The Update!

I have been terrible about posting mainly because there is not enough hours in the day. I'm not even sure where I left off or where I should start.

Jaxon is doing great in Grammy's kindergarten class! He is already reading very well. He loves playing a game with his flash cards. For a while we were rock stars at home work and reading, but the past couple of weeks have been beyond hectic. We are past one of the big hurdles so now I think we can get back to it. I'm so proud of him though. He is almost a year younger than the rest of his class and he is rocking along!

Eli is also doing great in school. I'm very pleased with Mrs. Fromhold, his teacher. He is continuing to learn and progress. We've noticed a difference in his reading and writing in the past 2 months. Honestly, he is blowing me away with how smart he is. We think he has also grown an inch or two in the past couple of months. It is a good thing he is smart because everyone assumes he is much older than he actually is.

Eli also pulled his own tooth a few weeks ago. He has now lost 4. Jaxon is quite jealous and can't wait for the toothfairy to visit him.

The boys were ring bearers in Uncle Aaron's wedding this weekend. They were amazing! It was really stressful (and I felt terrible getting onto them) before the wedding. They were running, crawling, climbing, and exploring just like the little boys that they are, but unfortunately they were wearing tuxes that cost $180 each to rent for one day. There was NO WAY I was going to let them destroy, damage, stain, or scuff their tuxes or shoes. Once it was time for them to walk up the aisle, they did so perfectly! They also sat through the whole ceremony reading books and drawing pictures. Basically, I couldn't have asked for better behavior from them. They had a great time on the dance floor at the reception. Thanks to all the cousins who were out there with them!!!

A couple of the cute stories from the wedding weekend:
- Jaxon - After the ceremony, Jaxon asked if he was married too.
- Eli - Eli started crying late Saturday night, and when Brian asked what was wrong, Eli asked Brian if he missed his brother. After a bit of discussion we realized that after Aaron got married, he went away. I think Eli thought that he wasn't coming back (and I'm wondering if he thought he might lose Jaxon that way). Once we explained that we would see him soon, he calmed down. He is also working through what dying actually means. A couple of weeks ago he was quite distraught because he didn't want to die ever.... even as an old man. I told a bit about heaven, and it wasn't working so eventually I caved and told him that there are video games and ice cream in heaven. His next questions were, "how do I get there?" and "who will take me there?".

The other big news that I can finally talk about is Kristin is engaged. There is another family wedding in the works! I'm very excited because this one will likely be in MIAMI!!! Anthony (Kristin's fiance) and his parents are already settling into the family quite nicely. They are all really sweet and put up with our chaos like professionals. If this past weekend didn't send them away in fear, nothing will! In all seriousness, I'm very happy for Kristin and Anthony. Congratulations to you both!

Alysa is doing well. I've had a couple of sonograms over the past couple of months because she continues to grow quickly and was breech for a while. I didn't know it, but when they are breech it HURTS! I went to the doctor thinking something was wrong because it was way too early in pregnancy to feel the way I was feeling. Thankfully, that problem resolved itself quickly. Now we are just keeping an eye on her size (which is probably just over 7lbs now and I'm 36 weeks today) and my platelets. So far so good. We have an induction date set which is nice because I can set my mind to getting to that date. My last Zumba class was last Tuesday. I can't wait to get back to it. I hate treadmills. I'm thankful I only have to deal with them for 3 weeks. I need to pack the hospital bag and start setting up her swing, packnplay, and miscellaneous other items around the house.

We have had some really sweet friends get the most adorable outfits and blankets for Alysa. A few of my coworkers even did a small luncheon for me complete with chocolate cupcakes! Seriously, I'm spoiled! I love that even though she is a 3rd child I can tell her that people were excited about her arrival just like when I had Eli and Jaxon.

This weekend we are having a party for Eli. I feel bad for him because I know it is a weekend where everyone is crazy busy, and the party is on Sunday. I hope enough kids show up to make it fun for him. I know he is very excited about it. I would have put it on the following weekend, but that is getting close to Alysa's arrival. As much as I want kids to come, I want to be there myself!

The Year of Kindergarten!

