2009

Construction Zone Ahead!

2009-09-07T13:07:00.000-07:00

My little boy turned 2 the beginning of August. People always say that time flies by, but you don't really understand that until you have kids. They are so right!
We celebrated Foster's birthday with a construction zone theme at Cheer Texas. The party was a hit. The kids got to play in the bouncers, jump on the trampolines and jump into the foam pit.
We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family.

Cozumel

2009-07-03T15:26:00.000-07:00

Kit and I went on a well deserved vacation to Cozumel. This was the first time I had ever been to the beach with crystal clear water. It was so beautiful! We snorkeled almost everyday, laid out on the beach and ate until we couldn't eat anymore. We stayed at an all inclusive resort, The Iberostar. I must say that the staff, food and amenities were awesome. If your looking for a relaxing but fun time; this is the place to go.
Foster stayed with his Mammy (Kit's mom) during this time and had a blast. Mammy entertained him quite well. They went swam every day, went for walks and played at the park. I don't think he missed us at all.
Here are some pictures of our trip!

Random

2009-05-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

Here are some random pictures of the fam. go here http://jeremyandmaile.blogspot.com to see pics of my new nephew. James Jeremiah Srader, he is precious.

Easter Sunday

Charcey being a ham bone

Kit and Foster playing in the snow at the cabin

Foster layered up for the snow

Foster and his MeMe

Two peas in a pod

This is Memarj, my 88 year old Grandmother

mmm, yummy dirt!

Foster and Charcey swinging on Easter instead of hunting eggs

Foster crashed with his DiDi (bottle) and night-night

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARCEY

2009-03-22T15:49:00.000-07:00

Today my precious niece turned 2! I can't believe it has been two years since God sent us this little angel, I remeber every single detail about the day she was born, little did I know the impact this child would have on my life. She makes me laugh everyday and blesses me beyond measure. Happy Birthday sweet girl! I love you more than you know.

Charcey opening gifts at her "carnival" birthday party

Aggie

2009-03-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

Meet the new addition to our family
Aggie Bennett Black, she is now 13 weeks old
(you can probably guess how she got her name)
Aggie is a sweet dog and is great with Foster, she loves to snuggle and is pretty layed back. It is so funny when she runs because she steps on her ears and trips herself, it doesn't seem to phase her, she gets up and keeps going. Her favorite toy is one of Foster's slinkies, who would of thought.
Now that we have Aggie, Foster thinks he is boss. He is always saying "no, no, Aggie" and "Aggie... outide an tee-tee" He wakes up in the morning and the first thing he says is "where Aggie?" He loves to lay in her bed with her and she likes to lay on his "night-night," although he isn't always real happy about that. She is growing super fast!

Update

2009-02-18T18:07:00.001-08:00

I know my blogs are few and far between so thanks to those of you who have not given up on me. I thought I would share some pictures of Foster from the last few weeks.
Foster went to the circus for the first time 2 weeks ago, he liked the first 30 minutes and riding the elephant but past that he was done...oh well. Charcey really liked the circus, she watched pretty much the whole show, she was so cute with her cotton candy, light up wand and snow cone.
The rest of the pictures are of Foster just doing his daily thing.
Stay tuned because my next blog will be about the new addition to our family... her name is Aggie and she is a 9 weeks old Bassett Hound. We will be getting her Friday so you should see pictures early next week. I can't tell you how excited I am!
Foster's new favorite place to play is our neighbor's yard

he is making himself at home on their fence

Yip, that's me with the kids on an elephant (the kid in the back is holding on for dear life)

Charcey watching the Circus... Foster, more interested in the balloon.

Foster running like a mad man through the house.

The only time all of us actually got to sit and watch a second of the circus

Foster acting G.Q.
speaking his mind (which is a lot these days)

Uh Oh Mommy

2009-01-14T17:10:00.000-08:00

Foster has truly hit the toddler stage. He is always on the go and does not stay still unless he is sleeping. He says many words now, but most recently his favorite saying is "uh oh mommy" I have come to know that when I hear this there really is an UH OH.

