My last baby turned ONE on Saturday. I can't believe it. We celebrated first on Friday with friends at a splash pad with Shipley's donuts and a ton of water play. The donuts were great, and I'm now very popular with my kids' friends. Andrew loved the fountains and didn't seem to mind being sprayed in the face. Friday evening we went to movie night at church with pizza and popcorn. We watched How to Train you Dragon. It was a good last day as and 11 month old for Andrew.
Saturday we were up early, had breakfast and went to see Toy Story 4. Andrew slept through the first half, then woke up to eat popcorn and then hung out with Francis along the back side wall of the theater near the exit. He was very good as was the movie. We had lunch at one of Andre's favorite places: chick-fil-a. After eating, he got to go in the play area for the first time. He had a blast even though he didn't climb very high (to my relief). His siblings thought it was the best time and cheered him on. We went home for an afternoon rest and regroup. For Andrew's birthday dinner we went to a new baked pizza place in town (Howdy's) and he got a free shake that we were all able to share. We came home, sang, and had a (little) ice cream and cake. Andrew was a little confused at first, but after I had him taste the icing, he was all in! Over all it was a great first birthday. As I held him before he went to sleep, I thought back to how hard that day he was born had been. The following week was even harder and we've had trouble since then, but it's all been worth it. he is worth it and I'm so glad he is part of our family. We love you Andrew!
This week is the second week of swim lessons so our evenings have been spent at the pool. The kids have been learning and tonight they get to show that off and have some fun. In the mornings we have been home some with the exception of Bible Study Tuesday and a trip to the library on Wednesday. Last Wednesday they had a famous story teller come and do stories. This Wednesday they had the inflatable planetarium from Houston come so the kids could learn about constellations. My kids can now find many constellations, name them and find the north star.
Yesterday afternoon Andrew had his one year well check. He is 32 inches (which is even more off the charts long than he already was) with a big beautiful head that matches. He is just shy of 22 lbs and is just above average. So he's long an lean. He's met and exceeded all of his milestones. When the nurse asked is he was able to stand independently, he actually stood up and tried to walk off the exam table right on cue. He's talking quite a bit and lets his opinion about everything be known. He's currently contemplating how to climb out of the baby swing instead of taking a rest which he needs. If he would sleep better and drink out of a cup (he eats like a champ), we'd be batting 1000. I can't wait to see what this next year holds. I have a feeling there will be a lot of adventure.
We are coming up on my favorite week of the year: 4th of July week! The kids and I (and Francis for a few days too) will be up in Dallas playing with family. Please pray for safe travels and good weather.
Till next time!
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
June 19, 2019
We've been back from Canada almost a week and have been resting, resetting and trying to get back on schedule (with the addition of swim lessons at 7pm..what was I thinking!?).
Friday before last, the kids and I headed to Dallas in the morning and met the whole Noble clan at Grapevine Mills Mall. It had been far too long wince we've seen them and the 4 hours there playing and having lunch were not near long enough. The kids got some cousin time and we even managed a group picture before the kids and I had to head on. We drove over to the airport around 3 and met my in-laws who helped me get unpacked, bags checked and get through security. We were joined a short while later by Francis, but, much to our dismay, Cyndy, Chris, Abby and Jackson just barely missed joining us on our flight (their connection was delayed). The 8 of us made it into Canada and finally in to bed at our hotel around 2 am. It was a long day, but we made it!
