The Woodward Family

Slacker!

2011-12-22T10:12:00.005-07:00

Wow I've really been neglecting this blog! Nearly six months with no update, not even Audrey's birthday - bad Abbie! Life has just been so busy. I just finished the semester from hell, barely making it through a finance class with my sanity, which was all-consuming. Terese is halfway through 7th grade and Audrey halfway through 3rd grade, and Jacob is only a few months away from turning 5. That is just incomprehensible to me, how fast he went from baby to little kid.

In 4 months and 3 weeks, I will be D O N E with school! I can't wait. Just cannot wait. I get little slivers of what it's like to not have homework or studying on my mind during short summer and Christmas breaks, and oh how I miss it. I sometimes feel like grad school has taken too much of my time when I should be focusing on the kids, but then I also feel like I am showing them that you can do anything if you really want to, though it may be hard. I hope to reward my family's sacrifices over the past three years with a trip to Disney next summer, fingers crossed! Here's hoping for a decent tax return and bonus, cause Florida is friggin expensive!

I feel bad that I didn't make it here to commemorate Audrey's 9th birthday, but better late than never! My littlest girl had a bowling party and then a sleepover. She joined a cheer/dance team at school this year and not only loves it but she is pretty darn good. She is still taking ballet classes also, for as long as she is still interested. Most importantly, she is good and smart and important, and I am infinitely proud of her always.

I love you miss Audrey!

The Big 1-2

2011-06-09T08:22:00.006-06:00

Twelve (12!) years ago today, I crossed over into the land of motherhood, never to go back again. Although I was not much more than a kid myself, I was blessed by a supportive partner (now husband) and family, and some understanding of how important decisions are in life. And though I want my own kids to make some different choices than I did at that age, I would not change having had Terese for anything.

I love you and am SO proud of you, Terese! I hope you have the Happiest Birthday ever.

Swim party at Grampa's:

Make a wish!

Mmm, Reese's ice cream cake...

(left to right): Jillian, Alyssa, Claire, Terese & Sam

Time for highlights!

My little man is 4!

2011-04-10T20:01:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Jakey-poo!!
I know I sound like a broken record, and I say this at every birthday you and your sisters have, but another year has gone by so quickly. I remember so vividly holding your little infant body in the rocking chair and thinking about how briefly I would be able to do that. When I carry you sleeping into your room, I marvel at how I can barely walk with you down the hall and not turn sideways :) You are such a smart, funny, sweet little boy and I can't imagine life without you. Today, at your Spiderman party!, your friends Christian, Joshua and Joseph came from school and you all played in your new Mustang powerwheel. Just one more short year and you will be getting ready for Kindergarten! Slow down, just a little bit, baby boy.

I love you, stinky face.

Always-
Mom

Happy New Year 2011!

2011-01-01T21:30:00.002-07:00

Here's hoping for a happy and healthy year to come!

2010-12-22T21:15:00.001-07:00

Family Photos

2010-12-12T14:52:00.007-07:00

On November 14th, a fabulous photographer we found (Bree Ross, http://www.bittybphotography.com/), met us at the Albuquerque Academy campus to capture some precious family moments. I could not be more thrilled with how they turned out!

Last day in my 20's...and a belated Happy Birthday!

2010-11-05T17:05:00.004-07:00

Tomorrow marks a day I have had in the back of my mind for the whole year...the big three-oh. For whatever reason, it's been kind of a tough pill to swallow for me. 30 just seems so much older than 29, and it's weird to be able to refer to my "20's", which are officially over. I have much to be thankful for, as my 20's have been pretty good to me and my family. We are healthy, employed, and overall very blessed. Anyway, I just felt the need to mark the occasion :) Happy Birthday to me!

Most importantly, I had a lapse in memory and forgot to wish my girl Audrey a happy 8th Birthday on September 22nd! Sorry babe!! I love you so very much and am extremely proud ouf you. You are so bright and beautiful, and best of all a good person. I think you may have a career in writing ahead of you - you are quite the creative mind!
Love you sweetheart!

New beginnings

2010-08-18T10:28:00.006-06:00

My first baby started middle school today! Techincally Terese went to her orientation/jump start day on Friday, but today is the first official day of school for the girls. Terese started 6th grade at Eisenhower (same school I went to - AND, same bus stop. Freaking me out!)

Audrey started 2nd grade at the same school as last year, and has the same teacher that Terese had for 2nd grade. Which is a good thing - we like her :) She was also very happy to find that her good friend from 1st grade is in her class, which is of the utmost importance at 8 years old!

Jacob also starts a new class next week, he's moving up to the 3 year old class. We've really liked his current teacher Ms. Karen, but she'll just be across the hall. And as if there wasn't enough change going on , I return to school next week too. It has been a nice summer of not having to go to campus since May (summer class was online), so I'm not exactly looking forward to it! But it will work out, you gotta make these things happen right?

Dear Terese,

2010-06-10T19:56:00.008-06:00

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y ! ! !

