The Wild World of the Watkins

March for Babies!

2010-03-10T22:07:00.000-08:00

It's that time again! Please consider donating to such a worthy cause!

We are so blessed to have two healthy boys! Garrett and Jace both spent extended time in the NICU at Odessa Regional Hospital and for that reason, The March of Dimes has a special place in my heart! Won't you consider making March of Dimes one of your favorite charities?

I would love to have you join me on my walk in April, but if you are unable to walk with me, please consider making a contribution to the March for Babies! Parents, families, and friends of NICU babies are forever grateful for your generosity!

FRUSTRATION!

2010-01-27T11:58:00.000-08:00

UGHHHHH! YESTERDAY WAS SOOOOOO NOT OUR BEST DAY IN THE WATKINS' HOUSE!
Of course, Garrett was "too tired" to get up for school! So, after some serious prodding and a little threatening with no cartoons before bed, he finally got up. Then, he did NOT want to wear the clothes that I had picked out for him! UGHHH! So, I sent him to his room to pick new clothes while I made and packed his lunch. I went to check to make sure he was not choosing something inappropriate for school and when I went into the bathroom between the boys' rooms, I found an entire bottle of baby powder ALL over the bathroom. It was up the walls and in the drawers of the cabinets. He pulled all the rugs from the bathroom over by the sink to cover up the MESS in the floor! There is a white haze on everything! He had done the deed a few days before, I had just not been in to find it until this morning! After questioning him about it, I had to turn and walk out because, even though it is a disaster zone, it was toooooo funny! We finally get clothes on, lunch packed, backpack loaded, and Jace ready to go and head out to Jacob's truck (mine is in the shop). When I get in and get the boys buckled, I realize Jacob's inspection sticker is expired. By this point, I am NOT a happy camper, to say the least! So, I have to call him and get a little bit ugly! (It didnt expire in December... it has been out since OCTOBER!) We get to school, pull up, and Garrett is getting out and can't find his back pack. Well, that is because it is still hanging on the chair where he left it! I am really ready to blow my top, but I make him get out and go in and tell him he will just have to live with no back pack today... tough love, you know!?!? As, I am driving home, stewing about all that has gone wrong this morning, I realize I can't make him go with no backpack because his lunch box is in it! GRRR! So, I come back home, grab the back pack, drive back to school, and have to take it in to the office in my most beautiful attire. I am in sweat pants, tshirt, house shoes, no make up, and a scary ponytail! I am worn out and just want to go back to bed, but a mother's work is never done! Jace needed a breathing treatment and his breakfast and then it was time to get ready for work! Let's just hope the rest of this week is less chaotic or I may just have to be a shut in! :)

oldies...but goodies!

2010-01-16T01:10:00.000-08:00

I have so enjoyed looking at everyone's "roll back" pictures on facebook this week! So, I was inspired to post these pictures.

This is me at 6 months with my sweet mom!

...and this is me with my Garrett at 6 months.

and here is Jace at 6 months and Garrett at 5 1/2!

This is my 4th birthday! loving sparkly jewelry already!

Age 5... with my favorite cabbage patch kids, Inga and Maxine!

Age 10

and high school! Go Big Red!

I would LOVE to see your old pictures, too! It is too fun to have a look back!

Thankful

2009-11-25T21:27:00.000-08:00

We have so much to be thankful for this year!
Garrett is six and is the sweetest, most adoring, big brother ever! Our baby Jace turned one year old two weeks ago! Jacob and I had the 15th anniversary of our first date on November 11! (WOW!) We have the BEST family and are so thankful to be near them all! And lastly, we have the most precious group of friends that make our lives complete! So, thank you all for blessing us! Our lives are so much richer by knowing each of you! Happy Thanksgiving and may you all have a blessed holiday season!

ONE! -- A year in review!

2009-11-10T21:24:00.000-08:00

OH.MY.GOODNESS! Where has this year gone? I cannot believe that is has been a year since our tiny white headed monkey came struggling into this world! What a wild ride this year has been and how blessed we are to have come out on the winning side! So, here we go on a trip down memory lane!

On November 10, 2008 at 8:57p.m, Jace Jacob made his grand and nerve wracking entrance!

5lbs, 14 oz, 18 inches

We were able to quickly kiss his head, but he was immediately taken away to check breathing issues...
Sometime around midnight, the nurses called to inform us that he would was not transitioning well and was being moved to NICU.

Sick Sick Baby

Having ridden the NICU train before with Garrett, this was devastating news! After a couple of weeks, he began improving and talk of going home was being whispered. However, on Thanksgiving Day, we were given the blow that he had spiked a fever and that could only indicate infection. So, after a lumbar puncture, we learned that he had meningitis. UGHHHH! 21 more days of antibiotic! Finally, after 38 grueling days, numerous antibiotics, several blood transfusions, countless IV sticks, and a surgery to insert a broviac, on December 18, we were able to bring our doll baby home... Just in time for Christmas!

Long nights in NICU

Getting ready to make our escape home! ;)
December 18, 2008

Garrett's first meeting with his baby brother

January 15, 2009, a day I will never forget. Jace and I were headed to the pharmacy, but stopped for a quick run through Ross. After checking out, I got Jace's carseat situated and realized he was not breathing and was turning blue. What seemed like minutes went by as I struggled to get him out of his carseat, began to administer CPR, but was still unable to make him breathe... 911 is called by employee, and I continue to work feverishly to get him breathing... Finally, after 3 rounds of breaths and compressions, he drew in a breath and began to cry! AMEN! Ambulance was called off and we went straight to the pediatrician, who in turn admitted us to the hospital for further testing. 8 days a gazillion IV sticks, and lab work out the wazoo later, the consensus was that he aspirated on reflux, which caused the not breathing episode. He came home on an apnea monitor and had it until he was 9 months old.

January 2009

February 2009
5 generations ~ David, Delories, Toda, Jacob, Garrett, and Jace

March, 2009
Mad Mad Mad

April 2009
Baseball Boys

May, 2009
Blue eyes Boy!

June 2009 with Aunt Lee

July 2009, Sleeping in the Jumperoo

August 2009

September 2009
Sleeping Boys

October, 2009
First Haircut!

Happy Happy Birthday, Jaceroo!

MMMMM!!! Cake!

What a MESS!

Look at that water! YUCK!

Happy Birthday, Little Monkey! We sure to love you!

HOOK 'EM HORNS?!?!

2009-11-09T07:29:00.001-08:00

HAHA! We had such a fantastic weekend! We traveled to Austin for the third time in 33 days!! Friday night, Jacob and his best pal, Matt, went to the AC/DC concert and had a blast. The little boys and I did a bit of shopping and eating and came back to the hotel to hang out! Saturday, we were up super early to do some tailgating with the Rutherfords and friends! It was too much fun! The game was unbelievably hot, so sweet Shelley took Jace and I upstairs to the air-conditioned suite area! It's nice to have friends with perks! :) And speaking of perks... Matt, Jake's best pal, works for the Longhorns and treated our Garrett to some serious perks! After the game, he took him into the locker room where he got to meet Colt McCoy and get his jersey signed! He was so tickled! He also got to meet Earl Thomas and we all got to see him shake hands with Jordan Shipley! I'm sure these ball players get tired of shaking hands and signing autographs for little ones, but they were so kind and made our little fan a BIG time fan! (Not sure how I really feel about all the burnt orange ;) that has invaded our house, though!) We all went out on the field after the game and Garrett and Jacob got to run and play on the turf! It was an awesome experience and we are so grateful to the kindness shown by the players and the generosity of our "Longhorn Matt"! Thanks for a GREAT time!

Bill Rutherford and Garrett before the game!

Jacob and the boys on the field!

Sweet baby Jace checking out the turf!

Hmmmm....

Garrett and his buddy, Carson, racing!

Matt and Garrett with the horns

Garrett sitting at Colt's locker!

Shelley, Matt, Garrett, and Carson

Jacob and Garrett running on the field!

