The Youngblood Family

DUKE game 2009

2012-02-08T20:19:00.001-08:00

Tonight, the Duke Blue Devils beat the North Carolina Tar Heels!
It was a crazy game!
While watching the game, I realized I never posted our pictures from the Sweet 16 & Elite 8 game that was held in Houston in 2009. This was the year the Blue Devils went on to win the National Championship Game. As you can tell from the pictures, we are HUGE DUKE FANS! Jake lives and breathes Duke. Anytime Duke is scheduled to play, he begs to wear his Duke gear. Man, does he have team spirit!
We were lucky enough to meet Coach K and all of the Duke Players...only because my kids are sneaky and hauled butt while they were coming outside to meet their family and load their bus. My wild kids bypassed security and everything. I, on the other hand, had the perfect excuse to meet the players. I had to rescue my kids! So, off I went running with my camera and secretly praying that we didn't get caught and hauled off to jail. Ha!

The boys posing with a "grandpa" we met at the game. He flew himself and his 4 grandsons to the game.

The boys posing with some actual Duke students

Dusty getting Shane Battier's signature....

Dusty and Doug Collins (his son is the assistant coach for Duke).

A little information about Doug Collins: a retired basketball player, a former four-time NBA All-Star and currently the head coach of the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers.

The boys with Jon Scheyer's mom, Laury Scheyer. She was really sweet and didn't hesitate when we asked for a picture.

The boys and the Plumlee parents. Their 3 boys are playing for Duke this season. They are Mason, Miles, and Marshall.

The boys and their sneaky moment...

Nolan Smith, Brian Zoubeck, and Jon Scheyer

Jake and his favorite player, Kyle Singler

Brian Zoubeck and the boys. This guy is a giant!

Jon Scheyer and the boys

Coach K and the boys

Nolan Smith and the boys

Kyle Singler and Cameron

sports gear

2012-02-08T20:03:00.000-08:00

We recently discovered that we have been over paying for sports equipment! Our new place to stock up on sports gear is Play It Again Sports in Sugarland. This place seriously rocks!!! You can get really good sports gear for half the price or even less than half. The other day we went and bought the following:
1. Catcher's helmet
2. Catcher's knee pads for Cameron
3. Catcher's chest protector for Cameron
4. Catcher's knee pads for Jake
5. Catcher's chest protector for Jake
6. Red padded football pants for Jake
7. White padded football pants for Cameron
8. Weighted medicine ball for Dusty and I (yeah, one day we will use it!)

All of this cost us $80 bucks!!!! This is a steal, considering the Catcher's Helmet & 1 set of knee pads that we returned to Sports Authority rang up for $110 bucks!
We ended up giving the difference of the cash to the kids and they were so thrilled.

Cameron in his new catchers helmet:

a bigger boy

2012-02-08T19:55:00.001-08:00

Chief, our 4th child, went for his check up appointment a few weeks back.
We are proud to report he weighs 7.6 pounds.
He enjoys sleeping, eating, pooping, peeing, and playing.
He sleeps through the night now without having to go out and potty. That makes me a happy mommy.
He is still working on the potty business, but is doing a lot better.
He does a lot of this.....

the year of the dragon

2012-02-08T18:56:00.001-08:00

On January 23rd, the kids and I celebrated the Chinese New Year. Dusty had to work that day, and I was looking for something creative to do with the kiddos that evening, so I decided why not celebrate. So,we ordered Chinese food, ate on the floor in the family room, listened to Chinese music from Pandora, and talked about the Chinese New Year and about life. It was a fun evening and the kids seemed to get the red sweet and sour sauce everywhere. Cee Cee looks like a vampire in one of the photos.

Don't know about the Chinese New Year & want some information on it...well, read on. If not, just skip to the pictures of the super cute kids below it. :)

More than 4,000 years ago, there were two large tribes and many smaller tribes in China. The tribes had animals as emblems. The two large tribes unified and chose the dragon as their symbol. In fact, the Han Chinese still call themselves the descendants of the Dragon.
In Chinese astrology the dragon was seen as a powerful almighty king because it was made up of different parts of animals such as a tiger, fish, snake and an eagle.
The Chinese dragon was not seen as a threatening evil being as we do in the west - rather a symbol of power, superiority and rule.
Still today, the Dragon is a revered symbol. You can see many sculptures and carvings of the dragon. Even today, the Chinese associate the dragon with power and wisdom. In Chinese astrology a dragon person is special. Born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon they usually stand out as befits a dragon. They are powerful and wise.
In a group of people, "the Chinese Year of the Dragon person" stands out. There is a certain aura about them.
They certainly are not shy – they demand attention and respect.
The dragon is a symbol of power. Therefore in Chinese astrology the dragon person born under this Chinese Zodiac sign tends to be a "doer" – they do things and achieve power by getting things done.
A dragon can breathe out fire so the person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon can be a hothead. Watch out if you make them angry!
However, the dragon has a soft underbelly and so in Chinese astrology the dragon person born in this Chinese Zodiac year has a "soft spot" to them. They may get angry at someone who annoys them but they also show great compassion to people in need.
A dragon has a long tongue which is often seen.
So in Chinese astrology the dragon person born in this Chinese Zodiac year has a sharp tongue – they will say things that can be quite sarcastic and biting.
The person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon can be quite a confronting person but if you can reach their "soft heart" they are worthwhile allies.
2012 is the Chinese year of the dragon. So what does 2012 hold for a person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon?
Such people such double their efforts in whatever they do - work, education and other projects. Their natural talent and abilities should stand out with great results.
However, watch out for that temper! Keep it in check and do not spoil your good work.

