The Graves Gallery

Faith's Preschool Christmas Party

2011-12-28T22:26:00.000-06:00

All ready for her Christmas party at school. We brought all the kids an oreo snowman pop. All the kids had to bring a wrapped book for the book exchange.

Eating her chik-fil-a lunch after the class sang Rudolph the red nosed reindeer song together.

Sharing a table with her friend, Tate.

Family shot

Daddy and his girls..Ava enjoyed chewing on a plastic spoon. We opened the gift Faith made us at school which was a blue oranment with her fingerprints on it in white turned into snowmen.

The party went well until the end during the book exchange. The kids didn't quite get the concept to pass the books to the music and when they finally stopped with a book, Faith opened hers and shouted, "Awww man" Super loud because she thought she got a book she already had and didn't understand she wasn't going to get the book she brought...it was slightly embarrasing but was able to teach some good lessons from it later.

Christmas Lunch with the Graves

2011-12-28T22:13:00.000-06:00

We meet with the Graves side of the family for a Christmas lunch in Wylie. Next door was a craft fair and Santa was there so Grandma took Faith over to see Santa.

Ava & Faith with Grandpa & Grandma Graves

After eating, Faith got on stage and started singng songs and then asked Grandma to come up too. It was too funny and cute.

Decorating our Christmas Tree!

2011-12-28T22:02:00.000-06:00

We pulled down the decorations and started putting up the tree the day after Thanksgiving like usual. Faith really got into hanging ornaments this year. She especially liked putting on the princess ornaments people have given her and of course most are grouped at the bottom of the tree. Ava liked reaching up and grabbing for ornaments and pulled a few off the tree.

Ava grabbing Faith and making her laugh.

Sweet sisters-first time for Ava to see the Christmas tree and lights.

Posing with the finished tree and the dog toy that barks jingle bells while rolling around back and forth. Ava loved watching it!

My sweet gingerbread girl in her signature pose-her leg is usually crossed over in front but she does raise it up like doing leg excercies quite often too- Go Jane Fonda! :)

Faith's Little Mermaid 4th Birthday Party!

2011-12-11T23:04:00.000-06:00

My baby girl turned 4 on November 21st. We celerated with a Little Mermaid party on the 19th at our house. Faith wore an ariel dress and had a blast jumping on the trampoline, driving her tractor, eating treats, openign presents and playing with her friends.

Dear Faith, (aka Sugar Bear)

Mommy loves you so much and can't believe you are already 4. You are so smart and independent. You love to play with your princess figures and sing songs. You act out all the movies and shows you watch. Your favorites movies are Little Mermaid and Beauty & the Beast. You also like several of the Veggies Tales movies and check new ones out at the school library. You go to school at Lake Pointe 2 days a week and love it! Your favorite part of school is recess and computer. You like to color a lot now and have started to draw people especially Daddy

More of your favorite things are when I asked you about them:

Color: Pink

Food: Macaronies and peas

Song: Princess songs

You are a great big sister to Ava and like to entertain her with silly noises and tickling her. You still love books. I want to read to you but you would rather "read" it by yourself and make up or retell the story. We are definitely alot alike so we have a battle of the wills some days because you are so stubborn about doing it your way but you are also very sensitive and thoughtful. I love all your hugs and when you just say, "I love you, Mommy" out of know where during the day. I am trying to cherish these precious moments with you because you are growing up too fast. I am so thankful for the gift that you are to me and Daddy.

Love,

Mommy

Before the party started, I snapped some of the decorations. Faith kept asking where are my friends? and watching out the window for everyone to arrive.

I used a couple of Little Mermaid books to make her Happy Birthday sign.

Yummy cupcakes and M&M coookies in the sand pail-which are her favorite!

We had a sand art tabel set up outside on the porch for kids to fill a fish up and take home. Faith loved it and made a few sand art crafts.

Showing off the finished product..rainbow fish!

Ready to take Ethan for a ride on her tractor. He looks a bit nervous. I would be too riding with that crazy driver.

Eating some lunch with her friend from school Lydia.

Singing Happy Birthday! Faith's loves to sing so she really likes it when everyone sings Happy Birthday to her and all eyes are on her.

Make a wish, sweet love!

Chowing down on her cupcake.

Ava wathced all the party action and visited with family and friends.

Present time!

Opening up her gifts.

Playing with her new Baby Alive after the party ended. She wanted to change the baby's diaper after every drink and every bite of food. I had to keep telling her wait and feed her more before taking off the diaper or we will run out too fast.

Enjoying her ladybug tent from Presley!

Justin and I were worn out by bedtime and we all slept well that night. Hopefully, Faith can try out her tent soon in the backyard with Daddy.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-22T20:31:00.002-06:00

The Little Mermaid with her best friend Flounder

Faith and Ava got dressed up for trick or treating. I took Faith over to trick or treat with Ella and her cousins like we have done each year. Ava stayed home with Daddy since it was her bedtime and Daddy wasn't feeling so great on Halloween night.

Faith wanted to be Ariel for Halloween so I found the Flounder costume for Ava to match with her. Love how they are looking at each other.

Flounder & Ariel lovin on Daddy.

Faith & Ella ready for trick or treating fun.

Checking out the pumpkin lights and decorations.

Trick or treat!

Leaving with her candy.

Check out my treat-kit kat-one of Mommy's favorites- I think I ate that one.

Last stop of the night-this house had a HUGE spider hanging in the tree so we stopped for a picture with it. It was a fun night of running house to house with the parents shouting slow down, stop running most of the time. Faith woudn't go up to scary houses with lots of spooky decorations. There were a couple creepy ones that I wouldn't have gone up to either.

Faith fell asleep on the way home she was so tired out from trick or treating and she never sleeps in the car so I know she was super tired. Here is a picture on my iphone I snapped on the way home of my sleeping little mermaid. We didn't have her cup and she was thirsty so she had some of my water from my starbucks cup and fell asleep with it in her lap. It was another fun night but sad not to have Daddy and Ava with us.

Sailing on the Seawolf

2011-11-19T21:11:00.000-06:00

Pirate Faith steering the Seawolf

Katie and Billy invited us to do a family sail ride with the kids on the Sunday before Halloween and we said yes. We have been wanting to take Faith out on the lake for a while now so this was perfect.

Ava enjoyed the sail.

The Daddies with their girls

Justin & Ava with Billy & Elliot aboard the Seawolf

Katie, Elliot, Ava and I sailing away. It was a beautiful day for a Sunday afternoon sail and we look forward to doing it again.

Belle & Baby Belle go to the Fall festival

2011-11-19T20:55:00.000-06:00

We took both girls to the fall festival at the church. They dressed up as Belle and baby Belle. They were just precious in their yellow dresses. We took some pictures before we left to show off their pretty costumes.

Ava loves to grab Faith's hair.

Faith wasn't feeling so well. She had a cough and sore thorat but was such a trooper.

Ava trying to eat her dress. Faith tries to help me by saying no no Ava don't eat your dress.

At the COLD fall festival. It was pretty cold and windy when we arrived so not the best weather when you already have a semi-sick little one but we couldn't not take her. Faith would ask about the festival when we drive in the church parking lot all year. I love how Ava is smiling in the background here.

Her favorite ride. She rode it several times and remembered it from last year.

We took a break from the cold and went inside to eat a corny dog and funnel cake.

Nana and Ava Bear

Papa, Nana, and the girls. It was super hard to get a picture of them all looking.

Me with my belles of the ball. :)

Ava and I left early to go to bed. Faith, Daddy, Papa, & Nana stayed to have some more fun. She rode a pony, more cars, and went through the fun house before calling it a night.

