have you heard the new?

South Elementary Might Mustang news that is, Emma and Peyton both made in into the November 2011 issue.

Emma for art news, each 9 week grading period, one student is each grade is presented with art award for doing an outstanding job in art. Emma's family portrait was picked! Way to go Emma!!! The portrait is of us in Hawaii.  I'm so excited for it to be hanging in our home gallery!!

Peyton was interviewed and was asked "Who was at the Very First Thanksgiving Dinner?" Peyton's very smart answer was "the Indians." Great Job Peyton!!!!


We are so proud of our girls, they are loving school and excelling, it's so much fun watching them learn and grow!

beefy tater tot casserole

I hope this to be a family favorite one day...

Ingredients-
1 lbs. ground beef
1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken condensed soup
1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of mushroom condensed soup
1 1/2 cups of milk or sour cream or mixture of the two
1 package of (2 lbs) tater tots
1/4 lbs. each of cheddar and monetary jack cheese

Instructions-
preheat oven to 375
brown ground beef and drain
add soup and milk, mix together
in a 9x13 inch baking dish, arrange tater tots in a single layer on bottom
pour mixture over the top, spreading evenly over tater tots
sprinkle cheese on top
bake for 15 or 30 minutes

This is comfort food.

return of the dionsaurs

Dinosaur have taken over, it must mean it Hayden's birthday!!! Hayden is now 3 WOW, how time has flown by so fast.

Hayden's Birthday picks:
     Cake- chocolate cake with green vanilla frosting, decorated with dinosaurs.
     Ice cream - chocolate and superman
     Dinner- Hayden didn't get to pick, maybe next year. We picked for him hamburger and hot dogs.

shirt lees just in case!

Hayden's Favorites at 3:
     T.V. Show - Dino Dan
     Book - The Gruffalo
     Movie - Astro Boy

Hayden is a ball full of energy, which makes being his parents never boring! It's so cool to watch him grow in to a little boy, if something heavy needs to be moved he is there to help, if something needs to be fixed he will grab the tools. He is already a protector to his sister.

baked pumpkin oatmeal

I was hoping it would be a hit for the kids, I even added chocolate chips. Only 1 out of 3 liked it. Peyton
tried a little bit and said " its good, I like it!"

3 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 canned pumpkin
1/4 cup brown sugar (for the top)

In a large bowl mix together all ingredients except the 1/4 cup brown sugar for the top.


Spread into a greased 9x13 pan.

Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar on top.

Bake for 350 for 20 minutes. 

chocolate wasted....

Peyton is 5 and a chocolate lover!!!!! For Peyton's birthday we spent the afternoon at a local sprinkler park in Collierville, TN. The was weather perfect for running in and out of the water.

Let the party begin a chocaholic's dream!!!!

Payton's Birthday picks -
     Cake: triple chocolate fudge with milk chocolate frosting, chocolate sprinkles and cherry's on top.
     (made by Peyton and Daddy)
     Pizza: Snappy Tomatoes and DON'T forget the garlic-butter dipping sauce.

      Ice cream: chocolate and chocolate fudge swirl.

Peyton received many wonderful gifts for her birthday, the one that seems to be her favorite is her Bible, Robert and I decided that when the kids turn 5, they get there very own Bible, and Peyton was looking forward to her birthday for her Bible. Peyton looks through her bible most every day.

Peyton's favorites at age 5.
     Movie: all the Tinker Bells
     Book: My Sister and I
     Object: Kitty

Begin Peyton's parents is a joy! Peyton is always wanting to help cook or clean. Peyton gives the most kisses and tells you she loves all you all the time. Peyton gives such wonderful compliments to everyone,  she even told a complete stranger in Wal-Mart that she was beautiful!

bbq + justin bebier

= Emma's 6th birthday!!!!

Emma's birthday wishes-
chocolate and vanilla cake that said "Emma loves Justin Beiber"
BBQ (pulled pork sandwich) cooked by daddy
Ice cream picks- super man and neopolitan

Emma had a great 6th birthday, she got all kinds of Justin Beiber gifts, but the gift that seemed to of got the biggest "thank you" was a pack of gum from her sister.

