My Life as a Wife

FRIDAY!

2012-01-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

I've never been so happy to see FRIDAY in all my life!

My first official week of teaching is about to be in the record books friends!

So far this week I've experienced:

- My first noticeable set of "bags" under my eyes.
- The first run-in with someone doing the completely opposite of what I've asked them to.
- A parent that asked "how long I've been teaching."
- First {and last} cafeteria food lunch.
- How quickly kleenex's go.
- The overwhelming feeling that I need to wash my hands 100 times a day.
- A student picking gum off from under the desk and then handing it to me.
- The realization that white boards and chalk boards are filthy at the end of the day.
- The whole "you never gave it back to me" and then it magically appears in their binder.
- Kids "shooting hoops" with trash and the trash can.
- My feet. My poor pitiful feet.

But, I've also gotten tons of
- Mrs. Fouts I love you drawings,
- Mrs. Fouts is so pretty drawings,
- I wish Mrs. Fouts was my mom.
- Mrs. Fouts will you help me after school.
- Mrs. Fouts will you always be my teacher?

You take the good with the bad. The sad with the glad. And at the end of the day all I can do is my very best with these kids. That's my goal everyday - to just do MY best, and hope that they do their best for me in return.

Checking in!

2012-01-25T16:54:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all!!

I don't really have anything important to say, but I thought I should check in and say Hi!

I am LOVING my new job! I can't believe that I'm actually getting paid to do this!!!!!

I really miss JM though - long distance is hard, but we're managing it really well! He's really busy and I'm really busy, so it works!

He's coming home in 2 1/2 weeks and I'm SO SO SO excited!!

Shelby and Molly are LOVING living with me at my parents house. They are SPOILED ROTTEN!! I don't have to worry about them while I'm at school everyday because I know they are getting lots of attention! I can't wait to see how excited they get when JM gets here! :)

New Job!

2012-01-20T20:23:00.000-08:00

My readers that have been with me since the very beginning {June 27, 2008} probably know every single thing that I'm about to type, but for all of you newbies - this should get you all up to speed!!

I graduated from Texas Christian University {TCU - Go Frogs!!} in December of 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Studies. At that time, JM and I had been married for about half a year, and we were actively trying to have a baby {story of our marriage - trying to have a baby! ha!}

I had a sweet little part time job as an administrative assistant {to this day - one of my all time favorite jobs. I loved the guys that I worked for and with!!} Due to two locations merging {and the terrible economy of 2008/2009} my boss was no longer needed, leading to my position no longer being needed as well. Which was okay because I didn't really want to work for anyone but him anyway!! This was March of 2009, and I was hesitant to get a full time job because I just KNEW that we were going to get pregnant at any time, and I didn't like to idea of starting a new job, just to leave it and raise my babies. I also had planned on getting my Teachers Certification after completing college through an alternative certification program.

Why didn't I pursue that in college? I wish I had good answer for you.

My whole life I loved school. Like, loved it. After school I would come home and play school. Growing up I had always wanted to be a teacher {or a waitress - fulfilled that dream during college!} but once I got to college, everyone was business majors. All of my friends, sorority sisters, roommates, everyone. Therefore - I became a business major.

For a semester... or maybe two.

After my grades started slipping, I realized that business wasn't really my strong suit. I took a look at the classes that I had taken over my Freshman year {all 9 of them?} and decided my core communication class was my favorite, and the one that I preformed the best in. That next semester - I was officially a communication studies major.

Yes, it was an impulse decision, and no I had NO idea what communication studies students did after graduation, but I knew that I was good at those type of classes. I wasn't worried about jobs after graduation, I was worried about completing school, getting married, and having lots of babies.

After getting married and graduating college, I was clueless as to what wanted to do with my life. The baby thing wasn't really working out for us, and I knew that I needed to find something that I genuinely like to do.

I like school. I like to communicate. I don't like kids, I LOVE kids. All arrows pointed in one direction - God had given me the talent and the desire to teach.

On March 21, 2009 I began my Alternative Teachers Certification.

JM and I were still living in Granbury, so I subbed for Granbury ISD and took my certification classes. My goal was to get a job teaching that summer for the upcoming school year... or have a baby. Whatever happened first. :)

Summer went by, and I didn't get a teaching position. I didn't even get called for an interview. I was pretty disappointed, and by this time it was already August of 2009, a complete year since JM and I started trying for a baby. I had been without work {except for subbing} since March of that year, and I was getting antsy.

I applied for a job as a teller at a bank in Granbury, and got the job. I absolutely loved that job as well. I worked with some very wonderful ladies, and I enjoyed having a job again.

