Lately

 A - Super proud of his Lego creation.  He's always building some kind of space ship.  I still can't believe he starts K this year!  Where did the time go?  If I would've known he was my last baby, I'd have done a whole lot more snuggling.  A funny about him is that any time you compliment him, he's all, 'Yeah, I know.'  Almost to the point of being bothered.  What a crack up.

 T - What a little sweetie/diva.  She is constantly singing her heart out around the house (and does a pretty darn good job at it) when she's not playing with her brothers.  She's very independent and extremely self confident.  She is definitely the little mother of the house and always makes sure people are doing what they should.  She'll be going into 2nd this year.  I hope they are ready for her.

B - He'll be 10!!! in August.  Am I really that old??  He is my imaginative child with quite a sneaky side to him.  He is getting a more witty sense of humor and tends to get a lot more of Matt & my jokes.  Its been pretty fun having a little confidant.  Love that smile.

Playing Catch Up

I forgot this thing even existed. So sad. To you, who actually like to know what we are up to, here's an update:

The last few months have been interesting to say the least. I've taken up working a few jobs part time and have really liked this change. I'm doing some bookkeeping and transcription along with my babysitting. Christmas was great, we took the kids to Disneyworld and to see my parents in Florida for a week. We had a BLAST! It was so fun to watch the kids go on the rides and hear their squeals of delight. It is hard to say what was more fun - watching my parents love the rides or the kids. :) Needless to say, we have some fun pictures decorating our fridge.

January officially made Matt as old man (37 is SO much older than 33), February had us celebrating 11 yrs together, and now we are looking forward to trips galore as the summer approaches.

As for the kids, Brandt is getting smarter and smarter each day. He is still quite the ladies man as he has 'a girl that is a friend.' He just recently finished his Bear badge in Cubscouts and is constantly reading and helping around the house. Talia lost a couple of teeth and was sorely disappointed when the tooth fairy forget not one night, but two nights in a row to hand over the dough. Stupid fairy. She was also recently tested for the Gifted/Talented program at school. We're excited our little achiever will be pushed. Hopefully she won't push them to the limit. :) Aeron is the clown of the bunch and makes us laugh with all his antics. He is loving preschool and will proudly proclaim, 'Green means I'm being good. Yellow means I need to 'slow down.' And orange means, 'Oh no, I'm gonna get in trouble!' He is a favorite among his teachers even though he gets into mischief quite often (or maybe because of it).

All in all, life is good and we're grateful to friends and family for their love and support. Loves!

I Stand All Amazed

I'm sitting here staring at the screen. Blogs are kinda funny to me. I originally started this as a, "Hey! This is what we're up to" and now its become more of a blind, "I'm sending this into the oblivion" deal. Most times, I forget that people actually read this. I honestly don't know why they find my ramblings interesting, but its always a shock to receive input. Not that I don't appreciate it, I am just always surprised.

I've been thinking a lot lately. Mostly about how crazy life can be and what kinds of things we're supposed to learn from our challenges. It has made me think a lot about God and what this life really is.

I am always amazed at the challenges that people go through. But even more so, I am amazed at the people going through them. A crisis/challenge/trial in itself can be devastating. Emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually... One would expect a person to break while experiencing such madness. And maybe we do break.

What amazes me the most, is when that person that has been pushed down & shattered finds the strength to stand up and walk. That sheer act of will. Each agonizing step. It makes me a believer. It makes me hope. It makes me want to stand. It makes me want to reach out. It makes me remember that life can be beautiful.

Incoherent Ramblings of a Crazy Person

Do you ever find yourself just 'floating' along and realize that maybe you're not ok with it? So what happens when the floating finally bugs you enough that you start to question life and how you got to where you are? There are so many things in my life that I would like to change but I feel overwhelmed at the task. And so I sit down. Ahh, that's better.

But really, is it just because I'm a lazy person or is it deeper than that? As superficial as this next statement is, and trust me, I realize that its shallow & stupid; So don't feel like you have to agree... I am finding that lately, I'm untouchable in the compliment dept. Nothing seems to get below my skin. Why is that - when all I really want to feel is valued and special. I mean, really, isn't that what we all want out of our simple lives? To feel good in our own skin?

