Just for fun.

He just looks so innocent, doesn't he..... Never trust a book by its cover! :)

Million dollar smile!

Yesterday Ashlyn went to the orthodontist for the works! Bless her heart, she has a mouth full but is taking it like a champ. She has top braces, top expander and bottom expander type thingy. In about a month she will have her herbst put on and in a year, bottom braces. This morning I asked to get a picture and through her smile she told me it was really hard to look happy when you are in so much pain. My heart breaks for her but this is her season of life! I sent her off to school loaded up with Motrin and stopped by Wal-Mart and bought them out of wax! Hang in there Ashlyn....it will get better everyday.

Life doesn't get any better then this....

Pure joy.....

Chloe sneaking in a lick.....

One last time....

As the boating season soon wraps up we decided to go out one more time.....My mom and Barry took all the grand kids (minus Cody) for the night. It is so nice to have a (somewhat) quiet night...remember we still had Cody. It gives Dell and I a little reprieve and refreshed for the next day. I cannot really say my mom and Barry got much rest.....they had 4 girls with them and some (most) are a little hormonal. I knew going on the lake the next day would be a stretch....we would have several tired kids......but, I was prepared. I was right but it was all good.

We let Cody miss his nap and he was a trooper....if he could live on (or in) the water he would be happy. We figured out why he is so enjoyable in the water....he has nothing to squeeze or squirt and get into trouble when he is in the water. Once he got in the water I gave him a apple and a banana and he was one happy camper. He just floated and ate...doesn't get much better then that. All 4 girls took turns having a meltdown and Cody won the 'good kid award'. Here is a e-mail from my mom....

I always enjoy my girls—all of you—even the whiners, and the guys and just getting out and having fun. Love you and I’m glad y’all were a part of it. Cody wins the ‘good kid award’!!! He’s the best thing I’ve ever seen—at least on the boat and in the water. I think that bottles with lids holding forbidden treasures, and stuff in spray bottles, and things in boxes, and things that can be pushed into things are all distractions for his. Next time take 3 apples.

We wrapped up the day with a little chocolate cake and brownies then it was time to get home. Everyone needed a shower and Ashlyn had to read a book (yes, an entire book) before school today for a test. Nothing like waiting til the last minute. By 8:00 the house sounded wonderful.....it was quiet and everyone was IN BED! What a sweet, sweet sound. **** As I am writing this at 10:00am the next day, Cody is still asleep and I don't think he will be up anytime soon. **** I started to get a little worried about him so at 11:30 (in the afternoon!) I went to make sure he was OK and WOKE him up. He slept a total of 15 1/2 hours last night! WOW! He sat down and had breakfast as I was having lunch....too funny!

Despite all the whining and crying...it was a good day.

Cody's Lucky Day....

Cody helped himself (sigh) to a box, yes a box of Lucky Charm's. The problem is that he only likes the marshmallows. So, he went into my closet, shut the door and plopped himself down (hoping not to be found) and picked out ALL the marshmallows in the box and left only the cereal. Luckily, I did discover that he was gone and caught him before he finished off the entire box. He was not happy with me when I took it away.....o well!

The girls sure are not going to be happy when they go to pour themselves a bowl of Lucky Charms and find they have no marshmallows.

...and their off!

Aubrey's first day of 4th grade....
Ashlyn's first day of MIDDLE school.....

The first day of school is here again. I have to say I really enjoyed summer with the kids this year. I know that each 'first day of school' means they are another year older and are experiencing new aspects of life each year.

This summer they enjoyed having some time off, sleeping in, sleep over, staying in their pajamas all day, staying up late, being totally off schedule, playing on the computer for several hours at a time (it was summer after all), talking on the phone for HOURS, swimming anytime of the day, and just being lazy!

But, I am a person who thrives on routine and I have to say I look forward to getting back in the swing of things. Going to bed early (my favorite), getting up early (not my favorite) and doing all the crazy afternoon activities.

One more goodbye for Layla.....Several friends sent me this prayer and I thought it fit perfectly for what I was feeling.....I know they are out of my hands when they are at school but I know that I can pray for them often....what peace that gives me.

A Mom's Prayer On the First Day (and every day) of School

Here we are again, Lord. Their backpacks are loaded and their faces are scrubbed and their lunch accounts are full. And I know you'll walk with them, Lord. You always do.

But a mom still has to ask.

Will You walk with them?

Will You whisper to them what they need to hear, when I'm not there to whisper it?

Will You please, oh please, cover their school with the protection only You can give, and will You keep harm far away?

Will You make their minds strong and ready to learn?

Will You help them understand that hard work honors the One who created them?

Will You guide their teachers, giving them patience and wisdom and creativity and more patience?

Will You bless them for their efforts?

Will You love all those children there, the ones whose lunch accounts aren't full, the ones who feel alone?

Will You teach my children to be kind and unselfish and to love those who are different from them?

Will You point them back toward home just as soon as you can?

Lord, I give them to You today and everyday, trusting them to Your care. Amen.

