What's new with the kids

Well, lots is new with the kids so let me start with my oldest:

Allie is just getting so big in so many way. She is growing so fast, it seems like every time I turn around she grew another inch. I don't think ever in her life has she grown so much in such a short amount of time.

She is also reading. I just cannot believe it. We take turns at night reading pages, and she absolutely surprises me every night. I am blown away with the amount of words she know. Now if I can just get Jack to stay still long enough for a book, I'll have my very own mini helper. Her teacher is so impressed with her on so many levels and I of course could not be happier. Allie's teacher last year and her teacher this year have both told me that she will be an all around kid. She is happy to play with anyone and is willing to play anything, not a typical 4 or 5 year old behavior. And of course she is as impressed with her academic levels as I am. I hope she continues on this path.

Allie is taking gymnastics lessons and is loving it. She has such a good time learning new skills and interacting with the other children. She has always taken gym at "The Little Gym" which is so different from a "real" gym. I didn't realize how much different it would be. At first sight I was a little disappointed because when you walk in you are not greeted with colorful walls and happy pictures. It's the real deal, one really huge open room, no fluff. But as time went on I have become fond of it. First of all, there are usually at least 4 different classes going on at one time, so she is able to watch the bigger kids, which she loves to do. They even have a class that is usually practicing their floor exercises to music (I'm sure there is a name for that). That couldn't be more perfect for her dancing and gymnastics... her two loves!

Allie has also started t-ball and is having fun with that as well. She is the only girl on her team, but it doesn't seem to bother her. At the first practice she met a little boy named Jack, which she was excited to tell him that her little brothers name was Jack. His response was "Do you want to be my boyfriend." It was so funny. His mom told me I should watch out because he is a little flirt - uhhh yeah I would say so! Allie's team has 3 male coaches ,and there are always a few extra Dad's out there helping out. It is so funny to watch them interact with the boys, then with Allie. Their demeanor totally changes with her and I think it is hilarious. This last practice, her hat kept coming off when she took her batting helmet off and one of the coaches had to fix her hat with her pony tail sticking out the back... it was a sight. Allie is enjoying playing defense, you can usually find her somewhere in the field doing her little dance. Yes, she is more times than none dancing, pointing her toes, kicking, twirling, sticking poses etc... Needless to say, I get a kick out of going to practices. Can't wait for the first game!

Allie and I are still involved in the church choir. I must say it is a lot more enjoyable and fulfilling than I would have imagined. I'm glad to be a part of it. Allie has really come a long way since we started about six months ago. She has no problem getting right up to the mic and signing. Since I am in the choir too, I can only see her back so I usually can't really tell if she's signing loud or what she is doing. Lately, I can hear her voice coming through the mic, I have to hold back the tears... it is and overwhelming feeling.

Now onto cracker Jack... jumping Jack... Jack Sprat... Jack O' lantern...Jack Rabbit...

Yes, my little Jack has accumulated many nicknames in his short 7 month life. Jack is like Allie growing in leaps and bounds. He is well above what Allie was at his age. He is now about 18 pounds. For so long he was a tiny, little petite baby boy... but not anymore. He is chunky chunky chunky... and adorable adorable adorable! He looks so much like Allie when she was a baby. I didn't realize just how much until I was going through some boxes and found a few framed pictures of Allie as a baby and absolutely could not believe how much he looks like her. I kept one of the pictures out and put it on the counter and when my neighbor came over she thought it was Jack in the picture... that's how much they look alike.

Jack's first love is his big sister. He absolutely adores her, she can make him laugh when no one else can. Allie says the feeling is mutual! I just love how much they get along and have bonded. It's one of those precious gifts sent from God. I'm in no hurry for either of my kids to get any bigger, but I do think about how sweet it will be to see them interact when Jack is older. They are both so blessed to have one another!

