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Wednesday, August 03, 2011

California on Our Minds

Such a fun trip!!!! We packed in (just about every minute) all my favorite CA things to do in five days!!! We shlepped those kids around town to the point I think we were able to get everyone in (or out) in less than two minutes. Ryan is now a buckler/unbuckler. Thank you Mattie Sue and Malyn!!!




Saturday, we hit Manhattan Beach as an activity for Solace for the Children.







Eli was a great "monnnnnnnster" for Ryan. He loves Eli.




I love Eli.




After two hours of being on the beach, of which has sand, did Ryan start enjoying the sand. Intimately.




Love me some Ryan and Manhattan Beach.




Concert in the Driveway. Pull up your lawn chairs, and enjoy!! Genre: ???




Ryan got his toes painted too! I was so impressed he kept his feet on the board to dry.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:CA

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

Blogging from the Sky!!

Technology these days! I tell ya.






- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Sky

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Day 1: We're Here!!!

It's cousin time!!!! The kids are in full Cousin-mode.

Ryan is an excellent travel partner and takes his role as passenger very seriously! I'm being truthful when I say there is zero prompting for this picture. If you don't know Ryan, he studies everything very closely.




Nearing the end of the flight we were in this mood. I had stickers on my forehead and one cheek when we deplaned.



I could not wait to get my paws on this one!!!



We went to the Marina del Rey area to hit up an amazing park. Stacy and I parked ourselves in the grass with a yummy salad and let the kids run free.






The ice cream man showed up at the park. Smart guy. So, you know... Ice cream treats are no longer .50. We're now talking a 1.50 for a Ninja Turtle ice-cream with the gum balls for eyes.






Think they are related???



Stacy read a book (Ryan's choice since he's the guest)at 8:00pm. Went back in at 8:30, 8:45, 9:45... And Malyn and Ryan have all the zuzu pet stuff out. Mind you, it's 11:45 San Antonio time. Tired boy today.



Stacy telling the rules of slumber parties (no freezing underwear, no putting shaving cream on a sleeping face... You know).



Beach Trip and Manhattan Pier ice cream stroll coming next!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:CA

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Harkins-Houston-Humidity

We went to Camp 3-H for the weekend!! A childhood friend of mine lives there with her husband and two boys. We've not had a chance to catch up in years... years!!! Jennifer and I were cheerleaders together in high school but really our tight bond goes back to middle school. We cherished each other so much.

So, I have a wow-factor to this post! Ready? I drove two boys, under age five, to Houston all by my big-girl self. Don't forget, I can count on one hand how many times I've gone to the store with both boys. We even made a pit stop... got our shoes back on, grabbed diaper bag, pulled iPad out of the car charger, got inside, changed a diaper, let Ryan potty, let mommy potty and got back in the car and headed on. Big deal.

So, Jenn lives in a neat area near downtown Houston. Check out the sprinkler park that is just two blocks from her house. Oh, and on the way is a fire station. Every boys' dream. So, we packed some wine, sunscreen and cups and made our way to the only spot to relieve one from the heat!






Sorry lady for catching this shot of you. I needed this photo to show all the sprinklers.



My little busy-bee made himself at home. We stayed in their "backhouse". So neat. Ryan and I slept together (for the first time ever). And, Samuel in the closet! It was perfect and the bed was amazing!!!! Thanks Jenn!!



As soon as the boys (all of whom released their fire hoses in the bathtub) took their baths and were down, Jenn and I had a yummy Kashi pizza, salad and wine and a much needed, catching-up chit-chat late into the night.






These two were so cute together.



Jenn, thank you for such a nice, relaxing weekend. Fun times!!!! Hope to do it again!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Harkins-Houston-Humidity!!!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

My Pinterest Crack-up!!

I cannot tell you how many times I've looked at this picture, or even just thought about this picture, and just have busted out laughing! This is one that makes me cry-laugh. My friends know what I'm talking about. When something triggers a laugh from deep in my belly, I start crying. So, if nothing comes of all my Pinterests ideas, i've gotten some good, to the bone, laughter. I'm sorry if this isn't funny at all. Millie, I have you in mind when I look at this, and the cake decorating class you took. Rod said it reminds him of me as well.


Nailed it! Hahaha. I can't take it! (rod, I know you're in disbelief that I created an entire post on this picture). He politely laughed with me as I was lying in bed doing my cry-laugh just thinking about the mom that had big ambitions for these cupcakes.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Blog Worthy... For this Family

It's not often. Not often at all that you see both my boys still, watching a movie. Despicable Me captivated Samuel. Nice work DM.





