MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

We hope you have had a Merry Christmas and have a great start to the new year. Seems like just yesterday that it was strange to write 2000 and it is almost 2008!

These pictures were from the Salado stroll earlier in December. This has become a family tradition for us. We had the opportunity of going twice this year- once without kids and once with kids. Both times were great. The "adult stroll" was fun because we got to go for the first time with new friends, the Bakers, and with some old friends that have moved away, the Cittys. We went back the next night with some friends from school in Salado and all their kids. We saw lots of church folks and even a guy that I taught in Eula, Coyne (the original Cutter's brother). Both nights were topped off with a big ole bag of Kettle Korn which made for the perfect evening.

Happy 2008!!!

Houston Christmas

Scott took a Sunday off and we actually went out of town! We went to Houston to visit the Penlands. Each time we go the kids do their best to destroy their beautiful home and we do our best to keep them from it or at least hide the evidence.

This is our second year to visit during the Christmas season and the twins have become very fond of Barbara's snow village. Last year Cutter just blew all the snow away because Barbara told him it was hot (ask Barbara) but this year the little snow people went ice skating and hiking in the snow!

We also made a trip to the zoo. It was just like being in Abilene in the winter- cold and windy! All in all it was a really great day.

Most of all I was glad to see that living in Houston has not caused the Penlands to lose their sense of humor! (Maybe the traffic has made them go a little nutty but that's all!)

High School Football, Crocs, and The Cross

Sound like one of Scott's three point sermons? Not hardly!! (He typically doesn't do "three point sermons" but I really haven't heard him preach since about March of 2005.)
Last night our family traveled to Corsicana to watch the Salado Eagles play in the State Semi-final football game against Tatum. Tatum is the defending AA State Champions so everyone knew it would be a tough game. It was truly one of the best football games that Scott and I have ever seen. Both teams played hard the whole night. I have known a lot of the Salado boys since they were in the 7th grade and they are a smart, athletic, and good bunch of guys. Unfortunately, they lost 41-31. With about 2 minutes left there was a series of penalties that put Tatum in position to score one last time so the score really doesn't reflect how tight the game actually was.

On the way home from the game we thought the kids would sleep. Cutter talked nonstop until just south of Waco. At one point we were listening to a Breakaway CD (which i highly recommend) and the song went like this:
"At the cross. I find peace at the cross. " etc...
Suddenly from the back seat Cutter says, "Hey mom, they talkin bout my Crocs."
So, there you have it- high school football, Crocs and The Cross.

Merry Christmas from the Meyer Elves

If you are not yet in the holiday spirit click the link below. You will be treated to a Christmas greeting from our children that is guaranteed to put a holiday smile on your face.

Click here to see the Meyer Elves

Merry Christmas to all...

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Belton Waffles

If you are in the area between 7:00 and 7:30 am, stop by and eat a "Belton Waffle" with Cayden. He had his first one yesterday and I tried to correct him by saying, "Belgian." This morning when Scott was trying to wake him by asking him what he would like for breakfast he answered, "a Belton waffle." We decided that the name has stuck! Best darn waffles in Central Texas!

Stetson & Brenham

Here is Stetson letting a 2 year old Cayden ride on his back!!!

And this is Brenham and his new best friend, Cayden. Since losing Stetson, Brenham has been a little lost but has found a buddy in Cayden. He follows him around the house and sleeps in his room every night.

Not The Mamma

Anybody growing up in the 80's would remember a sitcom that came out called "Dinosaurs." It showed the humor in the day to day life of a normal family- except they were all dinosaurs. I personally never got into it and only saw it a few times. The family had a mom, a dad, a boy, a girl and a baby dinosaur. The baby dinosaur was famous for calling her dad, "not the mamma." He was not even worthy of his own name!
Yesterday we had yet another "not the mamma " moment with Cooper. For some reason her quote is, "NO! Mommy do it!" I'm sure she feels like she is being loyal but sometimes it would be nice for her to let her dad change her diaper or put her clothes on or whatever else the job might be.
Cooper, Cutter and I went to the store yesterday and Cooper was telling me something Scott had done for her. I think she was telling me that he got her chocolate milk- which is her favorite. The way she told me was. . .
"Cutter's daddy give me chocolate milk."