That November {2009}, JM and I made our first move - we moved from Granbury to Wichita Falls. I only worked at the bank for 3 months, but I was truly sad to say goodbye. I truly enjoyed working at the bank.

After getting settled in Wichita Falls, I let the holidays come and go, and decided that at the first of the year {2010} I was going to look for a "temp" job to do while I was waiting for the schools to start hiring for the 2010-2011 school year, or to have until I got pregnant. I filled out an application and submitted my resume to the school district.

I quickly got a temp job, and made friends with some of my very best friends today. That March I did get called for an interview for a teaching position, but I had already given my word to my current temp job that I wasn't going anywhere. They were making a new position for me, and I just couldn't leave them, or my friends.

That summer {2010} our house FINALLY sold in Granbury, and we moved into our new house in Wichita Falls. In August 2010 we reached two full years of trying for a baby, and we decided to seek the help of a specialist, and get that ball rolling.

We had a wonderful 2010 holiday season, and were excited to see what 2011 was going to bring us.

I wish we could fast forward through ALL of 2011, because I don't want to remember a single thing about it. It was a very hard and dark and unhappy year for me. I struggled A LOT with depression, and self worth, and sadness.

I wasn't happy in my job, but I felt kind of "stuck" in it. Having to deal with the ROLLER COASTER of emotions that infertility brings, and then moving half way across the country away from my family and friends was just TOOOO much for me.

Current Day.

I vowed to myself that 2012 was going to be different.

I thought that it was going to be the year of the Fouts Baby Boom, but God had something else planned.

The day before our last IUI fertility treatment in West Virginia I received a call about a teaching job {In Wichita Falls - remember when I applied for any job there in the beginning of 2010?} The school district just got funding for another teacher, and they wanted me to come in for an interview.

Needless to say: I GOT THE JOB!!!

I am OFFICIALLY a junior high teacher in Texas!

I accepted the offer this past Tuesday, and I've been working in my classroom the past few days. I get my students bright and early Monday morning! :)

My first day of work was Wednesday, the day that we found out that we weren't pregnant.

I prayed for one, and God gave me 61.

and I couldn't be more thrilled.

He didn't forget about me after all.

Also on Wednesday JM sent me "Yay for your new job and I'm sorry we're not pregnant" flowers.

Even 1300 miles away he's still the most thoughtful husband.

A lot of you have been asking about JM and I, since I am now in Texas for good, and he is still up North working.

We're trying a long distance marriage for the time being. Odd? Yes! But he knew how unhappy I was up there, and how hard this past year has been on me, and when I got this opportunity, he was 100% supportive. I let him follow his dreams up North, and he is letting me follow mine back here in Texas.

It's definitely not ideal, but we're making it work.

He's going to come up here for a week in February for Valentines Day and his Birthday, and I'm going to go visit him in March over my Spring Break. We're basically just going to play it by ear for a while!!

If you're still reading this - THANK YOU! I know it was long, and probably boring! But I want it for my keepsake. :)

TGIF

2012-01-20T03:46:00.000-08:00

I love having a reason to use the phrase TGIF again! :)

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Have a great weekend sweet friends!!!

New Year - New You

2012-01-19T17:29:00.000-08:00

I can't apologize enough for my absence this past week. It's been a crazy week, and I haven't had the chance to sit and get it all out on paper.

I'm going to give you all the bullet point version, and then come back hopefully this weekend, and hash everything out in greater detail!!

- We are NOT pregnant. :(

- I am officially staying in Texas for good because I GOT A NEW JOB!!!! {I started yesterday!!}

- JM got another promotion, and he is moving AGAIN!! Only not very far this time, he's going from Morgantown, West Virginia to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania {about 2 hours away.} I am SO SO SO proud of him!!!

These are the "biggies," but don't worry, I'll fill you ALL in ASAP!!!!

BFFs

2012-01-14T05:21:00.000-08:00

My mom watches my niece and nephew during the day while my brother and SIL are at work, so it can become quiet a full house with me, Shelby and Molly all joining in the mix.

We kind of have a love triangle that goes on - Molly LOVES Makenna and Makenna LOVES Shelby.

Molly pesters her 24/7 and the first thing that comes out of her mouth is "No Lolly!!" "No Lolly that's Nenna's face, or leg, or hand," or whatever Molly might have licked or grazed at the time.

Shelby on the other hand is a completely different story. She loves her some Shelby!! She is constantly asking, "Where's Shelby," or she's kissing Shelby, or she's pretending that she IS Shelby. It's quiet hilarious. She'll say, "I love you Shelby so much!"

