Hogan Family Blog

Makayla's Visit with Santa

2009-12-20T20:55:00.002-06:00

Our visit with Santa 2009 went very well. In all years past we have had to coax Makayla to Santa and then try to keep her from crying while sitting in his lap long enough to take a photo.

This year she was more than excited to see Santa and tell him her list of things she wanted. Which of course included a whole host of horses and horse accessories! *sigh* Its tough seeing her grow up so fast. I wish time would slow down some so these years dont go by as fast as they did with Devin.

For your viewing pleasure...

2009-12-08T00:11:00.002-06:00

A year in review slideshow for you to watch! Its not complete with everything that happened this year but pretty close.

All the pictures from Devins graduation were really blurry so you will have to watch the video I bought to see his graduation!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T09:39:00.003-06:00

There's no place like home, There's no place like home! Yes... Makayla dressed up like Dorothy from the Wizzard of Oz for halloween this year. She was adorable! Of course her favorite part of the costume was the ruby slippers . Because what girl is complete without owning a pair of ruby slippers? Mommy also let her wear some make-up! Real live lipstick was on her lips!

I unfortunately had to miss the festivities due to being sick. My co-worker came to work sick on Thurs and shared her germs with me once again. My throat is on fire and im afraid its strep throat so I will have to visit the doctor tomorrow *sigh* I dont have the time, energy or money to keep getting sick. From now on if anyone around me even LOOKS sick I am going home...

I am hoping if I rest up for the day I will be able to attend trunk or treat tonight and have some of Roberts chili for the chili cookoff at church. I guess I will just have to see how the day goes. Im really tired of having to miss out on all of the fun stuff because I keep getting other peoples germs. I wish they would stay home with them and quit sharing!

2009 Preschool Pictures

2009-10-26T16:34:00.003-05:00

I am so thrilled with how the school pictures turned out this year. I bought a huge package and have the copyright to them so I can order as many more as I want at walmart cheap!

I make beautiful babies...

2009-10-10T19:26:00.003-05:00

Devin came hom for a visit this weekend and I happened to grab the camera and make him suffer through a few shots. What I noticed after I took them is that I have made some beautiful children. Well with the help of a husband and God.

Seriously though... look at these faces!!! You certainly cant miss their eyes thats for sure. That my friends is 100% mommy given. Both daddys have brown eyes so kids... bow down and thank God and your mother for having those gorgeous eyes!!! I tell ya its almost a shame I cant have anymore children.

Dang I am good and I thank God daily for blessing me with two beautiful and healthy children. I pray they continue to be happy in their lives.

Devins in his new apartment

2009-08-29T18:12:00.002-05:00

Devin is all squared away in his first apartment along with three other boys attending TSTC Waco. It was hard on him and his mom to leave him there by himself but I have every faith in him that he will do well. I think we have talked more today than we have in the last week!!!

The apartment is definitely the ultimate bachelor pad. They had a big party in his apartment apparently last semester that resulted in quite a bit of damage that the previous tenants had to pay to repair. The cabinets are hung wrong, the floor is nasty, the bathroom... well lets just say that I wont be using it... ever!

After getting him all unpacked we took him out for dinner. We had a nice family dinner at the cracker barrel and then we took him shopping. He did well choosing groceries for himself for the first time in his life and Mom paid the bill. He is set with tv dinners and soup for a few weeks. I was even super nice and bought him Dr. Peppers which I don't approve of him drinking because of his teeth.

His bed that the apartment complex provides was quite nasty and we requested a new one. Instead of getting a new one though we have found a nice futon for him. It will work out better for him since he doesn't exactly fit in a twin bed. Poor baby's legs hang off the bed from about mid shin. This futon is wood and not super nice but a much improved version of his current bed. We will take it to him this weekend. Its a full sized bed which should accomodate his height better for sure.

Makayla cried the hardest of us all. She was not very happy with any of us that we were allowing her brother to move out and be so far away from her. She was devastated and is still quite upset with me today. She asked me why I call her "sister" all the time and I told her it was because she was Devin's sister. To which she replied not anymore because Devin is in his own apartment. I just cant convince her that she is still his sister even though he isn't going to live with us for a while. She loves her brother for sure!

New Hair...

2009-08-24T23:31:00.002-05:00

Well its not the best picture because I didn't get home until after dark and my house is a cave but you can see that I had some blond and red highlight/lowlight added to my hair today. It was cut again too but its the same cut I have had for a few months now. Its called a swing bob and I LOVE it! Its short but cute and sassy... just like me!

Calysta didn't straighten it tonight because it took so long to get it colored so its not as cute as it would normally be. Ill try to get Robert to take another photo of it once its daylight and you can catch the color a little better.

So tell me... do you like the red? Dig the cut? Hate it? no... don't tell me if you hate it because I love it!!! I'm so diggin' the red... maybe next time Ill go completely red for a while and watch my fiery personality come to life! teehee

Rattlesnake Scare

2009-08-23T20:12:00.002-05:00

Now... most of you know that I am not a prissy girl. I'm not even a girly-girl for the most part. Yes, I like my hair done and I get my nails and toes done and I love clothes and shoes but that's pretty much the extent of it right? I wasn't a cheerleader, I don't go to balls and I am certainly no debutante.

I like living in the country. The simplicity of country life suits me fine. I like to take care of my family and my man. I don't mind so much having the extra chores that come with living in the country... for the most part.

Where I draw the line with the country life is when my four-year-old daughter steps OVER a rattlesnake... TWICE! This can remove at least ten years of your life instantly! I don't recommend trying it... you can just take my word on this one.

Praise GOD she wasn't struck, nor were the dogs that were bouncing over the blasted thing. It was stretched out on the steps in our back yard sunning apparently and wasn't to be bothered by anything. Except my shovel weilding husband and hoe weilding son. God was definitely watching out for my family last night.

So be warned all friends that live near me. We did have a rattlesnake in our back yard yesterday, it was a little one, only about 12" in length but where a baby is... Momma cant be too far away! *shudder* I can deal with snakes... just NOT rattlesnakes!

Thus ends todays public service announcement! Back to your regularly scheduled programming!

Oops... been a while again!

2009-06-22T11:34:00.003-05:00

I have had so much going on lately I have totally neglected my blog. Well, really I have just been reading my kindle so much I have neglected a lot!

Devin graduated from HS! Thats my biggest news! I will scan and upload pictures to my blog sometime soon! We are so proud of all he has accomplished!

Bad news is that my aunt Penny hasnt faired well after her most recent brain surgery. She aparently had a stroke on the operating table and hasnt really woken up from her surgery. They say she is in a stupor stage but hopefully after the swelling comes down and some therapy we will have our loving Penny with us again. Its in Gods hands and all we can do is pray at this point. Please continue to pray for her.

Other than that no other news to report.

Say hello to my little friends...

2009-05-25T21:50:00.003-05:00

While camping yesterday we made two new friends. Tell me what you think!

Makayla LOVED them! hehehehe

Makayla's funny for today

2009-05-22T10:05:00.002-05:00

So we are sitting here having a conversation and I am picking on her a little (cause its fun) and I told her... you should have had a V8.

So she says to me... whats a V8?

Me: Its a juice like tomato juice.

Makayla: We dont have any tomato juice but we have some spagetti juice (the ragu spagetti sauce in the cabinet)!

The things this girl is able to come up with!

On the subject of Devin

2009-05-13T23:03:00.002-05:00

I had to create a slideshow for our senior table at church so I thought I would share it here for all the family and friends that wont be able to see it on the 31st.

I tear up every time I see pictures of him as a baby. It just all went by too fast. I still cant believe Makyala isnt a baby anymore but its twice as hard knowing Devin is a grown man now. *sniff, sniff* Hug your children!

Student of the Year!

2009-05-13T11:54:00.002-05:00

We are so proud of our son. Last night Devin was presented an award for placing SECOND in the state for his Skills USA competition, automotive testing division and he received STUDENT OF THE YEAR for his automotive class!

Congrats Devin... you couldnt make us any happier! Youre an excellent young man and I hope God blesses you always!

T minus three weeks and counting!

2009-05-10T23:31:00.001-05:00

Gahh Im dying here! I cant believe how soon it is until Devin graduates high school!

