the little things

the boys

2012-02-08T20:40:00.002-06:00

We took the kids to the Arboretum at the end of December. We found some humongous leaves and I let the boys bury me in them. Then we buried Barrett in them. It was a good day and the weather was actually really nice! We have been having a very mild winter.

the apple doesn't fall far from the tree

2012-02-08T20:28:00.002-06:00

Annabelle loves shoes...you can't fault a girl for that! I walked into the room and found this scene. The best part was that when she was finished playing with the shoes, I asked her to put them back in the basket...and SHE DID. . . then she pulled them all back out again. But when she was really finished she put them away again!

Getting ready

2012-02-03T17:07:00.005-06:00

Getting ready to go somewhere with a little girl is quite different than trying to get ready with 2 little boys. Remember the Infamous Jiffy Cornbread Mix Incident of 2010? That unforgettable day has made me scared to leave anyone out of sight while taking shower. The boys are a little older, but I still rarely attempt a shower while they are in the house and conscious unless Cody is home. These days I take my shower while the boys are at school. Annabelle hangs out in the bathroom, brushes her teeth, tries on my shoes, gets into the little box of old jewelry I have for her in the cabinet. She stands on a chair next to me and digs in my makeup bag as I put on my makeup. I loved the moment we were having together and snapped a self-timer picture yesterday to capture her sweetness.

All Done!

2012-01-23T20:34:00.005-06:00

Annabelle got sick on Saturday night and had to go to the hospital. We spent two (very long) nights there. Poor baby was a trooper, but one cannot blame her for getting tired of all the poking, and testing, and restraining. She had had enough and she let the doctors and nurses know by saying, "All done! all done! all done!" everytime one of them darkened the doorway.
She is home now and we are glad she is doing better. When she got home, she hugged all her toys, sat in every seat, and layed on every pillow and blanket she found.

Kyle is so happy his baby sister is home! We all are.

Our Christmas in Pictures

2011-12-28T21:13:00.003-06:00

These are mostly snapshots, but snapshots are important too! We had a wonderful Christmas season full of many happy memories and traditions!

One quick funny:
Before Christmas, Barrett said to me, "Oh man! I forgot to tell Santa something I wanted!" I asked what it was he forgot. He said (and I'm not kidding), "I forgot to tell Santa I want an Air Guitar!"
Bwah ha ha ha!

Ice skating

Annabelle bundled up next to Gigi while we skated

Twas The Night Before Christmas

The (not so very) surprised picture. The boys were up at 4 am "peeking"...oh well, it's tradition I guess.

Christmas lists

2011-12-23T20:48:00.000-06:00

The boys wrote letters to Santa. Well, they dictated and I wrote. (Attention Family members, do not use this list for last minute shopping! If you need ideas, call me!)

Barrett's Letter:

Dear Santa,
I have been good all year. I have cleaned up my toys. I also helped my brother clean up his stuff. Please put my name on the nice list because I have been good. Here is my Christmas list:
Harry Potter Lego Night Bus
Lego Forbidden Forest
Animal Bionicles
The Cars 2 Movie
A new wheel for my bike
The dolphin Pillow Pet
A Rock in Roll guitar
The Harry Potter Lego Xbox game
A skateboard
A Harry Potter Lego keychain

That's it! I hope you have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Love,
Barrett

Kyle's Letter:

Dear Santa,
How are you? Are you busy making toys? Have the reindeer been flying good? I think I should be on the nice list because I cleaned up my toys last time we went to Grandma's...well, most of them. I played nicely I think...like remember that one time Barrett and I used teamwork to build a Lego city? Oh yeah, I practice reading almost every night. And I helped Mommy and Daddy in the yard one day. This is what I would like for Christmas:
Lego Deathstar
Lego Millinneum Falcon
Lego Darth Maul keychain
Lego Ninjago Sensei Wu Set
A new bike
Lego Tie fighter
Lego ATST
Lego X-wing
Light up bookmark
Knight books

Happy Christmas to you!

Love,
Kyle

Gigi took the boys shopping to buy us (mommy and daddy) a gift. Before they went, they brainstormed some ideas and made a list. Gigi shared the list with me (even though I do not know what they bought...I put my comments (like this)

Ideas for Daddy:

Spatula
Coffee mug
ID card - to open pool (He has his, I am the one who lost mine)
New car
More money (aww.)
Light for on keys
Drain cleaner
Shiny new saw
Tool book -- so he can know how to make stuff
Red jet
T shirts - Red, white, blue
Remote control helicopter (they say men get you what they want themselves...these boys are starting young.)
Rake
Jacket
Socks

Ideas for Mom:

Christmas bowls (isn't that what they got me last year?)
New computer
Pink ornament
Coupon for something
New car (YES!! boys, Do you have enough in your piggy banks for one of those??)
Umbrella - red, or blue, or pink
Purse ( I do need a new purse!)
New sunglasses
New security light
Pink bowl
Shoes
Stirring spoon
A tooth Fairy pillow-for when her teeth come out (oh no! I hope my teeth don't come out anytime soon!)
Jacket
Suitcase
Golf cart
Candle
M&M's
Pretzels that look like F and E (aww. I was making reindeer cookies and I needed alphabet pretzels for the antlers, but I couldn't find any. I can't believe he even remembered which specific letters I needed!)

Uh-oh!

2011-12-21T12:00:00.003-06:00

At Annabelle's 18 month check-up yesterday, the doctor asked if she is able to feed herself with a fork or spoon. I thought about it and realized I have never really given her the chance because I don't want to clean the mess that will certainly ensue from such a ludicrous idea...I mean really? We're actually supposed to teach these kids to become self-sufficient people? Okay, I guess that sounds reasonable, which is why I let her give it a try this morning. Note to self and other crazy people thinking about attempting such lunacy: start with a less liquid-ish food, go ahead and remove all clothing from the child, and keep the high chair far, far away from walls, tables and innocent by-standers...On second thought, just put the naked baby and high chair outside. And for goodness sake, do not do this first thing in the morning with an already clean child!

I had to leave the area momentarily so I would not freak out about the mess happening before my eyes. From the next room I heard Annabelle say, "uh-oh......uh-oh.......uh-oh!......UH-OH!" That's when I couldn't stand it anymore and went to check out the damage.

"uh-oh!"

In other news related to her 18 month check-up, Annabelle grew 3 inches taller in 6 months! She is now on the charts! yea! Probably because when Mommy feeds her, the food actually gets IN her mouth.

Advent Season is here!

2011-12-01T18:50:00.002-06:00

(I'm just coming up for a quick breath of air after a very busy Photo season! Just a little more and I'll catch up on my blogging) It's December 1st! My kids are already asking what the advent activity for the day is. We have a tradition of doing an activity each day during Advent. Some are quick like having hot cocoa together, some are more involved, like making cookies or gifts. Most of them are things we would be doing anyway, but the advent calendar organizes it and make sure we do all the things we want throughout the month, rather than cramming it in at the last minute. I thought I's share our plans in case you want to get some ideas for your Advent calendar. (There are some much better moms out there who have a serious craft everyday...this about all I can handle without turning a 'fun' family activity into me getting really frustrated that there's paint/icing/googly eyes everywhere but on the craft)
1-hot cocoa
2- read Christmas story/ set up Nativity set
Sa 3- Holiday in the Plaza/tree lighting ceremony (CH) 4-7pm
Su 4- make cookies (cookie exchange)
5- read spirit of Christmas book
6- make teacher/grandparent gifts (votives with fingerprint snowmen)
7- Make rosemary wreath
8-paper snowflakes
9- Watch Elf Story with Gigi on CBS
Sa 10- take Christmas PJ pictures
Su 11- read You can do it, Sam and make cookies for neighbors
12- Go shopping for Angel Tree kids
13- Hot Apple Cider
14- donate toys/gifts
15- Santa Pictures
16- Winter Wonders science show (CH) 6pm
Sa 17- Sleepover @ Gigi’s Su 18- find the pickle
19- drive/look at Christmas Lights 20- make star shaped crayons
21- s’mores in the fireplace
22- Make gingerbread house
23- Outdoor Ice Skating
24- read Twas night before Christmas/ Make Jesus a birthday cake
25 Christmas—sing Happy Birthday to Jesus!

Also, if you have an Elf on the Shelf (ours is named Buddy :)), check out these fun ideas for him/her! Elf Ideas

E-I-E-I-O!

2011-11-18T18:53:00.002-06:00

(Okay this is gonna be a really hard story for me to type because it took about five minutes for me just to type the title! And I know I'm gonna have to write e-i-e-i-o several more times! It only took 2 minutes when I didn't capitalize.)

Annabelle has learned to say e-i-e-i-o from the Old MacDonald song...Well kind of. She says, "Eeee-I-uh-oh" but we all know what she means. One night we were in the car and trying to get her to say it and after she did we all laughed because it was so cute! So she said it again and then immediately started laughing at herself afterward, so we all laughed some more. For a while she would laugh everytime she said it. Now she says e-i-uh-oh everytime she hears music. every. time. I don't know if she thinks every song could use a little e-i-e-i-o or if she's making a song request. Tonight, as I was rocking her at bedtime, I was singing the song I love to sing to my kids, "Where You Lead" by Carol King, a.k.a. the Gilmore Girls theme song. It sounded like this. "Where you lead (eee-i-uh-oh!), I will follow (eee-i-uh-oh!), Anywhere (eee-i-uh-oh!), that you tell me to (eee-i-uh-oh!). If you need (eee-i-uh-oh!), need me to be with you (eee-i-uh-oh!), I will follow where you lead (eee-i-uh-oh!)..." I kinda felt like my heartfelt message wasn't getting through with all the interruptions.
Oh well. It did come in handy when I was trying to get her to look up for these pictures I took in our backyard. I sat her down for her pictures and started singing her new favorite song. I kept getting louder and louder. I am not quite used to having neighbors this close after having lived in the country, so I'm sure they were all peeping out their windows at the singing lunatic with the camera. It'll give 'em something to talk about at the block party.

Halloween Party for Mummies and Little Monsters

2011-11-01T19:45:00.004-05:00

We had a fun party to celebrate Halloween with my mommy friends and our kids. I made all kinds of fun treats. The kids painted pumpkins. As usual, I forgot to put something out. This time it was the cute party favors I made. ugh. If you are ever at a party at my house, I give you permission to search my fridge inside and out to make sure I am not forgetting anything.

Here's some party snaps!

mini pumpkin (looking, not flavored, although that's a good idea...next time!)cupcakes

mummy dogs

frozen banana pops--so easy!

