Pumpkin Carving

Monday night for FHE we went over to the Denison's home and carved our pumpkin. It was so much fun. The Denison's had a very creative FHE treasure hunt for the kids where they had the kids search all over the house for clues that led to worldly treasure which was a box with money on the outside and nothing on the inside and then led them to an eternal treasure which was a box of pictures of the family, the temple and Jesus Christ. It was so well done and Drew loved it. He just followed everyone and at the end when he had our family photo in his hand and was asked why his family was important, he answered, "because of my mommy and daddy." Too cute. I can't wait to hear him add "and my sister" to that! :)
We then carved pumpkins and this year we chose to do the bats on our pumpkin. David wanted to do the simple ghost but with Drew's fear of ghosts lately, maybe we'll do that one next year.

Ring Toss Video

Drew probably needs some practice with the ring toss but it's too cute his reaction when he finally makes it! :)

Pumpkin Patch

Drew's preschool did a small pumpkin patch yesterday, and I went to capture it all. It was fun to see him with his classmates and his teachers. Again, I was the only parent there for the occasion. Where I realize this is not a huge event, I think any event is special when it comes to Drew. In addition, this is the luxury I have as a stay-at-home mom - getting to be anywhere he is at anytime!
So, Drew and his schoolmates did a bean bag toss, ring toss, played with hoola-hoops, and got to pick out their own small pumpkin to keep. They also went inside to read Halloween stories and pose for a picture in the wooden cutouts of a scarecrow. It was fun to see him at school and he enjoyed me being there. He actually did much better when I left, simply waving to me and saying, "Goodbye, Mommy!" We are excited about his Halloween Parade, sing-a-long and party at his school on Friday!!!

Trunk or Treat

Last night was our ward's Trunk or Treat activity. We had a good time with so many friends and David and I were talking again today how much we really like our ward here. We had some great chili and cornbread to start off the activity and then we all went outside for candy and fun. At first, Drew just wanted to be with his friends and kept telling me he had enough candy, even though he had like 3 pieces. So, we had to warm up to going to car to car to say, "trick or treat," and "thank you" for the candy. But he did pretty well. Then, David took over and went with Drew and Drew was saying he had enough candy again! But he did do a few cars with David and we called it a night. Surprisingly, we ended up running out of candy as I didn't know the older kids come around several times! So, next year we'll know only to give out one piece of candy at a time. Anyway, what fun we had with everyone and such a nice night!

Tagged!!

My friend, Laura H., tagged me (by the way, I think tags are a lot of fun!) so here are 7 weird/interesting things about me or that have happened to me:

1. David and I have never had a Christmas tree is the almost 8 years we have been married, nor have we ever spent a Christmas at our own house. We are always at our family's home for the holidays which is what we prefer.
2. I was a drill instructor in the band my senior year of high school - yes, I taught freshman how to march and play their clarinets at the same time!
3. I always played "school" when I was little. I loved that my grandmother worked at an actual school and gave Keely and I all her extra supplies like real tardy slips, attendance sheets, etc. My mom said I loved playing 'teacher' and she saw that I wanted to become a teacher and steered me away from that because they didn't make enough money (my mom was a teacher for years). Little did she know, I'd become a therapist and let's be honest, some teachers make more $ than what I got offered coming out of graduate school.
4. I played on an intramural flag football team in college and then David and I played on a team with both our brothers (and my sister's boyfriend at the time) right after we got married.
5. Everyone was in the room with me when Drew was born - the list includes David, my mom, my sister, my mother-in-law, my grandmother and yes, even my Dad! It was such an amazing experience that hopefully, we can have a repeat when this little girl is born.
6. At the age of 27 (and david being 25) we purchased our very own burial plots - I think that is kind of strange! We may not own much but we do have two very nice pieces of land in a cemetery in Texas.
7. I never like to see a movie twice - it's totally boring to me if I know what's going to happen next. So, we never buy movies (except for Drew of course) but rarely see movies either.

I am supposed to tag 7 people so I decided to tag some of my new Georgia friends who blog to find out more about them: Tiffany W., Jenise C., Laura J., Jaimee K., Shelyse D., Melissa T., and Lyn H. If you've already done this one, no worries; it's just fun!

