Reflecting back over the year...

I thought I would take a minute to reflect back on 2011, before we jump head first into 2012.  First, this year went by within the blink of an eye for me us.  Every time I turned around, I felt we were being faced with some kinda challenge.  I know that is life, but it seems like some years you are challenged more, and this was one of those years for me us.

The year started out with this little angel being 6 months old…  So sweet and innocent!

What happened!?!  Just kidding, but my Ash is a little spit fire and is now a year and half old, and likes to talk back! 



Even though you are a little spit fire, you are still my little angel, that I adore.  I'm so thankful for having you in my life!

The little man had just turned two, and had started speech therapy and school. 

Now he is three, and we can’t get him to stop talking!  He is potty trained (thank you), and had decided that momma's bed, is his bed.  But at the end of the day,  I wouldn't have it any other way, I enjoy getting to cuddle with my baby boy! 

I couldn't be prouder of you!  You are my first born, and will always be my baby boy!

The husband and I celebrated our six year wedding anniversary!  And had our first night away from the kiddos, in three years, WOW!  I'm looking forward to another getaway!  Maybe 2012 will have a vacation for two, on the agenda...  I also had my first girls night out, in four years, it was a blast.  Looking forward to more of those also, come 2012. Every now and then, momma needs to let her hair down!  The husband also had his first guys trip in probably five years, and I have to say that was really hard on me.  So no more of those!

Come Sunday, we will be putting together our resolutions for 2012.  I feel that this is something we need to do.

This year in a whole, wasn’t that bad, minus my health problems.  We are blessed with two amazing children, which I couldn’t be more thankful for!  And I'm blessed with a husband that loves me (most of the time)!

 Good-bye 2011 and hello 2012!
Cheers!
Happy New Year! 

xoxo, Shanna

A wonderful Christmas...

I can't believe Christmas has come and gone…  Christmas Eve, we took the kids outside to leave Reindeer food, to start the process, and make new traditions.  It was fun, Ash just run around the neighborhood, and the little man thought we were really feeding reindeer. 

I’ve learned being a parent; you have to be pretty creative, and come up with come backs to questions pretty fast.  But it was fun, they enjoyed it, and so did I.

Christmas morning they were sweet, and let us sleep in until after 8:00.  And since Mr. & Mrs. Claus didn’t go to bed until after midnight, it was definitely a treat for us.  The little man is at the age now where he gets it, and it was so fun and exciting to see his face come Christmas morning.  But Ash didn’t skip a beat.  She made a mad dash into the living room to see all the goodies while bubba was a little taken back with everything he saw.  Santa was good, but Santa is always good!

After enjoying the gifts that Santa left, we had Christmas with my family.  And it was the never-ending gifts of trains for the little man.  Every box he opened had trains and more trains.  He was so excited he couldn't stand himself.  I remember what it was like on Christmas morning when I was a kid, and the excitement that took over my body.  I want that for my babies so bad...

The husband out did himself with Christmas dinner, it was
very good.  Everyone enjoyed the meal, and the company.  With this being our first year having Christmas at our house, I think we pulled it off.  And my Nana did really well, and that in itself was the best Christmas present.  She has had a rough week, so her being about to be here, and be herself was amazing.

After we did Christmas at our house, we had to rush to the
other side of town to have Christmas with the in-laws.  And that is always an adventure.  A house full of seven kids that are tired by this point…  Yeah nothing but yelling, fighting, and making the adults want to the pull their hair out.  But we made it.  We did try to get picture of the kids, and as usual this is the turn out...

For me, it was a perfect Christmas, just getting to be with family is all you need.  Even if it is chaotic, what family isn’t?  My children got more stuff than they need, but they have been on cloud nine all day playing with everything.

I will say I’m tired, and it has been a lazy day, today.  We have all stayed in our pajamas today, which is fine with me.  I do have to return to work tomorrow, so hopefully I will be able to get some rest to tonight, because I need it.

Hope each and every one of you, had a very Merry Christmas, and it was magical.

I can’t believe in seven days it will be the New Year.  I need to start working on my goals.  This is our first year we are going to  write down our goals together, but I think it is something we need to do.  Do you write goals together as a family for the New Year?

xoxo, Shanna

Sometimes I miss...

