Tis the Season for Friends, Family, and Love

We started our Christmas celebrations the week before Christmas with school parties and our Community Group Christmas Party. It all seems like a blur now but they were all a lot of fun. The Saturday before Christmas we headed to Elk City to have Christmas at my mom's. My sister and her boyfriend and his kids, my aunt and uncle, my grandma, and one of my cousins and his kids all came. There were kids everywhere! Samara surprised us when she grabbed the wrapping paper on her gift and went to town! It went straight to the mouth! Samara got a Jenny Jump Up and Dalton and Lyric got a large swimming pool for next summer. PeePa has some work to do in our back yard! We went to church with my mom and Richard on Sunday and enjoyed seeing many friends that we had not seen in a while. After church we all went out to eat at Montana Mikes in Clinton. The steak was delicious!

On Monday we went to stay at my dad's. I was able to spend some time with my Grandma. We went shopping and had lunch it was a great time. On Tuesday my sister and her bunch came over for Christmas. We had a great meal and a fun time together. Cindy had a huge shadow box made with collectibles from my dad's life. It was really neat and I think he liked it. Dustin won the annual coin guess. My dad and Cindy always fill a jar with coins and the person who has the closest guess wins the jar. Here is a picture of me and my sister and our kids.

Wednesday morning we headed to Woodward to spend the day with Dustin's family. We had a great time seeing his grandparents, mom, and aunts, uncles, and cousins. Dalton had a great time playing the Wii and Guitar Hero that some one brought. Dalton really wanted a Wii for Christmas!

We headed home Wednesday evening so we could spend Christmas morning at home. When we got home and unpacked we read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and the real Christmas story about baby Jesus to the kids. They put out cookies and milk for Santa and hurried to bed so he could come. I really thought Dalton might figure out the whole Santa thing this year, but if he has he hasn't let us know! Of course, Dustin and I were up really late for some reason that night! Christmas morning was great the kids woke up not too early and we had a great time opening up presents. There were toys and wrapping paper everywhere. I made a big breakfast and we spent the whole day in our pj's playing with toys!

Here are the kids Christmas morning. It's amazing how well they take a picture when they know they are about to open presents!

Lyric got a guitar with microphone, a v-smile pocket, a Dora sud n surprise doll, and clothes.

Samara rolled over and started opening her presents all by herself! She got a cd player, some toys and an outfit!

Dalton got a v-smile pocket, spy gear, clothes, and comic books!

Thanks to MiMi the whole family got a Wii!!!!

Later Christmas day we prepared Dalton and Lyric and packed their bags once more to go spend a week with their mom. This is the longest they have been away in the three years we have had them and it was hard to see them go after all the fun we had together but they were happy to spend time with their mom and the kids there. Dustin and I have been recuperating from the holiday run! Our house is quiet for now.

My mom and Richard visited the weekend after Christmas. They watched Samara Friday night while we went out on our first date since Samara was born. We had a great time! We ate at Red Lobster and went to watch Valkyrie but it was sold out so we settled on Marley & Me. The first half was so funny I cried and the last half I really cried. Saturday my mom, Samara, and I went shopping! My birthday is around the corner and this is our tradition around this time. We had a great day and everyone kept stopping us to say what a beautiful baby Samara is. I totally agree!!! That evening the four of us played cards. It was a good time.

Dustin and I have really taken advantage of the last few days at home together. We have rested, attempted to accomplish a few things around the house, rested, taken down Christmas decorations, and rested some more. We are playing on having a quiet New Year's Eve at home. This will be the first time in forever. Soon our life will get back to normal and we will be busy with work, school, and other good things. Happy New Year!

All I Want For Christmas.....Is My Two Front Teeth!

Sometimes really strange things happen.... Saturday Dustin and I were Christmas shopping. Dalton and Lyric were with Mamaw and Peepaw for the weekend. We were driving along and I made the comment to Dustin that I could not believe Dalton had not lost a tooth yet. He is now 6 1/2 and we have checked several time and he has not even had a loose tooth. Not even 10 minutes after I had said that we get a phone call from Mamaw. DALTON LOST A TOOTH!!!!!! Unfortunately they think he swallowed it. They looked everywhere and couldn't find it. The toothfairy came anyway. We told Dalton she found his tooth for him during the night. I hope they all come out this easy...I just hope he doesn't swallow them all!

