Honeyman 4

Graduating Class of 2011

2011-05-18T19:46:00.000-07:00

Did I mention we absolutely love this school? It's been such a blessing and we have made some great friends there...the boys and I. What a special night! Tyler absolutely adores his teacher! She challenged him and encouraged him all year and he flourished under her. Oh I am so sad to see her go. She is moving... Boo. But it was a night to remember as the graduating Kindergarten class marched into the sanctuary! It was awesome. Headed to the commencement celebrations!

Here we go!
Tyler's teacher Ms Jen! How we loved her!!! He crushed on her all year and really wants her to come to his birthday party this summer. She talked about his smile all year...he hams it up for her. :)

The school did it up! Baby pictures, graduation pictures, banners of each kid, a hand drawn 'what I want to be when I grow up' (Tyler wants to be a policeman), and a cake with their picture standing on it.
LOVE THIS PICTURE!!!!!!!! Here comes the grad!

The pledge!

This handsome boy!

Pledge to the BIBLE

The director, Ms Maggie, recited a poem with a blurb about each student. They had to step forward when she read about them. She mentioned Tyler's smile lighting up the room and his speed was one...vroom! When she mentioned his smile he did this! Shy man!

The kids were laughing as each baby picture came up followed by their graduating picture.

The walk!

Ahhhh...flash forward a few years....

Finished it off with a solo of Angels among us and they were the choir! They really sang the words and did hand motions. It was awesome!

Thanks Lacey for reminding me to get in a picture! Can't wait to be at BUSH with you!

Celebrations begin!!

Oh me, oh my!

2011-05-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

How cute is this! The yearly spring program was a couple weeks ago. It's always a lot of fun, especially now that we have so many friends at this school. It was a special night since it was Tyler's last and as a Kindergartner they get special treatment! LOVE THIS SCHOOL! The Kindergarten class is the only one that comes down the center aisle and says the pledge on stage.

Kam's class was up first
Drew was using his binoculars to find us! This kid always has me laughing.
Check out Brooke's knock knees! For real, girl!
Tyler's class finished the night...
with a dosey doe step!

Self Proclaimed Overload of Pixs! with good reason!

2011-03-10T18:54:00.000-08:00

It's a bad, bad sign when I have to type in my blog address...instead of it pulling up as I begin to type it! It's also a bad sign when I have to think (and try) different passwords to get in. And another bad sign when I get gently scolded by a friend for leaving a picture of a dog up for 2 months...so granted it's been to long to try and back track and update my blog. But since this blog is the only thing that forces me to take pictures of my own kids...I am going to pick up with this past weekend. After all, it was the best day ever (repeatedly) by my kids.

We had not told the boys anything about a trip till the night before. We asked them what is the best thing ever and Drew said camping. So till we got to the airport that is what they thought they were doing. Drew packed the car with latex gloves, 2 flag football belts, a football, rubber boots, and a swifer duster. All things needed for a great campout according to Drew. We got to the airport announced we were not going camping but in fact going to DisneyWorld! And as we landed and walked out...another surprise...Lala was joining us on the trip! We surprised Lala with the trip a couple weeks out as an early birthday trip! Happy Birthday Lala! So now for an overload of pictures! Best decision ever...left the monster camera at home and went with the regular Rebel camera and got to enjoy being just a regular camera picture taker!! So nice!!!

So excited as we pulled up!!

Still excited...

Kinda getting tired of waiting to get in...

Really tired of waiting to go play in DisneyWorld! Ha! Have to stop for a pix opp!

Enough already! Let's go ride!

Ok! Off to Drew's favorite!

You have to do 'it's a small world after all'....

Hours of walking...
Lots of laughter!

The only characters they saw! The 3:00 parade. They did not want/care to wait in lines for 'someone dressed in costume'! Really already!?!

Get me out of here!!!

But wait one last ride of the day...the wet ride!! Splash Mtn! Gotta love it!

20 mintues in the hotel and off to Medieval Times! BEST THING EEEVVVEEERRR!!!!

You are assigned a knight to cheer for...and watch a Hollywood staged tournament! With all the fun!

Lala decked them out to cheer for their RED knight!

The banquet hall.

Seriously!! Front row! So exicted since it's a 15 min drive from our hotel and it took us an hour to find it!! Kid you not!!

Boys loved the horses! And are ready to be a knight for Halloween!

Lala really did get everything in sight! BOYS loved it! Flashing bracelets and swords! Ah...the love!

SO FUN!

A falcon soarded thru the place to get it started!

Staged 'real' fighting! Sparks came off their swords!

A 'real' Hollywood staged joust! Joust splitting into pieces!

The rest of the night looked like this! Gotta say...went to dinner here in college! It's nothing like going back with your kids! There is one in Dallas if anyone is curious!

Next day...Hit another park. Jumped into a show...

If anyone knows anything about Drew...he loves tools! Constantly working on his jeep and flipping it upside down and fixing it. SO when Handy Manny came on...

this is what he did!!

Headed to the Tower of Terror!

Lala is just the coolest thing ever!! We opted out of our arranged character dinners/lunches and hit ride after ride after ride!!

Dad enjoyed that it was ESPN weekend! Which brought the crowds...but some awesome faces everywhere! Here's Tim Tebow. We could walk right up and listen.

The Toy Story ride! Drew dresses as Buzz daily so this was a BIG deal!

That's all folks!

News

2010-11-30T18:23:00.000-08:00

Haven't snapped a single pix of the boys in the last 3 months for obvious reasons to most. BUT, I did manage to capture a pix of our sweet, now 15 week old, puppy Asher. While I have never bought a thing off EBay (mainly because I just don't have the time to search)...this dog comes to us from EBay compliments of Lala and found by BJ. He's a good dog and will most likely be 60 lbs. A far cry from the last conversation I had with BJ...'yes honey, we can get another dog. Same size as the other ones.' The other ones, Conner and Kyser, were 22 lbs. Asher weighed in at 24 lbs at 13 weeks. A bigger than normal English Springer Spaniel...so I am told.
In other news, BJ is now bionic. He recently underwent ACL surgery to receive a donor ACL. He's hoping the donor was a stud soccer player and the ligament has retained memory. Ha! Let's just say, I think it's really cool that God gave man the knowledge to do such surgeries, grateful we have a surgeon that prays over him before entering the OR, and a donor out there that 'gave a life, save a life' by donating his/her ACL. Pretty neat that they gave us an address we can send a thank you card to so that it can be delivered to the family.
Oh, and if you thought it was other type of news...sorry to disappoint.

Life Lesson

2010-10-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

...that ends in a sweet buzz cut! Drew with the 'new do!'

Drum Roll!

2010-10-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

He's finally here! Our newest cousin! BJ's brother and wife adopted this cutie from China. He is learning English faster than I coud ever learn one sentence of Chinese! He's one smart cookie. The boys (and us) were super excited to meet him and were sad to see them go home! God is good!
Watched everything the boys did...hopefully not picking up bad habits. :)

Really! So cute!

A pumpkin stop

Smiling for a sec

but did mostly this!

1st introduction!

Meet the Teach

2010-09-01T19:49:00.000-07:00

Tonight was 'meet the teach' night for our preschool. Tyler and Drew were both excited to go! They have the greatest teachers there and they really love on my boys. Tyler's Kindergarten class was awesome. They had a scavenger hunt that moved from place to place in the classroom. It was clever and allowed me to see where the different centers are in the class. But it's going to be a challenge for mom. If. You. Are. Late. (even one minute) You. Have. To. Get. A. Tardy. Slip. From. The. Office. Wow. Glad a mom told me this, since I already had to ask the teacher what days we go to school. Such a slacker mom. :)
Drew was excited to get the teacher that he and Tyler will now have twice! He particularly loves her because she lets them play with shaving cream alot.
We have lots of buddies in each class so both boys are excited to start next week.
I decided to leave the camera at home (since BJ was unable to attend) so I snapped a few pics of them beforehand. To the end of summer!

Off to Private Kindergarten! We will put this summer baby into public Kinder next year! Love it, because I feel like I am buying a year with my boys. I don't think you can ever regret that! :)

The summer of...
silly bandz!!!!

Little Pre-Ker!

Drew...

the sweet poser!

A hunderd of these...

2010-08-26T15:43:00.000-07:00

BJ called him the smiling dog. And he was. He always was. It crushes me to say today we lost our constant companion, we lost the dog that always met us at the door, we lost the dog that never needed a leash, we lost the dog that followed me room to room-even in the middle of the night, we lost the dog we got together, we lost the dog we named together, we lost the dog that I would have a hundred of. We lost Kyser. My sweet Kyser. I only posted 4 post ago about the loss of our older dog Conner. Today we had to let go of our 6 year old pup and Conner's brother. I believe that God has a special place for His creation, wherever that may be... Kyser basically had unexplainable liver failure. His toxicology report is clear (living samples are needed to determine if he was poisoned-by a snake, sago palm, etc). After a week of fighting and holding on through a coma, a biopsy, seizures, he passed in my arms. An autopsy is needed as we are stumped about what is going on in or around this house!!! The main theory is a virus that comes from possum urine. 20 days ago a momma possum birthed 6 babies in our backyard...and now we have lost our second dog in 3 months. Has momma possum been here all a long??

I am grateful that we got pictures made with him...

More than a name...

2010-07-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

You are Holy, You are Mighty, You are my Salvation, You are the Creator, You are the Artist... You are my God. The words running thru my mind as we marched silently through His creation to celebrate the life of my father's parents. Oregon is breath taking. It's our Tower heritage. It's memories. It's my grandparents home. The McKenzie Bridge. A son passes on it's name. Two grandchildren do the same. It has great meaning...it's more than a name. And so we return to it's cold, slippery banks, where I remember fishing as a child with my grandfather. Years ago...but it's beauty never changes. It brings back memories of him. A master at fly fishing, known for miles round. A carpenter by hobby. A decorated captain in the USAF. A tall, quiet, strong man...his personality is echoed in my father. My father shares his love for flight, his skill in the hand, and his quiet strong presence. Memories of her. My grandmother. Sophisticated, utterly strong, loyal, brilliant in music and poetry. She brought grace and style to a river house. She was giving, always giving. She loved photography. And she loved my father deeply. My father shares these traits. He has her eyes, her strength, her loyalty resonates in him, but most of all my grandmother taught my father how to love us deeply. Thank you grandfather and grandmother for the legacy you leave behind.

