Ok so I have the best Dad ~ HANDS DOWN!

I do these little focus group/study things for extra cash in my pocket and I had 2 calls last week for 2 different ones on the same night. Now if any of you have ever done these you know the money is good and it's quick..especially on an off pay week. Well since Kyle and I switched weeknights from Wednesday to Tuesday because of us getting involved at FBC, it was cool..right? The kids would be with Kyle..no prob..ofcourse I would love to sign up for both and I did. Well I get a call from Sunday saying he has to work late Tuesday and can't take the kiddos til Thursday...URGH! I call Aunt Tina cause she is the "bestest" aunt in the world...she can't watch'em she works til 8:30. Then I call my mom cause you know she would do anything for her Ash...Val forgets Mommy has school until 8:00 on Tuesdays. Lee Roy all of you know is at work at the hotel almost everyday so he was not able to watch'em. When I was on the phone with my mom she said..well I go to school but I can ask Dad for you if you want. OH MY GOODNESS!! Now I know he loves to prove that he is MR. INDEPENDENT and he has taken each of the kids to a Ranger game on his own...BUT this was going to be both of MY kids at the same time... OH-OH! For almost 4 hours. She calls me back and says.."Dad said he would LOVE to spend Papa Jake time with them" REALLY? I asked. I took the kids over to my parents house and dad was waiting for them in the living room. They come running in the door and are soo excited to see him like if they hadn't seen him in years. Jonathon can't start talking fast enough to tell dad about some Star Wars stuff and Ashleigh starts talking about her musical theater class at LifeSong Studio. Dad tells me, ok Val see you later :)...too funny. I finished my studies and came to pick them up..they had eaten Pizza Hut for dinner and had been playin Wii with dad.(yes my parents have a wii and the wii fit...and they're actually REALLY GOOD). The kids talked about it ALL the way home. THANKS DAD for making memories!

Happy Anniversary Nana Lizzy and Papa Jake(and Val)

My parents have been married 24 Years as of 9/01/2008. I always joke with them and tell them that it is OUR anniversary because I was 5 when my parents got married. Just like Ash was when Lee Roy and I got married. Every year I ask them... Where are WE going for OUR anniversary?? This year dad drove mom and I to Allen for some shopping and then to Salt Grass for an early dinner. I spent the entire day with them and it was so great. As a parent I love the time with my kids as they are young and growing up. Even though I will be 30 on the 24th I still love to hang out with my parents. They are fun to talk to and have grown up conversations with. I talk to my mom at least 3 to 4 times a day AND SOMETIMES MORE. Can you imagine not having your mother call you at least 1 time a day??? NO!! THEN...When dad cooks, he calls us over to dinner. Ashleigh loves her papa Jake's cooking! Now that we are in Euless it is 5 minutes to my parents house... LOVE IT!!!

Our weekend ~ Fun, sweet and even a little romantic~ DAY 2

SEA TURTLE W/ AMP'D FIN
UPSIDE DOWN JELLY FISH
WE FOUND NEMO!!!
MOMMY AND THE BABIES
SHARKS AND RAYS

Sunday Ash and I got up super early and made it to church by 8 am. I had to be there at 815 am for check in and rehearsal fo choir. I love it so much. I haven't posted about this yet but Lee Roy and I joined First Baptist Colleyville and could not be happier! I have plugged in with the adult choir and Ashleigh in the kids praise team and choir. Like mother like daughter. We are so blessed to have found a church home where everyone enjoys going... even Jonathon. They have a great group of 5th and 6th graders that have made J just really comfortable. So.... After church we came home and ate lunch and headed out for FAM DAY2. We took the kids to the Aquarium at Fair Park. It was ok, we got to see the shark feeding and the kids enjoyed it. We wanted to start at the smaller aquarium before we took them to the big one and find out they didn't like it. After the aquarium Ash splashed around the fountain @ fair park.

Our weekend ~ Fun, sweet and even a little romantic

Ash and the Flamingos

Lee Roy and the kids
Mommy Ash and the new baby from B-a-B @ Zoo
This is "SAM"
Ok, so Lee Roy had the weekend off and it was the kids weekend at home. We were tired of the same old boring stay at home all weeknd so Lee Roy suggested we go and have a "FAMILY" DAY1 and DAY2. Day 1: we went to the FtWorth Zoo and had a blast. We saw all kinds of animals and Ashleigh was so excited. After the zoo we came home took showers and got ready to go to dinner in downtown. Ashleigh picked TGI Friday's and Lee Roy suprised us all with a carriage ride after dinner... so sweet and very fun!

MY GRANDMA is the best in the WORLD!

