The Journey Continues...

Moving

2011-03-17T15:26:00.003-05:00

Well, not yet. But, in my mind I am already in our new home. In that home I will be an amazing wife, mother, housekeeper, hostess. I'm not too bad now, but after we move in the house we have not yet bought, I will be brilliant! There are many steps to go before that day. Signing a new mortgage, packing ever stitch of possessions our family has, and then unpacking. I know I sound silly. How will a move transform me into something I clearly am not? Hope and faith. Tremendous hope!

My [private] Kindergartener and almost 3 year old

2009-08-24T16:27:00.002-05:00

I cannot believe it have not posted to this site for so long. As you can tell from the picture, the kids are certainly growing. Thomas started private Kindergarten today and Samantha started the 3-year old class. We are now at a new school/day care and I have a really good feeling this was a good move for us.

Dig the boots? I tried to convince Thomas that he did not need the boots (upper 90's today, with not a chance of rain) and that he would not be able to run in them when he went outside to play. He convinced me (after running around the house without tripping) that he needed them. I didn't even try to convince Samantha to leave Barney home.

Thank you, President Bush

2009-01-20T14:46:00.002-06:00

Many do not agree with your views. Many demonize you. Many just straight up hate you. However, we all must be grateful to you. You have kept us safe. You have displayed great grace and dignity during many difficult times. Thank you for being the kind of leader I can teach my children to look up to. Thank you for showing graciousness, compassion and strength in a world that displays anger, hate and weakness.

Happy Birthday Dear Thomas

2008-12-29T16:29:00.000-06:00

You are 4! What a great age you are. Everything is new. Everything is something you want to know more about. You are such a fun little boy; however, in this picture you look twice your age! Mommy and Daddy are so proud that you are our son. We Love You.

Happy Birthday Dear Samantha,

2008-10-12T21:36:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to You! Our little baby is 2. Samantha is growing up so quickly. She is singing songs, "ABC's," "The Wheels on the Bus," and "Old McDonald" are her favorites. She is learning her colors and letters (well, when she sees a letter she says they are her ABCs), she is almost potty trained, and is carrying on conversations with just about anyone who will listen. She loves her big bother, Thomas, so very much. And he loves her.

It's Fall

2008-09-30T20:56:00.001-05:00

Sunday

2008-08-10T21:54:00.000-05:00

We did it -- attempted Mass with both Thomas and Samantha. It started out well. Thomas said that Jesus was up on the cross, we were going to say our prayers and he would be good. Sam still had her shoes on. As we walked in I noticed several beautiful babies – all in white. Thomas and Samantha noticed the large baptismal font. Oh oh……baptisms. While usually a wonderful ceremony, not so good with two little ones an hour away from lunch time. Poor planning on my part. Well, Mass started late and ran even later. We left the big church to sit out front with the other little ones, but couldn’t stay. While I was so disappointed that we didn’t even get to the Profession of Faith, never mind Communion, I did get to sign Alleluia! with Samantha in my arms, and we were there for about an hour. Next time, we will be able to make the entire service; I am sure.

Welcome to the World Little Addison

2008-08-06T10:31:00.002-05:00

Born yesterday, August 5, 2008 at 6:10 p.m., and weighing 7 lbs, 3 oz., this sweet little girl entered our life (she has been in our hearts for the past 9 months!) Kenny and Brittany have been blessed with a beautiful little life to love, care for, and raise. They both will be wonderful parents. Addison is a lucky little girl!

Sunday Lunch

2008-08-03T15:15:00.000-05:00

After eating, running around like Indians, and getting kisses from Nanny and Papa, Thomas and Samantha settled down to get this picture taken.

Having Fun at the Museum!

2008-07-19T22:39:00.003-05:00

It's been a long time...

