Friday Quick Takes

                                                          

Yeah...it is Friday again!  So much swirling around in my head today so hear ya go......
 1.  Another wonderful week of Vacation Bible School has come and gone.  This year's theme was Sonrise National Park--camping!  Alyssa loved it and really wants to go camping now more than ever!  She was also able to stay with us this week and not go to grandma's so we were pretty excited too!

2.  Due to VBS being in the mornings, a great friend of mine took Alyssa in the afternoons to play with her daughter.  They did some pretty awesome things like swimming, Discovery Center, Summer Reading Program at the library, and Roller Skating!  What a week she has had!

3.Preparations have begun for a little boy's 2 year Birthday Party....can you say Hot Dog! Hot Dog! Hot Diggity Dog!  I have decided I can be some what crafty...can't wait to show you pictures!

4.I have had the hardest time getting up in the mornings this week.  I don't know what my problem is, but evidently my entire house has the same problem.  Alyssa fell back to sleep yesterday with her lights on and Caleb has been sleeping in all week.  Hoping next week we get back on schedule...I hate feeling like I am running behind!

5.  Had a wonderful experience Monday.  I will say that my fear of the unknown nearly kept me away, but I knew I would always regret it if I did not go.  I made my first visit to an occupied prison ( I visited these same prisons on a field trip in school when they were first built, but there were no inmates there yet)!  Like I said, it was a wonderful experience..even for a prison.  I was invited to attend the Bridges to Life Graduation at the Clements Unit.  This is a wonderful program that makes inmates face what they have done and realize what the victims go through as well.  Victims come and speak for 4 weeks and the inmates break out into smaller group sessions to discuss that weeks topics.  For Catholics, the inmates go through a similar process of confession/reconcilliation.  That is the closest thing I can compare it to.  They are required to tell their story to the small group.  These guys completed the 14 week session and handle to struggle with some pretty tough questions, but they were so excited to get up and talk Monday about what the program meant to them.  These guys just glowed and you could see what a BIG deal it was to them to complete this!  Such an awesome experience!  So much I could write about this but instead check it out at http://www.bridgestolife.org/ or check out today's Amarillo Globe News Article.( http://amarillo.com/news/local-news/2012-06-14/beilue-clements-unit-hosts-graduation-no-other ) . 

6.This week will be a clean out Alyssa room week!  That is my main goal of the week...pray I make it through and don't get lost in all the STUFF she has accumulated!

7.  Last but not least, Happy Father's Day!  I have a wonderful dad,who in his own way, always lets me know he loves me!  And to Alyssa and Caleb's dad...hope you have a relaxing, blessed day and that you know how much you are loved and appreciated all year long!  We will be going to watch the local baseball team on Sunday with my brother and his family.  Should make for a great end to the weekend!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Take Friday--vol 2

1. FOOTLOOSE--I am so excited! My mom and Alyssa and I are going to our local theatre to watch Footloose with a friend of mine and her daughter. I have been waiting all season for this show! It is sold out and I am so glad my friend got our tickets early! Way to go Pat! It should be lots of fun for all of us girls! Our local theatre puts on some great shows!  If you have not been to a production by Amarillo Little Theatre--I strongly suggest you check it out.  THey have the list of next seasons shows up and you can get season tickets!  http://www.amarillolittletheatre.org/

2. It is a drizzly yucky day so I really could of just stayed in bed this morning. Hoping it clears up and the sun comes out today. I have great plans for my afternoon--including a pedicure! WooHoo--Happy Mother's Day to myself! What fun is a new pedicure if you can't wear flip flops or sandals. Go away drizzly rain and come back when I am sleeping!

3. Alyssa gets her dance recital costume tomorrow. It's like Christmas all over again! Can't wait to see what it looks like and see her all dressed up! Ms. Wendy always picks out the cutest recital costumes. 3 more weeks of ballet then summer break! Happiness!

4. Another week of Caleb sleeping through the night! Can I get an Amen?! I don't know what has switched in him, but I am not complaining. The child has had the worst sleeping habits since birth and it just took nearly 2 years to straighten him out! Maybe we will all be a little happier now!

