Brian and Heather

Catching up on October

2010-11-10T14:00:00.008-06:00

This is Travis' new favorite face. I don't understand it.

He was kind of a girl when it came to carving the pumpkin. He didn't want to get his hands dirty for a long time. After a while he finally decided it would be okay but easily got bored with it. Maybe next year he will find it more exciting.

We loved the pumpkin patch that we went to. They didn't have a lot for Travis' age to do (nobody does) but we had a good time showing him the animals and pumpkins.

We went to a Cowboys Monday night football game and watched them lose. It was really fun though watching the big screen since the players looked like ants from the top deck's very last row. Being on the last row was actually kind of nice because I didn't feel bad standing up and rocking Travis when he would get fussy. He was excellent that night with the exception of the ride back to Vanessa and Rodney's house.

Brian's sister Debbie got married this October. We are really excited for her and her husband to start this wonderful new chapter in their life. We also really appreciated an occasion to get all the grandkids together on Brian's side in matching outfits for pictures. I only got one that looks halfway decent but I am told there are good ones floating around somewhere. Travis is again making his best smile face. I have no idea where his real cute smile went and why he replaced it with his fake creepy one.

While Brian was out of town I managed to get away to my parents house and go to the pep-rally and football game. Travis loves pep-rallies! He likes to dance with the music and watch the cheerleaders. He also likes to flirt with them afterwards. Number 48 is my cute little brother he is an awesome player and it was great to see him and Angie perform this year.

Can anybody believe that Travis was this little? Or that he still makes that exact same face?!?!?!

Travis is Bad to the Bone

2010-09-30T21:52:00.008-05:00

Tonight during the TAMU game a commercial came on with the song "Bad to the Bone." As it ended I couldn't help but think how this could be Travis' theme song these days. He has been such a little stinker lately. Today he was a particular pill. He is not allowed near the TV but as soon as one of us isn't looking he will make a break for it. While Brian was watching him today he crawled close the the TV, stopped, laughed hysterically, and then pulled up onto the TV. It's like he knows exactly what he isn't supposed to do and does it anyways. He gets great pleasure from doing things I believe he knows is naughty. I know I am probably giving him too much credit but it is kind of funny. He did this same hysterical laughter as he pulled out the swiffer, stole my phone, and chewed on cords. This evening after his bath I carried him wrapped in his towel into his bedroom. As soon as I placed him on the floor he was on all fours crawling like a mad man down the hall way laughing hysterically along the way. I couldn't help laughing as I watched his little naked butt get further and further away. He was SOOO pleased with himself and his Great Escape. I eventually caught up to the naked fugitive and spent the next five minutes wrestling the child into his diaper and pajamas. Anybody that has witnessed this can attest to the fact that it is indeed a wrestling match. I am becoming more convinced by the day that we have a very spirited child that will be giving us a run for our money.

And because you read this entire post that only a handful of people can appreciate, you get PICTURES!!!!!!!

He has also started climbing on anything and everything he can get his chubby little legs on. Excuse the mess, I am a terrible housekeeper! This was back when he actually looked guilty, now he just laughs. Heaven help us!

Coupons!!!!!!!

2010-07-14T07:53:00.004-05:00

As some of you may have noticed I added some links to an online toy store. This month they are having a sale on their Melissa and Doug products. Most of you are probably familiar with Melissa and Doug puzzles. The puzzles are nice and colorful and range from around $8.00 to $18.00. The toy store also includes other Melissa and Doug products like dollhouses, dollhouse furniture, realistic animals, wooden cars and tracks, and all kinds of cool toys. Seriously, I am jealous of little kids these days.

You are able to get 10% off of any Melissa and Doug product when you spend $50.00 or more. The sale ends on July 31, 2010 and the coupon code at check out is: JulySale

Here is the website:
http://www.fiestatoystore.com/

Here is the link to all the Melissa and Doug products:
http://fiestatoystore.com/index/manufacturers_id/1

Tantrums

2010-07-08T22:05:00.004-05:00

When I pictured life with a six month old I only pictured the cuddling, coos and smiles; I did not envision the little tantrums. Life is full of surprises. With Travis' recent ability to crawl he has been getting into everything. Don't let the video of his pathetic crawl confuse you. The child can be lightning fast and is lightning fast when he has his eyes set upon a prize. Unfortunately for the both of us, his prize is usually in the form of a TV remote, laptop, the ENTIRE entertainment center, my pump, and a stack of bills waiting to be paid. Ugh! Naturally I try and distract him but the child is focused. Really, REALLY focused! So I ruin his life and move him and/or the object that he has successfully crawled to and oh boy, the kid has lungs. His happy little face melts and it turns into the saddest, most pathetic little face. Then the crying starts. Luckily the tantrums are relatively short as he focuses on something else he cannot have and begins the journey towards it.

Today was particularly bad as he threw several tantrums and my back hasn't been cooperating lately so it makes moving the little creature painful. I never thought about the moments like this when I dreamed about our little man, but I am grateful for them. I am even more grateful for the moments that I did intend to have, like when he actually let me rock him for a few minutes today before he became a busy body, or when we played after dinner and both got green goop all over the two of us, or when we smiled and stared at each other right before bed time. So although I am not a huge fan of the tantrums, I will take them everyday if I get to snuggle with my little man.

Travis is "Crawling"

2010-07-04T20:31:00.003-05:00

Well, it's ugly and incredibly ineffective, but he is crawling. Two months of hard work have finally paid off for the little man. We of course were good parents and documented the event for all to see.

I had to turn the sound off because we were just way too annoying to listen to. That is why it is creepily quiet during the video. I hope you have a happy fourth!

By the way, his crawling has improved. It is still pretty ineffective, but he now puts his cute tush in the air and shakes it around. Too stinkin cute.