Barrett and his friend swapped heads.

I tucked one of these cute Owl S'mores into a clear plastic bag and tied with a note that said, "Thanks. It's been a HOOT!" Then I put all 20 something of them on top of the fridge so my kids wouldn't get into them before the party. And that's right where these cute party favors stayed until after almost everyone had already left the party!!

Trick or Treat and Trunk or Treak

2011-11-01T16:55:00.002-05:00

You know what? It is really fun to Trick or Treat! The kids had fun too. This was our first year to do it in our neighborhood. Last year was the boys first time to Trick or Treat ever...but that was not our neighborhood. I really enjoyed being out with the neighbors and watching the kids RUN from house to house. We found "The Good House" which happens to be just two houses down from ours! The lady there gave each kid a bag full of stuff which included a full size candy bar, 2 rings, a kazoo, and 5 mini candy bars! Made my bucket o' unwanted tootsie rolls from a previous halloween event look pretty sad. We had hoards of Trick or Treaters! I kept putting more candy in the bucket only to be scraping botttom 2 minutes later. I had to turn the porch light out after only about 10 minutes from the time we started handing out candy.

Barrett was a fighter pilot, Kyle was Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Carribbean, and Annabelle was a tutu cute strawberry.

He refused to wear the helmet for some reason.

This kid stayed in character the whole time he had on the costume. He made an excellent Jack Sparrow.

World Series

2011-10-26T16:44:00.000-05:00

Cody is a big Rangers fan. So when they went to the World Series this year, I really wanted him to be able to go. My mom helped me out and we scrounged up enough money for a pair of tickets. Annabelle and I surprised him at work with a Rangers balloon and the tickets. He was very excited. We went to Game 5 that night and the Rangers won the game! It was a great game and I am so glad we went.

By the way, Kyle called it the World Serious. :)

My Sweet Boys melt my heart

2011-10-16T19:57:00.004-05:00

Sometimes the boys just knock me down with their sweetness. Like tonight. Cody had taken all the kids to his parents house this weekend so I could get lots of work done. It's Sunday night and everyone is back home except Annabelle. She is staying 2 extra nights at Grandma's so I can get even more work done during the day on Monday and Tuesday while the boys are at school. Tonight, when the boys were getting ready for bed, Barrett said, "I wish Annabelle was here." I said, "Me too!" Then I looked up and and was surprised to see that he had big ol' crocodile tears streaming down his face. I looked at Kyle, and his lip was sticking way out and he was getting little dimples on his chin which tell me he's about to cry! Oh man, now I was crying! We all had a big long hug and then called the very sleepy, much loved Annabelle.
*love*

The pumpkin patch

2011-10-14T18:18:00.004-05:00

Some fellow mamas and I took our kids to the pumpkin patch on Monday. Barrett and Kyle didn't have school because it was Columbus Day/Fair Day/Teacher work day. It was a little muddy. Everyone needed a bath when we got home, but that's how you know it's a good day, right? The best pictures I got were the ones I took of my friends' kids (not shown). Typical. My favorite lens stopped working just before this (perfect timing) so I had to use another one which tends to give a grainy quality to the pictures. The good news is that after these were taken, I got a new *improved* version of my favorite lens just in time for holiday mini sessions!

Kyle's Birthday Party

2011-10-09T20:06:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, the County Fair came to our backyard in celebration of Kyle's Fifth Birthday! We had a ball tossing game, a bean bag game, a cake (actually cookie) walk, and blue ribbons for all the kids. There was popcorn, and corndogs, and Walkin' Tacos like at the State Fair of Texas. Of course we also had birthday cake, and a strawberry shortcake trifle.

the invitation

See that "popcorn?" It's actually cupcakes! I spent a lot of time working on that and then I forgot to put it out during the party! ugh. At least it will live forever in this picture.

This picture cracks me up!
Side note: Kyle told me the other day that Avery (the girl in purple) is his girlfriend. He said that means they are going to be friends forever and never change their minds.

Barrett got the blue ribbon for Best Scary Face

Annabelle got the Blue Ribbon for Best Pigtails. No suprise that she's swinging...again!

These two brothers sat down together with their fair food and they were even wearing the party colors!

the party favors--in all the excitement, I didn't get a picture of this until almost all the guests were gone. There were also horses and ducks in the "petting zoo."

Walking Tacos:
Cut a Fritos bag on one side and hold like a taco shell. Add taco meat, cheese, chopped tomato, shredded lettuce, sour cream , guacamole...whatever you like on tacos...and eat with a fork while you walk.

And lastly, (maybe I'm hoping no one will actually scroll down this far) I have a family picture. I was noticing in our albums that we have very few pictures of the 5 of us as a family. Probably because it's so difficult to get all the kids wrangled, and partly because I take all the pictures in this family. So to remedy the situation, I decided that from now on, we will take a family picture at every birthday. That way I'll have at least 5 family pictures a year and maybe one of those will actually be good. Here's hopin' we all feel a little more photogenic at Cody's Birthday!

Plano Balloon Festival

2011-09-26T20:16:00.002-05:00

This party of five managed to squeeze one more (Gigi) into the car which was already looking a bit Clampitt-like. Besides the 6 humans in the car, we had our all terrain wagon (which was the envy of many), 4 folding chairs, 2 picnic blankets, a stroller, a diaper bag, my camera bag, and enough snacks to survive a long winter. All for a night of Hot Air Balloon gazing.

Dear Future Kyle, you may be wondering why you aren't in any of these pictures. The answer is that you refused to let us take your picture. I tried to tell Present Kyle that Future Kyle would be a little sad when he couldn't find himself in any of the pictures. Present Kyle didn't listen and this is the best shot we got. Sorry Future Kyle. (Oh, and Present Kyle is not wearing a shirt because he spilled a little water on it and didn't want to wear a wet shirt.)

doll baby

2011-09-24T19:06:00.003-05:00

I love this shot.

Annabelle loves dolls. Her eyes light up when she sees one. I had no idea that she would love them so much so early. Up until recently I had not bought her any dolls. I'd just hand her a toy car or some other toy within easy reach. But when we were looking at this house on our house hunt a few months ago, she saw a doll that belonged to the little girl who lived here. Annabelle laughed and squealed and shook with excitement over the doll. Oh man, I had been depriving my child! Now she has dolls. And they are her favorite toy right now. I keep finding Annabelle putting her "baby" in her swing. And pushing her baby around in the doll stroller.

Barrett's Fun Run

2011-09-24T18:57:00.002-05:00

Barrett had his fun run on Friday to raise money for his school. He did great! Gigi, Kyle, Annabelle and I went to watch and cheer him on. Kyle was giving high fives at every lap.

Beautiful Day

2011-09-24T16:45:00.003-05:00

This has been a very hot summer. One of the hottest on record. So, the other day when the forecast was calling for sunshine and a high in the lower 80's we decided we would spend the entire day outside! We started off by heading down to the Dallas Farmers Market with a plan to maybe hit the zoo next. The Farmers Market is right up my kids' alley. Fruit everywhere! We walked to the first stand and they started slicing up some free fruit samples for us and those kids were in hog heaven! We bought about 10 bags of fruit and veggies but I think at least 3 were polished off before we even got to the car! All that eating made us hungry so we went to lunch. We sat on the patio so we could enjoy the weather. The McKinney Avenue Trolley passed right by our table and the boys wanted to ride it of course. So we did. The driver made a joke about how his "a/c" in the trolly has been broken all summer. On this day it was nice with the windows down. When we got home, Cody took the boys fishing in a pond in the neighborhood, while I stayed with Annabelle as she napped.
All day long we couldn't stop saying what a beautiful day it was.

First steps!

2011-09-21T20:24:00.002-05:00

Guess who decided to take her first steps yesterday! Miss Annabelle has been working on standing and walking the past few weeks. And yesterday, it all just came together for her. We are so proud of her and she might just be the proudest of all. When she gets going, her smile goes from ear to ear and she is so excited she actually bounces as she walks. I don't how anyone could look at her walking and not smile and cheer! What an amazing miracle she is. This is one proud mama!

Happy 5th Birthday, Kyle

2011-09-20T22:00:00.002-05:00

Dear Kyle,
Happy Birthday sweet boy! You are 5 years old today. Unbelievable. I remember when you turned 5 months old, I was putting you to bed and it hit me that the past 5 months had flown by so fast. I rocked you for the longest time that night just staring at you (and crying). And now you’re five years old!?! Tonight Daddy is putting you to bed but you gave me a big strong hug and I gave you 5 big squeaky kisses. I love your hugs and kisses and in a few minutes I will go up to tuck you in and get one more kiss like I always do. And when I do, you will probably ask me to rock you. I will probably rock you for an extra long time tonight and shed a few tears as I stare at you.

The birthday card I gave you today, says “You rock! Seriously, every year, you get cooler and smarter and funnier…and more and more you!” Sometimes cards say so well what I am thinking! You are such a unique person. A true individual. An individual who wears backwards shorts, a floaty vest, and a superman cape out in public and makes it work. You have always marched to your own beat. I love that about you. You know what you like and it doesn’t matter what others think. I think Dr. Seuss once said, “Be who you are. Those that matter don’t mind, and those that mind don’t matter.” So true.

You are such a good brother to Barrett and Annabelle. Today, you let Barrett play with a toy right after you got it as a gift for your birthday. He kept telling me how nice it was of you to do that. You are very sweet to Annabelle too. The other day I walked into a room and found you reading a book to her and talking to her so sweetly. You like to help me give her a push when she’s swinging and you get so genuinely excited with every word she says and every milestone she reaches. She is so lucky to have such a caring, loving brother.

Right now you are really into Star Wars and Legos…and Star Wars Legos. Robots, aliens and space are also among your favorites right now too. You also really like to draw. I thought it was coloring that you enjoyed, but I was wrong. Coloring books are okay, but you would MUCH rather get a blank piece of paper and draw something using your imagination. I sometimes ask you how you came up with the idea to draw something and you proudly say, “I thinked of it with my brain and just drawed it!” It amazes me how creative and smart you are. The other day, you told me in detail how chocolate is made, and then you told me the Spanish word for chocolate. Right now you are really into games, too. You love car games like I Spy and The Animal Game (our version of 20 questions), and board games, card games and you just learned how to play SkipBo. These days you are taking karate and I think you really like it. You already have your orange belt and you are well on your way to the next one. At karate you are learning how to defend yourself as well as self-control, and honor, and perseverance. These are all qualities that will take you far in life. I am so proud of you. And you are proud of yourself too (as you should be).

