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Birthday Fun!

2011-04-17T21:02:00.001-05:00

April is a big birthday month for us around here. My birthday is on the 5th, Preston's is on the 11th and my brother-in-law James celebrates his on the 15th. Here are some pictures from Preston's Party at the Park.

Me and my fellow April birthday kid

4 Reed Boys

Transformer Cake

Gran, Preston and Pap

Granddaddy, Grammy and the Birthday Boy

Playing at the park

Friends

Crazy Birthday Kid!!!

Uncle Matt, Aunt Katy and Pearson

Hog Heaven

2011-03-28T00:16:00.001-05:00

We've been in Northwest Arkansas since Wednesday. My dear cousin Amanda got married on Saturday so the whole Link crew decided to make a vacation out of it! My parents went down much earlier, but the Reeds, LeBlancs and Links headed up there mid-week. Our kids loved it because they got to miss a few more days of school...not bad since Spring Break was last week!!!

We stayed in Bella Vista, a community where my parents have a timeshare and drove into Siloam Springs to visit with my Mema and other family that were in town for the wedding. We really enjoyed our time together and thanks to all of the good cooks in our family, we ate and ate and ate. On Friday night we introduced our spouses and kids to a Link family tradition and had dinner at the Venesian Inn in a little community called Tontitown.

Although the weather got pretty chilly, it didn't stop my Dad, Bryan and Matt from playing lots of golf and Peyton and David got in one day of good tennis play. The kids enjoyed being outside playing at the park and exploring.

The wedding was great and Amanda was a BEAUTIFUL bride. The look on her husband's face when he first saw her walking down the aisle was priceless! The reception was held in the really neat community center downtown and was so pretty decorated in the wedding colors of pink and gray. And the wedding cake...SO good!

We had a wonderful time and need to make sure that we don't wait so long to all get together as a family again. I took tons of pictures but here are some my favorites.

Tennis anyone?

Cousins! Minus Ethan who was napping

Love these four kiddos!

Granddaddy and E Man

Kids visiting the Veterans Memorial in Bella Vista

David

David, Katy and Bryan

Pretty Mema

Enjoying their treat after dinner at the Venesian Inn

Dad and Mom at the wedding reception

Cousins~Nicole, me, Amanda, Matt and Sarah

Me, Matt and Nicole

My precious Aunt Melanie
who was a beautiful mother of the bride

Enjoying the sparkler box before we headed
outside to send off the bride and the groom

Four pretty girls with their sparklers

Katy and Me

My sweet Preston

Love my Peyton

Spring Break and a little Madness

2011-03-18T20:00:00.001-05:00

It's been Spring Break this week although it really hasn't felt too different. I took off on Tuesday because Peyton had a doctor's appt in Dallas, but other than that it's been a normal week for us. The boys have really enjoyed spending time with David in the mornings and getting more time with Grammy in the afternoons.

The most exciting thing around here has been the start of March Madness. Each year David has had us fill out brackets so that we can keep up with tournament. This year we've had some extra fun because there is also a Link Family bracket. Everyone from my side of the family has submitted a bracket online...including Pearson who is playing in utero! After the first day my sister and I were tied for the lead. My bracket has suffered a few dings today, but hopefully it will all even out. Since my beloved Bears didn't make the big dance again this year, I'm pulling for the Jayhawks...GO KANSAS!!

All things new and improved

2011-03-09T22:00:00.002-06:00

So...what do you think about our new look?!? I'm really happy with it. Ashley at Great Gabbie Designs did a really nice job of taking my big ol' wish list and then used her talents to come up with this cute design. Yeah! Of course now that means that I'm going to have to be better about blogging. We've got some fun stuff coming up so it shouldn't be too hard to get back into the swing of things. Of course, I may have to loosen up on my issue about having posts without pictures.

SO....this is what's been up with us so far this week. It's Texas Public Schools Week here in the great state and the boy's school had a Parent Involvement Night on Monday. Preston and the rest of his Kindergarten classmates were supposed to perform a music program that they've been working on but the poor music teacher has been out with the flu and it had to be rescheduled. Instead we visited the various booths and collected our door prize tickets. Next, everyone headed to the cafeteria where we ate pizza and spread out tickets hoping to win. Sadly we didn't win anything but we definitely had a great time visiting with our friends the Smith's and the Cobb's.

I also participated in another TPS Week activity by reading to the sweetest group of second graders at Terrell Elementary. I read Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato, Cindy Ellen -A Wild Western Cinderella and some other book about an albino squirrel (weird!) . After I was done, Jonathan Cannon a reporter I work with a lot interviewed me about the importance of reading. The story was on the front page of the paper today which was pretty neat.

That's all for now. Let me know what you think about the new design and drop by Ashley's blog and let her know too. I bet she'd appreciate hearing from you!

Getting a new look

2011-03-04T20:47:00.000-06:00

SO excited that this blog is going to get a make-over soon thanks to Great Gabbie Designs!!

Summer is here

2010-05-28T16:27:00.000-05:00

Although summer doesn't officially start until June 21st, let's face it...summer is here! Need further proof? The boys went swimming at Grammy & Granddaddy's last night after track practice. Tomorrow? First track meet of the season and then a lazy weekend with nothing else on the calendar!! WOW!

Dino-myte!

2010-05-14T20:49:00.000-05:00

Steps to making dinosaur cookies.

1. Get the mix from Aunt Katy & Uncle Matt for your birthday

2. Help your mom mix the dough that turns green when water is added to it! (sorry that there's no photographic evidence of this...)

3. Roll out the dough with a coffee mug since your mom doesn't own a rolling pin.

4. Cut out the dinosaurs with cookie cutters...the T-Rex being your favorite...again, no photo :(

5. Have your mom spread on the icing and you sprinkle with bright blue colored sugar

6. Admire your gooey masterpieces

7. Eat them!!

Thank you Aunt Katy & Uncle for the fun gift!!!

Pomp & Circumstance

2010-05-12T21:59:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, May 11 was the date of the 2010 Jack & Jen Pink Elephant Class Graduation. And let me tell you, it was cute! The kids sang quite a few of the songs that they've learned throughout the year. Preston was very serious about his first performance. It was kind of funny because the little girl standing next to him, Riley, was interested in just about everything else but singing. But not Preston, he sang and did his hand motions like a champ.

After their singing they left the stage to don their cap & gowns-with pink tassels...they are Pink Elephants after all! There was a processional where each child received a certificate as their name was called. Preston was very intent on reading his! We've been reading quite a bit here lately and he's starting to recognize words and put together sentences. At one point as he was studying his certificate, he even followed along with his fingers. It was too cute. We're very proud of the progress he's made this year. Preschool started out pretty bumpy for our little guy, but it has ended perfectly!!!

Our happy graduate

Preston singing the Acorn song His friend Riley

was more interested in everyone else around them!

Group sing-along

The Graduating Class before donning their caps & gowns

"Reading" his certificate

Afterwards with Ms. Debbie...

and Ms. Karen...

and Ms Nicole...

and of course, Mr. Larry!!

Our proud family with our graduate

With Poppy & Nana and...

Granddaddy & Grammy and ...

Pap & Gran

Show Me the Money

2010-05-10T21:03:00.000-05:00

Tonight was the 3rd grade music program at Peyton's school. Each year instead of doing one big program with the whole school, they split it up by grades and do programs under one main theme. This year it was Famous Faces. Peyton and his classmates learned songs about some of the people that are on our money and their program was called Show Me the Money! Peyton's favorite song was about Andrew Jackson and was called Old Hickory. At one point in the show, the kids throw out some play money. Preston thought it was real and started to head to the stage to pick it up!!

Even though we were on the second row, my camera didn't take any good pics, but it was Granddaddy to the rescue! Here are a couple of good ones that he took.

3rd Graders

Show me, show me!!

Heading off the stage with his friend Armina

Our sweet Riley top row, center throwing out the money

Grammy, Granddady, Poppy, Nana, Pap and Gran all showed up to see Peyton sing tonight

Blessed to be called Mom!

2010-05-09T21:51:00.000-05:00

I always feel a little funny when Mother's Day rolls around. There is no doubt that it's nice to be recognized, but really it's us mothers that should be so thankful for the blessing of our children. The sweet Reed boys were so excited for this day. Preston had been bursting all weekend to share with me what he and Bubba got me. He made me a sweet picture that included his hand prints at school. This morning they each brought in their gifts with the biggest smiles on their faces!! Peyton asked me to open the bag he was holding first. Inside was a yellow plastic, blinged out watch that I had wanted. He and I went to Charming Charlie's last week but couldn't find the watch I wanted in yellow, but surprisingly one made it into my gift bag along with some really pretty silver bangles. Magic!!

Next up was the bag that Preston was holding. Apparently the boy's did their very own clothes shopping for me...and did a GREAT job!! Preston had picked out these cute pair of raspberry pants and Peyton picked out a super cute white T that has a little bling on the shoulders. This will be a great summer outfit!! I'm so proud of their thoughtfulness. We headed to church and afterwards had a super, yummy lunch at Loose Wheels. The weather today has been really cold and windy, so of course that called for a Sunday afternoon nap. After that we headed to G&P's for dinner. Pap grilled outside before the heavens opened up and we all enjoyed a steak & shrimp dinner.

Preston helping Gran with the pineapple

Me and my boys

Gran & her boys

Preston Benjamin

Peyton David

End of a super great day!!

Happy, wonderful Mother's Day to Grammy, Nana & Gran!!!

IMAX Field Trip

2010-05-04T17:40:00.000-05:00

After last week's TAKS testing, the 3rd graders deserved a break! So today they headed to Dallas for a field trip to the museum and IMAX theater at Fair Park. It was a lot of fun!

Waiting in line for the IMAX Alaska movie

The group of 9 that I was responsible for

Cousins Peyton & Riley

Digging for Dino bones

Making giant bubbles

Sic Em Big Bears!

In front of the Cotton Bowl, after lunch

Peyton & his friend Noel before the IMAX movie

Preston's 5th Birthday

2010-05-04T17:13:00.000-05:00

Preston's 5th Birthday party was held on his actual birthday,

Sunday, April 11 at Chuck E. Cheese.

Although he had been feeling a little under the weather that weekend,

he had a great time with all of our family that came

to help him celebrate this big birthday!!!!

Celebrating with our big 5 year old

Getting his crown loaded with tokens and his birthday medallion

Pizza Time!

Gran & Pap

Grammy & Granddaddy

Nana & Poppy

Uncle James

Aunt Katy & Uncle Matt

LeBlancs

Aunt Amberly & Riley

Blowing out his candles

In front of his favorite ride

Skee Ball!!

