Harris Family Updates

Update Time

2010-06-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

This post is LONG overdue and I must admit that I have sort of been posting things on facebook because it seems like that is where most people are, but I am going to update our family blog and TRY to be better at doing so.

Too much time as passed since my last post, so I will keep my update to the fairly recent events in our family. Brad is now 6 years old!!! Crazy!!! Big Brad is 33 today!!! He still looks pretty good, even if he is getting a little long in the tooth if you ask me! :-) Gabi is 3 3/4 and she is so our tiny dancer! Sam is 14 months which is also insane to think and is a wild man! I turned 30 this year and feel as though my life is as good as over (just kidding, but I wanted to add a dramatic flair to this long overdue post)! :-)

This is only pic of me I could find...see me in the mirror! :-)

I will start with me since I am the narrator here and work my way down. I am still teaching part-time. I love the break it gives me from the kids 1 night a week this summer and I love all the exciting things happening in accounting right now! International convergence and changes to the CPA exam keep my mind in motion. I have fallen in love with reading, reading my scriptures (currently studying the old testament), reading great books like "Pride and Prejudice, Anne of Green Gables series, Twilight, and even Dr. Seuss books like Oh the places you'll go and Hooray for Diffendoofer day" and reading the conference talks from this last conference. The talks were amazing and I read each one and more and more thankful for the gospel and for the Savior! I am SOOOOOOOOO excited my kids are out of school. I was wondering what in the heck I was going to do with them all day, figuring I would bore them at home, but I love waking up and having absolutely nowhere to go. Each day just an adventure. We can stay home, play games, do a craft, go to the park, go to the library, ride bikes...we can pretty much do whatever we want and I am stinking loving it!!! Now with that said, lets see if I hold these same sentiments at the end of the summer! :-)

the kids made him the shirt he is wearing! He loves it!!! :-)

Big Brad is working working working! He is always at work, going to work or on his way home from work. He stays busy with 5 days at his residency, Wednesday nights and Saturdays moonlighting at the Bresslers office and on Tuesday nights he has the kids when I leave to go and teach! He is very deserving of a nice and much needed break, but I am not sure when this will change. In the Fall he will cut back because I will work more, but I do feel bad he has to work so hard for us! We are blessed to have him and know he loves us so much and works so hard to provide for us! He took Brad to play 18 holes of golf for his birthday and Brad II was over the moon! He brings up the fact he played golf and had so much fun with dad on a regular basis during the day and Gabi can't wait for her birthday because she wants a full day with daddy too! Sam totally loves his daddy and is constantly laying his head on him and running to him and laughing. In fact, when he walks in the door, we all scream because we can't wait to tell him what happened...he just wants to have a moment of silence but we are too excited!!! Poor Brad!

Little Brad is 6 like I said and is getting big too fast. On his birthday I read him from his journal the day he was born and I cried like a baby. I remember the day he was born and holding him and it is amazing to me how fast they grow and learn. Brad is a sweet kid and is full of energy. Sometimes he gets off track with his behavior when he gets excited, but he has such a great heart. Lately, I have been misplacing things (losing them really). We have been saying a prayer with the kids each time this happens and asking for Heavenly Fathers help in finding the mis-placed item. We had talked about this one night when the kids after reading with them that they could pray to Heavenly Father about anything and he would listen to them and help them. Brad and Gabi both starting asking us objects Jesus might be able to help them out with like if they wanted a puppy, or lost something. To date, I can say Jesus has helped our family find a glove, a frog, a cell phone, a wallet, and a DSi case just today! The last two things have been particularly funny because the wallet I was really upset about and Big Brad had us say a family prayer, he included my wallet in our night time prayer and then Little Brad wanted to include it in his prayer with me that night (I normally don't pray with them individually at night, but Brad wanted me to this night). In the morning, I told them dad had found my wallet and little Brad said, "I knew Jesus would pull through!" He was so excited and full of faith...it was an awesome moment. Then today, his DSi case was missing so we said a prayer, and when we went downstairs and started looking Little Brad wasn't helping and his dad told him he better start helping to which he replys, "mom already asked Jesus and you know he will do it!" So we told Brad, we have to do our part in looking that we can't ask Jesus to do it all!

Gabi is about the cutest little girl and is about the size of a peanut. She answers to lots of nicknames such as "Lu, Lulu, or peanut" somestimes I even call her Louise and I don't have a clue why! She is very stubborn and when I say she says the funniest things I am not lying to you. In fact, at the end of the day, Big Brad and I laugh more about what has come out of her mouth during the day than anything else. She is a perfect angel in public and is very shy and doesn't say much but at our house, she lays down the law! In fact, on the way home from church today I had gotten sick so we left early and Big Brad was trying to talk to her and she screamed, "I'm not talking to you right now, I want mom!" She has been doing dance at a place in Wayne, PA called Contempra Dance. She is so cute in her tutu and just recently had her first recital. if I can get the video on here, then I will because if you watch it I am sure you will witness first hand her raw talent for dance! I think it comes from the Dawson side, specifically my dad but I don't want to take all the credit for those moves so I am sure the Harris side has a little to do with it as well! I love that I have a daughter, I love how sweet my little girl is and I also love her spunk and flavor (that's a nice way to say it)! I also love that one day she will hopefully be a wife and mother and we can each have a better understanding of what the other feels.

Sam is yummy. He is such a great baby. He is all smiles and full of life. He makes me remember each day how fast this phase goes because he will do something and I think, oh I remember when Brad did that or when Gabi first did that. He is like Brad 100%! He will climb on anything, jump off anything and wants what he wants. He is spoiled by everyone and all he has to do is smile and we instantly are over whatever it was he did...so long and short of this story is Sam is going to be one spoiled rotten toddler and we are in for it, but with that yummy smile and sweet disposition I welcome the memories he will make for me to journal about.

So that is our update! It is long overdue! We miss all our old Philly friends and think about you alot! We are still stuck in school mode and you all have moved on to new adventures in your life, but we just miss you and wish we could see you more!

Oh yeah, and I almost forgot my super creative, awesome, talented friend Betsy helped me with this craft the other day and it turned out so cute! She is the best and I will miss her so much when we finish school!

Family Picture

2009-11-02T12:47:00.001-08:00

Below is our recent Family picture. The picture of Brad is from his 5 year pictures that we did in June, and the ones of Gabi and Sam are their 3 year and 6 month pictures! This is going to be my last family picture in my twenties!

Sam

2009-10-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

Our Sam or as Gabi likes to call him (Sammie Whammer) is getting so big so fast! He is crawling around the house and not just crawling...he is zooming. In fact if crawling was a competitive sport, I am pretty sure he would have a gold medal. It is like all the sudden a force unknown to man is propelling my sweet, cute, adorable, yummy little guy forward at a pace not even a mother of one could keep up with...let alone a mother of 3!

Just today I found him in the bathroom twice, the hall once (scary), and he even scooted into the kitchen while I was doing stuff in there today.

He has discovered cords in outlets and has made best friends with them. He likes to tug on them and try to put them in his mouth. I promptly move him away and try to distract him, but ladies...you know what its like to have a man on a mission and they are not easily swayed. Sam is determined to hang out with those cords and no toy is going to satisfy that hunger!

It makes me remember all those trips to the park with Brad that involved me chasing after a little boy who couldn't decide what to play with next and constantly moving from one end of the park to the other. I daresay I am about to be one busy momma! I can only pray he crawls for a long time and doesn't decide to walk anytime soon. Although I just can't seem to stop smiling when I see him or hold him and think we are so incredibly blessed to have this little motor butt propelling around our home!

At the request of Lynnette I am posting some more pictures of my little guy. I sure wish you all could see him, because in person he will make you melt...you can't even begin to stop smiling when you see those cute cheeks, blue eyes and old man hair...I would bet anything on it!

I promise to update more about Brad and Gabi but it is late and I have to do some work, but please rest assured that the things that come out of their little mouths and minds is constantly keeping us in stitches. Seriously, I think my kids may be the funniest people I have ever met in my life!

Love to all!

Catching Up

2009-10-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

Okay so it has been TOO LONG since I updated my blog. I have been reading other people's blogs and keeping up with all of you because I love and miss all of you very much, but I have not kept anyone updated on what is going on with us.

First, Gabi is 3! I mean how is this possible. There are too many things to love about Gabi to possibly list out here, but suffice it to say she is still sassy and sweet and we love her so very much. Last night we were saying things that make us happy and Gabi said, so sweetly, "I am happy when daddy is home!" I guess that tells you how much we see Brad! He is working hard for our family, during the week at his residency and then on Saturdays at another pediatric dental clinic so our kids are missing their time with daddy! It was so sweet.

Gabi has started preschool and the 1st week she liked it, but then she was over it. She cries and cries when I leave her and she actually almost ripped my hair from my head yesterday when I dropped her off. I am seriously considering not taking her next semester if this keeps up, because it is breaking my heart. She says/screams "I want to stay home with you and Sam!" Its not like I am doing anything...so she could be home with me, we just thought for socialization it would be good, but 2 days a week for 2 hours is proving difficult. She is happy when I pick her up so I will keep this under evaluation.

Gabi is also in gymnastics again and she likes it. It is a small class of kids and she has a hard time walking away from me, it takes a minute, but then when she is sure I am going to stay and watch she does better. I think it is really strange that my children have no problems leaving me to go with their dad or go play at Mrs. Welsh's but if I leave them anywhere, that is a completely different story. Gabi really struggles with this. I feel bad for her.

Brad is in a 5 day pre-k program at a really good program called Footsteps. He is doing so good and making alot of friends. His teacher seems pretty great and he comes home with tons of stories about his day! This is a first for me to have Brad so talkative about school. He tells me what they did and what they made and he will even get upset if he doesn't have any crafts or worksheet in his bag to show me. The school is very big on positive reinforcement and Brad is really thriving with all the positivity he is getting! I think he is such a pleaser, he loves to help me around the house or to hear that he is doing a good job. He does get upset if Gabi gets praise for something she does, and immediately will try and either do the same thing or do something different to try and get it equal praise.

Brad is really a good big brother. He and Gabi do fight, but if anyone else had the nerve to mess with her, he would be all over them. Even us...if she gets in trouble for something he just looks at us as if he is going to pounce on us at any moment.

