Aaron, Amber, MacKenna, and Peyton

Playing with Trevor and Kat!!

2009-04-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

Last week I had a parent meeting and Aaron had a board meeting so MacKenna went to play with her buddy from the Learning Tree (Neither of them go anymore), Trevor and his older sister Kat. Thank you Teresa for the following pictures of them playing outside!!

Last week's tball practices

2009-04-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

By our third tball practice MacKenna was a totally different kid! Well there were some other factors like a change in time medication was given and a new calming technique given by the OT(occupational therapist),and new structure to practice. It was awesome!! Small group batting practice: MacKenna can bat from either side of the plate...won't that be cool if she can keep that up.

She loves it because other people have to go "fetch the princess's ball." LOL!!

Ok! She LOVES small group practice!

The practice before Daddy had to walk/run the bases with her.

This week she did it all on her own, in the CORRECT order, and about 10 times!! She was so tired but laughing and having a great time!! I am looking forward to posting game pictures!

Our First walk with Mr. Weenie

2009-04-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

Tonight after dinner MacKenna took her medicine and then wanted to take Mr. Weenie for a walk. She walked him all by herself and walked by me the entire time. She really made me proud. She is getting so big and independent. After their walk she got Mr. Weenie some water in his bowl and then got her some and sat down beside him and they drank their water together. Then about 7:40 she put Mr. Weenie to bed in his kennel and kissed him goodnight and came to watch TV with Mommy and then when that got boring she tip toed to "check" on Mr. Weenie and saw he was asleep so she went to bed!! How responisble is THAT!! She was even asleep 30 minutes later! (Sorry the quality is bad I took this with my cell.)

Here Mr. Weenie has been repremanded for going into the street!!!

Peyton is Happy to see Mommy!! He has not taken to Mr. Weenie just yet!!

Meet Mr.Weenie

2009-04-18T16:32:00.000-07:00

I had told Aaron a while back that once the backyard was fixed and no dog could get out again (we lost 3 dogs) then we could get another dog. Well last weekend Aaron and I worked really hard to clean the backyard and pour cement under the fence. Today we had to run several errand in town today and so we decided we'd check out the pet adoptions at Petsmart. Well when we called to see if the new Petsmart was doing adoptions today they told us Morris Safe House and Greyhound were going to be doing the adoptions today. Well since my conversation with Kristen about the Morris house a few weeks ago I've been reading about this safehouse for dogs. So we went and MacKenna passed by a few kennels and waved hi to the dogs inside them. When she saw the "dog formally known as Roger" she went staight to him and and sat down and said "Oh hi Mr. Weenie, I love you so much!" The girls helping let him out of his kennel and MacKenna and "Roger" played on the floor and she giggled and then they let her walk him all over the store for like an hour! We knew he would definately be coming on with us. She is so proud of him and he is so good with her. I think Mr. Weenie (MacKenna's name for him after the weenie-dog off of Open Season 2) will make a fine addition to the Noland family!!

Mr. Weenie

MacKenna sits on the floor and says "Come lick me!" and Mr. Weenie gets a running start! It is sooo cute!!

Purebreed and Perfect!!

Walks great on a leash

The owner of Morris Safe House taught MacKenna the correct way to walk a dog and she does GREAT at it. We went for a walk the evening and she was reminding me how to do it.

Easter 2009

2009-04-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

This morning is Easter Morning!! MacKenna is sporting her new Easter outfit!! And Peyton his...note the matching hat, overalls, and socks!! I am loving the pure gooey cuteness of it all!!!
The Noland's (Peyton, Amber, Aaron, & MacKenna)

Me and my two sweet children! Man I look old in this picture!!

MacKenna loves her baby brother!!

Good Friday, Great Friday

2009-04-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

Friday we didn't have to go to school because it was Good Friday! We did some outside work because it was absolutely beautiful! After we were done MacKenna decided to fill her turtle up with water and go for a swim!

This was MacKenna sitting reading the Bible and watching Daddy fix this fence. The following is our conversation...

Mac: Momma, you know what?

Me: What's that baby?

Mac: Jesus said yes

Me: Well yes he did sweetie but what are you talking about?

Mac: My Jesus says "I am with you always."

Me (with tears): Yes baby,HE IS with you always and do you know why?

Mac: Because He loves me soooooooooooo much!!!

(That just makes a momma's heart so happy!!)

Later....

Mac: Hey mom smell my Bible?

