Merry Christmas everyone!

WOW! I can't believe there is only 5 days until Christmas. This time next week it will all be over. We are so excited to get to be with family. Reid and Macy are counting the days until we leave. I love that they will always remember our traditions at Nana and Poppi's house. That they think that Santa only comes to Smithville. That they know where their "spot" is for their Santa gifts. That we make the biggest mess with wrapping paper that you ever saw. That there are so many presents under the tree that we feel guilty. I love that we eat ourselves silly. I love Kathy's sugar cookies. I love remembering all the fun times we had playing hide and seek with the McAdams clan. I think about the Christmases past when Poppi walks behind all of us picking up our crumbs and wrapping paper. He spent most of Christmas Day making trips out to the alley to take the trash out. I think we would have about 10 bags of trash. ha! We sure miss him. We are looking forward to this Christmas and looking forward to many more memories. Thinking about memories already made are so special to me and I keep them close to my heart. It makes me smile. My cup runneth over.

Our December has been so busy....hence the no blogging. It seems like there is something every evening. Enjoy some of the pics from our busy but fun December. I love the hustle and bustle of the season....

Macy at her Christmas program at school. It was so sweet and I might or might not have cried. Things get to me more these days. ha!

She was so proud because she had a little speaking role. She was a Grandma. ha! So cute.

Our Ward Stars! This is the 3rd grade program....they worked so hard!

Braxton stayed with us for a while and he loved the program. He would clap and smile when the kids would start singing. We loved having him. Macy was a fabulous babysitter.

The magic is still alive! I love it. We had a Lunch with Santa at the Junior League and had a wonderful time. I love getting all dressed up for Christmas activities! We went with friends from dance and enjoyed our time eating, talking to Santa, laughing with friends and making crafts.

I had to take a picture of my baby! Look at that. He was 4 years old. I love all my homemade ornaments. I can't believe how time has flown by.....

The cutest little Rudolph around! We went caroling with the Girl Scouts. ;) If you want to call it that. I think the Mom's did all the singing. They were too worried about all the crafts and snacks.

From 4 years old to 14 years old! ha! Who has time to talk to Santa or make a Christmas list when you have shooting to do. Seriously.

Pink Christmas....One of my most favorite times of the year. I love these girls!

Have yourself a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wordless Wednesday

Five for Friday

1. I am so ready for CHRISTmas music! I set my ringer to Rudolph the Red nosed Reindeer and when it rings I don't want to pick it up. I find myself singing along, tapping my foot and feeling the spirit of the season...then I miss my call. I love this time of year!


2. Today we all had an answered prayer! My mom went in for a stint because of some blockage and thankfully there was none! YIPEE! She thought she was going to have to stay overnight...even made a run (well, not a run...she does have heart issues) to get a new nightgown and robe. Now, she can wear it in the comfort of her own home! We are so thankful!

3. Reid has started basketball. His games will start Dec. 1st. We are excited about basketball season. I think it is his favorite sport.....but that's just me. I'm sure he would say that baseball and basketball run a close race for favorite. The only thing I hate about school sports is the practices after school. He doesn't even get home until 6:30 and because of the silly time change its dark outside. I miss the days when he would come from school and ride his bike until dark. I think he misses it too!

4. Troy finally has 2 days off...Saturday and Sunday. I am so glad. He has worked for 2 months straight with only 3 days off. He is ready for a relaxing weekend. So am I!

5. Today Macy and I participated in her schools Diabetes walk. We walked 3 miles this morning. It was so much fun. The weather was great and it is so cool to walk with all the kids around the neighborhood in their school shirts. Its like a walking rainbow. Macy's class is lime green....the boys in her class are just glad they didn't get hot pink. ha!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Football-2010

Football is over and basketball has already started. But I couldn't let too much time pass by before posting some pics of Reid's special fans! It was a great game and even more special because Neena, Papaw, Nana, Bubbie and Jaxon came to watch. It was a great time....

Paps giving Reid a hug after the game...there is nothing sweeter!

