Christmas highlites....

Sisters....

Omie opening a gift....

The bikes from Omie and Happy were a big hit...All the grandkids were great about wearing their helments..not sure if they were just distracted from the actual bike or if they all have been to safety school already???

A picture of our tree...I really didn't finish the tree until a few days before xmas..I was just so burnt out on decorating!!! I was going for the department store look...I think it turned out pretty good..

My little bubba...and his baby....we had gotten "little lights" at church that am...so they were a big hit that night...We had gotten a call from friends of ours from Kansas City that have a home in Houston too...and they decided to join us for the weekend before xmas!..We always have an empty guest bedroom (usually!!) so they drove over from Houston..we ended up having a great time catching up..and they also know Omie and Pop, so it was great we could all be together, they stayed the night, went to church with us and brunch and then headed back home....It's great when you can do spur of the moment things with friends that are just so easy goin...

I came up with this idea...the boys had a little xmas tree of their own by their desk area upstairs, where we could proudly display their works of art as well as ornaments that they picked out (that wouldn't exactly fit in with Mama's Christopher Radko ornaments)( I love the boys to death but I just can't do the homeade look on the main tree, even if it is handprints..sorry boys, it's the designer in me)...anyway, I always get the boys a bunch of books for xmas and this year I left them all under the little tree, so when they woke up Christmas day, they saw a bunch of books..they stopped and looked at them for the longest time..I'm going to make it a tradition...The book tree...

Tyler and Ryan

The guys playing cards in Scott's room...

We draw names each year as it gets to be a bit much to buy for everyone, it's worked out well...Scott was very pleased with his Cuban cigars from Happy...

Another big hit, sleeping bags from Uncle Brandon and Aunt Kimber....Brandt has already slept in his a few times!!!

Happy hangin' out with the grand kids....

I like the end of the year...I like to reflect back on the year that just took place. I like to reevaluate what is working in my life, what needs improvement and what I need to change..The past few days I've been thinking about all my blessings and what goals I'd like to achieve in the new year...As I get older, I realize more and more who I am and what is important to me as well as what I need to be happy..it's not the things that I would of thought several years ago... As the fresh year approaches, it's a time to reflect on the goals I'd like to attain.It's also a time to look back at lessons that I've learned this past year..and realize that those lessons make up who I am....

Christmas jammies....

As you know I love jammies....so I can never decide which ones to get for Christmas day, so I always have to buy a few pairs...these are my fav..with candy cane and monkeys, how appropriate (monkeys?) I love when the boys get out of the tub and they smell so clean and yummy....

The cutest smiles ever.....

A hug from big brother.....

It was so nice that we didn't have to travel anywhere for Christmas this year...it's just not worth it, to spend all day traveling to get somewhere when there are icy conditions and snow which equals delays...we would much rather visit in the Spring or Summertime!!! I love that we are setting our own traditions in our home and the boys could be in their own bed Christmas Eve night and wake up to Santa... Last Christmas was a complete headache as we hurried to open our presents and then we opened box after box since we had just moved...it wasn't my fav Christmas.. This year,I loved just taking our time with the gifts that the boys opened and watching them play with each one..They were so excited and such a fun magical age this year....

All the running around sure was worth it....

Mexican Feast on Christmas Eve

Pop cooking up a storm in his new kitchen

Sorry, I'm a little behind on my posts..I can't believe, I didn't even wish ya'll a Merry Christmas...All I can say is Crazy!! Brandt and I have been under the weather with sinus infections and I lost my voice for several days...which the boys got a kick out that...Anyway, thank goodness we live in a country where medicine is readily available and we are both on the up sides of kickin' our sickness....

We had a fantastic Christmas despite being under the weather....Christmas Eve was truly a treat. Omie and Pop aka. Mike and Lynne got to spend their first Christmas in their new house and we were lucky enough to join them on their traditional Christmas Eve Mexican Feast that Pop makes EVERY Eve with the recipes of his Texan late Mother...oh my god, Becky, is all I got to say, the chicken enchiladas were amazing....They had most of their family in town, Lynn's 85 yr old Mother, and lots of grand kids, needless to say it was a zoo with our added 2 little ones..but it was so fun as they are like family to us....
Omie and Pop trying out the new margarita machine...they were yummy!!

Lynne and I

Family pic by Omie and Pop's tree....

