I'm "IT"

My friend Leisha "tagged" me in a name game where you tell how and why you chose your kids names. I do not write as well as she does, but here I go............

When I was little I would dream about my family and think up all the different names that my kids would have. I would make lists of them in my journal. Jordan and Dylan were my top boy names. These were names that came from popular singing groups (New Kids on the Block) and television shows (Beverly Hills 90210). Girl names were always hard for me to come up with but I always loved the name Ashley ( and still do). But when it came to actually giving my kids names it was a little harder then I thought.

Braeden

When I was 14 I had a next door neighbor that was probably 4 years old and his name was Braeden. He was the cutest little boy I had ever seen. He would walk right into our house without knocking, in his underwear and cowboy boots, with his guns sitting on his hips in their holsters. His name went onto my list in my journal. When we found out we were having a boy, I knew immediately I wanted to name him Braeden. Cary wasn't so sure. He thought Braeden was to weird sounding and not "popular" enough. I wasn't backing down, I wanted a Braeden. And I got one. I looked up the meaning for Braeden and couldn't find it, but if I was to give it a meaning it would be strong, intelligent, a GOOD big brother. And that is exactly what my Braeden is. I can't see him being anything else other then a Braeden.

Joshua

I wanted to name Joshua, Caleb, but Cary wouldn't have it this time. I got to name Braeden and he was not going to give in on this one. Again he thought Caleb was a little weird. So we went into the hospital undecided. We had a few names chosen, Joshua being one of them but I was insistent that we name him Caleb. I thought I would be in so much pain that Cary would feel bad and let me have my way but that didn't happen. The birth of Joshua was so easy and literally painless that I was actually laughing during the delivery.......... So my plan had failed. But I knew when I took that first look at him, he was not a Caleb. Joshua fit him perfectly.

Kaitlyn

I was so excited to find out I was having a girl after I had my two boys. I went pink crazy! I think pretty much from the time I knew I was having a girl I knew she would be either a Kaitlyn or a Rachel. I let Cary have the final decision and he chose Kaitlyn. It was how we spelt it that we disagreed on. I wanted to spell it Katelyn and he wanted to spell it Caitlyn. So we compromised with Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn means little darling and that is exactly what she is!!

Happy 17th Birthday, Ashley!!

We love you and wish we could be there to celebrate with you!! (All the pictures I have of Ashley are really, really old or she has her face covered or she is hiding behind something.)

Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet........

Cowboy Kate

There was a lady that told Kaitlyn she was the prettiest cowgirl she had ever seen. Kate said, "No, I'm a cowboy!"

Ninja

Joshua showing us his ninja moves.

It's a bird, It's a plane............

It's Braeden as Clark Kent or is it Superman..........Braeden really wanted to be a football player for Halloween but we waited until the last minute and this is what he decided on. He got lots of laughs so I guess it turned out to be a pretty good costume.

Field Trip

Joshua's class had a field trip to the pumpkin patch in Celina, Texas. It was not a very good pumpkin patch. We have been to others in the area and this one stunk! When I think of pumpkin patches, I think of mounds and mounds and piles and piles of pumkins............not so with this one. It was more of an animal farm with a sprinkling of pumpkins and it wasn't easy to find! I didn't get great pictures with the kids in the pumpkins like I wanted to, but I think Kate and Joshua still had fun. (Click on pictures to enlarge)

Red Ribbon Week

Last week was "Red Ribbon Week"

Monday - Rally in Red (wear red clothing)
Tuesday - It's no Sweat to Stay Drug Free (wear sweats)
Wednesday - "I Can" Say No to Drugs (bring can of food for Little Elm food pantry)
Thursday - Drugs and I Don't Mix (wear mismatched clothes) Joshua pictured above
Friday - Give Drugs the Slip (wear slippers)

Thankyou, Grandma and Grandpa!!!

Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa fo the Halloween package!! The kids were thrillled! They especially loved the floam, the book, and the yummy candy! We love and miss you lots!!

Happy Birthday, Bugsy!!

This is our dog, Bugsy......he turns two this month. I guess that makes him 14 in dog years. Braeden, Joshua, and Kate love you, Bugsy!!

Family Home Evening

For FHE tonight, we made some cookies and cupcakes and delivered them to families in our ward. It was a lot of fun. We rang the door bell and ran. Kate thought it was hilarious. I meant to take pictures, but forgot. (I am new at this blog thing and am trying to take more pictures to post) Here is the poem that we left with our goodies:

Here’s a treat, no trick attached.
It’s something sweet the pumpkin hatched.
You won’t go hungry or die of thirst.
You’ve got friends who put you first.

Halloween surprises can’t be beat,
Like chain-letter goodies for you to eat.
Now if you dare, give it a shot.
Can you give as good as you got?

Deliver a treat, a tasty snack.
Pick three families for you to attack.

We’re pretty darn sneaky,
We’ve never been seen.

We think you’re great,
Have a Happy Halloween!!

Report Cards

The first nine weeks of school is over and report cards were sent home. I am proud to report that Braeden got all A's and Joshua got all Excellents. Good job guys!!

Hook'em Horns

Cary took Braeden and Joshua to a Longhorns game a couple of weeks ago. They had so much fun! Braeden said it was the best day of his life. He plans on being the quarterback for them someday. Thanks to Uncle Mike for the football and book. Braeden can't keeps his hands off them. Go Horns!!

Kate's 3rd Birthday

Kate had a watermelon birthday party. She came up with the idea herself. (She loves watermelons) She invited two friends, Alicia and Adria. We had watermelon birthday cake and vanilla ice cream. YUM! We also made headbands, opened lots of presents, and played with all the new toys.

Braeden's Baptism

Braeden was baptized on July 8,2006. It was a wonderful baptism. Both my parents and Cary's parents were able to be there, and both grandma's gave excellent talks. Several of Braeden's friends from church came, and the music was beautiful. It was such a special day!