The Adventures of Mommy & Daddy

Christmas Card 2011

2011-12-24T09:52:00.001-06:00

Pictures Galore Christmas

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Blessed with the Best Family!!

2011-06-23T22:20:00.004-05:00

Well it looks like neither Kristi nor I have posted lately. I guess when life gets busy the blog gets left behind. With kristi working 4 nights a week, my internship in full speed, and general craziness we are b-u-s-y but blessed!

So for the past few months so many awesome things have happened. Let me just say that our family is awesome. Between building play houses, throwing birthday parties, paying for swim lessons and spoiling our beautiful babies, wow, just awesome. They have been doing things for us that at this point in our lives we could not afford to do for the girls. Its pretty awesome to have such a loving supportive family, best grandparents in the world on both sides!!

We love you and appreciate everything!!

In other news as of today 6/23/2011 we have less than $3,700 left to pay off, down from $34,000 last April. What a year it has been, working hard, studying hard, spending less, being content with what we have, thank you Lord for guiding us in this endeavor. It has not been easy, but it has been worth it. The burden is lifting slowly off of my shoulders :). 5 more weeks of being in debt and we are done forever (besides the house).

Ok, back to the internship work!!

Happy Fiesta!!

2011-04-15T15:09:00.001-05:00

DSCN1299, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Happy Fiesta San Antonio!!

Nothing Since Christmas?

2011-03-02T10:18:00.002-06:00

Where have the Cordeau's gone?
Well let me tell you...
No where! We are still here. Brian is working hard. He had his intership approved and will start in May and hopefully finish up his Masters Degree in December. Im so very proud of him.
Im on target to lose 100lbs in 2011. January I lost 10.4 lbs and February I lost 3.4lbs.
February was kind of a rough month all the way around. I was sick and when I wasnt sick one of the girls were.
And then I worked A WHOLE LOT for me. But everything in our house was breaking down.
First: An after hours plumbing call that put us back $350.00
Then: A faulty transmission in our washing machine. After an $80 service call for him to tell me that it was more expensive to fix then to buy a new one. So off to Lowes we go. A nice new washing machine $550.00
And to finish out the month of hemorrhaging money, our garbage disposal done disposing, and there is water backing up in the sick. GROSS! Eventually it got fixed... approximate cost $250.00 and way to much time and stress.
So with my optional nursing job, when they called, I went. Lots of long nights with some super crazy people. Not a whole lot of sleep. But its good I was sick for a week with bronchitis, bc that really was a chance for me to pay it forward to the sleep fairy.
But its all good. You have Let Go and Let God!
We have a goal to pay off the last 9k of our debt asap! So along with all the stuff we had to fix, we still managed to pay about $1300 to my bff sallie mae! Dave would be so proud!
The girls are great! I cant believe I have almost 3 year old twins! WHAT?
I promise I am going to be better about posting more, so that you dont have to read an entire two months worth of info in one ginormous post!

Loves!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-30T21:08:00.003-06:00

I know that Christmas is not about the gifts that are given or received. But I was to tell you about a few of the gifts that the girls received.
The girls enjoyed an amazing Christmas this year. And it was so much fun watching them. This was the first time that they were able to have fun with the wrapping paper and the toys and all that good stuff. It was awesome. They got all things Dora, a doll house, new tricylcles, and helmets. Brian and I made out pretty good also! But of all the gifts that they were given on Christmas day, the most perfect gift came a few days later in the mail.
Each daughter received a card in the mail from Ft. Davis. Little did I know that when I opened the card I would be nearly brought to tears by what was inside it. My brother Cleat and his family made a gift in honor of each girl to Heifer International. This gift is literally a gift that will keep on giving for a struggling family. What an amazing opportunity to change a family for generations to come. If you dont know anything about Heifer International-google them.
We so greatly appreciate all the gifts the girls received this year. And they have enjoyed playing with them.

the doll house

2010-12-30T21:07:00.001-06:00

DSCN0855, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

The Aftermath

2010-12-30T21:00:00.001-06:00

DSCN0950, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

This was approximately 10 minutes after the girls realized that those gifts were for them and they could tear the paper to shreds.

Before

2010-12-30T20:59:00.001-06:00

DSCN0902, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

This was the gifts all nice and neat on Christmas morning.

Fellowship Team

2010-12-30T20:56:00.001-06:00

DSCN0570, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Brian and I have been hosting a fellowship team at our house on Tuesday Nights for the last 11 months. This has been a rewarding and challenging experience all at the same time. Rewarding because we have grown closer to the people that you see in this picture and we have had the privilege of watching them grow closer to God and deeper in their Faith. Which is amazing!! Challenging because we have times were we wonder if we are the right people for this job. If God was sure what he was doing when he entrusted us with the group of people. At the end of the day we are reminded that this and everything we do is in His divine plan.
This was our White Elephant Christmas party. We ate a Riley's BBQ in Blanco and then drove on to Johnson City to see Christmas lights. This group of people are the ones that we do life together with. We are there for each other, we have honest, loving relationships, even when the truth is not what we always want to hear. This is our family and we look forward to another great year of spiritual growth, deeper relationships with each other and LOTS of fun in 2011

This Year Will Be Different

2010-12-02T10:24:00.003-06:00

Nearly every Christmas in the past has followed us around for several months after December and not in a good way... This year we resolved to pay for Christmas gifts in December, not in January through June like we have nearly every year we have been married. For me this was just standard, buy a bunch of things and then pay them off later. This year I want the good parts of Christmas to follow us around like memories, celebrations, etc, but not the bills LOL.

Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, not to celebrate Santa and making the credit cards work double overtime. So this year for the first time Kristi and I actually made a budget for what we can spend for each of our family members and are sticking to it. In the past we just went to Target, Malls, Etc and just spent until the day was over without really thinking about what the balance would be. We were just plain irresponsible with what God had provided us. We always have given to others especially through things like giving trees, and other charities, but we always spent money we didn't really have a the time, mostly because we weren't paying attention.

So this year we are doing a few gifts for family and some friends and giving to others, but mostly we are just going to make memories with our friends and family. We are going to have a great Christmas dinner, go see the lights at Johnson City and do little things with friends and family. The gifts fade, break, etc, but the memories will last forever. For instance one of my favorite memories from last Christmas was going to Johnson City with our friends and just hanging out looking at Christmas lights. Sure we exchanged gifts afterward, but the best part was just spending time with our friends and kids.

CHRISTMAS 2010

2010-11-29T16:20:00.001-06:00

Colorful Joy 2010 Christmas

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I'm Thankful for.....

