Life With The Amerman's

Loving my choices in 2010

2010-01-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

I don't ever make new year's resolutions because I never keep them. BUT, I have decided to make some different choices in my life from day to day. Hoping that these choices make me happier, healthier and a better wife, mom, sister, daughter and friend.

Drink less during the week-not like a drink a lot but I don't need a beer or glass of wine every night I am cooking dinner-just saves me 150 calories a day
Be in prayer with God as much as I can throughout the day---this is amazing to see what it is doing already!
Eat smaller portions-don't snack when my kids snack or I will end up with a muffin top!

Kids are loving being back in school and I am loving my routine. Workouts are back to normal (except I lost my workout partner for a while), bible study is back on, cooking at home is back, and having my family home in the evenings all together! Life is good and I am thankful for a new year!

Jesus and the Jack O'Lantern

2009-10-21T14:45:00.001-07:00

Check out my latest post at http://www.savvymommas.com/blog to see a great idea of how to crave your pumpkin this year with your kids. Super cute idea!

Savvy Mommas Coming To you LIVE!!!

2009-09-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

It's official...I am back at work but the super cool thing is that I work for myself and make my own hours and LOVE what I do! I have created a web page www.savvymommas.com that also has a blog to allow mom's a place to go to find the latest scoop around town (San Antonio and the Hill Country). Even if you don't live in this area there will still be features helping you come up with great things to do with your kids and awesome gift ideas that are easily purchased online. Coming from a medical sales background where I was helping large companies grow their business, I have decided to take it to a smaller scale and help local business owners grow their business.

So...don't know how much time I will be spending on this blog, but please add www.savvymommas.com/blog to one of your new favorite links and stay tuned for new features that you will find helpful.

Also, if you know of any friends that have a company they might want to feature please send me their contact info or send them mine! I would appreciate it!

Dominoes are a Beautiful Thing

2009-09-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

I gave the kids a box of dominoes today at 5 pm and it is 7:21 and they are still playing nicely and quietly together! This might be my new favorite toy to have around the house! They just finished building an entire park for all their farm animals. Sand box, bench, diamond beds, etc. So stinking cute!!! Let's pray this is a start to a good week.

PS: I made the easiest and yummiest dinner every today. Bought a pork roast and stuck it in the crock pot this morning at 8:30. Poured half bottle of bbq sauce over it and let it sit until 4. At 4 I shredded the meat and let it cook until 6. Super easy, healthy and yummy. Served with fresh green beans and baked potatoes. Kids ate every bite! Hope you enjoy!

No More Facebook!!!

2009-09-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

I have offically decided to cancel my Facebook account. After realizing I was spending more than 2 hours a day wasting time on this website I have put it to an end. Jarrett will be thrilled! He heard on the AM radio this week that the number 1 cause for divorce is due to Facebook. Isn't that crazy?!?!?! People are getting on this site and either finding old flames or becoming addicted and not spending time with their spouses. I am just not willing to have any of those things happen in my home and I know I need to be spending nap time doing other things around the house. So...goodbye to the Facebook world. Hope to keep up with ya'll here on the blog.

Our home

2009-08-31T12:16:00.001-07:00

My cousin Jessica is a writer and is currently doing some pieces for a Country living type magazine that reaches the Texas market. She has been asked to write a piece on a country style home and area that is unique. So she asked if she could feature our neighborhood and home. I had no problems with that. Honestly made me feel quite honored. She asked me to take some pics of our house for preliminary editing and to send to the company. Once she writes the piece a real photographer will come out here to shoot our home and have it featured in the magazine. Pretty cool! So, here are a few pics that I took last night and sent to her. Enjoy and know that you are welcome to come visit any time you would like.

One proud Aunt!

2009-08-15T11:29:00.001-07:00

Robin and Kenneth had their first baby boy on Monday Aug 10, 2009 at 6:15 am! It was a very long night as we all waited "patiently" in the birthing room from 7 pm-6 am for Robin to become completely ready to deliver. We told good stories, read magazines, tried to sleep on chairs and danced to VBS songs as we anxiously awaited for the baby to arrive. I even took Kenneth to Hooter's for a cold beer and wings around 9 and he bought his baby the funniest hooters onesie I have read. You will see a picture of him in it eventually! Anyhow....Kipton Jones Grabhorn, 7 lb 3 oz, 20 in long arrived healthy and handsome as ever! We are so happy to have him as a part of our family.