For a while there, I felt myself slipping into deep, dark oblivion and although currently, I might have stopped slipping, I still feel like I'm just hanging onto a ledge and am hoping my hands don't start to sweat. Is this normal? Is this what real people feel like? The factor that drives me the most mad in all of this fumbling around, is that I think that I'm magnifying everything. Why is it when one thing is off balance in life, everything else seems to be on that same tilted axis?

Who knows? Maybe I just need a V-8.

Do Not Adjust Your Screen

Don't freak out, its a real post. I know, its been a while (to say the least). It seems that no matter how many times I start a journaling project, I always neglect it along the way. Hmmm, so recap?

June: School getting out and then trying to put together some sort of schedule so the kids don't forget everything they learned. Full of swim lessons being rained out, and rescheduled. (At least I THINK that was June!) One of the problems with recapping 2 months later. My computer needed to be overhauled and so all of my calendaring items were deleted. & Yes, I know that its pathetic when you can't remember what you did when its not recorded online.

July: Full of birthdays (Mine & A's - My baby is 3!!). I saw WICKED for the first time and fell in love with it. LOTS of time spent at the pool. Girl's camp & a quickie girl's weekend (pictures to follow - or not, if I'm honest with myself). Splurging on new toys (a laptop & iPod - but the iPod was free, so I don't feel so bad about that.) We also bought yet another new weed eater. I know that you are all on the edge of your seats as I talk about our boring financials...

August: Missing friends that moved away. Gearing up for B's baptism, visits from parents, B's birthday party, School starting for TWO of my kids (AHHHHHH!) and lamenting the fact that we didn't fit in a summer vacation. (All the while still worrying/wondering what the future has in store for us - Stupid Obama!)

I can't believe my little girl is starting school. Its kinda funny talking to her about it. Some days she's so excited she screams, and then others, she holds me close and tells me she's scared. My baby... And then, in October, A will begin preschool 3 days a week. M keeps hinting that there probably won't be a better opportunity to have a baby and I politely smile back, and then change the topic. :) He then approaches an equally dangerous subject of me going back to work. And at that point I distract him again using more persuasive means. And so the cycle continues... Have I mentioned, I don't like making decisions.

Well, to all my loved ones who actually read this - I do love you and think of you quite a lot. & I'm sorry that I've been silent for so long. Miss you too. -A (If you get tired of waiting, you can always check Facebook for an extremely ambiguous daily status.) :)

Choking on the Bone

Do you ever feel like you are about to be swallowed whole by your fear? Well, that's how I've been feeling for quite some time. And so I've done what I do best, ignore it. Well, at least I thought I was good at ignoring it. But blast it all, "it" wouldn't go away like I hoped it would. And now that I've admitted 'it' I guess there's really only one thing to do (apart from continuing this fruitless ignoring crap). Take a step forward and hope that when I fall (cause I will!) it won't hurt TOO badly. My one saving grace in all of this self-doubt/fear, etc: Matt. At least HE has faith in me and while I may not have it in myself, at least I'll have him to hold my hand.

Amazing Feats by My Children

I got a pretty good chuckle out of this. Hope it brightens your day.

Sheepish, Stupid, & Shallow = Irony

So I'm feeling a bit sheepish. I don't think I'm the shallow/arrogant type, but then I find myself talking about really stupidly shallow things with people over and over and I wonder if they view me that way and if that's all they think I want to talk about.

I know that I like stupid and shallow things, but I hope that people don't define me by that. I truly hope that they can see past my stupidity and get to what's really me. But then again, maybe they see that shallow/stupid layer and say, WHOA! REVERSE! all the while thinking, "Really?? Is that it?!"

So here's me, sending my stupid/shallow insecurity into the void hoping that I won't wake up feeling this way tomorrow.

Here's the ironic part: I blog about how selfish people see me. Isn't that in itself, selfish & shallow?! ...Crap.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009

Brandt (7) continues his love of reading, 2^nd grade, making projects, telling Mom and Dad all about the wonderful facts that he’s learning, being a big helper with the other two, crusading about why he needs a dog, and is becoming an expert in persuasion and manipulation. Lately, he’s become obsessed with defeating the world against Darth Vader’s evil-ness (aka: LEGOs Star Wars). Matt is pride incarnate! (Wait, I thought pride was evil… nice.) Brandt has also begun to take piano lessons and is really enjoying it. He is so such a joy manly and cool!

