Dickinson Christmas Parade

This is the second year we have gone to the Dickinson Christmas Parade! It is great. This year was a little chilly which is nice in December. We had some hot chocolate and watched the floats and got candy.

Best of the Best Tournament

The Boss just moved up to yellow belt in karate and has been very excited about it. This weekend we had a second tournament. We spent more time practicing at home this time. The first time he was very timid in the ring. In class he has to go against the older kids because they go by height. You would think this is a good thing and will help him eventually but he is getting a little discouraged about not winning at sparring. We try our best to encourage him to just try his hardest and be proud. The tournament this weekend was a best of two matches. If you lost the first you got a bronze medal, if you won the first but lost the second you got a silver medal and if you won both you got a TWO FOOT Trophy. All the kids wanted one of those trophies. We gave the Boss some extra mojo with a couple of temporary tatoos. He did so much better this time. He was much more aggressive. I have watched the video a couple of times and I am very proud of him. He did so well. Unfortunately the other boy got lucky and landed 1 more kick than he did and he lost out on the trophy. Lets just say he was very disappointed but nothing a little pizza couldn't fix. He is ready to start fresh in January.


Waiting his turn to be placed in a ring.

The boy he would end up sparring with.

Starting to get his gear on.

Ready and waiting.

USM - Conference USA Championship

Today we went to the C-USA Championship football game against University of Houston. It was a great game Southern Miss won. UofH was ranked #6 and would have gone to a BCS game if USM wouldn't have won. It was the Lady Bug's first football game and it was a great one.

So Far Behind Update...

I have so many posts that are half finished or need photos to publish, but so much is going on I wanted to update.
The Boss
Growing so fast
Such a great big brother
Loves nothing better than hugs from his sister
Has enjoyed going to LSU home games with Dad (Dude Time)
Now a Yellow Belt in Karate
Reading books to me before bed
Looking forward to Christmas

The Lady Bug
Has 4 teeth (got them all in 1 week)
Recovered from viral pneumonia
Has started standing on her own in the middle of a room
Loves table food and will eye whatever is on your plate

Breaks My Heart

This really hit home for me so I have to share it. It just breaks my heart that my children didn't get to have a relationship with their Daddy's parents.

Both of them wanted nothing more than to have grandkids. Not long after we had the Boss, Daddy's parents were both taken away rather suddenly within 3 months of each other. They adored him and I often think of how things would be if they were still here. They would be so proud. The Boss was given his nickname by his Paw Paw who from day 1 called him "The Boss". The Boss shed tears the last time we went to the cemetery because he wishes he knew them and could remember them. My Lady Bug will only know them through pictures and they will never have laid earthly eyes on her. It is always harder during the holiday season when you think of those you love who have passed on. To Maw Maw and Paw Paw Vige...You are greatly missed!

Happy Baptism Day!

November 13th is the Boss's Baptism Day. This year he had a pumpkin rice crispy treat to celebrate from his Auntie Shyra!

LSU vs BAMA

We enjoyed having some friends over to watch the LSU vs BAMA game. The Reno clan has two boys. B is a year younger than the Boss and their newest addition is just 2 weeks younger than the Lady Bug. It was great having them over. We enjoyed some yummy chicken and sausage gumbo. The boys enjoyed playing and the little ones had fun just hanging out and playing with toys and poking eachother. Here are two pics of the kids.

Aren't they too cute?
I know the boys don't look excited in this picture, but they were watching Transformers and it was late in the evening.