Birkes To The 4th Power

Sweet Crosby

2011-09-24T10:03:00.003-05:00

Just a cute picture of my nephew Crosby!! He's getting SO big. This is from a ranger game last month. I hope he can slow his growing down because he's so cute at this age. Love you Bitty!!

1st Day of 2nd Grade

2011-09-24T10:00:00.003-05:00

A little late but here is a pic of sweet Dylan on her 1st day of school. She's having a great year so far and is even still making straight A's! I just hope she continues to like it and it doesn't bcome boring like last year.

Day 2

2011-06-20T16:03:00.003-05:00

Day 2 was SO much fun!! We spent the morning on the beach then went back to eat lunch an get naps. We went back out in the afternoon. And then that night we went crab hunting!! I think the adults had more fun than the kids!! We caught a TON!!

Our big crabs!!

Dyl and Hayden burried.

Skye and Hayden playing and chatting in the sand :)

Aunt Jess and Uncle David with Hayden and Skye.

Yikes...self portrait....

Hayden playing......

Sweet Skye and her famous blue bucket!

Haydie Bear playing

Vaction 2011 (Day 1)

2011-06-20T15:54:00.004-05:00

This year we went to Galveston. We stayed at Pointe West and we will definitely be going back!! Thanks Shelly for recommending it!! It was VERY nice and really big! Day 1 was a a short day at the beach, because we didn't get there until about 5. But, the girls had a blast in the 3 hours we were out there. Skye wasn't too sure about the water, but she loved the sand buckets and sand. My girls just ran and ran and ran!!

Sweet Skye!

Checking it out.....

Taking her bucket to the water!

Running......

And running....

Awards and Last Day of School

2011-06-20T15:28:00.003-05:00

Late post, but wanted to post anyway. The last week Dylan was in school they did an award ceremony. I am pleased to say Dylan got DISTINGUISHED A HONOR ROLL!!!!! The "distinguished" part about it is that she never made below a 95 on her report card all year! She also made her goal for her Accelerted Reader program and got to go to the party at the water park. Nate and I couldn't be any prouder of her because she worked very hard all year! We are now onto 2nd grade!

Dylan with her award and medal.

Getting her medal...

Getting her award.....CONGRATS!!

The last day of the year party was a blast!!!! Landy, Amy, and I worked exceptionally hard on this one! We did a treasure hunt! The kids LOVED IT!!!! We made treasure maps out of paper sacks and even burned the edges to make them look weathered. We had 7 rhyming clues.

1. When you are sick, she'll fix you up quick! (Nurse Stone)

2. When the bell rings, you go here to sing! (Music Room)

3. This is the girl with the reddest hair, get your next clue under her chair! (Dylan)

4. He never means to do any harm, look in the locker of the boy with the broken arm! (Peighton)

5. When you're thirsty you drink H2O, get your next clue you don't have far to go! (water fountain)

6. This is the place you check your points for AR, get your next clue you won't have to look very far! (computer lab)

7. This is the room surrounded by glass, go look for the beans covered in grass! (Teachers lounge)

It was SO MUCH FUN!!! I'll definitely be doing it again next year!

Reading a clue at Dylan's desk.

Filling up the bottle at the water fountain.

2nd place....We'll take it!

2011-05-24T11:03:00.003-05:00

Guess who's going to the City Tournament........THIS GIRL!! We beat the 1st place team on Sat. moving us up from 3rd place to 2nd!! We are done with the regular season before everyone else because we had a much tighter schedule (playing 3 games a week). The official word will not be released until the 31st when the other 2 teams are done playing their last 2 games!! I could not be any prouder of Dylan's playing ability this year! She truly has natural born talent esp. this being only her 2nd year to pick up a glove and ball. She is 1 of 2 players in the league that has hit a homerun. The girls were SO excited when the ump called the game that they were jumping around hugging eachother. All Dylan keeps asking is if her pic will be in the paper because my mom saved all my newspaper clippings from my city tournaments when I was younger! LOL! Congrats Icebreakers!! Ya'll definitely deserve it!!!

Mother's Day

2011-05-24T10:55:00.004-05:00

My Mother's Day this year was a little different than usual. I got to go to the Rangers game!! They played the Yankees and sadly lost because our pitching was WAY off. Overall, I ALWAYS have a great time at the ballpark and get to go quite often simply because my sweet Daddy has season tickets. Unfortunately, I only spent the day with Dylan because Hayden isn't old enough to sit through a baseball game :)

Me and Nate

Me and sweet Dill-Pickle....Poppie bought her a new Rangers hat...SO CUTE!

Getting the field ready for play.

The Garcia Wedding

2011-05-24T10:48:00.003-05:00

May 7th was the big day for Whitney and Casey!! It was a great day! Hot but fun! After a few hair issues with some of the bridesmaids we were ready to go! Congrats Whit and Casey!

Beautiful Whit!

Cammy, Jenna, Kaylee, Me, Kinley, and Hayden gettin our groove on!

First dance as husband and wife.....SO SWEET!

