Sometimes It Isn’t Pretty, But It’s ALWAYS Pretty GREAT!!

a smile and a hug

2010-06-16T17:57:00.006-05:00

I don't write about my current life. It's too hard. Not much is going good and it sounds just terrible to sit and discuss our happenings. Seriously. I am not trying to hide our issues, promise.

I try my hardest to be a positive person daily. People that are negative and complain annoy me. Really. I try really hard to tell everyone that I am doing great so that I won't annoy anyone. I try to say the right things and avoid the wrong answers. I know that someday I won't have to work so hard. Some days are better than others- just like anyone else.

Times change and problems subside. Someday, I am going to get myself back together and blog again. I also hope to do more...for someone else that may be going through something similar. Maybe a support group? Maybe a book? Until then, I am the same person I've always been- just going through a time that I never want to repeat.

Who knows what the future holds for us?

God does. I am certain of that.

Good things. Great things. Positively glorious times with my family.

Oh, and if you see me, I'll take a hug and a smile :) and give one too.

A Christmas Tree Decorated

2009-11-19T21:23:00.001-06:00

I decided to skip on the Thanksgiving decorations this year since we aren't having Thanksgiving in Sugar Land this year and we moved right onto Christmas. For some reason, decorating the house has been super easy. I don't know if it's because I didn't stress about or I just kept my expectations low.

Jerrod put the tree up and I put the garland on the staircase. Today after school, I pulled the ornaments out and gave the kids a free pass to decorate! Whoo Hoo!

They had so much fun and I just love the result I got and I think the kids had a great time being in charge...of something this year!

Bubble Santa's

2009-11-16T22:01:00.004-06:00

Ho ho Ho!

We celebrate Christmas early!

This was all Jackson's idea. He thought it would be a great idea to make a lot of bubbles in the tub and then add it to his face...then, he asked for a Santa hat and this is what evolved. I think it was a great idea!

All about nothings

2009-11-08T11:43:00.004-06:00

We've had a great time in the hill country this weekend. The highlight of the trip to get here was of course, Bu-cee's on I-10. Seriously crowded with hunters and the like. It was jam packed but the kids just had to get their slurpee's and we needed to stretch our legs. We also picked up some "beaver nuggets". I had heard they were good and we couldn't figure out what they were from the package so we decided to buy them. Bad move. Totally yummy somethings. We still don't know what they "are" but don't buy them...definitely addicting.
We really haven't done much which is the best part. Bailey and I ran yesterday together for a short while and then she followed me for a long while on her bike as I continued on. The weather was fab and the run felt great. The kids played outside in the yard and on the tree, etc. We also made our standard trip to Wally world and bought a few necessities (like Liquid Stitch for moi`). That is always another highlight....

We came home and I got started on my "no sew" no cost window valance for the kitchen with some left over fabric I had from another time. The Liquid Stitch was a real star in my opinion, but I had to wait to see just how good it held up. Later on, we did find a new mexican food as we were making our standard stroll down Main Street. It was yummmmy! Definitely the best one in town so far. We have tried a few and were disappointed with each of them, but this one- we will take our friends and family to! Here's what came about with the window:

After the boys went onto bed, I got to working on my window valance

in the kitchen. It's a french country toile print. I like the valance, but don't LOVE it. What does it need? I can totally change it...so super easy. Give me some feedback, please.

I am my Mom

2009-11-06T11:52:00.003-06:00

We laugh innocently and with LOVE when my Mom and Dad come to visit us in Sugar Land. It doesn't matter if they are spending a few hours or spending the night with us, they always bring a cooler of food and usually a laundry basket of treats and snacks for all of us. It used to offend me...I thought she didn't like what I had at the house or that she didn't trust what I bought. Now, I know that one of her love languages is "acts of kindness" and she truly loves making food and feeding us. But that doesn't mean that we have stopped snickering when they arrive with the cooler and totebag/laundry basketfull of goodies.

We are headed to Fredericksburg this afternoon. I am busy trying to get things together for all four of us while I wait for Jerrod to get home from work. This was a last minute decision and I had already gone to the grocery store yesterday so I decided to pack up what I planned for our meals this weekend. I packed enough things to make beef enchiladas, taco casserole, sandwiches and chili dogs. Before I knew it, I had a small cooler and a bag with my ingredients and snacks for the road.

I didn't even realize it while I was packing....but when I was done, I just started laughing. My children are going to have to stop at every spot imaginable so that they can go to the bathroom after drinking the drinks in the cooler.

Remember those days? Fun TIMES!

Adoring Nester

2009-11-05T11:31:00.000-06:00

Do you remember my post about Nester recently? Well, I decided to follow her lead and tackle some of the things in my home that I have been wanting to get to- listen, I adore her. She is so inspiring to me...

I love to create things, decorate rooms, tables, and spaces. She has inspired me to get started and do some of things that I love to do, again! I really did do what I said I was going to do- I took everything off my tables in the hallway, dining room, and bedside tables in our room. I went through cabinets in the kitchen, closets and the like to find things I didn't even know I could use. I found so much I could use in this house!! I stacked, layered and followed the rules she set for "tablescaping". It was a load of fun, but of course, I got side tracked with things around here so there is still a lot of work to be done. I did take a few pictures of the several spots: my console in the hallway and I made a little sitting area in my dining room with chairs from my kitchen table (I know, I hear ya, I must get some pillows to place on those chairs to make them look comfy) but I am seriously happy about the way these two little area look for now.

Mind you, I didn't spend a dime. I just did a little research and recovery right here in the house! I even bought my first jar of silver cream to recover a few things! How fun is that??!

I have merely gotten started....be on the lookout for new postings...soon! I am in full mode and I will give you a little hint, smidget of what's in store. I did purchase some scrapbook paper and am ready to install it in the most peculiar place this next week! I feel the need to warn you....it's gonna look good, it's gonna shock you and you are going to want to copy me. I promise!

If you've been wondering where I've been- I've been Nesterized (and a few other blogs too listed on my sidebar)! I'll be back in full swing after I've caught up on the Nester and all her jazzy projects. For those of you that know about Nester, I went to Wally World last night and purchased my first set of upholstery pins. Yep! And proud of it! Ok, and noticed at Garden Ridge that they have decorator quality fabric for $5! Most of them are cut at 3 yards- making them less than $2 a yard! That will definitely be another story another day.

So here's what I have done so far:

A fairy, a Witch, Indiana Jones and ELVIS!

2009-10-31T21:47:00.001-05:00

I am doing my best to keep up with this blog. I just can't keep it together enough every day to log on and of course, post pictures!! Pictures are my favorite part of the blog so for some reason I think it's not a post if it doesn't have a picture with it.
Here's a quickie post of the kids from Halloween. Bailey was a midnight fairy, Emma was a stitch witch, Jackson was Indiana Jones and Teague was Elvis. I had so much fun making Teague's costume and he wore the glasses for a whole 2 seconds. Actually, just long enough for me to snap a few pictures!

Nester

2009-10-25T20:52:00.004-05:00

Currently, I am not attending MOPS, a Bible study or part of any organization/group that would require anything out of me. I had decided in the summer that I needed to get back to me and back to the basics with my family and so I did. It has been refreshing in many ways and I really like it, but I do miss seeing friends and having fun with other women just like me: trying to make it all work in this crazy life of raising kids and special spouses.

Eventhough I am unscheduled and feeling refreshed again, I am still not settled and still do not feel "complete". I need something more. I need a sense of accomplishment other than a clean home, clean kids (and laundry) and a dinner each night at home. I feel like I am where I am supposed to be. I am happier than ever at home, working around the house even if it is cleaning out closets or rearranging shelves (over and over again it seems) but something seems to be missing.

Somehow, someway, sometime this past week, I came across a blog that I started reading. Nester is someone that I don't know, but adore. She finds herself at home and making it what she wants with what she has- repurposing, rearranging, and redoing. Click on her name to check out her blog. Seriously inspiring girl and story.

She got me thinking about all the things I want to do at home. I am realizing that I still need interests and should spend a little time on them (they typically involve decorating or creating something). I am going to start a list of all the things I want to do and learn. Once I learn them, I am going to cross them off my list. What a sense of accomplishment I am going to feel.

