9 years....

See this handsome little guy?....well, he is nine now!!!  NINE!  His birthday was December 9th and it was a great day!  I always get so teary eyed on his birthday...thinking back to when he was a little baby.  It seems like just a short while ago.  And then I start thinking about what the next 9 years will hold.  I am so proud of this quirky, smart, big-hearted kid!  He loves his sister more than he will admit, always notices and compliments people, is far too smart for his own good, makes us laugh everyday, and now that he has glasses he can see!!!! (I can't believe we didn't know for this long...I'm going with the excuse that his eyes recently got bad! HA!)
Happy Birthday Rob-o! You are truly special to us and we love you!!

Halloween, Superbowl, Thanksgiving....I'm a little behind!

Time is flying by!!!!....Halloween was a blast!

 Straight out of a movie is our "Dorothy" and coming to you from a wild football game is "crazy super fan Rob"

What's Dorothy without the red glitter high heels? 

The boys Rob's age weren't real excited about dressing up so they came up with this "super fan" idea.  Two other boys were also dressed like Rob and when we put them side by side their chests read U T #1...and their backs said GO FIGHT WIN!  Super cute when they were all together, although I hate UT! haha

A few weeks ago we were also 100% into football and cheer....
Our football organization has 4 football teams...3 of the teams made it to the Championship game that we call the "SUPERBOWL"! Our amazing group of parents worked all week on snacks, decorations, and a pep rally fit for high school that we had the Friday before the big games.  We had cheerleaders, candy and t-shirts to throw to the crowd, the high school dance team, music, a pep talk by our high school quarterback (who did an amazing job pumping up our little ones!) And even the Macarena dance by all of the coaches! We left the school that night feeling exhausted but successful...those boys thought it was great and to see parents, grandparents, neighbors, friends, teachers, etc. all come out on a friday night for these kids was breathtaking. The gym was FULL...standing room only!  Our community has such a tight bond and real sense of family! I wouldn't trade our school for anything! We went the next day to the Championship games where it was freezing and the wind would blow you over!!! Every team game it a valiant effort but each one came up just a bit short! The boys (and coaches) were bummed to say the least but it was inspiring to see all of the parents, friends, and coaches encourage the boys to hold their heads up and know that they gave it their all!  Our awards banquet the next day went great...we handed out trophies, ate, and had a speaker who reminded us that these kids will be grown in the blink of an eye and to enjoy every second we get with them.  He had every mom and some dads tearing up and sniffling but it was a great message for us all! We also did a Toys for Tots drive that was beyond successful and proved again how great our community is!!

Now on to Thanksgiving....Wednesday morning we will be packed up and heading to OOOO Oklahoma, where the roads are bumpy, and it costs a small fortune to drive on them! haha  But hey- we have a very cute 2 year old waiting for us there that we can't wait to squeeze! The kids are ready to go today if I would let them!  Life has been so crazy that I haven't posted a single "What I'm thankful for" this month so here goes.....

I am thankful for a thriving business that keeps growing and is staying very busy (knock on wood).

I am thankful for a group of girlfriends (you know who you are) that are always there to laugh, cry, listen, and meet at chilis!!! I couldn't ask for a better group of great girls!!!

I am thankful for my hard-working, smart, providing husband!  He is constantly amazing me with what he comes up with and how he gets things done!

I am thankful for 2 kids that are completely different individuals, who love unconditionally, have a contagious laugh, are growing, learning, and showing us each day how blessed we are with them in our lives!

There's so much more but let's save some for tomorrow?!

She's not a baby anymore....

It seems like just yesterday that my sweet, bald, dark browned eyed baby girl was born.  6 lbs, 19 inches and perfect!! After a long 8 months all we wanted was to hold her and know that she was healthy and safe.  She was a perfect fit with us from the beginning and her big brother couldn't get enough of "his baby"! She has filled my heart in a way I never knew possible...and daddy-well, he is wrapped around her finger!!! Seeing her grow over the past seven years has been such a joy! I can't wait to see what her life will become and what she has in store for us as she gets older!!! Happy 7th Birthday Neely!!!!!!

First black eye!

Seven Years old this morning!!!!

Homecoming...Texas style!

This past week was HOMECOMING at Jim Ned.

Is that not the cutest thing ever?!!!!

My goodness-he is growing up way too fast!!

