The Borak Family

Time flies by..

2009-12-30T19:44:00.000-08:00

Wow! I can't believe it is almost 2010! Where has 2009 went...well time just flies by when your busy with 3 active children. As I am typing I am trying to get all 3 of the kids healthy for a new year! Ha. A lot easier said than done, right?

Where to start..how about with the oldest and I will just work my way down. Bryce started complaining about having those headaches again, so I went on ahead and took him in, because previously he started to vomit with these horrible headaches. Well, of course we didn't see our doctor(out of town) and this doctor couldn't find anything wrong with Bryce..go figure. This was just all a replay of last time when he had the sinus infection, but it was only detected thru the ct scan. Okay whatever, but I knew we would be back, but only to see OUR doctor next time(sorry, we love our pedi)! After Christmas Brock had not gotten any better with his cough, and him and Lilly were going hand and hand with this cough. So I thought I would go ahead and schedule something for them. Shane and I were leaving in the next couple of days for the A&M game..don't want to talk about that game..ha. So, I wanted to have everything under control for Nana. That night Brock woke up screaming about his ear hurting, so I took him into the doctor that morning(already knew what it was). Lord and behold, our doctor was working the after hours! What an answered pray! Brock had a horrible, horrible ear infection, so he is on antibiotics and a decongestant. I told Dr. LaCour about Bryce, and he gave him antibiotics. We were on a roll when he asked about Lilly. I told him Lilly was very congested, but didn't have any wheezing going on. We discussed her symptoms, then he gave me some meds as well for her. So nice to have such an understanding doctor who feels your pain. HA! So, we have half of Walgreen's in my cabinets right now. Needless to say, we are on the road to recovery!

We had an awesome Christmas as usual with the family. The kids are so truly blessed to have such wonderful grandparents. They love them so much they make it difficult for us to find space for all their toys. lol Santa was very generous again this year. However, the kids do act very well and are honestly great kids. Shane and I are so blessed to have 3 totally different, but compassionate kids. We love them so much.

I have truly loved having Bryce home all day and not just on the weekends. I think I might even shed a few tears when he goes back to school. Don't get me wrong..I do like some mommy time, but being a mom is just priceless! What wonderful memories to have when we are a family of FIVE!

Happy 7th Birthday Bryce

2009-11-21T12:52:00.000-08:00

I can't believe 7 years ago, Shane and I had our first child. We love you so much Bryce, you are such a sunshine!

Fun and Games

2009-10-26T19:20:00.001-07:00

What a fun field month of games we have had. When I say FIELD, I mean FIELD. We have lived on all sorts of fields this month. The baseball field, to Bryce's soccer field, followed by Brock and Lilly's soccer field. I think my backyard has molded into a field as well.Ha! Where to start...Well we are trying to all stay clear of this nasty flu going around. If I could I would move our house to the top of the mountain peak. This is what I feel like, since all of our neighbors & school friends have had or has the flu. Seriously, I don't have the time to catch this flu.. it just doesn't fit into my schedule.

Onto our schedule..Shane has been working with the daytime Gang division(dealing with the Houstone Tango Blast Gang). It has been quite an adjustment having another body in my bed at night(unless the little ones sneak in)Ha! I love having him here at night helping with hw, baths, reading, practices & saying goodnights(it can take awhile x3).

We started off the month with Brock's big GI Joe party. It was so much fun, we all wore camo & the little guys painted their faces, so we were camoed out!! I think we own the GI Joe aisle at Toy's R Us..Ha! Speaking of Brock, he is doing very well in pre-school(just got finished talking to his teacher about his fall evaluation). He has moved up again in gymnastics to a more challenging class. The problem with Brock is he is so young in age to be where he is that all the kids in his class are a good head taller. Brock comes up to their shoulders, but he doesn't seem to care. It is kinda funny seeing them build up the steps for the equipment so Brock can use it. My little munchkin is literally hanging with the big guys(7-9yr old). Brock has done an awesome job in soccer, getting cocky now by holding up his fingers everytime he scores a goal. One finger, two fingers, three fingers and so on, he is really proud of himself. Lilly just tries to keep up, we figure if she can follow Brock, then she will be fine in the game. However, Brock seems to be everywhere & poor Lilly's legs just can't seem to run that fast, but she got the concept.
Speaking of Lilly, she is growing like a weed. She can't wear anything from last year, so we have been on the hunt for winter clothes. However, I am just not impressed with the outfits the stores are selling. I know Lilly won't stay little forever, but I don't want her looking like a teenager! What is going on with the merchandise these days? She loves school & has really excelled in it. She asked me tonight at dinner,
Lilly-"Mommy do you know what holds your leg and foot together"?
Me- "No what"?
Lilly- "Your ankle"
Me- "Oh really"
Lilly- "Yes, and with your muscle right there"?
See what I have to deal with..a Miss Smarty Pants! lol

Mr. Bryceman! What a sweet little boy he has developed into. When I am having a bad day(feeling like Hitler), Bryce will say the sweetest thing that just melts me. He can turn your dark day into sunshine! We went to meet his teacher(conference) and she said she barely ever says this, because she is an honest person, but she wished her whole class was made up of Bryce's. Shane & I just felt a sign of relief, it does payoff. Correcting them when they slip off the path, being consistent with using your manners, and keep working together as parents. It is hard work, but these are the moments we love to hear. How our son lights up the room when we walks in, and how respectful he is to his teachers and peers. Shane & I honestly felt like we were on cloud 9(we actually took them to Chucky Cheese to celebrate). Bryce has done great at playing coach's pitch and really seems to enjoy soccer as well. He said next fall season he wants to play tackle football. He tells Shane he wants to play defense and rip somebody's head off...Oh boy!

As for me, I have been busy with the bow business and studying for school. My biggest challenge is trying to manage it all. What to do first. What is due tomorrow? How many bows?? I love to stay busy and anyone who knows me knows I'm a busy body like my dad. However, I really think I bit off more than I can chew this semester. My favorite quote is, "Who needs sleep..it is overrated"!! I love doing it all and after a couple of unexpected events occurring this month, I am truly blessed!

Happy Birthday Brock

2009-10-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

Today, my Brockman is the BIG 5! Wow! Where does time go....My middle one will be going to kindergarten next year.
Brock has a fun and booked day today. He is at school right now, where I will be joining him for some cookie cake to celebrate with his class..lots of icing(he requested). Then, we are heading to Bryce's first baseball game(coaches pitch). Go Rangers!!! Following the game we are heading to Brock's favorite place, Chucky Cheese. We are going just as a family of 5, that way Bryce & Lilly can give Brock his presents that they personally picked out for him. It only took an hour for them to find the best present for him!! Ha! Brock will have his birthday party with friends & family at Cypress Academy(of course..Brock loves it there) this weekend. Then, family will come back afterwards to help watch his eyes pop out as he opens up gifts from them. As many of you know, Bryce & Lilly seem to favor each other in the similar attitude contest. However, Brock is very distinctive about showing & expressing his thoughts. He doesn't like to be center of attention or up on stage for any reasons. Much less, have his picture taken at school can sometimes do him in. Brock has always been strong willed & very hard headed, like me, but we know what we want when we want it. Ha! Here are some of the moments I cherish with him. Every night after I put the kids to bed I check my emails. Brock will get up about 15min later & peek around at me & say, "Mom I was just checking on you." It melts me, because I'm always the one checking on them, but Brock checks on me. Gotta love him. Brock also portrays himself as "tough dude" with friends & family. However, I see the sweet needed side of him, when he wants to be rocked. It is our time to bond(he bonds with daddy through rough housing)& for me to talk to him or just enjoy the quiet sound of our heart beats. I even like to sit there & smell his hair, or study his perfect hands & face. How this perfect baby is growing up into this perfect lil Brock.
Brock is a very active boy. No...let me clarify this 110% BOY!!! He loves to ride his bike, scooter, play soccer, baseball, and go swimming. His absolute favorite is gymnastics. Probably not to mention he is very good at it, but he loves flipping, and doing the rings(has to get his hands chalked up). Brock likes to be challenged. The more of a competition it is the better he is at it. He is our little go getter athlete who runs with the big boys..his brother! Brock seems to be head over heels for GI Joe toys. GI Joe this & GI Joe that is all he talks about. It is just amazing how God has blessed Shane & I with our lil Brockman. We love you buddy and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

We Are Alive!

2009-09-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

We are still kicking over here!! I'm just trying to come up for fresh air! So, to start things off, all of the Borak family is back in school except for Shane. Ha! Bryce started a week before the little ones & he really enjoys his new first grade teacher. Brock & Lilly are going on Tuesdays & Thursdays, while mommy is in class. Now I know why you go to school first before having kids. It is alittle suffocating sometimes! Anyway, Brock & Lilly are doing great at school. I was more worried about Brock, since he thinks he doesn't need school. However, after alittle smooth talking him into being the great big brother & escorting Lilly to her class, it has seemed to work like a charm. He does complain how school is to long, which has got me kinda worried about next year when he goes everyday to kindergarten. Will face that little challenge when the time comes. Don't really have time to dwell on it yet.