2010-11-10T12:46:00.003-06:00

As I sit down to write this my daughter Aida has come to ask me to open her purse for the 150th time in the last 15 minutes. Kallison is looking frantically for her cell phone and along the way collecting as many bracelets as she can fit on one arm. And I can just think of how thankful I am for these beautiful little girls. Then I began to reflect on the previous years around Thanksgiving and what I was Thankful for in the Past. I soon realize that most of the life changing decisions, choices, and God's plans come to play out in the month of November. I think he does that so that I never forget how amazing He is and how EVERYTHING happens in his timing. My mind quickly races to November 2007. When we announced to our families that we were having twins. And being so grateful and thankful to our amazing support systems that surround us and how awesome our families were.
Then as I think about family I am reminded of November 2009. That November was for so many reasons one of the most life changing, eye opening, amazing months of my life. It was full of so many emotions that words really cant describe. But I will try and give you a glimpse in to the roller coaster month of my life that has forever challenged me and changed me and for that I am ever so Thankful.
After a year and a half at our church Brian and I were very much involved. I was in leadership, Brian served on set up team, we were in Fellowship team training, we had great friends. But there was something missing and by an weird turn of events, Brian and I were baptized by some of our closest friends. I am ever so thankful for their persistent love and encouragement. I know that I am most Thankful for God's Amazing Grace and his Unconditional love and forgiveness for his children.
In May 2009, I began a 6 month training program to run the Rock and Roll marathon. With encouragement from Brian and friends, I trained and focused my energies on being able to run 26.2 miles. Brian trained as well, but due to an injury he was unable to complete training. I could have and would have easily quit, however, I did not. Instead, I ran long runs on Saturdays and during the week. I was up to running 18 miles. The longest I had ever run. And no lie, it took forever. It was a challenge everyday. I hurt, I cried, I was dehydrated, I was slow, I smelled bad... you name it. But in August after 18 miles, I got sick. Quit training during the week and just did long runs, and thought about quitting. As a compromise to my ego, I settled for running the Half Marathon. So on November 15th I ran 13.1 miles through downtown San Antonio. It required determination that I was sure I did not have in my self, In that short 13.1 miles, I went through every emotion possible. For my fellow runners 13.1 is a walk in the park, for me, for someone who hates to work out more than anything it was an accomplishment of a life time. I know I will never do it again! I remember calling my dad to tell him I finished. I remember how amazed and proud of me he was. And I remember telling him I received a metal for finishing and I couldn't wait to show it to him over Thanksgiving.
He never got to see it. He died a week later. And that brings us to the most private, challenging and cherished parts of the last year. And ultimately what I am most Thankful for this year.
And that is Gods loving embrace in the darkest of days. Family support, love, care, kindness and compassion. And for friends that are always there to give encouragement, truth in love, and best of all HUGS.

New menu cards

2010-11-07T22:20:00.000-06:00

Big Cubes Chocolate Basic Borders

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Remembering Granpa

2010-09-22T14:12:00.001-05:00

DSC04410, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Granpa would have been 68 this year. Granpa loved birthdays. He loved any celebration really. So this year no detail was spared in remembering him. The day was complete with chocolate covered strawberries, yellow message balloons and artichokes. I know that you are far to young to remember him and the time that you did get to spend with him. But I hope that the small things that we do to remember him and the stories that you hear about him will help you to realize what an amazing man he was.

First Soccer Game

2010-09-11T21:47:00.001-05:00

DSC04382, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Thanks Granpa for taking us to our first soccer game. GO DYNAMO'S

Hold that thought!

2010-09-11T21:44:00.001-05:00

DSC04368, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Kallison

Gloves

2010-09-11T21:42:00.001-05:00

DSC04363, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Aida loves to read. She also loves to make sure that her feet stay sterile as she reads and walks around the house. \
She wont keep shoes and socks on, but she will wear gloves on her feet all day long!

$20k paid since May!!!

2010-09-03T13:41:00.000-05:00

16k car loan – gone

4k stupid (I mean student) loan – gone

12k stupid (I mean student) loan – in progress

We sold the car for what the loan was and paid it off, bye bye car payment. This car payment was a huge burden on our young family and was difficult to shoulder every month. When we first got the CR-V we thought we needed it for our family, its amazing how we were able to justify this huge purchase that we really could not afford since Kristi would not be working. I guess it seemed like a good idea at the time, but now that I look around on craigslist I see many many cars that are drivable and wouldn’t put us in the poor house. That being said having only one car is not without difficulties such as the pick up drop off schedule is different each day by a few minutes here and there. Luckily I have a flexible job in that respect, and being there past 5 is actually nice because there are fewer emails!!

The biggest change we have really made are that we stay out of malls, target, best buy, baby’s R Us…and all of the other stores unless we absolutely need something. Before we spent time wandering the aisles aimlessly and putting this and that into our cart, by the time we hit the register it was a $75 - $100 bill and oops we didn’t really need all of this stuff. Now we rarely venture into these stores unless there is a purpose and we have been paying cash for everything mostly not even using debit card except for gas. Small changes make a big difference.

Another big change was we stayed out of restaurants except for special occasions. We had been going out to eat 3+ times per week and one month we spent close to $500 on eating at restaurants. Wow that is a huge number, now we spend less than about $75 on going out to eat. We probably go out to eat or fast food less than 5 times per month. Well we have a long way to go still, but we will get there eventually. By the time it’s all said and done we will have an extra $1k to put towards things that really matter.

Don’t Worry be Happy !!

2010-08-25T14:34:00.000-05:00

Remember that song by Bobby McFerrin, if you are too young here is the youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9K4BKkLaCI. It’s just a goofy song but makes me smile every time, and it has some truth to it as well. Last week I looked at our calendar and it was packed full of this and that, Kristi working, going here and there and I was thinking wow we really have no family time this week. I was not happy about it and was really getting frustrated about it. Strangely enough as the week came and went it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be, we had plenty of time as a family and got everything done that needed to be done.

When I worry about something it accomplishes nothing. It frustrates me and I make a big deal of nothing. Most times what I am worried about never happens and so the time used worrying about it is wasted. Not to mention God tells us not to worry about anything that He will take care of us. Why is this so hard to grasp when the daily grind sets in?

Matthew 6:25 -27

²⁵"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life^a]">[a]?

I should not spend time worrying about daily problems, concerns, issues, etc, it will do no good. The time spent worrying is time spent away from my Father because I am not putting my faith in Him to take care of the situation. I know in my heart that He is always in control, but when I let my head get in the way worry can easily set in. My prayer today is that worry fades away from me, that I will not rely on myself but my Savior to remain in control at all times!!

Who wants to be average??

2010-07-21T22:43:00.003-05:00

I was thinking about this today about the number of hours spent each day and "coincidentally" the Bureau of Labor and Statistics released a report summary of the American Time Use http://www.bls.gov/news.release/atus.nr0.htm. Basically this survey looks at the American population and shows a breakdown of the number of hours spent doing activities each day by the average American. I would like to look more at the data later, but for now there were a couple of interesting findings that caught my attention.

The average male spends about 3.10 hours per day watching T.V. and 0.12 hours in "Religious and Spiritual Activities". That is for all surveyed, of course not all people engage in watching TV or Spiritual Activities, but this does say a lot about our society. This table is really interesting and deserves a look, but another interesting fact is that only 7% of the male population surveyed participated in any "Spiritual Activities", but nearly 83% spent some time watching T.V.

Here is the table of data from the BLS: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/atus.t01.htm. Its actually really interesting even for non-data folks :).

From the survey notes:

"Religious activities include those

normally associated with membership in or identification with specific
religions or denominations, such as attending religious services; parti-
cipating in choirs, youth groups, orchestras, or unpaid teaching (unless
identified as volunteer activities); and engaging in personal religious
practices, such as praying."

No More Car Payment

2010-07-13T07:25:00.002-05:00

Kristi and I have been married for over 7 years and for 6 of those years we have had a car payment. That ended yesterday and what a burden has been lifted from our shoulders. We will be a one car family for a few weeks but knowing that we will never need to make another car payment is a good feeling. About half of our debt was from the car and so we have slashed the total debt to less than 15k :). Kristi pointed out that we made a car payment for 6 years with nothing to show for it, but we did get to drive them for 6 years. The main thing I was hoping for is that we would not be too far upside down in the Honda, but we actually came out a little ahead and to celebrate we got some pizza hut pizza last night. I will say that I highly recommend Craigslist for selling ANYTHING. So far we have sold a watch, purse, stroller, and the Honda.

