Bunch of Oranges

It's 2012!!!

2012-01-12T13:32:00.000-08:00

Well here we are... 2012.... wow! I love the days that creep but sometimes you look up at the calendar and the month is 1/2 gone! We are taking care of our own over here.... Now that we are a Party of 6.... there is always something going on.... someone to take care of, hold, play with, feed, change, get to sleep, take some where! But I love it! I am thankful for it! Lately I have been too tired to even stay caught up with my social networking and the world around me. I fly by the seat of my pants with cooking what I can scrounge up in the pantry, make sure the lunch is packed, folders signed, coat is zipped, diaper is fresh, doctor appointment not forgotten....deep breath... when the day is done... I sit on the couch and am too tired to blog, to brag, to show off my cuties, to write a thankyou note, to plan for tomorrow, to type on a computer, to plan for upcoming events.....But then a day like today comes around.... my hubby was able to take my daughter to school and pick up.... I have been in my pjs all day.... blogged, ate some soup, cuddled and hugged my little ones at home with me and I really need to fold some more clothes... decide what's for dinner, wash my face? Brush my teeth? Hmmm....or make some coffee and cuddle up with my other two that are home from school? I can always make spaghetti last minute right? It is so cold here today... hard to do much of anything productive. I hope your New Year has started off Happy and Blessed and Healthy and Cheers to all of you for a wonderful 2012!

8 pt. BUCK Noah and Nathan killed together... first buck they have gotten together :)

Here are the coon skin hats MeeMaw brought for the boys for Christmas when she came and surprised us. Gotta love our MeeMaw!!!

Daddy and his baby girl

Let's Party!

Gunner LOVES his Aunt Ki... aka Kimberly :)

and Jensie Jewel already does too! :)

Olivia the entertainer

So happy!

Happy New Year Jensie!

Time for some confetti action!

Yep.... It's gonna be a good year :)

Happy New Year from us...

I can't get anything done... soakin up this little thing!~!!!

She is a baby doll just like Emmie was!

Isn't this funny.... this is her life... she gets to look at all three of them hovering over her all the time!!! :)

She loves her brothers and sister

I mean... come on! Seriously! Cutest thing ever!

Making mommy melt!

All tuckered out on DaDa

I am a boy. I play in the dirt. I like sticks. A LOT!

They built a fort they say... played here forever!

Aren't they cute all huddled up together? :)

Who loves to smile?

Happy girl

Went to a Cowboys game together... making them memories :)

The next set of pics are when the grandparents were here.... Hip Hip Hooray for Grandparents! What would we do without them? Oh my! We love Nonna and Papa and MeeMaw and talk about them everyday! Gunner doesn't like it that they went bye bye on the airplane... he says, "Nonna, Papa... Home!" He means he wants them to come back HERE to our HOME! It is so cute but sad. We loved our visits from them all! Can't wait for the next one!

Nonna and Papa

They love their Nonna and Papa

Some sweet time with Papa and Daddy cleaning up leaves

This was our Thanksgiving table! So happy we had family with us this year.

I love this picture!

Emmie's turn for Papa's lap

Our Papa

Noah and Papa throwing the baseball.... sweet times

Noah and Papa watching some football together

Our Nonna

Tea time with Nonna :)

MeeMaw got to see Noah play baseball

Eating outside with MeeMaw

Coach and Noah

Our MeeMaw

Jensie and MeeMaw

MeeMaw lets us climb in the tree

Emmie is proud for her brother and daddy

Thanks for coming again MeeMaw!

Them coonskin hats MeeMaw brought the boys.... doesn't get any better than coonskin hats! They love em!

Love this! This is MeeMaw's boy! And boy....is he a boy!!!!

Just When You Think Christmas Is Over....A HUGE Package Shows Up On Your Front Doorstep!

2011-12-28T18:36:00.000-08:00

So the kids have opened all the gifts... played all day... lovely Christmas...just us at home. We usually travel sometime before or after to Tennessee to see family but his year we got to see our parents b/c they came after Jensie was born in November. This year was nice... no packing up...no driving for 2 days...no hotels. But...there were moments of really missing that "Tennessee Christmas" time with family. So, this morning was pretty calm. Noah was up playing his new Wii. I got Jensie asleep so I could go keep Gunner from messing up Emmie's new barbie house. Played with him in the playroom until Jensie woke up. Then went back downstairs to watch Noah play the Wii while I fed Jensie. I felt like my head was spinning. This is my new life... "Mama, watch me, watch me" My eyes have learned how to look at two opposite places at once, while feeding a baby and pouring juice in a cup for the toddler. WHEW WEE! I just bounce from room to room with these kiddos. I was just digesting all this when the doorbell rang. I get up and can see a HUGE package in front of my doorstep with a HUGE bow and card on it. I recognized the wrapping paper (b/c the lid of the rubbermaid tote was wrapped) and look to my husband with the uncertain eyes...and the voice of "WHAT DID YOU DO?" He proceeds to be overly excited with the camera running to the door with the children and myself included... He looks at me with the happiest face and says, "Don't ruin it for em...its a DOG!" WHAT???!!!! My uncertainty turns to anger but I can't explode b/c my husband is so adorable and excited and the kids are there and WHAT?????? A Dog? We just talked about this and how exciting that day will be...in a year or two... when we don't have a NEWBORN! So I proceed to open the front door and Nathan jumps out in front to video and take pics of the kids opening the GINORMOUS package! I see a Santa hat and start helping move the tissue paper and LO and BEHOLD.... OUT POPS MY MAMA'S beautiful face and she has a Santa hat and jingle bells on her wrists and furry red sweater and she is shouting "Merry Christmas!" Yeah I know.... SCREAM! CRY! SCREAM! QUESTIONS! WHAT? I am so in SHOCK! I didn't know she had any days left to take off work...because she stayed over a week when Jensie was born! I didn't know how she did this.... needless to say.... after Hours of being in shock... I can tell the world about the best surprise ever! MY MAMA CAME TO SEE US AGAIN FOR CHRISTMAS!!! She brought Tennessee to us! Included in her kitten caboodle would be Turnip Greens from my grandma Brown, coon skin hats for the boys (Davy Crockett style), Tennessee Vols cheerleader Barbie for Emmie and Best of All... MY MAMA is here all week! So my Christmas celebration is still going on! :) Here is a pic of our suprise! We got it on video and everytime I watch it.. .it makes me feel the shock all over again and the happy tears!

This would be after she popped up! We are all still in jammies...bed head... whole nine yards! I will never forget this moment! Best surprise ever!

These are my Christmas pics and Emmie's dance recital and just December fun! :) Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and let's get ready for New Year's heh? :) December has flown and we have been crazy with a new baby and the holidays. But.... I am almost done packing it all away and I feel like a BIG, HUGE, DEEP breath is in order for this mama! :) Whew! Feeling so blessed and so grateful for this wonderful family and all that comes with each and every one of them! Lots of Love from the Orange Family! P.S. Don't forget to eat some black eyed peas on New Year's! :)

Family Photos!

Merry Christmas! Love the Orange Family!

Love. Them. To. Pieces!

Who's hiding under the Christmas tree?

LOL....look at Gunner! We are all wearing our Christmas aprons... even the boys!

who wants this ball of cookie dough?

Santa and Rudolph

cutie pies

Serious about his cooking

Merry Christmas! A smile from Jensie :)

Love this one

Cozy by the fire

Cookies for Santa

Decorating for Santa

I have all I want for Christmas..... Here they are! :)

Twas the night before Christmas recorded by Nonna and Papa in this Hallmark book...coolest thing ever! Their voices read the story! LOVE IT

Sprinkling the reindeer food....

He wanted a digger so bad... Nonna and Papa got major points for this one! He wanted to ride it before it was even out of the box! Ha!

Ready for some Wii action

I'm a Barbie Girl

Got tools?

If I heard the "Little Miss Muffin" song once I heard it 1000 times on tv!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Her and her new doll...

