Appt. Update

We met with the Endocronologist and his dietitian today. Everything went great and basically we just have a skinny girl! No concerns from the doctor since she continues to gain and is thriving and where she should be developmentally. She did great letting he and the nurses check her out, smiled the whole time! Not a big surprise but also a releif. We go back in three months just to make sure she is still progressing. Thank you for any prayers that might have been said. We really are SO blessed with this little girl.

These are random and for no reason really. The first one is obviously after bath time. The second is a month or so ago actually but shows her with two of her favorite things- her baby (the favorite one-I love that it has dark hair like she does) and the blanket that our friend Denise made her before she was born. Its just the right weight and is oh so soft. She loves to snuggle up in it.

On a completely different note lots of things going on around here. A very busy week!




Tonight, the dreaded pictorial directory pics. We had to re-schedule from 5 to 7 because all those
games Trent was supposed to ref were cancelled b/c of snow and ice and changed to tonight. He won't be done until 6:30, just enough time to change and be there. Should be interesting.

Thursday at 9:15 we head over to the Health Sciences Center to see the Endocronologist. Olivia ended up with another ear infection last Friday and actually lost some ounces- normal-but none the less not great.

Thursday night, a baby shower briefly and Trent stating basketball games. I will probably be missing our women's study because I have no where to put my children.

Friday afternoon, we meet to sign papers and do all the other stuff that goes along with putting our house on the market! I am a little nervous about this for many reasons. I need some prayers for the stress that goes along with that as well as for me not to put so much identity into a house! I am super picky and after all, its just a house. I should just feel blessed to be able to live in one regardless of what it looks like. I know it will all work out. I think I am cursed with my background in Design! I need to post some pictures in case any readers in town might be interested! We have outgrown the space and would also like to be able to have a place for my parents to be when they visit. Its just a good time for a change in this way. Trent would like to be closer to the University because our church is on campus too and we are there almost every day of the week, well he is for sure except for Saturday but lately that day too with stating games! Its not a must, its only 15 minutes to get anywhere in town so it doesn't really matter on location.

Ashley, you inspired me to make time to read. I have started doing so after kids are in bed at around 9 every night. I am reading a short one right now by a lady that goes to our church and spoke in Ladies Class last year. She is also a professor at the University and several of you would probably know her who went there. It has been so long that I read any lenght of time that my eyes blur when I look up! Anyway, thanks for the inspiration. I have been doing a lot of organizing in my life and its so freeing. Having to get the house ready has made me do so and also prioritize my time better. I guess change isn't so bad afterall!

Congrats to Scott, Krista, Kayla, Caroline, and Kaitlyn on having a baby boy in May!!!!! I cannot wait to see you next month!

Fun Pictures While Trapped In The House

This is my view out my backdoor. Notice the ice-cicles from the basketball rim? My plants bit it in the first freeze :(

We also had some fun in the bathtub with sissy's hair!

They did this for HOURS! I finally put a stop to 'strolling' on the tile floor and limited them to the carpet. Today I amm vaccumming the tracks! Yes, this is supposed to be for dolls. It was our present to Olivia on her first birthday.



















On a side note: I stopped by the pedi for a weight check today and girl is up to 17lbs.15oz.!!! SLOWLY gaining weight! She eats like a horse since all those teeth came in and has filled out in the cheeks and the thighs but the scale is just not showing it!!! The nurse said if she were hers she would turn her around in her carseat since she is close to 20 lbs but I am a scardy cat. She is 31 inches long and almost the right height but the sheet says her weight has to be up enough also. The poor thing is bored to death facing backwards and watches movies upside down, but the is a small price to pay for safety as far as I am concerned!

P.S. Trent is STILL sick!!!! Say some prayers for the poor guy! Also, I am dying to put something in the crockpot but Ty and I can't eat it by ourselves! Chili and stew, or beans and rice not so good for someone with a bad tummy. Also pray that we don't get it. I had it four times last year. I really am praying the kids don't.

What's Going On Around Here.....

Everything is iced over here, not even 32 degrees yet, and my in-laws are on their way to Hawaii for three weeks.........for the second time this year..............yes I am jealous.

My husband was up all night sick and still too weak to leave the bed after like three bath's with muscle-ache soak. This is all after reffing THREE games last night!!! The poor guy.