The best part of selling the CR-V was that the new owners are just amazing people. The transaction went smooth and Saturday night we spent a few hours just talking and hanging out after the test drive. Dori (the CR-V) has a great new family and we are 18 months closer to being out of debt. A true win-win, I think we are all going to a San Antonio Missions game once the weather cools down :)

New Schedule :)

Pmt#	Sallie Mae 2	Sallie Mae 2
08/01/10	698	157
09/01/10	698	157
10/01/10	530.77	324.23
11/01/10		855
12/01/10		855
01/01/11		855
02/01/11		855
03/01/11		855
04/01/11		855
05/01/11		855
06/01/11		855
07/01/11		855
08/01/11		855
09/01/11		855
10/01/11		855
11/01/11		855
12/01/11		855
01/01/12		605.39

For the LOVE of Stuff!

2010-07-02T08:52:00.002-05:00

I have spent many years focusing my life on what I didnt have and how I was going to get it. We should all have goals but along the way we should be helping and giving to others. And although I volunteered and loved on other with unselfish motives, I used that as a justification of deserving more. I do all this so I NEED to HAVE this. I remember saying or doing the following things... Like I didn have the Louis Vitton Purse, so I would settle for a Coach. I want more and bigger diamonds, This Dooney is not what I WANTED but it will do for now. Can i have a new car, this one doesnt have power windows or doors. I would go buy new clothes instead of doing laundry. I had a job and worked hard, Brian had a job and worked hard, we lived a a nice apartment with nice things, we had a few acquintances, but no real friends, we partied a lot, and if we argued the only way to fix it was to go buy something expensive. Like a tv, a computer, new cell phone, Ipods (i think at one point we had 7 forms of Ipods), or we would drink more. And it was all justified because sometimes we would do nice things for others, and I volunteered.
I look back at how silly this all sounds now. Just saying it and writing sounds crazy, like did i really live my life like that? I never thought of my self as a selfish person and I dont think that I am or was, I just think that all of it was for the wrong reasons, and since God was not the center of our lives it was really that we were WORSHIPING our STUFF and not GOD! And that is what makes it wrong today. That is what makes that life style not the one I want for my self or my kids.
I just finished reading Crazy Love by Frnacis Chan, and that was really the tipper on me letting go of all THINGS and giving it all to God. THINGS/STUFF to me was the last thing that I could control. I determined what I bought was mine, but its not. And I can have a closet full of Coach purses, but for what reason. They only provide a TEMPORARY happiness. I want a life full of happiness and joy, not empty stuff. The only way to get that life is through Jesus. I want to store up my treasures in Heaven not on earth. I read where you have a birthday and a death day and you have no control over either. But you do have control over what you do in between. And I dont want that in between to be full of ugly, selfishness, greed...STUFF. I want it to be full of love, grace, mercy, caring, compassion, service. I want to feed orphans in Ethiopia, and then bring them home to a bed and a family. I want to save lives through nursing, I want show my kids what it means to truly love God, a crazy kind of LOVE!
So I ask, what are you doing with the in between time?

Disney World!!

2010-06-29T07:49:00.004-05:00

Hey girls, you may not know it right now but in 4 years we are going to go to Disney World for your 6th birthday present. Why am i saying this now, well the story goes back many years when your mom and i first got married. We decided that we needed this and that for our little apartment, and then we needed more and more. And an X-box (which we never played). Then we needed a bigger nicer apartment in The woodlands which was awesome, but expensive. We were working all the time to keep up with our lifestyle of consume consume consume. Then we would pay some off and then dig a deeper hole, pay it off dig a hole...etc. Well a few months ago that all stopped. Student loans and car payment is all we have left now, but by the time you girls turn 6 they will be gone also. You see its not about what you can buy when you are out of debt, but what you can give away. For a while it will be difficult for your mom and I, but you will never know :). We will learn to be happy on less and less and no longer be slaves to Sallie Mae or SSFCU or any other company.

Proverbs 22:7:
7 The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is servant to the lender.

I have taken this to heart lately and feel like a weight on my shoulders when I think of what I let our family get into. Temporary suffering is ok for the greater good. We will do this as a family and I want better for you than what I am providing right now. So we won't have (m)any vacations, nights on the town, spending sprees etc any time soon. Even when we are debt free this wont change, but we will be able to give more away. I Love You!!! In 4 years when we are paying cash for a celebration at Disney it is going to be great, we will have hiccups along the way, but we are doing this as a family. Below is our payment schedule, which may change (for the better or worse) as life happens, but we have a plan.

Month	Sallie Mae 1	Sallie Mae 2	CR-V
10-Jul	353	157	365
10-Aug	353	157	365
10-Sep	353	157	365
10-Oct	353	157	365
10-Nov	353	157	365
10-Dec	353	157	365
11-Jan	353	157	365
11-Feb	86.8	423.2	365
11-Mar		510	365
11-Apr		510	365
11-May		510	365
11-Jun		510	365
11-Jul		510	365
11-Aug		510	365
11-Sep		510	365
11-Oct		510	365
11-Nov		510	365
11-Dec		510	365
12-Jan		510	365
12-Feb		510	365
12-Mar		510	365
12-Apr		510	365
12-May		510	365
12-Jun		510	365
12-Jul		510	365
12-Aug		510	365
12-Sep		510	365
12-Oct		510	365
12-Nov		510	365
12-Dec		510	365
13-Jan		510	365
13-Feb		510	365
13-Mar		316.07	558.93
13-Apr			875
13-May			875
13-Jun			875
13-Jul			875
13-Aug			875
13-Sep			875
13-Oct			282.73

Aint no Mountain High Enough....

2010-06-29T07:42:00.002-05:00

So the girls have been climbing everything for a while now. But yesterday we hit an all time record. My sweet angels have showed me their courage, strength, (mentally and physically), persistency, fearlessness, and stubbornness all in one act. Amazing little girls they are. About a week ago the girls learned to climb on their tallest dresser. Well this now distracts them from nap time and they take everything out of the drawers and it is just a real nightmare for mommy and I get beyond frustrated. Aside from it being dangerous. Well over the weekend, we had our usual power struggles about nap time and Kallison got her leg stuck in the drawer and was dangling upside down, naked from the 2nd drawer in her dresser. Scared me to death. I thought she broken her leg, it was horrible. I did not handle the situation well to say the least. Well the next day, I hear "ouchie, ouchie, mommy, mommy" so after a while i venture back in their room for about the 8th time during which should have been their nap time. And low and behold, my littlest lady (Aida) was hanging from her curtain rod. Naked. Kallison is sitting on the dresser, naked, playing with a toy. So that night, Brian screwed the drawers shut. ALL bottom drawers screwed shut. I thought, well we have two drawers on top for clothes they will never be able to reach them. Perfcet! HA... yesterday in again what should have been nap time. I go to check on them and THEY are sitting on top of the dresser. naked. Last night we had to remove the dresser. They might get it back one day, Im not so sure though.
All I can do is laugh to keep from crying. They are so amazing, smart, problem solvers, that im just excited to see what happens next. And as I dad, Brian encourages this independent, fearless behavior, as do I to an extent. But then the mom kicks in and I think "If you fall off that 5ft dresser you are going to get hurt". And then the nurse kicks in and evaluates all the potential injuries that could occur from this kind of reckless behavior.
Welcome to having two 2 year olds is what my mom says. Thanks!!!

Circus Time!!

