The Snyder Family

OKIE Dokie... We're back!

2010-12-27T13:24:00.003-06:00

Wow... Can't believe it has been 6 months since our last post. Okay, well, I can... It's been a pretty crazy (but great) few months! We bought a house in Edmond in September. The year+ of looking around for "the right house and neighborhood" paid off, as we really love where we ended up! We finally feel like we are getting settled here, as we have met some great people.

Carrine (22) graduated from college last May! Yeah, Carrine! She is now doing an internship as an Administrator in Training for a long-term healthcare facility. She is still dating Bo - 3 years in January! We're very proud of her, of course, for all she has accomplished this year!

Clara (17) is a Junior in HS now and is still in dance. She's a great kid! We miss her and Carrine so much now that we are 3 hours away!!

Drew (6) is in first grade and is enjoying getting to know his classmates at his new school. He played soccer this year for the first time and enjoys his video games and playing with his sis.

Kenna (3) is in preschool 2 days a week and will start pre-k next year (hopefully at Drew's school!) Drew's school is literally across the street from our new neighborhood, so it has been a dream being able to walk over to get him when the weather allows! (Although, with Kenna in tow, I do prefer to drive - she likes to stop and pick up rocks and look at the leaves which makes a 10 minute walk about 20 minutes!! Our little nature girl!!)

Bobby continues to enjoy his position with JE Dunn in the Oklahoma office. We are so proud of him and really appreciate all of his hard work that allows me to stay home with the kids and all of us to enjoy our new digs in OKC! He still enjoys paddling, but hasn't had a chance to do much of it lately. He is also trying to get back into running and possibly do another marathon this year.

As for me, I am trying to scale back my business a bit. Being too busy is a great problem to have when you are a small business owner, but I started to enjoy it a little less this year. We decided the answer was to scale back to allow me more time to spend with the kids, Bobby and do things around the house.

2010 has been a great year of growth for us. It's a great feeling to finally be settled in a new house and enjoy the friends we have made here in Edmond. We're looking forward to an equally exciting and enjoyable 2011! Missing our Texas friends and hope to get back more often this year, too!

XOXO ~ The Snyders

Carrine's Graduations from North Texas

Drew's new specs - that he has already lost! :(

Drew - First Day of First Grade

Kenna - First Day of Preschool

Kenna and her bud Lainey


Kenna's 3rd Birthday

B's favorite part of the new house

My favorite part! My kitchen!

So Long, Plano House!

2010-05-12T09:37:00.009-05:00

With the sale of our Texas house, we're officially Okies... uhm... Texans living in Oklahoma! I am sure the kids are thoroughly confused now - Kenna keeps asking when we are going back to "Plano House" and explaining to a 2 year old that we don't have that house any more is a bit puzzling to her. We're so glad to be living out of ONE house, at this point, and it appears that construction can begin on the new Snyder Casa in June!

The past few months brought us a birthday with Drew turning 6, Uncle Clay came for a visit (and made his oh so yummy pork sandwiches), Drew lost (and ate!) his very first tooth, and we've had lots of time outside experiencing this weird OK weather. I thought Texas was bad but add in the wind (let's just say one of my friend's trampolines ended up on her neighbor's roof - yes, THAT kind of wind!) and tornadoes (or tortatoes, if you're Kenna) then it makes for interesting living!

Pictures from the past few weeks. And more to come with Carrine graduating from college this weekend! YEAH Carrine! More to come on that...

Visiting the OKC Bombing Memorial with Uncle Clay!

She She's beautifully decorated cookies!

Eavesdropping

2009-12-04T09:34:00.011-06:00

So I have been such a bad blogger. It's been months and so much has been missed. We had Drew's first day of Kindergarten, Kenna's first day of preschool, Clara turned 16, Carrine turned 21, and we moved to Oklahoma City! Whew! Promise to "try" and be better in 2010!!

And, to explain the title... I overheard Bobby the other day talking to Drew about how to towel off after getting out of the shower. "Okay, buddy. Take the towel and rub your back. Make sure you get your legs and arms", etc... It was just one of those mundane moments that made me smile. I try to teach them to be good, polite people. "Use your manners, eat all of your food", blah blah blah. Thank God for dad's who teach them how to towel off, tie their shoes, ride their bikes and actually tell a girl she looks pretty when you think she does (this was another conversation they had the other day).

