The McAdams' Family

Our Fall Festivities!

2009-11-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

We painted pumpkins

Romo and a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader giving hugs;)

The cutest skunk I've ever seen (my sweet nephew Gavin)

trying to get a cousin picture at the Height's fall festival

Our neighbors on Hazelwood joined us at our fall festival at Prestonwood!

carving pumpkins

getting ready to go the the festival after a nap. Kate wanted to sleep a little longer:(

Hugs from Poppa and Nanna

riding the train with Nanna

Jackson, aka Tony Romo, riding a bull.

getting hooked up to rock climb

Finally, a cousin pic where everyone's looking and no one's crying!

And of course, a little trick or treating around our cul de sac.

We also enjoyed having my grandparents in for the weekend! We went to Legacy center for lunch and walked around the shops in the great weather we have been enjoying. We had such a fun and busy Halloween weekend!

The Muddy Patch

2009-10-25T12:34:00.001-07:00

So the pumpkin patch was more like a "muddy patch" this year. This was our tracks through the mud on the hayride. We slid through it rather than rode through it! The kids didn't care and we managed to get some cute pics in the pumpkins:) showing off his muscles

"Where did Jackson go? oh yeah, he's on the big, green tractor" I think a career as a farmer is in his future;) He just can't get enough!

Fall Family Fun! And more to come:)

2009-10-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

If you know Jackson at all, you know he's in heaven when he's on his big green tractor:)

This is at the state fair. They have an area that teaches kids what it's like to farm, including feeding the animals, collecting the eggs from the chickens, picking fruit off the trees, planting seeds in a garden and pulling the vegetables, driving the tractor to feed the cows, milking a cow, and finishing it all off by taking the "fruits of their labor" to the market. Then they receive pretend money to take to a store to buy a snack. Super cute! And the kids loved it!
Mr. Big Tex, as Jackson calls him.

On the farm.

Feeding the chickens and collecting their eggs.

Petting Farm

Yes, that's a buffalo. It's not everyday you feed one of these;)

Riding the Dart to Fair Park. I said I would never do this again from a previous experience, but I did.

Jackson dancing at the Balloon Festival

The next 4 pics are of us attempting to take a picture of me and the kids. As you can see, it's not easy trying to get all of us to smile or at least look at the camera at the same time.

Jackson studying very intently on the evenings events.

This picture of Kate makes me laugh out loud. When you tell her to "say cheese", she (usually) makes this face. Hilarious!

Just a cute pic of Kate eating dinner.
And another pic I love.

Where to begin.....?

2009-10-10T18:22:00.000-07:00

Kate being silly!

Don't worry, there is not any electricity going to this outlet. They were helping Justin and he was overseeing this project:/

Jackson helping Mommy paint his room

The first box to be moved. All smiles and little did we know the massive project ahead of us.

The new house!

Jackson's room! The only room complete in the whole house except for that white spot in the corner I still need to paint.

I know, it's been forever since we posted last! We have been a busy little family, to say the least. And by busy, I mean, moving. It's a long process, crazy process, but we are so excited to be in the new house. As Jackson put it, "Mommy, I love our new house". "It's amazing!" Can't get enough of that boy;)

We sold the house on Hazelwood in no time and quickly had to find a house to move into! Talk about pressure! When you're looking for a house that is going to accomodate your family for hopefully a looooong time, or as Justin says, "the next place we're moving is the nursing home", it takes a lot of thinking and praying! We had some time in between closing on the old house and moving into our new one because it needed a little work before moving in, so Stephen and Brooke were ever so gracious to allow us to move in with them for a few weeks. We can't thank them enough for opening up their home to us!