She likes to pretend to take naps with Shelby

Her eyes are closed here, but she likes to wag her "tail" like Shelby.

Sharing a great conversation.

See how much Shelby loves getting kisses!?! HAHA!!

"Meo, take a picture of me and Shelby!!"

"Meo, take a picture of me rounding Shelby."

This is what we do countless times a day.

and what does Shelby think about her new BFF?

I think the jury is still out on that one!!! HAHA!!

and what about little miss Molly?

The only time Makenna will allow me to take a picture with Molly is if it's by accident.

and sometimes Molly will wander her way into a picture or two! HAHA!

All three are such sweet girls that I love!!!

55 Years Together

2012-01-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

We celebrated my Granny Mart and Papaw's {my dad's parents} 55th Wedding Anniversary last night!

If you ask Papaw how long he's been married, he'll tell you "all day." HAHA!

They're quiet a pair these two - the perfect combination, even after all these years!

Love you both! :)

Cupcake Date

2012-01-11T14:28:00.000-08:00

I met my good friend Macey and her daughter, Miss Kraylee Kate for lunch and cupcakes today!

We went to Kraylee's favorite - "IPOP" aka Ihop for lunch!

Isn't she the cutest little thing?!?!

I think she could pass for my own!! What do y'all think?!

After "IPop" we went and got a little dessert at a new cupcake lounge, Ganache, that we have in town!

I really wanted Kray to take a picture for me by the sign, but this is the best we could get!

Yes, she is holding a rather large rock, and yes, she begged Macey to let her take it home! HAHA!!

The cupcakes were delish!

Kraylee got Birthday Cake, I got Strawberry Shortcake, and Macey got Carrot Cake!

Someone couldn't stop to even take one little picture!!

It was a "sweet" time with some of my "sweetest" friends! :)

Texas Multi Mamas

2012-01-10T16:54:00.000-08:00

I have really been into watching Texas Multi Mamas on WE tv!!

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I have been a reader of Suz Steece's blog Steece's Pieces {a fab Texas mom with quads} for awhile, and when she posted about her new show I couldn't wait to watch!

4 episodes have aired so far, and they are all so good! It's good clean TV, documenting the everyday struggles of being a multiple mom. I laugh {Casey cracks me up,} I cry {when Suz's daughter had to have kidney surgery,} it's just a really interesting show! And they're all from the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas!! So some of the places that they go look very familiar to me!

It comes on Tuesday nights at 7 {central time} on WE tv! Can't wait for tonight's episodes!!

Edited to add: While yes, I still think it's pretty "clean" TV - last night one of the girls did get a boob job and next week I think there is a nasty girl fight go down, so it may not be suitable for young children. At least you don't see any major Kate Gosselin-like meltdowns! HAHA!!

Family Pictures 2011

2012-01-09T17:55:00.000-08:00

For Christmas JM and I, along with my Brother and SIL, gave my parents the gift of a photo shoot! It's hard getting everyone together and somewhat color coordinated, but now that it's over - I think we're all glad that we had them done!

This is the last family picture that we've had taken! It's before my brother got married and had two babies, and long before I got married, and our 2 little puppy dogs came along!

I think I was a junior in High School and my brother was a junior in college - so about 8 or 9 years ago! and I just took this picture with my iPhone while it hangs on the wall in the living room at my parents house - hints the big flash reflection!! ha!

My SIL is best friends with Jessica Bailey with J Bailey Photography and she was nice enough to take these for us the day after Christmas in less than perfect weather conditions!!

Shelby and Molly had so much fun walking {or sometimes running} through the park!

They definitely gave us a workout!!!

Our little Fouts Family

Me with my dad, mom, and brother... the original 4!!

The Girls and the Boys

These are my top 3 favorite family pictures -

1. I like this one because we're all in it and everyone's looking at the camera {for the most part.} Poor little Caden is checking out Molly I think!!

2. I think this one is really cute, but my dad is kind of off by himself and Shelby and Molly are doing their own little thing! Crazy dogs! They aren't always the best models!

3. This one is probably my favorite but Shelby and Molly aren't in it. :( The good thing is that they're dogs and I don't think their feelings will get too hurt!

The next time we'll take family pictures will be when JM and I add to the bunch - I sure hope that's sooner rather than later!! :)

Back in Texas!

2012-01-08T07:34:00.000-08:00

It was sad to say goodbye to JM, but I was ready to come back home! Now that my car and dogs are back in Texas, when I was up North visiting him - I was about bored to tears! He had to work everyday, so I just sat around... with no car, no dogs, and remember right before the holidays that our refrigerator went out? Yeah - we still don't have a fridge up there. So I also had no food!! It was like I was in prison!! HAHA!