That card I gave you mentioned funny, right? You are so funny. Just hearing your laugh can get me going. Sometimes you are funny without even trying. Tonight, you were asking about the tooth fairy. You asked me if she can really fly. But before I could mutter an answer, you said, “She must fly because it would be absolutely ridiculous for her to walk up the stairs!” I started to snicker, you started to laugh, and before I knew it we were both howling! I love your laugh and your sense of humor.

I love you and I am proud of you everyday. Good days…bad days…I still love you and I am always proud of you. You are a good kid with a sweet heart and I am so lucky to be your mommy. Happy birthday!

I love you more than words can express.

Love,
Mommy

Here you are first thing in the morning on your birthday this year!

And here's one from your second birthday.

A swinging new 'do

2011-09-19T17:40:00.000-05:00

Annabelle was born with a mohawk and for a while she has been sporting a single ponytail on top because that's where all her longest hair is. If a baby with a ponytail on top of her head is cute, then a baby with two little pigtails must be twice as cute! Here she is busy at her new favorite hobby - swinging!

And more swinging (on a different day)

The girl likes to swing! Everytime we pass a swing I have to hold onto her a little tighter so she doesn't jump out of my arms.

Cute as can bee

2011-09-15T19:04:00.000-05:00

First Day of Kindergarten

2011-08-22T11:20:00.002-05:00

Dear Barrett,

I just dropped you off at your first day of Kindergarten. Big. Day. This is the start of a great wonderful journey filled with joys and struggles and learning experiences. I am so proud of you and yet so sad that the little kid chapter of you life is over. Up until now, I was your world. I have always been here to protect you and guide you and shape you. Up until now, I have always been there to kiss your boo-boos and hug you when you were sad. I have been the one to give you high fives when you did great. I have been the expert on the subject of You, but soon I will sit in a conference with your teacher and she will tell me something I do not already know about you. Up to this point, most of your friends have been the children of my friends. This is the day that our worlds will change.
Today you will make friends with kids I do not know. If you are lucky, some of these friends may be your friends for the rest of you life. Choose your friends wisely. Nobody is perfect and even friends sometimes hurt your feelings. The good friends are worth making up with. On this journey, you will learn to read, and solve complex math problems. You will learn about history, science, music and art. You will also learn how to be a friend, a student and an independent person. You will make important little choices like what to eat for lunch as well as important big choices like whether or not to cheat. They will be your choices. You will learn responsibility, and respect, and integrity. Some lessons will be easily learned, others will not. You will have successes and failures. I hope you learn from both.
I cannot be at school when you scrape your knee to give you a band-aid. But when you get home, I can give you a hug. I may not be there when you finally figure out long division, but I will be here with a high five when you get home. And when you make a choice you regret, I will love you no matter what. You are a big kid and you don’t need me to hold your hand anymore, but my hand is always available…and my arms are open, and my ears are ready to listen whenever you want. I love you and I am always proud of you.

Love,
Mommy

Ready for Kindergarten?

2011-08-21T23:00:00.001-05:00

It's the Sunday before the first day of school. All day long I have been going over a list in my head, trying to make sure I don't forget anything. Getting ready for Kindergarten is not easy...There's school supply lists, new school clothes, haircuts, backpacks, lunchboxes and water bottles, PTA, spirit day shirts, voluteer lunch duty, meet the teacher, label everything...and then there's preparing the student for a different routine. He has to pick out his clothes ahead of time because tardiness is not allowed, gotta go to bed early and wake up early, we have to talk about the school nurse, where to go after drop off and where to go when it's time to pick up...and so on! I *think* we're ready.

Watch out world, here comes Barrett! He is an outgoing blue-eyed sweetheart. His laugh is contagious, and his heart is warm and fragile (even though sometimes he puts on a tough facade.) He is confident and cuddly and genuine. He is my bear.

Annabelle's birthday party

2011-08-07T23:01:00.004-05:00

The house sold just about as soon as I sent out the invitations for Annabelle's birthday party. With all the packing, we decided it would be best to postpone the festivities until after we were settled in the new house. We still are not completely settled in, but we had the party last weekend anyway. The best part of a first birthday is watching the baby eat the cake. I love it. Annabelle did not disapoint.

We had lollipop, soda pop, and flavored popcorn. Jellybeans, bubble gum, and pink lemonade. There was a Guess-the-number-of-gumballs-in-the-jar contest and jellybean bag game.

She was a little confused about all the singing.

Gigi, Grandma, and Aunt Pam whisked Annabelle off to the tub after this shot for a quick bath that seemed to take a very long time. They asked themselves, "How many grandmothers does it take to bathe one baby?"

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating her first precious year!

Beaver Bend State Park

2011-08-06T17:50:00.002-05:00

Just before we moved into our new house, we took a trip with some friends to go to Beaver Bend in Oklahoma. I had heard great things and I have been wanting to find an easy getaway that we could do yearly. We booked our "cabin in the woods" which was a 4 bedroom fully stocked house with a gameroom and full kitchen. We went swimming in the lake by day and the grown ups played games by night. We had s'mores which seemed more for the amusement of the adults than the kids, but at least someone was amused.

dipping my toe in the blog water again

2011-08-03T21:33:00.005-05:00

Okay, so I am the one who's been missing. We have moved in and we are mostly settled. My new office is a complete wreck but the rest of the house is livable. We are getting back to a normal routine after being without a home for a couple weeks and then the late nights spent unpacking after the kids go to sleep. I actually sat down on Monday night and watched the Bachelorette Finale. I got Kyle registered for school, and I go next week to register Barrett. We have been to the neighborhood pool, but it is too hot to go to a playground. I think it got up to 111 degrees today! Every time we go in the car somewhere, the boys say, "we're already there?" Barrett says he's glad we live here now and Kyle is too but he says he misses the old house a little. There are things I sometimes miss about the old house, too, but I am very happy with the new house.
We took one last picture the day we moved out of the old house.

Kyle has a teddy bear with him in the picture. He has never had an attachment before, but I think he needed a constant during this transition.
Cody took this funny picture of Kyle with our giant teddy and the same teddy bear as in the other picture shortly after we moved in. Kyle is actually sleeping in this picture!

Here's a couple more pictures taken in Farmersville shortly before we moved.

I took this the day of the inspection. We came back home a little too early so I went down the road to wait for them to leave. I looked over and saw the old truck bed and begged Barrett to humor me. This great photo op was right next door the whole time!

This is Kyle eating his ice cream cone at Charlie's.

Happy Birthday, Barrett!

2011-07-24T22:05:00.002-05:00

Dear Barrett,

Happy Birthday! Are you really 6? It can’t be! It seems like just the other day I brought you home from the hospital. I was so enamored with you that I told Daddy I wanted 10 more just like you! You are really growing up to be an amazing person. You make me proud every single day.

Right now you are taking Tae Kwon Do and learning everything from how to skip to defending yourself from a stranger attack. You already have your red belt and you are well on your way to getting your next belt. When I watch you in karate class, I can really see the confident hard-working, respectful person you are. I love the words you recite at the beginning of each class, "I promise to be a good person, with knowledge in my mind, honesty in my heart, to make good friends, and to be a black belt leader." I hope you choose to get your black belt, not so you can use it for fighting (I hope you never have to use it), but for the confidence, discipline, and sense of accomplishment. You can do it.

I am so proud of the responsible young man you are becoming. You have a wallet that you are very good about keeping track of and you always remember to close the baby gate so Annabelle doesn’t get hurt.
Speaking of Annabelle, you really are so sweet to her and a great big brother. Just the other day, you fed her almost all of your ice cream and today you gave her your apple juice. You play with her and teach her words and let her squeeze your face. And you get so excited if she repeats a word or sound after you. When you are trying to get her attention, you say An-na-beh-w in a low playful voice. She adores you and Annabelle is so lucky to have you for a brother!

You and Kyle chose to share a room when we moved into our new house this summer. You two have been staying up a little too late talking and playing the past few weeks, but I am glad you have that time to be together as brothers. You are learning how to have respect for each other, and how to work together to solve conflict. I expected a difficult transition, but you guys are doing much better than I thought. You should be proud of how quickly you are learning to handle this new situation.

This fall you will be starting Kindergarten. I will probably be a mess and you will probably be calm and collected and a little excited. You are so ready. I know you will do great in Kindergarten and learn so much because you love school and being with people. You have the maturity to handle tough situations and let minor irritations roll off your back which is so important in life. There was a guy named Robert Fulghum who wrote a book called Every Thing I need to know I learned in Kindergarten. This just goes to show how important this time of your life is. Here is his (abbreviated) list.
Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.

You already know many of these, and you will learn the others in the upcoming year. What an exciting time in your life! My advice to you as you embark on your school years, is to listen to your conscience and do the right thing even when it’s not easy. You will never go wrong by doing right. If you don’t know what the right thing to do is, ask God. Nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes. When you do, learn from the experience and move on with confidence that next time you will do better. There was an architect named I.M. Pei who designed a skyscraper with huge plate glass windows. One day, the windows all began falling out onto the sidewalk below. He had made a very big mistake. He carefully studied the properties of glass, figured out where he went wrong, corrected it, and thereafter called himself an expert of plate glass window design. Making mistakes is part of life, and I want you to know that even when you have made a mistake, I still love you.

At bedtime, we are reading a book called The Mysterious Benedict Society (we read a little bit each night). The main characters in the story are all kids, who for various reasons do not have parents. I was talking with you tonight about what life is like for kids without parents and you felt very sad for them. You have such a big heart and I am so proud that you want to help others with less. We said a prayer for those kids and thanked God for our family.

You are an amazing kid and I can’t believe how I lucky I am to be your mom. I love you more than words can express.

Love,
Mommy

Here’s a list of you favorite things right now:

Legos
Strawberries
Club crackers
Steak
Peanut Butter and Jelly
Ninjas
Star Wars
Money
Tae Kwon Do
Your scooter
More Legos

Here you are first thing in the morning on your birthday. You woke up before me (about 6:30am) and went out on the back patio. This is what you slept in.

