Emily's blog

Albuquerque

2012-01-26T07:23:00.000-08:00

(I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest that Vinnie and I had individually escaped to our own little happy places.)

Here we are bundled up and posing at the top of Sandia Peak amidst the nasty cold and blistering winds. You guessed it, I didn't really give them a choice. This peak is a 5 minute drive and a 15 minute tram ride away from Vinnie and Deborah's new home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is the longest tramway ride in the world -- apparently 15 minutes is long. However, depending on when you go, the wait to ride it back down is even longer! Like two hours longer. We learned the hard way there but at least we were in good company. And luckily, for Davis's sake I randomly had couple of ketchup packets from a recent visit to Chick-fil-a hanging out in my purse. Ketchup never tasted so good. Good company was the theme for our week long visit with Deborah's family and Sarah who drove down from Denver. We had a lovely time, thanks for letting us invite ourselves!

Here's the same shot with Aunt Sarah swapped out for me. And sorry about cutting off your head in that pic, Vinnie. I'm sure that's not the first time someone's apologized to you about that.

Sopapilla's with Aunt Sarah.

Just arriving in Old Towne for dinner and touristy stuff.

This unique florescent tree is comprised of water bottles! I love all things recycled. My family can attest to that, recycling consumes my life which subsequently consumes theirs in the process. The kids are on board and are mimicking me rather nicely. Kyle is the one that we all take turns getting after! Anyway, I thought it was a great use of the bottles and a great example to all those who visited it. As well, it made for some good pics. I seem to remember a ginormous tree like this that was put up in New York over the holidays. I just hope more inhabitants of the earth are catching on.

This is a renactment of how Deborah and Vinnie's prom picture might look -- had they ever gone to prom together. Deborah needs a fake rock like this for her home to elevate her. Then she and Vinnie would have to see eye to eye on everything. Seriously, the guy is 6'7 and Deborah is 5'3 on a good day. It's a case of the opposites attracting! :)

The lovely Jaden and the adorable baby Scout!

You can't see it but Reese is also giving a hooke 'em horns behind that mitten.

Snow! We don't even know what that means around these parts. For Reese this was her first encounter with it. And it did not disappoint.

Game Day

Sanford's vs. Harris's

I can only imagine what kind of inspirational speech we are receiving from Kyle here. Oh, wait, I was there and couldn't believe what I was hearing, something like: "this could get bloody but you all remember we will give no mercy."

I love this shot with the littlest Sanford shown escaping the huddle in the background. She wanted no part of this. I guess she knew what was good for-- although she walked right through the middle of our game more than once.

Family Fun Center

I love this photo. Reese was in tears because her dad was in the bumper boat with her cousin instead of her. Aunt Sarah saw an opportunity to win Reese over and seized it. With a little chocolate and plain old logic she was able to talk her off a ledge. Just look at that look Reese is giving Sarah! It melts my heart.

Other highlights from the week included:

Taking Sarah's new puppy, Ellie, on daily walks.
Having the children disappear with cousins for hours on end.
Jaden watched The Help with her aunts while the men were out to watch a UFC fight.
Kyle toured a famous UFC gym.
On the 14 hour drive home Ty did NOT get out of the car once. He left Albuquerque and didn't step foot anywhere else until Pearland. He didn't relieve himself for the duration. However, I will say that the last 20 minutes of the drive were almost unbearable . . . but we are against pulling over when you are that close to home.
Bike rides. Their community had plenty of trails and paths for exercising just outside their door. Using the bikes that were available to us, some of us rode bikes that were much too small and we payed for it later.

Flag football -- round two

2012-01-21T20:01:00.000-08:00

Sequence 1 -- a last second flag removal.

Sequence 2 -- "A" for effort

Ty did not go down here. I don't know how that was because I surely would have. He changed directions and kept after this kid keeping on his heels as the boy ran it in for a touchdown. You'll notice that the two of them met on field on more than one occasion that day.

Single shots:

Longhorns vs Cougars

2012-01-10T08:22:00.000-08:00

Our family, along with our good friends, the Smith's, hit up this exciting game back in September. Neither Kyle or myself attended UT but since we have lived in Texas these last 10 years, they've become our team. The kids and Kyle take it pretty seriously. Ty takes it too seriously. Kyle selected all of our fancy paraphernalia for us. It goes without saying that we were decked out for the game. It's fun to have a team to root for. Just one reason we have chosen UT as our team is because we think their mascot is the coolest ever. What's cooler than a longhorn for a Texas team mascot? Nothing. We had a great time with our friends, Ryan, Brenya, Jake and Chloe. We want to publicly give our condolences for your loss that day. :) Thanks for coming with us! Let's do it again next fall. Oh, and what's that you're holding, Ryan? Is there something you want to tell us?

Really? We had to sit directly behind these guys? Don't worry, I asked him to take that off so I could have a better view of the Longhorns winning.

October visitors

2012-01-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

Before I can post another thing, I need to rewind to October. We had a whole slew of visitors during that month; all from Kyle's family.

Kyle's only and favorite brother, Ryan, was our first visitor. He quickly passed through on his way to San Antonio for a golf tournament; he stayed just over 24 hours. And apparently that was just enough time for these two to become besties. Reese was in tears as she watched Ryan take his luggage out to his rental. She thought he was leaving without saying goodbye. She ran straight to my bathroom where she found me doing my hair, wrapped her arms around my legs and sobbed uncontrollably -- like the incoherent, slurring of words kind. It was minutes before I understood what was going on. She pulled it together and leapt into Ryan's arms giving such a sweet goodbye. (I should add here that this cuddly guy was recently sworn in; Judge of the Third District Court in SLC, UT. He's not but 39. His black robe won't intimidate us because, well, I've always been intimidated by the man. Apparently, Reese is not.) Who knew those two would click like that? We rarely see Ryan. Maybe Ryan reminded her of a younger, less hairy Lynn? Which leads us to our second visitor.

(This is an old pic from his last visit)

This trip I saw Lynn long enough to exchange a quick hello and hug. He and I literally passed each other in the airport on my way to spend five days with my sisters in Seattle. We'll time that better next time. And, of course, I took my camera with me, so there aren't any pictures to post of their weekend together. But, by all accounts, it was fabulous! I'm positive they ate out for every meal, the kids were spoiled rotten, no one immediately cleaned up after themselves and that they basically ran around like barbarians. But that wouldn't be saying much. This is what happens each and every time I leave the kids with their dad. I'm sure it was a similar weekend but on steroids, as I'm sure their dad's dad added plenty of fuel to the fire.

Next up, Kyle's mom came in for a much anticipated visit. It's always a treat to see her and we are lucky when we do. She and her husband, Kirk, share eight children and 23 grandchildren (so far). On top of that she is still acting Principal for Canyon Crest Elementary. So like I said, we are so lucky to be graced with her presence. Pat is such a hands-on Grandma. I'm not sure how restful her weekend visits to see grandchildren are. I can tell you that when she visits our home every waking moment is spent soaking up our children.

During Pat's weekend here she was able to see Jaden and Ty play in their soccer games. It was a gorgeous day to be sitting through those. Her trip was timed perfectly as it was the Children's Sacrament Meeting Program on Sunday. Jaden and Ty each had a part. Jaden was the closing speaker and her part included a 5 minute talk that wrapped up the program. There were pictures and stories from Grandma Patsy and Grandpa Kirk's recent travels to Europe. We had our very own cooking show, compliments of Reese and Pat; where they made a yummy carrot cake together. And I'm sure our game of hullabaloo has never been, nor will it ever be played for a longer amount of time than it was played by the three ladies below. Reese requested that Pat sleep in her room which worked out great as they were both in need of a cool mist humidifier that weekend. Reese still talks about Pat having slept in her room with her. We loved your visit, Pat. Thanks for fussing over all of us and showering us with your love and undivided attention.

Hung by the chimney at last!

2011-12-15T07:12:00.000-08:00

I am so glad to have this stocking of Reese's finally finished. As of December 3rd it hangs by the chimney with care. Jaden and Ty's stockings were done within the first or second year of their lives. And while I got away with not having Reese's stocking completed last year, I knew that if I didn't come up big this year she'd potentially be scarred for life. I'm, of course, being facetious but when your child is old enough to request that it be finished by Christmas, well enough said. My excuse for the procrastination? Older siblings. I don't sit down anymore. I remember that I nursed Ty while stitching his stocking. Thinking back, I can't picture how I did that -- don't really want to. I'll tell you that it was much more fun to make Reese's stocking, what with all the input she had on colors, etc. And to say it lightly, she was very encouraging along the way. Each Friday night we typically have a movie night. Movie night was my best chance to stitch away and Reese knew it. She was on my case from the beginning of the movie to the end. Some weekends I'd have much preferred to watch the movie without multitasking but it wasn't worth the lecture I'd get from Reese.

This past weekend we took a quick trip to San Antonio. I can't tell you how many times I thought to myself that I should be working on Reese's stocking while driving or sitting around watching movies or just hanging with the family in our hotel.

For the record, I really do love these stockings -- the finished version. They are really easy to make, you just have to remember to have it at the ready to work on whenever you have some down time. My mother-in-law found this pattern in a catalog for a whopping four dollars back when they started their family. Kyle has a stocking. And all three of my kids can now say they have a hand stitched stocking. However, I have no intentions of making myself one -- just not something you make for yourself. It bothers Kyle that I don't have one. So, of course, I've told him to make me one already. Maybe if I nag him as much as Reese nagged me it could actually happen . . .

Thanksgiving and white cabinets

2011-12-13T17:06:00.000-08:00

There's no better time to make changes to your kitchen then when your going to be cooking in it for a day and half! I was so lucky to get my kitchen cabinets painted white for my birthday or for Christmas or because my husband loves me or because he really wanted to put an end to my nagging him for them. You name it, I'm just so glad they're white. It was definitely a want not a need. When we built our house over three years ago I must've really liked dark brown because everything I picked out from cabinets to furniture to hardwood was just that. Once it all came together there were just too many shades of brown. And it just so happens that the easiest and least expensive of those things to change is cabinet color.

After three days the kitchen was ours again, but only after 7:00 on the eve of Thanksgiving. We had some serious cooking to catch up on. Thanks to every last family member pitching in (more than usual) we pulled it off, with the exception of the turkey. We forgot to put it in the oven before we went to bed. You wouldn't believe how offensive that was to the kids, who had helped prepare the turkey, (injections and all) to wake without the smell of turkey like we so promised. Luckily, there's more than one way to cook Tom the Turkey.

Sarah swoops in

2011-11-11T14:20:00.000-08:00

(I know, don't ask about Ty and Reese's hairdos. This was just about 30 minutes into everyone's morning. Reese looks like she's sporting a mullet and Ty looks like Jimmy Neutron!)

Sarah ran circles around our kids this past weekend. If you don't believe me just read their to-do list below -- keep in mind that the majority of it took place on one day, Saturday. This is the day that Kyle and I typically share the responsibility and we still can't wait to put our feet up that evening. Sarah did it on her own. And beyond that, she added some extra-curricular, out of the ordinary events. Those included removing Ty's stitches from his chin AND driving the back roads of Texas to find an exotic hedgehog breeder to purchase a hedgehog for the kids! Couple that with the fact that the kids thought they were doing it behind mom and dad's back and the weekend becomes even more thrilling! The to-do list was made before I left town that day. Reese made sure to cover up the picture of the hedgehog with her arms every time I walked into the room. Unbeknownst to the kids, I was in on the scheme from the beginning. Sarah and I saw a pic of an adorable baby hedgehog on Pinterest when she first arrived and while the kids were at school. We were smitten and being that Jaden's dwarf hamster had recently kicked the can I told Sarah she should look into finding a hedgehog with the kids. I need say no more. Sarah was on it.