My business has seemed to have taken off, which is really weird since I'm not doing any shows...okay maybe 1. Only because my good friend is president of the show. So, this weekend I will be at the Berry Center in the arena(it has been a long time since a show). The shows are great.. you make money, then turn around only to have spent it there. Oh well, you break even in the end, right? I'm always looking at the positive side.

Knock on wood, we have all been healthy as a lark! I know tonight someone is going to wake up with a fever, but this is really great in our household!! Maybe, because I send hand sanitizer wipes in the kids lunches? Ha. Yes, I'm a little over the top, but that is what keeps me going thru the day. Speaking of day... yesterday I got stung 7 times by red hornets! OUCH!! Yes, it hurt very bad. I was sitting on a bench at the park watching the kids play, when I decided to get up, only to stick my pinky into the hand sized nest underneath the bench. I didn't know it was there & my friend & I had been sitting there for awhile & never saw 1 bee fly by. Of course not..they were all on the nest ready to manifest my finger! After I got them off my pinky, I realized my leg was hurting, only to have been stung there as well. So, I start running & my friend is shouting at me that the bees are chasing me..What? What kind of bees are these? Killer bees? However, 2 of them stung me on the back as well. So, it was 4 stings on the pinky, 1 on the leg, and 2 on the back. We decided we couldn't leave this nest up... so we decided to take matters into our own hands & kill the nest ourselves. It went surprisingly well. Jessica did a great job using killer spray & killing all of them & then squishing the nest. Whoohoo for the girls!! Ha I came home after this stinging event & took some Benadryl & 4 Ibuprofen. Then, just waited & watched as my 2 other fingers next to my pinky swelled before my eyes. I had my wedding ring stuck on my finger & my pinky looked like the size of my thumb. But, the good genes that I have, there was no allergic reaction(shortness of breath or airway constriction). My pinky is still swollen, but I have gained back my normal size fingers. I'm just very blessed & thankful it happened to me & not any of the 6 kids at the park.

Thanks for hanging in there, as I get back on my feet into blogging again.

Daddy's Police Car

2009-08-12T19:41:00.000-07:00

I want to be just like my Daddy...
Shane brought the police car home today & he took the kids for an adventurous ride in it. They absolutely had the time of their life. Shane was showing them all the lights & sounds the car makes, then proceeded to show them where they put the "bad guys". However, they were not allowed to get in the back.. no telling what has been back there! You could just look at them & see their little minds just a spinning. Dad, what is this..what is that... I want to push the button.... let me see. It was great, our own field day in a police car. Thanks babe for making our kids grin from ear to ear. I know they are probably dreaming of becoming police officers right now.

Mollie's Wedding

2009-07-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

I am going to start with Mollie's Bach party, then the rehearsal following the wedding day. We thought our computer might have had a virus, so I was real hesitant on uploading anything to the computer.

Our PINK Hummer limo! Ashley, Ashley, Kimmer, Mollie, Me, Britney and Missy

Cheers! The inside of the limo.
Mollie & I
The jello shots are starting to take affect.All of us at the Pearl Bar.

Bryce's results

2009-06-29T15:14:00.000-07:00

I just got off the phone with the doctor & he has a major sinus infection(I will take that any day)! However, it would have only been detected thru this ct scan, because Bryce doesn't show really any symptoms. Yes, headache is a symptom, but drainage or stuffiness usely occurs as well. His ct scan showed that all of his cavities were filled with fluid(showed up as white, instead of blk on ct). Bryce is now taking a decongestant & the yellow Triminic. The doctor wants to put a hold on the Propranolol & the neurologists for now. Thank you Lord! It is just frustrating if it was indeed just headaches, then we would be debating the source of them. Now, we have the cause to these headaches.
Thanks for all your advice, concerns, and prayers. It was really an intense weekend for Shane & I. As we were playing the waiting game for the results. Thanks again to everyone for your love & support!

Prayer request

2009-06-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Bryce started complaining of his head hurting. Then, last week when his head was hurting he was vomiting shortly after. Due to the frequency of the headaches reoccurring I took him into the doctor. Our doctor suspects it is migraines, but wanted to do a CT scan to just rule out other possibilities. Bryce had the test done this morning & now we are playing the waiting game until Monday when his doctor gets the results.
I am nervous, probably expecting the worst, but having been on an 86 day hospital roller coaster ride with Lilly, it is hard to shove these thoughts aside. Bryce is currently taking medication 3 times a day to try & help regulate the severity of these migraines. It was a shock to me, because what causes a 6yr old to have migraines? They have the best life & what is there to worry about, beating Mario Cart on the DS? But, yes as little as they are they can get headaches. So, please keep Bryce in your prayers!

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

Shane, thank you for...

..your passion you give to us

..your energy you bring to our family (thank goodness, because we have 2 wild boys)

..your outgoingness

..your unconditional love (you are my foundation & our kids hero)

..your shelter you provide (you always make us feel safe-must be the police officer in you)

..your unselfishness (you always put us first before yourself)

..your patience (yes, you do have some, esp. when it comes to my OCD or 3 tired kids)

..your understanding (you always have open ears to hear me)

..your dedication (you are always there for the kids & I)

..your heroism (everyday you protect our city)

..most of all being a wonderful DAD to our three precious miracles.

I wouldn't have Bryce, Brock, & Lilly if I didn't have you! You have made each day such an awesome day. The kids & I can't wait to make & celebrate many more priceless memories with you! We love you.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

Back from Disney World

2009-06-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful, tiring, and adventurous trip we had. Can you even use the word tiring & wonderful in the same sentence? You can if you have been to Disney World! It was the kids third time to be at Disney World, but this trip we did a lot of new stuff. We saw more of the shows, the Nemo show was fabulous(Lilly slept thru the whole show)! Then, the new Toy Story ride was one of my favorites, along with the kids. It is great, because at Disney you can be a kid as well, on these rides, which always makes it a bonus in my book. However, if anything topped this year it would have to be seeing the Star Wars characters. They were absolutely phenomenal! I couldn't get over how real they looked, much less how the adults were driving to get in line for their autograph. Seriously, there were more adults than kids...to get pictures with them, maybe even do a little sword fighting as well?! Bryce & Brock were beyond themselves, they were so pumped & excited about seeing their ultimate heroes. I think the boys have permanent dimples, due to all the continuous smiling that went on.

The last night at Disney, we ate at the Polynesian, Spirit of Aloha, which won best entertainment & food(pineapple bread was to die for) dinner. It also happened to be mine & Shane's 8 year Anniversary. We danced on stage, along with other couples celebrating...talk about being in the spot light! It was fun & romantic. I love you Shane more & more everyday. Thanks for being my soul mate, best friend, and most of all the father of our 3 beautiful children!!

Following the dinner, we headed over to Magic Kingdom to see the night parade. It was so magical, that I even teared up about leaving. Who wants to return back from a fairytale land?

Lilly at the Biddy Bobbidi Boutique, getting dressed up like Little Mermaid.

However, all the magical was shattered by reality when Bryce spiked a really high fever. I was then now on a mission to keep his fever down & get us back home safely. We got home the next evening & after Bryce being on Motrin around the clock & only getting the fever down to 100, it was off to the doctor. Come to find out....Bryce had gotten the "Florida Flu"(just something we call it, since he contracted it there). Yes, he has the flu, Type A, and the younger ones are on the medication as well (preventitive). I guess that was God telling me, that we were Disney'ed out.

Back to the real world of LAUNDRY, a sick child, and Shane heading back off to work! Hi ho hi ho it's off to work we go.......

Daddy loving on his baby girl!

Thanks Nana & Aunt Nimmer for all your help on this a great vacation! We love you!

Never Ending of Sports

2009-05-18T11:42:00.000-07:00

Bryce & Brock started their first year of playing t-ball. Bryce plays for Cy-Fair sports & Brock is at the YMCA. They both have really taken to the sport; however, Shane & I haven't to the schedules. Someone is either here or there..we are basically coming & going. Bryce is also doing swim team for the first time as well. We didn't know they started so soon, it is overlapping with t-ball games & practices.

Here is a little insight of what Saturday looked like for us starting at 6am......swim meet in the morning, Brock's t-ball game, Bryce's t-ball game, then out to eat at the restaurants who sponsored our t-ball team. There were 2 sponsors, so 2 places to attend. So we didn't get home until 3ish, then Brock had his gymnastics performance at 6. With this all being said, it was Shane's first day to be off in a while, while we were planning on going out that night...the couch seemed to absorb me before getting to go. I was literally exhausted!

Here are some pictures of the non-stop sports weekend.

Brock's Battle Wounds

2009-04-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of Brock's new OUCHY!! Lilly was driving the gator & Brock wanted her to stop... You can see who won this battle. It is pretty disgusting to most people. This picture was taken 3 days later. You can still see the fresh flesh. To make you quiver a little, his foot had a burnt smell from the friction of the gator tire. However, if you know Brock, then you know he is a tough cookie. This has not seemed to stop him from any sport activities.

