Be Ready... Here Comes Life...

3 parties for 1 ten year old birthday boy

2011-08-31T12:35:00.000-07:00

Every year we are in Montana on Porter's birthday. So we usually celebrate with our cousins on the day of his birthday. This year we happen to be at my dads so we made him a cake and gave him a few presents. Then we went to see the cousins and Grandma Ila and Papa Bill treated Porter and all the cousins to a pizza place with games. So we celebrated again with cake,games and pizza. On the way home he mentioned he wished he could have a party with his friends and I figured 2 was plenty. Then I started feeling bad because you are only "birthday party worthy" for a short while so I decided to throw a surprise party at our friends Carol and Toms pool. Everyone I invited came and they all met at the house while Porter was at his Nana's house. Then we met together at the pool for a party. He was so excited and his comment was, I have so many friends here I don't know who to play with." Now Porter is ten aka "double digits" These are a few things that I love about him at this age.

1. Sweet sensitive personality
2. Loves his mama
3. Loves to play outside
4. aims to please
5. when asked to do something he almost always jumps right on it
6. is very spiritual and has so much faith
7. his prayers are so sincere and thought felt
8. he is 5foot 4 1/2 and wieghs 135 so he is a small giant
9. very considerate of others and their feelings
10. loves to play some sports and watch
11. very good big brother to Claire
12. he can not hold still and loves to talk (and the name still sticks,"Porter the Reporter")
12. he is very smart in math and it comes very easy for him
13. he loves Marvel Comic books,games and action figures
14. he got to shoot his very first gun this summer and loved it/ also loves his rubber band gun
15. he gets along with others and never wants to leave someone out
16. his love language is definitly spending quality time with him
17. loves to go on dates with his mom,dad or Nana
18. loves Sunny D orange juice
19. loves to build or create things
20. ssshh he still loves me to read to him and tuck him in bed every night

First Day of School 2011-2012

2011-08-30T21:17:00.001-07:00

So this is the Freshman,Kindergartner and Fourth grader. They had a great first week. Hannah said,"yea I like it." Claire said, "Its BORING." and Porter said," one of my teachers has a twitch in her eye and I think it will drive me crazy all year."
So there you have it pictures and comments. I can't believe how fast they are growing up.

Being in Montana

2011-07-20T19:11:00.000-07:00

I love love love coming to Montana. I guess because I came up here every summer when I was a child and now I take my kids and go every summer. When I come I feel like I reconnect with my Heavenly Father. I don't know if its all the family I miss so much or if its the beauty all around me. I just tend to stop and think of all the things I have been given. This year I couldn't ask for more perfect weather. Snow still in the mountains,tons of water in the creeks and rivers,green grass,summer rain storms,cool nights,clear nights full of stars and a moon that you feel like you can reach out and touch. My kids are outside all day. We open the windows and doors and let the breeze come in. I love catching up with family I haven't seen in a year. I have got to see some friends on the way too. This is the 37th summer I have been coming or close to it and I have MANY fond memories of this great state. So I guess each year I come I will continue to create more.

Claire turns 5

2011-05-16T21:11:00.001-07:00

I'm backing up to last month. Claire had her 5th birthday. She was so excited because this is the age you get to go to kindergarten. I decided a Pinkalicious party would be so much fun. Claire was excited and then decided she wanted a blue rainbow party. I told her maybe next year. We had a fabulous Pinalicious party. They played Pinko (akaBingo), pin the cupcake on Pinkalicious, read the story about Pinkalicious and we enjoyed treats and cupcakes that were all decked out in PINK. I made bottle top necklaces and gave out wands to all the friends who came. Enjoyed every minute of it because she is growning up way too fast.

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-14T23:13:00.001-07:00

This is why I celebrate mother's day. These 3 beautiful children are such a blessing in my life and I
am grateful to be their mom. I got 2 cds from Hannah, an angel from my husband, a wind chime
Claire made in school and Porter made me a book of 10 reasons why I love my mom. It was all
sweet and made my day.

Looked What I grew!

2011-04-04T19:53:00.000-07:00

I planted bulbs last November and didn't know what would pop up this spring. This is my first attempt and I was so proud of myself. Not only can I grow tulips and daffodils, I can grow three pretty cute kids too.

Our New Addition

2011-02-16T21:28:00.000-08:00

This is it. It is a 1927 piano. It has all the original ivory keys and it just needed a little tuning and a home.The inside has been replaced pretty recently too. As you can see the front is off but it does have a front and is in pretty good shape. Porter just started piano lessons and loves them. I grew up with a piano and my mother would play often. I loved to listen to her play. So it is pretty neat to hear the sound of a piano in my home. I hope that Porter sticks with it. My mom said," finally someone in the family will play." She tried with all her children and no one plays. I can play one handed and read music. So maybe I will take lessons from Porter someday. It is one of the things on my bucket list. Oh yeah the best thing of all it was FREE!!

Proud parents

2011-02-02T20:38:00.000-08:00

This is Hannah at her choir concert. She is on the left side bottom row. It has been so fun to go and listen to them sing.She has really enjoyed her teachers and choir in 7th and 8th grade.This is my Porter. He recieved many awards this day. Of course I forgot to take a picture just with him and his awards. He recieved awards for good citizenship, most improved, A/B honor roll, and student of the week. We are so pleased with him. Notice the height.

This is Claire's art work and writting. She wanted to make a book with her friends on the front(Hannah, Claire, Cousin Bella and cousin Ryan) and write a letter to her friend Emilia. As you can see she copied my hand writting and it was her own words. I thought her hand writting was pretty good for a 4yr old. This is the first time she has written her name backwards.

This is my Hannah showing her certificate from her induction ceremony into Avid. This is a program she was asked to be in and had to interview and be accepted. She also had to take two pre ap classes and also has to do community hours. She has stepped up and has risen to this new challenge in her life and we are so pleased.

Kindergarten and High School all in one year

2011-01-18T16:31:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about what lies ahead. Two huge changes will take place next school year. Hannah will enter high school and start early morning seminary and Claire will start kindergarten. Wow that is a lot for me to take in. It seems just the other day we were bringing Hannah home from the hospital.

Claire and I had the talk about her starting kindergarten and I told her I will be so lonely without my buddy. Her response was, "you still have Bonnie" aka the dog. I was thinking but the dog doesn't come and talk to me or dance and sing to keep the house from being so quiet.

I remember just a few days (years) ago I was begging for peace and quiet and now its right around the corner and I'm worried. Claire tells me all the time, "I want to grow up momma." How can you take that from her.

As far as Hannah I have her for 4 more years and then she is off to school. (I hope) Where did the time go? My worry for her is that, have I taught her all the things that I should?

So as my little girls keep growing I will continue to enjoy the journey and hopefully it will slow down just a bit.

Can we start 2011 over?

2011-01-14T19:14:00.000-08:00

As you read this don't fall down from shock. It is really me. I am going to try to start blogging again.

We have started 2011 with a bang. All of our family got the flu bug and Claire had strep with it. It has been joyous. Lots of washing and cleaning. Lots of moaning and groaning. Now they are going stir crazy from being cooped up so long. So lets see SICK KIDS + CRAZY MOM = INSANITY.

I hope its all coming to an end. I can see light at the end of the tunnel. So soon i can say

WELL KIDS + HAPPY MOM= PEACE . As for dad he got it too but tends to run when throw up starts so need I say more.

Our Summer fun

2009-08-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

Family

2009-07-15T22:57:00.000-07:00

I've never had a computer where I could write a blog while I was on vacation. I have been visiting my family here in Montana and it makes me really appreciate family. My parents are getting a little older and that makes things change. I do stop and think of what my future holds with them. I have enjoyed them. Also my 90 soon to be 91 grandma is in an assisted living/nursing home and is very fragile right now. It is so hard to go and see her and see her not be able to feed herself and dress herself. She speaks very softly and has very little energy. This was the grandma who was up with the sun and still up before everyone went to bed. She worked very hard. We have had some really good conversations since I've been up here. Sadly to say she is tired and ready to go. Selfishly we all want her to stay but she is done here on earth. I was able to give her a hair cut. I have never done one in a bed but I did and it turned out pretty good. We also got together with my brothers kids. The twins are 9 and Brynlee is 7 almost 8. Then there is little Dallin. He is 1 and just adorable. He is the happiest baby and he is good almost all of the time. My brother was out of town and so I got to spend some time with my sisiter in law Lisa. We had fun just talking about LIFE. We still are going to get together again with my brother. Just alot of bonding time and great memories are made. I am so grateful for each family member because they touch my life and my childrens life.

