In the life of the Garrett Gang

PAINT THE MOON-LET'S DO 52

2012-01-25T15:45:00.004-06:00

WEEK ONE- "NATURAL" (no explanation needed)
WEEK 2- "RESPONSIBILITY" This picture represents responsibility because of the responsibility of giving her lesson horse carrots at the age of 2 is very important, also the responsibility of the instructor to not let Teague mistake her fingers for carrots and for always teaching safety as the number one rule when around horses to the youngest rider at the farm.
WEEK 3 "NEGATIVE SPACE" The picture above and the 2 pictures below fall into that category.

WEEK 4- "UNEXPECTED PERSPECTIVE" I submitted the first one.

I started participating in this photography challenge at the beginning of the year and it has already been so awesome and amazing! Each week Annie of Paint the Moon will post 2 themes, then you choose one (or both if you feel like it) and go out and capture that theme however you imagine it! There are thousands of people, new and seasoned photographers from all over the world doing it, if you love photography you can join anytime. So, from now on I will be posting my weekly picture from the theme and maybe a few more since it is my blog, haha! The only rule she has is that you cannot use an old photo, no matter how perfect it may be for that weeks topic/theme, the point is to get out there and take new pics and grow together! I hope you enjoy seeing what I capture and watching me grow. I have only had my camera since December and photoshop since a few weeks ago, so I am still new to this but I am having so much fun learning and am already getting some great opportunities come my way, so excited and grateful! Sometimes you have time to plan and go out and take the photo and sometimes you don't and just have to wing it, either way, it's been fun and that's what it's supposed to be!

EVERY LITTLE GIRL DREAMS...........

2012-01-23T21:09:00.011-06:00

of having a pony, or at least a pony party at one point in their life! This was a surprise party for my sweet baby girl Cashlen, it turned out better than I had even imagined! We used www.houstonponyparties.com and they were beyond fabulous! When Cashlen walked out of the house this is what she saw......2 ponies, one was a unicorn with a cart and the other was a princess pony with a saddle. They had a cute sign, a table with helmets set up for the girls and a little gift just for her. When she walked out she said, "It's just what I've always wanted!"
Birthday girl getting a little gift, that was so sweet! She did not know anything, her top best friend and her sister came along with 2 of her cousins, she was so surprised to see her besties and the ponies.
Earlier that day I had taken her out to take some pictures and the rest of the day we hung out at home. She fell asleep right before the big surprise but woke up with little girls faces surrounding her and ready to go after only about 5 minutes.
She got a new riding helmet for her riding lessons for her b day from Daddy and I, doesn't she look fabulous!
Happy Girl!
Waving to neighbors as we walked down the street was fun, princess for the day!
When it wasn't your turn to ride you got to ride on the unicorn cart, a great way to always be involved.
Aubrey's turn! Thank you so much to Grandma Karen for going to get cousin Aubrey for Cashy's b day weekend all the way from Louisiana, they even got to have a spend the night after the party here, so much fun! They play great together because the only toys they both play with are horses!!! Aubrey also rides, but she does barrels etc.....Cash is learning to ride english, or as much as you can learn at just turning 3 english style, LOL!
This was precious!
Cashlen best friend Kendal's turn! Oh my gosh, these two are joined at the hip at school, Cash won't let anyone else sit by her, they are just too sweet. She also does riding lessons somewhere.
Pure JOY, so much so that she was the only one who wouldn't have a sweater on!
The beautiful unicorn! Shelley who runs the business and her girls are so sweet and awesome! I highly recommend their company to anyone in the Houston and surrounding areas.
Mayley's turn! Mayley is starting to have a love of horses too! Maybe she will have a pony party?!
Cashlen and the girls.
On the princess pony again.

A quick pic with Mommy, we just don't get enough of those!
And Daddy too!
Check out these 2 awesome pictures with the rainbow, such a cool accident!

In this picture she said, "Look Mommy, I am keeping my heels down," she hears her riding instructor say, back straight, heels down, chin up, etc and she remembered that......even though what she is doing in the picture is not what he means I loved that she thought of that! And you should see her when she holds her head high and her chin up, oh my gosh it's cute!!!

Girl talk.

Cousins!
Leading the horse.

After the ponies left it was time to burn some energy on the trampoline.
A quick hug and thank you before they left.
She opened a few gifts and the girls played for a bit before we wound it on down for the night. It was the most perfect little surprise party ever, really small and focused on just her and her very few friends. Thanks so much for those that came and made it so extra special for Cashlen, we do appreciate it!

ON THE KEMAH BOARDWALK....

2012-01-21T12:50:00.010-06:00

She dances. Everywhere she goes, she dances. I love it, she loves and everyone around us gets a total kick out of her random dancing! In pictures it looks like she is posing, and she does a lot of that, but these are dancing pictures!
I can't wait until June for her first ever ballet recital! they have beautiful pink costumes and their hair will be up in little curls, eekkkkk, the excitement!! They also have to wear stage make up, I am kinda worried about that, she has only ever worn blush and lip gloss for pretend play. (mascara on a little one kinda freaks me out.)
Shake it girl!
So Caden had school off on Friday, the other 2 never go on Fridays so this called for a day of FUN! They had only ever been to Kemah twice, last summer and as little babies, so they had a blast since it wasn't hot at all and we had the place to ourselves! Although I must say, I was disappointed in the amount of employees they had there and that the games were not even open. Oh well, it was still a great day.
Caden's schedule is grueling, I feel bad we don't get to have as many fun days as we used to.
The carousel were Caden and Cashlen's favorites!

The airplanes were pretty cool too, Camen and Cash above.
So Camen wanted to ride this, Caden choose not to. We thought all that it did was go incircles and stay on the ground..........
But it didn't, we were sooooo wrong, it started going around and we were being encouraging, you know saying "Whooo Camen, Yay Camen," then it started going crazy up, down, sideways and backwards. I couldn't see him anymore and started to panic, I thought he flew out but he was crouched down holding on as tight as he could. My Mom told me to make the man stop it. So we did, he wasn't crying or anything, we just wanted him off. When he stumbled off he said it made him sick. Maybe we overreacted?
Bebe and Cashlen.
The balloon ride was fun and small, LOL!

This was Camen's favorite, this ride dropped you down a bit, then back up, then down a little more and repeated itself until the end. Pretty fun! I had to do it with him, Caden is not ready to try new rides yet.
Train ride time, Bebe and Camen Jude.
and Aunt Jil and Caden Jace.
Old time police car and my little ones feets.
Caden loves maps. He is always mapping the "plan" out. At school they always know what to "expect" next, at occupational therapy they make a "plan picture" and check off as they go, visuals are good!
Everyone being themselves.
Caden communicating with the elephant.
Uh Oh, a bench, aka as a STAGE to Cashlen.......here is the chain of events....pretty girl.
Kiss.
Hug.
doo de doo de doo, lah la la lah!
Dance! (there was a lot more but you get the picture)
Wait, get off my stage!!!!
So she took it to the ground, passe, her favorite ballet move!

Back to the rides. Camen loved to feed the stingrays in the touch tank but I didn't really take pics of it and we had a not so good lunch too.

My crazy twin boys.

Cash made Bebe get on with her, neither one of us can stand the rides that go in circles, it does something to our equilibrium, but yay Bebe for taking one for the team! GREAT DAY!

RIDING LESSONS CONTINUE!

2012-01-18T19:02:00.004-06:00

Cashlen continues with her horse lessons and gets more and more comfortable on the horse each time. She is laying on the horse hugging him and I really do just love this picture. On the way home from something the other day she said, "Mom, I wish I could have a real horse at home and a stall for him." First of all, as a Mom when I hear my kids say the word wish used in a sentence I want so badly to make is happen, all their wishes and dreams, I WANT TO MAKE THEM HAPPEN.
But I can't, I also wish we could take this horse, Mr Teague home and we could take care of him and only him. Where he lives there are just way too many horses and too few "hands" but I am not going to go there.
Doesn't she look like a cute little horse racer here?!
Look, her hand is doing it alone, her instructors hand is only on her wrist, no longer under her hand anymore!
Big Horse, Tiny Person.
Do you see the happiness?

