A Child's View of Christmas Morning...

Last night and this morning, I couldn't help but reminisce about Christmas as a kid. I had such a dreamy look on my face remembering the excitement of looking for Santa's sleigh in the sky and listening for the jingle bells. I remember being so excited for morning to come that I could barely close by eyes to sleep. I remember waking up early the next day with incredible anticipation of what was waiting in the Great Room for us (my sister and me)!

And then, I had to wait some more - I also remembered that we had to wait outside the great room door for my parents and grandparents to get their COFFEE!! Ray C. said, "That's just wrong!" But you see, they were just as excited to give us the gifts as we were to get them. Seeing the joy on our faces was as exciting to them as receiving the gifts was to us!! Side step here, don't you know that's how God feels when He blesses us? He is just as excited (or more) to give us the things we ask for as we are to receive them!

So anyway, where was I? Oh, we were waiting at the door. Did I mention that we also had to brush our hair, make sure our PJ's matched (that was probably done the night before, actually), and be sure our hair was OUT OF OUR EYES?? Big deal to my mama!! You must look pretty for pictures! Thank you mama. The pictures are nice to look at now!

So, when everyone was ready - seated in their places all in the living room, we would hear, "Oh my goodness." and "Look at that." and "Wait til you see what Santa brought." And I especially missed today from my papa, him singing "Santa Clause has come to town!!" Finally, they would say, "Okay! You can come in now!" We would fling the door open and run to our spots. Santa left my gifts to the right of the fireplace and Jessica's to the left. I still remember how some of the things were even laid out.

So today I enjoyed every moment even though I haven't felt great. We opened each present one by one. The kids had so much fun playing . We had to take a break at one point because they were so busy they didn't want to stop to open anymore! We really didn't spend much on them, and still they got so much!! The kids were thankful for their gifts. I got some great gifts, some things I really wanted and some I really needed - like a massage from a local place!! I gave a gift I was so anxious to give - something I built for my husband. That was the best part! I couldn't wait to give it to him. It might not mean much to anyone else, but it was special because it was a labor of love! (I framed 2 HUGE maps he had so he could hang them in his office.) It was a big deal for me to do it since I've never used a saw before!!

I talked to my family and am looking forward to "doing Christmas" with them soon! It was a great day! We did start with Baby Jesus. He was in all the mangers when the children woke up. They were so excited to see him, finally! Mary Frances said, "Baby Jesus looks beautiful in his manger!" I couldn't agree more! Thank you, Jesus!

Mary Frances got slippers from Papa!
Chase got a few bath toys and then took an hour long bath!
Uncle Glen gave Mary Frances what she "always wanted" - Dora Saves the Mermaids!!
(You can see one of the maps in the background!

The Best Gift Ever

As far as I'm concerned, Jesus was the most incredible gift ever given to me. As I was placing Jesus in all the mangers around the house tonight, I continued to ponder this incredible gift! Over the last few months I have been thinking a lot about my relationship with Christ and why I have such incredible faith in Him.

My parents introduced me to God, and His son, as a very young child. I went to church several times a week and loved it! But more than that, I was taught about having a personal relationship with Him, about how much God loves me no matter what I do.

I always thought I had a boring Christian testimony because I do not have a dramatic story of how God saved me from addiction and torment. I didn't really want that type of story. I just didn't think anyone cared about mine after hearing what He had done for someone else. However, I now believe that God really didn't intend for us to have to be brought out of that. He wants us to just trust Him, take Him at His word, and obey Him. I am so grateful that my parents gave me this gift. Of course, I chose it for myself, but it was undeniable for me. He was so real to me that I couldn't do anything but trust Him. And the amazing thing is that He has never let me down!

I'm tempted to discard this post because I really haven't thought it all through yet. These are just the thoughts going through me head right now. Please understand I am not saying that I am exempt from temptation or trouble. It definitely comes my way and I am not always quick to flee, but I think I learn my lesson pretty quickly because of the trust and faith in God that has been built in me!