Reid and Bubbie...after discussing some major plays from the game. :)

Paps, Reid and Neena...so sweet! I love this picture! Don't you love how Dad has all the lawn chairs. He toted those things all over. ha! We made him carry them all the way to the game and then we didn't even use them. Nana insisted on climbing in the stands. She used Troy's knees as a back rest. ha!

And this picture! Priceless...I love it! Reid and Nana posing before Reid had to catch the bus! He would have missed the bus for her though.

Me and Jaxon..we were really good cheerleaders. ha! Macy and I taught Jaxon a cheer or two. I think she had a good time. We even visited the concession stand a time or two! She looks scared but really, she was having a good time. :)

Thank you so much for coming all the way to Houston for Reid's game! It meant a lot to us. We are so glad you came and spent the night. We are ready for you all to come back. :) We love you all....

Just another day in paradise

I don't have much time. I have had a crazy day. But, I wanted to stop by to say hello and mark the blog off my to-do list. I feel like I have neglected it once again. I love blogging. I hate it hanging over my head. I love the fact that all my daily activities and or pictures are on here for me to have...in case I ever forget. Which is very possible. I hate that blogs are like an online cyberworld popularity contest and those with the most comments, crafts, contests, give-aways, and pictures of how cute their kids are...win. So, I have to keep reminding myself that my blog is mine. It is where I can come and jot down my thoughts and my prayers for me, my hubby and my kids. To also put pics of my kids....because I think they are pretty darn cute. Who cares who reads it.

So, with that in mind I need to tell myself to stop being so insecure. It's just a little blog. Maybe I should keep reading my Beth Moore book, "So Long Insecurity". I put it down weeks ago to read the new book by Mary Beth Chapman called "Choosing to See". Oh my goodness, that book is SO good. If you haven't read it you need to go out and get it. If you want to borrow mine you can. It is an awesome story of healing! It also makes us realize that God is always with us on our journey even when we think he is not. Her triumph through her grief and struggles is amazing! It's a great book...coming from a non-reader. I mean, I can read, its just not my hobby. Like some friends I know.

Macy is my little photographer. I got a new camera and she has been going all over the house taking pictures of things. Like frogs, for instance. Really? She is a hoot, that girl. I just thought that this picture captured my crazyness. Since, today I was feeling crazy I thought I'd add it. You know. For me. What's up with my hair?

I just have to add a picture of my hubby....I think he is too cute for words.

The Friday blues

I made a really big mistake today. I went to my new...well, was mine....house that is no longer mine. Does that make sense? I had to go turn in my cancellation papers to get some of our earnest money back. I was ok until I thought it was a good idea to drive by the house and see how it looked. I love the brick, the stone...I did pretty good, if I do say so myself. ;) Then, I thought it would be a good idea to go inside and see what all my "stuff" looked like. I mean I did pick it out. Well, it wasn't a good idea. I mean, don't get me wrong....it looks beautiful. The granite, tile and cabinets are all in. I heart my kitchen...it has an island.....but, now someone else can enjoy my colors, my sink, my tile, my fireplace, my pretty garden tub.... (((sigh))) I thought I was doing ok until Troy called to see how my day was going and I started to cry. It was that ugly cry. You know the cry where your nose starts running and you have no tissue so you have to use your shirt. Yes, that was me. I'm sure he thought I had lost my marbles. But, the sweet hubby that he is, he reassured me that everything was going to be ok and things would work out and we were blessed no matter what. I love that man!

I just have to keep thinking that God has other plans for my family. I have no idea what that is and I can't wait to find out. There are days where I need clarity on that and I think today is one of those days.

10-10-10

I am really tired of looking at my old post so I guess I need to blog. There isn't much new to say but I felt the need to update. We have been doing the same ole, same ole around here. The kids are still keeping us busy and we are still loving every minute of it. I thought I'd post some pics for those who stop by. Since blogger is being a little persnickety today, they are in random order.

My #5 waiting to take the field. He is really loving football this year. He has got a lot of playing time and it is so sweet to hear him and his Dad talk about the game, plays, etc....

Here is one of the coolest cheerleaders ever! She loves to root for her brother. She even has some cheers memorized! It's hilarious!

