Thursday, October 6, 2011

Time Marches On...

I am having a hard time trying to type where I want, so I guess it will go here. Yes, the Howards are still alive and kicking, and a lot has changed. Quick summary: we are now living in Louisiana for the next 3 years Rich graduated his residency and is now an official endodontist; Paden is almost 12 and is an all A student, loves soccer, piano and excited to go on his first deer hunt; Amelia is 9 and has an amazing mind, also has all A's, is doing fabulous learning piano, and is very imaginative; Larisa just started Kindergarten and has basically taught herself to read, is on the team in gymnastics and has competed, taught herself to swim this summer and LOVES animals; and Jack is almost 2 and is extremely active, loves trucks, balls, tractors, swimming and airplanes.












I guess this is better late than never, but I feel bad for all the memories I have missed recording. I used to be so good at keeping a journal, and then when I had my sweet kids, when it should have been so important and fun, I just didn't make it a priority. That HAS to CHANGE! I hope to do better for my kids.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Kids, kids and more kids











I haven't been very good at blogging lately, but had to share a few... okay, a LOT, of cute pictures! I am dying over how quickly my kiddos are changing and growing up. I remember being Paden and Amelia's ages, and it doesn't seem that long ago. We have been enjoying the slower pace of the last few months and the kids are all doing fantastic. This summer is going to be busy and fun! Paden and Amelia only have a few weeks of school left, and then I am going to do my annual trip to Utah. Unfortunately Rich can't come, so I will be driving 21+ hours solo. I sure hope Jack is ready to live in that car seat! Speaking of Jack, he had his 4 month visit and is now a whopping 15 lbs. 2 oz. and 26 inches long! He is our biggest baby yet! We are all still smitten by our Jack Jack. The kids love watching him roll around and love his smiles and giggles. I got a big surprise for Mother's Day... a new, much needed camera! Lot's more pictures to come!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Jack- 2 Months old






I can hardly believe that my baby is already 2 months old! Jack doesn't have that tiny, newborn look anymore, and he is so strong and interactive. I love when he looks at me with total love and seems to look into my soul. I love this baby so intensely! It constantly amazes me how a parent's love grows exponentially when they have more children. Each one is amazing, unique and captures your heart. I love my kids and am so grateful to be a mom, even when I haven't showered for three days and my house is dangerously cluttered!

At 2 months old Jack:
*loves his baths
*smiles so big his entire body wiggles
*loves to eat
*talks and coos
*laughed for the first time last night
*loves to be held by his brother and sisters
*holds his head up when he has tummy time
*has the most sparkly eyes
*sleeps most nights between 7-10 hours!!!!!
His stats at his checkup today were:
*23 inches tall (25 %)
*12 lbs. (41 %)

The doctor thought he looked longer than the length the nurse recorded, so she measured him two more times. It was the same number every time. She kept saying, "He looks so long! I thought he would measure longer!" I think he is going to be all legs like his daddy!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Our Amelia






I decided a few years ago that buying school pictures is not the way to go for our family. They are too expensive and my kids are usually flashing a fake smile with hair all messed up. I have ended up taking them to get pictures done at Walmart or JCPenney, and they turn out great! This school year I didn't take Paden and Amelia for pictures because I felt pretty horrible most of the time. I finally took Amelia in and will schedule Paden, Larisa and Jack soon. I am so happy with Amelia's pictures! The photographer was so great with her and let her be herself. I just can't believe how grown up my little girl is!

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Catching up

December and now January totally flew by for our family! Our Christmas was different, being that we didn't go home to Utah for the 2nd time in 10 years, but very special and magical! Jack was such a good boy and waited to make his arrival until after Christmas was over and Paden's birthday celebrated. It is so strange to look back on these pictures now and think that we were a family of 5 not too long ago. Now we can't imagine life without our sweet Jack.
We were able to go to Sea World and Six Flags a lot and enjoy the lights and cool weather. The kids loved the 3-D Polar Express movie at Sea World, complete with "snow" that fell on us at the end.
The last two weeks of my pregnancy were the best by far. I finally wasn't nauseated and felt great! It was fun to spend lots of time with Rich and the kids. My blood pressure, which has been very high with all 3 of my previous pregnancies, stayed good until the last week. On the 23rd of December it was up to 148/99 and I thought I was going to have to be admitted early, but my prayers were answered and I was able to wait until the 29th to go in.
Amelia and Larisa love to hug the characters and pose for pictures! Paden... not so much. I think he feels he is too old for it most of the time.
Six Flags had the most amazing lights and sounds for the holidays! We have loved living minutes away from roller coasters and fun!
Santa took so much time and really listened to what the girls had to say. Paden relented and stepped in for a picture, but he didn't sit with Santa this year. Sniff. He IS so grown up!
We had such nice weather during the holiday break, and the kids were able to play outside lots and enjoy their presents. Leave it to Amelia to play with the packaging!
Paden amazed us by sticking to his goal of not eating candy for a YEAR (except on holidays and family birthdays)! He got the idea from his cousins last year and wanted to do it. They get $100 if they stick to it, and I wasn't sure Paden would really do it, but he was determined and got his reward on his birthday. All through the year he would remind his teachers and even us that he couldn't eat candy. We are proud of Paden and know that with his determination he can do anything!
Paden got a basketball stand for his birthday and has been practicing everyday that he can. He is on the Red Raider team and has his first game this weekend!
I thought Larisa looked like a little teenager with her cute Christmas outfit! Tonks looks thoroughly amused, don't you think?
Christmas morning 2009... I thought for sure I would be going in that day because I had some serious contractions during the night and all day. What a fun and memorable Christmas!
Poor Paden got a bad headache after we opened presents and he sacked out on the couch.
Larisa is at that magical age and loved every minute!
Oh Amelia! She has wanted this Shamu in a purple purse from Sea World since we moved here. She wrote a letter to us at school asking for it and if we couldn't buy it for her, would we please send the letter to Santa and Mrs. Clause so they could maybe bring it to her for Christmas. She was one happy girl when she opened it!
Our favorite Christmas present came a few days later! We love our Jack Tanner!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Baby Jack








I finally have a few minutes to share some pictures of our sweet, new, baby boy! Jack Tanner Howard arrived December 30th at 12:32 A.M. He was 7 lbs. 5 oz. and 21 inches long! What a blessing baby Jack is! We are all in love with him and enjoying every minute. I'll post more later. Jack is sleeping at the moment and the kids and Rich are at church. I hope to get a little nap!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Thanksgiving 2009

My parents were able to come visit us for Thanksgiving and see a bit of San Antonio. It was so much fun, but went way too quickly! We enjoyed a delicious dinner on Thanksgiving and just enjoyed spending some time together. On Friday we went to Sea World and couldn't have asked for better weather. We all loved the Christmas shows, and even got my mom to go on a few roller coasters. Amelia was very willing to get her picture taken, and I realize how few Paden and Larisa are in alone. Sorry kids, we'll get more next time!






On Saturday we went to the Riverwalk and rode on a boat ride. What a beautiful, entertaining place! Again, perfect weather to enjoy! Thanks grandma and grandpa for all the fun! We miss you and can't wait to have you visit again!


We truly have so much to be thankful for! How blessed we are to live in a free nation and have so many privileges. We always have plenty to eat, a house to keep us warm, clothes and shoes, family, friends and countless other blessings. I am so grateful for my husband and sweet children. I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father and for His Son who made it possible to be with all of my family forever!