Big News!!!!

OK, some of you already know, but I have been waiting to mention it until I could talk with my current employer. I put in my notice this week at work. I am going to go work for another company in the schools! I am very excited about being off with the kids when they are off! No more babysitters or child care worries!!!! Yeah!!!! When the schools are closed, I am off!!! We will be so water logged in the summers. This summer I may have to work some because what will happen is I will be considered full time at 20 hours per week. They will then spread out my paychecks across the summer, too, so I will have a consistent paycheck each pay period. So, since I would not have worked much leading up to this summer, I may have to work a little extra. I am a little sad to leave my current job because I do really enjoy working there. I love my kiddos and my co-workers. I will miss them. And, I haven't done school age in FOREVER so I hope I can adjust quickly. Thanks to you all who knew I was considering the move and prayed me through it. It has been a bit stressful as my work did counter and I had to decline. But, they were really nice and understood it was a decision based on what was best for my family.

I hope everyone is well and hasn't been plagued with the various flu's going around. We have been very lucky, however, today I have come down with quite a sore throat. I have had so many of my patients at work coughing in my face all week, it is a miracle that I have not come down with anything.

We are looking forward to the weekend. I have a "Mom's Night Out" tomorrow night and will be going with a group of mom's to dinner and a movie. Saturday morning, Hailey has a basketball game at 9:00!!!!! And we will finally get to celebrate Madison's birthday (due to illnesses) Saturday afternoon. So far, no new jump rope performances scheduled. As soon as I hear, I will post those, too. Have a great weekend, and I will try to get those Valentine pics up this weekend.

Biggest Loser Update

Not much to report....I did loose one more pound for a total of 12 now. I would like to loose at least 2 more pounds before my trip, though. Hopefully I can pull it off. Several of you have commented or e-mailed me about what I am doing to loose. I am doing a diet that has worked all three times I have started it. Everyone that I know that I give it to looses also. It is from a pharmaceutical company called Gate Pharmaceuticals and you can go online to download the diet. I do the 1200 calorie diet. It is just portion control and balanced meals. You don't have to cut a food group out...Yeah for CARBS!!!! I went to Wal-Mart and bought a little $3.00 scale to weigh my food. I charted me food for 2 weeks straight (just counting the calories and fat grams). After about 2 weeks I pretty much know what and how much I can have without having to look or right it down. Anyway, I go by that diet and pick foods that I can have more of such as fresh fruit vs. canned or frosted flakes vs. Grape Nuts, etc. I also try to pick foods that have lots of fiber and protein. If the food is not listed on the diet printout, then I go by the serving size on the package. I have also almost completely cut out cokes. I am only drinking about one coke per week and surprisingly, have not really missed it all that much. It was hard at first but I gradually weaned myself off of them. If you have trouble viewing the diet, let me know and I can mail you a copy. I am also exercising like crazy. All the other times before when I dieted, I did not have to exercise quite this much. I guess because I am getting older, I have had to kick it up a notch. I am doing an hour on the treadmill (power walk a mile, jog a mile, for 4-5 miles)5-6 days a week and then doing about 30 minutes of additional crunches, arms, and push ups about every other day after the treadmill. It is difficult to schedule that time into my day and my housework has seen the brunt of it but oh well, at least I am feeling better about MYSELF, I won't want anyone to step into my house, though :) ! Brian has been really good to not complain and do the kids baths for me while I am exercising. If not, I don't know if I could have stuck with it. Anyway, that is it in a nutshell. You can do it if I can...I love food even when I am full. Let me know if you guys try it and how it is going for ya!

Catching You Up to Date

Well another busy weekend! Hailey had her jump rope for heart at 8:00 Saturday morning. Thanks so much to everyone who contributed! She raised $150.00!!!! She was thrilled! They jumped FOREVER and it was finally over at 10:00. We then headed over to Randy's to sign them both up for softball. Hayden will also be playing soccer. We will be busy but that is what kids are all about, right? After sign up, we headed to Stoby's for another breakfast/lunch and then home for Hailey to change uniforms. Then it was out the door to basketball. She did awesome this game!!! She made 6 baskets and was on fire! She is quite the defensive player! Her cousing Garret was watching on and a big motivator. She is so funny, after each good play or basket she would look at him to see if he was watching and she would try not to smile. It was so funny! She couldn't help herself, though. Garret came home with us after the game to play. The kids love to play with him and couldn't wait for him to get here. Mimi and PopPop came over and we all fixed nachos for dinner. The kids all helped cook and got to "build" their own nachos. They all thought they were wonderful and it is so easy to make!!! After dinner they got showers and then it was to the table for a good ole game of chickenfoot! Hailey and Garret actually won and were pretty excited about it. We baked cookies and then got them into bed before the Jermaine Taylor fight. It was a good fight, but, unfortunately, Jermaine lost again. Mimi stayed the night with us and they played awhile Sunday morning before Garret left for Peggy and Jimmy's house. It was a good visit and we hope to see him soon! One funny thing I have to mention, is that I was trying on some new clothes I had gotten the night before to show Brian. Garret asked me what I was doing (because I kept coming out in something different). I said I was trying my new clothes on for Uncle Brian. He said, embarassed, "Aunt Shannon, you are hot.....but you need a new hairdo!" OHHHHH I laughed and laughed! It was too funny! I told him he better watch it or I would sing him Rock-a-Bye-Baby that night! (Inside joke ....you have to scroll down to his last visit to get this) Garret always keeps us laughing!