Pray for me... I have too much to do and not enough time to do it! acccckkkk

My baby is on his way to prom!

2009-05-02T19:03:00.002-05:00

Devin and Robin just left and are on their way to prom. He is quite handsome in his tux and Robin looks like a hottie in her dress! I hope they have a grand time!!!

Birthday

2009-04-27T18:03:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was my birthday and I can officially say I am just not going to celebrate anymore of them. Okay! So listen up all my friends... after I pulled a grey hair out of my head this week we just arent going to allow anymore birthdays... ever!

I did have a nice day though. I went to church and taught Sunday School with my best Jessica. We had a great time! Then I came home and wanted to read for a while!

I got a surprise call from my mom who brought over a very yummy chocolate cake! That was a nice treat. Its been a while since I have seen my mom and dad. My mom bought me a honey pot with some special honey from Florida. Its really neat so I will have to share a picture soon!

It was a nice and relaxing day for all of us!

I love teaching!

2009-04-27T17:56:00.003-05:00

I just have to say that I love teaching the wee ones and am going to be very sad when this school year is over.

I have some good memories of my two year old class and am really going to miss them when they move up to the next class.

I hope I have as much fun with next years class!

The Church Experiment

2009-04-12T15:24:00.003-05:00

I found this interesting. Its certainly one way to deal with your crisis of faith or faith in Church.

http://churchexperiment.blogspot.com/

I havent read much of it but I do plan to read more. I like a different perspective sometimes.

Fun New Software!

2009-04-07T21:23:00.003-05:00

So I have been wanting to do slide shows with my pictures for a long time. I would like a way to show of my photos in other ways other than scrapbooking.

When Grandma Died (June 06) I purchased a software called ProShow Gold and this was the software that I was going to use to create my fun and unique slide shows. Then life got in the way and I never got around to creating slide shows. Fast forward to buying a new laptop and transfering over all of my old software only to find that this $79 software that I have never used is now obsolete for Vista and I have to pay to upgrade.

Have I mentioned before how much I love HATE Vista?!?!

Anyway... I call the company and since I am not a happy camper they offer to sell me the super upgraded MamaDog of all software upgrades for a small fee. I finally agree to it and bought the upgrade to the mucho better software called Producer! AM I GLAD I DID THIS!

Holy smokes this thing has so many kewl features! This is a slide show that took me literally THREE minutes to create. Im loving it!!!!

Just for you Jessica,,,

2009-03-20T11:35:00.001-05:00

Wanna do another midnight GNO?

ahhhh... got some scrappin done!

2009-03-19T16:46:00.002-05:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh it felt good today to finally get in my scrap room and knock out some layouts. I am not super happy with the two I did of Devin but I am really pleased with how the layout of Makayla came out. I just love it when a layout comes together on paper the way you had it pictured in your head. Crafting is just great therapy for me and I am so blessed that God provided me a creative outlet!

ok who would ever have thought...

2009-03-19T13:14:00.000-05:00

Too funny not to share!

Horses

2009-03-18T10:33:00.003-05:00

Anyone that knows my daughter for more than five minutes knows that she LOVES horses. We have at the last count 80+ horses in this house. I don't know where her love for horses came from but she cant go a day without playing with her horses.

In the fall of 2007 we went to Colorado on vacation and while there in the mountains we took Makayla to a place that let her ride a horse. She has never forgotten that horse or the cowboy that led her around. She speaks of Sookie and Cowboy Todd all the time. I cant believe she remembers that since she was two at the time but apparently its something she will never forget.

Fast forward to day before yesterday when a kid on a horse happened by our house. I had to ask him if Makayla could pet his horse and he was more than happy to oblige. What a sweet kid he was to share his horse Tori with Makayla. He even offered to let her hop up on and take some pictures. I just couldn't thank him enough for making her day!

Cards

2009-03-17T15:15:00.004-05:00

I have finished some cards that I wanted to share on here. I originally made them for craft night but nobody wanted to take the free card class I was offering. What a bummer eh?

Cards are so easy to make and are a great compliment to scrapbooking since they both use the same supplies. Not to mention people love getting handmade cards! I cant tell you how many people complimented me on my Christmas cards last year.

These are a couple of cards I made recently. I hope to make more cards soon and when I do I will share them here!

Picnic in the Yard

2009-03-17T14:01:00.003-05:00

I love days like this. Its gorgeous outside so Makayla and I had a picnic in the yard.

You just have to love days like this!

Hummingbird Moth

2009-03-17T13:15:00.003-05:00

Every year we have this really neat bug that visits my thrift when its in full bloom. I have never been able to get a really close look at it before because it flits around like a hummingbird. Today I finally saw him in the thrift again while I was outside having a picnic with Makyala and it just so happened that I had my camera handy!

So this is what he looks like...

After a little research online (dont you just love the www) I found out he is a hummingbird Moth! I am so glad to finally figure out what he is and can now enjoy his beauty.

Yes people I am amused by the small things in life!

Debating with Chris...

2009-03-16T16:47:00.002-05:00

I love teaching Sunday School with Chris. Chris, is just one of those guys that is comfortable in his skin. He is incredibly intelligent and one of the most faithful men I have ever met. He has a great sense of humor and we mesh well together. On any given Sunday with Chris I can go into that room knowing that I will at least learn one new thing. He is just one of those people that is full of knowledge and wants everyone to know all that he knows. It is never dull around Chris!

The best thing about teaching with Chris is he LOVES to debate and we all know I LOVE to argue so this makes a great combination. Now most of the time he wants to debate things I cant even begin to understand nor do I think I WANT to understand. See Chris has an analytical mind, a clinical and unfeeling mind and I of course am a more of a feeling type person. According to Chris he can move through life without having any feelings. This is my favorite thing to debate with him! He feels things he just doesn't want to admit it! Right Chris? *wink*

So where am I going with this? Well, yesterday we were debating whether God "calls" you to something. For example if a minister is "called" into the ministry or if they just want to be or choose a minister. It was a fun debate and I wont bore you with all the back and forth of it all but it just so happened that I stumbled upon this verse today...

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purpose. ~Romans 8:28

Do you think God led me to that verse today? I'll just leave you with that thought! *snicker*

Cousins

2009-03-07T13:40:00.004-06:00

Makayla loves Maddie and has missed her over the last year. She asks about her all the time and I think that feeling is quite mutual. I was really happy that my sister was able to come to Texas again this year to visit. I hate that they live so far away and wish they would move back home!

You cant help but wish the girls could be together all the time when you see them like this...

He Placed... AND HIGH!!!!!

2009-03-04T13:59:00.002-06:00

WOW! Devin just called and I am stunned! I think my kiddo has figured out what he enjoys doing and is really good at it. Well something besides fishing anyway... we all know he is good at that and loves that too!

So out of 60 kids from various schools participating he placed FOURTH! WOW! One of his friends and fellow church members Preston placed SECOND! Thats two kids from WHS that placed in the top 5! Pretty darn good if you ask me!

WOOT WOOT! WTG DEVIN!!!!!!!!

Im proud of you kiddo! He attends the state competition in Corpus Christi the first weekend in April. Everyone wish him luck there and pray that he has a safe trip! He will love going because thats his favorite fishing spot! LOL the lucky duck!

Devin's Competition

2009-02-27T22:24:00.002-06:00

I know I havent mentioned it here yet but today Devin had a competition in Waco with some of his automotive class. I thought this was a team thing but turns out it was an individual participation and based on his knowledge of cars alone.

The first stage of the competition was a written test. Normally this would be really hard on Devin but he said it went really well and he was one of the first five done. Once the boys completed this timed test the were ranked based on their scores. The top 16 were chosen to then move on to an applications type test where they are ranked based on their hands on knowledge. Devin was one of the top 16 and thus moved on to the second stage of testing! wooohooo Devin! WTG kiddo!

He said he did well on most of the hands on tests but there were some he felt he didnt do so well in. Unfortunately we wont know if he will be sent to the state competition until Monday but I will be sure to post where he ranked in that and let you know if he will go on to the next big competition in Corpus Christi! He had such a great time today and came home with some funny stories. I love it when this kid has fun in a positive way. Its definitely God answering my many prayers!

