Cousins in Conroe

Back in May, we went to Conroe for a weekend with family. Brad's Aunt Pam and Uncle Dickey live right on lake Conroe. Their children (and families) live there too, so we all got together and met the newest cousins!

We stayed with Brad's cousin Keith, and his wife Jana, in the Woodlands. They are parents to this cutie pie, Kaitlyn:

Can you be any cuter? Mallory and Morgan didn't think so! They were mildly obsessed with Kaitlyn. She just sat there and smiled the whole time!

Sharon bought cute, coordinating outfits for all seven kids. We attempted a picture with all of them. We gave it a good try, but ended up with mostly this:

L-R: Johnathan, Mallory, Julia, Morgan, Hunter, Kaitlyn and Hannah (aka Morgan's long lost twin!)

Sweet Johnathan. Morgan, Johnathan and Hannah could all be siblings...that blonde hair...or lack of!!

These two had a ball together!

Two seconds after this picture was snapped, one of the fish JUMPED OUT OF THE COOLER!!! Holy moly. I think I was more freaked out than the kids!!

Pam and Dickey borrowed a pontoon (sp?) boat for all of to take on the lake. We thought it was a good idea and that the kids would enjoy it. Morgan and Johnathan thought differently:)

With her "night night", everything is better!!

Those girls. So sweet!

Slip n slide fun! L-R: Twins, Hunter & Hannah, Johnathan & Julia, Morgan

Proof that there were adults present to supervise the chaos!! We spent our last night at Incredible Pizza...and it was incredible!! Actually, I can't remember what the pizza tasted like, but the homemade, fresh and warm cinnamon rolls were to. die. for. Holy moly!!

It was great to be with everyone and we're hoping to make it a tradition!!

Brad's away, time to play!

It has been a busy summer for Brad! It seems like he's been off working at a soccer camp every other week. This time, we had some visitors in town to help pass the time.

Kelly and Tate came to visit us for a couple of days. It is a gross understatement to say that Mallory and Tate love each other. As soon as he rang the doorbell, high pitched, girly squealing ensued...for 20 minutes probably! Morgan was a cutie following them around and interjecting squeals just to be included.

We spent Friday in Austin. It's every kid's dream day to go to a fabric store, right? We thought so. Let's just say, next time I go to a fabric store (other than the local places), it will be without my children. They weren't horrible, but it wasn't a pleasant experience. Lunch was at Chipotle, mmmm!

After naps at home, we headed to Chick-Fil-A for Cow Appreciation Day. Hopefully you guys knew about this day. It should be a national holiday! I'll let Kelly tell you about dinner since she took the pictures on her camera. It was fun and the best part...FREE!!!!! I love me some free CFA!

After dinner, we decided to really wear the kids out (and hopefully sleep later than 6:20!) by taking them to a splash park. I was so surprised by Morgan! She's usually the one that walks up to the water, then turns immediately and walks away! She got completely drenched and had a ball. Tate and Mallory took a little more coaxing, but by the end, everyone was wet!!

On our way, Tate leading the pack!

Morgan getting an "ear cleanse"!

Can you tell she's having fun??

Bundled up "like Mary".

It was a fun and fast visit! This time went by so fast while Brad was gone. Thanks Kelly and Tate!! It was really boring and quiet around here after y'all left!!

First day of "school"

Mallory has been talking about going to school for a while now. A lot of the kiddos in our playgroup go to Mother's Day Out or preschool. She asks about it a lot. So, I just started saying, when you are three, you get to go to school. Well, the MDO program I want her in has a wait list for the fall. Hopefully she'll get in. I know she will love it.



I found out through a friend that the same "school" offers a summer drop in program. So, last Thursday, we went to "school"! She was very hesitant to get out of the car, but I did manage to get a little smile from her before we went in.





I met the director and she immediately hugged me and Mallory. After that, Mallory looked at me and said, "Bye mommy. You go and I'll stay here. You'll come pick me up later." Okay! I almost ran out the door before she could change her mind!!

Mallory,

You are so brave! We talked about school being a new place with new friends. I told you that you might feel scared at the beginning, but then you would have fun. You did great! I'm so proud of you trying something new and being so brave on your first day away from mommy!!

I love you so much!

Happy birthday, America!

We had a fabulous fourth of July this year! But, first, I have to make a little trip down memory lane...

July, 2007. We were late to the parade and had nowhere to sit. Rookies. We also left early because it was so hot and miserable! Morgan was cooking in my tummy...crazy!

Mallory was a trooper and stayed up until 10:30 to watch the fireworks!

July, 2008. Hot, hot, hot. The Cartwrights joined us last year. We learned the hard way NOT to sit on the sunny side! Duh.