Were you lucky enough to be born The Year of the Dragon?
1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

(article found here & the below picture found somewhere on the net--brain fart and I can't remember!)

Martin Luther King Day

2012-02-02T19:19:00.000-08:00

On Martin Luther King day the kids were out of school, so we loaded them up and headed out on a road trip to Krystal's Burger joint. Now our definition of a road trip is probably quiet different than your idea of a "road trip". Our definition means driving 45 minutes from our house on a street that is nothing but light after light. We finally made it to our destination only to be greatly disappointed. Krystal's was shut down!!!!! Ugh, the sadness Dusty and I experienced! The kids were pretty bummed too because they were starving!!!

After much discussion and whining from the kids we decided to hit Rudy's BBQ on the way home and rent a movie. Rudy's has super yummy delicious BBQ. Cameron and Caroline, who have the same taste for food, love the cream corn and Jake, who doesn't eat veggies at all, loves the ribs.
The kids also grabbed their favorite candy selection from Rudy's. Jake picked the Texas sized jelly beans and Cameron and Caroline picked the big lollipops.
And what's a road trip without documentation....
Looks like someone landed their sweet ride and went to Rudy's too....

Oh, and here is the sweet $15 cheesecake we picked up from Sams...

the tree & the kiddos

2012-01-23T18:13:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve

2012-01-03T07:11:00.001-08:00

This year, due to our work schedule, Dusty and I were without the kids on New Year's Eve.You would think we would get dressed up and hit the town, but we are pretty up in age and sleep is our number 1 priority....especially, since we had to work the next day. We ordered food from the Fish Place (fish tacos, Shrimp Alfredo pasta, and a fish poor boy) and we made a quick run to Kroger's for French Bread and Cheesecake. It was simply delicious and fun.
Here is my failed attempt to capture some amazing pictures of us-HA! My goal this year is to get more pictures of us (Dusty and I) on the blog. So, please forgive me if I post any "real" pictures of me--no make up, the extra 10 pounds of weight I have gained, and etc.

Christmas 2011

2012-01-02T18:03:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
not a creature was stirring, not even a pug dog.

The stockings were hung by the stairs with care,
in hopes that Big Santa and Jimmy, the elf, would soon be there.
Homemade chocolate chip cookies and milk were placed with care, in hopes Big Santa would be thrilled.

In the middle of the night, Big Santa and Jimmy arrived.
I heard them on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head and was turning around, I heard the front door budge open.
They spoke not a word, but went straight to work.
They filled the stockings and left presents galore,
for hopes the Youngblood kiddos would such adore.

They sprang to their sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
and away they all flew like down a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, as he flew out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

At 7 am the kiddos awoke.
To find such sweet surprises and a little note.
They were tickled with joy and enjoyed in their Christmas delights.
Now to next Christmas they rejoice!

For it looks like Big Santa made a slight mistake,
what made him leave behind a Justin Beiber note pad?
Why can't Big Santa remember she really dislikes Mr. Beiber?

Christmas with Family

2012-01-02T06:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day highlights from Grandma Karen & Papa Daryl's house...

till next year Jimmy

2012-01-01T16:34:00.001-08:00

Jimmy left our house after helping Santa deliver toys and goodies to our house on Christmas day. The kids were surprised to wake up and find that Jimmy had left them a letter, along with a few treats. Jimmy will be missed...especially by Caroline, who cried a few tears when she realized Jimmy wouldn't be around to talk to and play silly pranks.
It looks like Jimmy found my stack of Christmas cards. I guess he decided I would never send them out, so he decided to put one to good use.

Jimmy left 3 popcorn containers for the kids, Angry Bird fruit snacks, air head candy, and cry baby bubble gum.

cookies for Santa

2012-01-01T16:11:00.000-08:00

The kids left the best chocolate chip cookies for Santa this year.
In my opinion, they rocked!
Truth be told, I forgot that I needed to have cookies and carrots ready for Santa and his reindeers. So, around 11 pm on Christmas Eve I baked a batch of fabulous chocolate chip cookies.

Here is the recipe I used (stolen from the wrapper of Crisco):
-3/4 stick of Crisco Baking Sticks All Vegetable Shortening or 3/4 cup Crisco All Vegetable Shortening
-1 1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
-2 tablespoons milk
-1 tablespoon vanilla extract
-1 large egg
-1 3/4 cups Pillsbury Best All Purpose Flour
-1 teaspoon salt
-3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 (6 oz.) package semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup)...I add A LOT!
-Optional--1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Heat oven to 375. Beat shortening and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in milk, vanilla and egg. Stir in flour, salt, and baking soda. Blend in chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by rounded measuring tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes for chewy cookies or 11 to 13 minutes for crisp cookies. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet. NOTE-If nuts are omitted, add an additional 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Makes 3 dozen cookies.