A legacy remains...

And so it begins...

I believe this is a lid to a big dumpster...in the middle of a National Forest.

Waiting for my sister...

The hike to their special place

It's beautiful

First sight of the McKenzie

It was an overcast day. No sun. As my father began to speak, the sun briefly peaked out and shone on us for a breath of a moment. We didn't see the sun again for another couple days. I love how God does that.

Brooke McKenzie's look when I said 'Brooke, this is YOUR river!'

Ice cold beauty.

As BJ said, 'together once more for a moment...' And a promise fulfilled.

Drew standing as I stood as a child.

From the moutain top to the coast of Cannon Beach, OR.

A parade on July 4th. A military drummer walked past Opa (my mom's father) stopped abruptly, stepped back. About turned. Stood straight. And saluted a veteran of WWII. A pilot shot down. A survivor of the war and of cancer. A SURVIVOR. A west Texas wildcat...an oilman. An intellect. Opa returned the salute. And the man turned and resumed his march in the parade. A dream and a prayer, Lord that my boys would appreciate their heritage of flight and respect the deep sacrifice of our military. As my Opa says often...'Rachel, remember me to your boys.'

Oregon has cliffs of crashing waves upon the rocks.

We participated in a sand sculpture contest...we won. It's the story of Abraham and Isaac.

A meaningful, beautiful, perfect Tower Family reunion.

Till 2012...

Texas Fun!

2010-06-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

She's so good! Little Divas Designs!
Just sent her the pictures and told her to make it Texas style.

RJ YUM!

Some poppers might be dangerous for toddlers...opps!

Always up for anything fun!

Can't you tell?

Tube kissing with Lala

Mimi beared the heat with a bad knee :( And a long DRIVE to Oregon the next day.

BLOW!

The out door movie theatre

Candied Mom & Pop-corn!

Our lifeguard turned babysitter!

Drew was ready to go with Buzz in his lap. You can kinda see the 'Drew' on Buzz's foot. He insisted it be on there like Andy had his.

Party Poppers...not suitable for children under 12???? At least not for toddlers. :)

There goes my friends...but 'it was the most awesome party ever!'

Can my babies really be 4 and 5 years old? It doesn't feel that way. But it's been a while since I changed a diaper, nursed, fed them a bottle, made rice cereal...so I guess it's so! These are fantastic ages! Tyler is learning to read, venturing out to friend's houses on his own (so he thinks), and swimming like a pro. Drew is busy eating, talking to anything (including lengthy conversations with the dog about heaven), and achieving his goal of anything Tyler can do I can do too. We had their birthday party this weekend. Tyler wanted to swim, Drew wanted a movie night...so we did both! Dad made the best BBQ around and Lala and Papa H came into town to help celebrate! It definitely was a big weekend. Toy Story 3D, two Green Machines (thanks Lala and Papa H), RJ Goodies, BBQ, pool, projector, Mom & Pop-corn, party poppers, and glow in the dark necklaces...etc. Wow...what a party. :) God can You freeze time now?

Surf's Up!

2010-06-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

This is how Tyler came downstairs this morning. No shirt on and crazy wild hair. It made me laugh. He looked like a cool surfer kid. Of course, I let him walk around all day like this. :) Drew, naturally, wanted his picture taken too. He tried to make his hair stand up...

'They are boys...'

2010-06-03T17:21:00.000-07:00

is what BJ keeps telling me. Yes, they certainly are. Besides already eating us out of house and home, they are now dragging in all sorts of critters. The below was most recent. {Affectionately named} Mr. Happy paid us a visit last weekend. After researching that you are NEVER to take a turtle from the wild (disease, etc) we decided they could have a morning pet as long as they didn't touch it. I came around the corner later that morning to see Tyler had decorated his shell with a turtle sticker he had found...it was so funny. Mr. Happy has now been returned to the neighborhood pond where we daily acknowledge him.

SO NASTY! AHH!

Ray of Light

2010-05-09T18:08:00.000-07:00

Tonight, we lost a piece of our family. The last couple of days our oldest dog, Conner, who would have turned 8 this month, was acting slow. He would stand and just stare off, or hardly move. He has had issues with his intestines in the past, nothing life threatening, just messy. We were waiting for the familiar signs to develop but today THIS was different. He was crashing. Struggling to just stand, and then struggling to breathe. I know enough to know the signs of dehydration. Which began to show. We have a sweet vet. I was texting back and forth with him during a movie (on a Sunday, on Mother's Day). I am listing all the drugs from him I have on hand. He is planning on seeing me at 7:00 in the evening. So I wait. I administer spoon fulls of water down his throat for a couple of hours trying to keep the dehydration at bay till we can see the vet. I get up for a brief minute and he rises to his feet to follow me, but collapses. Enough. I am taking him to the emergency clinic. We race there with the boys in tow. My dad arrives to drive them home. The receptionist takes him back. The assistant burst through the doors wanting his history. The vet comes in and tells us they couldn't find the heartbeat at first, but have and it's slow and faint. He's swollen and it's getting worse. He's struggling to breathe. We don't know what's going on. They put him on oxygen. We leave to walk the parking lot while they do xrays and blood work. We cross the parking lot and walk into Pier One. The crazy lady tells us about candles being on sale and last minute Mother's Day gifts. I'm thinking...really lady. Don't you think it's odd that we look distraught and are walking around a Pier One at 6:45 pm on Sunday night? No one else is around and there is an emergency vet clinic across the street. I dismiss her and barely smile. It's not her fault my dog is suffering and literally crashing 100 feet away. We leave Pier One. It's just too weird to be there. We sit in the back of the Tahoe. We pray. We pray for whatever the issue, Lord, make it one that we don't have a choice. See, he has these intestinal bouts and it's about $1,500 every 6 months. He's otherwise healthy but needs medical (and financial) intervention. The vet calls us back and kindly ushers us to a private room. It's not good. It's all over her face. She tells us...'It's one of two things. Rat poison (left by the previous owners). Or a blood clotting disease.' Both situations are DIC. What's that I ask. Death. Is. Coming. And nothing would have stopped either situations. Death was unpreventable. God in the midst of storms answers prayer, so we follow her to see him. He's struggling, he's in a great deal of pain, and he's terrified! His eyes show it. I cup his head and whisper to him. The swelling is blood. He's bleeding out. I look at her and say, 'he's suffering.' She said yes. I tell her it's time. She administers the drug. And I lay with him face to face. He is a dog that was loved. I would not let him die alone. It's been cloudy and overcast all day. Not a ray of light. I called my dad and told him to meet us at the house. As I hung up the phone I looked to the sky. And a ray of light briefly, so brief, BJ in his car behind me didn't see it, broke through the clouds. It was full of God's promise to comfort in times of sorrow, to be present in all things, and to remind me of His love in answering prayers. Tonight our family has shed many tears. Tonight the boys decorated a rock as a head stone. Tonight we remember the good times. Tonight we are sad.

Tri we did!

2010-05-02T18:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, so not my best picture ever...to say the least. But here you can see how swollen, red, and down right miserable my eyes are. Come to find out, it's a sinus infection. That was amplified when I went into Lake Woodlands last Saturday. The pressure behind my cheekbones and forehead is uncomfortable but tolerable. So with that, I decided to go for it. Not really the best idea since getting back into the water made my eyes flare again...oh well. The CB&I comes only once a year. :) So a pasta dinner and a long wakeful night, and we were up at 4:15 am. Once again, we get there and it's crazy to see just how serious some of these people are. But we are not here for time (if you are, you can never be satisfied-cause if you are not out to beat someone, you are out to beat your PR-personal record) because I am not up for that kind of pressure. The swim was interesting. I got my face in this year (meaning I free styled with my head in-last year I free styled with my head out). But got attacked in the water. A girl and I were bumping sides and whacking each other in the head with our strokes, when all of a sudden this girl grabbed my shoulder and shoved me backwards. After gulping down half of Lake Woodlands I came to the surface in a dog paddle and screamed 'what the...' and looked her face to face. Oops...I know HER! I let her pass. :) The bike went ok. Except during the ride my toes on one foot kept going numb and tingling. Almost to the point I was worried--thinking what is wrong with my circulation. But dismissed it. I started running the last leg with Sarah. I kept telling her...it's strange that my toes feel numb and have a little sharp pain... After we completed the tri, I sat down to change into flip flops. Pulled off my shoe and saw blood covering the bottom half of my sock. Thinking back, I remembered coming out of the water and stepping on something that hurt. I had a deep gash in one toe that had a flap of skin left. Another toe that had ripped off a chunk of skin...awesome. Dirty lake water that already has infected me! So off to the Walgreens care clinic (what a joke) to get a tetanus shot and 'glue' it shut (as opposed to stitches). After it's all said and done, I am happy with how the race went and annoyed I have a 'twice a day antibotic' to take to prevent whatever Lake Woodlands could have given me. Cheers Lake Woodlands...with water and a pill. :) See you next year...maybe.

So...

2010-05-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

the house went from this...

The seller asked me to keep this in the half bath...hmmmmmm....

The trim looks white in this picture, but all the trim & cabinets were a soft peach/pink. Including doors thru the house... Big heavy blinds in these windows...now rest in a dumpster somewhere. :)

Random walls were painted...this entrance wall and the mantle wall...and you can see the remaining walls were a beige pink color.
Hunter green...
UT orange and cream walls...peach doors and wood trim/wood blinds. All gone. :)

to this (just a couple shots but you get the picture)...a much needed make over! Thanks to a friend that helped us with getting the right people for the job! :) Once this seller moved out, BJ walked in and thought we bought a 'toliet!' Not anymore...

The reason...

