Where Do I Begin?

Really....it's July, and I haven't posted since November! I don't even know where to begin on this!

Alyssa....will be 7 in just 10 days! Oh my goodness! She did AWESOME in first grade. She simply loved her teacher Mrs. B, and she even had a ready, set, teach teacher from Canyon - Ms. Cheryl. Alyssa was named the 'soaring eagle' from her class the first nine weeks, and then she received a golden eagle award each nine weeks for all E's. Her reading level was above where it needed to be, and I was very proud for how much she improved on that! I got to attend her field trip as well - we went to the Magik Theatre in SA to see "If you give a pig a party...." and they got to eat/play in the park next to it. Always enlightening to spend a day with young children versus high school kids! We have done a lot of swimming this summer, and she is improving each day. I am very proud of her going underwater, jumping in the water - these seem like such HUGE steps for her from two summers ago! She is still an AWESOME big sister to Austin, and she loves to help little ones quite often. She can be quite the 'mother hen' at times. Alyssa LOVES to play with her baby dolls still, and she is VERY into watching all the episodes of Full House! She has been renting the DVD's of seasons from the library! She still gets her feelings hurt quite easily, and she has come out of the shy stage quite a bit. She rode the bus to my room all school year, and made some friends to play with in the afternoons. I think she really enjoyed that - although she doesn't like the high school kids to really talk to her. That is when she gets shy. We still have not lost any teeth! I helped coach a little diggers clinic, and she attended that. It was once or twice a week for about six weeks, and she struggled with that some. Volleyball was tough for the first time, and then she got her feelings hurt easily. So, that was an adjustment for all. However, she did MUCH better this summer at camp - I was impressed with her improvement. She was also much more comfortable with things, I think. This summer also included an art camp where she painted a beautiful sunflower painting - I was VERY impressed. Alyssa loves to draw, and I think she really enjoyed this 3 day camp. She also did an SV softball camp with her friend and enjoyed it. She still has basketball camp and a 3 day (all day) camp with a friend. Right now, it is VBS camp, and she is learning lots of songs. Alyssa also played softball in the fall & spring - another area of GREAT improvement. Hitting is not your strongest, but your EFFORT to get every ball is definitely a strength. You got upset in games that a ball didn't get hit to you. And, then in the spring, they actually started getting people out, not just running around all bases. You did not like getting out either!

Oh my baby Austin turns 2 tomorrow! WOW!!! Where has the time gone? Austin is totally into Cars theme toys, trucks, cars, trains, baseball, (all sports balls), tractors, Thomas, and Mickey Mouse! These are just some of the boy things he loves; however, he also likes to play with his sister's things. Yesterday, she and a friend had him decorated in all sorts of jewelry and even a clip in his hair. He still has his pacifier buddies, the frog and bear. These no longer have the pacifier, just the animal. He had one remaining, but we took it away this past Sunday. We are on day 3 right now without a pacifier - going okay so far. Austin enjoys wearing one of his hats when we are out and about, and people often comment on him always wearing his flip flops. He does NOT like to get haircuts. We have had at least five, and he has cried and thrown a fit every time. He loves to do everything his big sister does as well, and he is talking up a storm these days. He can tell us he will be 'two' but he is still working on showing us two. At nighttime he gives us night night kisses and hugs, along with saying "I Love You." He is enjoying the water as well. We don't really go under water yet, but he loves when we go. His favorite part of the bahn is probably riding the alligator on the lazy river! He also makes us laugh a lot - he is a funny little man! Of course, we might be nearing the terrible two's as he likes to hit and try to bite quickly when he doesn't get his way. We have a 'time out' corner at our house now, and he has found his way to it often this summer. Austin really enjoys going riding in the stroller as well. Today we actually went to the park for a long walk, playtime, and then to feed the ducks. He loved that! Nighttime is still pretty good for Austin - we can put him down, and he goes to sleep on his own. Big sister is a different story - out quickly, but still wants someone to lay down with her.

This summer has been a very busy one, but fun as well. It has included staff development for mom and dad, trips to the bahn, sliders baseball tournaments, time spent at the pools, trips to the grandparents' houses, sports camps, birthday parties, and hanging out with friends.

