Brett, M, and our Irish Twins

Valentine's Playgroup Party

2012-02-10T21:16:00.002-06:00

We met Ashley (the mama) & Mia (her then baby) when we joined the "Hip Mommies" playgroup back in the fall of 2009. We actually met Ashley, Mia, Rachel, & Presley all at that same playdate at Nana's house. I remember introducing myself & Emma Kate & saying that I was pregnant with another baby due in March. Both their eyes got kinda big haha! So that's our background & even though we didn't "playdate" as often or frequently once I had Jackson in the spring/summer of 2010 since I had my hands a little full & had 2 kids on different schedules, we always stayed connect to these friends which I'm very thankful for!
Recently, Ashley approached me about coming to the "regular Friday playgroup" since we are friends with some of the other moms/kids. Every other Friday we also have Jackson's Castle Hills playgroup so we'll switch off Fridays between seeing our different friends & fun playdates. :)
This Friday, the "Mia" playgroup as Emma Kate refers to it as was having the "Valentines" playdate. It was really fun! Kristy organized it at a place in McKinney with lego & building fun, then the kids decorated their cute boxes, had snacks, & put their Valentines into the friends boxes. She did a great job!! What fun!

My Heart Just Skipped A Beat <3

Ashley took this pic of Emma Kate so happily playing with baby Cate.

Fun playing with Legos minus the closed eyes. :)

Ashley, Mia, & baby Cate

The girls building...EK, Addison, & Mia

She loves Cate!

for some reason Jackson, Mia, & EK were interested in Cate's diaper change.

These are 2 funny girlies!!

Jack & Mama decorating his box.

Climbing chairs...normal?!? ha!

Biggest kids in he group.

The whole group displaying their boxes after a fun time!

Girl pic

iphone Hodge Podge

2012-02-08T15:11:00.000-06:00

I haven't taken any recent pics on my camera, but I have snapped lots of random great memories with my iphone camera.

Toy Story friends & Emma Kate together

Jackson's turn

Jan. 2012 @ playdate with Castle Hills play group at a neat park nearby. These are our very good friends who happen to be our next door neighbors, Zane & Cade.

Sleepy head after his nap one day.

Jack's first bath in mama's big tub.

Resting together.

Emma Kate's first time in the big tub.

Emma Kate got "Chapel Angel" again at school so she got to bring home the "Joy Box." Daddy reading the Bible story to them.

Singing her school chapel songs to me with hand motions.

Favorite new pastime: play-dough

Movie time

This naked little guy came all the way downstairs to give me a hug one night after Daddy bathed him so I had to snap a pic of this adorable hiney!

Sarfari Park with our bff's Monica, Jack, & Gracen.

All waiting in line to ride the animals.

Her turn

Sissy sometimes likes to have some company while pottying. :)

Sweet man after his recent haircut. This was the 1st time using the clippers on his hair.

Park time

Looking too grown up here!

January 22nd, 2012...I turned 3-0!!!

2012-01-31T22:40:00.000-06:00

Well, it actually happened...I had to turn 30! I wanted to avoid this number like the plague! Why I don't know? I just keep thinking "it's been a decade since I tuned 20 & met Brett! How could this be real?"

Well, I couldn't run away from the date of my birth so I embraced it with a really great birthday weekend. I'll recap: Saturday Brett worked in the morning & I took the kids to play at the Stonebriar Mall while I researched treadmills (bday gift from my wonderful Mom...oh getting old is so fun you have to actually work out AND watch what you eat to lose weight & stay in shape UGH!!), Saturday afternoon Brett told me to head out for a much needed hair appointment, & then that night was our birthday date night together. He took me to Pappa Brothers Steakhouse...for sure one of my Top Five favorite restaurants because it's just so damn good! We had a really great dinner in which I consumed a large amount of calories. My "last supper in my 20's" consisted of: wine (duh!), lobster bisque soup, 6 ounces of lobster, 6 ounces of steak, asparagus, crab macaroni & cheese (seriously should be outlawed!), & gooey pecan pie!! Yes, 30,000 calories of the girl turning 30 & worth every bite!!!
Sunday was my actual birthday. We picked the kids up from my parents house that morning. Hung out for a bit at home & then when they went down for a nap I headed to get a massage, thanks to my husband who set it up. :) That was a super relaxing hour!! Love massages.
That evening we had a birthday dinner party at my parents house, Katie, my cousin & Aunt Barbie cooked up one of their wonderful meals. Ribs, mashed potatoes, & cole slaw salad. YUM! My Mom really made my birthday special. She got a beautiful & so tasty cake in the shape of 3-0 in my favorite colors. Loved it!! Thanks Mom :)
I'm going to state my turning 30 philosophy: I've been dreading that daunting number for quite a long while now, but I've decided if my next thirty years are as wonderful as my next thirty I'll be VERY lucky & blessed! xoxo

"Lolly, we're having a sleep over!"

Putting her "suitbox" in her room

BH & I going out

Last picture in my 20's

Sunday @ my parents

LOVE

Birthday girl with my girl!

Big family table with kids table attachment :)

Big hug with my guys...Dad & Jackson :)

Singing Happy Birthday song

Aunt Barbie & J Man

kids table...these 2 cannot be trusted at their own table!

What a BEAUTIFUL cake!!

Triking & Driving

2012-01-30T15:11:00.000-06:00

Lately we do both these activities a few times a week. I luckily had my camera with me that day to catch some great memories of my kids enjoying life. Which makes my life. :)

I won't forget this moment as long as I live because it was priceless. The kids ran to the pink car to drive it. My Dad said "you've got to get your tunes on" & he turned the car radio on. Then, started doing a "Stan dance" all around the car...this is their reactions to his dancing...priceless!

Driving Miss Emma Kate

Riding away in the sunset <3

Shaving Cream Bath Painting

2012-01-28T14:47:00.000-06:00

One late afternoon the kids were getting a bit restless & in need of a fun indoor activity. I remembered an idea from Pintrest so we got all set for shaving cream painting. Emma Kate gets beyond excited about any type of art project. I'm a bit of a clean freak & can be OCD about messes, however I'm trying to put my own issues aside & let my kids be kids & have fun. :)
EK helped me put shaving cream in each muffin tin, drop food coloring in, & mix the colors together. Then, we headed to the only place I thought was "safe" to paint with 2 toodlers...the bath tub! They both LOVED it! Painting & making a mess in the process. :) I'm sure we'll do this again on a cold winter day.