GOOOAAALLLLLSSS!!!!

2010-04-27T20:23:00.000-05:00

Here's 4 minutes of soccer greatness from Peyton's Upward team The Edge coached by David. We're especially proud of the header at about 1:35 into the video.

Preston's 5th Birthday Party-Video Style

2010-04-18T23:23:00.006-05:00

David to the rescue. Even though I can't download pics just yet...here's a video set to the birthday boy's favorite song to enjoy!
(Don't forget to mute my blog music)

Oh NO!!

2010-04-18T17:36:00.002-05:00

I finally found some time to sit down to blog the events of the past couple of weeks but now seem to have misplaced that very important cord that helps me download my photos to my computer. And since I hate to blog without pics I'll have to try again later. WHERE OH WHERE COULD IT BE?!?!?

Egg-cellent!

2010-04-02T21:55:00.000-05:00

Tonight was our annual egg decorating party at Gran & Pap's. This year's theme was Monsters!! You'll see that the boys came up with some pretty creative creations!

Gran & the Egg Dippers

Getting ready to dunk their eggs

Smiley Mom

Preston getting a ride from Dad

Back at home with our creations

Super Cute!

The one with all the hair is Einstein!!

Happy Birthday Gran!!

2010-03-22T22:54:00.001-05:00

This weekend we celebrated Gran's 60th birthday by taking a trip to one of her very favorite places, Jefferson, Texas. For over 20 years, Judy and her best friends have made the trek to this East Texas city the week after Thanksgiving for shopping, home touring and lots of laughter. So for her big birthday, she wanted all of our family to take a trip so that she could show us where they stay and what they do. We left early Saturday morning and took 2 cars. Gran drove me and the boys in our SUV while Norman drove David & James in theirs. We stayed at the Faded Rose ,the Bed & Breakfast where they've stayed for almost every one of their trips. The owner is practically family and it was nice to finally meet the woman that we've heard so much about all these years. We hit the historic downtown area and visited shops like Beauty & the Book, Blessings, Jefferson General Store, lots and lots of antique stores. The little Reed boys had a blast and even the big ones seemed to enjoy themselves too.

We gave the birthday girl a tiara and a special birthday button that read: 60 and Sensational! She wore it with pride and got lots of birthday wishes from complete strangers. On Sunday, she even had a woman who was a professional singer sing Happy Birthday to her during lunch! And when we woke up on Sunday, her actual birthday, there was snow flying around. It was a GREAT weekend and a fun way to wrap up our Spring Break.

Birthday Girl during lunch on Saturday at Glory Daze Restaurant

Gran holding up a Jefferson t-shirt in the General Store

Cowboy Preston in the General Store

Family Pic outside the General Store

Preston & Peyton outside the General Store

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil

Another pic outside the General Store

David & Peyton at dinner at Don Juan's for dinner

Mom & Preston at Don Juan's

The year round tree at the Faded Rose

(It has Easter Bonnets on it this time of year!)

Super Saturday

2010-03-06T22:47:00.000-06:00

I'm blogging two days in a row...SHOCKING, I know! Today was a really fun Saturday. The day started and ended at The Park (Our church, Parkside Baptist) At 9am we were there for a Preschool Pajama Party. Our church is filled with a great crew of folks that love our kiddos so today they invited them for a whole lot of PJ fun. It started with a yummy breakfast of pigs-in-blankets, mini-muffins and lots of fruit. After that the kiddos got to participate in some fun games like giving their favorite stuffed animal a ride around on a blanket in a race around a cone, a PJ relay race, and a hop in your pillowcase race. Preston wasn't too interested in participating in any of these games, but he did help Tria show the other kids how to do the relay race. After that we moved to the youth room in The ROC and watched the Veggie Tales movie about relying on God when you're afraid at night. They capped it all off with a fashion show where everyone showed off their PJs. That was something that our little P loved!! He is quite the ham and wasn't afraid to stand up and pose. He even whipped off his robe so that they could get a better look at what he had on...it was priceless!!

Posing outside The ROC

We love Heather!!!

Mr. GQ posing on stage

Whipping off his robe to show off his PJs.

Family pic inside The ROC

After the Pajama Party, I had some grocery shopping to do, but quickly found myself sitting outside enjoying the warm sunshine while reading a book. I really hope that today's beautiful weather means that Spring is around the corner because I've had enough of the cold!!

Tonight we headed back up to the ROC for our Music Minister's Retirement Party. It was so awesome to see the new gym packed with people ready to celebrate Delbert & Shirley. Delbert has been at PBC for 30 years and has obviously left quite an impression on the hearts of those that know him. It was so funny to hear him get "roasted". It was a long night but the boys did SO good. What a blessing today was!

Wired

2010-03-05T21:24:00.000-06:00

I feel like I say this often, but life in the Reed household is just always an adventure. Our latest has been a health issue with Peyton. The best news is that his condition is easily treated with medication and is something that he will outgrow. But our first steps to treatment required a VERY early trip to a Dallas hospital this morning for an EEG. Peyton handled the whole appointment like a champ and even loved getting worked over by the tech...a woman from Leonard who used to work at WNJ and has a daughter that is a nurse at TMC...small world! She gave him the choice of getting his head marked up with a pencil or a sharpie-naturally he chose the sharpie!

Of course dear old Dad had some fun in store for our guy after his successful visit that included a trip to Dick's Sporting Goods for some shopping and lunch at Which Wich, one of Peyton's favorite places to eat. And thanks to a sleepover with Grammy & Granddaddy, Preston was able to keep his normal schedule, which we all know is ever so imporant! When we got back home, and all took a nap, both boys got haircuts...probably something we should have done BEFORE Peyton's appt.

X marks the spot

He loved knowing that his head was full of wires

Check out the craziness coming out of his head!

Afterwards with Dad and a sucker

Star Struck at the All Star Game

2010-02-16T21:24:00.000-06:00

This year on Valentine's Day, David & I spent a very fun night with Peyton. We went to the NBA All Star Game at the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. We were part of a Guiness Book of World Records crowd the included 108, 713 people! Although I have to admit that it really didn't seem like that many people. The game was a lot offun but it was a pretty subdued crowd. The boys liked it because there were lots of cool slam dunks but I liked it because there was lots of star gazing to do. The halftime music was done by Usher, Shakira and my favorite of the three Alicia Keys...that girl has got some pipes! Other notables in the crowd included Arnold Schwarzenegger, Shaquille O'Neal, Spike Lee, Magic Johnson and Carmen Electra. Preston stayed with Gran & Pap and had his own Valentine's Day fun!!

Outside the stadium

My Valentine's Day dates

He was SO excited to be there!

Popcorn

Snow nice to meet you

2010-02-11T18:34:00.000-06:00

NEVER in my life have we had so many days of snow! Check out what we did tonight before dinner...

Peyton calls him a "Nutritious" Snowman
Green apple for eyes, carrot nose & buttons and a banana smirk

Not so Super Bowl

2010-02-09T23:19:00.001-06:00

Each year my sister hosts a fabulous Super Bowl/Birthday Party at their home for her hubby Bryan. And although I always look forward to these get togethers, the night brought with it some mixed emotions. Here's why:

Pro

Got to spend time with family

Con

Missed watching the game with David since he had to work! It stinks when the game is on CBS during Sweeps!!

Pro

DELICIOUS food!!

Con

Gained about 2 lbs when I stepped on the scale later that night! Thankfully my weight leveled out by Tuesday.

Pro

Played our annual Super Bowl squares game

Con

Barely missed out on winning the 3rd quarter pot!

Pro

Remembered to pull out my new camera to take pictures

Con

Still trying to figure it out=lots of blurry pics

Pro

The boys were pretty agreeable when it was time to go

Con

Preston was sick the next morning which may explain his unusually calm demeanor that night

Pro

I liked both teams that were playing
Con
Peyton was bummed that his namesake's team lost. :(

Seriously, it was a good night. Here are a few of my non-blurry pics from the night.

Sweet Baby E

My favorite QB-Peyton

The sweetest "almost" 5 year old I know.

Peyton singing Karaoke on the Wii, Preston backing him up on guitar

They're playing Bas-ket-ball

2010-01-28T23:33:00.000-06:00

This season Peyton is a Wildcat in the Boys & Girls Club league. It's been a little bit of a struggle because his team is made up of the youngest group of kids in the league, but most games he and his teammates are out there playing their best. So go Wildcats! Go #20!

Here comes the bride

2010-01-21T22:27:00.000-06:00

You know it's really a shame that while brides dream and hunt for that perfect wedding gown, they only get to wear them once. I had told my mom recently that I wanted to try on my wedding dress again sometime when we were at their home and last weekend I got that opportunity. I wanted to try it on again for a number of reasons that of course, included my recent weight loss, but also because it's been 11 years since I wore that big gob of tulle! And do you know what...I STILL love that dress!

It was fun to Skate with Peyt!

2010-01-18T23:47:00.000-06:00

Peyton is now 9...N-I-N-E!! It's crazy to believe that that sweet little pink baby that I gave birth to on January 10, 2001 is only one year away from "double-digits"! And he makes sure to remind me of this often.

Again this year, we spread out the birthday celebrations for our first-born. His actual birthday was on a Sunday, so after church we had lunch with Poppy & Nana and Aunt Amberly & Riley at Chili's. I think he was a little embarrassed when the waitstaff came to sing to him, but getting the fudgecake and ice cream made it all worth it!

Not looking while they sang to him!

Poppy & Nana and their beautiful grandkids.

Cousins-Peyton & Riley-only 2 months apart in age

This year for his birthday party, Peyton decided that he wanted to go skating. Now this kid has really come a long way! Over the past two years whenever friends would have parties at the skate center, Peyton was content to stay at home. He would often tell me that he couldn't understand why someone would want to have a party where all they were going to do is fall down! But after several trips over the summer, my boy has decided that skating is not so bad after all. And although he did his fair share of falling, he always jumped up and got right back out there. It was a fun day and we are so thankful for the family and friends that were there to share it with him.

Homemade Sonic the Hedgehog cake made by Grammy. It was delicious!!

Little brother giving the birthday boy a hug.

The 4.5 year old daredevil-the kid has no fear!

Not even wearing shoes with wheels.

He was really pretty good!

Emma talked Granddaddy into getting out

on the rink with skates. What a good sport!

Not sure what this effect was on my camera, but it kind of makes for a cool picture.

Blowing out the candles with some of his friends.