Sarah claims that she loves to take care of her nieces and nephews and I'm sure she does. I'm also sure that she enjoys when their parents return home too. We think ourselves very fortunate to have Sarah drop in and care for our kids while we go off to play without a concern in the world for them, truly. But on top of that, we are just really thrilled to know that our kids are graced with Sarah's presence. What a privilege for them. She is an influence for good on our kids. She's spontaneous and fun (case in point: hedgehog). She's always looking for a teaching moment (which benefits both me and my children). Ideally, she could morph into me, then I'd be a mom with more perspective, full of energy, fair, logical, positive . . . the list goes on. Let's just say if I die guess who's raisin' my kids? I wish we could steal her away more often or that she lived down the road. I know that with that scenario I'd run the risk of never seeing my children but like I said, she'd raise them just fine . . .

Thank-you, Sarah, for helping us to getaway. No thank-you for a smelly hedgehog that Jaden can barely muster up the courage to take out of its cage, let alone train to be handled often at this point. See? We need you back already. I'm not touching that thing! (I'll post a pic of, Pepper, the hedgehog as soon as I can get Jaden to take it out of its cage.)

This is where Kyle and I took off to for a three night stay in Laguna Beach, CA as he was invited to a Trial CLE. They definitely rolled out the red carpet for us. That said, our favorite part was leaving the premises to hit up a whole-in-the-wall favorite restaurant of ours, the original BJ's. The same restaurant we ate at over 13 years ago. It was on the heels of that trip that we decided to get married. (I can't believe I didn't have someone take our picture while we were there.)

The views from our Bungalow.

I got to go on a gorgeous boat ride in search of dolphins and whales. Yummy food, good weather and beautiful scenery and sea life. These dolphins are just below my nose. We chased about 20 or 30 of them before they started chasing us. I told Kyle I should probably not leave Houston very often for fear of never coming back -- Houston is one plain looking neck of the woods! What I don't see I won't miss, right?

Literally our only pic of the two of us together on this trip. The Beach Boys are singing behind us one night on the beach for dinner. There was no expense spared on this trip. They bent over backwards.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T21:29:00.000-07:00

I'm really glad that I seized the opportunity to snap pics of the kids in their costumes at our church party a couple nights before Halloween. Because instead of trick-or-treating (and picture taking) tonight, I spent the evening at the Urgent Care with Ty. Poor guy. What a bummer to spend Halloween getting stitched up. Ty's chin connected with concrete when falling off of his bike (minutes before I was planning to call him in to unload dishwasher) and four stitches later we were home in time to trick-or-treat only one neighbor. The same neighbor that brought our bloodied Ty in from the street. And the same neighbor that had a large tote full of candy for Ty guy when we arrived home. Jaden and Reese gave up half of their candy. And Ty's good buddy, Jake, claims (via text) that he'll be sending half of his loot too.

Here are a couple of memories from Ty's frightful evening: First off, I'm beginning to believe that Ty really is a product of Kyle. When Kyle gets sick/injured he turns all sweet, sentimental and super grateful. I couldn't help but notice Ty doing the same tonight. For example: One of Ty's first concerns while he stood in my kitchen, chin gaping open, was that he wouldn't be able to throw a football with his dad. On the drive home (and nearly in tears as he gazed out the car window) he apologized for my having to cancel our spooky dinner plans with friends. Afterwards I told him to choose either Jamba Juice or McDonald's for a shake or smoothie. His reply, "whichever one is closer so you don't have to go out of your way to get me one." And when asking what size of smoothie he wanted to slurp down with a numb chin he said, "a large, so I can share it with you." Good grief, rip my heart out. And on top of that he was a big stud in the emergency room. Tough as nails -- just some pretty clammy hands afterwards. Beyond that, he got out of dishwasher duty, piano and Kumon.

Anyway here are the kids in costume a few nights earlier.

Jaden as the Goddess of Wisdom. Quite a big Lightning Thief series fan.

Ty, looking ever so happy to be taking a pic as the Nerf specialist. It's funny how each kid goes through their phase of abhorring picture taking. It seems like Jaden recently rolled out of this phase just in time for Ty to take her place. And are you liking his shaggy hair? I'm not quite sure what we're going for here but I can't wait to get where ever it is that we are going with this!

And last but not least, Reese in her second year as cupcake. We're hoping to make it three next year.

Such a crazy and fun museum

2011-10-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

One of our outings while staying in St. Louis with Grandma and Grandpa Johnson this summer. After learning that Miriam, Scott and Lexee would be visiting Mom and Bob's the kids and I decided to crash their party by driving into town too. I have too many pictures to post all at once from this trip. So I've decided to break it up into events. This is the St. Louis City Museum. I've not seen anything like this museum. It is so eccentric and cool and not necessarily child proof. Enter at your own risk here. Jaden left with a pretty badly scrapped up back. Lexee was missing for a good 20 minutes. Matthew got stuck in a crawl space. And had I not gotten down on all fours, winding my way through the life size underground mole whole, I'm fairly confident Reese would not be with us today. Nonetheless, we had a heck of a time.

Grandma Rowe

2011-09-29T21:26:00.000-07:00

Such a sweet lady there pictured with my Jady Lady. It goes without saying that it is always such a treat to visit with Grandma Rowe. She is a celebrity to my kids, as is evident in all of these pictures. They are just beside themselves when given the slightest nod or bit of attention from Grandma. They melt in her presence, hanging on every word she says . . . or sometimes sings. There's just something about a little old lady shuffling around the house handing out words of encouragement, praising all you do, grinning from ear to ear when making eye contact with you and breaking out Christmas tunes on the piano in July. When it comes right down to it she carries a lot of weight in regard to our making a decision in favor of driving 14 hours to St. Louis. I am so happy my kids will have these memories of her.

My last memory with her the night before I left town (this summer) was helping her get tucked into bed. After pulling her sheets down for her and helping her to climb in the bed she managed to pull her blankets up under her chin, then rubbed both eyes with fisted hands not unlike a baby. I kissed her goodnight and told her I loved her to which she replied, " I love you, a bushel and a peck!" And any one who knows her can hear her now with that distinct, endearing, swinging high pitched voice. Priceless. Such a privilege to be her granddaughter. So glad my children have been gifted the opportunity to know her in this life. Very sweet that she will end her days in the care of my mother. What a lovely circle of life.

Anyone sensing a theme here? Yep, she loves the color pink! I hope I look as good as she does at 95. I'll wear pink everyday if that helps. :)

To hear the video below you'll need to scroll to the bottom of the page and push pause on my music box.

Back to the blackboard . . .

2011-09-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

or a laptop if you are Jaden and a promethean board if you are Ty.

Having taken only one summer trip (to my mom's) these kids were ready for school to begin this year. I always have mixed feelings about sending them off to school. Selfishly I love taking my kids back for the summer. I love that our regimented routine takes a back seat for a few months so that they can be kids again and so I can see more of them. Summer gives us a chance to fill up on each other just in time for school to begin.

The start of this year held quite a few changes to our routine. Jaden started Junior High as a 6th grader. That's one school. Ty continued at his Elementary school as 2nd grader. That's two schools. And Reese began her first Mother's Day Out program 2x a week from 9-2. Make that a 3rd school, twice a week. Everyone rolls out of here in shifts and all are where they need to be before 9 am. How did my mom ever do it with 10 kids? I can't fathom it.

And I'm happy to report that everyone is doing well. All the nerves I've had about Jaden starting Junior High (that she didn't have) are subsiding. I'm finding that she can hold her own. Our attitude is that we'll just take one day at time and cross each bridge when we get to it.

During Ty's first month of school he's been through two sets of teachers. He's been able and willing to make the changes without much thought, luckily. His first teacher was asked to teach at another school after 2nd grade numbers dwindled. Then after about a week in his new class they swapped him over to a new home room. I guess he'll just grow where he's planted.

Then there's Reese who has already won the hearts of her two teachers. This week one teacher asked if she could take Reese home with her. And neither of them believe me when I say she hasn't been in a school program before. Unless they count nursery on Sundays. I'm biased of course but I'd like to bottle her up pretty much every day. I just wish she'd stop growing so fast! I wish they could all stop growing so quickly. That's why I hesitate (for like 10 seconds) to send my kids back to school, because we get so busy and then their lives seem to whiz past me. Good luck to you three this 2011-2012 school year! We're rooting for you all the way!

Happy 11, Jaden!

2011-09-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Jaden! Or to rattle off a few of your nicknames for memories sake and pure embarrassment: Jady lady, Jady love, Sissy and Sis. Here are 11 things we want to remember about you.

11. Although I highly doubt you'll admit it, you really are taking to piano these days. To the point where I have to ask you to quit playing so you can get some homework done. I didn't think that day would come.

10. When cleaning your room you remind me of myself. I did more decorating and reorganizing than I ever did cleaning. Going forward we've had to distinguish the difference between the two.

9. Soccer is becoming your activity of choice. You have participated in a lot of extra curricular activities so far, but soccer is becoming the front runner as the favorite. You have all the heart, desire and drive one could ask for when committing to a sport. Which is something you can't teach. You either have it or you don't. What you do lack is skill but we hope that will come with the new training you're taking on this year. You stand out as a leader on your new team -- calling for and organizing the team chant, encouraging team mates and firing them up with your shrills and shrieks. And my personal favorite, you mid play, craning your neck back while dribbling the ball to apologize to an opponent after accidentally bulldozing her over.

8. It's no longer the HGTV channel that holds your attention when getting any chance to watch TV. It's iCarly. But I can't complain because I've loved both of these shows too. And I have a little crush on Spencer.

7. As I am late in posting this you are already 3 weeks into Junior High. Between me, you and dad, I've been the most anxious. And I've tried not to let you feel that. I can report that you are making a seamless transition. So far you exude all the confidence I could have hoped for you to have when taking this leap into JH. I'm so proud of you.

6. You are now the rightful owner of a cell phone -- purchased with your very own hard earned money you made this summer. Dad and I welcomed the thought of having access to you at the massive Junior High. Not that you can freely use it but in case of emergencies. As well, when it cools down around here there are plans for you to be biking/walking your way to school with a friend.

5. Junior High begins Pre-AP classes and you are currently in all that they offer. With that placement comes a lot of responsibility to keep up the grade to stay there. You know that keeping a high grade is your "job" for the school year. And it's a good thing dad's around to help you do that because we all know that Junior High is where I tapped out. I'm kidding. But Dad is hands down the better parent to play this role. Thank goodness because, as you know, I don't have the stamina after 8:00 p.m.

4. In typical sibling fashion, you compete with your little brother most. Maybe that's the reason you picked up soccer again, because Ty got so much of our attention when he played. Nonetheless, you are making it your own. FYI, Ty could really care less and lets most of it roll off his back. Apparently, he doesn't see you as a threat. :)

3. Something new I've learned about you is that you are getting a kick out of showing boys up. You started off the year in an all girls PE class and didn't mention any discontent with it. However, you had to change periods when we pulled you out of band placing you in a co-ed PE class. And oh how the stories are pouring in each week about your accomplishments in beating out the boys in a running race or sacrificing your knees to make an out in kickball. Where did this come from?