Itty bitty Morgan! She's wearing the same outfit Mallory wore the year before.

And, now, onto 2009...

The day started out at the annual Belton parade. This was our third year, and I think we finally have it figured out. Brad and Oscar set out chairs the night before on the shaded side of the street. They were still there in the morning and it was perfect! There was an actual, for real breeze during the entire parade! The girls did great and loved all of the "floats". I use the term loosely since most were just trucks with people in the back! Highlights include: horses, John Deere tractors, go-cart guys, the big fire truck and the cheerleaders!

Eating blueberry muffins and waiting (sort of) patiently for the parade to begin!

The military were a big part in the parade (obviously) since we're so close to Fort Hood. Everyone would stand and clap as they marched by.



Oh boy! She's excited about something!!

A line of John Deere tractors! Only in a small town....

Morgan was not a fan of the loud Harley motorcycles.

I thought it'd be great to bring along the last of the pinwheels from Mallory's birthday party. They were a hit and kept the girls entertained...and got them out of the house!

After naps (for everyone!) we headed over to a friend's house for a cookout. This was the 3rd year at the Thomas' house and it was a fun night! Everyone brings their own meat and shares sides. The kids run around, get bit by mosquitoes and everyone sweats to death. It's always a good time!



When it started getting dark, we all walked down to the corner of the street and set up our chairs. They were a little later than usual...or so it seemed with the kids getting antsy. And, where was that breeze from the parade? It was so miserable and muggy. Morgan was so gross by the end of the night. Her hair looked like it had gel in it, it was so wet. Poor girl sweats like a boy! Mallory was pretty hilarious during the fireworks. She oohed and aahhed at the appropriate times. She even stood up and clapped at one point! Morgan was more interested in getting in and out of her chair.

Don't the girls look excited...and alike? Crazy!

The girls continued to entertain on the ride home. Mallory played air guitar and drums for us while we blasted some David Crowder. Morgan was so tired, she just barely got her arm up and down to "play" the drums...but she stayed awake, and that was key!

It was a great day, full of friends, food and fireworks!

Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming...

We are major fans of Nemo around here!!



Mallory finished up 2 weeks of swim lessons right before the fourth of July. She LOVED them! The first day, she clung to my leg and I was worried there would be tears, but after her teacher introduced herself and took her in, she was hooked. Every morning she was super excited to get her suit on and get right in!



It did help that her lessons were on campus where Brad works. He met us at the pool every morning and then we went up to his office everyday after the lessons. The girls loved getting to see Brad so much. I don't know if his boss appreciated two hyper toddlers kicking soccer balls into the hallway....

Here's the little fish right before we went to the pool

On the last day, they let us inside the pool deck to take pictures and see the kids "show off". Mallory was hilarious! She would totally cheese like this, but never would talk to me! Goofy girl. Same thing when she would see me through the window. She would look right at me, make her shy face and then turn around really quick like she was too cool.

There was only one other girl in Mallory's class of 8 kids. We met Elizabeth the first or second day. Every time we'd see her in the locker room after class, and Mallory would say, "Oh, I see Emiwee Elizabef!" She got a little confused with Emily Elizabeth from Clifford, and her new friend. A couple of times after that, she would start to say Emily, and then correct herself.

The famous "starfish".

I got to know a couple of mommies while we watched our kids from outside. So, naturally, we made these three be friends since we all got to know each other!!

Noah, Mallory and Braden

Proof for my dad that she can jump off the edge...just not for any blood relatives!! Her doggy paddle and cheesy grin crack me up! This was her favorite teacher also (the only one she knew by name!), Miss Madison.

Overall, I think the lessons were a success! She's definitely not jumping in and going under water without hesitation, but she made some progress. She floats on her back completely relaxed and blows bubbles in the water.

Personally, I'm looking forward to next year already! It's a 45 minute break for me if both girls have lessons at the same time:)

Remembering Dooley

When most people think of the fourth of July, fireworks and flags come to mind. When Brad and I remember the fourth, we can't help but remember sweet Dooley and the day he died.

Yes, died.

Dooley was a great dog. Brad found him on his doorstep back in 2001 and started feeding him. He knew Dooley (affectionately named after a soccer player) was a keeper when he drank from the toilet! It was perfect timing for Brad to get a dog. He was months away from moving to Kentucky and working as a grad assistant for a soccer program...by himself. So, what better companion than a part German Shepherd, adorable puppy?

This isn't his best picture. For some reason, I can't find all of our "dog" pictures. Dooley is on the right.