The next day Jake ate about 8 of them. Just the inside of the cookies. He left the crusts of the cookies inside the cookie jar.

Christmas tradition

2012-01-01T15:35:00.001-08:00

Decorating stockings has become a Christmas tradition at the Youngblood house. Dusty and I started this tradition way before we had kids. It is a sweet family tradition that I enjoy year after year and I hope my kids continue this fun tradition when they start their own family (but, if their wife or hubby wants to buy fancy stockings, that is okay by me-ha). It is quite the mess and clean up, but such happy times!

Merry Christmas...

2011-12-25T10:01:00.001-08:00

Wishing you a Merry and Bright Holiday!
Love,
The Youngblood Family

Jimmy

2011-12-24T20:01:00.000-08:00

C-R-A-Z-Y Jimmy....

We are really going to miss our crazy Elf!

Jimmy

2011-12-23T19:59:00.000-08:00

After sleeping for so many nights, it looks like Jimmy woke up with an appetite.
Eat & Be Merry.

hunting trip 2011

2011-12-23T10:19:00.000-08:00

On Monday evening, my boys returned home from their first hunting trip. I had visions that they would return home with some amazing pictures of their catch. However, I think picture taking was far from their minds. I'm proud to report that they returned home with what the boys were telling me was a "nub buck" (a deer that is just beginning to grow antlers). They shot it just before dark, after having sat in a deer stand for 2 hours, while Jake had to pee the whole time.
The next morning, Cameron took a shot at a huge hog approx. 300-400 lbs! By far the biggest one they had ever seen. He barely missed him, shooting just a little low but you couldn't tell from his excitement that he even missed. He said it was so foggy, cold, windy and in a heavy rain. Dusty said it was probably a good thing that he missed because it would have been a nightmare tracking that big boy.
All in all, the boys had a great time! We'll have a freezer full of deer meat and a cool white-tail skin that we got tanned for possibly making a blanket or something else cool. I'm so glad that my kids will have so many wonderful memories of time spent with their dad. Something that I feel is a rarity these days.

snow angels

2011-12-22T22:10:00.000-08:00

I think someone is missing the snow...

J-I-M-M-Y....

2011-12-21T22:03:00.000-08:00

Jimmy attacked Caroline's hair bow container last night.

I'm thinking red is his color...even though he favors Mickey Mouse.

a busy Jimmy

2011-12-20T21:51:00.000-08:00

It looks like Jimmy has been one busy elf at the North Pole.
For the last couple of days Jimmy has been taking it easy.

night night Jimmy

2011-12-15T18:10:00.000-08:00

looks like someone had a late night at the North Pole....

sweet dreams Jimmy.

meet Chief

2011-12-14T06:18:00.002-08:00

Meet Chief...The newest member to the Youngblood Family.
Name: Chief Youngblood
Date of Birth: 10/25/2011
Parents: Oliver Ham & Avery Jo
Hobbies: Eating, Sleeping, & Snuggling

(He looks huge in these pictures, but really he is super small.)

Jimmy

2011-12-13T13:31:00.000-08:00

Read a good book lately, Jimmy?

crazy Jimmy

2011-12-12T13:17:00.000-08:00

Recently, someone sent us a couple of scratch-n-play lottery tickets. We were lucky enough to score about 10 bucks total. Not too shabby! However, it looks like Jimmy wants to keep our winnings...

Crazy Jimmy!

Jimmy & his questions....

2011-12-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

Yes, Jimmy! You are cool, funny, and cute!
Your outlook is Good.

early Christmas...

2011-12-10T15:06:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, our elf, Jimmy, brought back an early Christmas present from the North Pole. It's the one thing our kids have been asking for. The kids were surprised when they arrived home on Saturday evening to be greeted by Jimmy at the back door. Jimmy left arrows sending them to the direction that left the kids their early Christmas surprise (I just didn't get the picture of their surprise while it was in the box).....

Jimmy plays a tune

2011-12-09T11:35:00.001-08:00

Jingle Bells
Batman Smells
Robin Laid an Egg
The Batmobile Lost a Wheel
And Joker got away

Silly Jimmy!

Do you sleep Jimmy?

2011-12-08T18:44:00.000-08:00

Looks like Jimmy had fun playing last night in Cee Cee's doll house. It also looks like he made a lady friend.

Jimmy's breakfast request

2011-12-07T18:35:00.000-08:00

Looks like after visiting the North Pole last night, Jimmy was pretty hungry...

attack of the tree

2011-12-06T06:44:00.000-08:00

I guess Jimmy thought it was a grand idea to wrap the Christmas tree last night.
Too bad "he" got busted by a 9 year old in the process!

hunting fever

2011-12-05T18:10:00.000-08:00

In 2 weeks, the boys will take their first hunting trip. They are pretty pumped about the trip and Dusty and I just added to their excitement when we purchased their hunting license, Camo shirts, and jackets yesterday.

i heart jim

2011-12-05T09:28:00.000-08:00

Hot chocolate anyone?
Apparently, Jimmy does during the night.
Cute cup Jimmy....only I can heart Jim.

silly Jimmy

2011-12-04T18:30:00.000-08:00

Silly Jimmy.
That's not your tooth brush!

silly Jimmy

2011-12-03T18:21:00.000-08:00

Is Jimmy really reporting back to Santa at night?
He seems awfully busy playing jokes in the house at night.
He is so funny. It looks like he decorated the tree in Duke Basketball jerseys this time.