Zoo Time

2011-04-19T19:01:00.004-05:00

We had a gorgeous day today so I decided to take the girls to the zoo. Sad to say, but, we haven't been in quite sometime, so they were very excited to go!!

Hayden and the "pink birds" as she was calling them.

Sweet Dylan too!

The Orangatan was sleeping with his face pressed right up against the net. If you look closely you can see his face.

My sweet sweet gifts from God. Sure do love these 2 to the moon and back!

A Couples Bridal Shower

2011-04-19T18:50:00.003-05:00

This past Sunday we had a couples bridal shower for my best friend Whitney and her soon-to-be husband Casey! It was SO much fun and it was nice to get together with everyone before the actual date. 18 more days!!

This picture was too funny not to show!

Jaedyn Faye Garcia.....the best part of Whitney and Casey :)

oh and sweet Emilia....she just melts my heart!

Last but DEFINITELY not least....the bride and her maids...LOVE THESE GIRLS TO PIECES!!

Opening Day

2011-03-28T12:01:00.003-06:00

Softball season is finally here!!!!! It's one of my favorite times of year!! Dylan has moved up in the league so she is now playing Coach Pitch. She's playing catcher this year instead of 3rd base and I think she really enjoys it! Nate and I both played catcher for a few years and it was always one of my favorite positions! She got a double her last at-bat, but struck out the first 3 times. There were very few hits on both sides because all the girls have moved up from tball this year. They sadly lost their first game in an extra inning but there will be plenty more!!

Dylan batting. Great swing!!

Catching. The girl at bat is a friend of hers from down the street, Bailey!

Hanging out in the dugout.

Dylan and Brody!

Icecream Days

2011-03-28T11:58:00.003-06:00

Friday was such a gorgeous day!! The icecream truck even came down our street! Hayden got to enjoy some Dora icecream. Poor Dylan was still a little under the weather with strep. I'm itching for summer now and I think it's not to far off!

Whitney's Bacholorette Party

2011-03-28T11:48:00.002-06:00

March 19th we went to the Fort Worth STockyards for Whitney's "last night out"! It was SO much fun but I know I was very tired the next day!! Thanks ladies for a great night out!!

"Buy me a beer, the end is near" Too cute!

Gina, Cammy, Shelly, and Laci headed to pick everyone else up!

Laci, Me, Shelly, Whitney, Gina, Carrie, and Cammy

Shelly, Laci, and Me

Congrats Whitney and Casey!! Can't wait for the big day!!

Baba is 80

2011-03-09T23:12:00.003-06:00

Last Tues. (March 1st) was Nathan's grandma's 80th birthday! We love our Baba SO very much and get to see her every Sun. after church. I'm so glad to have Nate's grandparents in my life because my grandparents are gone. I'm also very happy that my kids have BOTH sets of great-grandparents to spoil them. I never had that. Here are just a few pics of the evening.

L-R Zach, Clayton, Dylan, and Hayden......Red hair runs in the family :)

Zach, Hayden, Dylan, and Clayton

Zach, Clayton, Baba, Dylan, and Hayden

Booboo turned 4!!

2011-03-03T14:08:00.003-06:00

My favorite little boy Brody (AKA Booboo) turned 4 yrs old Feb. 15. I cannot believe he is 4!! Please stop growing Brody!!

Cool Cat!

Hayden on the Tumble Bus

Hayden hitting the Spiderman pinata

Dylan hitting it too

And Brody hitting it

Weekend Fun at Jess and David's

2011-03-03T13:59:00.003-06:00

Last weekend we got to hang out with friends at David and Jessika's. It was a ton of fun because we all don't get together very often. Megan, Eddy, and their daughter Haley got to come. Shelly, Jeffrey, and their daughter Kinley were there too! And then of course my crazy girls were there as well. The girls all played so good together and us adults got to spend time together chatting it up!

Dylan, Haley, Kinley, and Hayden in the playroom.

Skye and Kinley

Love this little girl!!

"Show us your teeth Skye" Too cute!

New Camera

2011-02-17T14:12:00.003-06:00

Just a few pics from my new amazing camera that my amazing husband bought me for valentines day :)

Sneak Peek

2010-12-14T20:18:00.002-06:00

Just a peek at my "better late than never" Christmas cards. I promise, they should be going out by Thurs......I hope :)

Hayen is 3!!

2010-11-24T08:38:00.003-06:00

Happy 3rd birthday to the prettiest birthday girl!! I'm so lucky to have you! NOW GET POTTY TRAINED!! Love you bunches, Mommy

(sorry the pics are way out of order but it wouldnt let me rearrange them)

Sweet Baby Skye is 1 today!!

2010-10-01T09:10:00.003-05:00

One year ago today my niece was born! I cannot believe she is already 1. She is such a joy to have around and we couldn't love her anymore!! So here's to you Skye Gracyn...HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY!! I hope it's everything you want!! Love you bunches!!

Jaedyn Faye Garcia

2010-09-06T21:20:00.003-05:00

My best friend Whitney added a new little girl to our group of baby girls!! I'm so very excited for her and Casey and I love having a new baby to love on!! Congrats Whit...SHE'S GORGEOUS!!