Okay, I'll stop writing now because I don't know where I'm going now. Just jotting down thoughts...

Peanut Butter Anyone?

Apparently, Chase and Mary Frances couldn't wait for a snack! I don't think there is any peanut butter left. Since Ray C. was in charge, he cleaned up! He said it was the oily-est bath he had ever seen! What did we do before we had kids? Life must have been very boring!

Father and Son

I just had to add this picture. I think it is so nice. I wish it had a better background, but, oh well! Ray C.'s dad is here visiting with us for Christmas! He took us out for lunch today and the people around us enjoyed watching our circus! Anyway, we're excited he's here!

Christmas Card Attempts

The following are pictures you will not see on our Christmas cards this year!

Okay, this one is really cute, but you can't see the boys' faces. So, we went with a different approach: a newsletter including the best of everyone!!

Hope your Christmas is Merry!

Princess Mommy

Sorry it has been so long. I just haven't felt like blogging! So, I'll start with something small. This morning Chase noticed my wedding portrait, and gasped. Then he said, "Mommy, you a princess." I love that kid!!!

Potty Problems

So we flushed over $500 down the toilet today, so to speak, to have 3 TOYS removed from the toilets! Chase seems to enjoy flushing things. We found 2 foam letters in one toilet and a toy screw driver (about 8 inches long) in the other. Can you believe it cost $255 per toilet for the excavation? What am I going to do? I have asked the children to help me watch him in the bathroom. He has also tried to flush other things that didn't go down - a towel, a basketball, a golf ball, a tennis ball, etc! The plumber suggested putting a lock on the bathroom door so he can't go in, but he apparently has never been in my situation with 3 newly trained children who could never wait for me to open the door every time they need to go. I'm fostering independence here. So, I will be more cautious with Chase in the bathroom while allowing the older children their independence! What fun it was to have the toilets removed from the floor and have the house filled with the wonderful bathroom aromas! I could not wait for that guy to leave, and he said he wished he had 3 or 4 more jobs like that today! I guess so when you're making $250 a pop!

Trick or Treat...

The kids had so much fun on the very first night of trick-or-treating! We have never done it before. So, it was an extra-fun time for us! They were so cute running up to all the doors, and it was so much to see all of our neighbors out!

I explained the rules of trick-or-treating to them last night:

1. If the porch light is on, they have candy and you can knock.
2. Let them put the candy in your bucket. Don't reach in! (Yeah, right! That did not happen. Well, actually it did, but Chase grabbed a few extra pieces afterwards!)
3. Keep the candy in the bucket. Do not eat it all tonight! (Now the candy is hiding!)

The first house we went to was our neighbor's, Ms. Marilyn, whom the kids adore! When she answered the door, the kids said "trick or treat" and then Thomas gave Ms. Marilyn some candy from his bucket (something from school). Apparently, I didn't explain this very well!
It is nicer to give than receive, but I corrected my son and told them we would be receiving candy at all the houses tonight not giving it away! I love the things they do and the way their minds work!

Hopefully, they will understand that Halloween is only once a year, and that it is not customary for us to ring a doorbell and ask for candy!! We'll see how that goes!

Peter Pan

TinkerBell
and the horrible, Captain Hook

Pictures of Me at Preview Service

A friend sent these to me since I didn't have any pictures of myself at the preview service! Actually, they are of Jessica and me singing with the band! It was awesome! Movies will just never be the same!

Intense Conversations with Preschoolers

On the way to school yesterday, the children and I had a great conversation! Chase is the only one who went to school because the others were sick. Thomas started throwing up Saturday night and Mary Frances started on Sunday! They are all fine now, but it made for a great conversation!

I'm not sure how we got started, but we were talking about the devil. I think the kids may have asked what he looked like - no telling where that came from with Halloween right around the corner! Anyway, I proceeded to tell them a few truths about the devil - mainly that the devil doesn't like churches. So, I told them that the devil isn't happy with mommy and daddy because we are starting a new church and telling more people about God. I told them that the devil was trying to make us think about other things and not about our new church this weekend. So, that is why they were sick, we had a car accident that rendered are car useless, and several other more minor things.

