The Yockey Family

Jake's 4th Birthday

2011-09-06T21:36:00.001-05:00

Jake turned 4 on August 29th and we celebrated his birthday on Sunday with a very small swimming party at our house.

Jake decorated his own cake. He wanted African Animals! He went a little overboard.

Uncle "Awesome" and Aunt Kissy came early to help him celebrate.

His two cousins Matthew and Zachary played with waterguns all afternoon.

Jake and Miller and Coy taking a break from swimming to eat a hotdog or two.

Spiderman from Uncle Dustin...scary.

"Happy Birthday to Jake"

Wii love our new Christmas present!!!

2011-01-09T17:46:00.000-06:00

Jake loves his new Christmas present that he got from Santa. And he's pretty good at it too....take a look!!

more pics to come......

Vail, Colorado

2010-10-03T14:43:00.000-05:00

We went to Vail, Colorado for my cousin Tyre's wedding. We had a lot of fun and Jake had a lot of firsts. Here are a few pics to show our weekend.

Jake's First Plane Ride.

Jake and Daddy throwing rocks in the ICE cold river.

Mommy, Daddy and Jake going to the top of the mountain.

That's a long way down!!!

The Yockey Family at the Top of the Mountain. What a view!!

Jake riding a pony at the top of the mountain.

Jake walking a tight rope at the top of the mountain.

Mom, Kissy, Me and Julie at cocktail hour before the reception.

Me and Trey with the Bride and Groom.

Me, Julie, Mom and Dad

Mom and the Mother of the Groom, Aunt Mary.

Tyre dancing on stage with his groomsmen!! What an AWESOME band!!

Sunday morning brunch, trying to get a family picture.

Kye, Jake, Miller

Jake in the water hole in the center of Vail. So beautiful.

Mommy and Jake with the 'giant' Moose.

Daddy and Jake with the 'wild' coyotes.

Kye, Aunt Kendie, Miller and Jake

Jake's 3rd Birthday

2010-09-28T20:23:00.001-05:00

*** I know, I know....I'm about 6 weeks behind on my posts. Can you tell that school has started and I have different priorities? Anywho, I will start with Jake's Birthday and try to catch you up one post at a time...

That's right...Jake is 3!! His birthday was August 29th at Chuck E Cheese. He loves that place.

Jake's First Week of School

2010-08-21T09:26:00.000-05:00

Jake's first week of school had a few ups and a few downs. When I first dropped him off on Monday I was running a little bit late so I was in a hurry. I left him in the room crying his eyes out. It killed me but I knew I was only going to be a few feet away. For those of you that don't know, Jake gets to go to school with me this year. We have a really cool program called Pegasus for 3 & 4 year old teachers' kids. So he's right down the hall from me all day long. I was curious as to how it would be when he saw me in the hall or cafeteria or somewhere and not be able to come with me. To my surprise, he does just fine. He says hi to me and then gets back to what he is supposed to do. I saw him yesterday walking down the hall with his hands behind his back and a "bubble" in his mouth. (you fellow teachers will appreciate that) It was the cutest thing ever. I guess I'm gonna have to start carrying around a camera everytime I leave my room :)

There were some mornings when he was real excited about going to school and there were others when he wanted to go to school but to Mommy's classroom. There were more times than not that he threw a fit with I picked him up. He did NOT want to leave. He was too "busy making something." It did a little number on me but I was glad that he enjoyed his class. Yesterday, when I poked my head in on nap time Mrs. Granger said that Jake wanted a pillow for nap time. They had been giving him this pillow b/c he said it was his. It wasn't...Jake lied. It was Cody's, so they gave it back to him and Jake was very upset. So Grammy will be taking him to Wal-Mart to get a pillow for school (Mom and Dad are leaving for Austin for Luke's 30th :)) Thanks Grammy!!!

Here is Jake the first day of school when I picked him up. I dropped him off crying and picked him up smiling..."It's a Beautiful Day"

Jake with his teacher Mrs. Granger. She is the best and loves those kiddos like her own.

Mrs. Granger, Jake and Ms. Lisa

Ms. Lisa always teases that she's going to take Jake home with her...Jake agrees.

Happy 60th PAPA!!

2010-08-16T18:21:00.000-05:00

Our Papa turned 60 this past weekend and we had a SURPRISE party for him at the bay. I tell you what...it is sooo hard to keep an exciting secret from someone when you're with them ALL day. I think Mom and I put our foot in our mouth more then once but luckly Dad wasn't paying too much attention to us :)

We had both of his brothers (one from Dallas and the other from Galveston) bring their families to the bay Friday night and meet us at Trans (Dad's favorite Firday night dinner spot). It worked out perfect...and I think it took Dad a few minutes to register who he was actually seeing. Another GREAT surprise was that Julie flew in from North Carolina and meet us there too. We only get to see her a few times a year, so it was VERY nice weekend.

Jake sporting Papa's "60" glasses.

Luke and Julie on Dad's Birthday Present from his family

Jake's helping Papa blow out his 60 candles.

Now he's licking EVERY one of them

Headed to shell beach for the first time this summer.

Papa and his 2 favorite people riding in his new golfcart

Miller, Jake and Uncle "Awesome"

"Best Friends"

A special thanks to all the Leslie's for coming from all over TX to celebrate Dad's Birthday. Thanks to Aunt Mary and Uncle Danger for joining in the surprise. And thanks to all Dad's friends for making this past weekend so special.

