The Coombs Family

Annie Jr.

2011-12-13T18:04:00.000-08:00

This past week Miaja and I got to go to a theater downtown and watch our good friend Abby in the play Annie! Abby was the cute and sassy Molly and she did such a fantastic job! All of my kiddos love to pretend and make-up plays and stuff so they just thought the world of their little friend front and center! We even got to spend the night with some of our favorite gals...The Bahr ladies! What a blast! Good-job Abby!

Miaja and Emma ready for the show!
I LOVE these girls!
Kennedy, Emma. Abby (the big star), Livi, Miaja and Mialee

Coombs Family ER

2011-11-10T06:44:00.000-08:00

Thomas, Thomas, Thomas

Well...I was really thinking that Thomas was indestructible:) The other day I had gone to institute and Jaron was spending some time with the boys. After institute I always go to the school and help in Miaja and Chase's classes for an hour. Well, as I walked into the school Jaron gave me a call and said Thomas needs to talk to you. As soon as Thomas got on the phone my heart was broken to hear his endless sobs. I couldn't understand a word but Thomas really doesn't fuss a lot so I knew something was wrong. I finally got Jaron on the phone and he told me that he had given Thomas 7 stitches on his toe! I said when...he responded..."just now". I asked him why he hadn't called me and he said, "I wanted you to enjoy your morning". Well, I turned around and went home to find my adorable Tommy with a little make shift cast. It broke my heart to see him so sad.
Well, the saddness didn't last long. Thomas, very common to his nature, turned everything into a positive. He learned to use his make-shift cast to slide very smoothly across the floor. He also found a way to jump-off the table without hurting his foot...on one foot (crazy, I know. I did try to stop him:))
Through all of this two things have been reaffirmed to me. 1) we love that our daddy is a doctor and 2) Thomas really is "indestructible":) The stitches were really a way for him to get his cool cast and now have a great way to cruise across smooth surfaces and strengthen his calf muscles because now a hops EVERYWHERE!
I love Thomas. He reminds me each day to enjoy everything...even the bumps and bruises. What other choice do we have.

Jaron created quite the "sterile field". I can't believe he did all of this on his own. Ayden was his helper.
This was Thomas cut. All he did was drop a chair on his toe. Jaron had to do the stitches through Thomas nail. Yuck.

Here he is just a couple of hours after. Mr. Positive. We love him for it too!

Camping Inks Lake

2011-11-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

Inks Lake

A Couple of weekends ago our family got to go camping with our friends, the Rousches, to a beautiful lake outside of Austin called Inks Lake. It was so nice to get outside and enjoy sleeping under the stars:) We even swan in the lake...even though it had weird green slimy things floating in it.
The Rousch Family moved here about a year ago from where we are hoping to move in Alaska, Anchorage. They LOVED so I enjoy hearing all their stories. Our kids didn't skip a beat playing and discovering things. They even seemed to manage eating dinner swarmed by mosquito's without complaint.

This was on a hike we took the first night. It was so beautiful!

I love sunset and silhouette pictures.
Miaja bundlin' up for the night!
Thomas being silly

Miaja loved playing with Erica their oldest daughter.

Ayden just chillin'
Thomas always get's a hard time for being a little crazy...because he kinda is...but he is the cuddliest and sweetest ever! Love my Thomas.

....Thomas is the cuddliest and sweetest 2 yr. old...now Chase...he's the cuddliest and sweetest 6, almost 7 yr. old.

Jaron just hangin' out having a good time. Jaron the master of setting up camp. He could pretty much make the greatest camping set-up from next to nothing!

Love the picture...Miaja loves her daddy!
...Jaron is the sweetest and cuddliest 32 yr. old ever ...(maybe too much information:))
Of course Thomas would find the tree he could climb that would take him out over the lake...makes for a good picture!
So sweet. I love Ayden.
Coombs Fam...with our sweet dog Belle

The Rousche Family

Ott Annual Bike Rodeo

2011-11-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

Annual Ott Bike Rodeo

My kids love riding their bikes, like most kids. They look forward to the Ott Elementary Bike Rodeo each year. Last year Miaja won first place for the 2nd grade girls and this year Chase won first for 1st grade boys. They do such a hood job at the school. They even give the kids their own trophies. My favorite part is hearing the kids cheer on all their friends. The classes get to watch each other and it makes me smile to hear them cheer each kid on as they do the obstacle course and stuff. The kids are hoping that wherever we move next year they have a bike rodeo. If we go to Alaska maybe it will be something like the Cross Country Ski Rodeo:)

Chase just getting started. He was SOOOO excited! Daddy and Thomas were close-by to cheer him on.
I had to give Chase his mommy kisses while he waited his turn. He usually gets a bit embarrassed but I know he really loves it:)
Total focus:)
My favorite picture by far. These boys love each other so much and nothing could make me happier!
Miaja

Miaja in the line-up
Miaja did such a great job! Especially since her bike is a cruiser and quite big.

I love my little lady

Everything is funner with a friend...Miaja and Emma were a great support for each other!

We've Been Smurfed!!!

2011-11-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!!

Our Four Little Smurfs! Crazy Smurf...Sweetie Pie Smurf...Lego Smurf:)...and of course, Smurfettte! My favorite Smurfs ever!

I must say, I was proud of Jaron being willing to wear knit white pants...we wore them to our church Halloween party and then i washed them and they shrunk a little so on Halloween they were extra snug. Thanks Jaron for being a good sport!

Miaja's good friend Emma was Smurfette with Miaja

Ayden loved this Angry Bird costume...I noticed that our friends the Coils were Angry Birds for Halloween...we loved their costumes too!
That's Crazy Smurf for ya!

Chase with his good friends Tyler Hanson and Tyler Morgan.

Miaja with her great friends..the Bahr girls. Miali, Emma, Miaja and Kennedy. We were so happy this family moved in near us!

My good friend...momma Bahr...Julie and I trying to keep track of the kiddos trick-or-treating.

Jaron getting caught by a BIG, HAIRY spider!!! Thomas was actually terrified and thought Jaron was going to be gobbled-up by this spider!

We had such a great night! Texans spare NOTHING when it comes to Halloween decorations. Who needs haunted houses when you live in Texas! Such a "Spook"-tacular night!

Padre Island part 2

2011-11-01T06:49:00.000-07:00

Padre Island Weekend Getaway!!!

So I had said that I had more pictures...here they are!

Jaron bought "me" golf clubs for my birthday! I did have to tease Jaron whether the gift was for me or him. Jaron LOVES golf! We all have a great time playing together.

I love taking the kids. They are actually really good. We had to get Miaja her own lefty clubs because she's left handed.

I just love this picture...the beach was so fun!

Miaja and I building a sand castle...this was right before Chase dumped a bucket of water on my head!

Ayden and Thomas are tucked in that trailer. They really liked their "chariot" that took them up and down the beach.

This is such a Thomas picture. He literally ate the sand...willingly. Love the boogers too!

This is such a Chase picture. My handsome boy.

Ayden and hi silly sense of humor. He was hilarious...about 3/4 the way through our second day at the beach it's like he realized that he was all sandy and he didn't like that!

Chase was brave and let the boys bury him.

My handsome husband. I love to get to see him relaxed.

I had to take a picture of Ayden with his jammies hiked because he always does this and I think it's too funny!

Thomas and I the first night on the beach.

Jaron worked so hard to pull this whole trip together and I must say...he did a fabulous job!

My birthday buddies cuddled together in our hotel! Couldn't be better!

Jaron and the kids even made me a apple crisp birthday cake!...and it was really good! I loved this picture because it is so true to how I often feel. The kids moving everywhere! Love it!

Birthday Weekend!!

2011-10-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

Jaron and the kids decided to spoil me this year for my birthday and they did a good job of it!

My birthday happened to fall on a Thursday this year and my favorite thing to do on Thursday is go to institute. Jaron kept the kids home with him this time and I got to ride with my sweet friend Julie Bahr. She's so great and keeps me laughing nonstop.
After institute Julie had planned a lunch with some of our friends which was super fun and thoughtful. I have met so many amazing people here in San Antonio and feel so blessed to have their influence in my life.
After lunch Jaron came and picked me up and brought all the kids (plus two of Julies that he had been watching).
Then it was off to Padre Island. Jaron did an amazing job at pulling everything together WHILE watching our two (and Thomas equals atleast three or four) and my fiends two. He is great! I had packed the kids and my bags but Jaron did EVERYTHING else...(which I must admit was a little scary:))
Padre Island was just perfect! We stayed in this great hotel and our room over looked the ocean. We were literally twenty steps from the beach. Since it's technically "off season" it wasn't too crowded and we all just had a blast! Our hotel had three pools and a hot tub that sat on the edge of the beach so that was nice when we were done with being covered in sand!
We also brought our bikes and road up and down the beach. We fit couldn't Jaron's bike on the car so he jogged, ( but I think he enjoyed the extra exercise:))

I felt like Jaron deserved a kiss....especially since just before this pictures Thomas was stuffing sand IN Jaron's ears! Jaron was such a good sport!
Miaja and I finally got to ride our "beach cruisers" on the beach! It was every bit as fun as I had imagined!

The kids made countless sand castles. I love how much fun a beach is...it reminded me of living on the beach in Maine...which does almost seem like a dream now...a great dream though!

Jaron was just like a little kid on the beach with the kids! They named our kite "Shamu". Seaworld has had a HUGE effect on my kids! They have no idea how fortunate they are to live five minutes from Seaworld!

Oh how I love these guys. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday! I guess 33 is off to a good start!
(I do have a ton more pictures....these were off Jaron's phone but my camera is in Jaron's car...at work. I'll post more pictures later!)

School Days!

2011-10-09T14:23:00.000-07:00

I guess I should post our back-to-school pictures...since it's almost Halloween! We LOVE the kids school and are so sad that, most likely, this will be their last school year at Ott. My kids LOVE everyone from the PE teachers to the crossing guards and have been given so much support and love.