2010-06-18T12:40:00.001-05:00

DSC04162, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

We took the girls to the circus yesterday and what a great time we had. There was a pre-circus show where we got to see all of the animals up close and meet the performers. Guess what? The girls were not afraid of the clowns, that was my main concern, but they did great. One clown tried to give Aida a fist bump, but she was not a fan. When we went up to our seats (it was a long journey to the nosebleed section) the girls wanted to play. When the circus started the girls were watching intently....for about 10 minutes, then they just wanted to play in the seats. Kallison was really having fun dancing and they were both trying to get popcorn from the people behind us.

After a while Aida started to fall asleep (yes at the circus) and Kallison was wild and ready to go walking. So we cut our adventure to the circus short and we headed home. It was a fun time for all, and they really put on a good show.

The F word...

2010-06-16T10:42:00.005-05:00

This week is Father’s day weekend and I look around and see the state of our fathers and it is really pitiful what has happened. Growing up I took it for granted that my Dad would be at my soccer games, serve as coach, and provide for our family. Now I look around and see so many families where dads just checked out of their kids lives. They may be there physically there but be away from their family. As a husband and dad I need to be there for my wife and kids by spending time daily loving on them. I know for my wife and kids L-O-V-E is spelled T-I-M-E. There has been a lot of talk about quality time vs quantity of time lately because as a society we are “busy” and I disagree in a distinction between the two. If we are too busy for things that matter it is time to look at where our time is spent. If I say I am too busy to spend time with my family what am I doing?? I was entrusted with my family from the Lord and it is not something to be taken lightly. When I come home and my girls give me a running hug from across the room that is one of the best parts of my day!! I pray that I will lead my family to feel this way about our Heavenly Father, that we will all run to Him and not put Him off because of other daily pursuits.

Time is our greatest gift from God and I want to treat it as such by allocating my time wisely.

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Man Up!!

2010-06-04T11:27:00.004-05:00

I wasted much time in my life. I spent much of my college career in the bottom of a bottle, passed out in a bathtub, making those around me suffer and in general just getting as far away from my “problems” as possible. Studying consisted of drinking vodka with a friend until we passed out and woke up the next morning to go to class. I destroyed friendships, hated being sober and just was a horrible person. At the time I didn’t care, I found justifications for everything, its easy to justify and rationalize anything to our liking. The thing is the problems were never solved and in fact I made them much worse. Except for a few friends who stuck around me I don’t talk to anyone from college. I could blame the drinking, but lets face it that’s just a lie. It was me, my heart was black and was in need of healing. I had friends who invited me to Chi Alpha at SHSU, but I just blew them off, what could God do with me? I was broken beyond repair and didn’t care to try anything.

When Kristi and I got married I settled down a little, but still there were times when I would just turn away from her and to drinking. Mindless self destroying drinking was my drug for any sickness. I said horrible things and was so unhappy. We did start going to church eventually, but it didn’t last. I want to blame the church, but again I am to blame. We didn’t go anywhere else, we didn’t even try. It was over 2-3 years before we set foot inside a church. In the mean time I spent lots of money to fill a void in my life. Bought all kinds of cool things, it was great!!! Can you feel the sarcasm? Hopefully so. Obviously the void was never filled. It was a God sized hole, couldn’t be damned up with money, alcohol, drugs ,etc.

When Kristi and I found out we were going to have babies a lot of things changed, but some didn’t. We started going to church every week. The first time we knew it was a place that we felt welcome. Miracles were happening in our lives, with the birth of our girls being a catalyst for change. I look how far I have come from the dark times and realize that there is still much further to go. Thank you Jesus for saving my life, marriage, family. Going through all of these times I tried to rely on only myself which did not work. God had a different plan.

I hurt when I see people I love trying to rely on their own strength and falling. It will not work, been there, tried that.

I struggled with taking care of my spiritual life first, family second. Oddly enough the first is taking care of the second. If you are struggling the best use of time is to pray often, real quiet time, rely on Jesus to carry you in pain. There is a way out, one way out just give it up to the Lord. Obsessive Facebook, TV, Wii, drugs, alcohol, spending money, working out, provide temporary relief but will not set you free.

I know from experience.

Brian

Happy Anniversery Kristi!!

2010-05-24T07:49:00.000-05:00

Seven years ago it started with a wizard, a white gown and a black tux…no this is not the start of the next Harry Potter book it was the start of something much more meaningful. We walked down the aisle separately and left as a couple to start a life-long journey. There would be ups and downs fights and make ups and a whole range of emotions. One thing remains true though and that is our love for each other and willing to fight for our marriage. It has not been all “rainbows and butterflies”, but it has been a great journey so far and I look forward to where God leads us together. I couldn’t imagine doing this with anyone else and I am so thankful that I get to come home to you every night. I Love You Kristi and I look forward to the next 70 years together.

Hey Look a Duck!!!

2010-05-16T16:40:00.001-05:00

DSC_6105, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Our babies are so sweet. We had a fun Saturday at the Duck Pond (thanks Renee for the location) and spent most of the morning chasing ducks, turtles and trying to keep the girls from going for a swim LOL. Its amazing how everything around them is so fascinating, things I take for granted are so fresh and new for them.

This week i hope i can use this perspective to see things in a new light. and not take for granted all that is around me.

Happy Mother's Day, Love Aida

2010-05-10T09:08:00.000-05:00

Mommy,
Happy Mother’s Day!
Top 10 list why you are the best mom ever!!
10. Early morning wake up calls don’t phase you (too much)
9. OUTDIDE!!!!!
8. Reading, I love when you read me books, even the same one over and over and over and over again. Nice pumpkin thisle!!
7. NICU was more bearable because you held me and loved me from the start
6. Apple Juice (my juice, my juice!!)
5. My daredevil moves don’t make you crazy
4. You put up with Qubo 
3. You and dad love each other so much!!
2. Bites!! (Cake bites)
1. You are the best mommy ever and I love you

Thank you mommy!!!
Love,
Aida

Happy Mother's Day, Love Kallison

2010-05-10T09:06:00.002-05:00

Mommy,

Happy Mother’s Day!

Top 10 list why you are the best mom ever!!

10. Diaper changes at 8am.

9. Pancake Puffs on Saturdays! Chocolate especially

8. Snuggles, even when I am cranky

7. When I was neon yellow you still loved me so much!!

6. I love our time together, reading, outside, wagon rides, and just being together

5. 3 am back rubs when I feel sick

4. Play time in the bath tub after messy dinners

3. You and dad love each other so much!!

2. Bites!! (Cake bites)

1. You are the best mommy ever and I love you

Thank you mommy!!!

Love,

Kallison

Kalli Kat Stare

2010-04-28T13:21:00.001-05:00

DSC04131, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Not sure why i was getting this look, but this is one of Kallison's classic stares. She makes this face often and usually when she does it means that I am in trouble for something!

Aida

2010-04-28T13:19:00.001-05:00

DSC04133, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Her favorite game is to hang up side down off the couch or my lap or where ever she can. She climbs everything, and hangs off of it. My heart is in a constant state of fibrillation. They make me so nervous. They are fearless!

The Family

2010-04-28T13:16:00.003-05:00

DSC04129, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Sassy!

2010-04-28T13:16:00.001-05:00

DSC04124, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Aida being a little sassy ! I love her!

Throwing Rocks

2010-04-28T13:15:00.001-05:00

DSC04101, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

We went out to a ranch in the middle of no where and watch Soraya (brad's girlfriend) get baptized. It was an amazing day all around. The weather was beautiful, the Holy Spirit was present, and it was amazing to see so many people giving their lives to Christ! I was honored to share this day not only with my wonderful family, but with Soraya and Kathy as they enter a new chapter in their lives.
The girls as you can see where focused on how many rocks they could throw in the river. They would have stayed out there forever!