Me: Ok (while my nose is in the pages) What does it smell like?

Mac: It smells like Jesus.

Me: Oh it does?

Mac: YES..He smells good!!

(LOL..Only out of the mouths of babes!)

Our FIRST T-Ball Practice

2009-04-10T13:16:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, April 7th was our first t-ball practice. It was kinda stressful but it was good to see MacKenna out with other kids. She did have some moments but overall it was good. This should be a fun season. Definately will post more along the way.

Oh NO!!!! Right Field! LOL!

This is shot as she fielded a ball and was about to throw it to first. It didn't go but three feet in front of her but it was so in the right direction!!

Now we are going to try batting....Don't you love the matching bat and helmet! She refused to hit that ball and insisted on hitting the pink ball that was in her bag... Oh I have a pink girl!

SUCCESS!!!!!

This is the "I'm done and I am going home" look!!!

Opening Day!

2009-04-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

That's right Peyton had to sport his Texas Rangers shirt and new polo hat on the Rangers Opening day!!! Let's just say daddy was PROUD!!!

At first he is being shy...no he is not sleeping sitting up!

OH HE IS SO CUTE!!!

Shots or No Shots

2009-04-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had MacKenna's 4 year and Peyton's 9 month well checks. We told MacKenna that she was going to the doctor that afternoon and that mommy would pick her up early from Miss Tabby's. When I went to pick her up she told me that she was "feeling all better and didn't need to go to the doctor any more." HA! She was very "busy" in the waiting room. So when we finally got back there she was ready to go.

MacKenna now weighs 44 lbs, that is the 95th percentile. She has been around the 70th since she was 2 so this is a major jump. She has gained 8 lbs in this last month since she has been on the new medication. Dr. B is moderately concerned so I have to keep a CLOSE eye on that. She is now 41 1/2 inches tall. She had to have 4 booster shots! We had to hold her down and it was awful for Mommy and Daddy. She kicked with the third one and got scrapped but she'll live. She got some pretty princess band-aides and was good. She got a "prescription" for an ice cream cone but wanted a cookie instead. On the way home she crashed and we let her sleep for about 45 minutes.

Peyton got a reprieve on shots this time. He'll have his four at 1 year. He is 27.5 inches (27 1/2 percentile), weighs 18 lbs 4 ozs (25th Percentile). This is fun because MacKenna weighed
18lbs at ONE YEAR!! He loves to sit up, "inchworm" crawl, roll everywhere. He'll stand up with assistance and has begun to take a liking to baby food so his Grammy got him a new little chair that it like a high chair but can sit on the floor or in a chair. I took several pictures from it's maiden use. I think he likes it but it's hard to tell.

PROM- My lil Sister is a SENIOR

2009-04-04T20:31:00.000-07:00

Tonight, April 4th is my sweet little sister's senior Prom. Our high school always has a Grand March before where all the parents get to ooh and aww over all the kids as they are introduced to the crowd with their escorts. So here are a few before with her date and then at TTU.

Emma MacKenzie Teakell SR '09

Brendon Rogers and Emma Teakell
Seniors '09 Best Friends for LIFE!

At the Grande March...yes the wind is BLOWING

Me with my little Sister!

Ta'Da!!

Just some random pictures

2009-04-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Not only have I fallen behind on my blogging but I have also fallen behind on my picture taking and posting so here a few of my favorites in the last week or so.

Peyton and Mommy and Pei Wei's after Emma's Grand March

MacKenna in her new jogging suit with Valentine's puppy in tow ready to go outside but it is COLD again!

Daddy had fed Peyton his supper (notice on the mouth) and they were watching the game. Peyton lost interest....his team must have been losing. LOL!

Peyton and his new whatever it's called that covers the high chairs at resturants. He still is kinda small but can sit up so this make me feel better plus he thinks it is kinda of neat.

My sweet now 4 yr old!!

Barbie for Birthday

2009-04-04T19:50:00.000-07:00

For her birthday this year, MacKenna receive a Barbie playhouse set up with about a MILLION pieces! Thanks Nana and Grumps. This is definately a play at the table toy so little brother can't swallow pieces.

She only has one "real" Barbie right now and she was "shopping" so the paper dolls worked just fine. This one is taking a nap.

And this one is well going potty

We do love it!

