The Duke and Dutchess

My baby is 5!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-03T07:11:00.000-07:00

It is so hard to believe this precious child is 5! Five years ago I was in labor on Labor Day, and got to give birth to the most amazing little girl.

I cannot figure out how we are already 5 years down the road.

My precious little girl. I love you Audrey Bears, you are the light in my life.

Never lose yourself in others, never stray from your dreams, you are worth more than you will EVER know.

I love you BooBears.

My wonderful family.

Next time I need to hold her hair back!

This is actually the second time we lite the candels. Bubba decided to blow them out first. It was so funny to us, but not to Aud.

Typical little brother!

I'm not sure who loved the Sleeping Beauty card more. It played music and the kids danced around the kitchen.

Audrey and her amazing Pap Paw. Our little DaviAnn Jr

Pap Paw and his boy. The only 2 men in our family.

Audrey's 1st day of Pre-K

2008-09-03T07:04:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe that my little girl has started Pre-K.

She goes to the school by our house. We can walk to school on pretty days. I love her teacher and the school.

So does Audrey.

She is already bragging how she is the only one that stays on green all day. That is the highest conduct mark you can get.

I even have a friend that teaches across the hall, so I feel very comfortable about her being at school.

I was so nervous the first few days, but now we are in the swing of things I am doing ok.

This is big stuf to have to let your babies go off to such a big place, with people you do not know!

Bought to walk through the doors!

That child is so perfect! She saved me.

Audrey and her daddy.

Dad, this picture is for you. My dad took pictures of my and my sister on our first days of school.

I am going to try and keep every tradition my dad had with us. Thank you dad for all the memories.

Day with my babies

2008-09-03T06:58:00.000-07:00

I had to do an open house at my listing in Manvel.

The kids and I decided to have a pic nic out under the trees.

This is Travis eating his allergy friendly fried chicken Pap Paw made for him.

Thank you Dad for always making my boy feel special!

My sweet baby

2008-08-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

Back in June I decided to chop my finger off. Not really, but I did cut my finger to the bone with a butter knife! It was great. Anyways, I had just gotten the kids out of the bath, so I threw clothes on them and drove us to the ER clinic close to our apartment. When I opened the door to the clinic my sweet baby stopped in the door way, would not move and said "Oh No, what is wrong with me now!"

How precious can you get. He is so used to us rushing him to the ER. You have to love that boy. He is so wonderful!

My girl

2008-08-16T22:34:00.000-07:00

I can never get enough of her.

Audrey found some ear rings of mine. I never wear them so I let her have them. They are loops with pink stones. She is so proud of them.

Love this church

2008-08-16T22:32:00.000-07:00

I have this adorable listing out in Manvel. Across the street is this old church. I LOVE going out there and sitting under the trees. This church is so peaceful and scenery is beautiful.

Ballet and Birthdays!

2008-08-16T21:48:00.000-07:00

My little girl had her first dance recital. And it was on my birthday! It was so awesome seeing her up there. She did great and was so excited about all of it.

It was the best birthday present ever!

I got to go up on stage and take her flowers. She was so incredibly adorable.

They danced to a song from the Sound of Music.

Aunt Sarah and Audrey

She had such an audience. My parents and sister, Derik's mom and aunt, Aunt Sarah, Uncle Ronnie and the greatest cousin- Ryan.

Travis was so cute. It was really hard to keep him from screaming out Sissy when he saw her up there.

I wasn't quick enough to get Bubba giving Sissy a kiss.

I look horrible! I had been crying. It is so hard to believe that my babies are so grown up.

My babies with me on my birthday. They are all I need. As long as I have the 2 of you, I am the happiest woman on earth. I love you both so much you will NEVER know. You make me feel so special. Travis never stop telling me how much you love me. Audrey never stop being the lite of my life- you saved me.

My cousin (or now as I call her my twin cousin) and I have birthdays just days apart. Monica and I took her kids to Kemah. As usual I never stopped laughing. Her girls are so much fun. Monica- I cannot believe Lauren is 19! And the most beautiful thing I've seen.

Everyone thinks Mon and I look so much alike. They never believe we are just cousins.

Sweet Skylar.

I love you Mon. I thank God for you every day. Thank you for putting up with me!

Summer Days

2008-08-16T21:42:00.000-07:00

Audrey has learned to swim with out the floaties. Well it is more of a doggy paddle. She is very proud.

When it comes to these kids, I think my dad loves them more than he did me and my sis. My dad doesn't allow us to eat any food around Travis that he cannot have. He has mastered the cake for Travis to eat, and we all actually like it. He drives to Sugar Land to buy Travis his special bread, cookies and other foods that he needs. He is the greatest grandfather in existence. I could not ask for a better grandfather for my kids!

My family helping Pap Paw cook a cake.

Trav's 3rd Birthday!

2008-08-13T22:24:00.000-07:00

This was the picture and caption. I first posted after Trav's birth. I cannot believe that my baby is 3!

I could not believe my eyes! This precious boy was mine.
To hold forever and never let go.
You are my heart Brother Bears!

The big boy wanted a Mickey Mouse birthday party. So Mrs. Wendee made him the most adorable Mickey Mouse outfit.

My angels!

He had no desire to take pictures for me.

Gosh I love them!

Daddy and his babies.

Audrey loves her Pap Paw!

Miss Brittany brought Royal. And Aunt Steph and Lys wouldn't miss the party.

Mrs. Angela watching the boys. See little Cade, in the green. I always call him my boyfriend. Travis always tells me NO HE IS NOT!

I wish you could see how hard he was laughing.

Ben and Jonathan being boys.

My perfect sis and dad!

He was mad because Daddy wouldn't let him light it.

Make a wish my love.

Can't get enough of this girl!

This is me thanking all of my friends and family for everything they do for my little man, aud and me. Do you think the kid cares what I am saying?

Wonder where he got it from LOL!

Our beautiful, wonderful Brittany!

Our Aunt Steph and Lys.

All the kids were so cute helping Aud and Trav open their big gifts.

Travis got a big boy bike (he has been riding my sister's old bike).

Brad Wims

2008-06-05T10:09:00.001-07:00

The Wims family is also part of my church family.

I ask that you keep Brad in your prayers. He has cancer and has traveled to Germany for treatment. Because there is currently no treatment in America that can save him.

The Wims have 2 very young children.

I see his wife at church, and I can't help but praise God to have met such an extrodinary woman. Jesus shines through her eyes and smile. How she does that with the pain she is suffering is only GOD.

God Bless you Brad and Jenny! We are praying.

See their blog for updates:

www.thewims.blogspot.com

Thank you all!

Kevyn Bazzy

2008-06-03T09:16:00.001-07:00

I ask everyone, right now, to start praying for my friend Capt. Kevyn Bazzy.

Kevyn and his family are part of my church family.

Kevyn was deployed to Iraq 2 weeks ago.

Please pray for his safe return. That God' arms are wrapped around him at all times. That His angel's are standing guard.

God's will be done.

Capt. Kevyn Bazzy

Audrey's Ballet Outfit

2008-05-31T09:26:00.000-07:00

My little girl is so adorable.

We had their dress rehersal for their recital. So much fun!

I am taking her next weekend to have professional pics done. I am very excited!

She loves ballet, but has decided to try sports. She has done ballet for 2 years, so I agree, she should try everything she can and do what she loves.

Trav will be old enough to start sports soon.

I am getting the single mom thing down. I am EXTREMELY exhausted! But I have my babies, and that is all that matters. Thank goodness my dad is retired so he can help me juggle all the activities. Not sure if he knows that he has been recruited yet!

Just because of the situation, I don't want the kids to miss out on every opportunity to do extra curricular activities.

To Wendee- The Greatest!

2008-05-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

I have to say that God blessed me with the greatest friends. I never knew that I would be so blessed with friendships.

We all know Wendee, how wonderful she is, how she is so great to me and my kids. But never in my wildest dreams did I know that she is the best friend I have ever had. She knows my heart, she listens and picks up on things that I never knew she did.

I have been saying for months that I wanted to take the kids to get pictures of the in blue bonnets. That is one of my fondest childhood memories- thank you Dad!

I want to carry on all the things my parents did with us. Easter is one of my fondest and favorite- next are the blue bonnets.

