Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Almost out!

On Friday, we will be out for 2 weeks! We will travel to Bellville after work. William will go back on Sunday and all the girls + Gus will stay on the farm. He will return Christmas Eve after work. Then I'll go back with him after Christmas and Granny will keep the girls until she comes to McKinney on New Year's Eve or day! We hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas! Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Christmas Program

Thursday night was Mary's Open House at School. The children sing songs and do a dance. Mary was VERY excited this year about it. Mary talks about this boy all the time and has called him her boyfriend. Yesterday after school Mary was sharing her yogurt with Amy.



Saturday, November 21, 2009

Visiting Santa!

Well, we thought it would be great for the kids to go and see Santa since they were all together this weekend. Mary was excited to see him and talk to him. Amy HATED sitting on his lap. Brady was just happy as he could be sitting with Santa.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Family Picture

Well, November is that time of year when we have our annual family photo taken




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Monday, November 09, 2009

Dinosaur Trail and weekend fun

On Friday night we tried a new place, Palio's Pizza, which is right around the corner from the house. It was DELICIOUS! and we can't wait to add it as a regular place. On Saturday morning we made another trip out to the Heard Museum. We took the Laughlin Loop this time, which is aka the Dinosaur Trail from Oct to Jan 31. I was worried Mary might freak out and she did. Not too bad, but she was ready for the hike to be over! She walked behind William so he could protect her for most of the trip. The trail was beautiful in the fall. Then in the evening we went to church and then to Rudy's BBQ...delicious again, especially when it's a birthday treat from Aunt Paige! Then Sunday I felt horrible...sinus problems. I tried to do some cleaning, but felt tired and achy. I went to the doctor today while the kids were at specials. I have a sinus infection. So I'm on antibiotics and got a shot! I don't think I've had one since jr. high! Hopefully I can breath tonight and won't see every hour on the clock tonight like I did last night!

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Halloween Weekend


Granny came up for Halloween weekend. She got here in time on Friday to pick up the girls from school and daycare. We enjoyed dinner out at Girmaldi's Pizza and the night at home. On Saturday, we got up to do some pumpkin carving and shopping at Allen Outlets. Then it was time for lunch at home. Mary helped me make Granny's birthday cupcakes. Then everyone took a nap. We went to Saturday evening mass and then came home to eat. We quickly got in our costumes and headed out to do some trick or treating! The weather was wonderful! After a few houses, I came back home to pass out candy. Then we went over to Hunter's house for a quick visit and then drove over to see Ms. Debbie. This is who Amy stays with during the week. Then it was time to get home and eat some CANDY! Then on Sunday we slept in, even with the extra hour of sleep. We hung out around the house, did some cleaning, and I fixed fried chicken for lunch. After lunch we celebrated Granny's birthday a few days early. Then Granny got packed up and left when it was nap time.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Amy's check ups

I took a half today to get Amy to both of her doctor appointments. At 2:30 we met with Dr. Cavalier at Children's. They did a CBC. After an unsuccessful attempt to draw blood in the right arm, they warmed up the left and got it. Both arms were nicely bandaged in a bright pink tape. Her hemoglobin levels were just below normal, 10.5. Since she was sick last week with a fever, she figured it was low due to her fighting the virus. We do NOT have to go back on the iron supplements!!!!! We are VERY excited!! Her retic count was up, which means her body is making more blood. So hopefully her iron levels will be back to the normal range soon. We will go back in April to see Dr. Cavalier for another follow up visit. They will do another CBC to check her levels. Then it was off to see Dr. Alvis, her primary peditrician. She weighed 20lbs 7.5oz (12th%tile) and was 31 1/4" (70th%tile). She got 4 shots today. She handled it well...I think I might not have if I was stuck that many times in one day! She will go back to see Dr. Alvis in Jan for her 18 month well baby visit.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Austin Co Fair