Boo got this new riding helmet for her birthday, all the helmets at the farm are way too big since she is the youngest rider out there and safety must come first when your so small! (or big, you must have a helmet that fits!)

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!!!

2012-01-16T07:31:00.012-06:00

This year we had a fabulous time! Usually my brothers and I do our own things with our own families or friends, but this year we all came to Bebe and Pop's and ALL spent the night, plus Karen and DJ so it was a blast! The twins got to shoot a roman candle from their hand, FUN!
Smoke Bomb time!!!
Since we were all together that meant the cousin were together and that equals awesomeness! Check out the girls on "stage" getting down!

Heeeeyyyyy, get it girl! I could watch Cashlen dance for hours, ballet or booty shakin'!

Dress up time! Wario plus a crown plus spiderman gloves.
My little princess!
This reminds me of me and my cousin Mandy, we were like a few months apart like Cash and Mayley are and since I was older (like Cash) poor Mandy always had to have the 2nd best costume, or I'd always be the bride and she was the bridesmaid, sorry Mandy! But Mayleys creation was cute!
Aunt Karen and Mayley.
Karen and Boo.
Laying down watching a fave of Cashy's on the i pad, Horseland!
The boys, the rough and tumble boys.
Misty, Jenn, Cole and Karen doing the wobble!
The girls didn't love the fireworks but they didn't hate them either, well Mayley didn't really like them at all, Cash was in the middle.
Hello Midnight and 2012!! Also, this is the exact moment and firework that Peanut escaped the house from and ran up on and got shot several times. This is a commercial grade firework, she did get hurt and we felt terrible. She is ok now though.
More dancing and drinking.
These sparklers are really cool, they look exactly like a flashlight and were described as a sparkler on steroids from the dude at the stand, I would highly agree!
Everything was going great until.....
Caden's went in his eye, it was only temporary pain and nothing to worry about, the party must go on!
Camen Jude.
When anything is in a boys hands, I don't care what it is, it could be a long flower, a spaghetti noodle, just whatever it becomes a sword!! There was no exception for the sparkler besides the fact that it made us really nervous to see 3 little boys with "fire swords" around each other!

Happy New Year stars!
See, another sword sparkler!
Thanks cuz!
Karen and Mayley.
Pop, Daddy and the 3 Musketeers!
Boo and her Bebe.
Oh Look, there is Landon, he went to bed shortly after the party got going. And I have an adorable sneak peek of his 1 year pics I just took that I hope to get blogged soon.
This post was put ahead of many others especially for KAREN!

THE START OF SANITY.....GETTING ORGANIZED!

2012-01-08T07:36:00.006-06:00

One of my biggest daily stressors is the clutter in my house, it literally makes me crazy! I have VERY little time to do projects due to the fact that Caden goes to school almost an hour away and the other 2 are at a different school, literally only leaving 2 hours before turning around for yet another 3 hour round trip drive. But thats ok, it's temporary and for my beautiful little ones! Moving on, I finally took 3 days and tackled the TOY ROOM, aka, our dining room connected to our living room, having too small of a house is a whole other problem I won't go into! The wonderful picture above is the after!! (if you saw it before you this is great!) I love it, it is clean simple and organized. On the left is what I call home and baby center or area. It has the kitchen, the doll crib, highchair and mini doll table to set up tea and food, perfect! Next to that in the cubes is a few items in buckets that still get played with, rescue heroes, princess tiny dolls, a bag full of animals, and baby items like diapers, bottles etc for dollies! And on the top is puzzles and games. And all the way to the right is what Cashlen proudly calls, HORSELAND! This is where all of her play is spent, setting up farms, pastures, competition jumping arenas, and stables. I just needed to simplify and cut the toys we had in more than half, it's ridiculous (I am guilty trust me!!!) Kids have way too many stinkin toys these days!
Another after pic of our living room, I moved the art/learning table to the corner over there, it drove me nuts right in the middle for the longest time and now it's out of the way and we can do art and handwriting over there. LOVE! Cashlen passed out for the night on the floor =)
The other side......there is Horseland and the reading area. I need to put more pics on the walls too, I have the pictures but no frames yet, why do they have to cost so much!
In the twins room where that little white table now is used to be Cashlen's toddler bed, if you follow my blog you know baby girl doesn't have her own little girly room. Sad for me to write. I moved her bed into our room, she sleeps with us still anyways so really nothing changed except now I gave the boys their own space to actually have their own toys in their own room, genius! Their toys consist of superheroes stored neatly in a bucket under the table, trio batman stored under the table, 2 imaginext on the windowsill, playmobil baskets to the right and a bucket with a few games and books.
They play with playmobil the most right now.
See all that stuff behind Cashlen dancing, it was all moved from the toy area into the living room, now you can see why I was crazy cleaning all that crap up everyday!

I overflowingly filled 3 giant bins!
Toys will go to redo my Mom's toyroom, My mother in-laws house soon, some family and then of course some will be donated.
Another before picture, every one of those was filled with lots and lots of toys. I still have soooo much to do in the house, closets, the learning center/craft center in the kitchen, the medicine buckets, the kitchen, the list just goes on and on and it is so overwhelming to think of if you look at it as a whole! One thing at a time! We do hope to turn the garage into the twins room and get rid of the toy room in the middle of our living area all together and have Cashlen in their old room to herself! A little girls room with her own little toys and of course, PINK! But until then I am calling this "temporary sanity."

CHRISTMAS MORNING AND DAY 2011

2012-01-02T08:23:00.012-06:00

I snapped these pics on Christmas eve after Santa got everything set out!
2 little tiny 5" waldorf dolls, so sweet and little!
Camen and Caden were the last 2 standing to get cookies and milk for Santa and carrots and magic reindeer food for the reindeer! Your supposed to sprinkle it on your lawn but it was pouring down rain so Sissy didn't get to do that.
Mr Camen, he was my biggest helper that night.
My oh so sweet and handsome twin boys!
Caden Jace
Moving on to Christmas morning and very out of order since I was shooting with 2 cameras. Daddy and the kiddos, Caden was first up!
Caden went to wake up all the other kiddos =) And I am happy to report this is the first year that one of the kids was not really sick during Christmas, thank you Jesus!
This is Cashy's face when she realy loves something, she gets and intense "I'm in love" face!
Everyone opening!
A horse and a rag doll.
Daddy is always trying to trick Cole so he put his Ps3 into the box that the four wheeler was shipped in so we would have to wonder!

Cashlen taking care of her sick puppy in her doctor outfit.
When Caden went to wake Cole up....
This was the top favorite gift, a new four wheeler for the twins! It's fast and turns on a dime, we have had a few crashes....Camen has hit me and the Navigator (only in the first 5 minutes though) and Caden has hit a tree, Camen and Cashlen on her bike (within a few days). Since then we have went to buy helmets and are working on safe driving!

New wii game!!

My favorite gift the little kids got from Santa is the Crocs rain boots!! I love them so much and so do they!
This is NOT safe! I do not allow them to chase each other. Caden driving.
Caden Jace
Camen Jude
Camen
and Camen again!
Cashlen playing on the ramp we made for our bikes. I am so glad the rain has left, we like to play outside.
Camen Jude

Meme, Bebe, Pop, Jil and Bob came over for homemade lasagna and salad and to see what Santa had brought the kiddos, it really was a great Christmas! The twins got Skylanders from Meme, they have been wanting it for awhile now and Camen was so concerned that Santa had forgot.
Meme got Cash a blue jean jacket with her name embroidered and a horse on it, it is so cute!
And she brought her a horsie in a purse!
Camen and Caden also each got a 20 to go and pick out a new Sjylander, or something else.
Daddy and I got our yearly glasses with a treat inside!
Dusten also got a special ornament, a Memory ornament for Mema. We hope your Christmas was wonderful too!

SHE IS ALMOST 3......