Thankfully JM took me out to eat every night so I was a happy camper by sun down!

I went up there with nothing but my purse, because my plan was to bring back as many clothes/shoes/accessories as I could fit in my two biggest suitcases and my carry on.

Mission Accomplished!!!

The only bad thing is that one of my bags was over 50 pounds, and they had already whisked the under 50 pound bag away on the conveyer belt - so I had no way to re-distribute the weight.... which landed me a 100 dollar fine!!!! Just for that one bag!!! On top of the other 60 dollars that I already had to pay for checking two bags!! :(

I was so embarrassed because there was a line a mile long behind me and here I can trying to take out shoes and all these random things to try to stuff into my purse - needless to say, it wasn't working and I just couldn't make that bag 6 pounds lighter. Yes, a little ol' 6 pounds... and a 100 dollar fine.

By the time I got to the security line I was a little bit on the stressed side - a glass of wine would have been nice, especially since flying isn't my favorite thing to do in the first place, but the thought and hope that I might actually be pregnant {fingers crossed!} led me to ordering water, and a salad.

Needless to say, the flight felt like an eternity!

I'm so happy to be back, I missed Shelby and Molly SO much!!!

but I think I'll be missing this guy even more!

We're planning a trip to see each other over the week of Valentines/JM's birthday - if not sooner! :)

Two Week Wait!

2012-01-05T11:27:00.000-08:00

Today went well... I think! It's never very fun to do, but I am always so happy when it's over!

My usual doctor was in surgery all day so another one did the IUI. She did do an ultrasound afterwards and said that everything looks like it's supposed to. But, she didn't mention the cyst/follicle. I don't know if she didn't know to look for it, or if it just didn't seem like a concern.

Either way - I'm so happy that it's over and the dreaded two week wait begins!

That also means that two weeks of no wine or coffee begins today too! So far today I've had orange juice and water - talk about boring!! HAHA!

Let's do a little Bachelor talk to get our mind off of all this baby business!!!

I watch every season and every season I read Reality Steve to find out the outcome, but this season - I haven't read one word on his site!!!

The ladies seemed a little odd, and not near as attractive as they usually do.

I have picked out my favorite.... Nicki from the Lone Star State!!!!

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She seems so fun and sweet and she's beautiful!!! I think she would be a good match for our favorite winemaker Ben!

I can't wait for next Monday so I can hopefully pick some other favorites too! It's hard to get girls names on night one - there are so many of them!!!

Another thing that I'm excited about is that tonight is....

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All new episode!!! Whoo Hoo!!!

They haven't been new since before Thanksgiving!!!!

That's all that's going on up here today - I'm missing my Shelby and Molly like CRAZY!!!! It's so weird to be here without them, but kind of fun because I can eat in bed!! HAHA!

Visiting the hubs!

2012-01-04T16:36:00.000-08:00

I flew out of Texas yesterday to visit JM! We're still going to continue with our fertility cycle this month, {tomorrow is insemination day!!! Please say a prayer for us and hopefully our unborn baby!!} and I need to pack up some more clothes if I'm really going to stay in Texas for a good while!

I flew out of Wichita Falls, and I think I was in the air for maybe 20 minutes. It was the quickest flight ever!!!

Even though the flight was super quick - this is how tiny the plane was.

Thankfully it was super easy and super fast!!!

I got to DFW international airport with about 3 hours to kill until my flight for Pittsburgh took off. I flew a lot over 2011, and I have quiet a few frequent flyer miles saved up, but there is something that I had never done.

I have never gotten to fly First Class... until yesterday!!

I was Group 1 boarding, {which I was thrilled about} and walked up to my gate right when group 1 started to board. I gave them my boarding pass and it did all this crazy dinging at my ticket. I just knew that It was a mistake that I was Group 1 boarding, but NO!! There was a surprise waiting for me!!!

I got bumped up to first class!!!!!!!! I'm STILL so happy about it!! LOL!!

I have longed to fly first class for years!!! It seriously was a dream come true {as silly as that sounds!!} I got dinner, hot nuts, and I was the very first person off the plane!! It was SO awesome!!!!!

I think 2012 is going to be a GREAT year!!!!

Please say a quick little prayer for JM and I in the morning - we're doing our 4th insemination. I have one good sized follicle in the left ovary, and either another one in the right, or it might be a cyst. Please pray that it isn't a cyst, and that it is a fully developed follicle and one, {if not both} get fertilized!!! Our appointment is at 9am East Coast time, so it's 8am Texas time! We both have all the Faith in the world that tomorrow is going to be a very special day for our family. <3

Bling Bling Ring Link Up

2012-01-03T06:10:00.000-08:00

My friend over at Happiness is blog got engaged this Christmas and she's holding a Bling Bling Show your ring linkup!

