Rewind

The past three weeks have been nothing short of a whirlwind. Time has been a biggest gift that seems to precious as it just seems to escape me. In a short/long post I want to recap what has been going on. Three weeks ago today, November 27, to be exact, two miracles happened. The birth of my nephews Cash William Donat and Walker Kevin Donat came rather unexpectedly that day. I got a phone call from my mom around 9:30 am. Was at the hospital by 10:30 am and Cash William was born at 11:11 am weighing in at 4 lbs 10 oz and then his brother came one minute later at 11:12 am weighing 4lbs. These two sweet babies gave their daddy the best Birthday present he could have asked for that day, their arrival. Thankfully the boys are doing well and while I do not have pictures to post (I know, bad aunt) I have gotten to spend many of my lunch breaks visiting the NICU and loving on them. They are both getting bigger and stronger each day and we are continuing to pray for them to come home, hopefully sooner rather than later, as long as they are healthy. They both stole my heart right away and just reminded me again how wonderful God truly is when you see all of his creations.

Fast forward to the following week. Ashton had his first Christmas program at his preschool. I think Ashton had the largest fan club in attendance with his Mo, Mimi, Molly, Grandpa, Nannie Marge, Mommy, Daddy and Reese taking up not one but two pews to see his performance. It was so cute and we laughed and "Ooooed" and "Awwed" at all of the adorable kids and the songs and hand motions they performed.

Then the next day Ashton headed to Midland with Molly and Grandpa for two days to hang out. He had a great time and then we met him along with Molly, Grandpa, G.G., Mema, Uncle Chris, Amber and other cousins to celebrate Ashton and Reese's Great Great Grandma's 100th Birthday!!! This woman is AMAZING and looks incredible. Molly and G.G. had done a great job putting a party together which all of Great Great Grandma's friends came to enjoy. It was a wonderful celebration filled with family and friends and I am so thankful we were there to enjoy it. After a whirlwind weekend we headed back home from San Angelo and have spent the last week trying to get ready for Christmas. I love this time of year and after spending time with family it makes me continue to remember the Reason for the Season. Here are some pictures from the party.

The Birthday Girl....doesn't she look incredible for 100! (She claims she is only 96 though!)

5 Generations:

Mema, looking beautiful!

Pictures of my handsome boy, ready for his Christmas program:

And my sweet, yet mischievous girl

Rare

Had to share, a VERY rare shot with:
A) Kids looking at the Camera
B) Looking at the same time
C) Not hurting one another
D) SMILING!!!

We have had professional pictures taken TWICE in the last 5 months and neither photographer (not for lack of trying or for their amazing skills) were able to get this to happen. It is the little things that I have to LOVE!

Happy Halloween!

The kids had a blast trick or treating tonight. Ashton made a game time decision and decided to be a Transformer and throw Superman to the side for now. As for Reese, she was the cutest little Reese's Peanut Buttercup that was seen on Halloween. I think he costume was a winner as when most people saw her they scrambled to find a Reese's Cup or Reese's Pieces to give her. She quickly got into Trick or Treating and prefered sticking her hand into people's bowls and hold her pieces of candy rather than putting them in her bag. It was a great night!

Reese's school outfit and Ashton showing us his Transformers gear:


Excuse the blurry picture, but it is the only one with the mask on I could get

Loading up in the wagon for Trick or Treating....Ashton was super excited, Reese, a bit distracted

Reese and Mo & going with Daddy to the first house....soon enough she was running up sidewalks to keep up with her brother....hard to believe at this time last year she was four months and trying rice cereal for the first time...a far cry from the chocolate and sweets she got this year.

Halloween Preview

A little Halloween preview....we had our neighborhood party this weekend and the kids got a chance to put on their costumes before Halloween. Thank goodness because Ashton has been asking everyday if it is Trick or Treat day. This year Ashton decided he wanted to be Superman and I decided Reese would be non other than....a Reese's Candy Bar. Thank you Kathy for making the cutest costume out of a pillow! We had a blast and after the pony rides and petting zoo both kids enjoyed snow cones and playing at the park. We can't wait for tomorrow night!

Field Trip

Today was a great day. I took the day off from work to spend it with Ashton and his class for their first field trip. It was at the Oil Ranch, and yes, we were just there less than a week ago but we actually did different stuff for the most part. Ashton had a great time and it was a perfect weather day to be out in. I had a great time getting to know some of the other mom's and getting to know Ashton's teachers better. He LOVES going to school and had so much fun today.



Ashton and his best friend Brendan. They aren't in the same class on Tuesday/Thursday but still get to see each other every MWF.

See ya next time folks!

Seven

Seven Years....and still going strong. Hard to believe it has been SEVEN years since we said "I Do" to each other. Casey, I love you more each day, if that is even possible. Life is an unbelievable ride that no one can prepare you for. I am so happy to have my best friend with me along the way for all the ups and downs. You still make me laugh and smile more than anyone else can. And to top it off you gave me this:

The two most precious children that are truly the best parts of both you and me. I love you and look forward to 50, 60, 70 more years together! Happy Anniversary!

King of King's Festival

On Thursday at Ashton's school they got to attend the "King of King's Festival." The kids could dress up as princes, knights or princess' and then they got to walked through different booths and participate in various activities. Casey and I surprised Ashton at school when it was his class' turn to go through the festival. His class was adorable all dressed up and they had a great time.

Three new posts

Check them out below!

Fall Fun

Looking forward to Halloween with these two: (My mom always does an "October 1st" present and who am I to stop the tradition, so skeleton pajamas that glow in the dark was this year's gift)

And then looking forward to Christmas with these two:

Thank you Mark and Jac for asking me to watch over your babies! I am so excited and honored!

Magic Noodles

I found these "Magic Noodles" at Hobby Lobby and they are awesome! If you are looking for a mess free, inexpensive, indoor, fun activity, check these out. All you need is a damp sponge or papertowel. You dab on end of the noodle on the sponge and stick it to another noodle, and then you can start letting your imagination run wild! Warning: probably need to be 2 1/2 or older as Reese prefers to just rip apart Ashton's creations. The box is huge and they are like $6 (before your 40% coupon if you have one!) Great Christmas gift if you want an idea!

First Haircut

Friday I took the kids to get haircuts, the first for Reese and just one of many for Ashton. Ashton is at the point now where he really needs to have his cut every four weeks. Ugh!! But, it is totally worth it because he looks adorable each time. Reese's hair has really grown in the last few months and while it needed a trim, as you can see from the before picture below, Jenny, our hairdresser said just to leave it at that, a trim. No bangs or bob cut this time, just enough to even things out. Soon enough she will need a really "big girl" haircut, but I can wait longer for that. Even though it was just a trim, she did awesome. After she saw Ashton, the pro, get his done, she was ready to sit there and have her turn. She just kept trying to look back to see what exactly Jenny was doing.

Before:

Ashton loves the attention and the "pampering"

When he asks to do his hair he says he needs spray AND gel...Jenny said he was a kid after her own heart!

ALL DONE!

The first cut:

Pretty happy

The best after shot we could get

Then while I was getting my hair cut, Ashton decided it would be good if he finished up Reese's hair

That's all folks!