Amarillo by Morning

My father-in-law has been doing the church service, for almost 15 yrs, at the Working Ranch Cattle Association Finals (WRCA) in Amarillo. Brett has been once or twice, but I had never been, so we decided to go this year to see a few of the rodeo performances. We decided to make a this a kid free vacation and left the kiddos with my parents.

While there, I was able to so lots of shopping at the Trade show....which was bigger than I had ever expected. I could have spent some serious money, but I refrained and only bought a few things, that I just had to have. We were also fortunate to see some old friend from Hereford, as well as my best friend, Jill and her husband, Buck. They drove up from Groom to go to the Rodeo with us Sat. night and we were able to have a nice, kid free dinner beforehand.

We had a great time, but will tell you that we missed the kids terribly. I talked with Jackson several times on the phone and he kept asking me when the rodeo was going to be over. The boys will be bigger next year, so they will be coming with us & we will make it a family vacation.

All the ranches participating

Budweiser Clydesdales...they are so big & beautiful!

Jill & Buck....sure wish they lived closer!

Me and my hubby!

Busier than ever!

So I am not driving the 120+ miles everyday, but life hasn't slowed down for us one bit.



I am loving my new job and still learning all the ins and outs....a little harder since my pregnant trainer is on bedrest and has been since day #4, but we are managing and she has been great help even from the comforts of her home or hospital bed..depending on what day it is. ;-) I also love having the boys with me on my drives to and from Farmersville everyday. Jackson still asks everyday to go with me....one day he will catch on, bless his heart!



I am speaking for Brett, but I think he still loves being a full-time pastor. He is busy all the time, whether visiting folks in the hospital or counseling couples or helping to prepare food baskets for those in need. This is truly God's calling for him and am so thankful that he is where he is at today....it has made him a better husband and father for our family.



Just a quick update on the boys....I have tons of pictures, but will have to post later....as always, when I have more time. ;-)

• Kelton has 6 teeth now....cut 3 within days of each other, so he looks funny with his top teeth staggered.


• Jackson wants every single toy that he sees on TV or in an advertisement....whether it is a boy or girl toy. He tells whomever is there "Nana, I want that for Christmas" or " Momma, I need that from Santa". We just laugh as he watches TV to see what's next on his ever growing wish list.


• Kelton has been scooting around on his butt for several weeks now and gets really angry when he ends up on his belly. Yesterday morning, he finally crawled 2-3 steps. Our life will soon be changing as he is able to get to whatever and wherever he wants now.


• Jackson is nosey...gets it honestly...and has discovered Nana's hiding spot for Santa's gifts. He surprised Nana the other day by bringing out his present and asked "Nana, did you buy this for me?"

Our life is never dull with these two boys, but I thank God that I have more time to spend with them now. And that we have a such a wonderful support group (our families) to help us make them great kids and to teach them that goats are not really that friendly (thanks Uncle Marcus)!!

My new adventure begins...

So since my drive to the "City" now consists of the big city of Farmersville, thought I would change my heading and do a quick post to say "Thank You" to everyone for their well wishes for the start of my new job tomorrow morning.

It was bitter sweet to leave GS for the final time on Friday knowing that it wasn't like my previous times, when I was actually coming back in 4 months after having a new child, this time would be my last. I was proud of myself that I didn't cry, though there were few that almost made me break down. I know that I will see a majority of them again and I have made life long friends with a few. My previous co-workers sent me off on to my new adventure with tons of food in my belly and a nice, little surprise as well.

So, tomorrow morning starts a new chapter in my life and I hope that it is going to be just as fun as the past chapters have been!

Happy 3rd Birthday - Jackson!!!

Just 3 short years ago, I went into early labor and at a little after 7am, a breach (sideways to be exact) Jackson Christopher Bird was born. Our lives have not been the same since. He brings such joy to our lives and we thank God everyday for blessing us with him.

Good Morning Birthday Boy!!

We all went in the wake him up, including Kelton!

His b-day party theme was Diego.
Thanks to all his friend and family that came to celebrate!

The cake...that had tons of icing!

Changes are coming!!

If you know me, and would hope so if you are reading this, my family is very important to me. While we don't always get to spend a lot of time together these days, we do enjoy those little moments at night, during dinner or while giving the kids baths & our limited weekend time as well.

