March 22, 2016

So much has happened in the past week and a half. I will try to just hit the highlights.

Friday before last we headed to Dallas. Francis got done a tad early so we were able to have a late dinner with his parents. Hannah still screams in her car seat so we were all glad to arrive. Saturday was such a great day. My in-laws, Cyndy, Chris, Abby and the 5 of us went to see The Little Mermaid musical at the theater in Fair Park. We dressed up and Hannah looked like a princess in her huge poofy dress.  All of the kids were great. The boys and Abby watched with great interest as the performers sang and danced. Robert actually sat on his Nana's lap the whole time and I don't think he moved a muscle as he watched with an interested smile. Hannah sang through the first song and then fell asleep on Francis until intermission. She then woke up to nurse and then slept through the second act as well. It was amazing. William said he'd happily go with me again sometime. I love the theater, so hopefully he means it! All in all it was a pretty perfect day with the best in-laws I could have.

Sunday we made it to church despite time change. Whew! We had lunch as Red Lobster with my parents, Danielle and Kevin. It was a fun meal and it was so so good to see the family again. We went shopping at the mall nearby where Hannah got her first pair of shoes. They are pink and purple with flowers and so so cute! She is pulling up and cruising around now, so it's about time she had shoes! Francis headed home early afternoon (he had to get back for research) and the kids and I went over to my parents house for the afternoon and evening. We had pizza, played and the boys even helped my dad weed and auger the land. They are great little helpers, and would make great farmers.

Monday we played with my mom at her house. We even got to see my Ashley! She came over and I got to spend time with one of my best friends. I thank God for her and that sweet time. It was good timing as she got a job now and starts Monday. YAY! Also, my parents had a new play set assembled on their land that day. It was done early afternoon and the kids had a blast climbing and swinging. It will be a fun place for the cousins for years to come. The kids and I met up with my in-laws for dinner that night at Olive Garden. I am so blessed to have parents and in-laws who love my children so much. After dinner, my in-laws played Mario-Kart (or Mario's Kart if you ask William) and then let them have bubble bath. Fun times and fun memories.

Tuesday, my mom, Kevin, the kids and I braved the crowds at the Dallas Zoo. It was Hannah's first trip to the zoo and a good time was had by all (thanks to Kevin for pushing the boys around!). Robert's favorite animal is the Lion, William loves the hippo and Hannah loves anything she was awake to see. We ended our ad venture with Dip n Dots ice cream and the kids all passed out on the way home. We went back to my in-laws and packed up all my stuff and the dogs and headed to my parent's house. William was so out that when he woke up he had no idea that we'd been to Nana and Grandad's house or how the dogs got in the car. Talk about disorienting. That evening Danielle, Christian, Chad, the twins and my dad joined the rest of us for a family dinner. We had some delicious Rudy's and then some of us went swimming. My dad had heated the pool to bath water temp and the boys had a ball. Hannah had never been swimming before, but she was excited as soon as she got in. She splashed and laughed and had such a good time that she eventually nearly fell asleep because she had worn herself out. It was good to see my sisters and have all of us (minus Francis) together. Bonus! Tuesday night is the night Hannah started giving baby kisses. I was sitting in the chair in my parent's living room and she just started giving them to me. Now she will do it whenever I ask. It's completely adorable.

Wednesday Frankie's mom took the day off and met up with my mom, the kids and I at a nearby park. We had fun hanging out with the kids, followed by lunch, playing at a different playground, ice cream and then back to playing. the kids were in grandma paradise. I can't even describe the fun that was had, but it was wonderful, and I was sad to see our time in Dallas coming to a close.

Thursday I drove back with the kids and dogs to meet Francis at our house. It was a long journey, but I made it. Francis had Thursday and Friday off so we lived it up and had a ton of family time. Francis made a gourmet dinner Thursday. Friday we had Hannah's passport application appointment, lunch at Freddy's, and then the kids all took a nap. We decided to go take the kids to see a movie. Movies here are cheap (it was $14.75 with tax for all 5 of us), so we went to see Zootopia. The theater was full when we arrived so we opted for the next showing just a little bit later. It was a smart move as we nearly had the place to ourselves. The boy's got gourmet popcorn, and I got an icee. The kids all did great. It was Hannah's first movie. She got a little fussy and passed out, but she slept right until the end. It was so fun!

Saturday we went to the Easter Egg Hunt at the George Bush Library Museum. It was so exciting (and cold!). There were carnival games, a fire engine, police motorcycles, a huge egg hunt and a bunch of freebies. The boys even got wooden eggs like they would if they were at the white house Easter Egg hunt.