Sam is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO stinking cute! I mean seriously, I can't believe he is 6 months old and in so many respects I wish you could have your 3rd kid first. I look back on the things that stressed me out with Brad and think how ridiculous I was. I stressed and worried and was tired about everything with Brad...and it wasn't Brad after all....IT WAS ME! Poor Brad...he will always be the trial and error kid I guess...but we do love him so, and I pray we do somethings right!

Sam is starting to get on all 4's and rock back and forth...I don't know how I feel about this. I don't know what 3 kids will be like once he can walk/run from me. Right now it has not been bad. It is more work, sure, but I don't know how to describe him other than just yummy and sweet and we are soaking up every minute of his yumminess! He has a smile that will literally just make your heart smile wide and big!

I have noticed more with Sam how for the most part, people love babies and can't stop smiling when they see them. When I take the kids to the store, normally Sam is in the bjorn and people just make over him, or will give me a smile and tell me how sweet my family is. Of course, there is the occasional 'you are crazy look' or 'your kids are too loud' look, but I normally just ignore those! He really is such a sweet baby and it makes me sad that our family doesn't get to experience our kids moments because I can tell you they are the funniest people I have ever met in my life hands down. Being their mother is pretty wonderful. Although as any mother knows, having children can feel like a contradiction, because while you love them to pieces there are moments/days when you can't seem to get away from crying/fighting/screaming/fits and the bliss of motherhood is harder to feel! As you can probably tell it is quite in my house right now so I can really relish in how happy my kids make me, the trick is trying to remember that when they are screaming! :-)

All in all we are doing well. We are liking our new townhouse and the area. It is getting colder and I do not look forward to the winter in the next couple of months, but nothing beats the Fall. I would live in the North forever just for the Falls if I could transplant our family up here with us.

So there is our update! Much love to you and your families!

Cute Huh?

2009-07-27T19:12:00.001-07:00

This is Sam 99% of the time. He is 4 months already and so stinkin cute, who knew how much fun a 3rd baby would be!!!! :-)

We are moved, YEAH!!! Now we just have to get used to sleeping in a new place...funny how all our stuff is here, but it doesn't quite feel right just yet. Everyone is doing good, we are trying to find parks and stuff to do closer so the kids and I are busy with that!

My brother and sister in law came up to help us move and it was so much fun...they were loads of help and we had a great time. I plan on posting pictures and about our trip to NY soon.

I think my days as a poem composer are over, although we do get to move again in 22 months so I might get the creative juices flowing around that time again.

Moving

2009-07-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

So we are in the process of moving, and I thought I would take the opportunity to write a poem about my thoughts, feelings and experiences with moving 1 hour down the road. I hope you enjoy it and get the full scope of how I feel about moving.

Moving
By: Katie Harris

It Sucks!

In the Family

2009-07-02T20:05:00.001-07:00

This is Sam looking so stinking cute! He is a great baby and we love him so much. Brad and Gabi love him too and it is really fun to see them play with him. The love to make him laugh and smile and coo...and as a mom its so fun to see my kids get excited like I was excited when they did those things.

This is Betsy and I at Bounce U watching our kids bounce! I am going to be SO sad to move away from the Lees Family. They have been such wonderful friends to us and it makes me sad to know we won't be able to hang out with their family as much! We love the Lees!

Tonight when we got home, I was closing the blinds and when I came back upstairs, Little Brad had put on his daddy's scrubs and shoes and was running around pretending to be a Dentist! He thought it was so funny and then Gabi wanted to do it and after I took their picture, we put scrubs on Sam and got a picture of all 3!

I am one blessed wife and mother!

We are moving and Gabi and Brad are ALL about helping me out. I felt so bad for Gabi the other day because she was trying to help and I had just asked her to not pick up a certain box and when I walked back in she had picked it up and when she saw me she dropped it! It happened to be fragile and so I yelled, 'Gabi, I just asked you not to pick that up' to which my poor emotional roller coaster daughter started crying and said, "I just wanted to help mommy!" Now seriously, how can you stay mad at that...I felt so sorry for her.

So I am trying hard to let them help me...and for me to have more patience with them because they do really want to help out and they are just kids, but it is frustrating when I could do it so much faster without these little hands. I guess when they are teenagers I will long for the days when they wanted to help me do everything, so I am going to try and take it all in stride!

Child Abuse, Sam, & Swimming Lessons

2009-06-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

So below you will see pictures of my poor son who looks like he has been beat up. The poor kid had a rough few days and his face and body have the marks to prove it. We started out with a goose egg just below his eye when Gabi punched him on the trampoline!!! That's right my sweet little Gabi hit him in the face. She admitted it without hesitation and I am not sure if that is because all the kids had already said she did it or if she did not think it was that big a deal. Either way I have no idea how she managed to give him a black eye, but she did. Then she bit him the following day because she wanted a toy he had and he told her she couldn't have it. that was on his stomach!!! Then I scratched him taking a piece of paper from him, in the nose, you can't see that mark, but its there right in the front part of his nose. My thumb got him. Then the last instance was also yesterday when he was pretending to be a horse with Gabi and he ran into the wall. He came to me crying and said the wall hit him...then I saw the big slice on his nose where he lost the skin! He has really been thru it the past few days. I told Brad at swim lessons everyone would think he had been beaten!!! His eye looks so bad now that it is bruising up...I think this may be his first black eye. I figured if one of my kids would give the other a black eye it would have been the other way around.

I just wanted to add a few pictures of Sam. He is smiling all the dang time!!! He is such a sweet little baby. He coos and makes noise all the time now like he is talking to us and laughs in his sleep. It is a cute little chuckle!

We started swimming lessons today and both the kids did great. I was a little worried, but I think there is safety in having your sibling there. Gabi was totally fine and walked right over with no hesitation and Brad did the same. It was fun to watch them. Gabi wanted to be by Brad and they both have friends in this class this year. Ben and Belle are twins and Brad and Gabi have been very fortunate to have made friends with them this year. They are great kids and we have had lots of fun with them so it is nice to have them in our swim class as well. Gabi is in a tiny weenie yellow polka dot bikini, but tomorrow we have to wear a whole piece because her shorts kept falling off of her!!!

I think they looked hilarious in these goggles at the house!

Time for an Update

2009-06-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

Well so much for keeping pictures of my every changing, yummy, and sweet new baby Sam on my blog! Life with 3 is busy so normally when it is bed time for the kids I am running around trying to get done everything I didn't during the day. Here's a little update of the Harris Family!

Sam:

Is 2 months old!!!! How can this be! The picture of him in his diaper is from his 2 mo check up. He was 13 lbs. 9oz! He is bigger than both Brad and Gabi at this point. he is really filling out and I love a chuncky baby!!! Cute as can be. Not a great sleeper, but yummy little cheeks and a smile that will literally brighten your day no matter what is going on. He makes us laugh when he crys, when he poops, when he just lays there doing nothing. We love this little guy.

Brad:

5 years old!!! That is right my little baby, my first, our trial and error child is 5! He wanted a Lightening McQueen themed party so we did a lightening McQueen cake and race track with cupcakes around it! It turned out pretty dang cute and Brad kept telling me while I was icing it, "mom this is wonderful, I love you, thank you." Nothing makes me happier than to hear this from my kids! My good friend Betsy Lees did the party favors and sign for the party and they were so stinking cute! Thank you Betsy you are AWESOME!!! We had races outside for the kids and played a little baseball at his party and served the infamous Brad Harris hamburger and hotdog on a grill! Brad is getting so good at grilling and I love it because he is cooking and I'm not!!! :-) Brad is done with pre-school and we are excited about Pre-K next year. Hard to believe my baby could be ready for pre-k next year...where is the time going?

Gabi:

She loves to get her toe nails and finger nails painted. She first had this done by Mamaw and then Mrs. Welsh bought her all kinds of paint and so now she is constantly asking me to paint them. I really like doing it even though anyone who knows me, knows that I am not a girly girl. So far we have done purple and pink in the last week and she is so stinking cute about it. Gabi is what I would call the perfect girl. She can kick butt but she still wants to be cute doing it. She takes nothing off of anyone, and she trys to keep us all in line by telling us what to do, how to do it and when....she will also let you know if you didn't do it right! We love our Gabi!!! Our house would be so dull and quite without her.

Big Brad:

3 weeks left of his residency at Sacred Heart and then he starts his Pediatric Residency at Temple in Philadelphia! He is really excited to get started and it feels so good to know that in 2 years we will be done with school and Brad will have achieved his dream of being a Pediatric Dentist. He turns 32 tomorrow and so me and the kids baked a cake and took pizza to his office today to surprise him. He looked confused when we got there, but he was really happy with his birthday surprise. Brad has been working on getting his license in PA, he has his license activated in Texas, but now he is trying to get it here in PA so he can moonlight while in his residency. There is so much paperwork to fill out and fees to pay it is hard to keep track of it all, but hopefully he will get approved when the Board meets in July without having to take the NERBS.

Me:

I am trying to keep up with my kids! Take them to the park, get them lunch, dinner, bathes, read with them and my favorite time of the day is bed time! I love bed time!!! I get to hold Sam without anyone asking me for something and kiss on him until he finally goes to sleep which at this point is whenever he feels like it. I look forward to a schedule for him. I am working on developing a new course at Arcadia, getting ready for Audit and Intermediate Theory in the Fall (these are 2 of my favorite classes to teach so I am so excited to get started in the Fall), teaching for Becker CPA review a couple of times this month and several times in August. I try to do my work at night when the kids go to bed, which means sleep is like a long lost friend, but it keeps me active in my field and I get a small break from my kids 1 or 2 nights a week which is a win win for everyone. I love teaching and each time after a class I have a stronger desire to go back to school and get my PhD, but then I come home and play with the kids and I think...it can wait...my kids are growing fast and I don't want to miss it...and school will always be there right. Plus with Brad in school it's not the right time...but I digress.

I hope everyone is doing well. I see alot of you are facebook now, and I am not facebook savy...but I am going to try and check it to see what everyone is doing.

Our 3 Kiddos

2009-04-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

We had pictures of the kids taken when Sam was two weeks old. He looks like little Brad with blonde hair although I do see my dad in him as well!