2011-12-30T08:50:00.005-06:00

When Ms Cashlen says she wants to take pictures you'd better go with it! They turn out so much cuter when it's clearly her idea! So we whipped in and took some pics for her birthday invitation! We need to get these out seeing as her party is 2 1/2 weeks away!
These boots are the best things in the whole wide world!!! The 3 kids each got a pair for Christmas and I think they will have a yearly pair from now on.....the Crocs rain boots are much lighter than other rain boots and they look so cute with everything, oh, and they rinse right off of course!
Her hips pose =)

She often talks with one hand on her hip, I always laugh but it's just a "Cashlen thing."

This is a new one, she was having so much fun!

I can't believe my baby girl is almost 3, we have a super fun surprise in store for her the day before her real birthday and party, I am so excited!!!

CHRISTMAS EVERINGHAM STYLE!

2011-12-27T20:44:00.006-06:00

This year we had another great Christmas, with a special twist! Sadly, Grandma fell recently in Krogers parking lot and broke her hip! Kind of odd since my Grandpa was a very integral part of Krogers for many many years and very well known for that by many people nation wide. But moving on with the story, she had surgery the following day after the fall and quickly moved to a rehab center, she is a very strong woman and is on the fast track. She will actually be getting out of there already by the end of the week. But we did not think she would be able to attend Christmas but they let her out for a few hours so it did make this years Christmas extra special to have her join us! It was at Jill's house and she has horses that are my cousins from 20 years ago, Cashlen adores those fuzzy old horses!
Passe! She is getting much better in her ballet class, I can remember when she couldn't do this at the beginning!
Cole, Uncle Josh and Kody chillin'.
And Landon must have snuck on his Daddy's phone and called his Great Grandpa so they could be cute together and match!
See Grandma to the left? Looking fabulous as usual.....
Baby Addi saw that Bebe had food and decided she would be cool to hang around.
Little girl cousins, Cashlen, Mayley, Aubrey and Addi
plus one big girl, Madison.
The 3 Musketeers!
Caden, Camen and Luke!
Opening gifts before heading back to the rehab place.
Excited opening, wait til you see the video, it sounds like this, "YES! OH YES! JUST WHAT I ALWAYS WANTED! LOOK! LOOK!" From a few different kids!
Lalaloopsy twins, she loves them!
Hot wheels, our first ever set. Maybe we will go set it up at Lindsay Lakes one day since it's 8 feet long!!!

CHRISTMAS AT POP & BEBE'S 2011

2011-12-20T14:32:00.021-06:00

This year was one of the best Christmas parties ever! It was more relaxed and so much fun! Bebe's decor and house was over the top and beautiful as always!
The turkey was super delicious and oh so moist.
These guys are of course identical twins and looking more alike all of the time!
I often catch people staring at them, their eyes moving back and forth, back and forth. It is interesting, I will admit when I see identical twins I do the same and I am a mother of multiples, but still can't help it. It is just fascinating to say the least!

The boy cousins.
All the cousins =) And now I can see I picked the wrong picture, the icons are so small and there actually was a cute one, not a crazy one!
I told the kids to sit down (so I could tell them something) and Luke said, "to take a picture first?" Yeah he pretty much knows me!
Sissy got skittles chapstick in her stocking!
The boys got their "deer hunter" in training hats and bebe's for their new guns!
Bebe opening her Christmas platter.
Isn't is adorable.....
Cashlen Little Tikes stable from the 1980's, a time when toys and play were simple, classic and fun.
A very fun game, Neds Head.....all kids love the nasty things that you have to search for and it also comes with 10 blank cards so you can find and add your own gross and silly things. Caden had a great idea to add an eyeball, so when I find one we will get it. He said that his Bebe would know what store to get and eyeball from!
And captain america costume!!
Camen's Ninja castle that he has wanted so badly!
My dress up kid!
Whoa!! Hex bugs that glow in the dark!
Playing with her prized possession, horses! After she got it and set it up all the other kids wanted to play, and with it being brand new she needed her own special time to play with it in a whole separate room......it was a meltdown, but after she got that time she was fine to share again!
Dusten and Pop visiting...
So while Sissy enjoyed her farm away from everyone, we played Neds Head, it was so much fun, the kids had a blast. Mayley however had more fun watching, she did not want to stick her hand in Neds nose or ear to find nasty items, lol!

Opening presents again, we did presents this year in rounds to bring down the chaos level. I think it worked out great!
Pop picked out the granddaughters jewelry boxes, it was a surprise!
Bebe and Mayley
The boys.

Jenn helping Buggie with her new skirt.
We love Plymobil everything at our house!
YAY, Bebe guns!
Caden is ready to kill a bear?!
HAppy!

Cashlen english riding girl and horse!

In true Lindsay fashion Pop got a note of whats to come, new Uggs slipper shoes! Must not break tradition and have the actual gift on the day of!
We surprised bebe with her very own pair of Uggs shoes too!
Pop surprised her with jewelry that he threw into me to wrap right under her nose one day during a power wrapping session, she never even noticed!
Cash also got the dollhouse and Grandmas cottage from Little Tikes!!! After I make room and clean out the old toys we can bring them home from Pop and Bebes!
Landon woke up and opened with a lot of help from his cousins.
Bebe and Pop dancing in the kitchen to some oldies that Jil got for Pop!

The girls danced too!

Now it's time for movies and popcorn so the adults can play cards, we ended up all spending the night, unexpectedly, how fun it was!!!!
GOOOOOOOD MORNING!!! Matt and Landon were first up followed by Cash and I. I told Cashlen that she had to be quiet cause others were sleeping, she said, "Noooooo, I think I have to play my horses." OK!
Then home we went to set up the ninja castle and relax for a bit.
She calls her corner Horseland. Thanks for hosting Pop and Bebe and for a wonderful Christmas in 2011!

CAMEN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY 2011

2011-12-20T08:27:00.006-06:00

On Thursday Mr Camen had his program (post below) and his party, the Foundry Faith programs are always so sweet! I will be sad for Camen to move on next year but Cash will continue there.
Camen Jude & Cashy
Cashlen and her best friend, she loves her Kendal!
Thumbs up dude!
FANS!
The best teacher Camen has had! Good teachers are a true gift to be treasured, they are hard to come by and I am so grateful that he has her the year before Kindergarten! Things do happen for a reason. =)
The fabulous music teacher at the school, all the kids love her there and she has a very special way of explaining stories from the bible and creating the cutest little programs.
A co teacher that comes and helps on Mondays brought each kid a puzzle, how sweet is that!
We enjoyed a few minutes in Camen's classroom before heading off! I always have some very torn moments after these little programs, Camen and Cashlen are getting such good little values at their schools and they are both learning so much. Caden is getting the things that he needs but it is very hard to have my boys at different schools, hopefully Caden will be at his school only 1 more year and then they can move to the same school. Ok moving on from that...

CAMEN CHRISTMAS 2011

2011-12-18T11:56:00.000-06:00

CADEN'S PERFORMANCE!

2011-12-17T07:49:00.005-06:00

Yesterday Caden had his Christmas Sing a Long at school. We dropped him off (late of course, thats why is all alone walking in!) and then went to run a few errands before returning for the show.
First we went and ate at Einstein Brothers Bagels while we waited for it to be 10 am for the stores to open. Cashlen was such a little ham, she was dancing around the restaurant in her giant tutu and furry boots, everyone was cracking up and thought she was just too cute.
Then she danced on the bench in front of the toy store waiting for the doors to be unlocked....
Camen and Cashy are so close since they go to the same school together and spend more time in the car and at home together.
After hitting the jackpot on a item I had been in search of we headed to the show, here is the "visual" program.
The Busy Bee class has arrived, do you know what song they sang?
Well, if you guessed Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, your right! Caden did a fabulous job and sang LOUD!
Camen watching his brother. I have been having some "torn" moments lately, but we just have to trust in HIM.
Then we went to Willies to celebrate and eat lunch before heading to a therapy session.
Matt, Landon, Bebe, Pop, Karen, Jill, Jil and Daddy and the siblings were all there to support Caden but I think he was the happiest to see his Daddy come.
The Star of the day!

