The Hooks Household

First Slumber Party

2008-05-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

Last night Jacob had his first friend spend the night. He was so excited. Camron stayed over after our Bible Study group had left. The boys got to stay up late and watch a short movie, and we made a big "sleeping bag" on the floor for Jacob, Camron and Jude. Camron had to sleep in the middle because both boys wanted to sleep next to him so badly. Camron and Jacob came strolling out of the room at 6:15 this morning and got comfy on the couch to watch some early morning tv. At 8:30 Jude's sweet friend, Ben, came over to eat breakfast and I made pancakes for everyone. Grace was around in the mix of things as all the guys played outside and "painted" with buckets of water. Jacob kept talking about how much he loved that Camron stayed the night and was "still here in the morning". It was such a fun time and a good way to start the summer.

Things from May (Because I Have Been Lazy)

2008-05-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

Wow...May is almost over which means summer is almost here which means I have got to get better about blogging because summer is always wonderful for the Hooks House! May has rolled along with the end of soccer season, a final choir concert, sunny days and beautiful kids. We are finished with school tomorrow and Jacob will have his first friend spend the night which I will definetly get pictures of...Enjoy the end of May pictures. We have had an amazing Spring with friends and family. Jacob is now 4 1/2 which seems way too old to me. I actually mistook Jude for Jacob the other day because Jude has grown so much. Grace is just rocking along enjoying her toenails being painted and being the most beautiful girl we have ever seen. Blessings to you all.

Hanging with Ben

2008-05-09T12:18:00.001-07:00

Our friend Teresa has spent an entire school year watching Grace on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It has been such a blessing for us. Grace loves Teresa and her son Ben so much and gets super excited everytime they are around. We were able to begin to put a teeny tiny dent in what we owe Teresa and Ben on Wednesday when we got to hang out with Ben. Grace was overjoyed! She kept getting on the couch to sit next to Ben and they were super sweet together. I snapped some shots of the kids being silly in our den.

Celebrating Cinco De Mayo in PJs

2008-05-09T12:06:00.000-07:00

It was Cinco De Mayo on Monday which, for some reason, translates into a random "holiday" in Texas. Most of the big kids were off of school that day so, we decided to host a Cinco De Mayo breakfast at our house. This consisted of kids in their pajamas and all the fixings for great breakfast burritoes. Teresa made excellent cinnamon rolls too which have nothing to do with Cinco De Mayo, but tons to do with eating! We had such a great time with all of our friends. I have a few pictures of kids eating and one of Jacob climbing a fence in his Spiderman pajamas which seemed completely appropriate.

Jude's Potty Party!!!

2008-05-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

Today was the all day event in our family known as the "Potty Party". This time it was for our Jude. He has been going to the potty more and more lately. This Thursday his teachers in preschool let us know that he insisted on going to the potty all day at school. I knew there was no denying it was time to throw the potty party. After breakfast today, Jude was crowned "King of the Potty". We marched around the house doing cheers and chants! "What do we wear? Underwear!" was our battle cry for today. Jude was super excited. He put on his Thomas the Tank Engine underwear and suddenly became an official big boy. He wore his crown to the park, to Mama's house, to El Chico and to bed tonight. We topped the day off with sugar cookies and sang "Happy Potty Party" to Jude. As happy as I am to have one more kid out of diapers and pull ups, I am sitting here crying. They are growing up way too fast, and my fuzzy headed Jude with the big old bunny feet is not such a little boy anymore. Sigh.

A Day at the Park

2008-05-02T19:54:00.001-07:00

This week we went to the park with our friends Drew, Camron, Sarah, Rachel and Baby Linden. It was the perfect day to be outside...not too hot and not too cool...perfect! The boys were busy trying to follow the ducks around the pond while the girls ate lunch. Eventually, we took all the kids on a walk to explore just about everything within reach. Our friend snapped the perfect picture of boys being boys.

2nd Annual Crawfish Boil

2008-05-02T19:49:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday our Sunday School department had its 2nd annual crawfish boil. It's actually my favorite event of the year. There is a bounce house and lots of games for the kiddos. This year someone actually brought plastic, bucket stilts for the kids to walk on, and my boys were fascinated. We ate and ate and played and played. I only snapped a couple of shots of the kids with the their friends Camron, Sarah and Rachel...I wish I had more to showoff such a fun day. Nothing is better than tons of food, dirty kids and good nights sleep.

A Little Bit of Choir

2008-05-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

Jacob's choir performed two itty bitty "routines" the other Wednesday night for the Wednesday night prayer meeting at our church. Jacob stood by his friend Camron which made for lots of laughter. The kids seemed to really like to hold the notes extra long, and some untrained ears might have called their singing "screaming". But it was music to any mother's ears.

Two More Cute Pictures From This Week

2008-04-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

My friend Teresa sent me some pictures last night and two of them were just adorable to Corey and I. We love this picture of Grace because, hey, personality is EVERYTHING at the Hooks House. Also, the picture of Jacob, Jude and Ben is such an adorable memory. We were riding the train to finish our zoo trip and they were super excited. Boys love trains. It has been a great week as far as the kids go. Much action and adventure. They are all resting now after another romp in the plastic crab pool complete with popsicles. Grace calls them "pop pops" which is now officially the cutest word ever!

Grace Front and Center

2008-04-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

Grace has somehow ended up in the background of our blog lately. She has been in lots of the pictures, but there have not been any to capture truly the stage of cuteness she is in these days. I decided to change that today. So, here is Grace front and center. I chose two activities that Gracie girl loves...sitting in the bottom drawer in the kitchen throwing plastic cups onto the floor and eating popsicles. Lucky for us you can make her happy with such simple things. How long do you think this will last????