Anyways, as usual for me...I love school but it's never easy to send them on that first day. I am such a wimp. We made it through the day and boy did those kids get BIG hugs & kisses when they got home!

Here they are...Miaja, Ayden (He anted to hold something so he got his tithing bag...silly boy) Thomas (He too wanted something so he got his scriptures and is "reading them") then Chase...I LOVE these cuties!

Chase was so excited to have his picture taken. Little stinker. He loves to pose if he can be silly.

My Miaja...I'm so excited for her third grade year! She is such a great little student and she has an awesome teacher.

Ayden and Thomas are doing homeschool preschool with mommy and we LOVE that. We have school here at home Monday and Wednesday then a coop with three other good friends on Tuesday. The favorite is Friday Field trip day! So far we've been to the fire station,
Chick-a-Fila and the local children's theater! I don't want to think about hte fact that Ayden goes to school next year! Oh dear!

Love this picture of these two..they are so hilarious!! I love how Thomas is actually serious. This was on green day...just in case you were wondering...you should have seen my outfit:)

Spelling names with the play dough they made. Thomas mostly wanted to eat the play dough.

Ayden...He is always so careful and is very "detail oriented". He is such a good balance for Thomas!

I love the strangle hug:) Ayden and Thomas could have spent ALL DAY at the fore station. We were the very last to leave.

Ayden and Thomas with their little friend Kyle. One fire fighter told me, "Don't worry about them up there...there's rally only one button that could hurt anything." Inside I was thinking..."oh great, Thomas will find it!" ...but he didn't. Thankfully!

Back-to-School Party

2011-10-09T14:07:00.001-07:00

This past August, just before school started, the kids and I decided to do read-a-thon's with their friends. We had planned to do a swimming party at the end of summer but as it got closer we were spending every day in the pool and it was SOOOOO HOT so they voted for a Read-A-Thon.

We did one for Chase and his friends and then the next week we did one for Miaja and her friends. Although I was nervous if the kids would have a great time the kids planned EVERYTHING and they were a hit!
With Chase's friends we read, The Indian in the Cupboard. We made Indian headbands and while I read the kids go to make, out of cardboard, their own cupboards, to put their special treasures in. After lots of reading and snacking and creating we finished and all the boys got to watch the movie! Most friends left asking if we were going to do this again next year! I was impressed with these young readers! We had such a great time!
Miaja really wanted to read, The Little Women, with her friends and although I was hesitant her friends all love to read too so we went ahead and read it. They all came in their jammies and of course we had snack galore and all kinds of goodies then the girls got to make their own photo albums and decorate them with pictures from our fun day! These girls were great and awesome readers. When we finished we all loved watching the movie...even a few moms came and watched with us.
Well, this post is making me miss summer! I love getting to enjoy summer with my kids home and we are so grateful for all the great things we got to do.
(I completely forgot to take pictures at Chase's Read-A-Thon...sorry Chase)

Miaja and her friend Lucy

The girls making their photo albums...Ashlyn, Daphne, MacKenzie, Natalia, Lucy, Miaja & Chase

Group pose...silly style!!!

Watching the show and munchin' on popcorn...happy not to be outside in the 110 degree heat:)

My Big Brother

2011-10-05T18:40:00.000-07:00

I know that I already posted about our visit from my brother Keith but I wanted to add a few pictures that I just downloaded. We had such a great time with Keith. I'm am so grateful for such a great family.

Headed down to the Riverwalk

Taking a lovely river tour via the "luxurious" river boats:)

Thomas couldn't get enough of Uncle Keith

This is a wonderful Mexican Restaurant that has such a great atmosphere! I feel like I'm in Mexico...in a good way!

Anyone Feeling Chapped?!?!

2011-10-05T10:59:00.001-07:00

It is way too common in our house to hear this...

"Wow...it's pretty quite...WHERE'S THOMAS!"
Well, the other day I was getting dinner ready with the kids and Miaja said, "Mom, it's really quite. I wonder where Thomas is?" So I asked her to go check on him for me. All she did was walk around the corner and I heard her say,
"Oh no Thomas..that's for your bum!"

I so wish I ha dtaken a picture of his whole body. Honestly inside I was thinking, "He's probably thinking this must be a good thing...their taking my picture and everything"...oh dear!

There Thomas was COVERED from head-to-pinky toe (literally) in his white elephant gift from his cousin..."Butt Cream". I don't know if you've ever tried washing diaper cream out of hair (you wouldn't think), but I'll just tell you, it doesn't come out easily. It took atleast a good two to three days of baths to get rid of all of it! Oh Thomas, you keep things exciting! Atlleast it wasn't the nail polish...this time:)

School Night Sleep-over...Success?!?!?

2011-10-04T18:45:00.000-07:00

It's a FULL HOUSE at the Coombs House Just successfully put NINE kiddos to bed on a school night. That's NINE sets of teeth brushed AND flossed (I was tempted...), NINE stories (instead of chapter books we read nine pictures books tonight), NINE songs, NINE snuggles, NINE prayers and NINE kisses...although I do feel quite the sense of accomplishment I actually feel quite blessed. I got NINE silly foamy toothpaste smiles, NINE snuggles as I read a favorite book, NINE sweet prayers to listen to, NINE perfect kisses. I guess I should do this more often.

Here's the oldest Bahr girlies...Kennedy & Emma...Kennedy actually isn't here tonight, she had a baseball game. Miaja and Emma had Faith in God, a activity night for LDS girls 8-12 yrs.
These are quite the buddies. Ashton, Ayden, Easton and Thomas. I love these guys played so hard today that they went out pretty quick!

Miaja and Emma are pretty much BFF and they are adorable. They even got the same teacher this year at school which is so fun for them. Thank heavens for great friends!

Lake Tahoe Reunion-2011

2011-09-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

The Vorkink Family Reunion 2011

This past summer was filled with adventures and as I slowly make my way down the memories I get teary thinking about all of the fun that we had at the Vorkink Family Reunion at
Lake Tahoe.
This year Jaron and I and my sister Lorrie got to plan the reunion and it really was so much fun! I love my family...in love them so much that I have always considered one of my greatest "talents" my family:) I know that sounds a little silly but most good things in one way or another has come from me being a part of such an amazing family. I still feel that way. So getting plan our family reunion was so exciting!
We selfishly chose Tahoe Tahoe because our family CRAVED mountains and water and trees and all those things that San Antonio, as much as we love it, seems to be missing.

This is where the road started for us! I never imagined I would have my family (Jaron, the kids and I) all in a car with my wonderful parents AND my sister Lorrie! What an adventure! There were a few "bumps" in the road (a blown tire and a ruined bike...just to name a couple:)), but I loved having us all together. Actually, Miaja and Chase drove with cousins so we all could have seat belts but they were in my heart!!!

Can you see that trailor behind Jer, Ayden and I...that was quite the contraption. Jaron is one of the greatest packers ever and he did an awesome job of fitting EVERYTHING on it!

This is the cabin that we rented for the week! It was so great! It had a bazillion rooms (7 plus a loft to be exact), it had two hot tubs and the back yard was was a forested area. I thought it was beautiful!

Here's a shot of some of us enjoying the sun on the back porch! Although the home was HUGE there was no one room that could possibly fit all of us!

Many of the older kids often ate out back.

Jaron helping Thomas at the cousin gift exchange

Jaron had the great idea of bringing our hammock and the kids LOVED it! I think a few adults took advantage of it as well!
So through-out the week each family organized various activities. This night was the Win-It-In-A-Minute game night...we all got into it! This game you had to keep several balloons of the ground for a minute. This is Alexis and Ayden.

My dad and I were partners for this game

My mom and nephew Bryan taking their turn! I love watching everyone's faces.

Lorrie attempting another Win-It-In-A-Minute game
Hannah and Miaja in the background
My brother Keith's daughter Elizabeth. She is such a cute girl and so cute with the kids!

Another favorite was the family skits...This was my oldest sisters family, The Birkholz..they put on quite the show!
Keith and Marcie and kids performing their skit
....I'll have to finish tomorrow it's past my bedtime!!! Love looking at these fun pictures! Family is the greatest!

Fathers and Sons

2011-09-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

So I had to quickly post some of my favorite pictures from the spring, (yes I did say spring...I know that I am behind).

Jaron just left for a month in Austin and we all miss him already. I was looking through some pictures and found these from the fathers and sons activities....

Jaron and the boys in heaven campin' out Texas style!!!
Silly faces, (Chase loves his "smolder" as he calls it:))

When most of the daddy's went home in the morning our daddy stayed with another dad and took the boys canoeing. They had such a great time...I love that Jaron is always up for doing fun things with our kids!

I love this picture because I can tell that Thomas is planning something in his head that will most likely get him into trouble:)

Jaron and the boys had sooo much fun! No one could believe that he willingly took ALL three of our boys PLUS our dog Belle! I can believe it though...although Jaron has to work a lot he always makes time for his family and we love him for that!

P.S. Miaja and I had a FABULOUS girls night-out! We went out to eat and got pedicures PLUS we watched Princess Diaries and ate ice-cream (Miaja's favorite)! It was a great weekend for all!

Miaja eating her fav breakfast...Berry Berry Crepes!!!

Lovely picture I know but I actually LOVE it because it is exactly what I want to look back and remember about Miaja and I...we have a lot of fun and we have no problem being super silly!

I love how silly Miaja is...sometimes I have to reign her in a bit but she is hilarious! She loves to laugh and makes others feel happy! She certainly made our night!

Alexis's Wedding!!!

2011-09-22T11:15:00.001-07:00

Breakfast at Tiffany's...well, at Grandma's!!!

This summer my oldest niece, Alexis, got married! I still can't really believe it! When I found-out I instantly decided that we to be there and that I had to atleast help throw a shower for her. Lorrie and I had a blast getting ready for the shower and we had so much fun with family and friends!

