You Can't Touch This!

Lately Greg and I have been introducing the kids to some "old school" music and Reese really loves MC Hammer! Pretty hilarious huh? He also has a liking to Kris Kross and Pump Up the Jam:) Abby is more into musical sound tracks like the song from Funny Girl --Don't Rain on my Parade! (very different taste:)
Anyways the other day I was driving with Reese and he says:
"Mommy, sometimes at night when I'm going to sleep I sing, "da na na na da na da na you can't touch this!!" (roll with it ok? It's hard to type singing;)
Anywho, while he was telling me this he was dancing so funny and I tried to get it on camera (while driving) and I did the best I could! ~no Greg and Dad I didn't wreck, yes I know how dangerous that is and no I won't do it again;) Does that cover it??? Ha!

Enjoy---he's a funny kid!

Churning Butter

Churn away!


Finally done and ready to press

Messy process!!!:)

Silly Abby! We called her butter bangs for the rest of the night!

The other night we went over to Maw Maw and Poppa's house for dinner and before we ate Abby and Reese learned how to make butter! Maw Maw still has her Grandmother's (Abby and Reese's great-grandmother Carrie Mitchell) butter churn from a long time ago. Maw Maw remembers making butter in the same churn when she was a kid. It was fun that the kids got to learn how too! The kids started out working the churn together but pretty quick Reese lost interest but Abby just kept at it----she LOVES butter:)
Poppa also helped and he and Abby followed it through to the end and made 3 sticks of butter!!! Way to go guys! After watching the whole process let's just say I'm very happy that someone else makes the butter and puts it in grocery stores for me to buy!! I think I was born in the right generation:)

Sweet Grandma Reese

Working hard for the money!

Greg overseeing the potential spill of pennies all over the floor:) Oh Reese...our little Tasmanian "angel";)

Isn't she the sweet little great grandmother!???

Tonight we went to have dinner with Grandma Reese. She has been out of town for a week or so and we have really missed her. We saw her Sunday at church and she insisted on cooking us dinner (I didn't protest much:) We had a chuck wagon dinner (aka yummy food cooked in foil:) It was a great dinner--we were stuffed! She is always so very thoughtful and thinks of sweet things to do for the kids and tonight was no exception. She has been saving her pennies for all the great grandchildren and when they come for dinner she has them roll pennies with her. She says you have to work for the money but once you roll it it's yours:) The kids love when they get to bring a dollar home and always have a fun time playing with her! Thanks Grandma Reese! You are the best!

Special Time with Reese

Reese skiing---really cool game! It felt just like skiing.

I got schooled in air hockey.....7-2 ~I didn't even try to lose either:) Ha!

Reese showing us he didn't need any help reaching the pedals---he's getting way too big!

Greg helping out a little bit---Reese was ok with that! Anything to be with Daddy:)

Me skiing---this is as close to skiing as I will get this year folks! So sad! Now how did I end up marrying a guy who wasn't obsessed with skiing like me??? God only knows!!!


Saturday Abby's friend Hailey had her birthday party (which she LOVED:) It was a Rockstar party and they got all dolled up, painted their nails, sang karaoke and danced--she thought it was awesome!! So while Abby was having all the fun we decided to take Reese bowling. When we got there it was super packed and was really loud (remember Reese has tubes so everything is way louder than it used to be) So anyways he didn't want to bowl anymore or he couldn't bowl because he was holding his ears. I even tried putting toilet paper in his ears but that didn't help a bit and he looked ridiculous:) We ended up talking him into playing a few games in the game room there and it seemed to appease him--he didn't mind that trade off ONE BIT;)
Greg and I had a fun time spending time with just him and I know he will remember the day for a long time! I told him we would try and go bowling again but before we go I will buy him a pair of ear plugs---he thought that was a grand idea!

Weekday Silliness!

This week has been...well typical I suppose. We have had company in town for the past week and a half so we haven't been in our "routine" or whatever you want call it:) These days with the kiddos in school and stuff we are a more like a family that flies by the seat of our pants-which isn't bad it's not predictable! Anyways I got a few cute snap shots of the kids doing this and that this week and thought I would share. Enjoy!




Reese on the loose with the camera....you never know what you'll get but I thought this one was cute.

