So Happy Together

Ballet Anyone?

2012-01-27T17:02:00.001-06:00

McKenna LOVES dressing up like a ballerina & LOVES making Jayma dress up like one too. Thank goodness Jayma was a girl......it would have been sad if McKenna had to dress a brother up in a tutu. lol!

She loves to use the fireplace as a stage for her fancy dance moves.

Jayma & McKenna showing off their moves.

Jayma adds a jump into her dance routine.

Cool Night & Warm Fire

2012-01-24T18:41:00.000-06:00

A few nights ago Jesse suggested we sit out back in the cool air & build a fire. The girls LOVED the idea so out back we went.

Jayma didn't want to put her stick into the fire pit.

McKenna enjoyed some OJ while watching the fire.

Still won't let go of the stick.

Don't worry Hat & MiMi.....Jesse was just stepped away for a second so I could get just the girl...honest.....just ONE second.

STILL has the stick.

Jayma still won't drop the stick.

Silly face time!

At this point I think Jayma was thinking about letting go of the stick.

They took a break to grab a drink & a snack.

Jayma really loved that stick.

She finally went for a toy & some juice.

McKenna telling Jayma to stay in her chair & enjoy the fire.

Soakin Up Knowledge Like A Sponge

2012-01-21T23:58:00.000-06:00

McKenna's grandpa Jim mailed her & Jayma some SpongeBob activity books.....I'm guessing so they'll soak up knowledge like a sponge.....a SpongeBob that is.....get it??.....lol.

McKenna was excited to begin!

She picked the math book.

Here you can see SHE wrote the numbers!

She did a wonderful job! Thanks grandpa Jim for the books!

Safety First

2012-01-19T19:14:00.000-06:00

Why is Jayma wearing a helmet?

For a puppet show of course!

She's wondering where McKenna's helmet is.

Jayma plays the part of Big Bird in the show.

McKenna played the part of both King & Queen in the show.

Jayma thinks helmets are perfect for any situation.

All Skate

2012-01-14T11:31:00.000-06:00

When I was a little girl one of my favorite things to do was skate so when McKenna told me she wanted skates for her b-day I was super excited! As a kid I went to our local skating rink often. What I remember most from all those trips are two words "all skate". The old man (he probably wasn't that old back then because last time I went for a b-day party he was STILL working there.....and STILL skating!) would always say "all skate" once it was time for everyone to get back on the hard wood floor.....that was after the couples skate & the money grab. Fun times! McKenna got her skates from uncle Bryan & when we finally had a nice day she was off.....and she LOVED it!

1st time on skates & a little nervous.

Jayma was ready to support her big sissy.

You can tell she's loving it by that smile.

They even came with knee & elbow pads.....so cute!

I just loved the shadow they made.....so sweet.

Thanks uncle Bryan for the great b-day present!

Mommy In Training

2012-01-11T17:32:00.000-06:00

Proof that Jayma will make a wonderful mommy some day...

She hears her baby crying

She picks up her sweet baby

She kisses her little baby

She feeds her hungry baby

She can't believe that's all she'll eat

She offers one more bite

Moonstruck

2012-01-07T22:07:00.001-06:00

Tonight the moon & sky were absolutely beautiful.

I have no idea what the blue circle is in this shot....???

Prince Charming

2012-01-06T20:01:00.000-06:00

Despite McKenna's disappointment (you'll remember that face from the Christmas morning post) she has grown to love her Prince Charming doll. McKenna's not the only one in the family that was happy to see Mr Charming arrive at our house...Jesse was to because now he doesn't have to be a princess when they play.

Cinderella & Prince Charming sit down for dinner.

What a happy face!

Another happy face!

McKenna LOVES to play Princess.

Prince Charming is such a gentleman...kissing Cinderella's hand.

Now for the dance.

Poor Sick Baby Girl

2012-01-03T17:47:00.000-06:00

Poor Jayma is one sick little girl. This is how she's looked for the past three hours but that wasn't what she looked like last night. At about 1:30 AM she woke us up screaming in pain & pulling on her ears. I knew right away she must have a ear infection. I knew because growing up I had them ALL the time.....or at least it felt that way to me. I worked for a little over two hours today.....which was a miracle seeing as I had only had a few hours of sleep.....then left to take her to see a doctor. While we waited to be called back Jayma threw up twice.....mostly all over Jesse. My suspicions were confirmed by the doctor.....left eardrum swollen and red.....aka.....ear infection. This is the first time Jayma has been sick and the first time either one of the girls have had a ear infection. We went to pick up her meds then headed home. After a does of antibiotics, some pain reliever, and a episode of Smurfs Jayma is finally resting. I know this is what every parent says but I wish it was me instead of her.

Happy 4th Birthday McKenna!

2011-12-31T19:58:00.000-06:00

It's so hard to believe that four years ago today I welcomed my first little angel into the word. I never knew I could love someone so much. I thank God for McKenna each and every day and I'm so thankful to have her in my life. Happy 4th birthday to my BIG girl!

Cute little 2yr McKenna

Pretty 3yr McKenna

Beautiful almost 4yr McKenna

Gorgeous birthday girl!

Dinner With McKenna

2011-12-29T19:11:00.000-06:00

What can make McKenna this happy?

Eating her one of her favorite things...tomato soup!

So yummy!

Perfect dinner on a cold night.

Christmas Eve & Christmas Morning 2011

2011-12-25T12:36:00.000-06:00

McKenna & the cookies she made for Santa

Jayma eating a reindeer cookie which she kept calling a bunny

Christmas cookies

More Christmas cookies

McKenna wanted to wear one of Jayma's Santa diapers to bed...lol

Showing the back of the Santa diaper

McKenna was excited to see Santa brought her a castle

Santa brought Jayma a trike

Furniture for the castle

Jayma put on all the necklaces Santa left in their stockings

Jayma opens a gift from mommy and daddy

It's Snow White

McKenna opens a gift from mommy and daddy

It's a Prince Charming doll...she wasn't as happy as we thought she'd be

Jayma got some new PJ's

McKenna with another gift

McKenna & Jayma got a puppy & kitty from their Uncle Jim & Aunt Liz

Jesse shows off his new Tebow shirt & golf hat

Jayma's Birthday

2011-12-24T10:48:00.000-06:00

Jayma was ready for b-day cake!

McKenna doing her signature pose.

McKenna picked these funny candles for Jayma's cake.

Happy little girl.

Trying to blow out the candles.

Big sissy gets to help.

Minnie Mouse from Hat & MiMi!

Hat & MiMi gave her this princess castle that turns into a table & chair set.

She liked the Dora phone we gave her.

And the truck w/blocks.

Back at home they wanted to eat their cake on the princess table & chairs.

McKenna thought the cake was yummy.

So did Jayma...not a surprise if you know Jayma.

They played with Minnie and the truck.

Played with the castle and the truck some more.

But they ended up here...

Playing with the castle box...lol!

Thank you Hat & MiMi for helping us make Jayma's 2nd birthday special!

Happy 2nd Birthday Jayma

2011-12-21T17:45:00.000-06:00

It's so hard to believe that two years ago today we welcomed this little girl into the world. I'm so blessed to have her & thank God each day for her. Happy 2nd birthday Jayma!

Just a few moments old

1 year old

Potty Time!!!

2011-12-20T21:08:00.000-06:00

Just one day before turning 2yr Jayma went pee pee in her potty!!!!!!

We were all so proud of her!

Big girl!

Backyard Fun

2011-12-20T17:01:00.000-06:00

Here are a few pictures I took while the girls were playing in the backyard a few days ago.

McKenna By The Tree

2011-12-19T16:58:00.000-06:00

Leaves

2011-12-18T22:35:00.002-06:00

While Jesse was changing his oil I watched the girls have some fun in a pile of leaves.