2010-05-02T13:09:00.000-07:00

we bought this house! BJ had never seen it till our final walk through and I only walked two other homes. The back yard is awesome (pool with an outdoor kitchen) but the inside needed much work. Just imagine turquoise, terracotta orange, a 'UT' painted room, and some other various colors...ugh. But it's been painted head to toe and now we love it! But the boys love it more...

Ain't no laughing matter

2010-04-28T17:21:00.001-07:00

A pain in your side 'ain't no laughing matter.' Especially when they admit you immediately at the ER and rush you to surgery a few hours later. That's what happened today to Sarah's husband...he had his appendix removed.

And a red, swollen, burning, itching, make your head and teeth hurt eye 'ain't no laughing matter.' That's how I woke up today. I have pink eye...from the nasty YMCA pool that I have never seen cleaned, that has hair and all sorts of nasty things floating around or the disgusting lake water I recently practiced in for the upcoming tri on Saturday...no telling. But it 'ain't no laughing matter'.........no an inflamed appendix and pink eye 'ain't no laughing matter!'

Trying the tri on Saturday???...don't know...my head hurts thinking about it...!! Hopefully we all improve quickly.

Determination

2010-04-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

Since Drew has been 'unexcited' about soccer except for the snacks, we decided to encourage him with a reward. For almost a year he has asked for a 'real' guitar. One with 'real' strings. So Saturday at his last game we told him if he would engage and/or score a goal he would indeed get a real guitar. Just before the end of the game, he ran in to play and yelled over his shoulder 'a real guitar with real stings and a sponge bob sticker.' Me and a friend laughed thinking it didn't exist, but if he scored a goal I would make one if I had to buy sponge bob stickers and put them on myself. Well, he goal assisted! We were so excited! But even more so when we went to Toysrus and found the guitar! We asked him how he knew about the guitar and he recalled that when we bought 'a firetruck for JJ this Christmas' he saw it. Drew the determined little guy!

Heading to soccer...
Looking like my brother I think...

Phineas and Ferb...he always plays "ABC's"

He wants you to guess what he is playing...it's always "Twinkle, twinkle, little star"

We asked him if he wanted real lessons...he said "but I already know how to play."

It kinda looks like he does...

Jerseys

2010-04-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

I can always tell when life has 'slowed' a bit. I blog more. :) Another season of soccer down. Most likely our last with the Y. Moving on to a bit more competitive league...and trying some new things this summer. We are looking forward to it!

Really loves everything soccer (the shoes, ball, jersey) just doesn't care to actually play. :)

On the other hand, Tyler gets it, likes it, and is good at it.

Grateful

2010-04-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

God is so good. Thank you Lord for my beautiful boys. Full of energy, always scraped and bruised, always on the go, always up to something. Always full of 'I love yous, you're the best mom in the whole wide world, etc.' I pray they will have a heart that seeks You, loves You, and grows into a mighty man for You. This is my prayer...that they will one day know You in a personal way. Because after all, that's what this is all about.

For those who follow blogs, add http://www.reagankatieandbaby.blogspot.com/ to your list and to your prayers. They are a couple of BU grads...

My feeble attempt to take a few shots today before school. It's picture day today and since it's seconds before they ruin any new shirt I figured I would snap a couple of shots...I always have the same conclusion with them...it's next to impossible to do this without some assistance. But there cute all the same.

Tyler loves the new fountain in our front yard...and so does all the dogs in the neighborhood. :)

Gotta love it...'Drew put your smile on...'

Tyler's joker smile...or otherwise 'Can I pleeeeaaassseee...'

Easter

2010-04-04T17:28:00.000-07:00

He brought Truth, He brought redemption, He brought Life! And so much more... He is RISEN...He is RISEN INDEED! Hallelujah!!

Screaming for ice cream!

2010-03-30T19:17:00.000-07:00

Like everyone, not so good at blogging lately... But while we were homeless I decided to take a quick trip (not quick if you count the 9 hour each way drive) to Midland. Lala pulls out all the stops when the little men visit. They went to see the fire chief, made home made ice cream, and feed the ducks at the local pond... Will post some before and after pics of our 'new' home later. :)

Chicago!

2010-02-25T14:25:00.000-08:00

Chicago Title that is. Today we closed/sold our home. It's the house we brought both boys home from the hospital too, where they took their first steps, where they said their first words, where they zipped through the house on tricycles, chased each other with light sabers, and put hand prints (and sometimes footprints) all over the walls. It was a good house, but it served it's purpose. Now we are officially homeless. We have moved our crew into my folks house (they cleared out two rooms and took in two crazy dogs) for a couple of weeks. Looking at March 16th till we close on our 'new' and third home... Crazy to think it's our third house...makes me feel that much older. Sigh. In the meantime, we are happily homeless!

Can you deal with that??

2010-02-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

You mess

with the big dogs

and you

are going

to get

sprayed!!

...at least till big brother comes to your defense!

To the least of these

2010-02-13T11:36:00.000-08:00

Ever wondered what it's like to rub shoulders with the homeless? Ever wondered their stories, their needs, their struggles. We attend a Sunday school class willing to stand for truth, willing to serve, willing to put FAITH to FEET. A class that teaches the bible, turns our focus on our Almighty, Sovereign, Living Lord. A class that supports a range of ministries (from the unborn, the hungry, to the local youth to name a few), that encourages us to live outside ourselves, outside the 4 walls and daily live with a heart pursuing that of our Lord's. To open our eyes, give of our time, giving to those who are 'the least of these.' This morning it was to live out Matthew 26:35-40 'for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in. I was naked and you clothed Me...The righteous will answer Him saying, 'Lord when did we see You hungry...And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

We made 7 lbs of hash browns, loaded up with a friend and drove to Lewis Park in Conroe. While the surrounding area reminded me of my time in Compton, the park itself was well maintained. How many people know what lurks just inside this tree line? Dozens of men and women struggling to eat... Compassion United, the founders of this ministry know very well. Every weekend they serve these people, they cloth them, they minister to them. Minutes after CU arrived and set up about 80 people slowly came out of the woods and gathered around the man in charge for a time of prayer.

A morning like this reminds me, that we are called to serve, called to love, and called to step out and do as Christ Himself taught us. I was blessed more than these individuals were this morning.

Slowly come from every direction

Some bring food, while others bring clothing, gloves, blankets...and they measure them for a 'close' fit.

They bring empty bags and leave with them full.

They are overwhelmed with gratitude for their new clothes.

Listening to the guy from Compassion United talk about God's love for them.

They formed a line faster than I have EVER seen. Quiet, exact, and patient...I was taken a back by it.

They tuck away food for later...

But we come to do more than fill their stomachs. We come for fellowship, to be the listening ear, to be the physical form of Christ's love.

Children are encouraged and involved. She comes out every Saturday and this time made sure that her 'friends' got Valentine's candy. This girl has a heart of gold. She's 5.

Gratitude abounds....

A man that leads by example. A man that loves the Lord.

It sure was cold!

We don't come to just give them a hot meal. We come to serve them.

A gentle face of one of the 'least of these.'

Taught by example.

Come...

2010-01-23T17:05:00.000-08:00

Tonight Tyler finished eating, walked outside (not sure why...), and did this. He ran back inside and told everyone 'my shadow makes a Jesus!! Come and see!" Freeze Tyler...let me get the camera. :)

I have a dream...

2010-01-18T18:18:00.000-08:00

and it's freedom for the unborn. Free to have life, free to grow, free to love, free to know their mother. Today, I went to witness the largest pro life rally that I have ever seen. Thousands came in complete silence to protest the incoming nation's largest abortion clinic downtown, 78,000 sq foot clinic performing procedures up to 26 weeks.

You would think, only the crazy fanatics do this type of thing...but it is not. It was the normal all American guy, newly weds, veterans, moms to be, and those that regretted their decision to abort. It's heartbreaking to stand there, as much for the victims Planned Parenthood takes, as to see first hand the depravity of our land. Planned Parenthood called out the HPD because we are dangerous??? I think not. It was a peaceful, compassionate, and transforming demonstration.

Men working inside the building stood memorized at windows watching the rally below. While their foreman or rather, forewomen, stood mocking with another worker. Standing for Truth is what our Almighty God has called us to do. So I invite everyone reading this, to join us this February 11th at Crossroads Baptist on 242 in The Woodlands 6:00 pm to stand for the sanctity of life! These pictures represent stepping outside the comfort zone and doing God's work.

The 'new' building...

Lining the sidewalks

It is life!

Peaceful prayer. Some bring ipods of worship music, some bring Bibles, some just stand...it's so simple.

Made National news...

Planned Parenthood back up...

Who comes out?? Normal people...

Crowds thickening...

Normal all American guy...

She LOVES life!

The lady in charge

Thought this interesting. Inside the fence of the new location in a rubble of trash just outside their main door, sat a cross beam of wood. I couldn't help but think, that is exactly where our Nation has put the truth of Christ.

Merry CHRISTmas!

2009-12-25T13:23:00.000-08:00

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, God with us." Matthew 1:23

Kickoff to Christmas eve was celebrated with some friends that had a hayride from their house through the streets to view Christmas lights. They also had loads of hot chocolate and had 'Prep & Landing' and the 'Grinch' playing life size on their garage! Very cool. The kids loved it.

Tyler 'lovingly' spit hot chocolate all over Erin. The nice wet spot on her shirt. I was horrifed and so was Erin.

Looking grown up!!

BJ & I hosted the 2nd annual Potatoe & Knipfla Soup for Christmas Eve after our church service. He's getting mighty good at it. It's now been declared a tradition.

Loving on Opa

and Uncle Deke

The perfect host & hostess for a Christmas brunch

Homemade 3 layer red velvet 'Happy Birthday Jesus' cake. As family arrived, we each put in a candle. Erin being watched by all as she puts her's carefully in.

Ever so sweetly singing 'Happy Birthday Jesus. I'm so glad it's Christmas...'

Doing what boys do. Singing ever so sweetly...not gonna happen.

Captured...smiling for my uncle's camera.

Papa read the Christmas story! THE reason for the season!

Big girl Kam, who even sat at the kids table this year, was sweetly laying her head on T's belly just before I took this shot. Not many others that T would have let do that! Maybe because he was really listening to Papa...

