Epic Entry

Where to begin! How about with a cute picture...

Last weekend we made a quick trip to visit my Texas family. We went down on Saturday and came home Monday. Although it was a fast and short visit, it was so great to see everyone. The boys got to see their Mamaw, Papaw, Papaw's Papaw, Grammie, Grandpa Mike, and Grandma Emma. Even though we live far away it is still important to me that the family gets to see the gentlemen growing up.

Papaw and Anderson

This is my Papaw. Since my Dad is now a Papaw we call him Papaw's Papaw.

The boys are such good travelers. We stopped about every 3.5-4 hours and let them stretch, changed diapers, and filled up their bellies. They were very happy when we finally made it to Mamaw's though. They stretched and kicked on the floor for a good 30 minutes. Tuesday and Wednesday Daddy went to work and I worked on unpacking and getting the house cleaned up. Since I was gone over the weekend, I spent those two days doing all my "weekend chores!"

Daddy and Fletch at one of the chow stops.

Mommy and Anderson eating away!

Boys are HAPPY to be out of their seats and nice and clean after a bath.

Finally home and glad :)

Thursday... today, was a SNOW DAY! Kale did not go in to work. He brought home the laptop and worked from home. I loved this! It is so great to have all three boys home with me. Not to mention a lot easier when he is home. Today we started the day waking up gently, a sugar-coated way of saying -being lazy-!

After Kale finished up his work, I put chili on to cook in the slow cooker. Hate to admit it but this is the first time I've made chili :) Man, it was so tasty. I know EVERYONE has a chili reciepe but here is the one I used... just in case you want to try something a little different.

1-1/2 lb. lean ground beef

1 can (16 oz.) no-salt added tomato sauce

1 can (15 oz.) dark red kidney beans, rinsed

1 can (15 oz.) light red kidney beans, rinsed

1-1/2 cups TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Thick 'N Chunky Mild Salsa

1 cup frozen corn, thawed, drained

1 onion, chopped

2 Tbsp. chili powder

1 cup KRAFT Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese

Brown the beef and then mix together. Cook on low for 5 hours.

Then we finally took down the second Christmas tree out of the front room! BIG accomplishment. Then we went outside for a photo of the boys in their first "real snow." They weren't really that thrilled. Mommy and Daddy were happy though.

First Real Snow!! Anderson's hood had horns and Fletch had dino spikes!

After that we cleaned up the rumpus room to make room for the home gym we got two weekends ago. First thing Kale said after opening the package, "We may need to read the directions for this project!" He also said, "It says in the book to put it together with two more people. I'll accept that as a challenge." Oh boy!

The beginning of the project. Will have to keep you updated on how it turns out.

We had to run to Wal Mart to get a pad for the gym. While we were there I picked up the cutest fleece to make the boys new blankets. I know... like they need more blankets! They are going to be SO cute. I plan on finishing them tonight after we put the studs down for night-night time. Oh, forgot to mention... in their big boy beds. That's right we are going to put them in their cribs tonight. Well, in the same crib. They have been sleeping in a big pack and play in our room. Why? Because we are too lazy to walk a-l-l the way across the house to stick the pacifier back in their mouths throughout the night! Pretty pitiful huh?! Well, tonight is the night!

The orange is going to be the backing for each of the other fabrics. I will show you the finished project of this too!

When we were on our way home from WM I compulsively checked Facebook. Amber had her baby! Welcome to the world little Asher :) So glad everyone is doing great! Congrats Sisemore fam.

Mommy and baby Asher

Now we sit. Full bellies and smilies on our faces... my smile is EXTRA big knowing there is no school tomorrow; therefore delaying my return to school one more day. I truly am excited to get back with all my coworkers and those kiddos, but man it is hard to think of leaving my little rascals. I know it won't be so bad as soon as I can get in that classroom and get in the swing of things. Prayers for a smooth transition would be nice though!

Well, hope everyone snuggles in tight tonight.

*Ignore all my date stamps from the pictures. My camera messes up every time I take out the SD card! Always forget to fix it!

-Stephanie

God's Time

This picture has NOTHING to do with the topic of this blog. It's cute though... thought I'd share. I did NOT pose the boys. Brothers think alike :)

It is amazing how God works his magic. Well, okay, he doesn't really do "magic" but that it was it seems like sometimes! When you sit back and let Him have control of your life it is simply amazing what can happen. Now, by no means am I saying I have given up complete control to God. That is a goal of mine that has not been completely accomplished! I can say that I am trying to do better though, and I'm sure he appreciates that :) I also think that it is amazing how blessings come in so many different forms. It takes a lot to realize that everything happens for a reason, and not always the way we want it to be. At times we truly should be thankful for unanswered prayers. Kale and prayed for a child for three years, but we had to learn that our prayer would be answered in God's time... not our time! And boy, was it worth the wait!!