I never got around to the blue bonnets, but who did? That's right- our Wendee! She is the GREATEST!

We love you Wendee! Thank you so much for making me feel so special on Mother's Day. And thank you for the pride you gave my kids, because they know how much that meant to me.

I love you Dendee!

The best Mother's Day present I have EVER received. Kids- it will be hard to top this when you are older- just warning ya. But do try.

Mother's Day 2008!

2008-05-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

We started our Mother's Day with the Y-ME walk a thon.

It was a fantastic walk this year.

I am so proud of my mother. Infact I am so proud to be her daughter. She was on the board of directors for the Y-ME Houston chapter.

She did a fantastic job.

She gave a beautiful speech, which I forgot to take pics of because I was in AWE of my mother.

Mam Maw and our babies.

Mommy and our babies!

After we took naps, I took the kids swimming and then we met my parents out for dinner.

The adorable, most precious daughter.

Me and my GIRL!

My silly boy. He was more worried about our pager going off than a picture with Mommy.

I can't take enough pics of this child.

My roses that the kids gave me.

My beautiful family!

Me and my girl. Thank you kids- you make living worthwhile. You two will always be 1st in my heart. I love you both more than words can explain.

My Audrey

2008-05-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

This child has the most fantastic imagination. She is bright and cheerful, just the biggest pleasure.

The thing on her head is a rhinestone that she is supposed to dress her pony's head with, not her own.

I love this kid! She is the best thing that happen to me. She saved me! Thank you God.

Mother's Day Lunch

2008-05-18T16:20:00.000-07:00

Audrey's class had a beautiful Mother's Day lunch for us with lots of gifts.

I had a great time getting to have some time with just Audrey. We all know Trav has to be the center of attention. I love that God has made Audrey so understanding of her little brother.

You have to love that beautiful face!

My gift that Audrey made. She hand painted a flower pot and they made flowers to go in it! Love it. She and I are so excited about planting real flowers in it.

Since I was there, I had to go see what my wonderful son was doing.

When I got there they were just finishing up their gifts for us.
I have to say thank you to Ms. Jennifer and Ms. Holly, you both had the kids make HEARTFELT gifts. It was so nice to see the kids faces when they gave me their gifts. They are both so proud.

Now I cannot express how impressed I am with my son. He glued ALL of this on himself. My baby is growing up so fast.

Miss Emma making her gift.

My son has the best expressions.

My kids are so wonderful. They are the light of my life. Since they were babies, I would always say I love you at random times. Not just when I am holding them, or tucking them. While I'm working, doing the dishes anything.

Now they both do it to me. I will hear Travis playing in his room and he will just shout out I UB YOU MOM! Or Aud will be playing with her horses and come running up to me, say I love you and then run off! It is the greatest feeling ever.

What would we do without eachother?!

2008-05-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

I have the sweetest children on earth. Every morning Travis wakes up and says I love you sissy. Or he will tell her she is the greatest sissy ever.

One Friday morning I told Audrey she wasn't going to ballet that day. Travis was still asleep, and she woke him and said "Bubby did you hear that! I'm not going to ballet today. Isn't that great, we get to spend the whole day together."

Sleepy Bubby told her "That is the best thing sissy, I ub you."

How wonderful are they!? I have it made because of them. They are so perfect.

This is really how they sleep! I love it. It is the greatest thing to wake up to every morning.

Life Group outing

2008-05-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

I have the greatest church family!

One night we had Life Group at the park. It was so much fun. Wendee and I sat on the swing and just laughed. It was nice for the kids to be running around and her and I got to have some real girl time.

Here's Travis running on the hamster thing - not sure what you call it.

Emma climbing up- being such a big girl.

My perfect little girl!

Bubba getting ready to go down the big slide.

Apartment Baseball

2008-05-02T10:19:00.000-07:00

After a long day at the pool, the kids and I were waiting for Daddy to come over and watch a movie.

Travis likes to stand at the window and wait for Derik. While doing so, he noticed a baseball game going on at the playground.

I suggested we sit on the patio and watch the game.

The kids loved it.

Here comes Daddy. He was such a good sport considering how sick he was.

They were cheering for both sides. It was so cute!

Getting a little nervous....... not sure what is going to happen.

HOME RUN! (I really don't know if it was, but you would think so.)

The moment I first saw Travis, I said to Derik that he was going to be a baseball star. The kid can hit a ball.

Derik had them at Joey's and he hit it over the fence.

We were at my parents' and Travis hit it across the street and up someone's drive way.

Audrey has many talents. But I think Travis will have one- and he is damn good at. Just like his mommy said he would be! Gotta love my perfect little boy.

BBQ with Daddy

2008-05-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

We had a little BBQ with Daddy, just the four of us. Daddy grilled chicken and I made fries. It was great and relaxing!

The kids playing around the yard and had a blast.

Daddy had his music on and Audrey asked him to dance.

They probably spent an hour twirlling around the deck.

She was so happy and looked so adorably in love with her Daddy.

Travis wanted a turn. Trav and I danced a little, but we all know his attention span.

Going for a spin!

Travis did not Hear a WHO!

2008-05-02T09:54:00.001-07:00

I did it! I became brave enough to take Travis to the movies. We got there early, got our drinks and snacks, and went to wait for our movie.

I was a nervous reck. I looked everywhere for peanuts- and they were everywhere!

We went inside the movie, we were the first ones in.

Every person that came in I would ask if they were eating peanuts.

Of course we were there so early they drank all their drinks, that we had to go to the bathroom 3 times. Twice before the movie, and once during.

Travis eventually got bored and ran around during the movie.

I really couldn't tell you what "Horton Hears a Who" is all about, because I chasing the little boy around the theatre.

$40 later, I was tired and not sure if I would do it again! But you know I will.

He was so excited before going in.

Her eyes are beautiful! Look at them! My boy can make the silliest faces.

My beautiful princess.

Audrey is becoming a fantastic photographer. The ones Travis takes usually have a thumb in them, or are a picture of my forehead. He tries really hard!

I love this girl!

I was so tired. But anything for my babies.

I love you two! You are both my world. I wake up every morning because I have both of you.

MMMMMMUAH!

My tough little boy!

2008-05-02T09:46:00.001-07:00

My sweet little boy is such a tough cookie. His skin has been so awful. He screams when I put his medicine on because he has little open sores everywhere. The excema has been out of control. Early last week we went to the doc, and he said no more medicine until we get it cleared up some. It still isn't so I am sure he will be on a round of steriods when we go back next week. I just pour Aquaphor on him. He hates it, but is such a good sport.

The 2 other times it has been this bad he ended up with staff.

I have been praying so hard- and so far no signs of staff!!

Thank you GOD!

You can see the concern on his sweet sissy's face. They love eachother so much!

What a sweet little angel.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T17:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter Everyone!

You all know that Easter is my favorite holiday. Our as our pastor says- HOLY-day.

I love it! The spring time, flowers, the clothes, THE RESURRECTION of CHRIST! It is all so wonderful.

It reminds me of being a little girl, my brother and I playing at church, my sister and I in our Easter bonnets dressed alike going to visit Grandma Lindberg. I love it. There is nothing better than walking out of church on a sunny Easter day!

I hope my children remember our Easter memories like I do.

I have to thank my mom, dad, step mom and Grandma Lindberg for my memories- Thank you!

We started our Easter morning off a little rough-actually really rough!

Travis was totally uncooperative.

I took the kids to church.

Before church- on our porch in the rocking chairs Pap Paw bought me for Christmas.

This is a horrible picture, but is the only on of all 3 of us in our Easter outfits.

Our Easter Egg hunt at church.

Our Easter Egg hunt at my parents.

Me and my boy.

Me and my girl.

Off to visit Daddy!

Audrey admiring the flower her sweet brother picked of her.

Daddy and his babies.

Travis' 3rd Birthday!

2008-03-23T16:19:00.000-07:00

Wow! All my dreams came true for my little boy on his special day. Oh my goodness were we busy.

First we started with a haircut for the birthday boy.

Derik and I took the kids to see the Easter Bunny, then off to have LOTS of fun.

We took the kids to a jump place, and Trav's favorite girls (besides Mama and Sissy), met us there.

Travis had a great day running around chasing all the girls, and show off for Mama, Daddy and Mrs. Wendee.

