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!
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
October 28, 2025
What a day. I won't go into it all except to say we did pictures today. I am exhausted to say the least.
We did some pictures because Hannah turned 3 months on Saturday! That happened so fast. She rolled from front to back yesterday by rocking her legs back and forth and arching her back until she twisted around on her back.That means she can now roll both back to front and front to back. She can hold up her head and much of her torso steadily when placed on her stomach. She can laugh, smile, "talk", and loves her family more each day. And we love her too. Our lives are somehow more complete with her here. I'm so thankful she is mine.
Last Wednesday we took a trip out to Research park near campus to see the ducks and turtles. It ended up being a great science lesson because we used my phone to identify all the types and species of animal we saw. The kids loved matching the pictures to what they were seeing live. Gotta love natural teachable moments.
Thursday Hannah went to her last moms meeting. She will have to go to childcare from now on because she is too old to be in the room with me. We've been putting her in class on Sunday mornings for the Bible study hour, so I know she can do it and will do fine. I will be sad not to be holding her, but the little ladies in the nursery love on them like crazy. She went into childcare for my bible study class on Tuesday and she was the only baby for 4 teachers (a few kids were obviously out). She got more attention in that hour than I could do all day. I am so thankful for a church that loves children!
Friday we took a field trip to HEB with a bunch of moms and kiddos from my Moms group. The boys learned all about nutrition, had samples, got a goody bag, and got a picture with HEB Buddy at the end. A good time was had by all, especially since Hannah slept through the whole thing!
Saturday was a rainy rainy day, but that didn't stop us. I received a free Sam's membership so Francis, the kids and I went to redeem it and check out the store. We bought a few things which we could handle getting in bulk (like paper towels) and after we got home I calculated how much we saved. It was crazy how buying bulk adds up. Thanks for the free membership, Sam's!!! It could not have come at a better time. We followed our Sam's trip with Best Buy, then Chick-fil-a and then went home as the rain was just beating down. It rained the rest of the day and night and into the next day, which meant Saturday night was Family movie night. We watched Fantasia 2000. Went great with the rain sound.
Sunday evening was Fall Fest. I was still raining so we had to move it indoors. Hannah dressed up as a flower, Robert was Iron man and William was Captain America. They had a great time and got a ton of candy (at least the boys did). They had inflatables, games, and tons of food. We are at the point where if there is free food, we'll be there. On top of it, the food was delicious. Win!
Monday we did the grocery store. I managed to clip $20 worth of coupons and get another $10 back on my Ibotta app. I'm working hard to save us some money, and I am beginning to notice a difference.
Yesterday was Bible Study. The kids and I played Legos all afternoon building a bit of a city by the time we were done. The laundry is still not put away, school work didn't get done, and the house didn't get cleaned. Still worth every minute. When Francis came home, he watched the kids for a bit so I could catch up on some chores. Thanks honey!
Today, as I said, we did pictures. Nothing worked as planned, but it is in the past now, and I won't dwell in it. The good thing that came from it is the lady felt bad and comped me a couple of things that I could not have afforded otherwise. God is good, and the lady was super kind.
That's all for now!
We did some pictures because Hannah turned 3 months on Saturday! That happened so fast. She rolled from front to back yesterday by rocking her legs back and forth and arching her back until she twisted around on her back.That means she can now roll both back to front and front to back. She can hold up her head and much of her torso steadily when placed on her stomach. She can laugh, smile, "talk", and loves her family more each day. And we love her too. Our lives are somehow more complete with her here. I'm so thankful she is mine.
Last Wednesday we took a trip out to Research park near campus to see the ducks and turtles. It ended up being a great science lesson because we used my phone to identify all the types and species of animal we saw. The kids loved matching the pictures to what they were seeing live. Gotta love natural teachable moments.
Thursday Hannah went to her last moms meeting. She will have to go to childcare from now on because she is too old to be in the room with me. We've been putting her in class on Sunday mornings for the Bible study hour, so I know she can do it and will do fine. I will be sad not to be holding her, but the little ladies in the nursery love on them like crazy. She went into childcare for my bible study class on Tuesday and she was the only baby for 4 teachers (a few kids were obviously out). She got more attention in that hour than I could do all day. I am so thankful for a church that loves children!