The kids did so good for the pictures it was almost dreamlike...I was worried no one would cooperate, but all was well! I think the pictures were super cute and wanted to share.

We are doing good adjusting to life with 3 kids. I think we mainly just move alot slower and are a little more tired, but he is a good baby and it is fun to have a baby again. It is funny to me how different it feels this time. It's like the crying, diaper changes, and sleepless nights are not as big of a deal. I guess because you have done it before. The biggest challenge for me has been figuring out how to be a mom to a newborn and still keep the other two entertained. The kids are doing great with Sam so that helps.

Brad has said several times that he is so happy that Sam is here and not in my belly anymore! He also says, "Mom when you eat alot and get big again with a baby, can we name him Brad because we need another Brad!" I have no idea why he thinks you have a baby when you eat alot because he has never asked how we got Sam in my belly...he just came up with this on his own and I am fine with his logic as long as he is!

Gabi loves to kiss him...constantly! She wants to hold him or kiss him! She tells us, "Sam is cute or Sam is crying, or mom Sam wants you to give him milk!" A little mommy already!

SAM

2009-03-28T17:49:00.001-07:00

Our baby boy arrived 3/26/09 at 6:22pm. He weighed in at 8lbs 7ozs and was 21 inches long! He had BLONDE hair which was a first for us and he is sweet and cute and wonderful!

Misc

2009-03-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

This week on Thursday I went out with Betsy to see the movie Bride Wars. It was showing at the Emmaus Theatre, which is the really cool old timey theatre that shows movies for $3 and only one at a time. I love it....anyway I digress. So Betsy gave me some gifts for Sam all of which were wonderful, but one in particular was so cute I still can't believe she made it. She knitted some cowboy boots for Sam and they even have his initials on them. They have an S on the side and an H on the top. So cute!!! Thank you Betsy!!!

Then on Saturday we took the kids bowling for some family of 4 fun before Sam gets here. No telling when Brad and I will be able to get out with 3 kids. We are pretty slow on the parenting thing so we figured some fun was in order before we lose the ability to function. Little Brad was actually a very good bowler and Gabi used the ramp and lost interest very quickly. She was more interested in playing in what little make-up I had in my purse. She was all about the powder and lip gloss. She does not get this from me...anyone who knows me knows I am nothing like a girly girl. I find it very cute that she is into it though and it makes me wonder where she got it. Somethings in that child are me all over, but this...I don't know.

Here are a couple pictures/video of our fun at the bowling alley. I don't know why we don't bowl more, it is really cheap and the kids have lots of fun

And also this week we got some baby gifts for Sam from Mamaw Harris. She made his some blankets and I can't put pictures of all of them on here, but here are a couple of our favorites, which I know Sam will love as well. thanks Mamaw.

Also, just a follow up to my last post, Brad did great for his talk on Sunday. His daddy read the talk, and he held up the poster and Brad said he was totally happy to hold his sign. I printed off coloring book pages with all the actions we were talking about and he colored them and glued them to the poster board (it was a small poster board). He was even excited last night and we kept praying with him that he would be okay. So he did GREAT! Our first talk in primary was a success.

My mom is flying up this week on Wednesday and should get here around midnight or 1am. She is staying 2 1/2 weeks and considering she only gets 3 weeks of vacation at work, this is no small gesture on her part. She has been working late every night and all day on Saturdays to make sure she gets her work done and doesn't leave anyone in a bad spot in her absense while she is here. Thank you mom for always being willing to help. The kids are super excited to have you come up and be here with them and it will be EXTREMELY helpful for me to have you here and to have an adult to talk too for a change.

So lately we have been doing lots to get ready for Sam. As ready as you can ever be for a baby. All the clothes are washed, the bed is ready, there are diapers and wipes, swings, and carriers, bottles and pacifiers waiting for him and 4 people who can't wait to love him are eagerly anticipating his arrival.

Making me Laugh

2009-03-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

Brad has to give a talk in primary on Sunday and he is NOT excited about. We started working on it today and he just kept shaking his head, no, no, no...I am not going to do it. We asked him why and he looked at me and said, "Because everyone will be staring at me and I don't like it!" I laughed so hard, and he followed up with, "Mom this is not funny, I don't like it!"

I felt bad for laughing but he was so serious when he said it, I could see the stress and tension in his little face! So who knows what will happen on Sunday. We made a cute little poster type thing with pictures of things he can do as part of a family, but he still isn't intereted in telling the kids in primary about it.

Getting Ready for Sam

2009-03-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

The kids and I decided we need to make shirts in preparation of Sam's arrival. Brad and Gabi needed to be able to celebrate being a big brother again for Brad and a big sister for Gabi for the 1st time. This is how they turned out. I think the kids did a great job and it was their idea to put Sam Rocks on the back!

Brad did some doodling on his and then said, "Look mom, this is your boobs because when Sam gets here he will get milk from your boobs" I was like, 'thanks..."

One little funny tidbit, yesterday, Gabi kept hitting me in the boob and I said, Gabi please stop hitting me, would you like me to hit you in the boob? She replied, "I don't have any boobs, see and she patted her shirt where her boobs where"! How funny are these kiddos!

A Trip to the Dentist

2009-02-26T13:57:00.000-08:00

This morning we got up and went to see the dentist, but not just any dentist! The daddy dentist. Both Brad and Gabi were so excited to get their teeth cleaned...even though Gabi has never even had this done. They have been to the dental office several times for lunch, but never to sit in the DENTAL CHAIR.

Brad and I were both worried about how the kids would do when they actually got in the chair, and we decided I shouldn't go back with either of them. So when we got there we started coloring in the waiting area and waiting for our turn. Little Brad was first and was really excited to hear his name called. He went straight back and Gabi was crushed when he got to go back first. She cried and cried! It was really sad. She quickly forgot all about it and I sent the camera back so the assistant could take pictures.

Brad did great! He had fun and even though he did get scared and whine a little when Brad was working on him, Dr. Dad said he was really good! He got some X-Ray's and was excited to see some pictures of his teeth. He thought the glasses were way cool and he was really proud of himself! We were extremely proud of him.

Gabi was all excited until it was her turn! Then she decided she wasn't too keen on sitting in the dental chair. So Dr. Dad decided Little Brad and I should stay back with her and she looked like someone had a gun pointed at her the entire time and she barely moved at all. Which was so funny and cute. She looked like she was scared to move. She did great though...she never cried, she never fought him on anything and she was pretty cooperative. I was very impressed. She did so good that Brad smoothed out one tooth that had a chip in it and she did fine for that as well.

Overall it was a great experience, and best of all we got to have lunch with the doctor after Gabi's appt. The kids had a great time and I must admit I was very proud of Dr. Dad. He did so good with the kids. I only got to see him in action with Gabi, but he was so cute and funny with her and got her to open and listen. I know he is going to be great with kids in practice, because he was awesome with ours today!

Now...if you think you will EVER read a blog about me in the dental chair with Brad think again. He might have been absolutely wonderful with the kids, but he wouldn't be so nice to me...I know it! I will have to find another dentist for my cleanings!!! :-)

Trip To Texas

2009-02-12T08:12:00.001-08:00

The kids and I just got back from a FUN trip to Texas! We left on a Thursday morning and came back on on Tuesday and while it was a quick trip...it was so much fun to see family!

I got to be a real Aunt and see the kids play basketball!

Hannah and Garrett are future ball stars for sure! They both did really good and we the cutest kids on the court to boot!

We got to celebrate Valentines together and all the kids enjoyed candy a little early, but it's about the love not the day right?!?!?!

We rode Ollie and Gus everyday we were there and the kids were in heaven to get to ride. Brad even got to ride by himself with Uncle Robert close by to make sure nothing happened. He learned how to stop Ollie and told his daddy all about it when we got back to PA.

We also got to be home for my dad's birthday and my mom's is one week later so we celebrated by grilling and the kids and I made cakes for them! They had so much fun decorating them and singing for Granny and Papaw and I enjoyed the great sausage and ribs! It was yummy.

And I got to be home for Kenady's birthday too...well technically her birthday is Feb. 27th but we let her open our gift so we could be there for it! She didn't care to much about the outfit...but the shoes were a BIG hit!

We also got to spend a day with Mamaw and Poncho and Brad informed me that next time we had to stay longer there too! The kids had fun chasing Poncho around. Too bad he doesn't like them, but it's a good thing they can't pick up on it because they just love him. Mamaw played go fish and colored while I did some reading for my upcoming classes! Thank you for entaining so I could catch up.

We had so much fun and can't wait for Sam to join in on all the family fun in another 7 weeks! Family is the best!

Where Are We Going????

2009-01-26T05:58:00.000-08:00

Well we still don't know! BUT....we know it will be somewhere in the Philadelphia area! Brad got accepted into Temple Episcopal Pedo!

To say we are excited would be understatement! I think we are both still shocked, but SO THANKFUL!

First thing we did was say a prayer after we got the news. This has been a very humbling experience and to have it work out this year is beyond words!

So....basically....IT'S A GREAT DAY!

More Ultrasound pictures

2008-12-22T16:51:00.000-08:00

This is our Sam. I had to go see a specialist today...not going to elaborate because it is a long story, but anyway I got these beautiful pictures of our sweet baby boy and I go again in 4 weeks for another one...I have never had a 4D picture of my other pregnancies so this is really amazing to me. They only did the 4D at the very end to get a picture of his face. The first one looks like he has all his fingers in his mouth except his thumb, and he is resting his face on something in there! I am smitten! :-)

Merry Christmas!

Ultrasound Pictures

2008-12-13T07:05:00.001-08:00

The first picture our little baby boy is waving hi and in the other you can see his little face all scrunched up. We are really excited about our new addition. Enjoy the pictures...if you are like me you have a hard time seeing what exactly you are looking at, but I just pretend anyway.

Santa Claus

2008-12-11T17:39:00.001-08:00

Brad and Gabi went to see Santa at the Mall. Gabi was fine until it was our turn to see Santa and then he didn't look quite as appealing. Brad was great...he walked right up and sat in his lap but when Santa asked him what he wanted, he replied "I forgot"! Starstruck for Santa I guess.

Merry Christmas

New Baby

2008-12-06T18:24:00.000-08:00

This is from my last ultrasound 3 weeks ago, but we have a scanner and so I can post a picture of the baby saying hi!