Eli has been going to school on some level since he was 2. Today he officially starts Kindergarten. For a mom that has had her kids in some kind of school (even Plano schools) for years now, I was surprisingly emotional.

Eli did great! He walked quietly into the room and headed straight for his locker without prompting. After he had his backpack in the locker, the teacher asked him to go back and get his lunch box and put it in a basket. He silently complied. All the parents and students were extremely quiet. I sat him down at a table to color. After we took a thousand photos and a video we left quietly. I’m pretty sure Eli even told us to leave once or twice!

I must say I’ve been spoiled. Up to this point I really didn’t care if school went perfect as long as Eli enjoyed it. His years at Beaty were relatively enjoyable. I always felt he was safe and happy there. I didn’t have any qualms taking him to my mom’s kindergarten class. I’ve seen her teach for years and know exactly what to expect. This morning was different. I dropped him off to a class that I want him to enjoy and be successful in. I think Mrs. Fromhold will be a great teacher and the kids look really sweet, but I’m still nervous.

Jaxon was quite upset that he didn’t get to go to school today. He had his backpack and was ready. He starts in a week which he feels is SOOOO long from now. Eli was measured a couple of times recently and he is officially 51.5 inches or over 4’3”. Another update and potentially weepy day for me next Monday as Jaxon starts mom’s kindergarten class. This pregnancy is turning me into a wuss!!!

Summer is coming to a fast end!

Eli and Jaxon are spending the week in Lubbock with Bunny, Granddaddy, and Aunt Krissy. The house feels so empty! Brian and I wake up in the mornings and are a little uncomfortable with the silence of the house. It feels unnatural. We are however taking advantage and getting caught up on house stuff and sleep! I've heard the kiddos are having a great time. I can't wait to hear their stories this weekend!

I had an interesting doctor appointment this week. I mentioned to the doctor that Alysa is already taking up so much space she is causing me some minor problems. He measured my tummy and this is the first pregnancy I've had where I'm measuring large. We both are predicting Alysa will be tall. In the coming weeks she will start to put on weight and then I'll wish I had this time back!

The doctor did some blood work mainly to rule out diabetes. I don't have diabetes, but my platelet levels are moderately low. They were just a little low in the first trimester and they have dropped since then. I'm going to take the advice of my doctor and Brian's Uncle Mark (yes, I realize calling a Thoracic Surgeon is probably overkill) and be better about taking my prenatal vitamins and eating more protein (not my favorite this pregnancy). Apparently there isn't much you can do that will raise the platelet count, but I'm going to try. I don't want Alysa or me to have low platelets during labor and delivery.

I'm still attending my Zumba classes. I do a much lower impact version than what I did before pregnancy. I try to go 3 or 4 times a week. I don't like going on back to back days. That tends to cause me a little more trouble. The ladies in class are very supportive. It is funny to hear everyone's opinion of what a prenatal workout should be like. Believe me, I hear everything. Some people thing I should do nothing more than watch tv and others tell me there is no reason I can't go all out. I'm pretty much in the middle. If I try something and it hurts I don't do it again, but I do everything I can. My main limitations are fast direction changes and my doctor imposed a no shaking no bouncing rule. Other than that I have a pretty good time.

Next week is the last week before school starts. We will meet Eli's Kindergarten teacher, and Jaxon gets to meet his grammy in a new environment : ) The boys are very ready to get back in school so they can play with their friends. It will definitely be a change in our routine. Eli has to be AT school at 7:45. The first week isn't going to be pretty.

Baby news, a vacation, and two little boys

The summer is racing by. We found out last week that we are having a baby girl. The boys were among the first to know. We went out to dinner to celebrate, and Eli asked if the baby was a boy or girl. I told him it was a girl and his response was, "So, I was right?" Once I admitted that he had been right all along he was onto other topics : ) Both Eli and Jax have been so sure that they are going to have a baby sister, the news wasn't news to them (just a confirmation of what they already knew). A couple of weeks ago we had this conversation:

Eli: Oh NO!
Mommy: What?!
Eli: What if we have a baby sister?
Mommy: What do you mean?
Eli: We don't have any girl toys!!!!!
Mommy: Well, I'm sure we can find her something to play with around here.
Jaxon: I have an idea!!!!! Every time we go to McDonald's we can get girl toys for her!
Mommy: That is such a sweet idea guys!