Getting set up for a play! Go Eagles!

I have been going coupon crazy lately. I saved over 50.00 on this shopping extravangza! I think Poppi would be super proud of me.

We spent a fun fall Saturday at our local High School football game. Reid likes to go to hang out with his buddies and of course, watch football. Yeah, right. Macy and I love to watch the cheerleaders, band and Flairs! We really love the Flairs because we get to watch one of our favorite friends dance!

Macy and Reagan think that Victoria is the best! I have to agree! She is one sweet girl and we enjoyed our day getting to watch her perform. Way to go Victoria!

I had to make a post today since it is 10-10-10. Macy has been making wishes all day. I want to tell her how I wish it was that easy! She even asked me to tell her when it was 10:10 on 10-10-10. ha! Hope you have a great week!

Love is the answer...

Thinking about all the men and women who protect us everyday....Thank you and God bless.

This morning Reid, Macy and I have been watching videos on 9/11. The kids and I picked this video for my blog. I loved the song because life really is all about love. There has been a lot of questions today and it sure is hard to answer some of them. Especially for Macy who thinks that this world is all good, there is no evil, and when you love God everything is perfect (well, that part is true). Reid has even taught us a thing or two because they have been learning about 9/11 in history class. They even watched some videos on you tube in class...the technology now a days. :)

I remember that day like it was yesterday. I had just found out I was pregnant with Macy and I was sick as a dog. I was sleeping and Reid was in the living room watching Barney, I'm sure. :) There was not a care in the world. Then the phone rang. Mom was at work and she told me to turn on the TV that America was under attack. It was the scariest feeling ever. So, as I sat there crying and trying not to puke, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I called Troy at work and they were all sitting around watching it too. The plants and the ship channel were all under surveillance because they were scared that they might be next. It was so scary. I think we watched coverage of it all for weeks! It was unreal. It still is. WE WILL NEVER FORGET!

Lord, come quickly....

Five for Friday

I am branching out today and particpating in a "Five for Friday". I have seen it done on many other blogs and have never done it. I have done many ramblings and snippits but never this....so here's to something new. I am always looking for that in my life...LOL.

1. Today Nana had her surgery. We were ALL so worried! My kids have been praying for her all week and were so concerned. Macy's prayers are so sweet. They are so tender and true and the way she prayed for Nana's surgery brought some tears to my eyes. It doesn't take much these days...can you say hormones?? ha! Reid called her last night and it was so sweet to hear him outside sitting on the porch swing talking to her. They have always had such a special relationship and that makes my heart happy. When we were neighbors Reid would get whatever he wanted....we all did! I remember when I moved to Houston I couldn't cook a darn thing because Nana always did all the cooking. We'd just walk next door and eat. Best take out ever. Nana and Poppi were the best neighbors we have ever had. :) The great news is is that the surgery was SUCCESSFUL and the cancer is gone. The doctor removed the tumor and she won't even need radiation. Thank you for answered prayers....

Me and Nana at the beach. She was cold and cozy and I was hot and sweaty.

2. Clear Lake Eagle football is in full swing. Reid had his first game on Wednesday. Who schedules games on a Wednesday night. Does anyone go to church anymore? We love our Wed. night bible studies and living in a big city they really don't care what you have planned. I remember growing up in a small town and that never happened. Oh, the joys of small town living. Reid did great at his game and even made a few tackles. For the life of me I can't remember what position he plays...typical woman, right? I just know he gets to go out there on offense and defense. There. That's all I know. I am a proud mama and he could go out there and stand on the sidelines for all I care. Actually, that would be great because then there would be no way he could get hurt. I told him last week that I was going to put a sign on his back that said, "Hey, YOU, don't you hit my baby"...he rolled his eyes. ;) Macy and I cheered away and she even took the camera and got a few shots.

My #5 taking a water break. It so hot you have to have some quality H2O.

Little Pow-Wow.

Heading to the bus....

