Christmas 2015

This year was over the top amazing. Andrew won some bonus money at work for being a really hard worker and he spent every dime of it on the kids. We try not to spoil them but some time we are like, why no? It makes all the hard days at work seem worth while. (maybe next year we will give them nothing to make up for it) We started off with our usual traditions, singing, and ginger bread house making. The kids came up with new fun ways to add to the songs and stayed positive when the ginger bread houses fell apart. We went on a Disney Cruise with Annette and had the best time! They even got to watch the new Star Wars movie on the ship which was a big deal cause they have been tripping over this movie for over a year now. They got the coolest BB8 robots from Annette and money to spend on the ship. Its one of those pinch yourself moments cause I felt so lucky to be with my kids and sister making memories. When we got back it was 7 days till Christmas and we just enjoyed the time off. The kids were over the moon with everything their dad had gotten them. I hope they understand and appreciate how much they have been afforded because of their fathers hard work. It will be a Christmas to remember thats for sure.

Halloween 2105

As always we had fun handing out candy on the front porch with all the Halloween decor we have managed to accumulate over the years. We played around with some make up last minute and Derek and Andrew had these cool skeleton faces. Scared a ton of little kids. Ate homemade chilli and the kids got to go trick or treating with their friends. Couldn't ask for more. My favorite was the Elsa pumpkin Addi carved. She has to be the most fascinating child I could ever parent. She does these amazing things and then I try to act like its no big deal but inside I am totally geeking out that she belongs to me.

Football 2015

Dallin played football for the middle school 7th grade A team this year. Very different from playing pop warner. He did really really well. We loved watching him play. He is extremely talented and has a lot of potential as an athlete. I hate bragging about my boys. So its hard to know what to say here. My dad was very impressed with him and how he played. These next few years are going to be big as he figures out if he wants to play in college. I really hope he keeps a strong work ethic, stays humble, and keeps playing this way. If he does the sky is the limit. Derek played Pop Warner this year as well and I cant say enough about his positive attitude and willingness to learn. He is a very fast and has a lot of raw talent. Cant wait to watch him grow into the sport. Right now I have to admit its just too adorable to take it too serious. Their little heads bobble back and forth as they struggle to keep their head up with the weight of the helmets. Most of the tackles come from getting tripped or just being to top heavy to run very far. Its the best part of being a parent watching my boys learn how to play sports. They gain so much character and determination through the whole process. I love football.

Addi's 11th Birthday

She had a small group of friends over for a painting/Hawaiian Falls/Slumber party. Its never fun to have any group of girls over. But Addi has some pretty chill friends. She is very particular about everything in life including the company she keeps. I could hear her in her room bossing her friends around any time they were being loud, or silly, or annoying. I went to bed and did pretty much nothing. She even planned her party and organized it herself. Its nice having such a smart independent daughter. She is already babysitting and is very responsible with Landon (the little boy she babysits) One night she called me cause he had locked her out of the his room. She told me she felt horrible and I reassured her that I had my own children lock me out several times during my parenting days. To which she replied "yeah, but that is you mom....I should know better". She even refused to take payment after the incident cause she felt like she let the parents down. She is just like her father. But I love that she loves me and can joke around with me even though I am crazy unorganized and helpless most days. And check out the pic of her below. Isnt she gorgeous?

Dallin is officially a teen! 13

Dallin turned thirteen. He has been acting like a teenager for a while. With a grumpy attitude and acne and sleeping all day, but I guess this birthday made it official. It wasn't much of a celebration. I think at this age its time to stop throwing parties (mainly because I hate throwing parties), but any way my parents and a few of his close friends came over for cake. The best part was aunt Net's gift. She had 6 balloons wrapped in a huge box. He went over and over what he thought might be in the box it really had him stumped. At first when he opened it and balloons popped out he looked disappointed, then it dawned on him that $$$$ money was inside. He loves money! The next day he went with his two best friends to Sonic and swimming at Barton Springs. He is really into shoes and got some cool Jordans and a new phone from mom and dad. He is a super smart talented kid and I am so glad he is mine.

Summer summed UP (2015)

We had a really reeeeally fun summer!! For me it was honestly the best summer I have ever had. Even more fun than when I was a teenager, if you can believe it. I went on a girls trip with my two best friends and had the best time floating the river. Its a thing people in Texas do. I went back a few more times before summer ended and I plan on going many more times. Dallin did football camps and got all ripped. The older two kids learned how to cook. We bought season passes to Hawaiian Falls and were there almost every day. Andrew had a mini heart attack on the adventure park. It was pretty scary, but it made him start a diet and exercise program and he has lost about 30lbs and can run pretty fast now. I lost some weight too. My dad lived with us for part of it (while his house was being built). He took the kids skating and bar b qued almost every damn day. Both girls did horse back riding lessons and tennis camps. I went on some pretty amazing hikes with a friend from work. It really was packed with scorching heat and mega fun filled days. I Love my kids and hope I can find a way to not work during the summers and keep the fun rolling.

Swimming Hole (summer 2015)

This summer we didn't hit as many swimming holes as we did last summer, due to the flood most of them were shut down. But we did get to one and it was pretty cool. Addi was upset when we got lost on the hike back to the car, but she forgave me a couple days later. Good times with one of my best friends and her nephew and kids. We also let Olivia's friend Ashley tag along. Next year my goal is to go to at least 5 different swimming holes. Texas is such a beautiful place to live I dont want to take it for granted.