2008-05-06T12:33:00.003-05:00

I haven't posted for so long, I think I have forgotten how....we have been dealing with what seems like non-stop ear infections in both Thomas and Samantha. This has been my life -- runny noses, fevers, antibiotics (and I was just bragging -- yes, probably so -- that Samantha never had antibiotics until March of this year. Ain't bragging now!), doctor's office visits, co-pays (thank God for insurance), taking off from work. It's been hard. Am I complaining? Sort of. Am I grateful this is all we have to deal with? Absolutely. Our life is one of joy. We are blessed to be where we want to be and with those we want to be with. Who could ask for more?
Here are some random pictures -- some of a belated Easter and our visit with Thomas the Tank Engine. Later on I'll post some pictures of me and my cousins when we were all at my Aunt Dot's memorial service. Until then, have a wonderful Spring.

God is Good and Yes, I'm hiding.

2008-03-12T22:07:00.003-05:00

Sunday was a special night. Thomas said the blessing, all by himself. "God is good. God is great. Thank you for our family. Thank you for our food. AMEN." Not only did he say the blessing, but he reminded us that it needed to be said. How great is that?

Sam has a new trick. She will close her eyes, say "Mommy?" and wait for me to say "Where's Sam?" She'll then open her eyes and start laughing! I'll ask her if she's hiding and she says "Ah huh!"

Our First Day at School

2008-02-29T20:57:00.000-06:00

A Milestone Month!

2008-02-29T11:37:00.004-06:00

For the shortest month of the year, February, 2008 has proven to be a very busy and very significant month for us. Many very happy things and one very sad thing have happened.

The month started with Thomas going to school! He began attending a Mother’s Day Out program two days a week. What a wonderful experience for him. Other than painting, coloring, doing various craft projects and learning about letters, he learned how to be without Mommy, Daddy or Aunt Goo! He learned about teachers and friends and that we don’t drink babas at school! He really enjoyed his time at St. Catherine’s. We called it his “Little School.”

Next, Thomas got a Big-Boy Bed! So far, so good. We have had a few ups and downs (no pun intended, as he has a loft-style bed!), but all in all he has really taken to his bed.

Today, after three wonderful years at Aunt Goo’s, Thomas and Sam started attending day care, or as we call it “Big School.” They both seem to be doing well and seem to be having a good time. The real test will be Monday.

Yesterday, we were saddened by the news that my Aunt Dottie passed away. Aunt Dottie had a soft heart and was a strong woman. She raised two very wonderful, successful and kind-hearted sons, and left us with a life-time of wonderful memories. She loved candy. She LOVED chocolate cake. I learned some very valuable lessons from Aunt Dot. You always knew where Aunt Dot stood. She was not a wishy-washy woman. I admired her for that. I think she was viewed as “grouchy” because she was sensitive. In order to not get her feelings hurt, she would put on her armor, which happened to be her grouchy mood. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Thomas' Big-Boy Bed!!

2008-02-23T20:38:00.001-06:00

We finally did it. Thomas has his big-boy bed!

Thomas' First Day of School!

2008-02-05T15:44:00.000-06:00

Hooray! Thomas' First Day of School was great! He talked to Daddy on the way to school, he stood outside the school so Mommy could take a picture, he hung up his backpack like a good boy and he made a great picture of the groundhog.

Sam in Red!

2008-02-05T06:57:00.000-06:00

Here is Sam in her pretty red bathrobe from Aunt Michele!

Happy Cake Day!

2007-12-29T20:19:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures of the Happy Day and the day after, playing with our new sandbox.

Thomas is 3 -- Horray!

2007-12-29T10:26:00.000-06:00

Our little boy is Three! He has grown so much during the past year. His vocabulary has expanded, his motor skills are great -- quite the little athlete, which makes Daddy so very proud! He is good to his sister (most of the time) and is so much fun to be around.

Sam's First Steps!

2007-12-25T12:03:00.000-06:00

Sam took her first real set of steps on Christmas morning! What a great present. She is getting better at it every day.