3. (Lacie, you might want to skip #3..haha) Last weekend we went to the Texas Longhorn vs. Rice football game! We had a blast. Troy has been working so much it was nice to have a family outing. We thought we had stinky seats but when we got there they weren't too shabby. The boys had fun watching the game and the girls loved the cheerleaders and the awesome Longhorn band.

Sabrsula Fun Day

There are quite a few pics of me and Macy posing like this. ha! We had a great time.

My sweet kidos. Do you notice Reid's monster nachos. Seriously.

The men in my life....Love them!

Yes, our seats were a little high. Thankfully I remembered the binoculars that way Macy and I could see the cheerleaders better. haha

For some reason blogger won't let me post under this picture. ugh!! I love this one because Macy isn't quite sure if she is a Longhorn or Aggie. She is torn. :) She loves everyone! ha

Gotta get the "must have" feet picture.

Like father, like son...

Macy doing good walking to the car. We had to park a LONG way from the stadium.

Oh, nevermind! I spoke too soon. Her feet were hurting SO BAD! I have a feeling that Troy will be carrying Macy until she is at least 16. She's got her Daddy wrapped...

4. Our house still is on the market and probably as of this weekend the home we were building will be a distant memory. Sad, but still hopeful. No matter what I know God is in control. It is hard and I have had a few pouty moments but what can you do? Pout is all I know. :)



5. I never got around to posting the kids first day of school pics....just got so busy. So, here you go. My 3rd grader and my 8th grader. sniff sniff....where did the time go?

My little 3rd grader...so excited to start school!

My 8th grader! So proud of this sweet boy!

I love that she still lets me go in the room with her and take pics. Silly me forgot to get the annual pic with her teacher. Oh, well. I can't remember everything. :)

The three amigos....

So, there you have it. My five for Friday. Hope you enjoyed it because all these pictures were a bear to load. What is up with blogger sometimes. If you liked it, give me a thumbs up or something.

Have a wonderful weekend. And as one of my besties says....God is ever so faithful!

Writing it all down....

How many of you actually write down the things you eat? I never have. I hate it. But, the last week I have turned over a new leaf....I guess you could say. My sweet hubby got me a personal trainer without me knowing (he's sweet like that) and she means business. Not quite Jillian M*ichales business, but pretty close. She has me write down EVERYTHING I eat and it has been really eye opening. I can't believe how much extra junk I was stuffing in my mouth. (You know the things that you hide from yourself...like the occasional candy bar, cookie dough or Little De*bbie cake-Swiss roll. Yum!) I am hoping that this helps because for as long as I can remember I have struggled with this. Weight. Exercise. Watching what I eat. Is it wrong to want to do better? Is it vain to want to look differently? Please, I need some input. I want to do what God wants and I really feel like being healthy is what He wants for us. So, here I go again...the same fight. Again and again. But this time I am determined that satan will not win this battle. (Haven't I said this already? This time I mean it. haha)

So, here's a funny. I go to the gym daily. Or at least I try. It does make me feel better and gives me that energy that I need to make it through the day. But, last week when I went to workout there were two ladies in the dressing room talking. As I stood there putting my stuff in my locker I over heard them talking about sending their kids to college, what they are going to do with no children in the house, going out partying and drinking with their friends and comparing belly rings!!??! Seriously? A belly ring? I promise I won't go that far. ha! How will your tummy look when you are in your 80's with a belly ring? No offense if you have a belly ring, they are just not for my flabby belly. So, sometimes I have to just put in the ipod, tune out wanna-be-teeny boppers and pretend that I am the only one there.

Today is Labor day....I love holidays. The kids have loved having the day off. Reid had football this morning but after that we had NOTHING! It felt good. Troy has to work tonight so we might just sneak off to the movies....but, no popcorn for me. :(

What are your struggles? Am I crazy? Do you have your belly pierced?? haha! Don't you just LOVE movie popcorn?

This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Good Morning!

I thought for sure that today I would get to sleep in. Well, it IS Saturday for goodness sake. Right? Wrong. Well, right it's Saturday but wrong that I thought I would actually get some rest. Why is it that whenever I have nothing to do, no where to go and am SO looking forward to snuggling under the covers my neighbors decide to mow. At 8am. Really? Well, its not them but the mower company but still. Oh, well, it was nice to get up before everyone, have my coffee, sit outside, think, pray, listen to the mower, and then get to play on the computer before my little crumb snatchers wake up.