HNMS at Sugar Land

2010-08-12T12:33:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday we took Jake to the Natural Museum of Science right here in Sugar Land. I really didn't know what to expect because it's pretty new and kinda small. It turned out to be great and perfect for Jake. Considering we were there on a Saturday morning (11ish), we had the museum pretty much to ourselves. There were just a handful of other people there so we got to do whatever we wanted without any lines.

Jake is really into things that are real and fake.

He told me, "Don't worry Mom, he's not real. He won't eat you!"

Do you see the frog in the aquarium?

Jake is mixing colors to make new colors. He thought that was the "coolest thing ever!!"

Triceritops was a little scary

Our very own paleontologist!!

"It taste like butterfly...YUM!!!"

Chuck E. Cheese

2010-08-06T18:58:00.000-05:00

I know , know!! Jake is having his 3rd birthday (in a few weeks) at Chuck E Cheese but two of his girlfriends (Adde and Clare) came to town and he wanted to spend some quality time at CEC with them before the big party.

This is how I found him right before we left..."Can you see, you may need to scoot at little closer!"

Hold on tight girls, this is gonna be a rough ride.

(It actually was kinda scary, Brit and I were looking for seatbelts and the kids were looking for a way out.)

He is NOT real, Mom??

"This is such a beautiful place!"

Here are the girls eating their 3rd or 4th piece of pizza while Jake only had 1 or 2 bites. They are such good eaters!

Dancing and watching himself on the TV.

Adde and Clare are joining him.."Oh yes, he can handle two at a time."

Go Speed Racer!!

Jake with his scary little friends...Tellytubbies are a little freaky!

Thanks Adde and Clare for spending the day with me...see you at YOUR birthday party!

One for You and One for Me!!

2010-07-22T12:42:00.000-05:00

We had our annual Yockey family weekend at the bay and as you can see we had a few unexpected guests. (the frogs) Trey and I try to get Cheryl, Dustin and Alex down to the bay at least once every summer. This year is was a little bitter-sweet. Although we had a really nice time, we were missing one of our favorite people...our PeePaw. We miss him everyday. Especially when we do the things that we used to do with him.

Look Mommy, I found TWO frogs!

One for you and One for me!!!!

Look, they can do a balancing trick.

Jake found another, now he has 3!!

Helping Nana make homemade vanilla icecream. Is it ready yet? Is is ready yet?

Helping Papa clean the crabs for dinner.

I'll take this one, it's BIG!!!

North Carolina or BUST!!!

2010-07-20T13:17:00.000-05:00

Last week I finally made it out to see Julie (after almost 4 years) and had a BLAST. I definitely have to make it back more sooner than later. She lives in a cute, little town 20 minutes from the beach, Wilmington. How lucky is she? And it's not the Gulf Coast beach that we're used to down here. It's the Atlantic coastline which is absolutely beautiful. The sights, the smell, the taste is all completely different but wonderful. My sister Kendra and cousin Meredith also went so it was a kid free, husband free weekend and it was REALLY nice.

We we're having so much fun that I didn't stop to take many pictures so here are a few.

Here we are feeding the seagulls. They will eat right out of your hand and try to take your fingers with the cheetos!

There were so many of them and YES! we had a few items that were pooped on but luckly not any of us.

Tiki Hut for dinner after a long day at the beach!!

Thanks Julie for such a wonderful weekend.

We had a blast and can't wait to do it again!

4th of July

2010-07-07T14:20:00.000-05:00

We headed to the bay for the 4th of July weekend. We were going down there on Thursday but decided to hang back until Friday morning because of Alex. Good thing because it rained all day Thursday and off and on all day on Friday but the rest of the weekend was beautifully HOT. There were so many kiddos down there that I think at one time I counted 11 kids playing on our waterslide. Everyone but Jake had a blast on the slide. Don't know why, but he wanted to do anything but play with his friends. Why is it that he will play, play, play all day long and as soon as friends come over he wants nothing to do with it? Don't tell me he's gonna be one of those kids who only hangs out with adults. Maybe he needs a little sister or brother?? :)

Here's Jake avoiding the waterslide.

Our new little bay neighbor Owen...aka, Mr. Personality!!!

Okay so maybe he finally ventured over to the slide.

(with his best bud "Wheel" and Owen's sister Clare)

Ty (Audra and Doug's oldest) could not get enough. His Daddy would throw him up to the top and he never stopped smiling.

I'll have this bowl of marshmellows...oh, and this one too.

Ty and Jake checking the crab traps with Ty's Daddy! How many??? 9, 10, 13, 20....

Jake fishing for Nemo off the pier.

Finally time for bath!

Jake, Ty and Coy (Ty's little brother)

Jake and Miller taking their annual 4th of July picture in their bay chairs!

Have you ever seen a more precious face??

Jake and Miller with their Papa taking a ride!!