Now, where the heck is our tree topper at?

silly Jimmy

2011-12-02T06:15:00.000-08:00

Looks like our elf was pretty busy last night.

After following a trail of Rapunzel's hair through the kitchen, up the stairs, and into Cee Cee's room, we found Jimmy.
He was hanging out with Rapunzel on Cee Cee's bed and he had a ball of Rapunzel's hair in his hands.
Silly Jimmy!

hair cut

2011-12-02T05:01:00.001-08:00

Hair cut for Cee Cee?
No way!
Hair cut for Rapunzel?
Yep!
After riding her bike through the house like a mad woman yesterday & getting Rapunzel's long hair caught in her wheel, Caroline decided Rapunzel's long flowing blond locks had to go.
Out came the scissors, the brush, and the leave-in-conditioner.
Rapunzel is now sporting a new and fresh look & I think Cee Cee is showing some mad skills in the beauty department.

Jimmy, the Elf

2011-12-01T06:41:00.000-08:00

This morning, while the kids were eating their hearty breakfast, we heard something at the door. To our surprise, there was a package at the door step from Santa. He had dropped off one of his finest Elves. The kids were delighted to meet our new friend and they agreed to name him Jimmy.
Caroline, just adored him. The boys on the other hand were not too sure about his presence and had lots of questions about how far away this elf could really see them.

Want to get your elf OR learn about The Elf on the Shelf? Click here.

truth about santa?

2011-11-30T20:19:00.000-08:00

Have your kids ever questioned you about Santa?
Struggling to find an answer?
I read this great article today on Cozi and thought it was perfect to share. The link can be found here.
But here is the "copied and pasted version" that was written by Martha Brockenbrough -

"A few months back, the Tooth Fairy got busted. She left a note for Alice up on her computer, and Lucy figured the whole business out. The Tooth Fairy cursed her need to write notes in elaborate fonts and tried to come up with a cover story, but it didn’t fool Lucy.

To her credit, Lucy has kept the secret from her little sister, who still hasn’t lost a tooth and deserves to wake up with money under her pillow.

But the Tooth Fairy knew it couldn’t be too long before Santa was similarly unmasked. She didn’t know when or how, but she knew the days of magic in her house, at least magic of a certain sort, were coming to an end.

And the Tooth Fairy—by which I mean myself—was pretty darned sad about the inevitable, which finally arrived last week.

Lucy and I have been exchanging notes since the school year started. We’ve talked about all sorts of things—sports, books we’d like to read, adventures we’d like to have, even stories from when I was in third grade. For the most part, though, it’s been light, casual stuff. Until last week.

I NEED TO KNOW, she wrote, using capital letters for emphasis. ARE YOU SANTA? TELL ME THE TRUTH.

What do you do when your kid asks for the truth? You tell it, of course, doing your best to figure out a way that keeps at least some of the magic intact.

Here’s what I wrote:

Dear Lucy,

Thank you for your letter. You asked a very good question: “Are you Santa?”

I know you’ve wanted the answer to this question for a long time, and I’ve had to give it careful thought to know just what to say.

The answer is no. I am not Santa. There is no one Santa.

I am the person who fills your stockings with presents, though. I also choose and wrap the presents under the tree, the same way my mom did for me, and the same way her mom did for her. (And yes, Daddy helps, too.)

I imagine you will someday do this for your children, and I know you will love seeing them run down the stairs on Christmas morning. You will love seeing them sit under the tree, their small faces lit with Christmas lights.

This won’t make you Santa, though.

Santa is bigger than any person, and his work has gone on longer than any of us have lived. What he does is simple, but it is powerful. He teaches children how to have belief in something they can’t see or touch.

It’s a big job, and it’s an important one. Throughout your life, you will need this capacity to believe: in yourself, in your friends, in your talents and in your family. You’ll also need to believe in things you can’t measure or even hold in your hand. Here, I am talking about love, that great power that will light your life from the inside out, even during its darkest, coldest moments.

Santa is a teacher, and I have been his student, and now you know the secret of how he gets down all those chimneys on Christmas Eve: he has help from all the people whose hearts he’s filled with joy.

With full hearts, people like Daddy and me take our turns helping Santa do a job that would otherwise be impossible.

So, no. I am not Santa. Santa is love and magic and hope and happiness. I’m on his team, and now you are, too.

I love you and I always will.

Mama"

What a great writer and so amazingly stated.
And since every post needs a picture-

(picture taken December 2009)

Happy Holidays!

thankful

2011-11-30T11:27:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder if your raising you're kids right?
I do. I always do.

