My Box of Chocolates

A little basketball

2012-01-10T09:44:00.004-06:00

This fall, much to my excitement, Noah wanted to play basketball again! I love the sport, my favorite by far, so it thrilled me that he wanted to play. Even better, we now have an awesome YMCA in town to play through. I will admit, the games were comical most of the time, but I really did see Noah improve each game. He can dribble down the court, and in his best game he scored 8 points and had 2 assists. (of course, who is keeping count at this age) His team won almost every game(again who is keeping track but me!) He loved it, and Jack wants to play next season too! I love it!
Noah shooting his first bucket at his first game
Taking it down the court
Noah's picture for ball 2011
Back row: Coach O'Neill, Jacob, Jacob, Noah, Coach Lyman
Front row: Jackson, Oliver, Noah, Bert, and Carter

Christmas Part 2

2012-01-03T12:19:00.003-06:00

On Monday we headed further South to Houston for the Castleman Christmas. For the 2nd year in a row we were all there for several days and had many family get togethers which with 13 grandchildren, is a very exciting event!
I initiated some picture taking and my only fail was not getting one of all 13 grandkids or each individual family. Though I did get a shot of each couple except us...oops maybe next year!
The Castleman 6

And the Castleman 10
Kids with Spouses11 of the 13! Christopher wasn't with us yet and Elijah was attempting a very short nap! But back row first Sean 15 holding Zane 5, Collin 14, Michal Kate 7, Cade 12
Front: Carlee 2 Emorie 2 Cambri 4 Jack 4 Noah 6 and Connor 6

Thursday night Linda and Kirk kept 8 of the grand kids with help from 2 of the older ones while the 8 of us went on a quadruple date to the Cheesecake factory. We laughed harder than we have in a long time and though we waited nearly 2 hours, we really enjoyed ourselves.

Santa

2012-01-03T12:13:00.005-06:00

A week before Christmas we happened to be in OKC for something and ventured to the mall in hopes of getting the kids picture taken with Santa...well FAIL. Only because the wait was and hour and half. We were willing to wait, especially since they give you a pager and you can go about your business in the mall, but we had plans an hour from then and couldn't wait. After trying to figure out when we would go because I didn't want to miss a year, we decided we would try at Firewheel in Dallas the Thursday before Christmas. I went knowing the wait was going to be forever long and horrible. Much to my surprise we waited 5 minutes and got the picture quickly. I learned several years ago to assure the photographer that I am buying the picture screaming or no screaming so just take it.
Emorie was not a fan of Santa at all! There was actually a shot where they were all looking and smiling except Eme but she had her face completely covered, so we went with this one. I love that it looks like Elijah is laughing at her!
Santa took a few minutes after the picture to discuss with the older three what they wanted for Christmas. It is funny to me to watch my three VERY OUTGOING kids clam up in a shell and speak so quietly and timidly to someone. I was holding Elijah by this point and Emorie was as close to the door as she could get with her daddy with her head a deep in his shoulder as she could get it!

Christmas Part 1

2012-01-02T16:45:00.007-06:00

Wow! I can't believe that Christmas is already over! The holidays flew by it what seems like no time. I really got into DIY things this year and enjoyed making gifts and decorations for myself and others. The wreath in the center is a deco mesh wreath that my sister found on Pinterest so I made it for her for Christmas. It was Richards favorite thing I made and he didn't want me to give it up! I also made the JOY with the bell in the center and did the ornaments in the vase with ribbon.
You also get a little glimpse of a HUGE project Richard and I have been taking on for several months and that is redoing our fireplace and building a mantle and word from the mantle up!

There are two new additions to our Christmas decor this year. One being my gingerbread tree in this room and the other being a stocking for Jackson. I have never felt right about not having one for him and after praying for 3 families over the last year or so that have walked this same road I added it for him. I love that it is a gingerbread man and that he is included in our stockings.

The kids in their Christmas clothes! 1st shot I took by the way! I can't believe it.

The Sunday or so before Christmas again the first shot I took!
We had some of Tracy and Jeff's dear friends with us on Christmas Eve this year so we actually got a shot of the entire family!
The traditional 9 grandkids on the stairs
Our family in front of the tree
and just the kids
Christmas Eve in their Christmas PJ's in front of Gram's tree
And Christmas morning. Richard and I have taken this picture every year except one since our 1st Christmas together!
Best gift of the year would be Jack's light-saber that has a big and little light-saber on it. He jumped up and down and all around for several minutes!

Growing Up

2011-12-31T16:51:00.004-06:00

Oh, my baby girl, Michal Kate! She has sucked her fingers since she was born. Almost a year ago Aunt Tracy promised her a trip to the American Girl store to get the doll of her choice if she would stop sucking them. It took the better part of a year but she did it. (still catching her every now and then at night and if she is really exhausted, but other than that, she has quit) She spent the year researching exactly which doll she would choose and Emily it is! So on Friday, December 23 MK, Eme, Aunt Tracy, Gram and I went to the American Girl store in Dallas at the Galleria. When we got to the store she even took a minute to pick exactly which Emily was hers.

MK and Emily

Aunt Tracy with MK and Emily
I really wish I could describe the moment in words, but there aren't any. She was so excited and had PURE JOY! Her reaction made Christmas in and of itself.

MK with Emily out of the box for the 1st time.
Aunt Tracy let Emorie pick a bitty baby for her Christmas present from her and Uncle Jeff.
We also had a reservation at the American Girl Bistro for lunch. We had so much fun and ate way to much.
To top off the day, Granny Betty surprised MK with a new gigi which was complete with instructions that this was a big girl gigi for girls who don't suck their fingers.
Gram bought MK and Emily matching pj's also.
This was so fun and a day we won't forget. We are so proud of you MK!

Extreme Eagles & Reflections Contest

2011-12-13T10:15:00.007-06:00

Over the past month both boys have been named Extreme Eagle for their classes for the week. Noah was the first week in November and Jack was yesterday! We are so proud of both boys and their behavior at school. They are eager learners and are trying to be good friends to everyone. It makes a mama proud.
Good job boys, we love you!

Noah with Woody the Woodlands Eagle
And Jack with Woody

Back in September or October Michal Kate entered a school wide contest that has many different types of entries. The theme this year was Diversity means... This contest is put on by the PTA and is a state contest. Michal Kate chose to write a story and her story won Best Over All Primary Grade Literature entry and is being sent off to OKC for the state competition! We are so proud of her and her creativity. I admire her gumption and lack of fear to try anything! She is our dreamer and it pays off for her! Way to go baby!

Here is MK with her Reflections medal!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-29T08:56:00.001-06:00

We were blessed this year to be able to have family at our house for Thanksgiving. Even though it is a lot to cook, my mother in law is a great help and source of knowledge, especially in the kitchen. Richard's parents got to us late Monday and we had a great time having them here. Richard's sister and her family came on Wednesday. We had not seen them since the holidays last year and it was a long overdue visit. The kids loved having Collin and Cade here to play with them and a believe a fun time was had by all. Just looking around you could feel how blessed we were just to be together.
The cousins
Gran Gran and Gramma with the kids just before lunch

Monkey Around

2011-11-19T16:15:00.000-06:00

We waited a little late to have Elijah's birthday party so my parents and some of our friends would be able to come. So November 19 was the big day! It was my first time to purchase a printable party from Etsy, but I loved it. It did take a little time to cut everything out, but it was very personal and everything turned out so cute.
I have been collecting sock monkey things for months, to be decorations as well as gifts, including the blanket on the table that my mom and I made.

On his actual birthday I ran by the store that morning and picked up some balloons for him to enjoy that day, and after being a little skittish at first, they are some of his favorite things now.
Did I mention this boy loves to eat? You wouldn't know it by his small size ( only 20 lbs and 25" at his 1 year check up) but he does, especially sweets! He tore into his cupcake and barely left a crumb!
We are so blessed by this little guy and thankful for his life!

Elijah Richard

2011-11-02T11:26:00.004-05:00

I know I say this every time, but I really can not believe that he is a year old already. The memory of his birth is still so vivid to me, and the year has gone by so fast. I think this is the hardest 1st birthday of my 5 kids knowing it is the last 1st birthday we will have. He is my baby. I have cherished this first year, and even tried to cherish the times when he and I were up in the middle of the night. Elijah just started sleeping through the night about 2 months ago, and that is just because I have put him in a room all by himself. He wakes up once during the night, moans for a minute or two, then rolls over and goes back to sleep. We just stopped nursing a week ago and I am really okay with that, he is taking a milk cup like a champ. He loves table food and won't take any baby food anymore at all. He is my earliest walker. He has been walking for about 2 1/2 weeks and is getting faster every day. He says 4 words..."dada", "hi", "bye", and "yay". The "hi" and "bye" come along with a full arm wave and the "yay" with clapping! He is either happy or mad there isn't an in between with him, so you just hope you catch him happy. He is a momma's boy for the most part but he enjoys his daddy too.

Elijah, you are a blessing. You were a surprise from the beginning and a cherished one every day since. I love you!

Trick or Treat

2011-11-01T08:10:00.003-05:00

The older I get the more I am enjoying Halloween. It has always been one of Richard's favorite holidays and I more and more can see why. I love walking with the kids while they Trick or Treat and seeing all the cute costumes, especially on the little ones. The kids are so excited and I am sure every kid does this, but my kids get into their role once the costume is on. They want to be called the name of whoever they are, etc... For the first time ever, I chose not to try to coordinate the 5 of them and just let them pick who they wanted to be. So here we have it...
The boys
Sock Monkey Elijah, Harry Potter Noah, and Bumblebee Jack
The Girls
Ladybug (for my mom) Emorie, and Laura Ingalls Michal Kate

The Castleman Crew ( I am beginning to think it is impossible to get a picture with all of them looking at me)
Hope your day was filled with blessings and smiles like ours!

Pumpkin Baby

2011-10-26T08:39:00.003-05:00

Just for fun! I saw this on Pinterest and just had to try it! Then a little color play on Picnik and here ya go! Such a happy baby boy!

Havest Hootenanny

2011-10-26T08:08:00.004-05:00

Last Wednesday we had a great time just celebrating fall with our Agape' family. We had a bonfire where we roasted hot dogs and of course had s'mores for dessert, had a pumpkin carving and decorating contest, craft time for the kids, and bobbing for apples. It was pretty chilly that night so we did bring coats and hang close to the fire.