5. Gonna go a little political now....bear with me! President Obama has now changed his position and is supporting gay marriage. Regardless of my personal opinions on the matter...I find it hard to trust ANY politician--Deomocratic or Republican who changes his position on a topic during campaign season. It makes it hard to belive in a candidate if they can't just pick a side and stick with it. It would be more believable if he would have changed his mind before he started campaigning and before his multi million dollar fundraiser in Hollywood. To all candidates---Stand up and fight for what YOU believe in--don't sway from one side to the other to pick up votes and more money.

6. My good friend and co-worker Martha has been involved in a new prison ministry called Brdges to Life for the past 6 weeks or so. It is a great ministry that works with the prisoners on owning up to what they have done and working through the process of forgivness and reconcilliation. The must tell there story to a small group of other prisoners and facilitators and do homwork each week. They also hear stories from victims of crimes so that they can see what their crime does to victims. It was originally intended for prisoners who would be getting out in the next several years. The return rate of prisoners who have gone through the program and got out is very low. Anyway--great program, but she has asked if I would like to go to their graduation in a couple of weeks at the prison. What an honor to be able to witness these guys success at completing a very worthwhile program. I won't lie I am a little lot nervous about going into the prison. I know I have nothing to worry about, but it is just the thought of it and going into an unknown. But I will overcome this fear, because this is something I don't want to miss!

7. I can not believe school will be out in 3 weeks! Yikes it went by way to fast! I shudder at the thought of having a 4th grader! She should still be my sweet little girl going into Kindergarten. Miss those days!

7 Quick Takes-Friday

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Oh my, what a week! Glad we survived. Is it just me or are everyone's kids driving them a little bonkers. WOW. Caleb has learned to climb to the top of Alyssa's bunk bed which is super duper scary which means he must be watched ALL THE TIME! He has also been on a screaming tyrade this week. And on top of that Alyssa just loves to get him going. Screaming children make this momma go nuts!

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This has been Teacher Appreciation Week at Alyssa's school. We have had a lot of fun coming up with little ideas to do each day. This year we had themes for each day and Alyssa really got into what we were doing each day. Monday we brough sweet treats so I found a cute container and filed it with M&M's (Sister PM loves chocolate) and different teacher note pads and stamps. Tuesday was bring May Flowers and I had found cute stationary and book that said Teachers help children bloom. We sent that to school with a bouquet of flowers (Alyssa usually likes to pick a rose from the house, but the recent hail storm changed those plans). Wednesday was Nuts about you day and we sent another cute container with a nutty snack mix. Thursday was gifts around town and we gave a little gift card to a local book/movie store. I also volunteered to make a pie for the teacher's luncheon on Thursday---some times I have pure moments of insanity! Friday--thanks a latte day. I got this great idea from www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com and www.wordle.net and created a cute picture using words to describe Sister PM. I printed it out on cardstock and bought a cheap frame to frame it in. Turned out really good. I also had Alyssa write a thank you note and she helped me make a great snack for the teachers lounge.

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Here is a recipe for a great snack! Peanut Butter Popcorn
1 cup caro syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup peanut butter
2 bags microwaved popcorn

Pop your popcorn and remove any leftover seeds. Bring to boil the caro syrup and brown sugar. Once boiling remove from heat and add in the peanut butter. Pour over your popcorn and stir. Let it dry and enjoy. Got this from www.favfamilyrecipes.com Yummy!

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I have delved back into pinterest this week. I had taken some time off because it was just making me feel sad. There were so many cool things and I wanted to try them all but of course I never have time! I found myself not pinning ideas because I knew I would never have time to get it done. Made me feel like I was in a never ending cycle of business! Someday I will have a spare moment again when I am not too exhausted to do something creative!

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Soccer ended last weekend. I had a good time "coaching" ( I use this term loosely)them and spending time with those girls. We had a fun party after our last game and presented them with their trophies and medals. They were so proud. We let them sign each others shirts as a momento. Great idea from one of the parents! I must say we have some great kids at St. Marys and WONDERFUL parents! I was blessed to spend this time with them.

