My Own Leaptop Giveaway

I saw this My Own Leaptop at Target the other day and knew Addison would LOVE it!  How excited was I to find out that Dee over at http://www.twoofakindworkingonafullhouse.com/ is giving one away, here.  Here's hoping we win! Then Santa can bring Addison a new doll!

Catching up

Now that I FINALLY have Addison on a nap schedule I am going to use that time to update this blog. Since our move everything has been a bit chaotic but I am finally adjusting and almost completely unpacked and organized!  Yep, I am still in shock too! (LOL!) Addison loves to help me do anything (except vacuum, she does not like that thing but I am grateful she now sits on the sofa making faces instead of crying....progress!) The boys have had a good start to the new school year and neither one is sure how they like it....uh oh!  I hope once they get into a routine and learn what is expected from their new teachers they will like it more. Both boys are riding the bus this year. I was a little nervous to let Jonah ride the bus without Peyton, but he loves it and is doing great!  I will post some pictures of our new place as soon as I locate my USB cord to my cell and my camera. I will update with all of our summer activities and pictures as well.  Thanks for sticking with us.

Much love from Texas!  We miss you all!

Soccer and Basketball, Oh My!!!

Jonah and Peyton both wanted to play sports this summer.  Jonah chose soccer and Peyton chose basketball....and Lawrence is coaching BOTH!!! 

Jonah, ready for his 1st soccer game

Lawrence coaching Jonah as he gets ready to kick the ball into play

Later in the day, we headed out to Peyton's 1st basketball game...

  Check out the moves on #7...Go Peyton!

 They WON their 1st game!!! 

Father's Day

Father's Day started early...Peyton and I cooked breakfast in bed for Lawrence, a.k.a. DAD!  I found a recipe on my favorite website, www.realmomkitchen.com for Sausage Skillet Breakfast.

Peyton cracking open the eggs

 Cooking the sausage

 All ready to bring Dad his breakfast in bed!

D

Lawrence ready to head to church with his ties the boys made for him in Primary!

Dad, we hope you had a wonderful Father's Day! We hope you know how much we love you and all that you do for us! 

Lawrence, Thank you for being such a great father to our children. We are all so lucky to have you in our lives! I love you!

 

The end of school and beginning of summer fun!

 The boys finished the school year on May 23rd. Peyton "graduated" from the 5th grade (he will be going to middle school next year) and Jonah completed Kindergarten!

Peyton with his awards and Graduation Certificate

I can't believe Peyton is going to the 6th grade...middle school! 

When did my baby boy grow up?

Jonah finished Kindergarten with flying colors...he learned so much this year! He is excited for 1st grade next year.  I'm not so sure I am, he's growing up so fast too! (I can't get his picture to post, but he had a fun filled day!) 

LET THE SUMMER BEGIN!!!

I had a great plan to have a "summer schedule" including chores...wrote it out and really planned on following it. Day 1 was great...we went to the library. The boys checked out quite a few books...Addison, of course, does not understand the "quiet" part of the library.  Once she started screaming we quickly checked out our books and left.   I am hoping to get back into a routine this week...fingers crossed!  We can all benefit from a routine and chores.

 Jonah takes his chores very seriously.

Lawrence had been wanting crawfish for quite a while, so he picked some up from HEB and boiled them up at home...YUMMY!!!! They were so good! Jonah and Addison loved them. I think Addisons favorite part was the dip and crackers.

What a mess!

Happy Mother's Day

I was served breakfast in bed by Peyton and Jonah this morning. Peyton made me toast and orange juice.

He decided to cut the toast into hearts, since the tops of the bread slice looked like the top of a heart. Peyton is so observant...Love his creativity!

My beautiful children and I

We went to church this morning...my husband gave a wonderful talk on righteous women and Peyton sang two songs about Mothers (along with the rest of the Primary **children's class at our church**). Jonah decided he did not want to sing.

The boys came home with an M&M game to play with Mom. They were given a small bag of M&Ms and the directions for the game. You picked an M&M, then answered a question depending on the color of the M&M, then you were suppose to toss the M&M and see who could catch it...none of us caught it!  Guess we need to practice!

We had so much fun answering all the questions.

Asking Mom the questions

I am so very thankful for all three of my children. They are a blessing to me every single day. I feel so blessed that Heavenly Father has entrusted me with their care. I feel so unworthy and inadequate at times. There have been many times lately that I wish my mother could be here to answer questions I have or to tell me I am doing a great job. A friends mother told me that I am a wonderful mother and that is my Moms legacy...that meant so much to me, I never thought of it that way before. Heavenly Father did not leave me motherless all those years ago, I have been blessed with an amazing grandmother and awesome aunts. I am so thankful for a selfless grandmother who gave up a lot in her life to raise me after my mother's death almost 25 years ago. My MawMaw (grandmother) has been such a blessing to me through the years. She has been a wonderful example of a righteous woman. I know I could not be the person I am today without her. I LOVE YOU MAWMAW! I have been blessed with 4 amazing aunts, that have all taken a part in raising me as well. My mother's sisters mean the world to me...I don't think I could ever express in words how much they mean to me....I Love You All!