Now, if you aren't sure about this whole God thing, this may seem really strange to you, but I can assure you that this is how the devil works, and I try to teach the children in as simple terms as I can about it. I did assure them that God is bigger and stronger than the devil and we had no reason to be concerned as long as we didn't let the devil win. So, we decided to not get a new car until this week, not worry about the kids being sick, but continue on, and to trust that God would work out all the details!

At "Church Planters Boot Camp" in May, Jim Griffith said to us, "If you don't believe in the devil, just plant a church!" We have certain people designated to pray for our family every day for this very reason!

So, after this deep conversation, we moved to cancer. Mary Frances was talking about a friend of Jessie's who just died of cancer recently, Mr. Pete. I told her that is why Grandmary (Ray C.'s mom) died also. So, we talked about how the doctors can usually make you better when you are sick, but sometimes they can't make you better if you have cancer.

We talked about eating healthy, and how fruits and vegetables make the cells in our bodies strong so when we catch germs from other people our healthy cells actually fight the germs and tell them to go away. Yes, I do normally explain things this much. It makes more sense to know why we do things rather than just "because I said so." However, "because I said so" really works well when you are tired of explaining! Anyway, they loved the visual of the healthy cells and germs duking it out!

(I know cancer is not "caught" like other illnesses, but I still believe healthy cells fight off most cancers. So, eat healthy!)

I love having these kind of conversations with the kids! It is so much fun to hear their comments and questions! I especially love it when they say something a week or month later proving to me that they really were listening! It is true that they are sponges!

Fry Road Preview Service

GOD IS AMAZING!! What an incredible morning! I was practicing my music for worship this morning on my way to church. By the time I pulled into the parking lot, I was crying huge tears of joy as I was singing the redone hymn "How Marvelous." You may think it strange that I was driving around before sunrise with a hymn blasting in my car, but it was an awesome way to prepare for what God had in the works.

I pulled in to the theater parking lot and was overwhelmed by the amount of cars already there - the people who were already hard at work preparing for the service!
(This is the cafe area with coffee and donuts!)
Ray C. and I were walking down the hall a little later, and he said, "There is no way we should be able to do this our first Sunday!" It was out of total amazement that he said it because we were watching it unfold before our very eyes.


We had volunteers everywhere. I am still meeting new people who are volunteering!








The party rooms were turned into nursery rooms and then FULL of children.


The theaters were turned into worship rooms for the preschoolers, elementary, and adults.

The preschoolers had clowns in the worship service.

The elementary kids had a magician.

And the adults had an awesome band that I was thrilled to sing with (including my sister)! We had a great preacher (even if I do say so myself), and awesome people everywhere making things happen.


We had so many people in the worship service that we had to ask everyone to move toward the center because people were standing trying to get in!! I think the total count of kids, volunteers , and the rest of the adults was around 320! And we barely advertised for this service!

It was great to have practice because we realized a few things we could do differently, and we know people are a little more forgiving. I can't wait to see our launch service! But after an exhausting weekend, we're glad we have until December 2nd to do it all again!

BIG DAY!!

My day started at 5:15 this morning when Ray C.'s alarm went off and he said, "I can't believe it's today!" What an emotion-filled statement for us and the Foundry family as we prepare to see what this baby is going to look like.
It's kind of like an ultrasound. We all get to see what the baby will look like, but we can't really have it yet! There is still so much to prepare!
So, I am leaving in just a few minutes to join my friends and "family" who have been at the Cinemark since 6:00 setting up for our first preview service at the Foundry Fry Rd.
Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to build God's team and church! This is His thing, and we are so humbled to have been called to be a part of it!
Thanks to the guys at PCI for delivering our trailers (after packing them) and teaching us how to set it all up. They are even at the theater this morning showing us how to do it!

