The Blakes

I must be getting older, because I am about to buy a bird watching book.

2010-05-03T19:51:00.000-07:00

Recently I have caught myself aimlessly starring out of the window watching birds. It makes me feel old, but it really is an enjoyable hobby. Here are a few pictures of some of the birds I have seen. (Downloaded from google of course) These birds have all been hanging out in our two old oak trees. (stay tuned for the good story when you see hummingbirds) Being from West Texas, the only birds I saw were quail and black birds. I am pretty sure that I am going to purchase a bird watching journal..... I'm a nerd.

Woodpecker

Robbin
Hummingbird eggs. I have a hummingbird nest right outside our balcony. It is the coolest thing. Did you know hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backwards? I wake up every morning and run to check on my hummingbird and to see if the babies are here.

This looks like my hummingbird, which is always referred to as a male, even though I know good and well that she is a female. My aunt told me that my great grandfather was a master hummingbird man. I must have it in my blood.

Hawk....which I like to refer to as a falcon. I am pretty sure that he would like to eat Jack, our poodle.

Cardinal - If you are ever with my family and we randomly call out, "Money, Money, Money!" It is because Brandon's Papaw told him to say that when you see a red bird.

Female Cardinal

Last summer we had a mother and three baby owls living in our trees.

Blue Jay

Last but not least, buzzards. Two of them were perched on our trees like this one when one of the neighborhood squirrels died.

Spring

2010-04-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

We are having SO much fun! We have been on a birthday party marathon! Below is a picture from Camille's Clifford Valentines Party at school.

I made 65 of these Clifford Hats for the kindergarten. Lots of moms went to a LOT of work, but it was well worth it:)
This is our DI team. We had our tournament in February. They did WONDERFUL! DI is Destination Imagination, which is a creative thinking/team building club.

Camille in her Puma soccer uniform posing by our daffodils

Olivia was a shark in her preschool program. Brandon was actually focusing in on the wrong kid while taking pictures.

SHARKY.

A little family pic.

Camille had open house at her school. There is a bathtub in her classroom:)

Olivia is posing by the daffodils.

This is our annual Dallas Arboretum trip.

My little tulips.

Tulip friends.

We went to Disney on Ice!

A sneak peak of Disney World:)

Pure excitement!

Off to a birthday party.

Olivia and her cronies.

The Easter Bunny at TCU.

Our BEAUTIFUL cousin Kennedy.

Easter brunch at Cara's.

Eating brunch, AKA cheetos and PB and J.

Camille's class in their Easter bonnets.

Hunting eggs with math equations.

Her bonnet.

Making eggs together.

Driving boats at another fabulous party.

Riding the train.

Look at Gunner's face:)

Wonderful time.

She got the LAST egg.

On Easter morning, at 7am, we heard Camille say," Wake Up Olivia! Wake Up! Lets go see what the Easter Bunny brought us!"

Easter 2010.

Waiting to hunt eggs.

Our yard covered in eggs.

Another little family pic.

My favorite of the girls.

February's Fast

2010-02-25T18:36:00.000-08:00

February has flown by. Looking back at my pictures from the month makes me realize how fast it did. The middle pictures are from "Zero the Hero's" wedding. I was a bridesmaid:) Zero is a character that visits Camille's elementary on days that end in zero. She married Zoro on the 100th day of school. It was a "white trash" wedding and we were all supposed to be mismatched. All the kids had to make hats with 100 objects on them. While cleaning up from the wedding, I got a call from my carpool friend that I needed to take her little boy home. She needed to go the hospital. Her friend was really sick. That call seems like 20 years ago. Anyways, I didn't want to post this blog without saying something about Jenny. I did not know Jenny, however, it seems like everyone around me knew her. I just watched her funeral on my computer today. I am forever changed by her story. Words that stick in my head are "life is too short to whine", and "the Glory of God" was witnessed by all. This woman had so many people fighting for her. I witnessed people from all walks of life praying and trying to help a girl. I do not have any real words of wisdom. In fact, I have a really hard time getting my thoughts and feelings into words, but I do want to say, to anyone who is reading this....... LOVE your neighbors! Do what Jesus wanted us to do and LOVE one another. LOVE who you are sitting by at this very moment. Count your blessings. Life goes by too fast to worry and fret. In the end, all that matters LOVE.

Super Bowl. We went for the Saints since we had some Madi Gra costumes:)

100th day of school.

I am on the end, with the GOOFY grin on my face:)

Mom and the girls at Heather's shower.

My BEAUTIFUL Odessa friends. I didn't get one with the bride, those will come later:)

FIRST Place in the SCIENCE FAIR!!!!!!!

2010-01-27T16:17:00.000-08:00

I got the phone call last night from Brandon! She won first place in the science fair. (for kindergarten) She is so proud! She can not stop smiling. She got a "big" trophy and they announced her name on the announcements this morning. But, her glory quickly faded, as a a little boy broke his arm today. Here today, gone tomorrow:) The funny thing is, Brandon and I NEVER expected her to win, we prepared her to come home with a participation ribbon. The judges said that they realized that parents were involved in helping the students, but they were looking for the child with the best comprehension of the experiment! Ok, I am just SO proud of her. I may get a bumper sticker:) JK

Science night at her elementary!
First PLACE!

This is before they called out the winners. Notice her eyeing the trophies.

The Winner!

The jars covered with our different fabrics.

Measuring the temperature of the boiling water.

A sneak peak at Recital 2010. If you look closely, you may find Russell Frantz snapping pics of Annaleigh in the background.

A side few of Cowgirl Olivia.

Cowboy Day at preschool!

One Wild and Crazy Christmas

2010-01-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!
Carson and Kresha

Opening presents at Queenie's, FINALLY!

Pap, Nanny, Mamma Jo, Camille and Olivia

Nanny and Camille

My great-grandmother, Mamma Jo, and Olivia

Skateboarder.

Driving crazy cars.

Christmas Day, 2009. Sledding on Hole 15.

There goes Camille.

We found sleds in our attic! How convenient.

I really don't like Taylor Swift, but we may have a little song writer on our hands.

Making snow ice cream.

Looking out the bedroom on Christmas Eve.

Making reindeer food.

Throwing the food on the roof.

Jackie loved the snow.

Jack pouncing around.

Christmas with Mimi and Dada.

Going on a hayride with Kennedy and Uncle Ken.

Having a bonfire at Lainey's.

Anxiously awaiting presents.

Sweet, beautiful cousins.

Randy, Mel, Thor and the girls.

Singing karaoke at school.

Drinking Hot Cocoa at school.

Is this the look of love or what?

WAY TOO LONG, I doubt anyone even sees this.

2010-01-05T20:58:00.001-08:00

Well.... Life happens, and it happens fast. We are doing well. Everyone is healthy and happy. We have enjoyed the school year. Camille is reading these Elephant and Piggie books and Olivia is writing on everything she can get her hands on. She also thinks she has a "three head" instead of a forehead. We have lived the holidays up, and I didn't let the SWINE flu ruin Halloween. These pictures are out of order and some are sideways, but that's life right?

A Lot Can Happen In a Few Short Weeks

2009-06-29T14:42:00.000-07:00

I lost my camera cord in our move and found it today! I have missed blogging! We have been SO busy! Of course, I uploaded these pictures backwards. Here is a brief synopsis of what has been going on. At the end of May, we finished preschool. Camille graduated! She was SO cute. They girls left with my mom and Brandon and I closed on our house. With the help of many wonderful people, we MOVED! They girls came home to a new house. A few days later Camille turned 5! She wanted a big girl bike. We gave it to her and she acted so surprised! She later admitted that she had already peeked at the bike:) We had company come and visit. My brother and his girlfriend came to see us. One Wednesday, we were eating at Kinkaids and rushed to church to get out of a storm. We came home to a BIG mess and didn't have power for 48 hours. The weather service said there were two tornados that touched down in our area. It was a BIG mess. It didn't help that the girl's birthday party was Saturday. Luckily the power came on and Pam, Lori, and Melanie helped me get it together. They girls had a wonderful birthday. We then went on a trip to Galveston. We had so much fun. When we got home it was Olivia's turn to turn 3! She was so proud that it was Her Day. We finally got a new roof. We had blue tarp covering up a few holes in our roof. This past weekend, life slowed down a little and we had fun just being together.

Fourth of July dresses

They are wearing make up, thanks to Kimberly Holmes:)

The new roof.

Olivia and her Dada.

So excited!

Happy 3rd birthday Olivia.

The Blake's in Galveston.

Olivia loves eyewear.

Camille at the birthday party. She had an allergic reaction to some antibiotics for an ear infection right before the party. Almost didn't make it (to the party of course).

Olivia.

All our friends!

Olivia being a bride.

Storm damage.

Lost the roof.

BIG branches everywhere.

Trampoline on top of tree.

Cheese.

The fake excitement of the new bike.