The kids roasting marshmallows
Jack telling me he wants to go home because it is too cold, but hanging on to his apple he bobbed for!

MK finally got one after several attempts

Emorie and her "bff" Kaylie
And my carving attempts...I used a stencil but still I impressed myself!
for my daughter and my sister...Snoopy! Sorry it is a little blurry
Happy Harvest!

Fire Trucks

2011-10-14T10:27:00.002-05:00

My little Eme is very much into 2 things right now and they are opposite ends of the "girlie" spectrum. She loves tutu's/skirts and firetrucks. I know, crazy, right? She is not going to "school" this year so last Friday I decided a good thing for she and I (with Eli in tow) would be to bake some cookies and take them to our neighborhood fire department. She clammed up and somehow became shy, which is very unlike Emorie but she couldn't stop talking about it afterwards.
Walking her cookies to the door at the Fire Station.
The fireman couldn't have been nicer. He tried to talk to her, which she wasn't responding. He let her go see the truck and was going to let her get up in it if she hadn't have been so shy. So we settled for our mild, calm little girl (HA) having her picture taken by the truck!

Noah's 1st tooth

2011-10-14T10:25:00.002-05:00

No, he didn't just get his first tooth at the age of 6, but he just lost his first tooth. Well on September 9th anyway. In fact, as I am writing this, he lost another one last night! Loosing the baby teeth is hard on a mom, they aren't my little baby anymore!

Boomer

2011-10-14T10:18:00.002-05:00

Well, after 10 years I got to go to my first OU game with Richard. And check out these seats! I will give you that it was against Ball State, whoever that is, but it was awesome. By far one of the coolest dates we have been on. We enjoyed some football, and a night without kiddos.

Richard and I at the game.I know some of you might be wondering, why does Dana care about Oklahoma. But I learned early on with Richard that if OU wins he is a very happy man and if they loose, not so much. It is a lot easier to cheer for OU when that is what makes him happy, and, lets face it, they are AWESOME! I still love my Aggies, but they have never had the team that OU has. Not to mention, they dislike t.u. just about as much as A&M does and I can't stand the "shorthorns". I will always yell "Farmer's Fight" against ou so don't you fellow Aggies worry! But for now, put your finger in the air and yell, "OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOU"
BOOMER SOONER

Pumpkins

2011-10-14T09:47:00.003-05:00

For the first time since last April or May the kids and I went to Dallas for a long weekend towards the end of September. They were so excited to see their cousins and the rest of the family. While we were there "Poppy" aka "Big Al" aka "Al", a dear friend of our family, blessed us with passes to the Dallas Arboretum to enjoy their fall pumpkins. The kids were so excited, it truly is wonderful to see. We all had a blast, even though it was almost October and in the 90's! There are pumpkin houses everywhere. Of course I had to stop and take a couple of pictures.

Gram and my kiddos
Elijah's first trip to a pumpkin patch!

10 and 11 months

2011-10-14T09:21:00.003-05:00

I know I am behind, but again I had some computer technical difficulties. In the last couple of months Elijah has done so much. He is still the toothless wonder, but now is walking everywhere, still saying "dada" and "hi", he has learned to wave coming and going but no other words as of yet. He sleeps in a room to himself at night so mommy is finally getting a little bit more rested. Elijah is an extreme baby, meaning, he is either really happy or really mad! There is not an in between with him. So for now, enjoy the pictures.

Elijah Richard 10 months
11 months
walking

Extreme Eagle Award

2011-08-22T11:46:00.003-05:00

On Friday we were notified by Michal Kate's teacher that she would be receiving the Extreme Eagle of the week award for her class. This is a citizenship award that is award to one child in each classroom each week. They get a button to wear and their picture taken and put on the website! I am so proud of Michal Kate for showing good citizenship at her new school and making a great attempt to make new friends. Her teacher said she is smart and has a great imagination. She said that they were proud to have her at Woodlands and that she was a "keeper". Makes mom and dad proud!

Extreme Eagles
Our friend Lindsay was an Extreme Eagle this week as well!

First Swim

2011-08-22T10:36:00.003-05:00

I know, summer is almost over and I am just now getting Elijah into a pool, but hey, we've been busy! He loved it, which I totally expected being that he loves water. Here are just a few shots of his first experience.

Move In Night and 1st Day

2011-08-10T13:08:00.008-05:00

Today was Michal Kate, Noah, and Jack's first day of school and first day at Woodlands Elementary. I must say it has been hard not to show them how nervous I have been. Something about the complete unknown...I wasn't even the one going.

Monday night they had the Woodlands Move in night/Meet the teacher. This is when you take all your supplies up and that way your hands are free on the first day. On of my favorite parts is that Jack and Michal Kate's classrooms are diagonal from each other on the same hall, and Noah is just around the corner. Makes a mommy feel good knowing that they can look out for each other. It went smoothly at the beginning until the power went out towards the end. Little did we know this would be the beginning of an 18 hour power outage over a good portion on the state. Anyways...here they are with their teachers.

Jack with Mrs. Lively entering Pre-K

Jack on the 1st dayNoah with Mrs. James entering 1st grade (hmmm, notice Noah is not too thrilled)

1st day of schoolMichal Kate with Mrs. Greenhagen entering 2nd grade

1st day

Mom likes to have a picture of all the kids from the 1st day, and since Eme and Eli aren't going this year I took one as we were going to pick up the other kids from school.
Yep...this is Elijah at 9 1/2 months standing on his own. He can pull up and let go or you can put him down standing and he will balance for 30 to 45 seconds! Pretty proud of himself too!

Swim Lessons

2011-08-04T16:00:00.003-05:00

Starting July 11 and for the next 2 weeks the older 3 particiapted in their first round of swimming lessons. Emorie would have gone had she been old enough. It was interested to watch as the ones I thought would excel did fine but the one I least expected to actually swim did amazing. MK did amazing and swam all over the place by the end of the 2 weeks without help. The boys were jumping in and out of the pool as many times as the life guards would allow them to. During free swim time at the Y MK has been able to test to be able to go down the water slide and swim in a bigger part of the pool all by herself. They really enjoyed going and it was a great break from the heat for them.

Jack's Party

2011-08-04T15:22:00.004-05:00

Jack's 4th birthday party was a hit. We had his party at the house and several of our new church friends were able to come along with Connor, Cambri, and Carlee! My mom and dad were able to be here also! He chose a Star Wars theme as his back up. His original thought a Tom and Jerry birthday but I couldn't find the party supplies to back it up so he went with the other. We played games, had a pull string pinata, and lots of cake, ice cream, light saber pretzels, and chocolate covered strawberries and marshmallows.

The birthday boy

Jack and his BFF/cousin Cambri
Pulling at the pinata
Getting his new bike from Gram and Papa
The boys and their matching Star Wars shirtsHappy Birthday, Jack Gordon

Elijah 8 and 9 months

2011-08-04T14:32:00.003-05:00

Well somehow time got away from me and I didn't get a chance to post Elijah's 8 month shots. I actually forgot to take them the day of because it was Jack's birthday party, but I got him caught up. So here we are and he is 9 months old already. I can hardly believe it. I am just going to post them together to be easy.
He is such a joy, though he still does not sleep through the night....not even close. He doesn't have any teeth as of yet, though I believe he is working on the first one. He crawls, sits up, pulls up, cruises, and even lets go and can stand for 10 or so seconds! He loves MOST of his siblings and loves to laugh at them. (Emorie pulls and tugs and loves a little too hard for his taste right now). He has a hilarious belly laugh when he chooses to let you hear it, but no words yet! I love this little boy and am trying to enjoy every minute of him being little.
8 months
9 months

Jack Jack is 4

2011-06-18T22:27:00.004-05:00

It doesn't seem like 4 years ago, but it has. Jack Gordon turns 4 in a matter of hours. God blessed us richly with this little boy. He is full of life and loves to make people laugh and has for as long as he could tell when others were laughing. He loves to say "Are you serious" and his biggest insult is to call you a "gingius" translation....genius. He is a great big brother and a typical little brother. He loves Star Wars but at the same time can buckle down and play games with Emorie or MK. He is already reading a few sight words, and I honestly think he is smarter than all of us, and when he figures that out, we are in trouble. He is my baby! I am so thankful that God chose us to have such a special little boy like you. Happy birthday, Buddy!

Jack 1 day old

1 year2 years

3 yearsand one of his 4 year pictures

End of the Year Awards

2011-06-03T09:23:00.004-05:00

Mk and Noah both received awards at the end of the school year. I couldn't be more proud of each of them. I knew that MK was going to get a top 10 AR award because we had been working towards the medal and CiCi's trip all year. Little did I know was that Noah would come home and tell me he was in the top 10 for Kindergarten and was getting to go to CiCi's as well! So proud of both of them for being the 6th highest point readers in their grades! They both got to go to CiCi's for an AR party, received medals, and gift certificates to Hastings which they enjoyed spending on more books!

MK also received 2 awards at the all school awards ceremony. She received all A's all year long and earned a t-shirt. She was also selected for the reading award for her class! I am so happy that MK and Noah love to read! Their imaginations just go everywhere especially after they have finished reading. We were so blessed with 2 great teachers this year for our kids and am thankful they had a fantastic year!

Kindergarten Graduation

2011-06-03T09:10:00.003-05:00

So proud of Noah. He graduated Kindergarten and his teacher told me that he had a fabulous year. Kindergarten graduation I think is a scam to make mom's cry! I can't believe he is old enough to be done and going into 1st grade. They sang a sweet little program, and got to wear graduation caps, and saw a slide show of their year. Then the next afternoon they sent home a trophy and in their end of the year report card he got his Kindergarten diploma!
The graduate

Noah and Mrs. Lawings
What a fun year. It won't be too long and I will look back at this at his high school graduation!

A little Heat

2011-06-03T08:46:00.004-05:00

Noah was so blessed to get to play t-ball on the same team as last year. Such a great staff of coaches, fun parents, and great kids to spend the season with! I tried to take some pictures throughout the season and put them up including the end of year party.
I love this picture. I think I am going to frame it for his room!

