It's been a busy two weeks. I can't even tell you all that's been going on. I will give it a shot though.
Wednesday before last I went out for a girl's night with ladies from my MOMs group. so fun! I brought Hanah with me to feed her. During dinner Hannah was gnawing on my hand something fierce. All of a sudden, it hurt! something sharp had scraped me. I look in her mouth and she's gotten a tooth! her bottom left front tooth came in during dinner. Crazy, right? She's been working on the one next to it, but it hasnt brken through even though I can see it through the gum. It'll be here soon!
Friday, the kids, dogs and I made the trip to Dallas It was long, but we made it. Francis came along later that evening. It was time for my birthday weekend. And yes, I turned 30. Saturday morning early my sister Christian had her twin babies: Issac and Alexandra. After a lunch Francis, the kids and I went to meet the two newest members of our family. Christian was understandably tired, and Chad was pleased as punch to be a new daddy. I got to hold Alexandra. She was just as sweet as can be. The kids loved their new cousins, doting on them for some time. After the visit Francis took me to my sister Danielle's house. This was an unexpected stop. Then my friend Ashley pulled up behind us in her car. She laughed and we entered to a "surprise!" from my family. I was surprised. I had just seen my parents at the hospital, and here they were! Brandon and Bethany were there too as well as my in-laws, Danielle and Kevin. We had the most delicious cake, played a really hard trivia game (about me!), and opened gifts. My heart was overflowing. After the party (which I wish had never ended truly), I rushed back to my in-laws to change and go to dinner at BJs with my family. Danielle, my mom, and I had to eat fast and get to the Theater to see the Sound of Music at Fair Park. We barely made it. It was so worth it!!!! The music was spectacular. A perfect end to an amazing day. When I got back to my in-laws I found out Hannah had taken a bottle for Francis. It was the icing on the cake.
Sunday was my actual birthday. We went to Prestonwood for church and then lunch at Cowboy Chicken. I got to visit my sister, Chad and the twins again on my birthday. William came with me because he had not yet gotten to hold Issac and wanted to desperately. We got to the hospital and an elated William told Issac everything Issac needed to know about life. It was so sweet. Then I got to hold Issac. I was one happy aunt. AND THEN I got to hold both of the twins. A happier aunt you would not have found at that moment. I smile thinking about it. After my all too short visit (William cried when we left because he wanted to stay), we consoled ourselves with Slurpees and headed back to my in-laws. We played some and then I got to pick where we ate for dinner. I really wanted a Brazilian steakhouse, so we went to Texas de Brazil. YUM! My in-laws, parents, Danielle, Kevin, Francis, the kids and I had a wonderful evening laughing and talking over piles of meat. Then Francis had to head back to College Station.
Monday, Frankie's wonderful mom took the kids and I to Legoland in Grapevine. It was crowded but the boys had a blast (Hannah slept through it). William got to ride his favorite ride 3 times and he even drove a car by himself for the first time (you have to be 4 and 42 inches to drive on the track and he just barely made both). He only got rear-ended a couple of times and did great overall. Robert loved building the little lego cars and doing the earthquake simulation. For lunch, we all met up with my mom and ate at the rainforest cafe. The kids were super happy to be hanging out with both Grandmothers. It was so fun to watch them all experience the "animals" and look at all the fish.
Tuesday Frankie's mom and I went up to Collin Creek mall and rented some ride on animal vehicles for the boys to drive around the mall. Robert had to have an adult drive with him, but William went solo. I'm glad the mall was pretty empty because those boys drove all over. It was a blast.
so... the kids are up and hanging (extra) ornaments they found on the tree without me. So I'll have to continue this later!
Monday, November 30, 2015
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
November 17, 2015
My last post before I'm 30. Just Wow.
Last Friday we did something we rarely do: stayed home all day until Francis got home. Usually we can't make it through the morning without going somewhere. The boys love to explore and need to burn off energy, but as I was praying on where to go since we had no plans nothing came to me. Nothing, that is except camping. Camping? Yes, camping. So we decided to have an indoor campout. We set up a tent using some blocks and a sheet, drove our little ride on motorcycle and plane through the house, packed up pretend food from the play kitchen, packed their little pack packs with pillows and blankets and "headed out". We built a "fire" out of building blocks to cook out play food (later we tried out the real fireplace). we "slept" in out tent, went fishing (played our fishing game we have), and sang camp songs. Wee even finished with hot chocolate and a piece of candy "smores". And you know what? It was good. Not one fought. Everyone was calm. Everyone even...get this...napped!!!! It was a wonderful day. We can't do it everyday, but at least it happened once. When Francis got home, we had parent's night out. We kept Hannah one last time but dropped off the boys at church. They had a blast. As we were heading to church I got the mail and realized there was a big official looking packet for the previous owner of our house from "The City of Bryan". Hmmm. I hopped in the car with the mail and we took off. Well...our first dinner date plan did not work out so we ended up at a place called Paolo's that I've been really wanting to try. It did not disappoint and was a perfect birthday date. A thought occurred to me while we were there that this restaurant is owned by the previous owners of our house. I asked the waitress if it would be weird if I dropped off the packet for them here. she was awesome and got the GM to take the packet. They might have thought I was bonkers, but they didn't let on and seemed very grateful. We will be going back again.
