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.

Tag ~ 11 things

I was tagged on a friends blog to share 11 things about me so here I go...

11 Things About Me


1. I cant paint my nails to save my life!  Or cut a straight line, lol.

2.  I was robbed at gun point when I was a teller supervisor at a bank back in 2006.

3.  I LOVE to read, I don't often find the time especially since Beckett has been born.  But give me a good solid 3 hours and I can finish an entire book.

4.  I cant play a musical instrument to save my life.  Everyone in my family has that talent but I guess it skipped me!

5. I walk three miles a day Monday through Friday.  Nothing and I mean nothing stops me from making that appointment, if I have sick kiddos I run on the treadmill.

6.  I have major OCD about cleanliness and clutter.  But I honestly don't judge others in this area, its in regards to my own home and space.

7.  I love my hair, it is probably the one thing I am vain about.  I regular get my hair hair cut and colored.  Its actually in our budget!

8.  I prefer my hubby to have facial hair, for some reason I find it more attractive on him than a cleaned (baby) face..

9. I am an avid writer.  I have written several books.  I plan to have them published in the future.

10.  I AM A TERRIBLE SPELLER!  Its probably my worst flaw, and super embarrassing.  But I had a really hard time reading in school, and eventually memorized which I quickly forgot:(

11.  I love to cook and bake.  I have so much fun finding knew recipes and try them out.  I honestly prefer my own cooking over many restaurants.



My  Freind Melanie's Questions:

1. What did you want to be when you grew up? Has your dream come true?
2. What is your favorite recipe to make?
3. If you had an extra $500, what would you do with it?
4. What has been the favorite class you've ever taken?
5. What is your favorite book?
6. What tv game show would you like to be on, and why?
7. What is your best talent?
8. What is one thing you would change about yourself?
9. What is your least favorite holiday, and why?
10. If you could go back to school and study anything, what would you study?
11. What do you like to do most in your free time?

My Answers

1. A teacher.   I have never official taught, although I teach my own kiddos and children at church.

2.Brisket

3.Buy a knew cordless DVD set in the car.  Honestly I would give it to my sister.

4.A creative writing class in College.

5. The Fallen series.

6. Don't know about that one????

7. Patience for children.  I have a special place in my heart for the troublemakers too.

8. My teeth

9. Valentines Day. Its seriously never falls on a day we can celebrate!  And my poor sweetheart is so clueless on how to be romantic.

10. Law
  
11. READ


MY QUESTIONS

1. Whats your worst fear?
2. What was the scariest thing that ever happened to you?
3. What is your favorite childhood memory?
4. What is your all time favorite dessert?
5. Where would your dream vacation be?
6. What is your favorite summer time activity?
7. If you could have any car what would it be?
8. What would your dream house look like?
9. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
10.Favorite scripture?
11. Favorite hymn/song?


Okay so I don't know how to tag a person on my page and I don't believe I know 11 bloggers! But if
you read my blog and you have a blog then YOUR TAGGED!!!!!!!!!!


RULES:
Each person must post 11 things about themselves, answer the questions the nominator asked, and create 11 questions for your nominees to answer.  Then choose 11 people and link them in your post.  go to their page and tell them.  NO tag-backs.

 

 

~20 Things~

20 Things a Mother Should Tell Her Son

1. You will set the tone for the sexual relationship, so don't take something away from her that you can't give back.

2. Play a sport. It will teach you how to win honorably, lose gracefully, respect authority, work with others, manage your time and stay out of trouble. And maybe even throw or catch.

3. Use careful aim when you pee. Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.

4. Save money when you're young because you're going to need it some day.

5. Allow me to introduce you to the dishwasher, oven, washing machine, iron, vacuum, mop and broom. Now please go use them.

6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.

7. Don't ever be a bully and don't ever start a fight, but if some idiot clocks you, please defend yourself.

8. Your knowledge and education is something that nobody can take away from you.

9. Treat women kindly. Forever is a long time to live alone and it's even longer to live with somebody who hates your guts.

10. Take pride in your appearance.

11. Be strong and tender at the same time.

12. A woman can do everything that you can do. This includes her having a successful career and you changing diapers at 3 A.M. Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.

13. "Yes ma'am" and "yes sir" still go a long way.

14. The reason that they're called "private parts" is because they're "private". Please do not scratch them in public.

15. Peer pressure is a scary thing. Be a good leader and others will follow.

16. Bringing her flowers for no reason is always a good idea.

17. Be patriotic.

18. Potty humor isn't the only thing that's humorous.

19. Please choose your spouse wisely. My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me spending time with you and my grandchildren.

20. Remember to call your mother because I might be missing you.

Decorating!!

Friday and Saturday we decorated for Christmas around the house!!  The kids had a blast while Richard was at work Friday helping take all the fall decor down and put up all the Christmas stuff.  After lunch Saturday we spent time putting up and decorating the tree.  We even did out traditionally photo session by the tree!  I have pictures of Miss Allison by the tree since she was 19 months.  I don't have pictures of her first Christmas because some jerk broke into my car and stole my camera the day after Christmas back in 05!  Anyway we had so much fun listening to Christmas songs as everyone helped get the tree all beautified!!  I love this time of the year, especially since I was so sick last year.  I will never forget being stuck in my in laws bathroom the entire Christmas day puking my head off.  But know this Christmas I get to enjoy my sweet baby!!

Turkey Day number 2

I stayed the night at my in laws Wednesday night.  Did I mention my poor hubby had to work and stayed behind, boo!  It was so pleasant to wake up and not have to rush off to cook and be able to spend the day with my in laws.  We leisurely got dressed and I packed to car.  We meet up at my sister in laws to eat at noon.  It was GREAT food and ever better company.  Even Baby B enjoy chatting with everyone who would listen.  WE stayed for a little while while the big kids played in the back yard and Beckett napped.  Then we drove back home to Hobbs to be with Richard.  And we were lazy the rest of the day eating leftovers!!!