January 2016

January was crazy only because I was SO sick the entire month. I was basically just in survival mode. I ended up with the worst case of bronchitis and beginnings of pneumonia I've ever had. I was on three different antibiotics that did nothing, popped out a rib from coughing so hard, and ended up with an emergency appointment with a pulmonologist because my OB didn't like how my lungs sounded. The pulmonologist said I was wheezing as I was inhaling and had asymmetry in the infection in my lungs which was concerning to him. They gave me a steroid shot and sent me home on a 16 day dose of prednisone (another steroid). My body had trouble tolerating the first few days of the steroids and I thought I was going to go nuts. It was as trying of a month as I've had in a long time. I hurt to breathe, cough, laugh, sneeze, drive, you name it. I really don't think I've ever been that sick. Thankfully, the steroids did do their job and finally cleared up my lungs to the point where my OB and pulmonologist were happy. As I'm writing this (mid-February), I still have a lingering cough that I'm pretty sure will stick around until I have this baby. My body just really can't fight sickness when it's pregnant apparently. My poor kids have had their hands doused in sanitizer constantly as we try not to pick up any more sickness. Thankfully, my kids have been absolute champs. The boys have taken on more responsibility and have really been helping out their pregnant mom. Grandpa left halfway through January and the boys really started towing their weight around here. I've been so grateful for them and proud of them. On to some pictures, since that's what I do this for! :) 

Brody got the first Harry Potter book for Christmas. He finished it in 3 weeks, mainly like this: snuggled up in a blanket first thing in the morning. Brody always wakes up around 6 and since we don't start getting ready for school until 7, he read for about an hour every morning. He LOVED it and Jared and I loved having something else to talk to him about. He's growing up so much!

 Capri is equal parts daredevil and girly. She loves to find things to balance on and pretends to climb around under the countertops like her big brother Parker when he's practicing for Ninja Warrior. She's going to be a tough cookie!

 On the other hand, she's also started playing more with her dolls. She loves all things "Frozen" and totes these Anna and Elsa dolls around frequently.

 If I've lost her in the house I can usually find her snuggling her dolls in Grandpa's bed.

 Parker still loves to relocate himself in the night. One night after receiving a lecture from  mom and how I can't sleep when he sneaks in my bed, found another spot to park himself....on the floor next to Jared's side of the bed. He couldn't find a blanket so he got in Jared's sweatshirt to stay warm. I woke up to him sound asleep like this on the floor. I don't know why he thinks that's more comfortable than his own bed, but I got a pretty good laugh out of it.

 With all of this talk of baby brother in Mom's tummy, Capri is convinced there is a baby sister in her tummy. I know I mentioned that in my last post, but it's reached a new level as she's sharing this with her friends and strangers. She also says she's going to meet her baby sister and that her baby sister is going to ride with her in the car. I'm interested to see how freaked out she's going to be when a real baby brother comes home with me!

 Capri and her buddy, Tate. They've been friends since they were born! Tate's mom just had twin baby girls, so our baby brother's going to have some new friends to play with also! Hooray! It's still so strange to me to have lived in a place so long that we remember when each other had kids...and now those kids are almost 3. It's a nice feeling!

 A friend of mine gave me a whole bunch of her bottles to use for our new baby. Capri found the bag and they are her new favorite toys. Hopefully she gets it out of her system before baby comes. ha!

 We tried out a new hairstyle and I love how much it fits her funny little personality. She loves to have fun!

 Parker also got to go to a birthday party at Pump It Up. He hadn't been there in a while and was thrilled that they had added some new obstacles. Just a next step in his Ninja Warrior training? We shall see!

 Capri really did make a best friend when "Brampa" was here. They spent so many hours playing puzzles, reading books, playing matching games, magnatiles, etc. My dad was my saving grace through many weeks of feeling miserable. I had so many Dr. appts. and had to try to rest a lot to get better. I wasn't sleeping because every time I laid down I'd have coughing fits, so I was a bit of a walking zombie the last few weeks he was here. I'm so grateful for my wonderful parents!

