The Conways

Pirates and Valentine Cards

2012-02-14T21:23:00.002-06:00

Yesterday we taught the sound that "ar" makes. What better way than with a pirate theme! "Aaargh!" I bought a Pirate unit from Abby at The Inspired Apple, and with a few items from Hobby Lobby, we had a very "piratey" day!

The kids went on a word hunt around the room for "ar" words and then were rewarded with treasure from the pirate treasure chest when all the words were found and read.

And then today was Valentine's day. (This week is off to a crazy start!)

These are the Valentine's we made for Avery's friends at the daycare and the ones for the Grandparents.

Thanks to The Teacher Wife for this great printable I used for my students' Valentines!

Rick Rack Rosette Clips

2012-02-08T21:22:00.001-06:00

I added new clips to the Simply Sassy Facebook page!

Rick Rack Rosette Clips ~ $2.00 each
dark pink
baby pink
purple
red
turquoise
baby blue
yellow

Decorating for Valentine's Day

2012-02-08T21:00:00.001-06:00

Here's a few new things I made for Valentine's Day this year!
I thought this wreath would take me a couple of nights to finish, but once I got started, I had to stay up until I finished it. (about 2am!) It was really a lot of fun!

We don't have a mantle, so I decorate the shelf!

This year, I added the Valentine subway art, and I sewed the paper hearts into a banner for the framed picture of Avery and Jake.

I made Avery a banner of felt hearts for her window

Happy 100th Day of School!

2012-02-06T19:42:00.000-06:00

Last week we had our 100th day of school. I wish I could share more pictures of all the fun stuff the kids got to do, but each picture shows their faces. But I can tell you that is was a great day, and so much more relaxed and calm than it was in Kindergarten! The one picture I can post is this walk-through sign that Tammy and I put up in front of our doors. To get into our rooms, the kids had to step through the zeros. Needless to say, they were VERY excited!

Happy New Year!

2012-02-05T22:06:00.000-06:00

Happy 2012!!!
Avery stayed up untill 11:00 and we watched the ball drop in Times Square. She was so excited about her "sparkle juice"! Jake had to wait and celebrate on New Year's Day.

My little model

Spurs Game

Back at Market Square (yes, we LOVE Mexican food!)

We took the kids to the wooden playground

(Did you see Morgan and Hayden in the background?)

Merry Christmas (2011)

2012-02-05T14:50:00.000-06:00

I love turning on Christmas music and decorating the tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. (I would probably start decorating earlier if my husband would let me!) I want to have the house all Christmasy as long as possible! Jake was so excited to actually get to help this year. And since Avery is a little taller now, we didn't have all of the ornaments at the very bottom of the tree like last year!

This year, we had four Christmases, and I love it!! I know some people complain about having to go so many places, but I want to celebrate with as many people as possible! So this year, we had Christmas a couple of weeks early with my dad's side of the family, then with just my parents, sisters, and their families, then on Christmas Eve we visited Tim's family, and then had Christmas day at our own house with just the kids.

Kallus Family Christmas

Avery enjoyed biting the head off of the snowman cookie Morgan made.

This girl is such a sweet big sister! She loves her Jakey Boy so much, and is always helping him and hugging on him. And she's so patient. Jake gets into his little screaming fits and she always tries to comfort him and calm him down even though it usually ends with her getting a smack in the face. But she always tries!

Such a sweet face

Love that laugh!

Uncle Hayden is always ready to help!

...again, that's Hayden in the back making sure the girls don't fall over!

Christmas at my parent's house

Jake was super excited to open his new Elmo!

Hayden is such a good sport!

Hanging out in Gruene

Christmas Cookies!!

Christmas Morning

My birthday

MiTierra in Market Square

Wurstfest, TxState Game, Thanksgiving

2012-02-03T00:02:00.002-06:00

Wurstfest (Our 10 day salute to sausage)
Jake enjoyed his fried Oreo (I was so jealous that I coudn't have one.)

Alex Meixner

Avery was super excited to go on the carousel

Texas State Football Game (I still call it Southwest)

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Avery showing off the turkery shirt I made her.

Jake's turkey shirt

Happy Halloween 2011

2012-02-02T23:07:00.001-06:00

What Fall is complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch!

We went to see Aunt Morgan and Uncle Hayden's new house

This was the first Halloween that both kids could actually participate in. Jake even said "please" and "thank you" at a few houses, and at one house he kept saying "more".