Friday we took a field trip to HEB with a bunch of moms and kiddos from my Moms group. The boys learned all about nutrition, had samples, got a goody bag, and got a picture with HEB Buddy at the end. A good time was had by all, especially since Hannah slept through the whole thing!
Saturday was a rainy rainy day, but that didn't stop us. I received a free Sam's membership so Francis, the kids and I went to redeem it and check out the store. We bought a few things which we could handle getting in bulk (like paper towels) and after we got home I calculated how much we saved. It was crazy how buying bulk adds up. Thanks for the free membership, Sam's!!! It could not have come at a better time. We followed our Sam's trip with Best Buy, then Chick-fil-a and then went home as the rain was just beating down. It rained the rest of the day and night and into the next day, which meant Saturday night was Family movie night. We watched Fantasia 2000. Went great with the rain sound.
Sunday evening was Fall Fest. I was still raining so we had to move it indoors. Hannah dressed up as a flower, Robert was Iron man and William was Captain America. They had a great time and got a ton of candy (at least the boys did). They had inflatables, games, and tons of food. We are at the point where if there is free food, we'll be there. On top of it, the food was delicious. Win!
Monday we did the grocery store. I managed to clip $20 worth of coupons and get another $10 back on my Ibotta app. I'm working hard to save us some money, and I am beginning to notice a difference.
Yesterday was Bible Study. The kids and I played Legos all afternoon building a bit of a city by the time we were done. The laundry is still not put away, school work didn't get done, and the house didn't get cleaned. Still worth every minute. When Francis came home, he watched the kids for a bit so I could catch up on some chores. Thanks honey!
Today, as I said, we did pictures. Nothing worked as planned, but it is in the past now, and I won't dwell in it. The good thing that came from it is the lady felt bad and comped me a couple of things that I could not have afforded otherwise. God is good, and the lady was super kind.
That's all for now!
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
October 20, 2015
I've tried to start this blog about 20 times now. I'm having trouble. Perhaps it's the kid in my arms who is almost asleep, but keeps rousing herself and giving me a goofy smile. Perhaps it is the excessive wall banging in the next room from a 2 year old who won't nap. Perhaps it is because it is Tuesday afternoon aka the day I realize how little I got done on Monday. Whatever the reason, please bear with me.
Oh my sweet Hannah is just adorable as ever. She can now aim for something and grab it with her hands. She is loving this new ability. She also learned to roll from back to front yesterday. She loves this ability less. When she does it, she yells until I pick her up or roll her back on her back. It's a little funny. Speaking of funny, Hannah has developed a sense of humor. She laughs when she finds something to be funny. The source of most of her giggles: her brothers. Yesterday she laughed for a good 15+ minutes at her brothers jumping up and down on the bed. It was so hilarious she even snorted. It made this momma's heart so happy. Hannah is not only growing mentally and emotionally, she is also growing physically. On Friday she took a 4 hour nap and woke up no longer fitting in her 3 month onesie. As in it would no longer snap when it snapped before nap. She is now (at 2 1/2 months) in 6 month clothes. She's long and lovely!
Robert and the potty training saga continue. He's doing well at home, but up until Sunday would not go for his teachers at church. He even went poop on the potty 3 times this week, including yesterday when he went to the potty all by himself, pooped and then showed me. I did a happy dance for that one. Sunday Robert went on the potty once just fine for his teachers. They asked him a little while later if he needed to go again. He responded yes, pulled down his pants and went in the classroom. I know most every kid (especially boys) does this at some point, and his teachers were good sports. So note to self: be close to the potty when asking Robert to go. Robert is becoming very polite. I gave him the ketchup he asked for at lunch yesterday and he responded with a clear, crisp, unsolicited "thank you". He also says please when asking for things. Quite a little gentleman!