After dinner, we made a fire in the outdoor living fireplace and sat around drinking margaritas and telling stories...also a tradition is to end the night watching "Lampoon's Christmas vacation" with Chevy Chase..the boys fell asleep on the couch so we had to miss the movie, but we had to get all prepared for Santa's arrival.......

Our boy has some soul!!.....

The kid's had their xmas program today...sorry, I was laughing so hard, it's kind of hard to make out but Brandt was Rockin.....!!! He was the first one to walk in the room, well he was to exit to the left in the pews and sit down but instead he just walked right up on stage and turned around like he owned it...smiles to everyone, I'm tellin' you, he's a mini Brad Pitt, you guys laugh, but watch out when he buys his Mama a bedazzled wheel chair someday!!! with REAL diamonds of course...anyway, obviously he has his Mama's rhythm, cause we all know Dada doesn't dance.....

Check out the little boy beside Brandt, he looks like a fish...it's hilarious!!

Christmas Playgroup

Monday was playgroup at my house. We had a great turn out with almost all Mommies and kiddos attending, plus a couple of wonderful newbies that we sure hope make our group a regular activity.....It's so nice that we are all right here in the neighborhood, it makes it so easy and the kids love it...Plus we have our once a month MNO (Mommies night out!!)

I had lots of food (imagine that) but I had to show you all my Santa cupcakes..They are super cute...You just make white cupcakes and decorate with choc. chips for the eyes, red hot for the nose, marshmallow for the ball on Santa's hat and coconut for the beard and of course red frosting for the hat and white for the face and trim on hat (I think it's kind of hard to see in the pic) but they turned out so dang cute..I got up extra early to make them, Scott walks out and say's "Only YOU would get up early to do THAT!!", I love that kind of stuff, ya know....

Georgia was so cute, she bellied up to the bar and ate and ate and ate...she's in Brandt's class at school and is expecting a baby sister this Spring....

Can we just say "Babyville USA"...we have 3 babies within weeks of each other and more babies comin'!!! It's so fun to watch them all grow up together and in such a beautiful place too!! I can't wait to watch all the babies splash in the pool this Spring....

The Perfect late afternoon.....

On Sunday our great friends, Animesh and Jennifer (holding the bowl of chili) had a yummy, yummy, warm in the tummy (gee can you tell I have a 2 and 3 yr old) chili and beer xmas party....I'm telling you we've been lucky to have had Animesh cook for us a hand full of times but I can't even begin to describe how wonderful his cooking is, and I'm just not saying that to get invited back (well, maybe!!)...There were 4 different kinds of chili to choose from (complete with all the condiments) and then this corn bread that was out of this world..After 4 helpings of the corn bread (and I'm talking huge birthday cake slice sizes), I decided that Animesh needs to quit his job as a trauma surgeon/public speaker and start a cooking show on tv...or if he doesn't want to give us his career, he at least needs to publish a cookbook...THAT is how phenomenal his cooking is...ok, I think you get the picture, it was a great time with lots of my close friends there, the kids all love playing at Ms. Jen's house, so it was a great way to spend a Sunday.....

Wow, what a cute fam...We were calling Amy, Amy-Lo as in J.Lo (the hat)..and one of my husband's best buddies, Fred...oh, and MY baby, Amelia, I know you are thinking that baby is really mine, cause I put her on several posts...She's THE best baby ever!! AND pretty darn beautiful!!!

The men were lovin' the party as there was a good football game on, lots of different kinds of beer to taste, and such yummy food, oh and comfy couches to get lost in, what more could a guy ask for????

Garrett, Devin and Mr. Brandt, aka..pool sharks in training...Garrett, which sounds like Barrett can be a little confusing at these get togethers..but we're getting use to it!!!!

Poor little Trevor with his black eye and huge knot on his head...somehow his brother was "helping" him and his head got bashed into the wall (this happened about a week ago), a real shiner, though...

Thanks Jen and Animesh for once again, great party full of great friends and memories.....

I need a wheelchair....

I'm not really sure why I've started my New Years workout routine the week before Christmas...but I did. Don't get me wrong, I said workout routine, not diet...that's a big No-No 4 letter bad word in my book, BAD word..very bad (diet?) Perhaps I got a jump start because my new fab gym just opened, Lifetime Fitness.... Whoever thought of this concept to make a gym more like a spa atmosphere was genius!!! Not only does it have the best kid's area, but the nail salon/massage parlor and yummy snack bar aren't so shabby..anyway, Yesterday my girlfriends, Jen and Tonja, did the kickboxing class with me (the best one I've ever been to!!) and today Jen and I did the cycling class...and now that is why I need the wheelchair, I can barely move...and yes, it was the best cycling class I've ever taken as well (or so it seems since it's been 3 yrs ago)... with big screen tvs with the Tour De' France playing, the best RAP music ever, and a kick ass instructor...Even though I can't walk, I haven't felt this alive in forever!!