We told the family about the baby girl at our Possum Kingdom vacation.The sonogram video was playing and everyone was guessing boy. Brian and I were looking at each other (confused because the sono didn't look anything like Eli or Jaxon's) when "It's A Girl" popped up. The sono was actually the best Brian and I have had with any of the kiddos. She was bouncing all over the place and the sono was crystal clear.

The trip was great! We all had a great time. The cabin was perfect for what we needed. The kids had a lot of first experiences (beach, boat, fishing, smores, etc). It was a great weekend. I hope to do something like that every summer with the family.

Last night, Brian and I discussed baby names. We had casually discussed names for a while, but I am impatient and want a name for my baby. We have agreed upon Alysa Joy Douthit. Alysa is a french variation of Elizabeth (Brian's grandmother's middle name) and Joy is a shortened version of my grandmother's middle name (Joyce). Other names being discussed were Emma and Gene (for a middle name). If she would have been a boy we were tossing around Lucas or Trace. Alysa fits all our name requirements. Other than the family connection, it is 5 letters with a 3 letter nickname.

The boys are in swim lessons and are doing really well. We sent Eli to an allergist today because I'm tired of leaving my house with him and unknowingly exposing him to something that sends me running for Benadryl. It turns out that my suspicions were correct. He has moderate allergies to common mold, dust mites, and cats. Thankfully there were no surprises and nothing looks to extreme. He was measured and he is now 50 inches (4'2") and 68 lbs. I downloaded a growth chart. He is the size of an average 8 or 9 year old.

The boys are spending quite a bit of time together this summer. I really want to try to video some of our conversations. Here is an example of what they talk about (driving home from dinner last night):

Jaxon: Look a bird... No, that's a spaceship! Mommy, see the spaceship!?!?!
Mommy: No, Jax. I don't see a spaceship. Where is it?
Eli: I wish I could stand in clouds.
Jaxon and Mommy: Me too
Eli: I wish I had wings so I could fly.
Mommy and Jax: Me too.

I would write up some of the things they talk about with each other, but I can't spell Pokemon names very well. I'm so proud of them and how well they play together. I really hope they keep that up!

Jaxon's 4 Year Doctor Appointment

Brian and I both go to every annual doctor visit for the boys. We both love being there to see how they've grown and ask the doctor crazy parent questions. This visit was no different. Jaxon is now 42.25 inches and 43 pounds. The doctor estimates he will be approximately 6'2". In case you are wondering Eli was 2 inches taller and a few pounds heavier and is estimated to be 6'4" or taller.

Jaxon was awesome at this visit. We had to wait 15 minutes or so for the doctor to come in. While we waited I got a cute video of Jaxon making up a story about going on a boat, having soup, and finding a big bear with long hair and big teeth. The story seemed like a blend of Where theWild Things Are, Going on a Bear Hunt, and Humpty Dumpty. Once Dr. Sherrod arrived and announced Jax was in perfect health we waited for the last immunizations Jax will need to have until he is 12! We explained that the shots would hurt, but just for a minute. He was really pumped when he realized he gets 4 band aids.

When the nurses came in with the needles, I slipped out to pay the bill. We don't want my anxiety to carry over onto the boys. Anyway, I waited outside the door for the screaming. It never came! Brian said that Jax watched them give him the shots, got his band aids, and was ready to go. No big deal! I know one of those shots has a tendency to sting quite a bit. We were really impressed!

Yesterday Aunt Krissy left again for the boat. Jax was convinced that he was going with her. She told him that he needed to pack his backpack. He ran off and brought it back to her. He was very upset when she finally told him that she couldn't take him. Both of the boys are so attached to her. We did manage to cheer Jax up with the news that we are going to Houston this weekend. We haven't been in a long time and he talks non stop about cousin Kevin because he is soooo good at Castle Crashers. Eli is less impressed. He doesn't like Castle Crashers anymore and Kevin says bad words... like "poopy" : ) I have a feeling Kevin can win him over with a mean game of Pokemon.

