wood for Chandler so he could make dinner.
   I love how the boys are staring into the fire and Gracie is looking straight up, either at rising smoke or the stars.

Gracie got Glasses

2009-03-19T07:58:00.003-05:00

The nurse from Gracie's school called a few weeks ago to tell me that Gracie had failed her eye test a few times. I made an appointment for her to get them checked out and sure enough she needs glasses. She looks pretty cute in them in my opinion. She is excited and sad that she needs them, but hopefully she gets used to them soon and sees the benefit of having them.

Lost-then found shoe

2009-03-16T16:52:00.003-05:00

So what happens when you take 3 kids to Wal-Mart and they act like crazy wild animals, and when you get home you can't find one of those kids other shoe? You go all the way to the mall and buy more shoes right? And then what happens when you get home? You find the "Lost" shoe. So now that kid has 2 pair of shoes, Good thing huh? Anyone guessing on which kid? If you say Isaac you are a winner!!!

Where'd my baby go?

2009-03-09T09:55:00.004-05:00

Mitchell on his BIG Boy bed.
Mitchell Helping Daddy take down his crib.

Mitchell is potty trained and no longer in a crib, I guess it's official, he's not a baby anymore. It's a little sad. I was a little emotinal on Saturday while I watched the crib being put away. We have always had to take it down for the next child. So the child that was in it seemed so big. But there is not a next child on the way any time soon, if ever, and in my mind I still think of Mitchell as my baby. So it was a sad day for me.

Anyone want a haircut?

2009-03-04T17:44:00.002-06:00

Gracie and I have had a debate over the years about growing out her bangs. She doesn't want to, I want her to. Since I am the one that cuts her hair I thought " I'll just get stubborn and not cut them" Well it turns out that Gracie is stubborn too. She thought "if my mom won't cut them I will!" And she did.

So I might have to wait until she gets older for those bangs to get grown out. I shouldn't make threats like, If you don't grow your bangs out I'll cut all your hair short. Because then she cuts her hair herself so I can't make good on my threats!

4 Fun size Twix, a handfull of Rolos, A few red vines Licorice and A few Bit-oHoney

2009-03-04T17:36:00.009-06:00

And I wonder why my pants keep getting tighter?

Potty Training and Flu

2009-02-02T16:19:00.002-06:00

For some crazy reason, I decided to potty train Mitchell. I am sick of changing him, and he is wet all the time from the amount of Juice that he drinks. To top it all off Gracie woke up feeling not so great, and got worse as the day went on. I decided to take her to the doctor and she has a confirmed case of the Flu. The boys got flu shots but of course the rest of us didn't so let the good times roll!!! I guess I am going to be stuck in the house for a few days. And an update on my leg. I went back to the doctor on the 28th of January and I am still having some pain, so I get to continue to wear the boot for a while longer. I'll go back in 2 weeks and I really hope I can be done. So there you have it.

It takes Talent

2009-01-10T10:45:00.003-06:00

As many of you know, I have started running in the last 5 months or so. I had a great partner and we followed a great routine to build up from being able to run for 30 seconds to running 2 miles. We had a goal to run a 5k on January 24th. My great running partner went to Utah for the holidays and the kids were out of school and I was worried about how I was going to run with all 3 kids at home. Brad luckily decided to take some vacation days and he was home the majority of the holidays so I was able to go running. I went running on Monday the 29th and I ran about 2 miles when a terrible pain started in my shin, I tried to run through the pain, but I decided it wasn't going to happen and I walked the rest of the way home. Let's just say that after 11 days of pain and it not really getting better I went to the Dr. ( mostly because Brad was making me) and it turns out I have a stress fracture to my right leg. I have a lovely black boot that I have to wear and some wonderful crutches. I get to go get an MRI and go back to the Dr. next week. I hope Brad enjoys the I told you so moment because it doesn't happen often. But he was right I needed to go to the Dr. It takes talent to get a fracture running down the street doing nothing at all. I didn't step on anything or trip or fall off a curb, it was really just my running capability or the lack there of. I included a picture so you can enjoy the sight. Sorry Jennifer, No 5K for me on January 24th. I can come cheer you on though!

