The Aquarium with Uncle GG

Because Uncle GG was leaving town, we had to squeeze in a little time with him before he left. We met him downtown at the Aquarium to play and eat. Uncle GG is such a good sport and the kids loved getting to be with him.

Shane still talks about the shark that jumped out. Myann spent all of lunch in Uncle GG's lap and he never once complained. Tina was with me, in that we were beyond hot. But it was a lot of fun.












Really, I was having fun.

Wild Animals

In Texas, my BFF Michelle and I ventured out to a wild animal park near Alvin, Texas. I last went when I was in high school. The day we were there was field trip day because there were tons on kids. Fortunately we got on a tram fast, but I seriously thought I was going to melt. It was HOT and HUMID and I am no longer accustomed to that, so it was miserable. The kids were good sports, but it was insane. And you get to feed the animals and they know it. Aggressive is an understatement.




Seriously, my kids look like they have heat exhaustion.

Flying to Texas

So my motto for flying is to dress the kids cute and alike. I think it is harder to be annoyed by a cute kid, and if you loose one, they all look alike and can be easily put back together. A mom can hope. I know the cute really works, I have not lost one yet, so I have not tested that theory yet. This year we also had the luxury of bringing Tina. 3 on 3 is so much easier. We love Tina.

Strawberry Picking

We are getting ready for our trip to Texas, but we wanted to fit in strawberry picking before we left. Anders loved the strawberries and ate them as fast as he picked them. Myann was partial to the white ones, though I kept telling her not to pick the white ones. Shane just ran around excited yelling every time he found some good ones.
Shane picked me a flower, as he always does - my sweetie


Note the strawberry juice dripping down those chubby legs. So proud.




He's such a big boy, but then note the sippy cup tucked under his arm.

Conversation with a 4 year old

This conversation took place last week.
Shane: God gave me special powers to save the world.
Me: Wow, you must feel pretty special.
Shane: Yes, I'm special because God wanted me to have powers and I must use my powers to save the world.
Me: You probably won't save the world, but I'm sure God will use you to do good things.
Shane: Myann is so mean God can't use her for anything.
Me: God can use everyone, He will just have to be creative.

Happy Father's Day!!!

Happy Father's Day to my husband and wonderful father to our 3 demanding children. When I feel like he isn't doing enough, if I really thought about how much he did, I should be much more thankful. He sacrifices a lot for our family, and we are thankful. Yes, dear, the kids are thankful too, they just don't know it yet.
This is what Daddy got for Father's Day in a frame plus a wooden table for the front deck. Thanks to Tina who took the pictures.





To my daddy, yes, I call him daddy and the kids call him Popi. Thank you for teaching me generosity. You have taught me a lot over the years and still teach me, you're a smart guy, so I still have lots to learn. But what stands out the most to me right now is your generosity. Grandma once told me when I was a little girl that you would give someone the shirt off your back. Though I didn't fully understand what she said at the time, it stuck with me, and I gradually understood as I witnessed it first hand. Not only are you financially generous, you are generous of your time. Too generous, there are only so many neighbors' lawns you can mow in one day. Give yourself a break sometimes. Then there was the time you picked up the prostitute. Ok, so that sounded bad. You picked up the very down on her luck woman who asked for a ride a few miles down the road. It was your birthday and Alex and I were in the car holding your cake as the woman asked for a ride. Any other person would have told her no, but you said yes and we drove her down the rode, you being very polite, and then I believe you gave her some money. I am pretty sure I was horrified at the time, but you showed us that every person deserves kindness. I think Alex has really inherited that trait from you and I pray my kids observe it themselves.


To my stepdad, John, and the kids call him Papa. Thank you for being there when you didn't have to be. You inherited us at the worse possible age, preteens. And you are still here, enough said. Though I didn't appreciate it at the time, you taught us discipline and responsibility. Not sure what happened when you became Papa because discipline went right out the door. You love your grandbabies, but you will let them do whatever they want, even eat M&M's for breakfast. But you're the Papa, so we'll forgive you.


To my father-in-law, Bob, and Grandpa Jo to the kids. First thank you for talking investments with Brian, if you didn't I would have to, and I dislike financial talk, so I am grateful. I enjoy the relationship we have, we tell it like it is and I love that we are comfortable enough with each other to do that. You are a wonderful father and I am thankful Brian has you to lead by example. And I LOVE how much you love my kids. Thank you for being so present in their lives even though we live so far apart. Praise God for webcams.



To Richard, though not officially a stepdad or grandpa, we hope you one day will be.;) Thank you for ALL you have done for our families. The list really could go on and on. You definitely exemplify a generous man, but even more than that, you are the most hospitable person I have ever met. Your charisma puts every person in the room at ease, and you sure know how to make a person feel welcome. Thank you!


We love you all!!! Happy Father's Day!!!

My cute boys

Just a fun day with the kids. Shane posing was a rare moment.