Happy first birthday!

Happy birthday my sweet Avelynn! She is so wonderful! She is so smart, she picks up in things so quickly, a good example is the picture above when you ask how old she is, she shows you! Of course all of my kids were trained monkies with their tricks, but she did it the very first time! She is quite the little menace, always into something, she keeps me on my toes. I think of my anticipation of her arrival, and look at her now, still anticipating her every move with such excitement! I love her more than words can express, it is hard to think I have only known her for a short year! Some have called her my little barnacle, and because of her early health problems she was never away from me and that just continues, but I cherish it. She has been walking for a couple months now, and now it is more like sprinting! She does the cutest things, too many to begin to mention. We are blessed to have her in our family, and she has it pretty good, with the greatest big brother and big sister one could hope for, and I guess her parents aren't to shabby. Love you little thumper!

FLORIDAHHHH

An annual tradition as every February we go to Orlando and do the Disney thing. This year was very different! We stayed at a different hotel which was a fabulous Marriott Vacation Club property! We went for 6 days and everyday we did something different. First couple of days were spent at Magic Kingdom, and even as an adult once you enter and walk down the mainstreet looking towards the castle there is truly something magical that comes over you! Braxton although he is older and is not as interested in the characters anymore, he is now tall enough and old enough to ride most of the rides! His favorite was Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom and Atlantis at Seaworld. Jozalyn is way into princesses so that was of course the first destination was the princess meet and greet, where she was so overwhelmed with excitement she was shaking and smiling so huge she didn't know how to handle it! Braxton also didn't mind meeting them, he kept telling them, "you are beautiful." He even got a kiss from Snow White! Joz couldn't get enough of the teacups! Avey is still to young to appreciate it, but she was the best baby and spent most of her time in the Kelty baby backpack. Poor Brett and his back, he would only let me carry it if he was going on a ride or something and my back was killing me just from a few minutes! Them my parents arrived and we were all able to go to Seaworld together! We lucked out and got to ride rides without any wait, it was pretty dead. We of course watched the Shamu show and since the trainer incidence, the show it very different. Kiddos got to play a lot and we got to eat my favorite turkey sandwiches there, which I look forward to every year (I know kind of pathetic). We bought the yucky little fishies to feed to sealions and Joz got right into them, while Brax was a little hesitant. While he was throwing his to the lucky sealion a vicious bird came and snatched it right out of his fingers! It was so great having my parents there, it is amazing what a couple of extra loving hands can do. My kids are totally spoiled by them. Next day we had something different that we have never done before, lunch with the Princesses in the Castle at Epcot! It was so much fun! Sleeping Beauty (Joz's favorite princess and what dress she chose to wear) came first and she was again flabbergasted. She came to our table to chat and take pictures and sign our book. She was followed by Mary Poppins, Cinderella, Ariel, and Belle. Shortly after we saw Mulan and Snow White. It was such a fun time! Big thanks to my MOM! Next and final day we went to Animal Kingdom. We started off eating at my favorite place, the Rain Forest Cafe. I love that place and my kids just adore it! We then went of Safari, which I always enjoy and even Aly enjoyed watching the animals. We left early and got home in time to spend some time with my Dad and go swimming. My parents are the greatest and I miss them so much, someday I dream of living closer. Saturday our flight was at 10 A.M. and we of course had to go early to return the car and that airport is insane so an early morning. Kids were great on both flights! I am grateful for such wonderful children, I love doing stuff for them and seeing the wonder and excitement in their eyes, and sometimes so excited they cannot control themselves! Isn't that was it is all about? So until next year, when reality stops biting me, here are some highlights.