Saturday we got up and had breakfast with some of the extended Phillips and Cotnoir family (while the Cotnoirs are not technically related to Francis, they are Francis's cousins' cousins...so close enough!). It was s fun breakfast and everyone did years of catching up. Andrew got to meed Nana Phillips for the first time. He gave her a huge toothy smile and I got a few photos as they got acquainted. He even let Nana Phillips hold him! Finally after breakfast/brunch, some of us headed back to the hotel for a nap (ok I napped!) and then we got a snack and headed to Nana's house to play before the birthday party. More family time, and the kids finally got to play the games in Aunt Melo and Uncle Vic's basement (they'd been talking about it for months). They have air hockey, pinball, Foosball, pool and a few other things down there that entertained my big kids for hours. Finally we headed to Nana's 90th Birthday Party! All of her 4 kids and 10 great-grandkids were there and all but 2 great grandkids (and one spouse) were in attendance. We were a large and jolly group! We did get a picture of Nana with her great grand kids. It was the first time they were all together and ranged from 8 to 3 months. It was a special time. We ate and then returned to the house for cake and presents. Nana talked about her life and what God has done in it. I'm not sure there was a dry eye when she was done. She is such a special lady. Thank you God for her!
Sunday morning we were up again and went to the church where Francis grew up and where some of his family still attends. The church is French-speaking so I got to use my (somewhat limited) skills and the boys did great with the French they have been practicing. They tried to sing along in church and William kept pointing out words he knew. The three bigs decided to go to class when the children were dismissed. I was a little hesitant, but they did great and could even tell me the story that they heard in class. Thankfully at least one teacher in each class knew English, but the class itself was in French. The kids didn't seem to mind and came out all smiles. Made my heart so happy! We also got a picture with a podium the kids' great great grandfather built for the church. That was a pretty cool find! Francis had to go home in the afternoon, so his stay in Canada was short but sweet. He was missed, but needed to get to work on Monday. After church and lunch at St. Huberts (where the kids love the clown ice cream), we went to Nana's (and Aunt Melo and Uncle Vic's) for a swim and a BBQ. It was a good, relaxing evening.
Monday the kids and I were up again and off with my in-laws, Cyndy, Chris, Abby, the Lawlers, and some of the Herons over to Upper Canada Village in Ontario. Outside were the grave markers of the kids' great great great great great grandparents who were the ones who left Pennsylvania and moved to Canada around the war of 1812. It was a cool day learning about life circa 1850. Robert loved the old bakery, William loved the blacksmith, Hannah loved the houses and horses and Andrew just wanted to explore. We got to eat all together in an old hotel turned restaurant. It was the highlight of the day for me as I could almost place myself there while eating "period food" (or an attempt at it). Monday was Nana Phillips's actual birthday so we all went back to have dinner with her and just enjoy her company. It we lived closer, I think we would definitely do it more often.
Tuesday after breakfast, we explored old town Montreal and the port. The big kids and grandad, Cyndy and Chris climbed and ziplined over a huge pirate ship, while Nana, Hannah, Andrew and I rode the carousel and played in the jump houses. Uncle Jim joined us a for a while and we had a nice chat. In the late afternoon we walked around old town and ended up in front of Notre Dame. They had horse carriages, so Hannah, William, Robert, Nana and I took one around. After a short while, it dawn on Hannah that we were riding in a carriage like a princess and her smile got so big I though her face might break. the kids even got to feed the horse (names Princess) a carrot at the end). We ate at a swanky restaurant before heading back and finally getting in bed before 10 pm.
Wednesday morning we were in no hurry to get up. The Boergers had headed home (as had all the other travellers) so it was just me, the kids and my in-laws. We ate breakfast at the hotel, made a trip to Toys R Us (they still have them in Canada!) for the kids to spend the birthday money from Nana Phillps and then spent the rest of the morning and afternoon with Nana Phillips. It was a sweet time and hard to say goodbye. Andrew even showed off his walking skills! We had dinner at St. Huberts and got to bed early knowing a long day lay ahead.
Thursday we got up at 5:30 and packed into the car to head to the airport. We made it in plenty of time and even though our flight was an hour and a half delayed, we still made our connection and got to Dallas that evening. The kids and I were all exhausted, so rather than driving home, we stayed at Nana and Grandad's and headed back home Friday morning.
So there's our trip in a nutshell. We had a wonderful time and made so many memories. We can't wait to go back.