Volley Ball

2009-05-11T20:58:00.001-07:00

Hannah just finished another season of volley ball. I must say I love to watch this sport. Hannah has improved every season. Now if I can just get her to be a little more agresive. She has a really strong serve. There is a spin on the ball and it goes hard and all the way to the back by the line. They have a really hard time hitting off of it. She is also very consistant on hitting it over from any direction. So here are a few pictures this season. They were called the Dippin Dots.

Easter Pictures 2009

2009-05-11T20:56:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T20:39:00.000-07:00

I had the best mother's day. It started out with dinner and a movie on Saturday night with my mom, my mother-in-law Betty, my sister-in-law Theresa, her mother-in-law Margaret, and Betty's sister Shirley. We all met at Chili's and had dinner. Then we went to see 17 Again. I wasn't quite sure how it would turn out but I had a blast and enjoyed it.
Then on Sunday we had church and then came home. My mom and I went upstairs to change our clothes and started talking and then we called my Grandma. We then laid down and continued to talk. Then in came sweet Porter to take our lunch order. He brought up two sandwiches on rolls, chips and cokes. It was so fun to have lunch in bed. I mean seriously who does that? Later we looked on line at these really cute purses then we went downstairs to sneak our favorite ice cream (Haagen Daz Hawaiian Lehua Honey & Sweet cream) To die for!! Just try it. Nothing like being full and taking a nap.
So as you can see I enjoyed the sleep, food and company. Not having to do dishes, or pick up messes that day was great. Thanks Jimmy for making it happen and making me queen for the day.

Easter pictures

2009-05-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

Notice the lime green finger nails and the

Happy Birthday to Claire #3

2009-04-13T21:12:00.000-07:00

Look how much she's grown. We had a fun day today. We went to get mommy's hair done and Claire got to go play with Aunt Stephanie. They went to Wal-mart and she picked out a Barbie cash register. She got to go to lunch and get her toe nails and finger nails painted. She had to have the brightest purple there. Then we went home and played on the swings while Porter had baseball practice. Then we went to Chili's for dinner and they sang to her. She wiggled and danced while they sang. She opened two gifts at home and crashed. She couldn't quite figure out why today was her b-day and her b-day party is Friday. Too much for a 3 year old. Maybe next year. We have had so much fun and can't wait for another year of fun and surprises.

Where is the cutest kids contest? Sign these three up!

2009-04-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

A little plug for my friend Romy- Thanks for the hat and look how cute it is.

Our fun filled Spring Break

2009-04-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

We had our friends Gage and Grant come and spend the night. Monday we went to Putt Putt. We all hit our ball and sometimes with a little help from Claire. Then we went into the arcade. We played games and won tickets and bought prizes. Then on Wednesday we looked at dogs in all the pounds around our area. No, we haven't found "THE PERFECT DOG" yet. Then on Friday we met the Greasers up at the lake. We put up tents,roasted hot dogs and marshmallows,rode in the boat,went tubing,relaxed,got caught up,and ate again. We had so much fun. Oh and Hannah did not go just in case you wonder why she is not in any of the pictures. She had a b-day party to go to. You know how much we rate!

New Beginings

2009-03-07T18:52:00.000-08:00

New Beginings is a program to introduce girls who are turning 12 during the year to the Young Womens program at church. We had ours several weeks ago and it turned out so so great. Romy was in charge and did a beautiful job. We talked about the personal progress program. We set up all kinds of lights and did tables for each values. We introduced out new value which is virtue. Then we had a parent introduce each of our new girls and to describe what kind of light that best represents them. One of them was Hannah and I asked her dad to do that since I had to speak. He chose Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). These are the things he said about Hannah

-Only seen at night- Hannah being shy and you only see her true personality every once in a while
-Multi-colored/ they come in all different colors- personality/always wears colorful clothes and is really into fashion/likes be creative
-Unsure of why the lights appear- unpredictable/we never know what kind of mood she is going to be in and it could change in an instant
-Lights are magical- her spirit is magical/she seems to amaze us with something different everyday
-Aurora measns Greek Godess- she has some Christ like attributes
-The Scottish used to believe that the more active the lights were the more severe the weather was going to be and (because of our Scottish Heritage)-When she was little we called her "Hurricane Hannah" she could get into things very fast and make a mess very fast

I was very happy/sad to see this all take place because it means my little girl is growing up. She is ready to grow up so I guess I will let her and just hang on to the memories.

CLair's way of saying "things"

2009-03-03T20:50:00.000-08:00

Claire says

Chucky Arms for Lucky Charms
I don't know either for I don't know
sicky cup for sippie cup
Elmo's Quarld for Elmo's World
Dollar Bills for Dollar Store
I go to school morio for I go to school tomorrow
Dranma Ila for Grandma Ila

Popcorn popping on the acerpot tree for Popcorn popping on the apricot tree
We got to the library for reading time and her favorite song is 5 little monkey's swinging in a tree. She likes when you say "SNAP that monkey right out of that tree.
She colored with a sharpie all over her dresser,crib,wall,door,tv screen and picture of Porter. My mom said it reminds her of when I colored all over my grandma Eldora's wall,night stand and ironed pillow case. I used purple which is still my favorite color and I made a big spider on her pillow. This is the grandma that you Do Not sit on her bed spread. Need I say more.

She has 21 stuffed animals,dollys ect in her crib. She calls them "her friends"
She told Ali,"your mean, but I like you anyway"
She takes a picture with a camera and says,"ahh,cute"
She calls a kid in the nursery Tater tot and his name is Tate
She loves broccoli and calls them trees and can out eat anybody with her trees
When she goes to bed at night she calls it her naps and when she wakes up she says," I had good nap." Loves to go to bed and I can count on one hand how many times she has fought it. Love her for that.
She will tell Hannah and Porter when they have been naughty, "its time to go to time out"

I'm sure I will add more later. Enjoy, We have

Bahama Cruise 2009

2009-02-15T21:38:00.000-08:00

What the Eason family does when it sleets

2009-02-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

When it sleets or snows in Texas it only last hours so we have to take advantage of it. The night it started to sleet Porter said we needed to go pick up things for smores. As you can see we did make smores and enjoyed them.
In the morning we found out school was cancelled. This meant PARTY TIME. We broke out the trays,cardboard boxes,gloves,hats,coats and scarves. By the way these items don't get used very often so it is fun to get them out and use them. As you can see we had so much fun sliding down our sloped driveway. Porter played outside all day. He took his guys out in the ice and we never saw him. Claire was a little nervous about going down the first time but after that she said,"I wan go again." I love winter and above are some of the reason why.... and these are the other reasons why....

* hot chocolate
*snuggling up in a blanket
*memories of Montana (snowmobiling, skiing, ice fishing)
*season of Christmas
*excitement of the weather changing
* not being hot/sweaty
*cool nights and a cool breeze
*its not humid and my natural curly hair looks good
*smell of a fire

ReMarkable Foundation Run

2009-01-18T12:12:00.000-08:00

I was quite impressed with myself for doing the 5k. This was such a good cause. This man goes to our church and was riding his motorcycle and was hit by a car and paralyzed from the waist down. Last year they did the run as part of the youth conference. This year was just to continue it and support him and his family. We had some of the young women interested in going and since Romy and I have been walking for a while we decided to go. We started out running and then I started to slow down. We also helped another one along the way. After the first mile Mark was in his wheel chair waving to everyone. That was such a moving moment for me to keep going. We made it and we had fun.