Opa with the Watson's listening... Sweet...

Papa knows Drew! The Christmas story on GLOVES! A total score!

A winning gift...loves anything to do with cars.

And Drew takes the weed eater to work. He got an abundance of tools. Put them all out and proclaimed to himself under his breath 'now I am JUST like daddy.'

Merry Christmas! What a sweet, beautiful time to reflect on our Holy God and His pathway to Him, the mighty Son, our Saviour! Who will, with trumpet sound, return for His second coming! Awesome!

It's been a Christmas of blessing, full of family and good food! My 88 year old grandfather traveled with my uncle to visit us on Christmas. It's a special time to listen to an Air Force war hero, and all the days of ol'. We loved having them both and my parents in town (last couple of years they have been in PA).

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Water, Ice, Trains + Honeymans!

2009-12-23T19:56:00.000-08:00

The Honeyman Christmas this year was at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, TX. Such a fantastic, busy place. The boys had their own bunk beds to crash in, a huge indoor water park (we only lost one kid once), and a magic wand adventure course as part of the fabulous activities at this hotel. They had a blast from start to finish and this is why...

They had lots of family to love and entertain them...Uncle Jebo & Aunt Kay. Next Christmas we will have another little Honeyman running around! So exciting!

A 'wolf den' to sleep in! Stocked with a flat screen and all. It was 'oh so cool.'

Lala to bring the fun!

Not really eating the gingerbread cookies...more like 'put as much decorations on top, so that I can lick them clean!'

All I want for Christmas is 'a guitar and a drum.' Lala & Papa H provided. :)

And Drew has been playing ever since!

They really, really think they have their own rock band. Drew is also vocals as you can tell.

We have been getting excited about the 'Ice' show since leaving Houston. They watched the classic Grinch countless times on the way down. Didn't realize it's so short...had to watch over and over.

Just a cool shot of brothers with brothers. They were checking out the huge train town/tracks.

The amazing Gaylord Hotel

Drew loving on Jebo.

Sneaking in for a shot. :)

Because the boy will never look at me behind a camera. Lunch before the show.

Everything can be entertaining...

The full length heavy duty parkas they provided for the meat locker...

The THEME for the ice show. It's incredible that this is ALL ice!

30 men from China flown in to chisel out from one block of ice per scene.
I had to touch the cake to make sure it was really ice! Indeed it is! Every bit.

What is amazing is...

they finished the task in 30 days!

The beautiful, crystal clear, breathtaking full scale Nativity scene!

Love that I got to be in some pics! BJ was kind enough to carry the camera through the ice show. Thanks honey! I really do exists!!

Off to another long line...

Of course, the little ones are chicken fighting. :)

No, he does not ever sit still. :)

...the Polar Express train ride! Best thing is both activities are seconds away from the hotel.

A 20 minute Christmas musical show beforehand, which Drew slept through. :)

A walk through live pines & falling snow! It had a wonderful smell. Love Drew's face in this. He had just woken up. Me, I just look older...sigh.

It was a beautiful restored train.

Ahhh....

Drew looking for Santa...

Tyler cared mostly about feeling the wind in his hair.

Drew still looking...you would think he is not scared of Santa.

Here he is!!

And here is Drew again...horrified of Santa!! No way he was letting Santa touch him. :)

But not Tyler!!

What a rememberable, fun, entertaining trip! Thank you Lala & Papa H for making it happen!

Whose counting anyway??

2009-12-21T19:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday BJ! It's not about the years as they tick faster and faster by, but about the many memories we are creating! I love the godly man you are, the strong husband you have always been, and the fun, involved dad the boys love to imitate. Happy Birthday!

Oh, Santa...

2009-12-15T14:34:00.000-08:00

I thought for sure that we are old enough to simply walk over and sit on his lap!

Tyler and Drew have been so excited to see Santa this year. Tyler kept telling him that he wants a jet and a guitar. He smiled the whole time on his lap. Drew would not let go of me and pulled me into the picture. But as we left, Drew made daddy go tell Santa that he wanted a weed eater and a guitar. Till next year...

Feeling good...

2009-12-14T11:13:00.000-08:00

about a lot of things! It's awesome to reap the fruit of hard hours in the heat, humidity, and car exhaust. It's awesome to see a sea of people running. It's awesome to see a friend's face standing there cheering for you (thanks Kelly and Kristine). And it's awesome to see your husband make it possible for you to go and do that (thanks honey for watching the kids). And today, it's awesome to get a 'relaxing, stretching' massage compliments of him! That's supportive.

13.1 is challenging, and it's also satisfying! Tyler was so excited for me, he wore the finishers medal to school. He walked up to his teacher and announced 'my mom's a half finisher!'

Meg's little 3 year old took this photo...she was telling him to move over. So funny! :)

Hanging out the night before. Thanks Diane for also coming over!

Seconds before we started (just a bit cold!)...of course I ran with my little point n shoot. :)

We were group C, mixed in with the marathoners (ran the first 6 miles together). The guy running with the balloons is their pacer. Crazy to think, we were running only half of what they were!!

Runners as far as the eye can see!! Already running...the balloons is the start line.

Just finished...our fans!! Nothing like seeing them coming across the finish!

Deck the halls!

2009-12-08T17:18:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year! Because of what it represents...God's love for us, His pathway to Him, and His sacrifice and our gain!
Last year, I followed others as they posted their decor, so I thought I would do the same this year since we already have pics on the world wide web of real estate. It's was fun to have a showing one day, splash Christmas all over the house, and have a second showing the next day. Too bad they bought my neighbor's house instead. :( But, at least I get to enjoy my Christmas decorations a bit longer. On that note, we have had almost 50 showings, 5 or 6 seconds, and one silly offer. So we are still for sale and waiting patiently for His timing (some days better than others).

Here's a taste of what our house looks like...it's not everything, cause I go a bit overboard. :)

Love this tree. Hate putting it up. It's not pre-lit, and it goes in limb by limb. And every year as we put it up, we say, we will get a pre-lit 3 piece tree...we never do. :) Like the bow? Saw bows being made at our Holiday Market, and said...'I can do that!' So I did.

Lala hand made these beautiful cuffs for the boys stockings! Just beautiful. Drew pulled his down yesterday and the 'O' in 'NOEL' left a huge bump on the top of his head!!

I LOVE LOVE these ornaments, hand blown from Poland.

The boys tree. Went to the store for a fake tree...ended up with this! Ahhh....hence the water bulb.

A beautiful piece from our Market. Best Christmas stuff around.

Went through a phase of Nutcrackers. Have 7 of them in my house, but he's the tallest (2 by the fireplace).

Drumroll! The beautiful Precious Prints pottery piece by Robin! Awesome! One of a kind.

Nutcrackers everywhere...

An early New Year's resolution...

2009-12-02T19:58:00.000-08:00

to blog more about the boys! In an effort to do that, I have set up a different site for my hobby. :)
New site is http://rachelhoneymanphotography.blogspot.com/ if you care to follow it.

Thankful...

2009-11-26T16:44:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for my Lord, my Saviour, my Redeemer. Thankful for BJ, my partner and friend. I am thankful for two of the greatest, sweet little boys. I am thankful for family. I am thankful for friends. I have so many that I hold dear. I am thankful for health. I am thankful for this land, America the great. I am thankful for those that serve to protect it.

God is good and always faithful to provide, protect, and hold to His promises! How awesome.

Another Christmas card shot...because extended family is just as important.

I am thinking Christmas...

2009-11-24T12:15:00.000-08:00

because I am doing a lot of Christmas cards right now. Here's one good looking family. She is a rock star runner, and her husband is an ironman. :) How could they not be a super cool family?

Think she loves her brother??

You bet!

Watch out ladies!

Striking a pose :)

She was picture perfect the whole time!

Brown Eyed Buddy!

2009-11-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

He really is so cute! With eyes that make you melt, he is just one of the cutest little guys! Happy 1st birthday Big B!

And he is walking!

Working hard for those smiles. :)

Really? Really!

2009-11-16T11:39:00.000-08:00

She's a super mom! A beautiful mom! And a dear friend. With a life like mine, two little boys, I enjoyed chasing and running around taking pics of this sweet family. A few that didn't make the Christmas card. But I love J's personality in it!

For the love of mommy!

P! What's up with that frown. :)

one + one = family

2009-11-16T10:40:00.000-08:00

A super cool couple that is laid back and easy going (which will make for great parents). They got engaged a few years back at this park, so I went with them to take maternity pictures there. It is always a fun morning to sneak into places we are not quite sure we are allowed to go. :) They were such good sports!

The spot they got engaged!

Genuine excitement!

A momma shot

and a daddy shot

A new journey begins!

Soccer Stud!

2009-11-01T20:42:00.000-08:00

Tyler's a soccer stud!

Drew could care less!

Got to love this weather we are having! Here in Houston, we sweat for three months, but when the heat breaks and gives way to Fall, it sure is nice!

Tyler is really getting into soccer this year! He loves to score (yeah, it's not about that, but he loves it)! He is really great at maneuvering the ball away from others and moving from one end to the other! Not sure if Drew has played more then a minute this year, but at least he is on the same team with Tyler. It would be frustrating to have to do 2 different schedules and him not be interested in playing.

Trick or Treat

2009-11-01T20:33:00.000-08:00

The Alice in Wonderland Crew led by the Mad Hatter!

Lala came to visit and participate in Halloween...

and all it's festivities! It was so much fun to actually watch them get into trick or treating this year. They would have gone all night if we let them! We had a great time. Thanks for coming Lala.

Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum

2009-10-25T19:33:00.000-07:00

This fits them so well! Tweedle Dee is Drew...

Tweedle Dum is Tyler.

Tyler

Drew, always up to something...

Sarah and I like to do themed cast members for Halloween. Last year, you will remember we did Peter Pan! They loved it and we did too. So this year we decided to do 'Alice in Wonderland.' It was an easy decision for me. Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum are the goofy twin boys that Alice runs into in Wonderland. I laugh when I see them in these costumes, because my mom would call Sarah and I Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum whenever she thought we did something silly and just down right stupid.

