Some Christmas pics

Playing in Drew's ball pit & making cookies for Santa.

Merry CHRISTmas!!!

I hope all of you have had a wonderful Christmas.  Here in Texas we started the night with rain, thunder, lightening, some hail and eventually TX sized snowflakes. I took Jack & Bray to our front yard this afternoon for a little sledding down the slope.  It was a blast.  My parents had given me the sled since we tend to see snow more frequently than they do in Houston.  It was from my childhood when we lived in California and would go to the mountains for sledding.

We have had an awesome advent season and now heading into the official Christmas season.  I tend to get lost sometimes as to the actual season of Christmas since some stores tend to put out Christmas decor in July (cough... Hobby Lobby).  We started a tradition about 3 years ago where we buy the boys only 3 gifts like Jesus received 3 gifts of gold, frankincense, & myrrh.  Wow has it made a difference with holiday shopping and chaos.  Then Jason & I fill their stockings plus they receive presents from their grandparents.  They are not deprived and it keeps the meaning of Christmas more relevant.  Last night we baked Jesus a birthday cake and sang happy birthday this afternoon.

One thought I wanted to pass along is something I started several years ago.  I always LOVE receiving Christmas cards, especially the ones with pictures, but had the hardest time parting with them.  So
I decided to make a collage picture that is framed with all the pictures cut out from the cards.  It's on my family wall since you know that I consider my friends to be my family too.  I can show the pictures to my kids when we are talking about someone, but this year I'm going to make it more kid friendly and make it our prayer board.  This will be a way of praying for all of you (regardless if I have a picture or not) and sharing your sweet smiles too.  Just thought I'd pass this along in case you are like me when it comes to pictures.

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Blessings,

Lisa

A beautiful Sunday

Getting all of us up, fed, and dressed for Mass is almost an act of congress each week. We have to leave by 8:30 in order to make sure we get 2 spots in the nursery. It's all so worth it when I get to witness and be a part of the holy sacrifice of the Mass, a moment recently described as the time when heaven and earth kiss. To see my son and husband both learning about the catholic faith and sharing it with them is a joy! I really am blessed. Enjoy this beautiful day with your family!

A snippet

It has been a great couple of weeks.  The boys are in the full swing of school, football, gearing up for Halloween, to be quickly followed by Jackson's 6th birthday, Thanksgiving, and then Christmas.  All of it seems to be blurring together and creeping up on me faster than I can get everything planned.  Jackson is loving football this year and doing so well.  Last weekend, he threw a touchdown pass and also scored himself.  Bray on the otherhand only seems to like it if noone pulls his flags.  Not sure how we will finish out this season.

There have been many changes to our family this past year.  I finished up 2 years working towards becoming a sign language interpreter.  I am fluent but need another year of practicum to be able to sign for the state board.  I do what I can to stay involved and be a part of the deaf community.  I also began working fulltime, first for an ENT office in Fort Worth, then was graciously offered to work for my chiropractor's office which is just 1 mile from home.  Drew started day care and is doing great!  We were so blessed to have a live-in nanny, Cobi for the first part of the year and she was AMAZING!  Now she's back to college and doing well.

It's so easy to get caught up in the every day grind of life, but am really happy when I see my little boys growing and learning, especially about our faith.  They are little sponges that amaze me with all they know, some of which I'm not always prepare for.

Pictures from their football team will follow soon!

Hugs and blessings,

Lisa

A renewal

This time last week I was searching for answers. Thanks to a great friend and mentor I made good decisions. I've decided to minimize Facebook time, be open about my feelings, beliefs,and not give up. It's hard to follow the narrow road, but it will all be worth it one day.
I am making positive changes and challenge you to do the same. Be kind to a stranger, call and old friend to say hello and let your family know how much they mean to you.
I'm constantly learning about myself and sharing this life with Jason and our boys is a blessing.

Prayers

I have so much to be thankful for this year. The first Thanksgiving with #4, Drew, healthy children, my husband and his job, my newest passion, sign language, and overall a really blessed life.