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Just a quick note---loving the new daycare for Caleb. What a great boy he has been this week. I even took him this morning and did not get a cry when I left. I just feel better about where he is and leaving him. I know he is being taken care of and not learning really bad habits. Woohoo! Ms. Kenna rocks!

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So much for a relaxing Saturday---Alyssa is singing Sat morning at St. Thomas for their First Communion mass(She is skipping dance--her choice!)then she has a birthday party. Meanwhile Stephen is taking pictures for an old friend of mine and her entire family. Looks like I will be taking Caleb with me to the birthday party. Praying for a good boy while we are there.
For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Moms

What is a mom?  That is a question I ponder tonight as I sit here trying to get my child to go back to sleep at 12:15 am.  As he screams for the past 30 min I wonder if there is anyone else right now going through the same things I am at this very moment and what would that mom do?  Acutally, I have been wondering about my mothering skills all week and the guilt that comes along with it.  Am I good enough to get these kids through their toughest trials or will I crumble under the pressure.  Tonight it is feeling like I am crumbling as the tears pour down my face while my child is in his room screaming.  Do I just give in and go hold him like he wants or do I bear down and continue this fight we have started?  Do I take him to daycare when in my heart I know I should stay home with him  when he still isnt over his recent illness?  Do I expose my daughter to the harsh reality of life and competition or do I continue to boost her up and tell her she is the best at everything she tries? 

I wonder if dads have these same feelings.  Do they sit up at night thinking of the long list of things there children need or have to get done.  Do they wake up and realize that tomorrow is swimming and the swim bag didn't get packed?  Do they obsess about if there children are truly happy or just putting on a  show?  Do they feel that guilt that mothers so often get?  I know my children and the things going on with them cross my mind a gazillion times a day.  What does Alyssa have coming up this week and do I need to take care of anything before then.  Do dads know when the can food drive is at school or when is storytelling and ready writing?  When is the Christmas play and how long do I have to get her a dress to wear?  Is this something a mom only thinks about?

I know Stephen is a great dad and would go to the ends of the earth for his kids, but I sit here thinking about our differences.  He can sit and color for hours with Alyssa or play Wii with her.  I couldnt do that.  He can talk to her about the stars and planets and keep her attention, when I can't even discuss a tv show with her before I get frustrated from trying to explain the simplest meaning of a word.  He can get Caleb to go to sleep at any hour of the day, while I sit here struggling to get him back to sleep.  These are the things that my kids will remember about him, but w hat will they remember about me?  Will Alyssa appreciate the hours I spent helping at her school or even notice all the lunches I made her or buttons I sewed onshirts minutes before time to leave for school .  Will Caleb realize the hours I sat up at night praying God will comfort him back to sleep?  Will they know all the small things I took care of?  Should I care?  I do care because if it werent for those small moments something would be missing from their lives.  They might not realize it at first, but it would be noticeable. 

So I guess before you criticize a mother for the things they dont get right or the things they forget....think about all the things they do get right and tell them Thank YOU!

5x7 Folded Card

Wrapped Ribbon Christmas Card

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TOP 10: BEST THINGS ABOUT MY BIRTHDAY THEN AND NOW

In honor of my upcoming birthday, I thought I would share the 10 best things about my birthday from when I was child until now.  Hope you enjoy!

10.  As a child, we use to always have swimming parties at the City Pool in Hereford in honor of  my sister's  and I's birthday (that doesn't sound right, but I never said I was a writer).  My sister and I have birthdays 12 days apart and we use to always celebrate our birthdays together.  As a child this isn't always the best thing...sharing a birthday with someone and your sister no less.  But, I can remember having sooo much fun at these parties and fondly remember how much fun my dad was swimming with us and jumping off the high dive.  The high dive at the City Pool was pretty awesome.

9.  Having a birthday in the summer......got to see my friends that I was missing from school...That was until they moved school starts so far back that I was in school on my birthday (that almost teeters on the bad things about my birthday).

