The Harlien Happenings

The Count Down is ON!

2012-01-31T20:34:00.003-06:00

Since I blogged last...

We had a wonderful Christmas in Lampasas with my parents. Santa came to Lampasas and found the muffins and pretzels that Kate left for him. She was so excited!

We really enjoyed spending some time with our cousins!!! Kate and Kord had a big time in their new rides on Christmas day!
We have had a very busy January! We are "in" our new/old home, but not anywhere near settled! Please let me state this now...I will NEVER move again...thank you, I feel better! Michael has worked so hard on many projects around the house, we have had many contractors in/out of the house and we have tried to have some sort of normalcy for Kate!
The COUNT DOWN is ON...tomorrow is February 1st...Kate's little sister is scheduled to arrive via c-section on Monday, February 27th!! I work the next three days and then I'm off until this Angel arrives!! I have so much to do!!!
I think I might use Kate's "sleep mask" to catch a few ZZZs!

A Year of Fun, Family and Thankfulness!

2011-12-12T09:49:00.003-06:00

Another wonderful year at the Harlien Home! Merry Christmas and Happy 2012!

I usually get out a Christmas letter or I have slaved over which pictures to put on the Christmas card, but not this year...found a couple of pictures on Nana's computer, downloaded to Shutterfly, they arrived in a week and that was it...it felt pretty darn good!

Here's a brief snapshot of our year and our "happenings":

1. First of all, so thankful for Jesus Christ...for His love, forgiveness and providing EVERYTHING we could EVER need or really want!

2. We kicked off the year with the purchase of our fun little lake house at Possum Kingdom Lake (4 hours from Lubbock). We spent most of the Winter/Spring remodeling the house and boy did it pay off...we have had such a great time there! The 4 hours in the car, fly by...just the three of us...chatting it up (maybe Kate and I chatting more than Michael...bless his heart, sometimes he doesn't get a word in!) We have made some wonderful memories there with family and friends. We have made new friends that are so special to us and we have been able to spend time with some of our Lubbock friends at the lake too. We have several friends that have places there and it has been a blast meeting up with them. At the lake, you have no worries! This has been amazing for our little family!

3. Kate continues to LOVE Mrs. Cindy's Pre-School and learn so much! She has been there since a little before her 2nd birthday and will have another year there until she goes to Kindergarten...Cindy is a blessing! Kate continued swim lessons and loves the water. She is her daddy's child...she wants to be in the water, tubing or at least near the water at all times! She started AWANAs (Wednesday evening Children's church) and has learned lots of bible verses so far and is having a good time! She also started dance in the Fall and will have her first recital in June. She does like to get dressed to go to dance...sometimes a little hesitant, but she does have some smooth moves. Not so much of the "graceful swan" moves...more of the "let's get down tonight" moves, but we are getting there!

4. Michael and I are still beyond blessed to be working for great companies like Elanco and Pfizer! We both work with some amazing people that make it all worth while! Michael travels more than me, but he works hard to make it back to all the "happenings" with Kate and he is such a wonderful Daddy! After 11 years of selling a little drug known as Lipitor, I have had to make a product switch...this is just fine! Maybe this Old Dog CAN learn a new trick?! Lipitor has gone generic and I'm just thankful that I did NOT go generic with it!

5. We decided in late September that we would put our house on the market and just see if we could sell it by owner. Not really knowing where we were wanting to go or really wanting to even move out of our neighborhood. We enjoyed updating our older home 2.5 years ago and maybe the challenge of updating the lake cabin was fun?! We had our dear friend, Camille Drake, build the most amazing website for us, stuck a "For Sale" sign in the yard and 4 days later, had a contract! God is good...and good ALL the time! This must have been His plan! Everything went as planned with the sale of our home and we bought a house RIGHT behind us...I mean RIGHT behind us...Michael was able to walk Kate's playhouse through the alley and toss it (gently) over the fence! We closed on both houses on November 7th. Workers were at the new house that afternoon, pulling up the old flooring. We are thankful that Nana and Pappy have let us use their extra bedrooms since then...they probably wonder if we are EVER going to move into our house...we PROMISE we will! The remodel/updating is just about done and we are so excited! It just feels homey and wonderful already!! Michael says that he will LET me live in this home for 5 WHOLE years before he gets the bug again and we have a "For Sale" sign in the yard! They better be 5 LONG years before we do this again!

6. And our big news, if you didn't already know....we are having another Sweet Little Girl in late February!!! We can't wait!! Kate is really excited about being a Big Sister! Michael is thrilled to have another girl because in his words...."I think I really have these girls figured out!" WOW...bless his heart, does he really know what is coming? But good for him...he is still King of the Castle...now he will have 3 girls in the house who think he has hung the moon (he really has!) We are thankful I have had a really routine pregnancy and feeling pretty darn good!

This truly has been a year of fun, family and thankfulness! We are looking forward to 2012!

Olivia!!

2011-12-12T09:34:00.003-06:00

Miss Olivia, one of Kate's best buddies from Mrs. Cindy's class, celebrated her 5th birthday on December 4th. Olivia had a super sweet party, filled with lots of fun and CANDY!!!

Happy Birthday, Olivia!

A magician came to perform and the kiddos LOVED it...they just laughed and laughed!
Kambel, Kate, Ethan and Ava waiting for their balloon animals to be made! FUN!

How cute is this cake?! Super Duper, Cute!

Nothing like ice cold milk to go along with your birthday cake and ice cream!

Happy Thanksgiving, 2011!

2011-12-12T09:02:00.004-06:00

What a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! Michael, Kate and I, along with Nana and Pappy Harlien, joined our dear family friends, the Sasos, for Thanksgiving at their home this year. I have mentioned the Sasos many times before, but just as a reminder...Jim and I worked together in Upstate NY, both with Pfizer. Michael and I moved to Lubbock in 2003 and the Sasos moved here with their 3 girls a couple of years later. We spend a lot of time with the Sasos and feel like they are family! They invited our 5 Harlien family members to join their 5 Saso family members for a traditional Italian feast. I would say a traditional "Italian Thanksgiving"...but (as I was reminded during dinner) it's just Americans who celebrate Thanksgiving!! (Yes, Michael still hasn't let me live it down that I asked Lora, whose parents live in Canada, what they were doing for Thanksgiving...yep, sometimes I just don't think before I open my mouth!)

This was what was on the menu...YUMMO!

Pappy and Nana about to enjoy some of the yummy appetizers! So thankful for them!!
The two older girls...Christine and Jamie. Don't they set a pretty Thanksgiving table?!

The Saso Girls, minus Monica, and me!

Please don't be jealous...but doesn't this look YUMMY?! Lora made her mother's recipes of lasagna and manicotti. Let me tell you friends...you can't get this at Olive Garden! Ha! It was so delicious!! Thank you, Lora!!

Another look at the yummy appetizers...we could have made a meal on these!

I didn't take too many pictures, I guess I was too busy enjoying the yummy food and good friends?! Right before we left...all the girls had gotten comfy! Kate and the Saso Girls!!

Sweet, Sweet Friends!

Gone fishing!

2011-12-11T20:18:00.003-06:00

Our boat is out of the water and it has turned cold, but the lake is still so much fun! Kate and Michael fished for what seemed like hours off our dock one November Saturday morning. Kate had a ball!! Didn't catch anything, but enjoyed her experience! There wasn't a person on the lake...it felt like we had it to ourselves!!

She would get tired and need to sit down for a while or have her daddy hold her arm up...funny girl!
Having fun! You can see how far the lake is down at our dock/house...not sure what the water depth is under the dock, but it is so low! Keep praying for rain for the Great State of TEXAS!

After she got tired of fishing, she would fill the Diet DP can up with water and pour it down the "hole" in the dock! Fun times! A nice and relaxing weekend...just the three of us!

Happy Halloween!

2011-12-11T20:09:00.002-06:00

Kate was so excited to wear her Rapunzel "Tangled" costume to school!! She looked so cute!!

Our friends, Chad and Lauren, gave Kate these super cute TOMS shoes for her birthday...they went with her costume perfectly!! Kate had fun this year going to the houses on our street to Trick or Treat...I still believe she enjoys getting back to the house and passing out candy just as much! She loves to hear the doorbell ring!

Had to include...

2011-12-11T15:35:00.003-06:00

Just had to include these two pictures...

Kate saw her girlfriend, Olivia's, super cool polka dot leg warms and had to get some too! We settled on cheetah! She looked so cute headed to dance!

Oh, she makes us smile!!

Happy 4th Birthday, Cowgirl Kate!

2011-12-11T15:11:00.004-06:00

Hard to believe, but our Sweet Kate turned FOUR in late October! She had been asking for months to have her party at Chuck E. Cheese (not one of OUR favs, but one of hers!) My parents have gotten Kate the book series, "Cowgirl Kate and Coco"...Kate loves those books and loves to BE Cowgirl Kate when she spends time with them in Lampasas. So it was...we were having a Cowgirl Kate birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese!

Oh how she loves her grandparents...Mam & Grand Dude Bumpus and Nana & Pappy Harlien!
Our happy birthday girl!

Woo hoo! Time for the cake! One last picture before she could dig into the cake!!

She had a BLAST in the Ticket Blaster!!

Kate has some really sweet friends...most of her class was able to come celebrate her birthday!! She was one happy girl!

WE love you, Kate Michael!!

DANCE!!

2011-10-15T07:18:00.003-05:00

The first class of each month, parents are allowed to go into the dance studio and observe what our TINY DANCERS have learned in the past month. It was a hoot! You can tell that Kate hasn't taken before and that she was a little overwhelmed with the "audience", but she did a great job and she was so proud to have Michael and me there to watch!

Kate and her buddy, Olivia...heading into class!

Doing a little warm up!
Pretty sure Kate was suppose to be "down", but that's ok...

Buddies...walking to the mats to start their "ballet" portion of the class!

Yeah...we got it...hands up!

This just cracks me up!!! The girls were suppose to be walking back to get back in line...the little girl in front of Kate stopped and her tutu was touching Kate...it stopped Kate in her tracks!! So funny!

Overall, it was a fun night at dance! Kate is getting more confident and having lots of fun!

Our girls are growing up!

2011-10-15T07:08:00.002-05:00

A couple of Fridays ago, we headed out to the football field to watch the Saso Girls perform during the halftime show of the Coronado High School football game. The game wasn't very exciting if you were a Coronado Mustang fan, but the halftime show was impressive! Christine is a Sophomore and plays the clarinet. Jamie is a Freshman and in the Flag Corp. The band is HUGE...like 300+ students huge! The show is impressive!

After the performance, both Christine and Jamie came up in the stand to take pictures with their family and Kate! Kate loved seeing the girls!!

Christine and Kate!

WOW...just two summers ago...Christine and Kate!!
Jamie and Kate on Friday night...

Jamie and Kate...a couple of summers ago!!

While we didn't get a "current" picture of Kate and Monica...here is one from a couple of summers ago...sweet girls!!

Dancing Queens!

2011-09-13T18:14:00.003-05:00

FINALLY, our FIRST dance lesson has arrived!! Kate has been so excited about dance class...ballet, tap and tumbling- combo. She started on Monday evening. She set out her leotard (of course it had to be the blue unicorn leotard that her buddy Olivia handed down to her!), dance bag and shoes on Sunday evening! She kept going over her Monday schedule to us..."so after I take a nap, eat a snack and you pick me up from Mrs. Cindy's, THEN we will go to dance?" YES, Sweet Kate, THEN we go to dance!!

Our Dancing Queen ready to head out the door...at the Dance Gallery, they have to wear a cover up over their leotard to and from dance class...her swimsuit cover up works!!

