Christmas w/Scott's family

On Friday the 21st, we went to Little Rock to Metta and Justin's house to have Christmas w/ Scott's sisters and their men. There was Bonnie (Scott's sister) and Jason, Metta and her fiancee Justin, Hallie (Derek was not there b/c he had to work-ughh), and our family. We exchanged gifts and had a mexican fiesta. We had so much fun!!! Thank ya'll for all the wonderful presents for the kids. They loved them all!!!! See the slideshow above for pictures.

Rauls family Christmas

Ok, I know this is late, but I wanted to get caught up on all my holiday activities.

We went to Rison on December the 22nd to spend some time with my family for Christmas. By the time everyone got there there were 15 people in my parent's house--8 adults and 7 kids. It was crazy to say the least, but so much fun. Scott got an 18 hour stomach bug, so he was sick for most of our stay:(. The kids played and fought the whole time. It was so nice to have everyone there and to visit. I know my parents were happy as well. We have so much to be thankful for. Thank you guys for a wonderful time and for all the presents. We are truly blessed!!

Santa visit

We decided to go to the mall on our way to Rison to get the kids picture with Santa. Everything sounded good to Brady until we got in line. He told us he didn't want to see him, but we thought he would be alright once he saw him up close. Well, as you can see from the picture Brady threw a FIT when he got close to Santa. Scott even tried to help by sitting with him. Abigail loved Santa. She told me that she didn't tell him what she wanted for Christmas b/c he didn't ask!!! Jackson was alright sitting in his lap until he actually looked at him. Once he saw Santa's face, his lips started quivering and then he started crying. Well, at least I got a couple pictures for my scrapbook.

Abigail's school Christmas party!!

Thursday afternoon I went to Abigail's school for her Christmas party. They decorated gingerbread houses and ate snacks. Santa even came by for a visit and they sang "Jingle Bells" with him. The kids had a lot of fun!!!

Brady's Preschool Christmas Program

Thursday morning Jackson and I went to Brady's Christmas program at his preschool. All the kids in his age group sang 4 songs including "Happy Birthday to Jesus" w/ a cake. Brady did so good. He even bowed after their last song. He is going to be quite the performer!!! He couldn't wait to give his teacher "Ms. Howwy" (Holly) her gift. I thought that was so sweet. Here are a few pictures of the program.

Jackson is growing so fast!!!

Jackson, you are now 8 months + 12 days. You are getting so big and changing so much every day. You weigh 21 lbs (about 2 wks ago) and were a size 3 in diapers. You are in some 6-12mths, 12mths, and some 12-18mths clothing. Here is some things about you.

Eating: You love it!!!! Breastmilk, formula, and baby food. You love them all.

Developmental: You can stand up w/out holding on to anything. You even took 1 little step last weekend. You are cruising around the tables and ottoman. You can craw like a race horse. You can wave, clap, and imitate others. You can say "mama", "dada", "bye", and other words that only you know the meaning to!!! You are a busy body when you are on the floor and like to put everything in your mouth (just like you big sister used to).

Mood: You are so easy going and hardly ever cry. When you do get mad it is on-----you are MAD!!! Even when your tired, you don't cry much. What a blessing you are!! You wake up in a good mood too.

Sleep: Well, you are still not the greatest at this task. You are still in a eat/play/sleep routine, but just with a little nap in the morning and a big nap in the afternoon. You usually don't go to sleep for the night until about 9:30pm. Oh, but you don't stay asleep. Sometimes you sleep all night, but not very often. When you wake up aroun 1am I put you in my bed until you (or I ) fall asleep, and then you go back to your bed. This happens at least 3x/night. Man, you need to sleep better.

We love you so much and we are having so much fun with you and the other kiddos. You LOVE your big brother and sister too!!!!!!!

First sleepover party

Abigail, you attended your first real sleepover birthday party last night. You and seven other girls ate pizza and hot dogs and watched movies. You said you also played dress-up as well. You all didn't go to sleep until 1am this morning. You were worn out!!! It makes me sad to know you growing up. I guess this is the start of more bunking parties, or as you say pumpkin parties!! Oh, I had to put this picture of you in here as well. You got into my lipstick before the party and tried to put it on----let's just say you are not ready for make up yet!!!

Abigail's Gymnastics Show!!

Abigail attended the gymnastics show at Sonshine Academy on Saturday. They all got in groups according to their classes/age groups and showed us what they have been learning. You did so good Abigail and we are so proud of you.

The owners of the Academy said a prayer before the show and also had a birthday cake for Jesus at the end of the show. It made me happy to know that Abigail and Brady are in a Christian environment while learning gymnastics. You don't see that very often.

Here are a few pictures and video from the show.

Another cousin for my kids to love

Tenille had baby Lauren via c/s on 12/7/07. She was 5 lbs 3 oz and 18.5 inches long. They are at home now and doing well. You can check out pictures on Lexi's blog (she went straight to the nursery, so I didn't get one). Congratulations Tenille, Russ, & Lexi.

For those of you who don't know our family, this makes the 7th grandchild for my parents!!! What a blessing. They are all close in ages too. Here is the updated list---Anna (6), Abigail (51/2), Layne (4-later this mth), Brady (31/2), Lexi (3), Jackson (8mths), & Lauren (2 days). We have so much fun when our whole family gets together. It stays very interesting!!!