Boys Will Be Boys

Shamu...Shamu!

2011-08-14T17:48:00.009-05:00

Summer would not be complete without our annual trip to Sea World. My dad and Drew really love Sea World, so I tried to schedule a time when they could go. Unfortunately, Drew's work schedule did not allow him to go with us, but Papa did get to go! Friday night the boys and I drove to San Antonio, visited Sea World for a couple of hours, and then ate and slept - long!!! Saturday morning, Mom and Dad drove up, and we all headed there for the day. The crowd was not THAT bad - at first!

We decided on Elmo and his Pirate friends (I think)...

Then was the dreaded questions..."Can I ride The Atlantis?" I am NOT a roller coaster person, so I knew it was not going to be me that went with him.... When Papa said that he would ride with him, Bryce jumped on it quickly! So, after much internal arguing, I decided that I needed to let him go...So here goes the story!

Up they go...

This was kinda scary...so they say!

Down they come.....

Jake waiting patiently...He got a little wet waiting for them...I was afraid that his little legs (as he calls them) would be chaffed, but he dried very quickly.

And the finale...Papa cheering! Bryce just smiling BIG time!

Here come "The Atlantis" riders...a little white, but Bryce didn't saying how much fun it was and how exciting it was to have Papa there.

We, then, took a short break for shows and headed to eat. At Shamu Steakhouse, the food smelled wonderful, especially for amusement park food! So, we decided that's where lunch would be. After that we headed to Azul - our most favorite show ever! Unfortunately, that was everyone else's idea, too, because it was PACKED. It was hard to get good pictures, but I tried!

And then the Cool Vibrations Show - We may have watched that show before eating - the heat has gotten to my brain!

And finally, SHAMU, SHAMU...Friday night the boys and I watched the Shamu Rocks show. It was amazing...the music was awesome! The boys couldn't believe I knew all the songs! I tried to get them to compete in the Air Guitar competition....but that didn't work out so great!

Jake was telling me that the people out there (the other audience members) want him to spray them! He looks so angelic sitting there! I love this look!

Papa enjoying a water fan before the show started!

Poor GG...She was sitting right next to a rather smelly lady. I think that they were probably playing in the water all day and never reapplied deodorant! Every place we went to, there were stinky people!

Nonetheless, Shamu showed up and finished an awesome show!

Where were you???

2011-08-09T23:05:00.002-05:00

We all decided that we were going to "be somewhere" or "be something" by the time we turned a certain age. Well, have you make you "something" or "somewhere"? I can say yes and no...

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, a mom, an amazing friend, a supportive sister and daughter, and someone my children and family would be proud of. There is nothing more rewarding than to be the shoulder that a family member needs, an ear that needs to listen, even the person that they need to vent to. It's what family is all about - being there for each other! Friends are an important part of my day...they are my way out of a crazy life! They make me laugh...They have my back...They are my support...They are what gets me through a day, most days! Then there's being a mom!! Kids have always been like a magnet to me. I want to be the mom that they look up to, want to be like, and are proud of! I think that I have managed to be those things for them!

What I didn't think I would be doing is raising 2 boys as a single mother. I am not raising my boys alone, because I have my family right by my side. In addition, the boys have their dad. Jason is a good father to them, and I love to hear the stories they come back with! I also never thought I'd have two masters degrees, 2 certifications, and 10 years of teaching experience under my belt! Wow! That sounds exciting, doesn't it! So, all in all...I haven't done too bad?

How about you? Are you where you thought you would be.....?

A Weekend at Rockport

2011-07-24T19:01:00.010-05:00

Most of the men in my life...Jake was napping, so he's missing!

Mia and Me...

GeeGee and Mia - who knew marshmallows would have been such a hit at the BEACH?!

Booty being Booty

Dylan and Drew enjoying time together! Love to see the smiles :)

My brothers were quite the party Saturday - like all day! Jake was so tired and needed a nap, so I stayed in the room with him while he slept. Bryce made friends and was in and out of the room - watching Spongebob, eating snacks, and just cooling off! Because our rooms were right by the pool, I just left the door open and went to the pool to hang out with the adults. I'm glad that I was able to spend this time with my family...it was FUN!!

Okay...so Mia, Bryce, Jake, and I are at the pool. The guys and Mom were BBQ-ing. I was very nonchalantly trying to shoo away a yellow jacket that was on the water but was on Mia. Well, she caught wind of what I was doing and freaked!!! As she lifted her leg, the yellow jacket stung her.....Bryce went to get those whom left me!!!! They came back, and Uncle Booty saved the day.....

That night we headed to the pier...

The end of our trip...we were watching the boys and Mia swim one last time! These smiles are priceless....

Enough said.....Our rocks!

Papa, you have no idea what you are to each one of us! You are a man that no one can measure up to... One day I pray that my boys will be the man you are! I love you and hope that one day I can repay you for all you have done for me!!

And my family...all of us together! Through tear-filled eyes, we all parted our separate ways!! We had a blast, made memories, and most of all reminded each other what family is all about....being together and having fun!!!

Do you take good enough care of your teeth?

2011-07-16T20:43:00.003-05:00

Brushing isn't enough....Bryce has been complaining of a toothache. Soon there after he had a sore throat - later finding out it was strep - so we chalked it up to his throat hurting because he never said toothache. He said his "mouth hurts". After doctor visits - got antibiotics, and dental visits - Dr. Mel suggested a pediatric dentist, one last visit with Dr. Ken, we were scheduled for dental surgery to remove very bad baby teeth, cap some baby teeth, and crown his permanent teeth FOR THE NEXT DAY!

Friday morning we woke up at 6:00 am and left for Victoria by 7:15. At 8:30 we were called in to register him for surgery. By 10:15, he was given his happy juice - only after spitting it out once! The second time, Mom's touch worked! He took the juice and by 10:45 he was rolled back into the pre-op room. Jason and I stayed with him until they wheeled him out. He was such a champ...no worries, no fears, just a silly mouth to a doctor that encouraged it :)!

So in the waiting room, Jason, Mom, and I froze our booties off! It was really nice to visit and it helped pass the time. I also got caught up on my book but didn't get as far as I wanted. The sweet nurse liason checked on Bryce a couple of times during the surgery and kept up very in tune with what was going on and how he was...again, we were blessed with some of the best treatment!

Finally around 1:00, Dr. Ken came out to find us. We went into the Consultation Room where he filled us in on what went on behind closed doors. He also gave lots of information on what the post-op will be like! He was very patient and caring towards Jason and me and Bryce. Dr. Ken, then took us back to where Bryce was....

His very limp and tired body made me sad. He lay there with tubes and a bloody mouth. The nurse was amazing and quickly took out the bloody stuff and cleaned him up. Jason and I shared with her how he came out of anesthesia last time (when he has his tonsils taken out) and that we didn't want that to happen again. Bryce woke up on his own, and he was amazing! No anger fits! No nothing, expect wanting his mom! I sat right there next to him while Jason was at his feet - a perfect scenario to a scared little boy. We visited for a long time...talked to him and nurse...made sure he was very much awake before we were on our way!

