The Award

So yes I am going to rat myself out! I designated myself the WORST MOTHER of the YEAR awards last night. Let me tell you what happened. First I get home and the kids wanted to go and play outside in the backyard. I figured that would be ok while I cook dinner. So I let them outside and open up the blinds so I can keep an eye on them. Well I now think it is time to put a bigger lock on the back gate. One of our neighbors came to the door and said do you know your kids are in the front yard? I said WHAT?? I said no and she said I didn't think you did, she said she didn't mean to medle(spell check) I said by no means are you medeling. I appreciate it.

So as if that isn't bad enough it gets worse! I know what could be worse than your kids playing in the front yard without any supervision!! Well while cleaning up the kitchen after dinner, Matthew came in the kitchen SCREAMING at the top of his lungs saying hurt ear, hurt ear! I said what happened trying to understand him I said did Aubrey bite you and surprisingly he said no so I asked again what happened? He calms down a tid bit and says screwdriver!! I said you put a screwdriver in your ear and he replys yes.

So calmly I said let me see where is the screwdriver? He went and got it and I went and got the phone. This is a perk of working for your pediatrician. I call him on the phone and tell him what happened and he walks me through it. Luckily I had some ear drops that I could use. After applying the ear drops he seemed to do ok. Thank goodness he slept fine and said that his ear didn't hurt this morning!

SO that is why I gave myself the WORST MOTHER OF THE YEAR award.

Wordless Wednesdays

I really like how my cousin uses Wordless Wednesdays to just post some pictures. So Lacie I hope you don't mind but I'm going to start to do the same. I like to post pictures and not have to type so much.

Aubrey in a Bob the builder hard hat at her cousin Trevor's Birthday party.

Matthew in his Bob the Builder hard hat at Trevor's Birthday party.

Everyone with Great Grandpa Braeuer except Aubrey she didn't want to partake in this photo.

Surgery Day

So I had surgery yesteray! Yes everything went well. My mom came and stayed the night with me on Sunday night and stayed with me until Rick got home from work yesterday. I was really exhausted after the surgery and slept all day and all night. Mom's are wonderful! You can always count on your mom.

Today I was a little more sore, really hard for me to sit down and easier for me to walk or stand around. So if I was going to be standing I might as well do something productive. So I have been wanting to do some more organinzing. I started with the hallway closet and did Aubrey's next. Then went shopping at Hobby Lobby and Target. I needed some more Christmas decorations. Will post some pictures later.Tomorrow I am going to work on Matthew's closet and try to tackle our closet but that just might be over doing it.

My Mother and Father in law are also someone I can count on. They have been so great with helping with Matthew and Aubrey. They have had them stay at their house since Sunday night but will be coming home on Wednesday. Rick and I are glad we are really missing all of the noise and craziness.

Here is a picture of my finished Hallway closet. I should have taken a before picture so you could tell what a difference it made.

Left side of the closet has our King size sheets and the kids Queen size bed sheets. And on the very top shelf is all of our old camera's the ones handed down from my parents and Rick's parents. One day I'm going to figure out how to use them.

This is the right side of the closet top shelf has all of our manuels for electronics and appliances. Then I have pillow cases in one basket and light bulbs and batteries in the other. Last shelf is just some vases and then some of my next quilt my am currently working on. And yes my baskets are LABELED!!!

Happy Holidays

So the Holiday season has arrived. We had Thanksgiving at my parents house in Cuero. Their house was suppose to be done in June or July. So much for that but it is making progress. It looks really good but will look even better when it is complete. We had a house full of family. I really enjoy the holidays when everyone gets together.

The children had lots of fun. My cousin Lindsey brought her nephew along because he wanted to come and play with Mattehw. They go to Victoria Christian together. I was so happy knowing that he really does get along with other children at school.

In the following picture you will see all the children laying on the floor watching some cartoons. Including my sister Lynn and cousin Lindsey. Bless their hearts they are still young at heart.

Here is a picture of Kannon, Braden, Matthew and Aubrey - Thanksgiving 2007

And yes that is Aunt Linda in the background keeping tabs on Braden so he doesn't fall off of the couch ! :P

First Day

So today was Matthew and Aubrey's first day at Victoria Christian School. I went early so that I could get everything together and feel organized. So we gather everything up and head to school. We go to the cafeteria and sign the kids in and I stay 15 - 20 minutes playing with them so that they warm up to the teachers and other children. It all went smoothly.

Aubrey did have one setback which I was expecting. She had an accident. We are in the middle of potty training. She was doing great at the old school but with the change of schools and new teachers it was something I was expecting. Matthew did awesome. They said that he acted like he has been there all along.

I am so proud of my children for going above and beyond my expectations on thier first day of school.