As a busy activity at school, Ryan cuts out things he likes.



And, just a cute pic of my cute little man.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Someone likes the Camera!

Besides me.












- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Friday, July 08, 2011

Phone Camera Clean out!!

Just testing my blogpress app on my iPhone! I feel like the gates have opened and I can run free from the restrictions from Blogger. Wish me luck!!

Rod sent me this picture during a meeting. Looks like he stuffed an Okie burrito and a macho tostado into his face.




These boys look like they are up to no good. Wonder whose buried under there.




Doritos were a fan fav with adults and kids alike.




Lately, ryan's been wearing his hat everywhere. Lease note his backpack too. The two together make him so cool!






It started off right.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

My Little Ham-a-lam-a-ding-dong


I can't stop watching this...  love him.

Monday, July 04, 2011

Happy 4th of July

Happy Independence Day to you all!!! Love that America is celebrating. Sadly, without a fireworks show in Texas. The ole burn ban that I'm sick of hearing about.

We celebrating a day early at Mimi and Pop Pop's house for two of my favorite things. Swimming and grilling. Rod made fajitas that were a total crowd pleaser. Give it up for the husband and mastery skills on the pit!!!

Mimi and I had a photo session with the boys the next morning.




Mimi kept saying I was choking Samuel but for whatever reason, it wasn't registering...



















EVERY HEART BEATS TRUE FOR THE RED, WHITE, AND BLUE...

Brooke, help.  blog pics are blurry coming from blogpress.

Location:Tootles

Friday, July 01, 2011

Five on Friday!!

1. I'm confessing to being a lazy blogger. Having a hard time getting pics on my iPad into Blogger.com. Any tips? Would love to be able to work from one device when blogging. I'll revert back to the old school Dell but loving my little Paddy.

2. I've been cutting back on Facebooking and in doing so, I've not been able to share my random thoughts that pop in my head (because I know the world cares about them... And yes I know the world). These thoughts usually rush in my noggin on the drive into work. Examples:
"I cannot possibly understand how the act of declining Mama Margies tacos doesn't present itself as an automatic calorie deducter."
Or a confession such as "I vacuumed my car for the first time since Ryan was born.". (eeks, that was tough to admit).
Or, how about a justification like this, "being a worker-outer is just not in the cards for me during this phase of my life. Perhaps when I retire.".
Or, a kid update like "Ryan no longer wants me to hover over him when he goes #2. He told me to 'Go watch your show and let me finish.'"

3. Samuel was referred for speech therapy. We had an evaluation before the evaluation (pointless) and soon after that samuel's motor turned over, and we are lovin' to imitate everything mom says. I'm totally in love with the way he says "no, no, no". It's like a "neo, ne-o, ne-o". Accent on the "ne" part, please. Oh, and pucker up your lips when saying it. Hard for us, staple for him.

4. I don't know if I mentioned this before but I won an iPad while at a work event in Denver. Remember, rod just won one not three weeks earlier. So, we gave our second iPad to the Arnolds, who in turn booked two flights for Ryan and I to head out there. I'm so excited Ryan will have time with his cousins. The Solace kiddos will still be there so I'm beyond thrilled to be a part of such a beautiful, humbling and ..... Oof, So many words but can't fully describe it without clouding such an amazing _________ with a bunch of adjectives. so, let me just say, thank you Lord for giving me the opportunity to be a part of Solace again!

5. Kid updates: Ryan of course is still showing off his mad swimming skills, even to all the neighborhood swim team kids in their matching speedos. Oh jenny and stace... Our glory days. Kim, we killed the other neighborhoods with our medley relay!!!

Jenny got Ryan a Fedora hat from Seattle, and Ryan has worn it to school everyday.

I've got samuel's food preferences figured out. He does not "dig" bland foods (like Ryan and I). He wants the savory, poor on the sauce kind of food. You could throuh marinara sauce on a pancake and he would love it. He doesn't care for buttered noodles, French fries without ketchup, toast... Think savory. So what works well for this packaged-food-meals-mom are the Chef Boyardee cups of rigatoni, lasagna, raviolis. Score!! And a packaged cup of manderaine oranges. (confession #2 in this post).




Samuel

5.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

We have multiplied!  We got a little Kruger, Gibson, Thompson, and Rudd mixed in this group of munchkins.
While I may not see all of these mini-mes often, I love them all so very much! We 're missing some childhood friends and their kiddos! One day we'll all get together again!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Mom, Where are my Josh Davis Goggles????

