Post Christmas

Christmas is over and the New Year is 2 days away! And I got a new refrigerator for Christmas! All in its stainless steel glory. It will be delivered tomorrow and we can family relegate the black crappy Whirlpool to the garage. I’m hoping the delivery goes well.

The boys had a great time opening presents at Poh-Poh and Gong-Gong’s house. In fact, they are still there while I am in TX missing them terribly. We had a really nice Christmas. My brother and his wife spent the night before Christmas at my parents’ and so we were all there for Christmas morning. The boys were so excited! They really liked all their gifts, but I think their favorites are the pillow pets they got from “Santa Claus” (my brother). Matthew told me that the pillow pets “were cuter than he thought” they would be. Michael also got some new books from my brother and he loves them. He wants to take them everywhere we go. I’m so happy that he loves to read!

My little scholar 

Yesterday, my sister texted me some of Matthew’s random thoughts. I don’t know in what context these things were said, but I thought they were pretty funny and I can totally see Matthew saying these things.

“I’ve never been to jail’ - That’s a good thing and I hope he never goes to jail…

“bowling shoes are just like cleats but with poop in them” – I guess they went bowling and he had to wear stinky bowling shoes?

Merry Christmas!

This year, I went and made us a nice Christmas card with the family picture we had done earlier this year.  It didn’t turn out a nice as I would like it, but I guess that’s what happens when you don’t have the original digital file of the photo.  I will never pay anyone to take pictures again if they don’t give us a digital file.  So here it is.  Have a very Merry Christmas ya'll!

He Wants to Be Surpised

Yesterday was the first day of Winter, but someone forgot to tell TX. It felt like Spring at a balmy 85 degrees. I am not complaining because it was beautiful, and I know in a few days, I will be flying to CA where it will be cold and wet. It’ll be a nice change, but I will miss not having to wear closed-toed shoes.

Two more days until I see my little babies! It’s been nice to get a break from them, but I miss the chaos believe it or not. They are having a great time there where they know they have free reign. Matthew is yet again the boss of O’Henry’s and trades day offs for time on the iphone. He told Sandi she can have a day off if she lets him play with her iphone.

Yesterday, he instructed Sandi that when she got him the Whiplash scooter for Christmas, she should put it in a box and wrap it so he can’t see the shape of the gift. He wants to be surprised when he opens it.

Michael lost his upper front tooth last Sunday! And got $10 for it. Talk about inflation. With his new haircut and the missing tooth, who does he remind you of?

My little Lloyd!

Christmas Parties

Last Friday was a busy day. It was the last day of school for the boys until the New Year and they both had their Holiday parties. I was able to sneak out from work and attend both affairs. Yes, I did have to miss my company holiday lunch and my chance to win folding lawn chairs and other great prizes, but it was absolutely worth it. I got there while Matthew was having lunch with his little Kinder classmates in the cafeteria. I look of joy on his face when he saw me was precious. I would not have traded that look for a million folding chairs. These are the moments when I know that I would never trade motherhood for any amount of money or anything else in this world. He kept taking my hand and kissing it while he was eating his lunch.


Matthew had his first fruit-flavored candy cane and he was not giving it up until he had finished the whole thing. They had a book exchanged and I thought the way it happened was pretty creative. Ms. Sheffield told the little ones to get in a circle and handed each child a wrapped book. Then she pulled out a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer story. Every time the named Rudolph was said, the children were to pass the books along to the person on the left. It took a couple of turns for the kids to get it, but when they did, it was so much fun to see. Every time Ms. Sheffield said “Rudolph” there was a chorus of squeals. The boys may have squealed louder than the girls. And they all had their little reindeer shirts they made with their hand and footprints on. So cute.

Michael’s class had a talent show at their Christmas party. Michael was not really into it. He had explained to me earlier that he was not participating. Like he was too good for that nonsense. I encouraged him to, of course, but he had made up his mind. I suspect that he is not comfortable getting up in front of people. In fact, I’m sure he did not want to get up in front of people so I let it go. When it was time for him to go up, I was surprised at how firmly and confidently he said “ I don’t have talent to show.” Although I would have loved to see him go up and perform, I am more proud of him for knowing what he wants firmly communicating it.

