Ryder wanted to help make a cake...

Poor baby was sick, doesn't she look miserable?...

Speaking of miserbale; nice picture daddy...
Nothing like a good bath...

I lost track of time; anyone want to come over for breakfast?...


It's so hard to believe that we're going to have another baby in a few months. I've about given up on any efforts to hold my weight gain to a normal amount. I've decided that my metabolism is just different when I'm pregnant, because I honestly don't eat that much more but gain a few pounds a week. It's crazy. Anyway, Sydney started full out crawling a couple weeks ago; she's EVERYWHERE! She's also started enjoying little pieces of table food, and that will keep her occupied (while strapped into a chair) for quite a while. Ryder has turned into such a good babysitter. He keeps a good eye on her and makes sure that she doesn't put stuff in her mouth. He made me laugh this morning. We're trying to teach him not to say "I can't" do something. This morning he was so frustrated because he couldn't find a tractor picture in his magazine. He comes crying and says, "mommy, I can't find tractor". I said, "Remember, we don't say I can't because you CAN do it!" With huge tears and a very distressed look on his face, he says, "mom please help, I can find tractor!" I guess we'll just keep on trying to teach that lesson, eventually he'll catch on!

These pictures are of Sydney and Presley, my niece. I bought them matching outfits and they're finally big enough to wear them.






Hug your babies and have a great week!

Blue or Pink????

So, we had a sonogram last week and they said the baby is perfect, healthy and everything looked great. For all of you who doubted me.....HAAAAA, I told you :) Mama always knows. My entire life, I have always wanted 2 boys and a girl and am pleased to say that's what were getting. Daddy will only have one little princess and I'm sure she'll be rotten after he gets done with her. We're both really excited, but now back to the drawing board with names. My first pick is Jett Michael Scott, but Colt has always wanted Tripp Michael Scott. Opinions, suggestions, please help! Yes, Mel, we were doing the name game only a year ago; that's insane.

Like I said, the baby is very healthy, but I have placenta preiva. At this stage in pregnancy, it's not that terrible but it will be if it doesn't correct itself over the next few weeks. From what I understand, the placenta is attached over my cervix instead of higher up and that increases the chances for various complications. Assuming the problem is corrected in 4 weeks, then everything is fine. If not, there is the high possibility of bed rest until the baby is born and that's just not an option for us. In the mean time, my instructions are "do not squat down", "do not lift more than 10 pounds", and a few others but those stuck out the most. Have you ever tried not to squat with a baby and a toddler; not to mention that Sydney weighs almost 20 pounds! We've made several adjustments around the house because I can't carry Syd up the stairs anymore and now she sleeps in our room (unless Colt is home). He is also going to start coming to school with us so that he can get the kids in and out of the building. It's only 2 days a week, so not that big of a deal. He's a saint when it comes to the kids and his willingness to help. Anyway, PLEASE pray the this little issue is ok at my next checkup or I might be asking some of you to come live with us for a while :)

Last thing, my grandmother is in the hospital because she fell and broke her hip. Physically it's very hard on her, but emotionally also. Her and granddaddy forget what's going on and can't figure out where the other one went...it's just heartbreaking. We're hoping that she gets to go back to the nursing home with granddaddy this week. Even then, I don't think things will ever be the same, but at least they'll be together.

As usual, more pics...have a good week.

He asked for cheerios, I said no. I couldn't find him until I heard a noise in the cabinet. He got a bowl, climbed in the cabinet, shut the door and got his own cheerios. I had to have a picture; great parenting, I know....


This was my shirt when I was her age....


Good morning sunshine....


This is why a 2 year old boy shouldn't be allowed to dress himself....

Do they ever grow up????