Wow that is sad

Seriously sad it has been that long since I posted! Well a few highlights....Braxton is doing wonderfully in school. I am not sure when he got so big! He is the best son I could ask for! Jozalyn turned three! She is the sweetest thing, though is becoming much more independent these days, which has its moments. She started gymnastics and is so cute in her little leatard. Avelynn is now 11 months! She started walking about a month ago and there was no looking back once she learned! She is the smiliest, cutest little thing! Brett is pretty cute too! He is enjoying being Dr. Hulet. The airforce is not exactly what we expected, but it is good training. We are still in medical review and are just waiting for a decision to be made with regard to our future. We will hopefully know in a few months. We are scared of how those few months will affect Brett medically. I am here at the core of everyone, which makes for one busy mommy! Trying to juggle everyones schedule, not to mention my own. My most challenging moments are getting everyone up and out the door in the morning to take Braxton to school. Most of the time I am packing sleeping girls it to the car. Being primary president has been very rewarding. I have a hard time always being gone and it tears at my heartstrings when I leave crying children pulling at my leg saying they will miss me. It always seems I am leaving, when Brett has just walked in the door. But this to shall pass, and the blessings are many!

Overdue Halloween

This year, we of course had a princess Snow White, complete with wig, shoes, and wand, none of which she wore, grrrr. Then we had a sweet little flower baby! Lastly, the kicker for this Halloween...Brax wanted to be Iron man or Wolverine, so we coincidentally got him both (long story), however as I was going through the costume bin to find something for Aly, he saw his Spiderman from last year and there you have it, he was Spiderman! We had lots of fun, and for the first time in edition to the trunk or treat, we actually felt safe enough to go Trick or treating in our great neighborhood with a big group of friends. So fun! Nothing like being a kid and the wonder that comes with it!

Mommy, all I ever wanted to be

Mommy, all I ever wanted to be and now that I'am, as much as I'am ashamed to admit it, I really take it for granted. Being a Mother is truly the most wonderful thing in the world. I am the luckiest woman alive! I am a mother to the three greatest children. How could I ever ask for anything more? I so often get caught up in the day to day and the frustration that life can often be, that I forget how fortunate I am to have this life and every single frustration that comes with it, when that sometimes includes getting impatient with my kids. I sometimes wish "life" were easier, but if that were the case "it wouldn't be worth it." I often reflect on that quote as I read it each morning, with each new day and gain more insight into the ever begging question of why? Why me, why now, why this or that? Why won't they listen, why did you say that, do that? My quick answer is only why ask why, when you have so much to be thankful for. It usually sets me straight and helps me refocus. I want to tell you that the Lord works in mysterious ways, but with patience and faith, soon the pieces fall together and with that comes great understanding and peace.
I just love being a mom, and yes it is all worth it. Oh yeah and it is 1 am, so we will see how much sense this makes, but I felt prompted to share. Love you babies!

San Antonio Seaworld!

We decided to be pretty spontaneous and go to San Antonio to go to Sea World for the weekend! We went with our good friends the Tophams and it was so much fun!

Everything's bigger in Texas

We are now settled and enjoying Texas very much! We found a fantastic house, in a great neighborhood, we even have a private lake that the kids can fish in and a bike path that surrounds it! However, you don't really want to fish or go to far off of the path, unless you want to run into snakes, yikes! It seems we have the seven plagues here, we caught the tail end of the crickets, yuck, then we had probably twenty toads every night in our yard (have to be careful when we open the front door at night), then we just found a turtle in our back yard that was our pet for a few days! I am anxious to see more. What a fun place for the kids to see all of these cool creatures! The weather is awesome and we are so enjoying it! Brax started school....all day it is a big change for him, but he is adjusting very well. Joz is cute as a button and growing up fast! Ave is crawling, standing up, clapping and saying, "mama." they are all absolutely wonderful! Brett is enjoying being a Dentist. I am so busy, with everything going on, I am now the Primary president and that fills my plate, not only that but involved with Braxtons school, and Brett's squadron, and oh yeah still being a Mom to three little sweeties. I am loving life! It is so great! So sorry it has been awhile since I posted. I will get caught up, but there is a brief synopsis of the Hulet's in Texas!