8.  Turning 16 and finally being able to drive. If you haven't heard me complain about it before, I was one of the youngest kids in my class and all of my friends turned 16 before me (MONTHS before me).  I had to bum rides until I started my Junior year of high school!  Double fun..I got the coolest car to drive...does anyone remember????  I think the first night I got to drive all by myself I picked up a few friends and we drove to Sonic and got a Pink Lady to drink.  I haven't had one of those in years!

Sorry..this is the only pic I had of the green  "jeep" with my friend Renee!

7.  Having friends come to my house and celebrating my birthday with my family!  I had some pretty great friends in high school.  Good times!

My 17th birthday at my house with my friends and family!

6.  In the past few years, I have enjoyed celebrating my birthday with friends by going out to eat all together or having them over for dinner.  Whether it was bowling, cramming in my small house,having a lunch date or going out on the town I have some great friends who always seem to make me feel special on my special day.

5.  Homemade birthday cards from my kiddo!  Enough said!

4.  Getting birthday cards in the mail!  Whether it is from my insurance agent or my sweet sister or grandmother, its just fun to get something in the mail that isn't a bill.  Even better when there is a little something special tucked inside!

3.  Getting something special from my hunny!  He always tries to go out of his way to find the perfect gift for me.  He even solicites advice from Alyssa and they usually do a pretty good job.  He always makes me feel special and I can see the time he takes in finding the right gift!  Sometimes I can even con him into cleaning for me and bypassing the gift! XOXOXOXO

2.  This really is my #1 but......The WORLD FAMOUS (really not, but I think it should be)STRAWBERRY CAKE!!!  If you have not tried it you are missing out!!!!  My momma makes me the very best strawberry cake that has a strawberry cream cheese frosting with coconut and nuts!! YUMMY!!!!!!  Can you tell I really like it!  She has made this for me every year since I think I was 17!  I usually try and share..but I am pretty sure I could eat the whole thing by myself!  It is not always the most beautiful cake but I never care what it looks like.  Is it bad to say I would eat it off the floor if I had to?

My Strawberry Cake from 2010!

1.  The best thing about my birthday is having just 1 day the entire year that can and should be all about me.  It should be a day where you feel special..even for a little bit.  People acknowledge you and wish you well.  I have always been very blessed to have great people surronding me on my birthday and wishing me a great year!  Thank you to all my family and friends for always making me feel special...even if it is for only 1 day of the year!!!!

Looking forward to this birthday and many more to come!!!

SUMMER IS OVER!

Uniforms have been bought, backpacks have been packed, bedtimes are back to normal...we are back to school!  Alyssa was super excited for her first day of 3rd grade and for a new teacher. 

This year we have nuns teaching in our Catholic School (I know you are thinking well of course you do) but we have not had any nuns teaching there for quite some time.  Alyssa's sweet little class was split this year and she was put in one of the new nun's classes.  She was a little concerned at first when some of her bestest friends were in the other class and she had the new teacher but it didn't even seem to bother her when we arrived at the school.  When I picked her up she could not quit talking about her new teacher and her class.  She couldn't wait to go back!  What a relief! 

We are so glad to be back to our normal school routine and schedule.  The summer break is nice, but I am glad to have a little more structure in our lives.  I may not have this same attitude come April or May but right now it is super nice!

Happy Birthday Caleb!

A few weeks late but her it goes......Caleb turned 1 and we had a nice celebration with family and friends.  Wew had a circus/carnival theme and had hotdogs and cupcakes.  It was a lot of fun and Caleb enjoyed walking around and just beign outside.  Of course his party was on one of the hottest days we had seen in the middle of the afternoon, but we all survived!

Caleb is now saying mama (or ma), dada (or da), and believe it or not sister!  He is walking or should I say running everywhere!!!  He now weighs 25.5lbs and is in the 86% for weight but he is also in the 93% for height!  Since his birthday he is now on regular milk and transitioning well.  He loves to have his cuppy with juice and now milk.  He will carry it around with him all day long if you let him.  He is still not the best sleeper but he is getting better.  He now dances when he hears music and points to the things and blows kisses.  He is still a very cuddly little boy.  He giggles and laughs at his big sister.  I swear his smile will melt hearts!

