Christmas 2008

The kids on Christmas Eve getting ready to sprinkle reindeer food and sparkle outside. Cullen sprinkled it all over the yard, so the reindeer would come here first.

Here are some shots from Christmas morning. Jennifer kept giving her baby kisses.

Cullen's football uniform.

Jennifer wanted Aggie's present. Aggie sadly handing it over.

The face says it all!

We played football, and Jennifer was the cheerleader. Cullen's a natural...

Jennifer with her microphone.

The helmet was to hot after awhile. I could not get this uniform off of him. He slept in it that night. Yes, I know he played in it, but he is a boy and does not care.

Christmas Smile...

Cullen's Christmas Program

I want to catch everyone up on our Christmas activities.

Cullen's Christmas Program was on December 16th. Brent video taped from the balcony, and Jennifer and I took pictures from the floor. He did great. Cullen is a very good singer! His class sang: I'm Getting Nothing for Christmas, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,

Up on the Housetop and Silent Night.

He is so handsome in his tie.
What a smile!

Cullen after the performance.

Look out, Cullen says he wants to be a Rock Star!

Christmas Happenings

These pictures were taken at our church Christmas Party! We had a very nice time. Cullen's exact words,"Mom that party rocked."

He told Santa that he wanted a Wii and Spike the Dinosaur.
Very confident that he will get his wishes.

Jennifer did not like Santa. Help me Cullen.

Still not happy.

Sweet boy!

Cullen and I made a gingerbread house this year. We had a great time doing it.

Should I lick my finger?

Look at me.

Place every piece of candy in the right spot.

My masterpiece.

We wish everyone

a very Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year!

Surgery

Jennifer did great during her surgery Monday. We were at the hospital for 2 hours before they took her back. They replaced the right one completely and straightened and cleaned the left one. We were out and on our way home within one hour.

She can hear better. Jennifer reacts to the dogs barking by doing a Jennifer version of a bark. She responds to whispers. The doctor seemed very positive about the outcome. We go back in four weeks unless there is a problem.

I want to thank eveyone for their prayers, calls and emails.

Brent

Just when I thought he couldn't amaze me anymore than he already does, he goes and does. Brent is very loving and giving. He started about a month ago putting into action a toy drive for the children's hospital in Houston.This was for his department at his college. At the time he believed there would be a alot of help, he was incorrect. That did not discourage him. He continued with his plan and turned into something unbelieveable.

Brent made the contacts at the hospital, set everything up and began his work. With the help of his graduate students who intern and his undergraduates that are in his classes, they collected hundreds of toys and almost $2,000. The students brought in toys and donations, helped Brent shop and organize the toys. Brent also worked with the local Walmart to get bicycles and more money from them. He tried very hard to get Sammy the Aircat and/or Bearcat to come but scheduling was not working out.

Yesterday was the day, they were to load the toys and travel to Houston. Before they left one of the students that went with Brent wanted to say prayer for a safe and succeessful trip. God is everywhere.

When they arrived Brent said the hospital personnel were just amazed at what they brought. There were signs up at the hospital saying come see Sammy Bearcat. Brent began to explain when a phone call came. Guess who was able to come, Aircat! Yeah, what a surprise. It was all falling into place. Gifts for children, Aircat and lots of love.

To hear Brent describe this experience brought tears to my eyes. They were able to go from floor to floor passing out presents because some children cannot leave their rooms or floors. They visited the transplant floor. Children they visited and played with practically lived at the hospital. Brent said to see the look in their eyes and to talk with their families really touches your heart. Brent's efforts brought Christmas to kids that would not have had anything because all of their family's money goes to hospital bills.

He told a few stories, and I want to share one. One boy was first in line at the game room when they arrived. He was about Cullen's age. He walked up and picked one little toy and smiled and said "Thank You." Brent began talking to him and to his mom. He has a rare disease and without a transplant he will die. He likes "Cars." So, Brent loaded him up. They were so appreciative. Later as they were going floor to floor they came across him and his mom again. He was very excited to see Brent. As they started to the next room, his nurse just cried and thanked Brent and told him there was going to be no Christmas for him and his sister who is 10 months old. She has the same disease. Brent went back to the room and gave them gifts for the sister, also. Into Brent's arms went the mother, and she just cried.

He wanted to visit the oncology floor but time ran out. They were there for about 4 hours and still did not pass out all the presents. The hospital will keep the presents that were not given out for Christmas Day. The employees will give those gifts to the kids who cannot go home. They try to have everyone home for Christmas but sometimes it is not possible.

When they left his students were all just humbled and wanted to make sure they could come next year and do it again.

My Brent, has amazed me again. His heart is so big. He reached so many children and families today and gave his students who helped something that will stay with them forever. I LOVE YOU and this is just one reason why I do!!!

10 Months

Look at those TEETH!!!

Jennifer is 10 months old now. There six teeth in her little mouth. Two on bottom and 4 on top. She cut the four on top at the same time. She was fussy but look at that smile! I know you can't see her eyes but her expression is priceless.

Jennifer is waving "Bye", learning baby sign language, dancing(rocking) to music and standing up very strong. She hasn't taken any steps alone, yet. Jennifer's favorite sign is the for "more". She does it when she wants more food and when she wants to play more. Her favorite toys are any of Cullen's things or the remote controls. She likes to eat what mommy eats now. Her baby food just isn't getting the job done anymore.

Jennifer is such a happy and loving baby. She always wants to give hugs and kisses to us. What a joy she has brought into our lives! Our baby girl!!!

