Fall Ball is here

We are on the Astros and having a great season so far. One of our best friends is on the team and G is having a fun time coaching the boys. I will try to post a video soon!

Austin, part 2

So, after the capitol, we went to Cabela's which is a boy's paradise. We had to drag them (all 3 of my boys including G)out of the store kicking and screaming. But Bitsy and I had a wedding to get to - a wedding that started at 7:30 and we wanted to be able to relax in the hotel for a little while before heading out to the big event. So...we get to the hotel and all of a sudden Bitsy yells to me, "Just brush your teeth, we have to go! The wedding starts at 6!" It was about 5:20 and we had to drive about 20-30 minutes to get to the wedding. Ok. We RUSH and leave at 5:40, get totally lost on our way (it was out in the country at Kindred Oaks) and arrive at 6:10. Luckily, the wedding was running late as well and we were able to be seated and still see everything as they didn't start until about 6:15. We were a little less than fresh, but we made it!
The beautiful bride and her family - they are dear friends to Bitsy!
We finished up our weekend by going to an amusement park with bumper boats, miniature golf and race cars. It was a great weekend and now we are all ready for bed!

Austin, Texas

We went to Austin for the weekend with G' mom. We had a great time and I thought I would share some pictures with you. Above, we are eating lunch after checking into our hotel room. Can you tell how much the boys love Bitsy?

Below, we promised B a trip to the capitol. The grounds are so beautiful with the big trees and the green lawns. Of course, Lu's favorite part was chasing the squirrels - as if he hasn't seen those before??
I love this picture (above) because not 12 seconds before it was taken they were killing each other! "Don't touch me!" "Don't look at me!" "Stop following me!" "You are not my friend!" Then I say in my sweetest mommy voice, "Boys, let me take your picture!" They immediately get together and smile sweetly as if nothing else matters!

They were fascinated by this picture of the battle of San Jacinto. They asked many questions, my favorite one being, "Are all these guys dead now?" Their innocence is so sweet!

Family Vacation

These are pictures from an aweoms vacation the boys and I were able to take this summer. We spent a week with Mimi and Papa and some other aunts, unlces, and cousins. It was great! I hope you enjoy!

When I say I am a Christian

I received this today from my sister-in-law and I really liked the message. I hope each of you has a very blessed day!

Christians by Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain..
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou.
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace,somehow!

Big Win!

And to make my Saturday complete, the weather was nice and the Aggies won - big!

Reflections!

So, this past week was bad. I am not sure if it is the enforcements of boundaries or the 3rd week of school slump, but we had many frustrating moments - mostly with our almost 8 year old! By Thursday he was in tears and by Friday morning we were both in tears. Between full day school, homework, and baseball practice I think the poor kid is exhausted. And he has this new obsession with clothes and what he will wear (and more importantly not wear) to school. All of his cargo shorts were dirty...can you believe it? He was going to be forced to wear a different, brand new, tag still on back to school pair of shorts that were not cargo. Are you crying for him yet?? I would expect this from a 16 year old girl, but an 8 year old boy - are you serious?? Well, I was determined not to do laundry so that some of his other shorts could have a chance to make an appearance. He was less than happy with me - too bad!!

Then God - the ultimate parent and role model - provided me with this great opportunity:

It is now Saturday and as I was getting ready to run my errands I casually asked the boys if they wanted to come along - because they NEVER want to come along - and guess who wants to come along?? The grumpy 8 year old. So I make it sound like the errands are going to be long, grueling, boring, awful...but he still wants to accompany me. Well, long story short - we had a great time! He was back to his sweet, nice FABULOUS self! We laughed and skipped and talked and really enjoyed each others company (Keep in mind he still did not have on cargo shorts because I still hadn't washed :)) I really think it was God's way of helping me remember what an awesome kid B is and how much fun we can have together. At one point he asked me to buy him something and I said no and he said, "OK. I don't want to whine about it!" and that was it! Wow! I was reminded of the bible verse I have tried claim for the year.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
-Ephesians 4:2

Boundaries

If you are a parent, this is a MUST READ book for you! Our Sunday school class began this book about 3 weeks ago and Oh my, it has changed the way that G and I are parenting! It is common sense stuff that we really needed to hear. My favorite is that on Sundays after church and Sunday school G and I are "ruling with an iron fist"!!!! We are inspired, fresh and renewed knowing EXACTLY what God wants us to do and who He wants us to be. Usually the "iron fist" is gone by Wednesday as we are all worn out from work, school and other activities and our boundaries are less - obvious! Oh well, we are trying and often times succeeding! I hope you will check this book out - it is truly inspiring!!

Favorite Summer Vacation!

2007 group

2006 group

2005 group

When Lu was 1 year and 3 months old and B was 2 1/2 we took them to South Padre Island for the first time. I had grown up spending countless hours there as a child and teen and wanted my children to have the same opportunity. So, 3 of my favorite cousins and their families plus our family rented a condo for a week and had a blast! We swam in the pool and explored the beach. The kids loved it and the adults had a blast as well!

It was such amazing fun that we returned the next summer (2003). My cousins and their families where unable to make the trip, but Mimi and Papa came with us. Again, the boys had a blast and I knew that we were onto a great vacation idea!

The following summer, we took some of our closest friends with us and again, could not believe what an awesome vacation it turned out to be. The kids are entertained all day - with a larger than life sand box or swimming or shell collecting....it is so fun to watch as they explore the world around them and find new treasures!

So, summer of 2005 even MORE families came along for the ride. And our group has continued to grow each year! (Sadly, I did not get a digital camera Christmas of 04 so I have no digital pictures to share of those first few trips. I am going to try and find the older pics and scan them in, but for now you will have to enjoy the most current photos!)