Batter up. Noah did great hitting off the tee and even some pitches. The one game I missed for something else, he hit is off a pitch and to the fence! Way to go Noah Paul!

Looking out
The awesome party cake
Fearless
the coveted trophy

A little late but Elijah 7 months

2011-06-02T22:10:00.001-05:00

Time flies when you're having fun. Elijah turned 7 months the week we made our move here to Ponca City so I am very late getting this post up! It is so weird to me that the home my other 4 know is the only home he will never remember! He is sitting up on his own, beginning to belly laugh, and trying to army crawl. I am sure it won't be long and he will be everywhere. He is beginning to really get into eating baby food, though it isn't helping our nights any! He is a delight. He is a final baby that is for sure, and unfortunately, I treat him that way. I am afraid everything his does new is bittersweet to me because it is the last first time, if that makes any sense at all. So here are the pictures.

Recital 2011

2011-05-23T11:48:00.003-05:00

Broadway was the name and dancing was her game!!! Michal Kate just completed her 4th year of dance and had her big recital Saturday night. She, and all her friends, did an amazing job and had so much fun. I can't begin to sing Mrs. Becca's praises enough for the hope and prayer she puts into just teaching these girls to love to dance! Michal Kate took ballet, tap, and jazz this year. Her songs were Masquerade from Phantom of the Opera, Bushel and a Peck from Guys and Dolls, and Cat in the Hat from A Dr. Suessical. She also received an award for selling at least $500 in ads, so thank you to all her helped her get that award.

I was proud of her award dress because I made it myself!
Ballet
Tap
Jazz

Elijah is 6 months

2011-05-09T12:31:00.003-05:00

Elijah turned 6 months on May 2! I can't believe how incredibly fast these last 6 months have gone. For his 6 month birthday he got another double ear infection!!! Poor baby. He hasn't handled it great, screaming in pain at times, and not sleeping well, which is bad because he doesn't ever sleep great! But he is a joy. He has developed his little laugh which always sounds like a little goat and it is so funny. He is extremely ticklish! He loves basketball. He loves to eat his cereal every night, which this month not only does he get rice cereal and applesauce, but in the last week I have started giving him the pre-made mixed cereals and he like those too. He rolls over both ways but not very often. And when balanced just so he can sit up for 30 seconds to a minute. This last month he has also figured out how to put his "happy" (paci) back in his mouth. He loves his blue elephant toy and his brown blanket. I have figured out that he is my little monkey because he is squirmy all the time and loves to jump so I find I am buying him outfits with monkeys on them!

his new facial expression this month with his toy monkey
First time to sit up
That smile, notice he is holding that ear!
With his bear
Love you Elijah!

Girls Trip + Elijah

2011-05-09T11:58:00.003-05:00

Lori came up with the idea of us having some alone time with our girls before our big move! So the first Saturday in May, Lori, Madi, MK, Emorie, Elijah, and I headed out to Dallas for the day and night! We dropped Em off with Gram and Aunt Tracy to play with and we took off. We did a lot of shopping and eating on Saturday with prizes for everyone! Saturday night we the girls swam in the indoor pool at the hotel and had a blast. They are such cute friends, I know MK will miss having Madi around! Sunday we got up and went to get pedicures together! It is the only time I think I ever see my daughter become a little unsure of what is going to happen, but all in all she loves the outcome.

God blessed us so much with our friendships with the Dunn family. Richard and I have enjoyed many a date night with Jacob and Lori, and the kids all love having Madi around! We will miss this family dearly. When Lori and I began hanging out 2 1/2 years ago I was deep in prayer for a true and dear friend and He sent Lori! I love this lady so much that there aren't words to express how much I enjoy our friendship and we have walked through good and bad together over the last 2 1/2 years. I will miss being so close to her, but look forward to what we can plan to do in the future!

Cousins

2011-05-09T11:53:00.001-05:00

We had the neat opportunity to keep our nieces 2 weeks ago for 2 day and the kids had so much fun. Jack and Cambri are best buds so they enjoyed over 48 hours of time together! They all were very good and believe it or not, all went smoothly!
Jack, Carlee, MK, Cambri, Emorie, Noah, and Elijah

He Is Risen!

2011-05-02T13:16:00.006-05:00

Easter Sunday was awesome. We went to church with my parents and Lake Highlands did a beautiful rotation activity between services to teach the kids about the events leading up to and after Jesus' death! My kids now can tell you each step from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection!

The kiddos on Easter!
Visiting Pilot
Papa was a guide
The nails at the cross

Image of the Cross

The tomb IS empty
The lamb
Papa and I with the kiddos
Mommy and the kids
Gram and Papa
Once we got home Sunday night they got to see what the Easter bunny left in their baskets!
Praise God the the Tomb is Empty and that Jesus Lives!

More Easter

2011-05-02T13:07:00.003-05:00

The kids and I went to my parents house to spend Easter weekend. We are taking full advantage of living 2 hours away since that is all about to change. On Saturday all the cousins came over and we ate together and hunted eggs together. They really had a good time.

The 9

The whole crew minus Richard
After it was all over MK was playing outside with all the cousins and she touched the grill which was still hot. After at least an hour of screaming and tears...Gram prayed and she didn't even get a blister. I can't even begin to tell you how great my brother and sister in law were with her. My brother went to the store and bought everything they had for burns I think and got her all doctored up!

School Egg Hunts

2011-04-25T11:56:00.005-05:00

The Thursday before Easter, Noah, Jack, and Emorie had egg hunts at school with their classes. I was able to get to all 3 for at least a little bit and grab some pictures. They really enjoyed it since we didn't make it to the church hunt this year.
Noah stopping, but not happily, for a pic

Ready, Set, Go....

Noah and his buddy IsaacJack hunting in the rain
Run Jack

Jack and MaddenEmorie before she knew I was there!

Saying Cheese to momma!

Ei, Ei, OOPS!

2011-04-20T11:30:00.000-05:00

Michal Kate had her 1st grade music program on Tuesday, April 19. I suffered a crazy injury at th play so it has taken some time to get things posted. Michal Kate played Mrs. Farmer In the Dell and did an amazing job. She knew her lines and performed them flawlessly with such confidence! Thank to Gramma she was adorable in her costume and she was so proud of it!
Mrs. Farmer In the Dell

Madi was as sheep
Most of the kids from church
Eric the rooster, Joey the duck, Aubrey the chick, MK, Rilee the sheep, and Kori the pig
Mr. and Mrs. Farmer in the Dell
her part of the stage

Look who's 2!

2011-04-14T10:55:00.000-05:00

Well, I can't believe it but she really is two. The evening of her birthday we had church so before we went we let her open her gifts. We are also waiting until we get to Ponca City to finish her birthday with something to play with outside.

The Birthday Girl

She got a tea set and loved having a tea party with her brothers!

Sweet sisters
I made her a strawberry cakeHappy Birthday sweet Emorie Elizabeth!

Eme

2011-04-13T13:14:00.004-05:00

Emorie, I don't even know where to begin. She is by far our most devious of the 5 so far. She is into everything! But she is full of smiles and laughter. She is so much fun and as much as she loves her mommy, she loves her daddy too. She keeps everyone hopping and there is never a dull moment when she is around. Just in the last 2 weeks she seems to have an overabundance of words that we didn't even know she knew. My favorite is to listen to her say "Bye" which in true East Texas style is about 4 syllables long and very loud! She loves to play outside, and the world is all good as long as she has her happy (paci), blanket, and a cup of milk, oh and Barney never hurts either. I am so blessed to be this baby girls mommy and can't imagine life without her around. I pray she has a blessed birthday and a fantastic year to come!

Emorie at about 2 weeks

Emorie's 1 year picturesI took this Sunday while we were on the playground

Heat, Season 2

2011-04-11T17:28:00.003-05:00

Tuesday, April 4 was Noah's first t-ball game of the season. He is on the Heat which is the team he was on last year. His swing looks really good and he is paying more attention when fielding than in the 2 prior seasons. They got new uniforms this year and he is so proud!
Ready to bat for the first time
Time to go field
Up to bat
Fielding
The cheering squad of siblings. We played the Green Monsters which is the team several of the kids from church are on so MK and Jack had friends to play with.
Joey and MK
Parker, Audrey, Jack, Madden, and Lucy
Go HEAT! Looking forward to a fun season!

Five Months

2011-04-11T17:10:00.004-05:00

On April 2 Elijah was 5 months old. I can't believe he is 5 months already. Time flies, right. This last month Elijah started eating cereal with applesauce, found his feet, tries to suck his thumb, rolled over from his tummy to his back, had RSV, and has had a double ear infection. He has started laughing out loud and really enjoys to sit up with the help of his bumbo chair!

Elijah and his monkey. For some reason, monkeys have become a theme with me and Eli!
Elijah and his blue bear

Happy boy

Playing with his feet
With his favorite blanket

More Birthday Fun

2011-04-04T11:57:00.002-05:00

A week ago we went to my parent's house to celebrate Noah and Emorie's birthdays with family! We had a great time. This served as Emorie's birthday party for the year so she is all decked out for her purple Barney birthday!

Emorie and Allyson

Allyson and Emorie seemed to have bonded in the last few months! Allyson helped Emorie with opening her presents!This was just 2 days after Noah's birthday!
His Star Wars cake per his request

Blowing out his candleMy big 2 year old...well almost
Barney cake

Blowing out her candle
Happy Birthday sweet girl!

New Toys

2011-03-31T23:34:00.003-05:00

Wednesday didn't exactly go as planned. I woke up and did a load of our sheets including the mattress pad. Then I started the second load that included the rest of our sheets and 2 loads of laundry to follow which is about normal for a day around here. Well the first load went as planned. When I went to switch the second load the washer was still full of water...Richard's last household item from his single life died! Needless to say a day and a half around here with out a washer, we had 7+ loads of laundry to do. So....I got new toys!

I know a silly post but I am really excited.

Party Time

2011-03-31T23:14:00.006-05:00

Saturday, March 26 we celebrated Noah's birthday at CiCi's Pizza with a Star Wars theme. I was so excited to be able to surprise Noah with this Death Star cake that a friend of mine made. (One of his many talents I might add!) Noah was so incredibly excited when he saw it, and it was yummy!
Gram and Papa came up for the day and also surprised Noah with his first bike!