I've worked out since I was in college, met several of my best girlfriends at the gym, in fact..I love working out and taking care of myself. I joined a gym some time ago when we moved down here, and it just wasn't a good fit for me. After not going in over a year, Scott was tired of paying for my membership and dropped the family one..which was fine with me.. So once in awhile I'd use our gym upstairs in the house but I really need the excitement and the energy that I've finally found in my new gym...well, maybe a little to fast to soon, but the burn feels good....very good...it's nice to already have some friends that have joined too..Thanks Jen and Tonja, buff #1 and buff #2 aka, respectively....Jen is now pushing for me to join her in a triathlon and you know, it's not sounding that out of reach right now..maybe I could lose my "muffin top" around my jeans????

Finally....something kid-FREE!!!

All gusyed up

It was nice to have a break from frosting gingerbread houses and cleaning up candy cane-sticky faces for an adult xmas party. Sheri and Kevin should open up a professional catering and party planning business as their parties are ALWAYS perfect and they make it look so effortless and they actually have fun at their parties!!! They are expecting their 2nd child (baby Reed) plus adding onto the house and putting in a pool PLUS they still had a party..die hards are what!!! We, or I should say I, had a great time as I was waiting and waiting for Scott to meet me at the party. He had been leaving tons a messages that his plane was delayed and after 5 extra hours trying to get home, he did exactly that and went straight home at 10pm..poor guy....he really ended up having the trip from Hell..but he's home safe and that's all that counts...Oh, the other gal in the pics, Tonja -(aka:Anna Nichole Smith from my Halloween party)..we have joined the same new gym that just opened up, so I'm hoping to have another cheerleader/workout buddy our new fab. gym!!!

A time for laughing with friends....

Mia and Tami..Mia has the best dimples EVER.....

Friday night was the annual girlfriend Christmas party. It was a much needed get together as several of us had bad weeks. Linda (our gracious host) had ammonia recently and pulled a rib from coughing, she was in a lot of pain. Angie's husband who just had knee surgery, fell down a flight of stairs, getting a concussion after knocking himself out, Mendy's little girl was scheduled for surgery and her blood work came back abnormal so the surgery was cancelled, and then Scott's car accident...so thank you for giving us each other to lean on!! I was so glad that I missed the out of town Christmas party as my soul was filled with much needed laughter and friendship....

The boys were THRILLED with their gifts, a dinosaur for Barrett and a Thomas the train (James) for Brandt

We drew names for the kids and they just had a ball..they all play so well together. The group is all girls except NOW there are 4 boys with B and B....Us girls did a Chinese gift exchange, where you draw #s and then depending on the order you can steal the previous gift..it was fun and the cutest gifts ever, not much stealing this year, except Mia took my leopard slippers but I ended up with some fantastic jewelry....not a bad switch!!

Notice our little reindeer in the background....

All of us....

The thing that is so cool about this group is that they ALL have known each other forever, most since high school....and then there is me...the stray puppy they took in!!! When Tami and I became inseparable, I inherited all her life long buddies and how could I be so lucky and blessed!! They ALL are so unique and wonderful women..They truly are not only fun but genuine and REAL!! There is no talkin about people in this group, it's all about concern, respect and livin' a fulfilling life as a women and Mother...gee where were you girls a couple of years ago..They were well worth the wait...it just shows you what kind of girls they really are as you would never know that I'm the newbie, I'm treated as a equal and blend in pretty well..Thank you girls for not only being real but for being YOU!!!! I know, I"m pretty sappy at times but again, I"m just so blessed in many way...not sure how I got so lucky.....

Holly, she's the nutcase of the bunch and FUN!!

Brandt's future wife, Lola (Tami's daughter), arranged marriage of course.....

Fate.....

As I mentioned in a prior post, I decided not to travel out of town this week as I had this strong feeling to stay here and be with my kids. On top of my decision, just so I wouldn't change my mind (which I do a ton),..I ended up getting the flu bug that's going around...I was actually feeling a little better and was contemplating going but then another wave came over me and my husband was cleaning up my puke.....

