Last weekend was busy. My parents and in-laws came in Saturday afternoon, and the kids got to go swimming at one of the hotels. Before that I introduced them to the Wizard of Oz. They watched with great interest and now wish to see many more old movies. I taped the kids reaction when the movie goes into color so I can always remember their smiles and amazement. After swimming, all 10 of us (6 plus grandparents) ate at Saltgrass for dinner. I am loving all the time we have had to spend with our parents lately. I wish it was this frequent all the time. After dinner my parents and Frankie's mom came back to the house to help put the kids to bed and watch the Christian comedy "Mom's Night Out". If you haven't seen it and like good clean humor, this movie is for you!
Sunday was Parent Dedication. Andrew looked super handsome and all the kids behaved well on stage. We dedicated ourselves to raise Andrew under God's direction and love. May he come to know Jesus as he grows in wisdom and stature. It was a beautiful time and having the grandparents there made it that much sweeter. We all had lunch at Red Lobster before everyone headed home. Andrew was a dream through it all, not crying and staying awake until we reached the car for lunch. He's a sweet baby all the time, to be honest. He's starting to smile more and more often which melts my heart even more than I thought was possible.
Monday we had a field trip to tour the back of Blue Baker. We've done this trip before but it is always fun and informative. Because most of the kids were school aged, the tour guide went much more in depth with how bread is made. the kids all listened closely and asked great questions, which impressed the lady. At the end the kids got to make their own loaf of bread (add mix-ins to premade dough) which we all enjoyed that evening.
Tuesday was our first day of Classical Conversations for the year. We had no nursery workers, so Hannah and Andrew joined me in Robert's class, but otherwise everything went off without a hitch. Both the littles were excellent in class; Andrew slept and Hannah participated or played quietly in the back. William was in class alone for the first time ever, but his tutor assured me he did amazing. I look forward to being in his class next week! Tuesday evening Hannah had her second dance class and is still in love with it. The teachers work well with her and she has come out with a sucker for good work both times.
Wednesday we went to the library and checked out way too many books. We are studying space right now among other things, and so we have a bunch from the library now. I also checked out Ella Enchanted, one of my favorite books at one time, in order to read it aloud to the kids. It's only been two days, but I've read over 100 pages out loud. The kids are hooked and nearly pitch a fit every time I stop. It's been fun to be the keeper of the story. I hope to be able to continue.
Thursday I took the kids to the children's museum. That evening I was able to attend the first Aggie football game of the season. I've only been to 1 other A&M game 12 years ago (after all I'm not an Aggie), so this was quite an experience. I can't explain the "spirit of Aggieland" feeling except to say Aggies are loyal and you can feel it in the air. It was such a fun time with these ladies, and I hope we are all able to hang out again. soon!
Today we had our last playgroup with Robin and Emerson. We went to Tarrow Splash-pad. I will miss our Fridays together. I am taking up the task of picking the spots, but it won't be the same!
Francis started his new job with Army Research Lab on Monday (yay for an official job!!). We are still learning exactly what will be expected, but for now we will rejoice in having a job. I"m so proud of him and how far we have come. He's a keeper!
The kids have all been growing faster than I can record. William is loving his new CC class, has 2 loose teeth (one that can turn sideways, ew!), and has a vocabulary that astonishes me and others. Robert has passed 42 inches, is reading pretty well now (spelling any word he can ), and doing simple addition in his head quickly. Hannah is such a sweetie: loving dance, clothes, babies and her brothers. She is starting to correctly sing her ABCs and count to 15 (more or less). Andrew is smiling so much these days, laughing, cooing and talking when engaged, and just yesterday realized he can hit things consistently with his hand when he tries. He's close to rolling from back to front and sleeps better than any of his siblings at this age (which honestly isn't saying much). Overall I'm tired and happy. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Till next time!