2. You enjoy playing second mom around here but not in the lovely one might be thinking. Just the bossy way that drives Ty crazy and sometimes Reese. At least if anything happens to me you'll be able to carry out my wishes and commands for the family because you already think like me in those respects.

1. To say you are a big UT Longhorn fan would be an understatement.

The "happy" toaster strudle was eaten before I pulled my camera out. But I'm sure it tasted especially good because of its message.

P.S. I love this Taylor Swift song Never Grow Up. Most days I think these thoughts about all three of you! :)

Calendar worthy

2011-09-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

I want to remember that Ty took it upon himself to calendar Kyle's last day at work, unbeknownst to us. I love that he included LLP. Maybe he is grasping the bigness of the event. It is, in fact, a milestone in Kyle's life that directly affects ours. You know this could be the first day of the last job he ever takes, right? The job that takes us into retirement possibly? I'm being melodramatic, but they're not entirely unrealistic thoughts. Kyle started with the new job the following day or as Jaden wants to remember it, her birthday.

It was a whirlwind week with a lot of firsts for our family. Jaden starting Junior High and Kyle's job take the cake but it was also Ty's first day of the second grade. As for Reese, her first will be that of a Mothers Day Out program that she'll start after Labor day. My somewhat of a "first" dealt with not having access to my husband during his first week of work. No cell phone and no email. And I wasn't about to call the office. I guess I didn't realize how often we keep tabs on each other throughout the day. I'm sure it's more of my doing than his, but how did we even communicate before that technology came about? Some days those phone calls and emails are it as far as communication goes. And with all that took place last week we could have stood to keep contact all day long and we still wouldn't have been caught up on each others and the kids' goings on! Yet I am humbled and put in my place after talking with two of my friends experiencing similar weeks, barring one has 5 kids in 5 different schools and the other has 6 children under the age of 12 . . . and so then I shut my mouth, real quick.

Now for posting all of those said events and details as well as the plethora of pics that go with them.

A new job for Kyle

2011-08-17T20:27:00.000-07:00

Earlier this day Kyle accepted a new job. Just a few hours later I drove the kids downtown where we told them the news over dinner at the Aquarium - just blocks from Kyle's office of six years. They thought the news was cool for all of two minutes. Kyle and I laughed at their lack of enthusiasm. I guess we signed ourselves up for that reaction when we plunked them down at a table 10 feet from a 500,000 gallon tank full of gigantic sea life. The thought was for them to remember this evening for years to come, right? I think they will remember but maybe for different reasons than we anticipated. Essentially, the new job won't affect their lives all that much other than seeing a little more of dad. That's a good thing.

Kyle will transition from firm life to go in house for a local industrial gas company. He'll officially do that on Jaden's birthday a week from today. We've been looking forward to this change for quite some time. His time at a big firm has not been a piece of cake but it has been the road that has brought us, happily, to this point. Looking back I can't help but notice the similarities in Kyle's work ethic during law school and his first job. He's kept his nose to the ground and excelled in whatever was required of him. He remembers sitting in his section the first day of law school. He scanned the room that day and thought, "I may not be the smartest guy in the room but no one will out work me." Kyle definitely paid his dues in school and work these past nine years. Often times when work became unbearable I think Kyle had good perspective. He was continually grateful for the opportunity to work and for experience he was gaining. He'd often say, after an especially long week or even month, "There's always someone else who has it worse. I'm just grateful to have a job." I'm pretty sure that wouldn't be my reaction when in the thick of it. I'm learning from Kyle all the time and I appreciate his positive outlook. And I'm very pleased that our kids have his example that I hope they'll emulate. They'll go far in life if they will pattern themselves after Kyle in most things but especially his work ethic, attitude and lack of entitlement. I'm sure all of this sounds pretty over-the-top but I don't take it for granted. I grew up in a home that lacked this example and prioritization. I am proud of all of Kyle's efforts and achievements with regard to providing for our family.

As trying as those times may have been for Kyle, I can tell you that nothing holds a candle to how nerve-racking the interview process was for him these past few weeks. I laughed at the analogy he used early on while his firm was unaware he was looking for another job. He likened his situation to being married to the firm and having two girlfriends on the side. "Girlfriends" being defined as the two potential job offers that were, ironically, heating up in the same week. That really is a lot to juggle and Kyle did not wear it well. He was so unsettled. I wanted to pour cold water on the poor guy. And then remind him that he'd soon be divorcing his figurative wife (Baker Botts) and choosing only one, new, really good looking, girlfriend (if the feelings were mutual). And that ultimately, the icing on the cake was that he still had a smokin' hot literal wife. :) I'm kidding. However, I do not kid when I hope that his new girlfriend treats him well and that they have a very long future together.

Here they are waiting for Kyle to get my car that was parked under his building. Walking the few blocks back with him was just too much after stuffing ourselves . . . and it was blistery hot the first time we walked over. Not to mention that Ty is a slow poke. While Kyle got the car I snapped this shot that has Kyle's office building in the background. It is the taller white building with the over sized antenna (or at least I think that's what that is). So long Baker Botts and downtown.

Jaden tries volleyball

2011-08-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

With Jaden's interest in finding out if Volleyball is" her thing" she dove into all things volleyball over the summer. She first jumped on a YMCA volleyball team. Followed by participation in two separate, week long, volleyball camps put on by two local High Schools. She absolutely loved the camps. But I kid you not when I say that watching her YMCA volleyball games was like nails on a chalkboard! We've learned that this is a sport where one MUST have fundamentals under one's belt before participating in a game. It really was painful to watch. So going forward we plan to have her join club volleyball. No games until the basics are mastered. :) As I posted all of these pics I couldn't help but notice how much older she's looking. She'll be eleven in a couple of weeks! She exudes tweenism!

"Crazy shorts" day at volleyball camp number one. Jaden won best shorts. I won best mom.

The shot above shows Jaden sandwhiched between two of her besties--Reese and Reagan. They are siblings.

That rare occasion when something went right for them during the game. :) Do you get my drift about the vb games??

12 years

2011-07-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

I'm up late here visiting my mom in St. Louis with the kids. Kyle stayed back. Unintentionally, we are often not together on his summer birthday and our summer wedding anniversary. Since I'm on vacation I wasn't aware of the date. My mom wished me a happy anniversary around noon today. Luckily, Kyle and I anticipated the likelihood that we'd both forget and so we exchanged sappy thoughts over the phone 3 days prior. Of course, we'd both prefer to be together on this day (spending $85 on rubbery lobster) but we see it for what it is: a significant date on the calendar. And at heart, the day we both made the best decision of our lives. Put like that it seems plenty worthy of celebration. Better luck next year.

Ty tries basketball

2011-07-22T08:54:00.000-07:00

I'm loving my camera. These pictures won't do it justice being that they are indoor. My very favorite shots (that I still need to post) are soccer shots. But I like these shots of Ty below. I like them not for picture quality but because I happened to capture the entire shot sequence when manually zooming in and out. He is playing i9 sports here with his buddy Jake. Jake's dad (Ryan) and Kyle are the coaches. Always a good duo. They coach Ty and Jake's soccer team as well. Ty is loving his first go-round with basketball. But that's not saying much, he's loved every sport that we've introduced him to thus far. And he is really fun to watch.

Love his reaction afterwards.

And if you hadn't already concluded that Ty is my boy then this shot proves it. I immediately had flashbacks of myself playing basketball after seeing this shot. This is exactly how I dribbled and ran, with my free arm swinging wide. Ty can thank his dad for his athleticism and competitiveness, genes that I lack. I don't know if I should expect any thanks for this gene that I've passed on but it makes me smile to see it.

34 for Kyle

2011-07-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

Happy 34th to this guy. He looks happy here but don't let the end-of-the-day pic fool you into thinking the entire day felt like this. It was a birthday that I think he'd preferred to have been ordinary. Let's just say he's had better birthdays. Better yet, let's just quickly jot down, for memories sake, what made it stand out.

1. Started off the day with an upset wife from something neither of us can remember now. Why couldn't I let bygones be bygones this day?

2. His birthday fell on Sunday with church starting at 1:30. That can ruin anyone's day--1:30 church that is. But maybe in Kyle's case any church service no matter the time.

3. He was pulled over and ticketed on the way to church. This was done by an officer who clocked our vehicle while driving towards us on the opposite side of the road and while he simultaneously ate a donut! Not a joke. Unfortunately, it was as recent as 4 weeks earlier that he'd received a speeding ticket on our trip to San Antonio. He'd just finished dealing with that ticket when this one came a knockin'. With the officer back in his car pouring over Kyle's driving short comings while missing entirely the significance of the day and date on his license . . . or just finishing off his jelly-filled, the kids and I tried to make light of the situation. It kind of became the silver lining of the day. We've recently implemented a vocabulary chalkboard in our kitchen. And with 5 new words under our belts we put them to good use. It went something like this:

Me: Obnoxiously leaning over the console invading Kyle's space, "This is the definition of perturbed, isn't it?"

Jade: "I know, right? Isn't it ironic that you got pulled over on your birthday?"

Ty: Thrilled to be catching on says, "Yeah, that cop is not very clever!" (So he used the word with intent to name call rather then for it's definition mostly. But it works.)

Me: "If you'd have just been more dilatory on this back road." (We used the definition: slow to act. And for the record this was Kyle's word of choice, one that I banned after a few days when I realized the kids weren't taking to it but mostly for fear of our children being made fun of. The vocab words have to be words that they'll feel comfortable using or they won't use them and therefore, I think, they will forget their meaning. Plus there's a plethora of less nerdy words out there to be learned. Okay, plethora is kind of nerdy too.)

Jaden: "Oh look, the officer's bringing you his donut for your birthday! I'm being facetious."

4. It was after Kyle drove off with ticket in hand that he raised the white flag. He dropped us off at church, shirking his nursery duties and drove, very slowly, all the way home, in shirt and tie, with his tail between his legs, to wallow in self pity.

And 3 hours later he rolled up to church to pick us up as a much happier guy. Thank goodness because throwing fits just isn't becoming of a 34 year old. :)

I love this sequence of Reese loosing it. I can't remember what was wrong with her. I don't think she liked the happy birthday song that Kyle was leading as you can very well see. Or, now that I'm looking more closely, maybe it's because she didn't have a slice of pie!

And I'll go ahead and speak for Kyle when I say this lemon meringue turned the day on its head! We love you, Kyle, and we promise to make your 35th birthday extraordinary! Starting that off might only need require that it fall on a weekday, your wife speaks to you, you don't get behind the wheel and you are granted another fresh pastry.

Freedom Over Texas on the bayou

2011-07-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

This was such a gorgeous night on the bayou. In the 9 years we've lived here we've never attended the 100,000 person crowd that the Freedom Over Texas event draws. We typically are not in Texas over the 4th. We absolutely love the 4th in Utah or, if we're really lucky, on the beach in San Juan Capistrano, CA. With this quote that Kyle's family uses rolling around in my head: "Mud and red pepper in anyone's eye, who doesn't get up and celebrate the 4th of July!" We couldn't sit home, even if Kyle's suggestion for the day was a movie marathon. That just doesn't spell patriotism to me. We started the day off at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. It was our best trip there as it was pretty well empty and it was a treat/rarity to have Kyle with us on this type of outing. We then left for home to purchased and watch a favorite movie (as in one favorite movie not five) National Treasurer. Followed by Freedom Over Texas.