Please pray for Robin as she adjusts to sleepless nights and uncomfortable boobies until her milk is in a good pattern! She could use your prayers right now.

A night without kids is sometimes sooo needed

2009-08-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

I got to celebrate my friend Kathryn Biegel's bachelorette party this weekend in Port A. It was so nice to visit with her and all of her family and friends that were there. We had such a relaxing time hanging in the pool Saturday and eating a delicious dinner with beach front views. I am so very thankful for Kathryn's friendship and happy for her and Neale to embark on their new journey as a married couple in just a few short weeks. Can't wait for the wedding!

Jarrett was so nice to take care of the kiddos for 24 hours while I went to Port A and the kids had a ball. They went to the rodeo and got to ride a horse and watch the cowboys. The little break was so nice for me and I feel rested and ready to love on the kiddos like a good mommy should. Pray for us as we have VBS all week. Pray for energy and for listening ears. I will be helping lead songs and skits and can't wait to see and hear what Davis and Reese learn about Jesus and His unconditional love!

New pics of kiddos with Belle

2009-07-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

These kids listen to everything!

2009-07-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

I was folding clothes this morning while Davis and Reese were getting in the way of the AC workers we had here. As they all walked through the laundry room Davis slapped me on the butt and said, "My mom is a hot mom." WHAT!??!?!? The worker turned around and looked and me and starting laughing. His response..."Did you teach him that?" And I quickly said, "No! That would be my husband." Little goober!

Did I ever tell you?

2009-07-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

How much I adore my husband!!!! Jarrett is truly the best friend I have always wanted. We have so much fun together and keep each other on our toes. As we continue our journey as a family it is so much fun discovering new things about each other every week. And...I still find him incredibly HOT!

So glad to we got to go on vacation this summer together to Europe and rekindle our old flame. Every couple needs to remember to take time for each other without kids and friends around. So very important and special. Don't forget that those kiddos of ours will turn 18 and leave our house. You are stuck with your main squeeze forever so make a daily effort to tell each other how much you love them, spend 30 minutes every day talking to each other and pray together! A family that prays together stays together!

I love you Jarrett. Thanks for being my life partner and embarking on this journey of life together. You are the best!

Talk about Heaven!

2009-07-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

So, I was driving in the rain and here is a converstation my son started with me...

Davis: Mom, drive carefully. We don't want to die.
Mom: I will Davis. But don't be afraid of dying. Heaven is a beautiful place and it is ok to die if we know we get to spend eternity with our Heavenly Father.
Davis: And we will get to be up there with Pookie (Jarrett's mom), TA (Jarrett's dad) and Michael Jackson, right mom?
Mom: Who? What did you just say? Well, yes I know we will see Pookie and TA and maybe even Michael Jackson.

Who would have thought that the mention of Michael Jackson dying would make my 3 yr old remember! He cracks me up!

And a conversation with Reese while I am cooking dinner and she is sitting on the kitchen floor with no panties or diaper on because we are potty training...

Mom: It's awfully quiet. Reese, what are you doing? You are being so quiet.
Reese: (remember she was naked) Mommy, I am putting rolly polly up here (pointing to her private)

Dear God! I don't need to be digging rolly polly bugs out of there. We are now wearing dipaers and panties at ALL TIMES!

Funny

2009-06-09T18:36:00.000-07:00

A funny story to make you laugh...

Davis had hernia surgery this week. We have been preparing him over the last couple of weeks so he wouldn't freak out. We explained to him that he was having surgery on his balls so that he doesn't have pain down there anymore. I know that sounds gross but what better way to describe to a 3 yr old? So, we were driving to the hospital the morning of the surgery and I pull into the parking lot. It's 6 am and my bright eyed anxious boy says, "look mom, there are a lot of people here getting surgery on their balls today." Laughing out loud, I told him that there were a lot of brave people and we will pray that everyone does well with their surgeries.