We tried to go see the ICE! Exhibit at the Gaylord Texan on Saturday, but were thwarted. Who knew so many people had the same idea? We weren’t able to get tickets, but we did get to walk around the beautiful hotel. The lights, and the train and the crowd, oh my! It was so beautiful. I brought my camera but it ran out of battery. I was able to take a couple pictures of the boys though before it died.

Open Up Those Golden Gates!

My boys are safe in California! And what a trip it must have been for them. They had to wake up really early to be able to make the 8am flight Sunday morning. They were so excited, they didn’t care. They woke up on their own and were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. They got changed without any complaints, ate their breakfast and off we went to the airport. I’m so thankful that we are able to give them the opportunities to travel. They have been to so many places and have flown so many times that they pretty much know the drill. They know what they need to do when they get to the security line and what to expect when they are on the plane. They are such good little travelers. This flight was a special one because they got upgraded to 1st class. I was so happy for them to be able to experience that at such a young age. I’ve only flown 1st class twice (maybe 3 times)and I’m 34. They got to watch movies and play video games, which I never, ever got to do, even in 1st class. Boy how things have changed.

I miss them and I am looking forward to being with them and the rest of my family for the Christmas Holiday!

Christmas Lite

I guess I have just taken an unintended blogging break. To be honest, I have never been a really consistent blogger. Sometimes I intend to post and never get around to it. Several times, I’ve written a post only to delete everything because the post didn’t make sense or didn’t really have a hook or a story. Just ramblings of what I was thinking about at the moment. I think that the pressure to make it interesting has really limited the number of postings. Well, I got to thinking. No one really reads this except for my M so who cares?! This blog really started as a way to document the journeys for my little men. I don’t need to sell my writings or impress anyone. So there.


I can’t believe how quickly Christmas is creeping up on me. Five more days until my little guys leave for Poh-Poh’s house. They are just so excited! I told Matthew this morning that there were only 5 days left and he was literally shaking with excitement. So stinkin’ cute. I love how expressive he is about things. I don’t remember Michael ever being that expressive and he’s still not. It just amazes me how different their personalities.

Because we will not be home for Christmas, I have kept the Christmas décor to a minimum. Stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but I’ve been successful in suppressing my desire to put up a Christmas tree. No garlands hang on the banister, but there is a wreath on our door so we neighbors don’t think we’re the Scrooge family. With the business of having to travel for my job, I think it has help me to tone it down this Christmas. Last year was very toned down too because we were living with my parents. Come next year? Y’all better stand back because we are going to Clark Griswald it.

Thanksgiving Feast

Less than 1 week until Thanksgiving and the official holiday season! But who’s counting right? I can’t believe how fast this year is going. Yesterday, I went over to join Matthew for his class Thanksgiving Feast. There is no greater joy than seeing his face light up when he saw me there. I’ve decided that I will do everything I can to be at events where parents are invited. The whole class dressed up as Indians and they were all sitting together for a feast. They were just so adorable in their Indian costumes! The table was decorated with the plump turkeys that the class made earlier. It was fun to see all the turkeys made up of so many different materials and in so many different ways. Not one was alike.

We don’t have any plans for this weekend really. M’s dad and his wife are officially here. They will be moving into their new house this Saturday so I’m sure M will be there to help them. The boys and I will try to stay out of the way, of course. The weather is suppose to be very nice this weekend, so maybe I’ll take them to visit the Botanical Gardens and snap a few pictures. I’ve been so bad with taking pictures. I was looking for photos for our holiday cards and realize that we don’t have many that I can use. Speaking of which, I’m proud to say that I’ve ordered the cards, so I can check that off my “to-do” list.

