tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348149412024-03-13T03:10:55.013-07:00The Van FamSteph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.comBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-19760822267029014532010-05-25T15:28:00.000-07:002010-05-25T15:36:50.841-07:00Goodbye Blogger. Hello Tumblr.Well, my little adventure here in blogger-land has been a sweet one. Just like a teenage romance - all hot and bothered in the beginning but by the time summer rolls around, it gets harder to maintain and just fizzles. It's sad but true. Ahh...but don't cry for me Argentina. The Van Fam is moving on to <strike>bigger and better</strike> quicker and simpler. And fear not, I promise to update this one as often as I do my Facebook. Pretty soon, you'll know what I am eating, watching, and wearing. At least for the school year. <br /><br />So hop on over, follow me there, and why your at, go ahead and start your own. You know ya wanna? All the cool kids are doing. <br /><br /><a href="http://thevanfam.tumblr.com/">http://thevanfam.tumblr.com/</a><br /><br />Word.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view&current=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" /></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-44936585431649584982010-01-20T14:39:00.000-08:002010-01-20T21:51:06.920-08:00Happy 5th Birthday JD!(I apologize for the spelling and grammatical errors...I am tired and have no time to proof.)<br /><br />Five years ago today my life changed drastically. I am sure it's a day I will remember in detail until the day I die. It started very early (VERY early - I am so not a morning person) and pretty cold. It was A LOT colder than it is today (global warming), I do know that. It was around 5:30 when we left our house. I will never forget that last picture I took before we headed out the door...I wish I could b/c it's horrendous but special all the same.<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=BeforeHospital-side-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/BeforeHospital-side-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I can remember checking in and being soooo incredibly nervous. There aren't words to describe your first time. I can remember being nervous when it was time to have MacKenzie but there's no comparison to that first time. To the unknown. It's scary y'all, that's all I can say. It takes forever to actually get in the bed, get hooked up to a monitor, and then get the process going. Of course, after two rounds of PTL I was a pro at the intro-process. I was induced at 7:30 a.m. We waited, and waited, and waited, and waited some more. It took FOREVER to get to 4cm thanks to the excess scar tissue from my cerclage. The waiting was made worse due to the room temperature. Yes, I got the room with the broken a/c. They did try to fix it. Let me tell you, few things are more awkward than laying in a hospital bed, feeling like a whale with a pee bag hooked up to you, while three strange men attempt to fix the a/c. Nice. My doc eventually came to check on me and had a FIT about the heat and demanded they move me if they wanted her to deliver this baby. They were thrilled. So thrilled that when one of the nurses rolled me into another room she was a little rough and my pee bag got caught on the door jam and jerked pretty dang hard. I screamed! I remember getting my water broken, which is the most awkward feeling EVER. I had to pee so bad when they broke my water and I was so uncomfortable because I refused to pee during the process. Wierd. It's one of those things I wish a man could somewhat understand because it's such an abnormal feeling. Then came the epidural which I am just not a fan of. I had it with both kids but I don't think I would have it a third time. I may or may not be a slight hypochondriac so being given a list of symptons (some being very severe) and told to immediately noify the anasthesiologist if you feel one is NEVER a good idea. I think I felt 3 of the 10 right off the bat. Anyways, epidural done and the wait continues. It was a hard wait because my mama couldn't be there. Susan (my MIL) and my Nana were there but my mom had to stay home because she was sick as a dog. Luckily, as time drew nearer and the nurses changed and saw how upset I was. They told her to come up but she would need to wear a mask. Somewhere close to 7 or 8cm I spiked a fever and was put on oxygen. The process was taking so long that at 8 cm I could feel just about everything. It was horrible. I begged for more anasthesia but Mr. Popular was in the middle of a c-section! Seriously?! My doc came to check on me and I was at 9 cm. She wanted to start but I refused to push until I got more drugs. Possibly my worse decsion ever. I got a second dose and it WIPED ME OUT. All I remember from there was trying to stay awake and trying to push somewhere other than my face. The whole pushing process took an hour or two. I can't remember. I do remember closing my eyes and drifting into a dream in between contractions and Jimmy flippin' out. At some point my doctor mentioned something about a vaccuum and that's all I needed to hear. The real pushes came and that boy was out - 7:58 p.m. I do remember a few other things. I remember specifically wanting no one in there but Jimmy until the time came and then I wanted my mommy (and boy am I glad she stayed, I got the best birthing pictures ever). I remember puking in a trash can and then eating Olive Garden (the evening nurses were MUCH better than the mean morning nurses)! I remember friends coming and going and there were A LOT. I remember being told by Nicole, my best friend - bless her heart - that she saw my placenta as they wheeled it away. Nice. I remember my brother being very freaked out by the oxygen mask and the pain and the throwing up. I remember a lot of small things. But the one thing I remember most...the one thing that made every second worth it...the one thing I will NEVER EVER forget was holding my sweet JD for the first time. There are no words to describe that feeling. It's one of those moments that I can NOT wait for my sweet friends to experience. It's beyong amazing and one of the few moments that is life altering in the most incredible way!<br /><br />5 years ago my sweet, precious boy came into our lives.<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSCN0321.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSCN0321.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSCN0322.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSCN0322.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSCN0332.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSCN0332.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSCN0342.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSCN0342.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=JD-4-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/JD-4-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=JD-5.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/JD-5.jpg" /></a><br /><br />And sweet boy, you have been blessing our lives ever since. You are such an amazing little boy and have such a unique personality. You are the sweetest thing ever. I bet I hear, "Mom, I love you!" twenty times a day. You are affectionate beyond words. You are smart and always asking questions. You are ALL boy and keep us on our toes. You have a beautiful soul. You are a joy to watch grow up. You are very compassionate and tender-hearted. You love meeting new people and aren't the least bit shy. You seem to be the apple of your teacher's eyes. You live every day like it's the best day ever. You are so loved by many. You have a VERY special place in your PawPaw's heart. You are a FUN big brother and both love to aggrivate and love to love-on your sister. You are just pure JOY. I am so blessed to have you in my world. 5 years ago today you forever changed our lives and daddy and I still haven't gotten use to it. I love you sweet boy.<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=Untitled-13.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/Untitled-13.jpg" /></a><br />1 Week<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=3MosProf-pose3.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/3MosProf-pose3.jpg" /></a><br />3 Months<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=6MosProf-bear8x10.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/6MosProf-bear8x10.jpg" /></a><br />6 Months<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=Nanas3.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/Nanas3.jpg" /></a><br />1st 4th of July<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=9MosProf-liongrowl-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/9MosProf-liongrowl-1.jpg" /></a><br />9 Months<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSCN1811_167.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSCN1811_167.jpg" /></a><br />1st Birthday<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2512-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2512-2.jpg" /></a><br />Easter at age 1<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=107_2127-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/107_2127-1.jpg" /></a><br />2nd Birthday<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_4050-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_4050-1.jpg" /></a><br />2-1/2<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=JDandMommyBlack-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/JDandMommyBlack-1.jpg" /></a><br />2-1/2 and me preggo<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=IMG_0025.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/IMG_0025.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=PhotoSessionatPark270.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/PhotoSessionatPark270.jpg" /></a><br />Age 3<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=EasterSessionwithMon139.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/EasterSessionwithMon139.jpg" /></a><br />Easter when you were 3<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=JDStanding-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/JDStanding-1.jpg" /></a><br />3-1/2<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_1662.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1662.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=JD_bday2-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/JD_bday2-1.jpg" /></a><br />4th Birthday<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=VandGriffApril2009128.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/VandGriffApril2009128.jpg" /></a><br />Easter at 4<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=Tball2.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/Tball2.jpg" /></a><br />1st Year of TBall<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_1253.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_1253.jpg" /></a><br />4-1/2<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=Copyof13932_1181581665140_139616320.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/Copyof13932_1181581665140_139616320.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_3392.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_3392.jpg" /></a><br />Christmas 2009 - 4<br /><br />HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_4183.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_4183.jpg" /></a><br />Enjoying your chocolate chip waffles this morning<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_4189.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_4189.jpg" /></a><br />The ONLY thing you asked for this year - a kickstand (since you mastered the bike with no training wheels last week!)<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_4191.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_4191.jpg" /></a><br />Having cake with the family tonight at CiCi's Pizza<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_4193.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_4193.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_4201.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_4201.jpg" /></a><br />Present Time!<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_4204.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_4204.jpg" /></a><br />TROUBLE!<br /><br />I can not believe 5 years have passed since I first held you in my arms. It feels like only seconds. I can't wait to watch you grow over the next 5, but can we slow down a little please? I llok so forward to watching you celebrate your birthday this weekend with your bestest friends! Happy Birthday My Love!Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-25373261861049290452009-12-01T17:01:00.000-08:002009-12-01T18:05:41.937-08:00Happy Thanksgiving - Better Late Than Never!Holy Moly Stroll-la-moni! That is JD's version of holy moly. Where did holy moly even come from? Can y'all believe it's December 1st? I know I can't but I am sure glad it is. I la-huv this time of year. And the fact that it's actually cold in Houston (REALLY cold right now) makes it that much sweeter. I am not sure what makes this year so much more exciting or maybe I am this excited every year and just forget, but I am all about the Christmas spirit this year. I am sure it has something to do with the kids and how JD totally gets it this year and even though MacKenzie doesn't, she is so filled with the awe of it all. I can't quit smiling and talking about Christmas because I am so happy it's here. Jimmy thinks I am a total dork but I know he's enjoying it as well. He can't fool me!<br /><br />But before I get carried away with the Christmas talk, I want to recap our wonderful Thanksgiving.<br /><br />Not from Thanksgiving but one of my faves from this fall...<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_3135.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_3135.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Another one not from Thanksgiving but the Priss at her Pumpkin Patch at school...that smile never gets old.