Mother/Son Date

Our church held a Mother/Son Date Night on Feb. 12.  Titus was so very excited as was I.  We all met at the Main Event.  We first got to eat bar-b-que.  Titus almost didn't eat because he was so ready to start the activities.  First up was bowling.  He did great.  At first he wanted to carry and throw the ball himself, which he did.  Then, later he spotted someone using the ball slide and that's what he then wanted to do.  He did great and even beat me one time.  Next up was the glow-in-the-dark putt-putt golf.  Titus had never played before but did very very well.  They then gave us a $10 play card for all the arcade games, but it was too late, so we grabbed a treat for for the ride home.  I look forward to going back and enjoying the game card at a later date.  God truly blessed me with the kindest, most thoughtful, happiest and most loving boy I could have ever imagined.  He finds joy in everything and is a ray of sunshine to all of my days.  It was a treat to get to be with him in a one-on-one situation.

Dino Pride

Once a month at Aaris' school, they have an assembly called Dino Pride.  They take the opportunity to recognize and hand out honors to students, groups, classes, and grades.  Aaris was awarded a Dino Pride award in January.  Her teacher, Mrs. Tuxhorn, nominated her for "Super Story Writing in Writer's Workshop".  It was so fulfilling to see Aaris get honored in this specifically because it truly is one area of school she loves - using her creative imagination.  I beamed from ear to ear watching Aaris get affirmations and confidence in something she really has a talent for, but something that doesn't easily show up on a report card.  And, since it's an honor that only happens 9 times a year, it was a greatly appreciated opportunity that was given her. 

She's a-growing

Skylyn went in for her 15 month check-up today.  She was still not happy to be there but at least she didn't scream uncontrollably the entire time.  But, the two vaccine shots she received at the end reminded her of her animosity towards doctor's offices.  She still didn't reach 20 lbs.  She weighed in at 18 lbs and 15 oz (3%)which is a good 2 lb growth over her 12 month check-up.  She also grew 2 inches in the last 3 months and is now 29 1/4 tall (17%).  I love this little girl.  It cracks me up because in her mind she is oh so much bigger.  She is my joke-ster, but also my very opinionated and strong-willed child.  She is tough and recovers very, very quickly from pain, yet lets you know that she doesn't want to have to do it again.  She is using a lot of sign language and pretty much understands every command I give her.  She also tries to communicate constantly with me and loves it when I understand her rewarding me with a shake of her head 'yes' and a huge grin.  In the last couple of weeks her eating had slowed down to believable.  She doesn't have to have the 3 adult size plates to be content, but instead just one.  (Okay a little exaggerated, but for you that have witnessed her eating, you know what I'm talking about.)  I look forward to seeing how she will grow into her talents and personality.

A True White Christmas '09

We got to spend 6 days up in Southlake with Aaron's side of the family for Christmas.  Alan, Kristina, and my niece Cosette (and now we know, baby #2) just built a house there and opened it up for us all to enjoy for Christmas.  We enjoyed following Aaron's parents up there and back.  Unfortunately Adrian ended sliding on the snow in his truck on the way up and messed up his car.  He had to try to get it temporarily fixed and was able to join us by Christmas Day afternoon.  Titus and Aaris adore their cousin and were excited every single day to play together.  All the cousins got to do everything together including taking a bath, eating at their own kid's table, and sleeping in the same room.  And with all the space to run around in and kids to run after, Skylyn got lots of practice walking and was an absolute pro by the time we left.  Aaris got one of her dreams answered and she got snow on Christmas.  Actually all the snow fell on Christmas Eve day, but it didn't all melt for several days.  She begged for every opportunity to go out and play in it.  She threw herself down in the snow at least a dozen times to make snow angels.  She would make sure to wipe out the line of snow left from hitting her legs together because she wanted to make sure it looked like one long dress for her snow angels.  She talked me into also doing it one time but I didn't put my head down because I didn't want a cold wet head.  The funny thing is that I got up and looked at my angel only to see that it was headless. :)  With the kids being trapped in the house because of the snow and extremely cold weather, many apologies had to be handed out on behalf of my kids.  Kristina ended up putting up with my kids scootering all over her brand new house and my kids also busting a hole in Cosette's new bouncy house.  We are so thankful for loving and forgiving family.  :)  Overall it was a great time with wonderful food (thanks again Kristina), hanging out, and relaxing (loved the naps).  What a great way to end the year.

Family Christmas '09

Right before we left to join all of Aaron's family for Christmas we took an evening to have our own personal Christmas.  This year really showed me the joy of Christmas.  I am so very blessed to have kids that are thankful for just getting a present and are joyful over whatever they are given.  All of their gifts came from garage sales, thrift stores, hand-me-downs, or craigslist.  In fact the two toys they loved the most cost me a total of $3.  You know as a parent you want the best for your kids, so having to head into this Christmas on limited funds was sad, but my kids made it wonderful.  One of my favorite things about this Christmas was the new tradition we started.  We decided to take the kids to the Dollar Store and give them $1 for each member of the family they were to buy a gift for.  It was really amazing to see their thoughtfulness and creativity.  They actually got some really great gifts that were perfectly fitting to the recipient.  And let me tell you that those were the gifts they were most excited about - and it was about seeing how much the person loved the gift they had picked for them.

Early Epperson Christmas '09

(Kids jumping for the first time on there new trampoline from Mimi and Papaw)

This year we had an early Christmas with my side of the family.  We once again had a fantastic time together.  It wasn't too rushed and my brother, sister, and brother-in-law were able to visit from Friday, Dec. 18 - Monday, Dec. 21.  We all packed our bags and stayed under the same roof so that we wouldn't miss a moment together.  We planned our activities just like it was the real Christmas and had a blast.  We even got to fit in a special photo shoot so that we could have lasting memories of our family at the time in our lives (thanks mom and dad for that special gift).  This I loved about this Christmas were: spending time with my sister being pregnant with her first precious baby; having my son grasp the concept of Santa and being excited; watching Aaris love the season but also showing great appreciation and kindness for everything she was receiving and experiencing; giggle over how Skylyn toddled around trying to mimic everything her sister and brother were doing; getting great quality time with our extended family; having the help of everyone with my kids; and of course eating my mom's homemade candy.  :)

The Real Santa

Well, we had heard about the real Santa that lives in our neighborhood.  We happened across his very decorated house one night while looking at lights and got a copy of his schedule to visit with him.  One night after eating dinner we suddenly decided that if we were going to see him, it had to be right then or it wouldn't happen due to scheduling problems.  We headed over unprepared really, but it was totally worth it.  He was just wonderful.  Very, very kind.  He attentively listened to each child and waited patiently for parents and grandparents to take as many pictures as they wanted.  The kids were cold, but kept their hands warm by holding onto the Christmas lights in the line.  Aaris was very happy and comfortable talking to Santa.  Titus was about to not sit down with Santa, but after a little persuation he sat and slowly warmed up to Santa.  By the end he actually was making eye contact, talking, and smiling.  Skylyn cried the whole time and didn't like being held by anyone other than me.  I look forward to getting to meet the real Santa again for years to come right here in our own neighborhood.