Christmas day

I just LOVE Christmas! It truly is my favorite time of year. This holiday really did fly by for us...I hear that's what happens once you start to have children of your own. Sammy and I took Link to pick out his first Christmas tree...we were a little late putting it up along with the other decorations but we figured Link is still too young to know.:) We also went to the Gaylord with Nana and Poppy to see Santa....Linkoln did awesome! That hotel is just amazing during the holiday's. Linkoln is such a joy to watch....his eyes were full of amazement as we walked the grounds of the hotel. The train set was by far his favorite, I think Nana got some really good pics of Linkoln and trains...hopefully I'll get them sooner than the ones from the "Polar Express" (wink..wink mom)! Our Christmas Eve's are always the same: Church with Mom and Dad and then everyone back over to our house for dinner. All the kids played so well together and the adults got some good quiet time too! Sammy and I stayed up late trying to get everything in order for Christmas morning....we wanted it to be perfect!

And perfect it was...we have video to prove it;) Linkoln loved what Santa had left for him and could really care less about opening any of our presents that we had wrapped for him. It was a good start to great day! We spent the day at my parents house and then came home to a relaxing evening at our house. This Christmas was just prefect. I loved spending time with my parents, sisters, and of course My love and sweet angel. Merry Christmas to all...God Bless!

The start of a tradition!

Choo-Choo...all aboard! What an exciting time we had this pasted Friday night. Sammy and I and my parents took Linkoln to the North Pole Express in Grapevine to ride on the train and see Santa Clause. Linkoln loves trains...what boy or child for that matter doesn't:) They had each cart decorated wonderfully and had music and singing throughout the whole train. Santa and Mrs. Clause even paid each child a visit. We talk to Linkoln about Santa almost everyday so it was great for him to actually see him in person. He loves it when daddy and I say "Hohoho Merry Christmas"...he belly laughs so hard and tries to imitate the "hohoho" part. The weather was prefect and the company was amazing. We had the Palmer's with us too and of course Carson and Ry's Grammy & Grampy! I just love Christmas time and making new memories and traditions. Merry Christmas everyone!

Girls weekend!

Wow...what a great weekend! This past Saturday the girls and I headed down to the lake to have a relaxing get away. We got on the road early Saturday morning with our donuts and Starbucks in tow ready for fun drive. It has been a while since we have "ALL" been able to get together and reflect on our friendship. It seems the older we get the more responsibility we create and the time for dinners, cocktails and shopping just slips by. Two of us have families now, one of us has a sweet baby boy on the way and the other two are so very busy with work.



I put together this short weekend trip for us girls so that we can once again make the time for each other. It was a great time for us to remember our crazy stories from years back as well as catch everyone up on what each of us has planned for the new year!



*Stephanie, Danielle, Jen and Jac,
I feel so blessed and thankful for each of you. We all bring something different to the table and I think that's why we work. Our friendship is very rare and I know that I will have you in my life and heart forever. I love you deeply and I can't wait to see what the next 20 years has in store for us!xoxoxo



And to my wonderful hubby...Thank you for taking such special care of our baby boy while I was away and for supporting me always. I love you!

Update

Okay...so we just celebrated Link's first birthday and it seems like he growing faster than ever. As you all know our "toddler":) is now walking. He can really book it...from room to room, around corners, up steps...everything! Besides his new found freedom of walking he is also babbling alot more. Hi, bye, dadeee and book are his favorite words right now, but he is really trying to repeat everything you say out loud like boat, bath, duck, puppy dog, hippopotamus and airplane....the last two are no lie...he's smart! Linkoln can also bend over to pick up a toy without falling down and can stand up from a seated position without the assistance of someone or something! No more bottle...strictly a sippy cup and he is a great eater...literally eating us out of house and home. He just amazes us. When you ask him a question its like he really gets...he even responds with a "yes" or a shake of the head....its crazy how fast this all happens. He can recognize and point out or grab many of his toys when asked. He is working on his 8Th tooth and yes he still needs a hair cut in daddy's eyes, but not mine:) Hopefully this has caught you up on our baby boys progress! I'll update more when it happens!

Happy Birthday Linkoln Kole

What an amazing gift I have. My heart is so full of love. Never in a trillion years could I have imagined my life as it is right now. Our precious baby boy is turning one. Yes, one already! It seems like just yesterday Sammy and I were on our way to the hospital to welcome Linkoln into the world. I will never forget the first time I saw Sammy holding our sweet boy. It was moments after he was delivered and Sammy, who was once so scared to hold a baby was doing it with such strength and tenderness. The man of my dreams was holding our blessing! Linkoln is such a sweet soul. The joy Linkoln brings in our lives is indescribable. We are forever changed!

