Mary Beth is turning to the dark side

Around a year in age, both of the boys became unabashed Daddy's boys. They would cry everytime he left and would do about anything to be with him. I jokingly always called this turning to the dark side. Bryon called it turning to the dark side when they began seeing the light and became Mama's boys! (OK, Thomas is in the in between stage still!)

This morning, I was holding Mary Beth and talking to Bryon when she lunged over to him. I held my hands out to take her and she shrugged her shoulders and laid her head on Bryon's shoulder. You could almost see Bryon's heart melting. I took her back and a few minutes later, I kissed Bryon goodbye. She again lunged for Bryon and he couldn't resist one last hug. Mary Beth then looked at me with her sassy face (yes, my daughter already has a sassy face!) and waved goodbye to me! I couldn't believe it.

Use the Force, Mary Beth! Resist the Dark Side!!!

Happy Anniversary Bryon!!

Nine years ago I married the man of my dreams! Since Bryon is going to be very busy today, we decided to get up at 6:30, drink some coffee, and have a nice talk. Since the kids NEVER get up before 8 or 8:30, this would work out well. We were awoken before 6:30 by Mary Beth who I don't think has ever gotten up before 7:30 or 8 in her entire life. This woke up Matthew who insisted on staying up to play with sister. Thomas woke up because Matthew wasn't in bed with him. Bryon and I got a big laugh out of this and tried to have a conversation with our three rugrats crawling all over us! The events of nine years ago started the whole circus!

One of the most memorable moments of my wedding day was waking up early that morning to have breakfast with my Dad. We have always had an extremely close relationship and we wanted to spend some quality time together before the mayhem began. On the way to breakfast, Dad started crying. Up to this point, I had only seen my Dad cry once, so this was a little traumatic for me. I too began to cry. We went to Cracker Barrel and tried to eat between tears. When it was time to leave, the waitress came over and said that the person sitting right by us saw us together and paid for our breakfast! I don't know if she knew the reason for our tears but I am sure we looked pretty pathetic!

Our wedding was beautiful. Bryon looked so handsome in his tux. I just couldn't believe that I was going to get to spend the rest of my life with him. Our reception was also a lot of fun. We had a jazz band and lots of great food. After what seemed like only minutes, our reception was over and it was time to head to Dallas. We got into our limo and as we pulled away, I saw everyone cheering and I saw my Dad looking like he was holding back tears, and I began to cry. I don't think Bryon was expecting that reaction! I think it was just a let down response. My whole life I had dreamed of this day and had spent the previous nine months eating, sleeping, and breathing the events of the day and now it was over!!

We had a wonderful night in Dallas and headed for Bermuda the next morning. The alarm went off before 5 a.m! I was so happy looking at Bryon's hand with his wedding ring on. He would be wearing that ring forever.

That was nine years ago. All of the sudden, it is starting to feel like a long time ago. Our pictures show out of date hair and clothes. Cousins who were young in the pictures are now college graduates and married.

I feel so blessed to say that if I had to do it all over again, I still would marry Bryon. He is such a wonderful father and a thoughtful husband. I know that he would do anything for me. We love being together and feel like the other one is our treasure. Of course, we have had our ups and downs but we have always felt like God is in the center of our relationship. This is such a reassuring feeling.

Thank you God for nine years of marriage. May you continue to bless our relationship so that we may bless others by our relationship.

Last tuesday of the summer

I had a lot of fun on my last day of Mother's Day Out for the summer. I dropped the younger two off at church and took Matthew on a special date to get his school supplies. He was soooo excited! He wanted to hold the basket all by himself.

Then I took him to the dentist for his checkup. His teeth look great and he did his usual charming of the nurses. He informed them that he was working as a spy! The dentist was shocked when I told him that Matthew hadn't started kindergarten yet and had already lost 6 teeth! He told him to stop trying to grow up too fast. After buying school supplies, I felt the same way.

After I dropped Matthew off I ran a few errands and met a few girlfriends for lunch. We went to a really great little place here in town with incredible/overpriced/small portion food. Each time mother's day out lets out for spring or summer, we like to go to a nice place because it will be a few weeks before we can go out again!

Nothing else to report. I am watching a huge thunderstorm roll into our area which is always thrilling for me!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Cameron Park Zoo

The Playful Otters

A Lazy Leopard

Our zoo has made some huge improvements this year! It has always been nice and shaded, but they have added a new exhibit called the Brazos River Country. It takes the seven geographical regions that the Brazos River runs through and shows the wildlife found in that region. From pelicans and beavers at the gulf to cougars, bears, and otters in the Piney Woods, this exhibit is a must see! My favorite new part is the otters. They seems to want to play with the kids and there is a slide that runs through the water they are in so the kids can get even closer to the otters. When we went today, the bears were swimming and got within an inch (separated by plexiglass) of the kids! I am so proud of our little zoo!

Poison ivy and babysitting

I am suffering with the worst case of poison ivy that I have ever experienced. I guess I brushed up against some in my garden last week, but I now have it on both of my arms, fingers, stomach, back, neck, legs, and toe. I am about to go insane!

Today, one of my best friends is leaving her daughter with us all day. Her sister is having a baby and she, of course, wanted to be there. Her daughter and Matthew are great friends so it should be fun. I think I will take them to the zoo this morning to get out of the house. It should be interesting to have 4 kids 6 and under all day. Wish me luck!

Red Eye and Rounding off the Celebration

Today started off strangely. Thomas came in to our room this morning and one of his eyes was almost completely swollen shut. I told Bryon that it might be pink eye and he said, "Noooooo! Red Eye!!!!!" Knowing his obsession with red, we played it up and he was excited about having red eye rather than complain that his eye hurt.

Thomas and I spent the morning at the doctor which was not fun because I had to assure him every 7 seconds that he wasn't getting a shot. "This isn't a shot room, Thomas." Then he would give me an unbelieving look and point his finger to the needle disposal box.

This afternoon, my whole family went to the Parade of Homes again. I wanted to get Mom and Dad's opinion on certain details of the house to help with our house plans.

Tonight was birthday dinner at my parents. We had a delicious meal and I got to open presents. Lauren got me a piece of Waterford, Michael got me books, and my inlaws got me 4 plates and a platter that match my new summer dishes. Then Mom and Dad presented me with a list of 100 memories they had of me. Dad read them and kept getting choked up when he was reading. Of course this got me choked up as well. They also got me a beautiful clock. Mom gave Dad a clock on his 30th birthday, so they wanted to continue the tradition.

From the video last night, to Lauren's blog, to my brother's famously sweet card, to parents list, I feel so loved and so blessed by my family. I have enough warm fuzzies to last all year!!

Tonight

Wow! What a fun night! I feel so loved.

Most of the day was business as usual. Bryon did take Matthew to work with him and I got a glimpse of what life will be like in a few weeks. Very calm and quiet!!

I got to meet Michael's girlfriend, Jilinda, for the first time. Although she was sick, she came down from Dallas to help celebrate the day. She is very nice, down to earth, and a speech pathologist to boot. Sounds like a winner!

Bryon came home before the party and presented me with my present. A ruby and diamond ring. I have been wanting a ruby (July's birthstone) ring for a while but hadn't found the right one. Bryon and Lauren picked one out together and I just love it!

We got to the party around 6:30. Lauren and Bryon had worked so hard setting up our church community center for the party. There were pictures of me in various stages of life on the table as well as a bouquet of 30 roses. Bryon had On the Border cater fajitas and it was good like always. My closest friends were able to come which meant so much to me.

After dinner and cake, there was an announcement that everyone had to go in the other room to view a video. I had no idea this was coming! I knew that Lauren and Bryon had been burning the midnight oil getting ready for something, so this was the big surprise. It was a video of pictures of me from infancy to today. Each of my family members spoke on the video and it meant so much to me! I welled up with tears as well as the rest of the family. There were some comical moments as well. When Bryon asked Thomas why he loved me, he said, "I don't mememer!" I get no respect!

I feel so blessed to have a family who loves me so much. I couldn't love them any more! Tomorrow is my family party, so the festivities are only half over. Have a great weekend everyone!!

I posted a few pics of the party on my picture link.

My Birthday!!

Well, I woke up this morning not feeling any different than I did yesterday! The kids were very excited and sang Happy Birthday to me.

One of the things I love about birthdays is remembering what I have done almost every year on this very date. I was trying to remember yesterday some of my more memorable birthdays.

3-One of my earliest memories. We were living in Illinois. I had my church friends over and I had a cookie monster cake.
4- We went to New York and celebrated my birthday at my aunts house
6-I woke up this morning to watch Princess Diana and Prince Charles get married. Wasn't it sweet for them to get married on my birthday?
8-Mom and Dad took me to see Annie at the movie theatre and then bought me an Annie doll.
9-Again back at my aunt's house
10-One of my favorite birthdays. I got a new blue bike that I adored. Mom and Dad took me to a Hibatchi grill.
13-My aunt came down from Rhode Island to celebrate with me.
14-I had a swimming party at our house in Abilene
15-I was in Connecticut celebrating with my uncle's family and my cousin took me to the Milli Vanilli concert!
16-We had moved to Waco 2 months before and my parents took me to Dallas to meet my two best friends from Abilene at the Hard Rock Cafe.
17-I was at choir camp. This was also the first day of my training to work at HEB our local grocery store.
18- Went to Dallas and ate at Pappadeaux
19-Was on Cape Cod at my uncle's house. I was on crutches as I had broken my foot a few weeks before.
20-I was in the Lake District in England and Bryon graduated from law school that day.
21-5 days before my wedding!!
23-Lauren and Bryon took me to Ninfas. I had just attended a seminar which was mandatory at my work of what to do if someone attacked me. Examples were given such as shoving a pencil in an attackers eye. These images stuck with me all day and I was in a very back mood!
24-Pregnant with Matthew.
25-My friends through a surprise party for me. I was going to England/Scotland the next day.
26-Back at the Cape. Pregnant with Thomas.
29-Awaiting the birth of Mary Beth. I got my beloved camera.
30.....Who knows?