Look at lil sweetie

Jensie was sleeping but we took this anyway

Look who we added this year :)

My favorite part about Christmas.... the stockings.... Got new ones this year b/c we needed 6. Love them!

Jesus is the reason for the season

ok I think we will stop now......

Sweet smile

Does he look excited or what? Aunt Amy did good?

Always loves a Barbie!

Duct tape, wire, wrapped several times.... all from his favorite sister in law

Nate had to get his saw out to cut thru the duct tape that my sister wrapped around and around his gift from her!!!

and the wire cutters for the wire wrapping LOL

cutie

Lil Christmas Angel

Our Elf on the Shelf.... They named him "Buddy Christmas Orange" :)

Santa Claus and the Orange kiddos

Big Sissy!

She loves this dress... a good twirling dress :)

Does not feel like posing in front of the Christmas tree on this day... lol

He will.... for his mama :)

Christmas Party at preschool

She is about to go on

She was so sweet to watch

Candy Cane Dancers

Me and my candy cane princess

such a sweet night watching her in her first recital

It's the most wonderful time of the year :)

Sweet pic!

Little Doll

Take my picture mommy

just a little ball of fluff...oh my!

Gunner was not up for pics... so its just the three of them

Happy Kiddos :)

And Then There Were 4....Introducing Jensie Jewel Orange :)

2011-12-02T10:06:00.000-08:00

Well here it is... the post baby post.... Only 2 1/2 weeks later? Here are the hospital pics and a few from home. Our precious new baby girl is perfect! The whole day was perfect! The best delivery out of them all! Really! I am just elated with how wonderful everything went! She is a great baby! I forget how much they sleep!!! The kids ADORE her! Noah just wants to hold her and does it so well. Emmie is so sweet with her and happy to have a sister. Gunner holds out his hands and says "Baby!" He wants to hold her all the time. He loves to kiss her and isn't jealous one bit! We have had family in up until this past Saturday so we have been in real life mode only for a week almost. So far, so good. Although I need to be reminded to shower...not just because it cleans me...but it does make you feel so much better! I need some premade food that can just hang from the ceiling and bite at as I run back and forth throughout the house. It is busy! I am learning once again to not sweat a few dishes in the sink. I get excited if I vacuum the kitchen and wipe down the counters. It's the little things, right? :) I am already going for "Mom of the Year" because I have already washed a poop diaper and dried it.... yes... it still smelled.... it was all wrapped up tight and not on any of her clothes but it was hot from the dryer and phewwww! :) I have left my home with my shirt up to my neck exposing a tank top...but very akward. Finally noticed when I went to Jensie's 2 week apt...that was AFTER I dropped off Emmie at preschool. Thank goodness I had on a tank! Oh Dear! I have been pooped and peed on SEVERAL times already... she is just dangerous... really! But... after crying on and off for a couple days from exhaustion and pains... I am laughing....rolling with the goofups and rockin the 4 kid life! :) There is so much to appreciate and love individually with each of them and I am trying very hard to have that special time with each of them as often as possible! Time flies! I am now praying for every day to go as slow as possible! So if you feel like your day is draggin...it's probably b/c God is answering a mama's little prayer of sweet time with her little ones that grow too fast! :)

Happy December everyone! Hope you are all decorated up and your spirits are up! Until next time... here is one of my favorite songs that makes me have tears in my eyes every time! Love!!!

You will never guess what I am doing.... haha blogging...updating all of you! :)

Here we go again.... 4th time is a charm!

Happy Birthday to my baby girl!

A gift from Baylor Hospital.... LOL!

Epidural makes me happy :)

Came out CRYING ...she cried more than any of the others....

poor little baby... mama calmed her down though :)

My wonderful doctor.... delivered all four of our children :)

Sweet :)

This is me.... the happiest person in the world... It doesn't get ANY BETTER than these moments right here!!!!

Little sweetie pie

Little Angel

LOVES his baby sister

AWWW love it!

My girls :)

Precious!

Big Brother Again! :)

They miss their mama!

The Orange Family is Complete :) 2 girls 2 boys 2 blessed, blessed parents :)

After her bath...time to dress her

In her little bed

All swaddled up...

Nappin with Daddy

The GORGEOUS wreath for my door and is now in her nursery!!! :) Love it! Thank you Kimberly Blake!!!

All bathed and dressed

Looking sweet

Perfection

The proud parents of #4.... she looks a little unsure of us with one eye open...ha!

Nathan looks like a kid in a candy store! I love it!

Look at my Bum!

Sweet girl

Letting mama take my picture again and again

This is my taste of Heaven on Earth

One of my many hats :)

Love these fleece pants.. they are newborn but come up to her chest :) ... so soft, so pink, so precious

Born just in time for Christmas!

"I don't have to wear pink to be precious" :)

Little Dumplin!

Wee little girl in these pants... love em!

Went to the doctor all prissy in pink

These are the moments! I heart Jensie Jewel!

A Little Pre-Jensie Celebration :)

2011-11-14T08:09:00.000-08:00

Hey Hey!!! Guess what today is? November 14, 2011!!! Jensie Jewel Orange will be born in hours..... we are on the countdown... :) Got to the hospital at 6 am to be induced... pitocin was started early....water was broke at 9 am and contractions are WELL underway.... I am hurrying this blog post...b/c they are getting quite uncomfortable! Just wanted to update one last time before she is here. These are the last of Pre-Jensie... my shower...some maternity pics and a few of her room. :) Next post.... HER ARRIVAL!!! We can't wait! My mama is here and the kids are at home with her... A good feeling. Thank you all so much for all of your thoughts and well wishes and prayers and happy smiles and sweet hugs! I feel so blessed and so loved!!!!! This is sooo emotional for me!!! I can't believe it's time and this is it! God has been ever, ever so good to me and my family and I give all the glory to HIM! Please keep us in your prayers today if you read this and let's see... ummmm yeah for about 2 mths. when life is CRAZY having a newborn and not to mention 3 other children to take care of. :) A new life... a beautiful thing! Thank you for celebrating with us! We will keep you updated on all the details! Hooray for Jensie Jewel's Birthday! I Do, I Do...

LOVE her already! :)

The beautiful table at my shower

The most precious cookies... and delicious! :)

My mama sent tons of pictures of me as a baby and my friends put them in frames and had them everywhere! Too neat!

Jensie's name on the cookie

didn't get pics of everything... some had all the little kiddos in front of me and you couldn't see them clear...so here is a few of my gifts.... This one is a cute Christmas outfit...

Super soft gown!! Love it!

"Heel"iarious! Baby booties that are high heels... these came out after I had Emmie and I love I get to have some :)

Jensie burpcloths :)

This one is for you mama... reading your sweet card :)

This was one of my baby blankets when I was a baby..... Special! Thank you mama!

some of my lovely friends... that threw me a shower for my 4th!!!! BABY!!! Ya'll are too much!!!!

Love these ladies... friends from Noah's school... :)

My mama sent this gigantic picture of all these pics of me as a baby.... such a surprise :)

Jensie's nursery..... I show my hubby a picure of what I want and he just paints it! :) such a little artist he is... :)

Love here tree.... it is all staying even with her big girl bed... :)

Fun Bedding.... already have it for her big girl bed too so her room can stay pink and blue :)

Her precious name :)

A few of the maternity pics we had made.... never done this before and decided I needed a keepsake book... last baby....last pregnancy... I wanted to embrace it all! :)

Big ol belly

Love that man!

Too funny... the stuff they tell you to do :)

Lovely belly button I know... but it is what it is.... Notice Gunner's fingers.... and fingernails... mommy didn't wash the cheetos off very good... a little orange for the Orange Family! :) Priceless! Ha!!!