New Orleans (Brandi & Jason's Wedding)

2012-02-02T22:59:00.000-06:00

In October we got to go to New Orleans for the wedding of our friends Brandi and Jason. Of course, any excuse to go to New Orleans is a good one, but it was so much fun being there to celebrate their big day. Brandi and Jason are two of the nicest people you could meet. Anyone who loves being with my kids as much as I do, is a great friend in my book!
(They've been to every one of our kids' birthday parties and any other get-together we've had!) I'm glad we got to do something that was just for them, even if we did have a lot of fun doing it!
Love y'all Jason and Brandi!

John Stamos (yes I ran down the street so I could jump in front of him and snap a picture!)

Beach Fun

2012-02-02T22:28:00.000-06:00

Back to Port Aransas

Avery and Jake were not really in the mood to take pictures this morning. I feel bad that I didn't know they were both getting sick.

The view from our room

Back to School Fun

2012-02-02T22:23:00.000-06:00

First day back at daycare

Our naked farmer!

I have a feeling this picture will be used to embarrass Jake many times!!

I absolutely LOVE his curls!

Jake's first haircut. (Mommy wanted to cry too!)

Avery got her hair cut too.

My new Armada

Never a dull moment.

Comal County Fair Parade

I'm Back!!

2012-02-02T17:57:00.003-06:00

I know it's been a REALLY long time since I've posted, but things just got so busy with work, there was just no time! So, get ready for a whole lot of posts as I play catch-up!

Tim and I took Avery to see Winnie the Pooh. This was her first time to see a movie at the theater, and she loved the popcorn just like her mommy!

Port Aransas

I think taking a picture in the shark's mouth is mandatory on every trip!

What could be better than taking a nap on the couch with Poppa!

Jake LOVES Maggie!

Summer Projects

2011-08-19T22:57:00.000-05:00

At the begining of this summer, I made a list of things I wanted to make, and amazingly, I was able to get most them finished!

Spray painted mason jars

I made these Father's Day cards on Tiny Prints for Tim and my dad.

I've seen a lot of menu boards online where they plan out what the family will eat for the whole week (or month) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I love planning things out, but when it come to eating, there is no way I would be able to know on Sunday what I was going to feel like eating the next Friday. So I made a simple menu board. After we go shopping, I write down the different meals we are able to make using the things we bought. Then I cross it off after it has been made. If there are no leftovers, then that item gets erased completly. This way I can see what leftovers we have without having to open the fridge. (This is great because once the fridge is open, Jake thinks that means he needs to try to crawl in, or rearrange everything inside! EVERYTIME!)

I finally made Avery's light switch cover.

And the next few things are for school.

I sprayed the mirror that will go over my sink a lovely turquoise.

My Author's Chair is now also turquoise.

I sewed new curtains for the window...

...and a new plastic bag holder.

A fun banner!

I also made Avery two new tank tops. (Well, I added decorations. I didn't actually sew the shirt!)

More Summer Fun (and More Sea World!)

2011-08-05T14:29:00.004-05:00

Happy 4th of July!

Sprinkler Fun

Bug Matching

Our 2nd Trip to Sea World

Watching the Rain

Jake loves to play on sister's computer!

Landa Park

Kensie's 3rd Birthday

Hanging out at the school

Avery's first movie at the movie theater

Sea World and Summer Fun

2011-08-05T14:20:00.000-05:00

I can't believe how fast this summer has gone by!! So here are some "catch-up" posts of what we have been up to this summer. With all of the days where the temperature has been over 100, we've been spending a lot of time indoors, but we have ventured out a few times!

We took the kids to Sea World. Avery was so excited to see all the dolphins. (Did you know killer whales are actually dolphins? Apparently Avery did!)

Avery planning our next stop

We had to leave the 4D Seasame Street show early. This is not a show for little kids sitting in your lap. The water keep spraying directly in Jake's face, and it was not just a little mist.

Daddy won Avery a Shamu by shooting baskets while Mommy got to ride a roller coaster!

Visiting Mimi and Poppa

Eating some ice cream

Jake's favorite place to sit!

Funny Comment from Avery

2011-06-15T17:18:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I forgot to write about the funniest thing Avery said on our trip in Concan. While we were all sitting in the river, Hayden got out to get something from our bags on the side of the river. Avery followed him over there, and they walked back out into the river holding hands. When Avery got over to me, she leaned in, blushed, and whispered, "I'm married." I asked who she was married to and she shyly said Hayden! She even said it a few more times that weekend. I'm not sure what made her think that she was married, but the way she said it was just so cute!