HER DREAM COME TRUE...

2011-12-15T18:46:00.003-06:00

Cashlen's horse riding instructor told the owner of her dream horse (he listens and he is fabulous with her, amazing really!) and the last phone call I had with her went something like this......."So Mr Peter told me that Cashlen has a dream horse, a big giant white horse, I have that horse and it's going to be her horse." I was in awwwwe that they took the time and care to do that for her! She said the kids that come who don't have their own horse think their particular lesson horse is theirs and this would be Cashlen's! She was over the moon and you could see her JOY in her lesson.
Meet giant Teague and Tiny Cashlen!
She knows how to make the horse go by kicking her little feet and saying "walk on"
She didn't need anyone to hold her leg this time, she was amazing!
She also practiced sitting tall with a "flat back" and holding her head up and high! Love it, so cue and such a joy to watch!

HORSE ADDICTED AND RIDING!

2011-12-11T09:22:00.003-06:00

Last week Cashlen did her first riding lesson, it was Meme's Christmas gift to her and she LOVES it! We will see how she does and see if it is something she wants to continue after the school year and ballet are over. This was her first time on a big horse, she has only rode ponies before. At first she was a little scared when we first got there because I don't think she realized how big horses really are. The first thing she was asked to do is pet and brush Mr Gofer, but she did not want to. So the next step the instructor thought we should take was to walk around the stable and meet all the horses. At that point (10 minutes later) she was very comfortable and petting all the horses. Then she said she was ready to ride! I think he was a little surprised considering her initial reaction was to not even touch the horse, but she told him to put a saddle on him and the rest is history! She did so well, he was very proud of her and so was I, it's all she talks about.
It was barely 40 degrees and she was a trooper, never once said she was cold. She looks teary eyed but her little eyes were just watery from the cold. She learned how to hold the reins and how to make the horse stop by saying "whoa." She also learned about the mane, the stirrups and the riding helmet. I was very pleased with her instructor, he is a retired national equestrian judge and the owner (she will probably work with her next time) was an alternate on the national equestrian team. (I know nothing about those things but it sounds good!) They are older and very knowledgable, the owner also holds an early childhood degree and does not believe in pushing a child this young to do something she may not want to with the horse. She is really too young to take lessons at this place but they agreed to take her on and I love their philosophy, like I said, we will see how she does and how she likes it and then re evaluate. The owner started riding at 3 and believes if she wants to do it she can and will. If my kids want to try things they will always get the chance to do it!
I love that she has such a passion at such a young age! She already can't wait to go back!
Sitting up tall!
Such a cute little tiny thing on that big horse! I never rode horses as a kid (just a few times) but Daddy had horses and is really good with animals of all kinds. I love that she will do things that I did and that I didn't do! She does ballet too and I never did that, I played sports, did gymnastics and cheered......I hopes she cheers too! I loved cheerleading!
Happy happy girl, it was a great day for her!

A FEW CHRISTMAS PICTURES

2011-12-11T08:48:00.004-06:00

I took the kids over to a little Grandmas house near our neighborhood to take a few pics for our Christmas card this year. I think they turned out really cute and I have so many more good ones too. I love to take pictures (of my kids) and I still need practice but I think I am getting better and better every time.
I just need to learn editing techniques next so that my pictures will have that little *something special* to them =) I can't wait to learn more about that and practice that too! I am having so much fun learning to use my new camera, I did one photography workshop downtown that was super fun and my cousin and I are doing one in February that should a good time too!
Mr Camen has the cutest little faces!

And Cashlen being silly here, LOL!
Mr Cole, can you believe he is going to be in high school next year, weird!
And the 3 crazy boys, oh my gosh my house is loud!! Anytime Cole comes out of his room it's a full on wrestling match, then little Sis tries to keep up and makes it even crazier! Crazy but fun! Can't wait til our first Christmas party this coming weekend at Bebe and Pop's!

SPRING CREEK GROWERS TREE FARM 2011

2011-12-07T12:22:00.017-06:00

We had our annual visit to Spring Creek Growers last weekend, as always it was so much fun! We did however forget to check the Santa schedule and we had missed him by an hour, the kids were so upset because OF COURSE they had their lists to show him.
Santa had to leave to take care of his reindeer though, and we are going back this weekend to tell him our lists.
Stop talking pictures MOM!
It seems she is creeping up towards 3 feet tall and will be 3 in a little over a month!
No matter where we go you will at some point in time see scenes similar to this above!

These horse bouncers were new and super duper fun!

And they have the hay stack and hay to play in, roll on and throw is ALWAYS fun!
The duck races were the favorite though! And during the Christmas seaon you don't have to pay to do the farm, only during the pumpkin season.
We have been coming here for 5 years and last year the kids were on FOX 26 news here at the farm, just a snipit, but still, it's cute and I just found out the other day soooooo.

There are also tricycles and little go kart things but the kids can't reach those pedals yet.

Landon and his Daddy.
I took some pics for them at the farm when they met us up there, they turned out so adorable!

My favorite pic of Cash showing Landon the turkey.

BEAUTIFUL baby girl!

Whooooops, I think I just threw up PF Changs!
Crawling through the trees is fun too!
All the kids want to pet him, when he is running around they probably won't do that anymore, but I also adore this sweet pic.
A race through the trees......

Yeah, she is not like me or anything, WINNING!

Cutie Caden!! The boys were picked to model for another company, so excited!!!
Amy and her daughter Avery were there too, I think she may have been a TAD overwhelmed by the twins, they are so outgoing and she is a little more reserved, but they all had fun together.
She LOVED the ducks too.
Uncle Matt doing a noogie (how do you spell that)?
JUMP boo!
Daddy and his boys.
Dog pile.
Uncle Matt had a hay fight with Boo.
Caden Jace.
And in all it's glory, our tree! If your local, try to go to this farm and have some family fun!

THANKSGIVING DINNER 2011

2011-11-30T12:31:00.009-06:00

The kids and I made turkey's and decorated them (they are from a kit similar to a gingerbread house) to take to Bebe's house for decoration. When asked to each give me 2 things they were thankful for the answers were as follows: Cashlen said "Horses and Cowboys!" Caden Jace said, "Halloween and his teachers." and Camen Jude said, "family and Jesus!"
They played outside, played video games, ate turkey dinner and played bingo with Bebe! That equals a super fun day spent with family and cousins!
Swinging in the baby swing, they all still love the baby swing.
Camen, playing tag.

Last Thanksgiving her hair was at her chin, AMAZING! Oh and she was about a foot shorter.
Grandpa carved the turkey in Bebe's amish apron!
Looking for the little elf girl at Bebe's, and her tree is up and gorgeous as usual.
Pop and her went to get some new giant decorations, the kids loved these!!!
Hey Bebe and Pop, did you know the girls were jumping on your bed??? I bet so!
Caden told the story of Thanksgiving and did a wonderful job doing so.
My brothers, Matt and Josh.
The twins eating their meal, the favorite was the turkey and the least fave was the sweet potatoes for Caden cause of the texture and the macaroni was the least fave for Camen, he hates pasta.
My beautiful cousins, all available by the way, (hahahaha Katie) and since I know that cute 20 something year old guys are not reading my blog....maybe you know some good Texas boys!?
Jenn, Dusten and Pop.
Billy, Karen, DJ, Grandpa, Grandma and Joy.
Grandpa and Landon.
The girls stick together.
Buggie on Boo's bike, I think she is getting one soon so they can ride together at Bebe's on a walk next time.
Katelin and Allison and the famous hat! It was another great Turkey Day, and Jenn I will beat you in cards next year so practice up, I will work on my adding skills!

BOBO'S HERE VIDEO! at OneTrueMedia.com

2011-11-28T06:58:00.001-06:00

Here is the video of Bobo (Elf on the Shelf) arrival. Before the Elf showed up we were watching the Elf on the Shelf show on CBS and Cashlen was telling me what was going on in the show. She was so cute but running on, well basically juice and no sleep as you can see! The boys were through the roof!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

ELF ON THE SHELF, BOBO HAS ARRIVED!