Most humiliating moment ever...

Me and the kids stopeed to get bbq for lunch today at Rudy's bbq. Here is our conversation...

Davis: Mom, I need to pee
Mom: The bathroom is down that way (and pointed). I will help you when I finish ordering our food.

I order the food and go pay. I turn to check on the kids and see that Davis was peeing IN THE RESTAURANT in the line to order food!!!! Pants down and bare butt mooning me! I about died! I quickly looked around to see if anyone was watching him. Looked like that was clear so I quickly acted like I didn't know what was going on, grabbed the food and the kids and got the heck out of there!

Conversation when we left:

Mom: Davis, what you did was very wrong. You know better than to pee in public. That is what bathrooms are for.

Davis: Mom, you told me the bathroom was down that way so I went down that way and peed!

Lesson learned: Boys may have it easier to pull their jewels out and potty when needed but don't let them get to used to doing that. They might find it ok to pee in a restaurant and not think anything of it!!!!!

Summer has just begun...

2009-06-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

And we are already in full swing! Lake trips, golf outings, bouncy house excitement, swimming at the pool and playing with our friends. I am really looking forward to having some good time with the kids this summer and not having to rush in the mornings to get somewhere. We plan to spend lots of time outside in the water with all of our friends and family.

Reese is potty training and doing great! We go pee pee in the potty all day long and wear big kid panties. Still working on poopy though. Hopefully that will click soon. She turns 2 at the end of July and already has a big attitude on her. She thinks she can dress herself and always wants to pick out what to wear. She has a new trick of climbing in and out of her crib for 3 hours in the evening so the big bed is coming up this weekend! My little girl is growing up WAY to fast!

Davis still loves to sing and play music. Maybe he will be a musician one day. He swims all by himself in the big pool without any floaties. Sure makes my life easier only having to hold one kiddo in the pool. If he has his way we would swim every day. Davis is signed up to take gymnastics this summer and is excited for something new to try. I am amazed to watch him grow and see where his interests are. Should be fun to see what sports and activities he picks when he gets a little older.

Jarrett and I are headed to Europe on June 19! We will be there for 10 days without kids. Excited for the trip but nervous to leave the kids. Our old nanny that used to live with us will come to watch them for 7 days and then Aunt Robin and Uncle Kenneth will have them towards the end. I am anxious to have some good travel and alone time with Jarrett and I know I will be anxious to get home to my babies on the 29th.

By the way...

2009-05-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

After the week that I have had with 2 sick kids and a sick dog...I don't think a 3rd kid is in my future for a LONG time! How would I have done it with one more sick kid?

2009-05-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

The past 7 days we have been caring for 2 very sick children. Davis came down with a horrible bug and couldn't fight it off. It lasted 5 days and took 3 ER visits until he started to get better! After IV fluids, much needed zofran and TLC he is finally feeling better. Problem is...he now has a hernia and communicating hydracele in his left testicle. We have seen the urologist and Davis will have to have surgery to fix the problem. We were scheduled to have it today, but Reese came down with the bug. So since Wednesday I have been cleaning up more throw up and diareah from her! Poor babies! Oh, and for 2 days straight the dog had diareah all day in the house! Really?!?!?! I can't take it anymore!

I have rescheduled Davis' surgery for Monday June 8. Why wait? Well, this swine flu thing makes me not want to go to the hospital unless it's an emergency. Dr. says if he isn't in pain and isn't showing signs of swelling we will be fine to wait. I would rather not put him or us in a situation where we could potentially get sick again! Especially since we basically live in Mexico (oops, did I say that out loud?)

So, this weekend we are laying low. Hoping to get everyone better and get a break! I have been inside this house or at a hospital or Dr office since last Friday. I need a break! It's a good thing I don't work anymore...who the heck would have taken care of the kids for a full week? Thank you Jarrett, for letting me stay at home with the kids and give them the love, attention and care that they need and deserve. I love you for that!

To have a 3rd or not to have a 3rd...