<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_2881.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_2881.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Oh, and one from the pumpkin patch up the road with my sweet Nana and precious babies.<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_3172.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_3172.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />So this Thanksgiving was my FIRST time to ever play hostess. I busted my tail getting the house all ready for the big day! Which for some would be pure stress but I'm all kinds of OCD-preassure-lovin' wierd and I think I actually enjoyed it. LOL. Anyways, alls got done and Thanksgiving was WONDERFUL! Seriously. I didn't take very many pictures but here are a few...<br /><br />My DELICIOUS turkey. I think it might be the best I've ever had in my entire life.<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_3234.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_3234.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My plate of food.<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=13662_342151235093_502380093_981132.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/13662_342151235093_502380093_981132.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />roll, turkey, southern-style creamed corn, sweet potatoes, southern green beans, cranberry salad, broccoli salad, ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, and dressing with gravy. YUMO!<br /><br />We had a wonderful day and it was spent with family that I love so much. It left me feeling so completely blessed and thankful that not only do I have such wonderful parents (and even though Tim is technically my step-dad, he's such an amazing father to me and grandfather to my babies) but I have been truly blessed to marry into such an amazing family. I know how uncommon it is to have one BIG GIANT family that loves to all be together. I LOVE so much that we don't have to split holidays up with our family here. I love that we can all get together and it's perfect. I am TRULY blessed and just so incredibly greatful for all God has given us.<br /><br />And how do you end a PERFECT Thanksgiving you ask? Black Friday! Do you know that this was my first REAL black friday experience ever? Sure, I've done the shopping during the day on Friday but I have never been one of those crazy people that stay up all night to shop. This year, Jimmy and I did it together and it was so incredibly exhausting but FUN at the same time. We went to the outlet mall at midnight and then hit Walmart at 2:00 where we shopped until 5:00 when we could finally checkout. We weren't out of there until 6:30 - the sun was a-risin'. Oh, but we had a good time together. I think it's something we'll do every year from here on out with ONE exception. We will have someone keep the kids for the first half of the next day. Staying up for 24 hours straight and then parenting is NOT fun. But we did get some killer deals and a new flat screen for our bedroom!!!<br /><br />We spent the rest of Friday takin it easy. We did go get our tree but didn't decorate it or anything. Saturday morning we got up and headed to Saratoga to do Thanksgiving with Tim's family. It was so much fun and as usual, the kids had a blast in the country. Bless JD's heart. He's truly a country boy stuck in the suburbs!! Here are a few pictures...<br /><br />JD playing in the country<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_3289.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_3289.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mac WILL NOT be left out<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_3290.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_3290.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My sweet boy<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_3295.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_3295.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The boys shooting skeet<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_3298.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_3298.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />JD and his blackcats<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_3310.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_3310.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Kenz not liking them so much<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_3313.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_3313.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The girls enjoying the bonfire<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_3321.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_3321.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />He picks up sticks the entire time - he's my workin' man!<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_3326.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_3326.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Shan and Mac<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_3338.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_3338.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Well. That's all I got for now. I am gonna try really hard to post some pictures of the new house in the next few days.<br /><br />For now...hop on over to my wonderful mommy's blog. She'll get you all in the Christmas mood!<br /><a href="http://thegannonfamily.blogspot.com/">http://thegannonfamily.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view&current=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-30540007511733921212009-11-12T19:00:00.000-08:002009-11-12T20:54:59.976-08:00Holy Hiatus blog world, did you miss me? I haven't posted since May 27th, seriously? Do you feel neglected? Ignored? Abandoned? Ohh...ouch, sorry. I have been a bad blogger and because a lot (A LOT) has gone on in the last 5-1/2 months, I'll spare you the boring (they actually aren't boring in the least, I just am trying to watch Grey's Anatomy at the same time) details. I will however give you a brief timeline...since May 27th...<br /><br />I went to the Big OB for a week. And came home.<br />We went camping for the Watermelon Thump Festival and seriously sprained my ankle. BAD.<br />The fam and I went to Pascagoula, MS for the 4th of July. And came home.<br />We went back to OB, MS for another week and a half. And came home.<br />We threw the bestie an AMAZING big hat bridal shower.<br />I celebrated my 26th birthday.<br />JD started his last year of preschool and Kenz started Mother's Day Out for the first time.<br />We went to another shower for the bride. <br />Jimmy and I celebrated our 5th anniversary in the Cayman Islands for a week. A-MAZE-ING!<br />We threw a KICK-BUTT bachelorette party for the bride.<br />We went to another (I am not complaing b/c I'd go to a million for Laura) shower with the bride.<br />My Nana and PawPaw came in town to watch...<br />...my best friend get married at the most GORGEOUS wedding (hands down).<br />We celebrated MacKenzie's 2nd birthday (say it ain't so!).<br />We had a fun Halloween - JD was a fireman and Kenz a little Dutch girl.<br />We MOVED. YIKES, I know. We moved again in less than 2 years.<br />NASCAR race.<br />We found out my PawPaw, whom means the world to me, has colon cancer.<br /><br />Sooo...that's the last 5 months in a nutshell.<br /><br />Now to elaborate on a bit of the above.<br /><br />JD and Kenzie on their first day of school...<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_2173.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_2173.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=DSC_2183.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_2183.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_2179.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_2179.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Grand Cayman was amazing. I have never enjoyed a week so much in life (runner up would be Frontier Camp with Young Life junio year). I have never seen water so blue or enjoyed myself so much. I fell that much more in love with my man and just enjoyed life so much that week. I wish it could have lasted longer and we are DYING to go back. It's an amazing place and so under-rated. A few pictures...<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_2526.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_2526.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />our condo<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_2444.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_2444.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />the view from the back of our condo<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_2525.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_2525.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />laying out<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_2407.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_2407.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />headed out to sting ray city<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_2421.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_2421.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />playing with the sting rays<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=P9060050.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/P9060050.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />holding the sting rays<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=P9060057.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/P9060057.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />kissing a sting ray<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_2480.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_2480.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />HELL - the post office is in "hell"<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_2506.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_2506.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />dinner at the lighthouse - DELISH!<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_2518.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_2518.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />storm blowing in<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_2522.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_2522.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />pier at rum point - a 5-6 ft. barracuda lives under it - we were about 10 feet from it swimming<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_2534.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_2534.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />gorgeous water<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_2468.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_2468.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />turtle farm<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_2544.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_2544.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />blow holes<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=DSC_2561.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/DSC_2561.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />Mel - our favorite bartender<br /><br />Here are a few pictures from Miss Priss's 2nd Birthday - this needs to be a post on it's own just because there is so much to share about her...<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=13932_1181581665140_1396163205_3062.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/13932_1181581665140_1396163205_3062.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />my sweet babies<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=untitled-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/untitled-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />momma and kenz<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=kenzjumping.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/kenzjumping.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />my girl<br /><br />Let's see...oh yes, the move. We are a little bit crazy and just CAN NOT pass up a bargain. All I have to say is, it should be a crime to love your house this much. I am IN LOVE. I couldn't be happier and I am sooooo glad we are here. We moved up 1000 sqft, move down to a one-story, and gained a game room (lost the media room), study, and a pool (and deck, koi pond, sprinkler system, water softener system, and 3-car garage). I promise to post pictures very soon. We have one room left to unpack! Whoohoo!!!<br /><br />And now PawPaw. We knew something was up with him when they were in for Laura's wedding. Once he got home he had some blood work done where he learned he was 2 PINTS LOW on blood. So at that point they knew he was bleeding somewhere internally. We got the call Friday that after some scans they found a cancerous tumor on his colon. Monday he went into surgery to have the tumor removed. They took 9" of his colon to biopsy. It turned out that the tumor grew a hernia and the hernia started bleeding, which was a total blessing in disguise. We did find out today that they did indeed get out the entire tumor but that there is a micro-size amount (2 out of 10 is how they described it) of cancer in a few of his lympnodes so he will need some mild chemo. Without chemo they gave him a 65% survival rate, so obviously that option is out. The GOOD news is the cancer is only in his colon and the lympnodes there, so it hasn't spread. We also know that it will be very mild cancer and the surgeon wouldn't even talk survival rate with chemo b/c it should have no problem killing those cancer cells. Another blessing is PawPaw's health. Overall he's a very healthy man so he should be able to weather this farely well. It's just heartbreaking knowing he will have to go through the chemo at all. We love Nana and PawPaw so much and being 10 hours away makes times like these that much more difficult. My mom has been there since Monday (she flew straight from the NASCAR race to Memphis) but came home tonight. He should leave the hospital Sunday and we'll hopefully know more shortly on the course of action. We appreciate all the prayers up to this point and beg you to keep praying. <br /><br />That's all I got for now. I have to go to bed!!! I will post again, sooner than later!!! I think this new house has added a whole new level of zen to my life! LOL. Praying it lasts...