He got lots of presents, and wore us all out!

Then we went for Trav's latest favorite. Mr. Joey's allergy free PIZZA. Joey makes the dough and then the kids get to make their own pizza. It is so much fun.

Next it was home for some Allergy friendly ice cream. Trav had the greatest day. Notice how much he loves his ice cream- can't let a drop go- he has to lick it off the table!

Off the my parents:
My wonderful dad made Travis the BEST allergy friendly cake we have had yet. We all enjoyed it- especially Travis.

Davi and her boy.

The greatest Pap Paw in the world!

My dad has gone all out with the food. He has search all over Houston so that Travis can eat the ordinary food we all eat. He bought Trav ceral, breakfast bar, hot dogs, bread, hot dog bun and SOOOOOOO much more. Thank you dad for always being so accepting and loving to the special boy God blessed us with.

Davi trying to teach Trav to show he is 3.

3 She just had to hold the fingers down for him. He had 2 down- we will have to work on 3.

Travis' second love- Mam Maw.

Present time.

I would have to say that Pap Paw is the man of the year with the kids. Between the food, great bday cake and then the presents- he's catching up with PawPaw and Granny (which is hard to do with the way these 2 love them!)

The Hannah Montana wig Pap Paw bought Audrey. If you know my day- this gift was a total shock. But his girls had so much fun with it!

Audrey had a blast performing for us.

My girl. I was totally exhausted. I had been running a fever for 2 days- but I wasn't going to miss my boy having the time of his life.

I couldn't help myself- I had to try the wig.

Aunt Davi couldn't either- I think we had more fun than Audrey!

Carly and Nikki

2008-03-23T16:00:00.000-07:00

Steph and her family went out of town, so we had the privilege of getting to go feed their dog!

The kids and I had a blast.

Nikki- there big dog, had Travis and Aud running around like crazy, and Carly was too cute.

Travis insisted that his job was to feed Nikki every day.

The kids running from Nikki!

Exhausted!

Carly TIME!

Travis caught trying to peep at Aunt Steph's stuff!

Me telling my son to give Mama the camera-NOW!

Travis taking a picture of me- Good Aim!

Carly giving Trav kisses and making Sissy jealous.

TWO CUTE GIRLY GIRLS!

My adorable little guy.

Audrey taking her picture of mom and Carly

Our Weekend at Baylor!

2008-03-01T21:48:00.001-08:00

We have not seen our Davi since Christmas. Davi invited us up for her sororety weekend. It was so much fun. Travis could hardly stand himself. When we we went to Mam Maw's to load up he was running around saying "Come on guys, lets go see DaviAnn!" That was the first time we have ever heard him say DaviAnn correctly- it was so cute.

Audrey was little miss know it all. She kept telling us everything about Baylor, because "I've already been there." It was adorable.

The fraternities and sororety put on a show called "Sing" Each one puts on a short musical.

The picture below is of us waiting to go into the aditorium. Travis could not believe his eyes- he had never been to anything like it- not even a movie.

The kids had a blast, and so did I!

DaviAnn did awesome, singing and dancing.

I have the most talented, intelligent sister. I am so proud of her!

After the show we met Davi outside. You can see the joy on all of their faces.

Travis was so incredibly excited to see his Davi. He loves her so much.

You can see how happy Trav was to see his Davi.

I think Trav misses Davi more than my dad does.

Travis could not keep his eyes off of Davi.

How cute is this pic?!

Taking pics of ourselves.

Just some pics on Campus.

I think this is called the 10 Mortals. It is remembrance of 10 boys that passed on a trip.

Travis kept telling them to move.

Travis was the leader. He kept saying "Come on guys, hurry up."

Going to look at the Baylor Bears.

The Baylor Bears!

The bears were in their cave.

Travis got to eat ............

2008-02-29T08:58:00.000-08:00

Derik took the kids to Big Humphry's last night.

Joey and Derik have been working on a recipe for pizza dough that is safe for Travis.

Well.......

They finally found one.

Travis got his first slice of pizza last night!

Of course it did not have cheese- but did have everything else.

Do you think he enjoyed it????

Thanks Daddy and Joey! My little boy was so proud of it.

He had left overs, and this morning he was so cute telling me... "Mama I have a surprise for you!"

He is very proud of it.

While Mommy's Away......

2008-02-25T08:28:00.000-08:00

My friend Angela is watching the kids for me 2 days a week, so I can work.

As you can see they are having a blast in Ashtyn's beautiful room.

Angela said Travis wanted to have a picnic.

Mr. Cade (Angela's son) is having fun getting to be a big boy!

Cade reminds me of Travis when he was a baby.

My Cutie!

Cassie's Birthday Party!

2008-02-09T15:02:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to see Cassie's little face when she opened her present. I had a hard time deciding between the princess stuff or the cheer leading. I made the right decision because she was jumping up and down and screaming. It was so cute.

Travis and Cassie going through their goodie bags.

My sassy princess.

Everyone awaiting the cupcakes.

The girls.

Happy Birthday Cassie!

Nonnie's

2008-02-09T14:54:00.000-08:00

One evening we went to visit Nonnie, and Travis was so excited because his favorite cousin was there!

The kids played, the boys fought and Audrey was so wonderful with Jacob. They played ring around the rosy and all sorts of stuff.

The best part (to the kids) is that they got to have french fries for dinner. Nonnie didn't have anything but french fries for Trav to eat. Don't worry she will next time- we were a little unexpected.

Isn't he handsome!

I could not get all 3 to be still and look at me at the same time! So frustrating.

Savannah Banana Turns 2!

2008-02-09T14:34:00.000-08:00

So our Savannah Banana Turned 2, and we had the best time at her party.

I realized how much I missed the ole Carter family. I got see a lot of old friends, and spend time with one of my Amanda's.

And I got to hold the latest addition to the Carter family- Addison. She is so beautiful, and such a doll to hold!

So I am really bad with pics- I don't think I got one good one of Savannah- you would not believe how much she has grown. (She was the youngest little cutie at Audrey's Birthday Party- that Mam Maw let eat off her plate!)

My cuties!

Travis sulking because he couldn't have regular birthday cake.

Travis looking at Sissy- so jealous!

He finally gave in and ate his cake.

And so it starts!

Savannah and her daddy opening her presents.

Her beautiful new baby doll Nana got her. We love Savannah's Nana- she is awesome.

Travis sitting with the big boys!

The kids would not give it up!

How cute can you get- that is the most wonderful child on earth!

It was a really long drive back to our side of town- the kids would not stop with those things.

Snickers

2008-02-09T14:13:00.000-08:00

Well, we now only have one animal left! Gilley ran away, Zero went to live on a farm and Aunt Sarah took Snickers and won't give her back.

But I am happy for Snickers, she is very comfortable with MY Aunt Sarah!

I did not realize how miserable she was with us. One day I was on the phone with Aunt Sarah and Snick was in her lap. Snick heard Travis screaming through the phone and took off into the other room. Poor thing!

Audrey really misses Snickers. So hopefully one day soon Aud can have a girl's day with MY Aunt Sarah!

Life as a cat at Aunt Sarah's

Snickers- we heard you've gain some weight. I guess not having to run from Travis will put the pounds on you!

Jake's Playgroud

2008-01-15T17:02:00.000-08:00

This is our favorite place- Jake's. It is a super safe place to eat for Travis, and they have an outdoor playground. (Travis always breaks out at indoor play places).

It is so cute to ask the kids where they want to go eat- they yell Jake's. Travis especially cries for it, I think he knows it is Travis safe.

We go for Birthdays and everything else.

Now how cute is she!

More class pics

2008-01-08T20:44:00.001-08:00

One of the moms at school sent me her pics from the party.

Her son is in class with Audrey, daughter in class with Travis.

Audrey having fun making her sundae.

Trav and the girls

You can see his love for Emma in this pic.

The kids love that box!

What a day!

2008-01-04T08:11:00.000-08:00

I babysat for Mrs. Holly yesterday (Trav's teacher), and BOY was it crazy.

I realized 2 things:

1. Travis needs to play with more boys.

2. I need to help out more of my friends that have more than 2 kids.

Oh my gosh! I thought that if I have more children, I wanted another boy. It is so loud. Travis is loud, then add 2 more little boys- my house is not big enough.