We are having a dual party for the kids at the jumpy place next week. It is a private party with about 30 kids invited. Should be lots of fun! We are also looking forward to our annual beach trip with my sis and her family, and my mom.

I am not really looking forward to starting another year of school - even though Alyssa is! Chad just finished up baseball for six months straight! He had an AWESOME season with the Rangers. He reached 100 wins, had a team that got along great, and reached the regional semifinals. Then he also got the award for the SA coach of the year! So proud of him. Then he went straight into another sliders season.

I also can't believe Chad & I are about to celebrate our 13th anniversary! I just can't believe how quickly life flies by us! I have once again been reminded of how precious life is, and we should not take any of it for granted. Canyon just lost two former grads - one was a Marine, and he was protecting our country, and the other was a recent grad that was killed in a car wreck. Both great kids, who had great smiles. Just doesn't seem right - so much ahead of them. But, we are reminded that God has a plan for each and every one of us. Enjoy every day to the fullest.

This past school year was a hectic one for me - I can't quite figure out why. I think I was maybe balancing too much, and I am simply a work-aholic. I have to find a better balance this next year - at least I hope to. I also can't believe we are nearing the 11 month mark since my dad's passing. Oh how I miss him! I wish he could see the kids as they are growing up, and I know Austin would light up his world. I know my dad loves all us girls - BUT deep down I think he always wanted boys. This little guy would have brought him many more smiles! Austin was often one of the things that would make him smile when we spent so much of last summer there. And at the same time....I still worry about my mom. We try to spend as much time there as possible...and my kiddos just love on their Momo! She definitely spoils them.

Almost forgot to report about Alyssa's weddings that she was in. She was in two over our Christmas break, and she was absolutely PRECIOUS, if I must say. She looked so grown up, and she did VERY well. I was so proud of her for breaking out of her shell to do both of these. And, I think she had a lot of fun at both of them. She enjoyed dancing, and seemed to have a lot of fun.

My mind races with so many things to write about, but I just can't catch up on everything I missed. I really am going to try to do better!

LOVE my kids! and husband!

Alyssa....my dear! I am so hard on you, but I love you so dearly! I expect so much of you, and you continue to love me...THANK YOU! Thank you for always helping me with Austin, and whatever else I ask of you. I am so proud of you for how well you are doing in school, and how far your reading has come.



A funny story about you....one morning while getting ready for school you come in and say, "Mom...what the hell is his problem?" I say "what did you just say? We don't talk like that." You continue to say "Look at him." I am still worried about what you said, you realize it, and you start crying. I ask where you heard that, and you say "you say it!" Oh how I wanted to laugh at the same time! You were talking about your cat running wild through the house, and it was pretty funny. Then later your dad apparently called the cat a 'peckerhead.' Another word you shouldn't have repeated. OH...hopefully we will not teach a first grader such words like this anymore!

Austin...my boy! I Love You too! You are definitely a boy in so many ways! Your vocabulary increases daily...especially when I can keep that pacifier away from you! You talk a lot at Missie's. Your vocabulary even includes football and baseball! You crack me up with your 'hut hut' and the football. You must LOVE bugs because you pick them all up at Missie's, and even torment some of the others! The last bug was a daddy long leg. Missie tells me all the time how funny you are. You love to dance. You lay down to sleep pretty easily (with your 3 pacifiers), but you continue to wake up at least once in the night!!!!

Chad...THANKS for being my amazing husband. You are so supportive to me, and I wish life didn't keep us so busy and exhausted. I can't say thank you enough for all you help me with.

I am truly blessed with two beautiful and amazing children, and an awesome husband. THANK YOU GOD for blessing me with this life.

Catch up Post....

Well, I am going to see how much I can remember from the past few months, and try to do some catching up!

In August I took the kids to get haircuts. Austin got his second one, and he still did not like it. I took him to Paula, and it didn't go too well. He refuses to wear a cape, and he just doesn't like it. As I started to return to work, Austin spent some time at Missie's. Alyssa spent a couple days with her grandparents, and then she hung out with the Leita's and babysitters.