Friends and Popsicles

2008-04-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

Today is Wednesday and that equals storytime with Mr. Bob at the Public Library. We met our friends there this morning and listened to three great stories and sang lots of songs. We checked out new Spiderman books and new movies. We played on the computers and then we all loaded up and headed to our house for lunch and time with friends. All the kids played so well together. It really was a nice mix of children...lots of dressing up as usual. The boys and I had picked out some tropical popsicles at Target the other day, and we gave all of our friends a treat after lunch. I snapped some shots of our adorable friends eating popsicles in the backyard. It was a priceless morning.

Back to the Zoo

2008-04-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

We went to the zoo today with our friends and had a fabulous time. The boys were so excited to go back to the zoo...I think it has been since last fall that we visited. Today was the first time that I had to pay for Jude, and he loved having his own ticket. We saw elephants, a white tiger, bears, penguins, fish, snakes (for only a second, but that was Jude's favorite part), birds and some sleeping lions. We had a picnic lunch and road the train. We even topped the day off with a blue icee that the four of us shared before we drove home. It was great to be back at the zoo. I hope it lives in my kids memories for a long time that we did this. It will live in mine forever.

That's Texas Weather

2008-04-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday we had a horrible storm complete with massive amounts of hail just a few miles down the road. We wore jackets last week, but this is Texas and by Saturday it was in the 80's! On Saturday it was so warm that I put the kids in their bathing suits and filled up the little crab pool (that used to be a sandbox) and let everyone have some fun. We pulled the beach towels out too and had a picnic on the patio. It was really cute. Grace was not the water baby I hoped she would be, and she would cry so hard anytime the boys splashed her. She spent most of her time trying to avoid them, but for a few moments I captured them all together.

My Two Boys

2008-04-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

Jacob and Jude have been pretty great friends lately. They play together so well, and make me feel like I'm the luckiest mom ever. This picture was taken right before bed while they were both "helping" me watch the microwave cook daddy's dinner. Such a fun moment with both of them.

The Big Storm

2008-04-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

This is Texas and the weather changes every few minutes. We were having Bible Study at our house last night, and all of a sudden there were weather reports that a HUGE storm was headed our way complete with 60 mile per hour winds, hail and possible tornadoes...wow. Corey was at work so, I called my mom and Mac to come over and use our garage (and also make me feel less afraid). The kids had a blast listening to weather reports and holding on to their flashlights. I snapped a picture of the kids with Grandaddy waiting for the big storm.

Taking It Easy!

2008-04-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

Jacob, Grace and I have all been sick at some point this week. Grace got the bug first, then Jacob and then me today. It has been a yucky house to live in lately. Since no one was seeming to feel up to doing anything today, and Jacob didn't even feel like playing soccer this morning, we decided to give the boys a fun treat. Corey moved the TV and VCR into the boys room and let them watch a movie while laying in their beds with Daddy. I cannot tell you how excited they were about watching a movie in their room. The whole house was quiet and Corey got to nap while his boys snuggled with him all in Jude's bunk bed. I snapped a couple of shots of my guys hanging out on their lazy Saturday.

We are Loving Grace in Her Pigtails!

2008-04-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting (not so patiently) for the day when I could easily put pigtails in Gracie Girl's hair. This was the week it finally could happen. Grace has been sporting two pigtails on top of her head since Wednesday, and I must say we have gotten TONS of compliments. I was trying to snap some good shots of her pigtails, but you may have to look rather closely to see them well, but they are there! She is getting so grown up lately...time is passing so quickly and pigtails are just another reminder of the time slipping by. Oh, by the way, if you haven't heard, Grace also is loving having her toenails painted...she'll be 10 before I know it!

Aren't They Cute???

2008-04-09T13:24:00.000-07:00

We went to the park on Monday with friends and had such a great time. We ended the morning by sliding down and playing on a dirt hill that Grace now loves as much as the boys...is she going to end up a tomboy? We have one adorable picture from lunchtime. This is Jude with his sweet friends Claire and Laney. Aren't they cute???

Pictures that Should Have Made the Blog, But Didn't...Yet

2008-04-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life gets in the way of blogging on a regular basis. However, there were so many cute pictures from the end of March that should have made the blog, but didn't...Until now! So, you will see some pictures from the Easter Egg Hunt at the Upstairs Gallery with Mama, Grandaddy and John Thomas complete with confetti eggs. You will see the playgroup "Post Easter" Easter Egg Hunt, and a few other random shots that are just too cute to pass up.

Enjoy.

Kids, A Bucket of Water and Three Paintbrushes

2008-04-05T21:18:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those beautiful days in Texas that make people want to be outside all day. Corey was doing yardwork and I was needing to get things together for a baby shower tomorrow at our house. We try not to turn on the TV on Saturdays, but we needed the kids to be completely entertained for atleast an hour. That's when I remembered water painting. All it takes is a bucket of water and big paintbrushes. Jacob, Jude and Grace "painted" everything in the backyard...the ground, the house, the shed, their jungle gym, each other....It was great. They were working together so well that it was astonishing. Jacob was the boss and he had his little two man crew (Jude and Grace) working nonstop. There was never any crying or fighting or wanting to play something else. All three of them went in at naptime, took a nap, and woke up ready for more painting! Such a spontaneous and fun afternoon for us all.

Happy Easter Everyone!