Tuesday mornig while getting ready for work, I heard Foster shuffling around by my night stand. I turned to see what he was doing and before the words "Foster, NO!" could come out of my mouth... my glasses were snapped into two. My first reaction was anger but as I walked over to him he stared at me with those big brown eyes and while blinking inocently he ventured to say "uh oh mommy, uh oh." Of course I couldn't resist that little, sweet voice so I kindly said "please don't play with anything on mommy's nightstand anymore."

Little did I know that letting him off the hook with his new favorite saying was to lead to the next few adventures.

Foster and Charcey dumping out a box of straws all over the kitchen floor at my Mom's house. Did he get in trouble? nope, all he had to say was
"Uh Oh MEME"
In less than 3 seconds he cleared an entire bookshelf all the while yelling "Uh Oh, Uh Oh."

In the car with a container of snacks, from my rearview mirror, I see cheeries flying through the air. I turned and looked at Foster in his seat... you guessed it. "Uh Oh Mommy" (this picture does not do it justice)

After all the uh oh's he finally crashed out on his couch.

Our new lesson for the week is to learn the true meaning of UH OH, that is, things are only an uh oh when it is an accident not an excuse to get away with everything.

I'll let you know how it goes :)

Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T11:27:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. This year we went to the Black family ranch and enjoyed a good ole country feast. Foster loved playing on the tractors and "mooing" at the cows. He also got to go into the horse barn and feed the horses (however he was much more interested in climbing on all of the hay) Once we returned from the farm we spent the rest of the evening with my family.

What a humbling day, we truly have so much to be thankful for. The Lord has blessed us abundantley, though we are so undeserving. I hope you all took time to reflect on everything you have been blessed with and are thankful for.

"Praise be to God who has blessed us indeed"

Happy Halloween

2008-11-02T11:04:00.001-08:00

This year Halloween was especiallyof fun. Foster and Charcey were old enough to enjoy it, they dressed up, walk around, and received a lot of candy. Foster dressed up as a giraffe and Charcey dressed up as a dragonfly. We celebrated Halloween by attending "Halloween Happening" at Randall High School on Thursday night. Friday night we visited friends houses and enjoyed the carnival out at Lake Tanglewood.

This is one of the only pictures we have of Foster wearing his giraffe head, he wasn't too fond of it.

The Dads and Kids at Halloween Happening

One of the few times where us moms are actually in a picture

Foster trying to figure out his costume

It's a zoo out there

2008-10-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

I know I am terribly late at posting these but a few weeks ago we went to the fair with my parents, Jenifer, Jeremy and Charcey. The Amarillo fair, as you know, isn't all that spectacular but the kids really liked the petting zoo. Foster also loved sitting on the huge tractors and pretending to drive. We had a great time and enjoyed a lot of fried foods...yum.

Sorry, you will have to tilt your head to watch the video :)

Hair Cut II

2008-09-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

Foster got another hair cut, most kids don't even get a hair cut until 1 year old. This is Foster's 2nd haircut and should have probably been his 3rd. I waited as long as possible but the chia pet look was driving me crazy. Here are some before and after pictures.

Tractor

2008-09-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

Foster got a tractor for his birthday and he loves to push it all over the house.

Oh Deere, Foster is One

2008-08-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

Forgive me for taking so long to post, but we have had a lot going on.
Foster Kade had his first birthday and I can hardly believe it has been a year since this sweet little boy arrived...where has the time gone (REALLY). People say that the first year goes fast but I didn't understand that until now. This last year has been such a joy and tremendous blessing.
Because Foster has such a love of anything big and motorized, we celebrated with a John Deere birthday party including all the trimmings. Foster had a John Deere shirt, cake, cupcakes, decorations and party favors! We got to enjoy his birthday with family and friends at our house; It was so much fun.
The pictures below are of Foster eating his cake and then getting hosed off, and opening his gifts.

A side note:

Foster is very, very close to walking on his own and is saying all kinds of words:

Deer (because we have a stuffed one hanging on our wall)

Duck (because it is on our wall too... does that sound redneck or what?)

Bird (again, on our wall)

Mama (unfortunately not his first word)

Dada

Ball

Cooper (the dog)

Tractor ( loves motors... such a boy)

more (he wants more of everything)

Quack Quack

up (so I will pick him up and take him where he wants to go...I know, I 'm a sucker)

please

thank you

and many more. He also got his two front teeth in this week. (YEAH!!) now maybe we can go back to sleeping :)

A week of Fun!

