Happy Birthday Mom!!

I would like to say a belated Happy Birthday to my Mom, I didn't make a post yesterday so now I am making up for it. Anyway, Mom/Mama (as the boys call her) we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday and hope you had a great day!! We don't get to see you that often but the boys always love talking to you on the phone and loving spending time with you when they do see you. They love when you come over and watch them so mommy and daddy can go out and you never complain about them staying out late. Thanks for always watching the boys so we can go out on our Anniversary or Christmas shopping or when we finally decide to go out for an evening. It doesn't matter that you live an hour away you are always willing to watch them and will change your plans because you want to come see them. I know we don't have to call you three and four weeks in advance to make plans so we can go out and the boys really enjoy showing you everything they have. When you know we have plans you always make sure our other arrangements haven't fallen through or you will drop what your doing so the boys have someone to watch them, even if that means taking a day off work. I know I don't say this often enough but I Appreciate and Love You very much. And I hope you had a wonderful Birthday. I know it wasn't easy having a baby, actually two, when you were a teenager but you did a great job, although you aren't told enough. Thank you very much for everything. We truly do love you!!

Mother's Day 2008

Brunch on Mother's Day

Mom and I, circa 1980, I was about 5 months old.

Our church is taking up a challenge

I love our church and I enjoy listening to our wonderful sermons every Sunday. But now that the Pumpkin Patch is over it has been decided we need to reach further out into our community, as the Bible states, "Love thy neighbor". So, my fellow church members are on a mission to find our perfect outreach into our beloved community. I know there are churches out there that have many different outreaches into the community and some too many that they can handle. Not saying ours is perfect but we help chair our community food bank and our members are very generous in giving whenever it comes to something or someone in need. But I think our focus is now on reaching out and helping more with everyday needs. We were asked to give suggestions and ideas of ways to reach out and help. I offered up our church signing up with the Angel Food Ministries, we do not have one in our community, this is a week's worth food provided to a family of four for $30. And I bet if we could get every member/family in our church to buy one meal a month we could easily buy 100 boxes and donate them to needy families. There are a few programs in a couple of the surrounding towns but not everyone may be able to drive there or even afford to buy these meals. I know they are very successful and helpful to families that just cannot afford to buy everything they need at the grocery store. This was one option another is the Backpack Program where money is raised or food is donated to the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. This program is designed so that children have something to eat during the weekend when they are not in school. I think it is a great idea and apparently for $150 per student, this will feed a child on weekends for an entire school year. It breaks my heart to think that a child will miss a meal if these backpacks are not sent home with them. And our church members our coming up with many ideas and I know we will definitely pick the right program, heck maybe even two. With the economy the way it is, I hate to think one program will get picked over another. But if we act on one and pray about the other, I know we will receive the answer we are looking for. You never know what the fruits of your labor will be until you try.

Thank a Veteran

Today is Veteran's Day and it should be celebrated by all. I know there are people out there that protest and do not agree with the war going on right now and those that have occurred in the past, but the men and women that sign up to defend and fight for their/our country deserve respect. I also know there are Veteran's out there who speak out against the wars and I can see their point of view as well. But today is a day to Honor our servicemen and women who have served their country with pride and the many who gave their live for our freedom. I truly appreciate their sacrifice and see their service as an honor and privilege that I am living in a country where we appreciate our freedom and are able to experience a life without boundaries. I am proud to say that my Papa served in the Army and Doug's grandad served in the Navy during World War II and we are very proud of their service, (may they both rest in peace). This Veteran's Day is very special because my brother has been back from the war in Iraq for three weeks, he serves with the Oklahoma Army National Guard. I am proud of him for serving his country and thankful that he came back from his year long deployment safe. The boys and I were able to stop and see part of the Veteran's Day parade on the way home from preschool this morning and we very much enjoyed it. So next time you see a veteran please thank them for their service and let them know how much you appreciate them serving our country and defending our freedom.

Peace & Quiet Time

After we got home from church this morning and the boys ate their lunch, the magice hour had arrived, Mr. Nicolas' beloved nap. Elijah surprised me today and said he was tired and wanted to lay down, this usually means he doesn't feel good. So off to bed he goes and this lasts 20-30 minutes but hey it was nice while it lasted. But I did convince him to lay down and be quiet in the living room and he really didn't seem to mind at all, I think he likes a little quiet time every now and then, actually who doesn't. Last night, I made chili for dinner, great weather for it also, this was actually my first time to every make it, I guess I never felt the need to try it before. I must say it was pretty delicious and the boys really loved it. I myself like to put ketchup in it, I know a little weird but it is delicious, so Nic decided he needed to try it also and he loved it. For dessert we had pecan pie, also a first for the boys, they did ok but I think they would rather eat cake instead. I figured I would snap a couple of pictures of them eating because you never know if they will eat it again.

