The Cox Family

2010-08-18T20:17:00.001-05:00

HA!HA!HA!

So this afternoon Rusty asked me if I had seen Ellie lately. As a matter of fact I hadn't. After my nap I thought out of curiosity to look at dogs picked up by the animal catcher. To my surprise on Page 2 after all the cows, goats, and cats this is the cute face I see...She looks really photogenic and young. The lady at the shelter talked about how nice and what a great personality she had. Thanks lady and thanks to the person who picked her up on Highway 75 (I live off Hwy 75) and took her to the shelter so that I could donate $28/day for her safety. Next time really nice person if you see a dog with this precious face could you not pick her up a few feet from my house and rescue her...She does not need rescuing. She will not hurt you. She will come home. Thanks Ellie for the last 11 years. You take a great mug shot.

2010-08-17T23:29:00.001-05:00

YOUR SHOCKED...I FINALLY BLOGGED AGAIN!!!!! I AM GOING TO DO BETTER. THIS YEAR HAS BEEN SUPER CRAZY BUSY AND VERY MUCH A BLESSING. I TRIED TO CATCH UP THE BEST I CAN... I AM ALSO BLOGGING AT http://www.brassyblueberries.blogspot.com/

Home Away From Home....

2010-08-17T23:27:00.001-05:00

The lake house has become home already...It's where friends come and ReLAx. We have had Thanksgiving, it' were we stay every Canton weekend, it's where first fish have been caught, it's a wonderful place. Let me know if you want to come to the "Great Escape".

Summer 2010

2010-08-17T23:15:00.000-05:00

Rootin' for them Aggies

Spending Time with Great Friends

Our Garden...too bad the next day when I went to pick the lettuce it was ALL GONE....it had been eaten by worms, the whole THING. What in the World!!!

Pesky Worm

We Get dirty in Melissa

Happy 4th, The funny thing is Paxton the Piro was so excited about putting on their firework show. The country folks down the way put the Great Escape boys with their $60 firework show to shame. They had spent $3,000. It was great!!! We look forward to next year and I think will stick to sparklers.

Thank you Rudder for pulling all the crackers in the pantry to our room. I guess he was hungry.

The Squad at the Dallas Zoo

She's like her mama. She loves Cokes and LOTS of good ice.

The story of Mackey's Life

First Camel Ride

Brassy Blueberries at the Tri Delt House Show. IT was so much fun, thanks Devin.

Kirby was supposed to be feeding the animals at the petting zoo...I guess she got Hungry

Look how BIG she looks.

Rusty and I painting furniture. I don't think Rusty had all this in mind when he married me.

Needed a pic of that hinney!! Maybe taking after PatPat, she seems to be interested in irrigation.

Look at those muscles

My posey

1/2 off Sale- sorry about the pic

Mom and I in our fave area. The junk area at Canton. Found some Treasures

2010-08-17T22:55:00.000-05:00

Vacation 2010. So we decided to not head to Florida this year because well there was an oil spill and we have 5 kids combined and we wanted to make the most of the time with child care. We headed to San Antonio. We stayed at La Cantera and did ALOT of relaxin'. We shopped, we ate, and we laid out. It was Lovely. We love our kids, but we love our time with good friends. I think Tab said Yellowstone next year...better start working on childcare for 5 kids!!

2010-08-17T22:44:00.000-05:00

Happy One Year Birthday Brassy!!!

2010-08-17T22:42:00.001-05:00

The tackle boxes Rusty found for me (and Paxton) for decorating.

The minnow chase. I bought about 26 the day before and they were ALL dead between the gas station and my house. Awesome, luckily they are cheap. Rusty bought some more that even a few made it for the party. The boys thought the dead ones were fun to fish out too!!

Paxton really wanted a pinata. I think he just wanted something to HIT.

Wish I knew what they were saying.

The only one to catch a fish. Way to go Lainey and put those boys to shame.

The bait bar to fill your tackle box.

Happy 5th Bday. Paxton had a fishing party this year. 5 was a BIG number for Paxton. The world was going to change the morning he turned 5.

2010-08-17T22:34:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of Carlien and Eden's Baby shower. We moved the furniture and had a girls night out...Thanks Eunice for all the decorating.

2010-08-17T22:18:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday My Third Child...

She had a b-day at Chick Fil A on a Friday. I figured she didn't need more toys. So what does a Girl need...Bows. That was what you needed to have some cake...a Bow. It was such a fun party and very low key. Can't believe my baby is ONE...Can't believe I'm finally blogging.

2010-01-27T23:58:00.000-06:00

Stroll on over to the New Spring Line of Brassy Blueberries. Thanks to many models we are up and running:) Not everything is up yet but some is...Browse, shop, and spread the word. We will continue to update frequently as many new things are still arriving on my doorstep.

http://www.brassyblueberries.com/

Still to come: more dresses, more skirts, awesome handbags, and some really unique necklaces.

2010-01-08T10:01:00.000-06:00

2010-01-07T22:18:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

2010-01-07T21:54:00.000-06:00

OHHH SWEET KIRBY...

you are one of a kind...special in everyway. I love that you cannot smile without scrunching your nose. That you are sooo laid back (you must have known your mom cannot handle another high maintenence child). You are 10 3/4 months. You pull up and have been for about 2 months. You let go and then realize it and grasp for something quickly. You have two bottom teeth and about a million coming in, hence the issues in the diapers we have been having. You love to be held, hate to be kissed, and laugh so hard at Paxton and Mackey. You share a room with Mackey and many mornings Mackey has crawled in the crib and played dolls with you. You eat well and are not picky at all. You look a lot like your dad although you favor Mackey as a baby. You have some thighs sister!!! You win for most squishy legs and they are always raw

from all that crawling. I cannot believe you will be 1 soon. You don't favor any toy you just lurk around all day. You take great naps. We adore you!!! We look forward to watching you grow in 2010.

2010-01-07T21:41:00.001-06:00

The new face of Mackey. We are back in glasses. She developed a contact intolerance. I searched high and low for some stylish, fun glasses and here is one of our pairs. This happens to be her favorite. We put rhinestones in the corners and change them weekly. She calls it her bling. I know someday she will appreciate all that we are doing for that "crazy eye". Just so you know....she had the surgery to correct the ahem***gouch eye (aka wandering eye). It no longer goes out. For some reason, her brain stopped using the eye and now it is up to us to patch, use atropine drops, and be faithful in all this. She will probably never get out of glasses/contacts but we need to prevent the eye from being "dead", not seeing at all. I think she can see more than she lets on at the dr office. So, we will keep you up to date on our little princesses special eye.

2010-01-07T21:29:00.002-06:00

Paxton did not know he was meeting Santa that night or he would have brushed his hair. He looks so old.

Singing their sweet little hearts out. Paxton did a lot of chewing on his sleeve but Mac had the vocals.

Mackey and her best friend, she will not stop talking about Morgan.

The crime scene...right before the chaos errupted

Mackey's new face. We are back in stylish glasses

Kirb with her own stroller...thanks Aunt Tonya for hooking a girl up

When the baby cries...shut her up

After we opened our poppers...everyone had to read their joke and wear their crown

We were a little tired

On her plasma car...tight sqeeze

Look at these friends...look at this mess

This Christmas was so much fun. We went to Grandma and Big Daddy's on Monday through Wednesday. We of course enjoyed playing with new toys, playing Mexican Train, eating like pigs, and playing Big Daddy's Wii. Wednesday night we ate in Denton with the Searight gang and enjoyed some Whitey time (of course we still tried to convince her to move to McKinney). The kids got Nerf shooters from Kelly and Gib...Watch out, payback isn't pretty. Thursday mom and I had some much fun cooking more food for Christmas day. That afternoon we went to the candlelight service at church and again were blessed by our church and the effort they put into having a great celebration of Jesus's birth. After church SueSue let Paxton open one gift and it was the Wii snowboarding game. Since Paxton borrowed her Wii about 11 months ago he is on a long term lease. He snowboarded for several hours. Christmas morning we woke up and slowly opened presents. It was so nice to have nothing to do and no where to go. Our power went out for about 2 hours but it was ok becuase everything needed batteries. We were joined by our sweet neighbors for lunch and just enjoyed relaxing. Highlight presents were: a castle from Santa, the leapster with a Batman game for Paxton, and Mackey loved her plasma car. She said she had "always wanted one of these." How precious. This year we had a hard time explaining to Paxton that Christmas is not about receiving but celebrating Jesus. That was a hard lesson to explain and learn. We are beyond blessed and look forward to 2010.

2010-01-07T14:34:00.001-06:00

Random....Gross for some I am sure. I recently went to clean the deep freezer out. I was misinformed by my wonderful hubby. When I stopped nursing he told me there wasn't very much breast milk out there!! Obviously there was... I know this is a crazy blog post but I wanted to remember this about my post-pregnancies just in case I am done:) The weeks following child birth were painful and full of some serious over production. I almost cringe to look at a pump. I am fortunate to have had that experience but good gosh...I threw some serious liquid gold away.

2010-01-07T14:26:00.000-06:00

Happy 3 Year Birthday. Mackey had a princess tea party. It was great we rented the La Madeleine party room (which is free) and had them cater drinks, chicken salad, and fruit salad. It was so sweet. The girls decorated cups, played paper dolls, and wore their best princess costume. The whole party was $130!!! The best part was we used their plates and made a glitter mess in their party room. Miss Melissa from Krogers made Mackey the sweetest princess cake.

Love this picture. MoMo and Mac...you are just too precious.

2010-01-07T14:13:00.000-06:00

Snow!! We had a white Christmas. It was so great to have a Christmas that looks like the pictures in the storybooks. Paxton loved the snow; however, Mackey did not like getting hit with snow balls. We went to the Christmas eve candlelight service and when we came out the ground was covered and the wind was blistery.

2009-11-29T22:41:00.008-06:00

Rusty with his dog...I had to beg him to let me take this pic

With the perfect tree

Helping her dad Of Course she is her mother...she thinks she can do it herself

Riding the hayride to the perfect tree

Paxton getting dragged around the yard by Scotter and Hunter

Analeise celebrating the big 21 and Mackey having an early celebration.

Of course, Tinkerbell cake.

Getting Kyle out of bed...old fashioned trick water on face. Works every time.

The lake house is not good for Mackey's hair!!! Only there and with supervision is she able to feed Kirby

"Better than Sex Cake"-Decorating by Leah

Toasting to GG': The cups she always made them use. We missed her this Thanksgiving, but we know she had a fabulous feast in Heaven

She has been begging for the Tinkerbell doll

Relaxing on the porch...SueSue and Kirby

Where life stands still

Hanging on for dear life

She looks so old here

Playing the leaves, only at the lakehouse!!!

