Six

Happy Anniversary to me and Shawn, yesterday to be exact.  Best six years ever, I'm sure the next six will be even better!

Christmas

Graham playing with his favorite new toy, a tooth brush.

Devin loving his new buzz.  One of the best quotes from the day was Devin asking me if I could make Buzz fly.  Love that boy.

Caroline determined to finish her United States puzzle, sometimes she's kind of odd, I love it.

Despite being away from family this year we had a great Christmas. Starting our family traditions is really fun.  We went caroling on Christmas Eve and as tradition goes we got lost and spent a little extra time driving around in circles, but we had a blast, well me and Shawn did, the kids fell asleep towards the end.  Christmas day was great too.  We took the usual picture at the top of the stairs but it will not be posted because its kind of hideous.  Opened presents and ate a huge breakfast, it was fabulous.  I love Christmas and can't wait until next year.  Hopefully I"ll be able to keep my tears in next year!

Let the Baking Begin!

Its Christmas Eve Eve so naturally its time to start the traditional baking of caroling treats!  I love it!  This is  the best time of year.  I get a little stressed with the huge mess and about 100 trips to the store but its worth it.  We actually got started yesterday and had some of Caroline's friends over to decorate gingerbread cookies.  The kids had a lot of fun and the cookies turned out great.  Today I started on eclairs and made nut goodie bars, yum!  The kids are very excited to pick a friend to carol too.  I"m just glad they're starting to understand how awesome Christmas is.  If only we had family here!  We're lucky to be making some great friends though!  Anyways here are a few pictures of cookie decorating.

Devin really got into decorating, well mostly making a pile of sprinkles. 

Caroline did a great job decorating too and was a little neater than Devin.

Devin's face was only a few inches from his cookie the whole time, at one point you couldn't even see the cookie anymore.

Graham enjoying his cookie.

The finished product of Devin's decorating.

We had a blast with our friends and hope to do it again!

Gingerbread House

Last night we made our first ever gingerbread house.  We've made them a few times with Shawn's family but with graham crackers and since our kids really don't know how to build anything we just made one big one and with gingerbread, I never had much luck with graham crackers.  I think it turned out pretty good, and it was really fun to decorate.  We even did stained glass windows my favorite part  by far.  The kids had a blast decorating cookies but I think Devin's favorite part was eating lots of gum drops.  At one point Caroline took the bag away from him and yelled at him for eating too many.  They also seemed to love spilling sprinkles because they did that a lot too.  Oh well, we had fun and now the best part.  Eating it slowly until we can't stand the sight of it!  Oh I love this time of year!  It takes a lot of effort but totally worth it.

Here are the kids excited to get started.

Graham helped out by eating some extra cookies. I guess they were pretty good because he ate them really fast.  

Under close watch as to not make a mess, it got really messy after I took over.

Ta-da!

Next year I'm definitely buying more candy all I bought this year was gum drops and hard candy.  

Showing a little Texas love on the back, our lone star gingerbread house.

Caroline was really excited if you can't tell from the pictures.

Winter Wonderland

It has snowed all day today and I'm loving it!  We were only supposed to get an inch but I'm pretty sure we have about 4 now.  Caroline was so excited and played in it as long as she could which was about 2 minutes. I know we're warm weather whimps, as my dad would say.  Caroline tried to make a snow angel but really just laid in the snow and got right back up because she was too cold.  We also tried to make a mini snowman and succeeded making a mound of snow.  Oh well it was fun and apparently Nashville doesn't usually get snow like this so we took advantage of it!  It'll probably all melt tomorrow so for now yea for snow!

Playing around in the snow.

Caroline's attempt at a snow angel.

I know you can't see anything but it was really coming down.

I love snowy yards.  Who knows maybe we'll have a white Christmas this year!

Santa's Coming! I know him!

I love movie quotes.  Well today we took our turn to see Santa.  Instead of the mall we went to a quiet party put on by the VHA.  No lines, free food and fun.  Doesn't get much better than that so we blew off our plans to do nothing and headed over.  The kids loved it.  I knew Caroline and Devin would but I didn't know about Graham.  Turns out he loved him.  I'm a little concerned how much he loves strangers.  He'll go to about anyone that will pick him up.  It did help that Santa have him a goodie bag and candy cane.  Graham kept on walking back hoping to get some more treats.  I love having free activities on the days Shawn is on call, its great!  Here are some pictures of the kids with Santa.

