Making Muscles

The kids are interested in "exercising" and getting big muscles. They got some cans out and started doing exercises and it was pretty funny. Barrett also was toning his body with some pushups. What fit kids I have!!

Masterpieces

We have some artists in residence her at our home. My kids love to paint.

Yesterday, we got out the paints for them. Barrett loved telling me about the pictures he was painting,very detailed- he kept calling them his masterpieces. Brooklyn spent alot of time on her pictures, using alot of pink.

Some of the masterpieces-

Wall-E by Barrett

Pink princess by Brooklyn

Fun Friday

Hunter, Barrett, Jacob and Brooklyn

One of my best friends from college, Amy, was in town last week visiting friends(Amy and Hunter) and she came to our house. She brought her little boy Jacob along with the other Amy and her boy, Hunter. What a fun day we had! We had a great time laughing and talking. All of the kids seem to hit it off and become great little buddies.Barrett and Jacob being sillyAmy and Kim

Amy and Amy

Amy and her boy, Jacob

Our 44th president

We have a new president. I was inspired yesterday as I watched all of the events of the inauguration. I am proud to live in this country and was filled with such a sense of patriotism. This is one of the only times our government demonstrates pomp and circumstance and it the ritual of it all is quite amazing. It is awesome to see a president that inspires such hope in people and encourages people to unite together. Whether you voted for Obama or not, I was an historical day and a day that makes me proud to be an American. Looking back through our history as a country, we have come a long way in how people view each other and respect people from all walks of life, all races and religions. It is so neat to see the transition of power done with such respect. I am hopeful and prayerful for this administration. And, I am glad of all of the presidents and people who have come before paving the way.

8

I saw this on Kellee's blog and I love these type of things. It is fun for me to find out about people and so I filled one out.

8 Things I Did Today...
1) hugged my kids
2) went to church
3) ran
4) talked on the phone
5) checked my email
6) listened to some music
7) read my book
8) watched Brothers & Sisters

8 jobs I've had/places I've worked…
1) Kingwood Plaza Hospital
2) Harris County Probation Department
3) Lifeguard/Camp Counselor at Camp Tahkodah
4) Waitress at Dillon's Steakhouse
5) Dillard's- juniors department
6) 4 year old preschool teacher
7) substitute teacher
8) Elementary teacher K & 1

8 Shows I Watch…
1) Top Chef
2) Brothers & Sisters
3) The Mentalist
4) General Hospital
5) The Biggest Loser
6) Project Runway
7) Good Morning America
8) kids shows

8 Things I Wish For…
1) long healthy life with my hubby by my side
2)my kids to have happy, successful, fulfilled lives
3) a more streamlined, simpler life
4) my house to always been clean
5) more vacations
6) this economy to turn around...quick
7) my nails to grow long
8) to be able to eat whatever I want and not worry about calories

8 Things I Look Forward To…
1) time with alone Derek
2) a bubble bath and a good book
3) Saturdays
4) traveling the world with Derek
5) summer time & hanging at the pool
6) being debt free
7) watching my kids grow up
8) talking and spending time with friends

8 Random facts about me...
1) I prefer my water without ice
2) never broken a bone
3) I eat a bedtime snack every night before bed- usually some crackers, pretzels, etc.
4) enjoy exercising
5) love to listen to music when I'm cooking in the kitchen
6) enjoy talking on the phone
7) not a fan of small closed in spaces or really high places either
8) I love to sing, but have no talent for it

Now its your turn to tell me 8 things about you!

Camping Out

On Friday night the boys decided to have a camp out in the backyard. Barrett was so excited! They set up the tent, ate popcorn, read books, talked and then went to sleep. It was a windy, but mostly warm night for them to sleep outdoors. They had a wonderful time together at their camp out! It did turn cold in the morning, so around 8, the boys headed inside for hot cocoa and coffee. What a great time for just the boys.Setting up the tentHanging in the tent in ready for a night of fun!

Morning time- a popcorn breakfast

Ready to head indoors for come cocoa

If Today was Your Last Day-Nickelback

I heard this song the other day in a class at the gym and I really liked the words. It made me think and I thought I share the words.

My best friend gave me the best advice

He said each day's a gift and not a given right

Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind

And try to take the path less traveled by

That first step you take is the longest stride

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late

Could you say goodbye to yesterday?

Would you live each moment like your last?

Leave old pictures in the past

Donate every dime you have?

If today was your last day

Against the grain should be a way of life

What's worth the prize is always worth the fight

Every second counts 'cause there's no second try

So live like you'll never live it twice

Don't take the free ride in your own life

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late

Could you say goodbye to yesterday?

Would you live each moment like your last?

Leave old pictures in the past

Donate every dime you have?

Would you call old friends you never see?

Reminisce of memories

Would you forgive your enemies?

Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?

Swear up and down to God above

That you finally fall in love

If today was your last day

If today was your last day

Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?

You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars

Regardless of who you are

So do whatever it takes

'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life

Let nothin' stand in your way

Cause the hands of time are never on your side

If today was your last day

and tomorrow was too late

Could you say goodbye to yesterday?

Would you live each moment like your last?

Leave old pictures in the past

Donate every dime you have?

Would you call old friends you never see?

Reminisce of memories

Would you forgive your enemies?

Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?

Swear up and down to God above

That you finally fall in love

If today was your last day.

2009 is here!

What a great year 2008 was for me and our family. The new year tends to make me think about the past year and the things that happened, that we experiences, places we went and the sweet people in our lives. We have been so blessed with health, each other and wonderful family and friends in our life, Derek's job, an amazing church and the love of Jesus.
Lately, I have been having this feeling that I am here on earth to do more. That God is calling me to be more, do more, love more, and spend more of my mental energy thinking on Him. I feel like I have been in a rut of thinking of myself and family and tuning out the things that God is wanting from me. I feel like I need to live a simpler, more focused life. And, I don't know what that will look like in the coming year or years, but I am excited to see how God will change me. I feel that so much of my mental energy is spend on things like our home, our future, money, and sometimes it is just plain exhausting. So, I am glad for a new year and a new start.

I saw on my friend Amy's blog a list of reminders for living a fulfilled and meaningful life and loved all of them and think that in the new year I want to adapt an attitude of living live to the fullest and enjoying the ride of this journey.

I hope you have a wonderful and blessed 2009!