Thanksgiving 2009

We headed to the small East Texas town where time stands still. Erika headed out with us and we enjoyed some shopping in Mineola. We ate the best hamburgers in Texas at East Texas burger. We had a relaxing time. We had 17 people fit into a 2 bathroom, 1 television, 1 kitchen table and lots of love in the lake house. We have enjoyed the lake house more than we imagined. When we go there the kids forget about watching television, you take naps on the grass, and jump in leave piles. We had LOTS of family time, football, and food. It was great to see Kyle and all the other cousins. I look forward to Thanksgiving with the Pigg's every year.

Friday morning we headed to Liberty City to go on the Polar Express. We drove to Palestine that night to ride the train. It was so much fun. They played the story and had the chefs dance, pass out cookies/hot chocolate, and Santa gave each child a bell. Saturday we headed to the Christmas tree farm. It has become a tradition every Thanksgiving. Where can you get a 10 1/2 ft tree for $57. Somehow that night we managed to play Mexican Train...I am happy to say Rusty did not win, Big Daddy did. In keeping with tradition we headed back to McKinney this afternoon to decorate for Christmas.

We have so much to be thankful for: healthy children, Brassy Blueberries that affords us extra money and time with my mom, the lake house, extended family, a house that is cozy and has

2009-11-29T22:19:00.002-06:00

We went to see Paxton and Mackey's school play. Paxton had practiced singing the song "Super Turkey" so much that week. SueSue, Rusty and I all took our seats. Paxton had his shirt in his mouth and sang nothing and Mackey...she picked her boogers. We are so blessed to have the children go to such a Christian school. They have learned so much, Mackey is constantly singing about how she is "God's mighty hero" and Paxton practices writing everyone's name. We are thankful.

2009-11-29T22:10:00.002-06:00

My Baby is 9 Months!!! She was in the 25% weighing in at 17 pounds. Everybody loves Kirby. She is the perfect third baby. Goes with the flow and is so mild. She is into everything...crawling, pulling up on everything, and dirty just like her sister. She says Dada and mama. We call her Rustina cause she look s just like her dad, she even has the bulldog face that Rusty occasionally has. I can't imagine life without Kirby. She is a blessing. She has moved into her crib upstairs with Mackey. That has been interesting. We find them in the crib talking a lot of nights. They will be the best of friends...I am sure they will never fight:) We look forward to many dirty clothes, making messes, and lots of smiles.

2009-11-29T21:59:00.002-06:00

It was ok to sit on this one!!! Pictured: Liam, Ella, Jackson, Micah, Laney, Chloe, Logan, Paxton, Mackey,Kennedy, and Kirby

She lloks more than thrilled We are so blessed to have wonderful friends that will go and spend a day at the Dinosaur Park at Heard Museum. We had such a good time picnicking and just basking the sun on a beautiful fall day in Texas.

2009-11-29T21:48:00.003-06:00

Our New family member: Rudder Roo Cox. Don't go down the dog isle at McKinney Trade Days unless you want a dog. Note to self. SueSue purchased this adorable Maltese for me and the kids. He has grown on Rusty:) We love this dog and he has been a great fit for our family. He lets the kids do whatever the want...a little to much. When we went for our vet visit to make sure he was healthy I was told that he has a soft spot that did not heal and never will. It is about dime sized and Dr. Bing said, "Just be really careful, he will die instantly if it gets hit." Awesome, apparently he didn't see Rusty with a lab and a mute on bungee cords (we had no leashes, they are outside dogs) and the three kids under 4. Perfect. We are really careful and we love Rudder so much.

2009-11-29T21:33:00.002-06:00

Sack Race

Goal

My Chickadee

A Knight, A Princess, And a chicken!!!!

We had so much fun at the Liberty City carnival. It was cheap and there was good company.

Fall 2009

2009-11-29T21:18:00.003-06:00

Probably about to commit crime:) Sister love

Rustina

Workin' o so hard to get anywhere Good Ole' Bill Bates Pumpkin Patch you never let us down!! We had so much fun going out there with Logan and Kennedy. We wish that you would make there be a day that no schools are allowed...we hate fighting the millions of matching shirts and children that are running crazy, but we go anyway. What is fall without a pumpkin patch???

2009-09-20T22:17:00.003-05:00

2009-09-20T20:54:00.002-05:00

Paxton had his first soccer game Saturday morning. I can't believe he was able to function since we didn't get in from Florida till 4am and his game was at 8am. Rusty is coaching...though he knows nothing about soccer he is enjoying watching Paxton be so excited about sports. Paxton said he didn't care if we signed him up for football and baseball too. Not sure how I feel about every Saturday being booked, but it is so fun watching him. He did score a goal...but he scored in the wrong goal. Rusty said that he knew he had scored in the wrong goal but everyone convinced him he had scored right. He was so excited. He came home that morning and told me a play by play...He said mommy, "Everyone was screaming Go Cardinals". Also, thank you to PatPat who came and watched after being awake for 24 hours coming home from Florida.

2009-09-20T20:38:00.002-05:00

SueSue and PatPat recently purchased a cabin outside of Canton. It was so nice to come home after a long day at Canton and have a place to call home. We did lots of projects two weeks ago..the guys painted, laid wood floors, and fix lots of little things. Also, PatPat bought a toy: A boat. We had so much fun riding the boat. In Paxton's previous life something traumatic happened on the lake...he hated everything about the lake. Mackey tubed along with Renee Rea and I. Although Paxton did not like the lake he LOVED fishing. He stayed out late fishing with PatPat and Rusty. He caught his first fish around 10 o'clock and we had to all get up to see it. Monday morning we woke up to 15 huge ducks wanting their breakfast. They were literally eating out of our hands. We are so excited about the memories that will be had.

2009-09-20T20:24:00.002-05:00

First day of school. I was in Canton so Mary and Rusty did the honors of getting the kids ready. They were both really excited! Mackey was so excited when she found out that her bag had light up wheels. I am so excited for Paxton this year as his teacher is a retired kindergarten teacher and very serious about their education. Mrs. Diane sends home a weekly news letter and all. I was thrilled to learn that Mackey would have Mrs. Joni, We love Mrs. Joni. There is no pic of Mackey and her teacher because the pic of Mackey is horrible. I am so excited about the time that I am going to have with Miss Kirby...and all the errands I can run without having to take the whole gang in.

2009-08-17T17:07:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthdays!!! We gather with the Slaughter, Cox, and Searight group to celebrate August Birthdays annually. Mattios Mexican Food- It just doesn't get any better than this!!! This was the first year for Kirby and Ebby Lee... they seemed to do pretty well.

2009-08-17T16:56:00.003-05:00

Oh Miss Kirb...We all love you. You have brightened everyone's life in 6 months. You look just like Paxton. You sleep well, you eat well, and you are fairly good at entertaining yourself.

What you are doing;

1) You are eating 2 jars of baby food a day and eating wagon wheels.

2) You are drinking 5 ounces of milk every three hours.

3) You smile at everyone!!! Your whole face smiles with you.

4) You are starting to want to sit and crawl

5) The funniest thing you do is when you don't know what to do you start doing this dry nervous cough. It is hilarious!!

2009-08-17T16:50:00.002-05:00

We went under the BIG top. The circus was so much fun...Mackey and I loved the elephants. Paxton of course loved the motorcycles in the big ball. Next time Kirby will have to go under the top with us.

2009-08-17T16:43:00.002-05:00

Happy 7 Year Anniversary

Rusty and I had a great 7 year anniversary celebration. We had a couples massage and then headed to dinner. We have had some great times together...Brassy Blueberries being the newest adventure. I am so lucky to have a husband that loves to share

in my passions and makes them his own. We are loving the memories that we are sharing together. Here's to another 50!

2009-08-17T16:33:00.003-05:00

This outfit matches Mackey's personality...CRAZY

Fun...Ode to Mackey

What Mackey Loves these Days;

1)Dolls- She is very girly girl. I am hoping the athletic bone strengthens soon! When she runs all parts of the body are flailing.

2) I have to remember that she is only 2 1/2. She acts and talks like she is 4. She has started picking out her own clothes. It is so funny what she gravitates to in the wardrobe.

3) She has the most unique personality.... She is VERY independent. She is in her own little world a lot. Her feelings are not very sensitive and she does not mind getting in trouble.

4) She has recently potty trained and was able to get an American Doll Bitty Baby. For some reason she doesn't love on that baby quite as much as she should for the price. It cost more to buy the baby doll than to have a baby.

5) She is so excited about starting school and I am so excited for her. She is a nurturer. She loves Kirby and takes really good care of her.

2009-08-17T16:25:00.003-05:00

Recently Paxton decided that he wanted to ride his bike without training wheels- though skeptical we tried....LO and Behold the kid can do it. We have excelled enough lately that he can start up his self. We are so proud of him! I am beginning to look in his face and realize that he is no longer a toddler but becoming a young boy.

What Paxton is into at 4 years old:

1) CARS still.

2)Sports- starts soccer league this Sept. He is really hoping that he is on the blue team. Rusty is the coach.

3)Dinosaurs and ALL action heroes. Not sure how boys automatically know about Super heroes but they do...it's quite amazing.

4) He can swim on his own without floaties. A light bulb just clicked this summer.

5) He is a sweet hearted boy. He is very sensitive and a rule follower. All you guys will want Paxton to date your daughter because he is passionate about what he wants, kind, and gets stressed by people breaking the rules.

Are you a Blueberry

2009-07-07T17:17:00.006-05:00

Booth set-up...PatPat said we had the best one there

Our current booth in Walkway on the Creek in Canton

Carlien modeling

Really Hot at McKinney Trade Days

Rusty and PatPat should have known something like this was going to happen...we are always up to no good.

Gianna modeling

Mackey in an outfit...

Erika modeling...

Karla in a sample Brassy Blueberries: That's what is in a Name. My mom and I have stepped into uncharted waters lately. We opened a woman's boutique. What??? Yes we have officially lost our minds and we are loving every minute of it. There is not a website/store that we have not sought after. We had two goals: cheap prices and anthropology style clothes. Our customers this weekend said both of those words. We know that we are where God wants us. We have had some much fun meeting people and helping them feel great about themselves. We are only selling at McKinney Trade Days and Canton Trade days. There are no plans to open a boutique, I am not making any of the clothes, and we don't know all the details. We are excited for this new adventure and looking forward to where this all goes.