Surfing Pumpkins!

2009-10-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

Today was playgroup at the pumpkin patch. Well, Sarah and I have been training for a half and did a long run today of 7 miles. Since we were almost an hour late, we missed all the fun activities and came up as all our friends were leaving. The 30 minute drive for a grand total of 10 minutes. But Drew picked out an awesome pumpkin and Tyler was so excited to see it (since he is at school now on Fridays).

Kam

Last year, Drew was all about 'riding' pumpkins. This year, he was all about surfing them!

Loved it....

till he saw Brookie getting in her car. 10 minutes was up, off to Chick-fil-a for lunch.

But we got the pumpkin, since it was such a short visit. :)

It's never easy to get a shot of them together...

Tyelr trying to entertain me...

That's right, what a headache!

A crooked smile from Tyler

Drew was just telling me how much he 'loves pumpkins.' And then he ever so gently put his head on it...wonder what he was thinking.

And then he smiled and hugged it.

Destin!

2009-10-13T05:51:00.000-07:00

So muggy!

One of fourteen kids! They are all Tyler and Drew's closest buds. And when we got home from Destin we asked them what their favorite thing was about the trip. The sand or being with their friends. They quickly and loudly said 'OUR FRIENDS!'

A lot of this going on

But mostly this. They absolutely love the sand and can play for hours in it.

After dinner treats of Smores

This house is perfect. How you feed all the kids-at once and all the same thing (basically).

Three years in a row in Destin, I love it!

I do...I did...

2009-09-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

I did a wedding a couple weekends ago, hence the blog MIA. I have been so busy with boys, pictures, preschool, BSF, cleaning my house for showings (our house is for sale), and JL Holiday Market, that the blog has been left hanging. The Market will be here soon, the housing market has slowed down and we are finding a rhythm as we get back into school. So enjoy these pictures and I will get back into blogging about my crew soon.

Mimi School

2009-09-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

Chalk toes!

Tyler

Working on letters...sort of...

I is for Indian

Mimi playes educational games with them

The boys have spent two days this week being 'schooled' by Mimi! They enjoy it and love hanging out with Mimi. She is teaching them the sound and words associated with the letter I. It's with the intent to learn the fundamental blocks for reading and writing, a-e-i-o-u. I enjoy it because I get to just watch. With the boys, it's a solid good 10 minutes before they are off to play outside. Dirty is their nature...not sitting, so taking the teaching to the outside chalkboard is key. Thanks Mimi!

9 Principles, 12 Values

2009-09-12T10:24:00.000-07:00

Tune into Glenn Beck's 9/12 Project going on right now! It's not about who you voted for, or what you call yourself, be it Republican or Democrat, but what we stand for...who we are as America.

He quoted the following scripture on air. Ephesians 6:12 'For we do not wrestle against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.' Blackaby, my Bible commentator, says this about that verse. 'If you are a Christian, you are engaged in a spiritual battle of universal proportions. Your soul is in a conflict against the forces of evil, so fight the good fight. As frightening as the powers of darkness may appear, you serve the God of light, and the victory is His!' That's awesome!

The 9 Principles:

1. America is good.

2. I believe in God and He is the Center of my life.

3. I must always try to be a more honest person then I was yesterday.

4. The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government.

5. If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.

6. I have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.

7. I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.

8. It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion.

9. The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me.

The 12 values that Glenn Beck is telling Americans they need to embrace are:

Honesty

Reverence

Hope

Thrift

Humility

Charity

Sincerity

Moderation

Hard Work

A Day of Remembrance

2009-09-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

The only place for Hope and Peace...

'We should never forget how delicate and how fragile our freedom is...' Glenn Beck said 'and now most of Americans have forgotten the impact of 9/11.'

Oh how true is this. We have forgotten how our President took a stand for us for our freedom, and never wavered from that position. And yet we brutalized him and ridiculed him.

I was 22. I remember it was a bright, beautiful day. I was alone in my parent's house, getting ready for a speech about chair mats for work...silly, oh so silly...and I remember Sarah calling me to tell me to turn on the TV. I missed the first one, but I saw the second one hit the Towers. I remember sitting in front of the TV with my brush in hand and my knees in my arms. Staring in disbelief. It didn't even look real. It just looked like a bad movie. I don't know how long I sat there, but I remember Sarah and I frantically trying to get a hold of our parents in PA as we watched silhouettes appear in the windows holding on to beams...thinking. Thinking about family, or babies, or the smoke and fire that was coming, thinking about the better option...to jump. And then I remember watching that silhouette jump. Oh, my heart broke. Driving to my seminar, I was in shock, in constant prayer, and constant fright. What was next? The day continued in a daze and I ended up driving 3 strangers to San Antonio that evening. But I remember that our personal security was more than rocked, it was shattered. I remember spending the next 2 days in tears as I watched the news alone in a hotel room in San Antonio. I remember the images of the Twin Towers as they burned and crumbled. I remember Todd Beamer's call to arms on Flight 93 of "Let's Roll."

And then I remember, that God is good. He does not bring evil (that is Satan's doing), but He is there to carry, deliver, and sustain us if we believe in Him as Saviour and Lord of our lives. I remember that my God is bigger then these terrorists and He is faithful.

Freedom is offensive, and many are at work to destory it, but let us never forget what our brave men did at ground zero, in airplanes, those that ran in and not out, to those that defend us today, and a President that would not tolerate what happened to us!

Remember 9/11, remember how we were attacked, and remember why we were attacked and hold on to FREEDOM! GOD BLESS AMERICA...AND HEAL OUR LAND.

Backpacks & Boots

2009-09-09T18:44:00.000-07:00

Super proud of his Anderson Bean Black Ostrich Boots from Lala & Papa H...oh and with guitar in hand. Just looked too cool for school. 'Drew, you done gone grown up on me! Stop that, you hear!'

Almost growing into these...

Drew loves Tyler...

Ah, our preschool started today. They walked in brave, never looking back. Which I imagine will always be the case. Their teachers are ones that have either had them before or had the brother, so we already know them. Drew was very excited and all grins that he got to go into Tyler's old classroom and have his teachers. And Tyler couldn't wait for me to find his new one. So, off for another year at preschool....soon to draw to a close. I will be sad to see this part of their baby days gone. It's sweet, it's innocent, and it teaches God's Word. Nothing better, except for BSF on Wednesdays.

Who are these children, and why are they calling me mom?

2009-09-06T16:18:00.000-07:00

BJ and I reunited with the boys this weekend in Fredricksburg for a wedding!! It was awesome to see them. And WOW, the location of this super intimate wedding was breath taking...everything was beautiful. We didn't get a sitter for the boys because we falsely assumed that they would be the sweet angels I know they can 'sometimes' be. OH NO...the horror! It started at the rehearsal dinner when it was funny to tap the glasses with spoons, screaming bloody murder just before the vows, and ended with a melt down fit when they tried to cut in line at the reception. We didn't stay long at either event, and I am sure they were not as bad as I thought, but it was definitely embarrassing and I won't be taking them to another wedding till they are over 18!

The boys are already missing Lala camp and I will post some pics soon from Lala.

It's a 'B' day

2009-09-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

The boys are running wild and having a blast in Midland. Today was letter 'B' day. :) They woke up to b-ananas, went to B-arnes n Noble to read b-ooks, got new cowboy b-oots, had b-ubble gum and B-aby Ruths, rode a downtown Midland b-us for an hour, had B-B-Que for dinner, and sang 'Take me out to the b-all game' to name a few.

Around here, I don't have anyone waking me up at 6:30 am, I don't have anyone pulling or screaming, or anyone to feed...but I miss all that. So today, I went to a friend's house to take pictures of a baby...my own 'B' day. She's a perfectly beautiful baby. I can hardly remember when my little b-oys were little b-abies!

Happy Birthday Becky

2009-08-31T18:06:00.000-07:00

It was Becky's birthday recently...and her mom planned an entire surprise birthday for her. It was a great time and we had lots of fun. Happy Birthday Becky. You are an amazing, funny, dear friend! Forgive us that we 'missed' your actual birthday...

Are you surprised???

The driver missed the front of her own limo...

Taking it to downtown

Where we ate great seafood. This bottle is her maiden name!

The special menu

Her cousin set it all up

Sarah and I

We love you!

Life with OUT them

2009-08-31T17:27:00.000-07:00

We went to Dallas to meet Lala and Papa H (from Midland)
We got there a night early and stayed with Kelly

Thanks Kelly for letting us stay the night in your 'French la Maison'

They missed you the minute we pulled away (Tyler hiding from Kelly)!

BJ and I have missed the boys for the past couple of days. It's quiet, really quiet...and not busy! But I am not one to sit around! So after cleaning the house this morning and doing most of my projects yesterday with out them, I stopped to sit down and decided it was too quiet to sit alone in my house. I went for a run instead at 11:00 am. Normally, I would just about pass out from the heat, but today was not bad.

The boys at 'Camp Lala' spent the day doing 'A' things. They woke up having A-pplejack cereal and A-pples. Made a trip to Pet's Mart to see the A-quarium. Went to the fire station to see an A-mbulance, the list goes on. It's creative and fun and they love it! To top it off Lala always makes them 'Camp Lala' shirts! Tomorrow is B day.

Precious Prints Pottery

2009-08-31T16:24:00.000-07:00

Robin is awesome. Not only are her pieces one of a kind, but I pretty much draw her a sketch and she can do it (even when she puts the prints on in a certain direction and I completely change it on her). Last year, she did the below fish plate with the boys foot prints. I wanted something that reminded me of the first scripture that the boys learned. And how perfect that God orchestrated it with this verse and brought it to my mind when I saw her last year...I love this plate.

So this year when she came to playgroup, I jumped on the opportunity! I have changed it about 3 times on her (as stated above), but I think what we came up with will be AMAZING and just what I want for a Christmas plate! Can't wait...check her out at http://www.preciousprintspottery.com/.

T's foot print

and his hand print

Drew's foot

and his hand...but it gives you an idea on how it starts!