William will be finishing his Math book today. I went ahead and bought the 1st grade book to see how far we get in it before it's too hard. We also have begun reading simple easy readers using William's sight words. He's doing a great job recognizing words and using the picture, letters and context clues to help. We've tried sounding out words but he's not there yet. We've also been talking about God, rules and sin a lot. William has so many questions, and I love that he feels ok asking me. He's memorizing so much scripture and together we talk about what it means. I pray his little heart grows tender to the nudging of the Holy Spirit (as I do for all my children).
Francis's birthday was Friday. We took him out to Cotton Patch Cafe for dinner, and then let him open presents and cards back home. The boys spent the two previous days making Francis's cake and decorating it. It was a fun lesson on baking and since I have let the boys make and help with the cake for the past 3 years, I guess it is a tradition now. Saturday we had a party with some of the Brower clan to celebrate Francis' 29th birthday. We had pizza and cake, the kids played and watched a movie, and the adults played settlers of Catan (I won!). It was truly a wonderful time. Happy Birthday, my love!!!!
That's really all I can type now. I just walked into the boys room and found Robert standing on William's head (William was asleep but is no longer). I guess naptime's a bust!
Till next time.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
October 13, 2015
After a day like Friday before last, you'd think the weekend would have been blown. But thankfully God is gracious and he allowed me to find joy in between moments of distinct sadness.. Saturday before last, the kids and I went to the State Fair of Texas with my mom, sister Danielle, her boyfriend Kevin, my Aunt Camille, and my grandfather Japapa. It was Hannah's first time at the fair. She loved looking around at everything. We did the annual puppet show "world on a string" and Hannah wanted to watch the whole thing "standing" (me holding her with her legs stiff). I tried to nurse her more than once and she would scream at me every time until I would lift her so she could see the show again. Same went for the parade and fireworks show that evening. Hannah's a fan of the fair! The boys had a great time too. they enjoyed the food, shows, and company. William got to go see a museum with Japapa (aka William Thweatt), and the two had a fun time bonding. William came back and told me "That Japapa, he's a cool guy!" It melts my heart to see him enjoying his relatives. Robert was pretty flexible too. My kids are good sports, because we never slowed down!
Sunday afternoon, we attended a babies shower at my mom's house for Christian and Chad. They are having twins and I am so excited to meet Alexandra and Issac. Mom and pop, Japapa, my aunts Bup and Camille, Chad's parents as well as some of my cousins and their kids were there. It was so fun. The theme was Noah's Ark and we played name the baby animal. The cake was a masterpiece by my Aunt Bup. I wish you could have seen it! Chad and Christian got many wonderful gifts, and we were able to pray over them as they embark on this great journey. I look forward to seeing God glorified through them and their family.
After the shower, my cousin Summer and Aunt Bup asked my mom for a tour of the property. As soon as mom had left the house, we quickly took down all the shower decorations and put up birthdya decorations. My mom's birthday was the 10th, but we were not able to be there so we decided to throw her a Frozen/Sound of Music Suprise birthday party. The cake and decorations were adorable (thanks Aunt Bup and Aunt Camille!). When mom came back in, she noticed the decorations were different and we all yelled "Suprise! Happy Birthday!" She was indeed surprised and happily so. We gave her a tiara and a bunch of cards to tell her how much she is loved. The cake had some of her favorite things on it. We gave her tickets to the upcoming Sound of Music show in Dallas. She's a special lady, my mom. I wish I was able to tell her that more often.
This past week has been a blur of trying to get stuff back in order. I think Friday was the first day I managed not to have a major mental breakdown. We managed to get a new car on Friday and it was surprisingly rather painless. We got another 2015 Toyota Sienna that is very similar to the one we had and I really like it. As we were leaving the salesman told me that the car had only come on the lot in the last shipment the Friday before(the same day I totaled the car). I got some goosebumps over God's provision.
Saturday we went with the Phillips' clan to a pumpkin patch outside of Houston. The kids played games and did fall activities. It was hot so we had snowcones, but poor Robert fell asleep just as his Nana got to the front of the line. Don't worry, she bought another for him when he woke up. We finished off the evening having dinner at Cyndy and Chris's house. I had not gotten to see it before, but I like it. It was a good day with good company.