Easter

2009-04-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

Brock at school Brock's class, ready to hunt some eggs!

Brock opening up all his eggs

Lilly opening up her eggs from her class hunt

Dying Easter eggs

Kayla

Brock & his favorite color green

Bryce

Their masterpieces!

Watch out!

Easter dying hands!

Bryce's eggs

Brock climbing high to find eggs

Lilly showing off her eggs

The Easter bunny left Plasma cars for them!

Ganging up on Daddy! Sorry Babe, I am taking pictures!! Ha

Kayla with confetti in her hair

Lilly's turn!

Poor Daddy!

What a mess!We had a great Easter weekend! The Easter bunny was very generous again this year to the kiddos! They got lots of eggs & a plasma car! Little spoiled, don't you think?

Photography class 101...here I come

2009-04-11T07:41:00.000-07:00

Wanted to post some new pictures up. We got a new camera & honestly, I think I need to sign up for a photography class in the Fall! Ha.

Here are a few stats. Lilly went to the doctor for her 3 year check up & walked out healthy as can be! She is 30lbs (thought she weighed more), exactly 3 feet tall, which will be great for the Disney World rides. Here we come Mickey Mouse- see you June 4!!! Back to the doctor appointment, Lilly does still have a very, very narrow foot. We now insert three shoe inserts, yes 3!!! This will prevent her heel from slipping out, along with developing blisters. I must say, the I Spy game is on for shoes!!!! Dr. LaCour stated we don't need to go see any specialists, before he sees Lilly first. So demanding!! Ha! We have a couple specialist appointments already, like with her ENT, dermatologist, & her opthomologist. These are just check ups from her previous surgeries. It was so nice to think we are over the hill of specialists!! We have made a huge improvement...9 to 3!!!! Whoohooo! For height, Lilly is a little shorter than I had hoped. She is averaging out between 5'4-5'6ft tall. I was really pushing for her height like the boys...around 6'ft. Okay, well maybe not that tall, but somewhere close to mine- 5'9. I guess she is going to really start practicing with her setting skills. Ha! I hope she will be a volleyball player like her Mommy & Daddy!!!! Lilly did have to get a follow up of blood work done, & everything looked great! Lilly didn't even shed a tear to the poke of the needle- tough cookie!!! She said, "Mommy I didn't even cry. I am tough like Bryce & Brock." I was thinking to myself, yes you are tough Lilly, but your brothers pitch a fit everytime they see a needle. Seriously, the boys are just like Shane. They see their life flash before their eyes & get pale white when they come into contact with a needle. Lilly is just like me in those aspects. She has a high pain tolerance & finds it fascinating how the mechanics work.

On Lilly's actual birthday we took her to Build A Bear. Her & her brothers all built a special animal that they have yet touched since we got home!! HA! Then, we proceeded the following day with lots more parties (we had a total of 12)! I told the kids to pick & choose, because Mommy & Daddy were not stressing about making it to all of these- IMPOSSIBLE!!!! So, Lilly & I went to her parties, and Shane took the boys to theirs. Shane & I are so multi taskful! On Sunday, we had Lilly's party at Cypress Academy. It was great to see her interact with all her little school friends. At first they stared at each other, like what are you doing here. I only see you at school, but then they were running around & talking to each other. It was so cute! Lilly & everyone had a great time. How can you not...it's not at the house, they entertain & the kids are exhausted when they get home. That is my ideal kids party!

Here is Lilly next to her mermaid cake.

The starfish cookiesAll of her friends, well some of them were in the background playingLilly jumping off into the pit!Gifts

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY LILLY!!!!!!

2009-04-03T12:32:00.001-07:00

Such a Happy three year old!!!

Lilly' arrival 4/3/2006

Lilly's 1ST Birthday!

Lilly's 2ND Birthday!

I can't even begin to describe what a true blessing Lilly is. All three of my little munchkins are my world, but Lilly is the one who connected our family circle. She still smiles right thru those big eyes of hers. Lilly is so loving, observant, outgoing, still in love with the color PINK, loves Little Mermaid, can read endless numbers of books, passionate, a girly-girl, miss rough & tough, full of life & just your all around little princess! Lilly is one of the most self sufficient child I have ever seen. She can dress herself, brush her hair, collect all her things together for school, put on socks & shoes, brush teeth, helps cook & can set the table for dinner. There is not about anything Lilly won't eat....just like her mommy, loves food. Ha! I am so amazed in God's plans. How God had chosen Shane & I to raise these 3 beautiful children. What a blessing!!!

The Cardinal's

2009-03-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

Bryce made his first debut on the baseball field on Saturday. He did great, since this was his first time to step foot on the field. I will have to say, he looked like a little stud - muffin. He is so tall & lean, he just fits the profile of a baseball player. They tied with the other team, but Bryce was just too excited to even care. I say that, then this morning he said they were going to wipe the other teams hinney today??? Okay! We all had a blast & can't wait for tonight's game, as long as the rain stays away. Go Cardinal's!!

Oh yeah, Bryce also is collecting the baseball cards now. Now, I don't know who is more excited..Bryce or Shane?? I think they both are! Ha!

Oh, I finally got to watch the "Twilight". Awesome movie, thanks to everyone for holding out of me. Ha! I finally just now got to see it!! Loved it!

Spring Break fun!

2009-03-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

I think we are suffering from separation anxiety! Ha! We were all together again for the week of Spring Break...now it's back to reality......school & working- this applies to everyone in the Borak household!

However, I cherished the days I got to have Bryce at home... it was great to sleep in, stay up late, and just do whatever we wanted with big brother. The little ones & I do whatever during the week, but having Bryce with us was a BONUS!!

We started off the week heading to the Houston Rodeo. I didn't know 3 little kids could go through 300 tickets in a matter of 5 hours! Mercy! It was a blast, watching Lilly getting pumped around by the animals in the petting zoo, to Aunt Nimmer getting her shirt eaten by an animal in there as well, to Bryce & Brock living the thrill of the carnival rides! I was very impressed with the set up of the rodeo this year. Bryce & Lilly decided to get their little feet wet on what it feels like to be a bull rider. Yes, they both rode a mechanical bull. Lilly had to practically do the splits to sit on it, but she & Bryce both looked adorable. It just topped off the night. Just a little side note..we are not real big western people, so I didn't buy any of the kids any boots(why waste the $ if they won't wear it, right)? One reason is because the boys just refused to try them on, then Lilly's poor little narrow feet just kept sliding everywhere(she would have had a ton of blisters before the day was thru). So, I had dressed Lilly into this cute little outfit- blue jean skirt, striped tights, & just a very colorful layout. However, when we were there at the rodeo, Lilly looked more like a little bull fighter!!!! It was hilarious. When we got her picture taken with the bull fighter, he even gave me his camera to take a picture of them as well. Never guessed I would have dressed her like a bull fighter. However, she was the only little bull fighter there. Kinda nice, since everyone else was in boots & cowgirl hats.

We followed up the week with trips to the park, get togethers with friends, Pump It Up, & had a big crawfish party for Nana's birthday. I decided to take a week off with the kids- no bows or hw, which was so overdue & nice. But, today I am totally swamped!!!! I have huge bow orders for Easter & stores, plus numerous projects due for school. Man, am I playing catch up now!

Lilly's 3rd birthday is quickly approaching, can't believe my baby is going to be 3 on the third! They just grow up so fast.. I remember every detail about all three of my kids birth even today, just like I had them that day! Cherish every moment with them, & give them extra hugs & kisses!!!!

Here we are at the cook off!

At the rodeo....Enjoying Dipping Dots!!!Keith Urban....we had a great view!!Trip to the park...Brock, Lance, Bryce, Hailey & LillyMy little Aggie guy!Sweet Lilly. I love how people say Lilly looks so much like her mommy(at least one kid does)!! HaHappy St. Patrick's Day! At Pump It UpLilly & Daddy at Missy & Keith's weddingMy little precious miracles!Where is Brcok?Daddy getting to dance with his other favorite girl!Big brother teaching Lilly how to dance- too sweet!One of the many batches of crawfish, yummy!

Start of Spring Break!!

2009-03-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be on spring break with the kids!! However, I have to go back to school, but a lot of my professors are letting us have the week off too. Only some of them-ugh! Anyways, we are heading to the rodeo tomorrow with the kids. It is the first time for them going this year. I just pray the weather behaves & the sun makes a breakthrough. I am keeping my fingers crossed. We have a busy schedule this week. I am wanting to do the extra special things, since Bryce is home!!!

I have been letting the kids stay up late every night this weekend...until 11(they are in bed by 8), so tonight it was back to there beds. There was a lot of moaning about no couch night tonight, but mommy has to get some stuff done. Study, make bows, & just relax! I think Lilly headbutted me 2-3 times last night. Seriously, she finds a way to mold her little body into mine. Then, tosses & turns the remaining night, headbutting me along the way. OUCH! Hmmm, I think that is why I had a headache this morning...thanks Lilly!!! Ha!

I hope everyone has a great spring break. Can't wait to read what everyone else did, besides sleep in. Ha!

Here we come Spring Break!!