The Triple Deluxe---I got a nasty plastic burn on my elbow during this ride...ouchhh!!!!

Reese taking his boots off after Cowboy day at school

Abby taking Tuff (Maw Maw and Poppa's dog) for a ride on the swing. She and Reese want a dog SO bad --I'm not sure how long we can hold off!!!!:)

Abby's 1st Grade Muscial!!!

Getting ready for the show!!!

The whole 1st grade class

They let all the kids wave to their parents

Singing her heart out!

Adorable close-up!

Tonight Abby had her 1st grade musical and she did so great! She was very excited and nervous after school. She kept telling me that she needed to get ready and that I needed to braid her hair in pigtails since it was a Texas themed show. She looked adorable in her jean skirt, white shirt and red bandanna--what a cute little Southern Belle:)
We ended up getting to the school super earlier (Abby was anxious and I was too...we needed a good seat for the show;) They sang about 6 songs all about Texas and all the kids did great! (no worries Mom and Dad I got it ALL on video:)

My Sister!

Me and my sister....love you Coop!

Christi and the kids---notice Reese's hand..lots of drama with the cut hand:)

We took Christi roller skating and Reese was super grumpy--here he is not wanting to skate!! He needed a nap in a BAD way!!!;)

Crazy skating girls! Abby told Aunt Christi that she was the craziest Aunt ever---Abby's right! Christi's a blast and I'm so glad my kids got some quality time with her!!!


Friday night my sister, Christi, came to town for a visit! I was so excited to spend sometime with her! We packed in alot of stuff --lots of visiting, shopping, playing Wii--Just Dance:) went roller skating and had alot of good food! The kids absolutely love Christi and were constantly wanting her to play with them! She took them for a bike ride to feed the horses and played alot of Wii--thanks Christi they had a blast:) Chris and I also had some quality time together without the kids which was so wonderful! I so wish she lived closer but am happy to get all the time I can get with her!!! She had to leave tonight and I already miss her! Can't wait to see you again Sis!

Happy Birthday Granny!

Happy Birthday to Granny! The kids got robes from Granny and PaPa and they just had to try them out after their baths....very cute kids:)

Kisses...

Granny opening gift from us

Don't know if you can see what's written on the bag but it says Jarrod....we gave Dad a hard time about buying her a bracelet from there because of the silly commericals they run on TV! Mom thought it was pretty funny:)


For the first time in a long time we were able to spend the day with Granny (my Mom) on her birthday! It ended up pretty much being a whole day celebration--which is as it should be:)
I got up bright and early and baked her a cake then she opened our gift to her which was a gift card to Coldwater Creek. I wanted her to open this early so I could take her shopping to spend it! My Mom actually hates to shop but I wanted her to go get herself something special! She has been working really hard on her diet and is looking so good I wanted her to get something new to wear to celebrate her victory! Well anyways she did find a hot pink sweater (very cute and looks great on her) and an adorable pair of shoes that I just happened to get a pair too...happy birthday to me? hehe!
When the kids got home from school we played a little then headed out for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. We all ate really good, too good actually:) Then we came home for cake and ice cream---it was a great day! Thanks for coming down Mom and Dad! Mom, I really loved getting to be with you on your Birthday...I am so glad you were born!!:) ~thank goodness or there wouldn't be a ME.....Ha!! just kidding:)

Fun with Granny and Papa!