Sunday the boys and Francis all wore matching A&M polos to church. It was so cute. The boys looked so gorwn up and Francis looked so proud. College Station looks good on them.
Hannah has been growing by leaps and bounds. She is happy and content as can be. She is fine tuning her looking and reaching for things. She can now get the toy on her mat that is above her head. She giggle laughed at me for the first time yesterday afternoon and did it again last night while I was making faces at her. Sweeter sounds you cannot imagine. oh! And She managed to sleep 6 hours straight for the first time Saturday night again again on Sunday night. yaAY! She doesn't really fit in 3 month clothing anymore. I'm trying to get her in them as long as I can. She's growing so fast!!
Robert is doing ok with potty training. He does great at home, but holds it when we are out. The only exception was at the fair. Other than that, he will pretty much only go at people's houses. I am hoping he will go soon for the church workers. He just politely says no and holds it. Poor kid.
William is an ace at subtracting now. We just started a week or so ago. I went ahead and bought the 1st grade math book because he will finish the kindergarten one this week. He's a math whiz!
That's all for now.
Sunday afternoon, we attended a babies shower at my mom's house for Christian and Chad. They are having twins and I am so excited to meet Alexandra and Issac. Mom and pop, Japapa, my aunts Bup and Camille, Chad's parents as well as some of my cousins and their kids were there. It was so fun. The theme was Noah's Ark and we played name the baby animal. The cake was a masterpiece by my Aunt Bup. I wish you could have seen it! Chad and Christian got many wonderful gifts, and we were able to pray over them as they embark on this great journey. I look forward to seeing God glorified through them and their family.
After the shower, my cousin Summer and Aunt Bup asked my mom for a tour of the property. As soon as mom had left the house, we quickly took down all the shower decorations and put up birthdya decorations. My mom's birthday was the 10th, but we were not able to be there so we decided to throw her a Frozen/Sound of Music Suprise birthday party. The cake and decorations were adorable (thanks Aunt Bup and Aunt Camille!). When mom came back in, she noticed the decorations were different and we all yelled "Suprise! Happy Birthday!" She was indeed surprised and happily so. We gave her a tiara and a bunch of cards to tell her how much she is loved. The cake had some of her favorite things on it. We gave her tickets to the upcoming Sound of Music show in Dallas. She's a special lady, my mom. I wish I was able to tell her that more often.
This past week has been a blur of trying to get stuff back in order. I think Friday was the first day I managed not to have a major mental breakdown. We managed to get a new car on Friday and it was surprisingly rather painless. We got another 2015 Toyota Sienna that is very similar to the one we had and I really like it. As we were leaving the salesman told me that the car had only come on the lot in the last shipment the Friday before(the same day I totaled the car). I got some goosebumps over God's provision.
Saturday we went with the Phillips' clan to a pumpkin patch outside of Houston. The kids played games and did fall activities. It was hot so we had snowcones, but poor Robert fell asleep just as his Nana got to the front of the line. Don't worry, she bought another for him when he woke up. We finished off the evening having dinner at Cyndy and Chris's house. I had not gotten to see it before, but I like it. It was a good day with good company.
Sunday the boys and Francis all wore matching A&M polos to church. It was so cute. The boys looked so gorwn up and Francis looked so proud. College Station looks good on them.
Hannah has been growing by leaps and bounds. She is happy and content as can be. She is fine tuning her looking and reaching for things. She can now get the toy on her mat that is above her head. She giggle laughed at me for the first time yesterday afternoon and did it again last night while I was making faces at her. Sweeter sounds you cannot imagine. oh! And She managed to sleep 6 hours straight for the first time Saturday night again again on Sunday night. yaAY! She doesn't really fit in 3 month clothing anymore. I'm trying to get her in them as long as I can. She's growing so fast!!
Robert is doing ok with potty training. He does great at home, but holds it when we are out. The only exception was at the fair. Other than that, he will pretty much only go at people's houses. I am hoping he will go soon for the church workers. He just politely says no and holds it. Poor kid.
William is an ace at subtracting now. We just started a week or so ago. I went ahead and bought the 1st grade math book because he will finish the kindergarten one this week. He's a math whiz!
That's all for now.
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