10 Year Challenge

I've had so much fun going back through old pics trying to decide what I was going to post in my 10 year challenge blog....great idea Holly!!! Well, its been a little over 10 years since my life changed forever. My firstborn son was welcomed into the world August of 1996. He was somewhat of a surprise but the best surprise I could have ever asked for!

Troy and I had only been married for a year and were both still going to college. We were both shocked but so happy! We had no idea what God had in store for us but we knew He wanted us to be parents! We were ready for the challenge...scared to death...but ready.

Reid has blessed my life beyond my wildest dreams. I was meant to be his mother and I am so thankful for him. I pray daily for this little bundle of joy and have really enjoyed watching him grow into a handsome little 10 year old. He brightens my life and at night when he is sleeping I sneak in there to kiss his sweet little face and pray for him...shhh! don't tell him!




Here I am in the hospital giving birth to my sweet son, Reid. And, as you can tell by the picture, Troy was sure tired from all the hard work...whatever!! HA HA This is one of my favorite pics from Reid's birth because I never even knew Troy was sleeping until I got this pic back. I thought he was rubbing my back the whole time! HA HA Boy, did I give him a hard time and still do! I can guarantee you he didn't do this at Macy's birth! : ) Oh, BTW, that nurse was horrible! Ask Ashley....






Little Reid.....awww, I rememeber this day like it was yesterday. He slept so much, loved his binky and love to be all wrapped up in blankets! If he wasn't wrapped as tight as could be he wouldn't sleep. He was the cutest little baby!

I remember people telling me to enjoy the moment because it went by to fast....I always said , yeah right. But, oh my, does time fly! I believe them now.











Now look at my 10 year old! Still cute as ever. Now he hates bedtime, doesn't like covers and sleeps on his back. I love this kid with all my heart and have loved spending the last 10 years as his mom.....can't wait for the next phase of our lives. Or, can I??? He's about to enter those tween years! YIKES!! HA Every day is an adventure!

Today, my friend, Lacie wanted a post about something pink...a pink challenge, if you will! And the first thing that came to my mind that was pink has to do with something I have been dealing with all week with my baby. Are you ready?? Have an open mind.... ha ha :) This is my sisters favorite medicine! :) LOL

Have a great weekend! LOL

Better Days

Things are much better tonight. Thank you for all your prayers. I can feel them...I love you.

I found this tonight on Beth Moore's blogspot. Her site is www.livingproofministries.blogspot.com Go check it out. :) I know my girls will! HA
Anyway, it was what I needed to hear...straight to the point. I love that about her.

Beloved, in the Name of Jesus
I commission you
To rejoice in the Lord always
And again I say rejoice.
Stop worrying about everything!
Dump your anxiety
And start praying like mad.
Start thinking about
What you're thinking about!
Start feeding your spirit
And stop feeding your flesh.
Never forget the true Secret:
Christ in you, the Hope of Glory!
You, Dear One,
have the supernatural CAN DO!
Now, believe God
And turn your CAN DO
Into WILL DO!
You are NOT a wimp.
You are a warrior.
In the Name and power of Christ
Go out there and act like one.

Ok, ok...I'm goin'

I am a sucker. Always have been. Today, again, I let the tears of my sweet son make me a sucker.

Homework has always been a sore spot with Reid. He hates it. And to tell you the truth I do too. But, nonetheless, it has to be done. Everyday is a struggle and a fight to get it done. This year has been really hard for him and those who know me have heard the story 3.7 million times and I am almost positive you don't want to hear it again.

Today the tears flowed and the tantum started. We both got upset and the grounding occured. After about 2 hours of hashing it out....it is somewhat resolved and the homework is pretty much complete. The grounding...well, it is over. I know....I'm a sucker.

I guess the point of this post is I feel like I am at my wits end and I ask for prayers. His attitude this year has been different. He has had a rough year (and grown alot) and I ask for prayers from my friends and family that the rest of this year and next year be better for him. And me. Also for peace and understanding. I know you shouldn't pray for this but a little p-a-i-t-e-n-c-e would be nice...just don't say it too loud. This year has been a hard time for both of us. I have been in tears just as many times as him, I think. I'm sad to see him go through this and to be so broken hearted.

Thank you,

a sucker...a red one

Happy Mothers Day

Today is a very special day. One that, in my books, is the best day of the year! :)

As mothers sometimes we get stepped on, puked on, peed on, pooped on, toes ran over by bike/scooter tires (yes, its true), things spilled on us and an occasional slap in the face by kids while all are in my bed. We have to know how to pitch a baseball, duct tape a wiffle ball back together, dress barbies, Polly Pockets, listen to Dora the Explorer over and over, watch ESPN, know who all the Astro players are and some stats and Band-Aid all boo-boos.

And of course, my favorite days are the days when we get hugged, kissed, snuggled, told we are loved, an occasional "thanks, Mom" and you are special mom and a "here are some flowers I picked just for you".

I love being a mom. It is one of the greatest joys of my life. I never knew that being a mom could be so rewarding. My kids are my life, and as God planned, my responsiblity. Yikes...thats scary! HA Being in charge of someones little soul is sometimes more than I can bear but with lots of prayer and God's help, I might make it through. :) My children are a blessing...they make me strive to be a better christian, a better mom, and better wife....I love them so much.

I am the mom I am today because my Mom loves me and my siblings so much. She always has showed us that unconditional love that I hope I show my children. I know for a fact that I gave her a few gray hairs. I better not rehash my teenage years. I don't know what came over me! HAHA But, I think that's normal. I hope. I'm sure I will get back what I deserve. :)

A "few" things about Mom:

*She is a beautiful woman, inside and out.

*She is our rock.

*She is fun, hip and spunky. And always has been.

*She is the mother that all my friends in high school wanted! :)

*She is so much fun to be around.

* She is the best Neena in the universe. My children talk about her daily...we love Neena...ALOT!

*She loves my kids and would do anything for them.

*She is a great listener...but also the best advice giver.

*She speaks from the heart.

*She is the best writer I know.

*She loves to shop and can talk you into buying anything. HA :)

*She loves all her children and grandchildren equally.

*She loves to sing and she is awesome at it.

*She is a very strong woman....I admire that.

*She takes pictures at every event. Thank goodness! :)

*She can hug me and make everything better.

*She's always there when ever you need her.

