Year in Pictures

What an amazing year this little guy has given us. We are so blessed to be his parents! With his vocabulary and personality blooming I cannot wait to see what the next year holds! Love ya BIG boy!!!!

Quick Update

We have been super busy so of course the blog has been neglected!

Thanksgiving was wonderful. We went to Lubbock, ate some great food, us girls shopped and just hung out. Black Friday wasn't near as exciting as years past. I think that might have been then end of my Black Friday shopping. Andrew went hunting and got us a deer, so we can continue to eat!!!

We have had snow here in Midland which has caused many days at home. It was fine with me because we needed some time at home.

Last weekend Andrew and I headed to Dallas for a few days. Much needed!!!! We ate meals with adult conversation, I got to eat whatever I wanted without having to share and we went to a great football game. Wow! Go Pack Go!!!!!! It was good to spend time with the hubby but I was sure excited to see my baby!

Next up for this weekend is Christmas with both sides of our family and then back to our home for Christmas just the 3 of us. I. Cannot. Wait. And the. Of course someone is turning 2!!!!!

It's been an amazing year and I have so much to be Thankful for!!!!!

Thursday Thoughts Thanksgiving Edition

* I am Thankful to have a few days off to spend with family.

* I am Thankful for my recent career change. I quit my career in the mental health field all in hopes of being accepted into a teaching certification program. I got in!! Hopefully everything will continue to go smoothly with this change.

* Henry started another new daycare and of course he never skipped a beat. He loves it and already acts like he runs the place. This will be his home until he starts kinder.

* I am beyond Thankful for my amazing husband. He loves me unconditionally and uses all his patience on me.  I am Thankful for his hard work that has allowed me to make this recent career change. I am Thankful he allows me to be me and loves me for that.

* I am so Thankful that I am Henry's mom. I love hearing him call my name from the other room and how he is definetly a momma's boy. I am Thankful that I was chosen to have this job that I truly cherish.

* I am Thankful for my family. My parents are the greatest. I know they don't always 100% agree with our parenting choices but they support us anyways. They are always willing to help us in anyway even if that means putting their life on hold. For that I am Thankful.
I am Thankful for my brother's family. His three kids melt my heart! His kids are great with Henry and he thinks they are the greatest thing EVER!

Busy, Busy

We have been busy going from here to there. I have been subbing and have definetly got my foot in the door at some schools. I am going to a new school tomorrow and then the rest of the week at the same school. 

We have been in Lubbock the last few weekends. Lots of cousin time! We will be back there for Thanksgiving! I can't believe the holidays are right around the corner. Good thing we are super close to being done with our shopping. I guess with the warm temps I don't feel like it can be thanksgiving/Christmas. AND I will have a 2 year old sooner than later. 

About that  almost 2 year old, he is still having fun enjoying the terrible 2's. Due to this him and his dad both need an attitude adjustment. Drive me crazy!!!! Just keeping it real people, it's not all lollipops around here!  I truly love them but they can make me pull out my hair. 

This little cutie outside playing as I type this. 

Catch Up

We had a blast this past weekend in Lubbock with our friends, the Reeves.  Our Red Raiders didn't pull out a W, but it was still fun. We had an amazing tailgate spot, right by the field and the weather was perfect.  We made a short visit to the bar after the game which was fun! 

Andrew is going hunting on Wednesday so we have a short week at home. Hen and I are headed to Lubbock again. I am  going to relax and get my haircut. I have waited too long since my last one and need it dearly.  I am truly blessed to be able to do all these things!!!!!! Loving my Life!!!! 

Halloween 2013

We had so much fun with our little Turkey. He did great with his costume and trick or treating. He loved loading up his pumpkin and loved hafnium out goodies. 

Can't wait to see his reactions for Christmas and his birthday.

Thursday Thoughts

* As of tomorrow this mama is unemployed and could not be more excited. I had doubts but now I know it was the right decision and will be very happy. Hurry up Friday!!!!

* Poor Andrew lost a very dear friend this week. I am so glad that we got to see him a few months ago. I know Andrew is very sad about this although he is acting tough. Andrew is very lucky and lost very few people.