Let's paint Mom!

Getting started & still fully dressed.

Little weird, but starting to get into it.

Getting messy so the shirts came off. :)

My little artists!

Their Masterpiece!

"Mom says it's time to clean up, but we don't want to get out!"

The Driving "Light Bulb" Went Off

2012-01-24T21:38:00.000-06:00

My parents aka Lolly & Pop gave Emma Kate & Jackson battery operated cars for their big Christmas gifts (as if they don't give/or haven't given enough!) already. My Dad personally adopted these cars as his own conquest. He spent 4 1/2 hours putting EK's pink (had to be pink!) Cadillac (like Mommy's!) car together. Then, he spent 10 hours, yes 10 hours on Jackson's silver Benz. So these cars are for sure a labor of love!
Up until last week all the kids have enjoyed doing in them is get in & out, in & out, in & out a million times. it's like watching a Chinese fire drill on repeat!
Then one day last week we were having some nice winter temps so I suggested we go to my parents to play outside. They both went straight for my Dad & their cars. Jackson hopped right in & actually put his foot on the pedal & drove Emma Kate all around. Well, he hasn't actually mastered both pedal & steering, but we'll get there. EK loves to be driven around by her little brother (which is somewhat odd, because most of the time it's "I go first, Jackson second!) It might be the most adorable thing! here are pics from last week & the driving "light bulb moment" as I cal it.

Yay sissy!! Go!!

"We're goingggg!"

They both get SO excited when the car starts & stops. :)

My heart melts!

Car change

I want to keep her this tiny forever!

Update Time

2012-01-23T15:22:00.000-06:00

January 15th, Jackson turned 22 months old & I thought back about when the last time I did an "update" post on the kids milestones by age. Well, it's been too long so here goes...

Jackson @ 22 months:
- What a big boy you're becoming! You can now walk up & down the stairs by yourself (holding the railings of course!)
- You FINALLY got your molars in, well 3 out of 4. That's a grand total of 11 teeth! Slow teething like Mommy!
- Still a great sleeper. Nighttime sleep is around 7:45-7am. One long nap a day still between 2-3 hours. It takes awhile for you to fully be awake & showing that personality off.
- Eating is at times a challenge because you only eat the same things over & over & over. And hardly any meat either. Your favorites are: yogurt, waffles, cheese, fruit, carrots, crackers, turkey hot dogs, mac & cheese.
- You are a big liquid consumption guy! All day long you like having water with a "splash of juice" as Mommy says it.
- You LOVE playing with your sister & the feeling is mutual. You both ask each other to play kitchen, or color, or jump together etc. But in the same breathe you two also fight big time! This must be what siblings are about, but for this only-child Mommy it's a bit concerning for me how physical you both can be.
- The above statement reminded me of your tendency to bite sissy. Okay, not a positive characteristic, but I'm trying to record milestones here.
Jackson- please stop doing this whenever EK makes you mad or takes something from you! Nobody wants to be friends with a biter!
- A month ago you hit a milestone of outweighing your big sis. EK weighed 30 pounds & Jackson weighted 31 pounds. Big guy!
- You still enjoy going to MDO on Tuesdays. Your teachers say you're quiet (haha not at home!) & you never have trouble taking a nap there.
- You enjoy opening/closing doors, getting into cabinets, dumping things out, & playing chase.
- You can count #1-11
- You sing your ABC's everyday to us
- You know the colors : pink, purple, blue
- You like singing "Ittsy Bitsy Spider" & "Twinkle Twinkle" songs
- You can be strong willed at times with determination to back that up & other times be very chill & easy-going.
- You like to "help" EK in the potty with cheering for her "Yay Emma!" & to flush for her ha!
- You wear size 6 diapers (chubby thighs), size 24 or 2T clothes, & size 8 shoes (same has big sis.)
- Overall, you are perfect to us!! <3

Beauitful boy @ 22 months old. This was on 1-22-12

Emma Kate @ 33 months:
- Ohhhh where to begin with this little girly...you are most def in your 2's!! Fun, smart, joyful, imaginative & then just a quick moment later you can switch to "terrible twos" phase yikes!
- I swear you grew taller over night. Now I buy you all 3T for your pants to be long enough.
- You can make me laugh like nobody can with your funny humor & the way you say things.
Here are some recent examples of sayings that I never want to forget:
At gymnastics every week you like to ride upstairs to your class in the elevator. You say "Mommy, can I push the button for the alligator." hehe!
This weekend, you were having a sleepover at Lolly & Pop's house so you wanted to pack in your new Barbie rolling suitcase. You helped me pack your stuff & then it was time to head to Jackson's room to grab his things. You eagerly said "Mommy, can I roll the suitbox please" I just cracked up!
- You are very into pretend & role-playing. You like to make food for everyone, including your baby dolls in the play kitchen & bring it over. The other day you brought over a play apple inside a pink teacup & said "Mommy here's your apple juice!" :)
- You are good eater & at times I don't know where you're putting all the food. Your favs are: turkey hot dogs, chicken, mac & cheese, crackers, carrots, fruit, & sweets like cookies or chocolate (you take after your Daddy on the sweet tooth!)
- Still a sleeping goddess! Bedtime around 7:45-6:45 or 7am. One long nap a day. You must have your lovey, baby Alice, all your assorted friends like Mickey, Mickey, Cinderella barbie, Hello Kitty at the end of your bed, & coveys (minky dot side down on you:)
- Potty trained: daytime yes; nighttime no. We wash a lot of sheets, blankets, jammies & remake your bed daily. You'll get it sis!
- You have 16 teeth total. Still waiting on the last set of molars. Slow like Mommy too.
- You have recently become interested in riding your trike, which is too cute to see!
- You LOVE going to school! You enjoy art, learning, singing, Chapel, Romp, & seeing your friends & teachers. I do love picking you up & see you smile & running towards me! After school, you always request to watch Care Bears on dvd. You watch from your nap mat & rest & play with Jackson on Tues/Thursdays.
- On Wednesday mornings, Mommy & you go to gymnastics class in Frisco. You enjoy it! Doing forward & backwards rolls, the bars, balance beam, & climbing. You favorite is jumping on the trampoline into the blocks or just jumping. It's a great way to get your energy out.
- One of your favorite places to go now is the park. We try to take full advantage of all the parks around the neighborhood. That's where you & Jackson play your very nicest together.
- You have many great friends from either our old playgroup (Mia, Presley & Caroline moved, but you like looking at their Mommy's blogs to see pictures of what they're up to). In our new neighborhood we've become close with our next door neighbors, Zane (almost 4) & Cade (2). You, Jackson, Zane, & Cade really enjoy playing together. The friends I see mostly or hear about from school are: Alex, Allison, Autumn, Lucas. We still have our great friends, Jack & Gracen (if we could get them to move closer we could see & play more often:)
- You can hold an entire conversation & ask MANY MANY questions about everything now! Your brain is working 24/7!
- Your teacher, Mrs. Lois describes you the best way I know how "Emma is such a JOY!" <3

