Happy Birthday Emma

 Happy 1st Birthday sweet Emma!  Emma is our niece and she is just adorable. 

 Great cake from April Wallace!

 Jennifer did a great job on the owl and cupcake cookies!  All the decorations looked great!

 Little Miss Avery decked out in her apron monitoring all the presents being unwrapped.  I even took some of her toys to distract her and she still liked all the new ones!  Go figure.

 She dug right into her cake!  After awhile she was done with it but she managed to spread it everywhere.

 Great family picture of the San Antonians!

Avery not feeling so hot at the party.  Just hanging out with Daddy.  Little did I know it would lead to a week of being sick and staying home.  Insert sad face.

 

We love you Miss Emma!

Happy Birthday Ella

 Ella's birthday party was the Sunday we got back from Austin so we came home, got the baby and present, and headed to see Ella!

 Happy 1st Birthday Ella!  She loved her cake and made sure to leave it everywhere for mommy and daddy to clean up! 

 Avery was so excited to see her daddy!  We had to keep her occupied from the gifts because she does not understand the whole present thing yet!  She tried to unwrap a few presents.

Trying out the pigtails!  Love these two with all my heart.

Weekend in Austin

Two weeks ago Jason and I finally got away for a "mommy and daddy" trip in Austin, Texas.  We were excited and a little nervous.  This was our first time to leave Avery overnight, not because we are crazy parents, but because we have done everything as a family thus far.  We enlisted our family to take charge at the home front with Miss Avery and we headed out early Friday afternoon; just the two of us.  We used Friday night as our anniversary celebration (with Jason's new job we were unable to take our planned trip).  We hit up Iron Cactus for dinner and walked 6th Street, landing at Rebel's Dancehall!  We enjoyed both dancing and watching the "pros" dance while spinning each other out of control on the floor!  Lots to watch in Austin!  It was also a great excuse because one of Jason's dear friends, Robert Gibson, was also getting married.  So thank you Robert and Bre for giving us our excuse to get "away". 

 We stayed at the beautiful Renaissance Austin Hotel in the Arboretum.  We took this picture from a back road and the view from our room was stunning.  The trees are starting to turn and the colors were awesome.  I have never been a fan of Austin, maybe due to my Red Raider blood, and up till now I have associated everything with Austin to UT.  Not the case anymore.  The Arboretum area reminded me so much of The Woodlands, I fell in love with the area.  We walked every shopping center we could find and ate at the delicious Daily Grill at The Domain. 

 This is the only good picture of us taken.  We took a picture at the wedding and the sweet lady who took it did not know how to focus our camera.  Oh well!

 The yummy cakes!

 By far the best Groom's cake I have ever seen!  The detail was incredible and it was such a cool part of who Robert is.

The beautiful Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gibson.  We are so happy for them.  We wish them everlasting love and happiness!  Thank you for letting us share in your special day!  We had a blast!

Rememberance

 I have been thinking about this post for a while now and once again I have waited till the last minute to write it because of the emotions put into it.  September 11 will be a day embedded into my memory forever for many reasons.  Each year I post something, but this year feels different.  The emotions I have right now are feelings of sadness and thankfulness.  Sadness for the unthinkable numbers of lives lost in 2001 and thankfulness that 29 years ago two people made a commitment that would result in a family and for the phone call in 2009 that changed my life forever.  So you can see why this day brings so much emotion for so many different events in my life.  I will first start with........

September 11, 2001: 

 I think this picture represents what our country is still feeling 10 years later.  All we can do is pray.  Ten years ago I was coming out of my Senior English class with Ms. Moser and was told by another student that a plane had hit a building in New York.  I would only later understand the magnitude of that statement as my peers and teachers stayed glued in front of the television for days.  I remember feeling scared and panicked about what to do.  Looking back on the pictures and reading the numerous recollections of the events that took place that day affect me more now than when I was 18 years old.  I know now how it has effected me, my children, and our country as a whole forever.   One thing I struggle with is thinking of the lives lost, the families destroyed, and the nightmares that will never end for everyone affected.  It is almost like you hold your breath when the day approaches to mark another year gone by in fear of something else happening.