Happy 5th birthday Camille.

Excited sister found her baby onesie.

Helping Dad remodel.

Our new house!

Little Girls......

2009-04-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

I hope that you can tell how much fun they are having together. I can NEVER get a picture of them looking perfect and still, cause sure enough they will be smiling and then one of them will bust out laughing and spar the other on. Ok,ok,.... I have nothing to complain about. I am glad that they are the little laughers they are:)

Photo session #1

This is what they woke up to on Easter morning. Brandon and I had so much fun setting up the scene. Double click on this picture and tell me if you can figure out who the life guard is?

Climbing trees with Dada at Memaws.

On the way to Memaws house.

Very posh.

The money shot. Hahahaha.

In my secret pretend life, I own a cookie shop. My cookies are magic. You can eat as many as you want and not gain a POUND! Seriously, I made these. I had WAY too much fun.

The Blakes.

This one was pretty good.

This is typical.

She does this all the time. She can shove 2 chicken nuggets in her mouth too. She amazes me.

Camille is getting better about trying new things.

This picture captures their love. If it be the Lord's will, I love that I get to witness their love and laughter every day. They are my little girls. My pride and joy!

I couldn't figure out why the man at McDonalds was laughing at me?????? Plus tulips and swimming lessons.

2009-03-30T14:07:00.000-07:00

Well, this is why.

Ready, set, TULIPS!

This was actually at the end of the day. I'm so glad they still love me after me yelling,"Sit still! SMILE".

This is how she posed ALL day. O well, this is how I will remember you Olivia.

Camille reminds me of my favorite Mary Engelbreit painting, "At the Sea Shore" (I think that is what it is called).

My grandfather used to sing this song to me when I was mad:

"You're a lonely little petunia in an onion patch, an onion patch, O an onion patch....."

This picture reminded me of that.

I like this one. Shout out to Ms. Marci for the dresses!

Camille "got hurt" and needed to be carried by "the other Ms. Kimberly".

This "princess" actually aided in my bribes for good behavior.

Do you think my children like each other? I promise they do!

Sweet friends that I can't flip.

This was staged.

A little nose pickin.

Camille!!!

A little attitude.

Camille and Noah.

Nanny, look at the azaleas! WOW! They never looked like this in West Texas.

PINK!

My first picture, and my favorite.

Camille swimming.

She loves it!

Olivia and I are in a Mommy and Me class. She is doing really well too, except for she had to wear a swim diaper, and she has been potty trained since last June. She doesn't like that.

I like it because the water is really warm and salt water instead of chlorine. I just lay back and imagine all the kids pee that's on my body:(

Roar Like a Lion

2009-03-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

March is blowin in. The weather is good one day, windy the next, cold on the weekend. Luckily we went to Midland for SPRING BREAK! It is always hot there. So hot in fact, that we swam! Below is a picture from my Great- Grandmother's Retirement Home. I meant to flip it.....

This is CoCo. She is my mother's dog. Olivia reminded me of that show Baby Luny Tunes, where Little Elvira (sp??) hugged all the animals too hard. I think CoCo would have loved to have hid from Olivia, but Olivia knows where to look.

Camille rode bikes the whole time.

They both got a new pair of shoes. They were especially proud of them this year.

This picture was taken at a friend's birthday party. I love this picture because I have been caught making this same face in countless pictures.

Camille and her Oranges.

Brandon playing with Olivia.

The Fort Worth Zoo came to our preschool. They brought an owl, snake, parrot, penguin, but this was the favorite. A GIANT dog.

They let the snake slither on the floor. Olivia reached out to grab it! Yikes!

This was the aftermath of our preschool program. Maddox, where are your pants?

I didn't get many good pictures since I was c0-running the show, however this is Camille as a butterfly.

One Sunday after church, when I was smart enough to take our picture......

Would your peeps turn into vampires for you?

2009-03-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, so most of you know how much I LOVE the Twilight book series. For my birthday, my friends vamped it up for me one night. We had a blast trying to make "vampire poses", however I am pretty sure that I ruined every picture. I CAN NOT do a serious pose. I had a blast! I actually had a wonderful birthday month! Thank you to all of you for your well wishes and treats!

I Love Brandon!

2009-02-14T14:20:00.000-08:00

A week ago, Brandon got us an external hard drive so that we could save ALL of our pictures and music. It took me awhile, but I think our whole almost 6 years has been downloaded and saved, including our wedding. It is so much fun to look back at that wonderful day. Brandon, I know you haven't looked at these in awhile. I love you so much and am so glad that you are my husband. You make life so much fun! Happy Valentine's Day!!!

My favorite picture of us.

The handsome groom.

Our wedding party.

My something borrowed was my great-grandmother's necklace.

Us.

Check out the smooch I laid on him! HAHA!

July 18, 2003. Temperature 100 degrees.

Our reception was at The Whitney Theater in Albany, Texas.

Cutting cakes.

Cutting more cakes.

Matthews Memorial Church, Albany, Texas.

Being Sick Blake

2009-01-18T18:23:00.000-08:00

At one point today, I decided to take pictures of what was happening at my house. Camille woke up Saturday morning at 8 o'clock, in my bed, throwing up. In my morning haze I got her to the toilet and while she had thrown up pretty much everywhere and all over me, I managed to keep my cool.

So what does this mean? Camille has the "dum, dum, dum, dum" - VIRUS! Into quick panic mode I went. Following the protocol of the Blake/Jacock VIRUS handbook. No, there is really not a handbook, but when I married Brandon I learned what he and his whole family hated more than anything in the world, the VIRUS. Mention "the VIRUS" to any of these family members and they are out the door in a heartbeat. I'm not sure if they have been plagued with this VIRUS during trips together or what, but when you get the VIRUS you are sentenced to your room till you are well. And then the Lysol begins. I don't remember growing up "the VIRUS" being a big deal, but I don't remember getting it but maybe once. Years ago, Brandon told me that his method of protocol is only common sense. He said they had family friends who would not treat "the VIRUS" with caution, and let the infected sit in the living room on the couch like a king, and then not understand why the whole family got "the VIRUS".

Well you know what....... he is RIGHT! So this weekend Olivia was sad cause Camille was in her room. So on Sunday afternoon, when Camille was in the clear we let her sit on a palate in her room with a warning NOT to touch each other.

The pitiful patient.

The lonely sister.

Now even though you can't leave your room, doesn't mean that you get treated like a prisoner. You get to watch countless movies.

This is one of the scenes that inspired this blog. Brandon cleaning. Notice the Lysol.

I think I have done 15 loads of laundry, which has included two sheet washes, which are not my favorite.

My poor comforter, waiting to go to the cleaners.

My bed, with my back up blanket. I wanted to show you this because a dear lady from our church made this quilt for Brandon and I when we got married. Isn't it beautiful. I thought it was fitting with Valentines Day coming up.

These where really lined up like this. Notice the industrial strength bleach, and the pirate head. That is another perk of being married to Brandon.

While Camille was sick, I cleaned out our linen closet. I ordered these "Space Bags" off an infomercial. I put a ton of quilts and blankets in the "space bags" and now my linen closet is functional.

Here is a funny side note. After Camille was better, the girls and I painted. We used paint and Do-A-Dots. I was making a picture and I used blue for Brandon and pink for the girls and I. I wasn't sure what I was making, but it turned out like this.

Brandon was mad that he was blue, so he asked me to redo the picture. Then he got mad at his square shorts.

Wow, ok I might of put a few too many.....

2009-01-13T12:38:00.000-08:00

The holidays were wonderful. Below is two different posts full of pictures with our families. The pictures are out of order. We spent the first part of the holidays with my mother and family in Midland. We spent Christmas Eve with my Dad, Melanie, and Thor. Then spent Christmas morning at our own house for the first time. We headed over to Brandon's parents where we spent Christmas day. Thank you to all of our families for their hard work, cooking, shopping, and just making everything perfect. Brandon, Camille, Olivia, and I will never forget our wonderful holiday! Here is to a wonderful new year!

Christmas Pictures

2009-01-10T13:09:00.000-08:00

What now?

2009-01-09T13:05:00.001-08:00

I am NOT a reader. In fact, anyone who is reading this is already annoyed by what I am about to say.....

I have finished the Twilight series.

What do I do know?

I have been reading the books during the kids nap times and at night a little. My sister told me she wished she could erase her memory and read them all over again. That would be nice Lauren. I understand where you are coming from.

Not only would I like to brag on myself for actually READING, I would like to take the time to thank my husband for being so supportive of me while I journeyed into weirdoland.

Brandon,

Thank you so much for allowing me to read books at night when we usually watch our TV shows together. That time is special to me and I am sorry that I have not been on the couch, next to you, instead sitting in the chair where the light is better. Thank you for not being mad at me for not doing the dishes, laundry, or sometimes forgetting to flush the toilet when there was a really good part. Thank you for letting me tell you about all the weird things the Cullen family was up to. Thank you for letting me talk about the story to my friends and family and not taking off out the door. Thank you for realizing that Twilight is like Star Wars/Batman/Spiderman/Matrix is to you. Thank you for not making fun of me since I am 26 and reading vampire/romance novels. I love you Brandon! You are so my Edward Cullen, except you are WAY hotter!