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Love,
Jessie, Woody, and Harry Potter

Not To Be Outdone By Her Brothers

The other day I was walking the twins to Cayden's school to pick him up. They were in the wagon eating a hamburger as we walked. Cooper looks at Cutter and says to him, "Cutter, you got snots (that's what I call it). You want me to wipe it when we get home?" All the while she has her head cocked to the side talking to him like he is two or something. After I laughed a little I told her there was a paper towel in the back of the wagon she could hand him to wipe his nose. Next thing I know, she is palming the back of his head like a basketball (that's my girl) with one hand as she is wiping the snot off of his face with the other. A little bit later this whole scenario played out again! She is quite the little mother.

Strange and funny things our kids do!

1. The other day I was getting in the car with Cayden to take him to school. He was just singing along, "This old man, he played two, he played nick nack on my shoe. . . " You get the idea. I was pretty impressed that he knew the song because we had not taught it to him. (So he is learning something at school even though they do "nothing" all day long!) We get in the car and he straps in the back and continues singing. "This old man, he plays six, he plays nick nack on my d*** (scott felt the need to edit that word out)." I kept waiting for the laughing and being silly but it never came so I figured he had NO idea what he had just said. I quickly said I thought the correct version was, "on my stick," which I have no idea if that is right or not but it rhymed and was the first thing that came to my head.

2. In school Cayden is studying pets and where they live, what they eat, etc. . . They are allowed to bring their pet to school as long as they are current on their shots. Well, since having twins our dogs have not been current on their shots. They never go anywhere so unless a rabid squirrel comes in our yard we are safe. Cayden asked me if we could take Brenham to school and I started to explain that we could but I would have to take him to the vet first and get him up to date on his shots. He then replied, "You're not gonna kill him are you?"

3. The other day I was giving our yard one last good cutting before winter. It needed it bad. Cutter loves to mow and he promptly went and got his little Fisher Price lawn mower and began helping me. We mowed the front and moved to the side yard. I made a turn and noticed he had left his mower sitting in the yard. I figured he had moved on to better things when he came out of the garage with his toy John Deere screwdriver and began fixing his lawn mower. Darn thing must have broken down again

These are just a few of the crazy things that have recently happened. I'm sure there will be more coming soon!!!

. . . and I like this picture! What a ham.

I looked for a picture of Cayden and Stetson, our black lab, from when Cayden was really little but didn't have any luck. Cayden is sitting on his back and Stetson doesn't care at all. This past Monday I made the decision to have Stetson put to sleep. It was a tough decision because I've had him for almost 14 1/2 years. (Labs have a life expectancy of 12-15 years so in lab years he was an old man!) Stetson was a great dog! He was really good with the kids even though he got kicked outside and seriously neglected after they all arrived. His buddy Brenham, our crazy Weimeraner, is now being spoiled rotten so he doesn't get too lonely. The kids think it is great having him inside. He sleeps in Cayden's room which helps with Cayden having to sleep in a room by himself.

The Leavelle's offered their land as a cemetery and Scott dug a big ol' hole. We had a burial on Tuesday night and then fed cows and rode around on Lurry's Dune Buggy. It was nice to take Cayden's mind off of what we had just done. (The reality hit him hard Tuesday afternoon.) As for the twins, they are pretty confused but Cooper did say to me the other day, "Stetson in heaven with Jesus."

I like this picture and hope you do too.
God Bless

A Refreshing Drink

I know new posts have been on the endangered list lately. Sorry, it seems that with a child in kindergarten and Erica working, life is at full speed. Well, if we have any regular readers still left (blog readers are a demanding bunch), I hope you enjoy the above pic. On Saturday we all played in the front yard and attempted to wash the cars. Took this of Cutter as he quenched his thirst. More posts coming soon...I promise.

Opening Day of Soccer

Today was Cayden's first soccer game in the under 6 division. Last year he played well but had moments of watching planes go by. He was not the most aggressive kid either. I have to be careful because the coach in me comes out a lot and I want him to really compete. I am always telling him, "Whatever you do, do your best!" Well, Friday night it seemed to click! I told him we needed to kick the ball around before his first game. He was less than excited but I made him do it anyway. By the end of our "workout" I was saying , "Okay, one more time and then we will go in." He was saying, "No, Mom, three more." I am seriously hoping I have converted him! By coaching and teaching I have come to realize that fewer and fewer kids have that desire to really compete. I think it is either something you have or you don't. By the time I get them in Jr High it is too late to instill that value in them but I am hoping that you can force it on someone when they are five!!!