Peyton and his buddy Justin

Gran helping the little man on his skates

Uncle James with the Birthday Boy

Dad & Preston

Peyton with his DSI goodies from Grammy & Granddaddy

It's gonna be a marathon of a post

2010-01-05T23:24:00.000-06:00

Well hello! Yes, I'm well aware that I haven't posted anything substantial here in quite some time, but life just seemed to go in fast forward as we ended 2009 and started 2010. And since only a handful of people that really love me read this anyway, I'll try to catch up here now. Bare with me...it may get tedious!! HA!

NOVEMBER 2009-Thanksgiving!

We spent Thanksgiving at Gran & Pap's house. It was kind of rare because it was just us, them, Pap's brother Charles and his friend Carolyn and James. Although it was a smaller gathering than normal, it was wonderful. Sadly, I have no photographic evidence of this though. Apparently I was in such a turkey-stupor that I either forgot to bring my camera or it never came out of its case. Who can remember?!? That was weeks ago!

DECEMBER 2009-The Month of Madness!

The NEW Texoma Medical Center

The hospital that I work for completed construction on a brand new $137M, 8 floor-replacement facility this month and it just about consumed my world. Our department had the distinct pleasure to be behind the planning of all of the events and there were quite a few! Between an employee open house, a private VIP reception and a monsterous public ribbon cutting (with tours galore to be given) it was a month that I will probably never forget. I mean how many times in a person's life are they able to be a part of something so special? I know for me it will probably be only once and I can honestly say that I loved every moment. And top it all off, we moved over 70 patients to the new place just 2 days after Christmas!! Here are some pics from all of those events.

The Fab 4

Minnie Burkhardt, Jennifer Estes, Me and Randy Truxal

What a great team!!

W. Mackey Watkins, MD

Hospital CEO and a pretty fabulous boss!

My friend and mentor Nancy Gill

My office/studio-BEFORE I moved in.

Sadly it doesn't look so clean anymore! :(

My friend and Marketing co-worker Jennifer Estes

Moving in a patient!

Don't you love our shirts? Mine was black and said

MEDIA in white lettering on the front. (Not seen here, but very cool!)

These angels took care of the patient's family members.

This was a fun group! The Gurney team.

The hospital all lit up. This is what it looked like at 6:45 am when I got there!

Christmas 2009

What a fun, fun time! Our annual get-together with David's aunt & uncle and cousins was so fun. This year we were at the Parish's and got to really love on our sweet Emma Grace!

Emma Grace Parish-love her!

The Parish boys totally appeasing me with a pic! Such good sports!

Thank you Uncle Brian for the guns. They're still a big hit!

Gran getting a Preston hug.

Poor Pap. He'd been up early that day to go flying!!

Every year we spend Christmas Eve at Gran & Pap's house. It's always just us, them and James and we love it.

This wasn't even posed! How sweet they are checking out Gran's tree?

Gran with her new purple rain boots!

This moose and Preston have become quite close.

Doesn't he look big in this picture?!?

Ready to make cookies!

My sweet Preston had been praying for snow for weeks and got his wish several times in December...even on Christmas Day! In addition to our family prayer time and our present-opening we squeezed in time to play in the white stuff on December 25th.

Family snow pic-Brrrr

Mr. Cool

And this one thinks he's LeBron!!

After all of that fun, we went to Grammy & Granddaddy's house for more Christmas cheer. What another great time with family!! Grammy made yummy brisket and had TONS of sweets for us all to nibble on. We headed over to Poppy and Nana's for a little while (and for MORE good food) and then came back to G&G's so that Katy could just barely beat me in Mexican Train dominoes...an annual Link family tradition-playing, not Katy barely beating me!

Emma & Preston

Getting to love on my nephew Ethan

Peyton with his new iPod from Grammy & Granddaddy

For more on this read here

Ellie G and Uncle Matt

It was a fast and furious December, but not one I'll likely forget!!

An annual tradition...disco style 2009

2009-12-21T19:45:00.004-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

37 and counting

2009-11-29T20:32:00.004-06:00

David turned the wonderful age of 37 on Saturday, November 21st. We celebrated by having family over for dinner & cake. David's request for his birthday meal has been the same for the past 10 years now...chicken enchiladas. Ever since he tried my mom's recipe years ago, he's been a fan. I try to make them for him a couple of times a year, but no more or else they won't be special...HA! The boys and I got up early that morning made him a homemade cake (another of his requests) and cleaned house. I'm learning that if I would just invite people over more often, our house would be cleaned more often!

That night Judy, Norman, James, my mom and my dad came over. We ate till we were stuffed, watched David open gifts and of course, watched football on TV. The Horns were playing that night so there was lots of interest in the game.

It was a fun-filled night for our 37 year old. Now we're ready to start the holiday season!

David, his boys and the cake

Preston helped blow out the candles

Pap, Preston, Gran, Peyton & James

Grammy & Granddaddy

The birthday boy opening a present

Trick or treat

2009-10-31T22:07:00.004-05:00

Here are some pictures from tonight's fun. We started out at Poppy & Nana's, then headed to Denison to see some friends from church and trick or treated in their neighborhood, then we capped off the night by going to Pap & Gran's house! All I can say is It's a MIGHTY good thing that we get an extra hour of sleep tomorrow because the Reed boys will need that extra time to digest all the sugar they've had tonight! Good times!

Poppy & Nana & the Boys

Mom & the boys trick or treating in Denison

Family picture at Gran & Pap's house

With Gran & Pap in front of the Fall tree

Another Halloween is in the books!

Halloween Weekend

2009-10-31T15:34:00.006-05:00

How fun that Halloween is on Saturday this year! That means that David will get to enjoy trick or treating with us. The weekend has started out great. Peyton's school had their first Mustang Awards Celebration of the year on Friday. There are 6 or 7 awards given out for every class and once again Peyton won the Mustang Reader award!! Out of his four years in school, he has won the Reader award a whopping 3 times. Last year he won the writing award. But honestly, he could win them all. He's such a smart kid and we're so proud of him.

The Mustang Readers

Peyton & Dad

Peyton & Mom

Peyton only had a half-day of school so after he was done we headed to get much needed haircuts for them. I love fresh haircuts on my boys!

Next up was the 3rd annual Lipscomb-family Halloween Party. You might remember my post from last year, and once again they outdid themselves! It was held at the Elves Pumpkin Patch in Pottsboro. It's owned by a guy that I went to high school with and is the perfect place for 100+ ghouls and goblins to safely celebrate. There was tons of food, a costume contest for both kids and adults (Thanks Jen for asking Peyton to judge the adults! He took his responsibility very seriously!), hay rides, hay bale jumping, pumpkin picking, pumpkin decorating and the finale-a magic show from BAM magic, the same magician that performed at our Upward Awards Ceremony last fall. My little Flash and Mario had a great night.

The Flash & Super Mario

The Flash -4 years old

Super Mario-8 years old

Super Mario, the Flash and Mom, the football player on a hay ride

After they decorated their scarecrow

Tonight we'll head out to Gran & Pap's and Poppy & Nana's houses to trick or treat. (Grammy & Granddaddy are in Illinois this weekend) and then it's the ROC breakfast at church tomorrow morning (with an extra hour of sleep)

Hope your Halloween is spooky but safe!

Sugar Cookies + Icing + Sprinkles=

2009-10-29T20:19:00.002-05:00

One HAPPY Reed family tonight!

Creating a masterpiece

And they don't taste too bad either!

Serious work at hand

He used every single type of sprinkle

Totally appeasing me by smiling for this pic!

Me & my happy face-cookie

No Line on the Horizon

2009-10-24T21:52:00.005-05:00

Monday, October 12th was date night for David & I. Since college, we've both been huge fans of U2. Actually, David was probably their fan longer than that, but for me Achtung Baby IS my freshman year at Baylor. The minute the tickets for the show in Dallas were available, David was on the computer. Seeing them in concert at the new Cowboy's Stadium was the best!! We had dinner at On the Border in Arlington and then practically drove up to the front door to park. I guess when you've got 20 years worth of material, it makes it easy to put on a great concert and Bono, The Edge, Adam and Larry didn't disappoint. It was kind of funny to see all the 30, 40 and 50-somethings rocking the night away.

The boys have enjoyed U2's latest album as much as we have. They both have their favorite songs and can sing them word-for-word. Peyton was honestly disappointed that he didn't have his own ticket to the concert, but dear old dad brought him a souvenir...his first $40 concert T-shirt. I think you can tell from the surprised look on his face that he was pretty pleased. Thanks to Grammy & Granddaddy for letting them spend the night so that we could get away.

David outside the Stadium

This is one happy concert-goer outside our front door parking spot!

A look at the stage before the concert from our section.

We walked around the stadium before the show. Here's a few from the top

At our seats after Muse's performance (the opening band)

Date night!!

U2 on the jumbo screen

Awesome concert!

Check out the cool bridges that rotated around the stage.

Getting his first concert T!

Dad & Peyton checking out the dates & concert locations

This smile is priceless!

It's Fall Ya'll

2009-10-24T21:28:00.007-05:00

Last weekend was the annual Peanut Festival in Whitesboro, but horrors...we didn't go! I know, it's awful, but there just was too much going on to take in that additional bit of fun. Instead we filled our Saturday with flag football and soccer, TX/OU on TV, naps and then a night of fun at David's Aunt Jane & Uncle Brian's house. The boys loved it because Uncle Brian had the fire pit fired up and they got to roast hot dogs and make smores. Aunt Jane got them Mr. Potato-Head supplies that are made for pumpkins...so cute...and they decorated their pumpkins. We got a sneak peek inside their neighbor's "man-cave" and of course, got to love on baby Emma Grace, the newest member to that side of the family. It was a fantastic Saturday!

Gran & Pap and the boys

(Do you see the Bryan's "man-cave" over Pap's shoulder? So awesome!")

Gran loving on Little P

My boys

Smiling after a yummy meal

Upside down Preston

Jennifer & sweet Emma Grace

We love Aunt Jane (Nana) & Emma Grace

Uncle Brian and his dad Bill

David's cousins Mitchell & Michael-They kept our boys busy playing

football and decorating pumpkins. They're such good sports!

The finished "Mr. Potato-head" Pumpkins

Peyton & his skeleton pumpkin

Preston & his pirate

Wisdom and love

2009-10-24T20:10:00.005-05:00

Yes, I know. It's been a ridiculously long time since I've posted, but life just seems to be happening at such a feverish pace that I forget to record it online. But I plan to make up for it now with a series of posts and pics.