I think this is a great idea for single girls that are in the "picking out a ring" stage of life. When JM and I went ring shopping I knew nothing about engagement rings, diamonds, cut, etc. Actually, neither of us did! I'm sure we were a ring salesman's dream! haha!!

We went to several different jewelry stores but I don't remember a single ring that I tried on. I know that I tried on several, but for the life of me {it was almost 5 years ago} I don't remember what style, cut, or anything because I had one thing on my mind.

My whole entire life I had one dream.

I wanted my engagement ring to come from Tiffany & Co.

Something about the movie Sweet Home Alabama {my all time favorite!} really spoke to me, and I just dreamed about being Reese Witherspoon in the middle of Tiffany's and my groom saying, "pick one."

It didn't quiet happen like that.

We made the two hour drive to Tiffany & Co one Spring day and we both felt like two little kids trying to make real life grown up decisions. I was only 20, and JM had just turned 21. I'm sure the employees rolled their eyes when they saw us walking up!

I looked into the case and said, "yes, sir... can I try that ring on please?"

He looked at me and said, "Well, you can but we're going to have to go back into the back room with extra security. That's a 100 thousand dollar diamond."

To say that we had no idea what we were doing would be an understatement! HAHA!!

I laughed it off, made some sort of joke that I'm sure embarrassed JM, and said, "where are your smaller diamonds?"

After that the guys was super nice, he realized that we were seriously looking at rings and weren't just a couple of kids on a High School field trip goofing off.

I tried on round diamonds, princess cut diamonds, big, small, etc.

When I tried on my ring - it was perfect.

I have small chubby hands so I decided that a princess cut looked better than round.

It's not quiet 1 cart, and I don't even remember the color or clarity. I just knew that when it was on my finger - it was supposed to be mine.

The guy wrote down all of the ring's info and gave JM his business card. JM went back on Memorial day that year {since he had the day off} to purchase the ring and they were closed!!! He went back a few weeks later and got the ring! I was so nervous that it would be gone!!!

We spent so much money on the engagement ring that we couldn't afford to get Tiffany wedding bands too. So I picked out two of the cheapest bands that I could find at Samuels jewelry store, and I love the way it looks! Although, I'm really hoping for our 5 year anniversary I can get my first Tiffany wedding band! If not it's okay - but that's why I never got my rings sauntered together, I'm holding onto hope that one day I'll get my complete Tiffany set!

Until then, I absolutely love my ring and there isn't a day that I look at it and don't love it!

Speaking of my ring - I'm going to visit my always groom today!!! :) Yay!

My Shelby is 5 today!!!

2012-01-02T06:08:00.000-08:00

Our "firstborn" Shelby turns 5 years old today!!!

She has easily become more than just a dog over the past 5 years. She's my protector, my shadow, my very best friend. She will always be considered our firstborn, even long after she's gone!

I can't imagine life without that sweet face in it!

Happy 5th Birthday sweet Shelby girl!!!!

Bringing in 2012!!

2012-01-01T11:23:00.000-08:00

For some reason I keep typing 2010?!?! Not even 2011, but 2010?! Is anyone else doing this?!

I've been known as a low key New Years Eve person. The last New Years Eve party I attended was NYE 2006, and it was a blast! Since then, JM and I have done super lame New Years Eves. I can't remember the last year I actually stayed awake to bring in the new year.

But... this year has got to take the cake in lame-ness.

This is how we spent it...

On FaceTime! HAHA!

I'm flying out to visit him on Tuesday and I'm so excited!!!

The last day of 2011 was SUCH a beautiful day here in Texas. It was 77 degrees and just gorgeous!

Molly forgot that it was still Winter and went for a little swim.

bless her heart! She didn't stay in very long!!!

We also celebrated my dad's birthday last night with frito chili pies, cake, and presents!

He had a little help with opening his presents!

She was so proud of the card that she got Pops!

Mom and Dad in a deep conversation!

Pops had lots of help with this one... Molly, Caden, Makenna, and Shelby!

I love mom's laugh!!! hahaha it was so funny!

Makenna really thought that Pops needed to bucket it!

She also sat and brushed GiGi's hair for a long this... this cracks me up because look at Caden's face! He's making a face like it hurts him! HAHA! She's quiet the little hair dresser these days!