When I first saw our new house, not knowing it was going to be our new house, it wasn't love at first sight. My first thoughts were, "No way, am I going to live here". "Next house please." It was sooooo dirty, weeds in the beds (but if you know me, I'm not a huge yard person, so I dont' know why the weeds bothered me so bad), and apparently a HUGE dog lived in this house that had free reign over wherever he decided to use the restroom and his chew toys were every blind and corner of the house you could think of. Justin fell in love with the backyard and wanted to make an offer immediately. What!? Oh and you need to make your decision now, because there's another offer on this house. It was a short-sale. Long story short, we made an offer after A LOT of discussion, and a second showing with some friends to give me some vision, because I was totally blind on the first showing. I couldn't see beyond the dirt and pee. Can you blame me?

Now we looooooove it! It's feeling like home everyday that we're here! Boxes are unpacked, but things are going to take awhile to be put in its place. And of course, we'd love a new this and a new that, but in time it will all come together!

A HUGE thank you to my parents for helping us move and to my mom, who basically organized my whole kitchen and cleaned a refrigerator that I was going to throw away, that now looks brand new and amazing;) Thank you Matt for helping us with the heavy stuff on both moves into and out of storage:) Thank you Jenn for giving me some decor vision and helping us get settled! Tara, the housewarming cake was INCREDIBLE! If you've never had Sopapilla Cheesecake, you're missing out. Let me know and I'll make you one. You must try this cake! And a huge thank you to Jennifer for watching my kiddos while we went looking for houses. Huge help! We would probably still be looking for houses if my kids went with us. I had to be able to think without chasing one and redirecting the other;) And last, but certainly not least, we wouldn't be in this house without her, our awesome realtor, Lindsay Craig! She is the realtor of all realtors!! Thank you Lindsay!

We'd love for any and everyone to come by! Can't wait to share our home with friends and family!

Moving is hard..................but we're so thankful we did! We are blessed.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

TOMS

2009-08-18T14:02:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of these? Very cute and comfy shoes made by a company that makes a pair of shoes for a child in need (from various countries) when you buy a pair. My brother Ben and sisterinlaw Sarah, gave us all a pair to wear in their wedding and they were such a great alternative to the traditional heel;) Long story short, Sarah's sister works for Neimans and ran into Blake (owner of TOMS) and told him about Sarah and Ben's wedding. He wanted to see their pictures and they ended up using some of them for their marketing. Check it out........http://www.tomsshoes.com/content.asp?tid=514&aid=1226&LinkID=1226 The 1st pic of the white shoes are from their wedding and the last pic is of them during their "exchanging of the rings". Anyway, Ben and Sarah are making their way across this world at the moment to move to Cairo Egypt. We'll see them next May and we're already praying for them and counting the days when they come back. Skype is going to be put to great use now that they are so far!

Hazelwood

2009-07-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

It's official! We've put the house up for sale. I can't believe it's actually happening. Our sweet realtor, Lindsay Craig, came by today with the sign.

We only have plans to stay in the Allen area. We're not moving away anywhere, just ready to grow into something else.

5 years ago we moved into this house with just the two of us. Now we've added two more to our family and with toys, beds and relatives visiting here and there, we need more room;) It's bittersweet, especially for me, bringing 2 of our babies into this house. (Now I'm getting all emotional) I guess I can't hang onto it forever.

Another trip to Lufkin

2009-07-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

Swingin at Nanna and Poppa's house

Kate likes to take the toys out of the box and get in it.

At the pond.

Kate testing out the tricycle at Pawpaw Mac's house. Her legs are quite long enough to touch the pedals yet.

Jackson's great grandfather, Pawpaw, helped him build a log cabin with Lincoln Logs.

Jackson is pointing at the catfish that are coming up to eat food we threw out for them. Justin's dad has a catfish pond and Jackson loves to go out and watch them at feeding time.

Jackson helping Kate down the steps. Such a big brother:)

This is Kate throwing a fit because she doesn't want to get back in the car and drive anymore. We always stop at Braums in Athens to take a break and this was in the parking lot.