Saturday Granny and Papa came to town and they are staying until Wednesday!
Right after they got off the plane we got right to all the fun we had planned:) We took them to a cupcake shop in Dallas called Sprinkles. Now, for a little history on me and cupcakes, well there's not much to it but that I LOVE THEM--everything about them! They are the prefect portion, they have the prefect amount of icing, I love baking them (all different kinds:), decorating them, finding new and fun recipes and of course eating the icing off the top;) Anyways I have always wanted to go to this cupcake shop and have never gone!!! So when I discovered that the airport was nearby I just had to stop in! It was a cute little shop, pretty good/ok cupcakes (sorry but it's true:) We all tried a different one and the best one (in my opinion) was the coconut one. If you are ever in the area it's definitely a fun place to go! I think it ended up being a nice mid-morning snack!:)
Saturday afternoon the kids went with G&P to see The Princess and the Frog. The kids seemed to like it and got to get popcorn, a drink (Mr. Pibb) and a fruit snack! Honestly, I don't think it mattered what movie they were seeing because they got to BUY food! Their cheap old Mommy brings popcorn in baggies (with "very little butter"--Abby's words not mine:) and I bring old Halloween candy to snack on--ha! Now that I type that out it seems pretty terrible but hey movies are expensive, people, and I only have so much in my entertainment account---cut me some slack here! :)
Sunday was a fun day too! After church we took Dad to Joe T Garcia's (his favorite) then spent the afternoon at the house playing Wii! The kids have really been good about not playing the Wii all the time but when they get to play they REALLY love it and are super into it--it's been a fun family activity for sure! Late afternoon Granny, Abby and I also got to go get a pedicure which is becoming quite a tradition--Abby is getting spoiled for sure:) ~so am I! Thanks Granny!
Today Abby had school but we took lunch up to her and she had fun seeing everyone--I think it took the edge off of having to be at school while Reese was home all day:)
After school we played a bit (Granny and the kids have been putting a TON of puzzles together) ~sorry Dad you get no credit here for putting one piece together! HA!
After dinner at Chick fil-A they (everyone but me) headed to the rock climbing gym! The kids wanted to show G&P their mad skills! My mom got some great pictures of the kids way up high---way to go Mom! They also got to belay the kids so I know the kids thought that was really cool! I stayed back because I have a womens Bible study that I lead at my house on Mondays. I was sad to miss the fun but really enjoyed my evening with the ladies!
My Mom's birthday is tomorrow so we have a lot more fun to go--actually I have to get off here and bake a cake!!! Happy Birthday to Granny!

Abby and Reese racing to the top!

Abby climbing the ladder....very hard!

Granny and PaPa belaying Abby and Reese

I love this picture!

Abby's pretty nails....looks at those polka dots!

Watching Princess and the Frog--look at that popcorn! (that must have cost a fortune--hehe!)

Reese and I enjoying a yummy ice cream bar today at Costco! Oh the little things that bring us joy;)

Just Dance

Today my parents came into town for the weekend and Granny came bearing gifts--well kinda (it's actually her game but she is sharing:) She bought a Wii game called Just Dance and it is SO MUCH FUN! We have all been dancing our hearts out and I got a video of Greg and Reese dancing that is priceless!!!! Who knew Greg had such great moves? HA! HA!

Corn Succotash

Here's a recipe I love and I just had to share! It's very similar to the Cheesecake Factory's corn succotash. Hope you like it!

1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped summer squash (I also add zucchini if I have some)
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 T olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 defatted chicken broth
2 T chopped fresh cilantro
1/8 tsp. hot sauce
1/8 tsp. ground pepper
2 cups frozen baby lima beans, thawed (I leave these out-yuck:)

Place a large skillet over high heat until hot. Add corn, red pepper, onion, and cumin; saute 5 minutes until veggies are slightly blackened. (I cook them a little longer to blacked a bit more--tasted better I think)
Add summer squash, olive oil, and garlic; saute an additional minute or so. Reduce heat to medium-high, add broth and remaining ingredients. Cook about 5 minutes or heat until heated through, stirring frequently.

yield: 8-10 1/2 cup servings
Nutrition per serving:
calories:98, percent fat calories: 16%, sodium 127 mg, cholesterol less then 1 mg

So yummy---Enjoy!!!

National Championships!

Hook'em Horns Nachos---compliments of Greg:)

Don't know if you guys have noticed but Reese has been wearing this jersey EVERYDAY since before Christmas...I have to sneak it out of his room at night to get it cleaned--He has really taken to UT! (I think his cousins Charlie and Landry have been influencing him quite a bit;) ~they have a UT bedroom--it's pretty cool!

Greg getting the TV ready for the big game! See Debbie and Jerry- Greg is using his awesome Christmas gift---so very practical! I love it! Doesn't he looks cute? Ha!