Drew's First Day of Kindergarten

Kenna getting in on a little story time on Drew's first day...

Kenna's First Day of Preschool

Not sure what to do....?!?

VEGAS BABY!

Clara's 16th Halloween Bash!

Sweetness

Things...

2009-07-28T21:40:00.010-05:00

Since I am catching such flack for not posting updates (smile), here is a quick one:

Fourth of July - Fun and Relaxing

Game Night with She-She and G, S3 (Scott, Stef and Sofia) and Eric - fun/funny/fabulous food ("awww... stymied again!)

Kenna's Birthday - Sassy

Precious dress from Ms. Stacy

Drew and Skyler at Kenna's Birthday Dinner #1

Getting to know our new town - interesting...

Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial

Southard Ranch

Drew & Will at the Southard Ranch

And just because....

More to come! XOXO The Snyders

My Husband's a Stud

2009-06-22T09:56:00.005-05:00

Boat Preperations - $500.00

Food for race - $300

Hours to finish the race - 88

Hours of sleep during those 88 hours - 6

Number of requests to God for Mercy - 61

Number of numb fingers a week after the race - 3

Cost of winning the C1 Class of the 2009 Texas Water Safari.....

PRICELESS!

Congratulations, Bobby! You're a stud!

Home Is Where The Horns Are!

2009-03-18T05:43:00.007-05:00

We recently found out that we will be moving to Edmond, Oklahoma (suburb of OKC). I am really not sure I have ever even been to Oklahoma, much less know much about it. The good news is everyone who is from there or has lived there LOVES it. The other news is that I have to find a school for Drew who starts kindergarten in September and a pre-school for Kenna! I did get a great list from my brother, Clay, that I had to share... Hook 'Em Horns!

1. If I ever see you guys having any OU sport gear or items , by all means stay there, don't even consider coming back to Texas except for holidays.

2. If you stay in Oklahoma more than 10 years also don't come back to Texas. Same rule applies to me as far as North Carolina. ( Hey, I gotta be fair right?)

3. I don't know what those Okies do for fun up there but to be safe, DON'T DO IT! Unless you have a first aid kit.

4. If asked a question where the answer involves the number two always
reply with the hook em horns sign.

5. When arguing with an Okie be sure to point out your from Texas and you will win every argument.

6. If you are visiting Texas after the move and get pulled over by the cops and you give them your Oklahoma drivers license, always tell them you are only living there temporary. You will get off with just a warning.

7. When relatives visit, apologize profusely tell them the location is only temporary. You will also get away with just a warning. ,,

8. If asked a question that the answer involves the number four, give
them two hook em horns signs. ,, ,,

9. If you get pulled over by cops in Oklahoma, mention you are from Texas and only living here temporary and they will apologize for stopping you and let you off with just a warning.
10. When asked a question that involves the number one, give them the
finger. ,l,,

With the exception of maybe number 4 and 8, you will do just fine.

Drewisms

2009-03-03T07:14:00.009-06:00

We recently celebrated our sweet little Drew's 5th Birthday! He's a sweet, smart and funny little guy who never stops making us laugh with his "Drewisms":

"You're making me angry"! - Back-talking
"You can color, if you want" - When trying to get someone to color with him!
"Come on, Bean Pot" - When asking Kenna to follow him somewhere
"Are you finkin' what I am finkin'" - When he has a "great idea" for what we should do next
"I'm Fluting You" - Blowing raspberries on you :)
"I'm just having a joke with ya!" - When he's kidding
"Because that's how I roll" - Usually comes after I ask "Why did you just..."
"Wicked cool" or "Rockin cool" - When he likes something A LOT!
"You're the best mommy in my whole world!" - Awwww
"Kenna, I very love you" - Expressing his love for his sister!
"May you please get me something to drink, please may you" - When trying to be polite
"You're not the boss of me" - More back-talking
"That's Ridiculous" - When something doesn't make sense to him.

And some pics of my little man through the years and his recent bowling party and birthday!

Enjoying a birthday present from The Millers (this is how he came downstairs in that morning after waking up)

We love you Little Man! "You're the best son in our whole world!"

~Mom & Dad

Happy New Year, Birthday!

