The Woffords go see Santa in 30' weather...

Tonight we ventured to a local outdoor shopping area for the annual tree lighting, dinner and Santa. It was so cold but we stayed long enough to hear the carolers, see the tree lit up and then went to dinner. Once our tummy's were fool we went back out to the bookstore. Mommy and Daddy had to bribe the kids with books as we always forget to bring cash to these functions. They had crafts and face painting but it was all for cash and we only had plastic but the bribery worked and the kids were happy with books. After we got warm and Mommy had her hot coffee we ventured back out in the Arctic air to stand in line for Santa. The kids had so much fun and it was so neat to see Reese. She has a cold but as soon as she sat on Santa's lap, her face lit up. This is a totally different response than last years screaming. Have I told you how much I love the Christmas season...minus it being this cold. I forgot my camera but Mike captured Santa on his iPhone.



Gavin thinking hard about what he wants for Christmas?




Zach telling Santa he wants a hamster...thank goodness Santa cannot bring hamsters to Virginia.


Reese elated to be able to tell Santa "I want a baby"

A snowy beautiful day..

When I woke this morning we saw snow. It was so pretty and the boys were so excited. I love to see the kids faces of excitement over the littlest things in life. It brings back so many fond memories. I also posted a picture of the boys from last night passed out in my bed. I am posting a short post as I went out with clients tonight and had a steak and wine and am feeling pretty tired. My run in the morning sounds tiresome but I must continue especially since I decided to also partake in desert tonight. Have a good night!

The kids decorated the whole tree-I have definitely let go of my perfectionist personality. I noticed after we decorated the tree it has a slight tilt at the top. Oh well, it looks beautiful.


The boys sleeping in my bed last night. We did succeed in carrying them to their bed with no one waking up.


Winter wonderland outside our house.


Our car views.. It did not last long but it was pretty.

The Christmas Pageant

I am so excited as the boys will be in there first Christmas play in a couple of weeks. The boys will be the carolers in the The Christmas pageant which is a production at our church. Zach is super excited and I am not sure yet about Gavin but Mommy is pumped. I love Christmas and my boys will be singing Christmas tunes that I love. They are singing either 4 or 5 songs which one is Away in a Manger, O Come, O Come Emanuel, I know a rose tree springing and It came upon a Midnight clear. I will surely post a live feed. Of course, they asked for parent participation and I am working on costumes. I first was a little worried and told my seamstress sister she would be helping if I was asked to sew costumes but I was spared and only have to direct, help with fitting and maybe some minor hemming. Unfortunately, I have no pictures to post but maybe I can get the kids to sing you a song and post it this week. Zach is always up for this. Reese thanks she is in the play as well, so maybe I will have her be my little mini seamstress. She has become such a big girl. On a positive note, our Urologist visit went great this week. Reese's kidneys look great!!! Please, continue to pray with us that she will not have to be catheterized and continue to show great signs of potty training. He was actually positive this time as Mike and I had prepared ourselves for anything. She was a trooper and did not have to do the euro dynamic study which she hates. We will see him in 6 more months. I continue to reflect about how blessed we are. I see other kids that have so many more issues and am thankful that God has blessed us. I know we can deal with anything handed to us and this has only made Mike and I stronger as parents.
Time to go to bed as both the boys are in my bed. Mommy was a wimp and they were complaining the rain was waking them up so I offered up our bed. Mike and I may be sleeping in the twin beds tonight....

The sound of quiet amongst the past chaos...

