House Pictures

The living room with our new couch (finally!). That is the front door to the house that Beau is standing in front of.

Another angle in the living room. These doors lead into Toby's office.

This is what you first see when you walk into the front door.

Skip to the hallway...

Beau's room - this is the first room I painted. It is Barn Door Red. I really ended up loving the color, especially for a little boy's room. It sure beats the salmon pink that it was...

More Beau's room...

And more Beau's room...

Our long skinny kitchen. I actually like the kitchen a lot. After looking at this picture I realized I need to clean off the fridge! That is way too much stuff up there!

Abby's room. She has the biggest room in the house. It was pepto bismol pink when we moved in, which fortunately works for her. I will eventually be painting it. It just wasn't first on the list...

Abby's new full sized bed. She is so proud...She needs bedding. I have fallen in love with the new PBK bedding with the little birds on it. I really want to get that for her, but it is so stinkin' expensive! We'll see...

Dining room. I painted this room 2nd - only a few weeks ago. This is a very large room - hard to capture in a picture.

This is another angle in the dining room. The doorway to the left leads into the hall, then into either Abby's room, Beau's room, or their bathroom.

I didn't take any pictures of the bathrooms or our room b/c they are so stinkin' ugly. I will have to take before pictures and post them with the pictures I'll take after we redo them! I am thinking we'll start working on the master bathroom next, or maybe paint Toby's office. It is a really dark green right now. Anyways...everyone is always asking to see pictures of the house, so here they are. We are about to get the outside painted, too. I'll try and post before and after pictures of that as well!! Now everyone just needs to come and see it in person!!!

Wild Trip to Nashvegas

Beau and Abby on the plane. Unfortunately they weren't always this happy about being on it!

Frances at the lanes. She looked so cute in her little Uggs.

Ella getting ready to show off her skills...That girl has athlete written all over her!

Austin at the bowling alley. I don't think he knew what to think at first. He looks so big to me now. I can't believe he will be 5 in June!

Brooke and Abby posing at the bowling alley. Abby is at a hard stage for pictures. She either smiles REALLY big or tries to hide her face (above)...

How many times can I say, "Thank God for Aunt Jody!"? I don't know how I would have made it without her!

Two tired babies.

Erica's birthday cake made by none other than the talented Aunt Ann! Isn't that the coolest cake ever?

Maybe he is trying to walk a mile in my shoes?

Last week we had a wild and crazy visit home. I flew in with the kids from Dallas. It was hectic and both Abby and I got sick. Thanks to everyone who helped out so much while I was worshiping the porcelain throne. Not fun. Besides that, it was really fun to see everyone. Next time we come back girls night out is definitely happening! The kids and I miss everyone so much. We will have to plan a longer trip next time, hopefully with Daddy in tow!

8 Things About Beau and 8 Things About Abby

Amber tagged me so here goes...

8 things about Beau...

1) I love balls. I love any kind - football ("foo ball"), basketball ("shoot ball"), baseball (pronounced correctly), soccer ("kick-it"), etc. I scream "shoot ball" out of the car window if we pass a basketball goal in someone's driveway that I can see out of the window. I will watch ESPN with Daddy already. I am obsessed, and have been this way before I could even walk. My mommy thinks this was definitely somehow passed on to me via Billy D. who is now laughing about this in heaven. My parents have a large future of bleacher booty if this passion continues at this rat.

2) I love to eat. My first word was "bite". I will eat pretty much anything, even if I have just completed an entire meal. Food is always better and more appealing to me if it is on someone elses's plate. I have even asked strangers for a "bite" while pointing at their plates in restaurants, much to my mommy's dismay. I am not incredibly stout, but I have a gut thanks to my passion for food. Favorites include hot dogs, chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, ranch dressing and ice cream. (I am really healthy like my mommy...)

3) I am a runner. I started walking at 10 months, and was running at 10 1/2 months. I never looked back. I am VERY physical. I love to wrestle with my daddy and uncles. I think it is very funny to take off running when my mommy wants to change my diaper, put my shoes or jacket on, etc. I get is trouble for this on a daily basis, but never tire or falter in doing it anyways.

