The Hall Family

january updates

2012-01-22T16:09:00.000-08:00

i know, boring title, right?!? My creative juices are shut off! I still haven't shared our fun adventures from last weekend so I need to catch up to speed!!

Our crew headed to Pilot Point, tx for my cousin's wedding. It was a beautiful setting at a lodge on a lake. The kids were so pumped up to see all their cousins and have a dance party. Kennedy had been practicing all week so she was more than ready.

It was a perfect evening of weather and good times. I didn't bring my camera into the ceremony so no pics from there. Here is one from before we left for the ceremony:

the next morning, lance, kids and my mom got to ride horses at the lodge where we stayed. It was very chilly and I was worried about how we would manage an hour ride, but once we got going, it warmed up. The kids loved it and kennedy talked non stop to our horse, Bailey. ;) Our tour guide even told me that i have a talker on my hands!! You think!?

Kennedy and I on Bailey

The boys on their horse, Texas

AFter horseback riding, we got to meet up with my dear friend, Shannon Russell, (she was visiting her parents who live outside of dallas) who lives in knoxville but is about to move again to Washington (her husband is a college football coach). I think she is ready to stay put for a while! Anyway, her son, hayden, was big buds with Landon when they lived in Ruston and they picked up right where they left off. It was so cute and they had a blast at Legoland in Grapevine. Landon has been into legos since Christmas so i knew he would love it. It was extremely crowded and that drove me nuts. But the kids had fun.

the boys racing their lego cars

Getting ready to watch the 4D movie

Kennedy on the karaoke stage...she wouldn't get off!

after legoland, we headed over to Great Wolf Lodge to spend the night there. I have been wanting to go and it is really a neat place. We swam till it closed and waited in line when it opened back up the next morning! The kids loved all of it! Water was pretty chilly but other than that, pretty enjoyable.

the kids in the kid camp bunk beds (kennedy, landon, my niece,Kenzie and Hayden)

We left after lunch and I knew the kids were exhausted from the past two days. Kennedy slept all the way from Dallas until we rolled into Shreveport and she never naps in the car!

The rest of our week has been low key and pretty enjoyable. This weekend has been a lazy one too! So, i need to get back to the couch to watch some football and figure out which body back meal i am going to cook for dinner!

Happy Birthday jesus!

2011-12-26T19:07:00.001-08:00

Hello zero drama, zero travel, and zero tantrums!!! ok, well, maybe one break down at the end of the day, but I will take it! This had to be the absolute best Christmas for me personally with it being so laid back. Not having to travel is such a blessing and I was so grateful for my family coming over to our house Christmas afternoon.

My christmas present arrived early on Friday when Lance surprised me with a new car! Too bad I had just gotten an oil change on my old car the day before! I am just glad I didn't get the new tires like I was supposed to have! ;) He got a really good deal on a 2011 GMC Denali and i love it! Our warranty had run out on my Tahoe and lance was getting nervous with how much time we spend on the road. I don't have a picture of it, but it's a pearl-ish off white color. A nice change from my last car which was gray.

Christmas eve we spent with Lance's family at his parents house. We had our delicious lunch that i look forward to for 364 days. Seriously, it's that good... and I am not talking about my contribution of the green bean casserole! Lance's mom has the best dressing that will knock Martha Stewarts socks off!! And her sweet potato pie....uuuuoooowe weee! Super yummy! We open gifts, take a break and then welcome more family who come from Shreveport for our annual game of bingo. This is the first year that Landon played and he LOVED it!! Each number that he had, he would scream out of delight to tell everyone he had it! Super cute and i had no idea that he would enjoy it so much.

Landon loving his mario characters from Big Papa and Jana

Cousin shots (kennedy, Hudson (1) and Landon

three cousins with baby Carolina Lee

Kids putting out cookies and carrots for Santa

Checking out the chimney. For some reason, this is as close as Kennedy would get

It was great seeing Lance's cousins and meeting the new addition of Carolina Lee, who is the 8 month old daughter of Philip and Destiny Deas (lance's cousin). She was a cutie pie and gave me and lance a little baby fever (just a little!).

Christmas morning came with much anticipation! It just keeps getting better with each year and I can never get enough of watching our kids faces. The kids woke up around 7:30 and the action began! Lance's family came over to witness it. Our nephew, Hudson, was also able to open his gifts that santa brought.

Opening Santa gifts...

her bat costume

The rest of the day was spending time with my family while we ate a yummy lunch...yes, I finally got my christmas cooking down!! Well, i had some help from the mother in law (dressing) and sister in law, April (green bean and squash casserole). But I did rock the turducken, sweet potato casserole, and salad! After opening gifts, we (by that i mean my dad and brother) started to assemble the new ping pong table that my parents gave to us. Then we had some serious ping pong games!! Fun!

Lance and his sister Leslea

Kennedy's favorite gift was her pink roller skates

Kennedy feeding my grandaddy Cochran

Lance and I celebrating my mad cooking skills!

Well, after two straight days of my kids being in pi's, I guess it's time to give them a bath! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and you were able to cherish your time with family while celebrating the birthday of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to God for sending him our way to save us from our many sins.

Pre Christmas Celebrations

2011-12-26T11:57:00.001-08:00

The week before Christmas, the kids were out of school and it was filled with several activities to keep the kids active and involved. I loved this week!!! We did several crafts, had our annual christmas craft play date, experienced roller skating for the first time, baked cookies (several times) and had our Christmas choir program at church. Having the advent calendar this year really made it fun because of the anticipation and activities. I loaded the activities up for this week because i knew we would need them.

Landon had his Christmas program at school and he was one of the three wise men.

Here are the boys in Landon's choir group. I was able to snap a shot of them before they got on stage and then my camera died. I did get it on video at least!

Making Christmas cookies. Landon had already bolted outside before i got the camera out!

Making apple snowmen at our christmas play date.

We later went over to Mandy's house for a wilderness hike to see what we could find.... Here is Kennedy shooting some deer

and here are the deer...cute, aren't they?!?

After we went inside, we got the grand tour of Mandy's new house. I love it! Landon said as we drove up, "Wow! they live in the woods!!" But unfortunately, while the mamas were looking around, my friend's little girl, Landry Grace, feel and cut her head pretty good. Poor thing had to go get stitches. :(

Now we are getting ready for santa to arrive! Here is a gift that i am proud of making... what would i do without pinterest in my life?!?!

Merry Christmas to all my bloggin peeps!!

Meeting Santa

2011-12-19T13:20:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Christmas time! My house always feels so much warmer and festive when it's all decorated. It's a good thing i started decorating before we left for Disney otherwise I am not sure if I could have gotten it all up!

This year, we started an advent calendar countdown to Christmas and I was surprised at how the kids have loved opening up each day to find out what activity to do. Sometimes there are two activities so we can do one in the evening with Lance. Here is one activity, having a picnic by the tree. ;)

Last week, we attended the Christmas parade downtown Ruston. We were able to stay warm at Donnie Bell Design and then step outside for the parade action. It got a little loud and crazy inside so i think we were glad once the parade started!

We were able to meet Santa on two different occasions. The first was at Lance's bank and the set up for pictures with Santa was soooo good! Much improvement from the last few years. Then on Saturday morning, we did our annual visit with Santa at Squire Creek with Breakfast with Santa. I was proud that Kennedy did so well with Santa. She was a little hesitant, but Landon was a great big brother and talked her through it.

Little snack before seeing santa at the bank

Breakfast with santa:

After breakfast with Santa, Kennedy and I went to a ginger bread making party while the boys went to the duck camp. We had a blast celebrating our sweet friend Landry Grace. It didn't take us long to bake the cookies that she gave us for a party favor!

Birthday girl, Landry Grace and her mama

Aren't these aprons adorable?!?

This past weekend, we were able to meet up with my brother, Klint and his family. They are spending Christmas with her family during Christmas so we exchanged gifts with them. They are expecting their second child this May and I am so excited for them!

This week is basically hanging at the house and doing different activities. The kids are super excited about the upcoming week and for Christmas to get here. Letters have been sent and I was shocked that Kennedy is requesting only ONE gift and it's a bat costume...i know, weird, right?!? Her inspiration is from Animal Kingdom when she one a stuffed black bat at one of the games. Should be interesting this Christmas! ;)

Disney 2011

2011-12-10T10:43:00.000-08:00

Our first family trip to the magical place of Walt Disney World was absolutely fantastic! It really exceeded all of my expectations and I am really looking forward to planning another trip there. Early on, I was having some anxiety about having lance's, my family, and my parents going and worried about all the different personalities and needs of everyone. But it couldn't have worked out better. We were all focused on what the needs of the kids were and it all fell into place. It also didn't stop anyone from riding the thrill rides (me, my mom and landon couldn't get enough of these!!!). I knew going in, that most of the group didn't like the big rides. But there are plenty of other things to do for the entire group.

Here is a recap of what we did (if you want to be spared of all the details, just scroll down to the pics and I won't bore you with details!!) ;) I want be able to record all we did so I can look back on it!

We did the direct flight from Jackson and I thought it worked perfect and highly recommend doing that. Probably my two favorite things about disney were how each 'cast member' or employee was extremely nice and how I never had to deal with my luggage (arrival and departure). This is golden when dealing with two young kids and 7 checked pieces of luggage. We arrived around 5:00 to our hotel (the Polyonesian) and got settled in before our dinner reservations at Ohana at 8:00. We had some time to kill so we looked around our resort and then hopped on the monorail to the Grand Floridian resort to see their large gingerbread house. After dinner, the kids and i went to the beach to watch the fireworks at 9:30 (everyone else was pooped and getting ready for bed) and this was a special memory i will have watching that with both kids in my arms.

Day 1 had to be a Magic Kingdom day and it was perfect. We had lunch at the castle and that was absolutely priceless. My favorite quotes from Lance this week was during the princess lunch, he said, "Whatever the cost was for this trip, that moment just made every penny worth while. I will never forget Kennedy's face." And, fyi, this was probably the third time i had cried on that day (the first was when we got to see Mickey 'open' the park). AFter a few rides following lunch, we started to get rained on. The Hall grandparents went back to the hotel to stay dry while the rest of us threw our ponchos on (thanks Suzanne!) to stick it out. I thought it was perfect because it cleared out the crowds and we were able to watch the afternoon parade right in front of the castle with no one around us. Even with this being our first parade, i still knew how lucky we were to have that opportunity. All the characters would come up to the kids and i got a huge kick out of it. Kennedy was very particular about who she wouldn't hide her face from (see pictures). I got a great video of it, but too bad I will never see it (that's a whole other story). The rain stopped and we were able to enjoy the rest of the evening there at Magic Kingdom.

Day 2 was a morning at Epcot. We didn't get up in time to be there when the park opened but we were still able to beat the crowds. Actually the crowds never got too bad. We had lunch in Norway at the Akershus Royal Hall. Looking back this is one reservation i should have canceled, but i know better next time (we had just seen these same princesses the day before, but i was told they would be new ones). Still good, but we could have done without. after lunch we went back to hotel for naps so we could be rested up for the Mickey's Merry Christmas Party. This was fantastic. We all loved it and I was glad we all got naps in because we didn't get back in until 12:30am. The highlight of this night was the dance party with Woody, Jesse and Bullseye. No one was there and we just got to dance the night away with them...just picture this in your mind right now: landon singing every word to Justin Bieber's song, Baby, to Jesse. It was priceless! This is also the night i will remember because i lost my phone somewhere. I am sick about the videos that will be forever lost. :(

Day 3 was Animal Kingdom. The kids really loved this...all the animals! And the most pleasant surprise favorite was eating breakfast at the Tucker House. We all loved it. The food was amazing and it was our first time to get to see Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Daisy. The kids were so cute. We spent the entire day at AK (it closed at 4:30) but we missed the 3:45 parade, which was supposed to be awesome. We had Chef Mickey dinner reservations at 5:00 and i was afraid we weren't going to get back in time because everyone leaving at once and us having to take the bus. Looking back, i think we could have made it...oh well. AFter dinner the kids were done....they went to sleep about 7:15 while Lance and I went downtown (believe me, we were VERY tempted to go to bed too, but we wanted to suck it up and experience as much as we could!). Downtown was nice (didn't care for the 35 min bus ride there and back). We did some shopping, drank hot chocolate, and admired the lego displays!

Day 4 was Hollywood Studios day. This is the day i was looking forward to. I would totally do this day differently, but you learn as you go. We didn't get off to an early start, which messed our timing on eating and the schedule we followed. But it was still fun. We had to eat our dinner at 2:45 so we could get the Fantasmic package. That would have worked out great but no one was hungry after our lunch. But it was worth it once we watched the show that night. I worried that Kennedy would get really scared (it was a bit scary), but we prepared her for it and I would totally do it again. Very impressive! And Kennedy enjoyed it way more than i thought she would. AFter the show we went to see the light on the Osborne Family street and this too was so impressive. I don't have any great shots b/c of the lighting, but i know it wouldn't do it justice.

Day 5, final day there, the kids got to choose and they wanted to go to Animal Kingdom (we originally were going to go back the MK, but we heard that justin bieber and other singers were there shooting a christmas show there and we didn't want to fight the crowds. As it turned out, we really enjoyed our 2nd day at AK. We didn't feel rushed and were able to do some things we missed the first time. After most of the day there, we decided to rest up and go back to the Christmas Party at MK for our last night. it was just as good the second time around! I loved not having any lines and the parades were really good.

That was our trip in a nut shell and it was great. Landon's favorites were: riding all the big rides, especially space mt, splash mt, mt everest and thunder mt. By the end of the trip, he was a pro and holding his arms up through all the rides. Kennedy's favorites were meeting the characters, watching the parades and the dance party was jesse, woody and bullseye. the 2nd christmas party we were able to dance with Pluto, chip n dale and goofy. My favorite parts were watching my kids faces during the parades, the fireworks and light shows, the thrill rides and character meals. Lance's favorite parts were the fireworks and lightshow, the parades and the toy Story Mania ride.

