Maw Maw's Visit

Becky, Kevin's mother, came and blessed us for a week after being so tired at Disneyworld. Thomas and Alana loved having her there. She played every game and movie you could possibly imagine. Becky plays with the kids way more than I do. At the airport, the children cried when she left. It was pretty sad, but we're sure glad she came.

Adding a new slideshow from Disney (Kevin taking over for a second).
Hope ya'll like the pics. Meriann did a great job picking out the best pics for this. We had a super good time.

Alana turns 4 today!!

Today at 4:40 on June 2 four years ago, Alana was born and brightened our world. Today we celebrated her birthday with the beginning session of Little Gym, ate lunch with Luke and Shelby, took Thomas to swim lessons, ate at Texas Roadhouse, and then....finally opened presents. She had a good day.
We did go camping this weekend and had a great time. I'm slowly working on those pictures. ;)

Explanation...

Okay, so I'm tired too tired to figure out how to make this look more polished, so excuse the confusion of this post. Sometimes, I just get tired to ask Kevin for help to make it look the way it should. So, this is what you get.

The next three posts are all pictures from our camping trip this weekend. Really all you need to know is that we had a lot of fun, but sweated like pigs. It was HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Camping with Renton's #1

Camping with Renton's #2

Camping with the Renton's #3

This weekend we camped at Lake Lavon with our dear friends, the Renton's. We had loads of fun, but it was HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The kids had a blast. They rode their bikes, swam in the lake, made ice cream by rolling it in coffee cans on the ground, playing all sorts of games, and collecting shells and flowers.

Did I mention it was hot? This trip actually became quite expensive because we kept making trips to Wal-Mart to 'get ice and misc things', but really it was to be in a cool place. And, you know your hot when you aren't a lake water person, but you're eager to jump in the frigid cold nasty water. That's when you know your hot.

However, fun was had by all, but we have declared that we are not Texas summer campers. Try us in the fall.

Family Camping

At the last minute, Kevin and I decided to go camping as a trial run before we go camping the last two weekends in May. We drove to Lake Texoma at a place called Burns Run East in Oklahoma. I have to say that Kevin and I did an awesome job. The kids had a great time hanging around the campsite, swimming at the beach, checking out the Dennison Dam, and sleeping in the tent. All in all, I would say we are officially ready to become professional campers. Here's to many more trips!!!

Private Thomas is now 6!!!

Thomas celebrated his 6th birthday party at Country Place again with the theme of GI Joe. The kids absolutely had a blast! They all came in their camo, were given dog tags and helmet, and off they went. They shot army guys with water guns, found lost army guys in the sand, and the boys ran around like army guys do.

After we ate hot dogs for dinner, Private Kevin gathered the recruits and started a game of tug-a-war. Then, they were sent through an obsticle course which they could do as many times as they wanted. The kids had a really good time, and were worn out.

Afterwards, we ate army cupcakes and opened gifts. It was a perfect birthday. Every year, I say I'm not going to do this again, but when I see what a hit it is, and how much Thomas just loved it, I'm sure we will be back at the same place next year with a Star Wars theme.

Check out my Slide Show!

A Busy Weekend...

This weekend was busy and it flew by way too fast. Kevin and I got into painting projects and creating a new computer room. The kitchen is finally red and the family room and kitchen nook are now khaki. It's been in the plans for many years, but it just hasn't gotten done until now. It all looks really good. I have to thank my dear friend, Sarah, and my wonderful neighbor, Meg, for helping me out on those details that I simply can't do. I will take pictures soon of our new rooms.

During the weekend too we also began our car research and testing. The writing is on the wall in the next few months for the purchase of a new car for Kevin. Once again, the A/C has gone out in the Malibu.

On Sunday after church, Kevin, the kids, my mother, and I drove to Arlington for the GI Joe Convention. I know....you are very envious that you were not able to participate in this oh so exciting event. The boys were in heaven, while Mother, Alana, and I luckily found a Divine Consign Sale right next door. That was much more our tempo.

We drove around the new Texas Stadium to get a good look. UNBELIEVABLE!!!! It's huge. That's all I have to say about that.

For dinner, we went to Trail Dust and had a really good time. Thomas couldn't believe there was a slide that he could go down as many times as he wanted. It wasn't Alana's favorite thing to do. I must say I was surprised and impressed that Nana went down the slide first, especially since she's 92, according to Thomas. Go Nana!!! A good time was had by all.

How was your weekend????

It's the 2nd time this week it's snowed. Crazy, I tell you. Thomas had a great time in the snow, but Alana wanted nothing but to stay warm and watch through the window. Who's the smart one in the family????