Happy Birthday Annabelle

2011-06-14T22:16:00.002-05:00

Dear Annabelle,

Happy first birthday, sweetie! This past year has gone way too fast! I swear it couldn’t be more than a few weeks ago that you were a tiny little newborn I couldn’t stop holding and kissing. Now that special date has come around again and I still just want to hold and kiss you all the time. Only now you are a year old and so you like to get down and crawl, pull up and explore. In the span of just one year, you have taught Daddy and I so much about life, ourselves, each other, God and what is truly important in life. You bring so much joy to our lives with your smile, your happy disposition, your sweet, funny personality and charm. I have never seen a baby draw a crowd of admirers the way you do without even trying. I shouldn’t be surprised, people love to be around others who are happy and you are so joyful and sweet…it’s like bees to honey.

Annabelle, since the moment I realized I was pregnant with you, you have made our lives richer. We are so thankful for you and our family is so blessed by you. Your brothers are so proud and adoring of you. They love you so much that they even let you pull their hair and slobber on and play with their toys. They love to teach you everything they know and they show you off to everyone they see. I have never seen siblings have so much love for each other.

At one year of age, you can say Mama, Dada, Gigi, Aggie (you love the dog!), Baba (bottle) and the word ‘more’. You are crawling everywhere and pulling up to standing whenever you can. I have seen you stand a few times without holding onto anything for a couple of seconds. You love to wave at the baby in the mirror, and clap, and give high fives. I think it’s so sweet how when I pat your back, you pat mine. You give kisses and hugs and you get so happy that sometimes your smile with your whole body.

Annabelle, you have a way of touching people’s hearts like I have never seen. You look at people and they are filled with love and joy. It’s not just me and your family, it is strangers too. There are waitresses who have seen you only once before and then recognize you and remember your name several months later. You are amazing and beautiful inside and out.

Happy Birthday baby girl. I love you more than words can express.

Love,
Mommy

Your Current Faves:
Strawberry yogurt
Pulling Gigi’s table runner off the table
Chasing the dog
Looking at the baby in the mirror
Playing in the bath or baby pool
Having your hair played with
hanging upside-down

Here's Annabelle first thing this morning:

looking back and moving on

2011-05-30T09:21:00.001-05:00

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven”
-Ecclesiastes 3:1

It is hard to express in words my feelings about leaving this home in the country. This home I designed for my family and built up from the dirt on which it stands. The home I always dreamed of. It is difficult because I have so many conflicting feelings. I feel sad to leave, but happy to move on. I feel blessed to have had the experience of living here among the trees and ponds and cattle. We raised little ducklings and set them free. We have “moo-ed” at the baby cows and watched tall beautiful birds go fishing in our ponds. We were visited by turtles. The tree out back held a swing that my boys used to swing in as babies. The pond is full of fish that we have caught and let go. We have celebrated numerous birthdays, Independence Days, and Christmases. Kyle took his first steps in this house and the boys had their first camping adventure here. We had a toddler and a newborn when we moved in and now we are leaving with two boys and a baby girl. These will be cherished memories and I am so grateful for the unique experiences we have had because we have lived here. This home will always hold a special place in our hearts and minds.

Living here has taught me so much about myself and life. I have learned that my marriage is strong. Strong enough to survive the construction process and I am proud of this testament to our relationship, not to mention our own blood, sweat and tears. I have learned that true friends don’t mind a taking a long country drive to see you. I have learned that I can accomplish great things that I once thought were out of reach. I have learned that living in the country does not magically give you more time for the simple things. I have learned that when you are running late and on a country road, you will, without fail, get stuck driving behind farmer john on his tractor. I have learned that there is a season for everything, and sadly, right now is not the season for us to live in the country.

I am excited about moving closer to friends, kids’ activities, doctors, restaurants and shopping. I am excited about living in a neighborhood where we can go Trick or Treating. I am excited that when we decorate the house for Christmas, others will see it. I am excited to throw more parties and not worry that no one will come because we live so far away. I am excited to make new friends and neighbors. I am excited to volunteer in a way that I have been unable to due to my lack of proximity. I am excited to have reliable internet access! I am excited that Cody will have more time to spend with me and the kids and less time commuting and maintaining acreage.

Since I was very young, I have always wanted to design and build my own house. I think this is something I had to do. Had I not had this experience, I don’t know that I would be content living in another home. I think the most important thing I have learned is that time with my family and friends is more important than living in my dream house.

Whether the five of us were in the 800 square-foot, 2 bedroom apartment while building, or in a 5000 square foot house on 82 acres, we just want to be together. This home holds many cherished memories that we will take with us.

Here’s to a new chapter in our lives!

Barrett graduated from preschool

2011-05-27T09:24:00.000-05:00

Barrett just graduated from preschool! There were tears...happy and sad. I am so proud of Barrett and thankful that his first real experience with school has been such a happy, welcoming place with such dedicated teachers. He truly loves school. I am sad that this chapter of his life is over. I still remember his first day of preschool when he brought a teddy bear for comfort and then dropped it at the door and ran in excited to play!

Here's Barrett on his first day of preschool.

100% boy

2011-05-22T12:23:00.001-05:00

I was swinging outside with the boys and Annabelle and I noticed that both boys had holes in their jeans. So I bribed the boys to let me take a few snaps.

Interviewing boys

2011-05-21T11:38:00.002-05:00

I like to ask the boys lots of questions each year. I think it will be fun to compare from year to year.

Interview with Barrett
What is your favorite color? Blue…and red
What is your favorite animal? Cheetah
What is your favorite food? Steak
Favorite song? Zachaeus was a wee little man
Favorite cartoon character? Phineas
Favorite toy? My bike
Favorite holiday? Christmas
Who is your best friend? Ian
Tell me about girls… "yuck" (covered his face, and ran away)
What is your favorite thing about school? Recess
What do you like to do for fun? Play on the playground
If you had $20, what would you buy? A race set
What is something Daddy says a lot? "Fantastic"
What does Mommy say a lot? "Stop it."
What is your fave shirt? Red shirt with lobster and my fireman shirt
What are your fave PJs? Guitar pants and white shirt
What do you want to be when you grow up? Policeman

Interview with Kyle
What is your favorite color? Green and blue
What is your favorite animal? Cheetah and tiger
What is your favorite food? Cinnamon rolls
Favorite song? Twinkle, twinkle
Favorite cartoon character? Freddy
Favorite toy? All of them
Favorite holiday? Christmas
Who is your best friend? Dylan
Tell me about girls… I like all my favorite girls
What is your favorite thing about school? Playing outside
What do you like to do for fun? Play pretend
If you had $20, what would you buy? Lego Rocket
What is something Daddy says a lot? No
What does Mommy say a lot? No and think about it
What is your fave shirt? Superman!
What are your fave PJs? Buzz Lightyear
What do you want to be when you grow up? Super Jim

a bad day made better

2011-05-10T12:04:00.000-05:00

Kyle had a bad day at school. He sounded just like Alexander in the book Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day. I asked what would make his day better and he pathetically wimpered "ice cream." I realize the precedent I set and I fully expect for him to suddenly have more "bad days". Which is why I talked to him (while he was licking the ice cream dripping down his arm) about other ways to make a bad day better. But I love that the kids are still young enough that their bad days CAN be made better with a little ice cream. They are innocent and worry-free and and that's exactly how they should be at this age.

"What? Do I have something on my face?"

Standing Proud

2011-04-28T10:41:00.002-05:00

Here’s the thing about accomplishments, even the littlest ones are big when they are hard-won. When you have tried and failed and tried again. And again. Day after day, you watch others do it with ease and still you don’t give up and then finally you do it! THAT is a big accomplishment. Your persistence is something you can be proud of.

Milestones, like learning to walk and talk, are accomplishments that sometimes we take for granted until one day a doctor tells you that your baby may not make it to birth. After that, every single little milestone is a huge accomplishment. It’s a cherished moment that may have never been. Each milestone is “showing them!”

I remember when we were trying to teach Barrett to talk and he was having a delay caused by allergies. Watching him struggle was so difficult. We could tell he understood the words. We knew he was trying so hard but just couldn’t get the words out. Cody and I would read him the same picture book each night saying words over and over to him. On an average day, he would say one new word a day after constant repetition. I will never forget how one night (shortly after changing Barrett's diet), Cody came downstairs from reading to Barrett. He was beaming, saying how Barrett had just said 10 new words! The pride I felt almost led me to run upstairs and wake the sleeping boy to hug him and make him say the words so I could hear the beautiful sound of his voice saying, “Ball” and “truck.”

Today Annabelle pulled herself up to a standing position for the first time. The beauty of this moment is not lost on me. Or her. Or her brothers. They ran to her side and cheered. They told her she was standing. Her smile stretched from ear to ear. My heart leapt for joy. My eyes locked with Cody’s with a knowing look while her brothers ran for the video camera. We hardly ever think about what the doctors told us and in this moment we are so filled with pride there is no room for anything else.

She used the bottom drawer of the stove to pull up. Why there? To see the baby inside!

Playing Peek-a-boo

2011-04-26T22:39:00.000-05:00

Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-23T17:46:00.001-05:00

Today was the Mom to Mom Easter Egg Hunt. We had a great time and Annabelle had her first Easter Bunny experience.

The boys were having a ball on the bounce houses!

Barrett earned his Orange Belt!

2011-04-21T17:48:00.002-05:00

I am so proud! MY son got his orange belt in Taekwondo. AND he was one of 3 kids out of about 15 who got a special recognition award! He is really enjoying "karate". (Cody corrected me today about calling it karate, but it says karate on the sign!)

I should mention he has leftover bunny whisker paint from his Easter party at school. That stuff did not want to come off!

coloring eggs

2011-04-20T17:51:00.000-05:00

My mom and the kids dyed ~~hands~~ eggs today.

My mom has had these cups since I was a kid.

Look who's crawling

2011-04-15T20:35:00.000-05:00

Annabelle is crawling. It's not organized, but she can get across a room by rolling, scooting, army crawling, real crawling, or back scooting. She is getting lots of practice by crawling to where Aggie is laying, only to have Aggie get up and move across the room as soon as Annabelle gets close. So Annabelle crawls to Aggie in her new location and the crazy cycle repeats.

Bluebonnets

2011-04-12T20:33:00.000-05:00

can you feel the love?

2011-04-10T20:32:00.000-05:00

I have never seen a brother/sister relationship as sweet as this one.

