Getting Pampered!

My mom treated me and Abby to a pedicure and manicure yesterday and it was so wonderful! Yes I know we are spoiled and Abby has already been ruined at age 6--now there's no going back! Just kidding- actually it was a special treat and we NEVER go and do that kind of stuff and are so grateful to get to do it! Thanks Mom!
It was fun watching Abigail get pampered. She thought it hurt a few times but mostly she and I laughed through the whole thing---we are super ticklish! She really enjoyed the massage chair she was sitting in and picked blue finger nail polish! It actually turned out to be a pretty cute color...I was trying to get her to do some shade of pick but to no avail---she loves blue!
Anyways it was so fun and I just love when my parents come to town--and NO it's not because my mom pampers me! I actually really enjoy there company! Love you Mom and Dad!:)


Granny and Abby peeking through the nail dryer


Abby loving life!

Abby and Granny during their pedicure

New Pictures

We took some new pictures on Mother's Day and they turned out really cute! It's still pretty hard to get everyone smiling at the same time but we managing to get a few pretty good ones:)
Reese was not in the mood but Abby was searching out places to pose--she cracks me up!
I am really hoping to get some professional pictures done soon! (let's just hope they are in the mood on that day!:)


I love this picture because this pretty much sums Reese up---he's always smiling and having fun!

Abby posed the cousins this way--notice she looks like the princess--it's pretty accurate actually! She's the only girl cousin on Greg's side!

Cute one of Greg and Abby


One of my favorites of Abby!

Red Sox Cheerleaders!

The girls came close enough for me to take a picture...thanks girls!

Reese in action...can you see the ball flying off the tee? Pretty awesome shot huh?

Abby invited her friend Gabbie from school to come cheer with her at Reese's Red Sox game! They were so excited and even painted a sign. They were too embarrassed to stand close enough for anyone on the team hear them but it was the thought that counts right? -Reese sure didn't care he was just proud they were there:)

FiveFingers!

Greg and I in our matching Fivefingers---believe me we tried to find me another color but they didn't have my size:) Oh well---I don't think another color would have changed how weird these things look huh?

For Greg's birthday I got him some Fivefingers and he was nice enough to get me a pair too!
We have both heard a lot about these shoes--you can do anything you want in them-- any water sport, hiking, rick climbing, yoga, and running. Well anyways tonight I decided I would give running a try. I was kinda nervous because I really didn't want to get injured or get stuck on the side of the road looking stupid holding these silly shoes:) Well anyways the run went really well and I loved running in them! They give the same effects of barefoot running, but with a thin rubber sole to keep your feet from getting jacked up. The run went really smooth and I was very careful with every step:) I didn't seem to get tired as fast which was weird and all that hurt were my calf's (which were super tight--I think running in them I am using some different muscles) Anyways I think I am really gonna like running in these shoes. I am hoping one day to get trained up for a triathlon and man would these shoes be perfect. I would never have to change my shoes because I can wear these in all three events! Pretty cool!
Well if anyone is feeling brave I would say check these shoes out. I know I am gonna really enjoy the change and new challenge--change is good and trying new things out is always a fun adventure!
Go for it!:)

Here is a cool website that talks about barefoot running--it's pretty interesting!
http://runningbarefoot.org

Watch Out!!!!!

This past weekend we went to the Rangers game (surprise surprise:) and we invited one of our youth kids from when Greg was a youth minster to come along with us. Although she's not a "kid" anymore actually she is a big girl now:) out of college and working at a church in Plano. Anyways her name is Michelle and we had a great time chatting and watching the game all together!
Well around the end of the fourth inning I decided Michelle and I needed a picture of the two of us so we stood up with our backs to the field. Just as Greg was taking the picture Ian Kinsler was at bat and before we knew it a foul ball was heading right for the back of our heads!!! It was so crazy and we both freaked out a bit---the ball seriously missed us by about a foot!
Well Greg ended up getting the ball and all was well but you can bet we were counting our blessings that night!:) Thank you Lord no one got hurt!!!!

Michelle and me right before the foul ball came flying our way....notice how far apart our heads are--Greg told us to move our heads apart so we could see Ian Kinsler.....little did we know that he'd foul off the next pitch and only miss us by a foot! Wow!

During the game I look over and Reese is sitting just like Greg (on purpose:) Reese tries so hard to be just like Greg in everything he does--I love it!

Abby holding the foul ball-she's being goofy as you can see!

Michelle, Abby and me after all the drama!

"He's the Boss of My Life!"