GeeGee drove us home, and put us both to sleep! She was a true champ, hanging out with us and keeping us company! Bryce and I slept for a good 3 hours. When he woke up, he was hungry. I should have known that something too heavy on his tummy wouldn't agree with him - and it didn't! Shortly after a couple of bites of macs-n-cheese, it came back up....twice! Poor baby - he didn't want me far from him at all! He slept on me some of the night - tossing and turning most of it!

Today, Saturday, he woke up not in real good shape. He kept his food down but couldn't move around much. His throat hurt more than his teeth - so he says! After lots of snuggling with me and taking it easy, it was time for him to head to Jason's house. ** Jason kept Jake overnight while I kept Bryce at home, where he was most comfortable - thank goodness! ** Bryce was very excited to stay with his daddy...and after checking on him right now, he is doing okay. He ate some Mrs. Grass's soup and took a ride outside....which he needed! He needed to go out and get some fresh air!

Thanks to Dr. Ken and his staff for all of the help, patience, and care of Bryce!

Night before surgery...

Look at all that silver...he thought they were going to be gold!

Snuggling in bed with me!

Bryce took this picture of himself this morning - day after surger!

Beach Bound

2011-07-16T19:35:00.009-05:00

Every year we take a vacation with the The Winkenwerder Family! This year we decided to take a trip to the beach and headed to Port Aransas. We stayed at La Mirage and enjoyed every minute of our trip...The pictures will speak for themselves!

Our first stop was at the Aransas Pass Aquatic Center in Aransas Pass...

Uncle Wink checking out the diving boards - high & low spring boards

The kiddy mushroom hangout

The three slides - steep, fast, and my kind of speed

The Boys playing...
Colton doing a cannonball

Connor doing a pencil

Hi, Jake

Bryce hitting the slide

Then we hit Port A

A sea gull poops on Bryce's arm...

We had a blast...how's your summer going?

Lost Pines......or Lost Pineapples

2011-07-08T22:17:00.015-05:00

Over the Fourth of July weekend, the boys and I, Dusty and Mia, and GeeGee & Papa enjoyed a relaxing time in the hill country - Bastrop...The Lost Pines Hyatt Resort! There really aren't words that could describe how much fun everyone had - even the adults! The kids played in the water, showed us their swim moves, and tried to soak it all in! Of course we all forgot a camera at home, so our first stop was a Wal-Mart to purchase a quick camera to capture the weekend...and I might add that for a cheap one, it did pretty darn good!!! :)

Friday:

We tried for an early check in, but it didn't happen...they were very accommodating though and allowed us to change into our bathing suits and pass the time at the pool...thank goodness!!!

That evening the kids got to roast marshmallows and make smores. They loved it! I kinda did, too! Of course with the weather is 96 degrees, it's tough to enjoy the FIRE!! Then we headed back to the room and WENT TO BED!

Saturday:
They got to ride horses...it was quite an adventure for the guides! She shared with us that Bryce used to watch the cows give the bulls piggy back rides at the farm....she just laughed!

Then we enjoyed a day of fun in the sun some more...

We truly enjoyed our weekend and can't wait for the next couple of weekends...

Settled in....

2011-04-10T14:28:00.002-05:00

I think it is safe to say that the adjustment to moving has been a success, but not because I didn't work at it!!! It wasn't easy! The boys were born & raised in the country-not anyone within miles of us, a tank & fishing pole at our fingertips, enough acreage that one could get lost, and only the sounds of frogs, birds, & cows!!! Heaven! So a move into town was scary-for all of us! I slowly eased the boys into it. We would talk about it, visit the new house, make decisions about it together, check on the progress, etc. Then over spring break, we made the move! The boys did well!! I gave Jason an extra weekend because the boys need to have the consistency! When theta have more than one weekend in a row with either of us & our routine is squished! That also gave me a chance to get REALLY situated!!! Since then I wonder how I've made it as long as I have living so far out!! CCD, baseball games & practice, grocery nights, just getting home is so much easier!! Plus, I'm pretty sure Mom & Dad a loving the fact that I don't have to camp out at their house!!

This weekend, I decided to bring Whiskey into town with us. Between Mom,Dad, & I we were making trips out to the farm to feed Whiskey & Goober. Well, it seems as though Goober got tired of us not being there and bailed!!! Whiskey handled it so well!! No accidents, no whinning, no barking, no problems!! Now we haven't left her for a full day yet, though! That may be the kicker....of course we don't have a fenced in backyard yet so........only time will tell!!

All Aboard

2010-12-30T21:41:00.002-06:00

I will never hear the sound of a train, drink hot chocolate, or watch The Polar Express and not think of our trip tp Palestine!! Yes, it's in Texas...about two movies away from Shiner! A friend of mine & her husband (also a friend) took their kiddos there a couple of years ago & my mom fell in love with her pictures!!! Mom told me that she was going to take Bryce, Jake, & Mia there one day....well, December 4, 2010 was THE ONE day!!! Mom, Dad, Dusty, Mia, Bryce, Jake, and me loaded up & headed east-way east!!! The trip was worth every second as were the memories we made!!

We got there very early & sat & sat & SAT!! but it was so worth it!!! We sang Christmas carols & most importantly got really good seats!! They called us on board & so began our journey...hot chocolate & cookies soon followed along with singing & dancing in the aisles!!! Then we read the story of The Polar Express....then we arrived at The North Pole to pick up none other than Santsa himself!! He came down the aisle and handed each child their first gift at Christmas....the most precious thing I heard was Jake ringing his bell & says, "Mommy, I DO believe!!" that did my heart good!! EVERYONE had smiles on their faces...we couldn't help it! It was the start of a magical Christmas!!

You can view the pictures on Facebook under The Polar Express

Thanks GeeGee & Pappa for the trip that we remember daily....in fact we had hot chocolate this morning and Jake says "Allll aboarrrrrd"

Merry Christmas

2010-12-29T21:43:00.004-06:00

Not really sure where to begin with catching everyone up!! It's been since August that I've updated. So here's the best I can do.....

Jake:
He is growing like a weed!! Every day is something new & interesting in his life! He is the sweetest, kindest, most loving child I think I know! He handles most everything that is handed to him-literally & figuratively!! He has continued talking up a storm. The most popular line is "I not mean. I niicccceeeee". Of course this comes out usually after he & Bryce have gotten into an argument and/or disagreement. He blames Bryce & then clearly states that he's "niiccceee"! The first couple of times I bought it...now it's just be come a joke!!

Jake loves footballs & baseball! In Wal-Mart-Mom & I took Bryce, Mia, & Jake to eat-Jake insisted that he have a metal bat just because. I did everything to change his mind: we have to go to Academy & get fitted for one, you don't want a red one, it's too small, etc. He didn't care! He wanted it....no, he didn't get it, but settled on a Nerf one.

Santa was very good to him!! Jason was very understanding & allowed the boys to stay one night with me over Christmas!! I so appreciated that:) The boys & I opened presents on the 23rd. Jake got his "whore"!!! Yes that is correct!!! Of course he has no idea what that word is & NEITHER DID WE!!!! He would get so mad when we would ask for clarification. He said you pull it apart, spin it around, & close it up real fast. Now, I'm not the most educated, but that sounds about right!!! In addition I can buy it at Target! He even told Santa & Father Bob this!!! As we would ask questions, he said it louder & with more emphasis!!! Well, after MONTHS of trying to figure this out....I took him to Target!!! Yay! We figured it out-a SWORD!!!! Yep-in Target, he announces, "Momma, my whore!" Yes, I immediately say,"that's what you were talking about." and send out a mass text to all those interested!!!

