A Few of My Fall Faves

This fall feels like it has flown by. I feel like I have finally wrapped my mind around the thought that summer's over, and now it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. I'm totally blaming the warmer than usual weather in October, which caused me to not plan a lot of our fall favorites. Besides missing the pumpkin patch, I also missed the chance of taking the kids to a little spot downtown to take fall pictures. I really wanted to do a sister comparison picture of Addi and Karsyn, since they are about the same age as the last time I took Fall pictures. I was feeling kind of bad that I hadn't, and decided this morning that it's never to late. =) Here are our favorite fall shots from 2 years ago. These are some of my most favorite pictures of the kiddos ever.

Evan - Fall 2010

Payton - Fall 2010

Addisyn - Fall 2010

And now for the sister comaparison picture 2 years in the making....Here is Karsyn today.  What do you think?  Do they look alike?

Karsyn - Fall(ish) 2012

Now, I'm onto making a list of all of the Christmas things I'd like to get done, so that I don't forget any. Have a blessed day!!!

Soccer Stars

Sunday afternoon, Evan's soccer team had an end of season party at Coach Jay's house.  Here are Evan and I waiting for Aunt Kary and Stephen to pick us up.

Evan & Mommy

We made it to Coach Jay's house just as the party was getting under way.  Most of the parents dropped their boys off, but there were a handful of moms and one dad that stayed.  It was a beautiful day which was perfect for an outdoor party.  Here's a picture of Coach Jay's backyard from the deck.  It was like a little boy's paradise!  Their house sits on six acres where the boys got to zip line, play in a tree house, play tether ball, jump on a trampoline and play a few really fun games.  Here the boys are playing catch the chicken.

The boys stopped playing just long enough to eat grilled burgers and hot dogs.  Then, Coach Jay said a few nice words about each of the boys as they got their medals.  And then they were off to go zip lining once again.

U-10 Fall 2012 Boys Soccer Team

I think that the moms and the dad that stayed enjoyed talking on the deck just as much as the boys enjoyed playing.  Evan and Stephen did the zip line a few more times and then it was time for a quick picture.


Evan & Stephen

I'm so glad that these boys got to play Soccer together this season.  It was so much fun!  They both made so much progress and they are both looking very forward to playing in the Spring.  Coach Jay wants both boys back on his team.  Starting soon, Evan and Stephen will be playing winter basketball.  I can't wait to cheer them on!!!

Past Thanksgivings - 2012 Edition

Here's a look back at a few of our little family of 6's past Thanksgivings....

Addi's First Thanksgiving - 2009

Here's Addi on her very first Thanksgiving.  I love her sweet baby face!  Thanksgiving 2009 Addi, Evan, Payton and I had lunch with most of Nana's side of the family at my Aunt Charlene's house.  Daddy was working night shift, so we came home and made a dinner for our little family of 5.  Here is Evan.  He's a big 5 year-old here.  I didn't realize until looking at our Thanksgiving pictures that he wore camo most of the time. =)

Evan - Thanksgiving 2009

Payton was 4 years-old Thanksgiving of 2009.  She loved helping out with Addisyn.  She was also quite the little helper in the kitchen.  I love this sister picture!

Payton & Addisyn - Thanksgiving 2009

Like I said, Daddy was on night shift then.  So after dinner, there were some Daddy and Addi cuddles.  It was a very nice Thanksgiving Day!

Addi & Daddy - Thanksgiving 2009

Pictures from Thanksgiving and Christmas 2010 are MIA.  They are not even so much as scrap booked.  I'll be looking into that mystery.  Until then that brings us to Thanksgiving of 2011.  It was a Thanksgiving first for our little family of 6.  Here are the most wonderful kiddos in the world.

Payton, Karsyn, Evan, & Addisyn - Thanksgiving 2011

We were on the ball that day.  We even have a mommy/baby picture.  Since then, I've started trying to be in more pictures with the kiddos.  Oh, and just as a side note, I can't wait to use the gift certificate I got for my birthday to get my hair done like this again. 

Mommy & Karsyn -Thanksgiving 2011

Wowsers!  We even have a Mommy & Daddy picture.  Payton took this one.  Thanksgiving 2011 was the 11th anniversary of when Jason asked me to be his wife. 

