Hoppe Update

Well it's been an exciting end of the year for us! I haven't posted since before the ducks flew the coop! The stork has taken their place! We are expecting TWINS this June! It has been quite a journey but I know it will be worth every second of it! We are 14 weeks and looking forward to hopefully finding out Friday what our bundles of joys are! So much to get done, can't believe it's already the 2nd Trimester! I still feel like I am dreaming... SO BLESSED!

To set free or NOT to set free... that is the question!

Well we are undecided about what to do with our little house guests. We've become just as attached to them as they are to us... They are getting so big and have been outside 24hrs a day for 2weeks and have been doing great (even in this crazy heat)! Now our back patio smells of duck droppings but better out than in!  They can even get in and out of their pool all by themselves! Chris taught them this trick! We are hoping to go the lake this weekend and talked about bringing the ducks and attempting a release... but then we aren't sure if they are ready yet.... here's some snapshots of the little guys. 

Duck Tales! Woo-oo!

We are getting acclimated to the great outdoors this week! We only get to stay inside for bedtime and when no one's home. 

Ahoy Matey! We also got to go on our first canoeing adventure with the whole gang! (minus the turtle, Mr. Frog) We slept so good that night! 

Can't wait to see what great memories are made this week! Back to Quack Town!

Thrifty Before/Afters! (2 and 3)

Ok this is getting fun!!! Here's an old candlestick holder I had that I spray painted black. (Thanks for all the great ideas Peggy and Candace-you've been into this spray painting thing too and are rubbing off on me!) 

• Here's what I can't decide.... should I also spray paint the maroon looking one? It's my accent color but I'm not sure if I want to spray paint it too... the other was way to red so I had to... What do you guys think? 

Here's another one to thank Candace for! My new classroom stool! Love the change in this one! :) 

Thrifty Before/Afters! (1)

Newest hobby- shopping at thrift stores! Thanks Candace! :) It's so exciting to hunt for items and to see the hidden potential in them. Here is my first find. $4 and some silver polish. 

The Adventures Continues... (so does the poo!)

They are getting so big! We are in the process of trying to transfer them outside. They don't like it very much, in fact, I hear them quacking at the back door now... I just keep thinking, it's tough love! I know they need to learn how to survive outdoors and they are pooing machines! They drop a load as quick as I pick one up! Trying to do the right thing with them. I'm researching on proper care at this age and when to release... In trying to help them, I've enabled them at the same time. I know nature hasn't been able to teach them the survival skills that they need. If anyone has any pointers, send them my way! 

The Aflac & Aurora Adventures!

Two adults, two dogs, two ducks a turtle and a partridge in a pear tree!!!

Wow these little guys are a blast! Here's some pics of all the fun we've been having! 

Quack Attack!

Thanks Kristy and Matt for allowing our little ones to invade your place this weekend! They've grown so much already! I know Alex and Abby were a big help too! Nothing like a quack attack for the weekend! We had such a great time on the Guadelupe River camping at Lazy L and L! http://www.lazylandl.com/ Another year of fun times and great memories with some of our closest friends! Didn't make it to the Gristmill this year, but Chicken Express was a great fill in!!! Yummo!


So my newest obsession... digital scrap booking!!!! (Again thanks goes to Kristy for this new hobby!) I am finally going to get to our wedding, five years later! I am using Memory Mixer and love it. I have figured out how to import other files so if you have any suggestions for embellishments, etc. please send them my way! 

All Aboard!

Looks like I am a momma of 2 baby ducks!  We had a blast this 4th of July weekend at Lake Livingston! One of the coolest things was watching these baby ducks hatch. I became completely involved at this point.  We are guessing the momma duck gave up on them because it was so late in the season, who knows? We never saw her. There were 9 eggs, 4 actually hatched and only 2 survived. Adele and Alfred were laid to rest on July 4, 2011, survived by their siblings, Aflac and Aurora. Kristy (the funeral director) picked out their casket (aka Wal-mart bag),  Keener (the grave digger) graciously dug the grave, Madi (the pastor) shared a sweet prayer and blessing and Alex (the caretaker) placed the monument (miniature American flag-it seemed appropriate it was 4th of July) on top of the grave... I (grieving loved one) held back a tear (I know, pitiful. But I held Adele for about an hour in her last moments trying to comfort her as she held on so bravely)... And then I decided I was going to adopt these darn birds and make sure they survived! Welcome to QUACK Town!

Hanging with the Hoppe's!

Thought it would be fun to start blogging. Very new to the whole thing! This is me Mealissa (Missy) and my husband Chris. We've been married for 5 years. I teach 2nd grade and absolutely love my job!!! Chris is starting a new job as a technical writer and he is pretty excited about this new career. We have 2 dogs Buddy and Baylee and one turtle named Mr. Frog. (Don't ask lol!) What a crazy busy year it's been! So far I have enjoyed being at home for the summer hanging out with my hubby, relaxing and watching Dexter (our newest obsession!)...