Last night was a big night. It was the first time I really left Hannah (as in I wasn't nearby if needed). Francis took all 3 kids for the first time so I could go to a ladies night and do crafts. It's hard to do crafts one handed when holding a baby. Aaaand...it went great! Francis is becoming a pro. All the kids were down when I got back except Hannah who was right on schedule and ready to eat. I was very impressed and had a good time while gone. God is good.
Speaking of God being good, we had an adventure in the middle of the night last night. I woke up just after 4 hearing Francis phone go off. there was a storm raging outside. I got up and found Francis staring at the TV. We were under a tornado warning. They had not confirmed the tornado was actually on the ground, but they could see what looked like one on the radar. And it was heading toward us. Francis prepared the bathroom and got the boys while I got Hannah. Miraculously, none of the kids woke up and slept soundly on pillows on the bathroom floor. We all got in just in time for the power to go out. I prayed hard for a few minutes, nearly crippled by the adrenaline rushing through me at this early wake up call. I imagine this is sort of how the disciples felt in the storm while Jesus slept. Then I opened my email and saw an email from a missionary in India asking us to pray for them. I started praying for India and my fears calmed. I knew that if God had control of India, he had control of the storm here too. Although I didn't know how the night would end, I knew there was a heavenly Father who loves me and I could rest in Him. Well, we are fine. The power came back, the kids slept through it (William woke up for about 5 seconds to ask what was going on and then he went right back to sleep on the floor), and everything is fine. But even if it wasn't, He is good. Thank you Lord for your provision.
Please pray for me. I leave for Dallas on Friday and I am a bit anxious. I haven't been up there since the accident and the flashbacks still come when I least expect them. I know it will all be ok. As I said above, God is good. He is using this to stretch me.
The kids are great. Happy, healthy and generally thriving. So happy that all of those things are true.
Till next time!
Last Friday we did something we rarely do: stayed home all day until Francis got home. Usually we can't make it through the morning without going somewhere. The boys love to explore and need to burn off energy, but as I was praying on where to go since we had no plans nothing came to me. Nothing, that is except camping. Camping? Yes, camping. So we decided to have an indoor campout. We set up a tent using some blocks and a sheet, drove our little ride on motorcycle and plane through the house, packed up pretend food from the play kitchen, packed their little pack packs with pillows and blankets and "headed out". We built a "fire" out of building blocks to cook out play food (later we tried out the real fireplace). we "slept" in out tent, went fishing (played our fishing game we have), and sang camp songs. Wee even finished with hot chocolate and a piece of candy "smores". And you know what? It was good. Not one fought. Everyone was calm. Everyone even...get this...napped!!!! It was a wonderful day. We can't do it everyday, but at least it happened once. When Francis got home, we had parent's night out. We kept Hannah one last time but dropped off the boys at church. They had a blast. As we were heading to church I got the mail and realized there was a big official looking packet for the previous owner of our house from "The City of Bryan". Hmmm. I hopped in the car with the mail and we took off. Well...our first dinner date plan did not work out so we ended up at a place called Paolo's that I've been really wanting to try. It did not disappoint and was a perfect birthday date. A thought occurred to me while we were there that this restaurant is owned by the previous owners of our house. I asked the waitress if it would be weird if I dropped off the packet for them here. she was awesome and got the GM to take the packet. They might have thought I was bonkers, but they didn't let on and seemed very grateful. We will be going back again.
Last night was a big night. It was the first time I really left Hannah (as in I wasn't nearby if needed). Francis took all 3 kids for the first time so I could go to a ladies night and do crafts. It's hard to do crafts one handed when holding a baby. Aaaand...it went great! Francis is becoming a pro. All the kids were down when I got back except Hannah who was right on schedule and ready to eat. I was very impressed and had a good time while gone. God is good.