*She loves her God and it shows all over her face.

*She is a truly a remarkable mother and Neena and I love her with all my heart.

I could have made a list a mile wide but I'll stop for now. :) So to my Mommy, I just wanted to say...Happy Mother's Day. I love you to the moon and back.

few more pics

Mom came for Macy's birthday! We all had so much fun. Macy was so excited that Neena was coming for her birthday. She also came for Reid's baseball game. We really had a wonderful weekend and we love when Neena comes! And, Ash, BA and Avery came for Macy's b'day. M. thought is was pretty special that her new cousin came for her special day. We all loved getting to kiss on sweet Avery (and Ash, too)! I love that sweet baby!

After Reid's game we went to Gattiland to feed our faces! It was fun and as you can tell Reid hit the jackpot. The evening at Gattiland isn't complete without Reid hitting a jackpot of some sort! HA And unlike me...he is a saver! Instead of using his tickets for some junk toy he has a ticket account. His balance is 5,750! Can you believe that? I would have already spent that! I love this boy!

Another picture of my sweet birthday girl! I really can't believe she is 5. And she lets everyone we meet know that she is in fact 5. She is a character! When we went to register her for Kinder. she told all the office staff that she was 5 and so was ALL her friends. Like they really care! LOL I love this girl!

I am blessed.......

My Blue-eyed girl

My Wish

Rascal Flatts

I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow,

and each road leads you where you wanna go,

and if you're faced with a choice,

and you have to choose,

I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.

And if one door opens to another door closed,

I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,

if it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile.

But more than anything, more than anything...

My wish,

for you,

is that this life becomes all that you want it to,

your dreams stay big,

your worries stay small,

You never need to carry more than you can hold,

and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,

I hope you know somebody loves you,

and wants the same things too,

Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back,

but you never forget,

all the ones who love you,

in the place you left,

I hope you always forgive,

and you never regret,

and you help somebody every chance you get,

Oh, you find God's grace,

in every mistake,

and always give more than you take.

But More than anything,

yeah, more than anything...

My wish,

for you,

is that this life becomes all that you want it to,

your dreams stay big,

your worries stay small,

You never need to carry more than you can hold,

and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,

I hope you know somebody loves you,

and wants the same things too,

Yeah, this, is my wish.

This month has been a wild one for my baby girl. She turned 5 on the 27th, dance recital practice and the big kicker...I registered her for Kindergarten yesterday. She was a little nervous, but I know, when the time comes that she will do awesome. She is so smart (well of course, I'd think that!!) and soaks things in like a sponge. I know she will be reading in no time.

M. is my out-going child. She never meets a stranger. She is kind and tenderhearted on one hand and can be sassy and crazy on the other. She is a true mixture of her mommy and daddy. Me the crazy one and Troy the mild/meek one. (HA)

Five years has flown by and I can't believe she will be leaving me for school. It has been a long time that I haven't had a baby at home with me. What will I do next year? Oh, I guess eat bon-bons like every other stay-at-home mom.....NOT!! I know that first day I will be crying like a baby. I bet my car automatically pulls into a Starbucks for a comforting cup of White Chocolate Mocha. I am gonna miss her during the day. I will miss hearing Dora the Explorer in the background, her getting in my bed snuggling with me after Reid leaves, us painting our nails whenever we feel like it, our morning walks and play dates. It makes me tear up just thinking about it. I remember crying and missing R., as well. It seems like just yesterday.

M. is my princess and makes me and her daddy very proud. God knew exactly what we wanted in a daughter when He gave us sweet M. Happy Birthday, sweet Lulu. Your mommy loves you to the moon and back a million times and is so proud of you. You will do well in school and will be the coolest 5 year old there! :)

Just yummy!

Ok...I know this sounds gross and I know FOR SURE that my Mom will puke, but.....This is my new favorite snack. She absolutly hates peas. We never ate them growing up because she hated them. And what do you know...I really like them. I hate the name...PEAS...why'd God do that?

Now, before you say NASTY, just listen. :) At HEB you can get these yummy organic snacks. They have Just peas, Just strawberries and bananas, Just corn, Just cherries, Just blueberries...you get the jist. Not only are they yummy, they are good for you. I have also tried the strawberries and bananas...YUM. I want to try the corn next. I know, I'm a dork. But, when you have high cholosterol you'll try anything. :)

Now my next thing....why is food that is good for you so expensive? I think I will email the head honcho at HEB and just tell them what I think. Just Peas should not be $4.99. Come on now, give me a break!

Ok...now for the most important news of the day:

MACY IS 5!!

Today is my sweet lu-lu's birthday! She is so excited about being 5! I will post about her later! We have presents to wrap, cakes to bake, and a house to clean before my mom comes! Oh my, my house looks BAD! Where does all the time go? I have been trying to clean it all week. Any way, if you get a moment say a prayer for my baby as she grows in God's grace. Happy birthday, my love...

Rain, Rain go away!

What's a girl to do on a rainy Wednesday? Oh, I know....make cute and colorful clay-doh people. I swear she has that creative girly bone! HA While I was cleaning the kitchen she made these little people all by herself. I wondered why she was coming in the kitchen to get my cookie sheet! Don't you just love their wiggly eyes. :)

This is Me, T and Bubba! I think we look great. And if I do say so myself I really look skinny. WOW...running really does shed off those unwanted pounds...NOT! HAHA

Have a great rainy Wednesday.....

Mission Impossible

A funny little conversation:

Reid: Mom, what if Ashley never had her baby?

Me: What do you mean?

Reid : Well, what if she was pregnant forever?

Me: You can't honey, its totally impossible.

Reid: But, lets just say what if she did?

Me: Your body just can't do that...God prepares your body for the baby's delivery.

Reid: Could you just hold it?

HELLO....WHAT PART OF NEVER DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND???

more pics

Reid and Macy were so excited for Avery to get here! And to have a new cousin! They were amazed at how tiny she was! Reid did a good job of holding her. He wasn't scared at all....he's a natural! :)

Macy wanted to hold her ALL BY HERSELF! I was a little nervous! But she did great!

pics

We spent Easter in Smithville and had a fun time hunting eggs and eating tons of candy. Mom had all the stuff to dye the eggs so we did that late Sat. night. We also went to Colombus to Troy's cousins house and spent time with his family. It is always fun to see them and eat lunch and hunt eggs together. Other than the rain and COLD weather in April...Easter weekend was a hit!