In the past 6 days, our kiddos have gotten to spend valuable time with 3 people that are VERY special to us-their GREAT-grandparents. David's grandparents, Mama & Papa Reed live right up the highway from us in Whitesboro and we try to visit them often. Over the past year, Papa has suffered some health issues that have left him less talkative, but there is no less love in his eyes when Peyton & Preston walk into his room. The boys are so good about loving on him and there is no doubt that he soaks up ever hug and squeeze from them. Mama is so full of life and we love visiting with her. She is such a strong woman and has worked hard her whole life. I hope she's enjoying her long overdue chance to relax. They are both in their 90's. It makes me wonder if David & I will live that long!!

Mama Reed and the boys

The Reeds

The youngest & oldest Reed men

The boys and their Great-grandparents

My spunky grandmother, our Mema, is in town this weekend to pick up my Uncle Greg from the airport. He's in town from Anchorage, AK and next weekend, along with my parents, is headed to Illinois to visit Mema's brothers and their family. The boys and I got to spend some time with her on Friday night and she came to Peyton's football game to cheer the Colts on to another victory...not that we're keeping score! Isn't she beautiful!!??!! She's got a birthday on Wednesday and although she's another year older, she's still as young at heart as anyone I know.

Mema & the boys

Fall Ball

2009-09-21T21:26:00.005-05:00

We have officially become a two-sport family, meaning that both our boys are now playing organized sports. For Peyton it's Flag Football season. He's playing in the Upward league at church again this year and once again David is his coach. Here are some pics of the Colts.

Do these boys look ready to play or what?!?

What a great group of the cheerleaders!

That's our boy with the ball!

And now that Preston is 4, he is old enough to play soccer. We were a little concerned because the week of the first game we still hadn't heard from a coach, but thankfully a very nice dad stepped up and offered to coach our Iron Kids. I had forgotten how quickly disinterested they get when it comes to practice. There is always the need for a "quick" drink of water, the desire to stack up all the cones that are the make-shift goal and the sweetness that comes from picking flowers for your mother in an effort to keep from doing a drill. They're like little busy bees with no attention span! After about 5 minutes into his first game, Preston ran over to David and asked if they had won yet. He was pretty disappointed to learn that it would take more than one goal for the game to end. It's going to be a fun season!

Mr. Friendly waving to a friend from school who is on the other team.

We have action by our little man!

I guess no one told him that the other team would be scoring goals too.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

2009-09-05T20:54:00.005-05:00

Yes, it's football season and all is right with the world! Peyton and I have watched our fair share of games today but I have to admit that it just wasn't the same without David here! And the reason he wasn't here...he covered the OU-BYU game tonight at Cowboys Stadium. (Poor Sooners lost 14-13!!) It was the first "real" football game in the new stadium and while he rarely works weekends, he couldn't miss the opportunity to go to the game and watch it from the sidelines. He even made the national telecast on ESPN when the OU quarterback Sam Bradford had to leave the game with a shoulder injury. ESPN got a clear shot of David shooting Sam heading into the locker room. The boys and I thought it was pretty cool to see him on national TV. Of course we see him almost every night here from KXII, but this was a totally different setting!

Of course the most exciting game wasn't televised but we watched it on the computer. Our Baylor Bears played a great game against Wake Forest and although the score ended up with our Bears winning 24-21, the Bears were in control the entire game. The score doesn't reflect the great game play by Baylor. I'm praying this means BU is going to be more of a contender than they have been in the past 15-20 years! LOL!!

We also got to spend some time today with some new friends. We welcomed the Shirley family to Sherman. Drew Shirley is the new weekend anchor at KXII and his wife Jennifer and sons Jay & Luke are so sweet. We didn't actually get to meet Luke because we dropped in during his nap time, but our boys loved playing with Jay's toys and Jennifer and I had a good time getting to know one another. We're so glad they're here and can't wait to introduce them all to more of our friends.

Tomorrow we head to Allen to celebrate our niece Emma's birthday. It will be another fun day with family!! And then we still have the Monday holiday to look forward to!

Celebrate the Week of Hope

2009-09-01T22:18:00.004-05:00

Honestly, I can't recall right now how I found this card site, but I know it's been several months ago. They have some really beautiful and clever stationary and I LOVE to visit their site. Today, I received an email from them telling me that they are participating in The Week of Hope in a very special way. From today until September 7, you can go to their site and send one of their cards, that you cutstomize online, to ANYONE you choose, for...FREE! How awesome is that? You only get to send one card, but I think that this is seriously cool. You do have to submit your credit card info, but during checkout, you enter the code SENDHOPE and you won't be charged anything. So again, go here and send someone you love a card for this Week of Hope.

A New School Year

2009-08-24T19:37:00.003-05:00

Today was the first day of school!! We now have a big 3rd grader and a Pre-K 4 year old. At Peyton's school the 3rd grade teachers are team-teaching this year. We feel very fortunate that one of Peyton's teachers (his main teacher) is the same wonderful lady that taught him last year. Yippee!! The other teacher taught our niece last year. We're looking forward to a great 3rd grade year.

Preston started Pre-K at the same school where he went this summer. His new teacher is very sweet. We're praying that our little guy has a good year too.

Preston & Mrs. R

Peyton and Mrs. C

The Reed boys ready for school

Fun at the Link Home

2009-08-16T23:21:00.005-05:00

This weekend we had so much fun getting to spend time at the Link home...not my parent's home but that of my wonderful brother Matt and his precious wife Katy. We had a terrific barbeque dinner and celebrated our sister Nicole's birthday. The kids had such fun playing with Izzie, swinging in the hammock out side and playing several games on the Wii, but the biggest highlight was feeding the ducks that live at the pond right behind their house. Because the location was so pretty, it pretty much ended with an impromtu photo session with kids and each individual family. It was a great night and Matt & Katy were the best hosts! Their home is precious and so are they!

Matt & Katy- the super hosts!

Four happy cousins

Mom, Me and Katy

Hammock Ride for Preston & Ellie

Emma & Peyton enjoying a yummy dinner!

Feeding the ducks

Granddaddy & Grammy

LeBlanc Family Pic-it's less than 2 months til we welcome Ethan!!

Reed Family Pic-I love these boys!

Me and the hubby

Tech Camp

2009-08-01T20:45:00.006-05:00

Every summer Peyton gets to do some pretty fun camps. This year he did Sherman's Sports Camps and participated in both the golf and basketball workshops. And a couple of weeks ago he did Tech Camp. This is the 3rd year he's participated in this activity and every year he loves it! There was a familiar face teaching his session this year. Mrs. Jennings used to be the computer teacher at his school so he was glad to see her again. This year their week consisted us creating artwork for a t-shirt, creating a DVD cover case, learning about Wetlands and creating a booklet about what they learned and then a made a DVD necklace. Although Peyton's favorite always seems to be working in PowerPoint. It's a fun week with lots of fun activities!

While we're at work during the day, he attends the big kid daycare center that he goes to after school during the school year. This summer they've taken swimming lessons, gone to movies each Tuesday, gone skating each Wednesday (an activity that Peyton has passed on each week-he's never been a fan of roller skating) and every other week they go swimming at the pool that is right done the street from our home. This kid has had a great summer full of fun activities! Oh to be 8 again!

Mrs. Jennings and Peyton with his Wetland booklet

and wearing his sport-themed t-shirt and DVD necklace

On the last day of camp, they have an open house
where the parents can see what they've been working on

Showing us his Wetlands project

Now that's some entrance

2009-07-23T21:30:00.004-05:00

If David and I ever decide to renew our vows, this is how I'd like to start things off. And seriously, what great friends this couple has!! Wow, this is a wedding that no one that attended will ever forget.

(Don't forget to mute my background music before you play the video)

Hot Summer Nights

2009-07-22T21:25:00.003-05:00

During the summer, Sherman hosts an event called Hot Summer Nights. Each Thursday night, a different band plays at the gazebo on the lawn of the Municipal Building. This year a different KXII "personality" has been the emcee for the evening. David's night was a couple of weeks ago and I have to admit that of all the bands that were on this year's schedule, Spur 503 was the one I knew the most about. Of course the boys and I loaded up our blankets, chairs and dinner to go to watch Dad (and hear the band). Sadly, when I pulled my camera out to take pics I realized the batteries were dead and my back-up was at home. Thankfully a friend from work sent me a couple of pictures of David that she took. Doesn't he look the part of "cool, summer guy"!?!

Saturday Night at the Lake

2009-07-11T22:05:00.004-05:00

This afternoon we met several of our friends out at the Baptist Association's Lake Property for some water-fun, food and fellowship. Kyle Anderson smoked a brisket and we had a feast! We built sand castles, tossed around a football and took turns riding on the Taylor's boat. Both boys had a blast tubing. What a beautiful afternoon and evening!

Ready to ride

Taylor and Peyton trying to bump each other

Is it my turn yet?

Captain Randy keeping an eye on our boy

Mr No Fear!

Mom and her lake-lovin boy

Big boys on the boat

Little kid's easy ride

Sunset sweeties at the lake

Tria and Preston having a heart to heart (about Oreo cookies, I think...)

Brotherly Love

Preston telling me all about HIS fire engine on our way back home

Not to be outdone...

2009-07-07T20:25:00.005-05:00

Of course THIS showed up on KXII sports tonight...

No interviews, but both Peyton and our niece Riley showed up in the video. And speaking of Peyton and Riley, guess where Poppy & Nana took them last Friday? The new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. Peyton says it is pretty awesome!!

Peyton on KTEN

2009-07-06T22:13:00.003-05:00

Recognize the first cute kid interviewed here??? Rest assured that his dad has given him a hard time for appearing on "the competition"!!

Celebrating our independance

2009-07-06T20:45:00.004-05:00

The 4th of July is one of my all-time favorite holidays. This year it was...

Watermelon at Aunt Jane & Uncle Brian's house (after hot dogs, of course!)

Yummy!

Slip n slide AND baseball, what's more American than that?

Most of the crew watching the boys play.

Me and my honey

That's one happy boy!