Emma Kate @ 33 months old. This was on 1-22-12

January Outside Playing

2012-01-17T20:33:00.000-06:00

Nice January weather makes us happy. It's only gotten cold a few days. The kids have been getting outside & at the park many times, which always makes them happy campers! Emma Kate & Jackson play SO nicely at the park without any fighting/sibling issues etc. It's such a joy to watch them run, play, & laugh outside together! Plus, our neighbors Zane & Cade whom we have become quite close with enjoy playing with EK & Jackson at the park as well. :)

Also, Emma Kate has really taken interest in working on her trike skills & cruising up & down the sidewalk. Pretty soon she'll need a "big girl bike" because she's gotten so tall! Makes me wonder where the time is going?!?

Here are a some pics throughout the month so far...

Pointing at "HER MOON" as she shouts out! EK has a fascination with the moon.

Riding to one of the parks close by.

Hug time :)

Monkeys on the monkey bars!

I love this picture, for some reason he looks way too big to be able to do this.

Pretend birthday party is what they play in this spot. :)

This Saturday afternoon going to the park.

Deep thought

That's my beautiful boy!!!

The Zoo on the Last Day of 2011

2012-01-06T23:13:00.000-06:00

December 31st we met Sara for breakfast at one of our favs, Breadwinners. Loved getting to see one of our bffs! Then, onto the Dallas Zoo we went for a family outing. The kids did well the first half seeing the penguins, elephants, zebras, giraffes, & a couple lions. I thought going on a monorail ride would be a good idea & everyone seemed eager to ride until we actually got onto the train ride & had both kids melting down & then just mostly Emma Kate. UGH! Being a parent can be so joyous at times! We left after a quick hour & 1/2 zoo visit due to " age 2 toddler-isms"
I did get capture some priceless moments with Brett & Jackson & the giraffe. :)

Love this pic with my *happy* girl!

Elephant drinking water...so neat!

Daddy pointing out zebras

Up close with the giraffes

Little skeptical...

BH feeding the tall friend :)

Jackson liking him :)

Petting time

Giggles!

My new fav of my boys together!!

My loves taking a stroll :)

Climbing (this is why she got mad at us for making her stop climbing & going to see more zoo animals)

Monorail time

Very beginning & happy...

After eating a good dinner EK got a dessert cookie treat. This girl loves cookies!

Eating on her "Mia plate" that her very good friend, Mia gave her for her 2nd bday. She loves using it!

Jackson not so into cookies. haha!

2012 Resolutions- Putting It In Writing

2012-01-03T21:44:00.000-06:00

2011 has passed. Great year overall! Highlights were: March- Jackson turned one! April- Emma Kate turned two! June- Jackson met his only great-grandparent, Grandma Cleo. July- sold our old house & moved into our new one in Castle Hills neighborhood. August- both kids started Mother's Day Out program at CLC Prestonwood.
Then, the last few months of the year hit us hard...as in our 2 toddlers hit a very challenging age/stage. EK is smack dab in the middle of her 2's. Yikes!! Jackson is 3 months away from being 2. Yikes!!
I try to remind myself of the quote "this too shall pass." I want my babies to stay small forever, however it's a challenging time with the not listening, fighting, & toddler meltdowns for no apparent reason.

Okay that's the background for this post. Here are my 2012 New Year's Resolutions for this (maybe, quite possibly challenging year):
1. Try to be patient & calm with my children. Teach them right/wrong & good choices vs bad choices to the best of my ability.
2. Lose my "baby weight" aka 10 lbs (even though 15 lbs would be awesome!)
3. Run a spring half marathon (goes with #2)
4. Don't turn the big 3-0... Ugh guess thats inevitable. :(
5. Remember all year that this marks the 10 year anniversary I met my love. (May 2002 in Birmingham, Alabama)

Now it's official because it's in print. Bring it 2012!

Christmas Day @ Lolly & Pop's

2011-12-31T15:24:00.000-06:00

This is my final Christmas post. After our family of 4 Christmas we headed over to my parents house around 10am. The kids got more gifts, including their big gift that I think all us adults were most excited about the reactions from!
Best of all, it was my turn for Christmas...I was certainly not forgotten about! Mom & Dad hooked us all up. I scored an ipad (good call Stan!), red KitchenAid mixer, a William Sonoma crock pot, earrings, pretty wine glass & candle, & Uggs. Must have been good this year!
The kids took naps & then my Dad's side of the family, The Ley's came over for Christmas dinner. Wonderful hoilday!!

Where is that present?!?

Both kids had to immediately lay down on their new nap mats! :)

Barbie suitcase

Woody

Buzz

Big Sissy baby

Mickey Mouse trainset

Christmas is tiring!

Lolly & Pop's gift from us

Canvas of each g-baby!

Time to see the big gifts...cars!!

Not exactly sure about the driving aspect of it yet.