The Ring Bearers

Brian and I brought up the idea of being ring bearers in Aaron's upcoming wedding. The conversation went like this:

Mommy: Uncle Aaron is going to get married in a pretty church. The whole family will be there and it is going to be really fun. There is only one problem. There are two rings and no one to carry them to the front of the church. I wonder if we can find two people to help him?

Jaxon: I'll carry one Mommy!

Mommy: Oh, thank you!!! Hmmm... I wonder who will carry the other one?

Eli: I can carry the other one!

Mommy: Perfect! There are two little boys and two rings!!! I wonder if we should get you a new video game if you do a good job?

Eli: Well maybe if they pay us we can get one!

Mommy: Uh, daddy and I can get you a video game if you do a good job. Guess what else?! You'll get to wear a fancy suit and shoes just like your daddy.

Jaxon: Mommy, I don't want to wear a fancy suit and shoes. I just want to wear my crocodile shirt. (He is wearing that shirt today. We bought it for him in Jacksonville, FL. It has a big crocodile on it and the words "Bite Me".)

Daddy: (smiling because he doesn't like wearing suits either) I'm glad we got him that shirt. He really likes it.

Mommy: I'll check with Uncle Aaron, but I really think to get the video game you need to wear the suit and shoes.

10 Years Today!!!!

Ten years ago today I was a bridezilla barking out all kinds of silly orders. Today I can't remember or even imagine what they were, but I don't deny any of the stories... sadly, they are probably all true. I do remember my wedding day as being perfect. It looked exactly the way I wanted it to, everyone I loved was there, I married the man of my dreams, and we all had an amazing time. I remember as we drove away, I looked over at Brian and thought to myself... "oh gosh, there is no going back. Am I sure?" Today, I'm sooo thankful I was smart enough at that young age to choose well.

The past 10 years have been filled with experiences both good and bad. Each experience brings us closer and changes us in some small way. Rather than seeing it as us changing as individuals, we are changing together as a couple. We offset each other 10 years ago to create a perfect balance between Brian's calm nature and my goal oriented take no prisoners attitude. He was able to bring me back to reality while I could light a fire under him when needed. Today the balance is still there, but we've moved along the scale. Both of us are not as extreme as we once were. In some areas we've completely changed roles, but we still balance each other out.

I've been thinking some about how we got together. We both remember the day we first met. The first day of high school. We were sophomores. Brian was afraid of me because I was so loud. We didn't get to really know each other until the end of our junior year. We double dated to prom both junior and senior years. Both years he took good friends of mine and I went with my boyfriend at the time. Starting at the end of our junior year, Brian and I gradually became close friends. I dated someone else for 4 years (junior year through 2nd year in college). For a long time, the three of us were inseparable. Eventually, my high school relationship started to fizzle. Brian decided to move to Georgia for school. Right before he let he gave me a letter (which I still have) telling me that he loved me. It took me a month or so to end my relationship with my high school boyfriend and start dating Brian. Once we were together (half a country apart), everything fell into place. It took us two years from then to get married, but we knew within a week or two that this relationship was forever.

We did actually break up once while dating. Not surprisingly it was because I was moving too fast and he was moving too slow. We were broken up for 2 months or so and were miserable the whole time. I'm certain that 2 months - a blip in time - helped us learn how to change and grow together.

Brian has been a huge part of my life for 16 years now! The past 10 have been amazing, and I couldn't dream up a better husband or father. I'm really hoping we beat my grandparents 65 years of marriage. I know that our lives together will continue to change us. I also know that whatever challenges and victories the future holds, I can count on my best friend and the love of my life to be by my side.

Eli Lost His First Tooth!

Eli lost a tooth on Monday. Actually, he let me pull it out since it was about to fall out on its own. He looked at the tooth and said, "it is so tiny"! Then he ran to the mirror to see the hole it left. The adult tooth is all the way in, and another is half way in so he looks like a pirranah with rows of teeth! I'm guessing the tooth fairy will be visiting again very soon.