We had a great time at the Austin Co Fair! We arrived late Wednesday night. We got up the next morning to start getting ready for the parade. It was HOT!!! After the parade was over we headed to the grounds to enjoy some fair food for lunch. Mary and I had corndogs and curly fries. Then we walked around a bit to see the animals, commercial buildings, women's exhibits, and the new building. The new livestock barn was named in memory of my daddy. It is a very nice tribute! We went home for nap time. After dinner we went back up to see the pig races and the rodeo. It was still very warm! On Friday, we went to the flower shop in the morning and went up to eat at the auction buyers luncheon. It was a very wet day morning and afternoon. The auction was dedicated in memory of those who had passed away in the last year. After a moment of silence the auction began. We stayed for a bit and then went home with the girls. Granny stayed to buy an animal. She ended up getting a goat. She then put it back to resale and donated the money to the Bellville FFA Alumni. That evening after the rain had stopped, William and I went back to have some fun in the COLD. On Saturday, we had lots of vistors out at the house. Kathryn came over to have a play date. Mary and Kathryn LOVE playing together. Uncle Fred came out for a quick visit. Then Brady came to join in on the fun. Then Grandma stopped by to see her great grandkids. We had lunch at home and after nap time we all went up to the fair. We had a LOT of our friends Houston come and join us. There were 10 kids ranging in age from 4 1/2 years old to less than a year! They all had so much fun playing together. After eating, all of them left. Granny took the girls home and we stayed to enjoy the music. Sunday morning we got up and loaded the car and headed back to McKinney. About an hour down the road Mary got sick. We had to completely redress her, take out the car seat and clean it, and wipe the car down. Later we stopped at Buc-ee's to get some lunch. We arrived home early afternoon and have been getting things unpacked and washed. Now the countdown begins for ACF 2010!

Sunday, October 04, 2009

State Fair of Texas

We had a blast at the State Fair on Saturday. We were disappointed that we didn't get to try the fried butter and peaches n cream. The lines were VERY VERY long!! Now we are looking forward to a short week. We will leave Wed after work to head to the Austin County Fair!

Friday, October 02, 2009

Mary is a reader!

Mary is enjoying reading all on her own! I was quite surprised in early September that she already knew many sight words! It is amazing what she is learning at her preschool. This video is of her reading a book she got earlier in the week. She told me tonight that she can also read it inside her brain and that's what Kindergarteners do! She is really looking forward to Kinder next year.

This video is of Mary reading a brand new book!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Kick off to the fair

We are very excited about fair season...cooler weather, fried foods, and seeing all of the attractions! This past weekend was the Austin County Fair Kick-off dance. We enjoyed all you can eat boiled shrimp and all you can drink beer!! Mary had a blast at the dance. She got to get on stage with the band and had fun dancing. However, she was VERY disappointed when it was time to leave and they "forgot" to play the chicken dance! She left in TEARS! How could they forget she only requested it a dozen times?! We were suprised they just didn't play it to get her to stop asking for it! Then Sunday was the first mass in our newly renovated church in Bellville. It was very nice, but lasted 2 hours. We got there 30 minutes early to make sure we had a seat, so 2 1/2 hours was pushing it with a 4 1/2 year old, 15 month old, and 6 month old!!! But we all survived. This coming weekend we will be going to the State Fair of Texas. Mary learned all about it last week at school, it will be really neat for her to see it all. I don't think she remembers her last visit there 2 years ago. And yes, we will try the "fried butter!" Report to follow, if a heart attack doesn't get us first!!!! The the following week will be the Austin County Fair! YEEEHAAAWWW!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Not much

Not much has been going on lately. We got about 7 inches of rain over 6 days. It's been dry for a few days now and it looks like more rain tomorrow. Mary said today she was tired of all the rain. Last weekend Mary went to a mini cheer camp put on by the high school. Mary had a really fun time. While she was at cheer, I went to work and William stayed home with Amy. Mary had a great time preforming all that she learned. She said she was going to cheer for me when I play volleyball, I don't think that will be happening anytime soon! We went over to the neighbors to celebrate a birthday Saturday evening. Went to late church on Sunday at 11 and then spent the rest of the day at home. We are enjoying the cooler weather and actually got the girls' sweaters out yesterday.
This coming weekend we will be going to Bellville for the opening of our new church. It has been remodeled. We have purchased a stained glass window and the third pew on the left in memory of my daddy. The cardinal will be there for the dedication.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Labor Day Weekend