Merry Christmas from Our Family to Yours

2007-12-25T11:54:00.000-06:00

May the joy of Christ be in your heart all year long.

Coloring

2007-12-09T20:23:00.000-06:00

Happy Days.......NOT!

2007-12-09T19:20:00.000-06:00

Sam Playing Dress up with Daddy!

2007-11-23T22:33:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving Weekend -- So Far!

2007-11-23T22:27:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving was a wonderful day -- long and tiring, but truly wonderful. We were lucky to spend the day with the ENTIRE family -- both Tom's and mine! We spent half the day at my parents and the other half with Tom's. Out of our house by Noon on Thursday and home at almost 11 p.m.! Friday it was back over to Mom and Dad's for leftovers -- Mmmmm! Here are a few pictures.

A glimpse of things to come....

2007-11-22T00:02:00.002-06:00

Samantha talked Aunt Goo into giving her a 'do. What a big girl!

I like my New 'Do

2007-11-22T00:02:00.001-06:00

Summer in November!

2007-11-21T00:31:00.000-06:00

It was so pretty this week, so we played outside.

Happy Kids!

2007-11-19T23:16:00.000-06:00

A recent photo of Thomas and Sam playing in the playhouse. Actually, it is Sam who is so happy because her big brother is playing with her!

Just before bed

2007-11-19T22:46:00.000-06:00

Just had a bath, now we are rocking on our chair. Time for bed.

Dancin', dancin', dancin'!

2007-11-18T20:33:00.000-06:00

Congratulations Michael!

2007-11-17T23:59:00.000-06:00

Here's a picture of my nephew Michael wearing the medal he won for placing third in a wrestling tournment he competed in on Saturday -- Way to Go Michael!

Kenny Ray is 21!

2007-10-14T22:16:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures of Kenny's Party. There is Thomas, Mason and Ryan playing; Mary and Ryan; Kenny and his Dad; Jheri and Kenny and the awesome Happy Day cake; and Papa and Samantha and Thomas and Ryan playing in the hay! It was a great party for a great guy.

Howdy Folks -- It's State Fair Time

2007-10-13T22:00:00.000-05:00

This week we went to the beloved State Fair of Texas. For those of you outside of Texas, these pictures do not do it justice. It is a day of visiting exhibits, including every "As seen on TV" product being demonstrated, to eating all kinds of food that is bad for you -- Fried PB & J & B(bananas!), Fries, Corny Dogs, cotton candy, sausage on a stick, well, you get the picture. There is the car show (George this picture is for you!), and the petting zoo, which was a big hit with both Sam and Thomas. As you can see, a good time was had by all!

Samantha is 1

2007-10-09T22:47:00.000-05:00

Samantha's First Birthday Party

2007-10-08T18:08:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe that Sam has turned 1. What is harder to believe is Preston is 13 and Kenny Ray is 21! We had Sam's birthday pictures made and her birthday party last week. I'm not going to get all mushy, but I can already see her going on her first date and learning to drive (she's been riding Thomas' little car and she LOVES it!).

The Fire Station

2007-09-05T14:55:00.000-05:00

Jheri took Thomas to the fire station today. Here are some pictures. He got the grand tour, including the kitchen, in which he saw a plastic container. He thought it was a cake box and told the fireman that "Thomas likes happy cake." The fireman told him that had vegetables in it; so, Thomas said "Thomas likes vegetables." (I am sure he was thinking someone was trying to pull the wool over his eyes.) When the fireman offered him some, he replied "No thanks." But, he did get some cookies.

Our Rock-n-Roll Babies

2007-09-03T12:32:00.000-05:00

Here is the next Brother/Sister Rock-n-Roll sensation!

Woo Hoo! We have so Much Fun Together!

2007-08-27T20:34:00.001-05:00

Yeah, the kids do love each other -- or are they just big fat hams? I'm going with the love each other option!

