Christmas Eve

Dear Conner,
I cannot believe it has been so long since I've written on your blog. I promised myself I would download all the pics from your birthday and do a post before I could do anything else on this thing and well, it just hasn't happened yet. I will get to it one day; I promise.

This is the first time I have not had to work on Christmas Eve. We've had such a special day. It actually started last night. At around 6 you were bored and wanted to do something. So we got in the car, rolled all the windows down and sang Christmas Carols as loud as we could until we got to Baskin Robbins. We saw a Hallmark store so we stopped in there first and played with some of the ornaments and bought a couple of things.

You had the brilliant idea to make "treats" for Santa and the Reindeer in your new Easy Bake Oven that Aunt Nat got you for Christmas last week so we then went to Randall's and got all the goods to bake for Santa, the Elves and Reindeer.

Next we stopped for ice cream, got in the car, turned the music on full blast and drove around the neighborhood singing and looking at Christmas lights.

It made me laugh when you thought that the people that didn't have Christmas Lights up must be Jewish and celebrate Hanukkah. I explained to you that everyone was not as crazy as we were about putting out decorations, lights, etc.

When we got home you helped me wrap presents and we watched a Christmas Movie. You fell asleep on the couch. You know my most favorite thing of all is to watch you sleep. You are so peaceful and beautiful. I promise I didn't take your picture last night!

Today we go to Gigi's at 4:00 so we've been baking and starting our own new traditions. It's been so much fun; just you and me having a whole day together to celebrate without having to worry about me working or being distracted. I've had so much fun with you Conner and I can't wait for tonight and tomorrow when we spend time with the rest of the family. This is a special time of year and we've done so many things and made so many memories I will treasure forever. Until Next Time - I love you to the moon and back with all my heart.

Always,
Mom

September 20, 2008- Happy 8th Birthday

What a special day this is for you and me both! Your 8th Birthday. I can't believe it. Happy 8th Birthday Conner! I love you with all my heart.

Always, Mom

PS - We are having a family party for Conner today and I'll be updating the blog with pics. Stay tuned!

Ike Update

Thankfully everyone in the Hobock, Walts, Gorski, Cotrone and Snow Family are safe and doing fine. Conner, Papa Jay (my dad) and I stayed at my house.

This is how my house looked the day before the hurricane:

And this is how it looked the next day:

We were very blessed. My fence is torn apart in 3 spots in my back yard but that's a nothing deal in my mind. My neighbors had severe roof damage, a couple of chimneys that flew off, water damage, etc.

Below is a picture of our "safe room" (ok cleaned out closet) with Conner's twin mattress in the event the winds got too bad or we heard a tornado. We were all set, but didn't need to use it!

My Mom, Dad, Grandparents and Sisters' houses are all ok too. We had Angels looking out for us, that's for sure.

NOW FOR THE BAD

My Dad's Mini Storage Business is a couple of miles away from my house and I'll let you assess the damage below:

This is his neighbors roof which is now on my Dad's property:

Here's a different angle:

This is the front office as well as an apartment that the on-site Manager lives in

And here is what is left of the roof that was once on the office/apartment above

Another angle of the roof

Here's what is left of the living room

And this is what's left of the bedroom

Fortunately the family is ok and working to pick up the pieces. I'm proud of how my Dad is handling the situation and helping this family rebuild their lives. In my opinion, he is going above and beyond what most business owners would do and it's a very refreshing thing to see. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes. Jenn

Best Mom Ever...

As many of you know Conner has been pretty sick this week so I'm doing my best to keep him entertained with some arts and crafts when he feels up to it. This is what he made me today!

And I didn't even have to bribe him to put "BEST MOM EVER" on it. Doesn't get much better than that my friends! Thank you Conner! I will cherish this forever!

Carnival Games For Halloween Party!

Since I couldn't add these pics to the evite, I thought I would add them to Conner's blog so you know what you're in for. Below are pictures of the games. We will also be serving hot dogs, popcorn, and cotton candy. I hope you to see you there! (Please RSVP to the evite!)

Basketball Fun

Baseball Game

Shooter Game

Spongebob Bouncer

Popcorn Stand

Hotdog Machine

Halloween Fun

I absolutely love decorating for holidays so even though it is rather early, I decided to get my Halloween things out to surprise Conner when he gets home. It was a lot of fun. Here are some pictures! BTW - I'm not done yet. I want to go all out this year! I have fun things for my yard but thought my neighbors would think I was going bonkers putting it out so early!

My Kitchen Island

Our Dining Room Table....Who needs crystal really?

What's Halloween without a pumpkin!

This is what AS chose for our house last year!

This is our fun kitchen table! There is usually at least one kid from the neighborhood eating dinner with us each night.

This candy bucket will be filled to the brim come Halloween time!

Saturday Salsa

While Conner was with his Dad this weekend, I decided to get domesticated and can salsa. Conner absolutely loves salsa and since I enjoy cooking, I thought this would be a perfect combination to a beautiful Saturday. Check out the amazing ingredients below.

This process took much longer than I anticipated but I enjoyed every minute of it. It literally took ALL day. The roasted vegetables left the most amazing aroma in my house. That alone was worth it, although the Salsa tasted pretty good if I do say so myself. This is the end result.

I would highly recommend anyone that enjoys cooking and salsa to try this. It is great for last minute hostess gifts (I'm gonna jazz it up with some printed cloth around the rims and a "homemade by jenn" card. The rest should last Conner and me a good 6 months of mouth watering healthy/snacks (without the chips that is!). Enjoy!