He also got Teddy bears and lots of toys....we were supposed to be downsizing!

Bryce:
Wow!! That about sums him up! He has become this little person that seems to understand life just like us...he is reading! Now as a reading teacher for NINE years, this pleases me!! Does he tease Harry Potter? No, but he is sounding out words & able to put sentences together!! This is a start!! Math...I'll be interested to see what the second semester brings.

Bryce also enjoyed his Christmas... He is at the age that he REALLY believes in Santa!!! My dad took him, Jake, & Mia for a mule ride so that we could put out the presents----TO LOOK FOR SANTA!!! Well, it worked! Dad said that he would see red & say,"maybe that's him", or hear a noise & make them think it was jingle bells.....I mean he had em going, which he's really good at!!!

Bryce got a DSiXL.....this was all he asked for!!! Of course, it's not all he got!! He really likes the Legos & remote control helicopter....that was something he & his Pappa were checking out one weekend! Lots of Mario stuff & more

All in all the gifts were appreciated & perfect for them! But we can't forget why CHRISTmas is what it is...and I hope to instill this in the boys!

Me:
I can sum it up in just a few amazing words.....God is good!!! Love MY life & MY boys!!!

2010-08-11T19:03:00.004-05:00

My poor Jake! He always seems to have some type of problems...things always happen to him! Bryce was always sick and was always on medicine, but Jake is my if-it's-gonna-happen, it's-gonna-happen-to-me kind of kid!! Today I had him at the pediatrician...his pooper wasn't working very well! After many invasive exams, we ended up at the regional center for blood work...it all ended up being okay, but they kept the nasty sample for a couple of more tests. We'll see!

My big boy is about to start kindergarten!! He's ready for it, but a little apprehensive about what is going to happen...In a previous post, I mentioned that he has so many questions-and he does! He is in a really good class...many of the parents I know, and Bryce has played soccer, played baseball, and gone to CCD with many of the kids in his class! Oh, Mrs. Wenske! I hope that he has a great year, and I have very high expectations for him-that's the mom in me! The teacher in me says I hope that he learns many life long lessons and strategies to make him successful in life!

Upcoming weeks....

2010-07-30T12:04:00.003-05:00

Wow!! This summer is almost over & I feel like I've gotten NOTHING done! And the next couple of weeks aren't going to be any slower...tonight the boys leave to stay with Jason for a week...again, they are soooo excited! So next week I plan to keep myself busy at school, getting my room ready, planning what we are going to teach, & organizing my things for Meet the Teacher night!! So much to do, so little time!

The following week, I plan to spend time with the boys doing fun stuff-we may go to Splashway again, watch a movie, & finish up school shopping...not looking forward to that!

2010-07-09T15:16:00.002-05:00

Jake & Bryce being silly!!

H & C Construction Co., Inc.

2010-07-09T14:14:00.005-05:00

The boys love to climb on Papa's trucks! They love tractors, too, but Papa's trucks are very special to them! Mom was at a meeting one night, so Dad & I took the boys to The Shop for some fun. We took a mule ride there and enjoyed our evening together!

Bryce's Swimming lessons

2010-07-09T14:09:00.003-05:00

I was very surprised to see how much Bryce remembered from swimming lessons last year! He couldn't get in with Mrs. Strauss and Alyssa, so Kelsea Panus. Bryce was reminded of many of the things he learned last year...YAY! At the beach he was swimming like a fish!!

More Pics

2010-07-09T14:07:00.000-05:00

Just some fun pics....

2010-07-09T14:02:00.003-05:00

How our lives take a turn, Part II

2010-07-09T12:06:00.007-05:00

Wow, looking at the last post that I blogged, I was reminded how our lives take a turn. Today I am living proof that though our lives take a turn, we can either turn with them and make the best of a situation or we can battle each and every corner, to only find ourselves in the same spot.

I am blessed to have two beautiful, healthy boys. I almost said baby boys...they are not baby boys anymore, they are big boys...growing every minute!! Bryce will start kindergarten this fall. He is anxious to get started but has some anxiety as well. Of course anyone that has been keeping up with my facebook knows that Bryce is very inquisitive; so the questions have been flowing-when will we eat lunch, what time is school over, who is going to be in my class, will I see you when it's over, etc. I think that Bryce is going to do very well...he has always been a creature of habit and needs structure!!

It took some time for Jake to start talking, but boy let me tell you, he's gotten it down now!!! He talks my ear off! Some of his words are difficult to understand unless he uses his hands to talk or you were in on the conversation from the beginning. We still aren't sure what hand he will write with or throw with, or bat with, but we know what either one will suit him well. He loves to follow and do everything that his big brother does-EVERYTHING! And Bryce just eats that up-he knows how to encourage Jake to do the not-so-good things...but they love to join forces and alliances against ME!!!

Here is a month-by-month update:

May:
For those of you that do not know, Jason moved out on the boys and me the first weekend in May. Since then he and I have realized that our lives just couldn't be the same together, so we've decided to end our marriage. Though I have lost the love of my life, God has a plan for both Jason and me, and I will not challenge His plan or intentions! Jason and I are both in better places now and only have our boys' lives and future in mind! Enough on this...

Mother's Day was a little bitter sweet! I had my boys with me and celebrate with my mom as well, but the one man that had a huge hand my be being a mom was not there! We had a great time-an evening meal with my parents and lots of tears and laughs thoughout the day!!!

Beginning in September, I will begin my principal certification program. I will attend with a great friend of mine in Houston through the Harris County Education Department. I am a little worried about this journey, but I've been told not to. The program prepares everyone very well...that makes me feel a little better!!!

The boys spent a weekend with their dad! That was tough for me...not because they were with him, but because I'm usually not away from the boys at all! But I did very well...in fact, I slept for the first time in quite some time! I got the house cleaned very well, and I caught up on my book! These are things that I would NEVER have been able to do with the boys around...not well anyway!

June:
We finally got out of school on June 4th. The kids left on the 3rd, but we had an inservice on June 4th! And so my summer begins...HA!!! The following week, I attended a training 2 days that week, worked in my classroom, and tried to make sense of my life! No progress...

Happy Father's Day...Again another bitter sweet moment! Jason is a very good day-a great dad! I'm sure he loved spending the weekend with the boys, and I know the boys had a great time with him. I celebrated with Dusty and dad; the boys joined us later that evening..Dads hold a very special place in my heart...

On the 24th (I think), some of my teacher friends and I took our kids to Splashway in SHeridian! The kids had a blast, as did the adults...Thanks Tamela, Jenny, Michelle, JD, Kristyn, Brett, Ross, Austin, Delaney, and Riley!

That weekend, my family and I took our annual beach trip! I can honestly say that I haven't had that much fun in a LONG time! I laughed so hard at and with my brothers. There were many times when I just had to walk in the house to wipe away my tears...it's been a long time since we've all been together and laughed like we did! I am thankful to have them in my life...today and always!