Now I know- my kids are only in elementary school, but that's what is so great about small towns in Texas---they even include the little ones!  On Friday we dropped the kids off at school in their football jersey and cheer uniform with their garter and mum!  Yes, kinder-5th grade wear mums and garters...it is adorable!  We were busy all week making signs, getting decorations, gathering candy and making bags for each kid to have during the parade. We had the parade Friday afternoon and the kids rode on floats for youth cheer and football and threw tons of candy.  This is my absolute favorite time of year (and the busiest)!!!  Friday morning we got to the trailers early and started decorating!  Afterwards we went to lunch and it was so nice to have a bunch of us together (-kids) to eat lunch and hang out.  Then mass chaos ensued when we picked the kids up from school and tried to keep over 100 k-5th grade boys and girls on a float without crying, falling, or killing each other while we took pictures! HAHA  Every time we have an event like this it reminds me how blessed I am for great friends, a great town, and a great school for my kiddos!!  GO INDIANS!!!!  SO I  leave you with a couple pics from the parade.....

Love!

 Great friends!!!

Such a cute handsome bunch of boys!  Please excuse the ice chest full of water...it was a HOT day!

Future high-school football stars?!!

Thankful Thursday

I'm feeling a little selfish today.  When I started to think about the people facing hurricanes, loved ones at war, etc. it mad me realize I need a THANKFUL THURSDAY!!!

• Football officially begins on Saturday!  I can't wait to watch my little boy (big boy...he keeps reminding me he's not a baby anymore) tackle some kids and take a few hits.  It always makes me tear up when I see him run out onto that field.
• My husband- again- is so strong and always finds a way to make things work.  If I could have an ounce of his faith and positive thinking I would be a completely different person.  He says he doesn't have to worry about anything because I worry enough for the both of us! Ha
• My friends....when I moved to Texas I never imagined the close group of great friends I would have.  They are HONEST, real, and always there to help out or just to talk.  I couldn't make it through life without them! I love watching our kids play and think about when our kids are grown and we are all still hanging out and going on trips together.  
• Cuddle time with my Neely-Belle.  There is nothing more peaceful, nothing that can turn a bad day into a fabulous one like cuddling with her and watching a movie together.  It feels like time stands still and everything stops while I get to spend that precious time with her.  I made her promise she will always be my little girl!!
• And don't laugh.....but I'm so thankful for THE HUNGER GAMES.  Best book series EVER!!!  I finished the third one earlier this week and now I can't wait until the movie in March.  I know- it sounds ridiculous...world devastation, hovercrafts, fighting to the death.....but once I started I couldn't stop.  The series grabs you and pulls you into their lives and emotions.  Trust me- its a fast, great read.  Loved it!!!!

Hope you have a happy, fun, and THANKFUL Thursday!!!

Neely's early birthday party, and the first day of school- again!!

This past Friday we had Neely's 7th birthday! Yes, it was a month early but she wanted to have a pool party, so why not?! She is completely obsessed with peace signs....

A little candy buffet... : )

COUSINS!!!

I think they all had a blast until the mosquitos came out around 8:30 pm!!

Then this morning was the beginning of another school year.  Where did the summer go?! Neely started 1st grade and Rob started 3rd. Praying they have a great day and an awesome year!!!

Wow-they grow up so fast!!!!

Football...Already?!

Celebrating their victory last year after the "Superbowl"

Superbowl Champions 2010!!!

I can't believe that it has already been nearly a year since that championship games!!! Tonight we are handing out equipment and beginning a new season!!! We are all so excited...hoping for another great year!!! The pictures from last years championship game still bring tears to my eyes.  I know-its only youth football right? But the way those boys became best friends, worked together, and focused all season on their goal was incredible! They were our "boys of fall" and I can't wait for this season to be in full swing!!!

Port Aransas 4th of July

We made a mad dash to the coast this past weekend for a little fun and sun!...Port Aransas has been one of our favorite spots for a long time but the kids had never gone with us. Usually we fish all day and stay up late drinking margaritas....This plan had to altered a little...ok- a LOT.  They don't have the patients to wait on the fish-they want them now or not at all!  So -we fished for an hour or so, then swam the rest of the time. And the margaritas were few and far between but oh so good!! At the beach Rob did great on the boogie board while Neely searched for sea shells. (her first words were-"this doesn't look anything like Mexico") Sorry Neely-The Texas coast isn't near as pretty as Playa del Carmen!  The pool was great and even though the condos were booked we had plenty of room at the pool and to fish off of the pier.  The kids even caught 2 baby sharks...a hammerhead and a black tip!!! Here's a few pics from the weekend....

