Best. Gift. Ever.

I know I can’t post pics right now but I can still share stories right? Right. 

When Big Tio and Tia Nett came down she brought me a birthday present that was too heavy to mail. It was a scrapbook they had made me. It started with a pic of my mom and dad and then followed with their wedding pic and so on. She had several pics of me as a little girl in Germany (my dad was stationed there at the time so I was born a little Herman the German) and it was scary how many of them looked like Pippa! She is of course way cuter than I ever was as a baby but the profile shots or big smiles in my dad’s arms looked just like her! She even included letters that my mom had written her decades ago. The first was when she found out she was pregnant with me. She was so excited! She of course already had Mike but I was the first girl (hello! Monks and then Pips!) I will stop there though. No twins in the future. Lol. Anyway, this was the best gift I could have ever received. Not only to see my mom’s writing again, but to read them and know I have felt what she felt was amazing. Of course many tears were shed but some were of such happiness and gratitude. These letters mean so much to me. One of the sweetest things was when she talked about me. She mentioned how pretty I was and how everyone complimented me all the time. She said when people would call me pretty or beautiful I would turn to the side and smile like yeah, tell me about it. I gasped when I read that. Pips has done that several times when people talk to her! How weird is that? My heart melted. It was funny to hear what a handful Mike was as a toddler and the whole time Jenny was like what? because it was stuff Adrian does now! My mom always referred to him as a little monster or devil. Lol. We laughed a lot too and she even had letters I wrote to her (Tia Nett) when I was young. I laughed out loud at one from when I was about 7 and it said “thanks so much for the engraved gold bracelet. Everyone in my class envies it. I just love it! It is the talk of the class. We are starting square dancing and I hope this boy named Frank is my partner. He is sooo cute!” It went on and on and finally said “I better close for now, I hear the boys. Thanks again and tell Bill hi for me. Love you both!” It sounded so much like me! Trying to sound so grown up and give her all the details in one letter of my busy second grade life. Jumping from subject to subject and adding humor. Hilarious! There were several more from my mom and from me. The pictures all brought back so many memories. I can’t wait to share it all with the kids when they get a little older. Words cannot express how happy I am that they made this for me and she held onto all this stuff through the years. I will cherish it forever! 

Thanksgiving

I apologize in advance for my serious lack of pics. I only took a few. We had a great time though. I was so excited because I found some free printables to decorate with this year. We had a banner, napkin rings, place cards and activity place mats. The kids had a turkey to color, tic tac toe boards and a place to list what they were thankful for (with help of course). The adults had a maze, a word scramble and places to list what you were thankful for. Mike did the maze the fastest and Jenny by far had the most words with the scramble.

We had our usual of fried turkey, ham, sweet potato souffle, loaded mashed potatoes, broccoli rice casserole aka sally, stuffing, cranberry salad, homemade mac and cheese and a corn casserole. We had pumpkin pie, pecan pie and a big fruit pie divided into fourths. It had cherry, blueberry, peach and apple. Jenny also perfected Gigi's famous pumpkin roll. No one can make it like Gigi but Jenny was spot on this time. We ate, put the kids for naps, watched the Cowboys almost storm a comeback and then ate some more. We ate leftovers until Saturday and they were still amazing.

Big Tio and Tia Nett came in town on Friday and spent the weekend. It was so nice to have them. They could not believe how much our babies had grown. Tia Nett commented on how long Monkey's legs were in his jeans. He is going to be one tall monkey! Adrian and Pips walked everywhere and had so much fun with them. Pips loved being held by Big Tio and rested her head on his shoulder. We laughed so hard because when they first got there, the two babies were in their highchairs eating snacks and they screamed for a good three minutes when they first walked in. Poor things. We played Adrian Bingo one night and Aikman got tired of it so said he was going to take a little break. He went and sat in Big Tio's lap and watched Casino Royale with him. I heard him ask once "is those the bad guys?" Preciousness! We played games, went shopping, ate and hung out. 

