Nana's Visit

This past weekend, Nanna (Chad's Mom) flew in to see our new home. We had a lot of fun showing her around The Woodlands. We brought Nanna to all the local 'hotspots', including Pappasito's Mexican Restaurant, and we were so glad that she was here to help us celebrate Callie's 5th birthday at the zoo. Nanna then took the kids birthday shopping (the boys' birthday is later this month). Mace and Jake have been asking for roller blades, so that was their gift from Nanna. It was absolutely hilarious watching those two boys try to roller blade. They eventually improved and could skate around the cul-de-sac without our help. We had a fun weekend and already miss Nanna---thank you Nanna for everything--we all LOVED that you were here with us.

Dinner at Pappasito's

Fun at the Zoo

Jake on Roller Blades
Mace On Roller Blades
Thank God for the Extra Padding!

Moms vs. The Boys

Mace and Jake had their last basketball practice yesterday. The coach thought it would be a fun idea to let the boys scrimmage against their moms! We had a good time (even though I didn't score a single point and fouled Jake twice!). The boys thought it was pretty funny and I think Chad had a good laugh, too.

Happy Valentine's Day

This year, since I'm unemployed, I volunteered to bring Valentine Treats to the boys' class during lunch. It was quite interesting to see school from a parent's point of view. . .I had to watch myself. . .I almost corrected a few of the other kids!!!

Picnic in the Park

After over a week of battling the flu, we finally ventured outside the house. Sunday was a GORGEOUS day, so we packed a picnic lunch and headed to the park. The kids were so glad to finally be outdoors---they really enjoyed themselves. They spent the afternoon feeding ducks, playing football, sliding and climbing.
It was just one of those 'perfect' days, and I was extremely grateful for it!

Three Little Germs

The doctor confirmed yesterday that ALL THREE of my babies have the FLU! It's been a pretty pathetic sight around here, but I think we are near the end. Hopefully, we will be able to get out of the house soon--they are starting to drive me NUTS!!

Bringing The BAYOU to The WOODLANDS

On SuperBowl Sunday, we decided to boil some crawfish for a few people (Chad's coworker & kids and some girls I met at the club). Most were completely disgusted by the crawfish, but some actually tried it. Chad made the batch SUPER mild but still their eyes were watering--too funny! The boys' friend from a few houses down (he's originally from CANADA) tried the crawfish and LOVED them! He said it was 'better than beaver tail with cinnamon'! I guess every region has their own digusting edible creatures!!!

Basketball Stars

The boys have started playing basketball at The Woodlands United Methodist Church; it's an Upward league. They are having so much fun , and their skills and confidence are really improving. But their favorite part is actually BEFORE the game: The referees announce each player's name then they come running out of the tunnel-what BIG SHOTS!!

Welcome To My Life

There really aren't any words to describe this. . .

GET WELL SOON, PAW PAW!

We are sending Get Well wishes to PawPaw--
we love you and hope you feel better soon.

Hang in there, Mammy!

Straughan Christmas Pictures 2007

GEAUX TIGERS!

Last night Chad and I went to our favorite bar and grill, Wings-N-More, to watch LSU beat Ohio State! We had a good time, except listening to some of the TRASH TALK by Ohio State Fans! Watching the game was fun, but I will say that they sure don't party like we do back home! I would have liked to had partied with some TRUE BAYOU BENGALS!!!

Home for the Holidays

After a wonderful Christmas Day, we packed up the car and headed for Louisiana. We spent a lot of time with our families opening presents, playing, EATING and celebrating. It was great to be home to see everyone. Thank you so much Nanna, Mammy and PawPaw for letting the Straughan Crew crash your homes. The food and company were excellent! Chad and I were even lucky enough to sneak off to Sal and Judy's to celebrate out 11th wedding anniversary. I apologize to our friends for not being able to visit--we had a VERY busy schedule! After a smooth ride back to Texas (THANK GOD), the kids are now trying to decide where to unload all their presents!!

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!