Friday Night Shopping Trip

Friday night, my mom and I had a quick little shopping trip to LR. We went to the mall and we both got some really cute things. I got 4 new shirts for my trip and she got several cute things, too. We both need clothes so badly but won't buy them for ourselves. After cramming as much shopping into the night before the mall closed, we headed to one of our favorite restaurants, Carino's for dinner. It was a great night and a much needed girl night! Thanks Momma...I love you and always enjoy spending time together!

Valentine's Day

Hailey and Hayden Valentine's Morning with their Goodies!

Valentine's Day was pretty busy. The kids woke up and got to open their present. Hailey got a new Ty girl and Hayden got an E-Pet (which he left in Old Navy that night and it was never found again). The daythen started off by me Co-Chairing Hayden's class party. They had a great time and were all very sweet. They decorated bags, passed out invitations, played games, read a valentine book, and had cookies and ice cream. They had a blast. I then scooted out of there just as quick as I could to get to work. I worked for a couple of hours and then headed to Hailey's school for her party that I was in charge of. I have got to learn to say "NO!" Anyway, we played games and they had an ice cream sundae that they got to "build". I think everyone had a good time. They really enjoy the games at that age! Hailey loves for me to come and Hayden is so good to sit at Hailey's desk during the activities. I will post some pictures tomorrow so check back for those. My camera is in my car and I'm too lazy to go out and get it! But I will post them to this entry so you may have to scroll down to this entry to see them. After school we headed home to wait for Brian. We then went to our favorite Mexican restaurant with Linda and her boys. It was very good but we did have to wait quite awhile for our food. Thank goodness for cheese dip! Hope everyone had a great day!

Hayden and his buddy Allison

Hayden's Valentine Sack he made

Hayden and his ice cream and cookie

Hailey at her desk for her party

Opening up some treats

Biggest Loser Update and Schedule of Events

Hey everyone! I know I haven't posted in awhile but not too much to report. We have been busy but just the same ole' stuff! I have been up late working on the kids valentine's parties. I am doing Hayden's tomorrow from 9:00 to 10:00, rushing to work for a couple of hours, and then to Hailey's school to do her party from 1:30 till school's out. I am tired just thinking about it!!!! We have a busy weekend planned, too. Hailey is performing at UCA for the Jump Rope for Heart Fundraiser. It starts at 8:00 (uggh!!!) and she performs around 9:00 and it is over at 10:00. Then she has a basketball game at 12:00! Wow!!!! I am real excited about the jump rope performance because a middle school will be performing and UCA has a double dutch team that will be performing, too. Anyone who is interested, it is free. Should be fun, too! That evening we will be celebrating little Madison's 2 year birthday!!! Happy Birthday, Madison! On another note, we had weigh in today and I lost another 1 1/4 pounds!!! That brings my total up to 11 pounds in 6 weeks! I am pretty excited and hope to loose another 3-6 pounds before my trip. Wish me luck!

Happy Birthday, Hailey!!!

Eight years ago was one of the best days of our lives. It was the birth of our first child, Hailey Grace. She was just beautiful! She was born at 1:49 in the morning by C-Section after 2 hours of pushing and two days of attempted inducing/labor. She weighed 6lbs 7 oz and was just so tiny. She had blonde hair and peach fuzz all over her. Brian and I were amateurs but were pretty quick learners. I enjoyed my days with her by holding her most of the day. I just couldn't bring myself to put her down...I loved her so much! It was very hard to return to work and I only returned for 4 days a week which turned into three days and then two and then two half days. We were very blessed to be able to have me stay home as much as possible with her. Although we had our difficult and stressful period when things didn't make much sense, we made it through with the love and support of our family, friends and constant prayer from those who knew our situation. It is so hard to believe that my baby girl is now eight years old. I love her little bitty nose, her petite little hands and feet and I love the way she laughs when she gets really tickled. But my favorite thing is how she holds my hand and snuggles up to me, because those of you who know Hailey, know she is not a "touchy feely" child. It makes my heart melt. Hailey, you are so special to us. We are very proud of you for all your accomplishments and the hard work you put into everything you do. You are smart, talented, and beautiful. I couldn't imagine our lives without you and I pray everyday for God's protection around you and Hayden. We love you and hope you had a Happy Birthday!

