Days of a Duschamp

Mr. and Mrs. Duschamp

2010-10-18T16:35:00.007-05:00

Kevin's brother Michael and Emily finally got married this past weekend. The wedding was beautiful!

The newly weds!

There were strawberries around the cake I just took the picture to soon

Kevin and Michael

We are so cute!! haha! The wedding was the first time I have ever seen Kevin in a suit/tux. He looked so handsome!

Jennifer (sis-in-law)and I were bridesmaids. And Jenn's daughter Brooklyn was the flower girl and Braden the ring bearer.

Livestock Show

2010-03-04T17:24:00.005-06:00

I took the kids to the livestock show, along with girlfriends of mine Jenn, Amy and Kim and their kids

HAM!

Amy and her son Jackson

Kim and her daughter Eva

"cool sheep"

milkin his first cow

Braden was amazed by the animals

If you can see, the deer on the left is tryin to eat Braden's shirt. Braden told it "NO NO DEER".

We all had soooo much fun!

Happy V-Day!!!

2010-02-28T15:05:00.001-06:00

Baby Girl's First Valentine's Day

Mama's Boy!

Braden's 3rd Birthday

2010-01-30T13:06:00.005-06:00

GiGi made his awesome cake!!!! We had Braden's birthday at Chuck E. Cheese this year. He loved it!

Our Birthday Boy! I can't believe how fast he's growing up! We love you baby boy!! The last 3 years have been the best in our lives!

Big Boy got a Big Boy Bike from Great Aunt Kara

We got him his very own F-150
We had been wanting to take Braden to Monster Jam and it happened to be the night of his party. It was one busy day!

Lil Guy had sooo much fun. All he taks about is monster trucks now

The boys! We brought my lil brother Jared with us

Happy 2010!!!

2010-01-01T00:20:00.001-06:00

Christmas Eve!!! 2009

2009-12-24T17:45:00.004-06:00

We had Christmas eve with Kevin's dad, brother Michael and our future sister-in-law Emily.

Calvin made a awesome Christmas dinner for us. Cajun fried turkey yum!!

Throwing out the reindeer food
We were checking Natos Santa tracker to see where Santa was before we headed off to bed

Xmas is coming!!!

2009-12-11T11:38:00.005-06:00

Coming Home!!!

2009-12-05T18:48:00.004-06:00

Braden and Alexis meet for the first time.

My sweet babies

Alexis Kaylee

2009-12-03T20:58:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving Day Baby!!!

2009-12-03T14:52:00.003-06:00

Alexis Kaylee Duschamp is here!!!!
born November 26 on Thanksgiving Day
6 lbs. 9 oz. 17 1/2 in. long

My water broke at 4am on the 26th when Kevin was getting ready for work. Kevin was boss at work that day. He had to go and wait for someone to relieve him. Kevin's dad came and picked me and Braden up and took me to hospital where my mom was waiting for me. It didn't take long! My mom and sis-in-law Jenn were in the delivery room with me. 4 hours and 32 mins after my water broke Alexis decided she was coming. With no drugs, no doctor and two pushes the head nurse on duty delivered her safely in to world. Kevin didn't make it, but it was ok. He got there soon after. Crazy!!! It was a very fast and easy delivery! Alexis really want to be here for Thanksgiving I guess!

I have tons of picture coming soon!!!!

"Lets All Eat For Two Today"

2009-11-16T12:26:00.005-06:00

My sis-in-law came in town from Dallas/Ft. Worth this past weekend. She put together a really nice baby shower for me at Pappa's Seafood.

Me and Jenn (sis-in-law) Thanks Jenn!!!!
Emily(future sis-in-law), Kevin, Me, Michael (bro-in-law),Jenn with my niece Brooklyn and Sean (bro-in-law). No, Braden is not pictured he wasn't in the mood for picture taking.

Me, my mom, Jared and Diana

Kevin, Seth, Me, Memaw Rives, Ashley, Tina and Randy

My good friends from high school Jennifer and Shelby.

Brooklyn is getting so big. Sweet lil girl!!!
The one picture I got of Braden. He's playing with cars of course.

I had a great time!!! Thank to everyone who came!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-11-02T12:17:00.004-06:00

Oct.25 we went to Halloween in the Park.

Diana, Jared and cowboy Braden

Wink! Daddy taught him how to do that.

Halloween Night!!! Trick or Treat!! Braden knew what to do right away. He ran up to a door yelling Trick or Treat, when he got his candy he said thank you. I was so proud of my lil cowboy.

Belly Shots

2009-09-22T22:52:00.004-05:00

28 weeks, 7 months I had a doctors appt. today. Baby Alexis is doing great and growing well!!!! I had a gluecose test, I'm hoping everything goes well with that. I should find out tomorrow. I took Braden with me today, for the first time. He was able to hear Alexis's heartbeat. After he heard it he said "there's baby in mama"! It was sooo cute!