I Love This Sweet Girl!

2011-11-18T22:13:00.000-06:00

Sweet Boo Boo Bear after her bath! Daddy styled her hair.

Ava loves her Daddy!

Ella's 5th Birthday Party

2011-11-18T21:59:00.003-06:00

Faith and I went to Ella's 5th birthday party at her house.

Ava and Daddy stayed home because it was her nap time. It was fun just to go the two of us.

It was a county fair theme and they had pony rides. Faith loves to ride ponies so she was happy to get in line for a ride. Once she got on the pony she got a little nervous but then relaxed and enjoyed it.

Ethan & Faith

Group shot of the party. I zoomed into on Faith and Ella.

There were carnival games and one of the prizes was the lips that made noise. iphone pic of her lips.

Another iphone picture of Faith and Ella at her birthday

Faith loves Ella. I can't believe she is 5! The party was lots of fun!

Faith's Preschool Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-18T21:31:00.000-06:00

Faith wore her Ariel costume to school for pumpkin patch day where she got to pick a pumpkin to bring home.

Mermaid Faith, Cowboy Tate, and BumbleBee Presley

Playing with the hay. It was not happenind to get her or Tate to look at me.

Posing by the pumpkins-not sure what this one is-maybe she was pretending to lay like a mermaid. :) ha!

Pumpkins at the Arboretum

2011-11-18T00:08:00.000-06:00

I love when the pumpkins come out at the Arboretum and have to go every year. I took the girls before it got cool and we had a great time together checking out all the pumpkins and castles. They had a fairy tale theme with pumpkin houses, castles, and a carriage to represent the princesses.

My girlies.

Our first stop was this big gray castle-Faith liked peeking through the window openings.

Waiting in line to get on the Cinderella carriage.

Faith was too excited to get on the carriage

I sat Ava up next to Faith and she was hilarious lifting her leg up and sticking out her tongue.

Goofy face

After seeing the carriage, we found some shade and had lunch on our blanket while kindermusic sang songs that Faith participated in. Nice smile with all her food in her mouth.

Ava hanging out-she was so good the whole time

Trying to get a shot of the 3 of us.

Peek-a-boo

Oh Mommy-look at that face.

Where's Faith?

There was a Little Mermaid "castle". This was the shell display inside it.

Jumping off the hay bale maze

So many fun pumpkin houses to explore.

Sweet sisters!! Love this picture of them looking at each other.

My Ava Bear-laid back chillin' on a pumpkin

One more quick sister picture before leaving...there were some nice random strangers helping me to get smiles from both girls.

My dress is tasty.

Big Sister was helping mommy get smiles from Ava with sophie giraffe.

Love her little tongue!!! :)

Bye Bye!

7 months

2011-11-07T09:42:00.000-06:00

Our sweet Ava Bear was 7 months old on October 14th. She has 2 bottom teeth and likes to pull herself around. She hasn't started crawling yet but does turn herself 360 and pulls/scoots to reach toys she wants on the floor. She has started to raise her arm up to wave "hi" She likes to laugh at Faith and her big sister has started playing with her more too. Faith likes to clap her hands for Ava and stomp her feet while singing the If You're Happy and You know it song with

Ava. She is learning to share her toys and that it is okay if Ava touches something. Faith is also looking forward to when Ava eats food well so she can feed her with the spoon.

Ava is still such a joy and blessing in our lives. She loves to stick that tongue out. I just want to grab everytime and cover her with kisses. She is our little love bug.

Mommy, Daddy, & sissy love you Ava Boo!

Peas & Puddles

2011-11-07T09:29:00.000-06:00

I tried to introduce some foods with Ava around 7 months. I made some on my own baby food and froze it all ready for her to start solids. We got the high chair out and bib all ready to try some peas.

Cutie in the high chair for the first time.

Clean and with her I love my big sister bib.

She tried a few bites and gagged on the peas. We have tried sweet pototoes, apples, pears, and bananas. She will only take 1 or 2 bits and then gags. Ava Bear is not into food yet. We keep trying but she is just not having it. We started around 6 months with Faith and she started eating so easily. With Ava, I haven't been in a hurry to start at all and she doesn't seem to be interested either.

I got a good shot of her two teefers. So cute!

After it rained a ton about a month ago, Faith had a modeling job that morning and she wore her rain boots. We had to play in the puddles after we got home. The sun had come out and dried up most of the big puddles but we still found some to splash around in outside.

Stomping aroundd in the rain puddles.

Faith loved jumping off the curb into some good puddles in front of the house.

We spent lots of time stomping in the puddles and walking back and forth. She thought it was so cool to get to play in the street since the biggest puddles were right next to the curb in front of the house.

She also found some squirmy wormies as she called them to look at and touch. Yuck!

Oh what fun rain can bring...Ava was napping during our fun puddle time.

4 generations

2011-10-18T10:06:00.000-05:00

My Nana came into town from Chicago where she moved last year. Faith and Ava loved visiting with their great grandma and their Nana(my mom). It is fun to be all together and I wish she was still living here with us. We love you and miss you!

Faith, Great Grandma Allen, & Ava

Ava: 6 months

2011-10-07T12:04:00.001-05:00

Ava turned 6 months old on September 14th...just now getting to post these and she is almost 7 months now--in about a week. She has the sweetest personality and is a silly little thing. She likes to stick her tongue out at us and make bubbles when we get her from her crib after sleeping. It is too cute. She has her bottom 2 teeth that popped through at about 6 1/2 months. Ava is also sitting up well now and picking up toys that drop or are out of her reach. She measured 27.5 inches long and weighed 17 lbs 10z at her 6 month visit where she got her first 2 shots. She is about to start foods as soon as I make them.

Love her silly faces.

Checking out her dolly.

She likes to do the closed mouth grin these days too.

Without her bow so you can see her pretty redish hair.

First Day of Pre-school 2011

2011-09-29T10:27:00.000-05:00

The first day of preschool started on September 8th. Faith was very excited to go back to school with her friends. She likes to tell me what she wants in her lunch each day. She requests sandwich with mustard, cheetos, and some kind of fruit.

We stopped at the waterfall before going inside to her classroom. It was a perfect photo op. I love both of these and couldn't decide which one to use so I put both.

My sweet big girl!

With one of her friends from last year, Harper, they are in the same class again along with lots of other other friends from her other class.

Ready to start her day with a color sheet. She has gotten so much better at coloring. Its so fun to watch her progress.

After school, Ella & Jill invited us to come have ice cream at Culver's for a first day treat. Faith was thrilled!

She ordered vanilla but kept trying to eat Ella's chocolate. I think we will order chocolate next time.

Big sister with Ava watching the fun.

Ella had to join in the picture with Ava too. Love these girls!

2011 Meet the Teacher

2011-09-29T10:11:00.000-05:00

We had Meet the Teacher for Faith's preschool class in August. Daddy stayed home with Ava so I could take Faith by herself. We were lucky enough to have one of the same teachers she had last year which is loved although she was sad her other teacher wasn't going to be there.

So proud of herself after gluing down her letters in order to spell her name and add stickers. They are using this for placemats during lunch time.

She had to make a stop at the libary part of the class and read part of the Bible book. She likes to "read" to her friends especially from the Bible. So sweet that her teachers let her do that in class.

With Ms Marissa and Ms Kristen

Dancing Queen

2011-09-28T16:42:00.001-05:00

Faith started her first dance class this fall. Her best friend Ella is taking the class too so it is that much more fun for her. She took a summer dance class but it was more of a mother's day out with dance included and this is her first real dance only class.

They were cracking Jill and I up. Ella was so sweet giving her a big hug and prom posing it up.