The game today was a blast. We got put on a really neat team with some good kids and good parents. Cayden and all the kids got to play a lot of soccer and run around a ton! (That was the reason I signed him up in the first place.) I can honestly say he went hard the whole game and did his absolute best. That is all a parent can ask for. He scored three goals but my favorite part of the game was when he broke out of the pack and was headed down field to score. The coach yells at him from the sideline to pass it to a girl on his team that was about three feet in front of him- and he did! He could have taken it all the way to the goal but he passed it! I was so proud. (She did score by the way- ASSIST!)

Scott played with his new jumbo lens and got some great pics of him in action.

If you are ever bored on a Saturday morning stop by the soccer fields. He would love to have a cheering section!

FIRST DAY!

It's official! Our baby boy is growing up. Cayden attended his first day of kindergarten today. All things considered he did great. Mom & dad were probably more anxious than him. I know it is a tired cliche but "it seems like yesterday" we were bringing him home from the hospital. To all those contacted Cayden to wish him well or sent him cards, THANKS. To all those who pray for him on a regular basis, THANKS and KEEP IT UP! It is more intimidating than I thought to send your child off to school and not be there with him.

Enjoy the pics!

CAYDEN JOB UNPLUGGED!

Check out Cayden's crazy summer hair. This is the longest his hair has been in his five years of life! Even at five he has an opinion about it and wanted it long this summer. With school starting in a little over a week we may have to shave it off!
Until then maybe I'll highlight it and make it look like a big, bright, copper penny in honor of his buddy Will!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game...

Monday night, Rex and Malissa Baugh invited us to join them for a Round Rock Express baseball game. Here are a few of the images from the game. Enjoy!

(Scott failed to say what a great time we all had. Thank you Rex and Malissa. When I asked Cayden what his favorite thing about the game was he said the fireworks, and his second favorite thing was that the "Polar Express" won the game!! Cooper loved "Stripes," aka Spike, from a distance and Cutter loved everything except the fireworks.)

I think we should do a WH game night and all go some time next season. Wouldn't that be fun? Half of the church is already there anyway- the eldership at least!

Pappa & Sammy

A pic with my (Scott) parents on a recent trip to Fort Worth. These two people are known to our children as Pappa & Sammy. During our trip we were able to visit with my brother Ryan and his family. He just moved to Flower Mound to work as a doctor in one of the Dallas hospitals. We even got to see their new house.

YOU CAN MOVE THE BOY TO ARKANSAS BUT YOU CAN'T TAKE THE TEXAS OUT OF THE BOY

The kids and I recently took a trip to Searcy, Arkansas. It was my first time to go to Searcy and I must say it is a nice little town. Some (Kyle Citty) might even say it is just "a step below Heaven." We didn't do anything particularly "Arkansas." We just went to visit some old friends and hang out and let the kids play.

After a year of being apart they still claim to be best friends!

Hayden says he doesn't like the Longhorns any more and that he is a Razorback fan now but I think he looks pretty proud here.

Swimming at a neighbor's house. Cooper was being difficult and didn't want to be in the picture.

Sunday morning for church- what a sight they were all six walking in the church building.

Even at this young age these guys seemed really excited to see each other again. (What a great age to not care about everything that is hanging out of your swimsuit!)

The newest Citty addition. Claire Elizabeth Citty. She is a tiny little thing so I'm thinking they may have mixed up the babies at the hospital- it is Arkansas. (couldn't resist Kyle)

These three are just the little ones getting some lovin'. The next time Landon kisses my daughter in his underwear she'd better have a ring on her finger!!! Maybe some day these kids will meet up in Abilene!!!!!!! "Oh Dear Christian College we love you. . . "

It Is Raining Cats and Dogs In Our Bathroom???

We recently went out of town. Scott came home on Monday and me and the kids came home the following Sunday. Some time while we were gone someone broke in our house. The strange thing is that they did not take anything. Instead, they left a shower curtain in the kids bathroom. It was neatly folded and sitting on the sink. It has cats and dogs all over it. I noticed it this morning and Scott said he noticed it some time this past week. So, we are stumped. Does anyone know anything about a shower curtain and how it came to be in our bathroom?