What We've Been Up To

2008-12-04T08:46:00.000-08:00

ME

Recently a friend invited me to see Twilight and I thought...it would be fun to go see a movie on a girls night...even though I was the only one who had not read the book. The movie was slow at first, but got better and better and so I borrowed the book and started reading. Even though I knew what was coming it did not keep me from speeding through the book in a day. Then I ran all over town looking for New Moon to try and read it. After I got it FINALLY a day later, I plowed through it in a day and 1/2. It was much harder to read b/c Edward was gone and she was SO DEPRESSED! But the last 200+ pages were great. Next, I had Eclipse in my hands and I could not put it down. I honestly thought it was neck and neck with Twilight itself. Now I am almost done with Breaking dawn and wondering what in the heck I will do with myself when I am done. I guess the laundry, clean, pay attention to my kids...you know the stuff I am suppose to be doing! :-)

Little Brad & Gabi

I have the most hilarious kids. The other day, I was making dinner for someone and trying to get everything done and realized that it was almost noon and I had not eaten all day. The kids had breakfast, but I was sure they were hungry. Gabi wanted a hot dog and Brad said, he was not hungry. I made Gabi lunch and then myself something to eat and sat down. You know as soon as that happens it over. Immediately, Brad says, 'mom, I want a hot dog'! So I am hungry, 23 weeks pregnant, tired and moody and go into a rant about how, I am not a fetch and go girl! That I need to eat too and they should stop asking me for something every 2 minutes. (I know very effective parenting, right?!?!)

I get up make Brad a hot dog and as soon as I get him that and the ketchup the oven timer goes off. So instead of sitting to eat, I go tend that that. At this point, Gabi screams, I want ketchup too! Being lazy, I say 'Brad give your sister some ketchup' and he says, 'Okay, But I am getting sick and tired of being the ketchup man'! I just stood at the oven laughing quietly...once he was done, he said, 'mom, I did it, but I am really sick of being the ketchup man'. I managed to get out a thank you and thought...I love being a mom.

Gabi the other day was throwing a tantrum and it had lasted most of the morning from not wanting to walk down the stairs to wanting more milk, but not wanting to walk 2ft to get her sippy cup. I had enough and put her in the recliner and told her that she was being very rude and to stop.

I walked back into the kitchen and I assume, she thought I was out of ear shot because I heard her say, 'no mom, your rude!'

Also, the other day, Brad and Gabi were in the bath and I was on the computer in the room connected to the bathroom and I hear them dumping water on the floor...I was not happy. So I went in there and spat them both on the hinny and said they knew better and to keep the water in the tub. I was looking at each of them and ask if they understood and Gabi puts her fist in my face and say's, 'I'm gonna punch you in the face' and I said, 'Excuse Me, what did you just say' to which she replied, 'I don't know' and smiled the sweetest smile. I think Big Brad gets too carried away with what he says when he rough houses with the kids, we certainly don't bring up punching people in the face!

Big Brad

I wanted to put lights up this year outside since we have sort of house for the first time in our marriage. Big Brad was not excited at all. We bought the lights and we were all excited! Brad comes home, say's okay lets do this. He gets out on the roof and says....hey get me the lights and the clips...I was like...what did you do other than walk out on the roof. He waits patiently for the supplies to do this and then begins working on hanging our lights. He has me and the kids running around getting extension cords and then outside to help him determine if they are straight. After getting one line done...I realized since our roof peaks into a triangle over the garage and Brad would have to dangle on the roof our efforts would be dangerous and so we aborted the mission. Brad had to undo what he had done, dropping the line to me below him and then he crawled in the house and so our Christmas light adventure was short lived and will have to wait until we are better equipped to do it safely.

Brad has been so put out with my obsessive reading and I know he is happy I am on the last book in the series so I will stop reading all the time.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are getting ready for Christmas. Reading your blogs and seeing all the fun things your families are doing is so much fun and it makes being away from everyone after 4 fun filled years in dental school much easier.

Big Weekend

2008-11-18T16:10:00.000-08:00

Ultrasound

On Saturday we had the big 20 week ultrasound! I must admit that this pregnancy sometimes goes ignored...I don't have time to daydream like I did with my first pregnancy or wonder what my second child would be like compared to my first...no with this pregnancy sometimes I even forget I am pregnant. The days fly by in a blur, but I still get excited when I get to hear our babies heartbeat and seeing your baby on that ultrasound machine is amazing!

Our little one was snug in one spot and moved and wiggled all around during the ultrasound so we only got to see 2 hands, a head, a heart, a stomach, and a leg flew up in the air at one point so we know there is one of those! The ultrasound tech could not get the babies kidneys or spine so I have to back for another ultrasound in a couple of weeks! I get to see my baby AGAIN! The kids and Brad went with me and they are so excited about this baby and Little Brad is adamant it is a little boy! He even said several times during the ultrasound...it's a boy mom...it's NOT a girl! It's a SAM!

If we have a girl, I know a daddy and brother who will be sad. I am excited either way, but I feel like it is boy too! But if my past record is an indicator then it will be a girl. So we don't know what we are having yet...we will see if I can make it through another ultrasound and not find out.

The downside of not finding out for me thus far, is that this little baby has no identity just yet. I can't say, Sam or Annie...it's just the baby and that is weird! I want to talk to this little one and call it by name...but the idea of waiting is very attractive too! I wish I could scan in my ultrasound pictures so you could see our little one waving 'hi' but we are having issues so I can't.

All I really want is a healthy baby, each kid we have is a special blessing to our family and while my kids are the hardest things in my life thus far, I have never laughed so hard, loved so much, or wanted more for these little children of God and so the blessings by far outweigh those tough days! It will be fun to meet this new little one in person in another 4 months and see what gift we have been given.

Chuck E Cheese

After some family time on Saturday, I left to go do some work and Brad took the kids to Chuck E Cheese! They had a great time and while Brad was getting the kids ready to go Little Brad saw a kid with cotton candy. Of course he wanted the cotton candy and his dad said, NO!

They head to the door and Brad and Little Brad's numbers matched, however, Gabi's number had smeared and they couldn't read it.

Lady Says: 'Sir I can't let you leave with her w/out some kind of proof she is your kid'. Little boy is this your daddy?
Little Brad: NO
Lady: Is this your sister?
Little Brad: No
(at this point Brad runs past the lady and heads for the door, and Brad trys to go after him, the lady puts her hand up and...
Lady: Sir I can't let you leave with her
Big Brad: Are u kidding me
Lady: No, I need proof this is your daughter. Little boy, is this your dad?
Little Brad: NO
Lady: Is this your sister?
Little Brad: NO
Lady: Do you have a picture of her in your wallet or something
Big Brad: Yes

So ultimately, he got to take his daughter home, but can you believe our son would not claim us. He was so upset about that cotton candy he disowned his own family! Brad was relieved he got to leave, and a mixture of upset and wanting to laugh at what had just happened. I just laughed, but I wasn't there to experience it...I might not have laughed if I was there!

Thank you

2008-11-06T16:40:00.000-08:00

Brad and Gabi were so excited to get another package from Texas today! Thank you Mamaw for their new night outfits! They couldn't wait to put them on today!

Election Night

2008-11-05T10:20:00.000-08:00

Well last night was an emotional rollercoaster for me and many others I assume as well. For the first time in my life, I really researched these two candidates and felt strongly that John McCain was the best option. There are many reasons I came to this conclusion and NONE of them involved the color of skin of Obama.

As silly at it sounds, I actually cried when McCain made his concession speech! I know I am pregnant but come on...why I am I crying...it's just an election right. But with a family and kids and a world that seems to contradict my personal values at time, it strikes fear in me as to what my kids will be faced with as they grow up.

I have faith in the Lord and know He has a plan and we just have to be diligent and endure. I am excited to see the first african american president elected and to see how happy others are at this accomplishment and do not want to take away from his supporters or this historical moment.

I felt less silly for these emotions when I took Brad to pre-school today and 2 women began crying when talking about Obama being elected and their concerns were mine as well. Not the color of this man, not his ability to deliver a powerful and moving speech, but the direction in which this country will be headed under his lead.

I will pray for him and for this country. There are so many things wrong with the world and the US and now more than ever, those of us who believe need to pray for strength to remember who we are and stand up for those beliefs.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2008-10-31T07:41:00.000-07:00

I am just over 18 weeks!

Savage Farm Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the pumpkin patch at Savage Farms for Brad's pre-school. This is the first time I have been to a pumpkin patch! So it felt like a trip for me too! The kids wore the outfits their Mamaw sent them for Halloween and looked so cute, and each got to pick out a pumpkin, milk a cow, play in a corn box, run through the corn maze, and see some farm animals! Oh yeah and we rode in a wagon pulled by a tractor which was a BIG hit with all the kids!

I really like Brad's pre-school! It is very structured and his teacher is extremely nice and all the kids really like her! We really got lucky to have gotten into this wonderful pre-school on such short notice!

Running on a Prayer

2008-10-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

In the 5 1/2 years Brad and I have been married we have had our share of car problems. Our first year of dental school we almost broke the bank with all the problems and each year we have at least one major thing happen. We always feel blessed when we can get away from the machanic for $500 or less! Which does not happen often at our house, and I am sure many of you can relate!

This past week, on Tuesday, I was taking the kids to gymnastics and I started my car (it had a hard time starting and this had been going on for a couple of weeks). The kids and I fed the neighbors fish and then loaded in the car to head out. Once I put the car in reverse it died on me. Instantly, I told Brad and Gabi we should say a prayer. Brad and Gabi folded their little arms and repeated everything I said. We cranked it up again and we had NO problems for the rest of the day. Brad pointed out when we got to gymnastics the car was working and our prayer worked!

The next day at 12:25 we headed out for pre-school, the car started and everything seemed fine at first, but then we got to a red light and the car stalled on me. I was the first in line and of course the light turns green immediately, I instantly panicked in my head trying to re-start my car and each time it would die as soon as I put it in gear. Finally, I said, okay kids lets say a prayer and so while at a green light cars behind me (not so happy by the way) we said a prayer and off my little jeep went. Now it died a couple of times after that, but we were able to make it SAFELY to pre-school!