Here's my precious new neice! Isn't she beautiful! I mean really! :) There is nothing sweeter than a new baby! Especially when its part of your family! Welcome to the family sweet Avery Naomi!

you know I had to throw one of us in there, right? haha

for more pictures go to: www.neenasnest.blogspot.com

Emus, Zebras and BABIES

How would you like to spend your Monday? Oh, lets see....maybe a pedicure, maybe a run around the neighborhood, maybe a movie, maybe rock a sweet new neice, or maybe a day to yourself just scrapbooking? Well, all those sound wonderful but it did not happen to me today! Today I had a field trip with 14 three year olds. Yes, you heard me...14! Of course, I wasn't alone but still..that's beside the point. We took a caravan to the Bayou Wildlife Park in Dickinson. It really is fun. You get to ride the horses, pet the goats and take a 40 minute tram ride around their 80+ acres. The animals literally come right up to you and eat out of your bucket. We saw emus, buffalos, zebras, longhorns, deer, camels, and so many more stinky, hairy & weird looking animals. We even got to see 2 huge alligators....and no, we didn't get to feed them! HA The kids really had a great time once they got used to these HUGE animals coming right up to them. So, need less to say, I am ready for a nap. And I am just a little tired of hearing, "Mrs. Heather, Mrs. Heather". HA....

On Thursday, Macy has her field trip so we are off again...This time to Kemah! Now that will be a fun one.

Baby Avery is doing great. I talked to them today and she is sleeping, pooping, eating and doing all the things babies should be doing. I wish I was there to kiss her but I am feeling a little under the weather today. I know she is in great hands so I guess I'll have to wait! :) She is so precious...I can't wait until Ashley posts some pics..then I can post one! :) We have some really good ones...you know Neena! And Ashley! It's amazing how you can love someone so much...babies are truly a gift from God. And, I'm only the old aunt!

****Macy's funny for this weekend...... "Oh, don't shoot Flicka. If you do she'll be deader worser!"

Oh and BTW, that comment made me and Ashley laugh so hard and that might have been the key to putting her in labor. Your welcome, sis.

Avery

SHE'S HERE!!! YIPEE!! Ashley and BA are the proud parents of Avery Naomi! (after our grandmother) She is absolutely beautiful. She weighed 7 lbs and 11 oz and was 21 inches long. She is such a sweet baby and she loves to cuddle! I'm in love! :)

I haven't downloaded any pics yet....its midnight and I'm just getting home and settled. I know Ashley will have pics to post and the story of Avery's arrival. I just wanted you all to know she's here, she's healthy and we appreciate all your prayers. God is good!

Heart Matters

I'm so proud of my momma...she is one of the new voices of the American Heart Association. Of course, she is going to be one of the best they ever had! :) Those who know her know what a great writer and speaker she is. I could never do what she does and I am so proud to be her daughter and friend!

Five years ago my sweet mom had her first heart attack. At the tender age of 50...(right, Mom?) Then just last year she had another one.....scared us all, again. We do know that she has heart disease and that she is one lucky woman to have survived not one but two massive heart attacks.

She has made the decision to retire next year. I know she will miss the kids and the ladies that she has worked with for 30 years. I do know this was a decision to help her get healthier and have time to do the things that she wants to do. She is always so giving of her time to everyone else and now it's time for some time for herself. She can also spend more time with family...we have a lot of babies to rock, baseball games to see and dance recitals to attend...and all the while help more people understand the seriousness of heart disease.

We have always said that God isn't finished with her yet, and we are so glad. I think this new deal is right up her alley and I couldn't be happier for her......You go get 'em, Momma. I love you.

For more information, please go to http://www.americanheart.org/. Together we can make a difference. And, please.....love your heart because our hearts matter!! :)

This is a little interview on Macy's Weekend in Smithville...hope you enjoy it. She really had fun and loves being there. I am glad... :) I will try to interview Reid later when he gets home from school . His anwers might be a little more interesting! HA Macy was hard to get to slow down. She was in the middle of playing Polly Pockets. HA And we all know how much fun THAT is. :)

What was you favorite thing to do at Neenas?

Ummm, writing with Neena when she was in front of me. I liked to weared those red shoes. Oh, and play outside. I think thats all.

Did you have fun?

Yeah, I really did have fun.

What time did Neena make you go to bed?

8:31...is that late?? I slept and snuggle buggled with Neena.

What did you eat at Neena's house?

Um, breakfast and thats all.

Did Neena let you do anything you want?

Oh yes, we played outside, played on the swings. We didn't get to swin because Papaw said it was too cold outside. And the pool was yucky. I don't think Papaw cleaned it yet. I'm gonna tell him to do that.

Did you go to Nana and Poppi's house?

Yeah, it was fun. I stayed there for a while because Neena said. But I liked it. Oh, and I did play a jumping game.

Did Nana jump with you?

Oh, No...just me. She just watched me. :)

What else did you do there?

I just like ate jellybeans, skittles, and that all. I think I forgot something.

Jump 'N Jungle

My friend Gloria and I took the kids to this great place called Jump 'n Jungle. It is so much fun. It's just a bunch of moonwalks in this big building. Why didn't I think of that??? :)


Macy loves going...and hey, its cheaper than the movies! HA It's really great on rainy days....They can still get all their energy out.









She was wearing me out!! I tried to get in there with her but I couldn't keep up.

















Here is Macy and Seth going up the big slide. They have so much fun together. Seth says Macy is his girlfriend! He is too cute. We love spending time with them.











WHHEEEEEEEE!!! They only went down this slide one million times! :)









Oh, wait...one million and one! And even though they kept sliding into each other they would still laugh and keep right on going. It was a fun afternoon!

Blessing of the Feet

This was one of my favorite parts of my whole training. :) I'm always up for a party! HA Anyway, the Friday night before the big race we had a banquet called the Blessing of the Feet. We had yummy pasta and fun times with family and new friends. But, the most awesome part was that it was all about giving thanks to God for the blessings of family, friends, food, fellowship and FEET!! They said a beautiful prayer for all of us runners and of course had some of the women (maybe a few men) in tears! HA

Half Marathon pics #1

A runners friend!! We love GU!!! Of course, my favorite is Espresso Love!! Yummy!! A little coffee while you run never hurt anyone! :)














Robin, Me and Carissa on our GU break. We have to walk a little to get our drinks and GU. Don't you love my fuel belt... HA Why didn't someone tell me that I look like a total geek in that visor??