My sister and husband are throwing a party for me tonight. I don't know any of the details but I am so excited!!
Have a great day everyone, I am sure that I will!!

My last day in my 20s

I woke up this morning to face the last day of my 20s. Very strange. Where has the time gone? Although part of me still feels like I should be teenager I do realize how much my life has changed in the past ten years.

Ten years ago today, I was celebrating the last day of my teens. I was in the Lake District in England. I was in college and had just started dating Bryon who, at 24, was very excited that his girlfriend was no longer a teenager!

In the past ten years, I have married, graduated from college, graduated from a masters program, watched my sister and brother graduate from high school and college, held a job, moved 4 times, had three children, supported Bryon starting his own law practice, travelled quite a bit, seen many changes in our world including a war, made friends, said good bye to friends, watched my sister get married, watched my Dad get gray hair, celebrate a new millenium, and now say goodbye to my years with only preschoolers.

What will I be doing ten years from now as I celebrate my last day in my 30s? Matthew will be a sophomore in high school taking drivers ed. I will have two junior high kids. Bryon and I will be taking about what we should do on our 20 year anniversary the following summer.

It all goes so fast. I want to drink in every day.

Thank you God for all of the blessings you have bestowed on me these past 30 years. I have been blessed beyond all comprehension. Please continue to bless my life, my marriage, and my children's lives. I love you, Father.

"They are growing like weeds" and other sayings that have rung true this week

They are growing like weeds:
Have you ever seen anything grow so fast? I just spent 2 hours pulling weeds in my back flower bed. I have to admit, it had been a few weeks since I had done a decent job because of the heat, but honestly, why can't my roses grow 3 feet in 2 weeks?

The only difference between men and boys is the size of their toys:
One of the hardest days in our marriage was the day when Bryon had to give up his truck when Matthew was born. It just wasn't cost effective, so he traded it in for a Honda. Yesterday, he was able to buy his second truck. He wanted a truck to use on the weekends and when we had to put the other cars in the shop or when we needed a vehicle to haul stuff. So we now have three cars for 2 people. Makes no sense to me, but sweetie pie is happy.

In a small town, everyone know your business:
I did something on Sunday that I hadn't done in years and years...I skipped church. Our electricity went off Saturday night and we never reset the alarm clock. The kids didn't wake up until 8:45 (church is at 10) and it took every bit of an hour to get the kids and Bryon ready for church. I simply didn't have enough time to get myself ready, so Bryon took the kids to church and I cleaned rooms.

At 11:30, Bryon called and said that he was coming to pick me up to go to eat. I was still in my pjs and said No emphatically. Proving his skills as an attorney, he conviced me to go. All I had to do was put a hat on. No make up. T-shirt and shorts. He assured me that we would be eating at a different restaurant than usual and wouldn't run into anyone. The second we pulled up at the restaurant, I saw two couples from church entering. When I walked inside, almost our entire Sunday school class was sitting down eating!!

I confidently walked up to them and said, "Hello gang, I skipped church today!" We all had quite a laugh over that one. Sitting at the table with three adults and three children dressed in their Sunday best, I hoped no one in the restarant thought that this was a usual thing.

"Mama don't go to church. We keep praying for her to see the light."

Bryon felt bad for the incident so he went home and cleaned the kitchen. I guess it worked out for me anyway!

Autumn is just around the corner.....sort of....

Summer is my least favorite time of year. Unbelievably hot, no schedule...Fall is my very favorite time of year. So, every year around this time, I start dreaming of what is to come in the not so distant future. I got a catalog today for back to school and it had falling autumn leaves on it. That did it!

Picture if you will:

*A nip in the air
*overcast days
*The sun not so blazing hot
*Pumpkins and other assorted gourds
*scarecrows
*Leaves in different shades of red, orange, and brown
*Children wearing back packs
*sweaters and jeans
*Halloween
*Thanksgiving
*Being outside in the middle of the day not drenched in sweat
*soup
*Alabama football
*cooking with pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, cranberries
*eating a cozy dinner when it is dark outside
*kids going to bed early

I can't wait!!! I know that every season has it's wonderful perks, I am just soooooo tired of the heat.

Tag, your it

Got this one from Kristen:

1.) What I was doing ten years ago: Experiencing the best summer of my life! Bryon and I started dating, I moved into an apartment with my best friend, and I spent 5 weeks in England, Scotland, and Italy in a foreign studies program at Baylor. This was one of the best experiences of my life. I was very much aware that more than likely, I would never get to spend that much time travelling by myself again and saw as much as I could see. (I even shook Prince Charles's hand!)

While I was gone, Bryon took Practice Court (the infamously difficult class in law school), studied for his final exams, studied for the bar exam, graduated, took his finals and the bar, interviewed for a job, got hired, and moved into an apartment 30 minutes away. I think I picked a great time to be gone!!!

2.) Five years ago: Bryon and I left baby Matthew at home with my parents and went on my second European vacation. Bryon had never been, and my sister was there with her college's foreign studies program. We met Lauren in London and had 10 days of sight seeing in England and Scotland. On our anniversary, we got into a horrible car accident that totalled the car we were driving. The police officer who came up on the accident said that if we hadn't been in the car we were driving, Bryon would have been dead. A very interesting story, I will have to blog about it sometime...


3.) One year ago: We were anxiously awaiting the birth of Mary Elizabeth. I did go to Schlitterbahn twice during the last 5 and 7 weeks before my due date. I am sure I was an interesting sight!

4.) Yesterday: Toured the Parade of Homes in town and test drove trucks with Bryon. Last night, we had Lauren and Josh over for dinner. I was making BLT's with homemade bread and mayonnaise. Halfway through the bread baking, a huge thunderstorm rolled through and all of the electricity went off for about 1 1/2 hours. Thankfully, the bread was salvageable and I ended up frying the bacon on my grill outside in the pouring rain!!

5.) 5 snacks I enjoy: chocolate chip cookies, raw vegetables, watermelon and peaches in the summer, French chocolate, espresso.

6.) 5 Things I would do if I suddenly had $100 million: give to my church, build a house out in the country with a beautiful view, pay off all of my family's houses and cars, set up a charity and trust funds for my kids, constantly be doing random acts of kindness (Oprah is my hero!).

7.) 5 locations I would like to run away to:
Colorado, Bermuda, London, Cape Cod, Italy

8.) 5 bad habits I have: Worrying about things I can't control, not spending enough time reading my bible, drinking too much Diet Coke and coffee, overcommitting, making a huge mess when I cook. Bryon begs me sometimes to go out to eat so he doesn't have to help me clean the kitchen!!

9.) 5 things I like doing: reading, cooking, scrapbooking, gardening, entertaining, making pretty cakes, going to fancy restaurants with Bryon, hanging out with my family (both little and extended), going to lunch with my friends. I couldn't narrow this down, just pick your favorite 5!

10.) 5 TV shows I like: CSI, Paula's Home Cooking/Barefoot Contessa/Everyday Italian on Food Network, Scrubs, American Idol, Oprah (I Tevo it and watch it at night).

11.) 5 things I hate doing: dishes, taking out the trash, doing continuing education for Speech Pathology, running mundane errands, putting away the kids clothes after I have folded them, falling behind on scrapbooking

12.) 5 Biggest joys of the moment: a clean house, spending one on one time with each of my children, watching the boys have fun together, staying up late with Bryon, getting excited about my birthday and what Lauren and Bryon have planned!

Now you're it!!

A few changes

I have added a few things to my blog. First, I have added two frequented blogs. My sister, Lauren, is now a blogger. She is a teacher and a stay-at-home aunt in the summer. She is a wonderful gal, my best friend, and I couldn't imagine life without her!

Second, is my friend, Kristen. She lives in Dallas and is married with two precious little boys. Our husbands have been best friends since the first grade and our mothers are best friends as well.

I have also added a link for a few family pictures just in case anyone is interested.

Have a great weekend!

Oh my Gosh!!!!

It seems like Thomas has picked up a new pet phrase. Oh my gosh, I can't imagine where he would have picked it up from? Somehow it sounds so cool coming from my mouth, but so filthy coming out of my precious 3 year olds mouth! Nothing like little recorders to put you in your place!!

Matthew's favorite phrase at 3 was Dadgummit. He also got this one from his Mama. I reserve the right to use this only in the most sacred of occasions...when I am late, when there is an awful driver ahead of me, when I burn myself cooking, etc. Sometimes, no other word can suffice. I don't know if I could ever stop using it! I do think I can stop the Oh my Gosh. I am going to have to summon up my will power to stop saying it, I think.

I am going to have to find a new pet phrase. Heavens to Mergetroid....