I wonder if they will grow up to be strong, loving, happy, and respectful individuals?
Lately, these thoughts have been flooding the back of my head.
I mean, they've always been there... but, it seems since the boys have hit 2nd and 4th grade, the thoughts have really been bugging me.
I really do hope that my hubby and I are doing everything right.
I'm sure we are, but, the thoughts are still there.
Today, I surprised Cameron at school and brought him Whataburger for lunch. While I was there, I was able to grab a sneak peak of Jake heading out to recess. Little did I know that Jake saw me. He surprised me and came running inside the lunch room to give me a HUGE hug!! At that moment, my heart melted. I knew right then and there that my kids were going to be just fine. Life is good.

Today, I'm thankful for my children.
I'm, thankful to be their mom.
I'm thankful I'm a better person because of them.

thankful

2011-11-29T18:48:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I'm thankful that my hubby and I make such a good team.

Especially, when it comes to being out numbered...it's good to have only the best on your team.

(picture taken June 2009)

thankful

2011-11-28T19:44:00.001-08:00

Today, I'm thankful it's Monday.
Monday means I can sleep in til 7 am.
Monday means I'm off for the next 5 days.
Monday means it's trash day (bugs me when I have a pile of trash in my garage).
Monday means I can stay in my pj's all day long if I wanted.
Monday means I can stay in bed and snuggle with Cee Cee.
Monday means I can watch any movies or television programs I want.
Monday means I can clean all day long (I really love cleaning-looking into opening a maid service).
Monday means I get to do all of my laundry (love doing it, but hate matching socks!)
On this Monday, I went and scored a new electronic device for our living room, slow danced with Cee Cee in the kitchen to the song, I'll Stand By You, by Carrie Underwood, picked up the boys from school and went and visited hubby at the fire station.
I love my Mondays!

thankful

2011-11-27T23:29:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm thankful for my itouch. I love singing as loud as I possibly can in my car while on my way to work. It's my alone time and I have no kids screaming that is it their time to pick the song. I have no complaints that my song choice is to slow and girly. It's just me and my itouch cruising along at 6 am on a Sunday morning.

(image can be found here)

thankful

2011-11-26T19:42:00.001-08:00

Today, I left my house at 6 am for work. It was hot and muggy outside.
However, when I left work at 7 pm, the weather was perfect! Tonight upon walking out of work, I was giddy with excitement and my heart was overwhelmed and full of gratitude. I have a lot to be thankful for this evening. These are just a few of the items on my thankful list tonight...

-cold weather
-dr. pepper
-work relief that showed up 5 minutes early
-hot chocolate
-a full tank of gas
-conquering one of the Angry Bird levels
-turkey dinner with the coolest family ever
-a man that can cook like a boss and should have his own show on the food network
-my house (despite the neighborhood, my house is warm, cozy, and inviting)
-Dusty's massage techniques
-3 kiddos and their zest for life
-and for the kids shark that greets me in the shower every night!

thankful

2011-11-25T19:34:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm thankful for good food and family.

(Sydney & Jake playing football at Tako & Phyl's house)

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T19:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!
Today I....
-attempted to take Christmas pictures of the kids. That was a HOT MESS followed by a candy bar and Dr. Pepper!
-lunch at Whataburger. (Hubby had to work) Lunch was priceless and the kids and I had great conversation. Our conversation was mostly about how a young woman's last name changes when she marries. I gave Cee Cee the example if she married her little friend, Chance. She gasped and said, "I will be Cee Cee Perales?" And then proceeded to cover her eyes with her hands and said, "Oh, my goodness!"
I thought it was pretty funny that she understood the whole concept!

Happy Thanksgiving and now bring on the Christmas CHEER!

thankful

2011-11-24T18:44:00.001-08:00

Today, I'm thankful for my cozy bed & new comforter
I love my bed & I love sleeping.
I love cuddling with my hubby & kids.
I love putting my cold feet on my hubbies legs at night (he doesn't-HA!)
I love that I woke up this morning to hear Jake singing the chorus from the movie, Zoo Keeper (very cute movie).
How can I forget waking up to hearing these lyrics:

Apple Bottom Jeans [Jeans]
Boots with the fur [With the fur]
The whole club was lookin at her
She hit the flo [She hit the flo]
Next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low

I got such a good laugh from my super cozy bed this morning.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Tomorrow is our Turkey Day. Sweet Hubby worked overtime today and I think he is super awesome!

thankful

2011-11-23T18:35:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm thankful for my close friend, Casey, and for her cool kids, Alex & Taylor. I'm thankful we could have a Thanksgiving/bring in the Christmas cheer party and paint ornaments.

thankful

2011-11-22T18:10:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm thankful for happiness.
I'm thankful I can enjoy the beauty and joy in my life.

thankful

2011-11-21T17:14:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I'm thankful that my husband has a flexible work schedule and can get off of work to spend time with his family.
(November 24, 2010-Houston Fire Department Station 4)

thankful

2011-11-20T10:07:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm thankful for candy.
Candy helps me get through my 12 hour shift at the hospital.
Without a snickers, baby ruth, or twix bar I would be one mean lady!

thankful

2011-11-19T23:44:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm thankful for friendship.

thankful

2011-11-18T19:50:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm thankful that my boys have taught me some football moves.
(I think the ball I'm reaching for hits me in the face...I'm that good! Ha!)