Here's a start to my list:

1. find out about local sewing classes and take a sewing class on T, W or Th...soon

2. learn how to use the (new, still has shrink wrap attached) photoshop program that I bought one year ago when Jerrod and I started Christmas shopping- seriously, a year ago! Did I mention that it is unopened?!

3. take the clothes from the girls closets and my closet this weekend to Goodwill

4. complete my bathroom- it feels so incomplete

5. tablescape like Nester (heck, I wouldn't drop in this week...I am seriously rearranging all my tables and will be moving things all over the house. I figure this comes first so that I'll know what I have and what I need...right?)

6. complete the playroom. This is beyond torture for me. I dislike that room so much- so much so that it should probably be the first thing I tackle. I really need to paint the shelves and I know that is going to be so hard...they are icky oak right now.

7. run in a marathon- even if it's a half marathon.

Those items were amazingly easy to come up with. I am such a list girl. Total type A personality and need to list to see my accomplishments.

I'll let you know what I get accomplished, soon.

Community workers week

2009-10-15T16:14:00.002-05:00

This week is "Community Workers" week for Jackson's class in Kindergarten. They are busy learning about all the important community workers like police officers, fire fighters, and the like. He is having so much fun!!

Can you imagine the stories that Ms. Janacek heard about as they discussed police officers from her kindergartener's??! I bet that was a day she learned a little about the Mommy's and Daddy's in the room!! Of course, Jackson couldn't say anything about me...but his daddy? That's different!!

Jackson is the one on the far left and see, somehow he knows what it looks like to write a ticket....Here is his again (on the far left) holding his water hose.
He is still having so much fun at school everyday. He comes home full of stories and one usually entails who got their "clip" moved on the discipline chart! He is so happy he has NEVER had to move his....seriously.

Fredericksburg photos

2009-10-10T17:33:00.007-05:00

I've had a few friends asking for pictures of the house in Fredericksburg. I was finally able to snap a few pictures right before we were leaving this last trip.

Master bedroom:Master bathroom:Hallway bathroom:

Front bedroom:Family room:

Dining room:Another view of the dining room:Kitchen:Another view of kitchen:Computer desk in Kitchen:Coming into from the back door (pantry door):TV room:Back bedroom:

Love this little house and can't wait to share it with friends and family!!

Happy Birthday Jerrod! He's 40!

2009-10-09T12:11:00.001-05:00

Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg

2009-10-04T18:19:00.001-05:00

This weekend we went to Fredericksburg and it just so happened that this is the weekend for Oktoberfest! It rained and rained and rained all weekend. The kids were so disappointed, but we finally got to go on Sunday. We waited until late afternoon and went to try it out. It was hot, steamy and muddy from all the rain, but of course, we had fun anyway. We rode our bikes over there and the boys had fun tagging along on back of my bike. (We can't wait for Jackson to learn to ride his bike without training wheels! We think he will have so much fun...he just doesn't seem interested.)

Our Swine Flew

2009-10-01T17:24:00.000-05:00

The girls have been working on a project this month at Tracy Reed's art studio. She is so funny...she put together a class called the "swine flew" project. Perfect for this time of year!!

The idea is to create something to watch over our house to protect us from getting the swine flu!! The girls completed their "pig" and the reveal was today!

Such a great job girls...

Now, where to put them??? We are currently taking suggestions.

RED yarn!

2009-10-01T12:48:00.004-05:00

I would have never, never, ever thought in a million years that I would be receiving a craft home from MDO like this. I mean, after having 3 children with blonde hair, we always saw yellow yarn. This small, paper plate brought such a smile to my face today that I could barely stand myself. Me? Have a child with red hair? Anyone else see that coming??! I certainly did not.

Oh, how I love my sweet craft from MDO! Especially the RED yarn and Teague! Perfection.

URGHH

2009-09-29T11:14:00.005-05:00

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

2009-09-27T20:49:00.002-05:00

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

2009-09-26T21:01:00.001-05:00

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

2009-09-25T21:17:00.007-05:00

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!

2009-09-24T20:15:00.005-05:00

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

2009-09-23T21:10:00.003-05:00

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

2009-09-21T16:15:00.003-05:00

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

2009-09-20T21:09:00.005-05:00

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...

2009-09-20T16:14:00.000-05:00

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

2009-09-19T20:46:00.000-05:00

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

2009-09-16T17:01:00.004-05:00

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

2009-09-15T16:36:00.002-05:00

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

2009-09-11T20:49:00.004-05:00

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!

2009-09-10T19:42:00.003-05:00

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.

kickles and cheetah- yum, yum

2009-09-05T22:08:00.003-05:00

Teague still isn't saying much that we understand, but we are starting to be able to decifer some of his more silly words. I always say that I don't want to forget all these funny sayings so I thought I would take a moment and record some of them:

kickle for tickles (kickle me mommy!) and pickles (he loves)
cheetah for pizza
cook for look
bum bob for sponge bob
kickey for Mickey
Awma for Emma (BTW- she is the only sibling that he calls by name)
Ninny for Nanny

Oh, and everything that has 4 legs says, "yee haw!" - cows, dogs, all animals! A true Texan, I guess.

It's so cute and he will just laugh and laugh when we bring these up to him when he is older! The girls and Jackson are always asking me about all the silly words they used to use! It's so funny to see them get so amused!

Technology is awesome!

2009-09-04T18:28:00.001-05:00

Technology is AWESOME!

I may be behind, way behind, but I just figured out how I can post to my blog on the go! Whoa! I just figured out how to post by sending a text and now, by sending an email!

2009-09-04T18:23:00.001-05:00

I am trying my new discovery....blogging from my iPhone! I tell ya, technology is awesome!

Thursdays

2009-09-03T12:27:00.002-05:00

I have decided that Thursdays are my favorite day of the week. You see, Maria Elena comes on Wednesdays and she always does a fabulous job. While she is here we usually find something to do (like go to the park, grocery store, running in the stroller, etc.) because the house isn't really ours for several hours. Teague can get in her way and to be frank, it's just hard keeping Teague out of the mop bucket and stomping around on the wet floors. We are also involved in several other commitments and those are on Wednesdays each week and Fridays every other week. I've also gotten back to working out with my trainer 3 days a week (M, W, F) at 5:30 a.m. and I am back on track with running as well. It's just worked out that Thursday is my day to "recover" from running the other days which is also one of the two days I get to sleep until 7:00 (early for me).

So this is the day that I get to enjoy my clean house, sleep late, skip out on working out, stay home all day, play with Teague and catch up on things I WANT (and need) to do. Plus, our elementary school usually has their fundraising nights at the local pizza joint so I get a night off of cooking too. Oh, and I get to blog! YAY!

Happy Thursdays to ME!

school starts...we are adjusting

2009-09-02T11:59:00.004-05:00

This whole school thing stinks! Everyone is doing so good, but I can't say the same for myself. It is a "bear" trying to get them up early, dressed, fed and out the door. Then, home to do their homework, eat a snack and respect others quiet after they are done with their homework. I forget every year how hard it is to get back into the swing of things.

Jerrod is traveling some and staying busy with business, issues at work, meetings, and golf among other things. He has hurt himself more than once in the last few weeks working out and we have decided that we must be getting old!! He is approaching 40 on October 9th so we are both just trying to survive this madness.

My sweet boy didn't even get a post for his birthday party (until today...look at August 22nd) and this blog is so far behind. If you know me, I always, always have a camera with me and lately- that hasn't even happened so no pictures to post, sorry!!

I had a great run this morning with Teague and landed at the park with a load of boys...they just kept coming and coming. They would chase each other around the play equipment and just squeal with laughter!!

Someday I hope to get this whole family in order...until then, things here will be hit or miss and I've decided that that is just, OK.

I can't believe I've got three going to school now!

2009-08-24T19:53:00.000-05:00

My angels the first day of school! All SMILES!
Bailey held Jackson's hand the entire way to his classroom. She might as well pushed me out of the way- she was determined to make him feel comfortable and frankly, she is proud of her school and HER BROTHER!!
When we got into Jackson's classroom, he found his snack box immediately and placed his snack inside. He also took out his water bottle and went to find his desk. Not one TEAR! Ms. Janacek gave him a big hug as we were leaving...
and then, this is how we left him- smiling and all ready to get to work. Not ONE tear for Jackson or me. I really think I would have had a harder time with it, but I am certain that Ms. Janacek is the best fit for Jackson. She is gentle, loving and firm- but more importantly, a great teacher with a great reputation.

