Christmas Wrap Up

Wow, I can't believe that Christmas already came and went! It was a whirl-wind for us since we had so many places to go. I am not complaining because it was a blessing to see a lot of our family but it was a little exhausting.

Christmas Eve day was spent at Aunt Debbie's. She and my cousin Dodie put on so many activities for the kids to do. I totally love that they do this every year because it really focuses on the kids and it has nothing to do with presents. Austin first participated (barely) in a live nativity scene. He was a not-so-happy shepherd. (he had just woken up from a 10 minute nap and needed some time to adjust) My niece Donna Dean was Mary. Austin would not leave her side. Thank goodness she was there or he would have sat out this year. During the nativity scene, the story of Jesus' birth is told and there were carolers singing. It was too cute!

The Grumpy Shepherd

Once Austin saw Santa he was in a better mood. He can see Santa anywhere and think he is the real deal. He told him again that he wanted roller skates.

The kids made a their own Christmas cookie to leave out for Santa and individual cakes which they put candles in to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. Santa ended up forgoing the cookie that Austin made since it was loaded with red hots, Pez candy and life savers.

Next, it was on to the crafts. The kids made reindeer food, pine cone bird feeders and painted their own ornaments.

The candy cane and bell are on our tree and will be every year. I love homeade ornaments.

Austin woke so excited to find all the stuff that Santa had left him. He brought just the right amount this year since last year he went a little overboard. :) The train set below had many other parts to it and ended up covering the floor by the end of the day. I highly recommend GeoTrax.

Waylon and I both got new watches this year and Austin has been bugging us for one for a while. He finally got one in his stocking. He has worn it every day since. He can't tell time and most of the time the watch has all zeros on it since he constantly pushes the buttons. We totally love asking him what time it is because he looks at his watch and says, "15" or "8-9". The majority of the day, it is 8:00.

This was one of his favorite toys. He is so intrigued by fire trucks and fire stations so he got the complete set.

Santa came through on the roller skates. Yes, he does have a helmet (not pictured). And trust me, he will need it. I am surprised I was able to get this pic because he can barely stand up in those things.

Merry Christmas from the Heflins

My little monster was ADORABLE in his Christmas program. I completely turned into mush when I saw him up there waving at us from the stage. Not sure I have ever been more proud. That is what being a Mom is all about!

More pics from the program

The joy of giving is so overwhelming! I am fortunate to have a job where I get paid to give everyday and actually see the results. I just finished picking up over 100 toys for foster children that were donated by Houston families. What a great feeling! On my way to work today I was listening to the St. Jude's radio-thon on a local station. They get me crying every year!!! The stories are so compelling. They were pleading to those families that have healthy children to think of those that don't. Say no more...I called in and made my donation. This holiday, I am so grateful to have healthy family and to be in a position to give to those who don't.

On another note; Austin mailed two letters (pictures) to Santa last night in hopes to get on back in return. He saw Santa a few weeks ago and told him that he wants roller skates, a motorcycle, an ice cream machine and another machine (?). I think he is watching too much Calliou. :) Thankfully he is also learning through school and us that Christmas is about celebrating Jesus' birthday.

All is well with baby Heflin (at least that is what the nausea is telling me). I am 3 months along now and have another Dr. appointment on Monday so more on that later.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours.

Overdue Turkey Day pics

Waylon got to spend eat lunch at Austin's school for Thanksgiving. Here are the pilgrims of PreK 4. :)



I am quite sure that Austin did not eat anything on his plate. He hates potatoes and everything else that is related to the veggie family.

Introducing....

Baby Heflin!




That's right, Austin is going to be a big brother! I am 8 weeks pregnant. We have known for a while but wanted to wait to announce it until we confirmed that the baby was doing well. Waylon and I are so excited. So far, things are going the same as when I was prego with Austin; I feel yuk ALL the time. I am not crazy about being pregnant but I am crazy about the end result. Austin keeps asking me, "Mommy, is my baby done growing yet?" Nope, we have a long way to go kido! Baby Heflin is due on July 1st.


Here is Austin's school picture for this year. He doesn't look like a little boy any more (sniff).

It's a bird! It's a plane! No, wait....

It's Super Austin!

Austin wanted to be a super hero so my mom and I made his costume. It was fun and surprisingly easy to make. I was just as excited as Austin for him to wear it to school. There were plenty of Batmans and princesses in his class but there was only one Super Austin! Thank you Granny for all your help!