 This picture just cracked me up. Jared came home one weekend and let me take a rest. When I came out, he was sound asleep with a confiscated Star Wars gun and a baby name book. He's a really good dad!

 We let the kids watch a show on Netflix in the front room one day. I came in a couldn't see Parker at first. Only Parker would think to watch a movie in a tube. I don't know what I'd do without his crazy antics around here.

Ohh I forgot that Capri also got Grandpa in an exercise routine of race down the hallway, turn around, and repeat. It was her favorite game to play with him!

Playing "catch" with her blankie. My dad is such a good sport.

 Parker's "All About Me" poster for the week he was star of the week for his class. Parker is such an independent little sole. I very rarely am allowed to help him with his school work, which is honestly fine by me. He let me cut out the paper for this project, but the rest he did by himself! He helped me pick out what pictures he wanted to use, he insisted on writing all of the words, and helped me glue all of them on. He was very proud of his poster and I thought it described Parker very well. I sure love this little 6 year old of mine.

 Jared has been super, super busy on his current project. I thought I'd take one more thing off of his weekend to-do list and take the boys to get their hair cut. They had never been to an actual hair cutting place before and I had heard great things about the nearby SportClips. For your first haircut there they give you a complimentary massage and hot towel while being shampoo'd. They both thought the experience was great. I made sure they knew this wasn't going to happen every time, but when Brody was done he says, "It's great to be a guy!" That is their motto and it worked quite well on my Brody. They were so funny to watch and they got pretty good haircuts too! I still think Daddy the barber does a better job, though. He's not being fired any time soon. :)

Getting a massage:

 Waiting for Parker. Capri was just happy with the lollipop.

 Parker man getting his hair scissor cut on top with a very cut photobomber back there.

 Brody loved the hot towel and came out red faced and half asleep. Parker, on the other hand, hated the hot towel. He looks like he wants to punch the lady! ha!

 Handsome boys!

 Part of the reason I got their haircut is because I got emails from both of the boys' teachers at the beginning of the week letting me know they would both be receiving awards at the Friday assembly. I wanted them to look nice as it was a really big day! This is the "Celebration of Learning" assembly that they do 4 times during the year--every 9 weeks. Each teacher picks one boy and one girl who has demonstrated outstanding citizenship to receive an award. This is Brody's third year receiving one and Parker's first. I was so grateful that their teachers unknowingly nominated both my boys at the same time. Made my life with my competitive little boys a lot easier! It was a big day and made me one proud mom. Despite all my shortcomings as a mom, somehow they are doing okay. I really think they just came that way. :) I sure love these hardworking, kind little people. Boy am I lucky to get to be their mom!

 Super blurry picture, but Parker receiving his award:

 After Brody received his. I was busy taking videos as Jared was still out of town an unable to make it. It definitely helped that Grandpa was there, though! Thank you Grandpa!

 Brody with his teacher, Miss Root:

 Proud mom!! We didn't get one picture with all three of us with our eyes open and not blurry. This was the best one. ha! Problems of trying to take pictures in windy, freezing cold temperatures!

 Parker and his wonderful teacher, Mrs. Morrison. I LOVE her! She has been the perfect teacher for Parker.

 Jared got home late that night and Grandpa left the next morning. To celebrate the boys' awards, we took them out to Dave and Busters. It is little boy (and Jared) heaven!! Capri even liked it. That place gives me a headache after about 10 minutes, but I tried to be a good sport! It really is fun to see my boys having so much fun, though. Makes it all worth it!

 After the boys got their haircut, Capri thought maybe she'd like a haircut. She hadn't had one since last summer, so it was definitely time. There is a little place by our house called "Sharkey's Cuts for Kids" that do a lot of cute things for the kids. We thought we'd give it a go. She was so funny as she answered all of the ladies questions and just thought she was so big. She really does think she's as big as the boys most of the time. 

 For the girls, a ring and nail polish is included in the haircut. She was in heaven and chose her favorite color for her nail polish--pink. The balloon on the way out was just icing on this whole experience and she played with it for a week! ha!

