Some pics over the last few months

New Year's 2008

New Year's was a lot of fun this year. Ryan and I were invited to Midnight Rodeo by Iris and her family. First Ryan and I went for a really nice dinner at Salt Grass and stopped by The Lion and The Rose for a few drinks before heading to Midnight. Once we arrived, there was lots of festivities and dancing going on. We had a lot of fun the whole night!!

Here is what we looked like...at the beginning of the night.

I know....I know (Christmas..2007)

Well it seems kind of weird to be posting a blog in May about Christmas the year before, but when so much is going on in your life....well, it just happens I guess. So here I sit on a Saturday morning while my boys (yes...boys...I'll explain that in a minute) are out together (I presume cooking something up for Mother's Day tomorrow) I thought I would sit down and re-start the whole blogging thing. We'll see how long it lasts this time.

So....Christmas 2007 was an interesting and memorable one. At this point I had met the most wonderful man in the world. His name is Ryan and we met on Match.com. We went out the first time in November and then had a second date on December 15th...where it all started. Ryan and I clicked almost immediately and soon were inseperable. On Christmas, since much of the family were in (Mom, Dad, and Grandma), we decided to have Ryan meet the family and James all at the same time. Now that I think back on that...he was quite the brave one to do that. I could tell he was nervous, but man was it love at first sight!!! James took to Ryan so easy and vice versa. Even though Ryan doesn't have any children, he was a complete natural.

To no surprise of mine, the family absolutely loved him as well. Over the next few days after Christmas he was invited to every family activity. He even played dominos with my competitive family and didn't go running for the hills. I knew immediately that he was a keeper!!!

Here are some pics from Christmas.

James' Birthday Party

James had a great birthday party at Love-To-Tumble gym on December 15th! He had a great turn out with all his buddies. They had such a great time learning about the gym and playing. The teacher was awesome and knew just how to get all of the kids involved. Grandma and I made a Thomas The Train cake for the party. It turned out great!

Mommy decorating the cake.
The awesome cake!

Such the tumbler

Having fun!!

The group learning a new game.

Waiting in line.

James' Christmas Show

La Petite...James' day school puts on a Christmas show every year. I was not aware of the show as they only let the 3-year-olds and above participate. As you know, James turned 3 on December 13th, and transitioned to the 3's room right around there. The week of the Christmas show, James' 3's teacher stopped me and told me that James was doing so well in the class that she wanted to include him in the Christmas show. They sang two songs with his class and then another song with all the kids.

James of course was adorable!! It wouldn't be as cute unless you have one who stands out from the rest. That was a 3-year-old kid who sang every song at the top of his lungs. Kinda cute...but kinda irritating at the same time.

I can't wait until next year's show!!

Enjoy the pics.

Getting ready - standing by Grandma and Papa's Christmas Tree

Show time

He's such a Ham!!

"James...put your shirt down."

"Hi MOM!!"

James' 3rd birthday

Wow...3-years-old already. Where does the time go. James was so excited. I made cupcakes for the class. As we walked into daycare, James said, "I'm 3 today." He's so darn cute. After daycare, I picked him up and then went to Grandma's to pick her up. Papa was at a party, so he joined us after dinner. We celebrated with cake and then presents. Grandma and Papa got James a Thomas the Train balloon...which he loves and (2-weeks later) is still floating like the first day!! Here are some pics from the day.

Officially Potty-trained

James has been potty-trained now for probably about 4-6 weeks now...even through the night. I am so amazed at how quickly it happened. Once he was put in underwear, he just kind of got it. Now, we have had a few accidents here and there, but for the most part it has been great. I gave the remaining diapers to my neighbor friend and the pull-ups to my dear friend Melissa.

Crazy Busy

Ok...for all of you who read my blog, you have noticed that I haven't posted in a while. As December approaches we have James' birthday and the holidays...so it gets a little nutsy around here. Sorry for the multiple posts...but hopefully this will update everyone.