EDIT: The first time you watch it will take about 10 minutes so have it play while you are doing something else and then make it replay. The replay plays staright through. Sorry this is gonna have to do until I play with the settings a little bit more. Watching it again, his crawling is a lot better. It is almost sad that we thought this was crawling.

23 Weeks and Counting...

2010-06-24T20:55:00.008-05:00

Today my sweet baby is 23 weeks old and I realized that I haven't posted in over a month. Shame on me! So much has happened since our May photo shoot. It seems like everyday our little man is getting so much bigger and accomplishing new things.
Travis has teeth now. He got his first tooth on May 18 and the next one followed a few days later. Suprisingly, or maybe not to some of you, I was completely oblivious to this change. I knew that he had been cranky so I asked my mom if she thought he could be teething. Sure enough she checks and low and behold there is a little tooth. Needless to say I felt like a good mom.

Travis has also been eating solids for a little while. This past Monday he started getting the hang of it once I thickened his rice up a bit. We are still doing just every other day but he seems to enjoy it.

He is also trying to crawl. Heaven help us. I have tried discouraging this as much as possible but it seems that our little man is bent on crawling before he turns six months old. He can't sit up worth anything, but he can almost crawl. Go figure. The rest of these are for pure entertainment. He would NOT cooperate today when I was trying to take pictures of him so this is what we ended up with.

Can you believe this face? Seriously I see it like five hundred times a day when he is trying to crawl and gets frustrated. This child has NO patience. Don't worry, he doesn't just take his frustrations out on me. He also takes them out on Turtle. Poor, poor Mr. Turtle gets the brunt of this child's anger. Mr. Turtle is a 7 inch stuffed animal attached to a ring that goes on the car seat. Turtle also has two little rings on his feet that cause Travis much frustration. While Brian and I were on our way back to Boerne from a family reunion Travis and Turtle ended up sitting together. I knew better, this was not the first time Travis has ended up screaming at Turtle. Regardless, they were sitting together when we first hear happy yelling from the back seat. I turn around and look in the mirror that allows me to spy on my child with out leaving the safety of my seatbelt to find that Travis has spit out the binkie and is chewing on the rings on Turtle's feet. I turn around figuring they will be alright. The happy yelling quickly turned into angry yelling. Note the face above. This is his angry yelling face. I turn again to see Travis trying to chew on his feet, then yanking him out of his mouth, then shoving him back in, then out, then in, out...You get the idea. I roll my eyes and turn around because seriously I am not leaving my seatbelt for that pathetic scuffle. We listen to more angry yelling then hear a loud thud. I turn around and Turtle is gone. I do a quick scan of the back seat to spot poor Turtle stuck between the seat and the door. Travis had apparently thrown Turtle in complete frustration. I couldn't believe it. Seriously who throws their toys out of their carseat. I had to laugh and realize that little people come with big personalities!

The May Photo Shoot

2010-05-11T12:17:00.009-05:00

For Mother's Day this year we sent pictures of Travis to our moms. How original, right? I know I am so LAME. I couldn't even manage to plaster his cute face on a mug, or mouse pad. Alas, a picture had to do. Since we wanted at least two good pictures we dedicated an entire wake period, almost a full hour and a half to shooting this child (with a camera of course). This is the result of that wonderful afternoon.

As you can see he was in full cooperation mode, for these pictures, we will not mention the 50 we took where he was eating his hands, throwing a fit, and trying to face plant into the carpet. I am just glad that we were ableto catch him in a rare moment when he is not getting up on his feet putting his face to the floor and trying to inch worm his way to an unknown destination. About 5 seconds of that and the child has a huge rug burn on his face, and knees.

All in all he was, and usually is, a cooperative and sweet child. His little personality is hilarious and I am so glad I get to see it blossom a little each day.

Tame the Mane

2010-03-21T19:40:00.005-05:00

These two look eerily similar; and that makes me sad. I really don't want my son to look like a treasure troll. Cute as they may be, I would like something resembling a gentlemen, not an action figure/doll/bad fad.

So...Does anybody have ideas to tame the mane?

A certain little person is getting his baby blessing this fast Sunday and I am hoping for a new look by then.

2 Month Check-Up (Warning: Mommy Rant/ Brag)

2010-03-15T15:21:00.013-05:00

This post will include all the information about his two month check up. It is dull and boring and his grandparents probably won't even finish the whole thing. Continue if you please, but you have been warned:)

Today was Travis' two month check-up. I was so proud of my little man. We were at the doctors office for 2 1/2 hours and he only threw one fit, and it was completely justified. At two months Travis weighs 12 pounds and 8 ounces, putting him in the 70th percentile. Wow, no wonder my arms hurt after carrying him up three flights of stairs. This puts him up 5 pounds since he was born. This confirmed my suspicions that he is in fact eating A LOT! We also found out he is 23 inches long. This was a huge suprise because it puts him in the 70th percentile for height. WHAT?!?!!?!?!?!? Brian and I have a child in the 70th percentile for height. I did a little happy dance in the doctor's office when she told me this. I'm sure next time he'll be back in the 25th, but a mommy can hope, can't she? Anyways this explained why he wasn't fitting into his clothes for 0-3 months since most of them stop at 23 inches.

My big boy was great during his appointment today. He was awake for the whole exam and didn't make a fuss until the very end when he got the much dreaded shots. Shudder. I have to give the nurse a lot of credit, she was amazing. She did all three pricks within a matter of seconds. Unfortunantly doing it fast did not take away the pain and Travis erupted with horrible cries of pain. I almost did too. I am so glad we do not have to do that again for another 2 months.