thankful

2011-11-17T17:38:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm thankful for my beehive cake stand that my AWESOME mother-in-law got me. I love coming home to having a package at my door step addressed to ME! It is absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to get busy making a cake and eating it.
Thanks MiMi! I love it!!

thankful

2011-11-16T20:07:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I'm thankful that I finished painting our bedroom.
I painted over the blue walls with Sherwin Williams Kilim Beige. At first, when the color hit the wall, I wasn't exactly sure about it. However, now that the paint has dried and the blue is all gone I love IT!
I ordered my new bedspread today. A WHITE one! I hope I get lucky and get it this Friday. I'm thankful that my hubby finally gave in to my desire for a white bedspread. I hope I don't regret my decision for white(Cameron, Jake, and Cee Cee better stay off my bed with their cute little hands and dirty shoes!).

thankful

2011-11-15T18:02:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm thankful for my own personal chef:

This guy can cook it up like a boss!
Tonight, he cooked me up my favorite meal and put a little spin on it.
The Menu: Alaska Salmon Bake with Pecan Crunch Coating & the other Salmon had a Macadamia Nut Crunch Coating. Sauteed yellow and zucchini squash, a fresh cold salad, and couscous.
I couldn't ask for more. I have a full tummy and happy heart.
(p.s. I'm also thankful that Duke beat Michigan tonight and that Coach K won his 903rd game!)

thankful

2011-11-14T16:06:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm thankful for lazy Mondays.
They are the best & I look forward to them after working the weekend shift.
After the boys go to school, it's breakfast & lunch in the bed, movies, & just a little cleaning for the day.

(picture taken October 2009)

thankful

2011-11-13T23:19:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm thankful that I can download & store pictures on my computer.
I am thankful that I came across this picture of Cee Cee.
I needed a good laugh.
She's super dirty, barely dressed, & has cupcake all over her.
(and looking like a redneck! HA HA!) It must have been a good day.
(July 2009)

thankful

2011-11-12T18:57:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm thankful for my French translator, my hubby.
You're my rock and I love you!

thankful

2011-11-11T18:16:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm thankful that Duke plays their first game of the season. I'm thankful my kids have seen Duke play in the Sweet 16 & Elite 8. I'm thankful my kids have met such a fine coach, Coach K.
And, I'm thankful that my kids have such high ambitions to go to a great University.

(I promise to post our Duke pictures one of these days!)

thankful

2011-11-10T23:50:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm thankful for our family made up holiday, "Hallowgiving". A mini celebration of Halloween & Thanksgiving combined. The kids can wear their Halloween costumes(boys were too busy playing outside to even consider changing into their costumes) and we have a mini Thanksgiving dinner and say what we are thankful for.

thankful

2011-11-09T23:55:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm thankful for the tricycle that Dusty saved from the neighbor's trash a year ago. It has provided endless riding fun for Cee Cee in and out of our house. I'm thankful that I get to hear her sing at the top of her lungs while peddling as fast as she can through our house.

Halloween

2011-11-09T23:25:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Halloween this year with our friends, the Perales Family, or as our kids like to call us, "the Youngerales". We ended up setting up a tent, decorating it, and passing out 160 hot dogs, chips, candy, and water. The night was a hit and I think this was our best Halloween yet!

Macy (bumble bee), Cee Cee (super girl), Mylie (witch), Jake (Cowboys football player), Chance (Darth Vader), and Cameron (Texans football player).

creating pumpkins

2011-11-09T22:49:00.000-08:00

Never venture out to Walmart the day before Halloween to buy pumpkins! Especially, not at 6pm. NEVER EVER DO IT! To say the least, we did it and we bought the last 2 pumpkins that were left and they were in very sad shape. However, our kids didn't mind the least. They thought it was great to get messy with pumpkin guts and to carve away. Cameron & Jake came up with a Georgia vs. Texas pumpkin & Cee Cee & I did the classic traditional pumpkin.

thankful

2011-11-08T19:04:00.000-08:00

Today,I'm thankful for laughter. Sweet laughter from my kids is priceless.

thankful

2011-11-07T23:40:00.000-08:00

Today, I am thankful for Nutella

because it is oh so yummy!

thankful

2011-11-06T18:34:00.001-08:00

Today, I am thankful that I am Jake's mom.
He loves everyone for who they are. He doesn't judge and he doesn't see colors.
He accepts people for who they are, sees the good in everyone, and always gives his best at everything he does.

thankful

2011-11-05T23:42:00.000-07:00

Dear BC Headache Powders,

Today, I am thankful for you. I survived my 12 hour shift at the hospital because of you! However, I must quit you BC. You are addicting and that is not good!

Till we meet again,

April

(image found here)

thankful

2011-11-04T11:59:00.000-07:00

Today, I am thankful for Dr. Pepper.

(image found here)

thankful

2011-11-03T15:06:00.000-07:00

Today, I am thankful for new patio chairs.

(picture found somewhere on yahoo image search...can't remember where! Certainly, this is not my chairs or my view, but it's pretty awesome !)
This evening, I enjoyed sipping hot chocolate, rocking in my new patio chair, and watching my kids & hubby run around outside. The weather is perfect & my heart is full.

thankful

2011-11-02T16:52:00.000-07:00

Today, I'm thankful for grillin & chillin with the fam.