Avery's First Ballet Class

2011-06-14T13:55:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Avery went to her first official dance class! I think I was maybe even a little more excited about this than she was. (And she was VERY excited!) I've been waiting for the day my daughter would start dancing since I found out I was having a girl! I decided to take her to The Studio of Dance. (The owners, Kellie and Holly, were Strutters with me in college.) As soon as we walked in the door, Avery wanted to get out on the floor and start dancing!! Once class started, Avery followed the other girls through the door and into the dance room. I took a seat in the front room in front of the window so I could watch what she would do. But then all she did was sit down and watch everyone else. I kept trying to point to the other girls to get her to join them, but she wouldn't budge. Then ballet was over and it was time to put on their tap shoes. I got her tap shoes on and she walked back into the dance room and started to sit down again, but Holly came and picked her up and took her over to the barre. She held on, but still wouldn't move. Avery is always shy when she meets new people or is in a new situation, but I thought since she was so excited about dancing that she would just get right into it. I guess not! So then, her class was over, and all the girls came out and the class of 4-6 year olds went in. Avery took off her tap shoes, put on her ballet shoes, and said she wanted to dance. I told her that her class was over and we would have to come back next week to dance, but she started walking back towards the room. Holly was nice enough to let her go in with the other class, and Avery walked right over to the barre and did everything they were doing! I felt a little bad that it wasn't her class, but so excited that she was finally doing something!!! She said she can't wait to go back next week! (Hopefully it won't take so long to warm up next time!)

Concan 2011

2011-06-12T15:03:00.003-05:00

Last week, we took our annual trip to the Frio River in Concan with my family. On the way, we always stop at Dairy Queen for a Blizzard. If we're lucky, another group will be there at the same time, and we can enjoy our Blizzards together! We left the house a little later than planned, so I wasn't expecting to get to meet up with anyone, but luckily Monica's family's food took a long time, so they were still there when got there!

Jake was exhausted before we even made it to the river the first day!

Connor and Poppa caught a lot of fish!!

Watching the game!

Avery was a little nervous about the hot tub, but Connor and Kensie loved it.

At Home

2011-06-12T14:35:00.000-05:00

Just a few pictures of my babies!!

I LOVE Jakey Boy's curls!

Just a little dance party before bath time!

Putting clothespins in an ice tray.

Avery's 3rd Birthday - Elmo

2011-05-19T17:08:00.001-05:00

Happy 3rd birthday to my little angel princess baby. (I just can't let her hear me call her baby. She is NOT a baby, she is a big girl and she will let you know!)

It was also Hayden's birthday. (He was a good sport with the Elmo party and all!)

Julie came and we got to meet Claire for the first time!

Pin the nose on Elmo was a lot of fun even though Tim was the only one to actually keep the blindfold on!

Brandi and Jason gave Avery 6 pairs of princess dress-up shoes, and she is in heaven!!

We retook the family picture since the one from Easter got lost.

My silly girl!

Pedernales Falls

2011-05-19T15:39:00.000-05:00

A few weekends ago, Tim and I took a trip up to Pedernales Falls to do a little hiking around.

Hanging out in Aunt Monica and Uncle Jeff's backyard. Empty boxes are so much fun!!

Easter 2011

2011-05-19T15:36:00.001-05:00

I can't let a holiday go by without at least one new craft!

Here is our new Easter egg garland.

For Easter, my whole family came over and we ate lunch and the kids hunted eggs. I took a lot of pictures of course, but when I went to upload them, the card was corrupt. So the reason there are no other people in the following pictures is because these pictures were actually taken a few days later. I dressed the kids back up in their Easter clothes, and they got to hunt eggs again. Avery was a little disappointed when she realized this time, the eggs were empty!

MOPS

2011-05-19T15:30:00.000-05:00

This year, I joined MOPS. Since I joined right at the end, I haven't been to many meetings, but we did make it to the Easter Egg Hunt.

Jake had so much fun climbing up the slide and sliding back down on his belly!

VERY excited about the ice cream!

Just Another Day!

2011-05-19T15:26:00.001-05:00

This was just another day at our house.

Avery has really been into changing clothes and dressing up lately. She goes into her closet and pulls out a new outfit about every 15 minutes. This time she came out with her ladybug costume from last year, and said she wanted to go outside and take pictures. I guess she was remembering that we did that for her 2nd birthday. (I love the dance moves!)

These are the Easter shirts I made for Avery and Jake.

Easter Craft and a New Zippered Pouch

2011-03-27T14:26:00.003-05:00

Over spring break I also got to finish my Easter craft for this year! I made these big "Peep" bunnies to hang on Jake's and Avery's doors, and the little one is a pin for Avery to wear.

(Avery really wanted to hold her bunny for the picture.)

Today I was able to finish another one of my sewing projects! I've been wanting to make another zippered pouch(you can never have too many, right!?) This one I plan to use to hold my coupons instead of the plastic accordian envelope I usually have.