On a happier note, Travis is starting to do even more new things everyday. A couple of weeks ago he started blowing spit bubbles. Lovely. Luckily this is few and far between. One of his newest tricks is sitting by himself in his Bumbo chair. He is still really wobbly and his head will sway side to side but he gets more control each day.

With picture you get a really good look at his crazy hair.

He was getting really sturdy...

then not so much.

Travis' "social smile"...

and his creepy smile. We basically just need to get video of his smiling. It is so much better in person.

This is his "I hate this camera, especially when I'm hungry" face

Followed by his "I really hate my Sunday outfit" face.

As you can see he is getting really good at expressing his emotions. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Each day we see a little more of his personality. He is a total hoot. Last night he after I fed I tried to put him back down at 4:00. I swaddled him up, plopped his binki in his mouth, and kissed him good night. As soon as I turned towards the door he started cooing. So I went back to his crib and said good night. Then he started smiling and cooing. I explained to him that it was adorable and I was glad he can coo and smile, but that it was not cute this early in the morning. I was mid-sentence when he broke out in the biggest, cheesiest smile of all. I had to turn and laugh. It's like he's already practicing his evil little grins for when he does naughty things. I am really excited for the next several months for when his personality develops even further. Here's to hoping he continues to be sweet with just a touch of naughty.

Photo Journal

2010-03-02T14:53:00.010-06:00

I can't believe that my baby is almost 7 weeks old. He has changed so much during the past couple of weeks. He is starting to do new things everyday. One of the things he has started doing more consistently is rolling over. He was kind enough to let me show you how he does this.

Step One: Drop one arm and look over at mom to see if she will help. When mom denies help step two begins.

Step Two: Rock body to one side and stick your tongue out for style.

Step Three: Finish on your back and then scream to make your mom feel bad for leaving you to fend for yourself.

Travis has discovered that he has a voice. He mostly sticks to the regular cries and grunts but has begun to venture into cooing. It is SO cute.

Travis has also started to smile. He started doing it only when I changed dirty diapers. I swear he just thought it was funny that I had to change him. He now does it several times a day and it completely melts my heart. I haven't caught it on camera but I catch him right after he does it.

We enjoy a good snuggle now and then.

I took this just to show that he does in fact have a million fat rolls. I love that he has back fat.

Being parents has been a huge change but we are really starting to enjoy our new life. He has been a great blessing and we love him so much.

Still Just Pictures

2010-02-07T14:41:00.011-06:00

Okay and maybe just a quick sentence or two. Life for the past 3+ weeks with a newborn has been crazy. We are so in love with our little man but we are still adjusting to this HUGE change. I would like to say I'll post again soon but I am still in survival mode. Hopefully I'll do this again before he is 3 months old.

Picture Overload

2010-01-10T16:37:00.006-06:00

I am too lazy to write what we've been up to. Pictures are the best I can do. Enjoy!

I had to make a comment about the bear. Yesterday we FINALLY installed the car seat. I am so glad that we did it because it took forever and had we waited we would have had one very upset infant. Anyways, after installing the car seat I wanted to make sure that we could actually put our child in the car seat without making him scream. I looked for a doll, and quickly realized that I didn't have one (why would I have one, seriously?). I did however find this poor bear who quickly was used as our baby boy. I figured out a great way to strap him in with minimal tossing about. I practiced a couple of times and then wanted Brian to try. After some grumbling (not saying it wasn't warranted, because what grown man wants to play daddy with a teddy bear?) I finally convinced him, or possibly nagged him into giving it a try. He did great, much to my relief. He was a little bit of a smart-aleck at the end when he decided to pull the strap in one swoop as hard as he could (like you would rope a calf hard), nearly crushing our poor stand-in. Happily the bear is alive and even smiling. Can you tell we need this baby to come soon?!?!?!?!

It's beginning to feel a lot like...fall

2009-09-23T19:17:00.003-05:00

Today when I left school I realized the most beautiful thing had happened. The weather actually corresponded with the correct season!?!?!?!?! We live in Texas, Houston no less, and it felt like fall. What a beautiful day. It made me want to go to a football game and cheer for the home team. I was seriously on cloud nine. Usually I don't care if we have seasons, but being twice my regular size, I have a new appreciation for cool weather. Whether it feels like it or not, fall is in full force. We are 5 weeks into school, football season is underway, and the sick kids are already creating a symphony of coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. Speaking of which, I have had sooo many kids out sick, it's just plain ridiculous.
Although 1/4 of my class is gone, I am grateful to be teaching. Here are just a few of the things that I love:

Seeing a kid understand something for the first time.
Getting hugs from Kindergarteners you've never met just because you were standing there.
Watching a student gleam with pride when you had back a fast facts test when they realize they went up by 20 points
Having discreet 5th graders ask in the most polite way if you are pregnant
Having a not so discreet 1st grader ask what was up with your belly
Having blatantly obvious Kindergarteners do a double take and stare at you as you walk down the hallway
Joking with the boys about how they annoy me
Joking with the girls that I shouldn't have a boy because they annoy me
Seeing a sliver of hope when your most disorganized student manages to find a paper that has been missing for days
Having the kids ask you where you were like they actually cared
Watching boys and girls become more mature pre-teens

Today we (me and baby) hit a great mark. The 24 week mark! woohoo. At this point, babies are considered viable and are able to survive with serious medical intervention and a few miracles. At this point our baby is supposed to be about a foot long and weigh 1.32 pounds. I do not believe that this kid only weighs just over a pound; it feels like I'm carrying a watermelon around all day. Also for your viewing pleasure (mostly Vanessa's) here is a picture of me, with and without the shirt covering the belly. It just looks so much different I couldn't not post it.

Pictures

2009-09-12T16:01:00.003-05:00

This is the crib that we bought. Its a Delta crib, and had awesome ratings. I love the wood color and should be able to find other furniture that matches.