You Better Not Pout....

I love this picture of Samara. She has a really big pout face! We have been singing " You better not pout, You better watch out. Santa Claus is coming to town" to her all month long.









We really can't deny it anymore. Samara is looking more and more
like her daddy. We finally got one of his baby pictures and sure enough there is a resemblance.









Here is Samara with a happy face!












Here is Lyric posing for the camera. She is getting ready to go spend the weekend with Mamaw and Peepaw!

6 Random Things

I've been tagged by Amanda, so I'm joining in!
Here are the rules:
1) Link to the person who tagged you. Amanda Upchurch
2) Post the rules on your blog (copy and paste 1-6).
3) Write 6 random things about yourself.
4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.
5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

1. I have always wished I was a brunette.

2. I do not like any type of salad. I wish I did, but I don't.

3. I traveled to Brazil on a missions trip when I was 14 years old. Every since then I have wanted to travel/live somewhere overseas. Doubt it will happen now.

4. I was raised on a farm/cattle ranch but am a city girl at heart. I really don't like country life.

5. I turn into an evil person after 10:00 p.m. Actually I am not a night person at all - just ask Dustin. I either get really mean or really, really goofy.

6. I once ran into a motorcycle and a dumpster on the same day. It was a bad day but now it seems hilarious. I was 16....what can I say. I am happy to report I have been accident free for more than 5 years (except for that mysterious pothole that jumped out and got me a couple of weeks ago!)

Now I tag Chele, Christy, Winnie, Janet, and Andrea.

What Have You Done?

I stole this from a friend of mine (Thanks Christy!) and thought it might be fun to see what everyone's done. My total is only 46.
RULES: There are 100 statements and you bold the ones you have done. Grab it and play for yourself!!
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii (I plan on going next year)
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child (close enough)
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept in an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse (solar)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Pari
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten cavier.
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chicken pox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby (finally!)
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Resting in His Arms

I'm so tired...today was another one of those days. Samara woke up having an "episode" whatever that is. All I know is that it is not good when my baby is in pain and all I can do is watch her cry. I realize I must focus on the positive of this day so that is what I will do.

*My great friend, Winnie, took time out of her day to be with me when I needed her. I love you Winnie, you are the greatest!

*Samara's episode was a lot shorter that previous episodes.

*My mom and her husband came and spent the day with me. They are so much fun to be with.

*We met a new GI specialist who seems to really listen and want to help us.

*Samara gets to start solid food!!!

*Even though it feels at times like I am walking this path alone, I know I am not. Not only do I have friends and loved ones that surround me, I have God carrying me in his arms.

Bittersweet Holiday

Today we put up our Christmas Tree. It was a lot of fun. Dalton and Lyric are really able to enjoy it now. Usually I am busting at the seams with excitement at this time of year but this Holiday season is bittersweet for me.

It is sweet because Christmas is my most favorite Holiday. I love everything about it. Christ's birth, family, food, decorations, gifts, music, and I could go on and on. I love Christmas. It is also sweet because Dalton and Lyric are old enough to really enjoy it and they still believe in Santa Claus although I'm sure Dalton will figure it out real soon. The looks on their faces is priceless when they see all the decorations and gifts. It is also Samara's first Christmas and I look forward to all the Christmas' that she will get to enjoy.

But this Holiday is also bitter for me. It signals an end to my 6 months of maternity leave. I will be returning to work in January and will be leaving Samara in someone else's care during the day. I feel very blessed that I have been able to take the time I took off and I also feel very blessed that I have a wonderful Christian friend that will be caring for Samara but a part of me cringes every time I think about all the moments I will be missing while I am away at work. The other reason that this Holiday seems bitter is because I realize it may be our last with Dalton and Lyric. They will be spending the first week of Christmas break with us but will be spending the 2nd week with their mom as part of their reunification. I am very happy for them and my sister but my heart breaks thinking of our quiet house when they are gone and even though I know next year is a long ways away I also know that if things go as planned they will be living with their mom by next Christmas. As the kids pulled out their ornaments that they have from each year they already bring back so many wonderful memories from the past three years that we have shared.