Friday evening we had our Life Group's pool party. My kids are becoming quite the fish! Sunday was Father's Day. The kids made Francis pictures and he got a special board book from Andrew (all the kids have a "daddy and me" picture book I've written and had made). He also got Les Miserables in French. We went to church, had lunch at BJs, had a quiet afternoon and then had family movie night where I made Francis's favorite: homemade Lasagna. We watched Ralph Breaks the Internet.
This week we started swim lessons. The kids are in Level 2, 1, preschool and parent/child respectively. I can't wait to see what they learn. Other than that, Summer activities are in full swing. We had started Summer bible study on Tuesdays, library generally on Wednesdays and playgroup on Fridays. I'm trying to soak in the moments. I know September will be here all too soon.
Till next time!
Friday before last, the kids and I headed to Dallas in the morning and met the whole Noble clan at Grapevine Mills Mall. It had been far too long wince we've seen them and the 4 hours there playing and having lunch were not near long enough. The kids got some cousin time and we even managed a group picture before the kids and I had to head on. We drove over to the airport around 3 and met my in-laws who helped me get unpacked, bags checked and get through security. We were joined a short while later by Francis, but, much to our dismay, Cyndy, Chris, Abby and Jackson just barely missed joining us on our flight (their connection was delayed). The 8 of us made it into Canada and finally in to bed at our hotel around 2 am. It was a long day, but we made it!
Saturday we got up and had breakfast with some of the extended Phillips and Cotnoir family (while the Cotnoirs are not technically related to Francis, they are Francis's cousins' cousins...so close enough!). It was s fun breakfast and everyone did years of catching up. Andrew got to meed Nana Phillips for the first time. He gave her a huge toothy smile and I got a few photos as they got acquainted. He even let Nana Phillips hold him! Finally after breakfast/brunch, some of us headed back to the hotel for a nap (ok I napped!) and then we got a snack and headed to Nana's house to play before the birthday party. More family time, and the kids finally got to play the games in Aunt Melo and Uncle Vic's basement (they'd been talking about it for months). They have air hockey, pinball, Foosball, pool and a few other things down there that entertained my big kids for hours. Finally we headed to Nana's 90th Birthday Party! All of her 4 kids and 10 great-grandkids were there and all but 2 great grandkids (and one spouse) were in attendance. We were a large and jolly group! We did get a picture of Nana with her great grand kids. It was the first time they were all together and ranged from 8 to 3 months. It was a special time. We ate and then returned to the house for cake and presents. Nana talked about her life and what God has done in it. I'm not sure there was a dry eye when she was done. She is such a special lady. Thank you God for her!
Sunday morning we were up again and went to the church where Francis grew up and where some of his family still attends. The church is French-speaking so I got to use my (somewhat limited) skills and the boys did great with the French they have been practicing. They tried to sing along in church and William kept pointing out words he knew. The three bigs decided to go to class when the children were dismissed. I was a little hesitant, but they did great and could even tell me the story that they heard in class. Thankfully at least one teacher in each class knew English, but the class itself was in French. The kids didn't seem to mind and came out all smiles. Made my heart so happy! We also got a picture with a podium the kids' great great grandfather built for the church. That was a pretty cool find! Francis had to go home in the afternoon, so his stay in Canada was short but sweet. He was missed, but needed to get to work on Monday. After church and lunch at St. Huberts (where the kids love the clown ice cream), we went to Nana's (and Aunt Melo and Uncle Vic's) for a swim and a BBQ. It was a good, relaxing evening.
Monday the kids and I were up again and off with my in-laws, Cyndy, Chris, Abby, the Lawlers, and some of the Herons over to Upper Canada Village in Ontario. Outside were the grave markers of the kids' great great great great great grandparents who were the ones who left Pennsylvania and moved to Canada around the war of 1812. It was a cool day learning about life circa 1850. Robert loved the old bakery, William loved the blacksmith, Hannah loved the houses and horses and Andrew just wanted to explore. We got to eat all together in an old hotel turned restaurant. It was the highlight of the day for me as I could almost place myself there while eating "period food" (or an attempt at it). Monday was Nana Phillips's actual birthday so we all went back to have dinner with her and just enjoy her company. It we lived closer, I think we would definitely do it more often.