My tree is STILL up and lights are STILL on the house because Trent has been gone everynight but Wednesday and the weather has not been permitting to taking them down! Its un-decorated but STILL drives me crazy. I won't open the shutters because I don't want anyone to see it standing in my living room. My goal today is to at least get it all out to the garage. My dining room looks like a storage facility.

My little girl is somewhat talking! Her new words: Mamma, Dadda (more often), "G" (Trent's Dad), Hi, Ty, duck, dog, and bye.

Ty is now obsessed with superman, and already saying he wants to be him for Halloween next year.

Yesterday was a very sad day. My good friend Sandy laid her mother to rest. She passed on Tuesday un-expectedly and was only 61. Such an incredible wonderful lady.

I was able to go to my class's girl's study Thursday night last minute and left SO blessed by it as I always do.

I don't know if I will get out of my pajamas today...........really not seeing a need for it. I did however put a sweatshirt on!

Man, would I give anything for stuff to make chili right now!

Looks like an organizational day today since its not really safe to leave the house............oh joy!

My Favorite Holiday Moments Captured on Film

- My mother and Ty at 'rest-time'














-My Grandfather playing babies with my daughter














-Celebrating my Mother's 60th Birthday















Staring at my tree that was a gift from my parents last year, the gift that keeps on giving! We were gone a lot and I did not get to enjoy it near enough this year!




















Sharing this time of year with LOTS of cousins! I am so glad that my children are able to be around their cousins so much and I feel so blessed to be these kids aunt!














Watching my children play together in something that would never fit in our house! This will be staying at Pop and Cita's!














Grandmother sharing Christmas with us. She has been ill and we were fortunate she was home!

In Pursuit of True 'Happyness'

As I mentioned earlier, I had the pleasure of seeing The Pursuit of Happyness last week while in the metroplex for the holidays. It was very moving to me. Everyone I have mentioned it to replies with, "Isn't he homeless or something?" That is not the point of the movie. Its actually a very small part of it and only a few nights is that what happened.

Everyone seems to be focusing on how everyone can get a job and help themselves, etc. I guess that is one way to look at it. However Chris Gardner had a job in sales and was an incredibly intelligent man. He was first in his class in highschool and went on to join the Navy and had success in the military. All this can be learned from his biography. Anyway, I only mention that to say that this guy was not a loser.

I do agree that everyone can do their part to help themselves and not just take hand-outs, but what I took away from this movie was so much more. I was very convicted in my own determination and character. I was so moved by the way he reacted to various circumstances within themselves, but also as a parent!!! I get so flustered by the smallest things and I embarassed to say that I let my attitude be effected. I know for a fact that I would not have been the parent that he was through all that he endured. His humor and faith played a major role in that.

I have had the incredible blessing of not having to work very hard for everything I have accomplished. I was blessed with a college education, all of which my parents paid for. I have never done without a meal because of money. I have never gone a night without a warm bed to sleep in. In reality, I have been really spoiled. If I have made a poor decision financially or without being responsible, there has always been someone (my parents or husband) to take up the slack and I did not have to pay real consequences.

This man was such an incredible example to me of how I want to be and what I want to teach my kids as far as determination, character, and grace go. I realize that I am given an even more incredible example in Jesus, whom I have learned so much from. I guess it just helped to see it in a more modern world in circumstances of which I can relate to after becoming a parent and working in corporate America.

There are times that I miss being in that world, because I think I placed so much of my identity in it. It saddens me to think about that because I want to find my identity in my relationship to Christ and how that overflows into every aspect of my life. I am so effected by movies, which is why I can't allow myself to watch just anything. I was reminded in this one of who I need to be and that I must not be pouring enough in for it to be pouring out.

I do not know much about Chris Gardner's faith or his relationship with Christ except that he is a Christian because his faith is mentioned in his biography. He endured a lot more in his life than the film depicts and before this part of his life took place. I guess my whole point in this post is how much of an encouragement and inspiration we can be by example, as he has been to me, regardless of how much we share about The Word. Not that we should not share, we are called to do so, but seeing this Love is just as important.

