2 that sit, 5 that stand

Happy 2nd birthday, Ashton!

2011-01-07T11:08:00.006-06:00

We're celebrating by having an Aggie party since they're playing LSU in the Cotton Bowl tonight. This is in great contrast to his party last year.

Man, I love this boy!

*He is still an insomniac.

*Funny as hell.

*Stubborn.

*Adorable with his curly hair.

*Football player in training.

*He's finally talking and can say most everything. Amongst his first words was "denied" since Ethan always says that to him when they're playing football.

*He calls Ethan "EE", Eve "Weev-e", Emma "Emma", Aiden "Addy" but won't say Anderson or Ehren's names.

*He's a good 35 pounds and probably 3 feet tall. I'll let you know exact stats after his 2 year old check-up.

*He's kind of a bully and often uses the distraction method when he wants his way. E.g. Ashton wants the toy school bus, but unfortunately Anderson is playing with it. Ashton grabs another toy, waves it in front of Anderson. Anderson takes the bait, goes after the other toy and Ashton plays with the school bus. If this doesn't work he'll just snatch the toy away. As mentioned, he's a 35 pound 2 year old and can snatch toys rather easily.

Happy 2nd birthday, little man! Our lives (and sleeping patterns) were seriously altered the day you were born!

2011 Wishes

2011-01-01T12:57:00.002-06:00

Wishing you and yours a lucky, prosperous, FANTASTIC 2011!

Merry Christmas, 2010

2010-12-25T15:29:00.001-06:00

National Cemetery

2010-12-20T15:37:00.006-06:00

Great Grandma Adkins' grave.

What beautiful images of all the Christmas wreaths at the National VA Cemetery. For the past 17 years Maine's Worcester Wreath Co. has made and decorated wreaths to adorn the headstones of those who have served. "Wreaths Across America" places over 20,000 wreaths on graves at the Houston National VA Cemetery every year!

What a tribute.

9 reasons I'm still married

2010-12-14T00:00:00.001-06:00

1. He's obviously a total stud. Then and now.

2. My mood swings are not acknowledged.
3. He's an expert gardener, nanny, housekeeper, chauffeur and cook.
4. Even though I still have tons of baby weight to lose, he hugs my midsection and proclaims "You are really skinny!".
5. He adores me (and all my flaws).
6. He adores our flawless children.
7. He genuinely only has eyes for me.
8. He loves to eat sushi, Mexican food, pizza, seafood and all the other stuff that I love to eat.
9. He's kept his glass-half-full view of the world even though mine has always been more the glass-half-shattered sort.

Santas of Christmases Past (and Present)

2010-12-13T11:54:00.004-06:00

Yea! After only a 4 year hiatus, we took an updated Santa picture!

Ehren, Anderson, Ashton and Aiden with Blair (2010)

And all the old Santa pictures that I love so much. My how my kiddos have grown up. :)

Ethan, Eve and Emma (2003)

Ethan, Eve, Emma with Madison, Alexis and a pregnant mommy (2005)

Eve (2005)

Ethan (2002)

Ethan (2000)

Ethan (1998)

Newborn Eve (2000)

San Antonio

2010-12-06T09:57:00.008-06:00

Ethan's studying the Alamo so we planned a surprise trip to San Antonio!

The kids were awfully excited about going, but quickly learned that there wasn't as much to it as they thought! Ha!

On the way, we detoured to Gonzalez to visit Great-Grandma's grave and to have a picnic lunch on the grass in front of the Memorial Museum.

Lucky for us, the gentlemen who perform in the live reenactment of the battle were available to talk to, learn from and take pictures with! Here's Ethan with some members of the New Orleans Greys. He should definitely get extra credit for this trip!

And the other kiddos having fun...

AND one of Aiden just because he's sooooo hilarious!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2010-12-05T10:49:00.000-06:00

In order to preserve the integrity of our expensive and breakable ornaments, we've opted for a big tree on the porch only. Complete with bubble lights, though!

Cowboys tree!

6.00 Adkins wreath.

My 2 boys checking out the tree. It's Aiden's first Christmas and true to form he could care less about any of it! Ha!

The Neverending Project

2010-12-04T10:57:00.001-06:00

The glazing my cabinets project is coming along. Check back in a few years for an all-done picture. :)

In all seriousness, I have made some real progress and the updated look has totally changed the look of our kitchen.

Prime, paint white, glaze. Easy enough, huh?

Hans

2010-12-01T08:43:00.000-06:00

Hi all!

I haven't posted about little Hans Weberling in quite a while, but he is always on my mind. Visit his website to learn more about this brave young man who has been kicking cancer's butt for over 3 years. Also, visit here to see his sister, Elle's, beautiful Christmas card design. What an amazing artist!!

With the holidays upon us I think it is the perfect time to ask you guys to turn your gift giving outward. Think on a bigger scale. On a life changing scale. Forget Barbies and Tonka Trucks and work towards a better tomorrow for ALL of our children. There is no way to predict if you will be the one asking for a miracle.

There's no doubt that if we won the lottery, every reasonable penny would go to Type 1 Diabetes research. Ethan needs a cure. The rest of the kiddos with diabetes need a cure. No doubt.

That said, the little ones with pediatric cancer need a cure, too. Hans needs better treatments. Hans needs a cure. These families need and deserve peace.

Consider making a small dent in the money needed for research to cure Neuroblastoma. Most people believe that their one dollar makes no difference. IT DOES!! A small donation combined with other small donations make a huge difference! That sounds cliche but it is true. Give what you can, but make a conscious choice to fund research for the diseases affecting the children around you. Choose to make a difference.

