Kerri Homemaker

2010-02-11T14:01:00.002-06:00

Well, I know I have been out of the groove of updating my blog, but.......I have not excuses.

We are doing well, just waiting the arrival of Luke (to arrive first week of April). Basketball season is over for us, so I have my husband back. Yea!

Halloween

2009-11-02T17:32:00.002-06:00

We had a great family evening with the cutest little elephant princess and frog. I knew that making costumes were worth it when we were out trick or treating and Molly looked up at me and said, "Momma, I love my costume."

2009-10-19T17:20:00.001-05:00

I know...I haven't updated for a while. It has been inching its way up and down my list of to dos. Finally, it jumped to the top. For those that don't know, I am pregnant again. I am in week 15 and due first part of April. Things have been a little more difficult this go round. I am constantly tired and until a couple of weeks ago I was very sick. Doing better now, just have to somehow chase Molly and Troy, manage the house and run a jewelry business on a tank that is only a quarter full (on a good day).

2009-10-19T16:26:00.003-05:00

My Girl is 4!

2009-06-29T09:30:00.004-05:00

Yesterday Molly turned 4. She seemed to grow a strong opinion over night. She is so big. She got a bike for her birthday and as soon as the rain clears up... she will get to ride it again. We went to my in-laws on Saturday. Their town celebrated their 100 yr annv. There was a parade and fireworks that night. Of course, Molly assumed these things were for her birthday. I sure didn't tell her any different. She also got lots of elephant things. For example, her cake that her Nonie made. I don't know why, but, she loves elephants. I love this girl!

Michelle and Her Girls Came

2009-06-29T09:07:00.006-05:00

A little over a week ago, my friend Michelle came to town with her twin girls, Emma and Addison. We had a great time. Michelle and I grew up together and have talked about her coming to visit for many years. The kids played and played. Michelle and I sewed and sewed. We ended up making 6 dresses, 3 pairs of flower flip flops, 2 pairs of pantaloons, and we intended to make more. There just weren't enough hours in the evenings. We were exhausted to say the least by the weekend's end, but made some great memories.

We had fun girls, can't wait to see you again!

Backyard Camping

2009-06-29T08:45:00.003-05:00

A couple of weeks ago. Joel set up the tent in the backyard so that he could let Molly and him sleep outside all night. They seem to have a blast. They watched a movie in the tent, had snacks. Joel didn't think she would make it all night, but they didn't come back in the house until 7 the next morning.

3 Turning 4

2009-06-15T21:12:00.004-05:00

Today, Molly and her friends Bryce and Walker celebrated turning 4 this month. Their birthdays are less than 2 weeks away from each other. So, the mamma's decided we could share in the excitement and invite friends from Bible class to a morning swim party. It was a lot of fun. The kids each had a bday treat. Molly has cupcakes, Bryce wanted cookies and Walker wanted Cheetos. The water was cold, but that didn't stop the swim fun.

Easter 2009

2009-04-13T11:34:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The Brown Girls Came to Town

2009-04-13T10:17:00.002-05:00

Last week, Leslie and her girls (Jones, Georgia, and Annie) came through town and stayed overnight. Molly doesn't have many girlfriends her age, so this was a real treat. They were all very cute to watch. Troy may have been out numbered, but didn't seem to mind.

Can't wait to see you girls again.

Nonie Came to visit

2009-04-13T10:05:00.003-05:00

Two weekends ago my mom came and we had a blast. We found the kids Easter outfits and baskets for all the Sikes grandkids that I embroidered. We cooked, laughed, played...the list goes on. Before we took Nonie back to the airport we took the kids to the play area at the mall. It is always a big deal when elephants are involved...Molly loves them for some crazy reason. Thanks for coming Nonie!

Little Golfer

2009-04-13T09:46:00.003-05:00

During spring break Joel got Molly a couple of golf clubs that were not plastic and not 10 inches too long for her. They had a great time playing in the backyard.

Potato Head Earrings

2009-03-25T09:04:00.006-06:00

We have a few potato head sets and one is the pirate pieces for the potato. Troy and I were playing with the pirate one and I put the earring on his ear. He now loves to put all potato head earring on, should I be concerned?

Someone call "What Not to Wear"

2009-03-25T08:55:00.004-06:00

Last week I took Molly for a little girls outing (we went thrift shopping). I don't know what came over me, but I told her she could go into her dress up box and pick out whatever she wanted to wear. It looked like a tornado hit her room, she couldn't decide what to wear (I know she gets that from me). After much contemplating, she came up with an outfit.
When we got ready to go, Troy went and sat in front of the door in hopes to stop us from leaving. It was very cute and sad all at the same time.
Molly was definitely dressed for thrifting.

Disco Rollers

2009-03-18T12:19:00.003-06:00

Last night my friend Bridgett had a 70's roller night 30th birthday party. We had a blast. Happy birthday B!

Friday Night Pizza

2009-03-18T06:54:00.002-06:00

Molly started making pizza for us on Friday nights during basketball season. She is pretty good at it.

10 Things I am Thankful for...

2009-03-03T15:17:00.003-06:00

1. I have a wonderful husband who loves God and works very hard at his job and leading our family.
2. My sweet Molly that today made sure I only bought one thing at Hobby Lobby.
3. My little man Troy who can draw a crowd anywhere we go with his, "HI!" or "See ya!"
4. A great car that gets me to and from Lubbock every Tuesday for Ladies Class.
5. A day in March that is 84 degrees outside.
6. A house that I can call home (that may not always be tidy).
7. The ability to be creative and in those creative moments have a husband that (even though doesn't understand all my creative whims) says, "if it is important to you, it is important to me."
8. Food on the table.
9. A mom and sister that I can call anytime I am driving 45 minutes to/from L town.
10. My God who I can thank for all of these wonderful things.