SNOW

It snowed today in Southeast Texas, WOW!!!

It started today about 4:00 but wasn't sticking to the ground. I didn't get pictures until now because Brent was gone with the camera. Here are a few of Cullen in his PJ's enjoying the snow. Jennifer was able to see and feel it before her bedtime. There will not be any pictures of her in it because I will not wake her up to take pictures at 9:30 p.m.

Cullen thought it was great but very cold.

Cullen in Brent's truck.

A few flurries.
My Calla Lily will freeze tonight.
Cullen teaching Brent how to catch snowflakes on his tongue.

Cullen catching more snowflakes.

O.K. Chris and Melissa do not laugh at us here in the south!!!

It will be in the 70's again this weekend...

Rescheduled

Jennifer's surgery is back on for the 22nd of December. I want to thank everyone for their prayers, comments and calls for Jennifer. She has had a difficult time with her ears, and we know that soon this will all be behind us.

Surgery Cancelled

We had to cancel Jennifer's surgery that was scheduled for tomorrow due to her having a virus. This virus has given her puss pockets on her tonsils and down her throat, a fever and is causing her to throwup. Jennifer feels very bad right now. She is finally sleeping, and I am about to join her.

5:45 a.m.

This is what Cullen says to me at 5:45 this morning. Scenerio: I am trying to get things going for the day, Jennifer crawling all over me and Cullen trying to snuggle with me.

"Mom, I love her, but babies are alot of trouble."

Tag 8 Things

8 Shows I Watch...

CSI
CSI:Miami
Seinfeld (reruns)
Diners, Drive Ins and Dives
House Hunters
The Soup
20/20
Most Extreme (Animal Planet w/ Cullen)

8 Favorite Restaurants...

Pappadeaux
Pappasito
Carraba
Melting Pot
Canes
Double Daves Pizza
Mackenzies Barbeque
Grand Buffet (Chinese)

8 Things I Did This Weekend/Week

Had a great birthday
Went on a date with Brent
Ate Thanksgiving Lunch
Went to Pappadeaux's twice
Went shopping
Played with Cullen and Jennifer
Bought new jeans YEAH!!!!
Took Cullen to a birthday party

8 Things I Am Looking Forward To...

Jennifer's surgery being over
Growing old with Brent
Watching my children grow
Christmas Break
Watching and feeling Cullen's excitement during Christmas(Jennifer is a little young to understand)
Spending quality time with Brent, Cullen and Jennifer
Summertime
Being well

8 Things On My Wish List...

Jennifer's ears being completely healed
To have more dates with Brent
Some new sweaters
More sick and personal days (like Ashley)
To get back to scrapbooking
To be completely well from my surgery this summer
More time to spend with Brent, Cullen and Jennifer
A vacation

I was tagged by Ashley.
There you go... 8 about me... I tag Michelle, Emmy and Stacy

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

First Girlfriend

Yes, Cullen has officially announced that he has a girlfriend and that he loves her. This little girl has been in Cullen's class for a few years. He has always talked about her but never admitted that it was his girlfriend.

Last week Brent picked Cullen up a little early one day, and he was playing with her. Cullen told his dad when they got outside that he ruined his precious time with Ava. Brent picked Cullen up yesterday and didn't see Cullen. He called him and out from the teepee he came with Ava right behind him. They told me about it when they got home, and Cullen said he told Ava that he loved her. She told Cullen that she loved him, also. Today, when they were leaving school Cullen told her bye, and she says wait. Ava ran to the gate and gave Cullen a hug bye. He says he just can't help but love her.

Cullen goes around the house spelling her name and talking about her. He says her last name is to hard to spell right now.

It is cute to hear him talk about Ava, but far to young to be so serious. What are we in for?

Jennifer

Jennifer is 9 months old today! She is a chatter box. It is wonderful to hear her sweet, little voice all the time. I believe she likes to hear herself, also. Jennifer is crawling everywhere and is pulling up. No steps yet.

Brent took her back to the ear doctor on Tuesday. She weighs 18 lbs. Her left ear is working good, but the right ear is completely blocked. The drops did not help at all. The tube is moving into the eardrum, so surgery is going to take place again on December 22nd. There is fluid in the ear but no infection, as of Tuesday. She cannot hear out of the right ear because of the blockage and fluid. Despite the ear trouble, Jennifer is a very happy baby.

She just tugs on her ear alot because it hurts.

Here are a few photos of Jennifer today:

Give me the camera.

Please, give me the camera.


She found a box of Cullen's toys.
This is what she did with the toys.
That was funny!
Uh Oh he sees me.
Time to go...

Keep our Jennifer in your prayers!

Halloween 2008

Cullen's class

Batman

At church Fall Festival

Jennifer and daddy

Batman Trick or Treating

Sick Robin w/ the mask she did not like.

On her way to help Batman

Dynamic Duo

Batman was ready.

Cullen enjoyed the candy gathering as usual and was very successful. He had fun at the fall festival, his school trick or treating around the square and at home trick or treating.

Batman was tired at the end of the night.

Jennifer was sick. She fell asleep at house #4. She and Cullen were both sick on their first halloween. Jennifer's fever wasn't as high as Cullen's was 5 Halloween's ago. She was quite the Robin anyway. They did look cute together.

Dynamic Duo

Batman and Robin

Homework

Cullen is only in Pre-k, and we get to use the excuse the dog ate my homework.

Aggie really did eat it. Here's the proof!

Do you think they believed this sweet face?