Happy Birthday Abbie Lee.....

Time flies...especially when it comes to your kids growing up. Abbie just turned 11 and it seems like yesterday (as everyone says) she was born...or taking her first steps....or learning to swim...or saying 'pwes' instead of becasue...or call our suburban ' mi-suburban'...or starting school...or riding a bike.... The list could go on of all the first she's had and we are fortunate enough to have shared them all with her.

Dear Abbie,

It's here. The day everyone waits for ALL year long. Their birthday. It is SO, SO, hard to believe you are 11 years old. No one wants their babies to grow up, but it's something that has to happen. While you were ten many things took place in your life. I can't for the life of me recall them all but when your older and you read this you'll think back and say oh yeah...I remember that. Like going to Cedar Hill for your first ever Southern Plains Junior Convention and winning two first place ribbons in photography, second place in a dash, first in a relay with Kayla, Haylie and Whit, second in checkers, seventh place in archery. My kid...with a bow and arrow. I believe that was your first trip away from home...like major trip not like staying the night with someone. You also made Honor Roll all four quarters at GCA therefore you earned a trip to Six Flags Over Texas in Dallas and besides Disney that was your first theme park. Super Proud Parent moment by the way...your honor roll and you were one out of two kids who got perfect attendance!!!!! You became closer friends with Whitney and I can say she is probably your best friend..besides your sister. Even though you are 'older' it makes us so proud that you still play school, babies, and such....pretty sure it just re-assures us you are still a kid! You make us proud in everything you do. At the moment you like to play basketball, are on the volleyball team at school, almost always have your iPod in your hand, you are confident, happy, an over-achiever, smart, beautiful, a pleaser, not into boys, a winner...in just about everything you do, you know who you are and don't follow the crowd, the list could go on and on. You make us so proud to be your parents. If you change....let it be the Lords change, not the world. Just know that whoever you become and whatever you do we will always be proud to be your parents. By the way, the best birthday gift you got this year was free. We couldn't have been more proud when the words " I'm want to be baptized" came out of your mouth.The Lord has great things in store for you... you will forever be our Abbie Lee

Tastiness......

A few recent meals we've had consist of the follwing: Chicken Enchilada Pasta

Which can be found at: http://pearls-handcuffs-happyhour.blogspot.com/2010/11/five-starsand-then-some.html

Yummy spaghetti:

And Mamaws Chicken and Dumplings

No Better Way.....

To start the blog year off than blogging about food. Thanks to pinterest I've been having a very happy family. Today it was Chicken & Black Bean Enchilada Casserole. DELICIOUS.....a combination of ALL my favorite foods.

2 cups diced or shredded chicken breast meat (or for extra lazy days use a rotisserie chicken)
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (4.5 oz) can diced green chili peppers, drained
1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
8 (6 inch) corn tortillas
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 (8 oz) container sour cream

Preheat the oven to 375°. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and spray with vegetable cooking spray. Sauté chicken with cumin and coriander until chicken is cooked through. Transfer to a medium bowl. Stir in the cilantro, black beans, and green chili peppers.

Spread half of the enchilada sauce over the bottom of an 11x7 inch baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Place 4 tortillas over the sauce, overlapping if necessary. Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, and sprinkle with half of the cheese and half of the sour cream.

Spoon the remaining enchilada sauce over the cheese, and make another layer of tortillas. Layer the remaining chicken mixture over the tortillas.

Cover dish with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.

Remove the cover, and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and dot with sour cream. Continue cooking, uncovered, for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until cheese melts.

Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

November 1st.....

Today, this very first day of November, I am so very thankful for my very best friend. He's someone I who is always there to pick me up or to give a hug when feeling down. He's the one who adores me. The one who does small things to see me smile. He's the best daddy a kid could ask for. More importantly he listens and obeys God. He' my main squeeze, my babe, the best hubby.......You got it, it's Chris!!!!!

Photo Book

So, it seems like 2009 was forever ago. Especially when looking at the kiddos. Anyhow, these are photos from our Disney vaca which, by the way we CAN NOT wait to do again. (When B is a little bit older, that is )

Click here to view this photo book larger

Challenge......