There are a couple because it was just too cute.

Sitting on the bench in the dance room waiting for their first class to start.

I can't wait to see the recital in May of everything they learn. It is so much fun to watch these two grow up together.

Bathing Beauty

2011-09-28T16:11:00.001-05:00

Bathing beauty!

Ava loves her bath just like big sister. She just hangs out in her bather chair and enjoys her "spa" time given by Daddy.

Drying off after bathtime with Daddy.

Ava on the left at 5 months and Faith on the left at 8 months in the same princess robe.

Sleepy bear getting ready for night night after bathtime. Such a sweet lovey.

Faith the Builder

2011-09-28T15:18:00.000-05:00

Faith got the idea that her and Daddy needed to build a castle so Justin gathered some things in the garage for them to "build" She loves hammering, banging and tinkering with all of Daddy's tools. They always wear safety goggles too. She even sports a tool belt that is huge on her. Love her creativity.

Working hard!

My little handy girl! :)

Bounce, Bounce, Baby!

2011-09-28T15:08:00.001-05:00

Ava loves her rainforest jumparoo unlike her big sister who would not sit in it for 2 seconds. She plays with all the toys and likes grabbing for the hanging bird and frog. She sways back and forth too which is so cute.

Actions shots

We love Grammy & Pops!

2011-09-28T14:59:00.000-05:00

Grammy & Pops came over for a Sunday dinner to visit and see the girls.

Our first attempt at a group shot--Faith was not super cooperative-can you tell by that face! :)Stubborn little thing-just like her momma.

Ava was about to go to bed.

That's better-there's her pretty smile--stinker pot.

Ava hanging with Grammy!

College Football Fans!

2011-09-28T14:19:00.001-05:00

We are ready for some college football at our house! So glad its started again.

Go AGGIES!

Ava at almost 2 1/2 months

Looking back at both my babies sporting there ag horn onesie!

They will both go to Texas A&M...WHOOP!

Faith at almost 3 months

Visit with Grandpa & Grandpa Graves

2011-09-28T13:58:00.001-05:00

We went over for breakfast one Saturday morning to visit Grandpa and Grandma. We ate a tasty breakfast and then watched a movie on the big screen.

Love this picture...Faith has the sillest face and Ava looks squished thinking "what is happening to me??"

Before we left, they showed Faith a few surprises they got her--a fun doll house and a bicycle. She immediately went over and started playing with it and enjoys using all her princesses to play in it at home too.

Test drive on the bicycle. She likes to go out and ride it after dinner and feels so proud of herself.

Ava just watching all the excitement.

Thanks Grandpa & Grandma!

Ava Bear is 5 months old

2011-08-14T22:27:00.000-05:00

My little fairy princess Ava turned 5 months old today! She is the sweetest little thing and has been such a wonderful baby! I could snuggle her all day. She likes to take everything in and looks at everything in a new place very seriously. She is rolling to her tummy and back to her back. She has started to play with her feet a little bit. She likes to "talk" and grunt all kinds of sounds. She enjoys her bouncy seat, bumbo, play mat, swing and jumparoo. Faith didn't care for any of her toys for very long but Ava seems to like them all. She is happy to be where ever we are and has to tag along with big sister alot to her modeling jobs and spray park. Justin and I just can't get over how sweet our little love is and we are so blessed to have her in our lives.

Had to get her wings in the picture...looks like she is in time out in the corner. Not my sweet Ava.

Peek-a-boo! Where did you go, Mommy?

She weighs about 17 1/2 lbs now.

Our long girl!

Pretty in Pink!

2011-08-11T14:54:00.001-05:00

I love to match my girlies and we did for a few days in some pretty pink dresses. I had to take advantage of some photo ops while they were all dolled up. I know it will only be so long that they will let me decide on what they wear so I am enjoying it while I can.

I love these girls so much! Faith is a sassy independent sweetie while Ava is a laid back happy to be here baby. They are both such joys in different ways. Ava has started to blow bubbles at us and sleeps on her tummy now. She will sit up for a few seconds hunched over. She likes to laugh when Faith makes silly sounds for her and she also likes to play peek-a-boo. She takes 3 naps a day and sleeps about 12 hrs a night. She also likes to chew on her index finger.

Faith is still into princesses but likes to play with the Cars toys too. She especially likes Mack and Lightening McQueen and saying Cachow. She has most of the princess songs memorized along with all the lines in the movies that she says while watching them and when she is playing on her own. It is the sweetest thing to listen to her sing what she remembers. She is very dramatic but also very sensitive to others feelings and saying sorry if she realizes she has upset me or Daddy. She has started praying more things on her own at bedtime besides what we suggest to her which is just the best. She loves her little sister Ava and likes to show her off when we go out or see friends. Faith also likes to tell us 3 more mintues- I guess 3 is the magic number. I love them both so much. I just wanted to update things they are both doing at this age so we will both remember.

My 2 silly willies!

Justin's B-day

2011-07-30T20:14:00.000-05:00

Uncle Jason, Grammy, and Pops came over for dinner and cake for Justin's B-day one evening. Ava visiting with Uncle Jason.

Read to sing Happy Birthday and eat the lemon cake Grammy made for Justin.

Helping Daddy blow out the candle. Ava was in bed at this point.

Happy Birthday, Daddy.

Faith First Dance Recital

2011-07-30T18:41:00.001-05:00

Faith took Dance Class 2 days a week this summer at Dance Force Studios. It was for 6 weeks and it was similar to a MDO for dance. They did had dance time, lunch, play time, learning time and she really enjoyed it. At the end of the 6 weeks, we were invited to come to a recital to show what they had learned during their time at the studio. Faith was super excited to see us.

She waved to each one of us and said our name...so cute!

This was the starting position for their dance. She kicked her foot up and down to the music before standing up.

Moving to the music and wathcing her dance teacher. She did so well trying to do all the moves just like her teacher. She was really trying her best!

They ended in a circle and threw up their beach ball prop they used during the dance.

Afterwards, running to see us and especially Papa & Nana

She was so happy to see them and so proud of herself!

Family picture! Ava enjoyed watching it all just as quiet as could be the whole time.

An older girl came over and gave Faith her rose after she heard Faith say she wanted a flower. It was so sweet of her to do that since we hadn't brought her one. .oops! ;)

They made a bobble of themselves to take with them on the last day!

I look forward to many more recitals to come.

Ava- 4 months old!

2011-07-30T18:09:00.001-05:00

Miss Ava turned 4 months old on July 14th. The same day as Daddy's birthday and Faith's first dance recital. It was a fun busy day. Ava is the sweetest baby and so content. I could just snuggle her all day long. She started to roll to her tummy and sleep that way at 4 months. She still doesn't roll back to her back yet. She does scoot herself around while lying on your stomach and ends up a completely different direction from where she started. She babbles alot now and is a joy to be with. I love all her new expressions at this age.

She weighs 16 lbs 6 oz. and is 26 inches long. She is my big, long lovey girl.

She has been cloth diapered since about 3 weeks old and I am loving it! Here she is sporting one of her super cute cloth diapers and her stylin fedora.

My happy girl!

Ava loves watching her sister play and Faith will occasionally stop what she is doing to kiss on Ava or lay with her on the playmat. Can't wait to watch them grow up together. I am sure I will have many more matching outfits to come. ;)

Faith's First Movie: Cars 2

2011-07-29T23:27:00.000-05:00

We took Faith to her first movie at the movie theater to see Cars 2. She was excited to go and get some treats while we watched the movie. We had been watching the first Cars movie at home to get ready. Nana & Papa wathced Miss Ava so we could take Faith on a date.

Buying the movie tickets.