The price of patriotic hair. I know it doesn't look like it but she's actually getting ready to smile.

Injured while playing volleyball in the grass (where she somehow had a run-in with concrete) Jaden takes a break and is consoled by Reese.

This shot of Kyle has his office building in the background. It's the smaller of the 3 shown.

And the real reason we ventured out to the festivities . . . so we could pay an arm and a leg for these sparkly, singing things! But they bring so much joy . . . for 20 minutes. It was actually something I was really looking forward to. Ty got a light up sword and Jaden happily declined anything light up.

Three minutes in--pure bliss for Reese and her light up. See?

Tell me this shot doesn't have patriotism written all over it!

Father's Day

2011-07-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

Who ever really knows what they're getting in a husband and subsequent father of their children? Of course, one can't truly know the extent of it until they are in the thick of it. I lucked out big time. And my kids hit the jack pot of all jack pots. We think Kyle is the cream of the crop regarding most things but specifically and especially when playing dad.

Mush, OJ and a diet coke for the big guy. That has southerner written all over it. I've learned that coffee isn't necessarily the morning beverage of choice in these parts. If you are a true Texan you'd likely pop open an icy cold soda. Preferably coke, diet coke or Dr. Pepper (that's a DP if your name is Matt Bloxom and you're ordering from Red Robin. Remember that, Jenny? It's engraved in my memory.) I guess it makes sense, it's typical that 9 months out of the year our morning temps. start off in the 80's.

The kids were beside themselves when picking out this card for Kyle. It's the six pack he's always wanted. Not really. In fact, Kyle's had many a six pack in his day. But, apparently, that was before kids. I have a six pack.

The entrepreneur and her pupils

2011-06-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

I like both of these shots where the first focused on the students and the second focused on the teacher. I know there's a name for that. Not up to speed with camera jargon. Brenya?? I guess the first step is recognizing that there's a name for it.

Science: Exploding coke/mentos experiment. Love that they are taking notes! But I hope they didn't miss the explosion while doing so.

Rewind--end of year hullabaloo

2011-06-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

Ty's Award Ceremony. I can't believe I didn't get a full body shot of Ty in his getup. Especially when I'd paid the kid $3 to wear it. There was a $1 outfit as well, that one allowed crocs instead of sperrys, plaid shorts instead of starched khakis and an un-tucked collared shirt with no belt. Bribery.

More than once during the ceremony I caught Ty glancing over at me. There will come a time when he has no interest in knowing where I sit in the crowd. I ate it up this day. He had a stellar year, excelled in every subject, grew a few more inches, kept his two front teeth intact, became closer with friends, ate mostly school lunch (with the exception of Tuesday's when Reese and I brought lunch to him and ate together in the PTO room while I did some work) and still refuses to visit the school nurse for ANY reason. She's scary. I'm pretty sure if Ty broke his arm he'd wait until he arrived home to mention it to anyone rather than risk a trip to the nurse's office. Seriously, whatever that nurse is trying to do to avoid sick/injured visits from the elementary students, it is sure working!

Love this shot of Jade catching her first glimpse of us in the audience as she walks the graduation procession with her class. She looks so old! Her two wonderful teachers are the male and female behind her on the left.

So long to our amazing Principal! She moves on within the district as the Director of Principals. We think she is just the person for the job but wish that didn't take her from us. The only Principal better than Mrs. Butler would be our very own Grandma Patsy; Principal of Canyon Crest Elementary in Utah. Oh, how we wish our children could attend her school, even if it comes complete with many a visit to the Principal's office. :)

Jaden, Cherry and Clair at 5th grade field day. I was helping in the snack shack . . . but I was mostly observing Jaden as she interacted with friends. It's not very often that I get to peek in on her at school. Although I'm often on campus doing this that and the other, it's typically been for Ty's class and general PTO stuff. Gone are the days that her teachers need my help in the classroom. And throughout the school year I've eaten lunch with the kids about once a week. However, these last couple of months I became too cool to sit on the stage with Jaden. ; ) So I suggested we leave campus and eat out.

Last day of school. One last pic as a first grader before we walk out the door and Ty instantly transforms into a second grader.

Must pay tribute to Long Horn flag, for the gazillionth time, as we make our way down the hallway to get Jaden from her class. My phone didn't quite capture their hook 'em horns gestures.

So much going on. Always the tag along. I think it finally caught up with her today.

Jaden had some friends over for a "last day of school" celebration. Honestly, I'd prefer 14 of Ty's little friends. My ears might still be ringing or at least they fear another gathering of the sort. Loud. :)

A diva derby, immediatley followed by Jaden's piano recital that I only took video of. She played an extremely slow version of Canon in D followed by Folk Dance. She did great. :)

An informal dance recital for both Jaden and Reese that I don't have pictures of. But I do have this dance shot of Reese in her element and obviously in the comfort of her own home.

And lastly, Ty was asked by his teacher to represent his 1st grade class at the District Project Fair. He quickly became the know all for all things grassland. He was helped by a 3rd grader to put together a slide show on that fancy little laptop behind him. It was very professional. Ty was really looking forward to it. He had a small case of nerves on the drive over. I was proud of him for performing so well outside of his comfort zone.

summer expectations

2011-06-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

Thursday (June 2nd) was the last day of school. Friday I told the kids we'd go for lunch to make our summer agenda together. I was gifted this on Mother's day . . .

and at the kids' request it was brought with us to be used as our writing tablet (because it weighs just as much as a writing tablet) to jot down our strategies. But it was most likely brought with the hope of games being played on it as some point during the meal. And I did have to grab a scratch-pad of paper and pencil as I ran out the door for my ideas. Still old school. Along the drive Jaden carried the iPad on her lap to Subway, where she got a jump start conjuring up her own summer program before we arrived. Enjoy Jaden's self prescribed program, one that has failed miserably thus far, followed by Ty's comeback, which has also lacked success:

Jaden writes:
Summer expectations
Ty: do all of jadens chores and give her money
Jaden: sleep in and eat junk food

Ty responds:
Jaden.. Buy Ty. Toys
Ty watches. Tv and movies Jaden does not

As one could expect, their lists aren't without snarky demands or exclusions of the other sibling. Oh, Reese, look what you have to look forward to, sibling rivalry isn't too far off for you.

A break before the break

2011-06-09T05:34:00.000-07:00

Back in May and two weeks before school let out for the summer we stole away for a much needed vacation. It was mostly for this big guy. A vacation so that he could do exactly what he's doing above and below--hang with his kids. Kyle, uncommonly, had two trials a week apart. We hadn't seen hide nor hair of him. None of us were especially thrilled by it but Reese definitely took it the hardest. She would wake as early as her little body could to try and catch him before he left for the day, to no avail. And she'd cry at night wanting her dad to put her to bed. Which wasn't happening either. As soon as the last trial ended we didn't have to twist his arm to get out of town. Wanting to take advantage of off season pricing and little to no crowds we left Houston on a Sunday morning and drove to one of our favorite resorts in San Antonio. Truly we could just as well have never left the resort and it would have been plenty for the likes of us that week. But we did venture out to Sea World and the Natural Bridge Caverns nearby. We also caught up with Nick, Katy and Sutton, the only family we have in Texas. Ty was glad to have a little shadow. Jaden gets one. The boys equally adore each other. The trip was rejuvenating for all of us. Can't wait to go again!

As Jaden walked into find her seat for the Shamu show she was nabbed and asked to participate in the show. Which was cool. But not quite as cool as you it used to be. She was on the jumbotron, she got to wave to Shamu from behind a chained off entrance and she got to tell everyone what she wants to be when she grows up: a teacher.

Besides the few pics where Reese is on the ground, this is how she made her way through the cave.

Time to head home. We didn't have to coerce this one. I can confidently say that Reese's favorite part of the trip was packing, unpacking, and rolling her suitcase EVERYWHERE. I love this shot of her.

Jaden's seeing $ signs again

2011-06-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

Moms and summer students,

I am getting ready to continue my summer school. My mom says I can hold it on a Wednesday or a Thursday from 9-1. I'll choose the day once I hear back from all of you about which day works the best for the most of you.

I hope your kids want to come back to my school. I am going to keep it educational and fun at the same time! Plus, you get to hang out with my cool brother (well, at least my students think he's cool anyway). Ty says he's most excited for the National Geographic shows we will get to watch on Netflix, followed by a report on the kids' favorite animals.

No need to send a lunch because we will be making them together. I'm thinking creative lunch ideas like sailboat sub sandwiches and homemade pizza rolled out individually. You get the picture! I have a fun cookbook that our class can decide on which lunches we'd like to do.

I am raising my tuition from $5 to $6 a day.

Excited to teach,

Miss Jaden :)

(Jaden will have 8 students including Ty)

Chloe, Audrey, Esther, Katie, Summer and Anna,

My name is Miss Jaden (Reese's older sister) and I would like to be your dance teacher this summer!

If you want to join my class we will practice on Friday mornings from 9:00 to 10:00 throughout the summer. Tuition is 3.00 dollars a lesson. If you don't come you don't pay! We'll work hard, but also have a lot of fun honing our skills! We'll start this week. Hope to see you there!

Excited to dance with you,

Miss Jaden :)

(Jaden will have 6 dancers including Reese)

It must be soccer season . . .

2011-05-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

for we are guaranteed a visit from this hairy guy whenever that's the case. Quote from Ty during this visit: "Don't forget your wallet, Grandpa Lynn." Shamelessly uttered as we were heading out the door to buy un-birthday gifts. And from Lynn's last visit we enjoyed recalling this quote from Reese: "I like you Grandpa Lynn, but I love my daddy more." This on his last night here, lest he be confused. We tell it straight around here. Thanks for spoiling us with your presence and not necessarily your wallet, Lynn. Our kids are lucky to have you for their grandpa.

At this moment I wonder if they're not only looking like each other but also thinking the exact same thoughts about the baseball game. It wouldn't be a stretch to think so.

Easter

2011-05-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

Catching up here. Easter was busy and enjoyable. We saw little of Kyle. He was overloaded with work leading up to a trial. So I attempted to keep all of us busy as to keep from noticing his absence. Recently, I've noticed when Kyle's home we get lazy. We just lay around and enjoy his company. His company is rare as of late. The house turns to filth and not much gets accomplished. So with Kyle being out of touch from early morning to late night we did Easterize ourselves (I made up that word). More than previous years, that is. We colored our eggs a couple of days in advanced. We tried out the famous "Easter Story Cookies" recipe that follows the events leading up to the resurrection of Christ for each added ingredient. Ending with the cookies sealed in the tomb (oven) the night before only to find that they too have risen come Easter morning. As was the tomb empty so are the cookies, being hollow. Sweet story. Gross cookies. Yet the kids said they enjoyed the process (as did I) and want to make them again next year. Plus we were able to take some of this recipe to frost our Easter Bunny Cake. Which, by the way, we've (we = Jaden and I) decided that the Easter Bunny Cake isn't all that delicious. We'd either need to make it purely for decoration or come up with a better recipe. So Jaden came up with the bright idea to make it half it's original size since we weren't taking the time to find a new recipe or eating it. Then the kids sat through our favorite rabbit story, The Country Bunny. After which, Jaden, being my sidekick that weekend, stuffed all of the eggs. On Easter morning Kyle was around long enough to see the kids hunt for eggs. And that evening he was back just in time for a feast with our lovely next door neighbors.