Saturday afternoon through Monday morning, I became very ill. I had a stomach bug with a bunch of strange complications. Francis and the boys did a great job taking care of me, and I am thankful for them. I was so thankful I actually managed to make hot chicken and authentic poutine (squeaky cheese and all) for dinner last night. It was gooooooood, especially the fries made from scratch.

This week we are getting back into the swing of things. I thought Hannah might have a meltdown when I dropped her off for Bible Study this morning, but she went happily and even kissed me over and over when I picked her up. Dallas was fun, but it's good to be home and healthy. Till next time!

March 10, 2016

Robert is 2 1/2 today. I can't even believe it. I am sure just yesterday we brought him home from the Hospital. He is getting so big. he is still as cuddly as ever and he loves his momma more than words. I thank God for him and the carefree, adventurous, sweet boy that he is. His nose is healing nicely and he no longer has black eyes. This poor kid needs to stop having accidents. Saturday he had a run in with a weed eater. Francis was unplugging it when William suddenly grabbed it (after already being told not to touch it repeatedly), and pressed the button. It spun to life and got Robert across the hand and leg. Fortunately Robert had on pants so nothing happened to his leg, but his hand got pretty scraped up. It only got him a few times before it lost power (as I mentioned, Francis was unplugging it). It's healing nicely now, but I would really appreciate no more accidents for a while (or forever!).

William is growing every time I turn around. He is getting good at addition and subtraction up to 20 and is even doing some of the math in his head now. I have mo idea how many sight words he has, but I can see he is making progress all the time. Funny story. William was doing subtraction word problems yesterday where he would have to write the math problem from the paragraph and then answer the problem. I would read the number sentence out loud and ask William the answer. (Like "Seven minus four equals?" and wait for the answer). Every time Robert would enthusiastically chime in "Two!" He was wrong every time. Finally the word problem made it be Four minus two. I read the number sentence aloud and William waited for Robert to answer. We got nothing. So William went on to answer it and then did the last problem where Robert again answered "Two!" (which was wrong). "No buddy, you missed your chance. The last word problem was 2. Here. I'll read the one where the answer is two again just for you. Four minus two is...?" Robert smiled and said, "Three?". William and I about died laughing and Robert just kept smiling like the cat that ate the canary. Oh those kids!

Those boys love their Hannah. William has taught Hannah the word "brother". It is her new favorite word. She says it all the time when she's around the boys. They love it. She used to say "mama", but the other day when I was getting her to say mama, William interrupted with, "no say brother". Hannah happily said brother and they both giggled. I said, "No mama!" and Hannah repeated brother over and over no matter what I tried. I finally said, "Come on Hannah, say mama." Hannah paused for a second, looked straight at me and said, "dada"....followed by peals of laughter from both Hannah and William. I'm surrounded by comedians, ladies and gentlemen. At least they are cute comedians. Hannah is crawling faster all the time and is not beginning to pull up on things and cruise along them...I'm so not ready. She's not steady footed enough just yet for all that she attempts so she has a nice little bruise on her chin from the times I am unable to save her from her own ambition. She'll learn though. I'm glad she's growing healthy, even if it's too fast for my liking. That's all for now! 

March 3, 2016

I had Ladies' night last Thursday at our Mentor mom's house (from MOMS). I thought it would be dinner and chatting but it turned into a wonderful night of sharing and prayer. I left encouraged and spirit filled. It was awesome.

Life here overall has been busy. Bible study, MOMs, kids' dentist appointments (teeth look great!), and the children's museum have all been on the schedule this past week. Hannah has been crawling all over keeping me and the boys on our toes. She is finding all the fun places I never knew I needed to baby proof in this house. I foresee a Home Depot trip in our future.

The brightest spot in our week was Saturday when my in-laws came down from Dallas and Cyndy Chris and Abby came up from Houston. The kids played and the adults talked. We got to hear all about the Boergers' trip to DisneyWorld (I want to go back so bad!). The kids got belated Valentine's presents from Nana. Robert now has 4 Batman shirts so he can last most of the week batman-clad. He is one happy kiddo. William was thrilled with his Star Wars shirts. It possible I'm raising some stinkin' awesome nerds! We finished the day with dinner at Grub burger. I'd never had it before but it was in fact delicious. It was sad to see family leave, but we will be seeing them in another week to go see The Little Mermaid (on stage) in Dallas. I'm so excited!

Not much else to report. Robert's nose seems to be healing and I'm still on the quest to figure out what to do with schooling for William next year. I found a homeschool co-op program I think I like, but I don't know if that's "it". I guess I'll find out soon!

Till next time!

February 25, 2016

Well, it's been quite a week with some ups and downs.