It has been a wonderful Thanksgiving break but hectic and chaotic. Mike and I were both down for the count Thursday after the run and all day Friday. Somehow, I think my girls night out we all caught something. Kim and Les were also sick with the crud and my poor kids had to fend for themselves on Friday, just kidding, only a little. Thursday we had Turkey and birthday cake with Mikes parents. It was nice and quiet which was helpful since Mike and I were absolutely miserable. Zach had a blast opening presents and eating cake twice that day with Memaw and Papa. The Grandparents spoil the kiddos but I guess that is what they are there for. We left and retreated home to bed. On Friday, we woke up even worse and had to call in a favor to one of our Dr. friends, since no doctors were working except urgent care. He is a great friend and saved our kiddos from complete boredom all weekend. We tried to go out and have lunch with the kids and a cookie at the infamous "Tollhouse brothers", yes they know my children. Then off we went to lay on the couch why Zach and Gavin played with all their new toys and Reese slept until 5:30. I think she was as pooped out as us. The medicine actually felt like it kicked in a little but we laid around the majority of night except to finish decorating our porch. I will post pics soon as it is almost complete. We did not want to go to crazy since Christmas is not at our house this year. On Saturday, we got up and went and took pictures on this old bridge and wooded trail area. The kiddos did okay. I am trying to get our Christmas cards out so below I posted a couple of pics of our day but I have learned with 3 it is almost a miracle to get the perfect shot. We ended up spending the day with the kids and then cleaning because Mommy and Daddy had a date night planned, however, due to our illness the date night ended at 10:00 since Mommy was pretty tired. Yes, Mike thought I was a wimp but we climbed into bed and ended up staying up till mid-night watching tv. Today we went to church, which was such a wonderful service and now I am amongst a quiet house. Mike took the boys to a birthday party and Reese is a sleep. I promised the kiddos when they got home we would decorate the house, play Christmas carols and maybe make cookies. I better go and enjoy my last hour of quiet time. I hope everyone else had a wonderful holiday and is enjoying the festivities for the holidays.

My big girl-every time I see pictures I cannot believe how big she is..


Attempting at a side view. Do they look the same?



This is out of order but "hooray Zach said as we shot the last pic"

This is the end of our shoot and everyone is done, really "tears".

Horseplaying, how fun.

I am over that girly bow, Daddy's hat is way cooler.

Brothers, they love each other.


Take 2 -attempting to have all eyes on me but always looking at something cooler.

Trying to strike a pose.

We really do love each other occasionally.

All giggles at the beginning.

Aren't we cute.

I finished....

I finished the 8 mile Turkey Trot and ran the whole time!!!! The last 1 1/2 was a little tough due to the fact I had a problem with too much water and all the lines to the stand alone restrooms were horrible. I then had problems with my sock which I had read in long runs to wear moisture resistance socks that fit. I decided to wear all cotton bigger socks because my running shoes are a little newer and rubbed some ouchies on my back of my ankles. Any hoo the socks were bunching up under my toes and ouch it did not feel good so I had to stop quickly and take off my shoe and reposition my socks but ran in a little pain the last mile. The funny part of the story is there were 37,000 people and boy did my first mile take along time. I think it took 35 minutes since I did not position myself at the front. I had to dodge dogs, strollers and walkers but I feel great. I am sore today and did not feel great yesterday as I developed a sinus infection and did not eat enough so needless to say I felt sick after the run but it has taught me what I need to do to prepare better for the run. It was such a high during the run especially when I ran 2 miles across the bridges. I will post pics once the photographers have them on their website.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Turkey Day as we did. Our oldest son turned 7 and he had so much fun. He is growing up so fast and we love you Zachary!

What we have to be Thankful for...

It is a great question that I do not ever ask myself but I am thankful for.. My wonderful husband. I have the most non-selfish, loving, helpful and wonderful provider of a husband. I do not show him this very much but he is definitely my soul mate. My children who make my life complete. Each of them have the different and wonderful personalities. Zachary is turning 7 tomorrow and he is my sweet and sincerely kind child. Gavin is my loving and wildly crazy, but I love it. Reese is also very sweet and definitely sassy or "2" but she lights up my life. My family is also what I have to be thankful for. My friends and family who always keep me grounded and cheer me on. I could go on an on but these are my top. On a lighter side, I am ready for this 8 mile run tomorrow. Keep me in your thoughts as your sleeping on Turkey Day and I am running. My BFF's minus Pam went out this weekend and it was awesome. We forget sometimes how much fun we have and how important they are in my life. I do not think I have laughed so much.

Cheesy Poses by the fire on Girls Night with Kim & Les

Be Back Soon

I am taking the week off to get ready for the big run. I know this sounds silly but I am going to force myself to go to bed by 9pm and get rest. My plantar fascitis has flared up a little and I am trying to train and rest. I will finish this 8 mile run but I think mentally I am a little scared I will re-injur my foot. Wish me luck and I will return with lots of photos Thanksgiving week.