Taking another spin after her nap.

Talking to Pop all about the cars.

Making music with Logan. He's our future rockstar in the family!

Gracie holding J Man

Logan playing his new guitar (his 8th one!)

Pop & Jack

Jackson wanted to help Gracie & Hannah open gifts.

Merry Christmas To All & To All a Good Night!

Christmas Morning 2011

2011-12-31T14:28:00.000-06:00

Our Christmas morning started with Brett & I up at 7am thinking Emma Kate & Jackson would be up any minute or maybe already...fast forward 30 minutes later until they awoke, which found us laying back down in bed ha! The first thing they did was see all the gifts Santa had left (anything unrapped & sitting out is from Santa). Jackson's Big Wheel was a big hit! Next, were the stockings in the living room. Lastly for our little fam Christmas is opening up gifts from Mommy & Daddy. We decided to do 3 gifts per child like Jesus was given. (sidenote: EK has 4 wrapped boxes because Bitty Baby & her starter kit went together.) As you can tell our kids are very blessed & I felt that 3 gifts with a true meaning behind why 3 gifts are given is an important lesson for the true reason for Christmas. It's such a special time to see Christmas through the eyes of your children!

Christmas Eve leaving out Santa's treats

A little sleepy still...

Santa gifts

Showing Mommy what Santa left her.

Princess with a Princess purse

Bouncing ball fun!

Big sister likes the Harley big wheel just as much as Jack!

Loves playing music so this was a hit!

Nash taking it all in.

Now he's awake & pushing all the loud buttons!

Stocking time

Big girl needs more big girl panties.

Care Bears coloring book brings a smile!

Jackson's 3 gifts

Emma Kate's gifts

She got the pink dollhouse she had asked for. (now putting it together is a task in itself!)

Wow!

Strong man!

Bitty Baby from American Girl! Yay!

Arkansas/Hagedorn Christmas

2011-12-31T13:39:00.000-06:00

We headed to Arkansas Wednesday-Saturday morning for Brett's side of the family Christmas(s). Overall, great visit! Wednesday evening we had our annual "FriendsMas" with our bff's from college at Jamie & Mark's house. All 10 of us were together plus our 2 little people! Jamie made an A-mazing dinner with many courses. :)
Thursday- I took the kids up to Northwest Arkansas for a play date with one of my best friends, Andrea & her sister, Alli, & her kiddos, Russell (2), & baby Evelyn (3 months). Alli was SO nice to have us over to play with ALL Russell's toys. The kids loved it!
Friday- Not one, but TWO Hagedorn family Christmas(s)! Lots of playing with cousins, running around, & opening gifts. We ended the night at Chuck E Cheese, which was EK & Jackson's first time there. Both loved running all around & seeing everything!
Saturday- our car was packed to the MAX as we headed back home.
We forgot our camera so all I have are iphone pics. Enjoy!!

Lunch/running break from the car ride

pit stop in OK

"FriendsMas 2011" playing the piano with Daddy & Mark :)

James singing her heart out in a duet with Mark haha!!

worn out after our play date at Alli's house :)

Playing with cousins (minus Taylor & Zack who weren't there yet.)

Ring Around the Rosey

Reading before bedtime (this makes all the tough times alright!)

View at Brett's dad & Adele's lakehouse...so peaceful

All 7 Hagedorn grandkids (plus Brett because EK wasn't letting him go)

It's JESSIE!!!

EK playing with Zack (4) & Lily (3)

Pretty pumped about the Chuck E Cheese show & dancing along!

Saturday morning saying bye to Grandpa at their clock. She loved watching it & hearing the noises!

Packed FULL!

So tired...holding Woody of course!

Christmas Family Photo 2011

2011-12-25T21:18:00.000-06:00

In November, we had Shayla & Kevin Jiles take our family pictures this year for our Christmas card. I thought there was nooooo way she caught one of us 4 together, however Shay came through for us & captured a beautiful family picture for us! Now getting a picture of Emma Kate & Jackson at the same time...didn't happen. I wanted to share some of my favs. Merry Christmas!!

Emma Kate's First Movie Outing

2011-12-25T21:07:00.000-06:00

I took Sis to a movie the day before we left for Arkansas. It was just a Mommy EK date!! And we saw The Muppets!! My heart couldn't have been filled anymore!

On our way in!! :)

Quick pic inside

Stunned & amazed

She ate popcorn & m&m's the entire time.

Toy Story cartoon in the previews made my Toy Story Fan happy

M&M face afterwards!! Too Cute!!

Prestonwood's Christmas Event

2011-12-24T21:25:00.000-06:00

Last weekend, Prestonwood Church (where the kids go to MDO) hosted a Christmas Kid's Event all weekend long. We headed there after naps on Saturday. It was such a neat & great Christmas event!! Plus, free!! They had stations set up for all the kids...crafts, Santa pictures, cookie decorating, story time, face painting, & a live Nativity! Emma Kate & Jackson really enjoyed all these activities, which was fun for Brett & I to take them around to. Afterwards, we had a nice family dinner & stopped by the Castle Hills HUGE Christmas tree on our way home. Emma Kate wanted to get out & see it so we thought photo opt...little dark, but they liked running around outside by the tree!!

Petting the lamb

Craft time

Santa pic with 2 kids NOT going to sit on Santa's lap!

Not this year, Santa! Sorry!

A high five though!!

Cookie decorating time!

First time to get their face painted!

interested brother

Sitting SO still!

yay brother!!

Boys looking at the sheep

Blowing them kisses bye-bye

Giving Mama love!

Castle Hills tree

Bedtime getting books read to them

Dinner showing off the face painting

:))

Emma Kate's Happy Bday Jesus Party!!

2011-12-24T20:23:00.000-06:00

Last Thursday was Emma Kate's last day of Mother's Day Out for Christmas break. Her class had a "Happy Birthday, Jesus" party & parents were invited. Yay!! I got to be with EK in her class & celebrate! I love getting to do one-on-one special time with each of my kiddos! Plus, this was a first school party (of many yet to come!)
This party was too cute. The kids sang Jingle Bells, blew out a candle for Jesus, retold the story in Bethlehem (she answered one of the questions correctly...made me proud!), decorated a cookie, had some snacks, & just enjoyed being with my girl. Brett & I are so thankful & happy that both kids have truly enjoyed their CLC Mother's Day Out thus far.