2009-01-08T16:18:00.007-06:00

This time of year is always busy for the Snyders! We celebrated She-She's birthday on December 15 (HAPPY DAY!) Following a crazy busy holiday, we celebrated Bobby's birthday on the 7th! Happy Birthday, Bobby!!! As he said to my mom, it gets a little less eventful as we get older (which I completely understand, as I no longer even enjoy celebrating my birthday), but we still enjoyed some good food and company.

Uncle Clay stayed with us for two weeks - we really had a great time and Drew always enjoys his Uncle Clay time!

Pics...

More to come - I hope to get better at updating!

Spooktacular Fun!

2008-11-12T04:59:00.009-06:00

Just catching up on pics. This past month, we've enjoyed the pumpkin patch, trick or treating and Canton with my girlfriends! We spent our Halloween with friends Ken and Stacy and their boys Kennedy and Slader along with Lynn and the girls. We had pizza (thanks, Lynn!) and Bloody Mary's! Mmmmmm... Here are some pics from the last few weeks. Enjoy!

"Is this the one?"

She-She and G joined us for Drew's Halloween Party at school...

Pirate Drew

Prettiest Little Witch...

Rock On, Rocker Baby

More cute pictures of Baby Sofia!!

Kenna has decided she loves crawling up in my chair and "working" like mommy. She even uses the mouse like she knows what she is doing! So, we gave her her own keyboard and a chair in the office, so I can get some actual work done, and she can still feel like she is "working".

Kenna just being cute :)

Drew being cute...

'Til Next Time!

BnL

Happy Birthday x 3!!!

2008-10-16T08:36:00.003-05:00

This time of year finds us celebrating birthday after birthday after birthday! We have several very important birthdays 3 days in a row! Happy Birthday to one of our most photogenic family members, Clara! Clara turned 15 on October 15th. 15!!!! She was 5 when I met her! Where does the time go?

Happy Birthday, Papa, Daddy Bob who celebrated on the 14th!!! We Miss You!

And, last but certainly not least, Happy Birthday to Uncle Eric who turned ?? on the 16th! (I just remember him saying "What Birthday?" when I wished him a Happy Birthday! I get it, Eric, TRUST ME!)

Happy Birthday, Family! And to many, many more!!!!

Whatcha Lookin' At?

2008-10-11T10:07:00.008-05:00

This picture of Kenna just cracks me up!!!

So, lots to catch up on... In no particular order....

We met Jenn and Eric (along with my parents) in Waco to catch up on birthdays, Jenn's trip to Greece, etc... We enjoyed a great Cajun lunch and got to open lots of goodies from JennEric.

Bo took Carrine out for a very nice birthday dinner!

Lots of playground time since the weather is so nice! (And, check out Drew's clothes that, of course, he picked out himself!)

Dinner out for my birthday!

Carrine made me a strawberry cake for my birthday ~ mmmmm....

Drew and I went on "The Great Balloon Hunt". Balloon Festival was a few weeks ago, and we enjoyed driving around chasing hot air balloons!

One even landed in his school parking lot and he thought that was so cool...

And, finally, Drew just had his first annual bike-a-thon at his school! He did 18 laps!!!

Our top fundraisers and my good friends, The Spauldings! Ron, Rayne and Sadie! Go, Rayne, with your fundraising skills!!!

This is my "partner in crime" Stacy... We get lots of shopping time in while the boys are in school! We had the best looking "sign girl" of the day!

This is our "after school" group - Skyler, Slader, Josh, Luke and Drew. The boys like to gather by these benches after school and play. Most of these boys have been in the same class since they were 18 months old, but will all go to different schools next year!

Worn out after a long day of biking!

Hope everyone is enjoying this weather! I know we are!!!

BnLCCDK

Hooray for Aunts and Uncs!

2008-09-21T15:16:00.011-05:00

Where exactly my head was towards the end of March... who knows! I missed "blogging" two special birthdays - Uncle Clay (my brother) and Aunt Sharon (Bobby's Sis). This absolutely does not mean they are any less important - this just means I am more forgetful! So with that... Happy BEEEEEEEEEElated Birthday Uncle Clay and Aunt Sharon!!!

Uncle Clay - March 30

Aunt Sharon - March 31

Who is also a new grandma to Ave' Solis!!!