Ryan has been taking swim lessons at the Josh Davis Swim Academy at the JCC.  Ryan literally went "floatie-free" after the second lesson!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Family Happenings!


Check out the art work!  Jenny made this for mom's Mother's day present!  Isn't it beautiful?! 

We had a low-key Father's Day this  year.  Rod wanted to grill and watch golf, so the kids and I went to Poppy's house for a bit.  Thank you to Ryan and Samuel's school for the Father's Day gifts.  If you look closely, you'll see a picture of Ryan on this bobble clip.  Really cute.  I was informed that a picture of Rod and Ryan was needed, the day I left for Colorado.  So, it's just Ryan in the photo... not a bother to Rod at all.  We came home from Poppy's day, and saw Rod on the couch, doing what he wanted to do, still wearing his crown.  It was really sweet.


Check out the kid swimming without his floaties!!!!  Go Ryan!  He started swim lessons at the JCC, and let me tell you!  This kid is rockin' in his class.  If y'all want your kids swimming, fast... send them to the JCC.  I'm tellin' ya!  Money WELL WORTH IT!  
Nice work buddy boy!  You're an official swimmer!

 
Here's my little stud muffin #2!  Samuel got a haircut, at the polite request of the daycare.  No, I didn't take it personally, or get offended.  It was VERY true.  The kid needed a haircut.  BADLY.  They said his hair is in his eyes.  I'm still waiting for them to give me the "go ahead" and get his nails clipped.  Can't seem to ever remember to do that mommy task.

We celebrated Nama's birthday at Bigz, and then headed to their house to eat cupcakes and open presents.  This is a picture of the kids' table. 
Just another piece of evidence of the giving nature of this woman.  She wouldn't dare celebrate her own day, on her own.  Love you Mom, Nama, Giver, Believer, God-lovin', God-feain' woman, that I get to have as my mom!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!




Sunday, June 12, 2011

Seven on Sunday

1. First a few administrative things to take care of: Nama's diva birthday month has started and I am loving that she is finally having time for herself. Resting, refocusing, and pampering her adorable self. Secondly, my neicey-poo just graduated from her preschool program. So, if you see her in the halls, tell her congratulations. Jenny arrived home safe and sound from Haiti. Now she's in Seattle, falling in love with Rod and I's favorite city. Now, Seven on Sunday.

2. I'm a proud owner of an iPad!!! Fun surprise from the husband! I head to Denver this week, and Chicago in August (for work) and can't get over how this device makes the idea of traveling sound like so much fun!!! Send me your app suggestions!!! So far, I'm loving my Paprika, Words, photo editor and best of all... The Beth Moore study, I'm doing right now, has an iPad application!!!! I can fill out my workbook, watch her videos and click on a Bible verse all at the same time.

3. Speaking of Bible study... I have the most amazing women that I'm Breaking Free with. No, truly. They are the sweetest women. I found the most trusting, caring and open hearts in these gals. Thank you!!! Example: study is from 7pm to 9pm. We don't finish until about 11:30pm.... Or until at least two or more husbands have texted asking when we'll be home, and/or "do you know what time it is?"

4. Peekinourworld.com made me think to post this... Ryan is getting more and more tiny, faint freckles on his face. They are adorable!!!! He just gets more and more like me!!

5. Samuel was referred for Speech therapy. We had our first meeting to get all the insurance info and other details ironed out before the actual evaluation. Since that needless meeting, he's started spitting out all sorts of words. We can now add to this baby book: cheese, milk, thank you, all done, yayan (Ryan), Lola, doddy (doggy). another note on Samuel, he officially has asthma. I asked If we were just talking about seasonal, allergy type asthma. Nope. Rod passed down his childhood asthma (assuming and hoping it's just childhood) to the little toot. We're back on the two inhalers for a few days and then will maintain him on one, daily.

6. One of our favorite things to do in the car is run through everyone's names as we sing, "there's a Nama in my tummy. So yummy. So yummy." "there's a Lola in my tummy. So yummy. So yummy." Which turns into the boyish "there's a poo poo in my tummy..." (which isn't actually totally wrong.

7. Ryan has A Fish out of Water memorized. It was one of my favorite books as a kid. We've also been reading children books on my nifty iPad at night. Ryan's FAVORITE. Mine too.

Have a restful Sunday. We may hit the pool to work on our freckles.
Lilypie 2nd Birthday Ticker

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