This is me at 21 weeks pregnant. This T-shirt used to be loose fitting and now it is skin tight.

I can't believe how much I have grown already. Here's to another 41/2 months.

It's A

2009-09-12T10:25:00.007-05:00

BOY!!!

I can't believe it took me this long to post the results of our ultra sound. Shame on me. Anyways, here are some pictures of our little boy.

Here is the picture of his spine. He is facing down in this one.

I love his little foot. So Cute!

In this one he is crossing his legs. He is facing the front. You can see his legs and one little foot.

We couldn't ever get a true profile picture, he liked facing the machine.

He was just shy of 20 weeks when we had the ultra sound. At the ultra sound he weighed around 11 0unces. Most babies at that point weigh just less than 10.5 oz., so he is measuring slightly larger. Today I am 22.5 weeks pregnant, ya. At this point he should be about 11 inches long and weigh about a pound. Thanks to him getting bigger, I am able to feel him every day. Brian has felt him several times, but baby doesn't always kick hard enough for him to feel.

I can't believe that we're now past the half way mark. This past week we got a little more prepared and purchased a crib. We should be able to pick it up with in the next two weeks. We get more excited as we continue to get ready for our wonderful baby boy. I have my next appointment on Monday, so I'll give another update then.

Lots of baby updates

2009-08-18T15:40:00.007-05:00

Sorry this post is going to be a long and scattered. Brian and I have been up to a lot lately in preperation for school and this baby. First we went shopping for some baby stuff and this is what we got.

We really liked the carseat and the stroller was a great option for us because we live on the third floor and this is something that I can haul downstairs by myself. We also liked it because the carseat is the same style as a stroller that has two seats. No the blue does not mean that we are having a boy, we still don't know. BUT- we are going to find out Monday at 2:00. I am sooooo excited!

This week I went to the doctor just for a check up and everything looks great. Here are some stats for the baby. Based on the growth of my stomach, baby is looking the size it should. We will get more precise measurements when they do the ultra sound. The heart rate dropped again which they said is totally normal and should now start to steady out a little bit. It is now in the 140's. Our baby at this point (almost 19 weeks) is about 6 inches from head to hiny and 8.5 ounces. I can't believe how big it is getting. One of the most exciting things that has happened since our baby has gotten bigger is that I can now feel our little one moving. I can only feel it when I am still, and it usually happens right after I eat. Today our little one felt like it was throwing it's own party. All I could feel was kick*kick*roll*kick*roll...This lasted for a full 5 minutes. Apparently baby is really active at times.

Also new this week, I bought maternity clothes. I bought black and khacki pants and a black tulip skirt. I also discovered that I really hate shopping for maternity clothes. I usually hate shopping for clothes but this was a whole different level of annoying. Also for your viewing pleasure is my 18 week picture. You can see the belly a lot better when I pull my shirt up, but I don't think anybody else should have to see my belly. If you want it let me know and I'll email it to you.

A Letter to My Tire Theif

2009-07-23T07:21:00.004-05:00

Dear Spare Tire Theif,

Thank you so much for stealing my spare tire off my Jeep Liberty. That really helps the little thing hold its value even better during these economic times. How did you know that I wanted to spend $300 replacing a tire? And wake up to that fabulous new this morning? I am grateful for the opportunity to file a police report in a city where the crime rate ensures that this will never be looked into. I know it looked really easy to steal, I mean who leaves their spare tire on the back in plain sight. But really, thanks for pointing out that major design flaw. I also appreciate that now I have to put wheel locks on both cars to ensure that this won't happen again. Because wheel locks are really cheap in Houston. How exactly did you know that the price of the tire falls beneath what insurance will cover so it comes right out of my savings account? Now instead of buying a crib and a glider which we so badly need for our bundle of joy, we get to replace that tire. That also makes it really convenient while I am trying to save for a 3 grand hospital bill. Appreciate it, I really do. Oh, by the way, should you choose to come back you will be greeted with wheel locks on several vehicles, I think we were an inspiration for our neighbors. Happy hunting for the other 3 spare tires that will make a set, because I would HATE to think that I was robbed for a measly $50 which is likely all you will get from selling one poorly rated tire. Because seriously, not that many people just need one. I thoroughly enjoyed being robbed by you. Have a nice day.

P.S. I hope the sky falls on your head, just a thought. Oh, and Karma is not a pleasant thing if you catch my drift.

Heather- the pregnant lady that you stole from

15 Weeks and Another Check-Up

2009-07-22T12:19:00.002-05:00

Today I am 15 weeks along with our little bean. woohoo. Only 25 more weeks to go until he/she comes. Around this time, our baby is about 4 inches from head to rump. It weighs in at about 2.5 ounces. Exciting, our baby is getting bigger. On Monday we went to a much anticipated doctor visit. This was the first one where they did the doppler instead of looking at the baby with the ultrasound machine. I thought our baby would still be asleep since it was at our first appointment early in the morning. Boy was I wrong. As soon as the doppler went on my belly, we could hear a lot of random noise. It sounded kind of like sloshing? or water moving? It was a really weird sound that I've never heard before. She explained that it was the baby moving. Turns out the baby was moving a lot. She spent the next minute (the longest minute of my life) looking for the heartbeat. I think even Brian was concerned, probably because he knew that I was silently freaking out. By the time she found it I was well on my way to a heart attack. She was just about to give up and do an ultra sound when she finally found it. That is such a wonderful sound to a worry wart like me. The little peanut spent just enough time to get an accurate heart rate before it was off again. Little stinker!