I sometimes forget to be thankful for the simple things. When it gets right down to it, this list could be so much longer. I won't tag anyone, but would love to see what 10 things you might come up with.

70 Random Things...

2009-02-27T23:43:00.005-06:00

1. I started sewing when I was 9 years old.
2. I never told a boyfriend “I love you” until Joel.
3. My new motto is, “you do what you gotta do.”
4. My favorite color is red.
5. My favorite movie candy is Sour Patch Kids.
6. I have worn braces on my teeth three different times (junior high, senior year of HS, and then about 4-5 years ago).
7. I love to dance (I married a man who doesn’t).
8. I started Olive Juice Jewelry six years ago.
9. I hope to write a children’s book someday.
10. My hair is curly. It has gotten curlier with both of my kids.
11. My first car was a 1991 Maroon Grand AM.
12. I love summer!
13. I could eat my weight in potato chips.
14. Other than having my wisdom teeth removed, I have never had surgery.
15. I love to read magazines backwards. For some reason I skim though backwards, then read from the beginning.
16. I love to thrift shop.
17. Uneven fingernails drive me crazy.
18. In references to my body, I think that tan cookie dough looks better than white cookie dough.
19. I was blessed to have a mom that helped mold my faith in Christ at a young age.
20. I am a Church of Christ girl.
21. I cry every time I sing, “How Great Thou Art.”
22. I started a casserole swap a few years ago. So great.
23. I love decorating for fall better than Christmas.
24. I have skinny dipped before.
25. I get the worst stage freight.
26. I have a sister who is 3 ½ years older than me and a brother who is 2 years younger.
27. I used to be a faithful Dr. Pepper drinker, but now it is Diet Coke for me.
28. I love Sonic Happy Hour.
29. Some of my job history includes: church youth secretary, Margarita’s Mexican Food Restaurant, Sam’s wholesale, Joe’s Crab Shack, Thrifty Nickel Online, Red Chair Advertising Agency, MED Group.
30. I can’t stand it when Joel leaves town and I have to be home alone at night.
31. I can change a flat tire.
32. I think going to the theater is so much fun.
33. I can’t remember the last book I sat down to read and read it from cover to cover.
34. I can’t stand touching raw meat or processed cheese.
35. Being a mom is so awesome.
36. I have never been to Hawaii, but really would like to go someday.
37. I love to cook.
38. I have too many unfinished hobbies. This drives me crazy.
39. I have been snow skiing once.
40. I am left-handed, but can’t use scissors with my left hand.
41. I hope to take Joel to watch a UNC vs Duke game someday.
42. I wear my feelings on my sleeve too often.
43. I have a fruit allergy (along with a few others). Avocados make my lips swell. I eat them anyway. I love Claritin.
44. I choose savory over sweet most days.
45. I used to raise pigs for the fair (I also raised chickens and rabbits).
46. I prefer raw vegetables over cooked ones.
47. I talk to my mom on the phone a lot.
48. I love to watch movies.
49. I can’t wait till we get our vegetable garden started.
50. I am not so good at keeping in touch with old friends.
51. Taylor Swift is my artist of choice when I go running.
52. Joel and my song is “Just another day in Paradise.”
53. Joel and I say, “You’re my favorite” to each other as much as we say, “I love you.”
54. I took 4 years of Spanish and would not dare try to start a conversation with someone.
55. I hope to have 1 or 2 more kids.
56. I am a clothes horse.
57. I am a very modest person.
58. My sarcasm is something I am working to manage better.
59. I wonder what I will do when my kids go to school (in reference to work)
60. I think the best coffee comes from my house.
61. Some famous people I have met: Clay Walker, Colin Powell, Diamond Rio…
62. I love old country.
63. I like David Letterman better than Jay Leno.
64. We DVR: NCIS, CSI, Gary Unmarried, 2 ½ Men, Office, Earl, 24, Kath & Kim, Gray’s Anatomy…
65. My hair makes it up in a ponytail everyday!
66. I just purchased a BaByliss hair straightner. Love it. I have used the Chi, and this is so much better.
67. I love candles…not cinnamon ones though.
68. I love a good HOT shower.
69. I will kill a bug, but would rather Joel do it.
70. I love curling up on a couch with a blanket on a rainy day.

I did this because I was tagged by Lisa. It was supposed to be 100 things, but since I also did it to avoid other work....70 will have to do, so I can get back to work. I tag Michelle P. and Kathy T.

Troy is funny because...

2009-02-06T22:02:00.003-06:00

1. Troy found my drawer that has the food coloring in it and decided to drink the blue. I know it could have been so much worse, it was just in and around his mouth. Sorry if this is gross, it was blue again the second time around if you know what I mean.
I now keep the food coloring somewhere else on the slight chance that next time (incase he didn't learn the lesson the first time) won't be so easy to clean up.

2009-02-06T21:58:00.002-06:00

2. I have seen kids get excited about presents before, but seriously...you feel the excitement in this picture, right?

2009-02-06T21:53:00.003-06:00

3. This really shouldn't be funny, but it is. Our dryer's start button is broken, so if the dial is set for 30 minutes and you shut the door, it automatically starts drying. Well, Troy can open the dryer all by himself and climb in. I know, don't panic...I do not let him near it if it is running.

The prayer I needed to hear

2009-02-05T08:59:00.005-06:00

Let me set the stage. Our entire family has been sick for almost a week now. It has been the nasty cough, achy body, high temperature, sinus headache sickness. The kids have had it, but Joel and I are the ones being hit the worst. Needless to say, I am exhausted.
Last night I was just done, ready for the day to end. I had washed almost everything that could be de-germed in the house.
Molly and I were done reading and about to say her prayer. I reminded her to pray for Daddy because he had been really sick all day (in bed running 102, I quarantined him to the bedroom).
Her prayer:

Dear God,
Thank you to get Daddy to feel better,
Thank you for my friends and family.
Thank you for the living room.