Tyre and Kristin...Wedding Bliss

2010-06-27T14:21:00.000-05:00

Tyre (my cousin) and Kristin are engaged and we finally got to celebrate with them. Because they live in Denver, we don't get to see them too often so it was very nice to finally get to honor them. They had a very lovely engagement party at Kristin's sister's house in the Heights. It was very intimate and pretty perfect. The food was delicious and the company even better. They are getting married in Vail this Labor Day weekend. We already have all of our plans and are so excited for the "vacation" :)

Group picture (with Luke trying to steal the spotlight)

Luke, Trey, Me, Kristin (Bride), Tyre (Groom), Kendra, Spencer, Kissy

The Groom with his Mom and Dad

Aunt Mary and Uncle Danger

Trey and Me....Luke amd Kissy

****A SPECIAL SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DEAR FRIENDS SARAH AND JASON FOR WATCHING JAKE FOR US AT THE VERY LAST MINUTE. He had so much fun and can't wait to come back and play with Bella. :)

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-21T19:58:00.000-05:00

Happy Father's Day to the most wonderful man I know. You are such a loving and kind father and husband and Jake and I are so lucky to have you in our lives. You give so much of yourself to the people that you love AND to the people that you don't even know that need your help. There are so many times that you inspire me to be a better person and I can't thank you enough for that. I couldn't ask for anything more in a husband and father of our child. I love you so much.

Jake and I had so much fun spending the day with you at your work. I think we have a little firefighter on our hands.

My First Astros Game

2010-06-09T13:36:00.000-05:00

We took Jake to his very first Astros game on Sunday and we had a blast. He didn't quite understand why he couldn't go on the field and take 'his turn'. We decided to go at the last minute so we got very inexpensive tickets that included a hotdog, chips and coke with every ticket. We thought, 'What a Great Deal?' The catch...the seats were the VERY highest you could possible get. Our backs were to the wall, literally. But because the Astros are doing sooo good this season, there were lots of open seats so we moved down pretty quickly.

Jake wants to go out on the field right away

Our AWESOME seats!!!

Don't fall Dad, it's a long way down.

You neither, Mom!

Let's get this game started!

GO ASTROS GO!!

I love me some cotton candy...

...and some pickles...

...and some popcorn (not to mention...hotdot, chips, sprite, coke & snowcone)

Yea!! My Astros Won!!!!

My Astros are #1!!!

Our little Astros Fan is wipped out!!!

Miller turns 1!!

2010-06-08T10:27:00.000-05:00

Baby Miller turned 1 Memorial Day Weekend. Gosh they grow up so fast. Kendra and Spencer had a very nice little party for him at the bay. Here are a few pics to show the fun that everyone had.

Miller thinking "What am I supposed to do with this thing?"

"Oh, okay...I get it!"

Here are Millers cousins not being too patient.

"Get us out of here!!!"

Yummy in my tummy Watermelon!!!

La Cantera...The Pool

2010-06-05T08:51:00.001-05:00

Just a few pics from La Cantera. They have a huge pool with a water slide that Jake wanted to go down about 100 times. Daddy had to take him every time but I think he secretly enjoyed it just as much.

Alex and Dustin's Wedding

2010-06-05T08:44:00.000-05:00

It was a long time in the works but it was finally here. Dustin and Alex got married last weekend at La Cantera in San Antonio. It was a beautiful wedding a fabulous weekend. We had so much fun and Jake was once again dancing all night long. I don't have pics of that part (yet). But when I get them, I will post.

Mother's Day at the Bay

2010-05-15T08:34:00.004-05:00

We had a wonderful Mother's Day and Birthdays (mine and Trey's) spent at the bay last weekend. It was all a brand new experience for Jake even though he had spent all summer there last year. He didn't remember a thing. I hope that's normal for his age :) We went swimming, played at the beach, flew kites and ate lots of cake. I can't wait to do it again.

Jake very upset that his froggie kite is in the sky! (Isn't that the point?)

Relaxing a little bit now!

Jakie playing at the beach and loving it. Of course, naked!!!

Jake showing Mommy how he loves to eat boiled shrimp!!

Jake showing Mommy how he loves to eat grapes!

As 2 Mom would say....he's out yonder!!

As Papa would say.... he's in park!!

Abby & Rocky's Wedding

2010-05-14T15:58:00.009-05:00

Trey's cousin Abby got married in the most beautiful place in Texas. They found this little hidden treasure in Bergheim (north of San Antonio) called Serengeti Resort. It is full of African animals roaming the property.

It was a beautiful wedding and a Gorgeous Bride.

Rocky waiting for Abby.

The scary ostrich.

The nice camel.

Jake showing off his moves again.

Here he is break dancing.

What a beautiful Bride.

Aunt Candy, Steven, Grammy, Jake, Michaelanne, Aunt Tara and Abby...dancing all night long. Jake lasted until about midnight then went down on Grammy.

The Groom and Father of the Bride busting a move.

B & G and their fake get-a-way!

Meredith's Wedding

2010-04-25T14:42:00.002-05:00

Last weekend Meredith and Gavino got married. It was a blast. Jake was one of the little ring bearers. He was so cute in his little tux. Just like a little man.

It was a beautiful day and a beautiful wedding. We partied till early in the morning. Here a few pics from the fun night.

Easter 2010

2010-04-08T18:54:00.002-05:00

Sorry it's so late but here are a few pictures from our Easter weekend. It was also Spencer's birthday so we were at the Ranch all weekend then we had a hunt at Grandma Yockey's.

Hospice Cook-Off 2010

2010-03-28T17:40:00.004-05:00

This weekend was the 6th Annual Heating It Up For Hospice Bar-B-Que Cook-Off and 5K Stride and Stroll and once again we were there bright and early. There was so much to do and Jake had a blast especially with his cousin Miller and all his friends.

Jake getting ready for the BIG RUN!

Miller getting ready for the BIG RUN!

Jake with the Easter Bunny and the "Mean Chicken"

Jake with Uncle Luke right after the race. Does he look tired or what?

Can I have my snowcone and cotton candy now, Mommy?