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view&current=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" /></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-60900743737958539562009-05-27T16:25:00.000-07:002009-05-27T16:29:06.872-07:00Mudcake OriginalsHey!!! Greetings from the mama who never stops! LOL! What would life be like if it was boring?!<br /><br />I post with some EXCITING news!!!! It's all up and OFFICIAL! WHOOHOO!!!!<br /><br />Please visit, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE repost (I will do a contest soon) and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pass along!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mudcakeoriginals.com/">www.mudcakeoriginals.com</a> is up and official! whoohoo!!!<br /><br />I AM SOOOOOO excited! I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am!<br /><br />SO GO NOW!!! CHECK, check, check it out!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mudcakeoriginals.com/">MUDCAKE ORIGINALS</a><br /><br />Place an order between now June 20, 2009 and save 15% using GRANDOPEN15%!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view&current=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-36816970655287729792009-05-08T19:56:00.000-07:002009-05-08T20:30:44.267-07:00Update on Layla GraceI AM EXHAUSTED...so this update is coming from the one I posted on our playgroup message boards. there are spelling and grammatical errors but that's all i got for now...<br /><br />i am home and so emotionally and physically drained i can barely think straight so i hope this post makes sense. after 4 hours of sleep last night and one meal today i am ready to crawl into bed. if i am feeling this drained i can't even imagine what shanna and ryan are feeling inside.<br /><br />kelly and i went to the hospital today to vist. we got there around 3:15 and left at 7:00. i have never been to the oncology floor of a hospital and never at a children's hospital. i think a special prayer needs to be said for those docs/RN's tonight. they are truly incredible people. it's a hard walk down those halls.<br /><br />now on to sweet layla...<br /><br />i would be lying if i said seeing her eased my mind at all. when we got there layla looked very worn out. she was still coming out of a sedation from an earlier scan and was very out of it. it was extremely obvious that she's in severe pain. she counldn't sit still bc of the constant pain in her back, stomach, legs, etc. the doc described her bones and feeling like they are full of arthritis and are very painful. because of this she won't eat either. she hasn't eaten in two weeks. up until this evening a piece of toast and a few slices of banana have been a lot. she literally cried and pushed everything away as they begged her to just take a bite.<br /><br />more blood was drawn and we bit back tears as layla cried and screamed not wanting to be touched. needless to say, kelly, shanna, and i went walking at this point. after talking to the pedi some more, they decided to try some morphine. y'all i can't even begin to explain the change layla made within 5 minutes of having that morphine. 180 doesn't begin to describe. she went from lethargic and miserable to smile, laughing, singing, making animal sounds, and EATING. she ate an entire helping of mashed potatos and drank a fully sippy cup of juice. this is HUGE. HUUUUGGGGEEEEE!!! for a couple of hours layla was the happiest she has been in 2 weeks. it was a much needed site and thankfully kelly and i were able to talk about it all on the way home as oppose to crying. we did okay while we were there, shanna only had to tell us once to stop the crying. it was hard.<br /><br />now on to the more crucial update. the extensive ct scan today revealed that the tumor is not what they had first hoped. it was originally though to be above her kidney on her left side. well, that is only the start of it. it wraps all the way arouond the front of her stomach, around her aorta, and around another vessel/ventricle. it's really big and really aggressive. this was devestating news to ryan and shanna. originally they assumed surgery would be done to remove the tumor, but now because of the size and how wrapped around her heart it is, they will have to biopsy it (along with her bone) to determine the type of tumor. from there they will hopefully go straight to chemo. our prayer is the chemo will kill the tumor and in turn, the bones will heal themselves. the bones could be one of two things...side effects of all the hormones/toxins released by the tumor or bone cancer. we are praying that killing/shrinking the tumor will take care of the bones as well. if the tumor does not go away completely, as long as they can shrink it enough to do surgery safely, that is fine too. they are still going to do a brain scan soon to rule out any brain tumors but right now, the cancerous tumor in her stomach is the number one concern. the tumor is very aggressive and they are monitoring it closely, taking measurements daily for any changes. the doc said this tumor could have been there for a year or could have grown in the last 2 weeks when the symtpons started. we are just praying the chemo can kick it's butt!!! <br /><br />immediate prayers requests...<br /><br />- layla to remain pain-free or for her pain to be tolerable<br />- that she continues to EAT!! they won't want to start chemo until she is fattened back up.<br />- that monday's biopsy goes smoothly and that we get good results...treatable tumor, no change in size, etc.<br />- that Ryan and Shanna get some rests are able to take care of themselves.<br />- JENNA and CLAIRE. Jenna is VERY upset, she was crying at school today. She is 8 and worried sick about everything.<br /><br />PRAY! PRAY!! PRAY!! PRAY!! PRAY!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/laylagrace"><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=prayingforLGM2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/prayingforLGM2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view&current=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-11835331227841585042009-05-07T20:39:00.000-07:002009-05-07T22:01:07.373-07:00Prayers for Layla GraceIt has been a while since my last post and although I wish I was posting some funny story right now, that is not the case. Instead I am coming to you with a heavy heart. I come begging for prayers as a dear friend, someone I have blogged about before, the genius behind <a href="http://www.babywearsprada.com/">Baby Wears Prada</a>, is sitting in a hospital room with her 17-month old daughter, Layla Grace.<br /><br />After what was suppose to be a trip to TCH for what was thought to be GI issues, Shanna and Ryan have learned some devestating news. Their precious baby is not dealing with some constipation as previously thought. Instead a parents worst fear has been confirmed and althought the exact diagnosis is unknown, the words cancer...lukemia...brain tumor/neuroblastoma...and spread throughout have been tossed around. <br /><br />My heart is breaking for both of them. Shanna and I were preggo together. We found out we were expecting around the same time and then learned we were due only a month apart. We share the same gyno so we got to do bloodwork together and countdown the days of miserableness together. We talk daily and IM for hours about everything from husbands and kids to our business hopes and dreams. She has brought more organziation to my clothing line than I could have thought possible. Our kids go to the same preschool and we catch up in the parking lots on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sometimes we venture to Hobby Lobby and the mall with our youngest or enjoy free Grand Slams at Dennys. We have gotten to be pretty good friends in the last 8 months and Shanna has become someone I thoroughly enjoy being around and talking too. We have a lot more in common than I would have ever guessed a year ago. We have become friends. And because of this...with all the fun we share, I now to share her heartache. I hate feeling helpless and right now I feel utterly helpless. So, all I can do right this minute is ask for prayers and kind thoughts as Ryan and Shanna get settled into a room on the cancer floor of TCH. <br /><br />Layla Grace has two beautiful big sisters that love her to pieces. Jenna is a GORGEOUS 8 year old that loves her sisters so much and is such a huge help. She in undoubtably worried sick over Layla. Claire is 2 (1 year and 1 month older than Layla) and although she probably doesn't understand what's going on, she is definitely missing her mommy, daddy, and "Yay-ya". <br /><br />So please pray for the sweet family. Pray for wisdom on the doctor's part and strength for the parents. Pray for peace and comfort for sweet Layla. Pray for this family to be wrapped in a blanket of peace and love as they endure the battle ahead.<br /><br />Layla and Claire shopping a few weeks back.<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=3188_1147162878853_1220972814_44309.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/3188_1147162878853_1220972814_44309.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Layla in Daddy's arms at TCH today.<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=3183_1170676986691_1220972814_48515.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/3183_1170676986691_1220972814_48515.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />If you want to stay updated or would like to offer the Marsh family some prayers or words of encouragement you can follow them on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/laylagrace">www.twitter.com/laylagrace</a> or txt "follow laylagrace" to 40404 for txt mssg updates.<br /><br />And check back as I will post updates as well.Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-21075310949619816492009-04-20T21:33:00.000-07:002009-04-20T22:04:25.382-07:00"Who Let the Dogs Out?"I should so be in bed but really, I knew you all could use a little Van-Fam Drama. I think these things really only happen to me...<br /><br />First though I will share something I was really comfortable sharing until we were past it. The week before last we dealth with something not-so-nice. Something that will make you itch as soon as I tell you about it. Something that I hope to never deal with again but know it's very possible. Something such as - lice. Yuck. It was awful. I have never washed so much in my life. But, here we are almost 2 weeks later and no more lice, but I didn't check tonight so I might need to retract that statement.<br /><br />And while I'm sharing...I will continue with the stuff I swear, only happens to us...<br /><br />This morning I woke up to Kenz hollerin' "MAMA" in her crib. I listened for a few and could still hear JD breathing (he's a heavy breather) in his room and could tell he was still sleeping. I laid there a while longer and before long JD was stirring and then all of a sudden I hear him say, "Oh, she's calling me, I got to go." And with that he jumped up and ran to his sister's room. I guess he was hearing "Bubba" instead of "Mama". Regardless it was precious. And that was the highlight of my day. I should have stayed in bed b/c it was all downhill...<br /><br />I was walking down the stairs carrying Kenz when I missed the 5th step from the bottom and fell. I landed right on my butt and sorta bounced the rest of the way down. My entire bottom half was so sore it was almost numb. I set Kenz down who whined a second but was fine and crawled my way to the couch. I laid there for 15 praying nothing way broken. Eventually I got up and walked it out. I have a nice purple bruise across my right cheek now. I tried to take a bath tonight but really needed one of those donuts they give you after pushing out a baby.<br /><br />We (any by we I maan Kenzie) had a meltdown during our probiotic granola and yogurt this morning...and then she turned the granola mixture over on her head. That was fun to get out. <br /><br />Then...my best friend Ashley came over to perform a school experiment on JD. After her pyscho-analysis on my son and after giving him the greenlight fir 1st grade (he's 4) we headed outside while the kiddos played. We were out there for only a few when the real drama started...<br /><br />Backup 6 months...<br />...New neighbors move in. Great. They have 2 german shepherd mixed dogs, 1 mama pitbull, and 7 pitbull puppies. Not so great. The dogs attack the fence everytime our dogs are out and over the course of the last 6 months have come in our backyard 10+ times. I bet they have repaired our fence a dozen times (at least). It's ridiculous and needless to say, Jimmy is so over it. I have been fearful things were gonna get ugly...did I mention they are pits? <br /><br />Well, they were finally down to one mama pit (who's mostly an inside dog), 1 german shep mut, and 4 pits that are not-so-puppyish anymore. So...the kids and I and Ash were all outside today. The kids in the fort and Ash and I on the ground talking. Next thing I know, these 3 pits and german mut coming charging into my backyard. THANK JESUS the kids were in the fort. The dogs have never been overly aggressive so I wasn't too panicked but they did have me cornered onto the stairs and were barking like crazy. Thank GOD Ashley was there b/c she was able to get the hose and spray them to get them to back off some. They would not scare off though...they def. were not scared of us but we finally got them back enough that I could get JD down and in the house and then Kenz (who was scared and crying) down and inside. Ash immediately called Jimmy and was probably more mad than I was. I usually don't tell him when the dogs get out b/c I know eventually he's going to go over there. Or shoot them. He comes home and the calls begin. We called the police dept first and they give us the number to Harris County Animal Control. We call AC and they are at lunch. We wait until 1:00, all the while these dogs in our backyard getting more aggressive by the minute. It was to the point that if any of us walked towards the backdoor they went crazy. There was one that was significantly bigger and more aggressive than the others. He was actually attacking the backdoor. I can't tell you how my hair stood up when Kenz walked over towards the door and that pit went crazy. All his barking and snapping was at the exact level of her face. It was at this point I realized the severity of the issue. So...1:00 rolls around and Jimmy call AC back. After explaning the situation the lady said she would get someone out....