Our Trip to see the Live Nativity

2009-01-02T21:27:00.001-08:00

We went with Humphries and my mom to Waxahachie to walk through the streets of Bethlehem. At first it was so crowded and I felt a little disappointed because I was in hopes of a spiritual experience. As we walked through I started to enjoy it. We let the crowd move on and then we could take our time. They actually had Mary riding through town on a donkey. They had the money changers,tax collectors, olive press wheel,Roman soldiers and they even talked to you as if you were in that time. It was a very busy time back then and they were busy so it was true to the way it was. The kids enjoyed it and as you can see Claire probably enjoyed it the most. Afterwards we drank hot chocolate and had cookies at the car. (The ending to a great night- Claire fell on the gravel and embedded one in her forehead. Blood was all over her face. She survived with a band-aid and a few tears) Oh and in case anyone is wondering where Hannah is well, right before we were walking out the door realized she had a project due the next day. So instead of hearing about it the whole time I sent her next door so her and her friend could work on it and she hopefully will learn not to wait until the last minute.

Random pictures around Christmas

2009-01-02T20:24:00.000-08:00

Hannah got braces right before Christmas and isn't she cute with her new grill.

My latest addition to my Christmas decorations. Floating ornaments.

We also went to see Madaline's Christmas with Grandma Ila.

More Christmas Pics 2008

2008-12-31T15:05:00.001-08:00

These are just a few random pics of Claire. The one and only good one I got at her program was this one. The whole time she looked back at the bigger kids singing behind her so we got to see the back of her head. The nativity pics were at our church.

Our Merry Christmas 2008

2008-12-30T20:21:00.000-08:00

"Here mom get a picture of my shoes while I check out this other stuff Santa brought."

Porter ended up with some fun army things, Star Wars ships and a bike.

Hannah got her very first cell phone. We wrapped in a box and called it. Her face was priceless!

Claire had a fever and stuffy/runny nose Christmas Eve and Christmas Day this is what we saw. She would run and play for a few minutes and then crash. She got a kitchen from Santa and it took him 3 hours to put it together. Which put Santa and Mrs. Clause to bed around 3:30. I can't imagine those who are challenged in that, area which Jimmy isn't, how many hours it would have taken them. The next morning Porter woke us up at 7:30. I thought I must be in a coma. I could hardly move. It was all I could do to push the button on the camera. So when it got quiet and the kids were busy playing you could find Santa back in bed and Mrs. Clause on the couch catching a few winks. The entire day we were zombies. We finally caught up the next day. So needless to say Christmas was a tad blurry for us. As for the kids they had fun and are happy. Isn't that what Christmas is all about.

Thankful Thursday

2008-11-27T21:31:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking all day of the things I am thankful for and I still have more. I thought I would list some and challenge all of those who read this to make a list too from the word
THANKSGIVING

T- teachers who teach my children, me or my husband
H-home to find safety and where we can feel loved and be ourselves
A-art work that my kids give me
N-noisy kids
K- kindness shown by others toward our family or anyone in need
S- saying the word Thank You
G-God my Savior
I-ice I love ice with my drink
V- veggies
I- innocence of little children
N- nutty moments in life
G-giving my husband all he deserves

Its harder than it looks. It ends up being random but it stops and makes you dig a little deeper.
Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Bully Mom

2008-11-19T22:53:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday I saw this boy ride his bike past Porter and holler "Your Gay." Porter ran and told Hannah and Ali. Ali threw her books down and took off after this kid. He started peddling really fast. So they all pile in the car and we chase him in his neighborhood. We saw where he lives because his bike was parked outside. So we decided we would wait for him on Wednesday. Well, the girls were watching for him and he knew it so he crossed the 4 way stop and went on the other side of the road. They spotted him and jumped in the car and we took off. We pulled up in the entrance of the neighborhood and waited. As he was approaching I got out of the car and ask him his name and then asked what grade he was in and he told me 4th. I pointed in the car and ask him if he knew that boy (pointing to Porter) and he said no. I said then why did you ride by him and run you hand by his head and call him gay? He quickly said, I didn't do that." I
I said, "Don't lie to me because I saw you and heard you do it."
I said, "Do you know what grade he's in?"
He said, (shaking and scared too death) "No."
I said, "1st grade and how does it make you feel picking on kids younger than you?"
I told him he needed to apologize to him. So he did.
I told him he should feel better for doing so and that I never wanted to see him pick on kids younger than him or anyone for that matter.
Poor thing he is so scared I thought I better stop. So I watched him ride away and I thought I would follow him. He was riding and looking back the whole time. He finally hid behind a car and we drove off.
I'm usually not like that but when it comes to my kids something comes out. Somebody needs to teach these kids that bullying is not TOLERATED!!!!!! Hannah mentioned that Porter needs to stay with her and Ali but, they will be going on to Jr. high and he will need to learn to handle these situations on his own. I just don't think he has it in him. Now if it was it sister Hannah.
My kids thought I was going to beat him up. I mean seriously do you really think I would do that. I think a few words did enough.

Locked In

2008-11-19T22:34:00.000-08:00

Ok, for the explanation of the pictures. Porter and Claire's bedroom door knob works if you are on the outside but, if you are on the inside the knob just spins. I went in to wake up Claire and get her dressed because I had to go get my blood drawn at 8:45. Usually she cooperates but, today she shut the door and sat in front of it before I could catch it. So now Claire and I are locked in the bedroom. No phone, no diapers, no food, no bathroom, no way to pick up kids, no way to take Porter lunch. You get the picture. I start to panic. I look around and decide to use hair clips to try to unscrew the door knob. Also picture I am right handed and am unable to use that hand because of surgery. So its all up the my left. I then try to beat the knob in hopes that I would break it off. I did break it off but, the door is still closed. I looked out the window and thought I could jump but, knowing my luck I would break my other hand or leg. Oh, and then Claire might follow me out the 2nd story window because I would be unable to shut it. I also hoped someone would be taking a walk and I could holler at them and have them call my mother-in-law whose has a key to the house. No such luck. I then grabbed one of my old shoes that was in the dress up box and beat at the hinges. I had no clue. I also prayed and asked for help. Then after about an hour I decided to use all the force I could and just break the door. I grabbed the bottom corner and pulled with all my strength and tada. The pictures tell all.

I was so proud of her

2008-11-17T21:31:00.001-08:00

This is Hannah at her game last Saturday. They played so good I think I was hoarse from yelling. Hannah served 10 points in a row 2 different games. Her serves are fast, hard and deep. They try to hit it but usually can't. Lucky for us. So here I am shouting from the roof tops, "GO HANNAH!!!!"
She was also chosen to be the team captain that day and it was crazy sock and short day.

Cris #80 Cory Cubs

2008-11-03T12:36:00.001-08:00

I went to my nephew's football game on Saturday. He Kept asking me if I would come to one. How could you turn that down? He did a great job even though they lost to our elementary (Miller). Isn't he cute? The picture with all the boys is them staring at the cheerleaders. I thought it was hilarious. Way to go Cris!!!

"Its All too scary." says Claire Halloween 2008

2008-11-03T11:51:00.000-08:00

We also decorated our pumpkins this year by painting them. They had so much fun and they turned out pretty cute. We did our traditional Halloween night which was to go over to Nana and Papa's house. We meet up with the cousins and a few extra and went trick or treating. The three smallest ones rode in the wagon. Claire was so cute. Her Arial costume was just for her (red hair). The tight mermaid skirt did not slow her down. In and out of the wagon. Up and down driveways to only kid friendly houses because everything this year was SCARY! She loved every minute of it. Porter was Moroni (Roman soldier) he of course was all into it. Jimmy made almost all of his costume. Hannah brought a friend this year and they had a blast. They went to the scariest house which is a long driveway by a pond. Lots of scary ucky people and they wanted to go back for more.

Who doesn't like to watch a good old Charlie Brown special. I think they've been around for years. Claire and Porter enjoyed watching it with their daddy.
This was the first of our Halloween festivities. We had our party at church and it was a "Going Green" You were to recycle a costume or use recycle items to make one. As you can see Hannah was the only one to do that. She was the Target girl. She did win 2nd place at the party in the kids division.

Guess what I found?

