Our 5 year old's bedtime prayer...

Dear God,
Thank you for mommy, daddy, ee, and Leyton.

The guys I love are Jesus, Santa, and God.

In Jesus name we pray...Amen!!

I love my little Harrison

SEVEN!

7!! 7?!? I really just can't believe it. He picked Hibachi for his birthday dinner celebration. Then we went to see Free Birds at the movie theater. His birthday party will be this Friday---he is very excited!

Leyton!
My baby boy! You are seven....seven years since you made me a mommy! I have loved watching you grow. You make me proud every single day. You are funny, smart, stubborn, forgiving, observant, and verrrrrry cute! You are my snugglebug---hanging out with you is one of my most favorite things. Always remember how much I love you--no matter what! Thanks for being such a cool kid!
Love, Mommy

Boo!!

Halloween 2013 was a good one! Harrison was Anakin Skywalker (of course), Erin-Elizabeth was Sophia the First, and Leyton was Darth Vader. We went to a pre-party at a friend's house. The cul-de-sac was packed with excited kiddos...made me so happy! I love our neighborhood!! We left from there and started Trick or Treating...there were sooooo many kids it was hard to keep up. I stayed in the front of the pack with the bigger kids while Russell stayed back a little with Erin-Elizabeth & friends. I was a little bummed that we were not all together, but the kids were thrilled to be with their friends. We ended the night on our street. We spent a little time with some of our favorite neighbors to wind down the night...perfect!

Go Panthers!

Go Colleyville Panthers!

Fourth of July 2013

Summer Trip!

This summer we stayed at the JW Marriott in San Antonio for our family vacation. We had a great time!

Flashback!

Erin-Elizabeth did a fabulous job at her first recital. She was a dancing cupcake...& I loved watching her perform! She got on the big stage and immediately started waving to her Aunt Keyo. They adore each other.

Leyton--

What's up, Leyton?
-He finished up a great year of Kindergarten.
-He did sports camp & flag football camp over the summer.
-lost his two bottom teeth!
-Started his 3rd soccer season with the Kicksters.
-Started first grade...and loves it!
-Started piano lessons.
-He is also a big Star Wars fan. He's a Darth Vader guy.
Leyton has grown so much...and does a really good job of making his mommy proud.

Harrison!

What has Harrison been doing the last 8 months?
-He finished his 3rd year at the Creative Learning Center.
-Has developed a full on obsession for all things Star Wars. Particularly, Anakin Skywalker.
-Took swim lessons. 
-Played his second season of soccer.
-Started a new preschool in September.
-Turned 5 & celebrated with a Star Wars party at the park.
He is a true lovebug....& he has my heart.

Erin-Elizabeth!

Starting with the baby...(a quick 8 month re-cap)
-finished her second year at the Creative Learning Center
-learned how to swim this summer
-started a new preschool this fall
-started taking tap,ballet, and tumbling class
-started soccer

She is over 3 1/2 years old. She is still full of spunk & personality. Loves to wear a leotard any chance she gets.

Too Far Gone

Okay....there is no way to play catch up at this point. I'm going to post a few pics of the past 8 MONTHS & call it a day.

FIVE!!

My Harrison!
5 years ago you came along...and my life has been sweeter ever since. You are the kindest person I know. Thank you for loving so BIG and so hard...you make me so happy just by being around you. I am proud of the little boy you are--all the time.

You are the real Anakin Skywalker---& you let everyone know it. I don't know if there has ever been another kid who is as infatuated with Star Wars as you are. Sometimes I think it is all you think about. You always root for the good guys..."You will never turn to the Dark Side."

Happy Happy Birthday to my sweet lovie...I am thankful for you alllll the time.
Love, Mommy

Love Bugs!

(picture of a video taken by Miss Alison)

 

Teaching them young that girls like surprises. They also like the door opened for them. They like compliments. In our attempt to teach these boys how to be gentlemen, we had each of them pick one special Valentine to deliver a special present to their door. Harrison picked our adorable neighbor, Aslynn. Leyton picked a sweet classmate from when he was in preschool named McKenna. They both said they wanted to marry these girls. I am proud because they have great taste!