(I am posting this a day late, sorry =/ ) I can't believe you are already 11 years old! How did that happen? You are so smart and beautiful, and I am so proud of you. You have grown up so much over the past year, and will be starting middle school soon! I know you will do fabulous and continue to make us proud.

I hope you had a wonderful birthday, and that the coming year brings you much happiness. I love you very much!!
~Mom

Happy Birthday!

2010-04-10T21:40:00.003-06:00

My dear sweet Jacob,

You're 3 today! I can't believe it's been three years since you came into our lives. You are such a funny and sweet little boy and I can't imagine our lives without you.

These days you are going to preschool, in Ms. Karen's class with your friends Henry, Ian, Matthew and Levi. You are potty trained (yaaay!), and recently picked up riding your 3-wheel scooter. You still love to sleep in bed with mommy and daddy, although we're working on it! Your very favorite things include monster trucks and matchbox cars, which you have a gazillion of.

I love you so much and I am so very proud of you.

Happy Birthday baby!

Love,
Mama

Farewell, 2009...

2009-12-31T09:36:00.006-07:00

Once again it's been a long time since I've updated here. Since last time I posted, I have finished my first semester of school (A and B+!), and will be starting my second in a few weeks. It seemed like the longest semester ever, but of course now that it's over that seems silly.

For Thanksgiving, Collin went to Colorado with Brandy and the girls to visit some of her family, and we went to Brian's dad's house with my mom and Neil. We always have a nice time over there, and this year was no exception. Christmas followed soon after, about which the best I can say is I'm glad it's over! The holidays are stressful, and that brought out some unpleasantries, but hopefully everyone is past it.

Jacob will be starting at a preschool/day care soon, which has been emotional for me and will hopefully be a good thing for him. I pray he will not have trouble adjusting those first few days. I am grateful he got to spend his baby days with his Nana and I didn't have to worry about putting him in daycare then.

Here's hoping 2009 is a better year for some of the people I care about, and that me and my family continue to be blessed in 2010. Happy New Year!

It's been a while

2009-11-04T19:51:00.003-07:00

I guess life has been pretty busy, because I was surprised to check in here and see it's been like 6 weeks since I've said anything. So what's happened...let's see...

Well, school (actually just Statistics) is harder than I expected. The semester is over in 5 weeks, which is good because I am anxious to be done with my Stats class. I think I can pull off a B, which is what I need for it to count toward graduation. I don't study anywhere near as much as I should - it's hard to get into the habit after not being a student for so long!

Jacob is 2 years 7 months old now, and still not potty trained. My goal is still by Christmas, but it's clear this kid will do it when he's good and ready, and no sooner. He also will not stop climbing in our bed in the middle of every night, which leaves me exhausted every morning, because it is like sleeping with an octopus. No matter how many times I scoot him over, he always comes right back up next to me. Which I guess I should see as the sweet thing it is. I sure do love the little guy.

Halloween just passed and was fun for all. It was a busy day with Audrey's soccer game and three dance performances, but we made it through. Collin, Brandy, Madison, Brooke, Rich and his family went trick-or-treating with us. Us parents got off easy, it only took an hour to get them their fill of candy.

Most importantly ;), Friday is my last twenty-something birthday. For whatever reason, the thought makes me feel old. I think I will be one of those women who have a hard time turning 30. I am so fortunate and blessed, I have had opportunities to accomplish many things so far in life, and I am truly grateful. But I am still sad to be at the end of my 20's!

Happy Birthday Audrey!

2009-09-22T08:48:00.004-06:00

Wow, another year gone by! Saying that 7 years has flown by is an understatement. You are still the same beautiful, smart, sweet girl that you were a year ago, and I am still so proud of you. At 7, you are still in ballet and will be starting soccer this fall. Although you are not in the same 1st grade class as your good friend Abbie, you still play at recess and talk on the phone. And you still love all things that include dolls and snacking :)
I love you so much and hope you have a wonderful day! Tonight we will go spend your birthday money on that Nintendo DS you want, and go to the State Fair.
Here are some photos to remind you of your birthday party at ABQ Jump:

Felt like the first day of school

2009-08-27T09:34:00.003-06:00

The last time I had a real first day of school was the Fall of 1999 when I began my bachelor's degree program. Terese was two months old. It's hard for me to remember what life was like back then, really. So much has changed.

This first day comes two more kids and ten years later. But some things remain the same - for instance, I still have to park and ride the stupid shuttle bus because there is still nowhere to park on campus. I still walk the same path to class, the lecture halls still look the same. Textbooks still cost a fortune. At 28, am I among the oldest students in class, because apparently all the BBA grads just decided to stay in school this year instead of looking for a job. The MBA program at UNM admitted 23% more students this fall than last year.

As for my classes, which are all Mgt ___, I am taking Interpersonal and Team Dynamics and Statistcs for Management. The first class I think I am going to really like. The syllabus looks like a piece of cake for starters, and the professor is very laid-back and funny. My very favorite part was when he said we would have no out-of -class group work, score!! I used to hate that. As for Statistics, let's just say I need to remember caffeine. It's from 7-9:30pm, and the professor still has a lingering European accent from when he moved here 50-something years ago so he sounds like the priest from The Princess Bride on occasion.