April Fools Day...almost

2011-03-30T22:03:00.001-05:00

I had Gigi ask the boys if anyone had played any tricks on them for April Fools Day. Then I made them meatloaf and mashed potato cupcakes. I told them we'd have dessert before dinner tonight. They agreed. So I served the meatloaf cupcakes but I told them that they were chocolate with vanilla frosting. They were not impressed. So I offered them spaghetti instead. The "spaghetti" was really strawberry cupcakes decorated to look like spaghetti. Sadly I didn't take a piture of the spaghetti cupcakes while they were all in a bowl, but I did snatch one out of Kyle's hand just before it entered his open mouth. It really looked much better when there were several grouped together. oh well. And after all my April Fools jokes, I let them know one more trick I had played on them...that today wasn't even April Fools Day!

Meatloaf/mashed potato cupcake

Spaghetti and meatball cupcake

Baseball

2011-03-25T21:53:00.001-05:00

Barrett and Kyle had their first baseball game of the season. It was Kyle's first game ever! They did so great. This year, the get to try to hit from the coach's pitch, and then if that doesn't work out, they can use the tee. They both hit from the coach's pitch!! They both had a fun and Kyle was so excited to be out on the field this time. I took a few more of Kyle because it was his first game.

"Thumbs up, mom!"

Playing in the dirt.

Barrett playing First Base

He's got moves just like real baseball players

He smacked it! No Tee! And then ran to Third Base!:)

I love this picture of Barrett

2011-03-21T12:52:00.001-05:00

Sweet sweet cupcake

2011-03-13T21:41:00.000-05:00

Gigi made the cutest little pillowcase dresses for Annabelle. This is her cupcake dress!

Toes in the sand

2011-03-12T21:29:00.002-06:00

We found the greatest place to play and spend a beautiful day like today! There's a playground and sand and shade and even a splash fountain! We had a really great day.

Rockin' his own style

2011-03-11T21:29:00.001-06:00

When he spotted this tie from across the store, Kyle ran and clung to it as if it was a long lost teddy bear. He asked me very nicely to buy it for him. I didn't buy the tie. I thought the delayed gratification would be good for him and it would give me a chance to see if it was something he would just forget about the next day. The following week he talked repeatedly about how much he wish he had a tie. One with all his favorite colors. He even promised to let me take a picture of him in the tie. DING DING DING! Whoever said "please" was the magic word, was not a photographer with reluctant children for subjects. So I bought the $6 tie for the little sweetheart and held him to his promise. He dressed himself, but the good news is that his pants are not backwards. By the way, at one point during the day he decided to leave his tie in the car (so he wouldn't lose it) and he reminded me to lock the doors...twice.

C'mon St. Joseph!

2011-03-10T21:30:00.000-06:00

Well, we had a bury-the-Saint-Joseph-statue ceremony. We gathered around like it was his funeral, said a prayer and buried the little guy. He is going to help us sell our house. The little card said he has never failed. St. Joseph to the rescue!

Toofers!

2011-03-09T21:30:00.002-06:00

Annabelle is getting 5 teeth in at once. 2 teeny teeth downstairs, and 3 upstairs.

And here's another cute picture.

Shampoo Mohawks and Bubble Beards

2011-02-23T21:02:00.001-06:00

These guys just kill me. They have been soooo sweet to each other these past few days. I am so proud of my boys. With Cody out of town this week, they have really acted like the "men of the house"...little bubble-bearded men.

Whenever I give them a bath it reminds me of being a little kid and taking a bath with my cousins. For us (3 girls) it was shampoo mohawks and bubble bikinis!

By the way, if you are wondering about our Disney World pics, scroll down and click older posts. I dated them so they'd show up on the days we were there.

eighty pictures for one keeper

2011-02-21T16:23:00.001-06:00

I took my kids, all 3 of them, out to get some nice group pictures. I came prepared with my bribes--marshmallows, Phineas and Ferb fruit snacks and a trip to the park afterward. Maybe for normal kids this would be more than enough. Some kids don't even need bribes. Make no mistake. These are NOT normal kids. Well, see for yourself in the "gag reel" below. The keeper is the last one (Black and White).

So it was about this time that I decided to take the baby out of the mix thinking it might help the situation. Here's what followed.

Goofy and his brother Fake Smile

Cheesy and his brother Fake Smile

Who tooted?

I'll take that one.

Two down, one to go

2011-02-19T16:25:00.000-06:00

We love our kids, but we love having a little time at night after they are all asleep to just be together...even if it's just for a few minutes before one of us falls asleep.

Kissing Booth

2011-02-13T21:59:00.001-06:00

The boys are always kissing on their baby sister and I have been thinking she should start a kissing booth. That's what gave me the idea for these.
I intentionally gave the images a little grit and vintage look.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Magic Kingdom

2011-02-08T18:28:00.001-06:00

The fireworks show at Magic Kingdom was amazing. Well, I should say the projection show displayed on the castle was amazing. The fireworks may very well have been amazing but we couldn't see much of them. About 15 minutes before the show started, we found a great spot with a clear view of the castle WITH seats to rest our weary legs! Score! The castle acted as a screen for some really cool effects. Then the fireworks shot up into the sky...right behind some trees to our left. No wonder those seats were available.

Polkadots a la Minnie

2011-02-06T17:07:00.000-06:00

Annabelle told me her favorite Disney character right now is Minnie Mouse so Gigi made her the cutest little polkadot pillowcase dresses for the occasion.

(This dress is store-bought.)

Feeling at Home in the Animal Kingdom

2011-02-05T16:56:00.002-06:00

We had a great first day at Disneyworld. We kicked it off with a Goofy breakfast where we met Goofy, Donald, Daisy, and Mickey. We saw the Lion King show where Kyle was one of 3 kids who got to go up front and dance. We roared at dinosaurs, and went on a safari. We love this place!

Goofy meet Goofy, uh, I mean Kyle.

Annabelle on safari

Barrett rockin' the Mickey ears"

Timon (upper left) is looking at Kyle and saying "all the kids did a great job especially you!"

Rubber boots

2011-01-30T17:02:00.001-06:00

I was walking around with my camera today, trying to figure out what to take a picture of for my 365 project when Barrett suggested I take a picture of Kyle's boots. I might not have even noticed them because it's not a rare occurrence for him to be wearing them. But that's exactly the kind of thing I wanted to photograph. I am challenging myself to take a picture everyday so these things WON'T go unnoticed.

When I bought these boots at Janie and Jack 3 years ago, I made sure to buy them a couple sizes too big so the boys would get a lot of use out of them. Even though they were on clearance, I felt a little guilty about spending the money on them. (No, honey, they weren't THAT much.) Let me say, Kyle has gotten every penny's worth out of his. He wears them all. the. time. With shorts and a cape, with goggles, to school, to the store, in the snow, rain and sunshine. If he is willingly wearing something on his feet, (let face it, he'd really rather be barefoot) it's these boots. Money well spent.

Notice that they're on the wrong feet :)

Tummy Time

2011-01-25T19:30:00.000-06:00

Annabelle is getting up on her hands and knees and rocking. She'll be crawling much too soon!

Look Mom, no training wheels!

2011-01-25T19:28:00.002-06:00

Barrett learned to ride his bike without training wheels just before Christmas and I have video of it. The problem is that I cannot print a video so I needed to capture it with my camera. I remembered something I learned back in my college photography class--motion blur. This is where you hold the shutter open and move the camera with your moving subject keeping the subject sharp while blurring the background.
I held the shutter open for 1/60th of a second in this shot. If I had held it open a little longer (or if he was a bit faster on his bike) the background would have more motion blur, but I am happy that his face is as sharp as it is.

Speaking of Barrett, tonight he called the parmesan cheese "Farmer John cheese." hehe.

Chubby

2011-01-21T09:55:00.002-06:00

If you've spent any time with my family, you know about Chubby, his mama, his daddy and even his dog! Today, the boys were laying on the floor making each other crack up doing Chubby. Love it! Chubby will never be forgotten.

SLIME!

2011-01-21T09:42:00.004-06:00

Annabelle has started eating solids! I've been trying to feed her solids for awhile but she has just recently begun actually swallowing instead mushing out everything I put in her mouth. Last night I was feeding her mashed green beans and the boys were helping me to get her to open her mouth by making her laugh. Then they saw the baby food and started saying, "Ooooh Annabelle, don't eat that! Mom, why are you feeding her SLIME?" They kept shouting, "Don't eat the slime, Annabelle!" She would crack up and I would put another spoonful of slime, uh, I mean green beans in her open mouth. Feeding the baby is a team sport!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-04T20:58:00.003-06:00

We had a great Christmas. The boys are at a fun age and really get into all the traditions. We did a lot to celebrate and enjoy the season this year. The kids sat on Santa's lap twice. We all took a drive to look at Christmas lights and decorations and then ended up getting out and walking because the weather was so warm. We made cookies, searched for our elf, Buddy each morning, and we went to the Christmas Eve Service at church. At the children's service, the kids dress up as part of the Christmas story in the book of Luke. This year, the boys made crowns to wear so they could be the kings. Barrett went with a classic look for his crown whereas Kyle chose to go with a Rudolph-esque look for his crown.

Milk and cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve!

Surprise! Christmas morning

Cookie Decorating Party

2010-12-22T21:36:00.002-06:00

With all these cookies, how's a mama supposed to lose her pregnancy weight? Our friends, the Braatens, had ther annual Crazy for Cookies party for the kiddies. We put on our Christmas aprons and decorated some gingerbread men. The boys made me proud; they didn't lick the community icing knife once! Nope, they did it twice! Just kidding.

Thanks, Meredith, for this pic! Annabelle's shirt appropriately says "Always jolly."

Barrett gave his man a "sprinkle of hair"

Kyle showed such restraint with the sprinkles and red hots! Oh, and he ate the gingerbread man's leg and then told me that now he couldn't walk because his leg was broken so he gave him a (candy) cane!

Cookie Exchange

2010-12-22T20:19:00.006-06:00

This year's Mom to Mom cookie exchange was a couple weeks ago but I'm just now able to post my pictures and recipe. My cookies took the prize for best lookin' cookie! I loved what my friend Stephanie did with her Haystack cookies. She used them for the hay in the manger by putting Nativity scene figures around them and Baby Jesus on top. Really clever...which is why she won for best presentation!

Ulimate Sugar Cookies

1 cup White sugar
1/2 cup butter (room temp)
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon bakingpowder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat 375 degrees.Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. set aside. In a large bowl beat butter, sugar and shortening until well blended. Add combined dry ingredients and mix. Separate dough into several balls, roll out and cut into shapes. Place shapes on cookie sheet and bake for 5-9 minutes.