Life with them

2009-08-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

Too cute Drew!

I gave them haircuts today...because I am never happy with the ones they get...

Took it short on T.

He looks a little funny...but it will grow out. :)

My little crew is leaving tomorrow for a week at Lala and Papa H's. It will be quiet around here and they will be missed! They are hilarious lately... Tyler has taken a keen interest into measurements. Asking 'do you want a little or a lot?' of whatever he's talking about. Or 'Drew, let's measure.' This is usually done with their spoons at dinner, but he has been known to measure a room with toilet paper. Drew is still creative! He is usually making something out of nothing, dragging random tools throughout the house fixing things, and lately putting much thought in to what he wants to take to show Lala. He is really interested in taking the 'laughing dog' to her (that she gave him) so that 'he can get it again from her.' Maybe it will find a new home...

And most often then not, if you can't find them, they are outside turning on the water hose or hiding under my bed doing something they shouldn't!

A best friend of the boys

2009-08-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

My boys love this little man and are just like him! On the go, and all boy! My boys play chase with him, laugh (a lot) with him, and always want to know what he is doing today (so we can play with him). He flashed his sweet smile the whole time and was such a helper with his sister! Who is quite the doll and very impressive with her sitting abilities! She is as beautiful as mommy.

Little faces of B...growing up...

2009-08-09T14:26:00.001-07:00

Little faces of B is now...

getting a little bit bigger!

Still has some awesome big brown eyes...

and a precious smile...

and perfect cheeks...

and great dark eyebrows...

with a toothless grin!

He's such a cutie! He's easy to smile and his eyes sparkle! I can't believe he's almost walking, almost got teeth, almost on the move! Watch out mom, he'll have the girls knocking down your door!

and again...and again...and again...

2009-08-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

He loves his Pooh blanket

There it is!

Doesn't want anyone to touch the band aid...

In the past 8 months, we have had broken bones for both boys, black or swollen eyes, countless bumps and bruises...yesterday we added...stitches! Like everyone, it's all hands on deck at the pool. Your role varies from mom, lifeguard, guardian of the gummies, and playmate. So after a fun outing at the local play pool, we decided to dry off at the park a few steps away. Who would have thought we would get hurt there?? No longer than 2 minutes into relaxing on the park bench, I heard little feet slip on the steep steps and 'bam!!' I almost missed it, but I turned to see Drew slip off and come chin down on the platform about 3 feet off the ground. It whipped his neck backwards and he fell to the ground on his back. Normally, it's 'you ok little man?' Not this time...his chin was split open like a walnut! Tissue and blood oozing out. Sarah tells me, 'I will watch Tyler' and 15 minutes later Drew and I, bathing suits and all, were walking into the ER. Awesome...because it's viciously cold in the ER anyway...wet suits just about made it unbearable. After 2 and half hours in the ER, not a single tear from Drew, some great pain meds, and 5 'clear' stitches later, Drew walked out asking me for a 'wrpee' (Slurpee) and if he could go back to the park and play with his friends! You are a champ dude, and praise be to God for watching over him....we are blessed to have nothing more than stitches, which he has enjoyed showing off today.

Some hard working boys!

2009-08-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

'The edger'...complete with buzzing lips!

Following every step of daddy's

Oh...this is where it's at!

In sync around the turns

Tyler finally joined in the fun

Mowing is an entertaining and fun activity at our house! And a great way for the boys to learn the value of hard work. Every time BJ gets out to mow the boys get excited. Maybe it's because daddy makes it fun by blowing them with the blower, letting them push it, and allowing them to stay completely under foot! Yet, Drew takes it to a whole new level. I have found him on more than one occasion dragging the toy mower into the house and pretending to cut the carpet. He usually wraps the cord of an old blow dryer around his shoulder, puts BJ's IPOD on, his sunglasses, and buzzes his lips as he 'edges' the base boards. So today, since the blow dryer was not handy, he gazed across the backyard and spotted the glass table. He tips it over, pulls off one of the two legs that criss-cross to make the stand and off he went! Following daddy for the entire time, buzzing and itching his nose from the grass! The thought of this activity never crossed his mind as a chore! Probably because it's the 'coolest thing ever to mow T-A-L-L grass!' Someday, dear Drew, you will not enjoy it as much.

Always something...but it's enough to make you laugh!

2009-07-29T09:02:00.001-07:00

He's not hurting...

Just out of the shower this morning...

This morning I was greeted with this cute little man hiding behind the kitchen island. He jumped out and said 'surprise'... And what a surprise. Tyler looked like he'd been in a fight over night. My first thought and what came out of my mouth was 'who won?' I couldn't help but giggle, since his other eye was wide eyed and bushy tailed. A not normal occurrence in the morning. I usually have to drag him kicking and screaming out of bed. So of course, I put a call into the doctor. As I described his condition on the phone to the nurse, Tyler looked at me in all seriousness and said 'Mommy, am I going to die?' Is it all the times I tell him 'don't run into the street. You could get hit and die.' Maybe I should reconsider how I state things to him. But, again I had to giggle because it was all too funny. So we rushed around doing chores this morning waiting for our 10:45 appointment. The people at Lowe's looked very concerned, so much that I had Tyler put on his sunglasses. We then peacefully walked through doing our business. We got to the doc's office and Tyler (the ever so polite little man) was holding the door for all the ladies. One lady gratefully smiled at him, and was beginning to say thank you when she spotted his eye. Her face went to shock...wear your emotions on your sleeve lady...and just stared at him. I was giggling, till I realized she must think we have a severe case of pink eye. We then huddled in the corner waiting our turn. Come to find out, Tyler has an allergic reaction to mulch. Yep, mulch (or something in it). Last night, he was loading his truck with recently laid mulch and got some in his eye. I had flushed it and didn't think much of it since it didn't bother him. Gratefully, no scratches and his eye should recover in 2 to 3 days.

Young & cool

2009-07-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

He's just cool!

how could he not be...

Quick shot of little brother

Busy boys, lots of personality...gotta love it!

Little man loves big brother!

These boys are about to welcome a sister!!

and it's over...proceed to tackle!

This big brother has been in our playgroup about as long as we have been in it...now going on 4 years! He's a couple months older than Tyler and one of his closest buds. Tyler has the best time with him...they wrestle, tackle footballs, and giggle constantly. And his little brother just loves him! I was taking pictures of big brother but had to sneak in the little one too.

The real deal...

2009-07-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

Who's going to the circus!!!

Got to downtown a little early, so we stopped by daddy's office. It overlooks the water wall. We do have a little bit of a black eye...fell off the scooter.

Scared stiff of the wall and hiding in the corner

The circus!

checking out the elephants before the show...

You can get up close and personal with the performers beforehand...
T & Drew watching the clown

and the jugglers ...

presentation of the American flag...the start of the show

the ringleader...

the boys loved the riding elephants!

they even had a little bit of fireworks!

a dog show...

7 cycles in a metal cage...

spinning around...

men on stilts...

a motorcycle on a tight wire...

T with his sucker...he literally ate the whole thing. Didn't know he had the patience!!

dancing tigers...

acrobats...

and the flying trapeze...

It's an overload of pictures, but it's a bit of what the circus was like! BJ and I decided to take the boys to the circus today for a late birthday present. We thought we would do it right and get some great tickets...we didn't remember that we also had 2 tball games plus a Sunday school dinner party. So after, barely making it through the tball game (Drew was just not into it today, unless I was rewarding him with goldfish) we headed to downtown. We got there early so we stopped at the water wall. In all the 5 minutes we were there, Drew must have heard the water and decided to pee his pants. He did not like the wall, it was a bit overwhelming for him anyway. So, we made a quick stop into Gymboree to get new pants and headed to the circus. We got there early enough to hit the pre-show where you get up close and personal with the performers. Very cool. We found our seats with cotton candy, the biggest suckers ever, and lemonade to help entertain the boys for the next 2 hours. They loved every second. BJ and I both were grinning ear to ear as we watched them giggle, laugh, cheer, and scream! We were impressed and even after a long day (since we rushed back to the party) we were so glad we went!

But it's for strength...

2009-07-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

Parents sit outside the room...behind a plastic window...

Step in time...marching to the beat

Teaching them coordination

Drew is more interested in everything else around him

...particularly who is on the bars (his favorite thing)...here his buddy is on them.

But, look at Tyler's coordination! 'End to end with your sticks.'

Drew rolling

He is supposed to be jumping from one to the other and then doing the splits in the middle. I can just hear him telling everyone 'a bridge, I made a bridge.'

And...he's over it!

Tyler doing the jumping course. He just got done jumping various heights. You get to the top and you work on flexibility with a spread eagle.

Ok, so my boys loooove gymnastics! And they have now been in it about a year and a half. For boys, they say it builds upper body strength, flexibility, and coordination. It definitely has done that for them. But thanks to gymnastics, they do their best to mock it at home. I came into the living room today to find a mountain of all 3 bedspreads, all the cushions off the sofa, all the decorative pillows off the furniture, all 7 of my pillows, their 4 pillows, and 4 blankets. They were standing on the love seat arm and jumping into the pile having the best time ever! And I wonder why we get broken bones in this house!!

The girls!

2009-07-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

They are not really our cousins, but more like our sisters!

So...this is how they feel about them...

Tyler loves Erin. He wakes up talking about her, spends the day with her, and always thanks God for her in his prayers!

Brooke is Drew's best friend. He always makes sure that we save gummies for her, always wants to talk on the phone with her, and will go or do anything if we tell him Brooke will be there!

The boys love to hug on Kam and hold her. She is their favorite doll toy and they always make sure she is entertained...usually by sticking their face in hers making funny sounds.

'No one can stop me, I'm 4!'

2009-07-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

When I got to briefly hold T...

Four weeks old & home!

7 days old, the day he got home.