Where do I begin?

With three little ones, there is always something blog-worthy going on!

*Chase has a scratched eye that took us to the Opthamologist's office yesterday for 3 1/2 hours and another 2 hours home (we were in Houston the entire time). By the way, they did nothing for him. It healed on its own overnight! I've been through the same thing with Thomas at this age, but you just can't risk an eye injury! If you ask Chase what happened he says, "Tata shrach my eye!"

*The kids are all doing better in school although Thomas does not like the prayers Ms. Dana says. He is determined the class will learn his superman prayer. He has a fabulous teacher that is working with him so patiently! We are so blessed!

*Thomas made a snack for us today while the rest of us were sleeping. While we were taking a nap, he poured (and spilled) orange juice into cups and then diluted it like we usually do. He washed off the plates from breakfast in the bathroom sink, and got out baby carrots for everyone. He also gave Mary Frances an apple since he knows how much she loves them! He even cleaned up what he spilled and put the towel right back in the bathroom. I was really moved by his thoughtfulness. And on top of that, he waited for us to wake up to eat his snack! He has such a sweet heart!

*Chase is still saying, "I na a bebe emor. I bi boy!" Don't dare call him a baby (or a snuggle bunny). He is a big boy!

*Mary Frances has a sweet smile. I am falling more in love with her. She may know how to work the system, but she too has a sweet heart! She is a female after all. Isn't working the system part of our DNA!?! We just need to keep it in check, right!?!

*My husband has been out of town for the week, and I miss him. I thought I would enjoy sleeping in the bed by myself - that BIG king bed, but no such luck - 3 other people keep jumping in at 4:00 in the morning!

*I'm tired! But what's new!?!

Dear Abby...

Thomas wrote a letter to his cousin, Abigail, yesterday. He sat down with the paper and pen and started asking me how to spell things. So, I said, "Why don't you just see if you can sound it out and do it all by yourself?" I was floored that he actually did it. He usually says "I can't" and then just gives up, but he stuck to it! I was so proud of the outcome. Here is the literal interpretation of what he wrote just so you can understand his writing. Under the letter is what it says, in case you can't figure it all out! Remember, he's only 5! This his first ever attempt to write anything other than his name! I did help him a little with the birthday - he wasn't sure about the "th"!

DER ABGAE PLES KUM TO MY BRTHDAY LUV THOMAS
DEAR ABIGAIL, PLEASE COME TO MY BIRTHDAY. LOVE THOMAS

Pretty good, huh? Now, his birthday isn't until September. He just had one, but I guess he just wants her to get it on her calendar!

Coming to a Theater Near You..

I know I used this title a month or so ago, but this time it is without the "maybe."


We are so excited to be having our first "preview" service in the theater in just 3 weeks! I cannot believe this is coming so fast, now. It has been on our hearts for so long, and it is finally coming! We have had 2 launch team meetings with 21 and 30 adults, respectively, and it has been so emotional for me to see people catch this vision and get excited about this new thing we are doing!


We had lunch together yesterday after the team went to the theater to watch another church set up, have their services, and then tear down! I was a little nervous at how people would respond after seeing the amount of work involved, but they were so excited. We discussed the things each person noticed that they liked or that we could improve.


We have so much work ahead of us, but I am grateful that we are doing this at Foundry with the incredible amount of support we have. We have resources available to make things happen and to do them well!


And we have KIDS!! We talked a lot about the children's ministry, and how we will make things secure and inviting for them and their parents! There were 11 kids at the meeting (and 5 more in the nursery at the church).



I could go on and on, but I'll end with God is Good! I am so humbled that He would choose me to be a part of the leadership in this new campus and grateful for the opportunity to show my love for Him in this way.

Rectangle CD's

Thomas is wanting to sing with the karaoke machine today. He asked Ray C. for a CD to play in it, and Ray C. told him to go get one out of Chase's CD player. Thomas said, "No, daddy. Chase's CD's are round. We need a rectangle CD." (That would be a tape - you know the old fashioned things we used before the round CD's were invented!) I love the things that come out of their mouths.