When I married Lawrence, I was blessed with another set of amazing women into my life. My mother-in-law Joyce and my sister-in-laws Edna, Sandra, and Laurie have all been there for us and have given advice when I have needed it. My children are so blessed to be surrounded by all these women who love them! Thank you all for all that you do...I Love You!

Britax Carseat Giveaway

Did you know car seats have an expiration date? I did not know this until just recently. Addison's car seat is due to expire....VERY SOON! That means I will be in the market for a new one. Lucky me...Dee over at Two of a Kind Working on a Full House is having an AWESOME GIVEWAY!!!  LOVE IT!!! I am entering & hoping to win one of these amazing car seats by Britax.  I have fallen in love with one of the Britax strollers as well :)

Soccer?!?

I never really knew anyone played soccer until we moved to Texas. Here it is THE sport to play...not even sure if they have football and baseball. Seriously, they do but soccer is very big over here. The boys each got a soccer ball for Easter. Saturday was a nice day, so we took them out to the soccer field to kick the ball and run around. I think they enjoyed themselves! What do you think?

Even Addison wanted to join in the action on the field!

Wedding Anniversary

Lawrence and I celebrated 11 years of wedded bliss yesterday April 17th.  We spent the day as we usually do, hanging out with the kids.  Instead of our annual anniversary dinner at Outback Steakhouse, we had a homemade meal.  Lawrence cooked steaks and mashed potatoes with a side of boiled crawfish. We started the dinner with a nice salad. We reminisced about our 1st few months of marriage when we were living in Kenner. We did not have a kitchen table and only one tv tray. Lawrence would eat on the tv tray and I would sit on the floor in front of the sofa and eat on the coffee table.  We decided we would eat on the floor in front of the sofa and use the kids CARS (the movie) table, since we don't have a coffee table. (Photo below taken by Peyton Bonvillain.)

We decided this was our best anniversary dinner! This will definitely be our "new" tradition. Plus, we decided no matter what we do, we will take our picture so we can reminisce on our past anniversaries.

I am so thankful that the Lord placed Lawrence in my life.  He was truly heaven sent when I needed him most.

We have been blessed with 3 beautiful, healthy children and wonderful families.   I have no idea what the future holds for us and our family, but I can't wait to continue the journey with my husband.

I love you Lawrence.
Love, Stefanie

Camping...In a Tent!

Our ward (church) had a family campout last night. We camped out in a tent and survived!!! There was only one thing I would have done differently...brought more blankets!!! It was quite cold last night! Jonah cried out a few times during the night (I am assuming because he was cold) and Addison cried too. We had her bundled up with us and I think she was the warmest of all! Needless to say, between the crying, the cold, and no electricity for Lawrence's breathing machine we had a very restless night. We were exhausted today when we got home...I think we are still needing some extra zzzzz's.  However, the boys cannot wait to go back and do it again. Lawrence and I have talked about investing in some camping gear, we shall see what the future holds for the Bayou Bunch and the great outdoors!

We had to leave the campout early this morning because Peyton had to go pick an instrument to play in the band next year. He will be going to middle school next school year and has chosen band as his elective. He tried out 4 instruments...the trumpet, the trombone, percussion, and the saxophone. The instrument he tested best on and has chosen is the.......................................................................................................................

                           SAXOPHONE!!!!   (Now we just need to find a reasonably priced one!)

 Our tent

Addison checking out the tent

Roasting marshmallows over the fire Lawrence kept lit

Jonah roasting some marshmallows

Group sing-along by the fire

Jonah asleep in the tent

Peyton, the next morning (he looks rested even though he was out til 1am!!!)

Jonah looks so excited! Addison is still not sure about this camping in a tent thing!

We had a really nice time and cannot wait to go again, once it's warmer!!!

Easter 2010

Yes, this post is a tad late since Easter was last week. Wow, I cannot believe it was just last week. We had a very quiet Easter. I can't even remember what we ate for dinner! Nothing extravagant, that's for sure! We dyed Easter eggs on Saturday...which the kids LOVED!

Even Addison wanted to help! It looks like she is trying to show off her teeth!

 She looks like she is saying "What is wrong with him...crazy boy!"

checking the color

This is her new thing...she tilts her head to the side when we take her picture!

The goodies from the Easter Bunny

Addison loves her Cabbage Patch Kids the Easter Bunny brought!

Our church's semi-annual conference that is broadcast from Salt Lake City aired Easter weekend. It was wonderful to hear the words of our leaders and remember the ultimate sacrifice our Savior Jesus Christ paid for us. It brought such joy to my heart to see Peyton watching without being told and paying close attention to the words they spoke. 

We also went over the real reason behind the Easter holiday. The boys have taken everything in and have so much understanding....I am so grateful for the things they want to know and can understand. I am also thankful for the pure sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for me so many years ago.