And the finale...a fireworks show in Van Alstyne.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Sweet summertime

2009-07-02T22:20:00.019-05:00

Trying to blog about the amazing vacation that we just had is almost too overwhelming! But here goes:

Left Sherman on Friday around 10, lunch at Boston Market (no air conditioning there at first!), drove to Waco, Bear Pit (too hot for the bears), Book store for t-shirts, notebooks and key chain, lots of Leapster L-Max, 20 Questions, and Doodle Pad play, arrive in Round Rock, stay at Marriott-La Frontera, dinner at Hula Hut-for free-thanks Randy Gill!, ran into a group of 20+ Texomans who were there to play golf that weekend, Peyton got his "Keep Austin Weird" shirt, slept in, trip downtown, saw the Capital-still amazing everytime we see it, lunch at Huts Hamburgers with Leila & Joe, drive to SA, bumper-to-bumper traffic on 410, arrive at one of the most amazing resorts ever-Hyatt Wild Oaks Ranch, jumped into our swimsuits and hit the main pool, water slides, cacti water fountains, water guns, water basketball, dinner at Bennigans (kids eat free on Saturday night!), Bee Movie & popcorn under the stars back at the resort (at the firepits), to bed late, slept in, hit the pool again, discovered the beach & the lazy river...heavenly!, lots of SPF 50, lunch at JB's (pizza & salad), more swimming at the main pool, dinner at La Margarita downtown (they've renamed "The Best of the Best", our favorite dish to share), back to the room for Monsters Inc on DVD, got up a little bit earlier, Sea World, preferred parking-SO worth it!!, met a SeaWorld police man (Preston thinks we need to talk to every policeman we see on this trip!), rented a stroller, Preston's 1st melt-down, Shamu-AWESOME!, Steel Eel roller coaster for Mom & Peyton and then Dad & Peyton, yummy lunch indoors, fed the dolphins (so cool to touch them), aquariums-sting rays. sharks. eels. coral and more, visited the kiddy area for rope climbing, water play and a Shamu mini-coaster (Little P loved this!), headed to the water park for playtime on the Pirate Ship, refreshing water!!, Otter show, left SeaWorld, dinner at Whataburger, slept like babies tonight, full day of fun in the sun back at the resort, back to the beach and lazy river, then more pool time, lunch at McAlister's Deli, more swimming, Big P tied for first in the Noodle Race (free ice cream from JB's), clean up and head back downtown for dinner at Mi Tierra's, picked up our annual vacation Christmas tree ornament, last night in paradise, check out at 10 am, head downtown for tour of the Alamo, River Walk, lunch at Hard Rock Cafe, back in the car, drove and drove and drove, too much traffic in Plano, dinner at Jason's Deli, stopped at Fry's to browse, back home around 9 pm. What a WONDERFUL vacation and we still don't have to be back at work until Monday!!! Hallelujah!!!

Bear Pits at Baylor

Peyton & Dad at Hula Hut

Mom & Preston at Hula Hut

Boys at Hula Hut

Dad & Mom at Hula Hut (can you tell we love this place!)

Sitting at the center of the Capitol

Future Texas State Senator or Representative?

Leila, David & Joe-former work buddies

The indoor watergun at Wild Oak Ranch

A LOT of ball was played here!

Indoor pool, basketball goal and cacti sprayers

The wonderful Lazy River

Who needs a tube?

Lovin' the River

The Noodle Race at the main pool-down to the finish line

Snacking by the pool

Shamu is amazing!

Boys with one of Shamu's trainers!

Mini coaster ride

Feeding the dolphins

Climbing the ropes at Shamu's Happy Harbor

Lots of fish to see

Water fun at Sea World

The end of a really great day

Mariachis
Dessert case at Mi Tiarra's

Remember the Alamo!

Garden at the Alamo

On the River Walk

Lunch at Hard Rock Cafe'

Slip n slide

2009-06-24T22:25:00.006-05:00

Just one more reason to love Wednesday nights at the farm...

Celebration Weekend

2009-06-21T20:54:00.004-05:00

What a fun weekend this has been! To begin with, David & I celebrated our 11th anniversary on Saturday. Poppy & Nana offered to keep the boys so that we could go out. We decided to take a trip to Frisco. We headed to Stonebriar for some shopping, dinner at Texas Land & Cattle Company, watched "The Proposal" at the movie theater and then got a late night snack at Sonic. It was such a good time!! The boys ended up spending the night. We weren't sure how late we'd be out so we left it up in the air. When we called to check in after the movie, Poppy told us that he'd told the boys that if they were still awake when we called that he'd take them home but if they were already asleep they could spend the night...that Poppy is a genius!! Preston RAN to bed.

11 wonderful years of marriage!!!

Sunday morning was the VBS family celebration at church. Instead of our traditional Sunday sermon, the kids performed the Boomerang Express songs that they learned. There were several professions of faith during the week and it was SO awesome to see all those kids come forward.

The boys gave David his gifts and cards this morning before church and we had his request menu for dinner tonight...chicken enchiladas with chocolate cookie sandwiches with peanut butter frosting.

It was definitely a weekend of celebration!!! Now the countdown to vacation begins...

Friday Fun

2009-06-19T11:22:00.003-05:00

What does:

one inside out Hawaiian shirt + one inside out pair of shorts + one red baseball belt + one Scooby shoe + one sock & tennis shoe + one Yoda button + one Spurs button+ lots of hair gel and a ponytail holder = Wacky Backwards Day at Jack & Jen today.

School days, school days

2009-06-17T21:13:00.004-05:00

I know we're just at the beginning of summer but the time has come for D & I to make some solid decisions on where little P will go to school next fall. The little guy made it a few weeks at TCS last fall until his utmost disinterest in becoming potty-trained became an issue. He's been in a local daycare since then and has certainly been cared for well there, but it's become more and more evident to us that he needs that extra bit of structure that a preschool setting can offer.

Peyton attended a Methodist Church's Day School when he was 3 and TCS when he was 4 and to keep our toes in the waters of all the local schools we now think that Preston is going to go to a different Church School in the town where I work. The 3 of us went for a school visit today and found the school and the new principal to be a delight. She's got a public school background where she was a principal and school counselor. In addition, she has some special training in behavior modification...need I say more?!? Preston loved the aquarium, the classes, the toys, the computer lab and the artwork that filled the walls.

They do require a uniform, even for the preschoolers, and I'm especially looking forward to seeing him dressed up in his Wednesday attire of white dress shirt, navy pants...and a navy tie! This kid LOVES to dress up so I think he'll think it's pretty great too. If you think about it, say a prayer for us that we're making the best choice for our little guy. You're only 4 years old once!

What a mess

2009-06-16T17:33:00.001-05:00

Ok, so this is what happens when you decide to update the look of your blog after 10pm! Excuse the mess while I try to fiqure out what I did last night!

Headed to the century mark

2009-06-01T22:36:00.003-05:00

Remember this post? Well let's just say that I when I weighed in this morning at my monthy appointment with the bariatric surgeon, there was 28 pounds less of me to be proud of. Yep...that's 94 total since September 23. WOO-HOO!!!

Long, wonderful weekend

2009-05-25T23:07:00.010-05:00

I realize how fortunate I am to work only 4 days a week. But it's these LONG weekends that really make me appreciate my work schedule! Our weekend has been full of car purchases, swimming and birthday parties.

On Friday, after several days of searching, David found a car to replace his CRV. The 1997 Honda had given us a good 6 years, but after this spring's hail damage, it finally gave up and things started to fail. David looked at Lexi (is that the plural for Lexuses??) and Acuras at several dealerships before finally deciding to take a chance on a person-to-person deal for an RSX in Roanoke. He and I drove down there Friday and BINGO we had a winner. We spent a couple of hours doing paper work and waiting for a wire fund transfer, but David got an immaculant "new" car to bring home...one that is sporty and fun. Isn't she pretty?

David's new ride

The boys spent the night with Gran & Pap Friday night and had a blast...as usual! David and I were able to sleep in late and took care of getting new tires for my SUV Saturday. The rest of the day was nice and relaxing. One of Peyton's buddies had a birthday party that night at The Splash at Fairview park. I had some really great pics from that party, but just realized as I was writing this post that I deleted them tonight! Trust me when I say that the whole family enjoyed a great time with friends!

Sunday morning, there was only one service at The Park. Alas, David and I had nursery duty and instead of enjoying our annual patriotic service we played with a gob of toddlers. We shared duty with 2 other sweet moms and really had a pretty good time. I heard the service was wonderful and I looked forward to participating next year. After lunch at Wendy's we took the boys for a surprise and watched this...

Night at the Museum-Battle of the Smithsonian

That made the Reed boys VERY happy!! It was a great sequel. Although, I feel like I'm on this Amy Adams-movie kick. In the last couple of weeks I've seen Enchanted, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day and now the second Night at the Museum.

Monday was a work day for David :( , but the boys and I headed to Allen to celebrate Ellie Grace's 5th birthday. As usual, Nicole planned the perfect party. There was tons of swimming, a water ballon toss and tons of Hello Kitty! (including a pinata). Afterwards, Bryan led a team of talented culinary experts and made hamburgers that were the size of my head...and were delicious! Preston was definitely a fan. There was also homemade guacamole, grilled onions, fresh fruit and salads. Y-U-M-M-Y!!

Brotherly love

The Fish

Hula-hooping

Water balloon toss

More tossing on a smaller scale

Loving the water slide!

Preston with the Birthday girl!

Birthday girl and Hello Kitty!

May I have your autograph?

2009-05-20T23:20:00.004-05:00

Ok, so it's technically not my autograph, but many thanks to my SIL for the tip on adding a sig to my blog posts!!

Mother's Day Tea

2009-05-08T14:59:00.007-05:00

For several weeks now Peyton has been excited about me coming to the Mother's Day Tea in his class the Friday before Mother's Day. He kept telling me that it was going to be very special, but that he couldn't tell me anything about it. One day he even brought home a questionairre and interviewed me.

Well yesterday he woke up and said his stomach didn't feel too great. Once he told me the symptoms, it sounded a lot like the acid reflux that he occassionaly suffers from. So, I loaded him up with Prevacid and sent him on his way. Unfortunately, it was more than a little reflux!! About an hour later the nurse was calling me at work to let me know that he'd gotten sick. David rushed up to get him while I got an appointment scheduled with Dr. L. During our visit, there were signs that maybe he had more than just a normal bug. They took some blood (and he was SO brave!!) and found that his white blood count was a little high. Not high enough to definitively point to what the doctor thought be going on, but not low enough to rule it out. The possible diagnosis...appendicitis! After getting sick again before we left the office he got a shot of Phenergan and slept for 4 hours! Once he got up, you could tell he felt MUCH better!! He had a great night and enjoyed a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup for dinner. When I mentioned that he would need to stay home from school today, I saw the saddest set of eyes ever. He was SO disappointed that we wouldn't get to go to the Tea. I told him we'd play it my ear and see how things went.

This morning he woke feeling even better. Since I know the school has that 'Don't return to school until 24 hours after vomiting' rule, I decided to keep him home, but emailed his teacher about the possibility of him attending the Tea. She emailed me right back and said that as long as he felt well, she REALLY wanted him to be there. She knew about all of the hard work that they'd put into this special day and knew that Peyton would be so sad if he couldn't be there to share it with me.

