Smiles...

Isn't it great to be a kid! I wonder what treasure Brennan was searching for.



Mike and Maddie's annual date to the Daddy Daughter Dance.



We made cookies one afternoon, and when we were done Madison made this note for Mike. Note the spelling of 'we'.


And, here is some food for thought...



***Brennan: "Mom, where is the throw up when you are not sick?"

***For those of you who have watched me parent all of my kids, you will get a good laugh out of this one. Macy: pointing to her eyes, "eye", pointing to her nose, "nose", pointing to her mouth, "cookie"....my how things have changed from when I just had Madison. Anyone remember the kiwi cake I made Maddie for her first birthday?

***While discussing 'smart cars' Mike told Maddie that they really weren't very smart b/c if you got in a wreck you would get crushed. Maddie argued. "They are smart daddy b/c only one person can fit in there and that means you can think because it's quiet and you will get smart."

***Maddie and I also talked about electric cars. I was telling her how you plug them in to charge the battery and then you don't need gas. She pondered what I said for a while and responded with.."I don't get it mom. I just don't see how that works." I explained it to her again. And she asked, "But Mom, what if you have to drive a long way. What if you are driving across Massachusetts?" I tried to figure out how to answer her- and why she asked about Massachusetts. I think I gave her the same explanation again. And then she say, "BUT MOM...what if you run out of cord?" HAAAAA! I got a good laugh out of that one.

***Brennan has been enamored with the wildflowers. He has Mike's appreciation for nature. We were looking for some bluebonnets by his school when he suddenly exclaims, "Oh look mom, I found some Indian Toothbrushes (Indian Paintbrushes :) )" Later he was asking me what a certain type of flower was and I told him I didn't know. I said maybe they were black eyed susans. But since I was not sure he got very serious and said, "Mom, since we really don't know what they are called, let's just call them black eyed beautifuls!" I agreed whole-heartedly.

Easter

We had a great Austin Easter. My parents were here and we just had a relaxed weekend. I haven't actually uploaded my pictures yet, but here are two that my mom sent. Thank goodness she is on top of things :)!

Let's go fly a kite...

We have had so much fun over the last week flying our kites at the park.  Honestly, I didn't really think the kids would be able to do it...boy was I wrong.  They have done so well and it has been such a blast. 

Our Snow Day!! :)

Really?

Today in the car on the way home from the store:
Madison: Did you guys know that sometimes we call William in my class William Shakespeare.  HAHAHA!
Me:  Haha :)  Maddie, do you know who the real William Shakespeare was?
Madison: Uh, yeah...he is the one that made the Baby Einstein movies.

Another Happy

Madison and I were playing a game the other night before bed when I was blessed with another laugh out loud moment :).  She was showing me some stuff she had gotten at school, and she pulled some stickers out of a bag.   She proudly showed me two American flag stickers and announced, "Mom, I need to say the pledge."(each morning at school, the kids say the pledge to the American flag, and then to the TX flag.)  So she started..."I pledge allegience to thee...TEXAS."  I started to giggle and I said, "Maddie, that is not the Texas flag, that's the American flag."  Completely shocked, Madison looked at me and said, "WHAT.  That's not the Texas flag.  OH NO, MOM.  I have been saying the pledge to the wrong flag ALL YEAR LONG!!!"  We had a good laugh together :).

My Happy Moment

Yesterday, I was blessed with one of those 'laugh out loud' moments, right as I was feeling at the end.  It was around 4 or 4:30...you know the time of day when you think you just can't make it until Dad gets home from work.  The kids and I were in Brennan's room plaing dollhouse.  Brennan and my doll were going to bed (we were the mom and dad and he wanted them to go to bed...which just made it harder for me to want to stay awake in real life!)  Maddie was playing the big sister and she asked the parents if she could bathe the baby and put her to bed by herself (another moment that made me daydream about what it would be like if our game was reality).  So, on we played...it really was a sweet moment, but just at a hard time of the day.  And then, Macy, who had just been toddling around playing with different dollhouse things, turned it into an even sweeter moment that made me laugh out loud.  She was pretty much in her own world, organizing, trying to fit the horse in the stable, etc. when I turned my attention to her (although she didn't realize I was watching her).  She walked across the room, picked up one of the chairs from the dollhouse kitchen, cleared a space in the center of the room, put the chair down, turned herself around, and slowly and strategically tried to sit down in it.   I laughed so hard!!   When she hit the ground she was confused, but not deterred.  She searched around for the little chair, found it (under her :) ) and went through the same process 3 or 4 more times.  My heart just lit up as I saw her little mind working, and her curiousity drive her to keep trying.  I don't know that she ever noticed me, but I cherished each moment.  After a while she gave up on that and went to answer the dollhouse phone.  And yes, I laughed out loud again as she tried to position the 1/2 inch phone receiver to her ear.   Thank you Jesus for these precious blessings!!!