Such a nice holiday. I sure did miss Gigi and G-Bo. I know we all did but it was still a nice time and the kids had a blast. Pippa and Adrian had to eat in just a diaper and needed a bath after each meal. They LOVED it! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday and spent time with the ones you love. We did!

*I apologize for no pics right now, they won't load so I will post them later. 

Paparazzi Pics

Yes, I think of my babies as celebrities. Lol. 

This was Pips at Red Robin last week crying because she didn't get her way. She wanted to stand up and I made her sit. The second pic is because Devin took her picture. She was pissed. Poor girl. 

This is my precious Pips with Pete and Phil at Red Lobster last week. Phil treated us all to dinner and this was while we were waiting. How does my baby girl look so old here? She adores her uncles so much. I LOVE this picture. I want to make it into a billboard around town. 

This was Pete and Pips at Adrian's party. How sweet is it? I love them. 

My Pips and I did matching pedis at the house. And no, it's not purple. It's a chocolate brown for fall thank you very much. I love kissing these feet 24-7. 

Devin did this with some app on his phone. Monks loves it and was so excited he made it look like he was in snow. Not gonna lie, it's pretty tight. If we were outside, we could so fool people! 

I'm Thankful For...

I can’t wait until tomorrow! It’s almost Thanksgiving! I am so excited this year we are all together once again. I was worried Mike and Jenny might be gone already but they are still here! Devin works of course at night and Mike doesn’t go in until 4 so we have the day together. Phil also got called to go in but that won’t be until 9 or so Thursday night. So here it is! The list of what I am thankful for!

-My husband. Devin is amazing in so many ways and I owe so much to him. I could go on forever about him but he is a great husband, an awesome dad (his dad would be so proud of him) and always puts us first. I have so much fun with him and he makes me laugh like no one can. I am still madly in love with him and miss him when I am not with him. Thirteen years and still going strong!

-My son and daughter. Aikman and Pippa are my world and I am so thankful I was blessed with two gorgeous children who are extremely happy and healthy. Their smiles and kisses and hugs are what keep me going. I love everything about them and they amaze me so much daily. Having children changed me and for the best. Being a mom is the greatest job in the world!

-My brothers. I have three awesome, handsome, insanely funny and loving brothers. They are always there for us anytime we need them. I would do anything for them. They are so different in many ways yet so similar in others. Everyone who meets them loves them. They are the best uncles any kid could ask for and my children adore them more than they will ever know!

-My sister. Jenny became my sister by marriage and even though I never wanted one lol my brother hit the jackpot with her! I have so much fun with her and cannot remember our lives without her. She is the best mother to my precious nephew and is the BEST aunt to my kids. She is the only aunt in our family right now (until the boys marry of course) and does a great job! She loves my kids like her own and I owe her so much for all she has done for us. Aikman and Pippa love their Tia to death.

-My Sweet Man. Adrian is awesome! I love that little guy to death. He has the funniest personality and no one can keep up with him. Not only is he absolutely adorable in the looks department (hello! Look at his parents) but he makes us laugh all the time. He melts my heart when we go over and he wants me over anyone and when he gives me kisses. I cannot wait to watch him grow and have him come stay with us. I take my role of Auntie S seriously!

-I am also so thankful for my extended family. Gramita, Big Tio, Tia Nett and Horns and now Karen. We had a tough time this last year and they all were there for us and I hope they would feel we were there for them. I am beyond grateful to them for all they do for us and our children. It gives me some comfort to know that my parents can live on through them, especially my mom.

My family is awesome, what can I say? Family is the most important thing to me and being a family means being there for each other no matter what. We were tested like crazy at times, but that’s life right? All you can do is go forward. At the end of the day when I think about regrets and things I wish I had back, when I think of my family, I realize I am the luckiest girl in the world. I hope you have a great Thanksgiving! I know I sure will! 

At The Park With Daddy!