Elizabeth Andrews

While getting pictures of people for the new church directory I had the opportunity to meet Elizabeth Andrews. She is a honey. (That sounds like something she would call someone like herself!) She is one of the most kind, optimistic, loving people I know. She lives in a nursing home and never had children and just lost her husband back in January I believe. I have not known her long but I count her as a dear friend. I don't get by near enough to visit her but when I do she always seems so grateful and happy to see me-and even more so if I take my three wild Indians!
Last Wednesday night we went to visit her from church and she was asleep. Some people would rather sleep but not Mrs. Andrews. She would rather you wake her up so she can visit. She figures she can sleep later! We did wake her up but she was not quite her self. She had fallen earlier that evening going back to her room from a birthday party. She was hurting all over but still managed to entertain us for a good 30 minutes! They had come in and done X-rays of her all over and tonight I found out that she has a broken arm.
I am posting this so that any long time WH folks that may know her or any new WH folks who want to can send her a "Get Well" card. She has her church directory and LOVES looking through it. It would thrill her to get a card from a new friend that she could look up in her new directory. Just tell her that you attend Western Hills and heard about her arm. She would consider you a friend forever!
Send cards to Elizabeth Andrews at Temple Living Center Western Hills and they will get it to her.
Thanks,
Erica

Arrrrr!

Today was Pirate day at "camp." Ms. Donna, the Tues/Thurs school director, has started a one day a week "camp" at church during the summer. The kids LOVE it! Each week there is a different theme and she will tell us what to dress as or what to bring. (Our kids were under dressed today as a few kids showed up in pirate costumes!) They have awesome snacks that correspond to the day's theme also. For example, today was fish sticks and chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil.

So, thank you to Ms. Donna and all the other ladies that help with camp and Tues/Thurs school. It is a wonderful break for the moms and a great experience for the kids.

A Little Flooding Can't Slow Us Down

Today was a good day- a busy day but a good day. We went to the Bell County Parade in downtown Belton this morning, swimming with some friends this afternoon, and to a church picnic/devo this evening. It rained off and on all day long but the kids had a lot of fun.

The HEB shopping cart is one of the funniest "floats" I have ever seen. I think I would pay money to ride in that thing.

Life As We Knew It Ended Today

Recently Cutter has discovered how to climb out of his crib, into Cooper's crib, back into his crib and back out again. You get the idea. Today they seemed to have a little system where Cooper would tell him what to get and he would take it to her. So, tonight at 8:30 we took the plunge and began the task of changing the cribs into toddler beds. After rearranging furniture and getting them comfortable in their new surroundings it was almost 9:45. This probably has something to do with the fact that neither one of them got out of bed tonight. I know it's just dumb luck and the next few weeks we won't be so lucky. It took Cayden about two weeks to stay in bed when we switched him to a toddler bed. I figure with two we're looking at at least four weeks!
This picture is taken in their very dark room. I almost woke Cooper up! Cutter is in the bed on the right and Cooper on the left. So, if I look a little tired in the weeks to come it's because I am!

SWEEP!!!

Tonight my oldest son asked me, "Mom, why does everybody likes the Spurs?"

I answered, "Not everybody does like the Spurs, Cayden."

He then asked, "Then how come I like the Spurs?"

I quickly responded, "Because I've raised you right."

Growing up in San Antonio I have been a Spurs fan my whole life- especially during the David Robinson era. It was awesome to watch them sweep the finals tonight. It is also great to hear them referred to as a "dynasty" when just years ago they were not taken too seriously as a team. Their first championship came the year of the shortened season and was disregarded by some and the city and fans were not considered classy enough. No matter what their fans are like the team competed with class.

So, to all you Mavs fans out there, a wise friend of mine pointed out to me, "at least they have Finley!"

GO SPURS GO!!!

Rain drops keep fallin' on my head...

This past week central Texas has received more than its fair share of rain. Even some Memorial Day plans and events have been altered due to falling rain and rising water levels. However, the kids did not miss the opportunity to go outside one day and play in the rain. They had a blast. Thought you might like to see a few of the images I took while they played.
Enjoy!
PS - Happy Memorial Day!

Chew on this!

The boy can eat! This pic was taken at a recent McDonald's birthday party for a friend from church. As you can see Cutter loves a good cheeseburger. I think he is on bite number 3.

Enjoy!

Class of 2007

WATCH OUT WORLD!!!

Enjoying the moment

I love this picture of Cayden. It was taken not too long ago while playing in the yard in the water hose. The reason I love this picture is because of the expression on Cayden's face. He is completely caught up in the moment. In this instance he has no concerns, worries, anxieties, or stresses. He is simply loving exactly what he is doing at that moment. May more of life be just like this.

God Bless,

Scott

No Fear...

Right around Easter time Cayden learned to ride his bike without the training wheels. He has quickly become comfortable and confident on his bike. He loves to ride. This evening we were playing around outside and I dared him to stand on his bike. As you can see he took me up on my challenge and did better than I could have imagined. It is incredible to watch him grow and learn.