I love how nervous Caroline looks.  I think she was thinking that he would actually know if she had been good or bad.

And Graham loving the attention.  Poor third child.

This is awesome.  I see him thinking, hum what do I want?

Merry Christmas to Me!

This year Devin gave me the gift of potty training!  Yes my big boy is FINALLY using the potty!  We are so proud of him and I have to say he's pretty proud of himself too.  He keeps saying what a big boy he is.    I'm really happy I have one less package of diapers to buy every month.
In other happy news today while I was sending off packages I had the best post office experience ever.  I got there and the postal workers already had boxes made for people.  So as I was putting presents in boxes and someone walked past and stood in line in front of me like most people would, but when I finished he told me to get in front of him I guess because I was in the room before him.  Basically just being a really nice person.  Its little things like that which make me love it here!

Brrr

Its cold out here, there must be some Torros in the atmosphere.  I know really dorky but I couldn't resist, because it really is freezing here!  It SNOWED yesterday!  Very cool but wow I really need to buy some winter clothes. I went to church today in flats and a cotton skirt and shirt, and I was so cold!  The high for the next few days is in the 30's but it'll warm up to 50 by the weekend.  So far we're loving the colder weather it definitely feels like Christmas time but I"m sure by the time February rolls around we'll be wanting the warm Houston weather again.

Devin Turns 3

He's a cutie.

Party time enjoying some cake.

My sweet boy turned 3 the day after Thanksgiving.  We did more than the past two years and had a party.  Nothing big just a few friends and a pinata.  He had a great time and loved getting all the attention to himself.  I think his favorite part his birthday was going out to eat with the family.  In the middle of eating he put his arm around me and Shawn and said, "I lobe our family."  It was pretty stinkin' cute.  We did however make the mistake of letting Caroline try hitting the pinata with my wooden rolling pin.  Instead of trying use the rolling pin like a baseball bat she went after it like a lumberjack.  It was one of the funniest things I've ever seen.  Devin is a really great kid and we love our gentle giant.

Thanksgiving

Whew!  I don't think I've ever made so much food in my entire life.  The above picture is only about 1/2 the left overs we had and I didn't even make all of the food.  I didn't have the energy to make the sweet potatoes or all the mashed potatoes and rolls.  I thought we'd be having more people over but as it turns out only one extra person showed up for the meal.  More people came but it was their second meal so they didn't eat nearly as much as I thought they would.  On the bright side I LOVE making yummy food so it worked out just fine.  It's a really good thing that Shawn's mom is here otherwise we would've eaten around 8.  So if anyone is hungry please come over we have WAY too much food.

Its Over!

Can I just say how happy I am that Shawn's rotation in ortho is over?  Naturally we celebrated by going to see Harry Potter.  The movie was ok but it was great to get out with Shawn, and a sad realization that he dresses better than me. (it wouldn't take much but I really need some shopping advice) Anyways back on track, really ortho could've been way worse  but I'm excited for him to get to sleep past 4 am for the next few weeks.  Next up is radiology, and hopefully he'll be home around noon.  Bring on radiholiday!  And here are some pictures just because I haven't in a while.

Caroline about to chow down on a chocolate, caramel pretzel.

Having a picnic on the deck with our Houston buddies!

Happy Birthday Shawn!

Happy birthday to my favorite person in the whole world!  Just in case anyone was wondering why Shawn is so great here are a few reasons.
1. He can fix just about anything, and I mean anything, its awesome.
2. He can't wait to build things with our boys.
3. He is a huge nerd, and therefore really smart.
4. He'd rather stay home with me than do anything else.
5. He can get our kids to do things 10x faster than me.
6. He loves the food I make.
7. He can't wait for me to go to culinary school.
8. He's really cute.
9. He gave our boys dimples.
10.He works harder than anyone I know.
We are so happy to have Shawn in our family and are excited to celebrate with him!

