No painting pumpkins for Gabe

Since Gabriel didn't get to paint pumpkins with us this year, I thought I'd throw in a few cute recent pictures of him. He is getting SO BIG, and has really starting becoming expressive and such a smiley little guy.


Taking a nice, warm bath.


A big cheesy grin!


Hanging out for a little "tummy time" in the Boppy.


Saying "hi" to big sister, Abby.

Painting Precious Petite Pumpkins

Just had to thrown in a little alliteration for my fellow dorks. ;-)

Last Sunday, the weather was beautiful, so we took the boys out back to paint pumpkins. They had a great time! I think they enjoyed playing outside and IN the paint more than the actual process of putting it on pumpkins, but it was FUN for all of us nonetheless.


Wonder what Mommy and Daddy are setting up over there... maybe they'll let us get in the swings!!


Hurry, bro, they're calling for us...


... and they have PUMPKINS!!


What is this stuff?


Paint?
Caleb, as always, is VERY curious as to what is going on.


Jacob loves wiping it on Daddy's arms - not so much on the pumpkins!


Then he got curious as to if it is edible... and Mommy thanks God it is NON-TOXIC!


Jacob soon wanted to get up, enjoy the beautiful day, and run around. (It is so good to see the boys running now after not walking for so long.)


Got Mommy!!


Wow, bro, we did a good job!

Another blog soon to come to wrap up the month... like I mentioned, October has been a whirlwind of chaos! But a lot of good times did happen.

Our big date!

Remember the date that I mentioned several weeks ago? Well, with the whirlwind October we had, I am just now getting around to posting some pic from our first date since having all three boys!

I had mentioned that it was out of character for us to go out while the Cowboys were playing... but this should all explain it.

Yes, Jon took me to see the Cowboys vs. Bengals!!



I got to see Texas Stadium in it's last season. :-(



We got lots of great pictures, but here are a few favorites:



Romo!!



Two of my favorite current players: #80 - Martellus Bennett (Tellus!!) and #81 - Terrell Owens (T.O.!!) Yup, I didn't like him when he first came to Dallas, but ol' T.O. is starting to grow on me. Tellus was my favorite Aggie player last season - and now he is one of my favorite Cowboys.



America's Sweethearts! Did y'all know that I seriously almost tried out to be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader in 2001?! I (unknowingly at the time) took dance classes with some of the girls at the Dallas Powerhouse of Dance. After one of the classes, one of the girls made the comment "you're pretty good - are you planning on trying out?" Huh - try out for WHAT? She said that a lot of girls came to that class as a prep before try-outs for the D.C.C. (as well as for the Mavs Dance Team). I just laughed... but then I really thought about it. I met all of the qualifications (at the time): could dance and do the splits all three way, had abs of steal, could high kick, and had time on my hands in the evening/weekends. Yeah, I chickened out - afraid that I wouldn't make it. But I do regret at least not trying when I had the chance. You know, before I had three kids who destroyed my tummy that could be shown in the little uniforms! LOL!



I am "smooshing" Texas Stadium. (Yeah, I am a dork!)

We had a blast hanging out together for the afternoon - and The 'Boys won 31 - 22!

The Seastrunks of Oz

First of all, we went to a Halloween Party at my parents' neighborhood... and here's a quick view of the costumes:


LIONS, AND, TIGERS, AND BEARS - - OH MY!!!

I had fun photoshopping this picture to make it just like we were in the set of The Wizard of Oz. There will be more to come, but I'll wait to tie in the ones from Halloween night too.

Our littlest punkin' is already two months!

He had his Check-up appointment on Monday and is:

12 pounds, 3 ounces and 23.5 inches long - which puts him at 75% for both height and weight.

Oh, and he just keeps getting cuter!


He loves his swing!


Smile, Gabe!


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Unfortunately, I can't get a great smile picture with him looking at the camera!


Such a sweet, silly little dude!


LOVE the outfit here! Cool shirt and even cooler "shoes" (or as Caleb always calls them, "booohes").

I am a little behind with blogging now, as we had a ROUGH few weeks - including losing my uncle on October 9th and my mom having parathyroid surgery on October 16th.

My uncle Tommy was/is a great, fun-loving man who will be missed by friends and family too numerous to mention. (The funeral was standing room only!) If you think about them, please pray for my aunt, Cindy, and cousins Cody, Tempress (Cody's wife), Tyler (who is a Freshman in College), Kelby (a Freshman in High School), and sweet little Brenley Kye (Cody and Tempress' 13 month old baby girl - Tommy's beloved granddaughter). They need peace and healing right now - and for a long time yet to come.