July:
Wow, hard to say July, already! Fourth of July rained out our plans of going to Waco and visiting the zoo and a water park. I would have had to make that trip by myself and I really did NOT want to do that, so the boys and I stayed in Shiner...we had fun, I guess. We went down to the Half Moon Holidays in Shiner thinking that we could hear some good music and eat a snowcone, well, we did it all! The music was really good...and the snowcone was awesome! I ended up eating Bryce and Jake's. The cookoff seemed to be lots of fun as well. Jason cooked with Russell and Brandon; they ended up earning 4 plaques! Way to go, guys!!

This brings me to this week....I had NOTHING planned at all. Next week the boys are going to be with Jason all week long, so I wanted to spend as much time with them as possible. Well, Monday was a holiday...Dusty asked me to keep Mia this week because his babysitter is gone to camp. I thought this would be fun and decided to do it for him!! Well, it was as long as Bryce and Mia were occuppied...Tuesday we spent the day running errands. Wednesday, we went to watch Toy Story 3-highly overrated! THe damn monkey scared the tar out of them! He was evil...Thursday, we stayed at the farm all day long-never will be in one place for too long again! They drove me nuts! Today we have been to Yoakum to the bank and now at GeeGee and Papa's house to rest until picking up Jake! We had fun, but having a girl in the mix is something I'm not used to! Mia also spent the night with us last night....wow, what an adventure 3 kids were at nighttime!!!

To finish up this month:
Today, Friday the 9th, Jason is going to come pick up the boys and keep them until the 18th. They are going to have fun! Not really sure what they have planned but the boys are just excited to be around their daddy!

Next week, Tamela and I are going to do some woman stuff!! Ha! I have to take my laptop to get reimaged. I have to take my ESL test on the 17th. Then the boys come back on the 18th...YAY!! On the 20th, we are getting together with frieds and taking our kids to the SA Zoo-can't wait for that!!

Later in the month, the Winkenwerders and I have plans to take the boys to Sea
World and the SA Zoo...that should be fun!

That brings us to August...and I just can't seem to even think about that right now!

2009-11-29T15:43:00.002-06:00

Well, we have been quite busy around here! In fact, so busy that I haven't had time to sit down at the computer and update in awhile...Since my last post in August, I think, we have finished the summer, began the 09-10 school year, trick or treated, had tonsils & adenoids taken out, ate a bunch at Thanksgiving, recovered from tonsils and adenoid surgery, and slept in there somewhere!!! So to begin...

August:
The school year is off and running. I have a wonden nb b/v /rful bunch of kids this year and am blessed to work with such a great group of people. Actually, friends! I don't just work with people, I work with friends...

September:
Nothing major...we had a couple of birthdays in there, visited different ENTs until I found one that I truly like and felt comfortable with, began dove season :O Jason has actually been really good at managing our time with him and his time alone! Of course if he is not with us he's alone, so that means not much alone time for myself. But I love my boys and love spending time with them!!

October:
Trick or treating! The boys had a blast! They were both pirates and were adorable...guess you aren't supposed to call boys-or boy pirates-adorable, but they were!! Pappa drove us around on a hay ride while Jason and I took the kids off to knock on doors...They Jason and I finished the night with a Halloween party! I even got him to dress up...Are you ready for this? He was a gorilla, and I was a banana! It was hilarious... Bet I won't get him to do that again?!

Novemeber:
And so here we are-November 29th! The beginning of November was very slow-couple of holidays from school! Jason was hunting every weekend thus far. Bryce had his tonsils and adenoids taken out on November 19th. That will be a day that I never forget...I had to leave my son in the hands of someone I'd only met once. It all worked out okay, and the staff there was great! Going back there after surgery, and that was a different story. Still everyone was excellent, but Bryce on the other hand did not handle everything very well. After talking to other people, their kids did the same thing. I have hte bruises to prove the strength this child has. It was truly unreal

We had an awesome Thanksgiving-or rather, Thanksgivings. We ate lots, laughed even more, and shared good times with family. We were sorry to have missed Ivy and her family, but watch out Christmas!!

So this brings us to today....Jason cleaned the house for me while Jake and I went to church-a very nice surprise!! Then he put some port something on the pit...again, a very nice surprise!! I have caught myself up on all my school work, to only get behind tomorrow, I'm sure!

Real pictures take by real PhOtOgRaPhErS!

2009-10-04T16:49:00.001-05:00

I hope that this works! The boys had pictures taken by real photographers!

http://www.smiletime-images.com/images/Nerda%20slideshow/index.htm

Well, it's been a while...I know!

2009-10-04T09:20:00.005-05:00

The boys and I are crazy busy these days! This is both exciting and tiring...

Bryce:
Bryce is loving being involved in activities outside of our family. He has begun playing soccer. This was my idea to begin with. In fact, he told me that he hated soccer and was never going to play. He was not putting on shin guards, a uniform, or 'nothing.' After lots of talking and bribbing from everyone, he decided that he would at least go out there and try. Ok, well tell me one kid that does not like to run and kick a ball. Needless to say, he came off of the field after his first practice extatic!!! He loved it! And he actually did a good job!

Now, the first game was a different story....4 year olds cannot handle competition. The kids could not figure out why on earth we, their biggest fans, were cheering for both teams! Bryce had a hard time also with getting along with others. He is used to being much faster and better than his younger brother, but with kids his own age, he has a competition. He was quite aggressive on the field-and off!!

Since our first game, though, things have gotten much better! He is no longer mad or upset with himself if he doens't score a goal because he has assisted with his team scoring one....ugh! Now, he looks forward to getting on the field and playing with his buddies. He still asks me each game if I will be the one yelling the loudest and cheering for him. Of course I will Bryce! No one will yell louder than me, when it comes to my kids!

Jake:
Jake is growing up too much, too fast! He is already a year and a half!! Pretty soon we'll be celebrating his 2nd birthday! Though Jake is learning to do so much, his favorite things are WHATEVER his brother is into! I even had to get Jake some soccer guards! Both boys can be the best of friends one minute, and the next Jake has touched something he wasn't supposed to or gone somewhere he couldn't, or breathed the wrong way!

One day I was explaining to Bryce, in my most patient voice after the 5th time, that he needed to eat at the table. Well, when he took off and went into his room, I stepped into the living room and hollared at him to get into the kitchen. Well, my shadow did the same thing....he leaned over on one foot, mumbled something (it only made sense to Jake), and came back into the kitchen and pretended to cook! He cracks me up!!!

New words-
Bryce...Byce
Cracker...cacker
Cookie...ookie
football...foo-ball
ball...baw
hot...hooooot-while putting up his hand and waving it like he's not supposed to touch
Pappa's trucks...tata tucks-eventhough he can say Pappa :)
Puppy...puppy-he does pretty good!
truck...tuck
tractor...tactor
Whiskey...isky (before CPS is involved...it's our dog's name!!)

We work on new names all the time. Sometimes he gets 'em and sometimes he doesn't! Booty and Kayla are the hardest. Kelly and Greg are tuff, too, but he has said them before. I think we're gonna have to go with Syd instead of Sydeny!!