(This is where I know my God is great)

(Molly reached up and touched my face and said,)
Thank you for Mommy who reads a book to me.
Thank you for Mommy cleaning my bed.

.......amen

I just love this girl!

Polar Express

2008-12-17T23:28:00.001-06:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

The Nutcracker

2008-12-15T00:25:00.003-06:00

This weekend we started a hopefully long tradition. Molly, Jeanifer and I went to see the Nutcracker. It was so much fun. Molly was slightly overwhelmed, but seemed to like it. She had never seen anything on a stage before, so she had lots of questions.

We had been reading the book for a few weeks so that she would have a better understanding of what was going on. She made it almost to the end before she fell asleep. I guess we will see the sugar plum fairy next year.

Santa Babies!!!

2008-12-10T14:50:00.002-06:00

Well, so far, my iron-on Christmas design/craft isn't as much fun as the turkey shirt was. Still fun though, right?

The kids are saying cheese, can you tell?

Turkey Hand Print Shirt

2008-11-17T11:03:00.003-06:00

Molly and I made this shirt last week. I am not sure what inspired this, but it was very fun.

I used Avery t-shirt trasnfer paper and printed a large enough polka dotted square that Molly's hand could fit. After printing the dots I turned the paper over and traced her hand. Cut out her hand print and ironed it to this cute Wal-mart t-shirt. I used mixed buttons to make the rest (you can buy variety button packs at Wal-mart). I sewed the buttons on, but I think fabric glue would work fine.

Try this out with your kids. I included the polka dot picture to print on the transfer paper.

When the shirt gets too small for her I think I am going to cut the front to make a pillow.

Stay tune... I will try and post her brown and turquiose tulle skirt that I am making to go with the shirt.

Night at the Roxbury

2008-11-06T20:44:00.005-06:00

Tonight a commercial on TV came on with this song and Troy started bobbin his head. It was so funny. The clip isn't near as funny as the first time he heard the commercial, but you get the idea.

October Htown Trip

2008-11-05T09:18:00.003-06:00

We were in Htown again for Halloween this year. I know I should have taken better pics of the kids, but I may have to do a post Halloween photo session with the kids. Molly was a cat, or a kitty princess. The girl has a mind of her own and knew this is what she wanted to be. Before you say it, I already know that she is her mother's child. Troy was a puppy because big sister said that he would be. By the time we took this picture Papa had taken Troy's costume off, he said he was hot. Molly only referred to Troy as Patch all night because she is in love with 101 Dalmations. I can't count the number of time we have watch this show or read the book.

It was a great night. We were leaving a fall festival when we took this picture and were heading to a hotdog supper a dear friend from church was having for all the kids from church. Then we went on a hayride in the same neighborhood where we stopped at 6-7 houses of people from church that lived around there. It was great.

I went that week to have a jewelry show. It was a good show. I have plenty to keep me busy the next couple of weeks. Praise God.

2008-11-05T09:16:00.005-06:00

2008-11-05T09:03:00.003-06:00

I can't believe this girl is as big as she is. I have taken pumpkin pictures at this church every year. She has definitely changed since our first visit.

2008-11-05T08:33:00.006-06:00

Troy would not be still at all. I was very frustrated, but it turns out I am frustrated every year because I fail to remember that pumpkins release a chemical that makes kids crazy, right?

What a girls night out!!!

2008-10-27T22:27:00.003-06:00

Went out with some of my girls this weekend to celebrate my 30th. We started the evening out with meeting Sweet Kamri Dawn. Mama Bridgett wasn't able to go out with us, so we went to see her. She looks awesome. She doesn't even look like she had a baby that day.

Girls night was a blast and just what I needed.

The Eikkel Tower???

2008-10-08T09:05:00.002-05:00

Molly called me into her room a couple of days ago to show that she had made the Eikkel Tower. I didn't even know she knew about the Eiffel, I mean Eikkel Tower.

Bows anyone?

2008-10-05T16:00:00.005-05:00

I have been making bows ...obviously. Molly was needing a few, but not 100 and that is how many I have made. Actually more, but I am going to have to order more clips.

Golf Play Day

2008-10-01T13:12:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

These were pictures taken in a friend's backyard. Troy did pretty good letting me take pictures, but Molly was being a little WILD. That is why this slide show is all about T.

Homecoming Game Day

2008-09-22T08:40:00.004-05:00

We had homecoming a couple of weeks ago. The kids had a great (long) day. We had a morning peprally, afternoon parade, evening game, and late night after game party. I sure was tired. Lots of fun though.
The pics include:
•Troy's first sucker (that was a slobbery mess)
•Daddy and Troy at the game
•Joel driving the sophmore float
•Molly's mum
•Troy at the parade
•Molly and her friend Katy at the peprally

Flower Child

2008-09-10T11:30:00.002-05:00

I started making these this week. Molly loves them. Just thought I would share little miss cuteness!

Troy is 1!

2008-09-07T16:06:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

August has come and gone...too fast!

2008-08-28T14:48:00.005-05:00

At the beginning of August we went to visit family. We went to my parents for almost a week and during that time we crammed in as much stuff as we could. My brother-in-law flew my sister, Joel and me to Galveston for the evening and we all went to eat and walked the strand. My mom kept the kids it was great. It was so much fun.

Growing up I always wanted a battery powered car, but I never got one, but as you can see my parents have one for the grandkids to use. Molly was hesitant at first to drive the 4 wheeler, but quickly grew to love it.

We also celebrated my brother's little boy, Colten's 1st birthday while we were there. Joel and Troy are posing during the party.

We also took Troy swimming in a big pool for the first time. He thought it was so great. The picture is my mom holding my sister's little girl, Kayla and Troy.