THE PAINTED POPPY BLOG

2009-11-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

THE PAINTED POPPY BLOG IS UP AND RUNNING! HAVE A LOOK AND GET INSPIRED TO DO SOME HOLIDAY PAINTING! STAY TUNED... MORE PICS AND IDEAS COMING SOON!

THE PAINTED POPPY

OCTOBER FUN!

2009-10-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

WHAT A MONTH! I cannot believe how quickly this month has flown! Jace will be one in a couple of weeks and is growing like a weed! We have traveled... ALOT! We were in Austin the first weekend of October, as well as this last weekend! And, we will be heading to Austin again in two weeks to take the boys to see the Longhorns play! The first weekend, we celebrated the engagement of some sweet friends, Matt and Shelley. We had a great time and enjoyed spending time with them! This last weekend, Jacob rode in the Lance Armstrong LiveStrong Challenge Cancer Ride. He really enjoyed the ride and said the scenery was amazing. He was so impressed with the number of cancer survivors cheering on the riders... It is such a worthy cause and neat thing to participate in! We stayed with our friends Chris and Lindsey and had such a fun visit!

The boys are into everything! Garrett is staying busy in kindergarten and is doing so well. We are so proud of him! We love his teacher and he has made some great friends! He is such a great big brother and loves making Jace giggle!

Sweet Garrett Collin

My precious boys!

Jace is getting so strong and growing like crazy! After a scare with some abnormal blood work, we are delighted to report that everything came back perfectly normal! AMEN! He will be one on November 10 and I cannot believe it! Thank goodness it is 2009 and NOT 2008! Whew, we made it! :) He has 2 teeth on the bottom and all 4 top teeth are coming in at once! He is crawling everywhere and pulling up on everything. He can be seen climbing into laundry baskets, pulling himself up to the fireplace, and just today, I found him standing up, knocking on the wall in his crib! Let the fun begin!

tSweet blue eyed baby!

He climbed INTO the basket of pillows!

On the way to standing...

Up he goes...

Hi Mom!

October has been a busy and fun month and we are looking forward to starting the holiday season in November! Happy Fall, Y'all!

Chicken Caesar Tetrazzini

2009-09-17T21:39:00.001-07:00

SHOW US YOUR LIFE... FAVORITE RECIPES!!
I am participating in Kelly's show us your life blog hop! This week, it is recipes and I am sooo excited to read everyone's and hopefully get some new ideas! I am TIRED of making the same things over and over and over again!
We have lots of favorites at our house, but the one I make the most and get the most compliments on when taking to a potluck is chicken caesar tetrazzini! It is KILLER! Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

CHICKEN CAESAR TETRAZZINI

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, boiled and shredded
1 box of your favorite pasta, cooked (i use angel hair, but spaghetti, linguini, etc. will be fine)
1 can chicken broth
1 bottle caesar dressing (i like creamy caesar the best and walmarts great value brand is cheap and perfect!)
1 can (4 oz) of mushrooms (optional: it is great with or without, so if you dont like it, dont put it in!)
1 cup of shredded colby jack cheese (or your favorite cheese)
3 table spoons of dry bread crumbs

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, broth, dressing, cheese, and mushrooms. Stir. Add in cooked pasta . Stir all together. Pour this mixture into a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle with a tad more cheese or parmesan if you like, and top with bread crumbs.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. This is also great to make up a head of time and freeze. Just combine all ingredients and put in fridge or freezer. Pull out and bake when ready! If frozen, it may take about 45 minutes to 1 hour to heat through.
I serve this with corn, green beans, and garlic texas toast! YUMMMMMMMMY!

So, hop on over to Kelly's Korner and check out all the other great recipes!

STAR WARS EXTRAVAGANZA

2009-09-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

This has been one WILD weekend! I did not go to bed before 3 a.m. any night last week in preparation for Garrett's Star Wars extravaganza birthday party! We had a blast and all the late nights of sewing 23 jedi robes paid off when Garrett's eyes lit up the morning of his party! He was DELIGHTED!! We had a houseful of kids and parents and it was pure chaos, but it was the most fun birthday party we have had yet! (I like to kid that it was the last birthday party we will ever have, too! haha!) Garrett got a ton, and I do mean a TON of Star Wars stuff and he and Jacob have had a blast assembling it all! So, thanks to all who came and made his 6th birthday an event to remember! Here are some photos of our fun day!

Little Jedi

Cupcakes

The Birthday Bar

The cake

Opening TONS of gifts!

Jacob filming

The smiley birthday boy

Blowing out candles

Mom and Garrett and lots of little friends!

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY, GARRETT COLLIN!

2009-08-31T23:30:00.001-07:00

MY, MY, MY! Where has the time gone? My first born is turning 6 today and it absolutely blows my mind! He has turned into such a young man! It seems like only a few days ago, he was toddling through the living room and now he is a big brother, plays all kinds of sports, and runs around with the "big kids" in the neighborhood! This has been an emotional week all around with school starting (kindergarten) and such a big birthday and party in the works, but I am so tickled that I get to share my Garrett with so many people. He is such a blessing to us and we are so proud to be his mom and dad! Happy Birthday, Little Man! We Love You! Hope you enjoy my trip down memory lane!

FINALLY, home from the hospital! He was born Sept. 1, 2003, but had to spend 13 days in NICU. We got home on Sept. 13! What a GREAT day!

Dancing with Mom. Jan. 1, 2005
age: 16 months

Christmas 2005
age 2

FIRST TEXAS TECH GAME
COTTON BOWL
JANUARY 2006
AGE 2

AT THE BIRD LEASE WITH DAD
SEPTEMBER 2006
AGE 3

Our family picture! May, 2007
Garrett - age 3 1/2

Our Rockin' Christmas Picture 2007
Age 4

Dallas Stars Game
March 2008
age 4 1/2

T-ball
April 2008
age 4 1/2

Meeting baby brother for the first time
December 18, 2008
age: 5

Easter Sunday 2009
Age 5 1/2

T-ball 2009
age 5 1/2

End of School Program with best buddy, Cannon
Kiddie Kollege 2009

First fish
June 2009

swimming lessons
July 2009

50 years of MOJO football with Nanna and Pa
July 2009

With our FAVORITE neighbor, Christy
FBC Family Picnic 2009

First Day of Kindergarten
August 24, 2009

Cant wait for the big Star Wars party to celebrate you turning 6!
Happy Birthday, Garrett Collin!

GARRETT'S BIG WEEK

2009-08-29T22:54:00.000-07:00

WHAT A WEEK WE HAVE HAD! ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, THE BOYS AND I LOADED UP FOR GARRETT'S "BIG ENOUGH" BREAKFAST AT CHURCH! IT WAS AN INTRODUCTION TO HIS FIRST SUNDAY IN UPSTREET AND GETTING TO OFFICIALLY SIT IN "BIG CHURCH"! SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, GARRETT GOT TO GO TO UPSTREET SUNDAY SCHOOL. HE WAS SOOOOOO EXCITED TO FINALLY BE IN THE BIG KID SECTION AND GET TO GO DOWN THE AWESOME INDOOR SLIDE! WOOHOO! ;)

MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2009 -- FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN AND A CHANGE IN OUR SCHEDULE FOREVER! IT WAS A VERY BITTERSWEET DAY FOR ALL OF US! GARRETT WAS EXCITED AND NERVOUS ALL AT THE SAME TIME. I TOOK HIM INTO HIS CLASSROOM, PUT AWAY HIS SUPPLIES, AND HELPED HIM FIND A SEAT. I HUGGED HIM GOODBYE AND WITH GLASSY EYES, HE SMILED HIS "TOUGH GUY" SMILE AND I TURNED AND LEFT. OUCH! MY HEART WAS BROKEN, BUT I WAS NOT TURNING AROUND FOR FEAR HE WAS REALLY CRYING! THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A NIGHTMARE AND WE WOULD HAVE HAD TO JUST ALL GO HOME AND SAY TO HECK WITH SCHOOL! HAHA! FOR ME, THE WEEPINESS SET IN AT THE END OF THE HALL, WHEN THE PRINCIPAL AND GOOD FRIEND ASKED IF I WAS OK! HAHA..... NO!! IT WAS MOST BIZARRE NOT HAVING HIM AT LUNCH WITH ME... MOM AND I WERE NOT IMPRESSED TO HAVE TO EAT WITHOUT HIM! WHEN I PICKED HIM UP AT 3:15, HE INFORMED ME THAT HE HAD A GREAT DAY AND WAS SO GLAD HE DIDN'T HAVE TO STAY THAT LONG TOMORROW! (OOPS.... ALL DAY, EVERYDAY IS GOING TO BE HARD TO SWALLOW!) WHEN I TOLD HIM THAT WAS HOW LONG SCHOOL LASTED NOW, HE REPLIED, "WELL, I DONT KNOW WHO SIGNED ME UP TO STAY ALL DAY, BUT IT IS WAAAAAAAAY TOO LONG!" POOR KID! ONCE PAST THE INITIAL SHOCK OF HAVING TO BE AT SCHOOL FOR 7 HOURS, HE HAD A PRETTY GREAT WEEK! HIS TEACHER IS PRECIOUS AND I AM GRATEFUL HE HAS HER... TURNS OUT, SHE LIVES AT THE END OF OUR CULDESAC! HANDY!

WELL, HERE'S TO ANOTHER GREAT WEEK BECAUSE GARRETT COLLIN TURNS 6 ON TUESDAY! WE WILL BE GEARING UP FOR THE BIG STAR WARS BLOWOUT ON SATURDAY, SO STAY TUNED FOR PICTURES OF THE CHAOS! HAHA!

LAS VEGAS, 30TH BIRTHDAYS, NINE MONTHS, AND RACHEL'S ENGAGED

2009-08-09T22:19:00.000-07:00

WOW! THAT'S ALOT TO COVER IN ONE BLOG POST, BUT WE HAVE HAD A BUSY 10 DAYS!

ON JULY 30, WE HAD A GROUP OF 8 OF US HEAD TO LAS VEGAS FOR A CELEBRATORY 4 DAYS! WE ATE, PLAYED, GAMBLED, SHOPPED, WALKED AND WALKED AND WALKED, AND HAD A BLAST CELEBRATING OUR 30TH BIRTHDAY MONTH! LEE, RACH, AND I HAVE BEEN FRIENDS SINCE WE WERE TINY AND CELEBRATE OUR AUGUST BIRTHDAYS TOGETHER EVERY YEAR, SO WE THOUGHT VEGAS WAS FITTING TO RING IN THE BIG 3 - 0!

LEE, JAKE, ME, RACH
LEAVING FOR LAS VEGAS

THE 30TH BIRTHDAY GIRLS!!

TODAY WAS MY 30TH BIRTHDAY.... DO I FEEL OLDER? NOPE... SAME AS YESTERDAY! HAHA! BUT I DID HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEKEND! MY SWEET HUBBY, MOM, AND FRIENDS PLANNED A SUPER FUN SURPRISE PARTY IN MY HONOR ON SATURDAY NIGHT! I CANT BELIEVE THAT NO ONE BLEW THE SURPRISE! I HAD NO IDEA! WE HAD A BLAST AND I AM SO GRATEFUL TO EVERYONE THAT CAME AND ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT PUT IT TOGETHER! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

MY SWEET BABY BOY IS 9 MONTHS OLD! WOW! I HAVE NOW HAD HIM OUT LONGER THAN HE WAS IN! HAHA! I CANNOT BELIEVE HOW QUICKLY TIME IS GOING! HE IS STILL SUCH A SNUGGLER AND I LOVE IT! HE IS ROLLING LIKE A WILD MAN, PUSHING UP, AND STARTING TO SCOOT! HE IS TOO TOO CUTE AND WE LOVE HIM MORE EACH DAY! HAPPY 9 MONTH BIRTHDAY, JACEROO!

BROTHERS! TOO TOO SWEET!

OUR PRECIOUS 9 MONTH OLD BOY!

AND OTHER EXCITING NEWS... OUR SWEET FRIEND RACHEL IS ENGAGED!!! YAY!!!! RACH AND I HAVE BEEN FRIENDS SINCE WE WERE 8... DO THE MATH... 22 YEARS! SHE IS SUCH A SPECIAL PERSON AND HAS BEEN WAITING A LONG TIME FOR HER PRINCE CHARMING AND HE FINALLY ARRIVED!!! BRYON HAS SWEPT OUR RACHIE OFF HER FEET AND PROPOSED THIS WEEKEND! WE ARE NOW PLANNING A FALL 2010 WEDDING AND I CANT WAIT! CONGRATS, SWEET GIRL! WE ARE SOOO TICKLED FOR YOU AND BRYON!

THE HAPPY COUPLE!

THE RING SHOT! HE DID SOOOO GOOD!

HOPE YOU ALL (ALL 6 OF YOU THAT READ THIS! HA!) HAVE A FABULOUS WEEK! JUST TWO MORE WEEKS OF SUMMER, SO BE SURE TO ENJOY! BLESSINGS!

8 MONTHS!

2009-07-11T00:30:00.001-07:00

SWEET JACER IS 8 MONTHS OLD! NOT SURE HOW THAT GOT HERE SO QUICKLY! HE IS AN ABSOLUTE DOLL! SO SMILEY AND GROWING LIKE A WEED. HE WEIGHS 14 POUNDS AND IS FINALLY LOOKING A LITTLE MEATIER! I CANT BELIEVE WE ARE GETTING SO CLOSE TO OUR 1 YEAR MARK! WE LOVE YOU SWEET BOY!

ENTRY HALLS

2009-07-09T18:53:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER WEEK AND ANOTHER ROOM... THIS WEEK IS ENTRY HALLS.

WELCOME TO OUR HOME!

HERE'S OUR FRONT DOOR!

MY ENTRY HALL IS PAINTED SEATTLE RED AND I AM ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH THIS COLOR!

A VIEW FROM THE LIVING ROOM

AND FROM THE FRONT DOOR

A CLOSE UP OF OUR WATKINS SIGN THAT I PAINTED.
it's hard to read but it says :
May these walls know joy, May every room hold laughter,
and every window open to great possibility.
I LOVE THAT QUOTE AND THOUGHT IT WAS PERFECT FOR A NEW HOME!

OUR ENTRY TABLE:
THE FRAMED PRESSED FLOWERS ARE FROM BOTH OF MY GRANDPARENTS MEMORIAL FLOWERS AND MY FRIEND, KIM, MADE THE BEADED CROSS.

JACOB AND I BOUGHT THIS CLOCK FOR OUR 5 ANNIVERSARY!

THANKS FOR TOURING ANOTHER ROOM OF MY HOME! PLEASE BE SURE TO COMMENT AND LEAVE YOUR BLOG SO I CAN RETURN THE FAVOR!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

SWIMMING AND JUMPEROO!

2009-07-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

THIS HAS BEEN A GREAT WEEK! GARRETT IS DOING GREAT IN SWIMMING LESSONS AND JACEROO IS GETTING STRONGER EACH DAY!
AFTER A MINOR MELTDOWN TWO WEEKS AGO, GARRETT HAS MADE GREAT STRIDES IN SWIMMING! HE NOW CAN SWIM FROM ONE SIDE OF THE POOL TO THE OTHER AND JUMPS OFF THE DIVING BOARD AND SWIMS TO THE END OF THE POOL! HIS TEACHER IS EVEN TEACHING HIM TO DIVE! WOW! WHAT A DIFFERENCE A WEEK MAKES! ;)

OUR JACE WILL BE 8 MONTHS OLD ON THE TENTH~ HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?!?! GRANNY ORDERED HIM A FREE STANDING JUMPEROO AND HE ABSOLUTELY LOVES IT!! HE IS GETTING SO MUCH STRONGER AND CAN STAND UP IN IT AND PLAY!

HE PLAYED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR LAST NIGHT AND I CAME AROUND THE CORNER TO FIND THIS!

ALL TUCKERED OUT!

