Christmas, Birthday,and Special Valentine's Dates

So life in the Childers' household has been a little chaotic these last few months. This is my first opportunity to post since our lives have literally been turned upside down. (later post coming on this.)

For the first time ever, we drove to Texas for Christmas!  It was a LONG trip, but a good one.  The kids did amazing, and the dual screen DVD player was a big help.  We had all these great plans of taking a picture at every state sign, but most the signs were not located in safe places to even get out of the car.  The only on we did seem to get was Louisiana.  We spent our first night in Mobile, AL and then made it to Orange the next day right after lunch.  

We spent four days with Justin's family, and I had a traumatic experience involving running and four dog bites. Long story short: I was out running and got attacked by a dog.  It is still a little fuzzy as to what happened, but in the course of a few minutes, I finally kicked the dog hard enough to get away and call for help.  I had to go to the ER for a tetanus shot and get all my wounds cleaned.  Through this whole experience, I was reminded of God's faithfulness and peace and was taken very good care of by my husband and in-laws.  It has been almost 4 months since it happened and my "dog alarm" still goes off every time I hear one bark when I am running.  Thankfully, it has not stopped me from doing something I so enjoy, but I will be honest enough to say that I have found myself quoting Psalm 56:3-4 often, (bold are my changing the words)

"When I am afraid I will trust in You,

In God whose word I praise,

In God I trust, I will not be afraid,

What can mortal man (a dog) do to me?"

While I was recuperating, the kids, Justin, and the in-laws had a lot of Christmas fun.  We also celebrated Noah's birthday again.

We went to my parents for a few days, and Karis played basketball for hours.  We had some competitive games against adults and enjoyed it all so much.

 

Noah, Brooklynn, and Karis

We decided to drive all the way home without staying somewhere.  It was a hard drive through the night, but we made it!  We celebrated at our house on Christmas eve and morning.  There were some interesting gifts and some very unexpected ones too!

Karis also had birthday!  She turned 8!  Again, I am always floored to realize another year has gone by.  She  is growing so much in her love of  helping me around the house, cooking with me, her diligence in doing school, and her ability to talk to others.  She makes me smile, laugh, and I realize how much she acts more and more like me, Ahh!  She brightens my day with her hugs, love, and hopping everywhere!

Upon her request, we stayed home most of the day.  We ate her favorite meal and then dinner at Moe's.  

She wanted a Chronicle of Narnia cake, so this was the best I could do.  We had some friends over for cake, and the kids got to play together.  

Last, but certainly not least, we decided to take the kids out of special dates for Valentine's.  Justin had planned on taking Karis to a special meal at Chick-fil-A, but we were out of town.  We both took our dates out to their favorite restaurants.  Noah was so funny as he held the door for me and tried to pull out my chair. A great memory for sure.

All dressed up for their date!  I love this picture.  It reminds me so much of my dad and me.  I am so thankful that Karis is able to have a relationship with Justin like I do with my Dad.  God is good!

My little man taking me out on the town!

Blast from the Past, 1980's

Saturday, our family experienced a "blast from the past, the 1980's."  My friend, Amanda, had her 30th birthday party, 1980's style, and all I can say is there was lots of laughter and fun.  After the initial shock of some of our outfits, the fun, food and silliness began.  We were taken back in time to my childhood, I was a toddler and in elementary school during the 80's.  The fashion for a child was so different than an adult, but I broke out the shoulder pads, converse, and side ponytail.  I did try my hand at some crazy eye shadow and ultra pink blush!  The kids thought it was funny that an adult would have a birthday party, but they had a blast, dancing, eating, and playing games with their friends.  

Amanda's parents decorated the fellowship hall so well, bringing back tones of memories for all of us.  

We have the first original Nintendo, I can't believe Amanda's still works.  There was so much memorabilia, movies, records, etc.  

We danced the "electric slide" and listened to all the 80's music. 

This is probably my favorite picture, the fashion of our men all over the place: Magnum PI, my preppy husband, the skater, and of course, the neon pants!

All the ladies!

Karis and her friend Carly.

The kids trying to limbo!  Look at Karis concentrating so hard!

There was plenty of good food, lots of snacks and of course cake.  My little man was all over the cake as usual.  If you find the food, you will find Noah!

Tess, Amanda (the birthday girl), and me 

And last our family portrait, our interpretation of the 80's on a limited budget!!

Thanks Amanda for giving us a reason to go back in time.  It was so fun to be silly and relive the "old days."  