Guess Who is the Best Big Brother?

That title would have to go to Devin.  You really need to see this kid in action to get an idea of how sweet he is.  Yesterday when we were playing outside I told the kids we needed to go inside because Graham was getting too cold.  Devin was wearing one of his mittens and said, "He can have my globes."  Then gave his little brother his glove.  Seeing that Graham still had a hand without a glove Devin ran throughout the house until he found the other one.  Sometimes that kid makes me want to scream but definitely not yesterday.  I love that little boy, sorry he would correct me, he's a big boy.

New Treats, Glasses, and Friends

New Treats
  I haven't made anything, or done anything fun in a long time so I this week I broke down and made up some new recipes.  The first one is really simple but it was by far my favorite.  Caramel and chocolate dipped pretzel rods.  Simply dipping pretzels in chocolate just isn't enough but dip them in caramel then chocolate and you get something that tastes a little bit like a twix, yum!  They are great and I'll be making a bunch more. Now on to recipe #2 pumpkin mousse pie.  Considering I made this one up on my own with out directions it turned out pretty good.  I liked the flavor but the pumpkin got weepy and soaked into the pie crust.  Overall not bad for my first attempt.
Glasses
After med school Shawn's eyes just aren't what they used to be and he was straining to see during conferences so he got glasses so now we are a big, nerdy, glasses wearing family.  I think he just felt left out but its ok, because I think he looks pretty handsome in them.  I'll try and post pictures later.
Friends
We were so excited to see some of our Houston friends yesterday.  My friends hubby is interviewing for residency at Vanderbilt we got to hang out with her and the kids.  Of course we went to Cheekwood and let the kids run around, and then we came back and ate lunch and talked and played.  It made me really miss Houston and I would be ecstatic if they ended up here for residency or any other Houston family for that matter!  It was the highlight of our week!  And for some weird reason I can't get the pictures to load up so I'll do a make up picture post later.

Relax its the weekend!

That is exactly what we did this weekend; relax.  It was our first weekend in a while that we didn't have a soccer game or anything else going on and Shawn was home for most of it so we did nothing, and it was pretty amazing.  Well we did do a few fun things.  Caroline had a end of season soccer party on Friday that we attended.  She got her first of many pointless trophies and was so excited about it.  She's pretty sad that soccer is over but we already signed up for next season with all the same girls, so she can't wait for spring to come.  I on the other hand am enjoying the time off.  It also got pretty cold this weekend so we broke down and bought real coats for the kids because they spend every waking second they can outside.  So no more fleece hoodies for us, now its nice warm thick jackets.  Caroline is prepping for the primary program at church and is so excited about getting to talk in front of everyone.  While talking to her today I told her that I also did a primary program when I was little but I used to get really nervous.  And then she said, "Were you nervous you wouldn't get a turn?"  Sometimes I wonder how she came from me.  My child would understand that standing in front of 200 plus people is terrifying but to Caroline its the highlight of her life!  I love that girl.  And Graham is now trying to walk everywhere, starting today.  Its adorable seeing that little boy trotting around.  We still love Devin but until he stops making me change his pants no blog posts.  Just kidding, he's as sweet as ever just had a quiet week.    All in all great weekend!

Radnor Lake

Everyone is probably tired of me talking about how much I love it here.  If you're one of those people you may want to skip this post because I'm about to drone on and on about anther reason I love Tennessee.  Today its because of Radnor Lake.  We had playgroup there today and even though we hiked instead of played on a playground it was wonderful.  It only takes about 20 minutes to get there which is yet another reason I love it.  We hiked for over an hour and the whole time I kept oohing and ahhing at everything.  I think the other people that came thought I was crazy but oh well.  The weather was perfect in the mid 50's so all we needed was a jacket.  I was in heaven!  We'll definitely be taking any visitors there in the future.  Caroline and Devin even had a good time hiking around.  Enjoy the pictures, trust me its ten times better in person.  

Caroline conquering the pile of leaves.

And the actual lake.  I love this place.  If anyone is considering moving to Nashville, pack your bags because its great!