Hope you all have a happy 4th! Blessings!

MASTER BEDROOM!

2009-06-25T16:29:00.000-07:00

IT'S TIME FOR A TOUR OF OUR MASTER BEDROOM~ IT IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PARTS OF OUR HOME, BUT STILL IS A WORK IN PROGRESS! IT IS A LOVELY PALETTE OF CHOCOLATE AND TURQUOISE WITH PEACOCK FEATHERS AND FLOWERS! HOPE YOU ENJOY! PLEASE GO OVER TO KELLY'S BLOG AND LOOK AT THE OTHERS, TOO! BE SURE TO COMMENT AND LEAVE ME YOUR BLOG SO I CAN CHECK YOURS OUT AS WELL!

OUR BED! I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BED. WHEN WE GOT READY TO BUY NEW FURNITURE, IT TOOK FOREVER, BUT WE FINALLY FOUND JUST THE RIGHT ONE!

ANOTHER LOOK! OUR BEDDING WAS A BED IN A BAG SET ON CLEARANCE AT GOOD OLE WALMART! I JUST LOVE THE CHOCOLATE VELVET!

A CLOSER LOOK AT JACOB'S NIGHT STAND. ARRANGEMENT, LAMP, PICTURES, AND ALARM CLOCK... ALL OF HIS ESSENTIALS! (OH, AND GLASSES!)

THE ARMOIRE. IT HOLDS OUR TELEVISION AND A TON OF OTHER ELECTRONIC JUNK! I LOVE THE ANGELS ON TOP, BUT AM WORKING ON SOME GREENERY AND GOODIES TO GO ALONG WITH THEM!

THIS IS ANOTHER SPECIAL PIECE! IT BELONGED TO JACOB'S GREAT GRANDPARENTS. IT HAD BEEN PAINTED AND DISTRESSED, BUT I WANTED IT TO MATCH OUR FURNITURE, SO I CRACKLED IT AND CHANGED OUT THE OLD KNOBS WITH ONES I PAINTED WITH TURQUOISE AND CHOCOLATE ZEBRA TO JAZZ IT UP A BIT! IT TURNED OUT GREAT AND PROVIDES SO MUCH MORE STORAGE!

A PEEK INSIDE... IT HOLDS OUR BEDROOM CHRISTMAS TREE PERFECTLY! I JUST UNPLUG IT AND PUT IT IN AND THEN TAKE IT OUT THE NEXT YEAR AND PLUG IT BACK IN! PERFECT! IT MATCHES THE WREATH THAT IS HANGING IN MY BATHROOM UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

AND HERE IS THE CROWNING JEWEL! MY FRIEND ERIN DID THIS STORYBOARD FOR ME AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! I THINK IT IS A BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE TO MY SWEET BOYS!

THANKS FOR LOOKING AND HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEKEND!! BE BLESSED!

BONUS ROOM!

2009-06-17T23:22:00.001-07:00

IT'S FRIDAY AGAIN AND TIME TO SHOW OFF YOUR BONUS ROOMS! THIS IS JACOB'S PLAY ROOM! HE IS A MUSIC LOVER DELUXE AND LOVES HAVING THIS ROOM TO DECORATE AS HE CHOOSES! HE HAS DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB!

LOOKING IN FROM THE DOORWAY... THIS IS THE SUPER COMFY COUCH AND THE OTTOMAN IS QUITE HANDY FOR SITTING A LITTLE CLOSER TO THE TV TO PLAY VIDEO GAMES!

THE ELECTRONIC DRUMSET... I LOOKED AND LOOKED FOR THIS FOR JACOB FOR CHRISTMAS. I HAD SEEN IT AT SAM'S BEFORE JACE WAS BORN, BUT DIDN'T GET IT. THEN AFTER OUR ADVENTUROUS 38 DAY NICU STAY AND NOT GETTING HOME UNTIL DECEMBER 18, I COULD NOT FIND ONE ANYWHERE! UGH! SO I GAVE UP AND FOUND OTHER THINGS TO GET BY! IN FEBRUARY, LO AND BEHOLD, SAM'S HAD IT AGAIN, SO I SURPRISED HIM WITH IT AS A "THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO TO TAKE CARE OF US" TREAT! GARRETT LOVES IT AS MUCH AS DADDY, SO IT WAS A WIN WIN GIFT!

THE WALL OF FAME! OLD ALBUM AND AUTOGRAPHED MEMORABILIA!

THIS LITTLE GUY PLAYS MUSIC FROM JACOB'S IPOD! IT LOOKS JUST LIKE AN ORIGINAL JUKE BOX WITH REAL INFINITY LIGHTS AND EVERYTHING! FUN FUN!

AND YOU GUYS THOUGHT I WAS ROTTEN LAST WEEK WITH A TV IN MY BATHROOM! NOW, LOOK WHO HAS TWO TV'S IN HIS ROOM! HAHA! EVERY MAN'S DREAM TO BE ABLE TO WATCH TWO FOOTBALL GAMES AT ONCE OR WATCH TV ON ONE AND PLAY A VIDEO GAME ON THE OTHER! HAHA! NOTICE ALSO THE VIDEO GAME COLLECTION, RECORD PLAYER, SATELLITE, AND GUITARS... CAN WE SAY "ELECTRONIC JUNKIE!"?

OLD PLAY BILLS ABOVE THE CLOSET!

1 GUITAR, 2 GUITAR...

3 GUITAR, 4! UMMMM... ROTTEN? I THINK YES!
AND THERE'S ANOTHER IN A CASE NOT ON DISPLAY!

AND THE CUTEST THING IN THE ROOM IS THIS PICTURE OF GARRETT (AGE 2)! WOW, HE SURE HAS GROWN! JACOB'S PARENTS SNUCK HIM TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND HAD THESE TAKEN FOR OUR CHRISTMAS GIFT 4 YEARS AGO! WE LOVE IT!

THANKS FOR LOOKING! BE SURE TO POST YOUR BLOG ON KELLY'S PAGE SO WE CAN ALL HAVE A LOOK! BE BLESSED!

BATHROOMS!

2009-06-11T00:27:00.001-07:00

IT'S FRIDAY AGAIN... AND THAT MEANS SHOW US WHERE YOU LIVE! THIS WEEK IS A TOUR OF THE BATHROOMS! WE HAVE THREE IN OUR NEW HOUSE, BUT I ONLY HAVE PICTURES OF 2 BECAUSE GARRETT WAS SLEEPING AND HIS BATHROOM IS CONNECTED TO HIS ROOM! AND IT REALLY IS NOTHING EXCITING... I'VE GOT TO GET INSPIRED AND DO SOMETHING FUN WITH IT SINCE MY BOYS WILL SOON BE SHARING THEIR BATHROOM!

THIS IS OUR GUEST BATHROOM... IT IS FAIRLY SMALL AND IS IN THE HALLWAY BETWEEN THE THREE BEDROOMS AND OFF THE LIVING AREA. IT STILL NEEDS SOME "FLUFFING", BUT IT IS COMING ALONG! I LOVE THE FLEMISH GLASS ON THE SHOWER DOOR... IT HIDES WATER SPOTS AND SOAP SCUM SO WELL! ;)

THIS FAUCET IS THE ONLY THING IN THE ENTIRE HOUSE THAT JACOB PICKED OUT. WHEN WE MOVED IN, THIS BATHROOM HAD THE WRONG FAUCET INSTALLED. I CALLED THE BUILDER AND NICELY TOLD HIM THE STORY THAT THIS WAS LITERALLY THE ONLY THING JACOB WANTED AND HE QUICKLY SENT THE PLUMBERS OUT TO REPLACE IT! WE LOVE IT!

HERE IS A VIEW OF THE VANITY AREA. THE FLOWER ARRANGEMENT WAS ON SUPER CLEARANCE AT MERVYN'S ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO! ALL THE FIXTURES ARE DONE IN OIL RUBBED BRONZE.