Devin emailed me these pics from earlier today. He said they had the best time and that Monks ran around like crazy. Pippa played hard too and passed out on the ride home. Sad I missed it. 

Watching prairie dogs

Aww

That Crazy Aikman

Mrs. Marisa told me the other day that Aikman was such a character. She said that she had made him a grilled cheese (which he won’t eat ever) and he took a small bite for her. She said he then told her “well say thank you for trying it!” Lol. Little creep. She also said he told her she was “such a funny girl” and when she said “oh yeah?” that he said “yeah babe-beee!” I told you all he is hilarious! I don’t exaggerate!

I love how he tells Pippa these things daily:

Hey sweet girl, did you sleep good?

Well hi precious girl!

Where's my sweet girl??

Oh come here you sweet baby girl!

Where's my Pips??

He is so sweet to her and the other morning I had to laugh. My dad used to always say "Did you sleep like a big dog or a little pup? and then of course we would answer him with one. I try to always ask Monks that. The other morning I was getting Pippa's clothes ready and Monks stood on the edge of her crib and said "Hi precious girl! Did you sleep like a big dog or a little pup? A little rhino!? How sweet baby girl!" 

He then turned to tell me she slept like a rhino. I said monkey, a rhino isn't even an option and he shrugged and said "that's what hers told me!" 

Random pic but this was Monks with Apollo the other night. We get orders each night to bring him in so he won't get cold. He wants him to sleep with him so bad. I told Devin he will have to bathe him and then one night maybe we can. I just know that giant dog will crawl in his bed with him. Lol. 

Weekend Update

Saturday we went grocery shopping for all our Thanksgiving stuff. We picked up Pete about 9 and he went with us. It wasn’t crowded which is made it so nice. We had to go to HEB and Sams. We then headed home for lunch. I made the kids lunch and put Pippa down for her nap. Devin then woke up and so we got Burger King for the “adults” lol and Monks wanted a fruit smoothie. Devin took Pete home as I began to clean and then Devin called and said get the kids ready, we are going somewhere. The United parking lot was having a classic cars show and Toys for Tots were out there as well. We went to Kids Village first where I found two outfits I NEED for Pippa. One was $49 and the other was $67. They were precious though! I think I can convince Devin to let me get the cheaper one (like $50 is cheap lol). We then went to see the cars! Monks was in heaven pointing them all out and telling us about them. They had some music in a corner and huge speakers. We laughed because some AC/DC song was on and Pips was just bobbing her head in her stroller and moving her feet. Her G-Bo would be proud! We then went home and I cleaned house. We had to get ready for this week! I also had to put my Halloween stuff away. Yes, six years later, it was still up. Leave me alone.

Um, precious? Pete took this in HEB.

This was in front of Sams. I was getting Pippa out of the car and into the basket and I just look and  Pete has him on the front of this taking pictures! Lol. 

Driving down a road and saw these cows by the fence so we stopped to "moo" at them. We then notice this bison/buffalo in the back. Um, really? Who owns him?

Sunday we had a really laid back day. The kids and I played in the morning while Devin slept until 11:45. We played in Monks’ room with cars, legos and even built a fort on his bunk bed. Pippa got sleepy so I put her down for her morning nap and Monks and I got crafty. We made a turkey with those little pom pom balls and painted with shaving cream. We made the coolest pictures! We then ate spaghetti and salad for lunch and it was so sweet because my monkey told me “You are the best mommy ever when you make such mad good food like this.” I said it is just spaghetti sweetheart and he said “yeah but it’s so perfect!” Lol. My son is so easy to please. We then watched the Cowboys. I texted some family that Sundays are not a day for rest-at least not if you are a Cowboys fan. Talk about a nail biter. Actually that is an understatement. Talk about a “let me use every swear word I know while breaking stuff and punching the couch.” Okay so nothing got broken but still. Lol. We then went to the park to feed the ducks some bread we have been saving for nearly a month now. The kids had fun. Pippa didn’t want to feed them, she wanted to grab them so I had to keep her by me. She kept laughing at them and trying to make their noises. Monks loved feeding them but wouldn’t always let it go and so he held on to his bread a few times and so the ducks would come to him and he would try to run while shrieking. Poor baby. He did have lots of fun though. We then ran to HEB for a few things for us and then headed to pick up some wings for dinner. After dinner, I took a hot bubble bath with my Pips by candlelight and we had the best time. We sang, blew bubbles and just relaxed. Monks even walked in at one point with a little glass of wine for me. Sweet boy. She was so funny in that she wouldn’t face me. She wanted to sit right in front of me and lean back on me. Her little feet would float. She has the best personality. I can’t wait to start our Mommy and Me and Daddy and Me days with the kids. I only work 2 ½ days this week and then am off! Can’t wait! 

