Brady's Bump- 27 weeks

Due Date: March 24, 2012
Weight gain: I gained 2lbs
Maternity clothes: All the time from now until Brady gets here.
Sleep: Pretty good most nights.
What I miss: Sleeping on my belly & clear skin (my face, back and chest have been broken out this whole pregnancy).
Movement: He kicks all the time…
Sex: BOY!!!! Brady James Seals
Food cravings: HOT SAUCE!!! And anything spicy!
What I'm looking forward to: Working on Brady’s room

First of all: Merry Christmas!!! I can’t believe it’s here and actually over for us now. Tomorrow I’ll start taking all my Christmas decorations down. Once it’s over, it’s over & I’m ready to get my house back to normal.

This past week has been a whirlwind of a week. I thought I would relax and take it easy… well, I didn’t. Our trip to Dallas was a success. We got to visit with our friends, eat some great food, and we bought Brady’s furniture. However, ever since last weekend, I’ve had some serious issues with acid reflux. My doc said I need to stay away from orange juice, chocolate, tomato products, and spicy foods (especially hot sauce!!!!). I’m doomed. That’s like putting me on a diet. Almost everything I like to eat is in those categories. I’ve been trying to be good, but it’s been hard.

Brady has been VERY active this week. I wish so badly I could see what he’s doing because it feels like a lighting storm inside my belly. It’s the weirdest feeling, but I love it. I know I’m going to miss it after I have him.

Brady's Bump- 26 weeks & Big Weekend

Due Date: March 24, 2012
Weight gain: I gained 2lbs
Maternity clothes: All the time from now until Brady gets here.
Sleep: Pretty good most nights.
What I miss: Sleeping on my belly & clear skin (my face, back and chest have been broken out this whole pregnancy).
Movement: He kicks all the time… Today he kicked me twice in the ribs & it didn’t feel pleasant!
Sex: BOY!!!! Brady James Seals
Food cravings: Butterfingers & hot chocolate
What I'm looking forward to: Furniture shopping!
Exciting stuff: We leave tomorrow for Dallas. I’m so excited to visit with my friends, eat some good food, and shop for Brady!!!

What a weekend!!! I have to say, this has been one of the best weekends I’ve ever had. First of all, Thursday at my weekly appointment everything went very well. I did the glucose test, which as not bad at all. My doc told me they would call if I failed, and I never heard from them, so I’m assuming I passed! Thank the Lord! Brady’s heartrate is in the 140’s..has been pretty much the whole pregnancy. He’s still measuring a week ahead. My doc seems to be concerned about his size, but hopefully he won’t be too big when he gets here.

Friday was Steven & my 5th wedding anniversary!!! I can’t believe it’s been 5 years since our beautiful Christmas wedding. There’s a country song, “I thought I loved you then” and that’s all I can think about these days…because as in love with Steven as I was the day we got married, it’s nothing compared to how much I love him now. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m so blessed to get to spend the rest of my life with him. And I can’t wait for our little boy to get here to complete our little family!

Today was Graduation Day!!! I’m so happy to have this behind me. I was worried about tripping and falling on stage, but thankful that didn’t happen! My sweetheart gave me a beautiful diamond eternity ring for anniversary/graduation!! I wish I had a picture to post but I don’t. I had to take it back to be sized because it was a little too big and I was too nervous to wear it. It should be back on Thursday and I can’t wait to get it back on my finger!

After church tomorrow, the hubby & I are heading to Dallas to do some visiting, eating, and shopping! I’m so ready to get away! It’s been way too long since we’ve gotten away for a few days.

Here are a few pictures of me & my family at graduation today!

100!!!

100 days from now, Brady should be here!!! I can't believe how fast this pregnancy is going. I'm amazed at how well I feel. I'm amazed at how BIG I feel, haha. We're so thankful for this little guy.