It was a wonderful day when Tyler come into our lives. We had recently sold our home in Eagle Springs (about 40 minutes away from here) and were renting a town home in Memorial from a co worker while we finished building our home in the Woodlands. It was to be completed in June, but we didn't move in until late August. So when Tyler came on Mimi's birthday, we were basically homeless! I was sleeping at Sarah's and BJ was starting a new job that day (literally his first day of work). I tip toed into Erin's room, and whispered (or so I thought) into her monitor..."Sarah, come here.' She rushed into the room asking if Erin was alright...I said 'yes, but I'm not.' We told BJ to go to work and report in and that we would go check it out at the hospital (he lasted an hour his first day). I called mom to wish her happy birthday and tell her I was in labor. The contractions came on at about 3-4 minutes apart from the beginning and continued to get stronger. I got showered, made a quick trip to the donut place, ate, and left most of it in the parking lot, since holding food down was not an option. I rushed through labor but stalled at delivery. Once I started to push, they realized just how big he was. My measurements and sonogram on Friday had said to expect about a 7 lb 2 oz baby...it was Monday and they were off by almost 2 pounds. So, after pushing for two hours, and the epidural weaning completely off, forceps being prepared, the nurse tied two knots in a sheet and had BJ and I play tug of war (no elaboration on that, except that his back was to me). Tyler came into the world at 9 lb 2 oz and almost two hours of pushing & no epidural! Our amazing doc calming said 'he's got a knot in the cord.' But it was not an issue since it was loose and most likely came from his late turn (36 weeks). However, he was spanking Tyler's bottom over and over...the nurse hit the call button, and about 9 people in scrubs came rushing in. T let out a faint cry and we thought we were in the clear. They cleaned him up and gave me him to nurse. After about 10 minutes of not nursing and slowing getting more blue, Sarah encouraged me to send him to the nursery to get checked out. They returned him twice (saying that was his 'tick,' which was him really struggling to breath), but the third time we sent him down he was admitted into the NICU for 6 days. After a spinal tap, breathing tank & nose piece, and lots of cords (ivs, etc), it was determined that he had pneumonia in addition to fluid in his lungs from not crying a 'hard' cry to get it cleared out. Through it all, it was God's strength and endurance that kept us going! We spent many sleepless nights holding him in the NICU and pumping to get my milk to come in! It's been an awesome road and we have loved every minute that God has given Tyler to us!

Sorry no pics of the NICU, they showed error every time I tried to upload them.

Heat wave TBall!

2009-07-11T17:43:00.000-07:00

Drew getting ready for his game, with ball, hitting gloves (of course!) and glove in hand.
One super cool dug out!

Saying the Pledge with daddy

Guess which hand is Drew's...

Waiting to bat...

A hit!

This is how Drew guards first base.

Daddy talking Tyler into playing...

a little bit of gentle guidance...

and off he goes!

Mimi was excited to watch them play

Tyler in the 'dug out'

T was the third base men...I love how he is holding his glove!

Drew sat on every one's lap

Daddy taking a picture with his phone of T on third with his thumbs up

Scoring is a guarantee

Getting advice from daddy...good listening T

Good game, good game, good game...

Wow, Houston Tball in July is hot! We were in an instant sweat crossing the parking lot. Drew was into the tball game and played almost the entire hour. He hit, ran, and chased balls. All without ever taking off his gloves (our ongoing addiction, like Brooke with her shoes, he will put them on anywhere). When we where in PA, he found a bag of gloves. Ran inside and hide behind a chair. He sat there with the bag behind his back against the wall. When he thought no one was looking, he started to pull them out and try them on one by one. As you know, he was not far from a glove the rest of the trip. So today with tball, it was no exception!

Tyler, however, was slow to start his game, but finished like a champ. He choked on some water at Drew's game and threw up. Once his game started, he sat down off on the side and refused to play. BJ evaluated him to determine if he was sick or if it was an isolated event. He soon felt better and after some coaxing, he joined the game as they were hitting. He quickly made up for lost time, jumping around giving high fives and chasing grounders with everyone else.

We were proud of them and how they played today, but mostly because they kept their endurance and over came obstacles to have a great day!

Change...or not

2009-07-09T15:59:00.000-07:00

I threw this old pic of Sarah and I on here, because when I hold Kameron (her third, and my niece) I get 'is that your baby? She looks just like you!' Since I am 'girless,' I will totally claim that.

Some things never change...
Sarah still has more hair then me.
I am still taller than Sarah.
We still don't look much more alike then we did at one year.
Sarah's smile still lights up her whole face.

Some things do...
I'm not the shy one, as I was in this picture...these days neither of us is shy, but Sarah use to be. I was the blonde one (can't tell here), but Sarah is now.

You won't see us dressing identical, at least not on purpose.
You definitely won't see us wearing a dress with booties.

Just a fun post, in case you have been missing them. We have been busy with pool time, science camp, and tball (which at least they have the same practice day now!!).

T's T Ball!

2009-07-01T17:34:00.001-07:00

First base man!

Running the bases...standing on first

Showing his skills!

Tyler playing first

Drew sat clapping for about a minute...

I really envisioned that both boys would be on the same team, making it very easy to sit on the sidelines and enjoy the entertainment of teaching little ones t-ball. As it's worked out, Drew's practice is on Monday nights and T's is on Wednesday nights. There's no sitting, not much anyway... It's constant work to entertain the other one while the other is practicing (especially when it's Drew). But Tyler was awesome! This age gets it. He was picked to be first base man, after his hitting skills exceeded the other's. He loved it. He was involved every time the coach would hit a ball to the field, since the players would throw it to first (Tyler), who would throw it back to the coach on home plate! He was constant smiles and very confident. I, for one, am not looking forward to the super hot and super humid weather! Too bad it's only started. The season goes till late August...

No more spectator, now a team player!

2009-06-29T19:20:00.000-07:00

T Ball with Drew

Fitting a hat!

Overboard excited!

A natural!!

A throwing pitch, but it looks like the Heisman...maybe someday :)

'My buddy's here!'

Serious about stretching

Swing batter, batter, batter!

Eyes on the batter while standing on first!

Run, run, run

Second base chat with daddy...

Running to third!

Look at that stance (he had a little bit of help)!

Future outfielders??

Working on grounders...

T-ball and he loved every minute of it!! Drew's been talking about soccer or t-ball since Tyler got to play this past season. With the 3 year birthday behind him (by a day) he got to be on his first team! He was pumped all day! He was even more excited once we got there to know a buddy on his team! It sure is complicated (good thing he has a patient coach), but Drew went to bed asking if he could play t-ball all day tomorrow!

'Best day, EVER'

2009-06-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday boys...shaded tables for sitting was a must!

Getting the pool and slide ready for the party!

Me with the boys and Erin :)

Kelly came for the party...what an awesome friend!

Papa was the best host for the party...

T & I in the deep end!

Everyone swims when you are in Houston! Lala and T going for the deep end.

Boys cake...we do not recommend using sparklers...!

Daddy lighting the candles after the sparklers bombed. :) Even though Drew was huffing and puffing to blow them out.

Now we got it! Drew sneaking in to help T out!

Some RJ Goodies...can't beat their cakes!

All tuckered out, but of course Drew had to have T's new baseball gloves on!

It was a great party. You can't have enough water for an outside summer party in the heat of Houston. And since Drew wanted a waterslide party and Tyler wanted a pool party, we thought what the heck, why not have both! We hired our babysitter (who is a certified swim instructor) and let the kids run out their energy for 5 hours in the pool! They had a blast. Even though the sparklers ended up being a 'good idea with poor execution'...we managed to not start any fires or lose any hair (my grandmother's hair went up in smoke (fire) at Sarah's wedding when we used sparklers as they left the reception. We have a picture of one of our friend's literally jumping on her to put it out). So I guess I should have known better...word to the wise for anyone else attempting such an idea.

Thanks to all our great friends and their little ones for coming out and making it the best birthday yet!

We look forward to celebrating T's birthday on July 12th, same as Mimi's!

"Mommy, am I three yet?"

2009-06-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

I thought he was so handsome when he was born!

6-28-06...8 lbs 13 oz of joy!

Tyler meeting his best buddy for the first time!

Ahhh....

I loved his hair...one month old!!

My sweet little Drew is turning 3 tomorrow! Well, he's never been little, weighing in at 8 lbs 13 oz, a week and a half before he was due and coming out 'sunny side' up... But since then he has always rode at the 98% percentile in weight. He has been a tremendous blessing to us. He's lovable, confident, protective, and the best little helper any mom could have. His personality is priceless, he's quick and easy to laugh, and he has one creative mind. We had his birthday party today, with Tyler, since T turns 4 in two weeks!

Time flies when you are having fun!

2009-06-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

VBS 'Boom a rang Express'
'It all comes back to Jesus!'

Tyler doing the Bible pledge

Sarah and Kelly teaching the music

The kids singing and dancing

MIDLAND!!!

Lala and Papa H with Tyler at Rosa's (we always go here)

Drew waiting for the private chef dinner to arrive, so that we could surprise Lala and Papa H

Drew & Uncle Jeb

Jebo with Tyler

Happy 40th!!

My grandad lives in Midland...we stopped by to wish him happy father's day!

Sarah and I had an awesome time teaching VBS music to the little ones last week. It was so fun to watch little seeds of Truth develop and grow in these kids! Can't wait to do it again!

So Friday after VBS, the boys and I hopped into the car to pick up BJ in the galleria area for a busy father's day weekend. Midland was the destination (a 9 and a half hour drive, just over 500 km, one way)! But, BJ and his brother had planned a 'surprise' 40th anniversary dinner on Saturday evening. So sweet! The boys enjoyed their time in Midland though it flew by...

All good things come to an end...

2009-06-12T17:38:00.000-07:00

Tyler with Kate on the 4 wheeler!

There he goes...hold on tight!

Drew...he looks so little

Oh Drew...keep your helmet on!

Uncle Phil playing with all the kids on the trampoline

Running off for Uncle Phil to catch them

Brooke & Drew just wanted to play checkers

Last night was the sleepover at the farm. Aunt Becky (my older sister) pulled down 4 twin mattresses and lined them up side by side in a room. She left one on the bed that Drew and I slept on. So I stayed with our 4 for the 'sleepless' sleepover...Brooke cried for the first 45 minutes, Tyler woke up screaming twice, and Drew fell off the bed 3 times landing on Aunt Becky's head. After about 2 hours of good sleep, Erin woke me at 5:30 ready to eat...