An Update

2007-08-27T12:25:00.001-05:00

Thomas – He’s now at that age where he wants to “do it himself!” He’s a big boy who can get his own water from the refrigerator door, attempt to fix a bowl of cereal, drink from a cup with no lid, and get up in his car seat and seat at the table. He knows that it is Jesus on the cross. He knows his extended family. He follows directions very well (when he wants!), knows his letters, numbers (and knows what is a number and what is a letter) and colors, can count, build tunnels with this blocks, and can talk Daddy into giving him candy!

Sam – She is playing peek-a-boo, snorting, giggling, crawling all over the place, sitting up all by herself, cruising along the furniture, climbing out of her highchair and getting into all of Thomas’ toys, including knocking down the tunnels he builds with his blocks. Sleeping through the night is hit or miss, but she is trying. She is eating real food and is shunning baby food. She is getting a great personality. She loves her Daddy and when she wants him she gets him!

Tom – He is a wonderful Daddy. He has been such an incredible source of help, support and inspiration to me. Mommies are supposed to know everything, be sure everyone had everything they need, cook the dinners, keep the house clean, do the laundry, go to work, fix the boo boos, and be everyone’s cheerleader. Well, Mommy is not very good at doing all of that all of time. Luckily, I don’t’ have to. Tom is always there when I need him and always reminds me that everything does not have be done RIGHT NOW! Tom is working for a smaller company and is enjoying this work, although he’d like to be busier. His love for baseball is being shared with Thomas. Tom is also a wonderful husband. There is no one on this earth I would rather be with, spend time with, or share my life with than him.

Me – I am in constant awe when I look at Thomas and Samantha. Everything about them amazes me, their smiles, their giggles, their development, and their love for me and Tom. I’m still working and am grateful for my job. Being a paralegal for the attorney I work for is challenging, rewarding and enjoyable. Tom and I have been playing in a year-long Texas Hold’em tournament and I am really having fun. Currently we are doing very well, but the last game in either November or December is what will count. I’m going to start a month-long session of the Little Rock Scripture Study course in September and am looking forward to that.

A shopping we will go....

2007-08-21T15:31:00.000-05:00

Jheri took the kids shopping today! They all are getting SOOOO big! Michael and Preston will be going back to school on Monday. Thomas and Samantha will sure miss them during the day.

Pretty Soon, I'll Be Driving this Bus!

2007-08-19T23:27:00.000-05:00

Bathtime!

2007-08-17T16:46:00.001-05:00

I Can Stand Up All By Myself!

2007-08-17T16:36:00.000-05:00

And, I can be silly!

A Baptism

2007-08-11T16:32:00.000-05:00

What a happy day! This is my godchild, Isabella; her mother, Jolene; and her mother, Mary, on Isabella's christening day.

Snaggletooth

2007-08-01T21:31:00.000-05:00

Here is my new smile! Can you see my teeth? I have two more on the bottom.

DAD IS GREAT!

2007-07-02T14:14:00.000-05:00

He gave me chocolate cake!

Mommy was not too happy, but I sure was! Thanks Mattie for having a great birthday party with yummy cake!

Blocks and Thomas are not just for boys!

2007-07-01T15:25:00.000-05:00

I like them too!

Like Two Peas in a Pod!

2007-07-01T15:21:00.000-05:00

They really do like each other! Thank you Mike, Bunny and Amy for these great shirts! We love them.

Sam is (almost) 9 Months Old

2007-07-01T15:17:00.001-05:00

Forgiveness

2007-06-21T22:17:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking about grudges and forgiveness a lot lately. Actually I think about that quite often -- both from the standpoint of me forgiving someone and of someone forgiving me. While at godmother class a few weeks ago, I picked up the magazine "The Word Among Us" which has daily devotionals. This one was from a few days ago. I hope you like it.

Has anyone ever hit you, and you wanted to turn around and slug them back? Has anyone ever stolen from you, and you think you would like to steal from them in return? Has someone spread false rumors about you, and you just wanted to tell lies about the offending person?