I go today for my glucose test...today is also our Christmas parties at school & I've already had to servings of hot chocolate! I better stay away from sweets for the rest of the day...but it sure is going to be hard once all the goodies start arriving in my classroom. :/

Brady's Bump- 25 weeks

Due Date: March 24, 2012
Weight gain: I gained 5lbs! She didn’t ask me if I were on a diet this time. haha
Maternity clothes: All the time from now until Brady gets here.
Sleep: Pretty good most nights.
What I miss: Sleeping on my belly.
Movement: He kicks all the time (especially at night!)
Sex: BOY!!!! Brady James Seals
Food cravings: Butterfingers & hot chocolate
What I'm looking forward to: Being done with college so all I have to do is think about Brady!
Exciting stuff: Graduation is this coming Saturday!!! Then we’re going to Dallas to shop for baby furniture!!

This has been an eventful week. Tuesday was my last day of class this semester (well, actually ever!). It’s nice to have that behind me! Wednesday I found out I passed my comprehensive exam!!! I’m so relieved and thankful for that good news! Thursday I had my weekly appointment and everything went pretty good. She checked me to see if I’m anemic & I slightly am…so she put me on iron because she said it would continue to get worse. I told her last week about how I’m having Braxton Hicks contractions all the time, so she also checked my cervics. This made me really nervous because I don’t want to go into preterm labor…but they are closed shut! Thank the good Lord above! I’m just going to have to learn to slow down a bit. I’m used to running 90 mph and that’s just not going to work right now. I’m carrying an extra 25lbs around and it’s making a big difference. This week, I will do my glucose test. I’m not looking forward to that, but at least I will have it behind me.

I’m amazed that I’m already 25 weeks pregnant! I never thought I’d make it to this point but I’m here & I’m loving every minute of it. Brady is such an active kid! Which doesn’t surprise me, he’s going to be just like his dad, into everything! I’m so thankful for this little boy. And as fun as being pregnant is, I’m SO ready to meet my little guy. I dream about it every night…I just can’t imagine what it’s going to feel like when they put him in my arms for the first time.

I feel like I’ve put everything off for the past few months just to focus on college, so I have a lot of catching up to do. I started working on making a stocking for Brady, I’m hoping to have it completed my Christmas. I just ordered my Christmas cards today. I usually have them out a lot sooner than this. I’ve got most of my Christmas shopping completed, but still have a few things to get.

Only 15 weeks to go!!!! I’m so ready to meet Brady!!

I'm Done!!!

I got my letter in the mail today about my comps....the first word was CONGRATULATIONS!!! I PASSED!!! I am so happy!!! I cried tears of happiness. I'm just so thankful that I did this and it's finally over. Plus I got all this done before Brady gets here! I am going to take my Reading Specialist Exam in January, but I'm not going to worry about it. It doesn't keep me from graduating...it's just something extra to have if I ever need it.

I could not have accomplished this goal had it not been for my family. Steven has been so supportive, loving, and wonderful every step of the way. My family has been supportive as well. My sister, Kayla, proofed almost all my papers...I don't know what I would have done without her. The people I work with have been wonderful the whole time as well. I'm so thankful for all the many blessings God has placed in my life.

I never in a million years would have ever thought I could actually get my master's degree. I'm not a very smart person, but I am proof that a lot of dedication, hard work, and prayers can take you anywhere!

Brady's Bump- 24 weeks

Due Date: March 24, 2012
Weight gain: I lost 1lb. My doc asked if I were on a diet (of course I’m not..but I was happy I didn’t gain another big amount 2 weeks in a roll).
Maternity clothes: All the time from now until Brady gets here.
Sleep: Ok. I’ve been getting some bad calve cramps lately. My doc is going to check me this week to see if I’m anemic (she thinks that might be why I’m getting the leg cramps so bad???)
What I miss: Sleeping on my belly.
Movement: He kicks all the time (especially at night!)
Sex: BOY!!!! Brady James Seals
Food cravings: Butterfingers & hot chocolate
What I'm looking forward to: Being done with college so all I have to do is think about Brady!
Exciting stuff: I just finished my LAST college class!!!!
I’m a few days behind on my post. My sister took my camera on her cruise and just gave me my camera back today. My picture isn’t too great, it was taken after a long day at work and my last night of college. My belly is getting SO big. I have a friend who is due two weeks after me, and she’s so small. I look like I’ve swallowed a volleyball. But it’s all worth it if Brady is healthy.