Here are some of the pictures i took. There were so many to choose from so this was hard!

Day one

Day 2, Epcot and Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom

And the coolest dance party ever and probably the best kept secret at the Christmas party!

Day 3, Animal Kingdom

Day 4, Hollywood and Fantasmic show

Day 5, Animal kingdom and Christmas party

Thanks for looking and huge big thanks to my buddy suzanne for letting borrow some clothes, bags, thoughts and ponchos!! ;)

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-23T13:13:00.000-08:00

I hosted my first annual Turkey basketball clinic in Ruston and it went fantastic! The number of kids was ideal for the lesson plan I had for them. The kids were great listeners and I feel very confident that each of them walked away with more basketball knowledge and smile on their face. Mission accomplished!

Now, it's time to focus on some turkey and then our trip to Disney!!! We haven't told the kids yet and to be honest, I don't even know when or how we will do it. All I know is I can't wait! 4 more days!!! Tomorrow for Thanksgiving, we plan on eating lunch at Squire Creek with lance's parents and then we may meet up with my family out at Bodcau for some turkey games and eating!

Big congrats to Shelley Parker and her family for their new addition to their family. John Cole Parker was born yesterday, 7 pounds 1 ounce. So glad to hear they are both doing great. Although, I may have to wait until we get back to meet the sweet lil man! :(

Our sweet friend, Jake Tyler, had his 5th birthday party this past Sunday and they kids loved visiting Papa Simpson's farm. It was a beautiful day and great to get outside and eat some yummy cake! Big thanks to Jake for inviting us!

My boy, Budke

2011-11-23T12:20:00.000-08:00

This has been a rough week and I really didn't feel like blogging about it, but what better way to honor someone who I worked closely with for 5 years. I lost my former boss and coworker to a tragic plane crash last Thursday evening. Kurt Budke and Miranda Serna were aboard a private plane that went down while traveling to go recruiting. It spiraled out of control and crashed into the hills of Arkansas on a cloudless day. There wasn't a distress call so it's hard to say what happened and it pains me to think about those last moments and what went through their minds. We may not ever know, but hopefully they will shed some light on it 9-12 months from now when they will learn more about why it crashed.

Kurt and I worked under Coach Barmore at La tech for 2 years and then when Kurt got the head job, he promoted me to recruiting coordinator for 3 years. When you are coaching any sport on the college level, you become closer to your coworkers than most anyone in your life, including your family. You spend countless hours together in the office and then there are the numerous trips for games and recruiting. You learn a lot about each other (more than you care too) especially when things don't go as planned (losing games, delayed flights, long 18 hour WAC travel days or losing recruits because of the weather that weekend on their visit...yes, all the above really happened!!!)

Kurt and I immediately hit it off as soon as we met. And who wouldn't!? His personality was warm, friendly, and inviting. We may have had some rough days while he was the head coach but probably more so because we were so close. But who doesn't, right? At least it never affected our friendship. We remained close, even after his departure to Oklahoma State. I loved seeing him on the road recruiting and at the final four. He always took the time to call or hang out with me.

I know this entire post is mostly about Kurt, but I can't forget Miranda. Her poor mom. She was very close to her mom and nephew and I can't imagine what they are going through. Miranda and I only worked together for a year, but she was very pleasant to be around. She had the biggest heart. I have never seen anyone work as hard as she did and oh how she loved her players. I only wish we had more time together.

My favorite memories of Kurt:

1. watching him scare anyone that entered the office with his plastic snakes

2. video taping him while I hid a real python snake (small) in his filing cabinet. Someone had to get him back and boy did I! He wanted to have me arrested for attempted murder!! lol Wow, i really wish i could find that video....

3. staking signs into his yard on his 40th birthday and all the pranks I pulled on him that day

4. team dinners at his house with his wife and kids. He taught me the importance of family and that they always come first

5. playing the fishing slot machines with his parents on all the Reno visits. His parents were his biggest supporters and came to most games even though they lived in Kansas

6. listening to all his stories over a few beers on the recruiting trails

7. His prayers before each game

8. His weird thing with his newspapers....no one can look at his papers until after he has and he always kept them. His favorite paper was the Dallas Morning news

9. the big kahuna burger joint in hawaii that he would always treat his staff to every year.

10. his christmas gifts

They will be missed and may they never be forgotten

Father, God, may you wrap your arms around Shelley, Sara, Alex and Brett. And his sweet parents....how I pray that I will never have to bury a child. Please comfort them and look for positive memories to carry them through each day. I pray that they know it's ok to cry, laugh and get angry, but that they never turn their back on you. Give them comfort by knowing they will again see Kurt face to face and meet you when you call us all home. And I pray that his team and staff will honor him each day with their efforts on the court and throughout the season. In his glorious name I pray, Amen.

From Nashville to Oxford

2011-11-14T19:01:00.000-08:00

I have to say that the last 7 days have been an amazing journey for me. There is not a day that goes by that I don't thank my precious Savior for all the blessings he has given to me. But this last week, I have to admit that I was counting my blessings every hour.

A good friend of Lance's gave us tickets to the CMA's in Nashville. Lance was unable to go due to work and lack of sitters during the week. So, he convinced me (oh yeah, like that was hard!) to go without him and just meet up with a dear friend of mine that lives in Nashville. Well, come to find out, the day before the show, she can't join me and I was stuck without someone to go with me. And I should have not been surprised when another friend of mine, Shannon Roberts, booked her flight within hours of talking with me over a pedicure to fly out the next morning.

Long story short, we had an amazing time! I do believe everyone should attend the CMA's at one point of their life. Such a cool experience of watching the all-star cast of performers and legends all in one setting. My favorite part of the three hour event was seeing how things went on during the commercials, watching the wardrobe changes, and each live performance. They were all fantastic. I have two favorites of that night: 1. luke bryan singing 'Country Girl'...only because i knew every last word thanks to Landon since it is his favorite song (i also enjoyed seeing him perform at the after party too!!) and 2. Taylor Swifts new song that she sang...so talented. The setting on the stage for her was so breath taking.

Here is a picture of Shane and his wife, Sarah, who gave us the tickets

And Sarah was a HUGE Jason Aldean fan and she had to take this picture after the show (of course it's not real!)

After coming home the next day (thursday), it was time to unpack, kiss the kids, and take off again the next morning to head to Oxford, MS to watch the Tech bulldogs beat up on the Rebels. This was the first house divided game Lance and I have ever had and it was interesting to say the least! And with my connections I had in Oxford (I worked there for one season of basketball), it still holds a special place in my heart. I enjoyed seeing the changes since i was there in 2000. And even though it was a down year for the Rebels, I still enjoyed seeing the grove and listening to their Hotty Toddy song. ;) Which, by the way, lance 'claims' that he never sang while in college...blah, too-cool party pooper. I had to refrain myself from wanting to sing along!

Here is our Ole Miss group outside the house we rented: The kilpatricks, Becks and Smiths (and no, a child did not take this picture...just Hunter's handy work with the timer on the camera)

The girls: Sarah, me, Becky and Jana

And my sweet hubby...still smiling even though his rebels were getting dominated at this point (prob 2nd quarter!!!!) Ha!!!

It was great seeing former Oxford faces and familiar Ruston faces too. I especially enjoyed catching up with Hannah Lee, who i haven't seen in over a year! But to top the weekend off, the Dawgs whipped up on the Rebels and I was so proud to be a Tech fan. Let's just hope we can hold onto Coach Sonny Dykes a little longer!

Halloween week...

2011-11-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

This past Halloween weekend was a whirlwind and I am still paying the price! Friday night I was able to catch up with lots of my relatives in town for the visitation and funeral for my Uncle Bill. Even though he lived in Tucson for the past 20 years, he was laid to rest in Shreveport next to his parents. This also made it easy for most of our family to get together and celebrate what a wonderful, Christian man my uncle Bill was. He will be missed.

Saturday morning, landon and I got up early to head back to Shreveport for his first swim team race and he loved it! They did warm ups for about 40 minutes and when that was over, he came over to me and to ask if the race was over and to see if he won! ;)

He competed in three events: 25 freestyle, 25 butterfly and the 25 back stroke. I was most impressed with his backstroke and was proud that he stayed on his back the entire way! Who knows how long he will want to swim, but for now, it is a lot of fun and great exercise! Here is a picture of him and his buddy, Jake, before the race.

Here is a video of his backstroke:

Then we met back up with the rest of our family to spend time with all the cousins for the remainder of the day. The kids were excited about seeing all of them and spending the night with KK and Papa Kenny. I can't believe I didn't get one picture of all the relatives that were in town! :(

Monday was Halloween and the kids were geared up to go trick or treating. Kennedy wanted to be Tinkerbell for ballet class and stayed in that for the rest of the day (she had been Princess Peach for all other halloween festivities). We joined a group of friends who lived in Wedgewood subdivision and it was a CRAZY and WILD place for trick or treating. There were so many people and I can only imagine how much candy these houses went through. But I was so proud of our kids for listening and having a great time. Thank goodness they didn't get too much candy! ;)

This was taken before school

Before trick or treating

here is a picture of kennedy wearing Landon's mustache (she had been begging for one every time he wore his costume). She loved it! She also got some strange looks that I enjoyed getting a kick out of!

So, it's November! wow! The leaves are starting to turn and it's gorgeous! I do love this time of year! Happy Fall!

We're Baaack!

2011-10-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, i am alive and yes it's great to be back! I have lots to report but I will make this the short version...lol! You know i love my lists that eliminate me having to write!! ;)

1. first and foremost, we are all happy, healthy and alive!

2. Right after my last blog (mid sept), I poured water on my laptop and had to replace it. :( I finally got the new one 5 days ago and I finally feel like I am back among the living! ;) I sure missed it and missed not keeping up with everyone and vice versa.

3. The kids' mermaid and pirate party was a huge blast and the weather was perfect (whew)

4. Landon turned 5 on Sept 27th. He got a battery operated four wheeler that has been a huge hit (via my parents, lance's parents and us). I'm too lazy to download pics from my phone. ;)

5. Kennedy started dance and she absolutely loves it. Landon is doing swim team and art

6. We adopted two stray dogs that showed up at our house while i was on my chicago trip. We have named them Gumbo and Brownie. Brownie is the puppy below and they have been super sweet (except they love to bark at night). grrrr! But I have learned it's because they are super protective and territorial so I guess that makes it ok. At least it keeps away the big dogs and deer that love to roam our neighborhood.

7. Kennedy now has to wear glasses the next four months in hopes that it strengthens her left eye. It's been an adjustment, but definitely more for me and lance. I am glad she doesn't fight me on wearing them. I did not notice anything to make me get her tested. She failed a stigma test the past two years at her MDO school. I am so glad i took her in and catch this early! I have pics on my phone, but here is the only one I have from my camera

8. They are going to be Mario and princess peach for halloween (as seen above)

9. The kids started preK 3 and 4 this year at Temple and they love their teachers: Landon has Mrs Teresa Mann (awesome!) and Kennedy has the same teacher L had last year, Brooke Martin.

10. Lance is currently in dallas watching the cowboys this afternoon and then the rangers tonight. He is a little kid in a candy store right now! At least I get to watch it on tv while i catch up on blogs!

11. i got the new iPhone 4S and it's amazing!!!!!

12. We took a quick trip to the beach for the long Columbus Day weekend before it got too cold. The water was still cold, but we had a great time! No pics from that trip! Bad mama!

13. I have been an organizing FOOL! I totally got motivated from a blog i found on pinterest (my other obsession). It's iheartorganizing and definitely worth checking out here.

14. And finally, on a sad note, we lost my uncle Bill last night to his battle of brain cancer. He was diagnosed this past January and it was pretty aggressive. I feel bad that i haven't blogged about this or asked for any prayer support through our church. I am not always comfortable sharing and asking for support on things such as this. This the husband of my mom's oldest sister, Donna. They live in Tucson, but the funeral will be in Shreveport this week. They are such a wonderful family and strong christians. He will be missed but we all know he is in great hands now.

That about wraps up our last month and a half. Hopefully i can keep up now! ;)

Kennedy's third birthday

2011-09-16T19:40:00.001-07:00

So much has gone on since my last post and it will all have to wait because today is my sweet little girl's birthday! As i am typing this, I am shaking my head wondering where the last three years have gone! I can't believe how big Kennedy is getting and she is such a joy to be around. I am not the best at writing so here are some Top 5's of what Kennedy is into these days:

Top 5 favorite things to do:

5. dance

4. play with the new "pup pups" (that's another story....)

3. color or paint

2. swim

1. play outside

Top 5 favorite foods:

5. toast with jelly

4. baby bell cheese

3. milk (i know it's not a food...)

2. corn dog or waffles (both usually frozen...i know, yuck!! I think she just loves the independence of getting it herself)

1. sonic grill cheese

Top 5 favorite toys:

5. Little pony

4. shopping cart

3. tea set

2. ride on toys

1. dress up or wear tutus

today was a fun day for the birthday girl. She got to wake up to a room full of balloons that me and her brother got to put out after she went to sleep. Landon got a HUGE kick out of sneaking in and putting them on her floor. When she woke up this morning, it was absolutely priceless hearing her scream for joy at all the balloons. She was amazed at why they were there and lit up when she realized it was her birthday. then it was playing with them for about 20 minutes before coming downstairs.

We got to hang around the house for most of the day and it was nice to finally be able to sit down and play with her. All week she has been so disappointed when i told her i didn't have time to since we were getting ready for school each day. Then, tonight we had both my parents and Lance's parents come over to help celebrate Kennedy's birthday. It was a great excuse to use the green egg and get outside to enjoy this nice weather. Here are some pictures of her sweet day.

Here she is after playing with her balloons. She wanted me to 'bury' her in her bed. These balloons have been fun toys today!! Sorry it's so small....i had to steal it from facebook (too lazy to download from my phone!)

Sporting her new princess dress from the inlaws. She got to help make her cake today (obviously! it was hard to restrain from helping too much)

Her new ride from us and my parents. This thing goes fast and she LOVES it! Now she can keep up with brother!

