URGHH

I set a lunch date with Jackson this morning last minute. I told him I would come and meet him during his lunch time since he is "star of the week" right now. I asked him if he wanted me to wait and come on Friday and he told me he wanted me to come today.

I got ready and headed over to Campbell at 10:20- giving me plenty of time to park and head in to see my favorite 5 year old in the world.

I went straight to the lunch room and Jackson was no where to be seen!

I looked all around and then took a closer look at the tables for information about teachers and times. I found Ms. Janacek's table and my heart sank. His lunch began at 10:00 a.m NOT 10:30!!

I went back to the office bewildered- I didn't know what to do. The sweet ladies in the office told me to go by his classroom (which is typically a no no) to see if he was there so that I could explain. As I walked down the Kindergarten wing, his teachers (and several other teachers) saw me and immediately got Jackson. They knew that I needed to see him and he see me!

He came out of the classroom sobbing- he could barely breathe! As he wrapped his arms around me and shoved his face in my neck, I put my arms around him and we didn't say anything for the longest time...we just both sobbed!

I explained a little bit, but I knew he didn't care why I wasn't there...just that I wasn't so I didn't push the issue.

He will have McDonald's at 9:55 a.m. waiting for him tomorrow morning for our second lunch date.

If McDonald's doesn't make burgers that early, they will be tomorrow. No, really.

Star of the Week- Jackson

Jackson and I worked hard tonight on his poster for student of the week. I must admit, he did the majority of it. He decided what he wanted on it (which pictures), he decided where he wanted them to go exactly on the poster board, he wrote out all the labels ("swimming", "family", etc.), and printed off several pictures off the computer and then cut them out himself! And of course, glued it all on.

When I went to use my cricket to make his name across the top, he was offended. He told me HE wanted to write his name- so he did. We just glued it along the top too.

He is so proud of his poster and I am proud of all the work he put into it. I am so surprised...and I think Ms. Janacek will be too!

Sugar Tri Kidz Triathalon

Bailey and Emma did awesome at the Sugar Kidz Triathalon. They both swam 50 yards, biked a little over 2 miles and ran a 1/2 mile- in that order. Here are a few pictures we got of them in each segment of the race.

Our finishers!! They can't wait for next year!

Children's Museum Houston

Today we had a ball hanging out at the Children's Museum in Houston. I am embarrassed to say that I haven't been to the museum since Teague has been born so with the day off of school, we decided to go and try it out.

WOW! It was so much fun.

When we first got there, we went straight to the climbing structure. Teague could not stop running...he ran in circles while the older kids played on it. It was hilarious to watch him- it was like he was yelling, "I'm free, I'm free!!".

We went all over the museum. Turns out, it was the perfect day to visit since it wasn't covered up with schools on field trips. I could not get over all that they offered for the kids to do and we did it all: playing in the kitchen, playing in the vet office, the TV station, the grocery store (cash registers and money too), the restaurant, the art studio, the police car and an ambulance. So much fun and so super nice!

Emma and Jackson both really enjoyed the Veterinary office! I think Emma could have stayed there the whole time.

Teague used the closest chair to get where he wanted.

Jackson at the register.

The water was so much fun.

and baby chicks!

At lunch, we ran into some friends from school. The Dean's joined us for lunch and then all the kids went off to play again. They ended the day by playing in the face paint. A museum must!

Me and my boys!

We got Cocoa and lots to do!

We've got a new family member this weekend. Jackson got to bring home "cocoa" from school today because next week Jackson is the "Star of the Week". He has to

bring a poster telling all about himself and record all of the events with "cocoa" in a scrapbook.

Cocoa has already had a ton of fun and it's only the first day. He got some of our new books read to him after school, he got buckled up in the back seat right next to Jackson, he learned how to go down the slide and how to handle the monkey bars at the park and even got to swing. Then, tonight he went to eat at Luby's with our family. Jackson said he really enjoyed the macaroni and cheese and after dinner Cocoa even got a little ice cream!

We also got some more great news today after school. Bailey and Emma both were selected as a part of the Science Olympiad team at Campbell. Emma is considered an "alternate" but will still practice each week with the group and will compete if someone drops out, can't make it to the competition or doesn't complete part of their responsibilities. The competition will be November 14th and they will begin practice next week- every Tuesday afterschool until 3:30 p.m.

The girls are also working on their elections for Student Council Representative for their individual classes. Their 1 minute speech is due Tuesday, next week, and the election will be on October 1st.

We have a lot to work on this weekend! Jackson's "star of the week" poster and scrapbook page with Cocoa, Bailey and Emma's speeches and their posters for the Student Council election. Do you have any good ideas for the speech? We want it to be unique, schnazzy and upbeat!

Tickle Monster by Josie Bissett

I found this PRECIOUS book online the other day while browsing for some new books to read at night with the boys. I mentioned in a previous post that Jerrod and I spend a lot of time in the evenings (and for me- during the days) "kickling" our baby, Teague. He loves to be kickled...if I sit down, he thinks its time. If I am working in the kitchen, he just comes and lays right next to my feet and says, "kickle me Mommy!". When he wants to be tickled, he wants to be tickled!!