This weekend was yet another fun weekend in Lufkin visiting the grandparents! Jackson is at an age that he aboslutely loves seeing all of them and doesn't want to leave. We were back and forth between Justin's dad and sister's house and my parents house. It's nice that both of our parents live in the same town. Wherever we were at, it's all about the kids, which I love.

It's not just a plain white cake

2009-07-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

It's the beginning of a new, fun hobby and hopefully an investment in many birthday cakes to come;) I started a cake decorating class with my sister in law, Brooke and her friend Kelly last week. It's so much fun! I will say, a lot went into making this simple looking cake. I'm supposed to take this cake to class tomorrow and we will learn how to start decorating our cakes. What you see is what we learned to do last week.

Jackson can't wait to eat everything I'm making. He's already asking me if I can make dinosaur cakes and other crazy, advanced ideas that will take me some time to actually learn. Yes, I have to make a cake every week for 4 weeks. Anyone is welcome to my practice cakes. We don't need cake hanging around here, because I WILL eat it if it's there. They may look funky, but they should taste pretty good;)

Yummy Goodness

2009-07-07T18:31:00.000-07:00

These are two of my new favorite recipes that must be shared!

I would show pictures, but I forgot to take some. I'll try and remember next time, because these will be a repeat meal in our house:)

Upside-Down Pizza
2 lbs ground chuck or ground turkey
1 cups chopped onion (optional)
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (1 ¼ oz) envelope spaghetti sauce mix
1 (8 oz) carton sour cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 can refrigerated crescent rolls

Brown ground meat and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring until meat crumbles; drain and return to skillet. Stir in tomato sauce and spaghetti sauce mix; cook over low heat 10 min, stirring often.
Spoon meat mixture into a lightly greased 13x9x2 inch baking dish; top with sour cream, sprinkle with cheese. Unroll crescent rolls, and place over cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 20-25 minutes. Yield: 8 servings.

*Servings are easy to measure for this pizza casserole; just follow the natural perforations in the crescent rolls.

I love this one especially because it’s made in the crock pot. Don’t forget your crock pot liner so clean up is super easy!!

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
2 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese with peppers
1 (4.5 oz) can chopped green chilis
½ cup sour cream
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
8 (8 inch) flour tortillas
1 (8 oz) container sour cream
1 (8 oz) bottle green taco sauce
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese with peppers

Toppings: chopped tomato, chopped avocado, sliced green onions, sliced black olives, chopped fresh cilantro

Stir together first 5 ingredients. Spoon chicken mixture evenly down center of tortillas, and roll up. Arrange, seam sides down, in a lightly greased 6-quart slow cooker, stacking tortillas, if needed.
Stir together sour cream and taco sauce; spoon over enchiladas. Cover and cook on LOW 4 ½ hours. Remove lid, and sprinkle enchiladas with 1 cup cheese.

ENJOY!!!

Just some of my latest favorite pics!

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

Giving hugs!
Yes, my 14 month old is wearing pigtails and ponytails. She looks like she's 4 when she has them.

Jackson is ready to go camping. We keep telling him when it gets cooler:)

Jackson trying to teach Kate how to down hill ski on the Wii.

Fun in the Tub

2009-06-18T19:40:00.001-07:00

My little Picasso

Bathtime was a little messy this evening, but so much fun! A friend of ours was telling me that when her kids were little, she used to let them paint with shaving cream in the bathtub. So I thought my kids would love it and they did. They painted the walls, themselves, and each other. It was everywhere! But the best part was that it was easy clean up. Even though it was in their hair and everywhere, it came off so easily. Thanks Therese! So much fun!

Just the two of us

2009-06-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

Jackson and his glowstick. They had glowsticks for when they left the reception. So cute!

Me and my sweet cousins, Kayla and Leslie (the bride)

Jackson ready with his boarding pass. We had to take Shamu on board!