Dill-Pickle!

2010-09-06T21:14:00.002-05:00

Just a GORGEOUS pic of my GORGEOUS redhead with her pony, Starbaby!!

Long time....no talk!

2010-09-06T21:07:00.002-05:00

It's been forever since I last poasted. I lost my camera somewhere along the way and I just haven't been on here much lately. Anyway, Dylan is now a 1st grader!! CANNOT believe it!! She's really been enjoying the first 2 weeks. I just hope it stays that way!

Best Friends....NOT!

2010-04-11T20:32:00.004-05:00

We got a quick snapshot of the girls actually loving eachother yesterday at Dylan's horseshow! This is the only picture we have of Dylan actually loving on Hayden. It's very well known around our house that Dylan doesn't like her sister. She hasn't since I told her I was having another baby (can we say spoiled rotten?). I think Hayden is just too young to play yet. Anyway, enjoy!

Wade Bowen

2010-04-03T10:14:00.003-06:00

Heather, Jason, Nathan, and I headed down to Indian Springs Park Fri. night to watch this guy....WADE BOWEN! I've been a fan of his for some time now and Jason graduated from Reicher with him. I got to not only meet him, but also his mom and son Bruce. It was so much fun and I'm sure I'll be seeing more of him when he comes to town next time.

Dylan's Easter Egg Hunt

2010-04-02T11:17:00.003-06:00

Dylan and her kindergarten class had their easter egg hunt yesterday. All the kindergarteners were there to hunt and boy were there a lot of them! When they sounded the horn everyone took off as fast as they could. It was funny to watch. Here are just a few pics we got and also one of Dyl and Haydie in their matching easter shirts and bows :)

Eric, Dylan, and Alyssa waiting to hunt!

Dylan's whole class!

Dyl and Haydie

Go Cougar Cuties!

2010-03-27T16:10:00.003-06:00

Dylan had her 1st tball game today! We did really well. I was very surprised since practice hasn't been going well at all! Dylan played short stop and 3rd base and did really well at both positions. China Spring doesn't keep score because "everyone wins" but I think we won. We 5 run ruled them everytime we came to bat. They didn't even get us out. We had really good fielding too. I think the girls had a blast! Dylan is really enjoying playing so I think I may have a furture softball star on my hands!

Let it snow....uh in Texas?

2010-02-24T08:22:00.003-06:00

Yesterday Waco, TX got 4-6 inches of snow!! That's right folks....IT SNOWED IN TEXAS! We had so much fun playing ALL day. I went and picked Dylan up early (about 11) because China Spring wasn't releasing until 1:30. Our roads are crazy and we have LOTS of crazy drivers so I decided to get her early. When I got there, there were about 20 other parents thinking like me :) We came home and built a snowman with Dylan's neighbor friends. Then, Nate came home and trumped their snowman! Glad we live in Texas and this doesn't happen all the time. I'm SO ready for some warmer weather.

Dylan and Paige with Nate's snowman.

Paige, Dylan, and Bailey with their snowman before he got all his stuff on :)

Nerd alert!!

2010-02-22T20:39:00.003-06:00

Firday night at our house consisted of Nate and I playing on his new Mac. His company bought him one so he can build an iphone app for LRS. Needless to say, this is what we did on it :) We are such nerds!

GIRL'S NIGHT

2010-02-22T20:34:00.002-06:00

Saturday night my bff Cammy came to town and we went out for a much needed girl's night. We had dinner at La Fiesta and then walked down to Hondos to visit my other friend Laci. However, our expierence there was not so pleasant. The bartender was VERY rude for no apparent reason. Maybe she was having a bad night, but Laci ended up cutting her shift short because of her. I'm hoping she feels better today :) Other than that, Whitney, Cammy, Shelly, and I had a blast!! We should definitely get together more often. Girls just wanna have fun!!

SNOW DAY!!!

2010-02-12T08:26:00.004-06:00

Thanks to Old Man Winter, we have had snow and sleet come through Texas. The snow yesterday didn't last long, but it sure was pretty. Dylan and Hayden jumped on their trampoline and giggled up a storm!! Hayden definitely loved the snow. Although she complained about her hands being cold. China Spring ISD, thankfully, was delayed today until 10. Dylan was scared she would miss her vday party at school, but I reassured her they would move it to later in the day. I wish I had gotten some pics, but I didn't. Everyone enjoy the snow/ice. Hopefully, this will be the last freeze because I'm SO ready to see this again......

Taking it WAY back!

2010-02-02T12:28:00.003-06:00

Just some pics from younger days!! I had a lot of fun looking through all my old pictures and scanning them. It's strange to see how much i've changed!

Me and my love circa 2002. Look at our hair, gosh we look young, well we were :)

My Birthday again with my bubba!
South Padre...um maybe 1987? My Dad looks like a pedophile :)

I think this is my 3rd or 4th birthday!!

Me 5th grade! Huge bow and all!

Take me out to the ballgame....