FirePup

Jake's best buds...Andy, Addie and Clare

Jake receiving his medal

Waving at Mommy.

Jake eating one of MANY lollipops!!

Jake with Nana riding on Nemo!!!

Pictures from School

2010-03-22T20:26:00.003-05:00

Here are a few recent pictures of Jake taken at school. What a Big Boy!!

Houston Zoo

2010-03-07T13:07:00.003-06:00

Took Jake to the Houston Zoo yesterday. He had a blast as you can tell. Who knew we had such a wonderful place so close to home....

Fishing, Alligators and More

2010-02-20T20:46:00.004-06:00

We went to the Brazos State Park today. Who knew we had such a beautiful place so close to home? We saw many alligators (or as Jake called them "track-a-diles") and MANY birds! All different kinds but I'm not even gonna try to attempt to tell you the species because I'd be lying (ROAR)! The gators were all over...we saw about 15. They were mainly very small but we did see one pretty big one. Trey was getting way to close for me but don't worry he can "beat them up."

Jake Break Dancing

2010-02-15T16:53:00.003-06:00

Not sure where Jake learned his moves but I guess I give credit to his Daddy!!

Super Bowl Sunday

2010-02-08T20:47:00.002-06:00

We had a very relaxing Sunday with some good friends. Jake had a blast with his new best friend Ty.

Daddy's 2 Cooks

2010-02-08T20:38:00.001-06:00

Daddy's 2 Favorite Cooks cooking dinner. Tuna Casserole...Yummy!!!

Snow Day 2009

2010-01-02T13:58:00.005-06:00

Daddy and Jake building their very first snowman!!!

Here he is....so cute.

And Yummy!!

His eyes and buttons are almost gone!

Yummy in my Tummy!!

Jake's Uncle Luke came to visit and play in the snow!!

Cousins

2009-12-10T21:30:00.001-06:00

Jake and his cousins...Bennett, Wilson and Baby Miller.

Best Day Ever

2009-10-04T21:10:00.007-05:00

We had the best family weekend ever. We started out by going to the Pumpkin Patch and picking out a few pumpkins. Jake had a blast getting a Daddy one, Mommy one, Jakey one, Baby Bentlee one and Baby Lexus one.

Jake as a scarecrow.

Jake and Daddy with 'Fred' and 'Bob'

then.......

Then....

2009-10-04T21:00:00.000-05:00

We took Jake to get a haircut and Mommy gave into Daddy and let it go VERY short. But I was surprised and it turned out SUPER cute.

We ended the day at Sugarland Town Square to see the horsies in the water and...

have some purple ice cream.

These are the pumpkins that Jake picked out...so lovely.

2 Little Monkeys and a 'Nerd'

2009-09-22T21:32:00.003-05:00

This is what happens when your 2 year old finds the sock drawer. 2 pairs of socks with his sandals...very stylish.

2 Little Monkey's sitting at the bay. Jake and Miller at the Bay on Labor Day Weekend!

Jake turns 2!!

2009-09-01T19:15:00.004-05:00

Jake turned 2 this past Saturday....WHAT?? How does time fly so fast? It feels like just last week we were bringing him home from the hospital but at the same time I have so many memories of him growing up. It's a little bitter-sweet.
We had a little party for him at the bay on Saturday and he had a BLAST. (after he got out of his little funk that lasted about an hour at the exact same time that all the guests arrived-he has GREAT timing)
Nana and Papa got him an awesome water slide but all he wanted was the waterhose - typical :) We had hotdogs and cake and it was all yummy, yummy, yummy.
As simple as it sounds, next year it's at Chuck-E-Cheese :))

The Yockey Family Update

2009-08-22T21:27:00.006-05:00

Let's see, where to being? Where I left off, I guess.
At the end of July we took Jake to SeaWorld. It was way too crowded and much too hot but Jake had a blast. He fed the dolphins, watched Shamu do his tricks, saw the horsies and alligators and got bit on his finger by a shark :) And then we ended the day playing in the wave pool. We were exhausted.
That weekend was also special because Dustin and Alex got engaged. We are so excited to have a new sister and can't wait for the big day. Jake is going to be the cutest little ring-bearer there ever was.

When we got back from San Antonio I began a new and exciting job adventure with Stella
& Dot. I am an independent personal jewelry stylist with them and would love to bring my trunk show to anyone who is interested. We have fabulous everyday pieces as well as beautiful statement pieces. Check out my website: www.stelladot.com/bethyockey

As soon as I started this exciting adventure I got the phone call I had been waiting for ALL summer. I was offered a 4th grade position with Velasquez Elementary. School starts Monday and I couldn't be more excited. I'll be teaching Math, Science and Social Studies to 40 9 year olds...how cool!!!

Trey has been studying really hard for his EO (Engine Operator) test which is this Thursday...say a quick prayer that he does his best.

A few weeks ago, all three of us were very sick. Jake had strep, Trey had an upper respiratory infection and I had something that led to pneumonia. Needless to say, were out of commission for an entire week. It feels so good to feel good :)

That's about all that's been going on with us that's worth writing about. I promise to keep you all updated more often. Oh ya, Jake turns 2 on Saturday....where has the time gone. I cry every time I think about it.

Hope all is well with all of you!!!!!!

Sorry...Sorry...Sorry

2009-08-09T19:35:00.002-05:00

I know I haven't been posting lately but I have good reason. The main reason, our computer got a virus and has been in the shop for 3 weeks. We just got it back. Another reason, I got a REAL job and have been pretty busy. And lastly, my entire family has been VERY sick in bed all week. We are feeling better now so I will try to catch you all up on our lives this week. Bare with me, it may take awhile.