Rob holding the hammerhead just before we let it go...

Neely with her black tip that she reeled in....she's just a little nervous!!

Daddy's girl!

The kids on the pier....They look like they even love each other-pics like this are few and far between!

A family pic at the harbour before the fireworks...

Who Am I?

SO although most of you have probably done this once or twice- I have never....

Who AM I???

I am....a mommy, a wife, a sister, nearing 30!! (although I refuse to admit it out loud)

I want....ha! too much-but currently I just want a chaos free day

I have...2 happy, healthy kids, a great husband, and a thriving business

I wish....for peace---I'm an over thinker, over planner, extreme worrier and would love to be able to "let go"

I hate....TRAFFIC! I have terrible road rage issues!

I fear....the unknown and unplanned (drives Rob crazy)

I hear...."The House that Built Me" by Miranda Lambert on the radio

I search....the Internet for great ways to decorate my house-it's a compulsion...I can't stop

I wonder...what my children will grow up to be. Will they be good people, hard workers? I sure hope so!

I regret...that candy bar I ate yesterday!! Why do I do that???

I love...my little family- I couldn't have imagined it better

I ache...for a closer relationship with my parents...it's not gonna happen-so I will get over it

I always...wear makeup! Trust me-it's better for everyone that way!!

I usually...forget things if I don't write them down.  I have a horrible memory!

I am not...a cook-well lets face it...I am a horrible cook!!

I dance...all of the time! Neely and I love to turn the music up and dance around the house!

I sing...terribly!!! But love to anyways

I sometimes...forget how blessed I am and need to stop complaining

I cry...way too much.  I can't help it-I'm an emotional person

I am not always...confident, in fact-very seldom do I have an abundance of it..wish I was--oh-maybe I should add that on the "i wish..."

I lose...patience-I think every mom does

I am confused...every time I pick up a tape measure--it's actually harder than I thought it would be

I need...a VACATION!!!!

I should...relax--it's in God's hands, right?!

Who are you???

Thankful Thursday

After an exhausting week that still isn't over...it's nice to step back and take time think about how blessed I am and what I ahve to be thankful for.

Today I am thankful for:

• A thriving business with more work than we can handle.  Even though we are tired, stressed, and seldom get to sit down as a family it is nice to know that our hard work is paying off.
• A husband that never gives up, keeps at it no matter how long it takes...he is relentless and I am so proud of the work he has been doing to provide for us and our future.
• 2 kids that make me smile EVERY day!!! They may make me pull out my hair or turn it gray (which ever happens first), stress me out, or drive me crazy....but I wouldn't have it any other way!!!!
• my new neighbor and her family....she has been a light to my life and had great words of advice lately.  Her kiddos are amazing and I already love them dearly!! I don't what I did before without them living near us!

There is much more but like I said, it has been a crazy week and it isn't slowing down anytime soon....OH YEAH- and Happy Fathers Day to all of those dad's out there! I know Rob will be relaxing and taking it easy Sunday--as he deserves!

A Couple of fun weekends!!! 

April 21st....Rob-o and I woke up before the crack of dawn, packed, and loaded up on the charter bus for the LONGGGG drive to Galveston, TX with the gifted/talented group at Jim Ned.  Did I mention how I hate road trips, long 8-9 hour road trips??? We had about 50 elementary kiddos on the bus plus parents and teachers.  We went to Moody Gardens and saw their amazing aquarium, rode on a paddlewheel boat, a saw a 3D shark movie that was actually really cool! Then a group of us went to the beach.....now Rob had never been to the Texas coast however he has been to Mexico and was prepared for beautiful beaches and blue water......he was a little shocked. Ha! How about brown water and a TON of seaweed!!!! The kids played and jumped through the rough waves anyway...until a jelly fish was spotted, and then another, and then we were hauling butt to the car!!! Here is a pic of me carrying him through the sea weed.  The kids didn't have their flip flops with them when we decided to go so we had to carry them...he's getting a little too big for that!! : )

We had a lot of fun but the worst part was probably the ride back. Again- I hate road trips...I would rather fly any day! But it was great to spend time with Rob without the baby sister hanging around.  Neely went on a "date" while we were gone with her daddy!  It was adorable!