Santa's Little Helper

2011-12-10T19:31:00.000-06:00

The other night I asked McKenna if she wanted to help us wrap gifts. She was a BIG help. She put every piece of tape on every gift & picked which gift tag would go with gift. Jayma on the other hand was no help at all...you'll see why in the picture below.

McKenna adding a piece of tape.

Almost done with this gift!

Silly face.

Jayma NOT helping.

Yo Gabba Gabba is the reason Jayma wouldn't help.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

2011-12-05T22:41:00.003-06:00

Lake Trip

2011-11-30T21:12:00.000-06:00

Monday Jesse wanted to go on a drive to the lake. Jayma fell asleep on the way but McKenna was wide awake to see the view of the lake from the dam for the first time. This was the most water McKenna had ever seen so she was excited.

Jesse & McKenna looking out over the dam.

We drove to the park area but it was just too cold.

McKenna couldn't get back to the car fast enough.

She made time to climb over the rope.

Turkey Cookies

2011-11-22T19:26:00.000-06:00

Sunday night McKenna & I made turkey cookies. McKenna had seen a "how to" on Nick Jr & wanted to make them SO bad. The cool thing about these cookies is the turkey was made using her hand. They were really easy to make, really cute, & really yummy! Jayma only wanted to eat the candy corn as you'll see below.

McKenna helping add the eyes & beak.

Almost done

Jayma getting more candy corn

Finished turkey cookies!

Cookie Monster

2011-11-17T16:37:00.000-06:00

My little cookie monster

McKenna's 1st Time At Church

2011-11-06T18:59:00.000-06:00

This morning we got up & went to church...I know...y'all almost passed out right? I haven't been to church in MANY years & things sure have changed. I was WAY over dressed...when did people start wearing jeans, flip flops, & T-shirts to church? What happened to women wearing pretty dresses & pretty shoes? It was kind of a nice change after the initial shock went away. We decided Jayma should skip our first trip so she stayed with uncle Bryan & Liz. (Thanks again guys for keeping her!) McKenna decided she didn't want to go into the childrens group because she wanted to be with us. I thought it'd be okay for her to stay with us this first time. She did really well until we were near the end. She started telling us she wanted to go home & that she was tired. At one point I pulled her up on my lap & she started to play with my necklace. This was a big bold necklace with lots of charms on it (I wore it to dress up my simple black dress) & it made lots of noise. As she was playing with it I started thinking about mom telling me how she remembers being a little girl & sitting in Grandmommy's lap playing with her necklace in church. It brought a smile to my face knowing that McKenna & I were making the same memories.

Dr McKenna & Her Diagnosis

2011-11-03T19:12:00.000-05:00

Tonight the girls were playing doctor in their room. I went to check on them & Dr McKenna informed me that her patient, Jayma, was sick. Here is what was said...

McKenna: Jayma is really sick
Me: Oh no...poor Jayma
McKenna: Yep, she has to stay in bed FIVE weeks!
Me: Five weeks? That's a long time for her to stay in bed...what's wrong with her?
McKenna: Oh she has a cold (she turned to walk away then came back) & she has a hot

At that point I couldn't help but bust out laughing.

Jayma in her hospital bed.

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T21:07:00.000-05:00

Halloween 2011 started off full of smiles only to end with tears. McKenna cried at the first house we went to (well, second if you count Hat & Mimi's house). We only made it one block before McKenna wanted to go home. Jayma on the other hand enjoyed it...she REALLY enjoyed the candy. :-)

McKenna as Belle & Jayma as a fairy

Jayma added the necklace to her costume

Paci Update

2011-10-24T16:08:00.000-05:00

I haven't shared this on my blog (because the two people that look at my blog already know it...but...just in the off chance that someone other than my mom & grandmother are looking) Jayma has been paci free for one entire month!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I didn't take it away (although I wanted to many times). I got lucky and she lost the very last paci we owned. I swore I wasn't going to buy any more and stuck to it. It was hard the first few nights but boy was it worth it. No more chasing that paci around the grocery store floor after one of her fits, no more searching the house or car, no more keeping a "backup" in my purse...we are free from the paci!!!! So to any parents of paci addicted kids...there is hope. :-)

Before

After...much better!!!!

Ice Cream & Candy

2011-10-07T12:29:00.000-05:00

After work on Wednesday Jesse had a great idea...going to the ice cream shop!

McKenna shows her strawberry ice cream with sprinkles

She was really happy to be there

Jayma with her messy face..not from ice cream though...

from tiny M&M candy...she's the only kid I know of that would rather have the toppings than the ice cream

Fun At Mimi's

2011-10-05T21:32:00.000-05:00

After work the other day I went to pick the girls up from Mimi's & this is what I found...

Having fun coloring on Mimi's old coffee table.

There's all kind of stuff to do in Mimi's play room.

McKenna drew a cute monkey all by herself.

Free Cookie = Bath

2011-10-01T16:21:00.000-05:00

The girls really enjoyed the free cookie at Wal-Mart...almost as much as they enjoyed the much needed bath that came soon after. Just a little FYI...the blue icing does NOT come out of clothes...even with wonderful Oxiclean.

What Will She Become

2011-09-28T21:46:00.000-05:00

As my sweet little girl approaches her 4th birthday (December 31st) I can't help but wonder what her future will hold. I wonder daily what she'll become...

Artist?

Actress?

Model?

Vet?

Sweet Voice

2011-09-07T18:33:00.000-05:00

McKenna sings her favorite (at this moment) song for you.

Texas Girl For Sure

2011-09-05T20:02:00.000-05:00

86!!!! I couldn't believe how good it felt when I went out this morning!

Jayma was loving the cooler weather.

McKenna thought it was cold & asked for a jacket...she's a Texas girl for sure.

Big Helper

2011-08-27T21:54:00.000-05:00

Yesterday while we were at the store with MiMi I saw her put a cake mix in her basket. The thought of warm white cake with chocolate icing was too much. I asked McKenna if she'd like me to buy stuff for cup cakes & she could help me make them on Saturday. Of course she said "YES!". This morning when she woke me up (7:30) she asked if it was time to make the cup cakes. I told her we would make them later...well, every few minutes she asked "is it later yet?"...wrong thing to tell a 3yr. I explained that by saying later I really meant in the afternoon after nap time. The minute McKenna woke up from her nap she said "oh I'm up from my nap so it's time to make the cup cakes!". With that we were off to the kitchen to bake our cakes. McKenna was a BIG help & was so proud of her cup cakes that she invited Hat & MiMi over to enjoy some. She did a good job because they were really good...so good that Hat asked for two more after his dinner. :-)

McKenna adding the water into the mix

Stirring the mix

Waiting & waiting

Ready to frost & sprinkle

Adding the sprinkles was her favorite part

Well maybe eating them was her favorite part

Yum

80's Child

2011-08-18T18:59:00.000-05:00

McKenna dressed herself from head to toe on Saturday. Judging from what she put together I think she should have been around in the 80's. Flashdance, jazzercise, Cyndi Lauper...she would have fit in with them all.

Sleepy Girl

2011-08-16T19:34:00.000-05:00

Jayma was so tired she couldn't put Belle down. :-)

Jayma's Got A New Do Too

2011-08-11T21:17:00.000-05:00

While we were watching Jesse eat his lunch today McKenna said Jayma needed bangs too. I looked at her and said "okay" so off to get the scissors I went. When I got back I questioned what I was about to do but then thought about the fact that Hat & MiMi are ALWAYS threatening to cut them (they say they are always in her face even when they are pulled back & that she can't see the world...lol) so why not do it myself? Jayma's didn't turn out as well as McKenna's but it's harder to get a 19 month old to sit perfectly still. Hat & MiMi...hope you're happy. :-)

The before

She looks pretty happy with my skills

The after...BEAUTIFUL!