I PAINTED THIS CANVAS LAST WEEKEND BECAUSE I HAVE LOOKED AND LOOKED FOR 3 YEARS FOR THE PERFECT THING FOR THIS WALL AND HAVE COME UP EMPTY HANDED... AND SINCE WE WERE HAVING COMPANY, I THOUGHT IT WAS THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO GET BUSY AND GET SOMETHING ON THE WALL! NOTHING LIKE HAVING COMPANY TO INSPIRE GOOD OLE HOUSEKEEPING AND DECORATING!

THIS IS THE MASTER BATHROOM COUNTER AND IT WILL NEVER BE THIS UNCLUTTERED AGAIN, SO TAKE A GOOD LONG LOOK! HAHA! GRANITE IS VENETIAN GOLD AND FAUCETS ARE OIL RUBBED BRONZE.

THESE ARE MY APOTHECARY JARS IN THE CORNER OF THE SINK AREA. (JUST A SIDE NOTE: JACOB HATES THESE AND THINKS THEY SERVE NO PURPOSE AND TAKE UP WAY TOO MUCH ROOM!) GARRETT FOUND THE SHELLS AT THE LAKE A FEW YEARS AGO, SO WE PUT THEM IN HERE FOR SAFE KEEPING!

JACOB BOUGHT ME THIS TV A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, SO I CAN WATCH TV IN MY DEEP SOAKING TUB! YES, I KNOW... I AM ROTTEN! HE KNEW HE MARRIED A PRINCESS, BUT DIDN'T KNOW HOW HIGH MAINTENANCE I WAS! HA! GARRETT LOVES THIS TV, TOO AND HAS WATCHED MANY MOVIES WHILE BATHING IN HERE. EVEN JACE HAS WATCHED BABY MOZART SO MAMMA CAN GET IN THE SHOWER! SO, IT HAS COME IN QUITE HANDY FOR EVERYONE!

THIS IS THE DOOR THAT GOES INTO MY CLOSET, AKA: THE DANGER ZONE! THE WREATH IS USUALLY INSIDE UNTIL CHRISTMAS, BUT JACOB RUNS INTO IT WHEN THROWING HIS LAUNDRY IN HERE, SO HE MOVED IT TO THE OUTSIDE. NOW, IT IS CHRISTMAS YEAR ROUND IN OUR BATHROOM!

THIS ARRANGEMENT LOOKS DOWN FROM THE UPPER LEDGE ABOVE THE TUB AND SHOWER. IT'S THE ONLY THING I HAVE MANAGED TO GET UP THERE, BUT HOPEFULLY I CAN FIND JUST THE RIGHT THINGS TO FINISH IT OFF!

HERE IS MY FABULOUS TUB! I TOLD JACOB THE ONLY THING I WANTED IN MY NEW HOUSE WAS A BATH TUB BIG ENOUGH TO SWIM IN! I GOT IT... IT IS 6 FEET LONG AND I CAN FILL IT TO MY CHIN! BTW... ABOUT A WEEK AFTER MOVING IN, WE HAD TO HAVE AN EXTRA 50 GALLON WATER HEATER INSTALLED IN ORDER TO HAVE ENOUGH HOT WATER TO FILL THIS BIG DOG!

AND NO TUB WOULD BE COMPLETE WITHOUT A BOAT, "GOGGLERS", AND A SNORKEL! I TOLD YOU... BIG ENOUGH TO SWIM IN! HAHA!

I FOUND THIS AWESOME TURQUOISE VASE AT ROSS (MY FAVORITE!). IT HAS LOTS OF PEACOCK FEATHERS, AMBER HYDRANGEAS, AND SUPER SPARKLY CHAMPAGNE CURLY WILLOW!

A CLOSE UP OF THE INFAMOUS WREATH! I MADE IT TO MATCH THE PEACOCK CHRISTMAS TREE THAT GOES IN OUR BEDROOM! I LOVE LOVE LOVE THE CHOCOLATE, TURQUOISE, AND LIME GREEN TOGETHER!

AND THIS IS THE ARRANGEMENT THAT SITS ON THE BACK OF THE POTTY! JUST A LITTLE EYE CANDY FOR THE UGLY CORNER!

THANKS FOR CHECKING OUT MY BATHROOMS! BE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR LINK, SO I CAN LOOK AT YOURS AS WELL! BE BLESSED!

LAKE FUN!

2009-06-11T00:17:00.000-07:00

WE WENT TO LAKE BROWNWOOD THIS WEEKEND FOR A MINI FAMILY REUNION AND HAD AN ABSOLUTE BALL! GARRETT HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME JET SKIING AND INTERTUBING WITH DADDY AND JACE ENJOYED BEING THE CENTER OF ATTENTION! HAHA! GARRETT ALSO WENT FISHING WITH GRANDPA GEEZER AND CAUGHT QUITE A FEW FISH! THIS WAS HIS FIRST FISHING EXPERIENCE THAT RETURNED ANY LOOT! HE HAD A BLAST, BUT WAS NOT AT ALL INTERESTED IN TOUCHING THE FISH! WE HOPE TO SPEND A FEW MORE EXCITING AND RELAXING WEEKENDS AT THE LAKE THIS SUMMER!!

SERIOUSLY... IS THIS THE TINIEST CATFISH EVER??!!

GRANDPA GEEZER AND GARRETT WITH THE "BIG" FISH!

PROUD LITTLE FISHERMAN!

THIS FISH WAS SO BIG, GRANDPA HAD TO PULL IT IN BY HAND BECAUSE GARRETT'S POLL WAS TOO LITTLE! GARRETT COULD HARDLY CARRY IT UP THE 4 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS TO SHOW US! AND EVERYTIME IT SWUNG TOO CLOSE TO HIM, HE WOULD SQUEAL!

SHOW US WHERE YOU LIVE FRIDAY AND CROSS CANVAS

2009-06-03T22:32:00.001-07:00

ITS TIME AGAIN FOR SHOW US WHERE YOU LIVE FRIDAY!! CHECK OUT KELLY'S BLOG AT http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/ TO SEE LOTS OF OTHER AWESOME ROOMS INCLUDING NURSERIES, DINING ROOMS, LIVING ROOMS, AND KITCHENS! THIS WEEK IS OFFICES AND MINE IS A DISASTER! HAHA! JACOB BOUGHT ME A LAPTOP FOR MY BIRTHDAY LAST AUGUST, SO MY LOVELY DESK HAS TURNED INTO A PILING STATION! SINCE I DO ALL OF MY BLOGGING, COMPUTING, FARKLE PLAYING, ETC. ON MY LAPTOP IN THE BED OR ON THE COUCH, I RARELY EVER GO IN MY OFFICE ANYMORE! HOPEFULLY THIS SUMMER I CAN GET IT BACK UNDER CONTROL AND USE IT AGAIN... WE SHALL SEE! THANKS FOR LOOKING.... BE SURE TO COMMENT AND LINK TO YOUR BLOG SO I CAN CHECK YOURS OUT AS WELL! BLESSINGS! AND... AT THE END OF THE TOUR OF MY OFFICE, THERE ARE PHOTOS OF THE NEW CROSS CANVAS I PAINTED LAST WEEKEND! IT TURNED OUT LOVELY AND I CANT WAIT TO DO MORE!

LOOKING IN FROM THE ENTRY WAY

THE CHAISE LOUNGE AND HOPE CHEST

LOOKING OUT OF THE OFFICE INTO THE KITCHEN
TO THE LEFT OF THE DOOR WAY IS THIS PRECIOUS PICTURE
TO THE RIGHT OF THE DOOR IS MY COLLEGE DIPLOMA

MY DESK FROM THE FRONT

AND... A VIEW OF WHAT IT REALLY LOOKS LIKE! HAHA!

THIS IS THE CROSS CANVAS I PAINTED FOR OUR GUEST BATHROOM THIS PAST WEEK. THE COLORS ARE MUCH PRETTIER IN PERSON THAN IN THIS PICTURE. IT IS WASHED WITH A METALLIC COPPER AND HAS TOPAZ AND SMOKE RHINESTONES THAT DON'T SHOW UP WELL HERE!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND AND SEE YOU NEXT WEEK FOR ANOTHER ROUND OF ROOMS!