SO...at 2 pm today we headed up to the school. And let me tell you it was so cute!! There were boys assigned to escorting the mothers to their chairs. There was a Power Point presentation running that had sweet pics of Moms and kids and quotes about motherhood. Once the presentation started, each child had a special role. One read that sweet book "Love you forever", others took each letter from MOTHER and told what each letter stands for and other read poems. Peyton and a girl named Abbi took care of the comedy part of the show (How perfect, huh?!?) The read something called Things My Mother Taught Me.

Peyton: My Mother taught me LOGIC
Abbi: If you fall off that swing and break your neck, you can't go to the store with me.
Peyton: My Mother taught me MEDICINE
Abbi: If you don't stop crossing your eyes like that, they're going to freeze that way.
Peyton: My Mother taught me HOW TO MEET A CHALLENGE
Abbi: What were you thinking? Answer me when I'm talking to you... Don't talk back to me!
Peyton: My MOTHER taught me HUMOR
Abbi:When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me
Peyton: My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT
Abbi: If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.
Peyton: My Mother taught me about my ROOTS
Abbi: Do you think you were raised in a barn?
Peyton: And my all time favorite---JUSTICE
Abbi: One day you'll have kids and I hope they turn out just like you...then you'll see what it's like!
They sang songs and gave us packets full of artwork that they had been working on. Then they served us tea, juice, donuts & cookies. It was all very sweet and everyone's mothers were there for them. What a great afternoon!!

Singing

Abbi & Peyton reading their poem

Little guy enjoyed the refreshments!

What a HAPPY Mother's Day Tea!

And the winner is...

2009-04-22T19:12:00.006-05:00

David Reed!! This past weekend David and I headed to Tulsa for an overnight trip. Each year the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters (OAB) host their convention and on the final night they hold their awards banquet. This year it was held at the Renaissance Hotel & Conference Center. (Oh how I love luxery hotels with King-sized beds!!) TV & radio stations throughout OK submit entries for about 25-30 different categories. There are the Metro awards which go to the big stations in OK City and Tulsa and the Non-Metro awards which pretty much comprises of everyone else in the area. Because KXII is positioned where they are (along with the stations in the Wichita Falls/Lawton area), they are eligible to make submissions. And this year David's sportscast won Best Non-Metro Sportscast. This is actually the second year that he's received the award (last time in OK City) and it is really quite an honor.

KXII was also the recipient of the Best Non-Metro Weathercast. That meant that KXII was represented by David, Steve Lenore (the Chief Meteorologist) and Todd Bates (the General Sales Manager). It was fun meeting some of the Who's Who in Oklahoma broadcasting and getting reaquainted with people that we met the last time he won.

David on one of the big screens before he accepted his award

A very proud wife with her winning husband!

The Lenores

Cindy and Todd Bates

The next day we decided to take a tour of Tulsa. WOW! Love this town!! It offers everything from minor league baseball to waterparks to ballet! But... I never did feel like we were in a "BIG CITY". Of course, we had to make a trip to Oral Roberts University to see the big praying hands statue. I remembered visiting the campus when I was a kid, but admittedly don't remember all the 60's architecture. I bet that place was something else in the late 60's/early 70's.

David at the Praying Hands statue.

This building has a flame at the top.

It was a very fun weekend for David & I to spend together. Thanks to Gran & Pap for having the boys over for a sleepover. They had a blast too!

Little Man is 4

2009-04-20T18:39:00.006-05:00

Preston turned 4 years old on Saturday, April 11. It was Easter weekend, but we really wanted to take advantage of being able to have his party on his actual birthday. We held the party in the Annex at our church, but the weather was so nice that we took the kids over to The Park area and let them play. Afterwards we headed back for Mickey Mouse cake and the opening of presents. Our big guy was given many wonderful gifts and he's loved each and every one!

Playing at The Park

Preston and the party crew

Birthday Boy, his cake and his Mickey ears

Preston and his sweet friend Hayden

One of his many fabulous gifts!!

Big brother created some great artwork for the party!

Getting ready to release the birthday balloons

And away they fly...

It was a great day

2009-04-05T20:38:00.006-05:00

I love birthdays!! And today was that one day of the year when we get to celebrate mine. YEA! The day started out with my sweet boys rushing onto our bed with singing, a sweet card and presents. The presents weren't exactly a surprise but they were just what I wanted. I got four totally cute outfits in sizes that I haven't seen in quite some time. We went shopping yesterday and it sure was fun!

On the way to having some birthday fun with Mom

Next we went to Sunday School and heard another fabulous lesson from our awsome teacher Randy Taylor. As we prepare for the upcoming Easter weekend, I am reminded of the amazing grace of our heavenly Father. What a wonderful time of year!!

After SS, we headed to the metroplex for my birthday activity. We made a quick (and yummy!) stop at Jason's Deli in Allen and then headed on to the Big D for the main event.

Ice cream after lunch at Jason's Deli

Several weeks ago when watching a Mavs game on tv, we heard that they were going to be at home playing the Phoenix Suns (and more specifically Shaq & Nash) on my b-day. I mentioned that that would be a great way to spend the day and my sweet husband really came through!! Wow, was it a fun game to attend--full of records and amazing plays for our NBA team of choice. First of all, Dallas scored 81 points in the first half including a stunning shot at the half-time buzzer by Josh Howard. What made it so stunning was that he was 3/4 down the court from the basket! Also during the game, Jason Kidd passed Magic Johnson on the list of all-time career assists, making him third. When they announced this over the PA, the place went wild. It was a fun atmosphere to be a part of. The Mavs ended up winning the game 140-116 and are only one game away from clinching their spot in the playoffs.

Shaq during introductions

David & Little P at the game

Mom & Big P

Nash with the ball

The family with our man Dirk

Celebrating after the big win!!

All that cheering sure made us hungry, so we headed back to Allen for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. David and the boys feasted on yummy pizzas and I enjoyed fresh fish tacos!!!

Cheesecake Factory Fun

Cheesecake Factory silliness

One Happy 36 year old!

And yes this is a pic of my birthday dessert. Sadly, I was way too full for cheesecake, but REALLY enjoyed the sundae. It was a fantastic day!!

Next week we celebrate Little P. Have I mentioned that I LOVE BIRTHDAYS?!?!?

And the award goes to...

2009-04-03T10:10:00.005-05:00

This morning was the Mustang Awards Celebration at Wakefield Elementary. It's always a really fun atmosphere with the high school band playing, Mrs. Daniels (a crazy, fun K-teacher) dancing and awards such as the Mighty Mustang, Mustang Citizen, Mustang Math, etc given.

Part of the SHS Band

School Mascot

The past two years Peyton has won the Mustang Reader award and we've been SO, SO proud of him. We wondered what he would win this year and were equally as proud when his name was called as the Mustang Writer for his class!! How awesome is that!?!

Proud Dad with his Mustang Writer Award Winner

Mom and the big winner!!

Mrs. Carelock's 2nd Grade Class-What a crew!!

Yea!! It's APRIL

2009-04-01T21:35:00.006-05:00

Our lives have been such a whirlwind here lately. I feel like I'm just sort of going through the motions. David is on Day 10 of a 12-day work "week" so I really shouldn't complain. I could have to be working his schedule! But that's what happens when you're down to a 2-man sports department and one of you needs/takes a vacation.

Peyton has lost another tooth and is causing the tooth fairy to go broke, I'm sure! For the last 3-4 days it has been his sole mission to get that very loose front right tooth out of there, but the funny thing is that when it comes to collecting his dough the next morning, he's already forgotten about it!! Apparently he made multiple trips to the nurse's office before his teacher decided to don the latex gloves and yank it out of there herself!

In other Peyton news we've finally got our first baseball game starting next week. It seems like we've been practicing for months without any games. We were supposed to play in a local tourney this past weekend, but the weather wasn't cooperative. Instead we'll start the regular season against the Yard Dawgs (seriously...that's the other team's name!) on Tuesday night. Go RED STORM!!

The world according to Preston continues to be entertaining. All of a sudden he has become quite the story teller and much to his dad's chagrin, he tells a story like his momma...not leaving out even the most minute detail. He's quite animated when he's repeating what someone else has said too. The kid is something else!

And for those of you that don't know me well, the birthday countdown is officially on. It's fours and counting. I LOVE BIRTHDAYS!!! I've always said that presents don't matter to me so much, but the recognition of the glorious day that I was born sure does. I have a very sweet husband who always does a great job of fulfilling the needs of my inner-queen and always makes my special day...special. This year the 5th falls on a Sunday so all my friends at church will have to deal with me too. But yea, it's First Sunday which means that someone will be responsible for bringing goodies to Sunday School...maybe there will be a candle in one of the donuts. :)

Gran's big day

2009-03-22T23:35:00.003-05:00

Let the birthday celebrations begin! Our family has quite a string of birthdays to celebrate in late March and April and the kickoff began on Friday with our niece Riley. That sweet, sweet girl is 8 years old now and continues to be a light in our lives!

Next up was the Great Gran on Saturday. Now when it comes to my big day, I can assure you that the very last thing I plan to do is have a garage sale, but that's what Gran & Pap decided to do. They're getting the white house on Washington ready to sell and insist that even after this weekend, they'll still need at least one more sale. That night, a group of us headed to Hendrix, Oklahoma to eat and one of Gran's favorite eateries-The Dock. This place is only open on Friday and Saturday nights and MAN do they do the business!! It's an all-you-can-eat place that is heavy on the catfish and shrimp. Peyton practically eats his weight's worth in peel-n-eat shrimp whenever we go while Preston prefers the fried variety with ketchup!

Afterwards we headed back to our house so that Gran could "open" up her present. She asked for rose bushes to plant out at the new house, so we picked out some really pretty ones that will yield yellow blooms. This made her smile! She told us the story about how each time she or one of her sisters had a new baby, her dad (Papa Burt) would send them yellow roses. We hadn't heard this story before so it made the choice even more special.

We capped off the weekend with a nail-biting viewing of the Baylor Lady Bear's tight win over UTSA. Hopefully they'll get themselves together before they play again Tuesday night. Both Baylor teams play that night, so SIC 'EM BEARS!

Oh and guess whose birthday is next?? If you guessed me, you would be so right! Only 2 weeks and counting!!! I LOVE BIRTHDAYS!!

6 Months and 66 lbs

2009-03-16T23:25:00.000-05:00

Yep. Pretty proud of myself.

Welcome to IKEA

2009-03-08T20:44:00.004-05:00

We were sitting around today trying to figure out what we wanted to do when it came to me! The Reed boys needed a trip to IKEA. None have them had been there so we loaded up and headed to Frisco. It turns out that they were all only mildly impressed. The following trip to Marble Slab for ice cream turned out to be much more pleasing!!