We had a great time, it was a great way to end the year - but we sure missed JM!!

Kissing 2011 Goodbye!!

2011-12-31T09:05:00.000-08:00

Can I get a Hallelujah!?!!?!

I can say, without a second of hesitation, that year 2011 was my least favorite year to date. I think I will always look back and groan at the thought/mention of 2011.

Between 3 failed fertility treatments, and moving to West Virginia, and basically going into a deep dark depression while I was there - it was definitely not my favorite year.

I am SO happy that today is the last day of the year that I can hardly stand it!!

What are my New Years Resolutions?

This year I am going to focus on making myself happy.

I 100% support my husband, and the decisions that he makes for our family, but decisions that are best for him, aren't always best for me. We love each other enough to do whatever it takes to make sure one another is happy.

I've struggled with a lot of sadness this past year, so in the new year - I'm going to focus on happiness!!!

I have all the faith in the world that 2012 is going to be our best year yet!! :)

Fun with Friends.

2011-12-30T06:46:00.000-08:00

My senior year of high school I spent all my time with the "Fearsome Foursome" - Me, Kylee, Macey, and Amy. Every Monday night we would have slumber parties at Macey's house and meet to eat breakfast together before school. We always had so much fun together!

We've all tried to stay just as close since then, but we all went separate directions with college, and Amy got married and has lived all over the world, etc. Amy currently lives in Florida, but she was in town for a week for Christmas so we all met for lunch! {Except for Macey, she had to work! :( We really missed her!!}

It was so nice to catch up with her! We picked up right were we left off and just laughed and laughed!

The night before we left to do Christmas at JM's parents, we decided that we needed a long overdue night out with some of our best friends!

Randy Rogers and Mike Eli were in town doing an acoustic show and since Randy Rogers is JM's all time favorite, and we're both Eli Young Band fans - we deiced that we should go!

They put on a great show, but - we didn't last till the end. JM and I don't like to stay out past midnight, HA! You know you're old we you truly believe that nothing good happens after midnight!

My BFF Kylee came with us!!!

JM, Me, Kylee, and our friend Sara!

The 3 Amigos! Me, Kylee, and Katie!!!

Look who else I found - Matt!!! I was so surprised to see him, I had no idea that he was even in town!!!

Good friends, Jarrod and Sara!

Love. <3

and last but definitely not least:

Happy Birthday to my Dad!!!! :) :) :)

Collier Christmas 2011

2011-12-29T04:48:00.000-08:00

On Christmas day JM and I slept in and woke up and did our stockings at my parents house. Then JM went back to bed and I ran over to my brother and SILs house to see what Santa brought Makenna and Caden.

Then that afternoon we headed over to my dad's parents house to do the Collier family Christmas dinner.

Uncle Jody with baby Caden

Sweet little girl!

Papaw writes a Christmas poem every year and I am the official Christmas Poem reader. It's a VERY high honor that I don't take lightly! {even when I fumble over words and my cousin Zach calls me out on it!!!}

Speaking of Zach... look at his awesome gift!! I wonder what's in there?!?!

Makenna helping Papaw open gifts!

Me and my main man.

Brother, SIL, Caden, and Makenna

She looks so old here! Such a big girl!

Papaw with "little Scott." His name is Caden Scott {my dad's name} but Papaw really likes to call him little Scott! haha!!

My cousin Morgan and her Fiancé Cory. They're getting married in August! Whoo Hoo!! Can't wait!

Cousin Zach and his sweet girlfriend Katie.

Cousin Chris and baby Caden, she's kind of like the baby whisperer!! She's always been really good with babies, which is good because come May 20th she'll be an official RN!!! Yay!!

My dad and his brothers having a deep conversation, I have no doubt!

Cousin Chris, Aunt Shelly, and sweet Honey girl!

Papaw with his boys.

The original 5!

Granny Mart with her boys.

I hear these 3 where a hand full growing up! I can only imagine!!

Papaw with his best friend for life, Lonnie. They have been the best of friends since like junior high!

Papaw and Granny Mart with their sons and spouses.

Granny Mart and Papaw! Married for well over 50 years and still counting! {although they can never agree on what date their actual anniversary is! HAHA!!}

Two peas in a pod!

While I was forcing everyone to take pictures, I looked over and saw the sweetest sight.

Makenna hopped up and started eating her orange in JoJos lap and stayed there for about 30 minutes!

It's love I tell ya!!

The three original Collier Girls!

Papaw's girl!!

Mom really wanted a picture of us together, she claims that the last one taken was at my wedding, 3 1/2 years ago!

My cousin Zach and I are pretty tight.