2008-03-23T20:06:00.000-07:00

It was Easter Sunday today and it was a full day. The kids looked adorable adorable adorable! The boys got new tennis shoes from the Easter Bunny and Gracie Girl got white sandles with sparkles on them...perfection. We went to church and then over to Gram and Papa's house for lunch. There was lots of people, food and dessert which was great. Here are some pictures of my lovely little birthday cuties.

Kick It Soccer is Back!

2008-03-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

This Saturday Kick It (that's the name of Jacob's team) was back in action. I think Jacob's favorite part of the soccer game was getting dressed for the soccer game. We did his hair and made sure he had his sunglasses and his Buzz Lightyear backpack to carry his gear. He had a blast at the soccer game...not so much playing tons of soccer...but just being there with this friends seemed to be fun enough. I think we found out a little piece of Jacob Hooks wisdom, "It doesn't matter if you win or lose...It's how good you look playing the game."

Roadtrip to Nashville, TN

2008-03-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

Time with Grandad and Grandmoe is always so precious. We have such a great, relaxing time in Nashville everytime we go. That being the case, we loaded the kids in the Civic (yes, three kid and three carseats in the back of a Honda Civic) and made the 12 hour trip. We talked and laughed on the way...there was a little arguing and some crying, but isn't that part of the family roadtrip??? We arrived in Nashville Friday evening and unpacked, ate pizza and stayed up late playing. Grandmoe had bought fun toys for the kids and Grandad had bought all their favorite food. It was a great start. While in Nashville the boys went with Grandad and Daddy to go see "Horton Hears a Who" on Saturday night while Mommy, Grace and Grandmoe took part in a Women's Circle. How perfect for Grace to get the chance to be part of Grandmoe's tradition! Sunday we went to the Science Adventure Center which basically amounted to a great place for three kids to run in three different directions all at the same time. The kids had a blast, and the adults had been hit by the bus of non-stop energy. We celebrated Jude's 3rd birthday on the 16th complete with a Sponge Bob Squarepants cake and Spiderman decorations. Jude was so excited, and has not stopped talking about his party yet! Monday we went to the Dragon Park which Jacob loves, and spent several hours there playing and making new friends and eating snacks. We topped the trip off with a family dinner at a Mexican restaraunt where Jacob impressed us all with his spanish speaking skills. That is our trip to Nashville in a nutshell, but it doesn't come close to sharing all the stolen moments of love and togetherness...Jude and Grandmoe inside the world's smallest blanket fort, Jacob constantly wanting to show anyone the Yoda poster, Grace finding a strand of pearls to keep us in stitches, late nights, laughter and just that feeling of family...it was great. Jacob cried as we drove away from Sunnyside Dr., and when asked Jude said that his favorite part of the trip was Grandmoe. Grace just slept, but I'm sure she was dreaming of her Nashville family.

First Botanical Gardens Trip of 2008

2008-03-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

Last week our playgroup made our first trip of 2008 to the Botanical Gardens. It was wonderful! It was fabulous to be outside, and see the kids running around (my boys of course with their shirts off). We played "inside" a huge magnolia tree and climbed on the lower branches. Thankfully, Jacob and Jude had taken the "Don't Climb on the Branches" sign out of the ground!!! The flowers were beginning to be in bloom and the turtles were out basking in the sun, and the Texas weather was fantastic for a minute...you can't beat that!

Jude's New Thomas Bike!

2008-03-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

Jude woke up on Saturday morning to a Thomas Bike in our living room! He was so excited. Finally we get to put away his tricycle that has been "cramping his style" while Jude is out riding with the big kids (aka 4 and 5 year olds). Jude is pretty much the safest bike rider I've seen yet. He is very into wearing his helmet (no bike needs be in sight) and his knee and elbow pads. He also has yet to test his bike on the pavement...the living room carpet has served as a fine race track! He may soon get his chance, however, to find out just how well he rides because Jacob informed me today that he is riding his bike all the way to Nashville to see Grandad and Grandmo. My only hope is that Corey and I can take the car...and pictures of course.

What an Amazing Soccer Team!

2008-03-05T19:53:00.000-08:00

Every Saturday Corey goes and plays pick up soccer with some of the guys from church and they have a great time. He has started taking the boys with him and they think it is the best time ever. Last Saturday Jacob wasn't feeling great, and so Jude got to go by himself. He was beyond excited! Corey's friends decided to even let Jude pick who was on which team. I wish I could have seen that sight. One of the guys decided to take a big group photo. Check out the cutest team member ever on the far right. Loving the shades!

Jacob's New Haircut

2008-03-01T21:19:00.000-08:00

Jacob got a new haircut, and this was the first time HE picked out what his hair would look like. We've been shaving the boys hair for awhile whenever they need a haircut, and this time Jacob took matters into his own hands. He specifically said that he did not want it shaved, but it was too long. So, we went for a haircut and he went for the ever popular "faux-hawk". He LOVES it! This photo series was his idea because we were looking at his new hairdo in the mirror and he said, "Mommy, this looks great. Let's take pictures." Enjoy.

Fairy Tale Ending to February

2008-02-29T21:32:00.000-08:00

Sometimes life turns out just perfect for a princess....Don't ask how she ended up with two cones...She was the perfect messy princess that we adore!

Playing with Friends

2008-02-29T12:12:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday we went over Grant, Claire and Tessa's house to play after school. It was kind of chilly outside, but all the kids wanted to go play on the playdome. Teresa grabbed a few shots of the kids at play. It was a great afternoon. We ate grilled cheese and peanut butter crackers and yogurt for dinner. I keep thinking that our kids are so lucky. They have so many houses in Arlington that are safe and fun and full of friends. There is so much laughter in their lives....so much time for great childhood memories. I'm going to miss all of this someday when they are older and not so willing to be with me. But for now, we are all just hanging out and growing together...Our biggest worries will seem small someday...These are the "good old days".