Yummy in My Tummy

2009-07-09T12:01:00.007-05:00

Jake's been very wishy washy with his eating habits lately. There will be days where he doesn't eat a thing and then there are days where he eats everything in sight. He loves salt (he gets that from his Mommy and Nana) and can eat it right out of the shaker, although we try not to let him do that :) We captured some great pics of him eating his very first corn-on-the-cob and loving it.

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-07T14:29:00.006-05:00

We had a wonderful July 4th weekend at the Bay. Jake enjoyed every single second being outside and in the water. Who knew we had a little fish in the family? It was so much fun spending time with our newest little family member, Baby Miller. He is so precious and Jake just loves him. What great memories.

Inflatable Zone

2009-06-18T21:24:00.002-05:00

Jake's playdate at Inflatable Zone in Katy. I think I got more battle wounds then he did...I'm all beat up.

Jake's words...

2009-06-10T13:57:00.010-05:00

Jake is growing up so fast and talking up a storm. He says so many cute things that I can't keep track so I decided to post the cutest so I won't forget....and to give everyone a laugh. Here are a few of his daily Jakeism's with translation (if needed):

This conversation with Jake took place about 6 months ago but is still one of my favorites:
Mommy: "Jake, did you go PooPoo?"
Jake: "NNOOOO!"
Mommy: "Are you lyin'?"
Jake: (with arm stretched out and hand in the shape of a claw) "ROOAARRRR?" (this was right around the time he was learning animal sounds :))

I know it's a little early but we are starting to introduce Jake to the potty...explaining what it is and what it does and what goes in it. So the other day I had the opportunity to show Jake that his poopie goes in the potty....

Mommy: "Jake, say bye-bye poopie"

Jake: (as he is waving to his poopie) "Bye-bye poopie...uve you" and then he blows kisses :)

"I do it" (he is very independent)

"I Sorry...hug" (with arms out waiting for a hug)

"Fren Fry...peeaaasse" (says this everytime I go through a drivethru...fast food, bank, pharmacy...doesn't matter he wants a french fry)

"Money, kit that" - Bentlee, Quit that (shaking his finger at him, poor Bentlee gets blamed for everything)

"Tway, it up" - Trey, get up (he starting calling his daddy Tway and tells him to get up when he's sleeping)

"Hold u" (with arms reaching out to be held)

and my all time favorite.....

"Uve you, Mommy!!!"

There are many, many more and I will post as I remember them.

James Miller Leslie

2009-06-03T20:02:00.002-05:00

He's here and he's PERFECT...all 10lbs 5ozs of him!! That's right...he's a big boy. Trey and I are so excited that we are finally an Aunt and Uncle for the very first time and that Jake has a little cousin. We cannot wait for these two little boys to grow up together and create a wonderful friendship.

Happy Little Family

Welcome Home Miller

Miller and his Daddy

Who just had a 10lb baby?

Miller and Mommy

Birthday Party

2009-05-24T08:49:00.004-05:00

Our Friend Ty turned 1 yesterday and Jake had so much fun at his Fish Themed Birthday Party!! We had so much fun with all our friends...Ty, Emmy Lou and Andy.

2009-05-24T08:49:00.001-05:00

First Official Haircut

2009-05-24T08:00:00.004-05:00

Jake got his FIRST OFFICIAL HAIRCUT yesterday and let me just tell you, it was an experience. Mom had been trimming his hair every now and then but decided that it was time for a REAL big boy haircut. So we went to Snip-Its, which is a children's salon, thinking he would love it. As you can see in the photos, he was having a blast with all the toys and other kids until it was his turn in the chair. Once again he was the ONLY kid who threw a tantrum. He was NOT having it and wanted out of the chair FAST. We had cartoons, bubbles, candy and juice and nothing seemed to calm him down. The hairstylist was so sweet and patient-God Bless Her! Of course Mommy had a Cha-Chi stashed away for emergencies like this...and it seemed to calm him a little. The last picture is Jake getting his prize and then out the door for lunch. After lunch, we headed home for our nap. Jake must've been worn out...he slept for 4 hours :) Mommy did too!!! :))

2009-05-24T07:59:00.001-05:00

Silverlake Tri

2009-05-18T20:19:00.008-05:00

I actually did it...completed my first Triathlon. Let me just tell you, it WAS as hard if not harder than I ever imagined. I had been training for about 5 months but realized about 5 minutes into the race that it was NOT long enough. For those of you who are not sure what a Triathlon consists of, here it is (in this order): 400 meter swim, 10 mile bike ride and 3 mile run.