<br />Jimmy: "When?"<br />AC Lady: "Sometime. Maybe tomorrow, I can't give you an exact time."<br />Jimmy: "Maybe I need to re-explain the situation. We can't even walk out of our backdoor...what happens if they are back in their yard tomorrow?"<br />AC Lady: "Well, then there won't be much for us to do..."<br /><br />This is about the time Jimmy lost it...<br /><br />AC Lady: "And sir. Pitbulls are a family-friendly breed unless provoked..."<br />Jimmy: "#@!*&%^#!$*$(^!@*%$#@!(&%$ Don't preach to me and do your job!"<br /><br />CLICK!<br /><br />At this point in an attempt to calm Jimmy down and secure our rights as a HO, I called my mom to talk to our lawyer friend Bill. He explained the rights and in short said as long as we file a police rept we would be fine..."<br /><br />We called the police back and spoke to an anti-pitbull lady who dispatched someone ASAP. A PO showed up a few minutes later. As soon as she went to open the backdoor they came running back through the hole in the fence (the fence issue is never-ending b/c they are constantly breaking th pickets). She went to walk out and they started going crazy. She did what she could to get ahold of the HO's and after no luck called AC herself. They sent someone out and it got worse in worse. In a matter of minutes the bigger pit was getting more and more aggressive. As soon as the AC worker saw the situation he immeditaley said they were going to be removed and if any got aggressive they would be putdown on the spot. He was able to cath all of them but it did take some time. He went after the aggressive one first and he took the longest. By the time he had him restrained he was foaming at the mouth and FREAKING out. Jimmy said it looked like one of those alligators on Animal Planet the way it was spinning. The homeowner's son came home during this mess and had no prob. Apparently they are the mother's dogs and he is sick of dealing with this crap as much as we are. They did advise him that they would have 3 days to get them back after paying the fines and showing proof of registration, rabies vac, etc. All except the aggressive one. He was "red-flagged" meaning he would be put down ASAP. It was really scary there for a bit, especially seeing how more and more out-of-control the big pit was getting. The AC and PO could not get over it...it was pretty bad.<br /><br />And then...we had a nice quiet afternoon. Jimmy got home and took JD to golf and Kenz and I went to JoAnns and Barnes and Noble.<br /><br />I did get home to an interesting story. Apparently JD was playing with Jimmy's phone we he said, "Oh!" Never a good sign. "She's talking to me..." Jimmy grabbed the phone and sure enough...JD had dialed 9-1-1. Jimmy said "Hello" and heard, "9-1-1, what's your emergency?" After explaining the situation all was well...<br /><br />Of course...it was the perfect ending to a odd day. LOL. The positive in all this? Sleeping tonight without listening to dogs fight/bark! Amen to that! And praying they don't return!!!!<br /><br />Off to bed....<br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view¤t=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-47174366654454103922009-04-18T21:21:00.000-07:002009-04-18T21:39:36.421-07:00Two New Additions to the Van-FamWe have two new people living in our house these days...we call them Won-chi and Won-chu. They are brothers. Ok, so they aren't really people. Or non-people for than matter. They are our new favorite words...err...JD's new favorite words. Ok, they are our new favorite words that JD uses.<br /><br />"Won-chi paint a picture?"<br /><br />"Won-chi roll the window down for some fresh air?"<br /><br />"Won-chu come watch a movie and snuggle with me?"<br /><br />"Won-chu make me chicken nuggets for dinner?"<br /><br />"Won-chu come enjoy us?" Oh, and this is another new phrase. He asks us to come "enjoy" him. I think this comes from me saying things like "I enjoy watching you and your sister play" or "I enjoy seeing you share with Kenz."<br /><br />Yes...won-chi and won-chu, we love them. JD doesn't think it's very funny though. All though he is clearly saying "won-chi/won-chu" he is hearing "why don't I and why don't you" so when we repeat it the way it really sounds he gets all upset and stomps his little feat. It's sooo funny, won-chu think?<br /><br />So, besides the grammar lessons and rain watching...seriously, the rain has been insane, it's been sewing-central here. I did take a break this evening as it seems I am about a week ahead of schedule. What-what? And...I need a new blade on my rotary cutter so I am gonna wait until I make a run by JoAnns tomorrow. <br /><br />For now...I am gonna answer a few emails and head to bed. Looking forward to church tomorrow morning...and praying for some sunshine.<br /><br />Ohh...one more thing. Miss Priss has a new favorite commerical. She is a dancing machine so she is quite partial to those with good beats or animals. She really likes animals as well. So of course her new fave is the one with the hamsters/gerbels in the car dancing. She LA-HUVS it! This evening she was laying on Jimmy's chest before bed and as soon as it came on she hopped off the couch and stood up just so she could dance. And laugh. Dance and laugh. I MUST get this on video! <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view&current=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-84756270766837059852009-04-17T21:38:00.001-07:002009-04-17T22:06:05.710-07:00Quick Update!Ahh...what a week. Who knew creating your own clothing line could be so much...work? Ha. It was a very productive week but exhausting all the same. Good news is, we are getting somewhere. The site is up minus the products and a lot of information. I have the clothing line fully designed on paper and most of the fabric either ordered or purchased already. AND...a few pieces of the playdate line completed. Yea! Now only 8-1/2 more outfits to go. Haha. But really, not too bad. The MUDCAKE ORIGINALS photo session is scheduled for the week of May 11th! And as soon as those are edited and added to the site we will be in business. Yea! Of course, I have decided to put a hold on orders right now in order to finish this process. I have a couple more orders to finish this weekend and then it's SUMMER LINE all the way. I am so excited to get this all done!<br /><br />That's all I got time for, for now. I am headed to bed. I am BEAT!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view¤t=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-64413379113579378692009-04-13T15:59:00.000-07:002009-04-13T16:02:42.076-07:00MUDCAKE ORIGINALS - Coming Soon!Whoo-hoo. A little sneak peak everyone...<br /><br />www.mudcakeoriginals.com<br />it's not really up and running yet as I have not added any content. i hope to get all added by end of April/early May. i am not doing a HUGE summer line since it's so late already, but there will be a few things available this summer and then a much BIGGER FALL LINE with some fun new things!!!<br /><br />Also, there of course has to be a blog to go along with the site...so check that out too and please bookmark! <br /><br />And rest assured, once the site is up and fully functioning, I will send out a huge MASS email informing you all!<br /><br />Thanks so much for your thougths and prayers...I am so excited to see where the future leads...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view¤t=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-39128211686820034862009-04-10T19:18:00.000-07:002009-04-10T19:57:02.235-07:00Spring is in the AirSpring is here and I am so happy. I am so ready for some warm weather, some sun, and some fun days at the lake. <br /><br />Today we headed to the bluebonnets before our FIRST lake-trip this year. Whoohoo! I have wanted to do this the last 3 years and each year something stops us. This year I refused to let that happen. I reminded Jimmy so many times that we were going to the bluebonnets today that he was really getting anoyed with me. Ha. So...we got up, Jimmy and Nick got the boat all clean and vacuumed out and we headed towards the bonnets. We stopped a little past Chappel Hill and took pictures in one of the prettiest fields ever.<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_2343-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2343-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />1 of the 2 decent ones of both kids...<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_2344.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2344.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_2354.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2354.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />and yes...we had to pick one. <br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_2356.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2356.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_2358.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2358.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />I love Texas for this reason right here!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_2361.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2361.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_2367.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2367.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_2371.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2371.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />After our bluebonnet stop we headed to Somerville. It wasn't really the best day for the lake but we have been DESPERATE to get out there! The water was cold and it was cloudy and only about 74 degrees. A little too cool but still so much fun!<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_2379.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2379.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />Kenz having a blast on the boat.<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_2382.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2382.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />SOOOO coooollllldddddd!<br /><br />We are going to be in trouble this year. She LOVES, LOVES, LOVES the water. She wanted to get in so bad. <br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_2390.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2390.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />She is so silly!<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_2391.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2391.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_2397.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2397.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />A COMPLETE daddy's girl<br /><br />Once we got home we had a mini-photo session. My website is almost done and I need a temporary, but good, picture for the home page. So...I tortured MacKenzie a little while as I attempted to get a photo of her in a Mudcake Original. Not sure if I got anything I love for the site...but did get some cute ones of my girl!<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_2406.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2406.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_2407.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2407.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_2414.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2414.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />And now, my kids are in bed and the hubs and I are watching a movie. I will post after Easter! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view&current=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-27077067773868898692009-04-01T21:18:00.000-07:002009-04-01T22:06:19.803-07:00TBall FunWhoohoo. What a whirlwind the last couple of weeks have been. Heck, the last weekend alone WORE ME OUT. Friday night we enjoyed some fun time at the AGC Cookoff. This is an event my mom's company has been involved with for years and for the first time we had such a big great group there. We had a blast!<br /><br />Saturday was a BIG FIRST. We woke up nice and early and by nice and early I mean not-so-nice but VERY EARLY. Like, 5:45 early. I forgot there was a 5:45 A-M. Yikes!!! What could pull this mama out of bed at such an awful hour??? Oh....10 little 4 & 5 year olds for a wonderful day of TBALL. Whoohoo. Saturday was JD's Baseball parade, 1st TBall game, and and Baseball Carnival. If you Houstonians remember, Saturday's weather was less than perfect. Like, several 10's of degrees less that perfect. We all FROZE. It was MISERABLE!!!!!!! BUT, my sweet thing was super precious in his tiny little TBall outfit out there on that big field. So...I finally have some pictures, and really...they say it all. Oh, and then there's that video. <br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=HPIM3930-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/HPIM3930-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />Me and my sweet girl before the start of the parade. And yes, she is wearing a Mudcake Original.<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2320.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2320.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />She loves the wind and gets super excited!!