Picking up some treats. We got her a cherry slurpee and us a coke slurpee along with some popcorn. She wasn't too into the cherry slurpee as you can tell by her face as she is trying it out.

The preview started and she thought it was a little too loud in there. Can you tell by her concerned face look? I asked Daddy to ask them to turn the volume down a bit and he reluntantly did go ask for us. It was much better after they turned it down a bit.

Busting out the smuggled tootsie roll pop for the start of the movie and I put my camera down. I am sure the others around us were thankful for that too.

Faith enjoyed the movie and had to leave carrying our leftover popcorn. I didn't like the second movie as much as the first one. The first Cars is a much better kid movie in my opinion. I don't think we will be buying the Cars 2 dvd.

We went to the movies down at the Harbor and she really wanted to stop and play at the fountain first but we didn't want to miss the movie so we stopped afterwards to throw in some coins and make wishes.

It was a fun day with our big girl!

The Day After: More Swimming

2011-07-29T22:02:00.000-05:00

We stayed the night at Nana & Papa's house after the 4th of July party and did more swimming the next day! Faith was one happy girl!

Slide Action shot!

Sliding with Papa!

Mommy's turn. We had fun sliding at the party too!

After drying off and getting dressed-she played for a bit pretending to serve us food. She is asking for our money here and then gave us pretend food.

Fun times-love this picture of my sweet girl!

4th of July 2011

2011-07-29T21:36:00.000-05:00

Every year we spend the 4th of July weekend with Nana & Papa for my Dad's birthday which is on the 4th. We got the girls ready and headed over on the super hot day! Sweet sister sporting there red, white, and blue.

We got to Papa & Nana's house and Faith saw a big surprise in the yard! They bought a play set and Faith was surprised and thrilled. This is her seeing it for the first time.

She ran straight for it!

And climbed right up the rock climbing wall...made Daddy proud!

Sliding..she didn't even care that is was a tad hot.

She tested out all the bells and whistles.

Peek-a-boo! We see you!

Thanks so much Papa & Nana!

Our annual 4th of July family picture...first one as a family of 4.

Uncle Jason and Ava before she went to bed.

Faith was ready to swim after playing on the playset but first had to stop at the saddle.

Swimming with Daddy and loving the pool slide!

Faith only got out of the pool long enough to eat, play with sparklers and watch fireworks.

First time with sparklers and poppers after the sun went down.

Thanks to the other people at the party for sharing their sparklers with her. She had a ball with them and the poppers.

It was another great 4th celebration!

Happy Birthday, Papa!

Ava slept through it all-even all the loud craziness going on and fireworks! Such a sweet love!

Swimming & Smores

2011-07-17T23:34:00.000-05:00

The Bergs came over to eat dinner and so Ethan and Faith could play together. After dinner, we went outside and played in the pool, bounce house, and then made smores.

Cooking the mallow.

Smore time! So good...Faith would rather eat just the graham cracker or hershey bar. She is not a fan of the marshmallow and how sticky it gets after melted.

It was a fun and messy night!

Swim Lessons Show Day

2011-07-17T23:27:00.000-05:00

Faith took swim lessons for the first time this summer. She went to Ms. Harriet's with her friend Tate to learn to swim for 2 weeks in June. The last day the parents got to come and stay to watch everything they had learned at lessons.

Waiting to start

Each lesson started with them jumping in the water while they sang a little song and then counted to 3 and were dunked under the water.

Dunked, wet, and ready to swim.

They put there face in the water while the other kids count to see how long they can stay under.

Arms up and ready to practive swimming.

Faith and Tate waiting their turn.

kick, kick, kick

gliding

Faith had to have the Little Mermaid board.

Jumping off and going under.

Floating

They gradually let go and she floated for 10 seconds.

Faith went under and got both rings from the bottom at the shallow end.

Jumping off the diving board was the last thing the showed us.

Faith loved jumping off the diving board at first throughout lessons and then started getting a little nervous about it but still liked it.

Splash!

Good job, big girl!

They always got a candy treat after each lesson and today was a popsicle! Yum! Faith also got a picture they took of her under the water with the water camera.

Tate and Faith eating their treats for doing such a great job.

Sweet Friends!

The girls...Daddy did get to come but had to get back to work right before the diving board portion of the show day. :)

Sweet little Ava just enjoyed watching the whole thing even in the heat.

Ava is 3 months old!

2011-06-14T16:24:00.000-05:00

Ava is 3 months old today! She is such a sweet baby!

Happy Happy girl! Love that smile!

She is holding her head up well and starting to twist on the ground like she is about to roll over.

She still sleeps 12 hours at night and takes 4 naps a day. She likes to watch her big sister sing with her princesses. I got her to laugh a few weeks ago by making a clicking sound with my mouth. She has since laughed when we blow on her neck. It is the sweetest sound!

The drool has started!

Love her blue eyes and long lashes just like Daddy and Faith!

Cute little bootie!

Love you honey bear!

My Lovies!!

2011-06-07T11:32:00.000-05:00

My two sweet lovies!

Faith is so sweet with Ava! Love how she puts her hand on her to kiss her head.

Birthday Party Fun!

2011-05-19T21:38:00.001-05:00

We took Faith and Ava to Olivia's 5th birthday at the spray park.

Ava fell asleep shortly after we arrived and happily slept in the stroller during the party.

Faith & Ella went back and forth from the spray area to the playground and had fun playing together.

Sweet friends!

The Daddy's were watching the girls while the mommy's got to socialize. Justin & Chris snapped this picture of themselves.

After we got home from the party, I had to do a liitle photo op with the girls in their matchin pineapple rompers.

Love how Ava is looking at Faith

Sweet Lovey!

I just love these girls so much!!!

How cute is she???

Toesy Woseys

Happy girl!

Fish in the Pond

2011-05-19T10:48:00.001-05:00

Papa bought some fish for Faith to put in the "pond" in our neighborhood. She was so excited to go put them in the water. Papa took her on the trail and they put them. He said she wanted to hold each fish and put it in the water. Once they were all in, she wanted to get them back. Papa had to expain that we had to leave them in there and come visit them.

I took Faith and Ava to the last library time of the year a few weeks ago before the summer reading program starts and we had to sport their matching black necklace tops since it was a cooler day. I love how she is holding Ava so happy and Ava is looking at me like "who's holding me, mommy?"

I was putting up clothes in my bedroom and pulled in the playmat for Ava to play on my bed and Faith crawled up with her on the bed and held her hand.

I love how sweet Faith is holding Ava's face!

Love my girls!!!

Easter Egg Hunt 2011

2011-05-16T12:55:00.000-05:00

Easter Egg Hunt

This was Faith's 3rd egg hunt this year. She had one at Mother's Day Out, Grandpa and Grandma Graves house and now the Wilson Family egg hunt. The kids lined up on the sidewalk waiting to start collecting eggs. As you can see, they weren't hidden too hard across the yard.

Her basket is pretty full.

Love her squatting down to get her eggs. She wouldn't pick up all the ones she saw. I am not sure why or what her criteria was for the ones that went in her basket.

She did like to open them as she went though. This one had a small egg inside a larger egg surprise. We had to keep telling her we would open all of them at the end.

Posing with her loot.

We stopped for a family picture...Ava was inside napping. Faith was busy looking insdie her eggs. Shortly after this, the sprinklers came on and sprayed us and others who were still hunting for eggs.

After the egg hunt was over, out came the confetti filled eggs. It is a anual tradition to have fun cracked them on each others head. Thanks to Jennifer and Shawn for getting them for everyone. Faith loved cracking them on people's head this year after we did them on her first.

She had to crack one on Papa and Nana.