My glucose test is coming up soon. I think I might be doing it next week. I sure hope I pass it. I’m interested to see if I’m anemic…if I am then I’ll take iron. Bending over gets harder & harder every day! My belly button is almost poking out…I think in a week or two it will be poking out.

Only 16 weeks to go!!!

Brady's Bump- 23 weeks

Due Date: March 24, 2012
Weight gain: I gained 5 pounds this week (my appointment was on Monday, so I’m scared to see what I’ve gained since Thanksgiving!)
Maternity clothes: All the time from now until Brady gets here.
Sleep: Ok. I’ve been getting some bad calve cramps lately.
What I miss: Sleeping on my belly.
Movement: He kicks all the time (especially at night!)
Sex: BOY!!!! Brady James Seals
Food cravings: Butterfingers & hot chocolate
What I'm looking forward to: Being done with college so all I have to do is think about Brady!
Exciting stuff: I’ve got most of my Christmas shopping done!!!
What a great week it’s been! I love Thanksgiving. Monday, I got to visit with my wonderful friends, Paula & Dave. I never get to see them, so I had to go by and visit them while they were in Maud. I’m hoping we can get out to Dallas before too long. My grandmother from Houston came in on Wednesday. She stayed with us until Saturday. It was so much fun visiting and shopping with her. Wednesday night we had all the family over for Thanksgiving (Mexican food). It was a blast! I love getting everyone together and spending time together. Thursday, Mama Watson and I got to Texarkana around 10am to do a little Black Friday Christmas shopping. We’re not die-hard shoppers like my mom & sisters. They hit the sales at 10pm and didn’t get home until 4am..then were back at it again Friday around 10am. I don’t know how they managed to do that! I got my Christmas tree up and have the house all decorated. I’ve also got half of my present wrapped…so I’ve been pretty busy. I have a big project due Tuesday that I’ve been working on today…but I’m not too motivated. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m SO ready for graduation to get here!!!

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

I've had a wonderful Turkey Day. My grandmother from Houston came to town to celebrate Thanksgiving. Last night we had all of our family (Steven's side & my side) over for dinner. We had around 25-30 people, Mexican food, games, and a ton of fun. I love having everyone over! Today, we had 2 or 3 stops to make. I ate a lot, but hopefully not too much.

My heart is full of joy & happiness this year. I love this time of the year because it makes me stop and realize just how blessed I am. I serve and love an awesome God, who loves me so much that he sent his only son to die for me so I can live in Heaven one day. My God has blessed me with the most wonderful life...that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. I'm so thankful for my sweet and wonderful husband. Steven is so good to me. I don't know what I'd do without him. We're so excited and blessed to have Brady on the way. He'll be here before we know it!!! I'm so thankful this pregnancy has gone so well. I'm so thankful for a wonderful doctor. Dr. Bingham is my hero and I love her so much. I'm so blessed to have a wonderful and loving family who is always here for me when I need them. I'm blessed to live in a country where I have so many freedoms. I'm blessed to have wonderful friends. I'm thankful for my job. I'm thankful for the opportunity to further my education. I AM THANKFUL! There are so many more blessings in my life, I can't name them all...but I'm know I am a very blessed girl and I'm thankful!!

Brady's Bump- 22 weeks

Due Date: March 24, 2012
Weight gain: 16lbs, I lost a pound this last week
Maternity clothes: All the time from now until Brady gets here.
Sleep: Ok.
What I miss: Sleeping on my belly, and breathing through my nose…my sinuses are killing me.
Movement: He kicks all the time (especially at night!)
Sex: BOY!!!! Brady James Seals
Food cravings: Butterfingers & hot chocolate
What I'm looking forward to: Shopping & decorating
Exciting stuff: Thanksgiving is almost here!