Can you tell???? :) ~ It's his first picture as a Christian!!!!!!
He told me, "Mommy, I'm like a butterfly or a bullfrog....I've been born again just like them!"
I Love it! Children are so amazing....they just believe so simply...I wish we could all be like that!

"Christian" Reese being goofy..... no the goofiness doesn't go away even when you become a Christian!;)

Well yesterday was the big day! Before nap Reese really wanted to pray to ask Jesus to be Lord of his life. I talked with him a little bit and then I just felt a giant peace that it was time.
We prayed together and he prayed loud and bold--it was precious....sure wish I could have recorded it! One of my favorite things he said during his prayer was, "Lord I want you to be the boss of my life!" I think that sums it up don't you?:)
He was very excited all day and called everyone he could think of to tell them the big news!
When Abby gave her life to Christ we had a "Jesus in my heart party" and Reese can't wait to have his!
I can't even tell you how excited Greg and I are about both Abby and Reese becoming Christians. We have been praying for them since BEFORE they were born and it's the most important decision they will ever make! We feel very blessed that we got to lead them in that prayer and be part of their spiritual growth!
How amazing for them to have a testimony that they were raised in a home that taught about Christ and for as long as they can remember they have been a child of God! What else could you ask for!? Praise God for that!
Now we're all 4 ready--I can't wait to see what God has in store for our family!!!!

Swine Flu Precautions!

Here's Greg taking precautions at work ....he doesn't want to get the swine flu!:) The thing is though HE WORKS FROM HOME! Ha! Ha! Greg....I think he was actually making fun of me! For a few days there I was a little concerned about Abby getting it at school. I am ok now though--I choose to trust the Lord with it! If we get,it we get it---we'll take it a day at a time! I am shocked though how crazy everyone is being about it--everywhere I go there is antibacterial gel and people instructing me to wash my hands! Craziness!

Happy 31st Birthday Greg!

Abby painted Greg this picture for his office--she worked two days on it!

Reese bought Greg a Nolan Ryan figurine of when he got hit in the face by a line drive and kept on pitching--Nolan Ryan is the MAN!:) Reese kept giving Greg "hints" about his gift. He told Greg that it had blood on it and it was something baseball....I think by process of elimination Greg probably figured that one out huh?

This weekend we celebrated Greg's 31st Birthday! Finally after 6 weeks of teasing me he is finally my age (yes I am older:) We had the greatest day together. We went to this amazing restaurant called Blue Mesa. It was so yummy! They had sweet potato chips with salsa--I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE sweet potatoes so I was in heaven:) ~Greg also loved it:)
I also made Patsy Cake-his favorite dessert and he (and the kids and I;) ate it in about 2 days--hehe! (calories don't count on your birthday right?...wait since it wasn't my birthday do they count for me??? ;)
Anyways we continued his Birthday celebration on Friday by going to the Rangers game--a prefect end to a perfect Birthday huh?
Happy Birthday Greg!

~oh I also got Greg something for his birthday:) I got him a new Rangers cap and I actually found one that fits just right...I was so proud! I also got him some new shoes that are so crazy. They are called Five Fingers by Vibram. Check them out--you can use them for anything-hiking, rafting, running, yoga etc. He also got me a pair for his birthday. I didn't ask I promise- it was his idea:) He's the best isn't he?:)

"I believe what He did!"

At dinner the other night Reese told us something very important about him and Jesus.

Here's how the conversation went:

Reese- Hey, today during nap I asked Jesus in my heart!
Mommy- Really? Reese that's great....what does that mean?
Reese- It means I believe what He did!
Mommy- Great! (I went on to ask him a few more questions about salvation and then I asked...."Reese, what is sin?"
Reese- Sin is lying....
Mommy-Do you sin Reese?
Abby-OH YEAH he sins he hits me all the time!
Mommy- Thank you Abby let's let Reese answer! (I was cracking up "inside:)
Reese-....yes I sin (he said this through gritted teeth at Abby:)

Greg and I are very excited that Reese is showing interest in salvation but are still not sure about where he is in that process. I was very impressive though with three things:
1- He brought it up himself--Reese normally has to be prompted to talk about spiritual things and led in praying to God. This time we were just out to eat and out of the blue he brought it up....that's progress:)
2- He also said, "I believe what He did!" What a great simple way to put it (it sounds very "BSF" to me:) so I am very happy that he is thinking about what he learns from his Bible Study classes.
3-Lately we have also seen a change in heart with Reese. He seems more aware of his sin and very sensitive to things of the Lord.