We love you both!!!

School Days and Birthdays!

2008-09-04T11:13:00.004-05:00

We've had lots to celebrate lately!!! First, my sister-in-law, Jennifer, celebrated her birthday August 10 (just after graduating with her masters)! Happy Birthday, Jen!!!

(Tacky Sweater Christmas 2007!)

Then on August 20, G (Dad) celebrated a b-day! He thought we were not celebrating this year, but we surprised him with a game night at cousin Stef's house with Scott and baby Sofia. Despite me writing out the cake description -they still spelled it wrong and got the flames wrong, but the cake turned out cute and gave us all a good laugh with a couple of old (I mean "distinguished") pics of G!

Wow - that's a lot of smoke from those candles!

Last, but certainly not least, Carrine is no longer a teenager as of August 28!!! Happy Birthday, Carrine! Vegas 2009! Woo hoo!

Drew started school this past week. He is really loving it...

...And, still keeping us laughing daily. Here he decided he was a farmer and going to work on the farm. The funny part is that the overalls are 18m overalls. They still fit him, except in length, obviously!

Clara started high school - I know! HIGH SCHOOL! It freaks me out, but she is a smart, funny girl, and I know she will do great. She's on the dance team, so look for dance pics soon!

'Til Next Time... BnL

Catching Up

2008-08-07T13:53:00.011-05:00

Just a quick post, as I am on a roll today steadily marking "To Do's" off of my list!

Drew's swimming now - self-taught, so we are still going to put him in lessons to learn some technique and safety! Kenna is saying more words - she says LISHA, which is hilarious... hi, outside, Clara (which is more like LaLa), and she learned the sign for MORE which is always in reference to food!!! Catching up on pics....

Kenna's B-day Cake

Drew helping Kenna open her gifts

Carrine and her boyfriend, Bo

A couple of weekends ago, the kids and I visited with my nieces Kathleen and Shirley and their kids Charlie and Samuel on our trip to visit Mema and Papa (Bobby was in CHINA - I will let him post on his trip later). The kids had a great time and my in-laws were kind enough to let me sneak off to Austin for a couple of days for a girl's night out and time with my brother, Eric, and sis-n-law Jen.

Speaking of... congrats Jen, who is graduating this weekend with her MASTERS!!! Go, Girl!

More pics...

Drew thinks he is a photographer now

Kenna learning to color

Me and the girls...

Kenna in her new big girl seat!!!

Sweet Baby Sofia (cousin Stef and Scott's new baby) 2 months old.

#5 Update blog, Check!

'Til Next Time! Lisha

One Year Ago Today...

2008-07-10T17:52:00.007-05:00

We welcomed KENNA PAIGE to our family! She has been an overwhelming delight with her infectious smile and sweet little charm.

Leaving for the hospital...

Oops... caught stealing hot dog buns!

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl - We Love You!

**I did take some professional b-day pics that are not in yet - I will post those along with some b-day party pics later!

Pics from her b-day night...

New stroller :)

XOXO

She Works Hard for Her Money

2008-06-28T13:13:00.016-05:00

I hate garage sales. Really - I hate them! So, why I subject myself to the same torture year after year is beyond me! On the heals of last year, where I had one lady try to steal a pair of pants and one lady who said my $.75 Nordstrom's top was priced too high, I swore I would never do it again. All of that for a big $37 profit! But... I just knew this year was going to be different!!! Nope... had one lady tell me my jackets were out of season. (Okay, really woman - where do you think you are shopping - it's a freakin' garage sale!!!) So, after my $16 ad in the newspaper, and $3 I owed Drew for selling some toys, I came away with $27 (after 4 1/2 hours).

Have I mentioned I hate garage sales?

Update on the munchkins... Kenna is walking!

Fourth of July

She is very fast and in to EVERYthing! But, she is so fun! She loves sitting in chairs - it cracks me up. She will get a toy or food and sit in a chair and watch TV.

Drew is learning to swim - getting very brave and doing tricks and flips off of the side. He also enjoyed some "boy time" with daddy on Father's Day weekend. They took a camping trip to the San Marcos area to watch the Texas Water Safari.

Worn out after swimming...