***Beware I may ask you to model at any time:)

The Big 10 Year Reunion

2009-07-07T16:31:00.004-05:00

Oh how I have missed Sarah White

Old Friends...Jeff Wolfe, Kristy Demers, and Aaron Bragewitz

Skipping rocks

Who knew Courtney and I would live only minutes from one another.

Old Friends

Pace Park We headed down to Belton for the 10 Year Reunion. It was so much fun taking the kids to Salado creek and wading. They learned to skip rocks...they were really scared of the moss. There is no place like Pace Park. I had many of fun times down there. We also had so much fun hanging out with the Kennedy's and Kerr's. It was like old times...staying up way too late. On Saturday we went to the lake with The Demers. Paxton hated everything about the lake. Mackey on the other hand went tubing with me. We had so much fun hanging out with the Demers. Saturday night we enjoyed seeing LOTs of old friends at the new Dead Fish Grill. Blake and Mandy did an awesome job of coordinating everything and making it such a pleasant evening.

Paxton is 4

2009-07-07T15:38:00.004-05:00

The aircraft carrier landing zone...Big hit Dinosaurs, transformers, and cars...these are a few of his favorite things. Brant and Paxton in awe over a dinosaur movie.

Bombs away. This year Paxton's party was an army ammunition party. I filled up several army water balloons for the attack.

They are supposed to be army crawling for the hidden men...

The men in the water

Paxton's cake...thanks Melissa at Krogers, you are fabulous.

June in A Nutshell...

2009-07-07T15:21:00.003-05:00

Playgroup at the Jack Carter Pool Kirby's first playgroup...I think Ebby Lee and Molly might kick the cry baby out.

Our Seniors Graduating...We will miss Blake but stalk him at A&M

Another Senior we will miss!!

Pool, Pool, and Pool. It's a lot harder with three kids

Kirby upset because she is not in the water. She doesn't like to miss a thing.

2009-05-28T23:05:00.005-05:00

How many hands does it take to help a baby stop crying

One loved baby...

Sweet Kirb

Is this what Mackey sees when she looks at me...???? Perfect

Field Day 2009

The threesome

We call her "Rustina" because she looks so much like her daddy

Feeding her baby...too bad she can't give her baby nutrients since she herself does not eat well.

So before three kids I used to blog... I am trying to get back on track so I have caught up on the month of May...keep scrolling!!

2009-05-28T22:47:00.004-05:00

Who would have ever thought that Kirby would have been so popular among the high school boys...I think I found some babysitters!!!

Bocce Ball...good thing Emily was clutch for the girls.

This year Rusty and I have been so blessed by a group of seniors in high school. We/Rusty has been spending time every Sunday pouring into their lives. What always happens with blessings of service is that you are the one who in turn is blessed. We have had a fabulous time with the kids this year and formed special bonds with each. We are so excited for them and the journey that awaits them.

2009-05-28T22:37:00.004-05:00

Can't wait to move to our next adventure together. Sorry Coila I was enjoying your party so much that I only got a pic of the cake...

This next week marks the last week of Rusty and I's mothers being teachers. They have both been fabulous teachers and touched MANY lives. We are so excited about our mothers getting to move from their professional lives to the part where they get to do what the love every morning without the pressure of TAKS and grading. Coila will embark on many camping trips while SueSue will be embarking with me in a new little adventure involving Blueberries (more to come on that).

2009-05-28T22:25:00.004-05:00

Lately Paxton has been really pushing Rusty's buttons and doing the Longhorn sign. I am sure the Paxton will come to his senses and realize how poor he will be paying for his own school if he chooses to be a Longhorn. However with John Lee being such good friends with Mac Brown Rusty gritted his teeth and got Paxton's pic taken with a celebrity. Rusty said however that Mac refused to do a "gig em"

Rusty was soooo sweet and gave me a break one day last week. He took Paxton and Mackey to the Byron Nelson...I am pretty sure that makes you "Dad of the Year". Of course Pax and Mac enjoyed the tournament for about 30 minutes...Rusty used Paxton to get signatures like: Freddie Couples, Anthony Kim, and Hunter Mahan on a flag pin. It was a rough day for Rusty but it was so relaxing to only have one child for a couple of hours. I am so lucky to have a hubby who is so hands-on.

2009-05-28T22:17:00.003-05:00

Mother's Day was really special this year. I had my three little piggies and feel like our family is so complete. Sunday morning was baby dedication and Kirby was dedicated, it was really special because our family got to dedicate our child with our very special friends, the Slaughters and Miss Ebby Lee. We then went to Mi Cocina and met up with Ashley and loved celebrating a special day with family.

I am so very blessed!!!

2009-05-28T22:05:00.003-05:00

Modge Podge letters that I did for Kirby and Mackey

Just wanted to take a picture of their rooms so I can cherish the moments when I got to pick out the bedding and their are no posters stuck to the wall. Paxton really wanted a Spider Man/Batman room. Of course I loved the Pottery Barn super hero room but that is not in my budget so I went with the vintage Batman movie posters and on ebay found the most fantastic Superman poster. He loved it and it made me so happy to please him. For the girls room I made Rusty work hard. Painting three colors, chair railing, and two beds. I absolutely love the way it turned out...now to find another pink antique bed.

2009-05-28T21:53:00.005-05:00

Bubbles galore How many cuties can cram into one box...

Her namesake "McCauley" was Grandma K's maiden name...look how precious they are looking at each other.

The always requested picture of all the kids.

Cori and Kirby

Trip to Liberty City...We headed up to spend some time with the Liberty City gang, and BOY did we!! Bubbles, homemade ice cream, and wonderful parks it doesn't get any better than that.

College Station...

2009-05-07T16:49:00.004-05:00

1407 Sunny Court...Lots of good memories! Trying to get a grreat pic of all the kids...nice Mackey

I didn't want to wake up Kirby...next time.

We headed to College Station last weekend to enjoy some baseball, great friends, and the college experience again. We miss College Station...Rusty and I both agreed that we would trade everyone in for just one week of college again. Of course we love each other but college is such a fun experience that you can never have again. The Walls and us laughed at how in college you just think you are stressed and then you get into the real world and oh my...the stress. We loved seeing Ben and Tiff's new home in the process. Tiffany and I had some much fun dreaming about her house and looked at model homes and blueprint plans. We love the Walls and are so glad we have someone to stay with in College Station. Rusty and Ben took Paxton and Mackey took the baseball game. That's very brave men...I think they just feed them $5 snow cones. We had so much fun, thanks Wall family.

Easter

2009-04-12T22:54:00.005-05:00

My precious love bugs...

The Easter Bunny has a funny sense of Humor

Egg Hunting...after Mackey discovered there was candy in the eggs she was done hunting and on to eating.

Easter 2009

First matching dresses... many more to come

The Easter Bunny came

Easter was such a great and relaxing day. Church was awesome, food at Marla's was awesome, and the 3 hour nap I took was great. I woke up just in time to finish watching the Masters and then enjoy the beautiful evening outside. This Easter I was touched as I looked in Paxton's eyes and explained (in a very childlike way) the resurrection of Christ. For some reason it took on a whole other meaning to me as I looked at him and thought about how he is not mine but Christ;s and he was entrusted to me. It is my responsibility to be a Godly role model for him and teach him of Gods amazing Grace. What a God...Holy is He.

Miss Ebby Lee- I asked Erika permission before I posted these pics!!

2009-04-12T22:29:00.007-05:00

Miss Ebby Lee and I Beautiful

Excited about another Baby

The boys with their babies. A little matchy matchy in this pic!

BFF...minus Kensington.

Kirby is actually bigger than somebody now.

Sweet Ebby Lee

6 pounds 13 ounces

Mackey after being at the hospital ALL DAY...she finally tuckered out

Lookin a little too good after having a baby...and pushing for two hours.

After a year of praying for a Slaughter baby...Erika got pregnant.

After 9 months of waiting...she was finally here!!

Shay and I went up to the hospital on Thursday expecting the induction to take forever and then come back up that night to see the beautiful Ebby Lee. Erika was such a champ and by noon was already 10 cm. Of course we couldn't leave them. Shay and I were quite the crew. I think by the end of the day we had gone through 8 diapers (most of them poopie), Shay owned a $19 Similac can (Kensington drinks Emfamil), and Mackey had eaten so much junk she was in a sugar coma.

Ebby Lee is precious. We already love her like she is our own...Paxton informed me that he thought she was really cute but then thought he needed to remind me that she is not ours. We already told Kirby and Ebby Lee that though they will be best friends all bets are off when we go reselling.

2009-04-12T22:24:00.002-05:00

Happy 30th Birthday Ang!!!

Since Rusty was out of town I roped Erika into going to Dallas with me to celebrate the BIG 30. It was nice to have an evening with Angela without kids...and might I add Angela was wearing a dress and lookin sexy.

What we Have Been Up to...

2009-03-29T22:50:00.005-05:00

Paxton with his fishing box...thanks Big daddy for stocking us up. He loved organizing it and taunting Mackey that he had a box and she did not. Fishin'...Mama was praying that at least one fish would bite just so we could have a little fun, no such luck. We came to the conclusion they were all taking a Sunday afternoon nap.

PatPat and Mackey

Our Big Boy ice skating. He did really well. I think the OCD in him refused to fall because he didn't want to get wet and cold. Whatever motivates him!!

Ice Skating... Mackey spent most of the time in that stancs...the falling stance. She had a little trouble with the skating but hung strong. At the end she was frustrated and came and sat by me and in a really whimpery voice said, "I not that good". Of course the mama in me had to be encouraging and let her know she was awesome.

The kids at the entrance to the ice skating rink at the Galleria. Thinking they are so funny walking on the blades.

Her crown has slipped. Not sure who the culprit was but someone thought this was funny. Sorry Jeni, Jackson's toy has been busy.

Sweet Girl at 5 weeks. She has kept the dark hair. Praise the Lord she has just plain kept hair!! That's a first for the Cox children.

One proud Big Sis. She LOVES to cuddle Kirby and loves to hold her...supervised of course:)

Happy 1 Month B-day. We are officially in the 2% for weight now. Yippee!!

We are loving the weather...nothing beats Coke floats on the front porch. Of course the next picture would be of Mackey spilling hers. Notice the fabulous wreath that Erika and I made to copy Shays. Thanks Shay for buying the wreath and letting us copy.

The playgroup line-up. Kirby has LOTS of friends....note there are LOTS of boys. Carter, Jackson, Jaxson, and Luke watch out there maybe arranged marriages.

Trying to get the group corraled.