McKenna's New Do

2011-08-10T23:11:00.000-05:00

Tonight while I was combing out McKenna's hair she asked if she could have bangs. This is the third night in a row that she has asked me for bangs. Tonight I said "if you are sure you want them I'll cut them for you but once I cut them they won't grow back for a while...is that okay?" to which she replied "YES mommy it's okay!". I left to get my scissors and told Jesse what was going on. Jesse made his way to the bathroom and said "no McKenna don't cut your hair...it's so pretty". McKenna started crying and told him she wanted bangs so Jesse said "well, you'll be beautiful no matter what your hair looks like". That put a smile on McKenna's face and then the magic began.

Doesn't she look beautiful?

Smurfin Good Time

2011-08-01T17:43:00.000-05:00

Today mom called & asked if McKenna & I wanted to go see the Smurf movie. I was more than happy to go with her because I LOVED the Smurfs (Smurfette was my favorite) as a kid. McKenna has seen a few episodes of the Smurfs & has also become attached to Smurfette...all though she asks every time (many times) why Smurfette is the only girl Smurf. lol! When we got to the theater we found out it was Smurf 3D! We had never been to a 3D movie so I didn't know how McKenna would do with keeping the glasses on. Surprisingly McKenna kept the glasses on for the entire movie! We all thought the movie was really cute & had a great time.

McKenna with the Smurfs

Smurfs & McKenna...both are too cute!

McKenna in her 3D glasses & MiMi with her popcorn.

Do we look silly or what?

MiMi's ready now too.

Fun In The Sun

2011-07-12T19:54:00.000-05:00

Sunday we took the girls to the local splash pad for some fun. This is the second time Jayma has been & she's really beginning to enjoy the water...probably because it's SO hot here.

Notice Jayma dancing towards the end of this...she must hear music in her head ALL the time. lol

McKenna Sings

2011-07-07T21:38:00.000-05:00

Here's a video of McKenna singing the theme song to her favorite show Little Einstein.

Jayma Talks

2011-07-05T13:51:00.001-05:00

Here's Jayma talking a few weeks ago. So cute!

July 4th

2011-07-04T12:13:00.000-05:00

With the temp being over 100 outside there's not much to do on the 4th this year but stay inside and relax. Let's all pray that next year it won't be so dry here and we'll be allowed to have fireworks again. It's so sad that they have all been cancelled for tonight. :-( The girls were acting cute...like always...so I grabbed my phone for a few pics. Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th!

McKenna & Jayma enjoying the 4th

Jayma clapping her hands

Movin' On Up

2011-06-09T22:07:00.002-05:00

Jayma's movin' on up...

Jayma several months ago eating in her high chair.

Jayma today sitting in her booster seat

Such a proud little girl!

It's sad to see the high chair go. It reminds us that our sweet baby is turning into a little girl.

Say Cheese

2011-05-21T18:20:00.000-05:00

Jayma has learned to say "cheese" when I hold up my phone or camera. She has been saying the word for a while now but only when she was close to the refrigerator.

Rockin Mother's Day

2011-05-09T19:04:00.001-05:00

Mother's Day 2011 began with a trip to Cracker Barrel for the Grandpa's Country Fried Breakfast (two eggs, grits, homemade buttermilk biscuits, hashbrown casserole, and country fried steak). YUMMY!!! After eating the girls discovered the famous Cracker Barrel rocking chairs which they fell in love with. McKenna begged us to buy one for her but the $79 price tag made our decision. After breakfast it was a trip to the park then later a trip to the Hamilton Bread Company for some bread & cookies...another YUMMY!!! The girls also gave me jewelry for Mother's Day...a beautiful purple rubber bracelet that says mom with the letter O being a heart. So sweet!

Dinner & A Slide

2011-05-05T21:51:00.000-05:00

Tonight Jesse had a good idea of grabbing some dinner from Chipotle & taking it to the park. We ate on the playground & watched the girls play until it was dark.

Pierced Ears!!!

2011-04-29T21:43:00.000-05:00

The girls & I were at the mall yesterday with mom doing a little shopping. McKenna asked me if she could buy a shirt or something & I told her we would see. After looking & not finding anything cute and on sale I remembered what McKenna asked for a few weeks ago...earrings. I asked her if she wanted to go get her ears pierced & she said "YES!"...to be honest I didn't expect her to go through with it...boy was I wrong.

MiMi films as McKenna waits for the papers to be signed.

Excited 3 year old!

1st ear...no tears!

Lots of tears after the 2nd ear...poor baby...I was honest & told her it would hurt though.

Beautiful little girl with beautiful earrings!

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T10:31:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pics of the girls Easter egg hunt & McKenna playing in the sprinkler the bunny left for them.

McKenna found the 1st egg!

Jayma keeps looking.

McKenna shows off another find.

Hat helps Jayma find her 1st egg!

McKenna really enjoyed her egg hunt.

Jayma was just happy to have her paci back.

McKenna enjoyes the new sprinkler the Easter bunny left.

Jayma plays ball.

Hope everyone had a happy Easter!

Bringing Back The Hat

2011-04-21T06:52:00.000-05:00

I know right now everyone in the fashion world is saying that Kate Middleton (the future princess) is bringing back hats but I have to tell you it's really my sweet baby girl doing it...she's just not followed around by tons of paparazzi to prove it. EVERY day she walks up to me saying "hat" while holding which ever of her sisters many hats she has found...this is her request for me to put it on her head. Once the hat is on Jayma begins her happy hat dance. She starts to clap then turns around in circles with the biggest smile you've every seen...TOO CUTE!

She wears a hat while watching TV

She even wears a hat while she eats

Zoo & Build-A-Bear

2011-04-17T21:40:00.000-05:00

Today we took the girls to the zoo and then to Build-A-Bear! This was a trip we had been planning for about a month now...since I discovered $10 off Build-A-Bear coupons in our paper. McKenna was so excited to go see a bear & a coyote...neither of which were out. She was also extremely excited to go to Build-A-Bear for the very first time. We had been looking at the site on the computer so she had a idea of what she wanted. If you have never been to Build-A-Bear I highly recommend you go. I'm 35 and LOVED it! I wish they had it around when I was a kid. You get to choose your animal, help stuff it, add a heart to it before they stitch it up, clean the extra "fluff" off it, choose clothes for it (my favorite part...they even have tons of tiny accessories!), pose your creation in front of a little mirror, name it & then print off it's birth certificate. SO MUCH FUN! I'm really not sure who had more fun...me or Mckenna. lol! What a wonderful day we had...enjoy the pics!

Arriving at the zoo

Jayma just wouldn't look at the camera

McKenna thought these fish were cool

Jayma got excited to see the fish

Looking at the alligators

This slide went through the otters pool

All the kids were loving this slide

McKenna & I tried out a teepee

The giraffes were so beautiful

The rhino really smelled BAD

I think the elephant wanted to talk to McKenna

McKenna added a heart into her bunny

Jayma does a little shopping

Time to dress the bunny

Jayma liked this shirt

More shopping

McKenna was so excited to be at Build-A-Bear

The completed bunny

Jayma shows of her new puppy FiFi

McKenna was exhausted from all the fun

Play Time!

2011-04-16T10:54:00.000-05:00

We took the girls to McDonald's to enjoy some play time...and so I could enjoy some french fries. :-) The girls had fun playing with two little boys until Jayma fell. Jayma shows you how brave she is in the last picture. She thinks she's a big girl that can keep up with McKenna & most of the time she's correct. This trip she fell down a tube & landed on her face which left her with a purple cheek. Poor baby.