At this appointment the heart rate went down, this is completely normal, but it ruined my theory that this baby is a girl. When the heart rate is towards the top of the scale, it is more likely a girl. Towards the bottom, more likely a boy. I now have no idea what it is. I thought no big deal since we should be able to find out in only 4 weeks but, after talking to the doctor its going to be more like 8 weeks. Grrr. I'll be almost 23 weeks before we found out what exactly we will be having. I guess I'll have to live with it and develop some patience.

Baby on Board

2009-07-01T17:01:00.006-05:00

Although I am sure everyone who reads this already knows, we are pregnant. The baby is due January 13, 2009 and we are really excited. Today I finally past the magical 12 week mark and everything looks good. We have already had two ultrasounds to see the baby and they were both really neat. The first one we went to the baby was completely still and in the very middle of the amnio fluid. It made for a great picture. The second ultra sound at ten weeks was a lot of fun. The baby was moving all over the place. It stayed mostly at the bottom of it's house and kept kicking and elbowing me. I was kind of glad that I can't feel that yet. This kid was throwing some powerful elbows. Most babies at this gestational age are about 2.5 inches long and weigh half an ounce.

The first one is from 8 weeks and two days. The second one is at 10 weeks and 5 days. We are really excited about our new addition and appreciate everybody's excitement and support.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

2009-05-07T11:06:00.003-05:00

Folks, the semester countdown has begun. Nevermind that the rest of the nation is finishing up finals today :( Alas, I still have one more week being chained to this computer before I am free for a whole 3 weeks. For the end of the semester it is feeling a little anti-climatic. This has been one of the worst semesters on the record, although it may compete slightly with the semester I was wedding planning, working, taking too many hours, losing my mind. All I have left of my Junior Year of college is a research paper, formation of a science test, and three actual exams. Although I do not look forward to this coming week, I think I can finally say I see a slight flicker of hope at the end of this academic tunnel.
Out of 138 hours of school, I will have taken 114 of them next Thursday. It seems like this never-ending road may actually be coming to a close. Next Thursday at 11:00 a.m. I will be a SENIOR! At 11:01 a.m. I think I will be doing a happy dance in the parking lot. I'll let ya know how that works out.

Original Poetry my Foot

2009-03-25T11:56:00.002-05:00

This is what happens when we are required to write 5 peices of original poetry for only one grade level and only one subject. I hope my prof likes it.

Space is a wonderful place
that I would like to Seeee
So far away from these People
Who always gripe at me

A spaceship, a spaceship
O how I long for a spaceship
A spaceship, A spaceship
Please come and rescue me

-By yours truly

Can you tell I was blowing off steam? Do you know the tune I used to write this lovely peice of literature?

Hope you enjoyed a little peice of my slight academic rebellion!

Picture Overload

2009-03-23T22:41:00.013-05:00

Getting my make-up done

Sumo wrestling at Mary Jo Peckham Park

These are some of the pictures that we took with Brian's phone. I think it is even better than my camera (which doesn't say a whole lot).

Spring Break!!!!!!!!

2009-03-13T10:49:00.002-05:00

My spring break just officially began. I submitted my last homework assignment for one whole week. Too bad my plans during spring break consist of nothing but cleaning, homework, cleaning, organizing, cleaning, did I already mention cleaning. Ugh! Oh well, at least I don't live in an apartment that stinks like smoke anymore. I have also decided that Spring Break should not be called a break at all. All of my professors have MAJOR assignments due the week after. Then they say, oh you can do this over spring break. HELLO PEOPLE, that is not the purpose. If I wanted to not have a break in the middle of the semester I would have gone to BYU. (Although most definantly not the main reason, it played a part in me going to TAMU instead)

I have to brag on Brian for a moment who is going to be put as a lead on a project (assuming Mustang wins the bid) sometime this summer. He is still pretty much considered a baby there. By baby I mean he has only been there for 18 months and is already getting a chance to show what a friggin genius he is. Exciting!!!

On a side note: Bones was really good last night, it was their first new show in 3 weeks. Brian says that means they are about to cancel it. I almost cried. :(

BLAH!

2009-03-11T10:41:00.003-05:00

Today has been a BLAH day so far. It is now 10:41 and I have yet to accomplish anything significant. That is so sad, especially since I have so much to do. Mostly school work. I need to vent about school work and then maybe I can get on with my life. I am feeling more resentful than usual this semester for being in school. The "glamour" of the whole situation has been gone since I got married. (May 2007) I have been on a campaign ever since to quit and do something else with my life.

I am chalking this recent fit up to a mid-semester meltdown. Anyways, I suppose trudging along until spring break will do me good. I also have to remind myself there is so much to look forward to like...
1. I will see my sweet honey at 7:00 tonight.
2. Spring Break is in 2.5 Days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. I get to see Brian's family this weekend (possibly get my baby fix from a certain adorable neice and nephew)
4. I get to see my crazy family again over Spring Break.
5. There is a lovely canoe trip to break up the rest of the semester.
6. I will be married two friggin years on May 12 awoohoo!
7. We are taking a whole 5 days, count them (wednesday, thursday, friday, saturday, sunday) to ourselves in our first vacation since our honeymoon.

Just as way of an update, we moved again two weekends ago. I have great pictures from fun things that we have been doing lately. I can't wait to post them. I think you'll like them a whole lot.

Dress pictures

2008-12-18T18:01:00.005-06:00

Angie if you want this dress it is yours. I also have a cardigan that I was going to wear with it.

The New Dress

2008-12-18T17:29:00.003-06:00

This is the dress that I got today. Vanessa and Angie your job is to tell me what type of accesories to do with it.