Kallison

2010-04-28T13:11:00.001-05:00

DSC04054, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

This is the Fiesta Parade that the girls Mothers Day Out Program puts on every year. The older kids get to make floats and pull them as they walk around the church and the little ones 2 and under have to hang out in the cribs and the teachers push them around in the parade line. it is so cute. this is the girls second time to do it.

Aida Fiesta Parade

2010-04-28T13:08:00.001-05:00

DSC04053, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Friends

2010-04-28T13:07:00.001-05:00

DSC04038, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Noah and Aida

Flooded Street

2010-04-28T13:05:00.001-05:00

DSC03961, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Some pipes busted and they had to open the fire hydrant to relieve some pressure on the pipes and our street was flooded. This is Aida being fascinated by all the water flowing through the street!

Big Girl Beds

2010-04-28T13:02:00.001-05:00

DSC03997, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Its been a while since we blogged about what has been going on in our world.

This is the girls in their new big girl beds. They spend a lot of the time sleeping on the floor instead of the beds. But what ever makes them happy really and keeps them sleeping through the night is OK with me.

The Golden Girls

2010-03-10T09:49:00.001-06:00

IMAG0017, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

We went to visit Brian's grandmother a few weeks ago. She is beyond an amazing woman and she adores the girls. We wanted to give her a whole day to her self with the girls. Knowing that her house was far from baby proof, we made the drive and spent the day with her. She made us a delicious lunch and we played outside in the grassy area. She invited all her coffee friends to come and see the girls and have lunch with us. Brian and I were eating at the dining room table and they were at the breakfast table. When we walked in there to put our dishes away, this is what we found. Kallison sitting so calmly in the chair at the table, just enjoying the conversation. and by the look on their faces, they are enjoying her just as much.
This picture is priceless and absolutely made the trip !

Loves!

March 2010

2010-03-10T09:42:00.001-06:00

IMAG0042, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

WOW! I cant believe it has been since December that we have blogged about anything. That should give you a hint that the little ladies are keeping us rather busy. They are getting sooo big. They dont walk anymore... they run, in opposite directions and they run fast. They are talking a little, mostly words that only brian and i can understand. Sign language is their main form of communicating with us. They can do about 12 signs each and we learn more every week. They are back to mothers day out and love going. The love to be outside and love playing on their new playground and in the pool. They love the pool with or with out water.
That catches you on about all the stuff going on around our house.

Loves!

Christmas Reflections

2009-12-31T07:23:00.004-06:00

Kallison and Aida, this was a great Christmas for you that you got to enjoy more than just the wrapping paper :). You girls are loved by so many people and they gave you some great gifts like a kitchen, table set and of course the wagon which you do not want to get out of. I'm pretty sure that if you could sleep in it you would. Uncle Brad did good. So did the grandparents with the kitchen set, lots of food and a new table. Of course you girls just want to climb the kitchen like it's a rock wall and the table and chairs you keep moving around to use to get to higher locations in the house LOL. Somewhere you have mountain goat blood in you, thats all i can figure on that one. I love your adventurous spirit, don't ever lose that, I think that came from Granpa Butch.

He was an adventurous soul to say the least, had a passion for life and loved his family dearly. He will be missed. Mom tells you stories every time you go play on the play set he bought for you, stories about horses, unicycles, flying upside down and all the adventures he had. I wish you girls could have got to know him in more than just stories.

With all of the hustle and bustle of Christmas we must always remember what it is about, not family, food, gifts, decorations, etc, but the birth of our Savior. He came to save our souls even though we do not deserve it and that is cause for celebration. I hope we do a good job instilling that in you. Life is hard enough with Christ, it is impossible without Him.

The spirit of giving is alive and well in the Cordeau house, we gave a lot this year and were blessed with a lot as well, new tile, paint, etc for the house and many gifts (including a new drill, whoo hoo). The best thing about Christmas gifts are giving to those in need. We gave your old table to a place called Seton Home (http://www.setonhomesa.org/) which helps homeless teens with children or who are pregnant. Your mom and i know how hard it is to raise kids in a beautiful house with two parents, I can not imagine what it must be like for them. I feel that God is calling us to do more for this organization, and we are ready to step up to the plate.

Well it is new year's eve and we are getting the house cleaned for our party complete with champagne flavored cake bites :) so I am going to get to work on the house.

Love you babies!!

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-01T06:52:00.002-06:00

With 1600 miles under our belts just a day shy of a week, we have made it back home. We set out on our adventure last monday morning (nov 23) after we got word that granpa went to visit heaven. We hopped in the car and drove to Nana's house, then drove to see granpa, then drove back to nana's, then drove to see cousins and other family, then home. we enjoyed thanksgiving at Nana's house. She made some super yummy turkey, ham, green bean casserole, corn bread dressing, all kinds of stuff, and this year we actually got to eat it. We had so much fun playing with cousins, uncles, aunts and all the new doggies we could find. Granpa would not have wanted it any other way. We will miss him, but cant wait to see him again!!
Loves !

2009-11-16T08:00:00.002-06:00

Kallison and Aida, on Sunday your mom completed her first 1/2 marathon, a full 13.1 miles!!! She has been training for this for months and completed it, what an accomplishment with everything else she has done in the past year. Your mom is pretty much awesome in all ways, a great Christian, wife, mother, friend, entrepreneur, nursery director, etc. You girls are so lucky to have her as a mom. We Love You Baby!!!

Halloween....not so much

2009-11-08T19:58:00.002-06:00

Well the girls 2nd Halloween did not go so great, we had fun though. They did not want to get dressed in their costumes, but we are going to get pictures of them anyways. We had some friends over made hot dogs and gave out candy, we always seem to underestimate the candy though, every year we are THAT house that ran out of candy early. This year we survived till 8:30, yes 8:30, I remember growing up and trick or treating till 10pm and we barely survived till 8:30 LOL we had to close up the garage and move on inside. Had fun with friends and the girls hit a couple of houses for candy so it was a good time all in all. Plus I got some dark chocolate M & Ms, those are awesome.

Happy Halloween!!!!

South Padre 2009

2009-10-27T23:23:00.001-05:00

South Padre 2009, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Look sand!

South Padre 2009

2009-10-27T23:22:00.003-05:00

South Padre 2009, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Go long daddy!
Aida

South Padre 2009

2009-10-27T23:21:00.001-05:00

South Padre 2009, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

no hands in soccer, kallison!!

South Padre 2009

2009-10-27T23:20:00.001-05:00

South Padre 2009, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

sisterly love!

Pumpkin Patch 2009

2009-10-17T21:21:00.003-05:00

Pumpkin Patch 2009, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Family picture at the pumpkin patch!!

Pumpkin Patch 2009

2009-10-17T21:21:00.001-05:00

Pumpkin Patch 2009, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Our little pumpkins on a pile of pumpkins

Sitting on her dresser

2009-10-17T21:19:00.001-05:00

DSC_3569, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

When I came to get my girls up for breakfast this is what I found. My sweet little Aida climbed out of her bed and was just hanging out on her dresser eating her shoe.
Kallison was in her bed (like a good girl) cheering her on.

We rearranged the room before nap time and then that weekend we lowered them to the lowest position.

No more snuggles...