Me & Jason - Thanksgiving 2011

Karsyn on her first Thanksgiving.  She is such a little doll!  Thanksgiving 2011 we ate at Nana and Papa G's house with a lot of family and even our pastor and his wife.  It was wonderful!

Karsyn's First Thanksgiving - 2011

And that brings us to Thanksgiving 2012. We really enjoyed spending the day at Grandma & Papa F's house. 

Our Little Family of 6 - Thanksgiving 2012

Looking at all these pictures is such a reminder of how blessed we are.  I'm so grateful for all the wonderful memories and looking forward to making new ones.

Happy Thanksgiving!!! {2012}

We have had such a wonderful Thanksgiving! This morning, Payton and I started to make peanut butter balls. When we realized that we didn't have enough time to finish them before it was time to go to Grandma's house, I quickly devoted all my attention to finishing off some deviled eggs. The kiddos were all watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in the living room, when I asked Evan what Karsyn was doing. He told me that she was eating Nutella with Addi on the couch! The Nutella was so good, that Baby Girl decided to forgo a spoon and was eating it by the fist full. I called out to Jason, who was resting for Black Friday - he's in the retail biz, don't you know? He gave the girls a quick bath and then we were off to Grandma's house.  Here is our little family of 6 at Grandma and Papa F's house this Thanksgiving Day! (It's so pretty out where they live.  Some day, I'd love to do family pictures at their house.)

Our little family of 6 - Thanksgiving 2012

Considering the size of our family, we had a small gathering this year.  I love a big get together, but this was very nice too.  Here are Papa F & Grandma.

Papa F & Grandma

It was our little family of 6, Papa F, Grandma, and Uncle Robert.  Uncle Robert is Grandma's brother.  Can you see the resemblance?  I can!

Grandma & Uncle Robert

After a few pictures, we headed inside to eat.  Here are the place cards Payton made.  It sure made the meal special.  It was a lot of fun for her and Grandma to decide where everyone would sit.

We had a wonderful meal!  Thanks to Grandma again - it was so delicious!!!  I wish we could have stayed longer, but we did have to get Daddy home so that he could rest.  Tonight, Payton and I are going to finish off the peanut butter balls.  We are going to eat them and leftovers as we watch the movie 'Brave.'  Jason's boss so sweetly bought a copy of it for the kiddos.  Hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving too!!!

*******And there's more***

Addi, Karsyn, Payton, & Evan

Here are the kiddos all snuggled up watching the movie Brave.  Payton and Evan loved it!!!  Payton said it made her cry. 

Thanksgiving Eve {2012}

Our little family of 6 has had a very busy day this Thanksgiving Eve.  My original plans were to take the kiddos to visit their great grandparents today.  Due to a massive amount of errand running, naps, and a teething toddler, we had to nix those plans.  Payton was a very big helper today.  She made our grocery list, helped clean, cook, and made beautiful place cards to take to Grandma's house tomorrow. 

Payton

Evan was busy today making pot holders coasters. (They seem to sell better as coasters.)  He and Payton sold every single one of them in the craft sale we participated in last weekend.  They walked away $26 richer than when they walked in.  Nana, Aunt Ashley, and I walked away from the craft sale with all of the hair bows and tutus we came with.  In fact, I think I owe my dad $2 for a Frito Chili Pie. lol.  The sale was VERY slow.  There was another craft sale in town and a big sale in Tulsa.  Evan and Payton sold their crafts mostly to other vendors.  =)  Oh and in case you are wondering, I'm still not sure how Evan got marker all over his nose.

Evan

Karsyn and Addi got their craft on too this Thanksgiving Eve.  They got so crafty, they had to have a bath from all the marker on their hands, arms, faces, and tummys.  Hope you all had a great day too!  Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Addi's Thanksgiving Party

Addi's preschool has a big Thanksgiving party each year. It was one of Evan and Payton's most favorite parties when they went to school there.  It's complete with face painting, popcorn, and a lot of fun games.  When I picked Addi up from school today, she was very proud of the river that was painted on her cheek. =)

Addi

She was also being quite the silly goose, but that's just my Addi.  Brown is the focus color this month, so all of the kids wore brown to school today.