2009-03-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

What a different turn in direction the weather made today. It was cold, rainy, & just simply ugly outside. You never know when to clean out winter clothes here in Houston?? One minute it is 80 degrees, then you wake up freezing the next morning; dragging back out the sweaters & coats. YUCK!

I can honestly say I am ready for the kids to be on SPRING BREAK next week! This will be Bryce's first..awww! Yes, I know I will probably cry tomorrow when I pick him up from school. HA! We have met the most amazing people & friends this year. I am so excited to get to spend time with them over this break. We are planning on doing & going everywhere here in Houston...the Zoo, Space Center, Pump It Up, Rodeo (w/kids), Children's Museum & much more play dates. I know everything is going to be crowded, but what isn't going to be this week? I am not going to not go, because of this reason. For one, this is Bryce's first Spring Break & Lilly & Brock are doing great in school.

Many ask about Lilly..she is going exceptionally well!!! She has developed a big immune system, has broaden her horizons at school, she knows so many songs, made such wonderful, lifetime friends & has truly lived! I say lived, because I sheltered her for the first 2 years of her life, while she was on synagis. Yes, Lilly qualified for synagis 2 years in a row, which is very hard to do(medically & trying to get insurance to cover it-$1200 a shot, once a month). However, I am tired of putting her in a bubble(she has gotten all her 5 medical releases) and to be quite frankly, all my kids got some of the nastiest bugs & viruses when they stayed at home with me. I could never explain how they got it, because I am obsessed with germs. I am also OCD when it comes to a clean house. I have just learned you can shelter them...but from what? They still get sick no matter what, no matter how much you protect them. Getting some sort of sickness, may it be a cold or a virus is just all living & breathing in nature. So, yes we are going exploring next week, & mommy is excited to have all three wild monkeys all day together again! HOORAY!

Bryce is having western day tomorrow at school. They are stirring up a big pot of chili! So, I am excited for him about getting to help cook it. We got him some cowboy attire today to wear tomorrow at school. It looks a little weird on Bryce, because he dresses preppy or sporty. So, this is a whole new look for him. I didn't spend much money on his rodeo wear today, just because it will probably never get worn again. Everyday after school goes like this.....Bryce & Brock come home from school & their clothes are already off before they hit the stairs. Seriously, it is like they have ants crawling on them or something. HA! But, they head upstairs & immediately put on their Under Armour stuff(man do I wish they would come down in price). This all determines if it is clean??? Also, if we are having people over, going outside or somewhere. If none of that is occurring then they stay in their boxes the rest of the day. Why buy clothes???

Brock got moved up in his gymnastics class! He was excited to move up to a "BIG BOY" class. Little did Brock know he is definitely in the big boy class. All the boys are a year older than Brock. This class is what looks like to be a conditioning class. My muscles ache just watching...the RINGS....OUCH! I think Brock missed the "Mountain", which is a big mountain with slides & platforms to jump off of into the sponge blocks. They got to go to the mountain the last 8-10 minutes of class. But, not in his new class! WAKE UP CALL!!! He is on the big boy side now. It is just amazing how strong these little guys are. I do have to mention this, because this sums up Brock to a "T". I asked the coach after practice if he thinks Brock will be okay in this class(due to his age). He responded back w/o any hesitation, "Oh yes, Brock is WILD, he is a natural, because he is so fearless!!" OK!! That is all I needed to know about Brock Davis!!!

Brock Davis

Brock & Grant at "Mom & Me" night at school.

Brock is in the middle, doing the splits. OUCH!

How did Brock get that?

2009-03-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

Seriously......do I need to say more? This was our calendar for February. People don't understand when I say we are BUSY!!! Thank goodness we are in March, I am hoping we use a little less ink this month!

How funny is this...2 days after Bryce lost is first tooth...the other tooth came out! I kept asking Bryce, "Are you brushing your teeth everyday, because your teeth are just falling out". I guess that explains why he is brushing his teeth every hour.....enamel is about gone. Ha! He was so proud & excited again....MONEY!!

Brock had Rodeo Day at school. However, he kept repeatedly asking me over & over if he was coming home with me- WHAT- it is only 10:00. As a mommy with a million things to do, I still had at least 4 hours left! Instead, I decided to bring him & Lilly back home & we played games & just relaxed. Relax, yes let me use different wording, tired, fatigue, or no energy. Well, under these definitions you would see "Brock's " name. Brock has recently been acting very tired, he has kicked in with taking naps again & just been a couch potato. So, I was asking friends & family of my concern with his feeling of tiresome lately. The responses ranged from, "Just be thankful for the naps, enjoy it, or take him in to get checked out". I decided that this was not my Brock Davis, so we headed in to see Dr. LaCour. I was thinking maybe Brock was anemic or on the start of getting a nasty bug, but he wasn't showing any symptoms. Anyways, 3 vials of blood later, Brock has Mono!! Mono, what? Where did he get that? No way, he just got over the worst straind of the flu 4-6 weeks ago. Mono? What? How? Okay, so tell me about this, because I have never had it & was not to familiar with it. Actually, I was still in shock, but glad to have finally gotten an answer. Who had Brock been kissing?? Ha! The tiredness can last up to several months, so I am hoping he is at the tail end of it, which I know he is, because he isn't showing an symptoms. Poor Brock, he has really been hit hard this year with VIRUSES!!!! Viruses stay away from us! On the flip side, Lilly & Bryce have brushed off all these viruses (knock on wood), undoubtedly, have remained healthy.

Speaking of Lilly, she has been growing & growing. However, just straight up! She is so skinny around her waist & under her belly. Ha! Also, her foot is once again a triple narrow! She grew out of all of her shoes, so we headed to Stride Rite. Lilly literally tried on every shoe in the store & all but 2 fit! Thank goodness, Lilly likes to play dress up, she was such a great sport. Anyways, I got the 2 pair of shoes that she could wear & I could not get my 3 fingers in. If you put your 2 fingers together, that is how wide Lilly's foot is. It isn't even wide, but so skinny & narrow. She has feet like her mommy, long & skinny with a high arch. Here we come Nike!! So, I went back to another shop & got Lilly some Pedipeds (they are the best shoes for narrow feet). I wish Lilly could wear the Lelli Kelly shoes (love all the sequence), but they are made for girls with wide feet, the total opposite of what Lilly needs (believe me, I called them). UGH!! It should be fun when we go "Croc shopping" for the boys, because Lilly so desperately wants the pink ones. Sorry Lilly, maybe next year!

Lilly playing cowgirl!

Lilly with Poppy at Kayla's track meet.

I still love her in PINK!! (Lilly wore all pink for the first 15months of her life) HA!

Poor Brock trying to fight off the "MONO" tiredness.

After a busy February month!

Bryce has one less tooth tonight!!

2009-02-27T20:03:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh, my baby is officially getting older!! Bryce lost his FIRST tooth tonight(bottom one). He was shocked his barely hanging on by a root tooth finally popped out! He was ecstatic and I started crying. It brought back memories of when he got his first tooth in(on his first birthday). Now, it is gone and he is getting ready for his BIG boy tooth to come in. Aw, I am so excited for him, but sad he is growing up? He asked if we needed to brush it, that way the "Tooth Fairy" would leave him more money. Ha Smart thinker!!! Cleaner tooth equals more money!! Ha I suspect w/n the next few weeks the next bottom one will fall out too. It' s getting kinda shaky! Way to go Buddy! We love you!

Beautiful Day

2009-02-25T18:55:00.000-08:00

Today, in Houston, the weather was absolutely beautiful! I did a little weed picking- getting ready for spring flowers and the kids played nonstop. I wonder where they get all there energy from? If only I had half of it! In less than an hour, 2 kids under the age of 4 can make a culdesac look like the inside of Toy's R' Us. We had gymnastics this morning, got Brock a haircut( starting to look like a mop on his head-ha), made Lilly's 5 doctor appointments (3year checkup with specialists), went to lunch with Shane, played outside in the beautiful weather, and took all the kids to Academy to get baseball shoes. Didn't realize baseball shoes are so expensive?? However, I have the solution to this problem... I told Shane from now on, when we get the kids their sport shoes, we will just buy the color black. I have always liked black..everyone looks good in it and now we are going to save in it. So, Bryce can pass his cleats down to Brock, then Brock to Lilly. What a plan! Lilly will be playing soccer in the fall with her brother, Brock. She is going to play an age up. She might be small, but don't let her looks fool you, she is fast! Plus, big brother Brock will be out there(both on the same team). The only shoving going on the field will probably be the 2 of them. ha Gotta love the sisterly and brotherly love!! This will eliminate Shane and I having to duplicate ourselves to make it to all the kids games...Let the games begin!!!

I am trying up myself into a better blogger, so watch for the daily updates.