I started to get really nervous Saturday and when race day came it was I could do NOT to throw-up. About 15 minutes before the race Trey and Jake were still not there and I really needed to see them. Right before the race started they showed up along with Cheryl, Danny, Dustin, Alex, Britni, Valerie, Sarah and Jason. Who would have thought that I would have the biggest support group there!! :)

So the race gets started and I immediately get kicked in the face and swallow about a gallon of water. (Stop laughing!) It took about 5 minutes of trying to convince myself that I wasn't going to die....then, I was completely worn out. Did I mention I wasn't even half way through the swim? As I'm doing anything I can think of to get to the end (breast stroke, side swim, back swim, doggy paddle, holding on to the leg of the person in front of me) I'm yelling at myself for even thinking I could pull something like this off. As I get to the shore 10 minutes later, I can see my groupies yelling and cheering me on and that's all I needed. I got my butt out of the water and headed to my bike. The transitions are 'supposed' to be very fast because you don't want to lose any time...not me, I took a load off. I actually SAT down to put my shoes on and got a couple of very strange looks. I just smiled and continued to drink my water. 2 min 36 sec later (normal transition time 45 sec) I'm off for a 10 mile bike ride. I'm thinking to myself...okay, now you can catch your breath because you've really been training on your bike and it's pretty easy. Wrong....no one ever told me there would be hills :) After about the 5th little boy passed me, I knew I had to step it up. I kept thinking, the faster I go the quicker I'll be finished...it actually kinda worked. I completed the bike ride in about 35 minutes. As I'm turning the last cornor, I could see my groupies again...thankfully. Now all I have to do is drop off my bike and start the last leg...3 mile run. Oh, did I mention...it has now started to rain....yup that's right! Bring it!!! Can't stop now...as I get to the first mile marker I swear it's a dirty joke because I feel like I've been running for days. I look at my time just to check...oh no, it's been 10 minutes :( 20 more to go...not even half way there. Great...here come some more little boys, they better not pass me. Well there they go...punks!!! So now for the next 2 miles I keep going back and forth in my head...stop or go, stop or go.... I knew that if I stopped I would not be able to start again, so I just pushed through it. I can finally see my GROUPIES...they've never looked so beautiful. I can hear Jake yelling 'Go Mommy Go', what an awesome sound. As my mom would say, 'Now Beth Now!!!!' I picked it up and started to sprint the last 5 yards :) :) Thanks Mom!! I crossed the finish line...what a relief!!!

Man, what a great feeling of accomplishment.

'Uke'

2009-05-15T16:43:00.003-05:00

Jake sure does love his Uncle 'Uke'. He even wants to dress just like him.

Mommy and Daddy's 30th!!!!!

2009-05-13T19:52:00.003-05:00

Trey and I celebrated out 30th Birthdays together out at the Ranch with all of our friends and a crawfish boil. We had so much fun and are so glad that everybody came to play.

Weekend at the Bay

2009-04-29T19:44:00.004-05:00

We went to the bay this past weekend and here a few pictures.

Jake fishing with Daddy...

Really Mom...do I have to?

My mower's better...it blows bubbles.

Nothing better then ice cold Watermelon!!!

FOUR HUNTS!

2009-04-14T19:12:00.007-05:00

Here and gone once again. It seems like we look forward to something for so long and then when it's finally here (although it's a blast) it's gone. I guess we just move on to the looking forward to the next great event...whatever that may be.

Anyway, we had an extremely fun but very exhausting Easter. Jake is the perfect age for hunting eggs and he had PLENTY of practice this year...4 Easter Egg Hunts!!! That's right, FOUR!!!! His very first hunt was at his school and I missed the whole thing...they say he did great and have pictures but we'll see! The second hunt was on Saturday with the Coker Family at Aunt Candy's and Jake had such a great time with all of his cousin's and NEMO (the Coy fish).

On Sunday Morning we headed to Church then came home to Nana and Papa's for a scrumptous, Denny-like breakfast. After we filled our belly's we out to hunt eggs for the THIRD time. Jake needed no help finding the eggs or holding his SpongeBob basket (he wanted to do it all himself).

After a long morning of hunting eggs Jake went down for a quick nap to build up energy for his FOURTH eggs hunt at Grandma Yockey's. Once again, he had no problem finding eggs except this time he wanted to stop and eat what was in the eggs.

All in all, we had so much fun and can't wait for next year!!!!!

Enjoy the pics!!

Jake's Girlfriends

2009-04-01T21:35:00.002-05:00

Jake is the Man...he not only has a girlfriend at 19 months he has TWINS!!! and they are gorgeous. We visited our bestest friends this weekend...Adde and Clare Key. At first Jake was a little confused but excited...he didn't know who to look at or talk to first. But after a little while he became a pro...and I'm sure started making plans for the future.

What's going on...I'm seeing double!

Jake giving Adde the 'Eye'!

Planning the Future!

I've got enough love to go around!

Future Marathon Runner

2009-04-01T20:21:00.002-05:00

I tell you what, we have a Future Marathon Runner on our hands...and I'm not talking about me :) This past weekend we went to the Hospice Fundraiser Stride and Stroll. It's a 5K run, walk, stride or stroll and let me tell you between me, Jake, Nana and Papa...we did it all!! Jake entered the 5 year old and under 20 yard race and WON 1ST PLACE boys (who cares if he was the only boy to race). Mommy entered the 5K run and WON * PLACE....awesome. Nana and Papa did the Stride and Stroll with Jake in the wagon and turned around 1/2 way thru...we'll blame it on Jake. Did I mention that Jake also got first place for being the youngest competitor to enter...what a WINNER!! 3 MEDALS in one Day!!!

There were also mini horses for Jake to ride, face painting, a tractor train (which Jake would NOT touch) and a jumping house. We had such a great day...we can't wait for next year!!

LAUGH

2009-03-24T19:14:00.003-05:00

This is what happens when you ask your husband to watch the baby for a second while HE is watching "Operation Repo". All you can do is LAUGH....