Tuesday after breakfast, we explored old town Montreal and the port. The big kids and grandad, Cyndy and Chris climbed and ziplined over a huge pirate ship, while Nana, Hannah, Andrew and I rode the carousel and played in the jump houses. Uncle Jim joined us a for a while and we had a nice chat. In the late afternoon we walked around old town and ended up in front of Notre Dame. They had horse carriages, so Hannah, William, Robert, Nana and I took one around. After a short while, it dawn on Hannah that we were riding in a carriage like a princess and her smile got so big I though her face might break. the kids even got to feed the horse (names Princess) a carrot at the end). We ate at a swanky restaurant before heading back and finally getting in bed before 10 pm.
Wednesday morning we were in no hurry to get up. The Boergers had headed home (as had all the other travellers) so it was just me, the kids and my in-laws. We ate breakfast at the hotel, made a trip to Toys R Us (they still have them in Canada!) for the kids to spend the birthday money from Nana Phillps and then spent the rest of the morning and afternoon with Nana Phillips. It was a sweet time and hard to say goodbye. Andrew even showed off his walking skills! We had dinner at St. Huberts and got to bed early knowing a long day lay ahead.
Thursday we got up at 5:30 and packed into the car to head to the airport. We made it in plenty of time and even though our flight was an hour and a half delayed, we still made our connection and got to Dallas that evening. The kids and I were all exhausted, so rather than driving home, we stayed at Nana and Grandad's and headed back home Friday morning.
So there's our trip in a nutshell. We had a wonderful time and made so many memories. We can't wait to go back.
Friday evening we had our Life Group's pool party. My kids are becoming quite the fish! Sunday was Father's Day. The kids made Francis pictures and he got a special board book from Andrew (all the kids have a "daddy and me" picture book I've written and had made). He also got Les Miserables in French. We went to church, had lunch at BJs, had a quiet afternoon and then had family movie night where I made Francis's favorite: homemade Lasagna. We watched Ralph Breaks the Internet.
This week we started swim lessons. The kids are in Level 2, 1, preschool and parent/child respectively. I can't wait to see what they learn. Other than that, Summer activities are in full swing. We had started Summer bible study on Tuesdays, library generally on Wednesdays and playgroup on Fridays. I'm trying to soak in the moments. I know September will be here all too soon.
Till next time!
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
June 4, 2019
How is it June? The last month has flown by. Andrew has turned 11 months and is standing/walking nearly as much as he crawls, unless he is in a hurry, then he bear crawls at lightning speed. Someone didn't believe me, but when they walked away, Andrew decided to catch up to them and managed to trip them. Whoops! Andrew is communicating more and more with his favorite words being mama, dada, more, bruh (brother or sister) and bye. He wants to be big so bad and climbs on everything in sight. He has bruises all over from failed or sometimes successful attempts to complete his own daring deeds. He's so busy and active! He never stops moving, even in his sleep. One smile and my heart melts, though. He's my little guy and I love him so much!
Let's see. Mother's Day weekend was good. My in-laws came in on Saturday to see the boys play soccer. After the games Nana and I got to see Hannah's ballet dress rehearsal. I guess I hadn't prepared Hannah well (and she wasn't very happy anyway) because she just stood on stage and gave the meanest look with her arms crossed. Oh well. After rehearsal she promised to do better for the actual show. That night my in-laws watched the kids so Francis and I could have a date night and go see Avengers Endgame. We seldom get dates so this waspretty special! Sunday, We drove down to Houston to see my niece get baptized! I hope I have the joy and privilege to see each of my nieces and nephews (as well as my own children) get baptized because they have found the truth and hope in Jesus.