To make a long story short, we figured out that if you put the car in park or neutral at a red light or stop sign it would not die, only when in gear...so we were able to make it home safely and Brad that day after work and taking the babysitter home! In fact, the next morning when I cranked the car it ran perfectly. We took it in and they could not find anything wrong with my car that would make it do what we described. They did replace the starter, but she made it clear the starter would not have caused the problems we described. I don't know if I had bad gas in my car or what, but what I do know is that my car was running on a prayer! I am thankful we can pray anytime and anywhere and that Heavenly Father will give us what we need. I am certainly not implying we will not have any more problems with our car, I am pretty sure we will, but I can certainly be thankful for a loving Heavenly Father protecting my family and listening/answering our prayers!

One big update

2008-10-07T13:05:00.001-07:00

Gabi is 2...

This is unbelievable to me! How is it possible that my baby is 2 years old already! It would be impossible for me to adequately describe exactly what a joy Gabi is in our home. She has more personality than any one person could imagine. Here are a couple of our favorite things:

1. She is sassy (VERY SASSY)

2. A big talker--saying pretty much anything and everything

3. In love with her daddy

4. Gives the best kisses with the most pouted fish lips ever

5. She will drop on a dime and throw a BIG fit anytime you say the words 'no'

6. She loves her brother so much and they have this amazing brother sister relationship in which they swing from the best of friends to the worst of enimies, but you better not mess with the other because they will defend each other to the end

7. She knows how to work us over

For her birthday my mom was here which was amazing for me especially. We had a butterfly theme sort of and I had lots of fun making and decorating her cake! We had a couple of kids from our ward over to play and so it felt like a big bash! We ate hot dogs and hamburgers and played pop the balloon (bad idea after about 5) and pin the tail on the donkey. Also, the kids dressed up in their halloween costumes...although Gabi backed out at the last minute and did not wear her's. She got a kitchen from us and it has been a BIG hit! Her and Brad love to cook us stuff with all the food, plates, pots and pans that were presents at her party as well. She was one lucky cookie!

Painting pumpkins with Granny....

When Granny was here the kids wanted to paint pumpkins with her! They had a big time painting with Granny and making their beautiful pumpkins! The only problem was I put them outside to dry and it rained that night so the next day we looked out and their newly painted beautiful pumpkins were washed clean! Brad was hilarious...he looked out the window and said, "hey what happened...there's no paint" then immediately saying, "mom--dad told you it was going to rain...why did you leave them outside" Don't feel too bad for them, we turned it into a family activity after Granny went home and even bought another pumpkin so we each had one!

Carving & Painting them later...

Getting started

Brad helping dad!

Texas on the Back of Brads

My Pumpkin

It finally happened

2008-09-05T15:18:00.001-07:00

I had forgotten to keep an eye out for this and sure enough it happened. Brad cut Gabi's hair and he also cut his! In fact you can tell more on him than on her.

What is worse is that it took me a day to figure it out. I was so caught up in watching the Republican National Convention last night that I let the kids play in the basement w/out me. First and last time for that. So this morning I went down to pick up and noticed some hair on the floor...at first I thought it was just Gabi's but then realized Brad had also played barber to himself!

What is a mom to do? I guess I should try watching my kids instead of the RNC.

From the Mouth of Babes

2008-08-08T20:17:00.000-07:00

So I heard some pretty funny stuff while in Texas this trip. Kids say the funniest stuff here are just a few!

Situation: Haleigh and Gabi are both called Lulu so it gets confusing for them. It is lunch time and we are sitting beside each other at the table.
Me: Lu what would you like to drink
Haleigh: Are you talking to me or her? (in a very serious thirsty voice)
Me: You
Haleigh: Juice

Situation: Driving to my mom's house with the grandkids so I could get some time with them without their parents. Of course Granny's house is the perfect get away!
Hannah: (holding a water bottle) Aunt Toto, I have to drink alot of water or my stomach gets overheated. When your tummy is overheated it hurts!
Me: Well then you better make sure you drink so your tummy stays cooled down.
Haleigh: Aunt Toto, I don't have to drink all the time, but sometimes if I don't drink a little my tummy gets overheated too! But not all the time!

Situation: Me picking on Haleigh about eating hot dogs for dinner. Haleigh does NOT like hot dogs.
Me: Okay, lets have hot dogs Haleigh
Haleigh: I don't like hot dogs
Me: I know you like hot dogs you don't have to tell me sweetie, I said lets make some
Haleigh: No, I don't like hot dogs.
Me: Okay...I am making them, have some patience
Haleigh: Aunt Toto why do you pick on me about hot dogs...I don't like them!
Me: Laughing because she is so cute and hilarious!

Situation: Gabi beating up her cousins
Haleigh: Gabi is mean! :-)

Situation: Driving to go swimming at the Harris's house
Brad: Bill where are we going
(Bill is papaw and I do NOT know why he said this because I call my father in law Mr. Harris)

Situation: Brad screaming for his Mamaw to find out where she is
Brad: Mrs. Harris...where are you Mrs. Harris!
(This does make since b/c I call my in laws Mr. & Mrs. Harris...I guess I am just going to have to start saying Mamaw and Papaw)

There were tons of other funny situations...but it is late and my mind is wondering, but you get the picture.

Catching Up

2008-08-08T19:28:00.000-07:00

Here we go to the Rodeo! Brad did such a good job riding the sheep this year and even got 5th place! That's right we have a rodeo star on our hands. The 5th place ribbon was pink and our man's man son would not accept...so thankfully his cousin Hannah loves pink and she had a couple of 6th place ribbons from her events and so they traded! Brad also did the stick horse race and lead line (thank you Aunt Brandi for taking him around the barrels) and he had so much fun, but I thought the mutton bustin was the best!
Gabi did the stick horse race and while she did not place, we were really booking it! She wanted to do everything that Brad did and she was so upset b/c I only registered her for the one event, but I told her there is always next year!

Uncle Robert was happy to oblige with a horse ride in between events at the rodeo and my kids did not want to get off! They were so content and happy to be lead around on the horse.
Not only did we rodeo but we also went swimming with all the kids together which was SOOO much fun! I loved watching them because Garrett, Hannah, Haleigh and Kenady swim so good! Brad is still working on this swimming, and Gabi is just like whatever...she likes it, but she is all about being held while doing it. One time while I was catching the kids as they jumped off the diving board, Papaw (my dad) had Haleigh and went to far into the pool and was screaming for help as he couldn't swim and hold Haleigh! I was laughing because he was 2 inches from the edge of the pool and he could have just grabbed hold, but it was so funny and thankfully no one was hurt!

Here are the kids minus Gabi growling in the front yard! It was such a funny picture...Gabi got sick of it and just walked off. She is a character. It was so hard to leave the kids because who knows when we will get to go home again and they change so much each and every time I see them. They are hilarious and say the cutest things! I will post some below.
After a fun time with the Dawson side of the family, we headed to the Harris side and the 1st thing we did...you guessed it we went swimming. The kids have so much fun and while I got into trouble over and over at the pool, I had fun too. First I was wearing shorts and had to take them off...I was not happy to wear a bathing suit bottom that was exposed...but thought heck I don't know these people and so I just let my big huge hinny hang right on out! It is really white, so maybe they were blinded by that and couldn't see it that well! Next, after I was compliant with the show your hinny requirement, my father in law told me to go down the slide with Brad, so I get on the kiddy slide to which I hear a loud whistle blowing and a young kid screaming at me "Ma'm you are too big for that slide"! My father in law stood there smiling, but swore it wasn't a set up...I am not so sure! We had a big time and the kids were exhausted after swimming, but we still managed to play in the yard when we got home!

Mamaw and Papaw have riding toys for the kids and they also have Poncho, which was a big hit for the kids. They chased him...stalked him and overall drove that dog crazy while we were there. Brad was really good with him, but Gabi was a little rough. She would punch him and pull his leg and then try to kiss him. So the kids were constantly being reminded to play soft. Poncho slept with us 2 nights and Brad was so excited. He had a bell on the first night and Brad got up at 4:30 complaining that Poncho needed to go to sleep and then the second night we decided to take his collar off and things were much better!

Not only did we hang out with the Harris Family we also had tons of company come to see us while we were down, Aunt Helen, Mr. Bill, Aunt Barbara, Debbie, Aunt Charolette, Uncle Jim, Uncle Roland and Dottie! We also got to see Aunt Pam!!!! We always love seeing family and appreciate everyone coming down to see us and hanging out with us!

We came home on August 5th and were the last flight out by US Airways that day because of a tropical storm and guess what...my kids slept almost the entire flight! Are you kidding me...it was just amazing...I kept thinking...I am so lucky...I can't believe this. Of course the last hour they were awake was interesting, but hey...it was 4 hours of it! They were exhausted from almost 2 weeks of fun in Texas and since we have been home they have already said they want to go back! We love Texas and our family! Thank you for a great trip!!!

Palmyra Trip

2008-07-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

So this year we decided to drive up and see the Palmyra pageant! We were CHEAP and did it in one day, but it was so amazing! We decided to leave at like 5am and when we finally got up at 9am we decided to leave at 10am! It took about 4 hours to get there and for anyone who knows me, knows I am not a good car rider, but I did pretty good!

The first place we went was to the JS Farm and toured the houses and the Sacred Grove. It was so exciting to be in a place where so much of the restoration of the church occurred. It was amazing. My favorite place was the Sacred Grove. It is beautiful...absolutely beautiful. It looks and feels like stepping into a beautiful picture! When we were just about to exit the Sacred Grove, it started POURING rain! We were soaked and since I was in white shorts...I got pretty dirty very quickly!

After the JS Farm, we headed for the Palmyra Temple. This temple is just absolutely beautiful!!! I would love to go in someday. It is such a small but yet big temple.

After the temple we headed to the Hill of Cumorah, and walked up the Hill to see the monument, and then back down (I thought going down the hill was scarier than up), and then we went over to the visitors center. The kids were tired and cranky so we just decided to park for the pageant and then wait 2 hours for the play to begin. We sat on the grass at the back, but honestly, I don't think there is a bad seat for the play. The pageant was AWESOME and what made it even better was knowing that it is put together in a week and then they start performing for 2 weeks. Only a WEEK to put together that amazing play...well I mean with the actors I am sure there is much preparation before that week, but getting 750+ people ready in a week is no small feat!