Time for a Change

2008-11-20T22:13:00.003-06:00

I had to post something because the last post was just way too sour. Life is going pretty well. I am really excited about Thanksgiving and the holiday season. I love this time of year when we get to go see our wonderful families and catch up with everybody. This is also the time of year that Brian and I met at TAMU. I can't believe it has been over two years that we started dating. So much has changed in that time period. We got married, moved 3 times (and we are getting ready to move AGAIN), graduated from college(Brian), and got a real job, that pays real money. I am so grateful for all the wonderful changes that have occured in the past two years. I can't wait to see what the future will hold for the two of us and our families. Pardon my sappy reflections, its just that things seem to be going well even though our lifes are really hectic. Here's to a bright future with a sweet hubby!

Tagged!

2008-10-09T18:35:00.009-05:00

8 Things I am passionate about
1. Brian
2. Family
3. Religion
4. Friday Night Football
5. Children
6. Chocolate
7. Baking
8. Getting in shape

8 Words of phrases I say often
1. aye
2. Bri (sweetie, honey, brigamundo, monkey, bug, any thing else I can think to call Brian)
3. I HATE school!
4. Whiny Butt ~ Work
5. oh thats a good girl/boy ~ work
6. I love you
7. nino, nina (imagine that it has the thingies, mmk)
8. bite me (this has been much less frequent, because Brian will now actually bite me when i say it.)

8 Things I want to accomplish in the coming year
1. Quit work
2. Finish School
3. Make a baby
4. move to a bigger apartment
5. Get a sewing machine and use it
6. Learn to speak a little spanish
7. Be a better Sunday School teacher
8. Get out of debt

8 Places I would love to go or visit
1. Spain
2. Hawaii
3. Scotland
4. Utah
5. France
6. Florida
7. England
8. The Sacred Grove

8 things I need or want
1. A day off
2. clothes
3. A new camera
4. A video recorder
5. An interior decorator
6. good grades
7. a healthy body
8. kitchen table

My life includes the following...

2008-10-08T22:29:00.010-05:00

School: Listen to people who want me to do a ridiculous amount of work, completely forgetting that there are 5 other people in my life who expect the same thing.

Work: Most of the time I enjoy this part of my day. But, at Primrose, our babies are sick. There is a lot of diarrhea and crying.

What I feel like when I get home: Mostly this is what I feel like at 11:00 when I go to sleep. It has been one of those weeks.

Cody's Letter

2008-09-03T19:43:00.005-05:00

This is what arrived in my mailbox today. I was so excited to get a letter, until I saw the bag it was in. It was kinda sad but made me smile. Obviously somebody did not want me to get my letter in one peice. Sorry I had to edit the photos so our address did not show up.

I guess this is what happens to missionary mail. haha. Have a great week.

Out of the mouth of babes...

2008-08-31T19:04:00.003-05:00

Today I was moved by the testimonies of a few little people from church. The following includes what I remeber from one little boy's testimony: "I would like to bear my testimony that I know this church is true, and that Heavenly Father answers our prayers. This last week my mom has been gone helping my sister move in with my other sister. When she left we were all worried about whether or not we would survive. My dad has been pretty much useless. He has a hurt back. I noticed that on the nights where we prayed as a family things went well. My dad's back would not hurt so much. I know Heavenly Father helped us when our mom was gone." Although at the time it was hard to get much out of his testimony especially after he called his dad useless I realized what a wonderful little family this must be to be teaching their children at such a young age. Later his dad did get up and bear his testimony: " I felt like I had to get up here and follow the great example set by my children. I so much appreciate (son's) great endorsement and confidence that all would be okay when (mom) left..." I am still giggling about the many things that we learn in church. I hope one day we will have done good enough parenting to have our children humiliate us with such fond stories that have taught them faith.

Our ONE year Anniversary!

2008-07-22T09:17:00.006-05:00

I'll begin this blog by apoligizing profusely for not being a very good blogger. It's just that this little nagging thing inside of me hates to write about what it going on in my life, plus school has been a living you-know-what. Yes...I am not being dramatic about it, it is kicking my tail all over the place. Anyways, Brian and I had a great anniversary. It was a lot of fun. We went to Sea World in San Antonio. Although Brian has been a few times I had never been before. He was a great sport and said that his favorite part about it was watching me act like a little kid. My eyes and smile were as big as saucers all day long. It was a BLAST!

Outside the entrance, Me with the Sea Lions, they were awesome, by far my favorite
Brian is trying to be a shark. He is feeding the dolphins, I saw teeth and thought my fingers all of a sudden looked too much like a fish.

Houston Rodeo

2008-03-07T07:19:00.008-06:00

So this past Wednesday Brian and I went to the Houston rodeo and the concert that night featuring Kevin Fowler. I loved it. Brian was able to get the tickets for FREE! Not only were they free but they were suppose to be tickets for $77. They were so expensive because we were like right next to the arena. It was sooo awesome. We were sitting in the very middle only 6 rows from the real cowboys. In our section we were also allowed to get free food and drinks. Which was great because I was starving and the food there was SUPER expensive. I got to see the wagon races, which was really interesting, I'd never seen that before. They were going really fast and I thought they would just fall over any second. Nobody did but somebodys front wheel did break and they won the race with only 3 wheels. That night I got to see a lot of really neat events but I would have to say that my favorite part of the rodeo was at the very end when they had kids in ffa from different high schools try to catch a calf. First of all some of them had no business running much less running after cattle. When they tried to catch the cattle they would grab their tails . One girl tried this and the calf drug her across the arena. I didn't get to see this but Brian just about died laughing. I did see this kid with a calf between his legs but he was on the ground and was trying to get the rope around it's neck. It was just great. We then got to see Kevin Fowler in concert and sing like a million songs about drinking. He did perform "I'm a hard man to love" and the one about the devil going down to Georgia. The fiddle player was so good, he was able to do it exactly like the song but was playing it like underneath his legs and all over the place. This was the first concert I have been to and it was a lot of fun. I am already really spoiled and it is sad that we will never be that close again. Sorry about the crappy pictures, it was really weird lighting that I never did figure out.