2010-01-21T10:41:00.002-06:00

I am signing Dylan up for T Ball!! She said she doesn't really want to play, but I told her to atleast try it. If she doesn't like it (much to my hearts dissmay) I won't make her play next year. I can't wait to see how she does. We bought her a glove and ball last summer and have been practicing with her on throwing and catching. Hopefully, she won't get too discouraged and will love it just like I did. Now maybe she will play better than her out-of-shape Mom did last summer :)

TEXAS FIGHT!

2010-01-07T11:11:00.002-06:00

In honor of the BCS National Championship game today, Dylan showed her support for her favorite team by sporting her Longhorn shirt to school. I have a feeling she will not be the only kid with a shirt on today. It's a big day in the Birkes house as we will root our team to victory tonight........GIVE EM HELL GIVE EM HELL ALABAMA SUCKS :)

Dill-Pickle is 6!!

2010-01-06T09:10:00.010-06:00

Dylan Alysse turned 6 yrs old today!!! My how the time has flown!! I hope you have a WONDERFUL birthday!! We love you very much! Love, Momma, Daddy, and Hayden!

This is Dylan in growing up!

2004

2005

2006 Hook 'Em!!

2007

2008

2009

2010

The Results

2009-12-29T09:49:00.003-06:00

I got a call from Hayden's doc last night. She told me that there is a tear in between the right and left ventricle (sp?). Apparently all babies are born with this, but it heals itself by the time they are 6 months. She said Hayden may have it all her life, but the chances of anything happening because of it are low. On the other hand, the results she got had a completely wrong birthdate on them. She is not sure if that truly is her results or not. She is going to call Cooks today and let me know for sure by this afternoon. All in all, this truly is good news. I guess Hayden is going to be just fine and have no more tests run for now.....YEAH!!!

The Echocardiogram

2009-12-23T10:11:00.004-06:00

Hayden had her dreaded echocardiogram yesterday. Everything went well and she was such a big girl!! They told me to try to get her to sleep......they apparently don't know this 2 yr old very well. She sleeps, just on her time, in her bed, and doesn't always need a nap :) After about 25 minutes of trying, I finally told the nurse that she was not going to sleep and that she was becoming hostile with me for trying to rock her. You know, SHE'S A BIG GIRL!! Atleast, that's what she thinks and tells me all the time :) So, the nurse said she'd try doing it. Hayden laid extra still and watched the screen and then when she started to get restless, the nurse pulled out her phone and an episode of Dora. It worked like magic. She was able to finish with no problems. We have to wait for Cooks Children's Hospital to look at the pics and make a decision on what to do next, if anything. This being the week of Christmas, we may not know anything until next week. Thanks for all the prayers during this difficult time. Keep your fingers crossed that we won't need to do anything else :) And A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!

Please excuse her hair.....oh and the open mouth.....

Dylan Barrell Racing

2009-12-17T10:45:00.004-06:00

Dylan is a horse rider! She does horse shows from March until Sept. and has been doing it since she was 2. There are always photographers at the horse shows and this year we got a disc with all the pictures he took of her from the Lorena show. In the horse shows she competes in several different events which include Speed race, Straightaway Barrells, Goat Slapping (yes this is true), Pole Bending, Clover Leaf Barrells, Keyhole Race, and Flag Race. This year she placed 3rd in overall points because she had to miss a lot of races for 3 different weddings this summer. She won a belt buckle (her 3rd buckle), a hay holder for the trailer, a jacket, and a horse blanket for her pony, Starbaby. Here are just a few of the pics.

She's giving her tongue a good workout just like her daddy did :) Just click on the pic to enlarge it.

Speed Race turning the barrell.

Just out of the gate.....this is the scariest part of it all. I almost pee myself EVERYTIME she comes out of the gate and starts kicking!!

Hayden's Cardiologist Appt.

2009-12-17T10:38:00.002-06:00

I just heard back from Hillcrest and they have scheduled Hayden's ecocardiogram for Wed. Dec. 22 at 9 am. I have suddenly become more nervous than when we first found out she would have an eco done. I'm praying it's a benign murmur and that no further testing will be done. It's also a little strange to think that I have 1 extremely healthy child and that my second may not be so healthy like we first thought. It's looking pretty scary from where I'm at. I will continue to update as I learn more. For now, look at this sweet face :)

Bad News

2009-12-09T19:19:00.002-06:00

Today I took the girls to the doctor for Hayden's 24 month check up and they were both going to get a flu shot. Hayden has had a heart murmur since she was born. They thought it would go away by the time she was 1. It didn't. Then they said it would go away by the time she was 18 months old. It didn't. Today her doctor became concerned because she thinks it's worse than it was when she was born. We were sent over to the lab to have her blood drawn to see if she was anemic. She said that anemia could cause the murmur. The doc is going to call me tomorrow with the results from the blood work. If she is not anemic they are going to schedule an eco gram of her heart to find out what the culprit is. I'm sure it's nothing serious, but i'm very worried. I will update tomorrow as soon as I know more.