The trip home was harder...Brad even let me drive home the last 2 hours because he was so tired. We made it home and zonked out! The trip was fast but oh so worth it!

The kids and I leave for Texas this week and Brad is going to be in another rodeo this coming weekend, so I will have to share pictures from that when I get them!

Pictures Galore

2008-07-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

Gymnastics Update...
So while week one was not so great, weeks 2 & 3 have been much better. I could not flip the picture (sorry about that) but Brad had a really good time once he finally got the nerve to participate. What was even better was he totally did everything the instructor asked him to do and he was really trying hard to do everything she said. Gabi on the other hand was so upset that Brad was doing something that she threw a huge fit...so being the great mom I am, I let her play in make-up! She has not really ever done this, but she thought it was great. She even had a little mirror and kept examining how well she was doing putting on her make up! What a cutie! After week 2, I enrolled Gabi in the Tuesday class as well that runs at the same time and was nervous about it, but in week 3 both did pretty good. They wanted to be together, but they each managed a whole 50 minutes without each other!

Youth Conference...

I got to go to the last part of Youth Conference this past weekend and it was amazing. I drove up Friday after Brad got home from work and got to go to the dance and hang out with the youth, who had all worked so hard cleaning up one of the parks in Philly, and they were not complaining or moaning, but so excited to show me their posters and tell me what all they had done that day and the day before! They were so excited and the dance was SO much fun! I loved seeing them talking to the youth from other wards and making friends. It was so awesome!

They were all dancing and with youth from all different wards and hugging and smiling and laughing, which was just absolutely amazing. I stayed the night at the Cross's (thank you so much)! It was my very first time staying away from both my kids overnight. I went to girls camp with Gabi last year and left Brad but had never left both of them. I was gone 23 hours but hey...who is counting. Anyway, the next day, Saturday morning they had a service activity which was making blankets for children who were either sick and in hospitals or had been removed from their homes. This was my favorite part of YC by far. I watched our youth start cutting and working on those blankets and then when they finished...they went around and started helping other tables who had not completed theirs. The idea of service was imbedded in their hearts and I don't even think most of them realized what they were doing. They were just helping because they knew it was the right thing to do! After the activity and a lunch, we had the testimony meeting. I think each time I am surrounded by youth my testimony grows! I watched these amazing youth stand up and bear their testimonies of service and of how it helped them focus on others and help them realize all their blessing. Each youth was so aware of the Savior and the service he gave to each of us and how when they were serving they were following the example of the Savior and being his hands! It was just an absolutely amazing time and I love hearing the youth bear their testimonies, so innocent and sweet! I am so very thankful I got to go to YC this year!

Also, it was Quany's 17th birthday, and everyone sang Happy Birthday! Yeah!!!

After Youth Conference
When I got home, Brad was taking the kids to lunch at Wendy's...they had slept in until like 10:30 and so lunch was much later, here were my two cuties after a day without mom. Totally fine and enjoying their time with daddy! Brad did rat out his dad when he told me that daddy bought him and Gabi ALOT of candy and that they had so much fun eating candy and playing with daddy! Glad to know they are okay without me, but I sure did miss them! After they ate we headed home and shortly after decided we would try a family bowling trip! It was interesting...it wasn't bad by any stretch just interesting. Gabi is still a little young I think and Brad was totally into it...in fact, he fell because he went past the line and the lanes were good and greased up! I kicked butt of course because I did used to bowl in a league you know...(if you played with me at the retirement party...that was just a bad night) :-) !! We played one game as a family and then decided to just let Brad play since he was having so much fun. We kept telling him how good he was and he kept saying, "how come you guys haven't taken me to bowl before, I am so good" we were just like, I don't know but you are GREAT! He was so proud each time he got the ball down the lane at an amazing 3 mph! Thank goodness for bumpers right!

Like Birds of a Feather???

Just a cute picture of the kids at the zoo. They have this love/dislike relationship and so one minute they are hanging out and playing and the next they are trying to take the other down! It is fun and cute when they play and challenging when they fight! I normally yell...which doesn't really help, but it's my normal reaction! I love the moments when they are thick as thieves though...Brad gets Gabi into so much and she thinks he hung the moon. He will get her to run around the kitchen table (which is a no, no) and she just laughs and laughs the whole time and when I tell them to get out of the kitchen, he will say, "come on Gabi" and she just runs right after him. While I don't always feel lucky in that moment, I do love and am so thankful for our two little monkeys. Their personalities are so much fun and while half the time I don't think I have the parenting down even half right...we do love them so very much and are so thankful they are in our home!

DISCLAIMER: Big Brad told me my grammer is horrible in my posts...so let me apologize now. I normally just type and post...but maybe I will try harder in the future of course to work on this to make my posts an easier read! :-)

What's Been going on lately?

2008-06-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Brad....

Brad is 31 years old now! We are really getting old! For his special day or 'happy day' as Little Brad calls it, he got breakfast in bed and diner at Red Robin! We also went to see Kung Fu panda with the kids, which I was a little worried about since, we normally do not take Gabi because when it is all of us...it just gets a little too much for us and the audience, but to our surprise it went GREAT! Gabi was good and Brad was good and the movie was VERY cute!

Fun in the Sun....

Holly took us to the promenade shoppes somewhere around here and the kids had so much fun. Gabi did not get into the water, but Brad was sitting on the water and putting his face in the water...he was a wild man. Hard to imagine I know. However, once he cut his toe, he was a man down and he sat the rest of time. Thank you Holly for showing us the fun spot...we are going to have to figure out to get there without following you in the future!

BASEBALL...

Quany came and spend the weekend in with us and we had a blast...I don't know about Quany with our loud kids and crazy running around, but we loved having her over! One of the things we did while she was here was see the Iron Pigs play which I believe is the AAA Philly team. It was fun and cheap...a great combo for our family. It was a new stadium and at the end they had a fireworks show which was pretty awesome actually. When we first arrived it was a little much because we were sitting in the sun but after an hour the sun went down and the game was much more enjoyable!

See how happy and how much fun our dear Quany is having! She is loving hanging out with us! Actually this is when we were sitting directly in the sun and she was not a happy camper...which is really not hard to tell at all by this picture.

Swimming Lessons...

Brad is in swimming lessons and he is liking it pretty good. The instructors are amazing...they really work hard to make the kids comfortable and are very positive. To my surprise there are several kids who have a hard time with the lessons and the instructors are very patient. I was very shocked because they are all young and I was not expecting much but it has been a really nice surprise. We have missed everyday this week because Brad was under the weather but tomorrow we are back on until Friday. We might even sign him up for another round of lessons if he wants to do it.

Zoo Time...

When we took Quany home on Satuday we decided to go to the Zoo with the kids. Gabi had not ridden the camel and so she got to do that, we went on the lake, road the train, horses, saw all the animals and just had so much fun! Brad knows where everything is at the zoo and he loves to ride the rides and see the monkeys. I think they are his favorite by far in terms of animals on display, but both my kids love to pet those goats. They grab a brush and get ready. Gabi trys to brush as many as she can, while Brad normally will find one all by itself and go and pet it and try to kiss it and just completely cater to that goat...it is funny because he is such a rough and rowdy kid, but has such a soft side too!

GYMNASTICS...

I enrolled the kids in gymnastics for the summer...the first week was NOT good. Gabi was so excited for her class which runs the same time as Brad's class and ultimately this was a mistake on my part. Brad would not go to his class because he wanted to be with me and Gabi. So we ended up changing their times around and will try it next week.

Change, Change, Change

2008-06-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

So it has been a while since I updated our blog and so much has happened since my last post I am not sure where to start.

BRAD IS A DENTIST!

This is pretty exciting to be finished with dental school, but it is also sad to say goodbye to such wonderful friends who have been our family while in Philly. I will miss seeing all the kids we have had in Philly together, but excited to see where life takes all of our families. We are so proud of Brad. He is such a dreamer and has worked very hard to get into dental school and while in dental school (especially the last 3 years of school for those who knew Brad year 1)! :-) Graduation was actually much better than I thought it would be with the kids...Brad even fell asleep which was amazing!

LITTLE BRAD is 4! This is unbelieveable to me! Our baby who was just a mere 6 weeks old when we moved to Philly is now 4! Time flys by so fast! He wanted a choo choo train cake so I happily made one for him, and he gave me the best moment when he saw his cake and he grabbed my leg and say, 'thank you mommy for my choo choo cupcake, I love you'! Made all the effort worth it! He had a great birthday and got loads of presents and spoiled beyond belief!

WE MOVED! I really like our new house...it is like a mansion compared to our apartment in Philly. Plus it is only 5 years old so that is a treat coming for apartments that were 30 years old or more. Brad has already made claim to his room and he will quickly tell you to leave it when he wants to play! It feels like we were just busting at the seams and now we can actually breath! Too bad this move is just for a year...I sure hope we do not have to go much smaller when we move next time. Our move was so much easier than it could have been b/c of all the help we had. We are so blessed in the family department! We are also blessed to have taken bits of our philly family with us in our move, from the Millers we got our table which is just amazing, the Wilkins a very cool hutch all the way from Africa (top that people) and from the Newells a cooler! So we got something from almost everyone before they left...we will have to steal something from the Marsh's and Reeders homes to make ours complete so watch out...if somethings goes missing from your new homes when we come visit, consider this as your warning!

BROADWAY HERE I COME...

Mrs. Harris took me to New York while she was here and to a BROADWAY play...it was AMAZING. We went to see Cry Baby. I saw the movie when I was 13 and it was so cheesy the I fell in love with it...and so we went to see the show which was just...man...all I can say is that the next chance I have to go back I am running. I forgot how much I love the theatre until that night. Not only did we see a play on Broadway, but we ate at Bubba Gumps, got purses for cheap, ate a Greys Papaya hotdog (like from the movie "Fools Rush In"), and we went to Dale and Thomas (popcorn on Oprah's Favorite things...which to me is like meeting Oprah herself)!

PUTT PUTT GOLF

Since we had Brad's 4 year party before family left, we decided to take him to play putt putt golf and eat at McDonalds for fine cuisine! It was so much fun, Gabi just wanted to carry the balls and would scream if you tried to take them from her, and Brad was like lightening around the course, he was halfway done before Brad and I were on the 3rd hole. Brad did get a hole in one (Big Brad not little Brad) and we are never going to hear the end of it...it was impressive though! It was alot of fun and Brad really enjoyed it. His daddy tried to help him with his form, but Little Brad was not interested so it did not last long!