Week 21 was a rough week. Unfortunately, I was plagued with a mild case of the stomach virus (beginning Sunday night). I’m so thankful I didn’t get as sick as a lot of people have gotten with this year’s stomach virus, but I felt yucky pretty much all week. I’d say I really only had it one maybe two days, but my whole digestive system has been out of wack ever since. Around Thursday, I started to get a runny nose again….so that just adds to the feeling puny. But, this week is a short work week (I work Monday and half-a-day Tuesday) so I’m really looking forward to a little break. I don’t know how much rest I’m going to get, between family get-togethers and Christmas shopping, but hopefully I can find some time for a little R&R during the five days off.

Speaking of Christmas shopping…I finally got started this weekend. I love shopping…it brings me so much joy and happiness. I hope during the Thanksgiving break I’ll be able to get a lot more done. Also, I can’t wait to put up my Christmas tree & decorate the house. I bought Brady’s stocking yesterday, so hopefully, I can find some time within the next few weeks to get started on it. I’d like to have it finished before Christmas. I know he won’t be here this year, but I KNOW I’m going to be way too busy next year so I’m going to go ahead to get it done!

Here's me sporting my "Does this shirt make me look fat" shirt.

Brady's Bump - 21 weeks

Due Date: March 24, 2012
Weight gain: 16lbs, gained 3 more pounds this week
Maternity clothes: I’m mostly wearing maternity clothes now.
Sleep: Alright…I’ve been pretty stressed this past week over my comps…so that kept me up a few nights. I can’t seem to get comfortable on my left side.
What I miss: sleeping on my belly…this week I also missed being able to drink alcohol!!! After I finished my comps Saturday, it would have been so nice to go have a Daiquiri.
Movement: He kicks all the time (especially at night!)
Sex: BOY!!!! Brady James Seals
Food cravings: Butterfingers & hot chocolate
What I'm looking forward to: Shopping & decorating
Exciting stuff: You can see my skin rise up when he kicks now (when I’m lying on my back). He’s a strong little thing! I love feeling him move…it just melts my heart!
What a stressful week this one has been!! I’m so glad to have my comps behind me so hopefully I can relax and take it a little easier. I still have some projects due before this semester is over, but I think the hardest part is behind me now (at least I hope so). I’m looking forward to starting my Christmas shopping this coming weekend and getting ready for Thanksgiving. I’m really excited about my 5 days off next week. I have to work Monday & Tuesday, but those won’t be too bad…we’ll just do fun art projects and watch Thanksgiving movies. I love the holidays…plus, not too much longer & I can put my Christmas decorations out!!!! I always wait until Thanksgiving is over. I’m trying to decide what I want to do for Brady’s stocking. I’m trying to decide between ordering all of us some cute monogrammed ones or making Brady one myself. My mom made my stocking and it’s always been so special to me…but I’m a girl, I don’t know if it will be so special to a boy to have a handmade stocking…and those things are a lot of work because I made Gavin on a few years ago. I’ve got to hurry up and decide so I can get them up soon!

Stressful Weekend Ahead

Tomorrow is the day I've been dreading since I signed up to start Grad School. I have to take my comprehensive exam in the morning at 9am. It's a four hour test with five essay questions all of which will cover all the classes I've taken these past few semesters. I've been studying for the past two-and-a-half weeks! I feel like I haven't had much of a life lately. I've neglected everything just to study for this test. I dread having to take it in the morning but I'm SO glad it's finally going to be over. I've pretty much done all I can do, so now it's time to just suck it up and do it. Then, I have to immediately get to work on a research paper that's due Sunday (yes, this Sunday) because I've put it off to study for this test! The good thing is that I have started it and if I just focus...it shouldn't take me too long to finish it. I don't think I've ever wished a weekend away before in my life, but I'll be so happy when this one is over.
So, it's time to start praying!!! :)