Our Thrillin Halloween

2011-11-02T20:44:00.000-07:00

Here are the last of October pics.... pumpkin patch with the fam... fall festival at church and Halloween Night of Thrillin Fun! :) We were all worn out!!!! Hope you have plenty of candy to munch on! It is so fun going through the candy bags!!!! Milk Duds, Almond Joys, flavored tootsie rolls.... twizzlers... just a few of my favorites. :)

I cannot believe it is November! Noah turned 7 day one of November.... I cannot believe he is 7! He is my baby! My first! He is so big!!!!

Hope everyone is doing well.... it is a cold night here in Texas...very Fall! :) We are almost done with baseball... almost ready to have a baby girl and it will be Thanksgiving before we know it! Gobble,Gobble! I am going to try and post again before her arrival... Right now we are on the books for November 14th! Unless she decides to come before...and if you ask my mama...she thinks so! :) Until next time... don't forget to start eatin the soup and cornbread...its that time of year! :)

Pumpkin Patch

Everybody hold a pumpkin :)

Tractor ridin

Girls too!

No big kids allowed....unless you are helping your little brother get around the circle :)

Little scarecrows.... 1, 2 and 3 wouldn't load on here... sorry

Decided to eat some hay.... Hay is not for boys.... only to jump on! :)

Had a blast!

Coming out of the corn maze! So fun!

About to go in the corn maze!

We need one of these in our backyard?

And also some of these old tractor tires for them to climb on!!!

Tractor Girl

Tractor Baby

Tractor Boy

Rapunzel taking care of the baby animals

Riding the choo choo with Daddy... wouldn't smile?

Ninja, Airplane and Rapunzel

Pumpkin Patch Family Pic

"Rapunzel, Rapunzel! Let Down Your Hair! ....So I can EAT IT!!!" :)

Rapunzel

Check out my hair :)

Pretty Princess

NINJA!!!

Check out my swords!

Don't mess with the NINJA!

Jensie Jewel got "jeweled" up! :)

Bling Mama and Rob Ryan ...a not so liked at the moment Cowboy's Coach

Nathan has been planning to be this guy for a while... too funny!

this wig was blonde....do you know how many cans of silver spray it took? 4!

Little Airplane

Check out my wings

Ba Humbug Stomach Bug...And Other More Pleasant Things :)

2011-10-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

Well as you can tell by my title.... uhhhh yeah... I am not too happy with the stomach bug visiting our home! Over the last two weeks... it has went through all three kiddos and finally it got ME! :( I never get sick! Local friends...beware! It is a doozy! Emmie got sick 2 Wednesdays ago and a week later on Wednesday once again..Gunner and Noah got it! Just when you think all is well... BOOM! Someone else! Then Sunday afternoon it hit me! The clock is ticking for Nathan...will he escape it? Let's hope so! We don't want no more sick in our house... Jensie Jewel will be here in a few weeks or less!!!! :)

On to more pleasant things.... :) Over the last two weeks while I was cleaning up vomit.....my rock of a husband has been interviewing in Boston and Ohio to take over the regional mangager's position here in his territory... his boss recently left the company. Even though he was up against some tough competition that were probably more qualified on paper.... He Landed It! :) We are so happy and grateful for this and I couldn't be any prouder of his hard work. Noah is very proud that his daddy is a "boss"... ha! Even though this sounds like a more intense, more work kind of position... it isn't going to change things much for us as far as travel for him...so we are thrilled. God is good! God gave me Nathan and that is why I have this song on here and have wanted to play it forever but couldn't get it to work... but I love this song! I don't know what I would do without him! My kids are so lucky to have him as a father and I am blessed to call him my husband and thankful, thankful, thankful to God for always taking care of our family! :)

Hope everyone is enjoying their Fall! Yesterday was the first REAL day of Fall.... as far as an almost 9 mth pregnant mama can say. I actually got to wear my sweat suit... or track suit as my friend Andrea would call it. :) Wanted to post a few happy fall pics... Emmie went to the pumpkin patch by her school on a little field trip and it was fun! We are going to take the fam this weekend so more pics to come. :) Mums and pansies are planted. :) Checking things off my list befoe baby. Almost ready. :) Until next time... wash your hands and steer clear of the wretched stomach bug!!!!

Gunner one day decided to drag all the blankets off his bed and pillow and make a little bed on the stairs! Hilarious!!

Going to a Bday party.... had to dress up like a witch...good thing my old costume had "stretch" in it! :) Ha!

Little Miss Pumpkin Princess

Her Preschool Class

Just the girls :)

Emmie kept saying "Mommy take my picture"...she was a poser :)

on the tire

White Princess Pumpkins... for my little Cinderella

Love these things

In front of the corn maze

Her class

Baby Pumpkins

Mama and her little girl

Hello Everybody!

Cutie Pie

Got to feed the little donkeys

More girl pics

It's Pumpkin Time!!! Orange Chocolate Milk!

My big boy!!!

Noah shooting his bow

Noah taking out his arrows

My little scarecrow

Happy Fall Everybody :)

LOVES this digger

Are you melting yet???

Noah wanted them both to shoot their bows at the same time.... :)

He has got the "cheese" down huh?

My sick girl :(

My sick boys :(

So cute...even in his hours of sickness...when I get the camera out...he does his "cheese"

This is why I got it I guess.... right there with em.... but how can I not be?

This is them...all feeling hunky dory and back to normal... just in time for mama to be sick!

This Has Gotta Be The Good Life

2011-09-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

Well September is almost over.... It is finally Fall...although it doesn't feel fally yet...well...some days maybe. But it ain't 100 degrees so I won't complain! :) Hope everyone is doing good! We are moving right along over here... Gunner has had all his celebrations of "Two-ness" and Noah and Emmie are loving school. Mama and baby are hanging on...with 7 more weeks or less!!! :) I can't believe it! It is flying! She is the most active little thing in my belly. I told Nathan it feels like an earthquake is going on in there all the time. I am soooo gonna miss this part of pregnancy.... sniff sniff! I am trying to soak it up! I cannot believe I have almost had 4 babies and its over. Much more to come I know...but I love babies! :) Now its time to carry on with this GOOD, GOOD LIFE and enjoy these little kiddos! :) Here are a few pics of me at 7 and now 8 months preggo, some precious ones of the kiddos and life with the Orange's. LOVE!!

7 months preggo! :)

7 month belly.... oh sweet belly button of mine....

Hello 8 months!!!! :)

Me and G with the other two at school

At Noah's first baseball game this weekend... Emmie crammin popcorn... (I taught her well huh?)

#5 ORANGE....that is right.... NOAH ORANGE!

Ready to bat!

Some chickfila after the game

love some ice cream cones!

Good times!!! Love this!

My three sweets!

Smiling for mama

Are we going to be photogenic? :)

Good Gravy....he is almost 7! Slow down time!

Da Da :)

Ma Ma :)

Getting some Daddy pics

Always happy to pose with Dad

Gunner's choo choo cake...

Gunner is holding up how old he is :)

Happy Birthday to Gunner! :) McDonald's Style

Ready for the cake

Ready to blow out them candles

Playing with the choo choo

Let's see what's in here???

Huh?

Getting a haircut

Loves the car

Some airplanes from MeeMaw :)

These are the moments of the "good, good life"

Love them!

Happy Birthday Gunner Michael! :)

2011-09-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe my Gunner is 2! September 19, 2009 was a wonderful day when he joined our family! And now my nine pound baby boy is now a skinny toddler that is so much fun! He is so loved by all of us and brings so much joy to our family! His big brother Noah and big sister Emmie are so sweet and so protective of him. They are always making sure other kids are being nice to their little brother when they go to Chickfila! Ha! :) It is too sweet! Gunner was very excited about his big day and knew it was his bday! :) Next time you see him, ask him how old he is... :) Too cute! :)

Hope everyone is doing great and having a happy week! September is flying by!!!

Is this cute or what? They LOVE getting in my bed! Yes, I let them eat popcorn :( Nate just loves that when he crawls into bed...there is always at least a couple of crumbs. :)

The three of them again... after school snacks and little bro in tow. :)

Mr. Blue Eyes... look at that face!