Yes, A Christmas Post

I’m sitting here listening to Christmas music at work and it’s not even the week of Thanksgiving yet. I loathe it and love it at the same time. I love the spirit of Christmas and the Holiday season. I love the sights and sounds of Christmas! Decking the halls? Love it! Stockings hung up with care? Love IT! I love it all and I hate myself for loving it all. For goodness sakes, we haven’t even celebrated Thanksgiving yet.

It’s like crack. I can’t but be pulled into it. I told M that we probably won’t be putting up a Christmas tree this year because we will be in CA celebrating Christmas with my parents, but I’m probably lying. OK, I am lying. We’ll go out right after Thanksgiving to pick out a tree.

I was walking around the neighborhood with the boys on Sunday and saw some of our neighbors already putting up Christmas lights. I felt like I needed to get right home and start decking my halls and hanging my stockings. Then I remembered that there’s a turkey waiting to participate in our annual Thanksgiving dinner.

But, I CAN start working on our Holiday cards. Last week, I finally got our family picture from the studio (after 8 weeks). I didn’t get digital images with my Groupon package, but I’m hoping that I can scan a 5x7 and have it be good enough for our Holiday cards. I’m pretty happy with the picture. Usually, I just pick the one that I look good in, but everybody looks good this one.

Finally, A Gap!

Happy, Happy Friday! This is a big weekend for my little Matthew. He is so very excited about Halloween. The first words out of his mouth this morning was, “Two more days until Halloween!” When he’s that excited, it’s hard not be look forward to Halloween myself. They both will be dressing up as knights this year. Michael is a little more subdued about Halloween. He hasn’t really said much about it, but I think he’ll change his tune when the candy starts rolling in.


The boys have a “Book Parade” today instead of a Halloween parade. They get to dress up as a character from a book and parade around the school. Drama, drama! Mostly on my part. No one else seemed to care. First, Michael was OK with being a knight (I had planned on getting a book with knights in it). So I thought I had it all planned out. Yesterday, little man decided that he wanted to be a Chinese boy from the book “Seven Chinese Brothers.” I had to come up with the Chinese costume in 2 hours? No chance. To make a long story short, I ended up going to the bookstore and finding a “Flat Stanley” book. The costume for Flat Stanley? Jeans and a green long sleeve shirt. Perfect! Easy, and Michael agreed to it! Matthew was drama free, which is unusual for him (i.e. this morning, he did not want to wear his jeans because it was touching the ground when he walked). He was a knight from the Narnia book.

In other news, Michael got 2 teeth pulled on Tuesday. One of his bottom tooth was lose and before it can fall out, his new tooth popped up behind the lose tooth. I’m hoping that it will move into position without the need for braces. Michael is so proud of the big gap in his mouth now. I think he has been waiting a couple of years now to get that gap. He loves to show it off!

Completely off on a tangent, last night, while M was giving them a shower, this was the exchange he heard between Matthew and Michael.

Michael: Matthew you are a tattle-tale

Matthew: At least I’m not a liar!

These boys crack me up everyday and I love it!

Luck

I found out that the Giants CAN play the Rangers for the World Series. It looks like that scenario could very well happen. Giants are up 2-1 and Rangers are up 2-1. Who will I cheer for if this happens? Oh, this will not be an easy decision…

M’s dad visited us last week and bought a house not 2 minutes away. Not sure when they will close, but it looks like they will be around for the Christmas Holidays so we may go over to CA to spend Thanksgiving with me family. Of course, we already told my parents we may send the kids to them over the Christmas break so M and I can go on a nice trip. But if we do that, we will be leaving M’s dad by himself for his first Christmas in TX. Dilemmas, dilemmas. I guess if this is my biggest family issue, that’s not such a bad thing.