It's a Girl!

Where's My Neck?

Snow Bunny
Sassy

Hailey's Favorites:

Restaurant: Mike's or Michaelangelo's

Momma's Specials: Parmesan Chicken

Movie: Gameplan or High School Musical

Activity: Playing Webkinz on Computer

Sports: Jump Rope, Softball, and Basketball

Playtime: Outside....jumping on trampoline, riding bikes, or digging in dirt

Drink: water or sweet tea

Breakfast: Chocolate Poptart of course!

Snack: Fudge Round

Jump Rope Performance

OK, today was Hailey's jump rope performance at Booker in LR. It was awesome! I tried to video the whole thing but it takes up alot of battery life so I would have to stop it every once in awhile to keep from having to change the batteries right in the middle of it. I hope you can view it. I am having trouble with the picture quality when I try to increase the size of the video. She is the little one with the long blonde ponytail! She really did a good job. She got to do an extra trick because one of the older girls was absent. It is the one where she is jumping around another girl who is jumping with the rope. They did their same routine but added alot more. She got to do her individual routine that she made up...you will see it, it is the closer up one of her doing several things in a row. It is truly entertaining to watch if any of you would like to come, not even just to watch Hailey but to watch all of them. It is unbelievable. We were standing up in a balcony level with several of the Booker staff and got to hear them and their comments about how great they all were. It was fun. She jumps again Sunday at Hendrix at 2:00 and it is free. The kids at Booker were cheering so loud and getting excited. It was almost like they were celebrities or something. Then at the end, the coach picked kids out of the crowd to get to come up and jump with the team. One teacher jumped, too. Then, as the kids were leaving the gym, the team stood at the exit and high five'd all the students as they walked out. It was too funny! Sorry, the clips are all broken up but the battery kept blinking on me. But you get to see most all of it. Afterwards, they all got to go eat lunch at McDonald's. Her coach told me he was so glad Hailey was on the team and that she is very good. What a nice compliment! OK, I'll shut up about it and let you watch! :) I'm just very proud of how hard she has worked!

OK, I had to take out some clips because it was taking waaaay too long to upload and Brian said it would use too much memory on the blog. I'm only allowed so many. So, I just kept ones where she has parts. I guess you all will just have to come see the whole thing for yourself! :)

Hayden's Homework

Hayden's teacher sent home a little "book" that they were to draw their own pictures about the Rainforest in. They have been doing a theme on the Rainforest and have had activities and their room decorated like a Rainforest. So, they were to draw things about the rainforest and then have their parents right down what they said it was, etc. It was too cute so I HAD to take some pictures of it to put on here. I was most impressed with his writing. He wrote all the words by himself! I mean I told him how to spell it and he knew how to make all the letters!!! I couldn't believe it. I knew he knew how to do his name and a few other letters but I would even tell him, it sounds like "K" (the sound) and he would say "oh, K ... I knew that!". He even knows upper and lower case and enjoyed mixing them up. They will be sharing them in circle time on Friday. Anyway, I was impressed so I wanted to share with you all....

Snake

Tiger, he even knew to do the stripes! He did yellow and black stripes and it bothered him that he used green for the outline of the (square shaped) body because it looked like a green stripe and they don't have green stripes.

Trees

Zebra

Butterflies

Tornadoes

Well, we escaped the bad weather last night. For those of you who do not live close, the weather has been crazy. The last two days have been in the 70's. Then last night, severe storms hit. So far, around 13 people have died due to tornadoes. All of the major news media are here videoing the devastated areas. We were so thankful to not be in the path of those tornadoes. We just had some wind and heavy rain for a few minutes and then it was gone. It was still pretty scary because Brian was out of town and the kids and I were GLUED to the TV! It passed and we were all safe...praise the Lord!

I was going to let you all know that channel 11 is doing a story on my workplace to be aired tomorrow and then viewed afterward on their website (www.todaysthv.com). Several of us therapists have recently gone to a training that is just working wonders with some of our children with autism. It is really neat to see the progress the kids, who were so aggressive and sometimes violent, have a means to communicate. My office mate is the one doing the interview(and I did her hair! :)) with a family who is just great and very involved in finding the best opportunities for their son with autism. Several of you have heard me preaching about it, but it is pretty interesting and we can't wait to all see the piece. Tune in if your interested!!!!