Clara has spent some time at two camps this year and will soon be gearing up for dance camp for her first year of high school! (Yikes?! Is that even possible?)

Clara & her cute new haircut...

Carrine is working with Bobby this summer, and we rarely see her other than the occasional "pop-in" since she has a boyfriend now!!! :)

**They will both be over for Kenna's first birthday next weekend, so I hope to have more pictures of them then!

In other news... Happy Birthday, Waynene/Mema!!! (June 23)

And, Happy Father's Day to our special Daddy's!!! Happy 4th Weekend!

No Crybabies Allowed!

2008-06-04T17:53:00.010-05:00

So I am on an e-mail list for a "mom" newsletter. The main article of the last newsletter was about how much some moms dread the summer because their kids are out of school and home with them all day. Okay, all I can say to THAT is WHAAAAAAA!!! Poor YOU! Let's put this into perspective... I have worked for 16 years - I finally have the opportunity to stay home with my kids, so I am THRILLED and have been looking forward to the summer for months. I have friends who also work full-time and can only see their kids at night and on weekends. So... for all of my stay-at-home mom friends who get a little overwhelmed and are counting the days until the next school year, I say "Get over it and ENJOY YOUR KIDS!" Be thankful you CAN stay at home with them!! Now, I have no delusions that this summer will be all swimming, snow cones and smiling, happy kiddos all summer, but I do HOPE I can keep my own attitude in check if the sugar from those snow cones start to get my little ones a little hyper and working my nerves!

Okay, maybe that is all a little harsh - but, you get the idea ~ and I mean it with all of the love in the world, mom friends! So, in the spirit of SUMMER, here are some pics of the kiddos starting to enjoy this one!

Kenna's First Trip to the Pool - Ever...

This made me giggle... Drew cannot swim yet (on our To Do List this summer!), so he had these other two boys (whom he had just met that day) tote him around the pool.

At She-She and Gs...

No school tomorrow!!!

Peter Piper Pizza

This is how Drew came downstairs after getting up one morning...

Lunch with friends - Julie, Austin and Addison

Sidewalk Chalk!

A little too hot for the park?!

Now, go out and enjoy your summer, too - and, No Crybabies Allowed!!

A Good Marriage Is...

2008-05-27T20:15:00.004-05:00

... a partnership between two good people. It's trusting, laughing, and knowing when to compromise. It's remembering what matters and forgetting what doesn't. It's filling life with what you love and loving who you're with.

BOBBY & LISHA

May 27, 2000

Engagement in Mexico...

Wedding Photos... (check out the sky!)

Hawaiian Honeymoon!

I love you, Bobby!

Who's The Boss, Applesauce?!

2008-05-25T10:32:00.007-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS to my hubby who has recently been promoted to Assistant Vice President with his company! This was a huge promotion and long overdue for him. It couldn't have come at a better time with the end of my job nearing. He has worked so hard and so deserves this promotion! We're proud of you, Bobby!

The month of May brings many special occasions for the Snyder Clan and extended family - Doug (our brother-in-law) turned 50 (May 2)! Bobby's sister Kim also celebrated a birthday on the 5th and cousin, Kari, celebrated her birthday on the 18th. Hope you all celebrated like you should!

Happy Birthday, Doug!!

Happy Birthday, Kim!

Happy Birthday, Kari! I think these first few are from like 1994!!!!

Happy Anniversary to She-She and G and also to Shae and Chris!

She-She and G!

Shae & Chris

Shae - when I was looking for a photo of you and Chris, I found this one.... ha, ha!!!!

To those I missed - I am sorry - my memory is slowly deteriorating as I get older!

Random Pics:
Mother's Day Candle from Drew

Dinner Divas

Drew and Slader - last day of school

Is she giving me the bird?

Why 9 month olds don't do dishes!

HAPPY SUMMER!

Ellum Minnow Pee

2008-04-30T06:20:00.024-05:00

I know, I know... long time, no blog. I can't take another reprimand from a certain friend (clear throat, Rayne) SMILE RAYNE!, so here goes....

We have been busy, busy. Bobby has been just the greatest "handy man" EVER! In addition to the new floors in my upstairs guest bathroom, drain on the back of the house, new grass in the backyard, new garage door system and tint on my new car, he managed to find a day or two to build Drew a playscape! Drew is so excited - it has a slide, steering wheel, saucer swing and sand box! (Pictures of the progression below).