Crafting Today

2009-02-27T22:09:00.006-06:00

I realized that its been forever since I have gotten in my craft room and really knocked out some projects. I really miss having the motivation to just get in there and create. So today I had the urge to get in there and play and thats just what Makayla and I did. I didnt get a project completed but we played and had fun together.

I took out my fancy watercolors that I have had for more than five years. I knew Makayla would love them because they are very sparkly. You know anything with bling is going to light up my daughters eyes. It was fun watching her eyes light up the second she saw those colors sparkle!

So we painted some scooby coloring pages (she loves scooby ya know) and then pulled out the rubber stamps. We stamped some images and then colored those in too (fortunately I dont have any scooby stamps hehe). She had a great time playing with the craft stuff and I did too. Any day spent playing with my daughter is a good day!

In fact we had so much fun that Makayla didnt want to go to bed tonight, she wanted to keep painting. So I promised her that we would get it all back out again tomorrow. I will be sure to post pictures of our creations then!

Spring Cleaning... blog style

2009-02-24T20:42:00.003-06:00

Ok if you havent noticed I have been doing some spring cleaning on the ole blog and its been a whippin' to say the least. I keep finding all these fabulous templates that I really like but once I try to load them on the blog they wont work correctly.

Since my knowledge of html, xml and css is very limited I cant figure out how to fix most of them. Isnt that just the way the cookie crumbles?

However! I was finally able to get this little birdie template working after much research online on fixing a code or two! woohooo! I love the Internet, dont you? Its just a wealth of knowledge! Im not ready to retire this blond brain of mine yet!

Balet? You decide!

2009-02-22T21:16:00.002-06:00

Ok be warned this video comes with a spew alert...

You decide... balet or no?

2/22/09- AKA Makayla's Birthday

2009-02-22T20:41:00.002-06:00

We had such a great day today!

Today was AWANA day at church. The focus on the children is a bit hit at church lately and today was no exception. The kids love the attention and the adults get to relax a bit and enjoy! All of the children that participate in AWANA were called to the stage where they got to sing a song with Nic. BUT the best part was each section of AWANA had a child chosen to recite a memory verse of their choosing. Makayla was the cubbie chosen to do that and it couldnt have been on a more perfect day... her birthday! She didnt hesitate one second to take that microphone from Childrens Minister, Karen. She said her verse (a little faster than we had practiced) but she said it loud and clear! I was so excited for her. Shocked a little that she didnt bust out in song but proud none the less. I love our church and everyone there!

Then it was party time! We headed to Jumping Party to have her birthday extravaganza! We were a smidge late since church ran a little long and we still had to pick up Papa and the cake from walmart. Makayla had such a great time with all her friends!

You cant tell by these pictures that she had any fun can you? I want to thank all my friends and family that came and made it such a special day for her. It really meant a lot!!! She had a great day and I am sure its one that she wont be forgetting anytime soon!

Four years...already?

2009-02-21T16:41:00.003-06:00

What happened? Four years ago at this very minute I was gearing up for the hospital visit I was to make in a little more than tweleve hours. Then four years later I wake up. I cant get over how fast time really flies. Especially when it comes to raising our precious children. Wasnt it just yesterday I gave birth to Devin? Didnt he just turn 18? I cant wrap my mind around it and now tomorrow my precious baby girl will be four! FOUR... thats F-O-U-R? Good grief.

Here is my precioius girl the day we brought her home. I still remember her sweet squeaks and jerky movements. I remember how Robert carried her around with just one arm. He has always been a great dad and continues to get better as the years go on. Its just so hard to believe how grown up she is already. *sniff, sniff* Anyone have a tissue?

I took this photo of her just the other day. She has grown into quite the beauty. Best of all is her personality though. Robert thinks she is a lot like me with always wanting things done her way and like it or not she knows what she wants. I see how sweet and gentle she is. How much she genuinely cares for her friends and their well being. She is going to be such a great asset to the world... she already is.

So join me tomorrow in wishing my baby girl a very happy 4th birthday. She is going to have a very exciting day. They have chosen her from all the cubbies to go on stage in big church and recite a verse of her choice. She chose to recite Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart. After church we will be headed to Jumping Party for a fabulous birthday extravaganza complete with princess everything! Its going to be a very exciting day for her!

Happy Birthday my sweet baby girl!

Snakes

2009-02-14T08:30:00.002-06:00

I read www.thepioneerwoman.com every day. Her blog makes me laugh, cry and learn new things daily. She has a great photography and cooking section complete with some fabulous recipies not to mention some good homeschooling information as well.

Yesterday she posted that her hubby played a trick on her by putting a fake snake next to her bed and then having her reach down to get his pillow. I just about wet myself reading it not because of her story but because of a memory that immediately came to mind.

Robert and I were busy in our house with normal day to day goings on about three summers ago when all of a suddon my then 79 year old grandfather came barrelling through our back door. He was all sweaty and out of breath. I thought he was going to tell me something had happened to my grandma but all he could get out was my phone wasnt working. I finally calmed him down and got out of him what the problem was. hehe

He was sitting in his recliner watching tv and reading his newspaper when a six foot long water moccasin came slithering under his recliner and through the house. He in sheer panic reached for his phone and started dialing my number to come for help but was so upset and excited, he couldnt get the number dialed. He finally after coming out of his catatonic state managed to RUN out of the house and down to mine to get us to help him.

When we got back to his house the door was opened, some chairs were overturned and I couldnt find my grandma. I yelled for her and she yelled from her bedroom that she was fine. However you could tell that she was in a panic and freaking out beyond any panic that I have ever heard in her voice. Aparently when she realized the snake was in her room Grandma screamed and ran for her bedroom, slammed the door and got up on the bed. Now this was a site I tell ya...LOL My 73-year old four-foot-ten grandma standing on the bed with sheer panic in her face.

All this over a snake? I am not afraid of snakes and Robert has a healthy respect for them but doesnt care for them much. I had pet snakes both as a child and an adult. They are beautiful creatures that do a good deed for the earth. They eat RODENTS! After some searching we finally found that poor snake. Robert caught him and beheaded him much to my protest. I thought he should be taken to the lake and set free but Robert didnt feel like he could wrangle the thing without being bit at some point. I prefer to keep my hubby healthy as opposed to the poor snake.

Its a day I hope I never forget. The moral to the story is... dont leave your doors open when you live in the country! It was such a beautiful day and Papa was tired of getting up to let the dog in and out every five minutes so he left the screen door open just enough... to invite in the critters!

Makayla's Birthday

2009-02-13T20:38:00.003-06:00

Ok lets just face up to the facts... I waited till the last minute to set Makaylas birthday party...LOL It just slipped my mind until my sister called me today and asked what I was doing and I was like "I dunno, I still have time to figure it out" to which she replied... "ummm, its like next weekend." can ya give me a big whoooooooooooopsy!

So I called Jumping party and luckily they had a slot opened at 1pm! So thats what we are doing! woohooo! Its all finalized and paid for! All I have to do now is order the cake and get some party favors together, get the invites out and well... buy my daughter a present...LOL

So to all my good friends (namely, Shelley and Jessica) have your kiddos ready to be at Jumping Party on Feb22 to celebrate Makaylas birthday! We will be able to stay and jump the entire day...LOL

Horoscope?!?!

2009-02-12T19:45:00.003-06:00

So do you read your horoscope? Do you believe anything they predict? I rarely read them and at times wish they would come true. For example, this was my horoscope today...

Things are about to equalize in all aspects of your life, so get ready to enjoy
a healthier period that will give you a stronger sense of security and
confidence. You're standing on a firm foundation again, which means you can
reach higher and try harder for the things you want. It's time for bolder action
and bigger stakes. You are feeling totally in control and it looks like no one
is standing in your way. Ignore your fears and move ahead at full steam!

So here's to wishful thinking and hoping that whoever it is that is predicting this is dead on! hehehe

Depression... an FYI for my friends

2009-02-11T10:29:00.003-06:00

Some of you know but most of you don't that I suffered a severe bout of depression from 2001-2003. It was horrific to the point of me not leaving my house for a long time. It was a struggle to get out of bed, brush my teeth and so on and so forth. It was a scary time in my life and one that I hope to never relive. I bring this up because I am going to need help from my friends to pull me out of the funk I am starting to get in to.