Laugh when it all becomes so ludicrous there's nothing else to do. Laugh big, deep laughs that open up your throat and your lungs and your belly. Laugh alone, laugh in concert with other laughers. At the movies, laugh when no one else laughs--and let them wonder what they've missed. Laugh at your own mistakes, your own foibles, your own foolishness. Laugh in the face of fear. Laugh until you cry, laugh until you have a stomachache. Let laughter be your medicine, your compation, your music of joy from within. Laugh in school or at work or in church. Get up and leave the room if you must. Laugh in public. Bend over laughing, fall to the ground laughing, roll on the floor laughing. Start an entire room laughing, start the whole world laughing. And don't stop until you have the last laugh...

Laugh when your son dumps a bottle of baby powder all over your bedroom floor. :)

Our Little Artist

2009-03-22T11:28:00.004-05:00

Today Jake discovered the Markers! He crawled up ON the kitchen table and found Mommy's craft markers. I found him just after he decided that his church clothes would be a great canvas...as I was trying to get the stains out and putting the clothes in the wash, he went in the garbage (where I had put the marker) and decided to use his Body as his new canvas. I think we have an artist on our hands. How could you get mad at this face?

Canyon Lake 2009

2009-03-18T21:25:00.008-05:00

This past weekend we had our 2nd Annual Coker Family Reunion at Canyon Lake. We rented a HUGE house for the whole family right on the lake. Even though the lake was VERY low we had a blast and Jake went fishing for the very first time. He didn't really understand the concept of fishing and he truly didn't have the patience but I think he enjoyed the worms that we used. He is definitely our little explorer.

Canyon Lake is one of the most beautiful places that I've seen in a long time. The weather turned out to be gorgeous and we woke up to deer in our front yard just chillin' in the sun. It was so peaceful.

And what 'Coker Family Reunion' (or any get together at that) would be complete without a night of Karaoke. I tell you what....I feel so blessed to be part of such a fun, loving family.

Rodeo Houston 2009

2009-03-08T08:43:00.003-05:00

Yesterday we took Jake to the Rodeo for the 2nd time in his life. (The 1st time was last year when he was only 6 months old) Wow, what a difference one year can make. We had so much fun but came to the realization that Jake does not do good in public places where he can't get what he wants 'right now'. He has definitely entered his 'terrible 2's' a little early but we hope that means that they will end a little early...we'll see!! He wants to explore everything that he sees which means that when he sees ANY animal he wants to give hugs and kisses NOW. He's not very good with the lines. Needless to say, our patience was tested. Once we got where HE wanted to go....we had a blast. The petting zoo was a so much fun and Jake called EVERY animal 'horsie'. He gave lots of hugs and kisses which made Mom a little nervous b/c of the diry 'horsie' germs.

He loved the Merry-go-Round and of course wanted"more peeaase"! By the time the concert started he was almost zonked out (as you can see) with all the stuffed animals that his Daddy an Uncle Dustin won for him. (HUGE teddy bear, SpongeBob and a sea turtle).

We will definitely go again next year and hopefully he will have learned a little more patience!! :)

Rodeo Houston 2009

2009-03-08T08:40:00.001-05:00

Ok, so the pics are little cheesy - but that's what happens when you have a child. Anything for a photo :)

Grandpa's Birthday

2009-03-04T20:26:00.004-06:00

We spent this last weekend at the Ranch celebrating Grandpa Yockey's Birthday. Grammy, Grandpa, Uncle Dustin and Alex were all there and we had a blast. Once again, Jake loved playing on the dirt pile, riding on the 4-wheeler, playing with sticks, climbing trees, throwing rocks in his pond and riding Lexus like a pony. What a curious and adventurous little we have on our hands. Enjoy the pics!!

2009-03-04T20:26:00.001-06:00

King of the Mountain

2009-02-26T17:35:00.001-06:00

Papa has this really great dirt pile at out New Ranch House and Jake just loves it. He uses it as a slide and says 'again ' and 'again'. It's so funny.

2009-02-26T17:34:00.001-06:00

GIVE

2009-02-25T09:52:00.002-06:00

Choose something you swore you could never, ever live without, and give it away. The ring you-know-who gave you long ago. Your dog-eared copy of your all time favorite book. The plant that finally, finally bloomed after everyone gave it up for dead. Give it to a friend or, better yet, give it to a stranger. Give two hours every other Thursday. Give a gift to the woman who answers your phone. Make it small and totally unexpected, and remember to tie it with a curly ribbon. Give a talk that makes someone laugh. Makes someone cry. When the man comes to clean the carpets in your apartment before you move out, give him your beloved antique mirror so he can give it to his girlfriend. Once in a while, give yourself a gold star on the refrigerator door. Giving is the first act of living.

**I think that GIVE is the prefect word for this week because today starts the Lent season. Lent is a season for soul-searching and repentance. It's a season for reflection. I know that sometimes when we start to soul-search and repent, we realize how selfish we may have been or are being in our everyday lives. Sometimes the easiest results involve noone other then yourself. I am going to try everyday this Lent season to give something to someone else. Even if it's just a smile or 'hello' to a stranger. 28 days makes a habit and Lent is 40 days. It can definitely CHANGE my life.
By the way....I'm Giving UP all Sweets...so if you see me with something I should not have please feel free to KNOCK it out of my hand.

CHOOSE

2009-02-17T18:56:00.002-06:00

Every moment of every day, choose. Choose to do the right thing, the tough thing-not the familiar, easy thing. Choose the way of the warrior or the way of the coward. Make your choice out of love instead of fear. Choose from the heart. Choose to live fully, not to sleepwalk through your life. Choose to respond with the way you really feel, not the way you're supposed to feel. Choose the mineral water over the soda; choose the lemon juice and olive oil over the blue cheese; choose the walk in the park over the ride to the mall. Choose simplicity over extravagance. Choose conversation over the television. Choose to talk things out rather than stew in your anger overnight. Choose compassion and generosity. Choose to smile instead of frown. Make your own choices in your own time and choose to stick with them.