* Henry and I are headed to Lubbock tomorrow for Crim's bday. I know he will love it, it's his first birthday party to attend. We're also going to get the boys play football and Cal play baseball. Going to have a blast.

* Next weekend we are headed back to Lubbock for the Tech/OSU game with our friends the Reeves. I cannot make promises that I am not going to get as intoxicated as I did last time. Let's face  it we have some major gossip to catch up on and need to celebrate my unemployment!!!!! CANNOT.WAIT!

* I cannot wait to see Hen in his full Halloween costume. We're going to try trick or treating, should be interesting.  

Thursday Thoughts

 

* What a day I have had. Let's just say I will not be receiving mom of the year. Let's just say Firetrucks and pop a lock were involved. A great way to start the morning. I think it's safe to say me and that darn kid of mine have learned a lesson. 

* Because of the incidents mentioned before I did go buy me some new sunglasses and can't wait for them to come in. It was either that or a bottle of tequila!!!! 

* In just a few short days I will no longer be employed.  I.Am.A.Nervous.Wreck. Hope we have made the right decision. Fingers crossed!

* A very special little girl has a birthday next week and I can't wait to go to Lubbock and celebrate next weekend.  Such a special bond between her and my little man. 

* We had a great weekend at the farm last weekend. Andrew won a new gun, so of course he is in heaven. Just what we needed another gun. Seriously I could have used some shoes or something! 

* I have never been so excited to put up my Christmas tree. I cannot wait. And of course I have the best person to help me, my mom!

* Speaking of my mom she is coming next week to stay for a few days. It will be nice to have her here during the week vs. just the weekend. So glad we live so close. Can't believe we have almost been back in Tx for a year. 

Farm bound!!!!

Thursday Thoughts

* We are leaving soon for a long weekend at the farm. Not my dream vacation but it will be nice to get away. We actually have some fun things planned so it should be fun. And we get to stop in Lubbock and see my parents!!!!!! 

*Life has been busy. Crazy busy!!!!! I have ran from one place to the next. Hope it will slow down soon.  

* Henry is a mess! He keeps us super busy. He makes us laugh and is trying to talk more and more. If you could only hear the conversations we have. 

* I have been working out more and it has made me feel amazing! Hope to keep this up. It is so much easier when you have someone to do it with! 

* I cannot wait for Halloween to see how Hen reacts.  I hope to have time to make him and his friends sugar cookies. Could be a complete fail but I'm gonna try. 

* BIG changes ahead for our fam!!!! Fingers crossed were making he right choice!!!!! 

This is Hen's new little friend. Her mom has become an amazing friend and thankfully our kids kind of like each other!!!! He was at a play date at her house yesterday while I was at meeting #1 of the day. 

Week in Review

Life has been busy, super busy. 

I always hate Mondays. My busiest day at work. After work Hen and I walked to park and played. It was scorching hot. 

Tuesday nothing too exciting happened. 

Wednesday was work again and a trip to Wal Mart. After school we went on a walk with friends. Again it was too hot for such activity!!!

Thursday work a little, and a little extra time. Again walk with friends but this time in the air conditioned mall. We finally used our heads. 

Friday best day of all! Worked and had some me time. Andrew picked up Hen from school(first time EVER) and we went out to dinner. Andrew watched a dumb movie and I went to bed. 

And now I type this from my fluffy couch as Hen plays and Andrew watches one of his many shows. We're waiting on our company to arrive!  

Big day on Sunday as we are going to a corn maze/pumpkin patch!!!! 

Wordless Wednesday

Life Lately

Both of  my parents have been sick. It sucks, wish it was me instead of them. I'm sure they wish that too. As much as it stinks it's really minor compared to some. Hopefully they will be well soon and back to normal.

We had a very calm weekend. I didn't get dressed all weekend. We had some good meals and did some needed chores. And little man took a much needed really long nap.  I got bored at times! 

I can't believe the holidays are almost here. We have almost all of Hen's Christmas and birthday gifts bought. I have even bought some of his stocking stuffers. It will be so much fun this year. I am headed to Hobby Lobby shortly to get some goodies to make some fall garland.  We'll see how that goes.