Addi

It's sister comparison time.  Here's Payton exactly 4 years ago to the day.  I think there is definitely a sister resemblance, but they aren't carbon copies.  Addi and Payton are very different girls at this age.  For example, Addi loves to play with the other children at school.  Payton loved to snuggle up to her teacher when she went to the 3 year-old program.  I really love this preschool and think it's been good for Evan, Payton, and Addisyn all in different ways.  I think Karsyn will really enjoy going when it's her turn.

Payton - 3 years old 11-20-2008

Evan went to the 4 year-old program at the preschool.  Here he is exactly 4 years ago today.  I almost think Addi looks a little more like Evan than Payton when I look at this picture.  What do you think?  Evan came home from his 3 year-old party with a big smear of red paint on his face.  Unlike the girls, he didn't care if it came off.  By the next year, he didn't want the paint to wear off.

Evan - 4 years old - November 20, 2008

I love watching Addi get to take in the same experiences that Evan and Payton did and seeing how her little personality reacts to it all.  She has a personality so different than her brother and sisters.  And I tell you, Addi ALWAYS surprises me.  She told me for the last week that she wasn't going to get her face painted, so I was surprised when I picked her up and she very happily told me that she had a river on her face. I think going to preschool is good for her for so many different reasons and I love watching how going to school is making her grow.  It's a blessing!

Thankful

Payton, Karsyn, Evan, & Addisyn - Thanksgiving 2011

Yesterday, on my way to hang up some of Evan's clothes, I couldn't help but notice how bad the carpet in his bedroom needs to be replaced.  Really, the carpet in all of our bedrooms needs to be replaced.  I looked around his room and thought of all the things that I would like to do and of the things that I would like to change.  But as I was hanging his clothes up, clothes that now hang on adult sized hangers might I add, I felt this overwhelming since of gratitude in my heart. 

It wasn't all that long ago, that I would walk into his nursery and pull clothes out of his closet and wonder what he would look like.  Prior to being a mommy, I had always imagined myself as being a working mommy.  When Jason and I found out we were going to be parents for the first time, my feelings soon all changed. But wanting to be a stay at home mommy and being one are two very different things. 

While I was on maternity leave with Evan,  God worked out a way for me to work part time.  I worked a few hours in the afternoon at the bank, after Jason got off at work.  The need came along for me to work a few more hours, so one day a week, I worked a full day, while Grandma spent the day taking care of Evan and a few months later, Payton too.

A little over 5 years ago, Jason got a promotion at work and I was able to be a full time stay at home mommy.  His promotion meant that I didn't have to work any more, but it didn't mean any changes in our budget.  It wasn't too long after Jason's promotion that we were blessed again with Addisyn and then Karsyn.

I feel so blessed to be a stay at home mommy. Even so, there are some days when I forget that the sacrifice is worth the reward.  But yesterday, as I was hanging up Evan's clothes, it hit me.  As nice as it would be to have new carpet or a new house for that matter, I have been so blessed to be able to watch him as he wore his sweet baby boy layettes to clothes that are now to big for child sized hangers.  It's a great joy to watch Evan, Payton, Addisyn and Karsyn as they grow and to be able to spend my days taking care of them.  

Even if we have ugly carpet, I'm so very thankful to get to stay at home.  I'm grateful that God allowed a way and amazed at how He's provided for us.  I'm so thankful for Jason.  He works very hard for us and is such a good daddy.  I am also thankful to all of our family and friends.  You all are a blessing and we are thankful for your support, encouragement and love.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Tourney Time! {2012}

Coach Teresa & Payton

Today was the last day of the basketball season for Payton, which meant one thing - Tournament Day!  Her first game was at 8:00 this morning.  I think I deserve a trophy for getting our little family of 6 out the door and to the game on time. ha!  Payton's team played against my niece, Jessi's, team in round 1 of the tournament.  It was a very hard fought game and Payton's team won it by 2 points.

Round 2 of the tournament took place at 11:00 a.m.  We were all on pins and needles, because Payton's team was playing the orange team.  We had played them twice before.  The first time, we won.  The second time, was our first and only loss of the season.  Today's game was a sit on the edge of your seat kind of  game.  At one point, the orange team was 5, yes 5, points in the lead.  By the last minute of the game, our team had made up all the lost ground and made one more basket!  We were one point ahead when the final buzzer went off!  First place went to Purple!!!

