Our Family Pictures 2012

We had our family pictures taken a few weeks ago by our friend here in Hobbs, Heather Cummings Photography.  She was so patient and had a lot of unique ideas.  I love the pictures, and I am so thankful she was able to take them before she has her baby boy.

5 Months old

My sweet baby boy is five months old today!  It is crazy how a few weeks or even days can change things in a babies life.  Beckett's personality is really showing.  He know recognizes me and Richard.  And when he sees someone unfamiliar and cant see mommy, daddy, or a sibling he will cry.  And poor baby he really builds it up!  Beckett also heard mommy yell at big brother and sister the other day and boy he did not like that!  Beckett straight up quivered his lip and busted out crying!  Beckett is totally on the move!!  He rolls all over, he wants to crawl so bad and gets super frustrated.  I am always pulling him out from under the couch.  Also a knew development, my baby B is trying to sit up!  Although it doesn't last long because he immediately wants to get on all fours.  Beckett is growing so fast, some days I just sit with him and snuggle and kiss him over and over because I know how quickly time passes.  Also Beckett is still waking up once a night and is know up to 6 ounce each feeding.  Right know my poor guy has a cold, which has me up at nights because he cant breath because he is so congested.  Words are not enough explanation of how much I enjoy my lil guy, he warms my heart.  And is by far the happiest baby when he wakes up in the morning.  I love my baby B!!!

Changes

It is so very interest to see the growth and changes of your child/children through the years.  I recently went through a bunch of pictures of Allison as a baby. Above is a picture of Allison when she was 3 years old, exactly 4 years ago (photo taken by my friend Abby).  Its amazing how time flies bye, people always say don't blink or you will miss your kids childhood.  Today I just wanted to take a step back remember my baby Alli and then I spent an hour reading books with her while her brothers were sleeping.

Another

Another wonderful soccer season!  This season was tough with having a newborn and Cooper playing soccer for the first time but it was so worth it!  I was literally all over the place this year, both kiddos had soccer practice at different times and different places.  Not to mention soccer games on totally different days!  I think we actually did have two games at the same time, which was a no brainier that Richard had to be with Allison since he was the coach and I would get to stay with Cooper.  Poor Beckett took must of the brunt of soccer season having to go where ever we were, being feed where ever we were, and having to sit through many cold games.  But don't worry this mama tends to over bundle my kids, which always put Beckett right to sleep!

The Viper's!!  Cooper's team only lost one game this season.  We had two kids on the team who could really get after the ball and make those goals!    All the boys had played together last season, but I didn't enroll Cooper because well I was huge and pregnant!  Cooper mainly ran along with the crowd, every once in a while he would check into the game and go after the ball.  I wished he played as well as he does at practice or when he plays against Allison.  But for know its just fun to watch a relaxing game.  I really loved Cooper's coach and the boys got to get together at big cheese for a soccer party.  And when all the moms got to talking all but one of the boys broke there trophy in the first day or two they got it lol!

The Blizzard's!!  Allison, well Richard likes to call her his soccer star.  For being the baby of the team at 7yr's old playing with girls 8 and some 9 year old's she sure holds her own.  This child averages at least 2 goals a game, if not more.  I have never seen such determination in a child to perform at her best, she plays forward but does not hesitate to help her team at any position.  This was an interesting year playing with goalies and six players on the field.  I honestly don't think we would have done as good as we did with out Richards soccer experience.  Our season was a joke we killed the opposing teams, with mostly shut outs 10-0!  We won our bracket 8-0!  Although we didn't do as well during the tournaments but they were definitely learning experience's.  Saturday we had our end of the season party at big cheese requested by the girls.

Christmas Parade

Early Saturday morning my in laws drove into town so we could all watch Cooper in the Hobbs Christmas parade.  My poor Cooper was totally not into the parade.  He honestly thought it was a punishment to have to ride in the parade.  He didn't think it was fair for Allison not to have to ride.  Also he wasn't happy he was missing candy that people were throwing out.  Then he cried because the music was blaring so loud, he begged me to ride the float with him.  So I gave in, sat in a tiny chair and held him nearly the hour ride through the parade.  My poor lil guy has sensitive hearing and covered his ears most of the time. I couldn't even get Cooper to wave!  At least he wore his elf hat!  I was surprised at the crowd that came to watch the parade, and I was also surprised how many cool floats there was!  It was a pretty decent parade for such a small town!

The Nutcracker!

Friday night Allison and I went to the theater to see the Nutcracker!  We happened to know a lot of people involved in the production.  I knew two of the choreographers/dance teachers.  We also knew several people from church with major parts in the performance.  Also Allison's two best friends, plus some friends from school were in the production.  We had such a fun mother daughter date night!  Allison was thrilled to have my attention through out the play as we discussed when certain people were playing there parts.   It really was a fabulous production!  After it was over Allison was determined to find all of her friends, and she did.  We also captured some fun pictures to remember the night!

30 days of Thanks

I didn't participate on FB, but have been keeping a paged saved that I have been adding on to daily.  I know I am a day late posting this, sorry.




1. I am thankful for my lil family. The opportunity our Father in Heaven gives to come to earth to be apart of family.  The joys that a family is able to share together.  And through the difficult times that family is there to buoy you up.  I cant imagine my life with out such strong ties to my family.

2.  I am thankful for my daughter Allison.  For the sweet spirit she is and for the love and caring attitude she brings to our home.  The constant determination she brings to anything that challenges her.  The love she shows for her brothers.  My lil companion around the house or in the kitchen.  I will forever be grateful for how you change my soul and softened my heart.  You made me a mother, and every day you teach me something.  I love you my Alli-cat.