Enjoy,
Scott

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day Erica! The kids are still a little too young (not for long) to post this themselves...but if they could, I am sure they would say something like this:

Cayden: I have the best mom because she plays with me all the time. She makes me cool things like backpacks, marshmallow guns, camouflage birthday cakes, CD's with cool music and even a fort in the backyard. And she even likes the motorcycle game!

Cutter: My mom is the best because she "gets" me. She understands every word I say...sometimes she is the only one.

Cooper: My mom is the best because she makes my hair so pretty...and makes me pretty shirts...and buys me pretty dresses (all on sale)...and buys me pretty shoes...and let's me play in her make-up.

All 3: I love you mom...You are the BEST!

Scott: I agree with the kids. You are the best. It is incredible to watch you be a mom. You bring a rare combination of creativity, wisdom, and hard work to the equation. And I know you don't always feel this way...but you make it look easy. Thanks for being a great mom to 3 awesome kids. I love you!

-----------

To my own mom...

Happy Mother's Day. It is a blessing to have you as a mom. I know I was not and still am not the perfect son. But through it all you have always been there for me. Thanks for your never ending love.

I love you,

Scott

MM...MM...GOOD

I know it has been a while since our last post, so I am posting this recent pic of Cooper. I love her expression and all of the chocolate on her face. I remember the days when a bad day could be cured with a good fudgesicle!

Have a Great Day!

Some more memories from the Blizzard of '07

The snow is gone but here are a few more memories of our amazing White Easter. The top is the scene on our street late Saturday night. The bottom pic is of Cutter enjoying his first ever S'more. That's right we roasted s'mores in the fireplace on Easter. Enjoy!

Scott

Grateful

Yesterday, Erica called me and told me she and our kids had been in a wreck. It is one of those phone calls that hits you in the gut. Everyone is ok...The suburban got the worst of it. So I am grateful no one was hurt and my wife and all three of my kids slept in their own beds last night. Everything else is just bent metal. So I realized how much I take my kids for granted and how much I need to make sure every good bye is a good one. I am grateful for my family, I am grateful they are safe, and I am grateful for the reminder not to take them for granted.

God Bless

Scott

Cutter takes first steps

I know this is dated, but I am learning how to post video to the blog. So for now enjoy this "not-too-long-ago" memory.

Happy Birthday Cooper & Cutter

The twins turn two today!!! We can't believe it. For their party we gave their buds a two pack of Twinkies with a homemade label on it that looked like the one above. We don't plan on doing much for their birthday except eating cake and playing!

In two short years Cooper and Cutter have challenged my ability to be in control of every situation more than I could have ever guessed but they have also blessed my life more than I could have ever imagined!

Happy Birthday Twinkies!!

Happy Birthday Scott

I call this one Six Feet! (like I name pictures!! Scott remaned it for me.) The kids were playing in the back yard and stopped to swing and eat a popsicle. Their feet were filthy. Luckily I had the camera and decided to snap one of their feet before they get too big and ugly and nasty!!!
from left to right they are Cooper, Cutter, Cayden

. . . and Happy Birthday Scott! We didn't do anything exciting for him but it was a good day. (We had pizza and cake.) Luckily he wants a copy of this for his office so we'll just call it his birthday present since we didn't really get him one!

Spring Break 2007

This is the extent of our fun for spring break 2007. When you aren't working and the kids aren't in real school yet spring break is just about like any other week- except everybody else is doing something fun and it rains a lot.
So far we have made rice crispy treats and popsicles, done flips over the couch, set up the train, watched movies, eaten lots of snacks and made tons of messes. Today's excitement included destroying Cayden's room and hanging out on the top bunk in fireman hats. Cutter's not much of a hat man.
May your spring break be more eventful than a week spent rained in at the Meyer's house!

PARTY PICS

Who knows if the party was a success? It was complete chaos! We made marshmallow guns and attempted to shoot them, ate Chick-fil-a nuggets and fries, opened presents, ate cake and then played Cayden's dance game. Cayden's dancing game was their favorite thing. At the end of the party we played some of his music and they all danced until the music stopped. When the music stopped they froze. When the music started they began dancing again. This was a favorite part for the adults that were there also. I did get some hillarious video footage of these poor little church kids trying bust a move!!
Cayden said he had fun and he loved all his gifts from his friends. I guess that alone makes it a success.