2009-04-17T12:01:00.000-07:00

That is the burning question that I can't get off my mind. I am losing at least 2 hrs of sleep thinking of every pro and con to adding another baby into the family. I try to not be selfish with my reasons but everything I think of for not wanting another is selfish. Please pray that God will really show Jarrett and me the answer to this burning question. This is a topic that weighs heavily on our minds everyday.

Boys will be boys!

2009-04-14T16:43:00.000-07:00

Davis is so much fun right now. He loves to sing and play "band." He is totally into making silly faces and babysitting Reese. He keeps me on my toes and keeps my mind thinking with all of his questions. I think he makes me smarter with some of the questions he asks me. I have to really think about the answer sometimes. Who would have thought a 3 year old could stump their mother? Well, Davis does that often!

Playing Dress up

2009-04-14T16:35:00.000-07:00

Here is Reese all dressed up with half of the sports bras I own. Every morning when I get dressed to go to the gym...Reese does too. I think she thinks they are necklaces but it is quite hilarious. My girl loves to play dress up! Whether it's my sports bras or her purse and beads, she always has something on!

This should melt your heart...

2009-04-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

So, we were driving to the gym this morning and I was telling Davis and Reese that today is an extra special day. It's Good Friday and we celebrate Good Friday because this is the day that Jesus died for us to forgive our sins. Then I went on to tell them it was 6 years ago today that Pookie (Jarrett's mom) went to Heaven to be with Jesus. Davis said he wanted to give Pookie a hug when he gets to heaven. He then asked me if I was going to heaven and if daddy was too. Then he says, "Mommy, I don't want to go to heaven without Reese. I would miss her if she wasn't with me all the time." Hello tears! That just makes me smile to hear how much he loves his little sister and wants to be with her eternally in Heaven. I hope that time is not anytime soon, but I will be thankful and proud to know that both of my kids have chosen a life with Jesus in their hearts and that one day soon they will get to be with our eternal Father in Heaven. It is then that we can reunite with Pookie and TA and a lot of other loved ones.

Then Davis asks, "After Easter, is it boat season yet? I am ready for it to be boat season." I just thought that was so cute that the memories we are building at the lake are working. We even have a season for boats and lake! He must be an Amerman...favorite place to be is on the lake with family and friend.

Happy Easter. He is Risen!

Silly kids!

2009-04-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

Davis' funny questions of the week:
"Why does Whataburger put water in their burgers?"
"Why did God paint my friend Josh black and paint me white? Did he run out of paint?"

Reese's funny things she is doing:
Sitting in the car seat, lifts her leg high and lets out a big FART. Then puts it down and says, "excuse you."
Carrying around a purse EVERYWHERE we go. She sits at the table with the purse and sleeps with the thing. Hilarious!

So excited for the weekend! My childhood best friend, Lindsay Sikes, is coming to visit tonight. Can't wait to show her our house, neighborhood and of course the kiddos. Looking forward to visiting with her and catching up on old times. Saturday night is date night! Jarrett and I are going to the neighborhood shindig gala. Can't wait for a night out with my hubby...much needed!

Weekend in Houston

2009-03-29T18:58:00.001-07:00

We had an eventful weekend in Houston. Managed to throw a bday party for Alli (Jarrett's sister) on Wednesday night and buy me a new car! My company car is being picked up tomorrow. I officially have a mom car...2007 suburban. Pretty exciting.

Took the kids to a bouncy house place Thurs morning and had dinner with my mom and her dear friends at Taste of Texas. So great to catch up with all of them and show off my children. We were praying at the dinner table and Reese kept saying, "bless you, thank you, bless you, thank you." It was hilarious!

Friday mom and I took the kids to the Houston Zoo. So much fun and a really pretty zoo. We saw all the animals, rode the train and had a picnic. Davis liked the monkeys the best. I think Reese was glad to learn more animals names. Friday evening was Davis' first time to go to a slumber party! He spent the night at Aunt Claudia's house (Jarrett's aunt and his 3 cousins that are in high school, junior high and elementary). They went to Chuck E. Cheese, baked cookies and all slept in the same bed. He had a ball. When I dropped him off he just kept saying, "go mommy, you can go." I couldn't believe how brave he was. A part of me was so proud and excited that we are at a new stage where he can do fun things like this, but another part of me was sad that he didn't need me there. So cool to watch someone grow up right before your eyes. He did great and enjoyed being spoiled by the Mougel family. Thanks for playing with him!