Speaking of God being good, we had an adventure in the middle of the night last night. I woke up just after 4 hearing Francis phone go off. there was a storm raging outside. I got up and found Francis staring at the TV. We were under a tornado warning. They had not confirmed the tornado was actually on the ground, but they could see what looked like one on the radar. And it was heading toward us. Francis prepared the bathroom and got the boys while I got Hannah. Miraculously, none of the kids woke up and slept soundly on pillows on the bathroom floor. We all got in just in time for the power to go out. I prayed hard for a few minutes, nearly crippled by the adrenaline rushing through me at this early wake up call. I imagine this is sort of how the disciples felt in the storm while Jesus slept. Then I opened my email and saw an email from a missionary in India asking us to pray for them. I started praying for India and my fears calmed. I knew that if God had control of India, he had control of the storm here too. Although I didn't know how the night would end, I knew there was a heavenly Father who loves me and I could rest in Him. Well, we are fine. The power came back, the kids slept through it (William woke up for about 5 seconds to ask what was going on and then he went right back to sleep on the floor), and everything is fine. But even if it wasn't, He is good. Thank you Lord for your provision.
Please pray for me. I leave for Dallas on Friday and I am a bit anxious. I haven't been up there since the accident and the flashbacks still come when I least expect them. I know it will all be ok. As I said above, God is good. He is using this to stretch me.
The kids are great. Happy, healthy and generally thriving. So happy that all of those things are true.
Till next time!
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
November 10
Well...I guess I am a slow learner. God's been teaching me yet again this week that I am not in control. Just when I start to feel like I have a handle on life, I become acutely aware I am not the one calling the shots. Thursday night was a prime example. The boys were having bath time. I'm running through my head all the things that need to happen before bed when Robert says he's done and starts to get out. I reach for him like I always do and he falls through my grip before I ever touch him and hits his mouth and head on the edge of the tub. He's screaming as I scoop him out and rock him. And then I see it. Part of his top front right tooth is missing. I cry out and Francis looks at it too. We call the emergency number for a dentist and they tell us to file off the sharp edge and come in first thing in the morning. Filing a tooth is traumatic for all involved FYI. I took him in the next morning and God could not have directed us to a more perfect dentist. The kids waiting area was literally the inside of a spaceship complete with full size astronaut and video games in the control center. The dentist who treated Robert was the same one who answered the phone the night before (could have been any of the 4 that work there) and he was comforting and the kids liked him. Robert didn't harm the nerve so it was a best case scenario for what happened. We go back in 4 weeks for a follow up. I have no control, which is hard. BUT God's plan is for my good. I need to let him be in charge because He is anyway. Who knows how he can use this?
We went to two birthday parties this weekend, the second of which was on Sunday afternoon in Houston. The five of us left after church and lunch. If I thought I was over the wreck, I found out very quickly I wasn't. I will not go into that now, but pray for me. The party was Ranger's 4th birthday so we got to see Ranger, Angel, Austin and baby Asher. As a bonus we got o see my niece Abby, beautiful sister in law Cyndy and brother in law Chris. Other than Hannah and Robert, Ranger and Abby are two of William's favorite kids in the whole wide world, so he was in heaven while we were there. Cake, a pinata, present and good company. What more could you want? Being around Angel gave me a little taste of Austin "home" which I sorely needed. While I am content where God has placed us, I still miss having the closeness to people that I used to have. Love you, Austin people! The drive home was hard as none of us wanted to leave. Next time can't come soon enough!
Hannah is really getting the hang of this rolling over thing. She roll across the ground off her mat consistently, and then gets mad when she gets stuck. She's sitting up more and more independently and making her voice heard. I can't wait until Thanksgiving so my family can see how she's grown. My big girl!
William had been asking a lot of questions about God and Jesus and salvation for months now. He tells me he wants to choose God's way today and every day (he tells me this all the time). Please pray we have wisdom in how to lead him in this journey, and that we don't push him in to anything. I am happy for his questions though. I love that he wants to know!
Gotta go change a diaper so I guess this is it for now. Till next time!
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
November 3, 2015
Time is going so fast it's hard to keep track. How is it November already. And how am I about to turn 30 in a few short weeks?!?
As we are on a tight budget, I've been looking into ways I can make a little extra money to help offset Christmas and other bills. As a result I qualified for a research study on Cocoa Puffs (random I know). As I signed in to do the interview via webcam, my phone tells me I'm under a tornado warning. I look and see where the tornado is. It's miles away and not heading my direction. The lady comes up on the screen and I say, "I just want to let you know I'm under a tornado warning, but it's going north of me so we're good." She pauses, looking panicked and asks if I'm sure. "yeah," I respond, "I just wanted you to know in case I have to go suddenly." She laughed nervously and siad this was a first for her. I guess I made an impression!