2008-07-25T17:37:00.000-07:00

Last week we went to the Dallas and Houston area to spend time with Family and attend a wedding. Kit's Mom and Sister live in Carrollton so we spent a few days visiting and enjoying them. Foster had a BLAST and I wasn't sure if we were going to get him to leave.

Kit was in his friend B.J's wedding so we left Foster with Mammy and Papa Maxey while we headed down to Houston for the wedding. Foster got spoiled rotten while we were away. He swam in their pool everyday, not to mention played in his own boat. He discovered the water hose and mastered many new tricks with it, he learned to say Moose and how to conn everyone in to letting him touch "Manfred" the extremely large moose. He played the piano, mowed the lawn, saw fish and turtles...He even got to stay up until 9:00. They were such party animals!

Kit and I headed for Houston and of course we had to stop in College Station along the way. I had never been to Aggieland and I never understood those aggies but I realized real quick why they take such pride in their Alma Matter. Kit and I had a great time together, it has been awhile since it has just been the two of us, don't get me wrong, I felt a little out of place not having my little man attached to my hip, but it was very nice.

Here are some pictures of Foster with Mammy, Papa Maxey and Maile, and our trip to College Station and Houston.

Aunt Maile

"make a joyful noise unto The Lord"Swimming in Papa Maxey's sparkling pool

Gig Em Aggies "Saw em off 13-0"

How Bevo Got his name... or so they say!

Hangin' with Mammy

"Helping" around the house Jammin with Pooh
Swimming makes me Thiiirsty!!!
Can't make it any further, plum tuckered out
at the wedding

Aggies joining in song?
Kit and the Groom

What a Fun Trip!

WILD HAIR

2008-07-14T18:36:00.000-07:00

Foster is 11 months old and we took him to get his first haircut. I had the worst in mind of how this event would go but we were so proud, he did surprisingly well. Foster sat in my lap and Sandy (our hair dresser) gave him a sucker and got to work. Kit also got his hair cut. Somehow both of them got their hair styled into mohaks. Here are some pictures of them.

Pictures

2008-07-09T18:01:00.001-07:00

Foster and Wade

Foster's Friend, Wade Howard

The new form of sunblock

Charcey and Foster on the barrel

The Crew at Denver Zoo

Foster and Meme at Monument Lake

Taking a break

Foster's First time fishing

Denver Aquarium

Pops, Charcey and Foster at the cabin

North Lake

Stay Tuned

2008-07-07T18:32:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have posted, we have been busy busy. A lot has gone on the past few weeks. Here are a few things things that have happened since I last posted .

First we attended Kit's 10 year reunion (that's right, 10 years!) I remind him that he is getting old and I am still young. During that weekend we got to meet Wade Howard, he is a cuttie for sure. We went and visitied them so the boys could play with each other, they had a great time.

The Sunday after the reunion I left Foster for the very first time EVER to go teach a cheerleading camp in Tulsa. Before I left, I cried everytime I thought about leaving him, it was so hard to actually get in the car and go. I worried about everything but as usual God prevailed and took care of us all. It turned out to be a blessing for all of us. Kit got some one on one bonding time with Foster and was able to do things the way he wanted (without my "advice"). Foster learned to sleep through the night (THANK YOU Kit) and was able to spend time with others.
As for me I was able to do something that I love and am good at, I really enjoy working with others kids of all ages and teaching them something that I am passionate about. Most of all I love building that close relationship with those few girls and sharing the love of Christ. At the end of the camp I am glad that they walk away having learned new skills but most of all I am glad that they left knowing Him. The camp was a well needed break and I was able to come back refreshed and refueled.

Once I returned Late Wednesday night I spent the next two days frantically packing for a week of vacation with my family in the Mountains. We left early Saturday morning and drove to the Cabin, we spent a few days there and then drove up to Denver and Colorado Springs. We had a blast, we went fishing, visited the zoo and aquarium and best of all, we visited the outlet mall. Foster and Charcey were such troopers, they did so well and kept up nicely. We returned home on Friday, I was sad to see the trip end.