Before and After Photo they took:

December--Get Ready for a Really Long Post!

December is my favorite month of the year. I love all of the festivities of the Christmas season. It is even more magical with children. My kids were so excited to get out our Christmas decorations and put them up. This is only the second year we've stayed at home for Christmas, so Jared and I decided we needed a tree makeover. We spent far too many hours at Lowe's and Home Depot trying to decide on a tree. We were really happy with the one we found and the kids loved the changing lights (I like all white, they prefer colored....problem solved!) These are my cute kids getting ready to hang up decorations:

 As much as I hate having high-risk pregnancies, I do enjoy the ultrasounds I get to have. When I see that cute baby in there it reminds me why I'm doing this and helps me get to know him. It's amazing what they can tell via ultrasound these days. They could even tell that he had two intact collarbones! I'm not sure how they missed that with Capri. He's been in a different position every time just like Capri was. He's a busy baby already! I really can't wait to meet him.

Just a little foot:

 A picture Brody brought home one day. I can imagine this won't be the last picture we get from a little girl from school. This is from the daughter of his Taekwondo instructors: Junny.

 Our elf, Noel, came back to visit us again this year! She had the flu at first and then she didn't move if the boys didn't complete their task she gave them, so they didn't get quite as many tasks as last year. Noel is supposed to stay up on the mantel during the day, but how could I say no to this cute face? She loved snuggling Noel while the boys were at school.

 I found this Greg Olsen picture online this year and I really liked it! Just wanted to remind myself of it in the future.

 The high school my kids would go to if we stayed here is called Lone Star High School. They had an awesome football team this year and we finally introduced our kids to high school football in Texas when they were in the 3rd round of playoffs. Around here they play the High School playoff games at AT&T Stadium where the Dallas Cowboys play. We had never been to that stadium and holy moly it's amazing. We figured a $12 per person ticket was cheaper than $250 per ticket to go to a Cowboy's game to check out the stadium. What a great experience for these high school kids! Parker fell in love and thought it was the greatest thing he'd ever experienced. He was so into it. He learned all of the player's names, was commenting on their efforts, etc. It was hilarious. Brody was really intrigued with the band (which is cool here as they win championships also), and I loved answering his questions about the band. I'm really excited to see what these boys decide they are interested in as they grow up. For now, it was a great family outing (plus Grandpa) and we had a blast!

 After the game. Lone Star won and continues on to the next round!

 Have I mentioned that I love football too? It was equally fun for mom!

 A rare family photo. Thank you Grandpa!

 Look at us finally raking up leaves in December! Texas weather really is strange. Glad we have little helpers nowadays, though!

 Parker loves to play this game where he watches for cars on our steps. If one comes in to view, he turns and runs the other way. He's teaching his sister his ways and it's pretty funny to watch!

 Just a handsome big brother/little sister combo

 When Jared is home this is the look my poor dad gets the entire time. When Jared leaves, she and my dad are best friends. I see why she scares other little children sometimes. That face is quite something!

 Followed by this beautiful face with wind blown hair from all her raking.

 She found some friends to play with in Costco. She's a really friendly little girl and if another child starts talking to her she tells me, "I made a best friend!" ha!

 Brody took an 8 week long swimming coarse to fine tune his swimming skills. He loved it and is such a wonderful swimmer. His technique is better than mine. I'm glad we have found activities Brody really enjoys in Taekwondo and swimming. This is the indoor pool his coach built in her backyard. It's pretty great and Brody loves it! I'm already dreading Parker's swim lessons again, but it's on our agenda for beginning of summer!

 Brody's cheering section:

 Her hair is getting SO long! It's amazing how long it is when it's all wet.

One day Capri, Grandpa, and I drove down to the temple to go to the Distribution Center. When we drove in Capri said, "Hey that's my temple from my class!" I love hearing about what she learns in nursery. I thought that was pretty clever to recognize it and put that together. She's wonderful and pretty smart these days. She loved being at the temple. 