Getting ready to head into class...bag on her arm, tap shoes on!
I was able to snap this quick shot before they closed the door...that is Kate in the blue next to one of the teachers and sweet Olivia in the purple!

Happy Dance Students...Kate and Olivia outside of the Dance Gallery...

day one of dance was a success! We can't wait until next Monday!

Labor Day Weekend, 2011!

2011-09-06T22:17:00.006-05:00

Another Fun Family weekend at PK Lake...Labor Day 2011!! Despite the SECOND round of wildfires at PK, we were able to enjoy the lake. Our area of the lake was evacuated on Wednesday afternoon, but was re-opened to home owners and visitors on Thursday afternoon. Sadly, the area known as The Cliffs was hit hard...39 homes/structures were burned and MANY acres of land. Much of the lake is still recovering from the wildfires back in April!

Michael's parents, Mel and Phyllis, joined us, as well as, as sweet niece, Karsen!

Karsen, showing off her cheer skills on the dock!
We spent some time with our Lubbock and lake neighbors, the Dannheims! They have a super fun "tube"...Big Bubba!

Our college friends, Barney and Jennifer Fudge, along with their kiddos, Riley and Brodie, joined us at Sandy Beach on Sunday! It was fun to see them and catch up!!

The water was SUPER rough all weekend long...most of the day Sunday and Monday there were white caps on the lake. The girls got out on Sunday morning and tubed with Michael and Pappy!

Kate and Pappy about to tube!

At Sandy Beach on Sunday, Michael played hard with the girls! They loved when he would sling them around on the tube...trying to knock them off!

(I think you can see Kate's arm flying in the air?!)

Trying to hang on!!

Monday morning we woke up to COOL weather...Praise God!!! It was in the low 60's!! Pappy and Michael fixed the best breakfast out side...eggs and bacon!! Yummy! It smelled so tasty!

Kate needed her slippers because it was "so cold" outside!!

Karsen snuggled up on the couch waiting for our yummy Labor Day breakfast!

We had a great family weekend at the lake!! Thankful for family and time off of work!!

Here's to a Great "School" Year!

2011-09-06T22:03:00.003-05:00

August 21st...the NIGHT BEFORE school started at Mrs. Cindy's Pre-School (yes, the same "school" Kate attends year around) we had a little Back to School Bash at the house for our buddies!

There were even some OLD kids there too...Kade (going into 6th), Olivia (age 4), Carter (going into 1st), Sweet Kate (age 3), Kambel (age 4), Konli (age 2) and Ethan (age 3)!

All headed to Ms. Cindy...Olivia, Kate, Kambel, Konli and Ethan!
Mr. Kyle (age 4) was playing shy and decided to have a "solo" picture taken!

About to head to Mrs. Cindy's...one last picture with Daddy!

Our treat for Mrs. Cindy...

a fun pair of scissors "Kate thinks Mrs. Cindy is a CUT ABOVE the Rest!"

Such the big girl...3rd year to head to Mrs. Cindy's Pre-School!

...and the WONDERFUL Mrs. Cindy! Happy First Day!

The Greenfields!

2011-08-16T22:41:00.004-05:00

Saturday evening, we went to a wonderful wedding of a sweet, sweet couple...Chad and Lauren. We have known them since they began dating several years ago. We have been looking forward to their BIG DAY all Summer! This was Kate's first wedding to attend so we started the day off by watching a Barbie Princess movie...of course Princess Barbie marries a handsome Prince in a BIG castle and they ride off in a beautiful carriage!

Well, we pulled up to the wedding which was held at the Jones AT&T Stadium (home of the Texas Tech Red Raiders) and Kate asked if this was Chad and Lauren's castle...well, dear for tonight it is...and it was a beautiful "castle" for a sweet, Godly couple!

The GREENFIELDS and Kate!

Chad WAS Raider Red back in his day so it was only proper for Raider Red to be the ringer bearer for Chad!! Kate LOVED him!
Our dear friend, Jerry Newton (who Kate adores!!!), Kate and of course, Raider Red!

In true Tech fashion, in stead of bubbles or bird seed, we threw TORTILLAS as the happy couple left for their honeymoon! FUN!

They had a really cool "photo booth" for everyone to enjoy! Kate had to have her pics made with the Pretty Princess Lauren!

The Best Daddy award went to Michael!!!

Tiny Dancer...

2011-08-16T22:24:00.002-05:00

I debated about even posting these...but I just HAD to post them so we can look back and laugh!

Kate is officially signed up for DANCE!! She will go every Monday afternoon...ballet, tap and tumbling! She couldn't be any more happy! She has told me SEVERAL times, "Oh, Momma thank you so much for signing me up for dance!" We happen to go to the studio at the same time her girlfriend, Olivia, was there with her mother, Sheri! Olivia is a year older than Kate and took dance last year...she is an ol' pro! Sweet Olivia showed Kate around the dance studio and helped Kate pick out some new leotards. Olivia also GAVE us four of her leotards that she has out grown from last year...so sweet!

Kate couldn't wait to get home, change out of her clothes, let her hair down and begin the fashion show...enjoy!

One that she picked out...pretty in pink! (accompanied by her new tap shoes)

Prissy Poodle...new!
Blue Unicorn...(her fav) from Olivia...with new ballet shoes!

Mellow Yellow...from Olivia (look at that belly...cracks me up!)

Elegant Black Swan...HA!...new....the girl is cracking me up!

Every morning she asks if TODAY is the day she starts dance...nope, not until September!

She is ready though! She might even have to change leotards mid class to get them all worn by the end of the season!

Fun with Friends!

2011-08-16T21:53:00.004-05:00

We were finally home for a weekend and we had all sorts of fun with our Lubbock friends...

First up...Ethan's 3rd B-day party!!! (Ethan is on the far left with blue floaties)

Ethan had a fun party..complete with a super cool, "Cars 2" cake!
Saturday morning...Kate's girlfriend, Olivia, came over to play and we had a wonderful surprise visit from our sweet Miss Aimee and Ethan!! Ethan was a good sport to play with to very girlie girls!!

Kate spent her first 18 months at Miss Aimee's house...Ethan and his older brother, Elijah made her the "tough" girl she is today!! We loved seeing them and catching up for a while!! Olivia was the perfect play date...sweet, sweet girlfriends!

We (Michael) actually had some time to get some yard work done this weekend!! While we were enjoying being outside, a neighborhood cat wandered up to the house...he is nice and Kate LOVES him!!

Yes, Kate has on her jammies OUTSIDE! She named the cat, Pet The Pet! Good enough! We don't feed him, but he still comes around most evenings to check things out! He is the best PET we have ever had!! Pretty easy! Ha!

After church on Sunday and a good nap, Kate was ready to head to Jake's 6th birthday party!! He had his party at a local park, complete with "train" rides, jump house, pizza, cake and swimming!

Our sweet girl having fun on the train!

FIRST in line to get some of Jake's cake!

Buddies...Olivia, Kate and Kambel!

NO FEAR, Kate!! Only girl jumping off the diving board at the party!

2011-08-16T21:41:00.003-05:00

6th Annual- BEST FRIENDS WEEKEND!

My BFs from Lampasas hit the lake for our annual girlfriend weekend. We had a great time!! Michael was a great sport too...he stayed next door at our friend's house at night, but would come over to take us out on the boat or be our grill master! WHAT a great HUBBY! I didn't take hardly in pictures...I had to bum these off of Sandi! THANKS, Sandi!

Cruising PK Lake...me, Marian, Sandi, Brandi and Ashley!
We are such party animals...NOT...we finally made it to Hell's Gate around 5pm on Saturday (we had been together since 2pm on Friday!) We had fun floating and laughing! We really enjoy our annual "get away"! We are thankful for our dear husbands and children letting us have this time together each summer!

Little Miss Harlien had a BIG TIME with her Nana in Lubbock! Nana made an EXTREME water park for Kate in the park yard...FUN!

Life can't get much better!!

Nana did NOT ask her to pose...this is just what happened when she said "smile, Kate!" Oh my...I think we might have a Diva in the making! Oh NO!

Putting on the Ritz!

2011-08-13T10:34:00.002-05:00

Michael and I had a very RELAXING mini-vacation in July to the Dallas Ritz Carlton! I know it sounds funny to "vacation" in Downtown Dallas, but we did it a couple of summers ago and LOVED it...so we went for a couple of nights again!

We went to the spa (yes, Michael goes to the spa when we are on vacation. Vacation = staying somewhere other than your own home in Lubbock!), watched movies, ordered room service, slept late, relaxed at the pool and had a great diner at Morton's Steakhouse, which was right across from the hotel!

When Michael was making the hotel reservations, the staff member asked if we were celebrating anything. Michael said, "yes, we are...our belated anniversary!" Well, I guess you could call it that??? We didn't do anything for our anniversary BACK in APRIL! Good thinking though, Michael!

We had not been in our room for 30 minutes on Friday when someone was at the door..."Happy Belated Anniversary from the Ritz...hope you enjoy this bottle of champagne and chocolate strawberries!" Hmmm...this "anniversary" stay was starting off right! ha!

My favorite part of staying at a nice hotel...room service, BREAKFAST!! Love it!

Michael wasn't crazy about me taking this picture!
The hotel had made our dinner reservations at Morton's for Saturday night. When we arrived, we were greeted with "Welcome Mr and Mrs Harlien, Happy Belated Anniversary!" We had a personalized menu and they took our picture and gave it to us at the end of our yummy meal!

We had a wonderful, RELAXING time! I guess the moral to this post...it can always be your BELATED Anniversary, if you are not celebrating on the exact date!! (Remember that the next time you stay at a nice hotel!)

Catching up from a busy July!

2011-08-02T21:17:00.008-05:00

BEWARE...Picture Overload!! We had a very busy July! We spent July 1st- July 10th at the lake and had a ball with family and friends!!!

Thought this was a fun way to start...Mom took this picture of Michael and me as we were coming back in from a fun afternoon at Hell's Gate on July 2nd!

We headed over to the Smith's house for a great July 4th (couple of days early, but PK celebrates on the Saturday of the 4th weekend) fish fry and fireworks. Fireworks were ban in all areas of the lake because we are still so dry, but the annual Hell's Gate firework display still was held that evening.

Michael arranged for the girls to help him out with a little birthday celebration during our dinner at the Smith's. July 2nd was my 35th birthday! They were all sweet to play along!

Michael even had a cake brought from Lubbock with 35 candles on it...glad we didn't start a fire!

Most of the crew that evenings...

us, the Petersons, the Moores, the Smiths, the Polks and the Dannheims.

We had a great time...great food, friends and fireworks!

On Sunday, July 3rd, our dear college friends, Brandon and Kerri Bates and their two boys came to stay the night! It was so much fun seeing them and spending time with their sweet boys!

Brandon and Brodie riding the tube!

I love this picture of Kyson and Kate...they are both watching the "big boys" tube!

This was about the extent of the "group pictures" from the Bates trip...the kiddos! Wish I had a good one of Brandon and Kerri too! We sure had fun! Love y'all!

Sweet friends!!!

The rest of the week was amazing family time!! We spent a lot of time on the lake!

Can you see Kate's black eye!! She suffered an "injury" at the July 4th party...ran into the kitchen island at the Smiths...a few tears and she was good to go!

We drove into Graham one evening to take Kate to see Cars 2...her first movie theater experience!

She loved the movie, but we think she LOVED the popcorn even more! Yummy!

Heading down to the lake!

Michael is learning to wake board! Thanks to our buddy Chuck...he is a good teacher and Michael is a good student! He and Chuck (has a place next door) would get up most mornings and be on the lake by 7:30am when the water was still! They had fun!