Here is Emma with her homeroom teacher, Ms. Balogh. Her switch teacher is Ms. Garza so she is excited about getting her things and switching classrooms everyday. I can't believe that Emma is going to be responsible for an agenda (a right of passage for 3rd graders) and go to more than one teacher. It just doesn't seem possible that she is really 8 years old!!

Here is Bailey with her homeroom teacher, Ms. Downey. Her other teachers are Ms. Gresham and Ms. Kopps. We have been praying for Ms. Downey for several years. Bailey really wanted her in 4th grade, but didn't get her. When I heard she was going to 5th grade to teach, I told Bailey and she got her hopes up again.

Julie (Ms. Downey) and I have been friends for years. I met her right when we moved to Greatwood and we have been in several Bible studies together and even been on a trip to shop at Canton together for a girls weekend. I know her ethics and her morals and happen to know that she is really a great teacher...her reputation is incredible! Bailey told me that she wants to make straight A's this year- I am super excited about that and I know she can.

After school, I waited patiently for the bus to arrive with my precious cargo. They all came back smiling...and sweaty. Jackson has recess right before he goes home and then he promptly noted, "that bus has no cold air on it!".
Everyone had a great first day. Jackson was all smiles. When I asked him what he liked the most- he said, "playing with Colby on the playground"- some things don't change, I see. I asked him about Ms. Janacek too. He said, "Mommy, I think she likes me" and of course, I said, "I bet you are her favorite," and he replied, "I know!". So matter of fact and sure of himself. LOVE the attitude.

The night before kindergarten

2009-08-23T23:38:00.002-05:00

I wanted to get Jackson ready for Kindergarten tonight with a book. Jackson and Kendall, our neighbor, got the same teacher and we are just thrilled so I decided to get them together tonight so that they could see each other before school and maybe even have someone to eat lunch with tomorrow. The little get together would not have been complete without Colby so he stopped by too.

We read several books about school like How do Dinosaurs go to School? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague, It's Hard to Be Five by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell, and Shiver Me Letters- A Pirate ABC by June Sobel. This is the one they loved the most! They just loved looking for the letters hidden on each page. It was so cute to see them get into the story.

We followed books with homemade cookies made by Kendall's Mommy, Nicole, and then Bailey, Emma and I sang a song to end the party. We sang "Go Go Go to Bed" to the tune of "Row Row Row Your Boat" from the book Take me out of the bathtub and other silly dilly songs by Alan Katz. Fun times!

Soon after, we hit the sack! It's going to be a early morning and we have not practiced getting up early and all that jazz. Bailey and Jackson are early risers anyway so they will pop right up, I am sure of it.

"Teague is 2"

2009-08-22T21:09:00.005-05:00

Teague's birthday party was a work in progress. There was some planning done, but not nearly enough. I decided on the theme and ordered some items so that they could play (if they wanted) and ordered some super cute birthday invitations from Polka Dot Designs. This is the invitation (poor copy) and then, this is what I had them say:

All Aboard!

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo
Jump on the tracks
Our Teague is two!

He's discovered trains
and all they do
So we're building his first
and we need YOU!

August 22, 2009
Arrival time: 5:00 p.m.
Meet at Smith Station

Come ready to play, eat
and have some fun!

Reserve your ticket:
832-735-2128 or
ourfoursmiths@att.net

We spent the week before his birthday in Fredericksburg and the invitations were delivered to Sugar Land so I actually never got them mailed to anyone. A definite first for me. They were so cute and I was bummed, but we all survived my lack of organization. A few days before the party, I got on my bike and delivered a few and then called on my trusty friends to bring their children over to have some fun. They were so nice to show up to sing the birthday song to Teague! I know now who I can count on!!

Here's the cake that I worked on for several hours. I think it turned out well and I really think the kids liked it- of course, Teague couldn't care less....he just wanted to eat all the little candy loaded on each box car! Teague is loving his new train set and can play with it for endless hours.

When everyone started to sing, Teague just stared at everyone and didn't know what to think. He started telling us, "I two, I two..." with all 5 fingers. Then, his big sisters taught him how to blow out candles. What fun that was!

The older kids pegged their train car and went to town eating them. The more candy, the better! But like I said, Teague liked the cake and all, but he LOVED these train cookies I picked up from Maureen's Bakery on Hwy. 6 in Sugar Land. She did a great job decorating them and they were delicious....they were ALL gone before the party was over. As the older kids went back to swimming, we noticed Teague climbing from chair to chair at the table outside. He was going around and eating all the candy left on the train cars from the older kids. He was full, full, full of sugar!! Busted!! We made a train for Teague....
and cousin Cassie pushed him around on the driveway. After we swam and played games Teague got to tear into his presents. His sisters helped him get started, but that was all it took. He became a pro within minutes!! What is it that this birthday boy taught me this year??

1. That things work out perfectly even if things aren't perfect.

2. Little ones really don't care about the presents or the cake but do care about being recognized.

3. Adults really aren't that impressed by all you do at home to make the party, it's the celebration they care about.

4. I can count on my friends and family for anything!

5. God really knows what he is doing...he gave me a perfect little boy that I chose to name Teague.

6. I am blessed, blessed and blessed beyond belief.

Happy birthday baby boy and finally, we get to see the Legers!

2009-08-21T22:56:00.001-05:00

We started this morning by going to meet our teachers for the 09-10 school year. Bailey got Ms. Downey, Emma got Ms. Baylogh and Ms. Garza and Jackson got Ms. Janacek. We are thrilled with all the teachers they got and are looking forward to all this year has in store for us. Jackson was chomping at the bit to get to Campbell to see his classroom and meet his teacher. The girls had so much fun showing him around and introducing him to everything. Here he is sitting in his VERY first desk in Kindergarten! He was able to find his name and take a seat! It's going to be great :)

Afterwards, we headed to Houston so that we could finally see the Leger's. Alisha and I taught together at Purple Sage Elementary in Galena Park in the late 90's. We both wanted to stop teaching after we had our first baby. I did quit teaching elementary school but thought I would do some teaching at night at the college level. I applied for a position at San Jacinto College and got a full time teaching job out of it. Alisha stayed home with her boy, Austen and she kept Bailey for me until she turned one.

I just love Alisha to death. I cannot tell you how different we are- she home schools, I don't- she is a terrific money manager, I am not- she is content at home always, I am not- really, we are so different. She is the BEST listener I have ever met and knows just what to say when I need to talk. She is a jewel! Our differences, I believe, are what makes us such fantastic friends.

Over the past 10 years, we have remained close and seriously, we have tried to get together all summer long. It's been one thing or another- we are busy and so are they. Last summer, we got together on Teague's birthday too. She made hot dogs for lunch and I brought over a boxed brownie mix to make for Teague's birthday cake. Austen, Bailey and Emma played rock band and Jackson and Teague played in Austen's room most of the day. They were in boy HEAVEN for sure. Look at all this good stuff to get into....
We took a break and swam for a short time. Bailey and Austen practiced strokes and timed each other. I was so funny to see them take their swimming abilities so seriously.

Jackson, Emma and Teague played on the play set.

We sang happy birthday to Teague and all enjoyed the brownies. Yummy!

When we were ready to go home, this is what we came into. I think Teague had pulled every single toy off the shelf! Alisha and I quickly picked it up and made the room all better. I had to take Teague out of the house kicking and screaming. None of us wanted to leave. We had so much fun hanging with Austen and Alisha and hope they will have us back sometime soon (considering the mess we made!).

This is how I get ready for my baby's 2nd birthday

2009-08-20T22:32:00.000-05:00

I've decided that the theme will be trains for Teague's 2nd birthday party. He discovered trains at the Spraggins and ever since he has saying, "choo choo" to anything that rolls and noticing trains everywhere. I found a website with some pretty cute things so I went for it. Trains, it is. I found these little transportation tattoos. I found these little transporation pieces (one is a train) and we are going to hide these in the grass and let the little ones have a "hunt" for them. I found these train sponges to we can stamp on the driveway. I found these train whistles and put them in a cupcake pan with water. I put them in the freezer and plan to have them swim with the ice cubes. I found this cake pan at Williams Sonoma outlet in San Marcos so I picked it up and have decided that I am going to make the cake. Yes, me and I don't bake! Scary!I had a little help!
And now comes the decorating party...I bought smarties, dum dums, jelly beans, nerds and the such to decorate with. I hope it turns out!!