<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2321.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2321.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />I *love* this pic! I think it's hilarious that his last name is really bigger than his shirt!<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2324.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2324.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />My little Yankee<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2326.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2326.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />Right Fielder<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2327.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2327.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2329.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2329.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />First time at bat...<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2330.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2330.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzYJ5ftyKeFizAZq85oLoXp6dnPsgUFinYwdum1IgPDwVgKR3ds36TnjIJNFRytdLUhDxcGDSvyJN0' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Sunday we had a wonderful time at church. I tired to take a few pictures of the Priss before leaving but instead I got a meltdown and some non-smiles. She's a mess and I love her to pieces.<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2335-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2335-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />I DO NOT want to take a picture!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2336.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2336.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2338.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2338.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />This is as close as it gets to a smile...<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2339.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2339.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />We spent the rest of Sunday visiting with my family, a birthday party for a sweet friend of JD's, and a wonderful benefit at the golf course for a friend of Jimmys. It was a lot of fun and a HUGE turnout for a sweet family.<br /><br />As for the rest of the week...I am going to try and get my house in ORDER so that I can get to sewing! I have some major things to get done!!! So I can get a website done! So much to do...sooo little time.<br /><br />That's all I got for now!<br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view&current=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-63207322032731783812009-03-12T17:32:00.000-07:002009-03-12T18:03:48.936-07:00His LanguageHands down, one of the best things about listening to your kids learn how to talk is the way they mis-pronounce words. Though in time they need to be corrected, there are just some things that sound cuter mis-pronounced. These are words I know we will miss down the road. Words that when corrected are a reminder at just how much they are growing. Words that will be missed years from now...some I have blonged about previously, others I have not...<br /><br />JD calls his swingset in the backyard his "Fork"<br /><br />Instead of saying he is going to cut something, he says, "I am going to shark it!"<br /><br />He's always called the phone a "phung"<br /><br />Hopscotch is pronounced "hotchcock"<br /><br />He refers to the closet in his room as his "clothes pantry"<br /><br />He says he's going to "base the ball" instead of hit the ball.<br /><br />Just this evening I gave Kenz a sip out of JD's straw and after I handed it back to him he wiped the straw clean (he WILL NOT drink after anyone) and said, "Oh. I have to get off all of Kenzie's 'dreams'."<br /><br />We laugh because JD speaks with this funny accent at times. Not really...it's just the way he pronounces certain words. He doesn't say "need" with a N, he says "yeed" with a Y.<br /><br />I have always called JD my "Snuggle Bug" but sometimes he gets confused and says "chicken hug" instead.<br /><br />It's just so dang cute. All of it. I wish I could bottle it all up and save it for later. What really makes me laugh is how he things Ming-Ming from the Wonder Pets talks so funny.<br /><br />Oh, and while I am talking about JD...Just letting you all know...if you happen to see my kid and while seeing him you happen to notice how disguntingly long his toenails are, before judging me let me assure you that I have attempted NUMEROUS times since his birthday to cut them but he starts screaming and getting all upset about it. Why you ask??? He is trying to grow them out. You know, like a squirrel (or a bear depending on his mood). So he can climb a tree. Why else?<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view&current=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-34860441342320686952009-03-06T09:24:00.000-08:002009-03-06T09:27:34.292-08:00Byson's BlogThose who have read my blog for a while now will remember me talking about my sweet friend Devona's little boy Byson. Well, she has finally started a blog for him and I'd love to pass on the link. He's such a special little miracle and has captured all the hearts of the staff that helps care for him along with all his friends and family. Please keep the prayers for that little man coming, we are still in need of a miracle.<br /><br /><a href="http://bysons-story.blogspot.com/">http://bysons-story.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view&current=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-1716117012928387092009-03-04T18:43:00.000-08:002009-03-04T21:11:34.286-08:00America's Next Top Model - 2 Hour Premiere!I am going to do something new. And probably something utterly ridiculous because I am a FB (flaky blogger). I just can't seem to find enough time to blog regularly. I want to. But...there's sewing...and tv...and my husband...and these midgets running around calling me "Mom". Time is not something I have a lot of right now. That being said, I am going to start something new every Wednesday night for my 10 followers...<br /><br />I am going do a semi-live recap of ANTM - America's Next Top Model. I say semi-live b/c I probably won't start until 8:30ish...I don't do commericals.<br /><br />ANTM - SEASON 12 - EPISODE ONE<br /><br />Ahhh...Vegas!!! How can I miss it so much already (Vegas blog still coming...waiting on pictures from KOURTNIE!!)??!! I love that place. It's the city that never sleeps. Lucky top model wannabes!!!<br /><br />Bless these girls and their walking!! Have they not ever walked through their living room practicing the "just in case I am ever stopped in the mall by an agency walk?" Seriously! You KNOW you are going to have to walk a runway! Practice! Better yet, get a coach! Ugh...<br /><br />Does Jay's hair get grayer every season? What gives??<br /><br />Ok. I love Tyra. She's beautiful and has done so much more than model. That being said...she gets wierder and wierder every season!!! It's getting a little silly. Just say what needs to be said, do we need a dramatic production every single time??? NO! You are...dare I say it...embarrassing yourself!! Ahh! FIERCE!<br /><br />Now we get to meet the future ANTM contestants...<br /><br />Sandra, 19 from Rockville, MD<br />I am so glad I don't live in London or walking the London runways. I would not be able to pull that off! Ohhh. And now she's crying. Really?! Why do girl's cry on this show because Tyra compliments them or looks their direction. What did you think was going to happen! Ohh, smokin' body! (jealous)<br />---wouldn't miss her<br /><br />London, 18 from Arlington, TX<br />I love her! Seriously love her. NOT loving the headband OR the outfit, but totally love her. Maybe it's the "street preaching" or the Texas accent or just the fact that we'd totally be friends (but I would ask her to remove the band from her forehead!). Super cute, hope to see some more of her!<br />---keeper<br /><br />Jessica, 18 from Caguas, Puerto Rico<br />Never called ugly ever? In your whole life? Me neither! Just kidding (I need to add a "I am a wee bit sarcastic and it might get the best of me" disclamier to the top). But really, you have never made anyone mad enough that they were like, "Oh yeah...well, your ugly!" Lucky. I just totally thought of something else I hope my heavenly body posesses, a puerta rican accent...and a good voice. Like Jorge on AI!<br />---keeper (just so i can hear her talk)<br /><br />Tahila, 18 from Phoenix, AZ<br />Ok, tears...falling down my face. Seriously. I had to pause and rewind several times just to finish this. Wow. It's so scary how quickly accidents like that happen. I KNOW. JD burned his hand on my flat iron when he was 13 months old. It was awful. What an amazing and beautiful girl. I *really* hope we see her again! Sooo brave...<br />---keeper<br /><br />Monnique, 21 from Telluride, CO<br />Wow. Hmm...she would totally wear me out. I don't know that we'd be able to stay friends the entire competition. She would drive me INSANE. I'd end up getting mad and saying something like, "oh yeah...well, your ugly!" Totally kidding. But really? Smile a little!<br />---Umm. No.<br /><br />Natalie, 19 from Palos Verdes, CA<br />Well, she's a cute little thing. Yowza...where did those come from?! Don't act like y'all were surprised to see her huge TaTa's in that bathing suit. Not really partial either way here.<br />---Don't really care.<br /><br />Aminat, 21 from Uninon, NJ<br />Hello, GIANT. Wow...she's so tall. I love that she loves her height, she totally owns it. Not so sure about the "my heart is beating in my throat" comment. Could have done without that. She's pretty. I love how she talks. I love it in a mocking way, but love it all the same.<br />---keeper<br /><br />We have another cryer. I am sooooo not one to talk. I cry a lot. Ohh, and it's not getting any better. This is when I really wish I could see everything that happens, not just wha the producers thought was worth keeping! Poor thing...I can send myself into a panic attack. I am not even lying. I think I live a day away from prozax. Your laughing, ask Jimmy. And her she is...<br /><br />Kathryn, 18 from Farmland, IN<br />A pen collection? Seriously? Tyra's face is priceless! Oh, Giselle, say Giselle!!! You are from a small town...right...and you have never seen a mall? A tv? A Victoria Secret catalogue?! Your done! Well, she does know her designers, a little. UGLY baathing suit!<br />---not feeling it.<br /><br />Alex, 20 from Tampa, FL<br />WOW. I could have a hayday here. But I am going to try and be nice because I do not want to be "cussed out!". Try not to cuss on national television for starters. Gurl, ain't yo mama watchin'? Nevermind. Ohh...loved her spin on the word "peep". You gotta peep out people's personalities! Right...ohh, pet peeve alert! "Ya know what I'm sayin'?" I will NOT be able to watch her all season if she says that! And that pose? Hmm. I think that was more like putting your hands behind your head waiting for the cuffs. Lord, help her.<br />---Keeper (seriously...she will make that house veery interesting!"<br /><br />Isabella, 19 from Barboursville, Va<br />Epilepsy totally freaks me out. I saw a guy at the airport the other day start seizing and it was so scary. She's so cute and bubbly though. Good for her to fight through what's got to be a tough disease.<br />---Either way<br /><br />Nijah, 18 from Rancho Cucamongo, Ca<br />Prom Queen! Whoohoo! That's all I got.<br />---Nah<br /><br />Fo, 19 from Albuquerque, NM<br />She's sooo cute. I *love* the freckles too!! Blaxican - I love it. Could have done without the dog poop story.<br />---Keeper<br /><br />Angelea, 22 from Buffalo, NY<br />Oh, bless her heart. I have a total confession. I wrote her off from the minute I saw her. And, she just broke my heart. Again with the seizures. Oh, I can not even imagine. She is from the HOOD. But, she got me with the story. Her hair is did and the nails have GOT TO GO!! Don't you watch MTV, dark short nails are trendy! She looks sooo much better minus the my little pony wig. Oh, the nails, what a horror!<br />---Honestly, I don't know. My heart breaks for her, keep her!<br /><br />Celia, 25 from Cynthiana, KY<br />What do we have here? A twirler! ME TOO, about the prettiest thing. Seriously...I am the happiest and feel the prettiest I ever have in my life. Isn't that wierd...at 25, married with two kids I am in my prime? LOL. Nevermind, back to Celia. She's a doll. I love her. We'd toally be friends. And she works at Bergdorf. yeah, we'd be friends!<br />---KEEPER!<br /><br />Kortnie, 24 from Houston, TX<br />I always love the plus-size models the best! But really, is she even plus size? Oh wow, my mom will be so jealous!! Junior!!!!<br />---Keeper<br /><br />Allison, 20 from New Orleans, LA<br />Wow. I thought she just looked odd with those eyes, not we know she really is. Of all the things to admit on NT (national television) you choose to announce your obsession with blood. Hmmm. She reminds me of a deer. And that pout when she walks?!<br />---No thanks.<br /><br />Teyona, 20 from Woodstown, NJ<br />A country girl, a tomboy from the country. Who's the bomb. And she's fine. Hmm...she looks like a model but the attitude...no thank you.<br />---don't care either way<br /><br /><br />And our 34 are...<br />Sandra<br />London - YEA!<br />Fo - YEA, wait...what did she just say? You can't believe that as a human being, you made it. As opposed to what...<br />Jessica<br />Kortnie - yea!<br />Tahlia - YEA!<br />Teyona<br />Kathryn<br />Nijah<br />Natalie<br />Isabella<br />Angelea - try and be a little more grateful<br />Celia - YEA!<br /><br />Bummer, no Alex.<br /><br />Again, so jealous. I love Vegas!<br /><br />Sandra and Angelea are already going at it. Seriously?! Ohh, she said no class! Claws are out!!! I love how Sandra smiles the entire time she is talking smack. Haha! GROW UP! And now she's crying. Ugh...and again, the nails...killing me!