Okay, so I'm a horrible blogger...here's an update!!!

The 2011-2012 school year has begun, and I have THREE kids in school!!! Jada started her last year in elementary as a 5th grader! Jennika is a 3rd grader, and my sweet baby boy is a KINDERGARTENER!!!! Jordan acted like a pro on the first day and has been loving it ever since! I cannot believe how big they are all getting...they make me SO proud!!!

We enjoyed a nice vacation to San Antonio this summer!!! We went to Sea World and Shlitterbahn, swam in the San Marcos river, and went to visit Papa Bill and Tina! It was their first time meeting Jordan (J.D. as my dad calls him) and their first time seeing the girls in about 6 years! We all had a fabulous time!!!

We also went to eat at the Magic Time Machine, which was a big hit with us all! We even had Aladdin as our waiter!!!

The picture at the top of the blog (still can't upload them in the order I want...remember, I'm a horrible blogger) is a picture of another of our highlights for the summer! After a great spring of softball, both girls made the All-Star team (Jada 10u & Jennika 8u). Jennika's team went on to get second place in the state tournament...losing to Sweetwater Rage. Well, in July, Rage called Jennika and asked her to play in the National Softball Tournament in Ft. Smith Arkansas! So, we took a trip to Arkansas where Rage got 4th place!!!! It was an awesome way for Jen to end her "coach-pitch" career!!!

Now that school has started, we are back to BUSY!!! Both girls are playing fall softball. Jennika also plays soccer. Jada auditioned for Chorus Abilene and made it!!! And Jordan is playing quarterback for his football team the Cowboys! Not to mention my volleyball and Randy's recruiting!!! I wouldn't have it any other way...we are so blessed!!!

Happy New Year!!!

2010 has come and gone, and we are happy to start a new year!!! All three kiddos are playing basketball this year. Jada and Jennika are playing competitively through AYBA, while Jordan is in his first year at Upward. The girls started last Saturday. Both of their teams lost, but my girls both played very good! Jordan's first game will be this Saturday. He's not as much into basketball as he is into football, but he still loves it and is excited to play! I have never known a four-year-old who gets excited about the college BCS national championship football game, but, this past Monday, he couldn't wait to get home to watch the game and pull for the Oregon Ducks (even though his daddy was pulling for Auburn)! It is very cute to see the passion he has for football...hoping he keeps it up! Jada is growing up WAY too fast. She still has an imagination that is out of this world, and I will often find pieces of paper laying around with song lyrics that she has written. She gets better and better at basketball everytime she plays. She's the tallest girl on her team and is becomming a true post player (taking after her momma)!!! Jennika Ann is the best player on her team. She is a tall one too, but she knows how to handle the ball, so she can play inside or bring the ball down the court. She is dedicated to getting better and gets upset when practice is cancelled. I am coaching basketball at my middle school (and helping with Jen's team), and Randy is gearing up for another season of indoor track. I have decided that this year I will try to focus on what we DO have and not on what we DON'T. I am trying to wake up each day with gratitude for all of my blessings. Here are some of the things I am thankful for: my family, our health, our home, our jobs, big brown eyes, summer vacation, sports, warm beds on cold nights, recipes that turn out tasting good (I am not much of a cook), laughter, friends, treadmills, Facebook, cell phones, good books, music, hugs from my babies, relaxing after work, snow days, and so much more. WE ARE BLESSED!!! I hope everyone has an awesome 2011...I plan to!!!

Yeah, Yeah, so it's been a while!!!

Well, we are off and running with another school year, and I haven't blogged in FOREVER!!! Over the summer, Jada and Jennika played with a select softball team, Grip and Rip, and they won all but one tournament (they got 2nd). My baby boy turned four on June 2 (the last day of school)! I simply cannot believe that my baby is not a baby anymore...next year he will be in kindergarten!!! Jordan is an awesome kid, just like his sisters. He is playing football (flag) this year for the Cowboys, and he is going to be the running back. He already knows how to find the hole and explode through it!!! I know I'm his mom, but he is REALLY GOOD!!! Jordan is smart, silly, and loveable. He still likes to cuddle with his momma, and I hope that never goes away! He loves his sisters, sports, and super heroes! He is my baby boy...love him so much!!! Jennika had a birthday on June 9, turning 7. We celebrated both of my June baby's birthdays at A.T. and Maw Maw's lake house swimming. It was a fun day! Jennika Ann is growing up to be a lovely little lady. She is beautiful, athletic, and smart. She just started the second grade, and was so excited to get back into the swing of things! Jennika loves soccer, softball, and basketball, and will spend a lot of her time juggling them. She did awesome playing with all the older girls on Grip and Rip, and will play without her sister for the first time on her very own U8 team this fall. She makes her momma proud! Jada is in the fourth grade (one of my favorite years)!!! She did awesome this summer playing softball, and we are searching for a voice coach for her this year. She wants to be a singer, and I know she'll make a good one!