Brady's Bump- 20 weeks

Due Date: March 24, 2012
Weight gain: 13lbs, gained 2 more pounds this week
Maternity clothes: I could still wear some of my regular clothes…but I don’t want to stretch them out to the point I can’t wear them after I have Brady….so I’m mostly wearing maternity clothes now.
Sleep: pretty good, still snoring & using the restroom a lot this past week
What I miss: sleeping on my belly
Movement: He kicks all the time.
Sex: BOY!!!! Brady James Seals
Food cravings: Butterfingers!!!
What I'm looking forward to: Shopping & decorating

At my weekly appointment, Thursday, I got to have another sonogram. Brady is STILL a boy!!!! Nothing fell off since the last time we saw him. Haha He was great. Everything looked good. He’s a big boy. At 20 weeks fetus’ are suppose to be ~10.5 oz and at 19w5d he was measuring 13 oz….so my doctor said she’d keep an eye on his growth…especially when I get closer to the end. However, she’s very glad to see that he’s bigger and growing like he should be. He was breech; I sure hope he doesn’t try to stay that way very long. He opened his mouth so that was neat to see. It’s just crazy how much he’s grown since the first time I saw him at 5 weeks. All we saw at 5 weeks was a sack…you couldn’t even see him yet, he was so small at that point. Now he’s almost 1lb!!! My next sonogram won’t be until around 28 weeks just to check on him and make sure he’s still looking good. It’s so nice to be HALFWAY through this pregnancy. I have really enjoyed these past few weeks, especially feeling him move. I hate to wish this exciting time in my life away, but I’m just so ready to meet him & hold him in my arms.

19 weeks & Gender Party!

Due Date: March 24, 2012
Weight gain: 11lbs, no weight gain this week.
Maternity clothes: I wear maternity pants…but I can still wear my shirts and dresses for the time being.
Sleep: pretty good, but I snore now!!! I don’t know if it’s a pregnancy thing or sinus thing but I keep Steven awake at night & I wake myself up!
What I miss: sleeping on my belly
Movement: He kicks all the time.
Sex: BOY!!!! Brady James Seals
Food cravings: Butterfingers!!!
What I'm looking forward to: Shopping & decorating

So, we got all our family over to our house Saturday night and had a big reveal! It was so much fun but most people picked sex…. BOY!!! We are so excited to have baby Brady James on the way!!! I can’t wait to go back to the doctor Thursday and have another sonogram so I can see his sweet face again! Every day I fall more and more in love with him. He’s the greatest blessing of our lives! We couldn’t be happier. Today, Steven was on the tractor & all I could think of is in a few years, Brady will be up there with him. God is SO good! He knows exactly what we need & He always provides. This journey to parenthood has been long & tough but so worth it. Without every little thing that’s happened we wouldn’t be where we are today…and that’s happy & excited about our baby boy!

Here’s some pictures of the gender party. We had Steven’s family & my family over to celebrate. Steven grilled hamburgers & I made the cake to reveal, “It’s a BOY”. (I just couldn’t see spending $40 on a cake…so I made it myself…it looks more like a Charlie Brown cake, but it was made with love.) My “boy” shirt was made by my sweet friend Jamie Martin. She’s one of the most talented people I know.

The food:


The cake:


Our mom's cut the cake to reveal the sex.


Our grandmothers:


My sisters:


Message in a cake:


It's a BOY!!!

Secrets!

Secrets are NO fun..especially when it's something you really want to tell!!! I went to the doctor yesterday for my weekly check-up. When my doctor walked in she said, "do you want to find out what you're having today?" I was like heck yeah!!! I wasn't suppose to have my sonogram until next week, but she said she wanted to know the sex and of course we were dying to know. So we went in the room and got to see our sweet angel again & thankfully "it's" not shy or modest!!! So we know!!! And I couldn't be happier!!!! I am SO excited and I want to shout it to the world...but I want to tell all my family at the same time...and we couldn't find time to do it until Saturday. So, I'm trying my best not to slip and tell someone my exciting news!