The Master...Chuck!

Kate's turn to tube!! She is our dare devil!

Chuck and Jennifer's super cool...Big Bubba...best "tube" ever...Kimbel, Kate and Keller taking a ride!

Our last night at the lake we boated over to a newer restaurant (or at least new to us) with the Dannheims and their lake neighbors, the Jacksons. It was HOT, but good food and company!

The restaurant had prairie dogs in a little pen...Kate loved them...yuck!

All smiles holding the little critter!

(she did wash her hands for 5 minutes afterwards!)

The kiddos...Kate and ALL the boys! This will be trouble in a few years!!! Ha!

The Dannheims (and Jennifer's parents)...last night at the lake! Our little family...WHAT a fun week at the lake!!

Our Little Fish!

2011-06-30T06:49:00.004-05:00

Kate finished up Aqua Tots at "Go Texas Tech" yesterday!! Tech has a nice and cheap swim program during the summer. She went on Monday and Wednesday evenings for four weeks. She had a good time! Her friends, Kambel and Luke, were in her class. "Baby" Konli was in the Mommy and Me class at the same time! It was fun to see our friends at the pool!

Konli Grace...she is a cutie!

This is what it looks like when you try to get a 4, 3.5 and 2 year old group of girls together!
Kate's buddy, Luke!

So excited to start their lesson!

Coach Kelley and Kate!

One Happy Girl...she loved diving for the rings!

This picture makes me laugh...Luke is checking out all the girls in his class!

Waiting her turn on the diving board.

....and there she goes! No FEAR!

So excited to get back in line to JUMP again!

Future Divers? I don't know? They enjoyed watching the next class start on the diving board. I think Kate secretly thought they would ask her to come jump again?!

Happy that swim lessons were a success and Kate enjoys being in the water!

Way to Go, Lora!!!

2011-06-22T06:53:00.003-05:00

In need of an awesome Pre-K though 6th grade teacher? We know one... Lora!!! Our good friend, Lora, went back to college and finished her degree that she started before she and Jim started their sweet family. Lora graduated last Friday, June 17th from Wayland Baptist University...with HONORS, I might add!

Jim and Lora!
Mom, graduated...one happy family!
Jim, Lora, Christine, Jamie and Monica

We had a Harlien/Saso graduation dinner at the last night for Lora! We are so happy for her!

My dear friend!!!

Lora's parents drove down from Toronto, Canada for the big event. Kate fell in LOVE with Lora's daddy, Fernando, during their last trip down! She jumped right into his arms!!!

Kate and Fernando, AKA "NoNo" to his Grand Daughters!

Time to cut the cake! Lora with her sweet, sweet parents...Fernando and Bruna!

The Harlien family had a great time with the Saso family last night, celebrating Lora's graduation!

It MUST be the GOOD LIFE!

2011-06-21T05:40:00.001-05:00

We had the BEST weekend at the lake...just the three of us! Michael worked on projects (of course...bless his heart!), Kate played, napped (3.5 hour naps!), played and I enjoyed Lake Life!

We went to Sandy Beach both Friday and Sunday. It is not too far from the house and it has a great area to beach your boat and PLAY! On Friday, we were about the only ones at Sandy Beach. Sunday we met our friends, Tim, Kara and Ella there. I WOULD have pics from Sunday but Tim (if you know him, you can hear him saying this...) told me that I didn't have to document EVERY minute of our lives through pictures! ha! No pictures, Timmy!

Super Happy Girl! Awesome Daddy!

Building a sand castle...sort of...

We you play hard, you nap hard too...

Michael grilled the BEST dinner on Friday...

The Good Life!

Such a pretty sunset from our deck!

God is Good!!!

Another AWESOME family weekend at the lake!

King Family Reunion

2011-06-14T18:25:00.000-05:00

We were on the "Road Again" this past weekend, but it was well worth it!! We headed south east to Cleveland, TX for the King Family Reunion. This is only the second time that we have been since we have been married...12 years! First time I was pregnant with Kate! It was a great time seeing the King Family!

Before the reunion got under way on Saturday, Kate HAD to take a dip in the pool with her Daddy!

Playing in the water fall!

The KINGS and THEIR "Queen"...Mamaw Wade (Mrs. Billie Jo King Wade) and her kiddos, Phyllis (Nana), Uncle Larry and Aunt Pam.

The King family has been getting together each year since shortly after WWII!

That's impressive!

Kate was so excited when Mamaw Wade was crowned QUEEN...the oldest family member at the reunion! She is the only remaining King sibling out of NINE.

Nana and Pappy!

Michael and me!

Sweet cousins...Kate and Karsen!

Heath and Carole!

Peyton and Kate...Kate flirted with Peyton through out the entire meal!

He was such a good sport!

Our cousin, Elizabeth, was crowned "family who traveled the longest distance"...she sweetly gave her crown to Kate! Kate LOVED it!

Let the bidding begin! Each year there is a fun auction after the meal. The money raised pays for the next reunion. Mel and Michael were the auctioneers for the event. Karsen is making sure that fun zebra print bag FILLED with goodies went home with her!

The prize item for this year's auction was a homemade pecan pie made by Mamaw Wade! It sold for $1000!!!! Kate and Karsen were proud to help display the pie during the bidding!

Mamaw, THE pecan pie and the winning buyers!!

Mamaw was so proud that her pie brought $1000!

Kate even helped her Daddy during the auction by displaying items while he sold them!

Kate wore her crown UNTIL she bought these fabulous dolphin goggles!

She wore those goggles the ENTIRE way back to the lake after the reunion was over!

Getting a little cranky in the car...well, Bless Her Heart, she was in the car seat for 18+ hours through out the weekend!

All the driving was totally worth it!! We really enjoyed spending time with our family! Thankful for the time we had to visit and enjoy each other!! Already making plans for next year!

Kate...through Mam's Camera

2011-06-06T22:08:00.010-05:00

Mom just gave me a disk with the pictures she took of their time with Kate in the past SEVEN days. The disk ONLY had 141 pictures on it...no worries, I culled the pictures down, just a bit!

**DISCLAIMER...HAVING TROUBLES WITH MY COMPUTER (OR THE OPERATOR) THIS EVENING...SOME SPACING ISSUES AND A COUPLE OF PICTURES OUT OF ORDER!**

Michael being the AWESOME DADDY that he is...swimming out to our dock with Kate on a floaty! Our walkway detached during the wind storm/wildfires at PK Lake back in April. They jumped off the dock for about 30 minutes...both of them were worn out when they swam back to the house!

Kate cheering on Grand Dude (in the back ground, horseback) at the roping in Graham, TX

Kate enjoying her floaty back to the house!

Nothing like running through the sprinkler!

Grand Dude and Kate enjoying the tire swing at the lake!

They made it to Lampasas...Kate and Sara next to the sign that always goes up when KATE is in TOWN!!

Taking Ahhzie out for his first ride!

Kate wearing my old spurs!

Around they go...

Taking a break...

Kate the kitty whisperer...or herder...whichever?!

Roping the dummy...no reason to stand at the back of the calf when you are trying to catch the head...she's got this thing figured out!

Helping Grand Dude by turning out the calves...

Giving Ahhzie a treat!

Went to a reading program at the Lampasas Public Library with Mam!

Watching the BIG KIDS play dominoes!

Studying the chess game being played!

Cooling off!

Popsicles with Grand Dude...CHEERS!

Kate is LOVED by her Mam and Grand Dude!! We are thrilled that she gets to spend time with them in Lampasas!

Fun Weekend!

2011-06-06T18:00:00.003-05:00

Michael and I had a fun weekend at the lake! Kate stayed this past week with Mam and Grand Dude in Lampasas (those pictures to follow!) We (Michael) had a little work to do, but for the most part it was all FUN/PLAY with our friends! We laugh that we have to drive 4 hours to the lake to hang out with our friends from Lubbock, but WE DO!

Our good friend, Chuck, helped Michael swing our walkway back to our dock. The walkway was detached from the dock back during the high winds and wildfires that tormented Possum Kingdom Lake. Luckily our boat was not on the dock, but we haven't been able to use the dock since mid-April. (we are working through the insurance company now to get it permanently repaired...this is just a temporary fix).

We met up with our Lubbock friends inside Hell's Gate...Dannheims, Harliens, Polks, Smiths and Nichols! We all had such a great time!
Susie, Kara, Tim and James...they stayed for as long as they could and then had to get back to their little ones...they had a sitter during their nap time. It was fun for all of us to hang out for a while and NOT have the responsibility of our SWEET kiddos!!

The Dannheims, Smiths and us were all "kiddo free" for the weekend. We headed over to The Harbor for dinner on Saturday evening. It was yummy!

After a long day on the lake...Michael with his BIG BOAT hair!

Beautiful sunset on our ride home!

Outside of Hell's Gate...don't know if you can tell, but there was a HUGE home that was burned to the ground. Crazy how one house would be unharmed and then 50 ft. away, a house burned to the foundation. Wildfires are so scary!

And the return of our SWEET KATE! Sunday morning, I met Mom and Dad in Mineral Wells to get our girl! She had a blast with them!!!

And for a good laugh...somewhere between Aspermont and Post, Kate decided she couldn't "hold it" any longer...she had to "go" on the side of the road. As she was doing her business, I looked down and noticed this little guy!! I haven't seen a Horny Toad in YEARS...pretty cool! Kate thought so too!

Memorial Day Weekend @PK!

2011-06-02T18:00:00.002-05:00

We enjoyed our first Holiday weekend at the lake!! We couldn't wait to put out our new American flag on our deck! It looked so pretty blowing in the wind...and MAN did it blow!! The wind was crazy all weekend long, but the lake was still fun! Mam and Grand Dude came up from Lampasas to spend the weekend with us. Grand Dude roped in Graham, TX both Saturday and Sunday mornings. Kate went with Mam on Saturday morning to cheer Grand Dude on while he roped. We met up with our friends the Polks, Moores, Smiths and Dannheims through out the weekend...just relaxing, soaking up the sun and being on the lake. Looking forward to many more fun weekends this summer!

Mam and Kate before heading out to the roping.
Grand Dude worked hard on Kate's new princess fishing pole!

Getting some casting lessons from Dad in the yard!

One fun thing about the lake, you really don't have to get dressed if you don't want to or brush your hair! You DO have to brush your teeth though! Kate goes from jammies to swimsuit back to jammies...life is good!

Thankful for the weekend...spending time with family and friends!! Thankful for the Men and Women who have served our country...fighting for the freedom we enjoy each and every day!! God Bless America!

Mrs. Cindy's End of School Program 2011!

2011-05-14T10:11:00.004-05:00

Kate had her "end of year" school program on Friday. She and her classmates did an awesome job!! They recited the ABC's and the songs that they learn with each letter, read some sight words, said "hello my name is" and their birthday in Spanish and lots of other fun things that they have learned at Mrs. Cindy's this school year!

Kate with Mrs. Cindy

Kate with her class! Mrs. Cindy has kiddos ages 2-5.
Girlfriends...Kambel, Olivia and Kate

Kate with her buddy, Brady...Brady will be going to Kinder next year!

Oh, how Kate loves Olivia!! Good friends!

Group hug...Madison and McKinley (white and pink bows) will also be heading to Kinder!

Nana and Karsen came to the program! Love y'all!

Kate with Miss Noami...she is their Spanish teachers

We are so thankful for Mrs. Cindy!! She does such a great job with all the kiddos and Kate absolutely LOVES her!! While this was the school program, the kiddos still go through the summer...4 days a week. Mrs. Cindy has tons of fun planned for the summer!

Ring, Ring...who is it...TIRED child!!