Jackson and I took a trip to North Carolina this past weekend to see my cousin Leslie get married, and it was so much fun to have him to myself for a little while. I decided to take Jackson with me because I didn't know how manageable it would be for me to take Kate in the stage that she is in at the moment. She wants down and to walk around everywhere, and on a plane for 2 1/2 hours, I don't think that's feasible. We also had some trouble getting there because of bad weather in Dallas, which made it an extra long day that I'm glad I didn't put Kate through. Jackson was a trouper!

It was so much fun to see my family that we don't get to see that often and the wedding was beautiful and so much fun! Jackson actually slept (snored) through the wedding, so he was very still;)

Jackson's highlights for the trip were:

*meeting soldiers on their way to Afghanistan (sp?) at the airport

One actually gave Jackson his patch that was velcroed to his uniform.

*Experiencing turbulence on the plane that he thought was so fun. His mommy thought otherwise:/

*renting a car. For some reason, he loved the thought of being in a different car and riding in a different carseat. He kept saying, "mommy, I love this car". "It's so funny".

*swimming in the hotel pool.

*eating wedding cake at the reception! (Who doesn't love wedding cake?)

Summer Vacation!!!

2009-06-03T19:01:00.000-07:00

Humor me:) I know it's a lot of pictures, but we did so much and I tried to cram in a little of everything!

Oh yes, it's 1:00am and someone is excited about Sea World! We got to the hotel late Thursday night and we were all wired and ready to play!

Kate was just excited at 1:00am because we all were! She had no idea what was going on, but she was ready to play too!

My favorite reason to stay in a hotel............breakfast in my room!!

Feeding the dolphins! So much fun!

I love this picture of Jackson and the shark! He's such a boy and very much into animals that growl and have sharp teeth;) (Not that a shark growls, but you know what I mean)

Feeding and petting the dolphins.

Our favorite part: Shamu!!! The show was amazing! We went to their first show that day and apparently the whales were not wanting to perform, so the trainers asked us to come back later that day, hoping for a better show. Sure enough, the whales just needed a little warming up to do that day, and they put on an amazing show!

The ultimate souvenir when you go to SeaWorld!!

Kate getting in a little pool time at the hotel.

Jackson being silly as we enjoy our smores we made during one evening of our stay. The hotel had several fire pits out by the pools and offered smores to roast. So much fun!

Swimming at the Lost Lagoon at SeaWorld

Kate all suited up!

A little river walkin while Kate's nappin.

We went to the children's museum in downtown San Antonio. They had a little mini HEB to do some pretend grocery shopping. The kids loved it, and so did we! It was so much fun. After you shopped for your groceries, you can check out at registers. Too cute!

Justin checked Jackson out at the register.

Jackson checking my baggage at the "airport" for my "departure"!

My little Pilot!

And conductor too!

This picture makes me laugh out loud:) Yes, he's milking a cow!

Kate at Schlitterbahn. This was our last stop before heading back to the big "D"!

Schlitterbahn!

Congratulations Ben and Sarah!!!!

2009-05-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

I realize this is almost the same picture, but he was just so cute, I couldn't help myself.

The cutest ringbearer

Jackson giving little Gavin a few kisses before the wedding

The ringbearer

My baby brother

Jackson and Sarah

Ready to get married!!

Jackson and Kate playing in the bridal suite before the wedding.

Poppa and Jackson sneaking a peek at the cakes before the wedding

Ben and Sarah getting instructions from Pawpaw (the pastor) at the rehearsal

Nanna and Kate

The sisters! Getting ready.

Jackson and Sarah

Ben and Sarah were finally married this weekend and it was such a beautiful and fun wedding! I can't believe my baby brother is married. Much to my surprise, I was quite emotional. I guess that's because I'm his big sister and I still see him as my little brother to take care of, but now he has a wife to do just that. We love Sarah so much and we pray the best for their marriage. We had family from all over in that we spent some time with over the whole weekend! It's so much fun to see everybody.