Since having Kelton, my perspective on life and my family time has changed a lot. While it changed after having Jackson, something about two kids just makes life, well a little harder and you start to re-think things. That being said, I started re-thinking my long commute to Dallas everyday to work. Though I love my job & the people I work with, the 1-hour plus drive everyday was really taking its toll on me . It seemed like there was just enough time to get home, get dinner started, eat, give the kids baths, then bedtime.....hardly anytime to just sit and play with the kids.

So, I started praying that somehow something could change so that I could be able to spend more time with the kids & Brett. Well, it first started with Brett taking on the full time Associate Pastor position with our church and that helped a lot, especially with our evenings, just freeing up some of Brett's time so that he could spend more time with us & help me with the night routine. But, I was still the one making the long drive and I was growing tired of it every day.

I was talking to my friend Jill and giving her an update on my "job search"....which was nothing since I hadn't even updated my resume and I had told her that I just felt that I was going to let God be in complete control of this situation. Well, it wasn't the next day that I got a call about a job opportunity....great money, less hours, but still would have the commute. I entertained the idea, but after the 2nd round, I just knew that it wasn't the right spot for me and my family at this time. And then what does God do, he sends me another opportunity....15 minutes from the house!!! I tried not to get to excited b/c I wasn't even sure it would be something I really wanted or could afford to do. But God, being in control, just made everything fall into place and i accepted the job on Monday.

Starting November 2nd, my commute will now be to Farmersville and consist of around a 15 minute drive. I will be able to take the kids to & from my Mom's (who does the daycare drop off & pick-up for us), and spend more time with the kids both in the morning and at night! And to top if off, I get to work for a great family, that I have known for years and do something that I will enjoy.

We are all very excited about my new opportunity and know that only through God was this possible!!

Kelton's Halloween Fashion Show

So now that I have 2 kids, that means more money is shelled out for these two little guys. Well after pricing Halloween costumes at Target and other places, I decided, with the recommendation of my brother, to look at a resale shop, because I refuse to spend that much money on a costume worn 1 time.

Last Thursday, as I was on my way home, I stopped by Kid to Kid in Rockwall. They had tons of costumes, so I decided to pick up a few and bring them home and hopefully get Kelton to cooperate with me as we try these on. I was so surprised at how much he loved trying the costumes on. The Rooster, by far, was my favorite & I think possibly his, but since I will have to be carrying him most of the night, decided to go with something less bulky and we picked the Giraffe. Seemed fitting since we had the most fun feeding and petting them at the Colorado Springs Zoo on our vacation.

Jackson is still without a costume, but he is more vocal now, so there is no telling what we will end up in this year.

Quack! Quack!

What a cutie pie Giraffe!

Look at that pose and grin!

Fashion show is over!!

Kelton is 7 months

It is hard to believe that 7 months have already passed. Kelton is such a joy and we are all so thankful he is part of our family. He is normally a happy baby as you can see by the photos, he is almost always smiling and laughing. He has the funniest laugh and really likes it when Jackson is the one making him laugh.

Kelton has had his 2 bottom teeth for almost a month now. And let me tell you, he is aware that they are there and will take any opportunity he can get to show you that he is boss. He tried to take a bite out of my chin during church on Sunday.

Kelton is also a fan of eating...but is very picky...will only eat fruit and oatmeal as of now. He hated every veggie we tried and even did the fake gag on sweet peas, though I must say I can't blame him on those.

These past 7 months have been wonderful and can't wait to watch him grow even more!

Our Happy Little Boy

Caught with his brother's gun!

He has learned to hold his own bottle....I don't let him do it often....don't want him to grow up too fast.

I caught Jackson being sweet and watching TV with Kelton the other night.

We are still here

Ok, so working full time and taking care of 2 little boys, plus everything else, has left me little time to post not only information about us, but pictures. I have been choosing to sleep these days instead, but tonight, I am choosing to blog instead...hoping I don't regret this tomorrow.



We have been pretty busy the last few months and once fall starts, it will only gets worse, as birthdays and holidays are just around the corner.



