Monday, December 28, 2009

Sassy and Boots

That sounds like names of little pets, doesn't it. While Maggie, Chap and Whit each got a hamster for Christmas... no not a real ones... one of those crazed Zhu Zhu Pets that everyone was talking about this Christmas, there names are NOT Sassy and Boots.

First, we have Sassy.

Before we made the school switch with Maggie, she had bitten every one of her fingernails down to the cuticle. I told her back then, if she stopped biting her nails and I could see them growing out, then she could have a manicure. In the three weeks at her new school, her nails have all grown out. So, Bibs took she and her cousin Laci to have their nails done at Sweet and Sassy here in Pearland. Both girls loved every minute of it. Maggie had a smile on her face the entire time! They were pampered with lotion, filing, polish, glitter, rings, and a runway walk! What more could a girl ask for, right?










Now, for the Boots.

Whit received his braces/orthotics the week of Christmas. He wasn't too sure about it at first, but Maggie sat up beside him on the table and comforted him while watching every "medical" move.


We noticed an immediate difference in his gait with his new boots. They are a camo pattern (chosen by Chap), complete with a red strap (chosen by Whit).


And, of course, true to Whit's nature... he was playing with a car - putting it in his shoe while he waited for his new boots.


Please pray that he continues to tolerate his new boots. He is becoming a little skeptical of things, and realizing he has a little more difficulty keeping up with his brother and sister. I think it has affected his spirit for the last month or so, so I hope that can be turned around soon - and he'll realize what a sharp, bright little boy he is! He's not the jovial little fellow lately. However, he does still have little spurts of Whit that I like to see! I have just ordered him a new car seat that looks like the booster seats that "other" three year olds ride in, however it does still have the 5-point harness that is required for his weight. He is anxiously awaiting his "big boy seat." He also has a huge ulcer in the corner of his mouth that has been giving him fits as he keeps biting it... making eating quite painful. Ashley (his OT) has been working on his oral motor skills to help strengthen his jaw movements and cheek strength to prevent that from happening when he eats. We're kind of fighting a losing battle - as time will heal it, but he also needs to eat! Also, in the coming months, we will be deciding placement for next year for him... with Chap, without Chap - in a different class level, etc. Please pray for us as we begin that decision process, and that God will lead us in the best direction for both Chap and Whit.

But, for now - these boots were made for walking - and that's just what they'll do!!


Christmas FUN!

Just before the kids went to bed on Christmas Eve, Maggie wanted to check Santa's nice list one more time to make sure the three of them were on it! It seems that they were, because Santa came...


and brought Maggie her dress up box with glass slippers:



and Chap his Bob the Builder...


and Whit, his car...


They all also got their trampoline. That, according to Maggie, needed to come in a box due to its size so that it would fit in Santa's sleigh.


Then, we went to Oma and Opa's and celebrated there...


And my nephew, George celebrated his first Christmas, too... with laughter, squeals, and a bowl of oatmeal cereal and avocado...


At Ikie and Papa's, all of the little kids sang Christmas carols for us (Chap was a bit bashful and having tummy issues, but he did join in on the blowing out Jesus' birthday candles!)



And, one more celebration at my parents'... with 5 three year olds, and one 5 year old... lots of laughter, excitement, and fun!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Twas the Night Before Christmas


A few thoughts on this night before Christmas...

Maggie: "Boys, we have to be quiet tonight, and go straight to sleep! I can't believe it! I'm soooo excited Santa's coming!"

Whit: "I'm on the nice list!" Corbett: Are you surprised? Whit: "Yes!"

Chap: "Santa's coming tonight when we sleep!"

Dressed for the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service:

(These were taken w/ my phone. I got a new "fancy-nancy" camera for our anniversary, but the card isn't compatible with my printer... so - until I fix that problem, the iphone quality will have to just give you a glimpse into our Christmas Eve.)

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Christmas Memories


One of the most special things about Christmas is how it brings about memories. A few of my favorite Christmas memories...

When we were little, I remember Robb always coming in to wake me up on Christmas morning - both of us so excited that Santa had come. We'd go wake up my parents and enjoy the Christmas morning. When we were both grown, out of college - the last Christmas before we were each married, he did the same thing.

One year, we spent Christmas morning at my grandmother's (Ikie's). I was so worried that Santa would not be able to find us. I remember waking up Christmas morning, with the Cabage Patch dolls I had asked for, under Ikie's tree! He had found us. Whew!

I remember getting a barbie bike one year.

My mom always bought us new pjs for Christmas Eve night.

One Christmas at my great grandmother's (Maggie's namesake), my cousins and I were all about the age when we weren't sure if Santa was real or not.... Then, in the distance we saw Santa flying through the sky, jingling bells, and Rudolph's nose lighting the way. That was quite a special moment!