Our donation to the Salvation Army

I decided to a little cleaning of the den or boys play room as we call it. We had a remodel two years ago two weeks after Nic was born and converted our garage into a den. By doing this it made it easier for Eli to play without waking up Nic and all toys were taken into that room alone. Neither boy has toys in their rooms, cruel right, instead the idea was to confine everything in one room and not throughout the house. It made it nice because at the end of the day there is only one room and I don't have to go through the whole house and pick up and put things away. On Thursday, after Nic went down for his nap, Eli and I proceeded to go through all of the toys. I got rid of a whole lot of things, big and small. I went through both toy bins (each have 9 small cubbies) and loading everything up in boxes that they outgrew or don't play with anymore. Now all small toys are in the cubbies in a particular bin (i.e. music, small cars, animals, phones) a little weird I know, but if the boys what to find something all they have to do is look for the correct one. So, once this was all done I started to load all this into the back of my Explorer. With the third row seat laying down I filled the back up completely all the way up to the ceiling. Who knew two little boys could have so many toys? I admit some of the big stuff, like the Leap Frog Learn and Grove Musical Table and Fisher Price Musical Chair we have had since Eli was six months old. My car was completely loaded and yesterday afternoon, after nap of course, we all loaded up and took them to the Salvation Army in Tulsa. All the while Doug and I are telling Eli and Nic they did such a good job helping go through everything, so now little boys and girls that probably don't have anything to play with will be able to have something, especially with Christmas coming up. This made Eli feel so good and we have decided to get a few things for Toys for Tots and maybe get an Angel or two off the Angel tree at the mall. I am so glad Eli understands that not everyone is able to have a lot of things and it is nice to give back when you are able too. There is one thing we didn't load into the car and it is the Bounce And Spin Zebra, we are taking that to church and giving it to the nursery. I fell like Nic has outgrown it, at least he doesn't seem as interested in it anymore and if he stills wants to play with it he can play with it in the nursery.

The People Have Spoken

After nearly two years of campaigning it is finally over, we officially have a new President-Elect. All we can do right now is pray for our country and our leaders and hope they can guide the United States of America back to all of her beauty and glory. Everyone needs to pull together and not stand divided so that our country remains the greatest place to live and work. It's ironic that the people of America voted for a new President last night but soon after that was announced all of the news anchors starting talking about who they thought would be running in for the next election. At least let this new President take office and then in a few years let's start talking about that, because I don't know about anyone else but I am completely tired of all the hype. Let's just fix what needs to be fixed and continue to live our lives without all this bologna that is going on behind the scenes of which party is better suited to run the country. I am to the point I say let's get rid of them all and start fresh with people that have never been in politics before then maybe we might get somewhere. There are business men and women out there who know how to run companies, not people always looking out for themselves and taking money on the side. But right now we do have a new President-Elect and he needs to do his job and help our country get back to it's grandeur, hopefully he can accomplish that during his term. So, it doesn't matter what party you are or who you voted for our wonderful country needs it's people to stand together and support and pray that our leaders can accomplish the right thing.

I was tagged.....

I was tagged and now I get a chance to talk about my wonderful husband. Thanks Megan!! I would also like to take this opportunity to tag Melinda and Emily (you don't have to if you don't feel like it girls). How do I explain about the man I love and the best father any child could ever have? Let's see, Doug and I had our first date in March of 2000, we were engaged in June of 2000 and married on December 30, 2000 and that is the beginning of our wonderful life together. The love of my life and most precious gift I could ever receive is the most caring person that I know. He will help anyone with anything if he is able, he is the one you can count on regardless of what time of day it is. And he loves the Lord with all of his heart. He is the greatest man, husband and father anyone could ever ask for. So here it goes a few tidbits about my loving husband........

Doug loves the University of Oklahoma (GO SOONERS) and cheers for any and every sport. He is a very proud alumni of this great school earning his Doctor of Pharmacy. He doesn't care that I love OSU and that I am a closet Sooner fan, except for when they play my team. He also can't wait to take Eli & Nic to their first Sooner Football game.
He loves Dr. Pepper and drinks it day and night, I swear he has withdraws if there is not any in the refrigerator.

He loves a good Filet Mignon steak, he gets it every time we go out to a good restaurant.

He loves his family so very much and would do anything and everything for them. We are his heart and what keeps him going throughout the day.