Sometimes I miss you holding my hand… Sometimes I miss you giving me a kiss out of nowhere for no reason but just because you love me and you wanted to...  Sometimes I miss us going out to dinner and having long conversations over a glass of wine, with no stresses of life…  Sometimes I miss going on trips, and taking adventures together…

But then I look at these two, and realize where we are in our life is right where we are supposed to be…  Even if it does mean giving up some of the things I miss.  At the end, I still have you and you still have me, we are just playing different roles in our lives.

And I know one day, I will miss having these two little ones running through the house tearing everything apart, screaming mama & daddy, and driving us crazy at times!

Goodnight sweet angels!

xoxo, Shanna

A night away...

Howdy, how ya been!?!  Me, I'm here!  A little tired from the VERY packed holiday weekend, but I’m alive and did make it.  I was probably a little grumpy come Sunday, but you know what it's okay.  I had been going pretty much non-stop the entire month of November, who wouldn’t be a little grumpy!?!

The husband and I had our first night away from the kiddos this past weekend.  I have to say it was nice, it was nice getting to have one on one time (that we don't hardly ever get), it was nice not having to be in constant parent mode, and it was nice getting to be with our friends to celebrate the wedding of two of our closest friends.

***The husband doesn't like this picture, but it's the only one I have of us...  He looked so handsome in his tux!

It was a beautiful wedding, the bride was gorgeous and the groom was handsome.  We have known these two for at least seven - eight years, and we consider them family.  I’m so happy for them, and I wish them a lifetime of happiness.

***The bride & groom***

As I did enjoy the night away, I was very excited to see my babies the next day.  Don’t tell anyone, but I think they missed me a little and were happy to see me too!  It’s just a feeling I got…

I did tell the husband that we need to do this again (soon).  It has been WAY too long, since we have gone out and acted immature, and sometimes I think you need to act immature, don’t you!?!  We celebrated, danced, talked, laughed, toasted each other, and didn’t worry about the problems of life!

Cheers to the happy couple!  And it's almost bedtime, I'm ready for bed, I need to sleep for like 72 hours...

Goodnight sweet angels!

xoxo, Shanna

One tired turkey...

I made it through Thanksgiving, barely, but I made it!  My family wasn’t even out of the house good, before I was climbing in my bed.  All I could think was, I had a small window to take a nap, before my little diva woke from her's.  Pretty sad, I know…  But I was up with two sick kiddos throwing up the night before, and it was after 1:00 in the morning before I got settled on the couch (after washing two different loads and having to handwash two blankies), to be woke up by the husband wanting to know why we were sleeping the couch…  Really, can we talk about it later!

***Waiting on family to arrive***

Our Thanksgiving was very nice!  My husband out did himself getting all the side dishes together.  I know he was beyond tired himself since he worked the night before and didn’t get home until 5:00 in the morning.  But he we pulled it off.  It might not have been with the same class of my Nana’s, but we were all together, and everyone left with full bellies .

***Sissy getting to sit at the kiddie table for the 1st time***

I truly have so much to be thankful for, and sometimes I (like most people) lose sight of what is important at times.  It’s easy to do when you're feeling sorry for yourself.  But at the end of the day, I’m always reminded, by two sweet babies, what is important.  I try not to take my blessings for granted, as I’m so thankful for them all.

Yesterday morning as I was getting the kiddos ready (half asleep), I was talking to them about all the things that we are thankful for.  I’m pretty I was talking to myself, and that they didn't understand one word I was saying, but hopefully one day they will.

Family traditions are very important to me, and always have been.  I’m trying my best to following the traditions that my Papa & Nana put in place, as family get togethers are now being held at our house.  As the food and company are the same, it is so different not have the holiday dinners at my Papa & Nana’s house.  But, I’m so very thankful that my Nana was able to be with us yesterday.

Hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving yesterday!  No Black Friday shopping for us…  I have a wedding I have to start getting ready for.  I just hope I can fit into the dress still, after all the food I have consumed.

Cheers to it being Friday!

xoxo, Shanna

weekly recap...

I currently have a never-ending pounding headache…  I’ve been trying for two days to get rid of this headache, and it has decided to camp out right behind my right eye.

I’m ready for the husband to come home, I miss him!  This is the first boy trip he has taken in probably five years.  I started crying yesterday when he left, and it didn’t help that my son was asking non-stop where daddy was.  So no more boy trips!