This was my favorite part of the run. Some men volunteers dressed up like women in PJ's and rollers! HA! They made really ugly women. HA















This is where it all began! Bay Area Fit ROCKS!!














Hey, Hey the gangs all here!! Well, everyone but Heather because she was on the port-o-can! HA HA





I PROMISE (Mom) to write more on the wonderful experience on Sunday. Troy promised he would download some more pics tomight. I have some really cute ones of the kids. I borrowed these pics from a friend. I tried to download a video of me and my girls running through the finish line but it wouldn't let me. If you go to chevronmarathon.com and click on videos then type in my last name you can watch it. If you want. Its really funny. I look like a total dweeb...you shouldn't run if your boobs get in the way....WOW...I wear a sports bra...whats up with that?? ha ha ha ha I know thats a little too much info but its only family who reads this anyway. :)

Two-thousand and seven

My New Year's Resolution was to be a better blogger...well one of my resolutions. :) I didn't make a list this year. I guess I should have. I think I have made one every year but this one. I hope that isn't bad luck. So, since I didn't make "the list" I thought I'd just think of some things that I'd like to do better...

1. be a better christian
2. be a better wife
3. be a better mom
4. be a better sister
5. be a better daughter
6. be a better niece
7. be a better grandaughter
8. be a better friend
9. be a better cousin
10. be a better runner
11. be a better reader....I HATE to read
12. be a better example to everyone I meet
13. be a better blogger :) and to have more comments :)
14. eat better

I know they sound stupid...but its just some random thoughts off the top of my dumb head. HA


*************************************


This was our lovely Christmas picture. My sister took them at the beach and let me tell you it WAS SO COLD that day. We had a fun time freezing our tails off. Macy and Reid were not happy about being at the beach when it was so cold. We had sand all over us and it was sticking to the Carmex on our lips. ha ha I'm sure from the picture you could tell how cold we were. :) When we got in the car Macy informed me and Ash that she would NEVER do that again!! We laughed so hard. Thanks sis for taking the pics.





This one was the same day and we didn't look so cold but I didn't like it of me....go figure. We are our worst critics, right?? Anyway, I have some beautiful pics of that day.......which by the way my sis surprised me at Xmas with 5 framed 8 x 10's to hang in my house... I LOVE THEM. Thank you so much and to B for making them.... :) And with these pics wonderful memories to last a lifetime.








*************************************

Some "going ons" in our neck of the woods:

**Reid started basketball this week. I need to get some pics downloaded of that. It is too cute. He has to have the whole outfit, you know. He has the basketball jersey, shorts, Air Jordans, black socks to match the shoes and black arm bands to go with the shorts. He's the only 10 year old out there that actually matches. ha ha They won yesterday and he made 2 baskets. YEAH!! GO COUGARS!

**Macy has played with every Xmas presents she got and has loved every minute of it. Everytime she gets one of them out she remindes me how much she loves all her toys. It's so funny. The last couple of days we have played "Don't Spill the Beans" at least 100 times. She loves games.

**We have all started back to school. Reid is not thrilled about it and Macy loves every minute of it. I guess she will change her tune when she starts "real" school. I can't believe that she will be in Kindergarten next year. Where has the time gone?

**I have been doing laundry for WEEKS....I can't seem to catch up from the holidays.

**My Christmas is FINALLY all put away. I thought it would never end. :)

**My 1/2 marathon is next Sunday. I am so nervous about it but excited at the same time. I can't believe that it is actually gonna happen....I am ready. Please pray for me....

How many more shopping days left?? YIKES!!

This is my "I'm 10 and I DON'T WANT MY PICTURE TAKEN" pic! HA Notice the hand holding his head in place...hee hee

That's my sweet Rooster. Always the shy one.... I love this kid!

Mom and Macy at the Sugar Plum Fairy Breakfast. FUN Mommy and Daughter time....Love that girl.

**************************************************

I love Christmas time. I love having my tree up, lights all around and a fire in my fireplace. Although now it is about 66 degrees in H-town and a little warm to have a roaring fire. Maybe tonight?? I have wrapped one present and am not near through with my shopping. I am a little stressed just to say the least. But, it's what I do every year and there is something fun about the hustle and bustle of the season.

This next week is full of dance parties, MDO parties, 4th grade parties, cookies swaps, etc. I just love the holidays.....I'll have to let you know how it all goes.

I am looking forward to being together with my family this Christmas. It is the one thing I look forward to every year. I hope everyone is ready to eat Jody's Underwood rolls and broccoli casserole, eat Kathy's sugar cookies, eat Nana's turkey and ham, Mom's cherry fluff, play games, go walking around town so we can eat some more, the boys playing football in Nana and Poppi's front yard and the girls swinging and just being together talking and laughing.

See you all soon.......

Diamonds are a girls best friend

BEFORE




Today we decided to run some errands at the mall. A last minute decision sent us to Merle Norman for a little ear piercing. HA! Macy has been bugging me for a while about getting her ears pierced. I have been a little hesistant about it. I guess because we weren't allowed to have our ears pierced until we were teenagers. :)

We met up with a friend and her daughter wanted he ears pierced, too. So, we decided to do it together. Needless to say, the other girl was too scared and backed out BUT Macy REALLY wanted hers done so she sucked it up and just did it. After they did the first ear she said that she only wanted one earring and she didn't want to do the other one. TOO BAD!! SO, I had to hold her down while the lady pierced the other one. After it was over she was so proud of herself!! And of course, we had to reward our accomplishments with a sugar cookie from the Cookie Company! :) Fun Times....



AFTER



She even picked out her "diamond earrings"...HA

This was the first ear. We had to take a break between ears so she calmed down enough for me to snap a picture. **And BTW, they do do both ears at the same time...but of course, I came on the wrong day and she was too excited to back out and come back.


I tried to snap a picture of her after they were all done but it didn't turn out. You couldn't really see the earrings so I decided to use the close up. She really looks cute with her new look....it makes her look so grown up. My babies are growing up so fast I can hardly stand it. :)

Ya like my piggies?

