A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR LITTLE GIRL!!!

**Be sure you pause the player at the bottom to hear the song during the slide show and scroll over the pictures because some have captions!!!

There are so many things I would want to share about our sweet little girl.--Just going through the pictures alone took me over an hour!!!!  There are so many things we could tell you about how special she is to RDC and I--but if you know us--you know we just ADORE this little girl.  She makes us laugh at the things she does and says and makes us SO proud in so many ways--especially how good she is with her baby brother.  I tear up just thinking about it all!! God really blessed us on December 26, 2004.  It is one of my most favorite days!!! I loved everything about that day--from being surprised she was a girl--to looking over at her cleaning her up and noticing she had my nose!! I still remember it like it was just yesterday!! And to this day she continues to surprise me!! I love her smile, her sweet spirit, how she is so smart and loves to learn, and the unprovoked, "I love you, Mama!" (lately I have noticed it when she is doing something she is not supposed to!!) But regardless, it is one of the BEST things to hear!! So HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!  We love you, MWC and are so proud of the little girl you are growing up to be!!!!  

From our family to yours!!!!!!

Playing Santa!!!

Last weekend, EJW and I were able to throw KayKay a Christmas bridal shower!!! We had so much fun getting it all together for her!!  She LOVED it--to say the least!!! It was her first shower so I don't think she realized how much fun it would be to get so many gifts at one time!!!! :)  But it was a fun day and she and WLG got some good stuff to help them decorate their home in 2009 for their first married Christmas!!!  We love you KayKay and WLG and can't wait until May 2nd, 2009!!!!

All their "loot"!!!!  

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!

We are ready for Christmas at our house!! We have been doing lots of "Christmasy" things-church program, MWC singing in prayer meeting, looking at Christmas lights and of course our tree is up and our stockings are hung!! We have had fun doing lots of things together, and we are getting ready for a full week of celebrating God's greatest Gift to us!!

MWC in her 1st Christmas performance!

Her and her sweet friend, AEH!!

The looks we now get....

In the last few weeks, we have been giving JDC some table food.--Yes, we are more laid back with our 2nd child!! Anyway, a few minutes ago, MWC was eating a "goodie" that I had made. She was eating in front of him and when I walked in --this is what I saw:

"Can I get some of that?!?!?!" :)

As soon as I took that picture, this occurred:

"Fine then, I will just pull your hair!!!"

Her hair has just been tooooo tempting for him lately too!!!!!!! Sweet sibling interaction!!!

LOVE THOSE TWO!!!!**And no--he did not get any of that particular goodie!!! But trust me--he does have his fair share!!!! :)

YET ANOTHER HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Well today is Granny's birthday. Granny and Pop were gracious enough to skip the Christmas performance at church and come stay with JDC this morning. He has been having some chest stuff with his usual "Boogers" as MWC calls them. We are going to be having Granny and Pop out for Birthday dinner tomorrow night so we should gets some pics then. Hope everyone gets a chance to wish Granny a Happy Birthday!!!!

We love you Granny and hope Pop treats you SUPER Special today!!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Happy birthday, Aunt JCH!!! We hope you and Uncle GMH have a GREAT time celebrating!! We love you and miss you!!!

Lotta turkey and Some Santa

We had a wonderful time celebrating Thanksgiving with our family, starting by eating at BeBe's the Sunday before. We ate too much (as we always do at BeBe's) but had a good time visiting with some extended family.

Then it was off to Texas. We ate lunch at Grandaddy's and then we all plus Aunt EJW (L) and Grandaddy went to Aunt JCH and Uncle GMH's for supper. Granny and Pop were there so we were all able to eat together. JHC and Granny did a great job on fixing us all dinner!!!

Grandaddy and MWC doing the "turkey dance" about to get the turkey out of the oven!!

But one of the biggest highlights from the week was getting to ride the "Polar Express"!!! MWC LOVES this movie and will watch it year round!!! And when we realized we were going to be in Texas for Thanksgiving, we jumped at the chance to ride it. So on Friday, we drove to Grapevine to hop aboard. SHE LOVED IT--EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!-- From getting to wear her pjs, to the singing, dancing and of course getting to see Santa!! I was personally a little disappointed that they did not serve hot chocolate--but it was still fun. To see her face when she first saw Santa, was priceless!!! It was a great day that I know Grandaddy hopes will become a tradition!!!! It was just the right thing to kick off the Christmas season!!!

Seeing the train arrive!! :)

Singing on the train!!!

HERE HE COMES!!!!!!!!

Updates with pics coming soon, but first a story!!!