2009-09-25T11:43:00.003-05:00

So for 17 months the girls have not slept apart. Until Now. Apparently they have decided that eating human is ok and we have entered the biting stage head on!!! Both girls are participants, and only seem to want to bite each other and sometimes us. So because they sometimes get frustrated with each other while they are in the same bed and the only way to solve those frustrations are to bite, they have now started sleeping in their own beds. They sleep fine. Then they talk to each other and do stuff and laugh. So im really the one that has a hard time with this. Im really sad actually. I think that i am going rearrange their furniture so that they can at least touch each other, just in case they miss each other.

Keep the Change Girls!!

2009-09-22T07:27:00.002-05:00

Well this weekend we decided to do something for our girls that should be a good way to force us to put away money for the girls. At Bank of America they have a "keep the change" savings account where basically whatever change is left from your purchase will go into a savings account. So say you spend 3.50 at Starbucks, your transaction will be rounded to $4.00 and the other $.50 will go into the savings account. On a side note I dont think you can buy anything at starbucks for 3.50 anymore. This is a good way to put money away without even missing it, because it is only a little at a time, but over 18 years it will add up :). We have one for Aida and one for Kallison and if they get money for birthdays, Christmas, etc it will go right to these accounts also, pretty cool way of saving money for the girls Harvard education, or medical school, they haven't really decided yet...

What? You're missing a Tooth!!

2009-09-16T16:12:00.003-05:00

Thats right! Aida is missing a tooth. I know what you're thinking, she's too little to lose a tooth. And you're right! She did not lose it the good ol' fashion way... NOOOOO!! She did it with style- the Cordeau way!
BY FALLING!!!
Brian and I are very talented, we have lots of great skills. However, Grace is not one of them. Brian and I are two of the most clumsy people you will ever meet, so it is no doubt that our beautiful children would inherit this unfortunate gene. We have by the Grace of God been very fortunate that we have not had any worse accidents up until now. 16 months is a long time to go with out any major problems. But our 16 mos accident free record flew right out the window yesterday.
Aida was running down the drive way yesterday morning while we were loading up to go to school. She fell (like she often does) and only shed about two tears. And was ready to go again. So she gets in the car, and i hand her her ego and we are on our way. We get to school and I notice that she has a goose egg on her forehead, and her knees are skinned up. But she is good to go. She goes to school, has a great day. I was sure to tell her teacher to watch for signs and symptoms of head injury. Her teacher is a registered nurse, so she knows exactly what to look for. So Im not concerned. I pick them up from school and she is fine. They did all kinds of fun stuff including coloring a picture. So its when Im on the floor talking to her and Low and Behold.... she is missing her front tooth!!! So I go into mommy panic mode and begin to call pediatrician and the dentist and whoever else will answer their phone. Luckily only a few people answered and had to listen to my crazy rambling about what a horrible mother i am...blah blah blah.
So we take her to the dentist and he feels around, and looks and she bites his finger and he says that she is OK. And it looks like it just got pushed back up through her gums. And that it should eventually emerge again like a normal tooth. So that was good news. Because let me tell you i was already trying to mortgage my house to afford flippers for her to wear until she was 9 and that big girl tooth came in. Rest assure, my house is not on the market, and my pretty little lady will get her tooth back as quickly as it disappeared. And her mommy is doing much better today. I dont feel like the worst mom in the world any more.
Thank you for all your emails, concerning phone calls, and prayers. They are so appreciated. God knows these little girls need lots of prayers, look at who their parents are.

Loves!!!

The Cordeau's at the Midland Duck Pond

2009-09-09T07:56:00.010-05:00

The Cordeau's at the Midland Duck Pond, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

What a whirlwind trip we had this week to Odesssa, Midland, Marfa, and Balmorhea, I am pretty sure we put about 1500 miles in total on our trip and let me say the girls did great!! We left San Antonio Tuesday night and drove to Odessa after a stop at Dairy Queen. This was a funny stop because there was about 7 cars in the parking lot, but nobody inside eating. It was a little freaky i guess :). We got to Odessa at about midnight and we were exhausted. Driving those roads at night we had to drive slow after getting off I-10 and saw about 30+ deer on the side of the roads just waiting to jump out in front of us LOL.

Once we arrived safely we all went to bed, Kristi's mom even got up to help us get situated, the new room on their house is awesome. It stays cool and has a 73inch HDTV, great for football and we watched Cars on it and it was sweeeeeeeeeeeet!! On Wednesday we went to visit the nursing home where her mom, tia and Stacy work, I'm pretty sure that all of the residents, employees and anyone else who will listen know everything about Kallison and Aida LOL. They made lots of new friends at the home and even tried to escape a few times. They got to play with the big dogs at the home and walked around the back for a while also. A great time was had by all. I even got to meet the head gardener and saw all the tomatoes and other veggies he was growing.

That evening we got to have some awesome chicken fried steak!! and Pibb Zero which we can't find in san antonio for some reason, we like Pibb Zero.

Thursday we headed over to Midland for a full day. We went to the duck pond (Duck Pond Pictures) and the girls had a blast feeding the ducks, the geese were pretty mean though. Kallison and Aida liked the ducks until they surrounded them and then they were not too happy about them. One of the ducks stole a cookie from Kallison!! The pics on flickr are hilarious! Next we went to the MARC park in Midland also called Opportunity park and spent some time playing on the slides, swings, etc. They love to be outside but it got pretty hot so we headed over to the children's museum, they traveled the U.S. U.S. Video, played at the beach, were on TV, went to a bank, etc at the museum it was great, but mostly it was nice to be indoors in the A/C.

After we left the museum we went to Sonic (never again, except for sodas at happy hour) and for some reason the sonic in midland is 20% more expensive then the one in Odessa. Not to mention Kristi's burger looked like it went through a tornado before it came out :). Everytime we go to sonic anywhere it seems like they 1. Mess up an order and 2. are way overpriced. I think we are done with that place.

Next we went to Hospice of Midland (forgot to add this earlier) and spent some time there showing off the girls and chatting. They did not like the puppets, maybe too young for that, but we had a great visit. They do some amazing work there and are a great group of people.

In the evening we went to Sam and Angie's house for some family, food and fun (lots of fun). I think they were surprised about how big Kallison and Aida are and that they can walk LOL. Sydney and Shelby had fun playing with their cousins and then we all hopped on the trampoline for a while. Ok I am pretty sure i had the most fun with that, we were playing keep away, soccer tag (Sydney invented that game), and then more keep away. I think we all played for about 2 hours on the trampoline LOL. These girls are getting big and we had a blast! Thanks to Angie for taking some great pics: Seeing Double. Lori and her girls stopped by to visit also and Payton came out to play on the trampoline also, Sam and Angie had a full house LOL, good times were had by all.

(next post will be about the rest of our trip...)

Crazy Weekend

2009-09-01T15:48:00.003-05:00

Where do the weekends go? Kristi and I had an awesome, but crazy weekend and as I write she is getting us ready for our vacation.

So here goes Saturday we got our Plasma TV put on the wall finally and it came out really nice looking, it was something we wanted to do for a while but just finally realized it needed to be done sooner rather than later since the girls are getting into everything. After that was put up we took a nap and then went to go see the San Antonio Missions Baseball game with Brad and Soraya. It was great. Kallison loves cotton candy, Aida wouldn't touch the stuff. Although finally she did eat a little bit, when we weren't looking, maybe she wasn't sure what it was LOL. We all had fun and the girls got to see the giant Jalapeno (Ballapeno) and Henry the Puffy Taco.

Aida started crying when the little boy was chasing the Puffy Taco and tackled it, she is funny about things like that. The girls also got to go play on the grassy hill with Brad and Soraya and it was fun. They love to walk all around and say hi to everyone and especially wave.