Nothing much to report

Things have calmed down quite a bit at our house. No major events in the past two days which is always a blessing! We have stayed home most of the days just playing toys and cooking. I have had to make part of a meal for others three times this week, so I have spent quite a bit of time in the kitchen! Nothing much else to report. Matthew did help me some in the kitchen this morning:

Matthew: "Do you know why I am cutting up peaches? Because I love my family and want to take care of my family."
Me: "Thank you Matthew"
Matthew: "Do you know why I want to take care of my family?"
Me: "Why"
Matthew: "So they don't get leprosy."
Me: "That is really thoughtful Matthew"

A challenging Thomas day

As a general rule, if there is mischeif to be had in our family, Matthew is the the one making it. Every now and then, however, Thomas gives him a run for his money.

It all started yesterday morning when I gave him a pop tart for breakfast. He and Matthew love to eat them and watch a morning cartoon. I went into the other room to get ready. A few minutes later, Thomas runs into my room and says, "The pop tart is burning up!!" I ran into the kitchen only to find billows of black smoke escaping my microwave. Thomas had wanted to heat up his pop tart so he put it into the microwave for 3 minutes. The house was completely clouded with smoke as I extracted the black crisp pop tart from the microwave. When Thomas explained what he was doing, Matthew said, "Next time you go to court, tell it to the judge." Our house still smells like a camp fire.

Then, last night, I took food to a good friend who just had a baby. Lauren was going over to my mother's house and I asked her to take one of the boys so as not to overwhelm my friend and her new baby with my three kids. When we got home, Thomas noticed that Buddy wasn't home and he threw a fit. I told him that he was with Aunt Lauren and he would be home soon. Then I started feeding the baby and Thomas went into the garage to play with his bike.

I went and checked on him five minutes later because I didn't hear him. He was no where to be found. I ran out front, and a man in a car told me he had seen a little boy on a hot wheel on the next street up. I panicked and started running (in my heels). The next street over, there was Thomas being guided back by one of my neighbors. Thomas was crying and trying to head to my sister's house to get Buddy. The neighbor said he was sitting in his yard and saw a 3 year old with no Mommy following so he went to get him and retrace his steps. He smiled and said that he had had 4 children all 18 months apart so he understood what happens when you "turn your back for a second!"

I put Thomas in his room but didn't have the heart to spank him because he was so upset about not being with Buddy. He called him and Matthew was happy to come home to comfort him. Thomas ran outside to wait for him. When he pulled up, Thomas gave him a big kiss and the two boys slowly, arms around each other's necks, walked into the house or should I say camp site.

The ABC's of me

I think this one is going around
A is for age: 29 years, 11 1/2 months
B is for booze: Diet Coke and coffee
C is for career: mother
D is for dad's name: Mike
E is for essential item to bring to a party: my salsa
F is for favorite songs at the moment: All-time favorite is Peter Gabriel's "In your eyes" "Daughters" by John Mayer, "She Will Be Loved"
G is for goof off thing to do: read, cook, putter in the garden, watch Food Network
H is for hometown: Waco, TX
I is for instrument you play: piano
J is for jam or jelly you like: cinnamon, pumpkin butter
K is for kids: Matthew, Thomas, and Mary Elizabeth
L is for living arrangements: house
M is for mom's name: Roberta
N is for name of good friend: my mom and sis, church friends
O is for overnight stays in hospital: 3 for births, 1 for pneumonia
P is for phobias: mice, being in a room crowded with people (i.e. christmas eve shopping!!)
Q is for quotes you like: Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be (I had it engraved in B's wedding ring) Be a steak not a hamburger, Be generous always, Moderation is the key
R is for longest relationship: Mom and Dad
S is for siblings: one brother , one sister
T is for Texas: My home state!
U is for unique traits: I remember all of my friends' birthdays from elementary school and junior high.
V is for vegetables that you love: squash, zucchini, artichokes, asparagus, brussel sprouts, corn on the cob, red peppers
W is for worst trait: laughing in inappropriate situations
X is for X-rays you've had: A few chest from childhood pneumonia, broken foot
Y is for yummy food: watermelon, peaches, steak, pork tenderloin, above mentioned veggies, salsa, apple crisp, kahlua brownie trifle, the list goes on and on...

We're back!

We spent the weekend at my in-laws house on Lake Conroe this weekend. It has been months since I have gone and it will be quite a while before we can go back, so we make the most out of the weekend. My in laws house backs up to the lake and their boat is docked right outside their back yard. The boys absolutely love driving the boat! They pretend they are pirates.

My father in law bought an innertube for the weekend so we all got to enjoy plenty of water activities. As a result, I am having a very hard time sitting down to write this! Apparently I have many muscles in my body that I didn't know I had. Saturday night, Bryon's parents watched all 5 of their grandchildren (Matthew and younger) so Bryon's sister and husband could go on a date with us. We had a very nice weekend and it is always fun to watch "Mimi and Big Mack" enjoying our children.


We got home tonight and did something we have never done before...watch home movies of the children. We have always been good about taking the footage, but we have never hooked it up to the TV to watch it. This was so much fun for me! It is a very surreal experience watching your children grow up in the span of two hours! I don't remember Matthew speaking in a baby voice! Thomas looked like such a baby even last year at this time. Even looking back at video taken three months ago was a huge difference with Mary Beth! After watching the videos, Bryon and I talked about how blessed we were and what a great life we have.

Thank you God for the life you have given us. For our children and family. For all of the memories we have. You have poured your blessings on us!

Thomas Michael Barnhill Cheesehead

For reasons that we don't know, or at least can't remember, for at least a year, Thomas has introduced himself as Thomas Michael Barnhill Cheesehead. We have tried to stop this silly little habit, but he has a hard time remembering to "Just say Thomas!"

Last night, my Dad presented Thomas with this great Cheesehead hat. He got online and ordered it from Wisconsin! Thomas adores the hat, and I adore my Dad for being such a great and attentive Deedah!

Chef Matthew

Matthew making french toast on Saturday.
Matthew was born with my love of cooking. He is always begging me to help in the kitchen. This morning, I came into the kitchen to the sight of Matthew (and Thomas observing) cutting up fruits and veggies. When I asked him what he was doing he said, "Nickelodean says 'Get up! Get out! Go play!' and I can't do that without having a nutritious breakfast!" Can argue with that can I?

I really enjoy cooking with Matthew. My mother was a great cook but like to cook by herself. She claims that was her peace time. Very understandable! I told Matthew I would happily teach him everything and make the girl he marries very happy!

Today

Bryon is at my sister's house right now conspiring about my birthday. I love when Bryon surprises me and I usually try every tactic to get information out of him, but this time I am not even going to ask for a hint! Bryon always loves having surprises for me. It is one of the things I love about him!

Today was a great day. Lauren and I took the kids swimming this morning. This afternoon, we had a mini thunderstorm (very much needed) and it felt great being 4 o'clock in the afternoon with cloudy skies. Bryon and I took the kids for a walk this evening after dinner and I enjoyed the cool breeze blowing.

We also had reading time today. I am trying to finish my latest Diane Mott Davidson book and Matthew was reading a book that was mine when I was a little girl. I had written all over it, and Matthew couldn't believe that I had done such a thing! I had to remind him that just because I wrote in books does not give him permission to do so.

Matthew got a flat top this weekend. He has been begging me for months to do it, and I didn't want him to. He has a bald spot in the back of his head where he had staples put in after a fall and when his hair is short, it stands out. Bryon took him out by himself and Matthew asked the barber for a long flat top. "If you do it short, Mom would kill you and me both!" I have to admit it looks cute and he looks even more grown up.

Off to bed. Busy day tomorrow!

Shopping, TV watching, and swimming

This weekend was the weekend of great sales. I woke up early on Saturday morning to attend the annual I'm Yours Sale. This is a cute t-shirts and leggings factory located in Waco that puts everything at 5 dollars once a year. I got there at 10:00 and it was mostly picked over. Hard core shoppers were there at 7:30 with a line wrapped around the building! I guess I will have to set my alarm earlier next year!

Then it was on to online sales. I love Orient Expressed dresses. Very cute smocked dresses! Also, House of Hatten had many of their dresses for summer and fall at 50-70 percent off. Never one to resist a sale, I think we will be eating beans and weenies the rest of the month to offset the cost!!

I have been glued to the TV today watching the effects of Dennis. I have always been fascinated by natural disasters. Mom says it is my flair for the dramatic. I lived through several tornadoes growing up in west Texas so I have always been awed by Big Nature. I hope everyone in BlogLand living in the South is faring well.

Tonight we went swimming and ran into a bunch of friends from church. I haven't seen many of them with all of our summer travels, so it was nice to catch up and enjoy the cool (OK make that not blazing hot) evening air!

Sister knows her brother's heart

Thomas is our extemely physically affectionate child. While Matthew long ago preferred handshakes to hugs, Thomas loves nothing more than to sit on our laps and kiss us over and over "on the wips!". When we do this with him, he just laughs and laughs and seems so happy.

The past few days, Mary Elizabeth has seemed to catch on to Thomas's vibe. If I am holding her in my lap and Thomas is sitting next to me, she opens her mouth, makes a breathy noise, and lunges for Thomas's mouth! We will try to have her do that to us (my mom, sister, husband) but she will move her face to where she "cheek hugs" us. She doesn't kiss anyone but Thomas! He just squeals with delight at his new object de affection. I guess Mary Elizabeth knows how to win her brother's heart!