How can I tell that I am starting to get depressed? Quite simply... I am getting a case of the woes Me's! I really think that all this pain and illness is causing me to get depressed and I just cant have that happen again.

Luckily for me I have a great hubby who helps me through these things and some pretty great friends too that I know will give me a kick in the pants if I need it. Since I am already recognizing the signs of depression setting in I am making a conscience effort not to let it grab me the way it did in the past.

A couple pictures to start your day...

2009-02-06T09:34:00.006-06:00

I just loved that Makayla and daddy made a cake for Devin on his birthday. I was such a sweet gesture and obviously Devin loved it...

Gotta love these faces!!! I still cant get over the fact that I have an eighteen year old! OH and did I mention that he is on the A/B honor roll again! Senior year is doing great things for my boy!

Crafting with my Daughter

2009-02-02T12:25:00.001-06:00

I promised Makayla that we would play in the craft room today so after her nap thats where I will be if you need me...LOL

Ill post pictures of some of our projects later on! Have a great day everyone!

Eighteen Years Ago

2009-02-01T16:36:00.003-06:00

I remember it just like it was yesterday (which is saying something for me). I remember not sleeping well at all because I was so nervous. I remember taking a long hot bath thinking it would be a while before I would get one again. I remember getting to the hospital and crying for my Mom because I was so scared. I remember being poked and prodded and some other things I wish I could just forget... I was only 16 for crying out loud.

I remember the doctors telling golf jokes over my sliced open body. I remember pressure and then I remember hearing a bunch of numbers being yelled out which I kept thinking to myself meant something... but what? Then I remember the sweet cry of my baby boy. I remember my husband leaving my side never to be seen again for several hours. I remember the nurses laying my newborn boy on my chest and then they wheeled me out of the room and down the hall where they knocked me out for several hours before taking me to my hospital room.

I remember these things so clearly although they were eighteen years ago. How is that even possible? I couldnt possibly have an eighteen year old boy now could I?

Makayla made her big brother a cake today and he loved it. Ill load some pictures later.

Happy Birthday baby boy... I am so glad to have you.

Welcome to the new blog

2009-01-31T17:14:00.001-06:00

I just couldnt stand paying for a blog when I could have one for free so I spent most of last night moving everything over to this blog.

I hope you all find me here now...lol

Random Ramblings

2009-01-30T23:29:00.000-06:00

I found this on another blog and thought it looked like fun. So feel free to copy and paste onto your own blog and then we will be able to learn something about one another... random silly things anyway... Things in blold are things I have done!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new Language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in an independent movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible... not yet but working on it now!
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Im so sick... send help!

2009-01-30T23:28:00.003-06:00

What is it with me lately? Everytime I have something really important to do I get sick. I was supposed to attend Kamp Kaotic with the girls from my Sunday school class but I managed to get that nasty stomache bug thats going around. *sniff, sniff*

Someone send the vomit buckets for me ok... and lylsol and purell and... you get the idea!

Craft Night

2009-01-30T23:28:00.001-06:00

Friday Jan. 23rd @5pm! Be there!!!!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-30T23:27:00.001-06:00

Wow... its so hard to believe that 2008 is over and we are begining 2009. 2008 was a good year for us. We found our faith and a wonderful church, were baptized in May, didnt lose a single family member and really cant complain too much about anything.

Makayla is growing up entirely too fast. She is such a happy girl and a delight for Robert and I. God certainly knew what he was doing when he blessed us with her. I took her today to get her hair cut and Sherry was so sweet to her. She got the works with having her hair washed and conditioned, cut and then Sherry even took the time to give her some Shirley Temple curls. Makayla was as happy as a little lark and looked beautiful too. I love that she is about to be four but hate it at the same time. They just grow up entirely too fast. Speaking of wich...

Devin... whoa boy... Devin. He is my first born and a beautiful gift from God. I honestly dont know what I would do without him. He has an incredible sense of humor and can make me laugh like no other. He is handsome and a very sensitive and caring young man. I love him more than life itself however... He also has a way about him that makes me want to knock his lights out at times. He is heading into his last semester of high school and then going to enter this cruel world. That is if he can manage to pay this big fat speeding ticket (50 in a 30) he got last night. Mommy wont pay that for him... no way, no how!

My new baby Bella (Katrina's Lil Isabelle Rose) is growing and getting to be a sassy little puppy. Remi has taken to her very well and they have become fast friends. I was hoping since we got a girl he would be receptive and he was.

Robert and I are doing well. I still have a pretty horrific back problem that isnt going away but I am giving it to God and he will lead me in the right path on what to do about it.

I hope that everyone has a safe and very blessed New Year! We love you all!

P.S. Maddie I will get some more videos up for you very soon!

Just for Maddie

2009-01-30T23:26:00.000-06:00

Maddie... Your mommy told me today that you didnt like that the picture of Bella wasnt a movie so I have one here of the new puppy just for you. You can hear her bark for the first time just like we did!

We miss you sweetie and hope to see you sometime soon! Enjoy hearing my new puppy bark! Isnt she just the cutest thing ever?

Christmas Eve

2009-01-30T23:23:00.001-06:00

We had a great night tonight. Its a tradition to go to Granbury to Grandma Tennants house for dinner and presents. We left the house around 3:00 and met Devin in town so he could ride with us. Then on our way I was able to stop and pick up my present!!!
Meet Isabelle or Bella as she will be called! I asked Robert for a puppy for Christmas and I really wanted a Corgi. Remi has been such a good dog and I read nothing but good things about this breed so I really wanted to stick with it. She is such a cutie and we have already fallen in love with her. Im so happy to have such an understanding and wonderful husband. I am truly blessed!

Once we got home I had Makayla and Devin open their presents from Michelle, Doug and Maddie. Here are a couple videos of them.

Do you think Devin could be a little more enthusiastic about things? geeeeeeeeez Thanks so much Michelle, Doug and Maddie for thinking of us at Christmas.

I will definitely have more videos up with other presents soon so be sure to check back often!

Visit with Santa

2009-01-30T23:20:00.000-06:00

We headed to Hulen today to have our annual visit with Santa. Makayla was really anxious waiting in line for her turn. She kept peeking over the railing and having daddy lift her up so she could sneak peeks of that jolly old elf.

Finally it was our turn and she marched right up to Santa and jumped in his lap like she has known him for years. This is a great improvement from the last few years which resulted in major fit throwing that he was a crazy and scary old man. She took an awesome picture with Santa (and lets NOT forget Mooey) and proceeded to tell him all her wants for Christmas, which of course included... HORSES! What else!

We had a great day of shopping and she wsa so cute with Santa. Here is the picture for your viewing pleasure. Family if you would like a copy I have ordered the disk with the ability to print as many copies as you would like!
Merry Christmas everyone!

Dont Mess with This Chick

2009-01-30T23:15:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago Devin's truck broke down after church. Being the wonderful girlfriend she is, Robin couldnt stand letting him get greasy and work on this thing all by himself. Like any good girlfriend she HAD to help. I will let these speak for themself...

Enough said???? LOL I just couldnt resist sharing!

Fun Fun Friday

2009-01-30T23:14:00.002-06:00

What a day we had today! It started out with meeting Jessica and Luke at the bouncy house place where we had two fun filled hours of boucning. Makayla had too much fun while we were there and cried when we left. Jessica and I had to laugh at her a few times when she got her attitude going because other children there werent listening to her. We dont call her mini me for no reason! hehehehe

Then we came home to take a nap. After that I had to run to my doctor who finally came back into the country to get the game plan going for my back. He really explained to me all the goings on with my back complete with diagrams. Things are much worse than I originally thought. Basically my disk is herniated but its also compressing my spinal cord and nerves. I told him that I wouldnt be having any surgery until it was absolutely necessary so he is sending me to a specialist that will give me some steroid injections in my back that will act as an epidural. This will relieve all my pain and give me the ability to function again. Its basically a bandaid fix but its the cheapest route to take so thats what we are going with. He is calling his doctor friend this weekend and told me to call on Monday to make the appointment. We will see how much this is going to set me back. I hope it wont be anything like the $750 consultation fee the neurologist was going to charge me!

Tomorrow is a fun fill day of last minute Christmas shopping... woot woot! Ill be going through pictures soon and updating again later!