Mr. Potato Head from Uncle Tai and Aunt Joanna :)

He loves it!

Happy Bday Doughnut!

It's my bday! :)

I am going to act 2 all day long! :)

Ready for our celebration :)

Have you tried the new cupcakes with chocolate in the middle? They are yellow with chocolate gooey in the middle! :)

Ready to blow out his candle... he LOVED to blow it out! We kept lighting it and letting him do it over and over! :) Too cute!

Licking it like a puppy dog

Daddy and the bday boy

Mommy and her toddler :(

The Orange kiddos

"Gunner, Show us your teeth" This is what we got :)

"Gunner, blink your eyes"

His favorite gift... a truck that came with a drill and all kind of pieces to take on and off.... He played and played and played with it!!!! :) Thanks Nonna and Papa! :)

Look at that face....

Time for a scooter like brother and sister's

Notice he has to have his drill too! :)

Time for scooterin

Back to drilling with big brother

He was in his own little world :)

Wagon Wheel Spaghetti in honor of our 2 year old :) Yum!

All partied out! Night Night! :)

Now It's MY Turn!! :)

2011-09-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

So last time was Noah's first day of school... NOW it's EMMIE LOU'S turn!!! :) She was very excited and is your typical girl that loves to color and write and draw and sit at a table and do whatever the teacher tells her to do. :) The first few are of her on her "Meet the Teacher" day. They had the kids visit different stations around the room and even got their hands in something MESSY! :) Then we have our typical first day pics....and you know the rest of the story! :) The most special thing about her first day was the penny in a bag she brought home with a note in it. It was a science lesson I think. They used salt and vinegar to clean the pennies and tied in the story about Jesus and how him dying on the cross was to wash our sins away. There was much more to it that I won't write here...but so neat!

Hope everyone is doing great! TEXAS has finally seen a COOL DOWN and it feels marvelous! I even took a nap last weekend OUTSIDE! :) Now that is what I am talking about! :) More fun pics to come of us enjoying the cooler weather. :) Have a blessed week! :)

Emmie gettin a little MESSY! Some of those jelly balls that are fun to put your hands in :)

This is her visiting the science station.... we took this for Noah because he would think these were "cool"

We even got to make a "mini me" with hair and all. She really enjoyed this. :)

1st day of preschool!!! TuTu... check! Light up sparkley shoes...check! Bling Backpack...check!

Sportin the backpack :)

Daddy and Emmie

Mommy and Emmie

Gunner said yes to a picture with Emmie only if Mommy could be in it too. :)

In the car ready to go! :)

Putting our backpack in our cubby :)

One of her teachers.... they have to take down their race car from the door everyday and before they go in have to give the teacher a hug or a handshake. :) Emmie chose handshake again because it is "logger style" very cute! :)

This is her looking back at her Daddy to see if he is looking at how cool this is. :)

This is another one of Emmie's teachers. There are 18 kids in the class so I am sure the help is needed! :)

Emmie getting busy right away... writing her name :)

Let The Siren Sound! Noah Is Coming To 1st Grade!

2011-08-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

Here we are... time for school again...Do you hear the horns? Do you hear the sirens? Noah is starting 1st Grade!!! Here is an upbeat song you can't understand.... but has a good beat for the 1st day of school and some horns to let you know Noah Orange is coming to 1st grade!! :) Ha!

We had a great morning in the Orange House... Mama and Daddy didn't sleep good at all... Daddy woke up every hour probably afraid he would miss his alarm.... Mama ended up on the couch because she felt sick and then in bed with Gunner.... Whewww. I was happy to get up and start the day! Noah slept like a rock... as always! :) Isn't it funny all the 1st day jitters.... :) Not Noah though, He was excited! He was eager. He was thrilled for the lunch menu... he is a buyer not a bringer! His teachers told me last year he was the best eater in the whole kindergarten! :) Today's menu, Chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes and gravy!!! :)Walked him down to his classroom....It felt good to have a year under our belt. It felt comfortable doing it. But after all of that... why does mommy get in the car and cry all the way home? What is that???? How do they do that to us? :) Praying for a great year! Praying for all of your little ones too! :) Don't worry... we will pray for the Mamas and Daddies too!!! :) We know, We understand!

Hope everyone has a great school year!

1st Day of School Breakfast.... a breakfast for a 1st Grade Champ.... Eggs, Bacon, Toast, Oranges, and Juice.... per Noah's request :)

Breakfast with Daddy.... Both of my boys needed a good start this morning :)

Leaving the Little Ones.... gotta go to school like a big boy

New Kicks.... for extra fast running in PE and Recess :)

The Backpack!!! In case your vision is blurred.... YES it is CAMO!!! Did you really think it wouldn't be?

Leaving for 1st day of school

Here we go again Dad.... "You go to work, I go to school... and then we meet back." :) They always say this! :)

So proud of this little guy!!!!

Getting into Daddy's car.... Mommy gets to take him the 1st Day! :)

Waving bye bye to Daddy, Emmie and Gunner

Never the same face with this guy :)

A little fuzzy but sweet :)

Proud to be a Colleyville Cowboy

Going down the 1st grade hall

This is his teacher until October. His real teacher is out on maternity leave. We have heard great things about both of these ladies and are excited for a new year!

Doing a little coloring at his DESK!!! He has his own desk and was so very proud of all of the books that were in it. :)

It is going to be a great year!!!! :)

The Orange Family Est. July 28, 2001

2011-08-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

So my song on here this time... wasn't my 1st or 2nd choice...for some reason couldn't get those... so I got an oldie but goodie. Me and Nate liked this song when we were dating back in the day. I even had the "single on cassette tape" :) The funny thing is... Nate still walks around the house and sings it all the time... I chuckle but I love it. So here was one of our dating songs... kind of appropriate for this post I guess. :)

You might be wondering about my title.... :) Well... that is our wedding date... when we "officially" began as a family. It has been 10 years and even though we celebrated our 10th anniversary in Aruba back in April... our actual date was just a little over a week ago. Here are some pics of a new special gift from my sweet husband. I have always loved porch swings... had one growing up. I love to swing on it when we go home. Nate's parents and Overs has one and its just got to get a swingin on by us when we visit. :) So one of the things Nathan got me was a swing and not just any swing. :) He had it engraved with:

The Orange Family

Est. July 28, 2001

It is so super special to me and I LOVE IT! :) It has already been hung and swung in and now pictures. :) The swing has a 500 lb weight limit and I think we were definitely getting real close to that! I guess we will squeeze one more little Orange on there when she gets here for the complete Orange Family swing picture. :)

My mama came for a visit and we had to get her on it too. :) Thanks mama for me and Nate's mini anniversary get a away. :) And last but not least... some pics of Noah with his new special gift...given early. We were going to wait until his bday but with a baby due and trips to the deer lease unknown...we thought we would do it early so he can get in some time before school starts. Check him out! :) The Orange Family....for now :)Here is a close up so you can see the engraving :)

Just a swingin

The shirt fits... LIFE IS GOOD for Mr. Noah Orange! :)

His first "real gun" just his size :) a little 22

He is very good with it.... a true hunter...he shot a coon and a snake in the pond

It fits him just perfectly

MeeMaw and the grandkids... Emmie is wearing her wedding dress dressup outfit that MeeMaw gave her for her birthday

My sweet Mama! Short and Sweet visit! I love you Mama!!!!! Hurry Back!!!! :) We miss you already!!

And Her Name Will Be......