Tomorrow night the girls are getting together and having a girls night.  I haven’t had a girls night out in probably four years.  Looking forward to it, but I will probably be passed in the limo with a “Do Not Disturb” sign on my forehead by 10:30!

******

As for my weekly recap, I've done pretty good this week.  I was down two pounds today, which I think I was down more than that, but I had heavy clothes on when I weighed in, so I will take my two pounds and be happy about it.  I have lost over six pounds since I started doing this.  Yay me!  Now if I could just lose 20 more pounds I would be really happy and back into most of the clothes in my closet that I haven’t been able to wear in over 3 years (thanks to being pregnant back to back).

I truly think the detox is working, and I think it does give me some energy, which is something I truly need.  I have been drinking a lot of water.  I can’t say that I’m eating all that great, but I have cut out the snacking, or most of it.

Saturday

Breakfast: Nature Valley Bar Roasted Almond and a Dr. Pepper

Lunch: Nature Valley Bar Roasted Almond with a Dr. Pepper & water

Dinner: Peanut Butter & Honey Sandwich with a Dr. Pepper

***I only had two bottles of water

Sunday

Breakfast: Nature Valley Bar Roasted Almond and a Dr. Pepper

Lunch: Junior Burger from Sonic and a few onion rings, with a Dr. Pepper

Afternoon Snack: Sown Cone, Popcorn and some candy…  This was at the Church Festival!

Dinner: Beef Chimichanga, Chips & Salsa with tableside pure goodness Guacamole, and another Dr. Pepper

***I only had one bottle of water

Monday

Breakfast: Nature Valley Bar Roasted Almond and a Dr. Pepper

Lunch: Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich, curly fries and Dr. Pepper

Dinner: Steak and veggies with half a Dr. Pepper

***I drank 4 glasses (16 oz) of water

Tuesday

Breakfast: Nature Valley Bar Roasted Almond and a Dr. Pepper

Lunch:  I can’t rememberL

Dinner:  Grilled Chicken and veggies with a Dr. Pepper

***I drank 4 glasses (16 oz) of water

Wednesday

Breakfast: Nature Valley Bar Roasted Almond and a Dr. Pepper

Snack: Smoothie

Lunch: Uncle Julio’s Beef Fajitas, Chip & Salsa with Queso and Dr. Pepper

Dinner: Baked Tilapia and veggies and half a Dr. Pepper

***I drank 3 glasses (16oz) of water

Thursday

Breakfast: Nature Valley Bar Roasted Almond and a Dr. Pepper

Lunch: Junior Burger with fries from Whataburger, and a Dr. Pepper

Dinner: Veggie Pizza and Dr. Pepper

Friday

Breakfast: Banana Nut Loaf from Starbucks and half a Dr. Pepper

Lunch: Schlotzsky’s Pizza and Dr. Pepper

Dinner: Canes Chicken Strips with some fries, and half of a Dr. Pepper

***I drank 3 ½ bottles and 1 glass (16 oz) of water

I’ve got two kiddos that didn’t feel good earlier, but now they seem to have found some energy.  Great, it’s after 9:00, and both of them are running around screaming & laughing.  I have tried several times to get sissy to bed, but all she has done is scream & cry for over 30 minutes each time.  But she is getting ready to go to bed, and will have to cry it out.  Hopefully they will both be nice to mama and let mama sleep in tomorrow morning until 9:00...  I know that won't happen, but here's to wishful thinking and one very tired mama!

Cheers to the weekend!  Glad this week is over; it has been long, emotional, and stressful.  Hope whatever your plans might be for the weekend, that it's a safe one.

Goodnight sweet angels!

xoxo, Shanna

***Don’t forget tonight is the last night to enter for the giveaway.  I’m a little shocked that no one has entered  to win a free software, which you can pretty much do anything with.  So, I would say that if you enter tonight, it increases your odds of winning.



Happy Anniversary...

Today is our six year wedding anniversary!  I can’t believe it has already been six years…  A lot has happened, changed since we said “I DO”.  We are no longer kids, I was 26 when we got married, a lot thinner, and didn’t have birthing hips (as my husband told me the other day I now do, thanks honey that is what every woman wants to hear)!  But each day, I fall more and more in love with you!  There is no place else I would rather be, than right where we are now!  We have been blessed with two beautiful babies, a home, and each other!  Not that it is always easy, and of course we have days we don’t see things the same way, you say I’m stubborn, I think I’m just being realistic.  At the end of the day, we are able to see what is important, and move past our differences.  I sure do love you, and thank you for asking me to marry you, almost seven years ago, and even more important, thank you for saying “I DO” six years ago.