Kevin's temporary take over.

Kevin's adding this to pretend I'm cool like Meriann and friends.

Matthew McConaughey

I noticed on People, they announced that Matthew McConaughey has a new swimsuit line. Thought you ought to check it out, and see what you would order for your husband for the upcoming summer season. ;)

Actually, I clicked on the website given, but never made it past all the vain, but beautiful photos of Matthew. I'm sure there is a swimsuit line somewhere on his site.

http://offtherack.people.com/2008/03/05/matthew-mcconaughey-launches-beachwear-line/

On a more depressing note, did I mention that the van decided it wasn't getting enough attention financially, so it decided to act up ROYALLY. It is now in the shop and needing a new catalytic converter for a wee total of $760.....and I thought it just needed a new battery for $60. As if the car on Saturday wasn't enough for $540. I don't believe we built up enough for our emergency fund to cover this. Oh well, it always works out, doesn't it. Sometimes you just gotta laugh. I also have to mention that if it weren't for my dear friend, Shelby, for carting me all over the place, and Christy for loaning me her car, and my father-in-law, Shannon, giving much needed advice and wisdom, it would have been a REALLY trying day. It's all good!!! Thank you dear friends!

Did Anyone Read This????

Read this article and see what you think. I personally think it's disgusting. Our society and parenting leave a lot to be desired!!

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/city/collin/mckinney/stories/022908dnmetfabfive.15fbaaf.html

American Idol???

Did anyone watch American Idol tonight? If so, did you love the dred locks dude? I loved his version of the Jeff Buckley song, Hallelujah. I had goosebumps. We even downloaded the song on our computer.

What did you think?

Also, I don't have the pictures up yet, because I'm too lazy and watching too much t.v., but we had a lot of snow last night. I think we had close to three inches. Thomas was in digging Heaven. We all know our backyard is nothing but a digging construction zone, so the snow and shovel kept him busy for an hour and a half. He had a lot of work to do moving and shifting the snow around, don't you know?

And by the way, do you just have those moments when you notice your child is growing up? The past few days, I'm seeing that in Thomas. It makes me happy and sad all at once. I love it when he is agreeable with things that usually upset him, when he picks up toys for his sister when he wasn't even asked to help, watching him take the nail clippers and clip his own nails was just crazy to me. That's always been my job. The best thing of all is when he comes up to me to give me a kiss and hug so openly.

Anyway, those are the thoughts for tonight!!!!

A Refreshing Weekend

This weekend HighPointe had their annual women's retreat at the Embassy Suites in Frisco. Mother and I roomed together and had a good time. We also went shopping and found a precious Easter dress for Alana. Yeah. Later on Saturday after the retreat was over, I hooked up with two other girlfriends and we stayed on another night. We had the intention of scrapbooking, but talked and talked and talked and talked and talked. It was great. We sat around, walked around the mall, ate at Cheesecake Factory and talked some more. I must say I'm not too optimistic about my weigh in at Weight Watchers, but what are you gonna do? It was thereputic and refreshing.

Of course on the homefront, Kevin dealt with car issues and spent $500 to fix it. We forsee putting the Malibu to rest in the near future. While I was gone, Kevin dealt with the car, took Thomas to Upward Basketball for his last game, took him birthday shopping for Thomas' friend, went to a birthday party, and lead Kid's Zone at church this morning. I think he's mentally a little tired. Thank you, Kevin. I love you...

Oh...good news!!! On Friday, Thomas leaped into the car and told me I was not going to believe what happend. He got the Student of the Month for February. That's fantastic, especially since he got two oranges on his discipline folder this week for ....yes, you guessed it...TALKING!!!! Whatever the case, we were all very proud and excited for him.

Thomas had his end of the season basketball celebration this afternoon. It was really uplifting, energetic, and awesome the way they pumped up those kids. They had a woman who used to play professional basketball, but now does ball handling come and perform for the children, but apply everything to God. It was pretty cool. The only thing that I was a little concerned about was the push for accepting Christ right then and there at the end of the ceremony. They proceeded to tell the children and parents that were ready to accept Christ to go to the chapel for further information, etc. And, of course, at the end, Thomas comes up to us and is ready to go to the chapel, even though we know he is clueless of the purpose. We explained to Thomas after he is older and truly understands the depths of Christ and studies his word then he will truly be ready from within. Overall, though, it was awesome.

It was a good weekend, and I'm now ready to face the week....starting with my annual at the doctor!!!! What a way to start, huh????

Have a great week....