BOY'S ROOMS

2009-05-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

HERE ARE PICS OF THE BOYS' ROOMS! GARRETT'S IS EVERYTHING SPORTS RELATED AND JACE'S IS DONE IN VINTAGE AIRPLANES. BOTH ROOMS ARE STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS. I HAVE NOT HAD TIME TO GET THEM FINISHED... SOMEDAY! THANKS FOR LOOKING!

GARRETT'S CAPTAIN BED AND TRUNDLE AND PICTURE WALL

GARRETT'S SPORTS COLLECTION! PRETTY IMPRESSIVE FOR A 5 YEAR OLD! HAHA!

JACE'S CANVASES, CRIB, AND TWIN BED

JACE'S DRESSER AND AIRPLANE DECORATIONS... THE FLOWER ARRANGEMENT IN THE PLANE WAS FROM MY SHOWER... JACOB IS MORTIFIED THAT THERE ARE FLOWERS IN HIS SON'S ROOM! HAHA!

AND HERE ARE THE SWEET BOYS THAT CALL THESE ROOMS HOME!

THANKS FOR LOOKING!

DINING ROOM!

2009-05-20T23:43:00.000-07:00

YAY! I AM SO GLAD TO BE PARTICIPATING IN "SHOW US WHERE YOU LIVE FRIDAY" AGAIN THIS WEEK WITH KELLY (WWW.KELLYSKORNERBLOG.COM). LAST WEEK, SHE HOSTED GUEST ROOMS AND SINCE ALL OF OUR GUEST ROOMS ARE NOW FILLED WITH BOYS, I HAD TO SIT OUT! SO... I AM DELIGHTED TO SHARE MY DINING ROOM THIS WEEK! SOME OF YOU MAY HAVE ALREADY SEEN OUR DINING ROOM ON THE KITCHEN POST A FEW WEEKS AGO, BUT I TOOK NEW AND MORE IN DEPTH PICTURES TO SHARE THIS WEEK! ENJOY AND LEAVE ME A COMMENT SO I CAN CHECK OUT YOUR DINING ROOMS, TOO! THANKS AND HAPPY LONG WEEKEND!!

HERE IS THE OVERALL VIEW OF OUR DINING ROOM AND MY BEAUTIFUL CHINA HUTCH!

THESE ARE CLOSE UPS OF MY TABLE, MY ARRANGEMENTS, AND MY TWO FAVORITE SETS OF DISHES!
I PAINTED BOTH SETS AND ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM! THE DIAMOND DISHES STAY OUT YEAR ROUND AND THE LEOPARD AND PAISLEY ONES COME OUT IN THE FALL, ALONG WITH THE BIG PUMPKIN CENTERPIECE ARRANGEMENT! I LOVE THIS TABLE AND ALL THE DIFFERENT THINGS I CAN DO WITH IT AND ESPECIALLY THE NUMBER OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT CAN EAT HERE WITH US!

AND LASTLY, HERE IS THE PANTRY THAT BELONGED TO JACOB'S GREAT GRANDPARENTS! IT WAS IN THEIR FIRST HOME AND HAS BEEN SEVERAL DIFFERENT COLORS! I PAINTED IT SEATTLE RED AND DISTRESSED IT TO MATCH OUR DECOR, BUT IT WAS WHITE AND PINK BEFORE! IT IS SUPER USEFUL FOR HOLDING ALL MY EXTRA CHINA AND THE DISHES OFF THE TABLE WHEN WE HAVE COMPANY TO FILL UP ALL 8 SPOTS! IT ALSO HAS THE CUTEST BUILT IN DRAWER THAT HOLDS NAPKINS AND NAPKIN RINGS PERFECTLY! I LOVE HAVING A SPECIAL PIECE THAT BELONGED TO THEM IN OUR HOME!

THANKS FOR CHECKING OUT MY DINING ROOM!

KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION

2009-05-20T23:32:00.000-07:00

LAST WEEK, MY BABY... OR SHOULD I SAY, MY BIG 5 AND A HALF YEAR OLD, HAD HIS KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION PROGRAM AT KIDDIE KOLLEGE. HE IS ABSOLUTELY MORTIFIED BY BEING ON STAGE, SO THIS WHOLE EVENT WAS ALMOST MORE THAN HE COULD STAND! MY HEART ACHED AND SWELLED WITH PRIDE THAT MY GARRETT IS OLD ENOUGH TO ACTUALLY BE GRADUATING! IT SEEMS JUST YESTERDAY HE WAS LEARNING TO WALK AND CAPTURING OUR HEARTS WITH HIS CROOKED GRIN! HERE ARE PICS FROM HIS PROGRAM... CHECK OUT HIS MOST EMBARRASSED FACE IN EVERY PICTURE!

WITH HIS BEST BUDDY CANNON

LIVING ROOM

2009-05-08T12:51:00.000-07:00

http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/

IT'S SHOW US WHERE YOU LIVE FRIDAY AGAIN AND TODAY IT'S ALL ABOUT LIVING ROOMS! I AM SOOOOO EXCITED TO SEE EVERYONE'S AND HAVE POSTED PICS OF MINE, TOO! HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A SUPER WEEKEND AND HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
THIS IS THE VIEW FROM THE KITCHEN AND THEN FROM THE BACK DOOR LOOKING ACROSS!

THIS IS OUR FIREPLACE AND IT IS ONE OF MY MOST FAVORITE PARTS OF OUR HOME! WHEN WE BUILT, WE WANTED IT LARGE AND OVERSTATED TO GO WITH OUR BULKY FURNITURE AND WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE HOW IT TURNED OUT!

THIS IS A GROUPING I HAVE ON OUR HEARTH

THESE ARE THE ARRANGEMENTS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE FIREPLACE. I MADE THEM TO GO IN OUR OLD HOUSE AND WHEN WE BUILT OUR NEW ONE, MY FRIEND KIM AND I REVAMPED THEM A BIT WITH SOME EXTRA RED FLOWERS AND FEATHERS... MY FAVORITE!

THIS TRUNK BELONGED TO JACOB'S GRANDMOTHER. SHE PAINTED IT GREEN AND DISTRESSED IT A LONG TIME AGO! I LOVE THE POP OF COLOR IT GIVES AND IT IS SO SPECIAL HAVING A PIECE THAT BELONGED TO HER IN MY LIVING ROOM! THE WATKINS SIGN WAS A CHRISTMAS GIFT FROM MY SWEET COUSIN, WHITNEY. IT'S THE FIRST THING WE GOT WITH BOTH OF OUR SWEET BOYS' NAMES!

THIS IS OUR LARGE AND IN CHARGE COFFEE TABLE AND ENTERTAINMENT ARMOIRE. WE BOUGHT IT FROM A FRIEND'S FURNITURE STORE AND THINK IT ADDS SO MUCH TO OUR DECOR! THE ARRANGEMENT ON THE COFFEE TABLE IS A SMALLER VERSION OF THE ONE ON MY DINING TABLE AND A LARGER VERSION THAN THE ONE THE BAR!

THIS IS NOT A VERY GREAT PICTURE OF MY WALL OF FAME, BUT IT IS PICTURES OF MY PRIDE AND JOY~ OUR FAMILY AND MY SWEET BOYS RIGHT AFTER WE BROUGHT JACE HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL!

THANKS FOR TAKING A PEEK INTO MY LIVING ROOM AND I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOURS! PLEASE COMMENT AND LEAVE A LINK TO YOURS, SO I CAN CHECK IT OUT AS WELL!
BE BLESSED!

SHOW US WHERE YOU LIVE FRIDAY~

2009-05-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

A FUN BLOG I READ (KELLY'S KORNER http://www.kellyskornerblog.com) HAD A GREAT IDEA TO "SHOW US WHERE YOU LIVE FRIDAY"! TODAY IT'S THE KITCHEN! SO, HERE IS MINE!

LOOKING THROUGH!