Here we are at 26 weeks

From above

now @ 28 weeks

Baby Update

2009-08-16T14:39:00.003-05:00

I'm 23 weeks now. Moving into the 6th month. We are getting so excited to meet our baby girl. We picked her name the night we found out she was a SHE. Alexis Kaylee!!! We both agreed and liked the name right away. I have been feeling fabulous!!! She has been moving/kicking a ton. I love that feeling. I try to take a nap when Braden does, why not right!! He takes a lot of my energy during the day, with the running, playing, eating, singing and dancing, and hide and go seek ect. What do you expect he's 2 right. I love that kid so much! I wouldn't change this life for anything.
Belly shot

Her room is painted and finished. All of the furniture was used by me, my sister, brother and Braden when we were babies. The dresser was actually my mom's when she was a kid.

Lemonade Anyone

2009-08-16T14:28:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, my little brother and sister setup a lemonade stand. They did very well. Braden helped a little.

The hard work made him thirsty

Braden is on a break. He picked out his shoes that day by the way.

Results are in.......

2009-07-16T18:42:00.008-05:00

Just before the scan!!! Nervous and Excited!!!!
It's A Girl!!!!! We are soooo excited!!!! We can't wait to meet our little princess. She's going to be sooooo spoiled. "A Daddy's Girl!!!" I just know it. Doctor is saying she is 10 oz now, and everything looks great!! It's time to pick a name.

Moody Gardens

2009-07-14T10:42:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago we went to moody Gardens with The Jacksons(Kevins Aunt and Uncle).
You can see my baby bump in this one.

Our whole group seaching for cool looking fish. Well, expect me.

We are in the 4D show. Braden didn't like all that much.

Ashley, Randy, Tina, and Seth who isn't looking.

Baby Jaws

Daddy's Little Buddy

2009-07-14T10:37:00.001-05:00

Kevin had to work on Father's Day but Braden had a big surprise for him when he got home.

Baby Update 18 weeks

2009-07-13T11:27:00.004-05:00

I had a doctors appt. last week, everything looks great!!! I've been feeling fantastic!!! I can feel baby moving. Sorry I dont have a belly picture but it takes forever to upload with the new internet thingy we have. But yes baby is growing and so is my belly!!!!
We will find out this Thursday what we will be having!!!! We are sooooo excited! I'll let you know, when we know!!

Mama's got something in the oven......

2009-06-14T13:06:00.002-05:00

and it's not cookies or a meatloaf!!!!!

We are so happy to anounce that......... We Are Pregnant!!!
As of now I am 14 weeks along. I've been feeling great, no problems. The first few weeks I was a bit tired and had swollen feet. The baby looks awesome the doc said. This pregnancy has been perfect, much like my pregnancy with Braden. I have a feeling the rest will be a breeze. Well, I'm keeping my fingers cross it will be.

Here's baby at 9 weeks
Here's baby at 11 weeks

We should find out the sex in about 4 weeks!!!!!

Summer is here!!

2009-06-02T22:56:00.003-05:00

A couple of weekends ago Braden and I went over to GiGi's house. (my mom's for those of you that don't know what Braden is calling her.)

Braden loves the water, he's doing so good with his kicking.
He's not scared to jump right in either. He jumps right to me.

Aunt DD and Braden

I know I look silly.

Trip to the Zoo

2009-06-02T21:56:00.006-05:00

First summer trip to the Zoo. Jenn and Brooklyn came with us. This was Brooklyn's first trip to a zoo.

My handsome man
my beautiful niece Brooklyn

They crack me up!! I love this picture!

What's that down there?

Lazy Lions

Aunt Jenn is showing Braden the porcupine

Ya that's me in a eagles nest

Sweet Brooklyn

There's Braden

There's mommy

I love zebras!!!

Mother's Day 2009

2009-06-02T21:48:00.002-05:00

I had a great mother's day. A day full of eating and shopping. My favorite things to do, plus I got to spend the whole day with my favorite boys in the world.

Cousin Play Date

2009-06-02T21:23:00.002-05:00

About a month ago Braden (28 months)and Cousin Brooklyn (4months)had a play date with their cousin Isabel (9 months). They are the cutiest babies!!
at the park

April 12th

2009-04-24T11:33:00.006-05:00

Busy Busy Day. First is Easter, Braden open his basket of goodess.

Our 3rd annual bunny picture

Now we are at GiGi's house for Easter lunch. Sooooo goood!!! Braden had a basket wait for him there also. Lucky kid!

The kiddos........

and us.

After our quick Easter we had Jenn's wedding my sis-in-law. I was her matron of honor and Braden was the ring bearer.

The bride with her baby girl Brooklyn and Ashley (both flower girls) and me.

The happy family

Here is just Jenn's side of the family

Chuck E. Cheese and St. Patty's Day

2009-04-08T12:37:00.003-05:00

We spent St. Patrick's Day with Chuck. It was fun!!
Braden and Brooklyn with Chuck

After pizza, we went over to Jenn's for some St. Patty's Day cookie cake.

Houston Rodeo 2009

2009-04-08T10:49:00.010-05:00

He's dressed and ready
On the bus

The Trace Atkins show is about to start. My silly boys. I love them!

Toby Keith night

Here he is

Brad Paisley night

He was our favorite.

Darius Rucker night

This lil guy was a day old. soooo cute

these guys were a few day old

This guys name is Howdy Cloud. I'll have to remember that one.

Here he is

We had a blast that the Rodeo this year. But I sure was tired of going every other night.