The tooth fairy left $5 for this one. I'm not sure if it was because the tooth was the first one (and deserved a special amount or if that is the going rate these days). Eli asked for a video game and I told him I would talk to his daddy. Brian informed me of something I hadn't yet considered. Yes, we can get a game or several games for $5 on the iPad/iphones. He pointed out that the games available now are really shaking up the video game industry. It does make you wonder what the future holds in the entertainment industry.

On a related note, my dad downloaded a game on his new iphone that the boys had never seen. The boys immediately started playing it without any instruction. My dad was flabbergasted. I can't imagine what the next generation is going to dream up to top what we have today.

On the baby front, we are starting to gather baby stuff. Thanks to some gift cards from family members and a shopping trip with my mom we now have the pack n play, bouncer, and bottles. My inlaws brought us our old swing that was at their house. Things are coming together! Now if we could just agree on a name!

ConGRADulations ELI!!!

Eli graduated from Kindergarten this afternoon. The graduation was adorable. The kids read a few lines and sang a few songs. Eli recited the Christian Pledge at the mic. He was so excited to have Pawpaw, Mommy, Daddy, and Jaxon there to see him in his cap and gown. Eli is fiercely independent and more than a little stubborn. Jax spends a lot of time cuddling and hamming it up everyday, but Eli usually prefers a quick hug and then he entertains himself. When you get him in front of an audience though…Eli is such a ham! I have NO IDEA where he gets that from.

Grammy choked up a bit when it got time to talk about Eli and again at the closing. The real story here is how far Eli has come in a year. I know I’ve mentioned to anyone who will listen how well he can read (on a first grade level), but he can do so much more. He writes his numbers to 100 and can add and subtract. He kept a journal in class. He is also “graduating” from speech therapy.

Since his birthday isn’t until November, he starts kinder late. We put him in mom’s class a year early knowing he would start Kindergarten at our neighborhood school this coming fall. I wanted to make sure he had a great foundation. I know my mom at times got irritated with Brian and myself for not working with Eli as much as we should, but he was learning so fast I didn’t see any need to push him. His poor teacher next year is going to have her work cut out for her.

Also, Eli has a tooth growing in. We still haven’t lost a baby tooth yet, but I’m pretty certain that is just around the corner. Anyway, today was a great day and I was so proud of Eli.

Take me out to the ballgame!

The boys have started tball. I was a bit concerned about how long it would take them to pick up the game, but they have taken to it like ducks to water! They LOVE it! It is adorable to watch! Eli's team has kids on it that have been playing for 3 seasons now and they are really good! Jaxon's team is all new, but they are having a great time. I absolutely love watching them on the field with their baseball cap, glove, and cute little pants... SO FREAKIN CUTE!

This past weekend we took the boys to Waco to celebrate Christian, Kendra, and Kyle's graduations. The boys had a blast playing with the cousins. They don't know how lucky they are to have so many people ready to wrestle with them in nice clothes.

I'm now 14 weeks pregnant. We told people very early with each pregnancy, but this one may have been the earliest. I'm hoping to find out if it is a boy or a girl late next month. Hopefully that will help Brian and me come up with a name for this kiddo. Brian really wants to name the baby Trace mainly because it sounds like "tres" (3 in spanish). Okay, I'll admit it's a little funny.

Eli and Jaxon are wrapping up the school year. Eli is reading like crazy (on a 1st grade mid year level). His speech teacher and classroom teacher are both in agreement that he is more than ready for kidergarten. I'm so happy he won't be taken out of class for speech. They are completely blown away by his reading.

Jaxon is so creative it boggles my mind. The kid can build stuff with legos that actually resemble what he is trying to build. He is very excited about his birthday coming up. I've already been instructed that we are taking snacks to his class AND he wants to go with me to the store to pick out a birthday cake (apparently that sounded better than one of my homemade cakes).

Baby Number 3!

