Random Pictures

WOW

That's all I can say! I had no idea it's been so long since I posted. Sorry!! I guess working and taking care of 3 kids kinda makes time pass without you knowing :) That's my excuse anyways!

November came and went in a flash. We had a great Thanksgiving in Breckenridge with all the family. We even got to see Chrystal and Amy. Desiree and Shad came with their kiddos and along with Donna, Randy, and Micah. Of course, we got to see all the Breckenridge family as well. It's always a good time when we can see family and stuff ourselves with great food.

Well, tons of stuff has been happening so here is the rundown:

Bryant: He is learning so much it is unreal. He writes us notes ALL the time and they are too precious. He can read some stories now and loves to read books. He learned to tie his shoes over Thanksgiving break. He is just growing up too fast and getting to be a real "big" boy now. Makes me sad yet happy...so bittersweet.

Casey: HMMMM, he's Casey. He's started his "terrible two's" stage that will last from now until who knows when. He likes to be a toot yet so cute at the same time. He loves to help Dayden and knock him down all at the same time :) His favorite story right now is Goodnight Moon. After you read him a story, he loves to "read" it back to you. Chad taught him his night time prayer and he does it so well. He's my social butterfly and quite the little charmer.

Dayden: He's been the busy one. He started walking on Thanksgiving Day. He had been doing little bouts of walking between things here and there for a few weeks, but on Thanksgiving Day he decided to just let go and walk. He's been unstoppable since. He's another one that's in to everything. He says Momma, Bye Bye, Ball, and Thank You (now imagine those as a 1 year old would say).

All in all, we are doing well. I'm pretty busy between work and home stuff but we're adjusting well to the change of that around here. We're ready for Christmas and hoping Santa can find it in his heart to stop by even though we may not have always been on the Good List :)

In one ear then the other :)

Dayden got himself some nice new tiny tubes today. He kept having ear infections and fluid that would not go away. He failed his hearing test he took last week, so we figured it was time. He went in EARLY this morning and we were home within 2 hours. He did great!! No crying before...just smiles and lots of snuggling with Momma!! Afterwards, he cried a little but I think it was more because he wanted milk and food than anything else. He's napped and eaten and doing great. Now maybe he'll start talking and dare I say walking :)

To make today even better, he fell and bumped his head on the coffee table, got hit upside the head by Casey, and fell and sunk his little toothy into his upper lip which caused a FAT lip and LOTS of bleeding.

Nice day here for little Day Day...but he's taking it like a Champ!!!

Soccer!!!!!!

Both boys are playing soccer right now. Casey is in a program through our city called Soccer Shots and Bryant is playing with in a real league with the city of Garland. They are both doing so good and it's the cutest thing ever. Bryant had his first game this past Tuesday and did super. He ran his little heart out with the other boys. It was so much fun!!

Sweet Baby Dayden

turned one this past Monday!! Where has the past year gone? I cannot believe my baby is one! I refuse to believe it, but we had a party for him anyways :)

He had a fabulous birthday as did the rest of us!

Dear Dayden,

I love you more and more every second of every day. Your smile can light up a room and make anyone happy. You are a true joy and blessing. I thank God for you and your brothers daily. Thank you for being my son and for being you. I wish you many more happy days ahead and may God continue to bless you!

I love you, Mommy

Dayden stats, facts, and can do's :)

• walks behind a walker
• stands for a few seconds (when he wants)
• eats alot
• said mama the day after his birthday
• waves bye bye and says bye bye (his first word)
• weighs 19lbs 6oz (5-10%)
• is 29.5in (25-50%)
• sleeps from 7:30-6:30 and takes 2 naps
• loves to play with his brothers
• like balls and cars
• "talks" a lot
• loves his mama!!

Hi Ho, Hi Ho

It's off to work I go :) That's right, I'm now a stay at home/working mom. I am working as a personal trainer at LOA which is a gym just for women. It's fabulous. It's 5 minutes down the street (right by Bryant's school), I get to work out for free, and take the boys to the childcare there (again for free)! It's great. I think this is my favorite job so far. I love it. I even set my own hours so I don't have to be available all the time. AND here is the best part, I signed up my first client yesterday!!! WooHoo!!