Busy Toothfairy

2009-01-08T09:50:00.004-06:00

Isaac lost his first baby tooth on Jan. 6. It was on the bottom. He is showing the tooth off in the bag. You can't really see it, but that is what it's supposed to be.
Again not great, but you can kind of tell there is a hole there.
Gracie lost her 6th tooth the day after Christmas and Isaac lost his first tooth. They are both so cute with their toothless grins. The toothfairy has been busy and is going to be poor soon. Especially since Isaac's other tooth will be coming out in a few days!

Late Santa Delivery

2009-01-08T09:07:00.005-06:00

A few days after Christmas a rechargeable battery operated remote controlled helicopter was delivered to Isaac from "Santa". He absolutely loves it! Brad flies it while the boys and even Gracie chase it around the house and watch it fly. So thanks Santa!!

Christmas Morning

2008-12-26T13:28:00.023-06:00

Mitchell with his guitar
Isaac dressed up as a Knight.
Gracie thrilled about her Tinkerbell Movie
Playing with the bean bag toss
Bean bag toss
Gracie with her littlest pet shops house
Isaac in his Cowboy gear
Mitchell being silly

We had a great Christmas together as a family. The kids were really cute and fun to watch opening everything. We had a huge breakfast together, and played for a while and then went to a friends house. We had yummy food and played games and visited, it was a great day!

Life updates

2008-12-15T16:38:00.005-06:00

On December 3, 2008 Mitchell had a small surgery, no big deal. Just had tubes put in his ears and had his adnoids taken out. He was contstantly sick, and I decided the cost of the surgery was better than a million Dr. visits and medicine. He did really great after surgery except for getting sick from getting put to sleep, which is totally normal. So it's been about 12 days and his breath stinks so bad. Again it's totally normal, but I keep thinking he has a poopy diaper because his breath is so bad. It makes getting kisses from him a little hard. I hope he is smelling better in no time so I can get Mitchell kisses without the stink!

We also were lucky enough to have grandma and grandpa and aunt rebecca ( elizabeth's fam) Come visit. We don't get very many visitors living this far away. It was great to have them here. We are thankful that they took the time to drive all the way from Utah. The kids loved having grandparents and an aunt here. Brad and I loved the extra help with the kids, and the chance to visit. We are slackers however and we don't have any pictures of their visit.

So other than that the kids are looking forward to getting out of school. And for Christmas. So hopefully the weather is good, since the kids will be home for three weeks. Hopefully no more snow in Houston. I was a little confused last week when it was snowing outside. I thought maybe I was back in Utah. At least there won't be any morning routine so early in the morning for a few weeks! Although, that is going to make going running really hard. I am not taking all 3 kids out running 2+ miles with me. Pushing Mitchell is one thing.

I'll post after Christmas and all the fun times. I bet there will even be pictures.

Mini golf and feeding some crazy ducks

2008-11-28T16:41:00.010-06:00

A friend asked Brad if he wanted to take the kids to the park and play mini golf. Of course he took them and I tagged along to ruin their guy time with the kids. They had fun playing golf, and feeding the ducks. They are on this rock because the ducks were a little crazy and this is their safe haven. It was either this or both boys in Brads arms. It was a great night. Thanks for letting me crash the party!

Isaac and Mitchell leaning to get a better look at the fish. I thought for sure one or both might end up IN with the fish.

Mitchell carrying around his golf club.

Gracie golfing

Isaac and Mitchell golfing

Gracie blowing Bubbles

2008-11-28T16:33:00.004-06:00

A few Sundays ago, in church of course. Gracie is chewing some gum and asks how to blow a bubble. I was trying to explain it, and she was trying to do it, with EXTRA gum. It wasn't working so well. We had some Bubble Gum from Halloween, so when we got home she started to try. This is her success. She was very proud of herself. She asked how many years it would take to learn. It took all of one afternoon. She is now blowing them all the time and getting gum all over her face.

Mesquito or humming bird?

2008-11-20T12:04:00.008-06:00

Mitchell came Running with me on Saturday morning and by Saturday afternoon his ear was HUGE! He got bit by something. For those of you who don't know, the mesquitos around here are huge and they leave BIG bites. The poor kid was miserable. He was walking around rubbing it, you could tell that it really bothered him. It's much better now. It's just a small red dot. It's amazing what Motrin and Benadryl can do.

Dinosaur Parade

2008-11-17T19:49:00.007-06:00

Isaac's school had an Alphabet parade and Isaac was the letter D. He was a Dinosaur. He wouldn't dress up so he wore a shirt with a dinosaur on it, and carried a plastic dinosaur to add to the effect. He was really cute to watch, and he was proud to have something to show off.