2011-11-26T08:49:00.006-06:00

Look who's baaaaaaaaccckkkkk! And Ohmagosh, thank God I checked facebook 5 minutes before the Elf on the Shelf mini movie aired last night on CBS (I had forgotten), it was the most perfect and impeccable timing since he was arriving last night!!!! It was meant to be I tell ya!
Of course Bobo doesn't travel alone, he travels with his cousins....Pip, Squeak, Peppermint Patti and Scout! Bobo is the original elf on the shelf, he is on a top secret mission for Santa and he is a secret agent spy elf, who of course the kids cannot touch! But the cousins are play elves, they are meant to be toted around and cuddled! Each of the cousins arrived with a letter from Santa for each child and Bobo came with his book and a special first gift, Christmas Shrinky Dinks for some fun family time! This is the second year Bobo has arrived in snow from the North Pole, amazing! Pip and Squeak came to the twins last year, but Peppermint Patti and Scout are new this year and came to Cashlen and Cole, Santa is so nice.
Cashlen was beyond thrilled, I was LOVING her reaction this year, she is sooooo into it! You should have seen her when the boy touched Chippy in the Elf on the Shelf show last night, she almost burst into tears!
Camen was soooooo hilarious, I will put the video on soon, it's too cute!
Look Mommy, Peppermint "Atti" can stand!
Reading the story. The twins haven't put the cousins down, not barely once!

The Happy Happy trio!
Oh, peppermint rides horses like Cashy too! I am just as excited as the kids, I love this sweet tradition!

THANKFUL FOR CADEN at OneTrueMedia.com

2011-11-25T19:06:00.001-06:00

Caden told the story of Thanksgiving that he learned at school in front of lots of people before prayer. Sadly the background talking was loud and he got a little distracted from finishing the story the way he usually does, but I was so proud of him for wanting to do that and he did amazing!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

SANTA'S WONDERLAND 2011

2011-11-23T08:32:00.008-06:00

Pop is always teaching Mr Camen stuff, like how to speak in different languages, how to be a business man and how to stand in yoga positions. As you can see he is taking to "Pop's teachings"
My little model.
The kids adopted Mamaw. (Blair's grandma)
Landon's California grandma is in town too! (I can't remember her official grandma name)
When you first walk in a snaow machine kicks on to set the mood, it is so cool and makes you feel like Christmas!
As you can see the kids LOVE it!
Camen dancin' on a stump!
Running joyously through the snow.

Getting ready to take the SANTA picture! I will post that in another post and tell the details of that along with the picture.
The real reindeer, he was so cool. Caden wanted to know why his nose wasn't red, I told him because he wasn't Rudolph, but that he did know Rudolph. That made him really happy to know that he knew him!
Yeehaw Caden Jace!

Mr Camen's turn!

Sissy watching her bull riding brothers.
The Landon Grandma's!
Our 2011 picture for Christmas, it may be the only one we get!
My friend Leslie's family, we all went together, it was so much fun, it's the 2nd time we have been with each other.

Cashlen's FAVORITE part, no surprise here, THE PONIES!!
Caden
Camen
Baby Landon's first pony ride!
My boo
Bliss
JOY

Cashy and Blair, we have yet to get a recent good picture of these 2 little cuties!
Randy with one of his new twins.
The twin club, funny story.....When Leslie and I met she wanted to have twins sooooo badly and actually prayed for them. One day before my twins turned 2 she rode with us to Toys R Us and after that trip she didn't really want to have twins anymore. We have babies around the same age that are nearly 3 years old and then her next pregnancy, to everyones surprise was TWIN BOYS! It is a really cool story and their names are Kane and Zane, I cannot tell them apart!
Running to the hayride to see the million billion lights!!!

This poor guy Garrett, the twins just loved him and followed him everywhere.
My favorite scene!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2011-11-20T18:22:00.006-06:00

Well Thanksgiving break is here (starting tomorrow) and the kids are so excited! I am too, it will be nice to sluff off our routine a little! Yesterday I took the kids out to take some Thanksgiving pics of them and the first stop was this little place near our house, a giant tree! I parked the car on the side of the rode and we walked to the tree, then I plopped them on the giant limb and began to take their pics. Next thing we know a lady is yelling at us out her car window that we are not allowed to be on the tree or property, WHOOPS! So I took them off and told them lets just take a few more AROUND the tree, hahahaha! They were freaking out and worried the COPS would come, what kind of 5 year old worries about that?!
But just think, if I would not have take just those few more shots then I would have missed this sweet picture of my little indian twins kissing their sissy!
By the way, these awesome "Shootin' the Bird" shirts are from Cotton Laundry on Etsy and you can see the twins featured in her shop wearing these shirts. Also right now she is having a 10% discount so hurry!
Caden Jace! Ok, so we left the tree spot and went to Lindsay Lakes to take some more. We have big plans this week, ballet (of course!) Santa's Wonderland, Bebe's party, making cookie turkeys and more Christmas decorating! And I am sure some more unplanned fun will pop up along the way.
Caden always has to pee, ALWAYS!
Caden Jace
Camen Jude, I think he is starting to get used to modeling, LOL!
Cashlen
Sweet girl!
I saved each of their hats they made at their schools and I am so glad I did! It is so cool to see their individual teachers take on making hats, they are all so different but all equally cute!

A double, I got sidetracked.

Cashy's hat says "Runs with horses" cause thats what she would do all day everyday if I'd let her.
Beautiful Baby!

Mr Camen again! Today we got up our stocking, our house lights and our advent calendar, I am getting so excited for all of the upcoming holiday FUN! Hoping everyone has a blesses Thanksgiving this year!

DISNEY ON ICE!

2011-11-18T14:35:00.004-06:00

We went to the November show, Mickey and Minnies Magical Journey and the kids really enjoyed it, but as a Disney On Ice professional I was a little disappointed. Here's the kids handing their own tickets over.
The big kids!
The crew plus Landon, see him over to the right? It was his first show!
He loved the lights and the music, and the stranger next to him that he kept trying to touch when I was holding him, haha!
Mayley and Cashlen getting into the song.
Happy boy!
and very happy Kids!
Pop walking with the girls to the picture spot and toy booth!
I was snapping pics behind the lady.
Cousins!!! Disney On Ice, we will probably see you in April!

CADEN JACE'S SCHOOL FALL FEST!

2011-11-16T20:50:00.004-06:00

The day before Hallowen Parish had their fall fest, it was a total blast! Caden loves his school, I do too and although we hope for him to leave next year after kindergarten I just can't imagine him elsewhere. But, that is the point, to leave when ready so it will be a happy and joyous day but very bitersweet! I love what this school teaches him, it just blows me away. That on top of the fact that he is a one of a kind amazing kid and person just makes me smile inside!
The twins leading the pack, they were very excited.
First up, fishing.

Cool, a superhero prize!
Sensory tables.
JUMPING, with friends. As soon as he saw his friends he was GONE, it could not have matered if any of us were there. It is amazing how close these kids get, they spend soooo much time together.
Sissy liked the baby slide, she is not a thrill seeker, she is very safe.

A lot of people on the tiny train!
Silly string wars, help me Mommy!

Sharing food with her friend that she never gets to see, BOO.

Caden enjoyed the day, he loved introducing Camen to his friends and they even tricked several people, little stinkers!

HALLOWEEN BREAKFAST AND CADEN'S SCHOOL PARTY

2011-11-16T20:38:00.003-06:00

The donut store near our house makes all holiday themed donuts, how cool is that! Caden wanted a ghost!
Camen got an eye ball....
and Sissy got a ghost too, BOO!
I was late to Caden's party, this day was super packed and crazy! It was literally one thing to the next and then a huge party at my house, but all worth it and so much fun. This is one of Caden's favorite spots in the classroom, the little book corner.
He wanted to show me the calendar that they do.
Trying out some dracula teeth he got in a goody bag, they were not comfy.
A chaotic class pic, 3 kids are missing....they had a great party! By the way, if you haven't noticed I am so behind in blogging, I mean SOOOOO behind that I can't even remember what I post and what I don't, it's getting pretty bad people!