Remarkable Progress Potty Training

James is doing exceptionally well with potty training. It is truly amazing. About a week and a half ago, I switched James to underwear. He learned very quickly that you don't want to pee pee in your pants (cause it goes everywhere). From that point on, he has had very few accidents. In fact, he has not had a single accident at school (knock on wood).

For the last 3 nights, James has woken up dry. I was shocked. The poor little guy was real sick on Wednesday night, but he managed to stay dry. On Thursday night, he went to bed at 6:30 and woke up at 6:30 the next morning...DRY!!!! And last night he went to bed normal time (8:00) and woke up just before 7:00...again dry! Each morning he calls for me and says he needs to go potty.

I am so pleased with his progress. I would tell any parent that has been struggling with potty training to consider abandoning the pull ups and go to underwear. The first time he had an accident in his underwear (it was everywhere...so be prepared for that), but he freaked out and learned very quickly that he did not like that feeling. YEAHHH!!!!

CBC Ladies Retreat 11/2 - 11/4

Community Bible Church hosted a Ladies Retreat at Camp Buckner the weekend of 11/2 through 11/4. I was privledged to attend!! I met some amazing ladies, gave myself a weekend to detox and really focus on myself, and actually had some great fun. The was really uplifting music, workshops, quiet times, meals, etc.

I decided to attend the CBC retreat completely alone, not knowing a soul. I signed up for the carpool hoping to meet some ladies on the 90 minute drive to Marble Falls where Camp Buckner is located. Lyn was our driver, Lisa, Barbara and myself were the passengers. We immediately hit it off! Barbara is actually the office manager for James' pediatrician...small world. I will never forget these ladies...they are truly great women.


When we arrived, we registered and got assigned to our cabins. We were all sleep in different quarters...which was ok, cause that meant I got to meet even more new people. I set up my bunk and headed to the "newbie" meeting for all women who have never been to a CBC retreat. While waiting for that to begin, I met Barbara (a different lady from my carpool Barbara). She invited me to sit with her and we were good friends for the rest of the weekend. We headed to dinner together and had lots to chat about. During dinner, I looked up and saw my neighbor. I had no idea she would be there...but it was a pleasant surprise. We had lots of time to chat and catch up.


The weather was so beautiful the whole weekend which allowed being outdoors to be very pleasant. I didn't sleep too well the first night. Kind of difficult on a top bunk with 15 other women in the room. The retreat team was sweet to provide ear plugs...but I wasn't smart enough to use the for the first night...got smarter the second night!


Below are some pictures from the weekend.

Some amazing sculptures

Closer up of one of the sculptures

Where we received communion

Beautiful scenery

Jen (my neighbor), me and Teresa (my other neighbor)

Barbara and me

Lisa, Lyn, Barbara and me (Our Carpool)

On the way home we took a scenic route and got a great view of a private castle. Take a look!

Halloween and Pink Eye...all in one day

On the eve of Halloween, James developed Pink Eye...Conjuctivitis. So, luckily, his father was able to start the medication at about 6:00 pm the night before, so we were safe to trick or treat the evening of Halloween. Here are some pics from our day home together.

He's my angel...even though the shirt suggests otherwise. :)

He doesn't look too sick, does he?

If that's not an angel, I don't know what is!!

After I got done working my sick boy to the bone with housework (yeah right), it was almost time for trick or treating. At first, he wasn't too excited about putting on his costume.

Buzz Lightyear to the rescue!!

Buzz Lightyear not so sure about being Buzz Lightyear.

Happy Buzz with Papa.

Trick or Treat!!

Look what I got!!

We had a wonderful evening together. It was really nice to have the whole day together and then enjoy Halloween, friends, trick or treating, and handing out candy.

Spurs Game with Dad - 10/30/07

Dad and I went to the Spurs game on Tuesday, October 30, 2007. He received the tickets from Resources. This was my very first Spurs game. About time since I've lived here for almost 5 years. The Spurs played the Portland Trail Blazers. The was opening night at the AT&T center and we had the pleasure of seeing the Spurs receive their 2007 championship rings. As expected, the Spurs won (106 - 97).

Here are some fun pics from the Game.