My baby turned 5!!

Wow-it is hard to believe Gavin is 5. He is becoming so big and looks so grown up but he still loves his mommy. He started his birthday with a donut hole cake which included glazed, chocolate and sprinkled donut holes. It was very cool but bad Mommy forgot her camera at school. We then decorated the house for when he woke up it was special and that night we ate dinner at his Memaws and Papas house. He was allowed to open our presents. We had such a special day and then had the Party with the rest of the family on Saturday. Zach also had his last baseball game on Saturday and party. However, I have no pictures since I was home cleaning and getting everything ready for the party. He had a blast and ended it with his Cousin Haley spending the night. They are so fun. They all get along great and she slept between Zach and Gavin. I wonder if it will be the same as they continue to get older as they seem to have such a bond. On Sunday, we all woke up and went and had IHOP as the kids were craving waffles and we had no food. We then headed to the Castle Park for some last minute fun until it was time to take Haley home. The kids were officially pooped and all fell asleep in the car on the way home. I cannot express how much I love my kiddos and watching them grow. Gavin, Happy Birthday and I cannot wait to see what the next year brings us.

The boy (Zach) loves his Papa-Gavins birthday Party!


Missed this pic in the previous blog. Haleys birthday Party. All the Dallas cousins. We are only missing Connor and Ian.

Birthday Party-Neighbor Friends sharing in a delicious cookie cake!

Aren't we the cutest Cousins? Sleepover-Reese was so excited.

The boys minus Gavin-we could not find him. My nephew is the older one and Zachs idol!

Who does not love bear hugs from the Grandparents!

One More...for tonight (Is this a sight?)

I was going through the rest of some pics and found these from the end of the summer. Across the street 2 girls live. One is in Zach's class and they are best buds and the other is Gavins age. Of course Gavin my little lover is a little gaga over the older one but on this particular day, Mike caught him with the one he is always running from and notice Zach and his friend are sitting separate. It just made me think that Zach will be my shy, sweet, gentleman. Gavin will be the true lover and maybe player??? Time will tell.

Hanging out with friends. (Don't look at the messy playroom they rearranged)


How cute, Gavin is always running from Chels but today laying with her is okay.

Birthdays and fun-Catch up Post

My sisters birthday was in September but due to everyone's incredibly busy schedules, we celebrated it with her Husbands birthday in October. We had so much fun and Mike was of course the chef. He pre-made that morning Green Chili chicken enchiladas, Mexican corn souffle and we packed it up and headed over to her house. She just purchased another home over the summer and my Dad had not been able to see it and it looks so good. She has an eye for picking out homes with lots of potential. Her backyard is so quaint and to die for. However, I think our future rock band had more fun. The kiddos think Aunt Sylvia's house is the best. Reese even chants that she wants to go to Aunt Syl's house.

Okay, on another topic, I have a dilemma. What do I wear for my 8k run in 2 weeks. I know it sounds silly but I am stumped as I get really hot while running and it could be cold. Also, I have to look semi decent for the pictures I have asked my hubby to take a picture of me finishing this great feat. I know many of you are probably tired of hearing this but I am so excited. I have been working so hard and with my feet giving me so much grief this summer, I finally feel this high. Running is addicting. It gives me such a wonderful feeling to run and listen to the wind, birds and even the cars. I think it is my one time to escape and think about life or just be silent. Hmmm...if you have any thoughts on my wardrobe, I am all ears.

Cousins-the beginning of a band??


I am not sure what Reese is singing but Haley must be enjoying/hating the way she is looking at her. I thought Reese and Haley look so cute together.

Zach, Gavin, Haley -Oooh scary and Reese, ummm she is not too scared.


Practicing our Singing with the help of Reese.



Zach and Tony (my nephew) Rocking..Of course Zach wants a electric guitar after this experience and is now going to be a Singer when he grows up.

I love it- Cousins. They are so close and we love that on of the Aunts is close. We miss the other Aunties.

I am imagining she is looking at me tell her do not get too close. My children love water and I was waiting for her to fall in. That would be the Wofford "way".