My niece Abby turned 5 on Tuesday and had her birthday party last Saturday. How did that happen so fast??? I saw a picture of me holding her in the hospital and all the joy of that day came flooding back as if it just happened. Such a sweet memory. Anyway, Francis, the kids and I drove down to Houston for Abby's party on Saturday. We all had a blast. The boys got to play with two of their best friends (Abby and Ranger) and Hannah and Asher had some baby fun too. There was a bounce house and tea and seriously the cutest decorations for a tea-themed party. Bravo to Cyndy for making and setting it all up. Abby was a cute hostess as she wanted to make sure everyone was having a good time. Her smile lights up a room, I tell ya! Robert got injured in the bounce house: his face collided with another's head. But he eventually shook it off and we didn't think much more about it. We hung around after the party with Cyndy, Chris, Abby and the Davis Family before heading back. After a short phone call with my in-laws (who were sick and couldn't come to the party). Francis and William went to a Learn to Play Hockey class. He got a hockey stick and a jersey and had a great time, Now he is even more excited and playing in the future!

Sunday we did church as usual, but when we got home and got ready for nap, I took one look at Robert's face and nearly lost it. The left side of his nose was suddenly swollen and purple/yellow. I did a quick google search and then Robert and I headed over to the urgent care clinic. The doctor there said it was probably broken (which was my suspicion) and that bruising and swelling occurring 24 hours after the injury is normal. She referred us to an ENT doctor. We met with the ENT doctor on Tuesday (after bible study and lunch), and he confirmed that it was indeed broken on the left side close to his eye. Poor Robert! The doctor said that he didn't have a cast small enough to fit Robert and he was pretty sure that Robert likely wouldn't leave it on even if he did. The wound wasn't infected, and everything was fine all things considered. It could have been way worse. Robert did tear the
skin (upper labail frenum) inside his mouth also, so he has a bit of a fat lip too. He's a trooper and hasn't let it slow him down. But... no more bounce houses for at least 6 weeks while it heals (this was what the doctor said). Ideally we should try and get him to rest and recuperate, but the doctor knows that is unrealistic for a 2 year old. Smart man!

Tuesday evening William had his last class of "Snowplow 1". Francis, Robert, Hannah and I went up there to watch him finish and see how much he'd learned. I am very impressed. He can "walk" on the ice great, moves with confidence, can spin and even knows how to go backwards. He graduated with flying colors, having almost all of the qualifications for finishing snowplow 2 as well. He got a patch and was overjoyed that we got to see him skate. I think we are signing him up for the next session. He'll be ready for Hockey in no time!

Hannah turned 7 months yesterday.... SEVEN months! She is growing so fast too. People keep thinking she is at least 9 months because she is so long. She is crawling, pulling up on stuff, getting into everything and laughing constantly. Oh! and she now has 8 TEETH! She got one yesterday and two today. That makes 6 teeth in exactly 2 weeks. Crazy! She has 4 on top and 4 on bottom. this is good because she tries to eat everything in sight and she will now have the chompers to do so. Her brothers love playing with her, giving her hugs and making her laugh all the time. William said just thins afternoon, "I'm so glad we have Hannah now. I had to wait so long for her to get here and I love her so much". He went on to brag on his brother and there might have been a group hug at the end. Those moments make me so happy and are sweet pauses in the beautiful chaos that is this family.

I have been flat worn out with Hannah's teething and the congestion I can't shake, so I'm hoping there is a break in my future. But if that's the price of this life God gave me, I'll gladly pay it.

Till next time!

February 18, 2016

Well, this past week did not turn out as planned.While it's not always bad, it does throw my planner's heart for a loop. The Moms and Pops Banquet, while enjoyable, was not exactly especially romantic as I had played it out in my head (which is totally my own fault, and as I mentioned it was still good!). Angel, Ranger, and Asher were unable to come up and visit on Friday due to a stomach bug, so instead the kids I went to playgroup. There we met a Korean woman in need of encouragement that she could be a mom to two kids (she was pregnant with a toddler). It was indeed where God intended us to be that morning, but not what I planned. Friday afternoon, the kids and I took Lucy to the vet because she keep coughing up junk going on two weeks now. The appointment lasted over 2 hours and they still don't know what's wrong. Quite an afternoon to say the least. Friday night, Francis's meeting went very late and so we missed our Valentine's dinner reservation, but they held it for us. The night started off rushed trying to get there, but the actual dinner was good and the company unparalleled.  We went to pick up the kids from church after 2 hours (of a 4 hour parents night out). Hannah was asleep but due for a feeding, so we picked her up, but the boys didn't want to leave. We told them they could stay, and went home for an hour with Hannah before Francis headed back up to church to get them. Church is only 15 minutes or less away, so it was nice to have a little quiet time at home after such a busy day.

