More Pictures of Chase's Visit

One of Chase's favorite things to do was to wrestle with the boys. It was hilarious to watch him tackle Mace and Jake--he was so rough!
I am afraid, though, that he might get into some trouble at DayCare.
On Saturday, we took the kids to the park. It was a beautiful day. After enjoying some outside time, we had ice cream at Chocolata--AWESOME!!
Chase with Mammy and Michele. For whatever reason, Chase thought it was FUNNY to be mean to ME!! He wouldn't let me hold him and all he would say was "Stop it, Nannie!"
I think Michele told him stories from our childhood to brainwash him."What's that?" "Where'd it go?"Callie rolling down the hill.

Chase eating AGAIN. This time he cut out the middleman and set up camp IN THE PANTRY!

After the Boxes

When I first moved to The Woodlands, I met a girl at the YMCA. She told me about a Ladies Class at her church that was designed for new women in the area. She thought I should try it out.

The class was based on the book "After the Boxes are Unpacked" by Susan Miller, and each week we would discuss a chapter or two and try to figure out where we were spiritually and emotionally in the moving process. We would also discuss the perils of moving---how easy it is to get lost, good doctors and restaurants, missing loved ones back home, and helping the family adjust to the move.



The 'Boxes' Class was a true blessing. I made so many friends from everywhere you could imagine---Russia, New Jersey, Florida, South Africa, Louisiana, England, and Mississippi.
I am disappointed that our weekly meetings are over, but I hope to continue the friendships I have made with some very special ladies.

Girls Nite Out

Last night we had a different kind of Ladies' Night. Kristin, Tammie and I took the girls to see High School Musical On Ice at Reliant Stadium. The entire stadium was filled with girls screeching at Troy and singing every song at the top of their lungs---the moms even joined in!

Troy & Gabriella
Tammie & Megan enjoying the show
Callie and MomThe Abney Girls

I couldn't capture on camera how precious their faces were the entire show---it was worth every penny!
The Grand Finale
'The Wildcats'

So Sweet!

Yesterday, Jake stayed home from school because his allergies were bothering him. Well, while I was upstairs on the computer, Jake said he made me a surprise.
When I looked over the balcony, this is what I saw!!

Mason & Jacob's 10th Birthday Party

On Saturday, we celebrated Mace and Jake's 10th Birthday at Shankz---it was so cool! Shankz is a Glow-in-the-Dark 18 Hole Miniature Golf Course. The pictures don't really capture the glowing effect. Each hole had a different animal or theme -- even the golf balls glowed! The boys invited their friends from school and I think we had a total of 9 ten year olds running around. The Goodnights also came from Katy (they brought Ashleigh with them) and besides Michelle being terrified of the glowing animals, I think everyone had a good time. Happy Birthday, my boys! We love you!

P.S. You can stop getting older now!

Spring Break

WOW! We just returned from an incredible Spring Break in Louisiana! The kids and I spent the entire week hanging out with friends and family; Chad flew in on Thursday to spend Easter Weekend with everyone. The week was filled with so many activities--but the best part was to be surrounded by family again! Here are just a few highlights from our week.

Happy to be back---Callie and I at Mom and Dad's (making a mess for MOM)

Mason & Jacob celebrated their 10th birthday at the park.



Girls' Night Out--we may be getting old, but we can still hang with the best of them!!

My little nephew, Chase--or as we call him "Buckethead"--Check out Uncle Shane on the slide!

Callie spent most of the week getting COMPLETELY spoiled by Sissy and "BOOTsie"

Our JayJay--we missed our "Other Straughan" so much! We were all very happy to get some quality time with Jalyn; I missed you, my girl!


Easter Sunday at Nanna's--we enjoyed some AWESOME dishes: boiled crawfish, seafood gumbo, and some 'fried thing' Chad's MawMaw makes that I only get at Easter--I LOVE IT!!
Thanks so much to Nanna for a wonderful time--we love being with you and hope we didn't make too much of a mess in your house! You prepared an incredible Easter Day for us and we appreciate it!

Hanging out with the Snider's- Chad's sister was sweet enough to let our crew hang out at their house for most of the weekend. Emma is a little CHATTERBOX, and Nate and Sadie are growing up so fast!
Candy Junior!
The Three Amigos
Dinner at Sal & Judy's -good food & wine and great company! Thanks to Mom & Dad for 'footing' the bill!

My wonderful, crazy DAD dancing on the kitchen counter! (either celebrating my family COMING OR GOING---not sure)
Words cannot express how thankful I am to Mom and Dad for letting my crew stay for the entire week-- we had a blast!! Thanks for the great food, wine, crawfish, golf, movies, etc.
I don't know how long it'll take you to recover, but I'm pretty sure it involves Mom on her heating pad and Dad in the hot tub--AND LOTS OF WINE!! We love you both!

WE MISS EVERYONE ALREADY!! SEE YOU SOON!!

Wine Festival

On Saturday, Chad and I met up with some friends at the Wine Festival. It was held in Old Town Spring and it reminded me of the street festivals we have back home. After the Festival, we headed back to our house to boil crawfish-- then more neighbors showed up---we had a really good time.

Trevor, Chris, Chad, Brad, and Brandon Boiling Crawfish

Basketball Stars

The boys ended another basketball season---this time with a winning record!! The boys were lucky enough to have a great coach who really worked with both of the boys and considered them leaders on the team. At the end of the season, Mason was chosen for Best Overall Defense and Jake was chosen for Best Overall Offense. Way to go, boys!

Mason: Best Defense


Jake: Best Offense

Callie's 5th Birthday

I can't believe it--my baby girl is FIVE YEARS OLD!! It seems like just yesterday I was bringing home that little monkey! We celebrated Callie's birthday on Saturday at the Houston Zoo. The Goodnights, Abneys, and Fosters met up with us, and Nanna was there, too. The weather was gorgeous, and I think the kids had a good time. Last night, we celebrated by eating Callie's favorite dinner, 'red noodles', sang "Happy Birthday," and opened presents. Later we watched some old home videos of the kids---they just have grown so fast!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LIL' BIT------WE LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH!

A very special "Happy Birthday" to Paw Paw, too!
We are so glad that we can share this day with you!

What a group!
Pretty Little Princesses
Daddy's Girl
Callie's Birthday Pose

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!