Bowling

2009-08-16T22:14:00.002-05:00

Check out our bowlers! We asked the bowling alley to put up the gutter guards and we were in business.

Mr. Friendly

2009-08-13T22:59:00.004-05:00

Tonight we went to Hondo's on Main street with our friends the Gioffre's. Shelly, Shawn and their little boy Jack met us there for dinner and we had so much fun hanging out with them. I think Jack had a great time hanging out with our four kiddos and we had fun talking about all sorts of things as adults! Fun times!

Shelly and Jack

Teague and Jack

Lately, Teague has became "Mr. Friendly" and tonight he was in full form. He was walking up to people and saying, "hi" and enjoying the scenery. He even crawled under a bar stool and surprised a real cowboy, but his big hat didn't even phase Teague. He crawled right up into the cowboy's arms and introduced himself...and even took his hat from his head. Then, he climbed up in a chair with a couple and ate some dinner with them. They fed him french fries and he ate them up. Teague sat on Shelly's lap, Shawn's lap and probably would have climbed in anyone else's lap if they would have invited him. Of course, I had my camera and caught some good pictures.

Teague meeting all his new friends at the restaurantTeague and Shawn

We had so much with the Gioffre's and hope to go out with them again REAL soon!

Our trek to San Antonio

2009-08-12T22:13:00.013-05:00

The kids are getting restless just hanging around the house now. They are arguing more and beginning to get on each others nerves- it takes lots of interference from Jerrod and I. I really think they are ready to go back to school!! Until then, we are keeping busy with all sorts of things.

We knew that today we had to get everyone out the house and make some plans somewhere. We decided to go to Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio. We were reluctant about taking Teague, but our neighbors let us borrow a back pack carrier to walk with him in the caves. I worked. He really enjoyed it and was a real sport. The girls and Jackson thought the caves were pretty cool and Jackson kept thinking that it was where the Indiana Jones movie- Temple of Doom- was filmed. We all just agreed and let him think what he wanted...

Afterwards, we tried to go to the Alamo for a tour, but it was closed already so we went to the Riverwalk to take in the sights. We decided to get on the tour boat on the river so that the kids could see everything. Our plan was foiled when it started to rain on us- the kids actually thought that was pretty cool too.

The beginning of our boat tour... and then the rain came! As I remember this day, I remember the good times we had, but I will forever remember one event particularly. We stopped at a gas station in Bulvedere to get gas called "Big Tex". It was a miniature Buc-ee's of sorts. I went in while Jerrod was pumping the gas because we needed some cash. I went and picked up a few diet dr. pepper's and a vitamin water and went to the register to pay with hopes that I could get cash for over the amount of the purchases.

My cashier was so sweet but nearly scared me to death. She had no teeth...none, zippo, nada and I don't think she cared. She just S-M-I-L-E-D the entire time and was overly happy. It startled me. I just didn't expect that.

Then, it happened. I noticed a gentlemen behind her holding a mop (he clearly worked their too) and he was cutting up with several guys in the store. He caught my attention because he was picking his nose with his other hand. No, not trying to clear some dirt....not trying to wipe away or itch it inconspicuously. I continued to watch him because all I could think about was a young child. He was totally picking his nose- like a 2 year old would. His finger was entirely up his nose and he was really digging- for something good, I suppose. I couldn't believe my eyes.

Wait. It gets better. I went to the bathroom after I paid and I saw the gentleman digging for gold in his nose. The kids needed me in there (plus I needed something to distract me from staring) so I got them out of the bathroom and headed to the car. That's when I saw "goldie" cleaning the soda fountain machine with his bare hands. I loved my bottled DP. Enough said.

We used to drive back and forth to Amarillo when we had fewer kids and I have many a tales from those trips. I will definitely add this one to my repertoire of disgusting gas station stories.

A bunch of "news"

2009-08-09T23:13:00.007-05:00

We tried out a new church this morning! We went to Holy Ghost Lutheran Church where Teague RAN into the nursery (overly ready to play) and we enjoyed the service. It was a great message that I should stamp on my hand and heart- let God have your worries...

We had lunch, hung out at home, watched TV and the kids played video games here and there. I even got a nap! Once the sun started going down, we decided to take a bike ride around our neighborhood. I packed up Teague and Jackson in the caboose and attached it to the back of my bike and had so much fun. Emma found a super steep drive way at Angels above the Creek just a few blocks away so we spent some time going down it individually- really FAST and FUN! Jackson and Teague even held up their arms as if they were going on a roller coaster. Remember? it doesn't take much to entertain them??!

Later this evening, we went over to our neighbors so that the husband's could meet finally and the kids could play. I am sure they were beginning to wonder if I really did have a husband...especially with the last name Smith. :) As usual, Leslie and Kevin were great hosts. We even got to meet Leslie's sister, her daughter and her parents! The kids swam and the adults just talked and got to know each other. At the end of the evening, the kids made their favorite- SMORES- in the fire pit! Yummo!
Leslie was in charge of passing out marshmallows, crackers and the chocolate. I seriously think Teague ate his weight in chocolate...he could not get enough!

Lauren is a pro at marshmallow roasting so she had a few things to teach Bailey.This is delish!! I agree!! This is number 3 for me!

Buc-ee's

2009-08-08T21:49:00.001-05:00

This week we decided that we didn't want to make the trek to Florida so we decided to back out of our reservation. We talked about it and really just wanted to go to Fredericksburg and spend a week doing a whole lot of nothing. We decided to go after the girls got back from the Friday night birthday parties they were invited to- they just could NOT miss them! We have priorities, you see.

We packed up this morning and headed to the hill country for some relaxation. This is a real treat for me...Jerrod spending the week with us without work- yippee!

Jackson was of course thrilled to get to Fbg since the Wii is located there (and his new friend Grayson) and the girls were pretty excited as well. But I must say...the BIGGEST excitement was Buc-ee's on I-10. The kids were begging to stop there. I tell you- it was as if we were going to an amusement park. I guess it just doesn't take much to entertain the Smith kids. It certainly helps since you KNOW I am using it to my advantage on the way- "if you do this...we'll stop, etc."
Whatever works. It was packed and took me nearly 5 minutes to find a parking spot. Crazy. I even took a picture. Who can say they have whipped out their camera at the filling station? Not many.

Did I mention that the bathrooms are AWESOME? The kids loved those too. :)

Lezlie Andrew Photography

2009-08-06T22:43:00.001-05:00

Last summer, for my birthday, my MIL and SIL surprised me and had pictures taken of my kids in a park in Amarillo. One of Carey's friends is a photographer as a side job so she offered to snap them up.

To this day, those are my absolute favorite pictures of the kids. I think I love them so much because I see nothing but beauty when I look at them. I don't see the sweat and tears it took to get them or the stress that we all went through either- because I wasn't there. It takes a lot to photograph 4 children so I appreciated them taking the initiative to get their photos and I've since decided that this is the BEST way to get my children's picture taken each year.

This summer, Carey wanted to get a few of Olivia Claire at 6 months and so I offered to pay the bulk of the fee if she would be willing to have it done while they were visiting in Amarillo. She offered and this is what they got...I am so pleased!

My favorite of Olivia Claire...those little lips are perfectly puckered!

Lezlie Andrew Photography

TCHS Class of 1988 Reunion

2009-08-06T17:05:00.003-05:00

Hurricane Ike blew through Galveston in September of last year all while our 20 year reunion was being planned. Because of the damage sustained to Galveston, it had to be cancelled. Some of our classmates were even homeless afterwards so we felt that it was only appropriate to cancel the event. We had a small "reunion" at a local bar owned by a classmate, but always intented to hold a larger reunion in 2009. Most of what we heard after the cancellation was - next year "hold it in the summer, make the cost low, make it fun", etc. After listening to all of the suggestions, my BFF from HS, Jennifer, spear headed the event for this year (even financially!) and got the event together SOLO.

Jennifer did a great job and I was most impressed with all of her decisions. It was held at the Moody Gardens Hotel and Resort on Galveston Island. Friday night's event was held in the bar in the lobby (I didn't make that...I was still in Fredericksburg) and the second night was held in one of the ballrooms off the lobby. I may be crazy, but......this is summer time, great food and great set up!