Emma favorites at age 6:
     T.V. show - My Babysitter is a Vampire
     Musician - Justin Beiber
     Book - My Sister and I 

Being Emma's parents is such so much fun! We love to watch her grow and to talk with her. She is so loving, giving, and has the best out look on life.  To Emma, the glass is always full.  Emma is a great leader and helper to her sister and brother.

Mother Teresa -

" People are unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people my cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end it is between you and HIM. It was never between you and them anyway."

I love this!!!!

STAT to the ER

we should of got a picture the next day when it was bruised.

April 29th Peyton was taken to the ER for a busted mouth.  Peyton has been our only child to go to the ER and this was her 2nd time. First time when she was four months old she had croup. This time Peyton was playing in the living room and had a baby blanket wrapped around her head, spinning around. I just walked out of the kitchen, and as the words, "be careful",  were coming out of my mouth, she feel right in to the wrought iron coffee table.

I scooped her up and ran to the sink with  blood coming from her mouth and nose. I had Emma get the phone and call Robert.  I knew he was on his way home. While waiting on Robert, Peyton calmed down, she didn't cry long.   As soon as Robert got home we went to the ER.  While at the ER, Peyton was very brave for the nurses and doctor. The doctor said she would be fine in a few days, that her tongue and her lips (which you could see through), would heal. Peyton's nose wasn't broken and none of her teeth where knocked loose. When the doctor told Peyton she wouldn't need a shoot, Peyton sat up, clapped and asked when she would be getting her milk shake, our typical Peyton. So, off to Sonic we went!!!

moody moody moody

Hayden woke up from his nap in a grumpy mood and put himself in corner, I tried to get him out but he stayed there for about 30mins, so I took pictures.

.

strawberry muffins

I love to cook, I love feeding my family. So I thought I would start posting recipes. New recipes and family favorites.

Strawberry Muffins...
   
     Ingredients

• 21/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar 
• 3 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt 
• 2 eggs 
• 1/2 cup oil 
• 1/2 milk 
• 1 tsp. vanilla 
• 1 cup sliced strawberries 

     Preparation 

1. Stir together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt
2. Beat eggs, blend in oil, vanilla and milk 
3. Add liquid to dry ingredients. Stir quickly just until moistened. 
4. Fold in strawberries. 
5. Spoon into well greased 21/2 inced muffin tins. 
6. Bake at 400 f for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Remove to wire rack. Serve warm. 

Yummy!!!!!

Hayden enjoying a bed time snack...

now on to 1st grade

Cant believe we have a kid threw with kindergarten and now on to 1st grade. Emma's kindergarten years was full of learning and fun, she soaked it all up, she was lovin' it!

Highlights of the year-

• student of the week, won a South Elementary t-shirt
• awarded the bus rider of the month
• personal success award, student of the month 
• made announcements for the week, Emma's teacher thinks might have a future in public relations
• jump rope award, for jumping rope 18 times
• achievement award, for best artist 

We are so proud of Emma and so excited to see what she will achieve in her academic career. 

choices...

3 years ago Robert was given a choice, our family was given a choice.  Robert was diagnosed with Lung Carcinoid Tumor.

What is Lung Carcinoid Tumor?
      Lung Carcinoid Tumors are uncommon type of tumor, less than 2%  of lung cancers are Carcinoid.  They tend to grow slower that other types of lung cancers. There are two types of carcinoid tumors.

• Typical carinoids grow slowly and rarely spread beyond the lungs.  About 9 out 10 lung Carcinoids are typical.

• Atypical Carcinoids grow fast and are somewhat more likely to spread to other organs. Seen under a microscope, they have more cells in the process of diving and look more like a fast growing tumor. Atypical are much less common that Typical. 