Reese, mom (Belle) and I had girls night out with some of mom's other friends. We had dinner and then I met a friend at a local bar for a few beers. So great to catch up with so many people while I was home.

My friend from high school was in town this week from Switzerland and we were able to catch up for about an hour before the next activity was going on. Really great to see her so happy!

We made it to church this morning and ran into old family friends. So great to hear my old pastor speak and have such a wonderful weekend with my mom. I feel pretty accomplished from my weekend there. Got great time with a few friends, spent nap time at my grandparents, celebrated Alli's bday, entertained the kids, saw Jarrett's family, and even relaxed a bit.

Thanks Belle for having us at your home! I hope we didn't make it too messy. We always love coming to play. Look forward to having you here for Easter weekend!

No more pull ups at bed time!

2009-03-23T12:01:00.000-07:00

I promised Davis that if he kept his pull ups dry at night for a few nights in a row we would try a night with underwear on. He has done excellent keeping them dry, but I am terrified to take them off at night! What if the bed gets wet, he wakes up, wakes me up, have to change sheets, etc! What a pain! I love getting to sleep through the night. Isn't that selfish of me? I know I need to keep my word. So, tonight is his last pull up of the pack! I guess tomorrow I will have to really test him! Let's just hope I am not up in the middle of the night changing sheets :) My little boy is growing up so fast!

I might try blogging again!

2009-03-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am back! Well...maybe. I am committing to myself to be better about blogging. One reason I wasn't is because my camera broke. Figured you would get bored reading a diary without any pics of the 2 little munchkins. I finally took the time to download some pics and thought I would get back on here to update the page.

Lots has happened since I last blogged in December. January and February were rough months for us. Jarrett's dad (TA) was home with hospice and finally went to be with our Heavenly Father Feb 10. We were spending every single day there and are so thankful for the time we had with him while he was home. At the end of February I had to go away for a week due to work meetings. It was a tough week for me to leave the kids and Jarrett. I think it was tough for Jarrett too. He worked from home and took care of the kids all week. When I got home from that trip, we realized this job is not working with our kids lives right now. So...I am proud to report that April 1, 2009 I will officially be a stay at home mommy! I am very excited about the challenge, change of pace and commitment I have made. Hope I don't pull my hair out by Friday :)

I am doing a lot of brainstorming about starting up a marketing/consulting firm that would market small business owners in the San Antonio area to mom's. Lots is in the works, but I just need a lot of prayer to truly convict me that this is worth putting the money and time into. I am super excited about the idea and visualize the possibilities. Now I just want to see if it would really work. Savvymommas.com....coming in the near future!!!

Jarrett and the kids are doing great. Enjoying the warmer weather and spending more time outside with the time change.

Last post today...promise

2008-12-28T13:13:00.001-08:00

I would post pics but our camera is broken. I need to take it to get fixed this week. Promise more pics later.

The day after Christmas was Jarrett's 30th! His 4 younger cousins all came over to babysit the kids and cousin Nolan while we ate dinner at the club with Aunt Alli, Aunt Carrie, Uncle Matt, the Hill's and the Welch's. Thanks so much for celebrating with us the day after Christmas! Thanks cousins for taking care of the kiddos. Hope ya'll had fun. Come spend the night any time you want! Jarrett...happy bday! Can't wait to really celebrate with ya at the Cotton Bowl later this week! I love you and am proud of what you have accomplished at such a young age. Remember our sermon today at church about HOPE! Have a plan, Open eyes and heart to new ideas, Plan for the future and Empower other people!