2011-05-08T16:27:00.002-05:00

Yep, that would be our girl with her foot up to her ear like a phone!!!

Can you tell that "someone" was getting tired on the way home from brunch this morning?
I am impressed with her flexibility!!

She was sound asleep with in minutes of us getting home!!

Happy Mother's Day 2011!

2011-05-08T16:12:00.005-05:00

Hope all YOU MOTHERS out there are having a fabulous day!! I sure am!! We started the day off with church and a great brunch at Cafe J!! Phyllis (Nana) came over to the house to go to church and brunch with us. Kate loved seeing her Nana first thing this morning!

We are so thankful for Nana and all the love that she shows us each and every day!! My girl, before heading out the door...the sun was a little bright this morning...needed our shades to head to church!
We had a great time of worship! Steve Grant, the Texas Tech chaplain, lead the service at First Baptist this morning. He was awesome!! He challenged us to make good choices...choices that are made after/during worship!! Those will be good choices...biblical choices!! There were also about 5 baptisms this morning of college students...what a blessing to any mother on Mother's Day to witness your child's public statement that they will follow the Lord!! AMEN!!

I'm so thankful for my momma, Sue Ellen!! I love you!!!

Urticaria, Hives, Red Welts...whatever you call it!!

2011-05-08T15:55:00.003-05:00

Bless our Sweet Girl's Heart...she got into SOMETHING!! Thursday afternoon I noticed that her ears were a little red, but really didn't think ANYTHING of it. I took her over to play with our friends, Tori and Ethan, that evening while Carla and I went to a fun clothing party. She had a TON of fun with Ethan, Tori and Mr. Matt!! On the way home, she started scratching her legs. We went right to the bath tub and this is what we saw....

A LOT more red behind her ears...

...and these "spots" all over her legs and arms! We took some Benadryl and went to bed...
She woke up looking like THIS...
She felt fine and her breathing was OK! I called first thing on Friday to get an appointment.

Dr. Landry says it's simply URTICARIA/HIVES!! Not much to do for it except take meds and they should go away. We can't figure out WHAT in the world was different on Thursday...same food, same friends/dogs, same clothing, etc!

(she will just die in a few years that I took this picture, but I had to document it...plus she wanted me to take a picture of the plant she made for me at Mrs. Cindy's for Mother's Day!)

The hives finally made it to her sweet face on Saturday afternoon. She has been so good to NOT scratch them. We have kept taking the Benadryl and steroids on schedule and she finally looks better this morning!! Poor thing!

Lake Time Fun!

2011-05-04T23:08:00.003-05:00

We are REALLY enjoying our time at our little place at Possum Kingdom Lake. We are so thankful that our house/neighborhood was spared during the terrible wildfires that burned for over a week at the lake. Over 130K acres were burned at the lake and over 100 homes were burned to the ground. We are so thankful for the 1000 firemen from around Texas and surrounding states that came to fight these crazy fires. We are thankful that God sent rain to this area as well. The fires are 100% contained!!

Random lake pics from the past couple of months...

Kate made a bird feeder at Mrs. Cindy's...so happy to hang it in the tree!

She found a "new" butterfly! I don't think it's wings were dry yet...it just crawled around on her and then finally spread it's wings and flew off about one hour later! She loved it!

It was going to be a beautiful butterfly!!

Playing at Ella's house...I HOPE Kate is passing Ella's cup to her and NOT taking it away?!

This is what a TIRED lake girl looks like on the drive back to Lubbock!

Kate has been so good while we totally over haul our home. She decided she had some projects of her own in the back yard...

One project involved painting a box!

Another project was "drilling" the box!

Kate having fun on her tire swing with friends Nick and Luke!!

Many more fun memories will be made at PK Lake!

Here's where I left off...

2011-05-04T22:59:00.003-05:00

Well good grief...have I forgotten how to blog??? Please read the post after these pictures...too tired to edit this!

Hi Friends!! So sorry for the lack of blogging! I just realized that I last blogged in March...HELLO, it's May! We have had lots going (as do we ALL!)...lots of traveling for work for Michael, I had some work travel too and we have spent many weekends on the road to our new little "home away from home"...Possum Kingdom Lake!

Here are a couple of pics from Kate's first trip to the rodeo back in April...right her in Lubbock, TX! She had the best time!! She wants to be a Rodeo Queen and a bull fighter...pretty good combo!! Most days around the Harlien house, I can see BOTH in our dear three year old!!

Sweet and Sassy...I think so!

2011-03-28T06:58:00.005-05:00

We treated Karsen (and Kate) to Sweet and Sassy for her birthday!! The girls got their hair done, make-up, nails painted and a ride in the limo! They had fun!

Karsen has a LOT of THICK hair...the stylist enjoyed fixing her hair and it looked so pretty! Kate wasn't too sure about her UP-DO, but had fun regardless! Pretty Girls...Sweet Cousins!

Pretty Momma and Daughter!

Even at 11 (almost 11) she still likes to give kisses!!

About to go on our ride!

Happy Girls...Kate looks like she is still trying to let her nails dry...too funny!

My happy girl!

Karsen singing every word to the song that was playing LOUDLY in the car! Ha!

We had a fun afternoon, celebrating our Sweet Karsen!! We love her so much!

Off to church...

2011-03-28T06:55:00.003-05:00

I just had to snap a couple of quick pics before we headed out the door to church on Sunday morning!

Don't we have a CUTE girl?!?!

And a handsome, Daddy?!?!?! Can you tell that Kate adores her Daddy?

Beautiful Day...Mamaw's visit!

2011-03-28T06:39:00.003-05:00

WHAT a BEAUTIFUL DAY!!! We enjoyed a nice Saturday and an even better Saturday evening!! Mamaw Wade (Phyllis' mother...Michael's grandmother...Kate's GREAT grandmother) was in town for a quick visit from Cleveland, TX.

Karsen and Kate playing before dinner...

Nana even got in on the game! Mamaw with her Girls!!

We also were celebrating an early birthday for Karsen...she will be 11 on March 29th!

Making a wish...

Kate enjoyed her cupcake...good thing it matched her outfit!

Kate "needed" to be right in the middle of the action...helping Karsen with her gifts!

Kate was reading Karsen's birthday card from us!

We had such a great time together as a family!! We always love having Mamaw in town! She keeps us laughing and we are so happy that Kate has a GREAT grandmother to spend time with and love on!

Spring Break 2011...Pictures!

2011-03-22T06:56:00.002-05:00

I posted a video of all the fun Kate had with her Mam and Grand Dude last week, but if you want to take a quick look...here you go!

Grand Dude and Mam bought Kate her very own HORSE...yep, that's right...Kate has a 14 year old Shetland pony named "oooohz n ahhz"...but she calls him Ahhzy! She loves him!

Here are some pics from her "show off" when we arrived on Saturday morning.

Following Grand Dude around the round pen.

She was even trying to get Ahhzy to "get up" and chase after Grand Dude.
She can get off by herself and sweet Ahhzy just lets her do whatever!!

Even when the dismount is not as graceful, Ahhzy just stands there!
All smiles!!
Leading him back to the barn! Isn't he the cutest thing?!
Mam bought Grand Dude and Kate a kite and I think they had HOURS of fun/laughs with this thing through out the week! Kate had a blast chasing after it!
Kate had a wonderful time with with my parents. I'm thrilled that she loves to go and stay with them and they stay so busy!! It also warmed our hearts to see her great big smile when we walked into the house to get her! She's our girl and we love her!!

Love you too, Mam and Grand Dude!

Spring Break Video!

2011-03-21T23:03:00.003-05:00

Free picture slideshow made with Smilebox

Kate had a ball with my parents in Lampasas last week for Spring Break! If you have some time and want to watch the little video, GREAT, if not...I'll post some pictures of Kate's NEW Horse..."Ahhzy"...he is the best pony EVER! She loves him!

Racquetball, Chicken Spaghetti & Prayer Request!

2011-02-27T19:00:00.005-06:00

Well, we have had an eventful, yet restful weekend!! We ran errands and got things done around the house yesterday and had an enjoyable dinner with Nana last night at our home...Michael grilled the ENTIRE meal...easy for ME and yummy for all of us!

Today we started off with a great time of worship at church, followed by lunch at Firehouse Subs, a trip to Home Depot and then a quick trip to Academy!

Michael went and played racquetball with his friend Jim while Kate napped and I caught up on some DVRed shows...Modern Family and Outsource...both good belly laughs!!

Today was one of those "weather" days in Lubbock that we could all do with out...HIGH WINDS...like 60mph winds...it's just GROSS outside! So needless to say, after Kate's nap, we played INSIDE...she wanted to play racquetball with her Daddy! Too funny!

Watching a little TV!

Safety first...nice safety glasses were worn by both players!

"Yippee, racquetball is so much fun!!"

Now on to Quick and Easy Chicken Spaghetti...recipe at the bottom of post!!

About twice a semester, Michael and I provide dinner for a wonderful group of college students and leaders...it is a JOY for us to serve this bible study. We used to help out each week, but we have taken a step back in the last two years. This "little" bible study has grown to 70 COLLEGE students each and every week at our friends', Billy and Tammy's home! That is amazing!! God is so good and continues to provide for this group and amazing things have happened in these students and leaders lives!!

We have a great system down for cooking Chicken Spaghetti for 60-70 people

...this is command central! Those of you who know me, know EVERYTHING has a place/"section"...even when cooking...the pasta section, the cheese section, the can goods section and the chicken section! It just makes life simple and easy...for me at least!

This bread and salad fixings are like the "fish and the loafs of bread" in the bible...

they multiple to feed the masses!! I'm super thankful for my mother in law, Phyllis, who prepares three homemade desserts for us each time...they are always the best desserts and the students LOVE them!!!

Michael is the grill master...he cooks all 20 chicken breast on his grill...it gives the chicken such great flavor and is super quick!

Just some of the chicken...

And the FINISHED product...Quick and Easy Chicken Spaghetti for 60-70 wonderful people!!

And now for the recipe that you can use in your house...for 6 people!!!

1 (12 oz) package angel hair pasta

1 (10 oz) can of Rotel

1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup

3/4 (8oz) package of Velveeta

2 cups chopped chicken breast

1/2 (4 oz) jar sliced mushrooms, drained

salt and pepper to taste

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes; drain and return to pot.

2. To the pasta add the Rotel, soup, Velveeta, chicken, mushrooms, salt and pepper. Cook and stir over low heat until cheese is melted and mixture is heated through.

ENJOY!

And Prayer Request...

1. Please pray for this Tuesday night bible study...for it's leaders and for it's students. They are such an awesome group!! We think it is just amazing that 60+ COLLEGE STUDENTS come on their own free will faithfully each and every week.

2. There are 165 students and leaders from FBC Lubbock traveling on mission trips over this coming Spring Break...trips to Panama City, FL, Los Angeles, CA and Gyor, Hungary. Pray for their safety and that God does amazing things through each one of them!!

Hope everyone has a happy and healthy week!

Our Dramatic Artist!

2011-02-13T21:28:00.003-06:00

This afternoon we HAD to get outside and enjoy the sunshine and 70 degree weather!

What a difference a week makes!

Kate loves her sidewalk chalk...she just added a bit of "drama" to her artwork today...she was covered from head to toe with chalk...good thing we wore our dirty clothes from yesterday!

High DRAMA when she drops some of her chalk!

"Enough pictures, Momma, I'm trying to draw!"

Valentine Love from Nana!

2011-02-13T16:48:00.003-06:00

Nana came over this morning to go to church with us.

She brought over a special Valentine Surprise for Kate...