We got to go the Houston Zoo with Macy's dance class. This has been a few weeks ago but I thought I'd post this cute pic of her on the Merry-go-round. She LOVES riding that thing. I thought she looked so cute in her little pig tails. She insisted that I braid her piggies on this day. She told me she looked gorgeous. And, well, she did. But then I am bias. :)

We got to see the cute little baby elephant. I didn't get a pic because there were so many people all around. He had just been born about a week before. He was pretty cute. His name is Mac. I thought that was pretty cute, too.

Reid didn't get to go because we went on a school day. I told Macy not to tell him because it might hurt his feelings and she said she wouldn't. SO, when we picked him up from the car line guess what she said. Yep, you guessed it...."Hey Bubba. We got to go to the zoo today and you didn't." ha

I thought I might brag on Reid for a minute. He tried out for the CL boys basketball assoc. last week. There were 35 boys trying out in his age group and they only had 4 openings. We were a little nervous about him trying out but he really wanted to. I just didn't want him to be sad if he didn't make it. And guess what...that little turkey made it. He was so excited. The practices start after T'giving and games start after X-mas. We will be busy AGAIN!! It will be fun though.

I can't believe that it is Thanksgiving already. This year has flown by. We have so many blessings this year and so many things to be thankful for. God is SO good.......

Happy late Halloween

I guess better late than never with the Halloween pictures. We had a fun time trick or treating with friends. This is Macy the mermaid and Reid the ninja...aren't they cute?? :) They got SO much candy. But at the rate that Macy eats it, it will be gone by Christmas. I'm really scared to take her to the dentist. HA

I made Macy some really cute flip flops with sequins glued on but by the time we got out of the car they had all fallen off.... oh, well...so much for that bright idea.

Reid eating all his LOOT! I caught him with a mouth full of chocolate. He loves Hersheys milk chocolate candy bars. But, then again don't we all. He likes getting candy but Trick or treating has never been his thing. Getting him to dress up has always been like pulling teeth. I remember his first halloween he cried all up and down the streets..he was the cutest little Barney ever! But, he doesn't like draw any attention to himself!

Now,Macy...she had 3...count them 3...halloween costumes! She was a cute Tinkerbell at her school, a black cat at her dance class and Ariel on Halloween night. She LOVES dressing up and always has. I guess that's just a girl thing. This picture was taken at school before her Halloween parade. She was so excited. After the parade we loaded up all the 3's and 4's and took them to the rest home to trick or treat. That was an interesting trip.... :)

I'm working on a post...it's not done yet. Good news....I found my cord! So, for those who care...there will be pictures. And some fun things that have been going on in our lives. SOOOO stay tuned.

I've been busy with Red Ribbon Week. Can you say Red Ribbon Week fast 3 times! HA HA It's impossible. :) I'm hoping after this week is over my life will be half way normal again. Boy, this volunteering business is for the birds. Who's idea was it to have PTA's?? HA just kidding....It's for the children, it's for the children....how many times have I said that this week??!!

Later gater.

There have been so many things going on around here I don't even know where to begin. I wanted to post some pictures as well but I can't find my silly cord. It is probably hiding out with Jenna's camera cord. They are having a party. HA

For those few who really want to know what is going on in the ole' Sab household....here it is...

August 18th....my sweet little boy turned 10!! Can you believe I have a 10 year old. I can't. Where in the world did all the time go? He is getting so big I can't even stand it. I am so proud of him. I know that I am bias but he really is a good kid. I just pray that he continues to do well in school and everything that he puts his mind to. I also pray that he puts God first in all he does. The other night while we were praying I almost lost it....his prayers are so sweet and so tender. I hope that he always has a heart like that. I'm a lucky mom.....

He loves playing baseball. He is in fall ball right now and loving every minute of it. His team this season is the Bulldogs. In the fall their teams are college teams and then in the spring they are pro. He loves it because he gets cool hats that he gets to keep. :) It's the simple things in life, right?? This is the first year for kid pitch so he is a little nervous about that. He is scared that he is going to get hit. I told him he probably would....HAHA.....so much for giving it to him gently. hee hee Their first game is Saturday. It should be a fun time. If your in the area, stop by and root for the ole Bulldogs.

On Sept. 2nd we had a birthday party for Reid at Putt Putt. It was a fun time had by all!! HA And I would have some really cute pictures if only I could find that stupid cord. Oh well, we played golf, rode bumper boats, played in the arcade, did some kind of 3-D movie thing, and ATE lots of cake. Mom, Dad, Ash, and Jenna all got to come...along with 8 wild 10 year olds and a few moms.....When the party was over I was so scared we had left someone there. That's how crazy it was...or so it seemed. I guess when its your party it always feels more hectic. I think all in all Reid and his wild crew had a good time.

One good thing about Reid's party weekend is that Mom got to go have her test run on all of her heart stuff....I'm so glad that she went and had a 2nd opinion. Ash and Dad were with her that day and they were there all day long. I'm glad they took their time....but for Petes sake....ALL DAY?? :) She actualy went thru 2 days of testing. I think she was sick of getting poked and prodded. But I was glad that they were trying to get to the bottom of what is causing the heart attacks. So, two weekends ago Mom and Becky came back down to H-town. We went to the hospital to get the results. The Dr. was so nice and he really took the time to listen and answer any questions we might have had...and we did have some. :) I'm glad Bec was there because she asked questions I wouldn't have thought of. For all the doctor mumbo jumbo you can go to my moms blog at neenasnest.blogspot.com (I can't spell or pronounce half of the stuff the Dr was talking about! sorry mom...ha) All I can say is praise God for the results. There were MANY prayers lifted up on my sweet mom's behalf and for that we are so grateful. WE are so blessed that all the tests came back good and my mom is going to be alright. We all knew she would be...she's a fighter. I love you, Momma...

Last weekend the kids went to Sville, Macy started dance, and I am training for a half marathon....whew....I will post more on that later. My fingers are hurting.

Oh, BTW....did yall see Greys Anatomy and ER tonight?? AWESOME AWESOME :)

HOORAY for swimming lessons!!

Should I?? Boy, it sure looks like a long way down....