Biggest Loser Update

Not much to update, here. I lost another 3/4 #s to bring my total to 9 3/4! I knew this week would not be good. Too much cheatin'! Hopefully better numbers next week!

Happy Birthday Brian!!!!

Happy Birthday, Daddy. We love you!!!!

Today was Brian's birthday and we celebrated once he got home from work. I put on a roast with potatoes and onions (one of Brian's favorites) and the kids and I got busy making the chocolate birthday cake. They enjoyed it, but enjoyed licking the bowl afterwards even more! We ate dinner and then opened presents and had cake. I took the kids to the dollar store to let them pick out a gift for daddy from them. Actually, Hailey was still in school so Hayden picked hers out for her, too. I walked him immediately down the "manly" aisle first. The first thing he walked up to was a .....pedometer! Haha! He said, "I want this for daddy." I asked him if he even knew what it was and he said no. So, I told him it counts your steps when you're walking and he said, "I want to get that for daddy." So we did :) Then, he picked out some orange camo gardening-like gloves for him from Hailey. So, at least that was a little better. We collectively contributed to his "landscaping fund". He is saving up for some tree he has been wanting to plant a new flower bed in the back yard. Don't worry....I will have pics of it when it is finished! :) We had a great evening together and the kids were so excited to have our little "party". We love you, daddy, and hope you had a happy birthday!

I also realized I had some more pictures on my camera from jump rope the other day. So here they are.....

Well, after Hailey's basketball game on Saturday, we had a few hours to rest before time to go to her 1st Jump Rope performance at UCA. It was so cute! The video is not that great because I was trying to find her and record on my digital photo camera so their is just bits and pieces. They come out and take turns jumping in with another girl. Here it is her turn.....

Next, she and her little group go off to the side and a ton of jumping is going on all over the court. Her and her partner, Natalie, are jumping together and waiting for their cue to the next transition....

The third clip is when they all go back out into the middle and she does a few "tricks". It is pretty cute stuff....

The last clip is just of the ending. She has another performance Friday at around 9:30 at Booker School. I cannot wait to see her again. She did say that they will be working on a new routine soon. It is unbelievable what these kids can do. Next time, I will try and record some of the older ones too. I never knew you could do so much with a jump rope! Their coach is great too. We had someone stop us when we were leaving the basketball game to ask who was in charge and what school it was again. They were very impressed with what he has done and we are too. Oh, yeah, and Coach Sullivan really complimented Hailey to us saying she is doing really well and "is such an athlete". Yeah, go Hailey!!!! Congratulations on your first performance!

Here is a list of her next upcoming performances.....

Sun., Feb. 10th at 2:00 Hendrix

Sat., Feb. 16th TBA UCA Jump Rope for Heart

Upward Basketball Game

Hailey had another upward game Saturday morning....the morning after her slumber party. It was funny because she was playing against one of her longtime friends, Mariah (who was at the sleepover) and a friend from Sunday School, Holly. This is a clip of her working her way down the court with Holly guarding her.

Here is another quick clip of Hailey making a basket. You can't really see her but she is the one making the basket.

She really enjoys basketball and is pretty aggressive. She has another game this Friday night on her birthday. She is already talking about it!

Hailey's American Idol Birthday Party

Hailey's B-Day Party

We decided to have Hailey's birthday party on Friday night because next Friday (her real birthday) she has a basketball game. She wanted to have a slumber party so we wanted to have it on a Friday night. We got rid of the boys (and Frosty) and my momma came to help me with the girls...and thank goodness she did! Brian would probably not have been much help and Hayden was chasing the girls trying to kiss all of them! She had an American Idol party. It was alot of fun. We had six little girls. We had pizza first and then opened gifts. She got alot of great stuff....more webkins, webkins bags, a webkin holder, Hannah Montana karaoke CD, swim suit, DS Lite game, Ty girls, Gameplan DVD, and more. Next they went into the "dressing room" to pick out their wardrobe. We used Madison's stage and runway for their big appearance...thanks Madison! The girls were announced by their stage name and picked a song to sing. I was Simon and Mimi was Randy. Luckily, all the girls received a "Golden Ticket to Hollywood". Next they changed into another ensemble for their next song. Some performed duets, too. This time it was a contest for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and then individual awards such as "Best Vocals", "Best Performance", "Best Recording Voice", etc. They had a blast! Afterwards, we had cake and ice cream and then got ready for bed. The girls got into their sleeping bags and watched Gameplan before going to bed. This morning they woke up and had Krispy Kreme donuts and then started playing until time to be picked up. All in all, I think it was a great birthday and all went surprisingly well!

Hailey and Hannah's Duet

Hailey's Solo