Our wedding.

The Christmas Corbett and I lived in California, we were able to come home for Christmas. To surprise us, my mom and grandmother put up a little tree and some decorations at my grandparents' camp for us to celebrate Christmas there on Christmas morning.

Maggie's first Christmas.

The boys' first Christmas... Whit still in NICU, and Chap coming home about 2 weeks before Christmas.

There is something about each and every Christmas that sparks a memory, and I look forward to adding many more to the list!

2004


2005


2006



2007




2008





2009


Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Creative Minds

Can you guess what these creative minds were up to?? What do you think they were pretending?



They are....

"Going swimming" (in the back of my car... the hatch) I had just cleaned out all of my work things for the holidays... the perfect spot for "swimming," don't you think? Maggie is the "driver"... the harnesses are the "seatbelts."

Monday, December 21, 2009

4 Score, and 7 Years Ago...

Actually, just the 7 years... not the 4 score!

It all began with these two boys...

These two boys to this day are best friends. While the profession of a head high school baseball coach, and the profession of a veterinarian do not lend to much play-time... they still hold a great friendship and "play" when they can.

Yes, that is how Corbett and I met... through my brother's and his friendship. After years and years of a "brother-sister" relationship, Corbett decided to change the dynamics.

I wasn't quite ready for that - but after some persistence on his part, some convincing on mom's part, and blessings to do so (and a little convincing) on my brother's part... I finally conceded and agreed to give it a try! (I'll spare you the gory details) ;o)

I'm sure glad I took the leap of faith and trusted his love and gave way to loving him!


Our life as one began December 21, 2002. Our wedding was a wonderful time celebrated with friends. The only song that was sung was O Holy Night and the recessional was Joy to the World. We had our loving parents, a wedding party of 5 friends each, a ring bearer and a flower girl, and many other family members and friends... all supporting us on that special day!


I could go into the "mushy-gushy", dramatical script of how wonderful, understanding, and sensitive my husband of 7 years is! But, that is not me. So, I will just say... He is all of that and more! I am grateful for the faithful Godly man that I married and have journeyed through lifes' ups and downs with, and will continue to do so throughout the rest of our lives.


Happy Anniversary, Corbett!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

A Special Birth Announcement



(With a little help...)

Notice the "Bob the Builder phone"... haha

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Weekend Update

Oh, how I love Christmas time! It just breathes joy in the air, don't you think?

We have had a joyous weekend.

Thursday night, Maggie had her school program. She did a wonderful job for only having a week and a half to learn all 5 songs that her group sang. She boldly stood up there and sang out and did the motions! She had quite the audience, too... Oma, Opa, Pops, Bibs, Ikie, Papa, Daddy, Me, Chap, and Whit. We enjoyed watching her performance!


Friday, Corbett and I spent some time together. He was off - so we did a little shopping. I also have a friend in the hospital that is 25 weeks pregnant, and she had begun pre-term labor. They do have the contractions stopped, and are monitoring her closely. We picked up the kids, and had a great evening together... cooked some deer meat, ate it (the kids all liked it - Maggie and Whit the most), wrapped Christmas gifts, and had fun! Friday night, Maggie slept in the boys' room on Chap's top bunk. This was the much anticipated moment of the week! They all three had a great time, and it was fun listening to their conversations over the monitor. At one point, Maggie was telling them all about God. A pretty neat thing - hearing a 5 year old try to explain it to her 3 year old brothers! Nothing quite beats that child-like faith!

Saturday, the kids made some ornament/gift tags, took an early nap - and then we all went to Celebration at First Baptist Church Houston (my aunt and uncle's church). Thanks, Auntie for coordinating all of that! We had a great time. Maggie went to the performance - the boys went to the nursery. It was a tough separation, but in the end they had a great time. They got to see the camel, the elephant, and the goats up close and personal! Chap really enjoyed that part of it. Then, we went with my family to eat at the Rainforest Cafe. Whit was afraid of the gorillas, but it was a great time spent with family.

Now that we have presents wrapped under our tree... the every five-minute question... "Now we can open presents?" Whit still has difficulty with time concepts - but we're working on that. One more week of school this week, and it will be a busy week. The boys have a party on Tuesday and Wednesday, Maggie has a party on Wednesday and Friday, our church Christmas program is Sunday evening, and the normal scheduled stuff in between - - off to the Christmas races!!


Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Dear Santa,



Friday, December 4, 2009

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas



Well, for one day at least....

The kids had a great time playing in snow! Maggie loved eating it, and building mini snowmen. Chap had a great time, too... crunching the snow and tasting it. Whit, well, he lasted long enough for pictures - then Chap and Maggie moved to the backyard to play. Whit opted to stay in the warmth. A fun, different day!