Anyway, got this book today in the mail and it is just perfect! I couldn't get Teague to sit still long enough to read it with me, but Jackson LOVED it! He begged me to read it to him over and over again! It's the best and highly recommended by both Jackson and myself.

You can even purchase it as a boxed set which comes with little blue monster mits. I am sure the book can be bought at most book stores...I bought mine from Amazon.com. Here's the link on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FWXRD8/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1932319670&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0DWZRJE72K44DG9MZGQW

The book was written by Josie Bissett from Melrose Place. Remember that show??! You can read more about Josie's book at www.josiebissett.com

The perfect step stool

We recently got the front loading washer and dryer. I was shocked today when Iwalked into the laundry room to find Teague inside the dryer. I wondered immediately how he got himself inside since they stand higher than our previous dryer...until I saw the basket of clean laundry located right underneath the door. A perfect step stool, I suppose.

WANTED: friends

I had the privilege of going on an overnight "women's retreat" on Friday night with a group of great ladies. There is a new church in Sugar Land and a few of my friends are members. They invited me to go on the overnight event and I jumped at the chance to hang with girls and study the word of God. I'll never miss that! We went to a very large ranch in Somerville, TX. It was more like a resort of sorts and it belonged to a very blessed family. It was so nice and everything was so LARGE. Word is, this was Lance Berkman's ranch that he recently sold to this family. We all decided that was why everything was so tall, large, etc. It took a small ladder to get into the bar stools that lined the bar area in the "gathering" room and it was just that- a perfect place to gather! We spent the night learning about what God's word says about friends and friendships. He designed us to be relational beings with every intention for us to spend time with "friends". We focused our study on Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10

Two are better than one...for if one falls the other can pick up his companion.

I learned that Jesus spent 1/3 of his time with his "close, intimate friends" and then spent the rest of his time with "friends" that he associated with and worshiped with but weren't in his inner circle. He spent 2/3 rd's of his time with acquaintances- ministering to them- but he still referred to them as friends. Amazing!!

I also learned this evening that I am not the only person that has had difficulties with friendships. It was refreshing to hear...we are hard on ourselves. As women, relationships are a challenge and can be difficult to manage especially with a family with children! Something so fun shouldn't be so had!!

We studied His word and found these truths:

We were created for friendship- he didn't want us to be alone. Genesis 2:11

Jesus had good friends.

God knew we would need a friend. Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10

Our salvation must be worked out. Philippians 2:12-13

Relationships show us our need for the Father. Romans 15:5-6

We applied these truths to our lives and discovered that we all have choices in friends- and they are just that, choices. Just like we tell our children, we too must make good choices in friends. It's no different for us. I learned so much about these choices! The community I live in is absolutely wonderful. I am blessed with many friends- some close and some are acquaintances. Either way...I need friends.

WANTED: Friends

Must be willing to deal with a mother of 4 precious children and a wife to a very busy husband (both pretty much run my life). Must be able to deal with dropped plans, cancelled play dates and the occasional late arrival. Must be willing to deal with a woman that is totally normal- up one day and down the next, organized one day and totally a mess the next, a meticulous cleaner one week and a total pig the next- and be willing to lift me up when I am down. Must understand that I am not perfect or claim to be anywhere close to it. Must be able to be honest with me and have my best interest at heart. Must love the Lord. Must be willing to pray for me, to have great discernment for me, to stick by me and to challenge me to live a Godly life.

I hope you want the same for yourself and if so- you have a friend in me.

Ever wonder why it's the little things...

that make things better? It seems so simple, but I have been wanting to hang this row of hooks since last semester. Summer came and went and I finally got Jerrod to hang it for me this past weekend. Now, a perfect place to hang 4 backpacks every day! Off the floor and off the staircase, finally!! Much better.

We are not in control- He is

Last week my great Aunt died after 94 glorious years. She was such a sweet soul and I loved her dearly. Aunt Willeen had a serious sweet tooth and she must have added sugar to everything! She always promised my brother and I when we would come over for dinner that she would make what she called "sugar rice". It was a deliciously carb filled dish with milk, sugar and cinnamon. I could make a meal off of that side dish...it was delish! She also made a mean array of candies and cookies during the holidays. As a child, I ALWAYS wanted to go to her house. I was asked to provide some memories of Aunt Willeen for the Eulogy at the funeral and this is what I said I remembered most.

Then, Friday my Uncle Tim died. He was in his early 60's and he had been taking care of his wife that has been in the hospital for the last few months (seriously ill) and he didn't show up to work on Friday. They went to see what the problem was and he was found at home. He apparently had a heart attack in his sleep. My cousins have come to take care of funeral arrangements and they have made plans for the EMS to come and pick up his wife so that she can attend the funeral this next week. This family is having a hard time...I feel so bad for them.

In light of my recent medical discoveries, this has really got me thinking about life and all that we really don't control. There is only one person in control and that's our Lord and Savior. He is the only one that truely knows our plan and I have to go on faith knowing everything is going to be OK for me and everyone else.

I love lava rocks

I have been priviledged with many, many lava rocks this year so far. Jackson brings home these "lava rocks" every day for me from the asphalt track at school during recess. It's his "flower" for his Mommy!