McKenna waiting for Jayma to join her.

Jayma joins the fun!

She thinks she's a big girl when it comes to play areas...she has no fear.

Jayma carried around a french fry for a long time...here she's still holding it.

McKenna wondered what Jayma was searching for...don't worry it wasn't the fry.

Jayma shows how brave she is...she climb all the way to the top on her own!

Ice Cream Shop

2011-04-14T19:27:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago McKenna requested we take her to a ice cream shop like she saw on TV. Jesse and I didn't have a problem with that...we LOVE ice cream! A few days after the request we made the trip. We only have one ice cream shop to choose from in this town...they make the ice cream at the shop (REALLY expensive but REALLY good).

Here a just a few of the tasty "add ins" you can choose from.

Here McKenna is telling me she wants sprinkles!

Jayma wants what the cow has.

McKenna picks a seat for us...I think she liked the pink table.

Jayma has her 1st bite of real ice cream shop ice cream.

McKenna enjoys her 1st bite of chocolate with sprinkles...yummy!

I enjoyed double chocolate w/fudge & nuts in a waffle bowl...SO yummy!!!

I was so glad McKenna had the idea to visit the ice cream shop!!

Our New Bedroom!

2011-02-26T12:51:00.000-06:00

We were blessed with Jesse receiving a nice bonus at work this year so we decided to use it for some much needed bedroom furniture and a new plush mattress! It's amazing how excited I was for the new mattress...no more springs in my back!!! It's funny the things that make you happy as an adult. lol! We also decided to update our kitchen...those photos to come after all the counter work is complete. I'm so in love with my bedroom now! I even bought new pictures for the walls, new bedding, and new lamps...just need to find some more pillows for the bed to give it that final touch.

Our new bed & nightstand

New bedding & pictures

New chest of drawers

New dresser & mirror

Thank you Jesse for sharing your bonus with me! You're the best!

Snow Day!

2011-02-04T19:49:00.001-06:00

This was what I found at 5:00 AM...SNOW!

McKenna wanted to go out so bad. She kept telling me she wanted to make a snowball. Jesse had to go to work so I was home alone with both girls which was going to make it hard to take McKenna out to play.

Lucky for us Hat came to the rescue! Jayma was so cold I only stayed out with her long enough to get a few cute pics.

McKenna the snow angel...beautiful!

Black and Blue Friday

2010-11-26T21:01:00.003-06:00

Well, it's come and gone...thank goodness. I've decided they should call it Black and Blue Friday because I feel like I've been beaten black and blue. I don't know why I do this to myself every year but I'm sure 2011 won't be any different...sorry mommy. lol! I haven't slept more than two hours (not all at once) since Wednesday night so I'm going to keep this short and sweet. After standing with fellow "real shoppers" for more than thirty minutes at the garden entrance of Wal-Mart (might I add there are some really interesting folks & conversations going on during Black Friday) I made my way past the tons of shopping baskets and shoppers to find ONE Barbie Jeep left. This is where I kind of go blank from all the adrenaline...what I remember is cutting some man off then throwing myself on the box and screaming "I got it!"...maybe it wasn't that dramatic but that's the way I remember it to be. I can't wait to see McKenna's little face on Christmas when she sees the Jeep. It's so much fun having kids!!!

Almost here!!!!

2010-11-25T21:52:00.003-06:00

It's almost here...one of my favorite days of the year...BLACK FRIDAY!!! Call me crazy but I LOVE the whole thing that is Black Friday. I love the thrill of looking at the adds, the lines full of other real shoppers (by the way...being a Black Friday shopper is the ONLY way to classify yourself as a real shopper), the packed parking lots, the extra police officers, the crazy locations of the sale items, the fear that you might NOT get that one thing that you really want, the cheap prices, the totally insane people...the list could go on and on. I've been a real shopper for countless years and along side me has always been my wonderful mommy. It's our thing...even if one of us doesn't have the extra money or we don't really NEED anything we still go. We always get our free snow globe at JC Penney...with the exception of last year and I won't even go into that story because my blood pressure won't allow it...keep in mind I was 9 months pregnant last month so that will help you imagine the hormonal rage that might have been part of that entire experience. lol! This year Wal-Mart is doing a wonderful thing...starting at 12:01! It's 10:01 as I type so the time is almost here. My shopping has changed a bit over the past three years because now my beautiful girls come first. The major goal this year...a Barbie Jeep priced at $88 for sweet McKenna to drive across the street to visit her MiMi. I'm ready with my list of must have treasures and all the adds and coupons the local paper had to offer. Wish me luck! Good luck to all the other real shoppers out there!

Cute Cowboy

2010-11-03T21:52:00.003-05:00

Tonight I was doing ab exercises while listening to my all time favorite male singer Mr George Strait on my Zune. McKenna was sitting on the floor watching me & talking to me when all of the sudden she said "Look mommy a cowboy!" to which I replied "where?". She pointed to my Zune & said "there" I looked down & saw the picture of George Strait. I said "Yes McKenna that is a cowboy...he's a real cowboy...his name is George Strait". By this time the picture had gone away so McKenna demanded to see it again. I touched the screen & the picture came up. McKenna bent down & looked at it very closely then said "cute". I almost died! I asked Jesse if he heard what she said & he said he had heard it & that he was worried seeing as she's only 2 years old. I told McKenna "yes he is cute" so then she demanded to see the picture again & again each time telling me he was a "cute cowboy". Jesse said "McKenna you just made your mom proud"...he was correct...I'm so proud my baby girl thinks George is cute too!

McKenna said...

2010-11-02T21:42:00.002-05:00

Mom and I are always talking about the funny things McKenna is saying but we never remember to blog about them...until now. Sunday Jesse went to play golf with his boss in Austin so I was home alone all day with the girls. McKenna was playing princess...like she ALWAYS does...when she stopped to look out the living room window. While looking out she said "Ooo mommy there's lots of poop out there". I said "I know it's from the dogs". McKenna then said "daddy needs to pick it up...I need to tell him". I agreed with her then sent Jesse a text telling him McKenna had his Monday afternoon planned for him. lol!

Thinking of You

2010-10-19T22:01:00.002-05:00

This afternoon both girls took a nap at the same time...which seldom happens. I tried to nap too but just couldn't fall asleep. While I was laying on the sofa I heard a noise that sounded like it came from my bedroom. I got up to see what the noise was because McKenna was sleeping in our bed. I walked in the room to find McKenna in the same position I'd left her in so I knew she didn't make the noise. I look around the room & then realized what had made the noise. It was a cross I bought a few years ago at a garage sale. The cross is made out of used matchsticks...it's really cool! I was unable to hang the cross properly because of the way it's made so I've had it laying up against the wall on top of my dresser mirror. The cross had fallen and landed on a shoe box. The shoe box has been sitting on my dresser for about two weeks now. It's a shoe box full of letters from my past that my mom & dad had been storing for me. My dad asked that I take it home so he could free up some shelf space in his garage. I've looked at the box several times & thought I should open it & look at the letters but I never have time. When I found the cross had fallen on it I took it as a sign I should look in the box...after all I had time...both girls were sound asleep. The first letter I took out was from my friend in 9th grade. It was a silly note talking about boys and lunch...you know...the important stuff. lol! The second thing in the box was a card that says "Thinking of You" with pink, blue, purple, & white flowers on it. I opened the card & this is what it I found...

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:30

Ginger,
I miss you more and more each day that goes by

Love,
Daddy Ken 1985

Thinking of you brings warm memories of our times together

I couldn't believe what I was reading. He was telling me he misses me. He was also telling me that he's healthy & strong again..."they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint". Just last night I was crying to my mom about how much I miss Daddy Ken. It might sound silly to some but I truly believe he was speaking to me.