Well, our reunion was last weekend and it has taken me this long to post about the event. I was so disappointed...and I just don't know what to think or even say.

Unfortunately, our classmates decided they were "busy" or lost "interest" after last year's reunion got cancelled. Our class was mid-sized with approximately 330 students graduating that year. We had a whopping 18 classmates show up for the reunion. Of course, some had their spouses and others came by themselves, but we had a total of 40 people at the reunion. We barely got 5% but math isn't my strongest subject so someone else may be able to be more specific on our percentages of classmates. Whatever it is, I think its pitiful. Don't get me wrong, I had a great time seeing the friends that I hadn't seen in a long time. We tried to make it fun by requesting songs we danced to in the 80's and even turned our name tags upside down for excitement- I know, a stretch.

These last few years I've become sentimental. I think a lot of these friends, because I "grew up" with these people. Back then, we all went to Kindergarten, MS and HS together and rarely anyone moved off. Most of our parents worked at the plants in TC so we had that mutual interest as well. There were only a few churches in town so we saw each other at church on Sundays too. It's so different now. Our kids make friends and then they move off because of a job transfer or something as simple as just wanting a bigger house in another neighborhood. Our kids just don't have the stability that we had during those days. I guess that's why it upsets me so much.

Oh well, I want to post pictures for those people that were there. We missed you if you weren't! Maybe we'll have a better turn out at our 40th Reunion- YIKES! Here are some of my friends from high school: Jennifer, Elisa and Cristina.

Here are the classmates that came to the reunion.

More of the same...

Me and my honey....my favorite part!

Boy Power!

2009-07-28T00:11:00.001-05:00

I teased the girls before they left by telling them that we (the boys and I) were going to party it up while they were gone. I was just kidding, but Jackson overhead me and he was NOT. He kept asking when the party was going to be so I called on my neighbors to help me throw one....thanks Audra, Nicole, Debbie and Stacey for coming over to swim with us! We had a ball!

As much as I hate to see myself in a swimsuit (or any of you for that matter!), I just couldn't pass posting this picture! You can just see how much fun Teague was having sliding down the slide with me!

Here are a few snapshots of the kids swimming:

We did popsicles at the end of the party! Yummy!

Cho-Yeh

2009-07-26T23:55:00.001-05:00

Today was drop off day for an entire week at Camp Cho-Yeh. The girls are ready to have some fun away from Mom and Dad and are looking forward to the games and friends they make while there. The girls walking to their cabins:

Bailey walking with Teague:
Emma got a top bunk:

Bailey got one too!

One last picture of the girls before parents drive away:

Heading down to the lake to swim:

The boys enjoying the free cookies and juice:

Teague made friends with the Camp director right before we left so he got a private ride to the car! Go Teague!

I guess the boys and I will have to make do with all our free time away from the girls....wonder what we'll do? Party??!

Water balloons and My Fbg Neighbor!

2009-07-24T23:46:00.005-05:00

Yesterday's doctors visit where they behaved so well got them several things- ice cream, of course and these water balloons. They promised me several things before they were purchased....they agreed that no one would "hurt" anyone, any and all games would be fair so that no one got left out and most importantly- clean up! They spent close to an hour blowing up all the balloons while Caroline and I tied them closed.

Let the games begin!!

My neighbor, Leslie, stopped by this afternoon to invite us over to swim after Teague's nap. The kids were excited and I was thrilled to meet a new friend (plus, she lives across the street :0)! Leslie and her husband have 3 children- a 12 year old girl and two boys (8 and 2). I had a great visit and I enjoyed watching the kids make new friends too. Teague found this Step 2 sink and it kept him occupied for a long time.

Here are the girls in the hot tub:

Jackson and Grayson swinging:

These pictures turned out really cool so I have to include them in this post. We all laughed when we saw these because we think it looks like the kids are walking on water!!

Thank you Leslie for opening your beautiful home and pool to all of us just one day after meeting us! You were such a gracious host! Thanks again!!

Winging it in Fredericksburg with a few extra's

2009-07-22T23:09:00.006-05:00

I had promised the kids that they could take Caroline and Maddie to Fredericksburg sometime ago right after swim team was over. There was no way they were going to let me forget it so I gave in and let them ask their friends eventhough I was going without Jerrod. They were silly girls the entire way to Fredericksburg and found all kinds of ways to amuse themselves.
As any good baby will do, Teague was up until midnight last night so I gave him some Motrin just to see if he could eventually fade off to sleep. Eventually, he did so I knew I had to get him in to see a doctor immediately or it was going to be a short trip!!

I took everyone to the doctor with me (they were good and were bribed) and he confirmed that Teague had another ear infection so he gave him a prescription to get him better- quick! After we got that filled, we were off to Clear River Pecan Co. on Main street (the bribe) where everyone enjoyed homemade ice cream. Maddie's was homemade peach- we all agreed that she made the best choice. Yummo!

This evening we went to the Old Tunnel to see the bats emerge. It was a great time and actually very educational! The girls had a great time asking the WMA employees all kinds of questions. They even had all kinds of bat bones and other stuff the kids enjoyed looking at. Here we are waiting for them to emerge:

Here's where you can see them coming out:

Here they are going out for food- they usually return sometime between midnight and dawn.

Totally COOL!

But the best part for ME? I met a friend and my neighbor at the tunnel. I was talking to another Mom and we were discussing coming out to see the bats and where and what to do in Fredericksburg. Leslie lives there permanently and gave me some great pointers. As I was leaving, I asked her about swimming with the kids in Fredericksburg and somehow we figured out that we live across the street from each other!! She gave me her cell phone number and told me to give her a call so that we could get together. I am thrilled!

Spending the night with friends

2009-07-21T21:59:00.000-05:00

Emma had Emma spend the night with her tonight. It's just crazy how these girls reconnect after weeks and sometimes several months without really hanging out together. These girls were BEST friends in Kindergarten and then Emma changed to a private school. Eventhough Emma goes to a different school, she always fits in so well with all the girls in the neighborhood, our GS troop and swim team. Her and Emma have fun just like they see each other every day! It's really pretty awesome.

The girls had a good time hanging out in Emma's room, swimming in the backyard and then I painted their fingernails. Perfect girl time!! My Emma wanted polka dots and Emma wanted flowers on all her nails. Girls, girls, girls.....Then, Jackson came home from Colby's and said that he was invited to spend the night at the Templin's. I didn't know what to think, but I certainly didn't expect him to act so excited- I really thought he wouldn't want to go because he would be too scared to be away all night. Nope! He was so excited! Debbie said he did great! He's growing up...right in front of my eyes!!

All Stars

2009-07-20T23:31:00.004-05:00

All Stars was a new experience for this family. Bailey has swam for several years, but she finally made it this level and she was so proud of herself. I think she was a little intimidated by the size of the Natatorium and amount of people that were there to watch all the swimmers when we got there, but I think her favorite part was when everyone was waiting outside for the doors to open and when we walked up everyone started yelling, "Here's a swimmer- let her by..." so she got to go in early and pass up all the others standing outside!

Ready to swim!

Go Bailey!

Bailey got 14th place for her individual breast stroke and her relay team got 5th place for their medley relay and freestyle relay. Bailey was disappointed with her results so we discussed what it would take for her to improve the next year...year round swimming. I have mixed feelings about it since it is such a time committment, but this is the first sport that she absolutely LOVES! We'll be thinking it over the next few weeks.

Proud Mom and Dad!

Proud brother and sister!

Bailey was also so excited to have Carey, Todd, Nanny and Grand Dad there to watch (somehow I never got them in any pictures- urghh!) and it really meant a ton to see them show up just for HER! Thanks guys! You rock! Seriously.

A Pirate Party in the burbs

2009-07-19T21:59:00.007-05:00

There are so many wonderful reasons why livin' in the burbs is so great and this little party is one of them! Our awesome neighbor, Audra, decided that she wanted to throw a little Pirate party since her kids were wanting to hunt for a treasure. She had no idea that this little idea would take off...and she literally had to turn away friends that wanted to bring their kids over to participate in all the fun. Audra went all out planning the fun and ordering all the goodies so that all the kids felt super special and had a grand time looking for a treasure with neighborhood friends.

Bailey and Emma helped the little kids and also helped with setting out items so that when the little kids got there, things were all in place. Jackson had no idea what the party was all about...but once he got started, he was so anxious to see what the next stop had in store for him. Let me tell you...a lot!