Trade In

2008-11-15T22:37:00.006-06:00

So I had a birthday recently and I treated myself to a new Jogging Stroller. This Umbrella Stroller is what I have been pushing Mitchell in while I run. It is like trading in the Chevy Metro for the Cadillac. It's SO much nicer!!! Happy Birthday to me. Lucky for me the camera battery was dead and there aren't any photos to post of the festivitis. But it was a great day. Mitchell likes the Stroller as much, if not more than I do. He woke up and saw it all put together and he climbed right in and ate his snack while watching a movie. I think it's just as much for him as it is for me.

Halloween Costumes

2008-11-01T11:20:00.005-05:00

So, these are the kids dressed up and ready to go. We went to the church and had a Chili cook off dinner, and then a carnaval and then Trunk or Treating. Of course we took the camera to the church and didn't get any pictures but they had a lot of fun, and a lot of candy for me to eat. Oh, I mean for them to eat. I love Halloween in Texas. The weather couldn't have been better. Jeans a T-shirt and Flip Flops. It's so great. The kids costumes don't haveto get all covered up by the Heavy Winter Jackets. I am a little biased but I think they are pretty darn cute! Oh, in case you can't tell Mitchell is Linus from Charlie Brown. He wasn't really up to dressing up and he has his blanket and thumb at all times, so automatic costume!

Friday night fun

2008-10-19T20:52:00.008-05:00

Against my better judgment I put this picture of myself on here. But Mitchell is cute cleaning out his pumkin. So please ignore me.

Gracie and Isaac wouldn't put their hands in their pumpkins. That means that mom and dad did it all. This is what Gracie thought it was like to touch the inside.

Here's Brad cleaning out Isaac's Pumpkin. Sorry don't know why it's blurry.

Here are all three kido's proud of their finished products. I doubt they will last until Halloween, but it was cute to watch them and we had a lot of fun.

just a few silly pictures

2008-10-17T11:43:00.008-05:00

Gracie and Isaac were taking the cushions off the couch and jumping, but Mitchell got up there with a blanket and made himslef right at home. He sure looks cute!

Isaac went to a birthday party a few Saturdays ago and the theme was "pitates" he played all Sunday morning just like this. Here he is jumping on my bed. Yes, those are his underwear.

I babysat Jonathon right before they moved away and we sure love having him here. Mitchell and him were playing so good together, I went to see what they were doing and this is how I found them. Not exactly safe but they were having a great time.

Isaac is wearing a doll's dress as a hat. He is one silly kid. He mostly kept it on because Gracie was chasing after him trying to get it. (his lips are red from licking them, poor kid)

Brad Turned 30!!!

2008-10-02T08:41:00.005-05:00

Good bye 20's and Hello 30!

Gracie made the number 30 out of the candles for her daddy.

Brad requested Bill Cosby Cd's and a DVD. He needs funny things to listen to at work on his ipod. He should be good for a while. Thanks to his mom for sending these.

I however don't have a picture of my gift. He was going to go golfing with some friends. They went to the course that was an hour away to find out that the course was closing at 6:00, not enough time to play. So they came back to Katy to golf at a crappy course and then they went to eat. Sorry it wasn't as great as it should have been. But we love you and appreciate all you do for our family!

Isaac turned 5!

2008-10-02T08:18:00.005-05:00

Isaac had his fifth birthday. Here are a few pictures of the eventful day. He was supposed to have a party the Saturday before his b-day but IKE kind of had otehr plans. So we cupcakes at home and then he had a party with a few friends at the park.

I'm pretty sure all of his gifts could be used as weapons. He got 3 swords a gun and golf clubs. A hornet launcher and a batman motorbike. Thanks Everybody!

Brad took Isaac to buy his lefty golf clubs and then they went to hit a bucket together. Isaac was so proud of his clubs. Although they are as big as he is.

Here he is taking a swing at the ball. He loved setting the ball up on the tee and going to town.

He didn't get this bike for his birthday but it's been promised to him for a long time and we finally got around to getting him one, so I put it on here. He is so cute with the smile on his face.

What a mess

2008-09-16T09:14:00.008-05:00

Here is some Hurricane coverage for all of those that haven't been seeing this on every news channel every hour of every day.

This one is the tail end of Hurricane Ike. This was the most mild part of the hurricane.