Love,
Kimberly

Hapka Chiropractic!

2009-01-03T18:55:00.000-08:00

Dr. Hapka and the future Dr. Blake.
Bryan and Kylea.

Had to throw these in here. Kylea and Bryan are GREAT with my kids!

Hapka Chiropractic is OPEN for business! This last Friday, Dr. Bryan Hapka cured my aching back with a through exam and adjustment. I am so proud of Bryan and Kylea for all their hard work in opening their practice. Bryan is so enthusiastic, passionate, and knowledgeable about chiropractics! They both have worked so hard, and this Friday I walked into their office in Trophy Club, Texas and was WOWED! They have a sophisticated, elegant office with a calming atmosphere. Not only does Bryan adjust backs and necks, but he also can help you with sports injuries, muscle soreness, and the coolest thing is his golf swing analysis. Even though I am not a golfer and have not had this procedure done, I am pretty sure that through adjusting and aligning a person, Dr. Hapka can greatly improve your golf swing. I know that Hapka Chiropractic can do MUCH more than what I have spoke of. Neck and back pain, extremity pain, carpal tunnel, disc problems, balance and coordination, fatigue? The list goes on. I encourage anyone who lives in the area to go see Dr. Hapka! They accept insurance and Kylea is great at finding out about your benefits. Now this may sound cheesy, but not only is Dr. Hapka my new chiropractor, he is also my brother-in-law and Kylea is my sister- in- law. It is so great to have them live close by and come to our church. They are such a cool couple. I know that they are going to do GREAT! Below is their information if you are interested in making an appointment:

Hapka Chiropractic

Bryan Hapka, D.C., C.G.F.I.

Certified Golf Fitness Instructor

100 Trophy Club Dr. Ste. 107

Trophy Club, Texas 76262

682-237-7212

You can also visit them at http://www.hapkachiro.com/

And... you can read about Kylea's adventures on the links on My Blogging Friends.

TAG

2008-12-21T20:15:00.000-08:00

8 things I did today.....
1. Drank Starbucks from great aunt Kristi
2. Washed dishes.
3. Dressed Camille and Olivia
4. Took tons of pictures
5. Washed dishes
6. Ate trash
7. Watched Holiday Inn
8. Washed dishes

8 Favorite Restaurants...
1. Kuos
2. Chipolte
3. Babe's
4. Chick'Fil'A
5. Starbucks
6. Mi Cocina
7. Taco Villa
8. Celebrity Bakery

8 Shows I Watch
1. Gossip Girl
2. The Hills
3. House
4. Private Practice
5. Pushing Daises
6. Grey's Anatomy
7. Entourage
8. Lost

8 Things I Wish For
1. For O and C to be healthy and happy
2. World Peace
3. Natural Hair color
4. The economy to get better
5. A bubble gum pink Cadillac cts
6. An endless amount of money
7. Diamonds!!
8. A cure for cancer

8 Things I look Forward To
1. CHRISTMAS!
2. For Carson and Lauren to get rich and grow up happy
3. Tomorrow
4. Gray hair
5. Moving
6.Warm summer afternoon at the lake.
7. To coming into my class and seeing all the children
8. To seeing my mom and endless amount of times!

I'm Coldiiiiieeeee...........

2008-12-09T16:14:00.000-08:00

My body has finally decided to succumb to this horrible cold that my children have been passing around for two weeks. For the second Sunday this month, I was dressed and making breakfast when I discovered Camille running a fever. The Sunday before, same story with Olivia. Then, this morning I woke up sicker than a DOG! So I decided to blog when the cold meds kicked in. This is long, but some good pictures.

This is Olivia after we discovered that Camille was a NO go to church. Brandon had already left, so she was all dressed up with no where to go:(

My incredibly handsome husband!

Olivia is proud of a receiving a book not about a pig.

Spreading the germs, I mean cheer!

Look what kids do when your not looking.

Thanks for the boots Queenie!

Making gingerbread house while watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Mom, here is the top of my tree. Looks good!

Here is my new hair.

These are pictures at my parents lake from Thanksgiving.

My brother had a jeep like this when he was three. My darling little sister skipped the jeep entirely and got this mini four wheeler when she was like 4?

Elwood

Playing Candy Land.

Sunsets.

Leaves Mom!

They are everywhere!

Did I mention that I love him?

Whoa, after a good meal!

Camille and Olivia LOVE Riley.

Here is Jordan, their other cousin, (who they love) on my darling little sister's new ride.

When the Paynes drove up, Olivia said "Look, a train".

Picking more leaves.

Here is why they were so obsessed with these giant leaves.

Driving to the Sportsman's Grill to eat a Chicken Fry.

We made my mom take the bike:)

Getting pictures made with Kennedy!

Aunt Kylea at our Thanksgiving Feast.

Dada!

Camille playing the Violin. Yes, all alone:)

Happy Turkey Day!

I'm not sitting in Santa Clause's lap.

The whole reason we played soccer.....

For this little trophy.

31 Reasons Why I Love Angie Orange

2008-12-01T20:26:00.000-08:00

These reasons are in no particular order.

1. She loves pink.

2. She always make dessert/cookies, and never leaves me any cookies:)

3. She loves to make things beautiful, i.e. BLING BLING.

4. She sends me cards for no reason.

5. She gets Super excited about Starbucks.

6. She dreamed up Noah's birthday party forever ago, and would lay in bed laughing at all her great ideas.

7. She put Camille on Noah's birthday cake.

8. We get our hair done together:) We Heart Kristi Mitchell!

9. She changes the sheets for me.

10. She loves being a mom more than anything.

11. She brings my kids prizes when they are sick.

12. We make sure each other is alive when our husbands are out of town.

13. We imagine what old lady at church we will most be like when we are old.

14. She always compliments me.

15. She sells homade gourmet.

16. In case of her depart from this world, I know exactly what to bury her in.

17. She gets excited about the little things in life.

18. She is the strongest person I know, even though she thinks she is weak.

19. She runs marathons.

20. She lets me be the boss, even though I am like 10 years younger than her.

21. Even though I am a way better driver, I let her drive us everywhere and we come to many near death experiences. Its fun.

22. She taught me how to rinse my noodles.

23. She is peanut butter.

24. She taught me to cut up chicken nuggets.

25. We talk each other through some major purchases.

26. She loves her family....Nate, Noah, Emmie, Dad, Mom, Amy, Bobby more than words can say.

27. She makes it better..... to live far away from my family.

28. She gets me.

29. She talks me through major hair changes.

30. She lets me complain or go on about nonsense , but never makes me feel stupid.

31. She truly looks for the good in people.

Angie's birthday is on December 20th. I feel so badly for people with December birthdays. There are so many parties and events with families. It is hard to think about birthdays when you are focusing on Jesus' birthday. So I want everyone to make ANGLEA MARIE ORANGE feel extra special this month. She deserves a wonderful birthday month filled with wonderful surprises.

LOVE YOU!

Ode to Men in Tights

2008-11-04T10:18:00.000-08:00

I want to start off by saying, "Thank You", to my family and friends that make Halloween a dream come true for me. I don't know why I love Halloween so much. Maybe its when my mom took me to see Hocus Pocus with Bette Milder and SJP for the first time? Or how much effort my Mom, Nanny, and Grandma Roxie put into my costumes as a child. My mom always had our house in tip top shape for Halloween, and my Aunt Kristi and Uncle Jeff always brought truck loads of pumpkins to us every year. I even got a sister on Halloween one year. So, we like to do Halloween up right in the Blake household. That is one of the reasons I fell in love with Brandon, he loves Halloween just as much as I do.

So thank you to all the people who have made the Monster Bash memorable these past 4 years. Thank you for dressing up and being good sports about it. Thanks to Pam and Skip for all the candy and the chicken nuggets. Thank you Pat for the yummy ghost cookies you have always brought or sent. Thank you to Melanie for helping me with costumes in the past, even when you haven't gotten to come, and thank you for the insane cheese tray that I am still eating off of. Thank you Randy for dressing up and coming this year. Thank you Kylea and Bryan for coming and always setting the bar for the costume competition. Thank you Angie for putting together the best group costume in the world and talking your family into wearing underwear outside of their clothes. Thank you Andrea for making sure that we took group pictures and thank you for allowing your husband to wear green tights. Thank you Rick and Shara for representing the Republican Party. Thank you Laurie and Russell for coming to experience the madness and for the cokes. Thank you Mindy for not missing a Monster Mash even when your sweet dog was so ill. Thank you Kendra for making a cameo. Thank you to the Lynch family for coming by. Last but not least, Thank you Memaw for always coming and being the crazy lady from Burleson. We missed you this year Casey, Coury, Ken, and Kennedy, but we will look forward to next year!