Today I was up at school for class pictures. I was talking with one of our secretaries whose niece just went through her first round of IVF. Unfortunately, the embryo did not take. I can only imagine how this lady must feel. To put your entire heart into something and then have it not turn out the way you hoped, devastating... completely devastating. All I can do is continue to pray for her and her husband. My prayer is not that they get pregnant this next round, but instead that they are given the strength and faith to take and accept what God has in store for them.

One of my best friends called me today. From the moment she said "Hello...." I knew exactly what was about to come out of her mouth. TWINS! That's right, after years of trying and wanting nothing more than to have a baby, she is expecting twins. I am so happy for Tabby and Josh. Tabby knew she wanted kids... she just had to learn to wait and leave it to happen on God's time! Totally worth the wait! Those are going to be two lucky babies :)

I guess the moral of this blog is count your blessings and be patient! Just because something doesn't turn out just how you want it to don't start the prayers of complaint, but instead the "Okay Lord... you've got this one... help me follow!"

After my hair appointment we went to dinner with the still in shock expecting parents. The boys had their first taste of a pickle. If I can get the video to upload I'll add it on here later. Until then here is a picture of Anderson and his pickle face!

-Stephanie

Snowy Night

Quick Update...

The boys had their two month appointment last Thursday. They both are right on track! You would never know that they were about four weeks early. Anderson is 23 1/2 inches long and weighed 13lbs and 4oz! Fletcher is 23 inches and 12lbs and 6oz! Growing fast :)

All is well. We are snuggled in the living room tonight in front of the fire. Gotta love the snow outside. Hope everyone is careful on the roads. No school tomorrow. Pretty excited about this... delays me return to work by ONE MORE DAY!

Stay warm!

-Stephanie

Sock Thief...CAUGHT!

It never fails that the boys are often missing socks after swinging in their swings. Well today the culprit was caught! Daphne has a way of getting the socks off their feet without biting them or waking them up. Pretty smart wiener dog :) Here is the evidence...

Missing sock...

Found it!

Here are some pictures from our day today. It was a great one. The boys took an awesome nap in their "big boy" beds. Mommy got the house cleaned and laundry done, and dinner is next on the list. I hope everyone else had a good day. Fingers crossed tomorrow will be another good one. We have 2 month shots... and mommy is a little nervous. Enjoy the pics.

It is so much better to nap with two pacifiers! You always need a back-up.

Love this shirt. So glad it finally fits :)

What a HAM!

My beautiful boy, talkin' away!

-Stephanie

Don't Worry Baby...

Not much to write about today! Just thought I'd dedicate this song to all the heartbroken Hog fans out there. Enjoy!

-Stephanie

Sugar Sugar

Well tonight is the night! It's Sugar Bowl time!! All I can say is..... GO HOGS!

Top Eleven

So, here are the top eleven things that happened in 2010.

March... We found out that we were pregnant!!! These words were the most wonderful to hear. I remember what I was wearing, where I was standing, and the exact way that my hands went straight for my belly as I cried uncontrollably!

Before...

After... (this wasn't even the end... this was at 34 weeks, we went 36 and 4days!)

April... We went in for an 8 week ultrasound and saw the "mystery blob" for the first time. Went back a week later and learned that it was no longer a mystery. That's right, we were having twins!

April/June... Kale took his professional engineering exam. After months of studying and surviving an eight hour test... he passed! That's right, I'm married to a Professional Engineer. Something to be proud of!

May... Wrapped up three years of teaching. Now I am a REAL certified teacher. No more probationary license!

Second grade teachers all dressed up on "Geek Day!!"

June... Two boys! Need I say more :)

June... Kale and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary. Last one without rascals.

July... Kale's sister got married!

August... My little sister, Abby, started kindergarten. Still can't believe that she is six! Time sure does fly.

October... Birthing Class. Since our time was drawing near we had to do the marathon class; 8 weeks of classes compressed into a day and a half!

Exhausted!

Hands-On for those kinesthetic learners!

October... Razorbacks stomped A&M AGAIN! After months of arguing with the Dr over if I could go or not, I happily watched from my comfy living room chair. I guess the Doc was right... probably didn't need to be traveling seven hours away.

The Cousins :)

This was last year... but it will have to do since I didn't go this year!

October... BOYS arrived. My darlings made their grand appearance on the 23rd. Fletcher at 2:04, weighing 5lb12oz and Anderson arriving at 2:06, weighing 6lb3oz. Perfectly healthy and handsome.

Kale and my wonderful nurse Jennifer... attempting to calm me down before taking me back for the C-Section!

Proud Mommy

October, November, December... Our first Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve as a family of four.

Our first Halloween

Our first Thanksgiving

Christmas

Our first New Year's Eve

Does it get any better?! Thanks to all of you who helped to make 2010 one to remember. We are so grateful for the blessings we have received this past year. I honestly don't think it can get any better... I guess we will see! I have everything, EVERYTHING, I could ever want or ask for. My wish is that we all become more aware of the good in our lives, and that we all learn to appreciate the little things.

-Stephanie