A Prayer Request

2009-01-30T23:14:00.001-06:00

I know I have told most of you but in case you havent heard I have had a little health crisis lately. Since September I have had a pretty severe pain in my back that I have been taking pain killers for. I also did three rounds of steroids to no avail. I finally was able to afford the MRI to find out what exactly was going on and what we found is that I have a pretty severe herniated disk in my L5/S1 and a slight degeneration in my L3/L4 disk.

Of course as most of you know we dont have insurance so that means crappy doctors and mega unexpected bills. I am in the process of doing some research on some different options and am asking for your prayers. I am praying for a miraculous healing or at the very minimum finding the right treatment that doesnt require surgery. So if you are the praying kind (and most all of my friends are) please say a quick prayer for me, I would very much appreciate it!

OOPS its been a while again

2009-01-30T23:13:00.000-06:00

Update, update, update... I am really bad at blogging but I am definately better than I used to be! hehehehe

Today Makayla and I had a great time. We invited Nana to go with us to see Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer at Casa Manana. Jessica and Luke were going to go with us but unfortunately Jack (Lukes older brother) had to go to the doctor this morning for strep throat so they werent able to make it. Makayla was really excited when we got there and asked me where the movie screen was? It was so fun to explain to her that we werent going to be seeing a movie we were going to see live actors do a play for us. She definately loved it and it turned into a magical day for her. She told us that seeing a play was definately better than going to the movies!

Then we came home and took a nap!

Tonight we had our childrens Sunday School party from 6-9pm. All the kids in the church were treated to Chick-fil-A, cookies, hot cocoa, crafts, games and even a hay ride! Makayla had a ton of fun but Robert and I are pooped!

Tomorrow is a fun filled day of shopping for Christmas presents, going to the eye doctor for more contacts (yes I lost my last contact at Casa Manana), and going to the Sims for a Christmas party... I wont be forgetting the cheesecake!

Happy Birthday Maddie!

2009-01-30T23:12:00.002-06:00

I cant believe my neice is FOUR years old tomorrow!!!! I still remember my sister calling me and I told her I had a dream she was pregnant only for her to hang up and call me back a week later to confirm that she was indeed pregnant! I knew she was having a girl too but what I didnt know is that in three months I too would be pregnant with Makayla. God sure has a way of throwing curve balls at you doesnt he?
Its unfortunate that we cant all be together tomorrow for Maddies birthday. I hope you have a great party Maddie. This little video of Makayla singing happy birthday is as close as we can be with you! One of these days we are going have to get you to embrace the phone again so we can hear your cute little voice!

My Twilight Adventure

2009-01-30T23:12:00.001-06:00

So last night my crazy friend Jessica and I went to the midnight showing of Twilight! We were surrounded by the giggles and silliness of 200 teenagers but it was definitely fun! Im certainly paying for it today! There is something about being 34 and staying out until 3am that just doesnt work. Everything in my body is screaming at me! Of course being sick doesnt help either, I cant stop my nose from running off my face and I feel like I have been hit by a light mac truck.
We started by meeting at Boo Rays where we had some iced tea and fried pickles! yummmmo Then like a couple of crazy people we headed to the movie theater where we stood in line for an hour waiting for our seats! We did manage to get the best seats in the house!
Jessica introduced me to the Twilight series and I fell in love with the books and the characters so I couldn't help but want to see the movie. You know the movies are never as good as the books but this one at least stayed true to the book. They didn't add a bunch of scenes in the movie that weren't also a part of the book. They did however leave out a bunch of the book. I wish they would have done more with Alice's character because she was such a vital part of the series and of Edward and Bella's relationship. I was disappointed with the prom and the way that played out in the movie. All in all though it was fun to see the characters come to life. The cinematography was incredible and I agree with Jessica in that it totally made the movie!
I am so thankful that God brought Jessica into my life! I love having a new pal to hang with! Jessica we will have to do that again sometime... after I recover from last night!

School Pictures

2009-01-30T23:08:00.000-06:00

A while ago I posted that we had Makaylas school pictures in but I had to take the time to scan them to show them to you. Well... I have scanned them today! I know the calls will be coming in telling me that CANT possibly be baby Makayla but alas... it is definitely her, all grown up *sniff, sniff* Get your hankie before scrolling down, you will definitely need it!

Its crazy how big she has gotten in such a short time. I nearly died when all the baby had left her face and I could see what a mature little girl she has become and at such a young age! *waaaaahhhh* I want my baby back! They just grow up all to fast!

OH OH OH... Thanks Jess!

2009-01-30T23:07:00.000-06:00

Ok So Jess finally updated her blog (the Sims link to the right under blogroll) and has some awesome pictures of Trunk or Treat up finally! Be sure to check out her blog to see her cute kiddies but I sniped the picture of my trunk from her! So in all its award winning glory... our mad scientist trunk...

We had all kinds of icky stuff in jars... brains, fingers, eyes, bats, and snakes. It was a lot of fun to put this trunk together and well worth the effort. I cant wait for next year... think Disney princess gone bad...muhahahahahaha (Shelley and Jess are to blame for the next one too hehe)

Shout out to my Peeps

2009-01-30T23:06:00.002-06:00

Just a quick shout out to all my homeschooling peeps since I shared my blog link with you! My blog isnt much but its the way I communicate with friends and family. So welcome!!!
Be sure to leave comments so I know who visited and when! I love getting them!
I was thinking of having the kids make Christmas cards at the December meeting what do you all think of that?
Hope to see you all on Friday weather permitting!

Time Marches On

2009-01-30T23:06:00.001-06:00

Funny how time has a way of getting away from you. I don't know how this keeps happening to me but it does.
When we arrived at preschool this morning I was quickly reminded that it was the day to pick up the pictures we had taken two weeks ago. I was SHOCKED to view Makaylas pictures. She had not only grown but her face had changed. Not a subtle change either a dramatic change that instantly brought tears to my eyes. Her baby face is gone... how in the world did this happen? I will soon get the pictures posted here on the blog and also show the picture of her from exactly one year ago. You just wont believe the change in her! It will take your breath away for sure.
Im so proud to announce that Devin received his acceptance letter yesterday to Texas State Technical College. He was so excited about it and is really looking forward to attending next fall. I am trying to talk him into taking the two year associates program but he is barking about it and only wanting to take the one year certificate program. Of course I will be scanning a copy of that to share on the blog as well!
Sunday night was trunk or treat at the church and wow what a great time Jess, Shelley and I had with our tables. Shelley was busy as a little bee doing the dry ice experiments, Jess was showing the kids how to make slime and I was passing out candy and doing a little craft with the kids. We had oodles of fun and even managed to take first place with the trunk decorating contest! We won a little trophy and when I say little I mean this thing was a total of about three inches high... its so cute! As soon as I get Jess to forward me some pics (hint hint Jess) I will share those on the blog too!
I spend the entire weekend reading the Twilight series of books by Stephanie Meyer and let me just tell you that they are SOOOOO GOOD! (thanks Jess for turning me onto them) I have to say thats its one of the best reads I have had in a good while and I am almost suffering from depression now that the series is over. I was left wanting more... much more of the story. Maybe Stephanie will write more about Bella,Edward and their many adventures. If you love a good romance with a lot of action, near death experiences and a werewolf or two thrown in for good measure you cant beat this series of books!
I had a great day at school today and love teaching the kids. We have a great group of little ones that are just a delight to work with. Judy my co-teacher is fabulously fun to work with too! I have to come up with something good for her birthday party this year because she will be turning the big 5-0 so if anyone has any great ideas on what to do for her birthday I would love some input. The funny thing is that her birthday is Jan 31... what a quinky-dink (thats Devin's birthday too)!
Welp thats all for me tonight! As soon as I get the computer hooked up to the scanner I will get the pictures scanned and share them with you! And Jess if you are reading this... send pics soon!!! *giggle*

Homecoming 2008...

2009-01-30T23:01:00.000-06:00

Devins Senior Year!! Where in the world does the time go? This year he had a super cute and very sweet girlfriend that I happen to like very much. She gives Devin a lot of grief and I love her for that. heheheehe
Devin was stressing this year thinking he wasnt going to be able to afford much in a way of a mum for her but he bought just enough for me to come up with this little gem...