I've also interviewed for a job with the City of Wylie parks and rec. They are opening a recreation facility in January and I put in an application to teach Homeschool PE and Bootcamp. While I was interviewing, they asked if I would be interested in doing personal training or therapeutic rec as well. Of course I said yes!!

I'm hoping this is our year of good fortune because we definitely need it.

On other news, Bryant is doing GREAT at school. I drive right up and he gets out with his big backpack on and walks right into school. It's so sad yet so sweet. Everytime I see him doing it, I get a big smile and think how much I love that little boy.

Casey is adjusting well to Bryant being at school all day. He often asks to go "play with his fwiends". He's too cute. He's also been trying to play and help with Dayden. That's often quite a sight.

Dayden is changing and growing by the day. He started saying bye-bye a couple months ago (which was his first one and so far his only). He loves to wave and say "bye-bye". He's a happy go lucky little boy and I CANNOT believe he is about to be 1. He loves to eat and get into everything like Casey did. We may have our hands really full when he starts walking.

All in all, life is going pretty good here at the Sands' house :)

Kindergarten Kiddo 1 Day 1 Down :)

We made it through the day!!!! A few tears were shed but we did good.

Big boy Bryant ready for school.
Mommy and her big boy.

Daddy and his handsome boys

Casey ready to take big brother Bryant to school.

Armstrong Elementary, here comes Bryant!!

Bryant in his classroom...after he shed a few tears and didn't want to stay at school.

Casey eating his sprinkle donuts they had for us kinder parents so we could all sit around and drown our sorrows in food :)

All in all, it was a good day. Casey was SO happy to see Bryant when we picked him up and I think Bryant was just as happy to see his little brothers. They must've missed each other. Bryant said he had fun, even "more fun than 3 year old and 4 year old school." That made me smile :) He also said they tried to teach him things he already knows. I told him that's because he's so smart! He said he made friends, had fun, and wants to go back tomorrow. I'm sure there will still be a little hesitation but I'm also sure there will come a day when he'll just go.

OH MY...

Where did the last 5 years go????? I cannot believe that my baby Bryant will be starting kindergarten tomorrow morning. He seems to be okay with the idea and somewhat excited. Me? Not so much liking the idea so far. I mean, I'm happy to get a break with only 2 kids, but not happy that it means my first born is growing up.

We met his teacher the other night and she seems pretty nice. Her name is Mrs. Favila. Bryant said she seemed nice too so that's good. Casey, on the other hand, was totally excited about Bryant's school and classroom. If we could send him to school, I think he would be super happy!

Here's to my big boy Bryant:

I love you dear Bryant more than you'll ever know. I can't believe how fast the years have gone and what a wonderful little boy you have become. You are a funny, smart, amazing son and big brother. We are so lucky to have you in our family. I pray that, as you start this new chapter in your life, God will bless you and keep His hands upon you and keep you safe. I pray you enjoy your time, learn as much as you can, and grow in so many ways. Please always know that I will be thinking about you and loving you every minute of every day! You are my sunshine!!

Love always and forever,
Mommy

Fit and Ready for Duty

I took my personal trainer exam yesterday and PASSED!!! WooHoo....I'm now a nationally certified personal trainer here to meet your physical fitness needs :)

Summer in Pictures

Pool time (was supposed to be last pic but I'm technilogically challenged :)

All the babies in New Mexico...Are they all cute or what???

Loving summertime fun with some watermelon.

San Saba for a reunion

Hanging out with Grandpa Gary.

Getting his morning jolt!

This is how Casey rolls at VBS.