I really enjoy conversations with them because there are so many things that they just cannot comprehend. Like high school. They have no clue what that means. We tell them teenagers go to high school. So, they say, "well when I grow up I want to be a teenager." They just don't understand the order of things. I love it! What a big job we have ahead of us - to put things into proper perspective for their growing minds. One thing we're working on is the law against marrying relatives. You just can't marry your brother. It is so sweet right now, but you will be really grossed out in a few years!

Family and Friends

We've come a long way since Seminary, and look how we've grown! This is a picture of our good friends from Seminary, Kevin and Kerry Henson and Mike and Mary Gammill with all our children! We all met before kids, and now we have 7 between us! It has been so much fun for the children to pick up with friendships that were developed the moment they were born!
A kiss for sissy!
The Hughes' Express!! Choo Choo...
We had to get a new family picture! The kids are supposed to take pictures to school for different things, and the last family picture we took was over a year ago! So, here we are - just before church Sunday morning!

Where did all the babies go?

Chase has just informed me that he is no longer a baby! He cannot form a full sentence that anyone else can understand, but he does insist he is not a baby. He came in the office earlier to hug me because he just loves to snuggle, and I scooped him up saying, "I love my baby!" He looked up at me and said, "No, I not baby. I big boy." Of course, it was not that clear, but I understood him perfectly.

So, we've been going back and forth on this for about an hour, but he is standing firm! He is a big boy, and I have no more babies! Although, life is getting easier without a baby under my arm at all hours, it is sad. We are moving past a special stage. Oh well, God has so much in store for us. It has been a wild ride so far. I have no doubt it will continue to be FUN!

Headache

I've had a headache since Saturday. I went to the doctor yesterday and got some migraine medicine, but she said since I have waited so long it may not work. I don't have a headache this morning, but the kids ARE gone to school. I feel like it could come back any minute. So, I'm trying to decide whether or not I should go on to the ER. I'm waiting for the DR to call me back. Please pray this goes away quickly. I really don't want to miss my wedding this weekend!

The Newlyweds

I'm not sure if this is normal behavior for preschoolers or if it is just because I work with weddings every week, but our children have informed us that they got married. Therefore they must sleep in the same bed. So, Thomas has moved into Mary Frances' room. He even has some of his clothes hanging in her closet.

While I was gone one night, they informed Ray C. that we are grandparents. They actually take really good care of their "children." Of course, I'm biased! :) They put them all to bed each night under their own blankets. They kiss them and sometimes even read the ma story!

This seems really weird and really cute at the same time! It's just innocent fun, and we figure they will not want to sleep together when they are teenagers. So, what does it hurt now? One night they wouldn't go to sleep, and I made Thomas go back to his room. It was really sad. He was so upset. Through his crying he said, "But we are married. I have to sleep in the same bed with her!" It really broke my heart, but I stood firm on my ground that night!

This really works fine for the most part, but the marriage has gotten a little rocky around 2:30
a few mornings! I have been woken up by them arguing over the side of the bed and Mary Frances getting very upset because he touched her!

So, yesterday morning I said, "I'd like to speak to the little married couple please," and Thomas started laughing.
I said, "Do you know who I'm talking about?"
Thomas said, "Me and Mary Frances," with a grin on his face.
Ray C. started laughing when I began to tell them that they were going to have to sleep in separate beds if they woke me up again in the middle of the night arguing! I told them they needed to work these things out on their own and keep their hands to themselves!"

Of course it was especially funny to Ray C. because he had no idea any of this had been going on at night! Unfortunately for me, he sleeps VERY well at night!

So, they are getting along well now. I will keep you updated as the soap opera continues!

Start Spreadin' The News...

I'm leaving (in three weeks)! I want to be a part of it! New York Neeeeewwww Yorrrrrrkk!