After work my grandma came to pick up my babies and they went to spend the night at her house. You know how great it was as a kid going to grandma's.... you remember!! Grandma picks them up, they go to dinner and hang out all evening. She such an awsome blessing to us and especially me. My grandma is 62 and has more energy than me...I think. She asked Ash where she would like to go for dinner and Ash said Crystals. My grandma said well I don't think you want to go there to eat, you just want to play and I don't think Jonathon wants to go there anyway....and what does my daughter reply???? We can go, bubba doesn't count... don't ask him just tell him.. Nice huh? That's my girl!

JUST ENJOYING THEM ~ A MOTHER'S LOVE

Ashleigh Being a sweetie ~ Playn w/ J and P.Rgrs





My advise on having kids..... You have to have them. At least one. School will be starting Monday. That just shows how fast this summer has gone by. My Jonathon is such a lovable, sweet boy. He is a hand full but my little man is growing up so fast. I was sitting on the couch tonight as Ashleigh and I sat to watch Annie and he caught my eye. He was just sitting on the chaise pulled up a TV tray and started playing with his power Rangers. He was so focused on these action figures I asked him what he was thinking about. He looks at me and smiles this awsome smile...."I am creating the next episode in my head. I don't want to bother you and Ashleigh" Such a lil gentleman. I looked at him and said buddy you are such a sweetie. Miss Ashleigh is such the mother hen...she is in the background reminding him that in about 15 minutes it's shower and bed. LOL!





How can people want to hurt children? I see these stories on the news about these idiots shaking, killing and abusing these precious babies.





Doesn't stop there, people who intentionally hurt kids with words or actions. If you don't want to deal with a child or children don't have any or stay away from them all together. These kids are smart and they see when someone is pretending or when someone is trying to hurt them.





This is why I pray for my kids all day everyday. I also thank God that they are always surrounded by people who actually love them. Just look at them, they are gifts from God. God doesn't play.





You're wondering what is wrong?? Why is she posting this?? She needs a shrink? No, I have Jesus he is all the help I need! Do you?

Cowboys watch party/ Back 2 to School Beach Bash

Cowboy watch Party/Hawaiin Back 2 School Beach Bash. This weekend was so fun we had such a great time with friends and family. Saturday two of my BFF's came over with their kiddos(and niece) to have some fun at our place. We made tons of food and just had a great time swimming and hangin out. Kyle and his family joined us too. Nana and Papa(Clark) suprised Jonathon with some birthday gifts, he was thrilled! Tina, Henry and my mom came over, my mom only stayed for a little bit she had to get back to tend to dad. Lee Roy was the grill "BOSS" and did such a great job with the fajitas and the riblets. The sausage, hot dogs and burgers were also "YUMMO". The kids had the best time which is what is really important. Ellie 1 of my BFF's has a Jonathan too who is also Autistic. He is so special, just to look at him brightens my day he loves swimming and I was so glad they came. Her other baby Lisette is the most adorable little punkin!! She just turned three and loves the pool. She swims better than mommy...sorry El but you know it true! Belinda my other BFF came and brought her niece Katie...smart and sweet Ashleigh and Katie got along so well. Ashleigh cried when she left but Katie promised they could have a "play date" again soon. She is too cute!

Pics I haven't posted from the last two weeks

Uncle LR and Leighton
Cushy huh Leighton?
My babies with Drue and Rick (Lee Roy's Parents)
He wasn't ok with that hat at 1st - LOL!

My Baby Girl ~ Ashleigh
Jonathon hangin with Leighton
HAHA - Who has the bigger BALD spot?? LR or Ricky J
Drue and Leighton
Wendy Leighton & Nana(Drue)

Time with Lee Roy's Parents and the "Frisco Russells" :) We went over to Rick and Wendy's for some swim time and then to BABES for Jonathon's birthday dinner with Big L's family. Here are some PICS. Enjoy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY JONATHON ~ 11 YEARS OLD

JONATHON IS 11 TODAY!! He was born on a Wednesday in 1997. That was the summer that was so HOT. Being huge and prego was a nightmare. I wouldn't trade a minute of it at all. The origin of Jonathon is Hebrew and means "God has Given". I thank God everyday for my Jonathon, to protect him and watch over him. He is truly a blessing to me and to this family.

Happy Birthday Buddy...

I love you!

WORKING FROM HOME ~ Started 8/04

Thank you Lord for the many blessings in my life. My faith, my husband, my children, my family, health and...... MY JOB that now allows me to WORK FROM HOME 3 days a week!!! WOOHOO! :)

Two years ago, I was offered a test spot on the pilot for work at home. With my dad's accident, I missed work for 2 weeks and the pilot went on without me. Sprint is a great company to work for, the benefits are outstanding, but overall the company has taken care of me for so many years. Even before I worked here Sprint has taken care of me since my parents have been married. I just came in did my job met my customer needs, and prayed that my turn would come soon. God has his timing for it ALL!