I am going to go hit the books, and do some studying since the little ones are asleep. Gotta love it, every night by 8o'clock the kids are in THEIR bed(sometimes they join me on the couch). I don't know if a lot of you know, but I sleep on the couch. It is not a martial problem, because Shane works nights..ha! Our last house all the bedrooms were up, but our new house, the master in down. I feel like the kids are so far apart from me. Even though we don't let our kids sleep with us(can you imagine all THREE), I just felt like if they needed me or something I would be close by. So, after buying this beautiful Aberdeen bed(I wanted it for so long), I don't even sleep in it. Shane makes fun of me all the time..."You just had to have that bed", I replied , "Yes, honey so you could sleep like a baby when you go home from work" ha! So, yes, I sleep on our sectional upstairs that is one of the most comfortable couches I have ever been on. When you sit down on it, it feels like the couch absorbs you...cozy! Going to go hit the couch & books!

Bryce and Brock

Lilly flying by on the scooter.
The Aberdeen bed I never sleep in. ha!

Deliberation

2009-02-24T10:56:00.000-08:00

After much deliberation, Shane & I decided to keep the blog public. Due, to the overflow on our carepages and home received emails. It is impossible to keep up. We started carepages in the first place to update on Lilly's daily battle fighting for survival. We have had thousands of people from all over the world pray and keep status with us. It would be selfish to eliminate them! POWER of PRAYER!! That brings us back to the status of Shane's job. Yes, he does deal with a lot of high profile gangs, but truthfully anyone can get any information they desire. That is the absurd part about it, none of us can hide where we live, no matter how much money you pay. I think Shane will have an extra pray everyday when he goes to work, due to our support system.

Now, on to me....I feel guilty on neglecting the "Blog World". I have honestly been up to my neck..with school work, bows, or being a mommy. Everyone is doing great...we are slipping thru the cracks of getting sick!!! Can't get over how many people are still so sick. It hit us last month, which was the first time in a long time we had went to the doctor. I went to the doctor(reg. primary) last month for the flu (so much for the vaccine). It was the first time back since 2004. CRAZY!!! I was either pregnant or nursing, so I just used my OB for filler prescriptions on sinus stuff.

Bryce is doing get in school. He loves to read & has started chapter books. I am not use to no pictures. Where did they go? He is getting ready for baseball, can't wait to see him in those tight little pants-such a cutie!!

Brock is growing like a weed. He has become so sweet lately. Not that he isn't a sweet kid, but he has so much determination & stubbornness in him. It was becoming very challenging. I would often ask myself, does he even like me? But, Brock is the child who is your friend, depending on your answer. If you say yes, well he just loves you & hugs/kisses, but the minute you say no.... enemy. However, I have learned that no matter what, Brock needs us. He is now wanting more affection. I just eat it up, because Brock is coming out of his nut shell. He wants me to carry him, which I do and wants more me time. He is accelerating in gymnastics and also begins t-ball next month.

Lilly has been growing also, I say growing, but I mean growth spurts. She is getting so tall! Shorts starting to look like "Daisy Dukes"!ha She is all caught up with sizes and development for her age. People always ask me if Lilly gets sick real easy do to her prematurity? I have talked to Lilly's doctors at TCH (pedi &neonatologists) and have all said that preemies develop at their own pace, however by age 2 basically preemie excuses are no longer valid, unless due to previous surgeries, vision, hearing or some sort of disability. Other than that, Lilly being sick is not an excuse of her prematurity! She can get a cold, runny nose like anyone else. RSV is harder to contract the older you get. Lilly was on synagis for 2 years of her life, because of her chronic lung disease and frequently in/out of hospital trips for breathing treatments. My boys were premature also and have been thriving! Lilly just got a slower start, but is thriving also. Dr. LaCour always laughs when I ask him about...well is this related to her prematurity or is that a cause of this? He always responds, "Ambra look at her, she is healthy and on the chart. She was born a preemie, today she is a healthy toddler"! I know I am babbling, but it gets frustrating when people think I should shelter her. She is full of energy, like her brothers and continues to learn and gain more knowledge everyday. For instance, we asked her where she wanted to have her birthday party at? Lilly answers, "I want to have my party at the park with the swings and my friends". I told her that it could rain & everyone would get wet, so why don't we pick another place? Lilly pauses..... then responds, "There is a pavilion at the park"!!! She is always a step ahead of me. Anyhow, we came to the conclusion of doing it at the gymnastics facility, not that her outspoken idea wasn't good enough, but just to much work for Shane & I. ha

Bryce & I ice skating

Brock and Lilly cooking up something tasty!

Lilly at gymanstics

Brock doing his thing.

Busy Borak Bees

2009-01-23T21:12:00.000-08:00

WOW, what busy Borak bees we have been! I know I said the previous blog would be our last....well I need to post this. I have a facebook, I am finally getting with the program. You know you are not cool w/o it..haha. So, when you get to facebook, send over email, this way I can shoot you back over an "Invitation" for our blog, when I go private. It will be on Monday!

In the meantime.....here is an update. We finally got all the kids schedule worked out for gymnastics(who would think????just multiply times 3), so now I have 2 going at the same time & Bryce at a later time. Shane & I are only asking to complicate things when baseball comes about next month- oh boy! Here is a view of our previous weekends.......We have honestly had 5-7 birthday parties EVERY weekend since January came about- seriously is that even possible????? We are filling up on cake & ice cream for breakfast, lunch & dinner!haha I probably have killed a tree already in wrapping paper & gained in ice cream

Bryce has really been enjoying school(thank goodness) & has meet some neat kids in his class. He is getting ready to loose a tooth! Yes, I know...Bryce has not lost one tooth yet. That's okay he will have his teeth longer than most. His front bottom tooth is going through a "Toothquake" haha He is still full of heart- he has the biggest I know!! Lovable!!

Mr. Brock Davis....well- is Mr. Brock Davis. He loves you one minute, then can't stand you the next. It is all based on your answer!!!haha Brock has done extremely well in gymnastics...moving all the way up to the top! He is in the advanced class & boy does he get a good workout. When I watch him & Bryce do these stations- I am burning calories!!ha
Brock has almost got it down on writing his name out- he fights me on it. Uh... & I was going to home school??? What was I thinking, obviously not clearly!!! He does more performance for his teacher, than for me. Brock at school is what you would call- FREE ENTERTAINMENT!!! I am not sure if I should be worried??? We love Brock, because that is Brock- hardheaded, very independent, know- it- all, but yet he has that killer passion for his family. "You are the bestest mom"-Brock

Miss Lilly..oh Miss Lilly. She is a class act-period!! She is doing so well in school. She has made out like a champ this year in sickness & she is around so many kids. Who would have ever thought- not me. I was so into sheltering her & all for what? She still got sick & was on breathing treatments every 4 hours! At school she has grown the bow business....people want the same bow made right off of her head- too funny! She is my BEST advertisement, what can I say! Lilly is down to three specialists- yes, we did have to add another one....pedi dermatologist. I don't know where to begin, but she has severe eczema! Then, she has something else- looks like warts all over. So, basically Lilly takes a bath, to then be proceeded in another one-creams, steroids & medicated lotion!! I am so confused- what do I put on first-last? She has an appointment in Feb.- can't wait. Ready for my baby's skin to feel like a baby & not a snake.

Thought this was kinda funny...Bryce weighs 48lbs(expected to be 6ft tall-yeah), Brock 38lbs(same height expectancy) & Lilly 28lbs. Lilly is growing up like her mommy..long legs. She will be my height-tall! This is the easiest way to remember their weights..28, 38 & 48! Hilarious!

Okay, Shane has been busy working with...the FBI. Scares me to death, but the stories are just priceless. Are there really people that uneducated & lack common sense?? You would be amazed, it blows my mind the things Shane tells me. See this is the reason why I can't go public. With him working stakeouts, with FBI & Vice, oh no..I will not be alone here at night.

As for me...school(I think I signed up for all essay classes-ha), bow business, mommy to three beautiful children under 6yr & a TAXI DRIVER, I don't know what day it is!! I am starting to think I need a nanny, maid & a cook! Wouldn't that be great! No, not really with me being such an overly detailed person, they wouldn't last. ha

The big news...I am overly super excited about, I am posting a new blog for the March of Dimes! As of now there are about 5 families doing it. I will post the blog later- it is under construction. But, I am so thrilled all my preemie friends want to go in together & form a big team...TINY SURVIVORS!!! How cute is that?? There are families who have had 23weekers all the way up to losing a child born too prematurity. What a neat way to raise money for such a great cause. So many emotions & friendships poured into it. It is going to be a great success!

Last Blog posted to public

2009-01-05T07:29:00.000-08:00

After a long thought out process, I have decided to not post reading & pictures to the public. Shane is working an upper line of duty(undercover) & arresting murders & people associated with very well-known around the states gangs. With Shane working at night, which leaves me all by myself with the kids, just has me a little on ease?? I'm sure you can understand....people tend to just freak out when they hear Shane works nights. So, we don't want any retaliation!

However, the good part about this is now I can put up pics of our house- inside & out! A lot of you have been asking about the house & our move-in, so next blog will have pics up of all the rooms!! Yeah! Man it takes a long time to put up & organize. I am getting ready to redo the kids bathroom...it is my new in the process project! Also, I have pictures of Lilly in her flower girl dress- the cutest thing! My little princess!! Her & the boys are all going to look adorable!