I can feel it. Can you? Fall? I am so ready. The mornings have been somewhat nice. I can't say cool, yet, but soon. I can feel it in my bones. One way I can totally tell is that football is on at my house 24/7. What would my boys do without ES*PN? I guess the same thing my girl would do without Dis*ney. Die!

Have a happy Saturday peeps....

September, already??

I can't believe it is September! Where has this year gone? Well, for us it has been crazy and I am so ready for the fall. Yesterday, I even lit my Creamy Pumpkin candle in honor of September. I am ready to get my decorations out and put pumpkins all over. :) I love it! I went to Hobbs yesterday and that totally got me in the mood to decorate my house for Fall.(Hobbs=Hobby*Lobby) I couldn't believe all the cute stuff they had. Of course, it was mixed with all the cute X*mas stuff, too. Can't they wait a little before they put that out? I mean, come on, lets give each holiday its own time in the spotlight.

Our new house is still coming along. It has really started to move along quickly. Usually, that would be great but, for us, not so much. Our house here in CL still hasn't sold and we have just about a month before we lose the one we are building. boohoo! I know that it will all work out and that God has His hand in all of this. We only want to do His will and know that whatever happens, happens. Of course, we will be sad but we will know that God has other plans for our family...better than what we can imagine.

I loved having the kids with me all summer but am a little glad that school has started. I am glad to have a routine back. (and a bedtime) Macy loves her teacher and of course Reid has other opinions. Oh, teenagers. Yes, my sweet boy turned 14. I can't believe it. It seems like just yesterday I was rocking him to sleep. (((tears))) He is such an awesome son and I am so thankful for him. I am so proud of him and the young man that he is becoming. I love you, Rooster.

So, in honor of his birthday and trying to teach him a little responsibility....Troy gave him a lesson on yard work. It was quite hilarious. He did a great job. I think Poppi would be proud. :)

More ramblings. Seriously??

It seems like all my blogs are snippits or ramblings. It's easier that way. I get all my info down all in one swoop. Since I don't blog as often as I should or do, I can cover all my bases. Don't know why I thought you needed to know that...but....there, now you do.

I just realized that Reid needs his sports physical....like yesterday. So, I made an appointment for tomorrow. On his 14th birthday to get a physical. Is that wrong? I mean he might have to *cough*. But, don't tell him that, He will freak. He's a freaker like his mom. (Is freaker even a word?) Anyway, I can't believe he is going to be 14. I feel old today.

We still haven't done the school shoe shopping thing....I am holding off as long as I can. Oh, the stress.

House still hasn't sold.

Frustrated doesn't even begin to cut it. But I still have faith that God is in control and he will provide.

My niece Kristen is here visiting us and we are having a blast. We have a lot of things planned. Of course shopping is one of those things. YIPEE! I think today we are going to Splash*Town. :)

Last night we had our annual church lock in for the youth group. I helped out and took Macy and Kristen with me. They had so much fun. Macy was up way too late. Well, we all were for that matter. Can you say tired and crazy? It was a blast and we have such as awesome group of kids in our group. I feel really blessed for Reid to be a part of such a wonderful group of kids. Oh, and our youth minister....AWESOME guy! He is wonderful with the kids and they all look up to him so much. And his lessons ROCK! Blessed! Reid has had a slow go of getting involved because he is so shy. But this year he seems to be opening up more and participating more. It makes me happy because I think that is such an important time for these kids. Also, to have christian friends to help keep you accountable is a wonderful thing. I mean I'm not saying they are all perfect but at least they are raised the same way and are striving for the same goal. Do I make ANY sense what so ever? Any who, there were a lot of dodge ball games, balloon popping games, singing, eating, chasing each other, talking, wonderful lessons, laughing and the all famous Romans and Christians...which is really just hide and seek and its their fav...I mean how many times do you get to run through the auditorium, in the pitch dark, running like crazy people and getting to hide under the communion table? I mean seriously. Fun times!