That was the shortened, broken down, "cliff notes", "make it simple" version of Lung Carcinoid. Robert has been diagnosed with Typical. We praise God that Robert was diagnosed with Typical and we praise God, Robert hasn't seen any growth in 3 years.   Robert is due for a check in about a month and we will continue to pray that our Father in heaven that Robert's health is strong.

Choices...
When something bad happens you have 3 choices, you can either let it define you,  let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you. - author unknown-

Robert and our family choose to let it strengthen us. I'm so proud of Robert he doesn't let this diagnose define him. He wants to face life full on!!!!

not so new happenings...

It's been so long since I've made a post. I'm a little upset with myself for not keeping up with my family's happenings. Oh well I'll do my best to get caught up.We have had so many changes in the last 2 months our life's have been turned upside some what, but all for the better for our family. 

The changes started on Friday, April 15th at 3:50am, with Robert letting out a painful moan and then running to the bathroom to vomit, followed by more moaning and vomiting this went on and on, while I got ready for work and got Emma ready for school and out the door to the bus. I called the doctors office and got Robert an appointment for 11am, my mom watched Peyton and Hayden while I went to work for 2 1/2 hours. While I was at work Robert was in so much pain still vomiting over and over. We got to the doctors office and they ran test, blood work, urine sample and x-rays. The doctors diagnose was Kidney Stones, the doctor gave Robert medicines for pain and vomiting. The doctor wanted Robert to go the imaging center for a CAT scan, on our drive there Robert and to have a pit stop on the side of the road and vomiting out the door of the van. We got home just a little after 1pm and Robert went to bed with his medicines. Robert slept most of the weekend only waking to use the restroom or when I checked on him.

Saturday night just after I laid the kids to bed my mom said she was in pain and not feeling well. I asked if she needed to go the doctor and she said she will wait and see. Sunday morning the kids and I got up and ready for church, we went to both service and we where home by 12:30pm. My mom was in a lot of pain and still not sure if she wanted to go to the doctor but by 5:30 she was ready. I called my mother-in-law, Lessena, to come watch the kids, Robert got up and waited for her to get to our house. I got my mom to the hospital and waited with her for a while but left before they got about to a room. I got home in time to get the kids ready for bed and after they where asleep and Robert was doing fine I got back to the hospital to check on my mom. She was now in the back of the ER having test and x-rays done but still now answers to what was wrong with her, I stayed with her till about 10:30pm. About 3:30am  my mom call to let me know that doctors have admitted her to the hospital with a cyst on her ovary.

Monday morning Robert still in a lot of pain, weak and running a low grade fever. I got up and ready, called in to work. Emma up and ready, off to school. Called the doctors office for another appoint for Robert since the pain wasn't gone and he had went through almost all the pain meds he was given. The doctors office got him about 10am. Robert was given more pain meds and appoint with a urologists on Tuesday, I called my mom but she hadn't seen the doctor yet for the morning, she had no new news. I got Robert, Peyton and Hayden home for lunch and naps. I went to the hospital and checked on my mom the doctor had informed her that she had the biggest cyst he has ever seen, it was as big as a watermelon. And at this time she wasn't stable for surgery the doctor didn't feel she would make it through surgery.  With Robert in so much pain and unable to stay awake because of the pain meds and  my mom in the hospital we had no one to take care of the kids. But with one phone call to Granny, she made plans to come up from Alabama on Tuesday.  Thank God for Granny!

Tuesday, I went work and left Robert home with the kids for 1 hour knowing Granny would be there a little after 9am, Robert planned on taking himself  to the Urologist appointment so he stopped taking the pain meds for the morning. I hated leaving my family at a time like this,  it seemed they all needed me, Robert not feeling well, mom in the hospital not doing well and my little kiddos. While I was at work my mom call and said the doctor wanted me there to also to discuss her options. I left work and went to the hospital and sent the day at the hospital. I meet with my moms doctor and he informed us that the cyst wasn't cancerous, but he didn't want to do surgery and the really felt she would make off the table, that he could drain the cyst, both me and my mom agreed to have it drained , the doctor planned to drain it on Wednesday. When I got home Robert informed me that his doctor said that he could break up the Kidney Stones and have it done in about 10mins, but he felt Robert could pass the in a few days with no problems.

