Cookies for Santa Clause

This year Elle is really exciting about Christmas, and the presents Santa is bringing. We tracked Santa all night online and the girls really worked hard on making him these scrumptious cookies. Mmmmmm, Santa is going to love them!

Singing Bug

Elle loves to sing and she does it all the time. Everything from Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to the Clean Up song. In fact the only other person I have known to sing as much as she does, is my nephew Christopher. Must be genetic. Personally, we like to think its because we always sing to her.

It's one of the greatest things in the world!

Adding to our adoration, our little Elle already knows her entire alphabet, and she isn't afraid to show off on camera. I filmed this tonight and just had to share. My favorite part is when she gets confused and sings the whole thing again.

This is really a great and fun age!

http://picasaweb.google.com/KrisDugan/December2008?authkey=IukSlVhsIBQ#5278234439736447330

Happy Halloween

Julia as a Hollywood Starlet and Elle Bug as a Bug Fairy

~

This year trick or treating was a real treat. Elle was so excited for it and had practiced knocking and saying "Trick or Treat" with Jules for the past few weeks. She was defintaely trained and ready! Of course, she has also realized there is a lot to be said for a good piece of candy.. mmmmm.

We had a lot of fun and Julia even won a costume contest over the weekend in her stunning outfit. Woohoo!!

Elle at her School Halloween Party.

Julia looking way too big and pretty in her costume.

Half Way There

Friday was the “Big” ultrasound, the 20 weeks along and a peek at the person making me moody, tired and ravaging for pickles and pink salad ultrasound!

All of us Mom’s know the excitement and anxiousness leading up to this part of the pregnancy, we just want to know everything seems ok and for most, if it’s a boy or a girl.

Well with this being my 4th child and knowing that Jay needs a boy, I didn’t want to know the sex. I had decided that going another 20 weeks, knowing it was a girl would be hard. But should I find out when handed my perfect new little girl, it would be absolute excitement and love!

So as we watched the rather squirmy little person in me suck its thumb and hic-up… complete delight filled the little room. We even took Julia out of school early to experience the whole thing. It was so sweet, but Jay asked again…. Are you sure you don’t want to know what it is?? I said No, and explained my reasoning once again.

The technician giggled and told us… “I already know what it is.”

With that Jay was certain he knew too. Seems there is some logic that if it’s a boy, you know if it’s a girl you guess… probably more wishful thinking on his part.

Either way the Technician sealed our fate in an envelope and gave it to me along with our DVD filled with footage of our little one. I hid it and told Jules and Jay we would open it, if they can find it in an attempt to add some fun to it.

Finally, Saturday I decided to watch the DVD, loaded it to my laptop and watched the movie footage, with Jules. We then proceeded to look at the images added to the disk. I clicked on the first image…. And ….

Gasp!!! I had no idea she put the answer on the disk!! I was in shock.
Jules screams “Jay!!! Jay!"
Jay opened the image too and with a big smile declared ,“I knew it!”

With our fate revealed we looked at the other images.
I laughed at this one the hardest!

A new Son!! On his way!
We are sooo very blessed and extremely excited!

Happy 2nd Birthday Elle

Today, our little Elle is 2 years old!!

Her vocabulary consists of at least 100 words she chooses to say on her own. She can mock any word you through at her. In fact we find it to be great fun getting her to repeat words like Massachusetts and Mississippi. Her imagination needs no improvement, her shyness is truly, sweetly authentic, and her comprehension is amazing! If you cannot tell we are incredibly proud of our little Elle.

For the first time Elle brought cupcakes to daycare to celebrate the big day. She reminded me that she had cakes to take to school and wore a special sticker I made her for the big day. I think after going through a few classmates 2nd birthday's she knew what to expect and was extremely excited. The daycare was nice enough to send me these great pictures! Thanks!

We celebrated her big day at our house with family and close friends. It was great fun and Elle really liked it. She opened each gift, loving them, having to be reminded there were others she needed to open before playing with them.