If you ever gave in to those urges, you might justify it by lex talionis, a law of equal and direct retribution, or as the Hebrew scriptures say, “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (Exodus 21:24). The problem is, your justification may not be correct. This form of reciprocal justice was for the courts to decide, not for individual persons. In fact, personal retribution was forbidden by the Jewish Law: “Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen. You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges us to go beyond the limits of “logical justice” enshrined in the lex talionis of the ancient Near East. He asks us to place mercy above every other consideration. If a person strikes you on the right cheek, you are to offer him the left cheek. If someone steals a shirt from you, you are to offer him your coat as well. If someone asks for a little help, go the extra mile and offer them a lot of help. Even St. Paul encourages us to be patient, kind, loving, and truthful as we rely on the power of God (2 Corinthians 6:4-7).

Let’s face it: This is no easy task. But Jesus knows how challenging his teaching is. He knows we are bound to fail at times. We should hold ourselves to a high standard, but we should also trust that he will never judge us harshly. The key is to keep trying. Take small steps toward pardoning past hurts and wrongs. Do your best to be generous and kind to your neighbors. Over time, the Holy Spirit will move you farther and farther along, until you are ready to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile in a spirit of true love and generosity.

“Heavenly Father, I thank you that your grace and your mercies are new each day. I marvel at your mercy and generosity. Come, Father, and give me a heart of mercy and generosity!”

Psalm 98:1-4; 2 Corinthians 6:1-10

Happy Day Daddy

2007-06-21T22:13:00.000-05:00

Because I neglected to take any pictures of Tom and the kids on his birthday, I'm making this his "Happy Day" post. We celebrated Tom's birthday with the family and it was so nice. We love getting everyone together at our home. On Father's Day we had lunch with my family and dinner with Tom's Here's some pictures of Tom and Thomas and Sam. I'm finding it harder and harder to take good pictures -- must be time for a new camera!

Happy Birthday to Me

2007-05-22T21:04:00.000-05:00

Here is Thomas singing Happy Birthday to Mommy and Sam looking pretty. The other day he was signing this song in his bedroom and it went something like this "Happy, happy. Happy birday. Cake. Happy. Cake. mmm mmmm."

Something to add to the list of things to do...

2007-05-18T20:11:00.000-05:00

Instill in my children (and in myself) the importance of this quote:

"Be who you are and you will set the world on fire." St. Catherine of Siena

I pilfered this from a dear friend's blog (Happy Catholic). It will be my reminder that we are a gift from God to each other and to ourselves. We all have special gifts, purposes, and destinies -- all of which given to us whether we like them or not. All of which are given to us for a reason -- His reason. It will also be my reminder to live this for Thomas and Samantha.

I want my kids to know that they are perfect just as they are. I don't want them wearing someone else's shoes, so to speak. As they grow I'll get to pick their shoes, but there will come a day that I can no longer do that. Hopefully, Tom and I will have instilled the importance of being true to themselves and they will be able to choose wisely.

Happy Mothers Day

2007-05-13T22:19:00.000-05:00

Tom and his Mommy

Thomas and Sam with their Mommy and Daddy

Sam with her Mommy and her Mommy!

I'm liking this food thing!

2007-05-13T22:16:00.000-05:00

My Goddaughter

2007-05-13T22:12:00.000-05:00

Here is my newest Godchild, Isabella and her mommy, Jolene. I am so excited about being her Godmother. What a great honor.

Dueling Pianos

2007-05-05T22:45:00.000-05:00

My musical kiddos!

The Bates Women

2007-05-05T22:41:00.000-05:00

A night out with the girls. All the Bates Women were present and accounted for (except Samantha, but she's a little too young for margaritas!) at the 1st Annual BB Bash!

Brother and Sister

2007-04-19T22:15:00.000-05:00

I can do it!