LOVE <3

Cousins Christmas

2011-12-20T14:55:00.000-06:00

It's tradition to have "Cousins Christmas" which consists of Katie (duh, she's the cousin), Aunt Barb, Uncle Steve, Mom, Dad, & my little fam. Oh and this year we had a great addition, Mac (Katie's bf). I asked to host at our house & cook THE WHOLE MEAL (big step!) We had a wonderful evening together! Lots of eggnog, food, & laughs!!!

Cousins <3

Aunt Katie & J Man

Mom & Aunt Barbie sippin their eggnog

Cleaning with company there...who's child is this?!? Ha!!

Jackson's turn

Making the ladies laugh

Time for gifts

Thanks Aunt Katie for the books & dvd!

She wanted to read her new book right then :)

A trampoline from Barbie & Steve!! Happy kids!!

Jump Jump Jump!!

And a rocker fit for a Princess!!

The next morning jumping & rocking each other we're what these 2 did.

Thank you Barbie, Steve, & Kates xoxo

December Happenings

2011-12-16T15:04:00.000-06:00

This post is to share a few things we've been up to in December...

Riding our horse & lamb

Painting

Meeting our Elf on the Shelf... he was given the name Mr. Jingle Bells

Snuggling

Making & Decorating Christmas Cookies

Having a picnic lunch while watching a movie (Toy Story 2 of course!)

Rock-A-Baby as Emma Kate & Jackson say

Mommy finished the 7 gifts for MDO teachers

"Jingle All the Way" :)

Santa Visit

2011-12-15T19:07:00.000-06:00

Jenn, our friend/super realtor invited us to her company, Virgina Cook's Santa Event a couple Saturdays ago. Santa was there to take pictures with the kids (no waiting in a long mall line whooo!), cookies, & a craft. Brett & I went to his work Christmas party the night before, so the kids spent the night at Lolly & Pop's Friday night. I had started talking to Emma Kate about the Santa visit a few days prior. Each time she told me "I'm not taking a picture with Santa, Jack will." So we didn't have high hopes to a "perfect" Santa pic. Overall, it went okay...Emma Kate didn't have an all out meltdown, but I couldn't put her down & she cried a little bit. Jackson just wanted to open doors & run around (typical!) Thanks Jenn for having us!! :)

Love this pic of us together!! <3

Happy about the cookies

(our iphone picture with Santa...professional pic to come later)

This sums up our life with 2 active toodlers...

The night before...ready for Brett's work party.

Pioneer work party 2011 @ Four Seasons

Fun time with my man!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

2011-12-06T22:42:00.000-06:00

Putting up Christmas took a week around here this year & here are the pics to illustrate it. Emma Kate enjoyed helping & likes to see the tree every day.

Flashback to last Christmas prep (2010-Jackson's first)

Pintrest idea...Emma Kate liked running up & down helping!

finished :)

LOVE <3

Daddy & Jackson checking it out.

After bath hugs :))

Cute hiney & chubby legs :)

New mantle piece (before lights)

Nighttime

Decorating her little tree...so focused.

Every holiday decorating event has a toddler meltdown right?!?

My girl & I looking at her snowglobe from Daddy

Thanks Daddy!

Ladder fun while Mommy finished the ribbon on the tree

My boy & I :)

True Love (when they aren't fighting ha!)

Tickles

"Can I put them on yet???"

First ornament on the tree by EK & Daddy

This is what Jackson was doing!

Our Christmas tree 2011

Merry Christmas!!!

The End of Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-03T22:56:00.000-06:00

Friday morning reading a book to Mommy. Good Night Gorilla. :)

Jackson joining in.

Giggles!!

He's clapping for sister reading!

Friday Mama got to have a Girls/Cousin Afternoon. Starting with Dry Bar appointment, then mani/pedi, & ended with cocktail & sushi dinner. Thanks for a great time, Katie & Nicole! <3 you!!

Nicole & I with our Dry Bar do's

Saturday, we had lucnh with some favorite friends who were in town Sara, Greg, & Emily. Yay!!

Walking out with one of my guy BFF's, Greggers. Just makes me smile so big!!

Thanksgiving (Part 2)

2011-12-02T15:37:00.000-06:00

These pictures are all from Thanksgiving Day. We dropped off food I made at my parents house & took the kids to the park that morning to wear them out for good naps. In the car they reached for each other...MELT ME!!

YAY!! Aunt Barbie is UP!!

cousins

Ready to color! Both kids never looking at the same time...

Now Emma Kate looking.

Serious coloring!

Playing outside time

Chatting with cousin Chase

Nicole had a little nap after all the good food. :)

Pop's garage is a fun place to play :)

Smile Mom!

Jack loooves iphones or ipads..."I push it. I push it" he says over & over!

Thankful for Thanksgiving 2011 (Part 1)

2011-11-30T15:23:00.000-06:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving week. I say week because we had lots of special company throughout last week & it reminded me of exactly what I'm thankful for this year.

~ The health & well-being of my children, family, & friends. ~

2 weeks ago, my Aunt Barb & Uncle Steve (Katie's mom & Dad) were in a motorcycle accident while on a ride in Arkansas. It was a bad accident with many injuries (broken collar bones, cracked ribs & hip, a punctured lung, & broken bones in the pelvis between both of them.) However, they are alive & truly that's all we cared about! They arrived back in Dallas after being in a Little Rock Hospital for 6 days. Now they are both home & recovering. Seeing them at Thanksgiving made me so very thankful for the health of everyone I love!

Back to Thanksgiving week....we took lots of pictures throughout the week so I'm going to break them up in multiple posts. This Part 1 I'm going to post pics with Cousin Nicole in town! Nicole is Aunt Barb's nephew,s daughter. She's 17 & lives in Georgia. We were all so excited that she begged & made it happen with her parents to come spend Thanksgiving here with us. She stayed with us one night & the rest with Katie. I tried to snap as many pics with her & the kids. They both loved Nicole!!

