New Year's 2009

Noelle, Val, Lisa, & Me

New Year's Eve 2009 at the Shoup's

Zeke's 6th Birthday

Tonight we celebrated Zeke's 6th birthday (again). G.G. & Papa came over to join us and to help us sing.

So many pictures....so little time :)

Does anyone else get overwhelmed this time of year? I always end up with so many pictures and so many fun things that I want to post....it is hard to know where to begin! BUT...I will get around to it VERY soon! :)

A Shared Love of Laundry

My favorite chore is laundry...I absolutely LOVE doing laundry. I love the sorting...I love the challenge to remove stains....I love the awesome smell of detergent and fabric softener....I love removing the clothes from the dryer when the are still hot....I love the whole process...it is GREAT!

My realization today is that I have created a daughter who also shares my laundry obsession. She gets really excited when I pull the clothes out of the dryer and she puts them up to her face and smells them (Admittedly, I like to do the same). Today I watched her pick up piles of clothes as I was finished folding them and carry them throughout the house to put them in their place. I was amazed that she actually knew where most of the clothes were kept. She even knew which drawer to put her brother's underwear. This may be a skill that most 2 year old's possess....but I was impressed!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow....

Ah....the snow today was oh so fun! I only wish it had stuck long enough to play in it with my kiddos!

My New Boots

I have plans to go climb a handful of state high points for several days starting in the middle of this month. Because of the potential cold weather, I had to invest in some new hiking shoes for the adventure. Let's see...it is the 4th of December and I leave on the 18th....I have 14 days to break them in. I have worn them every day for the past 3...and I plan on continuing to exercise in them each day. Crossing my fingers that this will be enough to get them worn in before I try to climb with them. Not sure if I can get by with wearing the boots during the day as an accessory to my Mary Kay director's suit, but it may come to that. :)

Camping in Lockhart

The kids and I went to Lockhart to visit my parents as they were camping at the local State park. Zeke had a great time chasing the bigger kids on bikes. Kaelyn spent a good part of her time sitting and playing in the dirt. Both kids were right in their element...being outside and having lots of playmates everywhere.

Time with The Allen's

Monday should have been titled "Old Friend Day" because the same day I say Laynie, I also had the opportunity to catch up with an old friend from Baytown, Amberly Tiner Allen. The kids and I stayed the night with Amberly, her sweet husband, Brent and their 3 adorable children. My kids, of course, had a great time with the abundance of playmates running through the house.

Thank you for hosting us Amberly....we really enjoyed the visit!

A Laynie-Visit!

The Monday before Thanksgiving the kids and I were blessed with a visit from my college roommate, Laynie Weaver. Laynie looks exactly the same as the day we graduated from college, actually, I take that back....I think she looks better. I always enjoy spending time with Laynie because she is fun, exciting and so free-spirited. She has a love for life and living that I truly admire.

Thanks for the visit friend!

Zeke took several shots before getting us centered into the picture. Third times the charm...

Thanksgiving Feast

I am playing catch-up with my blogging tonight...I am a few weeks behind in documenting our recent adventures. On Friday, November the 20th, Zeke had a Thanksgiving feast at school...complete with Pilgrim and Indian attire. Nonnie was in town so she attended this event with Kaelyn and Zeke while I stayed at home to finish hosting my holiday open house.

Looks like they had a good time...

New Fun

I have found a new love interest....rock climbing! I went with a group of friends last night to the Texas Rock Gym in West Houston....it was SO much fun! I have always enjoyed climbing trees and other tall things.....but this is way more fun. I did realize, however, halfway through my adventure that my nails were way to long...between the chalk and the tiny handholds...nails just get in the way. So, I had to cut them all off. Oh well, the price that you have to pay for fun. :)

Unfortunately I forgot to bring my camera....rats! I will have to remember next time.

We're Going GREEN!

Well, we did it! We sold both vehicles...the Tundra & the Suburban and we are now the proud owners of a 2010 Toyota Prius. We just finished the transaction this morning and our new car fits neatly into the garage...with lots of extra room to spare! My friend Vanessa called while I was at the dealer and said, "you are at the car dealership, buying a car...by yourself...with your 2 children?" I replied, "yes..I must either be brave or stupid, right?" She said it had to have been the latter. :) The kids were a little excited....but we did it! Zeke even took the opportunity to ask a few of the salesmen questions about cars, their equiptment and their reliability....I felt it was good that I brought him....I didn't even think to ask some of the questions he thought of.


Greg Hoogerwerf was our FANTASTIC Sales Manager from Mike Calvert Toyota. It was such a pleasure to work with him....he made buying my first car (on my own) a very enjoyable experience. He was so patient to explain every step of the process and to give me every detail that I needed. I really appreciate his advice and honest approach....he is a great man. If you need a car....he comes highly recommended by me! Thanks Greg!!! :)

Friday Funny

I have to share a Kaelyn funny tonight before I forget. The other day I had given Kaelyn 2 graham crackers for her mid-day snack. I was cleaning up the kitchen as she ate, only paying half attention to her....she tends to have a constant running commentary so I don't always listen to everything. I noticed that she was starting to give her graham crackers "voices" so I started to listen in as I cleaned. Kaelyn ate the first cracker and then began to make the 2nd cracker "dance a little jig" on the counter top on the island where she was sitting.

Kaelyn (says to the graham cracker): Hello, Mr. Graham cracker!

Graham Cracker (Kaelyn giving him a low voice): Where's my sister?

Kaelyn: In here! (as she proceeds to shovel the entire cracker into her mouth.

How does a 2-year-old think up this stuff...she is crazy! I could actually here Brad's booming laughter in my ears as I thought of how he would react if he had been sitting right there next to me watching that scene unfold. He would think Kaelyn is absolutely hysterical at this stage...and, well...she is! :)

Tom Turkey

Zeke's homework this week was to help camoflauge Tom Turkey so that he wouldn't be eaten for Thanksgiving dinner. Zeke decided that Tom needed to dress as an Aggie. He really did a nice job....gave Tom a complete outfit including a hat and shoes :)

Veteran's Day Performance

Zeke's school held a special Veteran's Day performance on Wednesday afternoon this week. The kids sang songs from each type of unit, a tribute to the army, navy, coast guard, air force and marines. As they sang each song, the veterans were to stand and be recognized. It was a very touching presentation.

Kaelyn tried a couple of times to go up on stage with the kids to "help them."

Golf Tournament & Vocal Union Concert

Here are pictures from last weekend's golf tournament benefit & Vocal Union concert. They were both a GREAT success! Thanks to all who helped to organize the events, who took part in them, and those who volunteered their time.

Dear Friends,

Our family would like to take this time to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has played a part in making this year’s Miracles for Fun golf tournament a success. We recognize that there is a great deal of planning and effort that goes into an event such as this and we are so grateful for the support that you have shown our family.

Brad’s battle made a tremendous impact on a multitude of people who were able to witness his unwavering faith and trust in God’s plan. Brad was able to leave this earth with great confidence in knowing that our family would be cared for by the community that surrounds us. This event is just one of many ways that you have each made a huge impact on our lives.

Thank you for compassion and your unwavering support for our family. We are truly blessed.

We love you all.
Jenny, Zeke, & Kaelyn













Vocal Union in concert

Soul Union in concert

We went over to play at the Shoup's house the other day. It was great to have a change to hang out, relax, and just enjoy each other's company. The weather was great that day and the kids played outside the entire time we were there...it was a nice afternoon....and of course no day is complete without me making everyone stop for a photo session! :)