Our Unique Family

The other day I was browsing around at Finding Joy and come across a post on what makes Rachel's family unique... It got me thinking, hmmm what makes our family unique?  So after some thought and observation and chatting with my hubby and kids. Here it is... the things that we love about our little family, the things that fill up our days, and the things  that bring joy to us all. 

• Once a week, we all stop to spend time doing something we love... Pizza, Popcorn, and a movie!
• Almost everything we own has sentimental meaning behind it!  Just ask. I'll share the story! But my favorite item... Drop leaf table.
• Everything is a competition... we do have a houseful of boys you know!
• Books are a huge part of our lives.  We all enjoy reading and being read to.
• Food is a love for each of us, for some of us it's homemade fettuccine Alfredo or perfectly grilled steaks... for others it's chicken nuggets and peanut butter and jelly.

• Like Cage fighting or WWF? Tickets are on sale now... We don't have to watch it on TV, all we have to do is stick two boys in a room and before long the giggles, wrestling, goofing will begin.
• We love to laugh. The joy that is shared in our home is contagious and I love to share it with others.
• Everyone is unique and we try our best to celebrate those differences and passions.
• Deep conversations about God, beliefs, and faith spring out of thin  air. I love that God is alive here and a natural curiosity is always welling over.

I love the closeness that our family shares. I love that each person has a special place and purpose  and that even through the little tiffs and arguments, that ultimately we know we were woven together as a family by God's unique plan.

Favorite Things Friday

A few fun things from these last two week... I know, I know, I was supposed to make this post about the happenings of last week, but I'm changing the rules... (just this once.) Thanks for understanding.

My favorite things are all about... surprise, surprise... my boys!

Number one on the list, My sweet hubby! Photos like this one remind me of the plethora of photos that we took when we were dating in college.  We are just a couple of young kids newly married (9.5 years), anyways!

Silliness in the shade.  Silly brothers bonding a top a table in the back yard! Please take note of the Blue, yes I said, blue cactus in the lower left hand corner.... Ha! It's a statue we found when we were moving in.

Just Will and Dad.

One on One time with Dad is special, especially when headed to see Star Wars in 3D! I love the bond the boys have with their daddy and the joy that spread across Will's face when he learned he was getting to go on a date with Dad!

Simple reminders of a wonderful night! William put his 3D glasses in a special place to keep them "forever"!

Brennan is obsessed with super hero's right now and I love watching him as he tediously sets up each and every super hero in a very specific position and place that is very methodically thought out. This is just a small sampling to the normal giant armies that are arranged all over the house. 

Superman, loving on his baby (blanket), just one of the remaining things that keep him in my "baby" category. I'll be so sad when he gives it up and becomes a big boy.

 Sally, our sweet dog... totally relaxed as chaos and war breaks out all around her. I love that we have a sweet dog that loves her precious boys so much! Sometimes, I think she believes they are her pups.

Last night Cade said a quite lengthy prayer, praying for his family, his attitude, his fish, his tarantula, his dog, and the garden spider; aka, Spinney that has taken up residence outside his bedroom window. I know God placed that lovely spider there for his pure enjoyment! He checks on it and talks about it constantly!

 I love the wonder and awe, that spreads across his face each time he gets the opportunity to interact with one of God's amazing creatures! Here Cade is watching his new fish; a black and orange beta named.... wait for it... B.O. , short for Black and Orange, of course.

Upwards Basketball season is almost over, but each Saturday for the last 12 weeks, I have marveled over the growth of the skills in our little team, but mostly I have marveled at the Godly men involved in this program that have taken time to pour into these children's lives.  The players, coaches, and referees gather to spend some time in prayer before the game. 

Upwards is a nation wide program offering multiple sports and summer sports camps accompanied with bible based character building and faith building for girls and boys of all ages. If you are interested in learning more information or finding a program near you visit upward.org

A few of my favorite things! What are yours?