Clark Gardens

2009-01-30T22:51:00.002-06:00

We love going to Clark Gardens and its been a while since our last trip out there. Last Friday Shelley set up a field trip with our homeschooling group to visit Clark Gardens. I couldn't help but be excited about going. The gardens are rich with foliage and colors that you just don't find in an average garden. Not only would we see the many splendid flowers, trees, bushes and ponds but they had hundreds of pumpkins set out for their fall harvest that weekend. We couldn't have chosen a better weekend to go.

The weather was gorgeous and Makayla was in a very good mood. It couldn't have been a better day! As soon as we got there Makayla found the pumpkins and I managed to snag this shot...

After walking around for a bit we had lunch at the pavilion and I couldn't let another day go by without getting a good picture of Makayla with her very good friend Elisabeth. They held hands all the way through the gardens because you know... thats just what best friends do and who am I to interfere with what best friends do? Aren't they just too cute together!!!!!

All in all it was a great day and although we had a mini meltdown when it was time to go we still managed to get some good pictures! I love that we have found a group of friends that we love and are loved in return, aren't judged and all have the same beliefs. We are truly blessed!

Busy Weeks...

2009-01-30T22:51:00.001-06:00

Wow we have just really had an unusually busy couple of weeks and I really dont see an end in sight for a while.

Today we had to put Makayla's ferret Cocoa to sleep. She was really sad and distressed about it but I spent $200 and a week trying to save his life to no avail. The vet felt like he had kidney disease and probably was ill for a very long time. We really loved this little guy and will miss him a lot. Makayla told me today he is with God and the angels now and she will get to see him again some day. She is wise beyond her years.

Im working now at the preschool and having a great time. I teach with Judy in the twos class which is a lot of fun. Our class is all boys with one girl on Tues and two girls on Thurs. Its very different having an all boy class! Boys are just little bundles of energy!

Last week Makayla went to the fire department with her preschool class and had a great time! She learned all about what to do if we were to have a fire in our home, she was able to spray the big fire hose and even got her very own fire hat!

Next week we will be super busy too! On Monday we will be having our first riding lesson! Be sure to stay tuned for the pictures of that! You know how much Makayla LOVES horses! Till then TTFN!

Makin' Cookies...

2009-01-30T22:46:00.000-06:00

You will just die with laughter and amazement after watching a three year old make chocolate chip cookies all by her self (well with a smidge of help from Mommy and Daddy).

Dont say I didnt warn you that she was the cutest thing on the plant. I just nearly died when she double dipped the beaters back into the batter but o'well we didnt share with anyone that wasnt family...LOL
Today was a busy day with Robert and Devin helping Papa put up his new shed. They almost have it done! Tomorrow after church they will finish it up. I wont start my new job working at the church preschool until the 14th but I am already looking forward to it. The extra money will be wonderful and watching Makayla interact with her friends is a bonus.
Devin is doing great with his new job and he says he loves it! There was a little issue with one of his teachers at school but I spoke with the counselor on Friday and hopefully that will soon be resolved. Its hard dealing with super anal people when you have a kid that is so hard headed!
I will do my best to get more videos done this week and keep you updated. Be sure to leave me some comments so I know you are visiting and let me know what you think about my blog!!!

Mainstay Farm

2009-01-30T22:41:00.000-06:00

We had the best time yesterday going with our homeschool group to the Mainstay Farm! They open their farm every year at this time to the public. Makayla had a great time creating her own scarecrow, roasting marshmallows, taking a hay ride, finding her way through mazes, playing in a three story tree house and sliding down a 100 ft slide! After the hay ride we returned to the barn to pick out our pumpkin!

Then it was home to make a batch of chocolate chip cookies. A video is to come of Makayla making cookies all by herself I just have to get around to editing it!

Parkfest 2008

2009-01-30T22:40:00.000-06:00

This moring Robert went to work so Makayla, Devin and I decided to go to the parkfest that Willow Park was hosting. Its the first time we have been to parkfest and we had a great time!
I started by trying to donate blood for the Carter blood drive but after spending 45 minutes waiting and filling out questionaires and having a quick physical my iron was too low by .3 points so they didnt allow me to give! fooey! I guess next time I go to donate blood I need to eat a steak or two first!
The fest was full of fun vendors, face painters, helicopters and even a very inspirational disabled skydiver named Dana Bowman. http://www.danabowman.com/ what an inspirational guy!
Of course the day couldnt be complete without getting a video of my happy girl with her new butterfly friend. Enjoy!

A Season of Change

2009-01-30T22:39:00.000-06:00

Change... something I tend to resist. I mean who really likes change? Change to me is like yanking teeth, I put it off as long as I can.
With that said God has led me to some change over the last week. Since March I have tossed around the idea of letting go of my ownership of the Shanty. When I took over the shanty it was a fun, lively place with a lot of talent and inspiration. The women were friendly, loving and giving of time and advice. I am not sure where or when that dynamic left the site but it did along with many of the ladies that were original to the site. Dawn pointed it out to me when she left and I knew it then but I thought it was something that could be turned around. Dont get me wrong... there are a ton of ladies there that I have grown to love and care for incredibly but it was just different, the entire atmosphere had changed. I stuck it out for several months but after getting the feeling that I really wasnt welcome on my own site anymore I prayed, and prayed and then prayed some more and the only answer that kept coming to me was to let it go. I could have been spiteful and just shut it down, and trust me that thought crossed my mind more than once but I guess In the big scheme of life and all of my day to day problems I just couldnt let this keep eating at me. I had to just let it go, so thats what I did. I wish all the gals still at the Shanty all the best!
Now on to another season of change. Most of you know that I have been subbing at Makayla's preschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I love working with the kids and have a ton of fun with them. The other teachers there are great and so fun to work with too. I am so thrilled to announce that Karen has hired me full time now... no more subbing for me! YAY! I have been praying for this and God has answered my prayers! I will now contribute to the family (just a little but its something!) and Makayla will love having me at school with her. I dont have to worry about coming up with tuition any longer (thank you God) because it was a struggle trying to come up with the money.
I guess thats all for this update. There is so much to tell but those are the super important things going on in my life right now! Everything is going well with us and I keep praying that it stays that way for a while. I love when life is calm and uncomplicated for a change.

2009-01-30T22:32:00.000-06:00

Welp the begging worked!!! HE SAID YES!!!!!!!!!!!! I love that man... he is always quick to spoil me and it didnt take that much begging to get what I wanted either. So now we can video everything!
Let me start by showing my adorable daughter. All I said to her was sing a song and this is the tune she busted out with...

Now I ask you, how sweet is that???? *sigh* she just melts my heart!
In the future look for many many new videos because I got my new little flip and I just adore it!

Welcome to the Family Blog

2009-01-30T22:30:00.001-06:00

OOPS I sent you to the wrong blog. Im trying to keep my business blog seperate from my personal blog so the one you should come to is the family blog. Leave it to my blonde brain to screw things up right away...hehe
Anyway... WELCOME!
I am so thrilled to have a new blog with all the new fan-dangled toys that come with it. Its been fun spending time learning all the new bells and whistles today. There is still much learning and tweaking to do but on a whole I am happy with how its all turned out.
Ill be spending some time over the next week trying to get some things organized on here and hope to be able to post weekly updates! My goal this week is to buy a cheap video camera so I can video some simple technique tutorials as well as my adorable daughter! That of course all depends on the success of begging and pleading that will commence as soon as Robert gets home!
~Hugs

New Blog

2008-09-22T08:32:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for more recent posts please go to my new blog www.katrinahogan.typepad.com/family and there you will see new videos of Makayla as well as family updates!

Great Stampin News!

2008-09-12T09:03:00.000-05:00

I just became a Stampin Up demonstrator! I am really excited about this and cant wait to get my kit so I can begin having workshops!

I went ahead and got one of the Stampin Up websites so anyone can order from the internet at any time. You dont have to book a show to order and the great news is that you will still earn hostess rewards from shopping online! You just cant beat that deal!

More exciting news to come in a few days...

What is wrong with me?