We feel like we have been waiting for this game forever!! Reese and Greg have been counting down the days until the big UT game! Today they canceled school due to really cold weather and ice (for Texas:) so I told the kids they could stay up and watch all the game if they took a nap. Well we got in a nap in, made tacos for dinner, nachos for snack (half-time:) and chocolate chip cookies for... well just because we wanted some!:)
So far it has been a really shockingly sad game but we are still pulling for UT--you can do it boys!!!!! I think Colt will be back in the second half but we'll see...crossing our fingers!

The Bangs are Back!

The moment of truth!;)

Get out of my face MOM!!!

Abby and Kristi after the cut---looks cute huh?

What do you think???:)

Tonight Abby and I both got hair-cuts! I have been trying to talk Abby into cutting her hair off for some time now but every time I strike up the conversation she breaks down into tears so I have given up on that:) I did tell her that we still had to get trims every now and again and she agreed on an inch or so--hey that's something right?;)
Well she ended up getting about an inch and half cut and she really wanted bangs again so I caved and told her if that's what she wanted then I was ok with it. When Kristi (our hair stylist--she's awesome:) cut her bangs she just started to glow--it was very cute!
I also got some bangs cut and cut off 4 inches of my hair! I have been growing for all most a year but I just couldn't handle having no style to my hair for any longer!!!!! It is still pretty long but now has more personality:) Everyone needs hair with some personality don't ya think? Ha!

Lunch Date

The ice cream gang!

Abby, Gabbie, Paige and Natalie (Paige's little sister)

Saturday Abby's friend, Gabbie, who just moved to San Angelo:( came into town to visit some family for Christmas. While she was here we were able to meet her and Abby's other friend, Paige, at Chick-Fil-A. We had a great time catching up--even though it's only been 2 weeks since they moved...although it feels like a lifetime:)
We are so sad she had to move but are very happy her Daddy has a job! Also most of Gabbie's family lives here in town so we are gonna get to see them pretty often!
I remember when I was a kid and my close friend moved away...it was so sad and to this day I will never forget her! I am very thankful though I am close friends with Gabbie's mom because I know we will be able to keep in touch a ton easier that way! You will be missed--come visit again soon:) ~and don't worry Tanya I will take a road trip down there sometime too;)

Hair-cuts, hair-cuts.....I HATE hair-cuts!!!

Not happy....:(

He's covered in hair---yuck!!

Ever since Reese was a little tot:) (maybe 1 year old or so) he has absolutely HATED getting his hair cut. Well tonight after Greg got off work I asked him to shave Reese's hair because it was getting fuzzy and Reese goes back to school tomorrow! Poor Reese was born with some seriously course/thick hair and when it gets too long he starts looking like Fuzzy the Bear or Alfalfa;) Anyways tonight was no different from any other time--Reese cried the whole time! Although something pretty funny happened tonight--well at least I thought it was funny -Greg didn't laugh and Reese was miserable:( but it was pretty funny anyways. So while Greg was cutting his hair Reese got some hair in his mouth and started spitting it out, then he got spit all over his face, rubbed his eyes and kept getting the cut hair ALL over his face---it was pathetic! When I came into the bathroom he looked miserable and Greg looked so mad....sorry honey:)
I wasn't sure what Reese would do when I came in with the camera but he wasn't too mad about it he just wanted to get the hair off him fast! Poor guy!

Wii with Maw Maw and Poppa!

The other night we had Maw Maw and Poppa over for dinner and some friendly competition playing Wii:)
The kids couldn't wait for them to get there and I made the mistake of telling them early on in the day that they would be there at 5:30! Now since both Abby and Reese can tell time I was getting pretty annoyed hearing..."3 MORE HOURS!" Yikes....I learned my lesson--tell them a few hours before and NO earlier:)
Anyways we had a great dinner and then got right to it! It was so fun watching the kids play M&P in every sport (baseball, tennis, archery, wake boarding, bowling..etc:)
It was so funny watching Maw Maw play too (especially in wake boarding:)---she really gets into it! I also got some video of them playing and Abby is intense! It's pretty funny!
Greg and I have gone round and round about getting a Wii. We just don't want to get something just because everyone is getting it and we don't want them to get way into video games! So after much discussion and prayer we felt it was something we could enjoy as a family and monitor closely. So anyways I say all this to say we are happy with the purchase and have already enjoyed a lot of friendly competition;)