I had fun, because little boys are more lovable with woman- Will was really sweet, especially after he hit his head.

Aud, Trav, Will and Ben

I took the Christmas tree down and let the kids play in all the needles.

For once Travis wasn't the only boy.

The only trouble I had was keeping Audrey from trying to smooch with Ben.

Don't worry Holly- it was Audrey not Ben. They did agree that they loved eachother.

Christmas Dinner

2008-01-03T16:44:00.000-08:00

This is the wonderful dinner Travis and Pap Paw cooked for us.

Travis toasting since I deleted his from Thanksgiving!

Christmas Day Presents

2008-01-03T16:17:00.000-08:00

I started off out of the driveway and realized this would probably be the only good pic I got of their Christmas outfits!

It was sleepy time for Trav

Audrey too!

They couldn't wait!

Travis trying to figure out what all was in the new cooking set!

Audrey mad because I told her she had to wait before she could play with her new video game.

Pap Paw and his girls. Hard to believe our girls are so grown up.

Audrey still mad, so Mam Maw asked her to help.

Davi helping her boy learn how to play his new video game.

My cuties, playing with their favorite gifts. Something that finally keeps Travis still for more than 2 minutes!!!

I know how much my Aunt Sarah means to me. I can already see in both kids how much they will cherish DaviAnn. Travis and Davi are very close- we've never had a little boy.

Miss "Know it All" (she has great teachers- her mom and her aunt!) said she didn't need our help.

Audrey's Christmas Day Performance

2008-01-03T16:14:00.001-08:00

This is the only pictre I could get that wasn't blur. Mam Maw got the cutest ballet outfits.

This is her doing her Christmas Day performance.

Pap Paw and Travis cooking Christmas Dinner

2008-01-03T15:59:00.000-08:00

This picture was meant for last.

This is my big man getting everything ready for the oven.

As usual, Travis had to be right in the middle of what his Papa was doing. And as usual, Papa insisted that he help- but I insisted on "with my supervision."

Travis watches everything Papa does.

This is where Travis decided to restack everything- we ended up losing 2 pieces of meat- when Papa pick up the stack 2 feel.

Both my handsome guys in their Aprons- I think I am seeing a new gift in their future- matching APRONS!!!

Christmas Morning

2008-01-03T15:13:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was so much fun!

Travis was so into Christmas- him and Aud had a blast.

He helped me and my parents decorate.

Everytime we openned up a new box of decorations he would say "Oh what is this! Where are we going to put this!"

This is Christmas morning with Derik.

This was the big gift we got them together. Great gift- it is a tent- you can make 7 different forms of it.

We got Travis a cars camping suit case and Aud a princess one.

Now time for the stockings- this was my favorite part of the morning.

Aud got a horse calendar and High School Musical 2.

And the cutest pic Travis has ever taken...... It is a Harry Potter movie- his latest faze!

One Big Day!

2007-12-21T16:49:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of the bow that Mrs. Wendee made for Audrey.

It is a lot bigger than it looks. It was for her special performance today!

We had an extremely busy day!

We had a Christmas Breakfast with Nonnie and Jacob.

Before Nonnie could even get in the door Travis grabbed all the presents and tore them open.

Sissy got a really neat puppy that you hook up to the computer and feed and play with. And she got a cross necklace

Trav got the extremely awesome lamp. It is the cutest thing I have ever seen. He was running around like crazy saying I have 101 Dalmatians. Thank goodness she didn't bring us real 101 Dalmatians. He also got a dog that you hook up to your stereo and it plays the music out of it's ears.

I would say that Nonnie was a hit today. Before she even got to the couch Travis had opened everything.

Jacob on the other hand did not have such a good time. He is a very shy and timid little boy. It takes him a while to warm up to you, even if he knows you- so much like his daddy was as boy.

Travis had worked himself up for 2 days about Ja-ob coming. All my friends have girls, so to have a boy come play with all his "man-toys" is a BIG DEAL.

Well, Travis was in super duper hyper mode. He was running circles around Jacob, and it was just too much for him.

Then we went to Audrey's Christmas Ballet performance. It was so much fun.

Jacob was really mad then, because he had to sit still in Nonnie's lap.

Both Travis and Jacob did well.

I am so impressed with Jacob- he will not stray far from his comfort zone- Travis on the other hand- the WHOLE WORLD IS HIS COMFORT ZONE! He will be the death of me.

Warming up.

I was so impressed with my beautiful ballerina. I watch from the window, but don't really hear and know what is going on.

Her instructor will ask questions and such, and she is the first one to answer.

I don't know why, but I was totally shocked that she knew all of the positions AND knew every answer to every question.

Audrey gets upset when the other girl don't listen, and when they are goofing off. Her teacher has even commented on how she is very involved and stays out of trouble!

She is very serious the whole time.

I kept distracting her, I wanted her to smile, but she is so serious the whole time!

Below is Audrey warming up for tap.

We did not get the Ballet performance or her tap performance on picture- we were busy video taping.

She is so good at tap, but likes Ballet the best. Typical little girl.

After the performance was over, Travis gave Audrey the biggest hug and told her,

"You did a great job Sissy!"

Of course we had already put up the video camera.

Our morning was so busy and crazy, I forgot to take pics of the kids together. This is the only pic I got!

Things were so crazy, trying to get out the door for Ballet- Jacob and Nonnie forgot their presents.
It just gives us an excuse to go to Nonnie's and swim in the pool.

Poor Trav, his cousin is almost 2 years younger than him- and Jacob is as tall as Travis.

After all of that, we went to mommy's office to deliver presents, and then off to do more Christmas shopping.

Mrs. Wendee is the best

2007-12-20T16:25:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Wendee gives the best gifts.

Trav got a Shrek watch and a really cool place mat for when we go out to eat.

This is the Pony shirt Haley got for Aud. She was really excited. The bracelet Aud has on says BEST FRIENDS. Haley bought it at the school store for Christmas.

You can barely see to the left the REALLY awesome outfit Mrs. Wendee made for Audrey.

She will be wearing it to church on Sunday, so I will take a picture.

And here's the best friends hugging. Yes they are both in their PJ's. Haley had pajama day at school and Aud and I were just lazy!

You should hear Travis say pajamas. It is the cutest.

School Christmas Parties!

2007-12-20T16:05:00.000-08:00

The kids Christmas Parties were a blast as usual.

Travis, his lovely teachers and 2 classmates.

He loved that Candy Cane!

That is cutie Ms. Lexie relaxing in the toy box. Travis helped her throw all the toys out so she could get in. See Travis licking the remainder of his candy cane off.

Ms. Emma being good as always.

Audrey's Party

Aud's class did ice cream sundaes. It was very exciting, and funny to watch.

She sure enjoyed it.

This is her class getting ready to do the gift exchange. Her teacher read a really cute story called "The Littlest Angel." Every time she said the "Littlest Angel" the kids had to pass the book.

That was fun trying to keep control of, and keep the boys from "peaking"

She never would look at me, the only other one I got was her with her eyes rolled back in her head.

Davi's Web cam

2007-12-19T12:43:00.000-08:00

(I do not know why this is in blue and underlined!!!!)

I am sure by now it is evident that Travis is sneaky and very mischievous! Well extremely mischievous!

Davi is nice enough to play games with the kids on her computer. One day Davi left to go somewhere, and the kids were still at my parents. Travis snuck in Davi's room, was pretending to play games, and apparently ended up taking pics with Davi's web cam.

He must have called Sissy to come play, because she ended up in the game.

Davi got on her computer and there were like 15 pics of the kids foreheads.

Kids beware, Davi is always watching!

Fun with Davi

2007-12-19T12:27:00.000-08:00

The following are from February of 2007. Davi was home visiting and we went to play after a birthday party.

Zoey and her bone. She could do without ever seeing Travis- at least that is what she "lets" Pap Paw think. When Pap Paw isn't around, she is all over Travis.

Trav and his Davi!

Aud and her Daa bi
Audrey's really cute smudged Hello Kitty from Julia's party.

Ok there is a story behind this doll- when Davi was little my mom sent off a picture of Davi. And this is what came back. In the pic I think she was wearing overalls too. The doll has little freckles and all. When Davi left for school, Travis carried around this doll, and eventually fell in love with it. He loved on it, talked to it, fed it and all!