I can't believe he has been with us a whole year....and what a great and trying year it has been!  I can't imagine life without him!!

Alyssa and Caleb

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EASTER 2011

I hope you each had a wonderful Easter.  We spent the weekend back home with our families.  It was the first time Caleb spent the night in Hereford and he did well!  We had a great time.  Alyssa got to color eggs at her Nana's house and on Sunday we went to church with Stephen's family.  We ended the weekend with a big easter egg hunt at Nana's house.  I hated that the weekend went by so quickly. 

 

10 things....

10 things I love about Family Fun Night!

10.  Watching movies like Hannah Montana, Flushed Away, Space Chimps and other movies we would not normally watch together!

9.  Pillows and Blankets in the floor of the living room.

8.  Popcorn, pickles, and a coke can make any childs eye light up!

7.  Sleepy heads carried to bed.

6.  Competition at its best--especially when playing UNO.

5.  One word...Wii!

4.  A clean bedroom before the weekend  (requirement for having FFN).

3.  Moments of quiet when the movie is on.

2.  Watching my husband be silly with his little girl.

1.  Seeing my child having fun with us and knowing that she knows how loved she is!

Why I choose to send my child to private school…..

                Every year around this time we have to make a hard decision on whether to leave Alyssa in private school or send her to public school for the next school year.  This is always a struggle for me because having that extra money would be sooo beneficial to us—especially now that we have 2 children instead of one.  The decision is not an easy one and not for everyone.  I put it in Gods hands to show me and guide me in the direction that is right.  It is a decision that is not always easy to make and we literally were signing up for public school last year and at the last minute changed our minds.  How did we get into this whole public/private school debacle anyway??

    Our journey with private school began when she was 2.  Alyssa never went to day care.  Stephen worked evenings when she was born and so he kept her during the day when I was at work.  What a blessing!  The year she turned 2, Stephen changed jobs that summer.  We had to find daycare and it just killed me.  I could not imagine sending my child with someone else to take care of her all day.  Stephen’s sister was kind enough to keep her for awhile that summer until we found someplace to put her.  We checked into a couple of options, but I kept thinking about our church’s Montessori program.  It was more of a school type atmosphere with an “extended day” program.  The director met with us and showed us around.  She was very nice and helpful and we signed her up and waited the few weeks until school began. 

After a few really hard weeks adjusting to her new envirnment, she began to enjoy her “school”.  She had the BEST teacher who really cared about her and her well being.  She understood our situation and that Alyssa had not really had much contact or play time with other children and she worked with her.  It was the best decision we ever made for her.  She started learning so much!  She was interacting with children and was enjoying being there everyday.  She would come home singing songs that her teacher had taught them about the days of the week, the months of the year, songs in Spanish and in English!  She learned much more than she would have staying at home.  She stayed in the Montessori program until it was time to graduate to Kindergarten.  Stephen and I were never planning on her staying there after Montessori.  The more I thought about changing her the more uneasy I felt.  So I justified leaving her there in Kindergarten because they had a full day program where as the public school only had a ½ day program.  She had an awesome Kindergarten teacher and of course she was attending school with all of her friends she had met and played with in Montessori.  These kids have a really good relationship together.  They have bonded and seem to watch out for each other. They have a kindness and sincere love for one another that I have not seen with my nieces who attend public school.

 This leads me to one of the main reasons I choose to leave her in public school.  They are teaching my child about love and service to others.  Alyssa has a caring and loving attitude towards everyone.  She hurts when someone else is hurting.  She sees the good in everyone—even those kids in class that are the “trouble makers” or the ones you wish your child did not hang around with.  I love that they are teaching her about her faith and that she can openly praise and worship while at school.  She understands more about her faith and religion than we do at times.  She teaches us! 