We finished swimming lessons today. Boy, am I glad. It was so cute to watch her but it was as hot as ever sitting and waiting for her to be done....for 2 weeks! Reid is glad shes done too...if I had to hear he was bored one more time. :) HA

So, she is officially a preschool level graduate. We got a certificate and everything...she was so proud! It was a hoot watching her go off the diving board. She wasn't too sure about it. It was a little higher then she thought. But, she did it and her facial expression was priceless. I am so proud of her. She did a great job and never cried...she was really brave, unlike her mother. I probably would have cried all the way down.

She was really glad the lifeguard was in the deep end and so was I because I don't think I could tread water for that long. HA After swimming lessons were over she wanted to come home and go off the diving board at our neighborhood pool and do it ALL BY MYSELF!! Maybe tomorrow!

I HEART my Mom

Today I have been a little teary eyed?? Why? I think that the reality of my Mom's recent heart attack has really got to me. Of course, it got to me the minute I found out, but then I was in such a fog I couldn't even think straight...the fog went on for days. You should have seen me running around the house trying to figure out what to pack. I think I got one pair of panties, three pj shirts, and one pair of capris?? WHAT? I knew I would be there for a while.....why didn't I pack better. I just kept picturing my sweet Mom in starflight and wondering what she was thinking....if she was thinking about me, Ash and Mitch, my kids, dad... or if she was unconscious. The more I thought about it the more my stomach got in knots. It still does. I just couldn't believe that this was happening again.

July 4 was just another normal day. We went swimming and did the 4th thing. I guess around 8:00 Troy and I decided to take the kids to the Lake to watch fireworks. The kids were so excited about it. When we got there..all settled...waiting for the big event, Macy decided she wanted to call Neena and Papaw. I thought that was a great idea since Mom had called earlier in the evening to wish us a Happy 4th. Macy waited patiently for Mom to answer and I heard her say... "Hi Papaw...ok here is my Mom." I thought that was odd because Dad always wants to talk to her so I had a gut feeling that something was wrong. When I got on the phone he asked if I got his message. I said no...what happened? He then told me that Mom was on her way to the Heart Hospital on StarFlight and they think she had a heart attack! WHAT?? My knees went to jelly and I didn't even hear the fireworks that were going off....I was in lala land. I was so scared and I didn't even know what questions to ask. Dad said that he didn't have too much info because he wan't at the hospital yet...he was following starflight...but he would keep me posted. (so I called Becky!! HAHA) Ash and Mitch didn't know...Dad had left messages with them, too. I told Dad I would call. That was hard. I called Ash...like 40 times she was outside with sparklers. I finally called BA's phone and told him that I need to speak to Ashley. He said is everything OK and I said No..He handed the phone to Ashley and she knew something was wrong and she said her sparkler went out and she burned her leg! HA Anyway we knew we had to go...we had to be with Mom. I called Bubs and JD answered....I was so scared to tell him...so I made JD do it! :) I told JD everything I had told Ashley and she said she would break it to Mitch. We were all so scared. We didn't know what was going on...we all felt SO far away. I wish I could have wiggled my nose and been there in a flash.

We left the firework display and went straight home and packed. Macy had fallen asleep in the car on the way home so I just left her in the car...Reid stayed in there with her... and I packed for all of us. It didn't take me long because as I said before I packed terribly! Anyway, I guess I got to Katy around midnight...picked up Ash and BA and we were off...... We made it to Austin at about 3 in the morning. It seemed like we would never make it. You know that song by Celine Dion, "We drove all night, to get to you" that's what it felt like we did! :) The coolest thing is that we arrived at the hospital the same time that Mitch did and he was coming from Abliene. It was definitely a God thing. All three of us were there....we made it. We all walked in with our pillow and blankets ready to sleep wherever as long as it was in the hospital. I slept on two chairs pushed together. Ashley slept on the little loveseat thing and Mitch slept on the floor...I hope he doesn't have hepatitis! HA And Dad slept in Mom's room...he was an awesome nurse to Mom. Never leaving her side...I told Troy to take note. :)

We took turns going in and when it was my turn(I should have went in first since I am the oldest but my sister cut) to go in I had a lump in my throat. I had been there before, same hospital, close to the same room, same smell, same monitor beeps....I walked in and there was my mom. Laying peaceful, eyes closed. I said, "Mom, I love you." And she said, "how does my hair look!!" HA! I knew then that she was going to be ok. Sick but ok. I then told her that her lipstick was still on and she was glad about that. After a heart attack, ER visit, starflight to Austin, and angioplasty her lipstick was still on (not any other make-up..it was all smeared). She said she was going to write Loreal a letter and tell them how good their 12 hour lipstick worked! ha

We did find out the next day that her heart attack was a little worse than we thought. That gave us all a big scare. She stayed there for another day...I was hoping they would keep her until we knew for sure that her heart was better and her flutters were gone. BUT...you know insurance. So, now the doctors told her she needed to watch what she eats and try to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise a day....YUCK. Who likes to exercise?? :) But it is a wake up call for all of us to take better care of our bodies. And when she is feeling better she knows that I will be calling her to make sure she got her walking in.

She had many visitors over the next day. Everyone was glad that she was ok and feeling better. Jody and Kathy came down...we were so glad. Nana and Poppi were there, of course. Mimi, Cindy, Karen and other friends from school, Becky and Tawana and lots of phone calls from friends and church. I hope I'm not leaving anyone out....All that to say how much she is loved and how wonderful of a mom, sister, daughter, wife, friend, christian, etc that she is.

I know I left out a lot of the week but my thoughts and emotions are all jumbled up. I'm not the best writer. I DID NOT take after my mom on having the gift of being a good writer. I guess you can say I am a better talker. So, I'm with Mom that if you want the gory details you can call me! HA

Mom, I love you more than you will ever know. My life would not be complete without you in it you are my rock. You are the world to me and my family and always will be. I'm so glad that God heard our prayers and healed your body. You are still, as always, in our daily thoughts and prayers. We are truly a blessed family. I love you!

Now, mom...go take a nap.