Every good and perfect gift is from above.
James 1:17

18 weeks

Due Date: March 24, 2012
Weight gain: 11lbs
Maternity clothes: I wear maternity pants…but I can still wear my shirts and dresses for the time being.
Sleep: pretty good, just have to get up a couple time a night to use the restroom
What I miss: sleeping on my belly
Movement: The baby kicks all the time when I’m still, however, it won’t kick when Steven’s trying to feel it.
Sex: Don't know yet. We will find out next week!!!
Food cravings: Butterfingers!!! Those things are the devil!!!
What I'm looking forward to: I can't wait to find out the sex! I'm so excited to start shopping!!!!

Inching closer....

I'm 17w5d pregnant today. I went to my weekly doctor's visit and everything is still good. The baby's heartbeat is in the 150's and "it's" moving like crazy. My doctor said everything looks good. I gained 4 pounds, which didn't surprise me, but I'm not too happy about it. I know gaining weight is a part of being pregnant but gaining 4 pounds in one week is not good. I'm going to have to start eating healthier and get back to walking.The exciting news is that I'm going to have a sonogram in 2 weeks...which means in 2 weeks we hopefully will know the gender of the baby!!! We're so excited!

But, now comes the hard work. I told Steven we have 2 weeks to decide on a name for each sex. I want to have a name picked out when we find out the sex. So, all the way home tonight we pretty much argued over names. It's so hard to pick a name for another person. This is what this child is going to be called forever....how he/she is going to be identified. I don't want to pick something that will bring my baby embarrassment in the future. So, tonight I sat down and when through hundreds of boy names...I've decided I'm going give my list of 40 names to Steven & let him narrow it down. I'm thinking one week to decide each sex is long enough...we're starting with boy names first.... Hopefully we can come to a decision without killing each other! ha

17 weeks

Due Date: March 24, 2012
Weight gain: 7lbs
Maternity clothes: not really (I do use a belly band to still wear my jeans.)
Sleep: pretty good, just have to get up a couple time a night to use the restroom
What I miss: sleeping on my belly
Movement: I can feel the baby when I lay still...but today it was kicking me during Gage's football game.. maybe we're having a football player or cheerleader???
Sex: Don't know yet, but should find out in 1-2 weeks!!!! I'm so excited.
Food cravings: Sweet stuff (and that's so not like me!)
What I'm looking forward to: I can't wait to find out the sex! I'm so excited to start shopping!!!!

Belly Shots

Here's how I've progressed throughout this pregnancy so far. I don't know if you can tell in the later pictures but it's pretty obvious that I'm pregnant...the people who see me every day have been wondering when I was going to say something. lol
5 weeks (We were on vacation, so this pic is taken in Maine... pretty awesome background!!)


6 weeks


7 weeks


8 weeks


9 weeks


10 weeks


11 weeks


12 weeks


13 weeks


14 weeks


15 weeks


16 weeks

1 Month

Our journey, with this pregnancy, begin way back in January 2010. I never would have thought then it would have taken so long to get to the point where we are today, but it has all been for good reason, I have no doubt about that. After my three miscarriages, my doctor decided she'd done everything she could think of and referred me to a specialist in Dallas.

Our first appointment with the specialist was in April 2011. He discovered that I had cysts on my ovaries, but felt really good about our chances of having our own baby. His plan of treatment was to prescribe Clomid (a drug to help you ovulate). I began Clomid on June 20th. On day 10 of my cycle I went back to Dallas and had a sonogram which showed the Clomid had worked and I had one good follicle. So, our specialist gave us the green light to try.