What I am thankful for today

This has been a rather hard week. Instead of thinking about the heat and pent-up little boy activity, I will write a list of things I am thankful for right now.

*Watching the boys fight the Darth Vader sprinkler with their light sabers. Too cute!!
*Mary Beth is now loving playing with her doll house.
*Being able to work in the yard last night with a cool breeze.
*Watermelon being in season.
*A 1/2 gallon of Moo-llinneum Crunch Blue Bell ice cream in my freezer.
*MaryBeth trying to walk and looking at family members when we call out their names.
*The boys walking outside this morning in just their underwear. Is there anything cuter than little boy's bodies?
*Finishing a great book and starting another.
*Midnight chats with Bryon.
*Spending time with my sister.
*Finding a great recipe for hamburgers and warm potato salad.
*The boys playing a game together in the other room as we speak.

Have a great Friday!

Blogger Block cured

Well, my temporary lack of anything to say has been cured. For those of you who know me, you know it couldn't last very long!!

Last night, my sister took the boys to church. ME was tired and fell asleep at 6:45 so I stayed home. Lauren is Matthew's teacher. Last night, Thomas decided that he wanted to be in class with Aunt Lauren and Buddy. Of course, Lauren came home with several cute stories.

When asked who would like to lead the prayer, Matthew's hand shot up. He then proceeded to lead a lengthy prayer asking God to get rid of the people who made guns and cigarettes. Lauren said the word "cigarette" came up 3-4 times in the prayer!

After the bible story, the children were asked questions about the story. Matthew answered several and then Thomas's hand shot up b/c he wanted to answer. When he sat there without talking, Matthew began whispering the answers in his ear.

Matthew: "Josiah.."
Thomas: "Johiah..."
Matthew: "was..."
Thomas: "was..."

I always am so pleased when Matthew looks out for his little brother. We have been reading Aesop's Fables lately and one of the kids' favorite is the Lion and the Mouse. The moral of this story is to be nice to the little guy b/c you never know when they can help you out in return. I guess Matthew is taking this lesson to heart!

The boys seem to have really found their friendship this summer. It used to be much more Love/Hate. They were fine until I left the room and then Thomas would sound his death scream. Matthew has learned that sharing with Thomas and receiving "hero worship" in return is much better than hoarding toys or sitting in the seat that Thomas wants. I can't wait to see what God has in store for their friendship!

Blogger Block

I am experiencing my first case of Blogger Block. I just have nothing to write about right now. Things are well, the kids are happy, and we are just living life.

Happy Fourth!

I have had a busy couple of days since our trip. We got in late Thursday night and Mary Elizabeth slept for 15 hours straight! Guess she was pretty worn out. I have had a little adjustment to taking care of three children again. That's a lot of work!

We had a great holiday today. I have always love the Fourth of July. When I was a little girl, I thought that it was so neat that America and I shared the same birthday month. Both of my grandfathers and three of my great uncles served in World War 2. One of my grandfathers was on the Bikini Islands where they tested the atom bomb. The other grandfather was a Navy captain who ran supply ships to Russia. Both of my parents were also in the Navy, and my cousin just graduated from West Point. We have strong family ties to the armed forces and I feel very patriotic.

This morning, we went to a parade in the neighborhood where we have a lot. There was a fire truck there and a snow cone truck. It was fun but there is something fundamentally wrong with sweating buckets at 9:30 in the morning! We had a cookout at my house this evening with my family. Always fun.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and enjoy the short work week!

pictures

Mary Elizabeth wants her lobster still alive!

We're back!

I have always said that one of my favorite things about going on vacation is realizing how much I love home. No, home does not consist of breezy summer air blowing the curtains in a tiny cottage by the sea. No, home does not consist of picturesque ocean view, incredible ice cream stands, boat houses, and hammocks in tall pine trees. But...home is where my family, friends, and church are! Home is where I can enjoy the misery of 100 degree days with my friends as we try to corral sweaty kids! Home is where I met Bryon and had my three children. I love home!!

It has been an extremely tiring day. I went to sleep around 11 p.m. and woke up quite a bit during the night thanks to my lovely daughter. I finally got up for good at 5 a.m. (4 o'clock home time). My aunt drove us at 6 a.m. to the bus stop. The bus took 2 hours to get to Logan airport. There, I was selected to be extra screened. I guess they think young, white mother's carrying babies look like a terror threat? Anyway, I was being frisked while holding Mary Beth!

I had a different flight than my family. My mother begged me to so that all of her children and grandchild wouldn't be on the same flight! When it came down to it though, I thought I would rather get on that flight than wait an extra 5 hours at Logan! I was the last stand by passenger allowed on and thankfully, I was able to sit next to Lauren. From there, it was a grueling 4 hour flight to DFW. Holding a very squirmy 10 month old for 4 hours should be registered as torture. She finally fell asleep for a half an hour toward the end of the flight. She did manage to provide comic relief to many of the passengers around my as she gave them all her flirty huge smile and head cocked to the side.

When we landed, the boys were waiting for me. I was so thrilled to see them!! Thomas, who is normally a Daddy's boy, couldn't keep from kissing me. When Lauren asked to hold him, he hugged me and said, "No, I want this woman!"

We dropped my brother off at his apartment and headed south to home. At this point, Mary Beth started crying and didn't stop until we got home. She was so worn out! When we finally pulled into home, I thought I would have to check myself into an insane asylum.

Bryon took the boys to the local airport to pick up his luggage and I am enjoying a few moments of peace. As I mentioned in my previous post, Bryon had to leave a day early to be in court today. Unfortunately, his flight was delayed for 8 hours due to thunderstorms! He missed the last day on the Cape for nothing! When he finally reached DFW, his connecting flight home was cancelled. He had to rent a car and drive home where he arrived at 1:30 in the morning. Ahhh, travelling!

I am looking forward to a very low key day tommorow with the kids and lots of laundry.

today

Last night was a lot of fun. Josh endured the initiation ceremony into our family. Every time a new member of the family visits for the first time, they have to eat a little neck. This is a raw clam! Lauren, who had evaded the initiation for years also participated. She gagged, Josh said it was OK. I thought it was great! Then we ate lobsters and steamers (steamed clams).

After dinner, we went to Sunday School which is an incredible ice cream store in town. When we came back, I realized that I had left the screen door open into the garage, and a huge raccoon was in there! It took my brother and brother-in-law quite a while to get it out.

Today, we headed to Cuffy's on the Cape and did a lot of shopping in Chatham. We ate pizza for dinner in town. The weather was incredible here. If I closed my eyes and didn't know where I was, I would have sworn that it was Christmas back home. The weather was cool and overcast and there was a smell of wood burning. We are having such a good time together. It has been so much fun spending such a large amount of time with my siblings, husband, and bro-in-law.

Another interesting experience today was going to the fisherman's pier. This is the place where all of the local fishermen bring their catches of the day. Today they were unloading hundreds of cod. Sea lions and sea gulls were there to watch as well. You can only imagine the smell!

Well, tonight, we are going to enjoy some time with Bryon. He will be leaving us tomorrow b/c of a court case that couldn't be reset.

cape cod

We have been on the Cape for a day now. Yesterday, we got on the ferry from Long Island to Connecticut. Then we headed to Newport for the afternoon. We ate at the Black Pearl which is one of our favorite restaurants (incredible clam chowder!). We did a little shopping and was pleased to find that Cuffy's is now in Newport. Cuffy's is a clothing store based on the cape which only sells shirts, sweatshirts, and sweatpants with either Cape Cod or now Newport written on it.

Then, it was off to the Cape. We have so many memories in this house. My uncle bought it when I was in high school from the wife of my aunts grandfather. My aunt grew up coming to this house when she was a little girl. We spent many weeks over the years here and have many memories with my cousins.

It only took a few hours for Lauren and I to get on our Cape Cod uniform: no makeup, frizzy hair from the humidity in a pony tail, sweat shirt from Cuffy's, shorts and flip flops. We ate hamburgers last night with my aunt, uncle, and cousins who were in town. Tonight, we will be eating lobsters and steamers. Yum!

I think tomorrow we will be going on a whale watch and shopping in Chatham.

I did it!!

!

We are all pretty exhausted. Mary Beth had her first plane ride on Thursday. She is a wonderful sleeper at home, but cannot sleep well out of her crib. She did not stop moving the ENTIRE flight (over three hours). Thankfully, my sister, brother, brother-in-law, and parents were there to help. Bryon's plane was delayed and he didn't get to the hotel until well after midnight.

I enjoyed seeing the whole family yesterday and today and introducing Mary Beth to her family. I met my cousin, Deirdre's fiance/husband Eero (pronounced arrow) for the first time. He is from Finland and came to America on a hockey scholarship. I enjoyed learning a few Finnish phrases. Eero's mother was very impressed by my pronounciations! Eero's sister is a pop star from Finland. Apparently she is pretty famous. I was particularly happy to see my cousin who has two children the same age as Thomas and Mary Beth. We had lots of funny similarities!

Matthew and Thomas are having a great time with their grandparents. Matthew has lost two more teeth since I left him on Wednesday!! I hope I still recognize him! They have been "body surfing" on the Lake Conroe. Maybe it is better that I wasn't there!

We leave at seven in the morning to catch our ferry to Connecticut. From there, we are heading to Newport, RI then on to the Cape.

Thanks for all of your well wishes for my reading today. I will post pictures as soon as I can!

Ready, set....