Euphoria

2011-05-03T13:45:00.000-07:00

The word euphoria is the adjective of choice for these pics and how best to describe our weekend together. A word that I had to go to the thesaurus for. "So what, who cares?" --SNL I was looking for one word to describe the weekend and I wasn't fond of what was popping up in my sleep deprived brain, due to said weekend. Although I would guess that even without the heading one might conclude that it was an enjoyable weekend by the pictures alone.

These are five of my beautiful sisters. I have six. Missing one. We absolutely missed you, Charity! This gathering in Utah was in honor of Deborah's 30th birthday. I can't tell you exactly what was going on in the two pics, above and below. But I am so glad I got these shots! Being stuck behind the lens was worth not being part of whatever it was that was clearly so hilarious. I do know that I'd made the girls stop for a picture with our hotel in the background after a mouth watering meal at Red Rock in Salt Lake. This was our second day together and by then they were used to me nagging them to pose for pictures. Annoyed by it, but used to it. They'll thank me now, of course. A memorable weekend to say the least. (Also, I've added what we've dubbed the song of the weekend to my playlist by Adele)

The birthday girl. I love this shot of Deborah. She's always had gorgeous eyes but this shot takes the cake. So then I was on a quest to get good individual shots of the rest of them too.

Sarah had just gotten a new haircut and we were all in love with it.

I'd like to take credit here for coercing Elle into getting highlights. She looks lovely.

Deon wouldn't allow much of an individual shot. But let me just mention here that she also owns zebra print golf clubs and shoes among lots of other things zebra.

Already making plans for our next sister's weekend. It promises to be good. Deon has the floor.

Love these shots of the oldest and the youngest thoroughly enjoying one another's company!

Sarah had two finals staring her in the face come Monday. She opted out of the pedicures to study but really that was about the only time devoted to study that I remember. Hope we didn't keep you from getting straight A's, as usual.

Our last night together. All good things must come to an end but before they do you should have a lovely trifle bowl full of that stuff! Mmm . . . thanks to Miriam, the hostess with the mostess! Also, you may notice our extra tan and shiny faces? We'll thank Elle for that, she was offering chemical peels to the brave and willing. Ouch.

Leaving her mark on the world . . .

2011-04-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

or at least her Elementary School before she leaves it for Junior High next year. Yesterday, Jaden, acting as Student Council Representative as well as newly appointed Head of Garden Committee, and two other SC members (Claire and Josselyn), got a couple minutes to speak to the student body during morning assembly. Wearing green shirts in recognition of Earth Day, Jaden was first to speak. She told the students about her idea to create a school garden. Her idea came during one of her brother's flag football games at another elementary school nearby. After walking the grounds she came upon the school's garden and thought to herself, "Well, why shouldn't we have a school garden too?" Taking initiative Jaden began presenting her idea at the Student Council meetings she attends after school on Tuesday's. Once the idea passed SC she had to get permission from the Principal, who allowed for her committee to purchase and plant flowers at the entrance of the school. When school lets out they will be moved to a designated garden area in the back of the school to be watered by sprinklers. (Originally, Jaden offered to water them in these pots all summer long until her mother shot that down. Unless, of course, she wants to ride her bike to the school once a day.) I ran these 3 girls after school one day this week to purchase the flowers. It took us nearly 2 hours. They all had such great ideas and were so enthusiastic about the project. The next day I learned that the 3 of them planted every last flower without an adult around. I guess I was under the impression that classes were to help out from each grade and that it would be supervised by an adult. Props to these girls! Jaden's hands were black when I picked her up after school.

Jaden told me that the girls decided to end their speech with this motivating line, "We need to be kind to our Earth so that our Earth will be kind to us!" And since the kids are out of school for Good Friday we will make our way over to see the new Disney Nature show, African Cats, this afternoon. We love our Earth. We do our best to reduce, reuse and recycle around here and hope we can make the world a better, more beautiful place one small step at a time. We are proud of you, Jaden. Happy Earth day all you inhabitants of beautiful Earth!

Above: Before school started we snapped this shot of Claire, Jaden and Josselyn to give you an idea of the before and after. Claire and Josselyn weren't around for the "after" shots because we took them at about 7:00 p.m. on our way home from dance. Not pictured are 4 other big pots closer to the front doors of the school that they also filled.

I had to take this pic of Jaden fussing over the plants when we stopped by to take the "after" shots.

Ty turns 7!

2011-04-20T11:48:00.000-07:00

I am finally getting around to posting Ty's March birthday events. He, like Reese, requested donuts in bed. Ty is always first to rise at our house. Unfortunatley, that didn't serve him well on his birthday. Apparently, he stared at the ceiling for an hour before it became too much. With a chip on his shoulder and obvious hurt feelings, he entered our sleepy room in tears. So we sent him back to his bed until Kyle returned from the donut shop (you know, so he could actually have breakfast in bed). Don't feel sorry for the kid, the ensuing events of the day easily made up for it. After he gulped down a jelly-filled or two, he was showered with gifts. And by 10:00 a.m. five of his favorite, athletic friends arrived for his football themed party. It too was a party that will go down in Harris family history. Kyle was primarily in charge of this party but, of course, Jaden and I couldn't help ourselves. We threw up a Snack Shack. It made sense. Then Kyle, with a can of spray paint, stakes and twine got to work creating the football field and coordinating obstacle course for football drills (not to mention his best attempt at sketching out a longhorn in one of the end zones.) And, well, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Honestly, between Ty and Kyle, I don't know who had the better time. They seemed equally thrilled.

Below: Jaden nominated herself to time the obstacle course, aka two-a-days.

And Kyle nominated himself to demonstrate navigating through the obstacle course. Except I don't think you can call it a demo. after the 4th or 5th time through.

Below: Reese and I made cupcakes for Ty's class, which they ate at recess. Following that he got to leave school a whole hour and a half early. What a cool mom.

Book Fair Baby

2011-04-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

This whiteboard hangs in the library of my kids' Elementary School. I was there today reading with a couple of little girls when it, once again, caught my attention. I finally had the thought to snap a picture. Actually, I got Ty to take it just before we had lunch together on the stage.

Three years ago last month, I was 9 months pregnant with Reese. I was also volunteering for the school's book fair and I was assigned the after school shift. About an hour into the shift I started having contractions. As they became stronger I had a willing 5th grade student (whose name I can't remember) time each contraction while I was sitting at a table beneath the whiteboard playing cashier. Needless to say, she used the whiteboard to record my contractions. Finally, at about 5:00 o'clock, when my contractions were near 5 minutes apart, the librarian insisted that I go home. I don't know why I hadn't convinced myself of leaving before that point. I must have been in labor-denial. Reese was born at 8:47 p.m. Fittingly, the Librarian dubbed Reese the "Book Fair Baby."

NCAA Championship game

2011-04-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

These boys lucked out getting free tickets to the 2011 Championship game here in Houston. Thanks for thinking of us thoughtful neighbors: Nicole, Mary and Diane. The boys were thrilled to go. Quite a few observers were delighted to see the father/son duo out at the game and made sure to comment. Actually, Kyle didn't notice many kids at the game. That may have been for it starting at 8:30 p.m. That's a late start for any game. I told Ty to sleep in the next morning after he arrived home, bright eyed and bushy tailed, close to midnight. He refused to do so. He wouldn't dream of being tardy. In fact, he rose so early that next morning that he and Jaden decided to leave early enough to eat breakfast at school. After school he napped nearly 2 hours.

Sad to see Butler lose. Ty was upset about it. But all in all, what a surprising, memorable experience for a 7 year old! One who filled out and monitored his brackets with such interest and enthusiasm this year, to his 33 year-old dad's amusement.

Reese is 3!

2011-04-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

Right before our eyes this little ladybug has turned 3. As Reese and I were conjuring up party ideas I thought I'd expose her to what we did for Jaden's 2nd birthday over 8 years ago. So we cracked open Jaden's scrapbook. (Not to be confused with any of the other scrapbooks I DO NOT have for my other children. Blogging will have to suffice for the other two kids.) From there Reese decided that a ladybug party was just the party for her, as well. And so we did have a ladybug party. It was small in the number of friends we invited but large in the good times that were had. For example, we couldn't believe our good fortune to have, on a whim, texted the mom of two of Reese's closest friends to see if they could make the party by driving 5 hours from Shreveport, LA. They did come. Reese talked about them visiting for weeks right up until they arrived. Thanks for coming Mike and Jen. We loved having you!

Reese had the best day ever! All things went her way on her birthday, as they should. She was awoken with her favorite breakfast: a pink donut with sprinkles and chocolate milk. Followed by presents in bed. A couple of hours later she attended her dance class which is just about her favorite thing. Big brother and sister got to skip school and hang with her. She took donuts-wholes for her dance friends. And for dinner that night we dined on finger food, essentially. Chicken nuggets, edamame, string cheese, grape tomatoes and natural white cheddar cheese puffs, to be specific. All favorites of hers. Needless to say, some of us were still hungry afterwards.

Reese, at the finish of your 2 year-old life you: Love anything pink. Pants and shorts are lost on you, I'm not sure you even know they exist. You look forward to dance class and Saturday donuts with dad all week long. You are particular about your hair not being "crazy" as you call it, hence the headband at all times. You don't believe in wearing socks. You must be born and raised in Texas because I also have to beg you to wear coats and jackets. You'd rather sit in your brother's car seat as opposed to your very own adorable pink one. Dressing yourself is a must. You observed once that Jaden is "upset" and Ty is "happy." Which keeps Jaden on her toes to rid herself of that title. You can't wait to play soccer like big brother and sister. And after sitting through so many practices and games you might just be the best of the three. Dinnertime is almost over before it began for you--a quick bite, followed by clearing your spot, followed by PJ-ing yourself. If we don't put you to bed by 8:00 then you'll ask to be put there. Your bedtime routine includes your refusing to be sung any other song than Teach Me to Walk in the Light while having a "scratch back." You worship your dad, always wondering when he'll be home! And, lastly, you are a mini me. Translation: the boss of the house. We love you to pieces, Reese.

(P.S. Some may have noticed a couple of posts back that I mentioned how anal I am about posting these events on the actual day, right? Well, just following that post I happened to update my blogger account (apparently it's been 2 years). That gave me the most recent version of blogger that I've learned does not allow for me to pre-post. However, it does allow for these larger pictures. I love that feature. Anyway, my plan to look entirely on top of blogging has failed. :)

Ty's gift to Reese. A homemade wand.

Thanks for the lovely dress Grandma Patsy.

Flag football

2011-04-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

A few shots of Ty's second season playing flag football. This season extended from January to March. And I'd better post these quick as we are already 2 games into the soccer season. If you can't tell from the pictures below, he takes the game very seriously. He is quite the competitor which often lead to disappointment this season (as well as last) as they came away with 3 wins in 7 games.