3. I am thankful my sister Courtney, my Ann.  You hold such a very special place in my heart.  And some times I worry that Allison wont get to have a sister.  But then I remember how she is surrounded by so many women~ aunts, cousin's, and grandmothers.  You have been my steady water to my rocky boat.  You understand me, and we love each other with out judgement.  Not many people share a love like ours.   

4. I am thankful for Richard my sweet husband.  You balance me.  You are strong where I am not.  I am so lucky to have your love.  You work so hard for our family.  You are the best father that you can be.  You have such patience with me and I appreciate that more than you know.  We definitely see many things differently, but our goals and outlook on life are the same.  I have to quote my friend who said "There are NO perfect people or perfect marriages and blogs often focus on the positive." We have fought our way to this point in our marriage were we can enjoy the life that we have created together.

5. I am thankful for my Cooper James.  My second born and first son, where do I begin.  You fit so perfectly into our little family.  Your spunky personalty and constant strive to keep up with your sister.  I love your quiet side, many do not see.  Our days together were your my shadow in all I do.  Such the gentle man always opening doors for me or helping unload groceries.  There is something  hypnotizing about your blue eyes.  I see your past innocence, and what is to come with you.  There is nothing better on this earth than a kiss and hug from you.

6. I am thankful for my baby B.  Oh Beckett your sister changed me, your brother open my eyes, but you you brought me such peace.  A feeling I never knew possible.  With your birth and place in our family it brought me this overwhelming feeling of comport.  You were the missing peace to our family.  There is nothing I wouldn't do for you.

7. I am thankful for my big sister Jamie. I was your little shadow for a long time, and you let me tag along to anything.  Heck you even paid me to clean your room or make your lunch.  I was very lost when you moved away, but then I found myself and Richard.  I enjoy our relationship know as adults and cherish the time we have together.

8. I am thankful for my baby sister Heather.  I tied your shoes, buttoned your pants, curled your hair, made your lunch, took you to school/cheer leading/dates.  I have watched you grow up right before my eyes, and I have always been your biggest cheerleader.  The love I have for you is so intricate, full of big sister bear protection and the desire for you to to have all your dreams and the things you deserve. 

9. I am thankful for my Aunt Ruthie.  Days like today I miss you.  When I need to vent and have someone in my corner.  You were always there, and I mean always.  I will NEVER allow your memory to leave me or my children.  Our traditions our a permanent staple in my family.  And my promise to be the best Aunt I can be, by your example.

10. I am thankful for my Aunt Steffer.  I've said it before, the best gift my Aunt Ruthie ever gave me in my life time was you.  Saying I would be lost without you in my life is an understatement.  I appreciate your advice, support, love and constant everlasting presence in my life.  The lessons you taught me will forever be implemented in my family. 

11. I am thankful for my in laws.  I was so unaware and immature not realizing what in impact my in laws would make in my life.  I knew marrying Richard was my destiny, that he was my biggest blessing in life.  But I was so unaware how allowing my in laws into my life would and could change me.  Having a sister and brother in laws is so knew to me, even being an Aunt was a learning processes.  Growing up in Midland with no family but my sisters and mom, is all I knew.  But I will strive to be the best daughter in law, sister in law, and Aunt I can be.  Because I am so very blessed to have family for my kiddos and I would never take that chance at these important relationship's away from them.

12. I am thankful for Hobbs.  Even though I miss my family and Midland.  It has become a home for us.

13. I am thankful for my Mom.  What a wonderful relationship we have grown to have.  I value your opinion and outlook on things.  I know I can come to you with any problem and you will share your thoughts openly.  I am so thankful for the relationship you have with my children, a relationship I never had with my grandmother.  And I don't tell you enough what an amazing mother you are to your four daughters. 

14. I am thankful for friends.  Hobbs wouldn't be livable with out you ladies!

15. I am thankful for my Heavenly Father and the plan of salvation.

16.  I am thankful for my savor Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice.

17. I am thankful for MOPS.  (Moms of preschoolers group) It has given me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful women!

18. I am thankful for my callings in Church.  They enrich my life and help me better myself in Christ.

19. I am thankful for a sweet person that I had the pleasure to meet while here in Hobbs.  And the sweet reminder that we will once again meet. RIP U.W.

20. I am thankful for medication.  Without this medication for my son, I am not sure how he would be thriving.

21. I am thankful for my talents.  I was taught to share them and serve others through the gifts my father in heaven gave me.

22. I am thankful for my walking buddy!  I am not sure if I didn't start walking with my friend Dana I would have pushed myself to get back to my three miles.  I enjoy adult conversation and a special friendship with this sweet women.

23. I am thankful for Cooper's preschool!  I just love his teacher and appreciate all the things he has learned there.

24.  I am thankful for Cooper's soccer team, it has been a fun season seeing Cooper play a team sport.  I also LOVE his soccer coach, such a sweet caring man.

25.I am so thankful for our "new" piano, it is such a blessing to have a piano in our home. 

26. I am thankful for Beckett's baby swing.  Especially on a day like this where my lil guy is fussing, and is soothed when sitting in his swing.

27.  I am thankful for our Highlander.  Now that we have three kiddos, we are definitely using the third row.  I also love my back up camera, I will never buy another car with out that feature. 

28.  I am thankful for Allison's teacher, she is a sweetheart and cares so much about Allison.  It is a wonderful thing to have someone understand and care about the well being of your child besides family.

29. I am thankful we don't live far from family!  Some of my friends live 8 hours or more away from there family.  An hour and a half drive is nothing:)

30.  (I am stealing this from a friend) I am thankful for my blog.  It is great way for me to update my family on the kids. It is also a personal book/blog for the kiddos.  I am not into scrap booking, so this has become such a special thing for me to have for my children someday.