4) I am confident in my manhood. I have no problem feeding my sister's babies, wearing her princess shoes, or playing in her kitchen. I am in touch with my feminine side and proud of it!

5) I love outside. There is no better place to be. I am always asking to go to the "paygroun" and "duck pond" as soon as I am put in my car seat. I can't wait until it is warmer.

6) I already do my chores. I love to hand Mommy clean clothes out of the dryer, unload the silverware from the dishwasher and throw it into the right drawer, rake and bag leaves, sweep (with the big broom), and roll the trash cans to the back. This last one is my absolute favorite.

7) I love big boys so much. I want to be one so bad. I think Austin (friend from Nashville who is 4) and Hudson (neighbor here in Shreveport who is 3) are the bomb. I will follow them everywhere and mimic everything they do. I am on my way to being quite a big boy already. I even already sleep in my big boy bed! Potty training is next, I guess...

8 things about Abby...
1)I am a caregiver. I love babies. If there is a baby around at all I am not interested in anything else. I want to hold it, feed it, burp it, change its diaper....anything to take care of that baby.

2)I am very observant, and I remember everything. I always notice if my mommy is wearing something new, if someone gets a haircut, if we drive a different route to a particular destination etc. etc. It is unreal, and never ceases to amaze my parents.

3)I adore Disney Princesses, Hannah Montana, Shrek, Annie, Dora, and The Wizard of Oz. (Oh, and I also just love watching Grey's Anatomy and The Biggest Loser with my mommy!) I like a slew of other commercialized money suckers, but the above are among my favorites. I also love to go to the movie theatre and watch a movie there. I ask on a daily basis when we are taking a trip on a plane to Disney.

4)I am the world's pickiest eater. If I try something that is not to my liking (by force of my parents) I will gag and vomit at the table. My favorite food group hands down in dessert...chocolate in particular. I get this honestly, however. I know what tastes good.

5)I love, love, love to go to the nail salon and get a manicure and pedicure. I love to pick my polish and I adore every aspect of being pampered already. I am definitely a girly girl who loves here dresses, nail polish and princesses.

6)I lock my knees when I stand up straight like my daddy and my Aunt Jody. I look just like them from behind. I walk just like my daddy, too. I am very rough on my shoes and have rather large feet (sz 10), again, like Daddy.

7)My mother fears I am destined to be somewhat of a nerd. I love school, teaching, learning to write my letters and numbers. I love flash cards and books. I want to be a "surgery doctor" when I grow up.

Christmas 2007

Opening gifts from Papaw and Aunt Jody on Christmas Eve. Beau got "race cars" from Papaw and literally danced around the room singing "race cars" with them in both hands. It was pretty funny.

Abby was sooooo excited. We made a huge mess making cookies for Santa, but they turned out yummy!

Santa came!!

Abby riding her new bicycle from Santa with Daddy and Rocky. In our defense, of course we bought her a cute little purple helmet that matched her bike. Unfortunately, it would not fit around her big ol' head. As you can see, Daddy stayed extra close...

Beau on his new Power Wheels 4-Wheeler. He was kind of irritated that he couldn't quite keep up with Abby riding her new bike.

So proud...

Bedtime Christmas Day night - thank-you to Mee-Mee for the new PJs and cute slippers!

The budding (topless) artist on her new easel. At least she has on an apron!

Here are (some) Christmas pictures - finally! Toby had only put a few on the computer, so these are some of what were downloaded. The kids had a great Christmas, although we REALLY missed all of our family and friends. Toby said next year we have to go to one of our hometowns or people have to come here because we just don't have enough attention between the 2 of us to give these kids at Christmas at the ages they are! I agree, and I also hate that our families didn't get the witness the sheer joy and delight that came with Christmas morning. They had so much fun and got lots of fun stuff from Santa and everyone else! I hope everyone else had a very Merry Christmas and that you have a Happy New Year! I'll try to do better posting...sorry!