Again, Kyle helped coach. He looks forward to practices and games all week. He'd tell you it is the highlight of his week.

Rodeo Houston

2011-03-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

As always, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was a blast. How could it not be, it's the largest Rodeo in the world. I took the kids early from school and Kyle met us about halfway through his work day. It was the perfect weather with absolutely no crowds. Which means you can run through the Children's Farm as many times as you'd like in order to get a free snack at the end. Ask Jaden, she made it through the farm 4 times while I watched Reese and Ty enjoying other events.

We took advantage of all the things we normally do with the exception of two novelties: muttin bustin' and gerbil balling (as I'm going to call it). We saw Sugarland in concert. She was awesome. I'd have gotten up and danced with Jaden if Reese hadn't been asleep on my shoulder. Instead we rocked it in our seats the best we could belting the lyrics.

Ty rode a sheep doing what they call Muttin Bustin'. It was his first and last year eligible to participate. So it's a good thing he won first place. He loved it.

Would you believe I still don't own a pair of cowboy boots after nearly 9 years hittin' up this thing? I just about purchased some this last month. But I want a new camera more. Kyle owns three pair. I'll get mine AND I'll look cuter than Kyle in them.

Longhorn literally inches from my children.

Spring Break

2011-03-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

Silent house around here. Jaden and Ty are back to school. Loved having them home. The week went by so quickly. I've just placed Reese in my bed after she fell asleep on the car ride taking my sister Elle to the airport. And instead of tending to loads of laundry, sorting mail that hasn't been picked up for a week and cataloging hundreds of pictures (nearly 600) after two birthday parties and two rounds of family and friends visiting during the span of one week--I've chosen to blog. It'll come back to haunt me.

I'll post both Reese and Ty's birthday's later. Actually, it will appear as an earlier post. I'm kind of particular about posting those things on the correct date. What I do is create an empty post that day then fill it in later. My sisters would make fun of me for doing that. It's similar to my mother-in-law sending birthday cards with the accurate birth date written on the top right corner of all her cards. When, in fact, she's written and sent the card a week prior. She's cute. Someone please tell me there's an icon for premature posts?

Spring Break started early for the kids. I let the two oldest skip school Friday as it was only a half-day anyway. More importantly, it was Reese's actual birthday. Reese happens to take dance on Fridays which could only have made for a better birthday. She looks forward to dance all week. Jaden and Ty have desperately wanted to see her in action. They've been eager to see her after my telling stories of her love for dancing, her attentiveness and accuracy in her ballet positions. Not to mention her obsession with a certain spot on the floor that most everyone knows is hers by now. That night our good friends the Bronson's arrived from Shreveport, Louisiana for Reese's birthday weekend. We didn't have to twist their arms to come for a visit. And I did throw an awesome ladybug party for Reese. Not to be outdone by what Kyle may have planning for Ty's football party the following Saturday. Birthday plans have been dinner conversation the couple of weeks. Once the party themes were decided there grew a friendly rivalry between Kyle and I to see who could throw the best party a week apart. Honestly, both parties where pretty darn good and well planned. I think we both did awesome. But since Kyle will say, "there can only be one winner" or "if your not first, your last." Then, I won. Hands down.

We said goodbye to the Bronson's on Sunday. Always sad to see them go. Monday the kids and I took a couple of their friends to see the children's play Alexander and the Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Tuesday we restocked the fridge and folded laundry. Ty slept over at a friends. On Wednesday Ty had another sleepover at a different friend's home. In order to one-up Ty, Jaden had two of her best friends for a sleepover. They have plans to run the Blue Bell 3 mile race in April so the 4 of us ran our 3 mile loop. They ran it in 38 minutes, which is a pretty impressive time for 3 girls 10 and under. Afterwards, they spent the rest of the night scheming their lemonade stand they were to have the next day. The proceeds from the lemonade stand are reserved for the earthquake/tsunami victims of Japan. Japan holds a special place in Jaden's heart and she felt compelled to do something. The girls were plenty excited, especially after I told them I'd match whatever they made. They raised thirty dollars. While they were busy, Ty was gone and Kyle and Reese were oohing and aahing over each other (as they usually do), I made strawberry jam, finally. The kids want to pick at a local farm again and I refused to let them do it until I jammed the bags of frozen strawberries that have sat for a year in my freezer from last years picking. Felt good to get that done. Thursday brought my younger sister Elle and her friend, Anne, in for about 5 days to see the Houston Rodeo. Ironically, they never made it to the rodeo! But the beach rocked! And I'd like to think Kyle and I are still young and hip enough to hang out with. Elle and Anne did give us a little glimpse of what it might be like waiting up for kids to come home at night. They succeeded in making us feel old there. Lastly, I've managed to get Elle hooked on the PBS Masterpiece Classic Downton Abby after our marathon viewing last night.

Well, I've left myself about 10 minutes before I head out to grab the kids from school. Laundry can still wait . . .

Outside the theater. Jaden is getting too old for the pics following the plays. Not too old, however, to attend the play, yet.

Just after our run. Grainy pic with my iphone.

By the way, the green stickers on their bodies were for St. Patrick's Day.

I don't need to tell you what I thought of anyone who passed by this lemonade stand with it's enthusiastic entrepreneurs, not to mention it being a great cause. They worked hard for their money. Excluding Reese who spilled plenty of lemonade and ate too many cookies.

Love these curls. The headband is not required at the beach but you'd be lucky to find Reese without one on these days. She wears a headband all day long (sometimes rotating between different styles) and when tucking her in at night she places it on her night stand. It's the first thing she puts on in the morning. This is followed by dressing herself over 2 or 3 different outfits. While the rest of us are snoozing I can often hear her shuffling about in her bedroom, doors slamming, drawers opening and closing until she's ready to present herself. I love this girl.

Sitting on a bench waiting for dad to pull the car around. Must have been a good day.
Ty looks like Spock from Star Trek.

goals

2011-03-04T21:35:00.000-08:00

Spring cleaning around here. I decided to de-clutter our post-it boards that hold all sorts of this that and the other. So here are the kids' goals for 2011. I'll place these in their memory boxes. However, I have to say that it feels good to have them on file here as well, just incase.

Jaden

I'll type Ty's goals as they were handwritten by me anyway. But they were entirely thought-up by him.

1. Try to score a touchdown in flag football. (Much to his dismay, he went the entire fall season without a touchdown)

2. Read a verse in the scriptures everyday.

3. Read a full book each month. (This means a large chapter book)

4. Try to win the citizenship award at the school. (He won it last year. Who says you can't win it two years in a row??)

5. Do good in Cub Scouts. (Looking ahead, I guess that's the effect that goals have, right? He won't start Cub Scouts until the fall.)

Reese

1. Identify the letters in the alphabet.

2. Learn the sounds of all 26 letters in the alphabet.

3. Get into the Methodist MDO program. (Not that she has any control over that. No one does, it's a lottery. However, I am HAPPY to report that she did indeed get in! She'll start in the fall, two days a week from 9-2. Both Reese and I are thrilled. She really wants to go to school. Everybody else does in our house.)

4. Fine tune the 6 ballet fundamentals she learned from her first semester of dance.

5. Convince dad to take me to donuts every Saturday morning for a pink donut with sprinkles and chocolate milk. (And by all accounts, she is succeeding.)

You might be an avid blogger when . . .

2011-03-03T06:18:00.000-08:00

your boy writes up an adorable little note for his teacher, has you read it out loud and when you are finished reading it and praising his work says, "you should put that on your blog." "That's a great idea," I say. And I head to grab my camera to take a picture of the note. While snapping pictures he says, "here, I'll hold it up by my face so you can take a picture."

This kids speakin' my language over here!

That said, it's a pretty a cute note. One that shouldn't go without a blog post, Ty guy.

(Dr. Suess has writed a lot books. like horton hears a ho, O the thinks you can think and stuff like that. Dr. Suess is one good writer and one of my favorite. His birthday is in March and so is mine thats one of the reasons I like him. He just helps peoples minds grow like mine has. from ty to ms. wang)

Sunday

2011-02-28T06:34:00.001-08:00

I made these skirts for the girls last summer. Don't look too closely, you'll find all sorts of flaws.

It's not often that I get the girls wearing their skirts simultaneously. So following church today I made Reese and Jaden pose for pictures, as it may very well be the last time that they both fit into these skirts too. Reese sure enjoyed the photo shoot. Both Jaden and I sure got a kick out of watching Reese enjoy the photo shoot. She's such a ham these days.

Above: This really is a pose that Reese wanted me to capture.

Also, I'm going to throw up these shots of Kyle. He's entertaining the kids in our nursery class we now teach together at our church. He reminds me every week that he's my "wing man." This after I tell him he's got the lesson that week--because he's yet to teach a single lesson since we started back in January. (Note: I don't typically take a camera with us to church. We were to take individual shots of the nursery kids for our I am a Child of God poster that is to hang in our classroom.)

Play doh: If you can't tell from the picture, Kyle just finished his demonstration of the snowman falling to the snake, by choke-out. It was captivating. The room fell silent. Following that, Kyle sang the theme song from The Little Mermaid. You could hear a pin drop. I'm pretty sure he lost all respect from the boys in the room. As far as the girls are concerned he went from zero to hero.

Actually, he's a pretty good "wing man."

P.S. We love having Reese in our class. It's really fun to be there while she is still in nursery. Not to be outdone here's a shot of me with the Disney-Princess-loving girls.

Love these 3

2011-02-14T06:17:00.001-08:00

Dad,

Dad you are so cool.

Dad we want a pool.

Dad just go to work and get that bonus tonight--night.

In the summer we'll laugh and play.

All our troubles have gone away.

The we remember our Dad who is so cool, is so cool!

Love,

Jaden and Ty

This first one was performed to the tune of Justin Bieber's song Baby, while they simultaneously danced like robots. Where was my video camera?? Maybe, just maybe I can convince them to do it again. I'd even shell out cash. Oh, and there's no pool in their future.

Dear Mom,

Thank you for picking up after the family. And taking us places. I love you.

E-nthusiastic

M-akes wonderful meals

I-nterested about our day

L-oving

Y-ou are my Valentine

Love,

Jaden

Dear Mom,

You are the best. this is a song I made ya. I wish your shampoo were Blue. twinkle twinkle little star how I wonder what you are. I like fishing and you do to I just wish that you had good shampoo. I love you!

Love,

I wonder what I smell like to Ty. I wonder if he dislikes it.

Dear dad,

You are a dog when it comes to resling. You are active. You are a bust.

Love,

Dear Jaden and Ty,

Again this year we Valentine-treated you to a Main Street Theater production, The Magician's Nephew. We saw this last year. We barely squeezed in the last chapter of the book in the parking lot, a whole 15 minutes before show time. Reese did not join us. We loved her enough to leave her with a friend, for what could have been a frightening performance for a soon to be 3 year-old. All three of you received handwritten Valentines from mom and dad that I've tucked away in your memory boxes. Let's just say that we may as well have shouted from the mountain tops of our love for each of you. Love, love, love you three!

Love this one too. On our way to a dinner. Tulips instead of roses. Finally had the heart to tell him that a few years ago. I love tulips. An "A" for effort all these years, but as long as you're paying the inflated price at the flower shop in your office building . . . I'll have tulips, please.