Happy birthday to my sweet kennedy!

Chicago bound!

2011-08-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

So, I still haven't downloaded our pictures from our August beach trip but I will get around to it soon enough. Lance and I celebrated our 8th anniversary on August 9th while down there...it's hard to believe it's been 8 years!! I am so blessed to be married to such an amazing and hilarious man who is my best friend.

We were able to share our trip with Lance's parents who made their first trip down there. And then some close friends of ours, the Adcox, joined us for the weekend. The weather was absolutely great and the water was clear and calm. I had never seen as much marine life while being there. The kids enjoyed seeing a LOT of blue crabs, star fish, sting rays and unfortunately lots of jelly fish. In fact, Kennedy got stung by one the last day we were there. Although we stayed for 10 days (and spent every day on the beach), we all didn't want to leave. Even Landon said, "Can we please stay for 6 more days!" I love how both our kids are enjoying beach time vs pool time. Kennedy spent more time in the ocean than she ever had!

While everyone else is gearing up for school to start, we still have a couple of more weeks before we go back to our mother's day out programs. Kennedy will be in the 3 year old pre-K and Landon will be in the 4 year old pre-K. I decided to take a quick trip up to Chicago to visit my college teammate and co worker at Tech. She coaches for the Chicago Sky WNBA team and their season is winding down. I have been wanting to catch a game all summer, but things have been too busy. Since she spends her fall, winter and spring in Russia, I never get to see her. And what a better excuse to go to Chicago!?! I am looking forward to some shopping and eating, that's for sure. Usually I have my parents help with the kids when i leave for several days, but this will be the most I will ever use a sitter. The kids will be in great hands with 3 different sitters and my in laws! Wish them luck!

July went flying by!

2011-08-08T12:16:00.000-07:00

The month of July was fast, furious and filled with fun! I was in no mood for blogging and when I was, I didn't have my computer with me. July always means our annual trip to Arkansas to go camping around the fourth of July. This year, it was close to 55 of our relatives all on one lake. Most of the group was in cabins, while my family (plus a couple of more families) camped out at Pikeville. There is never a dull moment when it comes to our camping trips and my kids have a blast. Here are a few pictures to highlight our trip:

we played with cousins....

We sang and danced....

We jumped without hesitation...

We endured two storms (losing two awnings, tarps, toys, tents, one jet ski and almost tipped over the houseboat)....

And we enjoyed sunsets.....

After our camping trip, Kennedy and I took off to Denton so I can attend a basketball camp while she got to spend some time with my cousins, who absolutely adore her. Huge thanks to Mary and her family to put up with us during that week!

Immediately after getting back from Denton, I had my Hall of Hoops camp at Byrd HS. The kids stayed in Ruston while I drove back and forth each day. I was glad to get my camps going again after taking a few years off from it. I still do my private team camps, but doing a camp open to the public had been put on hold.

Let's see, what else happened in July???? Oh yeah! My sweet younger brother, Kip, got married!! What a big time event that was! Both our kids participated in the wedding and they did fantastic! It was a long weekend, but it was great visiting with family and watching a sweet couple say their vows. They seem so incredibly happy and everything was perfect.

Landon practicing being the ring "master"

Before the wedding...

During the wedding...

And after the wedding!!!

Cochran cousins

Jolly cousins (my mom's side)

And the happy couple...

Now, let's see if August can top that!

basketballs, VBS and peaches!

2011-06-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

My kids and I were able to spend a couple of hours with Lance on Father's day before heading off to Shreveport for the week. We didn't see him all week prior to that since we were the beach and then he spent the weekend down at the condo with his dad and two other friends for a guys golfing weekend. So our time on Father's day was short but sweet. Here is a picture of what the kids gave to lance. I have been wanting to do this project for some time and I love it! I get great ideas from a blog called No Time For Flash Cards and I highly recommend it!

Last week was a down scaled version of last year's "cousin camp" at my parent's house while I worked my basketball camp at St. Mark's school. Instead of 8 kids staying at their house, it was only 5 and that doesn't include the 4 other cousins living in Shreveport near them! My mom loves kids and chaos so she got what she asked for!! ;)

My kids had such a great time that they didn't even notice me coming and going each morning and afternoon! And the evenings was filled with VBS at the local church that even Kennedy got to attend...she loves hangin with the big kids. This was also a good breather my parents would get before round two of activities took place on Sundown Drive at night. Speaking of night time activities... there is no cousin camp without a midnight sprinkler party (this is my mom's way of getting the kids bathed the most efficient way!). I laughed every time when a car came by because they would all scream, "Car!!!" and hit the ground to hide...guess you had to have been there! I am sorry that I don't have any pictures from these activities... :(

After a long, but very successful week of basketball camp, we got back to Ruston just in time to enjoy some of the festivities for the Ruston Peach Festival. We always enjoy the parade every year and, of course, getting some peaches!

The kids waiting for the parade to start...not sure why, but the bags always seem to go on the heads!!

Enjoying their 'loot' on the front swing of the AXO house!

Escaping with the Cauley's

2011-06-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, Mandy, and her family have been through the ringer the past two months. Her five year old little girl had a tough battle with pneumonia that nearly took her life. Between all the poking, prodding, ambulance rides, no sleep, tubes, beeping monitors, countless number of nurses, tears, rashes, prayers and x-rays, they all had enough. Finally, after the right kind of medicine was administered, Harper drastically improved. She came home with a pic line still in her arm and ready for life to get back to normal. But it took two weeks of being at home, secluded (for the most part) and still being on meds before life continued as before.

During her hospital stint, Harper requested to go to the beach. Her wish was granted just five days after her pic line was removed and cleared to live life as usual, Mandy and her two girls packed up to join us at the condo. The look in her girl's eyes as they frolicked in the waves that first evening was absolutely priceless. Our four days together included laughter, tears, shared secrets, pure joy and some tired kids (and mamas!). It was great being able to finally catch up with my sweet friend and I will forever cherish the sweet moments we endured.

Kennedy still asks for Harper as we are back in the real world in Ruston. She followed Harper around like a little sister would and wanted to have everything Harper had. Last night, we got the kids back together for a dive-in movie at Squire Creek pool and I loved seeing Kennedy's eyes light up when she heard Harper was coming. Too sweet!

I was proud of Landon playing so well in the ocean this past week (even though we spotted two sharks and pulled out 4 jelly fish!). He usually wants to just swim in the pools but he wanted to go to the beach everyday to swim and boogy board. Even Kennedy got some good water time in the ocean when the waves were small enough. It was a great week of clear water and smaller waves.

Anyway, enough of my rambling and on with some pictures from our trip this past week!

Sweet Baylor playing at LuLu's

Landon holding the first 'wild' hermit crab that Mandy found in the ocean. We are now owners of some pet crabs after visiting the local surf shop!

Silly Mandy and landon getting ready to go on an 'adventure'

Go Kennedy!

Group hug!

Getting ready for the dolphin tour

Landon doing his 'dolphin' call

Captain Landon

Heat wave!

2011-06-07T11:19:00.001-07:00

Summer is definitely here with some blazing heat this past week! We have been trying to stay cool by lots of swimming and I love it. It's also been a good week of basketball workouts and team clinics... I love getting my basketball juices going this time of year!

I was grateful my parents kept the kids a couple of nights on Sunday and monday so I could get the clinics in and a special little girls night out last night. It was very much needed by all of us and it was nice to get away. I also enjoyed sleeping in this morning! But it was short lived when I had to pick this kids up at 9:30, but I will take it!

Kennedy has been amazing still with potty training. I can't remember the last accident she had...she hasn't had one since my last post, so I am pumped about that!

This week and next week, I will be preparing for a team camp I am doing for St. Mark's in Shreveport later on this month. I am also getting ready for my own camp at Byrd HS on July 18-20th. It's a lot to get ready for and I hope the turn out is good at the Byrd camp. I need to get on the horn and start advertising!

Below are some pictures that i forgot to include in my post about our last beach trip. We stopped in Jackson along the way and went to their children's museum and it was FANTASTIC! I highly recommend it! The kids had a ball. Here are a couple of pics from the museum and some candid beach pictures that i tried to take! ;)

"Ta-da!"

This is our sweet Lindsey and Katie that helped out with the kids this trip!

Memorial day madness!

2011-06-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, not really madness, but I could probably call my current life an everyday madness with these two silly kiddos running around with a batman cape and a princess crown. You would think Kennedy would be the one wearing the crown and not the cape, but on this day, and on many others, it's the other way around...madness to most, but to me it's just my life! And i wouldn't have it any other way. ;)

Between learning the not-so- simple-concept of peeing in the potty, playing candyland, dancing, enduring a summer cold and having tea parties, I was ready to get out of the house and enjoy the holiday weekend festivities. Potty training is officially over and I can't believe it only took 4 days. Now, in those four days of constant attention on kennedy, it tested my patience, pride, and personality! But now she is so proud and loves to tell everyone how she got her poo poo prize, the crown that is found on someone's head throughout the day in our household.

Our weekend kicked off with spending some time with my sister in law and her family. They celebrated the birthday of her little miracle baby who was born 9 weeks prematurely this time last year. It's amazing that he is doing wonderful and is healthy as can be. I look forward to many more holidays with our kids playing together.

Sunday we went over to our friend's, Becky and Hunter Smith, house to have some major water party fun. They had a pool, two water slides, slip and slide, dirt pit and tramopline. Basically a kid heaven and a great time was had by all!! We were all exhausted and bedtime came early and easy!

Our attempt to get all the kids in one of the slides!

Monday, we were lazy most of the morning before heading over the Drewett's house around lunch time. I have been wanting to try out their new pool since it was built last fall. It has a major tunnel slide that has two turns in it and drops you into the pool from their upper deck (which you walk up two flights of stairs to reach it). I can't believe I didn't get a picture of it. We swam all day and the kids did awesome. I am simply amazed with Landon's ability to hold his breath and swim all day in the deep water without a floating device. Now, it took me going down the slide with him about 3 times before doing it by himself (it was fast and I understood his reservations!). Kennedy on the other hand didn't even bat an eye. She hopped on that thing all by herself after one ride with me....i was nervous with her going by herself, but it didn't last long.

They also had a diving board and that was a huge hit by kids and adults! Kennedy watched some of the older girls swimming and doing flips off the diving board and she wanted to do them too. She went off backwards on the diving board a couple of times before she hit her check on the board. Scared us at first when she hit, but fortunately, it was just a nasty scrape. Six hours in the pool and with no naps, we all were exhausted! We are so blessed to have such great friends to spend holidays with!

The sweet Drewett boys who were awesome with our kids. If you look close you can see K's scrape on her face.

Kennedy with Lilly Adcox..she loved Lilly's princess dive sticks! If anyone seeing these in a store, please pick some up for me!! It was ariel, cinderella and one more (i don't know all their names!!!! lol)

Tuesday night we had our end of the year party with our t-ball team at the Toma Lodge pool. I love all this swimming to keep these kids active and sleeping good at night!! We had such great coaches and parents on our team and we really enjoy spending time with each other. Big thanks to Coach Hunter and Trotter for all of their help this season!

Landon with his two T-ball coaches

Beach with the Beck's

2011-05-30T16:45:00.000-07:00

I am about a week behind on my posts since we have been busy with summer colds which started with Kennedy on our way back home from the beach on Sunday. She ran fever the entire way home and I didn't realize it until halfway home. :( I should have known since she was on and off napping and not saying too much. But, I have to admit that it was by far the easiest trip home since she was so quiet! No one else has ran fever, but we all still have the coughs and sniffles.

This past week has also been busy with potty training and walt disney world planning. After day 5 of potty training, I think we have mastered it! I am crossing my fingers and see if today was just a fluke. We spent 6 hours swimming today and she came out of the water many times to let me know she had to go, so I am feeling good about it today. And this is after she went #2 all by herself this morning without even telling me!

I will be posting our Memorial Day weekend pics as soon as i get my camera back. We left it today at our friends house. This is probably good so i can post pics from our May beach trip which i still haven't done!

We spent over a week at the condo right when school let out. Our former babysitter, Lindsey, who now lives in Little Rock, was able to make one last trip with us before she enters the 'real world' with a 'real job'. She brought a friend with her and they were fantastic helpers who my kids LOVE!!

My friend, Jana, was down there on a girls trip and I talked her into joining our family the last minute. The only thing was she had to convince her mom to drive all three of her boys down!! She is definitely super mom for doing it!! Landon was pumped to have a buddy to play with and they were a fun group to be around. They stayed a few days until they had to get back to Ruston. In the meantime, Lance came back down for the weekend and it was nice to be able to spend some fun quality time with just our family. The weather was absolutely perfect and the kids spent more time in the ocean this time around. The outdoor pool was still a little cool, so not much time was spent in there.

We couldn't find Kennedy and Bailey jack and this is where they were. Kennedy was reading him a book!

Peyton and Landon on boogie boards

Jumping off the sand 'wall' that was built up

Last week of school

2011-05-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

This last week has been so fun!! I couldn’t have asked for a better Mother’s Day on Sunday. Lunch was spent with Lance’s parents and dinner (in Minden at the Crawfish Hole) was spent with my parents along with Kip and his finance. Kennedy had some sort of stomach bug so we kept her home from church and surprisingly, no one else has gotten it! But it was a perfect weekend and it was nice to be home for a change.

This week, I have milked every last second of Mother’s Day Out because I know it’s the last week of it until next fall. Then the nights were filled with two t-ball games, visits from my parents, church choir program, girls’ night out and now, tomorrow, we are headed back to the beach! I have to give a huge shout out (even though he doesn’t read this) to my dad for picking up and bringing over a refrigerator from Bossier for us to use in our garage. Our spare one went out over the winter and I know we will need it for the summer while we are playing outside. You gotta love some facebook…found me a free fridge with one post! People are so giving!

Anyway, here are some pictures from this past week. Hope everyone is enjoying this summer-like weather!