First Visit Home

Hey everybody! I am going to post Christmas pictures. I promise I will try to tonight...
In the mean time I just wanted to let everyone know that I have officially booked our first flight for a visit home for January 17th through the 22nd. Toby will be staying and working - just myself and the kids. Am I crazy trying to fly with both of my kids by myself? We'll see...
Just wanted to let everyone know! Clear those calenders for some playdates!

Dear Santa

A mommy's wish list... (someone sent this to me on email...I thought it was cute...)
Dear Santa, I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my own doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out -- over several Christmases. Since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles; and who knows when I'll find any more free time in the next 18 years, so now - - *** Here are my Christmas wishes *** * I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store. * Id also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy. * If you're hauling big-ticket items this year, I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone. * On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools. * I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting, "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because e my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog. If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container. If you don't mind, I could also use a few miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family. Well, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing, and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his red crayon back. Have a safe trip Santa, and remember to leave your wet boots by the door, and come in and dry off, so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table, but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.
Yours always with love and appreciation,
A Mom
P.S. One more thing . . . you can cancel all my requests, if you can keep my children 'young' enough to believe in Santa. . . . Santa has asked that this gets passed on to all 'moms' if you wish

We're Here

Abby with the Betsy Ross posing in front of the Christmas Tree. Betsy is a bear that here school has. The kids share turns taking her home, and then they scrapbook about their time with her and put it in Betsy's book for other's to read when they take Betsy home. It is a really cute idea, and Abby was thrilled with getting to bring her home.

Beau checking out the (tiny) fruits of his labor. If you look closely, you, too, can see as well!

Beau sitting on the toilet - not wanting to get off and enjoying his cookie (left hand). How's that for sanitation?

My sweet nephew Will in the tub. Precious. He wasn't that happy most of the time in the tub with Abby and Beau, though - they are a little wild for him just yet!

See Beau trying to wash his hair? Poor Will. This is not that great of a picture, but it was the best I could get of the 3 cousins in the bathtub together!

One of the reasons the kids always want to go to Mee-Mee's - lots of sweets. Ice cream and Nestle Crunch - yummy!!

Abby and Beau during Thanksgiving dinner.

Uncle Michael and Abby taking a (unlawful) spin around in Mee-Mee's new jeep. I might add that mommy was not home and was unaware of this unlawful spin until later when Abby told me all about it. She, of course, was thrilled. Uncle Michael bumped himself way up there on the favorites list with that and Shrek the Third on DVD for her birthday.