On Friday we drove to Bellville for the long weekend. On Saturday and Sunday there was a long list of things to do around the farm. Granny has recently gotten a new roof on the house and ALL new windows!!!!! All of the old windows and storm windows were still piled up in the front yard, so we moved them to a barn. William mowed the lawn and took down the old TV antenna from the roof. Mike used the skid loader to remove the old basketball goal (which probably would have stood a 1000 more years!). The oak tree in the backyard was struck by lightening, so Mike and William climbed up the tree to cut out the dead part, only to discover that the entire tree is rotting. Granny will have to call someone out to take care of that. The cousins had fun playing in Granny's new room. 25 years ago they had remodeled the house. However, they never finished the office and at the time sewing room. It still had VERY old carpet and unfinished walls. She had the carpet ripped out and put down a new floor, put up drywall and painted, built in a closet, and got a new back door. The room looks fabulous! It is now an office/playroom. On Sunday evening we met at Grandma's for dinner, Kathryn and Jackson were there, too. After dinner we loaded up the car and drove back that night. We arrived back home around 1:30am. Thankfully, Amy slept until 8:30!!! A very nice treat to sleep in.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Another morning hike at the Heard

Today we decided to go for another hike at the Heard. Mary picked the Hoot Owl trail this time. It was the first time we had done this one. We got to see a tree struck my lightening several years ago that is still living. It also has the oldest and biggest tree. It is over 250 years old.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

First day of Pre-K

Mary's first day of school was last week. She was so excited to be going back to see all of her teachers. While eating breakfast on the first day, she told me "Next year my first day will be in Kindergarten" I can't believe that next year she will be going to school with me! She is definitely ready! She is beginning to read and spell. Last night she was naming her muscles...gluteus maximus, obliques, pectoral, triceps, biceps, and hamstrings (and many more...but not sure how to spell them!!!)!!! We were quite amazed she could do this.

Sunday, August 09, 2009

Perdido Key, Florida

We had a fantastic time on the beach at Perdido Key, Florida, near Pensacola. This was our first vacation since we visited NYC when Mary was 15 months! It was certainly a fun time!!! We spent a lot of time on the beach just hanging out, digging in the sand, looking for seashells, and swimming. We found that we need to go to the pool after every trip to the beach. We went to the National Aviation Museum, Johnson Beach, The Wharf (a lot like Kema boardwalk), out to eat, and William and his dad took an off shore fishing trip. William was determined to go to the end of the key! One day he suckered me into walking with him. We walked for over an hour and never made it. I convinced him to turn around. The next day we drove as far as we could. And we walked again for over an hour and still didn't make it. He pulled out his iphone and found that we still weren't even close! He says next time he will do it!

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Getting good at walking

Amy has really been doing a lot of walking while we've been on vacation. We've been enjoying the beach. I have yet to eat a meal inside. In the mornings we get to see the dolphins swim by. When we get back I'll down load all of the videos and pics.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Busy, Busy, Busy!!!!

Our lives are going to be so busy, restful, and then busy again. Monday the carpet cleaners are coming. After they leave I have a long list of errands to run. William will take Mary to swim lessons in the evenings after dinner. Tuesday and Wednesday the girls will go to Mrs. Debbie's since I have full day professional development trainings. On Thursday, I will be packing all of our bags to go to the BEACH!!!! On Friday, I will take Mary to swim lessons early and then start packing the car. Hopefully, William can catch a ride to work with a coworker and we will pick him up at 3 to head to Bellville. On Saturday, Granny and Mary will go to a wedding at 2. As soon as they are home we will hop in the car and make the 8+ hour drive to Perdido Key, FL (near Pensicola). Grandma Betty will also make the drive from Georgia to join for a week long of fun on the beach. Then we'll pack the bags and head back to Granny's on Saturday morning. Then we'll drive back to McKinney on Sunday. Amy will go back to full time daycare when we return. I have a team leader meeting Monday morning. On Tuesday, I have have a first grade team meeting. Wednesday is my LAST DAY OF SUMMER! :( I go back to work on Thursday. We have 7 days of inservice and then the kids come on Mon, Aug 24.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Another week on the farm!

