We've got a really big show tonight...

Well not a big show, but big news. No, no, no. No new babies. I am realizing that we have made a huge decision for our family and we really haven't announced it to everyone through our blog. We keep running into people either in person, on the phone, or via e-mail and we have to explain what changes we will be going through.

After some family budget meetings, pros and cons lists, doubting, excitement, nervousness, and what we hope is thorough planning we have come to a big decision. We feel that this decision is what is best for our family right now and will help us step into roles that we feel we are designed for.

Did you watch the 8 hour finale of The Celebrity Apprentice last night? It was hours of blah blah blah and then at 9:59 Trump announced the winner. Ridiculous. What kind of person would drag on an announcement that people are waiting on the edge of their seats for. I mean really?

Tired of waiting?

What was I talking about... Oh yes, our big news.

We have decided that Tiff will be staying home with the kids. She will finish out this school year and will not return to work after the summer. A lot of factors came into this decision. One of the more pressing was that Aidan has one year before he starts kindergarten and Tiff was really feeling like if she didn't do it now she would feel like she (and Aidan) lost out on time together.

I definitely feel that this wouldn't be possible without the financial strides that we have made since going through Dave Ramsey's course Financial Peace University. I highly recommend it to everyone. It doesn't matter if you are doing well with money or up to your ears in debt, you will get something out of the class. It has been a great blessing to our family and the fact that Tiff and I are on the same page about our finances makes it that much better. Don't be like Congress, don't spend more than you make.

So the plan now is that Tiff is staying home until Asher goes to Kindergarten (4 years), and at that point we will have another family meeting and decide what we are feeling lead to do. I definitely don't want her to think that she has 4 years and then back to the sweat shop. That is a bridge that we will cross later.

Just to let you know she is very excited and nervous at that same time. She has never been a stay-at-home mom so she isn't sure that she will be able to do a good job with our kids. Who wouldn't want a teacher with a master's degree taking care of their kids for free. I know she will do an amazing job just like she has been an amazing mother while holding down a full time job.

Something our pastor said at our church men's retreat a couple of months ago lingers in my head today. "Don't make your wife go to work because you want a lifestyle you don't need." Or something to that effect. So we know we have to come to terms with not buying a bigger house within 4 years, not getting a 37" LCD Flat Screen HDTV (yes I stand in the electronics section at Walmart and dream), not buying a new car within 4 years, and having to be very diligent (and content) with what we have. If my wife feels a greater sense of purpose in doing what God designed her to do none of that stuff matters one bit.

So HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TIFFANY!!!

Mind you this photo was at the end of the day on Sunday and Asher was continuing her week long tour of fuss.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Sometimes I can't believe that God has blessed me with two absolutely beautiful and wonderful children. Thank you both for letting me be your mommy!!! I love you so so so much!!!!

Aidan and Asher enjoying some watermelon.

Here are some recent pictures of them. We have a few from today but they haven't made if off our camera yet. Notice the lack of clothing on my little Texans. It is HOT here!

Happy Mother's Day Mom! I know I can't hug you today but I really really wish I could! I love you so much. Thank you for all you do and have done to help teach me what being a mom is all about. I know your absolute number one favorite thing in the world is your family and we love you so so much! Thanks for loving me unconditionally through all the ups and downs of these past 29 years. You are an awesome mom!!!!! xoxox

Notice my son's face in this picture.... Apparently he doesn't love getting his picture taken.

Mom, you have some big shoes to fill... xoxox

Happy Mother's Day also to everyone who has had a part in shaping mine and my children's lives. I hope today was wonderful!

Thank you Matt for the wonderful lunch you made for your Mom, Grandma, and I today too! It was wonderful. I know not just any man would make asparagus, ham, and cheese crepes, hashbrowns, and coffee cake for his wife. You are one of a kind baby...

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Meme and Grampy's visit

The kids were so excited that Meme and Grampy were coming up for a long weekend visit. Aidan talks to Meme on the phone almost every day, and has been eagerly awaiting a visit! It was a really great weekend. It sure felt a lot longer than a few days because we enjoyed a lot of fun, stress free times together. We even split up and did boy/girl things together which is really cool with one of each!