February and March

I apologize for not posting any recent pictures...I have lost the cord that connects to the computer, so when I find it, you can expect an explosion of photos! February brought the end of basketball season for the Willis family! All three of the kiddos had successful seasons, and Jada (who is the only one in a competitive league) and the Fever ended the season in first place!!! February also brought on the beginning of track season for both me and Randy! I am coaching 7th/8th boys and girls long jump, while Randy continues to coach long and triple jump for McMurry. March brings on the beginning of softball season!!! We LOVE softball season! The girls are on a very young U8 team (Jada is the oldest), and they are definitely the leaders of the squad! Randy is the pitcher again this year, and we are excited to get things going! So far the Blitz are 2-0!!! March also brought with it JADA'S 9TH BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! My oldest is in her final year in single digits! A party at the Skatin' Place and a birthday supper at Red Lobster (her choice) set off the celebration! Jada is growing up so fast! She still does well in school, although the introduction of some new concepts in the 3rd grade have broken her straight A record...but she still makes me proud! She still LOVES to sing and tell imaginative stories. I see an attitude coming out that needs to be tamed before the teenage years approach, but she is still easy to talk to and is very wise for her years. I love her dearly and cannot believe the years are passing so quickly! What a beautiful, smart, talented young lady I have been blessed with!

The holidays have come and gone...

...and I've forgotten to blog about them!!! Well, I didn't actually forget, but we have been SUPER busy (as usual), so the blog has taken a backseat. The holidays were wonderful to us all, and we were all thankful for a break from work and school! I will do a picture post soon with some of the highlights! Basketball season is in full swing around here! All three brown-eyed beauties are playing this year, so our Saturdays are taken up! I am also coaching the 7th grade
B & C teams, and Randy is already coaching indoor track. Jordan's team is the Nuggets (YMCA), and he is the best shooter on the team. I have to remind myself that he is only 3 and that he is not SUPPOSED to know how to play the game! He is very fun to watch! Jennika is playing for the Lady Coogs (Upward) and is proving herself as a skilled dribbler and shooter! She is also a heck of a defensive player who does not allow her girl to catch the ball! Jada is playing for The Fever (AYBA), and they have only lost one game! She is on the starting 5 and is one of the team's strongest rebounders and best defensive players! SO, as soon as I can sit down to breath and upload some pictures, I will give you all a glimpse of what we have been up to!

I've been blessed!!!

Just look at these three babies and disagree with me! I have been blessed! Here are a few updates on these brown-eyed beauties: Jada Elise

Jada is 8 years old and in the third grade. She makes straight A's and puts pressure on herself to do well. Jada is also a social butterfly...friends with anyone and everyone! She started a musical theatre class at Abilene Performing Arts Company this year and is loving every second of it! She is also playing third base for her fall softball team, Pizzazz! She is a leader for the team and often puts too much pressure on herself, but is an awesome third baseman and a hard hitter! She makes us proud every day! Basketball season is approaching, and Jada is excited to be playing again! I am helping coach her team this year, so we'll see how she feels about it after a few practices! She is a great big sister and still one of my best friends!

Jennika Ann

My skinny Jenny is growing up so fast!!! She is six years old and in the first grade! At her first six weeks conference, her teacher ranted and raved about how wonderful she is! She is an excellent student (straight A's as well), and she has a good group of friends. I think she is actually a better reader than Jada was at this point...probably because Jada is her teacher at home)! Those fingers still go in her mouth when she is nervous or tired, but her teacher just gives her a little wink and she pulls them out of her mouth! Jennika is FINALLY getting to play soccer, and, of course, she's the MVP of the team! I am not just saying that because I am her mom either! She is the only first-year player and is by far a stand-out! She is blessed with natural athletic ability and is very humble about it all! She moved to second baseman and lead off batter for the Pizzazz and is also getting geared up for basketball! The fits are few and far between these days, and she makes me a very proud momma!