Well, the boys have been delivered safely to my in laws. They were very excited to see them and couldn't wait to get on the lake.

We are almost all packed. A quick trip to Wal-Mart has us all set to go.

Just a few last minute chores tomorrow and we are off.

Please say a prayer for our safe flight and that "the reading" goes well on Saturday!

Have a great week!

Thomas

Thomas and my dad share the same birthday, December 10th. Last night, mom and dad were over and Dad asked Thomas when his birthday was. Although he knows the answer, he just looked at Dad.

"Come on Thomas, it is De...."

Thomas replied, "De same as yours!"

Go Bears!!

What an exciting night!! Baylor just came back from the elimination game of the college world series down 7-0 and won 8-7 in the bottom of the ninth!! I have been a Baylor fan for 14 years and there has never been a year like this one! First the Lady Bears won the women's basketball championship, and now the baseball team is one of four teams left in the World Series! We have a long shot to win, but I am proud of those boys for sticking with the game! My next door neighbor is the pitching coach for Baylor, so I am happy for them as well.

Matthew, 5 1/2 

Thomas, 3 1/2 

Mary Elizabeth 9 months 

Today

I had a lot of fun today! My friend, Cindy, and I went to What's For Dinner? in Round Rock. This is a store where you have a menu of twelve meals and you assemble them and take them home to eat. All of the portions are already measured out and you have three ready made meals a week for a month! I am excited to try out these new meals.

Then we went to Children's Place for their monster sale today. Cindy and I have 7 kids 6 and under so we need all the monster sales we can get!

I am still in the process of packing the kids for their summer trip to their grandparents tomorrow. This morning, when I dropped the kids off at Mother's Day Out, Matthew didn't want to go and threw such a huge fit that he broke his glasses. We just bought those several months ago. Just one more thing to do before tomorrow!

Getting ready for the weekend

This has been quite a day. We are in the process of packing for our trip later this week. We are heading to my cousin's wedding on Long Island this weekend.

Please refer to my Feb. 5, 2005 post about my much feared reading in the wedding
http://elizabethbarnhill.blogspot.com/2005/02/uncontrollable-laughter-and.html.

Bryon, Mary Beth, and I are headed to New England and the boys are going to my in laws house. We wanted them to go, but spending 350 each on plane tickets for a trip they would barely remember seemed a little crazy to us.

I started packing today. The boys are headed to Houston on Wednesday. I packed their suitcase once today. Then Thomas found it and took everything out. I repacked. Matthew then took everything out so he could use the suitcase as a foot rest!

Matthew had a great morning. Bryon took Matthew to court with him. Matthew has a good relationship with many of the judges at the courthouse, so he always enjoys putting on "work clothes" and hanging out with Bryon. The rest of us met them for lunch.

Off to repack again and put a lock on that suitcase!

Father's Day

For Father's Day, I would like to make a list of things I have learned from Dad, want to emulate from Dad, or what I love about Dad.

One of my pet peeves growing up was when I heard parents joking around about how they couldn't wait to get their kids out of the house. I was mortified the first time I heard a relative say that about my cousins. "Yeah, they will be off the payroll soon!" or "I can't wait until we have the house to ourselves. Ha ha." One day, we had guests over to our house. All the members of our families were sitting at the dining room table when the father of the other family said something along the lines of, "Yeah, the kids are such a mess, I am ready for them to go off to college." My dad looked down and said in a quiet voice almost to not embarras the other father, "My kids have never been a bother and I will be sad when they leave." My heart grew to double its size at that moment and I was so glad that he was MY father. I have learned from Dad never joke around with my children's feelings in order to make a joke.

My dad is the most honest man I know. He is honest to a fault! If I want to get someone's true opinion about my hair, my food, my clothes, etc. I go to Dad! I have also seen him correct an store employee when they didn't charge him enough, and take my brother all the way back to a store when he took a piece of candy.

Dad always makes is a point to talk to people from all walks of life. After we had been living in Waco several years, my brother and I went back to Abilene for a visit and ate at Taco Bueno. An old black man came over to us and introduced himself. He said that he was the janitor in Dad's building at ACU and remembered us from when we were little children. He told us how nice Dad had always been to him. We also used to eat at a local cafeteria every Sunday after church. We knew every one of the cafeteria ladies and befriended one in particular. When the cafeteria closed unexpectedly, Dad made it a point to help out several of the ladies whom we had befriended.

My Dad is a wonderful father to me and grandfather to my children. I am so grateful to God that he allowed my father to be mine!

And now to the father of my children:

It has been such a pleasure watching Bryon become a father. He has gone to holding little Matthew in an awkward and scared way to being the father that I have always dreamed of for my children. He adores our kids and always gives them the time they ask for. He loves getting on the floor with them and being on their level. He loves taking them out on dates by themselves. He is at the movies with them as we speak!

I can't wait to see what God has in store for him as his role of "father" changes and grows!

Matthew petting Nala 

Thomas 

Friday

Well, VBS and swim lessons are over!

I got to watch the boy's last swim lesson yesterday which was fun. I learned a few pointers and buzz words to use with Thomas.

The end of VBS party last night was a blast for the kids. My mother watched Mary Beth so Bryon and I could focus on the boys. They loved petting the zebra and sliding on inflatable slides.

We are going swimming with friends today. TGIF!

What a day

After an extremely wearisome day, it feels good just to mindlessly blog for a while.

Early this morning, we headed for the magic show at our local library. Matthew got to help the "Magic Man" do a few tricks so he was on cloud 9. He kept looking up at me and giving me the thumbs up!

After the show, it was off to swimming lessons. While the boys were there, Lauren and I went to lunch at our favorite local hamburger place. I have not mentioned yet that it hit 100 degrees here today. Every time we got into the car, it felt like the fiery furnace.

I rushed home to pack the kids to head over to Laurens so she could babysit while I got my hair highlighted. I can't stand getting it done (sitting for 2 hours is difficult for me) but it had been far too long.

When we got home it was time to get ready for VBS. Bryon put in a new digital thermostat in the house which is supposed to regulate the temperature better. It assumes that no one is home during the day so to keep costs down, it goes up to 85 degrees during the day. No relief from the heat! I will have to read the owners manuel this weekend and get it figures out!!

Tonight was my last night to guide. Tomorrow the kids will have a party and get to pet a real zebra. This is interesting...In my class of 20, I have a Matti, Maddi, Madalyn, and 2 Maddisons. Do you think this was a popular name in 1999-2000?

After VBS tonight, Bryon and I took the kids to a great ice cream place in town. They actually have cake batter ice cream and you know how much I love cakes! It is to die for.

Last swim lesson tomorrow...Last VBS...Yeah....

my new project

I have begun a new project today. I am finally taking all of my baby pictures that were adhered to the old glue albums and organizing them into a scrapbook. I have been worried about them for years afraid that they would be permanently stuck to those non-archival quality albums and am finally getting around to fixing the problem.

Today I took all of the pictures of my first two years of life and was able to successfully take them out of the albums. The next step is to organize them and gather stray pictures around my mother's and my house. I am also pleading with my mother to journal some in the album.

My mother, God bless her saintly soul, did not have the blogger/scrapbooker mentality when I was a baby. Every now and then, there is a 9 months, 10 months, 11 months,...stuck on a piece of paper in the album and that is as far as it goes! I hope her mind can remember back 30 years ago so I can have her memories and handwriting preserved in the album.

Day 2 of VBS, otherwise known as the longest week of the year, is over! I need to get a better attitude, its just that at the end of the day, it is hard enough keeping up with my three children instead of 22 hyperactive 4 and 5 year olds! 3 more nights to go...

this weekend

Well, another weekend is now over. How can two precious days be over with in the blink of an eye?

As I explained in one of my previous posts, I went out with the girls on Thursday night. Matthew absolutely hates when I go out with friends. He still worries about the next time I have a Ladies Retreat at church! Thursday afternoon, I walked into the room where Matthew was and saw him on my cell phone leaving a message. He hung up and told me that he found one of my friend's name on my cell phone phone book so her called her and told her that I would have to cancel going out! I called my friend back (who was out of town and therefore not guilty of depriving Matthew of his mama) and told her to please excuse the previous message!

Friday night, I get a call from my friend who said that she had gotten Matthew's messages. "Messages?" Apparently, Matthew got a hold of my cell phone again and left a message again saying that I would never ever ever ever go out with her again because I didn't like her! Click. Looks like I am going to have to start putting my cell phone away and have a talk with Matthew about how breaking up friendships isn't Christianlike!

Saturday was wonderful. We really had no plans for the first time in months so we just hung out. Bryon's best friend was in town helping him with computers for his office and stayed until Saturday afternoon. We took him out the the subdivision where our lot is to eat donuts and go on a walk.

After he left, we ran errands and went back out to Riverside to swim and eat pizza. It is so much fun watching the three of them in the pool! I actually took all three to the pool by myself on Friday night! I was a little scared, but it went well. I no longer have to worry about Matthew and Thomas is content swimming with his floaties on. Mary Beth loves splashing the water and watching her brothers.

We started VBS tonight. I am a guide who helps the children in each activity and takes them from the craft room to the games, snacks, and bible story. Thomas got to go for the first time this year! VBS week is always fun. Bryon loves the excuse to work late all week!

Girls night out and sleeping in

Last night was lots of fun. Every time one of our friends is about to have a baby, the rest of us take her out to celebrate the last bit of freedom for a while. We went to one of our favorite Mexican food restaurants and ate ice cream after dinner. Our friend, Erin, is due to have her second baby in the next few weeks.

