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!