H is ALSO for...

HYDRATE HOPE
bobby and i had the privilege of going to an event last night @ market street in the woodlands. it was an event put on by a friend of ours that began a project called HYDRATE HOPE.
here's a blurb from their website:

Hydrate Hope is a movement that began out of asking the question, “with so many needs in the world, where can we begin to make a difference”. Our answer…start with the biggest. With water being the #1 killer in the world, our passion is to engage this preventable global atrocity head on.

Over 1.1 Billion people in our world have no access to clean water.

That's basically 1 out of every 6 people on our planet.

More than 2 million people, mostly children, die each year from preventable waterborne illnesses.
check the website out to learn more:

http://www.hydratehope.org

it was an amazing contrast...

huge banners and photos of women & children in africa, drinking from filthy mudholes...

meanwhile, surrounded by an enormous, glittery christmas tree with pricey shops, boutiques and restaurants...people strolling by, arms loaded with packages to put under their trees.

we first went to africa in 2000. there's no doubt at all that we'll be returning.

H is for HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARSON!

happy birthday to you,

happy birthday to you,

happy birthday deeeeeeeeeeear carson,

happy birthday to you!

life would NOT be the same without carson.

he keeps us laughing.

he keeps us refereeing.

he keeps us praying.

those who know me know i have a zero tolerance policy in my home for naughty words. the big kids have, unfortunately, grown wise to the fact that the 'S' word isn't actually stupid or shut-up.

but carson is still rather naive.

so the other night at basketball evaluations for a church rec league, he's awaiting his turn to do timed drills. he turns to me quite proudly and says,

'mom, when it's my turn i'm going to go out there and kick some a$$.'

oh my gosh. i'm still giggling about it. of course, i kept a straight face at the time & we had a little chat...the public school playground is most likely the culprit here...we'll have to stay on our toes LOL.

we're having birthday festivities after school today, so more pics later :)

G is for GOOFY

we had an impromptu photo shoot by the christmas tree. as you can see, they're certainly not in their christmas finery & their hair is not done, etc.

but i believe i've captured the true spirit of my children and i'm more than a little frightened LOL

and so, here it is...

G is for GOOFY!









oh, and don't ask what's going on with hudson's shirt...he's um...a little...um...exposed. i think he's actually got on one of carson's polo shirts? but i can't say for sure. consider yourself flashed.

F is for FANTASTIC!

tonight was the induction ceremony for NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY! there are over 1200 kids in the seventh and eighth grade at austin's school. so it's a big deal to be chosen. we're so proud of you, austin! FANTASTIC job!

austin's friend justin was also inducted! kudos to justin as well!

some pics of the boys...and their proud mommas :)

E is for EAT...

happy belated thanksgiving.


we ate, we drank (sweet tea, that is), and we were merry. and now we are officially headed full steam ahead for christmas. it's hard to believe that the year is almost over!

this was my first time EVER to host thanksgiving. we had our friends, the collins family, as well as a dear friend of theirs, 'mr. pat', over for dinner. food, in the company of friends, ALWAYS tastes better.

including some pics from before our guests arrived. hudson was having the traditional pilgrim meal of fruit loops, carson was wiped out from getting up too early, so excited for thanksgiving day, and austin was not thrilled with me surprising him with the camera while he was napping LOL

we interrupt this A-Z format for an important public service announcement:

dear "terri from ohio,"

i read your comment and don't have long distance.

i tried to click on your name but it won't show your profile :(

call my mom, or ask one of my sisters, and they'll give you my home phone, okay?

can't wait to catch up and see pictures of your sweet family.

xoxo,

"wendy in texas."

:)

D...

one of the benefits of having our kids so spread out: FREE BABYSITTING!


it's so nice to be able to escape...even if it's just to go hang out. old town spring is right up the road from us and is filled with all kinds of neat little shops. definitely a fun place to explore if (or should i say WHEN) you come and visit :) book those tickets, my friends!

C is for COOL

WOW, what a difference a day makes.

This morning, 55.

Today's high, 67.

Today's low, 37.

BRRRRR...

SPEAKING OF COOL...Carson got to wear his fall coat for the first time today. He is feeling like a pretty cool dude right now. All poses, his idea LOL

I love this kid.

B is for BALMY!

MUY CALIENTE!!!!!

can you say HOT HOT HOT?

today, NOVEMBER 14th, we had a high of 87 degrees.

hot cocoa, anyone?

A is for Absolutely Amazing Angela

So my sweet friend Angela has this blog that's just unbelievable...it's what every blog should be...it's what I want my blog to be when it grows up LOL

I popped in the other day to check it out and she had this totally cool A-Z blog thing going on :)

I'm stealing your idea, Ang :)

(and I'm also going to be stealing your recipes...oh my gosh, I can't wait to try the soup and sandwiches!)

and so, one more time: A is for Absolutely Amazing Angela

Miss you chica!

If you want to check Ang's blog (just promise you won't jump ship and never come back to mine), here it is in all it's fabulous-ness:

http://emilypowers.typepad.com/inbloom/

hair's lookin' at you, kid!

when jordan was little, she had stick-straight hair. it was so fine and thin. i remember our hair-girl, liz, saying just wait...it can change.

oh, how it's changed.

aunt jennjer, these pics are for you LOL

are you SURE she's not YOURS?