2009-03-16T21:54:00.007-05:00

Mackey is a passy crook Enjoying some Corn on the cob...a girl after her mama's heart

Little Kirby...she looks just like Mackey Pictures from the Arboretum

What have we been up to??? Last weekend Big Daddy and Grandma came to visit on Friday and we took a trip to the Arboretum...which was beautiful. Then Saturday the other Liberty City Cox came to visit. We have no pictures of all that fun but Mackey and Paxton sure enjoyed Drew...the three had a blast and were sad when it was time to go home. I was excited because Sunday morning we ate breakfast at The Original Pancake house which I LOVE!!! We have been feeding...it's amazing how fast your day goes when you are on a 3 hour schedule. Kirby is officially weighing 6 pounds and LOVES to be held...ALL-THE-TIME!! I am soaking it up and loving it. This last weekend we fired up the grill and enjoyed good steaks, corn on the cob, and a BLT salad. YUM YUM good. We enjoyed the 80 degree weather last week and then had lazy days in the house while it rained for three days straight. I am so ready for spring and being outdoors. We are adjusting to no sleep (she is living up to Paxton's Angel by day, Beast by Night), the small expensive Pampers diapers that Kirby goes through way too quickly, and the love and joy that Kirby has brought to our family.

2009-02-22T22:50:00.007-06:00

Going Home... Snug as a Bug

SueSue to the Rescue

Laying in the tanning bed...too bad her mommy can't get some of those rays..

Going Home... We all decided to wear pink in Kirby's honor.

Grandma, Kirby and Big Daddy

SueSue, Kirby Q, and PatPat Mackey adoring Kirby Big Brother and his cupcake. Paxton was so worried that Kirby was not having a birthday cake...Thanks Slaughters for picking some cupcakes up so that Kirby could have her party.

Paxton and Kirby

Wearing their shirts proudly after opening their Big Brother/Big Sister gifts that Kirby had given them after she arrived.

Kirby McCauley

Right after the birth...thank goodness I showered and blow dried the hair at 4am

Fresh from the womb

Let the pushing begin...I must have been in between contractions since the epidural let me down...I look semi-relaxed

She is HERE and precious (of course coming from her mother)...

Kirby McCauley Cox

4 pounds 15 ounces 17 1/2 inches long

Born at 3:50p.m.

Whoever said that you third delivery would go quick was wrong. Wednesday night was the last night of the Procardia to keep her in... I had debated skipping it but was guilted by Rusty so I went ahead a took it. About 2:00am I woke up not really feeling great but thought that I was crazy. But 2:45 I woke Rusty up and told him I thought this might be the "it's time moment" that he had so longed for. He stated that he had hoped the "it's time moment" would occur during the day and to go back to sleep. By 4 am I decided to get a 2nd opinion from SueSue who stated she would be over soon and we should get ready. So Rusty and I took showers, packed bags, swept the front porch (seriously, I was crazy nesting) and headed to the hospital.

When we got there I was terrified they would say to go home it wasn't the time. The nurse who ironically had me a couple weeks ago said, "hey, we knew we would see you soon." Needless to say we were staying and I was 5cm, 70% effaced. She thought I would have the baby by noon (she was wrong!!). I got my epidural and that particular day the hospitals computers were down so everyone had a nurse in the room 24/7 with them to monitor the fetal strip stuff. Her name was Raquel "Rocky" and we would not have made it without her. She was amazing and said the right things to me at the right time. By 1:00pm Dr. Riegel broke my water and I was still progressing slowly. By 2:00pm my epidural started acting a fool ( I should get my money back for that stupid thing) My epidural stopped working, all you crazy people who intend to do that naturally I can't figure out WHY??? It hurts like a word not suitable for the blog. So basically I went through the pain of the epidural stick and then did childbirth naturally. It is like the movie, it hurts, you scream, you want to jump off the bed. Anyway...enough about how heroic I am.

She is here and healthy. We had a minor scare at first she was grunting to breath so had to go to the nursery for a couple hours to be monitored but came out great. Paxton and Mackey are in love. Paxton wants to hold her for short periods of time and Mackey wants to hold her all the time. It is so sweet! Breast feeding is going as to be expected...latching problems, hurting bosoms, and lactation consultations here we come. Oh...and we have some nasty jaundice...which means she has to stay on a tanning bed 24/7 except feedings until it gets better. Hopefully tomorrow because it is killing us to not be able to hold that precious little peanut...SueSue has come to the rescue renting TONS of movies, bringing over another comfy recliner, and bringing Paxton her Wii to borrow with a Batman Game. The boy is in Heaven.

We have been so blessed by friends and family...Thank you all. Thanks for the meals, the prayers, and bringing us fashionable preemie clothing (Sheaffer and Lisa:).

2009-02-22T22:26:00.003-06:00

The Wonderful Hostess...Carlien, Angela, Me, Erica, and Shay

Me, Amy, and Carrie

Kirby and I are very blessed by friendship. Some of my girl friends threw me a small little shower to help welcome Sweet Kirby. The theme was "Sex in the City"...it was absolutely adorable. I could not ask for anything else than the precious out pouring of love from friends...I am blessed. The invitation read as follows: (how very clever girls)

Whitney's having baby number three...

Sounds like too much "Sex in the City".

Strap on your heels and join us for faux-tinis and appetizers...

Wasn't that just TOOOO clever.

2009-02-12T20:54:00.004-06:00

Update to the Update:

So we went to the dr. today. I am officially off "bedrest" but was told to take it real easy. He said that I need to try my best to be a mom to Paxton and Mackey but keep the swollen elephant feet up. As soon as I am ready to have a baby he said to resume daily Whitney living- crazy!! I am still on the Procardia and will be until next Thursday. I am ready to be done but am pushing for at least 36 weeks which should guarantee no NICU. Thank you guys for all the prayers and support.

Whitey is on her way to save the Day

2009-02-10T15:57:00.003-06:00

KIRBY UPDATE:

Well little Miss Kirby tried to make her debut Sunday but we fought it off. I am officially on a modified bedrest (as much as possible bedrest with a 2 and 3 year old). Saturday afternoon I wasn't feeling great and then Sunday morning I was having a crampy feeling with a lot of Braxton Hicks. Finally Sunday afternoon I decided to call the dr. and he thought it was nothing to worry about and that if I thought it was getting worse I could go up to the OB floor. Well, Rusty and I decided to go just to check and get peace of mind. When we got there I was in fact having contractions every two minutes, though I was still at 3cm. Since I am 4 days short of 35 weeks I was given IV fluids, Terbutaline which made me feel terrible, and Demerol for the contractions that were making my toes curl. So...all this to say is that Kirby is coming soon. I am at home taking Procardia to slow down/stop the contractions. Bags are packed and we are getting more excited. Whitey is on her way to save the day and is going to stay with us and help Rusty perform daily duties until Kirby comes. We are praying for healthy lungs and no NICU, but we are excited and know that it is all in God's control. We shall see what the dr. says Thursday:) Next post may be a precious baby girl.

2009-02-04T14:59:00.006-06:00

Cabo '08

What 82 year old do you know that can lay at the beach in Cabo

On Thursday at the Hospital she described her favorite dress she had...it was a blue sequin dress

She always loved the beach

Reading books to Mackey at Christmas

4 Generations of Elizabeth's

I love this picture of Mackey adoring GG

Widows Banquet 08'

Plato with Paxton Julia Elizabeth "Betty" Pigg

A beautiful lady has recently entered the kingdom of Heaven. Though I will miss GG/Grandma here on earth it is hard to mourn knowing that she lived her entire life to see Jesus. Once you have been in the presence of GG you saw a little piece of Jesus here on earth. She was the most giving, encouraging, and elegant lady I know. I love her so much and miss her but share in her JOY that I know she is experiencing in Heaven.

Things that I Think of When I think of GG:

1) Factory Connection- She always took us shopping there in Center

2) Who you go to when you break up from a boyfriend. She always knew what to say.

3) Chicken Spaghetti and Chocolate pies

4) Asking Paxton to draw her a picture for her refrigerator

5) Her speaking to the Aggie Sisters of Christ at A&M and imparting her wisdom on us

6) Her letters that came with "Julia" monogrammed in blue- she was a great letter writer

7) Washing our laundry when we were at camp Huawni

8) Going to the Lake Country Inn for lunch after church

9) Fridays taking GG. Mackey, and Paxton to McDonald's... GG was a sucker for a big greasy hamburger and fries. I guess I got my love of junk food from here.

10) Seeing all the journals and bibles that cluttered her ottoman...She seemed to have an infinite gift for being in the Word and found satisfaction in her Savior.

Kirby

2009-01-25T22:30:00.003-06:00

30 weeks pregnant and large and in charge. I decided to let you all see the belly. This is the first and last picture of me in this pregnancy. Paxton was REALLY tired...

Sweet Smile

Miss Kirby McCauley Cox

Rusty and I decided to do something different that we had never done before...the 3D/4D sonogram. It was so much fun. We went to Visions of Love in Denton and were able to watch Kirby for one hour. It was so fun and highly recommended!! Paxton and Mackey thought it was neat but interesting. There was a lot of resemblance of Paxton...which he thought was great. He has only one request, that Kirby have blond hair. We are all on the countdown for Kirby. At my 32 week appt. Dr. Riegel told me that I was 1cm but that was normal for multiple pregnancies. He also stated that every time I come after 35 weeks I need to come with bags packed. We are so excited and I am especially excited to get back into regular clothes.

THE BIG 3-0

2009-01-25T22:19:00.002-06:00

Happy 30th B-Day Rusty!!!

Yes, it's true Rusty is officially 30. He is handling it well although I think he was slightly a bit sad to leave the twenties. With me being enormous and not wanting to host a big shin dig we had a great night on the town just the two of us. Saturday morning it was a whole day of shopping just for Rusty. New pants, shirts, and shoes were bought and he was looking good at 30. Then we went and relaxed at the Anatol Hotel where we stayed. Our room was not really my taste as we were on the oriental floor but it was really fun to be somewhere totally fancy and out of my decor style. We got all dressed up (as much as you can when you are again enormous) and went to eat at St. Martin's restaurant on lower Greenville with the Hagens (who happened to be in town). It was super good...and the piano player that had more make-up on than me was fantastic. We met up with PatPat and SueSue and the kids Sunday morning after sleeping in for some awesome pancakes from the Original Pancake House (my new favorite place). Rusty had a great birthday and I enjoyed it too...almost sounds like my birthday...shopping, relaxing, and eating.