Jordan Daniel

This boy!!! Just like his sister, Jada, Jordan finds a friend wherever he goes! He does not leave the house without at least one football in his hand, and he always manages to talk his new friends into playing! He LOVES to play catch with the football with his daddy...he can catch with his hands and has a mean rocket of a spiral! He's very thoughtful and sweet, just like always, and he gets his sisters a treat every time he and I go to the store! He is the pride and joy of his Miss Mary (Randy's Great Aunt & Jordan's babysitter), and she is sticking it out for two more years in the daycare business just because of him! We are blessed! He talks about wanting to play football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and golf, and if it's my guess, he'll be great at them all! His turn comes this winter with basketball at the YMCA! Both of the girls started when they were three, and now it is time for him! He can't wait!

Summertime Fun!!!

FINALLY an update!!!

I know, I know, it's been too long! Without a computer at home, it was impossible for me to update everyone on our wonderful summer! Back to work means back to the computer world! This summer has been full of fun! Jennika Ann had a birthday! She turned 6 on the 9th of June, and we had a fun Tinker Bell themed party in Breckenridge at Jeff and Decemember's house! We also enjoyed a trip to Six Flags, which was a blast, and a few weeks later we went to Hurricane Harbor and had a lot of fun! Randy and I took a mini-vacation to Austin for coaching school, and the biggest news of all JORDAN IS POTTY TRAINED!!!! This update is not much, but as soon as I have more time, I will put pictures of the summer up!

Jordan Daniel turns THREE!!!!

On June 2, my Jordan Dan turned 3!!! I can't believe how time has flown! Jordan is still just as sweet as he was the day he was born! His terrible two's were anything but, and I'm hoping that carries over into the three's! Jordan is still into all kinds of sports. He loves to play football, basketball, and baseball! He also LOVES hotwheels! He takes his cars everywhere he goes! Spiderman is also a favorite of Jordan's! Jordan is not afraid of much (he loves to run, jump, flip, kick, dive, etc.), but when he sees a bug, he goes into all out PANIC MODE!!! He thinks that he is the boss of his sisters, and they pretty much let him be! He is ready to play ball and is getting a little tired of just watching his sisters! In the fall, he will play fall t-ball, and this winter, he will be old enough to play basketball at the YMCA! He's going to LOVE it!

For his birthday, Randy and I were lucky enough to get to take him to eat lunch just the three of us! Red Lobster, yum! That night, we had a small family party for him. He had been talking about his football party for months, so he got his wish! His best present, according to him, was a big 18-wheeler that is a carrying case for all of his hotwheels. His famous birthday line this year, "I want more presents!" He said that after every one he tore into!

At Red Lobster with Momma & Daddy
The football cake

Waiting patiently...

Happy Birthday, my baby boy!!!

Softball...Totally Wicked!!!

Losing only two regular season games, the Bat Girls won first place in the AFSA league 8u!!! Jada and Jennika were both chosen as All-Stars and became part of Totally Wicked (the All-Star team)! Totally Wicked played in a Merkel tournament and placed second! This past weekend, they participated in the state tournament and placed 5th (should have placed better, but the umps cheated us in the last game...long story)! Hopefully, Totally Wicked will get to play throughout the summer! I am so proud of the way my girls have come along! They love the game, and have had so much fun! Randy was the pitcher for both the Bat Girls and Totally Wicked, and none of us are ready for it to end! This has definitely been an awesome softball season!

My All Stars!!!

Jordan and Ezra, sister's biggest fans!

Totally Wicked (All Stars), 2nd Place Merkel Tournament

Clyde Tourney, 4th Place

March of Dimes Tourney 2nd Place

Update Coming Soon!

Just wanted to let you all know that I have not forgotten about my blog! I will be updating very soon with all kinds of softball and end-of-school news! I'm just BUSY! So, an update, pictures and all, is coming soon!