I have heard the saying before that being a parent is all about learning to let go. I'm already learning that and I don't necessarily like it. As usual I'm learning to let go and lean on God. So even though I am feeling kind of sad at the moment I know that I will thoroughly enjoy this season and cherish every moment because He is at the heart of it all and He will never let me go.

Thanksgiving Run

We had a very busy Thanksgiving this year. We did quite a bit of
traveling in 4 days. We all had a great time, enjoyed great food, and enjoyed our family. Here is a picture of Dalton & Lyric and Tuffy on the way to PaPa's house.

We had Thanksgiving at my dad's on Wednesday. We also celebrated my grandparents 50th Anniversary, my sisters birthday, and my nephews 1st birthday!

Samara had too much turkey to eat and passed out on daddy's tummy!

Nana, Papa, and the kids! We had a great time staying at Nana & Papa's house.

On Thursday we went to Dustin's grandparents for Thanksgiving. Here is Samara and cousin Ava. We returned to my dad's on Thursday night and got up bright and early to go shopping Friday morning with Nana. Yes we were one of the crazy people shopping way before dawn. Samara went along too and thought it was so much fun getting up that early that she has not slept past 4:00 a.m. since then. What a mistake that was!

We ended our trip at my mom's house for Thanksgiving on Saturday. Samara picked that day to start rolling over and once she started she wouldn't stop. She also learned to army crawl to get where she wanted to go. Here is Samara on her tummy.

Samara on her side.








Tada!!!!!! Samara on her back!

After all that traveling we returned home tired but very content to have spent some great time with family.

I'm Thankful...

Before we begin our mad Thanksgiving rush to see all the family tomorrow, I wanted to jot down what I'm thankful for.....

*I'm thankful for God who has been with me throughout every situation this past year. He has never left me and has provided for my every need. I'm still learning to trust Him through every situation and as I learn to let go with every new circumstance I feel Him even closer than before.

*I'm thankful for my husband, Dustin. Every year we grow closer but I would say that the past year has been especially special for us. He makes me laugh! He lightens my step and makes me feel special. I get to see the tenderness he has for the children he teaches, the extra steps he takes for those who struggle in his class, and the worry he carries for each of his students. I am also thankful for the great father he has become. He has been the father that Dalton and Lyric have never had and he loves both of them and Samara so much.

*I'm thankful for Dalton and Lyric. They are both so special and a joy. I'm thankful for the sparkle in their eyes and the carefree spirit that they both have. A hug and kiss from them can cure anything!

* I'm thankful for Samara, my gift from heaven. Although our road has been rocky from the get go I know that God has her in the palm of his hand. She is strong and feisty and each smile she gives melts my heart. I am quickly realizing that each moment is precious because she is growing so fast.

*I'm thankful for both of my parents and their spouses. I'm thankful for the good relationship I have with all of them and that I am close enough to see them often.

*I'm thankful for my sister. I'm thankful for the progress she has made this past year. I'm thankful that we can still laugh together over silly things. I'm thankful that I will get to see her over the holidays.

*I'm thankful for the friends God has blessed me with. Friends that have been with me through the good and bad. Friends that I can call and will pray for me and my family. God has placed great friends in my life.

There is much more I am thankful for God has definitely blessed me. Life is not always what I thought it would be but because of God the blessings are so much more than I could ever imagine. Happy Thanksgiving!

Pictures, Pictures

I took Samara to get her pictures made yesterday. We also had Christmas pictures made of all three of the kids and my sister came along and had her little boys 1 year old pictures made as well. Needless to say we had a small enterouge and a very crazy day. To make a long story short, Samara's Christmas dress was stolen and now we are going shopping for a new one. I hope we can find the same one because I absolutely loved it. So I hope whoever got her dress really needed it. Here are some of Samara's pics. You will have to wait to see the Christmas pics when you get your Christmas Card!

