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.

Thanksgiving 2007

One of the animal displays!!!

Braden on the rock wall!!!

Braden and Kanton checking out the monkey display!!!

Ashton enjoying his smore!!!
Kanton being silly!!!

Some of the animal displays!!!

Here are four chubby bunnies sitting around the fire and trying to stay warm.

Two little turkeys, a.k.a. Kanton and Braden on Thanksgiving.

Ashton, Thanksgiving 2007.

We had a great Thanksgiving, and despite the cold, dreary, and damp weather, the kids had a lot of fun. We drove to San Antonio to visit my brother and his wife, Helen. We spent Thanksgiving day making food and visiting. We had 18 people, 2 turkeys, a ham, 7 pies, and a chocolate cake! Yes, we had enough food. I'm sure my brother, who has no kids, was a little overwhelmed by his 5 nieces and nephews and the toys, clutter, and noise that they brought!! We went through 20 bags of trash in 5 days. He said they usually go through 2 a week. Oops!

The day after Thanksgiving, it was too cold for the zoo and other outdoor activities, so we went to Outdoor World/The Bass Pro Shop. Fun! I had never been. I should be getting pictures of this soon. They had the neatest displays of animals including zebras, turkeys, raccoons, and reindeer! The reindeer were just amazing! There was a 2-story rock wall that Braden climbed, and an indoor target range for the kids. When you shot the little skunk's target, he would spray you with a mist. It was a lot of fun. I think we spent nearly 3 hours in this store. If you're in San Antonio, check it out. There's a restaurant, fish tank of live fish, fudge shop, clothing, and anything to do with the outdoors you could imagine!

The cold weather never let up, but the kids had fun roasting marshmallows, sitting by the fire, and doing silly cartwheels and handstands in the backyard. There was not much outside time, but they made the most of what they had! Thanksgiving was a great time to spend with family. Now, I need to go and walk a few laps!!

On a side note, I need to tell a silly thing that Kanton said. This child comes up with some crazy things. I don't know where he gets them. They're just too silly to make up! Kanton told me that he wished he was a dog so he could "lick people and bite them!" Where does he come up with this stuff??? He has an awful habit of pinching people when he wants them to pay attention to him. I can't get it across to him that this is not nice, and he does it over and over again. RonRon and Dustin have the bruises to prove it!! Well, maybe not that bad, but have you ever heard a grown man yelp in pain and see a little 5-year-old boy smiling? That would be Kanton. He thinks it's funny. Pinching him back doesn't help, so I hope he outgrows this soon.