Who knew Derik could be so pretty!

Travis kissing his "Davi doll"

We always have fun when Davi is in town. Travis misses her so much. Audrey misses her too, but she is so attached to Mam Maw.

Travis and the baby bed

2007-12-19T12:17:00.000-08:00

The baby bed shown is one that has been in our family for many many years. It has a lot of meaning to me and my mom. 5 generations of Phillip's babies have slept their sweet little heads in the bed.

But Travis stopped that tradition not long after his 2nd birthday.

I have saved the bed, hoping to make something out of it. It had the most beautiful canopy.

It was broken in 4 places.

He knew mommy was upset.

Breakfast with Santa!

2007-12-19T11:47:00.001-08:00

Derik and I cannot thank Southeast Church of Christ enough. They have done more for our family over the past 3 years than we would have ever imagined.

They always make sure Travis can be included in their fabulous activities.

They have been such a blessing.

Travis has never been to the mall, it is too dangerous. So we have breakfast with Santa at SECOC. Last year no one smiled- this year- the kids were so excited. They both hopped up into Santa's lap like they had known him for years. Everyone was going on and on about my cuties.

Thank you to The Vine, Southeast Church of Christ and the Children's Ministry for all they do to help Travis have a normal life.

Recall

2007-12-13T12:45:00.001-08:00

http://news.aol.com/?feature=20071212173009990001

Trav's Fun Night Out

2007-12-10T11:50:00.001-08:00

While Aud and I were at Hannah Montana, Trav got to go with Mam Maw and Pap Paw to The Kemah Board Walk.

Go to this website and you can see pictures of my perfect little man.

http://kemah.photogra.com

Type in the ticket numbers one at a time

9402

9985

9394

The date has to say November 2007 the Sunday the 11th.

Vaccinations

2007-12-05T09:11:00.001-08:00

http://news.aol.com/story/_a/thousands-of-kids-get-dud-vaccines/20071204215709990001

See article about what is happening to children's vaccinations.

Cowgirl Elf

2007-12-04T15:36:00.001-08:00

Ever seen a Cowgirl Elf?

Well here's one!

Here are a few pics of my girl just being adorable.

Bubby has been asleep for hours, so she has had so much fun.

Christmas Parade 2007

2007-12-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

My office entered the Pearland Christmas Parade. The Theme this year was a Fairy Tale Christmas, so they did the Ginger Bread Theme.

Since we already had a Hansel and Gretel, guess who the witch was.

ME!

We had so much fun, and guess what....

WE WON!

We tied with a group of kids for BEST IN THEME.

They look too sweet- they had to be up to something.

So when Trav saw his Mam Maw he almost jumped off of the float. Then he made all of my office say Hi to his Mam Maw. For the rest of the parade all he did was call out to his Mam Maw.

Picture above: both of them searching the crowd for Daddy and Mam Maw.

Our Chief Elves (they will kill me for this picture- I love yall!!!)

The office worked so hard on the float. I think we did a great job, and had the best looking Ginger Bread house!

Thank you everyone for asking my family to be a part of the float. We had a blast. Yall did awesome on the float.

Travis flirting with Ms. Sherry.

Our beautiful Ginger Bread House. I did not get all of it, but trust me- it was gorgeous!

Our Little Ginger Bread Man.

A special thank you to my husband for helping out so much on the float. Thank you! Love you!

Giving Little Man a bath????

2007-12-04T15:05:00.000-08:00

After Daddy's party the kids gave little man a bath. This is the best picture I got. You can only imagine the how hard it is to bathe that little rascal.

Daddy's 32nd Birthday!!!!!!

2007-12-04T14:59:00.000-08:00

Our daddy turned 32! So I baked a cake for him- I was very disappointed, but it tasted good.

Trav mad because I was making him wait on Daddy to eat the cake.

I have one guess on his wish.....................

and it has to do with a boat!

All the new places!

2007-12-04T14:52:00.001-08:00

Pearland has so many new sites, so one night we decided to hit them all. Of course Daddy had already been to the new Bass Pro Shop.

We went to Hobby Lobby, Academy, Bass Pro Shop and BOY SHOULD YOU SEE OUR HEB!

I know I am a grown up because I am so excited about HEB.

It is so awesome.

Brandi and I went one night and spent an hour just looking around.

And if you haven't heard..........

You can now buy wine and liquor in PEARLAND!

I'm so silly, I forgot to take the camera into the stores!

Trav was in THE WORST MOOD- he was acting like his Paw Paw.

My sweet girl, she is always so wonderful.

Thanksgiving 2007

2007-12-04T14:38:00.000-08:00

Well we had a great Thanksgiving! Brandi and her family came down- I am ashamed to say I only took 2 pics and they came out horrible! Brandi- please send me yours.

We spent the day at my parents. My parents bought the most gigantic table in the world. Either they are expecting A LOT more grandchildren, or they are expecting Uncle Dan and his cute family to come down for holidays.

The table is so big- I didn't know our dining room was that big!

The best is when the kids eat their breakfast, one at each end. They have to scream to hear each other. It needs a throne at each end.

Mam Maw was sick, so we only had one dessert.

Daddy made the salad, and Pap Paw cooked everything else. It was a completely TRAVIS SAFE MEAL!! Thanks to Trav's PaPa.

My dad made a special drink for the kids. It was even better when Brandi and I put vodka in it (don't worry we didn't give the kids any!!!)

My dad served it to the kids in special wine glasses. The same glasses Davi and I drank out of.

I am so upset with myself- I accidentally erased the pic of Trav toasting! So mad!

Last year we did not get any pics of me with the kids. This year, we did not get any with Derik and the kids! I don't know what is wrong with us.

Best of Both Worlds!

2007-11-20T19:25:00.000-08:00

I know you already knew that we have the best Mam Maw, and that she spoils my little children.

She got us tickets to Hannah Montana/ Miley Cyrus Tour (no she did not pay a fortune- Mam Maw has the hook up!).

So Steph and I took Lys, Jenny, Aud and Aud's best friend Haley.

On our way- Aud and Haley had NO IDEA where we were going- it was so fun teasing them.

I wish I would have taken a pic of their faces when they found out.

Just FYI to all of you that have not dared the concert adventure- they screw you!

Aud and Haley had to have a Miley Cyrus t shirt. No Hannah, had to be Miley. Well the only one that had their size was the pink one with Miley being a little provocative. Well I learned another parenting lesson- put your foot down! They will never be allowed to leave the house in the shirt! Plus I paid $35 for a see through shirt that they probably paid 2 cents for in China- Oh well every penny was worth it for their sweet little faces.

The girls with Hannah!

Haley's mom (Trav's Dendee) is extremely creative. She made Haley a Hannah Montana outfit. Everyone stopped me to ask where Haley got her jacket - HER MOM!

Mrs. Wendee also made Aud's shirt for her.

Thank you to our extremely smart Aunt Stephanie- she got us first place in line! We were one of the first people through the door- and we had special parking!

Waiting!

We called Mam Maw to thank her. And then we called Daddy and Bubby. The Jonas Brothers were also part of the concert- they are Bubby's favorite. Well, I have the sweetest son on earth- when Sissy told him where she was- he told her "Oh sissy I am so excited for you- tell them I said hi!" How wonderful is his little heart! He was so excited for his sissy. He handles everything so well, he knew that he could not go because of peanuts. But don't worry Bubby, your mommy, daddy and Mam Maw are working on that problem.

My cute Haley.

The big girls!

Ok, remember this is their first concert. This was so funny. They kept asking when it would quiet down, poor things.

The Awesome, ultra cute Jonas Brothers.

Best Friends. Obviously they got over the noise.

Here comes Hannah!!!!

Dancing to Hannah.

I didn't have to show her how to party at a concert. She fit right in with the other little girls.

Oh wait this is the Jonas Brothers. They are so cute! And dance all over the place. On the piano, jump off of stuff with their guitars. I think Steph and I had more fun than the girls on this part.

Meet Miley!

Ok, the big smile on Lys's face- because Miley finally sang GNO. Every song Alyssa would say- ok this is GNO- and it wouldn't be. She jumped up when it finally came on. IT was great!

Our ride home- We were singing GNO!

The only pic Steph let me take of her all night!