My Mothers Daughter

I did something today that would make my mother proud.  Nothing of real importance but still it made me realize I'm totally my mother's daughter.  While at the store today I ran upon the BEST candy sale of my life.  Seriously, they had 6 packs of full sized Reese's for $1!  I know amazing right?  So naturally I bought 4 packs of those, two bags of Snickers (75 cents), Butterfingers, and a few others that I won't tell you about because I'm a little embarrased about the amount of candy I now have in my house.  In my defense half of it will be used for Devin's birthday party (its already hidden) and I only bought the other things I could use in baked goods.  I just can't pass up a good candy sale, its in the blood!

Halloween

Halloween was a little more low key this year.  I finally finished Caroline's Tinkerbell costume which turned out fine, if you don't look too close and vowed never to make one again.   Well until she tried it on and danced around and said how much she loved it, so who know's I'll probably get suckered into making one again next year.  Luckily the boys wore old costumes from previous years but it wasn't too exciting this year.  We went to the ward trunk-or-treat and left right after getting candy b/c we were too exhausted from the day.  And even though I brought my camera I forgot to take pictures.  We had plans to dress up tonight to hand out candy but Ashley got sick, and the kids didn't seem interested so that idea died pretty quickly.  Instead we took care of Ashley ate some candy and waited for people to come trick-or-treating.  We waited a while and only 4 people came.  We didn't even carve pumpkins this year.  I feel like a slacker! Better luck next year!

My baby is 1!

Yesterday was Graham's birthday.  As with most things around here it was a VERY low key day but we still had some fun.  We made cupcakes and bought some ice cream and that was about it.  Nothing monumental but for a 4 and 2 year old it was pretty exciting.  We waited for Shawn to get home and had dinner and then we sang and ate cupcakes and opened presents.  It was a fun night but we sure miss having family around to share it with.  I now have about 22 cupcakes that I don't know what to do with. And thanks to Grandma's and Grandpa's for the presents, he loves them!

The birthday boy with his dad.  I wanted the cupcakes closer but it was obvious he was going to take them down if they got too close.

Enjoying his first cupcake.  He wasn't sure what to do at first but caught on very quickly.

In the middle of the mess.  And pointing is his new favorite thing to do, well maybe its my favorite new thing he does.

A few things about Graham from his first year of life.  

He was the easiest baby ever! What baby comes home from the hospital and sleeps 5 hours straight!?

He loves playing with his brother and sister, when they don't lock him out.

His favorite things to play with are my pots and pans and the ac vents.

He doesn't walk yet b/c he wants to run.

He is a stud!

  We love our little boy and are so happy he's part of our family.

Happy Birthday Graham!

Creepy!

Caroline has a very interesting imagination.  Shawn asked Caroline to get her soccer uniform ready for her game tomorrow before she went to bed.  She did a great job doing that but when I was putting her to bed she said, "Mommy I'm scared my clothes will get up and dance around like there is a person in them."  My initial thought was to run to my mom and cry, that's the creepiest thing I've ever heard!  Luckily I quickly came to my senses I assured her that her clothes would not do that, but to be on the safe side we just put them away.   Where does she come up with these things?!  I"m pretty sure we'll be buying her a night light tomorrow!

Reality Bites

You know what really sucks?  Thinking your husband only has one more day of call for the rotation then realizing he has two call days left.  And one is today, and he was on call Saturday.  Yuck, burn bites.  Only one more week!

Gentry Farms

Today we went out to Gentry Farms.  I had been waiting for this day for SO long and it finally came.  I thought it was going to be a magical day with lots of things to do and see but I have to say I was a little let down.  First of all there really isn't much to do, just different play areas for kids to roam around in.  There was a hay ride (without any hay) that we waited 20 minutes in line for and we saw some cows and an old house built before the Civil War.  However my biggest complaint, there were no pumpkins to pick! Sure they had some pre picked ones to buy but I really had my hopes set on picking one off the vine.  Oh well.  Don't get me wrong we still had a good time I was just expecting more.  On the bright side it was free so no big deal and Shawn is on call so we would've been sitting at home doing nothing anyway.  The kids had a great time so I'll count it as a win, but really I don't think I'd go back if I had to pay.