She can do it!

Now that I can do it, can you tell me how this all works?

6 Month Check Up

2007-04-15T22:53:00.000-05:00

Samantha was 6 months old on the 9th. She is growing well and doing fine. 13 1/2 lbs, and 25 1/2 inches long, 5 vaccinations and lots of kisses from Mommy and Daddy. She is saying "Da Da", eating cereal and veggies, starting to sit, rolls over, and is "standing" with help.

Happy Easter

2007-04-15T22:34:00.000-05:00

Just a few pictures of Easter. We had the family over for an Easter Egg Hunt and some breakfast and then we went over to Jheri's for dinner.

Happy Day!

2007-04-01T21:17:00.000-05:00

What a pretty day and what a pretty dress!

Thomas the Tank Engine

2007-03-31T21:22:00.000-05:00

After what seemed like weeks of bad weather, we got a beautiful day today and got to see and ride Thomas the Tank Engine. Anyone with little boys knows that Thomas is a very BIG DEAL! And to our Thomas you don't get much better than Thomas the Tank Engine (except for Curious George, who runs a very, very close second)!

A Day Out with Thomas --The Tank Engine, that is!

2007-03-31T20:53:00.000-05:00

The day was PERFECT! We pursuaded all the grandparents, 2 aunts, an uncle and 3 cousins to come with us. Thomas was in heaven. Thomas the Tank Engine -- does it get any better than that. We got to ride Thomas, see Sir Toppem Hat and spend some time outside.

The One that Didn't Get Away!

2007-03-31T20:34:00.000-05:00

Michele, Aunt Mo to Thomas, went out to Eric's family's place in Marshall, TX and caught this 8+ pound catfish! Men Envy Her, Fish Fear Her!

Hat Day for Thomas

2007-03-30T22:29:00.000-05:00

Aunt Goo, Nanny and Papa went shopping several weeks ago and tried on some hats. Here's the fashion show....

My Story Dress

2007-03-30T20:45:00.000-05:00

Aunt Goo (My sister, Jheri) gave this dress to me at Sam's baby shower. Anyone who was there, knows I made a complete fool of myself -- I bawled like a baby when I opened the package. The dress has a story embroidered under each ruffle. For some reason, this dress is very special to me. Sam will be able to wear it for several more months. I hope she likes it!

Hodge Podge of Older Photos

2007-03-30T11:42:00.000-05:00

I found some pictures from several months ago that I thought would be nice to post.

Here's Dad, Jheri, Michele and I with snow in our hair during our night out to see Santa in 2006! We've done that every year since forever ago!

Here's Mattie and Mason in a box of big Marshmallows!

Here's Matt and Mason again, being good brothers!

and this is Michele and me mugging it for the camera!

My Visual DNA

2007-03-21T14:22:00.000-05:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

We're getting so big!

2007-03-16T17:06:00.000-05:00

Dinner with Nanny and Papa

2007-03-11T12:58:00.000-05:00

We're all dressed up and have someplace to go...Dinner with Nanny and Papa, and Aunt Goo, Uncle Mike and the boys. We love going out to eat! Miss Monica, thank you for my dress!

Hey Blue Eyes

2007-02-26T10:39:00.000-06:00

Monkey Boy!

2007-02-26T10:36:00.000-06:00

It's official -- we have a monkey boy!

I'm driving in my car....

2007-02-22T22:47:00.000-06:00

Don't worry, it's parked in the garage!

Ash Wednesday

2007-02-21T09:46:00.000-06:00

Today is Ash Wednesday. As you know, this is the beginning of Lent, the 40 or so days before Easter. Lent has always been an important time for me. I have always viewed it as my time to make things right with our Lord. Some years I fell very short of that goal. He forgave me. Each year I'd make the great attempt and some years I felt I actually came closer to that goal than I had the year before. Over the last several years I have typically shied away from giving up the standard chocolate, candy, certain yummy foods, and have leaned toward things like procrastinating, gossiping, judging others. Those are definitely the more difficult things to avoid. And, that's the point. This year I'm open for suggestions. I'm sure everyone has a good suggestion for something I need to give up.