One of my very dear friends got engaged over the weekend. I am so happy for her! Love ya Leah!!!!  

Henry's Baptism

Henry is officially Baptized. I am glad the celebration is over and I can now relax. It was a very special day with our family and friends. We had professional pictures made, fingers crossed their good! But here are some iPhone pics. 

Amaze balls Weekend

I am finally hangover free that I can post about the most awesome weekend we have had in a while.

We went to Lubbock on Friday where we arrived to an amazing Italian dinner cooked by my mom. We all slept good and just relaxed Saturday morning before running a few errands and having Chinese for lunch. Then  more relaxing before things got crazy. The Reeves picked us up and we went to Nick's for few drinks. Maybe we should have stopped after those but no, we were determined to live it up! We went to our parking spot that just happened to be right by the field(Thanks to the best Dad). Walked around(while still drinking) then came the rain. So back to drinking it was! Finally the game started and we waited it out til halftime til we got the idea to be young adults again. To the bar we went! Bad.Idea!!!!! It was so much fun. We talked, drank, danced,drank,ate,bonded,had adult time,took shots and loved every minute. Obviously we weren't thinking though because I have not felt that bad the next day in a long time. Like really long time. It was a blast, I can't wait to hang with The Reeves again(this weekend) but maybe next time I'll be the DD. I am too old for that much fun!!!!!!! 

Love this chick!!!!!!

Hen's words

At 20 months my very independent boy can say

Tractor- not sure where he learned this. And everything is a tractor. Trucks are even tractors to him.

What's that- probably because he is super nosy! 

Shoes- because he loves them. Wants them on as soon as he wakes up until he goes to bed.

Mine- because yes everything is his!!!!

Mom and Dad- because we love him so

Juice- which he doesn't get much of so its weird that he knows it 

Ball- his favorite toy 

Bye bye- loves to tell people bye when their not looking

Night night- this is a sign he is tired 

Thursday Thoughts

* I have been bad about blogging again. It will happen again, I am sure. 

* We had a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Daddy was hunting so he was in Heaven and we were with my fam so we were pretty happy. It was busy and hot. Hen got to meet one of my favorite cousins and see his favorite 2nd cousin again. And of course he bonded with Crim!!! 

* Hen started his new school on Tuesday and I'm pretty sure he Loves it. He seems happier when I pick him up. And I have already met a new mommy friend so we have both enjoyed the new school.  

* Andrew and I are going to the Tech game this weekend and I cannot wait. Date day with my man! And I may consume some alcohol, I have been saving calories for this glorious day! And we get to spend the day with the Reeves, Cannot.Wait!!!!!

* It's officially Baptism countdown. I hope it's a perfect day for my sweet boy! I guess RSVP's aren't near as important to some. Who knew?????? 

Have a wonderful weekend as we plan to do!!!!!!!!

Thursday Thoughts

* It's been a horrible week. Really nothing major, just life. Ready for it to be over!!!!! 

* 2 of my favorite ladies are coming to spend the weekend. Mom and Crim. We don't have much planned. Maybe some organizing and of course some playing. Wish  aunt Heather was coming! 

* I can't wait for football season! Just around the corner! 

* Hunting season is also just around the corner. This is the first year Drew has been in 3 years.  I see lots of single parenting weekends in my future! 

* The holidays are right around the corner. I have already started shopping. Not much left to do! I can't wait to decorate my house and see the excitement in a certain little boys face. 

* Hen is ready for his new school. We got his backpack and matching lunchbox ready to go. I know he will love this adventure! 

San Antonio 2013

Our vacation(can you call it a vacation with a toddler?) started earlier than planned on Wednesday, which was great! We made it to our destination and had dinner on the riverwalk. Drew and I were ready for bed but Hen was hyper as hell. Thursday morning came soon, we had breakfast and headed to Sea World. It has changed, not near as many animals as one would expect. And of course it was HOT, like too hot for this woman. Miserable. We stayed there too long then headed back to the riverwalk for dinner. Thankfully we had an easier night of hitting the hay. Friday was our shopping day. Not successful as we got one thing on our list. No need to worry though the boys got an impromptu trip to Cabela's. Saturday we didn't have major plans so we made a long hike for breakfast and then hit up the Alamo. Then the boys won again with a trip to Bass Pro where Hen hit the jackpot. Lots of goodies for the baby!!!! Then dinner on the riverwalk one last time. Sunday bright and early we headed home. I was glad to be home, not vacationing again with toddler. Drew better be planning me a real vacay ASAP. Anyone want to join?