I just read an article about childhoods cut short. All I can seem to say is wow. I mean, you know times have changed....but wow!
We try to protect our children. Our oldest right now is probably what you would call the odd girl out. You see, she doesn't have a cell phone or a facebook.We try hard to preserve her innocence and childhood as long as possible. I'd rather her call friends on the home phone. Facebook is well, just a place for kids attack. We choose to protect her from these negative things. Remember our role of parent is one of leadership and not one of "well my kids want it".
She has younger siblings so this helps her stay young too. She naturally has more responsibility than the others becuse she's older. I am stumped when people question this. Our life does not revolve around anyone ONE person it revolves around our entire family. Each person's needs are equally important and we weigh all needs when making a decision.We each have roles and responsibilities in this large family. I think it's important to make things work. We have chores to do and we don't get money for it. We teach our children that the responsibilities in a family are shared. We shouldn't expect to get something for helping out. It's just what a family does.
How do you think a family back 100 years ago did it? Only today we have entitlement issues.
We make decisions based on the 6(our family size) not on 1. In my opinion as it should be. This is opposite in today's society. But then again so is having 4 children.Our family is so very rich in love. We spend time together and enjoy each other. I can't tell you how many times a day we laugh. This makes my heart smile. Our children learn our faith and know Jesus through our family.The world has become a dark place. Young teens are surrounded by such immoral things. We as a family feel called to be the "light" in the world. We don't give into things because everyone else it doing it.... actually we do the complete opposite because usually that is the "right and Christlike" thing to do. Sometimes we feel alone in our thoughts and we aren't alone. Many time others would stand if only someone would stand up first.

AWESOME.....

I just found out about this free ebook offer that ends at midnight tonight. The book is called 31 Days to Clean: Having a Martha House the Mary Way. I am very excited to read it as I can use help in this area....managing a home in a God glorifying way. It looks really good! The author, Sarah Mae, has a really inspiring blog too that I look forward to exploring more. See more at http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com/home

Shop Goodwill....

If any of you enjoy thrifting as much as I, you can now buy goodwill items from all over america! They have set up a site much like ebay and you should definitely go check it out at www.ghopgoodwill.com

The Best....

My hubby is the best...he also like to buy the best. Which is why I'm smitten....

That's right folks a Kirby. A young couple nearby were suckered into buying it, never used it and sold it. If we see a deal, we get it. I love, love, love this thing!

Day of Love....

I'm quite the fan of Valentine's Day. I'd say it's almost ranks as my favorite holiday which is my anniversary!!! My husband however knows better than send me flowers or buy me chocolate so I normally just get a card. That's all right with me due to the fact he goes ALL out for our anniversary (may be strange but we celebrate two) and my birthday. I on the other hand prefer to go all out for the day of love. So the kids each have their own mailbox in which I put a sweet note and goodies. The girls are getting older so this year they got stuff from Victoria Secret. As in Pink body spay's, lip gloss and other girly girl stuff. I also found some really cute initial notepads with rhinestones at Barnes & Noble. Add in a little sweets and they were happy campers. The boys on the other hand....got boy stuff. Balls, candy, a sweet note & snappers. I also bought the book The Tickle Tree...if you don't have it, it's a must have. It's the new bedtime story around here. Lastly for Chris. He often request a picture for his office at the hospital saying " people don't even know we have a fourth kid. " Which is a complete story due to the fact we had family pictures made after Barron turned one. Anyhow, I took the kids to Fullers for portraits and Barron was so shy I was a little worried how they would turn out. They were AWESOME....Connor shot and Esther entertained the kids. So for Valentine's Chris got a framed and matted new portrait for his office, sweet homemade handwritten card, chocolate covered cherries and a book called The Art of the Fart. Yes you read right....the girls picked this out themselves, it even came with a Whoopee Cushion. Which he doesn't need! He was surprised which I have to say was very hard due to the fact that he doesn't like surprises for himself. Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Puppies On The Way....

Our Beky is (at any moment now) expecting at least 9 puppies!!! YIKES....9. We are excited and the kids just can't hide it! Barron is constantly by her side feeling them move and I'm sure she is ready to deliver just so he'll get away. She had a really good looking boyfriend from Colorado this time..his name is Qvaid (he is from Czech Rep.) and he is an AKC Champion.

Qvaid Z Orisku (sire)
Beky (57 day pregnant)

We also had eight baby chicks hatch last week and I think they think Barron is their 2nd mama. They are oh so cute, but I'm terrified of their real mama. No need to worry....we ARE NOT getting fever for any human babies!!!

Quick Catch-Up

So...since the last time you've read anything on my blog it has been almost exactly 5 MONTHS!!! Gross, I know. However, I'll do my best to make all these long stories short:

Abbie: transferred to Gateway Christian Academy...she LOVES it. She was sure she hate it however don't even bring up going back to public. She just turned ten....wait 10....on January 15th. That also makes me a little sad...okay a lot! She went to convention with school and placed high in everthing she did which was archery, volleyball, watercolor, photography and I can't remember what else. I just bought her her first padded bra (I'm sure you didn't care to know this but when I publish this into a book I want to know....she'd also hate me if she knew)! She's growing up whether we want her to or not.