My littlest pirate with Carter from the Richard's Clan. After we all met at Audra's to get our maps and take pictures, everyone headed to the first stop where they played "pin the pirate" on the map. Our pirates earned their eye patch at this stop.

Our next stop was an obstacle course where they earned their sword. The kids LOVED this!!

Our next stop was the Templins pool where they "slayed" sharks, then to the Buckners to have a snack and then to our house to dive for the "booty". All the kids had to dive and find the coins and then fill the cup to the top. Once they did that, they could get their next clue.

Here they are going to find the next clue up in the play fort.

They brought the box to Audra and she told them what their next stop would be...

to paint picture frames at the next house

and then to slide through the sharks mouth!!

They found the treasure box at the end of the street where they all had to use their shovels to dig it up! It was full of all kinds of good stuff! The kids were so excited and had so much running around to different houses and playing with their friends. Jackson couldn't stop talking about the party and how much fun he had and of course, the toys that he go while he was on the hunt. Everyone ended up at the O'Neal's eating hot dogs and cupcakes and swimming in their pool.

And if this party wasn't enough...Jerrod's family surprised the kids by driving in town to see them. They wanted to see Bailey swim and asked specifically that we NOT tell her they were coming. It was a lot of fun to see their faces when they saw their Nanny, Aunt Carey, Uncle Todd and YeeYaw (Olivia)!! How special...what a day this has been!!

Days like this are hard to beat! What fun...great neighbors, great times and a great family!

We're going to All STARS!! Yeah Bailey! Go Geysers!

2009-07-18T22:26:00.002-05:00

This morning was an early one. We had to be at Finals at 6:30 a.m.! Bailey was so excited to race today and even went to bed early last night so that she would be well rested. Coach Derek always has something special to tell the swimmers before they head out to race and this morning was no different. He knows just how to pump them up!

Bailey is chillaxin before her first competition.

Medley relay team- First place!! They are going to All Stars!! Go girls!!

Bailey gets 2nd place in breast stroke...she's going to All Stars!! Kate took 1st Place on breast stroke so it will be her and Bailey representing the Geysers at All Stars.

SOOOO super PROUD of my girl...she qualified for individual breast stroke and the medley relay and the freestyle relay!

During this meet, I was emailing family members with the updated results. I knew they would all want to know how she did, but I was so super excited to hear from Jerrod's family all the way in Amarillo. They wanted to surprise Bailey...they are getting in the car and heading down here (10 hour car drive!) to see her swim at All Stars! We cannot wait and we cannot wait to see Bailey's face when they show up! Awesome!! Go Bailey!

Finals and Greatwood Geysers End of Season Swim Party

2009-07-17T22:23:00.002-05:00

Yesterday the girls competed in prelims which qualify them to compete in finals for our division. All the girls did awesome! The finals competition that will be held in the morning and Bailey is competing with her Medley Relay and Freestyle Relay team, freestyle, breast stroke, butterfly and as an alternate in backstroke.

As with any commitment, when it's over - IT is TIME to PARTY!! The Geysers celebrate with pizza and good ole' fashioned fun...swimming and playing in the pool! T train even got to hang out at the pool for once. I had several people comment on how they finally get to see our "mystery child" since he doesn't come to the pool with me. After a couple of minutes, I think they could see clearly why he doesn't come with us. He had me running in circles and of course, wouldn't stay by me for one minute! We have started calling him the "T train" or "Texas Tornado" because he'll have you spinning in no time!!

NO more bottles

2009-07-16T23:06:00.001-05:00

My Teague is finally done with bottles. He went for his 18 month check up just recently and the doctor was sure to tell me that Teague should NOT be still drinking milk out of a bottle. I have wished that he wasn't so attached to his "ba ba" but the thought of him crying at bedtime just kills me.

Tonight I toughened up and went for it...no more ba ba's in this house. He cried for just a short time and we both survived.

The LAST Greatwood Geyser swim meet of 2009

2009-07-13T22:19:00.002-05:00

Swim team is a BIG commitment! It is a lot of work getting all 3 of the kids to practice each day, getting a sitter for Teague for meets every Monday, getting the kids ready each Monday, packing up the chairs and snacks and of course, getting them all lathered up with sunscreen. Most of the meets, Jerrod or I have a "job" to do too. It's what it takes to have a smooth running season and we are so willing to put forth the effort when the kids enjoy it like the do, but when it comes to an end...it is exciting!! We are looking forward to having a summer of "free time" where we can decide what we want to do and we don't have any commitments tying us down daily. It will be nice to just lay around the house and get together with friends.

The kids have each grown into better swimmers this year. Jackson still doesn't really know if he likes swim team so it has been a challenge to get him motivated for the meets each Monday. I think next year he will be more excited about it and more willing to participate (or at least I hope so!). When I told him that this was his last meet, he said "You promise? Will this be the last time I have to go ALL the way across the pool?!". Emma had a ball hanging out with her buddies. Maddie and Emma looked forward to the meets so they could hang out!!

Bailey's also has a great group of girls to hang out with! She really enjoys all of them and cannot wait to get to the meets each Monday!

Jackson waited so patiently when it was almost his turn to "race" or swim. Here is Emma after one of her last swims for the season.

Here's Bailey getting ready for the breast stroke. She has really gotten good at this stroke!

Emma F., Maddie, Ella and Emma are waiting patiently for their relay team ribbons!!

Babi-kini and Olivia

2009-07-10T22:17:00.002-05:00

While everyone was in town for the fourth of July weekend, we saw this Babi-kini in a shop on Main Street. We all oooh'd and aahhh'd over it, but the store was closed every time we went by. On my way out of town today, I stopped by to pick up a friend a gift and saw the little shop- opened!! I just HAD to go pick it up for O. When we got in town tonight, we promptly put it on her and had a photofest!!

Of course, she looked precious in it! Have you ever seen such a thing? Too cute!!

Girls will get you in trouble every time! I would be in so much trouble had Teague been a girl...

Luckenbach

2009-07-09T22:04:00.001-05:00

My Mom and Dad came to visit me this week while I was in Fredericksburg without the kids. They have been wanting to come and see the little house and my mom had the time off of work so they came on up to scope things out. We tried out a new mexican food restaurant and just hung around the house most of the time, but today we decided to venture out and see some country.

Our first stop was Luckenbach, Texas. Boy, it was a sight. It was really, really, really small and there was really nothing to it. Just a circle where the General Store was located. The store had a bar in back and the famous dance hall across the street from that. Here are my Mom and Dad in front of the fully functioning Luckenbach, Texas Post Office.

Out in back, there were quite a few people just sitting around listening to music and drinking beer.

We also went to Blanco today but my Dad was so excited to get home and take a nap that we blinked and we missed the cute little town. Bummer.

Decorating magic!!

2009-07-08T22:10:00.005-05:00

I was in a little shop on Main street this past weekend with my SIL, Carey, and saw this little wire holder. They had it displayed with pictures and small clothespins. I just had to have one...the only problem is I don't print pictures anymore- I am all digital, urghh!!

Well, that was easy enough to fix so I sat down with all my FREE time away from the kiddos and found all my favorite pictures from the past and current ones. It was so fun!!

I went ahead and printed them, went to Wal-mart to purchase the small clips in the craft section and then attached them to my new "love". I think it turned out pretty cute.

BTW- wouldn't it be cute to use a small antique like gate or anything that has wire to attach the pictures to?

It's like m-a-g-i-c!! Instant decor.

What do you think??

Here it is in the room:So far, I have been able to do some serious "catch up" while my "loves" are away. I was able to print some pictures on line from a professional photographer (these were taken in March) that she gave me after the shoot, I downloaded my blog and printed a blog book that spanned November thru June blog entries with pictures (whew!!) and have been able to organize the house by rearranging rugs and furniture and then some shopping. I have even been able to stay up way late at night (something I never do because I have early birds to take care of...) and of course, sleep late in the morning!!

My parents came to see me this morning and we just hung out around the house today. Tomorrow we plan to seek out some of the small towns close by like Luckenbach and Comfort. I'll report back and let you know what we find!!