Hallooooween-What fun!

What a weekend of fun. After being sick all last week, I welcomed some fun. However, I told Mike we do need to settle down soon. I am tired of running all weekend. We started...okay I started the weekend with a much needed massage on Friday and followed by my sweet hubby and children meeting me for dinner. On Saturday, I woke up bright and early, 6:30am to be exact to run since I took a week off from being ill. It was bitterly cold here but I actually ran my 3 1/2 miles good. I had planned to run 6 miles on Saturday but since I was still getting over my upper respiratory infection, I figured I should hold off. Yes, if you did not know I am training for a 8k Turkey Trot run and then 1/2 marathon. I am having so much fun and finally losing weight. It is awesome to wear clothes that are falling off or trying on clothes that have not fit in years and seeing them fit. I still have a long road but know this time I will succeed. Okay, back to my post about the kiddos. We went to baseball after this and it was so much fun. Zach is loving it and is doing so well. He had a couple weeks where he was struggling and you could tell he was frustrated but it has finally clicked. My little baby is growing up and I love watching it. After the game it was a mad dash home to clean the house for guests that night for Halloween. I have to say Reese looked adorable and the pictures do not do justice. She actually had a stranger from our local paper take her picture and asked if they could publish. I take all the credit as spend weeks trying to figure out what she could be and that kitty tutu was awesome. That night we had friends come over and Zach had one of his good friends Connor and his 3 year old sister over. We had so much fun and the kids were crazy but it was fun. I have to say the men were a little worn out by 9:00 with all the commotion of the kids. They should of joined the girls on the porch, drinking their red wine, we had no problems. On Sunday, we started with breakfast and my little nieces Birthday Party. I cannot believe Haley is 6! The kids are growing up so fast but we love her and had a blast at the party. Gavin is turning 5 this week and it makes me a little sad but he is counting the days. The funny thing is when Zach turned 5, he was a lot more independent. Gavin still loves Mommy to dress him in the morning, which I secretly love but give him grief. He still gets mad if I do not kiss him at least twice in the evening and he still loooooves to cuddle. Well it is late and I still have 500 posts to catch up on with all the pictures I need to update, so keep checking back.

All smiles while decorating for Halloween:




Best Buds-they can do no wrong in each others eyes...yeah right.


Help, we are tangled. Reese is just one of the guys. From L to R Zach, G man, Reese and Connor



Look who is scary..... Reese and Campbell seem bored with this.

We are just hanging with friends (yes below is a girl as MJ and she is super cute and we think her and Zach will be each others first kiss) She has been in his class for 2 years and now lives right across the street and they always play together. Her younger sister is the clown.

My super cute kitty and she actually meows but prefers growling, maybe a lion next year, much feistier than a kitty

Too Lonnnnnnnnnnng

Okay-it has been forever since I posted and everyone is reminding me. I have not been juggling work, kids, kids school, sports and life as well as I used to. This weekend I will be posting all my updates for the last 2 months. However, I had to post about how excited I am that my sister is

Having a Boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Woo-hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!and he is healthy!!!!!!Let the fun planning the room begin.

Check back for the following updates:
Baseball pics
Halloween pics (Reese is freaking cute in her outfit, but I am a little biased)
School outings
Birthdays....
etc...

First Day of School

On Tuesday, it was Gavin, Zach and Reese's first day of school. Zach went to first grade, Gavin went to Pre-K and Reese started school 2 times a week. We no longer have our Nanny and wow do I realize how spoiled we were. Getting the kids up, dressed, fed, backpacks, lunches packed and out the door to school. We have one busy morning and we have not even got to work. I will miss Sandra our Nanny dearly and keep asking Mike "when can we hire her back". We are trying to save money with the Economy effecting Mikes job. I will have to say it has been a fun week, however, It is forcing me to be more organized. We are trying to figure out how to to give Zach quite time at night for home work. We gave him the whole summer off from reading and writing and I am not sure if that was a good idea as he is having to work a little harder to write his sentences. Oh, well, live and learn and we will just work with him harder. They had a blast on the first day and I am so glad we are all back on schedule even though it is more work for Mommy and Daddy.

Our Family Beach Trip...