I was talking to some of the parents at Michael’s soccer practice yesterday. One of the moms was talking about her upcoming trip to Disneyland so we all pipe in about the rides and the time wasted waiting in lines. She said something that struck me and I can’t stop thinking about it. She said they were lucky because her younger son has autism and because of that, they don’t have to wait in line and that they get special treatment from the rest of the staff. I know that the point of that comment was to give the Disneyland people a compliment more than anything else, but when I heard that, I thought to myself, “I don’t think I want that kind of luck.” I will gladly wait in line for hours and have staff people treat me poorly anytime as long as my children are healthy. I am LUCKY and BLESSED to have such wonderfully healthy and strong-willed boys. I must never forget that. Even when I feel like they are trying to drive me to the loony bin.

It's Time!

I’m a sucker when it comes to rooting for the underdogs. I’ve never been a big baseball fan, or any sort of fan for that matter, but it was fun watching the Rangers make history last night. So the Rangers have my heart for now for these reasons in no particular order.

1. No one picked them to have a winning season much less going to and winning a play-off series
2. I liked that they celebrated with Ginger Ale.
3. I now know at least three of the player’s names now. Wait, make that 4. How can you forget a Dominican named Vladimir?
4. They play the Yankees, and I don’t care much for the Yankees. OK, I hate the Yankees…
5. I would love to see a Rangers vs. Giants World Series. Can they play against each other in the World Series?
6. They are our home team!

Go Rangers!

 

Weekend Ramblings

We had a great weekend as always. The weather was again AWESOME, and Michael played great at his soccer game. Not too much going on at the Fisher household. I just love this time of the year because the weather is so great. We could've spent all day outside if we wanted to and Michael pretty much did. I bet he was inside for maybe 3 hours each day. He loves to be outside. Of course, it helps that there’s a TV out on our patio to keep him company.


Matty, on the other hand, prefers to be inside. He spent a lot of time on the Wii this weekend. He’s not really an outside person so I force him to go outside as much as possible. We had a nice bike ride around the lake yesterday. Well, nice until they decided that it was a good idea to run through some sprinklers. Always into to something…

Matty said one of the sweetest things about his brother last night. I think it’s one of those moments that doesn’t or wouldn’t mean much to anybody except for me as their mother. They were in bed and I went to check on them like I always do when I think they are asleep. Matthew, for one reason or another, was still awake (but barely) at 10:30pm. Michael was sound asleep. I went over and whispered to Matthew not to wake his bother up. He looked over a sleeping Michael, smiled, and said, “He’s so cute.” This really warmed my heart and shows me how much they love each other. I know that they love each other, but just to see the different ways they express that love is nothing short of amazing. That was one of the best birthday gift ever.

We also interviewed a couple of girls to be the boys’ part-time nanny this weekend. I was really torn on whether to leave them in their current afterschool program or take them out and hire an afterschool nanny. There were pros and cons to both, but in the end, I think it would be easier on us (and our wallet) to hire a nanny. The kids are excited to be coming home afterschool instead of going to a daycare center. I’m not completely comfortable with the idea yet, but I think it it’s better than the daycare alternative.

Weekend Wrap-Up

We were all soccered out this weekend. Both the boys had two games each in 3 days and I’m all tuckered out. Although, I must admit, I did enjoy watching them play. Plus, the weather was AWESOME! After almost a month-long bout of 100+degree weather, this was a change for the better.

In other news, big congrats to my bro for getting hitched last weekend. I’m sure it was beautiful and everyone had a great time. I’m sorry I missed it.

Because I knew I wouldn’t die of heat stroke, I took the opportunity to do some outside planting. Well, container gardening because we are not sure what to do about the landscaping yet. I think it turned out pretty nice. I planted a gardenia shrubs in each container and used petunias to give it a little color. Then, I found some old terra cotta pots and put in some begonias. I also bought some mums just to hedge my bet. One of these will certainly stay alive for, right? I haven’t really had too much luck with container plants, but I have a good feeling about this.

September's End

I can hardly believe that it’s the end of September already! It’s finally starting to feel like fall here in Texas! Well, until it gets to be about 10:30 in the morning…But hey! We are 30 degrees cooler than 2 weeks ago so I’m grateful. I’ve started decorating for Fall and am loving it. The wreath is up and there are obligatory gourds scattered around our house. Our front entry has a scarecrow up and soon, the pumpkins and mums will be joining him to complete the holy trinity of Fall decorating. Can I say holy trinity to describe Fall decorating? Is that blasphemy?