Learning to ride.The kids enjoyed eating at the buffet, cake, gifts, and then playing some games in the arcade.
The gang minus 4!
(left to right) Colton, Rooster, Baeleigh, MK, Madi, Cambri, Aubrey, Jack
front: Madden, Mason, Connor, Noah, Eme, Carlee
Not pictured: Macoy, Elijah, Cordin, & Cori

Noah

2011-03-31T22:46:00.004-05:00

Noah...there are not words to express how much I love you. You are me in so many ways. I love your sensitive heart and you love for life. You have a contagious smile and laugh that in unending. You have really started to show analytical thinker and you have a knack for puzzles which you currently work from the inside out...your love for learning is starting to show and I am really enjoying listening as you learn to read. You have made yourself Emorie's buddy and you are so good at it. Sometimes when she won't listen to me or daddy she will listen to "Boah". You are my "Noodle" and I love you. I hope you have had the happiest of birthdays followed by a year in which you feel blessed and fine endless ways to bless God with you life.
1 year

2 years
3 years with "Tink" who is now known as "Sulky"
4 years
5 years
And his 6 year photos

Cereal

2011-03-31T22:40:00.002-05:00

On March 3rd Elijah got his first cereal. Since then he has a "way" of eating his cereal. He likes it mixed with applesauce and apple juice at room temperature just before bed! Here are some pictures of the first attempt.
The first bite!

Friends

2011-03-31T22:22:00.003-05:00

Do you have a friend that you don't see very often but yet you are so close that it doesn't matter how much time as passed, when you get together it is like you never missed a beat? A friend that knows you so well, you don't have to say anything at all, and yet they KNOW! A friend that feels more like a sister/brother than a friend? A friend that you care for so deeply that you rejoice with them and cry with them through life's good times and bad? A friend whose kids you love like your own, and that mostly due to the fact they are hers/his? A friend that you know will always be there? A friend that encourages you? A friend that challenges you spiritually. A friend that constantly makes you want to be a better person? A friend you know God put in your life and He built the friendship? I could go on and on. I have a friend like this...a couple. They are few and far between. She is someone who is all these things above and so so much more that I can't even begin. Richard and I were blessed to meet with her and her sweet family, her husband is someone I have been friends with for years as well, because they were in East Texas on vacation last Thursday. We met and had lunch and visited for a few hours. Though our time was short, it was as if no time had passed since our last get together. I am looking forward to the next time I get to see her and her sweet family. Barie and I have been close friends for 17 years! Not many people are friends that long and stay close, so I know I am blessed. Here is a picture from our get together...after 4 kids she still looks amazing, INSIDE and OUT! I love you Barie Sue!

The Announcement

2011-03-31T22:04:00.005-05:00

Sunday was a big day for our family! We announced that at the conclusion of the school year we will be moving to Ponca City, Oklahoma. We are very excited about this move and are greatly looking forward to what God has in store for us there. We journeyed up there about a month ago to meet the people and interview with the church and fell in love with it all! Going along with that, and the fact that the boys room is already decorated in Sooner stuff here are some more pictures from our trip to Houston! (These also served as MK and Noah's birthday pictures)

Along the way we finally got to go see Madeleine Grace and Owen Craig Gambill. Here is a picture of Matt with the babies.
MK's 7 year pictures

Post to follow with Noah's 7 year pictures

Easter/Spring Pictures 2011

2011-03-31T21:51:00.003-05:00

While we were in Houston, I took advantage of Portrait Innovations being so close and got the kids Easter pictures taken. It went fairly quickly and they were pretty good considering I am getting pictures done of 5 kids 7 and under!

The whole gang!

The Girls
7 & 23 monthsMichal Kate Lee

Emorie Elizabeth
The Boys
5(sortof), 3 1/2, & 4 months
Noah Paul
Jack Gordon
Elijah Richard (my first official picture of him smiling too I might add)

Spring Break

2011-03-31T21:19:00.004-05:00

We decided to take a trip to Houston to vacation during spring break this year. We had big plans of going to the Zoo, Kemah Bay, parks, and a date night. Though we had a great time things don't always go as planned...

Eme made it to Houston city limits and then passed out

Wednesday we got up and attempted to go to the zoo. Little did we know that the Houston Rodeo was in town and taking up all of the parking in and around the zoo so we never got there. Instead we went to the Galleria and had a picnic on the grounds by the Wall of Water. I believe it said it was 64 tons of water...amazing. The kids loved standing by it and getting a little wet.

Then Thursday morning we got up and were going to try to go to the zoo again, but Elijah didn't sound good at all. He had some allergy issues when we left home and they were quickly getting worse. He ran a little fever Wednesday night and was struggling and wheezing every breath he took Thursday morning. So Linda, "Gramma", and I took him to a little ER clinic right by their house and it was diagnosed as RSV which he had been tested for at least 2 other times the previous 2 months. After some medications and a chest x-ray along with a Rx we were on our way. Since we had planned on being outside we decided not to try the zoo so late in the day but to head on to Kemah. The kids love this place, and so do we, but we didn't anticipate the crowd being like Six Flags/Disney Land gone wrong. It was crazy. We waiting 1 1/2 hours just to ride the Ferris Wheel. But they had fun and we got to eat at one of Richards favorite places, Landry's, and the kids got cotton candy.

The airplane ride

I hope these two will always be close
Jack and I on the ferris wheel
The day at Kemah was also St. Patrick's Day so the kids were all in their green. With the crazy events that morning I didn't get a shot of the 5 together but here they all are one way or another.
Eme was just a little sweaty after the day outside. Here she is right before her bath at Gramma and Gran Gran's house.
Jack just rode along. You can tell my sweet boy doesn't feel well. Just look at that sad little face.
There was a lot of time for the kids just to be together and play outside. Friday night Kirk and Linda kept the kids and Richard and I went out on a date with Elijah in tow. There were plenty of silly times too as Em shows off well in this shot...

Basketball

2011-03-31T21:09:00.002-05:00

Well Noah's first basketball season with the Upward Lakers was a success. He had a good time and learned a little about my favorite sport, all while learning scriptures and playing with other kids! He had fun and wants to play again! His last game was on March 12! Here are some shots!

Today

2011-03-23T07:08:00.002-05:00

Here we are again a March 23! Jackson Connor Castleman would be 8 years old today! I can't believe it has been 8 years, especially when every detail of my pregnancy and his birth is still so real and fresh to me. I am blessed beyond measure by Michal Kate, Noah, Jack, Emorie, and Elijah but will always feel that Jackson is missing. For those of you that know when I am playing with the kids and it is time to go I playfully call out "Yip, Yo, Jo, Flo, Mo, let's go out the door" so he is my Doe in that sentence! Jackson is missed. I have pictures of Jackson, but in all honesty, they aren't pretty, and not ones that I feel I can post here. So let me paint the one I carry in my head for you. Jackson is around 2 and looks a lot like my boys! (Shock there I know) There is a field with a white log fence going around it. In the field there is the softest, greenest, flowing grass blowing in a light breeze. Colorful kites and bubbles flowing all through the air as far as you can see. There is the sweet sound of children laughing continuously. In the center there is a simple playgound. With a picnic area off to the side. On the playground there is a yellow slide with red steps. At the top is my Papa King and at the bottom my Nini Savage with my Papa Savage and Grandmother King close by watching and smiling. Papa King is releasing a happy, HEALTHY Jackson down the slide and Nini Savage is catching him and spinning him around in the air. Over and Over again! At the table in the picnic area is Jesus smiling and holding little children in is lap and telling them to look down and smile because those are their parents and how much we loved them.
Think what you want, but this picture in my mind NEVER changes. God is good and I believe he has given me this picture. The laughter there never turns to crying, the breeze never stops blowing and Jesus never stops smiling and loving our babies.
Instead of a party, as I do every year, I invite you to pray today. Pray for the parents that, at any point in their pregnancy, lost a baby. That became so real to me that whether 1 week pregnant or 40 it is your baby! I pray for all those that are expecting as well. Pray for those that are going to be told that their child will not live. I also pray for those carrying precious little ones inside them today for me it is Brooke, Larissa, Marie, and Rebekah. Thank you for being a part of today. I know there is someone around you or you yourself that has a moment like this that they will never forget! Pray today. Hug your kids a little longer. Take a deep breath and smile!
Love to you all and blessings today on my baby's 8th birthday!

Eli at 4 months

2011-03-02T10:26:00.004-06:00

I can't believe it but Elijah Richard is already 4 months old. He is a doll. Still a little fussy at times especially in the car which is so funny to me since he used to love the car. In fact, in the mornings when we take the kids to school, he is so happy until Michal Kate, who sits next to him, gets out of the car, then he just screams. He is a cuddler and loves to smile. When you lie him on his back he just kicks away. He isn't rolling over yet, but he is trying so I don't think it will be long. He loves his brown blanket that his Aunt Tracy gave him and likes it right up by his face to go to sleep. He is still trying to suck his fist/fingers, and I am still thrusting a happy (paci) in his mouth every time. He is a big boy weighing in at 13 lbs 8 oz last week so we are already working our way into 3-6 month clothes!
Here he is with his bear and sign.
I finally got a real smile caught on camera.
A little smirk
Loving his monkey!
And yes, as the title lets you know, I spend a lot of time calling him Eli these days or chunky monkey!

Birthday Girl

2011-02-25T09:11:00.008-06:00

All and all her 7th birthday was a hit! On Friday, her actual birthday, we took her to CiCi's for dinner and then back to the house for her gifts which she was greatly anticipating!

Our friends went with us to dinner and back to the house with us. Here is Michal Kate and her BFF Madi!
Michal Kate opening her iTouch.

Saturday morning, Noah had a basketball game which was filled with family. Gramma, Gram and Papa were all there along with some cousins, Sean and Zane! Then it was back to the house to play and lunch! Here is Gramma with some of the cousins that were there. It was a beautiful day so we had lots of fun outside.
That evening we let MK pick 3 friends and their families to come over for hamburgers and hot dogs. Here they are. Aubrey, Joey, MK, and Madi
In the last couple of months we have watched a sweet friendship bud between these two cousins. They are 9 weeks apart and have so much fun together! dirty faced Jack and Cambri
We were blessed to have Aunt Janetta, Sean, Chris, and Zane with us to celebrate. Here we have Sean and Elijah, Gramma and Gran Gran's oldest grandchild and their youngest.
Joey and Michal Kate are sweet together...
My dad, Papa, and Michal Kate
She decided she wanted a Wizard of Oz cake which was odd because we didn't even know she had seen the movie, but evidently she had and we got it for her for her birthday. So Gram scrambled and got her this awesome cake. She was so excited about it!Happy birthday baby girl. We love you so much!