PUMPKIN CARVING 2011

2011-11-16T19:17:00.005-06:00

"Maybe I can just get away with barely touching a seed and no goop?!"
The twins still think the stuff is gross but they do it anyways.
Daddy kept hanging goop off his nose and the kids thought it was hilarious.

YUCKY Mom!
Treasured horse that she got for doing well after a little modeling photo shoot for a local boutique.

The eye on an eye.
We had fun carving, Daddy was the carver this year so I got to take pics instead of doing the knife work, yay!

HALLOWEEN 2011

2011-11-15T11:50:00.014-06:00

I LOOOOOOOOVE this picture, this is how we grew up.....always with our cousins! As a matter of fact, we lived 2 houses down from each other and this is the second generation! (well, it's really probably a greater generation than that but second from me, and also Mayley and Luke were not here and Addsion was with Mandy.)
Riggins, Aubrey and Cash playing on the roller coaster.
Mandy and Addi.
Cousin Katie's here!
We rode bikes, played in the sandbox, played on the swingset, jumped on the trampoline and played with all our toys! The kids probably would have never cared if we would have never went trick or treating, well except the twins.
Landon and Bebe and Pop.
Addi!
Uncle Matt's nickname is Tiger so this was the perfect hand me down costume from the twins for Landon to wear.
Matt, Jenn, Camen and Landon
The Reames family, growing like crazy!
Our little trick or treaters, we had at least 25 people over and it was a blast!
The trailer hay ride that we always have lawn chairs instead of hay!

My gorgeous cousin is available if you think you have what it takes!
Camen riding on Uncle Matt's newest toy!
Addi doing her first trick or treating, she was so cute, last year she was a tiny baby.
Meme and the kids.
The twins and Cashy's newest best friend, wish she lived closer!
Uncle Beav with Riggins.
Banana Blair.
Not sure if this is Zane or Kane, but he got his first candy.
Sister and brother.
Mister Camen and Meme.
The Reames minus one plus Dusten!

"Can I please have that one?"
CANDY!!!

My super twins, Mario and Luigi!
Addi and Kody.
Mandy and Addi.
It was Aunt Jenn's real b day on Halloween and I put up a few decorations, this one said Happy birthday Hot Momma!
Matt made her this sign, lucky lady!
Bebe and Baby Lan.
Our friends and neighbors Kristin and Johnny.
Hey, there is Cole and Buddy. Starting to outgrow Halloween.
Pop and Landon.
Grandpa and Camen Jude.
Phew, finally bath time! I threw Blair in too so he'd be ready for school and to fall asleep on the way home, which he did not fall asleep! Thanks everyone for coming and having another wonderful annual Halloween with us, can't wait til next year!

FIRST TIME MUTTON BUSTIN' - CAMEN JUDE

2011-11-13T09:22:00.000-06:00

TWINS FIRST TIME TO MUTTON BUST

2011-11-13T07:58:00.008-06:00

We have been talking about this with the twins for a few months now, I have even been looking into it a bit online. But we finally went to the little rodeo and did it! We were so worried that they may chicken out and that we would have wasted the entry money, but they really wanted to do it and kept asking if it was their turn yet. Here is Camen watching the 4 year old and under kids.
Cashy watching, she was more on "horse lookout."
Pouty face.
Camen's signature face.
Daddy and Boots.
Almost time!
Getting the pep talk on how to hold the sheep.
Camen getting suited up!
Caden couldn't wait to get the gear on, you can see how cool Caden thought that Camen looked here. Some kids out there have been doing this for quite some time and wear chaps, spurs and have all the get up. Some of the kids get a little rope tied to th sheep and ride it like a bull. They are all so cute. The twins have boots, jeans etc but we just kept them in what they had on from that day. That made Caden mad once he saw that he didn't look like a cowboy, next time Caden Jace we will have your boots on!
Camen getting his prize!
Caden Jace is up....
Running to the gate. Caden did not have a good hold on the sheep and flew off on the first leap, Camen stayed on for a few seconds and did really good. But we were so proud of both of them and they did it!
Caden getting his prize.
Then it was Cashlen's turn to do the stick horse races, they were calling her name and we were running to the stick horse race. When we got there and I handed her a stick horse she burst into tears and said, "I don't want to ride a stick horse, I wanna ride a real horse!" So this Mommy was nice enough to let her hop on with her daughter before she did her mini barrel race.
The kids had a blast running around like crazy and got to see some of their cousins too!

OIL RANCH FIELD TRIP 2011

2011-11-11T11:48:00.009-06:00

On Thursday Camen's class had their annual Oil Ranch field trip! Sissy was supposed to have school but she asked Mister Camen if it would be ok for her to go and he said yes of course.
So off we went, she was super happy!
Camen and his classmates.
Walking Sissy in like a good big brother.
The kids were wound up and couldn't wait to start moving around the Oil Ranch!
First we rode the horses.
Cashlen, our little horse lover rode them 3 times!
Then we played in the hay barn, looked at the animals and went to the first of two petting zoo's.
When I saw this sign it made me think of a lot of things and I liked it.
Then we went to milk the cow.....Camen did it this time and Cash still doesn't want to.
Camen with his best friend and his little brother.
Pre tunnel screaming!
Pose.
Riding these swings were fun and hilarious.
When Daddy got off he stopped by the ranch, but only for 5 minutes then he had to go back in. Sissy was sad, she wanted her Daddy to take her on the horses (yet again).

Running to the petting zoooooooo!

Camen had such a wonderful time running with the guys!
And running through the maze was fun too.
Putt putt time!
Hmmmm, maybe Cash needs some golf lessons from her Bebe, aka Sure Shot Shari! Bebe recently got her first hole in one!
Shooting hoops......speaking of the twins will be starting basketball in a week or so, they are so excited. It should be interesting since they have never played basketball and never played on a team of anything yet. I am hoping it will be a good learning experience on loosing gracefully for Camen and on staying focused for Caden. But also and most importantly that they like doing it and have fun!

We found sno cones!

Back on the horse, she rode the white first, then the brown.....

Then this little beauty that was white and brown was tied up and this sweet man knew how badly she wanted to ride this horse. He came to get me and explained that he had a daughter her age who didn't like horses and he could see the glimmer in her eye and he wanted her to ride this horse, and he said not to mention that she was cuter than pumkin pie!

An all around great day!

GRANDPARENTS & SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY AT TPS

2011-11-11T11:41:00.002-06:00

Yesterday Caden had his Grandparents/Special friends day at school. He is so lucky to have so many people who support him, love him and truly want to spend time with and and watch him grow. We are also super blessed that our family is in town and so close to be very involved. As they say, "It takes a village to raise a child" and I am in such a content and happy place with all the teachers, therapists and family that we have around us right now, TEAM CADEN is doing a great job!
Caden was so happy to show off his school, his class and the bookfair that was going on. Thanks you to each of you that attended, you each play a very special role in his life individually!

PRAYERS

2011-11-02T12:31:00.002-05:00

Today I want to remember Camen leading us in morning prayer in the car......Usually I lead it but I asked him if he would this morning and these are his exact words:

"Dear Jesus, Thank you for this day. Help us to be kind and good and do the things we should. AMEN"

Something about a child praying is so powerful and makes me feel so good inside.

We also ask for your prayers while Daddy and I travel and the kids stay back home with family.....please pray for safe travels and for the safety of our children and those around them, thank you so much and I will update soon with Halloween fun and other exciting things!