Saturday morning I loaded up the girls and we headed to Bellville. Later that afternoon we had some rain. We decided to sit out on the patio and watch it. At about 7:15 lightening struck VERY close to the house. It scared all of us. As soon as it hit the electricity went out. Mom called it in. Since we knew it would be a while before it came back on we decided to go for a car ride. On the way out we picked up Grandma b/c she was out too. We were the only 2 out in the area. We went down to the grain bins to see Uncle Fred and Greg. A little after 8 we decided to head back home. Luckily earlier in the day the kids played in the kiddie pool. Amy took a bath outside by the light of the car. We lit candles and open windows. Mary was having a hard time grasping this concept. We have NEVER lost power in McKinney. After playing Scabble Slam (very fun!!) we all crawled into Granny's bed. Her room was the only one with a window letting in a cool breeze. I don't think I got much sleep that night with Mary kicking me in the head and the nice breeze stopped at about 3am. Mary had to sleep the opposite way so she could see the moon light coming in the window. At 7 am we still had NO electricity. We decided to see if we could figure out how to get the county water line connected to the house so we could at least have water. We spent about 15 minutes trying to get it with no luck. Just as we were calling for help, the electric company truck came driving down the road. About 10 minutes later we had electricity again! We took showers and got ready for church. Then we had lunch with Brady. That afternoon Jackson and Kathryn came over to play. Then it was time to go to Grandma's for dinner. All 5 of the cousins were there. I think Thanksgiving will be a little crazy this year! On Monday we went to Brenham to meet the triplets and visit with Adrienne. They are just adorable. On Tuesday, we went to see Brady and then headed to Space Center Houston. Aunt Cynthia went with us. Mary had a great see all of the astronaut outfits. Then we had a nice lunch out. We went back to Aunt Cynthia's for nap time. When Mary woke up she got to swim in their pool with Pamela. Then we enjoyed dinner and hopped back in the car to go home. On Wednesday, we went shopping and had dinner at Galileo's! When we got home we thought it would be fun to go on one more gator ride. Just as we got to the back pasture it DIED on us. It wouldn't restart. We had about 30 cows swarming us because they thought we had food for them. Mary started to get scared. We climbed through the fence, over a gate, and walked almost a mile while carrying the kids. Luckily we made it home just as it was getting dark and the rain clouds stayed away. When William got home that night he found a note from the city that our water had been cutoff due to a water leak. I guess a neighbor called it in. No telling how long it was bubbling into the street. I'm expecting a very ugly water bill next month!!! Thursday morning Granny went back to work and we came back to McKinney. William called a plumber to come out first thing to fix it. By the time we got home around 1 it had been fixed. Enjoy the pics of our visit!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Amy's Dr Visit

Amy went today for her 1 year well baby check up. She weighs 18 lbs, 7 oz (10th%tile) and 29 1/2 in (61st%tile). The doctor is not too concerned about her weight right now because she is still growing and hasn't lost any weight. She got 2 shots today and did okay. She will go back in October for her 15 month well baby visit. She is talking more and using her signs more. She can now say ball and baby (sounds more like ba-ba). She will sign for milk, more, bye-bye, hi, tired/night-night, and light. She is bottle free and I fed her for the last time on her birthday! I made my goal again of 1 year. She only drinks from sippy cups now. She is still taking a morning nap, but doesn't have to. hich is nice because we can go out and do more things in the morning.

I plan on leaving with the girls on Saturday morning to go see Granny. We will probably stay until Thursday morning. We plan on going to Space Center Houston while we are there.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Amy Turns One Year Old!!!!

Wow! It is hard to believe but our sweet little Amy has turned one year old today. Mary was so excited to run into her room this morning to tell her happy birthday. She will go see Dr. Alvis on Tuesday for her 1 year check up. Here are her monthly pictures. Enjoy!