So, stay tune as I add Christmas day pictures & I might seek a picture of Shane undercover....he looks just as handsome as when in uniform!!

The Reason for the Season

2008-12-30T19:56:00.000-08:00

My favorite & the best part of Christmas....the birth of Jesus. I love explaining & telling the story of Jesus's birthday to my kids. My kids are at the age where their minds are like sponges. They adsorb every detail & ask every question. However, I don't think they can grasp it all! So, it all became surreal to them when I took them to Bethlehem at a church nearby. Our good friends were Mary & Joseph, along with their precious baby Logan- she was baby Jesus. Inside the church they had it set up like Bethlehem. You could walk to about 10 different stations each showing the kids different things, like baking bread, making olive oil, making a broom, candles & the lay out of the manger with baby Jesus in it. It was breath taking!

Decorating cookies!

2008-12-30T19:31:00.000-08:00

Another tradition we do around Christmas time is decorate cookies with the cousins! This is the time everyone gets doughy & all sprinkled up!! I also think it gets a lot more messy too! Oh well, it is so much fun to eat while you work! Lilly would have a little bit taken out of her cookie- a trademark for her. Brock seems to lick in between every icing & sprinkle decor- thank goodness we are family! Bryce, Hayden & Kayla are what you would call the sterilized cookie makers. Very clean & perfectionist!

Bryce using his cookie cutters.

Lilly pressing down really hard to get her sled shape.

Kayla making her cookies- so cleanly!!

Hayden getting started!

Brock eating as he goes!

Lilly a little messy. Actually, she looked like a big flour pot. If you think she looks messy, you should have seen where she was sitting?!?!

Bryce, like his sister, bathed in it!

What a great time we had- thanks Hayden & Kayla, can't wait till next year! However, my kitchen can!!!haha

The kids special ornament

2008-12-30T19:20:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite things to do at Christmas time is to decorate the Christmas tree. The whole family participates & the kids seem to look forward to doing it every year!

Bryce adding his favorite Storm Trooper ornament!
Brock with one of the TMNT!

Lilly loves her "Max" ornament, it is a German Shepherd!

The whole gang having their second wind of the giggles. Every time the other one speaks, they all crack up at each other! Bunch of goof balls!

Our new addition

2008-12-30T19:02:00.000-08:00

We have added 2 new additions to our family!! Lilly has 2 new kittens. There names are Rex(dark) & Rocky(wht & brown). They are so lovable, playful & most of all so full of energy. Like Shane & I don't have enough energizer bunnies around the house!! Lilly's specialists gave us the "Okay" upon getting the kittens. Lilly has had less than 5 breathing treatments in the year of 2008. God is healing her lungs everyday. The doctors always told us that Lilly just needs time to grow new lung tissue.... it is working. Once again we have time on our side, everyday, every hour, every minute & every second!!! Thank you God for inhibiting the growth of new lung tissue & letting Lilly fill her little clean, air sacs up with fresh air!

2008-12-25T11:06:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

Long Update!!

2008-11-26T20:35:00.000-08:00

Here is the start so bare with me thru this very long update......

Here are some pictures from our Sea World trip.

Bryce & Brock love feeding & petting the dolphins. Lilly, well you can see where her hands are.

Lilly can still touch her bottom with her head. She is still very flexible (wish I was).

Two peas in a pod- My sweet Bryce & precious Lilly

Look at those DIMPLES..... Brock had a great time feeding the ready-to-eat, all the time, birds.

On the other hand, Lilly wasn't to eager to touch or much less, let them touch her.

You can always count on charmer Bryce..... The bird just flew right on top of his head. Poor Bryce put a smile on, but was asking me constantly if the bird was going to poop in his hair!

The whole gang actually looking all the same way. You can't imagine how difficult it is to try & get everyone to look the same way, all eyes open, smiling & not pulling away from you! Amazing!!

Lilly with her Prince Charming..... Daddy!

The kids showing off their smores they made at the hotel campfire. They were messy, but boy were they worth it!

Here is the class project I made for Brock's class to auction off at there fall festival. All the hand prints I made into zebra's. It was darling & a lot of fun. It went up to $100. YEAH!

Bryce learned how to ride his bike w/o training wheels. Yeah Bryce, you did it(before you were 6yrs)!

There goes my BIG boy! Great job!

Halloween pictures:

Brock was Janga Fett

Bryce was Boba Fett

and Lilly was Goldilocks & the Three Bears(thought it suited her well, since she already has the goldilocks).

Sneaking a piece of candy!

We had a little get together with Shane's partners kids(Lilly's boyfriend, "Marshall") & cousins, Hayden & Kayla. Too much fun, along with CANDY! They still have buckets of candy left....it is almost December?!?!

Celebrating Brock's great season with soccer(he turned out to be quite a soccer player).

All he could think & talk about was getting a trophy like big brother Bryce. Now, he has a well earned trophy, that he keeps on his nightstand(doesn't let it go to far from him). Congrats Sweetie!

Bryce played a major role in his school play for Thanksgiving- He was the chief, the class had to repeat after Bryce's performance of memorized words. You did a fabulous job Bryce(lot of responsibility for being a Kindergartner).
Such a sweetheart!

Bryce's class

On the same day of Bryce's Thanksgiving play at school, it was actually Bryce's 6th Birthday! Shane & I had planned a surprise b-day party for him w/ 6 of his really good friends. Here is a picture of them hiding before Bryce arrived. We were all ready to jump out & say surprise!

SURPRISE BRYCE!!

He had a stunned look on his face at first........ not sure what to think. He was then, just thrilled to have all of his friends at his house to eat pizza, cake & accompany him to see the new movie, "Bolt". We had a great time & all the kids did fanaminal(we were a little worried about taking more than a van full-)haha. Yes, Shane & I traded in the Expedition & I have a new Honda mini van. I love it- hands down the best car I have ever owned & driven. So, I guess I am officially a soccer mom- feel blessed to be one!

When the party was over I was a little sad to think how fast Bryce is growing up. He is now in Kindergarten & I feel like I just brought him home from the hospital. I can even feel/remember the emptiness I felt leaving the hospital w/o him. I am afraid to blink, because of how time flies.

Bryce today is very well manned, has a heart full of compassion & love, unselfishness, carries generosity & is an everyday joy in our lives. His teacher describes Bryce as the kind of kid you want the whole class full of. We are super proud of you Bryce & the milestones you have accomplished in your life.

Everyone chowing down! Bryce was so busy, he didn't even take his jacket off!

Storm Trooper cupcakes.

Bryce opening up his gifts(still wearing his jacket).

After a busy Friday, following more parties on Saturday, we celebrated Brock's 4th Birthday party at Cypress Academy of Gymnastics. It is one of the best places to have a party. The coaches were so full of energy(something you need for fifteen 4yr. olds) & they both came with a great sense of humor(something you also need). I will have to say, the kids all looked wiped out when they felt.

Here is the Birthday boy, Brock!!!

Lilly loving the "pit"

Bryce also having a great time.

The party crew.

On Tuesday, we had both Brock & Lilly's school feasts.

Here is Lilly wearing her shirt she & her classmates made. Darling!

Here is Brock by his good friend, Grant(every Grant I know is just a cutie). Love those dimples!

So, on Wed. I went to pick Bryce up & well........this is what he was wearing. So, I had to dig for my camera & take a picture of my little Indian.

As you can all see how fast paced our lives our.....

Shane is still working with the HPD CRU division. He totally loves his job, but not more than the kids & I(we love to hear the cool stories). Bryce wants to know how many people he put in jail & Brock wants Shane to shoot them, instead of taking them to jail. Funny how their little minds work!

As for me...I stay busy with the kids schedules, making bows & more bows & have decided in the mist of all this to go back to school. Yes, that's right mommy will be going to school too! I am finishing up my teaching degree. I am nervous, since I have been out for 6yrs, but feel confident w/ all the support. However, I don't even think I have another extra hook to hang my backpack?!?! Bryce said, "Mommy we can buy you a new backpack & have your name put on it"(all the kids names are monogrammed on their backpacks). Then, Brock stated, "Mom, Mom you can just use my Transformer one". What would I do w/o my precious boys?

I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving & lots of reasons to be thankful. I know I have a list going out the door.

Promise not to go so long w/o an update.

2008-11-21T20:37:00.000-08:00

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY BRYCE!

Will update with the details tomorrow.

2008-11-04T19:59:00.001-08:00

Brock turned the BIG 4!! We celebrated with the family(his party is soon to follow) & he picked out everything...cupcakes, plates, candles & gifts..haha. I have to tell you all this, because this is just Brock. I was searching around the house everywhere trying to find where I put the candles for Brock. I even missed him opening up some of his gifts, because I felt like a goofball not remembering where they were(we had a house full of family)?? So, ancient time later....to heck with the candles- lets sing Happy Birthday!! Before we could get the first note out, Brock shouts, "Hey mom I know where my candles are! I will be right back." He had taken the candles up to his room! Go figure with Mr. Brock Davis. I should have known Brock knew where they were.

