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....

Week in Reflection...

This has been a long week!!

*Last Sunday morning, Thomas woke up with a high fever. I was so hoping we were done with illness in our house, but oh no, not yet. Monday, I took him to the doctor, and low and behold it was the flu. Naturally, by Monday night, Alana also came down with the flu. We were all home until Thursday.

*Thursday we were all back at school. We couldn't miss all the Valentine adventures, could we? By the way, that's a very silly holiday. It was nice to be back at school, but needless to say, all of us were very tired by the time we got home. You can see the picture of Alana sacked out in my lap. Sweet little girl.

*Saturday morning we woke to our house being attacked at 6:30, but after checking it out, it was only hail the size of ice cubes or perhaps a little bigger. Crazy, I tell you!

*Saturday was more basketball and more birthday parties to attend.

*Saturday night, Mother watched the kids and Kevin and I got to go to dinner and then see "Fool's Gold". It was much better than we anticipated. We would highly recommend it!

I'm sure there's more, but that's enough for one week, I think!! All I can say is it's nice to be healthy and back in the swing of things again.

Have a great week!!

9 Years!!!!!

At 2:00 p.m. nine years ago on February 6th, Kevin and I were married at Waterview Church of Christ. Sometimes it seems so long ago, and then when I think about it, I remember so many little details. One of the best parts of that weekend was when we walked into the church building the evening of the rehearsal. Everyone that I loved and cared about the most were all standing in the same room. I can't put into words how awesome it was. It was so much fun and relaxing. I didn't find the whole wedding thing nerve racking at all.

The day of the wedding, after I was dressed in my gown, Kevin and I met in a room by ourselves so he could see me in my dress. It was such a fun and magical time. It took all the pressure and nerves off, and it gave us a special time alone. After that, we were able to take pictures ahead of time. Since the nervousness was gone, I was able to walk down the aisle of the cute little chapel and truly take in and absorb all that was around me with friends and family. It was a very special and bittersweet day for me. I had just lost my precious grandfather barely three months before, and my grandmother, Sassi, was just starting to function again. My uncle, Tom, walked me proudly down the aisle, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. Bill Hunter, long time youth minister, married Kevin and I, and we currently live happily ever after.

Being the romantics that we are, after the wedding and reception was all over, Kevin and I drove through McDonald's to get something to eat. Now that I think about it, I will ALWAYS have a soft spot for McDonald's. That's where we always got a milkshake every Tuesday after our parenting/childbirth classes, it was a place to eat before my grandfather's funeral, and where we frequent on our long travels to visit family.

So, even though I'm sitting here with the remnents of the flu, transformer cars and Dora sunglasses on my desk, and my husband playing computer games behind me at his computer, I must say all in all, I wouldn't change it for the world.

Okay, enough down memory lane. I look forward to spending at least 50 more years with the best man in the world.

I love you, Kevin

The Flu...

Well, it's been confirmed that I have the flu. I haven't been sick sick in a lonnnngggg time! At school on Thursday, my partner in crime whom I work with, came crashing down with it. Then, sure enough, by Saturday night, I started feeling really lousy. So, we missed going to a fun superbowl party. I will mention, since I parked my butt on the couch all evening, I can really truly say I watched the whole game instead of running my mouth. Then, Alana and I simply stayed home all day today, except for the doctor. My sweet Kevin came home after work instead of going to BSF. Then, finally, I will stay home from work tomorrow. Hopefully, I will be on the mend after that. It's amazing how sweet, kind, and gentle your children can be when your sick. Of course, Alana loved it because I laid on the couch all day while she watched kid shows. It was perfect for her.

I wouldn't wish this on anyone!!

P.S. I didn't proof this, so whatever it says...oh well...

Drive to the Basket...

Another Saturday, another early basketball practice. Have I mentioned Kevin and I REALLY love the Upward Bound program. It's just awesome!

Today after learning about offense and defense, the kids got to scrimmage for the first time. It was a lot of fun to see these kindergartners put their skills all together. Thomas showed a natural talent for getting to the ball. The dribbling we are still working on. Again, like writing, I don't think he's decided if he's more comforatable using his left or right hand. I suppose it will come. We are thinking the left.