Oh she was so excited to see Nana!!!
Didn't they look pretty in their red?! Kate was so excited...Nana and Pappy gave Kate one of her NEW favs..."Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!" A fun way to start our morning!

We had a great time of worship at church and then a fun lunch with the Dannheims!!

That was FUN!

2011-02-12T21:47:00.004-06:00

Michael lucked out!!! Our dear friends, Jim and Lora, asked at the beginning of the week if we wanted to have dinner on Saturday evening...SURE, we didn't have plans! Turns out that we got to hang out with GREAT friends AND Michael took me out on a "Valentine's" date...all in ONE night!! How great is that?! We enjoyed our visit and an awesome Chinese dinner at Gilbert's. Gilbert's is an awesome steak house 6 days a week, but on Saturdays it is a "family style" Chinese diner and it is amazing!!!

We have had Gilbert's steaks, but tonight was a first for the Chinese and is was GREAT!

Jim and Lora's middle daughter, Jamie, stayed with Kate and they had a great time together!

We got home and Kate was ready to "jam" with her Daddy!! They played for a while and now it is off to bed...it is also 9:54pm...LATE for Kate and EARLY for us...Yeah!
They are serious about their music!

A New DO for a New Attitude!

2011-02-12T15:43:00.002-06:00

About two weeks ago, I had scheduled Kate's SECOND hair cut EVER with our sweet friend, Afton. WELL, when Kate and I got to Afton's salon, Kate saw another sweet friend of ours, Megan, sitting outside of Afton's booth with her "crazy" hair...she was sitting waiting for color to do whatever it does...but that was enough to make Kate decide she did NOT want a hair cut because she didn't want her hair "crazy" like Megan's! Oh my word...I couldn't believe it because she LOVED her hair cut in August with Erika when we were in Lampasas! After several attempts, dear Afton gave up and said for us to come back another time.

My Sweet Kate had turned into CRAZY Kate that morning!!

Fast forward to this afternoon...we have had several LONG talks about Afton cutting Kate's hair and that THIS time Daddy was going to go along. Kate hates to disappoint her Daddy!

Kate's only request to Afton was to please not make it "crazy" like last time!

Before our trim with the Sweet and Lovely Afton!

(not too sure if she was going to be a good girl or not!)

Yeah...she loves her New Do!!!
When we got home, I asked her if I could take a picture of her new hair cut and she said, "yes, if I can dance while you take my pictures!"

The girl has a New Do and New Attitude!!

Thanks so much, Afton!! We appreciate your patience and your love!

Happy EARLY Valentine's Day!

2011-02-12T12:52:00.002-06:00

Yes, we are a couple of days early, but since we (I) have been running behind, thought I would post these today!!

Kate received a fun Valentine's Day surprise in the mail from Mam and Grand Dude!!

"Yeah...new hair bands/bracelets!"
"Oh my goodness...a Dora Valentine's Day book!"

Thanks, Mam and Grand Dude, for my fun Valentine's Day surprise...I Love You!

xoxo, Kate

It's been a while...

2011-02-12T12:35:00.004-06:00

Sorry it has been so long since I have last posted!! We have been really busy and I guess I just haven't taken the time to pick up my camera and snap a few pics along the way!

With both Michael and I being in sales, the first of the year is always busy...we both have had busy schedules, but feel very blessed to have the jobs we have and thankful for the "busy-ness" of this time of the year! This is what we have been up to:

* Kate has been to a Jump n' Jungle Bday party of Miss Landry's

and a Sweet n' Sassy Bday of Miss Kyndall's!

* Michael spent a week in Orlando for a work meeting.

* Kate had the flu (even though she had the flu shot back in the Fall!)

* We have a little place on Possum Kingdom Lake (near Graham, TX) that we have spent several weekends "fixing" up...you know we can't just buy something...we have to overhaul it! (pictures to come...before and after)

* AND last but not least, we have had the coldest Winter in 14 years in Lubbock, TX!! Kate missed one day of school due to snow! (That never happens!)

Here she is on her SNOW Day!

Daddy didn't want me to take of picture of him, but I had too!

Making sure our boots were on good and tight!

Kate was very worried about her duck getting snowed on...she wanted to sit in the yard with her table umbrella to protect it!

Just checking on things around the house...we were thankful that we had no damage at our house. With temps below ZERO...there was no telling what might happen!

BIG Girl Bed!

2011-01-03T08:42:00.004-06:00

Kate is an AWESOME sleeper and loves her bed...her BABY bed, that is! When she was able to crawl out of her bed, she did it with ease...never falling, more of a graceful slide out. We then dropped the side and she has been sleeping like that FOREVER. When she sleeps at her Nana or Mam's house, she sleeps in "big girl" beds and does just fine. We decided that the sweet thing should do the same in her room. She just never has complained so we never thought about making the switch.

I was able to find some cute bedding at TARGET yesterday that matched her room.

(We will move her upstairs to her BIG GIRL room at some point,

but not anytime soon...it's too easy to check on her, just down the hall!)

She was THRILLED and so very PROUD of her new bed!

She was "practicing" sleeping...that WHITE fluffy thing is a "hand me down" cat from Monica Saso. Kate loves that darn cat and it had to "sleep" on her new bed too!

OH, she loves it and we are proud of her!

Tree...No More!

2011-01-03T08:32:00.003-06:00

WARNING...PLEASE do read this post if you are partial to Pecan Trees!!!

One of the many reasons we LOVE our new "old" home in Lubbock are the TREES!! We have beautiful trees in our front and back yards...this is not common in Lubbock, land of cotton fields and no trees! We decided that one had to go in our back yard. This pecan tree WAS huge...almost a "bully" in our backyard. We will still have plenty of shade and even pecans, but with out this tree, we have some more sunlight and it feels more open!

Tree before...

Tree before...
Yard after...Michael and his daddy worked hard on December 31st! I could hardly stand to watch them...they were on a TALL ladder with power tools and the Lubbock wind was blowing like crazy! Praise God...no one was injured and they both have all their fingers and toes!

We do love our backyard and it will look "alive" again in the Spring!

Happy Face/Sad Face!

2010-12-30T17:00:00.002-06:00

MANY months ago, we started a "Happy Face/Sad Face" project with Kate. When she was a good girl...did something nice with out being asked, said YES MAM or NO SIR, etc...she got to put some beads in her "Happy Face" cup! When she didn't do something we asked, talked back, etc she HAD to put beads in her "Sad Face" cup!! Finally ALL the beads were in the HAPPY FACE cup and she got to pick where she wanted to go.

She picked Chuck E. Cheese!!

This is probably about the 3rd or 4th time she has ever gone and she just LOVES it! This was the first time we went as a family...most had been at parties or with Mrs. Cindy! She asked if Nana could go with us too...she was sure Nana would love it as much as she did!

It was so fun watching her at Chuck E. Cheese!

Nana and Kate playing the ball blast!

Enjoying some pizza with Daddy!

When Chuck E. Cheese came out on stage, she stood up in her chair and shouted "I love you Chuck E. Cheese!" I was almost in tears...she was so happy!

She has already said that she wants to come back when her HAPPY FACE is full again!

See you in 6 months or so, Chuck E!

Random...

2010-12-30T16:45:00.003-06:00

I went to Hobby Lobby on Monday to get a HALF OFF Christmas Wreath for next year...low and behold, the decorative glassware was 1/2 off too!

I did get my wreath and a few new things for the dining room table!

I like the way it turned out!

Just another look...
Michael and I are both off this week from work and we are really enjoying getting things done around the house. We LOVE our time with our sweet girl Kate too!
Other things we have done...
1. All Christmas decorations and lights...stored in basement closet!
2. Changed out kitchen sink faucet.
3. Went to see the movie, The Tourist...pretty good!
4. Had a yummy steak dinner at our friend's the Dannheims' home!
5. Shopped for new bathtub and sinks in Master bath (time to over haul that room!)
6. Changed out thermostats to digital!
7. Replaced vent in master bath!
8. Lots of filing...getting ready for tax stuff!
9. Cleaned out closets!
10. Decided that our "break" from exercising has GOT to come to an end! Our excuse of "we have a three year old" is about 3 years over due...we need to get in shape!

We really needed this time at home to get things organized and we have done PLENTY of relaxing too! It has been wonderful! I have a wonderful family and I LOVE spending time with them! They are the BEST!

Camping?!

2010-12-30T16:34:00.003-06:00

We told Kate that we would walk down to the park after her nap on Sunday, but she slept for FOREVER and it would be too dark when we got to the park. We needed something FUN to do...why not cook hot dogs in the back yard?

Poor Michael didn't have any good firewood for our fire pit so he cut a limb off one of our trees. It didn't burn so well, but Kate kept telling us how much fun she was having CAMPING!!!

Now it was Kate's turn to add limbs to the fire! She was so funny!
It was a bit chilly outside...good excuse to wear one of the THREE hats she got for Christmas!

There was lots of blowing on this sad fire!!

Michael was able to roast one hot dog on the fire and then we said

"the heck with that...let's fire up the grill!"

Kate loved CAMPING!!! That was actually my kind of camping!!

It's Christmas, It's Christmas!!

2010-12-30T16:08:00.006-06:00

Ok...now I can't figure out HOW in the WORLD to remove this picture and put it where it goes...so here you go...a look at our buffet at lunch! Yummy!

Now back to Christmas Morning...

Christmas morning Kate woke up to find that the Reindeer had in deed found her house!!

Santa brought Kate all sorts of great things...golf clubs and a drum were the biggies!! He also brought her a super cute apron to help Momma in the kitchen!

She loved passing out the gifts!

She was sweet to give love to Mam and Grand Dude!

This blanket from Mam and Grand Dude just cracks us up! Mom didn't expect it to be so LIFE SIZE, but it is and is awesome!! Kate is standing in front of her picture on the blanket. Now with this blanket, she can take naps with Mam and Grand Dude anytime she wants!

Mam and Grand Dude gave Kate a super cool Barbie guitar! Kate didn't put that thing down until everyone started showing up for lunch around 1:30! She had several "stages" around the house and apparently she likes to sing/play "rock star" style!

She can even play several instruments at one time...kind of a one girl band!

I didn't do a very good job of getting pictures of everyone during the afternoon! We had a total of 14 over to the house for Christmas lunch. It was so nice!

The guys getting the meat ready to go...beef loin, ham and Lora's wonderful meat loaf (not like any meat loaf you have EVER had!)

Lora getting the meat loaf sliced!!

Two of the three Saso girls...so glad they are part of our extended family!

Christine and Jamie!

Cuz Karsen and the youngest Saso girl...Miss Monica

Mom and Jim Saso!

Mel and Phyllis!

And this is just how we roll on Christmas afternoon...tattoos!! Ha! Kate had gotten some tattoos in her stocking from Santa. She shared with all the girls. They were in the bathroom for 30 minutes or better applying their lovely tattoos!! I especially like the dolphins on Kate's neck...nothing says "Happy Birthday, Jesus" like blue dolphins!

We had a wonderful time with family and friends!! Thankful to be able to get together and enjoy this season together. The weather was great, the food was yummy and the fellowship was awesome!

Christmas Eve @ Nana & Pappy's!

2010-12-30T15:43:00.005-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve at Michael's parents' home. Phyllis made the best Shrimp Gumbo for dinner and Millionaires for dessert! Yummy!

Our best attempt at a family picture...

Nana and Pappy Harlien!
Uncle Heath and Karsen

The girls before we opened gifts!

My parents drove up from Lampasas to be with us too. It was so nice to have both families together during Christmas! Such a blessing to be surrounded with family! PS...Grand Dude is always cold! Kate gave him her Hello Kitty blanket to keep warm!