I (along with several other wives) are so pleased to report that our husbands have joined a new league here in Lubbock. This is not unusual for most of them, because they still like to play basketball, football, etc. However, this league is a little different. Their team name is "The Bull Honky Mama's" and they are playing dodge ball. Isn't that hilarious? Their first game was tonight and I don't know if they had more fun playing, or if we had more fun watching. I was very entertained by the girls simply cheering them on. Jennifer was pretty brutal with some of her comments like, "Come on, hit the girl!" or "Get the old man" to mention a few. They did win their games and here are a few pictures. We were talking about planning an end of the season banquet with slide shows, trophies and all that fun stuff. I tease them about acting like little boys, but honestly they wouldn't be nearly as fun if they acted their own age.
On another note, we go to the doctor tomorrow and will find out whether were getting a boy or a girl. I can confidently say that it's going to be a boy, but I guess the doctor can confirm it tomorrow :) I'll keep you updated! Have a good one.

The Bull Honky Mama's....

Their nicknames....


My stud....

Coming off the line....


Wow, he can clean up....


These are some pictures of the kiddos. Sydney is starting to crawl. She hasn't "officially" taken off yet but has made several leaps forward. She is also pulling up on everything and now the proud owner of a red lump over her eye (pulled a tray on top of her). It's so hard to believe that she'll be 9 months old, next week....what a precious girl!

Our little beauty...

She's always so happy...

Mama's little cowboy...

Cheeeeeeeeessssseeeeee...

Daddy loves his babies...

Disclaimer...

Okay, I've had a chance to cool off from all the football madness. I would like to retract one of my statements about all my teams being idiots. As for the Cowboys, some predicted them to win the superbowl and they didn't even make it to playoffs, so they may still be idiots. However, I can't say the same for Tech. It was a disappointing end to the season, but they still had an awesome year. In a heated moment, it's hard to look at the positive, but overall I'm very proud to be a Tech fan...ok, now I feel better!

It's me again...

I just looked at the date of my last post and it was over 2 and 1/2 months ago, wow! I could write for days about everything that's happened since October, but don't have the time or energy, not to mention the fact that it would be really boring. Anyway, I was doing pretty good about blogging, but we got some interesting news a few months ago that just brought our world to a stop. Don't worry, it's nothing bad, just very unexpected. So, you might ask what kind of news could have such an effect? I guess finding out that in June we will have 3 children under the age of 3 will do it! Yes, apparently God thought it would be fun for me to get pregnant while Ryder had just turned 2 and Sydney was 4 months. I was VERY unhappy at first, but we know it's a huge blessing. It has just taken some time to put everything into perspective and get our thoughts together. We will find out what it's going to be in 2 or 3 weeks, which also means that I'll be 20 wks and half way there. I have certainly learned that we can plan out our lives all we want, but sometimes God has his own set of plans. This is really going to change the way that I can work from home and the time table that we were looking to build our house. In the end, we are happy and know that there is no greater blessing.
In the mean time, our other two are getting so big. Ryder is 100% cowboy. He loves trailers, pickups, tractors, horses, cows and now anything that is John Deere. He got a pair of boots for Christmas and has taken them off for baths, but that's about it. He slept in them a few nights, hopefully that won't last much longer. Sydney got her first baby doll for Christmas, but Ryder plays with it more than she does. He's constantly changing her "poopy" diapers and has even named her, "daddy Colt". Colt is a little concerned at his love for a baby doll, but I have assured him that I don't think he'll be trading in his trucks for a doll. Sydney has four teeth and she's not crawling, but scooting all over the place. She's only 8 months, but wears 12-18 month clothes because of her length. They are both absolute balls of joy and we're excited to bring another one into our precious family.
Before I go, I have to gripe about football for just a second. Anyone watch Tech make fools of themselves today???? Anyone watch Dallas make fools of themselves a couple weeks ago??? Just checking, and that's really all that I have to say about my favorite teams. "Thanks a lot for such a happy ending to football season, you bunch of idiots". (Tierney, if you're reading this, sorry for all the insults!)
Here are pictures, and I promise to post within a timely manner this next time! Have a good one!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

It's been a while....