Both boys are doing really well. Jackson has moved up to the 3 yr old class at school and he thinks he is a "big boy" now. We also have been almost 100% potty trained for a little over a month. Thanks to my mom, Nana, Jackson finally decided to poop in the potty and it seems to get easier everyday for him. Who knew that would be so hard!!



Kelton is growing every day. He is almost 7 months, has his two bottom teeth, is sitting up really well and has decided that he hates almost every veggie out there. He would just rather have oatmeal! We will be starting fruits tomorrow and I pray that he will like at least some of those! And he loves the jumperoo. I wish school would record him one day....he can really get that thing going high!



Brett left his job at the landscape company to become the full-time Associate pastor at our church, Higher Trails Cowboy Church, at the 1st of Sept. He is in the middle of week 3 and I think he is busier now than when he worked his other job and did this on the side. Though it can be trying and an emotional drain at times, I think he really has found his calling and watching God work through him is just an amazing & exciting experience.



I have recently starting to be a coupon queen and along with my friend, Shawna, we are always searching for the best deals and how to get the most out of our coupons. Brett has laughed b/c I have a coupon folder now with tabs, labels, etc., that I take everywhere with me. It helps me justify my many trips to Target!! And I prefer not to buy anything unless I either have a coupon or it is on sale, or both!



Okay after trying to post just 5 pictures and waiting like 45 minutes, I get some random error and now no pictures. Looks like no pictures tonight, maybe tomorrow. If anyone has an easy way of uploading pictures, please let me know!!

Busy, Busy Life

When I started doing this blog, I told myself that I will post at least once a week. Well, that lasted until I went back to work and life got busier. We have been back from vacation almost 2 weeks and I have yet to download the pictures from our trip...but that is on my to-do list. We had a great time and I enjoyed being with Brett and the kids for a week without having to worry about laundry, cooking, dishes, etc. Of course, that was all waiting for me at home, but for a week, I was free. So, even though I don't have pictures yet, just wanted to post a few things that happened on the vacation and since we have been home.

• Kelton took his 1st plane ride and did great both times
• Jackson fed several giraffe at the Colorado Springs Zoo, as well as some wild Chipmunks!
• Kelton rolled over at Bob & Eli's house (our hosts for the week...bless them!)
• I fed and touched a giraffe & the chipmunks...I was so giddy!
• Jackson attended his first VBS, at our church.
• Kelton started eating cereal and is loving it!
• My niece, Skylar, won their 1st summer league B-ball game....they are playing against girls 2+ years older than them!!
• My youngest niece, Marlie, has started to crawl this week...go Marlie!
• Brett and I celebrated our 9 year anniversary (total of 14 yrs together)....by eating Chinese take out with the kids.
• Finally - Jackson has been in big boy underwear for 2 days! No Accidents Today!! So Proud of him!!!

Back to "Real" Life

Things at the Bird house have been a little more crazy than normal these days. I started back to work on the 6th and now I am back in the real world, where I must actually get dressed everyday before 10 am and go to work. The transition has been ok, but I still struggle with having to leave the boys and me driving so far everyday, but with the economy today, I just thank God that I have a job and it is one that I at least enjoy, even if I have a long commute.

Well, after 2 short weeks back at work, I am off for a week long vacation in Colorado Springs. Brett, his Dad, Ross & Ty left this afternoon...they are getting the pleasure of driving and hauling 5 horses along with all the stuff it takes for 6 adults and 2 kids to survive away from home for a week...let's just say we had the most stuff. ;-) The kids, my mother-in-law and I leave tomorrow morning on a flight, that is sure to be more enjoyable than a 14+ hour drive with 2 kids. We plan to have a relaxing week full of catching up with old friends, horse back riding, day trip to Cheyenne for the rodeo, trip to the Zoo, a train ride around the mountains and maybe I will get to do a little bit of my most favorite activity...shopping!!

Just wanted to share a few photos of the kids...Kelton will be 5 months old next week and seems to be changing everyday. And Jackson is still 2 1/2 year old, Jackson.


My boys!!

Kelton has recently discovered that he has feet....I caught him in the checking them out after his bath.

I am not really sure how he came up with this outfit or why, but he was too cute and ready to have his picture taken.