Hans' mom, Lara, has suggested several EASY ways to help...

-Neuroblastoma is tricky cancer.

Help fund the cure by raising money for the Children's Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation by:

Supporting our regular Bake Sales at TCH.

In just a few sales, we have raised a total of $19,300!

On the Calendar:

Valentine's Day Bake Sale 2/11/10

We'd love your help!

-Bead for a Cause with the Neuroblastoma Lanyard Project , where we make and 'sell' fun, attractive beaded ID badge holders for nurses, teachers and others. The NB Lanyard Project
$35,000 raised and counting.

-Commit For Life - if you are healthy and able - your donations of blood products are life-saving, not only to Pediatric Cancer Patients, but to millions of medically fragile individuals. If you're in Houston - go to Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center for more information.

-You may also be in a position to help our family as we travel for treatment by donating air or hotel miles. Contact Michelle at michnolen@earthlink.net.

-Support your local Sparrow Clubs to help a child with a life threatening diagnosis in your community.

Thank you for considering a donation of time or money to one of these organizations this holiday season. Hans and the other children fighting cancer need YOU!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving, 2010!

2010-11-25T12:14:00.003-06:00

I'm thankful for an amazing husband, 7 fabulous kids, a beautiful house, a new van, awesome family and friends! I have more than I could have ever asked for and a thousand times more than I deserve.

Have a grateful and thankful day everyone!

Playoffs begin tonight...

2010-11-12T11:27:00.004-06:00

and we are ready!

***Update***

The playoffs ended last night, also, for The Woodlands. It was a good run, though.

Veteran's Day 2010

2010-11-11T08:46:00.005-06:00

4 Generations of Adkins.

Ehren walking with his flag & a picture of his Great Grandpa in a parade at school.

Great Grandpa, Blair and Aiden at the VD celebration at Woodforest Stadium.

Ethan's VD poster.

If you have time, drive by and see all the VD posters made by Knox students. Very nice.

Eve's VD poster.

We began Veteran's Day with a parade at Ehren's school. He carried a picture of his Great Grandpa since he couldn't be there in person. His class made cute little paper flags, too.

Later on in the day we attended the Woodforest Stadium celebration with Papa and Great Grandpa. What a lovely tribute to all the veterans including our Great Grandpa who enlisted in the Army Air Corps on December 8, 1941, served throughout World War II and retired after 15 years.

Thank you for your service!

JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes 2010

2010-11-07T08:22:00.002-06:00

We raised over $700.00 and walked 3.2 miles in hopes of finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

WOW!! Thank you to all who supported us with donations and time!

...For Ethan and all the other children living with this dreadful disease...keep on giving!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-02T11:06:00.005-05:00

Ta-da. Talk about some serious freaking cropping. Looks authentic doesn't it?

Please ignore my unfinished cabinets. Check back 2015 for an updated picture.

Ethan as Doc.

The rest as the other 6 Dwarfs. :)

Papa, Eve and Anderson

Our sleepy dwarf who doesn't sleep.

Ashton and Aiden

Hitting some houses up for more candy. Ethan decided to be a football player instead of a dwarf and his friend was a plant. Very original.

Blair and I as TWHS football fans. Very original, also, if I do say so myself.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Costumes of Halloweens Past...

2010-10-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

My favorite holiday is fast approaching...

Can you guess who is who??

JDRF

2010-10-25T12:27:00.001-05:00

Worth re-posting...

The annual JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes is in less than 2 weeks! Please think about supporting our family!

Ethan was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on November 6, 2009. I was shocked and very scared for my oldest child's present and future quality of life, but he has proven to be quite resilient, even remarking once that he was "...happy he got diabetes because he needed to be more responsible...".

I'm not sure many adults could ever make that statement when faced with a disease like my son has.

This year, on the anniversary of his diagnosis, Ethan's family and friends will be participating in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes at Reliant Park.

Why JDRF? Here's a few reasons:

They've identified glucagon as the hormone that causes the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream, given rise to the rescue drug for hypoglycemia.
They've discovered the A1c, which has become the medical standard for measuring blood glucose control over time.
They're working on the development of "smart insulin," which can be injected only once a day and will remain inactive until elevated blood sugar levels release it. Once blood sugar levels are brought down to normal levels, it will once again become inactive. This means Ethan would get 1 shot a day, instead of 3.
85 cents of every dollar raised pays for this research.

You're going to hear A LOT more about our efforts to raise money for JDRF over the next few months, but won't you think about donating to or walking with TEAM ETHAN now? Visit our team website to learn more.

Puffy didn't know if he was coming or going...

2010-10-24T12:50:00.000-05:00

We had a very busy weekend filled with Football Games, Wildflower Festivals, Movie Night at Waterway Square and Cabinet Refinishing. I love jam-packed weekends. It makes them seem so long...

Mascots

2010-10-23T12:48:00.007-05:00

Goal accomplished. We finally got a picture with Oak Ridge's War Eagle!

College Park Cavalier giving Ashton five. He has a really big head. Like the guy in Shrek.

The Conroe Tiger. I have to admit that he is the most popular mascot in the Adkins household. Anderson can speak of nothing else besides the Tiger's whereabouts if we are at a Conroe High game. Sometimes it's all he talks about at other schools' games, too. "Where does the Tiger live?" "Where does the Tiger park?" and so on.