I promise to get on the ball soon, because I have LOTS to share----Thanksgiving, trip to Texas, riding the Polar Express and MWC's first dental appointment!!!! But first a story----

On the way to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays we always say a prayer--and one of the things we ALWAYS pray for is that "God will put angel wings over MWC at school and that she will not get any 'bo-bos'"--as well as the rest of the family. Well yesterday, our plans were for JDC and I to do the Walmarting while she was at school--and to buy her a "Lunchable" to take to lunch munch on Thursdays. This girl LOVES her a lunchable just as much as she loves lunch munch!! Anyway, she is praying and this is what I hear, "And dear God, please help JDC not get any bo-bos as he goes to Walmart to get my Lunchable!!" I just wanted to crack up!! I thought that was the cutest thing!!! I just love to hear her prayers!!! (Sometimes you are not sure what is going to come out!!!!) So when I called RDC to tell him, I said, "Please call me in a little while and REMIND me to not forget that lunchable!!!" *It was not on the list since she reminded me that morning that she wanted one. And yes don't worry--she does have her lunchable for lunch munch tomorrow!!!! How could I forget something soooo important to her that she mentions it in her prayers---right along with her brother not getting any 'bo-bos'!!!!!

Day 23--Thanksgiving not being "skipped over"

I am sure most of you have noticed if you have been in any retail store the last week, that to them the "Christmas season" is already upon us. I am one of those who believes you should wait at least until you have eaten the turkey!! :) But last week, when talking to several friends and reading others blogs, I realized how many schools/preschools have a Thanksgiving program, feast or some type of get together to celebrate Thanksgiving. That made me so happy!! That they are teaching children the importance of being thankful, going so far as to invite parents to make it an even more special occasion. And MWC 's school was no different!! She had a precious program last Thursday night. They sang some cute songs and the three's were able to share what they were thankful for. And I have to say, MWC SURPRISED us all when her answer was, "Jesus." I am surprised I did not burst in tears, I think I was just so surprised. Most of the answers were, "mama or daddy and mama," --so I could not wait to hear her answer. And then her turn came, and she said, without missing a beat, "Jesus." Most of the family turned to me and ask if we had practiced and I assured them, it was just as a surprise to me as them. And it taught me that, they do listen and understand what we say and talk about on a day to day basis. That you don't have to "beat them over that head with it. " That thankfully through the Holy Spirit, they do "get it" and hopefully as the days go by and the more there is to learn, that she will "get it" as much as her little mind can grasp. But today I am also very thankful, that our little girl does understand at least that much---that we should ALL be thankful for Jesus and what He has done for us.

Day 22-- My Little Man

I am SO THANKFUL for this Little Man that God gave to us!!! As you can see--his smile is contagious!! I love when he gets to "belly laughing"--especially at his big sister. I love it because he does love to snuggle.--Even when you are just standing their holding him and he lays that little head on your chest. There is nothing better!!! :) He loves to be with people--getting quite upset when everyone leaves the room!!! :) He is an awesome addition to our family!! I love you, JDC and I am looking forward to your Daddy and I raising you and helping you become a strong Godly man!!

Day 21....My Sunshine (as I call her)

I JUST ABSOLUTELY ADORE THIS LITTLE GIRL!! I can't say enough about her!! I was telling someone the other day, that I did not think I wanted to have a girl --because so much drama and whiney-ness and emotions--I grew up with two sisters, remember!!! Anyway, as always God knew better than me and gave me this PRECIOUS little girl. And I would not trade having her for ANYTHING in the world!!! She makes me laugh on a daily basis. --and yes some days she can drive me crazy!!! :) But I love her and love the time we get to spend together. She amazes me with what she knows and how much she picks up on things. And I love to just be with her!!! So today--as everyday--I am glad that God gave her to us and chose RDC and I to raise this wonderful little girl!! I LOVE YOU, SUNSHINE and I look forward to seeing the wonderful plans that God has for you!!!

Day 20----This wonderful man God gave me!!!

I have started this post MANY times in my head...but it has never sounded right. And to be honest, I am not sure I can put into words how thankful I am for this man!!!! He is just.....awesome!!! I am so lucky that God brought him into my life. And I firmly believe it was ALL God!!! From me being on the playground early, to my friend saying to Amanda for her to set us up with some of Kevin's guard friends, to her having "the perfect person for me", to RDC being late for our first date :), to him waiting 3 days to call!! God knew MUCH better than I did!! And because of RDC being a Godly man and holding his position as "head of our household" very seriously -God has been the center of our marriage. He takes care of me--most of the time spoiling me :)--is the BEST daddy to our little girl and I can't wait for us to raise JDC into another Godly man just like his daddy. I get teary eyed just thinking how lucky I am to have this WONDERFUL man in my life!!! So today--as everyday---I am SOOO thankful for my husband. I love you, Hansome and I am looking forward to MANY more Thanksgivings with you and our children!!!