2 Years Away from the Big One...

2009-01-14T21:25:00.003-06:00

Gianna and I (we share a b-day)...so that makes her special in my book....along with lots of other reasons:)

Most of the Gang

I turned 28 this year. It was a great low key birthday. I was able to sleep most of the afternoon and have the Shulls, the Slaughters, PatPat and SueSue, and the neighbors over for ice cream cake. I don't think it can be my b-day without ice cream cake. My mom took me to get a haircut, which was shorter than I had expected but it is really easy to fix and has grown on me...which is important with 2 kids and being really pregnant. Shay (and Andrew) gave me linen from Anthropology and a cupcake book (she knows I LOVE sweets), Erika (and Tab) gave me a pedicure, my parents gave me LOTs of cute clothing/and shopping spree after I loose 30 pounds, and last but not least Rusty gave me long coveted blinds for our master bedroom so I can stop flashing the high school boy next door. I am sure his mom will appreciate this.

2009-01-14T21:21:00.004-06:00

Happy 2009...

I have no new years resolutions, but know that this year we will be blessed. We are waiting on our new addition, Kirby. We have had a great 2008...full of pregnancy, a 2 and a 3 year old, and friends and family. Thanks Kelly Harrell for our glasses, we were able to see the ball drop in style. Can you tell Paxton is a little tired in this photo.

2008-12-28T17:51:00.010-06:00

Mackey's first movie... The Tale of Despereaux. We just tried to keep her well fed. She did ok (catch the tone)! The gang

The Elephant Game. It is so cute, it shots butterflies out and you have to catch them in your net.

Happy Birthday Coila!

The foursome... Mackey (2 years), Paxton (3 1/2 years), Drew (2 1/2 years) and Jake ( 8 months)

Tonya the cook. Doesn't she look so 1950's?

Mackey after being on Christmas overload...she was in her own little world.

Not scared Anymore

Mackey of course with a baby and wearing her new sunglasses...Kirby got a matching pair.

Mackey with her baby stuff...she can be a mommy now too. She can use her baby carrier instead of Paxton's football helmet to carry her babies.

The beloved Batman Cave

The dollhouse

Hiding from Spike...he eventually warmed up and now loves him.

Paxton seeing Spike for the first time

Santa was Here!!! He even brought Kirby and shirt and a pillow for lounging.

The 6ft 1957 Slot car track...I am not sure who had more fun Paxton or PatPat and Rusty

The finished product...she was so proud of herself

We let her do her own make-up...with real make-up

Mackey can ring up all you purchases...as long as you only need change in $1, $5, or $10 increments

Mackey holding her horse stable

The coveted Race Track...this present was long awaited for. This is the 1957 Slot Car race track. PatPat had the same one.

Mackey let Rusty borrow her hat

The fake Dallas sky line...pretty impressive

Waiting to go in the Train Exhibit...they have their engineer hats on in preparation for taking off.

Northpark Mall with Best Friends.

This year Christmas was so much fun. After we did some creative story telling to Paxton about Santa and the reason that he discovered Mackey's Santa gift in our closet upstairs (that he has never ventured into) ,we were ready to celebrate. The story goes that Santa brought the gift early because the doll house was too big for Santa's toy bag and he was afraid that the weight might hurt Rudolph's back...he was going to put it together when he dropped off Paxton's gift that night. He seemed to buy the story without much hesitation. We were able to meet up with the Williams and go to the Northpark train exhibit and then go to eat. Christmas week was spent cleaning, cooking, and spending time with family. We celebrated the Searight Christmas Christmas Eve and went to the church service which was awesome and then ate a good Christmas meal and opened presents. Paxton was of course thrilled when he saw that SueSue and PatPat had got him the race track that he had carried a picture of the advertisement for days showing everyone. The paper looked like a treasure map from hundreds of years ago. Christmas morning Rusty and I woke up really early to shower and get things lit up and ready. Mackey had woke up at 4am that morning so she was of course ready to see what "Ho,Ho,Ho" had brought her. Paxton was so surprised to see Spike the remote controlled dinosaur...little did we know that once it was turned on he would be deathly afraid of it. That morning SueSue, PatPat and GG brought over the famous sausage bread and we played with all the new toys. The Batman cave was also a hit. That afternoon the Liberty City gang arrived and we had another Christmas...what blessed children we have. Lots of family to love on them and be excited to give/overwhelm them with presents. We opened presents with the Cox family. Paxton was excited about the Diego rescue cave and of course Mackey loved the shopping cart. I was a little jealous of her baby doll that sat still and patiently in the front of the cart. I am not sure why Mackey thought that is where babies sit since she never has. She is into walking and being a terror at the store. We had a great Christmas dinner...ham, rolls, homemade sweet potato casserole, and a great fruit salad. I was really proud of myself for the dinner. Friday am we headed to Dave and Busters and played arcade games. Later that night we headed to Mattito's Cantina for Coila's B-day celebration. We had a great Christmas and loved spending so much time with family and each other. I was so thrilled to have Rusty all week to run errands, do my honey do lists, and hang out with. We hope you all had a Merry Christmas!!!

We have the Christmas spirit...

2008-12-16T15:38:00.006-06:00

Donner and Blitzen made a stop in Allen this weekend The Sunday School Christmas party minus a lot of girls. We have an incredible group of couples that we get to go through life together with. The girls did a ornament exchange...which I am going to forgive Melissa Guyton for stealing the one I wanted:)

Paxton at his school performance. He knew the song and all. Only 8 kids are in his class and he has discovered a lot of great friends. Looking for PatPat and I.. Rusty was out of town so PatPat came to see Big Pax.

The Making of a Gingerbread house

Mackey was eating the pieces of the house. She ate the wreath and a couple of cherry sours.

The finished product minus the wreath.

Modeling his T Rex shirt

Mackey was not feeling Santa's love.

Traumatized after seeing Santa...she needed her passy. Rusty and I are well aware the passy needs to go!!!

Sweet Baby Kensington. I am not sure that this picture allows you to see her crazy hair do. As Shay stated, "It defies gravity in every way." Her blue eyes sure are pretty though.

Paxton was a little apprehensive but still told Santa all the things he wanted... On the top of the list is Spike the remote controlled dinosaur, the Batman cave, and a race track with cars.

Birthday Girl

2008-12-16T15:29:00.004-06:00

Mackey is about to be the proud big sister of three girls: Kensington, Kirby, and Ebby Lee. She will be in Heaven.

She truely enjoyed her cupcake backpack and Dollar Tree doll (even though it frieghtened Andrew). Thank you guys for loving our child. She got a little nervous at us singing to the Birthday girl.

We only had three birthdays for Mackey this year:) The problem is that all of Paxton's friends are Mackey's friends and with the holidays being super busy we decided to have a party with my family, a party with Rusty's family, and on her b-day we decided to come up with an excuse for Uncle Julio's, a cake by Melissa, and good friends. She got a pink princess power wheels so that Paxton and her could cruise together...she was really excited except she has not gotten to ride it since it has been 25 degrees and freezing outside. We love our little two year old.

Progress this Way

2008-12-09T21:43:00.002-06:00

The Men The Cox/Searight/Slaughter Couch

The Shull Girls

The Slaughters, the Shulls, and us decided to host a Progressive Dinner for our parents that live in the area. We started with appetizers at the Slaughters, the meal at the Shulls, and dessert and coffee at our own house. We had a great time of holiday cheer and food. I think that Ebby Lee and Kirby added some weight to their baby bodies. We had good discussions about all the horrible furniture items that our men brought to the marriages...the stinky couch, the lacquered?? coffee table, and the duck head to name a few. Our next adventure...shopping in Southlake with the Shull girls.

McKinney Dance Academy

2008-12-09T21:31:00.004-06:00

Mackey and the balance beam

Mastering the Roll My little horse...she is supposed to do an elegant gallop. Mackey's is more of a run.

Watching the bigger girls as they curtsy

For Mackey's birthday, Rusty and I gave her dance lessons once a week. We actually did it so that she could meet some girls and hopefully get rid of some aggressiveness and trade it in for some charm. She has gone to two weeks now and really has done well. There is another girl in her class who has a brother Paxton's age and a new born sister so Emmy and Mackey have really bonded. They are a little younger than some of the girls but have a great time. They can't skip or curtsy like the big girls but I love watching Mackey as she watches them so closely to try an attempt the things they do. She goes while Paxton is in Mother's Day Out so it is her special time every Tuesday morning. When I say dance I really mean...singing to "I'm a little Tea Pot" and adding movements, wearing tap shoes and acting like horses (that's fun just for the noise the shoes make), and some gymnastics. I think the gymnastics is Mackey's favorite,...she really has the roll down. I have enjoyed watching Mackey be in an element that is separate from Paxton and having eyes only for big girls.

Christmas Decorating

2008-12-09T21:20:00.004-06:00

Nothing that resembles a doll is safe when Mackey is around. Here Frosty is being subjected to being rocked, swaddled, and carted around.

After the work was over he was ready to decorate Rusty and the dreaded standing of the tree, it had actually fallen over here.

Out like a Light

Every year we decorate for Christmas the Sunday after Thanksgiving...this year was no different. Rusty and I were really looking forward to Paxton getting into it and helping us this year. As you can see from the picture below he was just too wiped out. So Rusty and I had our own fun decorating while Mackey made a mess and broke ornaments. I must also mention that every year Rusty has a heck of a time getting the tree in the stand and straight. This year was no different if not worse. He said it made him want an artificial tree. After three broken stands and a run to Lowe's for a new stand that was more appropriate for a 10 ft tree it was up and beautiful. We decided this year that this tree is the most beautiful and smells the best that we have ever had.

Thanksgiving 08'

2008-11-29T16:08:00.011-06:00

Rusty and I Inspecting Rusty's work

Helpers from a different perspective

Rusty and His Helpers

What a Threesome

Picking out the Perfect Tree

Grandma and the kids on the Hayride

Going into the Back field for a Tree in the 10ft range

Paxton, Kevin, and Mackey

The Birthday Girl

The Cox Family

Grandma Kal and Mackey in their lavender

4 Generations

Mom and I under the cabana watching the Aggies get beat...luckily all the Longhorn fans went to the game so we didn't have to listen to all their trash.

GG and Whitey had come "full circle" and ended back up at the kids table.

Gobble 'til you Wobble...

Friendly little game of washers...Searight/Cox verses Pigg Family

Mackey tickling GG... The product of the blending, she was going for the handle bar moustache...Mackey with Leah and Jesse

Mackey got to help the famous baker Fadra in the kitchen...she used the real blender and everything.

Who knew college kids could be so entertained by how many obstacles Thomas the Train could take down. Paxton of course was in heaven...trains and big boys. Celebrating Mackey's 2nd B-day...Rusty and Blair felt like they needed to help the birthday girl blow out the cake.