And so it begins!

OH! I almost forgot, the girs started school too :) Terese is in 5th grade, her last year of Elementary school, I can't believe that. And Audrey is in 1st grade this year. They are both happy with their teachers and so far liking their classes. Here they are on their first day, 8/20.

So, I can quit complaining now

2009-08-14T14:11:00.003-06:00

I am officially a UNM student again!! I've registered for my two classes this semester, gotten my ID and parking pass, all I need is my books! Now check back in a few weeks to see if I'm still so excited :)

Old Friends

2009-08-06T11:04:00.006-06:00

This past weekend, Audrey and I flew to Kentucky to visit our friends Stacy and Kylee. Stacy and I worked together in the past, and our girls are close in age and became friends too. They moved away (and made me cry!) right after Jacob was born, and we've missed them! I kinda invited myself over for a visit, and Stacy graciously put us up for the weekend. We had a good time and it was so great to see them and catch up.

For whatever reason, I didn't get a whole lot of pics, and not one of Stacy and I. But here are a few:

Kylee's birthday was on 8/1, in this pic are (from left) Kaden (Kylee's brother), Audrey, Kylee and then a few kids from the neighborhood.

The kids just kept comin'!

Playing on the swingset after swimming

On another note, I STILL have not been admitted to UNM, even though classes start on the 24th. I have a feeling I will be registering at the last minute.

Brian and I are off to Washington state over Labor Day weekend to see DMB play at the Gorge, which is about two hours east of Seattle. We have to feed our addiction! Compared to all the traveling we've done in past years, one long weekend of concerts is pretty tame :) We can't wait, but I sure am gonna miss the kids! Being away from them this past weekend, especially Jacob, was hard. I'm hoping their grandparents can keep them busy and distracted!

So, I'm a pretty patient person

2009-07-17T16:18:00.003-06:00

But waiting to hear from UNM is driving me nuts. It has been 4 weeks and 1 day (but who's counting) since I turned in my completed app. I am a planner! This whole "watch the classes you want fill up" thing is not working for me!

Ok so now that I got that out, I wanted to share this funny pic of Jacob and Audrey in the sprinkler. I love his face here, he's so funny. And I can't believe how tan Audrey gets in the summer while the rest of us just burn. Not fair!

Grad school, here I come...(hopefully)

2009-06-19T10:51:00.004-06:00

I've applied to the UNM Anderson School of Business, where I got my Bachelor's, for their MBA program. I had to take my GMAT (graduate management admission test) on Wednesday, after only studying for 4 days (long story). I needed a 500 and got a 570. The highest you can get is 800, and over 700 is rare. So 570 isn't stellar, but I'll take it! It was pretty tough and I'm glad to have it done.

I say hopefully because my application was a little late, and so I'm not guaranteed to have it reviewed in time for the Fall semester. The admissions director was hopeful but made no promises. Worst case scenario, I have to wait until Spring '10, but that's 6+ months away still and I'd like to get the ball rolling! I'm looking at 3-31/2 years to finish going part-time as it is.

I'm getting excited about the idea of going back to school though, and at the same time wondering what I am getting myself into! I've got enough on my plate as it is, but this is a goal I can't leave unattained. I'll be taking two classes per semester, so at most 2 nights per week, and I'm going to try and work it out to one night whenever possible. That will make for a long day (work, then school 4-9:30pm), but hopefully will be easier on the kids and Brian.
Wish me luck!

Dear Terese,

2009-06-11T09:02:00.005-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

I am late in posting this here, but wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. The last 10 years has gone by so very quickly...it's hard for me to grasp. At 10:53pm on June 9, 1999 you made me a mother, and Brian a father. We have learned so much from you, about being parents, being responsible, being a good example. Only time will tell how we're doing, but based on what a smart, funny, kind and good person you are, I'd say you've toughed out our inadequacies pretty well :)

You are a wonderful kid, a great big sister, and an important part of our family. We love you so much and can't wait to see what the future brings you!

Your sleepover buddies!

Family

2009-06-08T10:00:00.005-06:00

We're back from the beach! We had a great vacation. The gulf water was warm, the weather was good, and it was awesome to stay right on the beach. It was wonderful to see family that we haven't seen since 2001, and we even managed to get a few good group pics. All of the kids had a fabulous time too - we went to Schlitterbahn water park in Galveston one day and they played and swam till they dropped. We also went to the Rainforest Cafe, and Brian and I even got out alone for dinner one night. It was hard to leave the ocean and come home!

Here are some more pics from our trip. There are hundreds, so I'll just post the highlights here!

Our little dancers

2009-05-24T21:00:00.005-06:00

The girls' dance recital was on the 23rd, they did wonderful! Terese was in two performances - one for the class she demonstrates for, and then her own class (both tap). This was Audrey's first time on stage and she handled it like a pro. Aren't they beautiful?!

