My birthday and a snow day

I had a wonderful birthday. The girls at work brought me Starbucks, donuts and took me to lunch with a bunch of my friends. They also gave me a cool Starbucks coffee cup, some lotion, flowers, and a cake that said "Welcome to your mid-thirties" (which I thought was awesome). They really spoiled me. Steve sent me flowers at work. Steve was going to make me dinner, but after eating all day at work I really wasn't very hungry. Steve and the kids gave me a nice Adidas workout outfit, some Bath and Body Works stuff and the second season of Grey's Anatomy!!! So, last night I talked to all my friends and family and watched Grey's... that made my evening.

Around 11a.m. yesterday it was almost 70 degrees, by 12 or so the temp had dropped into the 50's and by the time we left work it was 36 degrees. Last night we had rain, snow, sleet and thunder and lightning, which was really strange. So, this morning my boss said we did not have to come in because the roads were so slick. Steve had to go to work and Blake had to go to school. Abby, Jacob, and I stayed home and had lots of fun. We read books, made some pictures, watched Sesame Street (I found the neatest DVD called Sesame Street Old School with episodes from 1969-1974) and had homemade chicken noodle (rice noodles) soup. This afternoon we ventured out into the snow for a bit just so the kids could burn off some steam. Jacob wasn't really crazy about the snow because he did not like how it stuck to him. Abby did not want to come in, but I was cold. I had so much fun just hanging out with them today. We are having chili for dinner tonight... yum!

Yippee... the holidays are here!

I love this time of year. Thanksgiving is the kick-off to the holidays and I just love it. I only wish we lived somewhere that we could have a white Christmas (maybe next time we move???). We had a very nice Thanksgiving. We, along with our second family, the Parker's, went to Steve's folk's up in Arkansas . On Thanksgiving day we went to Aunt Kay's and ate more than anyone could have possibly needed. It was wonderful to spend the day with our family and to give thanks for all of our blessings (and we have so many). The "boys" brought their 4-wheelers and we all took turns riding around. We had such a good time.

Friday, we took Blake to meet his mom and we got to see Dylan. Abby and Jacob were SO excited to see Dylan. Dylan, Jillian (Travis' daughter), Travis and Steve played football while Kara, the kids and I looked on. Later, the guys and Jillian went to see the new James Bond movie. Blake's mom took him to see the Arkansas/LSU game. Unfortunately, the hogs lost, but Blake still had a nice time. The downside to our trip is that the majority of our family caught some sort of stomach flu... not much fun. Luckily, Abby and Jacob managed to stay healthy (so far).

Happy Holidays to everyone! Please keep the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines serving in Iraq and around the world in your thoughts and prayers. -

Just Another Weekend

Right now I am sitting here holding my little man Jacob. He is actually calm; it does not get better than this! We had a nice weekend. We had pizza Friday night. Saturday we went to the Hangar Holiday Bazaar on base. Last night, Abby & Jacob went to "Give Parents a Break." Steve went over to a friend's house to hang out with the guys and play some cards. Blake and I went to the movies. Today, we relaxed at home. Blake took some great pics of the kids outside.

Princess Abby

We had strong winds all day today and princess Abby decided she would wear a dress to school. Isn't she sweet?

Blake Made the Team!

Yesterday Blake found out he made the basketball team. He was so nervous and has been practicing everyday. His dad and I knew he would make the team, but he was on cloud nine last night when we found out. We are all so proud of him!

Happy Veteran's Day

This week was a tough one for me. I have experimented and experimented with various allergen-free recipes for Abby and really most of them have been yucky. Yesterday, I went to the local natural food store and bought $30 of various flours (rice, potato, garbanzo, tapioca) and starches. Last night I made a chocolate cake and let me say it was like chewing on a chocolate sponge. I will keep trying out recipes until I get them right. Abby, Jacob and I made oatmeal-banana cookies tonight. They are not too bad. I think we can get used to them for sure. Abby was sad tonight because we all had Subway for dinner and she had to settle for a baked potato. She kept asking for a sandwich. So, my next adventure will be making some allergen-free bread so she can have a sandwich.

Blake, Steve and Travis went 4-wheeling today at a place called Red River ATV park. It's about an hour and a half from here. They enjoyed themselves and were surprised to see there were lots of nice fall colored trees along the way. Blake said it did not even seem like Texas. I stayed home with the kiddos. We did some puzzles, read books and cleaned.

Tonight, Blake lit the chiminea, had s'mores and watched the Arkansas game. I bought some "safe" logs so he could roast the marshmallows. We are enjoying the cooler weather as we had temps up in the high 80's over the last week.

Happy Veteran's Day!

Jacob and Abby "riding" Daddy and Blake's 4-wheelers.

Jacob giving his teddy bear a haircut!

Abby's 2nd Allergist Appointment

Abby had her 2nd appointment at the allergies on 1 Nov. It turns out she is allergic to peanuts (which we knew), milk, soy, wheat, orange, malt, corn and eggs. She also is allergic to molds, dust mites, dogs and cats. She came up positive for everything that was tested. I am sure if she were to be tested for more foods she would come up positive to those foods as well. However, right now I am dealing with how we are going to avoid all of these foods. I will have to meet with the dietician on base and figure out where she will get all of her nutrients. The biggest challenge will be the daycare and eating out. I have joined an online support group called Kids with Food Allergies kidswithfoodallergies.org/index.php. I have also been reading books to see what I can use to substitute wheat flour, milk (since we can use soy, etc.). I nearly had a nervous breakdown yesterday while trying to grocery shop.

Yesterday Kara and I went to Christmas Magic, a big bazaar held by the Women's Junior League. Steve stayed home with the kids and they went outside and had a great time playing basketball, riding bikes and sitting on the 4-wheelers. Today, Blake and Steve are going to Buffalo Wild Wings to watch football. Abby, Jacob and I will clean the house. Right now, Steve is showing Jacob the hair clippers because he NEEDS a haircut and is scared of the clippers. He is cutting his teddy bear's hair.