I am currently working on posting pictures of all these escapades... please stay tuned!

Father's Day

2008-06-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

Foster and Kit

Pops and Foster

We had a great Father's day weekend. On Sunday we had lunch over at my parents house to celebrate our wonderful Dads. Several of our family members came to town so we spent much of the day visiting with them.

I have to say that I have one of the greatest Dad's, I know many of you think that too, but my Dad is truly an amazing man. He gives and gives until there is nothing left and then gives some more. He has been and is a great leader in our family, he has raised me to have strong morals and great Christian values. I Love you Dad.

This was Kit's first Father's day and I have to say that Kit has done a great job with Foster (not that I am surprised) I love to see them together. One of my favorite things is to lie in bed in the morings and listen to Kit with Foster in the living room...oh so precious and sweet. I can't wait to see the things to come.

To my Father in Heaven, Thank you for being the most patient and forgiving Dad. Thank for grace, mercy, and the many blessings you pour into my life daily.

To all of you Dads, we couldn't do it without you.

Summer Time

2008-06-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have posted anything new, you would think now that school is out that I would be posting more... I don't know what happened.

I am very glad that summer is here, it has been wonderful spending this week with Foster Kade. We have enjoyed playing outside, Foster loves to swing, ride in his car and play in the water; in fact, he loves it so much that it is a battle to get back inside. You will see in the one of the pictures that he refusedto go inside so he had to take a nap in his swing... what do you do?

CRUISIN

2008-05-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

Foster is a true Boy... If

you viewed the slide

show from the cabin you may have noticed that Foster REALLY liked riding the tractor, in fact he like it so much that he didn't settle for riding only the tractor. This weekend Foster rode the Kabota tried his hand at driving it he actually became quite good. However, boys can't just drive somthing, they have to check out all of its parts too, Foster is no exception.

The next thing Foster had to explore was Charcey's Mickey Mouse car, Saturday night we spent the evening at Jenifer and Jeremy's house with some other friends and their little ones. Foster is the youngest one of them all but stopped at nothing to remain on and in charge of the car. I am not proud to say, but my son does not like to share. I apologize to those of you who's child did not get to ride on the Mickey Mouse car, we will work on sharing...

Finally, Sunday we went to Wally-World and got Foster his very own, red shiny new car. Of course it is no Mercedes or Bently but Foster loves it. Kit took him for his first cruise and the kid did not want to part with it. Eventually at 7:30 we wrapped up our trip and parked it for good...

at least until tomorrow anyway!

Memarj and Foster

2008-05-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

Sweet Memories

2008-05-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

We spent this last weekend at our cabin in the mountains, it was Foster's first trip and he aboslutely loved it. He wanted to spend every minute outside (can you blame him). I have been going to our family cabin in Stonewall, Colorado since I was born, it is such a special place full of sweet memories. The views of the snow capped mountains are breath taking and the smell of the crisp clean air makes you want to never leave. I honestly think I could spend a life time there and never tire of it;
Everytime I visit I am reminded of the precious time spent with my Memarj and Papa. My Memarj always cooked huge meals with tons of desserts and my papa took me fishing early in the mornings and again in the afternoons. I have so many cherished memories with them that I can't even begin to touch the surface. Although my Papa has gone, I never step foot into the cabin without thinking of him. Thankfully, my Memarj (at 87) continues to make every trip and each journey is filled with more and more memories.
This past weekend as I lyed upstairs in bed I couldn't help but think of how at this very moment Foster is creating priceless memories with his Meme and Pops and how he too one day would look back and think about the sweet, sweet time he had at the cabin with both of them.
So to Memarj and Papa and My Mom and Dad (a.k.a. Meme and Pops) Thanks for the incredible memories at the cabin and the many more to come. I love you!

2008-05-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

This last week was a big week for Foster. He has accomplished so much so quickly. In one week he has slept 3 hours, gotten another tooth, learned to crawl and wave good bye .

The additional sleep has been heavenly. I know some of you are saying "3 hours, that's it..." but let me tell you, around here, that's like taking a vacation.

Foster has two bottom teeth and two more are trying to work their way through. I don't remember seeing a child with a mouth full of bottom teeth and no top teeth, I guess my child is setting a new trend.