It is always a strange experience for me to drive in Bryon's car without car seats and children in the back, and to walk into a building holding nothing but a purse. I happily answer to "Matthew, Thomas, and Mary Elizabeth's Mommy" but sometimes it is just nice to be plain, Elizabeth.

This morning I actually slept in to 9 a.m! Thomas and Mary Beth were still asleep, and Matthew woke up, watched tv and made scrambled egg batter before waking me up. I don't think I have slept that late in a year. What a little gift!

We have slowed down on our outings a bit. The past day, all we have done outside the house is swimming lessons. The boys have enjoyed doing art and reading.

That is about all in my world right now. I am excited that it is already Friday. Have a great weekend!

My first baby shower cake 

What happened to the lazy days of summer?

So far, this summer has been my favorite since having children. We are all able to sleep in a little and the boys are at a really fun age right now. This being said, I am wearing myself out! Going on outings everyday has been great for the kids, but I think we are going to have to pace ourselves.

Today, I dropped off the first cake I was paid to make. I was up most of last night making it and I think it turned out pretty cute. Then we went to the library to watch a Hansel and Gretel puppet show. The place was packed with little kids and I was able to visit with 5 or 6 of my friends from church. After the show, it was off to Sonic to eat a quick bite with friends. Then I changed the kids into their swim suits in the car and then off to swimming lessons for an hour. During the hour, I had to go home to get my cell phone and then back to pick up the kids. On the way home, I went to pick up the babysitter who would watch the kids while I got my hair cut. She had never been to my house before so I gave her the tour and put the baby down. Then off to my hair appointment. Deeeep Breath...
Then back home to pick up the babysitter and take her home. This before three in the afternoon! A few hours to breathe and then get ready to eat at church before class.

I think we will take a day off of outings tomorrow and focus on works inside the house!

My preacher and I comforting each other

During Mother's Day Out today, I went into the work room where I saw our preacher, Jim Martin (jimmartin.typepad.com). I have known him for 12 years and we have a great relationship. When he saw me, he started laughing and told me had had a whole new respect for me. (Flash in my head: What did Matthew do now?!)

He told me that he had recently gone into the bathroom at church and saw two little legs dangling in the next stall with toilet paper all over the floor. Matthew apparently had the big D and I don't mean Dallas. He also got the mess all over the toilet seat. After Matthew walked out, Jim helped clean up the mess.

I felt so bad and told him he should have called me and I would have cleaned it up. He said he did my wedding, he could clean up a little poop. Now that is what I call a full service preacher!

Jim has had an emotional week. His daughter who just graduated from Harding got a job in Tennessee and moved away this week. She is getting married in September. When I asked him today how he was doing, he said, "When I get sad thinking about the girls getting older, I can remember cleaning up Matthew's poop and I feel better!"

I told him, "When I am at home cleaning up poop and other bodily functions, I will remember that at least my kids are not moving away from me yet and I will feel better!"

I feel so blessed to be a part of my church. I have friends of all different ages who I can go to for advise and gain perspective on life such as the above story. Some might say it takes a village to raise a child. I say, it takes a church.

A little peer pressure isn't such a bad thing.

Last night we went swimming in the community pool where our lot is. We met friends out there to swim and eat pizza. This was the second time we had been swimming this year.

Matthew, my fairly fearless child, is scared of drowning. When he was 18 months old, he would jump off the diving board and slide down the slides at the pool with floaties on. The next year, he became petrified of the water and hardly went in. Last year, we had the swim instructer sent from heaven above who gave Matthew confidence that he could swim without floaties. He was able to do it, but not without a lot of coaxing and bribing.

Last night, he wouldn't take his life jacket off. He had lots of fun jumping from the wall into the pool, but not without the jacket. Then, two 6 year old boys started jumping in without floaties on. Matthew watched them for a while, and then decided to join them. He took off his jacket and started doing canonballs and twists into the middle of the pool! Gotta love male machismo!

This was the first time Mary Beth had been swimming. She just loved it! Squealing with delight and splashing the water, she also loved when her big brothers splashed her with their canonballs.

The boys begin swim lessons tomorrow. They will go for two weeks. Parents aren't allowed to watch, so the baby and I will have a Barnes and Noble date every day for an hour.

They also start Mother's Day Out tomorrow. Our church has a summer program for eight Tuesdays in June and July. I decided to put Mary Beth in this year, so I will be footloose and fancy free for 5 hours! I am already planning my shopping schedule.

Matthew 

the last two days

Bryon and I had a lot of fun last night. It had been months since our last real date, so my sister let Matthew spend the night with her, and my parents took Thomas and Mary Beth. You know you have a lot of kids when it is a team effort to babysit them!!

We went to one of my favorite restaurants in town. The chef worked at HEB (our local supermarket) as a chef for years before finally living out his dream of owning his own restaurant.

Then we went to see Cinderella Man. This was a great movie! The main characters had such a cute family. One I could relate to...2 boys and a little girl. If you watch it, look for the character, Sarah. She is married to James Braddock's friend, Mike. She is the real James Braddock's granddaughter (daughter of the daughter).

Today was the annual picnic for the hospital where my mother and I are employees. OK I work a total of about 30 minutes a year, but I am still technically an employee! Everyone from doctors to janitors are invited and it is always a blast.

Lauren and I heard the music blaring and made a beeline for the deejays. We absolutely love dancing even if we look silly. We got Matthew into the action this year. After the "electric slide" I actually had a junior highish girl come shake my hand and say, "Wow you really know how to dance!" I really don't, but she was just probably impressed that a white, 30-ish, mother of three could still move!

so far, so good

Well, there is not too much to say about this week. Everything is going really well and I am enjoying the change of pace.

Yesterday, a friend of my mother's had surgery and her daughter was in town visiting. Her daughter and I have known each other since high school and she has a daughter who is Matthew's age. Since I knew Alisa wanted to be with her mother, I offered to take her daughter to the local library to watch the weekly puppet show.

Matthew and Katie have a very cute relationship. She thinks Matthew is hilarious and Matthew plays it up when they are together. He acts like an utter goofball, and she just laughs and laughs at him.

Well, we get to the library and surprise, the puppeteers took the week off. Fabulous. So I got to enjoy four children at the library! I am sure that I was a sight! Fortunately, Lauren came in after about 30 minutes and took Thomas so I just had the three.

Today, we went to the zoo. Our town has a very nice little zoo that is very shaded and easy for the little ones to walk the entire thing. At the end of the zoo is a little water area.

This area always reminds me of the time I went with a friend to the zoo when Matthew was 2. She had a one year old little girl who never misbehaved. Both of them were very prim and proper. I wasn't intending to let Matthew play in the water but he had other ideas. While at the water area, Matthew got his diaper soaked and took it off. Of course it weighed 5 pounds so I couldn't put it back on him and I had no diapers. Matthew had to walk the remainder of the path to the car with absolutely nothing on! I was admiring his cute little body, but I am sure my friend was more than a little mortified. Ahhh the memories...

Our summer schedule

Wake up, take off pj's and put on an outfit and make their bed. The boys better really love the outfit they choose because they will be wearing it all day! This cuts down tremendously on laundry! I can't stand unmade beds. This is strickly for my sanity.

Every day, the boys choose an outdoor activity-going for a walk, playing in the sprinkler, riding their bikes. I will encourage this first thing in the morning as the summer heat get worse!

Choose an indoor creative activity- I have been circulating the toys. This week it is blocks and the Dora Explorer house.

Every day we will do a fun activity outside of our house- library, swimming, zoo, museum, movies, etc.

Reading by themselves- Neither one of the boys nap, but I like them to have some quiet time in the early afternoon. Matthew gets a point for every book he reads. He earns rewards for the points. Right now he is trying to earn 50 points for a coveted book light.

Me reading to them

Art- The boys love to color and Matthew loves to journal. I have a box of art supplies that I will take out daily.

I am trying to limit the TV time to 2 shows a day. However, if they do all of their works and are sweet to each other, I will bump it up a show or two.

Matthew loved having a "work plan" at school. He got to check off each area that he did work in. I am going to write down each thing I have put in bold and let him check them off as he completes them.

So here it goes! Matthew is such a pleasant child when he is on a schedule, so I hope this one works. We are going to the library today for their weekly puppet show.

Our holiday weekend in review:

I had such a gift this weekend! Several weeks ago I told Bryon that I needed a day to prepare for the summer and get organized so I could enjoy having all three children home all day. He agreed and took the boys down to see his parents Friday night through Sunday after church. I was able to clean the house, organize closets, finish a book, make out a daily schedule, and pray for a fun summer.

My parents had been on vacation in New England for 10 days. They went and watched my cousin graduate from West Point. On the way to drop off my parents at our regional airport, they asked me if I could pick them up 10 days later when they returned. I said of course, so I went to sleep on Saturday night excited about seeing my parents the next morning.

Sunday morning at 6:45, my mother called just to let me know which gate she was coming in at DFW airport. I asked her why she woke me up to let me know this information.

"So you know which gate to pick us up at in Dallas."

"I am not supposed to pick you up in Dallas, I am picking you up in Waco."

"I thought I told you to pick us up in Dallas."

"I guess you told Lauren that not me."

"Well, we are only cleared through Dallas so you are going to have to pick us up here. I am so sorry but our flight will be getting in in four hours!"