Jack is finally sitting up on his own. He could do it for about 30 seconds or so, but then he would lean back and their was no getting him to sit up again. He wouldn't let you bend his legs to put him in the right position. Finally, I noticed that Jack was always interested in Allie's baby alive doll, so I put it in front of him while I sat him down and first time he sat up for about 10 minutes playing with the doll. She does have a boy baby alive, so I've been giving him that just in case - haha! Now he sits up like it no big deal. He isn't getting himself to a sitting position yet, but that will come. He is also trying really really hard to crawl. He is rocking and going backwards. He is also doing this little bunny hop thing, it is just adorable! He can sometimes gets either his knees or his hand but not together. I'm excited to see him do it, but at the same time, not sure that I'm ready to be running after him when he gets into what he's not suppose to.

Jack is getting is first tooth! It is on the bottom, but not one of the front two. It's off to the side. Oh well.... why be the typical... be your own man Jack! It's so funny to see him feeling his tooth with his tongue. It isn't out all the way yet, just the very top is sticking out.

All and all I have a lot to be thankful for. Both my kids are happy and healthy and really who could ask for more....

Lots of fun has been had...

We have had lots of things going on lately, and have had lots of fun... which is good because we needed it!

The kids and I headed to my parents house for some Mardi Gras fun. Thanks to my mother-in-law Allie and I were able to have lots of fun while Jack played and napped with his Granny. We made it to many parades and Allie enjoyed each one of them. Catching lots of beads, toys, and trinkets. I think her favorite was a streamer she caught that she just had the best time playing with, and is still having a great time playing with it. The first parade we went to there were "Mardi Gras" (for you non-Louisianians that is people who dress up in costumes, it could be crazy, scary, silly whatever) walking in the parade and Allie was absolutely terrified. Most of them did look pretty scary. She cried to go home, then after a few more floats passed by she was back into the Mardi Gras spirit. At another parade she was able to sit on the Easter Bunnies shoulders to catch beads. Brad's brother decided to go to the parade dressed up as the Easter Bunny and found us and helped Allie catch beads. She had a blast. It was hilarious watching him try to catch beads because the bunny mittens he had did allow for very good grabbing. Allie also had a blast just being able to play with her cousins during Mardi Gras. She loves time with them, and they feel the same. We did go the parade with the Mardi Gras that come out and whip you with sticks until you say "pardon" (it means I'm sorry in french), but we left before their arrival. I figured after her reaction to the Mardi Gras that were just walking in the parade I sure wasn't going to expose her to the ones that actually hit you with sticks.

Next up... the Houston Rodeo. The kids and I headed to Brad's grandparents house for a visit and to go to the Rodeo. Allie and I were very excited Tuesday morning to get dressed up like cowgirls and head to the Rodeo! It was such a fun time, and a great learning experience for both Allie and I. Our first stop was to see the horses running around the arena, Allie picked a horse which was her new friend and was determined to find that horse during the rodeo. We passed through a pretend farm, collecting fruits, vegetable, wool, milk, etc just like the farmers do and then hopped on a tractor and sold them for a ticket which got her REAL food. While on the tractor ride Allie got her picture taken by the Houston Chronicle and she made the paper the next day! I think the most exciting thing for us was watching a baby chic come out of its egg. It was amazing! After a full day of events we headed to the Rodeo. It was funny because Allie and I both felt the same way... poor calf! After the Rodeo we were ready for the next event... Rascal Flatts was there and we had tickets! Allie loved it when they sang "Life is a Highway." We had a WONDERFUL day. It was so nice to spend the day with her, just me and her. I think we both could not have had a better day! But... we both missed Jack and was ready to see him the next morning when he woke up.

Now we are ready for the next fun adventure!

Jack loves to take a bath...

Jack loves his bath so much he always kicks and kicks and kicks. He usually has me, the wall, and him- face and all soaked at the end of each bath. It's so cute to watch. Anyway, I decided to video it one day and that day he had another trick in mind to show off. Then, when I finally remembered to bring the camera in the bathroom again he was ready to show off his kicks. He is so cute I could just eat him up!!!