The Pioneer Woman

2009-12-03T16:21:00.003-06:00

My sis and I went to Dallas in hopes of getting to meet The Pioneer Woman. However, it seems ALL of Dallas had the same idea on Tues. It was a MADHOUSE!! They handed out colored wristbands (100 of each color to be exact) so that you knew when you were supposed to line up. They had 4 colors lined up and still had 4 more colors to get to. Ours being the last color. She got through 8 people in only 45 minutes, so Heather and I decided to get some of her tshirts and get her girls to sign the book. We got pretty close behind her, so I snapped a quick pic of her. The problem was, is that people were bringing up HANDFULS of her cookbooks for her to sign making the lines wait longer. Maybe next time...

Hayden's Birthday Party

2009-12-03T10:27:00.004-06:00

Nov. 22 we had a little birthday party for Hayden. It was really just family and a few of my neighbors who had children as well. She had a great time and got a ton of cool toys! Here are just a few pics from the party and some from her actual birthday on the 24th.

Dylan and Hayden before everyone got there!

Aunt Wee gave her a "pack-tat" (back pack) with her name on it and she loved it!!

Blowing out her candle!

Anytime we tell Hayden to say cheese, we get a pose like this....no smile :)

Blowing out her candle on her actual birthday....and yes that's a cookie :)

Here's the pose again :) Silly girl!!

Hayden is 2!!

2009-11-24T15:25:00.008-06:00

Hayden Birkes is 2 today!! I cannot believe 2 years has already passed since she has been born! So much has happened since that day. Since my camera is gone, I've left you with a few pics from when she was born. When my sis emails me the pics from her party I will post those. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET PEA!! WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH, MOMMY, DADDY, AND SISTER!

Mommy and Daddy (Please excuse the way I look. This was 5 AM and I had NO sleep :)

Right after.

Big Sis...not so thrilled :)

My mom (Nana) and Hayden (this is the first time she got to hold her. she was VERY ill when she was born.)

Sleeping soundly in her bassinet.

I still can't believe she is SO big now...where does the time go?

Halloweenie :)

2009-11-02T10:52:00.003-06:00

Halloween this year was a ton more fun than last!! We just went around our neighborhood and the kids got a ton of candy! It was really neat to see what a years difference makes. Hayden only walked up to 2 houses last year, but wasn't quite sure of what to do. This year she jumped out of her wagon and ran to every front door. She was really scared of a guy dressed up in an alien costume though. I don't know why people do that anyway. There are little kids that would be scared of them. Weirdos!! Anyway, Nate took exactly 2 pics with his phone. I really should buy a new camera, but I'm waiting for Santa to bring me one :)

Hayden the lamb....BBBAAA!

Hayden, Braiden, Quinn, and Dylan

Red Ribbon Week

2009-10-30T15:46:00.002-06:00

China Spring Elem. had their Red Ribbon Week this week. The kids had a few special days to wear/bring something that went with the theme. Today was "hats off to drugs" day and everyone got to choose a hat to wear all day. Dylan of course picked a China Spring hat to also show her spirit for the game tonight against Glen Rose. This picture is not very good quality because I took it with my phone. I hope everyone has a very Happy Halloween :)

GO COUGARS!!

Pumpkin Carving Party

2009-10-30T10:16:00.003-06:00

Tuesday night we had a neighborhood pumpkin carving party in my driveway. We have a TON of kids all the same age that live on our street and we have all become good friends this year. The kids had a blast, but since my camera is in peices somewhere on HWY 6 I stole just a few pics from Amy. Enjoy!!

Me, Sara, Amy, and Prissy (we're missing Erika, Landy, and Christie)

The Real Housewives of Peony Ln. :)

Just finished

Dylan and her pumpkin

Peony Posse (boys)

Amy, Blain, and Paige

China Spring Jamboree

2009-10-07T10:06:00.004-05:00

This morning Nate, Hayden, and I attended the China Spring Elem. Jamboree!! It was SO exciting because we couldn't tell Dylan that we were coming to see her. She was surprised to see us there when they all walked into the cafeteria!! I received a letter last week asking us to attend because Dylan would be receiving an award. We weren't supposed to tell her because she didn't know. She was so happy to receive the Principal's Award (she was the only one in the class). One child from each kindergarten class received this award :) It was the last award given!! She received this award for positive attitude, perfect attendence, and academic achievement!! She was so proud of herself and we were proud of her too!! Here are some pics!!

Just sat down!

Dylan and her bff Jill! (Red-heads unite!!)

Getting her award from the vice princapal.

SO proud of herself :)

Singing the school song!