Entertaining himself in the car

David really liked this chair!

And Little P liked this one

When did Big P get so big?!?!?

His favorite new pose

Gathright Family Sabbatical

2009-03-04T21:38:00.004-06:00

One of my sorority sisters and her family have embarked on a "Family Sabbatical". I stumbled across their adventure during Facebook time a few weeks ago and quickly decided to become a stalker to their travel blog-It's 3AM Somewhere in the World Family names: Amy, Abby & Austin and her hubby Mike, otherwise known as 3AM-cute huh?!?) Anyway, the family sold their home in Frisco and are spending the year traveling to Switzerland, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, UK, Tokyo, Austrailia, etc... It's really pretty fascinating, especially considering that they're doing it with 2 small children. Abby is 5 and Austin just turned 3 last week. I haven't read what prompted them to do this, but I think it's all so fabulously brave. I'd like to know. Would you ever do this?

The Gathright family atop the Alcazar tower in Segovia.

The Living Museum

2009-02-26T18:57:00.009-06:00

Tonight was Peyton's Living Museum at school. He did a great job giving his speech. He mentioned that earlier today when they did it for the kids at school there was one spot that he couldn't always remember, so we put a little reminder on his hand and it really seemed to help. The kids were spread throughout the school. Preston was happy because Peyton's spot was in the cafeteria, near the cookies & punch of course!! We took lots of pics tonight including this one of our family with all 6 grandparents!

One big happy family

Peyton & his teacher Mrs. Carelock, previously Ms. Albert. She got married over Christmas Break

Our niece Riley as Betsy Ross!

Peyton and Noe as Babe Ruth & Albert Einstein

The Artists

Here is what Peyton said in his speech:

Do you know who was known as the Great Bambino? Well, it was me Babe Ruth. I was born February 6, 1895 in Baltimore, Maryland. My childhood was very rough. When I was seven my father sent me to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys. When I grew up, I had two daughters, one was named Dorothy Ruth and the other one was Julia Ruth. My teams were the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and the Boston Braves. I am widely regarded as one of the greatest players in baseball history. Many polls place me as the number one player of all time. Sadly, I died of throat cancer on August 16, 1948. One of my favorite quotes was "If it wasn't for baseball, I'd be in either the penitentiary or the cemetery."

Thanks Uncle Matt & Aunt Katy

2009-02-24T15:27:00.003-06:00

Well, we're at home again today. Even though I hoped with all my might that we'd get back to our normal schedule, Little P got sick first thing this morning and the school nurse sent Big P home after only being there for 45 minutes. Thankfully Peyton received some awesome gifts from Uncle Matt & Aunt Katy for his b-day so we put them to good use this afternoon. Above is a pic of Peyton with his POWER PUTTY. I'm off to play table-football with him now. I haven't lost hope. Tomorrow is a new day!!!

Fresh haircuts and getting over the gunk

2009-02-23T22:59:00.007-06:00

Boy, it has been some weekend. The "fun" all started last Thursday when I got the call that Preston had gotten sick at day care. There has been a pretty nasty stomach virus going around and little P was the first in our family to catch it. Even though I'm usually off on Fridays, this week I'd planned to work some that day. Of course, that meant there was going to have to be some schedule swapping. We got just about everything covered and managed to care for the infirmed too!

On my agenda for Friday was a Topping Out ceremony at the new hospital construction site. It's a tradition for construction companies where they celebrate the placing of the final beam on a building. Brasfield & Gorrie hosted lunch out at the site for the close to 300 workers that have been working round the clock to get us up and running in our new hospital. Each person there got to sign their name to the final beam and then it was hoisted to the top of the building and bolted into place. JE & I were just 2 of the 4 TMC employees that attended and it was so neat to be apart of. Our signatures will forever be a part of that facility.

As long as things progress as planned we'll actually be open this December...SO exciting. While I was there David stayed home with the little guy and then Grammy came over for about 20 minutes when I began to run late and he needed to get to work. What a team!!

Me with one of the 4 cakes at the ceremony and the lime green shirt that B&G gave us to wear

The final beam going on the building...so awesome to see!

This weekend was the Texoma Expo out at Midway Mall. TMC hasn't had a booth out there in several years so we decided this would be a good year to get back out there. I was there for about 4 hours on Saturday and it was really a lot of fun!! People came by and checked out the latest rendering of the hospital and I heard tons of stories about how people are so excited for the new hospital to open. I felt like quite the marketer as I stood there handing out Physician Directories and telling about the new facility. It really was a great event and I'm so glad we chose to do it again.

TMC Home Health Director, Stacy & I at the Expo!

On Sunday, we all headed to church. After 2 days, Preston seemed better so we thought we'd get back to our regular schedule. Sadly, the pig-in-a-blanket that the little guy chose for breakfast from Southern Maid didn't agree with his tummy and he and David ended up heading back home. David & I were scheduled for Extended Session with the 2 year olds, so I needed to stay. Later that night, the gunk caught up with Big P. It was not a pretty site (or smell!) in our house! :(-

The boys and I stayed home on Monday. It was basically a saltine cracker eating, Power-ade drinking, Wii-playing, movie-watching kind of day for them and LOTS of laundry for dear ol' Mom. Around 3pm we were all a little stir crazy, so we decided to venture out for haircuts. They were both overdue and since they both had been vomit/diarrhea free we took the plunge. I didn't realize that they hair salon where we generally go is closed on Mondays, so we ended up at J. Tolands. Below are the handsome boys with their snazzy new cuts. You'll notice that Peyton looks like he's just enlisted. His hair grows so fast and with baseball starting up soon, we thought this would be a good look. While we were there, I decided to get my annual cut as well. No big surprises...it's the same as always...long layers...really livin' on the edge I know.

Fresh haircuts

Peyton and his buzz cut

Such a ham!!!

Well, we're going to try to venture back to school & work tomorrow. Pray we don't infect anyone!!

Lots and lots of dirt

2009-02-18T18:14:00.005-06:00

Guess what we came home to tonight?

View from our front door

View from our mailbox

The neighbors are having to have a sewage line replaced and unfortunately their faulty line extends across our front yard, right up to our mailbox. The funny thing is, we now realize why our grass in that area has been so lush and green over the last year!!! Yuck :(-

Guess who thinks it is so cool to have this work-truck in our yard?

The House that Ruth Built

2009-02-17T20:21:00.004-06:00

Each year the 2nd graders at Wakefield have a project called the Living Museum. Every student chooses a historical figure and then spends the month learning all they can about that individual. At the end of the month, they dress like the person and give a short speech as the kindergarteners and 1st graders walk through them--like at a museum. They will also do it for friends and family later that night.

For those of you that have spent any time with Peyton over the last 6 months or so, it should come as no surprise that Peyton has chosen to be Babe Ruth. The Museum isn't until next Thursday but tonight's homework consisted of creating a 5 ft. tall backdrop. And who did we call for help??? Grammy, of course! Peyton and I had gone online and printed several historical photos of Yankee Stadium. Peyton had an idea of what he wanted and our super, talented Grammy made it happen! She drew the background and Peyton (and I) colored it. Of course we had to snap and pic and post it here. Isn't it amazing?!?

Peyton has a pretty good sense of humor. He insisted that we include President Roosevelt as one of the fans. Look at the top center and you'll see him in his top hat smoking a cigar! Also, as he grew tired of coloring the circle "fans", he decided that the top left section should all be Cubs fans. That's why that section has all blue heads and red shirts. He's a pretty clever boy!!

$$$ Show me the money $$$

2009-02-15T23:01:00.004-06:00

That tooth fairy has made quite a few stops at the Reed home over the last month. Today, during church, Peyton lost his first front tooth!! So cute! We were beginning to wonder if he'd ever lose one. Must have been all of the Valentine's Day candy. Let's just say that there is no shortage of chocolate around our place after this weekend!!

Of course now that he's lost that tooth, it's given David the opportunity to pull out one of his favorite lines...

"When I look at Peyton, I don't know if I

should smile at him or kick a field goal"

Yes, I'm groaning with you!!

Super Bowl Birthday Fun

2009-02-02T22:44:00.005-06:00

In addition to yesterday being the day of the "Big Game" our family celebrated Uncle Bryan's 36th Birthday. Once again, the LeBlancs had quite a spread of goodies including some chili that looked DELICIOUS! I say "looked" because honestly I was just too stuffed to even try any. The chips & dips, spanikopita, and chicken wings were too yummy!

The outcome of the game didn't exactly go the way we would have like for it to, but at least it was close! There is nothing worse than a Super Bowl that is a blow-out. Unfortunately, with the Steeler's win, the Cowboy's have fallen behind in teams with the most wins. But David said on his show tonight that The Boys are actually already the pre-season pick to win the NFC next year! Crazy huh?!?

I didn't pull out my camera until we having B-Day cake, but here are a few pics from the fun night.

Singing to Bryan

Preston & Aunt Katy

Uncle Matt & Peyton

Aunt Nicole & a wiggly Miley

Peyton & Ellie Grace

Emma & Preston

Licking the candles!!

Cheesy Super Bowl smiles

25 Random Things about Me

2009-01-28T20:35:00.003-06:00

I was tagged on Facebook to do this, so I thought I'd put it here too. Obviously you already know about #18...

1. I was born on April 5, 1973 in the very same hospital where I work today!
2. I've lived on the island of Crete in Greece. My dad was stationed there while in the Air Force.
3. I was the 5th grade spelling bee champ of my elementary school...go Crutchfield Cougars!
4. My only foray into "politics" was as 8th Grade Reporter at Piner and Senior Class Vice President.
5. I was saved by grace at the age of 10 during Vacation Bible School at FBC-Sherman.
6. My family and I are members of Parkside Baptist Church.
7. I only applied to one college. It's the only place I wanted to attend, so why bother with those other applications!?! Good thing I was accepted, huh?
8. Although my husband and I grew up 15 miles apart, we never met until Welcome Week at Baylor.
9. David and I were good friends throughout college, but didn't start dating until February of our Senior year. We've been together since. Married 10 years last June 20.
10. I wasn't your typical Baylor sorority girl but loved the experience...AXO!
11. I love to go to the dentist! I was blessed with good teeth so it makes me feel good when the hygienist and dentist tell me I'm a boring patient.
12. Understanding that sports would be a huge part of our lives was a pre-requisite for my marriage. When your husband talks about it for a living, you better keep up. I had a good foundation growing up with my dad & brother.
13. I used to play Fantasy football until I started beating my husband and his friends and they banned me!!
14. I am a deacon's wife.
15. I had lap-band surgery on Sept. 23 and am beginning to see the real me coming back.
16. I work with some of my very best friends. Nancy Gill is my inspiration-great Christian businesswoman.
17. I was in an accident a couple of years ago in a Denison neighborhood where the other driver hit me so hard she flipped my SUV. She ended up suing my insurance company and me.
18. I love to blog. Although I prefer to read other people's blogs more. Go to www.reedfamilyofsherman.blogspot.com to see some of my favorites.
19. I'm the world's worst housekeeper.
20. After too many years in the 20's SS class at church, David & I have finally promoted up...although we're in a class with many 40-somethings. We love being the youngest couple for a change.
21. My boys keep me on my toes. At 8 and 3.5 there is never a dull moment.
22. I love just about all types of music. David thinks I'm a freak because there are few songs that I don't know the words to.
23. I hate to be cold. In fact, I'd sleep on flannel sheets all year long if Dave could stand it.
24. I've just recently started drinking coffee, although it's loaded with so much stuff that it's not really coffee when I'm done.
25. I'm blessed beyond measure.