Wednesday, Robert still in pain and sleeping most of the day. I was so happy and relieved that Granny was at my home taking care of Robert and the kids. Having Granny there for us was such a blessing,  I was able to go to work and not stress so much. My mom had the cyst drained and all went fine, the doctor wanted to keep her there for a couple of more days.

Thursday, Robert was awake more and not in as much pain. We where finally able to talk about all that was going on. We both felt with my moms health declining we needed to find a babysitter or daycare for the kids. We both started to make calls, pricing, budgeting, stressing out and PRAYING. My mom was still in the hospital the plan from the doctor was to discharge Friday.

Friday, Robert feeling so much better taking his pain meds less and awake more, YAY!!!!!I was missing my husband so much. My mom was discharged,  the doctor drained the cyst what was drained was 20lbs. just amazing this was in her.Granny left us Friday afternoon to go home for the weekend but would be back on Monday. Robert was feeling better and planned to return to work on Monday. This week that Robert took off was actually a planned week off for vacation, what timing, what perfecting from God.

Saturday and Sunday, Robert and I still making plans, looking in to child care, having no luck, nothing we could afford or nothing we where comfortable placing our children in. More praying...

Monday, Back to work for Robert and I, with Granny saying she would stay as long as we needed her to, so we could get our ducks in a row. My mom still feeling weak but not in as much pain. As the we went on Robert and I where feeling hopeless and stressed. One of the only childcare places we like that might have openings would be $347.00 per week, no way we could do that. We both thinking the same thing decided that I would just have to stay home, no long work, some how some way it would work out, it had to, we believed it would, we had a peace about it.  So, I put in my notice the company I worked for was so understand and have even offered me a per-deam so I can work when I can. I did that for about two weeks but things are working out with out me working , the company also will let me return full-time in the fall when we have 2 kids in school and only need childcare for 1. At this time there is no plan for me to return to work. There so many new and exciting plans for our family. As a side note during this week, we had bad weather, storm after storm, tornado warning after tornado warning, I never thought I would spend so much time in a hall way.

WOW,  this is way long, I got bored proof reading, but this is what has happened and got us to the new exciting time which I'll post soon.

Robert, passed out from pain pills, napping with Emma.

Oops, the flash woke up the beast.

toothless

Emma lost her first tooth on Wednesday, she was so proud of herself. She jumped off her bus yelling, "mom you won't believe what happened, I pulled out my tooth all by myself during quite time!!!"

The night before Emma and Robert work on her tooth trying to pull it out with floss, they had no luck.

So many new things for Emma right now, makes mommy a little sad my first born has lost tooth.  I saved her tooth when I took it from under her pillow and  left a dollar, my plan is to keep it and place in her scrapbook but she thinks the Tooth fairy took. What to do?  

scary, cover your eyes

the girls watching Harry and The Henderson's

little helper

Peyton has been asking to help so much lately with everything i do cooking, cleaning, and laundry. She is sweet and she is so proud of the work she dose.

37

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!! (aka Robert, Bobby)

Roberts birthday wishes:
go to Alabama to visit with Gump and Granny
fried chicken dinner (which was so yummy thanks Granny)

Aunt Pat and Granny

orange in bama country

the fire department on stand by

we want cake

3/28/11 at home

Robert, my wonderful husband and great father to our kids, how i wish i could give you so much on your birthday day you deserve so much. Love you!!!!!

laughhter is good medicine

What a great weekend!!!!! This weekend was a much needed  for me, GOOD times with family and friends.


Friday night family movie night Harry and the Henderson, Emma and Peyton gave he movie 2 thumbs up, i have a picture that I will post soon from the girls watching the movie. It was so cute Peyton was saying the movie was scary so Emma had her close eyes and cover them with her hands and Emma would tell Peyton its ok now you watch.