We had to help her squeeze it a little to get it to break. Everyone gladly let her smash it on their heads. So funny!

Aunt Amy's turn

Then, she wanted to crack one on her second cousin Adam and he so nicely obliged.

If that was fun enough, then the kids headed ot the backyard to swing at the pinata. We have had one almost every year since I was a little girl at our Easter lunch. It is alot of fun. Last year, Faith was scared to do it and sad to hit the ducky. Jennifer got an egg this year for the little kids to swing at instead of an animal. Faith waited her turn as Carson, Morgan and Jacob took their turns. They all got to take several turn before it finally broke open. Faith hit the final swing to bust it open and spill all the candy and toys out.

Love her concentration trying to hit that egg!

Jacob's & Morgan turn at the pinata with Aunt Jennifer's help.

Amy held Ava inside while we were outside doing the pinata.

Ava is 2 months old!

2011-05-14T20:25:00.003-05:00

Miss Ava is 2 months old today and its also my sister's birthday!

Happy Birthday, Amy! We love you!

Ava is such a sweet happy baby. She likes to sit in the bouncer and grab the parrot and monkey. She also like her playmat and has started to bat at the elephant that hangs down and rattles. She is a great sleeper! She sleeps about 11-12 hrs each night and we are so blessed by it! Yay for sleep! I think she is going to have a redish tint to her hair. You can see her eyebrows are a little red too. She also likes to give lots of smiles to us when we "talk" but it is hard to catch it on camera still.

Sweet grin!

Love the big open mouth and noises. I think she is saying "yay for pictures, mommy!"

Serious pose. She is long for sure. She can already wear 6 month size onesies for the length and I did weigh her today and she weighed in at a whopping 13 lbs 15 ounces. Go big girl!

Easter 2011

2011-05-10T16:47:00.000-05:00

We got all dolled up to go to Lake Pointe's Easter service on Saturday afternoon with Papa, Nana, Aunt Amy, Grandpa and Grandma Graves. I bought this little purple dress for Faith and when I found out I was having a girl, I bought one in the baby size so the girls could match for Easter long before Miss Ava was even born.

Ava's 1st Easter with Big Sister

We went to the service which was great...the part I got to see. I had to step out with Miss Ava and then we came home to have dinner with the family.

Aunt Amy and the girls..Ava was over the picture taking and ready to eat!

Sunday morning, we got up and Faith had to follow the egg trail to find her Easter basket hiding behind the pillows on the couch.

I am pretty sure she is the only child that got two VHS tapes in her basket. We have a VHS/DVD player in her playroom but the DVD side is broken so she is wathcing old school VHS tapes and we got her Little Mermaid and a Veggie Tales one. She was thrilled!

She is into Little Mermaid and Ariel so Justin picked up this fun bath toy of Ariel's house under the sea with Flounder the fish.

Sportin' her bunny ears and chowin down on some chocolate bright and early in the morning.

Sweet girl loving her basket surprises

She started playing with the little mermaid house and toy immediately and still loves it!

Ava was sleeping and did get a small basket that I didn't get a picture of..oops. Daddy thought it would be funny to "feed" her a pancake when her mouth was opening from smiling and cooing.

Egg Hunt at MDO

2011-05-09T21:22:00.002-05:00

Ava and I went up to the church to enjoy Faith's Easter egg hunt with her and her Mother's Day out class. Waiting to go hunting.

Filling up her egg carton. When she found 12 she knew to stop once the carton was full.

Check out her socks...suppose to be knee socks and pulled up and her bike shorts that are suppose to be under her denim skirt. Everything was out of place.

So happy to find her eggs and open them up to eat some candy!

Class picture

Close-up

It is so much fun to come to these things at her school. Can't wait to enjoy more events as she grows older.

Tummy Time & other random stuff

2011-05-09T21:05:00.000-05:00

Ava a few weeks ago doing some tummy time.

Sweet girl!

Here is Ava(at about 1 month) wearing one of Faith's old onesies sitting in the same bouncer we had for Faith. Below is Faith's picture in it but she was four months old when it was taken.

Nana & Ava in her room

Checking out her crib

Papa& Nana reading books with Faith. She loves all her Dr. Seuss books. They are super long though for the lucky person who gets to read them. ;)

"Ice Skates" & Bath w/ Big Sister

2011-05-01T21:24:00.000-05:00

I bought some tinkerbell roller skates for Faith when I saw them on clearance at Target and hadn't given them to her yet until she found them up on the shelf in the garage and Daddy got them down for her to try out. She kept calling them ice skates and saying, " I want to ice skate, Daddy!"

Putting on the gear.

Trying out the roller skates (aka ice skates)

Loving her new skates...Still a little to young to use them right now.

Practicing using the stopper on her skates. She liked that part.

Later than night, we put Ava in the bath tub with Faith for her first bath with big sister.

Ava loved sitting in the bather with the warm water.

Faith helped rinse and wash Ava.

Ava was so relaxed just loving her bath just like Faith did as a baby.

Chillin'

One last rinse before getting ready for bed. It is fun to bathe them together and Ava likes to watch Faith play with all her bath toys. Justin and I were cleaning her and I thought this must be nice...its like she is at a spa getting the spa treatment. :)

Ava: 1 month old

2011-04-18T10:12:00.002-05:00

Ava turned one month old on April 14th.

She is a great baby! She already weighs 12 pounds and is sleeping through the night! We are so blessed by that...she sleeps from about 8 or 9 until 7am in the morning! It is greatness! She is imitating our smiles and faces and has started making the agoo sounds trying to "talk". It is so sweet.

I thought I would do a little comparison of Ava and Faith.

Here is Faith at 1 month old..definitely smaller than Ava but I am not sure by how much here.

Ava & Faith Comparison

Ava Faith

Going to their 2 week check-up.

Ava Faith

9 lb 11 oz 7 lb 12 oz

22 inches long 18 1/2 inches long

4:31pm by vbac 6:26 pm by c- section

Blubonnets 2011

2011-04-15T14:41:00.000-05:00

I love bluebonnet time when the bluebonnets bloom and the weather gets nicer. Even when Justin and I were dating, I made him go take pictures in them and we have done that ever since Faith was born. This year I wasn't going to wait to long like last year when they were almost all gone away before we made it out to take our annual pictures. We started off with Faith by herself while Ava waited in the car since it was so windy!

We got some Mommy and Faith shots together! Love my first born little lady!

Love this one Justin got with her looking at me.

Eskimo kissess!

I was so excited to take sisters pictures in the bluebonnets for the first time!

Of course, they were coordinated in their matching outfits!

Faith did a great job holding onto Ava!

SISTER LOVE!

Such sweetness!

Just the girls!

Mommy & Ava...she slept through most of it!

We brought our tripod to put our camera on and get a family shot! You can see how windy it was by my hair and Faith's hair all over the place.

Daddy & his girls!

Love this last one of Faith just staring at the bluebonnets! Can't wait to take many more bluebonnets pictures to come as Faith and Ava grow up together.

Sweet Sisters at Bedtime

2011-04-07T15:31:00.002-05:00

I brought in Ava to Faith's room one night after Justin read bedtime stories so we could say prayers as a family. Faith asked to hold her so we agreed and she was so sweet. I had to go grab my camera and take a picture of my two sweet girls and sisters. Grover had to get in the picture too. She gave Ava a kiss and then we prayed. Faith prays for Ava who we call Honey Bear and Faith is Sugar Bear.

Earlier, Grandma Wilson came over to meet Miss Ava Nicole with Papa and Nana.

Tate's 3rd B-day Party with my Bumblebees!