Brett's 31st Bday

2011-11-24T22:39:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday was Brett's birthday. I had been telling the kids all week that Daddy's birthday was coming up. Emma Kate likes knowing whose bday it is & singing the song. Her & I went to Shops of Legacy eariler that week to buy him a vintage looking Mavs shirt as one of his gifts & she enjoyed picking it out. Plus trying on like 20 hats in the store!
We also had a full house that weekend too. Grandpa Gene, Adele, & Amanda came to visit us. It was really great having them here! Saturday, I made some game-day snacks while the guys watched the Razorback game & us girls headed out to the mall. Sunday, we ate breakfast out at IHOP, played at the park in the morning. When the kids woke up from their long naps, we went to pick up a cookie cake for Brett & ride the horseys. We got a "wild hair" and decided to go to Benihana for his bday dinner. It was the kids first time there. They did pretty well & enjoyed the cook right in front of us!

Playing out back Friday evening

Emma Kate was having lots of fun playing ball with everyone!

Giving Granpa rocks.

Playing with Amanda

MOST.BEAUTIFUL.BOY.EVER

Trying on hat at the mall :)

MOST.BEAUTIFUL.GIRL.EVER

They LOVE each other!!!

Birthday present time!

"Daddy, do you like your gifts?"

AHHHHHH Jack.... you melt me!!!

"Cool stuff, Grandpa"

November Park Day(s)

2011-11-21T22:18:00.000-06:00

My kids LOVE the park & we've been taking advantage of the weather staying warm enough to still go outside & play there. Having 2 active toddlers means my hands are full. I made a point to take the camera with me when my parents came to play with us this past week. Emma Kate (now 2 1/2) is fearless outside. She runs, jumps, slides, climbs, & truly enjoys being outside playing. Jackson (20 months now) is doing so much at the park now. Mostly running & sliding. I really enjoy watching them play at the park these days!! Pretty presh! Pics from 11-15-11.

Happy!

Emma Kate requested that Pop follow her through the tunnel & tunnel slide. Haha!!

Kisses for Lolly :)

Melts my heart <3

Wants so bad to do the monkey bars full across...

Once a child, always a child! He'll never grow up! :)

The Sheehan Girls Came to Play

2011-11-11T21:59:00.000-06:00

Today, we had our good friends, Ashley, Mia, & baby Cate over to play & see our new casa. It's been too long! We had a great time catching up, watching the kiddos play, & dancing to Yo Gabba Gabba. I wish Emma Kate & Mia had the same MDO schedule so we could find more time to play together, like the old days at the Train Park in Allen. :)
I've been a blog slacker lately because I've been forgetting to take the camera out for pictures so I did snap just a few this morning.

Dance party!

Mia has always had a special spot for "baby Jackson!" LOVE!!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T21:27:00.002-05:00

This year was the first Halloween we took the kids Trick or Treating. Our neighbors with 2 boys around our kids ages asked us to go with them. A 2 1/2 year old & 1 1/2 old are quite different at this whole thing...Jackson aka Mickey Mouse wasn't interested. He either wanted to run away from us or be held. Towards the end he did go up to 2 houses. :)
Emma Kate held hands with Zane (our 3 1/2 old neighbor) & followed his lead with the Trick or Treating. She was too cute! Except that she would linger at the door haha! We got home at 7:30, which is normally their bedtime, did quick baths, & to bed. :)
Pics were few with a refusing toddler aka Minnie at the beginning.

Jackson's Castle Hills Playgroup Halloween party on Friday. 10-28-11

Halloween Day strolling together @ Costco.

Thanks Aunt Amy, Uncle Brad, Taylor, & Zack for our goodies, including play-dough. :)

Our only attempt at a family pic...

Minnie!!

Too sweet!

First house!!

My loves walking

Our kids wouldn't simply walk by the park without a little play time. :)

Jackson's first house! Emma Kate was proud to have him there!

Castle Hills Fall Festival 10-22-11

2011-10-28T15:06:00.000-05:00

The Hagedorn's went to the first day of the neighborhood Fall Festival & it was a wonderful event! It was held in the CH Shops area. They had a live band playing, a petting zoo, bounce houses, a bouncey slide, dress up area, & a hay ride. The neighborhood is so family oriented & this event showed that. Emma Kate spotted the bouncey slide & did that over & over & over until we made her go see other things. Jackson is still a bit too young to do everything, so he liked walking all around with Daddy. Both kids enjoyed the animals! It was VERY crowded & they needed lots more bounce houses, slide, etc. Just SO many KIDS here!! Shout out to Brett for taking pics & catching the kids having fun! :)

Baby Girl is 2 & 1/2 (and not so baby anymore)!!!

2011-10-27T21:44:00.001-05:00

The title is all the truth. Emma Kate turned 2 1/2 today, which means she's now closer to 3 than 2...ohhhh my! And I'm reminded daily that she's not my tiny & dainty 6 pound 13 ounce baby that was placed in my arms 30 months ago. She is a funny, beautiful, smart, verbally gifted, strong-willed, moody (at times!), sometimes challenging girl! 3/4 of the time this is my favorite stage of Emma Kate's life & the other 1/4 of the time it's tough having a 2 year old...but it is what it is & I wouldn't change it. :)
Today, Emma Kate had a busy day. At MDO it was "Donuts with Dads" & the Noah's Ark Parade where the kids dress as animals. This morning she was in a bit of a "mood" hence only 2 pics in her cat costume before she left. Brett reported back with me after "Donuts with Dads" & said she was shy & quiet while he was there. Maybe it was the different type of activity of having all the Dads there in the classroom. However, she did fully enjoy her donut & asked for another. :)
When I picked her up she still had on the cat costume (yay to no accident at school today!). I took her to the bakery to buy cupcakes for the 2 1/2 year old celebration after dinner tonight. Then, we spent the rest of the afternoon watching Care Bears & Toys Story 3 since it was a cold rainy day. Here at the pics from today. :)

Emma Kate- I love you forever, like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be! xoxo

Does this face explain the 2 1/2 year old "mood"?!?!