 

Russell took them to pick out the gift for their girls. Harrison picked a singing pink stuffed animal and silly bands. (Kudos to you, Harrison....girls dig jewelry) Leyton picked a box of chocolates and a pin that says I Love You on it. (Kudos to you, Leyton...throwing out the "L word" takes some guts)

 

Leyton did a great job walking to the door and saying what he had practiced. "Will you be My Valentine?" followed by a hug.

 

Harrison walked up like he owned the place to knock on the door. Then, he didn't speak when the door opened.  Frozen. It happens. Aslynn had a special Valentine for him too which was very sweet.

 

 

 

LOVE!

I cannot even express how adorable the Valentine party was in Kindergarten. They had a dance in the cafeteria before heading back to the classroom for their fancy party. Leyton and his dance partner had fantastic moves...I loved watching them! Everything from the Tango to bustin a move to the Love Shack. PRECIOUS!

Bye Bye Paci!

EE gave up her paci right after the New Year. It was time. I am sad to say she gave up her nap the very same day. (even though she still needs it!)

EE is THREE!

Here is our THREE year old before her birthday party  at Stampede Stadium. She had a great party with her friends from school.

 

This girl is full of life!

We adore her and that bright & shiny personality of hers!



My Dog!

Leyton on Dalmation Day at school!

Daddy Daughter Dance

Love!

 

These two enjoyed a date night. They went to dinner together and then had some fun at the Daddy Daughter Dance at our church.

2013 Goals

So...I'm not really into resolutions because let's face it...I'm awful at sticking with big changes like that.

One time I became a vegetarian---for a day.

One time I changed my name---for a day. (Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!!)

One time I tried the Atkins diet (to lose some post baby weight in a totally unhealthy way) and I cried because I wanted a banana so badly. I don't think I ever eat bananas, but I sure wanted one as soon as I knew they were forbidden.

At the beginning of December, Russell & I decided to take on the Paleo lifestyle. I was certain it would help with my mental clarity. I think I made it about 21 hours. I may be foggy-minded, but I'm happy!

So...no resolutions for twenty thirteen for this kid. I have decided on some things that I am going to focus on this year though. Most of these have been my focus in 2012 too. Always room for improvement. :)

1. Quit worrying about pleasing everyone. I am going to do the right thing...and I can't help how it makes someone feel after that. THIS MY FRIENDS IS GOING TO BE A TOUGH ONE. GULP.

2. Eat at least one fruit and one veggie every day.  NOT EASY, but do-able!

3. Drink some more water. SIPPING AS WE SPEAK.

4. Make reading my Bible a priority rather than an "if I can find time" thing to do....let's face it---I have time. If I have time for this blog, facebook, tv...I have time for my Bible. I HAVE SOME FRIENDS KEEPING ME ACCOUNTABLE ON THIS ONE. PHEW!

5. Try my very best to eliminate negativity from my life. I don't want to talk negative....or listen to other negativity. Too much to be thankful for to waste time with that! YES-YES--!!

I normally don't write things like this on here, because I usually only use it for the kid's memories/scrapbook. ACCOUNTABILITY, my friends.

Christmas 2012

(Cozy PJ pic on Christmas Eve)

We did lots of celebrating!

 

I asked each of them what their favorite thing about Christmas day was...

Erin-Elizabeth- my bunny, princess keys, and princess phone

Harrison-my Batman gloves

Leyton-that it was Jesus' birthday

 

We drove to my parent's house on Christmas day...it was wonderful to be with all of them. We missed a WHITE CHRISTMAS in Dallas though.

 

Fast forward to NYE---

We rang in the New Year geriatric style....asleep in our beds! Happy 2013!

 

 

The break from school was WONDERFUL and exactly what we needed. I loved being with my family, snug in our jammies, just enjoying each other. Thankful for a wonderful Christmas season...