Devin going down one of the many slides, they did have an absurd number of slides for a farm.

On our hayless hayride.

Caroline on the tire swing, which were really fun.  I wish Shawn would've been there to give me a push.

And of course Devin taking a ride on the tire.

With their pumpkins.

And passed out in the car after the ride home.  I'm pretty sure they had a good time.

And my sweet baby, who was such a good sport, as usual.

Big Stuff

What happened to my little boy?  Devin seems so big now.  I feel like he grew up WAY faster than Caroline because he's stuck in the middle and we tend to see Caroline and Graham growing but it seems like all the sudden Devin is a big kid. I know physically he really is huge but hearing him talk and do new things is really fun.  His newest skill riding his big bike.  Today he decided he wanted to ride his Cars bike (he'd be practicing pedaling on Caroline's old tricycle) hoped on and it took a few tries but now he's riding his bike around like a pro.  I am so excited for him.  He's been riding for the past hour and a half now and isn't going to stop anytime soon.  We have a lot of kids ride their bikes around our street and I'm pretty sure he'll be bringing his bike down the driveway the next time we see them outside.      Not bad for a two year old!  I was beginning to wonder about his coordination skills but he's proved me wrong!

Of course I had to get a picture of both of them, Caroline requested it.  I love watching them ride together, they're best buds.  I love these guys! 

Exciting Stuff!

So remember how a few weeks ago I mentioned how awful Caroline's soccer team was?  Usually they lose by about 7 points, so today I was floored by the fact that we tied!  It was the most exciting soccer game I have ever seen, which says a lot about how many soccer games I've seen, but seriously I had a really good time!  The team is actually starting to understand the game!  Caroline scored a goal AND played really good defense.  She stopped the other teams star player from scoring a few times.  Instead of running behind people she got in front of them and stopped the ball!  I think the main reason I was so excited the whole game was because its the greatest feeling to see your kid understand something, and well I'm a little competitive so its nice to see that in her too. I"m pretty sure at one point I was jumping up and down on the side lines, but I didn't cry out of excitement like another mom on the team, whose daughter scored her first two goals today.  But is it sad that I can understand why she did?  I"m really excited for next weeks soccer game!

The Dentist

Today I went to the dentist for the first, well second, time in several years.  And I have to say I really don't like it there.  I'd be happy to never go back again, but alas I do.  Thankfully I should never get a cavity again because today I got my teeth sealed and had two cavities filled.  Now my teeth either have sealant on them or have fillings.  The only thing I like having in my mouth is food so all the hands, plastic, drills, and metal are no longer welcome. Only the good stuff in my pie hole from now on please!

Face Lift

This weekend Shawn had off so we decided to take the opportunity and paint our dining room.  I really wish I had a before picture but since our computer crashed a month ago most of our pictures are somewhere else. Just imagine wall to wall striped purple.  Yes the same purple that was in the bathroom but no gold and more purple.  The past owners must have some deep love for that color but I don't.  I think it looks much better and love looking at it! We also decided that we didn't really need the top part of our china cabinet, because we don't have any, and took it apart.  Shawn is turning it into a mirror for Caroline because he's handy like that.  It was a tiring weekend but totally worth it.  I no longer have to explain that I did not choose the purple for the room, the house just came that way.  We've also been enjoying some fabulous weather in the low 70's and have tried to spend every waking minute outside.  Graham can also point to his daddy when asked where he is, its probably the cutest thing ever! I love it.  Well without further rambling here are some pictures of the newly improved dining room!

I know its not the greatest picture but it was surprisingly difficult to get a good shot.  And we really need something on the wall.

And here is the most mischievous baby you'll every meet.  If you thought Caroline was trouble she was only about half as curious and energetic as his guy.