Well, about a month before Brad moved, he asked the owners of his rental about pets. They weren't allowed. Oops! My apartment in Abilene allowed pets, but it was a huge deposit and a lot of responsibility during my last year of nursing school. The next best option was my parents. We refer to my dad as the "dog whisperer" since he is so good with dogs...and loves them more than his kids (just kidding dad). Seriously though. It's hilarious to see my dad with their dogs and "grand dogs". Anyway. So, my parents took Dooley in, under the conditions that we take him back after we were married (approximately one year from then).

Dooley had a great life at my parent's house. A pool to swim in, doggie school, lots of attention and two other canine buddies to play with. Minus the impaled lung on their rod iron fence (I promise you have never seen a dog jump higher), he had a great almost FOUR years living with my parents! Yeah, the one year plan quickly turned into four, since we lived in apartments the first three years we were married.

Mom and dad were excited when we bought our first house because Dooley had started acting really strange. He was showing signs of separation anxiety and was breaking out of their fence a lot. So, we gladly took him to his new home in Abilene. Weeeeelllll, after months of breaking out of our fence (literally picking at it with his paws and breaking the picket apart), freaking out in a crate and opening the door to the dog run we put him in, we were a little worn out.

In comes our current canine family member, Connor. Connor seemed to help a little, but poor Dooley just did not enjoy being alone. He was the sweetest and calmest dog indoors. So gentle and cuddly. Outside, was another story.

Shortly after Connor came to live with us, fourth of July weekend happened. Dooley was acting strange all weekend and was extra cuddly. He was also hiding behind chairs and I found him several times in our bed (we didn't let him sleep in our bed with us). Brad kind of thought something was up, so on that Friday night, we spent a lot of quality time with him.

Saturday night, we headed out for dinner and fireworks. We left around 7 and came home around 10ish. Brad went out in the backyard to let the dogs out of the dog run. Connor came running out, but Dooley didn't. Brad came back in and got the flash light. Sure enough, Dooley was laying in the dog run, not breathing.

Luckily, my nurse manager at the time, was married to one of the local dog catchers. I called Joe immediately and told him Dooley was dead in our dog run. He came right away and helped us. Joe took Dooley out of the dog run (legs straight up, poor guy) and took him away. So, so sad.

And then we remembered Connor. Poor Connor sitting in the dog run for hours while Dooley wasn't alive. It makes me tear up just thinking about it. They were good buddies.

We didn't get an autopsy of Dooley, but are pretty sure he completely freaked out in the dog run while fireworks were going on. I think he had an anxiety attack and possibly heart attack.

He was a great dog and is still missed. So, happy birthday America, and Dooley, we miss you!

Mallory's birthday and Mallory's birthday!

Mallory is a lucky girl (I am actually the lucky one since she gets the friends by default!)! She has a lot of friends and that means a lot of birthday celebrations!

On her actual birthday, we met up with our playgroup friends at the splash park and brought popsicles for everyone. She had fun running around and playing with them. We went to, where else, Chick-Fil-A for lunch after!

Sydni and Mallory. I just think little girls hugging each other is so cute!

Morgan likes her popsicle!!


Some of the kiddos celebrating with Mallory. Bella, Mallory, Joshua, Sydni, Audrey, Maddie and Blythe. It was a fun morning!

Is Maddie not the cutest??

That night, Mallory got to pick out where to eat dinner. She picked Texas Roadhouse for the rolls. Seriously. Here she is after dinner, about to blow out candles and practicing "free"!

Last Saturday, we celebrated some more with our family and her "3 year old friends". We had a party at the local gymnastics place and it was perfect! Well, very HOT, but fun for the kids. They all had hot pink cheeks and were a sweaty mess by the time they went home. I think you can tell Mallory was having FUN!!

Serving up some ice cream with the cupcakes.

Morgan enjoying a cupcake with Mimi. I tell you what, siblings get the good end of the deal when it comes to birthdays!!

The mass of kids helping Mallory open her presents. She had a lot of fun!

Showing off her gift from Oscar and Laura. Soooo cute!

Tate and Mallory running on the trampoline. Mallory stayed here the majority of the time.

Kara and her girls came to the party! It was fun to see them again and have them stay the night. Here's "baby Sydney". She's a cutie too!


Big boy Johnathan! He and Morgan are just 6ish weeks apart.

It has been a fun month celebrating Mallory turning three! Sometimes, I still look at her, and it feels like yesterday we were taking her home from the hospital. Crazy.

Giveaways galore!

I have a lot of other things to blog about, but instead I'm posting about another giveaway! This one is near and dear to my heart.

My good friend (and college roommie), Sara, has been doing the photography thing for a while now. She has taken lots of pictures of our family over the past 3 years. I'd post them on here, but there would be too many!! Sara is a blast to work with. Layed back, professional and soooo easy to work with! I'd recommend her to anyone. She's located in the metroplex, but also comes to the Temple/Belton area often.