Tinkerbell's House

2010-06-13T23:12:00.005-05:00

If you've been reading mom's blog you know that McKenna is in love with princesses and castles right now. The princess dress that I bought her finally had a break today and was able to just hang in the closet...she's worn it EVERY day for almost a week now. This morning when Jesse went to play golf McKenna and I had a cute conversation. This is how it went...

McKenna: Go to Tinkerbell's house?
Me: You want to go to Tinkerbell's house?
McKenna: YES!
Me: I don't know where Tinkerbell's house is...do you?
McKenna: Yes! High in the sky.
Me: High in the sky? How do you think we can get to her house?
McKenna: Fly!
Me: How are we going to fly? Should we try to get a plane to take us?
McKenna: Wings! Fly with wings!
Me: We don't have wings though.
McKenna: Store!
Me: Store?
McKenna: Yes...go in dada's car to store to get wings!

I laughed so hard. I guess when you're two the store has everything you could ever need. When Jesse got home I told him to ask McKenna where she wanted to go and she told him the same thing. Jesse told her that he knows where Tinkerbell's house is. He told her one day when she's bigger and Jayma is bigger we will all go to Florida to see Tinkerbell's house. Wonder if the store will sell wings to make you fly by that time? lol!

That's My Girl!

2010-04-23T18:13:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday Brady had his final interview at Chick-fil-a. I was the one asked to take him so I loaded up McKenna and Jayma and off we went. We were at the stop light just off I35 (in front of the old Time Warner office) when I heard McKenna say something from the back. This is how the conversation went...
McKenna: "mama there it is!"
Me: "there's what baby?"
McKenna: "donalds! play!"
I looked back at McKenna and she was pointing out the passenger side window. I looked out the window and saw what she was so excited about...McDonalds!!! I've NEVER taken McKenna to that McDonalds so I was amazed that she spotted it and knew what it was. If you know me at all you know that I LOVE McDonalds so you can only imagine how proud I was of my baby girl. :) Now everytime we see McDonalds she asks for french fries. That's my girl!!!!

Elton and Mom

2010-04-11T21:08:00.003-05:00

Last night I went with my mom to see Sir Elton John in concert. It was so much fun! Most of you know I've been to more concerts then I can count but this was different. I've never been to a concert with so many...I'll call them...mature people in my life. When we parked I saw two white headed ladies (on in a wheelchair) that were going to the concert! I've NEVER seen that at any concert I've ever been to. Mom claims she was surprised by the number of "young people" there but I was only seeing a crowd full of mostly mature people. I was so impressed by my mom though...she's not a spring chicken but she sure did act like one. She bought a pair of crazy red glasses that had flashing lights on them. I couldn't believe she would really wear them but she did! Truth be told I don't know that I would have had the nerve to wear them but after seeing them on her I wanted some too. She let me wear them for a little while and it was hard not to have a ton of fun with those on. I think all the other women we passed that were her age secretly wanted a pair too...and the nerve to wear them. Good job mom! Like all the other times we've been to a concert together my mom was up moving and screaming her lungs out. It was great to see her having such a good time. I'm so glad I had the chance to see Elton John in concert but even more glad that I was able to see him with my wonderful mommy.
Oh...he put on a wonderful show too!

Scary Sound

2010-04-08T23:09:00.003-05:00

I was playing Solitaire about ten minutes ago while Jesse and Jayma were watching basketball together (McKenna is sound asleep). I heard Jesse talking to Jayma then I heard him open a bottle of soda. The soda made a hissing sound when he opened it...you know the one. About two seconds after I heard the bottle opening I heard Jayma screaming bloody murder. I knew what had happened. I knew the hissing soda bottle scared her. I went into the kitchen and found Jesse laughing hysterically. Poor little Jayma was still screaming at the top of her lungs and turning purple. She even had tears running down her sweet little face. I held her and tried to calm her down but every time she looked at Jesse she started crying again. Maybe that moment will be enough to make the child like water and not soda...like her mommy and her MiMi. lol!

Printer Problems

2010-03-28T22:34:00.004-05:00

Jesse bought us a nice Cannon printer about two years ago. I loved having a printer. I would use it to print coupons, email, and even pictures. One day about six months ago our wonderful printer stopped working. I was so upset and disappointed. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I said "I wish I knew what was wrong with this printer" in the past six months. Jesse and I tried to find the problem but we were both unsuccessful...until the other day. I noticed on the MSN home page that the baby sling I have was being recalled. I quickly went to the manufactures website and filled out the form to send in my sling for a replacement product. After completing the form it instructed me to print the shipping label. Print the shipping label!!! Oh no! I tried sending the info to Jesse and mom to see if one of them would print it for me. They both called back saying the file had a error attached to it and would not let them print it. I was so upset. All I could do was tell myself to fix that stupid printer. I got down on the floor under the desk to be sure everything was plugged in correctly then tried it again. Same error...it was telling me to load the paper...there was already paper in it! Why? Why was it telling me this? In a moment of rage I jumped up from the chair, pulled out the paper, and stuck my hand down in the printer. It was at that very moment that I experienced sweet victory over that printer. I felt something inside the printer that was blocking the paper from printing. I pulled on it until I was finally able to get it out. I bet you're wondering what it was aren't you? It was a bright yellow golf tee!!!! Now I bet you are wondering how a golf tee got inside the printer...one word...McKenna! I'm betting it was one day or night when sweet little McKenna was enjoying watching Kipper on the computer. I should have known...after all she did write on the computer screen with a pen one night while watching Kipper. I had to learn the hard way to remove all pens from McKenna's sight and now I'll have to do the same with golf tees. Good news is the printer works again.

Hide and Seek

2010-03-04T22:54:00.002-06:00

When I came home from work today Jesse told me that McKenna learned to play hide and seek. This is what I saw and heard...

McKenna: (standing in the living room with her hands over her eyes...but peeking between her fingers) "2,3,4 dada where are you?" then she went running to find Jesse hiding in the entry way. She was so excited and proud that she found him.

Jesse: "Now I'll count and you hide McKenna"
McKenna: "otay dada"
Jesse: (with his hands over his eyes...not peeking...and standing against the living room wall) "1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 ready or not here I come!"

Now let me just add that while Jesse was busy counting to 10 we both heard the girls bathroom door slam shut.

Jesse: "McKenna where are you? I'm going to get you McKenna" (as he made his way down the hall) "Are you in your room McKenna?" (no answer...not a word) "McKenna where are you? Are you in the bathroom?"
McKenna: "NO!" she yelled from behind the closed bathroom door.

I guess she hasn't learned exactly how to play yet. LOL!!!!!!!

Colorful Ride Home

2010-03-02T23:06:00.002-06:00

Today after dropping Mi Mi off at work McKenna yelled out "boo car mama". I looked out the passenger side window and saw a blue car sitting in a parking space. I told her "yes McKenna you are right...that is a blue car". The entire way home she pointed out all the colors she knows. Red cars, a yellow truck, white cars, green signs, a blue roof, a orange sign, and she even spotted a blue trampoline (the safety cage around the trampoline). While waiting at the stop light she asked "this mama?" and I pointed to the car next to us. I explained to her that it was the color silver to which she replied "oh yes". It was so cute to hear the excitement in her little voice every time she would see another color.

Who talks more?