2008-10-29T20:25:00.000-07:00

The other day I came around the corner to find this and Claire telling me that she had boo boos and she put band aids on them. Look closely and you will see that it is not band aids! Also she got into Hannah's lip gloss. Look closely and you will see her lips sparkling. How fun is it to have a big sister to get in your personal stuff and put it all over for the world to see? (and then mom blogs it) Sorry Hannah.

Random pictures of Claire,Hannah, and Porter

2008-10-29T12:49:00.001-07:00

These are just random pics of Claire doing housework and swimming. Don't quite know what the glove is for and love the black shoes with bikini. The goggles are called "gobbles".

This was so funny. Claire is in love with clowns. Talks about them all the time. Reality hit when we had the chance to get close to one and get our picture taken with one. She looks happy but she insisted that she was farthest away from the clown. She would freak out if one went near her to try and say hi. We still like clowns as long as they are in a movie and keep their distance! Oh, yes and don't you just love the name of this clown and his bling bling cross necklace.

Can you tell she discovered and loves cotton candy?

Hannah had riding an elephant on her list of things to do in her life and it was fulfilled. Her comment was, "man, my legs had to spread way apart and it was lumpy." Porter just smiled and hung on.

This would be our newest trick.

Smile

2008-10-19T23:01:00.000-07:00

I was holding a new born baby at a baptism the other night and Porter said, "Mom do you want another baby?" and I replied, "No I'm done having children." Then he said, "Mom then why are you smiling so big?" I said, "because they are so new and sweet they just make you want to smile." So forgive me if I ask often to hold your little ones. I guess I want to SMILE.

Guess Who I Got To Meet

2008-09-30T20:23:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are Ranger fans or Josh Hamilton fans here he is. Yes, he is very nice and loves to joke around. I ask if he minded signing a few things and he said, no not at all its part of the gig." He joked with us and talked about his three girls. Its also humbling to know his story and how his life has changed for the better.

No Way!!

2008-09-21T23:04:00.000-07:00

On the way to church Sunday I decided to lotion my hands so I took off my wedding ring and set it in my lap. We take one of my young women to church and I guess I got busy talking to her and forgot I had set my ring in my lap. So later I made the comment, Um I forgot to wear my ring today." No comments on how long in between it was!!!! Yes, I am getting older and I was on overload. Later on that day we went to a fireside and I went to put it on and it wasn't in my jewelry box. I got a little worried but not too much. I told Jimmy and he said that maybe its on the floor of the car. He went and looked, no ring. We had to be at the church early so he could set up the computer stuff for the speaker. I told him that I was going to run by our church parking lot to make sure it didn't fall out on the ground before I go and pick up Victoria. As I was stopping facing the parking lot I could see something shinny. I drove over to where we were parked and opened my door and there sat my wedding ring!!!!! I was shocked that it was there and no one had walked by or even saw it. How lucky was that or should I say blessed. We were practicing taking pictures of small things at young women's one night so I do have a picture of the lucky find. In December it will be 15 years and I just can't imagine not having it.

Where did he go?

2008-09-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

As most of you know we have been dealing with a head injury from a car accident in July. Jimmy was rear ended on the 17th of July while the rest of us were in Montana. He called and told me he was just fine and so I didn't worry. Two days later he called me after I had just talked to him and said, "I haven't talked to you in a couple of days and I thought I would call. " Thats when I began to panic inside. So I called his sister and told her that no one loved Jimmy more than me and her and of course his mom and dad. Could she please call and check on him several times a day. Long story short he has had a MRI and it showed that he had no big contusions but, the neurologists said that there were probably a lot of small contusions which is a result of all the things we have been dealing with. We have dealt with twitching, anxiousness, headaches sleeplessness,depression,emotionless/al, agitated by noise or , kayos, lethargic from medications and loss of who I married.
I sat and cried one day thinking I should be grateful that the accident wasn't worse and I didn't lose him or that he didn't lose his memory from the past. I thought what if he didn't know who we were or about our wedding day or the day each of our children were born. I am grateful for him and that it was just small contusions on his brain. Also that there is a time when he should be back to normal. I worry that the medications that have made him better will not have to be permanent. They have changed him. He is still my sweet sensitive husband. The happy joking guy is not quite all there. I never realized how much I loved that about him. When things are tense, kids are grouchy, moms grouchy, sad or hard Jimmy is always there to crack a joke or just make everyone laugh. I miss that. I feel like I have been walking around on egg shells for months. Telling the kids to be quiet and don't fight in front of your dad. All these things that I was used to him helping me to conquer I am conquering on my own. I feel like everything I do normally is like tripled. I have relied on my Heavenly Father many times just to help me to understand what he is going through. How can you possibly understand a brain injury? Its such a complex part of our body that controls and regulates everything we do.
I think last week we turned a corner and found that doubling the medication on one seem to diminished the headaches and the twitching. My concern is when the "time" is up for the healing what will happen with the medications? Will he be on them forever or are they just a temporary help? I guess only time will tell. That is where faith comes in.
Thank you for your prayers and to everyone who has taken me to lunch to get a break from it all, thanks for the phone calls, thank you for letting us escape to your house for ice cream and just those that ask It means so much to me and to Jimmy.

1st day of 1st grade and 6th grade

2008-08-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, its the first day of school and Hannah's last year at Miller. She is now the Big Dog or as she says everyone is saying Big Cheese, queen bees, big fish ect. She had a great week and loves her teachers (so far) and got caught up with friends she didn't see over the summer. I did ask her and Ali if they wanted me to walk them to school and they said, "uh no, thats ok." I can't believe she will be in Junior High next year. As I was driving them to school it hit me that I had been taking her to Miller for 6 years. I can remember like it was yesterday pushing her and Porter in the double stroller up to the school and dropping her off for kindergarten. Ugh I feel old.
They both were so nervous they couldn't even finish their breakfast. Porter had me walk him in to his room and when we walked in his teacher asked, "Do you think he is going to need a taller desk?" I told her we could try it this way and see. He sat down and his legs grazed the top of the desk. He said it was fine. Later on day 2 I found out she had his desk raised.
Porter had fun seeing his old friends and meeting new ones. He told me that one girl is sensitive like him because she couldn't get her shoe on and she started to cry. Also,he told me that the "fluid" was going around the school. I asked a few questions and found out that it was the flu. We are already sharing the love (sickness) at school. Porter's teacher is pregnant and due in October. She will be out until January. I wasn't real excited about that but maybe it will all work out. Anyway we are off to a good start to a good year. I am ready like my blog title because here comes life.

Happy Birthday to Porter July 13th

2008-08-29T10:51:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet buddy. We are always in Montana on his birthday and this year Porter wanted to have a party and invite his friends. We originally were going to have a swim party and then it pored all day. We then had to be creative. Scary!! Since we had just gone to the circus we decided to have a circus theme. We played balloon volleyball, toss the ball into the lion's mouth, clown says instead of Simon says, and stick the nose on the clown. The kids had a blast.
I just wanted to let Porter know how much I have enjoyed being his mother. We ended a year in kindergarten and oh how much you grew. Everyday is an adventure with you. I love these things about you.....

1. You have the most hugs and kisses to give than anyone I know
2. You are very sensitive towards others
3. You do have a "red headed" temper but it doesn't last long
4. You are very creative in creating a new character
5. I call you Mr. Clean because you have to wash your hands and make sure everyone else does after going to the restroom
6. you have a wild imagination
7. you LOVE BBQ chips
8. You always always follow the rules and are disappointed when others don't
9. You love to swim and discover
10. You are my little "Jiminy Cricket"
11. You can out talk anyone!!!

CIRCUS

2008-08-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to the circus and had so much fun. I think Jimmy and I had more fun watching Claire. She was so into it. She clapped and laughed at the clowns. She loved the elephants. Hannah as you can see in the picture wanted me to hurry and take the picture because someone might see her. (11 yr olds!) Porter as with anything enjoyed the WHOLE show!! It was kind of our last fun summer thing to do and with our dad!!