I am so very proud of Payton and how well she did this season and especially, in this tournament.  She played every second of every game today.  She's one of the shortest girls in the league, but that doesn't stop her from being one of the toughest defense players there is.  She also has a way of making all of her team and coaches just love her.  Her coach from last year had to have a picture made with her today and told her he can't way to have her on his team next year.  It blesses my heart so much to watch her play and to know that this experience will be one she cherishes her whole life through. Thank you so much to all of our friends and family that have come out to watch her play this season!

Easy Chicken & Dumplings

My friend, Valerie, recently shared with me this super yummy recipe for Chicken and Dumplings.  I was amazed by how quick and easy it was to make and even more amazed with how much our little family of 6 loved it.  (Well, everyone, but Addi.  I'm sure she would have liked it if she would have tried it.)  So, here's what you need.

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1 can of chicken broth
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 2 minced cloves of garlic
• 3 small cans of biscuits
• salt and pepper to taste

First, fill a large pot half full of water to boil chicken.  Once chicken is thoroughly cooked, shred it and return to pot.  Add chicken broth, cream of chicken soup and garlic.  Stir well.  Tear biscuits into small pieces and drop into pan.  Cook over medium heat.  Stir continuously, so that the dumplings don't stick to the side or bottom of pot.  It took me about 10 or so minutes, but it will vary by the size of dumplings you prefer.  Salt and pepper it to your preference and enjoy!!

I think this recipe is a new family favorite.  I loved that it made more than enough for two meals.  Enjoy it and make sure you let me know how you like it if you try it!

My Birthday!!!

Friday, I celebrated my 32nd birthday.  At first, being in the 30's kind of made me feel old.  But, I'm good with them now.  So, here's how I celebrated my big day.  After we dropped Evan and Payton off to school, Karsyn, Addisyn, and I went shopping with Nana.  Then, we went to lunch.  Karsyn enjoyed her lunch and dessert at Freddy's very much!

Karsyn

Fortunately, if Nana doesn't have something in her purse, you better believe she has it in her car.  She ran out and grabbed a towel and Karsyn was (mostly) clean.  Then it was time to go home and squeeze in a nap...not to mention, change clothes.

Nana & Karsyn

That night, Jason and all the kiddos made me a very yummy birthday dinner.  It was so sweet of them!  That brings us to today.  Payton had a basketball game this morning.  She scored a free throw for her team, but her team still lost 29-22.  Payton has played basketball for 2 seasons and this is the first time she's ever lost a game.  We stayed to watch my niece, Jessi, play.  Her team won and Jessi scored 11 points for her team.  After basketball, it was time to go to our last soccer game of the season.  It was an away game.  Even so, our boys won 5-2 and Evan scored a goal for our team!!! Evan and Stephen didn't usually both play offense at the same time, so I was so excited to get this picture of both of them.  It's been such a fun season and the boys can't wait to play this Spring.  Their coach wants both of the boys back on his team.

Evan  #15 and Stephen #20

After the game, we went with Papa F and Grandma to Swan Lake.  It's such a pretty spot in Down Town Tulsa.  I have the bad habit of forgetting it's there.  Karsyn was very excited to see the "ducks!"  Addi told me to take a picture of the angry chicken. lol.  The kids and I named a goose that had a loud honk after Papa F.  Evan thought that was so funny, he turned red from laughing so hard. We really enjoyed our time there.  I forgot how big Swans are.  This little guy (or maybe girl) was almost as tall as Addi.  Check out it's feet!

We then had a really nice dinner at the Olive Garden.  I'm pretty sure that I never want to eat again. =)  It was really good.  On the way, we drove pass the Golden Driller.  It's a Tulsa Icon that my Grandpa Chuck help build. 

After we got home, Evan, Payton, Addi, and I played a game of "Don't Break The Ice."  It was so much fun,  we were all laughing hysterically.  I've had a great birthday and feel super blessed. Thank you to all those who made my day special!!!