So by 9 am this morning, we had gone strawberry picking, taken a visit to the local renown taxidermist, and decided we needed early morning naps to make it through the day.

This evening we had a birthday party for all the summer birthdays...we have 6. It was a great way to end our awesome PA trip! That and a PA haircut.

And to answer a few questions about the farm...yes, my sister and her husband own the dairy farm (it's a family business he took over from his father). It's the largest in PA and in the top 5% producing/size in the country! A pretty awesome feat and so amazing to see.

Life on a dairy farm!

2009-06-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

All American Farmhouse!

This is how you keep the manuer from getting in your carpet!

How you wash clothes on a farm with 6 kids!

The cousins care for these for chores

Resting cows

Baby calves

This is how they get the milk you drink!!

Last year Drew fell into a walkway just like this...he was covered front and back in mud and manure. It was so gross! Maybe that's why he was the only one not holding his nose!

Just got done milking

We went over to the Kulp farm this morning. Since it was rainy, we hopped in their church sized van and toured the property. The boys enjoyed touching the cows and seeing the huge tractors driving around...what a smell, but what an eye opening experience. It's the reason I don't mind paying high dollar prices for milk, when I see how hard these people work!

Can't get enough...of PA

2009-06-09T18:06:00.000-07:00

Horseshoe Curve

Train literally curves around the mountain bend right next to you.
We waited 40 minutes at the top and as we climbed down the mountain we saw the train coming...Tyler was bummed, but it was still the 'coolest thing.'

Mimi & Papa with the Houston clan

Waiting for the train...

Even though the other edge is on a cliff...this edge is just 3 or 4 feet down...Drew yelling 'echo!!'

This is how you play with cousins!

Sarah found a new talent of Drew's...literally walking on his toes!

Curls them under, as opposed to Brooke's foot beside him

Since I can't crop anything on this computer, look closely...an Amish horse and buggy.

Today was another fun filled day...I asked Tyler this evening as he was going to bed what his favorite thing was about today...he thought and said...'me.' They spent most the afternoon chasing and jumping with the cousins. They are planning a water/roller coaster day tomorrow and a day of 4 wheeling and a slumber party at the farm. It's like one big unending playgroup up here.

Fun in PA!

2009-06-09T12:12:00.000-07:00

Old enough to push their own baggage through security!

Loved watching the planes!

Everywhere he goes Drew finds the gloves! He was so excited to find bags of them up here!

Meanwhile, Tyler is showing off his skills

Bouncing his trucks!

This is how you feed them in PA!

And how you sleep 10 grandkids...the eldest missing...

They were so excited!

Races!

How they love it here. Drew woke up the first morning, stretched his arms, and said 'I love Pennsylvania!' He had not even opened his eyes. For weeks they have been super excited to see the cousins and reunite with Mimi and Papa. It's definitely lived up to the expectations. They have played hard and slept hard. These shots are SOTC, but still give you a glimpse of life in the slow lane!

Little J

2009-06-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

He's one of my dear friend's little ones, and he is just as precious as she is! Little J was all smiles, showing off his bouncing personality and big blue eyes! Enjoy...

Now that's a VACATION!

2009-06-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

The pad (a big thanks to B!!)

The view (only pic I had with the view without someone else in it...I won't torture them!)

The crew...on a dinner cruise

What an awesome vacation! 7 of us hopped a plane and spent 3 nights in Cabo laying by the pool, talking it up, surfing pool mats, running on the beach, sleeping in, laying out, eating, a bloody finger that probably could have used a stitch, and taking little to no pictures! The above are 4 out of 9 pictures I took with my point and shoot camera! It really was a vacation!

Sad to miss the other 2 (Sarah one of them) on this trip. But a shout out to the most amazing hostess who knew how to let you relax or how to bring the fun! Thanks for the memories, there are many.

Sarah and I are off to PA for a week...traveling on the plane with all 5 little ones by ourselves!

Dolls!

2009-05-30T17:40:00.000-07:00

Older sister

Younger sister

These girls might as well be dolls (or models) they are so cute! They are 14 months a part and the best of friends! Hope your mommy and aunt enjoy the rest of these, as much as I enjoyed taking them!
I am off to Cabo tomorrow with my girls...YEAH!!

Critters & Chats

2009-05-28T17:11:00.000-07:00

Mommy gave Drew a haircut! Last time I tried he looked like a skater!
T-ball season...getting ready

Learning from daddy is such fun!
Meanwhile...Tyler is finding a friend...

and catches it...

and wants to keep it! Not today, little man!

Today we signed the boys up for their first t-ball season. Drew was so excited that he wanted to call his coach and tell him 'I'm ready for practice now.' I am constantly having to explain to him that it doesn't start till July...maybe I shouldn't have told him so early. But it's made him eager to practice and make his 'team win.' Sorry dude...it's Y play. They don't keep score.

Tyler, on the other hand, has mastered not only hitting off the tee but throwing the ball to himself and swinging. So tonight when Drew wanted to practice, Tyler was busy chasing a frog and looking through peep holes! We have a little girl behind us who asked Tyler his name through a hole in the fence. Tyler responded 'my name is Ty.' She must have heard me call him Tyler a million times, because she said 'did you say Tyler?' Confidently he said 'no, my name is Ty!!' I asked him who calls him Ty...'my gymnastics teacher' he said. Ah...he thinks it's cool to be Ty.

She did it!

2009-05-26T18:27:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I traveled to my dear friend's destination wedding! It was an initmate, sweet wedding in the midst of the mountains. Congrats to them!! Thanks Kelly for sending over the pics...

Out 4 Summer

2009-05-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

Drew's face here cracks me up! He's trying not to smile at me.

Tyler

Drew
Ah...now he's smiling!

and Tyler is laughing! Got a big boo boo on his knee, but he was 'tough'

Drew

School's out for summer! I love it, cause when they are on a low key schedule, so am I! The boys and I are both looking forward to an easier summer than last year. With both of them knowing their limitations in the pool, and basically on the same skill level...it's go go go for a fun summer!

'AWANA' be a child of God!

2009-05-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

The Commander (the leader of AWANA)

Receiving his award bag from Ms. Melanie

Tyler saying the bible pledge!

Tyler on the back row with the older class...he wanted to be middle center!

Tyler completed his first year of AWANA this past Sunday! For those that don't know, AWANA is a children's ministry designed to teach children to know, love and serve the Lord! And if your curious about the name it is derived from the first letter of the following:
'Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed as taken from 2 Timothy 2:15 of the Bible.' So every Sunday at 4:30, Tyler and I have learned to memorize bible verses through crafts, games, story time, and puppet play! He has absolutely loved it and has made many friends.

Going to the big D, and I do mean Dallas!

2009-05-17T18:55:00.000-07:00

Ah...Lala arriving!

Prom pose...before the rehearsal dinner

The dance floor lights

Toasting after his brother's speech

The groom and some of his groom's men...BJ's one of them

A shot of us...wow, that never happens

so let's do it again. :)

Crazy, funny Sterling thinking this is awkward...
They had a photo booth that had props in it...hence the wig.

'He's a hard working man...' Taking a break to check the markets

'Lala a train is coming...'

Well...the Dart...

They love Lala

and are sad to see her go!

Fun weekend, one that makes you feel young again. We arrived in Dallas and literally handed the kids over to Lala. She was the center of their entertainment as she bounced them from visiting Uncle Jeb and Aunt Kay, to Target for toys, to the mall for some shopping, and nature walks. They had a blast and she allowed it so that we did too! Thanks for coming down and loving on the boys!

The wedding was one of BJ's good friends and it was fun to hang with them (and see Kelly too). Too many funny stories to tell... They are definitely the only guys I know that know the Baylor Line song...and oh yeah they sang it and did the 'sic 'em bears' as the bride and groom where leaving! So funny! But nothing was funnier than BJ's rehearsal dinner speech (can't share it here). :)

Slip n' Slide

2009-05-17T17:44:00.000-07:00

All smiles :)
Not into it last year...couldn't get enough of it this year!

No assistance!!

While the pool is fun, the slide is a blast! Two summers ago, Sarah and I decided to go in on a slide so they could bounce and slide the way through the heat. Friday we popped it up for a playgroup. They got a 30 minute play in, before heading to Dallas for a wedding. The drive was spent talking about how their birthday should be together, be on the slide, and have pirates (Tyler) and dinosaurs (Drew)!

By the hair of his chinny chin chin...

2009-05-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

Tyler's scrape from the pool

But it didn't slow him down! Practicing his swing for tee ball...check out how

fast those arms are moving!

Drew resting on 'home plate.' It's serious!

This is how Drew plays...'knock, knock, TIMBER!!'

...it was only a scrape! We had a bit of an accident today at the pool. Hopefully it's our last, but due to their rough and daring personalities it's probably the first of many! Tyler was rushing in and out of the shallow end, jumping off the side. He slipped on the way out and his chin hit the edge of the pool! It really looked painful...and then blood started to drip! Little guy was tough and brave, and after a popsicle he was back in the pool. Drew was too funny...when Tyler got hurt, he ran out of the pool and just stood on the side, as if to say 'this is dangerous, I'm out.' Which is what he must have thought since he spent the rest of the day jumping into the pool with his 'boat.' The boat is his safety net...smart guy.

5 Stars!!!!!

2009-05-10T15:39:00.000-07:00

Drew telling me 'Happy Mother's Day to you'

Tyler showing off his twisting skills

BJ's mother day dinner!

What an awesome day. The pastor started it off with how men are to honor and appreciate their wives as the example for their children. After that we had a swim picnic at Mimi and Papa's house. This evening BJ made a spectacular dinner for mother's day. He is an amazing cook, but tonight was 5 star quality...Peppercorn beef tenderloin in a brandy cream sauce with a side of parmesan corn bowtie (from scratch and with no recipe). SO GOOD!! Definitely missed his calling, but as I told him tonight, when he retires we will eat in slender! Happy Mother's Day!