Friday, August 31, 2018
Thursday, August 23, 2018
August 23, 2018
It's been a crazy 2 weeks! Friday before last Francis graduated with his Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering. His whole family and my parents gathered with us to celebrate him walking the stage and officially becoming Dr. Phillips. I happily admit I shed tears when he walked the stage. It was such a special moment and even more so because the kids were all there to witness Francis's accomplishments. We had a dinner with just the adults (us, my parents, my in-laws and Cyndy and Chris) at a Brazilian steakhouse while the kids went with Abby up to our church for a movie night and pizza (accompanied by a babysitter). It was one of the top 10 days in my entire life and not one I will ever forget.
Saturday was William's 7th birthday. We had lunch as Sweet Paris and dinner at Taco Bell (per his request). We also played Pokemon Go and had a movie night at home. It was a perfect day for him. William is bright, handsome (though he hates me saying so), inquisitive, and always reading and learning. He's a problem solver and I love to see how he is growing. Keep it up, big guy!
Sunday we had church and parent dedication meeting. Monday, oh Monday! Monday we packed up the car and headed to a glorious few days in Galveston. We had lunch at Fisherman's Wharf, took a tour of the ship Elissa and the Texas Seaport Museum, and finally took a tour of the harbor where we saw so many dolphins and a sunken ship! By the time we got to our condo (the most amazing condo ever, FYI) and had dinner, we had just enough time for a late evening swim in the lazy river at our complex before going to bed. Tuesday Hannah and Andrew had their first trip to the beach and ocean. Andrew was not so very enthusiastic when a little wave lapped up on his legs as I held him at the shoreline, but Hannah was sold! She loved everything about the beach: the water, sand and shells. Andrew spent most of his time resting under our canopy on a pallet of towels, so the rest of us were all able to swim, build castles and bury each other together. After lunch we visited the game room and another pool at the complex and had some ice cream. Before dinner we made it back over to the pool by our condo so Francis could cook us steaks while I watched the kids. We finished off the evening with a family movie night. Wednesday we were back at the beach bright and early. Another perfect day of weather and Andrew again resting on his pallet led to pure perfection. We finally made it back to the condo for lunch, an afternoon movie (complete with parental naps) and a family game of monopoly. For dinner the kids selected Golden Corral (the wanted the ice cream and chocolate fountain). We went to the beach across the street after dinner to swim and watch the sunset. This beach was not as manicured as the one by our condo and held a treasure trove of shells for Hannah to collect. She pretended to be Ariel with her "collection". After the sun went down we took the drive back to our hotel. Before we even went up to the room, we took one last dip in the pool by our condo as we watched the stars come out. Robert loved this pool but his favorite was "the big pool with all the sand" (aka the ocean). Thursday it was time to head home, but we made a stop on the way. Where? The perfect place for someone with a doctorate in aerospace engineering: Johnson Space Center. We spent the day learning about space and taking a tour of where astronauts train. William found the training rather daunting and began to reconsider his future chosen profession. Francis loved telling the kids all about the exhibits and they enjoyed hearing it (so did I!). We made it home that evening tired but utterly happy.
Friday I had to regroup to get the house clean-ish and all the stuff put away from our trip. After playgroup at a splashpad, I worked as much as I could to make the house presentable. Why? Because Saturday was William and Robert's birthday party! Although the party was not at the house, we were happy to have the whole family at the house before and after. The party itself was at Bricks Kidz- a local lego place. The theme was Pokemon and Bricks 4 Kidz did a great job. When we left the kids were already asking when we could go again! Thank you to everyone who came out. We all felt so very loved, especially the boys!!!
This week we have started up some of our activities for during the school year. We had CC orientation where the kids were able to meet their teachers. Hannah had her first dance class (ballet and tap dance) on Tuesday evening. She loved being all dressed up and loved the dance instruction even more. It's going to be a great year! Andrew turned 2 months and had check up yesterday. He is 13lbs 1 oz, 25.25 in long and has a head to match his big smart brain. He is smiling, getting head control and talking up a storm. I love seeing him awake and happy! So far he is an excellent car baby and fits in so beautifully with this family. He is adored by his sibilngs and is patient as he gets (possibly too much) love from them.
