Where has the time gone?

Here are Kanton, Ashton, and some friends playing tug of war with a pair of jeans on Rodeo Day!

Ricky asked why there are no pictures of him. Here you go, Honey!!

This is not a great picture, but if you lean very close to your screen and look closely at the top of the carport, there is a snowflake. Yes, there it is, folks. Awesome!

"What time is it, Mom? The gift shop's going to close!"

These are the homemade stick horses with Kanton and Ashton. No, they are not greyhounds...or sea horses.

I haven't stopped. Since 2008 began, I think I have just been busy. My kids are not playing any sports right now, and only one is in school. How can I be this busy? Well, I will try to sum up a few of the things I have been doing and why I haven't blogged at all.

Let's see....I ran (maybe 50 yards) and walked in a 5k. Yes, 5k sounds so much longer than the 3.1 miles, but it was a long way. Next year, I'm running it...and getting a size smaller shirt. Well, that's the goal anyway. Because I was too lazy to walk back to the parking garage and get my camera, please click on Myrna's link to see the picture. Thanks, girl! It took longer than I will post. I know a few people posted their times. Let me just say that at the 2 mile marker, Lana and I went in a building to get a drink of water since we were walking with Myrna's daughter. Every other person in the walk had already drank all the water, so we had to go get a drink from the water fountain. A lady who was with our group was finished, and she thought we were done. Nope, we were just at the 2 mile mark. She looked surprised and said, "Oh!" I am sure she thought we were the slowest people. These college kids were telling us "Come on, you're nearly in first place." They were lying. We were nearly last. They were making fun of us. Not next year. Watch out. Time will be posted, I will run.

I would like to say that I have cut myself down to one Dr Pepper a day. Yes, this is truly amazing and nothing short of a miracle. For 10 years or longer, I have been drinking 6 a day. Yes, I do know how many calories that is. So, I've managed to cut out about 750 calories per day just drinking water and having that one little DP in the morning. I am quite proud of myself.

Kanton had rodeo day. Instead of buying stick horses, I made one for Kanton and Ashton. I have enough stuffing and material to make one for everyone in Mom's Day Out. We had fun making our own horses, and the kids have played with them quite a bit. Kantons' horse is named Luke Skywalker, and Ashton's is Baby Boy. We had lots of fun on rodeo day, and they even let Ashton participate. He was very excited.

We woke up the morning of March 7, the same day as rodeo day, and it was snowing!! I was told it didn't snow here. Well, it didn't stick, but it did happen. I saw it. The kids got up on the first time that I called them. I wish it would snow more often. It was such a fun day, and I was so excited. I don't think I stopped smiling until the snow stopped falling. It was a beautiful sight.

We also had Spring Break, and I went home to good ol' West Texas. I got to smell the oil (blah), be sandblasted by 55 mph wind and sand, remember what stickers (or grassburs) felt like, and see quite a few tumbleweeds. We had a short 45 minute stop at the Abilene Zoo. The zoo is very small, and it only takes about that long to walk it. We got there at 4:15, and it closed at 5:00. My kids would go to the animals and look at them, and I would say, "Oh, look at the Jaguar," and they would say, "Yeah, come on." They were in such a hurry to get to the gift shop before it closed, I think they hardly cared about the animals.

It was nice to visit my family. My parents spent like $300 on groceries for us to come, and I think they were quite shocked at how much 3 growing boys and 2 little girls could eat. Thanks, MeMe and RonRon. We had fun. Hope we didn't eat you out of house and home! My sister and her kids were down, because it was their Spring Break, too, and we had a great time hanging out with them. We had dentist appointments, hair appointments, and a birthday party for my niece, who turned 2. Let me also add that Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday a.m., I ran a low fever of about 100 degrees, Braden woke up with a rash on Tuesday through Thursday, and Ashton started throwing up on Wednesday. It was a very eventful week.

We returned from Spring Break to find out that Easter was coming out of nowhere, and I had to make mad dashes to the store to buy eggs and candy in the middle of the downpour that came on Tuesday. I'm usually very prepared, but this year, it all kind of got squished together. My babies at MDO had their egg hunt, and they were so cute. They couldn't even walk at the beginning of the year, and now they're hunting eggs!

Well, we're all ready for the Easter weekend. Braden's party was today, and the discussed the Resurrection eggs and told the story of Jesus' death and resurrection. It was very interesting for me as well. We will celebrate Easter Sunday with some friends who invited us for a barbeque and egg hunt.

On a very happy note, I would like to add that Kanton is reading. We were in the resource room at church, and he started showing me the words on the die cuts. He showed me "cross" and "corn", which he thought was "crayon." I told his teacher I thought he could read. She said she thought he could, too. He was dismissed from speech after 2 years of going. He did really well, and his teacher thought she had done all she could for him, and he didn't need to go. She also told me she thought he could read. So, I bought Hop on Pop by Dr Seuss at the recommendation of my friend Amy, whose son is also reading and also in pre-k. Kanton read the first 34 pages the first day. I was so impressed. A few days later, he read the whole thing. He is now reading, but he doesn't like to read for anyone unless I offer a dollar, which I did for my parents the first night he read aloud to them on the phone.