Alright....off to start my day!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:6-7

Saturday Stuff that might bore you....

*I can't believe summer is almost over. One. more. week. Where in the world did it go? Well, ready or not, school starts in a week and ask me if I am ready....um, no. Macy picked out her shoes and a few outfits and Reid picked out a couple of things but guess what....no shoes! Oh, that boy. It will take me a whole day of walking the mall and telling him to HURRY AND MAKE A DECISION in order for him to find a pair of shoes. Every year!! Breathe and pray....

*Somedays don't you feel like you could stay in your jammies all day....today is one of those days for me.

*We have another showing today. We have had quite a few this month and still nothing. It looks like the kids will start school at their old schools until we figure out what we will do. I just can't make that drive to the new school everyday not knowing. I hate not knowing. I still trust God and his plan for our family but its hard to understand at times. There is a plan and I have full confidence in that....

*The new house is coming along. It is really neat to see it coming together right before our eyes. We have gone there to check on it some but have tried hard not to get to excited. That is the part I am most upset about. This is supposed to be fun and exciting but instead we are nervous and scared. Where is the fun in that?

*I have been staying up way too late this summer...I need my routine back.

*We just got back from a FUN road trip....just me and the kids....we went to see some very dear friends. They moved away about 4 years ago and we still miss them terribly! The kids LOVE getting together every summer. And so do the mommies! We get out of the car and they pick up like they had just seen each other. And so do the mommies! That makes my heart happy.

*I seriously need to go to the gym today....anyone have some motivation for me? ha!

*Troy turned 40 this month!! Isn't that crazy! And to think, I met him when he was 17. Now, that is crazy. I love that man and am so blessed to have him as my husband. He is also one awesome daddy! The kids think he hung the moon....and I think that, too! The way he takes care of us, provides for our family and loves us is one of God's truest blessings.

*Oh, did you know that peppermint mocha creamer is already at the store?? Hurry up and go get you some! It's deelish!

*Have a happy weekend and a good REST of the summer. It will be Christmas before we know it....YIKES!

......and just in case I bore you too much....WAKE UP!

Freaky Friday

Today we have a showing at our house. We actually have 2! CAN I GET AN AMEN!! Please pray with me that we will sell our house soon, otherwise we lose the one we are building. Can you say stressed out? I know that God's will be done in this and I have full confidence in that. I know that none of this in my control. For that I am glad....I don't like to be in control. Never have. I am more of a "tell what you need and I will do it for you" kind of girl. If that makes me weak, well then I am weak. Anyway, as far as the house goes, we have done all we can other than go to the corner of the street with a sign begging for people to buy my house. ha! Hey, that's an idea. I just have to keep remembering who is in control....


We just back from Son*ic happy hour! Man, what is it about a diet cherry vanilla coke that can make me so happy? It was the perfect treat after cleaning all morning getting ready for the showing. Fingers crossed...

I am so thankful that the sun is out today! It has been raining a lot lately and I am in major need of some sun. I think maybe we will hit the pool today. I love summer....

Last weekend I got to go see Wicked! It was SO GOOD....I had no idea what to expect. It was one of the best things I have ever seen. The story, the songs...all of it were awesome! At intermission, there might or might not have been some tears. I would go see it again tomorrow if I could. I loved getting to experience it with the girls! We had a wonderful lunch before with lots of laughs, lots of carbs, and lots of memories!

My first Playbill! Yippe!

Holly, Kim and ME...before we left.

No event is complete without a SPT....Holly, was still on the elevator. ha!

No event is complete with out feet pics....don't ask me why. Many years from now we will wonder where our cute shoes went....ha!

I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend. We are excited to be lazy and enjoy the rest our summer. I can't believe it is almost over. It really makes me sad. I have loved spending time with the kids without all the hustle and bustle of the school year. Sometimes I lose sight of how blessed I am that I get to stay home with my kids. I know how much God has blessed my life and for that I am so thankful...

Guess I better go finish mopping and get ready for the next showing....

What's your favorite Son*ic drink? Have you seen Wicked?