<br /><br />AHH. Did you see the plus for cycle 13?? They are only taking models under 5'7". Seriously?! I am toally applying. Kidding...but really, this should be interesting!<br /><br />13 Finalists...oh, how Vegas of you!<br /><br />Aminat - yea! I loved that clap! I am waiting for her to start patting her weave...err...fro with those long fingers!<br /><br />Natalie - who? that's bad when you have to go reread your previous comments for a reminder!<br /><br />Fo - Fo sho! Yeah, I'll totally be saying that the entire season! Wow, she is short!<br /><br />Allison - Creepy!<br /><br />Tahila - I hope she makes it really far!!<br /><br />Celia - the girl I would totally be besties with! Yea!<br /><br />Nijah - ehhh...<br /><br />London - yea! now take that headwrap off! Oh, she thanked Jesus! I love it!<br /><br />Teyona - ehhh...<br /><br />Kortnie - yea! H-town baby!! And she did the running man! Love it!<br /><br />Isabella - she's cute!<br /><br />Jessica - yea, I get to listen to her talk some more! They should totally pronounce her name Yessica!<br /><br />and the last name i am going to call is...<br /><br />Sandra - knew it!!<br /><br />Who's the blonde! Later ghetto-fab, should have been nicer!<br /><br />Y'all...this is killer. That was only the first hour! Yikes.<br /><br />Yea!!! NYC! I love that place too! LUCKY...<br /><br />PART TWO:<br /><br />I totally love London's personality. Sandra is annoying me terribly. She's rude. 80's stories up in the Empire State Building...yikes! My ears would hate me!<br /><br />AHH! Nigel Barker! I have a serious crush on him! And the keys...<br /><br />Nice digs! Hello Upper East Siders...<br /><br />Ok, so I hope the first to go is Sandra! AND I love that Celia totally stole her bed! Ahhh...hahaha!!! Hello couch Sandra!!! And Celia is so nice. Don't give in!!<br /><br />I love that London just gave up her bed. She's so sweet.<br /><br />Tahlia is amazing! What a brave girl.<br /><br />Fashion show already!!! Oh, they are just watching. Take noted ladies!!! Wait, they are going to be in it! Seriously??!! Poor Allison...she might fall and get a nose bleed afterall...<br /><br />Oh, poor Tahlia. She wants to put herself out there. I can get over how brave she is!!<br /><br />And it's time to walk...walk it out...<br /><br />Oh Miss Jay, you are too much.<br /><br />Aminat - I totally love her. I think it's because she reminds me of Dani from a few cycles ago.<br /><br />London - totally let her head lead. yikes!<br /><br />Seyona - so pretty!<br /><br />Isabella - sooo scary with the strobes.<br /><br />Kortnie - did ok.<br /><br />Jessica - looked gorgeous<br /><br />Fo - pretty!<br /><br />Tahila - awful outfit! Bless her.<br /><br />Nijah - blah! she is sooo slow!<br /><br />Allison - those eyes are crazy. and that walk. bless her<br /><br />Sandra - OMGoondess. She did HORRIBLE. And she doesn't even know it.<br /><br />Natalie - so cute.<br /><br />Celia - I don't think she looked very good. But we are still BFF's.<br /><br />Sandra is so awful. I can't believe she is making no attempt to make friends. I so wish she would not have made it! I'd like to see her gone!<br /><br />Oh, photoshoot time! Yea! In Central park??!! Sooo jealous. I LOVE it!!! I'd spend my afternoons there, reading in the sun...ahhh...<br /><br />WHAT IS JAY WEARING??<br /><br />Theme - Childhood Games<br /><br />Fo - Ring Around the Rosies<br />Ahh, she teaches preschool! I love it!! She rocked her shoot!<br /><br />London - Tug of War<br />We'll see, I am excited to see her pic!<br /><br />Tahila - Tag<br />Hmmm...she is not doing very well. And bad answers as well. Don't try so hard!!! Poor girl.<br /><br />Nagtalie - Leap Frog<br />I love her outfit! She's so me!<br /><br />Sandra - Hide and Seek<br />BORING!!!! Blah! See ya!<br /><br />Kortnie - Monkey Bars<br />She looks so silly, hope she did better than what we saw!<br /><br />Aminat - London Bridge<br />uh-oh, hope she got a good one!<br /><br />Nijah - Musical Chairs<br />She was so cute!!<br /><br />Allison - Double Dutch<br />She looks scared to death but I think she rocked it!!! I miss me some double-dutching!<br /><br />Teyona - Hopscotch<br />This is JD's favorite game. That's all I got.<br /><br />Celia - Hula Hoop<br />She's GOOD!<br /><br />Isabella - Dodgeball<br />I hated this game! She's struggling. Bless her!<br /><br />Jessica - jacks<br />Love the accent!! She rocked it!!! I like her!!<br /><br />Back at the house. Who's gonna be rude again. Sandra maybe. Let's see...oh goodness. She NEVER messes up when she models?! Really?? Haha.<br /><br />PANEL! Whoohoo! My favorite part...Tyra's speal. You'll have it memorized by the end of the season!!!<br /><br />Judges - no guest this time.<br /><br />First up, Sandra! Ahhh hahah!!! I can't wait to here!!! They totally call her out on the flop of a runway walk!! Miss Jay is totally unimpressed! Her photo? No bueno. Which she is just confused by! Haha!<br /><br />Next, Celia. She is a fashion genius. I totally need her as my BF. She killed it! They loved her! Yea.<br /><br />Fo is next. Nigel loves her. I love him. It was a cute photo but not modely enough and didn't capture the concept. Oh, and height is an issue!! LONG and LEAN Fo!<br /><br />Aminat is up and earrings are gone! Watch the wierd legs! Work on the face!!!<br /><br />Speaking of London Bridges. London's outfit is hideous!! She totally needs to get with Celia!!! EXCELLENT picture! She looks awesome there!<br /><br />Jessica had gorgeous angles but not enough!<br /><br />Next, Teyona. Nigel liked it. Miss Jay had an issue with the head. I am unimpressed!<br /><br />Isabella, poor thing. Awful picture and no one gets it. She needs some work.<br /><br />Nijah is up and cute picture and great sweetness. They loved it!!!<br /><br />Kortnie is next and it's cute. I like it! They thought it was to parade-like!<br /><br />Allison pulled it off. It's the "deer in the headlight" look!!<br /><br />Tahlia is up and she didn't do great. Poor thing. She is trying so hard. They did bring uo the fashion show and her being covered up. She was so honest about it. Bless her. I think it earned major points but Tyra broke it down for her!!<br /><br />Natalie's now sporting the headband? What gives?? Blah shot, can't tell potential!!<br /><br />Deliberation time...will there be drama in the holding tank?<br /><br />Judges say...<br /><br />Sandra - lost in the woods and Nigel thinks she is one of the prettiest. NOT her personality!<br /><br />Ceila - Miss Jay is being nit-picky, which means it's great!<br /><br />Fo - No neck, is she modelesque? Super cute Nigel says.<br /><br />Aminat - brillant on the runway. Is she one note?<br /><br />London - poor proportions.<br /><br />Jessica - relies on pretty and that's her problem!<br /><br />Tiyana - windtunnel face...wind in the face no bueno.<br /><br />Isabella - she looks like a little person. She rocked the runway! Not getting noticed!<br /><br />Nijah - blah.<br /><br />Kortnie - not translating in pictures!<br /><br />Allison - she killed it and Miss Jay is impressed!<br /><br />And the results...Best to worst photos...<br /><br />Allison, Fo, Tiyana, London, Celia, Nijah, Kortnie, Natalie, Aminat, Tahlia, Jessica<br /><br />Two left standing...<br /><br />Sandra and Isabella<br /><br />Ha, Tyra tells Sandra she was dissappointing. And then she stays. Blah! Poor Isabella is going home. I am mad. I like her and she is so much sweeter than mean Sandra!<br /><br />Oh well. Until next week. I am DONE! Holy cow...this took a while!<br /><br />Haha!!<br /><br />ANTM!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view&current=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-11692311341327896882009-03-03T19:22:00.001-08:002009-03-03T20:02:19.500-08:00My HamSo. I feel like I do a lot of posting on my boy. Maybe that's because he is so funny! And older so he happens to say A LOT of funny things, hourly. He's also so happy, all the time, just happy. And sweet. If I was to describe him in 3 words I'd say SWEET, BUSY, and SILLY. Seriously...he's so dang sweet. He constantly talks about how much he loves everyone. All that being said...<br /><br />I *heart* that sweet little thing sleeping quietly upstairs right now. She was someone I wished for well before she ever made her appearance. I wanted a little girl so bad. I LOVED having a boy first! I wanted an older brother to watch over his younger sister that I also wanted so badly! I was beyond ecstatic when the doctor told me "it" was a "she". I am not ashamed to say that I needed to know what we were having in order to prepare myself not to be dissappointed with another boy. NOT because two boys aren't fun. It would be amazing to be a mom of boys, I know this b/c I LOVE that little man upstairs so much and I know how SPECIAL a mother and son's love is. I would be dissappointed because I wanted to raise a girl as well. I'm a girl, a very girly-girl. I love to shop. I love to wear makeup. I love having my nails painted. I like to be center-of-attention. I tend to be overly dramatic on most occasions. I enjoy watching sports but spend as much time critiquing their outfits and look as I do actually paying attention to what's happening. I am still a cheerleader at heart and check my old gym's cheer site occasionally. I am a girly-girly-girl! So...my sweet daughter was dreamt of long before she was ever a reality!<br /><br />So, this post is being dedicated to her and all the sweetness (ok, drama) she brings to our lives. Y'all we are smitten by her. Now, we are also completely worn out by her too. She is just a handful! BUT, as much as she drives me insane (daily) and as happy as I am to put her in bed at night, I would not change a single thing about her. I can not imagine her being anything else. I don't think our lives would be nearly as entertaining. Where her brother keeps us LAUGHING constantly with his words, she does the same with her smiles, her attitude, her dancing, and her FITS! She is something else...<br /><br />Words can't even begin to explain how much she already enjoys the spotlight. If we are watching tv or talking about something and start laughing, she immediately assumes we are laughing at her. She starts to laugh, a very fake laugh I might add, and this continues back and forth until we are all in stitches. She's also quite the dancer. it's hilarious b/c she can be in the middle of something (eating, playing, drinking from her sippy, ANYTHING) and the minute music starts playing whether on the computer or during a commercial, she starts to dance. She doesn't miss a beat. It's like an automatic response for her. Because of this, she really likes The City on MTV, ya know, because of all the music they play. She also assumes it's all about her. All the time. There is really no happy medium, no compromise whatsoever when she wants something. It's either give in or prepare to listen to a complete meltdown. I'm not exaggerating when I say on an average day, we have experienced 3 or 4 full facedown on the ground, screaming and crying, kicking of legs meltdown by noon. Really. Daily. BUT, when we are not having a meltdown, she's the happiest thing in the world. Again, there is no in between there either. She is either ALL smiles or a meltdown. Oh, she is too much!!!<br /><br />She also has most of the men in her life completely wrapped around her finger. It's so funny to see that. I assumed that would be a given with her daddy, but it kind of surprises me to see it with her PawPaw and PaTim, especially her PaTim. He's the guy that doesn't really care of babies, 2+ absolutely, younger than that...not so much. That being said, Miss Kenz has him wrapped tighter and tighter around her finger everytime they see each other. It's so funny! <br /><br />So...to wrap this post up...here are some pictures from today. Really, from a few minutes today. She is something else...<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2161.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2161.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />Playing with Bubba's paintbrushes. I'd like to think she's pretending they are make-up brushes.<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2162.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2162.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2172.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2172.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />She's getting so good with the camera...all smiles when it's out! FINALLY!<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2175.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2175.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2177.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2177.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />SOOOO SILLY!<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2244.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2244.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />Jimmy got her up from her nap and she was dressless...<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2245.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2245.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />She LOVES her daddy!<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2250.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2250.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />Her favorite place!<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2252-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2252-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />It's a daily fight keeping her off the table!<br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2254-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2254-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />Can you tell she is a complete ham?