"Her children arise and call her blessed: her husband also, and he praises her." Proverbs 31:28

Sea World 2006

We just got back from Sea World and let me tell you...if you plan on going you better not forget yout tennis shoes! I think I walked off 10 pounds. Well, I wish I walked off 10 pounds but you get my drift. This place is huge! The first day we were there we did the shows, petting the dolphins, aquarium, etc. It was really awesome. The Shamu show was really great. And of course, we had to sit in the splash zone. I figured we wouldn't really get that wet but I took my towel just in case. Well, good thing I did because that big whale got us soaking. I had to wring my towel out before he came back around the second time to drench us with cold, COLD salt water. Macy and Reid thought it was the best.....Troy and I thought....WHY did we sit in the splash zone???? We should have done that last because we walked around with wet socks and shoes for hours. Reid got a blister from his wet shoes. He was the only one whining....thats a different story....HA

The second day we did the water park. It was really fun. It was alot more relaxing than the day before! There wasn't as much walking. I myself loved the LAZY RIVER. Reid and Troy caught the tube rides while Macy and I swam in the lazy river and wave pool. I did get to catch a few tube rides and they were fun...all except the black tube ride that Reid insisted that I go on. I couldn't see my hand in front of my face. I screamed all the way down. I hate dark rides...Especially when you are in water and on a tube. YIKES! It was a fun day of sunscreen (lots of it), wedgies, goggles, lifejackets, flip-flops, sunglasses, water shoes, cute little necklaces for souvenirs, and yummy ice cream (that cost 4.10 per cone!) Yes, when you go...make sure you take a million dollars to spend in the park on goodies!

The best part of the trip was being together. I have two wonderful children who still love kisses, hugs and holding my hand. I have an awesome husband who loves me even though I get wedgies coming off of a tube ride. I'm not perfect! HA

They are my world. Thank you Father for the joys in my life.






Shamu, Reid and Macy take time to pose for a picture. This was after a long day at the water park. We were going to see Shamu for the second time BUT we did not sit in the splash zone!!

Troy and the kids at the aquarium. We watched them feed the sting rays and got to see some pretty cool sharks. Troy liked that part. :) See Reid holding that fan that he HAD to have?? Next time you see him ask him how much that little fan cost. That boy....he did share though!










Mom and kids before the first Shamu show...BEFORE we got wet. This was us sitting in the splash zone not knowing what was fixing to happen! HA Good thing I wasn't wearing a white t-shirt!

Macy's Recital pics

The gangs all here! Reid, Ash, Jenna, Me and Macy pose for a picture after the recial. We were so glad that Jenna, Ash and BA made it for the big day! We all had a blast! :)



















PRINCESS MACY all ready for her dance recital. Check out the make-up! YIKES. I was a little worried about the makeup part but once she was out there on stage it looked really pretty. All the little girls did so good! I had tears in my eyes watching her first recital.















The family after the recital......Reid was glad it was over! ha ha

















Neena and Papaw came to the big recital~~ We were so glad. It wouldn't have been the same without them!

Dear God, It's me...Macy

Funny little conversation I had the other night...thought I'd share...

Me: Macy, please go upstairs and start picking up your room. I'll come help in a minute.

**a little time went by and I went upstairs to check on how things were going. I peeked in her room and this is what I heard....

Macy: Dear God, please clean my room!

She was a little upset when He did not show up to help! HAHA

The girl is a hoot......

Ok...can this week get any crazier! I just had to put Macy in time out.....I know....shocking. The girl is going thru something and I am ready for this phase to be over. There is only so much whining I can take! :) Yes, my kids whine. I feel like they are the only kids on earth who do....

As I type she is yelling from her bed, "Mommy, I'll be good. Open my door" It breaks my heart. Oh, she just opened her door.....ha ha And while she was in time out she changed her clothes. I tell you that girl changes 50 times a day. It wears me out. Her laundry pile is twice as big as the rest of us. She goes from pj's, to clothes, and back to pj's....ALL DAY. She's a hoot.

Lord, be with me! :)

Our week has been a little hectic. We have had field days, splash days, teacher appreciation lunches, Mothers Tea, homework, baseball, dance, dentist appts.....WOW...I'm ready to veg by the pool!!! I think I have burned about 2 tanks of gas just this week. It is a fun busy but there are days when I really do feel like a taxi! HA

Reid has a museum project due next week at school. You had to choose one famous person and do a little report and memorize 10 things about them. Then next week they are to dress up like that person. Then all the third graders go to the library and just stand there in their spot like a wax figure. haha Then, the kinder-2nd grade come in to see them and push a fake button that is in front of them and when the button is pushed they are supposed to spout out all the information that they memorized!! hahaha I think that sounds so fun. I will have to take some pictures and post them. You'll never guess who he picked.....of course it's a baseball player....Albert Pujols. why?? I don't know...he's crazy...I would have picked Brad Ausmus...he's alot cuter! ha Go Astros! One of his little friends picked Barry Bonds. oh, the drama. It ought to be fun to see what everyone picked.

Gotta go....Princess Macy needs a popsicle.....her 3rd for the day.

help :)

Hello, my name is Heather and I am a MYSPACE addict.

HA!

www.myspace.com/hezzysab

Why is it so hard to blog?? I don't know maybe its because I feel like this "season" of my life is CRAZY. It's a fun crazy but one thing I know is that at night when I lay my head down I'm out like a light. Who needs Tylenol PM when you have two kids who like to go, go, go. :)

A few quick updates and rambles:

**There are so many things that need to be done around here. If you came to my house right now you would think a bomb went off. I don't know how people do it. It seems like my house is always a mess. Yes, its toys, laundry, etc...but I can't keep up. Anyone have any good tips on keeping your house decent just in case there is that one friend that decides to pop on over like last week..... HA

**Reid's team is in 2nd place. We went from dead last to actually doing great. We still have a few games left so who knows what our standing will be. The boys are just excited that as of tonight...we are in 2nd. :) Reid had a great game tonight. He hit a triple....he was thrilled. He also made a great out at 1st. I didn't know his little legs could stretch so far off the base. :) He loves playing 1st base. It makes me nervous. The cheerleader in me comes out when he is playing...I never thought I'd be one of those loud Moms but I am. But I do have to say I never say, "Good Eye, Good Eye" (MOM...HA HA HA) I mean get serious...one eye??? Who can play baseball like that. heehee

**Macy loves baseball games too.....or should I say the concession stand. Tonight she had popcorn, Sunny-D juice, green apple airhead, watermelon airhead, a push pop (until it fell on the ground and broke into a million candy pieces), and a ICEE push up. I keep score at the games so she knows when she asks me I will just hand her some change. I didn't realize she had had so much until I looked at her shirt and it was covered with food.......she's a smart kid. Now I just pray that there will be no puking in the Sab's house tonight. Next game I need to pay better attention....