OLD TIME CHRISTMAS TREE FARM PUMPKIN PATCH

2011-10-30T07:59:00.005-05:00

Last night we had plans to go to this little tiny festival and let Sissy ride some horses, BUT we ended up having to do something else. She was sad but it ended up okay either way. Came yelling Mario above!
Making Camen Jude faces.
Caden Jace
Boo on the hay ride.
Daddy and Cashy going up to the tree house, it is really high up.
Me and my boys, love those boys!
Cashlen has really taken to Daddy lately, and he is eating it up!
Daddy's girl.
In this picture she is telling me how sad she was that she didn't get to go ride her horse, but after I reassured her that I would take her VERY soon she was okay. Poor thing!
Before we left she had a collision and got a big bruise on her face.

But doing horse stamps makes everything better for her!
And having the first fire in a long time makes everything better for little boys.

Look at her face right before a 3 bike collision!
I love this shot, it was a complete accident but it's a mirror image shot, Camen looks surprised and I love it! More fall fun later today!

WE'VE BEEN BUSY LATELY!

2011-10-29T08:33:00.008-05:00

I love this time of year, we celebrate with family, friends, parties and we get to enjoy our little ones having a blast doing it! Luke (cousin) turned 6 a few days ago and have a Pokemon jumpy party, it was a lot of fun. Cashlen and Mayley above.
Caden Jace loved Luke's cake, it was very blue and cute!
Cousins!!!
Sissy liked the cake too.
At ballet this week Cashlen had her dress up costume day, Princess Peach and ballet go great together.
Ballet, standing with her teacher having a bit of a drama queen moment.
But then she got over it and did great in tap!
One day we went to Willies after a photo shoot for a local boutique that her and Camen Jude did, it was a fun filled day!

Playing in the sand with her best new horse!
Beautiful girl!
Camen and Cashy's school had their annual craft show so we went up there and shopped around and played.
Bebe, Pop, Jil, Matt and Landon stopped in too for a little retail therapy!
The boys got a wooden sword and shield and Cole got a wooden knife.
One morning before school we had donuts after we dropped Caden off. Camen and Cashlen are very close.
Caden and Cash love the iced donuts and Camen likes the donut holes.
Ready for ballet today!!!
With the cooler weather Caden got to wear one of his new fall uniforms, he was sooooooo very proud of how he looked and couldn't wait to show his teachers and friends!
Prep boy sweater, so cute!

FINE MOTOR ACTIVITIES

2011-10-26T22:23:00.006-05:00

Fine motor is a big deal around our house, Caden's fine motor skills are behind but he is doing so much better compared to last year and coming along great! They do fine motor in school daily, he goes to occupational therapy and we try to sneak some in at home as much as possible. Cashlen is getting on board too now that she has the clothespin figured out. She has known her colors forever now but what she is really working on here is matching and fine motor.
So all you need to make a color wheel is a paper plate, clothespins and markers! So simple and cheap! On the back of this one is Caden's name written in a circle from last year when he was learning the letters in his name and how to spell it.
Cashlen completes the wheel now with pretty much no help so she is doing great!
For the boys I set up the alphabet and gave them each 13 to finish, they love doing things a lot more if it is a race or feels like a game! For this all you need is flashcards and clothespins. All you have to do is write the letter on the clothespin, they can either match the lowercase to the uppercase, match the same or whatever variation you feel would benefit your child at that time.
We used our zoo phonics cards since Caden's school uses that program. I have also introduced Caden to the program that Camen's school and CFISD uses.
Camen usually wins but I am so happy that Caden wants to do it and completes the task without frustration!

Of course I made them lay in the cards for a cute picture!

Tonight we did Lite Brite for our fine motor activity, and we don't do fine motor every night, we should but we don't. Sometimes we do other activities, sometimes we play outside and then there are also times that our schedule doesn't allow for anything more than nighttime reading. Camen and I did the pumpkin and Sissy got to play around with it for the first time after we were done.
Then Caden and Daddy did a butterfly, which at first I thought was a bunny with horns. I cannot wait to go to my photography workshop in a couple of days, I have so much to learn and shooting in low light is one of them.
Camen giving me the look to come and play his favorite game with him....MEMORY, Camen has a memory of gold and always has!

Finished, proud and he had fun!

Yay, Daddy, we DID IT!

ANNUAL PUMPKIN PATCH VISIT 2011

2011-10-26T21:22:00.005-05:00

Every year we take the kids to the church where Dusten and I got married 6 years ago. (well it will be 6 years ago in 3 days!) We took our engagement pictures in the pumpkin patch here back when it was JUST pumpkins. Now they have cute little set ups and scenes and it is so much fun to go back each year and see what new ideas they came up with!
Camen Jude peeking through the window.
Daddy set up the pose and the kids were just not wanting to 100% cooperate with the door shot, but it's pretty cute and we will work on it again soon somewhere else in their Thanksgiving get up!
Caden Jace and his signature wink.
Sissy where her little heart lies, in a farm! Except with lots of horses. By the way, she got attacked by a goose 2 weeks ago and I have not blogged about it yet, but will soon!
Hmmmmmmmm..............
Camen with the Wizard of Oz peeps!
Cash and Oscar.
Caden found this pumpkin right away at the first scene we looked at, when we weren't looking he went back to get it. I love that he knew that was the one and only pumpkin he would stand for and he didn't need to look through the patch to decide. The little bumpy one. He took it and some patch pics to show and tell on Tuesday. Camen on the other hand couldn't find one perfect enough for him, he said they were all gross and dirty or misshaped. Cashlen didn't care to get one.
The twins, 5 and half years old!
Best friends forever!

FALL IS IN THE AIR 2011

2011-10-20T16:59:00.013-05:00

WOW, I just cannot believe that it's already fall and that we are so close to so many of our families most favorite holidays! With crazy school schedules and Momma and some of the kids being on the road for more than 6 hours daily (some of you have it sooo easy!) blogging has been put on the back burner! (again) But, since I LOVE to document our lives through this blog and print it up for the kiddos as keepsakes it really doesn't matter if it's in order, right!
Camen and Cashlen......sooooooo, since Jil and my Mom have been coming over here to watch/play/enjoy the kids they have been walking them or pulling them as babies to the horse about half a mile from our house. They all love it! We have started to do it as well but on bikes.
We take them food and the boys love to race anyone who will on their Striders!
The brown horse is very pretty!
Uh Oh, here comes the white one, he is older and will kick the brown one to move out of his limelight so he can get more attention and food. Of course if you know my sweet Cashlen you know that horses are her tip top obsession and soon she will become much closer to these beautiful animals!
Racing home!
Cashlen can always make it there but not back on her bike, but in due time she will!
So, these posts are over about a month and a half span, I have a waterproof camera, a regular digital and my new birthday present is the T3i, yay (so all pics taken with different cameras)!!!!! I love photography, like love love love taking pictures and most especially of my precious little ones! It is pure joy and a hobby, a camera is always attached to me....I shoot and document everything. Will I continue to use a professional photographer? Well, yes and no for now. Maybe in the future for family pics but not for the kids anymore.....my goal is to eliminate using someone for their milestone pics.
I have a long way to go and am taking a photography workshop next week, WHAT WHAT, I am overly excited. Next on the list is to learn slightly better editing. S
So when Cashy's costume came in the mail she had to put it on right away, she was so excited and so in love with this Princess Peach costume, as am I! I took a whole 2 minutes worth of pictures of her in it, I have only got to use my new camera a whole 3 times, boooo!
We play and jump outside daily. Between hip hop, therapies and school it can be hard to do, but it is just a must! They are getting really good at their flips.
Caden is getting to be such a good little baseball player. I have been practicing with him lately, he bats as a lefty and throws as a righty, just the way we wanted the twins to hit...OPPOSITE!
After going to a craft show at Camen and Cashlen's school we spent the day at Bebe's doing laundry, my washer bit the dust. Caden wanted to go on a walk so I grabbed my camera and took advantage of 3 minutes of practice time.
He is so cute!
Sooo sunny!
He got a wooden sword at the craft show.

So on this day it was my first ever time to turn my camera on, Boo was tired from the day and still in her ballet clothes.