LOVE

2009-02-10T20:44:00.002-06:00

Love freely, love deeply, love purely. Love yourself the way you've always wanted to be loved, and love others the same way. Love well, love often. Find it in your heart to love those who have never shown you love - for they need it most of all. Give so much love that you're certain to get some back. Open your heart to the woman who lives on the sidewalk with her two daughters. Love her. Have compassion fo the man who fired you from the job you loved most of all. Love him. Love all the Earth has to offer - her people, her birds, he stones, insects, trees, mice and oceans. Love something - anything! - with a passion. Love something larger than yourself. Call it Goddess, call it God, call it Nature, call it the Divine, call it Source, call it Betty. Call it Love.

** I figured that LOVE was perfect for this week, considering Valentine's Day is coming up. I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend and spend it with the ones YOU love and the ones who love you. You can never tell someone that you love them too much. Tell them everyday - tell them everytime you think about it. I love you all very much.

2009-02-08T21:14:00.001-06:00

Daddy's Fire Station

2009-02-08T17:41:00.005-06:00

Today we spent the afternoon with Daddy at his Fire Station. Jake had a blast. He wanted to get into everything and he ran around and laughed all afternoon. We are so proud of our HERO!!!

PRAISE

2009-02-06T19:08:00.002-06:00

Raise yourself up with praise. Give praise for fresh tomatoes in the summer, butternut squash in the fall, and garlic all year round. Give praise for baby ducks in the spring. Give praise for getting through the darkness and coming into the light. You decide who or what gets your praise, and where, and how. Sing praises, speak them, blow them through a trumpet. Praise that young woman or man who faced a tough decision and did the right thing. Let her know it matters. Let him know, too. Praise honesty, dignity, integrity, and compassion when you see them in action. Praise yourself for taking the risk, for choosing love over fear, for staying with your own truth when everyone tried to shoot you down. PRAISE A CHILD TWENTY TIMES FOR EVERY ONE TIME YOU CRITICIZE. Praise yourself for remembering to give praise.

**This 'Word of Wisdom' was perfect for me this week because I was definitely challenged and little overwhelmed. I subbed for 1st grade in a not so great class. It really taught me that the little things that children do need to be acknowledged no matter how small. Even though a child is doing the right thing, it is a decision that they have made and it needs to be praised. There should never ALWAYS be criticism in the presence of a child. My Favorite: PRAISE A CHILD 20 TIMES FOR EVERY ONE TIME YOU CRITICZE. Learn and practice this technique and you can touch a child's life forever.

CARE

2009-02-03T18:23:00.002-06:00

Care for yourself as much as you care for others. If you care enough to do something about another's pain and suffering, care enough to do something about your own. Care whether she's had a rotten day, and care enough to tell her so. Care enough to speak up when someone fouls your planet. Care about the old, the young, the sick, and insist that your elected officials care, too. Care lovingly for your belongings so they will last longer. Care lovingly for your friendships so they will last a lifetime. Care whether you get the worst table in a restaurant. Care whether your new jacket rips a week after you bought it. Make sure the store cares, too. Care whether there are still wild, sacred places you can visit in silence. Care whether the movie includes thirty-four murders and seven rapes, and demand that Hollywood care, too. Care that babies are having babies and that babies are killing babies. Whenever you say I don't care, ask yourself If not me, then who?

THANKFUL

2009-02-02T12:22:00.003-06:00

Always be grateful. Give thanks for all that you have, no matter how little or how much that may be. Thank your grandmother for wonderful cheekbones, thank your fourth-grade teacher for getting you that special book on how bridges are built. When you get through another day, say Thank you to God. Be thankful for the music that leaves make when tickled by a warm breeze; be thankful for rain. When your promotion comes through, say Thank you. When a friend lets you sleep on her sofa because you can't be anywhere else, say Thank you. Be thankful that you have two arms and legs that work. If you don't, be thankful you still have a heart with which to give thanks.

2009-01-31T08:50:00.001-06:00

---Please bare with me...I'm trying to update my webpage!!!

My Horsie...Ad-dee

2009-01-28T18:43:00.003-06:00

As most of you know...Jake will ride almost anything!! Here are some cute pics of Jake riding his horsie that he calls "Ad-dee"!!

2009-01-28T18:35:00.003-06:00

So Jake's new thing is to smile BIG and say "Cheeesssee" when taking a pic. We have finally trained him well in the photo department!!

Chuck E Cheese

2009-01-25T13:15:00.001-06:00

Chuck E Cheese was alot of fun but let me tell you...no kissess or hugs for Chuck himself!!!

Jake's First Haircut

2009-01-25T13:13:00.000-06:00

These are pics from BEFORE and AFTER Jake's VERY first haircut on 01/13/2009. He was 16 1/2 months old. He was pretty good for me but he really didn't know what was going on. Daddy gave him a popsicle to keep him occupied. I think it was harder on me then it was on him. Bye Bye curls....Mommy will miss you!!!

2009-01-25T12:57:00.000-06:00

Welcome to our family experiences....we hope you enjoy our lives as much as we do. I will keep you all updated with pics and stories as often as I can. Thanks for taking the time to visit!!!