<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view&current=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-25690095301796778012009-02-18T20:13:00.000-08:002009-02-18T20:42:15.419-08:00I am about to call it a night but thought I'd hop on for a minute and say adios! Hubby and I head out tomorrow afternoon for Vegas! I am so ready. I need a weekend away with my MAN for sure!! I can't lie and say the whole 4-days-kidless thing sounds pretty dang good too. I will miss those little ones like crazy, but mama and daddy are needing a break for sure. I just feel like it's been one of those months and I can tell I have been yelling more than normal. So, I look so forward to coming home relaxed and with some more patience.<br /><br />JD is so excited about spending the whole weekend at KK's house. Every morning this past week he has woken up and asked me "How many more days until I get to sleep at KK's house?" SUPER EXCITED!!! He loves that lday so much!!!<br /><br />A few more funny JD stories...I do not make these up...they happen daily around here!<br /><br />This morning we were sitting on the couch watching MM Clubhouse when I noticed JD blowing on his hand? He had a scratch but when I asked him what was wrong he said, "My screwdriver bit me!"<br /><br />Yesterday we were up at our office and he was sitting in one of our co-workers laps coloring. He was telling her about seeing the movie Wall-E with PawPaw (last summer) and Kim was asking who PawPaw was. JD's reply, "Well...PawPaw, he goes with Nana. And he has a big muscle on her arm and he makes it jump!" It cracks me up what information they choose to remember and share.<br /><br />This morning we made french toast for bfast and I served him some blueberries with the toast. He proceeded to pick out a couple that I had mushed a little and said, "I don't want those. They are still bleeding!"<br /><br />That kid cracks me up!!! <br /><br />Kenz is also equally as excited about going to KK's. She told me so. It's probably the nonstop attention and food. She cracks me up!<br /><br />Speaking of food...<br /><br />We tried out this new (not that new) little cajun place last night. Mama's Cajun Kitchen and it was WONDERFUL!!! Jimmy and I both love crawfish and all things New Orlean's-style but it's hard to find anything comparable except Pappadeaux and we just don't live close enough anymore. This place looked like it might be one of those really good mom-and-pop kind of places and it was!!! We had DELCIOUS crawfish! They were still pretty small b/c it's early but the seasoning was FAB!! Don't even try to tell me about Willies...theirs pale in comparison to Pappadeaux and MCK! Their gumbo was also delicious! It was cajun without being too "in your face cajun!" YUM!!!! <br /><br />Ok. Enough talk about our dinner last night. I am getting hungry! I am going to head to dinner instead!! I am hoping tomorrow afternoon will be hear as quickly as possible! We take off at 7:25 tomorrow evening. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a tad bit nervous! All these stories about plane crashes have gotten me a bit anxious. If you think of us tomorrow evening...say a prayer for our pilot!<br /><br />PEACE!<br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view&current=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-59256739313827340282009-02-16T07:21:00.000-08:002009-02-16T08:02:54.838-08:00Morning Y'all!<br /><br />So, I was hoping to repost with adorable pictures in response to my last post. But sadly, no. This mama just ain't ontop of her game like she used to me. BUT, pictures will be coming in the near future, I promise!<br /><br />So, this passt week/weekend we enjoyed one of those "first." I think it's one of those milestones sooo many of us imagine when we first give birth to our little boy's. It's that moment that as much as you don't want to rush time, you look forward to!! It is....T-Ball!!! JD started T-Ball this past week. He's only had practices and won't start with actual games until the week after Spring Break, but y'all, we couldn't be more excited. I don't know who's more excited, Daddy and I or JD. He's in what they call "Instructional T-Ball." And boy, are they right, there are a lot of instructions going on. JD is once of the younger ones on the team (they start at age 4 and since he just turned 4 last month...) but at times you can't even tell. And at other times, you can. They are so dang cute though.<br /><br />So far, catchinging a grounder, throwing the ball and running the bases have been the main focus. By the end of last practice JD was doing much better on the grounder process. He throws the ball pretty well when he SLOWS down. He gets a little over-excited and forgets to go through the whole process, especially the "step." And well, running the bases...that one is proving to be a little difficult as well. Again, he get's a "little excited" and just takes off. He knows where FIRST his, but when you are that dang excited you will run anywhere!!! It's so dang cute. The first practice he took off running for what we had hoped was first and kept going, and going, and going. It was hi-lar-ious!!! He was on such a mission and it took the coach running to catch him to get him to turn around. He's one of those (like his daddy) that gets in the zone and there is no distracting them. It was defintely one of those moments we will be embarrassing him with in front of a girl one day. <br /><br />The girl is also enjoying the practices. Of course, she wears me out as I am chasing her around the whole time. The good news is, JD is on the Yankees and MacKenzie will have plenty of adorable outfits to cheer her brother on in!! Yea!<br /><br />Kenzie is such a crazy child. Goodness me. I have said it a million times before and it only proves truer and trues with each passing day. She is an absolute source of entertainment for her father and me. I swear, I love her so intensely one minute and then the next...while still loving her, I want to scream. There are not words to describe this child. <br /><br />As I type, she is sitting in a kitchen chair next to me (pulled away from the table so that she does not climb up and stand on it) with her shirt off (because she decided to paint herself in syrup after eating french toast) sucking every drop of juice out of an apple slice. She eats all day. Seriously. <br /><br />Here are some pictures of that crazy child...<br /><br />A day of this...<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=IMG_0248.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/IMG_0248.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Ends like this<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2062-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2062-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Feeding Time!<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2106.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2106.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2108.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2108.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=100_2112.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_2112.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view&current=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-57935291194084920422009-02-13T19:31:00.000-08:002009-02-13T20:17:40.794-08:00In Need of a Backscratcher!So, it's true. Something I never thought would happen again has. Something I assumed I was never going to experience after our bout with colic again. I figured that those LOOONNGG, AWFUL, STRESSFUL months of colic would have kept this from happening ever again. But NO. No, here I am again...<br /><br />Nope, I am not pregnant. But ohmyword, I have the itch. I have Baby Fever like never before. It's driving me crazy. Seriously crazy. So, I would like to ask all you to please stop posting the adorable pictures of y'alls precious newborns (Amanda) and stop sharing all the great news about your due dates and what you are having and what names you have picked out (Monica, Ree, Kate) because seriously y'all, you are not helping me out here!!!<br /><br />Oh, I am kidding. Not about the itch, but do keep sharing. Amanda, that sweet girl might be the cutest thing I have ever laid eyes. She is BEAUTIFUL seriously. And yes, please keep telling me all about how sweet they are and how their baby smell is just the greatest thing since fresh sliced banana nut bread. Oh, and do keep telling me all about those sleepless nights and those HUGE, sore, Pam-style engorged breatisis. Because really, I need this itch to be scratched and by scratched I mean go away, and by go away I mean that I have come to the realization that being outnumbered as a parent is not something we want, rather than being 'with baby'. Unless that is what God wants for my family. And IF that is what He wants, please let a bolt of lighting strike my husband (in a good way) and make him want that too. Geese. It's bad. So bad that I have considered really begging Jimmy for a third. I have also already calculated out the birthdate if I were to get pregnant, say...now, and I don't like the outcome. I really don't want another baby born between the months of October and January. No...between Kenzie's birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and JD's birthday we are a teeny tiny bit busy and a teeny tiny bit spent (and yes spent in the literal since, as in we done spent all our money). So...that is what I am using to convinence myself that three is not for me. That and my over-the-top dramatic, demanding, exhausting little darling of a girl that I love so much. All that being said, I was skimming through the January issue of Parents and came across an article in the back about your parenting style and it is directly related to your astrological sign. Now, I don't typically buy into any of this and never really even read them, unless to scoff at how far off they are. BUT...I was sitting there with nothing better todo (ok, I was on the pot) and read it. It said yada, yada, yada and then there was a final random note. I read others as well just to see if they were all the same and no. Some were about your work life or your social life or your kid's life or your kid's social life. Mine?!! Well, mine was about me and my "significant other" and how we will have a good year and enjoy an "intimate vacation away together" (Caymans perhaps for our 5th anniversary?). Oh, and it also said something about "adding an addition to the family." WHAT?! Yeah, I got a little excited.<br /><br />So. That's where I am at these days. Jimmy only knows a little of this. I have shared that I do indeed have baby fever an that I am fully aware of how CRAZY that is. He laughed and told me I have lost my mind. When I say laughed, I mean a crazy nervous laughter. So, I try not to scare him too much. I really would rather him not move out of the bedroom. BUT, I can share here. Afterall, it is my blog!<br /><br />I am signing off now. I have a busy day tomorrow and really need to get some sleep. We are all crazy like that here on a Friday night.<br /><br />I will be blogging later this weekend. We had a special couple of days with JD and after I get pictures, I will blog about it. Oooo....I got you on the edge of your seats now, eh?! <br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view&current=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-53412103752053399432009-02-09T18:32:00.000-08:002009-02-09T18:46:29.588-08:00The Cowboy and The HorseJD has a wee-bit of an imagination. It's really funny because he is a constant source of entertainment for his daddy and I. I have an imagination as well, which would be why staying home alone when Jimmy is out of town is not such a good idea. When JD starts to tell a story, we never know what's going to come out. Or whether it's true or not for that matter. Tonight was quite the same...<br /><br />While in the bathtub he started in on a good one...<br /> ----"Mom, I am going to tell you a story. Once upon a time, there was a boy, a cowboy named JD. He had a horse, and a gun, and a sword."<br /> "Oh, yeah? And what was his horses name?"<br /> "Radical."<br /> "Radical?"<br /> "No. Rad-i-cal!"<br /> "Oh, Rad-i-cal! And what did the cowboy and the horse do?"<br /> "They played hide-n-seek and duck, duck goose!"<br /> "Where did the horse hide?"<br /> "Behind the fence"<br /> "And the coowboy named JD?"<br /> "Under his covers in his bed"<br /> "Did the horse find him?"<br /> "Yeah. Rad-i-cal looked everywhere. Then he looked in my room but didn't see me. Then there was another door that went to the bathroom and he looked there. Then there was <em>another </em>door that went to the clothes pantry, and he looked there. But then he looked in the covers and found the cowboy."<br /> "What happened next?"<br /> "Mom, you need to bathe me now!"<br /><br />And that was the end. Gotta love it! I defintely like how he refers to his closet as the "clothes pantry!" <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view&current=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-53601589067617183362009-02-07T13:51:00.000-08:002009-02-07T14:14:12.859-08:00Happy Belated Birthdays!Happy Belated Birthday!!!<br /><br />Tis true! My boy is an official 4 year old. Seriously?! How did this happen?! Goodness me...time is flying by. The saddest part? Right now JD really wants to grow up. So much so that at times when I tell him to wait he starts crying because, "Mama, but I really want to be big like Daddy and Uncle Matt right now!" Which is funny, that he cried about that. Haha.<br /><br />He's all growed up and reminds me of this daily, whether he verablly tells me or shows me through his actions. He's getting so independent. But luckily, he still my little boy. He's a snuggler and loves to hug and be held. I enjoy this tremendously because MacKenzie is not into the cuddling. She's been nicknamed the "10 Seconds" because that's all you get. She'll hold her hands up or try to climb in your lap...for 10 seconds...and then she's done. Haha!<br /><br />JD had a construction birthday party. It was a blast. We narrowed down our guest list this year to just the kiddos his age that he really knows. I asked what friends he wanted to invite and we invited those he really knows. I unfortunately did not take many pictures and I forgot to get those that my Nana took off her camera. So, instead I am stealing those my mom took and reposting here...