Today we had his birthday party. He was beyond great and really enjoyed playing with all of his friends. So many special people helped us celebrate...thank you to everyone for making this such an amazing memory for Sammy and I. I have to give a sincere thank you to my awe-inspiring photographer/friend, Marquette (w/ Simple Treasures). She absolutely takes our breath away with the unbelievable and phenomenal pictures that she captures of our Link. I wanted to get something heartfelt for Sammy to have always, so I asked Marquette if she could put together a slide show of Linkoln's first year. I have never seen anything like it....it was so perfect in so many ways, it was a lovely reflection of our pride and joy....Thank you again Marquette and Thank you to all of our family and Friends for helping us celebrate Link's first year...we luv u dearly!xoxoxo





My dear sweet baby boy,
Words cannot express what you mean to me...but I'm going to try. You are fast asleep hopefully dreaming of the fun filled adventures daddy and I have planned for you tomorrow. I truly cannot believe that a year has already past. A year ago tonight we were in the hospital waiting for your arrival. Daddy and I were both so ready and so scared all at the same time. The first time I laid eyes on you and smelled your sweet skin I knew that you had my heart forever. I wanted nothing more than to hold and kiss you forever and praise God for such a remarkable blessing he had placed in my life. You have forever changed me. You are full of so much charm and joy and you pour nothing but pure bliss into each and everyone one of our lives. You have been more than amazing and I truly thank God everyday for such a precious gift. Linkoln, I am so proud of you and I love you with all of my heart and soul. I patiently waited for you my sweet angel..... you were Soooo worth the wait! xoxoxo! My cup runneth over!

Happy Birthday punky!!!!

luv~mommy~xoxoxo

He walks...

So about 2 weeks ago Link took his first steps toward me and then to daddy....3 in counting! Since then nothing new until today:) He decided on his own, without mommy trying to make him walk that today was the day. He took about 5 steps with me across the room. He had such determination. By the end of the night he was walking from toy to toy with ease.

I'm so proud of you Link!xoxo

Pumpkins,Pumpkins,Pumpkins

Linkoln loves his pumpkins...he can't seem to get enough. We have been to three pumpkin patches within the last week. You would think Link is all pumpkin-ed out, but he can't seem to get enough. We went Sunday evening with Nana & Poppy and again the following Saturday with my sisters and her kiddo's. Here are a few pictures of our little pumpkin and the fam! Plus some Halloween pics of our lil monkey!

Our little world travler

So as most of you know my awesome husband was recognized for his hard work and passion for his job. The destintaion was Santa Barbara, the award "Presidents Council" (farmers highest achvement) and Sammy I were stoaked. We visited SB last year for our last hooray (or what I like to call our "babymoon") before Linoln came. It is such a peaceful and amazing place that we couldn't wait to get back there. So we planned this trip to be just the two of us. A week long trip of relaxation sounded wonderful. However as the time to leave got closer my heart, as well as Sammy's was breaking. There is NO possible way for us to be away from Link for a full week..so with a week to go before we left we added Link and Nana to our itentoray! My mom has always wanted to see Santa Barbara and I was so happy she could come along. The weather was beautiful and the company was amazing. Sammy and I had our time and Linkoln and Nana had there's. I loved our morning trip down to the ocean to have breakfast with just us four. We took mom and Link down to the beach where daddy and Link ran through a huge group of birds trying to sun bath on the sand. They flew up off the ground so fast, I'm upset but Linkoln loved it. He couldn't not stop laughing and I couldn't stop smiling. It was a great snap shot I will have forever. Nana and Link took many strolls together and napped outside under the trees. They had a standing lunch date all week and Linkoln even started feeding himself finger foods one morning at breakfast...he's such a big boy. Linkoln is such a happy child with an amazing spirit.

Sammy and I had had a great time hanging out with some old and new friends. We had a private concert with Kenny Loggin's one night and Richard Marx the next. We even had the chance to meet Tony Blair and Carrie Walsh....wow, is she a tall one...what an honor! We were treated very well and hope to be asked to join in on the fun next year. Here are a few pic's we took throughout the week! Enjoy!

1st Day of School

So over the summer Sammy and I decided to start Linkoln in a Mother's Day Out program at church. We thought that it would be a great way to get him socialized with other children as well as take direction from other adults. So the night before I got all his belongings together...I made his lunch, packed his diaper bag and Labeled EVERYTHING. We made sure that his bedtime routine was on point and we put him down to sleep with anticipation of what the next day would bring. Linkoln was well rested when he awoke. We had our normal morning time together, took lots of 1st day school pictures and headed off. Sammy and I both teared up when we dropped him off. It was so hard to leave with out him. He did fuss for a minute but he was clam and enjoying himself before I left. I spent the afternoon with Sammy. We both were a nervous wreck all day. When I picked him up his teachers praised him. He had an amazing first day of school!