I am glad that side ponytails are not in anymore, I had a splitting headache when the night was over!

Happy Birthday Dad!

For 33 years, I have been blessed and honored to call this man my dad, my safe place, my rock, and one of my best friends, (only by God's grace).  Today as you celebrate your 67th birthday..

I long to wrap my arms around you and whisper, in your good ear,

THANK YOU...

for being, displaying, loving, teaching, giving, growing, smiling, encouraging, holding, sitting...

in HIM.

I love you beyond words Dad.

I cannot imagine life without you.

God has been good to you and to us for giving you these 67 years.

I pray for many more to come....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Noah's 4th Birthday

For the first time, we were in North Carolina on Noah's birthday. We decided to throw him a party inviting our church family and some of his friends from the YMCA. I am sure it will only take you one guess to know the theme of his party: CARS, of course, not just any cars though, he was very specific about which cars he wanted on his cake. Instead of being my creative self this year, I decided to just decorate his cake and put some cars on top.

Along with the CARS, Noah wanted a 4 candle. He was very adamant about it.

We had his party at the park down the road, and it was a little chilly. The kids and adults seemed to have a good time, especially when Justin pulled out some games for them to play.

Noah eating his cake, wearing his CARS shirt!

It is hard to believe that my baby boy is four. He has such a sweet spirit, still loves to sit with Mommy, and talks, talk, talks. (I don't know where he gets that from, probably from his daddy!!!) His smile lightens up the room, and his laughter is so contagious. He spouts off scenes from the Cars movies and likes being any number of superheroes: Spiderman, Captain America, Green Lantern, and Iron Man. I cannot wait to see all God has in store for him and for us as he grows up. He is a precious gift!

Happy Birthday Amma!

Happy Birthday Amma! We love you and can't wait to see you in a few weeks! We hope your day is as special as you are!

Mom, the kids did sing you Happy Birthday and we recorded it, but I couldn't get it to work for the post. Sorry! At least they are still shouting to you with their signs, right? I love you more than I can say and am truly blessed beyond measure to be your daughter. I didn't mail you a card either, so here's to you MOM! May your special day be filled to overflowing, and I can't wait to celebrate with you very, very soon!

Dad, give Mom a GREAT BIG HUG from me and tell her all day how blessed you are to have her as are all of us!

Late Birthday Shout

You have your flaws, but don't we all,

Maybe one day you will come when I call!

You are loved and we are thankful for you Calvin, Happy Birthday from us all!

Justin's Birthday

Last Tuesday was Justin's 33rd birthday. Thanks to an edible bouquet from his sister and Mamou, we enjoyed lots of fruit for the next few days! I was so glad that we were all together this year, it seems like in the last four years, we have been in Texas on Justin's birthday. After much thought, his menu for the day consisted of:

Breakfast: blueberry muffins

Lunch: Olive Garden

Dinner: steak and baked potatoes

Dessert: strawberry pie

It was fun to make "all" his favorites! (except Olive Garden, of courses). The kids and I thought long and hard about what to get him. After all the usual suggestions, I remembered something he said he would like to have, so I went and bought it.

Justin's new "swing bench." I am not exactly sure of its proper name, but that is what we call it. It is a nice addition to our front porch, and we have enjoyed swinging on it. It was also fun to buy him a "household" birthday present. It seems we as wives and moms always get appliances and other "household" items as presents!

Happy Birthday Babe, we love you so much!

Karis' Birthday Recap

Karis' birthday fell on a Monday this year, which meant that Justin was home for the entire day because it is his day off. What a treat for Karis. Her one wish for the day was to "stay home all day," (that is the same thing she wanted to do last year, hmm, maybe we go too much?)


We started off the morning with her requested special breakfast, cinnamon rolls, these are homemade courtesy of the PW (Pioneer Woman). Yummy! After breakfast we played and enjoyed being together until we opened presents. We had a special visitor, Ms. Nancy, came and brought Karis her gift.

She was so excited to get her doll, Eva, is her name. She has not stopped "mothering" Eva since she got her!

Karis and Eva

We did go to lunch at Moe's our favorite place to eat, via her request. She got money from her Aunt Courtney, and we asked her if she wanted to go to Target and buy something and she reminded us that we were staying home ALL DAY!

After lunch we did another birthday tradition:

I measured her to see how much she has grown: almost 2 inches since last year!

After dinner of pork chops, broccoli, corn, and salad with feta, our friends the Brooks and Powells came over to celebrate and eat cake with us.