Happy Valentines Day

2007-02-14T20:59:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!

Happy Happy!

2007-02-11T20:54:00.000-06:00

Just hanging out on a Sunday.

A Night Out with the Boys...

2007-02-07T19:30:00.000-06:00

Here we are having pizza with Preston and Michael!

Hi Ho the Cherry-O...

2007-02-07T19:29:00.000-06:00

...the Farmer in the Dell!

I can sit up all by myself....

2007-01-27T22:46:00.000-06:00

Well, almost all by myself. My bumbo helps!

Sam's Christening

2007-01-21T20:47:00.000-06:00

We had Samantha baptized today. May God bless her and keep her. Aunt Michele is her Godmother and Uncle Mike (Tom's Brother) is her Godfather. That's Aunt Michele's big pretty smile! And, Sam is wearing Aunt Michele's christening gown; how special is that?!

It's just a little thing....

2007-01-21T20:31:00.000-06:00

This is our refrigerator. The ribbon is for a dear friend's son-in-law who is in Iraq right now. There the ribbon will stay until Mike is home with his family.

Baby it's cold out there

2007-01-04T22:53:00.000-06:00

Bathtime for Samantha

2007-01-04T22:51:00.000-06:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Dear Thomas

2007-01-04T22:47:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas -- Belated

2007-01-04T22:36:00.000-06:00

Our first Christmas with Samantha was great. As is usual, we spent Christmas Eve with my side of the family and Christmas Day with Tom's. Here are some pictures of Samantha all decked out, the family, Thomas in his new bus, and finally, Sam pooped out on Tom's shoulder.

Oh Christmas Tree

2006-12-16T22:37:00.000-06:00

Going to see Santa....

2006-12-16T22:17:00.000-06:00

While we didn't get electronic pictures of the kids and Santa, here are some with their Mommy and Daddy.

Good Morning!

2006-12-07T21:51:00.000-06:00

Sam was such a good girl as we got ready to leave in the morning. Here she is just smiling big. (Sorry it's blurry)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-24T17:18:00.000-06:00

We hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving!

More Thanksgiving

2006-11-24T17:17:00.000-06:00

Daddy and the kiddos.

What's good for the goose.....

2006-11-22T22:32:00.000-06:00

Well, you get the drift.... Earlier I posted a picture of Thomas helping Mommy. Here he is helping Daddy!

Hanging out at the house

2006-11-20T22:58:00.000-06:00

Brother and Sister together.

Daddy, I LOVE the computer!

2006-11-20T22:38:00.000-06:00

Thomas and Daddy love playing on the computer. It is so fun to watch them find new things together. I am not sure who has more fun. Thomas' favorite site these days is Thomas and Friends.

What a Helpful Little Boy!

2006-11-20T22:29:00.000-06:00

Thomas has found two new "toys." He loves playing with the dust mop and the broom. Now to get him to "play" with the vacuum and the dishwasher!

I'm getting so big!

2006-11-09T17:27:00.000-06:00

Today is Sam's 1 month birthday. When she was born she was 6 lbs, 1 oz. At her 2 week check up she was 6 lbs, 10 oz. Today she is 7 lbs 15 oz! What a big girl!

Welcome Miss Samantha Christine Bates

2006-10-12T17:40:00.000-05:00

Well, the newest little Bates decided it was time for her to make her appearance. About 3 weeks early and less than 4 hours from start to finish, Samanatha Christine is here!

Time for Breakfast!

2006-09-12T07:44:00.000-05:00

Mmmmm these eggs taste so much better, now that I can eat at the table like a big boy!

Happy 4th of July!

2006-07-02T21:28:00.000-05:00

Hooray for the Red, White and Blue!