And they're off and so am I

2009-07-07T16:55:00.001-05:00

I sent my kiddos off with their grandparents on Monday and I have been so lonely since. I could hear the outlet malls in San Marcos calling my name the entire day they left. The sound was so annoying (kinda like the kids can be at times) so I gave in (kinda like I do a lot of the time when the kids call my name) and headed to San Marcos yesterday all by my lonesome for some retail therapy. Of course it was so super boring.... I mean, who likes to peruse the aisles for hours upon hours at the Pottery Barn outlet?? Certainly not me.

It was torturous, so torturous that I spent 5 hours trying to leave that place. It just kept pulling me in- and the later it got, the more stuff they pulled from the back. People, the prices killed me to. I found items much below their regular retail price and it almost sent me into cardiac arrest. Seriously, low, low prices...

Keep me in your thoughts as I suffer this horrible torture!

I got this chair for the little house in Fredericksburg. I thought it was cute...and very different!! Agree? These pillows were another find...This basket was .97!! Yep, less than a dollar!

These came as a set of 3 for $15.00!

This mirror was $14.97!

I am caught up!! Finally!

2009-07-05T13:25:00.004-05:00

I have been swamped this summer with all kinds of stuff going on. I have been busy with the kids activities, the birthday party, the move and just everyday stuff that gets in the way of me blogging consistently. I get stressed easily in general but especially when anything with Jerrod's business come up, I shut down.

Then, at the beginning of June I found out that I have something going on with my immune system. I went to the doctor for a check up and he told me that I need to go see a rheumatologist after reviewing my bloodwork. I was by myself at that appointment and didn't expect it...at all so it really threw me for a loop. I held off after initially finding out, but I finally made an appointment with a rheumatologist in Sugar Land so I'll get a more definitive answer in mid-July. It certainly explains why I am always so tired and exhausted. God is in control- I know that.

Through everything, I still take tons of pictures of the family and our goings on so I am able to go back and catch up on the blog from time to time.

I haven't blogged since the beginning of June so if you gave up on me, I am sorry! I am actually caught up now and you can catch up on us, if you'd like. Simply go to the side bar on the left and click on the month of June and all the postings should pop up for you to read.

Thanks for checking back with me! I hope you are having some summer fun...and staying out of the HEAT!

Boot Ranch and fireworks

2009-07-04T12:23:00.001-05:00

My first college roommate at SFA was Jennifer Dorn and she has a sister that lives here in Fredericksburg. We all lived in Texas City growing up and of course, went to TCHS together. Jennifer's sister Shelly and her husband live here permanently and we have recently connected on FB. I have been wanting to see her and meet her sweet family and so we did just that. She and her family stopped by to see us at the parade and invited us to a 4th of July party at a Boot Ranch.

Boot Ranch is a development just outside of Fredericksburg that offers homesites and memberships. Shelly's husband, Shawn is a salesperson out there and so he invited us out to the party. Boy, it was nice. They had inflatables for the kiddos and they were so BIG! Emma and Bailey were first to try it out. Everyone had to wear a little coat and socks to keep from burning your skin when you went down...it was that fast and that tall!!

Here's Bailey coming down:
Here's Emma:

And Carey and I couldn't let the kids show us up so we decided to go down too!

Here I am:

Here's Carey:

Carey and Todd with all the cousins.

Jerrod and Teague were enjoying the scenery and this turned out to be such a great photo!

Love this one too of the kids!

They had sparklers for all the kids. How fun!

The fireworks were really awesome too!

We were so thankful to have something so wonderful to do to see the fireworks at night. Everything was so nice and we had a great 4th of July!!

Alamo Spring Cafe and the Old Tunnel in Fredericksburg

2009-07-04T11:45:00.001-05:00

After the parade, we decided that we all needed the perfect burger so we headed out to Alamo Spring General Store and Cafe. I swear to you that these are the best burgers around. If you know me well, you know that when I was pregnant with Teague I was always looking for the perfect burger...it was the only thing that I craved all the time! I thought I found it until I came and had a burger here. Seriously people, the best burger ever. If you are ever in the Fredericksburg area, you have to try this place. It's a bit out of the way, but not too far and you can even make it a special outing by going to the Old Tunnel Bat Cave next door at dawn. We haven't had a chance to go see the bats at night but it is supposed spectacular when they all leave the tunnel. Today after we ate, we went to check it out.

The best burger around!

Here's the observation deck where there are seats to watch the bats emerge.

We took the walk down the path to see the tunnel.

4th of July parade

2009-07-04T11:22:00.001-05:00

We had a full day of activities this 4th of July! A local told us to park the truck on Main Street on Thursday night so that we could get a front row spot for the parade and it seems that everyone had the same idea. It made it for the kids so that they could see everything right up close.

Olivia's first 4th of July parade

Our trip down the Guadalupe River

2009-07-03T10:31:00.004-05:00

We have been having so much fun hanging out in Fredericksburg during the 4th of July weekend with Jerrod's family. Today we decided to go and float the Guadalupe River in New Braunsfels with the 3 older kids and Todd and Carey. Nanny and GrandDad stayed back with Teague and O so we could have some real fun!

We took a water proof camera full of pictures but haven't had a chance to get the developed or scanned so for now here is all we have of our trip.

Before the river ride...and then an after shot!

Todd and Carey

Our Egyptian Friends

2009-06-28T10:12:00.000-05:00

We have some great friends that live in Cairo, Egypt. Judd is from Amarillo and grew up with Jerrod, but we all went to college together at A&M where Judd got an engineering degree and starting moving around the world. They started in Venezuela, went to Cape Town, South Africa and then recently moved to Cairo, Egypt. Jan, Judd's wife, is great with a camera and does a fantastic job taking pictures of their "life" around the globe. I love to keep up with them through out the year and we get to see them typically for ONE day in June sometime when they make a trek around Texas and Lousiana to see family and friends. We always have fun and this night with them was no different...we swam, cooked out hamburgers, caught up on the latest with them, and had a good time with the Bishop crew!

Here is 5 year old Avery going down the slide.

Fun in trees

2009-06-14T09:59:00.002-05:00

This tree has been a real hit at the FBG house! Bailey was the first to climb it (makes Jerrod an absolute mess to see them on it) and Jackson was right behind her, but it has taken Emma a few days to master the "climb". Once she got to the top, she wanted me to take a picture of her in the tree. Eventually, the plan is to hang a few swings from the limbs so they have a place to swing safely.

The move in

2009-06-11T09:45:00.001-05:00

We packed up the a few things at the house, scheduled the movers, arranged furniture deliveries from Houston and San Antonio to Fredericksburg and headed out to the new house. We took both cars and left early this morning. Jerrod was in one car and I was in the other- we each had a few kids and extra family members that were willing to be a part of this exhausting event (thanks Karen, Carey, O and Donnie)!

We went ahead of Jerrod while he packed up the last of the items so he was probably a 45 minutes behind us. I don't know why, but for some reason I didn't use the GPS in the suburban and leaned on Jerrod to tell me where to go (he is usually pretty good about finding the back roads and getting us there rather quickly). Well, Jerrod sent me East instead of West in San Antonio so we got a little off track, but he had "tea guzzling" Donnie in the car with him and so he had to keep making stops for bathrooms. In the end, we all got there in just the right amount of time and within 30 minutes of arriving, we had both movers there. It was actually perfect.

I'll include some pictures as soon as I can get them dowloaded, etc. I didn't take pictures of the house empty...I am so disappointed with myself! I would have loved to have taken before and after pictures of the house. The house is just perfect...to us.

a birthday party times 3

2009-06-10T00:26:00.006-05:00

This year we had ONE birthday party for the 3 older kids. We rented community pool #3 in Greatwood to host all their friends and it was a lot of fun for everyone. I was able to get a few pictures, but I had a girl with a photography business here in Greatwood to take pictures of the event for me while I tended to party stuff. She did a fantastic job and I highly recommend using someone like her to take pictures so (you the parent) can just enjoy the party, mingle with friends, and tend to the party activities like cutting the cake, etc. It was nice to know that Tiffany was taking care of pictures!! Here is what I got of the cakes:

Jackson's cake was a total fiasco! He has been spotting an Indiana Jones cake at HEB for the last few months. I have mentioned before his fascination with Indy and so there was no chance we would have any other kind of cake for him. So I went to HEB a few days before the party to order "the" cake...everything was good, but as I was leaving the store the girl that took my order came chasing after me. She came to tell me that they did NOT have the Indy cake "package" so I would need to choose something else. Knowing this was not an option, I started brainstorming what could be done to get "the" cake. She said they would be willing to put a picture on the cake so I went home and picked up a DVD case of Indy and took it up there. I added the little Indy characters from Jackson's collection and it all worked out... He was so proud of that cake!! All the boys had fun telling me which piece they wanted from the cake (most of them said Indy's face) and I had the unfortunate task of telling them that Jackson's had already called that one. Oh well, they all enjoyed the cake!!