I would write more, but time has gotten away from me.
Saturday was William's 7th birthday. We had lunch as Sweet Paris and dinner at Taco Bell (per his request). We also played Pokemon Go and had a movie night at home. It was a perfect day for him. William is bright, handsome (though he hates me saying so), inquisitive, and always reading and learning. He's a problem solver and I love to see how he is growing. Keep it up, big guy!
Sunday we had church and parent dedication meeting. Monday, oh Monday! Monday we packed up the car and headed to a glorious few days in Galveston. We had lunch at Fisherman's Wharf, took a tour of the ship Elissa and the Texas Seaport Museum, and finally took a tour of the harbor where we saw so many dolphins and a sunken ship! By the time we got to our condo (the most amazing condo ever, FYI) and had dinner, we had just enough time for a late evening swim in the lazy river at our complex before going to bed. Tuesday Hannah and Andrew had their first trip to the beach and ocean. Andrew was not so very enthusiastic when a little wave lapped up on his legs as I held him at the shoreline, but Hannah was sold! She loved everything about the beach: the water, sand and shells. Andrew spent most of his time resting under our canopy on a pallet of towels, so the rest of us were all able to swim, build castles and bury each other together. After lunch we visited the game room and another pool at the complex and had some ice cream. Before dinner we made it back over to the pool by our condo so Francis could cook us steaks while I watched the kids. We finished off the evening with a family movie night. Wednesday we were back at the beach bright and early. Another perfect day of weather and Andrew again resting on his pallet led to pure perfection. We finally made it back to the condo for lunch, an afternoon movie (complete with parental naps) and a family game of monopoly. For dinner the kids selected Golden Corral (the wanted the ice cream and chocolate fountain). We went to the beach across the street after dinner to swim and watch the sunset. This beach was not as manicured as the one by our condo and held a treasure trove of shells for Hannah to collect. She pretended to be Ariel with her "collection". After the sun went down we took the drive back to our hotel. Before we even went up to the room, we took one last dip in the pool by our condo as we watched the stars come out. Robert loved this pool but his favorite was "the big pool with all the sand" (aka the ocean). Thursday it was time to head home, but we made a stop on the way. Where? The perfect place for someone with a doctorate in aerospace engineering: Johnson Space Center. We spent the day learning about space and taking a tour of where astronauts train. William found the training rather daunting and began to reconsider his future chosen profession. Francis loved telling the kids all about the exhibits and they enjoyed hearing it (so did I!). We made it home that evening tired but utterly happy.
Friday I had to regroup to get the house clean-ish and all the stuff put away from our trip. After playgroup at a splashpad, I worked as much as I could to make the house presentable. Why? Because Saturday was William and Robert's birthday party! Although the party was not at the house, we were happy to have the whole family at the house before and after. The party itself was at Bricks Kidz- a local lego place. The theme was Pokemon and Bricks 4 Kidz did a great job. When we left the kids were already asking when we could go again! Thank you to everyone who came out. We all felt so very loved, especially the boys!!!
This week we have started up some of our activities for during the school year. We had CC orientation where the kids were able to meet their teachers. Hannah had her first dance class (ballet and tap dance) on Tuesday evening. She loved being all dressed up and loved the dance instruction even more. It's going to be a great year! Andrew turned 2 months and had check up yesterday. He is 13lbs 1 oz, 25.25 in long and has a head to match his big smart brain. He is smiling, getting head control and talking up a storm. I love seeing him awake and happy! So far he is an excellent car baby and fits in so beautifully with this family. He is adored by his sibilngs and is patient as he gets (possibly too much) love from them.
I would write more, but time has gotten away from me.