Now for the fun pictures. Can you guess who Brandon and I are?

Henry had a Halloween Bash!

Camille dancing around to Linus and Lucy.

Camille is dressed up in my costume when I was four years old.

Olivia and her class.

Camille and her class.

Group Picture?

2008-11-04T09:49:00.000-08:00

This is what children sugared up on candy look like. And we thought we could get a group pic?

Mid- October

2008-10-27T19:18:00.000-07:00

This is my buddy from college's little boy Gray. Isn't he cute?
Brandon and I went to Asheville, North Carolina to my dear friend B.C.'s wedding. We had a lovely kid free trip. My in-laws kept the girls and they had a marvelous time with their grandparents. We stayed here at the Double Tree, but the wedding was at the Biltmore. If you have time, Google the Biltmore. It is amazing!

Kimberly, Tasha, Madeline, Brittany, Heather, Jocelyn

Brandon and I took lots of pictures of ourselves that weekend.

We found some funny little shops in Asheville.

This was one of the only good pictures of the wedding. My camera was not in agreement with the lighting.

Me and B.

Lately Camille has dreams of having a little brother. She pretends with Maddox.

Our pumpkins for the preschool contest.

We went to ACU Homecoming. Camille and Presley getting their picture taken at the Queen's Tea honoring P's mother.

Acting lady like.

Shara, Kimberly, Kimberly

Getting faces painted.

Petting goats.

Going to the parade with GREAT aunt Kristi.

Jeff, Olivia, Kristi, Jordan, Kristi, Hunter, Riley, Brice.

Holmes' parents and Camille and CarterWaiting on Holmes to drive by.

Vivi and Kristi

Here she comes....

Throw us some candy P!

OOOO, we got lots of candy and highlighters.

Later that afternoon, we transformed into Belle and Sharpay. We attended our church's festival.

Yup, that is makeup.

No, that is not her real hair.

The Oranges are super heros!

The girls with Aiden and Blake.

Rocktober!

2008-10-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

Olivia wears a Bee uniform to support her sista while she balls.
My friend Christa Keltner took this picture (check out her blog). It is funny because Camille had just kicked the ball into the wrong goal. The YMCA doesn't keep score, so she thought she made a goal. She is celebrating and I am pointing at the other goal telling her, "You did good, but kick it to the other goal!!"

Olivia is wearing one of my dresses when I was a little girl. One day after church......

we rode horses.

Olivia is OBSESSED with mustaches. She made this one in the car one morning before school. She told me "Look, I'm Dada". DaDa is her granddad.

I hope I never see Olivia in the backseat of a cop car again!

Before church.

Maddox trying to give Olivia a sugar.

Camille's attempt at skating. She got a bruise on her hiney!

The girls.

Mimi and Dada took us to the circus with the Jacocks.

The GREAT Kennedy Jacocks

The Great Camille Blake

The Amazing Olivia

Giving the other team a "High Five".

Our Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch pics

I caught Camille in her monster pose.

Let Me Explain

2008-10-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

So on out way to Abilene yesterday, I was listening to Sean Hannity. I thought Camille was watching Sleeping Beauty. When a commercial came on, Camille started singing this song. "Barack Obama is a toot. He has big ears. Sarah Palin, she is my girl, etc." I immediately called my mom and made Camille sing it to her. I could hear my mom laughing over the radio. About that time we pulled up to Abilene and Brandon came to the car and she sang the song for him. Olivia was now chiming in at this point. My aunt called and wanted to here it, but Camille FROZE. She told me that she was afraid that Santa was going to hear her making fun of Barack. So last night at the hotel, we were bored and I got her to do it on video. When you hear me saying, "Now" in a very commanding voice, that is not me making her sing. I was counting backwards for her to start. She also says in Olivia's version that she doesn't want to sing it anymore. I promise I didn't make her sing it anymore. She brought up the Santa issue and so we quit making fun of Barack Obama. I do think it is so funny how much a four year old absorbs. Camille has seen the debates on TV and I told her about Sarah Palin. So while she was listening so Sean Hannity about the "Acorn" issue, she made up a song. Maybe she will have a future in politics. Hope yall enjoy.

Little Politicians

2008-10-13T18:45:00.000-07:00

Riding Elephants

2008-10-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt at video on blog. This is a test.

September's Brewin......

2008-09-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

Well enough of my thoughts. Time for some pictures. Of course I am too dumb to post them in order, so they are backwards. I will say that something is brewing in our house. September is almost over, so that means the Blake's will have 31 days of Happy Haunting. Below is a picture of Brandon drilling into a piece of furniture so that we can add more pumpkins. It can NEVER be to much.

Olivia and Camille wore my witch nose around the house.

The fireman came to the preschool today. It was so cool to tour the fire truck, however, Camille is convinced that her smoke alarm is going off and she will not go to bed. She is successfully using tactics to try and stay up.

Posing with the fireman.

Olivia hid in the bushes while the firemen talked, Maddox was trying to climb in. I think he has surpassed her in height.

Giving it a look.

I promise not to use these pictures to frame Noah when he is older....

NOT!

Prissy while playing soccer.

Soccer Dads.

Brandon

Olivia and I watching soccer practice.

Getting ready to go to our first practice.

Riding in the boat with Mimi.

First day of preschool.

Blink of an Eye

2008-09-16T13:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, if you ever read my blog, you know that I am more of a "picture poster" than a "thought poster", but I have to tell you what happened to me today......

I work at my girl's preschool on Tuesday/Thursdays. This morning I woke up at 3:45am and couldn't go back to sleep. I am blaming Mucinex DM, but unless I take it, snot pours out my nose all night. I cried for an hour thinking about kindergarten and how fast Camille has grown. Watched the news and saw that highway 114 was blocked this morning due to an accident involving a mail carrier. I took a bath, made pancakes, and went to school on 1709. It took 45 minutes to get Grapevine! It didn' t help when my friend told me 114 was cleared before I left my house:) The good Lord helped me through the day. It helps to work with smiling faces and wonderful children, and it was SO BEAUTIFUL outside. The girls and I left the preschool at 1:00pm. I was so tired and on the phone telling Brandon about a friend at the preschool when all of a sudden....

I see a white car flipping in the median beside me. It all happened so fast. I screamed out to Brandon "what do I do, I just saw a car flip". He told me to pull over and call 911. I pulled over, but it wasn't the safest place to be and cars were still coming from behind me pretty fast. I got out and could hear the lady screaming. I called 911. A cop pulled up behind me as I was on the phone with the operator. Meanwhile about 6 cars had also stopped and people were running to the scene. The Mercedes SUV was in the median, upside down. 12 people, (fat, old, young, skinny) pushed the SUV and flipped it back over. A man gathered the ladies purse which had scattered on the floor. Three motorcycle cops were pulling up and I called out to them, "I am scared that my children are going to be hit, I saw this accident, but may I leave?" The cop pulled out a pen and paper and told me to give him a report. Basically what I remember is that an orange 18 wheeler was in the right lane and the SUV was in the left and the truck merged into the left lane and sent the SUV flipping into the median.

After thinking about this, I am guessing that the SUV was in the 18 wheeler's blind spot, and he didn't see her.

This all happened in a split second. I hope that lady is ok, but I couldn't go to her cause my children were on the side of a highway. I timed the ambulance and it took 6 minutes to get to her.

So my point is, WOW.

1.I am going to really try not to drive and talk on my cell phone.
2.I am definaley not going to text anyone while driving.
3. My grandfather used to own a trucking dealership (the 18 wheeler kind of truck) and he taught me when I was learning to drive to never stay beside a truck. Pass them! Even if you have to speed up! Truckers can not see well out of their mirrors and are probably tired and not looking out for you!
4. I am done with allergy medicene. I need a good nights sleep. So if you see me with bugers in my nose and tissue stuck up my nostrils, know that I am doing it for the good of the highway.

Please say a prayer for this unknown lady in a white mercedes suv.

McCain/Palin

2008-09-06T02:53:00.000-07:00

Well, you may be noticing what time it is. It is 4:53am, on Saturday. I haven't been able to sleep well this past week with my tail bone issues. It kind of aches in the wee hours of the mornings. So my new favorite channel is FOX news. I don't know why I love watching this channel.....

O WAIT! Its because of SARAH PALIN!!!!!!

I love her. She is my new hero. There are many reasons why she has captivated me, and most other Americans. Here are some of the reasons why I love her and intend to bumber sticker my car with McCain/Palin!

1. She is a mother. From the looks of it, a selfless one. I think it takes a lot of courage and strength to have 5 children. Some have said "Can she do it with 5 children? Can she be the vice president and nurse a baby with downs?" Hell yeah she can!