This weekend we met up with 2 of my Husbands very close childhood friends at their beach house. This has become an annual tradition and I love it. One of the couples has 3 triplet girls and they are 5. The other couple has 3 children and then their are our 3. That is right, we had 9 children in one beach house and 6 adults but it was perfect. The kids get along so well and don't ever fight. How can that be you ask? Well, my boys are the only boys and the rest are girls. This has proven my point that girls are easier. Boys are rowdy and crazy or maybe its just my boys and yes my one girl is just as crazy as her brothers. We went swimming on the beach which was an experience with 9 kiddos. The guys left the girls Saturday morning to go fishing in the ocean and enjoy "guy" time. Of course my bright idea was to take the kiddos the beach club and go swimming and to the beach. The other 2 girls I was with did not like getting in the ocean so 5 of us went into the ocean all holding hands. If you can imagine all kids under the age of 6 and we were doing great until the 2 year old decided it was more fun to jump and sit and then it happened, under she went. Of course she was fine but a little water/salt logged but scared me enough to say I am done till the Men get home. Of course Reese wanted to run in the water all day as that fall did not scare my tough girl. That night the boys took the kiddos to catch crabs on the sand and they had a blast. We had so much fun and look forward to every year from hear on out. We have decided my boys will be spoiled as they will have the pick of 5 cute girls as they grow. We might be in trouble in the next 5 or so years.

Look I can drive-and yes he drove the mule. A little scary....

Aren't we cute and the boys do not know how lucky they are according to the Hubby.

Are we home yet? I can't handle the car anymore...

It has been sooo long

Life has been so hectic and crazy. I have not had much time to say or take pictures for my blog. However, I will be back soon. Reese is growing so big and so fun. Tonight we went running on a trail in our neighborhood and she had so much fun. She loved the squirrels, leaves blowing, other joggers and the kids riding their bikes. The boys met us with Mike after at the park and went fishing. Zach caught a huge catfish. This is what life is about..Having fun with your family and enjoying God's gift to us of love and nature. Sometimes the littlest moments make you realize how lucky you are. Running seems to make me feel free and one with nature, God and my feelings. It clears my head even in the midst of pure craziness.

On another note I will be making this blog private as I feel it is time to only allow the people I invite to view the blog.

Okay-time to go to bed so I can wake up again and run. I have been trying really hard to stay on track. London marathon here I come.....well maybe in a couple of years.

So tired.....

Random question on a Thursday night....
I have been so tired for the last month. I have no idea why?? Is it this economy and all I hear at work is negative? Is it me finally settling in with a family, 3 kids, work, etc...? To answer my question I started googling. You know what it said??? Dehydration! I actually believe it, as I drink coffee when I wake up and sip on it until noon. Lunch is maybe on cup of water and then dinner maybe another cup. Then off for another cup of java before bed. I am on a quest and will keep you posted. I am going to try and drink 2 cups of water when I wake up, sip on it all day and try and drink 8-10 glasses. The next debate is sugar.... I have been struggling with my eating habits the last month as I hit a plateau with my eating habits and working out. Therefore, my next quest is to slowly give up sugar. Yes, this will be my hardest habit but I can do it in baby steps. Third is working out.... So I need everyone to please pray for me as I really need to put a pep in my step. This has truly effected my thinking ability at work, my family time with my children and husband. I have never felt this physically tired before??? I think it is worst than pregnancy or sleep deprived feeding of newborn babies... Okay so on this thought it is 10:39 and I should be in bed. So, goodnight and keep me in your thoughts!

See the link below to a very cool You tube message our church posted. It really does speak to you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fjoecarter%2Etumblr%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded

Fun in the Sun on Aunt Amber's last day in Texas

On my Sisters and her Fiancee's last day here we went to an outdoor shopping area and park to enjoy the beautiful Texas weather with the kiddos, Aunt Sylvia and Tony and Haley. I had so much fun taking pics.

Look-we can lay on each other!


I love this picture, Gavin looks so innocent but we all know this is not true.

Aren't my sisters pretty?

Wow-Aunt Amber sure knows how to make me smile.

Amber and Gil posing for the camera.

Too cute-Tony and Haley my niece and nephew.