Over the last month, we have celebrated Mamma's 90th birthday, (Bobby's grandmother), enjoyed Easter, visited Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Eric, attended Clara's dance banquet, enjoyed some beautiful weather and some time inside when it wasn't so beautiful, celebrated cousin Stefanie's pregnancy and watched little Kenna as she gets closer and closer to walking! Some pics of the last month... Enjoy!

Drew enjoying his Easter egg coloring.

My favorite egg!

I was so proud of my work this year! :)

My grandmother's Iris's now at my parent's house...

Clara found a money egg!

Trip to the park...

Kenna's 1st "swing"!

Mema (Bobby's Mom) and Kenna at Mamma's 90th b-day party...

Kenna loves looking out of the window! Kenna & Drew at JenEric's...

"Hmmm... what's this..."

"Looks yummy to eat..."

"Or not"

Eric and Jennifer - and someone who should not be in this picture! :)

Drew performing for Kenna - this has become a common activity at the house!

Kenna enjoying her "show".

Bobby's project... START

FINISH

Love this picture of Clara (I cropped myself out!) :)

Drew and his friend Trey (my parent's next door neighbor) playing golf

Drew and Trey hiding when it was time to go home!

Stef's Shower...

Kenna was SUCH a good baby for like THREE hours!!!

Drew's photography...

Playing dominoes...

You're A Doodie Head

2008-03-19T11:41:00.004-05:00

Drew: "Mommy, you're a doodie head."

Mommy: "Drew, why would you say that - that is not polite. Who taught you to say that?"

Drew: "Michael." (Name changed to protect the not-so-innocent)

Mommy: "Well, next time he says that, tell him you do not like being called that."

Drew: "But, I do like being called a Doodie Head."

Mommy: "Why in the world would you want to be called that? "

Drew: "'Cause that's the way I roll."

Oh , the joy of little boys! It was hard not to laugh at his last statement, but really? No matter how much we try to teach our kids to be polite, respectful, there is always a "Michael" out there teaching them to be doodie heads!!!

So, not much is going on with the Snyder clan. Spring Break is this week. I am taking off tomorrow and Friday to hang with the kids. I think Carrine is doing "college" stuff, but maybe Clara will want to hang with us a day or two!

Here is a "photo" update of the last few weeks....

SNOW DAY! Leave it to our Texas weather to provide us with snow in March! Drew was so excited! We got him up early to play in it before school. Bobby stayed home and had a snowball fight with him. They had fun!

Love this picture... :)

Drew performing for Kenna (below). She just EATS him up (and him, her). My friend Rachelle once said (long before I think I even had kids) that the biggest joy is seeing your kids play together. Although Kenna is still pretty young, that is SO true! She just lights up anytime he enters the room. And, he is so attentive and sweet to her. He has started calling her DINKY, which is really funny to me considering my Mema (who past away a few years ago) was nicknamed DINK because she was so little!

Kenna watching Drew "perform".

Kenna standing up... she gets so proud of herself! She is also walking behind things like the laundry basket (she pushes it and walks behind it in the kitchen) and Drew's toy wagon. Won't be long before she is WALKING!
(First time standing in her crib!)

She was SOOO pleased with herself!

Now that she has figured out she can stand up, she crawls over to the window in my office and looks out of the window.

Drew's Easter Egg Hunt at school. Shirt - another Barbara creation - "Chicks Dig Me". Kenna's is "Sassy Chick". And, just so you know, I have lost the battle of doing Drew's hair. He has decided he does not like it spikey (or UP, as he calls it), and he "allows" me to gel it, but promptly smashes it down. We're seriously considering shaving it off for the summer. It's a mess most of the time!

Dinnertime!

No idea.... she just randomly starts giggling. It is the funniest thing. She literally just cracks herself up and will start deep, belly laughing out of no where!

So, I had to take a picture of this... I went up into Drew's room and this is what it looked like... may not be anything that stands out immediately to you, but I knew I had not yet cleaned his room, so I called him up and asked him if he had done this... He did - he cleaned his own room! Even put the pillows up and everything! Now, animals were stuffed in the toy box and puzzles, clothes and Power Rangers jammed in drawers, but I was so impressed that my little 3 year old (this was just before his b-day) had cleaned his own room!!!! He was so proud of himself, so he, of course, had to take daddy upstairs as soon as he got home from work to show him! Love it! He'll be helping around the house in no time!