So we are very excited to see what unfolds over the next few months. Greg and I are praying that we don't get in the way of what the Lord is doing in his heart. I also don't want to over analyze the situation. I think many times parents just assume kids can't understand at such a young age but I believe the Lord can call whenever He pleases! I have been praying all his life that the Reese would come to know the Lord at a very early age so for me not to believe it when God does it would be lack of faith on my part!
Please be praying with us for Reese's heart to be open and soft to the Holy Spirit! Thanks!

Something funny...

Conversation at dinner between Abby and Greg:

Greg: "You gotta work to get paid so you can buy the things you need and save for the future...."
Abby: "....and to pay the President!" (We then all laugh)
Abby: "What?" (she didn't get what was funny:) ...which makes it even funnier!!!

HILARIOUS! Can you tell we are not too happy with what's going on in Washington?

Oklahoma City Marathon 2009

Running against the wind...very painful! 24-42 mile an hour gusting winds...oh joy!:)

Crossing the finish line....very happy!

Me with my parents after the race

Everyone came to see me race--thanks guys!

Me after the race at the OKC Memorial

This past weekend Greg, the kids and I went to OKC for me to run in the OKC half marathon-13.1 miles. My parents came down from Kansas City to watch me run and my dad got some great pictures!
We had to stay the night on Saturday because we had to be up bright and early for me to start the race. Thank goodness my parents were there because the kids slept in their room so they didn't have to get up at 5am! Greg was kind enough to take me to the race and stay with me until it started. There were 19,000 people running in the race (marathon, relay, half and 5K) so it was crazy crowded but that made for some intense energy that got everyone hyped up and ready to race!
I am not gonna lie-- the race was a challenge. The wind was super strong and I had to really focus and pray the whole time because I wanted to stop and drop out a hundred times. I was very happy to see my parents and kids at mile 10 and 11--they gave me some great encouragement at just the perfect time! It was so precious to see the kids watching me run--Reese's face lit up and gave me that last push I needed to make it through! Thanks guys!

At first I was kinda frustrated with my results but after getting some sleep:) and some great advice from friends and family I came to my senses. I am very thrilled to have finished especially in the conditions I had to face this year! This running stuff is teaching me so much about myself and where God wants me to be with Him. Just today I was reminded that it doesn't matter about my time and it's not about me but it's about the Lord. Every step I take I want Him to get the glory! I know He will continue to teach me and be patient with me when I fail but my hearts desire is to see Him get the praise for everything I do!

For now I have no races planned in the near future. I plan to take a step back and see what the Lord wants for me. I don't want to continue racing just to race-- I want to do it if it's what God wants so we'll see where He leads!

My official time was 1:58:41
I was thrilled to find out that I finished in the top 7% overall -I came in 796 out of 5,778 half marathoners ~I am very proud of myself!
I also came in 46th out of 574 in my age division (30-35)

New Backpack!

View from the front....

View from the back....:) He told me after I took this picture that even though you can't see he was smiling in this picture...too funny!



Today Reese and I went shopping at ROSS (dress for less) and I must say they're not kidding! I got some great deals! I never go into these stores because I've never have the time to really look through everything and find the good stuff. But today Reese was "in the mood" well you know--he seemed ok about going shopping just as long as he could hide in between all the clothes and play hide and seek with me the whole time--I decided that was a small price to pay to get some new clothes:)
When we were walking out of the store I was "glancing" at the purses and all a sudden Reese started jumping around pointing at something. The next thing I know he's holding a Rangers backpack begging me to buy it for him so he can take it to preschool next year! It was so cute I couldn't say no....it was only $12.99--I tell ya they got great deals!
Anyways after we got the backpack and we were walking out of ROSS Reese says, "Mommy, God was saving this backpack just for me!!!" How precious and wonderful is that? It's amazing to watch as your kids develop a bibical worldview beyond themselves! If he is already seeing that God provides everything (even backpacks) at the age of 4 what will he be like at 30?....hopefully just like his Daddy! ~It's looking good so far!:)

Lazy Days!

Greg, Reese, Abby and (me behind the camera) about to go on a bike ride to the park!

We had the best Sunday afternoon yesterday. We went to church, ate at a really good Italian restaurant, took a 2 and 1/2 hour nap, went on a bike ride and played at the park! It was so fun to just have a day together without somewhere to be! Greg and I hate busyness and we do avoid it at all cost BUT sometimes it's unavoidable! So when a lazy day comes around we enjoy it very much!

Sleepover!

They love to paint and since they are older now they were very clean...I like that!