Landon's tee ball games (and Kennedy trying to get into the action)

Temple choir program

Last day of school with their teachers

Easter, finally!

2011-05-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

Update on sweet Harper (I know Mandy is so grateful for all the prayers): After two weeks in the ICU, she finally came home last night. She is doing so much better and I know they are all glad to be home after such a scare! It definitely made me hug on my kids a little more every day!!

This Easter was such an amazing adventure for us!! I loved that we were able to go down to the condo and do something different this year...it will be one to remember. My parents were able to join us and I think they were glad to be able to slow down and relax. With the four of us watching the kids, everyone got some down time.

Easter morning, it was fun watching the kids look for easter eggs inside the condo and play with their new goodies. We tried making a beach side service, but we moved along too slow to do it. But we were able to go to the Hangout for brunch and enjoy their Easter activities for the kids. I have heard lots about the Hangout, but have never been. It's a great set up and there are things to do for all ages! Here are some pictures for that morning:

Landon finding the Golden egg

Finally get a decent family picture and it's a little bright...need to do some photoshop i guess!

I was shocked that Kennedy wasn't scared of the easter bunny...just the opposite in fact! She kept following him around every chance she got!

This was a huge foam bath that all the kids got to play in...they loved it and I was amazed by all the foam!!! Some of the kids you couldn't even see!!

On that Tuesday after Easter, my parents took the kids back to Ruston (lance had to leave monday night) so I could join up with some girlfriends for our annual beach trip to Blue Mountain, FL. The past three years we have always gone on Mother's Day weekend, but we decided to switch things up this year. I was glad to already be down there so I wouldn't have to make the drive again. It was great to have some girl time, shop, and be lazy! Although, I was sad to miss Landon's first t-ball game. :( But i know there will be PLENTY more! We decided to go ahead and play this year and it's been really cute! He loves it...that makes it all worth while.

We have one more week of Mother's day out and then its summer time! I don't plan on putting the kids in the summer program because we are just gone too much and have too much going on. We did the same thing last summer it worked out great.

Prayers please

2011-04-26T05:20:00.000-07:00

I find myself checking the blogs but I am no where close to updating ours. I just can't bring myself to talk about what our family has been doing knowing that a super dear friend of mine is suffering right now. Instead, I am constantly checking her blog for updates. Her 5 year old little girl has been in the hospital for almost a week battling for her life because of a horrible case of pneumonia and still isn't out of the woods yet. You can hear their story on her blog HERE and get updates. Please, please say a quick word of prayer for a most precious little girl, Harper, and her parents, Nick and Mandy (Arnold) Cauley.

First beach trip of 2011

2011-04-13T06:04:00.001-07:00

I looked at the weather forecast for Orange Beach and it was calling my name!! With the weather warming up and seeing everyone's spring break beach pictures, it really made me miss the beach. I really didn't want to take the kids down by myself so I looked into flying my 15 year old cousin, Caitlin, in from Dallas to join us. Since she is being home schooled, she was able to come and was super excited about seeing the Gulf Coast for the very first time. I just picked her up from the monroe airport on our way out to the beach. I think my kids were extremely excited about seeing her since we haven't seen her in a couple of months. And Kennedy LOVES some Caitlin!

We left last Thursday knowing that Lance will join us late Saturday night and having no idea when we will return home. Having Caitlin with us allows us to be flexible since she was going to stay the week with us no matter where we were. It will probably be Wednesday so we can get ready for a dinner party at our house Friday night and then to Dallas on Saturday for the Kenny Chesney concert and to take Caitlin home.

The first three days at the beach there was fog ALL DAY LONG! It was really weird and I had never seen anything like it. But it was still plenty warm (actually looking back at it, it made it so more pleasant!) and didn't keep anyone from playing on the beach. You may be able to see it on one of the pictures.

I was glad the kids picked up where they left off last Fall with their swimming. They were great. The water was too cold at the outdoor pool, but we were able to spend some time in the indoor pool. I can tell they have both grown a lot and Landon seems stronger. Kennedy loved to finally be able to touch the bottom.

Looking at the calendar this month, we may be spending more time at the beach this month than at home. We come back again next week for Easter weekend with my parents for a really long weekend. It should be fun egg hunting in the sand and condo! And then the following week it will be my annual girls trip to the beach in the Seaside area (i am hoping i can stay down here while everyone goes back and then i meet up with my girls!!).

here are a few candid shots of the week!

kennedy wanted to get buried over and over!

Landon admiring this man's pet snake. L had no fear and K didn't want to get near it!

landon explaining what pets he wants but him mom won't let him. This man was so nice to listen to him ramble on!

You can really see the fog in this picture of landon

just a shot that i took right before we left the house

Spring Break Week

2011-04-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

The weather wasn't as near as warm as it was last week, but it was still nice enough to enjoy our spring break! Lance was gone three nights this week and I will be glad we he makes it back home late tonight. I need a break from play fighting with Landon and pretending to be a dog with Kennedy! But I have loved how kennedy's imagination has kicked in this past month. I love the conversations she has with her toys.

With the rain and colder weather in the beginning of the week, I was able to clean out closets of clothes and even toys. Love being organized!! I'm sure it won't last too long, but everything is in it's place now.

Tuesday the kids had a blast at a the jungle gym for a birthday party for Kennedy's best little buddy from school, Jack Robbins. They are too cute together. Thursday was a FULL day as we spent our day in Shreveport while i did a basketball lesson and then took kids to Chick fil A for lunch (Holly, if you read this, I loved seeing your mom and sweet Bailey!!! super cute!). And then to Brownlee park and I was able to spend the day with my sorority Big Sis, Kerri Tynes, and her kids. Then it was back to ruston to have dinner and playdate at Nancy's house (both hubby's were out of town). We had a blast playing different games with the kids.

Today we had a perfect day at the zoo with Nancy Hunt and Holly James. The kids were so cute and the weather was warmer and couldn't have been better. The kids were so excited that they just about ran through the entire park. I didn't mind...I was able to be back home in time for naps!

This is Kennedy's face watching the tiger swim

Landon and Ava watching the tiger

Finally the alligators!!

For those who have been to the Monroe zoo, you know that peacocks roam freely throughout and I thought it was pretty special that we were able to see all the feathers

We laughed so hard as the kids tried to act like flamingos!

Zoo picnic!

I think this weekend will be great weather and I love so glad! It will be filled with a soccer game, Spring football game and birthday parties. Hmmm, I think I need to throw in a date night..I need some one on one time with my man!

March Madness

2011-03-27T05:12:00.000-07:00

I love sitting on the edge of my couch watching the end of exciting basketball games and March Madness always brings the best basketball out of each team that participates! Emotions are flying high and the sheer joy of victory of an underdog team brings chill bumps to my skin every time! And I am not afraid to say that even the tears from the seniors of the losing teams will spring tears to my eyes as I share their pain of knowing they will never play college ball again.

Last weekend, I was able to volunteer my time to help with the NCAA 1st and 2nd round games in Shreveport. The four teams that participated were Rutgers, Texas A&M, McNeese, and my Lady Techsters. I was more than thrilled when i saw the brackets come out with each of these teams since I have a personal relationship with each coaching staff. I was looking forward to reconnecting with them and to cheer on my alma mater of Louisiana Tech, who was considered the host school. And how exciting it was to witness history as my best friend at McNeese takes her team to their first ever NCAA game.

It was fun bouncing around town to greet each team as they arrive into town on Friday. I got people involved that weren't afraid to be loud and sometimes obnoxious to make the teams feel welcomed. I think my mom was an instant hit with each team! The games were on Sunday and Tuesday and I was glad that my sweet hubby was able to watch the kids these days so I could work them. The better team, Texas A&M, walked away with two victories to move onto the next round. I was proud of the crowd that showed up to support the event!

One of my other favorite things about March is leaving the long, cold winter behind and welcoming the beautiful blooms of Spring. I love it! And the kids have enjoyed spending lots of time outside. We have started the park circuit already and it's been wonderful. Here are some pictures of a recent playdate this past Friday that was perfect. The kids got along so well!

And every year, I try to catch the peach trees in bloom to take some pictures of the kids. I almost missed it this year but we were able to find a few trees that still had blooms left. Now, if I could only figure out how to get the kids to look at the camera and actually smile!

Happy Spring!!

Look! A pattern!

2011-03-14T15:31:00.001-07:00

Since before christmas, Landon has been into noticing patterns and making some of his own (with shapes and colors) around the house. But this particular pattern is one he will not notice. Last Sunday night, Landon was hit with the stomach bug. Then Thursday, Kennedy was down for a day with it. And guess who got it last night (Sunday)? yep, yours truly! I guess according to the pattern of this stomach bug, Lance is due to be hit with it on Thursday, right in the middle of a big presentation. So, here is to Lance breaking up this vicious pattern!!

This time last year, we were all hit with the stomach bug and I remember it very vividly because Lance and I still talk about it! He was laid up in the bed during my favorite weekend of basketball on tv and I was soooo jealous!! Yep! that's right, jealous of poop and vomit! He got to watch three days worth of ball while I barely caught any of the games while taking care of the kids. And then i get the bug just in time the games take a break in midweek and I get nothing! Then I took back everything I said to him after going through what he went through!! Miserable!

Score!!!

2011-03-12T19:48:00.001-08:00

Landon scored his first soccer goal this morning! I don't have any pictures or video of it but it was still cute. He was so excited about it and talked about it the rest of the day. It's funny how his mind works...he still is trying to figure out the 'scoring' thing. He keeps saying that his team had one point and HE had one point. I have to keep reminding him that his team had a point because HE scored a point and then explain the rest of the scoring scenarios.

I was really amazed how much the team has improved in only three games. Although, Landon STILL wants to pick up the ball with his hands. He had a break away and he was close to the goalie and all he had to do is shoot it (no one else was around him) and he just picks up the ball! It's hard not to laugh! Maybe he is confused by knowing the goalie can touch with his hands?? He seems to want to do it more when he is close to the goal.

It was a fun morning with the soccer game and seeing some friends out there. The rest of the day was gorgeous and we were able to spend a lot of time outside. March madness has begun with all the conference tournaments winding up and it was a great day of basketball. Although, my Lady Techsters lost in the finals of the WAC conference tournament. :( We will have to wait and see if they will get an at-large bid on Selection Show this monday night. I think their chances are good since they are a host school, their RPI is 25, and have a great quality 15-point win over Georgia. Plus they have won 17 of the last 18 games. Hopefully the selection committee will grant them a ticket to the big dance!

My friend, Brooks, at McNeese won their conference tournament and I hope they get sent to the Shreveport site so i can see them. But with the Techsters losing today, it might not happen if Tech gets in. They will both be lower seeds and not at the same site. Who knows! i can't wait for Monday night!

my little soccer man...

Today's lesson: Don't get cocky

2011-03-10T10:25:00.000-08:00

So, I was telling my friend, Shelley, at the park yesterday that no one else got what Landon had on Sunday night. I said that i just knew that we were going to dodge a bullet. Maybe it was me just trying to spread some positive thinking around our household to kill off the stomach bug(along with tons of clorox!). Wednesday rolls around and I just get down-right cocky. I even start planning a last minute trip to the condo for the weekend. Well, well, well.... poor Kennedy....

I dropped her off at school and her teacher calls me about 45 minutes later to let me know that she just isn't herself and doesn't seem to feel good and probably should come get her. She was refusing food (at home too, but this isn't unusual) and her teacher knew it was bad when she didn't even want a chocolate chip cookie. I go to pick her up and I can tell she doesn't feel well. And at this point, i STILL don't think it's the stomach bug (cocky, cocky, cocky).

well, I get halfway home and I hear the dreaded gurgle sound from behind me. Yep! Throw up all in my car. I am hoping she can sleep it off this afternoon! I am still going to stay positive, but will definitely stay humble!!!! Please pray that she gets well and that no one else gets it!!!

Conference Champs

2011-03-07T10:57:00.000-08:00

With Lance living it up in Palm Springs, playing golf all week and through the weekend, I decided to take a little trip myself. My mom and I took the kids to Lake Charles Friday and Saturday to watch one of my best friends coach her final home game at McNeese. I was so proud watching her take first place in their league with their big win over Lamar. They will be the number 1 seed in their conference tournament this upcoming week. It was a long weekend for the kids, but they got to swim at Brooks' house and also play at the jumpy during her game. If McNeese wins their conference tournament, they might get the chance to play in Shreveport the first two rounds of the NCAA!! Crossing my fingers!

Brooks is on the right with the trophy. The other guy is the mens coach...it was a double header game and they won as well. First time in their conference that both men and women won the regular season title

Also, I just found out that she got Coach of the Year in their conference! Go Brooks!!

After the late night arrival to our house on Saturday night, it was safe to say that the kids were exhausted. They slept until 8:30 on Sunday which is very unusual for Kennedy. We still managed to get to sunday school at 10 and then we went to a birthday party at 2:30. Both kids were tired again that evening and were asleep by 7:00.

Landon told me that his stomach hurt right before he went to bed and I found it odd how fast he feel asleep too. Two hours later he woke up throwing up and having to go to the bathroom. It was a long night for him and not the best welcome-home-lance party when he arrived at 11:00pm last night.

Today he has been great so it looks like he is over it. This morning while doing a ton of laundry and cleaning up the stains from last night, I found Kennedy downstairs in the playroom with a bottle of baby powder. I couldn't even be mad!! I just laughed and grabbed my camera. Now, later I got a little mad, after I cleaned it up, when I discovered she had poured it in every drawer in the play room. Oh well!! I needed a good excuse to weed out some of their toys anyway!!

Pray for Jake

2011-03-02T05:34:00.000-08:00

As I type, my 4 year old cousin is having his 3rd open heart surgery to fix a valve on his heart. I membrane keeps growing and covering it up. They are hopeful that this will be the last time. I can only imagine what Ty and Amy are going through right now. You can following them at http://tymccathran.blogspot.com/

2011-03-01T09:10:00.001-08:00

These past two weeks have been a blur, but so much fun! We have been enjoying some wonderful weather and I think that just puts everyone in a great mood!