Peyton's Baby Dedication

2009-04-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

On February 8th we had Peyton's baby dedication. Grammy and Pepaw, Mama J and Papa D, Nana and Grumps were the honored grandparents in attendance. Mimi and Papa the honored great-grandparents. It was amazing to see my Mimi there because she was in a bad car accident 3 weeks prior and was still in a wheelchair. It was so wonderful to share this moment with so many family members. Our church has an amazing shawl ministry in which they give all the new babies and prayer shawl hand made by members of our church. We also receive a new testament Bible and an unlit candle to be lit on the day that our sweet son accepts Jesus and HIS personal Lord and Savior. Here is a family picture and one with Bro. Jerry. Notice how BOTH my children have their hands in their mouths.

Amber, Peyton, Aaron and MacKenna Noland

Bro. Jerry with the Nolands

January Peyton 6 month Pictures + MacKenna too

2009-04-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

In January I asked a friend to take Peyton's 6 month pictures and since we hadn't taken any "professional" pictures of MacKenna in a while we did them both together. I have over 60 pictures but here are some of my favorites.

MacKenna looks like a little girl and not a baby any more...Man what a sweet sweet smile. It still makes my heart melt.

See Peyton is NOT a fan of the "tummy time." This was right before he started SCREAMING!

I love this picture. She looks so big! Oh and the new hair cut definitely makes a difference.

This was soon after the "belly" pictures and he is all smiles. Peyton is always smiling!

These are my pride and joy.
MacKenna Breanne 3 years 10 months
Peyton Christian 6 months

Sorry I've been gone so LONG!!

2009-04-03T12:48:00.001-07:00

So I thought I would be just amazing at blogging but when life hits you full force in the gut it is really hard to recover from that. Without boring you with all the "gory" details I will say that life is starting to feel normal again.

MacKenna was recently diagnosed with PDD-Nos(Pervasive Developmental Disorder and it is on the autism spectrum) and has begun medication to help with the symptoms. We are continuing her physical therapy for her "in-toeing" and her speech therapy for her all ready significant delays. We are adding occupational therapy once a month until school is out for scheduling and insurance purposes but will hit it heavy twice a week come June. We are beginning to see a difference in her and when she overcomes obstacles we cry. For example when she initiated play with a group of kids and didn't freak out was awesome. We now just have to be STRICT schedule people which unfortunately Aaron and I aren't that way at all. We have had to learn that "spur of the moment" leads to melt downs and the days of the "high school kid" babysitting have pretty much vanished. We are learning and growing as a family but have great hopes that there will come a day that she will overcome ALL of her delays and no one (except all of you reading this blog right now) will ever know that she ever had any problems. We have been blessed with an awesome support group and a therapy facility that is simply AMAZING!

Peyton is growing like a WEED!! I really should stop watering him! He will be 9 months this Sunday and has discovered he is mobile this past month. He began rolling over both ways, sitting up, and now he does the cutest "inchworm" crawl I have ever seen. He has always HATED being on his belly and so I figure that was the reason for the "roll over delay." So no army crawling for him. He gets up off his belly and looks just like an inchworm. He says "da-da-da-da-da" ALL the time. He absolutely thinks his big sister is the funniest thing on this planet. She can just walk by and he'll start smiling. He also began eating cereal and baby food and does really well with them. Peas, however, are NOT his favorite! Daddy says "That's my boy!"

I am ready for the weather to stay nice because both our kids love being outside and that is something (especially me being the "non-outside" girl) to instill in our children is a love for the outdoors. I am hoping that I will begin to redevelop a love with it myself. I'm not sure what happened in my life to change my opinion of it. So this is something I am wanted to correct.

Well I am making a commitment to update more often. If you get to wondering just shoot me an email saying "Haven't blogged in a while." I'll get the message! Hopefully it won't be another 2-3 months.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-12T07:28:00.000-08:00

Noland 2008 Recap

What a year we have had. Lots of fun and exciting things happened this year in our family so I will try to recap a few of them.

January:
* Aaron turned 32 * Aaron refereed some Hale Center basketball*

*Amber kicked off her MK business with a weekend event that was amazing*

*MacKenna continued with parent's day out on Tuesdays and Thursday and beginning to talk a little more!!!!*

Start visiting Bacon Heights (Wonderful people)

February:
*We tell parents in a Valentine that we are expecting baby #2

*Amber turns 27

* We were actually already 16 weeks but because of previous miscarriages we decided until we got the "all clear!" to share this wonderful news.

