Faith Kids

Things have been so busy around here lately that I haven't had a chance to talk about my new job and more importantly, Olivia's school! It just so happened to work out that a long term sub position in Pre-K opened up right at the same time Olivia was starting preschool. A friend of mine that teaches there asked if I would be interested and I decided to try it out. It has worked out pretty good so far and I love the fact that I have been a part of her transition into pre-school. My position is 4 days a week and since her class is only 3 days, on Wednesdays only she goes to the Panda class. I was a little nervous about this at first but it has worked out just fine and she thoroughly enjoys going to both rooms! I finally remembered to bring my camera last week and snapped some shots of her classroom.

Three days a week she is a Turtle

When I asked her to take a picture with her teachers, she turned bashful and would NOT look at the camera. Trust me, we tried!!! This was the best of the bunch!

She loves puzzles!
The next day, I wanted to get a picture with her Panda class teachers too. Well, as I suspected she turned bashful. This is so unlike my little ham!! One of the teachers offered to keep the camera and try to get a picture later in the day when she wasn't "on the spot". They snapped this while she was at circle with Ms. Karin. Later that day with Ms. Jenn

Finally got a smile! So sweet of them to take the time to try :)

Olivia is LOVING school! She comes home every day talking about it, her teachers and her friends. She is always singing songs she learned and eager to show us her artwork each day. We're very thankful!

Wordless Wednesday

This girl of mine

I love Mondays because it is the one day of the week it is just me and my girl at home. We usually don't go anywhere and just enjoy playing, singing and hanging out together.
She is growing up too fast. I miss the squishy baby she once was.

She loves

going to school

singing

her big brother

her new dog

playing with friends

baby dolls

Her favorite color is pink.

Her favorite thing to eat is Ranch (seriously, she puts it on just about everything)!

Her favorite book is Goldilicious.

Her favorite TV characters include Dora, Curious George, and Max & Ruby.

She cracks me up all the time!

She loves to give and get hugs.

She is an early riser and doesn't always wake up happy.

She is a girly girl through and through and now has an opinion each day on how to fix her curls.

I love her to pieces and I am so glad she is mine!

Last weekend

We had such a great time last weekend while Aunt Michelle and Kim were here! The kids especially loved getting lots of extra attention :)

They danced...

Played the Wii...

And just enjoyed being together....

So sad I forgot my camera when we went to Main Event but trust me that a good time was had by all! Can't wait to see you again this summer!!!!

And Raider Makes Five!

Meet the newest four-legged addition to our family......RAIDER!!!

After almost a year of being without a dog in the house, we decided to take the plunge again! Craig's sister, Michelle, actually rescued him from neglectful owners so he had an extra special place in our hearts before we even met him! Michelle and Kim offered to bring him down from Indiana and we kept it a surprise for the kids, which was so much fun!!!

I told the kids a few hours before they got here that they would be getting a surprise, but I didn't give them any clues. Olivia thought it was going to be a new doll and Jacob guessesd a new DS game. So they were pretty shocked when we opened the door and saw this!
He was speechless.....which is a first!

Didn't take long and they were posing with him

He is very sweet, super cute, and incredibly soft! He is great with the kids and lets them pick him up, carry him around, drag him on the leash, etc. Jacob has been such a big help and loves to take him out to play and go potty. The only dog I ever had was Abby so getting used to one that is completely different has been interesting. However, he is fitting right in with our family, loves all the attention he is now getting and once we can get him COMPLETELY HOUSETRAINED, I will be even happier with him!

Welcome Raider....we love you!!

Wordless Wednesday

New Year's Eve

Our second full day was also New Year's Eve. We decided to brave the even colder temps and wind to take the kids to the local tubing place.

I guess my "little boy" isn't so little anymore because they wouldn't let him on the kiddie slope. Olivia went down twice and despite the smile she had on her face the whole way down, she said she didn't like it and all she wanted to do was ride the carousel and train. So, while I went to take Jacob down the big hill, Grandpa and Suzy took her to the rides. Olivia wasn't a big fan of the wind that day and wasn't in the best of moods so we didn't get to stay as long as I had hoped. We promised Jacob next time he would get to tube ALL day. He was a very good sport and thought that idea was a good one :)

That evening we went out to eat at the restaurant where my brother works. Before we left, we snapped some pictures by the Christmas tree. After a delicious dinner complete with fried green chiles, we came home to ring in the new year. Grandpa made a nice fire in the fireplace and the kids roasted marshmallows for s'mores.
I wish I could say that I was able to make it to midnight and see the ball drop, but lets just say I celebrated on Texas time.

The next morning we sadly had to leave. We packed a lot into our short trip and the kids had a blast playing in the snow! I am so glad we were able to make the trip safely and look forward to seeing the mountains again soon. Thanks Grandpa and Suzy!!!!!

New Mexico Trip Part Deux

After several hours in the car the next day, we crossed the state line!

Jacob was so excited to finally be out of Texas that he wanted a picture with the sign. Olivia was asleep.....until we jumped back in the car :)

A few hours later, we arrived in Ruidoso just in time for some heavy winds and cooler temps! The wind was so strong that it knocked the power out for a little while! Luckily we had already exchanged gifts :)

A special flower pot with all four grandkids' hand prints The kids had fun running around the house with flashlights and even took a bath in the dark! Luckily around bedtime, the power was back on.
The next day we woke up to a little bit of snow but as the day went on, it continued to fall and eventually we were able to go out and play in it! We went out twice but unfortunately the wind was piercing and it started sleeting so our playtime was cut short. Nevertheless, it didn't stop us from having a snowball fight and so much fun!!! In between the snow, we kept ourselves entertained indoors. I really enjoyed getting to spend time with my brother who I hadn't seen in about 18 months!
Jacob and Olivia had fun with him too! Jacob was fascinated with his guitar and loved getting to play...It was a great day and getting to play in the snow made it all worth it! Since I already have way too many pictures in this post, I will post again later with the rest of the trip :)