Which is why he feels the need to do things like this!!!

and then in return I get the urge to do this to his sister!

We're a crazy bunch I tell ya!

Mom and Dad

I hope you enjoyed our Christmas with a picture overload!!!

We had a really great night, but we really missed Brice, my cousin serving overseas. It just wasn't the same without his smiling face! He comes home in April and we're looking forward to having a great welcome home party!

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-28T06:37:00.000-08:00

We left JM's parents house as soon as breakfast was over and headed back to Wichita Falls to make it to my Granddad and Grandmom's house in time for Christmas lunch.

Christmas Eve lunch is a tradition that's been in place since before I was even born!

After lunch, the great grandkids open presents, and everyone else participates in a Chinese Christmas gift exchange.

The kids could hardly wait to tear into their presents!

Except for Matthew, he's the oldest great grandchild and he's to old to get toys, but to young to enjoy the gifts that are in the Chinese exchange, so he usually just sits there and smiles while receiving iTunes cards and money. He really needs to stop growing, it's really freaking me out!!

Makenna was quiet the gift opener this year! She knew exactly what to do!

and she got her fav - new Barbies!

"Open it JoJo" Have I mentioned the love that has developed between Makenna and JM? She's always been pretty smitten with him, but over the holiday they have really become big buds!

Waiting patiently for it to open!

Caden with his LeLe, while his daddy films his first Christmas!

She's a daddy's girl, that's for sure!

JM and I

All the kiddos - we keep growing!

Sweet brotherly/sisterly love!

The Collier Clan

The Cooper Clan

My cousin Jason and his family were missed, as was my cousin Mark and his FIANCEE' Melissa! Yes, Fiancee y'all, there was a Christmas engagement in the family!! Looks like our family is officially about to grow again!!

After we do lunch and presents and get some good visiting done, our immediant family goes back to my parents house to do presents.

Nenna in front of the Christmas tree!

By this point she was just READY to start opening!!!

Makenna and Meo, we're pretty much BFFs!!!

In the middle of all her presents!

She just can't believe that these are all hers!! hahaha!! There is nothing sweeter than Christmas through the eyes of a child!

Molly opening hers and Shelby's present!! She was cracking me up opening it all by herself!!

GiGi and Caden!

The girl has great taste - she LOVES shoes!!

Cutest boots with the furrrr that I've ever seen!

Meo and JoJo got Makenna a Barbie Airplane! We scaled back this year and got our nieces and nephews only one present each, I've tended to go a little crazy in the past, but since we now have 4 to buy for - we decided that one really good present was enough!

Somebody LOVES Christmas!!!

Caden's 1st Christmas - I can't believe that next year he'll be ripping into everything just like Makenna!

Giving Makenna her big present from GiGi and Pops...

A Barbie Jeep! She was so excited!!! I can't wait to watch her drive it!

After we do presents we all go together to Ihop, another tradition that we've had for YEARS! It was soooo good!

After Ihop we all came back and hung out until the Midnight Christmas Eve service at my Brother's church {he's the Minister of Education.} It was SO cute to see so many cute kids all dressed up in their PJs!!

After we got back we crashed!!! It was a FULL, but FUN and GREAT day!!!

Fouts Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T14:34:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve's Eve, December 23rd, we had our Fouts Family Christmas at JM's parents house in Lewisville, TX. We had such a great time all together!!

JM next to the tree with all the gifts!!!

Blake did such a great job passing out presents, he's getting so old and CUTTTEEE!!

Shelby was protecting Bree and all of her goodies, while Molly was hanging out with Grampy!

JM and I

Me with my sweet little Bree Baby!!

Miss Priss got a mink coat for Christmas, and she was modeling for me!

Brooke {My SIL, Blake & Bree's Mom} and I didn't get a mink coat, but we did get some pretty vests with a faux fur lined hood!

We had a great time eating, opening presents, and spending time together. After the kids went down, JM, Brooke, James, and I played the Awkward Family Photos board game and just laughed and laughed!! It was hilarious!!! Unfortunately, I had a hard time not laughing and giving away the answers so it wasn't very competitive, so after two rounds we switched to Apples to Apples and played into the wee hours of the night! Brooke ended up being the Apples to Apples champion!! Yay Brooke!!

Road Trip!!!

2011-12-26T03:00:00.000-08:00

You know when you hear a story, and then someone else tells you the exact same story only it sounds totally different, and you always wonder - what really happened? You have her story, his story, and then the real story?

During this Road Trip post I'm going to give you my version of the road trip to Texas, and JM's version, and then let you decide for yourself what the real story is!