A little smile with Daddy :)

Lovin that donut!

Afternoon at home. Quick pic with Mommy.

Watching Toy Story 3 with Lolly in the movie room.

Now that's MY GIRL!!

Brother loved the cupcake too. :)

It's pretty cute lately anytime you say "Emmmmmaaa" in a special voice he cracks up laughing. This is the result again!

Pretend blowing out the candle. :)

Daddy with his babies

Cupcakes make everyone happy!

Wrapping up the day with milk & reading books.

Park Time with Good Friends

2011-10-26T21:55:00.000-05:00

We go to the park many times every week now that we moved to Castle Hills & have so many within walking distance. However, Friday morning we had a fun park play date planned. We met up with my good friend, Katie (we taught together @ Borchardt & ran my 1st half marathon with...Katie was the only way I made it through that race. Thanks friend for being so tall & skinny & leading the way!)

Katie's baby boy is Carter. His due date was after Jackson's , but Carter was very anxious to join the world early (in Feb.)

Anyways, we enjoy our time when we do get to catch up & play together. We had a wonderful time playing at Frisco Commons Park on a beautiful Fall morning. Emma Kate played in the sand mostly, Carter & Jackson played & stuck close to us (mamas boys...love.)

I snapped a few pics on our way out on my phone that melted my heart.

Family Pumpkin Patch Visit

2011-10-21T15:02:00.000-05:00

Sunday morning Brett suggested we go to a Pumpkin Patch in Flower Mound (like 15-20ish mins away). We threw outfits on the kids, ourselves, got the diaper bag ready, & off we went. This place had bounce houses, a bouncey slide (Ek loves!), hay rides, other rides, animals, horse rides (okay, ride in a circle.) It turned out to be hotter than expected so we only stayed for an hour, which was plenty of time to wear us all out! Overall, a fun family fall outing!! Enjoy all the pics. :)

First stop a Mickey picture!

Jumping & bouncing

Off he goes...

Another bouncey.

Staring very intently on the animals. The big black pig is right there.

Emma Kate's 1st time on a horse!!

Getting comfortable & giving him pets.

Priceless memory :))

Going for a ride in a barrel pulled by a golf cart...kinda funny sight.

Biased, but the MOST BEAUTIFUL people I've ever laid eyes on!!!

Fun take-off

He's trying to find Daddy following along.

EK spotted him.

"Look Jack there he is with that camera again."

One last slide before heading out (with a slight fit being carried to the car not wanting to leave!)

First Fallish Attire

2011-10-20T21:41:00.000-05:00

Okay silly post, but to me it truly neverrrrrr felt like it was going to get cool around here after the hot temps we've had this summer. It finally happened this week, those fall temps came! It feels refreshing!
Today the kids actually wore fall clothes so Brett snapped a few pictures before Emma Kate went to MDO & Jackson had his mama to himself day.

Also, another milestone Jackson @ 19 months old started saying a 4 word phrase yesterday. He turned & handed me something & said "there you go Mama." Ahhhhhh!!! Melt me!!!

Ready for the day :)

Happy for school! Warms my heart!

While EK is a school on Thursday, it's Jackson/Mama time. We stopped at Market Street for a few items to make dinner with & I heard that they have kid sized carts so I thought it would be fun & something I could only do with one child in tow. Needless to say he loved his cart & thought he was pretty big time!

2 Saturday Recaps

2011-10-19T21:02:00.000-05:00

I couldn't come up with a clever title for this post so it's just straight to the point. :)
2 weeks ago Brett's Mom aka Gramma came down to visit us & see the new house. There was lots of playing, playing, & more playing. We made a park trip on Saturday. Later that day, I took Emma Kate to a friend's birthday party from "nastics" & then we had a family dinner at the mall. A Merry-Go-Round ride first of course!
And these next few pics are from when Gramma gave Emma Kate & Jackson a Halloween treat.

At Gracie's birthday party. This girl LOVES cupcakes!

Boys on the Merry-Go-Round

Girls :)

This past Saturday, I woke up bright and early to do Race for the Cure in celebration of a good friend, Jenn. She's been bff's with my cousin, Katie since middle school. She is A-mazing!! Diagnosed with breast cancer at 24 & now cancer free for 3 years!! True survivor!! We walked the whole 5K because it was SO crowded & then had a lovely brunch at Jenn's house afterwards.

During the race/brunch Brett was holding down the fort with EK & Jack. He took lots of sweet pics of them playing out back (random thought...we LOVE having a backyard to play & run around in.)

Katie, Jenn, & I @ brunch. 3 years & going strong!! Go JENN! <3

Jack happily playing outside.

Stacking blocks

EK's serious pose. I think she's breathtaking!

These 2 are soooo into rocks.

Catching brother sliding...

A tackle finish! Both laughing of course!

My 1st DIY Post

2011-10-14T14:21:00.000-05:00

My blog isn't a DIY (Do It Yourself), food recipes, I'm ridiculously creative & want to show others all my creations kind of blog. But I have been a bit more creative lately because of Pinterest (so many great ideas & pics) plus we're in a new house & I have new space to decorate. Here's one project I've done lately. We wanted to make a "picture wall" in the playroom with various frame sizes to display the THOUSANDS of pics we have taken. I bought the alphabet print at TJ Maxx for $20 bucks & decided that would be the center. We had all these brown frames, but I needed black to match. Soooooo I primed & painted them black. Easy way to not spend the extra cash rebuying black ones. :)
Hard part was going through our gazilion pictures & narrow it down to 30 or so. Thankfully, Brett tackled the organizing of the "puzzle" of frames & hanging them up. Hanging things can be a beating!! Especially doing this with your spouse (no offense babe!) Measuring, keeping them straight, not too close together, not too far etc etc....so I got the heck outta his way & left Brett alone while hanging. When I woke up it was all done! Thanks love!!

Priming first

Gotta have a cute helper!

Making good use of the tricycle basket :)

Then 2nd child woke up from naptime ready to "help" :)

Totally frame worthy!

Started brown....now all black.