Bath robes!!

Kate was so excited about her Dora Mega Bloks!!

Oh a Fairy Princess Tent!!!

While we were all visiting, I looked down to find Miss Kate

just "reading" about her Dora Mega Bloks...

We had fun with lotto tickets from Nana and Pappy...no one won...guess we will all have to keep our day jobs! It was fun scratching though!

Just thought this was a great picture of my Daddy!!

Michael and Kate put out Reindeer food after we got home from Nana and Pappy's house!

They placed the bowls in the back yard for Santa's Reindeer to find our house!

Then we came back in side for our last sticker on our Count Down to Christmas Calendar. This was very fun for Kate and helped teach the true story of Christmas!

Good Night!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!!

2010-12-23T15:43:00.014-06:00

Merry Christmas to YOU! We have been very busy around our house during the month of December. We have enjoyed lots of fun outings with friends and family! I love how our home feels at Christmas...warm and cozy...even though we have had the A/C on due to the WARM weather out side! Here is a look into our home and what we have been up too!

(hold on...it's a long one!

Family Christmas Tree in Den...all the ornaments are from my childhood, college friends or our travels!! I love all the memories on this tree!

Our dining room table...fun and festive!
I have several nativities around our home. This is the newest. It is from our dear friend, Dacia, who travels to Uganda to serve the people there. What a special hand-made nativity to help us to stay focused on the TRUE meaning of Christmas...Christ's birth!
Kate's Tree in the living room...ornaments we have gotten for her over the past 4 Christmas', ones given to her and ones that she has made (those are the most special!)
I took the Christmas decor upstairs this year...
on our balcony looking down into our Living Room.
Today (December 23rd) is my first day off of work. Kate and I spent the morning making Pumpkin Muffins, Pecan Pie and Breakfast Casserole for Christmas morning! YUMMY!
My little helper and her wild hair!
Nothing like being lazy, watching Toy Story and applying Lip Gloss
(I know it is hard to see, but she sat in that chair and "applied" all movie long!)

DECEMBER 21st...Dinner at the Sasos!

Jim, Lora and their three girls...Christine, Jamie and Monica are our second family!

(we became friends on a Pfizer trip in CO and then several years later, they moved to Lubbock!)

We love them!

The girls exchanging their gifts!

The girls showing Kate all the fun things about her new puzzle!

Awww....

Getting crazy!

DECEMBER 19th...Dinner with Tim, Kara and Ella! Our sweet "old" neighbors from Quinton Ave! We have had tons of fun with Tim and Kara! Baby Ella is just the sweetest little girl!

Big Girl Kate and Baby Ella!

The girls had lots of fun with this balloon! Who needs toys?

Sweet Ella with her new head-band on!

December 18th...Party with the Meadows!! The Meadows Family (I work with Whitney) had a fun little get together for several couples...most with kiddos...fun for the BIG and LITTLE peeps!

This is where the TRUE party was going on...the garage! The kiddos were jamming to some Rockin' Christmas music! Can you tell Kate is "getting down"?!?!

Bless Kate's heart...she dances like her Mother...

she has to throw a HAND CLAP in with each move!!

December 18th...finally getting a chance to rake leaves!!

It is so warm that Kate wore her night gown out side to help Daddy!

December 15th...party with the Tinsleys and Warlicks! These pics crack me up! You just try to get 5 kiddos to take a group pic AFTER they have opened their gifts and it's 8pm!! Ha!

Well the BIG KIDS and Ethan did a pretty good job! Ha!!

We are blessed to have these two families in our lives!!

December 10th...A Wildcatter Christmas!! Ha! I had a work meeting at the Wildcatter Ranch in Graham, TX (super cool place) and then we had a nice dinner and fun gift exchange!

I have a wonderful team of super talented people!

Blessed to be a part of such a great group!

Getting ready for the gift exchange...it got a little heated! ha!

The next morning, Kate and Daddy fed the longhorn cattle. Kate LOVED this!!

I think this one got a little piece of Kate with it's cube?!?!

Kate also loved the "ranch dog", Major...they were both looking to Michael for something to eat!

We have had a VERY BUSY December! Really looking forward to our family time during these next few days!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Fairy Princess Party!

2010-12-06T23:06:00.004-06:00

Kate was invited to one of her sweet little girlfriends' birthday parties on Saturday at Sweet & Sassy Salon! Olivia is an "older" girl...turning FOUR! You can tell by this picture, Kate was sooo excited about going to the party!

After all the little girls changed into their FAIRY PRINCESS outfits, it was time for hair and make-up. Kate wasn't a huge fan of this...she had told me earlier in the morning that WITCHES wear make up. I wonder what she THINKS of me?!
Fairy Princess, Olivia...the Birthday Girl!

Some of the little girls getting on stage to dance. I love how they are worried that they will mess up their nail polish!!

THIS might have been the beginning of the end for Kate...she started with the "deer in the head lights" look and went south from there...poor girl!

"Oh wait...maybe this is fun and I'm going to be a sweet girl

and dance with my friends after all?"

"or maybe NOT!"

Kate went from "SWEET KATE" to "I might beat you when we get in the car, Kate" (so joking, but had to put that in there so you Mommas knew what I was dealing with at the party!) I had to dance the chicken dance and the hokey pokey with her on the stage and she didn't want to "walk the runway" and get fairy wings and fairy dust sprinkled on her!

We had a good "talking too" after we got home and her attitude got a lot better!

OH the JOYS of a THREE year old...and we thought TWO was a challenge!

Ha Ha! We do LOVE her!!!

thanksgiving, b-ball, birthday and bikes...

2010-12-04T07:50:00.008-06:00

We had a great Thanksgiving holiday in Lampasas with my family! We really enjoyed our time together...immediate and extended family!

Michael and Mom working hard in the kitchen before everyone arrived.

Bumpus boys...Rex, McKane, Mason, Ron, Kord and Rob!
On Saturday evening, we had fun watching the OLD GUYS play the YOUNG GUYS at Badger Gym!! My cousins, Rob and Ron, and our good friend Rob B. (Brandi's husband) played in the Alumni basketball game against the current Varsity Badger players. The OLD GUYS (Class of '93, '94 & '99) did AWESOME!! They did have some "young pups" on their team that graduated in the last couple of years! The Alumni BEAT the Badgers!!
Jaci and Kord cheering for Ron!
Ron and Rob B on the court!

Rob and Rob B making a play!

Bumpus Boys...Kord, Ron and Rob

Raven was such a fun sport...wearing Rob's letter jacket for the pictures!! Thanks, Raven!

The Borchardt Family on center court!

The cheering wives and cousin...Raven, Brandi, Jaci and me!

PS...Jaci and Ron are having BABY GIRL in February!! Yeah!

Kord will be a great big brother!

Kate LOVED playing on the court after the game! She thought it was so fun to sit where the BIG BOYS had been...all I could think about was the SWEAT that was soaked into those chairs! Yuck...it made her happy though!

We then headed over to John Robert and Jane's house for a SURPRISE birthday party for my Uncle John Robert!! He was surprised and we all enjoyed some yummy BBQ and cake!

These pictures just crack me up! While Mom and I were out shopping on Saturday morning, Michael, Kate and Dad "rode" the bike. They had to show us their new trick on Sunday! I think I'm glad we weren't there to witness the "trial" runs before they perfected their "style" and "mount"!

And they are off....

...still going!

Kate loves to feed the barn cats when we are in Lampasas. She's not fast enough to pet them, so this is about as close as she can get to them!

Feeding her favorite...Jenny!

Another one of her favs...Mam and Grand Dude!!

We had a wonderful time in Lampasas for Thanksgiving!! So Blessed to have such a wonderful family!! We love you!

Girlfriends and Little Girlfriends!

2010-12-04T07:13:00.006-06:00

I have been NEEDING to blog for some time now...just FINDING that time now!! I had a fun weekend with my Besties from Lampasas, November 19-21! They came up for Lubbock's annual Holiday Happening. Brandi, Ashley and Marian came up this time...Sandi has been really busy with her classroom at school and missed this trip. WE MISSED HER!! Brandi and Ashley brought their little girls too! It was sort of a Moms and Daughters weekend...FUN!

They drove right to Blue Sky Burgers from Lampasas. I had strict instructions to meet them THERE, not at my house! Yummy Burgers!

Brandi thinks these are best burgers and fries around...I tend to agree!
Our first stop, turned into THREE+ hours...Belly Couture! We shopped there together this past summer too, but didn't spend near that much time in the wonderful store! Our friend, Michelle, from Lampasas HS owns the fun store. She just kept bringing fun things for us to try on! Belly Couture is both a maternity store and a "mom's fun clothes" store. So many great things!

Brandi and I modeling our new "bling" tops...Marian has one too!

On Saturday morning, we let Marian rest at the house (since she didn't bring kiddos of her own...hers are BIG TIME...middle school and high school aged) while we took the little girls to Breakfast with Santa!
Kate and Addison getting ready to go!

My sweet Kate Michael!

Presley, Pacey and Addison!

Heading in to see Santa and Mrs. Claus!

This is about the ONLY picture that Kate would stand for while in the Civic Center...the little toot didn't want to take pictures! I still love her though!

TRYING to listen while Mrs. Claus read us a story...

Brandi and Addison!

Addison and Kate...

This is when we KNEW it was time to leave...one crying child and one crazy mom (well make that about THREE crying children and THREE crazy moms!)

Ashley and her sweet girls...Pacey and Presley!

OK...back to shopping...we came home, got the little girls into their comfy clothes, gave the sweet babysitter instructions and we were OFF AGAIN! Marian and Brandi couldn't make it too far with out their Sonic drinks!

After a FULL day at Holiday Happenings, we made ONE more stop at Michelle's fun store...this is Michelle in the middle! She has a beautiful store and made it so fun for us to shop til we dropped! Thanks, Michelle!

We pulled out all our fabulous finds and showed them off...Marian, Ashley and I ended up with these fun matching outfits...don't worry, we won't wear them the same day! The little girls had a blast with Danielle during the day...she had them bathed and in their jammies when we got home! We stayed up WAY too late (the little and big girls) on Saturday night...playing with our new purchases, modeling clothes and just laughing! Fun Times!

It was time for my sweet friends to head home...they were packed into Brandi's car!! I think Marian had to hold that bag of cookies for the 5.5 hour trip...there was no other place to put them!

Packed in...full to the brim!

We had another fabulous weekend together!! I'm so blessed to have such great childhood friends! Love you, girls...and I'm glad we got to spend it with our little girls too!

Happy Halloween 2010!

2010-11-02T19:07:00.004-05:00

We wrapped up our BUSY weekend with some fun Trick or Treating! We headed off early to Nana and Pappy's house and then on to couple of neighbors.

Kate was the sweet little Mermaid Princess!

I just love the BELLY...she will kill me later! Mermaid's need a cape for when they are out of the water...they might get cold! Thank goodness we had 80 degree temps to keep us warm!
Walking down the street in Nana and Pappy's neighborhood! She loved knocking on the doors! We came home when most trick or treaters were actually out and about. Kate LOVED passing out candy to the kids. She would even go and get candy out of her bag to give to the kiddos!
She wanted to get comfy, so she put on her jammies. Not too much later, a "big" kid came by with a scary mask on his face. Kate ran to her room and got her HORSE mask. She said that it was to scare the "bad kids" away. She didn't take the mask off for the rest of the night!

We love our little SCARY Horse too! She is so funny!

Another FUN FILLED day!

2010-11-01T22:47:00.003-05:00

I really thought Sweet Kate would sleep in a little on Saturday morning after her big party! NO MAM...the girl was up bright and early...didn't want to miss a beat!