The grand finale of the night was the fireworks show sponsored by the Tobacco Prevention group, it was awesome!! They really did a great job with the show, it was a salute to college football with pictures on the screen and the school songs as well. What a deal for less than $10 per ticket, $10 at a professional game wouldnt even get you a coke :).

We met some other twins at the game as we were leaving who were just 4 months old, so tiny, the parents had a whole entourage of family and friends with them, LOL.

Sunday was a busy day as well, we went to church and heard a great message about being humble and the dangers of pride. Next we went to a birthday party (after a long nap), so many babies are turning 1 lately LOL. Happy Birthday Andrew S.!! His parents went all out for this party and we all had fun, the bouncehouse was HUGE!! I wish we could have stayed longer. Next we went to family hangout and stayed till about 9pm playing in the sand, some volleyball (not good for my ankle) and in general having fun with friends. We really enjoy going to these events and its a great way to get to know people. The girls got to play in the sand, and walk all around in the grass, they love to practice their walking skills!!

All in all it was a fun weekend, and Monday started off great with a visit to the park after work. Its nice to be able to watch the girls slide down slides, climb little rock walls and swing on the swings. It's sad when we think it is nice outside when the temp drops below 100 :).

Brian and Aida

2009-08-06T08:09:00.001-05:00

Brian and Aida, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

See post below

The Girls First Baseball Game

2009-08-06T08:08:00.001-05:00

n25416710_36181663_2813396, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Kallison and Aida went to their first baseball game last night and it was great!! They got to see the Henry's Puffy Taco, Whataburgerman and of course Ballapeno (a giant jalapeno wearing a baseball uniform) and they didn't cry, probably because they were far away. The San Antonio Missions lost 2-5, but it was fun. We stayed until after the 7th inning stretch and took off afterward.

The girls did great though, they made some friends (as always) waved at the baseball players and had a great time in general. It was Military Appreciation night and the players were wearing some really cool camouflage jerseys, its awesome that they support our men and women of the armed forces (go Brad!!).

These games are fun because unlike the huge MLB games we can do a whole game for less than $40 or so. And those are the top dollar seats ($10), people are so friendly at these games too and we will be going back soon (Saturdays are fireworks nights). Go Missions!!!

New Pictures Posted

2009-07-13T23:02:00.001-05:00

DSC_3347.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Yep we posted some new pictures of Kallison and Aida's birthday and 4th of July pics :)

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-22T08:08:00.005-05:00

Happy Father's Day to all you fathers, new and experienced :). This was one crazy weekend and it was everything I could have asked for. Friday night we met with our great fellowship team and hung out and talked about life, the half marathon, and in general had a great time. These people have become such good friends and it is great to have them in our lives.

Saturday was the big race day, I am so proud of my beautiful bride she has done awesome in her running journey. It was HOT on Saturday and the course was a loop trail 4 times around between 3-4 miles each leg. The first two legs I felt great, the third was tiring and the fourth was just plain mean, but I completed the race in 2:26:41.9. I was not last place in my age group this time either LOL. My goal was to be less than 2:30 so I am happy with the time especially in the heat I thought I would die on the fourth lap it was the most grueling thing I have done, and in November I have to do it twice LOL I must be crazy. Thanks to all the supporters and fellow runners from Gateway Fellowship, you Rock!!!!

Sunday was awesome as well, after church we went out to lunch with the Rios family, what an awesome family they are, we love hanging out with them. Then we got to go home and take a much needed nap and go hang out with some friends at the park where I played basketball and then some sand soccer. Lets just say my legs are sore today and it is difficult to walk, a great time was had by all.

Girls did great all weekend, but they are getting more and more curious about things like tablecloths, crab rangoons, and anything else that can be taken off the table when going out to eat. We love them!!!

Oh yeah and last but not least Aida took a few great steps at church on Sunday, she stood up and we were all watching and she took one step and we all started clapping, and then another, more clapping, and a few more after that, what a great fathers day!!! The girls got me some sweet cards and an iTunes gift card, but the best gift of all was time with them this weekend, and they let Kristi and I take a nap on Saturday and Sunday. Sometimes its the little things that mean so much.

First Steps

2009-06-09T16:27:00.003-05:00

Kallison took her first steps yesterday. she only took a couple and fell down. but she was super cute when she did it. And Aida is right behind her walking with her little push walker. My babies are growing up so fast!!! Im not ready!!

Uh OH!

2009-06-05T09:56:00.001-05:00

IMG_3081, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Shhhh...

2009-06-05T09:55:00.001-05:00

IMG_3085-bw, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Aida says "I wont tell if you dont tell!"

Family Pic

2009-06-05T09:53:00.003-05:00

IMG_3524, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Family Pic

2009-06-05T09:53:00.001-05:00

IMG_3524, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Thanks for the Cards!

2009-06-05T09:38:00.003-05:00

DSC_3150.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Aida

2009-06-05T09:38:00.001-05:00

DSC_3151.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Likes to play with her cards also. They are so much fun!

Happy birthday cards

2009-06-05T09:37:00.001-05:00

DSC_3154.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Kallison is having fun opening and eating her birthday cards from nana barbie and ted and some from grandmolly and granpa wes

One Year Check Up

2009-06-03T11:30:00.003-05:00

So the girls went in for their one year check up. They are doing great. They got the usual shots and all that fun stuff that goes with well checks. But they had a special little surprise at the end of the visit. Mommy got them their ears pierced for their birthday. So the doctor came in with his special stuff and pierced the girls ears. I will post pics later. They cried for about 10 minutes and then that was it. They are such troopers when it comes to shots and stuff. And they look so cute!! Happy Birthday Girls!!

A Year? Really??

2009-05-28T08:54:00.003-05:00

Today Kristi and I started the morning by singing Happy Birthday to you girls, one year old, 12 months old, 365.24 days old, 8 765.81 hours old, 525 948.77 minutes old, 31 556 926 seconds old...WOW anyway you look at it it is hard to believe. 12 short months you girls were born and time has flown by. There are so many things that have happened, most chronicled in this blog LOL, but it is hard to believe a year has gone by already. Many memories have been made this year and many more to come, we love you girls more than you will ever know.

Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday Kallison and Aida, Happy Birthday to You!!!

Get ready for some cake for lunch, whoo hooo!!!

mothers day

2009-05-12T06:51:00.002-05:00

It seems like forever since i have posted anything. The girls are great. They are super busy, which keeps me super busy. They are not walking yet, but are cruising around furniture, and Aida can stand by herself for a long time...she just cant quiet get that first step in, but she is hard at work trying to do that. They are absolutely into everything. There is not one place in the house that they have not tried to explore, and what ever can get into their mouths. DOES!!!!

Mothers day has rolled around, and if you kept up with our blog throughout the pregnancy then you know that last mothers day we spent in the hospital because the girls wanted to surprise us! You also know that they did not come out that weekend.
This mothers day the girls got me some very sweet cards and daddy worked extra hard to get their hand prints inside, very cute! And Brian got me a beautiful picture frame and printed one of our family pictures from the photo shoot. It was great. Brian had planned to grill me an awesome dinner, but i insisted that we go and visit his mom for the day. So after a long day at church and Brian volunteering with the single moms luncheon, we drove to houston and surprised brians mom. His dad knew so he had already made a yummy dinner.
It was a great first mothers day!!

The Uh Oh game!!