My husband just called and was in a car accident. He was driving 75 miles or so on the interstate in the upper Midwest and a semi was driving the same going the opposite direction and Scott said he could see it coming as if in slow motion. The semi had a sheet of melting ice on it and it came sliding down from the semi and landed right through Scott's windshield while he was driving, completing shattering his windshield...

Luckily, the Lord was with him and he's just cut up really bad and he's ok and safe...He was able to keep control of the car and pull over.....

A million thoughts have gone through my mind...is that why I had this strong urge to be with my kids? Is that why I got sick? If I would of gone, would the glass of cut me in the wrong spot and lead to my death or knowing me I would of grabbed the wheel and did more damage than good....it's really scary to think about the what ifs...Scott and I even had a conversation a couple of weeks ago, We were sitting in front of the fireplace and I told him I was having reservations about going, I told him what if something happened to us both..what about the kids....He told me I worried to much...

This leads me to a post I had written a couple of months ago but wasn't sure I wanted to share it..now I will....

Scott and I belonged to a great church in Kansas City. We grew to love our church, we were married there and had many friends. It was a Presbyterian church. We attend on a regular basis and we were growing as Christians together...When we moved to Texas, we were in for a shock!! Every church we attended was so different than what we were use to...some had rock n roll bands, some were so boring we just couldn't follow...we were really discouraged and would pick a church and just try it every once in a while. We did find one we liked, but it was so big and farther away than what Scott was looking for...but we found ourselves attending but not satisfied.. As I look back on our life then, it was all wrong..and I really believe it's because at the time we weren't being as faithful as we needed to be...

One Sunday, I had 2 churches picked out, I decided to let Scott choose which one to attend that Sunday..of course he picked the one that I really didn't' want to go attend..It's a new church, they don't even have a building yet, they meet in a school..Hugh, where is the fancy stain glass that I can look at and the plush seat to sit on??? And a rock band? Not my style.... We had several people tell us we should try it....and reluctantly we went....

To make a long story somewhat not so boring, the church has changed our marriage and the dynamic of our family in just the couple of months we've been attending....My husband doesn't cry very often..when we lost a pet, when we became engaged, when our sons where born...and the first few times we went to our church...I asked him why, and he said it was "because this room is so full of the Holy Spirit that it's overwhelming to me"...and that it is

...I was still a little hesitate that the church is "non-denominational", as Scott grew up Methodist, I myself, Christan Reformed (a dutch version of Methodist) and we belonged to a Presbyterian church, as I mentioned before..it says nothing in the bible about the different types of churches you should belong to (I'm learning now that the different denominations were partially from the government way back when) , only that the church you attend should be speaking the word from the holy bible..check...and it says nothing in the bible that you have to sing out of a hymnal, it mentions music that moves you....check #2, it's like we are in a Counting Crows concert every Sunday..Amazing.I hum the verses through out the week, and remember I'm a hip hop girl....I want every day to be Sunday..it's amazing the energy, the liveliness, I never thought that believing could be so great and rewarding...and that it is...Thank you God for keeping my husband safe......

Note: The pictures are from the devotional book exchange that I got this week from our church Christmas party. I've never been the type of person to push religion on anyone but our church has made us feel that connection once again and if you're looking for a second home, try it, it's changed our thinking and overall being...we have a long ways to go, but it's so nice to be excited and energized about our beliefs again.....

The mess continues...different house..different party

Brandt under the "very pink" table with his school buddies

I've just realized a few things this holiday season. 1: That I've waited my WHOLE adult life to have days like I had to day..I use to daydream about them and now I'm living them. I didn't quite invision the melt down Barrett had on the way home as it was cutting it close to his nap time..but 10 minutes of suffering was well worth it.....The kid's had a Christmas party to go to today and I just get such joy out of watching them interact with their friends..Brandt is just a Mr. Social Butterfly (hhmm? wonder where he gets that?) and it makes my heart melt at how polite and concerned my boys can be for their little friends...I LOVE it!!

I was suppose to go out of town (again) this week flying into Chicago... to a client Christmas party, stay in a beautiful hotel, getting a massage, eating yummy food, having some great wine with some of our friends we don't see very often, enjoying an "adult" conversation, have quiet time with my hubby...BUT I just can't do it....I'm staying here with the boys because I just can't leave them right now during this holiday season...It's just so fun watching the excitement they have in their eyes and the anticipation they have for Santa, presents, and parties...This is why I became a Mommy!!! I just can't miss out on their special time as that is what is important to me not the fancy hotel and the fancy dress that will just sit in my closet....