 Afterwards we drove over to Costa Vida. We don't have Cafe Rio around here so this is as close as it gets. It's not the same, but it's pretty close! 

 What we do for entertainment:

 One Friday when Jared came home, my dad offered to take Capri to the park so Jared and I could go out on a lunch date. Look at this cute Grandpa pushing Capri out to the park. She really, really loves "Brampa"

 21 Weeks with baby brother. I feel like I've gotten bigger faster this time. Not sure if he's a bigger baby, or just that this is my 4th go at this, but my belly is not very small these days. Brody loves to watch the progress and comments frequently about what's changing about me. It's pretty fun to have a big kid who's interested in everything going on!

 Remember the last football game that was played at AT&T stadium? Well, with that win our Lone Star Rangers made it to to the Semi-finals of the playoffs where they played Lake Dallas High School. They played the game at the stadium for Allen High School. We had heard a lot about it around here as it cost $60 million dollars to build and then 2 years into usage had to be shut down and redone. Something about the concrete cracking and someone got sued big time. Anyway, this place is crazy! Texas football really is nuts. Brody heard that the game was going to be outside and really just wasn't interested in going. He wanted to stay home and have a movie night with Jared, which Jared was really happy about. Parker wanted to go to the game so badly, so my dad and I took him. It ended up being one of the most exciting games I've ever been to! It took 3 overtimes before the Lone Star Rangers pulled out a win to advance to the State Championship Game in Houston. It was the first time any school from Frisco had made it to the State Championship game, so it was pretty exciting stuff around here! I love this little football buddy of mine. :)

 With our friends we met up with for the game: the Theurers and the Womacks. Jace back there had a birthday the same day as a game. His family moved to San Antonio, but for his birthday he wanted to come back to Frisco to watch Lone Star play. He's a super fan and his parents are really good sports to bring him and his 3 younger siblings up for the game. It was so nice to see them! 

 The moms: Me, Melanie, and Ali. I love these ladies! They are some of my favorite people...even if they are Ute and USU fans. :)

 The opposing team's side after the game:

 The side of the stadium for Lone Star. I think the whole town of Frisco came out to watch them play. Like I said, football is crazy town around here!

 Just a little belly comparison of all 4 of my kids. I usually don't get super huge, but I feel like this time is different! Maybe more Brody style. We'll see what this little guy comes out as. I'm so excited to meet him!

 Parker's obsession with football in action figures. They are all lined up to play. See that dragon? He's the Lone Star quarterback. All we heard about for weeks in his play was Lone Star football. He cracks me up!

 Just another little note I got from Parker. He really likes to fight me sometimes. This night it was about taking a shower. I told him if he didn't take a shower, he would've be able to participate in FHE. Probably not the best consequence in the world, but he had been fighting me for a long time and wasn't giving up any time soon. He screamed and yelled at me for a while, but then I heard the shower on and saw this little note slip out from under the door. It says, "Love Parker. Dear Mom, I'm taking a shower and I know I'm participating in FHE." ha! I got the biggest laugh (to myself) and just marveled again at how his decisions have to be on his terms. I hope that serves him well some how, someday!

 The reason he wanted to participate in FHE was that we were making gingerbread houses. They worked really hard on this and ate the candies for days!

 These Parker faces crack me up. I did the frosting and then let the boys put the candies on. Brody's side was so orderly. Parker's actually was too, but their little brains just make me laugh at how orderly they are!

 I thought they did such a cute job!

 I really miss the cold around here in December as it just doesn't feel like Christmas to me. However, I did enjoy being able to take my kids out for a pizza party mid-week in 70 degree weather. We grabbed some Papa Johns and headed to Frisco square where we watched the dancing lights and listened to the Christmas music. It turned in to a really fun evening!

 Grandpa is still here enjoying the craziness with me!

 Just a cute little note we got from Brody:

 Every year in Kindergarten they do a Gingerbread night. It was Polar Express day at school, so Parker was still in his PJs for Gingerbread night. I was really grateful my dad was home so I could take Parker without the other two. We had a lot of fun and I enjoyed getting to know Parker's friends in his class. He had a lot of kids wanting to sit by him!