Bailey and Emma's cakes came from the Nestle' Toll House Cafe in Richmond right in front of the new JCPenney's (Brazos Lakes shopping center). I think they did a great job on the cookie cakes. I took over one of the party plates to show them the colors and I was very pleased with what we got and the only thing left from these cookie cakes were the box! Yummo!

The birthday girl Bailey

I had a great idea to give away "noodles" as the party favor. I wanted the kids to play with them and then be able to take them home. Well, leave it the kids to find something better to do with them. The older kids went around hitting each other!! There were a few kids that enjoyed swimming with them at the party, but you'll have to look really close to find them...

After it was all said and done, this party was awesome and the "noodles" were a great party favor for everyone!!

Teague's get up

2009-06-10T00:20:00.000-05:00

So I have been super busy with everything and have been behind on the laundry...so behind that the clothes have not made it to the drawers upstairs in the kids rooms. Most of the clean clothes have been folded and divided up but somehow landed on the stairs for them to take to their rooms. It hasn't made it there yet.

Teague got into the clothes and here is what he came up with:

We laughed so hard that it hurt his feelings and he took off running. Sorry little guy!

Olivia Claire Swims!!

2009-06-09T00:08:00.001-05:00

We are so excited to have a few guests in our house even if it is going to be a crazy week for us. We have Carey, Olivia and Nanny here to visit right now and Grand Dad is coming in this evening. We have been busy with dance recitals, swim team practices, a swim meet last night, and a birthday party for all the kids to plan...it has been crazy busy for us!

We took a little bit of time today to just soak it all in. We all swam in the pool and ordered pizza for dinner. We wouldn't have it any other way!

Olivia loved the pool. She even let Carey put her glasses on and they stayed... That's impressive- all of my kids would take them off immediately and put them in their mouth or on the floor! Does she look so cute??

We are so glad to know that she is a swimmer. We couldn't have had it any other way! :)

Oh, I forgot to mention that we are moving a large truck of furniture, etc. from our house here in Sugar Land to Fredericksburg on Thursday and I have been busy coordinating movers, furniture delivery from San Antonio and scheduling all kinds of people to come to the house when we are there.

Swim Meet June 8, 2009

2009-06-08T23:56:00.001-05:00

Bailey, Emma and Jackson are enjoying their swim team. Practices everyday and LONG swim meets haven't deterred the girls one bit- Jackson hasn't quite decided if he likes it or not. I guess, we'll just see as the summer goes on. Here is Bailey racing with her relay team in the medley relay. She swims freestyle. Jackson is racing freestyle here.

Emma is getting ready to do the backstroke. She came in 2nd place.

Here is Bailey's relay team. They each swim freestyle and they came in FIRST place!! Yay!Here are some tired kiddos!! We finally go home at 10:30 p.m. We were tired!!

Lauri Wilson dance recital

2009-06-07T18:01:00.002-05:00

Emma's big debut was today! She got to show off all her dancing skills (she LOVES to dance) that she learned this year at Lauri Wilson dance. She went every Monday to learn jazz, tap and even alternated every 3 weeks with some tumbling! This morning she asked her Nanny if she was going to get something for her for after the recital...like a gift. When her Nanny asked her if she was supposed to, she said YES. She also went on to say that she was supposed to get a gift or some flowers...whatever she preferred. Alrighty then!

Here she is in her first dance costume before the recital began: Here she is dancing on the stage:

This is the best picture I could get of her second dance (the lighting made it hard to take a picture):

Here she is at the end of the recital with her best friend, Maddie Lucas.

Here she is with her big sister, Bailey and her cousin, Cassie.

We were so excited to have everyone come to see Emma dance. Nanny, Aunt Carey, cousin- Olivia came in from Amarillo and Papa and Cassie drove in from Texas City. I tried to get a few pictures of PaPa at the recital- his hand was holding up his chin most of the time and at one time, we thought he was asleep. We all thought it was so funny...then, Jackson fell asleep on Papa and I was able to get that shot once the recital was over! Boys and recitals, I guess, don't go together!!

We were glad to have them none the less and appreciated everyone coming to see her final dance for the year. I know it meant a lot to her and she worked so hard this year! We are so proud of her.

A final party and then there was a first (for everything)

2009-06-05T11:27:00.002-05:00

We had such a good time today at Alex's birthday party at the Long Meadow's Farm community pool. Alex turned 6 and Jackson just adores him so we just HAD to go.

We brought Teague and Emma along for the fun and it was a lot of fun watching them play and play and play! Jackson played with all his friends from Shady Oak (he probably won't see them anymore since they either will stay at Shady Oak or go to a different school than Jackson) so knowing that, it was good to see him enjoy himself. Emma, Teague and I just ran around and did all kinds of stuff. After a few passes with help from me and Emma, Teague figured out how to get to the slide (he had to climb up some "rock climbing" steps to get there and some were under water) and he really liked that. It was really sweet to see Emma all by herself with him...she usually has Bailey to divert her attention from him and anything else so it was fun to see them play together. She really encouraged him to do things with her and of course, he didn't hesistate.

Then this happened. All the kids from the birthday party loaded up into the back of the truck and road from the pool to Alex's house about 4 blocks away. I just about had a heart attack when all the kids loaded up into the truck and Jackson just went right along with them...I guess, there is a first for everything.

He is growing up, but I still don't want him riding in the back of the truck. What do you think? What would you have done? I seriously was about to go and get him and have him ride with us, but I didn't want to hurt his feelings. How crazy is that?!

The last day of school 08-09

2009-06-04T23:33:00.001-05:00

Bailey's last day of school party was very relaxed. They watched movies (not really) and just lounged around and had fun with each other. I was room mom this year but by the time I got there, they had already started the "party" and were just having fun chatting and talking with each other. Here are a few pictures of Bailey and her friends- I couldn't get many because they are getting older (ya know) and start to look at me funny when I bring out the camera.

Bailey and Ms. Atkinson

Emma's party was much more lively. They all ate pizza and then played games like limbo and danced. Ms. Parmer even made a movie of the entire class year so we watched that too.

Emma and Ms. Parmer

Emma with her friends Alanna, Maddie and Kaitlyn. When I tried to take Emma home early with me, she wouldn't come. She wanted to stay with Ms. Parmer for every second she could...she just loved her and loved her 2nd grade school year!!

Our 3rd Annual Brownie End of the Year Party

2009-06-04T14:23:00.002-05:00

Tonight our Brownie troop had its end of the year party. This is our 3rd year and we always swim and then spend the night together as a troop. The girls really look forward to it! The girls having fun in the hot tub Lauren and Alex

Maddie

Raney

Emma F., Kate, Raney

Bailey and Hannah, honorary siblings

Lauren, Margaret, Lauren, Maddie and Emma

Haley

Maddie

Jackson and Mia, honorary siblings

Our annual troop photo by the pool

Our annual goofy photo by the pool

Our cookie cake

Every year the girls get an end of the year gift. This year it was these cool towels with their names on them.

The girls went gaa gaa over our lifeguard at the pool.

Here are the girls waiting patiently to head to the sleepover:

We have 17 girls in our troop and we have lost our first girl EVER! Emily Shamlaty has been in our troop for 3 years and is moving to Florida. We are going to miss her so much! The girls all signed a picture frame and we included a picture of all the girls for her to remember each of them.

Our craft for the night was this super cool bottle cap necklace.

You did good Emma F.!!

Awards Assembly and then a REWARD! Thanks Sonic!

2009-06-03T21:30:00.006-05:00

We are waiting patiently for Bailey and Emma's name to be called at the awards ceremony at Campbell Elementary today. I can't believe tomorrow is the LAST day of school! This year has flown by!!Emma waiting patiently for her awards. Bailey accepting her award from Ms. Koerth.Tonight Sonic had FREE Root Beer Floats!! Yippee!! What a treat!