I am sorry this is so long. I am just trying to squeeze in all the details of the happenings. I am liking it here a little more. I absolutely love my job. It is really fun, I love the people I work with, and I love the kids in my class. It is so flexible and understanding, and it feels great working at a place like this. I especially like that my kids are there with me and getting a great experience as well. I still miss our old church, and I have not found that same experience here. I am still praying that God will show us where to go. I am thankful for Braden's school, my job, the kids' preschool, and Ricky's job. I am thankful that we are happy and healthy. I think that we have found a house to rent until we buy something later on. We really want to get out of our current lease, which is ending, and take our time to look around.

Please keep praying for us.

Happy 8th Birthday, Braden

Asthon, Braden, and Kanton with the cake

Braden's cake

Braden with Mumble

Braden's 8th Birthday was this weekend. He really loves penguins, so he had a penguin cake and penguin balloons. Thank goodness the weather was a little warmer than penguins prefer, because we had a wonderful time at Braden's favorite park. Braden has only had indoor birthdays in the past (since his birthday is in February) so we were thrilled with the beautiful weather!
I am so proud of Braden. He is doing great in school. He has 100's in nearly every subject, and those he doesn't, he just missed it by a few points. I am very proud of him. He is quite the perfectionist about school, and it reminds me of myself. I have created a monster! (but a good monster) He is reading on a 3.5 grade level and memorizing scripture and poems by Robert Frost. He is also in AWANA at church, and he memorizes even more scripture. He informed us that the teacher asked him not to raise his hand so much to allow other kids to answer at church. :)
Braden is a great kid, and right now, he wants to be an inventor when he grows up. He loves watching shows like Mythbusters to figure out how things work. His teacher at school told me he loves reading non-fiction books, which are quite difficult. He reads the science articles and things no one else wants to pick up.
When Braden was little, he said a couple of things that made me think he was going to be a very inquisitive child. ie., Once, I was nursing Kanton when Braden was about 2 1/2, and he said, "Mom, why do you have two of those? Is one chocolate milk?" Another time, he was 2-ish, and he was jumping on the bed. I said, "Braden, stop jumping on the bed. You're going to fall off and break your arm!" He said, "That's okay, Mom. I have another one."

We love you, Braden, You're such a great kid, and we are so proud of you. We look forward to even greater things in your future. We're so glad your our kid!!! Thank you, God, for Braden!

Tag Time

I was tagged by Mitzi. The task: Answer each question about yourself, then tag 5 people by posting their names and leaving a comment about them on their blog.

10 years ago: In January 1998, I was in college at Angelo State University, I was a cheerleader, and I was working at Cellular One in a litle kiosk inside Walmart.

Things on my to do list tomorrow: Get Braden to school on time, get kids to preschool and Mom's Day Out as well as get to work on time (notice a pattern?), work, eat Olive Garden at work (special day!), get Braden, home for an hour, church, home, baths, brush teeth, and bed! Whew. I'm tired already!

Snacks I enjoy: Dr Pepper (still trying to quit), Hershey's chocolate, french onion dip with ruffled potato chips, and most of the things little kids like.

What would I do if I were suddenly made a billionaire? I would pay off all bills, buy lots of land, buy houses for my parents, siblings, extended family, and grandparents. I would tithe 10% of it, save some for the kids for college, and buy me another '65 Mustang Convertible. I think that I would make sure that I could take care of everyone who has helped me through the years, like Mitzi as well.

3 of my bad habits: I drink way too much Dr Pepper, don't exercise any more, and I think of what I am going to say while people are talking. I also start talking too soon on most phone conversations, hence interrupting. Oops. Bad habits. More than three. Even worse.

Jobs that I have worked: Lifeguard, Gymnastics Coach, Cellular One Salesperson, Cashier/File Girl, Medical Transcriptionist, Mom's Day Out Teacher, Cake decorator, Cold Stone Creamery Cake decorator (yes, I know the songs), wife, and mom.

Things people don't know about me. I talk alot, so this would be difficult not to know things about me. 1) When I was little, my mom put me in a beauty pageant. I said that when I grew up I wanted to work at Dairy Queen, and my favorite group was Twisted Sister. Needless to say, I didn't win. 2) I am a very anxious and nervous person, and I worry about everything. A cheerleader broke his neck in front of me in college, and since that, I think I need therapy. I am always afraid something is going to happen or someone will get hurt. This drives Ricky nuts.
3) I have written 2 children's books, and I want to have them published. 4) People from high school will know this, but others wont. I love frogs. I had a pet frog named Romeo in college.

Do 5 people look at my blog? I tag Natalie, Miranda, Erin, Sarah, and Becky.

Oh, Happy Day!