Audrey and I afterwards. Audrey has eye ball stickers on her eye lids.

Me and Aud pretending to be Miley Cyrus.

I told Derik that was the loudest concert I had every been to. He was shocked and told me he needed to take me to a "real concert." I informed him it was not the music, it was the 19,000 screaming little girls! Oh my gosh- you have NO IDEA- huh Steph!?

Thank you Mam Maw! You knew exactly what my little girl would love.

Travis had a lot of fun that day. First Mam Maw took him shopping. He got a huge CareBear blanket (the boy CareBear), the movies Jungle Book and Ratatouille.

Then Mam Maw and Pap Paw took him to the Boardwalk. He rode every ride he could- 4 or 5 times. Then they took him to eat Mexican Food- he stayed out later than Sissy. He also got to spend the night with Mam Maw and Pap Paw.

My dad was so excited- he had more fun watching Travis play.

But no pics- Guess we will have to get Mam Maw and Pap Paw a digital camera!

Happy 26th!

2007-11-07T20:02:00.001-08:00

My Aunt Diana and Uncle Larry are on a trip to Cali, celebrating their 26th wedding anniversary.

They wanted to ride horses on the beach.....

"We did it!!!!!!!!!"

Happy 26th Anniversary!

(I can remember because that is how old I am.... so after 30 you will remain married for 30 years forever, same goes for you Aunt Sarah- just FYI)

Love yall and can't wait to see all your other pics when you get back.

Dress up the Scarecrow?

2007-11-07T09:39:00.000-08:00

Sissy was playing dress up and I decided that she looked so pretty I had to take her picture. Travis got so excited and wanted to join in- grabbing the closest thing to him- sissy fairy wings. This does not mean he will grow up and be a fairy- Daddy!

Anyways, showing his boyness, he grabbed his friend the scarecrow to join. Somehow the scarecrow has ended up inside (instead of at his original home- the front porch), and has taken up in our living room. Travis insist- pick your battles- right??

Not sure what this look is from Trav?

They decided that Mr. Scarecrow needed something to dress up in!

Robyn O'Brien- She's not scared of you!

2007-11-05T17:51:00.001-08:00

Well, my mentor and close friend has finally had that break through all of us AllergyKids have been waiting for!

CBS Early Show broke the story, and now there will only be more.

Take a peak at what is going on. One day my baby will be ok, thanks to moms like her!

Watch her now:

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3444984n

To check in on Roman got to:

http://www.allergykids.com/index.php?id=12

Hansel and Gretel

2007-11-05T14:29:00.000-08:00

My little Hansel and Gretel!

Derik got Audrey the dress in Germany. It is hand made and from the region where his family is from.

The laderhosen were too expensive in Bavaria, so he did not get them for Travis.

Then one day in an antique shop I found the laderhosen! For $20!!!!!

Giving you the cutest Hansel and Gretel ever.

Thank God we never ran into an old witch and her Gingerbread house- I am sure it would have had chocolate covered peanuts for door knobs.

We had a great night. We went to the Pearland Halloween Festival, which is great because all of the fun Pearland activities are with in walking distance of our house.

Then we went to church, but the kids fell asleep and would not wake up.

So we drove to Mam Maw's and Pap Paw's where we finally were able to wake them up. They trick or treated up down the block. Hansel had so much fun- it was the first year he understood what was going on. As soon has the people would put the candy in his bag- he would say- "Ok nother one!" and take off. The poor little guys asthma was so bad he could not walk from house to house. Daddy would carry him.

But he still had a blast!

Sissy was so proud showing him what to do all night. She would tell people-

"Trick or Treat, but no peanuts please"

It was so adorable.

She is the best Sissy ever!

At the Pearland Festival they had the Princesses. Gretel had to take a pic with her favorite- Belle- but Mommy invited the other 2.
It was so much fun!

Pumpkin Patch

2007-11-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

The first few pics are from the morning of their school party.

The kids had a blast, Audrey never took off her costume. Travis had a good time, but did not get to participate in all of the classroom activities. So he got to sit and eat all the "Travis Safe" candy! I think he preferred that.

The Pumpkin Patch (or as Aud used to call it- Pumpkin Match)

They look so adorable together.

Our family portrait that we had to take 3 times to get right!

Travis was running around in circles, and he is pretty fast. He decided to take his shoes off and run around even faster.

My little Bavarian Girl!

Travis should have been a monster- because that is what he acted like that night! This is the moment that it would be a lot more fun to chunk the pumpkin as far as he could. He then jumped down and ran all over the Pumkin Patch picking up and throwing pumkins. Glad none of them busted open- we would had spent a fortune in busted pumpkins!

My little clown.

Travis is crying because we would not let him throw anymore pumpkins!

Driving the big tractor.

Sissy's turn

Kar Kar's Birthday!

2007-11-05T13:27:00.000-08:00

Karsen (AKA Bathtime/Bedtime Buddy!) and Audrey are about 21 days apart- so we all got to have LOTS of fun in September!

Karsen had a parade for her birthday!

Everyone brought either their bike or another thing to ride.

Apparently the Barbie Four Wheeler we bought Aud on her 4th birhtday doesn't work anymore- so sweet Bubby let Sissy ride his and he rode with Milan in Kar Kar's Escalade

Ridin in STYLE (and Bubby's favorite color!)

This is a little piece of how crazy my son is! He can't climb out, or sit down and slide out of the the water slide- he has to jump out like a crazy wild animal!
He usually has a pretty good landing.

Thank you so much Karsen for inviting us to your super fun party.

Audrey's Armoire Example

2007-11-05T13:25:00.000-08:00

I have started a Boutique. Here is an example of what I will be selling. Travis' Dendee will make matching bows to go with all of the outfits. I will let yall know when the latest styles are in.

How cute is she!

Ice Princess

2007-11-05T13:08:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know a lot of you watched the Disney Ice Princess movie that was on like 5000 times.

This is probably the 4998 time we watched it- but each time Audrey was adorable.

Here she has on the Ballet outfit Aunt Steph bought and her ballet shoes, and we all know how ballet shoes can magically become the worlds fastest ice skates in about 2 seconds.

Audrey is obsessed with ice skating- her cousin Skylar is an ice skater so she has gotten to see Sky do her magic. And what little girl hasn't dreamed of being an Olympic ice skater?

Looking at the pictures makes we realize how little she still is, and I love every moment of it!

Rare Sight!

2007-11-05T12:57:00.000-08:00

Well that time of year has approached us- ASTHMA season! Thank God he has grown out of the RSV age! 2 years in a row was been really tough.

Anyways, Trav has been pretty miserable lately. After a long day of hunting hogs (not really just army crawling on the living room floor and hiding under the coffee table), Trav was wearing down. We can always tell when Trav's asthma is the worse- because he wears down early in the evening.

Mama was trying to hurry and make dinner for her sweet little boy.

Hurry mom- I'm getting tired.

I just did not quite make it Mama. I'm sure it was good!

Audrey in her cute new hunting hat. Derik got really lucky- his girl loves to be with him- even if it is dirty boy stuff.

Audrey's Corral and Pony Rides!

2007-10-16T16:06:00.000-07:00

Audrey's 4th Birthday Party!

First I would like to thank Granny and PawPaw for letting Sadie come out to the party!

And then we need to thank Daddy for all his hard work.

Audrey's 4th Birthday was a hit!

Everyone had a blast.

Little Miss Emma- how cute does she look on a horse?

Miss Haley on Miss Sassy Sadie

Princess Alyssa on her first horse ride!

Poor Trav broke out in a rash.
The big man on Sadie Sunshine!

Cutie Skylar on Sadie- she's a pro at this!

Audrey and her grandparents. Do you think she loves that Mam Maw or what!?

Family Portrait- I wonder if Monica got one with them all looking at the camera?

Notice Audrey's fancy new boots?

Daddy resting with the horse's butt- at least he wasn't being one (just joking Honey!)

Ok, before I go on I have to tell you what Audrey's wonderful bother did-

He snuck off to the living room, openned up Sissy's presents (we were able to salvage some), and then ran around telling everyone "what he got."

What are little brothers for?

Travis is like that crazy little brother on the commercials, but about 100 times worse!

Daddy found the game that Audrey has been wanting for a long time- the gifts Daddy gave her are the only ones that Trav did not open.