Now I am busy finishing the last details of Hens baptism. Can't wait to celebrate this special day with my 2 boys, and my family! So glad my brother is my son's Godfather. What a perfect man to look up to. 

Weekends

We went to Ruidoso 2 weekends ago. It was a good but fast trip. The big boys enjoyed a day of golf while the little ones enjoyed the cabin. I was too busy chasing my little outdoorsman around to take any pictures. #justlikehisdad #wouldliveoutdoors

This past weekend my mom came to town and again we worked our rears off. We are preparing for Hen's Baptism reception. You know Catholics go all out for these things. We painted the dining room and made a small dent in the yard area. Needless to say that is our never ending project. Can't wait to celebrate this special time in Hen's life. I am getting to go crazy with some things since he won't have an actual birthday celebration for a few years. 

Speaking of BIG events in Hen's life. He is officially going to a new daycare. He is definitely moving up in the world. This whole ordeal is a blessing. The first few days may be hard but I know it was the right move. September 3 is the official move date. 

We are jetting off tomorrow for a little vacay in San Antonio. Sea World, shopping, eating and a little sight seeing. It will probably be scolding hot but will be nice to get away! 

Last but not least today is Andrew Joseph's birthday!!!!!! Nothing big planned for today as he had gourmet meals all weekend and will get whatever he wants on vacay. He has had a big year with the whole job change but he said it was pretty good. I'm hoping his 31st year is the best yet. I am so proud to call him my husband and his little guy adores him! Happy Birthday, babe!!!!!

Reality Check

We all need one of these every now and again, Right? I had one this a.m.

I went to a funeral this morning. I didn't know the man that went to Heaven but I knew some of his family so I was there for support. It was a good service and really hit home. 

Our life here on earth is short. We don't know when our time will come. I realize I am very lucky to have many of those that are dear to me still here. And I realize that any time one of them can be taken, and this truly breaks my heart. More than you can imagine.  I want to make many, many more memories with those that I Love, take many more pictures and laugh lots more. 

I am going to stop freaking out about the thoughts of traveling with a toddler, add my camera as a daily accessory because I want better  pictures than my iPhone pictures, spend more one one time with my hubby(without freaking out about leaving Hen), be a better mom,daughter,sister,sister-in-law,aunt,friend, cousin and employee(since Drew still makes me work). Please everyone hold me to these things.  

I am also starting another challenge on Monday. Everyone please say a prayer for me! This is something I have never done! 

We are headed to Ruidoso shortly and I have my camera ready. Lots of fun and memories to be made!!!!! 

Thursday Thoughts

* Ready for the weekend and already ready for next weekend!!!!!

* I am busy planning Hen's baptism. Good Lord, drama! Now I know why I am waiting to throw him a big birthday party. #ifyoudontlikemyplansdontcome #keepyourmouthshut #learnedyourlessonyet

* Speaking of birthdays August starts the season of birthdays for my fam. Lots of fun times ahead.

* My cousin is officially within driving distance. This has not happened in years. How long will it take til I we her. #callingyououtash

* Painting my dining room next week. Yuck!!!!!

* Having friends over tonight for a much needed girls night. #daddysonduty

* I finally had a JL function this week and it went great. I am ready for it to really start up. 

* Still short handed at work, still sucks, looking at other options! 

Look at this kid! Could eat me out of money!!!!! Love him so much!!!! #jorts

It's Almost August

But before we get into August we have one more BIG weekend in Amarillo. We are headed there tidy when Andrew gets off. We're hanging with our friends the O'Rears so it will be a blast! I am busy preparing our food as we speak. #multitasking

Henry and I went to Dallas last weekend and had a blast. I posted lots of pics in Instagram. I love Instagram, what took me so long to join. 