Mr. Highlander rocks.

Our short term goal is to secure a picture with Mr. and Ms. War Eagle. This would round out our Mascot picture collection and make me an even dorkier mom than I already am.

Happy 10th birthday, Eve!

2010-10-09T13:48:00.001-05:00

My, how you have grown!

Lots of Ethans

2010-10-07T09:07:00.005-05:00

Ethan buttons are made! This boy is so very handsome, I might wear these 24/7...nothing wrong with a proud mama!

The white team got beat by Peet again on Monday night, but in my amateur opinion they played really well. If they'd just stop running the option! Whatever that means, since I don't actually know a thing about football. I do know that my first born is very handsome. But maybe I already mentioned that.

Ethan ended up working the chains (didn't know what that meant either. Pre-Blair I'd definitely have written "Ethan ended up moving those bright orange stick things around...) for the next game and I had to wait an extra hour. Thankfully Papa was there to keep me from falling asleep. Halfway during the second game I realized that Ethan did not have any of his diabetic supplies. No glucagon pen, no meter, no fast acting sugar.

Dear Lord (and I am not a religious woman at all),

Thank you for protecting my boy from hypoglycemic shock when his coaches and he are forgetful.

Amen.

After buying some peanuts in hopes of preserving his blood sugar (thanks for the dollar Papa) we made our way back to Knox to drop off pads and take a quick shower. And to let children whose parents apparently do not watch them play football call home for a ride. Tangent: What kind of parents don't watch their kids playing their 4th junior high football game? A mere 45 minutes later we were headed home. It was at this time I learned that Ethan was completely done with his homework for the week and we could go straight to bed.

Wait, the exact opposite of that last sentence is true.

It was at this time I learned that Ethan had math homework and a history project due the next day. Doh...

I love 18 hour days! And being a *football* mom!

:Aiden:

2010-10-02T15:25:00.008-05:00

This boy

*is wearing College Park colors to the Oak Ridge-Conroe game.
*is 4 months old and very handsome.
*has dark brown hair, cowboy blue eyes.
*is 15 pounds and majorly hyper.
*usually sleeps all night and parties all day with his stuffed birdies and Eeyore.
*loves his 4 brothers, 2 sisters and actually prefers all the noise they make to silence.
*is one of the 8 lights of my life.

Knox Knights 2010-2011

2010-09-30T15:09:00.005-05:00

Well, I am back from my summer blogging hiatus, but there's no telling when I might post again! Even with a saint/Energizer Bunny for a husband, between work and home life, I am extremely busy!

SO many things happened this summer. SO many memories made. The kids grew like weeds, Aiden weighs 13 pounds and is trying to turn over, we played basketball at the YMCA, the kids raised funds for our JDRF walk in November. It would take years to catch y'all up.

That said, I think Ethan's first ever football game is a great place to start...

Ethan is on the white team. B team. He plays various positions but mostly wide receiver. He's number 14. I am so proud of him I could cry at every game. I don't as to not embarrass him and the rest of our family. But I want to. He was just born, just learning to walk and now he's blocking a kid who is a foot taller than he is. My heart stops for a moment right before every play he's in the game. I think his dad and Blair feel the same way, but they can't say so. And they certainly won't cry. That's what moms are for.

Unfortunately, the white team has not won a game yet. 0-3, but they are all superstars in my book!

Go Knox Knights! Especially my boy of fall.

All 7 and goodbye {for the summer}

2010-06-20T13:33:00.000-05:00

I'm taking a break from blogging {officially} over the summer, but I'll leave you with our Father's Day pic of all the kids.

Happy Summer!

The real deal

2010-06-15T15:35:00.000-05:00

{2 weeks old}

2010-06-09T15:31:00.001-05:00

Divas

2010-06-06T12:51:00.000-05:00

We attended the family rally at House of Blues for the JDRF walk this last Saturday and I fell in love with the brightly colored walls in the Houston Pavilion strip center.

Picture taking ensued.

First grade graduate!

2010-06-04T12:24:00.000-05:00

After a long hard year, Emma has officially graduated from first grade. This automatically makes her a big second grader, even though the new year hasn't officially started yet.

7 days

2010-06-02T10:49:00.003-05:00

For 7 days I've been a mother to 7 children. Seven perfect, healthy, beautiful children. We are so blessed.

Aiden is very relaxed. {This is especially nice since some of our children are not chill at all.} He sleeps A LOT and cries only when I change his diaper!

My view from here...

2010-06-01T11:28:00.000-05:00

is amazing!

Aiden is here!

2010-05-27T08:29:00.000-05:00

He's perfectly healthy and we're perfectly happy!

Thanks for all the well wishes, everyone!

Birth Day

2010-05-26T08:38:00.003-05:00

Aiden Arthur Adkins arrived on May 26, 2010 at 12:12 pm. He weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces and was 19 inches long.

We already adore our new little man!

No baby yet (Alternately titled Aiden has arrived!)

2010-05-24T14:46:00.004-05:00

I went in for my 39 week check-up last Friday. Everything looked great but my blood pressure was a little high so my doctor sent me to the other side of St. Luke's to be monitored (aka waste my time) for about 2 hours. He was almost certain we would induce that day, "even if my blood pressure came down". Well, it did come down but his tune promptly changed to take it easy over the weekend. After I laughed out loud at this suggestion, he told me to NOT miss my appointment on Monday (today).

What appointment was he referring to? No appointment is/was set up, so technically I am not missing anything.