Swimming!!!

Gabi is adorable in her little bikini...she looked so cute I just could not stop smiling at her. Her little swimmer was coming out of the back and it was too cute for words really! She kept trying to jump in like her brother and loved walking in the water. It was hard to keep up with both of them because Big Brad was not swimming but next time he is coming in his swim trunks too to show off his rock hard body! The water was a little cold so we only stayed for an hour!

A LITTLE BIT OF HOME...

Believe it or not, I just know this next year is going to be good for us and partially because we have a little bit of my old home here with us. The East Texas post office is just about a mile from the house and if we get lonely and miss our family we can just go hang out in East Texas, PA! See it just goes to show you no matter where you live, everybody needs some Texas!

So here we are, excited and happy about the future! Can't wait to read about all of you on your blogs...I am not so great at keeping mine up but I promise to try and do better!

Picture Perfect?

2008-04-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

So we decided to do a family picture when we did Gabi's 18 month picture. I call and get the appt, we are all coordinated and looking as nice as our family can and we set off for Sears! Two uncooperative kids later, we leave Sears with NO pictures. Brad normally does pretty good for pictures in fact sometimes we can't get him to get out of a picture...Gabi never been a big fan professional pictures (if sears/jcpenny are professional?), but she took it to the next level this trip. She cried for the family picture and would not even consider a picture by herself. I was so bummed because I was hoping to get a good family picture and document Gabi at 18 months, but no go this round. I am going to try to do Gabi again later this month, but I think the family picture will have to wait until the summer!

Around and Around we go

2008-04-06T20:36:00.000-07:00

While my kids like the carousel at the mall, my stomach can't take too much of it. I honestly think I am going to hurl if I ride it more than once and closing my eyes only makes it worse! Who knew a kiddy ride could make me so sick. My kids have so much fun on it though and so I try to stick it out at least 2 times, but that is the max! The things we do for our kids!

Chuck E Cheese

2008-03-28T10:43:00.001-07:00

So we never eat at Chuck E Cheese and because we don't eat there and we can normally find some great deals on tokens online it is a fun/cheap place to entertain the kids.

I must admit Brad has been more than Gabi because we don't go as much, but this last time we went it was so fun because Gabi was excited about every part of the experience!

Where do they come up with this stuff?

2008-03-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

So after dinner last night, I took the kids back for a bath. Gabi kept yelling for her dad and so Brad followed suit! Brad eventually came back to see what they wanted and it went something like this!

Dad: What?
Brad: Stay here with us
Gabi: Dad, Dad, Dad
Dad: No...I am running away. I am out of here!
Brad: (getting upset) No Daddy don't run away
Dad: Yep...I'm running away to find a new family
Brad: Daddy don't leave us we're not a bad family!

Brad and I busted out laughing. I don't know where he comes up with this stuff.

Fits Already!

2008-03-15T15:43:00.000-07:00

So my sweet little Gabi is just shy of 18 months but already can throw fits with the best of them. This was today as we were leaving Target...she was upset I had her strapped into the seat and she was determined to get out. Instead of getting upset, all I could do was laugh. Sometimes I feel like doing the same thing, too bad we can't just let it out like the toddlers in our lives.

FREE ON CRAIGSLIST

2008-03-01T17:21:00.000-08:00

So I have been furniture shopping on craigslist for awhile without much luck, so I asked my good friend Sarah the craigslist expert to help me out. Within 24 hours she found this really nice "FREE" entertainment center. We didn't know the sizes, but it was an older woman and Sarah said if we got it and I didn't like it she would take it. So we send our husbands out at 7pm to NJ to go and pick it up. Little did we know the lady was almost in Atlantic City (Brad was really happy with me)! So after a hour and 1/2 drive, putting together this womans entertainment center, loading the one she was giving away and getting two quilts (one of which has to be mailed back), Brad and Brian were headed back to Philly.
On the way home, Brad was pulled over for speeding and swerving...but luckily got off with a warning! Then as he was trying to pull into a WaWa to get gas, he takes a turn to fast and he and Brian hear crash! They get out to discover that the very nice entertainment center was now broken!!! So they got back to the apt around 12:30 and decided to dump the entertainment center behind Henry on the Park in the trash bins and call it a night. Brad has assured me that he will no longer be my errand boy on craigslist unless it is LOCAL! :-) But it was FREE right...I guess the saying there is 'no such thing as a free lunch' is really true!

Life After School

2008-02-16T21:50:00.001-08:00

So I have had a couple of people asked what we are doing after graduation so here it is.
Brad got accepted to a GPR in Allentown...for our dental student friends, Owen and Ryan are in this GPR now. While it was really tough when we did not match in pedo this year, we are excited to see what the next year holds. A big thanks to Owen for talking to Brad about the GPR and the director of the program!
We don't know where we are going to live yet but we are trying to figure that out as soon as possible. Brad is going to re-apply to pedo next year so we are gearing up for the application process and all the money and stress that come with it.
Brad is such an optimist and always tries to find the good in a bad situation (a quality I lack) and has really been a good example to me of how to handle the curve balls in life.
This is certainly not what we had in mind...but thinking back...all the really good things we have after 5 years of marriage were certainly not perceived as 'great' at first, but have later proved to be the biggest blessings. So we get to wait another year and enjoy another wild ride. Brad keeps things interesting in our life...thank goodness because I am a real dud!

Valentines Day

2008-02-16T21:38:00.001-08:00

Sorry for all the pictures but we had so much fun getting ready for Valentines Day...I just couldn't decide which to post. We started off the day before Valentines day with some friends over. Please note Brad at the top of the dog pile...if one kid falls Brad is ready to jump on top of them! :-)
Then later while Gabi was napping Brad and I made some heart shaped sugar cookies for his pre-school. Brad was a big help and did a great job helping cut the hearts out. He even helped me stir our frosting to get it just the perfect, red and pink!
It was a big hit the next day for his party, because the kids had alot of fun decorating their cookies and piling on the icing and sprinkles.
Gabi fit right in with the other kids and didn't miss a beat.
The kids got a tent from Aunt Brandi and Uncle Robert which they were so excited about. They have played in that tent, on the tent and knocked the tent over many times since it was put up...and that was just a couple of days ago.
Gabi got 3 cute shirts because both grandparents sent her one and we got her one...I guess we should communicate better...but she looked cute and it was fun to put them on her.
I just wanted to share some pictures from the day of Love!

Who Knew

2008-01-27T19:46:00.000-08:00

Last night I decided to blow dry Gabi's hair just for fun. Well she loved it and she was so adorable because she wanted to do it herself! Brad even joined in on the fun so Big Brad and I ended up getting a really good laugh out of the kiddos.

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-10-22T08:03:00.001-07:00

Tagged

2007-10-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

I got tagged by Teri and I think you have to just list 6 things about yourself so here we go.

1. I am obsessed with cleaning...my house always seems dirty so this might sound contradicting to those of you who frequent my home...but seriously my heart starts racing and I can feel myself going crazy when things are not where they belong. Each week, normally on Thursday I clean the whole house. I dust the pictures and every bookshelf. I will move everything and make a big mess to clean up the smallest thing but it feels amazing to have your house clean for a few minutes until the kids drag all their toys out again. I constantly see dirt and dust and my carpet is so gross so....maybe I obsess but I am not the greatest cleaner but I like to believe it is my apartment being old and also having kids and the inability to ever get EVERYTHING like it should be. Enough about cleaning.

2. I am a list person. I make lists about everything...I will put things on the list that I have done just so I can start off with some things on the list being marked off...it gives me a sense of organization. Each weekend I make a list of things we need to get done and I will tell Brad how stressed I am about everything we need to get done and of course we normally get it all done but I still get stressed. So you can imagine when we have a get together or I am snack mom at preschool I stress for a good 2 weeks until it gets there.

3. I love teaching! Ever since I was in school even elementary I loved to be the boss. When I was in 1st grade I got an 'U' for unsatisfactory in conduct because the teacher couldn't control me. I would get up and go around the classroom telling all the other children things like, 'no you need to color in the lines' and 'its simple 2+2 is 4'! Teaching has been so much fun for me because I love how students learn in different ways and some of my favorite moments in the classroom are when I know everyone is getting it because they have this look like the light is breaking! Of course I warn they have to study but teaching is so rewarding!!!!

4. I journal everything. I have a fear of forgetting and I obviously should because there are things I can't remember from when Brad was a baby so it is a good thing that I wrote it down. When Brad and I got engaged I journaled our engagement, planning the wedding, and what it felt like the day we got married. Periodically and especially on our anniversary I make sure to update our wedding book. It is also helpful when I am mad at Brad to go back and read it because then I can sort of remember how I felt when we were dating/married/w/out kids! With my kids from the day I found out I was pregnant to telling our family and every doctor visit I went on I journaled what it was like! Then once my kids were born I would update every month in their journal what they were doing and what they were like! I think Brad's book is 60 pages typed and Gabi is up to 40 pages. I don't know if my kids will enjoy it as much as hopefully their kids will. We have some pretty funny stories in Brad's book!

5. I love to eat sweets...I love to make cookies, save part of the dough and eat it later and bake the rest. I can't wait till Gabi gets older...I envision us laughing in the kitchen baking and bonding in one of those hallmark memory type moments. Brad likes to help me but I think that will change. I love to eat...although unless you have an eating disorder you seldom hear people say they hate to eat...so I guess that is pretty normal. My weaknesses are ranch dressing and italian food, and sweets! I am destined to weigh 300lbs some day and since everything I eat goes to my face and my butt...I am going to be one ugly fat person! :-)

6. I love being a mom. I kind of thought my life would be a little different that it is. When I was in school I was focused on school and my future. It was when my nephew was born that I first thought I wanted to have kids but I pushed the thought out of my mind and focused on school. Then in grad school I met Brad and fell in LOVE! mushy mushy! I was working a ton when we got married and so was he...we were both definitly pretty career oriented. Little Brad was a surprise and I believe he came at the perfect time because I was getting wrapped up in work and being successful there so when Brad came along things changed. All the sudden all I wanted to do was be home with him...and be his mom. My kids have been LIFE changing for me. They drive me crazy...literally! But they have been the biggest blessing in my life...they are such a source of laughter and joy and really put things in perspective for me in terms of how important God and family are!