Look at that smile :)

The award upclose...I was told to take this home, put it in a frame, and hang it on the wall in her room so Hayden couldn't get ahold of it :)

Skye Gracyn Birkes

2009-10-05T10:25:00.004-05:00

My new niece was born on Thurs. Oct. 1 at 3 pm. She weighed in at a bruising 6 lbs. 11 oz. and was 20 inches long! She is the sweetest thing I have ever seen. She definitely looks like a Birkes girl, but I see a lot of her gorgeous mama in her too!! She is already 1 spoiled little girl and I am sure that will never end!! Lots of loving family and friends were there when she was born, but her Auntie Court was running carpool for 3 kindergarteners and I was not able to be present. I figured I'd let Nate go instead :) I finally got to go and spend some much needed time with her on Sat. and I was SO excited to get inside, my bro-in-law David had to go outside to turn the lights off in my car :) I'm sure I will get to see her much more now that they are home and I don't work! I think I may just have to babysit to give David and Jess time to nap :) Here are some pics!

So content :)

Look at that angel face :)

Skye and a VERY proud Auntie Court :)

CONGRATS to David and Jessika!! She's gorgeous and we love her!!

Green Markers Are Fun!!

2009-10-02T11:35:00.003-05:00

This morning I was cleaning my kitchen and Hayden was watching her favorite show, Wow Wow Wubbzy......or so I thought. I was re-loading the dishwasher when she came running into the kitchen looking as if she had rolled around in a field of green (no pun intended). As I walked through the livingroom, I happened to see a little of Hayden's artwork. No bare surface was spared. Even the tv!! I wasn't sure of what to do first. So, I grabbed my camera :) It's a good thing I hadn't gotten to the livingroom yet to dust. If I had, I think this little girl might have made a trip to time-out for a bit :) Enjoy these pictures and I have locked up ALL of Dylan's crayons and markers for now :) Oh and the marker was washable :)

Picasso after a 5 min artwork session :)

And my coffee table....

Zebra got tagged too :)

Even my tile needed some color....

Dove hunting anyone.......

2009-09-22T16:15:00.003-05:00

Opening dove weekend we headed out to the J4 ranch to do a little huntin'!! They didn't hardly shoot anything, but it was nice to hang out and spend time with family :) Here are a few pictures!

Hayden says...."Let me tell you something!!"
Dylan is holding Nate's bird, but it's blending in with her shirt :)

Hayden had to run to see what Daddy and Dylan shot!!

Not real sure about this one?!?!?

Or this one, but they sure are sweet :)

Monkey see, monkey do.....

Jessika's Baby Shower

2009-09-22T16:08:00.003-05:00

This is SO late, but a few weeks ago we had a shower for my sis-in-law Jessika!! It was SO mych fun and she got a ton of stuff for sweet baby Skye :) It's just a few weeks from Skye's due date and we are anxiously awaiting our new Birkes Princess :) Here are some pics!!

Shelly, Mom-To-Be, Ashlee, and yours truly :)

VERY cute cupcakes Shelly got a friend of hers to make!!

Diaper cake for the centerpiece!

Food, and such!

I think she really cleaned up!! It took to carloads to get it all home!!

UPDATE

2009-08-28T14:03:00.002-05:00

Dylan has adjusted very well to kindergarten. The only thing she gripes about is waking up when it's still dark outside. I can't say I blame her, I hate it too :) Hayden is VERY bored without her sidekick here everyday, but she does get to go to Parent's Day Out every Tuesday! Dylan hasn't learned anything new yet! She says all they do is color and read books! I think they are just trying to get the hang of being at school all day long before they really start to teach them things. That's all for now! Everyone have a great weekend!!

Dylan is a kindergartener!!

2009-08-24T11:05:00.004-05:00

Dylan started kindergarten today and her mommy is quite sad! She didn't even look at me to tell me bye! Should I be sad or proud of the self-sufficient 5 year old that I had a hand in raising? I have mixed feelings :) I should have an update about how her day went when she gets home. Maybe I'll take a video and let her tell you all herself :) Here are a few pics that she let me take before she told me to stop :)

Sweet Dylan

Hayden wanted to go too :)

Walking out the door...

Getting in the car.....

About to leave....I think this is when she said I was done taking pictures :)

She just sat right down and started coloring :)

Galveston

2009-08-16T20:09:00.009-05:00

We went to Galveston this weekend for a family vacation! We had a really good time, but were very worn out by the time we got home. This was Hayden's 1st time at the beach! Well, we went to Florida a couple of years ago and I was preggers, so technically this was her 2nd :) None the less, Hayden LOVED it!! Heather, Jason, and Brody came along so the kids had a ball!! It was fun to watch them all giggle and run around as if they were having the time of their lives! Hayden was a wonderful traveler this go round instead of the awful traveling partner she was when we went to Midland. Dylan and Nate spent 90% of their time in the water watching the fish jump and boogy boarding. Dylan even rode a few waves :) I have a TON of unpacking and laundry to do so I will leave you with a few pictures!

Me and Nate upclose and personal...thanks Jason!!

Heather, Jason, Brody

Me and my girls :)

Please excuse my husband in this pic...I have no idea what he's doing.

The fam! I look REALLY tan next to a REALLY white Nate :)

Sweet Dill-pickle!

Hayden and her sun hat :)

Hayden and Jason digging in the sand.

Brody with a sand toy in the water

She LOVED the sand!

Dylan and Hayden...probably my favorite :)

Beach Time Baby!!