2. She is shaking up Nobama. I just really don't like him.

3. She is conservative. She is conservative enough to make me get excited about this election again. I didn't really love John McCain, but I think they compliment each other well. I do feel that his bipartisan interests will help Washington. I did feel extremely moved by his speech. WOW, to be in a POW camp for 5 years. Lets just let him be president. He deserves it.

4. She will be an advocate for people with special needs and came right out and said that in the beginning of her speech. People with disabilities need someone on their side! This issue obviously holds a special place in her heart, and will not be overlooked. A lady from the Washington Post was wondering if Sarah Palin's children would come first, or the country. I think that if this woman signed up for this job, she knows that she will have to put the country first. And that takes great courage to leave some of the child raising to her husband/ family. She has something to give our country to make it better. I don't feel like she is putting her family second, she is making it a better place for her children to live in.

5. Her son is in the military. I can not imagine what it is like to know that your child may be in harms way. McCain/Palin will make sure the military has what it needs to get the job done.

6. She knows oil. and energy. She is the Governor of ALASKA. Duh! I think you need to know oil and energy in order to run this country.

7. She is pretty.

8. She called out the liberal media. NBC better watch out!

9. She is against abortion.

10. Last but not least, she is a Christian!

I don't know what issues you are most concerned with, but I do feel like the security of our country is in my top 5. I feel like MeCain/Palin will protect our country. I think they will create more jobs with expanding other fuel options. I like their education policy. I like small government and LOWER taxes. I am not an expert in politics by any means. I am a mother who spends most of her day talking to little kids and playing Barbies, but I do have a great feeling about the MeCain/Palin team. And I like the way she has made me feel that mothers can do ANYTHING and still be FABULOUS.

So here is to my thoughts of being President of the United States becoming ALIVE again. I am going to start with the PTA, and then go from there:)

Bye Bye Summer

2008-09-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming to an end. It seems odd to say that, considering that it is still hot! The girls and I are starting school tomorrow. I am going to be the Music and Movement teacher on Tuesday/Thursdays at the girl's preschool. I am super excited to start! I am going to get to work with wonderful Christian women and get to see my children interact with friends. Shara Smith is going to be Camille's teacher and I couldn't have picked a more perfect person! Olivia's teacher was Camille's teacher when she was two and she is WONDERFUL too! So pray that we have a great school year!

Lots of changes are going on. If you get a chance, please check out my sister-in-law's new blog. Her and her husband will be opening a Chiropractic Clinic in October. If any of you need a chiropractor, you should check out Hapka Chiropractic Clinic in Trophy Club, Texas. It is definitely the coolest place to be. Bryan even got certified to help people perfect their golf swing.

Brandon is in full swing building some condos in Abilene. He is going to try to travel on the days that we are at the preschool so we will not miss him too much. He has been off this Labor Day weekend, so we have had fun hanging out as a family.

Below is a picture of Olivia. She has successfully busted her lip three times this month and banged her head on the table a few times.

We went to our church's playgroup where Camille finally got to meet the Texas Triple. She loves talking about the triplets. I even caught her one day with three Hello Kitty dolls in her shirt. I asked her what she was doing, and she told me "I am expecting triplets".

Baby Caden was hanging with the crew. I loved being at that play group and watching all the new moms love their babies.

Here is Camille next to the babies "carriage".

We went to Hayden Noe's birthday at Let's Jump. Below is Camille and Brandon's legs.

They safely landed!

Sweet Hayden is 3! I can't believe we met him when he was 18 months old.

Brandon and I took the girl's to ACU Opening Chapel. We sat with my cousin Jordan. Here they are making a Wildcat paw.

Brandon was trying to teach the girls to make mean faces.

We went to Mason's 3rd birthday. I can't believe he is three either! Here are some of the kids having a blast!

Ending with Olivia and Presley. Here is to the best summer that I have ever had! Fall 08 is going to be amazing too! "Here comes Halloween, Halloween, Halloween". HEHEHE!!!!!!!!

Cinderella

2008-08-20T15:25:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we attended our beautiful cousin Kennedy's 3rd birthday party. Cinderella threw a wonderful party. A lot has gone on, but I am the worst blogger ever. I am not a good story teller, but I will try. You know I told you Olivia has been potty training. She has done so well, and had few accidents, but I think I got a little relaxed these past two weeks. We were at Angie's and she peed on their nice throw pillows. That was maybe her 3rd accident. I promise. Then we were in the backyard, eating Popsicles and she squatted down and started to pee. I shouted, "Olivia what are you doing?" She replies, "I peeing like Elwood". Then we went to Kendra's and she peed in Cassidee's castle. So I have learned my lesson on not being too relaxed. I think when we are not at home, she is so excited about being somewhere else and she forgets to tell me. Here is hoping that Olivia doesn't pee on your stuff!

Below is a picture of Kennedy's cake. It was simply darling.

This is the birthday girl!

From left: Jordan, Olivia, Riley, Camile, and Jeff. These are the Paynes, minus Kristi. Jordan actually is finishing up Welcome week at ACU! I am so excited because Brandon is building some condos there again so we will get to see him.

Brandon turned 30 and the Princess and the Potty.

2008-08-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

July was another hot, busy month. On July 18th, Brandon Matthew Blake turned 30 years old! He might finally gain some respect in the business world:) We had a lunch birthday party for him at a pizza joint. The girls got him a Bat Man birthday cake. It had eleven Bat Man rings on it. The girls couldn't wait for him to let them have the rings. Pam and Skip watched the girls that night while we headed to Dallas.

So we went to stay at the Crescent for the night. We had stayed there once before and were afraid to use the robes. We thought that if we used them we would be charged. The last time we stayed there, there were water bottles that said if you took them, you would be charged $5. We didn't drink them. So it was funny when we arrived at the Crescent on July 18th, the lady asked if we were celebrating anything and I told her, "Yes my husband's birthday and our 5 year anniversary", so she upgrades us to a two room/two bathroom suite. (Our fifth anniversary was July 19th). As we are waiting for our room key, another lady has a folder in her hand with the name JERRY SEINFELD and a room number. I nudged Brandon and said, "Look at that folder!" The lady quickly turned the folder over and smiled. When we got to our room, we were so overwhelmed! It had 5 balconies! Plus there were 6 FREE water bottles:) There was a list of events going on in Dallas for the weekend, and sure enough, the Jerry Seinfeld was playing that night. So we definitely used the robes this time along with the slippers, drank the free waters, used the spa products in the bathroom, enjoyed the chocolate molten cakes with Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary written on them, and ate the huge breakfast delivered by room service for free! And we paid the cheapest room rate! We felt like Kings! The next morning at check out, we saw Jessica Seinfeld!

The whole reason we chose the Crescent Hotel was because my dad had given us a gift card to The Capital Grille. It was delicious!

Camille in her dress that my mom bartered for at Hobby Lobby. It was one of the display dresses in the fabric section.

Olivia.

Lauren came to stay with us for the week for VBS. Here we are eating at Kincaids with some friends.

Presley and Camille in their VBS shirts. Olivia REFUSED to wear it cause it was "brown".

Olivia and our beautiful cousin Kennedy.

After VBS was over, we met my mother in Abilene to give Lauren back:( and they convinced us to let Camille go home with them for a few days. So we had Olivia for the first time by herself. We missed Camille, but knew that she was having fun. So Cassidee came over for a "playdate" with just Olivia. They had so much fun playing tea party and doll house. The picture above is Olivia holding Cassidee in her princess dress that she wears everyday.

After church Wednesday, we turned around in the car to see that Olivia had taken off her carseat straps and pulled her shirt up over her head. Pretty funny.

The beginning of July sparked an interest in Olivia with the potty. She watches Camille use it, so why not her? I personally wasn't ready to do this, but I didn't want to hold her back. She has done very well and is wearing panties all day, even at school. She dosn't like to wear panties that don't have princesses on them, and when she toots, she says she is making "bubbles". Sorry! So that is the end of diapers for the Blakes. It was a fun run Pampers, but I am glad not to buy you any more! Ever!

Olivia is TWO!

2008-07-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

Olivia Catherine turned 2 June 23, 2008. She had a fabulous birthday party that her and Camille shared, she had a little party at my aunts', and then a little party at home with some buddies. She is so much fun! We took her to the doctor and he told us she wouldn't be any taller than 5'3". ( He said Camille would be between 5'6"/5'7"). She has always been my little baby! Her favorite things are dressing up, playing barbies, swimming, and acting like a dog. She is talking up a storm and says things like, "Mom, I promise", or " I told you Mom, I want to wear my princess dress". She loves "Camo" more than life its self! They play so well together. I love looking up from my work and seeing them pretending. She is attempting to potty train, but we haven't been home long enough to get much consistency. Here are a bunch of pictures. It is a pretty long blog!

Olivia wears this almost everyday.

Best Buddies.

New shoes.

Playin purses.

Having a cake at Aunt Kristi's!