The first day of school....August 23, 2010.....UGH! The morning started okay. We were up early, and all were doing okay. I dropped Austin off early, so I could take Alyssa to McDonald's for breakfast. We met Jack, Meghan & Kendyl as well. Alyssa did great when I dropped her off at 1st grade! I think she was a bit scared, but returning to the same school was some security for her. I think I had to work harder to fight back tears.

I was not quite ready for my first week as I had hoped since we couldn't get into school as early as we wanted. It was still under lots of construction, and the place was still pretty crazy. I was only introducing myself to my second class when my sister was callling. I didn't answer right away, but then my classroom phone rang. That's when I knew it wasn't good. My sister was with my mom, and my dad had taken his last breath. ooooohhhh..... We had just gone to visit him that Friday night before, and he wasn't doing too good. He was talking a lot of nonsense (some which made me giggle), but he had a bad weekend as well. My sister was there early to try to talk to the doctors to see what was going on. I am thankful she was with my mom. The day just became quite an emotional and overwhelming one from there.

As I sit and think about all the things we did those few days...it all runs together. Doing things I had never even thought about until I was in that moment. You know all summer, I had thought I didn't want my dad to have to suffer with this darn cancer. But then only three months it took him away from us! Surely not ready.....hate this disease!

Chad ended up coming to meet me so we could head to Austin. One of my friends picked up Alyssa and my inlaws picked up Austin. Chad & I had been to Austin, LG, and back to NB. I don't think Alyssa really got it when I told her. She didn't really know how to react until she was around her older cousin. Alyssa went to school the next day, and my in-laws picked her up and brought her and Austin to LG with them. We were busy with the funeral home, collecting pictures, ordering flowers, helping mom get things, calling family, and other things you just don't think of.

I was totally overwhelmed with the love and support given to us. Some of my high school and college friends that attended the visitation and funeral simply took my breath away. There were also our friends from NB (and farther) who made the trip to show their love and support. I was overcome with emotion from seeing some of those 'dear' friends. The service was amazing, and quite emotional. My sister did a great job speaking about my dad, and my brother-in-law did an amazing job playing the guitar and singing. My poor niece struggled a lot....she LOVED her popo.

The day of the service was long, but made me smile in so many ways as well. As stubborn as my dad was, that church was full....about as full as the day I saw it on my wedding. Dad was a tough man at times...he told you how he felt.....but he still cared. Guess that is how I am a lot! After the service, we headed to the cemetary for a nice goodbye. The grandkids each had a balloon with a picture/note in it that they released to Popo in heaven. Then we went back to the church to visit with friends and family. That was nice. And, lastly we ended up at Mom's with family. Almost all the cousins were there....even the ones from out of state. It was nice to just visit and catch up with everyone. Stinks that it takes a death though to all stop and bring us all together...no matter what is going on.

We spent the rest of the weekend with my mom before heading back home. Once we returned home, Chad & I continued to be overwhelmed by the love and support we received! We still received a couple plants, food from my bunco group, and MORE food/cards from all my co-workers. I work at one of the most loving and supportive campuses I can even imagine. I will never be able to express my gratitude to all of them for their love and support shown. To this day....so many are still so considerate and ask about my mom.

Mom still continues to struggle, and I worry about her daily. I do make a point to call her nearly everyday on my way home....something I didn't do nearly enough before. Shortly after she lost dad, she lost Jasmine. My old dog, that they had for years. UGH! Seriously....I guess dad just couldn't live without her! I mean this is a dog they took to DQ for ice cream!

We continue to move on each day, but I think of dad often. I look at pictures when I can, and I am reminded to take more pictures too! I didn't have nearly enough of him with my kiddos!

As far as September goes....let's see what I can remember. My family came to visit us on Labor Day weekend. We even went to the river some to hang out with my cousins that were there. The kids had a BLAST swimming in the pool there while we visited. Momo babysat while the adults went to see the Spazmatics on Sunday evening. The kids had numerous doctors appointments. Alyssa has had ear infections, and after a few rounds of meds, we are on some allergy medicine. Hoping that will work! The doctor was concerned about Austin's weight gain, but it seems to be progressing slowly! I try not to worry about it too much....he is just a picky eater. He eats better at daycare than he does at home. So, thankfully that occurs!