**I hope this gave you a little taste of how thankful I am and how VERY much I love my husband!!!

17,18 and 19 Days of Thanksgiving...

I am very excited and proud and THANKFUL for the kids new bathroom. RDC and I planned to have it done the weekend MWC was in Texas with Grandaddy and my sisters...but --did you know it can take longer than a weekend to redo a room!?!?!?!? :) RDC and I quickly learned that!! But with the help of our great and PATIENT :) friend Sherry McAlilly of Interior Accents the kids have a great, fun new bathroom!!!! And out of the mouth of MWC, her new bathroom is "Fabulous!!!" After it was finished she was in our bathroom and touched our walls and said, "Mama, Mrs. Sherry needs to come and paint y'alls bathroom!" :) I love that girl!!!!! :)

Some before shots......

And the finished room!!!!!

I am also thankful that MWC is feeling MUCH better---she was better by Saturday morning. It was literally a 24 hour bug. Since then she has not missed a beat!!!






And I am thankful that JDC has gone ahead and gotten the "bug" that MWC had. I know that sounds terrible that I am glad he has gotten it...and I wish he had not, but we have a lot going on the end of this week--like Grandaddy's coming and MWC's first school program and I would have hated for him to have been sick then. So I am glad if he was going to get it, that he go ahead -have it-and us be done with it!!!!!

Day 16--a little behind.....

I am so very grateful today for our kids doctor. (and to Aunt JAH for suggesting we use him!! :) ) He is WONDERFUL!!! He never makes you feel like you are "crazy for calling" or that you call too much. He loves our kids and takes great care of them. I had to take MWC in because she was complaining of a sore throat, her tummy hurt and she was not eating much. So better safe than sorry and it being Friday, I called. He took lots of time to check her over and he will just sit and see how things are going. But my favorite today was, JDC was with me and even though it was not his "visit" -he took him from me and talked to him and just "loved" on him!!!! I mean- that just meant SOOOOO much to me as a mama. That he would take that time for the sibling of a sick child. Love him!!!!

**by the way..no strep just a yucky virus. Please pray that it goes away quickly!! It is draining her!!!

Day 15 of being Thankful

I am thankful that God speaks through other people. And not only does He speak through other people, but directly to us. There have been some things come up and just as I began to get frustrated, the words of a visiting preacher at our church Sunday, rang in "loud and clear." And then God continued to use the Holy Spirit to elaborate on the situation. The situation still isn't resloved, but things are better than they would have been had the Holy Spirit not reminded me what I had just heard 3 days ago!!!

Day 14....

Today, as most Americans are, I am very thankful for our Veterans. All that they sacrificed and are still sacrificing for our freedom. I don't know how willing I would be to give up being with my family and the comforts of my home to go and fight for strangers. --And yet, I have NEVER heard anyone who has fought complain. Most of the time you hear how they are ready to go back. I am so glad that God calls people to be so willing and unselfish. So today, lets remember to be extra thankful for and say a prayer for the men and women who have given and are still giving so much for us!!

11th, 12th, and 13th Day of Thanksgiving..

If you know me well--or know me at all you know how much I LOVE and ADORE my husband and how extremely thankful I am for him!! And of course he is going to be one of the 30 things I am thankful for--and not just because he posted one about me--but because I am VERY thankful for the man God has chosen for me to spend the rest of my life with. However, he deserves a post by himself --not shared with others because of my lack of preparation. :)

Day 11--The other day after I mopped the kitchen floor, I walked to my bedroom for something and came back into the den to find this......

MWC had made a train for her and her "friends" to play in!!! I am so thankful for her imagination!! It is so much fun to watch her play and love to hear her "conversations"!! And by the way...they were going to the North Pole to see Santa!!! **She STAYS in the Christmas spirit!! (Which I love too----except I do get a little tired of the Christmas CD by the month of June!! :) )

I am also so very thankful that we have family that lives near by!! I love when my little girl asks to see her aunts or grandparents on a DAILY basis!! And when we pull up to their house and I hear, "Yea! KayKay is here or Libby is here!!" I love to hear her get so excited when one of them comes over for whatever reason. She gets soooo loud and excited!! And I LOVE that!! I have always told RDC that I want our children to grow up knowing and being close to their grandparents. And the fact that they know and are close to their aunts is an added bonus!!!