2010-03-01T20:54:00.002-06:00

I'm starting to wonder who talks more...me or McKenna? Anyone who knows me knows I can talk. After all talking was the only thing I ever got in trouble for at school or work. :) McKenna is going to give me a run for my money I'm sure. I was just giving her a bath and she didn't stop talking the entire time. I'm not saying I can understand all of it but I can understand most of it. Here are some examples of McKenna talk: with stroller and keys in hand she'll yell out "bye mama! see you! wuv you!", with a golf ball or basketball in hand she'll yell out "catch mama", if I ask her if she has poop in her diaper (and I KNOW she DOES) she'll say "nope fine", some times she just yells out "melmo where are you?", if Jayma is crying she say (with her face next to Jayma's) "it ok baby don't cry". When Mickey Mouse, Tigger and Pooh, or Kipper comes on she'll sing the theme song as best as she can...getting most of the words right. I'm starting to feel sorry for my mom and Jesse because now they are going to have two of us to listen to. lol!

Don't leave a 2 year old alone!

2010-02-27T18:04:00.003-06:00

Can you hear that? It's silence...my house is 100% silent. I don't know how long it'll last but it's nice for the moment. Mom is always giving me grief for not blogging but I never seem to find the time but now I have a moment. Are you proud or what mom? I'll tell y'all a story from the other day that will explain why you don't leave a 2yr alone. McKenna was insisting on staying in her room to play but I had to feed Jayma so I told McKenna I would be in the other room if she needed me. I was thinking she would come find me in a few...boy was I wrong. After about 15 minutes of silence from McKenna I decided to get up & see what she was doing. All of you that have kids know that silence is never a good thing unless they are sleeping. When I came around the corner I saw her sitting on the floor in front of her kitchen. She had all her food scattered on the floor and the dishes too. Then I noticed a funny smell and white stuff all over everything. It was baby powder!!! She had found the powder on the changing table and used it as flour...I'm guessing. It was all over her food, dishes, pants, and the carpet! Needless to say the baby powder is in the bathroom cabinet now along with the diaper rash cream...that got put up after mom said McKenna might think it was toothpaste! Mom suggested McKenna help wash all of her food and dishes as punishment. I'm not sure it was punishment because she LOVES to help clean.

Happy Birthday Mommy!

2008-07-28T19:57:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe that today my mom turns 53 years old. Where have the years gone...where are they going? I still look at my mom and see that young hip mom that took me to so many concerts, the cool mom that all my friends wished they had, the crazy mom that drove me and my friends by boys houses (that we had crushes on) and honked (we thought we would die). How can this woman be 53? Not that 53 is old...the closer I get to it the younger it seems. ;) I'm so thankful that 53 years ago my wonderful grandmother brought her into this world. I'm so glad that my wonderful grandfather showed her how to have fun in life. I'm thankful that I have her as a mother and that McKenna has her as a grandmother. My mother is my best friend, my worst enemy...at times, my shoulder to cry on, my cook...every now & then, my babysitter, and the list could go on and on and on. I hope you have a wonderful birthday! I love you mommy!

Strong Legs

2008-07-24T20:33:00.002-05:00

I'm sitting here at the computer sending out pics of McKenna to an old friend of mine while Jesse lifts weights. Just a second ago he yells out "she gave me a bloody nose!"...what? I replied "who gave you a bloody nose?" to which he answered "McKenna...she kicked me". I didn't know if he was kidding or not so I told him to come show me...he was not kidding! I know my little angel has some strong legs because the other day at the store she kicked mom in the face hitting her glasses and me in the chin...our faces were close to her feat because we were making her laugh...guess she got the last laugh. I guess the lesson to learn here is not to put your face near McKenna's legs next time you see her.

Just One More

2008-07-12T05:01:00.002-05:00

Have you ever said I wish I had just one more? Just one more...slice of pizza, day of vacation, yummy cookie, hour in the day. I found myself wishing for just one more as I lay awake in bed tonight. Just one more year...month...day...or even minute to spend with Daddy Ken. If I could have just one more minute I would hug him so tight, tell him how much I love him, and how very much I have missed him since he left. Just one more...but then I started thinking...that one more year...month...day...or minute still would not be enough to make me happy. I would still want just one more. Mom always told me to spend as much time as possible with my grandparents because one day they would be gone and I would wish for the days back. She told me these words from her own experience. I'm so thankful she did. I'm thankful she took me to visit once a week...sometimes more. I'm thankful for the wonderful memories I have of Daddy Ken and the wonderful memories I'm still making with grandmommy.

As I was typing this I started thinking of the Diamond Rio song "One More Day" (the lyrics are below).

Last night I had a crazy dream
A wish was granted just for me,
It could be for anything
I didn't ask for money
Or a mansion in malibu
I simply wished, for one more day with you

Chorus

One more day
One more time
One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again
I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you

First thing I'd do, is pray for time to crawl
Then I'd unplug the telephone
And keep the tv off
I'd hold you every second
Say a million I love you's
That's what I'd do. With one more day with you

Chorus

Leave me wishing still for one more day
Leave me wishing still for one more day

Snickerdoodles

2008-06-05T22:07:00.002-05:00

Yesterday a vendor brought in a cookie tray for my department. I resisted those cookies for hours then finally broke down when I saw there was a snickerdoodle. I was so excited to see that snickerdoodle! I lifted the lid, gently picked up the perfect snickerdoodle, wrapped it up, & carried it to my desk. You might wonder why I was so excited over a snickerdoodle cookie...I'll tell you. Growing up grandmommy cooked many wonderful things for me...fried chicken that nobody can beat (not even KFC!), lumpy mashed potatoes, pie crust, cake, & her fabulous snickerdoodles. I sat at my desk looking at the snickerdoodle & also looking at the picture of grandmommy & daddy Ken that I have at my desk. I thought about all the times I was so happy she made those wonderful cookies...just a cookie brought so much happiness. My taste buds were going crazy thinking about how wonderful that cookie was going to be...sadly they were very disappointed...it was nothing like the cookies I had enjoyed as a child...it was nasty! The other day grandmommy told me she hasn't cooked in over a month...she said she has no reason to she said...well, to this I say MAKE SOME SNICKERDOODLES. :)

Little Bit

2008-05-26T00:13:00.002-05:00

The other day I saw a little girl on the back of a motorcycle being driven by a older man. I immediately thought of all the fun times Daddy Ken took me riding on his motorcycle as a little girl. Lots of times we would have Boz (his talented black Cocker Spaniel...the reason I wanted a black Cocker Spaniel as an adult) in a milk crate on the very back of the bike. I remember the big windshield on the bike & how I could hear the radio playing when we would come to a stop. As a adult mom told me about Daddy Ken taking grandmommy (& Boz too I think) all the way to Arlington on that motorcycle. I can't imagine grandmommy riding all that way on a motorcycle...what must her hair have looked like...even with a helmet!
For several of the past years when I would say "I love you" to Daddy Ken he would say "little bit" & I would reply "whole lot". Even though he said little bit I knew he meant whole lot too. This would be the way we would say goodbye on the phone or in person. Every day I see or hear something (as simple as two little words) that make me think of Daddy Ken & bring back wonderful memories & puts a smile on my face. Miss you...whole lot!

