Grandma and Papa Chicken's House

Piper had a long weekend so the kids and I decided to head to Kansas to see everyone.  My brothers and their kids came and it was so much fun to see all of them just go and play for hours together.  I don't think anyone turned on a TV till late that night.  Piper got to go fishing, except we couldn't find the hook, so they just casted out onto the water.  They built sand tunnels and buried Christian in the sand.  They even played in the cow trailer for awhile.  It was such a beautiful day.  Piper decided to ask Papa around dark if they could build a fire by the silo.  So he loaded up all 6 of the kids and they headed to find some wood for the fire.  He said they all did really good helping get the wood into the truck ( they range from 4-12).  Then they headed over to build a fire.  My mom didn't have anything, but mini marshmellows and they don't work so well to roast,  but.we got to see all the stars, you can't see much in DFW, and the kids had a great time playing with flashlights in the silo.

I love going to my parent's house.  It is one of the most relaxing places to be.  My kids love being there and they can just run and play.  I don't have to worry about them in the street or anyone picking them upon the road, they can go in the front yard with no supervision.  If a car comes down the road to my parents it is usually someone to see them or the mailman.  My mom always gets up with the kids so we get to sleep in a little while.  She makes them pancakes, bacon, and eggs every morning. The greatest is the grandkids love to play with each other and I think they all have great imaginations.  I love sitting out on the porch swing and drinking coffee or just watching the kids play in the dirt.  It is also amazing that Grandma has her own beach in the middle of Kansas, we just call it the creek.  My mom even let Romie and Piper put paint on her like make-up.  My kids and I always have a great time there.

Happy Halloween...

My kids love superheroes.  Last year they were the traditional superheroes as Wonder Woman and Superman.

This year they decided to go with Flash and Hawk Girl.  The funny thing is people would ask Piper "What are you going to be for Halloween?" and she would say "Hawk Girl", but they would hear "Hot Girl" and laugh and say what is that.  She learned to pronouce Hawk-with a very hard K sound and people still don't know who that is.  For all of you who don't know who that is she is the other girl superhero in the Justice League.  I had also bought their costumes online and loved Christian's, but Piper's didn't fit right so...the night before our Halloween, sorry Costume Parade at preschool I went on the hunt for something.  She already had black leggings, but I needed red underwear, a yellow tank top in the middle of fall, and something to make red boots out of and I needed to get foam board and make wings(the ones that came with the costume were terrible.  I had about an hour and half to go shopping and get back before Brian went to band practice.  I went to 5 or 6 different stores and found what I needed.  The hardest thing to find is non lace red underwear that would be small enough for her.  I think she looked great and my little flash was so fast.

The normal routine on Halloween is for Brian to take the kids trick or treating and I stay back and hand out candy.  I love seeing all of the costumes, but Piper asked if the whole family could go and we could just set a bowl on the front porch for people to take candy.  So we all went as a family and at first Christian was having issues with his costume and would walk about 2 steps every minute and I was not having a good time.  Daddy, who is the patient one, said " You are Flash, the fastest man on earth, let's go."  and finally he became Flash and the trick or treating was fun.  Our neighbors were all out in their driveways and it was so much fun to see everyone.  The kids got tons of candy that I saved about half, because Brian and I keep eating it.  It was a very fun Halloween!!!

Thinking about New Life

My sister in law just had a little baby boy today, Wyatt.  I am sure they are tired and ready to start a new chapter in their life.  The funny thing is I am up at 11 almost 12 at night because I got to thinking that we blogged a long time ago.  We had family websites with both the kids and I have one on CD somewhere ,really need to find it, and I never got the other on a CD, but it is still out there.  Just found it, but it is inactive right now. 

After reading so many of my friends blogs and seeing what they talk about and are able to remember all the little things that have happened in their family has inspired me to keep this one so I don't forget all the little things anymore.  Wyatt started his life today and I hope and pray that he will be as amazing a blessing as my little 6 and 4 year old are right now.  The times with just Piper I got to hold her on my chest and just let her sleep for hours and I remember a few of those times with Christian.   They are getting even too big to carry now, but I hope this will help me remember some of the precious moments of their lives and I can look back on and see God's hand everywhere and Him shaping them into what they will become. 

Wyatt my prayer for you is that God will work all around you and you will be able to see it and show it to the world.  Christie and Charlie I pray that he will be a good baby so you can get sleep,  I pray for you to ease into family life.  I pray that you will see God's hand in his life and yours everywhere you turn.

You are something your parents have waited for awhile and I just know you will be huge blessing.  They will get frustrated with you, but they will always love you.  We get to spoil you like your mom and dad have spoiled Piper and Christian so be ready.  Can't wait to meet you!

The Arkansas Leaves

We went to Arkansas a few weeks ago to visit Brian's grandfather, who was not in good health. Brian's aunt and uncle live in north Arkansas and the colors were just beautiful. Piper kept saying "Mommy this place is awesome." They had a huge backyard that backed up to a forest and lake.  The kids explored and loved that there were no fences in the backyards. They got to play with toys that their daddy probably played with that aunt Paula keeps for her grandkids when they come up. When we were at the nursing home, visiting Brian's grandfather, the kids got restless and we decided to go in their courtyard and collect leaves. We found some beautiful ones and some that we not the beautiful. This started a whole leaf collecting expedition between Grandma Dog, who is a elementary school teacher, and Piper. We collected a bag full of leaves and Piper suggested the we put together a scrapbook of all the leaves. So when we got home we put the leaves in books and flattened them. Today, we got all the stuff to make a book out of them. It was fun-we even made them look a little better with glitter glue(some of the brillant colors had faded). She is shining star this week at morning kindergarten (i.e. preschool)and wants to make sure she can take all her leaves to be able to show all the Iguanas in her class. 

It was cold and rainy otherwise I would have gotten a lot more pictures, but here are a few.  I wish I could have gotten some of the kids playing in the leaves, which uncle Harry was nice enough to blow into a pile for them, but it only lasted a few minutes after we got there when the rain starting pouring.    I do love the one of Christian though because it looks like he is ready for some football.

Piper and Sports

Piper wanted to play soccer this season and I really wondered about it.  She doesn't like to run a lot and she is not aggressive.  Today, as we wrapped up a season my daughter got some wheels and really got in there to fight for the ball.  She was out running a lot of the kids and scored 2 goals (maybe she is my daughter).  I was just so proud of her.  She has improved so much over the season and with little practice.  I don't know what the spring will hold, but we will see if there is more soccer in her future. 


However, I am loving that she likes to try all the sports.  We have done softball, gymnastics, swimming, and soccer.  Her favorite is swimming.  Brian and I think because she doesn't have to sweat while doing it.  I am just interested to see what she would love to do next.   


Now if we could get her to tie her shoes and ride on two wheels I think we could be getting somewhere.


I guess we need to start Christian is something soon since he will be 5 in the spring.

My first post

I started this to try and keep up with all the things happening with my family. A lot of my friends do this and I am going to try just so I have it for the future. I hope I can look back on it and see all the precious things and the great memories.  I hope some will enjoy seeing it and keeping up with it