As for crawling, he makes me laugh, he gets around combat style; it may not be the proper technique but he gets where he want to go.

Foster's personality continues to flourish and he reveals a new part of himself everyday. I love this little guy so much!!!

Topless Tulip

2008-04-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

Do you notice something odd about this picture? That's right... there are no pedals. My tulips were in full bloom this year and looking very beautiful; they had returned from last year and doubled in size. What looked to be like a promising flower bed for spring took a turn for the worse Tuesday night, or should I say, Wednesday morning. When I left for work I was welcomed with this shocking sight. Some very hungry rabbit decided to help himself to every single pedal in the garden including the ones that weren't quite bloomed yet. Needless to say, the rabbit is fat, plump and happy and I am left with nothing but a topless tulip flowerbed.

2008-04-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else have a child that thinks sleep is for the birds?

Foster is back to his "waking up every hour or more during the night" I don't know how he does it, he can wake up every hour and then play the next morning like he has slept all night. I, on the other hand, look like I've been run over by a train and punched between the eyes.
We have tried everything to help Foster sleep longer through the night. We have tried formula bottles, teething tablets, tylenol, longer and shorter naps during the day and crying it out. Nothing has worked.

Here are some reasons I have come up with as to why Foster doesn't want to sleep:
A. to make sure I am still there
B. spend more time with mommy
C. doesn't want to miss anything
D. ALL OF THE ABOVE

I keep telling myself "This Too Shall Pass" hopefully...

2008-04-13T16:22:00.000-07:00

The Bug

2008-04-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

Thursday night we went with Jenifer, Jeremy and Charcey at Applebee's. We thought it would be a great idea to take the kids and go eat $.25 wings. We sat down at our table and enjoyed our conversations, the kids were great. Charcey was drinking her juice and snacking on some Cheetos, Foster was in my lap eating some apples and pears. The kids were happy and so were we.
All of the sudden there was an explosion, Foster didn't handle his apples and pears so well. He was standing in my lap throwing up everywhere; I frantically grab anything and everything I can to catch and clean up the mess. It was coming so fast and furiously that I had used all of the resources around me. I yelled at Kit to grab some more napkins and help me out but he just sat there like a deer in a headlight staring at me and Foster. Thankfully my sister swings into to my rescue and gives me some wipes, napkins, hat and anything else that she could find in the diaper bag.
we managed to get the situation under control (while grossing everyone else out at the restaurant who is trying to enjoy their meal) and I take Foster out to the car to clean him up and calm him down. At this point I think Kit is still unsure of what just happened (poor guy). After a few minutes in the car my sister came out to make sure everything was okay. We made it through the rest of the meal and returned home.
For the next 48 hours the stomach bug stayed with Foster. We were up all night Thursday and Friday night. Foster would not eat or drink anything. I ended up having to syringe pedialite into his mouth every 20 minutes in 2 hour increments. In those 48 hours we went through 12 pairs of clothes and countless burp rags and diapers. Kit and I felt so helpless, it is so hard to see your little one sick. Thankfully our prayers were answered and "the bug" was smashed and killed.

Becoming a Mom

2008-04-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

For me, becoming a Mom is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am filled with feelings that I can't explain and have found a love that I never knew existed. As many of you know, being a Mom is hard work and you never get time off or a vacation, however, it is all worth it and you would never go back to the way life was before. The last and most important thing for me about becoming a mom is the true realization of the precious gift of Jesus. How God ever gave up His Son for me and for you is beyond me. Thought of giving up my son for the world is something that I can't even fathom.
Kit and I have learned so much about being parents and our prayer is that God would give us the wisdom and guidance we need to become the parents that He desires us to be... Who better to learn from than the Ultimate Parent Himself!

8 months...

2008-04-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

Foster is already 8 months old and I am just now making my way into the blogging world. I have enjoyed reading everyone's blogs and seeing how their families have grown and changed, that I would now like to share with you our new addition... Foster Kade Black. So much has happened since we were blessed with our precious gift, I don't even know where to begin. Foster has fulfilled Kit and me in ways we never could have imagined.

Becuase I am just now getting started, I will try to fill you in along the way of Foster's life the first 8 months and the things to come. Thank you for joining us in Foster's Journey.