More about Christmas

2008-12-28T12:59:00.000-08:00

After a morning of being kindof emotional because we didn't have plans on Christmas Eve, our friends Jennifer and Chris Hill invited us over for dinner after we all went to church. The kids had a great time playing with Price and Walker, and Jarrett and I had a great time having some adult conversation with great friends and their family. They were so sweet to include us during the the holiday season. We are thankful for their friendship.

We opened presents the next morning and Davis was definitely in the Christmas spirit. He loves his new big boy bike and Spiderman helmet Santa got him. Reese is enjoying playing with her new kitchen and having tea parties with us. So cute to see each of them explore, play pretend and get so excited about the little things.

We went over to Matt and Carrie's house for the afternoon and evening with ALL of Jarrett's family. The kids had a ball opening more and more presents from Jarrett's aunts, Omie/Opie, Aunt Alli and Aunt Carrie and Aunt Cheryl. When we were finally ready to head back to Boerne, we filled the car to the top with all the new gifts. I am forever greatful for the generous family who loves our kids so very much.

Christmas was a memorable one! It is always hard to let go of some old traditions that we grew up having, but starting new one's with our own family is so neat. Here are a few traditions we are starting with our family. I always like new ideas too, so feel free to send some to me.

Christmas Traditions:

make a bday cake for Jesus and sing happy bday

make cookies for Santa

put out reindeer food for the reindeer

ring Santa's sleigh bells by the kids window while the other parent is reading them books

kids get 3 gifts from mom and dad...because the Wise Men brought 3 gifts to baby Jesus...gives us a chance to talk about why we celebrate Christmas and saves us money!

clean out the play room with old toys and make a box to give to a boy/girl that won't get presents this year--Davis asked me this morning if the boy we gave presents to liked his toys. I thought that was cute,,,he actually remembered we did that for someone.

Christmas Chaos is over! Until next year...

2008-12-28T12:53:00.000-08:00

Wow! We made it through the holidays. I always look forward to the Christmas season but by the time we are at the end of the month, I am glad it is over and we will be back to a normal routine...starting tomorrow!

We made a fast trip to Katy to visit Belle, Gee and Daddoo and celebrate Christmas with them the weekend before actual Christmas. We also made it to the annual Dickey/Duffy Christmas party to see our Sugarland (and a few Katy) friends. It was so nice to catch up with everyone there. I think there were 8 girls pregnant!!! I am excited that this group is finally getting on the bandwagon and having some kiddos. Now they may understand why we have to get home before midnight, figure out a meal place by 6 pm instead of 9, and make it somewhere to nap in the middle of the afternoon.

Christmas at Belle's the week before was fun. Davis got a scooter and he thinks it is his only means of transportation inside the house now. "PLEASE don't break anything." That is all I keep saying to him. Reese got a pink grocery cart. Sooo cute. We had fun seeing Belle's house all decorated for Christmas time. It was so pretty.

Jarrett's 1st buck

2008-12-19T12:14:00.000-08:00

Jarrett spent this week on a friends' ranch in Freer, TX. I am proud to report that after many visits to this ranch and many early mornings sitting waiting for just the right deer to arrive, Jarrett shot a nice 8 point! He is so thrilled about it...and I am just trying to figure out where the heck I am going to hang this thing in our home? Not sure if I am a fan of dead animals everywhere, but I will always be proud of Jarrett's kill! He has always wanted to shoot one. Thanks John and Blake for your hospitality on the ranch and for helping Jarrett clean the thing. We have plenty of deer meat if anyone is interested in joining us for a meal!

Visiting San Fransisco to see cousins and Aunt Joy/Uncle Craig

2008-12-19T11:54:00.000-08:00

Nothing is better than making a HUGE deal out of going on a plane ride! This was Davis' first plane experience that he actually could understand and he was stoked. We took all kinds of activities to play on the 5 hour trip to make sure the kids would behave. Fortunately, they did great!

We arrived in San Fran last Thurs and played at the park with cousins and had dinner with my brother, Joy and their 3 kids. We stayed in a hotel with the kiddos and that was a BLAST! Running through the halls, jumping on beds, slumber party at night, movie and cuddling time. I would consider getting a hotel for a special occasion even right here in Boerne to change the scenery. It really was fun. Davis learned how to ride Bryan and Dawson's scooter and Reese mastered how to play "baby" with all of Megan's girl toys. It was so nice to celebrate an early Christmas with our family and get to be in their enviroment and spend good time with them for a few days.

