Christmas 2008

The kids had a great Christmas! They had a ton to open between Santa's visit, family and friends. Santa did have to write them a letter because there were things that they asked for that they didn't get. But her explained that he tried his best and that seemed to work well for them! He also had to tell them what good kids they were, Emeri had expressed some concern whether she was going to get gifts on Christmas Eve. Here is our conversation...

Emeri: Mom? Does Santa really not bring gifts if kids are bad??

Mom: Well... If kids are really bad and not sorry for being bad then yes, but if you are bad sometimes and say your are sorry then he still brings you toys!

Emeri: Mom, I am sorry for hitting and kicking Nathan today I didn't mean to! Do you think that I will get presents? I am not sure!

Oh you have to love them! We had a wonderful Christmas we went to our friends the Burgon's house for dinner on Christmas Eve and had our friends the Robbins over for dinner on Christmas day. Then we took the kids to see Bed Time Stories and they loved it! They have had such a great time playing with all their toys! Here are some pictures...

Emeri loves to hug and kiss my belly! I can only imagine how much she is going to love this baby! Here we are at the lights in the Woodlands... She is so sweet!

Here the kids are sporting their new Christmas Pj's! They don't always love that this is the only gift that they can open Christmas Eve but it was a tradition with me when I was a kid and something that we have started in our family!

I love this picture more for Emeri's hair than any thing! It is Medusa! Here Nathan is showing off his Lout! He made out good this year. What is not shown is a game table up in the game room with Air Hockey, Pool & Tennis Table. He has had so much fun playing he is very good and often beats us all!!

Here Emeri is showing off what she got. Her theme this year was littlest pet shop & Polly Pockets. She has loved playing with them all. She was very excited to get her very own pink DS as well. She got a Dr Vet game that she often has to kick mom off of! : )

Thanks to those who helped us celebrate this Christmas season, and for all those who sent gifts to us and the kids! They have loved it!

Cure Kids Cancer Radiothon

I think that I mentioned that Emeri and our family was asked to participate in the Cure Kids Cancer Radiothon. We did a prerecorded interview and then we were able to speak live on the radio. Well I did, Emeri wouldn't say a word. All the money raised went to Texas Children's Cancer Center. They were able to raise $766,801.00. They had a party the last day where the families were asked to come, it was a great night. The kids missed Santa who was there when a lot of the inpatients were there. But they each got a build a bear and a new toy, were able to make some crafts and thank you cards for those who participated. We had a great opportunity to meet a freshman in college who was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia at the same age as Emeri, 22 months old. She is a beautiful girl who has enjoyed cheerleading, tumbling and now taking on college. It was great to talk to her and see where we can be in 14 + years.

(The two guys on the right were the two that we did the live radiothon with, Cactus Jack & Kevin Kline)

(Here Emeri & Daddy are delivering thank you badges that the kids made to all the DJ's for their time and efforts! Surprise she actually did it with a smile. She usually is to shy to do that stuff!)

http://waystogive.texaschildrens.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=819

Here is the site that tells Emeri's story for the Radiothon, you can't hear the recorded interview yet, we are supposed to get a CD of it but we haven't yet! Any way you can read up on her and the other children that were featured!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you and your families, we are so thankful for all of you in our lives. We hope that you have a wonderful Christmas! Be safe and happy!

Much Love,
Brent, Trina, Nathan, Emeri and Baby #3

5 Days Til Christmas...

Wow, this month has gone by fast!! We have been so busy with different activities. It would be very hard for me to recap them all. For those of you who know me I am not the most organized or on top if it person. So you are going to get little snips here and there and mostly pictures!! We have had a fun time with lots of Christmas parties, dance recitals, basketball games doing some service projects. We are excited and counting the days until Christmas. We have been so blessed this year with such wonderful family and friends. Please enjoy the pictures and I promise to keep up on this better. Here is some of our happenings...



Nathan playing basketball, he has really come a long way and even made a basket in last weeks game! He is enjoying having daddy as his coach and you can see improvements every week!


We had the chance to go to a Texas Children's Hospital Christmas party. The kids had a blast. There were different bounce houses, games, music and tons of yummy food! Of course Santa and Mrs Clause were there... Here are some of the fun things that they got to do...




Nathan actually roped this his self, he was so proud! You go little cowboy!


They let the kids climb up in the fire trucks and play around... He had a blast!


When we got there we noticed these handsome young men were wearing black name tags... You guessed it there were over 40 Elders, Sisters and Couple Missionaries. I guess they have them come and help with the games, food and to help set up and take down. They were told that they couldn't procolite(sp?) but that they could wear their badges! It was so cool! Here is one helping Emeri play the game. It was fun to talk with them!

Emeri had her holiday dance recital! Her first one that they have done in Ballet! She did great! She was so funny, Brent and I were laughing because they were so cute and in the middle she yelled out, "Dad, STOP!" Here is both the younger and older classes. They all did very well!

Here Ms Michelle had to help her find her spot! We love Ms Michelle!!

After her recital she was running around and hurt her foot, it didn't get better and after taking her to gymnastics the teacher thought we should take her to the Dr to make sure it wasn't broken. Luckily it was just a sprain. Phew... She did great with daddy at her side for the X-ray!! She still is limping a little but it is getting better! No dance or gymnastics for a couple weeks Dr's orders!

This was our family home evening project and treat. We have discovered S'mores and love to make them. Yes, that is Brent roasting marshmallows over our stove! It works, and they taste great!

Here the kids are decorating our premade gingerbread house. I am not crafty enough to baked and assemble. But they still have fun just the same!

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We are off again to another Christmas party tonight for the Texas Children's Cure Kids Cancer Radiothon. Our family was interviewed for this and yesterday Emeri and I had the opportunity to go on live and talk with them! It was a very neat experience!