Way Behind

2009-03-30T22:57:00.003-05:00

I have more to post, we've been busy.... I'll be back asap!

Twilight Addict

2009-03-30T22:49:00.002-05:00

Our Pianist

2009-02-20T13:50:00.002-06:00

"Mama, Daddy. Mama, Daddy" Braden loves to play the piano at papaw's house. We may have to put him in some lessons.

Valentine's Weekend

2009-02-20T13:08:00.005-06:00

Kevin and I went on our second annual Vday on Lake Travis. While we were gone my mom watched the lil man, so before we left we had Braden open his Vday gifts from mama and daddy.
We made a stopped in La Grange, Kevin spotted a classic car shop. Here's Kevin eye the cars. He so funny!!

We're Here!!! Lakeway Resort and Spa on Lake Travis.

Here was the sunset from our balcony. You can't tell from this picture but the lake was 30 feet lower than usual.

When we looked down from the balcony was saw these big guys.

Vday morning, I woke up early and went to the spa for a Mani and Pedi. Kevin surprised me with it. OMGoodness it was wonderful!!! He is so good to me. Oh, and it was freezing that day too, in the 50s.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Potty Training

2009-02-20T13:00:00.003-06:00

"Mama, I pee pee in da potty". We are so proud of him.

Perfect Day at the Park

2009-01-27T01:54:00.010-06:00

A couple of weekends ago we went to the park and had a picnic with GiGi and the kids, and some friends. We had so much fun!!!

Brothers-in-law

Kevin was teaching my lil brother Jared a thing or two about baseball. It was so cute watching the two of them.

Braden loved going up and down

Doing a few curl ups

Me, Diana, Jared and Braden

Here is me, Diana and Jared

and here we are 5 years ago. Same slide, same park. Jared was 2 here, like Braden is in the picture above

Silly Faces and Bath Time

2009-01-14T21:23:00.012-06:00

I love my goofy man!

"Cheese" My sweet sweet boy!!!

"Where daddy go"

Home Alone

2009-01-12T20:47:00.003-06:00

Our very own Macaulay Culkin

OMG! He's 2!

2009-01-12T02:06:00.010-06:00

My lil Cookie Monster turned TWO!! Oh Boy what do I do!!! We had Braden's party over the weekend.
He dove right in. There was tissue paper everywhere.

He finally got to the bottom

Cousin Brooklyn

Cousin Alissa Shayne

Braden loves his new scooter. It didn't take long to figure out how to use it.

GiGi made his cookie monster cake. It was so awesome!! Thank You GiGi!!

The Birthday Boy!!

We are so proud of our lil guy!!!

He's sucking his fingers clean.

Braden was so excited when he came outside and saw what we got him. We actually had it put up a few weeks early. But it was for his Birthday

We're pretty sure Braden had a blast at his Birthday. We love you Braden. HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

New Years 2009

2009-01-12T01:17:00.009-06:00

2009 didn't start out like we planned. We had alot going on in our family. So we tried to make the best of it. Kevin, Braden and I hung out at Kevin's dad's house, we played games and drank tons of sparkling cider.
It's midnight!! Happy New Year!!!

Brooklyn had herself a lil taste. Just Kidding!!

Braden didn't make it to midnight. He was knocked out.

Well Kevin came close he past out about 11:30

My brother in law Michael and future sis in law Emily. Yup!!! Michael purposed at midnight. It only took 5 years. HAHA! I'm so happy for them!

A Very Busy Christmas 2008

2008-12-31T14:49:00.012-06:00

Christmas eve we drove around checking out the Christmas lights. Braden was amazed.

Christmas eve at the Rives's house. Pepaw Rives with Brooklyn and Braden

Braden got tons of Thomas the trains things and hot wheels. His two favs.

I got scrapbook stuff, Thanks Michael and Emily.

I made a Brooklyn scrapbook for Sean and Jenn.

Christmas morning about 12:15am.(don't mind the clock, I know it's wrong)I heard a noise, I thought it was the dog getting in the trash or something. I walk in to the living room, and there he was Santa. I ran and grabbed my camera to take a quick pic.

He ate his cookies Braden left out.

Braden's new Thomas "cycle". He loves it.

Braden is showing mommy that Santa left him a Thomas pillow. He sleeps with it every night.

Going thru his stocking.

My family came for my first Christmas meal. It turned out great!!

My Aunt got this for us. I love it!!! Thanks Kara

Riding his cycle and wearing the backpack GiGi got him.

He got a "copper"

My mom and stepdad got us a chimenea. It's awesome!!!

After dinner we ran over to visit with Kevin's grandparents. Here's Brooklyn in the onesie I got her.

Michael and Emily

Memaw Duschamp with Brooklyn

Friday we went over to my dad's.

Friday afternoon. Braden and I went to my uncle's in Alvin.

Braden and his second cousin Ryland. My first cousin. They are a year apart in age.

Me and mom

All the kids

My mom, Aunt and Uncles. Keith, mom(Kim),Kara and Kent. They are in age order also.

Santa Claus

2008-12-24T13:39:00.003-06:00

Braden got a letter from Santa

Choo Choo

2008-12-21T21:36:00.002-06:00

Braden and mommy made a ginger bread train this year. Since the lil guy loves trains so much.