*Amber and MacKenna ER for Carbon Monoxide poisoning (Daddy out of town)

(Everyone was OK!)

March:
*House repainted and might I say makes a big difference

*MacKenna turns 3!!!

*IT'S A BOY!!!!!

*Papa passes away (brain tumor)

April:
*Amber falls and is in Labor and Delivery ER for 2 hours (Everything ok!)

*Join Bacon Heights Baptist...we found our FIT!!

*Aaron threw back out at softball practice - out of work for 3 days

May:
* Decide on a first name: Peyton

*Order "Sports Fan" bedding it is so cute

*Meet with possible new pediatricians

*Tear down fence to get a NEW ONE

June:
*MacKenna starts physical therapy in Lubbock for In-toeing.

*Steroid shots at 32wks to stop contractions

*Aaron and MacKenna vacation in Dallas at zoo, pool, and ranger game

*Worked 2 days of VBS

*On third day admitted into hospital with signs of pre-eclampsia

*Hospital trying not to have baby early 6/18

*First amnio (yes I said FIRST!)

July:
*Get out of hospital long enough to get things ready for baby.

*Baby shower thrown by Sunday School class (they are AWESOME!)

*2nd Amnio in the 4th .... hospital again facing a wall.

*JULY 5: PEYTON CHRISTIAN is born!! NO NICU (PRAISE!!)

8:14 AM - 6lbs 3ozs - 19 inches

(HEALTHY and HAPPY)

*Aaron spends 10 days fishing with dad

*New Pedi is AWESOME

*Peyton and Mommy go to workshops for mommy's school

August:

*Nana comes for a week

*Aaron starts second year at HC

*Mary Kay girls host a sip and see for Amber and Peyton

*Peyton and Mommy fly to Dallas for weekend

September:

*MacKenna starts daycare

*MacKenna starts speech at local elementary

*Mommy goes back to school - this was HARD

October:
*Princess (MacKenna) Cinderella and Tigger (Peyton) go trick or treating

November:
*Happy Thanksgiving!

*See family haven't seen in over 10 year from Georgia
*We spend Thanksgiving with the Noland on Thursday and the Teakells on Friday

December:
Celebrate Christmas with family!

Christians in Abilene

Teakells in Abernathy

Nolands in Gainesville

Stones in Dallas!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

2008 was a great year. God is so good!
So here is to 2008!

The pitter patter of little....ELVES

2008-12-18T13:11:00.000-08:00

So here is my little elf in training who is so patiently awaiting his frist Christmas. My other Elf has run off somewhere and told me "No more pictures please!" Can you believe that?!?! Well not to worry we will have plenty to post!

Goin' to see Santa

2008-12-14T15:40:00.000-08:00

Today I braved the wind and took the kids to see Santa after church today. After wandering the mall for half an hour MacKenna decided she was "brave" enough to go see Santa. We got there and the line was not too terrible so we got in. MacKenna and Peyton both did VERY well waiting in line. MacKenna told me all the things she was going to ask Santa for. About 2 people out Peyton started to get fussy. I looked at my watch and we had been in line for an HOUR and he was getting HUNGRY! I pleaded for just a few more minutes and he could eat. Well when it was finally our turn MacKenna dug her heels in and did a face plant at Santa's feet and cried "I don't like Santa Clause." Well oh no momma was not going to stand in line for over an hour and not have some proof that we were there. So after explaining to her that Peyton needed her she sat by Santa. Below is the picture we got. Not half bad!!

As we were checking out she was yelling "Hey Santa! Hi Santa! I want a Dora please Santa!" Goodness! Well there is always next year.

Deck the Halls...Or at least a small Corner

2008-12-14T14:46:00.000-08:00

So this is what I woke up to Saturday morning and MacKenna telling me that how much she loves Christmas and "where's my tree?" So being the "good" mother I am I decided to take her advice and we'd get out Christmas. Even though we got rid of our big Christmas trees over the summer due to malfunctions, Walgreens came to my rescue with the "perfect tree" for this season. BTW: Daddy is in Dallas with Pepaw at a Coin Show.

Yes MacKenna and I cleaned AND rearranged my living room. She was such the big helper.

This was her excitement when I told her that we were going to get out Christmas. Unfortunately the digital camera didn't quite capture it. She is VERY happy!!

Peyton is very bright eyed and just wants to lay low out of the way....He stayed in his bouncy seat most of the morning. I think he's praying for us as we begin our adventure.