The plane ride home...that is a different story! We took off at 1:30 and didn't get home until 12:45 am!!! The pilot tried to land in San Diego 2 times, but was unsuccessful due to bad weather. Rather scary when you are in landing gear at 400 feet from the ground and all of a sudden the pilot guns it to get us back in the air as fast as he can! He did this twice before announcing that we were running low on gas and would have to fly to LA to refuel and then try to land again in San Diego. Needless to say...everything ended up ok, but staying on the same plane for 9 hours with 2 kids under the age of 3 is NOT what I call fun! Not sure if Jarrett will be in for another family vacation by plane anytime in the near future.

We made it home safely and are thankful for the new memories we made with our family in San Fran. Still keeping my fingers crossed that ONE DAY they will move back to Texas!!!

Already?

2008-12-10T13:36:00.000-08:00

I was washing dishes yesterday and Reese walked over to me and said, "poo poo." I asked her if she needed to potty and she nodded her head no. I looked inside her pants and she had just pooped!!!! Do you really think she is already showing early signs of potty training? She is only 16 months! Crazy or lucky, not sure which. But, the sad thing is that I thought I would be so excited to be done with diapers but it kindof makes me sad. Maybe that means we will have to have 3...one day...a long time from now!

Christmas in the Hill Country

2008-12-08T11:42:00.000-08:00

Our family has a busy December planned and this weekend was the start of really celebrating the Christmas season. Saturday morning Aunt Robin came over and brought a pre-lit Christmas tree for us to borrow. Then we took the kids up to the Cordillera club to decorate gingerbread houses and drink hot chocloate. We met some of our best friends up there for the party. Davis licked more of the icing off of the house and ate more of the candy instead of decorating. He reminded me so much of his daddy and how much Jarrett enjoyed (and still does) sweets. Reese walked around with cookies in both hands happy as could be. By the time they finished decorating the house with help of Aunt Robin and Braden and Jaxon, it looked like they just threw up candy all over gingerbread house. I am guessing in the years to come their artistic ability will dramatically be better than it was this year. All that matters was that they had a ball.

After church on Sunday we went to our park in the neighborhood and saw Santa Claus and some beautiful horses that live here on the ranch. Davis wasn't so sure about Santa or the horse but he sat on both of them without crying. Reese was NOT liking Santa at all, but he sure did like her. Every time he would wave or make eye contact with her she would start screaming. Quite hilarious. Once she figures out that he is the one to bring her presents maybe her attitude will change. They also got to sit on a horse for the first time. Once again...both apprehensive but brave enough to do it. Reese is our little animal lover. If she is anything like her Aunt Alli, we will probably be a family with a bunny, hamster, dog, horse, etc in the years to come.

We managed to put our tree up on Sunday as well. Davis enjoyed decorating the tree with all the ornaments that weren't breakable. Reese has taken a liking to Pooh bear and keeps taking him off of the tree and carrying him around. Now I know why I don't spend a lot of money on beautiful ornaments yet!

Last work day for a while

2008-12-08T11:37:00.000-08:00

Today I drove to Houston to visit one of my accounts for work before the holiday. I always love going because I get to take my mom to lunch and usually a little bit of shopping happens. This time it was even more special because I even had enough time to suprise my Gee and Daddoo and visit with them for a little bit (without kids climbing on me and needing me). This Thursday Belle took a half day so we got to spend the afternoon getting Christmas shopping done. I love the Christmas music...most of the time! We were in Marshall's and this one singer was singing about Santa coming to town and you would have thought he was about to fall over and die. It was sooooo slow and deep that we couldn't help but start laughing hysterically. Might not sound funny to you, but I think mom and I made a new funny memory. Only uplifting Christmas music please!!