The rest of the days was filled with Saturday errands. Kevin needed two new tires, and we needed to get supplies for a silly project for Thomas. Because his school is celebrating 100 days of school, each kindergartner has to have a t-shirt with a 100 of something on it. I mean really, is this a family project or a mommy project? I thought about putting 100 paper clips around the collar. Thomas wants to put iron on letters all over his t-shirt. Whatever...I'm just happy to be done with it.

Hope you have a good weekend.

A Wonderful Movie...

If you haven't seen Juno at the movie theatre, this is a must. It was fabulous and I loved it. The humor was wonderful as was the story line. Go see it and let me know what you thought.

Good night!!

Too Many Things....

I'm not really sure what to write even though it seems a lot has been going on lately.

Kevin and I had our dear friends, the Simpson's, stay with us two weeks ago. As always we had lots of fun. I think the Daddy's would have been happy if they could have simply played XBox the whole time. Poor them. ;)

We have been attending birthday party after party after party this weekend. However, the kids have had fun. I didn't realize so many people were born in the winter time.

Last week, Kevin and I had a parent/teacher conference. His teacher seemed to show some concern about Thomas' reading and writing. After panicking and feeling low and talking to all of my many resources, I feel calm and confident again....for the most part. I think Thomas is just on the immature side and will developmentally catch up when he is ready. He has shown us this stubborn characteristic trait of his since he was born....potty training, riding a bike, eating, swimming, etc. So, I continue to pray that Thomas stays upbeat, confident, and happy at school. The last thing I want is for him to stay frustrated and have a low self confidence...IN KINDERGARTEN!!!! I am amazed at the amount of material the district demands of these children.

As for me, I think I am going to go back to teaching....only at least for now, I'm going to go towards private school. I think this will be good for my family and for me. I could go on and on about my reasons, but it just seems right. We will see what the next few years will bring.

Last week, Kevin and I just talked for 3 hours about our goals, reevaluating, and what are plans are for the next year and beyond. I have to say that we haven't done that in quite a long time. I felt really good.

Have I mentioned how much I love my husband???? God really blessed me with Kevin.

All the pictures I'm posting are of Alana....don't seem to have any really interesting ones of Thomas.

Triple Threat...

Thomas began his first organized sport activity Saturday. Kevin and I enrolled him in the Upwards program through the 1st Baptist Church in McKinney. We have been SO impressed. Thomas is so excited about this new adventure. He has decided basketball is for him. I like this because a game will never be canceled to due to rain!! Thomas was so excited that when he received his uniform, he not only wanted to try it on, but then wear it to bed. Sorry, buddy!! Let's hope he remains excited.

What is your child's passion?

Girls, Princesses, and Messes

Today was Alana's and my first day back to school. Alana had two friends, Allie and Avlyn, come over to our house after school for a little play time. I definitely need to have more playtime for Alana. Girls are soooo much quieter and calmer than girls. However, they do make a MESS. I thought I had really cleaned out a lot of Alana's closet, but judging by the amount of stuff that came out of it, I'm wrong.

On the boy front, all I can say is Wii......Thomas and Daddy love playing together. They are learning team work. ;)

Go To Sleep Already!!!!

Do you just wish there was a manual for each of your children? Tonight was one of those nights.

Thomas lied to us about eating all of his vegetables. So, we followed through with spanking him. Actually, Daddy spanked and I supported. I never thought I would hate doing that. Anyway, it was so hard to watch. I puddled up and cried while it happened. After it was over, Kevin hugged and loved on Thomas. Thomas was very remorseful and prayed about it to God tonight. He was such a sensitive and tender heart.

Later....

It's 11:00 and Alana is STILL awake!! I believe our days of naps are over. This is the second time this week that she has had a nap and partied all night. Enough already. When Daddy told Alana to close her eyes, she told him that she wouldn't be able to see then. Duh, Daddy!!

Can't say I'm looking forward to Monday. Especially when she will want to take a nap. Sorry, not going to happen.

I think our family is ready for routine. I always look forward to long breaks with no schedule, but we always realize we like structure and routine at the end of the day.

I feel I'm being left behind in the new trends, and we can't have that. So, I'm trying to set up this blog without the help of my husband. I'm feeling quite accomplished, I must admit. Now we'll just see if I can actually keep up with it. Even though I am a talker, I can't imagine finding things to write about. We'll see. Goodnight.

Hey...I'm testing to see what I've done.