Apparently we must be in only our panties to put up the tree because it is "too scratchy." Whatever I just went with it.

Ok mom can you give me the directions....She REALLY wanted to look over the paper directions. But it is a 4.5' tree how hard could it be.

We have put the tree on an end table to give it the illusion of being tall. Here MacKenna is putting on the final "fluff" touches.

So I have finally convinced her to get dressed but she wouldn't wear the Santa hat. We sent Peyton over to Grammy's so the real work could begin. She did most of the decorating herself. She is so proud!

Here is my little helper with her Christmas Corner. She is SO excited! Note how most of the decorations are near the bottom. She did NOT want my help putting any near the top.

This is how a morning of furniture moving and Christmas tree decorating can just take it out of you. Yes she fell asleep there all by herself and slept for 2 1/2 hours!!

Peyton is back and MacKenna is up for a game of Peek-a-Boo. I didn't get the big belly laughs that he was giving but they had fun!

Peyton is not so sure about Snoopy Santa....

MacKenna's reaction when I asked if she had fun today!! I think that would be a YES!!!

Over all we had a great day!!

Christmas Tea

2008-12-11T20:14:00.000-08:00

Last night I spent the evening in total relaxation mode away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Just taking a moment to be with Christian ladies who pamper and love on one another is one the most joyous feelings. We have a tradition in our town in which we spend one night a year away from our families and reflect on the reason for the season. It is just so amazing that such things begin with a spark can blossom into a great fire of faith, love and friendship.

Me and my mom (not that you needed clarification)

A little about us

2008-12-10T13:37:00.000-08:00

Amber, Aaron & MacKenna Easter 2008
(Peyton is still a cookin')
One of my very favorites of the kids!!

So after thinking about it for a few hours I decided that I probably should inform those of you who are reading this that things aren't always so crazy around our house. Aaron is an assistant band director at a school about 20 minutes north of our home and he has been there for 2 years although he has been teaching for 7 years. He enjoys music of all varieties but especially Trans-Siberian Orchestra and anything Broadway. In his spare time he LOVES to fish and golf. His favorite times are his summer time fishing trips with his dad at Lake Moss. I teach 7th and 8th grade History at a Middle School about 10 minutes south of our home and I have been there for 5 years and this is my 6th year to teach. About 2 years ago I started my very own business out of our home and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE what it has done for our family. I am an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics and I think it is the greatest company in the world! We are very active in our church attending a young married Sunday School class and playing the church orchestra and loving every minute of it. As busy as that sounds we also have two adorable kiddos. MacKenna is our precious artist who is 3 1/2 and every bit of that. She is very active and keeps us hopping all the time. She LOVES LOVES LOVES Dora the Explorer!!! She goes to a little Daycare in town and has just blossomed. She does go to Speech at the Elementary school twice a week and physical therapy in Lubbock once a week. She has come so far since we started all of this about 6 months ago. It is amazing what a little intense instruction can do for a kid!! Our newest addition and quite a blessing is our 5 month old son, Peyton. He has been our little miracle baby from the get go, and now that he is here he is absolutely wonderful. He has been sleeping consistently through the night since he was about 6-8 weeks old. He is always very content and smiles all the time. He loves when his big sister talks to him and just thinks everyday is a wonderful day. We just love him so much! Well now that you know a little about us. I guess we can officially welcome you in to the world with two kids and the funny things that happen when you are a parent!! God Bless you all and have a WONDERFUL Holiday Season!!

And so it begins...

2008-12-10T12:36:00.000-08:00

I have decided to join the world that I was convinced was much too complicated for me. The world of blogging. Last night my daughter, she's 3, decided that she would create for us the most interesting mosaic masterpiece while she was supposed to be sleeping. As we are spending the next 45 minutes bathing our daughter and cleaning up her room which she had totally destroyed I thought to myself I should not keep these little interesting "fun kid things" to myself. But who should I share them with....everyone? Well I certainly don't have the time to call all my family and friends and tell them that instead of sleeping last night that MacKenna had decided to potty in her room and use the waste to create her masterpiece on the back of her bedroom door. So I thought what better way than to start a blog to not only share this moment but others that are constantly happening daily in the Noland household. Unfortunately or rather fortunately I did not take pictures last night because between Aaron and I it took a lot not to become sick ourselves so pictures where not on the top of the list. I know this is not the best way to start something but why not. It was very interesting and today it's easier to laugh about but last night there was no laughing.