What's new?

2009-05-03T12:25:00.006-06:00

Let's see...It's been a while since I've updated but I guess that's because there's nothing much to report. We're looking forward to taking the girls to their first DMB concert on Tuesday! They haven't played in Albuquerque since 2005, and we promised the girls that the next time they came here we'd take them.

Brian and I will be celebrating our 8th wedding anniversary on the 12th, and 12 years together this summer. We've got a couples massage scheduled, I can't wait for that! Then a few weeks later we're headed to Galveston to spend some time at the beach and visit family on my mom's side. I haven't seen some of my cousins since my wedding and am looking forward to catching up with them.

Here are a few recent pics of the kiddos:

Jacob and Ayden

Dear Jacob,

2009-04-10T09:23:00.007-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
I’m sure you will hear me say this many times still… It seems like just last night I was tucking my tiny, newborn baby into bed between your dad and I, and thinking about how quickly this very day would come. I told myself to enjoy every moment you were a baby, because I knew it wouldn’t last long. But each day you replace any longing I have for that babyhood with pride and anticipation. The past two years has been full of so much joy, fun, and laughter. I cannot picture my life without you.

At two years old, you make the funniest faces, you LOVE motorcycles (or momo’s, specifically Daddy’s. Not feelin it son, sorry!!), and absolutely crack me up jumping on the trampoline. You have traded your pacifiers in for gum, which I anxiously await finding ground into the carpet or in someone’s hair. (You’d think experience would steer that decision, but you are already getting away with things as the baby of the family.) And you still let me call you poo-butt, so all is well.

I love you,
Mom

One step farther away from babyhood...

2009-03-30T14:48:00.003-07:00

My little man slept in his big boy bed last night! We took down the crib :,( and stored it safely away, and put up his new Cars bed. It's super cool and he loves it! We have totally spoiled this kid by letting him either lay with us for a little bit before he gets in his bed, or fall asleep with us. Last night was no different, but Brian took him to his room awake, (he always goes in there willingly), and we only heard the cat meow at him in the hallway once! Brian went to check on him and he ran back in his room right away, lol, and jumped back in bed. Ten minutes later I went to check and he was fast asleep :)

Sooooo....

2009-03-25T13:52:00.004-07:00

I've been thinking of something to report here, but not much is up!
Let's see...The girls are on spring break this week, just in time to break in their new trampoline. It's 15' in diameter - this thing is enormous. We have a pretty big backyard and it still looks seriously huge back there. The girls love it and are already flipping around like crazy.

Jacob was pretty leery of it until this morning, when he let me hold him and jump (which is crazy good exercise, as it turns out!). He kept saying "jump! jump!" By this afternoon he was jumping on his own.

Jakey-poo will be two in just two short weeks, can you believe that?? His birthday is on Good Friday and we'll be having a party at the house for relatives and close friends. He's getting a Cars bed, and I'll be putting the crib away one last time. :(
Brian's niece Crystal, who had twin boys at only 27 weeks on January 5th, is having a baby shower for them on Sunday. They are both thriving and almost ready to come home!! We also have two birthdays still this month - Brian's sister Grace on the 29th, and my brother Neil on the 31st. Will be a busy weekend!
What else...oh! We got our concert tickets to go see DMB at the Gorge in Washington state over Labor Day weekend! WOOT!! It's one of those venues you have to see them at at least once, and we are very excited. Will be a nice, sans-kids, vacation :)

My fav new pic

2009-02-20T14:21:00.002-07:00

Isn't that sweet?!

Dear Mom and Papa,

2009-02-08T11:21:00.004-07:00

H A P P Y

B I R T H D A Y!!!

I wish you both a wonderful day and an even better year to follow!

Worth every penny

2009-02-04T20:08:00.005-07:00

That would be our new Canon Rebel XS SLR camera! I absolutely L O V E it! I didn't realize how terrible the pictures that our old digital camera took were until I saw what a nice camera can do. Here are some of the first pics taken with it!

Twilight - crack for teenage girls (ok, and grown women)

2009-01-24T14:47:00.002-07:00

I wasn't gonna do it. I avoided all the hype about the Twilight series, convinced that books written to the teenage girl audience wouldn't live up to my idea of good reading. But, thanks to a group of BZ friends I read with, I gave it a try.
So, ok, I was mostly wrong. I just finished the last book Breaking Dawn, and I totally loved it! Out of the four books in the series, there was only one I didn't love (New Moon), but I realize now that it was necessary. I guess there's not really a point to this post, just looking for a way to stretch the subject out a little further, now that I'm done! Sigh.
Check out my "Recently Read" list for some other suggested reading...

Idolatry

2009-01-20T15:40:00.009-07:00

Today marks a remarkable occasion - the inauguration of our first African-American president. I wholeheartedly hope that President Obama can live up to his promises, to what everyone in this country now holds their breath for him to do. Truly. For the sake of my future and that of my children, I do not want to watch him fail. So don't mistake what I am about to say as a lack of support for our new president, pessimism, or even bitterness or resentment for him winning the election. Those emotions are not there.