Amanda's version:

The girls did SO SO SO SO SOOOO good on the trip down!! We didn't even have to give them any sleeping pills, they were just perfect little angels!

They also get to mark "Stay in a Hotel" off their bucket list!! I think they did really good for their first time in a hotel! Shelby had one little accident, but it's understandable because the excitement just got the best of her.

The girls jumped from bed to bed, just like kids do, and tails were wagging like crazy!

We loved our hotel experience!!!

JM's version: {even though I'm writing this, this is what he was thinking - I'm sure!}

The girls did okay on the road trip. If they weren't fighting over a window....

Then Shelby was insisting on sitting in my lap... while driving.

Then, the whole hotel experience. They both barked and growled at any noise, and since it was a pet friendly hotel, there were lots of odd noises. This is where they spent most of the night barking while my dear wife was sleeping without a care in the world. I just knew that we were going to get kicked out!

Nothing would settle them down, and I was the one that had to stay up with them. Oh, and did I mention that I just got done driving for 15 hours?

Meanwhile - my wife thinks that this is just the most fun thing in the world.

You would never have guessed that she spent the last 5 hours complaining of being hungry/tried/bored.

What for sure happened. {we both agree on this story!}

We did leave bright and early, and the girls did pretty good for not getting medicated.

We saw lots of interesting landmarks and did lots of window sightseeing. {we came back a different way then how we drove up there last time. We both enjoyed this route more!}

The Saint Louis Arch

We ate Burger King, Hardies, and McDonalds all while driving, and yes the girls got their own meal too.

We filled up for gas 4 different times, and let the girls out every time. We only stopped at truck stops and they all had a "Dog Potty Park" that the girls enjoyed sniffing out.

JM drove all the way from Morgantown, WV to Joplin, MO the first day, and I drove from Joplin, MO to Oklahoma City, OK the second day, and then JM took us home after stopping for breakfast in OK.

I was so happy to see this Oklahoma Sunrise the morning of the second day, and I was so happy to see that flat land!!!

Welcome to TEXAS!!!

I just about cried when we crossed that state line!!

Only the greatest state in the world!!!!

The girls knew when we crossed into the Lone Star State too! They were two happy campers with tails wagging 90 to nothing!!!

The road trip was a lot tougher than both of us remembered, and the girls and I aren't quiet ready to make the long haul back yet, so we've decided to stay here for awhile!!

We're going to play these next couple of months by ear, and enjoy some time in Texas! I will go back for New Years and to do our fertility treatment in a few weeks! I start my new medication on Tuesday, please keep us in your prayers that we will FINALLY have a successful cycle. The holidays are so hard with empty arms; we both feel as if someone is missing. We pray that that little life will be with us next year!

Merry Christmas 2011!!

2011-12-25T08:05:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Happy 1st Birthday Bree!!!

2011-12-22T06:54:00.001-08:00

Happy 1st Birthday to our sweet niece Bree!!! I can't believe that she's already one!!! Remember last Christmas when she was brand new?! {Click on the link to see her on her "birthday" last year!!}

She is SO adorable!

Just like her big brother, Blake!!

She had her 1st Birthday party this past Sunday, and JM and I made it just in the nick of time!! We were so happy to have made it, I never want to miss our nieces or nephews birthday parties!!

Here is Blake and his friend Lawson partying it up!! Lawson has two of the nicest parents in the world, they're family friends on both JM's and my side, so we see him at Blake and Bree's parties, and at Makenna's and {someday} Caden's parties!

Bree with her Nonnie!

The Birthday girl with her Nonnie and Grampy!

Bree with her mommy {my SIL} Brooke!

The Blakester with his Grampy - they're big buds!

Blaker with his Nonnie! He wasn't happy when Nonnie and Grampy were about to leave but Nonnie assured him that he was going to visit them this week and we're all going to open presents!!! He thought that was a pretty good idea!!

The Fouts' Boys!!! What a good lookin' group! I'm so lucky to get to share my last name with them! :)

Happy Birthday Sweet Bree!!

We love you pretty girl!!!

Christmas Party

2011-12-19T14:47:00.000-08:00

We've made it to Texas! {More about the drive down in a different post.} We left Saturday morning because we had JM's work Christmas party on Friday night.

It was in Pittsburgh, and we had a great time!

It was for the Pittsburgh shop and the West Virginia shop, so our friends Dustin and Colin were there too!

Dustin, Colin, and I were all in the same grade going through school, and since we went to such a small school {grades K-12} we're all pretty close. It's always so fun to get together!

We stayed out pretty late, and left pretty early the next morning for our loooonnnngggg road trip!