2011-03-29T13:37:00.000-05:00

On Saturday March 26th, we took Faith to her friend Tate's 3rd fishing themed third birthday party. Ava and Faith wore their bee outfits to the party.

Showing off her wings on the back of the onesie

Me and my baby bumble bee!

Tate had a pool with fish that swam and you could use the fishing pole that had a magnet at the end to catch the fish.

Sweet friends!

Swinging in the hammock with Daddy after jumping on the trampoline.

After jumping for a while, Faith went back up to fish with Tate and caught one!

Cupcake time and singing Happy Birthday!

Faith picked the blue fish cupcake and had a nice blue mouth after eating it.

Faith had a great time at the party and it was such a beautiful day. She loved singing happy birthday to Tate and had fun playing with her friend. Ava had fun too and slept through the whole party.

Pizza & Picassos

2011-03-29T12:09:00.001-05:00

We gave Ava her first bath before her first outing to Faith's MDO event called Pizza & Picassos where the teachers display the kids art they have done throughout the year.

Faith helped wash Miss Ava but was more into putting on my lip gloss.

Ava liked her warm bath just like her big sister did when she was given a bath for the first time.

Drying off her hair.

All clean and warm and time to get ready for her first outing since coming home from the hospital.

I got both girls dressed in their ladybug outfits. I love coordinating them already. It is so much fun!

Big sister loving on little sister....my two sweet love bugs.

Getting her cheese pizza at the church

Her class artwork

Faith did the pig and the pizza plate art.

Faith with her teachers Ms Corinna and Ms Marisa

Ava slept through the whole thing!

Big Sister Present

2011-03-27T13:15:00.001-05:00

Yippee, a new game player for me!

Nana & Papa bought Faith the Fisher Price XLi to play with after Ava was born. It was a very special big sister gift. She loves playing games on my iphone and watching older kids play with their handheld games. She was super excited to have her own game. It is also great for Mommy because she can do it on her own. Thanks Nana & Papa.

Look at that big happy grin.

Coming Home with Ava

2011-03-24T16:21:00.000-05:00

We left the hospital with Ava Nicole on Wednesday afternoon on March 16th for our house.

Love the little squished up legs.

Mommy & Ava ready to go home.

Tiffany and Dylan came by before we left to visit Ava.

In the car seat and ready for the first car ride.

Daddy putting Ava in the car.

Mommy riding in the back. Ava did well on the ride home and only cried a little bit right before we pulled up in front of the house.

We're home!

Ava's first home.

Saying hi to big sister.

Giving kisses!

Faith showing us the sign she made with Nana to welcome Ava home.

Meet & Greet: 2 Days Old

2011-03-23T15:55:00.001-05:00

Jennifer and James came to meet Ava on Tuesday.

That night, Fatih came back up and brought me a pink rose and chocolate covered pretzels. Another family of 4 picture.

Faith wanted to hold Ava. We sat her in the bed and get her ready.

She was excited at first and then Ava started crying and she was quickly done holding her. She will have to get used to the crying. So far, she just says, "Stop crying Ava!" I tell her you can't tell her to stop you have to sing to her, or read to her or we need to check her diaper or rock her. She will get it soon.

Papa & Nana loving on Ava but she wasn't cooperating with our photo shoot.

Anut Amy was so sweet to bring us dinner the first night and Luby's lunch the next day.

Erin came up after her shift to check on Miss Ava

Hugs!

Ava meets the family: 1 Day Old

2011-03-23T15:39:00.001-05:00

After Ava was born, family came to greet her.

Uncle Jason

Grandpa & Grandma Graves

Aunt Amy

Great Grandmamma &Grammy

Grammy and Ava have the same birthday!

Erin, my special helper, with the fam.

Later that night, my mom and Dad brought Faith to meet her sister.

She said hi but was more concerned with the IV in my arm and making sure I was okay.

Then, she spotted the Tiff's Treat cookies with m&m's and was happy.

Enjoying her cookie!

Kisses for sister!

Papa & Nana with Ava

Great Grandma Allen came in from Chicago to see Ava.

Family of 4!

We got Faith a BIG SISTER bag..a princess rolling suitcase filled with goodies special for her.

She loved opening it up and finding all the surprises inside like princess cups, books, DVD, dolls, Big Sis PJ's, puzzles and more.

She rolled it all the way out with Nana to take it home! We are so glad it made her feel special.

Aunt Amy also got her some special surprises to use to play dress up. She put them right on in the hospital started growling with her gloves, ladybug mask, and butterfly heandband on.

Western Day

2011-03-22T20:41:00.000-05:00

Faith's MDO had Western Day and started the day with pony rides.

Tate and Faith waiting for their class and turn on the ponies.

Faith was first in line and had picked out the rainbow hair colored pony that she wanted to ride.

She was so happy that she got to ride that one.

Happy Girl! Yeehaw!

After all the kids had a turn on a pony, they took a class picture.

Time to line up and go to music class.

Later that day, they had a hotdog lunch with chips and juice for their western day lunch.

Faith loves riding ponies and talked about the rainbow pony for a while after that day. When her turn was over, she was not a happy camper. She cried to ride again.

Ava Nicole

2011-03-22T12:02:00.004-05:00

A week ago, Ava Nicole Graves was born at 4:31 pm on March 14th, 2001. She weighed 9 lbs 11 ounces and measaured 22 inches long.

I had a great pregnancy and was due March 7th. My doctor planned to induce on March 14th if I had not gone into labor by then. Saturday early morning around 1 am I started having contractions all night long and could not sleep. It was early labor and they died down in the afternoon but started again Saturday night and I decided to go to the hospital Sunday morning to check things out and I was only dilated to a 1. I am glad we went because they gave me Norco to sleep so I would have energy for labor Monday morning.

My mom stayed the night Sunday so Justin and I could get up Monday and go to Baylor at 8am for indcution. We got there and Dr. Joseph came into start labor by using a foley bulb but ended up not needing it because I was dilated to a 2 and 80% effaced so they just used gel to stimulate contrations and oh boy it did. They started coming fast and strong and there weren't many breaks in between. Erin Pyka came to help me though my delivery and stayed the whole time. I was so glad to see her when she arrived. I larbored for 2 hours and then got an epidural and was dilated to a 4, 90% effaced around 12. Whlie getting an epidural, Justin had to sit down because he almost passed out and thank goodness Erin was there to step in so I could hold onto her. Shortly after, I felt my water break. At first they thought Miss Ava had pooped in the womb but later they realized she hadn't which was a relief to me. At 2:00pm, I was checked after telling the nurse that I felt lots of pressure and I was dilated to an 8 and 100% effaced. An hour later, I was dilated to a 10 and ready to push. We waited for Dr. Joseph to get to the room before starting to push. When he arrived, they got me all ready and I started pushing at 4:10pm. Ava was born at 4:31pm. Because she was a big baby, he had to use forceps and the had the NICU team in the room in case her shoulders were too broad and didn't come out after her head but thankfully they did. She pooped right as she came out and it went all over the doctor. I was so thankful for all the wonderful people helping me though it and all the prayers of friends and family which I know made it possible for me to have a VBAC after c-section. God is so good. He was my source of strength through it all and my comfort. What a blessing Ava is and the whole experience even though it was hard. I am just so grateful!

41 weeks preggo

Leaving for the hospital to have Ava.

Laboring after epidural

Pushing-Justin cooling me off.

Yay...Ava is born!

Ava Nicole

Checking her stats.

The weigh-in

Using her lungs!!

Footprints

Sweet baby feet

Loving on Miss Ava

Justin, Ava, & I with Dr. Joseph

Nurse Meg

Erin & Jenni cleanig the blood out of Ava's hair.