But I'll tell 'ya, the first thing that came to mind when I saw this picture was Exodus 20: 4-5 "You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them..."

I look at the footage of his ceremony, of the crowd of nearly 2 million people who are watching, chanting his name. The people who came from far and wide to witness this historic event, to share in the feeling of hope and show their support. Little dots as far as the eye can see. I am awe-struck. What does that feel like, I wonder, walking down that red-lined aisle to face them all? I can't imagine. I also can't imagine what he has done to deserve that. Has he earned that adoration? I mean, really? I don't think so, or that McCain would, or Hillary Clinton, or Sarah Palin, or even Dave Matthews (and you all know how I feel about him!), or anyone else at the beginning of their new job. He is only human. Obama has yet to do anything but play a good game and win the world's biggest popularity contest. He is a politician, after all, and the proof is in the pudding. 8 years from now, if this country is in a time of peace and our economy has recovered, I will be happy to stand in a croud of 2 million and give my appreciation. I hope I can. When he has earned it.

Resolutions

2009-01-04T11:44:00.002-07:00

New Years resolutions are famous for being forgotten about by February, and my own resolutions in years past are no exception. I can't even remember what I resolved to do in 2008. As chiche' as it is, this year I really want to lose some weight - about 15 pounds to be specific. I know now that my days of the baby weight just falling off (as it did with the girls) are over, as are the "eat whatever I want" days. I had to work to lose the baby weight after Jacob was born, and even then I never lost that last little bit. (And, unfortunately, since then I've gained a little of it back). My goal going in to '09 is to lose 15 pounds by my wedding anniversary - May 12th. I'm hoping that by committing it to writing, I will be more likely to follow through. Wish me luck!

Christmas, part 3

2008-12-27T08:44:00.008-07:00

Between Brian and I, we are blessed to have lots of family. Christmas Eve we spent with Brian's mom - they have traditionally opened gifts that night and spent Christmas Day in celebration. Christmas Day is spent with my mom and Brian's dad, and then this year my dad was in town as well. He and my step-mom came over yesterday to spend some time with us and the kids, as well as open gifts and stuff our faces! Here are some pics from yesterday:

My dad and Jacob

Jacob with my step-mom

One of the many times Audrey climbed into Grampy's lap

And I just wanted to share this one, which Brian calls Jacob's MySpace pic

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T21:04:00.002-07:00

I hope you had a nice day with your families! We sure did. Here are some pics:

Jacob on his little quad

The girls on their new scooters from Nana

So much for his little quad!

Terese is an excellent driver :)

And me driving Audrey's scooter the rest of the way to the park, she wasn't quite ready for hers yet. I'm sure it was quite amusing to watch.

What Christmas is really about

2008-12-23T13:40:00.006-07:00

An online friend of mine shared this with me, and I was very touched by it so I thought I'd post it here. (Hi Krissy, hope you don't mind!) I had been looking for the words to express how I feel about the spirit of giving, but was at a loss of how to do that in a meaningful way. Each of us has needed help at some point, and we should never forget what that feels like. This Christmas, along with many other things, I am thankful for my friends - including those I've never met in person :)
________________________________________________

We adopted a family this year. It was so overwhelming but so wonderful.
This little boy (a 7 year old~ Caleb's age!) and his 31 year old mother left the abusive father for a better life. But now have nothing. NOTHING.
This precious child asked for gloves, a mattress for his bed and underwear. I can not even wrap my brain around the fact that a 7 year old wants such things. Caleb has a glimmer of how fortunate he is now after learning what this child WANTED. Not toys, not games.... gloves and underwear.
Needless to say, we got him the gloves and underwear and a lot of other things. I would have bought the store if we could have. I was really torn because I wanted to do so much more but money is terribly limited this year.
For the mother, we bought her necessitities and then a lot of goodies like lotions, fuzzy slippers, perfumes and other things to remind her how special she is. And I cleaned out my closet and gave her two big bags full of pants, sweaters, pajamas and all sorts of things that would hopefully help her.
On Saturday, Caleb and I drove into downtown (B A D area) to drop off all of our items for this family. Originally, we were to deliver to the family but after researching, Jamie and I decided the area was not a safe area to visit. So we dropped off at our adoption spot and they delivered.
When we dropped off, we realized we were blocks from their home. So we drove by. I literally had a sick feeling in my stomach to know that not only a human being lived in that home but a child. A child the same age as my son. I can not even begin to describe what it looked like. I have seen poor areas before and this area truly did not compare. It was beyond what you are thinking right now. Much worse.

But out front of this home that looked as though it would fall over if leaned against, was a tricycle that I can imagine this 7 year old riding. Way too small for him but I'm sure he is ever grateful for it anyway. And there was a snowman. It had one enormous body with stick arms and a tiny head on top of his body. Obvious construction of a child. I had visions of this HAPPY child making due with what he has and playing with what he can. As horrible of a neighborhood, this snowman and tricycle made me smile. Especially knowing that inside that house was a home for this boy with a loving mother who is protecting him.