January...and February! :)

Ok, I have some catching up to do.  I realized that not only have I not updated my blog, but I haven't really taken many pictures lately.  But, here is a glimpse at what I do have.  My parents stayed with the kids while Mike and I went to the Bridges conference in San Diego.  It was a great week.  One free afternoon we went to the San Diego Zoo and enjoyed the city a little.

Macy is in a super cute, although somewhat challenging stage.  She is entertains herself well for short times, and she LOVES to play with the big kids, but she also never ever stops.  She is into everything and enjoys the attention she gets when we try to catch her before she.....eats the toothpaste, throws away the remote, or walks away with your wallet to name a few.  Her personality is really coming out, and it is a joy to watch.   When I try to read to her at night, she often refuses.  She instead prefers to sit next to me and pretend to read her own book, while I read a different book.  I will try to remember to upload the video of her 'reading'...it's cute.  So, here she is all dressed up in Maddie's stuff, cuddling with Daddy, and just being cute.

A night of bowling with students.

The kids and I went to Houston to see my parents last weekend...always fun!  They didn't want to leave.

My birthday! 37!  Enjoying leftover cake from Madison's birthday! :)

A Glimpse of Christmas

After Church on Christmas Eve I was determined to take a few family pictures.  The kids did great.  (OK, so I bribed them...I told them they could open one gift before bed if they cooperated.)  They were so excited about that setup, they really started to ham it up.

I don't think we actually got any pictures where all 5 of us were looking the same way and smiling, but at least we didn't have any meltdowns. 

Brennan and Uncle Michael playing with his new toy.

Macy got Maddie up and then we had to pull Brennan out of bed.

It only took a few minutes before he was awake and ready to go!

On the 27th Mike and I left for our Bridges conference in San Diego, while my parents stayed with the kids.  We were so thankful for their willingness to allow us to go together (it was really MUCH harder than I anticipated for me to leave for so long.  I have never been away for 6 days, and I had never left Macy before.).  But, on Christmas morning, everytime the kids received a new movie as a gift mom and dad cheered!!!!

Mom and Dad got the kids the most adorable marionettes. They have enjoyed putting on little shows.  Mom's next goal is to build a stage with them!  So fun...if I had just half her energy. 

The biggest hit of the day was the selection of puppies from the "Santa Buddies" Movie from my brother.   You know it is a hit when weeks later the kids are still taking them everywhere.  The other night we were over at the Culwell's house, and Brennan's favorite dog, Butterball, got stuck in their entryway chandelier.  How?  Well, the kids were tossing them from the second story...why did we let them do that?  I don't know.  But Butterball is stuck, and we can't get him out.  I am so sorry Warren and Barbara.  They were very gracious :).  Brennan cried a river.  We are still working on a plan to rescue Butterball...or should I say to rescue the Culwells entryway.

So, by the afternoon the kids had gathered up lots of Christmas yummies, gotten a table and a cash register and set up shop in the driveway.  Maddie was trying hard to make some money, and Brennan was eating cookie after cookie yelling, "Free cookies for sale!"  Grandpa offered to buy her out for $4 and take her out to get a smoothie, but she declined the offer since that would put her out of business.  I will tell you, she made a few dollars (from us and a few sweet neighbors)  and we went out and she bought herself a smoothie!! 

And then there were the Christmas Programs

Bear with me as I play catch up :).  I am going on the Orthadox calendar this year.   The kids both had really cute Christmas programs this year.  Brennan actually sang, which was an improvement from Thanksgiving when he just hugged the kid next to him the whole time!

coming soon...Christmas Day! :)

Happy Birthday Mike!

December was full indeed!  On the 18th we celebrated Mike's birthday.  The kids and I got all dressed up in our Montana Grizzly gear (The University of Montana was playing for some title that night) and took him out to lunch.

(my fleece was a grizzly one :) )

Then, the kids made Mike cupcakes for our celebration that night...

I don't think Mike actually ate any of those, but the kids loved them and they worked very hard on them...as you can see.

In the evening, Mike and I actually got to go out and watch part of the Grizzly game.  It was fun that the game fell on his birthday...and they almost won...hehe!

Happy Birthday Mike.  We are all so thankful for you.  You are such a gracious husband and a loving, fun and hands on dad.  You bring laughter and and joy to our home everyday.  We love you!!!

Surgery Day

Her is a glimpse into Macy's surgery day...