So I jump out of bed and race around getting ready for my unplanned trip to Dallas! Thankfully, Lauren agreed to go with me, so it made it fun! Halfway up to Dallas, I was drinking a grande coffee from Starbuck and the lid came off spilling half of the very hot drink all over me! I had to drive the remainder of the trip with my pants hung up near the air conditioner!

We had a very nice holiday yesterday. I had the entire family and Josh's best friend over for dinner. We had a great meal made up of pork tenderloin and fresh veggies from the farmers market. For dessert, homemade ice cream. Yum Yum!

Now that the house is organized and I have had some time to reflect on my goals for the summer, I am very excited about having the children home and making this time fun and memorable.

a hard day

This has been an emotional day for me. It started yesterday when I heard the news that a dear member of our church had died. Paula was very active in the women's and children's ministry. She was in our life group several years ago. She had four children and a husband who only recently began coming to church regularly. Paula, in her 50's, had had a lung condition for many years but went downhill extremely quickly over the past several weeks. I actually sat right next to her at church a few weeks ago. Now she is with our Lord.

Secondly, I walked my little Matthew into school for the last time today. I looked around at all of the faces that I had grown accostomed to seeing on a daily basis. I walked the halls that I have walked so many times. It doesn't seem that long ago that I took my sweet precocious 3 1/2 year old to school for the first time. Now he is still sweet and very precocious, but he is getting ready for kindergarten!

I take for granted so often the time that I have here on Earth. How many times have I said, "I can't wait for Matthew to get a little older so he can...." Now I look at pictures of him as a three year old and with I could see him like that for just a while. How many times did I pass Paula in church, taking for granted all that she did to contribute to my beloved church? Please God, help me to live for each moment and not take for granted the people you have placed in my life.

another day, another Matthew story

Matthew's T-ball end of season party was tonight. We took the boys to a local pizza place that had games and tokens (sort of like Chuck E Cheese). Matthew ended up with lots of tickets and was able to trade them in for a yo-yo.

Thomas fell apart when he realized that his tickets would not add up to a yo-yo. He said, "I want Buddy's yo-yo!" Matthew looked at me with his all knowing expression and said, "Mommy, Thomas is breaking the last commandment. Thou shall not covet. I think God is going to be upset with him." Don't think I won't use this same phrase back at Matthew when needed!

A boy named Sue

We took the kitty to the vet for the first time today and found out that Dinah was actually Dino. Apparently it is hard to tell the sex of a 1 pound kitten! I even took her to see a vet assistant yesterday to confirm that she was a female and she thought "she" was!

Matthew had been introducing him as "Dinah. Dynamite for long." So we now have Dynamite! We tried several other names, but I have enough names to remember without changing one midstream!

Matthew pranked called someone for the first time today. The vet gave the boys her card with the office's name and number on it. When we got home, I was taking card of the baby when I heard Matthew on the phone. I came into the room and heard him using a funny voice. He had apparently called the vet's office and said that he was from Scotland and he had a dog that was sick and needed to come in in the morning! He was using his fake British accent! We had to have a lecture on prank calling and lying. Just another day at the office...

mindless ramblings about my day

We have fallen in love with our little kitty. My "snake killing machine" is now my pet as she has stolen my heart and Bryon's too. The boys love her so I think she is here to stay.

This is Matthew's last week at Montessori. I have held up OK. Yesterday I thought, "This is the last Monday I will take Matthew to Montessori." Today, "This is the last Tuesday..." Going to his school has been very interesting. We went from our little Mother's Day Out program where everyone was just like me to a class of 20 children whose were very culturally diverse. One of the kid's parents were from South Africa, one from England, one from Mexico, one from India, one from New England, one was Muslim, one was Jewish, and his teacher grew up as a missionary's child in Mexico! Not something you would expect from a little city in the middle of Texas.

Thomas had a friend over to play today. I love the conversation's of 3 year old boys.
Thomas: "Why do you live so far away?" (1 mile from our house)
Noah: "Because I don't"
Thomas: "Because you are scared of the dark?"
Noah: "Yes"
I guess they understood what they were saying!

I made my second batch of homemade peach ice cream this week. I am loving the fresh fruits and veggies from the farmer's market. One of the few things I love about summer!

dog days of summer

Ask not for whom summer tolls. It tolls for thee.

Changes of season is always nice, except when it comes to summer. I love the slower pace, staying up late, sleeping in, my birthday, and vacations. I abhor the heat. Sweat rolling down my back, difficulty breathing, hot cars.

We had record breaking heat this weekend. Saturday it was 99 degrees. We got to enjoy it at a T-ball game! There is something very depressing to me about stiffling heat in May. I just know we have a long summer ahead of us.

My parents are vacationing in Newport R.I. right now. This is where they met and lived as newlyweds. They called us yesterday to let us know that they were eating clam chowder by the water and it was 50 degrees outside! They said they could see their breath. I told them that I could see my breath, too in the form of steam!

I will pray for a better attitude...

Matthew's Day Away

Matthew's school has an auction every year. This year, the class who raised the most money in the auction won "A Day Away." Matthew's class won and yesterday, I accompanied Matthew on an incredible adventure.

My mother-in-law graciously offered to come watch Thomas and Mary Beth so I could spend some one on one time with Matthew. This morning we packed our car and headed to a ranch about 45 minutes from our home. We had a fun drive to the ranch. I told Matthew stories about things he used to do. Matthew loves hearing stories of the things he did when he was "a little kid" and boy let me tell you that I could write a book!

"Matthew, remember the time that you spilled a gallon of paint on our week old carpet?" (roaring laughter)

"What about when you backed my car out of the driveway when you were two" (roaring laughter)

The day started out swimming and exporing on Childress Creek. There were giant oak trees and running water. So beautiful! Matthew collected tadpoles and minnows in a cup and brough them home.

Then we roasted hotdogs and ate at the creek bed. After lunch the kids had a hayride to the ranch house where they swam and ate homemade ice cream. Watching just Matthew was so much fun and very relaxing for me.

Right before we left, the owner of the ranch asked me if I knew of anyone who was looking for a kitten. We had been toying with the idea of getting a cat to help with snake control. I killed 2 in my garden this week alone. I said "We do!" so Matthew and I picked out a little kitty cat and drove home.

We spent the rest of the day playing with Dinah, the cat. This was Alice in Wonderland's cat's name and Matthew insisted on it. So far she is very sweet, and didn't keep us up at all last night (a big plus for her!). We are crossing our fingers that we can keep her. Bryon and my sister are very allergic to cats but we are hoping that if she is kept outside, that all will be well. The kids are already attached to her!

What is your Star Wars name?

Mindless fun:

Your first name:
Take the first 3 letters from your last name
Add them to the first 2 letters from your first name.

Your last name:
Take the first 2 letters from your mother's maiden name
Add them to the first 3 letters from the city you were born in.

My name is Barel Sumon!

End of year madness

I haven't blogged in several days, but there is nothing much to tell. I have been incredibly busy with end of year stuff. I made a cake for Matthew's teacher today b/c today is her birthday and Matthew's half birthday. My mother-in-law is coming tomorrow to watch Thomas and ME so I can take Matthew to his "day away" (I'll explain more after the fact.) It is so hard having over night company with little kids! I am cleaning and they are right behind me making a mess! Teacher gifts must be bought, summer programs must be signed up for, etc. I have felt almost paralyzed with the amount of things I have to accomplish in the next few weeks, but after that, it should be smooth sailing.

this weekend

What a fun weekend! We had planned to come to Dallas to visit our dear friends and meet their newborn baby today. In the middle of the week, Bryon suggested that we head up on Saturday and stay in a hotel. The kids were excited about this idea so we went up to Dallas after Matthew's T-ball game.

Saturday morning, we called my brother, Michael, to let him know we were coming. He asked if Matthew could stay with him so he could take him to a festival in Addison. That was a great idea for everyone involved! It would make our visit with our friends easier with one less child and getting ready for early service at church easier as well. Michael and Matthew have lots of fun together as well!

We dropped Matthew off with Michael and we headed up to Frisco. We were finally able to meet Baby Seth who is 5 weeks old. One of the last times we were together was when our friends met Mary Beth when she was 6 weeks old. It doesn't seem like that long ago. Now she is moving everywhere and babbling up a storm! The baby is adorable and I enjoyed holding a newborn again.

We had a great time eating at La Hacienda Ranch (incredible fajitas!) and ate ice cream afterward. It had been far too long since we got together and we need to do it more often, Kristen! Kristen and I have known each other for almost half of our lives, and Bryon and Kevin have been best friends since first grade. We always have lots to talk about.

We went to our hotel and Thomas and I went swimming while Bryon got the baby ready for bed. It was great spending time with just Thomas!

After church this morning, we went to my favorite breakfast restaurant, Original Pancake House. We met up with Bryon's brother who is in flight school in the Dallas area.

After we said goodbye to our friends, we headed to a plant nursery in town so I could listen to a lecture on perennials. I bought lots of new plants and somehow packed them into my already packed car and headed into town to pick up Matthew.

Matthew had the time of his life the night before! He went to a Vertical Horizon concert, danced with Michael's friend, rode rides, won prizes, and sang onstage with a microphone at a local coffee shop where Michael's friend was playing guitar! He was out past midnight! Matthew has told me all about his "Dallas cousins" and wants to come back to visit them soon. He is very blessed to have such an incredible uncle!