Since the theme was, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" of course we had to dress-up! The little girls were adorable! This is Miaja with her cousins Megan and Adrianna.

Alexis and her mom Shauna

Here's the guest of honor and bride, Alexis. I remember having sleepovers with her almost every night as a young teeenager. I'd pretend that she was my little sister since I didn't have one. We grew to be quite the buds. She always has a very special place in my heart.

Grandma holding her youngest grandchild, Olivia...Mike & Erin's fourth.

Alexis at the reception...the little girls followed her everywhere!!

My nephew Kyle saving Thomas from trying to jump over the edge! Kyle is getting so grown-up too. He's even taller than me!
The girls eating at the shower...we had french toast with fruit and Tiffany blue sparkling water! So fancy!!!
My mom, niece Sarah and Alexis diggin' in! (Sarah is my brother Keith's oldest and she has grown to be such a beautiful young lady!

The shower turned out so nice! Lorrie went above on beyond to make things look to beautiful...she brought all of these crystals and serving trays! Lorrie is always fun doing just about ANYTHING with!

LOVE this picture of grandpa and Thomas. All of my boys have adored grandpa. See do I.
My parents...cannot believe that they have a grand daughter that is married!

Teresa, Ayden and Chase "helping" serve the cheesecake...I'm sure my boys had atleast five or six slices a piece!

Frank and Alexis...I met Frank for the first time this very night and I must say he's a great guy. I think everyone was teary during this dance.

...but this dance was where I really lost it. When my brother brought my niece out onto the dance floor my heart was so full watching them. I cannot imagine what it would feel like, (nor do I want to), to look into the eyes of your child and realize that they are grown-up and now starting their own family. No more going down to their room to talk, no more getting after them for coming in late. Jason and Shauna are both such amazing parents and I look up to them so much. They did a great job with Alexis.
(Wish I had pictures at the temple but I don't...Frank and Alexis were married in the
Bountiful Temple.)

What a Great Weekend!

2011-09-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

GO COUGARS!!!

We had such a GREAT weekend here at our house! Actually, we had a three day weekend! Thursday my brother Keith came from Utah to visit for a couple of days and my kids were SOOOOO excited! Keith was great with all of the attention. From reading stories to the kids at bedtime to playing crack-the-egg on the trampoline the kids thought that Uncle Keith was the best!!!

Friday we headed to the fabulous San Antonio Zoo and enjoyed one of the kids favorite spots before the sun came-out too much and we all melted away!
After the zoo my brother and I got to have a little brother/sister time which I always love. I have always felt like the luckiest girl around. I have the greatest siblings and I look-up to each of them so very much. Getting to sit back and just visit with Keith was priceless. He is such a good brother and person.
That night we all headed downtown and took the "luxurious" river tour seeing the beautiful sights of San Antonio via boat! It was actually really fun and of course the kids loved it! Then we took Keith to our favorite Mexican restaurant in San Antonio...Mi Tierra! This place is so fantastic! Full of color and lights and live music...it's a true fiesta every time we go!
If you know my family......at all you know what Saturday was all about...BYU football! The kids woke to the ceremonial hanging of our BYU flag, (of course our neighbors, who happen to be Utes fans hung theirs at the same time)!
Jaron & I, Keith and our good friends Julie & Micah Bahr all headed to Austin fully decked-out in our "BYU blue"!
The game was amazing. The UT stadium was so impressive and we were SUPER close so it was great! Both Jaron and I nearly lost our voices! The UT fans were really great to watch a game with so it was a success, (well...for me who isn't as concerned as to whether or not BYU actually won or not...I hate that someone has to lose:))
All-in-all, we had such a great time! The entire weekend was just so fun and I can't say enough how grateful I was for my brothers visit. I am so grateful for family. As we all get older and see each other less I think that I appreciate even more my amazing family!
I haven't downloaded even half of my pictures but here's a few from the game.

The Hanging of our flag...I wonder sometimes if Thomas EVER wears clothing!

Jaron worked for literally three-four HOURS on this sign! He's too funny! I gotta give it to him, we got LOTs of comments PLUS the BYU team gave us the thumbs-up when they left the field at half-time!

Micah, Julie, myself and my brother Keith...couldn't have asked for better company (and Jaron of course, he was taking the picture)! Like Julie and I matching hats...BYU twinners and we both went to UVSC but I did grow-up loving going to the games:)

There he is...the artist! I love going to the games with Jaron...he still has to explain the rules to me and he doesn't even seem to mind!

Where in the World Is Daddy????

2011-08-01T19:20:00.000-07:00

So you might wonder...where is Jaron??? Well, I had to answer that question a TON this past month! Jaron has been working a bunch out-of-town on mandatory rotation then he did go on a elective service trip to the Dominican Republic. In fact just two days ago did we finally get in him back "for good". He went from being in Houston to the DR. Then he was home for two weeks then he spent the next two months in Austin (one of those months we were in Utah)! It's been a long few months but we ALL have made the best of it! Jaron has some amazing stories from the cases he was able to be a part of and the kids and I just keep going on! Hopefully it will be awhile before another away rotation.

Jaron got to help lot of these cute little babies get some health care and meds that hey needed

They actually ran into the LDS missionaries there and they ended-up doing most of the translating for the group. Go missionaries!!!
The ambulance there...looks kinda like the A-Team of something.

The lines of people waiting for help. Jaron said that each day the lines got longer because more people found-out they were there. This was the first day.
This is what they did for fun...fill prescription bottles!

Aunt Lola We LOVE You!!!

2011-08-01T18:52:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite parts of living away from family...is the visits from family. Aunt Lola is our most loyal visitor and we LOVE her to death. The kids pretty much cannot get enough of her silly dances and parties, the dress-ups (of course), her cuddles & stories, great cooking and the list goes on-and-on!

Just outside the Toy Story on Ice Show
Lola w/ the kiddos...those souvenirs were RIDICULOUSLY expensive! We could barely afford a drink & popcorn! Still fun though!
Our Girl Scout troop got tickets together so it was one BIG party!
There they are doing their thing! It was actually really impressive. I would be sweatin' bullets in those costumes.
Lola made it for Easter
Kids decorating cupcake for our Birthday bash! Lola had the idea to celebrate all of our birthdays together in on BIG night of FUN...boy did we have fun!
We all had "carefully" chosen our attire and felt fabulous!

My kids REALLY wanted me to wear this dress of mine from a high school dance!
Dancing the night away!

Daddy Daughter Date!!

2011-08-01T18:44:00.000-07:00

Jaron is quite busy most of the time BUT when he is home he is the best daddy ever. He loves taking the kids for bike rides, jumping on the trampoline, making forts ...Whatever!!! Well, Jaron decided that it was time for he and Miaja to go on their first date so the two of them went to the new Peter Piper Pizza and got pizza (of course,) and then spent the next hour playing games and winning some "awesome" prizes! One thing about Miaja is that if there is something she LOVES it is ice-cream so the date had to end with a trip past Coldstone Creamery! Miaja felt like a princess, as she should!

Now that's a girl that feels special!

Getting ready to hit the road!

2011-07-31T19:55:00.000-07:00

My parents came-out for Miaja's baptism then stayed for about a week more. It was really great because usually the visits are just after I've had a baby so I'm my self completely so we had such a great time! My kids love their grandparents and they have every reason too!

Miaja's always such a great helper...esp. w/Thomas!
(A sister at church asked me if she was baby-sitting yet and I almost cried...not for like ten years right!)

Ayden soakin' up the grandma & grandpa time!

We took grandma & grandpa on the Alamo tour and this is just on the grounds there. It's the greenest place in San Antonio!

We found these coolest caves and had such a great time cooling off inside them!

Don't know if I'd do the whole cave experience without additional help..that whole "don't let your kids touch ANYTHING doesn't quite sink-in with Thomas. Mom was a life-saver!

Grandma & grandpa make everything fun! These kids had such a great time!

Thank heavens for the ONE spot that our guide said, "your kids are welcome to touch the rock here." You might of guessed there were rushing to grab free tickets to Disneyland...they touched it as long as they possibly could! So funny!

Finally got a picture of grandpa, kind of. He was tricking me each time a went to get a pic. of him! Thank heavens he's tall!

Chase...isn't he handsome! Love my boy!

So there was a random dinosaur outside of the caves but hey made a fun picture!

(More random catch-up pictures to come!!!!!)

Just another blog catch-up!!!

2011-07-31T18:59:00.000-07:00

All I have to say is we've been havin' us some fun!!! I've missed blogging about so much but it still has happened and it's been great! Mostly I don't want any of my kiddos to look back at the blog and say, "hey...you forgot my birthday!" or "What about our summer vacation?" We're old school and do scrapbooks but just in-case of fire...here's our back-up!

Special Baptism Evening with Family

2011-04-04T18:24:00.000-07:00

Another Special Night for Miaja...

Now that's one happy girl...surrounded by a couple of her favorite guys!

Mom, dad & brothers gave Miaja her first set of scriptures with her name on the front...she's already gotten some good use out of this book!

Grandma Coombs & great-grandma Coombs made some very special pillows to go with the comforter I made for Miaja. I was so touched by how much work Bonny put into these pillows, plus helping Bruce's mom, (who has some health challenges), start a pillow as well. So very, very special.

Mommy & Miaja with her baptism "comforter". Making this was such an experience. I've never made a quilt )from scratch) ALONE..but it was worth every stitch. I hope my little angel always remembers the gift that she was given on her baptismal day and the immeasurable comfort it can and will bring!

What a gift for Miaja to get to have BOTH sets of grandparents there for her special day...

Grandma & Grandpa Vorkink brought a towel w/ her name embroidered on it and a baptism book w/ bracelet. Grandma Vorkink and Great-grandma Beverly are also working on their pillows for Miaja to match her quilt. I am SO grateful for such beautiful and wonderful grandmothers so willing to share their talents and love with Miaja!

It's a PARTY!

2011-04-03T18:42:00.000-07:00

Miaja's Birthday Party!!