On the menu: steak, chicken, couscous, mac & cheese, and corn

Thankful

2011-11-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

It's November folks

and each day I will blog one thing I am thankful for.
Today, I am thankful that my 2 boys joined me at 6 am outside
on roller blades while I pumped out some miles.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!
We hope your day is SPOOKTACULAR!

happiness in the kitchen

2011-10-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

We are a family that dances in the kitchen. It's almost a nightly ritual where we can let loose and allow our emotions to come out. No matter how stressful my day can get, as long as I am jamming out and dancing with the FAM,I know I am a lucky girl.
I snapped these weird, yet beautiful, pictures of my Cee Cee dancing the other day. I realize they might not be anything to anyone else who reads my blog, but when I look at them, my heart swells with happiness and I realize how truly blessed I am to have my family!
Lately, we can be found dancing silly to the song "Pumped Up Kicks".....which is a horrible song (look it up), but has catchy lyrics and a good beat.

Cameron & Caroline

2011-10-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

Here is Cameron & Caroline's school pictures....
Just kidding! I don't purchase school pictures, plus Cee Cee hasn't even started school.
Something about taking the traditional school pictures just bugs me.
So, I only take & purchase my own pictures. Plus, I get to make my kids laugh and that is priceless!

Name: Cameron Lee Youngblood
Age: 9
Grade: 4th
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Sports: Football & Baseball
Favorite Movie: Iron Man
Favorite TV Show: Brain Surge & Man vs. Food
Favorite Song: Twist & Shout
Favorite Food: Corn Casserole
Favorite Dessert: Cheesecake
Favorite Candy: Kit Kat
Favorite Subject: Science
Favorite Team: Atlanta Braves
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Dream College: Duke University
Future Career: FBI or military

Name: Caroline Summer Youngblood
Age: 4
Grade: Pre-Pre-K
Favorite Color: Pink!
Favorite Sport: Riding her bike
Favorite Movie: Charolotte's Web
Favorite TV show: Max & Ruby
Food: Mac & Cheese
Dessert: Everything and Anything sweet!
Favorite Animal: Dogs
Candy: Lollipops
Hobby: Loves to do puzzles and play with her Barbies

***Jake will be posted an another date. He was in a sour mood before school.***

"a little something" #11

2011-10-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

Another night of Halloween treats for the kiddos!
A bag of rings for Caroline & Extremes Sour Candy for the boys.

"a little something" #10

2011-10-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

I've missed a few nights of giving the kiddos their Halloween treats, but for the most part, I've kept up with it. Weekends are usually exempt for Dusty and I, because of our work schedule. On Monday night, the Halloween treat was a 100 piece Tinker Bell puzzle for Caroline and skeleton skull drink glasses for the boys. Have I mentioned that Caroline rocks at putting puzzles together? Good thing the dollar store carries some pretty awesome ones!

"a little something" #9

2011-10-25T06:04:00.000-07:00

Friday's little something gift was:

colored gel pens for the boys & glitter nail polish for Cee Cee

"a little something" #8

2011-10-13T14:46:00.001-07:00

Today's "little something" treat for my super cool kiddos was:

Cotton Candy

(cotton candy = sugar rush)

(

creative

2011-10-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

1st wreath EVER created by ME.
I'm thinking not 1/2 bad for a first timer.

(excuse the lock box on the door..yes, we are for sale.)

"a little something" #7

2011-10-12T18:27:00.001-07:00

Happiness is receiving Trident layers gum.
Flavor: Wild Strawberry and Tangy Citrus

"a little something" #6

2011-10-11T15:50:00.001-07:00

The "little something" gift for tonight was:

EAT DINNER ON THE COUCH OR BED, ENJOY A BIG RED SODA, & WATCH THE MOVIE ZOO KEEPER OR TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON.

JAKE

2011-10-10T06:41:00.000-07:00

In honor, of the Texas Rangers winning tonight, I thought I would post some new pictures of my own Texas Ranger! Isn't he awesome? Just FYI-Cameron and Jake are going to make it BIG in the baseball world!! I just know it. They booth got some really good comments at last Saturday's baseball games. Jake has already been recruited by the 10 year old coach for kid pitch baseball next year!!!

"a little something" #5

2011-10-07T19:12:00.001-07:00

Another night of "a little something" gifts.
Cee Cee got a lollipop and the boys got bookmarks and crazy fake teeth.

"a little something" #4

2011-10-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

The kids "little something" gifts were spooky Halloween drink glasses. Dusty and I also decided to have a little Halloween party for the kids this evening. Even though we ate way to much food that killed our workout today, we had a blast! My favorite part of the evening was playing the game UNO with the kids. I love these guys so much and I'm so fortunate to have a wonderful family! I'm the luckiest gal in the world!

"a little something" #3

2011-10-05T14:23:00.001-07:00

It's another "a little something" post. Today, the Halloween treat was pink sparkle nail polish for Cee Cee and The Sasquatch Big Stick Beef Jerky for the 2 big studs in the house.