<br /><br />The table with the yummy cupcakes and dumptruck full of dirt (oreo cookies)<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=JD_bday.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/JD_bday.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />The Birthday Boy at the "painting station"<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=JD_bday2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/JD_bday2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />In his cute VANDAGRIFF CONSTRUCTION shirt<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=JD_Bday_4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/JD_Bday_4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Pinata Time!<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=JD_bday_5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/JD_bday_5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />His friends waiting for their turn at the pinata<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=JD_bday_6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/JD_bday_6.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Sister in her MUDCAKE ORIGINALS Construction Outfit<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view&current=Kenzie_jd_bday.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/Kenzie_jd_bday.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />I'd also like to wish a Happy Birthday to our wonderful Pa Tim!!! And a special Happy Birth-Day to the beautiful Annabeth Ellen Jones!!!! We are so happy you are here and I can not wait to meet you!! I am so excited about the fun times your mama has ahead of her. Girls are just something else!! That Big Brother of yours better watch out, you are going to be getting into all of his toys in NO TIME!!!! Love ya'll!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view&current=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.mudcakeoriginals.etsy.com/"></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-70292737753653724522009-01-15T11:06:00.000-08:002009-01-15T11:11:18.518-08:00ETSY SHOP OPEN!So, I have been up to this sewing thing for a little while. I have mostly just been selling via word-of-mouth and through emails! BUT, I finally got an etsy shop up and going. There isn't much on there and it's less than fancy, but hopefully I will be able to do something about all that soon. I am trying to post new outfits daily, okay...weekly, so keep checking back! I am working on getting some VDay outfits up ASAP!! If you or anyone you know is interested, please forward along my site!!!<br /><br />Oh, and yes...I would love to do some boy outfits, but let's get real, there isn't much!!! I can do lounge sets and I am working on making some shirts. I have this really cute idea but haven't had time to actually make it yet! I am going to list some lounge sets soon though! Oh, and as soon as I place an order for more "minky" I will be listing some baby blankets as well! So...keep in mind!<br /><br />Please visit and pass along, THANKS!<br /><br />http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5400993<br /><br />Whoo Hoo!!! Off to sew....<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view¤t=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-57271000150401783812009-01-14T19:08:00.000-08:002009-01-14T20:21:32.185-08:00Holiday UpdateLife is good and a teeny tiny bit busy. Just a little though, and I am not complaining.<br /><br />Things have going really well though. We made it through the holidays. I had a really hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this year. I blame stress. But once I finally did, it was wonderful. The kiddos had a wonderful time. This was the first Christmas that JD really got the whole Christmas thing. He LOVED it! He loved every minute of it!!! A few of the memories I will take with me...<br /><br />The day of his Christmas party at school we were running late. i was telling him how we needed to hurry or we would be late for his party (they were doing a "Happy Birthday Jesus" themed party"). JD being the practical one looked at me and said, "Mom, we can not be late, I have to get to the party before Jesus." I blinked and asked him to repeat. "Mom, I can't be late, I need to get to the party before Jesus gets there. You know, for His birthday party." Right...so I explain..."JD, where does Jesus live?" He answers matter-of-factly, "In heaven and in my heart." Yes...so, I explain that He will not be at the party because He is in heaven. After thinking about this for a little minute he replies, "Ok, but can I eat His cupcake then?" LOL. he apparently has his priorities straight!<br /><br />This year as in year's past, the school sent home cute crafts and keepsakes that the kids made in school. One of the ridiculous cute items was a homemade angel and for the face of the angel was a picture of JD (I am assuming the other parents received pictures of their own kids but I am not sure). I put it out so we could admire it during the holidays. A few days before we took down the decor (which really is the part I despise the most) JD pointed at it and nonchalantly says, "Oh mom, there's that picture of me when I used to be an angel." Haha.<br /><br />MacKenzie also had a really good time. She only took a handful of ornaments off the tree. She had fun opening presents and really did open her fair share. Of course, she looked ridiculously cute in all her Christmas outfits. <br /><br />Her are a few great pictures from our holidays...<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1762.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1762.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1822.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1822.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1823.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1823.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1824.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1824.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1827.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1827.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1832.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1832.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />JD making Christmas ornaments...<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1884.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1884.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1884.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1884.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Christmas Morning...<br /><br />MacKenzie on her new horse.<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1893.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1893.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />JD and his new tool bench and new tools that he is OBSESSED with!<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1895.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1895.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1896.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1896.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />And maybe one of the coolest gifts ever - JD's new F150 truck from FuFu and Sammy.<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1900.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1900.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1901.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1901.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1902.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1902.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1904.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1904.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />MacKenzie in her adorable petti! I *love* these!<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1909.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1909.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1911.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1911.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This brother sure loves his sister!<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1917.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1917.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />And his rock band!<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1926.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1926.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We also has a great New Years. Mom and Pa Tim took the kiddos to the country for a few days. JD is a COUNTRY BOY. So much so that Jimmy and I some times wonder where he came from. Don't get me wrong, I love the country! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE spending time in the middle of nowhere. I love campfires and horses and fireflies and fishing and all that fun stuff. And Jimmy does too, as long as there is a tv with ESPN near by. But JD LOVES IT. He loves picking up sticks and digging in the dirt and riding four wheelers and picking up more sticks. He LOVES the country!!!! So, they spent a couple nights at my brother Dustin's house and had a blast. Jimmy and I spent New Year's at a wedding. We had a wonderful time with good friends!<br /><br />Me and Two of my favorite girls!<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1946.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1946.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Me and my FAVORITE Man<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=100_1956-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/100_1956-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The Girls<br /><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/?action=view¤t=NYE.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/svandagriff/NYE.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />That's all I got for now. I have a few shows to watch and a head that hurts. I hope to post tomorrow. I want to show off the newest MUDCAKE ORIGINALS (that's my line of clothes in case you didn't know)!!<br /><br /><br /><br />New Year's was FUN as well. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view&current=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814941.post-29140103316754804212008-12-12T21:04:00.000-08:002008-12-12T21:20:08.468-08:00Christmas SurveyBecause I am feeling like an overachiever and all...a Christmas Survey if you will.<br /><br />1. Fresh Tree/Fake Tree? - FRESH! I love getting a fresh tree and I am really glad I married someone that loves fresh trees as well. That could have been a real problem. Not a deal breaker but a serious problem every 11 months. <br /><br />2. Favorite Ornament - Goodness. I LOVE all my ornaments. There are only a couple on my tree that aren't special. One of my favorite traditions is my Nana giving us ornaments every year. Those are so special and I love getting them out every year. I also love the homemade ones I have gotten the last couple of years with JD's picture from school.<br /><br />3. Favorite Christmas Song - I LOVE Christmas songs. I have a couple - "Walking in a Winter Wonderland", The Christmas Song, and Let it Snow!!<br /><br />4. Favorite Tradition - See number 2. I look so forward to those ornaments every year. We have gotten them for as long as I can remember and I had so much fun telling JD about them this year. I also love picking out the tree. And driving through Prestonwood to look at lights. I also like our new tradition of opening gifts on Christmas Eve and them being our PJ's for Christmas morning, This year they will all be matching Christmas PJ's - I love Jimmy for doing this with us! Last night JD and I made those home-made Cinnamon, Nutmeg, ground clove, and ginger ornaments you bake for an hour. He has SOOOO much fun making them and then painting them. We made a gingerbread girl and boy that were JD and MacKenize and he thought that was the coolest thing ever. I can see that being something we do for years to come.<br /><br />5. Favorite Gift Ever Received - When I was younger it was definetly my keyboard. I remember being so excited about it. In recent years...anything that was a SURPRISE since I usually pick out my own gift.<br /><br />6. Favorite Christmas Meal - The usualy, ham (I prefer honeybaked ham over turkey), greasy bacon-filled green beans, dressing, giblet gravy and mashed potatos, sweet potato casserole, and dessert!<br /><br />7. Favorite Christmas Cookie - Hmmm....I don't have one.<br /><br />8. Favorite Place to be - The BIG OB! Nana and PawPaw's house hands down with all the family. There is no place on earth like Christmas at Nana's. It's seriously like a Winter Wonderland. She has a Christmas Tree in every room (all 4 bedrooms, all 4 bathrooms, the laundry room and pantry, the formal living, dining, sunroom, kitchen, and sitting room) - it's insane!!! I hope her mansion in heaven is the exact same way at Christmas.<br /><br />9. Favorite Memory - Goodness, there are so many. I can remember being little and so excited after opening presents on Christmas morning and all I wanted to do outside and see what my best friend Ashley across the street got and ride our new bikes or rollerblades together. I remember the year she got her Red Jeep and how cool it was!! Another neat memory was the Christmas we spent in Hawaii. I went with Jimmy and his family to Hawaii for 2 weeks over Christmas while his sister and brother-in-law lived there. It was crazy being able to go to the beach after opening gifts!<br /><br />10. Favorite Christmas Movie - I love them all! Home Alone was probably one of the funniest! I am really wanting to see Four Christmas's this year though!!<br /><br />There you go...Merry Christmas!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/?action=view&current=stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/stephanievandagriffsig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Steph Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384442832679645949noreply@blogger.com2