So I am a bit behind but it's for a good reason...we've been having FUN!

Miaja did have such an awesome birthday party! We have big friend parties only ever other year so Miaja has had TWO YEARS to plan this baby...and plan she did!

To start it all off the girls came and we decorated cookies and boxes and made gift boxes for a few people in our area that we knew might need a little pick-me-up.... then we drove around and the girls got to run them up too the doors and knock & run! The had a blast (and they were pretty good too).

Chase & Nora decorating a box

I think we went through FIVE FULL bottles of sprinkles (hopefully the people that got the cookies have a sweet tooth)!

Run Girls, Run!!!

They had such a great time!

Next we came back home and the girls got to create their own works of art! It was so fun!

The girls going a little crazy!

Millie focused on her work

The boys got their own table

As the girls were painting I made them and their dolls each necklaces with a phrase of their choice engraved in them. (Jaron had to help me finish...it was a little harder than I realized)!

It's time for cake!!!
Miaja is a girl after momma's heart...she wanted applesauce cake "made with honey and not granulated sugar"....(I couldn't resist adding that...I was so proud!

Daddy was a HUGE help at the party! He's serving Miaja her favorite part..ICE-CREAM (of course WITH sugar)!

I love parties...this one was FUN!

Miaja's pretty blessed to have some really great friends.

Oh...I think I forgot to mention the theme of the party...
American Girls!
These "American Girls" are pretty great!
Happy Birthday Miaja!
(I have even MORE of Miaja's birthday to post...her party w/ the fam...including both grandparents...it was a party hardy kind of year!)

Miaja's Baptism

2011-04-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

Love the picture..of course Miaja's brothers had to make pictures a challenge!

Miaja was baptised on March 12th, 2011 @ 10am.
What a beautiful day! We were so grateful for the support of our family and friends. It couldn't have asked for a more special day for my daughter.
Miaja has been preparing for her baptism since she turned 7. In fact, the morning that she turned 7 yrs. old she said to me, while still in bed, "Mom, I want to read the Book of Mormon this year, all by myself". A few months went by and one night I went in to turn her reading light-off and sure enough, she was reading the Book of Mormon.
Well, she finished the morning of her baptism. I was so amazed by her. She has such a beautiful spirit and I feel so privileged to get to be her mommy.
(Now she's reading the Pearl of Great Price and told me that she hopes to finish by May!)
Being a mom is such an interesting and beautiful experience. Some days I feel like I can barely get one thing through to my kids and I'm just grateful their still alive, then they go and teach me a whole bundle!
Thanks Miaja for making your baptism day such a special day by being such a special girl! I know that Heavenly Father is so proud of you!
You are loved.
-mommy

Mommy & Miaja. I was so proud of my little lady!

Miaja & daddy

We were so blessed to have both the Coombs grandparents...

....and the Vorkink!

What a beautiful day!

What a beautiful little girl! Wow eight...that happened too fast!

Let it Snow!

2011-03-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

San Antonio got snow!!!
I am a bit behind, it was over a month ago...but it was fun!
The kids got school off and within two minutes of waking-up we had pulled out the winter boxes, (packed deep in the garage) and we were all our rolling around in barely a skiff as if it were five feet of powder! The kids were adorable! We spent the rest of the day sipping hot cocoa, watching movies and playing board games! What a treat! When I put the kids to bed that night Ayden asked me, "Mommy so was that (the snow) a miracle?" I told him yes!

Keystone Colorado!!!

2011-03-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

Downtown Keystone...isn't it beautiful!
They had this great ice castle with slides and stuff that we a great time on...although I did miss the kids !
Jaron totally whooped me skiing but that's o.k. I had such a great time watching him! He was in HEAVEN!
I held my own...if I can say so myself! I might not have flown through air (atleast gracefully) but I did laugh so hard that I almost had a really embarrassing moment!
What a great weekend!
So Jaron and I went away on our first trip, just the two of us, since we got married almost ten years ago! We went to Keystone, Colorado and it was such a blast! Jaron was presenting some research for an ER conference and I got to tag along! I was literally in HEAVEN being in the snow and skiing with Jaron. It's a good thing that Keystone was so fun because I cried the entire way to the airport! I have never been separated from the kids for more then a 12 hours so I had to keep telling myself that they would be alright! I was sooooo grateful for Jaron's mom who flew all the way out to San Antonio to watch our kids for three days! They had a great time watching all three of the Home Alone movies and trying to keep Thomas alive (he's definitely a hand FULL)!
The highlights of our trip were :
#1- Skiing in the BEAUTIFUL mountains
#2- Sleeping in until 7am (our kids are really early risers...but so are Jaron and I)
#3- Seeing Jaron present his research
#4- Shopping ALONE at the outlet
and of course, seeing my kiddos faces when we got home! Thanks Jer for such a great weekend!

What a great date!!!

2011-03-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

Too cooooool for school!
Date Night!!

Chase and I had such a blast on our date a couple of weeks ago! He has been working REALLY hard on not teasing his sister and brothers (which isn't easy on Chase), so as a reward he and I went to see, Gullivers Travels, and then out to dinner. It was so nice to spend some time just the two of us! Chase was a real gentleman, he even got the door for me, (daddy has taught him well). He loves the "too cool for school face" (above) and insisted I do that pose with him! Thanks for a great date Chase!

It's Great to be Eight!

2011-03-07T06:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Miaja

(yesterday)...

Its great to be EIGHT! Our little girl turned eight yesterday and I'm still trying to understand where those eight years went! She is an amazing daughter and such a fun little girl to be around.
Miaja LOVES to create anything and she loves to be with friends! Miaja loves to write and read and this week she will be finishing the Book of Mormon for the first time all on her own. She has been awesome. I can't tell you how many times I have found Miaja asleep with her scriptures in her arms.

I look at Miaja and I marvel at all that she's been through with our family as we have moved many times, she's had to say good-bye to friends and make new friends but she's only made it all into a positive and has never once complained. I feel so incredibly blessed to be her mother and look forward to next eight years!

Christmas Eve/Christmas...The Most Wonder Time of the Year

2011-01-30T20:00:00.000-08:00

Holiday Fun!!!

2011-01-13T12:28:00.000-08:00

So, of course I am still trying to get caught-up on this darn blog!!! It would help if I didn't have so many friends with such great blogs that inspire me to record the joys of our lives!

Well, the Christmas season was so wonderful for our family. After some of the parties and such our family decided to hit Seaworld and enjoy the magic of their Christmas shows! I love them and without fail I cry every year. The best part is to see my kids faces light-up with joy as they watch Shamu do an incredible flip or Clyde the Sealion wave good-bye. It never gets old...at least for us!

Waiting for Polar Express 4-D to start!
(Chase loves to do this face lately...great the next couple of years with this expression...good thing he's so handsome!)

I decided to play along a little with him...I'm really not sure where the hand thing came from!

This was Jaron's version of silly face...we need to work on him. It was a valiant effort!

My kids were in heaven as we made our way through the candy cane forest...good thing they were just the plastic kind or we would need an in-home dentist!

Miaja really wanted to take a picture with the "Christmas Princess" ...Chase and Ayden weren't as excited. Chase leaned back and whispered to me, "mom, she's immodest." Looking at the pictures I can see why he thought that...it's too cold in the North Pole for mini-skirts!

Next we moved on to the wonderful joys that come from making friends and neighbors goodies! We had such a blast this year! I literally let the kids choose a recipe each we had at it! We ended-up watch a friends kids that night so we had seven kids instead of four which REALLY made it exciting!
Honestly, I don't think I've ever had that much fun making goodies..and I loved the thought of our dear friends getting something made from so much love!

Ayden chose to make chocolate dipped marshmallows! Can you imagine seven kids 10 and under making these...yep...it was quite the sight! That's why there are no pictures....it was one on seven and my hands were full!

I made these little treats for some of my friends and the teachers in Relief Society, the women's organization in our church. They were too delicious...Brownies in a Jar. There was a rich yummy brownie baked in the jar then you hollow out the center and add peppermint ganache and top it off with candy cane striped icing and crushed peppermint sticks!!! I HAD to limit myself to one!

Chase chose to make candied popcorn. It was beautiful! Bright red and green and very sweet! Miaja's choice was the peppermint kiss cookies! These were such a great treat to make with the kids and really yummy! They loved getting to eat the extra kisses. My kids had to give me a kiss for every kiss they ate! Thomas and I chose Apple Cider Caramels. They were sooooo delish!

The kiddos are home from school so I'll have to do more later!

Holiday Season: Part 2 (...of many)

2011-01-02T19:11:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!

As usual I am a bit behind on my blogging but I am determined to record this holiday! It was simply was too fantastic to let the memories stay hidden on my camera or in a folder, (or in the kids scrapbook because we Do do scrapbooks).

Anyways, here are a few more photos from our holiday!

We invited a few friends over to watch The Polar Express on the back fence. It was so fun!!! A little crazy but really fun!

Thomas loved sitting on Tanners chair and on Tanner's mommy'
lap. Elise, with her cute pregnant belly was incredibly sweet to oblige Thomas!

I think that's a hug...Miaja is a big hug giver at our house!

The gang...well part of them atleast! What a beautiful night filled with homemade donuts, hot cocoa and the Polar Express. Can't wait for next year!

Another wonderful part of our holiday was Miaja's very first piano/voice recital. She worked SOOOOOO hard and did incredibly (if I may say so myself)! She played Frosty the Snowman and sang Favorite Things from The Sound of Music. Let's just say that mom cried!

Miaja holding her performance award! She did just PERFECT!

Miaja brought one of her BFF's along, Emma. Emma is such a great friend and wonderful support!

Miaja with her teacher, Ani. She is AMAZING too! I wish I could take piano from her but typically I have the three boys wile Miaja does her lesson so I don't know how that would go over for me, four kids running wild while I try to learn the basics of piano...I'll wait a year or two!

This was the whole gang (minus a few who were sick and couldn't perform). They all did fantastic!