Hey everybody!!
All right. I'm back. There is so much to do to our "new" house and for Christmas, I'm not sure how often I'll be posting, but I will try to keep everyone updated.
I hope everyone is doing great and enjoying the holiday season. I put some pictures above from Thanksgiving since I didn't get to post then. We had a great Thanksgiving with family at home before the big move. We ate too much and watched lots of football. The kids had a great time running around, playing and getting lots of attention and love. We did the day after Thanksgiving early morning shopping as Jody and I try to do annually. It was a lot of fun - just the girls for hours. This year the group included Aunt Ramona and her daughter Erica, Mom, Courtney, Jody and myself. Because I had finished all of my shopping (b/c of the move) except for Toby and the kids I bought myself a new pair of much needed brown boots!
The movers came on Saturday morning. We thought they would be all loaded up around noonish. Well, they finished after 4pm. Then we got to finish cleaning the house. Fun. The best part of all was that they could not quite get all of our stuff on the massive moving truck, so Toby had to load down the back of his truck (like the Beverly Hillbillies - seriously - check out Courtney's blog for a great picture), the back of my car was loaded down, and Toby's little Camry that his dad was driving down was loaded down, too! Toby left at about 4am in his truck so he could beat the movers there and tell them were to unload everything. Papaw (Toby's dad), myself and the kids left around 10am. It rained (hard - not a slight drizzle - a real rain) about 8 or 9 of the 11 hours is took us to drive down. I was changing DVDs, searching for pacifiers, passing back food, singing, etc. constantly the whole way down and Papaw was driving Toby's car following behind me. Abby decided not to sleep (not at all - not even a wink), and Beau slept for about 30 minutes the whole ride down. We stopped for both lunch and dinner and tried to let the kids run around as much as possible at our stops. It was not the funnest trip in the world to say the least. Beau threw a screaming, arch the back fit every time I tried to put him in his car seat the next 2-3 days after the trip. However, we did arrive safely and securely. Praise the Lord for that!
We arrived late, as did the movers. They had only been there a short time when we got there. Around midnight I threw a hissy fit for the movers to set up the kids beds so I could put them down. They were delirious. The movers finally finished and left after 2am. I can't begin to express how excited I get when I think about moving again!
We spent the next several days frantically unloading boxes while we had Papaw here to help watch the kids. Thank you SO much for all of your help, Papaw. I don't know how we would have done it without you! I really like our house a lot. It was built in 1935 and has some very quirky things about it, but over all I like it a lot. It is in a great neighborhood with lots of big trees and a fenced in back yard. It is near several great parks. I absolutely adore my neighbor. She is my age and has two boys, 3 and 1. They are such a cute little family and she has been SO sweet to us. She brought over homemade bread and dinner that first week. She has offered to watch the kids, share babysitters, pediatricians, directions and advice. Toby's friend Richard's wife also has been extremely helpful in making this feel like home. She, too, has given lots of advice and brought over a wonderful stew for us that first week. She has a 3 year old cutie pie little girl, too. They took us to the library last Friday where Beau acted like a wild animal. She probably won't be asking us back again anytime soon! Oh well.
Abby started to her new school on Monday, and Toby to his new job. Abby is still going 3 days a week and is thriving! She loves her new school and teachers. We are going to a birthday party tomorrow for a little girl in her class. She even starts ballet class on Monday! She has seemed to make this transition remarkably well so far. Please continue to pray for her to keep thriving. Toby likes his new position a lot as well. He is officially a fellow. They have (graciously) given him an easier rotation for his first month here. That means no call yet, and that he will be home for Christmas morning (yay)!
Beau is still a little wild man. He is becoming much clingier to mommy as he has been with me constantly the past couple of weeks. He is such a mess. We set him on the potty the other day and he did not want to get off. He thought that was very cool. I have included some pictures of that as well! He has started to say please and thank-you without prompting at times, which I think is adorable.
I think Rocky needs some doggy Prozac. He is as neurotic as ever and barks at even the slightest noise (which are a lot in an older home). I think he is more homesick than anyone!
I did insist (much to Toby's dismay) that we put up the Christmas tree last weekend. We still had boxes laying everywhere that needed unpacking and here Abby and I were decorating the tree! Tis the season!! It was fun, and Abby was soooo excited to help. She helped me put lights up outside the following night. Kids are so cute and so much fun at this age this time of year. I love being able to say, "You'd better be good. Santa is watching. Be nice to Beau. Santa is watching. Eat your green beans. Santa is watching..." She proceeded to tell me the other day that Jesus is watching us all of time, too, and that we should be good mostly because of that. Yep. She's right. Smart kid, that one...
I'll close this incredibly lengthy post with another funny story about Abby. We have two fireplaces in our new house. One is wood burning and in our bedroom (sounds romantic but actually quite tacky - I think we are going to take it out...), and the other is gas in our living room. Abby called us both the other day and said, "Mommy and Daddy, I hope you don't mind, but I think Santa is going to come down the fireplace in your bedroom." We replied, "Why do you think that, Abby?" She said, "I've checked it out, and the one in your bedroom has a hole up there he can come down, but the one in the living room doesn't!" Apparently she has been on her hands and knees in both rooms making sure Santa has fair passage into our house! We told her that would be fine, that we probably wouldn't even hear him because we would be sleeping. She makes me laugh so much sometimes. I can't wait to tell her that story when she is older.
Anyways, thanks for everyones' prayers, phone calls, cards and thoughts during this life-changing time for us. We really appreciate it! I will try and post some more updates soon!

Lots of love from us way down south, and try to remember the reason for the season!