2009-08-12T18:16:00.002-05:00

We are leaving tomorrow to go to Galveston. I know, I know, SO glamorous!! Don't be jealous! Just kidding!! I will have pictures and things to post when I get back! Then it's back to school time for my very own 1st time kindergartener :*(

6 Years and still going.....

2009-07-27T20:06:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, Nate and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. Well, we didn't exactly "celebrate" because we spent the whole day in the car coming back from Midland. We were very worn out so we just hung out at home. We did have dinner last Wednesday and that was nice, so I guess we "kind of" celebrated.

To my husband, I love you more than you know. I can't believe 6 years has already flown by. It seems like yesterday we were married. We've come so far since that day. I could not have done it without you. You are truely my rock, best friend, and biggest supporter. Thank you for loving me and for putting up with me :) And also for blessing me with 2 gorgeous girls! I love you very much and here's to many more years....

I don't have any pics from our wedding on the computer becaused it crashed and Nate backed up all the pictures, but he has them at work. Here's a picture of us a few months before we got married. We look SO young :)

LOVE LOVE LOVE :)

Another Birkes Wedding

2009-07-27T19:36:00.005-05:00

WARNING:Picture overload and they are WAY out of order...SORRY!!
This weekend we traveled to Midland, TX for Nate's cousin, Matt's wedding. Traveling is always a stressful time for me, especially when I have my kids. It was a LONG 6 hour drive, but we made it there safely. Hayden did not sleep well during our stay, so we came home very sleepy, but had a fun time anyway. The wedding was gorgeous, but very HOT! I spent the whole ceremony in the car with Hayden because right before it started she started acting a fool :) The reception was a lot of fun and we spent time with family we usually only see at Thanksgiving and Christmas. We should get together more often. Matt and Kacie have a son, Cayden Birkes, not to be confused with his exactly 2 month older 2nd cousin, Hayden Birkes. He was SO cute!! There were some minor mishaps right before the ceremony (ie, rings left at the hotel), but the rings arrived in just enough time to be handed off to the mother of the bride to be handed off to the preacher :) Congrats to Matt and Kacie (and Cayden) Birkes!! Welcome to the family Kacie :) Now for some pics!!

Me and Matt's sister Kacie

Hayden and Jackie's daughter Mckenzi

Nate doing "Jump on it".....LOL

Me and the beautiful bride Kacie

Matt and Kacie

David and Jessika

Cayden Birkes half clothed...he was HOT

Nate and a very cranky Hayden

The kid table L-R:Dylan, McKenzi, Shawna, Hayden, and Megan

Me, Nate, and Hayden...I couldn't find Dylan :(

Megan and Hayden

McKenzi and Hayden

McKenzi, Hayden, and Dylan in the phone booth

Me, Kacie, and Jackie

Brody's 1st haircut!!

2009-07-22T12:33:00.007-05:00

On Friday my nephew, Brody, had his very 1st haircut!! My sister, Heather, and brother-in-law, Jason, have let his hair grow since he was born. It's very pretty, but people were starting to comment on how he looked much more like a girl than boy. I didn't think he looked like a girl, but the poor baby couldn't see inless he pulled his hair behind his ears. Reluctantly, my sister decided it was time for a trim (he's 2 1/2 yrs old). I think the finished product makes him look more like a big boy and not a baby. He's still just as cute as ever. Heather emailed me some pics of the traumatic event for mom and dad! Enjoy!

Brody before!

Kaci starting to cut it

Still cutting

Brody and Kaci...ALL DONE!!

Isn't he the sweetest thing?

Happy 27TH Birthday Nate!!

2009-07-19T19:49:00.004-05:00

Friday, July 17th was Nate's 27th birthday!! We celebrated with dinner at Austin's on the Avenue!! It was a lot of fun and we were glad it was not too hot for us on the patio! Nate and I had a great time and I have been reminding him that he is old :) Just kidding!! I will be 27 on Sept. 3rd. I still like to give him a hard time every year. He will ALWAYS be older than me :) Even if it's only a month and a half older!! Here are some pics of our celebration...

Me and Nate (he looks very sleepy...lol)

L to R:Heather, Jason, My Dad, Janice, Jessika, and David

Lil and a VERY happy Keith

Jason and Heather

Robyn, Heather, and Me

Splash park

2009-07-01T17:29:00.003-05:00

After feeding the ducks we decided to let the kids cool off at the splash park. They had a ball!! Brody fell and hit his head, but he recovered quickly :) Heather forgot his swimsuit so he played in a diaper. Good thing we were the only ones out there. This is also something the kids REALLY enjoy!!

Duck feeding frenzy!!

2009-07-01T17:23:00.003-05:00

Dylan and Hayden feeding the ducks.

Hayden kept chasing them :)

This duck wouldn't leave me alone...I guess I was holding the bread :)

Jason and Brody feeding the geese. They screamed so loud that it scared Hayden and she cried for awhile :)

Last night we decided to take the kids to the river to feed the ducks. The kids love doing this and we have kind of made it a summer tradition (we did it last summer too). They were pretty agressive, but that didn't stop Dylan and Brody. Hayden was kind of scared of the geese, but she adjusted well. If any of y'all have not taken your kids, it's a must!!