They did each others make-up....pretty huh? It took a ton of my make-up remover to get that lipstick off! I was afraid I was gonna have to send Gabbie home with pink lips!!!

cuddled up to watch Bolt!


Saturday night Abby asked her friend Gabbie to spend the night. They were both so excited--actually they were more on the HYPER side of excited! Greg and Reese decided it would be a good night to leave:) so they went to another Rangers game! That is their 3rd game in one week! Amazing!
~ ok so we have a lot of people ask how we can afford to go to the games all the time. Well most of the time we either have free tickets or half price tickets and when we don't we ALWAYS buy the cheap seats!(and sit elsewhere if it's not sold out...which rarely happens) We also bring all our own food and drinks --except those few special times that the kids share nachos with Daddy!:) So because of this we are able to go a lot more than other people and since we know we love to be at the games we save during the year. (the 6 months of the year that baseball is not in season)

Anyways while the boys were away we had a great girls night! Abby had planned out every second of the night so Gabbie was kept busy until bed time! They decorated a Red Sox sign for Reese's t-ball game, played outside, ate pizza, decorated cupcakes, played in Abby's room and watched a little bit of Bolt--they were too busy being silly to watch much!
I got them to bed about 9:45 and hoped they were tired enough to fall asleeep quickly BUT I was mistaken... they finally drifted off about 11pm or so--wow was Abby tired at church on Sunday!
When I asked Abby what was her favorite part of the sleepover she smiled big and said, "EVERYTHING!"
*I love watching Abby act goofy with her friends! Most of the time Abby is described as shy but when she is in her comfort zone she's NUTS! (maybe she does take after me just a little bit;)

It's Rangers time again!

One happy boy! Baseball season here we come!

We had some good seats!

Eating---this is also an American pastime! (at least for our family:)

Last night we all went to our first Rangers game of the season. We really wanted to make it to opening day but Greg had to work and honestly we probably couldn't get tickets anyway!:)
It was so nice to be back in the stadium and even though we lost (due to the pitching) they still always put on a good show! Reese woke-up yesterday ready to go and it was very hard for him to wait all day! He put on his jersey and talked about eating nachos with Daddy for hours! It was hilarious! We ended up having to get two nachos (that was dinner for some of us:) that's for you Greg!) and a hot dog for sweet Abby! ~this made the kids very happy!
I am very excited the season has begun and I am hopeful that this season will be great (no matter how negative people have been about the Rangers!)....actually we love them so much we are going again on Friday! In case you didn't know I am married to probably one of the biggest Rangers fan in the world! I love to watch Greg (and Reese) during baseball season---he loves this game and it makes me love it too! I have really enjoyed getting to know the sport and I'm proud to say I can name every player and position and can hold my own on a little baseball trivia;)
Growing up I was not a baseball fan so it's been fun for Greg and I to have our "thing" we love together.....we love us some Rangers and will be there when they make it to the World Series!
Watching the game right now 15-4 Rangers......hey you never know this might just be our year!
~We must remain positive and stop the negativity!!!!!!:)

Easter Weekend in KC

~finally got a few pictures loaded--blogger is giving me fits!!!


Trevin (sister's kid) and Reese at the country Club Plaza with a big bunny-they thought he was funny;)

Before the big egg hunt at my sister's house

Abby's loot-26 eggs to be exact!

Reese still on the go--he was searching and searching for an egg with a little slinky in it--he never found one but his sweet sister hooked him up!

My sweet niece with her basket--she sat this year out and let the other kids get all the eggs--she's very polite:)

Eden Isabella

Eden and I at my sister's house

Over Easter weekend Greg, the kids and I made a whirlwind of a trip to Kansas City to meet my brother's new baby girl-Eden Isabella. She (of course) was even more wonderful than we could have imagined! She is so sweet and cuddly and a major wiggle worm-I got to feed her and hold her forever--I was in baby heaven~Greg says he's glad I got my baby fix:) ~thanks Greg!
We left after Greg got off work on Thursday and drove all the way to KC that night. We spent Friday and Saturday and then had to head home on Sunday. I know it seems a bit crazy that we drove all that way for just two days but we weren't gonna be able to make it to KC again until late summer. I just couldn't imagine waiting that long to meet our sweet Eden--now Abby has a fellow girl cousin...FINALLY! (as Abby says:)
We had a great time with family this weekend. We did alot of relaxing, eating, chatting and egg hunting! Abby and Reese were so excited to get to Granny and PaPa's--Reese tells us on the way to KC, "I like Granny and Papa...I love them...they're great!" On the way home Abby says out of the blue, "Oh Mommy I smell like Granny and PaPa's house...I love that!" So precious!
I hate that we live 10 hours away but am so glad we are able to stay close and connected to them dispite the distance! We love you guys!
~I will have to post again to get in all the great pictures we got this weekend--gotta love when PaPa takes pictures! Thanks Dad!

