Wednesday, December 31, 2008

2008


In January we lost our sweet Sadie dog. She looked so mean and fierce, but she was the most gentle, loving, obedient dog. I blogged about her on myspace before I began this blogging.



On February 18, 2008 we found out we were having a healthy baby girl.





In March we made a random trip to New Mexico. Approximately 23/24 weeks pregnant.





We were busy decorating Caroline's nursery.


So many fun baby showers!



In May my sister graduated from Texas Tech University, and my brother graduated from Fire school. Congrats Mark and Andrea.
Our precious Caroline was born July 8, 2008Becoming a family of three!

Blake turned one...it seems like she was just born yesterday.


So many friends with new babies. Regina had Kelly in March, Amy had Cru in May, I had Caroline in July, and Andrea had Jackson in August.
Trip to Paige's parents lake house in September.Trip to Lubbock in October.

Caroline's first Halloween.
Caroline's first Thanksgiving.


Caroline was baptized December 14, 2008.

Justin had knee surgery on December 19th to repair a torn ACL and torn meniscus.
Caroline's first Christmas.




2008 was probably the best year of my life this far. This year has brought abundant joy into my life. There were some low points, but overall I have been blessed beyond measure. I look forward to all 2009 has in store.

New Years Eve Fun

Watching Baby Einstein

Elmo Live
Caroline loves to bite noses.


Today we went out to the Walker's house to visit and go out to eat. It was great to get out of our house and hang out with friends. I was amazed at how much Blake talks and how well she gets around. She is so smart and too cute. I have not seen her in a while because Paige and I often get together without babies. We really need to live closer so that our girls can be around each other more.


Anyway our trip to Keller was our New Years Eve celebration. We might stay up and watch the Rockin Eve....but that will be the extent of our partying. Wow...things have changed, but definitely for the better.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

More Christmas




Opening gifts and a bit cranky. I think she has been Christmased out.

Aunt Andrea and her sweet dolly.



Loving the new snow globe.

My mom had to show off this adorable outfit Grammy made.


Christmas was not quite over with for us on Christmas day. Yesterday, we went to Justin's aunt's house in Frisco to celebrate with all the uncles, aunts, and cousins. Justin was so tired of being carted around everywhere, but it was still lots of fun. After lunch we all headed over to Sam Moon for some afternoon shopping.

Last night I went to Carol's to eat left overs and visit with my family a little more.

I also have pictures of Christmas night with Justin's dad, but I had periodically lost my camera so I am waiting to have them emailed to me.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Christmas Day



She loves this piano.

I love Papa.

Check out my new hot boots.





Caroline loves Andrea's curly hair...she was bummed that is was straight. However, it looked beautiful

My fun Uncle Mark.




We had a fun and busy Christmas day. We woke up early and soon realized Santa had come...how exciting. Caroline loved her rings and blocks that Santa left. We then went to my parent's house to open more gifts...we are so spoiled. Caroline got some great toys too. After that we headed to Carol and Eric's house where there were many Christmas festivities. The day was filled with remembering past memories, laughter, great food, and even a fire, and of course more presents for us and Caroline. This evening we returned to our house and hosted a Christmas dinner for Justin's dads side of the family. It was nice opening up my home to family on Christmas.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas

Grammy and Caroline
Opening gifts. The paper is so much fun.

Caroline's first doll. She loved to bite and chew her doll.


Granny and Caroline


Ready for bed.

I hope this finds you all enjoying this special day with family, friends, food, and love.


We had a great Christmas Eve. We always go over to Grammy's house, eat dinner, and open tons of gifts. Seriously...I mean tons. Grammy always does so much for Christmas, and this Christmas was even exaggerated because of our newest addition, our sweet Caroline. Caroline got a music table, a baby play house, a grand piano, and so many new outfits. I really do not think she will wear an outfit twice. It was so much fun with a new baby. They bring the magic back into Christmas. I know she does not understand much, but she sure did get really excited about her new toys. We really appreciate all you do for us Grammy. You spoil us all, not just Caroline. We also want to thank Andrea and Jesse, Granny, and Rique. Andrea and Jesse got Caroline the piano, which she loved. Granny gave Caroline a precious sailor dress, and another warm winter cozy outfit. Rique, we thank you for the money and the great food.

After our Christmas eve with family we went to church. Caroline did wonderful. Caroline and I sat together, and Justin had to find another seat because the sanctuary was packed. It was a beautiful, peaceful service. It reminded me once again that this day is about the Birth of King. I often find myself stressed and overwhelmed with all the extras that come with the celebrations (this year more than others), but I must slow down and take time to revel in the gift of the Christ child.

Merry Christmas to you all.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Christmas Vacation












YAY...I am on Christmas break. It is nice to be looking forward to two entire weeks off. I know it will go by fast, but I will enjoy every day.


Justin's surgery went well yesterday. Granny took him and I made it up there about 2. He had just entered surgery when I got there. We finally got to go home about 7 that night. Justin did well, but had difficulty coming off of the anesthesia. The doctor repaired his ACL and one meniscus, but his other one was too damaged. I don't thing either one of us realized the impacts this surgery would have on our day to day lives. Justin can literally do nothing right now which is driving him crazy, and leaving me super busy. It is not too bad though, we have so much family and we are getting plenty of help. He also came home with tons of rehab gear so our living room is filled with contraptions.


Thursday, December 18, 2008

Update and Tomorrow

Justin is having his surgery tomorrow at 12:00. Please pray that everything goes smoothly and he recovers quickly. I know he is disappointed that he has to have surgery. It is going to be hard for him to be waited on because he is so used to being an active part of our household. Maybe he can catch some good rest though. I am a bit uneasy because I will not be there when he enters into surgery. Tomorrow is the last day and it is impossible to take off and get a sub. I will rush to the hospital as soon as we dismiss the kids.

Tomorrow is my last day of school before the Christmas holidays. Thank goodness. I am in need of a break. I feel that I am always running around and never have a moment to relax, or enjoy being a mom, or be good wife. I hate that feeling, and I am soooo looking forward to spending quality time with Caroline and Justin. It will be a very special holiday. I am looking forward to tomorrow though because every year Justin's Mom and Granny buy my kids Christmas gifts. They usually get them crayons, a pair of gloves, a coloring/activity book, and a few other fun items. They wrap them up really nice, and it is apparent how much thought, time, and love are put into the gifts. It is really special and my kids get so excited. For some of them it is probably one of the few gifts they will open this Christmas. I always want my children to feel that they are special, and Jonette and Granny always make sure they have that feeling for at least a day. Thanks so much for your love and generosity.

Now a quick update on Caroline. Caroline is basically sitting up. She can sit for brief amounts of time. Sometimes she can sit for quite a while and others she just topples over shortly after I sit her up. I would not be confident letting her sit up without me near by. She is still reaching for everything and puts everything in her mouth. The past couple of days have been difficult because I think she is teething. Tuesday was really tough as she was not herself and was extremely fussy. She is usually so happy and easy going so I knew something was up. I think the pain is also keeping her up at night. Some nights I feel that I have a newborn again. I will be glad when this tooth makes it through. However, I was researching teething and everything said this teething behavior will be an off and on reoccurring event until around 2 years old. YIKES. Caroline loves her bouncer. I think she could stay all day in it. She is absolutely hilarious and will jump so high and bounce so much that I am sure she is getting shaken baby syndrome. I guess not though because she just laughs and has the best time. She has taken notice to Boomer, our big yellow dog. She giggles out loud at him and it is so funny to me. He will just be walking by and she will laugh. She really likes it when he starts whining and barking at me. (He does that when he wants a treat, and it is really annoying.) I think when Caroline gets bigger Boomer will be great with her.

I know....this post is long, but this is like my online scrapbook/journal. I feel I need to record everything. Have a nice Friday.

Girls Christmas Dinner




Last night I went to Dallas to meet up with a few of my closest friends from college. We had a great time catching up and laughing about old times. We definitely need to get together more often. I spotted Kinsey from Kidd Kraddick in the bar of the place we were eating and that was really exciting for me as well.