This was actually our wedding day in Jamaica on 11/8/05.  I know we have pictures from when we said “I DO” on the 11/2/05, but I couldn’t find them…  We had to make it legal before we left for Jamaica to say “I DO” with all our family and friends…

Here is too many, many, many, many more years, of love! 

 I love you!

Happy Anniversary!

xoxo, Shanna

Boo at the Zoo...

Have I mentioned that I LOVE Boo at the Zoo!?!  I pretty much wait the entire month of October for this.  All the little kids dressed up in adorable costumes, being with family, and the kids having a great time…  What’s not to love about it!

***daddy's little girl all the way***

As usual we tried for a group photo of the kiddos…

Not once, but twice…

Poor little C, the sun was right in her face.  If only the kiddos would listen, when we ask them to be still and look at the camera.  I mean we aren't asking for that much!

It was a perfect day to go to the zoo, the weather was just right…  Unfortunately we weren’t able to stay that long; the husband had to work, so we didn’t get to walk the entire zoo.  We played a few games, and A kept trying to take more than one prize...  She didn't understand that you only get ONE...

And I kid you not, this is the second year in a row that a random person has come up to us, and wanted their child to be in a picture with ours.  This time is was just A, because their costumes were just a like, just the other little girl was a bubblebee...  This is just weird to me, but how do you say no!?!

We did get to see a few animals along the way, but that was about it.  The little man was only interested in the monkeys any way.  It was kinda funny, this one monkey was swinging on a rope and flinging himself into the glass, he kept doing this over and over.  Everyone was getting a kick out of it, it was pretty funny.  I just kept thinking, doesn't that hurt!?!  I guess not!

I would have loved to have been able to come home and taken a nap, or at least been able to get off of my feet, but instead I have been doing laundry and trying to clean or pickup the house somewhat…  My least favorite things to do!

How have you spent your Saturday?  Tomorrow we will go to the Church Festival.  That should be a lot of fun; they will have a lot of activities for the little ones.

Cheers to it almost being bedtime, and to a wonderful day with family!

Goodnight sweet angels!

xoxo, Shanna

Pumpkin patch 2011...

Oh Friday, I was very happy to see you today even though I had to be up at the butt crack of dawn.  I was so proud of us this morning.  We had to be at the school this morning at 8:45, for an Intake evaluation for M.  As we are pulling out of our driveway, I start bragging about how we are going to be early, and I just couldn’t believe it.  As we pull into the school, entering into three different parking lots that said WRONG WAY, we just pretended that we didn’t see them.  I noticed that I forgot the file, with all of M's info.  Aftering saying a few choice words,  I dropped the husband and M off, while the little girl and I drive back home to get the paperwork.  Around 30 minutes later, we were able to join the husband and M for his evaluation.  But of course by this time, we had already missed most of it.  My brain decides to go on vacation at the worse times.  Luckily everyone at the school was very understanding.

We decided after the evaluation that we would take the kiddos to the pumpkin patch, Big Orange Pumpkin Farm.  Last year we took them to the same one we went today, a little tradition of ours, to kick off the fall festivities. M was so excited, the entire way there he was talking about the cows, and making moo sounds.  We picked a great time to go, it wasn’t too crowded.  The kids got to do what they wanted to do, without having to wait in line, or having the bigger kids push them out of the way.

feeding the goats & sheep...

letting the longhorn know what's up...

enjoying her first sip of the good stuff...  drinking mama's dr. pepper when I wasn't looking, little stinker!

 

little man playing in the maze, more like on the maze...  he enjoyed getting to jump and run on the hay bales!

 

a very tired little girl playing in the hay, herself...

playing on the hayride, and A getting her first little crush...  she got upset when we wouldn't let her sit by the little boy, when the tracker started moving.  too bad he lives in McKinney, and is two years older than you!

getting to pick out our pumpkins...  this was A's first time getting to pick her own pumpkin.  we will be painting them sometime this weekend.

A having a little photo shoot...  what a little cutie!

i don't know how i got my butt into that barrel but i did...  the little man had fun getting to ride around the farm in the barrel train.

After a really busy day we are calling it a night...  Cheers to the weekend!

Goodnight sweet angels!

xoxo, Shanna