Here are two showing the yard pooling up on the side and back of the house.

Brad and Seth Bounds went out Saturday to see who in the ward needed help, they took the video camera along to record some of the mess and the damage. It's inside of a moving car so it's a little shaky. But you can see some of the mess.

Hurricane IKE

2008-09-15T12:05:00.004-05:00

I used to sit in my nice comfy house in Utah and watch the news after a hurricane would rip through somewhere and say why this or why that. I would think if it were me I would do this different or what not. Well let's just say when you are going through it and it's your house you are worried about and it's your power that is off and your phone and internet that isn't working, it's pretty darn hard. We did pretty well through the strom. Apart from the fact that we lost power at about 7:00 pm on Friday night and it was so HOt all night long. I couldn't sleep because our house was being pounded by wind and rain for about 12 hours. I was worried that the windows would get blown out or that our roof would be missing pieces. We had all of the kids sleep in our room where the windows were covered the best and so we could all be together. They slept very well condsidering. Gracie would wake up and go look outside and talk about the wind and rain and go back to sleep. I wasn't so lucky. I was up most of the night looking and worrying. We were lucky enough to loose a few shingles from the roof and a few branches from a tree. A dish network dsish come off the roof and created a small hole that created a leak. Our family room has a small amount of water damage, but it will survive. It's more than I can say for some people in our neighborhood. Our power came back on at 7:00 am, and we had a working home phone until about 8:30 am on Saturday. It stopped working along with Internet. Now Monday 2 days later we have it again. Our cell phones haven't even been working. We have had to text people to try and get through but they have been taking up to an hour to go through if they did at all. Luckily we were prepared and had plenty of food and water. It does make me look at prepardness in a new way. I might have thought what we had was enough on thursday, but heaven forbid there is a next time I am going to have 3 times as much stuff and different things that we didn't have this time around. It has been an ordeal and there aren't really words to describe unless you have been through a hurricane personally. I am so grateful that we were protected. We didn't have church yesterday, the men went from house to house helping and giving service where they could. I am so grateful for so many great individuals and familys that have pulled together to help eachother out to make this a better experience for everyone. It's been hard having Brad gone from Saturday to today almost all day assisting others, but we would be ungrateful indeed if he wasn't out helping others less fortunate then we were. We did take some video of the storm as it was calming down. It came through at night so we waited until it was day time and you could see the video and it wasn't safe to even step outside prior to when we took it. Brad needs to Download it and then we will put it on here but we don't have it at this time. It was 25 years inbetween hurricanes in the houson area and I would be just fne if it were that long again. One is plenty for my life time. Also, thanks to everyone that called or emailed before or after the storm hit to check in on us. It's nice to know that we are loved and thought about.

First day of School

2008-09-01T20:37:00.006-05:00

Here is Isaac all ready for school and waiting for the bus. He woke us up at 4:00am to ride the bus and we had to send him back to bed. I think he was excited. This is his third year of pre school. He has a late birthday.

Here is Isaac Finally getting on the bus. He was asking for days to ride the bus. Sorry it's blury.

Here is Gracie modeling before going to her first day of second grade. I just can't believe she is getting so big.

here she is crossing the street to get on the bus, I really don't think she knew I was taking this picture.

Here is Gracie with some friends, Liam and Olivia. At the bus stop after their first day.

My Baby Brother Gets Married

2008-08-24T09:19:00.008-05:00

I was lucky enough to get to go to Utah to see my brother James get Married. It was a great weekend and I am so thankful for Brad that he was so willing to support me and stay behind in Texas and take care of the kids. I wish he could have come long but plane tickets cost a lot and we didn't want to dump our very active kids on anyone for that long. But here are a few pictures of the fun filled weekend. Congrats to you both and Marie, welcome to the family. Love Ya!

Me, My Sister Rebecca, my Sister in law Karee and my mom at the reception( above)

James & Marie coming out of the Temple

Here's our family at the Reception. Brad is missing (Thanks Babe) and my Brother John is on his mission in Brazil.

James and Marie at their wedding breakfast

James and his two sisters at the reception

The happy couple at the temple after they got married.

Options

2008-08-19T12:06:00.005-05:00

We have Two beds in Isaacs room. One is his and one is for Mitchell if and when he decides he doesn't want to sleep in his crib anymore. So with two beds in his room, where does he decide to sleep? On the floor, in between both beds.