Alyssa has enjoyed a couple birthday parties as well! She went to her friend Taytum's at her house, and then she went to her first bowling party for Meghan! I think she really enjoyed that as well...she wasn't sure what to do at first, but by the time I returned she seemed to have a lot of fun!

Fair weekend came and went as well! We attended the parade...met up with Kolby, Karsyn & Madyson. That was fun....other than a bit of rain on us! Austin did pretty well watching it also. On Sunday afternoon we went to the fair to ride rides & see the animals. Alyssa LOVES to ride rides....Austin....I don't think so much! We put him on a train/roller coaster, and he was NOT a fan!

Fair weekend also welcomed a new addition to our family....Merlot! He is an orange & white striped cat we adopted from the shelter. Dad is not a fan, but we are surviving. The smell from the litter is the biggest obstacle! Austin really likes the cat! Alyssa had her 1st grade school pictures, and she was also playing fall softball! That went well. Practices were once a week, and then games were on Saturdays. She improved, although she often struggled with hitting. Somehow we gotta put some meat on those bones! She loves to be the 'backer upper' to first base! Its so cute to watch the girls play at this age.

October came and went quickly! I have found how hard it is to watch volleyball and football games right now! It is a lot of work to take both kids by myself....well some may not think so but it is exhausting to me! I don't get to watch much of the game either. But we have made it to some!

Alyssa did the Aristocat dance clinic, and I think she really enjoyed it! She knew a few of the girls, so that was nice as well. The following Friday she danced before the Canyon game. She even joined in with the cheerleaders since she couldn't go to the clinic due to softball. That Friday night involved us eating at the HS before the game, dropping off Alyssa to dance, going to the pregame to watch her dance, then waiting for her to cheer, then going to see some of dad's game at SV, and then helping prepare the postgame meal for his staff! WHEW! I was pooped after that! BUT...it was FUN!

We got Austin another haircut as well....AWFUL!!! Took him to a place where I didn't know the people. He just didn't like it. Not sure what I will do with him. And, this one really cut it short, so no more of that baby style look. :(

We attended one of my former players' weddings...Chelsea was BEAUTIFUL! And so was the hall and everything about the wedding. The kids spent the evening with Ms. Cathy & Mr. Kevin! I think they had a blast too!

Then there was Alyssa's 1st grade 1st 9 weeks awards ceremony. She received a Golden Eagle Award for having all E's the 1st 9 weeks. She also received the Soaring Eagle Award....SO PROUD!!!!!!! This was an award given to ONE first grader in each class for going above their codes, being so helpful, etc... That just makes me smile. Her report card looked great, and her reading is ahead right now. She is at a 10 DRA I think. Her teacher had great things to say about her, which warmed my heart. She also told me she is VERY helpful towards her classmates, but she needs to tell them no sometimes to continue doing her work. :) And, she told her she needs to not worry about what others say to her if it bothers her. OH...poor thing already has that from me!

Halloween was a FUN day as well! We went to LoLo's house for a kid party. The kids had fun coloring, playing with bubbles & play-doh, playing on the swings & slides, riding in the wagon, and hitting the pinata. The pizza and cupcakes were great too! Alyssa was Dorothy. Austin was supposed to be a lion but he CRIED at the thought of me putting that on him. So, I ordered him a fly fisherman outfit. He looked PRECIOUS even though he wouldn't wear the hat. We lucked out borrowing a Dorothy dress for Alyssa, and then we found some red shoes for her! She was CUTE! After the party, we headed to go trick or treating with Kinley, Lathan & Ty. The little ones chilled in the wagon...most of the trip. The older ones enjoyed going up to get their candy as well.

And, then there was Wurstfest! Two of the greatest weekends in NB. We were fortunate to take the kids on both Saturdays, and then head back for some adult time in the evenings. Alyssa rode the rides, but Austin was not interested. On the second Saturday, the grandparents joined us also. We went to enjoy the music, rides, and the food! It was great! My sister and her family joined us that evening too. Then Momo watched the kids while we all went back for more music and food!