For 2007 we had 7 families come........it was the best trip yet and we have already booked our rooms for 2008. The laughter and fun on these trips are indescribable and our friendships continue to grow along with our children.

The Lord has truly blessed us with many amazing opportunities and this is one of our all-time favorites!

OH MY!!!

If you are an Aggie fan, I am sure that right now your head is spinning. That was just about the most unbelievable game of all time and while it will count as a victory, it was an awful way to win! Anyway, we made it to the game and even arrived early so the boys could enjoy the pregame fun - meeting most of the baseball team and getting autographs/pictures, watching the band march in, playing in the Aggie fun zone.......I love the fact that they are "growing up Aggie" even though B thinks he like the Red Raiders and Lu wants to go to the Dallas Cowboy college, they are Aggies at heart! Hopefully the game this Saturday will be
#1 - COOLER and
#2 not so close.

An Amazing Father!

So, G is cooking breakfast as I write this! What an amazing father and husband. I truly don't appreciate all that he does around here to keep our household up and running. The boys adore him and all the things they do together. From practicing sports in the front yard to fishing to hunting to shooting practice - yes, thanks to my father B and Lu both have 22's so they can soon be avid hunters! They all love to fish, although G might have to wait awhile for the boys to become more patient and want to stay longer than 30 minutes! B is hoping that Daddy will take him hunting this year for his birthday. We are in for some great adventures and I can't wait to see where life takes us!

Camping in August

So, we went camping the weekend before school started. Sounds crazy, huh? Nothing like that August heat and a primitive campsite to get you ready for school! Really we had a great time! Lu was all about helping with the tent set-up. When he was done, he proudly admired his work!
B was mostly concerned with the location of the food and snacks. He doesn't enjoy being hungry!
We hit the lake for hours that afternoon. We had a blast! However, the evening provided a couple of challenges for us. First, we played out on the lake a little too long. B was STARVING be the time we returned to camp and our fire was slow to start. There was some heavy duty whining and complaining going on! He managed to survive until the burgers were ready and ate every bite of his! Then he was done! No marshmallow roasting, no camp-fire songs or stories, just straight to bed! Okay! Speaking of bed, that was problem #2: our air mattress had a leak. Not to worry, we had a patch kit and thought the problem was all fixed. So B and I go to lay down and the mattress feels great. About midnight I knew we were in trouble and by 2 a.m. I had to wake up G because the boys and I were sleeping on the floor. I moved in with him and his foam pad while the boys seemed OK on the floor. Around 3:30 I woke up to here the boys talking to one another as they realized the air mattress was completely our of air so they came to join us on the thin, foam pads! Needless to say we were all up in the early 6's and I was a bear!! I believe that was what G was trying to show in the picture below!
Finally, we went back out on the lake around 10 and played until about 1. It was really a great experience and I look forward to doing it again - when it is a little cooler and I am guaranteed a BED to sleep in!!

First Day of School

Mimi and Papa with B and Lu on their first day of school!
B is a big 2nd grader! I swear I was the only parent in the room taking picture! He is so big, I can't believe it!
Thank goodness Lu is still young and will pose with his mommy for a picture.



The boys both love school and since I go back to work one week before school starts, Mimi and Papa always come and take care of the boys while I go back to work. Then on the first day of school we ride our bikes - since we live close - and go! I have cried for the past two years since I have had a kindergartner 2 years in a row. This year, I almost cried since I don't have one! However, both boys have awesome teachers and friends in their rooms and I am so excited for what the year will hold for each of them!

I know how important these years are for the boys and I truly believe that their social, academic and emotional needs are being met at our neighborhood school where they can ride their bikes every day to get there. Even though it is CROWDED!!!!, I think they are learning life-long lessons! Each day we discuss the classroom and playground issues and relate that to how G and I react to the "real world". It is our firm belief that they are recieving a rounded education. We will make changes as needed, but TODAY we are happy with the outome!

Texas Football

Our new, precious cousin P whom we already love and adore and he is only 5 weeks old! I know that B and Lu will teach him everything a little boy needs to know!

B, our awesome cousin G, Lu and Me after the game

I love the fall - when the leaves begin to change color and the air comes out of the north slightly, ever so slightly, cooler. I also love high school and college football! We were lucky enough to get to go to the home opener of the Brownwood Lions this past weekend. The Lions were able to make it very far in the playoffs last year, so this season opened with a lot of excitement and anticipation. The hard working Lions did not disappoint! They won with a score of 28-21 over Abilene Wylie. One of our new favorite friends C scored 2 touchdowns while our amazing cousin G pressured the quarterback all night and even caused an interception that was returned for a touchdown! The boys were thrilled to watch all of the action and have done nothing but "play football" ever since. They even like for me to play the theme song as they run from the "locker room". (You would have to go to a Brownwood football game to get the true meaning of this.)

While we missed the Aggies home opener, they also won - trounced - their opponent 38-7! Whoop! We are hoping to make it to Kyle Field this Saturday to watch the Aggies
Beat the He** Outta Fresno State.

The best part of the whole weekend was meeting the newest addition to our family - Baby P. He is such a cutie and the boys are thrilled to have him around! They are already begging to drive 5 hours just to see him again! For now, that will have to wait!

(I am having trouble getting my text and my pictures together. Let me know if you have any advice. In some ways this blog is super easy and in other ways - oh my! I have a lot to learn!)

First Post Ever

I have wanted to start a blog forever! Someone in my family - who shall remain nameless told me not to, but I have decided to go my own way...for those who know me, that will not come as much of a surprise!

I have always loved to write (really write, not type), but with work and volunteering and a family, there never seems to be enough time. This seems to be the quick and easy way for me to record my thoughts, feelings and most importantly stay in touch with friends and family who have moved on.

I hope this works and that I don't get in too much trouble from the unnamed family member who advised against this!