Yep, I'm finally going! When I dream BIG, I dream of being ON Broadway! Well, I may not be on Broadway, but I'll be there! My mother is taking my sister and me. We are all so excited! I am trying to decide what my sign will say at the Today Show! Here are my ideas: (Remember, the good signs are the ones who get to talk to Matt, Al, Meredith, and Anne!

1. "I sleep with my preacher!"
2. "I'm in love" (on the front of a red heart) and "with my husband" on the back
3. "Mother of THREE Preschoolers" (and a picture of the kids)

Don't Pause

I love having caller ID. Believe it or not, I've never had it before. It is so much fun to know who is calling and to be able to say funny things when you answer (because you know who you are speaking to)!! Anyway, sometimes I get tricked or I answer the phone that does not have the ID on it. In that case, if I say "hello" and do not hear an immediate response, I hang up! The telemarketers have that thing that checks to see if you answered. So, while they are registering that I did answer, I am registering that they are calling! So, if you call my house and I hang up on you, it's because you were too slow. Just call back and say "hello" back to me - quickly!

What Do I do?

I can't figure out how to use my time while the kids are in school! Should I relax? Should I work like crazy? Should I shop? Well, shopping is my choice, but I'm sure my husband will leave a comment about that choice!!! I don't want to waste my time. It goes by so fast. Anyone else deal with these issues? I know balance is the answer. So, off I go to take a shower. (I already worked out, and my amazing husband took the kids to school!) Then, I'll clean the bathrooms. Wait, maybe I should clean before my shower!?! Anyway, I think I will also return the blender that only worked three times. This is only our 3rd blender this year! We just make smoothies! I guess we need a commercial blender, huh!?! Then, it will probably be time to pick up the kids and go to my paying job - weddings!!

The Old Chair and a Half

We bought our chair and half long before kids! It's probably 8 years old now. Most people would have gotten rid of it 4 years ago when the dogs destroyed it. It's a very nice piece of furniture that should last 20 years or more - if you don't let animals and kids destroy it!! Anyway, we LOVE it! It is the most comfortable piece of furniture we own, and it is so nice to be able to snuggle together while we watch a movie. Ray C. and I fell asleep in it the first 3 nights we had it and slept most of the night there.

Now, it is very dirty and has several semi-patched holes in it! It needs to be restuffed and recovered, and I intend to do that as soon as possible! But it is still comfy!

I was thinking about all these things as I was snuggled up in the chair last night with all 3 of my children watching the Wizard of Oz. Ray C. had the entire sofa to himself, and I was a little uncomfortable, but I felt so blessed. At one point, Ray C. said, "Doesn't anybody love daddy? Doesn't anyone want to sit with me?" Thomas ran over to sit with him, but as soon as daddy fell asleep, Thomas came back to join the rest of us.

So, as I watched the Wizard of Oz, I wondered what it is about mommy that makes everyone want to be with me! They love daddy, but they want me for comfort! It is difficult to be so needed. Yes, it is sweet, but it can be exhausting as well, but for today, I feel as blessed as I am to have 3 precious children who love me and want to be with me!

As for the chair, it will be recovered sometime, but the looks don't matter as much as the comfort it provides! I'm glad we have it!

Overwhelmed

I've tried to start this post several times, but I can't figure out what to say. I really don't want to complain, but I am overwhelmed.

All three kids have been sick and are feeling much better today after each going to the doctor on a different day! They've all missed school which is a bummer for me and for them!

Chase needs to take a family picture to school tomorrow, and I don't know when the last time we took one was, but I'm sure he looks much different!

Mary Frances is testing her teachers' nerves. She told us last night, on her own, that she was disobeying at school because she thought her teachers would let her. I think she has noticed that it must not be okay since she got sent to the OFFICE last week! She is only 3, and she's already been to the office! This is truly my main stress! I have got to talk to her teacher again. This kid is smart. She knows exactly what buttons to push if she is allowed! That strong-will is rearing its ugly ahead again, and I am not liking it!!!