Letters

2008-05-07T05:37:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I received the phone call I have dreaded my entire life...Daddy Ken was gone. It's so hard for me to believe even as I type the words. I am truly broken hearted. I can't sleep...I haven't slept all night. While I was laying in bed thinking of all my memories of Daddy Ken I started thinking of all the letters we wrote to each other while he was away. I know I kept all the letters because I loved all the drawings that he did on the envelopes. I never thought then that I would try to find those letters for words of comfort...but I did. I started digging in boxes that I have in my closet desperate to find the letters...I need to know that he's ok...I need a sign. I came across a group of pictures that I carried in my wallet as a teenager...the first picture was of my brother & the second picture was of Daddy Ken. He looks so young & so handsome...the way I remember him when we were best pals on Saturday mornings. I found a folded white handkerchief in the box that I knew was one he had drawn on even before I opened it. When I opened it I was so happy...it does have his wonderful drawings on it but it was the words on it that brought the smile to my face..."Happy Birthday Ginger!"...it was dated 1986 but I found it in time for my birthday this year...it's like he's telling me happy birthday. When I reached the bottom of the box I found a few of the letters he wrote me. The first one I opened was dated June 27, 1991...it's folded into three sections & the section I saw first said "Nan Mama & Daddy C are together again. No pain no worries evermore. Happy where they worked to go all their lives. We are because they lived!" in the same letter he talks about his family keeping him from "going crazy"... "best of all is the fact that I have a good wife. As you go through life always remember that in your lifetime the person to person experiences are more important than any thing else. Keep those close to you in your heart. Your mother and daddy are important and always will be." The second letter I opened was dated August 9, 1991 he says "People often say things that hurt the ones they love. I remember many times when those I loved the most either said or did things that hurt me just because. We must be bigger than that for we are supposed to be strong you & I." The third letter I opened was from February 2, 1992 he says "remember to always keep things in proper order as to importance...I don't have to tell you the order I am sure you have had good training from home. Cindy is a good mother I am sure for I taught her myself." he goes on to tell me of the good times we will share when we are together again then at the end of the letter he says "miss me but carry on with your life"...there it was...my sign...he's telling me through his own writings that he is ok...no pain no worries evermore...he's with his mother and daddy that he loved so very much...be strong...miss him but carry on. I wish I could hug him & tell him I love him (& hear him respond with "little bit" & a smile) just one more time. I pray that he will watch over my daughter. I can't wait to tell her stories about her Daddy Ken...I only wish she could have known him the way I knew him. All those years that he was away I was broken hearted & longed for him to come home now today I sit broken hearted & long for the day I can go home & see him again. I love you & miss you Daddy Ken.

Spit Up

2008-05-02T22:52:00.002-05:00

After I was done cleaning the kitchen tonight I sat down on the couch next to Jesse to watch a movie. Jesse had been feeding McKenna & was ready to hand her off to me so he could eat a snack. As he handed her to me she spit up...a bunch...all over me! Why does she ALWAYS spit up on me I asked?!?!? She doesn't do it to other people...just me...why? I handed her back to Jesse & went to clean up & change my pj's. As I was cleaning the spit up off my arm & leg I was thinking to myself how glad I'll be when she's not spitting up anymore. All of the sudden I told myself to stop...don't even think that...she's growing too fast as it is....what's a little spit up going to hurt? I'm learning to be careful with what I wish for or what I cant wait for. I'll catch myself thinking how I cant wait till she can say mommy I love you or ask to hold my hand but then I stop...when she can do those things it'll be because she's older & that's a thought I'm not ready for. The past four months have flown by & with each day that passes I realize how fast time is going continue to fly. Every moment with her is a moment that I can never get back. So with that in mind I say cover me in spit up...I'm blessed to have her here to spit up on me. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY BRO

2008-04-05T11:36:00.002-05:00

This entry is a day late...sorry last night got away from me. Fourteen years ago my baby bro was born. That day was the beginning of one of the most wonderful relationships I have ever known. You see, I was 18 when my baby brother was born which made me more like a second mom to him than a sister. Thanks to that age difference we have a very special bond. There were even a few times he called me mom...which didn't make our mom too happy. I have so many memories of time spent with him from his first day at school ( I don't know who cried more me or mom) to all the many years of taking him trick or treating, to the day he painted my new car with polyurethane (that's when I found out how much I really loved him). I have always been so proud of him & continue to be each day that passes. He has grown into such a handsome young man and I'm so thankful that God bless us with him 14 years ago. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Real Tears

2008-03-10T22:54:00.003-05:00

Today McKenna is 10 weeks old and went for her two month check up. Dr Warren did the wellness exam and took her measurements (Ht: 22 1/2 in, Weight: 11lb 3oz, Head Circumference 37.6 cm) and told us everything was normal and she looked perfect. After a short question/answer period the doctor reminded us that McKenna would be given her shots today. She informed us that she would be given a polio vaccine, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, hepatitis b vaccine, haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine, rotavirus vaccine, and diphtheria tetanus & pertussis vaccine...that's 6 vaccines...1 would be given orally and 5 of them were going to be shots! McKenna was in such a good mood during the visit. As I watched her smile at me all I could think of was how that would soon be changing. The nurse came in next and began the torture. She gave the oral vaccine first then gave McKenna two shots in one leg and three in the other. My sweet little girls face went from all smiles to all tears in two seconds flat. I've never seen her face turn that purple color or have so many real tears run down her cheeks before. It was horrible to hold her while this was going on even if I knew it was for her own good. Her honest deep from the gut cry broke my heart...she's never cried so hard before. After the nurse was done she place cute bandages on the spots and gave her a dose of pain meds then sent us on our way. I'm posting a few pics of her from this evening where she was not feeling very well. I'm happy to report after her dinner and a nice warm bath she is resting peacefully in her bed as I type this entry.

Sack of Taters

2008-03-06T21:12:00.003-06:00

It's so hard to believe that my baby girl is 9 weeks old already. She's changed so much in just 9 short weeks. Her skinny legs have turned into chubby legs, her skinny arms into arms with little rolls, and her cheeks...well, she looks like she's storing nuts for the winter. She's the most adorable thing I have ever seen! Mom and I were wondering how much she weighed & how long she was today. Since she doesn't go to the doctor until Monday we took it upon our selves to weigh and measure her. My little angel is now 11.5 lbs and 24 inches long! She weighs as much as a sack of potatoes! I've always loved potatoes. :)

Who is that kid???

2008-02-16T17:26:00.003-06:00

I'm sure most of you saw the blog that mom wrote about Brady and his big change. The day it happened I was home w/McKenna when I heard a knock at the door. I looked out the peep hole and thought it was my oldest brother Bryan. I opened the door & was shocked! It wasn't Bryan it was my baby bro! What had happened to him? As I looked at him I noticed all that long hair was gone and in it's place was a faux hawk! He looked so cute...and cool. I told him how much I liked his hair then he asked me if I noticed something missing. I said "yes your hair is gone". He asked if I noticed anything else missing. It hit me "your glasses!"...my baby bro got contacts! He looked so handsome and older. Brady has always had a way w/the ladies so mom better really get ready now!

Super Sunday

2008-02-03T22:36:00.001-06:00

Super Bowl Sunday...usually that means going to a friends house or local hangout, lots of junk food, lots of friends, lots of yelling & lots of laughter (if the commercials are good that year). This year Super Bowl Sunday was very different for me. I spent the afternoon shopping w/mom & grandmommy at Sams & Wal-Mart then it was time for the big game. When I got home the house was full...just a different crowd then normal. As I entered the house I was saw Bryan, Brady, Maddy, Brady's friend Alex, Jesse, & of course my beautiful baby girl all watching the game & enjoying snacks. It was so nice! Thanks to the young gang for wanting to hang w/two old people & a baby. :) Love y'all!