One of her favorite and a huge hit at the party has be Taro Gomi's “Everybody Poops”. It's a great book with pictures of and text explaining how everything that eats, poops. Her expressions were priceless! Still at bed time she was listing off the things that poop and asking about new ones not mentioned in the book.

Imagine if you will, a serious 2 year old asking her Daddy "ducks poop?" and that adoring Daddy, answering seriously, because it is serious, "Yes dear, Ducks do poop too!" I am sure this will speed up the potty training. I made sure to mention the book to daycare, just in case she started to ask the teachers about pooping animals.

At the end of the day, I would have to say Elle enjoyed her cake the most! Perhaps it was the fact it was chocolate or that Mimi made it. Either way, she really loved it and ate it up!

All of her presents were great! Thank you to everyone that helped to make Elle's 2nd birthday so great! What a wonderful 2 years its been, each day more wonderful then the last. We really enjoy our little Elle bug and we are so lucky to have such a great daughter!

Cooking With Julia - Live

Julia loves to record little shows in a series she calls "Julia Live" and if I might say so myself, she is really talented.

Well a couple of weeks ago she made this one, the first in her new series "Cooking With Julia"... and dispite its unedited quality, I just had to share.

It makes me laugh everytime.
Make sure you notice Bug in the corner... too cute!
I know.. we are mean!



Perhaps I will find the time to post some of her other creations.

5th Grader

They grow way too fast!!

Look at my Julia, the 5th grader… the last year of her Elementary school career.


The finale leading too school dances, socializing outside the house with friends... and oh my Boys... ahhh!
I know I know I am getting a little a head of myself, but it seems like yesterday my little 5 year old was skipping off to Kindergarten. And now, its gone too fast... someone quick, press rewind, I want to see it again!

I know Julia is going to have an awesome year and excel as she always does.

After all she has fall softball and 5th grade Marimba to look forward too!

Thank You

It is really easy to get caught up in the simple stresses and pleasures that happen to me and my family each day. It is really easy to ignore the dramas unfolding far away, in another front, for my fellow countrymen.

But I am often overcome with pure gratitude and up most respect for the brave men and women serving us so well in a foreign and sometimes confusing war. Today is such a day.

On March 20th 2005 the loss of war hit very close to home when Jay's dear friend and mentor Paco lost his only son to the cause of Freedom. Paquito, not even old enough to buy a beer, sacrificed the most precious gift he was afforded for our way of life. Paco's composure and actions following such tragedy has influenced me and my own actions more than I can ever state. With an unimaginable loss he found indescribable courage.

Following in his sons heroism, Paco re-enlisted in the Air Force and will be joining our troops in Iraq next week. Please join me by including him in your prayers daily and wishing him a healthy and safe return to his wife and daughter.

Read the latest news article on Paco's bravery at -
http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/753969.html
http://www.mfconsulting.com/blog/


Thank you to all our country's Heroes. We are forever in your debt.

Unaccompanied Minor

Estimated arrival time 5:56pm, Actual arrival time 9:58pm.

Dallas is known for its thunderstorms this time of year. But when the intercom announced Kordell's plane was diverted to Waco, my heart skipped a beat.

I have been waiting almost five months to see him, after his Father and him moved to Colorado. And now, now he was in Waco. Now the airport was "shut down" all for some lightning and rain... Ahhhhh!!

When we talked of sending the kids back and forth alone on a plane... it was with great hesitation I purchased the tickets. All because this scenario lay back in my mind, my child alone, in another city. Noooooo.....

Luckily, once the woman at the ticket counter calmly explained the plane would only sit in Waco until clearance was given and Kordell would not be left alone at any time ... my heart slowed, my hand steadied and my tears dried.

Of course the 4 hours of waiting drug along and Jay and I were not prepared for such wait times with our little Elle. We will definitely prepare better for the next arrival!

The time only drug along for some of us.
It seems my Kordell enjoyed the experience and was even given special privileges.. as you can see below, as he sits in the cockpit of an Airbus A-319 with Frontier Airlines. A special special thanks to Rob Saul - First Officer for sending me this picture. Its truly priceless!