Amy sent Tiff's treats cookies and they were so fresh and warm! Best treat after having Ava!

Ready to go upstairs!

Erin with Ava!

Erin was the best nurse ever and it wasn't even her day to work. She was the biggest blessing to me, Justin, and Ava all day! I can't thank her enough. She was also our personal photographer in the delivery room. Thank you, Erin!!! We love you!

Someone is ready for a STROLL

2011-03-10T16:43:00.001-06:00

My mom got us this new sit and stand stroller that the baby car seat can sit in front while Faith rides standing or sitting at the back. Justin put it together and afterward I had Faith try it out sitting and standing while pushing her around the house.

Peek-a-boo!

Guess who crawled into the baby car seat in the front of the stroller??

Faith crawled ride in and kept playing some games on my phone.

It was so cute and sweet! :)

Ready to roll!

Shower for Baby Ava

2011-03-01T20:07:00.000-06:00

My mom and Brenda had a baby shower for Baby Ava at the Chocolate Angel on February 12th from 1:15-3:15. It was so much fun and decorated so cute.

My sister Amy made this special diaper cake with all fun baby goodies attached.

The invitation and the sign-in page of the baby book.

Mom, me, and Brenda

All the sweet presents for Miss Ava

They set up a leopard baby dress that Faith wore since the invitations were pink and leopard along with our baby pictures and a recent family picture we took.

Sitting down to eat the yummy lunch which was chicken salad, spinach salad, and a strawberry jello pretzel creation that was super tasty. Each place had a name card with coming out of a little baby sock to find your placee to sit...it was so cute. After lunch, we had the choice of coconut or chocolate brownie pie. Amy and I split and had a little of both.

More guests from the shower: Grandma Wilson, Debbie, Stephanie, Jennier, & Lynette

Jill and Sue are in the background table.

Me, Amy, and Natalie

Grandmamma and Grammy

Amy and I

Carianne, Janie, Debbie & me

I got so many wonderful gifts from friends and family and missed those that couldn't be there like Grandma Allen and Uncle Bill and Jan. Showing off one of the cloth diapers I got at the shower.

Amy wrapped up this bib that says, "My Aunt is Hot and Single" for Ava to wear out and about...too funny!

My dear friend from A&M, Amy Morgan, drove in from Tyler to celebrate with me and I was so thankful to have her their to catch up and be apart of the shower.

Cloth Diaper Giveaway!

2011-02-27T14:21:00.000-06:00

I am going to try out cloth diapers this time around with Ava. I am excited and nervous to try them and have already started a stash to use when the new baby arrives. I entered this giveaway at kellywels.com for a chance to win cloth diapers and other goodies and wanted to share with others that might be interested too.

Here is the link to sign up for the sweepstakes giveaway. There are many ways to enter! First be sure to like Kelly Wels on Facebook; then enter the Sweepstakes. Click on the image below to be taken to her site to fill out the sweepstakes entry form for the giveway. Below is what you will receive if you win! 18 cloth diapers and more! It is an awesome prize! If you win and arent' cloth diapering, you could always donate them to me. :)

I am so excited to officially launch the second KellyWels.com Sweepstakes to win a bumGenius One-Size Cloth Diaper Kit valued at $370.

The bumGenius 4.0 One-Size Cloth Diaper Kit includes:

* 18- bumGenius 4.0 One Size with inserts

* 1 –bumGenius Sprayer

* 1 – bumGenius Pail Liner

36 weeks!

2011-02-20T15:25:00.000-06:00

The time is getting closer for Miss Ava to arrive and we will become a family of 4 soon! It has gone by fast and we look forward to adding another sweet girl to our family. :) Faith will randomly say Ava during the day and come give my belly a kiss. It is so sweet. We pulled out the swing, car seat, and boucny seat and Faith has played with all the baby things. I am praying that I will go into labor naturally and things will progress right along. March 7th is just around the corner!

Valentine's Party

2011-02-17T20:43:00.001-06:00

Faith's MDO Valentine Party was on February 8th in the morning. It was a breakfast party and we signed up to bring the donut holes. Faith chose sprinkle donut holes to bring to the class party. She also brought her Valentine card box we decorated and cards for her friends.

Sitting at her spot with the placemat they amde for the party. It had her handprints made into a heart and said, "Faith loves bouncy balls to sit on." She got a ball you sit on and bouce around on for Christmas.

With Mommy & Daddy at the party!

With her friends Presley and Tate

One of her teachers, Ms Marisa and her friend Harper.

They served milk, juice, strawberries, blueberries, donuts, and kolaches at their breakfast party.

Chowing down on the donut hole!

Faith is holding Ms Corinna's hand as they leave for music after the party. Faith started crying becuase she didn't want Daddy to leave and wanted us to go with her to music. You can see her HUGE pouty lip because she was so sad.

The Great Ice & Snow of 2011

2011-02-17T16:50:00.000-06:00

The second round of snow in 2011 was so much colder and lots of ice came with it! Faith and Daddy went out to play in the backyard for a little bit but Faith was not loving it as much as the first time since it was sooo much colder this time around. 20 degrees and lower and pretty windy too. They did make snow angels and we made snow ice cream again along with drinking lots of hot chocolate inside.

Front of the house after all the snow. It was really beautiful!

Faith did like stomping through the 5 or so inches of snow.

Being couped up for 4 days with school closed and roads shut down was not so fun after the first day but I was thankful I didn't have to drive in it to be at work. Justin still went into work since the office is so close and he has the jeep. He did take Faith in the jeep to drive in the school parking lot for a few minutes so she could see all the snow in the neighborhood.

Crazy Hat, Tie, and Sock Day!

2011-01-19T08:26:00.000-06:00

Faith's 1st day back to MDO in 2011 was Crazy Hat, Tie, and Sock Day. She missed the last week in 2010 from being sick and had to miss the Christmas party. I took her cowboy hat and tied pom pom balls to it to make it crazy. Then, she wore two different socks- a bunny and an owl knee sock along with her top that has a tie sewn on it. She loved wearing her hat!

Later in the week, her class had pajamma day and Faith choose to wear her"bones" PJ's. The pink ones with the glow in the dark skeletons on them. I didn't get a picture of that but she had fun and they got to watch a show and eat popcorn at school which was a frist for her class.

32 weeks

2011-01-18T16:09:00.000-06:00

I was 32 weeks on January 13th.

I had my doctor appointment and he said the baby is still head down which is good. She loves to kick her feet. I started getting a little reflux recently and I a going every 2 weeks for check ups now. I am just praying that my body goes into labor naturally and starts progressing soon.

I still love sweets and crave ice cream or chocolate. Overall, my pregnancy has been great and I am so thankful for everything going well. It won't be long now.

SnowFun Day 2!

2011-01-17T14:38:00.004-06:00

Since the weater stayed so cold and in the 20's it was nice to get to play in the snow two days and have it stick around a while. After lunch, it was snowtime again and another attempt at making a snow princess with Daddy.

Fixin her up!

Faith's Snow Princess

Complete with tiara, play food carrot nose and banana mouth. wand arms and teacup lid eyes.

Faith loved just falling down in the snow and laid there for quite a while that is how I got all the cute close-up pictures of her in the snow.

Daddy was throwing snow at her here.

Jumping off the ice block daddy rolled.

Down in the snow again!

We used her rocking fish as a sled sort of for Daddy to push her around the backyard. She loved the ride!

Leaning into it...haha...love it.

Family picture with the snowman and our camera on timer.

We did this last year too so it will be fun to compare the pictures! Faith is so lucky to get snow two times in a row to play in unlike when we were kids. Snow brings so much fun!