In other news I am really excited about today being over with and being able to go to Temple for a few days. I'll post about that when I get back on Wednesday.

This is how close we were to everything. The three wagons that raced.

I kept forgetting to take the zoom off of my camera. I eventually figured it out.

I am getting good with my camera now. Here is Kevin Fowler.

Thankfulness 101

2008-02-28T09:31:00.002-06:00

So I have decided that my history professor is an idiot that needs to be fired for stupidity. Needless to say I do not think I did so hot on my first test and I am fuming and the moment. Seriously I think you might be able to see the smoke coming out of my ears. It is times like these when I previously would just like to throw a little pity party when I am going to be a big girl and tell you the things I am thankful for.

1. School- I know I just tore it to pieces but I am thankful for the opportunity that I have to finish up my schooling and get a degree. I know not everybody is able to do this and I am really thankful that I can.
2. My Job - I enjoy what I do most of the time and get paid really well compared to anywhere else I could be working part-time.
3. My family - They always listen to me gripe about all of the above and do it while pretending to listen to me. They are such awesome people and I am excited to see some of them soon.
4. My Car - It is not a superficial thing. I am grateful that Brian and I do not have to map out 20 different schedules just to get to school and work. I am thankful that I do not have to walk or ride my bike to school anymore.
5. My Brian - Words can not even begin to describe how much he puts up with from me. He knows when I have reached a limit and does not get mad just picks up the slack and helps until I calm down enough to be reasonable. He even is able to wake me up in the morning with a smile when I give him the "go away and die" look.

I am feeling much better, blogs really do serve some purpose.

Luck of the Irish, Maybe not

2008-02-24T21:08:00.002-06:00

I decided I would post something going on in Brian's life. There have been a few things going on for him lately. First the Chili cookoff that he was in charge of went really well. They predicted rain, but it didn't rain, and they won 3rd place in their chili. The theme was "Rock yourself Chili" and they played a version of guitar hero all day. It went much better than in previous years. At work he also won a free ipod. He is the luckiest guy sometimes, it is actually ridiculous the way things will sometimes work for him. Out of he whole company there were only a handful of people who got one and he did. However he did have to teach Sunday School today (He looked like a little kid, our ward is mostly people older than us) but did a really good job. He did such a good job that after class the Sunday School President asked him what callings he had. We'll see what happens, but I told him that's what he gets for speaking up in class and making good comments.

My New Haircut

2008-02-24T20:17:00.004-06:00

So these are pictures of the haircut I got. It isn't as short as I wanted it but that is just the way it is. I wanted to make sure that I still liked my hair short before I chopped it all off. I might actually go back in a few months and cut a few more inches off.
I'm also trying to figure out how to take a picture of both of us with out us both looking retarded. I'll let ya know how this goes. In other news I am excited about going home to see my parents over spring break, and then going to east Texas to float down the river with some friends from College Station. I will have some pretty exciting updates soon. Also my latest contemplation is how strange it is to be coming up on my one year anniversary. It just seems like that is way too soon.

Brian looks good in pink!

2008-02-18T11:26:00.002-06:00

So, it finally happened. After only nine months of marriage, I botched up the laundry good. The other day I put some whites in the laundry. I did it my way and not Brian's way which includes picking up each article of clothing and tossing it into the washer, duh, it just takes way too long. Well, I am cooking breakfast for the family, Brian's parents and brother were there when Brian comes into the kitchen and asks if he can see me for a moment. He drags me back into the laundry room and shows me a bright pink towel that used to be white. My first thought was not a very nice word. I obviously felt bad because I know better than to take a huge heaping armful of clothes and throw them in the washer with out so much as glancing at the contents. GRRR... Apparently the culprit was a bright red shop towel (thank you bronco for haunting me when you are gone). Anways the damage was not too extensive except for Brian's favorite shirt which happens to be my favorite too because it is sooo cute on him. Next time I will listen to my husband.

Mish Heather...

2008-02-18T07:57:00.002-06:00

So, although most of you have all heard this story but it reminds me why kids are so worth spending time with. I teach in a Kindergarten classroom in the afternoon. Well, on Friday I was reading a book to the group right before it was time to go and the kids were losing interest. One in particular was standing by me and every so often she would put her face really close to me, giggle a little bit and then move. After about three times of this happening I finally asked her what she was doing. She replied in her cute squeky voice, "Mish Heather, I'm smelling you." I of course laughed uncontrollably and asked if I smelled good and apparently I did. Oh by the way it is not a mispelling she does not say Miss, it is a very distinct Mish. Anyways so I go on reading once I compose myself when I see her looking at me again. I asked again what she was doing and she replied, "Mish Heather, you have spots." Now I have no idea what this child is talking about so I ask her where my spots were and she carefully points out a few freckles on my arm. By this time I am thoroughly amused and I'm asking questions just to see what this child is going to say next. So I asked her how many spots I had, she looked at me for a few seconds and finally determined that I had an infiniti number of spots. I have a feeling they learned about infiniti that day because I had heard this new word quite often that morning. I love these little kids sometimes, they are absolutely hilarious.

School is Crazy

2008-02-10T17:47:00.000-06:00

So, my sincerest apologies to not being a more dedicated blogger. Something big came up. This nightmare is more recently called school at the prestigous Houston Community College. Wow, that is very impressive if I don't say so myself. January has been filled with procrastination of school work which carried into February and blew up in my face. It's going to be a busy month, yet I still find every reason in the world not to do my homework. Something about going to a school that is suppose to be a joke has had a lot to do with my recent tantrums when it comes to doing anything. Another huge blow is that my loyal hubby is out. He has completed with out me, and now I must suffer this indescribable pain of school alone. TEARS! Even though I throw a pitty party at least once a week to get sympathy and maybe an assignment completed by hubby, he has not budged, something about how I actually have to learn this stuff. What a goody two shoes!