I had such great hopes for this past week since it was early release. I was going to get caught up on some things at work. HAH! Instead, I have been in pain since Monday morning...in my neck & upper shoulder area. After 3 visits to a chiropractor and an MRI....I have a herniated disc! SERIOUSLY! I don't even know how. Probably from all those nights of falling asleep on the couch grading papers, and then getting up to pick Austin out of bed since he woke up AGAIN! I hope to get some answers & direction tomorrow. It is painful though & very uncomfortable.

And, there have been showers for the two December brides. I helped host a shower for my friend Jamey a few weeks ago, and then yesterday was a shower for Megan. Alyssa is going to be a flower girl in both of these weddings. I can't wait to see how beautiful she will be. Megan was a junior bridesmaid in my wedding....:)

WHEW...that's all I can remember at this moment!

Oh how I wish I had time to blog....

Seriously....it's been over a month since I have been able to post. There is so much to share, and I hope I don't forget some of it! I need to finish wrapping up summer, going back to days of inservice, construction at school, the start of another year, Alyssa starting 1st grade, another football season, hoping my first day of school is never so devastating again, losing my dad to a terrible thing called cancer, trying to catch up after missing the first week of school, all of us getting the stomach bug, being overwhelmed to be surrounded by such an amazing support system of family and friends, another softball season starting for Alyssa, Austin's bubbly personality, most recently now Momo has lost Jasmine (my old puppy), and we might be getting a kitten soon. Oh, so much to catch up on with work, life, my kids, sleep, and so much more. I hope to be back this weekend to share some things on my family.

I love you Ms. Alyssa and Mr. Austin. Thanks for truly being the bright spots in my day, even when my patience is gone & I don't always show the best love. I do love you both and your daddy....more than you all will ever know.

Some Catching Up To Do....

Wow it has been a long time since I last wrote....where do I begin? What has happened? This will be a 'journal' entry for me to write about the last couple of weeks.

July 24 - Mom & Dad's 45th Anniversary - WOW! That's a long time! The sad part about the day was that we had to be at the nursing center to visit dad, and it was not one of his best days. All of my family went, and we took mom out to lunch with us.

July 26 - Took the kids for their yearly checkups.
Austin - 1 yr appt - got shots, weight 20 lb 6 oz (13%), 32" height (95%), 18.5 head - the doctor was worried about his weight - has gone down - she said we will have to come back in 6 weeks to check up on things - kind of scares me, but I am trying to not really worry; Austin is a PICKY eater! He has transitioned to the sippy cup & whole milk VERY easily, but I can't get him to eat many things! He likes ANY bread foods just about, and he likes yogurt and applesauce. One day he will eat something for me....the next day he won't. It is VERY hard for me to keep track of his teeth - he won't let me in there! He had 11 the day I took him, but today (8/8/10) - I realized he was getting another one on the bottom front. SO...he now has 12 in all. 4 front on top & bottom & then all four molars are peeking through! He is pretty good through it all, and it doesn't seem to bother him too much!

Alyssa - 46 lbs, 45.6", Vision - R 20/25, L - 20/20, she is doing great! I need to work on her 'pickiness' as well! I wish I had more time and experience to be a better cook as well....then there would be more variety! Cooking is definitely one of my weaknesses....thankfully Chad still loves me!

July 27 - took the kids with me to watch a little volleyball for open gym...that was fun! Alyssa had fun playing with a 'light' volleyball...I hope she will one day really enjoy the game!

July 28 - Alyssa went to a sleepover at her BFF's house (kinley) - she was SUPER excited!

July 29 - Austin went to daycare, Alyssa went to Bisque Bistro for a 'class', and I helped Heather with the 9th grade volleyball camp. It was fun to be there, and I do miss it in some ways! I don't miss all the time, but I miss Heather, Tara & the other coaches, the connection with the girls, and the 'pride' that comes with it. HOWEVER, I am enjoying the lesser stress in life right now! That night Alyssa's other BFF (ainsley) came over for a sleep over, and we enjoyed a picnic in the park while listening to music.