Ms. Amy, my sweet Amelia, and Will trying out the cushy sofa w/THE cutest pillows ever!!

We hung out in THE coolest playroom I've ever been in!! I about died when I walked in!! I had been to our friend's house lots of times but usually we were outside playing or in the house BUT the girl's have the most incredible magazine playroom EVER!! It had the most PINK I've EVER seen!! and just beautiful and FUN!!

I LOVED all the store fronts...Great taste in stores!!!

The leopard stage.....

The boys thought this was so much fun running on the runway...They could care less that the room was full of jewelry, dress up clothes and dollies....I forgot to mention on yesterday's post that we now have a new nickname for Barrett. We've called him lots of pet names such as Bubba, "the baby", angel, sweet pea...you know the usual ones and then there was Forrest Gump as he runs SO fast with his head stiff just like Forrest AND the energizer bunny as he is literally hoppin around ALL the time and doesn't stop..well now it's, TT for tiny tornado..he'll be in a sitting position and then kind of half way stand up and twirl around FAST like a mini tornado...that's my Barrett ALL boy..he's the athletic one for sure..I was looking and he already has these amazing calf muscles at 2!!, maybe from his practice as a tornado??? I think he'll really like all the sports equipment that he's getting for xmas...GO TT!!! I can hear it on the loud speaker at the Boerne football stadium....TTT Tiny Tornado Touchdown!! The crowd goes WILD!!

AWWHH...more mess but actually the boy's are becoming pros at making gingerbread houses and did a great job...again....We had so much fun at the party and seeing friends., a yuumy lunch and cute craft....

I'm not sure what I'm going to do when Mom leaves today...she's been the biggest help ever!! All my presents are wrapped under my tree (she's the best wrapper ever..like department grade..like Neimans???) and it's been helpful having the extra pair of hands at our functions...

I've also realized 2: that the boys will have so much fun looking back and reading their blogs when they are older..how cool that several events and activities that they attend are documented not only with pictures but with words...I think it will help them remember their childhood and make the memories a little more vivid...Now that I'm staying here this week, I can't wait for ALL the fun that I was going to have to MISS by being out of town!!!

Is there a gingerbread in the Housze???

Barrett's house had more candy going into his tummy than onto the house...

All I can say is Mega MESS

The neighborhood we live in is starting to do a lot more kid friendly activities and they have packed in a ton for the kids this holiday season...this weekend was the gingerbread house decorating...and after this one, it might be the last...there was icing and candy and crap EVERYWHERE..thank god their kitchen and not MINE!!!

Will (our carpool buddy) and Brandt

David (Will's brother) the perfectionist artist of the century...this kid has talent!!!

And my little artist..or want-a-be....I should say, both B and B did a great job for 2 and 3 yrs old And having a little to many muffins and hot chocolate..... It was a fun morning..thank goodness my Mom was here to not only witness but to help with the flying frosting...

I was so glad I made the event...We were suppose to meet our good friends Matt and Sarah in St. Louis for an xmas party but the Midwest was getting ice and snow so we bagged it and good thing we did as we would of been stuck in St. Louis as flights were cancelled due to the ice..thank goodness the weather man IS right some of the time AND Scott ended up having the flu bug all weekend so funny how things work out...My Dad's boat at the Lake of the Ozarks is named "Change of Plans" that seems to happen a ton in our family...but usually for the better....

Mama's Mama.....

Despite what the Tshirts say...Stealin' a kiss from the brother.....

T-shirts, read.."I don't do mistletoe..."

Grandma and Brandt.....oh, with his new "cheezy" smile....



Ok, not so cheezy in this one

....My Mom came to visit from Iowa and is here close to a week....You think I"M organized..well, meet my Mother...My Tupperware drawer has never looked so great...My Mom just organizes (what I haven't gotten to yet) AND she cooks AND she helps with the kids..or pretty much takes over...gee, Mom can you come every week...The temps here were in the high 80s all week as she is getting ice and snow back home...She loved our version of the snow (soap suds)..... We had our little xmas with Mom, the boy's got their first Rollerblades from Grandma..don't worry complete with Thomas helmets, knee pads, wrists guards..etc...I'm sure THAT will be exciting.....

The boy's first carriage ride...

Don't be fooled by the warm clothing we have on...it's just for show..the temps got down in the high 60s at night...bbbbrrrrr......They took us all over downtown, it was a great way to see the lights and what a beautiful night for a ride.....

Riding in the carriage....and all snuggly.....