Karis and Eva

Karis decided on a "My Little Pony" cake this year. I decided to just do a regular cake instead of a BIG sheet cake so we wouldn't have so much left over!

Karis blowing out her candles with her friends.

We had a wonderful day sweet Karis, we love you so much!

Happy Birthday Karis Ann!

Six, as I think that Karis is six, this small three letter word holds a huge chunk of time. Already, I have seen her grow so much, from an infant to a toddler, to a now truly BIG girl. She no longer needs me to help her do things, in fact, one of her favorite things to do is unload the dishwasher! (I do still have to tie her shoes, we are working on that!)

Karis is so much like me, she likes a schedule. She wants me to "tell her about the day" at night before bed so that she will know what to expect the next day. She doesn't like to deviate from our plan, but is ready in to time to make a quick trip to the store. I love watching her interact with Noah. She is patient with him, encourages him in whatever he is doing, and shares "most" of her things with him with a happy heart. In fact, she bought a gift for him for her birthday, what a thoughtful girl!

Karis also enjoys dancing and being silly. Her giggles are contagious even though they are only around us, she is still very shy around other people. She keeps me laughing most of the day, and she is a fantastic helper around the house. I am thankful for that! It is a joy to cook dinner with her especially when she wants to help, she mostly likes to help with the baking, who can blame her!

I have seen you grow in your knowledge of our Savior this year, you are starting to put names to your sins and Mommy's. I am thankful that you enjoy listening to the Bible and memorizing God's Word. I pray that God will continue to open your heart to Him and draw you into His flock.

Karis you are a treasure and blessing to us. I cannot imagine life without your quirky smile, sweet giggles, big hugs, and your presence. I love you more than words can express. I am grateful for these last six years, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for the next six.

Here are a few pictures that sum up this last year:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARIS ANN!

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Christmas/Birthday in Texas 2010

As our new tradition, the kids and I went to Texas for a week before Justin came. We stayed with my parents first and enjoyed lots of time with Papa John, Amma, Aunt Tanya, Madison, and Brooklynn. Unfortunately my brother was busy working most of the time, so we only got to see him twice. He did however win the best present award for Noah's birthday: "monster truck Mater," as Noah calls it. It is always a joy just hanging out at my folks house, since they have a tractor and four wheeler. We watched Madison play softball, had Brooklynn spend the night, and simply spent time just being "together." Of course, we did some outlet shopping and made a Target run, but the time was relaxing and so much fun.

The first few days the weather was a little chilly, so we made a fire and roasted smores with the cousins. Karis and Noah both rode tractor with Papa John.

Noah learning to drive the tractor!

Fun times hanging with the cousins

My parents threw Noah and Karis a birthday party that Saturday. My best friend growing up, Mandy, came and brought her two boys. It was a wonderful time of catching up and seeing our kids play together. Thanks for coming Mandy, I so loved seeing you girl! My two great aunts and Aunt Debbie also came to the party.

Karis, Henry(Mandy's oldest), and Noah


The kids opening their birthday gifts.

The kids being picked up by the "backhoe," as Noah called Papa John's tractor.

We picked Justin up from the airport on Wednesday the next week and headed to Orange to visit his family. We had four full days of fun and spending time with his family.

We did Christmas first on Thursday night along with his Mamou.

A night of fun and loving on the family, including Roxy (Pop Pop and Grammy's dog).

Family photo

Friday, we had family pictures taken by one of Courtney's friends. He did a fantastic job capturing the kids personalities.

Karis driving Pop Pop "old truck."

Smile for the camera!

Noah loving his Pop Pop

After pictures, we went to a pizza place for Noah's birthday party, because this was his actual birthday! (He had three parties this year!) Of course, Aunt Courtney made his party a Cars/ Monster truck theme!

Saturday, Mamou, Courtney, Justin, the kids and I went to Shangri La, a botanical garden and nature center in Orange. They had fun Christmas activities for the kids to do and the flowers are always beautiful to look at.

At Shangri La, Noah wasn't too sure about the owl staring at him!

Sunday was Grammy's birthday, at we all went to church together. Lisa, Grammy's daughter, made a surprise visit to her that morning. It was sweet and nice to see Lisa and for her surprising Grammy like that.

Another family photo: Lisa in toe this time!

Thanks to both families, our trip was fun, memorable, and we came home with two extra full suitcases! Christmas always comes early, and it seems like the kids opened gifts all of December. I am sure this is also because Noah's birthday is in December too! We love all of you and are thankful you are our family.