My kids are being labeled "preacher's kids" and I'm not too happy about that either! Obviously, they are preacher's kids. However, that isn't used as a name tag so much as a stereotype. Sometimes they are called that because they know all the right answers at Sunday school and I have a feeling, the bad things get them labeled as a typical "PK" as well - the wild ones! You know, "ALL PK'S are BAD!!" The thing about them answering all the questions right gets me because it doesn't really have anything to do with them being a PK. I'm the one who has spent most of the time with them teaching them. Most of those answers they get from me! Ray C. certainly teaches them a lot, but, as the stay-at-home-mom, I spend the majority of time with them! But PK's are not the only ones who are strong leaders and know about God! It doesn't really bother me when people jokingly call them PK's for the "good" things they do, but I just really don't like the label for any reason!

Chase is 2! Need I say more here??

I haven't cleaned my bathrooms is 2 weeks and there are orangey rings around the toilets! What is that, by the way?

My piano is calling me, and I work instead!

I can't figure out how to balance my time in all the busy-ness! I love Houston, but sometimes I miss island time and the option of taking a walk on the noisy beach with waves crashing at my feet just to catch my breath, to cry, or to sing to God!

I'll get it together! I think the kids will all go back to school tomorrow, and I might get a fresh breath! Maybe I'll take a walk on the nature trail here and discover God in the quiet wind and trees!

Here I Am

I know its been a long time! Thanks for sticking it out with me! WOW!! I can't get over how busy I am! I wanted to go to bed at 9:30 tonight, but I couldn't because loads of laundry needed to be put away, the floor needed to be mopped, and my sweet husband needed clothes ironed for tomorrow! So, here I am on the computer at 12:30 a.m. with all my tasks complete! It has been a good day!

I spoke (for the first time) at a Women's Circle this morning called Princesses of the King! What an amazing group of women! God led me to speak on marriage, and I had a great time. I hope His word impacted the women present. I am certainly no expert on marriage, but God is and He can use anyone willing!

I played Bunco with some other ladies tonight, and the kids go to preschool in the morning! Uh Oh! I forgot to get their things together. Oh well, I'll do it at 6:30 tomorrow morning. I am sure to be up then with shining childish faces demanding, once again, "cookies" and juice.

I just don't have time to go into everything going on, but we are good! I am working one pictures and info on the last several weeks! It will be up soon!

Stay Tuned!!

Vacation Week & Preschool

After a fun week of playing around town, the children started preschool! We were all excited. They had a wonderful day, but there are some things that will take a little time to get used to. Mary Frances did not like nap time. She had a hard time staying on her mat, but she loved everything else. She was disappointed they did not paint, but I assured her they would do a lot of painting.

Thomas was a little apprehensive when I dropped him off. He just couldn't get enough hugs and kisses. He was also upset because some of the children wouldn't play with him, but the teacher told him it was just because only 2 children could be at each centerWe went to an Astros game with ALL 3 kids! That was daddy's idea! We actually had fun! We found a spot up in the nosebleed section where we could corral the kids. They sang, yelled at the players, and crawled over all he chairs! I was a blast to them! I have no clue who won, though. Watching the game was really possible. They did have a really cool play area for the kids, though!
Thomas finally fits in his baseball pants daddy bought him for his second birthday! He was a little excited about having a boy! Thomas and Ray C. went to an Astros game one night, and now Thomas is in love with the Astros and baseball! Ray C. is having a blast. The boys beg him to play with them! I can assure you they do not have to beg very long!
It's always nice to cuddle up with fresh-smelling kids to read a bed-time story! This one happens to be about baseball!

The hecklers at the Astros game!

We visited Johnson Space Center one day! That was amazing and SO STRESSFUL! Our children are not old enough to understand that you should play one thing then move to the next. They were so overwhelmed with all the things to do, that they just ran from one to the next and shot my blood pressure up to unbelievable levels! That was the first day of vacation. We stayed home for the next 3 days before we were willing to take them out again!