'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!

We're Back Online!

I have felt soooo out of touch without my computer! I never realized it, but I think I just may be a blog addict! Well, FINALLY, here are our pictures from our visit to Katy, Texas. We had a great time! We spent almost all our time catching up with the Goodnights and Abneys. We went on a few site seeing tours---Chad REALLY loved the grocery store! I really liked eating in real restaurants and shopping! The kids enjoyed the neighborhood pool--which if you ask me, was like a smaller scaled Disney Water Park! The city was beautiful and CLEAN! There was so much to do and I wish we had more time to fit in all in! It was great to see Chris, Tammie, Craig, Kristin, and the girls again. They are getting so big! The Abney Resort was an awesome place to visit as well!! We miss everyone already and every morning, Callie asks if we can "WAKE THE BEAST!"

New Addition Not Off to the Best Start

Well, we did go visit the Goodnights and Abneys in Texas last week and I would LOVE to post pictures. . .but I can't. The day after we returned from Texas, the construction crew showed up to form up the new addition. However, my excitement about the project was short lived. It seems that the guys cut the power line going to our house. The power company came to reconnect power but when we reset the fuses-- all kinds of hell broke loose! My treadmill started smoking, the computer fried out, the refrigerator blew, and the freakin' garage door won't operate. For those of you who know me so well. I'm sure you can just imagine how well I handled these issues---ESPECIALLY the week before school starts! But since this is a family blog, I'll save the #$*@!%# foul language for later. Anyway, the computer parts have been ordered and I am using the Gandy computer right now. Hopefully, my life will return to normal soon---well not NORMAL, we are the Straughans, but you now what I mean!! Hopefully we'll get these *()#$ $@%(@%)#% contractors to get the job done right and I'll be able to use my computer again!

Seeing Progress

Last weekend, Chad rented a Bobcat to clear the area where we are going to build our new addition. Hopefully we will have a slab soon! Chad had a BLAST driving the Bobcat around our yard destroying EVERYTHING in sight! He was like a little kid with a new Tonka Toy!

Our Lil' Audubon Artist

Jake has always had a real love for art. Last school year, Jake drew a wonderful picture of the swamp, and we FINALLY got the scanner to work! We are very proud of him!

Thanks Mammy and PawPaw

Dear ,mammy and pawpaw thank you for letting me sleep over. I really had fun hanging out with both of you. Surfs Up was really funny. I had fun playing tennis, going swimming, going around the lake, and playing golf. Thank you mammy for buying me that transformers voice changer.Thank you for letting me sleep over.I had a lot of fun.


Love,Mason





p.s I can not wait until you take Callie.

Thank You, Mammy and PawPaw

Dear ,mammy and pawpaw thank you for letting me sleep over at your house. Ihad a lot of fun swimming,playing tennis,golfing, and hikeing.Thank you mammy for playing tennis with me,buying me a new mask, and takeing me swimming. thank you pawpaw for takeing me hikeing, briging me to the 19 hole,takeing me fishing, and teaching me how to play golf. And mammy takeing me to see surfs up. I had a lot of fun.



Thank You,
Jacob

Love you!

Mammy Lives Up To Her Reputation

Well, those of you who know my mom know how much she LOVES chicken wings (I have NEVER in my life seen a women eat it bone dry like Mom does!) Anyway, when we were on our boat ride, we stopped in Mandeviile at the Festival and grabbed some food. Mom's request was a MASSIVE TURKEY LEG! It was hilarious!

I really think my mom has some blood other that Italian mixed in her!

(Sorry, Mom, I had to do it!)

Sunday Boat Ride

Since Hurricane Katrina, we really haven't gone out in the boat too much. Yesterday, Mom and Dad asked us to go for a ride with them---I had forgotten how much fun it is! We spent the day riding around the river then we headed to the Lake. The kids had a blast swimming and Callie spent most of the day on Mammy's lap (Thanks so much, Mom---It was a nice break for me!) It was a lot of fun and we hope to do it again soon!