Xmas Partays 2008

2008-12-21T21:15:00.004-06:00

The Miller Christmas party last Friday was fun. We always love see them all. Braden fell in love with NeNe's train.

Dirty face

Kopnicky Christmas Party

It's so fun seeing everyone, the kids change a lil bit every year. And the family grows every Xmas. Two new babys were add this year.

It's feeding time. We don't miss a meal in this family.

Uncle Freddy plays his accordion every year. He's really good, the kids love it.

He was so excited. Braden loves music.

So Proud!!

2008-12-21T21:06:00.002-06:00

Today my younger brother Jared and sister Diana were baptized. I couldn't be more proud of them.

It's SNOWING!!!

2008-12-10T23:49:00.009-06:00

About 20 minutes in to the snow fall I was able to make a ball.
Braden didnt want to hold it, so he told me to put it in his truck.

Sadie sure did like it.

At this time you can barely see it.

About an hour in, we got to make this lil guy.

Two hours in: it was falling hard and fast. This is our back yard

Braden had a blast.

I put Braden down for bed and went back out. And I made this guy. His eyes are fake grapes from my kitchen, his nose is one of Braden's passy's in backwards and his mouth is made with chex. Oh, his buttons are Braden's lego pieces.

Front yard. I lovvve snow!! It makes everything beautiful!

My snow angel. That was a blast. Hadn't done that in years. Reminds me when my Aunt Kara made me do one in the middle of a blizzard at the Grand Canyon. True story. haha!

Of course before I laid down to do it, I looked around to see if anyone was watching. I felt silly doing it, when no one was outside with me. haha!

Brooklyn Kole

2008-12-08T02:19:00.005-06:00

We are announcing the birth of our niece Brooklyn. She was born on Dec. 5, 6lb 9oz. and 19in long. Jenn and baby are doing perfect. Jenn did wonderful, I'm so proud of her.

Mom and Dad to be awaiting the arrival of their lil one.
Here she is!!!! She's very alert.

First Family Picture

Jenn and Brooklyn were released today(12/7). Braden met baby Brooklyn for the first time. I'll tell you what, it was the sweetest thing ever. He loves her so much, when Jenn would take her from him, he would put up his arms and say "BABY". He couldn't get enough of her.

He even took a bottle that Jenn was holding and tried to put in in her mouth. With little help he fed her. He was proud of himself. At times he would pop his chest out, smile and say "baby juice" or "baby". Everything in a cup or bottle is juice right now. A couple of months ago we gave Braden a baby doll to prepare him for the new baby. It worked!!! We are so proud of him.

Congrats Jenn and Sean! We know you both will be fantastic parents!! We love you!

Busy November

2008-11-29T13:27:00.011-06:00

I'm going to start with Jenn and Sean's baby shower. Jenn is my sister-in-law. The shower turned out beautiful. This was my first shower to host, it took a lot of thought and planning. They are set and ready for Baby Brooklyn's arrival, which could be any day now.

The cupcakes turn out great.

I got a little more creative with this diaper cake

Parents-to be and hostess (me and Tina)

Braden and cousin Ashley AKA Aey

TONS OF FOOD

and why not some chocolate covered strawberries

Gifts and Games

What a pretty mommy to be

Thanksgiving 2008

First stop was papaw's house (my dad)in Dickinson. Braden had a blast running up and down the walkway

Next stop Memaw and Pepaw Rives's house in Manvel. After we ate we hung out and played games. Well, Braden played cars of course

Sean and Jenn

On our way to Friendswood to Aunt Kara and Uncle Dan's, where we met my mom and clan

It looked like it was going to rain on the way there

Before we ate.... yes ate again. Daddy and Braden watched some football

The kiddos table

My big boy ate all by himself.

Big kid table

Every year after we eat Anna and Diana give us a magic show. I still don't understand how they do some of those tricks.

Last stop. Uncle Tommy's (Kevin's great uncle)house in Friendswood. Yes! we were very busy. Braden past out on the way there.

We're coming. Just dragging our feet a bit

No! we didn't eat here. We were so full from the other two meals. We just visited awhile. This is where the rest of the Rives family was at. You saw some of them earlier.

Everyone was taking turns talking to other relatives on web cam that live in Tennessee

I was taking a picture of Tina taking a picture of me. We are so silly

I thought if I were upstairs I could get a picture of a lot of them together. Nope I was wrong. There are too many of them.

The elder Rives, Brothers and sister........

and their kids. Well some of them, the others couldn't make it. We would of taken a picture of this groups kids like Kevin and his cousins. But there wasn't room on the stairs and it was to hard getting everyone together. I'm tell you Kevin's family is HUGE. There were 4 generations there.

Braden playing with one of many cousins.

It was a very long day. We lived though it. It was so great to see everyone. We are truely thankful for our family.

Lots to say.....

2008-11-05T11:16:00.014-06:00

Lets start with my Birthday. Yep, I turned 25 on Oct. 26th. No I don't feel any older. Kevin got me a wii and I love it. I could play all day if I got a babysitter. hehe! My sis-in-law Jenn and bro-in-law (to-be)Sean surprised me by moving home from Ft.Worth. For my birthday dinner my family celebrate my birthday with me at Saltgrass.