Swimming!

Waking up two!

Happy 1st Birthday !
Crawling around!

First time to have cake!

My favorite picture of her.

June 23, 2007

At Camille's Birthday, almost 1.

Just had to throw this one in there.

Going Home.

Our first family picture.

At Baylor Grapevine, they give all the kids a little crochet hat, they gave Olivia one that matched Brandon's shirt.

Little two year old Camille got to push "Vaviva" to the nursery.

Camille's first time to hold to Olivia.

My first time to hold her. I thought she was perfect.

Olivia Catherine Blake.

SUMMER!

2008-06-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

These pictures are in reverse order. We have been blowing and going this summer. We have been lucky to get to spend more time with my family. We started out this blog (from the bottom) at my cousin Jordan's graduation from Idalou High. He is going to ACU in the fall. Watch out ladies, he is quite a catch. We flew home with my sister, and went camping with the Oranges. It was Camille and Olivia's first time in a tent. We went out on Brandon's dad's boat in Lake Grapevine. The next weekend was the girl's Circus birthday party. We had so much fun, but it went by way too fast. The next Wednesday was Camille's first dance recital. I was the "stage mom", which meant I looked after the class backstage. When I walked them onstage, I had a small urge to run out on the stage and do a dance of my own. Who would have thought that I would miss old Barbra Craig's School of Dance? We went to eat with Brandon's family and the Smith's afterward. That next weekend we loaded up to spend Father's Day in Galveston with some friends. We had an amazing time. The next weekend, we flew to Lubbock to celebrate my grandparents, Ron and Loretta Farquhar's 50th wedding anniversary. It was at my aunt's home. My mother and aunt threw quite a party and we had a blast. Today is Olivia's birthday and I will post a montage to her soon. I love being busy and getting to see so many loved ones. This weekend we will be home, back at our church. Brandon just told Camille "leave mom alone, she is blogging. She is bragging about her family on the computer when she could be spending more quality time with them." Guess I better go!

The lovely Loretta Farquhar, aka Nanny Bird.
The lovely couple. Ron Farquhar, aka Pappy Boy.

Happy Father's Day Brandon.

Check out Angie Orange's arms.

Do they look alike?

The nine children in Galveston.

Mrs. Kimberly Holmes and under the hat is Carter.

The Noes, minus Hayden.

The Smith's. Where are their clothes? Bad Shara!

Memaw and Camille after the recital.

Olivia and Kylea.

The Smiths. Nice Rick.

Prince Maddox is eating some menus.

Do they look alike?

Stage MOM. Look OUT.

Camille the Comedian.

Camille the Sweet.

Olivia and the CIRCUS Birthday!

Camille bossing Ms. Cassidee.

Lauren the Magnificent and Camille the Great.

Nathan, Noah, Camille and Lauren on the lake.

Brandon and Olivia. Olivia likes to drive.

Me, Riley, Olivia, Jordan, Carson, Lauren, and Camille at Jordan's graduation dinner.

Jordan and Olivia.

Camille Caroline Blake is FOUR!

2008-05-27T13:53:00.001-07:00

Camille Caroline turned four on Memorial Day. We were in Galveston, Texas with Brandon's parents, sister and brother-in-law. We had such a wonderful time. It was a great place to be on your birthday. I took a note from my friend Cara Potter and wanted to show the world my Camille on all of her birthdays. There are lots of pictures, but how can a mother pick just a few? The pictures are in order backwards. I hope you enjoy seeing her grow. I can not believe that four years ago I had a baby that would become my best little friend. Happy Birthday to CAMILLE CAROLINE BLAKE!!

So big and happy.
Building sandcastles and she couldn't wait to knock it down.

Pancake breakfast with candle.

Singing "Happy Birthday".

She thought this was so funny!

Swimming with Dad.

Sweet sisters. I thought Olivia would be a little jealous of Camille's birthday, since she loves birthday so much. But she was really sweet to her and sang to her numerous times. She did try and blow out her candle.

She reminds me of a Mary Englebreit card right here. I love little Miss Camille.

Three was FUN!

So sweet, but loosing the baby face.

Here with Queenie, on her actual third birthday. We had just finished my grandmother's funeral.

Turning two meant getting a sister soon. Did anyone remember what I looked like at eight months pregnant and on Vicodine from kidney stones?

Queenie made her cake.

Nanny sent her a dress.

I woke up at 5 in the morning, cause who sleeps when they are huge, and made her a cake from scratch on her real birthday.

Mimi and Dada gave her a fancy mirror.

She turned 1!

She had two parties. One in Odessa and one here.

She could barely walk.

She loved the attention.

She wanted us to sing to her over and over.

She figured out that parties are fun.

She still sleeps like this. One leg out of the covers.

She was born in the afternoon. Right before Fantasia won American Idol.

Brandon had no idea what was about to happen to him.

Our very first picture as a couple. I was so scared.

Big Blog

2008-05-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

Camille singing Karaoke at Queenies. I don't know why the dance picture ended up on the side, but that is Camille all dressed up in her recital costume. We had her pictures yesterday. It was fun putting on make up and dressing up. We are excited for her recital.

My grandmother made Camille a cake since her birthday is 5/26/2008.

This past weekend we went to Odessa for my friend Brittany's wedding shower. These are my friends from high school. I have known them all since elementary/junior high. From left Heather, Me, Brittany, Madeline, Tasha, and Jocelyn.

My brother's girlfriend Kresha, my mom, and myself before the shower.

At the end of year party at the girl's preschool, Olivia held this little boy's hand during a slide show.

Camille and her cronies.

Olivia at her last day of school party.

We have been dressing up alot!

The Friday before Mother's Day, Pam invited Memaw, Kylea, and I to stay at the Gaylord Texan for a fun night of eating, shopping, and slumber parties. Brandon, the girls, and Skip met us for brunch that morning.

Camille, Kylea, and Olivia pretending to sleep.

After summers of searching for a snow cone stand, they finally opened one up near our house. I convinced Camille that Wedding Cake was the best flavor (cause it is clear). She loves it!

Emmie and Olivia loving snow cones.

Who are these crazy ladies in front of On the Border?

Kimberly, Angie, Shara, and Andrea- Nice picture on Mother's Day.

Sunday Morning before church on Mother's Day. You might be able to see my corsage that the girls got me.

April was for birthdays...

2008-05-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

It is funny to think how many times we sang Happy Birthday in April. What a fun month. April is the month of my mother's birthday. April 26th is my father, brother, and sister-in-law's birthday. We had Aiden, Camden, and Blake's birthday. Carter was born in April. Needless to say, we partied hard in April. On the day of the 26, Olivia was so confused at singing to three different people. All these birthdays have also sparked interest in Camille for her own birthday. When I told her the plans for her party, she thought that the party was the next day. I explained to her that we were going to be waiting a whole month. She quickly picked up that this was going to be a long wait.

This first set of pictures is from Camille going to see Little Red Riding Hood at Casa Manana. Marilyn Jones took Pam, Camille and I to see the show and her cousin. Her cousin played one of the Grimm Brothers telling the story. It was Camille's first trip to the theater and I think it sparked a new love.

At a party.

Playing in a fountain.

Camille got her like 5th hair cut ever.

Vivi watched.

Kylea's birthday party.

Last Sunday before church.

Last week.....

2008-04-25T16:24:00.000-07:00

Last week was a crazy, busy one. On Thursday, the Fort Worth Zoo came to the preschool. I decided to stay and take pictures. The children were hilarious! The up close and personal experience with the animals was so cool. The picture below is showing just how much Camille cared about me being there. Zilch!

This little penguin got within 1 foot of the children. He was cute.
This is Olivia in the middle of saying "touch it". She wanted to touch all the animals. I told her they would bite her. So she kept saying "bite you".

This is Presley. If you know her, you know that she loves to scream with excitement. She would squeal with delight at all the animals and actually reach out to try to touch them. It was adorable.

The picture below is when Olivia discovered I was there. She is plotting her escape from the line.

This is when she had no idea I was there.

One night, Brandon decided to put on one of Camille's sleep shirts that was given to her by my sister. MCS stands for Midland Christian School.

Last Monday was parents day at dance. Camille is doing ballet here. You may be wondering why she doesn't have ballet shoes on. Well, her recital is coming up and her class will not be wearing ballet shoes in the show since the will be Indian girls. Notice that every girl in her class is blonde headed and blue eyed. Funny.

Doing some tap. Heal, heal, heal....

Bar exercises.

Cheese for dance!

7 random things about me.

2008-04-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am doing it. I was tagged by Andrea to tell 7 random facts about me.

1. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from ACU when I was nine months pregnant with Camille.

2. I love to clean my children's ears. I literally get goosebumps when I see a good piece of wax in their ears.

3. I played the harp for 7 years growing up. I own a small harp that is collecting dust in the corner of my bedroom. Don't ask me to play now, I would need to practice.

