HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA...

That's me exhaling!!!

We've had a very BUSY Fall and Winter break!!! I never realized how busy part time work with 3 kids would make me feel...maybe it's b/c I'm in my 30s and no longer in my 20s! BUT...I love it all!! My job is perfect, great hours, great place to work, and great kids. I also love all the activity here at home, too! Basically we've been busy with sports, CCD (I'm teaching Cade's class), weekend trips to Papa Larry's and Carthage, Christmas and vacations...and throw in school and you can see why it's busy, right?! It's been a fabulous 2010!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

Since it is 2011, I promise as my New Year's Resolution to blog more. Spring always seems a little less chaotic so I promise to take time to fill you in on our happenings. After all, we do have a BIG year coming up for us. Lila turns 2 (I CAN'T BELIEVE IT), Eric and I's 10 year anniversary (REALLY CAN'T BELIEVE IT), Cade starts kindergarten and Jack (MAY) start tackle football (can you tell I'm not ready for that?!). I WILL keep you all up to date!!

Here are some pictures of us starting out 2011...

Month of Firsts

OK...So I said It would be awhile, but FINALLY an update!!

We've had a month firsts! First days of school, first t-ball game of season, first football experience, first time back to work in awhile, first time at daycare, first words, first temper tantrums...All this = 1 tired Momma :)

BUT I must say it's all shaping up pretty nicely. The 1st week had me VERY frazzled and E told me, "it's not worth it, just stay home!" But he knew I would adjust (and I did) and I really wanted to work at least a little. The boys are of course doing great. It's just Miss Priss...still hates being dropped off at daycare...and we're on week 4!! I do really like my job and Lila is liking it more and more each day (after drop off!).

So here's the rundown of the rest of the firsts...

Cade
Started transitional kindergarten. We did decide to hold him back and he's doing great!! We feel confident that he's in exactly the right place. He loves his class and has already made several friends. He also started T-ball (for the season). We've played T-ball several times before:) Cade actually got placed on the team b/c Mom and Dad like the parents! He really didn't have a choice! He also like Jack, takes after Dad and is SUPER athletic and one of the best on the team...But, I am his Mom...what do you expect me to say??! Oh and he recently told me he wanted us to change his name to "handsome" and when I asked why, he said, "duh Mom, b/c I am handsome!" Ohhhh

Jack
Jack started first grade and is doing very well as usual! He's a great student, super listener and a people pleaser so he's always a star student! He also started football...for the first time...and OMG it's psycho!!!! All those things you hear about Texas football, it's TRUE!!!!! It's SUPER intense, SUPER competitive and SUPER aggressive...right up Jack's alley!! If you know Jack he weighs heavily in All 3 of these areas. Dad of course couldn't be more proud! We had our first game last weekend and it was really fun! I'll post some clips soon...

Lila
First temper tantrum...enough said! Even my neighbor said..."I've never seen her act like that!" Ha! Here we go again for the 3rd time! Terrible 2's!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!
But...she's also using a lot of first words and it is sooooooo cute!

I've Got News

No...I'm not pregnant, I actually got a JOB!!!
My first day is tomorrow and I'm excited, scared, nervous and anxious! But, I'm sure it will be fine and I will love it. I'm just working part-time so I can hopefully still handle my crazy family life ;)! I've been off for 2 school years and am ready to go back! Unfortunately, I will have less time to blog...but I promise to keep doing it! How could I not?..I have the cutest and funniest kids (and husband) in the world and they are so blogworthy :)

BUT...More IMPORTANT for sure...
Guess which cutie is turning 5 TOMORROW!!!





Yep, our crazy Cade! (I can't believe it!!!)
He just fixed his hair like this tonight and was so proud! He said, "Mom, I have to look handsome for my Birthday tomorrow!...especially if Leah's coming!" HA...we're soooooo in for it!!

We've already celebrated some. My Mom took him to Build a Bear and then out to eat Mexican. Papa Larry's coming tomorrow and we'll have cake. And then he's got a BIG magic party on Saturday with all his friends. Can we say SPOILED!!! But, you do only turn 5 once, right??





HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY CADE!!!!!!
XOXO Mom and Dad, Jack, Lila and Lola

Update

Hi All - We've been up to noooo good here...and by that I mean, we've had all fun and no work lately (well, for me and kiddos, at least!). We're trying to enjoy our last few weeks of Summer before all the craziness starts.

We did make it to the Higley Reunion. It was Fun Fun Fun as always! It was really nice to hang with the younger crowd (you know who you are), this year. And nice to see all the aunts and uncles, too! And Grandma - I know you weren't feeling like yourself, but it's ok. After several years of talking, laughing, giving gifts, playing with the kids and hanging out...you deserved some time off! I am sure glad I got to see you and Grandpa! Can't wait to see you again soon!









Since we've been back, we've been swimming a lot, fishing at Papa Larry's, playing in the a/c a lot, shooting beebe's in the backyard (E's trying to kill a rabbit that's ruining our grass!) and just having some good 'ole fun!! CANNOT believe Summer is almost over :(

New BFF

MO Vacation

We just made it back from our 10 day trip to MO...well, actually we've been back but you try blogging with 3 at home, mountains of laundry and a dirty house!! Luckily today the boys went to kids camp and Lila's taking a long nap so I have time to blog...

We had a great 4th of July trip, as always!! The boys had a ball and Cade cried for the 1st 20 minutes after we left b/c he DID NOT want to leave!

Here are the highlights:

-Jack and Cade jumped off the point 25 cliff (it's a BIG deal...trust me)

-Jack actually did a flip (only b/c some drunk highschoolers floating in the water near us were chanting, "flip, flip, flip") And, yes I was scared out of my mind, but he landed ok on that one! DAD let him do it again later and the landing was not so nice...face flop...OUCH!!! No more flips for Jack...probably ever!!!

-Lila is my only one before the age of 2 who did not try any chance she got to jump off the dock (she does wear a life jacket at all time, just in case). She was a good little girl and just walked around the whole time. There sure is a gender difference!!!

-Eric was Cornhole King...b/c it was his game and he's the only one who knew how to play! But everyone loved it!

-We went to Steal Your Dollar City. It was really fun! The boys rode rollercoasters and got to do most of the big rides.

-Eric and I got to celebrate our 9th Anniversary with one whole night kid free!!! It was awesome and much needed. Eric surprised me with a "couples retreat" at a near by hotel. I got my 1st ever massage...it was fabulous!!!

We had a GREAT time!! I have some pictures, but not a lot, b/c my battery died and I forgot the charger...oh well...

Daddy Dearest

I know it's been a few days since Father's Day, but here's my blog dedicated to the BEST Dad around.

Seriously, Eric needs no props! His actions and words speak for them self! He is one heck of a father...1 of the 2 best I know :). His children are his pride and joy and he truly believes fatherhood is one of his best accomplishments (and it is!). He recently gave me this letter he wrote to our baby girl and I think it shows you all just how loving he really is.

**Caution** Be prepared to get teary!!!

Dear Lila:

It’s hard to think that it’s almost been a year since your surgery. It continues to be a struggle looking back and reflecting on the day we were told about your heart. I never truly understood what the meaning of a ‘Fathers Love’ meant, until that day. It’s so easy to take for granted the blessing that we all have in our lives. Then to hear, that someone so small and precious would have to endure such an obstacle. No words can describe the worry that we felt during this time. Your mother didn’t sleep a wink leading up to your operation. She ran up and down the stairs every hour checking on you throughout the night. For three weeks! Lola even camped out in your room during the entire ordeal. I guess she figured that your mother kept getting up to play; she must have grown tired of climbing all of those stairs with her.

It’s incredible how much love you have between your mother, brother, father, friends and family. They were all such a great support system for you!

You have proven to be the Strongest Girl we have ever known! The things that you do are truly remarkable to us and everyone that knows you. You light up the room in just one little smile and giggle. And to watch you keep up with your brothers is amazing.

Your mother, brothers and I couldn’t be anymore blessed than we are! You were truly the missing piece to our family.

Love,
Dad