Hair today gone tomorrow

2008-01-26T20:07:00.000-06:00

The other day mom said Daddy Ken wanted to know if I wanted any of his hair that's falling out. Strange question don't ya think? I asked why her why I would want his hair...she said he thought it would be a way for me to remember him. Later that night I was feeding McKenna & looking at how much she's changing when I noticed something...she too is missing hair. I think she is having sympathy hair loss for Daddy Ken...after all she is named after him. :)

Grandma To The Rescue

2008-01-23T19:23:00.000-06:00

Today McKenna and I went with my mom to pay a bill then to Target. When mom dropped us off McKenna was hungry but I thought I needed to change her diaper before feeding her. Let me first tell you that McKenna had only one dirty diaper yesterday and it was a small one. As I put McKenna down to change her I started to smell that unpleasant poop odor. I thought it was going to be another small poop...boy was I wrong...very wrong. My poor baby girl had the messiest diaper of her three weeks! Not to be gross but it was up her back and up her front! As I started trying to clean her with the wipe (keep in mind it's cold, she's hungry, and screaming bloody murder) she began to pee!!! I was holding her legs together and up trying to wipe her bottom when this happened so the pee went all over her tummy and chest! The crying became louder and I began to panic. What does a freaked out first time mom do that lives across the street from her mommy? That's correct...I called my her for help. I knew a bath was needed but McKenna's cord just fell off a few days ago so she hasn't had a bath in her tub yet and I was scared to do it alone for the first time. My mom came over (not fast enough...she was on the phone) and together we gave McKenna her first bath in her tub. Thank you mommy...I don't know what I'd do without you. Poor Jesse missed all this fun...he was at work...lucky. :)

Due Date

2008-01-22T19:28:00.000-06:00

It's hard to believe but today was McKenna's due date. She has been with us for 3 weeks and 1 day and I'm so thankful. I'm thankful that she made it here w/o any major problems. I'm thankful that I didn't have to stay pregnant for another 3 weeks too! It's strange to look at this tiny person and remember that she was in my belly only weeks ago. It's even more strange to look at her and think about her not being here in my arms yet. The past 3 weeks of my life have been wonderful, crazy, stressful, frustrating, joy filled, and amazing all at the same time.

Happy Feet!!

2008-01-12T18:56:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to share the wonderful news with everyone...I have my feet back!!!!! It's been soooooo long since I've had normal feet. The swelling of my feet started early in my pregnancy and didn't stop until yesterday. It's so nice to look down and see skinny feet instead of stuffed sausages (as Jesse, Brady, Bryan...well everyone called them). Jesse and I took McKenna for a walk yesterday and I was able to wear walking shoes instead of flip flops (which was about the only thing I was able to wear for months...even in the cold!).

Gift From God

2008-01-04T22:44:00.000-06:00

The day I have waited so very long for has finally arrived. On December 31st I became a mommy! I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named McKenna. McKenna weighed 7lbs 1oz and was 19 inches long and is perfect in every way. It was amazing the love I have felt for this tiny person since the day I found out about her growing inside my belly. I had no idea how much that love would grow at the moment I saw her. She has only been in my life for a few days but I would give my life for this little girl. I stayed up late last night sending out pics of McKenna. I was finally ready for bed about 2:00 am. I walked into the bedroom and looked in the bassinet to be sure she was sleeping...she was not in the bassinet. I turned the light on and found her in bed with her daddy. My eyes swelled up with tears at the sight of my two angels. I started thinking about how very blessed I am...not only has God blessed me with the gift of a healthy child but also a loving and kind man. I am so thankful to Jesse for coming into my life & creating this beautiful miracle with me.

What's In A Name?

2007-12-25T23:18:00.000-06:00

As you all know I'm going to have a baby girl in about four weeks. For the longest time we called her Kayleigh...cute name but nothing special. When I found out that Daddy Ken had cancer in his lung I was devastated. I was in the shower a few days later & something told me I should change my daughters name. I knew at that moment it had to be something that would pay tribute to the greatest man I've ever known...Daddy Ken. I decided the new name should be McKenna. I only hope that my daughter has some of Daddy Ken's spirit in her. I cant wait for them to meet for the first time. I also cant wait to share stories w/her about her great grandfather & the time I shared w/him as a little girl. I love you Daddy Ken.

Big Thanks To Brady

2007-12-20T21:49:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to thank my baby bro for being my babysitter or should I say ladysitter the past few nights. When Jesse left for Denver Brady agreed to stay the night w/me until he comes home...so I wont be afraid. I don't know why I'm so afraid to sleep alone but I am...even w/two dogs in the house. Jesse called today to tell me that he'll be coming home tomorrow so that's good news for all of us. Jesse's dad is doing a little better today so they were going ahead w/the surgery tonight at 7:30 Denver time. Please pray he makes it w/o any complications & continues to improve.

Prayer Request

2007-12-18T21:13:00.000-06:00

Yesterday Jesse found out that his dad (Jim 71yrs) was in a horrible auto accident. Jesse has since flown to Denver to w/his family (I miss you very much !). His dad has many injuries & is in a coma at this time. I ask that everyone please pray for Jim & his family.

In happier news I had my 35 week OB visit today...all is well w/baby!

Rockin Moms

2007-12-15T10:11:00.000-06:00

Yesterday while I was paying a bill at HEB I noticed two women (late 30's early 40's) talking about daughters & getting wrist bands for concert tickets. When it was my turn at the window I asked the clerk who was coming in concert...Hannah Montana was her reply. I laughed & thought about what cool moms they are for getting those bands just so they can take a little girl to see her favorite star. I started thinking back to all the times when my mom got a band just so we would be one of the first in line to buy tickets. My mom took me to so many concerts from Madonna to Neil Diamond...she was the coolest mom ever! Thanks by the way for all the great memories!! My mom just showed she's still cool last month. Bryan had a extra ticket (Brady changed his mind at the last minute) to a rock concert & asked my mom to go. She said she thought she was too old to be at that type of concert but she went anyway. They had a great time & Bryan came away from the show thinking our mom was the coolest ever. I know one day my mom will join me when I take my daughter to her first concert & I cant wait! Here's to all the rockin moms who subject themselves to concerts from Hannah Montana to Neil Diamond & the chance of hearing loss just to see a child smile. Rock on!!!

My Grandparents

2007-12-12T19:30:00.001-06:00

This afternoon I went w/mom, grandmommy, & daddy Ken to the hospital. Daddy Ken had to have a MRI done on his brain...lets say lots of prayers that it comes back fine. Sitting in the waiting room looking at them I started thinking about how much I love them & how special they are to me. My life would have been completely different w/o them in it. My grandmommy is the most beautiful women inside and out that you will ever meet. My daddy Ken is generous, funny, & full of love. They are so different but go so well together. I only hope that one day my grandchildren will love me as much as I love my grandparents.

Proud Sister

2007-12-04T20:56:00.000-06:00

Tonight I went w/mom & Bryan to Brady's Christmas band concert. Brady performed in two different bands tonight. Brady was also given his award for making region band. This is the 2nd year in a row that he has made the region band! Brady, I'm so proud of you & love you so much. Keep up the good work!

I also had a doctor appointment today. Dr Greene said Kayleigh measured perfect & her heartbeat was perfect too! She also said she was very proud of my weight...I had only gained 1 pound in the past two weeks! She was very impressed due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Just had to toot my horn. :)

Thank Heaven For Mommy

2007-12-02T19:49:00.000-06:00

Tonight while Jesse & his friend Josh watched football (sorry bout those Broncos baby) & played XBox my wonderful mommy helped me decorate the outside of our house. She hung lights in our tree and around our garage. She also put up garland around our door w/a big red bow. Thank heaven for my mommy. I only hope one day I'll be as wonderful of a mommy as she is.

My First Blog

2007-12-02T01:05:00.000-06:00

Well, here it is...my first blog entry. Today was a lazy day in Temple. I worked some overtime then came home & watched A Baby Story & Bringing Home Baby all day. I'm starting to get nervous about the labor & delivery & watching these shows doesn't help any. :) Today I'm 33 weeks pregnant! Jesse got off work around 6:30 & came home w/a new flat screen monitor for our computer! Our monitor had been going out which made it impossible for me to create our blog because you could only see part of the screen...not now!

2007-12-01T23:17:00.001-06:00