Another memory I have is when activities resumed at school in the following weeks.  Nate Hale, holding an American flag, ran out with the football team and we stood in a standing ovation to remember those who lost their lives.  The picture made the front page of the Herald Democrat and still when I see that picture I get chills.  I also remember where I was the day President Bush declared war.  I was sitting with Jason and Cody in San Marcus, Texas getting ready to head to the Austin Airport to fly back to Lubbock from Spring Break.  Out of all the tearful good-byes Jason and I had before we got married this was the hardest one.  I cried so hard I could not even open my eyes and I stood in the entrance of the airport trying to get control of myself.  He was rushed away by guards due to the high security and I just stood there watching him drive away.  I will never forget the armed guard, holding a machine gun, walking up to me and asking if I was alright.  I could not even look him in the eye, I just nodded my head.  So today I remember the 343 firefights who lost their lives and the 2, 634 others who fell victim to such a selfish act.  Today at church we had two guest speakers; a courageous young mother who became a widow with a 16-month old after she lost her husband in tower one and a General for the Air Force who was in the Pentagon at the time of the attack.  Both individuals showed perseverance and strength that they could only have through their faith.    

This is probably the most famous picture of all that was seen on every magazine cover.  I continue to pray for the families who lost a love one and will pray from here on out.  I pray for the men and women of our great country who continue to fight for our freedom at the expense of their families and at times their own lives.  I pray for our leaders to guide us in a path of least destruction and regain focus of what really matters. 

Side note:  Last Sunday at church, Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO of Liberty Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting freedoms and strengthening families, spoke about how there will be no mentioning of God at the ceremony for the anniversary this year.  I thought to myself, "How sad?".  Whether they like it or not, God will be there.  Also on display, on loan from the McKinney FD, was a piece of the World Trade Center.  It amazed me how a simple piece of metal could evoke such great emotion from a congregation.  Just looking at the object made my heart hurt and tears roll down my face.  To be so close to something so tragic really opened my eyes.  I pray for our great country on the 10th year after September 11.   

 

September 11, 1982:

 Mr. and Mrs. David and Susan Burrus

I have been blessed with two of the most amazing parents.  They have loved me unconditionally throughout my life and I am forever grateful for that.  Now I get to watch their love pour over my daughter in abundance.  Happy 29th Anniversary and here is to 29 more! 

 Tri Delta Ceremony 2002

 Destin, Florida 2011

September 11, 2009:

 I was driving home after a pep rally to change clothes and turn right around and head back to the game.  I looked down and saw I had a missed call from Doctor Laden's office and my heart skipped a beat.  (I had to have blood drawn that Wednesday and Friday morning to determine if my HCGLaden's nurse and I did not want to make you wait through the weekend.  I wanted to call and tell you that your numbers not only doubled, but tripled and you are indeed pregnant.  Please call Monday to set up your first OB appointment.  Congrats."  And the tears started rolling, so heavy I had to pull over before heading home.  I called Jason and barely got the words out.  This all came after having a miscarriage one month prior.  My mind still wonders about if it were twins, etc. due to the fact that Avery was born five weeks early at eight pounds.  I can only imagine what five more weeks would have done to me!  I look back now and could not imagine what life would be like without Avery.  Everything happens for a reason and God put Avery in my life to teach me many things.  And she is doing just that!  I love her with all my heart and I am forever thankful for God's blessing.  She came to Jason and I when we needed her most and turned our pain into pure joy.

One of my favorite pictures of her the day she was released from the NICU.  She is saying, "Peace out!  I'm going home!"  Our little miracle baby!

So for the rest of my life September 11th will hold mixed emotions for the events that have directly and indirectly shaped my life.

Pray for the community of Magnolia

I know this is not a good picture, but it saved blurry.  I wanted to post this picture because for three years this is where Jason and I called home; literally at our job.  Magnolia West High School.  We are now watching and calling friends to check on them and their safety as the town of Magnolia and twenty other fire departments are trying to get a handle on the horrific fires that are burning out of control due to wind.  Please pray for the families who have already lost their homes and for the families who are evacuated.  And a special pray for all the firefighters and volunteers who are working around the clock to protect the community.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Obsession

 The job Jason is on right now allows him to come home to sleep because it is not that far away, so this morning Avery was super excited to see Daddy!

 Before he left, he made Avery and Mommy a special present!  Avery got a Mickey Mouse cookie on her Disney plate!

 Enjoying her afternoon snack!  Thank you daddy, I love you!

Daddy's Little Girl

I have made a conscious effort to take pictures of Avery everyday, whether Jason is home or not.  I want to be able to look back over the years and see that sweet face grow up and always have those memories.  I took this picture this morning, but she had this look on her face when we got home too.  I was pretty upset this morning when Jason left and it was even harder on me when we got home and my baby ran room to room saying "dade"and whimpering.  My heart just broke, so I quickly distracted her by taking her outside to play in the backyard.  Then she got excited and fell and busted her lip.  Great.  You may be asking yourself why I am posting such a sad memory, but for Jason this reassures him how much Avery loves him and she recognizes what a big role in her life he plays.  She is a daddy's girl and I am ok with that!  He is a great dad and she is one lucky girl!  It is hard when he is not home, but when he is here, we have so much fun together; even if it is just sitting on the back porch!  Thank you for all you do for us babe and know that we are always waiting on you to get home!  Even Maddie!  Tonight when I was rocking her to sleep and saying our prayers I whispered in her ear, "Mommy and Daddy love you" and she raised up, took her paci out, and gave me a big slobbery kiss!  Those are the best kind and the best moments in life.  I love you babe!