Both of our prayers were answered the day we met and our wedding day was one of the most beautiful days of our lives together and the other two included the boys being born.

He loves spending time with his boys and making them happy.

Even if playing means going outside with chalk or watching football or NASCAR on T.V.

These three boys mean trouble when they are together but being out numbered doesn't bother me because I love them so much.

Our favorite vacations came before we had children and they include where we went for our honeymoon and our 1st Anniversary, Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. It has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Our vacations were so much fun, on our 1st Anniversary vacation we swam with the dolphins which is a blast and we can't wait to take the boys.

Another vacation that was a favorite was Colorado Springs and going up to Pikes Peak, during Labor Day weekend (OU happen to be playing up there that weekend, coincidence, I think not, notice I am wearing an OU sweatshirt), absolutely beautiful view and makes you feel so much closer to GOD. He loved taking me to Las Vegas for my birthday one year, which was so much fun.

Doug also loves NASCAR and his favorite driver is Tony Stewart, whom he has met and got his autograph a few times. We went to the race in Texas every year up until Eli was born, I sure miss our trips down there. You know it's love when you drive 4 hours down there for an autograph before the race weekend and your wife is 16 weeks pregnant and doesn't complain about waiting and having to pee every 30 minutes. Definitely well worth it to see him happy about seeing his favorite driver up close and personal. A few years in a row we got pit passes and was so much fun, we were able to see the drivers up close and get a lot of autographs. The boys will definitely love this when they get older and can go with Dad into the pits to see all the drivers.

This year we were in the pits and took a picture with the championship trophy, he had such a blast. Before children we also loved going to concerts. We have seen Tim McGraw & Faith Hill (multiple times), Kenny Chesney (multiple times & nearly seven months pregnant) & Lonestar, to name a few. We have been to Bedlam baseball & the Big 12 Championship football game in 2000, the same year OU won the national championship.



There are so many reasons I love my husband and how much we have done together is amazing. He is my perfect fit, he knows what I want and makes me feel better when I am down. By far the best thing we have done together is having Elijah and Nicolas come into our lives. Even though you think you have such a great relationship, once you have children this brings you even closer together. Our bond has grown stronger over time and continues to grow each day. I wake up and go to sleep everyday thanking the Lord for this wonderful man. These are just a few things about Doug and what he loves to do and there is so much more. So here's to you honey, I Love You Very Much!!!!

Get out & Vote!!

It is that time again and whatever your values and beliefs make your vote count. I personally try not to go into all of the issues especially with people because they can be downright mean and hurtful if you do not have the same beliefs and feelings as them. The only way for your voice to be heard whether it is local or national is to vote for who you believe is the right choice. It is your job to educate yourself on the issues and the candidates not what everyone else is saying or telling you. Yes you can receive information from the media but you must be diligent on researching the issues and candidates yourself not whether your democrat or republican and just voting with your party lines. Because I have to say they may not be the right choice for the job. Just make sure to have your voice be heard because one way or another our country is in for a change regardless of who is our next President.

Halloween Update...

Halloween was a busy day or late afternoon/evening for us. Our first mission was to hit downtown for their annual Boologah with all of the businesses assembled from 4-6p.m. Yes a little early for trick-or-treating but the high school had a game in town Friday night and they wanted everyone to be able to participate and still go to the game. We have yet to make one, maybe next year when the boys will be able to sit through part of a game. After downtown the boys took off their costumes so we could go eat dinner and we were off to Mimi & Papa's neighborhood in Broken Arrow. We only did two streets but that was plenty and definitely a lot of walking for two little guys especially Nic, (I took the stroller just in case because that boy is way to heavy to carry any distance). After we got home the boys were off to bed although I don't know how with all of the suckers they had that evening but they must have been completely worn out because they were asleep pretty quick once they were settled. Once asleep I dumped their buckets out into a paper grocery bag and it was almost half way full of candy. Who will be eating most of it, that's right, mom and dad!

And we are off, holding hands and crossing the street to start our evening.

Nemo and Lightening McQueen, what a pair those two make.

Our first stop and what do we get, that's right suckers and the very first one's of the evening.

Notice suckers already in mouth, very hard to say trick or treat when you are already eating something.

Taking a quick picture at Mimi & Papa's before we head out into their neighborhood.

One of our first stops that evening, what little gentlemen saying Thank You every time.

Eli wanted to take a picture by the big pumpkin before we went inside for the evening.

The boys sure had fun during our outings and I can't wait for next year. This is definitely my favorite time of the year.

Our Pumpkin Patch Visit