MY FUN PAINTED STUFF ABOVE THE CABINETS

TABLE, MY HANDPAINTED PLATES, BEAUTIFUL CHINA HUTCH, JACOB'S GREAT GRANDPARENTS' PANTRY

CUTE SIGN IN MY DINING ROOM AND THE CUCKOO CLOCK THAT USED TO BE IN MY GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE! I LOVE IT!

THANKS FOR LOOKING! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE EVERYONE ELSE'S KITCHENS! HAVE A BLESSED WEEKEND!

THE PAINTED POPPY

2009-04-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

HEY HEY! MY STORE WAS IN THE PAPER TODAY! CHECK OUT THE ARTICLE... HE DID A REALLY NICE JOB!

http://www.oaoa.com/news/fuss_29648___article.html/paint_pottery.html

IT WON'T BE LIKE THIS FOR LONG!

2009-04-22T15:06:00.001-07:00

THIS WAS ON ANOTHER BLOG THAT I FOLLOW AND I JUST HAD TO SHARE! IT IS SO TRUE! SO, ENJOY EVEN THE NIGHTS OF CRYING BABIES BECAUSE IT REALLY WON'T BE LIKE THIS FOR LONG!

SUSAN BOYLE

2009-04-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I'M SURE MOST PEOPLE HAVE SEEN THIS, BUT COULDN'T HELP BUT BLOG A BIT ABOUT IT! SHE IS PRECIOUS! I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT, BUT I SURE HOPE SHE WINS AND GETS HER DREAM!! GO SUSAN GO!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

LOOK WHO'S 5 MONTHS OLD!

2009-04-09T23:14:00.000-07:00

WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE? OUR JACE IS 5 MONTHS OLD TODAY!! AND A YEAR AND A FEW DAYS AGO, WE HAD JUST FOUND OUT WE WERE EXPECTING THIS NEW BUNDLE OF JOY! AT 5 MONTHS, JACE IS COOING AND "TALKING" UP A STORM, SMILING AT EVERYTHING, EATING CEREAL, AND SLEEPING LIKE A CHAMP! ALL I KNOW, IS THAT WE HAVE COME A LOOOOOOOONG WAY, BABY! WE LOVE YOU!

JACE'S BIRTHDAY

ROUGH DAYS IN NICU -- THESE WERE TERRIBLE DAYS AND WE ARE SO GLAD TO BE ON THIS SIDE OF IT! THANK GOD FOR A HEALTHY BABY NOW!

STARTING TO FEEL LIKE A FAMILY!

GOING HOME... 38 DAYS LATER!

WE MADE IT TO 5 MONTHS! ISN'T HE A DOLL!!

AND YES, HE DOES HAVE ME WRAPPED AROUND HIS FINGER! AND I WOULDN'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY!

2009-04-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

AS PROMISED, HERE ARE PICS OF OUR TBALL STAR! AREN'T MY BOYS JUST PRECIOUS!?!?! WE HAVE BEEN DOWN WITH THE COUNT THIS WEEK... GARRETT HAS THE CRUD WITH COUGH, RUNNY NOSE, FEVER, AND EAR INFECTION, AND WE ARE JUST HOPING THAT JACEROO CAN AVOID IT! GARRETT IS FINALLY STARTING TO PERK UP A BIT, BUT HAS MISSED SCHOOL ALL WEEK! YUCK! HERE'S HOPING THE WEEKEND WILL BE UNEVENTFUL AND WE CAN CELEBRATE EASTER WITH NO ILLNESS! MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED EASTER WEEKEND!

SICK! AND SOME SUPER CUTE PICS!

2009-04-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

WE ARE HAVING A BUSY WEEK ALREADY... WE STARTED MONDAY OFF IN THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE WITH GARRETT. HE WAS ON THE THIRD DAY OF 100 PLUS FEVER AND STARTED COMPLAINING YESTERDAY OF AN EAR ACHE. WHEN WE GOT TO THE DR, HE HAD 101.2 FEVER, AN EAR INFECTION WITH SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES AND GLANDS. SO, WE ARE NOW ON ANTIBIOTICS, EAR DROPS, AND SNOTTY NOSE AND COUGH MEDICINE. ALSO, JACEROO GOT HIS LAST RSV SHOT! YAHOOOO! HE WEIGHED IN AT AN IMPRESSIVE 12 POUNDS AND 13 OUNCES! HIS SKINNY MINNY BROTHER WEIGHED 37 POUNDS! WE ARE NEVER, EVER GOING TO HIT 40 AND GET OUT OF THE CAR SEAT! I AM ATTACHING SEVERAL PICTURES OF THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS OF OUR SMILEY AND SOMETIMES NOT SO SMILEY JACE! HAHA! GARRETT T-BALL PICTURES COMING TOMORROW! HE HAS ANOTHER BIG GAME!

T-BALL PLAYING DUDE!

2009-04-03T22:43:00.000-07:00

GARRETT STARTED HIS SECOND YEAR OF T-BALL A FEW WEEKS AGO AND HAD HIS FIRST ROUND OF GAMES THIS WEEK! ALL I CAN SAY IS, WOW! WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES! LAST YEAR, HE MOSTLY PLAYED IN THE DIRT AND INFORMED ME THAT HIS FAVORITE PART OF THE GAME WAS WHEN THEY GOT TO HIGH FIVE AND "GOOD GAME" THE OTHER TEAM AT THE END! HAHA! WELL, HE STARTED TONIGHT AS PITCHER AND PLAYED LIKE A CHAMP! HE GOT EVERY BALL THAT WAS HIT TO HIM AND GOT 8 PEOPLE OUT! HE THREW SUPERBLY TO FIRST AND RAN HARD AND FAST TO HOME FOR THE OUT! I AM SO PROUD AND THINK WE MAY HAVE A FUTURE IN BASEBALL!
WHEN WE GOT HOME TONIGHT, GARRETT WAS COMPLAINING ABOUT BEING COLD, SO I TOOK HIS TEMP AND HE WAS RUNNING A FEVER! FANTASTIC! HE ALWAYS WAITS TO GET SICK ON THE WEEKEND! OH WELL, MAYBE HE NEEDS TO RUN FEVER FOR EVERY BALL GAME IF HE PLAYS THAT WELL! JUST KIDDING!!
PS... I FORGOT THE CAMERA TONIGHT, SO I WILL POST PICS OF HIM IN HIS UNIFORM AFTER THE NEXT GAME! HE IS QUITE THE LITTLE CUTIE!

PLEASE PRAY!

2009-03-28T17:16:00.001-07:00

FRIENDS... PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS SWEET BABY! HE HAS BEEN BATTLING HEART RELATED ISSUES FOR A WHILE AND NEEDS OUR PRAYERS! IT IS LIFE STORIES SUCH AS THESE, THAT MAKE ME SO THANKFUL FOR MY HEALTHY BOYS! PLEASE JOIN ME IN PRAYING FOR THIS BABY, AS WELL AS HIS WORN OUT MAMA!

THE LEES COME TO VISIT!

2009-03-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

Kim and Les

Holding Sweet Baby Jace

Me and Brayder Bean

Trenton and Garrett

Triple Trouble: Brayden, Trenton, and Garrett

We had such a great time! Last Thursday, Les and the boys came for a visit! We had a fantastic lunch and the company was fabulous! It had been much too long since we had gotten together and this was a fun reunion for us all! I loved visiting with Les and the boys played so well together! We can't wait to do it again SOON!

JACE'S BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

2009-03-12T07:38:00.000-07:00

HERE IS A COPY OF OUR JACE'S BEAUTIFUL BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT! OUR FRIEND, ERIN DOES SUCH BEAUTIFUL WORK AND THESE WERE NO EXCEPTION! CHECK OUT HER WEBSITE AT WWW.EJSPHOTOGRAPHY.NET .

FUNNY BOYS!