Daddy searched for a long time to find Audrey a "Texas" style bridle and haulter for Sadie. Audrey wants to start showing Sadie this next year. So her Daddy found her a beautiful bridle and haulter.

Not sure if she will get to show Sadie or not- due to Sadie's bowel problem. She seems to have trouble containing them in a trailer- not a pretty site.

My wonderful "sisters" in the background. Ok neither one really are- the one on the left is my twin cousin Monica- people mistake us as twins. And then the one sitting down is my big sis Stephanie! Not sure who the lady is behind the Happy Birthday sign.

Ok, after nine long hot months I gave birth to Derik's mini me- Who knew Derik could be so pretty!

Pap Paw helping Daddy with Sadie.

Travis showing Carson "his birthday present" This one really was his.

My big sis and Alyssa.

Car Car riding the pony (her name is really Karsen)

This cake turned out PERFECT! (Except the bakery losing it and Pap Paw going crazy on them!)

There was a Sadie and an Annie- just like at Granny's!

My Savannah! Mom even fell in love with her- which is not hard to do- look for Savannah in the Texas Children's Calendar.

The Birthday Cowgirl with her cake!

Thank you for coming to Audrey's Corral and Pony Rides! We had a blast seeing yall there.

Come back again

Just of Audrey

2007-10-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics from Aud's party.

The present that was a hit- the rockin rodeo cowgirl belt Uncle Charlie got her!

Some how her nose got scratched. The wonderful, sweet and handsome Ben came to her rescue!

The Best Cowgirl in the WORLD!

Life as an Allergy Kid- You go Brent!

2007-10-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

This was an article written about my friends son Brent!
Laura, we are so proud of you and Brentson for sharing your story.
Brentson also has a law named after him in Tennessee!
And I know that Laura will not stop there.
Our prayers are with you Brentson, you and Travis will be healed one day!
I love you both.

SARA SCHAEFER MUÑOZOctober 2, 2007
In fourth grade, Brentson Duke went grocery shopping with his mom, and when he saw a sign above the aisle that said "peanut butter," he had a bout of anxiety so severe it set off an asthma attack.
"I tried to talk him through it and said 'words won't hurt,' " says his mother, Laura, a day-care administrator outside Nashville, Tenn. But soon after that incident two years ago, Brentson grew so anxious he wouldn't return to the supermarket, and he begged to skip school. His mom says his pediatrician eventually prescribed Valium to control his frequent panic attacks.
FOOD FEARS

Advice for easing children's anxieties over food allergies:
• Keep daily life as normal as possible; encourage socializing.
• Compartmentalize the fears; set aside time to discuss and then move on.
• Teach ways to be proactive in staying safe, such as choosing their own safe snacks.
The source of Brentson's anxiety: A couple months before, he had had an allergic reaction to peanuts at school, which made his throat swell and landed him in the emergency room.
As the number of children diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies grows, so does an insidious side effect: the extreme anxiety they can develop around eating, socializing or even a trip to the supermarket. The problems can come after a bad allergic reaction, or simply as children grow old enough to comprehend that their allergy can be fatal.
The government doesn't track the number of Americans with food allergies, but researchers at the Jaffe Food Allergy Institute at Mount Sinai School of Medicine estimate the number at 12 million, based on data from various U.S. studies. Common allergens include shellfish and peanuts. Reactions can range from relatively mild symptoms such as mouth-tingling or hives, to more severe problems, such as wheezing, swelling of the throat, or a dangerous drop in blood pressure. A study published in 2003 by Mount Sinai researchers found that the number of children with peanut allergy had doubled from 1997 to 2002, from one in 250 to one in 125. Food allergies account for an estimated 30,000 emergency-room visits and 100 to 200 deaths a year, researchers say.
Mental-health experts and doctors say most food-allergic children have some anxieties about accidental ingestion, but successfully manage them and lead normal lives. For others, worries can become crippling. Children who have had an allergic reaction may become fearful of going to school or parties. They may skip meals, or wash their hands over and over, fearing skin contact with the allergenic food. Parents and doctors say the worries can also take a physical toll, causing headaches, insomnia, weight loss and stress-induced vomiting. "You end up with something similar to a post-traumatic stress disorder," says Scott Sicherer, an associate professor of pediatrics at Mount Sinai and author of a book on food allergies in children.
Lynn Schneider's family was on vacation when her nine-year-old daughter suddenly began to refuse almost all food. It was surprising, her mom said, because her daughter had calmly dealt with her legume and peanut allergies in the past. The child would eat only brands of crackers and cookies she knew, and would read the label over and over.
"No matter how much we tried to reassure her, she was afraid she was going to die," Ms. Schneider says.
DISCUSS

Readers, do you have children -- or do you know children -- with serious food allergies? What's the best way to address these issues? Are schools doing an adequate job of addressing the food-allergy problem? Share your thoughts.
Psychologists say it's not uncommon for children with conditions like food allergies or chronic diseases to exhibit stress or depression around the ages of 7 to 10. They are old enough to understand the serious health risks they face, but can be too young to effectively manage their fear. Anxiety tends to be pronounced in kids with food allergies, perhaps because the danger is so immediate, says Mark L. Goldstein, a child clinical psychologist and adjunct professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Parents are left walking a fine line between encouraging normalcy and caution.
"There is a monster under the bed," says Ms. Schneider, whose daughter began eating full meals again but remained very anxious for several months. "It can be challenging to know what to say, and how to say it."
Dr. Goldstein urges parents to normalize the child's life as best they can by encouraging extracurricular activities and sleepovers, for example. He advises compartmentalizing the discussion of the allergy, setting aside 10 minutes a day to focus on it and then moving on. Getting the child involved in staying safe, such as having him or her pick out safe snacks, educate friends and learn how to use an emergency shot of epinephrine, helps create empowerment and quell anxiety, he says.
Anne Muñoz-Furlong, founder and CEO of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, an advocacy group in Fairfax, Va., says that with younger kids, it's important to reassure them that an adult -- parents or a teacher -- is in control and will keep them safe. If parents find themselves overwhelmed with their own worry, she says, they should consider counseling, because children can pick up on their anxiety.
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More Birthday Pics

2007-09-26T08:45:00.000-07:00

Travis, Derik and I all wore John Deere shirts- Trav's said "I make dirt look good." And let me tell you- yes he does!

Audrey thanking her Granny!

Ok Holly- the whole time I am putting the pics on- Trav is telling me that's my HO-EEEE.

And Dendee is now Wendee. My baby is growing up!

Allergy Kids Blog

2007-09-24T21:41:00.000-07:00

http://allergykids.wordpress.com/

Keep up with things that don't make headlines, that you should really know.

Help Him!

2007-09-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

This is Roman.

Roman needs your help.

He has stomache cancer, along with food allergies.

Pray for him, and help us raise money.

20% of Allergy Kids proceeds will go to benefit him and his battle. (Until our non-profit comes through!)

http://www.allergykids.com/

Buy bumper stickers, buy anything.

Just help him!

If you know someone with Allergies, Asthma, ADHD or Autism. We can help.

Contact me at francey@allergykids.com

Old Pics

2007-09-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

I found pics of Audrey and Julia.

Joni, look how young they look! Oh my Gosh- this was when Travis was a little bitty baby- so the girls were just barely 2.

I cannot believe how grown up they are now!

Zero

2007-09-24T16:20:00.001-07:00

These pics will give you a little taste of what our Zero is like!

He is such a mess.

I think he was still hungry!

Pap Paw's Birthday

2007-09-24T14:55:00.000-07:00

On my dad's birthday, we had my parents over to our house. Trying to go out to eat and do cake with Trav is so hard.

We made a Travis friendly cake and even had some special candles for my dad (he did not like them very much!)

Thank God that his bday wasn't on the same day as the walk this year. Just the day after.

Our present presentation.

Travis waiting to sing "appybirday"

Audrey patiently waiting- notice her new shirt.

My dad, trying to laugh at the candles.

We called DabiAunt while we were singing happy birthday. Poor thing had 4 tests the next week, so she wasn't able to come home.

It's cold in here!

2007-09-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

I was getting the kids ready for bed, and had few little chores to do in the mean time.

I cam out of my room and this is how Audrey was set up on the couch. I asked her what was going on and she told me "It's so cold in here."