Today, we got a Christmas card from this family. They sent us a card!!!! The minute I saw the return address I started bawling. Caleb ran over and we read the card together.
All it said was "God Bless You". All written in a childs handwriting.
THAT made our Christmas complete. Not that it wasn't worth while in the first place, I'd do it again tomorrow with no thank you at all. But that card will always remind us what Christmas is really about.

Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T15:30:00.007-07:00

We just got home from our 8-hour each way trip to TX to visit my dad for Thanksgiving. It was nice to get away and we had a good time, and the drives to/from went as expected. We physically separated the girls by a row of seats on the way there, but on the way home we didn't mess with the luggage rack so all three were in the backseat together. Thank God we had the foresight to reserve a hotel room in Amarillo to break up the drive! Those girls sure do need their space.

We were on my uncle's ranch, where he raises angus cattle and also has a couple of horses. The kids' favorite part of the ranch is riding the ATV's - Jacob absolutely could not get enough of it! Lucky for him Santa has something in mind for him this year :)

The main purpose of the trip, besides seeing family for the holiday, was for Brian to go deer hunting. In TX, you can feed the deer during the year and then conveniently show up to where they eat when you feel like shooting one during hunting season. As unfair as that seems, it's not a guarantee that you'll get one. Brian saw quite a few deer, and one in particular that more than one person told him he was stupid for not shooting. With two racks mounted on the walls at home, he is in the "hold out for a BIG one" stage, which I am thankful for.
A few pics from our trip...

My uncle Jerry taking the kids to feed the cows

A sucker for online shopping

2008-11-09T13:09:00.005-07:00

So I've recently started making my list for Christmas gifts for all those we buy for. Between mine and Brian's family, there are a lot of kids (10, plus our own). So I started doing some online shopping the last few days, and now I can't stop!! I keep thinking I really could just drive down the street to Target/Old Navy/Borders/(insert store name here), and save myself the shipping, but it's' so easy to just click "submit order"! I am proud of myself for getting an early start this year though, it usually begins after Thanksgiving and I'm usually up very late on Christmas Eve wrapping. Now I just have to figure out where I'm going to hide everything - the girls have found every hiding place in the house!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T20:02:00.007-07:00

It was an absolutely perfect night for trick-or-treating! The air was still and about 65 degrees, I can't remember the last time we didn't battle the cold while walking the neighborhood. We usually go to my mom's neighborhood to trick-or-treat, because even though we live literally doors down from an elementary school, there are never any kids out where we live.

Terese was a corpse, Audrey was a witch, and Jacob was a dragon. I wasn't sure he'd wear the hood, but he was a good sport! I'm sure it helped that he had a constant flow of suckers in his mouth for distraction. It really was super cute to watch him toddle down the sidewalk.

I love this picture because it captures Terese making such a funny face - Jacob was dancing in circles while I repeated "go stand by sissy!" about fifteen times, it was pretty funny. I didn't ever get a decent pic of the three of them, but I suppose the goofy ones are the best!

Here are some more recent pics of the kiddos:

This was sucker #2, I think

It was "wear red" day at school, Jacob just happened to match

Couldn't have said it better myself

2008-10-21T15:53:00.004-06:00

I follow a few blogs of friends, and ocassionally check out the blogs they follow, just for fun. I was reading a friend's husband's blog today (Hi Melissa!), and was impressed by one of his posts. There are times when I get frustrated trying to debate politics with people, and can't always eloquently articulate my tendencies toward the Republican party. This post in particular made me proud (I wonder if he would think that's weird??)
Anyway, here's the link. I thought it only right to give him credit instead of just quoting him here. Hope he doesn't mind!
http://daddydiatribes.blogspot.com/2008/10/i-learned-to-fish.html

Big 'ole baby

2008-10-10T10:50:00.010-06:00

That's my boy! To be exact, he is 25 lbs 6 oz and 35 inches of little boy. (For anyone curious, that is the 50th percentile for weight and off the charts for height. Wonder where he gets that from?) He had his 18 month appt yesterday, and despite not talking a whole lot he is doing great. He got two shots and started screaming before the nurse even poked him (the big baby!! :) No more shots until Kindergarten, yaay! That seems so far away, but I know it isn't really. Time with the girls has just absolutely flown by, and it already is with Jacob too...makes me sad to think of my last baby growing up so fast!

Jacob's new thing is to stretch out between the couch and the table, and then look to see who's watching. He thinks he's so funny! He really is. I love you buddy!

I'm famous (or infamous, depending...)

2008-10-07T12:14:00.012-06:00

Well, not really. But Neil and I did meet a currently famous person. I'm not totally sure on the logistics of how, but Neil was invited to be a greeter for Senator McCain yesterday. Mom asked me to do the honor of escorting him, and the secret service actually let me in the door! We were part of a small group waiting for him and Cindy when they got off the "Straight-Talk Express". (Yes, I was on the clock and gone forever - Ron, I will use vacation :)

I think most of the people I know would agree that it was an honor to meet him, regardless of who you're voting for this November. (And yes, he looks just like he does on TV) He made his expected cordial introductions to everyone, and then came back after he had gone down the line to tell Neil "It is an honor that you came out to see me today, my friend." Indeed.