Michal Kate

2011-02-18T14:21:00.007-06:00

Wow, where has the time gone? It doesn't seem like it is possible that 7 years have passed so quickly. Michal Kate's birth was such a miracle, I know all births are miracles, but for us it was even more so. After the loss of Jackson not even a year earlier then when were given this precious baby girl. Michal Kate was a breath of healing and delight...the calm after the storm Though she wasn't always the easiest of babies, she was healthy and ours. She has a smile that can light up a room, she is filled with a zest for life that I wish I could have a pinch of, she is compassionate and caring, an amazing big sister, and a lover of Christ already! She is a daddy's girl but she loves me as well! Happy birthday baby! Here's a quick look at the 7 years!
1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
6 years
7 years

Noah's 1st Basketball Game

2011-02-14T14:42:00.003-06:00

This winter we signed Noah up to play Upwards Basketball. For those who know me well, you will assume my excitement for my son to finally be playing ball! I love basketball and always have, and though I wasn't all that good when I played, I enjoyed it. It is the one sport I never mind watching no matter who is playing but I especially enjoy watching when Kentucky is on! Noah asked to lay so I very quickly looked into where we could sign him up. He has a pretty good little shot for a 5 year old and seems to be having a good time. If the weather would cooperate a little I might get to go out and work with him some! Here are some shots of his first game that was on January 22! His little team is called the Lakers.
My little MVP
Dribbling the ball for the first time
Waiting for a rebound

Valentine's Through the Years

2011-02-14T11:19:00.007-06:00

I got this idea from a friend of mine and I showed this at Christmas so I thought it would be fun at Valentine's Day as well. Here is a look at Valentine's Day since Michal Kate was born!
2005

Michal Kate's first Valentine's Day

2006

Noah's first Valentine's Day

2007

Somehow I didn't take a picture this year. My only excuse is well, I don't have one.
2008

Jack's first Valentine's Day
2009

2010
Eme's first Valentine's Day

2011
Elijah's first Valentine's Day
May your days all be filled with the love of your family, friends, and most importantly, your Savior!

Leaf Update

2011-02-14T11:16:00.001-06:00

Since I didn't take Elijah's picture the same day I took all the others in the leaves,I took him outside the next week to capture it so I can frame them!

Father/Daughter Dance

2011-02-13T23:46:00.003-06:00

Friday, February 11 was the annual Father Daughter dance at the school. Richard and Michal Kate got all dressed up and she couldn't have been more excited. Michal Kate was counting down the days until the dance and was ready to get dressed as soon as she got home from school.

Richard and Michal Kate

Michal Kate smelling her flowers
So Cute
Richard and MK went to the dance and dinner with some friends of ours. Here is Michal Kate and her BFF Madi!
Madi, Michal Kate, and Aubrey
I love how all three girls are in hot pink, black, and white and it wasn't planned!
The daddies with their girls.
Richard and Michal Kate, Jacob and Madi, Michael and Aubrey

3 Months

2011-02-13T23:29:00.004-06:00

Okay so I am behind on posting. February 2 was Elijah's 3 month birthday! I can't believe three months have gone by so quickly. He is cooing and smiling so much which is displaying his budding personality. He likes to watch basketball on tv which is good for this time of year! (GO UK CATS!) He doesn't like riding in the car anymore unless he can see Michal Kate and have her undivided attention! The cool part is for 3 weeks he has been sleeping 5-6 hours straight at night. Unfortunately for me those hours typically start a7 or 8 and I am not quite ready to go to bed yet at that point. He was a pretty sick little boy as his 3 month birthday rolled around with a nasty cold that kept us up at night a couple of times. (Mommy slept with him in the recliner for the first time just so he could breath, and gave breathing treatments in the night, yuck!) We all think he looks like a Castleman kid for sure, but as to which kid he looks like depends on the day. Because he was sick we took him to the doctor on 2/3 and he weighed 13.2 lbs! So he is a good eater and getting big. He is still wearing 0-3 months clothes, but barely, and has ventured into size 2 diapers. Some of his little pants are a little snug on the waist! We are so blessed to have him in our lives and thankful for him!
Elijah Richard's sweet smile
By his bear
If he can't be held, his most tolerable place to be is in his bumbo chair.

Outdoor Daze

2011-01-12T11:34:00.007-06:00

On Friday, January 7 after school the kids wanted to go outside and play. The weather was gorgeous so I sent them on. They climbed on the leaf covered trampoline and I grabbed the camera! I love the pictures. Hard to imagine that just 2 days later we would be out there again in a winter wonderland.

I love these pictures of their faces in the leaves. I didn't take one of Elijah but after the snow melt, if my leaves are still there I just might have to get him out there so I can frame them!
Sunday, January 9 in the early hours of the morning the sleet began. Then during church that morning the ginormous flakes began to fall and cover everything. The kids got to play in the snow for 2 days and it was wonderful. Here it is Wednesday and our yard is still mostly covered. I love it. Somehow this born and raised Texas girl, often thinks I should have been raised up North as much as I love the cold and snow. We did everything from building a Snowman, making Snow-Cream, Snow angels, and the occasional snow ball fight.

With our snowman.

Snow Cream
Being that Jack, Eme, and I are the only ones that liked it I will spare you the pictures of the others eating their courtesy bite!

Elijah 2 months

2011-01-11T16:09:00.003-06:00

On January 2 Elijah Richard was two months old. I can't believe how fast time is flying. He started smiling and cooing the 21st of December! There is nothing like those first intentional smiles and coos. He like to lay in warm water with a wash cloth over him (thanks Aunt Tracy), but as soon as you apply soap and then again lotion after the bath, he screams his head off. He is still waking up several times during the night, but also likes to put himself to bed in then evenings with only the help of mommy putting his "happy" in his mouth a couple of times. Though he is super colicky, I am trying very hard to savor every baby moment since he is my last little one.
At his two month check up he weighed in at 11 lbs 7 oz, almost 5lbs since birth, he was 24" long, and his head was 17". Which puts him in the 50% for weights and 95% for his height, and 97% for his head.
Happy Boy
With his bear
I don't know how many of you have seen my scrapbook of Jackson Connor, or even remember, but he looks just like Jackson in this picture (Just Bigger). Brings tears to my eyes every time I look at it along with a smile.
And sitting in front of the tree. It came down the next day so we had to take advantage.

Family Pictures 2010

2011-01-11T14:25:00.006-06:00

We had an appointment for 3 weeks straight to get our family pictures taken this year. It is the first time we have had them done since Jack was 6 months old or so. Due to the stomach virus deciding to take up residence in our home for over 9 weeks we had a hard time getting there, but finally the Monday before Christmas it happened. I am so pleased and highly recommend my photographer who happens to be a friend of mine! The only downside to this day was it was a little cold and Emorie wasn't in the mood!
All of us
It started with 2...my favorite shot of us!
The 5 kids (MK Said she was praying Eme didn't drop Elijah)
Love this one
Girls
Miss Prim and Proper
Miss Attitude
The Boys
Noah
Jack
Elijah
The End

Castleman Christmas

2011-01-10T12:14:00.006-06:00

The Monday after Christmas we made the 5 hour drive to Houston to be with the Castleman Crew. This is the first Christmas in 4 years we have all been together at the same time. We gathered at Gramma and Gran Gran's to eat and open gifts.

Gran Gran being Santa...that was something!

Uncle Aaron, Cade, and Zane looking at the iTouch
Aunt Cindy got Michal Kate come hands on gifts and had the pleasure of helping her with them. Cambri was intrigued as well.The best friends and cousins...Connor and Noah

Aunt Cindy, Cambri, and Carlee Jo

On Wednesday we loaded the kids up and took them all to CiCi's and Pump It Up! They had a blast. And, the adults did some playing too!
Aunt Janetta and Elijah
Jack and Cambri LOVED playing together, besties in the making
Noah having fun
Aunt Cindy and Elijah
This looks complicated! Uncle Paul, Collin, Elijah, and RichardWe even ended up staying an extra day and Gramma and Gran Gran watched MK, Noah, Jack, and Emorie and Richard and I could go on a date! Freebirds and Harry Potter! It was awesome. And I only missed 20 minutes of the movie with Elijah!

Christmas at Home

2011-01-08T14:36:00.003-06:00

We came home from mom and dad's on Christmas night and went to our church Sunday morning. Then we ventured to Mt. Pleasant for lunch, which is a very rare occasion on a Sunday for us, and a little shopping afterwards. After night church we had our Christmas as a family.

Believe it or not this was the first shot I took!

Daddy and the kids, again first shot.
Mommy and the kids
I will tell you one thing...the paper and boxes were flying everywhere, but it was a lot of fun.

Christmas Part 1

2011-01-07T14:50:00.006-06:00

On Christmas Eve we went to my parents house to celebrate our tradition Christmas with my family. Though some were sick and others injured all in all it was a wonderful time. My mom outdid herself as she does every year on the gifts, and the house was full of smiles and laughter.

Mom and Dad by the tree

A first ever shot, I believe, of me with my siblings and our spouses. (Wow my brother looks really tall!)
My sisters family
My brothers family
And the best attempt with our family
the 9 grandkids
And My 5 before bed Christmas EveHope yours was a very Merry Christmas to be followed by a blessed New Year

Something to talk about

2010-12-25T23:16:00.006-06:00

Well on the Tuesday before Christmas which would have been Tuesday, December 21, 2010 3 fun new things happened...
We finally made it to see Santa at the Mall in Texarkana!
Michal Kate lost her 4th tooth! This was the first one for her to lose at home so that was really neat!
Elijah smiled on purpose for the first time. Though this picture was taken on Christmas Eve where he thought his Uncle Jason was quite humorous.