Miaja and her good friend Abby who also performed. We got to go out with Abby's family after the big show and we had such a great night! We love Abby though. She and Miaja love to get together and play!
Miaja and mommy outside the studio.

Daddy and Ayden at the "after party". We had a great dinner at San Antonio's best Fish Taco's spot! It was so fun! It had delicious (all-natural) food, a fabulous playground, ping-pong table, basketball hoop and live music. My heaven! Thanks Marrow family.

So this moment needs to be explained....we were all playing at the fenced in playground with only ONE exit and four adults were standing at it, when all of the sudden I looked at Jaron and said, "Where's Thomas?" We panic and looked EVERYWHERE (if your a parent I'm sure you've experienced this feeling at least once). Well, all of the sudden I looked over at the basketball area and there Thomas was. When I looked over he was actually giving this man, (who happens to be drunk and drinking out of a paper sack), knuckles! I know I'm crazy but instead of jumping to get Thomas I grabbed my camera and took a pictures. I had to. This is so Thomas it's perfect. Nothing keeps him from what he wants to do and he is ALWAYS making friends. He solidified the fear that he will one day give me a heart-attack!

The kids making "wild-ruckus" music!

So after dinner and nearly loosing Thomas, we headed down to the river walk. It was such an amazing night! We're pretty sure we met the real Mr. & Mrs. Claus. These two were adorable! Just to the right here was more live Christmas music so we hung around and danced for awhile!

Emma with the Claus clan

Thomas, not so happy about this but we couldn't resist!

Ayden, isn't he so handsome!

And another handsome young man..Chase was way excited to meet the "real" Santa!

Miaja and Santa. This time we were relieved that she asked for something other than the $300 American Girl Lanie Camper!
Ayden and his friends Alivia cuttin' the rug!!!

Our fam...it was such a beautiful night on the river! Lights, live music, hot cocoa, the "real" Santa...wow!

Miaja and Emma, their are so cute! The giggles never stop!

So our friends, the Marrows, offered to take Jer and I photo which was so nice. We have so few of the two of us....

...so of course Jaron took advantage of the moment!!! What a beautiful background though!
That's all for tonight! It's bedtime for me! More to come soon!

A happy holiday!

2010-12-17T12:52:00.001-08:00

We have had such a wonderful holiday this year! It's been so busy that even I have fallen asleep at "bedtime" as I listen to the kids reading or singing to me!
Our holiday started with our excursion to get our Christmas tree! Don't ask me why put I absolutely have to get a real tree. I love knowing that for the month of December I have an actual tree in my home. I love the smell, I love the pine needles that I find in MY bed, I love the decorations that Miaja decided is 96% homemade ornaments and I love the lights glowing when it gets dark. I don't know why we don't have a tree in the house more often!!!

After we got our tree up then we started in on the holiday parties and celebrations! The Relief Society had such a great Christmas Dinner. We had a beautiful presentation of Christ's life and then some of the ladies sang a few Christmas carols and it was such a great spirit to start the holidays off with. (of course I forgot to take pictures).
A couple of days later was our ward Christmas party. The kids got a visit from Santa and they even performed some songs for us! It was fantastic.

Thomas wasn't too excited about meeting Santa

Chase...having a very serious discussion

Ayden was ready to evacuate at any time!

Of course Miaja warmed right up to Santa...then she asked him for the American Girl Lanie's camper..that cost near $300. We talked to Santa about that one before hand!!!

Sunday, after the church, we decided last minute to go downtown and take some pictures of the family and visit the Alamo. it's free and there is a really beautiful garden area. We had such a great time! The weather was perfect and the kids look adorable so it was well worth the craziness of getting everyone ready after a very busy day at church!

I loved this picture of the kids!

Love that girl and her infectious smile!

Thomas was finishing his waffle that he had for dinner on car ride downtown...gotta love a breakfast dinner on the car!

I love these boys that fill my life with love and joy!!!

I can't beleive how these two have grown this year!

Ayden...he is such a sweetheart

Happy Holidays!!

Just thinking....

2010-11-28T18:53:00.000-08:00

Some of the beautiful women in my life...my sisters

My mom...of course. I've always thought that she is so beautiful!!!

Need I say a thing...I love her smiles!

Today I visited with a great friend who was struggling with some things and felt like she was possibly beyond help. My heart wanted to leap out of my chest and squeeze her. I wanted her to see all of the wonderful things that I see in her and even more importantly all of the amazing gifts God has given her.
After visiting with her my mind kept wondering back to our conversation and I had such a range of emotions. I looked at my beautiful children and I thought...I will never let them feel that way...EVER. I felt a tiny bit of anger towards Satan because I know that if he get fabulous women like this one to feel hopeless then he has won half the battle (or more). Then I felt determination. I felt a urgent determination to let any women that come into my life see how truly remarkable they really are (because I genuinely feel that).
Many of my feelings have come from an experience that I had a few weeks ago.
I was jogging at about noon and was almost five miles from home when a woman yelled out to me, "Excuse me miss...do you have a cellphone?" I told he no and was starting to ask if I could help when a huge man grabbed her and literally threw her into her apartment. The woman immediately scream (a type of scream I've never heard) "Help me please, help me!". The apartment had a tall metal gate around it so I couldn't get to her so I looked ahead and and saw a Walgreens up the hill. I honestly prayed to God for more strength than I knew I had and ran as fast as I could up that hill. They let me call 911 and within minutes there were five police cars there. They drove me down to the apartment and we got in and went up to the door. My heart sank...no answer. I looked at the police officer and hoped to see him getting something to knock the door down but instead he told me that they couldn't open the door unless they saw distress. I started to tear up and was hoping I could hold myself together. In these few short moments this woman had become my sister in a way. I felt responsible for her. She had asked me...she looked me in the eyes and asked me for help. I had to get to her.
The police promised to wait outside for a few hours but inside I new they would never catch the man that hurt this daughter of God. As I turned to jog away, (after waiting for an hour or so), the police man put his hand on my shoulder and said, "It's really ok. This kind of thing happens all of the time." Then a woman who lived across the way said, "Ya, that woman has been in trouble for a long time. No one can help her."
Those words have run through my head over-and-over. Someone can help her. She isn't beyond help. There IS a way out.
I found myself following a car into the gated community the other night (no kids were with me) and knocked at the door hoping to find this woman but again, no answer.
It might sound a little crazy but I won't give-up. The worth of souls truly is great in the sight of God and as these two women and others share with me there fears I only feel stronger the love of a kind Father and Brother that leaves the ninety-and-nine to go after that one lost.
So, where I was headed with this comes back to tonight. As the kids and I were reading scriptures before bed tonight we read 3 Nephi 22. I fell in love with verses 8-17. Particularly verse10. It reads,
"For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that has mercy on thee."
Wow...that covenant that promise of peace is offered to all children of God. The woman I put my arm around at church today and the woman who stays shut, for now, in her apartment.
So as I tucked my kids into bed tonight I made sure they each knew how loved they are loved and left my working husband a message to let him know the same but then I felt like I should let anyone who might one day read this to know as well. I'm not a bit time blogger but if there is a message that I want all those I care about to know then this would be up there on the list.
We are all so loved and there is always a way to find joy and peace.
Good-night all you beautiful women!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2010-11-27T18:54:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for a husband that LOVES to have fun with his kids

I am thankful for our dog Belle

I am so thankful for my kids and that I can be mommy

I am thankful for my life!

I cannot believe that Thanksgiving 2010 has come and is now gone! Each year time seems to go by faster and faster!
Jaron and I have had some really great Thanksgivings over the past ten years. Thanksgivings with lots of family, Thanksgivings with new friends, Thanksgivings with HUGE groups and Thanksgivings with a few very special people.
This year we got to celebrate our Thanksgiving with the Hakes family and we had such a great time (and a great meal)! The highlights we...getting to cook with my kids, having Jaron home for the entire day, getting stung by a bee, seeing all the kids laugh so hard as they rolled down the stairs and Miaja came over and told me she'd had a little accident...it's so cute when she gets laughing that hard... she comes by that honestly!
I don't know if I have ever felt so much gratitude in my heart as I have this year. It starts with my Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ and branches out to my husband and very best friend then my four VERY silly and wonderful children.
I am so grateful amazing parents that are always there for me and who I can always look to for examples that I can trust and rely on and brothers and sisters that I've always admired.
I'm thankful for friends that influenced me for good all through-out my life. I am thankful for good health and am fully aware of what a gift that is.
I am thankful for all of God's creations, big and small.
I am thankful for our home.
I am thankful for each place we have lived and the adventures we've had over the last eight years.
I am thankful that I can keep learning and growing because I realize each day how little I really know and for some reason that only motivates and draws me closer to God.
I am thankful for the challenges that I've had in this life for they have made me who I am and they help me see those around me with more love and compassion.
I am thankful for laughter and smiles...my kids and Jaron share those with me daily.
I am thankful for music and dancing...both are very common in our house!
As cheesy as this sounds I am thankful for love because love is the greatest gift we can give and receive.
Happy (late) Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Birthday Chase!!!

2010-11-23T18:33:00.000-08:00

Chase in Park City

Chase LOVES Ms. Belle

Ayden, Miaja and Chase...quite the trio...throw Thomas in and we have a load of fun!

Happy Birthday Chase!!!

Chase turned 6 yrs. old today and I cannot believe it! He has grown so quickly and has been such an amazing child to watch grow!
Chase is incredibly independent and he is an amazing learner. I recently broke into tears as Chase's kinder teacher, Mrs. Kotzer told me how much she loves Chase and what a great influence he is on his class.
Chase is such an important part of our family! He and Miaja are like two peas in a pod (most of the time), and he loves going to school with his big sister!
I was thinking about when Chase was born and it was probably under some of the most "magical" circumstances. We lived on the beach in Maine. It was an incredibly snowy winter and Chase came a few days before Thanksgiving.
One of the things I love about Chase is that he is constantly finding ways to let those close to him know how much he loves them. He leaves me little notes all over the house to say "I love you" and they are priceless.
One last thing that makes Chase so special is his LOVE for our puppy Belle. Chase will come home, hungry and exhausted from school but he'll still walk right outside to pet Belle and tell her he loves her. He is really, really tender with her and I love that about him.
We love ya Chasey!