Poor baby!

I had already gotten on to them about dragging all the blankets out for a "tent " (thanks Mam Maw!), that she didn't want to get in any more trouble.

Zero came to keep her company.

For those of you that do not know our Gilley ran away. We are devastated! (Especially me, Derik gave me that dog on my 21st birthday, after the death of my Tinky.) We all miss him so much. I miss his little yap when he wanted my attention. I miss getting onto him. I miss seeing his poor little face when Audrey would stuff him in a stroller and drag him around. Our guy friends say that they wouldn't want to live here either if they were stuffed in strollers and dog beds all day.

So RoRo has been consoling all of us. Unfortunately RoRo thinks he is the size of Gilley!

We just pray that he is bringing joy to an old lady. The thought of some other kids enjoying him really gets me. Gilley would be perfect for some old lady. I am almost certain that someone took him. When I go walking a can hear him barking. No one has responded to our posters.

Food Allergy Angel

2007-09-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

Our Butterfly:
http://foodallergyangel.com/

http://foodallergyangel.com/documents/FoodAllergy/Kareem%20Bacchus%2009182007.pdf

WALK FOR FOOD ALLERGIES!

2007-09-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

Our walk went off great this year! We had a blast.

Thank you so much to Brittany, Sonny and Danesh for showing up early volunteering AND staying after to help break down. Yall are all so awesome!

We started off the walk like this...

Daddy, Danesh and the kids walking for food allergies!

Brittany walking for food allergies!

Sonny and Mam Maw walking for Trav!

Uncle Sonny carrying the reason we are there!

Audrey taking a break relaxing.

Daddy and Bubba standing by Daddy's company's sign. Thank you so much for the support Burgmann!

Audrey having some fun with Daddy and Brit.

Food allergy girls!

Daddy and Uncle Charlie giving Food Allergy Man a ride!

OUR FOOD ALLERGY GROUP!

We walked Food Allergies into the GROUND!

THE AFTER PARTY!

The kids on the jumpy things.

Sweet Brittany going on the Jumpy things with the kids.

Allergy BOYS!

Huntman bringing us some water.

Travis found a way to cool off.

Audrey decided to join into the fun.

My big boy bringing us some water. What a cutie. He felt like such a man!

Little Boy

2007-09-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

Please pray for The Allergy Kids Foundation!

We are working on a new fund, and really need it to be pushed along.

I will post the press release when it comes out about the following, along with the little boys name:

A 2 year old boy, with all the basic food allergies, has been diagnosed with stage 4, terminal stomache cancer. Please go to http://www.allergykids.com/ and purchase merchandise. 20% of the companies profit will go to this little boy. His family is heart broken that his allergies have lead to the cancer in this little boys body.

Pray for The Allergy Kids Foundation, so that ALL of the money donated can go to families like this.

Name of the Fund will be released in time.

Oprah Show

2007-09-19T18:34:00.001-07:00

So many of you watched the Oprah Show yesterday. Thank you all for calling and talking to me about it.

I hope every that knows a child with Autism will share the things Jenny talked about.

There is NO DOUBT that Autism, gmo's and all of our foods are related.

I hope you got the email about saying no to the government putting more chemicals in our foods.

The new strain of corn will have 8 new insecticide chemicals injected into the seed.

Wheat is already destroying so many children. Corn is on the rise to top wheat.

We took Travis off of wheat- we contribute no more wheat and no more shots to his language and cognitive improvements, no more hospital trips.

Travis already receives a limited amount of corn products (being that he grew out of his corn allergy), but with the report I received today- no more corn.

Rep Taylor Interview

2007-09-10T09:12:00.001-07:00

Well, I have not been able to find the interview on Trav's Law. I have looked all over the Channel 2 website. When we get it on DVD, I will have Derik figure out how to get it on the blog.

Thank you all for the emails and support. We have had so many of you come to us and now realize how many people in your life that suffer like Travis. One day I know they will all be cured. Until then we will keep on going to help prevent another loss from such a simple thing to understand.

Thank you again for your love and support. My child and others like him are safer because of you!

Day with Brittany

2007-09-07T15:54:00.000-07:00

The kids spent the day with Britt so we could work on the Walk stuff. Daddy worked his booty off with Mr. Mike (Trav loves to say "where's Mike?- too cute to here him).

They had a blast, of course- it is Britt!

Travis was in a loving mood, and was telling Britt kissy kissy.

Mom you are are not the only one that has had Trav, and him get damaged.

Poor Britt, but I know Travis- it is not possible to keep the kids out of trouble.

She said he didn't even cry- Travis always cries on the stuff that doesn't leave bad marks.

(I know Julie is having flash backs).

Travis was riding that darn scooter. He goes so fast on it, and I guess his brakes were broke- he ran into the kitchen table. Scared the heck out of Brittany.

Travis putting the moves on Britt. Watch out guys- he can get any girl he wants!

I did not ask questions, but I guess he wanted to be one of the girls.

Joe Cool! Notice the shirt- classic! Perfect for today- "I do my own stunts" Too true for Travis!

My movie star! Her hair is like that because Britt braided it for her, and Aud took it down.

Britt said Trav would not stop kissing her.

When Derik and I walked in Travis was sitting just like this. I asked him if he was in time out. He crossed his arms and said no. Brittany got onto him about something, and he was so upset with himself. He never wants Brittany mad at him! It was too cute.

The kids taking pics of themselves with Britt's camera. Derik told her she must really hate her camera, to let Travis touch it.

MY BABY ON TV!!!!

2007-09-07T15:53:00.000-07:00

Life with Food Allergies!

http://www.click2houston.com/video/14061187/index.html

Click on the link to see my baby on TV!

Derik and I also did a PSA on Channel 11. That was very nerve racking for me.

I was incredibly nervous, but did it in one take.

The Vine- 2006

2007-09-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

School finally started!

I was very nervous about this year, because Mrs. Wendee would not be teaching, and neither was Mrs. Janell. But God is so good, and Mrs. Janell works full time for the church- so she is in the same building! She is still acting as the school nurse.

Travis' teacher is so awesome. She has taken it upon herself to learn everything she can. She has calmed my nerves so with her unbelievable interest. Hopefully all of his teachers will be like this.

The poor other pa mom- it was her daughter's first year. She found me walking in, she was crying and told me she really needed the support. I told her that I already had a good cry, and that I knew the kids would be perfectly safe. Her daughter is not in Trav's class, but I plan on them dating- she is so precious.

You will not believe this, but there are 3 2 year old boys in his class with epi pen allergies! That is so horrible. The numbers are rising. Imagine how many will be in his elementary school? Schools are so unsafe for allergy kids.

Thank Goodness for Rep Taylor!

So The Vine is peanut free!

There are 2 peanut allergy kids in the school. Plus their siblings that can not be around peanuts either.

My pics got out of order, but I had to have this first pic on. Travis was nervous, because we had explained to him that Mrs. Wendee and Mrs. Angela would not be his teachers this year. And that not all the same kids would be in his class. He was so sweet asking his Sissy to come meet his teacher. Travis has his moments, but he took to Mrs. Holly very well. Thank goodness Memma(Emma) is in his class.

Before we left. Aud wore her flip flop dress, and Trav wore the shirt his Granny bought, and pants from Mam Maw (and his shoes that he thinks are from the movie Cars, but mommy tricked him with a cheaper pair!)

Travis wanted to be a big boy and put his own lunch sack on the hanging rack.

Audrey outside her class room. Audrey has always been in the class with the kids a year older than her (she is so advanced), but they all go to Kindergarten next year, so they put her in the class of kids her age. She is upset because with Haley already in Kindergarten. I told her this gave her a chance to make more friends!
I love Audrey's teachers. They are so supportive of our problem with her anxiety. We have had problems with Audrey scared to try new things. She is so scared that there might be peanuts in it. She has seen what happens to Travis during a severe reaction.

Travis and Emma waiting for class to begin. He is so in love!

This is Travis' look that fools people- "I'm very sweet and innocent"

Rolling out the play dough

I went back to check on Aud, and she was busy being mommy (I don't know what is wrong with our camera!)

There are only 2 girls in her class!

She was the only girl at the time. Hopefully we will get some girls in there. Plus I know she is really missing being with Liv.