Camping

2011-03-27T14:21:00.002-05:00

Over Spring Break, my mom had the camper down at the lake with Connor and Kensie so I took Jake and Avery to hang out for a night. These kids LOVE the camper and really love running around the camper! We spent the day at the playground, playing in the tent, and we walked up the nature trail to the old cemetery. It's so neat to go back to some place I haven't been in many years and take my kids to see it. My sisters and I used to have so much fun playing by the lake, riding our bikes and hanging out on the nature trail.

My dad had to bring a calf back to the house to bottle feed. Avery loved it, but wouldn't get too close!

One of Avery's favorite activities right now: airplane!

Jake's 1st Birthday! (Owl Theme)

2011-03-15T10:07:00.003-05:00

This weekend we celebrated Jake's first birthday with an owl theme.

Here is my little man at 1 month and 1 year!

Bean Bag Toss

Pictures of Jake's first year

The amazing cakes Morgan and Hayden made

Gluten free cupcakes I made so Morgan and I would have something we could eat.

Owl bean bag party favors

Jake started out being very gentle with his cake...

...then he dove right in!

One of Jake's many awesome presents! (Morgan and Hayden painted this along with the wooden train that spells out his name.)

Both kids were exhausted at the end of the day!

Jake is Walking, and Connor's Birthday!

2011-03-15T10:07:00.000-05:00

Jake took his first steps a few weekends ago! Eight steps in a row!

This past weekend we went to Connor's 6th Birthday party! The kids had so much fun playing on the awesome playground.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CONNOR!!

Baby Doll Diapers

2011-03-02T20:31:00.000-06:00

One of Avery's favorite activities right now is changing her baby's diapers. Those babies always seem to be poopy!!! Of course she reprimands them first for not going on the potty, but then very lovingly changes their diaper while talking sweetly to them.

The other day, I finally got around to making her some cloth diapers to use instead of the real ones that she always wants to throw away, demanding that they are poopy and need to go in the trash! Hopefully she wont want to throw these away.

Just a Little Sewing

2011-03-01T18:38:00.000-06:00

So here is what came from that lovely stack of fabric I bought a while back......

Right after Christmas I was looking around the living room, and just couldn't stand what I was seeing. It needed more color. Something cheery and happy. I get tired of things quickly and this room has looked almost the same since we moved in with the exception of changing out the curtains. I realized there was a lot of brown with only a few pieces of color mixed in, and I need MORE! So new pillows were my next project!

And then I had to make a few little birdies to go with the pillows!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-16T22:06:00.005-06:00

Well, this first picture isn't from Valentine's Day, but thought it was funny! I was going to clean out Avery's closet and box up clothes that don't fit her anymore, so I took the laundry basket to her room and she hopped in and begged for me to pull her around. So after a few laps around the house I told her I needed to put her clothes in the basket, but she didn't want to get out. So I started stacking them up on top of her and she thought it was hilarious, especially when I drug her back into the living room covered in clothes.

Our little Valentine birdie I made

Valentine cards I made using my new Silhouette machine. (I LOVE this machine!!!)

Red Velvet Cupcakes with homemade cream cheese frosting!!

SNOW!!!

2011-02-14T23:31:00.000-06:00

It is very rare for us to see snow here in Texas, and even more rare for it to actually stick to the ground and be able to hold a snowball in your hand. So when the white stuff actually does fall, it is cause for a celebration!!! Tim had to go in to work early, so it was up to me to play with Jake and Avery in the snow while trying to take pictures and video all at the same time. Thankfully, Jake decided to sleep in this day, so I was able to have some time to help Avery build a snowman before he woke up.

Once "The Destroyer" decided to wake up and join us, of course the first thing he headed for was the snowman. I think the following pictures pretty much speak for themselves.

My Babies

2011-02-04T11:24:00.002-06:00

Here are a few pictures from the past weeks.
Not much to say, but enjoy!

Poor Jake had RSV and Strep. He did NOT like the breathing treatments!

Ballerina Girls

Jake is 10 1/2 months now. He's standing on his own, but can't quite keep his balance enough to walk by himself yet.

I recently discovered the Quilt House. I know it's been around for a while, but I've always just gone to Hobby Lobby for my fabric. They are cheaper and more convenient. But now that I have walked in and seen the fabric heaven that is the Quilt Haus, I might not be frequenting Hobby Lobby quite as much! They have almost anything you can imagine. (Even vegetable prints if that's your style!) These are the 5 pieces of frabric that I brought home this week that are soon to be turned into something amazing! These just make me smile every time I look at them. (I'll post pictures after the project is complete!) I might have to go back soon, I'm thinking I might need one more piece that has a little more turquoise.