She started a blog recently, and is having a giveaway! It's a pretty good giveaway, too! Check it out and enter to win one of three prizes. And, even if you don't win, it's worth your $$$ to call her up and book a session!!

Another giveaway...

...on another fantastic blog!

If you are at all interested in making your home beautiful and wondering how to do it, you must go to Isabella and Max Rooms right now. After you're done looking at all of her great design ideas, enter to win a set of 6 adorable placemats and a table runner in Amy Butler fabric!

Home, sweet home

I feel like I'm back in college again. The girls are with my in-laws, Brad is out of town and I'm staying at my parent's house while I work this week. It feels like I'm home for the summer.

My "summer job" is working for my brother-in-law and his dad. Wade's dad has his own family practice and does clinical trials out of his office. I came to the metroplex this week to be the "IV nurse" for one of the trials. I was slightly nervous since I've been out of the nursing scene for 3 years. But, I'm happy to report, putting the patient's IV in was like riding a bike! Piece of cake! Granted, the patient has great veins and is young...but, I've still got it!

So, while the girls are with BMom and Pop having a blast, Brad is home alone enjoying the silence, I am living it up working 9-2 and sleeping uninterrupted!! It's wonderful! I do miss Brad (he's been gone since last Saturday) and the girls, but this break is really nice.

I've got plans to have dinner with some old friends, help Kelly line her kitchen cabinets in her new house (MUCH more fun without kids running around everywhere!), taking naps, taking more naps by the pool, maybe some shopping...I mean, it's a rough life people!! I just do what I have to do for my family:)

Fancy schmancy!

I so should be packing right now, but instead I'm on this stinkin' computer.

Anyone else like a giveaway like I do?? Go to this blog and you will fall in love with her stuff. Who doesn't love polka dots? Ummm, no one I know!! She's giving away a cake plate, but I guarnatee you'll find something else you love too!

New burpies!

I just posted some new custom burpies at Jelby's! Stop by and take a look!!

My God is so big!

Mallory had an absolute blast this morning at church! This was her first Sunday in a "real" Sunday School class (previously, she's just been in the nursery part). She was really apprehensive about going in (clinging to the door frame for dear life) until she saw her buddies, Bailey and Bella, in there too.

She was all smiles and chatty when I picked her up. Apparently, she was "Queen Esther" during the Bible story (hence the crown that she wore the whole morning and in the car home) and did hand motions and everything!

All of the classes go to Rally which is like a mini "big church"...or a chaotic 20 minutes with 100ish kids singing and dancing:) On the way home, I heard her singing a song that I knew I hadn't taught her. I looked back and asked her to sing it again, and she did, complete with hand motions. So, since Daddy didn't get to see it, I thought we'd take a little video when we got home. I think it's precious and so sweet! Morgan is picking up on it, too. During lunch, she was babbling and then pointed right at me! She's a quick learner!

Happy birthday Mallory Kate!

I just cannot believe Mallory is a whole whoppin' three years old today! Where has the time gone?

So much has changed...and in some ways, she is just the same as her first week at home!

I can't resist posting this video. This, unfortunately, is our welcome into her 3rd year of life. Please Lord, let this phase end quickly!!!

Mallory,


We are so thankful for you. You are your own person and we can't wait to see how you grow in the next year. Life with you is funny, challenging (sometimes), sweet, full and new everyday!

Some things about you at three years old:

You are a great big sister to Morgan. Most of the time you share your toys and enjoy playing with her. You make her smile the biggest and laugh the loudest. You guys just started giving each other spontaneous hugs. It's the sweetest thing to see. Morgan usually goes back for more! You are a good teacher too. Just today, I heard you singing the alphabet to Morgan and asking if she could do it.

You LOVE Strawberry Shortcake and can quote just about every line of it, plus singing all the songs. When I asked you what kind of birthday cake you wanted, I could barely get it out before you said, "Strawberry Shortcake!" To say that you are a fan is an understatement:)

Your favorite colors right now are pink and purple. Anything pink or purple is your favorite!

Along with loving pink and purple, you love princesses and love to dress like one! When you wear a dress, you will hold out the skirt and twirl saying, "I'm a princess!" Anytime you see a girl in a wedding dress, you call her a princess too. So sweet.

Your memory and ability to learn is amazing! You pick up songs, names, directions and so much more really quick. Sometimes we forget or miss something that you pick up!

At night, you love to sing songs (there are 8 that we HAVE to sing to you...in order or we start over), pray and hear a story of when you were a "tiny little baby". Your favorite story is of when you shooeyed on Daddy! You always crack up when we tell you that story.

Mallory, we love you so much and can't imagine our family without you!! Happy, happy birthday sweet girl!