Montana Slide Show

2008-08-09T13:42:00.000-07:00

Girls Camp 2008

2008-07-11T13:58:00.001-07:00

Yes, girls camp was in June but I couldn't go without posting a few pics. We had so much fun. As you can tell fuse ball was a favorite. They were so kind to each other and all I saw were smiles. Testimony night was probably my favorite because every girl in our ward bore theirs. They just loved camp because they could just be themselves and not have to worry about anything. I think we all need times like that.

Joshua and Christina The perfect "PEAR"

2008-07-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

The title was put on a tag that was tied to a clear bag with these pear shaped cookies given out at the reception. Very cute and creative. We had so much fun in California at my brother's wedding. It was May 30,2008. They were married in the Oakland temple and then had their reception in Gridley. The day couldn't have been more perfect. The weather was beautiful and the flowers were so bright and colorful. The bride and groom were adorable. Christina's family was so so sweet. I felt like I had known them my whole life. Those of you that know the story behind the dress heres your picture. It all turned out ok. It was a day to remember. Welcome to our family Christina.

2008-07-02T19:30:00.000-07:00

Happy 11th Hannah

2008-05-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

WOW!! How time has flown. It just seen like a few years ago you were born and now you are creeping into the teenage years. I have loved every moment. Watching you grow has been my joy. Sometimes I can't get over how beautiful you are inside and out. You've made some choices recently that have made your dad and I very happy. It seems like those moments make being parents all worth while. You have some great qualities that I want to share.
1. You are a great organizer
2. You do your homework as soon as you walk in from school
3. You are a good friend
4. You have a big heart
5. You know where you are going in life
6. You love volleyball
7. You signed up for band tonight
8. You are very creative
9. You have the most amazing blue eyes
10. You are thoughtful

Thanks for just being you. We wouldn't want it any other way.
I love you,
Mom

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to wish all those who read my blog and are mothers. I am so thankful for my mom and the important life lessons she has taught me. I was able to go to a movie with her for our mothers day which was fun. I wanted wish my grandma a Happy Mother's Day. I am thankful for all the friends and family who are mothers. Each one of these mothers have been good examples to me. Some have given me ideas when I was out of them, some have given me a shoulder to cry on, some have encouraged me along the way, and some have just listened when I needed to talk. Thank you for being the mothers that you are.

Being Mindful

2008-05-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have adopted a new word for quite sometime and now I think it is passing onto our children. The word is "MINDFUL". Jimmy and I have had many talks about this word and how we need to be more mindful of the people and the world around us. What a better place we would be if everyone would work on this one word.
I have been using this word with Hannah to explain how she should treat others. So it happened and she applied it in her own life. There is a girl who is in her grade and a teacher had ask Hannah and her friend Ali to be a friend to this certain girl. So they did. They talked to her and hung out with her. She confided in Hannah and Ali that she was treated not so nice by her mom and she told them a name that her mom calls her (can't repeat it). This made Hannah feel bad so she took it one step further. As most of you know Hannah loves to shop and look nice and she noticed that this girl did not have very many outfits. So she decided to find some clothes of hers and put them in a bag and deliver them to her door (which is about 5 houses down from ours). She was afraid of her mom so she talked Ali into going with her and ringing the door bell and running.
That was yesterday and guess what that girl wore, one of the shirts Hannah gave her. I asked Hannah how that made her feel and she smiled and said, "good." Now that is being "MINDFUL"

Happy Birthday to my best friend Stephanie

2008-04-25T23:33:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post this picture because I think we look pretty good to be on the high side of 30. 39 for Stephanie to be exact ,(Ha Ha) but I'm only 18 days behind you. Soon I will join you and we will be on our way to the big 40. Love you and Happy BIrthday!

Cliare's 2nd birthday party

2008-04-25T23:04:00.000-07:00

Birthday Day for Claire 2008

2008-04-13T19:42:00.000-07:00

I am still in awe that Claire is now 2 years old. The time has flown. I shared a lot of pictures because of all the milestones she has conquered. From this tiny little baby sleeping and curled up in a ball to a wild independent 2 year old. She learned how to wave by by. She started to pull up and stand around Christmas. Then we started to try the sippee cups. Then right before her 1st birthday we learned to walk. Then she discovered water and how much fun it was. She learned how to "meam" up. She also fell in love with Elmo. Now we are trying to dress ourselves and of course not without throwing a fit it doesn't go on just right. So much fun to watch her grow and learn. I love to watch her wrap her baby in a blanket and feed her a ba ba. She loves shoes and puts them on and off a billion times a day. She loves her naps and bed time. She goes down so easy and is ready when its time. I think she knows mom is getting old and needs that time to re group. She also loves to sing. The most sweetest thing happened tonight. We were kneeling to pray and she folded her arms and for the first time repeated after me a little prayer. How big do you think my heart felt? Happy Birthday sweet girl. I love you.

2008-04-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Claire #2

2008-04-13T18:59:00.000-07:00

Still missing you

2008-04-10T22:12:00.000-07:00

This is a really hard time of the year for me. My Grandma Eva passed away on April 11th 2004. It was Easter Sunday that year and I don't think Easter Sunday will ever be the same. There are days I start to pick up the phone and call her and then I realize that she's gone. My Christmas cactus is blooming like crazy right now which reminds me of her. She was such a wonderful women. I think of her every day and the way she touched my life. Thank You Grandma for loving ME unconditionally.
Another special person in my life passed away on April 12th 1998. It was Hannah's little friend Courtney (Cory). I often wonder how their friendship would have developed. So many things happened around that time that made my testimony grow. I knew there was a Heavenly Father who loved us and was with us through really sad times. I will never forget her sweet little spirit. Thank you Courtney for allowing us to be apart of your life.
The other person who passed away was Michael. It was on my birthday May 20, 2004. Oh how my heart misses that special little guy. He brought such a strong spirit to the Hassan home. I want to be on the side lines when you reunite with your family and I get to get a hug from you. What a moment that will be. Thank you Michael for being just you.

Spring Break 2008

2008-04-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

Yeah Yeah Yeah, I know its several weeks later but, I have been as they say in Texas under the weather. This cold,sinus,whatever you want to call it has hung on for 11 days now and I am SICK of it. Yes, I know Stephanie it doesn't affect my hands.
Anyway our trip was quite eventful. As most of you know we make a journey to Montana every summer except the years I had babies. Jimmy decided that we should take a fun family vacation. I hear people talk about their FUN Family vacations and maybe I missed something. Our trip was fun while we were at Sea World and Fiesta Texas and San Antonio but then the times in the car and in the hotel I was questioning whether this was fun or not. Porter made the comment while we were in the hotel that summed it up. "Mom I don't think I could live like this, I think I would go crazy!" (Dad was stinking up the bathroom and of course the hotel was a mess and crowded. I told him I agreed with him.
With kids at such different ages we have to be creative and fair.
Sea World was tons of fun. I insisted we go to almost every show. The weather was perfect. I wasn't hot, imagine that. Claire was so cute and loved the Shamu show. The last night in the hotel she could not shut down and at 1am began to sing Sea World and Shamuuuuuu over and over. It was cute the first few times. She is still talking about it. Porter loved the huge sand box and the climbing area. Hannah wanted to ride the roller coasters and shop.
Fiesta Texas was another adventure in its self. First of all I have never felt such a minority in my life. I think Mexico opened the gates. They can't drive by the way. It was fun to see another park and see all the different rides. There was this one ride like this one Stephanie and used to ride all the time called the Spiniker. So, I thought I would show my kids how cool I am and ride it with them. Ugh, I got off feeling real sick and so dizzy. I did manage to ride a few others. Claire rode the kiddie rides and loved it. Her faced was priceless. If I could only freeze her.
We also went down on the riverwalk in SanAntonio and ate lunch. We went to see the Alamo. The last thing we did was stop in San Marcos to shop. Hannah said this was the best part of the trip. She can shop and find the best bargin. I don't know where she came from. I did score for Claire. They have a Stride Rite shoe store and I was able to get her her Sunday shoes and sandels in wide and both for $44. Thats what I usually pay for one pair of shoes. Yea!!!
I took tons of pictures and I hope the kids have it in their memory banks forever.