Picture Wall all done in playroom!! (still a few crooked, but we'll get them fixed)

Up close left side

Middle

Right side

Arboreteum Trip #2

2011-10-07T21:59:00.000-05:00

Aunt Katie was off work this week so Monday us four went to the Arboreteum. Pumpkins galore, running around, Cinderella's carriage, & a picnic lunch summed up our visit. :)

"Mom, were ready to go!"

1st Nikes = big boy!

Beautiful girl, beautiful pumpkins :)

Truly a Princess!!

Princess & Prince Charming<3

True LOVE

Doing an EK dance ha!

Jumping in Belle/Beast castle.

LOVE the Arboreteum!! Thanks for another beautiful visit!!

Potato Head Pumpkins

2011-10-06T13:32:00.000-05:00

Sunday the little fam headed up to Kroger so the boys could grocery shop & the girls could go find pumpkins & the fun decorations. I worked on a DIY project in the backyard (that will be a later blog post) & when both kids woke up from nap time we decorated their pumpkins. Emma Kate really liked the potato head Princess & Pirate pumpkins! Jackson was not extremely interested, but he has been walking by the pumpkin on the table this week saying "pumpkin."

Holding her Princess pumpkin's hand :)

Wooo Pig Sooie!

2011-10-05T16:52:00.001-05:00

Saturday, Brett & I got lucky again this year with box seats to the Arkansas vs A&M game. My mom was so nice to tell us to go tailgate & to the game while she watched the kids. Game time was early this year (11am). We wanted to meet up with Brett's crew to tailgate so it was an early Saturday for us! Dropped the kids off at Lolly & Pop's @ 7:45ish, got gas & Starbucks, & made it to tailgate by 9am. Really fun time tailgating, having numerous mimosas, & hanging out with friends we don't get to see often. Then the game...we were down the whole game UNTIL the 4th quarter where we went ahead to win!! Razorbacks 42 Aggies 38 :) Such a fun game and really nice to spend time with my Brettster. :)

<3 <3

Tailgating crew. Thanks Jess & Katie for letting us join!

Happy Razorback Fans!

My little Razorbacks before we left the house. :))

Snuggle or a tackle can't tell!

Happy Fall Ya'll! 2011 First Fall Weekend

2011-10-05T16:17:00.000-05:00

October is here & that means Fall time! Since we've had kids I really enjoy Fall a lot more. There are so many fun activities during this season! Our first fall event is usually the State Fair of Texas & this year was no different. Friday was opening day of the fair we were there! The Hagedorn's plus wonderful Sara made our usual rounds. #1 Dog Show #2 have our annual picture drawn #3 see the animals #4 eat fair food #5 Get the tired children home before they pass out asleep in the car. Another successful fair visit with priceless memories! See ya next year, Big Tex!

Hagedorn 4!

Ready for the Fair!

waiting for the dog show to start

Always attempting family pics, however both kids usually never look at the same time.

Our entertainment before the dog show started. :)

Now sit very still to have our pic drawn :)

The few moments that both kids were sitting still & looking at the lady. Oh mama isn't looking ha!

She draws the kids first so they can get down to run around. Smart move!

The 5th annual Hagedorn Fair Pic!! Makes me smile!

"Okay, Mom take me to the animals!"

Baby Goat with my Baby

Just too stinkin cute!

Emma Kate much more afraid & cautious (hence why mama was holding her.)

Mister Camel behind us.

She warmed up to the baby zebras. I mean seriously how could you not like these cute animals?!

saying hi

Sooooo interested in the piglets getting milk from their mama.

Still staring...

Jackson found a map & knows where he's from!

Then Arkansas because it hold s a special place in our hearts!

Texas born & bred!

My fav & always a must...turkey leg!

Jack, Sara, EK, & BH having fair. Flecher's corn dog, hot dog, potato chips, fried cookie dough, & fried cheesecake. YUM!

Love ya, Aunt Sara!

Arboreteum Part 2 Pics

2011-09-29T21:56:00.000-05:00

More pics...

SAME EXACT WALK! Love it!

Our Beauty!!

running to daddy :)

Saying hi to Mommy.

First Fall Arboreteum Visit (Part 1 Pics)

2011-09-29T21:28:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday, our family of 4 headed down to a place we enjoy, the Dallas Arboreteum. Half of Dallas was there with their kids too. Pumpkins galore!! Still kinda hot, but we had a lovely time there together & the kids loved having a picnic lunch there. Can't wait to go back for another visit!

Emma Kate @ 29 months old

Playing with pumpkins like drums

Sometimes you have to stop & smell the flowers. :)

Jackson @ 1 1/2 years old

Climbing the "pumpkin mountain."

LOVE!

My boys together & EK waving hi back to us. :)

Of course, she made a new friend on the "mountain."

MY.NEW.FAV

Joy Box

2011-09-17T14:14:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday when I picked up the kids from MDO Emma Kate's teacher, Ms. Lois told me that she got the Chapel Angel Award! Of course, I had no clue what this really was, but any award is exciting & makes me proud! On her daily report card I get it often says that she enjoys Chapel & singing to the songs. She got a award card & then the "Joy Box" came home with us. We had "homework" assignment to have back by next class (Thursday.)

The plan was to do the Joy Box on Wednesday night. Tuesdays after both kids go to MDO means they're both exhausted so I didn't want to attempt this. Wednesday Sara was staying with us because her AC went out...yay sleepover fun times! Then, Brett called me late afternoon & said he got invited to the Rangers game in a suite. Sara so nicely filled the other parent role by taking pictures & videoing the Joy Box activity. Thanks Sara!!
The directions were: gather the family, say a prayer, listen to the worship cd provided, read a story from the toddler Bible provided, & then write in the journal about the experience.
The Joy Box was a BIG hit! Emma Kate loved singing & dancing to the music that she hears in Chapel & both kids enjoyed listening to the story of Jesus birth & Noah's Ark.

Reading the directions

Yay I'm ready!

Dancing her little heart out!

Bopping all around!

Time to read our stories

Jack "let me seeeee!"

EK was talking to us about all the animals in Noah's Ark

AMEN!!!