Icing:

2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (sifted after measuring)
1 tablespoon low-fat milk (skim or 1% is fine although I have made this successfully using 2% fat milk)
1 tablespoon corn syrup (more if needed to reach desired consistency)
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
food coloring (use colors of choice)
Change Measurements: US Metric

1 VERY IMPORTANT; the confectioners sugar must be sifted before using. 2 In a bowl beat the sifted confectioners sugar with milk until smooth. 3 Beat in corn syrup and almond extract until smooth and glossy (if icing is too thick add in a small amount of corn syrup). 4 Divide into as many separate bowls as desired. 5 Add in different food coloring to each bowl beating/whisking until the intensity is achieved. 6 Paint the icing over the cookies using a brush or dip the cookie edges into icing (this will set quite quickly). 7 Place cookies on waxed paper to dry.

Toe Love

2010-12-21T22:20:00.002-06:00

I have a lot of photos to go through (Christmas is a very photo-heavy time), but I wanted to get this up before Annabelle is no longer 6 months old.

We went to the doctor today for her 6 month appointment and she got her first vaccination shot. She didn't cry, or even stick out her bottom lip. She was actually smiling at the nurse! After a few minutes, I tried to put her in her carseat (which she doesn't care for) and she cried about that.

Nuthin' better than a preschool Christmas show

2010-12-20T07:43:00.003-06:00

Last week was the last week of school for the boys before the Christmas break. Every year they have a little show where the kids sing for the parents. The kids look so cute in their Rudolph and Angel costumes I could just squeel. As if seeing my kid singing Christmas songs as an angel wasn't sweet enough, Kyle did something that brought me to happy tears. As we were all sitting and waiting for the show to start, Kyle spotted me and waved. Then with his crooked little halo he shouted across the room, "I love you, Mom!"
I hope the lady behind me who had her video camera recording at the time will send me this so I can watch it over and over. Until then, here's a pouty picture of Kyle.

Since I'm talking about Kyle in this post, I have another one. The other day I had Kyle on my lap and I was talking to him about how God forgives us. He was really focused and I remember thinking to myself, "Wow. I think my words are actually going into his ears and registering in his brain! I must be doing a really good job of explaining this!" When my monologue was over, he said, "Mommy, what are these lines on your face?" Yes, that's right. He was studying my wrinkles! At least I have that "I love you, Mom" from the Christmas show.

Annabelle is 6 months old!

2010-12-18T09:47:00.005-06:00

I can't believe it's already been half a year since she was still in my tummy and yet I already can't imagine my life without her. Annabelle is such a blessing and she brightens our lives everyday.
Annabelle can sit up for a few seconds before losing her balance. She loves to jump in the jumperoo or in one's lap. She is rolling from her back to her tummy and tummy to back. She drools buckets and smiles almost constantly. Annabelle has dicovered her toes. She "talks" to them and tries to put them in her mouth. She is reaching for things and loves for me (mommy) to hold her. We can still take her to the movies at six months. I think people sit far away from us fearing she will cry during the movie but they don't know her. Annabelle is very ticklish. everywhere. Her enamored big brothers have been talking to her and trying to teach her words. The other day Barrett was talking to her saying Heh-heh-head. and Annabelle said, "Heh." Barrett felt very proud. I appreciate his efforts but this is not a word, more specifically it's not the word Mama, so therefore it's not her first word. ;)
Annabelle is magic. She can make people smile...and when you see these pictures I bet you my last $6 you'll be smiling too.

Here's some pictures of Annabelle at 6 months

This toothless grin just kills me!

You're smiling aren't you?

Christmas PJs

2010-12-15T19:26:00.002-06:00

We took some pictures in front of the Christmas tree in the Christmas pajamas.

They just wanted to get to the Lakehouse, but I made them stop and take ANOTHER picture

2010-12-09T20:23:00.003-06:00

It may become a yearly tradition that the kids could live without...stopping to take a silhouette in a field on the way to Grandma's and Papa's house for Thanksgiving. This is the second year in a row, which in a family of Aggies, makes it a tradition. We had to do it again this year because last year's image didn't have Annabelle. So now I have a header picture for my blog with all 3 of my kiddos.

I can't wait to see what the boys get us for Christmas

2010-11-20T15:32:00.003-06:00

The boys made a list of things they thought we'd love to get for Christmas. Oh boy, it's gonna be interesting opening our gift from them.

Here' what they think are perfect gifts:

For Daddy:
tweezers
salad tongs
coffee mug
screw and screwdriver
jacket
flowers
soldier hat
race car shirt
real shopping cart
sunglasses
fancy tie
cool socks
light bulb
fancy hat
christmas card

For Mommy:
mummy costume
clothes
purse
car
flowers
sunglasses
sparkle hat (for when she goes to a fancy restaurant)
fancy socks
computer
wipees
M&Ms
christmas card
bowl

Kyle's Letter to Santa

2010-11-19T09:12:00.004-06:00

(Dictated to Mommy)
Dear Santa,
I know you're working hard making presents right now because I saw you for real. I love you, Santa. I have been very nice. Do you give presents to kids if they get scared? I used to be scared of you but now I am not. My name is Kyle Starr and it is spelled K-Y-L-E S-T-A-R-R and I live in T-E-X-A-S. I am a good speller. I am smarter than Daddy. I like you a lot. I have a baby sister and I am very nice to her. Her name is Annabelle. Please put me on your nice list because I am thankful for my toys, and my teachers, and my mommy and daddy, and my Lego Spaceship, and my brother.
I want a Millennium Falcon that is just for me, not to share. It's a good guy spaceship from Star Wars and Chuy's in it.
I also want big boy bike and a jet pack. Is there such a thing as a real jet pack, Santa?
And I want the kind of space ship that looks like this (drawing in the air with his hand in the shape of a triangle.)
That's all I want. I will be very thankful for these things.
Love,
Kyle

Barrett's Letter to Santa

2010-11-17T20:29:00.004-06:00

The other day at lunch Barrett wanted to make his Christmas list for Santa. I suggested he might want to say a few words to Santa in his letter about how deserving he is rather than just sending a list of toys. So he dictated the following letter to me:

Dear Santa,
The first thing I want to tell you is I have been good. All year. I help my mom and dad by cleaning up my toys. Kyle doesn't. And I am always nice to Jack and everybody. I am nice to my brother sometimes and all the time nice to my baby sister. I set the table for dinner and once I helped Daddy clean up his tools. And I help with the laundry and I make my bed if I don't forget. I always do what Mommy and Daddy tell me...except when I don't.
Here's my Christmas list:
Transformers
Sail boat
Hot Wheels

Love,
Barrett

(He wrote the toys himself with our help sounding them out. After Transformers, I think he was just trying to think of toys that were easier to spell. I am not sure if those are toys he really wants.)

NOTE TO FAMILY: Please do not buy the items on this list. This is a list for Santa.

an attitude of grattitude...startin' 'em young

2010-11-10T20:24:00.005-06:00

(These are all pics taken with a camera phone)

Today, Annabelle did some volunteer work with me at the food pantry. Here's a pic of her working hard bundling food for pick-up.

She enjoyed her work to help others...until she fell asleep. (Thank you Leslie for the pictures!)
Then, we picked up Barrett from school and my heart was warmed by the Turkey he and his classmates had made. They listed what they are thankful for on the turkey feathers. Oh how I love this kind of thing!

Here's Barrett's feather:

Next week, Kyle will be putting together Christmas gifts for children and families in need. And today, he brought food to donate to the food pantry. I hope they continue to give to and serve others and grow up thankful for all they have. I am very proud of their generosity and giving spirit.

Random Halloween Stuff

2010-11-01T20:26:00.004-05:00

I call this lunch "Mummy loves you" Bwahahahaha...okay, I know it's cheesy...there I go again!

Barrett and Kyle at the Dallas Arboretum.

Annabelle at the Arboretum in her super cute ribbon pants that Gigi made.

Sadly, this was Barrett and Kyle's very first time to go real Trick or Treating...at houses. Barrett kept saying "Trunk or Treat!" when the door was opened. Kyle came back from the door and saying "Mom, they gave us candy!" every time. EVERY. TIME. So cute! He just couldn't believe that people would give him candy for knocking on their door. They are with their friends Jack and Dylan, A.K.A. Darth Vader and Super Why.

Yes, I know the previous post had pics of Annabelle in her costume, but she smiling in this one! Gigi and I took all three kids to the Farmersville Fall Festival on Saturday night. It was really unbelievable how many people stopped to look at Annabelle in her costume. A man standing next to us at one point said he estimated about 60 different people took her picture and she smiled for every one. That's probably about right, not even exaggerating.

Trunk or Treat

2010-10-29T15:54:00.001-05:00

Last Sunday, we went Trunk or Treating. It's always a treat for me to see the kids dressed up in their costumes. This year Barrett is a Lego Man, Kyle is a Sock Monkey and Annabelle is a Baby Chick for her first Halloween. Gigi and I made these costumes this year. It may be the last costumes Barrett and Kyle let us make for them. They have asked to be Darth Vader and Iron Man next year. I guess I have to let them. I guess. So this year I have to soak it up!

Can you guess which teddybear is the sweetest?

2010-10-26T11:12:00.002-05:00

No, this is not her Halloween costume. Kyle and I were home yesterday and he helped me set up for this shot.

disgusting!!! Thanks, Mom!

2010-10-19T16:15:00.003-05:00

I have been trying to make the boys' lunches special and fun to eat so their lunch box doesn't come home full. Here's some of what I have done.

For an October/Halloween theme, I did Frankenstein: This idea came from a Brookshire's flier. It's craisins, almond slivers, marshmallows, and eye holes I cut out with an icing tip. Kyle loved it.

When I found these Scrabble tile Cheez-its I think I squealed aloud right there in the grocery store aisle. I just used a little peanut butter to glue them in place. If you're wondering about the bite taken, it was my breakfast.

To stick with a Halloween theme, at lunch today the boys found (gummy) worms crawling out of their sandwiches. This one got rave reviews from both boys. So the grosser the better, I guess.
Sorry I don't have a pic of that one.

In the middle of the night

2010-10-03T18:02:00.005-05:00

I hear a baby crying in my sleep. Not a demanding cry, but a soft cry that seems to say, "I am a bit hungry, would you feed me please?" The clock is blurry, but I can make out between long blinks that the the first number is a three. Despite the sweet manners, I am not too happy about being awake at 3:00 am. She has been sleeping through the night most of the time now. I guess this is not one of those nights. I grunt and slowly roll out of bed to change her diaper before feeding. I have managed to pry one eyelid halfway open so I can see what I am doing. The crying has stopped as if she knows I am here and I am going to take care of her needs. Through my one half-open eye, I see her smiling at me with her huge wide awake grin. Then something strange happens...I can't help but to smile too...desipte the hour. After I feed her, I put her back in her bassinet next to my bed. She is still awake, but she just coos a couple times and then allows me to go back to sleep.
Thank you sweet girl, for bringing me sunshine in the middle of the night.