Our dear friends, Jim and Lora, celebrated their 20th Wedding Anniversary on Wednesday, but didn't have their "anniversary dinner and dessert" until Saturday. We were honored that they brought their yummy cake over to share with us! Their daughter, Jamie, found their wedding topper that Lora hand painted 20 year ago! It had to go on top of the cake!

It was such a beautiful day on Saturday. We all sat out side with our coffee and cake!

Happy Anniversary Jim and Lora! Love y'all!

Then we were off to celebrate Henry's 3rd Birthday. Fun story...Henry's parents, Jeremy and Heather, were in the same child birth class as Michael and I. When Heather and I were both about to POP, we found ourselves at a mutual friend's party. We realized that we knew each from child birth class. We have been friends ever since! Henry and Kate were nursery roommates at the hospital THREE years ago!

The birthday boy!
Yummo Cupcake!

Kate LOVES balloons!! She was thrilled to get TWO at Henry's party!

Saying her good-bye!! It is bitter sweet...Jeremy, Heather, Henry and now BABY Charlie are leaving us...moving to Tyler, TX! We are very sad to see them go! Such a sweet and FUN family! We will miss them dearly!

NOW...we are headed to a Halloween Party!! (with our naked babies in tow!)

Don't know if you can see it, but she has CUPCAKE on her lips and cheek...yes, her SECOND cupcake for the day!

Kate and Kendall had a ball running around the party!! It was fun for Michael and I to visit with our friends while the kiddos had a big time!

THEN...we headed back to the house to open some b-day presents from Mam and Grand Dude...Friday's party was just too busy to open ALL the presents!!

Mam singing Happy Birthday to Sweet Kate!

They gave Kate this really fun card that sings and you blow out the candles! Kate LOVES it...plays with it at least 10 minutes/day! We will be very upset when it wears out!! Yikes!

Trying to wind down as Grand Dude reads a book to Kate!

Now Kate is "reading" to him!

THIS is the end product of a VERY BUSY Saturday! Michael went into Kate's room around 11pm to check on her...found her like this!! Bear hugging her Easter bunny and Fire Dog...with her Minnie Mouse hat on...Fun Times! She slept until almost 9am on Sunday! Whew!

It's a Minnie Mouse Party!

2010-11-01T21:00:00.001-05:00

We had Sweet Kate's 3rd Birthday party at our house on Friday evening! She told us back in August that she wanted a Minnie Mouse party with cake and pizza...easy enough!

I was very proud of MY cupcakes...homemade butter cream icing...yummy!

After Kate got home from school, we gave her our gift...a new Barbie Jeep! She wasn't too sure what to think! Grand Dude was helping show her around!

Taking it for the first spin!!

Oops...Safety First, Daddy!

Getting ready for her friends from Mrs. Cindy to come over to play! We re-used the cute cupcake that Mam painted for Kate last year...a little felt and tape...you have a Minnie Mouse Cupcake!

Kate had a blast having her friend Kambel drive her around in her OLD car!

We looked up and look who had come for a visit...Minnie Mouse!!

Minnie and all the little girls! There were a couple of boys, but I think they got a little overwhelmed with ALL the girls to take a pic with Minnie!

Kate wasn't too sure about Minnie!

I LOVE Minnie!

So do Nana and Mam!

Minnie played in the sand box with the kiddos!

She pushed them on the porch swing!

Kate and Olivia pushed Minnie!

One last swing with Minnie!

Kate saying Good Bye to Minnie!

Happy Birthday to Kate!

Buddies...Olivia, Kate and Kambel!

The after-party...playing with all her new toys!

Such a fun party with so many of her little friends!!

We love you, Sweet Kate! Happy 3rd Birthday!

Let the parties begin...

2010-11-01T20:59:00.000-05:00

We have been super busy since Wednesday evening!! We have had lots of fun around our house. The parties begin when we came home on Wednesday afternoon. Our sweet housekeeper, Beatriz, had left Kate a birthday present. Kate was pumped...this was her first gift to open!!

Beatriz even wrapped her gift in a Minnie Mouse bag...Kate was so happy!

I hope this picture does her "happiness" justice. Kate loves play food and she was thrilled with this gift and I was thrilled with this sweet dress from Beatriz! Thank you!
Just had to add these next two pics...Kate was eating dinner, flipping through the Toys R Us "Christmas Book"...she was studying each page...very serious girl!
"Hmmm...very, very interesting!"
Kate's class celebrated her birthday on THURSDAY with cookies...don't have a picture.

Mrs. Cindy had her Halloween Party for the kids on Friday (which was actually Kate's birthday) and all the kiddos dressed up in their costumes...fun times!
Don't know if you can tell in this picture, but Kate thought her costume was "itchy" and needed to wear something under it...WELL, it turned out that she wore her night gown underneath and she thought that was so fun to wear her jammies to school! She is such a Mess!

Our pretty little Mermaid Princess!

About to head out the door with Daddy...back pack and treat bag in hand!

TSU...Homecoming...2010!

2010-10-25T21:04:00.000-05:00

Michael, Kate and I made the trip to Stephenville, TX this past weekend for Tarleton's Homecoming. TSU is where Michael and I met way back when and this is the first time we have been back, as a family since...well, we graduated!! The reason we went this year is because it was my sorority's, Alpha Gamma Delta, 25th year anniversary as a chapter on Tarleton's campus!

Before the parade started...outside the gates of Good ol' Tarleton State!

Some of my dearest friends met to watch the parade together...Melanie, Holli (and Mamie), Kate, Me, Kerri and Jennifer!

Kate and Mamie playing with a bug before the parade...Kate loved to be the "bridge" that the bug went under...NICE!

Watching the parade...eating a little candy!

It started raining during the middle of the parade...we took a little shelter under the gas station pumps! Michael was such a trooper on Saturday!

The girls checking out their loot after the parade...they made out pretty well...candy, frisbee and a pom pom!

This picture cracks me up for many reasons...most of the alumnae are chanting an OLD AGD cheer, Kristie is cheesy for the camera and KATE is climbing up in the arms of a sweet alum that I had not met before. Kate didn't want to miss any of the action and from the TOP of the "group photo" shot was the BEST place to be!!

Mike, Holli and Mamie...Mike and Michael will receive the Alpha Gam Man awards for the luncheon!!!

Sweet friends...it has been too long...Melissa, Kara, Karen, Melissa and Jennifer!

Oldies but goodies...Kerri, Melissa, Kara, April, Me and Jennifer...due November 23rd!

Kate and her pumpkin...Holli gets MOM of the year for bringing the girls pumpkins and decorations for them to play with during the luncheon! Holli, you rock!

Kate and Michael checking out all the old composite pictures...25 years worth!

Oh Sweet Donna! My MOM away from HOME for 4 years!! Our wonderful chapter advisor!!! She was the BEST!! She put up with a LOT from us girls!! We love her so much!

Most all of the Alumnae in attendance! I bet it rained 3 inches during our luncheon...that might have kept some away, but we had a blast with the ones who were there!!

Most of "Donna's Girls" who were still there at the end of the luncheon! She served as friend, Mom and role model to so many ladies during her time as chapter advisor!

We had a great time...it was just too short! We need to do it again, really soon!

Go Alpha Gamma Delta!

Happy Birthday, Grand Dude!

2010-10-07T04:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to YOU, Grand Dude!! xoxox, Kate Michael!

Kate and Cousin Karsen shared some cupcakes in your honor...a day earlier, but it was in YOUR honor! We love you! So thankful for you!

With Cuz Karsen!

Kate with her Grand Dude in Lampasas, August 2010

Kate with Grand Dude, November 2009!

Buddies!!!

Hope you have a great birthday, Grand Dude! We love you!

Happy Fall Y'all!

2010-10-02T16:47:00.001-05:00

This morning, Michael, Kate, Phyllis (Nana) and I loaded up and went to the Pumpkin Patch in Floydada, TX. It is about a 40 minute drive from Lubbock. This is our third year to go and pick pumpkins! We had such a great time!

This was the FIRST pumpkin she saw and she thought she was going to pick it up!

Daddy, Momma and Kate!

(Michael was making fun of the two of us in our browns...looked like we were headed to a nursing home dance, matching!)

Kate LOVES her Nana! We were so happy that she joined us this year!

This scarecrow is doing his job!

We found a bunch of pretty pumpkins!

Had to jump out in a cotton field on the way home to take a couple of pics! Kate wasn't too sure about the cotton!

Our sweet girl!

Thank you WEST TEXAS cotton growers...you make life comfortable!

What happens when you stay too long...

2010-09-26T22:05:00.001-05:00

Funny how kids are almost on a "timer"...you know when the count down is on, but sometimes you can't do anything about it...

Michael decided he needed to go out to the shop this afternoon and do some clean up. He thought it would be great fun for us to go along. I guess we should have talked about how LONG this clean up would take, but didn't...

Kate had a ball DRIVING the skid steer with Michael...loading and unloading things!

She and I had a ball running around and playing in the dirt too!
And then...it must have been about "time" but we didn't realize it and we were in ONE car, so Kate and I couldn't go home! She ran through some mud and got covered with mud from head to toe...she wasn't happy about this!
But, she ended up having fun with Dad again...WHO says you need to wear shorts or shoes while doing projects?!?!

A happy camper once again!

Piush & Kompal!!

2010-09-26T21:51:00.000-05:00

What a fun evening!!! Michael and I were honored to be invited to Piush & Kompal's wedding reception. I have known Piush (Peter) for 7 years now. His father, Dr. Parmar, is one of my customers. I have so enjoyed getting to know the entire family. Mrs. Parmar, Daisy, is one of the sweetest ladies! She is always so thoughtful...she has brought Kate back sweet gifts from her visits to India to see her family.

This was a fun evening filled with Indian traditions and great friends!

Our dear friends, Candace and Gaylen Hinch!
Awesome friends, J'Lin and Shawn Stewart!

Piush & Kompal making their grand entrance with traditional dancing!

Time for dinner...we weren't always too sure what we were putting on plates, but it all tasted so yummy! I have eaten Indian food several times with Daisy Parmar...she always tells me what is the most MILD. She assured me that dinner was on the MILD side...

I don't know about all that!?

Shawn enjoying his SECOND plate of food!!

Michael and I with the happy couple...Piush & Kompal!

And let the dancing begin! Let me tell you...these great folks can dance and LOVE doing it!! That's me (hand in the air) and J'Lin just trying to fit in! We loved it!

Mustangs, Bubbles & Red Raiders!

2010-09-19T16:53:00.000-05:00

It's been a little while since I last posted something...so sorry!

Kate and I had fun cheering the Coronado HS Mustangs on with the Saso Family! This was Kate's first football game and she had such a great time! She loved the band and the mascot!

I know it is hard to tell, BUT...sweet Christine Saso is the third flag from the right. She did an awesome job at half time!

After the half time show...Kate and Christine!
An afternoon with bubbles on the back porch! Fun times!
I think more bubbles ended up on the porch than in the air...oh well, still tons of fun!

Trying to get a pic of my girl before we left for the Tech football game Saturday afternoon! She didn't want her picture taken!

Another attempt...another failure!

We met up with our friends, the Dannheims, before the game for Raider Walk! They were looking good in their game day gear!

Dad, Michael and I before the Tech vs. Texas game on Saturday! Even though Tech lost, it was still a fun day! Sold out stadium...lots of excitement!

Mam and Grand Dude with Kate this morning before they headed back to Lampasas!

Wreck 'em Tech!