* I'm sooo proud of you Link! xoxoxo

Fall Swim Class

Link, Carson and Sweet Macy!
Kick..Kick..Kick!

So Link started his fall swim class today. Not only is his friend Mary in his class again but so is his BFF Carson. They both did amazing. Sammy came and took some great photo's of the boys. After reviewing each picture I noticed this cute face Carson was making with his lips...he really is too precious. Being a mom is so busy...even more crazy busy when you have multiples. I don't get to spend the quality time with some of my girlfriends like I use to so I'm really excited that Steph and Carson are taking swimming with us. Nothings better than having your best friend beside you as you make wonderful memories to cherish forever!

Minus One

Sooo...we are off on our first trip minus our precious Link:( Oh how my heart is aching. I knew it was around the corner but some how it still snuck up on me. I know it will be good for Sammy and I, however the thought of being without my son freaks me out just a little. I truly know he is good hands...Sam and I both trust my mom more than words can express and know that he is in the best care. It really isn't all him I worry about...IT'S ME!

How I am I going to wake up in the morning without seeing his sweet smile and not be the one to greet the morning sun with him? How will I make it through the day without one single kiss from his precious lips, how I am going to sleep at night knowing that I wasn't the one that got to re sight his prayers with? I guess it all comes down to Faith and trust. I full heartily have faith in my lord and savor and I trust my parents with all my heart. My Friends have been wonderfully amazing. The ones that have children and have been in my shoes before as well as the ones who haven't. Sammy has been the biggest help. He is our rock and I love him for that. Please keep us in your thoughts and pray for a safe homecoming!

Funny Face

This past weekend we escaped to the lake for some R&R... much needed R&R I might add. We always enjoy ourselves at the lake and this time was probably one of the best. Linkoln did an amazing job with his nap and night time sleeping. We went swimming every evening before dinner and tried to keep up with our little speed demon throughout the day. Our best memory of the weekend was watching Linkoln develop a "new face". By Sunday it was perfected and way too cute. Let me know what you think!;) Enjoy!

Standing already?

So last Sunday morning when I went to get Link out bed, this is what I found!





Standing and pulling up already? I feel like he just started crawling. He totally loves his new found freedom of jumping up and down while holding onto the rails of his crib screaming "mommy, daddy come get me... Now". When Nana was over this last week he was showing off big time....smiling and laughing, acting like a total monkey:) Now when he sees Peyton he makes a mad dash towards him and gets right in his face to give him sweet,wet kisses. I'm not sure how Peyton likes Link all up in his grill, but it sure is cute! Just wanted to share another "first"!

First Nursery Visit

This past Sunday we decided to finally put Linkoln in our church nursery. I have no idea why I waited so long. I guess I just needed to fill comfortable with a stranger caring for my child. I totally feel safe and secure at our church and I know Linkoln has a great time....besides, his best buddy is in with him so I know they have a blast together. Some of my best memories are growing up in church. Church camp was always a favorite and I can't wait to send Link one day. I also have great memories of going to bible school and Sunday school with Karson, my mom as my Sunday School teacher and how could I forget passing notes back and forth with my sisters begging my parents to take us "out" for lunch after service. My mom and dad are amazing spiritual leaders and I would be so lost without their guidance. Sammy and I Love to call my mom and talk about the bible. She is so knowledgeable and faithful to the Lord. Sammy never had the opportunity growing up to have a close relationship with God. I am truly thankful that he loves and trust my mother and father as his own and is able to see what an amazing impact Christ can have on your life. I realized about 2 or 3 years after Sammy and I started dating that I was put in his life to bring him closer to God. Sammy is a wonderful man with great passion for our Lord and Savior. Our prayer as parents is that we are able to show Linkoln the grace of God, his never ending love, faith and the power of prayer. We have a man of God in the making!:)

**p.s. Steph and I didn't plan on the boys matching that day...it sure was cute though... I guess great minds think alike!

Shiner...

Early this morning

A Black eye....can you believe it? My sweet, precious baby boy has his first black eye:( My Mom always comes to my house to watch Link but this time I took him over to their house so that my dad could spend quality time with him. Sammy and I got back from our evening out pretty early...we wanted to be back before Linkoln's bedtime. When we got there Nana and Linkoln were playing on the floor...he was having a wonderful time. As Sammy was gathering up all his toys poppy and I were watching Linkoln crawl like crazy. He noticed this little rocking chair that my sisters and I had when we were little and he crawled right over to it with determination. He started to pull up on it and grab the books that were laying on the seat. My dad and I were no more than a foot away when BAM....it happened. Poppy swooped him up so fast to care for him. We both were watching and playing with him so closely. Within minutes a little purple spot showed up under his eye....I seriously couldn't believe it. By this morning it was bigger and more noticeable....honestly I think he looks darn cute with his new little shiner. Linkoln's first battle wound and I'm sure he'll have many more that follow!