Here's some pictures I took of the little cupcake in a tutu.

and we can't forget the little piggies

Laughter

2010-09-26T20:21:00.002-05:00

"When we hear the baby laugh, it is the lovliest thing that can happen to us"
--Sigmund Freud

Annabelle has started laughing out loud and today she got the giggles with me. I could watch this a thousand times and it will make me smile every. single. time. She is such a happy little thing.

35 second video

Kyle's Lego Party

2010-09-23T16:42:00.003-05:00

For Kyle's fourth birthday party, we had a little Lego themed get-together with mostly family and a couple of friends. I made Lego block shaped cakes and the candles were held up by 4 little Lego men AKA MiniFigures to the die-hard Lego lovers. We had a Lego hunt where the kids hunted for Legos on the porch. I think they had a good time. Oh yeah, almost forgot, I made Lego Man Pops out of marshmallows and candy melts. I drew the faces on with food markers but it didn't work all that well.

When Kyle's teachers asked him about his birthday party, he said excitedly, "We had jellybeans!" Yup folks, that's right, I went to all that trouble of making Lego Man Pops, the Lego Block cake, a banner, etc, but the highlight for him was the jellybeans I bought on a whim. figures.

Kyle showing off his loot from the Lego Hunt.

Isn't it hilarious how other kids always try to blow out the candles? I know I have some pics like this from when I was little where my cousins are blowing out my candles.

Happy Birthday, Kyle

2010-09-22T20:08:00.005-05:00

Dear Kyle,
You are now four years old. It has been so fun these past four years watching you become the little boy you are today. You make us laugh one minute, amaze us the next minute, and pull out our hair the next when you refuse to do the logical thing just because we asked you to. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree--you are so much like me.

You are such a good brother to Annabelle and Barrett. This year a new baby came into our lives and you are so proud of her and loving to her. You tell everyone we see that you have a new baby sister with such pride in your voice and love on your face, it melts my heart. You like to hold her hand and sing her songs. She is only 3 months old, but Annabelle already smiles and laughs at you. You and Barrett are buddies. You have so many common interests and you guys play together all the time. You like to make up games to play with each other in the car and you finish each others sentences. You are so close that when you are apart, you can't stop talking about each other. It's really wonderful to have someone who will be your friend for the rest of your life. You are so lucky.

Right now, you love Legos, superheroes, your rubber boots, space stories, jokes, dressing up and pretending. You can play with Legos for hours and create truly amazing airplanes and rockets. I'm not kidding. The planes you make with Legos are awesome. Not just for someone your age, for anyone. You really enjoy dressing up like a superhero, policeman, Star Wars character, etc. and you are completely willing to go out in public as that character. The other day, I took you to Target while you were wearing a blue floatie vest that you call a jetpack, shorts, rubber boots, goggles, and a superman cape. Seriously. You told me you were "Snobie Kinobe One." I asked if you meant Obi Wan Kenobi and you told me no. Another day, you were pretending to be a pirate with a rolled-up piece of paper for a spyglass and saying, "Arrgh, me hineys!" Oh yeah, that one still makes me smile. You light up my life and make me smile everyday.

You are like a sponge and surprise me all the time with what you know. Just this morning, you were talking with Patty about whether something was blue or green and then I heard you tell her that it was aquamarine! You are learning Spanish in school and you very often ask me how to say certain words in Spanish. My Spanish vocabulary I learned in High School has been exhausted by you and I now have to look words up. At the age of four, you are about to know more than me. Good for you, sad for me. In English, you can spell Daddy, Mommy, Gigi, and the word toe (random. I think you sounded it out) on your own. You might be able to spell other words but these are the ones I know.

I love that you love to cuddle and be held. I want you to know that I am always available for a hug. Happy times or sad times. No matter what. Even if I'm mad at you. Even if you don't want to talk. My arms are open. You are a sweet, sensitive, caring person who cares about others' feelings and one tough kid at the same time. Your teacher told me how you once stopped what you were doing, ran across the playground and put your arm around and comforted a girl who was hurt. She was very impressed at your thoughtfulness. I am proud. Not at all surprised, though, because I see you do that kind of thing all the time.

You are funny, sweet, smart and so charming. You are cheerful, and genuine, and honest even when it's hard to tell the truth. You are tough, but vulnerable. You wear your heart on your sleeve, and you stand up for your convictions. I admire you and adore you. You are an amazing person. Thank you for lighting up my life. I feel so blessed to get to be your Mommy and I love you more than words can express.

Love,
Mommy

Here you are first thing in the morning on your birthday.

You are wearing pajamas that make you look like Buzz Lightyear from the Toy Story movies. Toy Story 3 just came out this year. You also have the bumblebee Pillow Pet that Uncle Casey gave you for your birthday. You were so excited and told him it was just the one you wanted. Yes, you have a band-aid on your forehead...you tend to play hard and a day doesn't go by when you do not need a band-aid. I had to get up very early to make sure I got your picture before you got out of bed. You usually wake me up at about 6:45 these days! I am going to remind you of this when you're a teenager and I need an airhorn to get you out of bed.

Mama's boys

2010-09-18T17:24:00.002-05:00

I wish! Cody was out of town on business this past week and so the boys, Annabelle and I were on our own. I found these tattoos while cleaning out my purse and thought it'd be fun to take some pics. I have never let the boys wear fake tattoos before. I told them, with a wink in my voice, that if they ever got a real tattoo, it better look like this.
But as far as being mama's boys, that is not the case right now. maybe someday. A girl can dream. For now, I just cling to the brief phase when Barrett wanted to marry me when he grew up. sigh.

Here they are looking all boy and a little too grown up. Kyle has a shiner and a skinned knee. that's just him at this age.

unapologetically bragging.

2010-09-09T16:25:00.003-05:00

"A daughter can light up your day simply by blinking her big, bright eyes."
-Crystal Dawn Perry

It's hard to believe that in just 5 days Annabelle will be three months old. This little girl get lots of attention everywhere she goes. People are constantly stopping me to admire her...her hair, her big blue eyes, her smile. And I know of 3 different two-year-old girls who have named their babydolls Annabelle after her. Love it! We think she's pretty wonderful too.
She is such a good baby. Annabelle loves to be held and loves when her brothers sing to her. She is now sleeping 5-7 hours at night. School started for the boys this week and we made it on time everyday (just barely) which means the morning routine with 3 kids is somehow working. I may have looked like I just rolled out of bed with no make-up, but I am hoping no one noticed since it was pouring cats and dogs almost everyday. I woke up late today which was problematic, but Gigi helped me and we made it.

So much fun at the beach I almost forgot to take pictures

2010-08-31T21:48:00.002-05:00

We rented a beach house with a bunch of my family in Florida for a little vacation. It was so wonderful--I just love it there. (the BP oil spill was a non-issue. I actually forgot to be concerned once I saw the beach and water.) Between my cousins and us, we had 7 kids there. 2 five year olds, 1 four year old, 1 three year old, 1 two year old, a one year old and a newborn...which I think more than explains why I say I was having so much fun I almost forgot to take pictures.
The boys (Sam, Barrett, and Kyle) enjoyed bunking together in the same room at night. I think the only reason this worked is because they were so exhausted from swimming that they didn't have the energy to be monkeys. Avery (age 2) told me excitedly every morning that she got to sleep on an air mattress. Too cute. It very well may have been the highlight of the trip for her. After the kids went to bed the adults played games. I am not really sure how they slept through the noise we were making.

My aunt and uncle with their grandkids, Sam, Kenley, Ella, and Avery sitting on the front porch of the beach house.

The kids walking down the beach access path

Sandy toes: Ella, Avery, Sam, Barrett (Kyle was not feeling it)

Barrett on the beach. I should have taken more pics that night because it rained every other night after--bummer.

Avery holding a tiny seashell.

I love this picture of ~~Goofball~~ Kyle.

Barrett relaxing in a chair at Seaside.

Kyle called himself a "Scooby Diver" whenever he was wearing goggles.

Miss Annabelle looking glamourous poolside in the tiniest swimsuit anyone has ever seen.

Celebrating! Cody and I renewed our wedding vows on the beach in celebration of our 10th anniversary.
We did not want the occassion to pass us by and we wanted to do something to show our children that we love each other and value our marriage. We plan to get our vows renewed in Vegas by Elvis for our 15th anniversary! (We had a photographer, but I don't have the pics she took yet.)

Discovery of the baby girl

2010-08-16T16:30:00.002-05:00

The boys and I caught bits and pieces of "Shark Week" and it inspired me to document Annabelle Discovery Channel style.

We have emersed ourselves in her native habitat to observe her more closely. She is the baby girl named Annabelle. Her days are filled eating, sleeping, cooing, and more eating. Her cry is particularly fascinating, soft and sweet and punctuated occasionally with a high pitched squeal which beckons immediate attention...and sometimes laughter. This baby girl tries without success to suck her thumb, so her mother offers a pacifier. She takes the pacifier with gusto only to accidentally spit it out just moments later. This upsets the baby girl. But before long she is squirming around her bed in pursuit of the elusive migrating pacifier. At only 2 months old, she can already turn from side to side with great ease.
She has the affections of her siblings and of course her parents. Strangers, young and old, are drawn to her, captivated by her charms and wooed by her smile. Annabelle has been observed on many outings drawing a small crowd of admirers. Some of her charming qualities we have witnessed include: laughing in her sleep, mimicking sounds, sleeping with her eyes open, laughing at her brothers. She uses all her charms (and sometimes her cry) to lure bystanders into holding her almost incessantly. She is indeed a wonderfully fascinating specimen to observe.

Here is the baby girl herself rolling from side to side and flashing her endearing smile. She is laying on the beautiful quilt her Gigi made for her.

Camp Grandma, Part 2

2010-08-09T21:42:00.002-05:00

Last week was Barrett's turn to visit Grandma and Papa while Kyle and I got some quality time. Grandma took the boys on fun adventures like the waterpark and "the beach" on Lake Granbury, and on boat outings. They had a great time at Camp Grandma. I preferred to stay cool by taking them to see Ramona and Beezus and to play at the mall. I also took the opportunity to get some pictures.