(Warning do not read next paragraph if you have not seen it)

His attitude showed this in various circumstances from giving his last $5 to a corporate millionaire for a cab despite his own situation, and with a smile while doing it. He showed everyone respect even when done wrong. I have a hard time with that I am sorry to admit. He turned a subway station bathroom into a cave to get away from pretend dinosaurs to make it not only easier but actually fun for his five year old son! Just an amazing strength of character to me. He made it back to an internship after being hit by a car and losing a shoe! I milk a runny nose! Just a few examples in the film and in true to his life.

(Safe to continue if you have not seen it)

Christmas has really lost its meaning to the majority of Americans, even believers. We make it so much more about gifts than celebrating Christ's life. Although we are not wealthy by any means, thanks to grandparents and friends our children have so much more than they really need. Kids really do not need SO much to play and be happy. I felt a little sick while looking at it all this year and being reminded (Holly :) ) that 80% of the world lives on less than $2.00 a day! Our (my little family) life has become filled with so much excess that it is border line ridiculous.

I hope that by sharing my own convitions that someone reading might be convicted as well and look to God in all His glory to be more of what he expects and calls us to be. If so, maybe HE will puit you in REAL PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS

God Bless and Happy 2007.

Pursuit of Happyness-SEE IT

Yes, that is how its spelled. Starring Will Smith and his son Jaden now in a theatre near you.

I have been thinking about it ever since. I don't want to give anything away so I will not describe it but you NEED to see it. If you ever think you have 'done without'............you haven't. Don't take for granted anything you have.

This is a perfect movie to see right after enjoying the excessive-ness of Christmas. I will post more on this later.

Part II

Here is our last night at dinner. We didn't take any of the formal night. We really did not take very many total. To the left of us is Beth and Tom and to the right are Angel and Eyleen (sp?). I have not unpacked yet and looked at their information so I apologize if I have mispelled! Its definately back to winter here. High of 33 today and freezing rain! Ty and Trent are off to see "Charlotte's Web" and I will be taking Olivia in to the doctor at 2. Our little 'sleeper' has started waking at 5 and fussy as all get out! She does fine when she gets up for good but I am afraid she might have an ear infection so we will be on the safe side. I am a little overly cautious after my experience with her big brother!!!

Carribean Cruise

The next day his dad and I left for a cruise (which Trent surprised me with a month ago) on the Celebrity Century which left from Miami. We had a long day of flights to get there. Once we were there we checked into our hotel, napped, and headed out on the town for dinner. We went just north of "South Beach" to Lincoln Drive. It was so nice just hanging out and being a couple. We had late appetizers and sat out on the patio doing some of the best people watching ever. It was actually a classy joint but lots of guys.......you know what I mean. The next day we headed out to the boat and set off for KeyWest and then Grand Cayman. It was very relaxing for the most part and we enjoyed sleeping in every day. The food was great. Trent got a spa package for each of us and each night at 9 we were in pure heaven! Trent got massages every night, I had the asian package which was a full body massage, facial + massage, ginger wrap, and scalp massage. I did great until about day three when we were no longer able to call home! This was the first time I have left Olivia for even over night and it was for 8 DAYS!!!! She was walking by the time we returned!

We met some wonderful people at our table, Beth and Tom from Chicago and Angel and Eylene from Orlando. They were too fun and made every night so enjoyable. We hope to stay in touch. What a perfect time to get away and we had a wonderful time. Now onto Christmas shopping! I have done some but have a bunch to go!

Side note: not all my pictures will post for some reason. I will try part II later :(

Ty's Third Birthday

It was December 9th, we had a Thomas party!

He got to go to McDonald's for lunch, then to pick up his Thomas Cake, with a tunnel, then to petsmart to pick out his new fish he named "Nemo". He then crashed and woke just in time for burgers and a party! He got some fun items like the game Candy Land, a set of 'real' golf clubs, a real 'putter', a big doodle board, some fun new clothes from Meme, and aunt Mimi, some Thomas slippers, and a Christmas Percy! Wow, I can't believe its been three years!!!! He had a great day and is the best little boy in the world :)

More pics

Okay, sorry..........it takes several times to get anything done! Here is my sister-in-law Emily and brother-in-law Tim, AKA Bum and Em. Two of my favorite people and especially Ty's. A precious precious couple and one of the reasons I am so glad we live here now. We have been here four years!!!! Its amazing how fast that went! Anyhoo...........will try to post some b-day pics tomorrow night if I get time. We leave at the crack so it may have to wait until we get back. Hope everyone is enjoying the season! Oh, I have to tell you how blessed I am by Alisha's latest post, check it out if you have a chance. There are some awesome suggestions on how to stay content which I think we all need. I have changed my mindset because of them! Miss you Alisha!