 I convinced Parker that our less than stellar gingerbread house made for an awesome "tent" house. Ha! It still tasted good!

 A picture from his teacher:

 Right before Christmas break, the boys had their "holiday" parties at school. Capri cracked me up. She jumped right in like she was one of the big kids. She asks me every day when I drop off the boys when it's time for her to go to school. She loved being able to sit with the boys and participate. Their teachers were so nice to Capri also, and really did let her participate!

 Brody just really, really, really wanted to win bingo. :)

 We also had our ward Christmas party, but this was the only picture I got. I've been really sick all month and this night really wasn't feeling well. I've tried my best to put on a happy face and participate, but most days I feel like I'm going to die! I've never had bronchitis this bad in my life. Ugh! Doesn't she look pretty in the dress my Grandma got her, though? I wish I had thought to take another picture. She was mad at me because I wasn't letting her take a bath right then, so this was the best I got. Silly girl.

 Sunday before Christmas with the Musick kids! I could frame quite a few of these pictures. I love these 3 little people something fierce!

 Just a quick side note before I forget. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this on my blog yet, so I need to make note! Every time my Grandma Burden sees pictures of Capri she says she has Grandma's mom's eyes. Her name was Sarah Anna Barnhart. We almost named Capri, Annacapri, and I kinda wish we did! It would've been a bit of a mouthful with the rest of her name, but I love that there is that connection. If those are Sarah Anna Barnhart's eyes, thank you for passing those along! They are one of my favorite things about my Capri. These happy faces on these kids are the best.

 Capri loves sandwich kisses from the boys!

 Our little family. My face was exceptionally puffy, but I'm trying to get over it for memory sake. I really am grateful for this little family of mine!

 My long legged 8 year old wanted to come to my dr. apps. with me. He asked the funniest questions and loved seeing his baby brother on ultrasound. He told the perinatologist, "This is my first ultrasound, so I have LOTS of questions." Thankfully my Drs. were patient and didn't mind him tagging along.

 Just another Parker picture. He's come up with a new profession for Dad:

 The week before Christmas we had the warmest weather we've had any December we've been here. We spent 3 days in a row just playing at the park in 70+ degree weather. It was delightful and weird all at the same time. We enjoyed being outside, but it really didn't feel like Christmas. Poor Jared was also stuck in Minnesota, where it definitely felt a little too much like Christmas! He almost didn't make it home to us!

 She LOVES being pushed on the swings. Look at how long those legs are getting! She had her 2.5 year well check and had finally jumped up on the height growth chart to 58%! She's never been over 30th percentile. Maybe she will outgrow me after all.

 My dad treated us to a Chuy's dinner one night. I could drink their creamy jalapeño sauce, it's so good. I'm passing on good tasted to my daughter because she also loved it! Between that and ranch dressing she ate a whole lot of sauce and chips/fries. Raising her like a Texan.

 On Christmas Eve, Jared's Aunt Lori and Uncle Larry invited us over to their house. They don't live very far away but we don't see them super often, so it was really nice to get to join them. They were so nice and included my dad, which I really appreciated. This is a rare Jared and Cherie picture heading to Christmas Eve!

 Excited little kids! Parker made a new friend in Jared's cousin, Steve. Parker is usually pretty shy around new people but for whatever reason he latched on to Steve. He talked his ear off and Steve was so sweet to him. We had a great time!

 We got home for Christmas Eve and changed into jimmies. This girl got some new ones and was really enjoying them!

 Caught red handed....

 Christmas morning was great. Our kids had their "best Christmas ever!" and we loved our time with our family. It was sad not to be with all of our extended family, but so nice at the same time to just be home. I'm grateful my dad joined us!

 We finally got a WiiU for our boys. I've put off having video games for a long time, but these guys have been doing really well lately handling playing them so we decided they were mature enough to handle it. We've had a couple bumps with it, but for the most part it hasn't been as awful of an addition that I feared it would be. They aren't allowed to play during the week (except Friday afternoon) and only get to play after chores are done on Saturday. So far it hasn't replaced their other toys or interests and I'm happy about that. I think Jared is the happiest one of all!