We are classy....LOL!

2009-06-30T20:47:00.002-05:00

The naked cowboy Brody!

Hayden's cute baby butt :)

Brody taking a dip.

Hayden about to run off to be sprayed by Nate.

Last night Heather, Jason, and Brody came up the road for a visit with us. All the kids wanted to play in the water, so Nate decided he would spray them with the hose to cool them off. Instead of the babies wearing swimsuits, they decided to swim in their birthday suits. It's a good thing we have a fence so that no one would call CPS on us for letting our kids run around naked. There's nothing cuter than a baby butt!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT JESSIKA!!!

2009-06-29T18:24:00.003-05:00

A special Birthday message for a very special Birthday girl!! Happy 24th Birthday to my sis-in-law Jessika!! I hope you eat lots of cake and get lots of presents!! We love you!!

Birthday Party for the cutest twins EVER!!

2009-06-29T18:09:00.004-05:00

Hayden playing in the baby "cage"

Miss Kinley herself......SO CUTE!!

Jenna smiling, but Kaylee was a little unhappy!

The cakes!!! Also SO CUTE!!

Jenna Riley Davis

Kaylee Grace Davis

This weekend we traveled to Royse City (near Dallas) for Jenna and Kaylee's birthday party. It was actually in March, but Cammy's mom became really sick and she cancelled the party. She re-scheduled for Sat. It was a great time, but a long ride with a 19 month old who HATES the car. It was great getting together with people Nate and I don't get to see very often. Hayden played nicely, but tired out quickly because she didn't sleep AT ALL on the way there. Dylan was not able to attend because she was barrel racing. I will say I am sad that I missed Dylan riding. In the 9 yrs and under class for the Keyhole race, my daughter (future pro), beat out all the other 9 year olds and got 1st place!! This is also a new event for her as she didn't enter this event last year. So, congrats go out to Silly Dilly Willy for be an all star on Saturday!! Now for some pics from the party.......

Happy Father's Day!!

2009-06-22T12:54:00.005-05:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY POPPIE!!! We love you very much and are very glad that you are my dad and the kid's Poppie!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY NATE!!! You are truely the best Daddy!! We love you very much!! Thank you for all you do for us!!

-I didn't get any pictures of my father-in-law Stanley or Nate's grandparents because I forgot my camera (as usual). But they deserve a happy father's day too! HAPPY FATHER'S DAY STANLEY AND GRANDDADDY!! We love y'all very much!!
I hope all the other fathers got super spoiled yesterday and remembered especially throughout the year!!

Slip and slide!!

2009-06-11T18:29:00.002-05:00

We got this slip and slide for the kids on Memorial Day, but I hadn't got any pictures yet. Hayden just stands there and drinks the water coming out and Dylan just runs back and forth through it the opposite direction. They sure don't do it like their Mom did WAY back in the day :)

Tattoos....

2009-06-11T18:25:00.002-05:00

The other night I was at softball practice so Nate was watching the kids. I should have known better, but when I got homethe kids had matching tattoos. I guess that's what happens when Mom is away. He even got pictures! Check out Dylan's "mean" face!

Memorial Day Weekend!

2009-06-04T16:36:00.002-05:00

Memorial Day weekend we were invited out on my sister and bro-in-law's boat to Lake Whitney!! Hayden didn't make the trip because I still think she's too young for the boat right now, but Dylan was more than happy to come along with Mom and Dad. We were having a great time until we tried to move the boat away from some tree branches and........it wouldn't start! There was something wrong with the starter and some nice campers came along to tow us back to the boat ramp. If it wasn't for them we may still be out there :) None the less......we had a great time anyway!! Thank you Aunt Wee and Uncle Jason for letting us tag along on your boat trip!!

Wedding and a new Sis-in-law!

2009-06-04T16:31:00.003-05:00

My brother-in-law got married last month and I had just enough battery on my camera for a few pictures! And since I JUST NOW got them off my camera and on to my computer (which usually doesn't happen until I need more space on my memory card) I decided to post them! Welcome to the family Jessika!! We love you!

A trip to the zoo....

2009-06-04T16:25:00.002-05:00

I took the kids to the zoo a few weeks ago and I actually brought my camera :) I thought these pictures were too cute so I had to post them! Enjoy!

Meet the wild Birkes girls....

2009-06-01T13:27:00.004-05:00

These are my wonderful girls Dylan (5) and Hayden (18 months). They love eachother, just in a weird way. They LOVE to fight and take things from eachother! Which makes my day to day much harder than it should be. Maybe when they get older and have their own things they won't fight so much. I won't be around to break up the disturbances so I guess the cops will just have to be called. Aw, I love them though!! They're gorgeous!!

Hello Bloggers

2009-05-31T20:46:00.000-05:00

I'm new to this whole blogging thing, but I figured I'd give it a go! I probably won't keep up with it, but I will definitely try. Until next time.....