Besides, I was already working on said Monday and the school hours and my doc's hours clash.

Don't freak out. I had the school nurse check my BP today and it was pretty normal. I AM going to see my OB tomorrow after I drop Eve and Emma at school, take Ethan to his PCP for a football physical, 2 shots and then to TCH for his quarterly endocrinology visit. We'll see how my BP looks then... :)

Here are the boys waiting at the hospital to see their new baby brother. Sorry to burst your bubbles...

Walk-A-Thon for Hans Weberling!

2010-05-23T13:28:00.000-05:00

Please participate if you can!!!

From Lara's blog:

Wow - I just got an email from our sparrow clubs rep, Dodie. She and the 9th Grade Campus at Branch Crossing are putting together a Walk-a-Thon for Hans. This walk is for Hans' Medical/Travel Fund through the Sparrow Clubs. All I can say is WOW - I had no idea they had this up their sleeve.

If you live here and you'd like a registration form, you can email Dodie Neimeyer:dniemeyer@conroeisd.net. The Walk-a-Thon for Hans is open to anyone.

Here are the details:

When: Wednesday, May 26th, 4-7 pm
Where: TWHS 9th grade campus track
Why: to help raise funds for 6-year-old Hans’ cancer treatment

Dodie says anyone can participate.

If you don't live locally and you want to participate, please contact dniemeyer@conroeisd.net.We appreciate these fundraising efforts. It gets expensive to fly to Philly and keep pushing for the best treatments for Hans. We are humbled by people's ongoing contributions to both Hans' medical/travel expenses, as well as our continued efforts to raise funds for the Children's Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation !

How do we thank you?

With our new news we now feel we have the freedom to 'plan' the next six weeks of our lives!

Lara

5 more days

2010-05-22T14:20:00.000-05:00

and that's all I'm gonna say about it.

Future David Beckham

2010-05-13T11:11:00.009-05:00

Blair's not officially Coach this season, since we have a Baby Aiden on the way, but apparently he's still in charge of everything besides correspondence. Ha!

I'm very proud of Ehren. Since he last played a Y team sport his speech and behavior have drastically improved and he's matured a TON! Therapy has really helped him get ready for Pre-K next year.

Ready to play goalie...

Stick a fork in me

2010-05-11T15:05:00.003-05:00

16 more days!

A little {lot} funny...

2010-05-10T09:59:00.001-05:00

HMD 2010!

2010-05-09T09:51:00.000-05:00

We threw a little Mother's Day tea for Nana and Nanny (and Chelsea)! Our beautiful table and my two little helpers are shown below. Honestly, I was so tired and my feet and back hurt so bad I couldn't have done it without them! Thanks, girls!

All of my kiddos! I'm such a lucky mom!

My mom and me.

Blair and his mom.

My sister, Chelsea, and my {her} mom. Yes, she's actually that tall.

Worker bees

2010-05-05T12:40:00.004-05:00

Children 2-5 need to take some advice from children 1 and 6 on proper chore chart maintenance...

Happy 2nd Anniversary!

2010-05-03T07:34:00.002-05:00

I let you think you are lucky to have me, but I'm actually the lucky one. Thanks for choosing me to be your wife.

Love you bunches!

Happy 29th birthday, Blair!

2010-04-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Blair.

2010-04-28T14:10:00.010-05:00

Blair is the best husband!

Blair loves his boys!

Blair loves his other Boys!

Blair loves his girls!

Blair is 2 days away from his birthday! Smooch! We love you back!

29 years (minus 4 days)

2010-04-26T10:25:00.003-05:00

Blair,

Today you are approximately 10,581 days old.

29 doesn't seem so old now, does it?

Love you, baby!

God Blessed Their Broken Road...

2010-04-24T10:08:00.002-05:00

And of course, our road is and has been blessed. Many times over...

Congratulations, Christian and Robyn! We wish y'all 80+ years... :)

35 weeks

2010-04-22T00:00:00.001-05:00

That's a big tummy!

And it's my birthday. Turning 29 for the fourth year in a row is niiiiice!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-21T11:08:00.000-05:00

AllergyFest 2010

2010-04-18T11:05:00.000-05:00

Aunt Midge

2010-04-17T10:51:00.001-05:00

We celebrated Aunt Midge's 90th birthday this weekend in Brenham. I'm pretty sure she looks and gets around better than I do at 32....

Happy, happy birthday!

I had fun meeting and re-meeting a ton of Blair's family and our bluebonnet pics turned out great! Well worth it, even if our wildflower photo session made Eve and me have a major allergy attack!

To do

2010-04-13T09:45:00.005-05:00

buy another gallon of Texans Red paint for Ethan and Ehren's room
finish painting Texans logo on boys' wall
craving fried okra-buy some!
organize outfits for bluebonnet pic this weekend
find out where Fredericksburg is
pre-register at St. Luke's
find a cute chair for Aiden's newborn pics
buy crawfish, potatoes, corn to steam sometime this week
give Blair and the kids big hugs and kisses when I get home tonight

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

Earth Day Fest 2010

2010-04-11T13:53:00.008-05:00

What a perfect day to hold the 20th Anniversary of The Woodlands Earth Day Festival (although we all know that Earth Day is officially on my birthday)...

First it drizzled, drizzled harder, got a little chilly and ended gorgeously bright and sunny. Mother Nature was definitely messing with us-trying to send the people who were only moderately committed to saving the Earth packing home.