4. I am borderline psycho about Tornadoes. I was in 5 tornadoes in one day. I get so scared when there is a thunderstorm that I literally want to hide under the bed. I have nightmares about them all the time.

5. I still have daydreams that I am the President of the United States.

6. I was voted most flirtatious in high school. I was so embarrassed by it, that I totally quit flirting.

7. I am a pretty good water skier. I learned when I was like 5 years old. I like to do it once a year.

Andrea- I don't know seven people to tag that haven't already been tagged.

2008-04-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

We have had a busy couple of weeks! Last Saturday we went to a great birthday party. Below are pictures of Camille bottle feeding a baby pig.

OOOOHHHH... What is happening here?

Is that Barbie as Mariposa or Camille Caroline Blake? Hmmm.....

That same day, Carter Holmes arrived a little early. I was so overwhelmed by his cuteness that I forgot to take pictures of him, but here is a pic of Shara and Presley. She is going to be a great big sister!!!

On Monday we went to the Grapevine Botanical Gardens. It was a nice little trip.

I was trying to be a photographer. Look at the little angel touching the flower poof.

The true silly side came out.

Olivia had to get a sniff in, I have to tell you that everytime she smells a flower, she acts like she is
sneezing. She says "Aaaaachoooo".

So sweet!

Sister Love.

These days I am having a little trouble getting a smile out of Camille. She is too busy trying to tell me something.

Trying to get all the kiddos to pose.

O Olivia! Don't pick the flowers! Camille told her that if she acted bad Mr. Keller will kick her out of Keller. Be careful Olivia. (Even though we were in Grapevine.)

Program Thursday, Arboretum! wait, Aquarium Friday.

2008-03-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

The Egg head on the far left is Camille.

Getting ready for the program at Grapevine Christian School.

Sporting some jeans and they are not falling down.

After Olivia's performance, she sat with us. She yelled at "Mo" until the program was over.

During the finale? Did I miss a memo about wearing a white shirt?

The only way to get these three in a picture was to sit them down on a table.

Are these smiles of delight or fear of falling off the table?

In the elevator with Blake and baby Cohen (Olivia calls him CoCo). Where are we? Well click on my friend Melanie's blog and you will get a complete rendition of the events.

Brayden, Audrey, and Olivia patiently waiting.

Mason, Camille, and Blake looking at fish.

My sweet little girl. Looks like she stayed in this wagon all day, but don't worry! I did my share of caring her on one hip and pulling a wagon with the other side.

The excitement is hardly contained! She is looking at one of her favorite animals.....

Penguins!!!

This picture is so appropriate. I look swollen, Olivia is crying, and Camille is enjoying every minute of it. We will go to the arboretum this Friday. Cross your fingers for no rain.

Posing with the Dada and Mimi at their favorite spot, the WaWa.

EGGstravaganza!!!!

2008-03-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

Well, Easter weekend is over. WOW! We partied every minute of it! We started out Saturday at Andrew Savage's Birthday. Then we raced home to take a nap, not without picking up a steakfinger basket at DQ in Rhome:) After naps, we packed up the car, and went to the church Easter party. Camille was the only one who went to that. Olivia, Brandon, and I went to Town Centre in Southlake to shop around. Then we went to Skips, picked up Camille, went back to town square. We then ate at Rockfish with Kylea and Skip, and went to see Horton Hears a Who. Kylea and I went to Market Street, then Wal- Mart for our Easter goodies.

PLEASE READ

This part is for my mom, grandmother, aunt, mother-in-law, and anyone else who has ever made me a Sunday dinner or had a party for me.

THANK YOU!!!!

I think you don't appreciate the work your mother has done in her life until you start doing it yourself. Kylea and I stayed up late stuffing eggs and making dishes. We had so much fun and I was running on pure adrenaline. I wanted Easter to be so much fun and it was! Thanks Kylea for being my Easter Party Sister. I hope we have many more to come!

We spent the night at Pam and Skip's (Pam was on spring break with her sister. We missed her!)

After church on Sunday, we had an Easter Brunch and it was so much fun. If anyone wants to come next year, let me know!

Hanging with P at Andrew's Party!

They got a little shy, but don't they look cute in their pink shirts.

I told them to say "pirates".

We took Camille to the Easter hunt at church. Olivia couldn't stay since she is just 21 months. She was SO sad when we drove off without "Mo". When we went to pick her up, Olivia tried to jump in with the big kids.

Yeah!

Bounce House!!!

On our way to eat and the movies.

She didn't want to watch Horton Hears a Who, so we played at the fountain and shopped.

Checking out what the Easter Bunny left Sunday morning. Camille slept with Brandon and I and she swore up and down that the Easter Bunny almost didn't come since Brandon snored SO loud.

They are playing putt putt in Skip's hallway.

Little close up of the happiness.

All the kiddos.

Singing show tunes. (Not really, but that is what it looks like.)

Noah, Cassidee, and Camille playing the piano.

Getting ready!

I made them line up and wait to hunt eggs. This is one of my very favorite pictures ever. They were so excited!

A serious job, hunting eggs.

Serious too.

Looking through the loot with Cassidee.

WOW! The weeks go by so fast!

2008-03-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

A LOT has happened in March! From snow, rain, and a day in the eighties, to birthday parties and spring break. Time flies when your having fun! These pictures are in order backwards. The first ones are of our trip to Abilene, then Cassidee's birthday, TCU Egg Hunt, some random days, and Maddox's birthday (which brings us to the first of March). Easter will be this weekend, and then April will be sneaking up.

Eating at the Cracker Barrel before our trip to the zoo.

A peacock greeted us at the Abilene Zoo.

Nanny marveled at it's beauty.

Nanny and Camille were looking at the flamingos.

Olivia's favorite animal was the monkeys. She was making monkey noises at them.

They are wearing their giraffe coats, looking at the giraffes.

Lauren, Camille, Olivia, Queenie, and Nanny.

Turtles.

Cassidee's 2nd Birthday at Chucky Cheese.

Loving the pizza.

Cheese for cheese pizza!

Posing with Cara- who invited us to the TCU Egg Hunt. It was a lot of fun. There were tons of eggs, tons of kids, and free ice cream! Thanks Cara!!

Riding in the wagon with Kennedy.

Dada, Camille, and Olivia.

Our family at the egg hunt. I feel like Brandon and I look like the parents from Growing Pains.

Looking through the loot. I threw away all the chocolate. I felt like a bad mother, but I didn't want chocolate on those dresses!!!!

Olivia wore Brandon's boots.

We went to church. Brandon said that Olivia reminded him of the marshmallow man on Ghostbusters. Camille didn't want to wear this sweater since it wasn't long sleeved.

We went to baby Maddox's first birthday. There was snow on the ground.

SNOW DAY!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-07T11:03:00.000-08:00

Well, it finally snowed in Keller. It took me an hour to pick up the girls from preschool. Their program got cancelled, but now we get to look forward to it next Thursday. The one thing that was disappointing about snow day was that my mom was on her way from Midland to watch the girls program. She made it to Abilene and turned around. We had lots of fun playing in the snow. We ate soup and grill cheese sandwiches after playing and Brandon made the girls a baby snowman to keep in the freezer. Its almost all gone now, but it was so much fun.

I wanna jump.

Waiting to play.

Camille and Olivia love the show "Max and Ruby". They learned how to make snow angels from that show. Camille wondered why her bootie was wet after she completed her snow angel.

Olivia wanted to throw snowballs at our house, since Brandon was throwing them earlier.

So excited!

Helping Daddy build the snow woman. Our neighbor was impressed with Brandon's snowman making abilities. He literally started at one end of the yard and ended at the other with a big snow ball.

We never have a picture of the four of us. Thanks to our neighbor, now we do.

Sick in Midland!

2008-03-01T14:56:00.000-08:00

We are here in Midland visiting my family. We have been here since Wednesday. Camille had swimming lessons and then we flew out. For the first time Camille was scared to fly. She told Olivia, "You had better act good, or they might open that door and throw you out and me and mother will never see you again". I am glad that Olivia had no idea what Camille was talking about. We had been having a marvelous time. Midland is full of baby boutiques that are a lot of fun. We went shoe shopping, clothes shopping, and bow shopping. We have been to the park, played with some triplets, played "baskets" (basketball), got new purses and rabbits. My brother got a new puppy named Molly, and my sister Lauren got a new fish aquarium that the girls are intrigued with. Luckily Camille got to see the two catfish die. Kinda funny.

Yesterday, Olivia woke up with her eye swollen and matted, so we took her to my family's eye doctor and he said it was irritated. Well, I am pretty sure she has a sinus infection. Green snot, wraspy voice, and acting a little mean. Last night at 3:30, Camille started throwing up. I thought she just ate something funny because she woke up playing and feeling good, but she then threw up all over my grandmother and aunt. So.... we have been hanging out. It is nice to be with company. When the kids are sick at home, I don't see people for days.