I have collected enough of these large rocks to fill a decorative vase (I think I may try it) and have found remnants all over the house. The remnants have appeared in the chair cushions, the couch cushions, in the washer, the dryer, and even in my bed!

I love lava rocks!

Buc-ee's vs. Reliant Stadium

This past Sunday we got to go to our first Texans Football game with our season tickets. Jerrod has been to another game, but the rest of the family couldn't go because of school so it was the first time for the rest of us. The excitement of getting there is enough to make anyone's day. I've never seen so many people decked out in Texan gear!

The oohing and ahhing started immediately as we entered the arena. The kids eyes kept getting bigger and bigger as they saw the most important things- the concession stand offerings. There were a ton of choices from ice cream to cotton candy and everything else....

We made our first trip to the concessions right before the game started. Everyone chose nachos and got their seat. The game was just starting, we were enjoying our nachos and Jackson asked the first insightful question of the day. He didn't comment about the yummy nachos, the cool fireworks that went off as the team arrived in the stadium or the cheerleaders that were dancing right in front of us. He asked Jerrod when the game was going to be over.

Then, we decided to make our second trip to the concession stand at half time show. This time it was Jerrod's turn to go so he and Bailey went and picked up the goods. While they were gone Emma explained to me how the "Astros" weren't very good and even said, "well, they have already lost the game".

I am guessing that neither Emma or Jackson were impressed with the game, but they sure liked the treats! Here they are enjoying them:

On the up side, Emma and Jackson participated in the "Jump Jam" during half time. This is where the kids jump to the music and try to get on the big, jumbo screen in the stadium. Emma and Jackson were spotted by the camera for their jumping skills and were shown on the screen! They were thrilled!! They even went to school on Monday and several of their friends said they saw them on the big screen at the game. Funny!

For the record, the Texans did stink. They lost to the Jets (24), Texans (7)

I'll never understand why the kids think nothing of a world class NFL football stadium right in their own hometown, but can't wait to get their paws on a slurpee from Buc-ee's, a highway filling stadium in Luling, TX.

Ms. Janacek

Jackson just loves Ms. Janacek. He is eager to get to school each day and the girls say that he blushes when he sees her in the hallway. They say he always runs up to her and gives her a hug and he even told me this week that he overheard her telling her friend (another teacher) that "he is a good boy". Now, I don't know if this is true, but I do know that Jackson adores his Kindergarten teacher.

She called me at home Tuesday after school when Jackson didn't get off the bus with the girls after school. Of course, I panicked and called the school which in turn told Ms. Janacek that Jackson didn't get off the bus and then she called home. Story goes...Jackson and Colby were in a very important conversation about their Halloween costumes and Jackson said, "we loosed our house, Mommy". Anyway, she took the time to call home just to make sure he made it home to me. Love that.

Then, tonight Ms. Janacek created a website for her Kindergarten class! She just made this Kindergarten Mommy's day AND YEAR! There is nothing I want more than to be able to catch a glimpse of my big boy at school learning and making friends.

So precious. Check it out:
http://mrsjaneceksclass09.shutterfly.com/

and not a single donut to purchase- now, that's crazy!

Teague has finally starting attending a MDO program at First Baptist Church in Richmond. The program comes highly regarded as I had to go pull a "number" in early March just to get him a spot on the roster. I can't believe that the day has come. It's amazing to think that my baby is going to be away from me during the day for a short time. We have been a team these past two years and it's hard to let that go.

Teague did smile for the camera and enjoyed the idea of holding onto his backpack on his back the first day. He went willingly into the classroom with just a few tears when I went to leave him there. I watched him through the window for a short while and he did relatively good. Every once in a while, he would whimper and put his bottom lip out, but he did really good. I was able to get a few pictures of him discovering the new toys he had to play with!

Yesterday wasn't as good. I took him in and he whimpered some. He did let me leave and I again, hung around to see how he would do. He cried a little bit and just wandered around for about 10 minutes. He would play with toys and then stand there and start to cry...it made me cry and before I knew it I had other Moms in the hallway consoling me! Pick up time was totally different. I walked in the building and I could hear him screaming. The teacher was walking towards me and he just about jumped out of her arms to get to me. He was sobbing- uncontrollably and could barely breathe! His teacher said he saw me walking in the building and started to cry then. I didn't know what to think....poor baby.

This morning was awful. We pulled up today and he literally started screaming when he saw the building. Before I could get out of the driver seat and to the back seat to unbuckle him, he was sobbing. Tears were rolling down his face and he kept saying, "no, No, NOO! No Mommy!". It broke my heart. I left him at FBC Richmond screaming and crying- he even had his hands in his face to cover it up...

Same thing as yesterday at pick up time. He was screaming and when he saw me, he grabbed me like he had just been beaten for hours and I finally showed up to save him. He was so red and was just about to hyperventilate.

I hope this gets better. I have enjoyed my time alone during the day and even got to go to HEB alone yesterday. I actually got to stick to my grocery list and didn't have to purchase a single donut to keep Teague quiet and happy. It was nice, but is it worth it? Only time will tell.