Camp Grandma, Part 1

2010-08-01T20:52:00.003-05:00

Kyle went to Grandma's last week for a little one-on-one time which meant Barrett and I had a lot of quality time too. Barrett is there now for his turn. He and I had a great time together but we missed Kyle too. When they saw each other this weekend, each told the other that he missed him. And when it was time to part again, they kept hugging each other. Oh, why can't there be more moments like that?

Here's a picture I got of Barrett last week (we worked on how to smile naturally and I think he got it!):

I also got some cute ones of Annabelle showing off her natural smile!

Barrett's Superhero Birthday Party

2010-07-27T21:33:00.003-05:00

Capes made by Gigi (I helped a little), masks, cake, and banner

Left to right: Evan, Barrett, Jack, Liam, Conan, Dylan, Jackson

showing off his best superhero pose

This superhero wears rainboots

Superbaby Annabelle had a cape too

Blake did a super job of showing off the cape and mask

Happy Birthday, Barrett!

2010-07-25T21:07:00.003-05:00

Dear Barrett,
Happy 5th Birthday! I cannot believe it has been 5 years since the day you were born and I held you in my arms for the first time. You are officially a kid now, not a toddler or a little boy, a KID. But you’ll always be my baby and you’ll never be too big for me to hold you in my arms.
On your fifth birthday I want to tell you how proud I am of you and how happy it makes me to be your mommy. I want to tell you that I am always available for a hug or a conversation or a game. I also want to tell you about all the things you do that make me laugh and smile and brighten my day. I want to tell you about the interests and activities you love right now and how much you have blessed our lives.
You are passionate, independent, helpful, inquisitive, and smart. Some days I find myself wondering where you pick up the things you say and do because you seem so mature. One of my favorite things you say right now is “Yeah bebe!” when you are excited about something—makes me laugh every time! In the car, you always know where we are and where we’re going. Your sense of direction is amazing. I could consult you instead of the GPS. And when the plan for the day is set, you like to pipe up with “Hey, I have an idea! Let’s…” You might be millionaire by the time you graduate high school because you are always finding money and doing helpful things around the house, like putting away laundry, to earn a little extra. If we didn’t live on such a quiet street, you’d probably have a lemonade stand every day! Your piggy bank is SO heavy! You have spending money as well as money for your college fund and money to donate. Also, you really understand that sometimes it’s better to save up for something good than spend on something cheap. I am amazed at how responsible you are and how you are able to keep up with your belongings even the small ones. In fact, you reminded me to get my sunglasses before we got in the car today.
This year you played T-ball for the first time. You hit the ball with such gusto every time. With all of your concentration and determination on your face, you reminded me of a picture we have of Daddy playing T-ball at your age. You learned about what it means to be part of a team and work together. You are motivated by healthy competition, but you know that having fun and doing your best is more important than winning. You have chosen to play soccer in the fall this year and I am looking forward to watching you find joy and pride in that endeavor. This year, Daddy ceremoniously passed down his Lego collection to you and Kyle. The two (or I should say 3 including Daddy) of you have so much fun creating and building. You play for hours, and when a masterpiece breaks or you have trouble, you are learning to persevere. As a favorite coach, who liked to quote Thomas Edison, always said, “Success is 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration.”
Speaking of inspiration, let’s talk about how into superheroes you are right now. You just had an awesome superhero birthday party with capes and masks and flying and exhibition of muscles. You probably look up to superheroes because they are strong but also gentle, because they are honorable and protect the weak. Because they are courageous yet vulnerable. And because they lead by inspiration. Superheroes come in all forms and some have no capes and no muscle definition at all! Parents, teachers, brothers, sisters, children, ministers, (some) presidents, neighbors, friends, literary characters and more can all be heroes. Okay, you have to choose your heroes wisely. Stay around good people who do good things. The people you can always count on to lead you to good things, and those who do good for people other than you or themselves. Look for the good parts in everyone you know but surround yourself with those you truly trust. You may not realize it, but you are a superhero to me, Daddy, Kyle, and Annabelle. Tonight, when Daddy was doing yard work and getting very hot, you came to his rescue with a big cup of cold water without him even asking. You were Daddy’s hero tonight and always. Annabelle and Kyle think you’re a superhero too. They learn so much from you and you are a good example for them in so many ways.
The most important thing I want to tell you on your fifth birthday is that you are loved and admired and always will be. You bring joy to everyone you meet, and those who know you are truly blessed. Daddy and I are so lucky to be your parents…and not because you bring us water and remind us to bring our sunglasses, but because you are YOU.
I love you more than words can express.

Love,
Mommy

Here's a picture of Barrett on his 2nd birthday

And here's his "birthday" picture this year on his 5th birthday. (I take a picture of them every year first thing in the morning on their birthday)

Annabelle, the trend setter at 1 month old

2010-07-13T21:14:00.004-05:00

Ever since Annabelle came into our lives rockin' her sassy 'do, Barrett has been asking me to get out the hair products and make his hair look like hers. Last weekend at the lakehouse, Papa and Kyle got into the act too! Love it!

Barrett, Papa holding Annabelle, and Kyle

Fauxhawk

2010-07-06T19:39:00.002-05:00

Annabelle's hair is so interesting to me...part blonde, part brown, a little curly and all sticking straight up in the middle. We affectionately call it her fauxhawk. I wanted to remember it and have a picture to show her later.

Ya gotta love a holiday where everyone is color coordinated

2010-07-05T16:55:00.005-05:00

The photographer in me sure does! We had a great Forth of July. We just had a laid back evening of hanging out with friends and watching the kids being kids. I think that might be my favorite part of the Fourth of July--watching the kids and remembering what it was like to be that age...eating an endless supply of chips and popsicles, running around with friends, watching fireworks, getting to stay up late...that's the good stuff when you're a kid.

Here's Annabelle "helping" me get ready for our get-together.

Blake, Barrett, and Kyle sporting their red, white and blue.

My crew looking cool in their shades.

Exhibit A: My boys suffer from a serious case of PCS (Photographer's Child Syndrome)
Here they are in their Independence Day Parade.

Popsicles! You should have seen the kids come running when we mentioned popsicles.

How many kids can squeeze onto a two-person Jeep? Apparently 6.

Emma watching a sparkler.

The dads put on a fantastic fireworks show while the rest of us relaxed on the back porch to watch. Annabelle slept in my arms the whole time.

Annabelle's past week in pics

2010-07-02T16:02:00.004-05:00

Many people have asked how the boys are doing with Annabelle. The short answer is that they absolutely adore her. I didn't even have to prompt (or bribe) them for the picture above. They come oohing and aaahing at every little squeak she makes and Kyle is especially fascinated by how tiny her toes are.

Nena, Patty, and Aunt B came for a visit. Annabelle was never without willing arms to hold her.

Smitten.

2010-06-20T19:11:00.003-05:00

We went from being a family of four to a party of 5 on Monday, June 14 at 12:19 pm. At 6 pounds, 9 ounces and 17 inches long, this little bundle named Annabelle Faith has blessed our lives tremendously. We can't stop looking at her, holding her, kissing her, ooohing and aahing. Today at lunch, Barrett and Kyle just wanted to sing to her and blow her kisses instead of eat. We are all smitten.

The boys have been so great with Annabelle and wonderful helpers to me. When Barrett sees that I am about to feed her, he offers to get my water for me. Kyle is very good about being gentle and loving with her. Such sweet brothers.

You can see the love and awe on their faces the day they saw her for the first time. Makes me cry happy tears to look at these. They made pink cupcakes and sang Happy Birthday to Annabelle.

Why it is necessary for me to shower at the gym

2010-06-04T10:01:00.002-05:00

I tried to sneak in a quick shower today while the boys were in living room quietly watching cartoons. When I returned 10 minutes later, this is what I found. Jiffy Corn bread mix (2 boxes) all over the room!

I have been thinking about what I was going to say about this...should I talk about how I decided to take a picture even though I was on the verge of tears? Or maybe I could compare and contrast the THREE vaccuums I used to clean up the mess and which one worked best (Dyson). Or maybe I should ask you moms how you get a quick shower in without needing another one after you've finished cleaning up the mess that was made while you were taking the first one? Since I don't what to say, I'll just let the picture do the talking.

Mom's eye view (34 weeks pregnant)

2010-05-17T16:38:00.003-05:00

The other day the boys and I were laying on the sofa and the baby started moving. Both boys thought it was so funny to feel her "kick" their hands. I was loving the moment with all three of my kids. As my belly gets bigger, my waddle get worse and some days I'm so exhausted I don't think I'll be able to take another step. If walking with one baby in the belly is hard, I can tell you, it's much more difficult with a baby in the belly and a little boy around each leg...but I wouldn't have it any other way. I somehow find the strength when I look down and see those faces.

Suuuuperman!

2010-05-10T20:36:00.002-05:00

Barrett and Kyle love to pretend to be superman, but I must say I think my little men really are superheroes. Those boys are growing up and becoming such strong, nice, stick-up-for-the-little-guy, fend off evil little superheroes. I am so pround of them every day! I admire them in so many ways. (I bought them these shirts last week and they've already been worn and washed too many times to count.)

Mother's Day Interview with the boys

2010-05-09T18:15:00.003-05:00

I found a list of questions online and thought it would be fun to see what the boys answered.

Mother’s Day Interview with Barrett, age 4
I really love it when my mom does something good
My mom likes to play and sleep
My mom always tells me, “ no no no”
The best thing she does is clean up
It makes her happy when she laughs
My mom loves to relax by having a moment of silence
I like it when she takes me to Old McDonald’s
The best thing she cooks is Peanut Butter jelly sandwiches
When my mom shops she likes to buy cereal
My mom’s favorite household chore is making the Roomba go
My mom’s favorite TV show is cooking shows
If she could go on a trip, she would go to the movie theater
I love my mom because she is so smart
My mommy weighs 14 pounds
My mommy’s age is 6 years old

Mother’s Day Interview with Kyle, age 3

I really love it when my mom lays with me
My mom likes to cook
My mom always tells me space stories
The best thing she does is tickling
It makes her happy when I am sweet
My mom loves to relax by Barrett and me
I like it when she sings to me
The best thing she cooks is cinnamon rolls
When my mom shops she likes to buy groceries
My mom’s favorite household chore is big
My mom’s favorite TV show is movies
If she could go on a trip, she would go to with me
I love my mom because she hugs me
My mommy weighs 4 pounds
My mommy’s age is 7 years old