Soccer season is in full swing and the boys are loving it. This weekend will be an all soccer weekend with Matthew having not 1, but 2 games this week. I’m hoping he’s not going to burn out because today was the Boosterthon Fun Run. So many activities for such a little guy. We should probably refrain from doing too much this weekend.

Michael running in the Boosterthon Fun Run

Soccer Season

I’m so excited for this afternoon. Last Saturday, we went to a Skipping Stone Studio to have our family portrait taken. The boys did so well. They followed almost all the directions our photographer gave them and were being such good listeners. I was such a proud mamma. We took a few pictures with different poses so I’m hoping I like at least one. I was hoping to get some autumn outdoor portraits this year, but after the Google, I realized that it was very EXPENSIVE. I figure my family would rather me spend that money on groceries and such. They are so high maintenance.

After the photo shoot, we were off the soccer games. Both boys played great. Michael has really been into soccer lately. He loves to kick the ball around and actually wants to go to practices. There’s been a complete change in has attitude. I remember it being such a struggle to get him to his games and practice. I don’t know what to credit this change to, but he seems to really enjoying playing more than he ever did. This makes my heart happy.

Matthew was more focused when he was playing, but I know that there is joy in it for him too. Maybe not for the game, but for the social aspect of the game. As I was watching him on the bench talking to his teammates, I couldn’t help but smile. He so loves to tell stories. It was such a joy to watch him being with friends and having so much fun.

We are looking forward to a great soccer season and definitely looking forward to cooler weather.

The Boys Take on Cabo San Lucas

M and the boys went on vacation to Cabo San Lucas without me last month. I was a little disappointed, but with all the weddings coming up, I had to save my time off from work. Besides, I had to go on a business trip so the timing was just not right. They all met up with my bro and his lady and had a great time. I'm just posting about it now because I wanted to include some awesome pics.

The boys got to go swim with the dolphins, which was an awesome experience for them. When they were too young to remember (Matty was 2 and Michael was 4), we took them to Grand Caymen and they got to swim and hold stingrays. I’m so glad that we are able to provide them with these opportunities.

Michael got to go parasailing with M. TWICE. M told me that Michael was a little scared the first time, but wanted to do it again. He’s my adventurist one. Loves the thrills like his daddy. This makes me a little nervous because he may ask to go parachuting or bungee jumping any time now. I would have to say a big “heck, no!” Matthew is more my style. He likes his feet planted firmly on the ground.

Mikey on the parasail!

Ready or Not...

The Labor Day weekend is approaching and I am so not ready for it. How can time move this fast? Anyway, we have very exciting Labor Day weekend plans and no, it doesn’t involve Labor Day sales. I do have some sort of life. At least I’d like to think so. My dear little bro is getting married! I’m in the frenzied midst of preparing for the trip back to CA. Thanks to M’s business travel schedule, I get the pleasure of being in a confined space, up 30,000 feet in the air with 2 very rambunctious little boys for almost 4 hours. Beautiful. With only 2 days left of packing and preparing, the pressure is on.

The boys have always been good travelers and I’m hoping that they still are. They’ve been on many, many plane rides and the last time I flew with them by myself, they were very well-behaved, so I’m not all that concerned. It’s just the prospect of corralling them, lugging the luggage and the booster seats around that gives me heartburn. And arranging for transportation to and from the airport.

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again in CA so it’s all worth it. I’m very excited for my brother, and can’t believe that he’s old enough to get married. Congrats, Little Bro and I wish you the best!

A Beautiful Morning

I don't want to jinx this, but Michael and Matthew have been doing so well getting ready for school in the morning. I know it’s only been a week, but I’m hoping for the best. They get up on their own at 6:30, are dressed before they come out of their room, and head down to the kitchen for breakfast. They get to decide what they will have for breakfast the night before and, so far, they are adhering to the rule that once the decision has been made, they have to stick to it.