*I have tried to load more pictures but keep getting an error 400 message....what does that mean? Anyone in blogger world know? HELP!

Reese's First Red Sox Game!

Made it to first ready to steal second--look at him in his batting gloves...so cute!!!
Last year I had to assist him in putting on his gloves but this year he does it all by himself--actually I'm not allowed in the dugout anymore:( He's getting too big!!


Greg is his third base coach so here Reese is running to his Daddy!

Abby supporting the team!


Saturday was Reese's first game on the Red Sox and he had a great game! He hit a double, played center field (like Josh Hamilton who plays for the Rangers-which made Reese very happy) and was "baseball ready" the whole time---over all it was a great game!
Every time I watch him play it just amazes me that he is just 4 years old! For his age he is VERY into the game and keeps very focused and understands the rules! It makes me think he might have a future with baseball....maybe not the major leagues:) but definitely many more seasons-- maybe high school ball!???
Anyways--I love the picture of Abby in her Red Sox shirt and hat--isn't she the best big sister cheering Reeser on?--she's the best and super adorable;)

Red Sox Opening Day!

Reese's team in the parade--they were cheering, "Let's Go Red Sox!" So cute!

Reese and Daddy Coach--Reese was very excited he didn't cry! ...read on to find out more:)

Red Sox on 3!

Go Red Sox!!!!!

Me and my precious baseball boy!

Saturday was opening day for Reese's T-ball league! We had to wake-up bright and early to get Reese there to walk with his team in the parade and boy was he excited! I went to wake him and he was dead asleep and all I said was Reese it's time for you to be in the parade and all a sudden he had a huge smile and said---YAY!!! So precious--he loves baseball!
Now Reese was a bit concerned about the parade because last year he cried through the whole thing. This year he was determined not to cry especially since he is playing up a league with the 5-6 year olds and he's only 4--he was wanting to act very big like the rest of the team;)
Anyways he didn't cry at all and actually he was leading the team in cheers! He was very proud and so were we! There's no crying in baseball!
After the parade they did the whole opening ceremonies thing (national anthem, mayor throwing out first pitch, etc) then had a carnival throughout the day. It was beautiful weather and it was fun to watch Reese with all his baseball buddies--he is just loving his team!
Now we were hesitant to get him on the Red Sox because we were afraid he would then hate the Texas Rangers (Reese is VERY team loyal) but thankfully he is still a (big league) Rangers fan----man is Greg relieved;)

Go (little league) Red Sox!

~also we are all confused why the kids shirts are green but don't worry they DO have red socks--it's good enough for Reese so it's good enough for me! :)

Reese Dancing~

Here is Reese and some of his teammates dancing to music after the parade! I thought this was so hilarious and I hope I was able to catch it all! Reese definitely appreciates a good beat~he's not a bad dancer either....he must have got that from me;)

April Fools!

Abby loving the jello!

Reese just kept sucking on that straw---he thought it was pretty funny!


So I really wanted to do a little something for April Fools Day for the kids but everything I thought of would have either confused them or brought them to tears! :) (I used to pull a few pranks back in the day!)
Anyways I had such a hard time thinking of something and was ready to give up when finally I heard about putting jello in a clear glass with a straw and then when they tried to drink it they wouldn't be able to get anything up the straw! (ok so it wasn't much but at least I did something right?:)
Well--it turned out perfectly--they didn't even notice it was jello and both were confused! I then yelled April Fools and Abby started laughing and said, 'Oh, man you got me!"
~I think as time goes on I will grow to love April Fools Day again but for now we'll keep it simple!
I didn't even pull a prank on Greg! What is happening to me? I used to be so fun!!!!!;(


~Greg told the kids that when he was a kid his mom came to wake him up for school on April Fools Day and told him it was a snow day and he could sleep in! He said he was so relieved that he rolled over and went back to sleep! (I think he wasn't thinking because snow in April in Texas would be a phenomenon!) Anyways he of course caught on pretty quickly and was a bit bummed going to school that day!:) Good one Debbie!
*Honestly if I would have done that to Abby I think she would have started bawling---she's in an "I don't like school" phase! She does like it, by the way, she just likes me better....what can I say???:) hehe!
I would love to hear if anyone had a good prank pulled on them or vice versa----just leave it in the comments section. I will be taking notes by the way:)