My little Austin bats at the Austin Children's Museum

GG getting served food at Cafe Mackey

Mackey playing vet in the animal hospital

The gang at the Austin Children's Museum

We loaded up and headed for Austin and Liberty City. We have had the most action packed Thanksgiving holiday. First we were entertained in Austin...full with shopping, eating, and football. We stopped at the San Marcos Outlet mall and bought Kirby her bedding and a few Christmas presents. We then headed to Barton Creek for good ole' family time. I was able to see long time friend Kristy Potts and do some mall shopping with her and Analeise. We had more food and pies than you can imagine Thanksgiving day... I think that Kirby gained at least 5 pounds this week. Our children were real troopers as we stayed up till about 12:30 am almost every evening because the fun just didn't stop. Friday morning we headed to Liberty City and got there in time for lunch. We had another great afternoon of playing with cousins and watching football. We were privileged to get to celebrate Grandma Kal's 80th birthday with her. We had a great night...private room, steaks, and birthday cake from the butcher shop. We were able to have a small Christmas celebration with the Parker family and Cheryl and Cori. Saturday morning all the Cox family headed to Danville Farms to help Rusty and I pick out the perfect tree. Where can you buy a 10ft tree for only $45??? The kids loved playing in all the trees. The perfect tree was perfect and we are so excited about heading home to add Christmas spirit to our home.

1 Little, 2 Little, 3 Little...

2008-11-20T17:37:00.004-06:00

My Little Indian Singing "Love the Lord your God with all you Heart, Soul, and Mind"

Mrs. Joni and Paxton...we will miss her next week.

Micah and Paxton...

The Indians and Pilgrims

Paxton's school..I love it. He has truly enjoyed it every Tuesday and Thursday. I feel like they are REALLY focused on Jesus and making sure the kids get the basics. He has made great friends with Micah and Gannon. Mrs. Joni (our favorite teacher) said they are inseparable and the three of them do everything together. Today Paxton's class had a Thanksgiving Feast catered by Chick Fil A. They had a program before the feast which included singing and all the kids dressed up as Indians or Pilgrims. Paxton had made a cute little Turkey out of a milk gallon. On it was things that Paxton was thankful for, they were: his family, his dogs, his toys, friends, and MOVIES:) Paxton was so excited to have his daddy come to the program and Mackey and I enjoyed having Rusty for company in the morning.

Where Has the time Gone???

2008-11-20T17:18:00.004-06:00

So happy to be in Xander's exersaucer...I was so happy because what crawled in couldn't crawl out. That gave me some time to get some things done. She was singing her ABC's and happy as a lark.

Crying because she cannot hold Xander...we had the privilege of babysitting Baby Xander last Thursday. Mackey thought it was awesome.

Please have some sympathy for me or Kirby McCall...Mackey thinks that even kids her size are still "her" babies. She wants to hold them, hug them, and push their stroller. Thank you Addison (and Tiffany) for being such a good sport with Mackey. Nesting...thank you Rusty for just going along with. He even organized the attic while he was up there. What a Man!!!

Rusty and I were able to go bowling with our community group. Which on a funny note contains Charlie Alderman (a counselor at Camp Huawni when I was a camper) and Adam Bright (we grew up going to Camp Koinonia together).

What have we been up to...Is it really almost December???

4 Generations...

2008-11-20T16:54:00.005-06:00

Our Precious Mackey

Our Serious Mac

One of my favorite people. I have loved that my kids have been able to love on GG.

Mackey and her SueSue

Do you know any 82 year old that looks this great...??? 4 Generations of Elizabeth's

Mackey, SueSue, GG, and I went and had our pictures taken this last weekend. It was such a sweet moment and I will cherish the pictures always. If you live in the area, Linda Bickford took our pictures and she was awesome. She was so affordable and very laid back. We were unable to do outside pics because it was freezing and windy...but we were so pleased with the turnout!!!

2008-11-05T14:52:00.003-06:00

Rusty and I keep asking when is Mackey going to grow out of her messy phase...we have decided never. She can't do anything without making a mess. Don't worry this icing only stained her skin for one night.

Tab and Andrew entertaining Paxton with some "set, hut" football. Paxton doesn't appreciate that he is playing with two Division 1 football players.

Waiting to eat some good Mexican Food at Mi Cocina We have a new super cool shopping area in Allen. It is an outdoor mall with lots of shopping. The greatest part is that most of the restaurants are open to outdoor play areas for the kids, full of metal longhorns and ducks. This last weekend we were able to have some Shull/Slaughter time. The Shulls enjoyed free childcare for Kensington while Paxton and Mackey enjoyed some special time with special friends. Later that night some old friends from Liberty City came up and joined in with our McKinney friends...obliviously Karleigh, Paxton, and especially Mackey enjoyed some Celebrity Bakery cookies complete with black icing. We had a great, full weekend with friends.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-02T21:24:00.005-06:00

Mackey did not know that PatPat was coming with special treats. She likes to kiss and touch the big hairy spider SueSue had in her vine.

GG, a Poodle, and Batman...there's a first time for everything Rusty getting beat up by Batman

My Pink Poodle and my Batman

A cat and a dog....living in harmony

Mackey and Kensington

Rusty, Mac, and Paxton and the pumpkins they (I mean Rusty) carved...Good job Rusty!!!

Batman and a Poodle...it doesn't get any better than this. We started at Scare on the Square in downtown McKinney, took a detour to GG's, and then ended at PatPat's. We got LOTS of candy. PatPat was the only one to not give us candy...he blessed us with a cow and pig made of foam, and they loved them.

We are having A...

2008-10-27T21:19:00.004-05:00

Sorry, that was extremely mean of me to post that blog and then not follow-up soon. I had every intention of doing it, but as you can see from the posts below we have been busy.

We are so excited to meet Miss Kirby McCall. Friday morning Mackey came and pointed to my belly and said "girl". Paxton has always said girl. All of her parts organs were in working order and measured like a 19 weeker. Now comes the preparing for Paxton to have his own room and Mackey and Kirby to have a girly' room. I once worried that I would not have the girl to dress up and put bows in her hair... who knew God would bless us immeasurably with two girls!!!

2008-10-27T21:04:00.004-05:00

Rusty must have had too many smores... Paxton thought he was big stuff...he drank out of his own 20 ounce.

This crazy city girl had to be taught how to make a smore...shame,shame Melissa.

Check out the firepit...Rusty did well!!

Doodlebop...she is probably trying to convince Tab to make her a smore

The million dollar photo

This Saturday we had a BFG social at our house. It is always a great way to get projects done...throw a party. WE finally after two years built a fire pit. I plan on lots of nights out there. It was so cute to see all the kids dressed in their costumes, can you actually believe that we got that many kids semi-posed for a pic. We are so blessed by our BFG/Sunday School, though it is a large group it always great to have tons of people to hang out with and enjoy a smore.

Go Cards

2008-10-27T20:55:00.002-05:00

Go Melissa Cardinals!!! Mackey and Paxton have enjoyed Friday night football this year. Mackey loves wearing her cheerleader outfit!!! Rusty has decided that since his Aggies stink, and the Cowboys are so undisciplined/stink...He have resorted to cheering for the only team winning this season, the Melissa Cardinals!

2008-10-23T22:21:00.002-05:00

Will we have a Kirby McCauley Cox "Kirby McCall" or a Shepherd Henry Cox "Shep" tomorrow???? Sono scheduled for 10a.m.

Bill Bates Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-23T17:30:00.005-05:00

Threesome checking out the cab of the old red truck Carlien and I on the hayride. Sweet Liam wishing he had a sucker like all the other kids.

My group

Paxton and Mrs. Joni, his teacher. He looks really happy about this picture. Really he is smiling and yelling "cheese".

The boys on the infamous red truck

Micah was the man in charge...of the pringles that is. That is one way to be the most popular.

My vet having a laugh with the longhorn.

Third year and counting for the best pumpkin patch in Collin County. We have made the trek, fought the school buses and once again had a great time. Carlien and I were thinking back to last year when it was again pumpkin patch day and once again the coldest day of the year. Today it warmed up to be a great day. North Texas Christian Academy, where Paxton goes to Mother's Day Out, had a field trip for parents and siblings. Of course Mackey thought she was one of the big kids. We opted out of the sack lunch and headed to Chick Fil A instead. The kids had just a great time. They picked the perfect pumpkin, fed the animals, and rode the hayride. We have truly enjoyed the pumpkins this year.

2008-10-23T17:19:00.003-05:00

Princess Mackey

Batman and his soccer skills SueSue helping Mackey putt and get some candy...did I mention that Maackey left with no candy in her bucket. She was throwing some serious candy down. Her costume is random but it was too hot to be a poodle

Drive for Show, Put for Dough as Paxton and Rusty say

This was at Paxton's carnival at school.

Round Up on the Range

2008-10-23T16:54:00.005-05:00

Feeling a little too much Cowboy spirit...Mack close you legs Tepee's, where Jesus lives

The Cox Family in the stagecoach...heading to the wild, wild west.

We tried to convince him to get a handle bar mustache...he wanted a boot.

Paxton looks like a professional, he thought his horse was awesome she/he had glitter in his hair

Mackey and her horse, no help...too bad horse back riding is so expensive

She is going to be my little vet, she loves animals...

The brave cowboys...they actually got this pic into the McKinney newspaper

Watching the Rodeo

This last weekend we headed over to Round Up on the Range in McKinney. There was face painting, horse back riding, and Real live Indians. The kids had so much fun wearing their cowboy boots and riding the horses. I got so tickled at the Tepee because I asked Paxton if he knew who lived in Tepees and he said, "Jesus". Either he has already learned that the answer is always Jesus or he is super smart and knows that he lives everywhere. We went to the Rodeo with the Williams family and topped the afternoon off with some good Hutchin's BBQ.

Fall at the Arboretum

2008-10-17T19:22:00.007-05:00

This pic is so sweet...Paxton was telling her to be good in the picture because this one would go in daddy's office

The Group minus the Court Family

Mother and Daughter...Yes of course I am tickling her she is not normally that happy to be held Big Beautiful Pumpkins...Makes me hungry for Turkey Paxton at the end of a long day of Running Our Doodlebop We are missing Rusty in this pic... Miss Priss

The Besties also know as "Trouble" Baby Carter lookin' so cute in his pumpkin outfit!! Miss Addi...Wendy and her had been working on smiling. Isn't she cute???