Santa~Past and Present

2010-12-05T15:37:00.010-06:00

I thought it would be fun to take a look back at our trips to Santa since we started having children. Some of them are a little humorous!
Christmas 2004~ Michal Kate's first Christmas
Santa in Lubbock, TX
Christmas 2005~ Noah's first Christmas
Santa in Lubbock, TX

Christmas 2006
Santa in Lubbock, TX
Christmas 2007~Jack's first Christmas
Santa in Texarkana, TX
Christmas 2008
Santa at Texarkana, TX

Christmas 2009~ Emorie's first Christmas
Santa in Longview, TX

Christmas 2010~ Elijah's first Christmas
Mr. Kendall as Santa at Debbie Riner's Childrens Christmas Party
I couldn't help it, I thought it was fun to look back at all the different years with Santa!

One Month and Santa Baby

2010-12-05T15:21:00.005-06:00

I can't believe he is 1 month old already. At birth he weighed 6 # 10 oz and was 18" long. Now at 1 month he weighs 8# 11 oz and is 21" long. Though a big jump for him he is still only in the 25th percentile in his weight and 50th for his length. His is such a big eater and gets loved on constantly! I am trying to enjoy every moment, even the fussy ones since his is officially our last. It is kinda neat having one this little at Christmas which we have never done!
Elijah with his bear from Ashley
Elijah under the tree with the reindeer
1 month old

My sister got Elijah his Santa suit and with it being so cold today we wore it to church, which, as you can see, he slept through!

Christmas Parade

2010-12-05T15:11:00.004-06:00

Last night was Mt. Pleasant's annual Christmas parade. The Dance Company has a float in it every year and though the girls rode in it last year, they just wanted to watch this time. So Jacob, Lori, and I took all the kids to see it. It was so cold and I was not prepared at all except for the baby! But, all in all, the kids had a blast.

Me and my baby girl. She loved being on my shoulders! The dancing she did as the bands passed was a little challenging for me, but she loved it.
I didn't have any kind of jacket for Jack so we wrapped him up in a blanket that Jacob and Lori brought. He enjoyed himself but froze. It was neat though because he had pulled away from Lori some and this reunited them!
Jacob and Eme
Madi and Michal Kate dancing like crazy people
We have been friends for 2 years and this is the first picture she let me take with her in it!Wonderful Christmas tradition! I love being with friends and family!

Pick-up Sticks

2010-12-01T11:55:00.002-06:00

While I was bathing Elijah in the other bathroom Emorie went into mine SILENTLY and decided to open a brand new box of q-tips and play pick-up sticks with them, or see what it might look like if it snowed inside...either way she was proud and she did help pick them up and all mommy could do was laugh!
p.s. that is an empty bottle of meds next to her!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T22:48:00.003-06:00

We had a great Thanksgiving break!
We started out Tuesday and headed for an overnight stay in Oklahoma City. We went to visit some dear friends, and though it was quick, we loved our time there, and of course the kids loved staying in a hotel. I think we could pick a hotel in Mt. Pleasant and stay there and they would think we had gone on a huge trip! Just a reminder of the simplicity of a child. We don't have to stand on our heads all the time, sometimes the simple things are just a good!
A picture of all 5 outside the hotel.

Then on Wednesday we headed to Dallas. This was the year to be with my side of the family on Thanksgiving so it was nice to have everyone there. We stayed with my sister and her family this time and the kids took turns going to Gram and Papa's for sleepovers at night. Emorie actually stayed there every night and was happy as could be! She has quickly become her Papa's girl. Thursday, of course, we all got together and stuffed ourselves silly! Then Friday and Saturday there was playing, shopping, and just hanging out!

Elijah's first Thanksgiving!I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and you found, as I did, that you have some much to be thankful for you can't even begin to make a list. Thank you God for all the blessings in life!

Family

2010-11-17T13:42:00.004-06:00

Well Emorie had to have a family photo for a school project so while we had Gramma here we got dressed and went outside. I was going to use this for our Christmas cards, but Richard wants a do-over...Richard wants to take another picture, what is wrong with that....This is our first family picture with Elijah since mommy felt so horrible in the hospital we don't even have the awful picture of all of us trying to sit on my hospital bed. (funny now that I think about it) I think it turned out pretty good for 5 kids...only one isn't looking at the camera!

First real shot of the 5 kids together!The boys together!

Dr. Visits

2010-11-17T13:39:00.006-06:00

Elijah's first doctor's appointment was on November 9. We saw a sweet friend of mine that day instead of our usual doctor because he was out. He looked perfect. He was our first not to be dealing with jaundice which was an answered prayer! I forgot to take a picture of her with him or him being weighed or anything really except this picture of him in his car seat while we waited in the room. When we left the hospital he weighed 6# 4 oz at this appointment he weighed 6#7oz so he already started gaining and he was 19" which at birth he was 18" so who knows on that.

We went back a week later for our normal 2 week check up and I did remember to take a picture of him being weighed! Check out that GAIN! He was up to 6#15oz which is over birth weight. Of course he eats ALL THE TIME! and that isn't an exaggeration. I can't keep up he is nursing and getting formula during all the day time feedings!
Again I forgot to take the picture with our favorite doctor but we go back this week to our 1 month check up and hopefully I will remember then!

Breakfast in bed

2010-11-17T12:04:00.003-06:00

Saturday morning I was surprised with breakfast in bed from my 5 children with the help of their Gramma! That night had been rough with Elijah up most of the night and Richard had to get up early and go over to the church for a work day. Evidently my oldest was very excited and had a hard time waiting for Elijah and I to get up. Once we were up and Elijah was fed (9:30 am) the kids came in with my breakfast along with juice and coffee. I am not sure how much of it I got to eat since most of the foods were their favorites and I had hands flying in at the tray. It was rather humorous. The thought was sweet and it was a fun time with all my kids.
All of us in between bites! Noah is holding Elijah.

And all the hands, flying in the bowl.
Noah loving Elijah while Jack sneaks a bite!
More of all the hands.We have been so blessed to have my mom come and stay for a week and a half and his mom stay for about the same time during Elijah's birth and my recovery. I am truly thankful for both of these women and how they love me and my kids!

Elijah Richard Castleman

2010-11-15T10:53:00.011-06:00

Okay, so it has been 2 1/2 weeks and I am just getting this post up, but hey, I have 5 kids doesn't that count for something! Elijah's birthday was interesting to say the least. Monday, I was preparing food for a dear family all the while contracting about 5 minutes apart all day long. I avoided going to my doctor or talking to my friend who happens to be his wife for fear of them telling me to come in. Why? you ask, because Richard was home with a stomach bug and I didn't want to do labor and delivery of our last child without him. I get through the day okay, get the kids in bed and I choose to sleep on the couch far away from Richard!
First of all my final belly shot at 36 weeks!
I get up the next morning only to find out that though the bug has past, his energy is wiped and he still doesn't feel 100%! GREAT! I take all the kids to school and run into another friend of mine who sends a text to our friend Melissa, the doctors wife. Next thing I know Melissa is calling me telling me to come in and be checked. I hesitate but figure there won't be any change from the 3 I was last week so I'll just go. Well, they say every pregnancy is different for a reason because sure enough I was a 4! Dr. M says well lets just walk over to labor and delivery and have a baby. I have to call and wake Richard up and tell him to come on. I call mom and dad, Lori, and Richard calls his mom and we are off and running.
Early labor was no big deal, then it hit of course. I ask for my epidural and they come pretty quickly and administer it. Much to our surprise and 2 epidurals later....it doesn't work. So at 5 cm I ask for something in my IV while we wait for another epidural attempt. That helps some but not great. Dr. comes in when the anesthesiologist comes in and checks and I am a 6! I sit up and 40 minutes, 2 more epidurals, and a spinal later, I am finally numb and an 8! I lay there for a bit then...the easy part. TWO PUSHES and Elijah was here!
Elijah Richard Castleman
Tuesday, November 2, 2010 6:08 p.m.
6 lbs. 10 oz. 18"
Daddy covering up just in case that ugly bug wants to live on
Gram and Elijah
Papa
Elijah with the bear that Ashley brought us
His first outfit change...3 a.m
Gramma, Jack, and Emorie meeting Elijah while I wait for surgery
Eme was very unsure of me being in that bed.
My sister got to come. This is pre surgery also.
While I was in surgery they attempted a picture of the 5 kids together!
My surgery went well. I was ready to come home Thursday morning when I got a spinal headache. Lots of fluids, caffeine, and a blood patch later it was a little better and we got ready to come home Friday morning.
Here is Elijah in his coming home outfit.
In his seat ready to go!

I know I have delivered 6 times to 5 healthy babies, but the miracle of life never gets old, boring, or indifferent. Each time I am amazed and in awe of God's miracle and the blessing that he allowed me to be a part of it! All 6 of my babies, pregnancies, and lives are such a blessing to me and I will never forget. More to come so stay tuned!

Halloween Activities

2010-10-31T18:16:00.006-05:00

We had a lot of fun dressing up for our church annual Trunk or Treat and for Halloween (on Oct 30th around here was the trick or treating night). The three older kids had been asking since mid summer if they could dress up as Star Wars characters and their Aunt Tracy loved the idea so much she bought them their costumes. So we have Michal Kate as Padame', Noah as Anakin Skywalker, Jack as Darth Vadar, and Emorie as Yoda!
Dressed and ready to go to the Trunk or Treat which very quickly got moved inside due to a horrible storm.
Padame' striking a pose
Anakin with his correct "blue" light saber

Darth Vadar with his mask and of course we had to get the "red" light saber (and if you are thinking "does it really matter? To them, yes very much)Darth without the mask, now doesn't he look friendly. He was so funny, if their was something scary he would put his mask on, get his light saber, check things out slowly and then go right to the person or thing.
And Yoda!
Here are most of them with our dear friend Madi while trick or treating in Mount Pleasant
It took Emorie a couple of houses, then she had it figured out and went running!
Yoda with her good friend Mrs. Lori
Happy Halloween!

Update

2010-10-31T17:44:00.008-05:00

I know, once again it has been awhile since I posted, but all I can say is things haven't slowed down like I thought they would. So here is a little catch up on the Castleman Family!

One morning in September I ran my bath and stepped into my bedroom to grab something real quick. when I came back into the bathroom this is what I found! She was having such a good time splashing around in the tub with her pj's on, she thought she was big stuff. And until this moment I had no idea she could even climb into the tub!