July 30-August 1 - We headed to see our families for the weekend. Chad & I had a wedding to attend on Saturday for a former football player. So, on Saturday Alyssa stayed with my sister, and Austin stayed with Chad's parents. They both had lots of fun with cousins! We enjoyed the wedding as well. It was a nice little getaway. That Sunday we spent some time at my moms, cleaning, visiting & helping her. Mikaylee came back with us for a couple days.

August 2 - I took Mikaylee & Alyssa to the bahn! We had a great time! I had fun hanging out with them, and we spent all day there. They were pooped by the end of the day....we hit all 3 parks! We had some 'alarming' moments, but all in all we had a LOT of fun! Chad was at work for football camp & meetings all week.

August 3 - I took dad to another doctor appt. He is very weak, and there is not much 'muscle' to him. I wish that he could be happier, and not feel the need to complain about everything! Mikaylee & Alyssa traveled along with me, and they were GREAT! I was so proud of how well they were. It was a long day from NB to Bastrop to Austin to Bastrop to LG and back to NB by 6 to pick up Austin!

August 4 - 5 - We took our time in the mornings hanging out - me and the kiddos. Then Austin headed to daycare while Alyssa & I did various things. Alyssa had Kinley over for a sleepover....they had a GREAT time playing. VERY cute to watch them! A silly thing that made my night....baking cupcakes for Corbin's party when I realized the eggs were old. SO, I did not hesitate to get in the truck and make a 'quick' trip to HEB to get more stuff. Since the new one has opened up down the road, it was quite convenient!

August 6 - Met Bonnie to get pictures done of the kids in the park. The kids did great, and Bonnie got some GREAT pictures. NOW, I have to try to make some decisions! We left in the afternoon to head home for Corbin's 5th birthday party. He had a pool party, and it was a lot of fun! I think he really enjoyed it too! Swimming, pizza, and cake....can't go wrong with that! Alyssa TRULY surprised me as she asked to go jump off the diving board! REALLY???? Are we talking about the same person??? There was a lifeguard there to help her when she jumped in, but then she had to swim to the ladder. I was so proud of her! Just made me simply smile! She has come such a long way in the water, and learning to swim! So fun to watch her overcome some of these fears she has. She is such a 'cautious' person! I am thankful for that, but there are moments when it is a bittersweet quality.

August 7 & 8 - We headed to Austin to spend time with the Lyons family! We headed out to the dock to get their boat, and we spent the day on Lake Travis. They have a raft that can hold 4 people. I wasn't sure how Alyssa would do, but she surprised us again! The 4 kids loaded up on the raft and let John pull them for a while. We would stop & swim in some areas as well. She was very worried at first, but she soon realized that the life jacket would take care of her. I enjoyed seeing the 'eyes' with the fear for a brief second as the waves caused them to bounce & then there was the smile to follow afterwards. Holly & I even hopped on with the girls for a while, and then we challenged John to pulling us two 'women.' That was a LOT of fun.....I haven't laughed that much in a while. It felt great! It took a bit....but he met his goal of throwing us off the tube...a couple times! Then of course, it was the boys' turns. Chad went on with J & W, and I think he had a lot of fun! Even when they all got taken under a bit! Austin was not sure about this trip at first....he did NOT like the lifejacket. I just left it on him, making him get used to it. The first time in the water he was fussing, like he wanted in. So, I brought him in too, but I don't think he was too fond of it. He even got himself a nap in on the boat as well. By the end of the day, he didn't even really notice the lifejacket. He was a trooper through it all. Then we had dinner at their Grammy's house. It was so nice to spend the day with such great friends that we don't get to see as much as we would like. They truly spoiled us, and we are so blessed. Alyssa even got to sleep in a tent with Abi.

We woke up this morning, and headed back to NB after seeing Holly's new school. We had great intentions to head to the bahn, but we were too pooped. Plus, we needed to get some laundry and rest!

Chad begins two-a-days this week. So, we will not see him much anymore during football season. We are lucky though, because he still gets his weekends. I have so many things I want to get done this week as inservice is next week, and then school starts the following week. I also have to start focusing on work some....I have a new prep this year...Geometry! I am trying to maintain a positive attitude about it.