Ott Elementary Bike Rodeo

2010-10-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

Bike RodeoMiaja and the boys

Miaja with her good friend Joei

Miss Miaja

Chase with his class post-riding! All his class mates ran over to give him a hug when he finished! He did awesome!
(I took his pictures on his bike with our video camera and still haven't figured-out how to download them!!!)

Great Job Chase!!!

Bike Rodeo 2010
My kids have been looking forward to the annual Ott Elementary bike rodeo since last years rodeo! They love riding their bikes and they, with their neighborhood friends, organize a weekly rodeo in our cul-de-sac to practice! Miaja and Jaron worked really hard with Chase to help him learn to ride his bike without training wheels and Chase has been a quick learn! Both Miaja and Chase did such a great job! I teared up a little watching Chase knowing how badly he had wanted to do the rodeo without his training wheels and he did and he did a FANTASTIC job! He even got a ribbon for doing so great! He was one of four kinder kids that didn't use training wheels!
Miaja came home after school with a HUGE smile on her face and announced that she had won first in her grade! She got a trophy and everything!

Back-to-School

2010-10-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

The Back-to-School Feast...
We had whole grain pasta w/ roasted tomatoes and fresh Parmesan.
Then we had a LOADED green salad (my kids love green salad) fresh, homemade french bread with sparkling lemonade! YUM!

We even pull-out Jer and I wedding china! The kids love it and I like to actually use them!

Each year we have a new theme that we carry through-out the year! This year we both felt really strong that this theme was the best for us...Believe and Be.

We want our little cuties to feel and know that because they are children of God they can Be anything as long as they believe in their selves and their divine potential.

I look at my children and I see endless possibilities! I begin to understand the look i my parents eyes when they looked at me with so much love.

A couple of years ago we started a tradition of having a "Back-to-school Bash". Anyone who spends any amount of time with our family quickly realizes how much my kids LOVE to dance and sing and be really silly!
We have a fabulous feast followed by a back-to-school fashion show then Jaron gives the kids blessings and we talk about our new family theme for the school year! It is a family favorite! The kids look forward to this special occasion all year long!

Ayden's Preschool 2010

2010-10-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

Ayden doing apple art for the first day of preschool!!!

We love our preschool group! We have Ayden, Ethen, James, Scarlett and Nathaniel.

Big A all ready for his first day of preschool!
(Isn't he handsome)

Each year, since I've had children, we have done preschool. Most years we have been blessed with great friends to do it with which makes it even funner. Well, where we live in a very transient area with air force and army families I decided to try to organize a community preschool. It is mostly members of our church but not entirely. Originally I thought...maybe ten mommies will be interested. I serve in the Relief Society so I kind of thought I new where the needs were. Well, the preschool group has grown to over thirty moms with some having two children in the group. Of course we have divided the groups and we get together on Fridays for fun field trips like the bakery and the botanical gardens but it really has been a blast!
I was pretty overwhelmed at first. We had a meeting here at our house for the mom's and the house was completely full! It makes me feel good though that no little cutie is sitting at home looking for a friend. These kids are all friends and they have LOTS of fun!

Tommy & Ayden

2010-10-05T11:48:00.001-07:00

I love this picture of Ayden and Thomas. They are the best of buds and Ayden has proven to be such a great big brother. He holds his hand whenever we walk into a store or the library and hetries to "tenderly" teach him the ropes at him! Really they both LOVE playing swords and wrestling so they a great time!

Schools In!!!

2010-10-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

School's Starting!!!
Ott Elementary 2010

Miaja & Chase headed-out for their first time going to school together!!!
(Chase was SO excited!)

Miaja & Chase
in front of
Ott Elementary

Chase-Kinder 2010
His teacher is Mrs. Kotzer. He was so excited to find-out that she's expecting twins!
(Chase is OBSESSED with the classic Parent Trap and Daydreams of us having twins)

Miaja- 2nd grade
Miaja's teacher is Mrs. Rodriguez. She loves her and although she really wanted her grandma Vorkink to be her 2nd grade teacher (grandma teaches 2nd in Utah), she has decided that Mrs. Rodriguez will be a wonderful too!

I am so excited to see Miaja and Chase both loving school this year and getting to share the experience together. I never got to have a sibling in school with me so I get really excited to see my kids have each other! Their teachers have both told me that they are pretty cute when they see each other in the halls. Miaja always gives Chase hugs and Chase always blushes, (says his teacher), and Chase has been over-heard telling his class-mates about his "really fun sister in 2nd grade"!
I know that this blog is way over due but I do have to add that it was really hard to see Chase walk into his class for the first time. As the boys and I walked out the door Chase looked back just for a minute and he did the most adorable, sweetheart thing ever, he blew me a little kiss. We quickly had to leave because I knew I was going to tear-up even more but it made my day and also made me realize that although I wouldn't have him right next to me all day for awhile he was still my little boy.
2010 has already proven to be a wonderful school year!

L.Powell Pictures!

2010-08-29T13:24:00.001-07:00

Our Lake Powell Trip!!!

2010-08-29T13:09:00.000-07:00

This summer we got to finish our trip to Utah off with a trip to Lake Powell (a favorite spot for Jaron). I was so excited to Jaron to enjoy some of his favorite things; water-skiing, water-skiing and water-skiing but I must admit I was terrified to take my kiddos. Thomas is so quiet and quick and he thinks he can do anything. With a lot of team-work between Jer and I and help from family I am happy to tell you that Thomas is still alive and we had a great time!
Miaja's favorite was swimming and riding on the tube. Chase's favorite was the tube and a little place the kids discovered which they named "Dolphino Island". Ayden loved making sand castles and watching the fish (just a note...the fish are really ugly and have to constantly remind myself that they "aren't" swimming all-around my body as I swim). Thomas favorite was watching me chase after him and swimming in the water. Jaron is sleeping right now but I'm going to have to guess that his favorite was water-skiing and getting time off from work just to be with family. My favorite was seeing my kids and husband smile and as "mother-like" as that sounds it's true. I loved watching Miaja smile as she jumped off that way too high cliff and Chase when he finally got on the tube and had a great time! I love seeing Jaron smile as he skied and watched others. I also loved being with family and catching-up. Chatting with my sister-in-laws and Bonny was really fun! We all missed Amanda (but she was home with their new little baby).
We all had a WONDERFUL time!

Coombs Family 2010

2010-08-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

While we were visiting in Utah this summer Jaron's parents had all of their children in town at the same time so we got take a big Coombs family picture. We took our own pictures while others were having their turns with the professional! I love taking pictures of my kids so we had a blast. Here's just a few!

First Half (or so) of Summer

2010-08-23T20:26:00.001-07:00

First Half (or so) of Summer

2010-08-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

We were blessed with one of the greatest summers yet! From fabulous days at the pool to a fantastic visit with family. Jaron, the kids and I were sad to say good-bye to another summer (but we look forward to an awesome school year).
It has taken me four nights to put together this video so, although it is incomplete, I had to show the fruits of my "labors". I will get to work on the other half soon.
I just have to say that as Jaron and I held the 2nd Annual Back-to-School Bash (pictures to come) I couldn't help but feel so incredibly fortunate to have seen, done, felt, learned, laughed and loved as much as we did summer of 2010. I really love these pictures because those faces and those moments still cling to my heart and make me smile just thinking about them.

Good-bye summer...we love you and will anticipate your return!

Nine Years!!!

2010-08-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

What an incredible nine years...I consider myself a blessing girl!

When Ayden was a baby

This seems like so long ago, when it was Miaja and Chase in Maine

Boy we had no idea what was ahead of us...three boys to protect our precious daughter!!

Here's where it all began for us

Jaron & I

So on the eighteenth Jaron and I celebrated our ninth anniversary and he made it such a special day for us. From a HEALTHY and really delicious breakfast to swimming with the kids and friends to eating way too much at this incredible seafood restaurant downtown we had such an great time.

We talked a lot about how quickly the time has past and what we see happening over the next nine years and I felt myself overwhelmed with gratitude. Jaron and I have been through so much together and although I swore I couldn't love him more the day we got married I can't even describe how our hearts have grown together over these past few years. Through moves and babies, school and residency, trials and joys-we have found ourselves still in-love.

Happy Anniversary Jer.
I love you.

Take me out to the ball game...

2010-06-22T20:05:00.000-07:00

Chase LOVED the game

Ayden LOVED the food

We all LOVED being there with friends

The party animals

Boy did we have a great night!!! The other night the kids and I went to LDS night at the San Antonio Missions baseball field! The greatest part was the Steve Young was going to be there. Now my kids have never seen, met or watched Steve Young but they know that when daddy was little he used to go watch Steve Young practice at the BYU stadium. ALL my kids wore their BYU shirts, hats and whatever else they could find. When we got to the game they were disappointed to find-out that the only way to meet Steve Young was to win a drawing. We all put our names in (including Thomas) and guess whose name they called...ME!!! Our friends all cheered us on as we the kids and I all ran to guest services. Well after all the hustle they couldn't find Steve Young so we all got more BYU t-shirts (we already get teased for the quantity of BYU t-shirts we have), but it was so fun! Really, the best part was being there with friends, watching the missionaries sing the anthem and the kids dance to the songs and cheer for all the players (my kids of course were cheering ,"Go BYU")! Chase looked me in the eyes and with pure little boy joy he said, "Mom, I love base ball"! What a night!

It's Girls Night!!!