Caden on the swingset.
Camen Jude.
Sissy after I woke her up =)
Caden and Cash.
Caden Jace trying to hula hoop, it's hard!
On another day sitting outside playing, the norm, did I mention how much we love this weather!
Playing water guns.
And digging for treasure is so much fun!
On this day we went to get haircuts by an old school friend of mine, she did a great job and is so sweet.
Cashlen is not getting a haircut for a long time!
Whooo, sour gummy face.
Camen is a man of many faces!
Freckles galore!! So this was a great catch up post and there is still so much more to be posted and more coming up! I am so blessed to have the family that I have and love each and everyone of them dearly, can't wait for all of the upcoming holidays!

2 YEAR OLD BALLET

2011-10-15T08:33:00.000-05:00

MY BIRTHDAY.....29th

2011-10-12T13:36:00.009-05:00

So just one more year til the big 30! This year I had another wonderful birthday! On the real night we went out for sushi with our friends Randy and Leslie, we laughed A LOT!
Thanks so much guys for coming to celebrate with us, we love yall!
Me and my baby....
On the way home we picked Sissy back up from Bebe and Pop's and the twins spent the night, they were so excited to stay. But Cash needed her glasses since the other cars headlights were way to bright, she fell asleep like this!
The next day we had the traditional dinner and hanging out at my Mom and Dad's. It rained allllll day long but the teenage boys thought they would take a swim in the cold pool anyways.
Jumping is F U N !
The 3 little bits.
Baby Landon is almost crawling, watch out Mom and Dad!
Hehe, I love this pic of Landon and Camen. They all adore him.
Meme with the twins learning to play video games!
Food time, steak, potatoes and asparagus, yummm!
Playing babies.
And being cute!
Mr Camen took our picture, they all like to try to take pictures, defiantly a trait from their Momma!
I LOVE this pillow, it is so sweet, thank you Karen!
This was from September 2nd when we stopped by for Bebe's real birthday!
Baby Luigi.
Camen Jude and Bebe
And Mayley and Cashy! Thanks everyone for making my birthday one to remember, I love you all!

A SUPER PARTY

2011-10-12T13:28:00.002-05:00

Awhile ago, one of Caden's good friends from last year had a superhero birthday party. They go to different schools now so Caden was super excited to go, he still talks about his friend daily.
The party was so much fun and the ice cream man came. The kids thought this was really cool!
Caden choose the Captain America popsicle.
A donut hole cake!
About to say good bye, it was a great party!

BEAR BRANCH PARK!

2011-10-06T22:23:00.006-05:00

Well if you haven't heard the twins are on a reward system that consists of earning fake Mario Dollars for things during their day that are difficult. Their teachers both use them as well. I made them one day using money template, Mario characters and a laminator! So much fun, and to keep it fresh I change what they are working for every 1-2 weeks. The first week Caden saved his dollars to go to a new park. New meaning we have not been there before.
This park has a skate park for bikes and skateboards, they LOVED it!
Camen and Cashlen watching the big boys in the bowl.
Camen trying to keep up with the tricksters.
Ohhhhhhh, he wiped out!!
But he got back on!
Caden Jace
Cashlen
Then we rode over to the playground for some play time.
Perfect slide for twin races!
Camen trying so hard =)
Bilateral movements are a good workout for Caden.
Camen climbing.
And sliding with his Sissy, awwwww!
Mt twins, I so love these guys, they are so awesome!
Boo swinging.

The 3 littles.
The park was so much fun, it truly was a great day! Mommy treated the boys to Chick fil A for lunch and then we went home to watch a movie and rest up for Bebe's party. I am behind on blogging, just sooooo busy this year!

DEWBERRY FARM TRIP 2011

2011-10-02T09:57:00.012-05:00

It had been 2 years since we had been to the farm (I think) and I was so glad we decided to go again! It was much less crowded than it was 2 years ago since we went on the 2nd weekend of opening instead of on into October. No lines, no one got lost and it was just an all around enjoyable time!
Especially since the twins are 5 and Cash is almost 3 (in January) things are just much easier now. The twins wanted to do the jumping pillow first, so we did!
Then they wanted to *try* the zip line. Camen loved it as long as I did it with him and didn't let go. But Caden did not even want to try it, his sensory system was out of whack on this day, especially his false sense of falling and heights. But, I won't bore you with all the specifics of that!
He had fun just running up and down the runway so it all worked out.
Then it was Ms Cashlen's turn to choose what to do, the cow train!
Pop and Caden Jace
and Sissy rode with Daddy.
Then at the last minute I rode with Camen, even though he didn't want me to.
Caden jumping off the hay bail.
Camen riding on the hoppers, another thing that Caden did better at running along with instead of on.

Boo and Bebe watching.
Camen on the rope....
Caden let go before getting it tucked under his legs, bam!

The roller slide!
Caden in the fort, this is the spot where he wandered off from when he was 3 and got lost.
So cute!
Oh me oh my, my daughter is in LOVE with horses. She loves them so much and has a box of all different kinds of horses, (stuffed, hard, My Little Pony, etc) she sets them up many many times a day. She talks about them constantly we walk to go see some in our neighborhood from time to time but she has never been brave enough to ride......until NOW!
She wanted to keep doing it over and over again, I wish I could have a horse for her!
Caden's wink face.

Camen Jude tipping his cowboy hat, lil cutie!
Cashlen on a dirt road leading the way...
to the corn crib!
It feels so good and doesn't stick to you like sand!
The mini roller slide.
Camen Jude on the horse swing, it was fun!

The second time she rode she went around and told each horse horse goodbye and patted their nose, awwww sweet girl!

The boys and Sissy are sooooo close and love each other so much!

Listening to the hay ride driver give a speech.
Family photo for Fall of 2011, lol. (Cole was at his Mom's)
This was kinda funny, to the right of Caden were some people taking a picture and he kept standing there posing acting like he was in their picture, but off to the side, haha!
Bebe and Caden Jace.
Bebe and Camen.
They each got a tiny goody at the gift shop and we were off to the house! Cashlen got a tiny stuffed horse and soap on a rope, Caden got a duck made of soap to wash himself in the bath with and Camen got a glow in the dark magic wand! So much fun and we will go again!

BEBE TURN'S 60!!!!!

2011-09-29T18:59:00.009-05:00

Last weekend we celebrated my Mom turning 60! It was a fabulous party and so much fun. The kids started off riding on some ride on's that we brought over and they all had a blast doing that together.
Luke and Camen, Luke loved our EZ Roller that they twins got last Christmas.
Cashlen is getting really good on her Strider bike, but still cautious on hills.
Check that out!!! The outdoor kitchen is a new addition to the backyard. Bebe and Pop were working very hard the last month to get it done....all the way up until the day before/of! They also poured concrete and made a bigger sitting and hanging out area, got the pool redone and did up the garage, it looks amazing!
Caden Jace
We had caricature artists there, it was a huge hit and a favor for the guests!
I made a video of Bebe "through 60 years"
Everyone LOVED it and I think it came out great!
Peeps watching the video....

Blowing out the candles!
Dusten was hunting, look at our pic, he drew it off my i pad from us in Florida a few years ago, amazing!
We busted the spoons out, it's tradition.

A special picture of the grand kids in matching golf outfits I found online, they are such cute outfits and can be worn many more times!

Bebe looking at her collage I threw together.
The kids were WIPED and I finally made them go to bed around 11:30.....the twins.
Mayley and the twins.
Sissy.
and Luke. Thanks to all who came and celebrated with us, we are all so lucky to have Bean, Bebe, Shari in our lives!

PICTURE DAY 2011~Cashlen

2011-09-29T18:16:00.002-05:00

Today Cashlen had pictures at school, she was adorable and it was the PERFECT picture day outfit! I was so proud of her because last year she flat refused to take the pictures at school but now she really does like pictures unless she is just sick of it.....This year she is in the toddler 2 class and doing very well. She always gets the best notes, about being a good listener, fllows directions, a sweet girl and VERY talkative. (which I already know, she is like Camen and never stops talking!)
Since we always have an hour to kill in the morning and afternoon between school pick ups today we stopped at a park.
It was not a good park though so we need to find alternatives!