2011 At a Glance

2011 was quite a year for us. In April we found out that we were expecting our 3rd child. This came as a surprise to everyone. We were very content with the 2 kids we had and were not trying for a 3rd. Needless to say it took a few months to come to terms with our lives making such a BIG change. I was very sick and extremely tired with this pregnancy not to mention it was our hottest summer since 1980. The kids and I stayed in the house most of the summer.


We were able to take a trip to Mexico for 4 days. We visited Playa Del Carmen and the kids loved the ocean so much that we spent most of our days at the beach. Ron and I knew that it would be a while before we were able to take the kids somewhere this eventful with a new baby arriving in the winter. We had a wonderful time making lots of great memories.

In August the kids went back to school. We made the hard decision to take Griffin out of public school and try a local private school that we had heard good things about. He stayed in the 2nd grade due to a fear that if we moved him up he may be way behind. We are now over halfway through the year and have found that HCCA is the best decision we could've made for Griffin. Hadley began kindergarten at Griffin's old school and she is thriving. As for now we will continue on with Griffin in private and Hadley in public until we see fit to make a change.


I decided to not find out what the sex of the baby was and on December 6, 2011 we were surprised with the arrival of Chandler May Stogsdill. She has been such special addition to the family.

Family Pictures December 2010

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October 2010 - Halloween

We always take the kids out to mom's neighborhood for Halloween. It is very kid friendly with the majority of the houses participating, hay rides, very little traffic and FUN for everyone. This year we added two families to our outing - the Chappotins and Wells - in total there were 8 kids in tow...I am not sure who had more fun the kids or the adults. (images coming soon)

August 2010

August saw the start of a new school year. Hadley moved up to Pre-K 4 at Joshua Christian Academy and Griffin to 2nd grade at Clinkscale Elementary. After a few rough weeks with his new teacher, Griffin was moved to Mr. Russell's class and peace resumed. What a blessing Mr. Russell is - so understanding of Griffin and his normal 7 year old boy habits! (images coming soon)

Summer 2010 - July in California

In July we ventured to California for McCumber Camp near Redding. We rented a van and drove the 26 hours straight through. I have to admit - although so ready to be out of the car - is wasn't that bad. Thanks to a cozy pallet and cooperating kids we made it safe and sound. We were gone for a total of 2 weeks and had a wonderful time visiting many much missed friends. The kids loved the mountains and had such a great time at camp. Thanks to everyone for showing us such wonderful hospitality. (images to come soon)

Hadley's 4th Birthday Party

We had 4 of Hadley's closest friends over to our house to have a princess party. It was so much fun for all of us. The girls got manicures and pedicures, glitter makeup and pretty hair! To top it all off they got crowns, scepters, and LOTS OF CANDY!!!!

California Trip January 2010

We went to Southern California again January 23rd for Eric and Katrina's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding, though a little chilly outside. The next day we took Griffin, Parker, and Hadley to Venice Beach. This was Parker's (my nephew) first time on an airplane and to see mountains and the ocean. Big Trip for him! The kids always love the beach and I always wish we had more time to spend there. I have to admit that I really wanted to go skiing. The mountains were so inviting. We later took the kids to Disneyland and California Adventure for a 3 day adventure! We were worn out, but had lots of fun. Hadley even loved the roller coasters!!!

Trip to California October 2009

In October we had the opportunity to travel to Southern California. After attending Andy and Alena's wedding we took the kids to Seal Beach near Long Beach. It was great to see lots of old friends. We left looking forward to our next trip in January.

First Grade-Clinkscale Elementary

Griffin started at another brand new school this year. Burleson ISD redistricted and he is now a Clinkscale Yellowjacket. His teacher is Mrs. Weiss (I think she will be his first teacher crush) So far so good. Granted we are only 2 days in and he already thinks school is boring. Not my child - I was the weird one that hated vacation. Oh well!

Hadley's First Day of School

Hadley started pre-k this year. We decided that instead of putting her in daycare we wanted her to be in school with an actual curriculum. She is attending Joshua Christian Academy and she loves it. In fact, she was going to stay the night with Ron's mom and she let me know that she wanted to go to school. When I told her that Connie was taking her to school she said, "GOOD!"

Bye, Bye Teeth Hello Tooth Fairy...

Griffin has officially lost 4 teeth to date. Most have been just pushed out because his permanent teeth are so close to the surface. Fortunate for him he lost both his top front teeth at the same time - no awkward gaps because the new ones were in within the week. When we put the teeth under his pillow, I forgot to put the $ under his pillow. OOPS! The next day he was broken hearted and I told him that the tooth fairy was super busy and I would call her and let her know. He asked me if when he gets big I could give him the tooth fairy's phone number? Sure Buddy!

Happy 6th Birthday Griffin!

Griffin turned 6 in March. We just had a small family party at Chuck E. Cheese and a spiderman cake. I am determined to not try to out do myself each year. We have big parties only for the milestone years. No complaints so far!

What little girls are made of...

Hadley's friend Addison had a princess birthday party. So much fun for the girls and so entertaining for us. These days will be gone soon.

Cherished Moments

These are the moments that every mother cherishes. All of those times when I just want to pull my hair out because I think I am not getting through vanish when they prove that they don't actually "HATE" each other. What a Blessing!

Hadley's 3rd Birthday

Hadley had to have a "PINK" birthday party this year. Needless to say she is ALL Girl. Mammaw (Ron's mom)made the cake, pink inside and out. She got mostly clothes this year. She was thrilled! At 2 she was already picking out matching outfits out in the store. I know - I am in trouble! She is growing up fast and recently even told my mom she needed to change clothes because her outfit was ugly, then she went into Mimi's closet and set out to pick out the perfect outfit.