2011-08-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

I am really slacking on the blog, huh? This heat is effecting my brain! I have a lot to blog about....but going to start with first things first! :) All the questions you get when you are pregnant..... the name one is pretty high on the list. :) So I thought I would do a little post for our future baby girl. Here are some pictures of her at 20 weeks which was a month ago....but thought I would let you see what she is up to in my belly. :) Looks like she is already raising that arm up.... guess she knows in this family....we have to take turns when speaking! LOL! Couple pics of Mama... 6 months pregnant with this baby girl! :) And finally... her name. So here is the story behind that one. Nathan's grandmother... the one we all call "Overs" (which she got because one of the grandchildren came out with "Overs" instead of "grandmother"... Her real name is Virginia. Her mama always came up with these beautiful names for the kids and her daddy would always give em a nickname and that is what stuck. For instance her sister's name was Rose Marilyn... which is so beautiful.. :) But she got the nickname "Jimmie" and was always called "Aunt Jimmie" Isn't that funny? Well Virginia, Nate's grandmother got the nickname "Gincy" We think it is so different and cute so we are using it for #4. Overs was so very sweet when Nathan called and asked her if we could use her name. She said, "Well I never thought anyone would be named after me. Cause Virginia is so long and Gincy is just weird" LOL! Well... we are going to change up the spelling and make it her own... see below for the name picture. :) I promise to post again very soon... Lots of Love and Lemonade for all of you Texas people surviving this heat!

Raising her hand....

Just looking peaceful :)

Jensie Jewel Orange

6 mths Mama

Belly Button is out... belly is out.... Hello Pregnancy! :)

I am starting to get the looks when I go places with all three kids and this belly. It's like they wonder if I am crazy...having done this to myself and all! :) I went shopping without the kids and you wouldn't believe how many people said... "Oh is this your first?" That's when I swallow hard and smile confidently.... "No, its my fourth" Whew...you should see their facial expression change! LOL! LOL! I have come to get a kick out of it! :)

Happy Birthday Emmie Lou! Happy Birthday America!

2011-07-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

Happy July! If July ain't hot where you are.... come on down to Texas... we like it in the 100's EVERY SINGLE DAY!!! Gasp! How do we do it? Lots of popsicles, water, swimming and REST! July has been relaxing so far... celebrated the 4th and started Mommy School! That is right... the kids wake up and beg me to do WORK! :) I bought some workbooks that work on reading and writing and math for Noah. For Emmie ...mainly writing and the alphabet. For both of them a Hidden Pictures workbook that they LOVE! It has been so fun! Some days Noah doesn't want to do his reading... and that just puts me into teacher mode of ways to make it exciting and new for him. :) Here are some pics from Emmie's birthday in June and a few from the 4th. Enjoy looking at my 3 little fireworks! :)

Emmie Lou is 4! Can't believe it!!!

Happy to pose on her birthday!

It's a Barbie kind of birthday :)

Time to sing....

Nathan found this silk worm when he was mowing the yard... too cool!

Posin at her birthday party

Little Gunner napped 1/2 the party so he is just waking up here :)

Waterslide Bouncehouse! Always a hit when you got the Texas Heat!

Emmie wanted some Rapunzel cake

Emmie Lou's Luau cake

Aloha Friends :)

Mama, this one is for you... sorry took it after all the food was gone.... Oops

Having some cake always makes a toddler happy to sit

Miss Hula Girl

Getting the first swing at the pinata

The pinata line.... everyone wanted to bust that thang!

Opening presents... always a good reaction when they have this face :)

Sweeties

Baby You're a Firework!

Come on let your colors burst

Boom, Boom Boom...even brighter than the moon, moon, moon

Thirsty kids...they all looked so cute sitting there together that I just had to take a pic :)

Happy Birthday, Happy Father's Day to my Honey Bee

2011-06-27T21:01:00.000-07:00

So it has been a while... we have been busy to say the least....but always in a good way. :) We celebrated Nathan's birthday... then Father's day in Austin with our friends... We celebrated little Miss Emmie Lou turning 4 when we returned...but we will save that for next time! I cannot believe we are headed for July in a few days! WOW! It is hot and pregnant mama is feeling the heat! Almost 20 weeks... 1/2 way and hard to believe! We have had two sonograms to confirm she is a GIRL! We all are very excited! The full name will be announced soon... still working on the logistics of the spelling.. :) Hope everyone is doing up the summer nicely! If ya can't take the heat... have a glass of sweet, sweet tea...works for me! :)

Emmie's new turtle float

Swimming is serious mom!

Noah is the shark

Gunner gettin a bite

Loves jumping in to his Daddy

Thought this was so hilarious! This baby sat out there for two days baking in the hot Texas sun!!! Had to take a picture!

Love this... all three of them!

My two muscle men

Daddy and his daughter

Caught him in action!!

Happy Birthday to Daddy! 34 and wonderful!

Going on a date with the birthday boy!

With Baby Girl in tow! This was at 16 weeks...

Our vacation with friend in Austin... this pic pretty much wraps up our trip! All the kids wanted to ride our friend's T-REX

Just Sunnin

Looks like he is walking on water!

Girly Girls and their cute little tooshies

Emmie ain't afraid of no divin board... bring it!

Hangin out with friends

and this little guy...for a little more....

Austin family pics

Our Best of Friends! This is our 4th year to vacation together! It gets better and better!

Just the gals

I love candid moments

This is the 8 bedroom house we rented on 30 acres.. it was very cool!

Buddies

These kids are why we keep going...

I mean look at em!

Panama City Beach Wrap Up

2011-06-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

Well here is my PCB wrap up! First off we had a wonderful time with the Orange Family. The whole family hasn't all been together for almost 2 years! Sooo good to see everyone!

The wedding.... precious! Congrats to Heather and Chip!

We are back and ready for some summer action! But before you get to them pics... read our hilarious and not so hilarious PCB drama! :)

1. Noah huggin the bride so hard when we got there that his tooth fell out.... funny!

2. Keith (brotherinlaw) saving Noah and himself from a shark! Scary!

3. Heather and Chip married up and done beautifully... Special!

4. Noah in a dance off with a dude and a hankerchief...Hilarious!

5. Angie's bad knee that is minus an ACL giving out and falling on her bootie...embarrassing and painful!

6. Blane (cousin) hiding on top bunk to sleep and get away from Emmie... understandable!

7. Kema (sisterinlaw) losing her diamond earring....big bummer!

8. Kellen (cousin) finding it... a miracle!

9. Tai and Joanna (brother and sisterinlaw) getting to come and spend time with us all... so overdue and wonderful!

10. Timmy watching MASH documentaries... a good late night laugh!

11. Emmie falling asleep on the restaurant table... pitiful!

12. Gunner having to be held by everyone...just lovey!

13. Hannah's new fun fact about disliking cinnamon and the smell of it... interesting!

14. Nonna and Papa providing a place for us to all be together... so generous!

15. All of our goodbyes... sad!

16. On the way back to Texas... Nathan thinks we have more gas than we do, pregnant mama has to pee, all kids are whiney and starving, 93 degrees, WE RUN OUT OF GAS on the interstate and coast 1 1/2 miles off exit, stopping 2 miles from the closest gas station (says GPS)!! OH NO! In her sweetest, most desperate voice, Angie calls the gas station 2 mi. away and tells them we have $15 cash (counting tooth fairy money)...was there any way anyone could bring us some gas? The nice manager heard the kids in the background and was on his way bringing us $15 gas.... a true God send! PRICELESS!

Miss Peerrrty

Toddler Illustrated 2011

Yep... I love him!

"What is this all about??"

"Ok... had enough for the 1st night... cuddle me up."

Papa and Gunner

1st day at the beach

Showing off his missing tooth! 1st one lost! :)

The mermaid

Sitting on the mermaid's head...about to give her a kiss

Ready for the wedding

The cutest kids in the world! :)

The gorgeous bride (Heather- Nathan's sister and their Dad)

Tai (Nathan's brother) and Joanna

Kema (Nathan's other sister) and her family, Timmy and Kellen and Blane

Hannah (Nathan's other sister) and her hubby Keith....who saved Noah.....from a shark!!!!

Always love to dance

Dancing with the flower girl

"Who needs dancing when you have chocolate?"

Dancing with her Daddy :)

Taking a 5 second break from "break dancing"

Cousins!

Love this!

Great Grandmother (Overs)

The Orange Family

Beach Pic

"Catch me in action Mom"

Loves the waves

Loves his mama! :)

Always where the action is.... starfish

Yes... he will eat anything! Stuffed crab and he loved it! Bluh!