2008-03-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

Spring Break 2008

2008-03-28T12:33:00.001-07:00

Precious Moments

2008-03-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

Western Day at Miller Elementary and at the Eason house

2008-03-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

Sesame Street Live

2008-03-16T21:35:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago we got tickets from Aunt Stephanie. She won them along with back stage passes. As most of you know Claire is a huge Elmo fan. She loves Grover too. She sat through the whole show and loved every minute. We invited Ryan to go because Hannah said "please don't make me go to Sesame Street." Porters comment was,"I'm really not into Sesame Street but I'll go and have fun." We had a blast and got some great pictures. Thanks Aunt Stephanie for thinking of us.

Warning..... This could make one sick

2008-03-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

I have been a little set back on the computer lately so now I think I need to catch up on blogging. I had carpel tunnel release and trigger thumb release surgery a few weeks ago. I once again got so sick from being put under and the vicodine. I hate that stuff. Would someone remind me never to take another one again!!! I have been living offf of Advil instead. No side affects. Not having the use of one of my hands has made me appreciate both of my hands. Life is much easier and you can get things done much faster with 2.
I also was in an accident 4 days after my sugery. We (my mother-in-law,Claire,Porter,Hannah, and Ali) were all leaving Sonic to go to the park and a guy turned while I had a green light and I ended up hitting him. Then after we got unstuck from the accident he drove off. I turned and got the first part of his license plate and then Hannah started saying the last part of it and I told her to write it down. I was so proud of her for being so alert. She said I taught her to do that. I must be getting old because I can't remember telling her that. As I was giving the police my story this guy drives up and tells us he saw it all and chased him all the way down I20 but, was unable to get his license plate number. There are good samaritans still left in the world. There was another lady who stopped to see if we were ok too. Long story short, he ended up gettting 4 citations, (no license, no insurance, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to yield to oncoming traffic/ ME) Anyway, that was my last few weeks and I am sure glad things are looking up. I don't think I could have handled much more.

How Cute Can You Get Claire

2008-02-19T22:02:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I sit back and look at how quickly shes grown. She is no longer my "baby", she is my "little girl". She is so much fun. She brings so much happiness to our house. WIth a 10 1/2 year old not knowing what mood she will be in and then Porter who we call "Porter the Reporter" because we get the WHOLE report everyday from school. Some days I laugh so hard at his report and others I wish he didn't want to report so much. Then theres happy Claire, happy. She loves to sing "Happy Yo It" translated "If your happy and you know it". She is so much into her baby dolls. She loves Elmo and "Baby TIne Tine" translated "Baby Einstein" She goes to bed easily and takes a nap easily. I just love watching her learn new things and copy other people. If I could just freeze her happy spirit I would.

Hannah's Project

2008-02-19T10:01:00.000-08:00

Hannah had a project to do on an African American this past weekend. She was given Langston Hughes. I told her to do all that she can and then I will help her. The only thing I did was give her the idea to display her written report. She ended up changing that up a little too. I must say she did an amazing job. I was quite proud of her.
Updated news. Hannah came home from school and told me her teacher said that her project was the neatest. Way to go Hannah!

Happy Valentine's Day 2008

2008-02-19T09:30:00.000-08:00

Ok, you wouldn't guess it was me if it wasn't late.
PEEK_A_BOO
WE SEE YOU
YEA!!!!!!!!!!!

Wii play

2008-02-02T22:31:00.000-08:00

I've know this for quite some time but it really hit me today. How grateful I am that Porter lives close to his cousin Cris. All of our other cousins live in Montana. They are 2 years apart but are so close. They play good together and they love to spend time with each other. This morning I caught them deeply into the Wii. The army tank game was one of the favorites. They did the cow racing too. Then they challenged each other to quite a physical boxing match. Tennis and golf were some others they played. In the pictures you can tell how much they are into it. We have had family compititions and its brought lots of togetherness in our home. I guess you could say we could literally play this until we die. Nursing homes are using the Wii to keep the older people mentally and physically active. So heres to a long life of the Wii.

I've Been Tagged

2008-02-02T21:41:00.000-08:00

I got tagged so here it goes

10 years ago I was 28 years old and had been married for 4 years. Hannah who was 9 months old was the light of our lives and we had just moved into our first home. I remember living on a dime. We pinched every penny, but we were so happy.

5 things on my to do list today...

1. help Hannah get ready for her Hannah Montana movie day
2. attend Abby's baptism
3. get groceries
4. clean downstairs (in-laws and my mom coming over Sunday)
5. finalize my lesson for Sunday

5 snacks I enjoy...

1. Bluebell ice cream
2. Bluebell ice cream shakes
3. Bluebell icecream
4. chips
5. granola bars

5 places I lived

1. Dillon, Montana
2. Billings, Montana
3. Tyler, Texas
4. Sulphur Springs. Texas
5. Arlington, Texas

5 jobs I've had

1. Eckerd Drug (in high school)
2. Walmart (in college- my husband said he'd never admit this one- hey, it helped my bills)
3. Tyler Juinor College
4. The Parlour (did hair for a while)
5. Dr. Wallace (Dentist office at now)

5 things people don't know about me

1. I want to be a Nascar driver and I love demolition derbies (yes the redneck is showing)
2. I'm a smell freak (I can smell a bad odor from far away- good ones too)
3. I love to sit and talk to old people (they have so much to share)
4. I took tap, jazz, and ballet for 13 years
5. I can't stay awake during MOST movies

Ok, now that I've done my part, I tag Stephanie, Julie and everyone else who reads my blog but never comments. You know who you are.

My life lately

2008-01-29T22:03:00.000-08:00

We have been attacked by the nasty BUG!!! It started last week when I went to wake Claire up and she was covered in throw up. She said, "Mommy, I sick." Then I was supposed to go to Austin for a girl weekend with Stephanie and I got sick Friday night. So needless to say no trip and Jimmy was at school all day. Whew hew for me. Hannah did help quite a bit.
Then Sunday I thought the monsters were attacking our house when my husband was hurling. He for some reason can't do it quietly. Then last night Porter (prior to us warning them and telling them what do expect and do) came into our room and said,"Mom, I feel ssssssss ." Then he threw up all over the floor and all the way to the bathroom. So I, because my husband is gagging, clean up all the vomit and then go lay on the floor and help Porter the rest of the night. The most funny thing was everytime Porter would get done he would lay on his pillow and tell me a story from school about Lars the polar bear. How in the world can you sit and tell a story when your sicker than a dog. Only Porter. We are either hoping Hannah gets it tonight or tomorrow or not at all. She got invited to go to the Hannah Montana show of the concert with her friend Kaylie. She is so excited. This nasty BUG better not ruin it. It already ruined my fun weekend. So yes our house is bugged and I'm trying real hard to get rid of them. So no visitors for a few more days.

President Hinkley

2008-01-29T21:57:00.001-08:00

I was so sad to hear of our prophet President Gordon B. Hinkley passing on Sunday January 27,2008. He had such a great sense of humor. I loved to hear him speak. I watched his life story on the BYU channel and learned so much about him. He will be missed but will always be remembered by what a great leader and person he was. He was truly a follower of Christ.

"I've got a problem" says Porter

2008-01-19T21:17:00.001-08:00

The other day I was driving down the road and Porter said, "Mom I've got a problem." I ask him what was that? He then told me that, "All the girls are chasing me. Ashley calls me boyfriend and she knows my name is Porter." "Mikayla told me that she told her mom she's in love with me!" "During recess they all chase me and I have to hide. "They make paper rings for him so that they can get married." I just laughed when he finished. I would have to agree he is pretty cute and sweet, I'd probably chase him too. This school year he has been ivited to 3 parties and these are the girls. The last party the mom told the teacher to tell me that Mikayla insisted on inviting Porter even though it was a make-up party. Porter said NO WAY!! So we won't be attending that one!

How Sweet

2008-01-19T21:10:00.000-08:00

Hannah came home from school the other day and had drawn and colored this picture in art for Porter. As most of you know this is completely of out character for her towards her brother. So I made a big deal about it to Hannah so that she would know that I noticed and appreciated her for being so kind. Later that night I was reading to Porter before bed and (we hung the picture up in the game room or his room until we move) and Porter said to me, "Mom, I think I will save that picture even after Hannah moves out so that I will always remember her." How sweet is that.