Tuesdays and Thursdays with Ben and Miss Teresa

2008-02-28T08:17:00.000-08:00

Every Tuesday and Thursday I work at the preschool that Jacob and Jude attend. On those days, Grace goes to visit Miss Teresa and Ben. You can tell that she loves them both because she gets excited anytime we see them at playgroup or church. She reaches for Teresa and does her little struggle to be held by someone else. We received this picture the other day of Ben and Grace playing in the laundry basket. How adorable is this? Teresa said that Ben was playing in his "boat" and Grace just had to join him. I love it.

Enjoying This Weather

2008-02-25T13:02:00.001-08:00

It is gorgeous in Arlington, TX today! My computer is saying that it is 88 degrees here, and I totally believe it. We are having a lazy day today. So, to enjoy our laziness and zero plans, we loaded up the Spiderman bike and the big wheel and the stroller to go enjoy a park. Jacob led the way down to a little dock on a pond at the park and we fed tadpoles and watched them devour our pop tarts. The boys were being the best of friends today. At one point, Jacob even let Jude sit on his bike and he pushed him around the park for a bit. Grace was generally off exploring some small bug or flower, and not paying too much attention to anyone...except when it was time to swing. I thought that I could have let her swing forever! Such a perfect way to spend the beginning of Spring.

Everyone's Growing Up!

2008-02-24T21:20:00.000-08:00

This Saturday everyone was in the backyard trying new things. Jacob is determined to learn how to do the monkey bars, and even when he clearly needs a little help, he insists on going it alone. It's Sunday now, and Jude has mastered the fireman's pole in the backyard. He has to stretch so far to get his body wrapped around it, but perseverence has paid off again for Jude...he is like an old pro. Grace (in true Hooks form) found the biggest ball in the yard and spent an afternoon trying to catch it, carry it around and roll on top of it to everyone's enjoyment. I just can't believe how much everyone is growing and changing and becoming so independent. I am watching Jacob, Jude and Grace with amazement as they tackle their world around them with such bravery. They are all so full of life and energy and stubborness that I am thinking today that there might be NOTHING to stand in their way!

Feeding Ducks?

2008-02-20T20:42:00.000-08:00

We met some friends at the park on Tuesday late afternoon. All the kids brought bikes or big wheels or tricycles. It was a great time. After some bike riding , we decided to feed the ducks. I always forget to bring bread or tortillas, and our friends are always nice enough to share with Jacob and Jude. Jude isn't the best "duck feeder" because he just throws in an entire piece of bread. I found out that Jacob is an even worse "duck feeder". Jacob and our friend Jake decided to eat the duck food instead. Maybe they thought the ducks needed to share a bit...It made for a great picture.

Art Day

2008-02-18T20:47:00.000-08:00

Today we had "Art Day" at our house for the first time. This consisted of moms bringing over all of their crafty items and the kids just being creative. There were stickers, stamps, glue, construction paper and all sorts of goodies for the boys and girls to make into masterpieces. Jacob was very dedicated to his work. Jude, on the other hand, got right to the point, made some art and then spent the morning as Batman. Mama brought over a cake for the moms and kids to eat after lunch and it was a perfect day. The weather was great so, after the creating there was lots of time to play outside. I think we all celebrated the fire out of Presidents Day!

Grace is Very Very Mad!

2008-02-15T11:39:00.001-08:00

This is what happens when you take the camera away from Miss Grace!

A Day at The Park

2008-02-12T20:42:00.001-08:00

On Monday morning we went to the park and met some of our friends there for a playdate and a picnic. Jacob and Claire and Aaron brought their bikes and rode all over the sidewalks looking very grown up (the bike riders posed for the adorable picture on a break from riding). Jude followed behind them on his big wheel looking not near as grown up which was nice! Several of us all have baby girls within months of each other (or weeks or days as the case may be) so we took the "stroller brigade" picture. Grace is doing her usual underwhelmed pose....apparently she knows she's cute! Just another day in Arlington where I can't believe how great we have it. Hope this message finds everyone feeling the same way.

Tony Romo Jerseys

2008-02-08T19:42:00.001-08:00

This afternoon a box came in the mail from Grandpa and MJ. It was a Valentine box, and it was so exciting to open. Each kid received an adorable Dallas Cowboy jersey...of course, they were all #9 with "Romo" on the back. Wow, they looked so cute! Jude promptly went outside to play football (he really loves football), and Jacob was soon to follow. Grace toddled around with them and Corey and I decided that a jersey in her size is beyond all imaginings of perfection! We snapped some pictures and then took them to Chick Fil A because you can't keep kids that look that adorable in doors...you MUST show them off!

The Last One to Wear The Hampshire College Shirt

2008-02-08T19:32:00.000-08:00

It's funny how, all of a sudden, as a parent you will find yourself randomly sentimental. This happened just the other day when I put a "Hampshire College" onesie on Gracie Grace. I realized that Jacob had first worn the shirt that is from Aunt Dycee. Then Jude wore it, and he wore it for a LONG time. Now Grace can wear it and look adorable and cool in it just like her brothers did...and then...well, then it goes in a box in the attic until someday when I show it to the kids and tell them how small they once were. And that is the thought that makes me super sentimental on random afternoons in February. Enjoy the cuteness!

Jude had Surgery 8 Hours Ago!!!

