Christmas 2011

We celebrated our first Christmas in our new house. Here's our tree...



The kids got everything they wanted and more.




After Christmas we travelled to Houston to celebrate with the Counseller clan.









And before Christmas, we spent time with the Owens Clan.

Christmas 2011 was a great success!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Refinished, Not Replaced

Our realtor suggested we have our seventies blue cultured marble counter tops replaced? Why?, we asked. They are so hip and cool and modern! Then we came to our senses and called Miracle Method to refinish these old, tired tops.

Before:


And after:



Pretty good for a quick fix!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Children and Control

As a parent, I know that part of my job is to allow my children to fail. But I have a confession - I suck at this! I find it is easier to do it myself or "help" them do the assigned task. Tonight, I was helping Jack with his poster board, which is part of a history assignment. I made a mental note "Let him do this himself, DO NOT take over!". But I found myself, cringing with every "mistake" and misstep. I slowly began suggesting layout, critiquing content, and judging form. I suggested this and that. Finally, I decided to walk away. I gave him my last two very valuable cents, pushed in my chair, and went to the kitchen. One part of me, wants to get hold of that poster and do it myself while he sleeps. The other part screams at me to allow him to do it himself -mistakes and all. I don't remember my parents doing this to me. I remember having my own vision and then doing it myself. So where did I get this need to control my children's actions? Is this a normal part of parenthood? Or should I just blame it on my first born birth order? Whichever it may be, I must overcome it.

So, tomorrow when my oldest sits down to finish his project, I promise to walk away and only provide input when asked. Right after I instruct him on how to back the pictures with colored construction paper to make them "pop" on the stark white poster board.......

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Dear Blog

Dear Blog,
I must apologize for neglecting you for the past month. Though I have good intentions to update you and add to you, I often lack the follow through. We have had a lot going on since we last chatted. We put our house on the market - I know - FINALLY! We've only been talking about doing it for the last three years! Also, our little Katie Bug turned 3!! And she is all potty trained which is more exciting for me than her. I know other things have happened, but I just can't remember what right now. Seems like this list shouldn't excuse my lack of visiting, but it has. But today, I am recommitting myself to blogging. More posts, more often and new pictures.
Please accept my most sincere apology.

- ME


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Spring Break 2011

We spent most of spring break hanging around the house waiting on different work guys to finish projects around our house. When the work was completed, we decided to take a day trip. We loaded up and headed to the natural bridge caverns and wildlife ranch.

Loaded up and ready to go.




First stop: wildlife ranch. We checked out the petting zoo first.




Next it was time to get in the car and drive through the ranch. This is the first guy we came across.
He had really weird orange eyes. These guys come right up to your car where you can feed them.








Our favorite animal was the ostrich. He was quite persistent. We opened our sun roof and he stuck his head in to get the food.














Kate called him a dinosaur.

Next up, zebras!
















At the end of ranch, we met some llamas, who were quite friendly.










After the ranch, we headed to the caves for a little exploring.

We enjoyed our day trip and hope to take more in the future.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Happy First Birthday, Ava

Today, my beautiful niece, Ava turns one!
Happy birthday, Ava. Hope you have a perfect day.

Hugs and Kisses,

Aunt Jennifer, Uncle Jeremy, Jack, Brett and Kate


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

A Shout Out

Ms. Dougherty's photography

This is Jack's art teacher's photography website. Thought I should give her a plug after using her beautiful photos on my blog!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad