1st SNOW 2008

The kids woke this morning to a beautiful 1st real snow. We have had a couple sprinkles, but this snow was a couple inches. Of course they wanted to go out right away, but mom made them eat a good breakfast first (against their will). It was so fun to get all bundled up to go outside. I knew when I went shopping the day after Thanksgiving that I should have bought Jie snow boots. I looked at all these pretty boots, but opted to just wait, so Jie went out in Tennis shoes, the good thing is she just stomped around in the snow and stayed dry.

Trayjan and his dad built a very large snowman named Frosty, then we looked outside after coming inside and Frosty was officially "dead", as Trayjan put it. He had toppled over, so once it snows again, we'll build another Frosty, just not so large next time.

After playing and having a ball in the snow, the kids came inside for some Hot Chocolate with marshmallows and warm cookies. I think the kids ate more marshmellows then cookies, but we all had a wonderful time. Jie didn't really like the Hot Chocolate, even after it cooled she kept saying it was "Hot". I think she would just prefer her cold milk with her cookies.

The entire event was so much fun watching Trayjan enjoy the first snow this year (each year his 1st snow is like his first, I just love it). Jie was so cute watching her stomp around in the snow, she loved seeing her foot print. She wouldn't have anything to do with lying in it or throwing it like Trayj did. He enjoyed throwing snowballs at all of us and even threw some at his dad's truck!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We all had the most wonderful Thanksgiving Day. The kids began their morning by coming downstairs to their Thanksgiving day presents (I know, who does that), but we have always given Trayjan gifts for the Holidays. It is such an amazing sight to see his precious face even though he knows the gifts are there (well, he's hoping they are at least). Jie is still quite funny about presents. She will watch Trayj for a few minutes, then look at us and say "Jie's" as she shakes her head yes to open them.

After our wonderful morning at home playing with the kids, we headed out to visit our families. Trayjan has always loved to visit family, he enjoyes everyone, but mostly he loves playing with his cousins. Jie seems to be pretting smitten with all of her new family members, as we knew she would be, what is there not to love.

Our Thanksgiving was so very blessed, just as each and every day is for us. We have so many people who love us in our lives and we can only pray that we are thankful everyday for what God has blessed us with. He has given us so many wonderful things, but the greatest is Faith, Hope, and Love!

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
John 1:16

Fire Safety Field Trip

Trayjan's class had a local field trip to our local firestation. He learned more about Fire Safety and it was wonderful because I was chosen to attend the field trip and help Mrs. Zabst with the children. Trayjan was excited for me to go, we even got to sit together on the school bus! I was happy to hear Trayjan thought the school bus was to bumpy (if he lets me take him to school forever, I will be grateful). I'm not a fan of my children being driven by anyone else (especially a bus driver on a bus with no safety seats).

Trayjan did learn alot, Fireman Mitch told him to make sure his family had a plan for his home. We always had one at our old home, but haven't discussed it in our new home. So we got straight to work once we got home to make sure he knows what to do and where to go in the unfortunate event of a fire in our home.

Trayjan brought Jie home a fireman's hat, so she was happy, although she shed many tears when we left home and she had to stay home with Daddy. She was not happy at all!

65th Wedding Anniversary

Last Night we took the kids to visit Greart Grandma & Great Grandpa Leach for their 65th Wedding Anniversary Party. What a beautiful day, Travis' grandparents have spent 65 wonderful years together. We should all be so gracious to get to spend that many years with the person we love sent to us by God.

He made everything beautiful in it's time. Ecclesiastes 3:11

The kids had so much fun. Jie played with some toys, while Trayjan visited Grandpa's Slot Machine. He said he could do this everyday (uh-oh). I think he has the Phifer Gambling Blood in him, we better break that habit right away! The kids enjoyed themselves. Obviously Jie's favorite was the wonderful cake and icecream.

Mr. Potato Head Kids

Jie has such a funny little personality (most of the time). Today, she sat on the office floor and was playing with the Mr. Potato Head and decided the glasses would look much better on her precious little face. She looked at me and said "Mommy Look". Of course I began to laugh and she loved it. Trayjan had his own fun time with Mr. Potato Head, although he was more interested in shoving the Mustache up his nose. I love these funny kids. They are so sweet and so creative. Trayjan will find anything and make it fun to play and I think that will help inspire Jie to use her creative side as well. This week with Daddy out of town, mommy's room turned into a fort. Alot of fun has happened in the Fort this week, including a campout last night with the three of us sleeping on the floor amongst the tent like structure. We even told Campfire stories and talked alot about when mommy was little and all the times that Grandma and Grandpa Stout took me camping. I think camping is a wonderful time to spend quality time together, I can not wait for Trayjan to experience it as well. "So Mom and Dad, if you read this soon, let's plan a great week away camping this summer (with the entire family) so my kids can experience all the beautiful memories I have been fortunate enough to experience while camping. Trayjan would love it, and we know Jie would, she loves everything new and fun!

School Party and Voting Counts

Trayjan had his school party and it was so nice to be able to enjoy it and take pictures, although he wasn't so cooperative, he was quite a funny guy as each time he seen me taking a picture he would be silly and hide his face. Trayjan enjoyed laughing with a couple of his buddies from school. He is such an easy going kid and has so many friends, both boy and girl. The funny thing is he has had a girlfriend now since pre-school. I didn't have my first boyfriend until 3rd grade and we all know Travis had his.

Well, Trayjan was so very excited to know his vote counted. At school on November 4th, the children were allowed to vote for President. The school made it a special event where the kids could cast their vote by computer. Trayjan truly felt like his voice was heard. It was amazing to see how much thought he had put into his decision and how he noticed the decision of others. He truly made his decision all on his own. I absolutely love that his school made it a point recognize how important it is for children to learn about voting and how they can make a difference.