Valentine's Day

The day started bright and early so we could all prepare for our race! I got dressed in my pink running skirt and a pink shirt and headed to Allie room to wake her up. When she finally was up enough to see what I was wearing she said "oh Mommy I wanted to wear a skirt too." I told her I was sorry but she didn't have a skirt. She was surprised when she walked into the kitchen and saw a pink running skirt and a pink shirt set out on the table. She was so excited! The 5K was first, so I was up. I was so bummed because when I was about a half mile to the finish line I had to stop. I was sooo sick. I figured out that eating a cereal bar about a 1/2 hour before a race was not a good idea. That is what happens when you are busy getting kids ready beforehand. Anyway, I started up pretty quickly afterward and still finished 4th in my catagory. I was bummed that I had to stop because had I not stopped I would have finished 3rd. But... as Brad said I needed to be proud of what I did, becasue even with stopping during the run I still managed to finish 4th. Up next was the 1-mile fun run. Allie just could not wait any longer she was ready. So we went to the start line and I asked her if she wanted to get down in the race position. She basically said that would be embaressing... is my baby growing up? Allie's idea of running with me consist of holding hands, so we held hand the whole 1 mile. It was fun, we played the ABC game... I know my running buddies know about the ABC game. It was a bit different playing with a 5 year old. So we finished the race and Allie received her medal. She was as proud as she could be. I was so proud of her too! Brad and Jack were on the side line to cheer us on and that made an already great time even better.

We hurried home from the race to start preparing for our Valentine brunch. I invited one of Allie's friends and his mom over for a Valentine brunch. The kids exchanged Valentines and had lots of fun playing; and I had lots of fun having an adult conversation.

Valentinie's night Brad and I went on a date. Yes you read it right... a DATE! It was so exciting. I got all dressed up and even put on all of my makeup in my make up bag instead of just what I had time to get too. I was ready when Brad got home from work. I kept him guessing all week as to what I was wearing. I actually was putting on an act. When he would as me what I was wearing I would tell him I wasn't sure but I would find something in my closet to wear, all the while I was planning. I was borrowing earrings and a purse and found a dress from my closet and bought new shoes. I even found a video clip on utube with instruction to a really easy up do. So, when Brad got home I walked into the living room and he just stared for a few seconds and said WOW... you just WOWED me! It was nice, I figured he'd be surprised since I definately don't take that much time on myself on a regular basis. Brad was such a gentleman, he even opened the car door for me. I felt like we were dating again. It was nice to check-out of reality for a while. We met three other couples at the local casio. We had lots of fun. We ate, drank, bar hopped, visited a sweet shot and gambled. We finially headed home around 2:45am. What a late night, but it was great we had so much fun. I enjoyed having so much time with Brad.

Overdue Blog

Well, I guess I'm somewhat overdue for an entry. It always seems like a challenge to sit at the computer and do mindless things, much less write a blog where I actually do have to think. Well here it goes...

I guess I'll start where I left off Dec. 1st... wow it has been long. December was a bit of a crazy month, as always. Besides the biggest holiday of the year we also celebrate, me and Brad's anniversary, my birthday and Brad's birthday. It's always crazy, but always ends up being a fun month. Allie and I had our big debut in the church choir on Christmas Eve. Allie sang a short verse in the mic all by herself. I was of course beaming! Brad did get it on video. She also was able to get a little mic time during "Away in a Manager." I love hearing her singing those songs. I love that she is not only learning the songs, but understanding what they are saying. This year we really took the time to remember the meaning of Christmas. Allie is at a good age to really understand and starting to appreciate what is truly important about Christmas. Being in the church choir has really added to our catholic education for both of us and I am extremely thankful for that. Christmas Day was a fun day. We kept things pretty simple spending time with our family on Christmas Day - that is a change. Brad's parents and brothers came to Lake Charles to spend the day with us. I really did appreciate that since it is a 3 1/2 hour drive and they came and left in the same day. Allie always enjoys their visits, especially when they bring girlfriends because of course they always end up playing with her. I love it too since it gives me a little break!