President Evan

Every since I dropped Evan and Payton off at school this morning, I've been on pins and needles.  Today was Election Day in Evan's class.  In the past week, we have made signs, came up with a campaign slogan, and wrote a speech.  He's been talking about this day a lot! 

I pulled up to the pick up lane and scanned his little face.  I couldn't read his face and wasn't sure what he was about to tell me. I was trying to think of things to say in case the news wasn't what he wanted. Then, a big smile came across his face and he told me that he won and by only 1 vote!  I'm so happy for him!!!!

The Weekend What

We've had such a nice weekend that I'm going to have to include Friday while giving you the what. =) Friday morning, Evan won a character award at school for integrity and leadership. I'm so proud of him! Friday afternoon, Karsyn, Addi, and I went shopping with Nana. We made a trip to JC Penny's, Hobby Lobby, and got ice cream at Braum's.  (Thank you Nana!)  Our main focus was Hobby Lobby, as we are trying very hard to get ready for the upcoming craft fair. Nana, Aunt Ashley, and I are making hair bows and tutus. Evan and Payton are making pot holders. Here's a little look at what the kids and I have been making.

I've been trying to get as many hair bows as I can sewn together, so that I can just take one evening to finish them out by hot gluing on the backs and centers.  I really like the way this red and zebra bow turned out.  I can't wait to see how it looks finished.

We had a lot of fun spending the afternoon with Nana.  Addi and Nana are two peas in a pod and the conversations between the two of them are all kinds of funny. We left Nana's house to pick Evan and Payton up from school.  They had both had a great day!

That evening, we headed to our friend's house.  The warmer than usual weather was perfect for a cookout at "The Wiggles."  It's such a blessing that our little family of 6 has their little family of 6 as our best friends.  What a great night! (Thanks Kim for having us over!)

Saturday morning, was game day!  (Thank you so much Grandma for coming and helping me out!)  Payton played at 10:00 a.m.  Her team was playing my niece, Jessi's, team.  Jessi couldn't make it to the game, because she had sprang her ankle the day before.  Payton's team won 34-4!  They did great!  Payton got fouled and got to make 2 free throws.  The Ref noticed her shoe laces were untied.  If you know my Payton, you know she doesn't get in a hurry (and I mean EVER!) and she took her sweet time. LOL!  She did so good in the game and her teams remains undefeated.

We went to lunch at Subway and then we were off to the soccer fields.  Evan's team tied 3-3!  We have one last soccer game left next weekend and then Fall Soccer will be on the books.  Evan really enjoyed playing and he can't wait to play in the Spring.  Here he is in action.

After the soccer game, we enjoyed the rest of our evening at home.  At one point in the afternoon, Addi came running in the living room as fast as she could saying, "Oh no!  There's a bear in our house!"  She was talking about this cute little bear.  (Don't mind the left over treats from the soccer game on her jacket...and yes, it got cool again.)

That leads us to this morning.  Evan and Addi were being so funny this morning.  They were laying on the couch telling all kinds of silly jokes and laughing for the longest time.  These two are just down right crazy together.

We aren't going to church this morning - I think Karsyn is coming down with an icky cold.  Other than her starting to feel bad, it's been a great weekend.  What did you do this weekend?

Crock Pot BBQ Pork

As I've said before, I am not the best food photographer. I'm okay with that and I hope that you are too. Here's a super easy and yummy recipe.  Everyone who has tried this loves it.  So here's what you need....

That's right just BBQ sauce and any cut of pork.  I found these reduced priced pork chops and had a coupon for the BBQ sauce, so it made for a very cheap  thrifty meal.  (You do have to be a little careful about buying reduced meat.  There have been a few times that I have bought it and it wasn't very fresh.  I ended up throwing it out and there went my bargain.)   This is so simple.  You cover the bottom of your crock pot in BBQ sauce and add the meat on top.  Just like this.

Cook it on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.  Once your meat is done, take two forks and pull it apart.  Stir it all up in your crock pot.  It looks just like this.



If I have time, I'll let it cook for a little longer after it's been shredded and stirred.  If you don't have time for that, no problem.  We love serving this super yummy BBQ Pork on hamburger buns.  Aunt Becky loves to serve it in baked potatoes.  Yum!  Give it a try and let me know what you think.