Of course the old words-
Mamma
Dadda-though now he says Daddy
GeeGee
Lilly
bath...ba
juice...juce
socks...yacks
shoes...shhhhh-oes
Bubba
Poppy

More Shamu!

2009-08-29T13:44:00.002-05:00

Ok, I now have an opportunity to finish my Shamu/Sea World uploads/blog. The boys are still talking about this trip! Bryce tells me at least a couple of times a week what his favorite part was. Jake walks around the house waving his hands up in the air saying, "mamu, mamu!" I hope that he's not expecting her to jump up and get him wet again....

Anyway, here are some pictures from the Viva show. It was the dolphins and whales show. This was the first show we say and the boys were in aw! They just stared out. We weren't sitting in a good spot, so it was a little frustrating for them. But the next day was an all together different story! Enjoy...

Of course the biggest attraction was the Believe! Shamu Show. Though the children (and adults) were absolutely amazed at the killer whale itself, and the message was uplifting, the kids were a little lost in all the talking. I remember going to Sea World and just mouth open the entire time in awww at what this 'fish' could do. Bryce had a hard time sitting still because of all the talking and not so much Shamu jumping. I will say that once Shamu made her appearance, the boys were excited.

Bryce was so scared when Shamu walked up to him, he almost wet his pants I think! He ran behind Mom and had this 'oh, shit' look on his face. Jake and I had to take a picture....

Look how close we were!!!

After the show, the boys just got to run off some sitting-still-energy! Jake had a blast playing in the dark holes in the ground...ugh! Bryce was helping corral Jake into staying with us, and not leaving with some stranger.....

Shamu! Shamu! Shamu!

2009-08-20T17:51:00.005-05:00

This past week, Mom, Dad, and I took the boys to Sea World. Jason is gone on a 2 week trip, and the boys are having a hard time with it. Every truck that Jake sees drive by, he says "Da-ddy." Then Bryce says, "No, Jake, remember Daddy is gone." They have really come together and are taking care of me and each other!! The first couple of nights were tuff. Jake just screamed, and Bryce wanted to sleep with me-so I let him!!

Here are some pictures of the boys, the 'fishes," and everyone else at Sea World....

A little nap in the parking lots of Sea World...

The first thing we see are the 'Bud' horses...and of course, Dad breaks all the rules, with my son at his side....

More pictures to come....mommy-duty calls!

GQ boys....or not!

2009-08-07T18:16:00.002-05:00

This morning, I took Bryce and Jake to have their pictures taken! The first 30 minutes were great! Bryce was a champ! Jake on the other hand.....wanted to be in everything. They did a wonderful job, & I can't wait to see the results. I felt like everytime they turned around they were looking at the camera-and I love that! They were very candid shots adn that's what I love about photography. It'll take about two weeks for the pictures to be up and visible. I'll post the link when I get it! Lazy weekend planned....gotta get ready for NEXT week!

I shed a little tear today.....

2009-08-05T23:28:00.008-05:00

Jason and I wanted to have some pictures of the boys before they graduate! When Jake was born, we took pictures at Illusions in Gonzales. They did a great job, but that was right at a year ago! Friday, I am going to take the boys for the second photo shoot together; therefore, we needed to get Jake's hair cut! Yes, I cut his hair...rather had someone else cut it! Carla at Posh Impressions cut Jake's hair. Here are some pictures of the moment!

Before the haircut. Jake was standing in the shop, just checking everything out! Grinding his teeth-not sure where this comes from!!!

Bryce was a horrible client! He screamed during the entire cut, and still gets a little worked up when it's time to have a hair cut. The hair-dresser told me that it was because he had so many ear infections...I choose to believe it's because he has to sit still for longer than 2 minutes, and he doesn't have the attention to do so... Is there anyone that knows my child that disagrees????

NOT Jake, though. He sat so still and did exactly what Ms. Carla asked him to do...look down, sit up, smile, whatever! Of course he had a car with horns, songs, and noises that kept him pretty occupied as well.

During the cut...

And of course afterward, he thought he was hot stuff...Ms. Carla gave him 2 lollipops-which he ate very well! His daddy was a little hard to convience that he needed a haircut, not that I was easy, but I got to hear, "SHE'S so cute...." Nope, no girls for me!!!

Here are the pictures after the big event...

We have some very important and busy dates coming up, so it may be awhile before I can blog about them, but know there will be stories to tell! Enjoy what's left of the summer.....hugs!

W-A-C-O...such a venture!

2009-07-29T13:33:00.004-05:00

This past weekend we drove up to Waco and visited Uncle Booty (Drew). Mom, Bryce, Jake, Kayla, and myself loaded up in my car and made the venture! The boys could not have been any better...I don't think either of them slept the whole way up there because they were so excited to see Booty. They love him and spending time with him in anyway is a treat...for everyone!

Mom, the boys, and I stayed at the Hilton, while Kayla stayed with Drew. The boys cooped up in a 20X20 hotel room with pretty things, was quite scary! I just knew something was going to break or not work after we left...luckily the hotel management hasn't called, YET!

Jake has decided that he's going to use the voice that God gave him! And boy does he. Though he is learning new words, he hasn't gotten all of the ones he truly needs; therefore he yells or whales to get our attention or what he wants! So, while eating out this whole weekend, I realized that he couldn't be such a disruption during meals. I am very big on manners-please, thank you, yes/no ma'am/sir. I thought, please...that's an easy word, and he's heard me say it a zillion times! Yes, it was, but we've used it in over-kill. Now, if Jake wants something, he says, "peeze" and thinks that he's going to get it-whatever it is!!! It still is just precious to hear....

Bryce has grown up tremendously...and so has his vocabulary! Interruptions are a big no-no in my books. That was something I had a hard time with growing up, and I don't want the boys to begin that habit! Well, too late! It must just be a kid thing. I constantly have to remind Bryce not to interrupt my converstaion if it be on the phone, in person, or via text =)So the other day while Jason and I were talking, Bryce walks up to us and says, "Mom, I'm going to interrupt your converstaion. Thank you." Before I could even respond to his statement, I busted out laughing! Crap! He used his manners and said thank you, but.....of course the conversation Jay and I were having was forgotten immediately-maybe that was his intention!

This weekend...Bryce and I head to Houston for a little Texas Trophy Hunters Extravangza.......I'm sure there will be stories!

Thursday Fun....

2009-07-23T18:59:00.003-05:00

Well, if you've been keeping up with my Facebook, you realize that Wednesday Mom and I were going to take Bryce and Mia to Splashway in Sheridan. This is a very small but perfect water park that is designed for family fun WITH KIDS. It is NOT a Schlitterbahn by any means, but it was great for Bryce and Mia! Bryce gets real excited-like uncontrollable excited-when we begin a new adventure. He wants to dive in feet-first and not think about or listen to the ins-and-outs. So, I thought I'd give him a little wake-up call. He was running in the water park and not listening to me when I told him that the rules are you have to walk. There was a really cute lifeguard-probably about 16-17-so I asked him to talk to Bryce about the rules. I watched this all unfold...and it was funny! That is until, Bryce got scared and wouldn't go on any of the rides or anything. Of course that lasted about 30 seconds and then it was good ole Bryce BACK!! The only thing that he wasn't crazy about was the 'moving' pool...it was WAY TOO slow for him! It was great to see them have a good time together. Mia's last day with us this summer is Sunday, and it will be a sad good-bye until the next weekend. Had a blast Mia...can't wait til next time!!