Tubing with Mommy and Ashley...first time :)

Zoo...that's where we should've left those monkeys :)

More zoo

Speed

I am speed :) Those who are fans of the movie Cars knows that quote. It seems to be a popular one around here. The boys have "taken a liken" to that movie. It's pretty cute. Plus it is fitting for life around here....fast, furious, with some crashes and good times :)

To sum of life at the Sands' house quickly here is our individual rundown:

Dayden: He is the one who has the most to update. He started crawling on July 3. I remember the date exactly b/c Chad and I were both standing there in our bedroom and watched it happen all at once. Now he's unstoppable. He even started pulling up at the beginning of this week. He's so busy and loves to play with his big brothers. He can clap now (past couple of weeks) and sometimes will wave bye bye. He is getting 2 more teeth (for a total of 4) one on top left side and one on bottom right side. He talks ALL the time and is the sweetest baby ever!!!!!

Casey: He loves Cars right now and Tow Mater! He loves to play with cars and he loves to pretend he is a car. He also has a love for playing soccer, however, it's usually by himself. He's quite the character. He is a funny little boy who keeps us laughing all the time. He's also pretty darn smart just like his big brother. He knows most of his shapes (circle, square, rectangle, triangle, oval, star) and some of his colors. Right now his favorite color is blue.

Bryant: He is still the best big brother in the world. He plays so sweet with Dayden and loves to carry him and help him. He's still pretty good with Casey (most of the time). Although, he's discovered just how to push his buttons and really enjoys doing so. He is also quite the character and never ceases to amaze us with the things he says. He is also sporting a new buzz cut thanks to the crazy lady who just happened to screw it up and then use the razor without the guard on a spot of his head. All is good though b/c he is still the most handsome boy and looks fabulous :)

Parents (AKA Angela and Chad): We finally bit the bullet and got a new A/C unit!!!! Boy does it work better. We can finally turn the air down to a whole 79 during the day and it actually cuts off :) Now paying for it is another story :( So if you want to know what we'll be doing for the next year or so, it will be a big fat NOTHING. We'll be sitting around saving our money.

Oh but before we bit that bullet, we had a great 4th of July. We took the boys to Holly's parents' lakehouse and had a blast. The boys got to ride in a boat and go tubing!! They had so much fun. I even got up on skis for the first time in a LONG time. It was great. Then we made it home in time to see a good firework show. That Monday, Chad was off and we took the boys to the zoo. It was a wonderful time for everyone!

So that's life here in a nutshell. Always busy, on the go, with a few squabbles and lots of fun.

(I PROMISE I will get pictures up soon.....PROMISE :)

On the road again....

We have been SOOOOO busy the past month (as if you couldn't tell by the lack of updates). We have been here and there and back and there again. It's been a whirlwind.

Over Memorial Day weekend, the boys, Nana, and I went to New Mexico and had a great time. We haven't been able to go there in over a year so it was nice to visit again.

When school was out, the boys had a week of swim lessons. I had to do the lessons with Casey and Bryant did them all by himself...Dayden just hung out and watched. Casey seemed excited at first but as the days went on and he had to do things other than play, he didn't care too much for it. Needless to say, we did the last class with lovey just to make it through. Bryant on the other hand did good every day. He had one on one lessons to mainly just get him comfortable in the water. He held on to the wall and did "Spiderman", he put his cheeks in the water, and had fun. He didn't learn to swim (which I knew wasn't the plan) but he had fun and even got in the pool by himself the next week without being scare!!

The weekend before Father's Day, the boys, Ashley, and I headed to San Saba for a reunion. Not the best of times, but was good to go and make Grandma happy :)

We rushed back from San Saba so we could start our week of VBS. We had VBS Sunday through Friday from 6:00-8:45. I worked in the nursery with Casey and the other 1 and 2 year olds. He had fun and did lots of fun crafts. Bryant had a great time as well. I would watch him sometimes during the worship rally and see him singing and acting crazy, so that equals fun times for Bryant!!