Umm.. don't know what to blog about

Not much going on here just a little blurb from everyone.
Me: In a nut shell my body hurts.  There are not enough hours in the day to get everything done.  So I do what I can and I'm ok with it.  This last month flew by with the various doctors appointments, church activities, dentist visit, and preschool. I'd really like to take this next month off and just sit on my butt, but alas that's probably not going to happen.  There will be more of the above activities which I'm not too excited about but at least I have a light at then end of the tunnel.  Fernash will be visiting for Halloween which is fabulous!  On another high note I was able to read a few books this month and highly recommend Three cups of Tea.  Really an inspiring book, which may make you think its cheesy but its not at all.  Everyone should read that book!    I'm also going to attempt making Caroline a halloween costume, and seeing as I haven't sewn in about a year it could be a challenge. So if you see pictures of Caroline in a brown paper bag you'll know why.  Now here's what's up with Caroline.

Hi everyone, its about time my mom let me take over the blog and post about something noteworthy; me.  I love preschool so much tell everyone I meet when and where it is and who is sick that week and what we are learning.  I also love to do my sight cards.  I constantly remind my mom that we need to do them everyday but sometimes she forgets, so I remind her over, and over, and over.  I also am a soccer superstar, I scored a goal last week in the right goal!  Even if it was 90% luck it was the highlight of my day!  I really miss my cousins and love to talk about when Mabel is going to visit even though it's over a year away.  I love to talk, but my mom says I need to let Devin say something now.

I'm Devin and I love to be a baby, even though everyone thinks I'm three.  My mom keeps saying how sweet I am so I've decided to throw her off and talk back to her, tell her to get me things, and climb over the deck and stand on the trash can.  I'm funny.  I love my baby brother so much instead of taking naps we play together.  He's funny too.

I'm Graham and I'm the reason my mom is tired all the time.  I used to be so good and never to anything but now that I can move I love to get into EVERYTHING.  Its way more fun that way.  I love to bang on pots and pans, get cleaning supplies out, climb all over my mom, pinch my mom, and tense up and shake my body when I'm mad.  I'm going to cause my mom LOTS of trouble.  Its the only way I get attention.  Grandma Reed even said I'm high maintenance.  That made me feel good.  I think I've finally found my role in this family, troublemaker.

Shawn isn't available to comment because he's on call so I'll (Carrie) will post about what Shawn has been up to. Sleep,
And that's us!

The big day!

(In the waiting room)

Devin had his surgery today.  I"m so glad its over and we didn't have to reschedule.  Caroline got strep but luckily we got Devin on some antibiotics fast enough that he was able to avoid getting it.  Last night I think he was a little nervous because he stayed up until about 9:30 laughing and playing with Graham.  I had no idea playing with a baby in a crib could be so much fun, but they seemed to have a great time.  We went in this morning and he slept right up until it was time to go.  I thought he'd be upset about not eating or drinking but he was a champ and didn't complain once!  They were really fast at the hospital.  We got there at 8:10 by 8:45 we had done paperwork and were already getting ready for surgery at 10.   The first thing the nurse said when she saw him was, "That's a big two year old." He was a little cautious at first but we brought his buddy and favorite blanket from home that helped him relax a ton.  He showed his buddy to everyone and loved being in a crib.  He has really wanted to be a baby lately so this was right up his alley.  To calm him before surgery they gave him some meds and it made him pretty loopy.  He could barely sit up and he kept telling me someone had lost their car.  It was hilarious! The surgery went great and he woke up fairly quickly.  Afterwards he was obviously very thirsty and drank an entire personal gatorade in about a minute.  The nurses thought he was the sweetest boy (which he really is) and loved it when he told them thank you in a half asleep voice and showed them his muscles.  We went home about 20 minutes after he woke up which I think is mainly because Shawn was there and they figured he would be ok going home with a doctor.  Once we got home he ate for an hour straight, seriously and went back to bed. He's still asleep and doing well.  Tomorrow will probably be a long day for him but he was great!  Thanks mom for everything.  It was so nice not to have to worry about anything while we were there.  You're the best!  And maybe other people will think this is weird but I took pictures the entire time.  I figured since it wasn't a life saving procedure it wasn't too serious and he's just so cute! Surgery, check; relatively happy boy, check; seeing straight, well see in a few days!

In his crib with buddy

On his meds and loving it!

Waiting for him to wake up.  Yes the nurses put a cap and mask on buddy, it was cute!