The Pool

2009-07-22T22:09:00.005-05:00

Getting anywhere with my two rugrats is an event, but when it came time to swim...everyone was ready and waiting on me! Bryce has become quite the swimmer! Thanks Mrs. Strauss and Alyssa!!! He used all of the things that you taught him and was proud to show his daddy what he can do. Of course, that also meant that he thought he was Michael Phelps!! So, for some time he wore floaties and the rest, just kinda hung out.

Jake on the other hand, only liked the water for a little while. We finally figured it out-he doesn't want to be held, but isn't so sure that he likes just sitting in the water in a float! Gotta make up your mind there, Jake! Either way, he was full of laughs, smiles, and practicing new words-water: wa-woo!! It was so cute!

Just some fun pictures of the boys...the most special thing about being a mom is the smiles that our kids give us. These smiles sum it up wonderfully....we love our boys!

Summer Vacation cont.....

2009-07-22T15:03:00.009-05:00

After the Rainforest Pyramid, we traveled over to the Aquarium Pyramid...

The boys checking out the fish...

Everyone was facinated with the penguins...

One minute they were up and looking alive...the next, they were alseep!

We could have spent hours-actually I think we did-in here! There were different kinds of fish-pretty, mean, sparkle-y, spike-y, colorful, dull, etc. At every turn, Bryce was asking us to...'come and see this!' Jake just kinda trailed along, babbling right along with Bryce...we know that he was asking us to 'come and see' everything, too!

These are upside-down jellyfish and a purple & gold fish...boys ate that up!

The Three Amigos! This was only DAY 1...there are many more pictures and stories to share after I pick everyone up from daycare...

Mood Gardens will NEVER be the same!!

2009-07-22T14:33:00.004-05:00

Each year we take a vacation with The Winkenwerder family. Last year Dawn planned the trip all herself, and we had a blast! This year, I thought about taking the boys to Moody Gardens in Galveston. It was fun....the boys played in the water at the condo, at MG, and then some.

The first day there was basically getting our stuff together...groceries, ironing out the trip, etc. Saturday morining we woke up and were at MG by 10:00. We watched a 3D film on Dolphins & Whales-kinda boring, but that was okay because Jake fell asleep! Then we headed over to the Rainforest Pyramid....

Here are just some random pics of flowers and animals inside the Pyramid...

Happy Birthday, Uncle Bubbie...

2009-07-11T11:30:00.003-05:00

If there is one person, outside of my boys' daddy that they love to be around, it's Uncle Bubbie. Uncle Bubbie turns 29 today, and his only wish is that everyone is happy and has a good time. We are going to grill burgers, play on the slip-n-slide, and listen to the kids probably fight and laugh all at the same time!

Dusty is a good dad and loves to look at the brighter side of a situation, even if he is wrong most of the time. If there is one thing that he & I have learned, it's that you trust your family because there is no one else there that will have your back. I'm going to refer back to a conversation that he and I had last weekend...it takes a long time to realize who loves you and who doesn't...and an even longer time to love those people back, but when we do, we do so whole-heartedly.

Dusty/Uncle Bubbie/Daddy, enjoy your day today! Happy Birthday! You know how much we love you....

The Toy Fairy

2009-07-10T18:11:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine and I were talking/bitchin about having to pick up toys. While I don't like to pick up, I really hate to see the thousands of dollars in toys that Bryce doesn't play with sitting in the closet, on the floor, in the playroom, in Jake's room, in the living room, in whatever other corner of the house we can find! So, she said that in Parents magazine, there was an article that referred to a Pick-up Fairy that came to the house and collected toys that weren't picked up. How this changed the household, apparently! So I thought I'd give it a try!

Yesterday while Bryce and Mia were whining and arguing about what to do, I reminded him of of the Toy Fairy...it was like a flash to play with toys. Then at the end of the night, toys were picked up and the floor was clean!! Today, when we left to get Jake, Bryce about had a fit because toys were on the floor, and The Fairy might come get them. What the hell do I do? We have to leave, but he called me on something.... so we picked up the toys. I helped and praised him for being a big boy!

Mind you the fairy, though it sounds very prissy and painsy...is a HIM in our house! Tamela, our secret fairy, may have to put her hubby on the phone to play this out in the event we have to call!!!

I'll let you know how things are going! Enjoy your weekend...

Bryce's new favorite saying...

2009-07-06T14:19:00.004-05:00

OK, Jenny! You will appreciate this...

While I was trying to visit with one of my really, really, really good friends, I notice that my son, Bryce, has made friends with an extremely cute little girl-Emily, I think was her name. They were can-crushing and playing with monster trucks when all of a sudden we hear loud voices...you guessed it. Bryce and the cute little girl are arguing over which monster truck they want. So after I've tried to reason and make things better, Bryce pops off to her with...

'You get what you get, or you ain't gettin nothin'!'

Amen, Bryce, Amen!!!

The Fourth of July Fishing Tourney

2009-07-06T12:41:00.007-05:00

This was the first fish that Bryce caught at the Half Moon Holidays this weekend. *Sorry about the closed eyes* He and his daddy were in deep concentration...

And it all ended with Bryce winning 2nd place in his division. His fish weighed 7 lbs. The 2nd place prize was a fishing rod and lures (sp). I don't really know who was more impressed Bryce or his dad!

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-05T21:12:00.009-05:00

The Fourth of July used to never really mean much to me-it was actually just an extra special weekend to drink lots of beer! But as I've gotten older, I've learned just how amazing this holiday really is...we have freedoms that others don't. We have men and women, moms and dads, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles fighting for these freedoms, and I am proud of each of them!! God Bless you each and every day. You are true heroes in my/our books!

Every year since I can possibly remember, Shiner has hosted a Half Moon Holidays Fourth of July celebration. This includes craft booths, food stands, petting zoo, shaved ice, Moon walks, water slides, fishing tournaments for kids, 5K & 10K runs, etc. This year's main attrations for my family was the cook-off. My brother, Hvy-D, and hubby, J-Bird, decided to join in the fun. H&C was the sponsor for The H&Cizzlers-yea, you shoulda been there! They entered in all catagories and won 7th place in sausage and placed in ribs and beans...now this may not seem like much to you, but to a bunch of backwoods yahoos, it was worth it!

Here are a couple of pictures of the kids at the park...

H&C also sponsored a softball team. Dylan and Drew both played and did okay. I think they ended up placing 5th out of 12 teams-don't quote me, though! Here are some pics from there.

We had a great weekend. Jay and Dusty sweated their butts off, but all in all, they had a good time together doing so! The boys were able to spend some time with their dad in between turning meat, cleaning up, and whatever else came up! Thanks to Dad and Mr. C for helping support their cooking and drinking causes...it is so appreciated! We love you!!!

Ahhhhhh......