There were so many crafts for the kids (flutterbies, beeswax candles, glitter bats, newspaper hats), environmental games (aluminum can race, global warming penguin toss) and a bunch of freebies (green laundry detergent, recycled school supplies, fabric grocery bags).

We broke up the fun for lunch at Chick-fi-la and then headed back for another hour. We're such diehards.

Lunch

2010-04-08T13:22:00.004-05:00

It seems unlikely my behind will ever see the inside of size 6 jeans again...

Happy 30th!

2010-04-07T10:02:00.002-05:00

We've almost hit 2 years, but Nanny and Papa have officially been married for 30 years today!

I hope Blair can put up with me for that long...

Happy Anniversary!

Save the date!

2010-04-05T08:56:00.001-05:00

Save the Date for the NB HOPE 5K Fun Run/Walk!

This may not be the final approved draft of the flyer, but put it on your calendar.

***** This is a fundraiser entirely for research and parent education for the CNCF.*****

Easter 2010

2010-04-04T16:13:00.007-05:00

Wow! Easter morning is kind of a blur. Ehren and Daddy were awake when I got up. Big A was still asleep, but not for long. Little A woke up shortly afterwards.

As soon as Blair and I could peel ourselves out of the girls' bed we made our way downstairs to give them their Easter baskets filled with 92 different types of candy. Daddy quickly headed outside to 1) run (not run away, but to run for exercise) and 2) hide the 161 plastic eggs that Blair, Uncle Josh and myself had filled with Cadbury Creme Eggs the night before. {The Easter Bunny is seriously slacking as far as I am concerned.}

While Daddy was gone, Anderson and Ehren started fighting and knocked over a big glass of water. On the island. Onto my camera. The same flipping camera that one of our other little angels broke by bouncing a basketball on. I'd love to blame their fiesty behavior on candy, but THEY HADN'T HAD ANY YET! Sheesh! Ironcially, they got into another fight on the couches after being separated. Who could have guessed that would happen?

Unfortunately, it rained the night before Easter Sunday. Yea, for all those wanting to dress up their kids in cute clothes and take cutesy pictures of them hunting for eggs...

...boo, for 3 boys (still wearing their jammies) running outside without their shoes on into the wet and slightly muddy grass and then tracking it back inside my clean house.

As if this series of fiascos were not enough, our three youngest angels tested our patience even more by completely forgetting how to Easter egg hunt. For an hour or so span they had no clue what they were supposed to be doing in the wet and muddy grass. With all of those colored spheres thrown around the yard. And why in the world were they holding baskets? Eventually, Blair ended up picking up most of the eggs while Ashton took bites out of foil covered chocolate, Anderson continuously dumped his basket out on the ground and Ehren complained that he couldn't find his big yellow egg. All while Mommy took pictures for Facebook in an effort to create a...

...picture perfect Easter morn.

Halloween 2010

2010-04-01T16:07:00.001-05:00

Yes, I know it's months away but costumes for 7 kids takes a great deal of planning!

Pregnancy by numbers

2010-03-26T09:26:00.003-05:00

I've...

been pregnant approximately 1897 days of my life so far; 217 during this pregnancy.
nursed for 2555 days.
had 6 epidurals, 5 inductions, no c-sections and no episiotomies. (Knock on wood)
gained a total of 285 pounds.
given birth to 6 perfect children.

We are very anxious to meet Aiden. Blair and I are curious what color hair and eyes he'll have. Will he get my temper or Blair's even-keelness?

All the usual wonder surrounding the beginning of a new life makes us very ready to meet our little man.

...9 more weeks...

30 weeks...

2010-03-18T14:47:00.001-05:00

and still {very obviously} a little boy!

He's after me Lucky Charms...

2010-03-17T19:17:00.004-05:00

Benefit announcement!

2010-03-14T18:03:00.004-05:00

An event to benefit the "Loo Bug Foundation", a fund set up to help with the medical bills and rehabilitation for Alexandra Worthman will be held on March 17th from 2pm-8pm at Pump It Up, Cy-Fair. Alexandra is a 9 yr old Woodlands youngster who had to have a hemispherectomy to stop life-threatening seizures. Admission is $10 per child. Donations are accepted as well!

Alexandra's story:

Imagine being told that your child has a very cruel and extremely rare brain disease, and the only hope for survival was the removal of half their brain. On Monday, September 21, 2009 Alexandra will have the most difficult brain surgery there is - a hemispherectomy, the disconnection of the entire left side of her brain, in hopes of ending the series of seizures that has plagued her for 5 years.

This disease does not define Alexandra. She has enjoyed swimming, baton twirling, bike riding, and the Jonas Brothers (she IS their biggest fan!) like any other 9 year old girl. Her spirit, her strength, her determination and her joy reach out and grab you. You cannot help but love and admire her.

There are moments when we realize there are things beyond our control and all you can do is to pray. These are those moments. We pray for her recovery, for her healing, for her family and for strength. We pray for her team of physicians and for God to use their hands as His hands. We are so blessed to be a part of Alexandra's life and honored that she calls us "friend". Join us in lifting up the Worthman family as we journey together and prepare for a new chapter in Alexandra's life ~ a celebration seizure free!

Learn more about her at http://www.loobug.org/.

Rascal Flatts

2010-03-12T09:17:00.004-06:00

Blair and I waited four long years to see Rascal Flatts in concert. Because if you know us at all, you know our song is "Bless The Broken Road". Our patience paid off because not only were they at the Rodeo this year, but tickets were only $10!