Isn't this special? Love Nathan's new look!

Loves him some Uncle Tai!

There.... that's better :)

Noah's face looks like, "what are these?"

Happy Days! :)

2011-05-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

A few pics to play catch up! I am behind a little... so here is Easter and Mother's Day and some fun days that are all happy days! :) Hope everyone is doing great! We are finishing up school and just finished baseball. So excited for summer! We are about to get to see the Orange Family and celebrate with a wedding at the beach! After we get back we are going to find out what this baby is!!! So excited! So stay tuned :) Have a great start to your summer and lots of Happy Days!!!! :) Easter

Me and my lil girl in yellow in front of our yellow roses

Easter kids

Easter 2011- US

The Easter Bunny and her helper

Easter Buddies

Silly faces!

Is he cool or what?

Sweet girls

Mother's Day 2011... The kids picked out this dress and necklaces and some earrings for me :)

Cute little faces

Sorry Daddy... maybe on Father's Day they will all look and smile and we won't have the glare straight through your face

Wearing my dress MeeMaw gave me :)

This would be Splash Day in kindergarten and Noah and his best buddy. My, My, My!!!!

They had a blast!

Muffins for Mom at Preschool with Emmie Lou

Mother's Day Brunch at Noah's school they sang songs and had a little program for us

Kindergarten

My sweeties Mother's Day Morning - They picked out their own flowers for me... Noah- PINK ROSES b/c he knows I love pink. Emmie- RAINBOW DAISIES WITH GLITTER!!! She loves the rainbow part and we both love glitter :) Too sweet! Gunner stole a rose from Noah and gave it to me. :)

What a blessed Mama!

Swimming

Not too cold for these rascals

Is he a baseball player or what? He is ready to get you OUT!!!

Baseball Party for the boys at one of the coaches house... so many boys! so much fun!

Head Coach Henry! What a guy! Great Coach!

Field Day for Noah... They call it Fun Day... Sack races... oh fun!

The wet sponge race.... look at his face :)

Sweet Gunner

Chillin in the cave MeeMaw built them while we were in Aruba

At Noah's baseball game...gotta have icecream

Buddies! Came to see Noah play!

Too cold to swim while we were gone so they had a huge slip and slide and it made up for no swimming :)

Garden poses

Silly girl

What is that look about??

More garden pics!

Baby blue eyes

Some gifts before we left for Aruba

The Barbie girl

ARUBA! "One Happy Island"

2011-05-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

Happy 10 year anniversary to us!! Oh didn't we want to "stay there a little while!" We savored everyday and it was one word.... AMAZING!!!!! Had the best time with the love of my life! So thankful to my sweet mama for coming and holding down the fort in Texas! :) The kids did great and we couldn't have been more relaxed! Looking at this pictures just makes me want to cry because it was so awesome! So here is my brag post :)! Ha! Hope everyone is doing great! We are great! Officially tan and ready for SUMMA

TIME!

This was looking straight down from our balcony at the waterfalls and you can see part of the pool here.

Another one with the ocean in the pic

And the ocean :)

Posing on the bed.... we ended up getting two queens instead of a king.... but who needs a king when you are in love????? :)

On our balcony when we first got there....giddy!

Went to the beach and watched the sun set.... awwwww Aruba!

Are we really in another country???

Life is good :)

We took a ton of this boat with the sun setting... so gorgeous!

Picture perfect

Gotta do a black and white

on a catamaran for our snorkling trip...so fun!!

boat ride to the catamaran

We could take a thousand pics of the gorgeous water!

Oh hApPy DaY

Nathan took a pic of me taking a pic for another couple b/c he thought I looked funny in my flippers :)

The Beach

Gotta stay hydrated :)

I cannot remember what this drink was called but it was my FAV! It was so refreshing and slushy... had a hint of ice cream taste to it! YUM! I had one almost everyday! :)

Nate found a starfish in the ocean

This is Hermana. The H is silent. She was so funny! She got our chairs and hut reserved for us everyday.

Happy Girl!

Strawberry Mango Tangerita..... virgin please

Dinner time

Another dinner night

This was made out of beer bottles. It looked like a huge chandelier. The beer is called "Bright"

Me trying and LOVING sushi rolls for the first time! Yes I am pregnant...no they are not raw.

This waterfall in the pool gave a great back massage! Look at my happy husband :)

So refreshing!

Yes... these iguanas were EVERYWHERE! By the pool that is and they would walk under people's lounge chairs!

I embarrassed Nate by getting pic made with one of these dancers that were about to go in the casino. There were several of them and their costumes were so colorful!

Not a great pic of us but check out the gigantic brownie sundae we shared :)

LOVE!

I have never been to a casino... sat down at my first slot machine and put $10 in it and won $40! Nate couldn't believe I kept winning! :) But that got old.. ha!

This would be me sliding our room key in the elevator so it would go to the 8th floor where all of the "Tradewinds Club" people were! We were treated quite special! :)

The beautiful pink sky

Our last night... dinner at sunset on the beach! Our favorite and most special night!

I love this man!

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

About to head out.... sad to leave this beautiful place!

Nate is even holding on a bit by wearing his Aruba tshirt that when it gets in the bright light the whole picture has color... it is so cool!

We Love ARUBA!

Happy 10 Year Anniversary to US! We will never forget it! AMAZING!
We did stay for a "little" while but we can't "make forever feel this way" ...because reality says we got three kids to go home to and another one to prepare for in 6mths!! :) But it was fun while it lasted!

"Well, We Got Our Surprise!" "We Sure Did!"

2011-04-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

Well here we are once again. Let's just say this time God surprised us a little earlier than we had planned. For those of you that know me well... you know I am a planner! All three children were planned and yes a fourth was in our thoughts....but we hadn't dove in fully on the idea of #4. :)

It all happened on a normal, relaxed, Friday afternoon around 4:30.... I had decided to go to Walmart and pick up a few things and thought, "Hey, might as well pick up a pregnancy test to rule this possibility out, so we can go on with our weekend and not think about it. (Since clues from Mother Nature were leading me to think something was not right) Although I just knew it wasn't possible (since prevention had taken place?) but we are just going to rule it out anyway? So I get home from Walmart... don't put groceries away... straight to the bathroom to get our answer. Nathan was outside with Noah and Emmie and Gunner was talking in his crib. I thought, hey.. I will do the test, go get Gunner while it is processing.... Ha.... if you know me ... you know I might get anxious too? :) So I start seeing the screen start to change and up pops the first pink line that is always there....and waiting...its moving over.... its moving over.... Is there a second line??? Oh my... Oh my... I see a pink line... Is that really another line? Oh my ... Oh my.... how could this be? What? Seriously? How? What? Oh my... Oh my...

So I get Gunner and go on outside to reveal my state of shock to my husband. He immediately knew something was up with me. He asks me and I can hardley talk but tell him my stomach isn't feeling so good.... What? Did I just lie to him? Well... there were three little kiddos running around and Nathan is watering flowers... oh... oh...how can I tell him now? So then he asks me again and this time.... If you know me.... I do get emotional sometimes. :) So that's when the tears flow and I tell him "I'm pregnant!" This leads to shock from him... which leads to more shock with me and so we sit. We sit and we sit and we stare and we stare. We look up at each other and ever so often say... "How?" "I can't believe this..." We both have always said we wouldn't mind a surprise baby...but I knew I would never have one b/c I have planning issues. So Nate said, "Well, we got our surprise!" And I say, "We sure did!" :) After some reassuring and faith in God's plan... I call my mama and get some more reassurance... :) Ha!

It is so amazing how we have such human tendancies sometimes... to plan and feel in control of things a little? But then God shows Himself ever so clearly and I just fall in love with Him all over again because He is so there! We are thankful and feel abundantly blessed! We ask for your prayers for a healthy baby! Thanks for sharing our excitement and being a part of our lives! Love to you all!