Happy New Year 2008

2008-01-16T11:20:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun for New Years. We stepped out of the box and took Hannah and Porter to Six Flags. Since we had season passes why not? It was so cold so we left Claire with Nana and Papa. We rode rides, bought the best food (they have the special booths set up with mmmmmm good food). Porter wanted to ride the train and drink hot chocolate like Polar Express so we did. I informed everyone that mom was riding Superman. Hannah said, "I'm not so go ahead." Porter said, "I will ride it with you mom." I've always wanted to ride it and the line is so stinkin long and that night it was short. Porter kept going back and forth on whether he was going to ride it or not. I told him he didn't have to. So when it was our turn he got on and we rode it. I screamed so loud that Jimmy said the whole park and Arlington could have heard me. Porter never once screamed and said while we were at the top that it was fun!! I wrapped my leg around his leg and held on to his hand. I have this fear of falling off of tall buildings and when I was at the top I felt like I was sitting on a chair at the edge of a building and was about to be pushed off. Sounds like fun! Huh! We went to one of the shows. We rode the snow hill. Doesn't compair to the hills in Montana but you take what you can get in Texas. To top off the night we watched a great fireworks show out in the parking lot and ate a funnel cake. How much fun can you get. My camera ran out of batteries so I only got 3 pictures.

More Christmas Pics 2007

2008-01-16T11:13:00.001-08:00

Christmas update for 2007

2008-01-16T10:35:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas. I think I could say everyone was happy. I love just being together with family. I love watching the excitement in my kids eyes. Hannah was too sweet this Christmas. She earned her own money and then Jimmy added to it so she could go buy gifts for who she wanted. The highlight of her Thanksgiving trip was going shopping with her cousin Cami. She is a senior and took Hannah to the mall. If Hannah didn't buy a gift she made it. I was really touched to see that side of her. It makes a mom proud!! Christmas morning she also did not count gifts (which she has done for the last 4 years) and she took her time to help Claire open her gifts and then open her own. Porter dug in like it was Christmas or something. He was and still is a believer. He enjoys every moment of life. Jimmy scored this Christmas and got his new TV and Blue Ray dvd player. At first I wasn't sold but now I have to admit there is a huge difference. He got a bonus this year and I told him to go for it. I got a really nice present too. I got a Sony digital camera with a lens. Now I need to read about and try it out on my kids. All who know me know I will put it to good use. Last but not least Santa left us a Wii. We have had so much fun with it.

A lot going on

2008-01-09T19:46:00.000-08:00

I have wanted to sit and blog but you know it means get the card out of the camera, put it in the printer, load the pictures, pick out which ones, then tell about Christmas,New Years. Ok, I am complaining and I am planning on getting it done because the end of this year means I get to order my books of my blogs. Keepsake for my children given to me by my husband for our anniversary. Great idea coming from a man. I have decided to go back to school. So I have been trying to get transcripts and decide which school. Big move for me. I also have a dental class all day at the dental convention and I have to pass the test after the class. No pressure there. I have also been in and out of the doctors offices with my hands to see what is wrong with them. Not to mention Jimmy is about to start another sememster of school!! UGH. Thanks for listening to me go on and on. On a more positive note I have had this incredible burst of energy the past 3 days and have gotten so much done, that is around the house and with the kids. No, I don't know what caused it or I would share it with you. Many have asked. Hope this finds you having a great day.

Merry Christmas 2007

2007-12-24T18:44:00.000-08:00

We went over to some long time friends, sort of family and enjoyed Christmas Eve. Great food and great people. We played white elephant and visited. Now we are home Jimmy and Porter insisted on watching Its A Wonderful Life. Hannah and I are hanging out and spending some girly time together. I am excited for tomorrow and a little sad. I just love that the world gathers together and celebrates the birth of our Savior (well some of the world) I've have tried to slow down and enjoy the lights and hot chocolate a little bit more. We are going to bring the spirit of Christmas closer by reading the Christmas story in Luke before we go to bed tonight. I just don't want to loose sight of things tomorrow and you know how easily that can be done. I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
The picture is of our front yard. Hannah said I think this is the most lights we've ever had!! Sad to say it's true.

Claire's new outfits from Grandma Ila and Papa Bill

2007-12-23T20:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas Sunday Pictures 2007

2007-12-23T20:38:00.000-08:00

Oh My Gosh! It is almost impossible to get Claire to smile and sit still at the same time. So we lucked out on this one. FINALLY!!! We were at the mall last night and the line for Santa was about 20 minutes long. We got in and we it was out turn Claire literally climbed up my side and said, "Tanta cary." I think Santa was toast. He just looked at me like please don't put another screaming kid on my lap. So I tried to show Claire he was nice by touching his beard and calling him Papa, but she way in now way buying it. So I told Santa Merry Christmas and we left. I just couldn't do it to the poor old man. I did think it would have been funny. Anyway, maybe next year.

Continue Christmas tradition

2007-12-23T20:25:00.000-08:00

For the last 10 plus years through pregnancy sickness, loss of a loved one, teenager attitudes and little fingers in everything we have manage to continue the tradtion of candy making. Sometimes we get lots of help too. Of course it all started with Nancy bringing me up some candy at The Parlour and I had to learn how to make it. We have our ones we make every year, which are peanut brittle, toffee,peppermint bark, chocolate dipped pretzels, peanutbutter balls and fudge. We have added chex mix and a few others. We laugh,get chocolate all over,watch movies and listen to Christmas music while makiing goodies all day long. Porter even said right in the middle of it, "Guys I am having a hay day!" I look forward to it every year. Thanks Hassan girls for a fun day.

Our Christmas Tradition

2007-12-23T20:11:00.000-08:00

My teacher gifts this year

2007-12-23T20:07:00.001-08:00

9 dollars in containers, 2 bags of pretzels, 2 kinds of chocolate for dipping and a bag of cookie cutters from the dollar store. I think I went inexpensive and they turned out pretty cute.

Our anniversary date

2007-12-23T20:00:00.001-08:00

You know when we were setting a date to get married I don't think we were thinking down the road when we had children because........ We go out on what we call a date for our anniversary and go to Toys R Us and get Christmas for the kids and we did manage to squeeze in dinner at Pei Wei. I so badly wanted to do other things but time would not allow. So thats our date which happens a few times a year. Yea!!!!!! Thanks mom for babysitting.

3rd place Pink Panthers

2007-12-14T12:44:00.000-08:00

Hannah's team finished 3rd place this season. They were so intimidated by this team they played called the "Volley Chicks", need I say more?
Anyway, the first game they whomped (is that a word?) on them. At that point they gained their confidence back. Then they lost the next two, which put them in another bracket. Which put us playing the "Diggers" and we lost. I did the most unthinkable thing ever. Hannah is very good at volleyball. About 90% of her hits go over and count. She is still lacking some confidence though. So as the ball comes towards her if it doesn't fall in her lap its not hers and she will watch it drop. Ok, to my unthinkable thing, I told Hannah I would pay her a $1.00 for every ball she hits. Yikes. I should have been more specific. According to Hannah all her serves counted too. She did soooooo good and I had to pay up $12.00. She wanted to go to the half price book store, so I thought it was well spent money and her best game EVER!!!!!
Her coach is getting her masters right now and used to play volleyball at Martin High School. She taught the girls so much and wants to coach these same girls again this spring. Oh, no it might interfere with softball. I wonder which one she will choose or maybe they will overlap just a little. I guess we will wait and see.

The picture of my beautiful 14 roses

2007-12-14T12:42:00.001-08:00

14 years ago

2007-12-10T20:31:00.000-08:00

14 years ago a prince named Jimmy and a princess named Nicole were married.
Yes, its been that long. It doesn't seem that long. In fact it has flown by. I had to work today and my sweet husband sent me 14 roses. I will post a picture later. They are beautiful. I work tomorrow also so I left them at work to be able to enjoy. He out did himself. I personally was shocked because we've talked about sending flowers and how expensive they are and all the other things you can buy with the $. I guess he felt I was worth the $ this year. Thanks babe. I got that I love you in my heart all over again. Its been great. I can't wait for another 14.