Kelton loves to put things in his mouth and this was the first time I brought out the toys for him to play with...now we just have to keep Jackson from taking them from him.

Jackson's typical hair do in the mornings....pretty similar to Daddy's.

Ft. Worth & the Zoo

Last week, Brett participated in the World Paint Horse show in Ft. Worth. The horses did great...3rd & 5th...in the World...pretty nice. I would like to say I have pictures of this, but unfortunately, my new camera (that has since been returned) did not get any good shots. Our friend Jon Marie had her good camera, so I will post the show pictures later.

While in Ft. Worth, I decided it would be nice to break up the long day at the show by taking the kids to the Ft. Worth Zoo. My friend Stacey and her girls, April & Haley joined us on this adventure. We had a great time despite us both pushing double strollers in the heat and trying to keep the kiddos happy. We were only there 2 hours and we just had to laugh at ourselves, because those 2 hours seemed like all day.

Jackson and Kelton hanging out at the hotel

April & Haley in their stroller

This monkey was used to showing off....he jumped around and did tricks for us.

Kelton just chilling in his stroller.

This guy was just so pretty to me...he had to be really old.

Jackson & the Rhino!!

I think there was suppose to be a Zebra back there.

He couldn't wait to check that out elephant.

This monkey had no cares in the world..must be nice!

Kelton on his big brother's new horse!

Little bit of Roping

With the Paint Horse World show coming up next week, over the past month or so, Brett has been able to get back to what he loves, Roping. Now, we still do not have our arena finished, but it is really close...only likes a few finishing touches. Once it is done, Brett will be able to rope whenever he pleases, but for now, he has to go to a friend's place to practice. This past week, the kids and I went to watch him practice one night and also participate in a memorial roping on Saturday. Jackson is always excited to watch daddy rope and Kelton is coming around to the idea...both will probably get their fill next week in Ft. Worth.
Kelton's 1st official roping. It was really hot out there!!!

Jackson and his bag of Fruity Pebbles....that was the snack he requested as we walked out the door to go watch Brett rope.

Three generations of Bird boys.

I gave Kelton his 1st mohawk and this is what he thought of his new do.

Kelton sporting his mohawk, milk mustache & spit bubbles.

Jackson was telling us something and like his mom, using his hands to express himself a little better.

Brett healing off of Cash.

Brett riding Cashew (her given name, by me), a.k.a. Cash. He will be riding her this year in the Paint Horse competition, while Ross rides Peanut (also named by me)....we had a theme going, but the last 2 babies born, Brett opted to keep me out of the naming loop for some reason.

Brett heading on Peanut, while Randy (B's dad) is healing off of Rowdy. They love to rope together and will be able to do so everyday real soon.

Brett healing off Peanut with Jake Cooper (family friend)....who won a scholarship that was given away at the roping.

Happy Father's Day!

Not only I am thankful to have Brett as my husband, but as the father of our two adorable little boys. We surprised Brett with a 2-day Guided Duck Hunt in Arkansas for Father's Day....which he really loved and now he just has to wait until duck season to enjoy it..which is in the winter. ;-) Here are a few pictures of the boys and Brett being the great Daddy that he is to our boys.

Jackson (sporting his new hair cut ) and Kelton in their matching outfits last Sunday morning.

Jackson just had to have these Diego sunglasses. He like to wear them in the house instead of outside...not sure about him sometimes.

Our newest baby, Strawberry. Jackson has really taken to the horses these last few months.

Tired Daddy holding Jackson on Strawberry.

Our "Snappy Turtle" as Jackson likes to call him. He was under our tree the other morning, so Jackson and Brett decided to poke it with a stick.

Kelton and his exersaucer!

Our blue-eyed little boy!!

Jackson riding his 1st Midway ride at the Hunt County Fair. After about 3 laps, he began to call for Mommy and was screaming by the time the guy decided to stop it. Uncle Marcus asked if he liked the ride and his response..."Yes, let's go again"...go figure

He wouldn't walk up all the stairs & Skylar couldn't carry him up, so Daddy carried him up there.

Jackson & Daddy riding the teacup ride. We had to take Jackson kicking and screaming from the Midway, while Kelton was just screaming...he was hungry and ready for bed.