There is THAT PINK LINE!!!

Had a sonogram and heard the heartbeat today... :) All is in the right place and lookin good. 8 weeks and 2 days today and feeling good! I was sick almost right after I found out up until the last couple of days.... I am feeling better! :)

Did you ever wonder why I titled my blog "Bunch of Oranges"? Well... this is why... :) This will complete "the bunch" part... :)

Baby #4

Due Date: November 19th or earlier b/c I ain't against induction! Especially since Emmie and Gunner were both ripe a week early!

YES! We are going to find out this time! I say..."I got my surprise... I ain't waiting till the end... I want to be ready!" Ha!

We Are In Full Bloom Around Here!

2011-03-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

Nothing... I mean nothing makes me happier than seeing Spring.... bloom and bloom and bloom! I could live outside right now. I LOVE it! It's like everyday is a new surprise... a flower, a tree, the grass turning greener... windows open and waking up to birds chirping outside! :) So peaceful! The kids are growing and changing everyday! I can't believe Gunner is 18 mths. Emmie is almost 4! Noah only has a lil ways to go and he will be done with kindergarten!! Things are so good! I sometimes feel smothered with kids and all that goes along with having them...but I can't imagine it any other way! I feel blessed.... I do. This past week was Spring Break and we slept in, had picnics, played outside, went to Chuckie Cheese, dinners with friends, we even swam! Well... the kids did! :) It was the best time! Now being a parent of a school kiddo... I soo look forward to summer and us all being home and together and enjoying time off from all the rigga ma roll! :) I hope the first of Spring is blooming with all kinds of surprises for you too! And by the way... DID you see the MOON the other night??? It was suppose to be close to the Earth.... something like that... It was beautiful!!! :) Much Love to you all! :) More Spring pics to come...don't you worry! Ha! :)

I didn't tell them to pose... we just sat them up there real quick and said...say cheese!

Love these kiddos! :)

Look at that happy little thang!

PJ Day at preschool.... She wore a Rapunzel gown so we braided her hair and put flowers all in it.

They got to have pancakes and pizza for "P" day! HOw fun!

Look who else is proud of Spring! :)

Sweet gal

This bush is covered with purple flowers that smell SO SWEET! It is amazing!

My new hydrangea

This is HUGE and covered with yellow flowers and is suppose to attract butterflies.... I would love to know how many flowers this thing has.... it gets tons everyday..

Look at SQUIRT

Picnic... Spring Break was so fun!

Looked outside and saw two ducks in our hot tub... they stayed for 45 minutes! Too cool

That's What Friends Are For....

2011-03-01T08:18:00.000-08:00

For Good times and Bad times.... that's what friends are for......

Happy Bday to my very best friend! To someone I truly love...someone I could go on and on about.... but will just keep it short and sweet. :)

Thank you for all that you are and all that you are for me and my family. Thank you for caring enough about me to know my heart and share yours. Thank you for your laughter, your tears & your fears, your strong points & your weak. Thank you for being a real person. I will love you always! Looking forward to sharing many more happy times! :)

"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17

That's Friends :)

Celebrations! :)
Love your happy, happy face!

From Snot to Snow! Help Me Rhonda!

2011-02-18T19:34:00.000-08:00

Oh my.... where have we been? Well.... it all started with spring like, chalk doodlin kind of weather... THEN.... the TEXAS WINTER ARTIC BLAST!!!! :) We have missed 5 total days of school, played in some snow, all had the stomach bug (except Emmie?), hugs and kisses for Valentines and finally.... Texas is back on top with 80 degree, tank top and shorts, sweaty, runnin weather! :) Whewwww! Help me Rhonda!!!!! Help, Help me Rhonda! Get me to Spring quick! :) Really the snow was out of this world gorgeous and I didn't mind the pj's, fires and extra cozy time with all 3 of the kiddos! :) But... we got our fix... we are done... bulbs are starting to come up out of the ground... we are ready for SPRING! :) Hope everyone is happy and well! This is his new face!
How can you not give this cute little thing a milkshake?

LOVES her milkshakes with sprinkles

Take your favorite stuffed animal to school

Valentine goodies

Paint for the prissy

heart pancakes for my lovies

UMMMM!

You know you LOVE your child when you get them tools to catch BUGS with

Happy Valentines... he didn't think he should have to go to school on Valentines... Ha!

The before school excitement:)

She decorated a piece of the cake I had to cute off of the big top cupcake

Doesn't get much better than bendaroos on your kitchen wall? :)

Big Top Cupcake... Valentine Style :)

A bagillion icicles on a tree we have out front... Noah enjoyed very much picking them off!

Sledding

Artic Blast 2011 LOL

the waterfall even had icicles all over it ... I thought it was so pretty with snow and icicles

Snow angel #1

Snow angel #2

Snow angel #3

All is white.... it was sooo pretty!

Snow kiddos

Notice the table

This is out front.... a winter wonderland

watching all the white

These are the moments

hot chocolate is a must

Having to come inside is not a must.... it is a huge disappointment

Got snot?

Arent' they sweet?

Pre Artic Blast... Ha Ha Ha

Pretty

Happy to smile

I love these Orange kids

Noah wanted Emmie to dance with him

Cowboy/girl day at school...

She didn't mind wearing this at all...not at all...

Here hat lit up all different colors! Ohhhh to be a little girl these days! :)

Dates, Boo Boos & New Years! :)

2011-01-20T19:10:00.000-08:00

We will start ya off with some Mommy and Daddy dates with the kiddos... We decided since Nate has that "special time" with Noah doing the deer lease thing... we would try to make sure he got special time with Emmie as well and I got special time with Noah! Oh what fun! Our first "date" adventure was the movies... Emmie wanted to see "Tangled" and Noah wanted "Chronicles of Narnia"... They both were just awesome!!! So cool to have that one on one time with them! :) Then.... some pics of Noah's split wide open chin.... He was doing some dance moves on our hardwood floor and let's just say his feet came right out from under him and BAM! It was wide open! We immediately thought ER but ended up doing butterfly stitches at home and liquid new skin stuff.... healing good so far. Last but not least... some fun New Year's pics of friends and us! Fun Times!! Always fun to celebrate New Years at 10:30 p.m. with your kids b/c they have no idea! :) Had some fireworks... some confetti... some dancin and a great time! Until next time.... if you remember the song I have on here now... WOW! An oldie from the 80's I think... rock band... I remember it from when I was a kid...but somehow the words struck me so differently now that I am a mom... and have kids... Wow.. I feel old! :) Ha! About to go see Tangled
Sooo excited!

I LOVE THIS!

Got her popcorn kid pack

Nate said she stood up and danced at the end when it was going off

At the movies...

About to go on our date... Mama wore some camo... just to be cool? :) Ha

This is going to be fun!

3D is WAY AWESOME!!!!

Happy Us

This is the final product of our boo boo extravaganza

It was worse than this pic... wide open

Happy to let Dr. Daddy do the job.... (Dr. Mommy had to finish HAAAA!!!)

Nathan got sooo into it with his Head spot light... Hilarious!

New Year's Confetti in our kitchen floor... Camille is doing confetti angels :)

Gunner is happy

Dancin

Groovin

Now this will get a party started!

The Mamas! :)

Love the Blakes!

Happy New Year Everyone!

I love all of these of the kids! Tooooo cute!

Gunner ain't havin the hat

Happy Chicks

2011 Dancers

I love Olivia's hands on her face!

Gunner is now peekin over the hat

Some trampoline action to get the energy OUT! :)

Disco ball... check!

It's 2011 Dude!

3...2...1...Doe DOWN!!!