Landon has started playing soccer and he has really enjoyed it. He gets frustrated sometimes that he is not the fastest on the field and I have to keep telling him that he is one of the youngest ones and that he will catch up soon (I hope!). If only his team can learn about the boundries on field, we could spend more time playing instead of chasing the ball down into the woods!

The Hall kids and Tyler kids before their first game

On Feb 19th, we celebrated my mom's 60th birthday by throwing her a barnyard party. It was a blast for all ages. The kids loved dancing, playing on the jumpy and looking at the longhorn cows. By the end of the night, they were worn out!! Landon and Kennedy were sooo excited about seeing their cousins that they haven't seen in several months. They also enjoyed seeing some of their close friends, jake and landry grace, who came in from Ruston for the party. This sounds like a kid's birthday party, but a great time was had by all the adults as well! ;) My dad and my aunts did a fantastic job of planning everything from the square dancing, bon fire, bar-b-que, and a DJ for music.

All the cousins dancing

Me and my sweet mama! I wish you could see her new boots! Too bad we can't wear the same size shoe!! They were so cute!

Landon and the birthday girl!

The following weekend was filled with basketball!! I am on the NCAA committee that is hosting the 1st two rounds of the women's tournament in Bossier City. We have been promoting this tournament and this past weekend was the kick of these promotions. We held a free clinic for the kids in the Shreveport/Bossier area at BPCC. Following the clinic, we had an all-star game that consisted of former high school standout girls basketball players (from shreveport area) that went on to play college basketball somewhere. I had a blast tracking down these players to play and I was so grateful for some of my former high school and college teammates to participate. It went perfect!!! No one got hurt and everyone had a blast! My biggest concern was having a few kids at the clinic and no one showing up to watch the game. Well, having around 50 kids come to the clinic exceeded my expectations and I was glad when the kids stayed for the game as well.

Players that played in the game

Selling my kids clothes

2011-02-10T17:59:00.000-08:00

I am purging some clothes that my kids can no longer wear and I really don't feel like tagging all of them for the upcoming consignment sells. So, my buddy Suzanne inspired me to just put some things up on my blog. Here are some pictures of just a few things. Kennedy's clothes range from size 6 months up to 24 months. And Landon's range 9 months up to 3t. I have cute clothes and play clothes. Just let me know if you want to come look or if you want more pictures.

well, i just somehow erased the pictures of the shoes i have. It's mostly size 3 and 4 (crocs, sandals, and sun san shoes). I really don't feel like taking another pic and uploading. I have red, navy, pink and white sun-san sandals.

and here are some bubbles and sets from Kennedy's closet.

You can always call me if you have any questions!

Snowed in with no snow

2011-02-09T17:19:00.000-08:00

For the past two weeks, the Ruston area has been closing schools due to a threat of ice and snow. We finally got a few flurries this afternoon, but nothing to brag about. I see pictures from Shreveport, Houston, and Little Rock with several inches and we missed it all! And the weekend between these weeks, we had warm and beautiful weather. Crazy! This has been a cold winter and I am ready for Spring!!!

The kids have been great and I have found myself enjoying them more and more. We attended the Lady Techsters game this weekend and I especially enjoyed it because it was a crowd of over 7,000 and it brought back some great memories of playing. The ladies are on a roll and undefeated in conference. I am really pulling for them to finish strong and make the NCAA tourney this March. Especially when we are hosting the first two rounds in Shreveport for the first time ever. I am actually on a committee that is helping put that tournament on. It's been fun getting involved and seeing what all takes place behind the scenes.

I am not much for words tonight, so I will leave you with a few pictures of the kids over the past few weeks!

Super bowl Sunday making a World Champion ring and trophy (glad the packers won! One of my former players is married to the DB and had a great year!)

Kennedy eating cotton candy at basketball game

Riding the swing before the Techsters game

Random shot before church

Our 'snow' pictures from today

The week of ice

2011-01-15T05:31:00.001-08:00

Last weekend, Lance and I snuck off to New Orleans with some friends to attend a private showing of a Better than Ezra concert. I was such a fun trip and the concert was a blast. We were able to stay at Lance's sister's house the first night and spend some time with them and our sweet nephew, Hudson. It was being able to relax and watch the LSU game with no distractions! ;) The next day we met up with everyone else to watch the Saints game and then attend the concert at Harrah's casino. The concert probably had less than 1,000 people there so it was unique setting where everyone had great 'seats' (standing room only) and they played for a long time and seemed to have more fun than anyone else!

The next day we tried to get on the road as soon as possible because we heard the weather was getting icy back in Ruston. Well, we didn't try to hard since we made a stop at Cafe du monde before leaving!! ;)

sure enough, our power went out at our house while the sitter was there with the kids. She did a great job entertaining them until we got there and then the power came back on. Landon was excited about the possibility of snow so he was eager to get outside and play in it. Monday morning we all got out in it and had a ball knocking all the icicles off of everything. I was a little disappointed there wasn't any snow, but the kids didn't seem to mind. Here are a few pics of the kids playing in the ice:

Landon standing on his toy story "ball"

The rest of the week has been extremely cold and the ice remained on our trees all the way through Thursday. I can't stand cold weather, so I kept the kids home from school one day and we had a ball just goofing off at the house. By far, the activity of the week was a hit this time around. Landon has loved the new phone app called Angry Birds so instead of him wearing my phone out, I put together our own version of Angry Birds.

I got some little people farm animals as our 'targets' to knock out and we just built obstacles all around them. Then i let Landon decorate his marshmellows with 'angry' faces (which he loved) and he was so proud of his. Then he was step back and throw the marshmellows at the animals to knock them off. It was great! I may have had more fun than him! ;)

His "angry birds"

He kept gettting closer and closer trying to knock them down.

Hope everyone is staying warm and have a great week!!

Bring it on 2011!

2011-01-10T08:45:00.000-08:00

After Christmas, we just enjoyed the holiday season as long as we could. Even though Lance and I both battled a cold for most of the holidays, we still loved every minute of it. The kids and I were lazy and enjoyed playing with all of our new toys. Landon has gotten into doing puzzles and I am amazed at how good he has gotten with them.

For New Year's Eve, we were invited to go to dinner with the Parkers, Clarks and Hunts at Squire Creek. I went solo since lance still wasn't feeling very good. He had missed work most of the week as well. It was nice to have a good meal with great company at our country club. I was glad that it wasn't an overpriced meal that normally comes with New Year's Eve. Thanks again for the invite, Shelley!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-10T08:05:00.000-08:00

Christmas this year was absolutely perfect! It was low-key, no drama, little travel, great food and lots of fun! Landon really got into it and Kennedy just fed off of his energy which made this Christmas very exciting.

Christmas Eve was spent mostly at Lance's parents house with a yummy lunch and then the annual game of bingo later that afternoon with his cousins that came over from Shreveport. We were home by 6:00 in time to relax, put out the reindeer food, cookies for Santa, and an early bedtime.

Christmas morning began around 8:00 when the kids woke up. Lance's parents, sister and brother in law came over to watch the kids check out all of their Santa surprises. Santa tried to hide Woody in Landon's stocking, but it took no time for Landon to spot his hat poking out of it! Kennedy ran right to the huge bear that was left for her. The next few hours were spent opening gifts and playing with all of our new toys until we got ready to load up to head to Caddo Lake to see my family.

Putting reindeer food out

Kennedy (who insisted on wearing yellow bows are bath) putting the cookies out for Santa. Landon insisted that Santa needed to eat healthy to make him strong so he added the carrots.

Every other year my parents host the Cochran fear factor at their house with my brothers and cousins on my dad's side of the family. It is always interesting to see what the grown ups have in store for us. This year we had to be inside since it was just too cold and wet to get outside for the games. Each 'young' adult is paired up with their spouse to compete in 3 rounds for bragging rights and a trophy. This year was:

Round 1- My parents got the Connect video game that reads your body movements instead of using controllers. Each couple had to play a water rapids game and the highest score gets 1st place. Lance and I fell in the middle of the pack on this one. We couldn't see to jump at the same time at all! My cousin Destin and her hubby killed everyone in this one!

Round 2- Candy cane fishing. We had a fishing cane pole with a candy cane tied to the end of the pole. We had to 'hook' another candy cane out of 3 different coffee mugs and place them into a bowl. The fastest time win. Lance won vs the guys and i won vs the girls.

Round 3- This round is always an eating competition. This one was pretty brutal and hilarious at the same time! Each couple had to feed the other partner food without using their hands. Basically picking up the food with their mouth and putting it in their partner's mouth. Disgusting, right?? Well, just wait till you hear what we had to eat.... one jalapeno pepper, one sardine, and one twinkie. Blah! The fastest time wins first place. We came in second place behind my older brother. Destin stole the show when she couldn't keep her sardine down! Poor thing, but she was a great sport! I think if they were able to finish this event, they would have won.

Lance and I came in a very close second place behind my older brother and his wife. This makes it two years in a row that they won. Maybe next year....

All the kid cousins on my dad's side of the family

Fear Factor contestants

Kennedy and cousin Jake taking a break from playing to watch some Backyardigans

A crafty Christmas

2010-12-23T19:08:00.001-08:00

I just love Christmas time!!! These past few days we kicked off Christmas week with some craft time. Tuesday, I hosted my annual Christmas craft playdate with two of dearest friends, Suzanne Tyler and Mandy Cauley, who are amazing school teachers in Lincoln Parish. I always try to steal some of their Christmas break time with a playdate with our kids since we don't have playdates during the school year. And another sweet friend of mine, Shanna, joined us last minute and Landon was glad to see his preschool buddy, Jonathan. These craft dates can get crazy so I try to keep the numbers down to keep the stress to a minimum.

This year, we did the Apple Snowman once again because it seems to be a big hit. Such an easy craft and good for young kids. All you need is: an apple, one large marshmellow, lots of little marshmellows (especially when they are eaten before they are placed on the apple), whole cloves, and toothpicks. I always have to remind the kids that the toothpicks are sharp which is a good learning tool. This year, Harper added a little flare on her snowman by making a crown for hers. And, of course, jake tyler had to put a hat on his. ;)

Suzanne was gracious enough to bring a craft for the kids to do as well. It was a lifesaver ornament that the kids made a circle with and then we placed in the oven to make the ring of lifesavers stick together. We had a hard time getting them to stick together so the kids just enjoyed eating them up instead! I think it was Landon's first experience with lifesavers and I think it is safe to say that he loved them! Now, we did have a scare with Mandy's youngest, Baylor Kate, when she started to choke on hers. She is not even two yet so I don't recommend this craft for the young ones! Fortunately she was ok, but it gave all the moms a big scare.

Landon with his snowman and a lifesaver in his mouth!

Sweet Harper cheesin it up for me

jake concentrating HARD!

Jonathan, Landry Grace, Harper, Baylor Kate, Kennedy, Jake, and Landon

Thank you ladies for taking time out of your short Christmas break to come over. I just enjoy seeing the both of you and hugging on your sweet kiddos!

Two years ago, Mandy Cauley, gave me the craft idea for our craft playdate to have our kids paint the Christmas wrapping paper to be use to wrap gifts. We tried painting our, then, 2 year old's feet with paint and let them walk all over the brown craft paper that we would use to wrap presents. As you can imagine, it didn't go over too well (what were we thinking??). Our kids might could do it now they are 4, but if you are anything like me, I tend to waste wrapping paper when wrapping gifts. So, then we came up with the idea to just wrap the presents and THEN have them put handprints on them. Sooo, this is the second year to do this and even though it was messy and a little crazy at times, we had a blast! Landon got good at doing his own hands and I was soooo glad that I drew a picture of a christmas on the brown craft paper that I taped to the table. This was so Kenedy could paint the tree while she waited her turn to do more prints. Now, she did end up with a lot of green on her belly and ALL IN HER HAIR!! I wish now I had a picture of that. But I had paint all over me and we needed to get cleaned up quickly. And now I wish I had taken picture of the finish products!! You can see some of them in the background. We did mostly handprints, but we also had some stamps and some sponge letters that spelled "HO" for HO HO HO.

Both kids went straight to the bath afterwards while i cleaned up before my inlaws came over for dinner and gifts. Thank goodness I had the taco soup in the crock pot and didn't have to worry about cooking! We cut it pretty close!

Sweet Memaw

2010-12-15T20:04:00.000-08:00

Early, early this morning we received a phone call. The call was to tell us the news about Lance's grandmother who had had a heart attack and wasn't expected to live. Lance showered up and headed to the Ruston hospital where she was in ICU. This was his dad's mother who was 99 and lived in a nursing home in Arcadia, just down the interstate. But, I have never seen a more active 99 year old and who made the most precious porcelain dolls!

Lance's parents were actually in New Orleans visiting with Lance's sister, Leslea. But they quickly came back home to be with her. She passed this afternoon. It was a blessing that she didn't suffer long and Dr. Hall was able to see her. She lived a full life, and according to her, she lived two lifetimes!

Please keep Lance's dad in your prayers. He knew her days were numbered, but it still never prepares you to lose your mother.

On a lighter note, Landon sang at our church tonight for the 3-4 yr old choir. They were too cute! The crazy thing was, Landon had his thumb in his mouth the entire time, yet still singing. He has never sucked his thumb a day in his life so i asked him what was that all about when it was over. He said, "I wanted to be baby Landon just like baby Jesus." Geez, of all times to pretend to be a baby! Although, lately, he has been pretending he is baby Clark Kent from a book we got from the library. Who knows! ;)

Landon and his buddy, Canon, before getting on stage

And this is a picture of a family that I have enjoyed getting to know. Jonathon is in Landon's class so they are big buds. And I have gotten to know his mom, Shanna, from MDO and church. Her husband is our new Music director for the Gathering and he is so talented. They are such sweet people and I am glad they have moved to Ruston! She needed help with a family picture for a christmas card and I was glad to help.