Pinewood Derby 2010

Peyton participated in his first Pinewood Derby on March 23th.  When PaPa Lawrence visited during spring break, he brought tools & helped Peyton cut the car using the template Peyton chose. Peyton then painted his car black and gold (can you tell he's a Saints fan like his Dad?)  He also painted the number 9 on the car...representing Drew Brees, Saints quarterback.

He won only one race, but he had a good time!

Drumroll Please....

Peyton made ALL A's on his report card for the 3rd nine weeks grading period!!!!!!!!!!!  We are so excited!!! He handed me his report card as soon as he buckled up in the car (good thing Dad was driving).  It took me a minute to realize that his grades were all A's.  (His school marks the grades in numbers instead of letter grade and the number grading scale is slightly different than in Louisiana.) He told me to make sure I call his Nanny and tell her about his grades. Peyton's Nanny is my best friend Danielle (whom I have known since Kindergarten....27 years!  Danielle is a teacher and I call her often for "school" advice. She also has a 13 year old daughter, so she has been through a lot that we are going through now. I am so thankful for Danielle and all of her awesome advice, not sure I would survive without it or her!!!)

 

We are so proud of Peyton and all his hard work!

He also received an award for Perfect Attendance. Peyton has not missed one day of school this year!!!!  

Our Super Citizen!

Report cards came home last week & the boys did really good!!

Today was the award ceremony for Jonah's grade level.  Jonah recieved the "Super Citizen" Award! We are so proud of him and all that he is learning this year. He is reading, loves to spell, and is even learning how to add. He loves to "write" books or stories. We have to keep paper handy at all times. His teacher put the following comment on his report card..."Jonah is doing an outstanding job & is an amazing role model. He has come so far in reading, as well as math and writing." 

Can you see him there in the front row?

Hoedown, Cookout, & a Birthday Surprise...Oh My!

March has been quite a busy month for the Bonvillain Bunch.

Peyton & Jonah have been learning square & line dances during PeWe (Physical Education & Wellness aka PE). The school hosted a hoedown for the students to show off their dancing skills to their parents. I have to say I was quite impressed! Peyton looked like he was really enjoying himself....However, Lawrence was a bit disturbed that the whole square Peyton was in was ALL boys (NONE of them looked happy to be there, other than Peyton). Addison decided to stay up all night & was sleeping when the boys went off to school, so Lawrence went to Peyton's hoedown performance & videotaped it so I could see it. (So thankful for our video camera!) Lawrence had a meeting later that morning, so I went to Jonah's hoedown & videotaped his performance for Lawrence. (Jonah was quite the little gentleman!)

The same day of the hoedown, the school had a cookout! The parents were able to eat lunch with the kids. It was very nice, except for the wind that kept trying to take our plates away! I went to lunch with Jonah & Lawrence went to lunch with Peyton since his meeting was over for the day. I love how interactive the school is here! So THANKFUL to be at home so I can attend all these activities with my boys. (Not sure if I could have found a job as wonderful as The WP to let me have the time off to spend at school with my boys!)

Lawrence's Mom, Dad, & sister Laurie came to town to surprise him the week of his birthday! The boys were surprised too! Mom did not tell anyone that they were coming! It was hard to keep a secret from ALL of them!  They even brought Lawrence a cake, so I was off the hook for baking one! However, I did cook for them while they were here. We introduced them to Monte Cristo sandwiches...YUMMY! PaPa & Laurie even had seconds.  They had all just come back from a cruise, so they handed out souvenirs. Then Peyton received the BEST present of all....Joyce made him a Saints blanket! (Thank you Joyce, it will be treasured for many years to come.) Lawrence was a bit upset that it was HIS birthday & he has watched the Saints MANY years & he didn't get a blanket...guess I know what he's getting for Christmas this year!

Dad's Birthday Cake

As a birthday gift, my sister-in-law Laurie offered to watch the kids so Lawrence & I could go out to eat!  (THANKS Laurie...we really appreciated it!!!) We could not figure out where we wanted to eat, so we drove around for almost 2 hours. We finally ended up at a Japanese Steakhouse/Hibachi. It was 9 pm by this time, so there were not many people.  Our hibachi cook comes to the table & starts talking to us...in the conversation, Lawrence tells him that we are Saints fans. He says he is too (we thought "Yea, right!") He then tells us he just moved to Austin from Houma.....WHAT?!? Are you kidding me?!? No way!  We started looking around for the hidden cameras....Is this Candid Camera or something? We tell him that we moved here from Houma as well & started talking about where he worked (ZEN...YUM!). His name is Chef Ec & he was AWESOME! It was nice chatting about things back "home". It turned about to be a very nice night.

PaPa brought a bag filled with goodies (tools) to help Peyton build his pinewood derby car for Cub Scouts.

Before the cutting began

Dad starting the cut

Peyton trying his hand at the cutting (it was very hard!)

We enjoyed PaPa, Joyce, & Laurie's visit, but the boys thought it was too short. They can't wait til their next visit.
We have a few more things come up before March ends, so I will update you on those very soon.