After the meet-n-greet, McCain and his entourage booked it to the University of New Mexico campus (not a good choice of venue, in my opinion - college campuses are notoriously liberal and the parking is rediculous). They must have beat us by a good 15 minutes, because by the time we arrived at the door, having successfully dodged the protestors, he had begun speaking and they wouldn't let us in. It helps that they had a police escort and closed down the freeway for a few minutes, I'm sure, but that was little consolation to Neil who was pretty disappointed. I think seeing his name and photo in the newspaper this morning may have lifted his spirits a bit though!

At any rate, I hope he wins, for reasons including my being able to say that I've met the President :)

Apparently, this is what I look like when I'm trying to seem endearing to someone slightly shorter than me.

If you're confused, like I am...

2008-10-02T08:47:00.005-06:00

Watch this enlightening video concerning our current economic crisis as it relates to the housing market. It moves fast so you may want to cover the pause button. It's obvious which side created it, but the facts are food for thought.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx_VGaAf-7A

Dear Audrey,

2008-09-22T10:32:00.003-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!!! Six years ago today, on a Sunday morning, you came into this world. You were born at 6:11am, weighing 7 pounds and 2 ounces - just like your big sister. My labor with you was the most natural thing I've ever done, and I often joke I should have had you at home. (With your sister I think I asked to be shot, and I opted for the epidural with Jacob!) Spongebob Squarepants was on TV in the delivery room. Your sister was there (hopefully she doesn't remember much :), and Nana too. Corny as it sounds, I just can't believe it has been six years since that day.

At six, you love school, your friends, all things involving dolls, ballet, and snacking. You are already a professional internet surfer. This year you have learned to ride your bike without training wheels, been to Disneyland and the ocean for the first time, and walked miles through Carlsbad Caverns. You are growing up to be a beautiful, intelligent, and funny little girl, but most importantly, a good person. I am so proud of you.

I hope you have a wonderful day today at school, you get to pick what's for dinner! As we say every night in our prayers, thank you for my many, many blessings sweetheart.

I love you,

Mom

Scale shock

2008-09-15T12:08:00.007-06:00

Yikes. I stepped on the scale recently, for the first time in a while apparently, and was super bummed to see what it had to tell me. Which was "no more fast food for you!" Part of my problem is that we have TONS of free candy bars and a fountain machine at the office. After I had Jacob I had some serious work to do to lose the baby weight. I had 34 pounds to lose when he was 6 weeks old, and within a few months I had lost 26 of it. I was the Lean Cuisine Queen there for a while, but that's really all I did. Things stalled out there, and since then I've gotten lazy on the whole eating right bit.
A friend turned me on to "The Couch-to-5K Running Plan" today, and her timing couldn't be better. Brian is game to start walking/jogging/eventually running with me too, assuming we can work out what the kids do during that time. I would really like to lose 15 pounds by Thanksgiving!

Let the dancing begin!

2008-08-30T18:27:00.007-06:00

The girls started their dance classes back up today! I realized that Terese and her friend Daphne have been in the same dance class for 7 years now! I sat on the same bench outside Terese's class today that I went into labor with Audrey while sitting on 6 years ago. Crazy! Maybe I should add up how much money I've paid them over all that time, lol. It is kinda like a little family over there though, one you spend just a few hours with every week and that's the end of the commitment.

I was talking with some of the other moms about the different activities their kids are in. It seems mine are the only ones not doing at least 3 other things each week - soccer, gymnastics, cheer, you name it. Call me lazy, I just don't think my kids (a.k.a. ME) need to be that busy. They still have homework and chores to do too. Lucky for me when Jacob is old enough for sports Terese will probably be driving (yikes, that's a scary thought) and can tote herself and at least one sibling around. Hey, another benefit to having kids so far apart, woohoo!

On this day in 1980...

2008-08-29T11:05:00.003-06:00

My hubby was born!

H A P P Y

B I R T H D A Y

B R I A N ! ! !

Hi, I'm Crazy

2008-08-22T09:54:00.005-06:00

Someone sent this to me and I laughed my ass off, can anyone say
F R E A K ?

