Longest Stinkin' Post Ever.....

Last time I blogged I was heading out to San Antonio for the Texas Counseling Association conference. I had a blast and my Dad went with me. It was nice having some father/daughter time. We both had never been to San Antonio (I know so weird) and we both loved it. He can't wait to bring my Mom when it warms up. We ate yummy food and watched Millionaire Matchmaker while my Dad gave commentary on the ones the millionaires should choose...hilarious! I had a blast and learned a lot, so all in all it was a great trip!

Riverwalk dinner

Dad being cool

Learning

We got to see the Alamo!!!

When I got back, it felt like Thanksgiving got here super fast!! Unfortunately, Thanksgiving was a little rough this year. Joey got a stomach virus and missed out on all the delish food and then one by one we each got it. I was able to spend some time with Joey's family and mine but when we got back home it all started. I did catch a sweet pic of Grayson and Ella with their cousins playing in the leaves. How perfect of a fall photo is this?

  But when I was up and feeling better, I had plenty of time to shop with sweet friends!!!

Grayson also started basketball through Upward two weeks ago and he is loving it!! He is on the team with one of his friends from school so that makes it even more fun!! He is just too cute out there and this Mommy can not wait for the first game!!!

We have had so many celebrations in our family! This past weekend my Grandma (mom's mom) turned 100!! My mom and aunts threw a big party and Grandma even danced. She had so much fun surrounded by family from out of town and Grayson and Ella had so much fun dancing the night away. Below you can see all the fun Joey had at a Filipino party!!! Haha!

Then yesterday my BFF and I threw a baby shower for my sister, Megan, and baby Liam!! It was so much fun...I so can't wait for him to get here!!!

Only 30 minutes after the shower, Ella had a Christmas performance at her daycare. I know I am biased...but it may have been one of the cutest little performances EVER!!

And this weekend, we have been celebrating my 31st birthday. I officially feel older but WOW...all I can do is praise the Lord. He has blessed me beyond what I ever could imagine with Joey, the kids, family, and friends. I think this year will be amazing because I know the Lord is working on my heart even more. Last night, Joey's grandma (Young Grandma) watched the kiddos because they were begging to go to her house so she treated us to a night alone. It was so stinkin' nice and we headed to Northpark for some dinner and birthday shopping. We had so much fun but just a tip for the future: NEVER go to Northpark a week before Christmas!!! Today my parents had a lunch for me at their house along with family. It was so nice and I couldn't have asked for a better birthday and it's not even until tomorrow!!!

Now for an update on the house. I only have one picture because my phone about died. It is coming along well and the builder said it will be about 60-75 more days. Bless my in-law's hearts. They are awesome for letting us still stay here because I know its been hard. I can't wait to move in our new home and for things to feel normal again!! They did the tape and bedding and we are hoping they will do stone and brick soon since it has just been hanging around the front.

standing at the front door

Other than that, we have been enjoying every bit of Christmas with the kiddos that we can and I am so EXCITED it's almost here!!!!

Y'all have a very Merry Christmas!!!

Is it Christmas Yet????

If you have little ones I am sure you keep hearing, "Is it Christmas yet?" Grayson and Ella have been so stinkin' excited about Christmas this year. Last year, we started giving them only three gifts (a want, a need, and a spiritual gift such as a donation to a ministry or Christian book). We will definitely continue that this year because we hope it will take the focus off of presents and direct their attention on Christ...the best gift ever!!!! They have definitely had a case of the "I wants" so it may be time to read The Berenstain Bears Get the Gimmes...again!

 

Our house is definitely coming along and looking more like a house! Last time, I posted about it, the foundation wasn't even there. Now it looks like a house. 

Today we drove by and they had put all the shingles on the roof. I couldn't get a good picture because it was dark. We are getting so excited!!! It will be nice to have our own home again but I will say it has been a blessing with my in-laws.

Baby Jansen was sick this past week and spent some time in the hospital. It was quite scary but he is home and doing great! He is such a cutie. One positive is that we were able to spend a lot of time with our niece Sawyer which was wonderful!!! For those of you who don't know, these are my sweet sister in law's kids (Joey's sister).

Speaking of nieces and nephews, Megan (my sister) is expecting in February and me and my bff Amanda have been planning her shower. We are so excited and I can't wait to meet adorable Liam. For those who don't know, Liam will be born with a bilateral cleft lip and possibly palette. Megan and her hubby have been researching away on what to expect and feel peace with it all. They know it's something that can be fixed with surgery. Please keep them in your prayers for a smooth delivery and that Liam will be able to eat okay.

Last week we attended the Mrs. Philippines pageant. My mom was a contestant. It was a neat experience and she was first runner up and raised over $14,000 for Bantay Bata, an organization that provides assistance for victims of abuse. We are so proud of her and are glad she will have some free time now.

As always, in our spare time, we have been spending time with family and enjoying every minute.

I am heading out to a conference this week, please keep me in your prayers for a safe trip. Hope y'all have a great week!!!

 

So long October....

I can't believe October came and is already gone!!! We did not even notice we have been so busy! We enjoyed all of the traditional fall activities....pumpkin patches, fall festivals, and dressing up!!!

The rest of the weekends, we have kept busy...shopping! Surprising, I know! But we have also enjoyed being with family and friends!!!

Joey has kept busy helping with our wonderful church and doing evangelism with some of his friends. We are so happy to see him so passionate about God's work...and yes, sometimes he wears a storm trooper suit!!

As for our housing situation...it's going great. I do miss the kids being able to go to their room and all of us having our own space but for the most part it has been workin' out! We are gone most of the time with our schedules. Our house is progressing although it didn't seem like it for awhile because of all the rain we had. Here is a picture from a week or so ago but today when we drove by they had poured the foundation and delivered all of the wood to frame....we were pretty excited!!! I will have to update the blog with pictures in a couple of weeks!

Grayson is loving Kindergarten and his teachers. We are so blessed he is at such an amazing school and we could not be any more proud!!  He is doing well and is loving the Spanish aspect of dual language which I was initially a bit worried about. He absolutely loves math and writing. Here is a little sample of a picture he drew for us the other night....precious, right????

Red Ribbon Week

Ella is doing good. She is learning new things everyday and amazes us with the stuff that comes out of her mouth. Her personality just may be bigger than her!!!

We are getting ready for all of the fun holidays!! The kids have already been thinking about what they are thankful for. Here they are reading what they are thankful for at church to their friends.

Then we enjoyed a little Christmas browsing and shopping today!! I know it is only November 2nd but I stayed up late last night watching Christmas movies....I am SOOOO excited!!!

I will leave you with something exciting!!! Our sweet nephew has made his debut!!! Jansen is absolutely perfect. Ella is so interested in him and it's obvious why...because he is such a cutie!!!

Y'all have a great week full of blessings and thanks!!