Talia (5) is our enforcer. As sweet and caring as she is, she loves to let you know when you’re ‘in trouble!’ She uses a ‘sneak attack’ form of discipline. Everything is wonderful and roses, until a rule is broken and then its like WWE (that’s WWF for you old-timers) in High Definition! She is still quite the princess and loves to play dress-up, make crafts, and is becoming quite the expert at coloring. She is currently in her second year of preschool and absolutely loves it! She recently took a midnight trip to the hospital with Dad for her first asthma attack (Ahh, good times! Especially when she hurled all over the equipment, the nurse, and me). Fortunately she was very blessed and pulled through just fine.

Aeron (2) is VERY two. He’s into everything and takes delight in seeing how fast he can do it while our backs are turned. I’m quite amazed at his efficiency; I only wish I could hone his mad skills!! We are constantly laughing at his antics as he’s turning into quite the comic/entertainer. He LOVES to wrestle with his dad and Brandt. He is 100% boy and loves anything to do with running, sports, making funny noises, trains, cars, motorcycles, and making people laugh. We’re lucky to have him and all his spunk in our lives.

Matt (complete with aching back and gray hair) is still hard at work at Lockheed/NASA. He likes to tell people what to do and so his position works well for him. These people actually listen!! (Ehh, not really I just pretend like they do – it makes the day go faster.) He is so great with the kids and they tackle him the moment he walks in the door. He’s been playing football on Saturday mornings with our ward and comes home boasting of how amazing he is and how many touchdowns he makes (I am pretty amazing). Personally, I think this is meant to compensate for all the moaning and limping he does for days afterward (Totally untrue, by the way).

Amber (forever young and spry) is having a great time with the kids (Facebook), her church calling (still in YW) (Facebook), and painting the house (and Facebook). This last May, I decided that I was sick of looking like I did, and got my rear in gear and lost 20 lbs. Hopefully, these lost pounds will not be ‘found’ any time soon as we are looking forward to our 10yr Anniversary in February sans kids (Thanks Mom and Dad!!) We’re headed to the Caribbean, and are like 2 kids waiting for Christmas to come (actually, it’s like one adult and one kid).

May you have a wonderful Holiday Season and that the Spirit of Christmas touches your hearts and homes.

&, Amber and Family (Commentary by Matt)

I pretty much suck at this...

Going with my softball team to an Astros game. SO much fun!! I sure miss playing.

Isn't he a hottie?!? I'm such a lucky girl.

Showing off our muscles at the beach a couple of weeks ago. Gotta love TX in the Fall - you can still hit the beach!!!

My first 5K - WOO HOO! I did it!!! (It was VERY early in the morning on a Saturday and the photos didn't turn out very well. I think M was still halfway asleep!!)

Meet the Flintstones!

So I was looking at my blog - something I haven't done in a LONG time and I thought it was time to update.

It seems that September & October have been a blink and I can't believe November starts tomorrow! The kids have been really busy with school and A & I have been chillin' at home by ourselves for the majority of the day. As far as specifics, my memory doesn't retain them. I'll just try to do better for the next while as this time of year is so wonderful and I hope to share it with you as well.

Yesterday was our ward Halloween party and I thought that I should at least upload a photo to share on one of my favorite holidays! Hope yours was fabulous! Until next time...

Birthday & Colorado Catch-Up

Happy 7th Birthday, B! My first trial with fondant frosting... possibly my last?? Although it did turn out pretty fun.
Playing with Grandma and Grandpa at the Park. Gotta love those ice cream trucks!

Loving the slide.

My cute buddy brothers.

A beautiful view of the Denver valley. Miss those mountains!

Just enjoying ourselves at viewpoint park & giving the grandparents a break.

A fun ride at the Denver Renaissance Festival.
Well, it started out fun. I just love his face!!

At least T had a good time!

More fun rides.

Playing dress-up.

T just HAD to play too.

The kids had fun playing musical instruments.

What a natural!

Why I Do What I Do

"Mom! Let's GO-GO!"

Rock star in the making.My very own 'Next Top Model.'My little cuddle-bugs.The big 2! Mmmm, that cake looks good!It is DELICIOUS!!! A's B-day Loot! The Big 3-2!
Friends that helped me celebrate.

The F Bomb

So, A is becoming much more verbal as he nears his 2nd b-day. His latest word is yes, the F Bomb. I honestly don't know where he heard it (we're a little more G-rated around our house), but nevertheless, he's spouting it any chance he gets.