This Friday we took Sheaffer and Baby Carter on their first "Mom" adventure. She kept saying she wished she was making money for all the strollers she saw. The Arboretum is the place to go for beauty, great pics, and LOTS of room for wild children to roam. We ventured their with the Williams and the Courts too!! It was amazing the amount of pumpkins everywhere!!! We enjoyed lunch on the patio...it was so nice, luckily someone had turned the "DO NOT CLIMB ON TREE" sign around so Angela and I played dumb (since it was turned we could not see it) while the kids climbed all over the tree for an hour and we enjoyed a great garden cafe brunch. When does that ever happen??? Baby Carter was perfect, barely made a peep:) We picked the perfect day for the Arboretum.

Haircut

2008-10-17T19:00:00.003-05:00

Mackey had her first official haircut. Me shaving the red thick patch off when she was 2 months doesn't count. I was told that in order for the hair to really start growing I had to cut the baby hair a bit. I was nervous that if I cut the curls they would go...BUT they are out and curlier than ever. It wasn't a big hair cut or anything but it counts as the first.

Kensington

2008-10-17T18:52:00.004-05:00

Kensington Kate Shull Sip N See Cake The Hostess...we are so blessed to have such great friends in Sunday School

We were able to welcome Precious Kensington Kate Shull with a Sip N' See. I have already arranged the marriage between Paxton and Kensington. It's the perfect set-up. She's cute, she has great parents, and everybody lives in McKinney.

Fun with the Greats!!

2008-10-17T18:40:00.003-05:00

The group before the "Oinking" and the giant kitchen mess Notice the bottle of sprinkles...None of them, not even GG was responsible. They used the entire 4 bottles of sprinkles on 2 dozen cookies. I think Mackey did more eating. A few weeks ago we were blessed by the presence of GG and Whitey two separate days. GG came over and we made homemade Halloween cookies, played GG and Paxton's version of hide and seek, and also read LOTS of books. We discovered on this day what a GREAT oink GG has. She sounds like a big hog and was able to do it several times. I wish I had recorded the laughter coming from my children. The next day we ventured to Walls of Clay with Whitey. We made Christmas plates of the children and painted them...I was so glad that I paid $12/piece for the crap that Mackey painted. It was a plate of poop colored paint. Of course we can't go downtown without a trip to Spoons. The kids were really well behaved and we had a blast. We are so lucky to get to spend time with Great Grandmas...they are of course the grandest people we know.

Fall

2008-10-05T21:09:00.005-05:00

First of all...you are about to experience our new camera. Sippee cup+camera+in purse= Ruined camera, hence why we have a new super camera that everyone will get tired of seeing me taking pics. Friday we headed up to Canton for some shopping and then to Liberty City we went. We had a great time hanging out, going to the Pumpkin patch, and even getting some resale shopping in.

Avoiding Collin Creek Mall and Charlie Gibson

2008-09-12T09:46:00.003-05:00

This week two things made me VERY mad: 1) Angela and I went to Collin Creek Mall (the mall that no one goes to because it is gross but we were only going to let the kids play.) After we ate we went to the play area. You know that I would be the first to say that my kids acted a fool. After about 5 minutes of playing (there was a total of 5 kids in the play area) a security guard came over and only told Angela and I that he had had two complaints of noise and that if it happened again he would have to ask us to leave the play area. Of course...I was incredulous and just kept saying how ridiculous this was, not to mention that in all the stores surrounding the play area there was not one customer. 5 minutes later he was back and stated that we were on our third warning which meant.... Well, you don't have a play area at the mall and not expect noise. We then loaded up the kids headed up the elevator through the food court and down a long hall to the Management Office. There we were meat by "Heather" ( no names have been changed) who we explained the situation. She stated, "I could hear the noise from the play area all the way up here." Well, sarcastic Whitney stated first Heather the costumer is always right and we would like to talk to the manager (I refrained from stating that an answer from her was not adequate) and I found it very hard to believe that she could hear from the first floor, through the food court, and down a 40ft hall way. The Manager "Kent" was very nice but very political. He never stated that it should not have happened just that he hoped we would still shop here with friends. I think through Angela and I he got the point that neither of us would ever shop there again and I vowed to let everyone know that while shopping there with kids you must remain on high alert and make sure that your kids are on their best behavior or face being rejected by the worst mall in DFW. 2) The other thing that REALLY ticked me off happened last night. I watched only a small portion of Charlie Gibson's interview with Sarah Palin. I will be watching the rest on 20/20 tonight. I thought that he was very RUDE and kept trying to trap her in his questions. I really like Sarah Palin, I feel she is relate able and seems to have a strong Christian stance which is reflected in her desire to really do what she feels is right. I thought Charlie's game of asking the same question over and over again to see if she answered one word different was absurd. What makes me more frustrated is that have any of these HARD questions been asked to Obama or do we just let him off because the media is democratic and they are mesmerized by his eloquent speeches. Has Obama ever resolved anything through meeting with a foreign leader? Hasn't Obama's opinions on drilling and oil changed since running for the president. Let's stop talking about Sarah's lack of experince and talk about Obama's, he's the one that will be the president. But of course this will never happen because we live in a society that democratic. Sorry to use this blog as a way to vent...noramlly is a way to cherish the precious moments in my life but this week I was frustrated.

First Day of School 2008

2008-09-03T09:13:00.003-05:00

Big Boy is very excited...amazing what a difference a year makes. Making our way to the room 3A My girlfriends and I after dropping the kids off went for coffee and breakfast at Spoons. Mackey is there she is just hiding behind Tammy. It was a great way to start off the school year. Paxton is really excited about school this year. One of his greatest friends Micah is in his class. He was so excited he has been pointing to it everyday as we pass it on the highway for about 2 months. We are so excited about this school. It is at a church that has a private school that is really focused on Jesus. He made sweet artwork, played outside, and slept. When we came to get him he was so asleep, he did not want to wake up. He loved Mrs. Joni and gave her a sweet hug before we left. I am so excited for Paxton and for me...although I still have my biggest mess at my right side.

2008-09-03T08:53:00.005-05:00

Tan Man Friends...We are looking forward to Baby Brewer Standing on the Sidelines...the view doesn't get any better.

Eat at Layne's Waiting for the Game to Start Can't you just hear the Music We headed down to College Station for what we thought would be a victory...of course those Aggies, who we love found a way to start the season off on the wrong foot. Of course our ASU Alum football player friend (Tab) was REALLY excited. He did a really good job of being humble...really!!! We had a good time meeting up with old friends and introducing them to new friends. And of course we had to have lunch at Layne's, buy some new Aggie shirts for the kids, and watch the corp march in. Tanner Searight joined the Corp at Texas A&M Galveston and is looking to transfer to College Station next year. He had his head shaved and was already being recruited by outfits for next year...We are really proud of him:)

2008-08-29T09:00:00.003-05:00

I know that drama follows me...most of the time it is funny and random.... But can I just get a normal, non- dramatic pregnancy here!?!?! That's right we are officially 11 weeks pregnant and it has been plagued by DRAMA. At five weeks we had some problems then at 8 weeks more of the same problems. Can I get a placenta that can not be torn. Can I get a placenta that has no clots. And finally official diagnosis...a marginal placenta previa. A irritated placenta has caused all the problems. No working (thus very poor), cleaning (which I really love to do, and no maid meets my standards), No walking long distances, No picking up your children (yeah right my kids are barely 3 and 1). So needless to say just a pain!!! I have already had 5 sonograms for this child of God. This precious little thing has had a heartbeat of 175 every time and the doctor stated it was perfect and had no idea of this was even going on...just enjoying life in a jacked up placenta. I am currently on the hunt for a not so stressful ICU position so that I won't be ever poorer after this child is born. I am currently nauseous ALL the time from all the extra progesterone that I am taking. I also am currently so stinking tired that I am having to re-wash two loads of clothes because they sat on the floor so long. The prayer for this baby is that the placenta will stop being irritated within 8 weeks and become not placenta previa or else I go on strict bed rest for 17 weeks and deliver by c-section at 37 weeks. I think there is only like a 5-10% chance of the previa not correcting itself by 20 weeks but going on track record I am a little nervous...not such good luck with the pregnancy nurse curse. So we are going to pray for a normal placenta and a healthy baby and thank God everyday for this third child.

However I did get clearance from Dr. Riegel to go to the Texas A&M and ASU Game this weekend with good friends from McKinney and from college. Can't wait. I will however get the special privilege of riding the elevator to my seat....one nice advantage of jacked up placenta.

Our Big Girl

2008-08-20T09:52:00.005-05:00

Her own kitchen...do not mention the passy. It seems the more we try to take it away the more she wants one. New Room...I wonder how long it will be before she messes with the plates on the wall. It is so fun to see her getting into dress up clothes

Old Room Nursery Big Girl is proud of her bed

We officially have no cribs in the house. Mackey graduated to her big girl room and bed this last week. She is doing well and enjoys her kitchen all to herself. Thank you Whitey for the antique dream bed and the sweet rabbit bedside light. I appreciate you furnishing her room:) I love listening on the monitor to Paxton waking her up every morning, he is very abrupt and states that her mom wants her right now.

Chucky Cheese

2008-08-20T09:38:00.003-05:00

What a blast from the past... I can't believe Chucky Cheese still exist. I have posted this before...Paxton WILL NOT poop in the potty. Despite ALL efforts. I am going to have to act like this does not bother me, since I think that he enjoys this negative attention. A couple weeks ago we thought we had beat this. We offered after one poop- Batman man, 2 poops- Batman car, 3 poops- Chucky Cheese trip. It took us about 2 weeks but we succeeded. We took the Chucky Cheese trip, had a blast...AND HAVE NOT POOP IN THE POTTY SINCE. This is a great deal of frustration for me, I am throwing in the towel. I may have the first child to go to college who asks for a diaper when he needs to go. Which is even more frustrating that he knows he's going to to do it. He starts walking on the tip-toes and then requests a diaper. I know eventually someone will shame him.

2008-07-30T10:14:00.008-05:00

Isn't she Beautiful

3 Go in... 2 come out Cave
Our View of the Sea of Cortez
Watching the Hispanic Grease show as our nightly Entertainment

The Land

The crew of the ship were liking me and my mom. They had us up dancing for a good 10 minutes...it was not an option. Good thing we didn't know anyone.

A friendly little dolphin
On the boat cruise...GG was a trooper so that mom and I could snorkel
The window to the sea...Cabo is famous for this rock structure.

First Night Out...Girl Time...not too burned. One book down several more to go...
Way off in the distance the houses all along the waterways
GG stuck in her dress

Arrival...welcome to sunny Cabo. We stayed at the Riu Palace which has proven great now in two Mexico cities.
Poolside. Everyone was watching a wedding by the beach.

Cabo or Bust...