GUN BARREL CITY TEXAS

How you doin?
J ~ ChillinAsh w/Steve's Girls
Ashleigh Cheesin
Kyle took the kids to the lake out in Gun Barrel City.?. They just called at 2:30 and said they are having a great time and are "exploring" an island :)~ Anywhoo... Here are some pics.. More to come I'm sure.

My Mom's procedure ~ 7/23/08

Mom went in for a procedure this morning and is now at home resting. I took her in and brought her home. Tina and I went to pick up her medicine from CVS and picked up lunch for dad. She was uncomfortable when I left but I gave her her medicine and waited for her to fall asleep. I left her in very good hands. God, Dad and Tina. :)

I was going to come in at 2 but decided with the way I saw my mom that the earlier I came to work the earier I could get back to her. I have never seen my mom hurt or in pain in any way. I guess being the daughter you never seem to see mom down. She is the one that keeps everyone going. Making sure everyone else is taken care of before her. I have always seen my mom on the go, with dad, work, Tina & I even with Lee Roy and my kids. Just a strong woman! The kind of woman that doesn't like to see anyone need anything, if it's broken she wants to fix it!

The Dr. found something while doing this procedure and has sent it off for testing. Dr. said she wasn't too concerned about it but wanted to have it tested anyway. I just ask from my friends and family, prayer! Pray for my mom to feel better and that whatever the Dr. nd/or lab finds that it be nothing of concern!

Get Well Mommy I love you!

Val

My Niece ~ Leighton 4 Month Pic

THIS IS SUCH A GREAT PIC...WHAT A DOLL!!!

Our "Chillin Out" Weekend

OK, so our plan was to go out of town on a romantic get-a-way but that didn't happen. Lee Roy had been working so much he finally got a couple of days off on a weekend and we thought about just getting away. Our first choice was Galveston, since Lee Roy works for Hilton Hotels we wanted to take advantage of the great deals we could get. The Hilton resort we wanted to go to was booked so we said.. Well there is always old faithful... San Antonio. The hotels that we really wanted to stay at were also booked. We will have to go on a non-summer month. None of or plans worked out this time so we just spent quality time together, the kids went to their dad's for the weekend. Friday my parents invited us to join them for a Ranger Game v.s. the Chicago White Sox. That was a blast watching the 7 to 2 Win over the Sox. Saturday, Lee Roy and I went to Allen to do a little shopping. Lee Roy found some really great deals on some work shoes at Foresheim (spelling?), my mom, sister and grandma & me.. :) found a couple of great bags at the Coach outlet. For dinner, Lee Roy and I had a quiet & cozy dinner at Maggiano's @ North Park. Sunday was awsome. I have been praying that Lee Roy and I grow in our relationship with God. We have been attending First Baptist Colleyville for a couple of years on and off. We have been trying to find a church home where we can plug in and the kids will enjoy going too. The more we go to FBC the more we feel that God is calling us to serve at this church. Pray for us that we can openly hear God speaking to us. We are looking for a church that is not huge or too tiny and I really believe FBC is the place.

ASHLEIGH IS A LUCKY LIL LADY...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZBoPlCzuRY

Kyle got Ashleigh tickets to see the Jonas Brothers 7/09/08. He was going to take her and make it a daddy/Ash thing but ended up having to work. Soooo, the lucky one turns out to be me! I get to spend the evening with a bunch of TWEENS and BOY CRAZY TEENS! The concert is at superpages.com center in Dallas and in July heat.....? I dunno, does that meanI am getting old? Oh well Ashleigh has been wanting to see the JB's for a long time now so I guess I can hang out in the Texas heat with her. We have boycotted Hannah Montana, a young lady with NO room for GOD in her thank you speeches has NO place in our house. I will take pics and post'm Thursday.