Another great August happening is we stopped by a truck in town and had over 100 green chili's roasted. Joel absolutely loved this. It took a couple of hours to get them ready for the freezer, but Joel was so happy the entire time. That New Mexico boy is so funny about his green chilis.

And last but not least Molly and Joel ate watermelon in the backyard earlier this week and had a blast. Molly learned to spit the seeds like a pro.

All's well here atThompson Central. Joel's school year started this week and we are missing him around the house, but the sound of, "Daddy's home!!!" does my heart good.

Blogging Time in July!

2008-07-25T21:23:00.003-05:00

It has been a fun month...a fast one, but a fun one. Joel and I celebrated our 6th anniversary on the 6th and had an amazing date day ((we ate out at 2 sit-down, here is your menu restaurants and saw 3 movies (one in the theater and 2 at the drive-in all in one day)). We took the kids to Joel's parents on the 4th and left them there for a couple of night. BTW...Tatum has a rockin' fireworks show.
Our garden as been so great. Molly's favorite vegetable this year is the greenbeans. She picks them like a pro. Troy eats them like a pro (raw, straight out of the garden). Troy has also really started to move, he started taking several steps at a time this week. He still ends on his back end most of the time, but he is so excited. His favorite toy now is my rolling pin that he gets out of the draw at least 3-4 times a day. What is a mama going to do...teach the boy to cook?
The feet pic is Joel. Now you know what happens at the Thompson house if you fall asleep without Mo's permission...your toes get..in Molly's words..."decornated."
Summer is going fast for us, but it is great!

June

2008-06-18T22:16:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

Plant Your Little Seeds!

2008-05-29T08:12:00.002-05:00

April Recap!

2008-05-06T09:04:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Last Night...

2008-05-06T08:01:00.003-05:00

We had quite a hail storm. I was burning the midnight oil trying to get my Mother's Day jewelry orders fulfilled and work was slightly interrupted.
Joel and I had the windows open in the living room. We were loving the rain smell filling the room and then the storm really came down. Joel went outside to move his truck and came back in with golf ball size whelps on his back (these pictures are not posted). Here are a couple pics. One of my flowerbed and one of a golf ball and the hail the same size as a golf ball.

March Recap

2008-04-05T14:25:00.004-06:00

March was a good month. Here are some of the things that happened:

1. Joel turned 33. We made him a three layer peanut butter cookie cake, created a table golf game (in which he managed to get a hole-in-one on his first attempt). He tried the rest of the evening to repeat his first attempt at flip golf and was unable to get that hole in one again.

2. Spring Break. Molly and I managed to create a piñata while Troy slept throughout the week. It was fun and messy. We were able to do a few things as a family, but it was pretty much a low key week.

3. At my parents Molly played dress up and let my mom and I catch a few poses.

4. Troy loves to bounce in his Johnny Jump Up. It will entertain him for long spells which let me get a few things done during the day.

5. I stayed in the car one Sunday while Joel ran some errands in the big town. What better time to snap some pics with the boy!

6. When I straighten up Troy’s room, the kids think that hanging out in the bed together is a blast.

7. Aren’t they the cutest!

8. This is me and by sibs, Travis & Christy

9. The boy loves his Cheerios. His 7 teeth can attest to that.

10. The kids opened their Easter baskets at Nonie and Pawpaw’s house. I left the Sat. before at 4 in the morning by myself and headed east with the kids. I actually like the early morning trip. I won't be surprised it I do that again.

11. On Easter, we hung the piñata from a tree in the backyard.

12. Me and the kids Easter morning.

13. Molly and her Pawpaw cracked the egg open. It took a little more Pawpaw power to crack it open. I think the egg piñata will have to be an Easter tradition. It was a lot of fun.

14. My sister, brother-in-law and I took the kids into the bluebonnets. Not trampling the flowers was a challenge, but we got a few cute pics.

15. Troy loves his bath at Nonie’s house.

16. Molly is very determined in her egg hunting technique. My niece that is 11 months was trampled by Mo a few times. Look out Molly, next year Kayla will seek revenge.

17. Sweet Kayla – 11 months old

18. Molly – 2 ½ years old

19. Troy – 6 ½ months old

February Recap

2008-03-03T11:02:00.017-06:00

1. Mardi Gras Bunco!

Last June I started a Bunco group in our small town. I hosted this month and we had a wild Mardi Gras time! I purchased 12 dozen strands of beads that had dice shaped beads on them, served shrimp etouffee, and played Dixieland jazz. It was so much fun. Everyone was covered in beads by the end of the night.

2. Valentine's Day

Molly and I tried to use the cookie press to make spritzer cookies for Joel the day before Valentine's Day. The cookie recipe wasn't as press friendly as I hoped, so all the hearts were shaped by hand. I told Molly that it was going to be a surprise, so don't tell Daddy. That evening the first words out of her mouth were, "Daddy, we made you cookies! Can we have one."

3. Troy is sitting up...pretty much

Troy started sitting up this month. It is funny to see him be so proud of himself. He will be 6 months old in a few days and he already has six teeth, he is eating fruits and vegetables and I think the next thing on the list is a t-bone steak.

4. Trip to Albuquerque

Last week I went with the kids and Joel's mom to Alb. to see Joel's grandparents. It was a lot of fun. They are the sweetest people. They are both 85 yrs old and you would never believe it. They get out nearly everyday and go eat at restaurants and go to Wal-mart. the could run circle around me. After the kids were in bed we played rummy every night. As must with the grandparents. They are such a blessing to me.

5. The Buzz

Troy's hair was growing a little sprouty, so Joel got the clippers out and gave him a buzz. Troy didn't sit still at all, but the job got done! He looks so cute.

ALSO

6. Molly started calling me momma!

She has always called me mommy, but she is all of a sudden such a big girl and needs to call me momma. It sounds so different to me, but so cute.