2009-03-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

THESE TWO BOYS KEEP US ON UR TOES!! JACE IS GROWING LIKE A WEED AND GETS CUTER BY THE DAY! HIS HAIR IS SUPER WILD IN THE MORNINGS AND NOT EASY TO TAME! GARRETT IS QUITE THE ENTERTAINER... HE CAME AROUND THE CORNER THE OTHER DAY IN BLUE JEANS, BASEBALL CLEATS, A HARLEY DAVIDSON JACKET AND A COWBOY HAT... WITH A HOCKEY PUCK AND STICK! HE IS A MESS! HERE ARE SOME PICTURES OF THE BOYS WHEN GRANNY CAME FOR A SLUMBER PARTY LAST WEEKEND WHILE JACOB WAS AT DISCIPLE NOW AT CHURCH!

4 MONTHS OLD

2009-03-07T20:55:00.000-08:00

OH MY GOODNESS! I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT MY BABY IS ALMOST 4 MONTHS OLD! HE IS SUCH A DOLL AND IS GROWING LIKE A WEED! WE GO TO THE DR ON MONDAY FOR OUR 4 MONTH CHECK. GARRETT THINKS HIS BROTHER IS PRETTY SPECIAL! HE IS SUCH A HELPER! I AM TRULY BLESSED! HERE ARE SOME NEWER PICS THAT GRANNY TOOK AT LUNCH THE OTHER DAY!

MIRACLE BLANKET + WOODWARDS = SLEEPING BABY!

2009-03-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

YAHOO! A FRIEND OF MINE SUGGESTED I TRY THE MIRACLE BLANKET FOR MY NON SLEEPING CHILD. LET ME TELL YOU... IT IS ABSOLUTELY MIRACULOUS! JACE SLEPT FOR 9 HOURS LAST NIGHT AND 8 THE TWO NIGHTS BEFORE THAT! WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY'S SUGGESTIONS ON THINGS TO TRY TO MAKE LIFE EASIER WITH A NEW ONE! ON ANOTHER NOTE... WOODWARDS CELEBRATED GRIPE WATER IS ALSO FABULOUS FOR EASING COLIC AND BUBBLY BELLIES! I THINK MY JACE IS FINALLY ADJUSTING TO A NORMAL LIFE AND SLEEP PATTERN... YEA YEA YEA!

OUR THANK YOU VIDEO

2009-02-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

THIS IS THE VIDEO THAT AIRED AT OUR CHURCH ON JANUARY 4. WE WERE SO GRATEFUL FOR THE PRAYERS AND PHONE CALLS AND MEALS THAT PEOPLE AT OUR CHURCH PROVIDED, WE WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU. IT WAS SUCH A TOUCHING VIDEO AND AFTER IT AIRED, OUR PASTOR DEDICATED OUR SWEET JACE. HOPE YOU ENJOY!... BY THE WAY, YOU WILL WANT TO PAUSE THE MUSIC PLAYER AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE SO YOU CAN HEAR THE VIDEO!

THANK YOU!!

2009-02-09T22:12:00.000-08:00

I AM SO EXTREMELY GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF OUR AMAZING FAMILY AND FRIENDS. LOOKING BACK OVER THE LAST 3 MONTHS, I REALIZE THAT WE COULD NOT HAVE COME THROUGH ALL WE DID, WITHOUT THE HELP, THOUGHTS, AND PRAYERS OF EACH OF YOU! SO, I JUST WANTED TO SAY A HEARFELT THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU THAT PRAYED, CALLED, BROUGHT FOOD, OR JUST THOUGHT ABOUT US DURING OUR TRYING TIME! WE LOVE YOU ALL!

Before I was a mom

2009-02-04T15:43:00.000-08:00

Before I was a Mom - I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom - I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Spit on. Chewed on. Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom - I never held down a screaming child So that doctors could do tests. Or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom - I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.

I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom - I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom - I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

I absolutely LOVE this and it is so true. Who knew you could love so much, so instantly! Garrett Collin and Jace Jacob : You have made my world!

Help me reach my goal!Sponsor Me at March for Babies!

2009-02-03T23:18:00.001-08:00

2009-02-03T22:39:00.001-08:00

BECAUSE MY JACE SPENT 38 DAYS IN THE NICU AND GARRETT SPENT 13, I AM GOING TO WALK IN THE MARCH OF DIMES - MARCH FOR BABIES. PLEASE GET INVOLVED WHERE EVER YOU LIVE, SIGN THE PETITION OR JOIN ME IN MY WALK FOR MY BOYS (APRIL 18 AT UTPB 9:00 A.M.) PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION ON MY SIDEBAR AND HELP SUPPORT AN AMAZING CAUSE!
http://www.marchofdimes.com/texas/36782.asp

THANK YOU, ERIN!

2009-02-02T22:08:00.001-08:00

MY NEW HEADER PICTURE IS PART OF THE AMAZING PICS THAT MY FRIEND, ERIN, TOOK FOR US! THEY ARE FANTASTIC AND SHE DOES SUCH GOOD WORK! I CAN'T WAIT TO BE ABLE TO SHARE SOME MORE WITH YOU ALL SOON! FOR NOW, I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANKS AND PLUG HER BUSINESS! CHECK OUT HER WEBSITE AND HER FABULOUS WORK!
www.ejsphotography.net

2009-01-31T00:32:00.001-08:00

THESE PRAYERS ARE AMAZING, HOWEVER... IF YOU READ AUDREY'S STORY, GET A BOX OF TISSUE.... WHAT A STRONG WOMAN!

WELL... I HAD ONE OF THOSE VERY HUMBLING MOMENTS IN THE WEE HOURS OF THE MORNING WHILE MY PRECIOUS ONE WAS NOT SLEEPING! ;) MY PAL, LES, HAS BEEN KEEPING UP WITH THIS BLOG FOR MONTHS NOW, BUT I JUST READ IT TODAY. AND LET ME JUST TELL YOU, IT IS CRIPPLING. I DON'T THINK THE TIMING OF ME READING IT COULD HAVE BEEN ANYTHING BUT A GOD THING. YOU KNOW, I HAVE BEEN SO FRUSTRATED WITH MY HOSPITAL HAPPY BABY AND NOW THAT WE HAVE BEEN HOME, HE DOESN'T SLEEP! WE ARE SOME KIND OF TIRED AROUND HERE! HOWEVER, AFTER READING ANGIE'S BLOG, I HAVE A NEW OUTLOOK ON LIFE. MY PITY PARTY FOR MYSELF AND OUR SITUATION SEEMS PRETTY RIDICULOUS. SO, HERE'S THE NEW PLAN: I AM GOING TO BE THANKFUL FOR EVERY MINUTE OF MY COTTON HEADED BABY'S LIFE... EVEN AT 3 A.M. WHEN HE HASN'T SLEPT A WINK BECAUSE WHEN IT COMES RIGHT DOWN TO IT, I AM BLESSED TO HAVE HIM. AND NOT ONLY DO WE JUST HAVE HIM, WE HAVE HIM HOME AND HEALTHY. IT VERY EASILY COULD HAVE GONE THE OTHER DIRECTION DURING THE 6 SCARY WEEKS IN THE NICU AND OUR VERY SCARY NOT BREATHING, CPR EPISODE TWO WEEKS AGO. SO, WHEN I LOOK EXHAUSTED AND HAVE SOME SERIOUS BAGS UNDER MY EYES, I AM GOING TO BE GRATEFUL TO HAVE THEM BECAUSE I HAVE THIS PRECIOUS GIFT FROM GOD AT HOME IN MY ARMS!

Give me a break... PLEASE!!!

2009-01-30T00:09:00.000-08:00

My Jace has been home from the hospital for 6 days and my Garrett now has a stomach bug! Seriously... can I just get a bit of a break? I pray my tiny one doesn't get it because stomach bug usually equals dehydration and dehydration equals hospital again and hospital equals ivs for fluids and ivs equal a million new sticks for my baby! So... please, please, please, do not let Jace get Garrett's bug! So much for a restful weekend!!

Here we go!

2009-01-29T13:04:00.001-08:00

OK... here we go... I have been that girl that has said, "I just cant get into blogging!" But, at the suggestion of several friends, here we go! So, check back for new things going on in our world!