Both the price and performer combo were a win-win.

Being very pregnant {again} while attending yet another concert at Reliant Center, however, was not.

This must be what the Hulk feels like right before his clothes rip off.

A huge longhorn!

YEA!

Who's bigger??

We didn't think it was very PC for a turkey to have to live under a sign showing one of his relatives all cooked up for Thanksgiving dinner.

Blair was gonna take me for a ride, but the officials wouldn't allow it. And I'm doubtful I could have actually climbed into this tractor. Being very pregnant and all...

Spring Pictures

2010-03-10T17:17:00.000-06:00

Cute pics, but not as cute as mine. :)

They bleed burnt orange...

2010-03-09T15:06:00.002-06:00

and apparently not maroon!

If only Blair would have realized this 10 years ago!

Fine Art

2010-03-08T14:40:00.000-06:00

This is a post that's been in my head for quite a while now.

Our children feel very special knowing they made something beautiful and creative enough to go on the wall. And I love showing off their talent!

A sampling...

Eve's horse. (2010)

Anderson's finger painting. (2009)

Ehren's hands. (2009)

Ethan made this school bus on his first day of Kindergarten. Eve "rubbed" this fish during her very short stint in daycare. (2003)

Emma's most recent addition. Finally framed, ready to hang in the half-bath. (2010)

{I realize my blogging is seriously lacking. Internet on our phones has made wireless Internet at home obsolete and we will be getting rid of it shortly. Unfortunately, after that happens I'm pretty sure new blogs will appear even less...

If you aren't already a member, join Facebook to keep up with The Kappmeyer-Adkins clan! (hint, hint Nanny!)}

Because sometimes we all need a little reminding...

2010-03-08T12:06:00.001-06:00

http://blairandkim.blogspot.com/2008/10/why-do-i-love-blair-so-much.html

Relative of Bevo

2010-02-28T19:07:00.005-06:00

The kids got to meet what looked like Bevo's cousin or maybe his brother today at Market Street. Apparently the animal was not sedated and I'm pretty sure he kept eyeing Anderson.

Anderson does look pretty tasty...

Q & A

2010-02-23T09:13:00.006-06:00

I get asked a ton of questions surrounding the number of children we have. Some of my favorites...

Are you Mormon? or Catholic?

No, neither, and I'd probably say I'm on the atheist end of the spectrum. It's hard to reconcile historical evidence of Jesus with the faith required to be a Christian, but that's a different blog post entirely (one that will probably never happen as to not give my mom a total heart attack). Can't people want a big family for non-religious reasons?

Do we own a TV?

We do in fact own several TVs and a couple of movies. We even have a satellite although Blair will point out we have very downgraded limited channel viewing now.

Don't you know what causes that?

That meaning the new life growing inside of me. Know? Yes, of course we know.

And we like it and that.

Did you give birth to all 6 (soon to be 7) children?

Who the heck cares whether or not I actually birthed all of our children? Would it matter if they were adopted, dropped out of the sky by a stork? Would they be any less mine if I hadn't delivered them vaginally (or by cesarean if necessary)?

I met a woman the other day who had 9 children total, 6 adopted ones of various ethnicity. She said she was asked frequently if all 9 children were her children. Of course they are! Most people have no idea what a FAMILY actually is.

Is this one yours (pointing to my very pregnant tummy)?

This question was actually directed towards Blair and is probably one of my favorites. I hope the askers do not view our blog or our Facebook page...

I have to assume they were appalled that those words actually came out of their mouths. We were certainly shocked.

I wondered...

Was there something to suggest that this baby might not be Blair's? No one has even seem him yet!

Did I have the look of an unfaithful wife? True, I did have children prior to meeting Blair, but in my defense quite a few women have kids from a previous marriage and that doesn't mean they consistently get knocked up by men other than their husband.

Was I wearing a distasteful outfit? Possibly I was dressed like a hooker? No, we were headed into dinner at Perry's, so I couldn't have been dressed too inappropriately.

People (Insert Foot Into Mouth) never cease to amaze me.

{Good thing Anderson looks just like his Daddy...

Whew!}

Happy 4th birthday, Ehren!

2010-02-20T00:00:00.000-06:00

Before...

After...

Today is your real birthday and surely you expect more presents. Sorry, big man, but dinner is probably all you're gonna get. Hibachi steak and shrimp at Kobe's not too shabby though...

In 4 short years you've grown into a witty, entertaining little boy who loves Transformers (mainly Bumblebee), Batman, coloring and reading books.

You are desperately ready to start Pre-K next year, but wouldn't dream of leaving Anderson behind...

You are the best big brother, even if you're a bit unsure about whether you would or would not be upset if a house dropped on Anderson (reference The Wizard of Oz).

You build Lego towers for Ashton to knock down and can't wait for Ethan to play indoor tackle football with you.

You wonder why the girls act so crazy and often comment on the fact that you rarely get in trouble.

You are sweet, cuddly, sensitive and a little nervous. Still.

Birthday ice cream

2010-02-19T15:11:00.000-06:00

Market Street's always a good time!

At least no BABW Huskies ended up in the fountain!

Valentine's Day 2010

2010-02-14T18:20:00.005-06:00

Lunch at Sweet Tomatoes, love letters and lots of candy {oh, my!}

Happy V'day, my love...

2010-02-13T21:57:00.004-06:00

Dear Kim,

Well, since we're waiting for our tax refund check before we actually celebrate, I will put this here now...saying "I love you" over and over doesn't really do it justice, though.