Well, once again (just like the last 3 times we've tried), I got pregnant the first month. I took a positive pregnancy test on July 12th. I went to my doctor for blood work on July 12 and 18th and everything looked good. On July 27th I had my first sonogram and everything looked good. The baby was too small to see, but the sac was there. My doctor decided to prescribe Crinone (which is progesterone), just to be safe. She also decided to prescribe Lovenox (a blood thinner). I took Crinone through week 14 and will take Lovenox until week 32 (I think) then she'll switch to a different drug (Hepron). The Crinone is a suppository, which is yucky, but painless. I'm very thankful I'm done with it. Lovenox is an injection. Steven gives me a shot in the stomach every night...and it hurts!!! But so worth it!

Here's pictures from that first month.

One Word

It's crazy how one little word can completely change your life. We are so excited to be expecting our little blessing, but still very nervous and scared. I've been wanting to blog about this pregnancy but didn't want to word to get out too soon. So, after 16 weeks, and a growing belly, I've decided now's the time to let you in on my secret. I plan to do a weekly pregnancy blog...today is 16 weeks. I'll blog about the last four months soon.
Please keep us in your prayers.

Hello October!!!

It's seriously so hard to believe today's the first day of October. I was telling Steven last night how it felt like I just changed the calendar over to September and now it's time to do it again! I love fall and it is a little cooler this weekend, which makes it even better! I haven't really seen any leaves changing colors yet, but hopefully that will happen soon.

I have slowly been working on decorating my house for fall this past week. I have decided that instead of decorating separately for all the fall holidays (Halloween & Thanksgiving) that I'd just focus on fall decorations and keep my decorations up a little longer (plus it saves money, which makes my hubby very happy). Here's what I've done so far....I forgot I had all these decorations, so it felt like Christmas the other day when I went up in my attic and found all these decorations.

I made this wreath myself! (Again, saving that money!!!)


Happy Fall Y'all!!!

Football Fever

Football is back! I love this time of the year. The weather starts to cool off a bit and I get to go watch some football! Last night we went to the high school game & the Maud Cardinals won! This morning we were back at the football field, this time to watch Gage & Makenna. Gage is a 6th grader and plays peewee football and Makenna, a 5th grader, cheers for his team. Oh, and by the way, the Cardinals beat the Redwater Dragons this morning!!! Gage had 2 touchdowns & threw a pass for a touchdown!!! Here are a few proud auntie pics.

Gavin & Makenna


Makenna's the cutie in front.


Makenna is the third one from the left.


Gage getting some water and a brief break after running in his first touchdown!


Gage is #7.


Gage playing quarterback...He threw a pass on this play for a touchdown!!!

Crazy week...

Wow! This last week was crazy!!! On Labor Day, my grandpa had to go back to the hospital for low blood pressure. Thankfully, he was okay & got to go home the same day. Tuesday, I had to drive to Mt. Pleasant (which is an hour away) for my class. I was exhausted when I got home around 8:30-9pm. Thankfully the class only meets every-other-week. Wednesday, I went to the college to talk to my academic adviser about graduation and Wed. is church so we don't get home until ~8pm. Thursday, we had to run some errands in Texarkana. Friday my hubby & I went out for date night!! We ate out & I finally got to see The Help (& loved it!). Saturday, I went to the Ranger's game with my stepdad & was gone all day long. Sunday was church and I stayed up late watching the Cowboys. And today was back to work...

I'm so exhausted. All I can think about is getting finished with this semester & having college behind me. The good thing about being so busy is that time seems to be going fast. I do not wish my life away...at all, but I'll be so happy to have this semester & college behind me...FOR GOOD!

Mornings with Gavin

This week was the first week of me taking Gavin to school with me. Let me tell ya, getting another person ready to go to school and getting there on time is not easy! I don't know how all you moms do it! My bed has not been made all week long..and it drives me crazy to look at an unmade bed...but something's got to give. He did pretty good for me and we weren't late one day! Next week might be a different story because I have early morning duty, which means I have to get at work earlier than usual! Thankfully, it will only be a four day week & I only have to take G to school M-Th, Kris is off on Fridays.