This morning went extremely well. We were ready to go 15 minutes early, so the boys had time to go outside and play while we waited for the bus. Even the weather cooperated; it was a nice, cool morning. I’m an optimist, but I’m no fool so I don’t expect this to happen very often. I’m taking advantage of these little pleasures and am thankful for every minute of it.

Kicking ball round..

Happy New School Year!

It has been a busy week for the Fishers, and it is all revolved around the start of the school year. There was meet the teacher, 1st day of school and the first time that my babies rode the school bus to school.

Last Friday, I met with Matthew’s and Michael’s teachers. I am so happy with who they got. Matthew’s teacher, Ms. Sheffield, was voted teacher of the year last year and I’ve only heard wonderful things about her. Matthew was so excited about meeting his teacher and it was such a joy to watch him carrying his school supplies, ready to enter into this whole new world called Kindergarten. I loved seeing the pride that he carried around with him. He’s such a big boy and is so enthusiastic and eager to grow up.

M and I were able to take them to school on the 1st day. There’s just something about the 1st day of school that makes it so much fun. There’s just so much excitement in the air that it’s hard not to get sucked into it. Children wearing new school clothes with new backpacks, so excited to start the new school year. Parents with cameras and camcorders ready to capture these precious moments. Some ready and relieved to let go; others hanging on, hoping to squeeze a little more time out of their children’s babyhood. I haven’t decided which of these parents I am yet.

In any case, the boys had a great 1st day and yesterday, they started taking the school bus to school. I was very nervous; much more nervous than they were. They did great, and I am so genuinely proud of them and how independent they’ve become. They are in a brand new school, with brand new people and they have adjusted so well. I’m really looking forward to what the rest of the year will bring.

Matthew after a hard 1st day of Kindergarten. 

3 Days and Counting

Three more days until the first 1st day of Kindergarten and 2nd grade. The boys are definitely ready. I don’t know if I’m going to be ready because they are being picked up by a bus and being taken to an afterschool program. I’m not a wreck yet, but I think I will be on that 1st day. What if they get left behind at school? It breaks my heart to think about my little babies wondering the empty school, all alone and scared. Or worse, they fall asleep on the way to afterschool and get left on the bus in the 100+ heat? Believe me, I will be calling the daycare center to make sure they are accounted for at exactly 3:20pm on Monday afternoon.

On to less morbid thoughts. The boys have been doing a great job with the practice runs of our morning routine. For 4 days straight, they have dressed themselves before they come out of their room and had their breakfast in a timely manner. No tantrums when we have to leave the house. Hooray! We decide what they will wear, what they will eat for breakfast, and what shoes they want to wear the night before. In the morning, they have to stick with their decisions. So far, so good.

Last night, as I was laying with them before bedtime, Michael had a little “pep-talk” with his little bro and said, “Matthew, you don’t even know how fun Kindergarten is. All you do is play all day.” So the mentoring begins. I am so thankful that my boys look out for each other. I hope that they will continue to do so throughout their lives.

Weekend Re-cap

What a busy and fun weekend we had! On Saturday, we met up with my friend and her little boy Alex and made the short trip the Fort Worth Children’s Museum. Michael was such a big boy, trying to take care of Alex. He made sure that Alex didn’t try to run away and held his hand whenever Alex would allow him to. They all had lots of fun playing with all the construction sets. There were train sets, building blocks, pipes and foam blocks. Their favorite exhibit was a plastic tube that blew air out from the bottom so when they place little paper objects in there, the air would blow to through the top. There was also a water play area. The kids had a great time, but I still think that the San Jose Children’s Museum has much more innovative exhibits. The water play area in San Jose is also much bigger and more educational. All they had at Fort Worth were water guns that made some fans turn. No water vortex or water obstacle course.