Here we are passing the time while waiting for the doctor.  We were at a great children's surgery center.  I was very impressed by the staff and the center in general.

Macy came out of surgery all smiles and full of spunk!  The nurse said she woke up smiling and giggling and ready to play.   We tried to keep her busy until they took the IV out.  I was a little disappointed she was so wound up, because I was sure I would get lots of good cuddle time as she was coming out of anesthesia.  But I am so thankful that, even though the doctor ended up having to do more than she anticipated, everything went well.

Recovery!  Macy Grace looked pretty rough for a few days, but she bounced back so quickly.  By day 4 or 5 she just had a black eye.  She never even missed a beat.  I was looking at her eye today and there is still a bump (maybe there always will be?) and a small scar, but when it fades it will be hardly noticable.  I hope we are done with this little cyst for good!

Happy Birthday Madison

Well, this is almost a month late, but here is a little glimpse into Madison's 6th birthday!

Maddie's birthday was on a Thursday.  It was a busy day with Mike still in Mexico and Macy having her surgery while Madison was at school.  It actually worked out fine.  I was able to bring Madison and her cupcakes to school :), and then take Macy to the surgery center (with my mom) while my dad took Brennan to school.  I am so thankful that my parents were able to be here to help...I could not have done it without them.  We were released from the hospital and home about the time that Madison got home.  My main goal for the day was to balance the stressors and still make Madison feel special.  From my perspective, I wish I could have done so much more to make her day special...but I don't think all of the craziness made her feel any less loved.  I thought she would be sad that her cake was a plate of cookies that someone from Church had brought over, but you know...she didn't mind one bit.  She was thrilled that there were candles...and actually, she asked if she could just have a candy cane to celebrate!!!    On Sunday, after Mike was back, we did have a little party for her and a few of her friends.  Praise the Lord, we had a break in the cold weather, and Sunday was amazingly beautiful and so the kids played outside!  We had a butterfly theme, with crafts, a pinata and a butterfly cake.  All in all it was a great celebration. Madison's prized gift was a watch from my parents.  She wanted a watch so badly that she actually made a prize for the person that gave her a watch - isn't that cute :).

After 6 wonderful years Maddie continues to amaze me.  She is such a delightful child.  I just love to be with her.  I does not matter what we are doing, she is just a joy to spend time with.  She loves to be creative, loves order, is incredibly loyal and very competitive!  She makes Macy light up like no one else, and Brennan adores her.  So much so that he sobs when she goes to school.  I think she may be a teacher when she grows up, because she is always teaching the little ones.  Often, when we go to the grocery store, she brings her notebook and sits in the cart with Brennan and has him work on his lettrs! It is very sweet. 

Madison, I adore you.  I thank the Lord every day for the gift of you to our family.  He has made you in an amazing way.  As you grow, I pray that you would love the Lord with all your heart and continue to love your friends and family deeply.  I cherish your loving heart, your giggles, your beautiful spirit and  of course, all of the wonderful pictures you create daily for the people you love.  You make my day...EVERY DAY  I love you sweet girl!!!

In Loving Memory

As most of you know, we lost Mike's mom on the 3rd of December.  The last few weeks have been difficult in so many ways, but we have also enjoyed great times remembering Roz.  Today, December 21st, would have been Roz's 65th birthday.  We are going through all of the emotions of sudden loss, feeling angry that she was taken in such a seemingly unjust way, but feeling comfort in God's sovereignty.  We know her joy is complete now, and for that we rejoice.  We are thankful for our wonderful memories.  Our greatest sadness is that our kids will not have a chance to know her better, and feel the depth of the love she had for them.

We are so thankful that Roz was able to spend 10 days with us last February.  We had such an amazing time together!!  Her are some pictures from our visit.  We love you Roz!  Happy Birthday!

A glimpse at November

Madison's Thanksgiving program. 

Brennan's School programMacy swinging at Pine Cove.

November seemed to fly by.  We had a great month.  We were at our regional conference near Tyler,Tx for a few days and it was really great.  Mike and I both felt very encouraged, and the kids had the time of their lives.  They just loved it! They were all so exhausted each of them fell asleep at the dinner table at one time or another!

Both the big kids did really cute programs at school. Brennan sang one song, and then spent the rest of the show hugging his classmates.  Madison was gone for the few days before her program (b/c of Pine Cove), so she tried on a few of the songs, but the rest she just giggled through.

On Thanksgiving, Macy and I joined Mike's Aunt Susie, cousin Virginia, brother Charlie and one of their friends for the 'Turkey Trot'.  It is a 5 mile run/walk in the heart of Austin. It was really a great way to start the day- with about 13,000 other Austinites!