Saturday some house cleaning, a birthday party for a cousin and then the night out with my love. We went to Fellowship Bible Church and watched Tim Hawkins Live. OMG!!!! I laughed so hard my face was hurting, i had tears from laughter. My checks hurt so bad when we left it felt so good that man is too funny. The church did such a great job.  Then a wonderful prime rib dinner at Long Horns with my love, and Shane and Jennifer who are becoming wonderful friends I love the time we get to spend with them and their sweet girls.

Sunday it was so hard to get out of bed not that we stayed out to late we where home by midnight, but we didn't to get up, but with the help of the kiddos there was no sleeping no missing church and I glad we didn't. Then home for a normal day at the casa with some grocery shopping, a great breakfast dinner.

pictures of christmas 2010!!!!

a busy week

All is well here, just the past week has been busy. Our washer died and right now we don't have the money to buy a new. Trying to think of a way to make it work, thinking about trips to the laundrymat for 6 people just wasn't something I wanted to do.
Robert made it work he provided for our family. We have been trying to get out of credit card debit not using the credit cards, we have been trying to pay them off, we had to use a credit card and its OK we have clean cloths, no long hours at the laundrymat.
Our first night with the washer was great, the washer is nice and quiet, used less water, but not our first night. We woke up to our laundry room floor with water, the tubing to the water outlets not tighten.  Robert mopping up the floor at 6am, good times.
Saturday was a busy day, not really for me, but for Robert and our wonderful friend Shane, they did 2 days worth of work in one laying flooring in our living and dinning room. My floors are so pretty. Thank you both so much.
I know I shouldn't love inanimate objects but I love my new washer and my new floor.  It's just nice to have cleaner fresher smelling clothes, and walking it to my home tonight was so great the living smelled better noting having 30 year old carpet.
My husband did so much work this past week and all while being sick with bronchitis, you're the best always taking care of your family. I love you, we love you!!!!

Mid February

This past week was very nice. Sunday, warm weather walk at the park, the kiddos playing out side. Monday, Valentines day.  Wednesday, Emma and I had a dentist appointment, it was really nice to spend a couple of hours with her all by ourselves. Emma is growing up so fast, such a big girl in the chair having her teeth cleaned. When the dentist came in to take a look at her teeth,  Emma told him she was going to be a dentist when she grows up, the dentist told that's great, you can work here, Emma said I'll have to paint the walls first. (before the dentist came Emma and I where talking and she has said the room needed more color.) All the other days not too stressful, the kids playing well together, work going good, every one's health good. Saturday home with the kids raking leaves feeling so out of shape, Peyton being such a BIG help with the yard work, I love having a big yard for our kids to play in and be safe in its a great feeling.

Valentine's Day

Robert's face book post to me: Happy Valentine's Day, my love!!! I am so thankful for the times we've had, good and bad, and for those yet to come. Thank you, God for bringing me my soul mate and best friend. See you when you get home!!!!!I love you!!! That's why I LOVE him, he is my favorite!!!

My Valentine made a wonderful dinner for our family, Daddy's famous Chocolate Pancake with Cinnamon Whipping Cream (the kids don't know this is a Paula Dean recipe)  YUMMY, YUMMY, YUMMY!!!! My wonderful husband woo me with his cooking skills and I love when he cooks and I just get to enjoy.

what the kids woke up to this morning 

Peyton Jo with her wild morning hair

Emma trying to make a heart with her hands

No Valentine's day picture of bubba (Hayden) he's the late sleeper and needs his morning Dino Dan before he will smile.

Emma had a great day her first Valentine's day party at school and no boys looked into her eyes, mommy and daddy where so happy to hear this news. 

Struggling...

with happiness, joyfulness, smiling, being positive, glass half full,  enjoying life, all the blessing.

Struggling with negativity, negative thoughts, negative talk, negative attitude, can't get out of this hole.

Struggling with stress, finances, monthly budget, child care or lack of, home repairs, dog maintenance, health.

Struggling with being a good person, wife, mother, friend, employee.