2011-01-12T09:10:00.000-08:00

Here is a little glimpse of Noah and Nathan's little hunting trip to the deer lease... Noah has been wanting for Nate to get a deer with him so he could see the whole process. This was over his break from school...and I think this is his FAVORITE thing in the whole world... better than anything else!!! Going to the deer lease!!!!!!!! :) How cool though for your Daddy to be your biggest role model...the one you want to be just like? Several have already said that he is just like Nathan was... :) Well, if that is the case... I know he is going to turn out super close to perfect... well.... on a good day! :) Ha! Hope everyone is staying warm is this frigid weather! Whew! Love and Deer Meat! Don't mess with this Hunter!!
This could be your result?

Draggin the doe

Proud little fellow

He just wanted to get a deer with his daddy... it finally happened :)

No.. Noah didn't shoot him... Nate did... but they were together and that is what he wanted :)

Noah took these :)

Being Silly

Cutie

Nate has no idea how and when he was taking all these pictures of himself! Ha! "Were you watching him honey?" Ha!

Looks good in camo eh?

Awww and the ride home.... all hunted out! :)

Black & White Memories

2011-01-04T19:14:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone! Hope all is well in 2011 for you! We have just gotten back on a schedule..in school... tired as mud... (just mama and daddy) Ha... and everyone is healthy and happy! It always feels like I am having the time of my life around here.... I feel so blessed! Mainly b/c of the people I get to spend each and every day with and I owe it all to them and our wonderul Lord and Savior!

Here are some photos of our family that my wonderful friend Shara took! Thank you doll!!! It took all of 30 minutes to capture some precious photos of my little loves and my main man & me. :) I love black and white photos! The running trail that I run on is right beside these tracks with trees separating the two. It is a beautiful place. Didn't know how it would turn out with 3 adventurous kiddos...but we managed to get some good ones. :) Mucho LOVE! :) Happy New Year! LOVE.... The Orange's
I am so in love with this man!

MMMM!

Has it really been almost 10 years of marriage and 17 years total together???

Look at the camera everyone.... ok... this could be hard???

Can always count on these two to smile! :)

Dear Children of mine.... oh how do I love thee

sweetness

Emmie is perkin her lips.. I love this one

Little Miss Emmie Lou

Little girl

Prissy girl

My Noah

No... THIS is my Noah... :) Ha!

This can make a mama cry.... the seriousness sometimes is too much to handle.... ohhhh he looks so mature....

Love him!

OH what the future holds for you little man??

Sweet and innocent

But... all boy

Baby!!!!

Loves him some Dada

The Ladies

Daddy's little Princess

Kisses

Always for Daddy

Little angel

Mama and her Boys!!

You have to click on this pic to see it larger so you can see Gunner's face... he is grinnin from ear to ear!!! PRECIOUS PIC! Who would have thought you could have gotten a pic of this....

Daddy and the boys....

Love, Love Love my Family!

Tender Tennersee Christmas...Then Back Home For a Texas Christmas

2010-12-28T10:40:00.000-08:00

This year we went to Tennessee before Christmas b/c Noah is in kindergarten now and we decided it was better to miss all the hoopla at school rather than start off the new year missing school. It was nice not having to go anywhere after Christmas....just enjoy time off for Nate and being home together. :) The Christmas season is long.... but when it is over....it is a little sad. I am always ready to clear out the Christmas clutter and get the house back to normal but have I done it yet? NO! :) It is jammies all day around here and LOVING sleeping in.... even if it is just 8:00 a.m. some days. :) Tennessee was Christmasy with all the fixins....double time! Texas Christmas was a memory made this year! Big Surprise gift from Santa! So fun! Hope everyone had a blessed Christmas! It is all about Jesus and Family and Love and Memories! Some of my favorites this year were:

1. The excitement my kiddos especially Gunner this year..... had when they saw their Aunt Amy. Gunner kept running into her and hugging her neck ever so tightly!
2. MeeMaw's story time with all three kiddos on the bed.... sweet!
3. The fact that my Mama hung out towels to dry on the line and I don't think it ever got above freezing while we were there! Some things never change huh? :)
4. My sweet Aunt Linda showing up at my mama's with gifts for the kids.... one being a precious Santa suit! Then she stayed until 1 am talking with my mama, my sissy and me! Girl time! :)
5. My sweet Grandma Brown.... there is no other feeling for her..other than just wanting to BE with her and not leave her there alone. She is so sweet just sitting there.
6. Sissy time with my sis.... what better than CLEANING out the clutter in my mama's kitchen cabinets! MAKING her get rid of some stuff! It was like old times.
7. Christmas at the Orange's.... All the family is together... Papa puts on some quiet Christmas music in the background. It was really nice and cozy! We were all together and ready to eat and Papa says the blessing and I couldn't help but notice in the background... playing was Alabama..."Tender Tennessee Christmas" It don't get no better than Alabama singing that song!
8. Always enjoy a walk to Overs' house. Then her homemade vegetable soup that my Noah eats 3 bowls of!!!!!!!!!!
9. Our cousins Kellen and Blane.... their horse was pregnant and we went to see her in their barn that had some Christmas lights and a wreath on it...nothing prettier than a barn at Christmas. FYI The baby colt was born on Christmas Eve... we were already gone...but so happy for everyone there! :)
10. We celebrated my bday in Tennessee and I woke up to my wonderful husband laying next to me... in his tired, morning voice.. he hums "Happy Birthday" to me. .... loved that!
11. Texas Christmas was fun! Santa was tricky and had an extra present to all three of them with ribbons going to the garage door opener b/c he left it in our driveway.... b/c the yard was muddy from rain.... a Trampoline! The looks on their faces and the excitement screaming, "A TRAMPOLINE!!!!!!!" was priceless!
12. Christmas dinner here for us was Lasagna! Haaaaaa! Tired of all the other so we got a little crazy...hey...it is red sort of? :)
13. Santa brought me and Nate a tiny bottle of 5 hour energy in a bottle for Christmas! LOL! It didn't work! LOL
14. My husband had Christmas Story trivia for the kids at our Christmas dinner... we spent our dinner talking about Jesus and I loved every minute! The kids were so engaged!
15. This list is long...but if you are reading it...it is because you want to.... :) Last but not least... I loved all of your Christmas cards! Such beautiful families and children and happy faces! Thank you all!

He wanted to pose a lot this year... was kind of nice. He was asking us to take the pics! :)
Sweet Christmas Princess... she really believed she was one

very excited

Gunner leaped for the balls... I saw his face and melted!

a rockin horse from us

Noah is shocked!

Our junky garage opening up.... noah is seeing it now....

Santa Baby just got a new play pen!

Christmas Bath with Candy Cane bath confetti

Sweet Overs

"Mama, CHANGE ME!"

Emmie is trying to bribe Papa to let her open this... she was so excited!

Crosses his eyes the whole time we were in Tenn.

See!

I love this one!

Sitting like a little man on Overs' couch

In my Top 5 Fav pics for Christmas!

Could a princess have any more princesses????????

OH MY! Check out her sequins Christmas Crown... her Aunt Kema wore it in and Emmie was very concerned as to WHY Aunt Kema was wearing that crown...

He is getting so mature looking to me

Rockin chair

Over the creek and through the woods... to Overs' house we go

Another one of my top 5!!!!!!! :) This is magical!

BABY!

LOVE YOU MAMA!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas!

Happy times.... We love you MeeMaw!

Gunner wouldn't cooperate... but this one is great!

in my top 5..... am I to 5 yet? Maybe I have more than 5! Ha!

Headphones....

Is this a Tennessee Boy or what? Actually he is not.... but he will know all about it :)

Santa Baby and MeeMaw Claus

Top 5! Daddy is so handsome and Santa Baby..... too cute!

Cookies!!!!!!!!!!

Grandma Brown and Emmie in her Dorothy dress! :)

The kids built a Fort in the woods at MeeMaw's house

Daddy and Noah shootin guns

"Can you find me? Can you? Can you?"

Does Santa have blue eyes?

Oh make you melt!

Me and My sissy wore this "Turbin" sp? over our pink spongy rollers to sleep in growing up...

Who is excited?

Emmie's new doll... she named her "Rose"

happy to open presents

"Do I get one too?"

The present is as big as her!