In the end his trip was a great experience, and Frontier did a wonderful job keeping the worried parent in me calm, and the adventurous 14 year old in Kordell thrilled.

Wish us luck, Jules gets home tonight.....

Telly and Benjamin

We were lucky enough to have cousins Elizabeth and Benjamin visit this month.
It was so nice to see them both and Benjamin has gotten so big.

Elle especially enjoyed having someone around closer to her age.

Thank you for making time to visit us while in A town!
Best of luck in your new home and with the expecting new Baby!
February is going to be quite a month for the family.

New Dugan

We're Pregnant!!

Another family member scheduled to make his/her debut with Valentines Day!
We are so excited and cannot wait to meet him/her!

Happy Father's Day Butters!

Litter Box- Part 2 Fishing Buddies

Jay and Bill have yet to loose their thirst of fishing and in an attempt to broaden their catching opportunities purchased a very affordable Bass Tracker - Nitro.

This particular boat is 21 years old and after spending at least the last 3 years parked next to a nice home in Bonham Texas, uncovered and unused, was more so rescued than purchased by my husband and his friend... as you can see above.

At first glance, you might say, well its not that bad. But let me point out how the angle of the camera does not expose the inside of the boat, as I do believe such images are too graphic for this posting and may constitute an investigation by the FCA and possible fines.

Look even closer and you will notice there is absolutely nothing where a rather large windshield should be. As seen below on the cared for twin of our boat.

Now let me explain the title of this blog and Julia's given name to the boat... "Litter Box"

As fate would have it, the tires on the boats trailer were not in very good condition. In fact thanks to 20/20 Julia and I were able to decode their creation as the 10th week of 1995. Yikes!!
The 2 managed to air the tires enough to get them to the Wal-Mart, where they spent a couple of hours trying to keep the tires inflatted for the long drive back home, and fix the element exposed wiring to the trailers brake lights.

When alas, Bill and Jay realize , there is a litter of kittens in the boat.
That is right, 3 tiny kittens, imaginably terrified, found living in the Bass Tracker!

What were the guys to do?
Were these kittens trapped in the boat while looking for their mittens?
Was this some new twist to Geraldine Robinson's "Three Kittens in a Boat"?
Had Jay and Bill truly met Micky Kitty and Jack, on their famous holiday?

Unfortunately, the kittens were not old enough for me to meet, and Jay and Bill did not return with evidence of this encounter, therefore, I cannot post pictures.
I am glad to tell you, the kittens were safely returned to their owners.

Sadly, we will forever wonder if Mickey, Kitty and Jack, were real, perhaps searching for their mittens crossing paths with Jay and Bill in Bonham Texas on a cool spring evening.

To much relief the boat's neglected motor and such run wonderfully and the boat has been out a total of 5 times without incident and with much successful fishing! In fact there will be a fish fry soon. Who knows, perhaps the spirit of its once residence lives on in our boat, adding to the wonderous fishing talents of Jay, Billy and Alain.

2nd Place - Way To Go!!

The Fury and Ponies - Championship 2008

Our Proud Ponies gave it all they had... and well after a very well earned championship run, came in 2nd!

2nd!!!
Its not 3rd or 4th or even Last... but as Jules would say,

"Its not 1st either, Mom! "

You have to love her drive for perfection!
We are soo proud of our Jules and cannot wait to see what our Ponies do next year!

Julia and her massive 2nd place trophie - 2008

Championship - Here we come!!

Ponies vs. Jaguars – Championship Game
That is right blog fans, Julia and the Ponies are playing in the Championship game!!!

After only one win in regular season, the ponies came back to when the first tournament game against the mighty Fury last Friday 11-10.

A real nail biter!

Only to loose to the Jaguars Monday evening in a too bad to mention loss,

~~ Yikes~~

Luckily for our Ponies, its double elimination and everyone brought their A game out Tuesday night, against the dreaded red Panthers.