Today I ask for some prayers. First for my beautiful niece, Vada who will eventually need open heart surgery around January or February. She will be 4 or 5 months old. That she continues to grow and flourish until she can have the surgery to make her heart whole. Second for my mom. She has lost feeling in one leg and foot and is starting to affect her other leg. She's been dealing with a painful back and back problems for the last 10 years. She will see a neurosurgeon after Thanksgiving and I hope they can find a solution to help her feel better and be able to walk again. It's been a long 2-3 weeks since she first lost feeling and it's continued to be painful despite numerous doctor's visits, xrays, and an MRI.

If I could be there for these 2 girls in my life to help them feel better I would. I can't wait to see Vada in January (and my sister, JoJo, and Fritz) and hope that I can see my mom soon.

Jackson's Birthday

When our lives changed forever: 11/10/2006
Now, he's 5. What a great blessing and big brother he his.

The Pumpkin Patch

Jackson's Tball pictures

Jackson was on the A's tball team this season. Jason was the head coach. These are some pictures from his last game!

Here are a few pictures of the boys after the game enjoying their snacks:

After snacks, we were awarded trophies for "Sportsmanship"! Way to go A's.

Summer is here!

It's been too long since my last post. I'm trying to do better. Since March, Drew has been doing great, Jackson started playing tball, and I went back to work part-time. Here are some pics of what we've been up to.

Easter with Jason's brother and his family:

Drew trying out some baby food:

Some crafts I made for Liz's graduation (choc covered oreo cakesters) and end of the year teacher gifts (goody bags with hershey's kisses & hugs chocolates):

Glad To Be Home

We had quite a spring break. Let me tell you about the week leading up to it. Jackson and Brayden both came home the Tuesday before Spring Break sick. Jackson with fever and Brayden with a terrible virus. So after both home for that week from MDO, we went into another week at home for Spring Break. It would have been fine, but on Friday, Jackson started with "the virus" and Brayden, Drew, & I all started a terrible cough. By Monday, Drew & Brayden had fever. We went to the doctor on Tuesday and were sent home. Brayden tested negative for the flu so they assumed we all had the same respiratory virus. Wednesday, Drew just seemed to be struggling too much for my comfort so I took him to Cook Children's Pediatric Urgent Care in Hurst. Once they finally called us back for his vitals, we were rushed to a room and he was immediately put on oxygen. Come to find out, he had an ear infection and influenza with secondary bacterial pneumonia (most likely Mycoplasma pneumonia). He was transported by ambulance to Cook Children's hospital where we spent the next week.

He was such a trooper. Only cried when putting in the IV after the 2nd try. :( I just felt terrible for him. Here are some pictures from his stay in the hospital. You can tell when he starts to feel better. He loved getting his breathing treatments and was even caught holding the mask when the Respiratory Therapist was there. They also did CPT (chest physio therapy) where they "beat" on his chest and back to loosen the mucus in his lungs from the pneumonia. He was the best patient and all the nurses, doctors, and paramedics loved our boy!

While we were in the hospital, Brayden was also diagnosed with pneumonia and I was treated for walking pneumonia as well. The only two to not get it was Jackson, who was already on antibiotics for his ear infection, and Jason. Thankfully, my mom came up right away to helpSave Now keep the house going while I stayed at the hospital. Jason did a great job taking care of the boys also. Needless to say, it was a spring break we won't forget. We are all home and doing much better.

Way To Long

I had no idea I hadn't blogged since Drew was born 3 months ago. Wow. I'm just a little behind.

Well, Drew Peyton Banks was born 12/14/2010 weighing 7lbs. 2 oz. and 19 1/2 inches long. He is just beautiful, sweet, and we love having him in our family.

Jackson and Brayden (more so, Brayden) are loving having a little brother. Life with 3 little boys is definitely busy, but I wouldn't want it any other way.