More Pics

Em sent me more pics!

We are all actually looking ! Right: Whole gang

Above: Meme and G and grandkids
Above right: Classic Hampton :)

P Family Thanksgiving

We had originally taken pictures to be our Christmas card but there were about 20 people trying to get attention of us individually, therefore in every shot we are all looking different directions! This was the best one with just Olivia looking away but I don't know how to crop so probably not going to happen.

Also, wanted to include one of Trent's oldest sister, Tamara and her family just because they are all so dang precious. I did not get any entire group shots on my camara, those were done by the professional lady for Meme and G's Christmas card

About Olivia:
Well we had our One Year Well Check and the girl is 30 inches long but still underweight. She is about 15 lbs. They did lab work that day because the Pediatrician thought she might have a metabolic condition that was keeping her from gaining despite her large appetite! The girl can put away some food but you just don't see it on her! Anyway, the bloodwork came back normal. She then referred us to an Endocrinologist. The nurse is the middle person trying to get us in for an appointment but apparently its a long process. We will not even know if we will have an appt. until mid December and it probably won't be until after the first of the year. All of this makes me think it can't be that serious since there is not much of a rush. She is still teething. She only has her bottom two and now an upper. I have always heard that the later teeth come in typicallly the better they are for a lifetime! It held true for me, I have still never had a cavity!

Catch Up:
Well last Sunday we had Thanksgiving and family pictures out at Trent's parents house. We had a wonderful time and incredible meal. We were all color coordinated in fall colors for our pictures and all the kids in outfits that Meme got them. I will have to post some when I get more time. They are still on the card in the camara. It was so nice to just hang out there. We don't do that much now that we live here because we see them so much at church, to meet for dinner, and things. So nice just visiting and sitting by the fire!

Speaking of fire, the next day my father-in-law came out and fixed the pipes so that I can enjoy new gas logs in my home!!!! We spent that whole day getting things down from the attic to decorate for Christmas. Of course there were lots of kid interruptions and after jacking with the stand and finally bending out every branch that evening, I came to the realization that this was our OLD tree!!!! My parents got us a new one last year as a Christmas present to me. So up went this one and down came the new one which went up SO much easier! I decorated that evening while Ty watched a movie and Olivia played and Trent reffed.

That was a night I never never want to forget. Olivia went to bed at her usual 8:30 and Ty just stood in awe for a long time and kept saying, wow! I saw the tree shake a few times so I showed him how to touch with a single finger and oh so softly. His little short body next to it with that sweet voice getting excited about , "Santa", "Choo-Choo," and "My Hand!!" He loved looking at each ornament. That made it all worth it. We sat in silence and just the light of the tree for two whole hours talking about Jesus' Birthday. I taught him, "Away In A Manger," which he caught on to rather quickly, and hearing his little voice sing it just brought tears to my eyes. He sings it all the time now. I peaked in on him at school yesterday and he was singing it as he built with blocks. That child is so precious to me.

That Tuesday evening, after taking care of a ticket I got the previous week :( ...... we were on to Arlington to spend Thanksgiving with my family. Man do I miss Fort Worth. I just love that town and have SOSOSOOOOOO many fun memories there. My friend Jay was home from Floriday and we got together with our other (highschool) friends Heather-her family, Holly and Casey, and Thea. I got lots of baby holding and enjoyed a great meal at one of our old stomping grounds, Razoos. We used to go to the one in Sundance Square all the time before they were all over the place like they are now. I also got to see Linnea at her house the day before and spent an evening at Holly's planning for her new little girl to arrive in the spring!!!!

We also took Ty to see "Happy Feet." Cute but some scary parts with a sea lion and killer whales. Today's animation is just far too real. He loved it despit hiding his head in my chest during those scenes, telling me "Its okay mommy, I keep you safe. Don't worry Mommy." Too dang sweet. We also took him to the carosel afterward where he rode with Daddy. He loved being special to go on an outing with us and without sister.