2009-06-29T20:30:00.003-05:00

My kids...I love them with every inch of my being, but geez, they are making me batty!!! I feel like I'm in a whirl-wind of a life right now. Bryce has apparently in a phase (I'm gonna call it that, cuz if it's not, someone better help me!!) right now that everything is 'no!' And very meanly-ugh!!! He is challenging everything I say, do, ask, suggest. In fact, I just do reverse physcology on him-it works wonderfully! Jason will just say that he and I are too much alike-have to agree!

Jake! Ugh! That's what I feel like I say all day long. Hell, all day-I only see them from 5:00 to bedtime around 8:30. Now, that's awful...of course, "Jake" is usually followed with a "NO!" He's into everything...and has acquired quite an attitude!!!

Really, I love my kids and they keep me real, but... damn can I get a break?!

Thank the Lord Above!

2009-06-27T11:14:00.004-05:00

Well, I'm not sure how many of you I've spoken to or have read my facebook page, but Mom is doing well. She is a little sore and very tired, but all in all doing much better. Here is the description of the procedure in 'Nikki' words-short and sweet...

Friday she went back at 11:30 (about an hour and a half sooner than expected). The procedure itself was not bad-about a 3-4 inch incision in her neck, took out the left half of her thyroid (that was the only portion that had the complex lumps), tested it all across the hall, not cancerous, closed her back up, and she was in recovery about an hour later...

We all rested better knowing that everything turned our okay. Mom is still not 100% satisfied because now comes the regulation of her hormones-that's a pain in the butt!! She'll be strong and will have lots of family support.

Thanks again for your prayers, thoughts, and well wishes to our family! As I've said before, we are nothing without our families~

Things that make ya go hmmmm.....

2009-06-25T14:22:00.005-05:00

You know we are all faced with situations in life that we have no control, but why? Or should we even question? In most situations, our family is our life. And I feel so sorry for those families that are not blessed with yelling and screaming, playing football in the yard, fishing on weekends, hugs, kisses, tears, laughs, headaches, etc. that most families-ESPECIALLY MINE-are so used to doing and having. There is never a dull moment in our house, and then put all of us together and watch out!!! But unfortunately there can also be sorrow and worry, and pain and hurt. This is when we turn to God. He is the only person who will guide us through, and without Him our lives are nothing-we don't have yelling and screaming, football in the yard, fishing on the weekends, etc.

Tomorrow, keep my family-my mom especially-in your prayers throughout the day! She is having a procedure done, and your thoughts and prayers would be appreciated! I will be posting updates, so keep checkin'!

How our lives take a turn....

2009-06-23T10:57:00.003-05:00

Fourth grade has always been a pretty tight-knit, close grade level. We hardly ever have people that come and go. The past 2 years, though, we have. This past year, we gained two brand new teachers. The year before, we gain and lost two experienced teachers, Kiana Lock and Michelle Muniz, both of them coach's wives. Saturday morning, I received a text message that Kiana Lock, who lives in Gainsville where her husband is the AD, was rushed to the Dallas hospital. While there, the doctors rans tests and found that she had bleeding on her brain and diagonsed her with acute lukemia. Talk about a shock of a lifetime! As the weekend continued, I was updated with texts-none of them good! She had taken a turn for the worst, was put on life support, and shortly there after lost all brain function. Her husband and family were faced with the horrible decision to disconnect the power keeping Kiana's body alive. Sunday morning, I received the final text on Kiana's progression, and learned that she has met Our Maker in Heaven. She was such a joy to teach with, if only for one year! Kiana had a challenge of being a coach's wife and a mom-both of which was was extremely wonderful at! I know that this is a difficult time for the Lock family, so your prayers and thoughts would greatly be appreciated~

Kiana left behind a wonderful husband-full of life, always looking on the bright side of a situation, talented coach/teacher, loving dad. The most heart-felt loss will be her children-1 in college, and 2 in high school-all gifted educationally and academically. They will all miss their mom and soulmate, but I know that she will be watching their EVERY move and blessing them with her guidance and spiritual strength.

So today, as we kiss our spouses good-bye, drop our kids off at daycare, remember how precious life is, and how quickly it can be gone. Just this morning, I had to tell Bryce that someone else was going to pick him up from daycare because I will be attending Kiana's viewing in San Marcos. He was not very excited. He asked if he would see me before he went to bed. Now, you must understand that I put my kids to bed every night, so I was a litle upset when he asked me that. I reminded him that I put him to bed every night, and tonight would be no different. Then I started thinking....anything could happen, and tonight I might not be able to put him in bed and kiss him good-night. I reminded him, then, that I love him and will try with all I have to make it home in time to put him to bed, read him a story, and kiss him good-night. Again...life is short~live it to the fullest!

Oh, what a weekend!

2009-06-23T10:26:00.004-05:00

This weekend was quite fast. Friday night we had supper with The Winkenwerder Family at their house. The pool and Slip-n-slide were both in full swing, and they had a blast. The whole intention of getting together was to look at where we are going to stay for our vacation together. Well, we started to do so, only to find nothing! And what we did find-Goodness! People are asking an arm and leg to just sleep there! So, still we look. I love to stay in Port Aransas, but we want to stay in Rockport to be able to fish-we'll see. Originally, Galveston was THE destination...guess I was outvoted...we'll see. During the UT baseball game, we decided to play Guitar Hero on the Wii-but all of us tried to play. They have the drums, 2 guitars, and microphone. Well, after a LOONNGG time, we finally got it to work. And we had soooo much fun-well, Dawn and I did! Once we stopped and looked at the time, it was 11:30pm. TIME TO HEAD OUT! No one wanted to leave, but everyone was so tired. Once loaded in the car, we headed out and before we got to the stop sign, the boys were out!

Saturday morning, Jay was gone doing something with a cow-what fun! So I was at home with the boys-WHAT FUN! We sat outside and played in the sand pile-and when I say pile, I mean pile. When everyone decided to come home and stay home, we ate lunch, got comfy (buried the AC) and took naps!!! The plan was to have Father's Day with my family that night, but we also had a very good friend's bridal shower that same evening-what to do! Well, I made both!!! The boys stayed at Mom & Dad's house with Jason while I attended the shower. I had a really good time and did not particularly want to leave, but I wanted to spend time with Dad as well-and Jamie was very understanding! At Mom & Dad's, we always have fun-the kids have a blast! It's not very often that they are able to get together, much less get along! But they did tonight. BBQ-ed chicken for supper...hats off to the cooks! It was great! But again, we looked at the clock, and it reads 11:45pm-it was almost the next day! Bryce had a hard time understanding that...Off to the farm, and alseep before the end of the block!

Sunday morning, I did not make church, but I could have because at 6:00 our rooster-YES, A ROOSTER-woke me up! If I could have found a gun.......we would have had chicken noodle soup! Jason, my dad, and Dusty decided the night before they were going to go fishing. They really meant it because they were on the boat in the tank, casting their lines by 6:00 am! Again, everyone finished, came in, washed up, and got ready to go to Jason's family for Father's Day. We got to spend the day with Kelly and Sydeny, playing and learning all that she's now into. How they grow up so fast! We had lunch, dessert, and then sat around some more. Jake couldn't make it. He fell asleep on my lap, Bryce was getting grouchy, and Sydney was already in her bed. This all pointed to us needingot head home-and we did. We had a nice evening at home to celebrate Jason's Father's Day with the boys, too.

