Abby and Jacob making yummy (allergen free) pizzas.
Abby eating her pizza!


Abby and I have been having fun walking around our neighborhood. Yesterday we saw some dogs on a leash. Abby asked me what the leash was for and I said "So the people can tell the dogs where to go." Abby's next words to me were "Mommy, you are my leash because you tell me where to go." It was so funny.

Jacob has been acting like a kitty cat lately and meowing and saying words between the meows. It is so funny. "Kitty love you Mommy... meow." His teacher has been calling him Mr. Personality. She says he is so much fun and she loves having him in class. He is constantly making her laugh. Today he told me Ms. Peggy (one of his teachers) has lots of pets to include "dogs, cats, elephants, tigers, pigs and ducks." He sure is fun!

Blake has one more day with us before he goes to his mom's in South Carolina. We sure will miss him, but know he will have a great time. Dylan will be here in a few weeks and we're looking forward to seeing him.

Memorial Day

Blake doing his favorite thing... texting friends.

The four kiddos eating their burgers and dogs (Jacob had Shrek Cheetos that turned his tongue and mouth green).
Mommy and green mouth Jacob!
Steve and Travis playing basketball!

:-)

We have had a very nice long weekend. Friday, we celebrated Blake's last day as an 8th grader by going to see Spiderman 3. I really thought it was a pretty good movie. Saturday we drove Blake and Temi to go see Pirates of the Caribbean 3, so he had fun seeing that. Yesterday, we did a bunch of running around and while we were at Sam's there was an older gentleman sitting on a bench and Abby said to him "Hey there little man." Luckily, he had a good sense of humor and laughed about it. It was a good opportunity to talk about good manners and how a simple "Hello, Sir" would have been fine.

Last night Blake babysat for us while we joined some friends at the new casino and had dinner at the Morning Star Steakhouse. It was pretty good food and nice to have an evening with adult company. We are lucky to have such a responsible young man like Blake to sit for us... thanks, Blake (he had other offers from friends but helped us out).

Today, the Parker's and the Cooper's came over for a cookout. We had lots of fun and were very lucky it did not rain (we've had loads and loads of rain lately). Blake went over to a friend's house to go swimming... his perfect day... sun and friends!

We hope everyone had a nice Memorial Day. Let's remember the reason for this holiday and think of everyone who has given the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.

Pictures!

Blake and the other award winners (he is 5th from the right in a green shirt, right above the "R" in Burkburnett).

Abby playing in the playground behind our house.
Jacob in the driveway playing basketball with Daddy and Blake.

Blake pushing Abby, Jacob and one of their friends on the merry-go-round.

Happy Mother's Day

I have had such a great day. Abby was so excited for it to be Mother's Day. Yesterday, she and Steve went shopping so she could pick something out for me (Jacob and I went to a birthday party). All evening she kept telling me that she would not tell me what she got me for Mother's Day, but it was in a box she picked out for me. First thing this morning she ran up to me and told me "Mommy, your presents are in Daddy's dresser. I got you the candle and Daddy got you all the other stuff." She was so cute and so excited. Once I opened all my presents she wanted to know when was Sister Day and what presents would she get. The best gift of all was the card from the kids that she signed both hers and Jacob's name as well as wrote "Mommy" on the front of the envelope! She is getting SO big.

We went to lunch at McAlister's (one of my favorite places) and came home to do some unpacking. Afterwards, the four of us went outside so the kids could play and ride their bikes. We've been on several walks today and really enjoyed the sidewalks in our new neighborhood. After our playtime, Abby and I made graham cracker sandwich cookies (just like my mom used to make me) for a snack!

I have really enjoyed this Mother's Day. I could not ask for two more special children. My day was topped off by Blake and Dylan calling me to wish me a Happy Mother's Day! They are such sweet boys and I am lucky to have them in my life, too! Happy Mother's Day to everyone!

Blake's Award Ceremony

Blake had his 8th Grade Award Ceremony Monday evening. He was recognized for being a member of the Junior National Honor Society (the induction ceremony was last night but he missed it because he was heading to S.C. for Mother's Day... hope everyone has a nice visit with Blake). He also received a Certificate of Honor in Pre-AP English. The grand finale was when he was awarded The President's Award for Academic Excellence! In order to receive this award the student must maintain a 95 average for the entire 7th grade school year as well as the first 3 semesters of the 8th grade (since the final grades are not in). Way to go, Blake!!!

As soon as I can find my camera (it is somewhere safe after the move) I will post pictures!

8th Grade Dance

Tonight was Blake's 8th grade dance. We rented him a tux and he looked so handsome. He "took" Audrey to the dance and bought her a beautiful two-rose corsage. He met a bunch of his friends and they took a limo to the dance... he is becoming such a fine young man and as always, we are very proud of him.

Hard Candy

Blake's Theater Arts class has been working very hard on their play "Hard Candy" by Jonathan Rand. Yesterday, they performed in the 2007 One Act Play Festival. It was a competition between four local middle schools. Each class presented a one act play and at the end there were critiques and awards. Blake earned one out of two "All Star Cast" awards (out of 51 actors)and his class won first place for their play. We are all very proud of Blake and his class!

Blake with his awards!

22 April

Jacob with Duncan.

Abby in her Duncan "safe" zone (on top of the chair).
Abby and Jacob zonked out after playing outside in the water all day.

Biggest brother Blake being silly outside.