Pippa looks like a statue here lol

Painting!

These things were huge and up close.

Pippa's Doctors Appointment

Early Thursday morning Pippa woke up at 2:30 just crying and crying. I went in her room and could kind of smell poop so I checked her and sure enough she had pooped. I changed her and turned her lamb back on and then got her some more milk and put her to bed. She felt a little warm but I thought that was just because she was under the blanket and her fan was off. I put it on low and left. I heard her about 15 minutes later crying again. Devin got up with her and said he gave her back her bottle and patted her for a minute. He then left. Another 20 minutes or so went by and she was screaming now. I went in and she was burning up. In that short amount of time, she went from barely warm to extremely hot. She was so upset I didn’t even try and take her temp but I did get her to take some Motrin. I held her for a little while and she was tired so was falling asleep on me. I went to put her down and she screamed as soon as I had her away from me. I then picked her up and sat in her chair and rocked her. She was out in minutes. I reclined it and covered us up some and we both slept. I called first thing in the morning for an appointment. I came in a little late that day and then left at 3:00 for her appointment. Devin had stayed home with her and then picked me up to take her. She weighed 26 pounds, 15 ounces and had a temp of 100.8. She was pretty much all smiles and was a little whiny but did not seem sick at all. Dr. Steadman said her ears looked great and her throat looked just fine, but he swabbed for strep just in case. That came back negative and he said she sounded great and she hadn’t had a runny nose or cough so he said it was either her teeth (although he said that temp is getting on the high side for teething) or some minor infection that needed to run its course. We were told to keep an eye on her and if overnight or this morning she seemed to get worse, to just call him and he could call in a prescription for her. We then got ready to leave and she was just smiling and “talking” to everyone. We went down the hall to check out and Pippa just walked by herself smiling at everyone. There were four ladies there (nurses and office staff) and they were going on and on about how gorgeous she is and how much she has grown. One of the nurses bent down and asked for a five and Pippa ran up to her and lifted her arms to be picked up. She picked her up of course and Pippa just smiled and leaned into her. So sweet. After we got our baby girl back lol we went to the counter where she got a sticker and was just smiling at the girls up there. One of the nurses who ALWAYS talks to the kids and asks for their eyelashes was talking to her and said something about her being too cute and how she is probably spoiled by everyone at home and Pippa said yeaaaaaaah. We all laughed and then she said again about how pretty she was and Pippa just smiled and made this face and the nurse laughed and said “oooh, she knows it too! You go girl!” We told everyone Happy Thanksgiving and left. She acted fine, just seemed really tired. After dinner, I bathed her and put her to bed about 6:50 since she could barely keep her eyes open. Devin took off last night to stay with her today and he said she woke up at 10:15 this morning!! Someone was exhausted! Poor thing. I am sure with some rest and all the extra TLC she has been given, she will be fine soon. He said she has been playing and eating so that is good. Baby girl needs to be ready to go for next week!

She looks really sick huh? At least she had a fever otherwise I am sure I would just be seen as some paranoid mom. Lol. 