We will be home on Monday. I have my computer with me and I can receive emails, but I can't send any out for some reason.

2008-02-20T14:17:00.000-08:00

We took a trip to NYC. Thanks to all of you that came me advise on what to do. I can safely say that I saw everything that I wanted to see. We went to Conan, ate cupcakes, and had a marvelous Valentines in NYC.

Mr. New York City

Times Square!

My Hero.

Brandon's Hero.

WE LOVE NYC!

I am inside Barbie's Dream House.

You know your parents when on a get away weekend, you take a picture of Dora and Boots.

I love this picture!

The last picture of me in New York, sitting on a rock. I was trying to act like a model.

Olivia wanted to wear Camille's "Sharpay" hat.

You know your little girl is getting big when she wants to make funny faces at the camera.

This is the face Olivia makes when smelling flowers. I didn't think her nose could do that.

2008-02-11T20:44:00.000-08:00

Here are a bunch of pictures. I post so many because I can't pick which one better express the feelings we are feeling at that very moment. I guess I am obessed with them. They are the light of my day, the glitter on my Valentine. So pardon me for being indecisive. Enjoy!

What are we doing here?

Making Valentines Day cookies.

Last week was "P" day at the preschool. The girls got to wear their PJs, eat pizza, peaches, and pancakes. Camille wore her PIG slippers for extra credit. Little overachiever in the making.

Olivia brought Grumpy bear and her baby. Double fisting! Camille brought Share Bear.

We watched the super bowl with some pals. I can safely say that I only watched the winning play by the Giants. I was going for the them since I was a Giants cheerleader! (In 6th grade:) Our pop warner team was the Giants in elementary. The girls had fun hanging with their pals. I had fun eating all the good food.

Camille!

Presley and Olivia, aka "P Pie and Vivi"

Prince Maddox

Hayden and Carson

Emmie Lou

Noah

This is out of order, but this is what she would rather do.

An afternoon of painting, and no those aren't high waters, they are capris.

We decided to Oliva have a try at painting.

Decided to hang the art on the garage wall.

I am pretty sure Brandon was saying, " I told you so".

I had to show yall what her shirt said.

Camille is becoming quite the artist. Monet, Picasso, Look OUT!

When your stuck at the computer.....

2008-02-01T18:33:00.000-08:00

This week has been crazy. The girls went back to preschool after the huge pink eye incident. Olivia did not cry at all this week. I am so proud of her and feel lucky that they get to go to a place where they feel comfortable and loved. I had to hit the home office hard this week to get some tax stuff done, so even when the girls were not at school, I was on the computer. The following pictures are of what they do when I am not watching. Camille loves being a girl and has been fascinated with fake nails ever since she knew what fingers were. She gave herself nails. She was so proud.

Olivia, on the other hand, loves to make a mess. I think when she was giving herself a deep conditioning with strawberry yogurt, I was actally doing the dishes. Serves me right for trying to clean!

2008-01-24T12:01:00.000-08:00

Ok, the girls and I have pink eye. I know what your thinking, GROSS! I am not sure how we got it, and I apologize if we exposed ourselves to anyone. We are not contagious anymore. We went to the doctor on Tuesday and by Wednesday we had the antibiotics for 24 hours. But, we have stayed indoors just to be on the safe side. Olivia has a bad cold and every 10 minutes giant green snot rockets come shooting out of her nose and onto her sleeve. I have been running around chasing her with a Kleenex and eye drops. Olivia is good about taking her medicine, but Camille and I wrestle every time its her turn. (With pink eye you have to take drops in the eye three times a day.) This morning I had to sit on her and pry her eye open as she is screaming. I feel so bad, but we have to do it.

I am posting pictures of my hair. I feel very vain doing this, but I wanted to show my mom. I actually got it cut last Thursday, but we have been in hiding with all the pink eye drama., and I wanted to wait until I got it highlighted before I showed anyone. Anyway, I am not to big on change with the hair, so I was proud of myself for having the guts to say, "Make it short enough so that I can't put it in a pony tail anymore".

***Please note that in these pictures, I do not have on any mascara. Again, I feel vain even explaining this, but I look weird without my lashes. I haven't had time to buy new mascara since the pink eye. My face is a little chapped from the cold weather too.

2008-01-20T14:49:00.000-08:00

The following are the exciting events of the past week. We missed church cause Olivia has a smoker's cough and I woke up with my eye matted shut. I have never had pink eye, and it doesn't hurt, so maybe it is an allergy. I finally got my computer back from Best Buy's Geek Squad. I swear their lot in life is to drive me nuts.

Eating lasagna with Noah Orange.

Look! I learned how to flip pictures!

SMILE! Chucky as left the building! My kids are really scared of characters. When Chucky showed up they both fought back tears, but Hayden Noe joined Chucky in the front at some little girl's birthday party. Starting early picking up the ladies.

Camille's jacket has little wooden buttons that look like mini cheerios. She kept trying to eat them.

This was Maddox's first time at Chucky Cheese. You can see how delighted he was! Camille refers to him as the "little prince".

We went to Chucky Cheese with some buddies. Olivia and Maddox rode some rides together.

2008-01-14T18:50:00.000-08:00

Tonight we have been jamming to Brandon's red guitar. Camille now wants to play an instrument. I found out today that her dance recital is June 11. Anyone interested is invited. Her costume is Indian themed. Hope everyone is doing well.

Yea, Angie couldn't leave Emmie. Isn't her hair cute! (Angie's) She also had on amazing tiger shoes.

My buddy Shara took these of Olivia and Emmie Orange in Bible class. I think this was Emmie's first time.

There is a required bath immediately after spaghetti.

Is spaghetti night at your house shirtless too?

This is last Sunday. I love to match the girls. I know that I only have a small window of time before they will think it is dorky.

One Saturday, I told the kids that we needed to try the jeep that Skip and Pam Blake bought for Camille when she was Olivia's age. She is just now big enough to maneuver this machine. She really enjoys the radio. Olivia has no problem being the passenger. We were truly inspired by our friend Noah Orange, who got a truck from Santa. It is my dream to have Big Wheel races at the park. We need lots more practice.

Some Christmas Pictures

2008-01-10T12:43:00.001-08:00

We had a magical Christmas this year. Camille finally understood Santa and Jesus's birthday. She was so into all the nostalgic aspects of the holidays. We drank hot chocolate, wrapped presents, baked cookies, made gingerbread houses, looked at Christmas lights, watched every classic Christmas special on TV, and we did dress for the holidays.

Brandon played Santa this year. He needed a little more padding. I think he is pretty cute.

Camille is posing in her favorite PJs that I have now had to hide from her. If she had it her way, this would be her uniform.

These are my women (missing Olivia). From left: Camille, Loretta, Lori, Kimberly, and Lauren. My mom bought us these festive aprons to bake Santa's cookies. Your eyes are not deceiving you, yes my mom is in a wheel chair. The Christmas Queen had knee surgery in late November on her knee and thought she would only be "out" for 7 days. She will be "out" for 8 weeks.

I do believe that this is as close to Cindy Lou Who as you can get. Her hair is in a perfect disk shape. Maybe it was the dry air of Midland, or maybe she was just that excited about Santa!

This is Camille singing High School Musical 2 at my moms. We are going to have to invest in a kareoke machine for the future. It really makes the holidays swell. Olivia was a back up dancer.

This is Camille and Olivia watching Care Bears on their new princess TV. They were being so sweet and cuddling. They both want to stay in their PJs everyday. I have to fight them to get dressed. Its my fault for buying them such warm pajamas.

2008-01-09T20:36:00.000-08:00

OK, if any of you are reading this, I am sorry. Shara is supposed to help me figure this blogging thing out. I can't figure out how to add my friends to the page so that I can click on your pages. Anyways, this was Olivia's first day of preschool. She had to wait to go until she was 18 months old. She did really well. She cried when I dropped her off, but she quit crying when Presley Holmes walked in. I know that yall are going to think I am CRAZY, but I don't like being all by myself. I love them and miss them for the 5 hours that they are gone. SO..... I might get a job at the preschool, if not real soon, next year.

Hello

2007-11-13T17:20:00.000-08:00

Well, last week we went to the circus. It was really amazing and I feel like a big dork saying that, but a guy really did shot himself out of a canon and landed on the opposite side of the Will Rogers arena. WOW! It was a great experience and I totally recommend going. The little girl with us is Kennedy Jacocks. She is Brandon's cousin Coury's daughter. Camille and Brandon rode on an elephant and I think she got closer to her dream of being "Ro", from Barbie as the Island Princess movie.

How in the world does this work?

2007-11-05T12:42:00.000-08:00

This is the first time I have ever "blogged". I have snooped on some of my friends pages and thought, "hmm.... this could be fun." Well now I am nervous that I will not be able to find this page again. Here is to my future with blogging! YEE HAW!