2008-02-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

Jude had a little surgery today. He had his ear tubes redone, and his adenoids removed. I'm waiting for Jude to realize that he had a little surgery today. He is, however, Jude...the nonstop, neverending energy kid that could withstand any amount of pain for a little bit of play. So, take this moment to ponder Jude's ability to keep on truckin'!

Where Did January Go???

2008-02-01T19:18:00.000-08:00

How do I ever begin to apologize enough??? Sorry this is so belated, and full of information and scattered thoughts. January did happen at the Hooks House and it was a BIG month. Grace turned 1 year old on the 5th and had a smashing birthday party, friends came over and played, time was spent at Mama's House, there was much dress up, a new tradition was started with Pajamas and Pancakes and Grandad came to visit to put the icing on the cake of January! During January we found out that Grace really does like to wear her pink fur coat with everything including pjs! January also lead us to the confirmation that Jacob and Jude would prefer to wear their Spiderman and Batman costumes than normal clothes and that Jude in sunglasses is the cutest sight ever! January 2008 has been a great door to open, and peek inside the amazing new year that lies ahead. If January is the prequel to what awaits in 2008, then we know this year will be fun, exciting, full of laughter and graced everyday by three wonderful angels that keep us in stitches. I want everyone who reads our crazy sporadic blog to know that Corey and I truly recognize that we are living a dream. We are blessed beyond measure with wonderful family and friends who make the day to day more than daily. Thank you.

More Fun with the Tent

2008-01-02T14:29:00.000-08:00

It is still super cold here in Arlington so, we had another day with indoor camping. Jacob keeps trying to convince me that we are going "real camping" soon with "Jacob, Jude, Grace, Mommy, Daddy, Grandaddy, Mama, Ryan and Paige". I'm not so sure about that. The most fun today was with the static electricity and Grace's hair. Here are some pictures to make you smile.

Happy 2008!!!

2008-01-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

We started off the new year by putting up the boy's tent in the living room today and taking down all the Christmas decorations. We were going to "go out" and do something fun today, but it was too cold and Corey and I realized it would be just as much fun to go "camping" in the living room. Everyone has had a great time all day going in and out of the tent. Jude will announce that he is "Going camping, Mommy. Bye. I love you." Jacob has been the landlord of the tent taking Grace out of it every so often and zipping up the door so Jude cannot enter. Grace has mainly just tried to get into the tent with little success. Felt like the tent might be a commentary on our family dynamics.

Happy New Year to everyone! Hope all stayed warm and cozy and thought about all the wonderful things that 2008 will bring.

Aunt Jeanne's Presents

2008-01-01T19:28:00.000-08:00

Aunt Jeanne sent presents this year from California. I snapped a few pictures of the kids opening them and being excited...one last post about Christmas!

A Few Final Holiday Pictures

2007-12-30T20:03:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist showing off a few more pictures of our precious kiddos from this holiday season. It was a really great Christmas full of wonderful moments with each child and all of our family.

5th and Final Family Christmas!!!

2007-12-30T19:55:00.000-08:00

On Christmas day our family gathers at Martha Sue's house for lunch and piles of presents to open. It is a very relaxing day that is a much needed break for the fast pace of the holidays. Everyone watched each other open presents, the boys ran races and played hide and go seek in the backyard. The weather was perfect for outdoor games. There was also much lounging infront of the TV with our feet up on the coffee table. This is always the perfect way to end the holiday craze and eat just enough for a good Christmas Day nap.

4th Family Christmas Extravaganza!

2007-12-30T19:45:00.000-08:00

The Wood Family has been celebrating Christmas on Christmas Eve for decades. We get together late in the afternoon and eat, eat, exchange gifts, eat, exchange more gifts and drink a little coffee before we wait for Santa to arrive. We packed the three kids up to head over to Mama's house at 3:30 on Christmas Eve for the fun to begin. There are 8 second cousins that get to play together which makes it a blast for Jacob, Jude and Grace. This year Mama and Grandaddy decided to get remote control cars for all the boys to play with on the back patio. It was such a good time and everyone got in on the fun. Grace was passed around all night from family member to family member in true princess form. Every child was given a new pair of pajamas at some point in the evening by their grandparents so, 8 children went home in new pajamas completely worn out and ready to listen for reindeer hooves on the roof. It was another fantastic family Christmas!

3rd Family Christmas!!!

2007-12-25T19:45:00.000-08:00

It was time for our third family Christmas of the holiday season, and the kids were ready to go to Gram and Papa's new house for the first family Christmas there. Gram had decorated every room for Christmas so it certainly was a festive house! Tori and Brent (Jacob, Jude and Grace's older cousins) came into town and kept the boys going all evening long. We ate dinner and opened presents and capped the night off with the movie, "Transformers". The boys loved it. One of the best presents was a Spiderman mask that all the children ran around in, and even Gram put it on which made everyone laugh! Grace spent most of the night climbing the stairs like an old pro in her fancy dress which made it all the more adorable. It was another wonderful family Christmas for 2007.

Second Family Christmas

2007-12-17T18:18:00.000-08:00

We had our second family Christmas this past weekend. Grandpa and MJ flew in from Wisconsin to celebrate with us and the kids. Ok, really they just came to see the kids. I've been told that they are much much cuter and more funny than Corey and I!!! It was a great visit full of family time and laughter and even old friends. The girls went shopping on Friday while Grandpa and Daddy took the boys to buy new shoes. Friday night we had a fun Hooks Family celebration, and Saturday Grandpa and MJ babysat the kids so Corey and I could go out. We capped the weekend off with lighting the Advent Candle at church on Sunday morning. It was picture perfect in every way. The kids received new chairs and we snapped pictures of them looking adorable in them.