A Few More

I love this pic. It makes me laugh because it looks like one of those MySpace/Facebook pics people take of themselves. I will have to find it but we have one like that Monks took when he was a few months old. Their arms are reaching for the camera but instead it looks like they took it. Ha ha. So funny. 

My Monks watching a movie in a box. He really was in it for about 30 minutes. At least I now know if we ever became homeless he would enjoy his box.  :)  That's a joke by the way. 

Random Pics From Daddy

Pips with a sucker wearing Aikman's old shirt

After bath wearing the shirt Pete and Phil made her. Look at that face though! 

We have this little key that came in the mail on one of those "bring this key to the car lot and if it fits, the car is yours!" type thing and the kids love playing with it. Devin took these when Pippa got the key and tried putting it in our door. Hey, at least she knows what keys do! 

Devin told him to make a silly face. I would say he nailed it lol

Notice our children wear the craziest pajamas when home with dad? Sweet things. 

Having Fun

Mrs. Marisa emailed me these pictures the other day. She said Aikman had the best time pouring the colored water into the bowls and making new colors. She said at the end they mostly had that brownish color since he mixed everything. Lol. My Pips just played in her highchair with toys. 

Funny Stories Of My Crazy Babies

The other night Monks was trying to stall going to bed. I told him to go pee one last time and he did. He then said he needed to try and poop. He tried (although he never really had to go) so then I said well you can go to bed and if you have to poop you can get up. He then came to me to put his diaper on for the night and this was our conversation:

Monks: Oh my mouth is dirty. I need a bath first.

Me: Well you can just clean your mouth with a wipe and you will be fine.

Monks: (really laying there thinking) um, well my hands is dirty so I think I need a bath.

Me: We can easily wash your hands if they need washing. It’s time for bed.

Monks: (looking around just TRYING to think of something) momma, my penis and butt is sooooo dirty, I need a bath!

Me: Stop yourself, it is bedtime and you are going to bed. Tell Daddy good night.

Monks: (sighs) Okay.

What a stinker! He was trying hard to get me to keep him up. Crazy boy. I love how his little mind works. He just kills me.

Last night we ate dinner at Tio and Tia’s. We had some enchilada soup. Man it was great! Jenny and I gave the kids other things to eat since it was a little spicy. Monks was eating his food and then this was our conversation:

Monks: Momma, you think I could get some soup?

Me: Okay, it is kind of spicy so I will just give you a little.

Monks: Do you think it’s possible I could have a lot?

Me: (laughing) okay.

I gave him a small bowl and put some cheese in it. He had to let it cool first but then he ate it! He loved it and kept telling us how “mad good” it was. It was spicy and he even said a few times yeah, its spicy but it’s so mad good! He ate it with chips and hot sauce.

When we left, it was pretty cool out and so the kids had on their big jackets. As we pulled in our driveway Monks told us “it’s gonna be so cold outside tonight so I think you should bring in Apollo because he is so precious and I love him.” I said okay sweetheart I will. How is he the sweetest boy always thinking of others? I did let Apollo in last night of course and this morning around 7:15 when I was about to get the kids up, I let him back outside. Monks came in the living room and went straight to the kitchen and said where’s Apollo? I said he is outside and he said but it’s so cold! Why he not inside? I said it was okay and that I had just let him out. He then told me but it’s still cold out momma! I said well it won’t be for long, the sun is up and it is nowhere near as cold as it is at night when the sun is not out. He finally believed me and started getting dressed.

Devin and I were talking last night as Apollo laid on the couch about how old he is. He was born in 2003 and just had his birthday November 6. Our pup just turned 9! That is old in dog years and for German Shepherds! We are so thankful though he has no hip problems or back problems like some larger dogs. It is just sad to think of because we bought Apollo our first year we moved in our house. Both the kids just adore him and I hate that he won’t have many more years left, especially now at Aikman’s age, being that he can really play with him. Monks even knows several of his commands and will tell him to sit or stay or lay down when giving him treats. All his commands are in German so to hear Monks say them is beyond precious. He is so gentle with the kids and even as babies he always was. He never got jealous or anything. He has been the perfect family dog. So sweet, loving, protective and gentle. That’s our pup for you!