The girls loaded up and headed out. GG, SueSue, and I headed to Cabo for a long weekend. We had so much fun RELAXING, reading lots of books and trashy magazines, and a boat cruise/snorkeling. It was not quite the landscape I had expected but beautiful. We ventured to the sea one day for some snorkling...it was beating. You can't really get into the water at the beaches in Cabo because the tide will sweep you away...didn't know that when we choose Cabo. The snorkeling was quite an adventure...a lot work. We did see a star fish. If you can imagine 5 big boats filled with hundreds of people all snorkeling in one area...when your hour was up the boat would honk and you would have to start back to the boat to load up and head on your way. SueSue and I were a little nervous to be left behind with GG on the ship. There was no head counting or anything just free for all dive in hope you get back in time. That was stressful. We had a wonderful time and I know that it is a vacation that my mom and I will always cherish.

2008-07-30T09:50:00.004-05:00

Mackey wondering why no buterflies will land on her
The Lucky Lady
Checking out the animals

Inside a giant a shell
Inside a snake mouth

McKinney Zoo...Who knew the Heard Museum would be so fun...

A little piece of Africa right in our own backyard. We went to see the Butterfly garden and all hoped that they would land on us but the matriarch was the only lucky one.

July 4th 2008

2008-07-12T13:36:00.006-05:00

The group getting ready for some sno cones since the ice cream line was sooooo long.
Mackey was hot
Monkey See-Monkey Do....getting ready for bed after a long celebration

The girls getting ready for the BIG firework show
The Best Family Pic we could manage
Downtown at the Annual Clyde' s Corner Ice Cream Crank Off...Big Nasty is excited about the Ice Cream

The boys enjoying washers
Rachel helping Mac with her sparkler
The crazy boys....I guess they never grow up

Feeding the goats
Mackey feeling quite glamorous
Paxton a little more unsure

We celebrated the 4th with good entertainment, food, and friends. In the morning we went to Liberty for a petting zoo and a neighborhood parade. The kids loved the pets. Mac LOVES horses so she was so excited about riding the little pony. She was even doing a pageant wave as she rode by. Paxton was a little more skeptical but finally decided to give it a try. That night we celebrated with traditional hamburgers, homemade guac, and SueSue's homemade ice cream. After that we headed to Melissa's first annual firework show. It was quite impressive for their first go at it. We are so fortunate to live in a free country and celebrate freedom. I think often of the families I know who have someone actively in the military. We thank you for your discipline, your humble attitude, and the sacrifices you make.

1st ANNUAL LaSata Trip

2008-07-01T21:02:00.008-05:00

Our condo...a room on the 3rd floor
What we saw as we were leaving Florida...Nothing but blue skies headed this way...a little depressing
Going to Dallas to see the kids...hope they want to come home after all the spoiling.

A.J's Seafood...Tab can we discuss were you placed your Pina Colada cup?? You didn't want anyone to know that you drank girly drinks huh??
Sad that we are leaving in the morning...we didn't mean to color coordinate
Spoons Game

At the beach for the brief time before the monsoon hit
Nothing but rain in the forcast... we tried to be positive and stick it out..
It's hard to get sun when the sky is black

SanDestin...mainly the tourist are Georgia and Alabama folks. We got so tickled watching all the Southern boys with their swooping hair and too cool attitudes
What a Lawn Chair
Watching/Listening to Live Music on the grassy nole

What we saw day 1 pulling out of the airprt.
Heading out for the First Night
A look from a bridge onto SanDestin...shopping, bars, restraunts, live music

We think that we may have found the best kept secret on the U.S....SanDestin Florida. It was so quaint and a small town with shopping, golfing, and beach bumming. I thought that I would be a wreck without the kids but...while I missed them, I really enjoyed the time away to pretend like a college girl again with NO responsibilites. Friday we had a relaxing day at the beach. Live music, boogie boarding, and a snack shack. What more could you want. Saturday the boys headed for a FREE round of golf at a premier Fred Couples course (thanks PatPat)....they were amazed that every few holes they recieved chilled apples. They were like giddy school girls as we dropped them off. Then off Erika and I went for our facial and massage. What a way to start off a vacation. Then out on the town for some great food. We were plagued by the weather...it was a little rainy but it was still a blast and we made a point to soak up the sun with every opportunity. Sunday was a half day at the beach for the girls with some shopping and the guys played another round of golf (thanks PatPat) Sunday night we were a threesome at Cantina Laredo (best Mexican Food ever) since Tab was sick. We missed him though. On Monday more RAIN...we ate a great breakfast and then sat in the hot tub for about 2 hours talking while the rain fell on our heads. It was really enjoyable to have rain coming down while we were sitting in warmth. We headed to AJ's seafood for dinner. We were a little let down by the seafood but it was still a great atmosphere with great company. We then played spoons...which of course Rusty won. We had a great time. We know that the kids enjoyed every minute spent with The Cox's in Liberty City and SueSue and PatPat. They were so spoiled I am surprised they wanted to come home with us. We look forward to visiting LaSata next year.

2008-06-22T22:02:00.002-05:00

Pretty In Pink....

Mackey had her toe nails painted for the first time (18months) a beautiful shade of Pepto- Bismal. She LOVED the color but HATED the to stay still long enough to let it dry.

2008-06-22T21:41:00.004-05:00

Shay (due in Sept) and I
The Boys
PAC Man
She had him at Hello...he loved going with Shay into the deep
Mackey with the stolen shovel
GG basking in the sun

We have a small portion of the Gulf right here in McKinney. Thanks to the Shulls for paying Stonebridge HOA fees so that we can be beach bums with them. We have been to the beach twice now and have thoroughly loved it. Shay, GG, and I with the kids went last week and then this Friday we went there on a "date" with the Shulls. Andrew, Rusty, and Paxton got a little sandy. Shay and I had so much fun people watching and learned several things about Mackey in observation. She is a klepto , the whole day she kept going and stealing others buckets, pails, and shovels...she was however able to build a fabulous castle. She is bossy (where does she get that from?) she had all the 10 year old boys waiting at the slide for her and she put her hand up and told them "wait"! And she is also very brave, she refused to back down from the whiny 4 year old that did not want to share the sand. We have loved the beach club and look forward to many more beach bum days.

Camp Wow

2008-06-22T21:30:00.003-05:00

Mac is in the crowd somewhere... I love being around the high school girls because they immediately take our children and entertain them
Paxton eating cheese puffs on a bunk bed

Last week Rusty went as a counselor to Camp Wow in Oklahoma. Camp Wow is were our church FBC McKinney has its summer camp. Rusty had an incredible group of high-schoolers...there was good food, good company (Erika even went to summer camp), and good competition. Rusty was on the black team so the night before camp we had to buy LOTS of black. Thirty seven children committed to a life following Christ...AMAzing!!!!

Paxton, Mac, and I with Melissa Presley and Champe headed to Oklahoma on Wednesday to enjoy some good camp time. My heart LOVES summer camps, I hope that Paxton and Mackey are able to experience camp like I was. We enjoyed watching Rusty and the Black team compete and worship together. How lucky these children are to have adults who take off work to invest in there eternal lives.

Summer is Here

2008-06-09T15:57:00.006-05:00

Walking up to the pool for some summer fun

Mackey writing her menu for the pool
Brant and Paxton excited about the pool...hugging
Sour Face, I made her put the Princess fruit sacks down

Summer is Here...If you need us we will be at the pool!!

Paxton very cautiously keeping his head above water with goggles on and Mackey(Big Nasty) upset because food and drink are not allowed in the pool and she may have to put them done awhile.

THREE

2008-06-09T15:20:00.007-05:00

Whitey and GG holding down the ship
Drew catching the pirate
Brant and Paxton...
Pirate Andrew Shull...look'in good.
Drew and Paxton...water guns are a hit at three

Sword Fighting...Paxton did a great job helping paint the Boats
Nugget Hunting
Wearing His New Googles..funny thing is he never goes under water

Big Nasty (coined phrase by Tab) eating cake and drinking juice
Pirate Paxton
Island Hopping...

Cake...it was wonderful
Swimming with SueSue
Blowing the Candles out

I cannot believe it. Paxton is three!!! These last few years are filled with so much love and laughter. He is our little comedian and our tantrum thrower all rolled up into one blonde hair blue eyed boy. Paxton celebrated his birthday Pirate Style. Three is such a fun birthday because they get it...they know there will be friends, presents, and cake. I think he was so excited that his most special people where in one place. We had a wonderful cake made by my Martha Stewart neighbor, Gina...she just threw a cake together to give him as his birthday gift (4 pounds of sugar used!!!). We had a treasure hunt too, to get to the treasure you first had to island hop, then have a sword fight in the boats, next find gold nuggets, then catch the pirate (pinata), and then the treasure chest was presented to the brave pirates. Paxton had a great time and was lucky to get some great new toys.

Paxton (Best Friend),

You are such a special gift from God. You are always high maintenance...even your entrance into the world was dramatic. You have such a gentle heart. You have come a long way in your cleanness. You hate to have dirty hands. You love to cuddle...thank goodness you stopped coming down stairs at 3 in the a.m. to cuddle. You are fully TT trained but for some reason you WILL NOT poop in the potty. It is so weird. You LOVE to read. You would read a full 200 page novel if someone would read it to you, often SueSue needs relief from you love of reading after about 30 books in one sitting. You can make ANYONE feel special, you have true zest for life that is so contagious...especially when you laugh. Grandma says she could listen to you laugh all day long. You still love anything that has wheels...borderline obsessed. Most little kids have teddy bear, you cuddle with a car and have a hard time narrowing down which car to snuggle with at night. You love Mackey...I cannot wait to see how you guys have such a close love/hate bond. Especially if she dates your friends. You still love you best friend Brant. There is not a day that goes by that you don't mention him. You guys play so well together. You love to play outside but have a VERY healthy fear of the water. Swimming lessons really messed you up, Heaven for bid your head get wet. But most of all you have impressed your dad and I with your love for the Lord. You will not let me get away at night without your bible story reading and a prayer. The same people are prayed for every night: SueSue, PatPat, Grandma, Big Daddy,mommy, daddy, Mackey, Uncle Kyle, Uncle Randy (which sounds like Macaroni), Aunt Tonya, and Baby Jake and Baby Drew. ALWAYS AND IN THAT ORDER. One time you scared daddy when you told him that Jesus was coming to pick you and Mackey up to go for a ride in the clouds...sounds fun but imagination like that scares a parent. I was so proud of you the other day when we were eating breakfast and I asked you where Jesus lived and you said on a boat. I was so shocked that you were actually listening in Sunday School when we talked about the disciples and Jesus on the boat. I look forward to many great experiences with you, but most of all I look forward to the way that God uses your zeal.

Love, Mom