2010-06-22T19:31:00.001-07:00

Ashlyn,Miaja & Abby

Ashlyn, Abby, Miaja & Joei

Alexis, Abby, Miaja, Joei & Ashlyn

School's Out!!!
So Miaja decided that she wanted to celebrate the end of first grade with a few of her good girl friends! We had homemade pizza, movies and, of course, hair-dos, nail polish and lots of great dress-ups!!! What a night! I'm just excited to have my favorite girl home for the summer!

Mr. T takes his first step...and his first duel!!!

2010-06-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

The first duel

I love that face

He's walking...watch-out world!!!

i have become keenly aware that our family consists of mostly boys. my baby took his first steps and two days later I was making breakfast and I looked behind me to see this adorable little boy barely balancing in his diaper. he was holding a long knights sword and he had the biggest grin. he and ayden immediately began a duel and he has been holding onto that sword ever since! boys...we've got some pretty cute ones!

Chalk Bluffs...What a great trip!

2010-06-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

Uncle Bryce

2010-05-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

Jaron's little brother Bryce came to visit last month and in all the craziness of life I haven't been able to put his pictures up but we had such a great time with him. The kids think that he is the greatest. Most of these pictures are from the day that Jaron actually commissioned Bryce into the Air Force. Bryce has decided to go to medical school and he is going the Air Force route. We are so proud of Bryce.
There are also a few pictures of Jaron teaching Bryce how to do IV's. Jaron showed Bryce by practicing on me first. It took me back to "the day" when we first started this long road and Jaron practiced on me more often. It was fun. By the end of the night Bryce seemed to be off to a good start.
Thanks for coming to see us Bryce.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. A

2010-05-13T18:58:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Ayden!!!
so my little A turned three today and what a day it has been. i adore ayden. as we sat around the table at dinner tonight we all said some of the things that we love about ayden and as I listened to my kids and jaron's responses and couldn't help but tear-up a little. ayden is life!!! he is joy. he is the definition of childhood. he has a smile that melts all hearts and is mischievous enough that I always have to keep my eye on him.
i love how whenever ayden wakes-up he comes right to mommy for our morning cuddles.
this past year ayden has learned how to be such an incredible big brother, swim, be brave with our new puppy (he is so amazing with Belle) and so much more.
i am so proud of you mr. a. you are a blessing and my heart wouldn't be completely without you and your love.

Aunt Lola's Visit

2010-04-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

Princess Belle

2010-04-05T20:13:00.000-07:00

it has been really busy the last few...years...but i did want to post a little something about the newest member of our family...
Princess Belle...
Our little golden retriever pup born on Feb 2, 2010.
Jaron and I have been preparing for a puppy for years now. Thomas was originally going to be a puppy but, well, things worked our for the best!!!
We love her. Jaron had a bit of a hard-time with the name but the kids really liked it and we had wanted them to get to name her. Miaja is now very happy to have a little sister.

Let's Go Fly A Kite!!!

2010-03-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

Mommy with the kids on kite day!

Miaja and one of her best little friends, Joei!

Miaja with some of her friends from class...Breanna, Lizette, Miaja and Joei

I love this picture of Miaja and Jer

...even "favoriter" her smile is priceless!!!

Just before spring break Miaja's school had it's 5th Annual Kite day and it was a blast!!! Daddy even got to come this year which was an extra treat. It is so wonderful to see all the kids run onto the field so excited to watch their carefully chosen kites soar high in the sky. It is definitely a bit chaotic but so worth it, even with the dozens of kites the fell on us! The kids were all laughing having a great time! I love watching the thrill on a child's face as they finally get their kite to soar...pretty great! Happy

Happy Birthday!!!!

2010-03-21T20:05:00.001-07:00

LET IT SNOW!

2010-02-23T18:06:00.000-08:00

What a magical day!!! It snowed in San Antonio! The boys and I were on our way home from story hour when I realized that it truly was snowing. As we pulled over to enjoy the moment (you never know how long it will last here) Jaron called to join in the excitement! You would have thought that candy was falling from the sky! The kids were in heaven trying to catch the heavy flakes. We almost got Miaja out of school to join in the fun but I resisted! It was so great to watch the boys as we got home run to the backyard and shout with excitement, "Look at all that snow!" For those of you here in San Antonio, (Stacey), you know why that is so funny! Chase even brought in a small handful of nearly melted snow to save in the freezer for MIaja. It was a good call because when Miaja came home she was sad that she hadn't been able to touch the snow but her face lit-up when she saw that her little brother had thought of her! When Chase went to bed tonight he said to me, (I love what they say when their about o fall asleep at night), "mommy, I think snow really is magical. Maybe God will let it come one more time!" It truly was a magical day!
(of course my camera battery wasn't charged)

What a day...

2010-02-10T19:11:00.000-08:00

My Favorites...

Today was an interesting day. As I was telling my mom all about it today she said, I remember having days like those. I wish I had written them down because now I could laugh. Thanks mom for inspiring me write this. I am a bit "old-school" and I keep a written journal but I felt like today needed to be "blogged"... So this morning started off with Jer leaving for work at 5'30am. I always wake-up (or am already awake exercising) and make him lunch so I know he has somethign healthy to eat. We said a prayer together and off he went, another long day at the hospital. Well, ayden woke-up when daddy left so I went in to lay by him. He and I were cuddling when the phone rang. My heart skipped a beat because it was only about 6'15am and those early calls typically aren't good calls. Well it was Jaron, his car had broken down and he needed to get to work ASAP so I got all four of my sleepy-eyed cuties (Ayden had actually fallen asleep, of course), and we stared to get ready. I had to get them dressed and ready because I knew I would have to take Miaja right to school. I think the cutest was little Thomas. When I woke him up he looked-up at me with his laughing eyes and then as I put him in his car seat I could almost hear him say, "this thing...already"! but no tears from anyone! On the road we were just in time for rush hour traffic and we had to go to the other side of San Antonio so we had a good hour in the car (fun)! We finally found Jaron, freezing in his car and drove him to BAMC, the army hospital here. After we dropped him off everyone was now very silly, hungry and...did I say silly! I tried to find a place for breakfast OTHER THAN MCDONALD's and that was quite the effort. I got the kids some breakfast then I decided that since Miaja was already late I would take her with the boys and I to the YMCA where I sometimes exercise. Everyone in our family LOVES the YMCA... that is everyone but Thomas. He sees that building and his lip starts to quiver. We stayed for about 20 mins. and Thomas was so unhappy that I decided that it wasn't worth-it so we left to take Miaja to school. Got to her school and realized I'd forgotten, in our hurry out the door this morning, that today was picture day!!!! (BAD MOM)! We raced Miaja home, did her hair and got her dressed then raced her back, only to realize that I had forgotten the check for the pictures (did I forget to recharge my brain last night...Chase was not happy with all this car stuff.) We raced home, got the check, took it back (at this point I'm pretty sure my good reputation I had built at Miaja's school was now completely dissolved and they think I 'm a crazy mom!!!) So we drop-off the check go home and I here Chase say to Ayden. "Don't worry Ayden, I'll do preschool for you." I held back the tears. Tears of love that Chase would be so sweet and a little sad that I had been so scattered this morning. We'll Chase held true to his word, while I made dinner (the missionaries were coming over tonight and I was teaching guitar right before) Chase did preschool with Ayden. I listened as my 5 yr. old boy led his little brother in the pledge of allegiance, an opening prayer and scripture (it was the 1st article of faith that Chase has memorized). I was bawling listening. Then Chase did a real science prject (things that float vs. things that don't and a graph) and a craft (paper animals), then Chase READ Thomas-the-Train to Ayden (Ayden's favorite book). I was overwhelmed. I always thought they really weren't paying attention as we did all of those things but they really were!! Well, the afternoon came and I was SO tired (I've some late nights,,,don't we all) and I fell asleep putting Thomas down for a nap. This sweet sister from our ward came and whe nshe rang the door bell I shot-up off the couch and flew to the door and I pretty sure that she too thinks I'm a little looney. I know this is a lot but I also know that it's mostly for me to remember. After nap I kept waiting for Jer to call to tell me when he'd be home just to be sure he'd be here to watch the kids during my guitar lesson. No call, no answer. At this time I also realized that I couldn't find our home phone. The kids and I did a full on search and found it in the backyard in the place house...it has been there since yesterday...how did that happen!!! Well, I get a call and Jaron told that the tow company went to tow our car but couldn't find it! So now I needed to get all of the kids back in the car and drive back across San Antonio (in rush-hour traffic) to see if our car had been stolen and pick Jaron up at the hospital. All this meant that 1) I would have to cancel my guitar lesson and I felt terrible about that and 2) I couldn't the bread that had just risen and made for the dinner with the missionaries. Well, I called about the guitar lesson and left a message then called my neighbor and asked if she could bake the bread for me then off to get Jer. The car had not been stolen and were pretty sure the tow company just chose to take "siesta" while they were suppose to get our car. We made home just as the missonaries pulled-up to our house and we had a wonderful dinner with them. I felt to grateful at the end of the day for all of the little things that make hectic days like today bearable and even enjoyable and really quite hilarious. The missionaries being in our home is always a blessing and they shared a thought about Jesus with the kids and it was really sweet and we all felt the spirit. Miaja lost her tooth during dinner and as she fell asleep she told me that this day was so special because she lost her tooth with the missionaries. To top it all off I came downstairs from putting the kids to bed and Jaron had made me hot cocoa (I love hot cocoa) and set-up a game for the two of us to play (I love games). I felt so special and I knew that Heavenly Father had blessed with so much. As Miaja said to me one rainy day, "Mom even on a yucky rainy day...atleast you get to hope to see a rainbow". I definitely so my rainbows today.