Monday night Tio and Tia and Adrian came over and we all had dinner and then played some games. We had a Signs meal and we had some chips and hot sauce with it. Pippa saw everyone dipping their chips in the hot sauce and so she pointed and wanted some. Tio took her chip and fake dipped it and then handed it to her. She looked at it and then at him and stared at him like um, excuse me? We all laughed and then he did it again but this time he acted like he took a bite after and went mmmm and then handed it to her. She gave him another dirty look and did her grunt/scream she does when you make her mad. I told him dip it for her then and let her eat it if she was going to be ugly. (Number 1 mom here lol) Finally he gave her a tiny bit on the chip and she smiled big as he handed it to her and ate it. She got what she wanted. Crazy crazy girl. She was like no sir, you’re not fooling me! I love that girl so much! 

Love Is In The Air

Our Uncle Art aka Horns was married on Saturday evening! He and Karen made it official after several years of dating. We first met Karen at Monks’ 1^st birthday party. She was very sweet and fit right in. She even helped us in decorating for his party! Am I a jerk? I had just met her and put her to work? That is a rhetorical question. None of you need to answer that by the way. We couldn’t be happier to welcome her into our family! Congrats to the happy couple! Here are some pics I was emailed:

I just noticed that little sunflower in the bouquet. :) Sweet. 

With Big Tio and Tia Nett

1/2 A Weekend Update

Sunday we went grocery shopping and then to Christmas in November at the Civic Center. My mom and I went every year and would come home with tons of stuff. Devin said he would go with me this year and so we took the kids and made it a family affair. I have to admit I was sooo disappointed! There was hardly any Christmas stuff! I was so excited to buy ornaments and especially the personalized ones we get each year. Nothing. It was mainly jewelry and food and the few Christmas décor items they had were really country and not our style. I did fall in love with several outfits for my Pippa, but they were all about $50. Damn you Christmas In November! Why can’t you fall right after a payday?? Lol. I did write down the brand names of the stuff I liked and already found it online so I can still order it for actually cheaper than it was being sold of course. We did find my Pippa some hair bows. I bought her a black and a hot pink one. They were 2 for $5. Hello. We also got her the sweetest bracelet. My baby girl has style. There was not much for Monks but he was very satisfied when Devin bought him some Santa gummies from a candy place and a bag of popcorn. They were making it by the entrance. I always have to smile when Monks smells popcorn and asks for it. Just like his Gigi. We still had fun even though we didn’t buy much. We also watched the Cowboys win that day! That evening after dinner, and I apologize for no pics, my hands were a MESS, but we painted in the bathtub with shaving cream and food coloring. I undressed both the kids completely and we made little piles of shaving cream and then added some food coloring. The kids went to town. Monks loved painting on the walls and the side of the tub. Pippa loved painting on her thighs and ponsa. She would just stand up and rub it on her little tummy and laugh and laugh. They both had so much fun and smelled good when we were done. This weekend I will get the fluorescent paints and a black light to make glow in the dark bath paint! Fun fun!

We were going to go out to see G-Bo for Veteran’s Day, but it was a pretty big weekend and emotionally I wasn’t up for it so we decided to go next weekend to see him and Gigi. I texted Big Tio and Horns since they are retired military. I am very proud of my dad, my two uncles and both grandfathers for their service to this country. Happy Veteran’s Day to everyone who has ever served our great nation! 

Excuse the Mardi Gras beads, she loves wearing them everywhere. See her sweet bracelet? 

Admiring it....

Too much shopping can wear a girl out!

Oh em gee! Look at this sweet baby. Just enjoying his popcorn. I love him!

How does my baby look so much older now? :(  So handsome.