Brian and I finally started telling people our exciting news. We are expecting baby number three in November! I’m finding out that the third pregnancy is so much different from my first two. How to explain? First pregnancy: The idea is so exciting. I spent hours a day on the internet trying to find out exactly what you should or shouldn’t eat for each week of development. I worried a ton about everything to do with the baby, but I figured if I could just have a healthy baby the worry would all go away and we’d continue on to our happy ever after. I had grand ideas of the amazing parent I would be. I was completely in awe of the miracle of creating a life and all the changes going on in my body…. And oh I guess I was a little sick, but it was sooo worth it. Second Pregnancy: I’m sorry what?! I’m pregnant… really… huh… wow… WOW… I think I’m going to be sick. I’m already not the amazing parent I imagined with the first baby… now I’m going to be responsible for two!?!?! Eli will love having a sibling. We were always planning on having one pretty close in age anyway. Oh gosh! I have to go through nursing again?! Wow… WOW… Deep breaths… we can do this… we can do this… I feel sick again. Build in some hysterical laughter. Well, at least I hadn’t put away all my maternity clothes. Third pregnancy: Sigh… here we go again. I’m tired, I’m sick. Yes, I want another baby, but why in the world haven’t we found a way for men to bear children yet? There are new ideas for what you should and shouldn’t do?! Go away, I’ve done this twice with decent results. The old rules are fine. Yes, I’m excited, but I’ll be more excited when this stupid morning sickness goes away. Seriously, why doesn’t my husband have to be sick too?! I’m so tired. The other strange phenomenon is probably more with me than the rest of the world. It seems everyone around us is hoping for a girl. Brian is definitely hoping for a boy (I think he wants his own basketball team). I truly don’t have an opinion of if this baby should be a boy or girl. I did want a boy both times before, but this time around I’ll be happy either way. Everyone seems to think I should be dying for a girl, but I’m really not. I spent so many years teaching girls of all ages, dressing them up in pageants, and I guess I have just enough tomboy in me that I just don’t feel a burning need to play doll house with a little girl. I guess I’ve now got experience with both and I’m okay with whatever lays ahead. I’m definitely praying for a healthy baby. Jax had a short but scary stint in NICU and we have good friends going through their own stint in NICU. We have other friends that have fertility issues and can’t get pregnant. Honestly, it feels kinda greedy to ask for 3 healthy children, but here I am. More to come on the developing story. I’m fairly certain I’ll have a post on names coming soon. Brian and I have a really hard time coming up with names. He likes unique and sometimes very strange names, and I usually like more traditional names. We’ve compromised in the past by having a traditional name with a twist in the spelling. I know we would like to come up with a five letter name that the first three letters can be a nickname… Elias “Eli” and Jaxon “Jax”.

Ready, Set, GO!

It is March already! I'm finally starting to get a grasp on the upcoming year. Aaron and Elizabeth set a wedding date (October 22nd). Brian and I are starting to make plans for an anniversary trip! Paul and Marylyn and cruising with Kristin. My parents are still chasing after my granddads, and the kids are playing soccer again (sort of). We had our second soccer game this past weekend. At least they don't keep score at this age : )

The boys are keeping us busy... this is why Brian and I always seem worn out:

• On Saturday morning, right before we left for the soccer game, Eli cut his hair. Eli played the entire game looking like he had a bald spot right where one should be if he were 50 years older. It wasn't until after the game we took both boys to get their hair basically shaved off. Jaxon has been complaining that his hair is too short to twirl (he twirls it when he is tired). They both look like little boys from the 50s.
• Then on Sunday, Jaxon decided to break into the medicine cabinet and drink some (not sure how much) Children's Tylenol. We caught him in the act, but weren't sure how much medicine was in the bottle when he started. The poison control people really want actual amounts consumed. The woman was quite frustrated with me when I told her that the most he could have had was 2 oz, but I wasn't sure how much the bottle had in it when he started. Apparently that was enough for her to determine that he would live. My mom had a great idea to mark bottles of medicine in case this happens in the future. REALLY?! Is this really something I have to look forward to repeating?!?!?!

I'm positive my boys were goats in a previous life. They will eat anything (meat, fruit, veggies, dog food, etc). We made Star Wars cookies and had the flour out. We saw Jaxon thinking about eating flour (plain flour). Brian and I both told him that he wouldn't like it. He tasted it and decided it was good. So we had to keep pushing him away after that. The cookies tasted great, but didn't look quite right since we rushed through the preparation.