My mom had her whole house decked out with pumpkins and corn stalks on the back porch along with scarecrows and hay bales. We spent a lot of time out there since the weather was so beautiful. Ty got lots of sandbox time and swinging on the horse tire swing. My aunt Mimi also bought him a ridiculous amount of Thomas trains and tracks which he had a ball with. That is the kind of birthday he is going to have in two weeks! We had a wonderful time with friends and family. Trent was miserable with allergies, but other than that a fun time was had by all.

He found out that he has polyps back after having sinus surgery last spring so looks like he might be having another one before long. Also, my lasik has been postponed until the first of January because I still have a dryness problem. The dates in December did not work out with our traveling schedule but I did get some temporary contacts to wear on our carribean cruise!!! Thankgoodness............I am ABOUT SICK OF GLASSES!!!!!

Well that is my novel for now. No more griping about updating! I will be busy finishing decorating for Christmas and a lot is going on in the next couple of weeks so it will probably be after Ty's birthday on the 9th before I update again. Just a fore-warning! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving reflecting on God's greatness. Every year I am more amazed of His bountiful blessings and the joy He brings to my life. God is SO good.

Olivia Lane's First Birthday

This was one year ago Saturday, November 11th when this precious girl entered our lives. She was born at 11:52 A.M. weighing 7 lbs. 9 oz. and measuring 21 inches long. She was and still is just perfect! We celebrated this past Saturday with some family and it was such a good day. She had her picture taken that morning and cupcake and milk that evening. Below are some pictures of the festivities.






This is one pooped little birthday girl. She got a little umbrella stroller for her doll and enjoyed pushing that around for awhile but not real interested in opening her gifts other than that. She had a bath and then we watched the video from the day she was born, as well as Ty's first birthday and up until Olivia was born. Man did that bring tears to my eyes! He has changed so much too and it all just went by too fast. They are as different as night and day! We feel so blessed to have enjoyed this past year with Liv and the almost three with Ty. God has shown us so much through their lives and melted our hearts in the process. She has her one year check up this Friday and I will post her new stats after that.

Is it just me or.............

1. Does anyone else have a toddler who basically eats the toothpaste before the teeth get brushed? I have to reapply so much its ridiculous and he just doesn't "get it" when I say don't eat it!

2. Has anyone else ever forgotten the very first thing on their grocery list!!!???!!! Trent wrote in an item at the top and I guess I overlooked it b/c it wasn't in my handwriting. I felt terrible. I also forgot the most important thing, cake mix for Olivia's cupcakes Saturday!!!! Its my daughter's first birthday, what kind of a mother am I? Also still have to go to Party City to get the plates, napkins, decor items but I am saving that for when my parents are here Friday to keep the kiddoes for me.

3. Does anyone other than me require at LEAST two cups of coffee before being able to start housework? I can do things like get my children milk and take Ty to the bathroom in sort of a half-eyed stupor but when it comes to being productive I have to have a stimulant. Sad isn't it.

4. Does anyone else have their quiet time, devo time, on the toilet with a closed door? It seems to be the only place I can get un-interrupted time to myself after Trent is home and kids are in bed. My friend Courtney gave me the idea two years ago. It has been especially helpful since my daughter was born. Its only about 10-15 minutes but it has really helped me! I think I have written about it before but "Keep It Simple, For Moms on the Go" is great and I reccommend it to EVERYONE! Thanks to Ruth Williams I enjoy it daily!

5. Am I the only one who gets giddy with excitement about circulars or catelogs in the mail? I love stacking them up and then looking at them while in a warm tub about once a month. I do a lot of shopping that way b/c I don't go many places to buy things other than Wally World.

6. I also get a weird excitement from re-filling things. For instance, when we have been out of things and I finally get them at the store and go around putting toilet paper in the cabinets, re-stocking the changing table with diapers, more coffee grounds in my canister (my favorite), paper towels on the holder, etc. There is a weird satisfaction in that. Also a feeling of being blessed to be able to do that when there are many in the world that consider all of those items a luxury.

7. Does anyone else keep the change they find in pockets while doing laundry and keep them in a jar above the dryer and when its full move them to the change purse in the car for the Sonic fund?