I got pretty concerned (in between giggling) about this and was trying to get him to say something else instead - all the while trying to figure out what he 'really' meant. Then, today while we were practicing body parts, I pointed to his feet and said, "A? What's this?" He then dropped the bomb and the whole world made sense.

Ahhhh, the joys of parenting.

Emotional Basketcase

Why is it, just when you're starting to feel good and normal (if there is such a state of emotion), that in the next moment you feel completely insecure and just plain dumb??? I must be PMSing...

Quote of the Day

"Hey B & T, Did you clean up your mess on the table?" I say as they run out of the room.
Brandt (under his breath) "Ohhh, SO close!"

They definitely keep my guessing. :)

On a fun note, we hit the beach again yesterday and B got to use his BRAND NEW BOOGIE BOARD!!!!! He got it for an early b-day present and he was riding it the entire time we were there. (3+ hrs...) Needless to say, I was quite proud of him - he is a natural surfer bum.......

Oh wait, this might be a bad thing... Crap.

June. In Pictures.

B's graduation from 1st grade beach party... He got the 'Best Friend' award. I made that sand castle!! Fun huh? My cutie friends at a RS dinner at the park. Afterward, we played softball. This was SUCH a great night. The food was DE-LISH!!! Eh, Carina?? Emmaly - all smiles and preggers. You rock! Hair cuts: A perfect reason to hang out with my friends. (Check out my cute curtains that I made in the background!!)

The YW had an overnight Pre-Certification campout in early June. Overly friendly rabid racoons, freakishly large (& way too close to me) alligators, and some seriously pokey hair were some of the highlights. Good times!

Then, the next weekend, we had Youth Conference. I love these girls. They are a bunch of crazies and I love it!!! We had a really great three days together.

We went to Kemah the first night and we all rode "Pharoah's Fury." I think I peed my pants a little bit...Here's me and 'D' at Friday Night's dance. She's freakin' HYSTERICAL!!! (I've been doin' WW & have lost 7 lbs so far... Can you tell????)

Has it really been a month!?!?!

Ok, so school's been out for T for a month now. Two weeks (well, 10 days) for B - and already I'm excited to go school shopping and ship them back... Nah, its been a really fun time so far, I just need to have the patience for the...

Mom! Mom! Mom! Mooom! Moooooooooooooooooom!!!!!!!!!! What are we going to do today, Mom? Mooom, I'm bored! I didn't make that mess, He did! When are we going to go to the ...??? I'm hungry! Is it ok if I have some more gum? Moooom! Why do I have to clean that up? I didn't do that TODAY!! Mooooooooom!!!!! How LONG is this going to take!?? Moom!!! He hit me! I did not! She kicked me first!!! Wellllll, he told me to! I DID NOT! MOOOOOOM!

And so on and so forth...

Bless me Father to make it through the summer without killing my children!

In Pictures

Here're some recent pictures to catch up what we've been up to the last little while.

We went camping this last weekend. It was really HOT but we survived and even saw some wildlife... Alligators, an armadillo, B saw a fox, lightning bugs, and the ever present plethera of mosquitos. :)It was B's first cub scout activity and he has THE best time. We all did. :)
Once the kids heard we were camping, we got asked, "Are we going to go camping today?" about 40 million different times. We're going to surprise them next time!

Along with camping, M spent a lot of time getting his, er, I mean our garden together. We've actually enjoyed eating some fresh herbs & some blueberries from our garden & flower beds already.

I love that man.

My family had the opportunity to get together for my Grandma's funeral this past month. Here's everyone that was there from our immediate family. It was great seeing everyone. Some relatives I hadn't seen for over 12 years.

A fun & yummy breakfast - Thanks Mom & Dad!

The whole crew.

Some pics from the hotel. Hanging with D - you sexy mama you.

Isn't my neice cute? His daddy isn't bad either. :)

Cute pic of my smokin-hot sisters and adorable nephew!

I love this shot. It completely captures how family get togethers usually go. I love these people with all my heart.

Mr. Mischief himself. A has taken the whole 'Terrible Twos' saying and run with it. He is constantly either on my lap, or off causing trouble. Sometimes, he manages to do both at the same time. What a cute little terror!!

This is my little Calvin & Hobbes photo shoot. B wouldn't be serious and just take a normal picture. I have about 20 pictures of him with different poses and facial expressions. This is him being a tiger. Grrrrr.

T is just the opposite. According to her, I didn't take enough pictures of her & they ALL turned out this cute. What a bug. :)