Toothpicks and Valentine's Day Sensory Tub

2011-02-04T11:24:00.001-06:00

I took a piece of styrofaom and outlined different shapes with dots for Avery to stick toothpicks in. She enjoyed doing this, and then she REALLY enjoyed breaking the styrofaom into tiny little pieces.

This is her Valentine's Day sensory tub. It has red, white, and pink pom poms, rose petals, felt roses, puffy hearts, and felt hearts. There's also a Valentine bucket for her to put the items in, and I added some heart shaped bowls I found at H-E-B.

Sensory Tubs and Button Snake

2011-01-15T11:11:00.000-06:00

This Christmas tub is the first sensory tub I've made for Avery. It has small ornaments, miniature Christmas trees, green and red pom poms, pretend lights, small stockings, fake candycanes, and "cookie" letters that spell out "Merry Christmas".

This is her new button snake. Each end of the ribbon has a button sewn on to it, and Avery uses her little fingers to push the button through the hole in each felt Christmas tree. (I plan on making more felt shapes for different holidays.) This activity works on her fine motor skills along with color recognition.

Here is the new sensory tub for winter. I still want to find a few more things to add to it, but this is what I already had on hand. It has blue and white pom poms, and fake ice cubes. Each tub also has a pair of tongs and different types of scoops for Avery to pick the items up with.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-08T12:28:00.009-06:00

We went to Jami's surprise birthday party on the 30th and got to meet Landon, and see Emily and Will again! I'm so excited about all these new babies!

Will and Jake

Birthday presents from my hubby! He new that if he went to my favorite store (Rusty Bugs and Roosters) he could pretty much pick up anything in there, and I would be thrilled!! He also got my certificates to get my car washed!! Getting my car washed is something I always talk about doing, but am too cheap to pay someone else to do for me!!

Jake was not very excited about the New Year's hat!

New Year's Day Avery, Jake, and I met my parents and my sister Monica's family again in San Antonio.

On the Riverwalk

At the Market, waiting to eat Mexican food at Mi Tierra's.
Since Avery's other guitar broke, my mom bought her a new one so we enjoy many more concerts.

Another Rusty Bugs and Roosters find!

Avery scaring Jake (turn off the music on the side of the blog so you can hear the sound in the videos!)

Avery thinks it's very funny to walk up to us and speak in her made-up language. I'm pretty sure she knows we can't understand her, and she thinks it's hilarious! (If you're wondering why it's January and she has a pumpkin and a spider painted on her face, all I can say is she is 2 and has a mind of her own! Ever since Halloween she has been in love with spiders and face painting!)

Christmas 2010

2011-01-08T12:12:00.005-06:00

Merry Christmas!!!Christmas is definitely my favorite holiday. I love all the decorations and music! I wish I had taken pictures of all our decorations this year. We didn't have very many visitors at our house, so not many people got to see them all, but our little family definitely enjoyed them!

For the Grandparents, I decorated Avery and Jake's footprints like snowmen. (I had to make one for myself also!)

Jake had a lot of fun his first Christmas.

Avery and I made gluten free sugar cookies at my mom's house.

Christmas Eve we all went over to my Aunt Karen and Uncle David's house to get together with the whole family.

Aunt Karen volunteered to take pictures of each family. I'm so glad she did, this is the first "official" picture of our family together!

The whole Kallus family

Presents from Santa!

The kids had the most fun crawling through the wrapping paper!

Kensie and Avery each got their own pretend makeup.

Jake absolutely LOVES his new rocking horse. It plays a song when you squeeze it's ear, and he will only rock while the song is playing. As soon as the songs stops, he starts fussing wanting it to play again so he can rock more!

Morgan, Monica, and me

Many of my friends from home have started having babies (finally!!) Allie, and Hallie are both close to Jake's age, and Julie is expecting her baby girl in March!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-21T13:25:00.001-06:00

Sights and Sounds of Christmas in San Marcos

Avery talked about Santa the whole time we waited in line, but of course as soon as we got up to the front, she didn't want to be anywhere near him. Mrs. Claus was so nice though she asked if the kids wanted to take a picture with her in her chair.

When it was time to take pictures for our Christmas cards this year, I knew our house wouldn't make for a very pretty background with no presents under the tree yet, and I really didn't want the bookcase and tv in the background like all of our other pictures. So I decided to go up to my school because they had a beautiful tree on the stage complete with wrapped presents!

And this tree was out in the hallway, so I had to get one more picture!

We always have Christmas with my dad's side of the family a few weeks before the actual day. Avery decided to have a little fun in the suitcase while I packed for Victoria.

At the park where we had the Christmas get together, there was a paintball course which made a great background for MORE PICTURES!!!

Back at Mimi and Poppa's house, the kids got to drive their jeep and "monster" truck.