We got to visit the new Aggieland Safari with the Williams family back in mid-May. It is a drive thru Safari where you can feed and interact with animals as well as an area that is like a more traditional zoo. It was so very fun! It started off with me getting bitten by an ostrich across my face (he wanted the feed I was not giving him), and being stared down by a donkey (I finally had to inch my car around him), but memories and much laughter were made. Hannah liked the giraffes, Robert and William both liked feeding all the exotic animals, and Andrew loved the birds. I hope we can go back soon!
May was also my month to do dates with the kids. I took both boys to Chick-fil-a for Mother-Son date Knight. We had professional photos, ate good food, made craft swords and shields, got balloon creations, met the Chick-fil-a cow, heard live music and got cake pops! Afterward the boys and I went to a park to play before heading home. I took Hannah to Chuck E. Cheese. That girl got her money's worth! She played the coin type games and got 1,000 tickets!! She took a while deciding what she wanted (the opportunities seemed endless), but she got a headband, foam hammer, candy, ball and a couple other little things. It was a great evening and Hannah has worn the unicorn headband almost every day since!
Memorial Day weekend was a big one for us. Leading up to it we had Practicum (where the kids went to play camp and Geodraw camp and I had training) and Saturday was both practicum and the last soccer game for both boys. Fortunately both events were at Central (our church) so I was able to slip out and go see the boys play. After the games they had inflatables, free sno cones and pizza as well as an awards ceremony and a soccer ball for each kid. William got a medal for "effort" and Robert got one for "shooting". I was very glad for the snocones because it was hot out there! It was a good season and the boys learned a lot. Sunday was an extremely busy day. We went to church, left after service and picked up food, and then got Hannah dressed for her recital. We arrived at around the same time as Nana and Grandad and got amazing seats. I was so nervous, but we practiced and she came out and did ballet like a pro. I cried happy tears. After the show, we said goodbye to Nana and Grandad and got in the car. Then we drove for two hours. We kept expecting the kids to ask where we were going, but they didn't. We finally stopped to have dinner at an unfamiliar Jason's Deli. We pointed out the window at all the sights and still got no questions about our location. As we were climbing back into the car, we asked the kids how long they thought we had been driving. They guessed between 20 minutes to an hour (each kid's guess was different). We told them we were in San Marcos and had been driving for 2 hours!! They looked confused and got even more confused when we said we were staying in a hotel that night. Then they got super excited (they love hotels). Then we dropped the big news. The next day we were going to spend the day at Sea World in San Antonio! Francis and I were greeted with hugs and thank yous and William went to check when I said the bags were all packed. We never surprise our kids like this so they never saw it coming!
After a fun night in the hotel (where all three big kids insisted on sleeping on the pull out couch instead of the two queen beds), we headed to Sea World. We had an epic day that I think they will always remember. If they wanted to do it, we did it. On top of this, someone gave us their (mostly unused) food punch card as they were leaving the park (it was the annual food fest) so we got a ton of free food from all over the world to sample too. It really couldn't have been any better unless there were more hours in the day.
We have started up Summer play group and had a good crowd last week. I've missed seeing all these ladies outside of church! We went to a splash pad and let the kids play while we chatted.
Sports camp is this week for William and Robert (and Francis who is volunteering). They've been having a great time. Hannah was feeling a little left out so last night she, Andrew and I went Golden Corral. Kids under 4 eat free and so I only had to pay for me! Hannah particularly loved the chocolate fountain where she could dip strawberries, and Andrew loved all. the. food. He probably ate his entire weight in food. It was pretty decent food and I got steak, so no complaints here!
That's all for now. I've got to get packing for our upcoming trip to Canada! Au revoir (that's me brushing up on my French)!
Let's see. Mother's Day weekend was good. My in-laws came in on Saturday to see the boys play soccer. After the games Nana and I got to see Hannah's ballet dress rehearsal. I guess I hadn't prepared Hannah well (and she wasn't very happy anyway) because she just stood on stage and gave the meanest look with her arms crossed. Oh well. After rehearsal she promised to do better for the actual show. That night my in-laws watched the kids so Francis and I could have a date night and go see Avengers Endgame. We seldom get dates so this waspretty special! Sunday, We drove down to Houston to see my niece get baptized! I hope I have the joy and privilege to see each of my nieces and nephews (as well as my own children) get baptized because they have found the truth and hope in Jesus.