As soon as I upload my pictures, I'll post! Enjoy your week....

2009-06-20T22:59:00.004-05:00

We celebrated Father's Day tonight with my parents! The boys had so much fun...playin with the slip 'n slide, playin outside, cooking, and just laughing!

Meet my kids!

2009-06-19T10:00:00.002-05:00

Here are just some random pictures!!

Jake the diver!

2009-06-19T09:45:00.004-05:00

My kids always keep me on my toes, but I choose to believe that Jake will do so more than Bryce will. This morning, I heard Jake calling me, "Mamma! Mamma!" So I go in to say good morning and find him trying to crawl out. I was talking to him, getting clothes together, picking up toys in his room, etc. I turn just in time to see him going over the side of his crib, HEAD FIRST! I grabbed him by his shirt and let him 'fall' a little, to see what it would feel like. I picked him up, and he just smiled at me! Like I said, never a dull moment!

Look how peaceful he sleeps-and yes, he's had a pillow in his bed since he was born!!

2009-06-18T16:00:00.006-05:00

A couple of weekends ago, we went to Port Aransas for a night. We met up with The Baker family, and the kids got to play. They had a blast and Bryce keeps asking when we can go back...

I really think that in no time, Bryce and Jake will be best buds!

2009-06-18T15:47:00.002-05:00

Okay, so here are the pictures of my 'babies'

Another no-picture day!

2009-06-18T09:21:00.003-05:00

Well...another no-picture-day! Sorry, but as I began looking for pictures, I found only those of when Jake was born! 'They' always say that the second child is so forgotten-poor Jake! Actually, I try to do a real good job of give both of my kids attention, only Bryce requires much more attention than Jake does. Bryce is the high-strung, active child that can't sit still (hummmmm, isn't there medicine for that?); while Jake is the just-leave-me-alone-I'm-happy-entertaining-myself child. God knew what He was doing when He gave me Jake!

Long time, no talk

2009-06-17T15:43:00.006-05:00

Well, as most of you know, we have not fallen off the face of the earth, we've just been busy-as busy as most of us are! My life hasn't exactly changed much...well, yes it has! We have added a new addition to our family over ONE YEAR AGO! I'm tellin' ya, it's been awhile. Jacob was born on April 18th 2008! I promise that I will post pictures soon.

Since Jake was born, Bryce has made such major adjustments as a big brother, and especially as a big boy! He loves going to Ms. Tracy's each day and wonders why he can't go on Saturdays. She is so patient with him-and he takes major, major patience. Many of Bryce's favorites right now are any kind of outside play, any kind of sports, riding his 4-wheeler, asking questions, and helping Jake learn new things. He's always asking, 'what that being a good big brother?' Can you tell that we have to remind him all the time? :)

Jake...oh Jake! What a bruiser? He is such a big boy already. Bryce is his idol!!! Jake does everything that he does. If Bryce has a blue cup, that's what Jake wants (he doesn't even know the color blue). Whatever Bryce is playing with, Jake wants to play with, etc. It's really cute, and Bryce handles it well-I guess! In addition to Jake wanting to be just like Bryce, he is attached to Jason's legs the minute he gets home. In fact, if Jay has anything to do outside, he texts me (how sad it that) that he's home and he'll be inside soon. OTherwise, it's hell to pay for me!!

I could go on and on all day aobut the things my kids can do, what they know, how much they are boys!! Pictures are to come......

July 4th Parade~

2007-07-29T22:30:00.000-05:00

Check out my new ride!! Leonard was so proud to have me stand by his cycle!!

Bryce is obsessed with bicycles and motorcycles. Since we live withing an arms reach of the highway, we hear and see all kinds of vehicles driving by. Well, the motorcycles that come through on weekends in their packs are quite LOUD! This usually happens during nap time. So those of you with motorcycles...we love you but you are quite loud!

No, Bryce, you can't have one! All-in-all, this parade was quite interesting. Bryce actually got it and loved the fact that he could run into the road and not get in trouble!

2007-07-29T22:18:00.000-05:00

We were getting ready for the July 4th Parade in downtown Shiner!! Bryce had a blast running out into the road and getting the candy before Uncle Booty did!!

"Hey Momma! How you doin'?" These are Bryce's favorite words when he's trying to be cute...He usually gets away with whatever it is! Kinda hard to pass up a look like this!

Look at that big 'ole tractor! It has a hook up! While the tractors were coming thru town, they were pretty loud, which doesn't usually bother Bryce. But a clown just came by on a bicycle prior to them in the parade...clowns are not not favorites of Bryce's. So then when the tractors came thru and they were honking their horns and revving up their engines, Bryce was ready to go. This tractor drove past Mom and Dad's house after the parade, so he was okay with it. We are just acting like it was during the parade!

It's Our Life!!

2007-07-21T13:53:00.000-05:00

I know that most of you are just dying to hear what we are up to!! Acutally, not much. I am getting my masters in curriculum, instruction, and assessment-fancy title for designing curriculum and instruction! I have been doing this all online, so I'm about tired of typing on a computer and looking at a screen. My kids at school cannot believe how fast and accurate I can type. I just tell them that, with all things, it comes with practice! Anyway, I am pretty tired of learning...I'm too old for that! Many of the classes have been interesting, but I'm not crazy about my professor; still making straight A's....that is what comes with practice!

I start school on August 15th and kids come back starting August 27th. I can't say that I am excited to be back at school...talk about a turmoil! We don't have a superintendent, but an interm. When we could finally know what we were teaching and who we were partnering with, along with a schedule, it was not legal. The times were not in approval with what TEA allows us, so they are back to the butchering block-and we still don't know anything~but what's new!!!

Jason is BUSY at work. He is working long days and then at shows some during the summer. He just got back from Laredo...kinda scary! There is always something going on at work and this summer has been no different. Sadly, the founder of the company, Gary Pogue, has undergone a heart surgery, placement of a stint in his corated artery (the one in his neck), and this week had a pacemaker put in. God has had a hand on Mr. Pogue's healing, and we are happy to say that he is doing better and getting stronger everyday!

Bryce is Mr. Independent-but-I-still-need-my-mommy! I have watched our little boy grow from just a bean in my tummy to a big boy who can ask for what he wants. Bryce's vocabulary is skyrocketing-good words and bad word. He repeats everything that we say and is determined to be in the middle of a conversation, sharing his input. As the summer is getting started, he has been to the beach and played in the sand. Actually he made new friends while we were sitting and watching him. I guess we weren't as much fun a the little people are!

2007-07-21T13:32:00.000-05:00

Hey, all! Here is our little monster, Bryce! He is not quite 2 years old in this picture. Our bathtime together is spent catching up on our day and drying up all of the water that he splashes out at me!

Welcome to the JNNerada News Brief

2007-07-21T13:23:00.000-05:00

Well, it looks like I've even taken one more step up in communication! I am excited to share our life with friends and catch up with old ones!