They arrived late Thursday night and Aidan and I made the trip to the airport. It was very late, but Aidan was a trooper and not at all grouchy! I thought he would fall asleep in the van on the way there but he was way too excited. On the way home he and Meme were total chatterboxes and didn't stop visiting the whole way home!

Thankfully Asher stirred some after we got home and I was able to go get her out of bed for a little cuddle time with Meme and Grampy. She was pretty happy too and went right to Meme and Grampy both without any hesitation.

Meme enjoying cuddling with a very sleepy Asher and an excited Aidan.

The next day Meme and Aidan played in the coffeehouse/fort/pirate ship and had a blast. They had such a sweet time playing together. They loved playing with Aidan's new birthday treasure chest from Grandad and Miss Gerry. They would throw the jewels out of the treasure chest onto the ground to keep the "bad pirates" out. Only the good pirates were allowed into the pirate ship!

Aidan, Meme, and Miss Gerry

Asher also had a great time playing outside. She is actually wearing one of Aidan's shirts and looks super cute!

Dad and Tom catching up in the backyard...

Friday morning we went out to breakfast at one of our all time favorite restaurants, The Monument Cafe in Georgetown. Grandma and Grandpa Moore loved this place and our whole family does too. It is the best and brings back great family memories!

Meme of course loved the bathtime and turned it and lotion time into a big huge laughfest. The kids love baths by Meme!

Friday night the boys went to a Round Rock Express game. They had a great time hanging out together and eating good food. The girls and our family friend Gretchen went to Maki for yummy sushi and then to Whole Foods. In our opinion it was the perfect night, but I bet the boys were glad they didn't have to tag along to that one. Sorry, no pictures! However, the girls ended the night watching the fireworks at Dell Diamond from our top balcony. Meme's animated reaction to the fireworks again had Asher cracking up!

Saturday morning Meme and Grampy had a fun time playing with the kids both inside and out. Some highlights were the sleeping bag hide and seek sessions and playing with Aidan's new scooter from Uncle Rob, Aunt Katy, and Cousin Robby.
I couldn't get them to stop moving long enough to take a picture so it is blurry!




Saturday was party day and went really well! I just love Jungle Java!

Aidan in a grandma sandwich...

After Aidan's party we went to see the Clydesdale horses at Dell Diamond. Actually, all we saw were their butts since it was dinner time and their hay was in the back of their stalls...

Another blog about Easter will be coming soon!!! Here is a preview of Tom's Grandma's eggs in a nest treat that he made with Aidan. They were yummy!

Happy 4th Birthday Aidan!

Happy 4th Birthday son! It has been such a joy being your mommy these past 4 years. You are such a wonderful, sweet, caring, intelligent, loving little boy. Some of my favorite things you do are: Making up lots and lots of songs! I love the ones about your family. You love to rhyme and your songs always sound great. I can't wait until you and sister can do duets! Telling me you love me. It melts my heart everytime you do it, and you say it a lot! I also love it when you say "I love you this much" and you put your hands all the way behind your back. I love it when you are a great big brother to sis and share and help her. You are her favorite person in the world! I love it when you read your books you made in school. You are so smart! I love it when you wrestle around with Daddy. You too are so cute rough housing together. I also love it when you dance all around with me, Daddy, and Sissy in the living room. We all have a blast! You are the best son in the whole world and your entire family loves you so much!

Here are some highlights from your birthday:

Look at those handsome guys!

Aidan loved his new "veenoculors"

Your party at Jungle Java was a blast! That is our new favorite place! Here are some pictures of you playing with your friends and hanging out with family.



It was great that you got to celebrate with Meme and Grampy this year. They really enjoyed seeing you and celebrating with you! Grampy even made you pancakes for breakfast on your birthday!



I am so looking forward to seeing you learn and grow this year! You amaze Daddy and I every day! We love you!!