Jacob's Christmas Choir Program

2007-12-12T20:27:00.000-08:00

Jacob had his first Christmas choir program at church tonight. It was adorable! It was only 15 minutes, but that ended up being the perfect amount of time for three and four year olds to "wow" the audience with their sweet voices. Jacob knew all the words and did the choreography too...He is a great performer! He was excited that it was being video taped, and that we captured a hug from his good friend, Camron, on film. It is the unexpected moments that are always the best like when Jacob ran up and gave a BIG hug and kiss after his performance. That was, by far, the best part of the night for me.

First Christmas Celebration!

2007-12-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

Grandad and Grandmoe came in town from Nashville this weekend. We had such a fantastic time with them. Lots of staying up late, and talking and laughing and talking about the kids...which I could do forever and a day. It was a great visit for everyone. This morning we opened Christmas presents and ate a big Christmas breakfast. The kids had gone to Target the day before and were able to show Grandad and Grandmoe exactly what they wanted. This tradition makes for truly happy present opening. It was a great morning and a great first family Christmas!

Santa on the Roof

2007-12-06T20:48:00.000-08:00

Our wonderful friends, Jack and Jessica, had their annual "Santa on the Roof" party tonight. Such a treat for the kids. For those not familiar with a Santa on the Roof party, it consists of families singing (loudly) Christmas carols so that Santa can "find his way" to the host's house. Then Santa appears on the roof with bags full of presents for the kiddos present, and each present has the child's name on it (which is so exciting that Santa knows your name and knew you would be at this particular party). Jacob and Jude were super excited to go tonight. Each boy hurried up to have their bag dropped from the roof by Santa. Even Gracie Grace got a gift from Santa. It really is a magical night, and Santa stays around for the party and pictures and listens to children tell him all the things they want for Christmas. Jacob and Jude couldn not stop talking about it on the way home. Such a great way to kick off the Christmas season!

Jacob Hooks is a Star!

2007-12-06T20:39:00.000-08:00

I'm writing this post in green to further honor our rising star, Jacob Hooks. Jacob had his first Christmas program at school today. His class (and all the other three year old classes too) sang three songs, "Bah Bah Baby Jesus", "Jesus' Birthday" and my personal favorite "The Shepherd Shuffle". Jacob smiled so big the whole time and waved at his mommy and daddy. He even did the choreography just perfect! It was such an adorable time, and Corey and I were beaming. Jacob was beaming too. His dimples were showing in rare form with all of his smiles.

Gracie Grace is 11 Months Old

2007-12-06T20:34:00.000-08:00

Grace has transformed in the last 11 months into a walking, babbling barrel of laughs! Right now she has a big cut on her head and yesterday (on her official 11 month birthday) she had a Spiderman bandaid covering her walking injury. The boys thought that was great. I am realizing that soon I may have to invest in two types of bandaids...maybe a few with princesses on them or something. Or Gracie Grace may be completely content with a Spiderman bandaid simply because her brothers think it is so cool.

Jude Says Hello

2007-11-20T19:28:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to let Jude say "Hello" to everyone who misses him. He is hanging in there being the middle brother...not old enough to play tball yet, not his birthday yet, not old enough for choir at church, not old enough to be in the programs at school...it is a long year till he turns three. He is hanging in there though, keeping us laughing with his usual humor followed by the comment, "Mommy, I am funny". He is. He is wonderful too.

Grace is Unhappy

2007-11-20T19:24:00.000-08:00

Grace was not very happy the other day after one of her messier eating episodes. We decided to just bathe her in the sink after failing at wiping her off. She was not very happy with us as you can tell!

Jacob and His Spiderman Bike

2007-11-20T19:16:00.000-08:00

Mommy and Daddy got Jacob a Spiderman bike for his 4th birthday. He had picked it out and had been patiently waiting for the day of his birthday party to arrive (which was the 17th). We have been going on bike rides ever since. We are loading the bike up to go to the park tomorrow for the last day of warm weather (it is supposed to be in the 80's again tomorrow). He loves the helmet and pads. Sorry if some of the pictures are blurry, but it was hard to get him to slow down. He looks so grown up!

Is There a Fall in Texas???

2007-11-15T18:59:00.000-08:00

The weather warmed up again in Texas (hopefully for the last time) and I snapped some more shots of my kiddos outside looking great in the sunshine...I cannot believe it is the middle of November! Everyone here is doing great and being wonderful. Jacob is counting down the days until he turns 4, Jude is making many new friends at school and Grace is mastering the art of walking (or as I like to call it, "waddling"). Enjoy the pictures.

TBall Party

2007-11-11T20:30:00.000-08:00

On Saturday the Express Tball team had their end of the season party at our house. Jacob and Jude were so excited getting ready for the big day. It was such a boy afternoon. Lots of running and calling things "stinky" (which is always followed with laughter) and eating. The coaches did a little ceremony to award the kids their medals and favor bags and their cupcakes...every little guy seemed truly appreciative. It was, as tball has been this whole season, adorable. I am beyond happy that we decided to create this team with our sweet friends and watch our boys have fun and just be boys every weekend. It is still ranking on my list as the top things we have done as a family...Go Express!

The Beautiful Princess Grace

2007-11-11T20:25:00.000-08:00

Grace decided last night that she needed to spend sometime in a basket in her room. She seriously would not allow Corey to take her out of the basket. She would fuss anytime he tried to pick her up. She must have set in the basket for about 30 minutes and then she was finished. Luckily we snapped some pictures of her looking adorable. Also wanted to share how beautiful the princess looks after a polite and dainty meal.