Dinnertable Games to get Families Talking

Families are busier than ever.  I know there are some nights that we don't even get to spend dinner time together.  The nights we do, most of the time the kids want to share everything about everything, but sometimes dinner is spent exhausted and tight lipped. If you need a little help getting your family talking (like me)... These games help get your family talking and connecting with out even realizing.

Oh by the way, sometimes we also use these in the car! 

1. Would you Rather...
I love that this gets the kids creative minds thinking. Each person comes up with a scenario, and go around the table telling which scenario we "would rather choose" and why.  Here is my favorite would you rather so far... 

Would you rather have a left arm made of jello or of cake? 
William answered "Jello, so I wouldn't leave crumbs everywhere I go."

2. The Alphabet Game
Start by coming up with a topic or theme for the evening. Go around the table as each person names one item (starting with A and going to Z) related to the chosen theme.
Example:
Theme: Bible Characters,  Adam, Barnabus, Christ, David, Eve, Festus (I had to google that one), God, Habbakkuk, ... you get the point.
If you get stuck, move on to the next letter; but make sure to come back as a family to look up the missed information. (learning opp)

• Theme ideas for younger kids: Animals, Food, Places, Names, Toys, Bible Characters,
• Theme ideas for older kids: US Cities, Bible Characters, Being a Good Friend, Attributes of Jesus

By the way, sometimes we only get a few letters in, because the kids will start to tell the information they have to share about a certain topic, and end up talking the rest of the meal... remember the object isn't to finish, its to get everyone talking and involved!

3. High-Low or Peak-Pit
As Dinner is gearing up  and your day is winding down. It's a perfect time to reflect on the day behind you.  As each member shares the High (favorite part) and Low(worst part) of their day.  I love that this opens our eyes to the things that are important to our children and opens the door for us to ask more about any issues they may be dealing with.


How does your family connect during the week? Is it at the dinner table, bedtime or maybe breakfast? Do you play games to get your family chatting? We want to know... Please share your wisdom with other moms and families in a comment below!

Image Credit

Holiday Montage 2011

After another Holiday Trip we are back home!  We always enjoy our family so much and are so thankful that we can travel to see everyone, but it's always nice to be back home and back in our normal routine. I like structure! :) 

We have been home for 2 full days now and I have unpacked our luggage, packed up Christmas decor, cleaned house, done Tons of laundry, literally, and have a small birthday party for my sweet Caderade! I can't believe he is 5 years old, Tomorrow!!  Now it's time to sit back and reflect on the holidays and 2011 (what a year it has been)!

Well there is no time like the present, so let the Holiday Montage Begin!! :)

(Sorry Picture Quality is Lacking this year)

Caldwell Christmas in Waco

 All the kids! They have so much fun!

 Aunt Jen wrapped all the boys gifts in one big box, they couldn't wait to open it.

 Nerf Guns for everyone! The living room became a battle ground, and everyone was a target! :)

HaHa, Gotcha! :)

From Waco, we headed for Muleshoe... yes that is my hometown. :)  And for the first time EVER (on our many visits) we got to play in the snow... and yes it was on the side of the road about 30 minutes from our actual destination, and yes we were those people who pulled over on the side of the road to play in the snow.  And yes all we have are sweatshirt weight hoodies, we are from Corpus you know, Brennan doesn't even own a coat.

Snowy Fun,  the first time my boys have ever actually played in the snow! 

 I love that Michael and Cade are working.... Exactly the same!

Cade, my little snow leopard!

I love team work!  And check out the profile on that snowman! :)  Ok, ok... enough on with the trip! 

 Clarkson Family Christmas in Muleshoe.

You can't help but feel sorry for him love him!  Gotcha Bro!

 My wonderful Grandparents! We live so far away,  I love & cherish every minute I get to spend with them!

 Cousins, playing some games...

 Cade, was Punk Mickey!