This week has been busy with bunko, date night with lance and the weekend will be just as filled. Tomorrow night we have a couple's game night we are going to, which I can't wait!! Then Friday we have the annual McClusky cookie exchange party put on by one of my friends, Sharla. And this girl can throw a party!! Friday night is our Sunday school party. I love the Holiday season!!!!

Fun filled weekend

2010-12-15T19:45:00.001-08:00

I am a few days late on this post, but it's better than what I have been doing! On Friday, we visited Lance's work for their Open House and to see Santa. I was worried on how Kennedy would do with seeing him up close and personal. But she did great! Jumped on his lap with no hesitation and kept giving him hugs. I think it helped when Landon kept talking about how nice he was and that he isn't scary.

What??? a family shot with both kids looking?? yay!

Kennedy giving Santa another hug

Kennedy playing ring around the rosie with Preston and Emory

Later that evening we attended the christmas parade and it was great!! I was so glad that it wasn't too cold like it had been the past two years. The kids had a ball and it was fun enjoying it with other close friends of ours and their kids. I have to say that we have some kids that are candy snobs!! If you could have seen the candy that was left on the ground and seen the kids just pass over the candy they don't like. In fact, I witnessed Landon taking candy from a guy handing it to him through his car window, Landon looked at it and dropped it on the ground right in front of the guy. I was quite embarrassed, but laughed so hard at the same time!! Thankfully so did the guy!

The boys checking out the cool motorcycles

The next morning, we attended the annual breakfast with Santa at Squire Creek. We are so lucky to have this at our country club to help build our family traditions. This year was sooo much easier than last year. It helped that we beat the crowd waiting to take pictures and the kids actually sat still at the table and behaved!! I see the light at the end of the table!!!!

Oh how i wish I had gotten more pics of K in this adorable dress!! We borrowed it from my dear friend, Suzanne, and it was precious!

Looks like such a big boy in this picture (sniff)

After breakfast, we went home to change clothes to go to a birthday party at Papa Simpson's farm. It was for Cullen clark and Alex hunt's 3rd birthday party. My kids loved it!! I was glad that Kennedy got to go finally. It was a little windy/chilly, but we didn't get rained on thank goodness. We are so lucky to have such great friends to celebrate these special memories!

K's first pony ride

Polar Express Weekend

2010-12-06T07:13:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday, my parents and I took the kids to Dallas to spend some time with some relatives and my cousin's birthday party. It was a long weekend, packed full with fun, but well worth it. The kids did pretty good considering all the time we spent in the car going from place to place.

We got to see both Aunt Lisa and Aunt Jennifer's new houses. We also got to see my niece, Kenzie, perform in her gymnastics meet. Then we celebrated Emma's 8th birthday at Aunt Jen's house. We all didn't get into bed until midnight and my kids were exhausted!

I had no idea what a wonderful guitar player Rob (my cousin's, Mary, husband) is and Kennedy loved dancing to the music and really enjoyed playing his guitar!

Kennedy and Caitlin. K had been in the car all day and she couldn't have been more excited to see her!

On Sunday we woke up and laid around Aunt Jen's house until we headed out. We then drove to Palestine to the Polar Express train depot, where Lance met us there to have a family train ride on the Polar Express. It was cute and it was worth seeing the kids expressions when they saw the north pole, the train conductor, and then Santa Claus. I really thought Kennedy was going to flip out when she saw him, but she did good and even got the bell out of his hand. All the adults really enjoyed Kennedy's love of dancing. She danced the entire train ride!

I know several friends that have taken their kids to the is ride soI knew it was going to be a long day. I would probably suggest you go at least once. Don't expect it to be spectacular, but I can tell you that young kids will enjoy it. Older kids might think it's cheesy (and adults too), but if you ask me, just get into the spirit and have fun with it, it will be really fun for all ages!

Kennedy dancing with the girls

Kennedy hearing the bells

Looking for the north pole

My favorite picture....Landon hearing the bell saying I believe!!

After the train ride, we drove through Santa Land in Lindale, TX. This is the drive through lights that is located right off the interstate. Really cute and worth making a stop if you are ever driving through!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2010-12-06T07:01:00.000-08:00

Although, it's hard work decorating your house for Christmas, it's definitely worth it once it's goes up. I love this time of year and I love it when our house is decorated at Christmas time. Too bad it only lasts a month!

Here are some pictures of the kids decorating "their" tree in the playroom.

And then we reintroduced them to our Elf on the Shelf, Stowie, and they have LOVED him! Landon is so serious about no one touching him and wakes up every morning looking for him to see where he moved when he comes back from the 'north pole'. The first morning he arrived, he brought presents for the kids (christmas pjs). It's something I did last year and I think i will make it a tradition each year.

The other day, I hear Landon telling on Kennedy to Stowie about something she did and Stowie should tell Santa that she needs to be on the naughty list, but should still get ONE present, but only one! lol....It's going to be a fun Christmas!

Both kids get a new set of ears!

2010-12-02T17:30:00.001-08:00

My 100th blogpost! Wow! And this one is all about the surgeries both my kids had today. They did fantastic! Kennedy got just tubes put into her ears, along with a long of draining of fluid/infection. Everything else looked good so no additional procedure done while she was under. Hopefully this will solve the many issues we have been having since last March. We all got some good laughs at her while she was 'drunk' on the happy sedative too.

After she came to, she cried/whined for about 5 minutes, but nothing too bad. Then she took a little nap and woke up surprisingly giddy! Then, she had every nurse and doctor just laughing and carrying on...I think she will be my little social butterfly. She probably broke the record of the amount of popsicles given to. I know how they feel, she can be hard to say no to!

Landon went in right after Kennedy and his took a little longer since he had to do a sinus irrigation along with his second set of tubes. He had a lot of 'goopy', thick fluid behind his ear drums which was causing the hearing loss. With the irrigation, they were able to clean out his sinuses that had a lot of infection in them. When we woke up, he didn't even cry at all. He just asked, "Am I back in my room?" He didn't like the idea of being 'taken' away when they wheeled him out of his room. We will know next week when we go in for the post-op to see how the cultures of the fluid turn out. Let's pray that it responds to the antibiotics so we won't be dealing with an allergy issue.

A lesson that I learned in this process is that I should have taken Landon in back in September to treat a sinus infection. I thought it was just a cold that lingered a little longer than usual and didn't know it was in his sinuses. There was also no snot, just cough and sniffles. We will never know if it would have mattered, but it's always better to double check and not be afraid to take them in to get checked out when their colds last a little longer than normal!

Here are some pictures and funny videos of the kids 'drunk' on the happy medicine and then another one of landon goofing off afterwards. Thanks for all your well wishes!

Kids looking at books that Big Papa and Jana brought them

Happy November! Oh wait, it's December...oh well!

2010-11-30T09:54:00.000-08:00

What a fun November we had!! I wasn't in the mood to blog much this month, but it doesn't mean we didn't dance right through the month! ;)

Both Kennedy and Landon have been into Toy Story 3 this month and they have been fun to watch with all the leaps from couch to chair shouting "To infinity and beyond!" I just love their creativity and listening in on their playtimes. It's also making it fun and easy to pick out christmas gifts this year, not that it was ever hard!! ;) Now, shopping for lance, that's a different story!

I have had to take both kids to our fantastic ENT doctor here in town, Dr. Neal, several times this month and we are scheduled to have tubes put in both Kennedy and Landon's ears this Thursday. I am so glad since BOTH (but more with Landon) of their hearing has had elevated hearing loss and it makes it extremely hard to communicate. Both have a lot of fluid behind the ear drums and Landon will also have a sinus cleaning out after the xrays came back with congestion in his sinus cavities. Landon's hearing has been bad since early September and Kennedy has had ear infections and PLENTY of snot since last March. So this is a long time coming and I am glad, yet worried at the same time. It always makes me nervous when little ones go under, but I know they are in great hands.

On some brighter notes (sort of! ha!)...my 35th birthday came and went. Lance took me on a fun weekend in Dallas while my parents kept the kids. Lance and I got to go to a Mavs game, did some shopping, got some pampering, and went to the Cowboys game. Glad to witness the struggling Cowboys win their first home game this season. And we were with great company!

Holly, Nancy, and Shelley were some of the sweet girls to join us at the Cowboy stadium

Birthday dinner with my brother, sister in law, cousin and aunts!

Lance and I at the Mavericks game, just 6 rows behind the visitors bench! It was fun sitting with some of the Chicago Bulls assistant coaches who were not allowed on the bench.

Then came Thanksgiving. I got to go to Landon's school and have a Thanksgiving feast with his class. And it was cute seeing all the kids dressed up. Landon's class made their own 'indian' outfit and his indian name was the "bear hunter".

The kids and I had a blast during their school break and it flew by. On Thanksgiving day we started out with lunch at Squire Creek with Lance's parents and then we drove to Bossier to be with my parents along with my brothers and other relatives. We watched the Saints/Cowboys game and headed back to Ruston. The kids were pooped and so were we! But it was a great day with family and it makes me so thankful for the people I have in my life. I am so blessed!!!

And here are just a couple of shots that i took earlier in the month.... have a great week everyone!

Halloween Happenings

2010-11-01T06:11:00.000-07:00

This Monday morning, I have a Halloween hangover!! ha! It's been an eventful halloween week and it is so nice to be home this morning to recover and regroup. I think the kids need it too! It started off on Thursday when the kids had their pumpkin parties at school. It was an easy morning to get the kids dressed since they got to wear their costumes. Getting them into the car was a different story because I couldn't find Landon's cape to his Robin costume. Oh well!

kids walking into their class pumpkin parties

Friday afternoon, I dressed the kids up to head downtown for the trick or treating there. The weather was perfect and thankfully we got a great parking spot and it was an easy adventure. Kennedy got scared at several 'scary' costumes, but other than that, she caught onto the trick or treating pretty quick.

getting ready trick or treat downtown

My mom came over on Saturday morning to play in a tennis tournament with me and we did great! We won our division and saw some good tennis. Lance kept the kids all morning and I am not sure who had more fun! As soon as we got home, we got dressed as quickly as we could to head over to a halloween party that we were invited to at the Hunt's house. It was such a great layout and an awesome group. They had a large alligator jumpy that was the biggest thing I have ever seen! The kids were having a ball! Then there were shifts on the hay ride to go trick or treating throughout the neighborhood. Kennedy didn't participate so we made another loop on foot with the entire family so me, lance and my mom could join in together to watch the kids trick or treat. By far my favorite thing this halloween since the kids LOVED it! Also, having the Matt Tyler family join us made it special and fun!

Saturday night, halloween party:

Trick or treating

After trick or treating, it was time to head home to put the kids to bed so Lance and I can attend an adult costume party at Tiffany Baldwin's house. We went last year and had a blast and looked forward to it again this year. I, personally, was exhausted so it was a quick stay for us, but it was still fun seeing everyone all dressed up!

Green lantern and batgirl

On Sunday, I continued to play in the tennis tourney while Lance left for Dallas to attend the Cowboys football game and the Texas Rangers game. My mom watched the kids while we both got to 'play'! It was a fun Halloween and I definitely look forward to what next year will bring!

Meet Terry, our pet Tarantula!

2010-10-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

Well, it was an eventful weekend to say the least. Mid-week I noticed a smell in our garage closet that smelled like something died. I was thinking it was a mouse, maybe (or hopefully). I kept trying to air it out, but the smell kept getting worse. Anyway, Friday night, I opened the doors again and that's when I noticed a new creature hanging out on Landon's golf clubs. A black tarantula. I got Lance out of bed to help me get rid of it. After lots of jumping and screaming, we eventually captured it and placed him in Landon's frog habitat.

So, the next morning, I loaded up the kids to head out to Lander Smith's birthday party and I wanted to open the doors again to our garage closet, this time it was the double doors that lead outside. And this is when I found the source of the smell. Underneath the red wagon, I saw our neighbor's cat. :( So sad!! He was a sweet cat and I enjoyed watching him and Landon 'grow up' together. My first thought was that the tarantula got him, but after some research, I learned that these spiders are not that mean and their bites are similar to a bee sting...and definitely not strong enough to kill a grown cat. Our neighbors had been looking for him for a few days and I felt awful that he was in our garage. They said he hadn't been acting himself so they weren't sure if he was sick or not. I just hope it wasn't because he gotten locked up inside our closet (which is big, but we were out of town last weekend...but I can't remember if I shut the doors or not). Anyway, rest in peace sweet Patio. :( And here is picture from last year of landon and Patio:

On a lighter note, the kids had a wonderful weekend filled with two birthday parties and Squire creek's halloween kids' club. Landon LOVED kids club. He got to wear his Robin costume for most of the day, but that's just about everyday anyway! ;)

L and Alec at Georgia's party

Super heroes, Kennedy, Lilly, and Landon

Miles and Landon

Mr Jeff's yummy cotton candy

Cullen, Landon, and Kennedy at Lander's birthday party

Landon playing "dead" after being shot at the party

Beach trip in October

2010-10-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

I have never been to the beach during the Fall and I have to say it is amazing! Lance and I came down the first weekend of October and it was so nice that I had to come back again with the kids. Sloane (our babysitter) and I packed the kids up and we headed out Friday morning (Lance had to be in Dallas on Sunday, so he didn't make the trip).

Our original plans were to come back on Monday so Sloane could be in class on Tuesday, but she made a few calls and we decided to enjoy another day out here in this awesome weather! Even though it is the off season, there was still plenty to do. There was the a week long boat racing event that took place in Orange Beach and then there were two free concerts of Bon Jovi and Brad Paisley. We thought about taking the kids to the Brad Paisley show, but decided not to fight 30,000 people at the Hangout in Gulf Shores. Instead, we spent more time on the beach than we ever have. Usually the kids want to be at the pool, but not this trip. There were no waves and the water was shallow so we spent a lot of time splashing in the water and playing "crab grab".