Shopping with my boy

So, it was pretty cold all day today. For some time, it's been cold in the mornings but warm up into the most beautiful days. Today was chilly throughout, and I didn't mind it a bit. Fall is my favorite time of year (as opposed to summer when I was much younger) and we have broken out our jackets and warmer clothing.

Today, Drew and I took Beva to get groomed, went to the post office and then headed to the Avenues to go shopping. Yes, I am already feeling in the Christmas shopping mood. So, we walked around some stores and they had a cute pumpkin/scarecrow display we took a few pictures at outside. Drew is just so much fun right now - talking so much and having conversations with us. He also got to go shopping at Home Depot with dad last night while I was at a Young Women's activity.

We also had time with friends today eating lunch and playing which made it such a fun-filled day! Next week, my mom and Sam are coming for Halloween weekend to visit us. We are so excited and counting down the days...

Another new song

Drew got in the car again today singing a new song. I just love to hear him sing and be happy about it. On Wednesdays, the kids go to 'chapel' which is where they learn a Bible story and sing some songs. When we got home for lunch, I had him sing it for David and recorded it.


He is saying, "rejoice," at the end of it by the way...

More pictures from our day out with Thomas

Here are the pictures we took of our fun-filled day with Thomas!

Day out with Thomas

We had quite the adventure this weekend at the "Day out with Thomas" event we took Drew too. We ended up driving a little over 2 hours to get there and then again driving that on the way home, but it was worth it.
Drew kept asking, "Where's Thomas?," when we were driving down there and we told him Thomas was far away and it would take us a while to get to the place to meet him. He actually slept some which was great and woke up 10 minutes before we arrived.
We parked, rode a tram up to the event, and Drew jumped out and started running. It was hilarious! He even took a moment to stop in mid-run to jump up and down with excitement. He was absolutely thrilled. The look on his face when he saw Thomas was just pure awe. He loved it. He didn't care what other things they had going on, he could've stared at Thomas the rest of the day.
First, we just got in line to board Thomas and ride the train. Drew was smiling the whole time. When the ride started, he just stared out the window. Clowns came by and he didn't even care. They were playing Thomas music over the loud speaker and kids were singing. It was too much. After the ride, we went into this large tent full of Thomas stuff and souvenirs to buy. Of course, I knew the prices were outrageous so the only thing we bought was a brand new train that said, "Day out with Thomas," on it and a new Thomas book to read at bedtime. Then, we stood in line for our picture with Thomas. This is the picture we bought of our family with Thomas that will go in his Thomas-decorated room.
They also had face-painting which Drew was not interested in or the temporary tattoos, but they had an activity event to play with gobs of train tracks and trains. They also had food, kid's musical performers, a big Thomas made of legos, and some bouncy equipment. He really just loved watching Thomas pull out of the station for the next ride and pull back in. He also met Sir Topham Hat (the railroad commissioner) and went right up to him, took his picture, and even hugged him which was shocking because Drew usually is scared of characters. All in all, it was a great event - Drew waved goodbye to Thomas and told him that maybe he'd see him next year. What a fun day to be a parent! :)

Here are the rest of our pictures from such a FUN day! THOMAS

Responsibility

Drew's new chore is Beva - his job is to let Beva outside to go potty and to let her back in when she barks/cries. We have been teaching him that each of us play a role in the family and each of us do our part to help out. At first, he kept telling us that this was not his job or "you do it," but now, he seems to really like it and feel good about doing it. He says it's his chore and we praise him on how good of a job he is doing with it. I guess we've finally gotten to the part where having a pet is teaching our son responsibility - yeah, Beva!

Softball Game

David joined the softball team at Cooper and had a game last week. Drew and I went and watched. Drew loved getting to see Daddy play and even went into the dugout with David to watch parts of the game.

Air Show

Me and Drew in front of an Apache helicopter.

Drew waiting for the air show to start and snacking on goldfish.

Drew found the umbrella and was having a blast playing with it.

Running down the hill.

David and Drew checking out a plane we'd love to own one day!

Kinsey and Drew

David and Drew

Kinsey and Drew in front of a car they put an airplane engine in...

23 weeks

I had my doctor's appointment on Monday and everything still looks good with this little one. She had a strong heartbeat in the 150s and was found very low. In fact, I had told the doctor she is sitting way lower than Drew and come to find out that is where she was when the dr. found her heartbeat. I also commented that David can't quite feel her move yet and the doctor said that should happen over the next month.
We also talked about getting a date on the calendar to induce me - somewhere between Feb. 2 and my due date, Feb. 9, so my family can start making their plans to come for her arrival!
We are still working on naming her - Drew's vote is for Dilan Camille as he told us that's his favorite. We'll see. But I am thankful for a healthy pregnancy, only a 9 lb gain at this point, and a healthy baby so far.