On a happier note, I know that the ONLY reason the 'Horns pulled out the win this past weekend was that Tommy had a talk with the Big Man to make a MIRACLE! (He was a HUGE Texas Longhorn fan, and we liked given each other a hard time!) I must admit, however, I truly had a hard time pulling against the Longhorn - JUST THIS ONCE - in honor of my Uncle Tommy. BUT, I will NOT admit that to him when we see each other again one day... hehehe

My mom's surgery went GREAT. It will most likely take a few more weeks to get back to herself, but she's overall recovering well. It ended up being a little less invasive than we had thought it could be, but she does still have an incision across her neck. *ouch!*

I think we are back to our normal level of craziness again. LOL!

More to come about Jon and I's date a few weeks back, our trip to College Station, and Halloween!

Oh, yes, I AM going there!!

I have been biting my tongue for months, and am afraid I am about to need stitches. ;-)

This is something that I am thinking about often lately, so have to get it off of my chest. I have lived in Texas my entire life, so I know how people are and that Obama doesn't stand a chance IN TEXAS. Whether it be for racial reasons - which many people have sadly admitted to me IS the case for their vote, the thought that he might be "Muslin" (HAHAHA - yes, the spelling is that way for a reason), or you have "always" voted Republican... I honestly cannot understand it.

However I feel that if McCain does win, America and the economy spirals even more, and more "boys" lose their lives in the "Bush/McCain 100 Year War," I wouldn't be able to live with myself knowing that I didn't give it at least a fighting chance.


Seriously, a MUSLIN?! Idiots!!!

After talking with many people about politics this year, I am seeing that people are voting how they think they are "suppose to," without knowing the real issues behind each candidate. Sadly to say, most women are voting the way that they are based on what their husbands or pastors have said. Please, ladies, stand up for yourself and know all of the issues rather than merely going with what someone else thinks!!!

Remember: you are not voting on the person that you'd most like to go fishing with, or having a latte with... you are voting on the person best suited to run our country.

I went and early voted today, and I couldn't get over all of the Lexus SUVs and BMWs with McCain/Palin stickers in the parking lot. Perhaps if we had enough money lying around to justify an expensive car, then we too could be "rich" enough to be for McCain! Instead of having a large house, expensive cars, and lots of "toys," we have to put money aside for three college educations, retirement, and in case something happens to either Jon or myself. I mean, the economy is so screwed up, there is zero room to blow money in the budget!



On many occasions McCain has stated that the fundamentals of our economy are... strong. *Gasp, cough, HUH?!* I am not sure which economy he is referring...

Even though we had a balanced budget 8 years ago, our economy is now in the worst state ever since the Great Depression! WOW! Bush has been so focused on the war in Iraq (A COMPLETELY unjustified war - Afghanistan, yes - Iraq, NO!) that he has clearly neglected our economy. Yet, McCain openly admits that he agreed with Bush 90% of the time. Let me spell that a different way - NINETY PERCENT!! I mean, what more damage could he do in 4 more years?!



Seriously, did you ever stop to wonder WHY the McCain/Palin campaign is really wanting to talk about Obama's "character" rather than real issues that should be of top priority this election? Perhaps it is because they don't want to go there, knowing both McCain and Palin's track record!

And Sarah Palin, bless her heart...



Palin might be a funny girl, but if something happens to McCain (and, sorry, but let's face it, he is 72 years old), would you trust HER judgment to run this country? Either she doesn't know her facts before stating them (scary) or just blatantly lies in attempt to hope that people are naive enough to take her at her word (even scarier). Sarah Palin honestly scares me - and not just because she's packin' heat. ;-) She calls herself a feminist - does she think that being a woman automatically makes her a feminist?

Abortion... I debated doing it, but I am going to go there! My friends know how I feel about abortion personally, so I won't go into great detail here (but do feel free to ask if you don't know). You all know I LOVE BABIES - I mean, I have not one, not two, but THREE of them!! HOWEVER, I do have to say that I don't think it is a big enough issue to base my decision EXCLUSIVELY. LET ME EXPLAIN BEFORE YOU GET ALL UPSET! If abortion is the ONLY reason you are voting for the Republican Party, you might want to think twice. The Republicans were in control of not only the Presidency, but also the House and Senate for several years. If they were going to overturn Roe v. Wade, wouldn't they have done it by now? Sadly to say, I feel that many of the Republicans keep using that POWERFUL heart tug on people so that they can keep the votes/support. BUT THEY AREN'T REALLY DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT! Therefore, I am not going to keep on letting our economy slide, the lower middle class suffer, and needless, unjustified wars progress even further based on ONE ISSUE (albeit, yes, a big one).