This little guy stole my phone and thinks he's really funny. @coledykes2

Henry laughed all weekend. He has been worn out all week from all the fun. Sadly he will miss his cousins while they are at his house this weekend. I'm not telling him that they'll be playing with his toys. He loves those kids and they are so good with him.  

In August we head to Ruidoso with the O'Rears, home for a weekend, celebrate Andrews birthday, to San Antonio for 5 days, home for a weekend, then it's Labor Day/Coleman's bday/opening dove season. I am loving the idea of Andrew being able to hunt more!!!!! If he's happy, I'm happy! 

July update

We haven't been super busy, I guess I've just found other things to do but blog. 

We had a great July 4th. We took an early morning walk to the park and came home and popped some fireworks. Which Henry Loved!! He took a nap, we did some chores, went on walk and ate hotdogs.  

Saturday morning we headed to Ft Davis and Alpine. We made it just in time for the parade which Hen really liked. We had lunch around the square and did some exploring. Hen fell asleep as soon as we got in the car, so our 30 minute drive turned into staying in the car for 2 hours while he slept. 

Andrew and I have both been crazy busy at work. We are short handed so I am having extra people. I hate it!!!!!!  This weekend we are staying home and relaxing. As I type the boys have gone to dump some limbs and I am relaxing and doing laundry.

Hen and I are headed to Dallas next weekend,then Amarillo, Ruidoso, home for one and then headed to San Antonio, then a few Tech football games. Loving our life!!!!!

Weekend

We had an amazing weekend. 

Friday my mom came and we had lunch, ran a few errands and got Henry's room finished.  My mom is the best decorator. She then made us chicken wraps and we watched tv.

Saturday morning we had Chik Fil A for breakfast and then went a store grand opening while Henry napped and Andrew did some online auctioning. We did some chores around the house, I got to take a mini nap and my mom made us a delicious steak dinner.

Sunday Andrew went to the shooting range while me,mom and Hen had a Mexican breakfast and ran a few more errands then came home and organized some closets. Mom left pretty early and then we went swimming. Henry did the best he's ever done in the water. I hope he's getting use to it.  

It was a perfect weekend. 

I am excited to spend July 4th with my boys. We have plans for breakfast, park time and hopefully a nap!!!!! Saturday we are headed to Ft. Davis for there 4th celebration. 

 

Look at this adorable door hanger my mom made for my front door!!!! Love that its reversible! 

Thursday Thoughts

* So happy tomorrow is Friday. Grandma is coming to town and its going to be amazing! #henhasthebestgrandma

* We have started potty training at our house. How is this even possible? I have to admit I am not ready for this. #hewillalwaysbemybaby

* How is it already July 4? I can't believe it. We don't have any plans for the actual day but are going to Big Bend next weekend.

* It has been so hot here. I know it's been hot everywhere, but oh my goodness. 

* Big Brother started last night and I Love it!!!!!! I love summer time just because of that show. The 2 Minnesotan's do not impress me!!!!! I'm not sure who I'm rooting for. 

* I cannot wait for football to start. I can't wait to go to a Tech game. That is something I sure have missed!!!!! 

* We are getting some new brick on our house. Wow what a mess it has made our yard and let's just say the new brick doesn't match the old brick. #allandrewsidea

* I hate it when people can't do things on their own and have to steal your things/ideas. Or how about instead of stealing you just have the decency to ask. #enoughisenough 

Hungry, Hungry Henry

Our little boy must be going they a growth spurt. He has been eating everything in site. Here's a run down of his weekend eatings.

Saturday:

Breakfast # 1: nutrigrain bar

Breakfast # 2: caramel buns

Appetizer: Mexican rice

Lunch: pollo loco, rice,beans and tortillas

Dinner: cheese quesadilla, beans

After dinner snack: hot dog

Sunday: 

Breakfast #1: pop tart

Breakfast #2: 2 eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast

Lunch: chicken

Snack: crackers

Dinner: steak,green beans, baked potato

After dinner snack: rest of his breakfast pop tart 

I am so blessed that he has such an appetite. This week I am trying to sneak in a few more healthy options. Going to get him some fresh fruit. 