Before I met you, my life was...well, not really that interesting. But, since the MOMENT we met, everything in my life (that I'd done, was doing, or was planning to do) seemed to be geared toward the life we'd have together.

No matter what happens (and we all know some sh*t happens every once in awhile), there's always a reason to get through it...and we always seem to end up better afterwards. I'm not religious, but I do have strong beliefs in Karma, and do my best everyday to stay on the positive side of It...with the universe, but especially with you!

Without you, though, nothing I do would matter as much. So here's the "I love you," but more than that--THANK YOU! Thank you for giving me the life that we have, and for the 80+ more years I hope we have together...

Forever and always,
Blair '10

PS: This is not at all as long as the handwritten note I have going, but it's not complete yet!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-11T16:56:00.004-06:00

Saints party

2010-02-06T07:46:00.001-06:00

Even though Ehren's birthday is not for another 2 weeks, we decided to celebrate early and have a Saints themed party in honor of them making it to their first Superbowl.

When asked what he wanted to eat at his party he first answered "Bevo". So we laughed and told him that we couldn't eat Bevo even if he were sedated and weren't having a UT party; we were having a Saints party because Aunt Darla and co. live in Louisiana and that meant it was NOT against any Cowboys fan rules to pull for them in the SuperBowl.

Next he answered "Cowboys" because the boy is a brainwashed, die-hard fan.

Finally, seriously confused as to why we were supporting the Saints and what this whole "What do you want to eat at your party?" meant, he answered "Vikings?".

Perfect answer for our future quarterback. I'm sure he'll be sufficiently traumatized by not having either a UT or Cowboys party.

Valentine's Day Bake Sale at Texas Children's Hospital

2010-02-04T11:10:00.006-06:00

It's that time of the year! Bakers and buyers are needed!

You've heard Blair and I talk time and time again about how brave little Hans Weberling (bottom right corner) and his friends are for waging a small war against neuroblastoma. For three years, HALF of Hans' life, he's been fighting cancer.

Help fund the research needed to wipe neuroblastoma out by sending items to sell at the bake sale or by picking up a few snacks if you work in or around TCH!

Proposal

2010-02-04T09:46:00.006-06:00

I've received probably close to a thousand emails and Facebook messages asking for all the details surrounding the witty way Blair proposed to me.

None of you sent an email? Must have imagined that.

BUT, I'm fresh out of blog post ideas today, so all your curiosities will be put to rest here and now whether you care or not...

Those who know my husband can be assured he came up with something both romantic and educational at the same time. Classic Blair combining fine motor skill development and a marriage proposal.

Blair brought home this wooden box with these little wooden puzzle pieces. I realized rather quickly it was a professional portrait we had recently taken and secretly wondered if the copyright law police would be knocking on our door in the next few minutes. They surprisingly did not and as we neared completion, one piece was missing. {oh, no!}

It appeared to be a heart and I became a bit suspicious. {{As if puzzle night was not suspicious enough}}

Blair took the missing heart piece out of his pocket {awww} that read "Will you marry me?" and placed it in the puzzle.

Scroll down to the bottom of this webpage and you'll see my hubby's creation on the left hand side.

As the website indicates I did, in fact, say yes.

Just because they're cute

2010-02-03T19:18:00.002-06:00

I hope Blair can put up with me for 30+ years.

That 70's Show

2010-02-02T19:04:00.001-06:00

Is it just me or does Blair's dad look a little like Hyde in this picture?

Blair looks the same. :)

Not your mother's pregnancy

2010-01-31T09:53:00.005-06:00

Sharon, pregnant with Blair

Me, 24 weeks or so, pregnant with Aiden

Still looking for one when my mom was pregnant with me :)

Bedtime

2010-01-29T10:26:00.002-06:00

Nothing like his big brother's size 4T Ben 10 jammies and a sit on the time out chair before bedtime for our ONE YEAR OLD!

Ashton is right up there with the big boys now!

Ehren's turning 4!

2010-01-28T08:43:00.002-06:00

71 trees

2010-01-24T08:38:00.004-06:00

The Arbor Day Festival was fun for all yesterday.

The boys got balloon airplanes, Ehren transformed into BatEhren and they gathered lots of other junk from local organizations they could have lived without.

Blair's prize for going was getting to plant the 71 free trees we acquired at the festival. We're talking about little tiny trees, but as Blair says "I still dug 71 holes".

Time Out

2010-01-23T08:58:00.003-06:00

Looks like today is not going to be a good day for Ashton* :)

*Don't worry. I wouldn't ACTUALLY put Ashton in time out. He just looks cute!

My view from here is slightly obscured...

2010-01-22T08:31:00.000-06:00

by a big growing tummy. Not long ago Ashton was obscuring my view and Anderson was playing with baby toys on the floor. Now they are both big boys and we're waiting on another.

Time waits for no one.

Through the years

2010-01-21T18:24:00.000-06:00

I can't wait to write a post entitled "And baby makes 9".

Still a...

2010-01-18T17:29:00.003-06:00

11 ounces

Due somewhere between May 27 and June 11, 2010 :)

Cowboys baby!

2010-01-17T10:25:00.007-06:00

Yes, that's our baby; Dallas Cowboy fan since CONCEPTION! On the verge of their 1st divisional playoff game since before I could drive legally in the state of Texas, the 'Boys need all the karma they can get! Hopefully the next blog post will say...HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBOYS AGAIN! I'm ready to see the 'old man' Favre on his backside early, then he'll be walkin' crooked by halftime! I hope he has his life-alert bracelet on, 'cause he might not be able to GET UP!

it's that time of the year!