Saturday was bliss. We drove to Sherwood Forest Faire and met up with the Jennings. Oh how I missed them! It was like no time had passed, yet out kids were all older. How did this happen?!? Seth hadn't even met Hannah. We all got to see the joust, falconry and the kids who were big enough did a couple of rides. It was good for my body to be in the open air, and good for my spirit to be with old friends.

The rest of this week has been a bit of a blur. Hannah went from 2 to 5 teeth since Thursday. She cut on Thursday, one Monday and one Tuesday with a fourth bulge due to pop out any second. All that to say she hasn't been sleeping well since Thursday. Her toothy smile is totally worth it, but I'm pooped. I handled the first few days ok, but I'm beginning to feel like I did when the kids were newborns. I'm hoping the last tooth pops out today and we can have a bit of a break! Hannah has also mastered the moving from sitting to crawling back to sitting. She is so proud every time she sits herself up. It's still occasionally awkward, but the transition is getting smoother all the time. She's becoming a fast little mover. The boys can't leave anything on the ground! They love her so much though They will share almost anything with her (for better or worse) and constantly want to hug and kiss her. They also tell her that she is cute, much to her delight. I am so blessed to have kids who (mostly) get along and genuinely love each other. Robert and William are great brothers. I pray Hannah will be just as good a sister to them.

Life is calling. Till next time!

February 11, 2016

Gonna have to make this quick.

Hannah is crawling all over. Her movement looks a bit like a worm right now, but she's speedy! She is also becoming good at taking door stops off the wall. Time to baby proof even more and keep a watchful eye on this girl!

Robert and William keep me on my toes. I never quite know what I'm going to get. Their favorite toys right now are: lego Duplo (mainly the batman set), Wild Kratts and Octonauts. One or more f those is played with every day without fail. I was talking to Robert this week and as I hugged him I said, "You are so huggable. Can you be my Robert forever?" His response was, "No." "Who will you turn into?" I asked. In a low scratchy voice he responded, "Batman." Good to know. William then decided his name was Hannah. I went along with it asking him to hand his snack to "Hannah". His brow furrowed, "BUT MOM, this is my snack." "I know, but you said your name is Hannah." He responded, "Oh yeah. That's confusing. Nevermind, I'll just stay William." Also good to know.

We have been going to story time at the library here the past couple of Wednesdays. They have a time for babies and one for preschoolers, but we go to the one for 2-3 year olds. Everyone loves it. William loves being the oldest and "helping his brother",  Robert loves participating in the activities, and Hannah loves watching and dancing to the music. Win, win, win!

Starting tonight the next few days are very busy. I get to go to a banquet, have a playdate with an amazing friend, have my Valentine's Date, and go to Sherwood Forest Faire with yet another amazing friend and her family. I couldn't be happier about it all!

Till next time!

February 4, 2016

Baby girl is growing like crazy. She is starting to pull up on things, is moving around the house quicker and starting to self-feed like a champ. I'm so thankful for my Hannah, and the boys are enjoying having her be more active in their play. They aren't huge fans of her taking their toys, but have been quick to forgive and find a way to include her. I thank God for their love and generosity.

My in-laws came to visit on Saturday. We hadn't seen them since early January, and so the kids were over the moon excited. Bonus! Abby, Cyndy and Chris came into town too for a few hours. I tell you, you'd have though my kids had won the lottery, they had so much fun. I think it was good for all involved. Few things warm the heart like family and laughter, and we had plenty of both. this is another thing for which I happily thank God.

We pushed the boys beds together last night in an attempt to keep them in their bed and not in ours. They both say they get lonely at night (William has terrible dreams and Robert roams the house at night), and we are hoping this helps the problem. Chances of success are low, but you never know! If there is an opposite to the napping house, we are it. Someday we will sleep, so I'm trying to enjoy all the good infanthood/toddlerhood/preschool has to offer while embracing the exhaustion. It is quite an adventure!

This week has been a little rough for me in terms of my joints. I have a joint condition, but usually I don't notice it unless I try to go bowling or step funny. This week it's like the air pressure has been different or something, because all my joints hurt. Not sure what's going on, but it is welcome to stop at any time!

MOMS this morning was about intimacy. I guess that is how you know it's February: everything is about love. Tonight we have a party with our small group and Sunday we have the Super Bowl party with our Bible Life class. We are regular little socialites, haha. Ok not really, but I am enjoying getting to know people in our church as we are living life in College Station.

Till next time!