Thursday, August 9, 2018
August 9, 2018
There is a robe hanging in my laundry room. Not a bath robe or anything like that; it's much more special. In many ways it represents the last ten years but especially the last three. Out of our ten years of marriage, Francis has been in school 5 of those, and tomorrow he graduates with his doctorate in Aerospace Engineering. As I stare at the maroon and black regalia, I reflect on the long amazing road that God has brought us down. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
For our 10 year anniversary, Francis got me a family portrait on canvas and I got his a letter of my memories. It was long and made him tear up, and he is glad to have that record of our life together. We had dinner at Olive garden with the kids (yay no cooking!) and had a quiet evening.
Friday we went to play group. It was one of the last ones with our Sunday school....excuse me our Life Group... class because school is starting up and most of the kids are school aged or going to mother's day out on Fridays. Saturday we hit up home depot for their kid's craft time. We cleaned the car, did the lawn and completed as many chores as we could. Sunday we took it easy after church. Even that requires some energy because the kids never stop!
Monday we had a fun time at the Browers' house, Tuesday the library, and yesterday we went to a CC playdate at the new church playground. Today I'm being short and sweet so I can get some cleaning done (we'll see how that goes) and possibly go somewhere this afternoon so the kids can get out all their energy. Pray for us as tomorrow is a big and very busy day. We will hit the ground running at 8 and likely not stop until bedtime. It's going to be a sweet, memorable time.
Till next time!
For our 10 year anniversary, Francis got me a family portrait on canvas and I got his a letter of my memories. It was long and made him tear up, and he is glad to have that record of our life together. We had dinner at Olive garden with the kids (yay no cooking!) and had a quiet evening.
Friday we went to play group. It was one of the last ones with our Sunday school....excuse me our Life Group... class because school is starting up and most of the kids are school aged or going to mother's day out on Fridays. Saturday we hit up home depot for their kid's craft time. We cleaned the car, did the lawn and completed as many chores as we could. Sunday we took it easy after church. Even that requires some energy because the kids never stop!
Monday we had a fun time at the Browers' house, Tuesday the library, and yesterday we went to a CC playdate at the new church playground. Today I'm being short and sweet so I can get some cleaning done (we'll see how that goes) and possibly go somewhere this afternoon so the kids can get out all their energy. Pray for us as tomorrow is a big and very busy day. We will hit the ground running at 8 and likely not stop until bedtime. It's going to be a sweet, memorable time.
Till next time!
Thursday, August 2, 2018
August 2, 2018
This week has been busy. Last Thursday after picking up the middle kids from church, we went ot pick up William from Urban Air trampoline Park. William announced he wanted to do this for his birthday in a couple of weeks. I told him it was way too expensive. I realized that his pass from the morning was good for all day and that they had a special going for kids 5 and under. I told him if he wanted to do his birthday activity right then, we could stay until dinner. He jumped for joy and so did Hannah and Robert. We stayed nearly 5 more hours (bringing William's total time there all day to nearly 8 hours). They had a blast with the ninja warrior course, the tubes, the overhead roped course, the trampolines, the climbing walls, slides, and so much more. I was exhausted just watching and Andrew slept through most of it. It was a long but good day.
Friday we went to playgroup at the children's museum. The kids played with friends for over 3 hours. You think they'd be tired, but nope! My kids might as well be wind up toys, haha. So full of energy! Friday afternoon was Hannah's 3 year check up. She's 37 inches and over 30 lbs. She's moved up to the 50th and 42 percentile in each (up from 42 and 21 respectively). She's healthy and thriving. she and the doctor had a nice chat about favorite colors and pretty dresses and princesses. I love our doctor and how she really cares.
Saturday William, Robert, and Francis went up to church for a workday with the media ministry. I went on a cleaning rampage (my body made me pay for it later), and then took Hannah and Andrew to the new Crepe place in town: Sweet Paris. It's hard and slightly scary to take a newborn and a 3 year old to a new restaurant by yourself, but I wanted to do something special with Hannah. Hannah got all dressed up from head to toe. She was adorable. We ordered a savory crepe and a dessert crepe as well as a waffle for Hannah. All three were completely devoured by the two of us. The food was delicious!!