We've had a nice weekend. Yesterday, Steve and I took Abby & Jacob out to lunch at Chili's. They were pretty well behaved and we had fun talking to them. They really come up with the cutest things. Abby loves to know who is "big than" who... who can pick up who, etc. She is so smart because I work with a girl named Nikki and she says to me "Mommy, can you pick up Nikki?" and I say "No." She responds "Nikki Parker, not Nikki from work." She's always trying to trick Mommy.

Last night was "Give Parents A Break" so Steve and Blake went to dinner and I stayed home and worked on my homework. It was nice for Steve and Blake to spend some time together. They went to the mall and bought Blake some new shoes.

Today, Kara Parker and I had to work so Kara brought the kids over and all of the kids played and played and played. Blake was the best big brother and made water balloons for them to play with. He also made all four of the little kids lunch. He really is such a help to us.

Duncan Zipper Copeland

We have had an exciting week... we have a new member of our family... Duncan Zipper Copeland. He is an 8 1/2 week old Jack Russell Terrier and is so sweet. Abby is no longer allergic to dogs, so we were ready to add another member to the family. He loves to play with the kids and is so much fun. Steve and Blake have been diligently working to housebreak him. Isn't he cute?

Happy Easter

We had a quiet Easter at home today. I made allergy free chocolate chip cookies and we've been snacking on that and the Easter Bunny's treats today. We had an Easter egg hunt inside because it was too cold out. Happy Easter to everyone.

Blake and his new Bible.

The Easter Bunny left us these baskets.
Jacob checking out his goodies.
Abby showing Daddy her new nail polish.

Our Week with Dylan

We had a wonderful visit with Dylan. Steve and I both took a few days of leave so we could spend time with him. Steve took him 4-wheelin' and to a movie. The big boys played basketball while the little kids watched. Thursday, Dylan and I ate breakfast at school with Abby and Jacob. Blake was out of school Friday so Blake, Dylan and I went to lunch. Then, we met Steve and saw another movie. We had a great time with Dylan and we miss him very much.



Dylan playing football with Abby and Dad.

Blake and Dylan being goofy.

Our Trip to Sea World

Dylan came in Friday night for Spring Break. After weather delays, we ended up going to Dallas to pick him up. Then, we headed to San Antonio to meet the Parker's for visit to Sea World. It took us about six hours due to the heavy rain, but eventually we got there.

Dylan and Jillian Parker watching the dolphins.

Jacob and his new "favorite snack" raisins.

The kids and Dads playing on the Pirate Ship.

More Pics of Sea World

Here are Blake and Dylan holding a snake at Sea World.
Here are the dolphins... Jacob LOVED them. Once Abby got over being nervous, she was very interested in them also.
Mommy and Abby (with Kara's sunglasses) waiting to see Shamu!
Shamu... Blake, Dylan and Jillian Parker saved us seats in the third row. The grown ups and the smaller kids headed up to dryer seats. All three big kids got soaked!!!

Blake and Abby on the Pirate Ship... the kids loved it.

About Blake...

As we all know Blake is extremely smart. He just got his report card and of course he got straight A's!!! But, the best news is he has been invited join the Junior National Honor Society. We are so proud of him and wanted to share the news.

Congratulations Daddy (Steve)

Today Steve received his Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University. The ceremony was very nice and the speaker gave a great speech. We checked Blake out of school to attend the ceremony. Steve has done a wonderful job working full-time, going to school and being the world's best dad. Just doing one of those things alone is a huge accomplishment... doing all three is amazing. We are all so proud of him.

Circus Circus and Blake's Home!

I took Abby and Jacob (with the Parker's) to the circus today while Steve studied. Abby was scared of the horses and clowns, but she loved the music. Jacob liked the horses and the elephant. He managed to take a nap during the middle of the circus.
Abby, Kara, and Camilla at the circus.
Blake got home today and the kids were very excited. They had not seen him in two weeks since they were at Meemaw and Grandpa's for a week before he left. We are all ready for Dylan's visit, too. Jacob was confused and thought Dylan was on the plane, too.

The Princess Treatment

After flying kites, I took Abby to my stylist, Keyli to get a haircut and her nails painted.

Here she is getting her nails painted pink to match her shirt.

Here is the Princess in the car with the book and lollipop Keyli gave her.

Flying Kites

Yesterday was Fly a Kite Day at Abby and Jacob's school. I picked up Jacob and we went with outside with Abby's class. Jacob had more fun on the slides, but Abby loved flying her kite.

Abby & Jacob Home... Blake Gone.

Abby & Jacob came back from Meemaw's and Grandpa's yesterday. They had a great time visiting and playing. Steve, Blake, and I enjoyed a week without little people, but it is good to have them home. Of course, they kept us up all night with their scratching. I am making an appointment this week with their pediatrician to talk about some new medication I found on my support group website.

Blake is in S.C. for Spring Break. Abby and Jacob immediately asked for him when we picked them up. Dylan will be here in a few weeks and we are looking forward to that visit.

New 4-wheelers

Abby and Jacob are now the proud owners of their very own 4-wheelers. They had a blast on their new toys and have really gotten the hang of driving around the yard. I am sure in a few years they will be able to hit the trails with Daddy and Blake. The Parker's came over last night with their 4-wheelers and the kids had a blast.


Today, we drove up to Oklahoma City and met Meemaw, Grandpa, and Uncle Dustin. We walked around the Bass Pro Shop and had lunch at Red Lobster. Then, we moved the car seats over to Meemaw and Grandpa's car and Abby and Jacob went on a trip. They are spending the week with their Grandparents so Dad and Mom (and Blake) can have some downtime. Abby and Jacob are up most nights scratching and we are exhausted. We miss them already and the house is so quiet without them. We know they will have a great time in Arkansas and we will be well rested parents when they get home.