A visit from Deborah, Vinnie and Baby Scout

2011-01-10T18:55:00.001-08:00

We were the lucky benefactors of Vinnie and Sarah's Christmas present to Deborah this year. Deborah was surprised with a 5 day getaway that took her out of the frigid Utah weather and dropped her in the balmy 65 degree weather here in Houston. Winter + Deborah= Deborah wishing for Spring, Summer or Fall. I'm sure she would tell you that her gift was a longtime coming and that it couldn't come soon enough. I would tell you that it is well deserved.

They stayed 2 nights with us and 2 at a nearby hotel. Selfishly, we didn't get to see as much of them as we would have liked but realize that the trip was not about us. The kids wished for more time with Scout, that's for sure. In fact, we all did. She is one stinking cute baby girl. We did get to sneak away to a nice dinner with Deborah and Vinnie followed by the Rockets/Jazz game. Their visit makes us realize what we are missing out on down here so far from any family.

I wish we had family nearby. I wish we lived by family. But I don't necessarily wish it hard enough to be moving anywhere anytime soon to do something about it. Yet. Plus, too many of our family members are in limbo. I'll wait to learn where they all settle and see if we can't make it work to live closer to family then. It is very likely that I said that five years ago.

Props to Sarah for tending 4 kids that week. She's the best Aunt ever!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-24T06:45:00.001-08:00

The month of December flew by as it always does. We kept plenty busy with the usual routine and beyond; school parties, work parties and church parties. Kyle was extra busy at work. It was Christmas Eve day when he was finally able to come up for air--just in time to hit up The Houston Nutcracker Ballet, as is tradition for us now. Afterwards, and being rushed for time to get Christmas dinner and program on, we had the kids open their Christmas PJ's on the car ride home. I kind of liked that they were in their PJ's playing name-that-Christmas-tune all the way home. We typically have a fancy dinner on Christmas day. However, we figured we'd give ourselves one more day to eat leftovers as we were considering a spontaneous 13 hour drive "over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house" the day after Christmas.

Christmas morning began early. True to his word Ty was the first to be vertical. After claiming he didn't look at anything as he came down the stairs and couldn't help but pass the tree, he asked permission to wake the girls. Which he did while I grabbed stockings from the tree room to be brought into our room because I've decided that stockings get overlooked when pitted against Christmas presents. Jaden finally got the guitar she's wanted but doesn't get to quit piano. And if Ty was happy to get sharks (football cleats) then Kyle was beyond thrilled to gift them. As far as a favorite gift goes for Reese, it's a toss up between Disney Princess polly pockets and plastic high heels. Christmas day continued as lazy and relaxing. Around 2:00 o'clock we had our chocolates and piano books in hand as we arrived at our local rest home. There we were quite surprised to be greeted by some of our elderly friends from the previous year (a rare occasion). Miss Grace is one that stands out as our favorite Southern Belle, always dolled up with plenty to say. Both Jaden and Ty played their best piano pieces--Ty having only one that Jaden taught him. And yes, his feet can now reach the floor. Kyle planned to play two songs but Reese fell asleep in his arms. And I'm in charge of taking pictures. Maybe next year I'll have taught myself a song or two but if it's between that and finishing Reese's stocking, I'll most likely show up empty handed again at the rest home.

Back home we ate our Christmas Eve leftovers then sent the kids to pack their bags for our potential trip to Grandma and Grandpa's house in the morning. The decision to go was made while they slept. Kyle's work playing the large part as well as weather (our SUV was born and raised in Texas which means it's a Yukon with 2WD). The weather let up and we had dry road there and back. We always have the best time in St. Louis. We love having Grandma and Grandpa to ourselves. It's hard to compete for their attention with 9 siblings, their spouses and 40 grand kids at family reunions. We take full advantage of our time spent with them while at their home. Some highlights include: sleeping in daily while mom made pancakes for the kids. Sledding in their backyard; a trip to incredible pizza; a visit to the magic house; facials with Elle; karaoke in the basement; kids falling asleep together in front of the electric fireplace in the basement. Grandma Rowe playing the piano and Matthew pleading with her to stop playing the piano . . . the list goes on.

Houston Nutcracker Ballet on Christmas Eve day.

Jade and Ty thrilled and seated in what was nearly the highest seat in the theater.

Jaden on piano at the care facility.

Miss Grace. We would be so lucky to visit her again next year.

Just before this picture Miss Grace told Ty that she was going to make it to every flag football game he has this next year.

Below: We are off to St. Louis to visit Mom, Bob, Elle, Matthew and sweet Grandma Rowe for one week.

Petite and precious Grandma Rowe.

Here are all the ladies working tirelessly to put together Ty's Harry Potter Legos and Jaden's 3D white house, something we all enjoy.

The standoff. If I recall correctly, Matthew wasn't thrilled about the idea of the kids watching a movie (as usual). In an effort to impede, he placed himself directly between the TV and kids repeating, "You're not going to watch a movie!" To which Reese and Ty responded, "Yes we are, Matthew!" And back and forth it went. All in good spirit. My kids leave from mom's with a little more backbone then they arrived with. And you can see the top of Grandma Rowe's head in this pic where I am just sure she's wondering who's in charge of these yayhoos!

Sledding in Grandma's backyard.

Incredible Pizza

Jaden and I visited Elle at her office. We were both treated to some pampering. Here's Jade before her facial . . .

and after.

A Thanksgiving unlike any other

2010-11-28T12:16:00.000-08:00

We've enjoyed putting on Thanksgiving the past 3 years. More than that, we have loved the family and friends with whom we spent the holiday. This year when we learned that we'd be on our own for Thanksgiving, Kyle had a great idea. His idea was to finally hit up a University of Texas football game. The third longest rivalry is between UT and Texas A&M. Tradition has them playing on Thanksgiving day and we've been saying for some time that we'd attend a game.

We drove the three hours to San Antonio where we stayed in a nice resort. Our Thanksgiving meal before the big game was very different, for two reasons. The first is that it was all purchased and made in the same day. That was lovely. I typically spend, at least, a week before Thanksgiving mulling over new ideas, planning, purchasing the food and then preparing any dishes that I can days before the actual feast. Secondly, while I did my hair, Kyle put the meal together. I quite enjoy preparing the traditional meal. Alternatively, I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed the tables being turned (even if it wasn't to the same degree).

The weather allowed us to swim the first day as it was in the mid 60's. It then changed drastically by dropping 30 degrees just before game time. Even Texas can get pretty cold with wind chill and humidity that bites. But we DID NOT sit. We stood the whole game. Mostly, because we couldn't have seen the game otherwise. The entire stadium was on their feet for the duration of the game. The kids were enthusiastic about the game and fared well despite the weather. Ty refused to rest his legs even when a view allowed him to watch on the jumbotron because he, "wanted to watch it live." Communicated through chattering teeth if I remember correctly. And if the above picture doesn't have "devoted fans" written all over it, then you should meet Reese. She practices her "hook 'em horns" religiously ever since that night in the stadium. Where, along with the rest of the Longhorn fans, she sang The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You, while waving her horns. It is daily that I find her sharpening her skills. And she couldn't be prouder. Needless to say, it was a memorable holiday for our family. One that we'll more than likely repeat.

Jaden with her staples: a cheese ball and root beer. The cheese ball is quite necessary for it to really feel like it's Thanksgiving. It was the only homemade dish, which is what allowed me to take my time doing this . . .

and this.

While Kyle did this.

And then it was time to put our game face on!

13.1

2010-11-20T22:53:00.001-08:00

A bunch of crazy moms 30 minutes away from running the Galveston half. Crazier than that is when they trained at 4:30 Friday mornings so they'd be home in time to get school-age kids out the door.

This pic is sooo deceiving. The hardcore chicks on either side of me look like they've had better days. In contrast, I look like I've run the one mile fun run. If you only knew how that really went down. I don't have a desire to EVER do this again--minus that overwhelming feeling of I-HAVE-to-get-a-better time-than-that-next-time. But I did finish. And I owe a rather large THANK-YOU to Leslie--the veteran running friend of mine that I (easily) convinced to fly in from Arizona to run with me. The same friend that at mile 5 was told that she'd have to keep the conversation flowing as I was winded. Then at mile 7 to stop talking because at this point I would no longer be a good listener. After which, I think it was somewhere around 8 or 9 that I dropped a few paces behind and when she turned to check on me I told her to stay in front of me. And she did stay in front of me. Except for the couple of times that she came jogging back with a smile on her face to ask if I was really sure I wanted her 20 paces ahead? "Really, because it's kind of boring up there" she said. To that I vaguely remember replying, "Yeah, I know, just get back up there." Such a brat I am. Can I claim delirium?? I keep saying that the really good memories that stem from this race come in the form of good friends. You are the best, Leslie!

Loved my little fan club. They took a break from wading in waves to cheer us on at mile 8. Did I mention it was 70 degrees at start time? And, of course, they were there at the finish line too. Great pics, Kyle.

31

2010-11-17T14:25:00.001-08:00

These pics are from last years birthday night out with girlfriends. I think I failed to post them a year ago with all the excitement and surprise of my sisters flying in. I do need to give a shout out to my friends for taking me out last year for the big 30! Fine dining with good company followed by some serious roller coaster riding at Kemah Boardwalk. It was way too thrilling for all of us if I remember correctly--minus Brenya who was the purse holder as she was expecting. And on a side note I recall getting my hair done this same day when my stylist found my first grey hair. How's that for turning 30!

I celebrated again this week with primarily the same lovely group at Lupe Tortillas. No pics. Thanks for taking me out and spoiling me.

To celebrate my 31st tonight, Kyle and I made it out to Killen's Steakhouse for a long overdue meal without interruption. Meant to take pictures. And, Kyle, I am writing this down in cyberspace only because I don't want to forget, but I loved your handwritten letter that had the look of a Baker Botts paycheck with envelope and all. Classic you. Aside from dining with Kyle and the kids serving me breakfast in bed my best birthday gift to myself came in the form of a clean house--one that I didn't clean. And because I wasn't busy cleaning I had time to post about it on Facebook: "$60 to clean parts of my house I couldn't get to this week--priceless. A first for me. Used birthday $ to treat myself with the thought of company arriving tonight and a half marathon on Saturday. Money well spent. My home smells of fabuloso and that's exactly how I feel."

Baby Scout

2010-10-19T07:15:00.001-07:00

This picture speaks for itself. It also speaks for how the rest of us felt whenever we got our hands on baby Scout. She is so cute. We love the way she smells, looks, feels, and even burps. She is beautiful. And she is a perfect addition to Deborah and Vinnie's family. Reese and I loved waking up at Deborah's to a house full of cousins and fun. Doing laundry was pretty cool too, in that it made me appreciate how much less I have to do at my own house. Good luck staying on top of that one Deborah.

Reese was happy to stay with Grandma Patsy on the night we flew in while I attended a Timpview High School football game. I went to watch spunky Lexee cheer during the first half of the game and then perform at halftime. She was the most talented and coordinated dancer there, really she was--when she wanted to be. :) And correct me if I'm wrong but isn't Timpview one of the more privileged schools in the valley? Well, you certainly wouldn't have known it by the quality of their mascots getup! Pretty sure some local ladies must have whipped this costume up at an Enrichment where I'm also pretty sure that Napoleon Dynamite was a guest.