What a great week...Houston, fun in San Antonio and family

2010-02-02T20:56:00.000-08:00

So Jaron's parents came to visit this past week and we had such a great time! Jaron got a bunch of work off and we actually drove to Houston to pick his parents up. They didn't fly-in until late so we spent the day exploring and having fun! We went to the Houston Aquarium and to a great Spaghetti Factory!
We drove home that night and spent the next couple of days in San Antonio with Bonny and Bruce while Jaron worked a few shifts! Jaron and I even got to go on a date! We also found a new spot downtown that became an instant favorite! It was FULL of Texas flavor and fun! We had such a blast!
On Friday we headed back to Houston (with a stop at the Houston outlets) and then stayed in the most beautiful hotel! The kids had a blast swimming with grandma and grandpa and just being together! At breakfast the next morning Miaja told me that the free breakfast made her feel like a princess! It was adorable!
The next day was all about the Houston Space Center! It was actually freezing cold here so we weren't able to be outside too much but that didn't stop us! We had such a great time!
Thanks Bonny and Bruce for coming to visit! We'll look forward to next time. Enjoy your cruise!

(sorry about ALL the pictures! It's been a great week! Oh, and there all out of order. Oh well, I got them on that's what counts, right!)

Grandmommy and Papa came to town!!!

2010-02-02T19:33:00.000-08:00

Inside a recreation of a space shuttle...pretty impressive!

The kids trying to figure-out how they could make one of these at home...in the backyard! I love listening to their conversations!

What a great way to spend some time with Bonny and Bruce! We loved having them here.

I love taking pictures of Jaron. He's so handsome.

Tommy, Miaja and I having an "out-of-this-world" time at the Nasa Space Center!

Miaja testing what her strength would be like in space!

The kiddos

Ayden was scared of these suits so this picture took a lot of bravery!

Thomas LOVES his big sister and she was a great helper at with Thomas at the Space Center

Jaron and his parents in front of one of the hospitals that he works at. Bruce really wanted a picture of Jaron in his full military attire! I really am proud of him.

So I realized that I don't have a picture with him in his full attire so here ya go. I'm a huge fan of the hospital but I love how hard Jaron works to help the people that go there so that will have to do!

Bruce...probably trying to convince Ayden to wear his shoes on the right feet! it was HILARIOUS to watch Bruce try, time and time again to switch Ayden shoes. Ayden always switches them back. He'll grow out of it...I think!

Miaja and Bonny took this picture of Jaron and I. I am doing scrapbooks with all of my kids and also WITH Jaron. Once a month I make one-on-one time with each of the kids and Jaron and we do just one page! I love it! The only problem was Jaron and I had no pictures of us. Thanks Bonny!

This was a Miaja surprise photo...she did pretty good. It's one of my favs.

The whole clan! This was such a great night and a magical place! It took your breath away when you walked in...there was a Mexican band playing the lights were so beautiful and they had this sparkly stuff all over the ceilings...we will definitely make this place a "regular"!

Photogenic Chase. Reminds me of my good friend Shay. He never takes a bad picture...now me on the other hand, I gave-up on that a LONG time ago!!!

Here's our Mr. Silly Pants...Ayden

Miaja...she loved the sparkles and "magical" lights at the restaurant. I must admit, so did I!

I love this little guy...FULL of smiles

My little Ayden is famous in our family for his silliness! He will not take a picture without a silly face. I joined him in the fun this time around!

Bonny, enjoying good food, family and lots of fun!

The kids with grandma and grandpa Coombs! We drove to Houston and picked them up for a little visit! The kids LOVED all of the grandparent love and attention, so did Jaron and I!

A friend recommended taking Jaron's parents to this really great place in downtown San Antonio called El Mercado. It had every type of Mexican craft or goodyt imaginable! It was awesome! I got some great ideas for our yard! I was a little crazy with four VERY curious kids but we had a great time!

My little monkey...Miaja was having fun before we even started!!!

Our visit to the Houston aquarium!!! The kids had a blast! Here we were touching STRING RAYS and SHARKS (little bitty sharks...but still)!

A rare photo of Jer and I...love getting away from work!

Jaron and the kids "discovering" some treasure

Aren't they cute

The family after a long but VERY FUN day!

My treasures....

2010-01-17T18:06:00.001-08:00

It's official Miaja's bike has only TWO wheels!!!

2010-01-17T16:31:00.000-08:00

Chase and his friends Tyler going "uphill"!

There she is...the biker!!

Now isn't she beautiful

Miaja learned how to ride her bike WITHOUT training wheels this past week and it was so fun (of course mommy had to cry...she's my baby)! After that she pretty much wanted to ride her bike non-stop, well, until Sunday! I am so proud of Miaja! I remember learning to ride my bike without training wheels. I felt SOOO grown-up. I can't believe that my little girl is that big now!

2010-01-17T16:26:00.001-08:00

We Love Grandpa!!!

2010-01-17T11:53:00.000-08:00

Grandpa is always great getting my babies to sleep!!

Ayden and grandpa are really good buddies

My dad...he's always there for me, especially when it's most important.

This is the "grandpa hold" as my kids call it!

A favorite place to be...on top of the world!!

Grandpa

This year I got to visit Utah for four days just with Thomas and myself, (and we got to fly!!!) My dad retired this past December and I really wanted to go back home to celebrate all his hard-work. He has been such an example to me my entire life. He is a hard-worker, and I admire that, but even more than being a hard-worker he was still able to be a wonderful dad. I hope that I can achieve a portion of what he has, thus far, and be the kind of parent he has been to me.

CHRISTMAS!!!! (finally)

2010-01-16T07:46:00.001-08:00

Our Christmas....
It's taken me quite a while to post our Christmas pictures because we have been pretty busy! We had such a wonderful Christmas season, filled with friends, family, traditions and many new memories! We enjoyed Christmas party with Santa, Miaja's school Christmas program, making gingerbread houses (thanks Aunt Yvette). The kids and I even made candy this year and we had such a great time! We made fudge, peppermint chocolate bark and truffles! Oh, and caramels, that was quite the experience!!! We had dinner with some friends on Christmas eve. One of our friends did face painting for the kids and then we did the nativity! Christmas morning was so fun! The kids were so hilarious! It's so great to see the thrill in their eyes when they see they new surprises!
More than anything we truly felt the spirit of Christmas in our home this Christmas season and as a family wer are trying our hardest to keep that spirit near. We are always so grateful to hear from family and friends and your love brings added Christmas cheer.
So, MERRY CHRISTMAS...and a Christmasy year!!!

Christmas is in the air!!!

2009-12-21T18:12:00.000-08:00

The kids at the 4-D Polar Express show

So today the kids and I went to Seaworld to see the Shamu Christmas show. It was so wonderful! the kids LOVE it! We had such a great time and the weather was beautiful! I am quite the cry baby though. We've seen the various Shamu shows 30+ times and I still cry every time. I am such a sucker. The kids always put their arms around me and say, "It's ok mom. This is a good part." They are adorable.
We had a neighbor friends over for FHE tonight and as we were finishing a nativity craft he looked at me with sweet innocent eyes and said, "Isn't December kinda magical?" They all proceeded to have a little 6 yr. and under discussion on the magic of Christmas! I loved it and I agree...it is magical.
Have a Merry 21st of December.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

2009-11-24T15:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Chase!!!

My little boy has officially turned 5! It was so adorable...he came running down the stairs the morning of his birthday and he said, "Mommy, mommy, my legs are even longer!"
I am so grateful for Chase. This year has been such a fun year. He now has two little brothers that adore him and look-up to him and he loves them right back. One of Chase's favorite things to do is draw. It is so cute to watch him try to teach Ayden how to "draw" his name.
Something else Chase LOVES is dogs. Chase talks about dogs, draw dogs, pretends his little brothers ARE his dogs. If he can name it a dog and play with it he will! So this year Chase really wanted a dog birthday party, of course! It was so fun! I made cardboard dog houses ahead of time and created Doggy Adoption certificates so that when Chase's friends arrived they got to choose a dog, a dog house and then before they got their adoption certificate they had to make sure that their doggies had all their shots and were bathed and groomed. After all of this they signed the certificate then they could paint their dog house and make it their own.
We had such a great time! Birthday parties are an event at our house but I really wouldn't have it any other way! I look forward to them, the kids plan all year for them and we all have such great memories from them.
I know that five will be a wonderful year for Chase!
Happy Birthday sweetie!

2009-11-24T14:50:00.000-08:00

Jaron and the kids eating birthday cake!!!

The family

Thomas and I on the bus at the zoo

Nothing beats the day at the zoo

Chase with his birthday breakfast...fruit crepes!!!!

Chase is FIVE!!!

2009-11-24T13:54:00.001-08:00

Chase and mommy filling-out his puppy adoption certificate!
His was a dalmatian named Pup.

Friends!!!

So we played this game where you tie one of those long balloons to the back of your pants and then the kids chase each other trying to pop the balloons! Jaron also made the kids some balloon animals!

Chase and I with his puppy cake. This one took FOREVER but it's was all worth-it when Chase said, "WOW mom your amazing!" They make me feel so special.

Chase and his friends! This puppy was a Pin-the-Tail-on-the-Dog!!! Lots of fun!

Fall does exist in Texas!!!

2009-11-09T18:50:00.000-08:00

I HATE when the kids climb the trees...I hear too many stories from Jaron. I just have to pretend it doesn't bother me so much because they LOVE it!

Out hot dog moment. The kids thought it was hilarious that mom was eating a hot dog!

Jaron and the kids finding little fish...(Ayden tried to step on them...hmmmm...I guess that's ok).

Mr. T and myself just soakin' in the sun and the fall"ness"!

What a Day!

Thanks to the advice from good friends, our family was finally able to get a "taste" of fall! Yes, fall does exist in Texas and I think it seemed more beautiful than ever!
Jer, the kids and I went to a beautiful state park here called Lost Maples, this past weekend. It was so great to get away and enjoy a taste of one of my four favorite seasons...Fall! We had wanted to camp-out but we had to be back for early morning meetings so we stayed until it got dark and then came home and camped at our house! What a great day! I even enjoyed the hot dogs, ("healthy" hot dogs, of course)! One of my favorite parts was watching Ayden try to eat his S'more! I think he got in two bites then ran off to play! Can't wait to go back!