On Sunday, another friend of mine brought her twin boys over for a play date. The boys got along great swimming, playing the Wii, and of course running around outside and building a “campsite.” It’s nice to be able to have other kids around for the boys to play with. They do fine with just the two of them, but I think they miss having other kids to play with.

Next weekend will be another busy one. Friday night, Michael and Matty have a sleepover planned with the Chen girls. They are so, so excited for their first real-sleepover. On Saturday, there’s a neighborhood round-up where all the kids from around the neighborhood meet by the pool to get to know each other before school starts. Did I mention that this will be the last weekend before my little man starts Kindergarten? Wish me luck!

The only picture I took at the Ft. Worth Children's Museum

Ready For School

Only 13 more days until school starts. In 13 more days, my little man, Matty, will be in Kindergarten and I will officially have school-age children; no more mom to a preschooler. He’s is just so excited to be going to a big boy school. I’m excited for him to experience this new milestone in his life. I’m also little sadden by my school-age mom status, though. Maybe sadden is not the right word, more nostalgic.

School supplies have been bought. Thank you Carroll ISD for making me spend $10 on a pack Mr. Sketch scented markers. And thank you for making me buy 24 mini-glue sticks. No, this is not a typo. 24 mini glue sticks was on the school supply list. Seriously.

The boys also got to choose their own backpacks this year. Actually, Michael chose his backpack and Matty said that he wanted whichever one Michael chose. I’m very happy with their choices and even got them matching lunchboxes. Here are some pictures.  Can you tell they were very happy with what they got?

Back In Texas

I actually have good reasons for not keeping up with my posts. We have had a lot of things going on in the past month or so. First and foremost, we are back in Texas again. This was our 2nd cross-country move in 1 year, so needless to say, we are CRAZY. We loved living in CA and having family around, but the opportunities here in TX are much better. That, and we can actually afford a house without having to sacrifice our first child. OK, that may be a little dramatic, but it’s almost true.


Things just fell into place once we made the decision to come back that I feel like Texas is where we are meant to be. It just happened that the company I was with had a position opened when I was looking. Not my old position, but a better one with more pay. So, in a way, I was promoted.

We found a great house in an area that we want to live on the first weekend that we visited. Then M got promoted just last week, and the plan is for him to cover N. Texas in a few months. I am beyond grateful for all blessings we’ve received. I am in a good place now. Yes, there are everyday stresses that come with 2 demanding boys and a husband who’s traveling a LOT, but in general, I feel like we have some permanency.

Picture of the Week

Picture of the Week

So sweet!

Show Us Your Life- China Patterns

I love dishes and plates and china.  I have a beautiful set we got from our wedding and I still love the pattern I chose.  It's elegant, simple, and timeless.  I fall in love with them again each time I bring it out.  Unfortunately, with 2 rambunctious little boys, I don't bring it out very often. I'm lucky if I get to break it out once a year.

Noritake Crestwood Platinum

I don't have nice everyday china.  We are making do with cheapies we got from Ikea.  Once cheapies dwindle down to where we need more plates, I'm going to invest in some nice casual dinnerware.  I really like Lenox's "Butterfly Meadow."  It's so cute and little whimsical. 

I also really like the Botanic Garden by Portmeirion.  It's just so pretty!

Puppies and Babies

Last Sunday, M took the boys to visit with an old friend, S, whom he’s known for most of his life. S and his wife are expecting a little one soon and wanted to hang with the boys to get some parental experience. Needless to say, the boys had a great time swimming and eating what they were not supposed to eat. They also got to play with Scooby, the dog, and Matthew loves dogs. He matter-of-factly told a neighbor once that he loves puppies and babies.

Pictures of the Week

I’ve just decided that M will be my weekly guest blogger. As a guest blogger, he will get the honor of choosing a “Picture of the Weeks” to be posted every Tuesday. It can be pictures of anything that he wants to share (with my censor, of course), but we know it’s going to be mostly of the boys. So without further fanfare, here’s this week’s “Picture of the Weeks.”

School's Out!