Have a HAPPY Day!

Happy 4th Birthday, Drew!

2008-02-25T10:56:00.012-06:00

Four years ago, a precious little ball of chunk entered this world and our lives have been forever changed! Andrew Austin "Drew" has been pure joy since the day he was born! Of course I am a little bias, but he is the cutest, funniest little thing. And, sweet. Boy, is he sweet. There is not a day that goes by that he doesn't randomly say "Mommy, I love you" while sitting on the floor and playing or "Mommy, I love my sisters". The other day, I was in Kenna's room, and he came in and said "You know, mommy, I think you're pretty special". He cracks me up, melts my heart and has me thanking my lucky stars every day for such a healthy, high-spirited and thoughtful child!

Happy Birthday, Drew!!!!

It's My Blog and I'll Brag If I Want To

2008-02-13T18:40:00.008-06:00

Okay, so I stole that title from a magazine, but I thought it was funny. And what is a blog really? Just to give you a laugh, keep you informed on our lives and, of course, brag a little!!!

So, where should I start? I guess I will start with the youngest and work up!

Kenna Bean is growing like crazy! Okay, so not in size - she is still just a teeny 14 pounds, but she has her first two teeth, she's starting to crawl, she is saying da da, daddy, ma ma and bu bu. Of course, I am sure she doesn't know what these mean yet, although, she will look at Bobby and say "daddy" - sounds more like da (pause) dee. She started out saying bbbbbbb, so Drew is convinced her first word was Bubba. (We won't tell him otherwise). She is the sweetest little thing - sleeps so well, eats well and has the sweetest disposition. She also loves watching Drew play and will deep belly laugh over him flipping a plastic fork - it's priceless.

"Why do you always have me in these crazy hats?"

Doing her "skydiving" pose - feet up, hands up, belly on the floor...

"Feed me woman!"

Starting to crawl....

.
Drew is still all boy. Loves doing his Power Ranger moves, playing on the computer and watching TV. He'll be 4 on the 25th - can you hear me weaping? FOUR! Where does the time go!!! He is hilarious, though, and very smart. The other day I told him to get dressed for school. He said "You're bossy!". I said "Excuse me, what did you say"? He then sheepishly said "I said you're the boss of me". He thinks he is so funny. And, he is, actually.... He had an ear infection last week - running 102.2 fever, hopped up on meds. He gets up off of the couch after a 3 hour nap and comes in the kitchen to me and Bobby. In a low, sickly voice, he said "Mommy, do I have something on my bottom", as he turns around to proudly display a large Spiderman sticker that he had placed there. He then giggled and went back to lay down. I thought - this kid is hilarious - he is sick, in pain with an ear infection, yet still has the energy to muster up a funny!!!

Clara is busy with school and dance. She is still sweet as ever, although, a little "teenager" does come out in her every now and then. I actually think it is kind of funny to see her with a little attitude sometimes! She has always been the sweetest, most polite, thoughtful kid and for her to roll her eyes at my horrible singing in the car or not want to hang out with us EVERY weekend just reminds me that she is growing up and won't always want to be with us every second like we'd like! Although, she IS still the sweetest thing - Bobby, me, Drew and Kenna managed to sit through a 4 hour Spring Fling (for her dance). Yes, all of us made it the entire 4 hours without incident. But, it was painful. 61 dances and Clara was in about 4. And, of course, she was in the second to the last performance, so we couldn't get up and leave early :) The fact that we spent an entire afternoon in a gym watching kids who shouldn't really be in leotards dance like they could didn't get by Clara one bit... afterwards she thanked us for being there like we had donated a kidney to her or something. But, that's just her - always thankful and thinking of others.

Carrine is also busy with her junior year in college. After Italy this past fall, she decided to stay home and go to UNT. This is exciting to all of us, as we get to see her more often and don't have to drive 5 hours to do it! Although, we don't see her as much as we'd like. When she is not in school, she babysits for 2 families throughout the week and then spends weekends with her friends. I still don't get that. I mean, what 19 year old wouldn't want to spend the weekends with her dad, obnoxious step-mom, 3 year old little brother and a baby sister! Sounds like loads of fun, right?