We got to visit the new Aggieland Safari with the Williams family back in mid-May. It is a drive thru Safari where you can feed and interact with animals as well as an area that is like a more traditional zoo. It was so very fun! It started off with me getting bitten by an ostrich across my face (he wanted the feed I was not giving him), and being stared down by a donkey (I finally had to inch my car around him), but memories and much laughter were made. Hannah liked the giraffes, Robert and William both liked feeding all the exotic animals, and Andrew loved the birds. I hope we can go back soon!
May was also my month to do dates with the kids. I took both boys to Chick-fil-a for Mother-Son date Knight. We had professional photos, ate good food, made craft swords and shields, got balloon creations, met the Chick-fil-a cow, heard live music and got cake pops! Afterward the boys and I went to a park to play before heading home. I took Hannah to Chuck E. Cheese. That girl got her money's worth! She played the coin type games and got 1,000 tickets!! She took a while deciding what she wanted (the opportunities seemed endless), but she got a headband, foam hammer, candy, ball and a couple other little things. It was a great evening and Hannah has worn the unicorn headband almost every day since!
Memorial Day weekend was a big one for us. Leading up to it we had Practicum (where the kids went to play camp and Geodraw camp and I had training) and Saturday was both practicum and the last soccer game for both boys. Fortunately both events were at Central (our church) so I was able to slip out and go see the boys play. After the games they had inflatables, free sno cones and pizza as well as an awards ceremony and a soccer ball for each kid. William got a medal for "effort" and Robert got one for "shooting". I was very glad for the snocones because it was hot out there! It was a good season and the boys learned a lot. Sunday was an extremely busy day. We went to church, left after service and picked up food, and then got Hannah dressed for her recital. We arrived at around the same time as Nana and Grandad and got amazing seats. I was so nervous, but we practiced and she came out and did ballet like a pro. I cried happy tears. After the show, we said goodbye to Nana and Grandad and got in the car. Then we drove for two hours. We kept expecting the kids to ask where we were going, but they didn't. We finally stopped to have dinner at an unfamiliar Jason's Deli. We pointed out the window at all the sights and still got no questions about our location. As we were climbing back into the car, we asked the kids how long they thought we had been driving. They guessed between 20 minutes to an hour (each kid's guess was different). We told them we were in San Marcos and had been driving for 2 hours!! They looked confused and got even more confused when we said we were staying in a hotel that night. Then they got super excited (they love hotels). Then we dropped the big news. The next day we were going to spend the day at Sea World in San Antonio! Francis and I were greeted with hugs and thank yous and William went to check when I said the bags were all packed. We never surprise our kids like this so they never saw it coming!
After a fun night in the hotel (where all three big kids insisted on sleeping on the pull out couch instead of the two queen beds), we headed to Sea World. We had an epic day that I think they will always remember. If they wanted to do it, we did it. On top of this, someone gave us their (mostly unused) food punch card as they were leaving the park (it was the annual food fest) so we got a ton of free food from all over the world to sample too. It really couldn't have been any better unless there were more hours in the day.
We have started up Summer play group and had a good crowd last week. I've missed seeing all these ladies outside of church! We went to a splash pad and let the kids play while we chatted.
Sports camp is this week for William and Robert (and Francis who is volunteering). They've been having a great time. Hannah was feeling a little left out so last night she, Andrew and I went Golden Corral. Kids under 4 eat free and so I only had to pay for me! Hannah particularly loved the chocolate fountain where she could dip strawberries, and Andrew loved all. the. food. He probably ate his entire weight in food. It was pretty decent food and I got steak, so no complaints here!
That's all for now. I've got to get packing for our upcoming trip to Canada! Au revoir (that's me brushing up on my French)!
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