Both Michael and Matthew finished up the school year last Friday and so the summer is in full swing. M attended the awards assembly for Michael and the “graduation” ceremony for Matthew. Well, because you know, it’s really hard to pass arts and crafts in preschool…

Michael got the perfect attendance award, but apparently, this was the only award that was handed out. I have a bit of a problem with that since this is an award that relied solely on the responsibility of the parents to get their children to school on time and on the children not being out sick once in the entire school year. It has nothing to do with the children’s academic ability. So basically, the school awards you for being there, but not for excelling academically.

But anyway, I'm very proud of my babies and cannot believe I have a Kindergartner and 2nd grader.

Michael with Poh-Poh and Gong-Gong

A smile on stage

Matthew with his Preschool diploma

Matthew performing a song (sort of)

Pictures of the Day Courtesy of M

Once in awhile, M comes up with a cute idea. For the past couple of mornings, he’s emailed me “Pictures of the Day” of the boys when they were little. I love to see these pictures because I haven’t seen them in awhile .It reminds me of how far we’ve come and how special these 2 little people are in our lives.

Talking About the Hot Ladies

I think Matthew is trying to break me and M up. M was on a business trip and came home after 4 days away. Matthew noticed that he had been away longer than usual, so when M got home, Matthew pointed it out and asked M where he went. M said he's been out.

Matthew: Were you out with the hot ladies?

M: No, I’m married.

Matthew: Mommy won’t know. She’s not here.

A few days later when M was on another business trip, he tells me that M is out with the “hot ladies.” I told him that Daddy’s not allowed out with the hot ladies because he’s married.

Matthew: He broke up with you.

Me: Why would he break up with me?

Matthew: Because you don’t listen.

That kid cracks me up!

Happy Memorial Day!

Summer is upon us with a blink of an eye.  Yes, I know summer does not officially start until June 21, but to me, Memorail Day is the unofficial 1st day of summer. I get nostalgic when I think about summer, and have great memories of swimming, long car trips, fruit stands, and just the freedom from not having to go to school.  With 1 week of school left for Michael and Matthew, it looks like they are off to a great start to enjoying their summer!

Show Us Your Life - The Things that I LOVE/Make me happy

I love, love, LOVE my baby boys, and they make me happy.

I love M, especially when he's fighting over dessert with the babies. And he makes me happy, most of the the time.

Going on vacation makes me happy. This is the 7 Sacred Pools in Maui that M and I visited last summer.

Pretty things make me happy, like this pretty red rose.

Hooray for Weekends!

What a happy, busy weekend we've had! It was all about the boys.  They had their last soccer games of the season Saturday so we celebrated with team BBQs.  It was actually "Sweets Fest" for Michael and Matthew since they ate none of the actual BBQ food and all the cupcakes and cookies their hearts desired. Matthew's team, the Little Dragons, won 6 games out of 7, so they had a very successful season.  As for Michael's team, it was not so successful in the winning department.  They were 0-5-2.  But Michael really enjoyed playing this season more than any other season, I think.  Most of it had to do with M being the coach for his team I think. Even though they did not win any games, I think it was a great opportunity for Michael to hang out with his Daddy.  He always wants to make his Daddy proud, much like any other little boys.

Matty showing off his soccer medal

Michael and Hunter admiring their soccer medal

On Sunday, we headed out to my favorite place to take the boys, Gilroy Gardens.  It's an amusement park that's perfect for children their age.  I also love all the different trees, flowers, and water features throughout the park. Michael loves going on the roller-coaster.  It was so great to see him screaming and laughing on the ride.  He definitely is his father's child.  Matthew was scared and kept telling M. to hold him tight on the ride.  He later admitted that he was scared that the roller-coaster would go too fast that his seat belt would break and he would fall out. Crazy kid!

Needless to say, we had a busy, but fun weekend. It'll be awhile until I can do anything with them again on the weekend, so I'm happy that they had a good time. The next few weeks will be challenging for me. I am looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time. I just can't wait for things to settle down.