I spent the rest of the afternoon planting my new plants and transplanting old plants. I have really enjoyed my garden this year and love learning more and more each season.

Well, off to do laundry, unpack my car, and get ready for a new week!

Mary Beth's nursery

A fellow blogger is getting ready to start her first baby's nursery, so I thought I would post some pictures of little Mary Beth's room. It was supposed to be the same neutral room that the boys had, but as the weeks drew near, Mom and I decided that this was my one shot at having a girl, so why not go all out?

With the help of Mom's sewing expertise, the room was finished a week before Mary Beth's arrival. I just love her room!

Busy week

I have nothing exciting to report today, other than I am half way through a very busy week. This week, we had T-ball pictures and a make-up game in addition to the two scheduled games. 3 out of the 4 of these are at 5:30 in the afternoon. Bryon can't be home to help by then, so it has been on me to get Matthew suited up and the kids ready every night. Fortunately, my parents and sister are there to help.

I bought more flowers yesterday to put in the yard so I spent several hours out there yesterday and today planting. My favorite pay off occurred this morning. The first hummingbird of the season came and visited my garden this morning. I absolutely love hummingbirds so I have lots of red, tube shaped flowers in my garden to attract them. There is something about their quick movements and never ceasing energy that reminds me of, well, my kids! But I digress...

I took Thomas to the library today to listen to stories being read about hats. Then, the art museum in town donated paper to make silly hats for the kids. I went with a good friend whose little boy is friends with Thomas. Then we went out to eat and let the kids play. I have become quite the homebody since Mary Beth joined our family, so it was good to get out.

This afternoon, I am taking Matthew and ME to get their pictures taken by a woman who took Thomas's pictures a few weeks ago. They were so good that I wanted to get matching pictures of all the kids. Always a hectic experience.

I am going to Dallas tomorrow for the day with a friend shopping for furniture and will go back on Saturday with the family to visit our friends who had a baby last month.

Whew!! I have enjoyed sitting down blogging for a few minutes between activities! Now back to life...

Mother's Day weekend

I hope everyone had a nice Mother's Day! We had a great weekend.

On Friday night, my parent's took Thomas for a date and he spent the night at their house. Bryon and I had fun with Matthew but he was upset at bedtime.

Some background:
Matthew and Thomas share a double bed. It was important to me to have the boys share a room growing up because I had such good memories sharing a room with Lauren. Lots of bonding sharing a room together! Since we already had a double bed, it was decided to let the boys share the bed while they were little. I love going to check on them before I go to bed. They are usually wrapped up in a ball together, or their arms and legs are all over each other. They look like little bear cubs!

Matthew has complained at times that he doesn't have his own bed, but I think sleeping by himself Friday night really bothered him.

"Who am I going to sleep with? I don't like being alone!"

I told him that he had to go to sleep and we would get Thomas in the morning. Ten minutes later, he called me into his room. He was cuddled up with a shoe lace.

"This is my friend, Marvin. He is going to sleep with me tonight."

Hey, whatever floats you boat buddy! I was glad to see that the decision for them to share a bed was a good one. Thomas called Matthew bright and early on Saturday morning to see how he was doing. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the two of them love and miss each other. It almost makes the fighting worthwhile. Well, almost...

Saturday, we went to Matthew's T-ball game. I have never been a huge sports fan, but I absolutely love watching Matthew play sports! Having two boys, I know I will have years of fun ahead of me! Matthew has always been a good thrower, but now he is finally getting the hang of batting off a tee. He hit the ball into the outfield three times in a row! It was so cute to watch, because after he hit the ball, he turned to us to see if we were watching him. Of course we were. Go Matthew!

Mother's Day was great. It started off with a huge thunderstorm complete with hail. Matthew and I snuggled in front of the door to watch it. After Thomas woke up, they gave me their cards. Thomas signed his, Love Othmas. Hey, at least all of the letters were there! The guys bought me a gift certificate for a massage, manicure, and pedicure. This was my first Mother's Day with all three of my children. I am so blessed to be their Mama!

Live for Today

I have been hooked this week on watching the Today show's Live for Today series. People were asked to write in and tell what would be the one thing they would like to do before they die. Each day this month, they are granting one of those wishes. (Hmmm...May....do you think it is a sweeps gimic?)

I have been thinking about what I would have said. I have several. Something I would love to do would be to spend a summer in Italy and take a cooking class there. Bryon and I also love to travel so I would like to visit more countries in Europe. My question is, what is the one thing you would want to do before you die?

Breakfast conversation

This morning at breakfast, I committed the cardinal sin of giving Matthew the red cup instead of Thomas:

Thomas: "Oh, man!"
Matthew walks over to Thomas with his cup and switches without any coaxing from me.
Thomas: "That makes me have a happy face, Buddy!"
Me: "Matthew, do you know who is watching you right now and very proud of what you just did?"
Matthew: "God is......Do you think he got it on video?"

child proofing

I got a comment from JettyBetty last week that asked if I had child proofed the house again now that Mary Beth is crawling. The answer is apparently not good enough! Mary Beth crawled under the coffee table and found a disc of black watercolor that blended in with the rug. Looks like we have a long road ahead of us!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Check out pictures of Mom below!

Today is my mother's 54th birthday. When we ask her what she wants for her b-day, she always says, "Just write me a sweet note." So to obey her wishes, I will try to write a few words about the woman who has loved me my entire life and molded me into the person I am today.

My mother was raised very differently than me. She lived most of her childhood in Elmont, NY on Long Island. She was the youngest of 6 although 2 of her sister's died as infants. Her father was a naval captain and did many dangerous missions during WW2. Her mother went to college, a very unusual thing in the early 30s, and was a school teacher. Mom lived in a very traditional Irish Catholic family. In fact, when I read Tim Russert's book, it sounded very much like my mother's upbringing.

Like most good catholic girls, she went to an all girls catholic university, Salve Regina, in Newport, RI. It was there that she met the incredibly handsome, charming, C of C, naval officer candidate from Alabama. After a brief friendship (mom was engaged to someone else at the time) they fell head over heals for each other and my mom and dad are still incredibly in love after 33 years of marriage.

My mother lived through a few early heart breaks. My dad and mom left Newport, and the only life Mom had ever known to move to Alabama so Dad could work on his Masters degree at U of A. To a New Englander, this might as well been a foreign country!

Her mother, who by all accounts was an amazing woman and mother, died of breast cancer when my mom was 25 and I was 11 months old. I always thought that this was so sad until I had children of my own. Now, being a young mom myself, I don't know how she raised us without having her mother to help guide her.

Instead of dwelling on the sadness, Mom poured every ounce of herself into her family. She exuded the fruit of the spirit seemingly without struggle. She is the most patient and loving person I have ever know. She rarely left us to go on a date or vacation when we were young and we loved it! She preferred to be home with Dad and the three of us. She held us when we were sick, made us healthy meals every night, rocked us to sleep, and made my growing up experience as idyllic as a person could only dare to hope for. I have VERY big shoes to fill.

I am so blessed to live close to her. Mom has said that she feels like God has blessed her b/c she sacrificed so much by moving 1,000s of miles away from her close knit family to create her own family. Now my sister and I live within miles of her and Michael is within a few hours as well. She is able to be the mother and grandmother that she wished her own mother could have been.

Some things I have learned from my mother:
*Live your faith. My mom could tell you that she was never good about memorizing scripture. She is also too shy to teach a bible school class, but everyone she ran into would know she is a Christian by the way she lives.

*Be strong and be real.

*Be a steak not a hamburger. She used to tell us this a lot when we were kids and we thought it was such a funny expression. Translation: don't be ordinary...be extraordinary!

*Wear sunscreen. Not quite as deep as other lessons, but she has beautiful skin at 54.

*My mom taught us the true meaning of selflessness. I have never known anyone more selfless. She gave all of herself to her family and never complained.

*Bloom where you are planted. Find happiness in all your circumstances.

Happy Birthday Mama! I love you.

Mom with her "little chicks" on Mother's Day, 1987 

Mom's favorite picture of her and Dad taken on their honeymoon. 

Mom and me in Illinois 1976 

Newlyweds 

Mom and Dad at Christmas 

changes

There are times in life when change occurs gradually. You hardly know it is happening. Then there are times when changes occur more abruptly. I experienced a few of these on Thursday.

It started by Bryon and I taking Matthew to kindergarten roundup. He had been looking forward to this for weeks and I was too. I have several friends who were very sad at the thought of their child going to kindergarten. I really don't have those feelings yet. I think part of it is that he has been going to montessori school for the past two years. He loves going to school and learning and he is calmer at home when he is stimulated at school!

The feelings I had at kindergarten roundup were more a shock at how quickly these past 5 1/2 years have gone. I am going from being a mother of preschoolers to having a child in school. Of course, Matthew loved it and is so excited about starting school. He wrote on his calendar that school starts August 17th and is already counting down!

After kindergarten roundup, we went home to Thomas and Mary Beth. My mother and sister had been babysitting. While we were gone, Mary Beth started crawling! She had been playing around with it for a while, crawling backwards and standing on all fours, but this was the real thing. Not only did she start crawling, but she also started pulling up. We had to move her crib from the top position to the middle position to keep her from falling out. Bryon actually got choked up doing this. He doesn't want his little baby girl to get any bigger!

Wow. A lot of changes this week for someone who doesn't enjoy changes much.