Sunday we had church, class lunch and a brief time at home. That evening our Robert had his Big Kid graduation from the preschool wing at church. Oh, be still my heart! It was just Francis, Robert and I (and Andrew sleeping in the stroller in the corner). They fed us snack food that you can pack in your lunch and gave each child a lunch box. Robert got to announce he would be home-schooled and stand up with all the other now Kindergartners. I made it through mostly without tearing up, especially because he is so excited to be on the same side of the building as William. You are going to do great things, my Robert. I'm so blessed to be able to watch.
Monday we had our first CC play date of the year. It was up at church at their new indoor playground. The kids had fun and the mommas got to catch up on what's been going on over the summer. Tuesday we had our last summer Bible Study. It was Robert's last time on the preschool side of the building before promotion Sunday this week. My baby is growing up! Yesterday we went to the library and somehow stayed for story time. Today we had a play date with William's friend....William (and his sister and mom). It was fun and I'm glad we were able to set it up!
Today Francis and I have been married 10 years. It's passed in the blink of an eye. Ten years, nine million laughs and giggles, eight thousand times things didn't go as planned, seventy times seven "I love yous", six(teen) yearly family trips, five Canadian vacations, four kids, three houses, two people, and one love-- After everything, I'd still choose him again in a heartbeat. I love you, Francis. Happy Anniversary.
Till next time!
Friday we went to playgroup at the children's museum. The kids played with friends for over 3 hours. You think they'd be tired, but nope! My kids might as well be wind up toys, haha. So full of energy! Friday afternoon was Hannah's 3 year check up. She's 37 inches and over 30 lbs. She's moved up to the 50th and 42 percentile in each (up from 42 and 21 respectively). She's healthy and thriving. she and the doctor had a nice chat about favorite colors and pretty dresses and princesses. I love our doctor and how she really cares.
Saturday William, Robert, and Francis went up to church for a workday with the media ministry. I went on a cleaning rampage (my body made me pay for it later), and then took Hannah and Andrew to the new Crepe place in town: Sweet Paris. It's hard and slightly scary to take a newborn and a 3 year old to a new restaurant by yourself, but I wanted to do something special with Hannah. Hannah got all dressed up from head to toe. She was adorable. We ordered a savory crepe and a dessert crepe as well as a waffle for Hannah. All three were completely devoured by the two of us. The food was delicious!!
Sunday we had church, class lunch and a brief time at home. That evening our Robert had his Big Kid graduation from the preschool wing at church. Oh, be still my heart! It was just Francis, Robert and I (and Andrew sleeping in the stroller in the corner). They fed us snack food that you can pack in your lunch and gave each child a lunch box. Robert got to announce he would be home-schooled and stand up with all the other now Kindergartners. I made it through mostly without tearing up, especially because he is so excited to be on the same side of the building as William. You are going to do great things, my Robert. I'm so blessed to be able to watch.
Monday we had our first CC play date of the year. It was up at church at their new indoor playground. The kids had fun and the mommas got to catch up on what's been going on over the summer. Tuesday we had our last summer Bible Study. It was Robert's last time on the preschool side of the building before promotion Sunday this week. My baby is growing up! Yesterday we went to the library and somehow stayed for story time. Today we had a play date with William's friend....William (and his sister and mom). It was fun and I'm glad we were able to set it up!
Today Francis and I have been married 10 years. It's passed in the blink of an eye. Ten years, nine million laughs and giggles, eight thousand times things didn't go as planned, seventy times seven "I love yous", six(teen) yearly family trips, five Canadian vacations, four kids, three houses, two people, and one love-- After everything, I'd still choose him again in a heartbeat. I love you, Francis. Happy Anniversary.
Till next time!
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