2010-09-06T20:54:00.000-05:00

What a fun way to kick off the Texas Tech Red Raiders' season...Raider Walk!! This will hopefully be a Red Raider Tradition!! Coach Tommy Tuberville wanted to start the Raider Walk this season and it was lots of fun! 2 hours 15 minutes prior to each home game, the Cheerleaders, Pom Squad, Goin' Band and the football team walk from the baseball field to their football training center. It was so cool! We had a great spot to stand!

Coach Tommy Tuberville! He seems like such a neat man...very much wanting to be a part of the community of Lubbock!

Raider Red!!!

Senior QB, #12 Taylor Potts!

Senior Linebacker, #57, Brian Duncan...a VERY neat guy and can hit VERY hard!!

Senior Linebacker, #20, Bront Bird...another hard hitter!!

Senior QB, #1, Steven Sheffield "Sticks"...you just have to love his smile!

Goin' Band coming onto the field!!!

Go Tech!

Here they come...football season is under way!

***must provide this disclaimer...Michael and I are first and foremost, Tarleton State University, TEXANS, BUT since living in Lubbock for over 7 years, we have become RED RAIDERS TOO! Go Tech!!!***

Praying for Ben and Katie...

2010-08-25T19:41:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends! I have been following this blog for only about a month, but I just fell in love with this sweet, sweet couple who have been through a LOT, to say the VERY least. Through it ALL, they have FAITH in their Lord and SAVIOR that HE will see them through!! Please join me in praying for BEN and KATIE!! I have attached a link to Katie's last post...be ready to have your heart strings pulled!!! We serve an AWESOME GOD who performs miracles on a daily basis...looking forward to "seeing" (more like reading) what God does in Ben and Katie's lives!

http://katieandbenupdates.blogspot.com/2010/08/prayer-and-fastingaugust-27-29-2010.html

StoryTime LIVE!!!

2010-08-22T16:38:00.000-05:00

A FIRST for us...NickJr's StoryTime LIVE came to Lubbock! We have not taken Kate to a movie, musical or anything like that fearful that she wouldn't sit still. Well, we just couldn't pass up the opportunity to go see her FAVORITE TV shows LIVE in Lubbock at the City Bank Auditorium. She had a BLAST!! She was such a good girl and LOVED every minute of the show!

First up...Ni-Hao, Kai-Lan!
Our personal favs...The Backyardigans!!

Intermission was a blast too...getting to EAT ice out of her "Daddy Coke"...Daddy Coke refers to anything that is NOT milk, juice or water. We get LOTS of "Daddy Cokes" from Sonic! Haha

What's gonna work....teamwork! The Wonder Pets!

And finally HER fav...Dora and Boots!

We were thrilled to see her excitement with each of the "shows" as they came on stage! She couldn't believe that she was seeing them LIVE and not on TV! So fun!

A Good Girl!

2010-08-22T16:35:00.000-05:00

After all our fun in San Antonio and in Lampasas, it was nice to get back into our "school" and work routine! Kate was a good girl for Mrs. Cindy on Monday so we went for a treat...

Aunt Norie's Iced Sugar Cookies...YUMMY!

FINALLY...our FIRST hair cut!

2010-08-15T21:17:00.001-05:00

Well I never thought I would JUST now be posting "Kate's first hair cut" at age 2 years, 10 months...but here we go!! Kate received her first hair cut while we were in Lampasas! Our sweet cousin, Erika, did the honors at her fun salon! Kate loved every minute of her haircut...the wash, the cut and the style...but really WHAT GIRL doesn't?!

Doing what Erika asked..."look down please"! Cousin Mason was even in the audience!
Looking good!
Thank you, Erika!!!

And a balloon to boot!! Ha Ha! It was Erika's birthday the day Kate got her hair cut. Erika had some really pretty flowers sent to her with balloons on them. Kate thought it was a party since we brought her a little cake and card. WELL...at most parties, the guest leave with a balloon! Kate did!!! A fun FIRST hair cut!

Mam and Grand Dude's...

2010-08-15T20:57:00.001-05:00

Kate and I spent the week in Lampasas with my parents, Mam and Grand Dude. Kate has a ball when she is there. She gets to see and do many things that she never has the opportunity to do in Lubbock with her boring ol' parents!

Here she is watering some of Mam's plants...she dressed herself! The greens do match!

Watching Grand Dude warm up Princess before Kate got to ride! She was so excited!
Giving Grand Dude FIVE! She is his Lil Punk!
This random barn kitty decided to rub on Kate...she loved it! I wasn't crazy about it!
Taking a ride with Grand Dude on Princess!
Kate loves Jenny the donkey...she also loves climbing on fences/gates! That poor colt that Jenny was halter breaking didn't know WHAT to think of Kate!

Our ONE family pic of the week! Kate couldn't sit still long enough the rest of the week for anything better! This family pic even included Sara, the dog...and random cat!

Kate helping put out hay with Grand Dude!

We made a quick trip to visit one of my best friends....Ashley and her kiddos! Kate loved playing dress up with Pacey and Sweet, Sweet Presley put up with these two!

The newest member of the Bumpus family...Kord Bumpus. Kord came for a quick visit one afternoon. He is so stinkin' cute!

What's up, Kord! Kate liked Kord too, but wouldn't sit still for a picture of the two of them together...oh the life of a Mom with a 2.5 year old!

We had a great time in Lampasas! So blessed to be able to spend that time with my parents and Kate's GRANDparents! Love y'all!

Family Time...the BEST Time!

2010-08-15T20:26:00.000-05:00

We had an awesome little family vacation to the JW Marriott in San Antonio, August 6-9! My girlfriend, Brandi , had been twice since it opened at the first of the year and had given it RAVE reviews. We couldn't wait to get there!!

A side note...Michael FORGOT to pack a swimsuit for this trip!! Bless his heart!! We were in such a hurry to get into the car on Friday morning, I guess it just slipped his mind? I didn't think to ask b/c I was worried about Kate's and my clothes for the next TEN days! So needless to say, he quickly went to one of the stores in the lobby at about 7pm and bought a terribly SMALL $50 swimsuit! After we got back to the room that evening, he headed out for a quick trip to Target to buy a more appropriate swimsuit! Poor guy! Here he is in his SHORT shorts! Kate didn't care!!

Loving the water our first night there!
Having breakfast on Saturday...our table had it's own TV...of course she wanted to watch Dora!
Heading out for DAY TWO...Daddy in a more appropriate swimsuit!
Taking a break from the water!

Kate LOVES tatoos!! This lady was doing airbrush tatoos poolside...we had to have one!!

Hopefully this will be her ONLY tatoo! Ha Ha!

She wanted me to take several pics of her FISH on her thigh!! Her first choice was a Lion, second was a Cobra...I convinced her this "Nemo" type fish was nice!

Having tons of fun!

Sunday morning, there were balloon artist in the hotel lobby. Here we are waiting very patiently for our turn!

Getting pretty excited...there were only two kiddos in front of us!

About to bust with excitement...she was next!

So proud of her Aerial!!! We still have her head!!! The balloon artist were truly amazing! They could make ANYTHING!

What a fun trip with our favorite Girl!!! We already want to go back! We loved vacationing in TX...felt like Cabo, but no FLIGHTS with a 2.5 year old! Woo hoo!

Livin' the Lake Life!

2010-08-15T19:34:00.000-05:00

The last weekend in July, we went with our great friends, The Dannheims, to their lake home on Lake Granbury. Chuck, Jennifer, Baby Kingston, Michael, Kate and I loaded the Dannheims' suburban on Friday evening and headed to Granbury! We had the best time!!

Saturday morning...about to head out!

Kids in the boat...time for the BIG KIDS to get in and get going!

Kate was pumped to be on the water!
Michael, Kate and Kingston were on the look out!
Kate has NO FEAR when it comes to water! We just finished up swim lessons, so we feel a little better! She was ready to go tubing with Daddy!

Getting some last minute instructions from Dad!

And they're off...

Chuck on the wake board! He's a pro...he will probably be upset that I wasn't quick enough to catch him doing something fancy in mid-air!

We pulled into Stumpy's for a great lake lunch! Michael and Jennifer with kiddos!

Taking an afternoon break on their back porch! On Sunday morning, I finally got into the water! I'm not much of a "lake water" person, but I'm getting better! Kate smiled the entire time on the tube! PS...my feet/toes are not in the water, because I didn't want to chip off my polish...I needed my pedicure to last a week longer...I think you will understand?!?!

We finished our weekend with a quick trip to the fun Granbury Square for some shopping! Kate picked up this GREAT new TuTu...you never can have too many! We then stopped at Mary's Cafe in Strawn, TX for a yummy chicken fried steak...the weekend couldn't haven been any better!

Thanks, Chuck, Jennifer and Kingston! We had a great time!

Bye-Bye Brauns!

2010-08-15T16:08:00.001-05:00

Our good friends and Kate's first sitter, The Braun Family, will be leaving us soon! David, Aimee, Elijah and Ethan have been such a blessing to our family! We were so thankful that Miss Aimee kept Kate in her home for the first 20 months of her little life. Aimee and her family loved on Kate daily!!! David has been called to be the pastor of a Baptist church in Cross Plains, TX. We are really happy for the Braun family and pray God's continued blessings on their family

The MEN FOLK at their going away dinner! Such a great group of men and little men...

Mr. Graham...doesn't he just make you want to smile! Aimee has also watched Graham since he was a baby!
The ladies working hard with the yummy desserts...homemade ice cream and chocolate cake...makes the heart happy!

Jerry, David and Chuckaboo!

And the kiddos...Kate, Ethan, Elijah and Graham! This was the best we could do on a group photo! We were sad that Mr. Beck had already gone home...it was getting pretty late!

Mr. & Mrs....

2010-07-25T23:40:00.001-05:00

This weekend, I was honored to get to celebrate the marriage of two very sweet people...Braxton (who I kind of think looks like TOM BRADY?!) and Katie. We have known Katie for all four years while she was at Tech and met Braxton the last couple of years when these two started dating! The are just the sweetest couple! We pray God's continue blessings over their lives and marriage!

Wasn't Katie's dress so pretty?!? Oh, she was beautiful!
The "Mrs" with lots of friends from Evidence!

I love this picture!! Our friends, Julia and Josephine...doesn't Josephine look like her Momma? So Sweet! Josephine is about to be a BIG SISTER!

I loved getting to see Robbie (not pictured),Lindsey and Beckham!

Two of my favorite peeps in the entire world...Lindsey and sister, Brooke!

Mr and Mrs...and Lauren and Chad!

(hey chad, no pressure, but when are y'all getting married?!)

Just had to add this one of my sweet girl and Mr. David at church this morning. Kate loves her some David Wolfe...we do too!

Some work...but MORE play!

2010-07-23T18:32:00.001-05:00

Kate and I had fun today!! I took off work to hang out with Kate...the first part of this week, I was in Graham, TX for a work meeting and didn't get to see my sweet girl. We have a busy weekend planned, so today was a great day to just relax and have fun! We both slept in today until 8:30am...isn't that GREAT!

We are having some concrete poured in three different areas at our house. One is at the end of our porch for Michael to have a built in grill and work area. I looked out side this morning and Kate is "helping" the workers...

Notice she is trying her BEST to stand in the same position as the guy with the board in his hand is standing!! Too funny!
After a late lunch, we got some cupcakes and headed to the park by our house!

Yummo!

Cupcake number TWO!

Oh boy, this is going to be good!

Then...off to the swings!

After swinging and playing for a while, we heard something....the ice cream man!

Making sure he saw her...

Woo Hoo...a Cherry Bomb!

I don't think the truck's freezer works all that great...already melting and it wasn't all that hot today!

Hurry...it's melting!

Two cupcakes, a Cherry Bomb = One Satisfied Girl!