In other news, Brian and I are looking for something to do for our one year anniversary that is very inexpensive but something fun and different. Let me know if you have any ideas. Have a great day.

More Birthday Pictures

2008-01-13T18:41:00.000-06:00

This is the bag that Brian got me for my Birthday. It's original purpose was to be my temple bag which I really needed, but I got to thinking it is just a great all around bag that will probably be used for many different things. I was very impressed with his sense of fashion. Oh, he also got me socks so I would stay out of his.

Birthday Fun

2008-01-13T17:54:00.000-06:00

Yay, Heather is finally not a teenager anymore. My birthday was great, I got all kinds of cool things and really appreciated all the phone calls wishing me well. Thanks family and friends. Here are some pictures we took of my birthday fun.My Cookie Cake, YUM!

Primrose Schools

2008-01-13T17:41:00.001-06:00

After not a very long job hunt I found a job working at a school/daycare place called Primrose School at North Mason Creek. I teach private Kindergarten and do an after school program called the Explorers. For the private Kindergarten I don't really do a whole lot. I just take over after lunch for naptime, art, music, and story time. It is really fun except for naptime when nobody wants to sleep. They are a pretty good group of kids minus two who I would like to ship to another planet. After they leave I get another group of kids grades 1-5 and run the after school program. They are a hoot, sometimes but also need a lot of discipline. Oh did I mention these kids are SPOILED. Half of them have Ipods, MP3 players, and cell phones. Absolutely ridiculous. They don't really spend any time with their parents either, it's kinda sad. In any event we do a lot of fun activities and I am getting great experience and good ideas for teaching. Hopefully this will be a good job until I graduate.

The Jeep

2008-01-13T17:22:00.000-06:00

So, as most of you probably know we got another vehicle. Neither of us really wanted to take this on until this summer but Brian had to have a vehicle at work and school is not in biking distance. Big bummer. On the bright side I have my own car now. It was a HUGE pain to get thanks to the idiots at the Kia Dealership but it is here and I really enjoy it. It is a very pretty blue Jeep Liberty and I really like the way it drives. It is so much fun to be able to park again and not look completely ridiculous pulling in and out five times to get straight. It also has much better gas mileage and will probably become our traveling car. Brian is very sad that it is not a more manly vehicle, to him it is just a little girl car that he has to drive when we go places that are far away together.

Big Event #3: Our First Christmas

2008-01-07T07:44:00.000-06:00

This year was our first Christmas together and it was wonderful. We were able to go to Boerne to spend time with our great family there. We had a lot of fun participating in the Christmas traditions. On Saturday we gathered all the Grahams in the area and went carolling to about 7 families in all. What an event!!! There were TONS of people at grandma's house, about forty people in all. It was a lot of fun to be surrounded by all that family. A big bonus on this night was that I was able to meet the famous Brandon Wilson in the flesh. This is Brian's cousin and really good friend that is serving in the marines in California but was able to take leave and spend time with his family. It was great to finally meet the him and put a face with all of those stories. On Sunday was the BIG Christmas eve party. We all got together again and ate (of course we ate, it was a family function) and had Grandpa Graham read the story of Christ's birth. This is really an amazing tradition. I have to admit on of my favorites. Christmas was of course amazing and Santa was unbelievably kind. We received great Christmas presents and really really appreciated them.

Brian and I Christmas morning.

John with his paint ball outfit.

Big Event #2: Moving into Our New Apartment

2008-01-06T16:17:00.001-06:00

When Brian and I made the decision to move to Katy I knew that finding an apartment would be rough. We were in the middle of school and did not have the money to make a trip to Katy to find a place to live. So we did what I highly warn against...we looked for one online through an apartment locator. It took a while and A LOT of phone minutes but we finally found a place that I really enjoy. Moving was a mess again, third time was definantly not a charm, more of a nightmare but we did live so all is well. A huge super thanks to Cody for helping Brian with the heavy stuff, I didn't have to act like a very weak boy, I got to actually be a girl this time around. It is a beautiful apartment, minus all of our stuff that still needs to be put up, thrown away and organized. The best part is that we are only 15 minutes away from Brian's work and my work/school. Sorry I only have one picture of the kitchen that is even remotely decent. We really need to get on this unpacking and start decorating. I'll have to update you later.

Let's Play Catch Up!

2008-01-06T16:01:00.000-06:00

As most of you know this past month has been absolutely insane, but completely amazing. So much has happened so let me start from the beginning and fill everybody in.

Big Event #1: Graduation

I'm sure most everybody knows that Brian finally graduated. WHOOP!!!!!! He is now a former student of Texas A&M University and loves it. Last semester was rough to say the least and we are just both so thankful that he was able to make it in the end and brave finals with his engineering professors. Graduation day was great. Brian had a huge cheering section at the ceremony, about 11 people. After about 2 and a half hours of waiting we were able to see Brian walk the stage and proudly receive his tube. Even more amazing it actually had his degree in there. Whew! A huge thank you to everybody who came and made it such a special day.

Brian with his dad and grandpa. He is a third generation Aggie.

Introducing the New Blog

2007-12-21T10:13:00.000-06:00

Per request of Vanessa, the big sister, I finally gave in and decided to start a blog as well so that we could keep in touch. This is also the perfect way of avoiding unpacking my house which is a complete wreck at the moment. This is also going to be my way of doing an online journal that my wonderful families and friends can see. Plus this is a good way for all of you to see pictures of Brian and I as we adjust into this completely different chapter in our lives.