January Random

I guess we've been pretty boring lately... here's a little from what's been going on.

It was COLD and WET, as in too cold and wet go go outside for what felt like weeks- which is rare for Dallas.  I guess Santa knew it was coming because we've been enjoying Grady's WiiU with MarioCart 8 wars almost every night.  All 4 of us play and 3/4 of us are super, super competitive!  Cole has gone from not being able to play to beating me... good times.  

It's birthday party season apparently because Grady has been to 3 in 3 weeks.  At the last one he went to he jumped into a foam pit and got something lodged in his eye.  Long story (and lots of pain later) he tore his cornea and we made our first trip to the eye doctor.  Fortunately after a bandaid contact and some drops he's almost all healed... unfortunately, after some eye exams we have realized Goose is far sighted and needs glasses.  I guess it's a good thing we caught it early- silver linings and all!  

We stopped for TCBY treats to celebrate half of the school year being over and half way to summer!  Somebody wasn't feeling a smile...

Richard finally picked out his smoker (as promised for Father's Day) and we've been doing some yummy cooking.  I see lots of weekend smoker use in our future!  Yum!  I actually smoked this chicken the other afternoon.  Delish!  

Cole has been drawing self portraits in the shower lately.  When I asked him where his legs were he told me he didn't have any-ha!  

We made a trip to Cabela's too- always a fav!  

Grady is playing basketball on the Bulls with Coach Greg.  So far it's been a great season.  Grady is learning a lot and rock in' defense with rebounds and steals.  

The last few days we've had some beautiful weather and actually got outside  to play.  This one melts my heart.  

Tonight the cold and rain are on the way back in.  I made a big pot of soup and Coley pulled himself around on the pillow- #goofballwithasixpack 

Dare I say I'm ready for either some ice/snow or Spring already... cold and wet = no bueno!  

Celebrate Good Times

On the last days of 2014 we had some family fun and just relaxed.  After our super fun vacation, we (Mom and Dad)needed a couple days to rest and regroup!  Daddy had to go to work so my lil buddies chilled with me!  

We made maple bacon cookies and played lots of Wii u!

I took the kids to see Night at the Museum 3, which was very cute!  Stinkin flash!

We finally found a really pretty rug for my birthday from Mimi at Home Goods- score!

I LOVE it!  

We decided to take the kids to a special New Years Eve early dinner at a local Japanese steak house, Asahi- yum!  They loved it!  Might be the start of a fun tradition...

Grady and Daddy ate sushi and some rolls while Cole "cooked" his plain white rice on his plate.  

We went home and made ice cream sundaes with sprinkles and did some fireworks.  

I wouldn't choose to spend New Years with any other people in the world- I love my peeps (and I love my pajamas)!

Hello 2015!

2015 is here and we're starting it off right... two parties with family and friends!

Our first party was our Christmas celebration with Richard's family.  

The kids played, we ate and opened presents.  It's always good to see everyone!

Our second celebration is an annual post New Years party at the Vaughn's house. 

Girls picture!

Our families have grown, kids have gotten bigger and we get to catch up.  It's always super fun!  Michelle and Justin put on a really good party, filled with all of the foods we'll need to start off the new year right- ham, cabbage and black eyed peas- Yum!  

Crazy boys!

Little boys table

Here's to a wonderfully crazy, fun, friend-filled 2015!  

2014 - Silver Linings

Boys,

So a few weeks ago I was thinking back on our year and about all of the fun we've had and how much we've grown and changed and then it hit me... On paper 2014 looks a little rough.  I lost both of my grandmothers, Daddy had reconstructive ACL and meniscus surgery and I suffered 2 miscarriages.  While I realize it could be so much worse, that's a lot of stress in one year and a lot for a family to go through.  The whole "In sickness and Health" part of our vows was somewhat tested.  Daddy had to take on all parenting duties while I was traveling to Missouri for funerals, twice within a month.  The emotional sadness and physical pain of a miscarriage is something that really can't be described. It made Mommy love you both even more when I thought it wasn't possible.

Here's the silver lining... while thinking back on all of this hardship one thing stood out to me.  It hadn't ever occurred to me in the midst of it that we were having a rough year.  All of His blessings overshadowed the sadness.  Mommy learned to be a selfless caretaker(or tried to be), that it's ok to be sad sometimes and then to seek that silver lining... no matter how hard it may be.  Daddy learned to slow down and be patient with recovery.  You boys learned that grown ups cry too and to really play with each other and enjoy each other.  

We both have wonderful jobs where we truly get to use our gifts.  You kids have grown and flourished more this year than ever before. Neither of you are "babies" anymore, although you'll always be our babies.  Grady - you have excelled in school and accomplished many goals you set for yourself.  You played basketball, baseball and football with heart and even made the All Star baseball team.  You are still learning that having fun is more important than winning.  Your dedication to perfecting your sports makes us so proud.  Cole, you grew into a little man this year... talking in complete sentences, becoming potty trained (PTL) and flourishing at Mrs. Stephanie's house.  We all enjoyed a trip to the beach in Florida, Missouri for a family reunion and Utah for Christmas and skiing.  We had nerf/water gun fights and pizza/movie nights when Daddy was immobile.  We spent lots of time at the pool soaking up the sunshine, countless days at the park, and with friends playing until we couldn't play anymore.  Life has been good.  

Through the rough spells the good outshined the bad and that is pretty special.  Let that be a lesson to you.  No matter what comes your way, there's always a silver lining, always.  Life is good and each day is a gift.  Smile even when you don't feel like it, laugh every single day and do good in others' lives.  

I Love you both more than ice cream and guacamole.  Happy New Year!  2015 is going to be a great year!

Love,

Mommy