I spoke with both boys teachers recently. Jaxon's teacher thinks he hung the moon. Apparently his chatter is charming to the teachers. I forget that most kids his age don't necessarily speak as well as he does. Eli's teacher said that he is doing very well. She apparently isn't holding his latest incident against him (a little boy pushed Eli and Eli gave the kid a bloody nose). I still think it was a lucky hit on Eli's part. He isn't usually very aggressive and I've never seen him actually throw a punch - Jaxon yes, Eli no. Anyway, Eli is reading everything from menus to signs to anything he can find. Our days of spelling things are coming to an end...

Grammy and Pawpaw unintentionally have gotten the boys into a new routine. Eli loves spending the night at their house and so for 2 or 3 weeks in a row they were able to spend Saturday night with the grandparents and go to church with them on Sunday morning. I'm pretty sure Grammy and Pawpaw are getting tired of this routine, but I'm lovin it!

This month is going to be wild and crazy, BUT there will be a break in the middle (at least for Brian and me). The boys are going to visit GrandBunny and Granddaddy in Lubbock! The kids are excited and so are we!!!!

Christmas, New Year's, Engagement, Weather, and More

So I haven’t been very good at blogging lately. I have really good excuses though. This will be a catch up post.

December was full of Christmas fun. We celebrated all over Texas. I really hope Eli and Jax remember this Christmas. Their gifts included an Xbox360 with Kinnect for Grammy’s house, bikes, ipads, a floor keyboard like in the Tom Hanks movie, and books, games, and movies galore. Santa brought Eli a Pokemon movie and Jaxon a Lego movie just as they requested (I guess that means he thinks they were good). We had so much fun celebrating with both sides of the family. It is very clear that our little family is extremely blessed. First we celebrated with my family in Dallas, then went to Houston for Brian’s side.

While we were in Houston, the family held one more ceremony for Doris. It is clear that although some time has passed, her memory isn’t fading at all. We also got to have some fun while attending the Baylor bowl game! The kids really enjoyed getting to be around the whole family.

We went home on New Year’s Eve just in time to celebrate at Master Grill. I don’t know who had more fun eating Papaw or the kids. Massive quantities of food were consumed. Then the boys got to spend the night with Grammy and Pawpaw (and their new Xbox).

Usually January is a quiet month... not so much this year. We knew in early January that Aaron would be proposing to Elizabeth by the end of the month. Of course, I have started to plan for the upcoming year (which I continue to take heat for). Marylyn and Paul booked a cruise. Brian and I have been enjoying some free time thanks to Grammy and Pawpaw keeping the kids quite a bit.

Aaron proposed to Elizabeth on January 30th at her apartment. There were approximately 10 dozen red roses, 24 candles, 8 photos, a poem, and a ring. She was an hour or two late getting home which is funny because I was late getting home when Brian proposed. Marylyn and Paul threw an engagement party that night for the happy couple.
The weather in February has been wild. We had 2 inches of ice and 6 inches of snow last week. We ended up putting the kids in a laundry basket and shooting them down our driveway. It was really fun. The kids got Tuesday through Friday off school. I can’t remember that ever happening in my school days. Eli and Jax are too young to truly appreciate school being out, but they had a good time playing outside anyway. I’m traveling with Papaw to Denver this weekend and couldn’t be more excited about it. Papaw has been quite anxious and causing some mayhem. Yesterday he tried to suck spider venom out of his arm with a nasal aspirator. This trip should be memorable! Actually, I think he’ll do great once we get going. I am really excited to see everyone.

Eli is now reading on a 1st grade level. His speech is getting better too. His Plano Kindergarten Orientation is next month. It is hard to believe he is old enough to officially attend school. Jaxon is turning into a fun little boy. He is very grown up and can do most of the things his brother can. We just signed him up for Grammy’s Kindergarten next year. Ugh!!! I say it over and over because words don’t adequately describe my amazement at how fast they grow and learn. I had a moment a couple of weeks ago when a friend introduced me to her 13 year old son that was taller than I am, when I realized that my babies will be towering over me in just a handful of years. wow…