***I apologize for the lack of pictures of the girls - they are just not around enough for me to snap pictures of their pretty little faces! We are having a Girl's Double Scary Movie Night on Friday, so we will take tons then!!!

As for me and Bobby, I am still trying to figure out a workable schedule so that I can spend some of my time during the week in the sales office for my company while having "kid-coverage" and then finding time to do stationery orders. Oh, and I guess somewhere in there, I need to clean the house, do laundry, cook, grocery shop, pay bills and spend time with my family - not necessarily in that order. Bobby is training for "the race I swear I will never do again" - the Texas Water Safari. He is doing it this summer in another 3-person boat with Mike Stinson and some poor woman they suckered in to joining them this year. He is also doing a running program, so between that, the paddling, his work and the family, he stays pretty busy.

That's all for now! I will really try to stay more on top of my blogging! I get reprimanded from friends for not keeping it up-to-date - but, probably just because I hound them to update theirs!!!

'Til Next Time, My Friends...

Lordy, Lordy Look Who's......

2008-01-07T10:40:00.000-06:00

A most special birthday tribute to our favorite man, Bobby Carroll Snyder!!!! Today is Bobby's 40th! We have spent the weekend celebrating (The 4 days of Bobby's 40th Birthday) starting Friday with dinner downtown and a trip to see the Dallas Maverick's with the kids. Saturday, we made homemade pizzas and went to Strikz to bowl and play video games. Sunday was VERY low-key - lots of sleeping :). We grilled out and watched a couple of movies. We happened to finish one movie at 11:59 so me, Carrine and Bobby enjoyed a little birthday cake followed by another movie! Today, we served breakfast in bed and Bobby is off now doing his favorite "relaxation" sport of paddling. He was supposed to get a massage today, but I think he is rethinking that idea - sounds good to me, but hey - it's HIS birthday! He wanted low-key and time with the family, so that is what he is getting! We are both off today and Carrine is here, so we hope to do a little more celebrating tonight! We are planning a more "formal and fun" celebration this Spring - snow-skiing somewhere....?

Happy Birthday, Bobby - we love you tons. You are the absolute most fantastic father, husband and friend in the world, and we are all lucky to you have you in our lives and are better people for knowing you!!!

Your adoring family~
Lisha, Carrine, Clara, Drew and Kenna

(And, just for an "awwww".... I asked Drew what he wanted to put on Bobby's birthday card - I wrote it down word for word, and he signed it. It was so cute, I thought I would share:)

"Daddy - Happy Birthday to you. Do you want to be a family? You are my best friend, and I love you ~ Drew"

Priceless!!!!

Happy Birthday, My Love!!!!

Bowling pics.... Carrine and Drew

Bobby helping Drew bowl

Kenna giving Daddy sloppy birthday kisses!

Pretty girls!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-03T10:22:00.000-06:00

Lots to catch up on! I will let the pictures tell the stories! Too much to type and not enough time! Happy New Year!!!

These pictures kind of go in reverse order, so we're starting at New Year's and working back to Christmas Eve...

Clara, Kenna and Drew at midnight!!!

On New Year's Eve, we took the kids to the see the ice sculptures at the Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine. The sculptures were amazing!!! Here are some pics...

Love this picture of Bobby and Kenna

Our own "ice sculpture" on NYE. He, he.

The girls heading out to the symphony with their mom.

Clara and Drew rockin' out. Guitar Hero has been a permanant fixture at the house this holiday season! I think Bobby is the MOST addicted!

Kenna's first veggies - she loves green beans!

Kenna's first hair cut. She was getting this weird mullet thing in the back, so Bobby cut it off!

Sweet baby girl!

Christmas! Carrine and her two new books!

Clara and a new guitar for Guitar Hero

The Snyder Girls - Awww!

Uncle Clay came to visit for a few days. He worked at Twin Creeks one day, so we took Drew over to watch him dive. It was so cold, but Drew said it was "ffffuuunnnn".

G & Drew!

Drew & Uncle Clay

Kenna - Christmas Eve

Baby's First Christmas!

Matching Jams

Drew's School Christmas Program - do you think he is bored?