Here is a picture of the kids outside of the building on thier first day. It's not the greatest photo in the world but it had to do seeing how my battery was DYING when I was trying to get the kids to pose for a GOOD picture on their first day.

What's a MOM to do?

So I had a horrilbe afternoon yesterday. I go to my daycare and pick up my children. I always go and pick up Matthew first since he is usually outside playing and wants a drink from the fountain. So I do my usual and then head up to the front of the building to pick up Aubrey and low and behold there is a new teacher in her class. I was FURIOUS, Blood Boiling Furious. This new lady wasn't so new, she was acutually rehired after being fired for slapping a child there at the daycare.

So I go and talk to the director of the daycare and ask why she was in Aubrey's room? I wasn't real thrilled with her reply of I needed someone in there I was short a teacher. I told her that I didn't want her near my children. She then said that I have to put her where I need her. I then tell her that I don't think she should be around children at all for the reason why she was fired. Then walked out.

So then on Wednesday morning I go and get all the paperwork to be enrolled in Victoria Christian School. Yes it is more expensive but I know that my children will be safe and in a christian enviornment. So I think that the extra money is well worth it.

Even though I loved my kids teachers and they have so many friends where the are at, I have to do what I think is best for my children. Will post tomorrow to let you know how the first day goes.

Holiday Season is HERE

The Holiday Season is HERE!!! So today Rick and I cleaned and moved furniture around {yes moved the furniture AGAIN}. SO that we could put our Christmas tree up. I know that it is early but it is Rick's FAVORITE holiday so why not enjoy the tree a little bit longer.

Besides I won't be having much time to do it after this weekend. I will be starting to work Friday nights from 6 - 10 p.m. and from 2-6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for my second job. I will be working at an after hours clinic here in Victoria for Driscoll Childrens Hospital.

Here is a picture of our Christmas tree with the star topper and lights only.

And here is a picture of our mantel and the kids under the stockings.

Oh yeah I made some rice krispie treats this afternoon. No picture though we ate them all before I could take one!! OOPS!!

HALLOWEEN

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

So Today is Halloween! I love this Holiday and this time of the year! This is the 1st year that the kids will get to enjoy it. They will both be able to SAY TRICK-OR-TREAT. Both will get to walk this year no wagon pulling (Yeah)!!

This morning for daycare the kids got to dress up in there costumes. There having a Halloween festival. They were so excited. This year Matthew is going to be Diego and Aubrey is Dorothy from the Wizzard of Oz! (Although I did not buy the red shoes for a one time event.) Here is a picture of them dressed up for school.

Here is Matthew's friend Dawson as Batman
Since Grammie and Grandpa won't be here this year we will be going to Rick's cousins house; Kristi to go trick or treating in her neighborhood and have pizza with her tonight. I'm sure her son Trevor will be so excited to go trick or treating with Matthew and Aubrey.

When we got to Kristi's house her sister Kim was there with her son Tyler. Here is a picture of all the BOYS.

Trevor as Bob the Builder, Tyler as the Red Power Ranger, and Matthew as Diego. Aubrey was to busy playing with all of the toys to take pictures.


Matthew and Aubrey playing with Trevor's Toys

Rick and Aubrey "Dorothy" walking down the street Trick-or-Treating.



And this is a picture of Jackson as a "Dragon" . He is 9 months old. This is Elisha's son, a lady I work with. He was just so cute I had to post a picture of him.

Bathroom Remodel Complete

The Bathroom Remodel is finally COMPLETE!! It took alot longer than expected but it is complete. I am so HAPPY to have 2 bathrooms again, and of course my deep soaking bathtub.

The picture turned out a little dark but you can see we put in new faux wood blinds. I still need to get some curtains but other than that pretty much finished.

Here are a couple of more pictures....to be posted later....Computer problems right now.

And to make our bathroom remodel a little more expensive and just our luck we had to replace the toilet. Our old one had a crack in the tank although the plumber said it should be ok for a couple of years.(Guess he was wrong! :P ) So the only the thing we have left to do in here is to replace the faucets to match the fixtures in the bathtub and the light fixture.

Bathroom Paint

So we had another busy weekend. Matthew had a game at 11:00 Saturday morning. So we were awaken by our wonderful children at 7 a.m. So I got up and started making breakfast.

After breakfast we decided to take the kids to the zoo to see the new baboons that arrived last month. The kids absoultely loved them. After the visit to the zoo we headed off to go take pictures for the soccer game. Oh yeah we won 6-2. Matthew didn't play a whole lot this game he just wanted to keep taking breaks. I have a sneaking suspicion all he really wanted was the snacks we had made for the team. Aunt Lisa came to watch him play this weekend. He was really excited to see her come watch him play.