It seems like yesterday when I made my last post, but as my sister reminded me, it's been almost a month. Several of you asked about the picture of Ryder and Colt on the fence. I entered it into a contest and am still waiting to see what they decide. It would be for the November issue of SuperLooper magazine; we'll see.
We've had quite a bit going on this month. Colt and I celebrated our 8th anniversary. (I guarantee you that a lot of bets were lost over that one) It's hard to believe that it's actually been 8 years; 6 out of the 8 have been very happy...don't ask about the other 2 :) I'm so blessed to have him because I couldn't ask for a better husband or father.

The kids are doing great. Sydney has two teeth now and working on a few more. She's an absolute doll with all her smiles and laughs. Ryder is rotten as ever, although he's still the sweetest most entertaining things you've ever seen. Do you notice anything wierd about this picture?

I opened the silverware drawer the other night and water started pouring out. Then I noticed that my spoon slot was full of water also. "Precious" (as we usually call him) had been playing at the sink and apparently thought the spoons were thirsty. He's truly a handful and we've learned to NEVER EVER turn our backs on him. Gotta love Ryder!

Here are several random pictures. We finally have a family picture and that's only because Amy Van was in town and took it for us. I still haven't figured out how to set up the automatic thing on my camera. Hope everyone has a good one and I'll try to post again soon!!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

He'll always look up to his daddy...

Well, I've got both kids down for a nap, Colt is roping and so I've got a few minutes to sit down and blog. Colt has been entering quite a few ropings lately and has another one Sunday afternoon. He's done really well and is loving it, who knows what that could lead to someday. Several of these pictures are from one that we went to in Abilene last week. I LOVE the picture of him sitting on the fence while Ryder is looking up at him.
My latest project has been working on a floor plan for a house that we want to build someday. We just bought land with my inlaws and will start a barn and other little things for now. We probably won't even put our house on the market for another couple years. It just depends on how long it takes to save the money that we need. We've been out to the land several times over the past month and Ryder absolutely loves it out there. He's quite the outdoorsman and would stay outside all day if given the choice.
It's amazing how fast both of them are growing up. Syndey turned 5 months yesterday and is wearing 9-12 month clothes because she's so long. She still spends the majority of her day sleeping in the swing, but when she's awake, she's nothing but smiles and laughs. She is such a happy baby. Ryder spends most of his time on the trampoline, riding his jeep or playing with his trucks and tractors. He has a new fascination with trailers, tractors and ropes. I wonder why??? I think he's going to be our little farm boy/cowboy and that's fine with me. He's so full of energy and loves to climb on anything he can find. The other day, he was yelling our names and so we walked into the kitchen to find him hanging off the fridge. We have a side by side and he had both hand on the handles and had walked his feet up to his hands. He was literally hanging vertically from the fridge.
We've been so blessed to end up with two awesome kids. Well, I better run because I've got to make a bow for Sydney's church dress tomorrow. Most of these pics are of Ryder, because Syndey stayed with my mom; more of her later. Hope everyone has a great week.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Love me some cowboys...

There is just something about this time of year that makes me so happy. The weather starts cooling off and that means football season is here. I love just hanging around the house on Saturday afternoons and hearing some college game in the background. Then of course there is Sunday and Monday for NFL and I love to watch the Cowboys. I think they've got a pretty good shot this year, but they are the Cowboys and history proves that you shouldn't ever give them too much credit. We've got tickets to the Tech games, and I love that too, but it's such a pain to find babysitters and make all those arrangements. The Tech games are really more about socializing than football. We usually tailgate in the same spot and it's just always fun to be with everyone, without the kids. Okay, I guess that's enough football talk, but I don't have much else to talk about. Nevermind, I just thought of something. Please tell me that someone has watched the new 90210. I was so excited when I heard it was coming back with some of the original cast, but was so diappointed when I actually watched it. Those kids are idiots and the principals family is the sappiest bunch of crap I've ever seen. Is it just me or does anyone else feel the same way. Maybe I'm just synical because the original was my favorite show in the world. Anyway, here are pictures. I hope everyone is doing good.

Last thing...has anyone had problems linking other blogs? I can't get any of your links to come up on here. Don't take it personally, I just can't do it.