I took pictures, but I wasn't the best photographer. I guess that's why you hire one;) I got some of the rehearsal, pre-wedding and from there, I didn't get any. I guess I was busy as a bridesmaid and mommy at the same time. I'll post more as I get them. I do have to brag on my little boy, the ringbearer. I wish everyone could have seen how precious he was and how well he did in the ceremony. He walked all the way down the isle while staring at his pillow and no one else. He never looked up until he got to Justin. Pre-cious!

..................At the moment, Ben and Sarah are out in the middle of the carribbean soaking up some sun! Ahhhh! (I'm a little jealous;)

Mother's Day Teas

2009-05-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

Mommy and Kate

walking!!

Jackson and his buddies, Drew and Cooper

Mommy and Jackson

Getting ready to sing for the Mommies!

Jackson and Kate both had mother's day teas in their classes at clc. I felt so honored to be a part. In Jackson's class, they sang Jesus Loves Me, The B-I-B-L-E, and recited the Lord's prayer. Precious! I wish I had video of it. (Next year;)

In other news in our family, Kate is walking!!! We are so proud;)

Our Sweet Girl is 1

2009-04-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

getting a taste of birthday cake
Yum!

Shaking her Easter eggs at her birthday party!

Lovin on Cousin Sydney

Trying to walk

Lovin on Nanna

Our little birthday flower

A year ago (April 19th), we had dinner with the Olson's and kept joking I was going to laugh my way to labor because Erik had us rolling. (I can't even remember why, but it was funny). So, as we left Scotty P's, I noticed a full moon and joked that women go into labor when there is a full moon. Well, that night after we put Jackson to bed, I was feeling a little different. I just ignored it until the feeling started coming and going. I still wanted to ignore it, because my "planned" c-section was not scheduled for another week. Justin started timing it and I called my mom. Both decided we should go to the hospital. So, at 2:00am in the morning, my sweet sister-in-law, came over to stay with Jackson and we were off to labor and delivery!! So excited! Still in disbelief, but better in the hospital than giving birth at home;)

Once we got to the hospital, they determined I was in labor. So, we started an epidural and everything else that comes along with having a c-section and our little Kate was born at 7:00am. Can't put into words how amazing it is to have a baby. Even though I had already had Jackson, it still never ceases to amaze me that a human came out of me. God is truly AMAZING and THE creator of all things.

Over the last year, we have fallen in love with this little girl God has entrusted us with. She has developed several names from us, friends, and family: baby Kate, Kay-Kay, Katie-Kate, sweet girl, lovey, or just Kate. She is quite a cuddler and loves everyone. She loves to get in the sandbox with her big brother or whatever he is into. When she stands by herself, she claps for herself with a big toothy smile;) She loves to be held and loves to hold things she can love on as well. We are so thankful for her! Happy Birthday baby girl!

Spaghetti Faces

2009-03-24T16:10:00.001-07:00

Arboretum

2009-03-22T15:37:00.000-07:00

Playing in the ship playhouse
Kate tiptoeing in the tulips

Bear crawl

Playing in a wagon

Jackson playing in the old settlers village

Crawling on the grass. So soft!

We took this picture a million times. Getting both the kids to look at the camera is almost impossible.

We love the springtime! It's so fun to get outdoors after we feel like we've been cooped up in our house or some mall playplace all winter. With kids, the outdoors is a must;) We went to the Dallas arboretum for Dallas Blooms and we got a membership, so we will be going a lot this year! The flowers are amazing right now and the grass is my favorite! Kate is in a stage where she's wanting a little more freedom to crawl around, so the grass was perfect for her as long as she wasn't trying to eat it;) Although, she wasn't too sure about crawling like normal. She kept bear crawling and wouldn't put her knees on the ground. I guess it feels different than carpet. Jackson just wanted to run around and really likes to pose for the camera.

Baby Gavin

2009-03-08T18:54:00.000-07:00

Precious!

His hearing test. So cute. Looks like he's listening to music:)

Brooke in labor. Not feeling much;) Epidurals are a wonderful thing!