My in-laws came in town last Saturday for Halloween. Oh how I love them. God has gifted me with the bast second-set of parents I could desire. I thank God for them daily. We played around the house in the morning before having lunch at Chick-fil-a. We ran into Dave and his kids as well as Audrey Brower (Tracy was at a wedding shower), and had the best time chatting and catching up. After lunch Francis, his dad and the boys went to Best Buy while Hannah, Frankie's mom and I went to Hobby Lobby and Toys R Us. We shopped and laughed and then all convened back at the house for some train time. We set up a large train track and the kids (and adults) enjoyed running the trains across it. It was getting later, so we got the kids dresssed in costumes and went to the mall. I'm not big on trick or treating (I'm not much for Halloween at all) so this was a good medium. The mall was crazy busy and store were handing out all types of goodies, so we got out in 30 minutes with a bag full of stuff each. The boys were satisfied and so we met up with Francis and his dad (who were working on the computer) and had dinner at BJs. The boys were still in their costumes and it was kinda cute to see my Captain America (William) and Iron Man (Robert) sitting across from me. Hannah did not wear her flower costume much at all; it was a little hot. My in-laws came back and helped put the kids to bed before heading out. It was one of the best days we've had in a long time.
Hannah is starting to sit up on her own. I can put her in the supported sitter thing we have and she sits up and watched us with great interest. I did that while sorting laundry yesterday and she loved it. So big! I mostly put her in some variation of pink or pastel color and tell her what a sweet girl she is. William also dotes on her, and it's cute. Today though was downright hilarious. After breakfast William was talking to Hannah, "When did you become a little lady?" he asked her. I smiled, but Hannah grunted and let out a poop-fart that (I kid you not) reverberated off the walls and echoed through the house. The boys doubled over in laughter for a long time and William exclaimed with delight, "She's a lady alrught!" Not sure what he thinks a lady is...
Robert is growing up and his imagintive play is exploding. As I type he is using star wars figurings and having an epic battle. It's amazing to see his mind work. William is enjoying the perks of being 4 years old, but not always loving being "grown up". He wishes he could fit in the baby gear and wants to be rocked to sleep again. We humor him as much as we can; we want him to hold onto his childhood as long as possible.
That's all for now!
As we are on a tight budget, I've been looking into ways I can make a little extra money to help offset Christmas and other bills. As a result I qualified for a research study on Cocoa Puffs (random I know). As I signed in to do the interview via webcam, my phone tells me I'm under a tornado warning. I look and see where the tornado is. It's miles away and not heading my direction. The lady comes up on the screen and I say, "I just want to let you know I'm under a tornado warning, but it's going north of me so we're good." She pauses, looking panicked and asks if I'm sure. "yeah," I respond, "I just wanted you to know in case I have to go suddenly." She laughed nervously and siad this was a first for her. I guess I made an impression!
My in-laws came in town last Saturday for Halloween. Oh how I love them. God has gifted me with the bast second-set of parents I could desire. I thank God for them daily. We played around the house in the morning before having lunch at Chick-fil-a. We ran into Dave and his kids as well as Audrey Brower (Tracy was at a wedding shower), and had the best time chatting and catching up. After lunch Francis, his dad and the boys went to Best Buy while Hannah, Frankie's mom and I went to Hobby Lobby and Toys R Us. We shopped and laughed and then all convened back at the house for some train time. We set up a large train track and the kids (and adults) enjoyed running the trains across it. It was getting later, so we got the kids dresssed in costumes and went to the mall. I'm not big on trick or treating (I'm not much for Halloween at all) so this was a good medium. The mall was crazy busy and store were handing out all types of goodies, so we got out in 30 minutes with a bag full of stuff each. The boys were satisfied and so we met up with Francis and his dad (who were working on the computer) and had dinner at BJs. The boys were still in their costumes and it was kinda cute to see my Captain America (William) and Iron Man (Robert) sitting across from me. Hannah did not wear her flower costume much at all; it was a little hot. My in-laws came back and helped put the kids to bed before heading out. It was one of the best days we've had in a long time.
Hannah is starting to sit up on her own. I can put her in the supported sitter thing we have and she sits up and watched us with great interest. I did that while sorting laundry yesterday and she loved it. So big! I mostly put her in some variation of pink or pastel color and tell her what a sweet girl she is. William also dotes on her, and it's cute. Today though was downright hilarious. After breakfast William was talking to Hannah, "When did you become a little lady?" he asked her. I smiled, but Hannah grunted and let out a poop-fart that (I kid you not) reverberated off the walls and echoed through the house. The boys doubled over in laughter for a long time and William exclaimed with delight, "She's a lady alrught!" Not sure what he thinks a lady is...
Robert is growing up and his imagintive play is exploding. As I type he is using star wars figurings and having an epic battle. It's amazing to see his mind work. William is enjoying the perks of being 4 years old, but not always loving being "grown up". He wishes he could fit in the baby gear and wants to be rocked to sleep again. We humor him as much as we can; we want him to hold onto his childhood as long as possible.
That's all for now!
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