By mid July, Jack was potty trained. We are still working on night time, but during the day he does great. As far as day training he was the easiest so far. It took me a couple months to take the completion picture and for him to pick his potty training prize but we finally got it!
Jack with his finished sticker chart!
Jack and his prizes, C-3PO and Han Solo
I am doing well. I am currently 38 weeks and having some contractions every day. Elijah has dropped and is ready we are just waiting for the contractions to become more painful and more consistent! We are ready to meet him and very thankful for a totally healthy pregnancy!
Here I am at 32 weeks

And 36 weeks

Sorry for the delay in my updates, I am hoping to get better again as I want to introduce you all to Elijah when he comes!

New Beginnings

2010-08-24T19:59:00.007-05:00

Wow it has been a busy last couple of days! Yesterday was the first day of school and I now have a 1st grader, kindergartner, and a preschooler! They all went in like troopers, in fact I had to almost hold Michal Kate back she was so excited!
Last Thursday night was meet the teacher at our school and I went ahead and took the beginning of the year shots with their teachers.
Michal Kate and Mrs. Cox
Noah and Mrs. Lawings

Here is Jack this morning at his first day with his teachers Mrs. Charey and Mrs. Cindy
Michal Kate's first day shots!
In front of her door to her classroom!
Michal Kate and Noah together on the first day 2010
Noah's first day shots.
In his seat ready to go(kinda)
Jack's first day was today and he was so excited to get to go to school! Here are his first day shots.
In front of his room. He is in the Lambs class! Love the wall!
This was mostly taken for my mom, but she likes to have one of all the kids on the first day, so here is Emorie's picture of her first Tuesday of just having her and mommy time! Love the curls! I can't get over it!
I pray for each of my kids that they will have a blessed year and that Jesus would shine through their every action! I pray for their teachers that they will have wisdom, understanding, and compassion beyond their ability!

Saddle Ridge Ranch VBS 2010

2010-08-24T14:28:00.007-05:00

Our 3rd annual VBS took place from July 25 until July 29 and it was a blast! Erin and I enjoyed planning for months and couldn't be prouder or more thankful of all the time and commitment everyone else put into making this year be so amazing! We pray about this week all year long and God truly saw us through! We are a church that averages about 115 and our VBS KID average was 120 for the week!!!! That doesn't count the 35+ adults we had helping! I am beyond honored and blessed to be a part of this event!
So enjoy a picture into Naples Church of Christ's Saddle Ridge Ranch 2010!
Family Picture

Michal Kate showing her inner cowgirl

Eme cheesing!
We were excited that Connor, Cambri, and Carlee got to come for most of the week!

Connor and Noah
Noah and Jack
Jack during the program
Cambri during the program
A glimpse at the stage during their program the final night!
What fun memories!

24 and 28 weeks

2010-08-24T14:20:00.004-05:00

Beyond the fact I am still tired, hot(like who isn't), and we can't find a name or agree on one (we both individually could name him if the others opinion didn't count) this has been a great pregnancy. I am sure Richard would argue that!!! I still love being pregnant, and truly believe that it is one of God's miracles that I am blessed to be able to experience! Baby boy is growing and I am actually finally starting to gain a little weight. I have been blessed in this department this time as well! I know that November is going to be here before I turn around. I started thinking about Halloween the other day and thanks to my sister we now are ready to go, just in case "no name kid" decides to make an early appearance and/or share a birthday with his uncle! I also am stepping it up and have already started Christmas shopping. My goal is to be 98% done by the time he arrives! So enjoy! Thank you for praying for us and celebrating this miracle with me! Next to positive this is the last one so I am enjoying every single minute of this celebration!

So here are my pictures from 24 weeks (6 months)

And from Sunday, which was 28 weeks (7 months)

Wedding

2010-08-19T19:25:00.008-05:00

Well, a couple of weeks ago we were able to travel back to Levelland, TX to be a part of a dear family friends wedding! We consider this girl to be like a 2nd (well 3rd) daughter to us(you know what I mean). It is hard to believe that she is old enough to be married now! We are so proud or the Christian woman that she is and the wonderful Christian man she chose to spend her life with! Michal Kate was one of the flower girls and Noah was the ring barer in the wedding, while I helped coordinate the wedding and did the flowers. I had done corsages, boutonnieres, and bouquets before but never the decorations for the isles and the arrangements! It was an privilege and a honor for me to be able to try out my decorating skills for them.

The beautiful bride, Mrs. Lezli J'Laine Boren!

Michal Kate spending time with her buddy Aunt Sandra! She had a hard time understanding why she couldn't be with Sandra the entire time we were there.

Lezli and I (I am about 25 weeks here)
Some of my decoration attempts!
Flower balls for the pews.
Arrangement for the sign in table. (there is a ficus tree behind the flower arrangement)
One of the two stage arrangements.
Noah kissing the bride
Michal Kate with the groom, Tres
Randy, Lezli, and Sandra
Michal Kate surrounded by the Honor Attendents
Noah with the girl Honor Attendents
Noah with the rings! This made me just a little nervous! He even carried them down the isle on a pillow!!!
My kiddos with Lezli before the wedding
The kids
Randy and Sandra with Tres and Lezli
Had to have this one
Noah got the garter by default
Mimicking Tres' cake topper
I pray God's richest blessings on this sweet couple! May they look back on their wedding day and realize that they loved each other the least on that day than any of the days that have followed!

Baby Boy

2010-07-05T15:33:00.010-05:00

Well, this is a catch up from the last 20 weeks. We waiting until I was 13 weeks to tell almost everyone so I hadn't posted any pictures or anything up until this point so here is a bit of everything starting with my growth progression and then some sonogram pictures from last week. I had a sonogram at 13 weeks but there isn't much to see there, so we will start with the 20 week ones.
I am so thankful that God chose us for each of these precious babies. All 7 of them have a place in our hearts, and they each make us strive to be better people. God entrusted them to us to teach them about Him and that is an honor! Each pregnancy has been so very different from the one before it, and I think that is amazing.
This is the 7th time to get a positive result and it never stops being a wonder to me!

8 weeks (horrible angle)

12 weeks

16 weeks

20 Weeks
On June 30th we went to Dallas for our level 2 sonogram and were greatly surprised to learn that we were having another boy! We are thrilled. The sonographer said that he has long legs and that we wasn't missing any meals! The sonographer and the perinatologist kept saying he looked perfect which is an answer to our prayers. For the first time in the 6 pregnancies that have come to this point we went into the sonogram without any names. We were so certain that it was another girl, we had thought of some girl names we liked, but hadn't even started thinking of boy names so we are at square one. It is a little different for us, but interesting at the same time. He looks to be right on time with a due date of November 14 so we will see! I am guessing a whopping 8 lbs 9 oz! Wouldn't that be fun!
This was the first view we got of him. It is a profile shot. We was bent totally in half with his legs sweeping over his body and his feet above his head. (Feet and head are on the left, head on bottom feet on top, then his body along the bottom bending upwards and his bottom is on the top right of the picture)

Here he is looking at you with his feet above his head still. His feet are on the left, face in the middle, then neck, then the chest.
His boy parts. His bottom was on the right, basically like he is sitting on the camera and his boy parts are in the middle of the screen.
Another profile. Head on the left you can see his nose, then his lips and chin. It cuts off at the bottom of his stomach.
Thank you all for your prayers and excitement with us as we anticipate baby boys arrival!

Jack Gordon turns 3

2010-06-21T15:50:00.005-05:00

Okay so it is a week or two late, but things have been busy. I can't believe my baby boy is 3! He is so big and still so full of life. He has no fear and thinks he can do whatever any older kid can do. He is still a mama's boy through and through. We started potty training a week or so before his birthday and though we have had some accidents along the way he is doing fairly well. He loves Toy Story so that was the theme of his party! Jack has and always has had the ability to make people laugh. From before he should have been able to comprehend it, he would do things just to make people laugh at him, and he still does. He is our little ball of never-ending energy and such a blessing. So here is your look back at Jack from the beginning.

Jack the night he was born.

Jack at 1
Jack at 2
And at 3!
I love this face! I have no idea what he was doing this about but I think it is funny.
Yes, he desperately needed a haircut, and we went the next week. Here he is at home opening his gifts from us.

Last Day of School

2010-06-13T20:00:00.006-05:00

I can't believe my kiddos have been finished with their school year for almost two weeks. The year flew by and my kids learned so much. Michal Kate is reading anything she wants and loves to read. Noah talks about school and learning all the time and is eager for kindergarten in the fall! He really wants to know how to read like his big sister. Here are my first day of school and last days of school comparison pictures. The first day is the first picture in each set so enjoy the changes! Oh and yes I am cheesy and as long as the outfit still fits, they wear the same thing on the first and last day!

Michal Kate on the first day of school 2009-2010

And the last day

Noah ready to go on the first day!

I think it is hilarious that he is smiling the same way on the last day of school!
Noah first day outside
and last day with some blonde looking hair!
Michal Kate ready for Kindergarten
And she's done with kinder and ready for 1st grade!
Aren't they cute!
I love this picture, I just wish Noah was looking at the camera! Last day of school, you'd think he'd be more excited!
Last day again with a bit of a smile!
I hope your summer is going well and you enjoy it and be safe!

May 2010

2010-06-02T14:10:00.015-05:00

Well, the last month(at least the last half of the month) has been crazy busy and I haven't updated since Emorie's birthday so here is a long one FILLED with pictures.
At the end of April we had our annual baby dedication at church. I believe we dedicated 17 kiddos this year and Emorie was one of the many. It is such an amazing blessing to have this body of believers praying over us and with us as we raise our little ones. I pray that her life will be lived for the Glory of our Savior and that she may continue to touch the lives of those she comes into contact with.

Mommy and Eme at the dedication.