Avery loves to get into my makeup drawer and play!

I can't go too long without making something, so I made Avery a few covered button hair clips.

This is our Activity Advent Calendar. I saw this idea on a couple of blogs and thought it would be fun for Avery. It will really be used more next year, when she's a little older, but we've been having fun with it so far this year. Each day has a little activity or craft to do.

One of our activities was to paint and decorate a Christmas tree. Avery absolutely loved this since she loves to paint AND glue!

Our litle boy is getting so big!!

We took the kids swimming at the Y last night. I love how Jake kicks his legs like a little froggy!

Singing and a Cat Attack

2010-11-30T22:59:00.001-06:00

Here are a few videos for your viewing pleasure!
(make sure to turn off the music on the side of the blog so you can hear the videos!)

"I'm Bringing Home a Baby Bumble Bee" sung by Avery

Jake absolutely loved Maggie, and amazingly Maggie kept coming back for more!

"CBDB" (otherwise known as "ABCs") sung by Avery

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-29T23:34:00.000-06:00

I've been busy making things for craft shows the past couple of months, but I did manage to finish a few things for my own kids!

Jake's owl onesie

Avery's Christmas tree shirt

Thanksgiving day we went to Tim's parent's house

Avery and Claire

Tim's dad, Grandma, and Jake

Afternoon nap

Avery, Jake, and I went to Victoria for the rest of the weekend

As long as I can remember, every holiday was spent at my grandma's house. When I think back to my best holiday memories growing up, I always picture her house. (It has only been in the past few years that we started going to other family member's houses for holidays.) That is where everyone got together to eat, play with our new Christmas toys, run around outside, and walk to the small arcade at the gas station down the road. The one thing I know for a fact we did absolutely every visit there, was walk around the rocks surronding the front flower bed and try not to step on the flowers! There were always a couple of wobbly ones, and the trickiest one was the pointy topped rock!
I was a little sad when I heard that the whole family was going to be getting together one last time at her house for Thanksgiving before she moves and I wouldn't be able to make it. I'm sure it wouldn't have been the way I remember it was when I was little, but it would have been neat to be able to take my kids there for a holiday like I used to go. But since I wasn't able to be there for Thanksgiving, my mom, Avery, Jake, and I went to my Grandma's house on Saturday to visit and help her pack up a few things to move to Victoria.

Walking on the rocks

Avery and my dad picking (and eating) oranges from the tree in our backyard

Wurstfest

2010-11-29T23:06:00.001-06:00

Happy Wurstfest!

I'm so glad the dress my mom made last year still fit Avery.

Jake loves to pull everyone's hair (sorry Drew)

Amy came in town and we all went to Cooper's for lunch

Back to Wurstfest for one last night!

Relaxing in the recliner

Jake learned how to pull himself up

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-29T23:02:00.000-06:00

I don't think this post requires many words. Just some pictures of the cuties at the pumpkin patch and on Halloween!

Good Times

2010-11-24T23:10:00.001-06:00

My family took a trip to Port Aransas for the weekend. The weather wasn't perfect because of the hurricane, but we still had a lot of fun.

Jake LOVED the water and wanted to splash everyone!

The view of the pool from our room

Comal County Fair

Kensie and Avery posing while waiting for the parade

Holly and Drew came by to say hi

Showing off the hats they made at daycare

All our friends went to Jodee's parent's ranch for the weekend.

Morgan, Hayden and I ran in the Got Guts 5k (I mostly walked!) After the run there was a gluten free food fair with lots of yummy samples!

Jake's first time sitting up in the shopping cart(using Avery's shopping cart cover)

Avery and Kensie trying on the outfits Mimi and Poppa brought back from their cruise

My mom made Avery this dress out of an old pillowcase. I think she looks like a little angel in it. Avery had so much fun dancing and didn't really want to stop to pose for a picture, so most of these are action shots!

I'm Still Here!

2010-11-24T22:46:00.000-06:00

No, I haven't forgotten about this blog. I've just been so busy with work and making things for craft shows, the blog has had to take a backseat. But now, I'm back!
So, to catch up, here are some pictures of my adorable babies!

Jake

(Don't you love the line of drool!)

Avery hanging out with Kerbi and Shelbi

What a show off!

Being Silly

6 Months Old!

Many Things!

2010-09-20T22:30:00.000-05:00

Since school started back, I've been too busy to update this blog, so I thought I'd do a little catching up!
At the end of August, Monica, our mom, and I took the kids to the circus in Austin. Avery loved it and was very excited to get cotton candy. Jake was entertained by all of the lights!

This is the hat that came with her cotton candy

One Saturday we went up to Leander for a friend's son's birthday...