Four Months

Samara is 4 months old today! She is growing and her personality is getting sweeter every day. We have had a tough week this past week. It began with Samara waking up Monday morning having seizure like movements again. We took her to the emergency room and needless to say she stayed 24 hours in the hospital so they could do an EEG to determine if she was having seizures. On Thursday we got the report that the EEG was totally normal. Yeah!!! No seizures. By process of elimination the dr's are pretty confident that she is having muscle spasms caused by her acid reflux. So we are trying new meds and now have a new GI specialist out of Children's Hospital that we are seeing. She seems to be a lot better than the previous specialist she was seeing. I'm learning this parenting stuff is oh so tough especially when your baby is sick and you can not make it better. I know this is just another place in my life where I have to learn to trust in God.
On Thursday Samara also had her 4 month check up. She weighs 12 lbs 2 oz and was 23 inches long. The Dr. said that despite her acid reflux, Samara is very healthy. She does not think that Samara will be tall! She is only in the 10th percentile for height. To top off Samara's great week she had to have 5 shots. It broke my heart:( Her little leg was so sore the next day. But by Saturday she was back to her happy self.
Here are some pics of her today! Happy 4 month birthday Baby Girl!

Halloween Fun!

We had a great time taking the kids trick or treating last night. We also stopped by the Baptist church and had hotdogs and let the kids play a few games. They had a blast. I don't know if they had more fun trick or treating or giving candy to the trick or treaters that came to our door. The kids ended the night on a sugar high playing with glow sticks that I had bought them.

Feisty Leopard


Mr. Incredible

Baby Leopard

My cute kids!

Samara & Ava ditched their costumes because it was to hot. Samara was tired and cranky by this point but Ava was all smiles! She was excited about her first Halloween!

Pumpkin Painting

I decided that I would let the kids paint their pumpkins this year instead of carving them. Less mess and less work!!! They had a great time and I took a few pictures during the process.

Dalton's pumkin

Lyric's pumkin.

I painted Samara's for her!

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!

One Project Done

I finished Lyric's room today and I think it turned out great. I actually finished the painting yesterday and boy was I tired. Two days of painting was enough for me. Anyway while Lyric was at Pre-K this morning I put her room back together and added some new things. I decorated her room in Tinkerbell, put her new sheets and comforter on her bed, and rearranged everything. I took a few photos before she got home because I knew it probably wouldn't stay this clean for very long!

Sleep

Sleep is a big topic at our house right now for several reasons.

Lyric is just a little over 4 years old and has decided that she no longer needs a nap. This is way different from Dalton. I think he would still take an afternoon nap if he could! So I have changed nap time to quiet time here lately. The only problem with that is who has ever known Lyric to do anything quietly. So I am constantly telling her to be quiet during quiet time. The upside to this is that she is more than ready for bed by 8:00 each night and sometimes even earlier.

Samara turned 3 months a few weeks ago and went from sleeping from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. to waking up every couple of hours. I thought that it was just a growth spurt but this getting up several times during the night is continuing. She also has started taking little cat naps in the afternoon instead of a nap for an hour or two. At times I try to let her fall asleep on her own but she usually will fall asleep after crying and then wake up 15 to 20 minutes later. This is frustrating to me. I did not think that her crying would bother me but it does so I usually just pick her up and console her which means I am not getting much rest day or night between Samara's sporadic sleeping and Lyric's "not so quiet" time. My mom thinks it is probably time that I move Samara into her own room and that we would sleep better but I am struggling with that so for right now I will just continue to be a little sleep deprived. They are only this little once! My goal is to have her sleeping in her own room by the time I go back to work in January which is getting closer and closer.

The Great Pumpkin!

In between house projects, I took the kids to the pumpkin patch on Saturday. The weather was beautiful and we had a great time together! They fed lots of animals, played, and of course picked pumpkins!

On top of the hay!

Lyric riding her tricycle around the corn!

Dalton thinks he's big stuff!

As you can tell, they didn't go for the biggest pumpkins this year! Dalton chose white and Lyric and Samara got small orange ones.

Here they are tired and ready to go home. Well actually Samara slept through the whole thing but I'm sure she was tired out from riding in the stroller all afternoon!