Haylie: Third grade, Mrs. Bailey...looks like Paula Deen. Loves to read...really loves to read if it gets her AR points. She was really upset not to be at GCA...however she'll transfer next year. Enjoys fighting with Noah...and gets really upset with me if I tell him he can sleep with her. She is very excited about softball starting up. Hates to get a spanking....who doesn't but if we were to record her we would WIN Americas Funniest Home Video. Still silly as ever and with her dad & sister serious personalities, this is a GREAT thing. Makes the Honor Roll every time report cards come out!!!!!!! Loves to have her nails done. One word to fit Haylie is HAPPY!

Noah: Started his first year of "real" school. Kindergarten...Mrs. Bean. I was ecstatic to get her. The girls had her and she is AWESOME! Played soccer and TOTALLY dominated the field! Is doing terrific in school...has a happy mama due to the fact he's keeping quiet and making E's! He's also excited about Little League starting up. Really wants to do Kung Fu (I think what he means in karate,but we'll let him call it Kung Fu). Turned SIX....losing teeth and TURNED SIX! Keeps his room clean....more clean than his sisters combined.

Barron: POTTY TRAINED COMPLETELY! I'm so excited, he wakes up in the middle of the night to tell me he's gotta pee rather that wetting the bed. Still going to GCA...has a little friend named Soha...she's Indian and oh so adorable. Talks constantly...non stop and is our first kid to be a why-er. Yes...he is the one who ALWAYS asks why! Thank you Jesus the others didn't....ANNOYING! Totally enjoyed Christmas this year. These are a few of my favorite B sayings: "Go Super Sast (fast)", "Weah (yeah)", "Hang own second (hang on a second)" and he pronounces his name Bennon. Loves a purse. I didn't tell him just today we need to invest in a murse since he demanded he take one in Pizza Hut last night.

Chris and I are great. I'm back on the weight loss wagon since I gained back almost all the weight I lost 2 1/2 years ago. Were planning a road trip West for Summer break and I can wait to see the Red Woods. We are about to celebrate 9 (NINE) years of marriage. YAY us! I'm hoping for a cruise but we're expecting....you can exhale 'cause we are only expecting our 2nd litter of puppies. We adore our kids even when they are brats. The are AMAZING....Life is grand and God is great, therefore so are we!

Aweful...just aweful....

To all of those who follow and yes even those of you who've complained....I'm sorry! For some unknown reason....our internet has been down for nearly two weeks so that of course meant no blogging. No email..no facebook..no ebay...OH MY! All I can say is " I'M BACK"....you've missed so much....I will try to have everyone caught up by the end of the week if I'm lucky. I DO NOT believe it was by chance our internet decided to go down on the week of back to school...It was probably for the best! Oh and for my sappy love letters to my love...they've been put on paper :)

Tragic...

Being that Chris and I are the Sunday School Super's at our church...we arranged a skating night at The Skating Palace in Jasper. It's always a treat due to the fact that Michelle & her hubby are so kind. It was great and I SO enjoyed skating...there's no feeling like it! Afterwards, Chris & I took the kiddos out to eat at...you guessed it Tamollie's. The Francois', The Fee's and The Mitchell's joined in and this was a sure sign of good times and fellowship.
UNTIL....(dun dun duhhhh) a roach...carrying eggs was spotted crawling on the wall behind Chris. Traci (of course) screamed...Joni was offering her flip flop to Chris who by the look on his face was ready to leave right away! The pregnant roach was murdered...we got our food and cautiously ate and did enjoy ourselves. However, my new favorite place to eat with kiddos in Jasper might become Martin's or Casa Ole.

I did tell the manager (who happens to be married to a friend we graduated KHS with) and her response was "Another one....? We've been seeing them all day!"
WoW!!!!!

Star Light...

Star light star bright,
The first star I see tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might,
Have the wish I wish tonight.

As Chris, the Kiddos & I lay outside on the trampoline looking into the big black sky....this is what I thought of. It was just past midnight and we were waiting for the Persaid Meteor Shower to begin. Sure, we've all seen shooting stars at sometime in our lives...but a show, of shooting stars one after another. It was like God was putting on a show just for us. We spoke of stars, what they were made of , how far away they were and how long they "lived". Everyone of us witnessed the beauties darting across the sky (well, Barron went to sleep as soon as he layed down). It was AMAZING. Everytime one would go...you would hear "WOW", "OOOHHH", "LOOK", "THERE'S ONE" & "DID YOU SEE THAT?" and of course daddy saying "SSHHHH...GUYS NOT SO LOUD!" Later, when talking to the kids about it they came to the conclusion that "GOD'S A PRETTY COOL GUY"!