My Household Musts

2008-02-29T16:18:00.012-06:00

1. Apple Peeler/ Corer/ Slicer

We eat more apples in our house than ever. It is fast and easy to use. I can get Molly to eat more fruit this way! I bought mine at Linens n Things.

2. CLR

CLR is calcium, lime and rust remover. My dishes have the worst residue living in this small town. I just started using this stuff and it makes my dishes look great! I have I am actually not embarrassed to let guests use them.

3. Kitchen Aid Coffee Grinder

Joel has really turned me into a coffee drinker. We started grinding our coffee a few years ago and man it makes a difference. I start everyday with at least one cup of coffee!

4. Slow Cooker Liners

I make slow cooker meals to make my life easier, and who wants to clean the slow cooker after you have committed to an easy meal, not me!

5. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

Wow is this amazing. I don't ever have to get mad a Mo for getting crayons or markers on the table. It all comes up!

Seven Random Things About Me

2008-02-08T09:29:00.000-06:00

1. I love chips!
I know I could pick some other junk food to eat all the time, but every since I can remember this has been my weakness. When I went off to college my dad said it was the first time chip ever went stale in their house. No favorite kind, I like them all (corn, potato, plain, flavored).

2. I have OCD tendencies, but constantly fail my efforts.
I love having a clean house. I love being organized, but I quickly become lazy or distracted and have to start my cleaning and organizing schedule all over again. Just pick up after yourself and stay focused Ker!

3. Until recently hated cinnamon.
All my life I have despised the smell and taste of cinnamon. I don’t love it by any means now, but don’t hate it. I have read that cinnamon is good for metabolism and it is always good to test your taste buds because they change and mature and all that. Well since I have had Troy, cinnamon doesn’t make me cringe.

4. “Hear me roar!" Women
I am a huge fan of strong women, but they are killing chivalry. I love to have my door opened and chair pulled out by a man. I like being referred to as ma’am. I have heard it from more than one man that they don’t do that a lot because they don’t want to offend a woman. My husband is very chivalrous and my son will be too.

5. Don’t touch a baby’s hands!
With Troy being so little, he sticks his fingers in his mouth all the time. It is what all babies do. Nearly everyone that reaches to touch him, go for his hand. “Go for his sock-covered feet or tickle his belly, but keep your germs off his hands.”

6. I don’t know how to sit still when I hear a good song!
Joel can attest to this. I love to dance, bust a jig, stomp a foot, cut a rug…call it what you want…I love to dance! Who would have thought I would marry a man that didn’t. He does bust a move around the house on occasion, but not as often as I do!

7. I get nervous at cafeteria style restaurants
They go to fast, there are too many choices and I hate to hold up the line. The first time I met Joel’s parents we met at Furr’s. Panic attack for me! I can tell you I have gone to Furr’s for many years now and I rarely stray from my usual choices (baked fish, okra, mac and cheese, roll, chocolate silk pie and water).

I tag...Michelle & Brooke

Hello Again!

2008-01-28T08:14:00.000-06:00

I have to confess, I use myspace now so my blog has suffered. I have two kids now! Troy is 4 1/2 months old. Molly is 2 1/2 now. They are great. They keep me busy, but I am loving every moment.

My little 2 Year Old

2007-08-07T21:44:00.000-05:00

Molly turned 2 on June 28th. I am a little late posting this news, but here it is. We had a carnival birthday party for her and it was so much fun. We has a few different booths and tickets to win at each. At the end of the party the kids to turn their tickets in for prizes.
Her Paw Paw made her a kitchen for her room and is loving it so much. We have her in her big girl room in her big girl bed (a queen size bed), she looks so small.
The closer I get to my due date I do so much reflecting on how much Molly has grown and I am so amazed at her. She is doing so great with potty training and this makes me and her daddy very happy. Less diapers to buy come September.
Yesterday my in-laws came for the day to babysit Molly while Joel and I went on our first date in months and months. We went to watch Bourne Ultimatum and ate at Chili's. It was wonderful. I haven't been to the movies since Christmas. And before kids Joel and I went to the movies all the time (it was our thing). We really had a blast. We rarely have a babysitter for Molly so when Gramma gave such a great report on Molly I was very pleased. You just never know how your child will act when you are not around. It was a relief that she used her manners for someone else.
I have been trying to get Troy's room ready. I sewed most of last week doing curtains, a bed skirt and some pillows. My sewing branched into other rooms of the house (pillows for my room and kitchen stuff for Molly). I guess I feel good about what I accomplished considering the mess I made.
My garden has had quite the harvest. We have been eating lots of squash, zucchini and cucumbers. The tomatoes are all turning red now and we are loving it. My favorite thing that I started this summer was my zinnia flower bed. I have had 3-4 vases of cut flowers every week. Molly loves to pick flowers with me. It is so fun.

The plan is for Troy to be induced on Sept. 6th so, less than a month now. I am excited, but not really in a hurry to rush to the hospital. I am feeling pretty good. My friend that lives literally less than a block away is letting us use their pool as much as we want. I told her today that she can count on us being there at 1pm everyday this week. Molly is so cute with her suit and floaties on.
This has been a great summer. Molly has kept me on my toes, but I wouldn't expect much else from her.

June Update!

2007-06-15T18:53:00.000-05:00

Hello all! I have been a slacker. I actually intended on not blogging anymore, but here I am. So much has happened since February. Molly is just so smart. She is going to be such a great big sister to a little brother to be born in September. His name is Troy William.

Our big thing this summer is gardening. We have started a fairly large garden for our small family. We have tomatoes, jalapenos, spinach, strawberries, cucumbers, green beans, squash, zuccini and pumpkins. It has rained so much around here that the garden is getting huge. Molly is so funny because she wanted to water it all the time. Which is great until the water hose gets turned on me or Joel. She is also obsessed with ladybugs and catapillers. We are constantly hunting for them. Joel has really made our backyard such a great place to be. He put us a small patio in and we have a cedar swing that is just great.