Braden playing Mario Kart on the wii

Paintin' time!!!!

Our niece Brooklyn is on the way. We got busy painting the nursery.
Mommy (Jenn)and Daddy(Sean) to-be working hard.

ALL DONE!! They're ready for Brooklyn's arrival. By the way could happen at any time!

Pickin pumpkins at the pumpkin patch

"Tactor" Braden causes it.

It's still a cute picture even thou his eyes are closed from the sun.

Pumpkin carving time!! Here's Braden personal pumpkin. He picked out everything he want and Daddy put it on it.
My first pumpkin craving. It's a BAT!
I thought I did pretty good for my first carving.

Diana's 4th grade Halloween Party. I've been to everyone since she was in Kindergarten.

Devil Witch and Flash

GiGi and Braden. We think Braden has decided on calling my mom GiGi. He just didn't want to say Grandma.

Halloween in the Park

We go to Halloween in the Park every year. It so much fun to see what all the kids are wearing.

Anna and Diana working the girlscout booth at the park

GiGi and Goggles. Braden is calling my Aunt Kara goggles. I do know why. Maybe because she wears glasses.

Braden, GiGi and Mommy

Flash and mommy got their picture taken with a witch horse.

"um candy"

Daddy and Braden being goofy

"Unc Jared" as Anakin Skywalker and Flash

Halloween 2008

The kiddos with Jesse the dog

First house. Braden didn't know what to do, but when the woman put a piece of candy in his bucket.........

he goes for more. Too funny!!
He liked to wear Diana's witch hat.

Gigi and Braden taking a break

The kiddos again in front of the cat house

Kris and Heather's wedding. Kris is Kevin's cousin. It was a beautiful wedding.

Day out with Thomas

2008-10-19T18:04:00.006-05:00

Saturday we left from Lufkin headed to Texas State Railroad in Rusk, TX to see Thomas the Train himself. It was sooooo awesome!!!! We arrived there 2 hours early to look around and eat. Then started our 30 minute adventure with Thomas. This was Braden's first train ride.

Of course we had to go to the gift shop. Braden didn't like the hat so I put it back not before snapping a quick picture.
He wasn't interested in the flag either. So, I ended up finding a t-shirt and a Christmas present for him.
All Aboard!! Braden wasn't to happy when we first boarded. NO NAP TODAY. But there's the shirt we got him.
He was much happier when Thomas got moving.
It was absolutely the perfect day to spend with Thomas.
TOOT TOOT!! said Thomas. That means hello.
Even with Braden's small meltdown on the train. It was still a awesome day!!

Jared's 7th Birthday

2008-10-14T18:34:00.004-05:00

It was Jared's 7th Birthday this passed weekend. He had his party at Ridemakerz. Even the girls had a great time making their pink cars. I should of made one for myself.
They're all discussing what car he/she wants. It cracked me up how many times they changed their minds.
Jared and his friends from school
He's building his car. Great job Jared
Here is Braden's new car. He picked this one out too.
Grandma and Braden were watching Kevin make the license plate for the new car (it says Braden1). Can you say spoiled?
Here they are with their custom built cars. It was a awesome party.

Weekend of Soccer Games

2008-10-14T18:06:00.004-05:00

Sat. Jared's Game

Grandma and Braden watching the game.

Go Jared!!!! He's the one with the ball.
Him again with his back facing
Uncle Jared was sharing his half time snack
After the game we headed home and someone passed out.

Sunday Diana's game

Great Aunt Kara and Braden cheering for the girls. My cousin Anna is out there too.
I'll be out there one day mommy
There's Diana
Go Diana Go!!!!

Ridemakerz

2008-10-14T17:52:00.003-05:00

Since Braden loves cars and trucks so much, we took him to Ridemakerz in the mall. It's like build a bear but here, you build a car. He picked out his own truck, tires and rims. After Kevin helped him build it and put his licence plate on (it says Braden), he drove it around the store for about an hour. This is the coolest store if you like cars and trucks. In the Duschamp family it's a must.

Ashley's 8th Birthday

2008-10-14T17:34:00.003-05:00

Kevin's cousin Ashley had her 8th birthday at Main Event. Braden had a blast playing games.

Braden and Jackson

2008-10-14T17:19:00.003-05:00

My friend Amy was working long hours during the first week of Ike clean-up. Her mom needed a break so I watched her little boy Jackson. We pulled out all of Braden's old toys.

Braden had the best time with him.
See how Jackson is bigger than Braden....... Guess how old Jackson is..........

Keep in mind in this picture Braden is 19 months old. Well, Jackson here is 3 months old NO JOKE!!!!