This week has been just as hectic as last week. With work & college, I'm swamped! I'm so thankful it's Friday & a 3 day weekend. And, when I got home today, my WONDERFUL hubby had a sweet surprise waiting for me... $100 spa bucks!!! I can't wait to use them!!! He's seriously the best....I'm so blessed!!!

Last Week

What a week, last week was... Wow, I'm kind-of surprised I survived! The first day of school was rough. Not near a rough as my first year of teaching...nothing could ever top that (I don't think). Last year, I had the dream class...they were wonderful...So, it's hard to follow that group. This group LOVES to talk, A LOT! Wow! They wore me out! But, I'm determined get them under control!

Last week was also my due date for baby #3. It's so hard to believe she'd be here now. My heart hurts, of course, but I know God has a plan for me and I'm just going to focus on being healthy and loving my life. Even though we don't had kids yet, we are SO blessed!

College also started last week! Talk about stress. I'm so thankful this is my last semester!

So to wrap it all up... last week was exhausting!!! Hope this week is a little better!

Back to work

Well, the day has finally come...in the morning I have to report back to work. It's been a nice, HOT summer. I've been productive at times & very lazy other times. It's always so hard to go back to work, but I think deep down I'm actually ready for it. I like being on a schedule and having stuff to do. This will be a very busy fall because I'll be finishing up grad school. I'm so looking forward to having that behind me.

So, good-bye summer & hello fall!!! I'm ready for football, cooler (but not cold) weather, and falling in love with my new babies! In one week, the class of 2023 will start first grade!

Weekend recap

This past weekend was wonderful. My grandmother from Houston came up for a visit & it was so nice to visit with her. I love to entertain but it's hard this time of the year because the heat just about kills you. I don't know the exact number of consecutive days of over 100 degree temperature we've had, but it's a lot. It is hot! So hot that at 8pm it's still in the 100's. That's crazy. Texas always has hot summers...but I don't ever remember one this hot. Anyways, my grandmother left Sunday & so did my hubby for two weeks! :( I'm so sad he's gone...I don't know what I'm going to do without him.

And to top off being lonely for the next two weeks... this is my last week of freedom! Next week I go back to work. I can't believe the summer is over.

Back to work...

Well, it's not technically time for me to be back to work, or at least it's not mandatory yet. The past two days I've gone to my classroom to work on getting everything back in order and I'm very proud to say I've done a pretty good job. I'm usually all over the place, skipping from one thing to the next without getting much accomplished but this year has been different. I have family coming in this weekend so I know I have to be productive right now because I won't be up there until next week sometime.

It's been hard to make myself go up there but I know it will be worth it.

Just a side note: Today is my nephew, Gage's, 12th b-day!!! I can't believe he is 12 years old and going into middle school this year. He's also taller than me now, not that it takes much to be taller than 5'2". Time is flying by...I wish it would slow down.

Boston 2011

So last Tuesday my hubby & I set off for our summer 2011 vacation! We drove to Dallas and stayed the night with our wonderful friends Paula & Dave. We got up at 4am Wednesday morning to make it to the airport. After we arrived in Boston, we settled into the hotel and set out to see Boston. Wednesday was mostly sight seeing. Thursday we took a trolley ride around Boston & took a boat ride around Boston Harbor. We also took a tour of Fenway Park. Friday we did more sight seeing and that night we went to a Boston Red Sox game! It was so much fun. Saturday we rented a car and drove up to Maine. Saturday turned out to be the most interesting day of the vacation because we couldn't find a hotel to stay at in Maine. We drove all the way up to Portland, ME and were still unable to find a place to stay so we had to drive back down to some small town outside of Boston before we finally found a place with a room. It was 1:20am!!! Sunday we drove to Plymouth, MA and toured around the town. Then Monday we went back to Boston for the last day. We had an awesome vacation!!! I'm so glad we were able to get away and spend some time alone!!! I can't wait to our next adventure!!!

Boston Harbor

Swan boat ride at the Boston Commons

Fenway Park

Lighthouse in Maine

My handsome driver

The love of my life!