the story of growing up Scroggins

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Sweet 16

Hard to believe it's been 16 years since Todd, Natalie and I hopped in the car at 10 on a Saturday night to meet her for the first time.

Now she's on the roads herself. Very hard to believe!
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Sunday, January 23, 2011

Stock Show!!




We took our annual trip to the Fort Worth Stock Show yesterday, and met Baby Sona, Kevin, and Baby Andrea.  We've tried to go every year since Madison was a baby to look at the animals, peruse the exhibits, and maybe have a corn dog or two.  It was really crowded this year, but we still managed to watch a few shows and pet a few cows.  I think Baby Andrea liked it too.  She loved seeing all the animals and mooed and clucked all day long.  I'm not so sure about Kevin though...it might have been a little Texas overload.  We will just have to keep submerging him in the fun!  Next year our plan is to go to the actual Rodeo...hopefully Grady will have learned to sit still for a little longer by then.
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Monday, January 10, 2011

Blessings & Godparenting



We made a roadtrip down to Austin this weekend to baptize our newest Godchild, Boston Chaise Fuqua.  It was a really special experience, and one that spurred a conversation between Todd and I--a conversation centering on our Godparent Status.  Boston is our fourth Godchild.  We have also been blessed with Thaine, Cale, and Andrea.  So, this definitely poses the question:  What do people see in us that they bestow this very special honor on us?  We never really came up with an answer, because we don't really see ourselves as holy--not when there are all the other REALLY holy people out there!  But, we are so very honored and blessed by our brood of Godchildren, and we hope to honor them as we watch them grow.

We were in Austin for less than 24 hours--which wasn't really even enough time to bond with Boston or catch up with Chris and Amanda, but we managed to squeeze in as much fun as possible, complete with wine, pizza, and great conversation.  The kids immediately bonded with Rhylan-especially Grady who thought she was the "most beautiful girl in the whole wide world."  After a great Saturday night, we headed to church on Sunday, hoping the ice and snow stayed at bay for a few hours.  The service and church were so quaint and sweet, that we all felt immediately at ease and at home--especially Grady.  I seriously had thoughts of harm as he tried to blow out the alter candles, wiggled around the baptismal fountain, and emitted electric energy throughout the service.  I finally had enough, and was walking him outside for "stern talking to," when the children's minister intercepted on his behalf.  She managed to save him by "asking for help with a project," and even persuaded him to sit with her for a portion of the service.  Of course, he sat like a perfect little angel with her, and after the service she laughed when we talked about his "110% boy" attitude.  Gee, that didn't make me feel much better.  But, she was kind, and said she read the look on my face because she'd had the same experience with her own kids.  Moms-I guess they can be the most understanding?  We survived the reception, and said our goodbyes all too soon.  The kids promised to play soon, and we headed out towards a possible snow day.

No such luck, but at least we had fun memories of a sweet weekend to fall back on--and I said a prayer of patience to get me through my trials with Grady.  That sounded like a good Godparently thing to do...right?

more holiday pics....

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Sunday, January 2, 2011

Christmas 2010 & Grandpa





















What?  A real post!  Crazy!  My phone has definitely affected the quality of my bloggyness I'm afraid.  It's just too easy to upload a picture on the go, and also Blogger changed a few things on how to make these fancy posts, and those changes annoy me.  Picture uploading is much more of a process now, but with the new 2011, I am making a new dedication to capturing the Scroggins Clan moments on a weekly basis.  :)

But, back to Christmas...we just finished two weeks of Christmas vacation, relaxing from our everyday crazy routine with a bonus of hanging out with my Grandpa.  I was so excited to spend Christmas with him!  The last Christmas I remember spending with my grandparents was when I was in 6th grade!  Very long time ago!  The kids drew silly pictures, messed up Grandpa's nonexistant hair, and gave lots of poison kisses.  We made Christmas Star Wars cookies (ok, just normal Star Wars Cookies), and a gingerbread village.  We watched White Christmas and The Grinch.  We teased him about eating peaches and mushrooms.  We drank Shlitz Beer with him.  We went to Christmas Mass, and opened presents together.  It was really wonderful having him here, and the kids were a little sad today when they realized he'd gone back to Ohio for a while.  They are hoping he comes again really soon-to watch them play baseball in the spring.  I love that they've built this relationship with him.  The blessing overwhelms me if I think about it, because I see his genuine love for them-his genuine admiration for the time spent with them, and he loves them for being them.  And....I love that.  I bathe in it. 

We did the other usual traditions...made cookies with Gran...went to Nocona and Bowie to visit Todd's grandparents...visited with Aunt Patti (even had an Aunt Patti day o' fun!)...went to the Gaylord to see Santa...watched the Christmas Parade on the Square...shopped for Angels...a busy, fun month.  I'm always a little sad to see the Christmas tree come down, but can't complain about the fun we had.  Madison asked for paint (BIG BOTTLES!).  Tanner asked for an iTouch.  Grady asked for a rocket.  I guess they were on the nice list because Santa delivered.  In fact, Tanner woke up at 2 a.m. Christmas morning to check it out, and woke the rest of the house in the process.  After checking out the goodies, everyone went back to sleep before waking up again at 8:30.  My favorite part is watching the excitment on Christmas morning, and having the luxury to spend that time together.  :) 

I want to upload a few more pictures, but Blogger is being the boss of me.  :)  For now, Happy Christmas 2010!  Ready for 2011!