38 weeks

Well, only 5 days until we can meet Drew! I'm so excited to meet this new little addition to our family. We have been so blessed to have these children. I try to remind myself of how Jason and I were told we would probably never have children after his 6 months of chemo. What a wonderful example of how God can do anything!

I'm scheduled to deliver on Tuesday, December 14th at 7am. Of course anything can happen between now and then, but hopefully I'll just continue to hang on until then. It just makes things so much easier when it's all planned out.

At my doctor's appointment yesterday, we received some wonderful news. Cord Blood Registry, one of the company's that collects newborn cord blood, had advised us to apply for the Designated Treatment Program. This would allow us to collect Drew's cord blood for Jason if he were to ever relapse at no cost. This would save us about $2000. Well, yesterday, we were approved and they are going to collect it for free. I almost couldn't believe it. After 5 years of shelling out so many thousands of dollars in medical expenses, this was like an early Christmas present. We had planned on collecting Jackson's cord blood, but when his umbilical cord tore off during labor, there was no blood to collect. Then we didn't have the money to do it with Brayden since I wasn't working, Patrick's blood was not good, so this could potentially be our last chance. It's like an insurance policy for our family. They are also going to store it for us for 10 years for free. Jason and I are so excited and thankful for this gift.

I'll try to update some fall pictures from the camera. I feel bad every time I don't add new pics on here. Hope all of you are doing well and look forward to sending you pics of our new family next week!

Hugs,

Lisa

Happy Friday!

Well it's been too long since I've updated the blog. A lot has been going on in the Banks household. Jackson & Brayden have been busy this summer. We've had pancake parties at our house almost every Monday with our friends. It makes for a great and messy time for the kids and mommies. I will have to take some pics at our next PP. They have also had a great time swimming at the gym. It is the most amazing pool and just perfect for kids. It has a beach entry with a mushroom waterfall and little fountains that "bubble" up. They have come such a long way since we the spring. They will both get their faces and heads wet, so swimming lessons are in our future. We are thankful they have a heated indoor pool so we can do lessons anytime of year. When we can't make it to the gym we head to the backyard for some needed cool down time.

They also had MDO during the month of July which was a nice break from home. They had a theme each week and lots of crafts, fun food days, and parties. They came home and passed out for 3+ hours each day.

In July, I also celebrated my birthday with my friend Lindsay. We had a party at our house with all of our friends. It was a lot of fun! Here are some pics from July 16th.

Jason and I also found out on my birthday that we would be adding another little boy to the family. Drew is due 12/22, but we will be schedule for a c-section about 2 weeks prior. I can't believe I will have 4 boys. I thought for sure that this one would be a girl. Either way, I am excited to hold this baby and bring him home to meet his brothers. They are already wanting him to "come out" as Jackson says.

The next week, Jason and I jetted off to New Orleans/Baton Rouge for a small vacation. We knew that with Drew on his way, it may be a while before a vacation will be back on the radar. Thankfully we had my family there who were the most gracious hosts. It was so relaxing and we had a wonderful time. It always goes by fast, but we came back refreshed and the boys were happy to see us. Thanks Mom and Dad for watching them while we were away.

August has brought hot temps. Just the other day, Jackson asked if he could go outside at 5:30 and when I looked on the temp, it said 109 degrees. Obviously, the answer was no, but that makes for some long days around here. We've been lucky to have friends on the same schedule and time with their cousins, Joshua & Rylee before school started. We also celebrated our 7th anniversary on August 16, followed by Patrick's first birthday on August 18th. We planned a small gathering with our close friends to celebrate his short but very touching time with us. The boys know he "lives" at church, so we brought him a balloon, some flowers, balloons for the kids, and had cake back at the house. It was a perfect way to celebrate his birthday. I had been feeling emotional about it for a week or so prior to his birthday, but am very much at peace with it and love to think about what he is doing up there in Heaven.