B-O-O-Yah!

 So I saw this idea at Canton and thought, "I can do that!", so I finished them tonight!

Labor Day Weekend 2011

 This weekend we traveled to Canton, Texas with my mom and found lots of goodies for Avery and several things for the house!  I get these itches to change things so we have been busy this weekend!  Daddy and Aves went for a ride in the wagon enjoying the cool weather!  She loves her wagon and would probably stay in it if we let her!

 Content

 Now you see me......

 wait for it.......

 now you don't.......

 Surprise!

 Changed the rug in the living room!

 New mirrors and light fixtures!  This was a surprise when I got home from work on Friday!  Mr. Handyman!

 New pots for the front porch!

 Could not help myself!  Fall stuff is out!

We did not get any pictures, but we met up with some friends Sunday night for dinner and got the motorcycle out!  Jason rides here and there but I had not been on the bike since last summer so it was a really enjoyable evening.  Great weather, good food, and good friends!  Thanks Trisha and Dave! 

Happy 16 Month Birthday

 Happy 16 Month Birthday AVERY!

This has been a month of change.  Mommy went back to work, you went back to "school" (aka Ms. Holley's house), and we have all three had to adjust to daddy's new job with mommy working again.  You have been a trooper and truely have made it easy on us.  The first two days back into the swing of things did not go well; you screaming "momma" and me crying myself to work with daddy out of town.  Talk about hard!  Things are back to normal now; when I drop you off you say "bye-bye" and shut the door when I leave.  You don't even have to wave at me through the window which allows me to focus at work and not be distracted.  I thank you for that! 

You have a mouth full of teeth, literally.  You now have nine teeth through the gum and fully in with six more about to break through.  I know, hard to believe based off my last monthly post, but you have really been good with teething and I can't believe how many you have now.  A few stats:

Clothes: 12-18 months depending on the brand

Shoes: 5-5.5

Diapers: Still cruising at a size 4

Words: Momma, Daddy, Shuzes with a sweet little accent (shoes), flower, ba-bee, bottle, paci, Nana, Papa, dog, ball, Papaw, Maddie, Elmo, Minnie, Mickey, Bye-bye

You can sign: Please, More, Drink, and Food

Favorite things to do: Look at books, feed your baby, and empty your toy box in the living room!

I am just in awe how you are growing and changing everyday.  Your hair is getting lighter and longer!  It is just beautiful.  You 'talk' all the time and when you get in mommy's new car you yell Minnie and point to the tv screen.  It is hilarious!  And YES, the temper and tantrums are under control.  Mommy's new calm approach is really helping!  (Thank you Love and Logic)  You love to brush your teeth.  No matter where we are, if you see loose shoes laying around, you will quickly pick them up and put them on any un-shoed feet!  You are a great listener when it is time to clean-up and put something away which is great.  Anything we do, you mock it! 

Somethings that are new is that you are watching Ms. Holley take care of the babies at "school" which has really caused you to become maternal to your babies; rocking them, wrapping them up in your blankie and bouncing in front of the tv, you use the pillow to help feed your baby, and Ms. Holley told me that you put your baby in the baby swing!  I love it!  You will be a great big sis WHEN THE TIME COMES.  No I have nothing to tell anyone just in case wondering minds where wondering!  :)  You are also becoming quite the artist!  You are providing some great artwork on the freezer everyday!  It makes me smile everytime I look at your colorings.  When music comes on, you dance and it is the absolute funniest thing ever; laughing until I am in tears!  So to sum up the last 16 months would take me forever, but I will say that we are so proud to be your mommy and daddy and you are the coolest kid in the world!  (Please don't ever dump out a whole bag of goldfish again while Daddy and I are grocery shopping at Kroger.  One word; Embarrased) 

Reading your books!  You are now a proud owner of a Frisco Library card!

 Stacking your blocks

 Thinking, "Why are you taking a picture of this?"

 Chilling in this awesome weather with one of many of your babies!

 Watching the neighborhood boys ride their bikes! 

 Will it be curly or straight?

 Mommy: "Kiss your baby"

 Cuteness

Time to give the baby a bottle after all these pictures!