Icy roads=day home with the boys

2009-01-28T12:40:00.002-06:00

Guess what we're doing today? A whole lot of this...

And probably even more of this...

Snap out of it!!

2009-01-26T17:48:00.005-06:00

It's a cold, dark day in my world. Peyton handed me my mail this afternoon and what I read on a plain black & white postcard just about made me cry...you see I received notification that the last edition of most favorite magazine has been printed. Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion is no more. The January 2009 edition was the last. I have had a subscription since year one (1996) and have held onto every magazine. Somehow I missed receiving the very first mag (not that I haven't tried like crazy to get my hands on a copy!!) but I have every other one. Mary Engelbreit's artwork makes me smile. For years her magazine has featured some of the most fascinating and cute homes I have ever seen. There have been yummy recipes and sweet art projects galore. According to a press release posted on her web site, they are looking for another publisher. I hope they find one. Until then I am stuck with a replacement magazine...Martha Stewart's LIVING...uggg...it's just not the same!

Thirsty?

2009-01-20T22:33:00.007-06:00

Our church is blessed beyond measure to be hosting a Life Action Ministry team. The group came to town last Friday and will be here until next Wednesday. In my lifetime I've had the opportunity to be a part of 2 LAM crusades, summits, quests for revival...or whatever you want to call them. And although the first one was when I was 13 years old, the power of God is at work and is no less evident than it was 22 years ago!

Tonight Ryan (the speaker) talked to us about clearing out all of the distractions in our lives that we put ahead of God. He put this 3-columned list of examples up on the screens and I found that so many of those very examples are distractions in my own life! How arrogant are we to think that we can replace Him? How foolish are we to think that those things will quench the thirst of longing that only He can satisfy? Praise Him that His word says,

From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have
not kept them. RETURN TO ME AND I WILL RETURN TO YOU, says the Lord of
hosts, Mal. 3:7

We don't derserve it. But He is our God of Grace.

Here's an awesome song, Jimmy, the worship leader sang tonight

(Mute my blog music at the bottom of the page before you listen to this)

Comforts

2009-01-15T21:46:00.004-06:00

Each night we have a pretty good routine going when it comes to getting the boys ready for bed. They get baths-sometimes together, sometimes apart-then they brush teeth and climb into bed. With Preston it's always a wiggly-fest. He doesn't want to wind down until I'm at my wits end. His latest demand is that his covers go on his body in a particular order-and yes it's a beating, but if I've learned anything as a parent it's that you have to pick your battles and since I know the order that he prefers it's not really a big deal...until the striped blanket is missing like it was the other night. I don't know why the striped blanket must go on top, but you would have thought that the world was ending because I thought it would be ok to just go with the frog blanket on top, but oh no! we had to search high and low. Thankfully it was finally found in his chair at the dining room table.

Now with Peyton the "Blue Blanket" has practically become a part of the family. It started out as one of those super thick fleece blankets, but after 8 years and a million washings, it has been reduced to a threadbare piece of cloth. Apparently it holds some mesmerizing smell too because that is Peyton's comfort-to smell the blanket. I guess it could be worse. He could still suck his thumb. I have no doubt that "Blue" will be making it to college with him someday.

Now, when it comes to actually going to bed each night, Peyton has a "script". As soon as I tuck him in he says to me,

"I love you, I'll see you in the morning, you're the best mom in the world, how long are you staying up?"

There are no pauses between any of those statements. It's all blurred together...to which my response most nights is "I love you too, probably about an hour, I'm pretty tired". Most nights I'm up more than an hour, but I've become so accustomed to saying it like he has become accustomed to saying what he says. I've been wondering here lately how long he'll keep that up. How sad will it be one day when he just says "Good night"? Maybe that will be when he and Blue are off at college too.

8 is GREAT!

2009-01-10T18:06:00.005-06:00

Eight years ago today, David and I met our Peyton. He was born 12 days before his due date and has kept us on our toes every day since! He is so very smart, and so very funny and seems to excel at everything he sets his mind to. What a wonderful son Peyton David Reed is.

Because there has been so much going on with our extended family the last few weeks, we decided to celebrate the big 8 by taking a trip to Gattitown in Frisco for just the four of us. It seems everyone else in the family has been sick and really needed to rest and recover. Actually Preston isn't 100% but he was quite the trooper, especially when it comes to eating pizza and playing games. We spent about 3 hours there and even ran into my freshman year roommate from Baylor!! Tanya is married with 3 boys of her own. It was great to catch up with a friend from the past.

Of course a trip to Frisco wouldn't be complete without a trip to Stonebriar Mall. I was able to go to Sephora and use my GC that David and the boys gave me for Christmas and we exchanged a couple of other Christmas gifts that weren't the right size, etc.

Here are some photos from the fun that we had today.

Christmas & New Year's Eve 08

2009-01-01T15:43:00.006-06:00

Wow, it has certainly been quite a holiday season! With Christmas falling on a Thursday this year, we were able to really spread out our Christmas fun. We are blessed with such a big family that it takes several stops to get it all done. The Sunday before Christmas we had our annual get together with Gran's side of the family. We spent it at Gran & Pap's house. David's Aunt Jane and Uncle Brian were there, along with his cousins, Russell & Megan, Matt, Michael & Amber, and Mitch. Of course David's brother James was there too. We ate a ton and did our annual white elephant gift exchange. The most interesting gift this year had to be the large "nose" that attaches to the shower wall and squirts out soap. Pap ended up with it and I'm sure it got regifted to his brother Charles on Christmas Day!

The boys spreading feed out for Santa's reindeer on Christmas Eve

Next was Christmas Eve at Gran & Pap's. This is just them, our family and James. Poor Gran had to work that day, but she had a wonderful feast of breakfast casserole. We even used her 12 Days of Christmas glasses. There are lots of memories made at this get together each year. I count my blessings everyday for Norman & Judy. I don't know what we'd do without them!

Santa's Express at Pap's

The future President with his US book

Gran & Pap

Jenn & Judy

The worker-man with his workin' clothes

Gran with her Ps

The boy loves office supplies!

Chillin' with Uncle James

Christmas Day was as magical as ever! The boys must have really rated high on Santa's list this year because they were rewarded with some pretty amazing gifts. Peyton was most excited about his new Wii game system and Preston's favorite was definitely his jack-hammer. They got many wonderful gifts but we made sure to emphasize that the real gift at Christmas is the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We have continued a Link-family tradition and all get together and pray before we see what Santa has left. It's a special tradition and one that I hope they pass along when they have families of their own.

Christmas Day bounty

For Christmas Day lunch we had a wonderful time at Poppy & Nana's home. We got to spend time with David's Mama & Papaw Reed, Nana's mom & dad, Amberly & Riley and Uncle James. Nana outdid herself with a wonderful meal! I was in charge of bringing broccoli, cheese & rice casserole. It took me several days to realize what I'd left out...the cream of mushroom soup! Oh well, there's always next year! After we took the boys home for a nap, we headed back over for a good ol' fashioned game of Mexican Train dominoes. We taught them to play several years ago and its been something that we get a big kick out of. Poppy is so competitive but never seems to win. Nana always plays her hand perfectly to keep him from going out. He is such a good sport!

The day after Christmas, we headed to Grammy & Granddaddy's house. Matt & Katy and Mema were in town so we had dinner together. Mom made Chicken Spaghetti...yummy!! Mema wasn't feeling well, but she stayed up late with us and finished playing Mexican Train.

Mema looks pretty good here considering she has pneumonia!! God love her!

The next day, the LeBlanc's came to town and we celebrated with the Link's. Mema wasn't feeling too well and insisted that we go ahead with lunch and open our gifts without her. We were blessed again with many wonderful gifts.

Preston checking out Ellie's new Barbie.

It wasn't until early that evening that we discovered that Mema was sicker than we all imagined. It was determined that a trip to the ER was needed, so Mom & Dad got her in their car and headed that way. I joined them a little later and that's when our holiday began to turn not-so Merry. Sweet Mema was diagnosed with pneumonia and was admitted to ICU. Because of her comprimised lung situation, the ER physician felt strongly that she needed to be put on a ventilator to assist her breathing and give her body a chance to heal. She agreed and we sent her off towards a deep sleep. This week has been a series of ups and downs in her recovery. She is now off the ventilator and able to talk with us all. What a blessing that has been!! My precious Aunt Melanie and Uncle Randy have been since Sunday. God has blessed our family by the bucket-loads and while never in a million years would I wish this sickness on Mema, I feel its been a blessing to spend time with my parents and my aunt & uncle. We are praying for her strength to return and her infection to disappear. It's going to be a long road to recovery but I feel like she is getting some amazing care. I've always known that TMC is a wonderful place to work, but now I'm seeing what it means to be the recipient of care for a loved one...and Mema is certainly a MOST LOVED one.

Last night was New Year's Eve. I thought it might be good to give the Links and the Grays a change of scenery so they came to our house for an early NYE celebration. I bought everyone hats and we watched David broadcast the Sherman Holiday Invitational basketball tourney live on KXII. It was fun to see the Sherman Bearcats play the Denison Yellowjackets for the 1st place finish. The Bearcats were able to secure the victory. Mema even watched the game from her hospital bed. She told Dad that it was the technical shots that won it for the Bearcats. I love it that she loves sports...must be where I get it from.

Uncle Randy & Aunt Melanie on NYE

Little Mr. New Year's Eve

Granddaddy with the Reed boys.

David was home by 10:15 pm, so he and the boys and I rang in 2009 together. I have cute pictures of us in our hats, but I promised David they wouldn't go on here. Just imagine the cute picture above with David and I.

We're praying for good health and God's continued blessings this year. Love to all!!!