Cleaning Out!

2008-10-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

The last couple of days I decided to tackle Miss Lilly's closet & clean OUT!! I started with three boxes...one for resale shop(friends), another for garage sale & then to the toys I want to save for my grand kids one day. I came to the conclusion that I was saving everything....when I looked over at the keepsake tote. It was ridiculously overflowing with cute little baby toys & the forgetful playtime memories. Some(most) of the toys started with Bryce, then survived all the way down to Lilly(don't know how the toy managed to stay together). Those were for sure a keeper- w/o a doubt! I just didn't want my children to grow up & think I did not save any of their favorite toys. Now, they will probably think I saved EVERYTHING!! Here goes my obsessive compulsive behavior again. In the end I was amazed how much Lilly had outgrown her clothes & shoes(she just outgrew her last years fall clothes). Pants still fit around the waist, but she is definitely flooding in the length department-poor baby. So, needless to say, Lilly needs some new winter clothes. Watch out stores here we come!! Lilly is like her mom & freezes where ever she goes. She wears fall clothes to school, because she feels like an ice cube every time I pick her up. Thanks Bryce, Brock & Lilly for swaying mommy to keeping almost all your toys(you tell them we are going to get rid of it & they act like they have been searching for that particular toy forever)!! You can explain to Daddy when he can't move about in the attic!!!!

That is My Brock Davis!!!

2008-09-29T11:43:00.001-07:00

Might have to look close to see!

Today, I told Brock to get dressed since we were heading out. If you don't know, Brock changes 3-4 times a day & stripes down when we get home. Our rule is you wear drawer clothes for playing & hanging clothes for school. So, I told Brock to hurry & get dressed. This was the outcome- shirt & shorts from drawer, but the shirt was inside out, polo socks w/ on the wrong feet Transformer shoes & a huge melt your heart grin. He didn't know why I was laughing so hard. I pointed these things out & we laughed again together. These are the good times & remembrance of why we love Brock Davis so MUCH!!! Love ya Buddy- you did a great fast job getting dressed!!

Soccer Players!

2008-09-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

We are getting into the whole scheme of what it means to have a routine & commit to it. With all the kids having different schedules, there isn't anything left, but to have a day-by-day schedule. I will have to admit, I really like it also- kids in bed by 8:00!

I can now say I am officially a soccer MOM. I have the car(mini van) & now the kids. This weekend was the first weekend both boys conjoined & played soccer on the same day, but different places & times. These are the times when you wish you could be two places at once. Can't imagine when Lilly starts having weekend activities. I guess then it would be three places at once!! Mercy! Bryce did an awesome job of working his ball into the goal(Mommy wasn't there to see, but heard)!! Brock was a little more overwhelmed with all the swarming of parents & kids. However, Brock did get going the second game(yes, Brock played back to back) & played his little heart out. For the first time I can honestly say he was...... exhausted! This is very unusual for him. Then, after a great morning of watching soccer, we got to enjoy Shane's company over lunch. It was a very special, but needed treat for all of us, since we have not gotten to eat with Daddy in a month. It felt wonderful, but that was pushed aside when I thought about him only getting a couple hours of sleep that day(he got up early to watch the boys play) & then having to return back to work in a couple of hours. Shane is my bear, he could HIBERNATE forever! So, him not getting much sleep really thru him off. However, this Saturday Shane will FINALLY get a day off. YEAH!!!! He will return to his normal shift on Tuesday. The kids & I are so excited to have some Daddy time. The kids are going to probably think Shane lost his job, when he doesn't leave the house before 5:00.-too funny. Well we are so grateful & thankful for him & can't wait till Saturday. I also wanted to Congratulate my sister-in-law Kim, who received her Aggie ring-WHOOP!

Don't Blink!

2008-09-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

Daddy, gone in the blink of an eye, is what the past week has been like. The kids & I miss him terribly; however, he is the one who is indwelling all the sacrifices. I am at home with the kids & he is out there w/o us everyday! Poor guy, when is the city going to let up? I guess I would be alittle more understanding if the city didn't bring in herds of cops from every surrounding city. I know they are here to help, but help these HPD officers who need to go home & live a normal 24hr life. We only get to spend a few hours with him, then he is off to work-AGAIN! I don't know how I am going to manage- both boys soccer practice & games? I know Shane would take my place in a heartbeat, so I better quit complaining. I will say this, when Shane does get some time off(if the city would stop adding more wks of work) we are going on vacation! Shane has worked more than 100hrs of overtime! Can you believe that - Insane!

I am glad to report that my parents just received their power back on!!! On the other hand, my mother-in-law is still w/o electricity! What a pain.

We Survived IKE!!

2008-09-15T18:40:00.000-07:00

Tree & wind battle

the boys "Hunkering down"

Lilly slept right thru IKE

getting the cooler ready

the new band

What a long weekend it has been. It started off on Thursday, took the kids to school, went to visit Logan(my friend Addie had her baby) & headed out in the madhouse of shopping for the preparation for IKE. I was at HEB for two & ahalf hours. There was no bread, cereal, water, paper plates......CRAZY!! Friday the kids were out of school, so I knew there was a humongous chance we would be out of power for God knows how long, so what better way then to let the kids just tire themselves outside. In the meantime, Shane was receiving orders of mandatory work schedules & we were trying to get all of his things together. Honestly, it was scary not knowing when Daddy would get to come back home. He took extra clothes, uniforms, snacks, pillow & blanket. Off Daddy left around noon(he had to work 18hrs). So, Daddy was off & I was trying to get prepared, but also tire these kiddos out for the storm. I was worried about it getting hot & them waking up...basically, it could be a very long night with the kids in the dark.

We decided to "Hunker Down" for BIG Ike in our master closet. Our house is full of windows, so this was the safest place for us to be. "Hide from the wind & run from the water," was what Frank Billingsley said to do. So, we piled in our bunk around 11pm & watched DVDs until everyone fell asleep. I woke up to horrible howling noises, pitch black & walls shaking. It was scary! For the first time I didn't have anyone looking after me, but I was now in charge of these three sweet children. I grabbed the lantern & made the howling noise out to be the wind coming from the chimney. Got up at 6am to see the power was still off, but that my poor newly little tree was putting up a battle with the wind. I was ready to tackle the wind to save my little tree- pick on something else wind! The kids got up & we spent the rest of the day coloring, cutting & a lot of activities that you can do w/ no electricity. Shane got home that afternoon, but had to be back at 6pm. He has to work 6pm-6am everyday for the next month. Such a bummer, but that is his job & we have to support him, since he is supporting all of us! On Sat. we got our power back on around 4pm- thank you Lord! Our family came & stayed w/us & we had a fun time spending missed time together. We are very lucky & blessed to not have received any damage & have our power out for only a short amount of time.

My parents street looked like a pine tree was shaken upside down from the sky. Pine needle & cones covered over everything! My parents suffered from a fence falling down, but there neighbors on the other sides of them had uprooted trees! Please pray for the people who have yet to get their power back on(my parents & Shane's mom) & for Shane who is working tremendous overtime to stop criminals from stealing peoples things. Also, that Houston can come together & get things back to normal. We are so blessed! Thanks to everyone who has emailed us, called or posted comments on their blog. Sorry if I haven't called the phone lines are still tied up.

Brock & Lilly's First Day of school!

2008-09-02T10:37:00.001-07:00

All there bags, lunch kits & nap mats ready to be loaded in the car!! I pray God reminds me to get everything every morning!

Today, Brock started preschool & Lilly started Mother's Day Out. Brock was loving the whole idea of going to school & being able to get out of the car by the teachers. He thinks he is a big boy like Bryce being a car rider! However, Lilly was not feeling the same vibe Brock was. "I want to stay w/ mommy" she repeatedly said. It broke my heart to see her crying, along with the other kids crying, because mommy left. Lilly being my third child & previously doing thru this with Bryce & Brock; knowing this is completely normal for them to go thru this. The key is to stay consistent. NO consistency is only hurting them, esp. in the long run. Say a quick goodbye & leave. Bryce & Brock all did the same thing & have managed to love school when they are there. Every morning they ask dreadingly if they have to go to school, like it is an option! I have always been a routine & organized person- eat, bath, brush teeth, play & then book in bed. Now, I am overly obsessed with a schedule. Everything has to be done & kids in bed by 8pm. If it is 8:15 I am nervous of us getting completely off schedule & worry about the kids not getting enough sleep for school. I know what it is like when they are tired in the morning- BEARS!! Heaven forbid they act like that for their teachers. The nice thing about my kids, they act accordingly to our adjustments. They still don't understand why they are in bed & the sun is still out! I just have to remind them that they are getting up when it is dark. Brock surprisingly blurred out, "What mom, in the middle of the night with all the raccoons & animal night hunters." This is why I love them so much, just full of questions & answers.

Lilly Graduated from ECI!