Christmas is in the air

2007-12-09T20:13:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but, I am so excited Christmas is this month. I love everything about it.

- NATIVITY
-MUSIC
-SMELLS (FOOD, CANDLES,CHRISTMAS TREES, SCENTED PINE CONES)
-LIGHTS
-ALMOST EVERYONES ATTITUDE (GIVING& KIND)
-EXCITEMENT IN MY KIDS
-PLACES DECORATED (IT JUST GIVES EVERTHING A NEW LOOK)
-CARDS (GREETINGS FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY and CONNECTING WITH THOSE FAR AWAY)
-CHRISTMAS STORIES
-CHRISTMAS MOVIES
-FOOD (HOMEMADE CANDY ECT.)
-MAYBE CRISP AIR (IF YOU LIVE IN TEXAS)
-SURPRISES
-GETTING TOGETHER WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
-SNOW (ONLY IN PICTURES OR ON TV)
-CHRISTMAS PLAYS

These are a few of my favorite things. I have really enjoyed each day and evening with my family. I made an advent calendar and placed things in on the dates where I knew of things that are planned and then added fun things on the other dates. So far we've only flubbed up twice. We've gone to see A Christmas Carol in Dallas with my mom, made smores last night, watched a Christmas movie,read in the scriptures in Luke, read Christmas stories and this Friday we are going to Six Flags. Could it get any better than this!!! I wish I was a kid. Share some of your favorites with me. I'd love to hear. To those of you who read and don't comment this is the time to start.

Proud Moment

2007-12-08T19:06:00.001-08:00

Porter had a sub at school and this is what she wrote. I was so proud of him. Way to go Porter.

2007-12-03T19:29:00.000-08:00

2007-12-03T19:21:00.000-08:00

just a few of our family pics 2007

2007-12-03T18:25:00.000-08:00

I win the mother of the year award

2007-11-29T21:58:00.000-08:00

When I picked up the kids from school on Monday, Hannah told me her ears ached. She had told me that several times on the trip to Colorado also. So I called the Dr. and made an appointment for her and asked if they could put Porter in too. He had been coughing for a few weeks. As you can see they went to school, had no fever and could function just fine. On Tuesday my mother-in-law took all three kids to the doctor. Poor soul. Gotta love her.
The diagnosis was Hannah strep throat and ear infection
Porter had walking pnumonia
Claire Just allgeries
How bad did I feel???? Oh man I felt terrible! Anyway they got a bunch of medicine and breathing treatment for Porter and to top of the visit they got their flu shots. Tomorrow they go back to school. Do ya think I am going to be doing the HAPPY dance? You better believe it!!!

Our craziness in the car on road trips

2007-11-26T20:27:00.000-08:00

- Watching a movie and making faces
- if you look real close you will see -4 degrees on my car frost was forming on our windows Now thats cold
- Claire playing peek-a-boo
- As we got into Texas the kids were fasinated by the fields of cotton. Hannah studied it last year and so we had to get out and get some.

Our drive home from Colorado

2007-11-26T20:19:00.001-08:00

As we drove home and looked at the snow and listened to Christmas music I felt like it really was the holiday season. It was so pretty.

Our Thanksgiving trip to Colorado

2007-11-26T20:03:00.000-08:00

The first 2 pics are of my cute little grandma. I enjoyed getting to talk to her and hugging her. There is something about only having one grandparent left. I can't explain it.
The next one is of Josh and Christina. I don't know if I am spelling it right. We had so much fun getting to know her. She is so sweet and fun. I've kinda nicked named her Tiger and secretly Josh is Eyore. Hopefully the Tiger in her will rub off on Josh. I am excited about a new addition to our family. Well, make that two. My other brother Bryan and his wife Lisa are expecting their 4th in June. SHhhhhhh
The one with the kids on the bed is in the hotel. I have a rule No Jumping on beds at my house!!!! BUT at a hotel you can jump all you want. They had a blast. They went swimming everyday and enjoyed breakfast 10 steps from our room.
The last one is just cute Claire.

Thankful for you

2007-11-19T20:07:00.000-08:00

I often think of things I am thankful for but, keep it to myself. Its during Thanksgiving holiday that I might say it out loud. I am so grateful for so many things. I am thankful for the gospel. It paves the way for my everyday. Things that my Heavenly Father has given me. Air, water, flowers, animals, and soooo much more. I am truly grateful for family. I have the most interesting and amazing family. I so appreciate those that help me with my children and make them feel extra special. Sometimes I (mom) only has so much in her. I also am grateful for friends. Friends that have been there for me when I've really needed one. I couldn't make it with out you. Some days just your phone call means the world to me. I am thankful for our jobs, the cars we drive, and the house we live in. Running water, air conditioning, heater, lights, computers so I can blog, and pictures!!!!! I am thankful for our health. We have been very blessed. I witnessed this year working very closely to a friend with breast cancer. She went through chemo and radiation. I watched her body be attacked by this horrible disease. I stepped back many times and thanked God for my healthy body and my families. I became more familiar with my self this year. You could say it was because my husband is going to school to be a physcologist, but I think age and wisdom had more to do with it. I am still working on things, it might take forever. LOL. I am thankful for my husband and his kindness and love he has for our family. His desire to learn more about EVERYTHING. I am grateful for three beautiful children. They teach me things everyday. Patience is a big one. They teach me to slow down and take time to watch them grow and learn. They teach me to think as they do and to be innocent like them. They teach me that THINGS are not what matters most; it is the time spent with them that does. I am thankful to have one grandma left. I miss my grandparents so much. Having her to talk to and still see is a blessing. If you are reading this know that I am thankful for you and the way that you have touched my life. Some more than others. Some more my kids than me, but nevertheless I am thankful for you.

Happy Thanksgiving!!
We are driving to Colorado to see my Aunt Liz, Uncle Rick, Cousins Alicia,Cami, Grandma Eldora, my little brother Josh and his bride to be Christina and her parents. How much fun can that be!!! I will report when I return next week.

Not Yet -Mommys not ready!!!

2007-11-12T20:08:00.000-08:00

I was folding clothes in my room tonight and Claire was playing in the tub. I heard her in singing "Meam Up" song and then I heard, "go pee pee" I ran in the bathroom and grabbed my camera (which by chance was in my bathroom) and took this picture. Ok, I have heard some moms say, Yes my child was potty trained at 18 months. I would say to myself, yea thats a bunch of hooey too. So heres Claire at 18 months telling ME that SHE need to go potty. So far we have pooped and pee peed on the potty. So I have to say this could be a fluke and I kind of hope so because she is still my baby. Oh, and I also just bought a huge box of diapers at Costco. We WILL use all of them. I guess we'll see what happens. Sorry about the nudy photo. Jimmy said I should crop it down but, you wouldn't get the whole effect. (I think she looks like a bear)

Pumpkins

2007-11-12T20:02:00.000-08:00

This year I suggested we not carve out pumpkins. So we got out the good ole Sharpie and did some serious decorating. Hannah didn't really do anything which was surprising. I think we were too bogged down with homework and a project. Porter got Sharpie happy as you can see. Maybe next year I will bring out the knives.

Fall Season comes to an end

2007-11-12T19:56:00.001-08:00

We had a another great season with t-ball. We had the same coach as last spring, Coach Bill. He is so good with the kids. You can tell he loves the sport and wants to teach the boys how to play. His patience level is pretty high too. Porter improved this fall. He can hit a little farther. He got more outs this season that last which to me means he is gettting the idea of the game. Way to go Porter.

One of my most favorite things to do.

2007-11-12T19:48:00.000-08:00

I go and read to Porter's kindergarten class once a month. The night before I let Porter choose 3 books from our public library stack. Porter has to sit in the back of the class while they sit on the mat because he is so tall. Because of that he can't sit up close to me while I read. He does not like that. They are so cute. I get lots of hugs and "whose mom are you?" I look forward to it every month , so I guess that is why it is one of my most favorite things to do.