Our Ike Experience

2008-09-17T12:35:00.027-05:00

We left home on Thursday, and went to our family house in Lufkin. We were stocked with food, flashlights, hand held tv, water, gas and cash. While there we kept ourselves busy and tried to have alittle fun while we waited for Ike to get to us. By, shooting coke cans with Kevin's new gun he got for father's day and Michael's he got for his birthday. Friday was my brother-in-law Michael's 20th birthday. So I made him a cake and we put puzzles together and watch the news while Ike was hitting Galveston all night and early morning. The next night Saturday we lost power. We got 60 to 65 mph winds where we were. There was no damage to the house, we did have 2 huge tree come down. Sunday morning we headed back home to see what was left of our homes. We can't complain. We had no power and a leaning fence. We are truly thankful. And the same for my dad-in-law Calvin. Michael and Emily had a leak in there ceil at their townhouse as well as no power. We stayed at Calvin's house to keep all the food together, on ice. Tuesday, BP humanition team called Kevin and Michael, telling them they had generators, food, powder milk, gas ect. for us. We were so excited!! The guys were in line for 3 hrs wait to pick them up in Hitchcock. After, they ran by our Shell on the corner from our house to get gas, when they left they drove by our street and you know what WE HAD POWER!!!! Michael went to his place to get clothes and he had power. Calvin is staying with us, he doesn't have power yet. The last couple days I've been cleaning up the yard. Kevin has been at work, he'll being work everyday 7/12's for the next couple months getting everything back in order at BP. Calvin is waiting to get back to work, he works offshore. His rig is really messed up. We are really good here! We took the generators over to each of Kevin's grandparents since we don't need them. We are praying for everyone suffering from Ike's aftermath. Here are a few pictures.

We are on our way outa town. Braden's first hurricane

We made it Back.....

2008-09-14T19:13:00.000-05:00

To houston today. We went over to our house to check it out. It made it through, no damage. Our fence on three side is leaning over but that is it. I'm so thankful, our neighbor wasn't so lucky they have a huge tree on top of their house. So far everyone in our family and some friends in the friendswood area came out of it just fine. We have running water but no power, so we are staying at Kevin's dads house for awhile. He has the same problems as us but we don't have much ice so we are all staying over there to keep all of the food cold as long as we can.We are praying for everyone that did have damage. Hang in there. I'll have picture to post of our experience as soon as we get power. Which it maybe awhile, from what we hear we might not have power up to 3 weeks.

Evacuation Day 3

2008-09-13T00:06:00.001-05:00

We are still in Lufkin.I have Kevin,Braden,our cats,my bro-in-law Michael, his girlfriend Emily and today my father-in-law got here with our dog We have been trying to keep our minds off of Ike by do things like cleaning and put puzzles together and cracking jokes which is really easy in this group. We are watching Ike on tv go right over our house as I type this. And there's nothing we can do but just wait and see what we go home to. We are expecting it to hit here in the early morning.
We are praying for everyone in the line of fire to stay safe out there where ever ya'll are. I will update tomorrow on our condition here, after it comes through. Be safe out there.

Evacuated for Ike

2008-09-11T16:56:00.000-05:00

I am blogging from Lufkin, TX, from my cellphone. Kevin called from work yesterday, and told me they shut down the refinery and to start packing, everyone from BP shut down and start up crew needed to leave town. So here we are in Lufkin, just praying our house isn't flooded and/or destroyed when we get back.If weather start getting bad this way, we maybe heading to my sister-in-law's in Ft. Worth. We've been trying to have a little fun while here, I'll update on that later. I'll also update when we find out more about the weather and where we are going from there.

Whatcha want to do?

2008-09-06T21:53:00.006-05:00

We've been wanting to take Braden to a park in Texas City. It has a really old train parked there. We couldn't think of anything to do that day, and it was so beautiful outside. So, we went to the park.
I love this picture.

"Open" he kept saying. It was locked so we couldn't go inside.

They're driving.

He just had to play in the water

Braden found a slide and had to go down it a couple dozen times. He's funny!!

All in all it was a fun day. It would've been better if there were less mosquitoes buzzing around Braden.

Missy is 2

2008-08-31T22:56:00.002-05:00

Yup, our youngest cat Missy turn 2 yesterday. Wow!! How time flies. HAHA! She's my pretty girl.

Baby Alissa

2008-08-30T15:57:00.003-05:00

Our beautiful niece Alissa Shayne
Braden and Alissa
He is a little jealious. He's thinking, what is that baby doing here.

New Spencer Addition

2008-08-26T22:49:00.003-05:00

My good friend Shelby had her baby boy today. Mason Reed Spencer @ 2:01am, 9 lbs 6 oz, and 21 inches long. They are both doing great. Congrats Shelby and Jeff!!
Look @ that face
Me and Mason at 7 hours old
My friend Jenn and Mason
Just like a man propping his feet up already

Boating with the Dawson's

2008-08-26T22:26:00.004-05:00

Before Diana and Jared started school we wanted to take them out on the boat. So my mom, step-dad Terry and the kiddo came out with us. We had a blast!!
We saw so many dolphins, of course we (I mean the girls) screamed with excitement every time we saw one.
Jared went for a dip
Sun block on the head, and a little wind speed from the boat. And this is what Braden's hair looks like. Terry and Braden Chillin

Random Pictures

2008-08-26T22:12:00.003-05:00

ALL BOY

H2O melon

2008-08-11T16:41:00.003-05:00

"YUUUMMMM!!" Braden loves watermelon.

Cousin Smokey

2008-08-07T01:18:00.003-05:00

Our cats Missy and Cocoa have a new cousin. Yes, my mom got a new kitty. He is so cute and a very sweet kitty.
He is so funny, my mom and I had to take these pictures. He is so lazy.
Flat as a board. This pic reminds me of a cat calender. What month could Smokey be!