Halloween Song

Drew started singing this song last night as we prepared to have our Family Home Evening. He must have learned it at school because we didn't know it and it was so cute to hear him sing it all by himself. HAPPY HALLOWEEN everyone!!! :)

Happy Birthday, David!!!

David turned 31 years old today - we celebrated by going to the air show yesterday (more pictures to come), seeing TX beat OU (Go Horns!), going to Chili's for dinner last night all because they have good ribs and David's favorite dessert, and me making a homemade ice cream cake (my first time) for after church today.

Above is a picture of Drew and David chowing down on dessert at Chili's.

Here is David and Drew with the homemade ice cream cake I made. There is no Baskin Robbins here so we had to do with my attempt to recreate one of their cakes. It all went very well until I decided to substitute hot fudge for the "icing" as opposed to cool whip. Yes, you can see in the picture, it started melting as it went off the sides of the cake but it still tasted good! We invited the Homer family over for cake - they are a family that moved into our ward right after we did and they are so nice and friendly. We are really enjoying getting to meet new people here and making new friends.
Drew blowing out the candles with his Dad. Drew is so good at singing, "Happy Birthday," now - it's adorable.


Happy 31st Birthday, David. We love you so much!

Hook 'Em Horns!

What a great game on Saturday - the Texas Longhorns beat Oklahoma and it was fun to watch. Of course, that was because we were on the winning side of things. It seems like I have to move out of state for Texas to be ranked #1 because I was in Utah when we won the national championship in '05.
I keep telling David if somehow we go to the national championship this year, we are taking a trip to Miami for sure!!! :) Of course, anything can happen in college football...

Dinner Time

Last night we cooked up a yummy stir fry with some very fresh vegetables we purchased from a 'co-op' one of my friends, Jaimee, does every week or so. We had yellow pepper, mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots with some teriyaki chicken and rice. It was tasty and even Drew ate some of his.
He really enjoyed cooking with me though and afterwards, we played Candyland for the first time as a family. Drew loved it and we are trying to teach him about games being fair, playing by the rules, and it's okay if you don't win. It was a lot of fun!

Fire Truck Day

Today was Fire Truck Day at Drew's school. Unfortunately because of the heavy rain, the kids didn't get to go inside the actual truck but they still had the presentation by the firefighters and got to see the truck. Drew wore his fire truck t-shirt his Mimi (david's mom) gave him - he loved wearing it and the firemen even noticed his shirt!

The firemen making their presentation. They had the kids come up to the guy with the gear on but I admit, he looked a little scary.

Drew watching the presentation, not knowing I am there just yet.

He sees me now (although he refuses to look directly at me) as he stands up with his class to go outside to see the fire truck.

Walking in line with his class - he is smiling now and is happy I am there.

Standing in line with his classmates waiting to go outside.

Drew and his class in front of the firetruck.Drew posing in front of the truck with his fire truck t-shirt on.I have to say it was totally worth it going and taking pictures. Not a whole lot of parents were there - but I wouldn't miss it. I am so grateful to be at home and be able to come to the things Drew has at his school!

Tagged!