8. Am I the only one who is obsesssed with keeping their children's clothing from being ruined by stains? Yes I understand they are in fact children but I guess I hold the people who are with them while eating responsible. For instance, if a toddler is going to eat carrots, take her sweater off just leave her shirt on and put a bib on! Is that too much to ask? I am nervous every time I hand out RED kool-aid to my three year olds at snack, at least they have sippy cups. However, there are a lot of their moms who send red and purple drinks in their lunch that are not in a sippy cup or have a straw. EVERY day there is a child who stains their clothing with it. I have used my own Tide To Go on more than one occassion and a child came back in the same shirt the other day with a stain that did not come out. I will not give Ty spagetti with a shirt on! Yes, he is almost three in less than a month! Other people whom he has been left with will and then I am left with the 45 minute stand at the washer doing pre-treatment to stains, some of which will never come out and its not like we can replace every item.

9. Does anyone else have a toddler that despite taking them to the restroom before every meal inevitably will have to go once all trapped in their booster chair? Usually its right after my first bite of the meal.

10. Anyone else LOVE the smell of bleach and lyesol? Maybe its just the knowing that things are clean. Especially on the kitchen sink every night. That is the one thing I have definately stuck to from The Fly Lady!

11. Does anyone else hang shirts in the closet sorted by long and short sleeve and then by color. T-shirts of course are a whole separate category. I do the same with shorts, skirts, jeans, capris, and pants. Also divided up into Winter and Summer in halves of the closet. I could write a book on the drawers!

12. Anyone else despise wire hangers other than me and Mommy Dearest? Other than the marks they leave on clothing, they are always in a tangled mess!

13. Anyone else pump up the volume on their stereo system occassionally to get down with the fam? Thanks to Trent, Ty could fit right in at a club at only three years old! The boy has got some moves and sister already shakes it and nods! Its hysterical but we have a great time. Probably something not right about seeing a toddler and one year old jamming to "I'm Bringing Sexy Back!"

Can you tell my life revolves around my children and cleaning by my list? I just thought about that! We had a guest speaker in Ladies Class yesterday and Kerri and I were commenting on her big words and how being out of that professional environment for awhile made it a little refreshing! To think I used to live by my planner, dress professionally every day, and do laundry once a week makes me laugh now! My how my life has changed. I realized I have a lot of black clothes from that time in my life and am well equipped for Sunday morning until things go out of style, I am verging on that since I have been out of the workplace now for a little over three years! Haven't had a design job in 5! Pure craziness. Haven't done a Thursday Thirteen in quite a while so I thought I would take a break while waiting for the dryer to cut off and make for some good entertainment.

More Pics

First, Pop and Cita and Ty carving a pumpkin Sunday night. Next: Jarrod and Ella Martin, Denise and Olivia. Third pic, DD and Grandmom! Our great grandparents, Phillips! They were our first stop for the night.

Halloween Festivities!

Above left, our very close and special friends, The Galbraith boys! Above right, our cousin Hunter. Left, Ty, Hampton, Liv, and Heath!

Treat Night

Well this is only allowing me to upload a few pictures at a time so I guess I will try to post the others if I get time later. The night went well. Ty had a good long nap that afternoon in the car with Pop while mom, Liv, and I scoped out our new bigger improved Target. We were in there a long time! Little girl refused to take an afternoon nap which made for a zombie puppy dog at treat night but she did not fuss at all! People would ask Ty, "Are you a fireman?" and he would answer, "Yes, and this is my dog!" He was really sweet with her. Ty loved having Pop and Cita be there to take him around. He was super sad when we came home from school yesterday and they were not at his house. He has been asking for them ever since and why they left! They will be back in a week though to celebrate Olivia's first birthday! Its on the 11th, a week from Saturday.

Its almost like the day after Christmas or something, I am taking down all my Halloween decor today and am sad about it! My mother-in-law has had all of her Christmas up for a few weeks now, even the stockings are hung! I can see why though, its her absolute favorite thing and a month is just not long enough to enjoy it. I however enjoy the fall so much that I stretch it out as long as possible. Now I will concentrate on Thanksgiving. Our Christmas will probably go up a little early this year b/c we will be at my parents this year. Our tradition has been to put the tree up Thanksgiving night but I don't want to come back the week after Thanksgiving and have all that to do and it be up less than a month!