Later that afternoon Memaw and Papaw came and picked the kids up and took them to Cuero so that Rick and I could start painting our bathroom. YEAH - Almost done with the bathroom remodel. I also decided to do some touchup painting in our living room. The last time we painted was three years ago. So who knew that the new paint would dry darker?? And yes we used the same color RICHARD!! So much for a nice relaxing weekend.

Here are a few pictures of the paint in the bathrrom and of the work done so far. The tile people are coming tomorrow so I'll post again then.

Here is a close up of the wall color and the tile we will be putting in tomorrow.

Here is the tile work almost completed they will be here on Tuesday to grout the tile

Good 'Ole HARD Working Saturdays

So Today was Matthew's first Soccer game. He actually did really well. He kicked the ball a couple of times and the rest of the time he just ran off and on the field with the rest of the team. We won our first game even though they don't really keep score! But everybody knows that the mom's do. We won 6 to 1! At least I think. Not really sure how you keep score in soccer. So let's put it this way OUR TEAM made the ball in the goal 6 times while the other team made their ball in the goal once. And to my surprise soccer is really fun to watch. Here is a video (Hope it works) and a few pics of the game. Matthew is #2

And here is a picture of Matthew and Dawson - His best friend

After the game Rick and I had decided last weekend to take the kids fishing in Cuero at my mom and dads place. It was a REALLY HOT Day. So hot that the fish didn't even bother to bite. The only thing we did catch were the minnows my parents bought at the store. :P. At least the kids had fun! I think they just liked pulling that poor little minnow in and out of the water. Maybe that could be the reason we didn't catch anything. We really never gave the fish a chance to bite the line.

Here is a picture of Rick helping Aubrey waiting for a fish to bite the line.

And here is a picture of Laura helping Matthew waiting for a fish to bite the line.

Here is Papaw with Matthew and Aubrey fishing in the pond.

When we got home from Cuero we called one of our friends over to help put up our old BBQ pit back into the ground. If your wondering why it came out. My dear 'ole husband was mowing the grass and hit it. And there she went. Before he went and put it up again I had Rick move it closer to the house instead of out in the middle of the yard. That way the kids could have more room in the backyard and if we put up a swingset it wouldn't be in the way!!!

Here Rick is digging the hole to put the pit back in the ground.And this is the final product. Just waiting for the concrete to dry. And of course it started pouring down rain this evening. Hopefully it won't affect the concrete too bad.

Well that was our wonderful hard working weekend. More later......

Oh Yeah by the way Happy 60th Birthday Grammie! Love you.

Bathroom Remodel

So lately it's been really hectic around my house! We have been working on our Master Bathroom. It has been a really long process. I was hoping this project would be a little less time consuming!! Ha Ha the joke was on me. Here is what the Master bath looked like before the demo.

This week the plumbers have been here working on putting the tub in. What a job!! As you will see I decided to upgrade the bathtub. I wanted a bathtub that I could escape too and soak in after a hard days work. Something I could stay in a long time and enjoy. So I ended up with this tub. I know this picture doesn't show justice quite yet ~ but the plumber did say I could get in it tonight and who knows what will happen after the kids go to sleep tonight. Hang some sheets over the window and around the sides to hide the insulation and WAH-LA a soaking tub.

Oh yeah the sheetrock guy will be buy this evening to give his BID!!! Who knew a bathroom remodel would be so EXPENSIVE

More to be posted as the project comes along.......

First Haircuts

This past weekend we took the kids for haircuts. They have pictures on Thursday at school. This was Aubrey's first real haircut! I have to say she was AWESOME. Nothing like her brothers first haircut.

For Matthew I had to literally hold him down to get his hair cut. He would get so mad at me and turn beat red. The horrible things we have to do to our children to make them look clean cut. As for Aubrey we let Matthew go first and let her watch her BIG brother get his hair cut. After he was done she turned to us and said " My turn" I said yes dear it's your turn. She sat in the chair all by herself. Rick and I were so proud of her.

Here is a picture of OUR BIG GIRL getting her first haircut by Gayle at Supercuts. Rick actually went to school with Gayle and played in the band with her.

And YES we did BRIBE her with a Lollipop for her to sit still. But WOW did it ever work!!

Soccer Time

Today was Matthew's 1st Soccer Practice. I have to say he had a blast. They are so cute at this age. He ran around alot and kicked the ball into the goal alot. Next time I hope he will just wait his turn in line with the other kids instead of going 50 times in a row. At least he is having fun.

Matthew kicking the ball through the cones

Then he found the sticks in the ground and that was the end of soccer practice. Kids what do ya do when they get so distracted.

I just laughed and smiled at my little man.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Happy Anniversary to US!!
Picture of us at our Rehearsal Dinner. How CUTE - 4 wonderful years ago.