Austin took a trip to the pumpkin patch this fall with his school so we just picked up some pumpkins at the store. Austin wanted to decorate them himself so I fought my control issues (anytime it involves paint pens and markers) and let him do what he wanted. We also carved one of the big pumpkins together.

Austin also had school pictures this week. They take the seasonal pictures with different backgrounds which I am not a fan of. I think he was going to be sitting on some presents while holding one. He sure looked handsome for picture day.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Anniversary!

Five years ago, Waylon and I said our I do's. These days, five years is marriage-tenure so I thought it deserved some blogging attention.

Our Story

For those of you who don't know, Way and I both went to Sam Houston State and even graduated the same year but did not meet until after college. We were a couple of those people that were partying on spring break although we weren't in school. My friends and I just arrived on the beach in South Padre when Waylon and his friends were leaving (he swears it's the other way around). My friends knew Waylon and his buddies already and so everyone started talking. Walyon walked right up to me on the beach and introduced himself. From there, I didn't think I would see him again but I hung out a lot in H-ville while my friends were finishing school. As I began to see Waylon at a few parties and places around town the connection grew. We found out over time that during college, we had a lot of the same friends and were at a lot of the same events but our paths crossed until that day on the beach.

Our first date was in August of 2002 at Papadeaux. We were engaged little over a year later on November 22, 2003. I thought that we were just going out to eat that night for a "date night" but we ended up at the Water Wall near the Galleria instead. I remember walking around the wall for a while and it was windy so the water was going everywhere. I kept thinking to myself, "Okay, this is just a wall with water...seen it before." but Way had never been there. Little did I know, he was scoping the place out and waiting for the right moment to get down on one keen and pop the question. It was awesome!

We were married October 16, 2004. We had a beautiful fall wedding (Martha Stewart style) and an even better honeymoon in Playa Del Carmen where we met some amazing friends that we still keep in contact with.




About 10 months later, we found out that we were expecting our first child. Our little monster came along on April 3, 2006. Three very short years later, here we are. I have to say it has been a roller coaster, but a really good one that you don't want to get off of. I am sitting in the very back seat with my hands high in the air, waiting to see what loop or turn is next for us.


Waylon, thank you...

...for lovin' a girl in capri pants (even on the beach)!

...for making me watch the military channel, and the history channel. If you hadn't, I wouldn't share the same passion for WWII as you do (and I probably wouldn't know where it was fought).

...for loving me in my sweats and frizzy hair.

...for never saying "no" to Austin when you walk in the door from work and he says, "Daddy, will you play wis me?"

...for your perfect grilled chicken.

...for working so hard.

...for introducing me to old country music!

...for sweating out the festivals and fairs with me.

...for being my "biggest fan" who constantly supports me and encourages me not to give up.

...for sacrificing so much so that we can live like no one else.

...for continually growing as a husband and a father.

...and for choosing me.

I love you and our life together.

SHSU Homecoming

October 10th was homecoming at SHSU. We trucked up to Huntsville to watch Waylon play in the alumni lacrosse game. We bypassed the homecoming drunkfest and made it a family affair. Before the game, we went on campus and took some pictures. Walyon and I graduated from Sam in 2001. My how things have changed!!!! I hardly even recognize the school. Waylon and I were arguing over where the post office used to be. The school has made some amazing changes and it really looks great. It was fun reminiscing our glory days and showing Austin where we went to school.

Waylon took a lot of shots of the campus. I told him that if someone wanted to see pix of the campus, they would look online but he is a proud Bearkat (and the campus is beautiful).

Love, love, love this pic.

Austin had so much fun climbing up the ALL the stairs around the campus.


He wasn't too fond of Sam Houston.

We didn't make it to the football game but I did manage to catch the scoreboard. Eat em' up Kats!

It drizzled the entire time at the lacrosse game but that didn't stop Austin from having fun. He played in the stands with his lacrosse sticks and his buddy, Marshall.

Waylon played lacrosse for Sam from '93 to '96. Every year the current SHSU team plays the alumni. It is very entertaining ! :) It is actually a very rough sport. Hopefully, this will be an annual tradition for us (if it doesn't keep interfering with the Oklahoma City Race for the Cure - then I will have to alternate years).

After the alumni scored their first goal, they all ran to the middle of the field and posed for a picture.

Meanwhile, Aus is still having a ball in the stands.

During halftime, Austin went on to the field to visit Daddy. Waylon is standing with his best buddies, Ben and Nick.

Waylon in action...

Catching the ball...

After the game.

The current team and the alumni

Waylon and his former teammates

It was such a fun night! Can't wait to see if Austin picks up the sport.