And to my friend Kellie's house to meet Miss Emily. Jami also came over with Will, and we got to visit with Julie and Mary too.

We took a trip into San Antonio one day to eat at The Market. We also went to Ripley's and the wax museum.

End of Summer Crafts and Vacation

2010-08-14T20:14:00.004-05:00

I finally finished the last of the crafts on my "to do" list. Actually, if you know me, you know my list is never finished, but these are the ones I wanted to complete before the end of summer, the other ones will have to wait until things settle down at work!

I made Jake this lion onesie and
Avery got this flower shirt.

For myself, I made a camera strap cover.

This is a shapes activity I made for Miss A. As soon as I sat it down in front of her, she started matching the shapes onto the right boards, and even matching the right sizes on most of them.
Yesterday we got back from our last vacation of the summer. Tim, Avery, Jake and I went down to Port Aransas for a few days to hang out at the beach. My mom came and met us in Rockport to take Jake home with her. We just thought it would be too hot for him to be out on the beach.

Anniversary Week

2010-08-04T00:00:00.004-05:00

This past week was mine and Tim's 4th anniversary. We went to Houston to see the Cubs/Astros game. (Guess who's idea that was!) But we did have great seats and my mom kept the kids so it was a very peaceful trip!

Gluten Free Beer

Eating their sundaes

On Sunday we went to Splashway. It was extremely hot, but we had a lot fun!

Kensie and Avery being silly

Jake laughing at Avery

Avery "singing"/being silly

Kensie's Birthday

2010-08-03T23:51:00.004-05:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Miss Kensie!

Pretty Princess

Lovin' on Jake

Crafting

2010-07-19T16:19:00.002-05:00

This past week, I've actually been able to complete a few of the crafting projects on my "to do" list!

I made this felt book for Jake. (I got the idea from here)

Finally made Avery's felt board. This probably took a total of 15 minutes once I finally sat down to do it!

I finished part of Kensie's birthday present. The I Spy butterfly I actually made almost a year ago, but this week I made the Dora purse and the felt pop-tarts.

And for myself I made a keychain and a needle book. I wanted something to hold my needles and that I could pack with me when we go on a trip so I can work in the car. This book has four pages that hold straight pins, sewing needles, embroidery needles, and safety pins.

Photo Session & Jake's First Cereal

2010-07-18T23:11:00.009-05:00

Last week I had this great idea to wake up early to take some pictures of Avery before the rain came since it was the only day Tim would be able to go with me and help. We did get up early, but the rain was determined to beat us. Avery wasn't very happy with rain dripping on her, and it made her hair look messy. I didn't really want her to have shoes on either but since we were trying to hurry, I didn't have much choice. (If you know Avery, you know she hates to take her shoes off and I didn't have time to convince her!) So this photo shoot didn't turn out exactly as I wanted, but I still got some cute pictures.

Then we moved inside to get a few of Jake and more of Miss A.

I tried out some different editing techniques using Photobucket.

Trying out the Bumbo for the first time

Jake's first time eating rice cereal!

Preslee

2010-07-18T22:57:00.003-05:00

I haven't been able to get this little girl and her family off my mind for the past few days. I came across their blog on the day that Preslee lost her life. I know things like this happen everyday, but I think reading their blog and being able to see their family before and after makes it more "real". It really makes you appreciate what you have. After I read the blog, all I wanted to do was go crawl in bed with Avery. This is the link to their family blog, and this is another blog that has been set up to help the family.

Galveston

2010-07-04T12:32:00.005-05:00

When we left Concan on Monday, Jake went home with my parents and Tim and I took Avery to Galveston. With Hurricane Alex headed our way, we weren't sure we were going to be able to go, but thankfully the hurricane turned and provided us with wonderful overcast days!

On our way into Galveston it was pouring rain, but by the time we got checked into the hotel, it stopped. So we quickly changed into our swimsuits and headed to Palm Beach at Moody Gardens.

Waiting on the Seawall for our Duck Tour to begin. As you can see, the wind was blowing like crazy. (That's the Flagship hotel behind us. The black section on the front is actually where the wall is missing and you can see into the rooms thanks to Hurrican Ike.)

Eating at Fisherman's Wharf (Avery loves to "cheers"!)

Ice cream at La Kings

On the Strand

Avery showing off her monkey at The Rainforest Cafe

Concan 2010

2010-07-04T02:20:00.010-05:00

This past weekend my family took our yearly trip to Concan on the Frio River.
We look forward to this trip all year long, and it's so sad when it's over. But we had a great time, and can't wait for next year!

Kensie and Avery testing out the kayaks

Monica and Me

Jeff, Connor, Hayden, and Morgan
(and my dad pulling all of us with his kayak!)