Faith, Hope, Love Ministries

Make a Smilebox slideshow

It seems like I've lived on the computer for the past few days. I've meant to post this for a while and am just now getting the opportunity. These days, it seems like everyone has a "cause" that they're fighting for and while it's so easy to sit back and let everyone else do the work, we decided to make one of our own. This is something that I am very passionate about because I have seen the effects that divorce can have on a family and it's members. As most of you know, my sister is a single mom raising three kids on her own. Her ex no longer sends child support or has any real communication with the kids. We've seen her struggle emotionally and financially and it came to the point where we felt as if some sort of intervention was immediately necessary. We started a non-profit organization called Faith, Hope, Love Ministries and it primary purpose is to help single parents with resources and finances. As of today, Larissa is our focus, but her financial situation is only temporary and we will then be able to help someone else in a similar situation. I've attached a link to the website and you can read all about. Hopefully, it's self explanatory. Go to the original post, because Larissa added something to the blog last night. If it's something you're intersted in or have any questions, please let me know. We've already had an amazing response and with God's help, anticipate great things in the future.

I couldn't post a blog without adding pics of the kiddos. There were so many that I had to do a slideshow! Have a good one!
***For some reason, I can't add the link to the page, but here is the address: faithhopeloveministries.blogspot.com

Back in the saddle....

Ryder and "B"...

Miss Priss...

Trying to get ready for church...

Mom, Madi and Sydney...

Mom and Sydney...


The last few months have been a little different for our family. Colt has decided to get back into roping again. He grew up team roping with his entire family, but decided he hated it when he was pretty young. He would mess around with it when we were at his parents house, but he hasn't been in a roping since he was probably 13 or so. Anyway, for some reason he decided he wanted to build an arena, get a horse and start doing it again. Everyone has their own natural talents, but roping is something that comes so easily to him. He's great on a horse and looks like such a pro in the arena. He entered a roping yesterday and did amazingly well. He was only one of 2 people that made it to the short round twice. All they had to do was catch and he was almost guaranteed a prize, but both of his headers missed for him...he was pretty disappointed, but there's nothing he could do about it. The top prize was a really nice horse trailer and they paid 10 cash spots which would have been nice too. Since there were 250 teams that entered, it's awesome that he made it that far; especially since so many of those people have devoted so much of their life to practicing. Here comes a kid in tennis shoes and a baseball cap that hasn't entered any sort of competition in over 15 years and he out-roped almost everyone. I'm so proud of him and so excited to see where this is going to lead. He's going to another one in Muleshoe on Labor Day, so we'll see what happens.

Here are a few pictures of the kiddos. I've debated for a while on how to handle Ryder's "B" (blanket). If you notice, almost every picture has a "B" in there somewhere because he never goes anywhere without it. I decided to take his picture with it and then I may start cutting it into smaller pieces. I haven't been able to take scissors to it yet, but at least he has pictures with it. Hope yall have a good week!

A mini vacation....

just like 7th grade doubles pictures...(Jill, I hope I made your husband proud)

aaahhhh!

Daddy and the kids...

Ryder's 1st tennis lesson...

Amy and Syd...
We went to Dallas for the weekend and had such a good time. Amy Van was house sitting for some of her good friends while they were in Hawaii. She asked us to bring the kids over and let them swim while we grilled out that night. I knew they had a nice house, but my jaw hit the floor when I saw it. Some of the ammenities included (in realtor language) outdoor kitchen with flatscreen, fireplace, pool, hot tub, lighted tennis court (yes in their back yard); the inside had 2 staircases, an elevator shaft, a dining room table that seats 24 people and to top it all off, the master closet was honestly the size of my bedroom at home. We did the math and realized that their house is 6 times the size of mine. I could go on for days about how gorgeous it was. We ended up staying there 2 nights because we didn't want to leave; it was like being at a resort.
Needless to say, we had a great time and it was so good to see Amy and let her spend time with my kids (when I could pull her away from the Olympics...Go Michael Phelps:) For those of you who don't know her, she's crazy, but I love her! Anyway, here are a few pics from "the mansion". Have a great week.