TV Creates Zombie Boys

2007-11-11T20:21:00.000-08:00

I thought I might share with all of you who think my children are the most high energy people ever that tv can stop everything in the Hooks House! Jacob and Jude are watching The Backyardigans when this picture was snapped. I'm sure they were just deep in some intellectual pursuit at this moment.

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T20:58:00.001-07:00

Corey and I have decided that this was the best Halloween we have ever had. It was unbelievable the amount of kids and parents out trick or treating in our new neighborhood...it was packed. There were kids in costumes running everywhere, leaving Jacob and Jude and Grace totally amazed. There were too many precious and funny moments to begin to tell them all. Jacob was Spiderman (he got tired of wearing his mask toward the end and started telling people he was "Peter Parker"), Jude was Batman and flew to every door with his arms raised making his cape flow behind him, and Grace was a Kitty Cat Princess who was adored by all who met her! We came back to our house and had cookies and hot cocoa (even though it was 81 degrees today), but traditions are traditions. We took pictures before we left the house tonight. Some of the ones are of the boys showing us their "action" poses which were shown to many unsuspecting passerby as well. Hope everyone had their own wonderful Halloween to boot!

A Few More Days In The Hooks Family Fall

2007-10-30T21:51:00.000-07:00

We have had so much fun already this fall. Recently we went and painted pumpkins with some friends at a park. The boys have also been playing in the backyard so much...lots of cheering for whoever happens to be up at bat. Jacob is still enjoying Tball. He is getting really good at hitting the ball when it is pitched to him, and not just off the tee. He is also batting left handed now. We are getting ready for birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas and Jude has started singing "Jingle Bells" everyday. Life is just better than we could have ever hoped!

Grace Enjoying Life As Usual

2007-10-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to set up some pictures of Grace enjoying life as usual at home and out and about. There is a picture of her at a Tball game rooting on her brother Jacob...picture of her playing with the boys' cars in the backyard and a picture of her up too late and playing in her daddy's ladder. She is the most easy going little lady full of happiness and we cannot get enough of her. Cannot believe she is almost 10 months old!

Grace Has Bling

2007-10-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

Today was a big day for Grace! We went this afternoon and had her ears pierced at the pediatrician's office. The doctor prescribed a numbing cream for her ears that we put on an hour before her appointment. It must have really done the trick because Grace didn't even cry! Jacob said that he thinks her earrings are "real diamonds", and Jude kept pointing to them saying "Grace earrings". It was an exciting day! Corey and I just love how cutie the earrings look on Miss Grace...We can't get enough of this little lady!

Jude is a Ladies Man

2007-10-18T19:46:00.000-07:00

Just a little picture to let everyone know that Jude is a ladies man! He loves the Stringer Girls (Rachel and Sarah) and, of course, the love of his life, Paige! Then there is MJ and Mama (in pictures here too) that demonstrate his magical powers over ladies of all ages!

Rainy Day at McDonald's

2007-10-15T20:08:00.000-07:00

It was such a rainy day today in Arlington! We were supposed to play and have a picnic at a park, but the rain squashed all of that. Instead we went to McDonald's and let the kiddos play in the inside playground while the moms took people to the bathroom, said "Go down the slide and UP the stairs", fed babies and tried to clean up a few messes. While the boys played, Grace hung with her baby posse! Our friend Jessica snapped a few photos from the morning.

Visiting a Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-08T21:16:00.000-07:00

Today is Columbus Day so to celebrate (because who doesn't love a good Columbus Day celebration???) we went to a Pumpkin Patch. It was really hot because it is Texas and there is barely a fall here! We took pictures by wooden cut outs, bounced in bounce houses and bought pumpkins. Mama was with us since it was Columbus Day and it was nice having an extra pair of hands. We later decorated our pumpkins at Mama and Grandaddy's house. It was a fun fun day with cutie pie kiddos!

Beginning of Fall

2007-10-03T21:14:00.001-07:00

Our friends, Jamie and Sean, came over the other night for dinner. They are actually "Aunt Jamie" and "Uncle Sean" to the kiddos. The kids just adore them, and they are so much fun to have over because they play and play and play with all three of the Hooks kiddos. This picture is from the front yard. The boys were playing in the back of Jamie and Sean's truck and Grace was doing her usual observing. Jamie, Jacob, Jude and Grace all got in the truck to pose for this picture. Jacob has a green dragon painted on his face from a festival we had gone to earlier that day. Jude's Winnie the Pooh is his prize from the same festival. It is the perfect beginning of fall picture.

Playing in the Backyard

2007-10-03T21:08:00.000-07:00

Jacob loves to ride his tricycle that he got from Mama and Grandaddy last Christmas. He has definetly mastered it. Jude, however, is quite a bit smaller than Jacob, and cannot pedal his tricycle. The boys have come up with a solution, though which is beyond adorable. These are pictures from the other afternoon in the backyard. Having boys is great!

Trip to the Botanical Gardens

2007-09-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

This past Monday we (my wonderful wonderful wonderful playgroup) took the kiddos to the Botanical Gardens in Fort Worth. We usually go about two or three times a year, but this time it was full of bright and beautiful colors, HUGE turtles and the weather was perfect. Our friends Rachel has a great camera and she caught our kids looking incredible. I think she captured some of the moments that every mom or dad hopes will be burned in their memory forever...your laughing, happy, sundrenched children playing outside...