Then we had a fun-filled weekend with friends.  We went to Miranda Lambert Thursday night and LOVED her show!  I think rob was secretly bored but he hung out with his friend while we were singing away!!!

Then Saturday night we went out with some great friends for dinner, drinks, and a little FUN!!!

Hope you had a great weekend!

The Unknown

Live without regret...Live today like there is no tomorrow...we all know the sayings right? But how do you live IN the moment when so much is hanging in the balance?  I obviously struggle with the unknown, the "what-ifs", the "but what about?".  It haunts me.  I loose sleep.  I can't get it out of my head.  I would love to live IN the moment, like there is no tomorrow, with no worries or fears, (it would make shopping a lot more fun, right?!) but there are things we need, things we need to save for (braces, cars, college funds)...see what I mean? I worry about birthday parties and Christmas 6 months in advance....and taxes- well lets just say that I have stressed since April 18th about this April 17th.  Its EXHAUSTING!  I drive Rob crazy with my worry...he is such a free spirit, he always says "we'll worry about it when we get there".  I see people in restaurants, stores, at meetings and they seem to be so calm, relaxed, happy.  I'm happy but by no means am I sitting there calm and relaxed.  I am processing the day, the day to come, the paperwork, bills, check book, kids activities, games, errands, and probably attempting to carry on a conversation with you at the same time!  As a mom I expected to be running around to practices, pictures, games, etc. and love it with all of my heart.  As a business owner (or the owner's wife) I knew there would be ups, downs, busy times, crazy times, sacrifices and I enjoy the benefits as well.  But when you combine everything it just feels incredibly overwhelming and hard to even process.  I would love to have the brain that would shut off during a baseball practice and allow me to just sit and "remember the experience with the kids".  And i try- I really do....but then "Remembering the experience" leads to "OMG I haven't touched their baby books in a year, and their scrapbooks-well more like 2 years", then I get a glimpse of Neelys shoes as she runs down the field, dirty again...."I have got to get her a new, clean pair of shoes", then Rob asks for his bottle of water and it leads to "I'm out of water at home, "  See what I mean?-reading this to myself I realize Rob is right---maybe my brain is a LITTLE over-active! HA!  Is this something every mom struggles with? Is it something people are really good at hiding? Or does everyone really "have it all together"? Because by no means do I!  I do try to step back and look at my great little family, our house, business, life in general and take a deep breath while thinking "we worried about this, prayed for this, worked for this, and it turned out beautifully." And this peace fills my head.  However, as briefly as the peace comes over me-its gone again and Neely is laying on the driveway crying because she fell off her bike, Robo is rolling down the street on his skateboard, and "Big Rob" is calling to tell me he's gonna be another hour at work.....and everything comes flooding back into my head. Anyway- enough rambling....here's to a "peaceful, fun, relaxing" evening to you all!!!!

Where have we been?!

I can't believe it is already March!!!! After Christmas/New Years we were exhausted.  The holidays always come so fast and leave just as quickly.  In January Rob's business began picking up (thank goodness) and hasn't slowed since! He has been working crazy hours and doesn't seem to be able to catch up.  Which is a good thing--usually...whoever said being self-employed was a good idea is crazy! When we originally started talking about the idea of him starting his own company all I thought about was him being home more and having flexible hours.....well- not home more and flexible hours? yeah-get up at 6 and get back home around midnight!  Luckily the kids haven't had any sports going on that he has missed.  The home show was a good weekend but exhausting and hopefully that will keep him even busier! Next week I am going to start working in the showroom for him and help him out with some ORGANIZATION!!!!! Baseball and Softball started up this week too!!!...Rob is a Wildcat and Neely is a Pink Indian (perfect for her)! I love this time of year--planting flowers, baseball games, evening walks in our neighborhood, dinner parties on our back patio...which brings me to Rob's new project.  My husband hates, and I mean hates yard work!!...but loves being outside, grilling, etc.  So instead of working on more grass- fewer stickers, shrubs, trimming trees...he is building an outdoor kitchen- granite countertops of course! Ha I hope he gets time to finish it before summer is over!  Hope everyone is having a great week and enjoying this beautiful weather!!!  Until next time....