Goofy Boy

2008-08-07T01:08:00.002-05:00

Uncle Jared gave this mini back pack to Braden, and oh boy he loves it. First he stuffed it with cars and trucks, then he had daddy put it on his back. He walked around for hours wearing it. He cracks me up!!

Daddy's Home

2008-08-07T00:58:00.003-05:00

Everyday when I see Kevin's truck pull up in the driveway, I tell Braden "Daddy's Home". He drops what ever he's doing and runs to the door, yelling "daddy daddy" "home", over and over and giggling at the same time. He gets so excited! Kevin eats it up when he seeing his lil buddy so excited to see him. They are so cute together.

Jenn's Baby

2008-07-18T12:24:00.003-05:00

Kevin's sister Jennifer and her fiance Sean found out today they're have a baby girl!!!!! She's due Christmas Day, December 25 for those of you that don't know when that is. HAHA! I can't wait, we are so excited. We need more girls in the family!!!

Garbage Man

2008-07-18T12:10:00.003-05:00

Braden is my big helper, even when I don't need it. He comes up to me, shows me what he has and I tell him to go throw it in the trash. After, he claps because he did a good job. He loves to throw trash away. It's so funny!!

75th and 27th Birthday

2008-07-18T11:54:00.005-05:00

It was Memaw Duschamp 75th and Kevin's 27 birthday. They share the same birthday. We had a little party for them in Kingwood last weekend. Here is Memaw with her grandkids (Jenn, Kevin and Michael) and her great grand baby (Braden).
Braden loves to push her around in her wheel chair.
Down the hall they go.
Mommy you still back there

More Alissa pictures

2008-07-09T15:46:00.003-05:00

Miss Alissa

Look at ALL that hair.
Niccole (mommy)and Baby Alissa
My mom and Alissa
Aunt Rachel (ME) with my beautiful niece

Out on the water

2008-07-08T20:40:00.003-05:00

We took the boat out of Clear Lake this past weekend. Here's the light house. I love light houses.

My Boys
Cousin Timothy and Braden
We let Michael driving for his first time.
I thought this shot was awesome. I had to share.

Our niece Alissa Shayne is here.......

2008-07-08T19:34:00.006-05:00

My sister Niccole had her little girl today at 11:33am. She is adorable!!! She is perfect, mom and baby are doing great. Alissa is 6lb 11oz and 18 1/2in long.
She has a set of lungs on her. She was hungry.
Sticking out her tongue
My dad was chasing Braden down the halls, while I was taking pictures.
Braden and Alissa. She's in the back

Battleship Texas

2008-07-07T18:01:00.006-05:00

We spend the day at the USS Battleship Texas. It was sooo neat, I hadn't been there in years. We had a great time. A little hot, but fun!

You can see the San Jacinto Monument.
Here is the mail room

some of many many cots
Officer quarters
Braden is sitting on a massive deck gun
Mommy and Braden in front of some sleeping quarters

Fourth of July 2008

2008-07-05T13:39:00.007-05:00

I hope everyone had a fun and a safe 4th. We did, Braden and I started our day at the Friendswood 4th of July Parade with my mom and step-dad. My brother and sister were on a float this year.

Here are the kids and Diana's friend Grace.

After the parade we headed over to Manvel. The Rives (Braden's great grand parents) had a BBQ. Cousin Timothy did all the cooking. He did a awesome job. Yummy!!

Cousin Ashley and Braden, the feet are Aunt Jenn's haha

When the BBQ was over, we swung by the house to pick up dad after work. Aunt Jenn came with us. The plan was to go to Kemah and watch the fireworks. We never made it. The traffic on the Kemah bridge was stopped, so we pulled in the Hooters parking lot to eat and figure out where we should go. While we were there Braden had his first HOT wing. He loved it! He wanted more. He's just like daddy.

Yum Yum!!!
We found a parking lot, to park and watch the fireworks. Braden talked and clapped the whole time.
UHHH!
AWWW!

Lots to catch up on.....

2008-07-03T11:41:00.008-05:00

A few weeks ago we had a Baby Shower Luncheon, for my older sister Niccole. She's due in two weeks, she's have a little girl. I'm so excited, I can wait to meet my niece. Oh, my sis-in-law Jennifer may be having a girl also, she's 15 weeks now and the doc said most likely it's a girl. (That was a week ago) She has to wait 2 more weeks to know for sure.
Me, my sis and her best friend from 6th grade.
She's so excited but she doesn't know what all this stuff is for. HAHA
This was the diaper cake I made for her.

Braden's big boy pool. We are doing as many summer activities as possible

He likes to fill the bottle with water and watch it pour out. He giggles every time

On to my High School friend Shelby's baby shower. She's have a little boy, and due in August.

We were playing the diaper game, and I snap a shot of her sniffin the diaper. She's going to kill me when she sees this picture.
Awwww Shelbs and her hubby Jeff.
Me and Braden with Amy and Jackson. Jackson is 2 weeks old.