Sunday, we went to Romar Beach Baptist Church right on the beach, which I had been wanting to visit all summer. Afterwards, we went to the park and then to Northshore for Sunday brunch and to listen to a 4 man gospel band. We spent the rest of the day on the beach and then stayed in and ordered pizza. Monday was a long morning at the beach and a trip to the outlet shops after naps.

I don't know what are plans are in November, but if the weather is nice, I definitely want to come back again! So, i hope this isn't our last trip of the year to our condo in Orange Beach!

Landon making sand angels

I love this shot because it shows how beautiful these beaches are!

Burying Landon in the sand

Kennedy's first time to be buried and she wanted to do this over and over!

Playtime at the park after church

4th annual pumpkin patch visit

2010-10-16T19:08:00.001-07:00

I finally feel like Fall has arrived!! Yay! I love this time of year, even though my allergies go crazy. Cool air has started to creep in and the leaves are starting to change! Love it!

I took the kids to the Townsend House to have the kids pictures made by a fabulous photographer. This is our second year in a row (but 4th year since Landon was born) to have her do these and they are amazing!! I am a big fan of Crystal Garcia and the work that she does. She recently moved to Texas, but still comes to Ruston quite often to continue to shoot clients in this area. Check out her work on her website at http://www.crystalgarcia.com/. I really appreciate her making the trip over to do this again!

I also want to mention Kim Birch, the owner of the Townsend house. I love her! Not only does she do a great job for her customers (and has bailed me out several times when I have to entertain last minute!!), but every year at this time, she brings in all of these pumpkins to sell and lets anyone come take pictures on her premises. All proceeds from the sell of pumpkins go to DART. She also invites local schools and preschools to come visit for a field trip and even reads books to them and lets them walk away with little pumpkins.

Here are the pictures from this visit. Let me say, I was surprised that Kennedy let me put her first hat (ever) on and she actually kept it on for a while! Not something she will wear a lot, but it was fun to have her picture taken with it! She was also fighting a cold and ear infections so I was glad we managed to squeeze out a couple of good shots especially when it was pretty difficult to get her to smile! Thanks for looking!

He looks so big in these pictures (sniff sniff)

And this one is my favorite!

Super Hero Academy, Ruston style!

2010-10-06T18:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I have wanted to make this post for over a week now, but I have been waiting for the pictures of the birthday party to come my way. I am still waiting so I will just go ahead of share with what I have.

First of all, I have to say, that I never thought I would be “that” mom who goes completely overboard on planning a birthday party. When Landon (who turned four) told me he wanted to have a super hero party over two months ago, I started gathering information immediately. I came across some incredible ideas online and the longer I spent online, the more my imagination took off. There were just so much to choose from, most ideas I used and some I just tweaked to make it my own. Then it all just started snowballing!! I am a stay at home mom, so what else am I suppose to put my thoughts and energy towards?!?! ;)

I originally thought it would be just a party for Landon, but in the middle of planning, I wanted Kennedy to join in on the celebration since she had turned two just days before. Extremely glad I did that. She deserves a special day too. ;) Although, this made the party numbers grow which made it difficult to cut off. I did the best I could do and I thought it turned out perfect.

I made super hero capes, masks, and t-shirts for each kid who came to the party. For those of you who know me well, know that I don’t sew, so you know I found a fool-proof no-sewing cape. With the help of my friend, Nancy Hunt, this was possible. I basically found a cape pattern online, found some ribbon, cheap fabric and some Velcro. I cut slits on the top of the cape to weave the ribbon through and then stuck the Velcro tabs on the end of the ribbon. I added a little touch at the bottom of the capes so it wasn’t just cut straight across. And wah-la, you gotta cape! Here is the link that I used to get the "pattern" of the cape and also a fast and cheap way to make a bunch of capes from one plastic table cloth (I used these to put over chairs for decorations). And the link for the masks (sort of)

The masks were basically fun foam with ¼ inch elastic band stapled onto the mask by the eyes. I had planned on putting tape or something over those staples but I didn’t see the need for it after I started making them. I also knew that I wanted different colors for each costume.

The t-shirts were basic white t-shirts that I found for $6 for a pack of 5 at walmart or target and then I got iron-on transfers from Office Depot to iron the logos and names onto the shirt. A great friend of mine who is brilliant with graphics helped make the logos for me.

As each kid arrived, I handed them their costumes and had them take a quick snap shot while holding a barbell over their head. Of course the barbell was made of Styrofoam that was spray painted black. I even stenciled “100” in white paint on each end to finish the look.

As far as decorations, some dear friends of mine wanted to come over and help with these. Shannon Roberts and Anna Stephens basically transformed our garage into the bat cave with some gray bulletin board paper that is crumpled up to look like rock. We even hung some cut out bats to hang from the ceilings and sides. Here is a picture of part of "The Cave" in the background (sorry that it's not the 'full' effect):

The Monday prior to the party, I got a wild idea (thanks Sarah!) to build Gotham city out of fridge and oven boxes. This took a lot of time cutting and painting the windows but it was fun when you have friends that want to help. I even got a black queen sized flat sheet to free hand the Bat ‘signal’ and stars to hang behind the ‘city’. The kids enjoyed climbing in the boxes and poking their heads out through the windows and roof. In fact, over a week later, they are still enjoying it!

When you have different activities planned out, you never know what is going to be a hit. My personal favorite activity was when the kids walked a plank across the lava pit. I had a small baby pool with red dyed water and threw in some dry ice to make it smoke. The kids (and adults) thought this was kinda cool! Looking back, I wish I had thought of spray painting the pool black to cover up the neon colors! ;)

We also set up some pictures of villains so the little super heros could get a can of silly string and ‘vaporize the villians’ by spraying them. It was a little tough for the younger kids to spray the bottles (even my four year old struggled), but the older kids had a ball with it! I have to say, both sets of grandparents had to put some elbow grease behind cleaning up that mess off of the Batman jumpy. Probably not the best idea to hang the pictures on that! ;) It was a last minute decision and we just made it work.

As far as the birthday cake, I knew I wanted to do cupcakes (they are just so much easier to pass out than having to cut each piece) but I also knew that I wanted to scan pictures of my kids with their super hero outfits on their individual cake. This was something that I wanted to do because it was different and knew I probably wouldn't have this unique opportunity again. Sweet Heather McWhorter (Social Bites) did a fabulous job with all of the goodies!

The idea to do a small party favor bag was on original idea that I was quiet proud of. I got some royal blue paper bags (very cheap from Oriental trading) to put random super hero toys in. Then I used left over red cape fabric to make a small cape out of to attach to the bag (used a hole puncher and just tied it through). I originally planned on putting a super man sticker on the front of the bag, but when I put their little tag saying, “hope you had a super time”, I felt there was no need to put it on there. If I had known that I was going to make capes, masks, and shirts, I wouldn’t have done the favor bags. It was just one of those things that I had gotten so far in advance that it became a ‘snowball’ item. Oh well! I am quite proud of the bags since they didn’t cost too much, just a little time!

Throw in some costume dress up for the girls, black ‘bombs’ (balloons) that the kids needed to defuse by popping, some super hero music, cupcakes and a guest appearance of Batman (my sweet, darling husband) to hand out the goodies, it was one fabulous party!! I would gladly do it all over again. And I am proud to say I am glad to be ‘that’ mom after watching how much fun my kids and all their friends had. They are only young once and I am going to make it a fun ride for all of us!

Now I have fridge boxes that look like gotham city and a big bin filled with my over-organized notes and decorations. Maybe one day someone would like to throw a super hero party of their own and need some help, I will be there for them!

Other sites that I found that were helpful in my 'super' journey!

English Paper company

Birthday Party Ideas

Creative party blog

And, finally, my favorite one: Designergirl007

Super busy with my super heros!

2010-09-17T11:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, for those who don't know, my lil man, Landon, is completely obsessed with super heros right now. To be precise, it's Batman and Superman. So, I have been trying to get his new big boy bed/room done and plan a super hero birthday party for the 25th. A few months ago, I ordered Landon some new bedding and move him to a big boy bed. At the time, he was really into pirates and he helped me pick out his pirate bedding. Boy, should I have waited!! As his new stuff is coming in, he makes the transition to super heros. So...back went the pirate theme and in comes the 'batman' theme. But this time around, we are going with a neutral quilt that i hope can last through the next transition. (ok, I admit, i think I might have loved the pirate as much as he did!!!).

We are now two weeks into school being back in and I am glad to finally catch my breath. I have packed in so much these past two weeks that I have been putting off because I needed the kids in school for me to take care of. Now, I feel a little caught up, but I still have lots to do before the kids birthday party on Sept 25th. All my free time that I have been getting, has been spent on finding party ideas on the internet. And I have loved every minute of it!

Anyway, we are throwing a combined birthday party for Landon and Kennedy next Saturday. We are having it at our house and I will just hope it doesn't rain! I checked the extended forcast yesterday and it looks good! Whew! I think I have enjoyed planning it waaaay too much. Lance thinks I am crazy, but what else am I to do!?!

I have also gotten back into a routine of exercising and playing tennis. I definitely have caught the tennis bug. I just need to keep practicing so i can beat Lance!! I did finally beat him, but it's no where near an even score.

Well, here are some pictures over the past couple of weeks....we got to meet our new nephew (Lance's sister, Leslea) last weekend and it's hard to believe how big he is after being born 10 weeks early. He is doing great and getting chunky!!

Quick photo before church...

First day of school

Landon holding his cousin, Hudson, and telling me to hush!

Hall grandparents and grandkids

Landon's every day outfit....i might need to get another so i can have one for halloween! ;)

Kennedy's birthday

helping with her birthday cake

Happy 2nd Birthday, sweet Kennedy

2010-09-17T06:02:00.000-07:00

I have lots to catch up on, but that will have to wait for another post because this post is all about Kennedy Marie Hall!!

When we first found out over two years ago that we were having a girl, I have to admit, I was a little intimidated about it. I knew what to expect with little boys and I have been surrounded by boys my entire life- my brothers and some of my best friends growing up were boys- I wasn't too sure how to handle a little girl. Well, that little intimidation didn't last long at all. I just dove right in with some encouragement of special friends to help guide me along the way! Now, I just feel so blessed to have a sweet little angel and a girlfriend for life! I have loved every minute of it (ok, most of it)!

A lot of people tell me how much she favors me when they look at her. And now that I have watched her personality blossom, I have to say she definitely takes after me too! And I am sure my brothers will agree! She likes to aggravate her brother, Landon, but at the same time, she can't stand for him to be upset and enjoys loving on him. She just wants his attention!

Some tidbits of Kennedy at two years old:

- has no fear! Especially in water

- waves and says hi to just about everyone she sees

- always knows where her mama is...will drag toys to mamas feet just so she will play next to her

- speaks very well for her age, compared to Landon at this age

- already knows how to manipulate to get her way (that little grin she gives...geez!)

- still my good sleeper...easy to put down for naps and bedtime

- still uses a paci for naps and bedtime

- not too easily entertained...she loves people interaction and isn't into watching tv

- extremely independent

- has the best manners (she picks up on these without having to tell her, which still amazes me)

- very observant...

- likes things to be organized and picked up (or doors closed)

Well, i could really go on and on about this sweet little girl. I just love squeezing on her and spoiling her rotten. Last night we had my parents and lance's parents over for some pizza and cake to celebrate Kennedy's birthday. It was perfect. I don't bake too much but I LOVE this chocolate cake that my sweet pampered chef friend taught me. It is super yummy and I have been dying to have an excuse to make it again. It's not the prettiest thing, but did i mention how yummy it was???!!

September 16, 2008

September 16, 2009

September 16, 2010

A sweet reunion

2010-08-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

In between the last month, I was able to meet up with a sweet dear friend of mine, Shannon Russell. She and her family are now at the university of tennesse where Eric is coaching football. Her parents have a lake house in Texas so the kids and I drove over for a day to visit with them and let our boys have a sweet reunion!! I was also able to meet the new addition of the family, sweet little girl, Hadleigh. It made me miss my dear friend!!!

Here are some pictures from that reunion. The boys had a ball playing outside, having a sprinkler party and going on an adventure!

Hayden tearing into his birthday present

even sweaty boys can share a hug and a kiss!

Sweet hadleigh (the Hayden look a like!!!)

Please don't be mad, Shannon, that i posted this one!! ;)

dirty boys!!

More beach and more fun!

2010-08-13T20:17:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I have boycotted my blog again and just kept putting it off to get it updated. I really need to do better! This past month has flown by like the rest of the summer. A couple of trips to the beach can do that I guess.

The kids both went to see Dr. Neal, who is our ENT doctor and put them both on new meds before deciding to get tubes or not. Landon had them two years ago and he hasn't had too many ear infections, but lately he is getting some 'bulging' on the inside of his ear drum. And kennedy has just had 10 weeks of antibiotics due to infections, but I have to say that whatever he gave to her two weeks ago has seemed to work! We go back this Wednesday and I am curious to see what he says.

We have been at the beach this past week and it was also a mini celebration of mine and Lance's 7th anniversary!! We went to the Sugarland concert and was able to have Christy and Jeff Albritton meet us (they were already at the beach at the same time). I am just so fortunate to have such an amazing best friend and husband. It's hard to believe that we have been married for that long, yet it seems like yesterday!

Lance had to go back to work on Monday (poor thing had to get to Dallas for the Ranger/Yankee game for 'work'). So me, the kids, and our WONDERFUL babysitter, Lindsey McDaniel, stayed the rest of the week by ourselves and had an absolute blast!! I really wanted to get someone to come with us, but looking back on it, I loved the downtime that I was able to get and Lindsey is such great company to be around. Plus the kids LOVE her.

We were also able to drive down the coast to Panama City to visit some cousins of mine and let our kids play together. It was great to visit with Kyle and his wife, Meredith and to see my Aunt Lisa and Uncle Jack. I can never get enough of my family!!! Especially when I hadn't seen Kyle since he got back from living in Budapest and I loved seeing my Uncle Jack feeling better now that his cancer is in remission. It was a LONG day, but the kids played hard and loved it. It was also a great break from the everyday routine at the condo.