Sunsets At The Lake!

One of the many reasons I love the Lakehouse!

Labor Day Weekend!

Conner and I had a fabulous weekend at the lake:

We were joined by Aunt Angie and Chris

And Papa Jay and Margie,

Conner rode the tube ALL BY HIMSELF for the very first time

Go Faster Papa Jay!

Whoa! Watch Out Guys...Here I come!

This is Totally Awesome!

Coming Back In

But not for long....watch out Mom, here I come!

Now that was fun!Back in the boat and to the house.

Until next time! Peace!

Conner's Shooting Ears!

Conner is absolutely in love with his new head gear. I'm sure you're wondering what in the world they are right? Well, thanks to my Dad, Conner's Papa Jay, he is now the proud owner of 2 deer rifles and this sound muffler to go shooting. Yep, you read that right. That's what we do in Texas folks. Don't worry, the guns are locked safely in my Dad's safe, unloaded, at his house.

With deer season just around the corner, Conner is getting ready for his first "real hunt." He will not stop talking about it. His homework assignment today was to fill a small brown paper lunch sack with 5 things that describe him and his interests. All items must fit in the bag. Well of course, this is what he wanted to include but it wouldn't fit. Since Conner had to show these off to his class, we took this picture instead. Thanks Papa Jay! Your Grandson is in heaven and I'm sure his teacher will be impressed.

Good First Day!!

Well miracles do happen! Conner ended up having a very good first day of school. He was thoroughly excited about the fact that he had to do little work and just had to listen to the rules and get to know the other students. He did say that he wished he already knew everything so that he didn't have to go to school. He went on to explain how cool it would be if money did grow on trees. This ended up being a 15 minute conversation with himself. It was quite entertaining!

One thing I know is this; Conner is very self confident. Yesterday we had the following conversation:

Conner: Mom, you know how I'm so good at driving?

Me: Conner, don't brag.

Conner: I'm not bragging Mom. I'm just really good at it!

Sigh.

Hope today goes as well as yesterday!

Teary First Day!

Well I hope you all weren't holding your breath for a first day of 2nd grade picture cause it's not gonna happen. If this morning is any indication of how the new school year is going to be, I give up now!

Conner's been dreading today for a while and has shed many tears this past week over it. He woke up several times last night, crying and scared. This morning the fear was compounded. It didn't help that while we were in Galveston this past weekend, someone put pepper spray or pepper sauce on all my car door handles. Yesterday after we loaded up the car and went to the pool, both Conner and I were overcome with burning eyes. At the time I thought we just got sunscreen in them. Well since it happened again this morning, I took a closer look and noticed the nice gift some idiot left us. Off we went to the nurses office to wash out his swelling eye. Now Conner was scared, hurting and screaming. My nerves were shot as I felt I had no control over the situation. I left about 10 minutes later and got a call from the nurse while I was on the road to work. Conner's eye is better but he doesn't want to go to class. I know...big surprise. I pray to God that something magically happens and Conner has a wonderful first day! Miracles do happen, right?

1st Day of 2nd Grade - Letter

I wrote this letter to stick in Conner's backpack tomorrow. He is VERY nervous about going back to school! I'm hoping I'll get some good pictures to post. Stay tuned!

Dear Conner,

I can’t believe you are starting second grade today. I remember my first day of second grade. I was very nervous about meeting new friends, and sad to be away from my Mommy and Daddy. After a few days, things got better. I met some really great kids who became my friends (and even a boyfriend). I also started to enjoy class a little more each day.

I wanted you to have this special coin to keep in your pocket and remind you how proud I am of the wonderful young man you are. You are so smart and talented Conner. I’m the happiest Mom in the world. Never forget that.

As you start the new school year, you may feel scared or sad at times, but this will pass. Meet new people and remember to be kind to others so they will be kind to you. I hope you have a ton of fun and learn a whole lot too. I will always be here for you to talk to about anything. If you’re happy or sad, excited or mad; whatever you’re feeling I’m here for you. I hope you have a great first day of school. I’m so proud of you.

Always,
Mom

Margie!

Dear Conner,

Meet Margie! As you know, Margie is Papa Jay's better half (haha). She makes everything in his life, and ours, better! I swear Margie considers you her grandchild. She has a deep love for you that only a mother or grandmother could know. To her, you are perfect and can do no wrong.

I remember several years ago talking with Margie about something you did at daycare. I think you had gotten into a small disagreement (aka, fight) with another child at the time. Margie said "Well what did that other child do to make Conner want to fight? You know it's the other kids fault right?" This is the same story every time you do something wrong. It's always the other person, teacher, or child's fault. It cracks me up. I promise, she would have this guy below with you every day at school if she thought you needed it!

Over the years, we have taken many trips together. Some have been as big as Disney, complete with limo waiting for us at the airport, and others are trips that are just as fun to places like the lake house or farm. Regardless of where we are, Margie ensure you are comfortable and happy. She waits on you around the clock; gets you coffee in your special "Conner" mug (yes coffee), cuts up fruit into perfectly symmetrical pieces, and makes you huge mounds of ice cream. You always seem to leave just a little more spoiled than when you arrived.

We've also had countless weekend "day" trips to fun places like Moody Gardens, The Renaissance Festival, Carnivals, Rodeo, Baseball Games, Movies. You name it, we've probably been there or tried it at least once. There are so many fun times and special memories.

What I've shown you today, is just a small example of the love and fun you and Margie share. I know there are many more good times to be had and look forward to sharing them with the two of you!

Love,
Mom