Jesus and the Jack O'Lantern

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!!!

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

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!!!

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

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!

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

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

These kids listen to everything!

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?

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!

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

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...

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...

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?

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...

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!

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

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...

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!

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

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!

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!

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.