2010-01-16T13:03:00.002-06:00

Happy birthday, MLK Jr.

2010-01-15T17:02:00.004-06:00

Equality cake.

Civil Rights Turkey.

21 weeks

2010-01-14T11:59:00.001-06:00

FYI----

I realize my hair looks funny.

Brodie Dan

2010-01-12T11:12:00.003-06:00

Before...

After...

Congrats to my sister, Andrea, and Daddy Doak on little Brodie's arrival.

11:35 am
7 lbs 5 oz
19 1/4 in

We can't wait to meet him!

You know you have a lot of children...

2010-01-10T17:49:00.005-06:00

when you find a deal on chips and buying six 36 count boxes (that would be 216 total bags) seems like a reasonable purchase.

Happy birthday, Ashton! (again)

2010-01-09T17:54:00.002-06:00

Nanny and Papa hosted Ashton a little party complete with BBQ and ice cream cake! Thanks, you guys!

Happy 1st Birthday, Ashton!

2010-01-07T12:03:00.007-06:00

Happy first birthday, sweet boy! Our life would be super boring without you!

You are

25 pounds.

wearing 18-24 month clothing.

walking, running and trying to jump.

attempting to just carry around heavy toys instead of playing with them.

a little bit of a bully.

an insomniac, even though you're sleeping a little more consistently at night.

great at getting people to do things for you by screaming at them.

Ashton is destined to be a Longhorn. Surely everyone remembers this fun post. And this one...

Happy 2010!

2010-01-01T17:44:00.002-06:00

New Year's Day, 2010

2010-01-01T16:59:00.005-06:00

Happy New Year, everyone!

New Years Eve

2009-12-31T23:59:00.001-06:00

Champagne toasts in our wedding glasses.

Ashton wanted a little drink.

19 weeks pregnant. Or 17 depending on whether you trust me or my doctor {WHO HAPPENED NOT TO BE THERE} about what day I got knocked up...

Ethan and Ashton trying to stay up until midnight. They were both out by 9, but Ashton continued to "celebrate" throughout the night and into the morn. As usual.

Papa and Ashton hanging out.

Eat your peas!

2009-12-31T14:11:00.002-06:00

Holiday Texas Caviar

Ingredients:

1 (16oz) bag Black-eyed Peas
1 (4 oz) jar Chopped Pimiento Peppers
1 (9oz) jar Sliced Mushrooms, drained & chopped
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup Pickled Jalapeño Peppers, chopped, with liquid
1/4 cup Olive Oil

Directions:

Cook black-eyed peas according to package directions; drain well.
Place black-eyed peas in a large mixing bowl; add pimiento, onion, celery, chopped mushrooms, jalapeño and olive oil.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and chill for at least 15 minutes before serving or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

New Year Traditions

2009-12-30T12:08:00.002-06:00

January 1

January 1st officially became the first day of a new year in 46 B.C. when Julius Caesar established the Julian calendar.

New year's resolutions

The ancient Babylonians began the idea of New Year's resolutions as a way to start the year off with a clean slate by returning borrowed items.

Baby new year

Using a baby to represent the birth of the new year started in ancient Greece in 600 B.C.

Black-eyed peas & cabbage

Some say the black-eyed pea's lucky streak dates back to the pharaohs. Others say it started in Vicksburg, Virginia, during the Civil War when the town ran out of food while under siege and the inhabitants were lucky enough to discover cow peas (a.k.a., black-eyed peas).

Meanwhile, cabbage leaves are thought to bring prosperity to those who eat them on New Year's Day.

Tournament of Roses Parade

The first parade was staged in 1890 by the Pasadena, California, Valley Hunt Club as a celebration of the town's mild winter weather. In 1895, the Tournament of Roses Association took charge of the festival when the parade had grown too large for the hunt club to continue hosting. Today, the elaborate floats can take as long as a year to design and build.

Auld Lang Syne

Inspired by old Scottish tunes, the lyrics to the song Auld Lang Syne were written by the poet Robert Burns and published after his death in 1796.

Auld Lang Syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?
And here's a hand, my trusty friend, and gie's a hand o' thine
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet for auld lang syne.

Ehren's 1st "out-of state" trip! Without his parents, at least!

2009-12-26T00:00:00.000-06:00

Well, Ehren's in New Iberia with Nanny and Papa...and Uncle Jerry, Aunt Darla, and all those girls and Bennett! We miss him, but I'm sure he's having a blast and won't want to come home, lol! We wish we could be there, too! Here he is playin' with Londyn and Bennett on the swing set!

Christmas Day, 2009

2009-12-25T15:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas Day started with lunch at the Marriott. Then we picked up Ethan, Eve and Emma for more present opening at Ryan and Chelsea's house. It was also baby Troy and Ashton's first Christmas, so that made the day even more special.

Ryan and Chelsea started a Mexican Christmas tradition three years ago and enchiladas, nachos, queso and tamales replaced the normal Christmas turkey feast. Unfortunately, we were still so stuffed from lunch we didn't eat much of it.

All the kids in my family traded names this year, I'm assuming because we have too many children for everyone to buy for, lol. Even at "one" present a piece, the kids came home with an art easel, money, Justice jewels, slippers, socks, lip gloss, Transformers movie, Leap Frog letter game and puzzles.