Joel has left us girls home for the first time ever (seven full days). He is sponsoring a junior high trip to DC. I am so excited for him. I am sure he will be taking tons of pictures being the history buff he is.

I have also been working on my high school 10 year reunion that because of my pregnancy may not even be able to go to. I wasn't the biggest fan of high school anyway, but here I am planning the reunion. I guess being senior class pres wasn't the great decision (all I wanted was something else to put on my resume). Tell your kids to avoid this position in HS unless they are up for the 10 years down the road planning. Oh well.

This is what I know for now.

Catsup Queen!

2007-01-25T11:25:00.000-06:00

Let it Snow!

2007-01-23T08:37:00.000-06:00

Molly's daddy was so good to us Saturday afternoon. He built us a snow...girl. We planned on all being outside for the building of the snow girl, but Molly wasn't that keen on standing in the snow, so the girls went inside the house and watched from the window until it was time to help accessorize.

Santa Uncertainty

2006-12-19T02:10:00.000-06:00

Joel's Work Party

2006-12-14T18:43:00.000-06:00

Last night Joel and I went to his school Christmas party. It was nice to get out of the house without Molly, but that girl decided to show us a thing by not going to bed for the babysitter and then staying up till 11:30 pm (1 1/2 hours after we relieved the sitter). I just love this time of year!

Trick or Treat!

2006-10-29T20:27:00.000-06:00

We went to see Joel's parents this weekend and suprised them at the door with this little scarecrow. She really brought a smile to Gramma and Pappa's faces.
The scarecrow idea was decided when we realized that she could wear her favorite hat as part of the costume.

Homecoming Parade

2006-10-19T11:46:00.000-05:00

Looking good in royal blue. It is taking some adjusting switching from kelly green to royal, but we're managing. Molly was so excited at her first parade.
We took a different approach to her cheerleading outfit. I saw this type of skirt in the mall for $30 and thought, "when tule comes $.77/yard, I can do that myself." She was quite a sight.

She is all girl!

2006-09-18T11:42:00.000-05:00

My girl loves shoes! She gets that from me. I don't know how many times I have put all my shoes up in their rightful places and, within no time she has the strung all over the house. It is really quite funny. Never a dull moment with Miss Molly!

My Child the Stripper

2006-09-11T22:17:00.000-05:00

Well, today Molly started a new favorite thing, taking her shirt off. And the worse thing is that I laughed at her and now telling her to stop is, well, not working. She took her shirt off three times today. "Whew, who! somebody throw this girls some Mardi Gras beads!" She kept trying to take her pants and diaper off too, but she was trying for the diaper first and she had trouble. My fear is that is won't be long till she figure pants then diaper. But I can guarentee I won't laugh at that(well, I hope not).
It has started out to be a nice week. Lots of rain and that is good, right? Last week Molly and I recovered from traveling (Joel too, but he still had to go to work). Molly and I were at my parents for a week and the I flew to San Antonio to meet up with some friends to float the river in New Braunfels. It was the first time I left Molly overnight with anyone, but she was in good hands with my parents. Needless to say it was a much needed river vacations, we have the best friends ever!

I have no excuse...

2006-08-22T21:59:00.000-05:00

I have just put this on the back burner these past few weeks. Molly is keeping me busy that is for sure. She is very fast and a little too smart for her britches. She has been going through this "throw everything off her highchair" phase. I repeatedly say, "Molly, no!" or "Stop!" Anyway, she thinks that it is funny when I am looking to wave her arm back and forth above her food like she is pretending to throw her food off either side of her tray or she will hold a piece of food over the side of her tray until I am looking and then slowly bring the food to her mouth. I can guarantee she gets that from her dad. All in all she is so much fun. She is really saying all her animal noises and saying "thank you" without being prompted when I give her a drink or food. She loves to dance, especially when we are in the car and she is trying not to fall asleep (that's my little head-banger).
Joel's school year is starting out great. He is a little bit exhausted from staying up late working on class stuff and he is also having trouble adjusting from his summer hours to his school hours. I try to make him get more sleep, but that is like talking to a brick wall sometimes.
Next week I am going to my folks for the whole week. I am excited about that. Not too much planned, I am thinking about antique shopping one day and Molly's Nonie wants to go to the zoo. I really think Molly will love that. There is a little train we can ride while we are there.
I am also interested to see my parents' barn because there was a storm last week that blew the roof off of it and really flooded the hay-loft apartment and more. Thank goodness for insurance.
That is all I have now. Talk to you soon.

Belated Birthday Post

2006-07-17T10:54:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the delay on me saying, "Molly is 1!" My parents came to Whiteface and helped with some move in stuff and had a blast with Molly. After they were here we went to Huntsville for a little over a week and enjoyed the 4th with them, Joel and I went to a baseball game for our anniversary and we had a great birthday party for Molly. Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Moving Moments

2006-06-20T18:36:00.000-05:00

Well, Molly had fun with Mommy's hat. And since she had the hat, I had to add the boots. I guess she is getting ready to ride horses at Nonie & Papa's house. We should be moved to Whiteface by this weekend. I can't believe we have so much stuff. We made a run yesterday to unpack some boxes so we could refill the boxes. Lots of fun! I think we unpacked 16 boxes, I have almost filled those up again.
Saturday I had a bit of a breakdown. We had wall to wall boxes, the house was a reck, and Joel may have been a little bit scared of what I might do if the situation didn't change. He promised me that if I would smile more he would take 20 boxes to the tool shed in Whiteface. So I agreed and I now smile more.
Not much to say, but we have been moving and packing!