**As you can see baseball is our life right now.

**Macy turned 4 last week. WOW I really can't believe that. I will have to post some pictures from her big day. She was so excited about her birthday. This is such a fun age. She woke up and was so excited about being 4...she kept asking me if she was four and kept saying are you sure?? HA We are truly blessed by having her as our daughter. I will try to do a post just for her when I get some pictures. She is such a blessing to me....both my kids are. Sometimes at night when I tuck them in (for the 100th time) I just stare at them and kiss their little cheeks over and over....pure joy.

**I love my family

**I love my friends

**I need to have a garage sale......gag

**Reid was riled up this morning about that mean guy from the A's that was trying to beat up John Lackey. He wasn't too happy about that guy and said that if he was John he would have done the same thing. :) He was late to school today because he had to make sure he had all the facts straight. I'm sure that was what the boys talked about on the playground. hee hee


**I'm ready for the pool to open....not for bathing suits though.

**I need a haircut...but who has time??

I guess I better sign off for now...I'm sure there is alot more I could ramble about but I will save that for another post. I will try to be better about posting more often. It's a great stress reliever! HA Oh, and I will try to post some recent pictures...if I can get Troy to download them for me....he's a pro at that stuff.

H-E-L-L-O out there........

I have been in a little blogger funk as well as some of my other blogger friends. :) There are days when I have so much going on in my head and then when I go to blog about it it gets all jumbled up. I'm a terrible writer so this is a real struggle for me and I am determined to keep it up. It's not looking too good since my last post was in Feburary! It has been pretty crazy around here. Let me see if I can think of anything interesting. To my 2 readers....

**Reid is in full swing baseball. We are the Dodgers this year and are 2-2 so I guess we are doing ok. He is really doing good and loving it. I am so glad that he likes baseball. I love going to his games and watching him. He looks like a "mini-Troy" out there. I'm sure I have said that before but it is so true. Sometimes I chuckle to myself when he gets up there to bat because his hiney is a spittin' image of his Dad's...HA HA HA Anyway, we have a game tomorrow so he is sound asleep dreaming of hitting a Grand Slam or "Slammy" as he called it yesterday in the car.

**Reid made a 100 on his TAKS test! After all that drama and he aced it.....That boy! Now we are preparing for the math part of the TAKS and he told me the math was easy....he definitely didn't take after me on that. Sometimes I have to double check with Troy on Reid's answers and he is in the 3rd grade! I'm in big trouble...

**Macy is absolutely loving dance class. She has a dance recital in May and she is so excited about that. We got her little costume and it is way cute. I will have to post some pictures next week. They have pics and dress rehersal on Tues so I will try to snap a digital picture then. I'm scared to let her try on her costume at home because my luck she will get ketchup or something like that on it and she will be the only kid on stage with a stain. Then won't I look like a GREAT mom! She wears her ballet shoes around the house every chance she gets. She has black shoes and of course for the recital she needs pink. So we had to go shopping for new ballet shoes yesterday. She was so excited. We went to this little dance shop and she went crazy. Everything she picked up she needed to buy and everything was, "Mom this is SO cute." She's like a little teenager....I'm scared!

**We had a great Spring Break. We went to S'ville and got to spend time with family. We always love that. We always love our time shopping on Main Street! JD and I got our hair done and JD got her fried pickles from Pockets! YUM The kids love going to Neena and Papaws. Reid shot hoops every chance he got. Macy enjoyed playing in Mom's make-up and spreading it all over the place. I enjoyed having babysitters! :) Jody, Jenna, JD, Jor and I even got to go to a girly movie...while Bubs and Reid went to see their movie!!! It was a fun week and we are looking forward to the next holiday! :)


Hopefully I will have pictures soon.....and think of something a little deeper and interesting! :)

I want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the sweetest NANA on earth! WE love you so much and hope your day was wonderful. We were thinking about you all day...llike everyday!

Bubs

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday Dear Bubbie,

Happy Birthday to YOU!

We love you and miss you and hope that you have a great birthday. May all your wishes come true! Enjoy the taco soup that JD made for you...wish we were there to have some!! YUMMY:)

TAKS makes you sleepy...zzzzzzz

Well, yesterday after school I went in to talk to Reid's teacher. I wanted to see how he did and to make sure he didn't rush through the test (yes, I'm a little overprotective! HA). Reid's teacher said he did great and finished about 12:30 or 1:00. She said after all the kids were done they could sit at their desk and either read a book or lay their heads down to rest. Reid wanted to rest.....Ms. D said that she left the room to take a break and another teacher came in to relieve her. When she got back Reid was snuggled up under his desk sound asleep. She went over to him and touched his back to make sure he was ok and the little girl that sits next to Reid said, "Ms. D he was sleeping and he just fell out of his chair and went back to sleep." The teacher that had come in to relieve Ms. D never even knew he fell out....he didn't even know he fell out! She said he stayed snuggled up under his desk for about 30 minutes! HA It was so funny. She was cracking up. She said she had never had a child fall out of his chair from exhaustion! HA

I think he is so glad that it is over. I am so glad that it is over!! Last night we went to Gattiland to celebrate all his hard work. His Math TAKS is in April and then we will really celebrate. :)

TAKS

Question: How do you know your child has had too much of the TAKS test?
Answer: He falls asleep at his desk and falls on the floor.

Happy Valentines Day

I hope everyone had a great V-day! Ours was filled with more candy than you can imagine! Macy had a party yesterday...candy running out of the bag and Reid's party was today. We had ice cream sundaes with all the goodies on top! Some of the kids had 2 scoops of ice cream and candy, syrup and m&m's piled so high you couldn't even see the ice cream! The were so hyper! Macy had to go with me because Troy was working today and she had ice cream too so needless to say she was hyper too! HA I hope they eat supper......

This week had already been so crazy and its only Tuesday. I haven't really had time to blog....My house is a zoo sometimes.

I have wanted to post about my sweet Momma. She celebrated her birthday on the 6th. I wanted to tell you how much I love you and how much we enjoyed our visits with you on your birthday. You are such a joy to my kids and to me and I am blessed to have you as my Mom. I value your love and your friendship more than you will ever know. I love you, Mom and I wish you many, many, many more Happy Birthdays!

"Her children arise and call her blessed....." Proverbs 31:28