                Here are a few other reasons I choose private school for my kids.  Smaller Classrooms-granted Alyssa’s class is large, but compared to public schools and the budget crunch they are in, I think her class will remain small in comparison.  She also is around the same group of kids every year.  Her class does not change much from year to year which is a big deal if you don’t do well with change.  Education and Quality teachers—her school  has some really great teachers who care for their students and want them to succeed.  They are all experienced teachers who have taught for many years and with many of those years at her school.  These kids are ahead of most public school kids in the same grade.  They use the best teaching resources and educational materials.  They recently received a donation for smart boards and laptops for each room.  I remember hearing a few years back that of the graduating high schools in our city—3 of the Valedictorians were products of her private school.  Wow—what a great basis for a lifetime of learning!  Activities—she participates in many activities through the school(most recently PSIA—the equivalent of UIL in public school) and through other organizations (but with her classmates).  She is able to help raise money for good organizations like St. Jude and the  American Heart Association—but also collect things for the local food pantry, nuns, meals on wheels, deployed soldiers, as well as her owns schools playground fund.  What a great learning experience for a child.  To me, they are not just education my child in the basic math, reading and writing, but are forming her as a whole person to love and care for others.  Stewardship and Education rolled into one built on religion and love of God. 

Needless to say, Alyssa has continued at private school and will be entering the 3^rd grade next year.  When the school sent home the intent to return form I felt that pain in my heart I feel each year at this time.  But when I think of all the positives, I say “yes” and patiently wait for Caleb to be old enough to start too!  We may have to sacrifice the things we would like to have (the nice vacations, new cars, big house, new clothes, BIG savings account), but we are sacrificing for our children and for them to be the best they can be!  Isn’t that what we are suppose to do as parents?

Let me tell you a little story.....

My sweet little girl is now a Storyteller!

Alyssa was tested early last year for speech issues.  She had a "step" when speaking (almost like a studder, but not as bad) and a few issues with getting the words she wanted to say out.  She has been in speech therapy for a little over a year.  I have noticed a change in her speech and her teacher was even questioning why she was in speech this year. 

At the beginning of the year it was announced that her school would be participating in PSIA, which is the private school equivalent to UIL for public schools.  The 2nd grade class could participate in the Storytelling competition.  The objective of storytelling is to hear a story and be able to retell the story in your own words to a group of judges who have not heard the story.  A note was sent home to parents to sign up their kids if they were interested in trying out.  I debated back and forth on whether to sign her up or not.  I did not think she would do very well with it and didn't want to set her up for disappointment.  I honestly did not think I had sent in the paperwork.  A few months later Alyssa was telling me about her storytelling practice during recess.  I questioned her why she was going to it and she said because her name was on the list.  I must have signed her up and just didn't remember doing it.  Oh well, I thought, it would be good for her to practice--still not belieiving she would ever make the team.  Weeks went by and she kept telling me about her practice and how different kids were quitting.  I was proud that she was sticking with it and not quitting.  Well, needless to say, Alyssa made the team (somewhat by default since all but 3 kids quit!). 

This weekend she will be competing in Lubbock (a town 2 hours away) and for all of her hard work she is being rewarded by getting to go on Friday night and spend the night at a hotel with her friends.  I am so very proud of her.  Even though she may not bring home a blue ribbon, I think she is a winner.  Her speech has improved so much and she was never concerned that she could not or would not make the team.  She is an amazing little girl that I learn from all the time!  Good Job Alyssa!!!

Another year older...Happy Birthday Alyssa!

8 years ago today God blessed us with a perfect Angel....we named her Alyssa.  I can't believe how quickly the time has gone by and I am amazed at what a beautiful young lady she has grown into. 

Alyssa age 1

Alyssa 2

Alyssa age 7

Alyssa also celebrated her first communion today on her birthday.  What a great way to remember when you celebrated communion for the first time.  She looked beautiful and was so excited about her dress. 

 

My wish for you this year is to continue to grow and learn, but keep your innocence and sweetness!  You are a one of a kind special girl!  I love you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALYSSA!!!!

Back in the swing of things--Happy 2011!

The Romo's Christmas Eve 2010

Christmas has come and gone.....and as usual it went by sooo fast!  It was a very special Christmas this year.  Caleb experienced his first Christmas and Alyssa experienced her first Christmas with a sibling.  Both were big milestones in the Romo house!  Alyssa, of course, got her most desired present from Santa--an ipod touch.  I love her excitement at everything that occurs at Christmas!