 Capri got an Elsa towel and was so excited!

 All of my kids have been really in to art lately. Parker especially. All he asked for from Santa was new art supplies. This big kit came from Grandma and Papa Kelsey. He's been in heaven!

 Just a happy boy Christmas morning!

 This one is out of order, but it's Jared reading to the boys on Christmas Eve. I changed up my tradition for them a little bit. In the past I've let them open one present on Christmas Eve--usually a new pair of jimmies. Well, this year I decided their drawers were overflowing with PJs and they really didn't need more. Instead, I decided we'd open a new Christmas book each and read them on Christmas Eve. We all loved it and I think it's a tradition that will stick!

 All the kids interested in this WiiU dad was setting up. I just loved looking at the backs of all them. They are too cute.

 Mimi is so clever with her gifts. Since Brody just got glasses for the first time, she got him the book, "Nerdy Bird" and included this page in the back. I thought it was so clever and Brody really, really loved it. What a great family I married into!

 Sunday after Christmas. Just a little sassafrass in her favorite Sunday spot--hiding in our closet.

 Picture taken by Capri. I thought it was funny from her level. He plays on this ottoman all day, every day and no one else is allowed to even put their feet on it. He refuses to play anywhere else in the house. I don't know what's so special about this ottoman, but it's the center of Parker's world at home. Also note the bandana. Just another day in Parker's fashion land.

 Another note from Parker. This time on his new easel that Santa brought. The translation for the top is: "Believe in Jesus Christ. These are the people of Jesus Christ." He's not very happy about the little hand down there that keeps scribbling on his pictures. I'm still trying to figure out what to do about that. ha!

 Now that my belly is getting bigger and we talk about baby brother, Capri has decided there is a baby sister in her belly. She'll tell anyone who will listen (mostly very confused strangers) about her baby sister in her belly. If she falls down she says, "Ouch, I hurt my baby sister!" ha! She's going to be awfully confused when a real baby brother comes to live at our house!

 My boys have been obsessed with Star Wars lately and it's no different for Capri. She gets excited (because they do) about everything Star Wars that she sees at the store. She does make a pretty cute storm trooper! She's very much a balance between girly girl and tomboy. She loves her Sunday dresses and princess crowns, but also loves to wrestle and sword fight. Her nursery leader told Jared the other day that he got a good laugh out of her because she brought him a purse and asked him to play catch with it. ha! Sounds about right coming from a girl with all brothers. 

 The week between Christmas and New Years was one of our highlights of Christmas vacation. Jared was off work, (technically even though he still  had to work quite a bit) and we just enjoyed our time as a family and Grandpa. Jared discovered he'd be one night short for the year to keep his Platinum Status at Marriott through March of 2017. We had big plans to go to San Antonio or somewhere, but I'd been fighting a fever and just didn't feel up to it. Instead, we found a hotel down the street in Plano with an indoor pool. Jared and I secretly packed up all of the kids and told them we were running errands. They were so confused then excited when we pulled into the hotel and told them we were staying the night there. It was a great surprise! They all loved swimming and going out to eat for dinner. The boys were most excited about hotel breakfast. The best part was that since we were so close to home, my dad, Capri, and I could just go home. I was going to go back to the hotel with Jared and the boys while my dad babysat, but I ended up with a migraine and just crashed at home. Jared and the boys had a wonderful time sleeping overnight and having hotel breakfast. We went to pick them up the next afternoon. Hopefully we can make this somewhat of a tradition. Maybe next year we can go further than Plano, though!

 This thumbs up is perfection. She does it all the time and it's one of my favorites.

Whew! If you got through all of that, I'm impressed! I think that wraps up 2015 for us. We are so blessed and grateful for the beautiful life we have. We are looking forward to adding another little person to our house and everything that that entails. Happy New Year and have a blessed 2016!