Landon had his first piano recital. Xander was of course thrilled that he had to be a part of yet another one. We had it a retirement community. No funny stuff this year. All the tenant were well behaved. Landon told me in the car afterwards that he heard someone say "Wow, he's really good," while he was playing. I think I heard it too, NOT! He is soo funny. They did a great job. I was a proud teacher and mama! The other picture is some of my other students.

Christmas pics with the Sheltons

It is always so crazy trying to get my boys to take Christmas pictures, or any pictures for that matter. One Sunday everyone was dressed halfway decent, so I rounded everyone up. Honestly, we had about 3 seconds to take a picture before Quinn ran away and everyone was trying to catch him. We are thankful is was a fairly good picture. We couldn't get Quinn to stay still long enough to take one by himself, so Barry and I jumped in to hold him down.

We've been hit hard with the flu. Xander and Landon have missed 5 days of school, and that is only because part of it was over the weekend. Barry was the sickest I have ever seen him. We are doing better now, just in time for Christmas. Yeah!!

Great Family!

It was such a treat to have my dad, mom and sister Courtney come for Thanksgiving and Landon's baptism. They made great sacrifices to be here, and I am so grateful for them. We had a lot of fun laughing, especially at my dad. Love ya dad!!

Holiday Fun with Family

My brother Lance and his family traveled north to be with us for Landon's baptism and Thanksgiving. We took a tour of Cowboy Stadium which was really cool. I have to say that is wasn't quite the same as Texas Stadium. Much nicer of course, but not the same feeling.

Landon's baptism November 27, 2009

Landon's baptism was amazing. I was overcome with gratitude for all of the family and friends that showed their support on this special day. Landon was so happy this day. He has this grin that he gives when he is exceptionally happy/embarrassed/excited, and he wore it most of the day. Thanks to all from near and far who took the time to be with us. We created memories that will never be forgotten.

Scary Boys

The boys went to Halloween party last night where there was a great face painter. Xander was a skeleton and Landon was a beat up football player. The funny thing is that Landon really has a goose egg in the middle of his forehead. He was injured at the party for real. Okay, funny isn't the right word, because it wasn't funny, but ironic! Landon looks like he was in a car accident. I love their facial expressions. I have budding actors on my hands.

The night of October 16 the gravitation pull on the earth made it so broom could stand on it's own. We had two standing. Creepy around this time of year.

Quinn and Landon enjoying the birthday trash.

Collin playing soccer and loving it!

Xander wanted a strawberry cake. From a box of course!

We officially have a double digit dude. I want to call him Triple D, but Barry says that is inappropriate. :) Xander turned 10 on the 18th, and Landon turns 8 on th 30th. Where has the time gone. I wish the clock would slow down. I have heard myself saying several times this past year that I would like for my family to stay the way it is right now. I enjoy every age of my children right now. I don't think I want to visit the teeange years. Time can stand still for now.

New outlook on life!

I love you Collin and Carson!!

Today was a life changing day for me. I have never been so scared for the life of one of my children or close family members. Here is what happened. Kim left my house around 2:30 to pick up her kids from school. She lives about 10 minutes away from me so she should have been to her school around 2:40. She took Collin with her, because of course he wanted to play with Carson some MORE. Around 3:20 I am pulling into my garage and my cell phone rings. It is Jason, my sister's husband. He asked me if I knew where Kim was because the kids are standing at the school and Kim is no where to be found. Did I mention that it is raining outside? I immediately think that Kim has been in a car accident between my house and the school. I tell the kids to get back in the car so we can drive to the school. As I approach a hill that is right before a stop light I envision fire trucks and ambulance just on the other side. I just know that Kim was badly injured because she is not answering her phone, no one can get a hold of her, and her children have not been picked up at the school. I'm looking for helicopters in the sky, listening for sirens, and saying a prayer. Plus shedding a few tears!!! Panic has set in. I finally reach a mutual friend who went up to the school to pick up Kim's boys, and there is Kim. A misunderstanding about where the boys are supposed to be and all panic breaks out.

Here is where the outlook on life changes, besides thinking my sister, nephew and son have died. Later that day Quinn, my 1 year old, throws the Wii remote in the toilet (Barry doesn't know yet) and it is ruined. Normally I would be upset and ask who left it out and give my kids the whole lecture about keeping things out of Quinn's reach. But instead, I was so grateful that Collin, Kim and Carson are alive and a Wii remote can be replaced. My family members can not be replaced. Life is too short to live it angry and upset over the little things when there is so much more suffering in the world. This has truly been a life changing day for me. Kiss your loved ones each and every day and don't fret the small stuff!!!

9/11 Another meaning for us!

What happened on 9/11 has had a different impact on people in so many ways emotionally and spiritually. Before last year I remembered all those who lost their lives in 2001 and those who have lost their lives since fighting for our freedom. And even though I will always remember them, last year left a different feeling for me and my family. Our grandma Louise Bess died one year ago tomorrow. We have missed her so much this year. I have been home 3 times since she passed away, and it will never be the same. Her laughter and smile are gone for now. Grandpa is not the same without her. He suffers in his own way which none of us may ever understand. At this point he doesn't remember her, but I know his heart will never forget. I am so grateful to know that there is life beyond this one. I know that Grandma Bess will live again.

Courtney and I at Grandma Bess's grave in McAllen. It was the first time Courtney had been back since the funeral, and it was tough. Grandma was AWESOME!!! I miss her cooking. :)

What have the Sheltons been doing?

We started another school year 3 weeks ago. Xander is in 4th, Landon is in 2nd, and Collin is staying home with me where we have school on MWF of each week. Quinn is a walking fool who is right in the thick of things at all times. He is so much fun. I feel like he is no longer the baby, but just one of the boys.

We took several trips this summer. We went to Indiana, South Texas and Mississippi. We spent time at a local lake, swimming, and playing lots of soccer. Xander's team has won 6 straight tournaments. Landon and Collin both played indoor, and Quinn chases the soccer balls all around.

I will post a slide show of our last several months when I remember how to do it.

I fell off the face of the earth for a while, but I decided to see if I still remember how to do this. I can't believe it has been almost a year since I posted. Quinn is 1. I know, time has flown. He is walking. He also finally had his first haircut. Boys seem to age about a year when you give them a haircut, so I held off as long as possible.

I recently returned from my first trip ever to California. My best friend from high school, Ana Garcia, now Kamenetzky, was married. It was a beautiful wedding which I was so blessed to be a part of. Ana and Andy look so happy. I met Scott Krinsky who plays Jeff on the show "Chuck" which is our favorite show. He was awesome. I took the bus down to UCLA and Santa Monica pier and had a blast getting to know the LA area. Ana and Andy took me to say farewell to Michael Jackson in what ended up being an emotional goodbye for me. I have realized that I will survive without MJ. I now have closure. I saw old friends and made new ones. I saw the LA temple, UCLA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Pier, and so much more. I stayed at The Four Seasons Hotel and rode public transportation by myself. I would say it was a great trip. Thanks to all who helped make it happen. I have such great friends and family.