After blowing a 6-1 lead the Ponies found themselves tied 6-6 in the bottom of the 3rd (9th inning in girl softball terms). After striking out one of our best hitters (who hit a 3 run homerun in the 1st inning) Julia came up to bat…. Runner on 3rd – one out… and … and … after striking out in the 2nd inning, hit a single to right center field…. and ... and ... and

Ponies win 7-6!

Julia's hit wins the game and she was awarded the game ball.
Yeah Ponies.. and good luck Thursday!

Mother's Day

Happy Mothers Day.

Love, Nana, Mimi, Dana, Elle Bug, Kristina, Jules, Amanda, and Seth.

This year was spent at Jay's wonderful sister's, and a great time was had by all.

Dana (Jay's sis) and Tom (Dana's man) are lucky enough to live on what has to be one of the only "family streets" left. For their neighbors camped in the front yards with glasses of wine and children, ran about with giggles and screams. As the visit progressed, Julia found that she was quite popular amongst the little neighbors.

Of course the rest of us realized what a difference 4 years really can make in a childs life. After all, Amanda is only 6, and Jules only 10, and look at the difference.

Children are truely little blessings in our lives, and not young for nearly enough time. Before we blink, our beautiful Julia will be a teen and our Elle a Kindergartner! They are really but guests in our homes. Their visits, while extended, are much, much too brief. Make sure they know you love them so, each and every day!
I truly hope all Mom's gain such perspective on this Holiday.

Fun at work - with the Staph

One of my fellow employees, who shall remain nameless, was out all last week with a nasty nasty staph infection of the elbow. Quite a scary ordeal, even spent several days in the hospital hooked up to some extreme antibiotics.

But of course, once the red flags were raised and we knew with certainty - the un-named employee - would be back soon, we had to create a warm welcome back.

~

As you can see... we did a great job!!

Unfortunately the - un-named employee - did not feel the love that was used and immediately removed all evidence.

Either way... it was fun and were glad - the un-named employee - is on the road to recovery.

Softball Fun

Every year a magical time arrives...

A time of green plants and blossoming flowers, a time of wondrous, frightening thunderstorms that light up the sky, a time of warmer weather and unwanted bugs.

With this time comes the ever welcomed, the much looked forward to,
Girls Softball Season!


Julia, now in her 3rd season as a player of the Ponies, absolutely loves it. She is rather good bringing even more excitement to our Saturday mornings.

After 2 loosing season's, this year seems to be turning around.
Although we are only in 3 games, 1 win is very encouraging!


We have to say the most enjoyable part is watching Julia succeed, enjoy the challenge and learn the meaning of team.


Elle of course thinks Julia is the greatest, most amazing big sister there ever was, no matter how she does and it shows.

Fishing Buddies

As the weather holds, Jay, Bill, and Alain have been fishing at all possible and available moments. Fortunately, our area is rich with local ponds and close enough to Bill’s old stomping grounds for the guys to have much luck without a lot of commuting.

I should be quick to substitute “the guys” from my previous statement with “Bill Walker”. As it seems Bill possesses a skill Alain and Jay have yet to develop. It’s very similar to the old nursery rhyme character, Peter Piper. Except Bill doesn’t, call rats, he calls fish (somehow) and there aren’t tights or dancing and skipping about.

It does seem suspicious that the All American Ace Angler - Billy Walker is always catching these gi-normous fish off to the side, and when Jay and Alain are not looking. But who are we to talk conspiracy theory??

Either way, Jay is having a great time!

Pouting Little Bug

After a sweet and fun bath, we wrapped Elle up in her Bear Towel and started the "Night Night" process.

It just so happened this night, in all her silliness she decided to pout.

Of course such a face only makes us laugh, and yea she knows it.


We told her how silly it really was and that we just had to get a picture.
I really said, “don't stop, let me get a picture.”

To much surprise, she held this pout, through the house, to the kitchen and until the flash went off. We only got the one shot, but I would say its perfect! Well perfectly silly.

She is growing too fast!