McCain made a promise in his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention: "Change is coming." God, help us, I really, wholeheartedly hope so...

I really cannot understand, but would like to. I am a very open minded person, yet have been honestly grasping to find some sort of reasoning as to why anyone would vote for McCain/Palin. Could one of my many McCain/Palin supporting friends PLEASE explain it to me, as I feel that I must be missing something. As you all know, I feel that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but I truly do just want to understand. No judgment... Any takers? Comments, emails, and calls are welcome - and highly encouraged!

Deep Fry It and Dip It In Ranch!

A LOT has gone on in the last couple of weeks, which I will hopefully have time to blog about later, but for now enjoy the list of food items featured at the State Fair of Texas. I've always loved how us Texans have a way with taking a healthy food and deep frying it and dipping it in ranch dressing! (Yum... I think I may have to make some fried green tomatoes again soon!) The Fair runs through Sunday, October 19th, so if you feel the need to hasten atherosclerosis, act fast! hehehe

Seriously, chicken fried bacon dipped in ranch!! I mean, could you GET any more unhealthy? But I have do have to admit, I feel strangely compelled to try it. Same with all of these fried Fair foods (say that five times fast):

http://www.bigtex.com/foodlocator/

Chicken Fried Bacon – Thick and peppery Farm Pac® bacon is seasoned, double-dipped in a special batter and breading and deep-fried. Served with a creamy side of ranch or honey mustard sauce. Winner of Best Taste in the Big Tex Choice Awards competition.

Fried Banana Split – A mixture of banana and honey peanut butter is rolled in balls, battered and deep-fried and topped with assorted, delicious fixings, including powdered sugar, caramel and chocolate syrups, chopped peanuts, whipped cream and banana split flavored ice cream bites then fittingly crowned with the traditional cherry. Winner of Most Creative in the Big Tex Choice Awards competition.

Fernie’s All-American Fried Grilled Cheese Sandwich – An American classic with a State Fair twist. Two slices of white bread filled with a blend of American and cheddar cheeses, dipped in an egg and milk batter and lightly coated with panko bread crumbs for extra crispness. Served with a side of shoestring potato sticks, a pickle spear and tomato soup dipping sauce. The All American Meal!

Texas Fried Jelly Belly Beans – Jelly Belly Beans are rolled in funnel cake batter and fried to a crunch. People can share the treat with friends and try to guess the flavors before biting down.

Deep Fried S’mores – Marshmallow cream and chocolate chips are sandwiched between two graham crackers, dipped in a feather-light batter and fried to a golden brown. The campfire-inspired treats are dusted in powdered sugar.

Fire & Ice – A pineapple ring is battered and deep-fried, then topped with banana-flavored whipped cream that’s been frozen in liquid nitrogen. The smoking concoction is ladled with strawberries and syrup.

Fried Chocolate Truffles – A silky-smooth, handmade, dark chocolate truffle is rolled in cocoa powder before being battered and deep-fried. The melting chocolate goodness is dusted in cinnamon, sugar and cocoa powder.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Waffle Balls – Plump fresh strawberries covered in a thick chocolate shell are dipped in a sweet, waffle batter and deep-fried. Dusted with powdered sugar and served on a stick.

Fried Pop Rocks Fundae Blast - Ignite your senses with this explosion of Tastes. Fried Ice Cream covered in Hershey’s Syrup and Pop Rocks. Your fuse is a Twizzler rolled in Pop Rocks. While you disarm it, you’ll find an Atomic Fireball inside . . .“Fire in the Bowl”!

Fried Dinner Roll – A savory dinner roll lusciously filled with cream cheese and covered with a sweet batter, placed on a stick and deep fried to perfection.

Fried Cake on a Stick – A delicious, chocolate covered white cake filled with strawberry jelly and cream, dipped in sweet batter and deep fried until golden brown and served on a stick!

Green Bean Fries - Fresh Green Beans lightly battered, deep fried, and served with a side of cucumber ranch dressing for dipping!

Texas Bar-B-Que Eggrolls - BW’s Chopped Beef in an eggroll wrap, deep fried to a delicate crispness, and served with BBQ sauce for dipping or ignite your senses further with a splash of Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce.

“Jalapeno” Deep Fried Gorditas - Jalapeno flavored gordita cooked on the grill and then deep fried, stuffed with beef, chicken, or bean & cheese, and finally topped with lettuce, tomato, guacamole, and cheese.

