MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas to everyone! We had a very busy morning today. The highlight of the morning was when Callie put on her "Hannah Montana" wig and danced for us---it was priceless! Callie also got a new bike and rides it like a champ. The boys were excited to get their new golf clubs and TV's for their rooms. Daddy was VERY happy to get a new 3 wood and I was surprised to get a new cell phone--a JUKE; I feel so 'hip'! Tomorrow evening we will be heading home to visit with the family--it was tough being away. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.
Happy Birthday, JESUS!

Waiting for Santa

Today we went to a Christmas service where the kids acted out the nativity and characters (sheep, donkeys, etc) walked around--Callie thought that was cool! Then we came home and had our big Christmas meal. Chad carved the turkey and I made my first oyster dressing and baked macaroni---thanks to Mom and Nanna for all the advice!!! The kids are ANXIOUSLY awaiting Santa; hopefully they will go to bed soon!

Date Night

Last night Chad and I used a neighborhood sitter for the first time so we could enjoy a night out. We went to dinner at Pappadeaux's (WAY overpriced seafood) and had drinks at Fox and Hound. We had a nice time---but babysitters sure do charge A LOT more now than when I was a kid!

As you can tell from the angle, the boys took the picture of Chad and I.

Our Little Ballerina

We recently enrolled Callie into a ballet and dance class--hoping she'd stop pole dancing! She absolutely LOVES it! Her teacher said she was a 'natural'----Chad and I are quite confused--neither one of us have any natural dancing abilities!

Busy Weekend

This weekend was pretty busy for our crew. We spent Friday evening decorating the tree while a wonderful roast cooked in the oven. Then after dinner, we decorated Christmas cookies and watched the movie "Elf"---it is one of our favorites!!

On Saturday, we went to Katy, Texas, or "Megan's Texas" as Callie calls it, to celebrate Michelle's "Miguel" 3rd Birthday. After a few technical difficulties , the kids had a blast in the jumper--which by the way, was only made for small kids.

On Sunday, Chad and I took the kids to Extreme Pizza. So by Sunday night, Chad and I were completely exhausted! I think this weekend we are getting a SITTER!

'Tis the Season

The Straughan Christmas Season has now officially started. Last night, we went to take pictures with Santa. Today, we are going to get our Christmas tree. Of course the season couldn't possibly begin without the traditional "McJoseph."

Long Story Short: We lost our BEAUTIFUL nativity scene in Katrina. The boys then bought me a new scene with their own money---it was plastic, but who cares! Anyway, during the move to Mississippi, we lost Joseph's head. And of course the only object we had PLENTY of was McDonald's Happy Meal toys. Use a little glue, then McJoseph was BORN!

Latest Happenings

On Saturday, Mace and Jake's school performed at a local holiday Kick Off Celebration. We had a really good time. They had SpaceJumps EVERYWHERE, a petting zoo, train rides, and Christmas Characters (The Woodlands Pinecone Guy and The Chick Fil-A guy.) There was plenty to do and the best part was that the entire event was FREE!!! We ended up spending most of the morning there and then rushed home for the SEC game. I will take this time to apologize (AGAIN) for not updating the blog, answering email, etc---our computer is VERY moody! It'll work for a couple of hours then shut itself down for no reason for weeks! We blame Mammy :)
I hope I will get to my email soon--I miss hearing from all of you!

Enjoying the Town

This past week has been quite busy. We have finished a full week of school and Chad is adjusting to his new job. This week we also joined the Y.M.C.A in the Woodlands. It has so much to offer and we all love it! The boys even tried to rock climb at the Kids' Center. On Saturday, we went to the "Lighting of the Doves" ceremony in town. All of Town Square was lit up with pathways of trees, decorations and activities. They even had an indoor ice skating rink! Chad decided he would be the one to try it with Callie---they didn't get very far! The boys used the 'walkers' to get around the rink. Well, several bruises later (and only THREE trips around the rink) we decided to hed to the Pavillion. Santa arrived on a boat and lit up the park. They also had a "Snow Machine" for kids to tube down a hill. The boys thought that was really cool!
I apologize for not having more pictures---of course the batteries in my camera died!

Look Out, Texas! The Straughans are Here!

Well, we did it! We are residents of Texas! Things have been quite hectic, but we are starting to get settled. Mammy came and stayed the weekend with us to help, and the Goodnight girls came to visit, too! We spent the weekend sightseeing and unpacking. However, there was one downfall---we didn't get the Saints game on T.V. (I don't think we missed much!) On Monday, the boys started their new school and Chad started his new job. EVERYONE was a nervous wreck, but all boys returned with good reports of their day! Callie and I are trying to adjust to staying home together--you can imagine how that is going!
We'll keep you posted!

Going Away Dinner

On Friday night, I got together with my gals for dinner. It was so much fun--as always-- to TRY to be young again for just one night! I had a blast and will miss the girls a bunch! Somehow, they are all in agreement that they might talk to me MORE!

Wii Fun

Over the weekend, we bought a Wii for the kids---Well, we say it's for the kids, but Chad and I have been playing it just as much! IT IS A BLAST! Mammy and PawPaw even played a few games with us. I must say that the kids are much better at it than we are---CHAD AND I WERE SORE THE NEXT DAY!

Another Adventure

Ok. . Ok. . . Ok. . .I know another shocker-----but as many of you already know, we have decided to pack it up and move to Texas. It really shouldn't come as too much of a surprise for those of you who know how much I LOVED it out here! (BUT I can almost GUARANTEE, that as soon as I leave, this city will FINALLY get that damn TARGET they've been talking about and probably get rid of the 'dry county' law, too!) Anyway, this process started back in the beginning of July when Chad was offered an interview for a job in the Houston area. Chad went first to check things out, then we went together. WE immediately fell in love with the area and could picture our family living there happily. We have decided to lease a house in an area called The Woodlands. IT is about 30 miles north of Houston. It is so incredible! We hope to have more details soon--so stay posted!

Football Sunday

Today Mom, Dad, Julie, Tory and the girls came over to watch the Saints' Game. We were getting bored watching the butt whooping so the kids started wrestling and playing around (by 'kids', you'll notice Chad and Dad are invovled, too!) It ended up being a fun day!

Addition Finally Coming Along

Sorry I haven't updated. The Mexicans cut the phone line AGAIN! Here is the work we have so far on our master bedroom/bathroom addition. We are so excited!

Momma's Back to School

OK, I have started my third week of school and I'm starting to get back into our routine. I'm so sorry if I missed a birthday, anniversary, party, or whatever. . . I've been exhausted! Our weekends have been low-key for the most part because I was still working in my classroom and creating lessons. Finally, this past weekend, I relaxed. . . I guess the stress hit me pretty hard! (Not to mention, Chad and I quit SMOKING. . . two weeks and still going, but I don't want to talk about it!) Anyway, to my friends and family, I'm sorry I haven't been in touch. . . the Summer of Fun- Jamie has now left the building!! SEE YA' NEXT SUMMER!

Callie's First Day of Pre K

Callie started her first day at Roseland Park Baptist School last Monday. She loves her teacher and loves learning about Jesus. . .she's still a little confused about when He is going to show up, but we are trying to help her understand. Every day, she comes home with a new story and she spent an entire afternoon praying over a bag of Starbursts (one prayer for each starburst!) We love you, our BIG GIRL! (we're not allowed to call her 'our baby' anymore!)

First Day of School

We just finished our first week of school at PRC Elementary. The boys are enjoying their new school, and I am adjusting to third grade (They don't seem to understand sarcasm too well!) Callie's first day of Pre-K is Monday. . . .we'll let you know how that goes!