Connor

Blowing Bubbles

Playing some washers
Avery is such a sweet little cheerleader, she cheers and claps for everyone.

Mimi and Poppa with the Grandkids

Everyone

Jake's Baptism

2010-07-04T01:41:00.004-05:00

We had Jake's baptism on June 19th.

Morgan and Hayden - the Godparents

The Grandparents

The McCrackens

Celebrating at Cooper's
(It seems like most of our celebrations involve Cooper's)

Catching Up

2010-07-03T19:23:00.007-05:00

These are just some cute pictures we've taken the last few weeks.

I walked into Avery's room to find this! The stack of books on her right side are the ones she hasn't read yet. After she read them, she moved them to the stack on her left.

Doesn't he look comfortable!?

My little swimsuit model

Hanging out in Gruene for Monica's birthday

Avery and Poppa

She thinks she is so big!

Some of my friends are finally having babies!!!
We had a baby shower for Kellie and Jami a couple of weeks ago. It was so nice to see everyone again, and Jami and Kellie's bellys were so cute!

I wanted to get each of them something they registered for and also make them something. Once I started making stuff, I just couldn't stop!

The other night, the New Kids On The Block were singing on the tv. Avery loves to sing, and picks up on songs quickly. The Right Stuff had becone her favorite song.

Morgan and Hayden's Wedding

2010-06-07T16:13:00.006-05:00

Morgan and Hayden were married on May 22, 2010!

Rehersal Dinner

Getting Pretty

Avery's 2nd Birthday

2010-06-07T15:04:00.008-05:00

Happy Birthday Avery!!

For Avery's 2nd birthday we had a ladybug themed party.

Enjoying some cake with Mimi and Poppa!

She had to take a break from the presents to read a book!

Bubble Time!

Avery would not let go of her new vacuum. She had to vacuum everything!

Nothing is better than a cozy uncle when you're tired!

Thanks for all the great presents!

Johnny Carinos made Avery an ice cream sundae shaped like a ladybug

My 100th Post!

2010-06-07T12:02:00.004-05:00

This is my 100th post!!!

Nothing special to post, just a few random pictures!

Walking around in Daddy's shoes

Swimming with Kensie

Children's Museum

2010-04-24T15:45:00.004-05:00

Last week we took Avery to the Children's Museum. They have lots of different areas for the kids to play in, but I think the painting was her favorite.

While Avery was painting, Tim pointed to one of her blobs and asked her what it was. Avery responded very matter of factly, "paint".

Easter

2010-04-24T15:36:00.005-05:00

This year for Easter, my family came up to visit at our house. It sure is getting loud with all of the kids, but we had a lot of fun!

Decorating paper mache eggs. I'm hoping to get Avery, and eventually Jake, to decorate one each year.

Tummy Time

Jake's first bath

Jake's first Cub's game

One Month Old!

Tummy Time in Action!

NIOSA

2010-04-24T15:15:00.005-05:00

This past Wednesday, my mom came up to visit and babysat Avery and Jake for us so Tim and I could go out with our friends to NIOSA.(Night In Old San Antonio)

Holly, Me, Brandi, and Angela

Frog Legs

Holly got Drew and Mike with confetti eggs

Landa Park

2010-04-22T00:44:00.004-05:00

We took Avery to the park to feed the ducks last week. She wasn't too sure about the ducks and didn't want them to get too close, but she did throw a few pieces of bread at them.

Jake

2010-03-22T13:31:00.004-05:00

On March 14th, I woke up at 3:30am having contractions. They weren't extremely painful and weren't evenly spaced out, so we went back to sleep. I kept having the contracitons all morning, so we decided to go ahead and go to the hospital to see what was going on since these were not like the other contractions I had been having for the last 2 months. we took this picture as we were leaving the house "just in case" we ended up having a baby!

Another "just in case" picture! (12:10pm)

11:00pm, Jacob Michael Conway finally arrives!
6 pounds, 11 ounces 19 inches

Avery loves her new baby brother

Mimi and Jake

Kathy, Leo, Tim, and Jake

Uncle Jeff, Aunt Monica, Avery, and Jake

Aunt Morgan

Holly and Jodee came to visit

...and Tammy

Dr. Blair

Going Home

Aunt Monica, Connor, Kensie, and Avery with Jake

Mimi and Poppa

Holly and Drew

Tammy, Shelbi, and Kerbi

My sleepy babies

Baby Shower

2010-03-19T19:33:00.006-05:00

My Kindergarten team threw me a great baby shower. It was so nice, and Jake got so many adorable new things!

Tammy, me, and Stephanie

Yummy gluten free cupcakes

Karen was singing a song to Avery and she was getting so tickled! So cute!