We ended our fun snow day with another fire and some snow ice cream.

I used Paual Deen;s recipe.

8 cups snow

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp vanilla

It was really yummy! We all loved it! Hopefully, we wil get to make it again next year!

Snow Much Fun!

2011-01-17T12:27:00.000-06:00

It started snowing Sunday morning on January 9th. Faith was so excited! It was really coming down. Nana & Papa stopped by after church and brought lunch and then we played in the snow for a while. Daddy was in Hubbard doing inventory for the pharmacy but got home later to play again.

Catching some snow in her mouth.

Belly slide...just like the penguins.

Yay! I love all these pictures because they really show how much it was snowing...so pretty!

Eating snow snow and throwing snowballs at each other.

Sharing a snowball with Papa. Papa was great to walk around and play with Faith in the snow while Nana and I took some pictures and video.

Daddy arrived home after Faith's nap and we had round 2 of playing in the snow but this time it had stopped snowing. Scooping up some snow trying ot make a snowman.

Throwing snow at Daddy!

After playing out in the cold, we came in and started a fire to warm our toes by it before bedtime and enjoyed some smore brownies! Yum!

Christmas Day-Hooray!

2011-01-06T15:26:00.001-06:00

We actually had to wake Faith up on Christmas morning. She is a good sleeper. :) Ready to open up presents. Santa brought her a ball you sit on and bounce that she ran to immediately and bounced around the house. Our Santa gift is always unwrapped and sitting out somewhere around the room.

She got a Barbie guitar...

...and a Little People Car Ramp & Happy Home. She has been sliding cars and little people down the car ramp every day. She loves it.

After opening presents and stockings at our house, we headed over to Papa & Nana's house for Christmas. She got a scooter from Nana & Papa.

She practiced riding around the house..she is til getting the hang of it. She would prefer we push her around on it.

Aunt Amy got her a super hero cape, gloves, and mask. It has a crown on the back with her name on it. SOOO CUTE!

SUPER FAITH!

Playing with another favorite gift...Melissa & Doug wooden ice cream set.

She found Bob on the tree!

Love my super Faith...she had a fun Christmas and loves her new toys!

Ending the night with some of Nana's chocolate homemade pudding and whipped cream. Yum!

We also had a great dinner and played the annual Wii bowling game. Justin won last year but my mom took the title and the bowling pin trophy this year!

Christmas Eve Night

2011-01-02T17:51:00.000-06:00

We spend Christmas Eve at Grandpa & Grandpa Graves' house. We had a yummy dinner and opened presents. The kids had fun playing together and they got lots of fun new toys.

Waiting and ready to open up the gifts.

Tearing into them.

She got a Baby Alive doll and doctor kit. She loved playing "baby doctor" with it.

Faith got so many great gifts and has been enjoying playing with them all.

Watching The Polar Express while the grown-ups opened gifts and did lottery ticket stratch off.

Thanking Grandpa and giving hugs.

Christmas Eve Service 2010

2011-01-02T17:12:00.001-06:00

We went to Lake Pointe's Christmas Eve Eve Service on December 23rd. Faith is all dolled up and ready to go to church.

Mommy & Faith before heading out to church.

The service was great as usual. I always look forward to the music and they did not disappoint this year. Chris August started the service singing Starry Night and Jason Castro also sang. I just love the Christmas songs we sing at church. Faith did great in the big service and enjoyed the music too even dancing a little while we stood to sing. Her favorite part by far was the candle lighting at the end where everyone sings Slient Night. She was so excited to hold her lit candle very carefully.

A few pictures by the Christmas tree after church.

We had to get one with Mommy & Daddy and Papa & Nana who met us there. It is definitley a challenge to get a picture with a toddler.

28 weeks

2011-01-01T20:06:00.001-06:00

I was 28 weeks on December 16th.

I am getting big and its getting harder for me to put on my shoes and baby girl is kicking like no tomorrow. I can feel her foot pressing out on my tummy. Faith is starting to talk more about baby Ava and what she will do with her when she is here. We were in the car the other day and she said, "I will sing to Ava and read to her, and watch the train movie with Ava". It was so sweet. I said she won't know how to talk but she will cry to talk to us. Then, she started pretending to cry like a baby. I said, "yes" like that. I start going every 2 weeks now for check-ups and pray that everything continues going well and Ava keeps growing healthy and strong. I can't believe it is getting so close.

Christmas with Grammy & Pops

2010-12-30T15:49:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Christmas with Grammy & Pops the weekend before Christmas shortly after we were all on the mend from being sick and homebound for a while. We had a great meal together and opened presents.

Faith with Grammy & Pops

Opening up her new vaccuum. I am so excited to have a cleaning helper.

Hugs for Uncle Jason for the fun princess jewel game.

Her favorite thing from the night was the glowing Santa that canges colors and hershey kisses.

Decorating Christmas Cookies

2010-12-30T15:40:00.000-06:00

We went over the Grandpa and Grandma Graves' house to decorate Christmas cookie and have some pizza in December. The first cookie Faith did had blue icing and she put it straight in her mouth which explains the blue smile. We had to have a little lesson about decorating a cookie and not eating everyone of them.

Having a good time decorating with her cousing Cade & Jace

She is super concentrating on the icing and sprinkles for the cookies.

She lasted the longest decorating out of all the kids...she loved it probably because it is much like getting to paint.

Hubbard Christmas Parade

2010-12-30T14:31:00.000-06:00

We went down to Hubbard one Saturday for there Christmas parade and the pharmacy was having a sidewalk sale. My mom and dad came and Justin's family helped out too. Faith walked in and immediately found a little sheep that she kept the whole day and called it Little Bo Peep. She started singing the nursery rhyme when she saw it and sleeps with it every night now.

Little Bo Peep

Putting Bo Peep in a box.

At the pharmacy in front of their Christmas tree.

Waiting outside for the parade to start with her sheep.

Hanging out with Mommy and Papa

Uncle Jason and Glenda working the side walk sale. They sold lots of goodies.

Ready to catch some candy.

Enjoying her sucker from the parade. It was a gorgeous day and actually pretty warm. Faith had fun seeing the horses, firetrucks, and clowns in the parade along with gathering all the candy they threw in a bucket to munch on.

Trimming the Tree

2010-12-30T12:07:00.000-06:00

After Thanksgiving, we put out all our Christmas decorations and added the ornaments to the tree. Last year I bought these sparkly lightbulb ornaments that are unbreakable and Faith loved them so I bought another tub this year for her to put on the tree.

She lined them all up.

Then, started hanging them on the tree.

As you can tell in the picture they all seemed to end up around the same spot.

She continued to take some off and move them around throughout Decemeber.

Since she was moving into her big girl room, I wanted to get her a Christmas tree for her room. We went to Hobby Lobby and picked on out along with some ornaments.

Trimming her tree with Sesame Street ornaments, a princess, letter F ball, and mini candy canes, lollipops, and snowflakes.

Adding the star to the top to finish it off!

All done and ready for her room!

Thanksgiving & Aggies Beat the Longhorns! Whoop!

2010-12-30T11:39:00.000-06:00

We didn't take so many pictures on Thanksgiving but we did get one family picture. It was a great meal with family and we have so much to be thankful for...

1. Baby Ava coming soon.

2. Justin & Jason starting a new business

3. Faith healthy and happy(most of the time)

4. a beautiful home

5. a great church family

6. freedom to worship

and so many more blessings!

Our annual Aggie/Longhorn picture we take after each game. The loser has to frown and the winner does their school sign. Whoop! Gig'em Aggies for beating the longhorns 24-17. This is the best we could do we a self timer camera.