At the dedication we also announced the upcoming arrival of our next baby which was a shock to many! At the beginning of May I had my first appointment and my first sonogram of this precious little one. This is a profile shot with the baby's head on the right and a foot sticking up in the middle of the screen.
We had a bit of a break in actual events in the middle of the month, though we stayed busy with t-ball games, school, and dance. On May 22 Michal Kate had her annual Dance Recital with The Dance Company in Mt. Pleasant. Her teacher/owner is Mrs. Becca and she does such an amazing job with all the girls all year just teaching them to love dance without any pressure! Michal Kate truly loves it and hates the summer break though she loves the recital.
Here she is in her ballet costume. She was a flower in Golden Afternoon from Alice in Wonderland. They came out of flower pots and everything.
Tap was a routine to Elvis' Jailhouse Rock. Everyone loved this dance and it got the audience clapping and the girls really fed off the energy and danced their little hearts out.
Jazz she was part of Five Little Monkey's. Talk about a cute costume. Check out the feet and tail!
Before the recital began she got dressed up to receive a trophy for her participation and high sales of the ads for the program.
On Tuesday, May 25 the kids had their last t-ball game of the season. I am amazed at the improvement they have shown since the beginning of the year. By the end of the season, Noah was hitting the ball to the fence every time he was up to bat off a pitch!
Michal Kate batting
Michal Kate in position
Noah taking a swing
Playing 3rd
Then on Thursday, May 27 Michal Kate was invited to the Pewitt Elementary Awards Ceremony. She received the award for being in the top 10 readers for Accelerated Reader in Kindergarten. She was 7th! We are so very proud of her and are thrilled at her love for reading at this early age.
Michal Kate with her fabulous teacher, Mrs. Craig
Receiving her medal.
The next day, May 28 was Jack's last day of school for the year. He has grown, changed, and learned so much this year and is a little sponge. He went from crying every day when he went into the building to constantly asking for Mrs. Cara, his teacher even on days when there was no school.
Here is Jack on the first day.
And keeping with my tradition I started last year, here he is in the same outfit in the same spot on the last day of school. Just a little more excited!!!
This is Jack and his teacher Mrs. Cara. God blessed us so much with her. Jack loves her and she truly loves Jack. We will miss her next year since we are moving to a pre-school program.
Friday was Field day for Michal Kate and Noah. And after playing games the school had 5 or 6 water slides the kids could go down the rest of the afternoon. I captured a shot while they stood in line together!
Saturday was the Heat's end of the t-ball season party and the coaches house. The kids enjoyed sliding down a giant slip and slide that they added baby soap to making it more slick! They ate hot dogs, received their trophy's, sprayed the coaches with silly string, swam in the pool, and ate cake all in 2 hours!
The kids with Coach Hart.
Michal Kate swimming away
Noah being silly with the floaties and jumping in!
Jack loving the slip and slide.
Emorie had the most fun I think! She absolutely loved the water and kept putting her face in! I love her little swim suit!
And last night, Tuesday, June 1 was Michal Kate's kindergarten graduation. I didn't even know there was a such thing! She was so proud of herself. They sang songs, recited poems, and got certificates and trophies.
Michal Kate was very proud of herself!
The graduate! Won't it be fun in 12 years to compare this to her senior pictures!
So until Noah's water day today....you are caught up! We are finally out of school on Friday and headed to Grams next week for some fun in the sun!

Emorie Elizabeth

2010-04-13T11:08:00.009-05:00

I can't believe that my baby girl is 1 today. It seems like yesterday that she entered this world so quickly! She is such a happy baby and is a joy to have around the house. She is into EVERYTHING ( we only thought Jack was he had nothing on Emorie), she is crawling and taking a few steps here and there, but not walking yet. She has 5 teeth and is cutting another. She loves her siblings, but cracks up constantly at Noah! She truly is a delight most of the time! So Happy Happy Birthday baby girl we love you more than you will ever know!
Now enjoy a look back at bit of Emorie's first year!

Emorie on the first night
2 months

5 months
6 1/2 months
8 months and Eme's 2nd snow
11 months
Emorie smashes her cake to smithereens!
Emorie at her birthday party! It was a pink and brown theme. If you noticed I like pink and brown just a little!
And some party pics

Noah Paul

2010-04-06T13:51:00.007-05:00

So I am almost a week behind. Things have been busy around here! It is hard to believe that on the 31st of March Noah turned 5 years old. It doesn't seem like it has been 5 years. He is such a sweet boy. He has a tender and caring heart, loves to laugh and play, and as always, he is curious. He, much like his big sister, loves to sing, especially church songs which melts my heart. I am so anxious and excited to see what an amazing young man he will continue to grow up to be. We are so proud of him and to be able to call him our son!
Newborn Noah

I think at about 4 months!
1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years
and the big number 5!

Easter Bunny

2010-04-02T11:52:00.002-05:00

Okay so Jack wasn't thrilled, but all in all a pretty good one of all 4 for doing it just because he was there and there wasn't a line!

Today

2010-03-23T10:30:00.003-05:00

I don't think I can even begin to put into words what I am thinking and feeling today. But as I do once a year, I will try. I am overjoyed at the 4 precious blessings God as given Richard and I in our children. Each of them is unique and very special in so many ways. In the same breath, I can go back to this day 7 years ago and the hurt is as fresh as it was there for that child that beyond his kicking and flipping in my womb, I don't really know. I guess I thought after 7 years that would fade at least a little, but each moment is as real to me now as it was then. Yet, I know him in ways that I never imagined...Jackson was a fighter, he made it several weeks longer than any of the doctors ever thought. He was tender. Of all the kids, his kicks were honestly more like little love pats, just reminding me that he was there. He was ahead of the game. Most women don't feel their babies move inside them until 18 or more weeks along. Not Jackson, he started moving and I was feeling him at just 14 weeks, which now after the other babies, I know was crazy! So much like my other 4 children Jackson was unique and special in many ways too. This year has been crazy for me in regards to Jackson. Richard started a program that meets at our church called Celebrate Recovery. This goes on all across the nation and is an amazing program, basically a 12 step group based on Christian principles. Honestly, I started attending just because Richard was heading it up but God definitely wanted me there. I have learned more about myself and my walk through losing Jackson than I ever thought possible. God is going to use my story at some point to do something for someone else, I don't know when, or how, just I know that all things are for His Glory. Like all babies, Jackson had a purpose in this world, and as parents, we may never know what this purpose is but that God will use him. SOOOOO>>>>>
Like every year, instead of a birthday party, I invite you to join us in praying for anyone you know that has lost a baby at any point in their pregnancy, anyone you know that has had a stillborn. Pray for those being told that their babies, born or not, will not survive. For those who are unable to conceive. I want to add this year all those who are adopting or praying about adoption and all the ladies you know who are expecting at this time. For us that is Erin, Katie, Carly, Crystal, Kaylee, Paula, Angie(who I don't really know but whose blog has touched me so much and I encourage you to read it too, http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com). Let's celebrate God's amazing creation in babies! I have never been more amazed than looking at my children and realizing how incredible it is that they are even here!
Again, thanks for putting up with my blabbering! Blessings to you all, and Happy birthday Jackson Connor Castleman!

Party Time

2010-03-08T13:25:00.008-06:00

Okay, so I realize this is a month and a half late, but well, it has been crazy around here! February marked Michal Kate's 6th birthday.
Her actual birthday I took ice cream cups to share with her friends at school since she doesn't like cake. The kids, and of course, Michal Kate, loved the ice cream even in the cold at recess.

Michal Kate and Madi

Michal Kate and her sweet teacher Mrs. Craig

Then that evening we celebrated her by having cake and opening her presents! She was excited about all that she got and is still talking about it. This year was eye opening for me as to how much my baby girl has grown up! She could read the cards and the packages that everything came it, which just one year ago she couldn't do!

On Friday night we had her party at The Dance Company with a bounce house! The theme was Strawberry Shortcake and they all had a blast! There were kids everywhere.
After the party Michal Kate and Noah rode to Dallas with Papa and Gram for a sleepover since we were coming the next day for the family February family party.
Michal Kate and her Uncle Jason

The birthday kids...only 49 hours apart Michal Kate and Aidan
February birthdays!

Ten Months

2010-02-27T22:38:00.005-06:00

I never did get the 9 months pictures of Emorie posted...matter of fact beyond the professional ones I had taken at Wal Mart, I didn't take specific pictures for last month. So before it is too late, here are Emorie's 10 month pictures! I can't believe she is 10 months old already. She has 3 teeth, crawls, pulls up on things, stands alone, and has such a happy "big" personality! Enjoy!

Our baby is 6!

2010-02-17T21:08:00.011-06:00

Where has the time gone! It seems like only yesterday we were expecting her. I can remember eating at Texas Roadhouse in Abilene the night before she was born! She was a miracle! We are so blessed by Michal Kate everyday. She is a delight of a daughter, full of energy, spirit, DRAMA, and smiles. She still loves to dance, sing, and play using her imagination! She has become an amazing big sister and loves her friends. We find ourselves having "adult" conversations with her, and it takes us back a bit. I am so blessed to be her mommy.
Here is a quick look back at the last 6 years. I can't wait to see what this year will bring.
Michal Kate at 6 weeks

On her first birthday she took her first steps!

About 16 months at my sisters wedding
Just before she turned 2
Happy 2nd birthday. This is one of my favorite pictures
3 what a princess
3 showing some attitude
And 4...see the drama
Before her first recital
Her 5th birthday party, just a couple of days before she came down with the flu
Just a fun picture of her at 5
Happy Birthday baby I love you so much!

Valentine's Day

2010-02-17T16:12:00.002-06:00

Well, Valentine's Day was very special! It started out with a date on Saturday night to an amazing restaurant. Then on Sunday he gave me these beautiful flowers.

He sat me down and had each kid bring me a rose out of the bouquet with some of my favorite types of candy!

We gave each of the kids a DVD and a balloon with some candy!
I hope each of you felt as loved as I did this Valentine's Day!

Father/Daughter Dance Becomes A Date Night

2010-02-15T10:01:00.005-06:00

Well as you know I love the snow, but in this case it hindered a few things. Friday night was supposed to be the Father/Daughter dance at the school. But, because they canceled school the dance was postponed to this Friday. Great, right? Nope, that is when Michal Kate's birthday party is planned. So we got her corsage, dress, and did her hair and her daddy took her to dinner instead with our good friend Jacob and Madi. She looked so precious and beamed from ear to ear.

Looking at her flower which she was so proud of.
Picture with the snow as the backdrop.
Givin' kisses!
Madi and Michal Kate
Jacob and Madi
The Happy Couples