On another note...I have the next 3 weeks off from work. Stay at home mommy to the max! YEA

Freaky Friday

2008-12-05T13:06:00.000-08:00

This morning I was awoke by Davis at 7 instead of 6:30! I was so excited and thought for sure it was going to be a good day. Well...then Reese decided to wake up on the wrong side of the bed! She has been screaming crying all day long. Totally not like her. I hope she isn't getting sick! At least Davis is being a good boy. We were driving to they gym and Reese was screaming bloody murder. Davis couldn't hear the Christmas music so he yelled, "stop pitching a fit Reese. It doesn't make mommy happy." At least he gets it. Just wish he practiced what he preached sometimes!!!

2008-12-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-30T18:45:00.001-08:00

What a memorable and relaxing Thanksgiving we had this year! We spent Thanksgiving day having lunch at our home with Belle, Aunt Robin, Uncle Kenneth and Uncle Kenneth's parents. After naps we were off to celebrate with Jarrett's side of the family. I always enjoy getting together with them because they give our kids so much love and attention. Jarrett's younger cousins enjoy playing with the kids so it gives me a little bit of a break too. Can't complain about that!

The weekend was spent at our dear friends (the Hendee's) farm in Yoakum, TX. What a beautiful place to make new memories with our family. Belle, Aunt Robin, Uncle Kenneth, Juan, Doc, Uncle Matt, Aunt Carrie, Nolan and of course our crew were all glad to be spending time in the hill country. We rode Uncle Kenneth's 4 wheeler and the mule all day long. The boys shot their guns, we cooked out, made smores by the fire and played games in the evenings. I most enjoyed seeing Reese get so excited about seeing cows and seeing Davis play with all of the boy toys that were around to play with. He was in his element. Thanks Hendee's for a wonderful weekend. Next time we want to make memories with you guys there too!

Reflecting back on Thanksgiving 2008: we have a lot to be thankful for!

Davis named a few things he was thankful for...
God
Jesus dying on the cross
Belle
4 wheelers
the club
Braeden and Jaxon

I will post some pics once Belle sends them to me.

Good weekend in the Hill Country

2008-11-23T10:45:00.000-08:00

Ok, so some of you have now made fun of me for deciding to make a blog, but you are probably the one's reading this silly thing. Friday night Jarrett took me on a double date for sushi with some friends that live in our neighborhood. We had a great time. It sounds like the kids had an even better time. Jarrett's cousin, Maddy, came to babysit with her friend. Davis LOVES Maddy! They ate dinner, made cupcakes, watched Polar Express and had fun playing together. Maddy and her friend Madison spent the night so Davis was thrilled. Reese obviously doesn't tell me much yet, but of course she was a little angel for Maddy.

Saturday we decided to drive to the lake and look at the fall leaves and get away for the night. Lunch in Johnson City was actually a lot of fun. I was kindof tough on the kids the whole lunch because I was making sure they were well behaved. I sometimes feel bad about having to get onto them but I know it will make them better kids. As we were leaving the restaurant the owner came and handed both kids a peanut butter cookie and complimented them on how well they ate their lunch and sat quietly at the table. I was so proud of my 2 little pumpkins!

Time at the lake was fun. We played t-ball, cooked out and got to spend some good time with Aunt Robin and Uncle Kenneth, Aunt Carrie and Uncle Matt, cousin Nolan and our friends Kari and Nick. Glad to be home this Sunday afternoon enjoying peace and quiet during naps!

Have a wonder Thanksgiving week. Continue to count your blessings and let those around you know how much you are thankful for them.

2008-11-21T12:38:00.000-08:00

Blogging!

2008-11-21T12:15:00.000-08:00

I am laughing as I begin to type this first blog. I used to make fun of my friends and wonder when the heck they had the time to update a blog page with kids running around, chores to be done, work to be accomplished and husbands to be cared for. Now I find myself checking out everyone's blog page during my kids nap times. I figure...what the heck? I should try this out. My mom, TA and family from California would at least look at it. So, here it goes...Life With The Amerman's. Not always perfect, a little crazy and loud, joyous and rewarding and worth telling about! I couldn't be happier to brag and tell funny stories about Davis, Reese and even Jarrett! This could get interesting!