Outdoor Fun

The weather has been really nice lately so we've been spending some extra time in the backyard. I wanted to get some new things for the girls to play with outside, so I decided to get them a Sand and Water Table. It's been a big hit! They play really well together on it so that makes it even better :)

We are patiently waiting for Spring's arrival, no more cold fronts, please!

Just Like Mom

My Mom and I were talking not long ago about some of my favorite childhood memories. One of them was coming home from school and finding little things she'd picked up for us during the day while we were at school. She used to put a new outfit or something fun on our bed for us to find before we went to bed that night, or whenever we'd make it up to our rooms. Love remembering fun things like that...

I guess I've carried on the tradition without even realizing it. Today I picked up a new outfit for Addyson and a book for her Tag Reader(she's real into Dr. Seuss books lately). It's not something I do even once a month, that would defeat the purpose if i did it too often. Secretly I'd love to do it everyday;-) Love shopping for my girls!

Also, can you believe how big our Baxter Boy is getting?? He seems to get taller everyday. He and Hammer Johnson the cat still aren't the best of friends, but they tolerate one another. We're still working on the whole going potty outside thing, but he's slowly getting the hang of it. We're really happy we found him, he's a great dog. Now if he could just looks those needle-like baby teeth, OUCH!

It's A BOY For The Pope Family!

Ryan's sister Melanie gave birth to Bennett Harlyn Pope today and we're so glad he's finally here, he's a cutie!

I've been to visit him at the hospital, but unfortunately the only pics of him I got were on my phone, so when I get some with my camera I'll upload them here.

Congrats Pope Family!

Celebrating a Wonderful Life!

On Friday Addyson and I made the trip up to San Antonio to attend a memorial service for my Uncle Tom. Ryan and I decided it would be best if he and Lane stayed behind because she's at the age where she's into everything and it just would have been a difficult trip for us and for her. I really missed them being with us, but we were only gone for 1 night.

The memorial service was more of a celebration of Tom's life rather than a sad time to grieve for him. Of course we all miss him and are saddened that he's gone, but this occasion was really about focusing on the great person he was. There was lots of laughter in that church during the service and I thought that was so appropriate. Tom was hilarious and was known for the practical jokes he played on the people he loved.

It was actually a good weekend, I got to see some family that I don't get to see often and it's always nice to catch up.

And, Addyson got to swim at the pool at the hotel so of course she had a ball :)

Valentine's Weekend

What a fun weekend! We started Friday night off with an at home date night. Ryan and I planned to have dinner at about 7:45, right after both girls are usually in bed. Delaney is normally the easiest one to get to sleep, but she had different plans for us that night. She wanted no part of going to bed, so needless to say we ate our cold dinner around 8:30, *sigh*. It was nice though, no TV, and just the two of us talking with no interruptions :) I made a special treat for Ryan, a recipe called Cupid's Favorite Brownies.

Today Ryan took us out to breakfast and that was nice. We aren't usually brave enough to go eat in a restaurant these days because Delaney is in her squealing at the top of her lungs phase. Both girls did really well though so it was a good time. Later in the day Ryan and Addyson went and did some shopping and came home with a Yankee Candle for me. They both know I love candles so this was right up my alley;-)

Tonight we went over to my parent's house for dinner and it was lots of fun. The usual crowd of The Lahiere's and McCarley's were there. My Mom is such a holiday person; she goes all out for each one and as always her house was all decked out. Valentine red had exploded at my Mom and Dad's house tonight!

The cousins all got special Valentine's from Geemie and Granddad, it was chaos after they were all tanked up on sugar, ugh!

This was a wonderful weekend full of yummy treats and time spent with some of the people I love the most!

**I just love the picture of my Dad and Delaney checking each other out, one of my new favorites!

Love Is In The Air!

Today at school Addyson is having her Valentine's Day Party. She was so excited to get her Valentine's done last night. She was pretty proud of them, they were Disney princess and all! She put on her favorite heart dress, grabbed her dog and we took some cute pics of her. She and Baxter are pretty tight these days, he's a neat little guy.

When I got home from taking Addyson to school I found a special something from my sweet husband on the ice box, it made my day! Gotta love him...