Me with the Horses and Grandma & Grandad's house.  This is how I used to spend my days growing up!  Miss it so much, I feel like a kid again every time I visit!

Me and my Goofy Brothers! :) 

Ok, now that you are all totally bored out of your minds with my pics and silly commentary... I hope you all had a great Christmas filled with family and safe travels! See you soon!

Wordful Wednesday

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Today marks a special day for me and my sweet! 9 years ago today,  God brought Michael and I together in Holy Matrimony... to share our lives together as one!  I am so blessed to have a husband that Loves me where I am and for who I strive to be, and who himself, strives for so much more. 

Michael,

Thank you for your patience with me, for loving me even with my oh so many faults and baggage.  Thank you for sharing life with me, for the fun and laughter and also for the not so fun, pull me out of the pits times.  Thank you for being such a dedicated father and husband.  Thank you for loving God, and for sharing that with me and the boys.  I guess what I'm trying to say is.... I LOVE YOU!    

Wordful Wednesday

Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.
Psalm 119:110-112

Our Visit to the Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens

If you have never visited the Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens... well shame on you! Just Kidding, but I do believe this is an overlooked jewel in our community.  What a wonderful spot to go take in  some of God's beautiful creation! Complete with walking paths, exotic birds, of course plants of all kinds, and an iguana named Ivan... that they found crossing the road on Ocean Dr.   We have visited it a couple of times now, and will be going back more often when it cools off a little bit more.   Here is a glimpse of our visit, Enjoy!  

Mom & Brennan at the overlook to Gator Lake.

 After feeding the fish at the fish pond.  Brennan almost fell in... Yikes.

 Ivan the Terrible... Isn't he cool?

 The butterfly bench, I want one of these REAL BAD!!

 Gorgeous Flower in the Butterfly Garden,

 God's creation is so amazing!

Our Summer Filled with Fun and Family!!

What did you do this summer, you ask?  Well...

I realize that as much as I have posted this summer, not much has been photo memories. So I would like to take a minute and catch up with our fun filled summer. 

1. Laura & Larry Got Hitched!  Our first trip was to Royce City, to Michaels sweet cousin's wedding. It was beautiful, and so much fun!  Arn't they so adorable....?

William had his first dance with this sweet girl!  She and Will have met several times, but this time they seemed to be the best of friends!  I also got to snap a family pic! Yeah!  

All they boy cousins lined up to see the swan and watch the turtles!  From L to R:  Cole 5, Cade 4, Brennan 2, William 6, and Grant 8) They have so much fun together!

We also enjoyed a great end of season with our Tball team!  The Aggies ended up winning the Tball championship! We were all so proud! We also had a fantasic coach and a great end of season party.  A Hooks game and all the fun we could handle! The boys got to stand on the field with the players for the national anthem and the first pitch personally delivered by this coast guard crew!

3.  We played a lot in the water and the mud... We at least before we moved!  What is more fun than getting dirty... I mean really filthy!  Not much, there is just something about being a kid and being covered in mud that screams FUN!!!

4.  Father Palooza!!! At Bay Area Fellowship!  The boys ventured into tanks, police cruisers, tow trucks, swat trucks, ambulaces, and chowed on fajitas and corn on the cob!  Made for a great Father's Day!!

5.  I went on my first ever ladies retreat!  With some fantastic women!  Love you girls!!

6. This is the first summer I had a reader in the house... besides Michael and I,  William entered any and every reading club we came across, and ended up with a family 4-pack of tickets to the Corpus Christi, Hooks.  They didn't have the greatest season, but either way it was a treasure.  William also ended up winning a drawing for a free book and matching board game from our local library, and is now on a 2nd grade reading level... I hope he always keeps his love of reading!

Will, waiting for the game to start!

We also sold our house and moved,  took an unexpected trip to Arkansas, and spent plenty of time swimming in the hotel pools and visiting museums along the way. 

All in all, we spent penty of time together as a family just enjoying each other!