July 4th Week/Weekend

This past week was great! Getting settled into our new home, spending time with people we love and just taking the time to enjoy life. I have almost finished emptying boxes and getting things where I want them. The kids are loving their "own" rooms and realizing how much they love each other and the funny thing?... They miss being together in the same room. They won't say it but you can tell, they are so funny. So far they have been super sweet to one another so I hope that keeps up. They extend courtesies to one another like if one goes to get a drink they ask the other if they would like one too... just too funny. Like I said Lee Roy has been working round the clock, one of they guys at his work has been out of the country and Lee Roy has had to pick up his shifts. Great $ but I miss my Papa Bear! Thursday was Kyle's birthday and the kids got him some great gifts. Jonathon got dad a gift card to BONE DADDY'S and Ashleigh got daddy an EXXON GIFT CARD. PETRO AND FOOD great birthday gifts....TIMES R ROUGH! Thursday night the kids called up my grandmother and asked to go spend the night. Well anyone who knows my grandma, knows that all my babies have to do is call and she is as good as there. I used to be the favorite and I was my grandma's princess...everyone knows it ask my sister and my other cousins...LOL! Anyway..I have been d-throned. Now it is Ashleigh who is Queen and this girl works it! I know, I used to do the same exact thing. "Mom can I go with you?" Oh Yes sweetie...give me 30 minutes and I will be there she would say! Ash is always ready to go ... ANYWHERE! She just wants to be on the go and busy, no matter our plans or schedule, she wants to be moving. Well since the kiddos were gone and Lee Roy was working I went to hang out with my mommy :). Dad, Mommy, Tina and I watched a movie together just spent some fun family time. We watched Meet the Brown's. That movie was H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S!!! We love Tyler Perry movies. Friday the kids were still at mom's(what we call my g-ma)so my mom, Tina and I did some shopping then to the POOL we went. We went swimming and laid out for a couple of hours. Yes we're MEXICAN but we still need some sun...my legs were as WHITE as Lee Roy's..LOL! The cool thing about us tanning is that we burn a little but it turns BROWN not orange or something un-natural like a fake bake bed or tanning sprays. I'm a little lobster right now, but in a couple of days I will be toasted and get some of my "MEXICAN" look back...LOL! later on that evening the kids came back from g-ma's and we hung out at my mom's house until about 8:30. Then Tina, Henry, Gavin (Henry's son) Ash, Jonathon and I went to see fireworks at Grapevine Lake. We parked by the Gaylord and the Great Wolf Lodge and enjoyed the fireworks over the lake.

The "A" Word VS The "V" Word....

Now ya'll know I work for Sprint and so do my mom and sister... Well we have decided that AT&T is the "A" word and Verizon is the "V" word. So when in my or my mommy's house .... we don't say those names, they are only letters. :)

In Irving we had VFios and now that we have moved to Euless we only had the option of the "A" word's U-Verse.... This U-Verse thing just stinks. The service is bad the channels are not even close to the amount you get with Fios. The customer service techs are OVER SEAS! OMG! Just the worst pick anyone could make. I wish they would get Fios in that area. We will be getting direct TV, this is just ridiculous.

Moving was a REAL Pain In The.....

Well I know it has been a while since I posted last but finally got time to "stop and smell the roses". The most important is that my sister is doing very well and we are all in good health. Lee Roy has been working a lot and that is good and bad at the same time. I miss him and the kiddos do too. The move went well. We had an issue at the last minute with the moving company that we had hired. They failed to tell Lee Roy that things had to be packed to their specifications or they were going to have to re-pack it themselves on our dime....uh.. NOT JUST NO BUT H TO THE N!!!! After fighting with this person on the phone we got our deposit back and hit the internet and the yellow pages at 430 on a Sunday afternoon. Now you know that if they are even open on Sunday it is only til 4 or 5... Not too many were open and we were running out of numbers to call when I looked up into the sky and pleaded.." GOD HELP US" You know God has his time for everything in our lives and this was about that time for us.. Within 5 minutes of my plea, God answered. Lee Roy had left a message for Torres Moving Company and the phone call was returned...The owner himself was on the other line. He asked what we needed to move and when we needed to move it .... No Hay Problema, he told me.. NO PROBLEM. I am at another job but can be there to move you at about 8 if you don't mind it being so late. We were like if you can get here, we will wait. This man was so great, he had two assistants and they were hard working people that where about making their money and getting the job done. They got there at 759 and unloaded the last box at 1230 AM. We paid the men for 5 full hours because they helped us out of a bad spot. Need a mover? Torres Moving Co.

We will be moving ~ 6/22/08

Lee Roy and I decided to find a larger apartment instead of a house right now. We found a really nice community in Euless. The movers will be here on Sunday to get us out of the "ghetto" kinda makes you feel like George and Wizzy or the Beverly hillbilly's ......LOL!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb6ErLPt4t8

Thank you Again From KRod! :)

The Curious George "Jorge" with the pink flowers was a gift from Mommy

The "Po" from Kung Fu Panda was a gift from Ashleigh & Jonathon (Bubba as aunt Tina calls him)

The Yellow and White Daisies w/Yellow roses in the Smiley Cup~ Mike & Sandy Clark (Kyle's Mom & dad)

The flower/butterfly cookie bouquet was from my mom's friends in KC~Les & Barb

The Tiny Yellow roses and the dancing flower from Ashleigh

The flowers with the BIG red bow were from Tina's Boyfriend Henry

The other large floral arrangement was from my mom's co-workers ~Sprint