A 15 Month Old Sweetheart

Today our Lady Lane is officially 15 months old! This morning I took her in to see Dr. Lentsch for her well visit. She's right on target at 25.14 lbs and 31" long. She's growing so fast and last night I kind of had a break down over it, ask Ryan ;-)

This little girl is as sweet as she can be. I laugh at her all the time, she's funny, loves to tease us, gets into EVERYTHING, she's quick, loves climbing the stairs(see pictures!) and loves the heck out of that big sister of her's.

Last night I dreamt that baby #3 was on it's way and I started crying, not tears of joy. What in the world does all that mean? Ha!

As much as this little one keeps me on my toes, and as MUCH as I cherish her nap time each day, I grow more and more in love with her with every second.....

***These are some of my favorite recent pics of her. The last one is of her and her great-grandmother, my Dad's Mom, Maw Maw. I love this one!

Thomas Robert Amerman...1/26/48 - 2/5/09

Early this morning my Dad's youngest brother, Tom, passed away after a lengthy battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He fought this disease to the bitter end and I have much admiration for him.

What a GREAT person this man was! Tom was the true life of the party and always had big hugs and kisses to give out, I loved that about him. When I was younger I always noticed the special relationship that he and my Dad had. It was one that I hoped my sisters and I would have when we were older.

He and his wife Patty, my aunt that passed away from Cervical Cancer just before Ryan and I married in 2003, were so much fun to be around. They always had awesome gatherings at their house, and as kids we always looked forward to going to Uncle Tom and Aunt Patty's house for any occasion.

As I got older Tom and Patty became good friends to me, not only my aunt and uncle. There was one Sunday I had dinner with them at their house and I had a lot weighing on my mind. After talking with them both about it I had a greater peace about what was bothering me.

I feel truly blessed to have known, and been able to be a niece to this amazing person. Thank you for many, many laughs, hugs, and memories my sweet Uncle Tom. You will be forever missed...

**This picture of Tom and I was taken at his daughter Alli's wedding in October, 2008.

Mid-Week Dinner

Whew! What a morning, and it's not even 11:00 yet! Now that I officially have 3 children, life is even more hectic;-) Delaney is teething like the dickens and seems really tired so she's in her bed, and Addyson and the dog are outside playing in the backyard. I have some much needed quiet time...

I was trying to figure out what to have for dinner tonight, and of course, I want to use my crock pot. I found a recipe that looks easy and good.

Here it is;

Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken and Rice

3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 cans of cheddar cheese soup
3/4 of a soup can of milk (about 1 cup)
1 small can mushrooms
Pinch of dried basil
1 clove garlic, chopped finely
Parsley
Cooked rice-make as much or little as you want, we like lots

Everything but the cooked rice goes into the crock pot on high for about 4 1/2 hours, or until chicken is tender. Serve over rice, with the cheddar sauce spooned over all.

Enjoy!

Off to clean the kitchen, fold some laundry, and maybe, just maybe, I'll find the time to sit down and catch my breath, but probably not, haha

One Year Ago Today...

I lost my beloved grandmother and godmother, Pappy Gran, on 2/1/08, just 4 days before her 90th birthday. We had a big birthday party in the works for her in Amarillo, plane tickets bought, invitations sent out, you name it. I had been up with an almost 3 month old Delaney the night before I got the call in the morning from my Dad telling me that Pappy Gran was gone. I was devastated. She was not in any ill health at the time, I just think she was ready to go "home" as she called it.

What an angel she was, and such an enormously big part of my childhood, and my life. She helped mold me into the person I am today. When I got older and needed to talk, if my Mom wasn't around, Pappy Gran was the person I'd call. She gave wonderful advice and gave her opinion only if I asked for it. She was a lovely lady and one that made anyone's life better for knowing her. I still think about her everyday and it saddens me that my girls won't know her.

The last time I saw her was 3 weeks before Delaney was born, and when I said goodbye to her that day, I knew I was really saying goodbye. I had a feeling that was going to be the last time I saw her. I can still see her sitting in that chair in my parents living room, and as I walked toward the door, I looked back and we met eyes for the last time here on Earth.

Oh, how I love you still to this Day, Florene Fleming. You are an angel that still watches over me and reassures me that everything will be ok.