If you are in a relationship, hearing these voicemail messages will make you never want to be single again.The back story on this is that a girl named Olga was out with her friends in the Marina district of San Francisco and she talked to this guy named Dmitri for all of two minutes. Then she gave him her card and said “give me a call.” The above is the messages he left. Listen to the whole thing, it just keeps getting better and better.

http://view.break.com/527579 - Watch more free videos

Sad news for DMB

2008-08-20T10:37:00.011-06:00

The saxophonist for the Dave Matthews Band, LeRoi Moore, died yesterday from complications from injuries he received in an ATV accident. He was only 46, and was the founding member of DMB back in 1991.
Anyone who knows Brian and I knows that we are huge Dave Matthews Band fans. Over the last few years we've been to numerous concerts (9, but who's counting :), and traveled many places to see them. It's a strange kind of loss to experience - I of course didn't know him personally, but he is a part of some of the best memories I have. Brian and I had some great times watching and listening to them play, on a couple occasions from as close as the first row. I remember when we saw them at Red Rocks in 2005 - Roi was standing outside his tour bus and these girls were yelling "Elroy! ELROY!!!!" We were walking by them and I said "it's LeRoi", lol. They must have thought it was a Jetson's concert.
Anyway, he can never truly be replaced, but I'm sure the band will go on. We have tickets to their concert in Phoenix on Saturday, unless it's cancelled. I would certainly understand if it was.

Red Rocks Amphitheater, 9-11-05

MSNBC Poll

2008-08-18T15:54:00.000-06:00

On whether "In God We Trust" should remain on US Currency:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10103521/

Brian found an outlet...

2008-08-18T13:17:00.003-06:00

For the girls to fight with each other! Preferable to their normal screaming/chasing/crying routine. He set them up with Soul Caliber on his xbox, and they went at it. Audrey is really good, she beat the crap out of Terese quite a few times, lol. Audrey got some much needed one-on-one time with her dad yesterday while Terese and I went grocery shopping, and when we came back she was ready to kick some butt. I love to see her be successful at something her dad and sis are interested in, that doesn't happen very often for her.

On another note, the girls start dance on the 30th! Audrey will be in her 3rd year of ballet, and Terese her 4th year of tap (7th year of dance all together, omg!). Terese is also demonstrating for a beginner tap class, which is like being the teacher's aide. She is super excited about that, and I think it will be a great leadership opportunity for her. The girls will hopefully also get to volunteer with the social group my oldest brother with Down's Syndrome attends once a week. My mom has volunteered to help facilitate the weekly meetings and I'd like the girls to get involved in that. Well, maybe just Terese - Audrey might get bored and miss the point. We'll see how it goes!

Back to School, part 2

2008-08-13T10:09:00.004-06:00

This morning was a perfect, out of the ordinary start to the day. Audrey got out of bed right away (unusual), highly anticipating her first day of Kindergarten! Terese was a great big sister, telling her she'd check on her at first recess and even gave her a hug before she went to class (unusual!). Audrey was so excited, she even started to walk into class without saying bye or hugging her mommy. I had to make her come back and give me a kiss :) I knew she wouldn't shed a tear, and surprisingly I didn't either. I know she will do wonderful and love every minute!

Back to School

2008-08-12T14:01:00.004-06:00

It's Terese's first day of 4th grade! She is an old pro at this, although she was bummed to not have found her bff Lauren. She later found out that Lauren is going to a different school :(

What's for dinner?

2008-08-10T15:56:00.004-06:00

I love allrecipes.com, so I thought I'd share a few of my fav recipes from there.
This Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is AWESOME, not low-fat by any means, and totally worth the trouble. It's easier to make than it sounds.

Another good chicken recipe is Bacon Roasted Chicken, if you've got a few hours to plan ahead. The bacon is actually the best part, so don't skimp!

On the menu for tonight: Grilled Sausage w/Green Beans and Potatoes. I'll let you know how it turns out!
ETA: It's a keeper!

I was inspired!

2008-08-07T13:47:00.007-06:00

Welcome to my blog! I was checking out someone else's blog on a website I frequent, and was inspired to start my own. I'm not sure I will be as witty as she is, but am excited to have a place where anyone who is interested can keep up with my family. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to come up with a clever name for one of these things!

So what's going on in our house these days? Well, the girls start school next week (can you believe I'm old enough to have a 4th grader??), and it will be good for them to be productive again. I'll be cursing that thought soon I'm sure, once dance lessons and homework pick up.

Terese has been taking guitar lessons for 6 weeks and starts a new 6 week session on Tuesday. I am so proud of her for how quickly she is picking it up and love the fact that she's interested in playing an instrument (a girl after my own DMB-devoted heart! :)

Our sweet little Audrey is starting Kindergarten, which feels like a long time coming. Because of her birthday she is starting late, but I'm sure it will work to her advantage. I am certain she will be a little social butterfly and am curious to find out how she handles the academic part of school. It will be nice to have the girls on the same schedule, for a couple of years at least.

My baby Jakey-poo is so terribly funny these days - 16 months old is a fun age! He doesn't talk much but still seems to get whatever he wants, and we're sure the caveman noises will turn into articulated thoughts in his own good time. It's hard to drive away from them every morning on my way to work...

Last weekend Brian, Jacob and I took a road trip to Las Vegas to meet some babyzone friends of mine. Jacob was an angel in the car on the way there, and there was only one moment of exception to that on the way home. 8 hours is a long time for a baby to sit in the car! I had a lot of fun, it was cool to meet people you've been talking to online for two years and they were all so nice and funny. We even had a few drinks together in the hallway (the babies were sleeping), lol!