Here are some recent pics:

This one is Kennedy in a Matilda Jane outfit, which is a new line that I am obsessed with!

The adcox family joined us at the beach and it was Sara's birthday! She got to enjoy some birthday pancakes!

Adcox and Hall kids

August beach trip pictures

I absolutely love this one...not quite sure how I got it! ;)

We were able to meet up with my cousins in Panama City. Caden and Reese Liner with the Hall kids

Ha!!! Wiped out from swimming!!! ;)

50th Lake Greeson trip

2010-07-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's not MY 50th anniversary for going camping at Lake Greeson, but it's my family's (mom's side of the family). My grandparents started taking their kids to this beautiful lake and I love it! But it's definitely different since having kids of my own....a lot more work!! At least we we were able to stay in my parents RV with air conditioning, a shower, and a bathroom.

Lance was able to stay for about 4 days and got to see the fireworks from our houseboat. The kids and I stayed an additional 6 days for a grand total of 10 days camping with a 3 yr old and a 1 yr old!! And not to mention that Kennedy had an ear infection the entire time so sleeping with her every night was not fun! I am just glad the weather was very pleasant and I was able to spend some quality time with my family. I was even able to get some rounds of skiing in! It seems like every summer I am either pregnant or nursing a baby (too tired to do anything).

The highlights of our trip were the fireworks on the 4th, campfire talent show, swimming, jumping off rocks, and tubing/skiing. Also, Kennedy learned to say my dad's name "Papa Penny" (papa Kenny) and it was too cute. Her vocabulary has really gone to a different level these past two weeks. Landon was in heaven with all the rocks to throw in the water and playing with all of his cousins.

Here are some pics!

Kennedy with her first pigtails

So glad they both love the water and tubing!

enjoying a gorgeous sunset!

This was the first time that both my brothers and their 'significants' and kids were all here at one time!! It seems like someone is missing every year or not there at the same time

waiting for the fireworks

My dad and Landon on their 3rd annual bike adventure

Peach parade and more

2010-07-02T05:25:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we enjoyed going to the Peach Festival parade and survived the summer heat. The kids had a blast seeing their friends, catching candy, and watching the parade. Both filled their bags up with candy and believe it or not, a week has gone by and neither one of them have asked for it since!!! I can't believe it!

K and her buddy Anna cooling off after the parade in the AXO house

Here comes the parade!!

Had a nice firm grip on the loot!

I finally got a two wheel bike for Landon to ride and last night we busted it out! I have to say that I am quite proud of my little man riding without training wheels. I know a few months ago that i posted a video of him riding, but this is the first time he has done it since then (bad momma for not getting him one sooner!)

We have really taken it easy this week. We have had a slight break from the 100 degree heat and have been able to play outside without a swimming pool! Every morning this week, the kids have been taking swimming lessons. But the afternoons were spent at the house and not going every where.

Kennedy cried the entire 30 minutes the first morning because she wanted me to be in the water with her. So, the next four days I decided to leave in my car and not watch and that helped a ton!

By day two, Landon was jumping off the diving board and swim to the ladder. He has conquered his fear of deep water and realized he swim over it. It was good week for him and worth it. Especially learning to float on his back.

Kennedy can hold her breath for a long time and it still amazes me. She has learned to kick herself up to the surface of the water, but can't get her head above water. She didn't have much success with floating on her back, but at least she listened and tried! Here is a video of her going off the diving board and swimming, sort of. ;)

We leave this afternoon for our annual trip to Lake Greeson in Arkansas. Would should be there for about a week. Let's hope the weather isn't too hot for camping!!

swim, swim, and more swim!

2010-06-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

This week we have gone swimming at least once a day, if not twice a day. The kids are loving it and it's a great way to stay cool in this VERY WARM weather! We did have a few play dates thrown in there, but of course, it involved water! One afternoon, Suzanne and her kids came over to play on the waterslide...here are some pics.

Landry and kennedy playing in the sandbox

The Tyler kids with Landon and kennedy (we had to bribe them for a group shot!)

Soap Suds fight!!!

Sweet Jake

Lance left on Thursday to attend some meetings in San Francisco and then got to go to Pebble Beach for the US Open. He comes back tomorrow, but unfortunately, the kids and I will be in Shreveport for an entire week. I am conducting a basketball camp at St Marks and my parents are going to help with the kids. I hate that we won't get a chance to see Lance on Father's Day! :(

This morning, I took the kids to pick blueberries and Landon LOVED it! Kennedy, not so much. I am not sure if she was feeling too great and all she wanted is for me to hold her. After that we hit the Ruston Farmers market in search for some peaches. I have been trying to get over to Mitcham's peach orchard all week but never made it. I just hope they have some after next weekend's peach festival!

Kennedy picking blueberries

Landon was so proud of all the blueberries he picked!

And here is a short video of Kennedy jumping off the diving board this morning

June beach trip

2010-06-15T05:56:00.000-07:00

We had a short stay in Ruston before we headed back to the condo in orange beach. We are really trying to get in as much time there before the oil gets bad or gets too warm. But before heading south again, we had lots of time at the Squire Creek pool and some playdates at the house. I have really enjoyed spending time and getting to know Nancy Hunt and her kids. Her and Katie Clark have come over several times and I just love them! Here is a picture of that crew taking a water break...

This week long trip to the beach was fun and eventful. My good friend that lives in Birmingham came down with her two kids, Jack (3) and Claire (2). They stayed there until Lance and my family made it down on Thursday. The oil hadn't arrived at our beach, but it did finally hit for the first time while we were down there. It was a very sad and surreal moment. Everyone would stand at the shore and watch it roll in. But, fortunately, it only kept us out of the water for only a day and a half. And by then, we were ready for a change of scenery. So, we filled those days with going to the zoo, tennis and going to the Track. And by then, the oil had been cleared up and we were back in the water!

We did, however, take two trips to urgent care. The first trip was for Landon. Apparently the meds for his ear infection wasn't working and he started running fever and asking to lay on the couch (not like him at all!). So, i was glad I took him in to get that changed. And since we were already there, I had the doctor look at my shoulder. Apparently I tweaked my rotator cuff and it flared up. She gave me some meds and it cleared up fast!

The second trip to the urgent care was for Kennedy. She too, had a double ear infection before we left, but she was on the Augmentin, the strongest antibiotic. She started running fever as well, and crying that her ear hurt. So, back we went. The doc really couldn't find much wrong with her besides her ear being a little red. She is still complaining about her ear today, but I will give it some more time before taking her back. At least the fever has stopped...just wish the crankiness would too! I have a sneaky feeling that she might be cutting two year molars, but I am having a hard time looking/feeling in there!

Kennedy has really gotten into coloring and i am loving it. She finally quit eating them (most of the time)! She is also into stickers as well. Those have been her favorite past times. Landon has gotten into the super hero phase. He has several capes now and he pretends to be superman and batman. I welcome the change from the pirate/sword fighting phase!

I was very glad that my little brother, Kip, April (kip's girlfriend), and my mom were able to spend some down time with us at the condo. I think everyone was able to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather we had all week. Here are some pics from our June beach trip:

The famous Souvenir Store in Gulf Shores. i think i might try and get this same picture each time we go back!

landon "flying" on the swing at the Track

My friend, Jenny, and her kids while we were at the zoo

My lil swimmer

Oil coming in for the first time. This is as bad as it got on our beach, thank goodness!

I'm surprised I got lance to smile...I drive him nuts always wanting to take pictures!

Memorial day weekend

2010-06-02T06:01:00.000-07:00

I got to spend most of my weekend in Shreveport on Memorial Day weekend. My high school was having a decade reunion that included a reunion basketball game on Saturday. So, my old high school teammates decided to make a weekend out of it and play in the game. It was wonderful seeing everyone again and I especially enjoyed playing in the basketball game (even though no one took it seriously, thank goodness!!). I do believe that my teammates and I still have it!

Friday night dinner with our former coach at Byrd

Right after the game (our team won!)

On Sunday, I was able to spend time at my parents house since both of my brothers were in town. I thought it was a very appropriate occasion to hang out with them and celebrate all of the armed forces that put their heart and souls into protecting our country. We took a little house boat ride on the lake and went for a little swim! I think my mom really enjoyed spending some quality time with her kids!

Fun in the sun!

2010-05-31T19:25:00.000-07:00

The kids and I spent ten days at the condo and enjoyed having Lance there for seven of those days!! This was the first week long vacation that he has taken since our honeymoon and I know Lance loved every minute of it! We were fortunate enough to have two wonderful young ladies join us for most of the trip and they made our trip relaxing and special. One was our former babysitter, Lindsey McDaniel, and she brought a sweet friend of hers to accompany her. It was really great to have extra hands with the kids and around the condo!! And the kids still ask about them!!

We were fortune enough to have the Clark family join us for a long weekend as well. We always enjoy each others company and so do our kids! On that Sunday, Lance, the sitters, and the Clarks had to go back and left me and kids behind. But we weren't alone for too long before my parents were able to come down that night. We were able to spend some time with them the next two days.

Our trip ended with my parents dropping me off in New Orleans with Lance so we could be with his sister, Leslea. She had a rough two weeks with her appendix rupturing and having to deliver her son, Thomas Hudson, ten weeks early. It didn't look good for both of them early, but they are recovering and doing well. Hudson has a long road ahead of him, but he is in great hands at the Oshner (sp?) Hospital in New Orleans. Please continue to keep him in your prayers as he recovers in the NICU those next 7-9 weeks.

here are some pictures from the last two weeks!

Landon getting airborne on the slide

first family pic on the beach. The water was absolutely gorgeous!!

Lindsey and katie with the kids

K, L, and Cullen having a capri sun break. The only time i can get them all together!

Here is a video of Kennedy jumping into pool. I was really surprised at how fast she caught onto using the floaties. This is gonna be a great summer!

Middle of May madness

2010-05-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

There are so many times during the day that i remind myself how blessed I am! I love the stages that kids are in right now...I am soaking it all up!

first, I am so blessed to have a wonderful hubby to let me take a long weekend mother's day trip to the beach with some very special friends. Also, a big thanks goes to my parents who also did a lot of work to make that happen. But i think they may have had more fun than the kids with the circus and all the fishing that they did!

Mother's Day 2010 Beach trip

Thursday was the last day of Mother's day out at Temple and it's hard to believe that another year has flown by. We were so blessed to have both our kids with such wonderful teachers. We aren't sending them this summer because we will be out of town so much and it wouldn't be worth it. Lance thinks i am crazy not to, but I plan on getting some help throughout the summer.

Kennedy's teachers: Mrs. Edna and Mrs. Rahel...such sweet ladies that kept landon when he was a baby too!

Mrs. Sarah, preschool 3 yr old

We have spent most of our time outside with the perfect weather we are having (and before it gets too hot). The kids are loving it and so am I. We leave in two days to take a long family vacation at our condo. It's going to be the best trip of the summer that we make down there...not too crowded, not too hot yet (i hope), lance will be there, and we will have sitters with us along with close friends who will be down in the area. Lance is really excited about getting away!

Some pics of the kiddos..

Mother's day week

2010-05-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

I am currently posting while on my 3rd annual Mother's Day weekend trip to the beach with some girlfriends of mine in Ruston. It is just now sinking in that I am without kids and will be able to sleep in the next few mornings.....REALLY excited about that!! The only downer is that I had to miss Landon's choir production at church tonight, but I was promised lots of pictures and videos!!! I know he will have plenty more productions ahead of him. I talked with him afterwards and it didn't phase him that I wasn't there! I am sad and happy about that!!

This past weekend, Lance pulled out our waterslide and we were able to kick off summer! It was a great weekend for it. We were also able to spend some time with my sister in law while she came in town for her baby shower. Baby Futrell will be making his grand appearance toward the end of july!! I can't wait!

I never really appreciated all of the hard work that my mom put in with raising me and my brothers until I was a mom myself. I am so blessed to have a mother that is my best friend and loves to spend time with our family. My goal in life is to be half the mother she is! I love her and I want to wish her and all of the incredible moms out there a very blessed Mother's Day!! I am so glad we have a day to honor such courageous women!!! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

(and, of course, i can't post without putting pictures up!!! ;) )

Ava, Landry Grace, Kennedy, Jake, Caroline, and Landon

Kennedy taking a break from swimming and eating cheetos to love on our neighbors dog!

My lil man getting so big!

Kennedy was a big hit at Aunt Leslea's baby shower!! I was really impressed how good she was

May already??

2010-05-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that it's May 1st already!! I think for the first time in a while, we are actually enjoying some Spring weather! It always seems to go from cold to blazing hot, but not this year. I have enjoyed it!

The past few weeks have been uneventful in the Hall household so I won't bore you with all the details. Now, the month of May will be a different story!! It's slammed packed with lots of adventures!

Few highlights over the past few weeks:

1. kennedy is really talking so much more! She is also done with her high chair so she can sit next to her brother at the bar. It's more messy for my clean up but it's fun watching them eat together.

2. Landon has discovered his motorcycles again and is obsessed once more.

3. Landon also rode a bike without training wheels for the first time while my parents kept them...now I just need to buy a bike for him! Just haven't had the time to research which one to get.

4. Had several birthday parties and lots of trips to the parks!! We can never sit still!

I am headed out this evening to Little Rock to do a basketball clinic with one of my former players. I am looking forward to catching up with her and getting back into the gym. Then Tuesday I speak at Airline HS basketball banquet, and then it's off on a girl's beach trip on Wednesday!! Did I mention that May is crazy busy!?!?

Here is a video of landon riding a bike.

Landon has spent several hours playing in this tub of split peas with his motorcycles!!

A group shot of our weekend getaway to the beach...I am just now getting around to posting it!!

Having a chocolate party with strawberries, pretzels, marshmellows, and bananas!

This is hysterical...i was cleaning out kennedy's closet and this is a size 6 month shirt for KENNEDY, but since it has a motorcycle on it, L insisted to put it on!!!