So wow...I typed alot...I am going to tag the first 6 people who read this...so let your conscious be your guide in actually doing it!

GO PHILLIES!!!!!

2007-10-07T16:15:00.000-07:00

We went to see a Philly's game as part of Gabi's birthday (Guess who thought of that gift). It was lots of fun though. The kids did great which is what I was worried about. It was loud and crazy but my kids were so excited and just loved all of it. We had a great time even though the Philly's lost.

Gabi is 1!!!

2007-10-07T16:06:00.000-07:00

So Gabi has been 1 for about 2 weeks now and I am just now getting some stuff on here for her birthday. Granny Dawson was here for the big event and we had lots of fun and an awesome birthday party with her friend Issac. I can't believe she is 1! Time is moving so fast.

She has been walking alot the past 2 days. She has been taking steps for about a month but lately she is walking more and more. She looks so funny walking...its unreal this little person can be cruising.

We love our Gabi and don't know what we would do without her. Life would not be nearly as interesting!

Smith Playhouse

2007-09-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

I have never been to the Smith playhouse until this week when Teri took us! It was so much fun! The playground is awesome and my kids LOVED the slide! Thank you Teri for taking us!

Gabi Goo!

2007-09-20T21:42:00.000-07:00

Gabi is taking steps and has been for awhile now...but she just seems to love crawling because she is so fast. She loves to push things though...hard to believe but she will try and push her brother if he is sitting on one of the riding toys.
I love it when they are in that can't walk but trying stage...it is fun to watch them figure out how to balance and take those first scary steps. What a blessing...I am sure she will be running before I know it and once again I will be so sad to have to chase another kid around the store or try and entertain while I grocery shop...but for right now it is just exciting and fun to watch her learn this new thing!

Tissue Anyone?

2007-09-20T21:17:00.000-07:00

So today Brad started pre-school! He was cute as a bug and SO excited about school! I couldn't get him to eat breakfast or even sit still...he was dressed and ready to go so fast this morning...he did not want to wait on his slow mom!

So I get Brad to school and the parents can stay (Thank you to Mrs. Welsh for watching Gabi for me)! Anyway there are tons of parents and kids and Brad just jumps right in and starts playing...he didn't care there were lots of kids around and that it was loud and unknown...he was ready to get the whole pre-school thing started. So I am taking pictures and watching Brad very carefully when all the sudden I realize I am the only parent remaining and the teachers are nice but they are like...'okay lady...time to go'!

So I tell Brad that I am leaving in 2 minutes (everything is done in 2 minutes in our house by the way)! He gets up and I am like okay here we go he is about to scream don't leave and I will console him and tell him what a big boy he is and blah blah blah. All I got was a 'stay her mom' and I said 'no I have to get Gabi but I will be back' so then I get an "OKAY" and he continues playing! WHAT!!! My child is totally fine with me leaving him!!!!

Now to those of you who know me are probably thinking I am an idiot...I have worked until the past 6 months and have left Brad for work so you are probably thinking what is the big deal. All I know to say is ...it was so different.

I leave his classroom and stand there for 10 minutes outside his door watching him play at a table and all the sudden I lose it...I am crying like a crazy lady and so I go to my car and cry some more! I finally pull it together only to lose it again on the way to pick up Gabi...so I get it together again and go pick up Gabi. I am doing fine and then I get back to the school and I was about 30 minutes early so I decide to wait in the car...next thing I know I am bawling again! I mean not just crying but bawling! It was pathetic! Big Brad just laughed at me when I told him...so feel free to laugh if you want.

I guess...I just saw today has a glimpse of things to come...a time when Brad will no longer need me to change his diaper (okay that will be a good thing), get him a sippy cup, help him get dressed, bath him, make his plate, read him books, and get all the kisses and hugs I want...before I know it...he will be in kindergarten and then junior high, and high school...and then OH MY GOSH grown with a family of his own. Oh my gosh...what if his wife HATES me...no...she wouldn't right?

So cliche I know but time goes so quickly and today I guess I had a small dose of things to come and based on how I handled today...I am sure to embarrass the HECK out of Brad when I leave him for kindergarten.

Mushy

2007-09-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

WARNING...MUSHY STUFF!
So recently Brad and I have been talking so much about what we want to do in May when he graduates and it has me all emotional about moving and CHANGE! I am not good with change.
When we moved to Philly I remember crying ALOT...I had just had a baby so cut me some slack! :-) The city seemed so dirty to me...and kind of scary. But slowly my eyes seem to see things differently. Isn't it funny how a place becomes alive to you and all the sudden it is so special to you after you get to know it! Now we are in our last year here and I find myself very sentimental about everything.
On the drive to church today I was thinking in my head how different my perception is of Philly than it was those first few months.
I feel like we have been so blessed living here...I am sad to know it is coming to a head. Even though I know we might still be here longer...it will not be the same with everyone leaving this year that we started this journey with. Time really does fly...I can't believe we are going on 4 years here...I can't believe Little Brad will be 4 in June, when we moved here that seemed like forever away. I can't believe that my baby is about to be a year old. I can't believe I am being so mushy right now...but like I said...I am feeling sentimental and mushy and I was updating my blog...so there it is.

Feeding the Ducks

2007-09-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

So this is probably my favorite time of the year here in Philly. I love the beginning of Fall. It isn't too cold, but its so nice outside you just want to stay out there. Also, I can start making soups and I love hot soup on a 'cold' day! Anyway...while Brad was gone the kids and I got a little stir crazy in the house so we went to feed the horses and the ducks on Friday. It was the perfect outing. I love that I live in a big city but yet it feels like a small town. While feeding the horses, Angela Stevens pulled up with her kiddos and not 5 minutes later, Tamar with hers and we visited and watched our kids try and play with the horses. Then we headed off to feed the ducks and Gabi wanted to get out...but I made her stay put so I can jump in and save her brother in case he decided to jump in and swim with the ducks! My fearless son!

A New Car Seat for Gabi

2007-09-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

Gabi was practically hanging out of her infant car seat so she has upgraded to a forward facing seat! She is still getting used to it...she doesn't seem to like it as much especially when she is tired but that is hard for everyone!

Rodeo Cowboy

2007-08-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

So while in Texas we have had some major fun! Brad was in his first rodeo and I can't even begin to describe all the fun he had! He did stick horse race, lead line, and mutton busting! He wasn't too excited about the stick horse race, but he loved lead line and he though mutton busting was the best!

For the lead line, basically you just run the horse around the barrels and anytime Brad can get on a horse he is having fun!

The mutton busting was hilarious! First, Brad is not afraid of anything (well okay not animals). He sees the pin where all the bulls are when we are walking over to get in the arena and he runs up and trys to pet the bull...I yanked him away just in time as the bull had horns and guess what he charged the pen! phew! close call.

When we get in there he gets in the pen with my brother Robert and he lays on the sheep and holds on for dear life. My brother didn't let go b/c he didn't know how Brad would react but my brother ended up eating dirt and off went my son on a runaway sheep! He still didn't let go and I was trying to film the whole thing but ended up pointing the camera to the dirt and chasing after him. He feel off the sheep after a long little ride and rolled twice in the dirt and almost hit a tractor (yes...some idiot left it in the arena and they moved it after Brad rode) and he got up and immediately asked to do it again!

It was sooo much fun! He looks like such a little cowboy. I have some other pictures of my neices and nephews riding at the rodeo! It was awesome!!!!

Brad's Hair Do

2007-07-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

Brad wanted to blow dry his hair the other day and it was so funny and cute. The pictures do not do it justice. I have a video of it and I am going to try and post it...but anyway...it was so cute. He had his hair standing straight up and what was even funnier was that when I put the hairdryer up and he looked in the mirror he kept trying to pat his hair down! I was laughing so hard I was crying and Gabi was just looking at me and Brad was focusing on fixing his hair. Someone is ALOT like their dad!

Look what I can do!

2007-07-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

Gabi is beginning her get into everything stage which includes climbing on top of things, standing up in her high chair (that is scary) and pulling up onto of the couch and into the recliner! She got in one of Brad's big trucks yesterday and it was so cute. She also enjoys being pushed around on his riding toys and crys and crys when we put them up! She is a character...and in case you didn't know I already have one of those in Brad...but I think she is going to give us a run for our money as well!

Cute, Cute, Cute

2007-07-30T11:47:00.001-07:00

I just think she is so cute! But then again mom's aren't the most objective when it comes to their kids!

Around and Around

2007-07-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

The other day,the kids and I were so sick of being cooped up in the house so we went to the Park and the Choo Choo (Barnes & Nobles...children section). There were lots of kids at the park and much to my suprise they were very nice to Brad...they let him play with them and were just very nice to him. It was lots of fun!

Of Course the other bonus was Brad took an EXCELLENT nap! He didn't want to get up for anything...I think he slept for 3 1/2 hours!

Balls of Fun

2007-07-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

So the other day the kids were having so much fun playing with the bouncy balls we have and laughing so much that I had to get the camera out and try and capture the fun we were having on film. Gabi was using her ball to stand on and Brad was literally rolling over with the ball. It was lots and lots of fun.

To Bang or Not to Bang...We Bang!

2007-07-16T12:46:00.000-07:00

So Gabi got her first "official" hair cut on Saturday. We got it done at Cookie Cutter's in Germantown. Which is a really cute hair shop for kids. They turn on a movie for your kid to watch while they cut their hair and they sit in a car or on an animal instead of in an actual hair cut chair...it was really fun. Kind of pricey but it was fun. So anyway...back to the story...Gabi now has bangs and while I am not sure I like them she has them until they grow out anyway. She was a real sport for the whole thing and even kept touching her hair as if to try and control the process and put her opinion in on it. It was lots of fun.

Fun at the Please Touch Museum

2007-07-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

So yesterday we went to the please touch museum with our friend Taybree and Teri. We had lots of fun...Especially in the grocery store. Brad and Taybree did some shopping together and some just wondering around the store. You can tell we let Brad have too many snacks by what he put in his buggy...but hey he did put all whole chicken in there too!