Fried Apple iPie – A warm, delicious crispy fried apple pie with just a hint of cinnamon, is smothered in rich vanilla ice cream and topped with an edible iPod “like” mp3 player and whipped cream. Real working souvenir “ear-bud” earphones complete this tasty iPie experience!

Fried Snowballs – Fresh from the fryer! A lightly battered Snowball (cupcake) dusted with powdered sugar!

Fried Honey Bun – A lightly battered Honey Bun, served fresh from the fryer with a light dusting of powdered sugar!

Deep Fried Apple Bites ­– Fresh cut apples dipped in a homemade batter, deep fried, and then covered with a caramel sauce and cinnamon topping!

Ignited Moon Pie­ - The Original Moon Pie, lightly battered and deep fried, then gently sprinkled with powdered sugar!

Beefy Fried Queso Bites ­– Queso mixed with taco meat, breaded in a zesty batter and deep fried.

Crispy Fried Cantaloupe Pie – Diced cantaloupe seasoned with brown sugar, cinnamon and coconut milk, rolled in a flaky pie pastry, and then deep fried. Topped with powdered sugar and whip cream.

Our Little Pumpkins

The Seastrunk Family at Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch, October 3, 2008.

I have several pictures below comparing our visit to the Pumpkin Patch last year to the one this year. My how the boys have matured! (I wouldn't say "grown," as they really haven't gotten much bigger!)

Enjoy these shots of our little pumpkins!


In 2007, the boys liked sitting in the hay, looking at the Backyardigans...


... and in 2008 they actually knew who they were and ran up to them!


The boys checking out the pumpkins in 2007...


... and again in 2008!


Jacob's first trip to the Pumpkin Patch in 2007.


Caleb's first trip to the Pumpkin Patch in 2007.


Gabriel's first trip to the Pumpkin Patch in 2008. (He is obviously too little to sit up, so Mommy had to hold him by the "pot" for a quick shot!)


Mommy and her boys in 2007...


and with the new addition in 2008!



Daddy and the twins in 2007...


and again in 2008. (I was "wearing" Gabe in the wrap, so he is not in this shot.)


A cool picture of Mommy and Gabe.


Here's a close up of Gabe's precious little outfit.

If anyone wants to see more, there are a lot more pictures of both 2007 and 2008 at the links below:
http://picasaweb.google.com/aggiefrog/October2008#

http://picasaweb.google.com/aggiefrog/JacobCalebOctober2007#



On another note, a friend sent me this cute little analogy (thanks, Kimberly!), and thought it was cute and appropriate to share with this set of pictures.

What is it like to be a Christian?

It is like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.

Hopefully there will be a post about the big date tomorrow!!

I am dating again...

But still Jon though!

Just a really quick post, as I have a lot to do this morning...

Jon and I are going on our first date since having all three boys today!! Yes, it is a little weird going on a date on a Sunday afternoon, but we had to go with whenever my parents could watch them all. We are very excited nonetheless. Can you believe that we would plan to do something on a Cowboys game day?! A little out of character for us, don't you think?

We also took the boys to the Pumpkin Patch on Friday, so between the date and the hundred plus pictures we took there, I'll have a lot to catch up on in the coming week. :-)

Our Week in Pictures

First of all, going back to my last post, we finally got Gabe's Halloween costume...



And, like my friend Stephanie commented that she did with her triplet boys, our boys are going to be "Lions, and Tigers, and Bears..."



OH MY!!
(Mommy and Daddy are still working on theirs! Final pic to come!)

Speaking of the little guy, here are a few cute ones of Gabe this week!


Gabe loves "talking to," staring at, and sometimes batting at his cow friend!



He still loves his swing too!


All dressed and ready to go in his baseball outfit - could he be any cuter if he tried?!

On Sunday we all got decked out to watch the Cowboys lose a heartbreaking loss.




Caleb says, "Go long, Bubba!!"


Jacob likes sitting on the couch watching the game like a big boy!


Mommy and Gabe kicking back, watching both the 'Boys and the boys (Jacob, Caleb, and Daddy) play!



We also watched our Ags in yet another crappy win. (No, "crappy win" is not an oxymoron. Yes, a win is a win, but it's still crappy when it's played like THAT! But we're getting used to another "rebuilding" year.)

And, lastly, since Gabe is 6 weeks, I have been released from the doctor's care, so we have started our daily walks again!! Man, have we gotten some double takes from passer-bys in our new ride! One man today stopped to roll down his window and ask if I had my hands full. Uhhhh, I still don't really know how do I answer that. I just said, "Yes, sir, I do - and am blessed to have them full!"




Here the boys are watching the "choo-choo" across the street.