Compliments from a 2nd Grade Teacher

Doesn't it feel just absolutely wonderful when others compliment your children? For some reason, it makes me feel accomplished as a mother! This morning, my usually responsible but sometimes absentminded oldest child, Jada, left her homework envelope setting on the couch. I, being the ever so loving and caring mother that I am, took it up to school for her. The office at good ol' Bonham Elementary was busy trying to get everything in order for the TAKS test, so they sent me to her classroom to give it to her myself. Of course, when she saw me, she wanted to jump up out of her seat and give me a hug, but I had to put up my hand to pause her, as they were in the middle of saying the pledge. She was relieved and happy to get her homework, and if I know my child like I think I do, she would have been stressing about it all day. Getting to the point of this blog, Jada's teacher, Mrs. Powell, pulled me outside of the classroom and proceeded to tell me how "absolutely wonderful" my child has been this year! She said that Jada (and her little sister) are the sweetest children she has ever met! She told me that Jada just talks so sweetly about her sister all the time! Yes, I looked at her like she was CRAZY...after all, my girls are any- and everything but sweet to each other at home! I walked out of that school feeling so proud to be the mommy of these two "sweet" beauties!

Easter!

I know, I know, Easter has come and gone, and I a m just now getting around to blogging about it! I'm sorry, (I think I've said this before), I am a horrible blogger! Anyways, Easter weekend was full of fun! The day before Easter we took the kids to a local church to hunt for eggs and to have some fun! They got to ride on a little train and hunt for eggs three different times! On Sunday we went to church in Hamlin. At church, Jordan got up in front of everyo9ne and said, "Happy Easter!" into the microphone! I can still remember when Jada was his age, at the same church, but she said, "Happy Easter EGG!" So cute! After church, we went to the Browns' house for the annual Easter egg hunt! The kids had so much fun! We got to eat a good meal that Aunt Gail prepared, and we got to visit with some family! Here are a few photos from the weekend: Riding the train!!!
Easter morning, before church!

Jada, enjoying her eggs!

Jennika, just finished hunting!

Jordan and his Spiderman egg...he was so excited about it!

Win #4!!!

The Bat Girls are now 4-0!!! They won their 4th game with a score of 14-5! We are very proud of how they are coming together as a team! Here is Jada playing 3rd base, her favorite!
If you look closely, you'll see Jennika backing up the first baseman. She has been doing a great job of it too!

Another winning huddle!!!

Softball sisters in the dugout after the game!

Jordan and Ezra watching the girls' game and sharing some candy!

Softball Season is Upon Us!!!

The Bat Girls (8 & under coach pitch) have started the season with a bang! Right now we are a big 3-0!!! My reservations about Jennika playing up with the older girls are all gone now...she fits right in! Both of my girls are big hitters, and I think it's safe to say, Jada is one of the strongest girls on the team! We won our first game, a close one, 10-9! The score for game #2 was 13-3, and game #3 was 13-5!!! The coaches are very excited about this group! They say that they are way ahead of where they should be, so they should be learning a lot of new things this season! Randy is the pitcher of the team, and since we go out as a family on Sundays to practice, the girls are getting an advantage! It is so much fun watching my girls grow as little athletes! Opening Ceremonies

Running out onto the diamond after being announced.

Warming up for game #1

That's the winning team's huddle!!! Gooooo Bat Girls!!!

Jordan and his friend Ezra play when their sisters practice...they are a month apart in age and have become fast friends!

Catching Up...

Okay, so...I've been a horrible blogger! I'm so sorry that I haven't been updating this thing more often, but it seems like the time just gets away from me! The month of February went by so fast! We said goodbye to basketball and started softball. The girls both had awesome b-ball seasons and are ready to hit the diamond! We lucked out and were able to put them both on the same team again this year. Jennika is playing in a higher age bracket than kids her own age, but she is good, so she fits right in. Here are a few pictures from thier last b-ball games... Jennika Ann...resting on the bench
Jada Elise...3rd place!!!

March 9th was my Jada's 8th birthday, not to mention the first day of our Spring Break! We had a party for her over the weekend which turned out to be a great success! I can't believe my baby is getting so big!

Getting ready for the party...Dad took the girls to get their nails and toes painted!

On the way to the party, March 8, 2009

blowing out the candles

Bubba and Jordan...so glad he got to come!

The birthday girl...her party was at a place called The Jump Around

Hannah Montana cake

Isn't she beautiful!!!

Jen & Jor

March 9, Jada's birthday lunch at Abuelo's

Pretty 8 year old