We had an amazing weekend. Saturday our best friends The Reeves came to visit. We were so busy chatting I never took any pictures. The big kids played and Ike was an angel. I love that we live closer and get to spend random weekends together.  #maybeourkidswillgetmarried #henryandikebffsforever

Then that evening we got real crazy and went to a minor league baseball game.  We had the absolute best seats in the house. It was so fun.  

Sunday we did lots and lots of chores around the house.  

Love our weekends at home and love doing fun things with my boys.

Andrew is getting off early today for a dentist appointment so were going to have a nice family dinner. Most nights Hen eats before he gets home, so it will be nice to eat together.

Fathers Day 2013

We have had such a nice weekend. Thursday night Andrew went out with friends, and Friday I went out with friends. Great start to a weekend. Saturday morning we went to the farmers market and ran some other errands. Hen and I came home and took a much needed nap!!!! Then we did some chores around the house. Henry started Sunday off early this morning at 5 a.m, we think he was having a bad dream or possibly starving because he ate 3 courses of breakfast. We gave Andrew his gift, tickets to the Packers/Cowboys game. And his favorite dinner is cooking, mushroom beef, noodles and Brussel sprouts with cheesecake for dessert!!!!!!  

Andrew~

I hope you have had a great Fathers Day. Your little boy thinks you are pretty cool and loves doing boy things with you. His favorite part of the day is when you come home from work. Thank you for taking such good care of us. We Love you!

And to my dad/grandad~

Thank you for always being there for all of us. It's crazy how much you and Andrew are alike, scary at times. Thank you for working so hard so we can make many memories together. We love you!!!!

Truthful Tuesday

Truth is......I could be happy with Hen being my only baby. Not sure if this is God telling me that my body shouldn't have another baby or what. I saw a special this morning on The Today show on only children and it said that studies show that only children are not any lonelier than children with siblings. Andrew really does want another, so what he wants he gets!!!!  Well see........

Truth is......we had a wonderful weekend. I loved watching Andrew with Henry in the river. After we left Andrew kept saying I knew that baby would love it.  Wonder when Andrew will ever quit calling him "the baby". Andrew got super sunburned again, like swollen ankles even as of yesterday. Not sure when he will learn.

Truth is..... I can't wait to be home for a few weekends. And then the next few trips we have planned are fun trips, not just trips to visit family. We are going to the Big Bend area for the 4th, Henry and I are going back to Dallas with my family, Ruidoso with ALL our friends and then San Antonio. 

Truth is..... I need a haircut so bad my hair won't stay curled. I hand no idea where to go! I went to my old girl in lubbock for my last one but I know I need to find one here locally.  

Truth is... I inherited a monogram machine from Andrews grandma over the weekend and am so excited. My mom already has one and I'm hoping between the both of us we can knock out some super cute stuff. Problem is I don't even know where to begin with mine. It's a little different than moms so she's not any help. And I've been all over town looking for someone to help and was told the closest place is lubbock. So to lubbock I go, I know Andrews mama will be so happy to see it being used. 

17 Months

I have been a horrible mom and haven't done a monthly post in 6 months. This has been a BIG month so I wanted to document Henry's milestones.

Officially became a walker over Memorial Day weekend in Ruidoso.

Burned your arm on moms curling iron, but have finally decided to leave electrical cards alone!!!

Getting in your molars. Been a long process but I can see the light!

Went cold turkey on bottles. Your milk intake has dropped dramatically but you seem content. 

Sleeping 12 hours. Walking and teething is hard work. This week you have taken a very late evening nap. #stopgrowingbabyboy

You are obsessed with wearing hats. Your collection keeps growing. 

You are still a very happy baby! You definitely throw your share of fits but that is to be expected.  Somewhere somehow you have picked up some sign language. Aunt Heather showed you a little in Ruidoso and I guess you got it. They are not teaching you at school, so who knows. We have decided to keep teaching you and are working on Please and Thank You. Two words you need to know the rest of your life. We love you little guy and can't wait to see you grow and bloom in the next few months!!!