2008-09-08T19:07:00.000-05:00

I cant seem to remember I have this blog and that I should be updating it weekly if not daily! Its a good way to retain information! Especially with my brain that doesnt like to retain any information...sheesh

Well I hope to spend the next several weeks updating my blog, showcasing my newest layouts/cards and just get this blog to moving. So iffn I dont post for a week or more someone come lash me with a wet noodle ok!

Today Makayla and I went to the zoo with Shelley and Jennifer from our homeschooling group. We had a great time although it was pretty hot! I of course loved the bears and big cats but Makayla of course loved the HORSES (is there any other animal to her?) and the cows. She had fun watching the chimpanzee's playing outside.

The funniest part of the day was when I took her to the bathroom right after our picnic lunch. I took her and an put her on the potty and she sat there for a minute and nothing happened. I asked her if she was going and she said no... she was trying. Then all of a suddon and quite out of no where she says... "heaven to Betsy... I dont have any tinkles!" Now I ask you can you imagine a three year old stating this? I nearly fell over I was laughing so hard. It was a great day and fun was had by all!

Im Vowing to get better at this...

2008-06-17T21:11:00.000-05:00

As I have said many times in the past I am a horrible blogger. I am vowing to get better... hopfully soon but just in case... dont hold your breath ok!

Today was a great day. I am the full time sub at our church during the summer SonCamp which is a lot of fun! Its hard work being on my feet all day chasing after 10 kids but its also fun and rewarding!

The Scrap Shanty is doing well and is as active as ever. We are having great fun with challenges and games! I cant believe how many new members we have gotten lately and love seeing all of them! If you are a scrapbooker please stop by and join in the fun with us!

I did manage to get a layout done last week for a challenge on the Shanty! So thats about it for me today... maybe more to come later? We shall see!

WOW! Ive waited wayyyyy too long...hehe

2008-04-06T15:08:00.000-05:00

So I knew when I got this blog I would be a bad blogger... what can I say? At the Shanty we were challenged to update our blog. Here is my feeble attempt at doing just that!

Yesterday was a glorious day here in Texas. After spending literally two months couped up in the house becuase of illness... we decided to head to Sunset and visit Roberts family land. We always have so much fun getting back to nature. While there we saw a mama deer, about 20 or so hogs, butterflies, birds, squirrels and the biggest lizzard I do believe I have ever seen in my life!

We had a wonderful picnic, took walks and Makayla even planted some wildflower seeds with her Nana! The Iris are starting to bloom as are the hyacinths. The daffodils had already bloomed and were finished for the year. Spring is definately in the air there!

Here at home the bluebonnets are starting to make their appearance... a little late this year. I know we wont be so lucky as to have them as thick as last year but I am hoping to get some good pictures of Makayla in them! I would like to get Devin in them too but he seems to be AWOL most of the time.

Devin has wheels thanks to a collaboration of his Mom, Grandma and Papa! I am simply scrared to death to let him have those kinds of freedoms but I guess I do have to let go at some point or another right? He is enjoying his freetime and I am enjoying an argument free existence... well at least for the time he is away!

Well I think thats all for this update! Maybe sometime in the next six months I will update again! hehe

Some Exciting news!

2007-09-21T18:10:00.000-05:00

As everyone knows I am a member of the design team at the Chalet. However, Laura, the owner has decided to do away with the Chalet. I am so honored to have been on the design team there and thank her and all of my team mates for a short but fun time!

The exciting news??? SHE IS GIVING ME THE CHALET! woohoo! So I have teamed up with my good friend Carrie from Oregon and her good friend Kim from Washington and are designing a fun place to scrap called the Scrap Shanty! We are putting on our boots and getting back to some good ole down home scrapping again!

So be sure to stop by and say hi to us at www.scrapshanty.com!

Fun Happenings at the Chalet

2007-08-03T17:10:00.000-05:00

Be sure to come by daily as there is something new for you EVERY SINGLE DAY this month!

I started the Scrap Scurry game on Wednesday and it lasts until next Wednesday. Rack up your points, get some layouts done and win some prizes. Whats more fun than that?

There is a chat tonight and challenges listed almost daily!

I posted an original sketch that I designed and challenged everyone to use it. Im so impressed with what I have received so far! Keep them coming girls!

ALSO new, new, new SKETCHES for you every month on the first! The design team worked really hard to create sketches just for the Chalet members so be sure to stop by, check them out and print them off. We would LOVE to see your creations using our sketches!

Its here! The August Kit from the Chalet

2007-08-03T17:05:00.000-05:00

Jump on over and snatch it up! You will love it especially if you have a girl! This months kit is French Twist from Autumn Leaves! You WONT be disapointed!

Here is one of my layouts I created with the kit! Be sure to stop by and grab one for yourself! Also be sure to stop by the gallery , there is a ton of inspiration from the other design team members too!

Port Aransas

2007-08-03T16:50:00.000-05:00

We had the best time visiting Port Aransas in the summer. Usually we make that eight hour drive over the Thanksgiving break but this year we decided to try soemthing different!

Our first day there was filled with fun. Makayla was NOT afraid of the water in the least! She jumped right in and started having fun! She laid down and let the waves rush over her and had a blast playing in the sand.

The second day was spent shopping, flying kites, feeding sea gulls and playing on the beach some more. It rained off and on the entire week but that didnt stop us from having fun.

The 4th of July was POURING down rain and we werent able to take the boat ride to watch the fireworks like we wanted. We were bummed but still made the best of it. We crossed the ferry and parked in the ride share parking lot and had the best view of the fireworks! We couldnt have asked for a better time! We decided that the fireworks were just about over so we headed to the ferry. It was great luck that we happened to be the first on the ferry and got to watch the rest of the fireworks from it. Right as the ferry took off we were in the middle of the bay when the grand finally went off. It was really impressive.

Probably the best night we had there was the night we decided to take the dolphin tour! We went out on a boat for two hours and watched for dolphin and they didnt disapoint. They were right on the side of the boat spitting water up at us and looking for handouts. The highlight of the trip was the "petting zoo" they had set up in the center of the boat. T Joe the deckhand had all kinds of fun ocean critters for the kids to play with. He had puffer fish, sea stars, sea slime, hermit crabs, little fish of some sort, a live sand dollar and Makaylas favorite the seahorse. She had a ball playing with all of the animals and didnt want to leave. Its all she talked about for the rest of the trip.

The rest of the trip was so much fun! All day long on the beach soaking in the sun and watching Makayla have the time of her life. ahhhhhhhhhhh I wish we never had to leave!

Im on a DESIGN TEAM! woohooo!

2007-08-03T16:46:00.000-05:00

I made it! I tried out for the design team at the Scrapbook Chalet and I MADE IT! HAPPY DAY!!!

I am joined by some very talented people! Charlee who has been my friend for many many yeard, Tammy Gray who is right now the guest design team member for Creative Imaginations, Jozzie, Dawn who makes some amazing digital kits, Suzanne and Becky T who is an amazing and well published designer!

I couldnt be more honored to be on this team! Be sure to come visit me there and be inspired by our work!

Guest DT for ScrapAddict.com

2007-08-03T16:38:00.000-05:00

I was so excited to get the news in April that I was chosen to be the guest design team member for ScrapAddict.com. I have been a member there for many years so it was a true honor!

I received my Hog Wild kit and immediately went to town with it! I had so much fun creating two layouts of Misty's kids! Its an honor to be a part of an amazing team!

Let me know what you think of them and be sure to stop by http://www.scrapaddict.com/ to see the rest of the amazing design team!

I knew I was going to be bad at this!

2007-08-03T16:36:00.000-05:00

Please forgive me for not updating this thing. I am going to spend the rest of the night posting several blog entries to catch everyone up on the last couple months! YIKES!

Be prepared for some news, vacation photos and layouts! I have a TON of catching up to do!

2007-05-04T19:36:00.000-05:00

Check this out:

Join Creative Imaginations and their Artists for a once in a lifetime opportunity as a Guest Designer for the month of August 2007.

This weekend, Scrapbook Chalet will be hosting contests and chats in conjunction with Creative Imaginations.

Register on both websites; Creative Imaginations {www.creativeimaginations.us} and {www.Scrapbookchalet.com}.