This past week, I went to personal trainer classes all day long. The kiddos stayed with Ashley and Holly and had Camp AH HA (that's what Ashley and Holly came up with and even made shirt :). They planned fun things for the kids to do such as make a pinata, go to the Aquarium, make shakers, play in water, and just have fun. It was a great time for the kiddos. I also had lots of fun at my training. The classes were very informative and made me excited about my new adventure. Now I just need to study more and take my certification test and I'll be good to go and train :)

Dayden has been making all sorts of new progress in this growing up thing. He's been scooting and pushing himself around for a couple of weeks now. He can get just about anywhere. He'll get up on his hands and knees but no crawling. He can push himself up to sitting, and he's also just now (today I saw it) getting another little toothy on the bottom. He's also talking ALL the time. He loves to just chat it up with anybody (or anything). He's still my happy smiley boy.

Whew....that made me tired just writing all of that. I'm sure there was still tons more we've done, but my brain is on overload just trying to think about it :) We've had a very fun and busy month as you can see, so you'll understand when I say I'll have to upload pics later :)

GRADUATION

Big boy Bryant graduated PreK today :( He's getting to be such a big boy! I can't believe he'll be going to kinder soon. Where has the time gone? He received the Math award for being so good with numbers. He's such a smart boy. We're all so proud of our little graduate!!

Summertime Fun Kick Off Day!!

May moments

Boy, I guess May has been so busy I haven't had time to update...yeah, that's what it is :)

Chad's parents came for a visit over Mother's Day weekend. We had a nice time. I finally finished our front flower beds and I must say they look fabulous!!!

My birthday has come and gone leaving me at the young age of 31 :) I had a great day (actually a great birthday week). My friends made lunch for me on Tuesday. On Thursday Chad, Ashely, Holly, and I went to Benihana's for a yummy dinner. Then on Friday I went out for sushi and bowling with some friends. Saturday I got a new sassy haircut! Now I'm all set for my 31st year :)

Dayden also finally learned to roll from back to tummy. He must have known how to do it already because he did it once and kept going like he's known how all this time. Now we just need to work on that crawling thing. He's also eating like a champ now. Not as well as his brothers did at this age but he's eating much better for him which is great. Oh and the most important thing of all......HE'S FINALLY SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!!!!! He may get up once and need his paci popped in his mouth but after that, he's good to go. WooooHooo!!!!

Last week, Dayden gave us a scare at midnight with weird sounding breathing and barking coughs. Instead of worrying about him all night, I took him to the ER. He was diagnosed with the croup. Nothing big but he sounded yucky. A couple days later he ran a fever....ear infections :( I hope we're not on our way to tubes with this one too. All is well for now though!

Bryant's had a busy month at school with a Mother's Day lemonade, a Dad's and Donuts day, and this Thursday he will be graduating from his preschool. It's so sad yet so exciting!!! He's growing up so fast.

Casey finallly got a BIG haircut today....all his daddy's idea. It does look good but it will have to grow on me. I'm used to my wild and crazy Casey hair :)

All in all we are having a great month of May. To top off our month, we will be heading to visit our New Mexico bunch at the end of this month and I am very excited!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

A Hunting We Will Go

Easter egg hunting that is :O)

Choo Choo

Well, technically Casey turned 2 on April 7 :) But nonetheless, he is 2!!

He had a great birthday and a super party! His wonderful fabulous mother went all out on the decor as well as the cake. That's right, I made that cake all by myself.

The super handsome birthday boy!

Casey's friends :)

I think he liked it :)

Casey and his super scary dragon his wonderful Aunt Ashley gave him.

Casey in a nutshell:

*He loves his bubba/Byrant (yes that's how he says it) and his baby Dayden.

*He loves to play ball, color, eat, and play. He's a little ball of energy :)

*He's started speaking better in sentences.

*He knows his shapes: oval, triangle, square, circle, rectangle, and star.

*He is, unfortunately, a biter and hitter...but we're working on that the best we can with a 2 year old :(

*All in all, he is our little ball of fire and sunshine all in one. We should've known from the beginning, since he was so eagar to come, what a fiesty little one he would be. He's a lover and a fighter :) We love him so much and couldn't be happier with the woonderful little boy he is!!

We love you Casey Austin. May you have many more happy happy birthdays!!