Today was our 4 year Anniversary!! We also celebrate our Anniversary with my Granny and Poppy and today was there 60th!! CONGRATS to Granny and Poppy. I recieved some beautiful flowers this morning from my husband wishing me a Happy Anniversary so sweet. SO on that note I decided to send Granny and Poppy some beautiful flowers as well seeing as they have had 60 wonderful years together. May Rick and I have half a great as marriage as those two have had.

SO something fun! 8 things about my marriage.

1. Where did we meet?

My best friend in the whole wide world thought it would be a good idea that we meet. So while working for Manpower at Formosa we met at the copy machine.

2. What was the first thing you said to your husband?

While standing at the copy machine, making copies of course(things I really didn't need) I got tired of killing trees waiting for him to introduce himself. So I introduced myself to him and said SO when are you planning on taking me out? =-P

3. Where was the first date?

The first date he picked me up at my parents house in Port Lavaca at 5pm. We drove back to Victoria and had dinner at Bennigans, and then decided to go play some pool at barney's before the movie. After a REALLY HORRIBLE movie we decided to go to the beach and just walk around in the sand. Before we knew it - it got really late really fast. He dropped me back off at 5am. I thought for sure Dad would be out front with a shotgun!! Nope he was sound a sleep. HE did wake me up thougha at 7am to get ready for church and asked what time I got in.

4. Where was the first kiss

The first kiss was after a corporate cup match at his house in the kitchen.

5. Did you have a long or short engagement?

I would have to say long. 1 year exactly to the wedding date.

6. Where did you get engaged?

We got engaged in his kitchen. He came home late from Playing GOLF! I was a little upset because I had made dinner and it was getting cold. And How dare he come home late from playing GOLF when he should have been at work all day. It all ended well seeing how he still proposed to me after I was mad at him.

7. How did the wedding reception go?

Wedding reception all went well and as it was suppose to go except we didn't drink from eachothers glasses. But we did eat the cake from each other.!!!

8. How was the Honeymoon?

Honeymoon was great and hope that we get to go back a second time. We went to the Poconos in Pennslyvania. Met another couple and had a blast. It was beautiful up there. Only problem was on the way back on the plane ride the pilot came over the PA and said if you look out the Left side of the plane there is Hurricane Isabel. Luckily I was on the Right side of the plane.

Dance School has Started

It's been a while since my last post. sorry! It has just been so CRAZY at my house. We are remodeling the master bath so that takes up most of my spare time.

So I have enrolled Aubrey in Dance School!! Today was her first day. They take her during the day care hours. The only down side is that I wasn't able to take her. But I'm sure there will plenty more oppurtunities to take her for her First class.

Here a couple of pictures for your enjoyment.

Mission Completion

As you can see from the title of this blog I completed a mission. I finished Aubreys Quilt for her bed. Here is a couple of pictures.

Here is a close up of the quilt

So now on to the Christmas shopping and more quiltmaking. I've really enjoyed working on the quilts. Although Aubrey's looks alot better than the one I made for Matthew. Here's a picture of his. (Don't Laugh)

As you can see I did't show you picture of the binding on this quilt. It was totally AWFUL!! But what do you expect for a first Quilt. I've learned so much between the two quilts.

On another Mission Complete. We went to Houston this past weekend and Matthew surpised me not once but TWICE. We made it all the way up to Houston and all the way back home with out having an accident!! HOORAY!!! He actually told me that he need to go to the bathroom. Then when we got out at Wal-Mart to get a gift for a kid he recited his ABC's. I love my daycare for making these wonderful moments for me. And as for Aubrey she can count to 10. Totally off guard driving down the road and there she is counting away. I have to say her favorite part is 8-9-10!! You can tell in her voice she get's excited about that part.

Bathroom Remodel is underway!!!

JULY 21,2007

Splashway in Sheridan

So this is our First Family Trip!! How exciting. Matthew and Aubrey went up on Thursday night and stayed with grammie and Grandpa at a camp site in Colombus. They had a blast!! Rick and I drove up on Friday after work. I was really excited about staying the night in the RV. (Eventhough I had to share it with my Father in law - :P)

Here is a picture of the kids at the campsite swinging on the front porch



Sleeping in the RV was ok for me. For Rick on the other hand hated it. He'll just have to get over it. Love you Rick.




So Saturday rolls around and we head for Splashway. It turned out to be a BEAUTIFUL day. Thankfully the rain held off till we left.

Here is a picture of the family and my Mother in law Patsy.

The kids had a blast! Matthew even enjoyed some of the slides!!

This is all for now. We will be headed to Seaworld and to the San Antonio Zoo in August. Look for an update.

We are also tackiling our masterbathroom. REMODEL. Really excited can't wait to get started on it.