Struggling with not having faith....

snow 2011

we have to watch where we eat snow, no yellow snow from Champ



my eyes are warm




don't need hands to eat snow



my anagel making snow angles

snow days....

Monday school closed early and parents where asked to come get their children that buses wouldn't be running. Monday night we recieved a call that there will be no school on Tuesday, again Tuesday night 9pm we get another call that there will be no school Wednesday and yet again another call that there will be NO school thursday. My kids have been in there PJ's all week, watching Netfilcks movie after movie or Hayden's pick, Dino Dan (he is hooked and loves dinosaurs and now can name many of them).

As I was walking out the door for work this morning

review of Janurary 2011

Deep dark hole-
Fear, stress, anger, disappoint all caught up to me this month. I don't know why I think I can handle it all my own. Why I put so much pressure on myself? Why I compare myself to others, to other moms?  I'm so thankful that I have my husband to encourage me, to lift me up when I have gone to a dark hole. I'm also thankful for my God who hears my cry for help, and answers my cries with great love and grace. My God accepts me for me.

Healthy vs Unhealthy -
Robert and I did well this month on keeping our portions down and keeping our calories per meal lower. We had a few days where we splurged and cheated, but all in all we did good. For February I hope to have scale  for some weigh ins and add some exserice to our healthier life. 

Weather-
Too much snow, not enough sun light, not enough warmth, kids locked up in house, we have cabin fever and are so ready for spring.

Under the weather-
Hayden spent 8 days not feeling well 2 trips to the doctor, 2 shoots, many breathing treatments and many vomiting episodes.

Chatter Box!!!

Emma got her progress report this past week, she is doing really good in kindergarten. Emma enjoys school very much. If the school gave kindergartens grades Emma would have in Reading a 92% and Math a 100% which I think is super GREAT! All others areas Emma is well, but one "talking at the appropriate time", Emma is needing improvement Robert and I weren't sure what this meant. So Robert emailed Mrs. T for clarification.

Robert: Is Emma speaking out of turn, or not raising her hand?

Mrs. T: No, not at all, just talks a lot at her table at times when she shouldn't be (rest time and other times when she needs to be quiet :)she just needs improvement, its not serious, or she would be on red or blue. (mommy haves to add that Emma has never been off of green) I encourage discussion, but sometimes I have to ask her to be more quiet. She is never rude or disrespectful.

Robert: Well, that sounds like Emma definitely, she is a little chatter box. We will try to work with her on it.

Mrs. T: But a PRECIOUS chatter box with an excellent attitude!

Emma has been chattering since she was 4 days old!!!

Wild Hair

Tonight Robert and I cut (buzzed) Hayden's hair, what where we thinking?

Hayden's beautiful curly hair,  oh well he still has his big warm smile, still cute as ever!

This past Thursday we moved Hayden from his crib to a big boy bed, so many changes for this little boy.

6 Years!!!!!!

Robert and I said I do 6 years ago today, WOW!!! Its really been 6 years time flies by so fast 
     we have 3 great kids   
     we moved cross country
     we have sold all we had     
     we have bought 3 cars    
     we bought a home    
     we have a dog    
     we learned about cancer
     we have loved

Today Robert made a facebook post that made me cry and remind me why i'm so crazy in love with my husband.
     "6 years ago a woman decided to change my world and everything I thought I know about love and      marriage. With each day, good or bad, I grow more and more thankful for the day you said , I do."  Alicia I love you!!!"

     

2011

We brought in the new year as a family, nice and quiet, plus this year Robert and I made it to midnight the first time in 5 years WOW!

We put Hayden in his normal bed time 8:00.  Robert, me and the girls played Wii, had popcorn, ice cream and sprite. We had a great time, it was so cute watching Emma teach Peyton how to play. Peyton said the popcorn gave her energy to play.

New years resolutions this year is I want to be healthier. I want to be a better example for my kids, I want to have more energy for my kids and for Robert. I want to feel better about myself.  I want to be proud of myself. I know I CAN DO IT!!!