Here are Braden's baptism pictures. (This is my first time to use the scanner, so note to self...put pictures in opposite of what order you want them!)

Here's the Galvan family before Braden's baptism on January 13, 2008!

We have good news! Braden was baptized on January 13, 2008! Braden is very excited about being baptized. He talked to the preacher, and he said that Braden was ready. We are so proud of him.

Happy New Year

Meme and Ron Ron's new Christmas tree...

Braden is posing with his Pokemon cards. He was so excited!

Here is Kanton looking silly and posing with Woody from Toy Story.

We love our Webkinz!

All Ashton wanted was a "little Aggie helmet."

Here are Santa's cookies and carrots for the reindeer!

Christmas Eve pajamas are always a favorite present to look forward to each year!

Here we are! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Galvans!

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! We were blessed to go back home for the first time in several years. My parents were so excited, they went out and bought tons of lights and decorated the tree, yard, and house. My poor dad threw his back out and had to make two trips to the chiropractor because of it! Thanks, Ron Ron. Mom got a beautiful new tree and decorations for the house. We had 13 people there, minus Dustin and Helen, because Dustin had to work weird hours Christmas Eve and the day after. We missed you guys!

The kids had a wonderful time, and they got everything they wanted and then some. They asked for a special hunt for a toy, so my mom, sister, and I made up clues to find a present on Christmas Day, and then we had another hunt (after the kids begged us for one) to find some snowman cookies hidden in the house! We were there for a week, and I think my parents are probably worn out and missing the kids, but enjoying the peace and quiet.

I am thankful that everyone arrived and returned safely, and I am blessed by my beautiful family, great fun, and the memories that were made. My parents were nice enough to bring me and the boys home (yes, all the way back here!) so we could stay a few extra days. We had a great time. Hopefully, we can do it all over again!

I hope that everyone has a blessed and Happy New Year. I wish everyone peace and prosperity, and I hope you keep all your resolutions.

My kids and I were cracking up at this...

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1546609403

Christmas in the Park

There's nothing like a Christmas hayride in 75-degree weather. Notice how hot the kids look. We waited in line 25 minutes for the hayride, and they ran, and ran, and ran while we waited. They loved playing tag with their friends as they waited as well.

This display was huge. Each little display was as big as a person, so it probably took up about 50 yards of the park.

Ashton was a little worried about this "reindeer."

He thought it was a coyote, and he was afraid at first. Santa's elves are taking a break from their holiday fun! It looks like one sneaky elf

has a plan! O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!

I am posting pictures from Christmas in the Park which is in College Station at Central Park. They have free hot chocolate and cookies, free hayrides, lights, and entertainment every Friday and Saturday. They have pictures with Santa, but we didn't wait in line for that. The 25-minute wait for the hayride was enough for us. It was a nice experience, and best of all, it was free.

So, we just returned from a 900-mile trip, and I forgot my camera. So, you'll just have to take my word for it. We went to my aunt's house on Wednesday night, San Angelo on Thursday, back to my aunt's house on Friday, and home on Sunday. I must take a minute to say how wonderful it was to be in San Angelo. I got to see most of my friends, hug them, hear them talk, see their kids, and visit their homes. I went to 3 friends homes, and it was great. Amy was so sweet to keep my boys while I had my interview. The boys had so much fun playing with Jett and Levi. They really wanted to move back! Amy was great. She even let me stay a while when I was done. I had a good time. Kristi let me get dressed, went to breakfast, and had a great but short time. She was so sweet to give the kids Christmas nerds. Half of them are in my car, and they ate the other half! Okay, well maybe not half were spilled, but a few were lost on the way! Kim and her family were able to visit for a little while, and the kids had fun playing with Kaden and Kait. Again, Ashton was a little timid around 'Yote, but he was okay. Visiting Paul Ann and just seeing everyone made my heart smile. I just felt so loved and like I was home. I really can't wait to get back "home."

I will make a special post about the interview when I hear the final news. I don't expect them to call. :)

We had fun at my aunt's house, and we had a good time at a birthday party for my cousin's daughter who turned 2. She got so many toys, I don't know what she needs for Christmas. Maybe a box to put them in. My grandparents were there, and we had a great time visiting. It felt like people were missing...my mom and dad, and my sister and kids, and Dustin. So, that was fun, but I wish everyone was there.

I had to take Kanton to the ER last night. He was running a 103 fever, coughing, getting sick from coughing, and breathing heavy. He got 2 antibiotic shots in his leg, an x-ray, and has left lower lobe pneumonia. The poor kid is one tough cookie. He has had pneumonia about 6 times in his life. I had to stay home again. I missed all last week of work, and I thought I was going to work today. Please send donations to....

Just joking.

Merry Christmas to everyone. I have bought 3 presents, and only 1 is for my kids. I am doing terrible, and I just realized we have 2 weeks left. (sigh) The sick and craziness of traveling and doing things is beating me, and I need to get to it with my shopping!! All my friends had presents under the tree.