At the Boat Show. We went to look around. And left with a boat. Well, we didn't leave with it we had to wait a few days, for paper work and detailing the boat. Yup, Uncle Michael cut Braden out of the picture by accident.

And here it is. We had just picked it up.

July 1 we took her out. Oh my goodness we had a blast. We went out Clear Lake. The boys are in their zone. So cute!!
Papaw came along for her first time out. Braden loves his Papaw
He was so tired. He's holding on to the Navigation so we don't get lost.

Yesterday July 2 we went out again. This time out of Lake Conroe, it was rainy around our area. It was soooo much fun.

He like the wind on his face.
Aunt Jenn and Braden are playing
We had to go see the light house
The wind kicked up and the wave got pretty high. Mr. Braden decided he could sleep though it. Oh and he did out cold for 30 minutes or so. The waves rocked him right to sleep.
We hope to go out for the 4th, thats if it doesn't rain like the weather man says.

Father's Day

2008-06-17T15:09:00.004-05:00

Braden made his daddy a tile, with his hand print on it. That was a lot of fun!! Kevin loved it. We had a great day! We went to PF Chang for lunch and The Cheese Cake Factory for dessert, Kevin's favorite, mine too! After that we walk around the Galleria and did a little shopping. Sorry there isn't any other pictures, I left my camera at home.

2nd Diaper Cake

2008-06-16T22:16:00.002-05:00

My newest Diaper Cake. I made it for my sister's baby shower this week. If you can't tell she's have a girl!!

Baby Jackson Taylor

2008-06-16T13:43:00.002-05:00

My good friend Amy had her baby boy on Friday. I'll tell you what he is a BIG boy!! Congrats Amy!
Born at 8:39am June 13th
10 lb 11oz. He's solid
20 1/2 in long

Kemah

2008-06-16T13:10:00.003-05:00

This past weekend a bunch of us went to Kemah for dinner at Saltgrass and rode some rides. Braden was waiting patiently for his dinner. Uncle Sean was our waiter and he did a great job. We are people to please. jk haha!
Braden is playing peek a boo

It was dark so he couldn't see the fish very well
Aunt Jenn and Braden are still trying to see those fish.

Ashley and Braden on the Balloon Wheel

and the Merry go round. Haha! That's for you Jenn and Tina and the Red Baron
We all had such a fun day!!

Children's Meseum

2008-06-16T12:53:00.002-05:00

A couple of weekends ago we took Braden to the Children's Museum. Jenn and Sean came along.

First we did alittle face painting. He looked so cute.
Then a some shopping. He loved that, this kid loves his food.
After that we went fishing
then played in the fun house
And daddy did some lifting.

Summer Fun

2008-06-16T12:36:00.001-05:00

Klair's Baby Shower

2008-06-07T22:35:00.003-05:00

Today was Kevin's cousin Klair's baby shower. But first we picked up Mimi (Kevin's mom) and had lunch at Fuddrucker's. While there a balloon artist (that's what they're calling themselves now, I guess) made Braden a helicopter. Braden wouldn't take his eyes off of the guy while he made it.

Klair at the shower. She is the cutest pregnant woman. She has 6 weeks to go till the due date. It's a girl!
Klair with the grandma's to-be
Of course Braden is in the middle of everything. He was dancing for everyone, busting some moves.
Best of Luck Klair and Paul. We can't wait to meet your little girl.

Fun in the Sun

2008-06-03T18:19:00.003-05:00

I took Braden to the beach today. (Soon to be) Uncle Sean and Aunt Jenn went with us. We had a blast. It was a perfect day, it wasn't to hot. It was Braden's first time to go in the water at the beach. He giggled every time the waves splashed him.

Braden let Sean and Jenn cover him with sand. He was sooo cute!!

Big Boy Bed

2008-06-02T22:52:00.005-05:00

Yup, it was time to move to a BIG boy bed. Braden has been climbing out of his crib. I was afraid he was going to hurt himself. He watched me take down his crib and put in his toodler bed. I told him it was his new big boy bed. He was so excited, he jump into it and layed out and started giggling. I had no problem at all putting him to bed.

Kindergarten Grad

2008-06-02T22:35:00.004-05:00

My little brother Jared, graduated from Kindergarten last week. Braden and I went to watch him walk cross the stage.

Braden loves his Uncle Jared......... and grandma's phone.
The Graduate
He's the class of 2020

Family Additions

2008-05-28T19:39:00.003-05:00

This is a big year for our family. Braden will be welcoming two new cousin. My sister Niccole is expecting a little girl in July, and Kevin's sister Jennifer is expecting in December. Both are their first. Also, Kevin's cousin Clarie is expecting her little girl in July. Braden won't be the baby anymore.

Like Father Like Son

2008-05-27T19:38:00.001-05:00

Galveston

2008-05-21T11:54:00.007-05:00

Braden, Kevin and I ate at the Rainforest cafe and spent the day at Moody Gardens last weekend. We checked out the Aquarium and the Titanic exhibit. Michael and Emily came with us.

That's my little HAM!!

Braden and daddy are watching the seals swim by

Braden with Uncle Michael

It's Jaws

Emily is scared to death of sharks. I made her get in there.
No photograph in the exhibit please
Braden didn't make it. Five minutes in and he was out.
It was a long and fun day!