2008-08-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can honestly say after 5 years the Borak household is done with speech! Bryce started speech when he was younger, then Brock & it was a routine until today. Lilly being the last was able to officially say goodbye to all of it. It is kinda sad in a way, because my kids are growing up so fast. ECI was a life saver to us over all the courageous years & we want to thank them all! I was real ecstatic to get Lilly's final review. Lilly tested over the age of 39 months for her cognitive, communication, social-emotional & adaptive behavior. She was on the level for 33 months for physical. Which was not surprising, but more elated, since Lilly had such very low muscle tone. Lilly could not walk up the stairs foot after foot. Basically, you have to not touch the same stair your previous foot is already on. It is constant, one foot per stair repeatedly. However, I am delighted on Lilly's all around progress. This is not including Lilly's 3month of prematurity. She she is a year ahead. Boy, was I not shocked on that one! Now, we are down from 8 specialists to 2! Making great progress. I always believe that God gave us the time for Lilly's lungs to heal & he proved again how blessed we are. In just 2 years Lilly has chopped the number of doctors we were seeing to rarely anything. God is so good!

First Day of Kindergarten!

2008-08-25T21:04:00.000-07:00

Bryce did an awesome job today. We all survived!

The First Time!

2008-08-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

Bryce is starting Kindergarten tomorrow! His first day of school is less than 24 hours away? Where has time gone...too fast for me, as if it is like sand slipping thru each finger of my hand. I can't grasp it, but yet I can feel it! I told Shane I feel like I had just gotten to see my precious baby boy in the NICU for the first time. I was shortened my time of pregnancy(by 6 weeks), but yet he was HERE! The first here to be loved, held, fed, his protector, teacher & now his parents. There is a first for everything...
- first pregnancy
- first born
- first to leave behind in the NICU
- first haircut
- first tooth
- first holidays
- first soccer game
- first EVERYTHING!
However, it doesn't justify knowing you are sending your first born off to a lifetime of school, when I feel like I just got him home from the hospital.

I guess for me, a stay at home mom, I am use to being with Bryce for all hours of the day. Now, he will attend 35hours a week away from me! I will admit I like to have a little mommy time(keeps me sane), but now he will be gone. I know he is going to have a wonderful time & I am so proud to see what path God has chosen for him. Bryce is a sensitive, full hearted little boy who has great words of wisdom. Bryce's words can move the dark clouds out of the sky for the sun to shine. When you least expect it, Bryce will tell you how beautiful you are or how much he loves to have you here with him. Such a thankful little soul. Now I know where his sister gets it from. If you could please pray that Bryce & I get through tomorrow. Maybe, a little more for me- I am going to need it!

My Little OLYMPIAN!!

2008-08-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

Wow, we have been so busy with all this Olympic excitement! I would have to say I am alittle bummed w/ Michael Phelps being done w/ all his races! He is just amazing to watch, beside the fact that Shane & I love the swimming events. However, we have moved on; watching Bryce complete his gymnastics. His gymnastics academy put on a little event show....maybe since it is Olympic Time!? Bryce did an exceptional job! Shane & I were blown away how strong he is...HERCULES HERCULES! I thought afterward he would definitely indore in a heating pad! He did great & we are so proud of you BRYCE!!

Upset with Insurance

2008-08-09T21:35:00.000-07:00

I received some very upsetting news this week..... as of March 2009, our insurance will no longer except our pediatrician. I am absolutely devastated to say the least.. We have been with our amazing doctor for over 5 incredible yrs, since Bryce was born to be exact. I feel as if we are not going to get the same high rise treatment if we are torn into going somewhere else. Which to me I would stay there forever, however, my husband has seen the medical bills pour in thru the mail, so he is a little more moving into finding another doctor. It is just not the same; to walk into the NICU & see your pedi holding & loving on your baby- I was just speechless. I was a real BIG advocate about not having Lilly stay in her bed the whole time, that is why we moved Babies R' US up there. I wanted her to be up & out exploring her surroundings. Seeing what she was all surrounded by & not just the 4 sides of her bed! The nurses were always moving & Lilly liked to watch. However, if I could I would have stayed up there 24/7 & just held her, but I had two precious boys at home who were dying for mommy's attention! Needless to say, when Shane & I or family members were not up there holding Lilly- our doctor was when he was at the hospital. I am just lost w/ all these mixed emotions of being angry, sad, hopelessness, feeling a failure to my children, uneducated on where to go next! How do I go about finding a new one? Start calling, interviewing, take my kids up there & let them decide? I feel completely in the dark. Maybe I don't want to start yet or ever, but when? Bryce & Brock are due for their yearly checkup w/n the next couple of months, should I start then. Should Dr. LaCour see them one last time or perhaps a new doctor? I have always felt 100% everything when it came to our pediatrician, I think that is why I feel like I am letting my kids down. Letting them down, because I feel like we have one of the best doctors in the world & I can't do anything about it to continue for them to stay there. I have spoke with our nurses & doctor & they all said to complain to the insurance company. I have called & called, left a million messages, but can't reach anyone to help me. I am not going to quit & will fight tooth & nail for us to stay. Then, I think this letter went out 6months ahead for a reason. So, please pray that our insurance will come to some sort of agreement with Texas Children's Pediatric Association, before my time is up.

Space Center

2008-08-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

Here our some pictures at the Space Center. We & the kids had a great time!

WolfaPalooza Weekend at Lake Travis

2008-07-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a great time we had this weekend. We went up to Lake Travis(Uncle Steve & Aunt Shereda's house) to see my dad's whole side of the family. We started this a couple of years ago, since trying to get together for Christmas was to difficult. Especially, when trying to balance out multiple families. Can you say headache? Every year we make unforgetable memories, along with playing catch up.
My kids had a blast, maybe since they all love the water! They all rode the Sea Doos, even little Lilly, who insisted on driving?! However, Lilly wasn't to sure about the tubing? We decided to skip it with her & try next time. However, she is a little dare devil; jumping into the lake, then, jumped into the pool with no floaties on! What is she thinking? Thinking she was having herself a good old time, having mommy chase her around the pool. She has absolutely no fear of the water, which is fine if I had another set of eyes, maybe a couple extra arms & a padlock to keep her from taking off her floaty. Overall, she will swim to the top of the water after jumping in & w/n minutes she is up wanting to do it again. She wears me out! Thank goodness I had them all young!! Bryce is doing awesome swimming! When you can sit out & let them swim- that is progress. Brock is still a little intimidated by the whole swimming by yourself stage. He can swim like a fish with you in the water, but that is it. His favorite game is for you to push him to the bottom of the pool so he can retrieve diving toys. I was pretty impressed if I might say so myself. My cousins little 18month old, Mason, was so infatuated w/ what Lilly was doing this weekend , it was too cute. Lilly would dip her finger in ketchup, so would Mason. Sorry, Shan, however; we did get Cole to start emersing his head into the water. Yeah Cole!
Since I found out that all of the family members have blogs, I just wanted to say thanks for a great, catch up weekend & we love you ALL!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-07-16T22:18:00.001-07:00

Day at the Dentist

2008-07-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

We all loaded up today & headed to see the dentist for the first time. What an adventure it was. Honestly, when is it not when you have three kids under the age of 5. I will have to say, the staff was ready & in full force to take this crew on! After filling out paper work after paper work(x3), we were led to the back for x-rays of their teeth. I will have to admit, the kids did very well. Shane also had a good time, maybe it has something to do with the fact that the kids dentist is an AGGIE! They talked about football & more football; okay why are we here? It was kinda funny to hear him ask questions about Lilly's prematurity. He had no idea what NEC was..or ROP? So, I found it amusing explaining to a doctor about it all. You could definitely tell he was a dentist & not a medical doctor. Overall, The kids took to him very well. Lilly did exceptionally well for her age, so the nurse said. Almost two hours later, we walked out with three happy kids; kids walked out with stickers, toothbrush, toothpaste & floss. What a pleasant & first time to conquer out the first trip to the dentist!

Everyone did hop on the scale today...the resluts are in, Bryce 47lbs, Brock 37lbs & Lilly missed the cut off to 25 lbs. To bad it wasn't 27lbs, then it would have been 27, 37 & 47lbs!! Now, that is a good way to remember! All the kids are growing like weeds. Speaking of kids...I ran into one of the parents from Bryce's preschool today. I was blown away to hear that her child has been in three camps, MDO & went to stay with relatives for a week?! What? I don't know if it is just me, but I want to be with my kids... I actually enjoy spending time with them. I know that am a little partcial since Bryce will be going to kindergarten; okay maybe A LOT, but still! We have been so busy doing things together...there was not any free time. They have been in swim lessons, gymnastics twice a week, going to the pool, movies & just enjoying having our friends come over & share memorable moments. What is better than that!!! However, a mommy's day out is always due every now & then. I just feel that these moments in life are the ones that you have to take advantage of. Take advantage of spending time with them, teaching them, loving & cuddling with them. They are so precious & ready to learn!
For those of you who do not know, we are in our house!! YEAH! We have been here for a couple of months. Still getting settled in with pictures...pictures....& more pictures. I didn't know I was a camera fanatic! All the pictures are so cute & I want to place them all out, but lets face it they are way to many. So, I am still sorting thru them; hopefully, I will have them all up & shining.