"a little something" #2

2011-10-04T16:18:00.001-07:00

Another "little something" post.
Monster Big league chew for the boys & lip gloss for our girlie girl.

a little pumpkin

2011-10-03T21:05:00.001-07:00

a little orange pumpkin + a cool find at the dollar store = a very delighted Cee Cee.

"a little something"

2011-10-03T19:36:00.000-07:00

Fall is here and I am beyond HAPPY!!!!!
I've started pulling out the decorations...Okay, actually buying them. I have never really decorated for Halloween or for the fall. Well, unless you count the yearly scarecrow I put in our yard. But, this year I'm doing it!!!! I'm getting crafty!
I even decided to give my munchkins a little something every day until Halloween (what was I thinking???) Now beware of a posting everyday about their "little something" (I need this for our family album.) The kids are pumped and so are we. Now come on weather and stay cool and crisp! Happy Fall Everyone!

October 1st-Charlotte's web & a Halloween Wii Game
October 2nd-Reese's Pumpkin Candy & Red Vines

October 3rd-Pink hair and Spooky Halloween Masks

boston

2011-10-03T15:00:00.000-07:00

Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees
BOSTON WON!
Cameron has found his new position in baseball....catcher.
He does an outstanding job of catching the balls flying out of the pitching machine.
I'm amazed at his athletic abilities.
He excels at everything he does with excellence.
Last Saturday, his hit won the game for Boston!!
I'm telling you....this kid is amazing!

The Grandma's after the game with the kiddos.

Lets Play Ball

2011-10-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

Texas Rangers vs Astros.
Texas Rangers won...thanks to Jake's big hit!
Jake is a major ball player and he rocks it on the field.
And man, does this stud have team spirit. Take a look...

Grandma Karen & Grandma Cathy made it to the winning game:

2011-09-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

Another post about Jake's birthday....these are just a few pictures from him opening his birthday gifts. He has a love for baseball, so most of his gifts were baseball related.

parties

2011-09-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

Jake had 2 parties this year for his birthday. 1 party at Chuck-e-Cheese with my family and then a party with his friends (and our super cool friends, which happen to be bff with our kids) at La Finca.

Just a few pictures from his party at Chuck-e-Cheese (we only go at 10:30 in morning to avoid crowds).

These are the only pictures I was able to snag at La Finca. It was a surprise dinner for Jake. He was a little worried because he got out of school earlier at 11 and we didn't celebrate until 6. He was so happy to see his best buds Alex, Taylor, Chance, Mylie, and Macy at the resturant! (And our best couple friends, Casey & Jerry and Joanie & Jason)

8

2011-09-13T15:48:00.001-07:00

Guess what big stud turned 8 today?
Yep, this guy did.
He insisted on wearing a sport coat today to school.
Isn't it great to be 8 & not have a care in the world?
Happy Birthday Jake!
“I’ll love you forever,
I’ll like you for always,
as long as I’m living
my baby you’ll be.” -book Love you Forever, by Roger Knapp

baseball

2011-09-13T05:53:00.000-07:00

Jake's first baseball practice.
Ages: 6-7
No coach yet, just parents.
He is still anxiously awaiting the teams name.

for the love of a pug

2011-09-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

Caroline and her new best friend, the Pug. She loves this fake Pug and takes it everywhere with her. She loves dressing him up, putting lip gloss on him, and walking him. She has named him Marmaduke. I'm kind of scared for the day when we get a real Pug...boy, is he going to be in trouble...lip gloss and dress up-YIKES!

4

2011-09-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

Last month, Caroline turned 4. We had a small party with the family and had her favorite items: ham sandwiches, chips, cake, and coke.
Her favorite gift was a pink & purple tackle box which we stocked with lip gloss, bows, brushes, stickers, rings, bracelets, candy, and sticker earrings. She absolutely loved it. After her party, the girls (Caroline, Grandma Cathy, Grandma Karen, and I) headed to the Disney Store where Caroline picked out a Belle plush doll and the stuffed animal Lady from the movie Lady in the Tramp.

beach trip

2011-09-08T20:05:00.001-07:00

Pointe West, Galveston.
Labor Day Weekend.

the limbo:

relaxing.

cameron & tako

watermelon eating contest.

Second & Fourth

2011-08-26T12:29:00.000-07:00

worms and the park

2011-08-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

An afternoon at Mary Joe Peckam Park.
It was blazing HOT out!
The kids loved it.
They loved the worms.
The loved the fishing.
They loved chasing the ducks.
They didn't care they didn't catch anything.
And they enjoyed chugging down all of the red Gatorades.

A very dirty and sweaty Cee Cee....

group photo

2011-08-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

Trying to take pictures of 6 kiddos and a sweet grandma is a HOT mess!

I could never be a photographer! Entertaining 6 kids to remain happy, calm, and to look at the camera is ridiculously outrageous...but, nevertheless, FUN, and now I have lasting memories.

brownies at 9

2011-08-08T06:12:00.000-07:00

Playing catch up again.
I just realized I never posted pictures of Cameron with his birthday brownies.
I can't believe he is 9.
Man, has time flown by.
Please excuse the shirtless boys.