Jackson looooves his new cousin!

Proud aunts! Minutes after he was born.

Gavin Nicholas has entered the world at 7lbs. 3oz. on March 5th at 12:51am. And, yes, we stayed until he got here. I couldn't bear to leave the hospital until I was able to meet that sweet nephew of mine. He is the cutest! Already decked out in his Tech gear; I don't think he stands a chance;)

Congratulations to my brother Stephen and sister in law, Brooke! You will make awesome parents!

Cuteness

2009-02-16T12:57:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

I couldn't pass up posting these pics. Just some cute blog filler;)

Three

2009-02-15T18:36:00.000-08:00

Ryan

Kate and Nanna getting a few jumps in

Cooper jumping on the trampoline

Caroline, Jackson and Brinley enjoying some food

Mason

The Birthday Boys

Jackson on the balance beam with his daddy and his 9 months pregnant, Aunt B

Best Buds!

Jackson turned 3 on January 20th (and yes, I'm just now posting...so behind). We celebrated with a birthday party with our friend Mason who turned 4 in February. They had a blast and loved celebrating together at a gym where the kids (and adults) played freely on the trampolines, bounce house, foam pit, rings, etc.

I say it every year, but I can't believe he's 3. As a mom, I become so sad when I think he was that little newborn in my arms just 3 years ago. He is such a boy and loves his boy toys; tractors, trains, sandboxes, tools, etc. Now he is such a great big brother to Kate, who already looks up to him and laughs at the drop of a hat for him. I love when he asks her, "Kate, you want to come play with me?" And she usually responds by crawling to wherever it is he wants her to come crawl to. I love when he talks about friends he plays with at school and what he learned at clc or sunday school. I love when he quotes the Lords prayer ( I have got to get this one on video) and the fruits of the spirit or any scripture for that matter. I pray that the older he gets, the more he falls in love with the Lord and His will for his life.

Happy 3rd Birthday Jackson!

Never say Never!

2009-01-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, I was one of those who said, "I will never have a minivan no matter how many kids I have". Well, I was wrong. Up until about 3 months ago, I was totally against ever owning something "so culturally unacceptable" especially at my age. Well, making trips to Lufkin and wherever else with diaper bags, carseats, luggage, gifts, strollers, pack n play, etc........I was about to go crazy not having enough space in the equinox. The more I joked about having the mv, the more I started wanting one. I hated that I even "wanted" one. Then it really grew on me and we started seriously looking at them. Then I rolled Justin's truck and now Justin jokes that it was a conspiracy to buy the mv. Well, I must admit, I absolutely LOVE it! Everytime we go somewhere in it, Jackson says, "I love this minivan". He's been telling random people about how much he loves this minivan like the cashiers at Target, people in ChickfilA, you know, the places us Mom's go during the week. So, I've decided that it's time to "bring the minivan back". My husband says, I should say, "it's time to make the minivan cool, because the minivan was never here". My friend Julie said they are coming back and her husband responded with, "no, we're just getting older." I like to think I'm still cool in the mv;) ...........Kouba's, you're going to love it!!!

Christmas this year

2009-01-03T07:43:00.000-08:00

Mommy's Christmas present!

What a blast! I think we had the best Christmas ever this year! Jackson was so much fun and really anticipated everything that was going to happen. We put reindeer food out for the reindeer, cookies and milk for santa and then put the kids to bed. Just as Jackson was "tucked in" for the night, we heard loud stomping on the roof. Jackson's face was priceless. And his dramatic response was "Santa's here"! "Lets go see him"!!! I just told him if we went to see him, then he might go away. (What else do you say). Anyway, Santa left Jackson a note thanking him for his yummy cookies, and the biggest tractor a 2 year old ever wanted. He was excited about every moment and then excited about going to the grandparents as well for more Christmas fun! Kate enjoyed her first Christmas chewing as much wrapping paper as she could army crawl her way to. Everytime I turned away, she was gagging on a piece stuck in her mouth. Jackson is enjoying her toys as well;)