A new year has already begun and we are back into the swing of things.  No big new year resolutions...for me it is just one more thing to keep up with and try not to fail at!  I just want a happy, healthy, and financially successful year. 

Over the Christmas break, Caleb turned 6 months old!  Wow..it went by so quickly.  It seems like he should still be the little fragile baby I brought home from the hospital.  Instead he is an 18 lb chunk of fun!  He is sitting up on his own and plays with his toys and big sister.  He talks and talks and can now say momma and da da da!  He still hates to lay on his belly and will probably walk before he crawls.  He loves his bottles, but now eats fuits and vegetables.  I love to see his little personality start to come out.

We have alot coming up this month and will blog about them more in the next few weeks!

christmas card

Stuffed Stockings Christmas

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Stuido pics

What a beautiful boy!  4 months old and he finally got his first studio portraits taken!  He actually had a smile in a few!  We were very impressed!

4 months already

Caleb turned 4 months old last week!  What a big boy!  He weighed in at 13 lbs 12 oz (28%) and 25 inches long (55%).  He celebrated by having his first bowl of rice cereal!  He wasn't really sure about it so the next day we added a bit of apple juice to thin it out.   He licked it off the spoon!!!  He has now moved up to green beans. 

I think I like it!

What a mess!

He giggles and laughs with his big sister.  He loves to watch her and she loves to be silly for him.  She can be so loving and kind to him and at times be very protective.  It makes me kind of sad to realize how fast it is all going!  We just want everything to go in slow motion since we know he is our last.  What blessings God has given Stephen and I! 

Pumpkins!

Here are a couple of pics from Halloween.  We had a great night with the kids trick or treating and spent the day before in Hereford visiting family.

Caleb aka Pumpkin

Alyssa aka Dorothy Gale

Fall 2010

I love this season.  The weather gets a little cooler, the leaves begin to change, all of my favorite holidays are just around the corner.  We have been enjoying everything about fall including football and pumpkin patches. 



Enjoying the Football Game



Alyssa just finished up her second year of flag football.  She had such a great time playing with her school friends..  One thing I can say about her..she is not afraid to try and do anything!  What a great quality to have.  I know fear keeps me from doing many things that I would like to do.  I hope that remains with her through life.



Flag Football 2010 "The Saints"





The Cousins



We had a great time this year at the St. Mary's Carnival.  It was a new experience with 2 kids rather than just one and Stephen called in reinforcements to help out while I worked our volunteer shift.  Alyssa was excited that her cousins got to come and play with her this year.  Alyssa is "Dorothy Gale" and Caleb is a pumpkin.  Can't wait for trick or treating!



Dorothy Gale



Pumpkin





She also had First Reconciliation...for you non-catholics that is confession.  She studied really hard and had to learn quite a few bible stories and learn the meanings behind them, as well as certain prayers, etc.  Her favorite was Zacheus (you know the wee little man).  She then had to interview with the priest and show that she had learned the material.  She was really nervous, but she did EXCELLENT!  I was very proud of her.



Pretty darn cute!



We recently went to the Pumpkin Farm and had a great afternoon...just the 4 of us (man, that sounds weird!).  Alyssa and Caleb both got to pick a pumpkin and we went through a maze.  They had so many fun things for Alyssa to do.  Even Caleb had some fun!



A great day at the Pumpkin Farm



Loving her brother!



On the farm....

Last weekend we celebrated Caleb's Baptism.  What a great time to see family and friends and have them there to celebrate with us.  Caleb was so good...he did not even cry.  Even Monsignor complimented him on his good behavior!



Such a Good Boy!





Grandparents, Godparents, Cousins,etc...



This weekend is Halloween and we will have 2 days of trick or treating between Hereford and Amarillo.  We still need to carve our pumpkins.  Usually this is done while watching the classic "The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" or "Garfield's Halloween Special", but now that the World Series is starting I am not sure we will be able to do it.  On that note...Go Rangers!