Almost 24 hours later....so happy!

Just the Two of Us

It's Saturday evening around 8:45 and I have the house to myself. Linkoln is sound asleep dreaming of daddy. Sammy left for the lake today to spend quality time with his sister. Linkoln and I stayed behind to catch up on our rest and to spend QT of our own. Before daddy took off this morning we all went to go get donuts together. It was a GREAT morning with a mental photo attached!
Later on in the day Link & I went to visit Nana & Poppy. He lights up when he see them....they are so good to us. We finished the day with dinner and a bath (he's fav) then it was off to bed. So this is a first...daddy has never stayed a night away from Link nor have I stayed at home alone. I miss Sammy already. I'm not the bravest of people but I guess now that I'm a parent I don't really have a choice. I know the good lord is watching over us and will return Sam back home to us safely. The two men in my life are my everything and without them I would be lost!

John Mayer

So over the past 8 months or so I found a new love for John Mayer. All my girlfriends adore him, some more than others (jac's). After having Linkoln I guess my taste in music has changed a bit. One can only listen to Veggie tales, a mix of funky Nursery rhythms and my favorite church cd for so long before they break down and need more options. Now don't get me wrong Sammy and I LOVE Link's cd's...we know all the words and even "car dance" to them on occassion. So i wanted to give Link as well as Sammy and I a variety of music to choose from. Now on rotation is John Mayer & Colbie Caillat...both wonderful light flowy music. So now with that being said, Sammy & I went to their concert last Friday with our BFF's (Steph & Willie). It was an amazing time. We haven't all gotten together without the kiddo's in what has seemed like forever. The traffic as well as the heat were awful....but the music and company were awesome. Since stepping into motherhood/parenthood, Sammy & I have realized that what was once so simple, like finding time for Friends and sometimes each other is now much more difficult. Every minute of everyday I want to be with Link, as I'm sure he does too;) but finding special time for our friends and ourselves is just as important. I'm trying extra hard these days to allow that to happen...alot of prayer and baby steps is what works for me.

What a big boy

I wanted to share Linkoln's "big boy"moment of the week with you all. Yesterday morning during breakfast Link demanded the spoon of cereal from my hand to attempted yet again "self feeding". His little wrist started to twist as his mouth, as well as eyes opened wide and SCORE....he made it in his mouth! What a big boy I have. After several weeks of grabbing the spoon only to sling it across the floor or to smooth it in his hair my sweet Link finally got it.

Life's simple joys can have such a big impact!

Water baby

This weekend we went down to the lake to catch up on some family time:) We enjoyed swimming with Link as he totally soaked daddy and I with his love for the water. He is also getting better and better with his crawling skills....he still adds a few bear crawl moves when he tries to maneuver over a toy. But the real excitement for us all was taking Linkoln (and Carson) on his first boat ride:) He looked like such a big boy in his life jacket. Miss Ry was a pro and showed the boys how it was done. He was mesmerized by the waves and the sound of the motor. It didn't take long for his little eyes to get heavy and close peacefully. What a great day it was...with good company too!

Tony Hawk

Our little trip to Houston to meet Tony was great! We were suppose to go to the San Antonio event but Linkoln got his first ear ache and we had to reschedule:( (poor baby) We stayed at hotel ZaZa and was upgraded to a beautiful suite b/c they messed up our reservation. It was amazing...it even had a bath tub outside on the balcony. I couldn't resist the temptation of putting Linlokn's naked little bum in that tub (better his than mine:)! What a rebel he was!!!! Tony and his crew were wonderful. The heat was deadly so we did what we came to do and left soon after. This is Link's first celebrity sighting, outside the womb that is....& hopefully not the last. Enjoy the pic's! ***Oh & I'll post pics of the Jeep soon since that was our golden ticket to meet the "Hawk"

Happy 4th of July

Another first for Linkoln! What a wonderful weekend it was. We meet mom & dad down at the lake to celebrate the 4th of July. Sammy and I had a blast out on the water...minus the loving back buster I so gracefully performed off the jet ski;) Anyone who knows me well knew that I was a wreck all week panicking over the loud fireworks that would potentially wake my sleeping son. To my surprise he slept right threw them. We even tried to keep him up late to watch the show but his 7:30 bedtime was too long of a stretch for the 10:00 presentation. We enjoyed the fireworks from our balcony as we drank coffee and chatted with my folks...what great memories I'll have for a lifetime!