God is Good

2008-12-17T13:31:00.000-08:00

As most of you have heard, I was involved in a car accident last night that I walked away with by the grace of God. First of all, I am so blessed by how much love and prayer I have received. It means more to me than you will ever know and I have truly felt the comfort of your prayers. Many of you have asked for details, so I will do my best to explain what happened.........I was driving Justin's truck because my car didn't have any gas, and I was already late to a girl's night at a dear friends house. So, getting gas, was the last thing I wanted to do. The weather was better than the night before, but still a little icy on bridges. I was going southbound on hwy 121 when I started to cross a bridge between Alma and Custer that I started to "fishtail". I tried to remember what they teach you to do in that situation, but things got out of control and everything I was trying to do to prevent a wreck, wasn't happening. So once I really got out of control, the truck slid and hit the side of the road, and I proceeded to roll down a muddy embankment where they are currently building the 121 toll. I know I rolled more than once because I felt that one time was too many and I remember praying for the car to stop rolling and it felt like an eternity before it came to a stop upside down. I did not black out and I remember thinking I want my family and I am going to live through this. I released myself from the seatbelt and while panicking, I tried to get out of the truck door. It only opened a few inches and I heard voices running down the hill to come and help. One of the voices was the pastor of Fellowship and I am so thankful to him and his graciousness. He and another girl called 911 and he then called Justin to tell him where I was at. By the grace of God, I walked away from that accident, WALKED, with a small scratch on my ankle that I cannot even really see anymore and a little soreness in my neck and shoulders. I went to Medical Center of Plano for precautionary reasons/x-rays, etc.
I have never felt so uplifted by my friends and family who have been praying and know that God had His hand in the whole thing. I pray that those people who kept looking at me and saying "you're so lucky", realize that it was not luck, but grace. I am so blessed to be at home and so thankful for every second of this day to be able to do laundry and wash bottles, pick up toys, talk to my friends and family on the phone, eat food........I could go on and on.

Side note: (kind of funny, you can laugh) The party I was going to required pajamas and house shoes, in which I felt compelled to explain to the firemen, EMS, police, chief battalion, highway patrolmen, etc that I do not normally wear these kinds of clothes when I drive and I think they all thought I was crazy, but it was a fun idea that I hope to do some other day under different circumstances;)

The Stockings are hung.....

2008-11-25T19:36:00.000-08:00

(a little blurry) Jackson's reaction when he noticed Santa was around.

Jackson's reaction to Santa when he got up close. Not so sure;)

Kate with her new stocking.

Jackson when he got his stocking in the mail just in time for Christmas.

.........by the chimney with care!!! The lights are up and the tree is decorated! We are ready for Christmas before Thanksgiving! I can't help it. It just all goes together for us! We love Thanksgiving and normally, we would put the tree up the weekend after, ............well, who am I kidding? I usually have everything up before, I guess. Justin likes to tell everyone how one year when he was gone on a business trip (before I had kiddos), the weekend before Halloween, he came home and the tree was up. I got a little bored and decided to go ahead. We were trying to sell the house we were in at the time and the next weekend we had a showing and Justin happened to be at the house and he overheard the realtor say, "maybe they keep it up year-round". Well, actually, Justin wanted to say, "my wife is actually a little Christmas crazy"! It's just too much fun!!!

It's November 25th and we've been to a Christmas tree lighting, seen Santa and his reindeer, which by the way, if you haven't been to the new shopping center in Allen, you've got to go. They have the greatest Santa set-up with real reindeer and a little village for the kids to play in. They let us take 2 of our own pics with Santa and the kids and we didn't have to buy their picture. I don't know about you, but I am not a fan of purchasing the $14.95 blurry picture of Santa and the kids.

Hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for each of our family and friends, our church, my husband, Jackson and Kate, and most of all, God, who is so good to us!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 107:1