The Express First Tee Ball Game

2007-09-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday was Jacob's first tee ball game with his team, The Express. They have a train on their hats and their jerseys which is way cool if you're a 3 year old little boy! Jacob is number four (which he selected since he will be 4 on his next birthday). He has so many friends on his team that he just adores from school and church. The weather was perfect for tee ball on Saturday...a good Texas heat! The parents and grandparents all helped out since it is totally a family affair with three and four year old boys. Their were even grandmas out on the field helping boys round the bases! What a day! I cannot tell you how many times we laughed and cheered and laughed some more! My heart leapt so many times and I kept thinking, "This is the most perfect day ever". So, needless to say, tee ball is my new favorite sport! Everyone should come watch a game sometime soon...it is just the greatest thing we've done yet!

Thursday Nights at Mama and Grandaddy's

2007-09-21T19:18:00.001-07:00

Every Thursday nights the kids go to Mama and Grandaddy's at 6:15. They eat dinner there, take their baths, watch a movie, eat popcorn and get spoiled rotten! This Thursday they even threw a birthday party for Mama's dog, Lady, complete with a cake that the boys decorated. There is always so much fun to be had for the kids on Thursday nights, and they look forward to it all week long. Usually, when I pick up the gang between 9:30 and 10:00 they are all either asleep or wrapped up in blankets with some crazy pajamas on! It truly is one of the sweetest sights. Here are some pictures from this past Thursday night when I arrived.

Never Too Many Costumes!

2007-09-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

We had our wonderful friends, the Stringers, over today for a little playtime. While Sarah, Rachel and Grace emptied all the cups and plates from the kitchen drawers, the boys played and played with all the costumes. I have officially decided that you can never have too many costumes! I snapped a picture of the final costume change. Jude is Bob the Builder, Jacob is Lightning McQueen's Pit Crew and Camron is Buzz Lightyear...quite an amazing crew to have at your house!

Grace Likes to Help Daddy Work

2007-09-13T21:22:00.000-07:00

We are in LOVE with this great picture of Grace the other night. She was roaming around Daddy's office helping him work...again, up past her bedtime! She's so darn cute that you can't bear to put her to bed!

Beautiful Afternoon in Texas

2007-09-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

This afternoon was just unbelievable as far as weather goes. We all sat outside in the front yard and the boys played with remote control cars, while Grace experienced a little bit of the lawn. It truly was such a great time. Lots of chaos and lots of laughter and lots of laying on your back in the grass and looking up at the sky (try it sometime if it has been too long). Wanted to share some of the photos of the incredible afternoon...I think this is what keeps you going on bad days. You may notice a red "badge" on Jacob's shirt. He was the Line Leader at school today which was a truly BIG DEAL to the Hooks family!!!

The Box

2007-09-07T20:53:00.001-07:00

Several times a year Grandpa and MJ send "The Box". It's usually a big box so, we know when it is on it's way, and the boys definetly know when "The Box" is headed to Texas. Well, the miracle package arrived this Thursday late in the afternoon. I thought Jacob and Jude we're going to lose their mind! Not only did they take everything out of the box and put on their "Sally" and "Mater" costumes, but they then had to put everything back in the box...just so they could take it back out again. Lots of mayhem and happiness insued. We have been having conversations with "Sally" and "Mater" ever since, and they are parked in the boys' room right now to sleep with them.

Another Evening with the Hooks Family

2007-09-06T04:16:00.000-07:00

Most kiddos get ready for bed and put on pajamas. Nothing much has changed at our house lately since Jude is still the chicken pretty much 90% of the time! Jacob takes it in stride, but I don't think Grace knows what to make of it yet.

Grandad's New Camera

2007-09-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

We took our annual roadtrip to Nashville this August to see Grandad, Grandmoe and Aunt Dycee. Such a great time for all of us. The boys got so excited this year (especially Jacob). There were so many phonecalls to Grandad on the drive from Arlington to Nashville. We had to make sure that there would be ice cream available...and, thank goodness, there was ice cream!!! While we were there the boys played with Grandad on his new Imac (I think that is what the computer was called), and it has this great built in camera. Too much fun! Too cute! So, this is the amazing self portrait of Grandad with "The boys". I think it speaks volumes.

Happy Healthy Juder Pooter

2007-09-03T18:34:00.000-07:00

Jude got a SpiderMan shirt the other day and we deicided that it was the most appropriate shirt for our little crazy monkey!

We just wanted to let you see that Jude is super happy lately! He weighs 25 pounds and is eating more and looking better. He doesn't see his specialist again until the end of November and until then we'll just keep on keeping on! As you can see, Jude being happy makes everyone happy!

Grace Face

2007-09-02T18:24:00.001-07:00

This is Grace past her bedtime. 8 months old.

Jacob & Jude's First Day of School

2007-09-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday marked the first day of school for Jude. Jackie is also teaching at the same school, so I was tasked with taking both of the boys to class, and Jude for the first time! On parent's night before school starts, they warn you about children crying for mommy and daddy, and not doing well away from parents. Not Jude! He walked right into his classroom, dropped his backpack, and got busy learning! For Jacob, since it's his third year with most of the same kids, it was a long awaited reunion.

Introduction to the Hooks Household

2007-09-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our new blog about the Hooks Household! We are starting this for all our friends and family across the United States to enjoy pictures and updates of our family. The Hooks Household consists of Corey Hooks (the world's greatest daddy), Jackie Hooks (a pretty darn good mommy), Jacob (the boss), Jude (the instigator) and Grace (the princess). Our life is a bit chaotic and hopefully this blog will help put that all in perspective. Enjoy!