It's funny how after the holidays it almost like a job trying to get back into your routine. That is exactly how it was for us this year. It was a challenge getting Allie on time for school each morning. Thank goodness for a great teacher. She was always so nice and never minded getting Allie caught up if she was late. Don't worry I am getting better. On the 12th of January my father-in-law turned the big 50! So, we had a party at our house for him. It was the perfect meeting point with Brad's grandparents coming from Houston, and Brad's parents coming from Houma. It was great for us... no traveling!!! Brad and I realized that we've got it! We were always so afraid of having too many guest over at one time thinking we couldn't handle preparing food, keeping everyone happy, all around being good host...but we did a great job! We didn't have any problems admitting that to ourselves afterwards :). All and all it was a really fun day. We are definately enjoying the extra family time we are getting.

February has been off to a good start. On the 1st I ran the 1/2 Mardi Gras Marathon with my friend Jeannie (from VA) and Cassie a local I started running with. Jeannie and I ended up on Bourbon the night before and we had such a good time. We even sang karaoke. We sang a Brittany Spears song in a redneck bar!!! The next day we did manage to get up a run 13.1 miles. When we were done with the run we were able to get a front row view of the winner of the marathon as he was running across the finish line. It was so awesome. I think I had to be almost as happy for him as he was. It was such a great thing to witness in person. I loved how right before he crossed the finish line he got a really excited look on his face, calm but excited. He was obviously extremely proud! After the race Jeannie and I headed to Cafe Du Monde and then we shopped at the french market. It was a great visit and I am so greatful to Jeannie for making it to New Orelans.

Apparently in Lake Charles ever Febrary there is a rodeo here and it's pretty big deal. So this past friday at Allie's school they had rodeo day. Allie was so excited to dress up in her cowgirl gear. I have to say she made one of the cutest cowgirls I've ever seen. She was so excited about it she asked me to wake her up early just to be sure she would have enough time to get ready and have her hair french braided in piggy tails.

Allie and I are also looking forward to our first mother daughter 1 mile run on Valentine's Day. I'm not sure who is more excited me or her. More on that later!

I wanted to take a few more lines to say Thank You to all of my wonderful friends in Virgia. I am truly blessed to have met so many great guine people. Really I do believe it is rare these days. I lead a very fulfilled life in Virgina and that is why it is so hard for me to move on. I know that you all are rooting for me and I cannot express to you how happy that makes me. Thank you all for your continued support - I don't know that I could have done it without all of you!
I miss you guys like crazy!!!

Watch out for the DUCKS!

Here is a funny one for you guys... My parents for some reason in their elder years have decided they like to have animals. They have had lots of different things like, ducks, geese, turkey, goats, cows, pigs, etc. Anyway, right now they have ducks, geese and a turkey - oh and a cow. My mom says the ducks are either in their fence in the back yard or in the front yard, but when she is home they are always there. Well... these duck apparently know how to "sneak out" because here is a video of my parents ducks that made it on My Space.

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=47052887

Allie is 5

Well... like it or not it has happened. My little girl is now 5. Why does time have to go by so fast? And why does 5 seem so old when you are talking about your own child?

Allie had a fun birthday, she celebrated it many times. She had a little party at school, another little party at home, then her "Super Hero" party at her Granny and Poppy's house. It was a blast. I made the kids shirts and capes and Allie wore her Wonder Woman costume. They played lots of Super Hero vs. Villain games, but I think the hit was getting the villain with the silly string then when they fell, they got wrapped up in toilet paper. It seemed like all the kids had a great time. There was even was a star appearance by the Hulk - which Allie was a little scared of.

We gave Allie her first "American Doll" - shhhh it was actually the knock off at Target because it is much cheaper!!! Anyway, she is very excited to have an American doll with some cool accessories.