GETAWAY....

For the first time in 9 1/2 years Chris & I had a weekend getaway sans kiddos. Thanks to mom who kept the girls, the girls who took care of the dogs and Joni who kept the boys. It was different to say the least but we enjoyed it and it was probably much needed. On our way out we stopped for a movie...Traveled on to Cypress & did a little shopping

Took John out to dinner and headed back to his house for a nights rest (besides "filling out" a little they look the same as they did when they were 10! don't 'cha think?)

Up we were the next morning traveling on toward New Braunfels and found the GORGEOUS Comal
We headed back to Houston for the hotel and slept like babies after being in the sun the whole day. Got up Sunday and put in more shopping hours
We returned to kiddos, who met us with SMILING faces. Maybe, just maybe we won't wait so long next time.

Another Year Goes By....

¡Feliz cumpleaños a tí!
¡Feliz cumpleaños a tí!
¡Feliz cumpleaños a Haylie!
¡Feliz cumpleaños a tí!

Our Belle is 8....for a kid that had no name for the first hours of her life....she sure has lived up to the name her daddy gave her (all Haylie's though spelled differently have ATTITUDE & SASS).
She is a challenge to our parenting that I relish daily and adds spice to an already flavorful life. I love my sassy, loves-to-dance, sweet-and-cuddly, stubborn, write-letters-to-your-daddy-about- how-much-you-love-him, love-to-play-teacher, adores-Noah-but-would-never-let-him-know, absolutely-hillarious, full-of-attitude, did-I-mention-she's-sassy,8-year-old-lady-who-is-too-smart-for-her-own-good....I hope 8 is Great for you Haylie!

Birthday Boy....

Baby B is no longer. He's finally reached toddler hood, although by his build & attitude you would have thought he were there long ago.

07-08-10

To My "Baby" Barron,

Just in case the computer crashes and your dad hasn't backed it up, I'll publish a little on here to be safe! This past year I've enjoyed (with tears) watching you grow up. You went from a skinny little baby to a BIG little two year old in what seemed to be a blink of an eye. I just want you to know that we love you very much and you brighten our lives with your little smile & dimple. Here are a few of your favs: you LOVE to dress, you also LOVE shoes, you of course love me more than any other with Joni (mommy) running close 2nds, you still suck your thumb and rub my hair when your sleepy, you like to carry around your sisters purses, you love babies, you love to talk on the phone, we can't get a call on the landline without you answering it...when you do you say "HEY" or if they're lucky "HEWWO", everyone in this house adores you, your older siblings enjoy restling and even though they're much larger than you you're not intimidated, you wear a "faux" hawke...it's mostly natural, you have a super cute dimple on your left cheek and lastly your favorite food is a tie between heinz ketchup and salsa...at least I know you get enough lycopene. It's my prayer that God will bless you in this second year of your life and every year after. Just remember...you are my Sunshine!

Mama

This Is What Daddies Are Made Of....

"Our daddy is is TERRIFIC" is what our kiddos would say. I say the same thing about mine. Watching Chris with the kids most of the times puts me in awe. He was raised by his mom and didn't have a fatherly figure growing up. To say the least...his mom did an AWESOME job and if she were here, just like my dad...they both would be SUPER PROUD Grandparents.

The tears are flowing now so this in my words is what daddies especially ours are made of:

He is a snuggling, kissing, nap-with-you, toss-a-football, teach-you-to-pitch-and swing, wipe-your-tears, make-a-crazy-silly-face, tickle-you-until-you-cry, rub-your-legs-in-the-middle-of-the-night, save-you-from-monsters, read-you-the-same-book-twelve-times, keep-you-safe, teach-you-to-protect-each-other, you-need-to-read-the-bible,let-you-stay-up-late-to-watch-a-movie-together, believe-in-Fairy-Godmothers, help-you-with-homework, catch-you-when-you-fall, hold-your-hand, cookies-and-milk, take-you-to-Disney-World, celebrate-you-learning-to-ride-a-bike, coach-your-teams, sing-at-the-top-of-his-lungs, get-down-on-his-knees-and-play-piranha, love-your-mommy, tell-you-he’s-proud-of-you, say-prayers-with-you-before-bedtime - KIND OF DADDY.

Our kiddos are blessed kids and I am one blessed wife and mama!