As far the last few weeks, I've been sewing nap mats for some friends as we get ready for Mother's Day Out to start. I also made a table runner for our dining room table and am getting ready to hit the craft show circuit with diaper wallets. On Monday, I start sign language classes at TCC to get my certification. I will either interpret on the side or go back to working in the schools. It should take me about 2 years to finish, but it will be right in time for Jackson to start school. We'll see how it goes especially since I'm supposed to have this baby a week before the semester ends. Maybe I can get my c-section postponed a week. :)

Hugs everyone!

Lisa

It's Summertime!

Whew! There is only 1 reason why I was trying to wait until October to have another baby, TEXAS HEAT!! I just realized I hadn't posted since April. Anywho, everything is going well around here.

Jason started his new job as a detective yesterday. It's weird to actually see him in the morning and then to have him home later. I got used to seeing him at 2:05 everyday. I'm looking forward to the boys and I seeing him and having real family time on the weekends.

The boys and I have been trying to figure out what we are going to do this summer. They get me up around 6:15 and on most days we've packed in a full day by 10:00 with breakfast, a movie, playing outside, coloring, puzzles, computer games, snack, and it's not even time for lunch. I'm looking forward to July when the boys will be in MDO again on Tues/Thursday's. We've been taking them to the pool after naps and it's been a great way to end the day. I'll have to get some pics posted soon!

Hugs and kisses!

Lisa

A tiny detail

Well on my last post, which was Patrick's 8 month birthday, I left off one tiny detail. I just wasn't ready to spill the beans, but you guessed it, I'M PREGNANT...AGAIN! Yes, that's right, we are having another baby, due 12/21/10. Everything seems to be going well so far. I've had one sono and another one is scheduled for next Thursday to check for a heartbeat. Please pray for a healthy baby. I just want to be able to love and take this one home with us. I know the boys want their little brother or sister here too.

So with that said, no sinus surgery for me, but thankfully, I'm feeling ok. Just a little nausea in the afternoons. I've been super busy sewing diaper wallets. They are now for sale at Kid to Kid in Arlington. I'm working on getting some other stores to carry them and selling to friends for now.

We are all doing well and I'll update some pics soon!!

Hugs!

Lisa

8 months ago

Today is Patrick's 8 month birthday. Just a reminder to say hello to our angel in heaven. He's been on my mind a lot lately and I'm missing him more now than before.

We've had another busy week. Since Brayden's birthday and Easter, we have started many house projects (and finished them, I might add!) :) Brayden caught another virus, but thankfully his ears were fine and no strep. I also got another sinus infection, went back to the doctor and was told that I needed to go to an ENT since I've been on antibiotics for a month.

Our retaining wall/flower bed has finally been landscaped. Alleluia!!! We went to The Plant Shed in Mansfield, picked out all the shrubs and plants, had 3 yards of dirt and 3 yards of mulch brought in, and thankfully had some help planting and filling it in. It looks awesome! At the same time, we had all the outside of the house painted, some cracks inside fixed and now are having the main living area painted too. The only thing we still want to do is to have a gate installed across the driveway, but it'll have to wait a little bit longer.

This is down the driveway. The rose was given to us by our friends Brian & Courtney as a memory bush for Patrick. We planted it next to St. Francis statue since he is buried at the St. Francis cremains garden.

Oh, and Jackson is finally potty trained! (He's been since Spring Break) It's so nice not having 2 in diapers. Brayden has to go sit on his potty every time Jackson goes to the bathroom. It's cute and I'm hoping he'll be ready soon.

Tonight, Brayden made a huge mess. Jason heard the water running while watching tv and assumed it was me doing the dishes. 5 minutes later, it was still running , so he got up and found B in the bathroom sitting in the sink. He decided to take all of Jackson's flushable wipe and put them in the sink, clogging it and create his own waterfall. There was an inch of water on the floor and down the hall. Thankfully, Jason's dad brought us a shop-vac for Easter. It was put to good use tonight. The only thing Brayden said when Jason walked in the bathroom was, "Hi Daddy!" Too cute.