2009-04-25T11:34:00.002-05:00

Kallison started saying "uh oh" on thursday and now everything is "uh oh" and she knows like when i would say it would be when i dropped something so now the smart little cookie drops everything on the floor and says "UhOh"!!! Its nice... its mommy's favorite game. She also likes to use her bouncer as her own personal trampoline and when she would bounce to hard or fall out or something I would say "Uh OH" and now the whole time she bounces it is "uh oh, uh oh, uh oh!!! WOW!!! I cant wait til they start talking all the time!! It will be nonstop!! They talk a lot now, and they are barley words. Kallison can say, mama, dada, baba, bop bop bop, uh Oh. Aida says all of them but uh oh. but just wait until next week and they will both be throwing stuff and saying "uh oh"....

Toofies!!!

2009-04-25T11:28:00.002-05:00

And the adventures of biting everyone beings!!! The girls got their first teeth. I noticed them yesterday, funny that Aida was biting my finger when I noticed that it was kinda hurting. So low and behold I check and she has one little stubby tooth on the bottom. I checked Kallison and she has two little stubby teeth on the bottom. YAY!!! My friend and I were just discussing that the thursday. And it must not have bothered them too much, bc i did not even know that they were teething. No crying, no fever, no fussiness at all. They have such a high tolerance for pain and all together just have no fear. We're gonna have fun with that later. I love it!! Do you think i should take them to the dentist yet, or wait til they get all of them? I'll make an appointment now, just to be sure that they are growing in properly.

JK...see now i can even joke about my psychotic behavior!!! HAHAHAHA

Post 263

2009-04-19T23:35:00.002-05:00

Where does the weekend go? It was pretty crazy this weekend, had some good friends over friday for grilling hot dogs and reorganizing the guest room which is in the process of being converted into "thesis central". Thats another story though... We took our girls to Bandera for some Easter/birthday pictures and three hours and countless changes of clothes later it looks like we have some great shots. Our photographer was great, patient, fun and just had a great time overall. Kallison got pretty tired at the end and didn't want to smile, however she did manage to pee everywhere LOL. Aida was a trooper through the whole thing and had fun. They both got to play with cake and it was wild, Kristi and I were covered in cake by the end and the girls needed a bath in the sink, it was awesome.

It was tough because the girls woke up at about 5a because of the thunderstorms that moved in so they were exhausted by lunchtime and so were we. We had lunch next door and Kallison and Aida both got to try refried beans, Kallison gave it a 10 Aida not so much. But this place had some Awesome Horchata!! It was a great day. One thing about it everything we do with these girls is an experience, our love for them grows everyday, with every Ba Ba, Ma Ma, Da Da, laugh, cry, stand up, fall down, new food, smile, and 1000 other things they do or say we are blessed to be there through it all.

Having kids really has shown me what God must feel about us, that he sees us through all of these milestones, challenges, mistakes, rejection and He is our biggest fan. He won't give up on us no matter how far we stray, I never really understood why until having kids of my own. I know our girls will be faced with a lot of challenges in their life, but I know that Kristi and I will always love them and be there through all of them.

Well it is past my bedtime so I am out. Will post pictures soon when we get them :).

Swinging!!

2009-04-15T09:02:00.001-05:00

Kallison's laugh is priceless!! Aida looks like she is holding on for dear life :), they are so sweet

warm and toasty

2009-04-14T11:56:00.001-05:00

DSC02249.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

We like to be warm and toasty after being in the cold pool! Grandpa lied to us and said it was warm. It wasnt, but the towels were!!

Kallison and the Turtle

2009-04-14T11:55:00.001-05:00

DSC02245.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Kallison had to sit backwards in the turtle because his head blocked her view, but all in all she had a great time!

Aida and her starfish

2009-04-14T11:54:00.001-05:00

DSC02242.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

she was a little iffy about the pool and the starfish all together!

swinging!

2009-04-14T11:53:00.001-05:00

DSC02233.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Kallison

2009-04-14T11:52:00.003-05:00

DSC02212.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Aida

2009-04-14T11:52:00.001-05:00

DSC02207.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Aida playing in the swing at school after their "Easter Egg Hunt".

First Video (Fun with baby wipes)

2009-04-03T20:21:00.002-05:00

For all you parents-to-be out there, this is 100% proof that baby toys are unnecessary :)

Wow what a blessing

2009-04-01T10:58:00.003-05:00

As many of you know Kristi was not feeling that great for the last few days, well today we found out why. That's right!!!! Congratulations to us. Our family has grown from 2 to 4 and now 7. In case your math is not working properly that means we are having triplets from what the doc can tell... Wish us luck!!! I'll post the ultrasound pics later today, 3 heartbeats = 3 babies!!! I guess we really do need a bigger house now.

Sweet Angels

2009-03-25T20:31:00.001-05:00

Sweet Angels, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Here are two of the sweetest babies you will ever meet, I went in to go do prayers with them and they were snuggled up holding hands. Let me just say I love being a dad!!

9 month check up

2009-03-12T14:41:00.002-05:00

This month the girls went in for their 9 month check up. Can you believe they are 9 months old already? It really does seem like time just flies by. They are at such a fun age right now. They are all over the house. Aida is so independent and Kallison loves to snuggle, give hugs and kisses (kinda). They crawl around and chase the dogs. Im sure that Turbo and Kimi love getting the exercise. We have to baracade the house so that they can stay in their little space, but some time the baracades are just ineffective. They talk all the time. They say mama, dada, and baba. Brian was recently out of town for about a week &1/2 and the girls were just starting to say dada so when he would call I would put him on speaker phone so that he could talk to them. On more than one occasion that week one of the girls would pick up my phone and say dada! it was so sweet! So of course every time one of them did that, I would call dada so that they could talk to him. Now that he has been home for a couple of weeks, they dont call my phone dada anymore, they call him dada.
Anyways, at their check up they were doing great. Kallison weighs 18lbs 8oz and is 26 inch longs and Aida weighs 18lbs 4oz and is 26.5 inch long. they were exactly were they are suppose to be for their age group. Doctor said that we can start table food. Hmmm... I dont think mommy is ready for that. They dont have teeth yet. Can they eat real human food with out teeth? Doc said they can gum it. We will see how is goes!!!
Thats the update for now!! There are lots of new pictures on our Flickr page!! The link is to the left!
God Bless!!

Aida's spaghetti pose

2009-03-12T14:36:00.003-05:00

IMG_0281.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Kallison's Spaghetti Pose

2009-03-12T14:36:00.001-05:00

IMG_0280.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Aida eating spaghetti

2009-03-12T14:35:00.001-05:00

IMG_0274.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

I love spaghetti! Thanks Mom and dad... he made it!

We like Spaghetti

2009-03-12T14:34:00.005-05:00

IMG_0272.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Kallison eating spaghetti for the first time!! It was yummy!

We love shoes!

2009-03-12T14:33:00.001-05:00

IMG_0262.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Bath time

2009-03-12T14:32:00.001-05:00

IMG_0245.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Aida

2009-03-12T14:31:00.001-05:00

IMG_0235.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

First pony ride. Shes a natural!

I love my sister!

2009-03-12T14:30:00.003-05:00

IMG_0232.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Look at me

2009-03-12T14:30:00.001-05:00

IMG_0230.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

I can stand on the side of the crib now!!! Mom and dad are in trouble... they just dont even know!

Chapel Day

2009-03-12T14:29:00.001-05:00

DSC02197.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Aida

2009-03-12T14:28:00.001-05:00

DSC02193.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Im ready for Chapel day with Timothy The Turtle!!

Kallison

2009-03-12T14:27:00.001-05:00

DSC02187.JPG, originally uploaded by cordeauphotos.

Going to school! Its chapel day so we get to dress alike in our MDO shirts!!