I am truly blessed with two beautiful children. They are always given compliments on their beautiful blue eyes. Alyssa's are just 'mesmerizing'. And, Austin has such long eyelashes with his blue eyes. Austin has the CUTEST giggle, and I love listening to it as I turn him upside down & tickle him. He is learning to sign 'more'...even if it is just for more bread! He is a pretty happy guy unless he is hungry or tired! Alyssa is my 'pleaser' and is very worried about knowing what all we are doing for the day, and where we are going next. Are we on the go much??? They are pretty good kids who are very healthy! That alone is enough reason to be thankful. I need to somehow find a way to remind myself everyday to "slow down...have patience....enjoy the moments...be happy....and be thankful." Why is that so hard? Oh yeah....simply called LIFE!

I thank God for blessing me with such a wonderful family, and I ask God to watch over my mom & dad during this tough time.

Alyssa & Austin....I love you more than words can express! MUAH!

Port A!

July 18-21, 2010

We headed to Port A for our annual trip! We don't know how many years we have gone now, but we do look forward to it each year! We also enjoy that the trip now involves my sister and her family. We even got my parents involved; however, they didn't get to join us this trip. :( I know dad really wanted to be there to go fishing with the guys!

We left on Sunday, but first we headed to Austin to go visit dad....all four of us went for a short visit. Then we headed to Port A. The kids did pretty well, and slept about half of the way. We went to the condo and unpacked. Then the four of us went out to eat for dinner before making a quick run to the grocery store. My sister and family arrived about the time we returned.

Monday was the day at the beach. We got there around 11 am and left around 6 pm. The kids had a BLAST! We set up canopies, and made a day of it! Austin enjoyed it too...he of course tried to eat the sand. He never really napped, except when my sister left for a bit! I don't know how he made it all day like that! Then we headed back and rinsed off. I gave Austin a bath, fed him, and put him to bed. The guys worked on dinner, while Renee took the kiddos to the pool for a while. It was a FUN day!

Tuesday was the day the guys got up early to go fishing, which was a great success! My sister and I loaded up the kids and headed to Corpus. We took them to the Aquarium, which was a lot of fun! I think they really enjoyed it. Then we went to eat on the water at Joe's Crab Shack! That was fun...Corbin made the waiters dance again as he kept requesting it! Small world as a canyon kid was our waiter, and one of my former students was the bartender! Fun to see that! We headed back for more swimming in the pool while the guys grilled some of their fish that they caught! YUMMY!

Wednesday left us getting ready to pack up and head home. However, since my sister wasn't leaving yet, we did not have to rush out of there. So, we headed to the beach for a few more hours. Alyssa had more fun on the boogie boards this day as she and Corbin even raced some! We headed back to get ready, and Alyssa enjoyed some more swimming while we cleaned and packed up! She has definitely gotten better at swimming, and even a bit more confident. Thanks also to Aunt Renee for her swimming lessons while we were there! The ride back was VERY peaceful....the kids slept almost the entire time.

Another trip to the beach....great memories with great family....just too short, as usual! I do have to say that I look forward to the days when the kids grow up and don't argue about such 'petty' stuff....please tell me that will happen. I know they love each other, but why can't they just 'PLAY' instead of testing each other, and arguing over silly stuff???? Thanks to my sis and bro-in-law for getting the place for us....we had a LOT of fun!

Happy 12th Anniversary!

July 18, 2010

I can't believe it has already been 12 years! This anniversary was not anything major for us. We have both been so busy, and consumed by so much that we didn't do too much. Our anniversary fell the day after the parties, and the day we were leaving for the beach. So, it left us with cards and dinner at an 'okay' restaurant. Of course....it was spent with my family, and that is what matters most!

I am so blessed to have Chad in my life. He puts up with a lot from me, and I am so greatful for that! We are so blessed with two beautiful children, a beautiful home, loving families, and amazing friends. We are so thankful that God brought us to NB where we have made some amazing connections. We are sometimes in awe at the life we live daily....

I love you Chad, and I look forward to many more years full of wonderful memories!