Trip to Albuquerque

2006-06-10T12:31:00.000-05:00

On Memorial Day, we headed to New Mexico. Joel's brother and his family were making the trip too, so we thought it would just be more fun all together. We met at Joel's parent’s house in Tatum and started the caravan to Portales where Joel's dad's parents live. We had lunch and saw cousins and took family pictures. That afternoon we went on our way to Albuquerque and spent a few days with Joel's mom's parents, Nana and Dad Bill. The entire trip was so great. We turned the sprinkler on in the backyard and Molly experienced that for the first time. We also went to the zoo. Nana and Dad Bill are both 84 and they are just amazing; they went to the zoo and just kept up with our own little zoo. The trip was great.
When we got back home we have just kept going. Joel is now going to be working in Whiteface CISD which is about 45 minutes from Lubbock. Not too bad, Levelland is only 10 minutes from Whiteface which has a Wal-mart and United. This is a shorter trip that from Ropes to Lubbock for shopping. We are planning on still going to Green Lawn for church. We will see how it goes. We will be moving in about two weeks. I'm excited about that, but more excited about Joel having a little bit better schedule. He is going to be helping on the girls' side of sports and no football! He also only had two class preps. Whiteface has great people. The principal and superintendent used to be in Ropes till about four years ago. They are good Christian men. Well there is a lot to tell. Catch more info in the next blog post. It will be much sooner that the last.

That's My Girl!

2006-05-01T18:40:00.000-05:00

33¢ Stamps

2006-05-01T10:12:00.000-05:00

Well I finally used up all my 33¢ stamps and old glue-back penny stamps this weekend. It was pretty hard not to just put 66¢ worth of stamps on a card size piece of mail (2 stamps and be done), but I did it, I licked six 1¢ stamps for nearly every envelope I needed to send out (and there were quite a few).
Here’s a little car update for everyone. We got a decent settlement for my car and they had someone come and tow it on Thursday. It was a little sad to see it go, but no tears were shed. But here is the fun part, on Saturday our one vehicle, Joel’s truck started acting weird and was sounding so bad Joel said we don’t need to drive it until we get it looked at. I agree, it sounded like it was dying. So our dilemma for Sunday came into play; how do we get to church? After a little brain storming and a few phone calls we took the white 97 Ford school van with “Ropes ISD” printed on the side to church. It was kind of funny, well to me and Joel it was funny. As of this morning we are a no car family Joel and another coach took his truck to Wolfforth to be worked on…$$$$. I feel a little bit trapped in the house, not that I was planning on driving anywhere today, but it is always nice to have the option. Since the accident Joel has been walking to school; a little perk of living a block from the school. We have been looking at new cars, just haven’t found our match yet.
Molly is changing so much. Her little personality is really starting to shine. She has really made Joel and I laugh quite a bit lately. She is really set on saying da da for everything, especially when we try to get her to say mama. I truly think she is just playing a game with me. She loves being outside and if she isn’t outside she loves to stand at the screen door and look outside. If she is awake when Joel leaves she loves to follow him to the door and shout out the screen as he walks away. It really makes it hard for Joel to leave.
This past weekend was when my brother was supposed to get married. About three weeks ago the wedding was called off. Travis seems to be doing okay, he is staying really busy. My mom has been working hard to return wedding gifts. I think she is just about done. I think she will be relieved when that is done. I just pray that this is what is best for both Travis and Mandi. They were so strong to call it off now rather than to wait till after the marriage began to realize that it wouldn’t work.
There are 4 weeks of school left. I can’t wait for Joel to have some time off, maybe let him get a few rounds of golf in and who knows what else is in store for the summer. But first things first, finish the school year.
I guess that is all for now, I know it has been a while since I updated, but hey, I am trying.

Happy Easter!

2006-04-16T20:26:00.000-05:00

Miss Molly has her first Easter today. It really turned out to be a wonderful day. We were invited to go to the Taylor Family Easter lunch and egg hunt. The weather was great, the food was great and so was the company. It is really nice to have families that take us in as their own when being with our family isn't as geographically convenient.
On Friday Joel's grandparents from Portales came for the afternoon and we had dinner with them at Furr's. Joel's grandmother has been pretty sick and she called and said she was feeling pretty good on Friday and she and Grandad love to drive through the country and wanted to see Molly too. It was so nice to see them and after they left we realized how blessed we are to have such good people in our lifes. Joel always says that is he doesn't turn out right it is nobody's fault but his own because he has been surrounded with such amazing people. Joel's parents and both sets of grandparents are truly to blame for the wonderful husband that I have. Thank you Lord for them.

Just a Swingin'

2006-04-05T18:19:00.000-05:00

Trip to the Park

2006-04-05T17:28:00.000-05:00

Today we went to the park for the first time. Molly really had a great time. We went with the Davis clan. We got there ready to play and left rosy cheeked and ready to nap. There will definitely be more trips to the park.