Gardner Village was a treat. Lots of very well made-up witches. Pretty sure my sisters were annoyed with all the stops I continued to make so that I could snap a pic or stops just to take in the crispy fall moment. Living in south Texas leaves me longing for fall weather. I can definitely do without long winters but there is nothing that I miss more than fall. From left to right: Davis, Lexee, Kylee, Mia and Reese.

When I arrived in Utah Deborah was ill with numerous things I will not mention. So we played it close to home mostly. She felt much better towards the end of my stay and wanted nothing more than to go out with her sisters minus 5 children. So we did. Sarah picked a fine restaurant in Salt Lake just down from the Capitol called Eva. It was delicious. Among many other dishes we had that night Deborah and I felt we must order ratatouille pizza in honor of our kids. It was good too.

Also on this night we were on the 10:00 o'clock news. But you probably didn't notice us in the background walking aimlessly around or jumping up and down behind the anchor man's desk. He did though. Hind sight I hope that no one noticed us. We probably looked like we were one of two things: intoxicated or really hard up for a night out with no children. Or maybe a little of both? Who knows. We had the best time.

A couple of views from my run. And, yes, I had time to take these shots while my lungs were catching a break. I couldn't pass it up. Utah is beautiful.

We loved seeing all of you.

Ty is tardy

2010-10-07T08:08:00.001-07:00

And for that matter so was Jaden. While it didn't phase her, it was proving detrimental to Ty guy.

We've only occasionally cut it close in our efforts to make it to school on time. Ty unnecessarily worries about being late for school throughout the getting-ready-morning-minutes. It might have a little bit to do with his sister's nonchalant demeanor as it applies to being prompt for school. She's typically the last one in the car. That's one difference between a 1st and 5th grader. So you can imagine Ty's panic last week when I was the first to wake at 10 minutes to 8:00 (that's another story). Mind you school starts at 8:00. Ty was irrational from the minute I woke him. Being labeled tardy was more than Ty could fathom. And I mean labeled in the literal sense. The secretary prints out a label that reads TARDY. After which, the sticker is slapped to their chest and worn on their shirt for the seemingly extra long walk to class.

So picture Ty in tears, frantically rummaging through his basket for school clothes. Then picture Jaden, as cool as a cucumber as she leisurely bellies up to the bar for breakfast. Classic. This is where I decide to turn this thing on its head. So I tell the kids, "well, if we were going to be late than we might as well be really late and what better than donuts to help us do it." To this they responded, "yeah right mom" because this is so uncharacteristic of me. Really it is. For two reasons: 1. I never (rarely) break from routine and 2. what a horrible, unhealthy breakfast. Something I am usually against. Don't you fret, I made them pound a bowl of oatmeal before we left for the donut shop.

After donuts we arrived at the school by 9:00. Protective big sis hurried in before the rest of us to prep the secretary of Ty's concern. The secretary was kind and proceeded to tell Ty that even teachers are late to school. That information seemed to do the trick. He responsibly took his tardy sticker from her and asked if he could carry it instead of apply it to his shirt.

Grandpa Lynn and his iPad make a visit

2010-10-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Lynn flew in for a three day visit. The kids were thrilled. Reese especially benefitted from his trip by getting to know him. If you were to ask her about her grandpa Lynn she'd say that he has a mustache and he's going to take her favorite pink blanket. Jaden and Ty were on pins and needles for his arrival. They already know him well enough to know that they could count on some over-the-top teasing, a visit to the donut shop and some genuine interrogation about their lives and well being.

We dined at Sakura, Rain Forest and Gringo's where Lynn claimed his dish was the best Mexican food he'd ever had. And that's saying something because this guy eats out more than anyone I know. However, he is extremely easy to please. We had a great day at the beach. The kids got to go un-birthday shopping. We fished at a nearby lake but came up empty handed. And my personal favorite was taking him to both Jaden and Ty's soccer games. I enjoy watching Kyle coach the kids but I particularly got a kick out of both Lynn and Kyle coaching the kids that day.

The pic of the weekend, in my opinion.

A Few Fall Firsts

2010-09-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

Jaden has mostly hung up her dancing shoes for soccer cleats (minus one lyrical dance class). She was 4 years old the last time she played soccer, which doesn't really count. If you ask me, I think that after Jaden sat through a plethora of Ty's practices and games these past 2 years that she thought it pretty cool after all and wanted in.

It's quite an understatement when I say that Jaden came out for Saturday's game pretty fired up. Here's just one example of her over enthusiastic state of mind: The referee had just dropped the ball at center field to set up for the opposing team to kick off. Not a player on either team was moving around much as they were waiting for the ref to blow the whistle to begin play. Jaden had no idea what was going on really but she saw a loose ball and with everyone else still standing she ran straight at it and proceeded to kick it straight off the field! Only for the said referee to have to retrieve it once again, bring it back to center field and stave Jaden off until she blew her whistle. If I were to use one word to describe Jaden's first game it would be: eager! It was a blast to watch. Shown above with her good friend Reagan--this is their "dead deer pose." Don't ask.

Here's Ty as he begins his first season of flag football. But don't worry (Brenya) Ty will still be playing soccer as well. Only 3 out of the 9 games will interfere with each other, luckily. I just hope this kid doesn't run out of legs on Saturdays. Here's how Ty's Saturday mornings will stack up this fall: One flag football practice, followed by a flag football game, followed by a lengthy soccer game on an oversized soccer field (in my opinion) . . . and all before noon! But he LOVES it, so far. And he is OH SO FUN to watch! Kyle is a coach for all three teams and he's pretty fun to watch too.

And last, but never least, little Reesey is taking a dance class of her own. She is so thrilled to be doing so. I can, and do, hold the class over her head periodically throughout the day. Works like a charm. So fun to have this little one to dote over while the other two are away. We are having the best time together.

Two Digits

2010-08-24T22:34:00.001-07:00

Jaden is 10! That is so very hard to believe. Here are ten things we want to remember about Jaden:

10. Jaden will automatically cry if she witnesses someone else crying.

9. Jaden loves a good sleep-in.

8. Jaden babysits every now and then so mom and dad can go out. Typically, we leave for a nearby restaurant after Reese is tucked in and Ty is glued to the Wii. She is paid in HGTV minutes. Which leads me to number 7.

7. Hands down Jaden's favorite TV show is anything on the HGTV channel. At any given time of day you can find episodes on home decorating, landscaping design, remodeling, etc. She prefers it over anything else. And if you ask me, I think it's well spent TV-time.

6. Jaden has a real knack for decorating and designing. She has recently taken on designing/redecorating a little neighborhood girl's bedroom. Her name is Elle. Elle's parents have given Jaden a small budget to work with. Jaden (with Elle's input) has sketched 3 different design options for Elle's room. It's been really fun to watch. Only every now and then have the other mom and I had steer them in different/less expensive directions.

5. Jaden loathes piano practice. It is like pulling to teeth to get her to practice. I guess the apple doesn't fall to far from the tree, huh Kyle? And thanks for sharing all of your childhood piano horror stories with her, it only fuels her fire.

4. Jaden is an excellent teacher. For the past 2 summers she has created and held her own little school in our home. Her students range from preschool age to 6 years old. This summer she had 10 students coming on 2 different days. She creates her lessons plans, makes lunches, designs and decorates her classroom (our game room), and collects payment from the mothers. She earned nearly $150.00 this summer. She even has the kind and bossy "teacher voice" going for her. Which brings me to number 3.

3. Jaden is bossy. I don't know where she gets it from. (We're both working on it.)

2. Jaden is: A pleaser. An excellent student. A great reader. A helpful big sister. A persistent dancer. A determined soccer player. And . . .

1. Jaden was the perfect way to start growing our family!

P.S. No, the cake did not fall off of the platter. And yes, I made Jaden hold the cake near the presents for a picture. Don't worry she was ever so willing. She too enjoys the presentation . . . just about as much as the gifts.

Moving up a chair . . .

2010-08-23T17:10:00.001-07:00

Back to school today. Everyone woke excited. Ty will enter first grade and Jaden will begin her last year of elementary school in the 5th grade. In fact, this is the last time both Jaden and Ty will be in school together. Jaden would tell you that she can't wait to be attending a different school than her little brother. But that's what she would tell you and that is not how she really feels! She's going to miss him.

Ty wanted to set his alarm for 4:30 a.m. Thank goodness he was talked out of that. Instead he woke at 6:30 and was fully dressed and raring to go by 6:35. Ty's teachers name is Ms. Wang--hand selected by me, of course. I don't spend hours on end at the school volunteering for nothing. She is lovely and will be a perfect fit for Ty this year. However, if Ty would have been able to request his teacher, he would have chosen Mrs. Martin. Word on the street is that Mrs. Martin lets you bring toys to class. Yeah, I didn't hear about that all summer long or anything. Something else we often heard Ty utter during the last few weeks of summer was this: "I can't wait to go back to school so I don't have to do so many chores!" That kid can't see past the end of his nose. Even after diagramming and comparing how many hours he spends doing chores in a day to how many hours he'd be spending at school, it was still worth it to him to go back to school. FYI, the kid spends an hour at most doing his daily chores.

Jaden, well, I no longer get to hand select Jaden's teachers. Her grades do the selecting. So far she has been placed with those teachers I would have personally selected anyway. This year she will have Mr. Brantner and Mrs. Matula. We are excited to hear about Mr. Brantner's lessons involving his beloved guitar. Images from the movie School of Rock with Jack Black keep filtering into my mind. In fact, Mr. Brantner looks like a skinnier, similarly hairy Jack Black with beard and all. Stay tuned on that one. And both Kyle and I were thrilled to learn that Jaden would be studying US history in Mrs. Matula's class. Dinner conversations are going to be exciting. I'm sure I'll be learning a thing or two!

Here's to another big year learning and growing you two!

Copied from the blog of our recent photographer

2010-07-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

Anything for a picture…

This is one of my most memorable sessions ever! It started out very “normal”. We were about done with the shoot but we decided to change locations to the mountains… This darling family lives in Texas so they wanted to get a picture by the mountains since they don’t have many where they live. They hopped in their borrowed car and followed me up to my home where we would take a couple more shots. Well half way there they pulled over. I was like oh their cute little potty training girl needed to stop, no big deal. Well it was actually a bigger problem… their tire had blown up!! Dad wanted to fix it but I still wanted them to have their mountain picture. This is my problem… I never know when to call it good. Dan is always on my case about this! So anyway, the mom and three kids all piled in my back seat. We left Dad to tend to the tire. We four wheeled up to this amazing spot and got the kids all settled down and ready for the famous “ONE MORE” shot. Mom hopped out of the way and I frantically turned around to back up so that I didn’t miss the shot and two inches from my foot slithered the biggest snake I’ve ever seen in real life!!!!!! It was not black and it was not a garden snake so that only meant one thing…. I wanted to DIE!! What was I going to do??? I couldn’t freak out the kids but I couldn’t even breath or move. I seriously just stood there. I finally mouthed to the Mom… UM…. SNAKE!! We just stared at each other in shock. How were we going to get the kids past the snake back to the car and were there more?? After what seemed like eternity we finally made it to the dirt road a couple feet from where the snake was and you know me. I made the kids all hold hands and SNAPPED this shot. After the TIRE and the SNAKE I was not letting this family go back to Texas without their mountain picture. Needless to say, I haven’t gone back to this spot. I am so tempted though!