Yesterday, RDC and I were able to take MWC to a movie and feel comfortable that she can watch the whole thing. She had a blast!! Eating M&nus---(M&Ms) and sitting in a movie theater--nothing better to a 3 year old. So I am thankful for family movies that we can take our children to see!!!

10th Day of Thanksgiving....

Well this day is going to be used to tell everyone how Thankful I am for AWC. AWC is the best thing EVER!! She is the best mother to our children and the best wife I could have ever ask for. She will sacrifice her own time to have a snuggle day, read a book, or just be silly with our kids. She will pack our clothes for a trip( I don't think I have packed since we have been married), manage our busy social calendar, and remind me of things in her sweet way when I ask the same question about 10 times. I could have not found anyone else better than her. God knew best when one of our friend said, "AWC, I have the perfect person for you." Well God had his hand on that point in time to start us down the path of this thing we share called life. She is my best friend in this crazy world. I don't think there is enough space on this blog for me to list the ways I am Thankful for her. This was just the tip of the iceberg.

I LOVE YOU BEAUTIFUL!!

RDC

9th Day of Thanksgiving...

...A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP!! For the last few days JDC has developed MWC's cough and stuffy nose. So we have had those nights of him waking up and we need to suck his nose out, let him sleep reclined on us of a while or in the recliner---most parents know the drill!! :) But last night he did not wake up at all!! We rolled over this morning and looked at the clock and it was 5:51!!!! I feel like a new woman!! It is only 8:30 and I have worked out, unloaded the dishwasher (yes, Dara--me!! :) ), vacuumed the floor, and am now updating the blog!!!! Not only am I thankful for sleep, but more importantly that our little man is getting better!!!!

Days 6, 7, and 8 of Thanksgiving....

One thing I am VERY thankful for is family fun!! We had a great time in Texas with Grandaddy, who spoiled us all rotten!! (I did not have to cook so I consider that spoiled!!) We were able to dress the kids when we got there Friday and take them to his church's fall festival. MWC loved playing in the jumping things and going down the slides. I think the only real reason she enjoyed the games was to get the candy!! Of course we had a great time and enjoyed some time with Grandaddy!!

Another nice thing about being out of town is my mind is not going over my "to do" list. I can't do laundry, or clean the bathrooms or straighten up the house. I can sit and relax. Yesterday morning, MWC was watching TV and I was sitting on the couch and she came and sat in my lap and snuggled!!! I LOVED IT!! We sat and watched Dora and snuggled. (and she does not sit and snuggle toooo much anymore--at least not as much as I would like her too! She is always busy doing something!!) So yesterday, I was EXTREMELY thankful for my snuggle time with my "baby"!!

And today, like most Americans I am thankful for my right to vote, but most importantly my freedom to talk about what I believe any time I choose and to go worship out in the open without fear of what will happen. I know our minds are on who will be our leader in the next 4 years. The nice thing is --our God already knows what is going to happen. We as believers just need to pray not only today, but everyday that whomever is elected will listen to God and do what His will is for our country.

4th and 5th Day of Thanksgiving!!!

Since I did not post yesterday, I will "double post" today. (That maybe happening the next few days since we are out of town at Grandaddy's!!!)

But yesterday, I was reminded how very thankful I am for "days off!" Not your usual Saturday and Sunday, but when RDC is off during the week. Kinda makes me feel like I am "off" too since I have some help during the day!! Even though his day off we were driving in the car, it was still nice to have him around an "extra" day!!

And today, I am thankful for getting to know new friends. At JAC and GMH's wedding back in August, we were able to meet some of their friends from Texas. We really enjoyed meeting them all, but one couple had a girl who is 5 and a boy who is 3 months older than JDC. So of course we had LOTS to talk about. They were sweet enough to come over to Aunt JAH's house and meet us for lunch. We had a great time just hanging out and getting to know each other better. This time they had their kids so MWC and JDC were able to make new friends too today!!!

3rd day of Thanksgiving

MWC has been battling a cough. Nothing too bad, just enough to bother her. But last night on our way home from church she was acting very tired and quite. And the minute she hit the bed, she was OUT! (very unusual for her) So of course I worried-thinking may need to go to the doctor. I let her sleep a little later for a "school day" going to see how she was when she woke up. She did feel better, but was still coughing. So we made the decision to keep her home. Not "doctor"worthy--just stay home, watch movies, stay in our pj's worthy!!! It got me thinking though-how fortunate I am to be able to choose IF we want to stay home or not. There are many moms who would LOVE to be home with their babies, and keep them home if they "just don't feel good." So today I was able to enjoy extra time with her and JDC--vegging out, watching movies, and reading books in our bed. I am VERY thankful today that I have the opportunity to stay home with my babies!!!