Breaking Dawn Post Pardum

2008-08-12T07:32:00.002-05:00

I finished! Not once but Twice. ( In 4 days) It was great, different than I thought it was going to be. But still really good. Now I need to find something else to fill my time with. If you have anything good to read I'm open to suggestions.

Random babblings

2008-07-27T09:55:00.005-05:00

Since it has been two weeks since my last post, I feel the need to add something to this blog. So here are a few things that have been going on. I guess I will just go down the list.

1. Brad found out what he will be doing for his new Rotation at work. He is going to stay within the Gulf of Mexico but be a Sub Sea Engineer. We don't know a lot about it at this time, but he is excited and feels like it will be a good thing.

2. I have one week left to wait for Breaking Dawn (the last book in the Twilight Saga) to come out and I don't know if I can be that patient. I am SO excited to read the book and see what happens to the characters. I don't know if I am going to be able to do this, but I would like to take my time reading it. Instead of plowing through like I did the first three. I guess I will be buying this fourth installment so I can read it as fast as I want to and then go back and read it as many times as I would like to. I just would like to read it at night when the kids are in bed instead of neglecting them, but I don't know that once I start I will be able to stop. SO EXCITED!!! I am obsessed, it would be fair to say.

3. It was a very rainy Summer last year down here in Houston. I think it had a lot to do with Gracie and praying for Rain so she didn't have to go to swim lessons. But this Summer has had very little rain, and a lot of hot sun. It has been hard with the kids being home because it's so hot you can't go outside, unless it's to swim. Which Brad and the kids love, but it's not my favorite thing. Especialy when you are outnumbered.

4. Is it August yet? I want August 25th to hurry along so that Isaac and Gracie can go back to school. I love my kids and I have loved this Summer break, but enough is enough. The first month of Summer flew by thanks to our trip to see family in Utah. The second month started off going fast and slowed down. And now everyday feel like a week. Gracie is going to be in Second Grade, which I swear she was just starting Kindergarten. Isaac will be returning to Memorial Parkway to the Deaf program. I think he is most excited to go back. He has asked for his teacher a lot this Summer and I think he wants to ride the bus again. Of course when school does start I won't be liking the up and going by 7:00 am. At least now we can lounge around until 9:00 or so.

Well that is the end to my babbling madness. As soon as I get something interesting or pictures I will put them on here.

Gracie swim video

2008-07-13T16:01:00.004-05:00

Here is a video of Gracie swimming the length of the pool at swim lessons. I have a video of Isaac but it's not very long or very good so I need to take another and will post it when I get it.

Swim Lessons

2008-07-11T15:32:00.005-05:00

Isaac has been taking swim lessons and here are a few pictures of him doing his thing.
He is practicing holding his breath and going under, not drowning.
Mitchell is just taking a little turn.
Gracie practicing diving for the first time. She did great. It's a little blury because I caught her in mid air.

Fourth Of July

2008-07-11T14:47:00.006-05:00

While we were waiting for the fireworks to start Gracie sat back and relaxed while eating a tub of Cotton Candy. She would share very small amounts with others, because she wanted to make sure she had enough.
We drove downtown to Watch the Firworks with the Naranjo Family and they were smart enough to bring a bat, ball and a few gloves. This was a great way to have the kids wait it out until the show began. Earlier in the day we went to our Church for a pancake Breakfast and then we had a BBQ with some friends. It was a great day, we just didn't take many photos.

More fun Pictures

2008-07-03T21:01:00.005-05:00

Isaac being cute

A family picture with us all smiling and everyone looking at the camera! This one might get a frame and put on the wall at home.

Fun Family Pictures

2008-07-03T16:53:00.013-05:00

The hair was really starting to thin so this was the solution.

It works well don't you think?

The kids were playing in a train and Karee got this great picture of Mitchell.

We bought this HUGE ice cream cone for Mitchell thinking He would share it with Elizabeth, he wanted it all to himself. When she licked it to get it from dripping he threw it on the ground and stepped on it to make sure she couldn't eat any more of it.

Silly Boys

2008-07-01T14:01:00.000-05:00

Isaac and Mitchell always manage to dress up in some great costumes. No matter how many I have seen I still laugh and feela need to take pictures. Here are their latest.

2008-06-30T18:23:00.000-05:00

We finally gave in and created a blog. So I hope you enjoy!