I am... Kinsey; a wife, a mother, a therapist.
I want... to go on vacation. Oh, the plans I have! :)
I have... a beautiful family that includes a hard-working husband, a precious little boy and a girl on the way who I can't wait to meet! (except she doesn't have a name yet and so maybe time is a good thing right now)
I wish... the Texas Longhorns to win another national championship! :) Bienvenido a Miami!!!
I hate... roaches and really all bugs; let's face it, I don't like any creepy crawly things.
I fear... losing the people I love.
I hear... Days of our Lives in the background (I tape it and only listen to it in the background while I work on the computer in the afternoons).
I search... for balance between all the roles I play in life.
I always... enjoy time with friends and family.
I usually... like to try new restaurants unless they cost too much $. I hate paying for something that wasn't worth it. (The song, "She works hard for her money," just popped into my head... no I do not sell my body but still it's appropriate...)
I am not... the perfect mother or anything perfect but I do try my best most of the time.
I miss... my family since they are all back in Texas. tear?
I love... getting a good deal and saving money.
I never... want to hurt other people or be in a 'fight' with anyone.
I rarely... forget things because I am pretty organized and love my calendar!
I cry... at sappy movies between husbands/wives and mothers/fathers and their children. For example, I teared up last night watching Brook Burke dance to the John Mayer song about daughters when she kissed her little girl at the end of the dance. It was too sweet. Yes, I love Dancing with the Stars and Drew loves it too - we watch it together and get up and dance to practically every song.
I am not always... patient but it continues to be a goal I work on.
I lose... sleep because I sometimes get anxious at night and keep thinking and thinking about things.
I am confused... by the state our country is in; sometimes I feel safe and sometimes I don't. Even more, I'm confused by the notion that "government" is supposed to rescue us when we make bad decisions. I don't understand why the government is supposed to take away people's natural consequences.
I need... to exercise more especially because I'm pregnant and I told myself I would exercise more this pregnancy than with my last but it's not really happening.
I should... play more with my child even if I don't feel good, even if I don't feel like it or even if I just did.
I dream... of seeing my children grow up and become the people they are meant to be.

I tag Amy P., Lisa L., Wendy S. (all my wonderful sisters-in-law)!

HOT "boobies"

So, Drew and I have a routine... after he takes his daily nap, he wakes up and comes straight for me. He likes to cuddle after he gets up. So, I stop everything I am doing and we take some time sitting and he lays his head down on me and I rub his back until he feels he has completely woken up. But today, he kept shifting around, not getting comfortable, and he says, "it's too hot," over and over again. I am wondering what he means by this, so naturally, I say, "What?" And he tells me (while pointing at my chest), "your boobies are too hot." Yes, this is what he said and he didn't just tell me once. So, apparently my chest was giving off heat waves or something because he eventually laid on my lap and asked for a back scratch. Anyway, it was too funny and in those moments, you really wish someone else just witnessed what your child has said.

Drew's room

So, I said I would post more pictures of Drew's room as it comes along... It is a train room obviously and I will be ordering a train decal from Uppercase living to go right underneath Drew's name. I made a collage of his professional pictures over the years that sits above his dresser. And framed two train pictures that are above his nightstand (see better view below). Then, I framed the train track pictures of Drew for the mid-wall and on the big wall to the right I am ordering a US Railroad map. Now, for those of you who have an opinion, do you think I should paint the two white frames the same blue I painted Drew's name with or keep them white? Also, we are planning on buying Drew a thomas the train clock that will go on the little wall by his closet off to the right.

Ranchero Mexi-Chicken Crostada

So, I tried a new recipe tonight - it was on the Picky Palate blog that I found on Laura J.'s blog. It was very simple to make and it was good too. David really liked it and I am excited to try new recipes so we have different things to eat. I did have to add some sour cream and some lettuce on top so I liked it better. But any mexcian food I eat, I pretty much add things all the time.

I posted the picture I took when it came out of the oven and the picture below on the Picky Palate blog and surprisingly they turned out quite similar. Wow, something that didn't take a lot of time to make, was easy, I had all the ingredients (Rachel Ray's recipes make me want to cringe because I never have the kinds of things she cooks with) and it passed the test with David. YEAH! New things to eat! :) Thanks, Laura, for a good site to get great ideas from.

THANK YOU!

I need to post a very special thank you to Laura Johnson and Delores Ponzio. Words can't express my gratitude for both of you yesterday.
A little background... I was in charge of creating a video for the Young Women in Excellence program last night and had spent hours videotaping 30+ girls on both Wednesday nights and Sundays for weeks and had even created this DVD on two different video programs in order to get this to work.
Of course, yesterday when I was all finished, I had "computer issues" - when it came to burning the actual DVD, it was not happening. I know it shouldn't have been a big deal but it became one for me. I haven't stressed about something like this since probably something with school - maybe it was because people were relying upon me, or because I had already spent so much time on it, or that I did all this and then there would be no product, I'm not sure, but I was starting to freak out.
Thank goodness for Laura who allowed me to come over when it was totally inconvenient and use her computer and then come back again later and actually finish the project for me. And thanks to Delores who came to my house and worked with me to get the project in a viewable form AND just simply calmed me down. I really appreciate it and I think the night turned out so well because it all just came togehter. THANK YOU!!!