Specific details regarding this contest will be announced during the chats at Scrapbook Chalet this weekend. Please join Marah Johnson { May 4th , 10pm est, } and Cheryl Mezzetti, DT Coordinator {May 5th, 10pm est } for more information.Upload your designs following the challenges presented sometime before Sunday, May 13th to both Creative Imaginations and Scrapbook Chalet {you must upload to both sites to enter} There will be specific folders represented on each website.All challenges must include at least 80% Creative Imaginations product.

With thousands of products to choose from, let your creative imaginations run wild.

The winner will receive:

1. $100.00 retail value in product of their choice from Creative Imaginations {product is subject to availability.}

2. Guest designer will have their work as well as a small bio and photo featured on the CI website.

3. All work uploaded will remain the property of CI for possible use in their newsletter or promotional material.Winner will be announced on Monday, May 14th.Good luck!

Sneak Peek of My Chalet Contest Entry

2007-05-02T20:08:00.000-05:00

Ive mentioned before that I am involved with a contest at the Chalet. Each week we are given a challege that we have to complete and then the members of the board vote to see which layout they like best. WELL I have surprisingly made it to round FOUR! YAY

Last weeks challenge was hard... H-A-R-D... hard! It was a scraplift of one of the DT members there Jeanne. Super cute layout but I struggled with it all week. FINALLY, literally twenty minutes before it came due I had it finished and uploaded. shew! You can see it in the Chalet Gallery.

This weeks challenge was SOOOOOOO easy! It was a challenge to create a layout based on a super cute ad!

I took one look at that ad and knew this was going to be easy. The colors struck me, the layout struck me and it was all mapped out. I finished it in record time! NOW the hard part. I HATE being the first one to upload to the gallery so I am holding off for a bit. I CANNOT get a good picture of it to save my life! soooooooooo I am going to show you a sneaky peek of my latest layout. Please leave comments and let me know what you think!

It will be uploaded in the Chalet Gallery sometime on Friday or Saturday!

Devins Artwork

2007-05-02T16:25:00.000-05:00

WOW WOW WOW was all I could say when Devin came home with his most recent art project.

I dont dote on him nearly enough so I HAD to share this with everyone! He literally had to scratch the surface of this paper off just enough to create the skull you see! ISNT IT AMAZING?

I am sooooo proud of my kiddo! One day soon I will have to take a picture of the clay figure he made me. Its AMAZING! Its a tree stump with a fish swimming into the middle of it. Really great work! He made Papa an outhouse...LOL Its so cute!

I really am going to get better at updating this sill blog of mine so be sure to check back often! AND LEAVE some COMMENTS! I like to know what you think!

Amazing Photographer!

2007-05-02T16:15:00.000-05:00

WOW I have one heck of a photographer! Just look at what she was able to do with Makayla at our most recent sitting. It was sooooo much fun playing with the little chicks and ducks. I swear in the one picture it looks like she is the "chick whisperer"! Thats what the title of that layout will be anyway!

Feast your eyes on these! I am sooooooooooo thrilled with them!

Its a contest entry!

2007-04-19T23:20:00.000-05:00

So the Scrapbook Chalet is hosting a contest that I decided to join. I actually made it through the first round! YAY!

The challenge for the second round was to create a layout using a Becky Fleck sketch that they provided. It was out of the box for me because it was round! I did it and am actually pretty happy with the results!

Texas Bluebonnets

2007-04-12T15:49:00.000-05:00

I have sooooo much to update here and need to get it done soon. I promise I will soon. I am creating a new banner for my blog as well as getting a ton of new layouts ready to share. I promise one day I will be better at updating this thing!

Sooooooo Michelle and Maddie came in for a visit this week and the first thing we did was try to take the girls out to get their pictures in the bluebonnets. OH WHAT a FIASCO that was. First of all, you CANNOT contain TWO 2 year olds. Its just not a thing thats going to happen easily. Especially when the first thing they do is run to the nearest cactus and sit in it (poor mads)!

BUT we did manage to get this ONE shot of the two of them together. This is it guys so be happy you have this to look at!

I think it turned out ok but holy man... not going to try that again anytime soon! I do have other super cute photos of Makayla in the bluebonnets all alone (Maddie had to leave to get the cactus plucked from her rear) so I will get them edited and up on the blog soon! I PROMISE!

Sorry, I know its been forever!

2007-03-25T16:35:00.000-05:00

Im so bad about keeping up with writing. I actually hate to write and think I am horrid at it.

I havent been up to much lately. Right now I am working on an ABC album for Makayla. I think it will be easier to learn the ABC's if she can associate things in her life to the letter. So I am taking pictures of things that she has and likes and am putting them on a scrapbook page for her. It will be her own personal ABC book... I think she will like it. So far I am thru "R" and will probably finish the pages tonight and will have to get the photos added along with blinging up the pages. I am using all the new Daisy D papers!

I had the best thing happen to me yesterday. A lady made my day! She looked like a total grouch when pulling up to the window of McDonalds. I placed my order and then she handed me my receipt and said "have a nice day and a better tomorrow" that totally made my day! I wish everyone would be so kind in this world!

So thats my update for today... this month and maybe next *giggle*

Caring People- Tracey's Auction

2007-02-11T15:19:00.000-06:00

I joined STM a month ago yesterday. I really didnt know anyone there but my friend Charlee from the jungle told me about the place so I thought I would check it out. I instantly fell in love with the members there. They are so sweet and sincere that I couldnt help but to fall in love with the place.

Shortly after I joined another girl joined named Tracey. Her layouts immediately impressed me. She is increadibly talented. The kind of talent you wish you were born with, taletned. Shortly after joining she told us of a problem her daughter had medically and was seeking prayers. It was so sad hearing what this poor child had endured already in life and only now to require more surgery. I felt so sorry for her and wanted to do something for her but couldn't think of anything.

A few nights later Charlee and I were yacking on yahoo! and I had mentioned an altered canvas I made for an auction on another site for a scrapper that had lost everything in a fire. That immediately prompted Charlee to ask Lynette if we could host an auction on the STM site. Because of legalaites she couldnt but Deborrah stepped right up to the plate and offered her blog to host!

HOW awesome is this! Deborrah is taking sign-ups on her blog. She sends me the information and I am coordinating all the projects, photos and communications. Then I send the information back to Deborrah who is going to set up everything on Ebay for auction. Charlee is going to coordinate all the shipping of items. What an increadible world we live in to have all these people, strangers, work together in order to help a fellow human in need. I am so impressed! Its not every day that you can get so many people to help a fellow stranger.

Sooooooo, I have created my project for the auction. I am loving how it turned out and realy hate to part with it. Why is it that I do that all the time. I will probably end up bidding on the dog-gone thing because I like it *giggle*! I hope all of the items sell and that we raise a ton of money for Tracey and her family in their time of need!

Groundhog Day

2007-02-02T22:42:00.000-06:00

I have always loved groundhog day for some reason. One day I hope to be in PA to see phil the groundhog make his yearly prediction. This year was the first in many, many years that I have heard him make an early spring prediction!

Phil Says Spring is Right Around the Corner!
Phil's official forecast as read 2/2/07 at 7:28 a.m. at Gobbler's Knob:

El Nino has caused high winds, heavy snow, ice and freezing temperatures in the west.
Here in the East with much mild winter weather we have been blessed.

Global warming has caused a great debate.
This mild winter makes it seem just great.

On this Groundhog Day we think of one thing.
Will we have winter or will we have spring?

On Gobbler's Knob I see no shadow today.
I predict that early spring is on the way.

I have a really cute layout idea in mind for this and hope it doesnt escape my brain before I can create it. What do you think of groundhog day and will you be doing a layout about it?

Birthday Challenge

2007-02-02T12:06:00.000-06:00

For my very first blog entry I decided to complete the Scrap That Moment challenge issue by Jozzie. I think this somewhat describes me but not to a "T". I think I will have fun doing these challenges with STM!!!!!! Thanks girls for inspiring me as much as you do!!!

Your Birthdate: April 26

You lucked out the the skills to succeed in almost any arena.

Put you in almost any business or classroom, and you'll rise to the top.

You're driven and intense, but you also know when to kick back and cooperate.

Your ability to adapt to almost any situation is part of what's going to make you a success.

Your strength: Your attention to detail

Your weakness: You can be a little too proud of your successes

Your power color: Turquoise

Your power symbol: Arrow pointing up

Your power month: August

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?