The "What if" Game

2006-04-04T21:23:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday Molly and I went to Tatum, NM for a jewelry show at Joel's mom's school. It was really fun to have Sheila get to show Miss Molly off. After the show we stayed around to be able to eat dinner with Pappaw (Joel's dad). It was getting dark and so I thought we should get on the road. It was about 8:15 (TX-time) when we left. Ten minutes down the road I am driving about 65 mph and see a light colored cow on the side of the road and think that slowing down might be best in case there are others out and sure enough, as I slow down I hit something. I screamed. All at the same time, Molly has fallen asleep and I scare her, she screams, but goes right back to sleep and I forgot to mention, Joel is on the phone. He hears my scream. As I pull the car to the side of the road I can hear Joel yelling, "what is going on?!?"
The car is pulled over and I pick the phone back up and tell him that I think I hit a cow. I turn around and just feel on quiet, sleeping Molly's little chest. She is okay.
At this point I'm doing okay. I am going down the checklist with Joel: light still on, hazard light on, car in park, I am far enough off the shoulder... I then get out of the car and go to check the damages.
I guess I was expecting less, because I am trying to talk to Joel and I started to cry and I couldn't say anything. When I looked at the car the passenger side headlight is busted, part of the bumper is off, the hood has damage, the side panel is damaged, the mirror is torn off and the bottom right corner of the windshield is busted, passenger door won’t open…
As Joel realizes that I am freaking out he tells me to just get back in the car. So I did.
I hadn't gotten but 10 minutes from Joel's parents' house so Joel called them and they got there as soon as they could. Joel's dad used to be a NM State police officer, so once he got there he was able to ease my concern of dealing with the situation.
To make a short story long...there were 3 cows that got out on to the road. Two black, one red. I hit a black one, so did a semi-truck. The ranch foreman came to the scene and shot the black cow. My car is still drivable and Joel's parents drove us home that night. They are really such amazing people. I couldn't imagine being in Joel's position. He really felt so helpless, but we were all so glad to make it home.
God really took good care of our family last Thursday night. The "what if" game scares me. Sure, if the cow had been six more inches to the center of my car, or what if I hadn't seen the red cow to start slowing down, what if my air bag opened? All viable "what if" scenarios, but we are okay, my baby is okay.
Did I mention there is cow hair all over the damaged area of my car, gross!

Yahoo for Rain!

2006-03-18T15:13:00.000-06:00

Well it finally rained here in Ropesville. Yesterday Joel and I drove to New Mexico to see his parents and let them get their Molly fix. On the way there we say the aftermath of the fires there from last Sunday (over 90,000 acres by the Texas border to McDonald, NM). Joel's dad works for the electric co. there and told us some terrible story that happened because of the fire. My heart really goes out to those that were affected. We started to discuss what we would try to save if we knew our house was about to burn. It was a tough question to answer. Needless to say, hallelujah for the rain!
Spring break is quickly coming to an end. It has been so great to have Joel at home. It was one of those weeks that not much went on, but was so great because of it. Next week Molly and I are flying to Houston for a few days. I have a jewelry show and Travis and Mandi have a couples shower on Saturday. I can’t believe that my little brother is about to be married. I am so excited for them; they are quite a neat pair.
For about a week now, Molly has been crawling. She is really starting to move, but she is also really getting a good bruise count on her legs and forehead. She is really tough.
Anyway, that is pretty much all for now. Not too much going on, but that is the way I like it!

Plans Change, Roll with it!

2006-03-08T08:15:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I went to Ladies Bible Class and dropped Molly off at Tuesdays for Tots (all usual routine stuff). After class I went to get Molly so that we could go run some errands. When I got there, she was not in the clothes that I brought her in and man did she smell sour. Apparently she spit up her breakfast yogurt that smells good going down, but not so good coming up. Well now I have a stinky baby in just a shirt and diaper. I usually would not have let this slow me down, but it was a little windy and the new shirt was really starting to get wet. Molly has about 2 or 3 teeth wanting to come through, which in turn leads to drooling. Did I mention that I didn't get to bed till about 12:30 am, Molly and I got up once about 3 am (not really sure of the time, it is a little blurry), and she decided to start our day at 6 am. I am one of those eight hours of sleep kind of girls. I am married to a man that can run on fumes for days, but not me.
Well, at this time, I have thoughts piling up in my head, I'm tired, Molly is under-dressed and wet and the long list of things that I wanted to accomplish quickly started to fade from my memory. So, Molly and I drove home right at noon, which is when Joel comes home for lunch. So, honestly it was kind of nice to see Joel at lunchtime instead of checking things off of my errand list.
God must have seen my exhaustion because about 1pm, Molly fell asleep and stayed that way until about 3:45. Hopefully you see where I am going with this; I too got a long nap. Oh happy day!

Too Cool!

2006-02-20T13:58:00.000-06:00

Great weekend with Nonie

2006-02-20T13:42:00.000-06:00

Molly and I just dropped her Nonie off at the airport. We had such a great weekend with her (just so you know, Nonie is my mom, Molly's grandma. Mom's name is Tonie...). The visit was too short, like most visits seem to be, but it was fun. We were able to get some shopping in which mostly consisted of things for Molly and we did some fun stuff around the house too. I was able to sew for Mom with the embroidery sewing machine that she got me for my birthday. She pretty much has open-ended access to my sewing abilities anytime she wants. She is way too good to me. Now we begin the countdown till the next visit. That is our routine. We visit, plan next visit during visit and then count the days till we visit again.
Joel and I went on a date Saturday night and Nonie babysat Molly. We went to Rockfish and then saw The Pink Panther. Steve Martin did a great job, but my opinion is, "it's a renter!" The date was great. Since Molly was born we have not gone out much, surprised? Well, we decided we have got to get out more. Hopefully we will.

2006-02-17T14:04:00.000-06:00

2006-02-17T13:50:00.000-06:00

I was searching for a family pic to include with this post and the last one we took was a Christmas. Molly changes way too much to not take more pics of us all together.

Getting Started

2006-02-16T18:19:00.000-06:00

Well, here we go. I am just awful at keeping in touch with friends, so here is my attempt to get better. Things are going pretty good here is Ropesville. Joel and Molly are great. Basketball season is over and track season doesn't really start until March, so I get to see my husband for a little while. It is great! Molly is growing like a weed. She is just a rolling anywhere she wants to go. Crawling isn't far away, but I am definitely in no hurry to get her there because I know I will really have to chase her. I am still in the jewelry making business. It is keeping me busy. The more active Molly gets, the harder it is to get to my jewelry, but I have found that naptime is a great thing. My mom is coming to visit us this weekend. We are so excited, Joel and I are going on a date Saturday night and Nonie and Molly will hang out together. Well that is all for now. Hope you have a great rest of the week.