All this before Noon

I really should not post this because it makes me look like I never watch Cody. In reality I keep a CLOSE eye on him but when I look or walk away he goes crazy. This morning he walked over to the basket where we keep the diapers/wipes and diaper rash cream and started to reach for the cream. I immediately knew what was thinking (one step ahead of you bud!) and told him to put it back. Such a good boy and did what I told him. I was watching him out of the corner of my eye and could see that he REALLY wanted to sneak it but once again I was one step ahead of him and told him to leave it alone. He did and I felt like I was once again in control. Whew.

Not kidding you 3 minutes later I noticed it was too quiet in the house. I walked into the office to find this......

I know I say it over and over again but why doesn't Chloe run when she sees him coming with some type of bottle in his hands.....I do not get it! She is either a really GOOD dog or a really DUMB dog. You make the call.

Not only was it on Chloe but it was on the walls, floor, computer keyboard, chair...you know all his usual places!

Then after a 'are you kidding me' thought and a little swat on the leg this happened......

Here is Ashlyn and Jessica giving Chloe a bath (diaper rash cream just doesn't rub off of hair very easily)...... A little later that morning I walked in the other room and came back to find him doing this.....Yes, that would be my toaster oven, thank goodness he didn't know how to turn it on.

Didn't get my camera out for the next mess but he was outside and relocated the sand from our sandbox right in front of the back door. Fabulous!!

This all happened before 12:00 so I promptly put him in bed so I could clean up the house. Love that sweet boy but man can he get into some trouble!

She's a Natural

A Camping kind of Girl!

Ashlyn left Monday morning for Church Camp. She counts down the days for this every year...this is her third year to go. She is a natural-born camper (didn't get those genes from me!) and loves every minute of it. She is ready to go back as soon as she gets home.
We already miss her and will look forward to smelling...I mean seeing her on Friday. Although showers and deodorant are strongly suggested...they are optional for the camper!

Another roll of the dice.....

These were the good 'ol days....

We moved to Frisco 14 years ago into Preston Vineyards, our first house holds such great memories and was the start of some fabulous friendships. Just about every afternoon with our wee-little ones would meet out in the cul-de-sac and let them play while we had some 'grown-up' talk. Most of us had one little one but soon it began to grow. Being in the crazy 'new mom' world we always look forward to getting together the first Tuesday of EVERY month and play Bunko. This is when we would actually 'play' the game but was just as much fun going to each others houses for some great food and maybe walk out with a prize.

We still try to get together for dinner but our meetings are few and far between and never seem to have everyone there. Allison is the only one that has moved away so while she was in town Julie organized a old fashion game of Bunko (we actually played) and much needed catching up. Our original group was all back together one more time.

I know she will love me for posting this awesome picture of her....sorry Allison had to do it!

These ladies hold such a special place in my heart. Thanks for a great night of food, drinks and many laughs!

Also, here is the recipe for the appetizer that I brought.....

Pepperoni Pizza Dip
1 8oz pkg cream cheese
1/2c sour cream
1t dried oregano, crushed
1/8t garlic powder
1/8t crushed red pepper
1/2c pizza sauce
1/2c chopped pepperoni
1/4c sliced green onion
1/4c chopped green pepper
1/2c shredded mozzarella cheese (2oz)

In a small bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper. Spread evenly in a 9 or 10 inch pie plate. Spread pizza sauce over the top. Sprinkle with pepperoni, green onion, and green pepper. Bake 350* for 10min. Top with cheese and bake 5 more minutes or until cheese is melted and mixture is heated through.

***I cheat just a little bit....I put everything into a small crock pot and let it melt and cook slowly.

Rough Creek Lodge

It's a Rough life

***Edited for Proof***

So here is your proof! We received this picture of the fish the girls caught. To make this even more impressive...this fish was caught on a tiny hook AND they caught even bigger fish the next day. You will have to take my word on that one...Dell didn't have the camera. Check out that sunset!

Dell was taking some vacation time last week but we had no real plans. He was wanting to get out of town for a few days but I was more then happy to stay in......Cody is not at a good traveling /eating out age. Dell was persistent :) and so, I got myself mentally prepared for a few days 'away' from home. We decided to go back to Rough Creek Lodge, where we went when I was 7 months pregnant with Cody. It was in March so the temperature was a tad bit different. Rough Creek is located in Glen Rose (so a very easy road trip) and is out in the middle of nowhere! They have 11,000 acres and only about 50 rooms so even when it is a max capacity it does not feel crowded at all! I think there were around 20 families there with us....beats all the crowds like at all the amusement parks and all. There is so much to do there from.....zip lines, amazing pool, pony rides, horseback riding, climbing wall, fishing, paddle boats, petting zoo, awesome 5star restaurant (my favorite), free ice cream (the kids favorite), beautiful rooms, fabulous property and did I say fishing! The girls were all over this one.... you bait the hook...throw it in....and pull up a fish. Most of them were little bass but they did manage to pull in several 5-7 pounders. Now, I know what you are thinking...no pictures? Well, the first time my battery died but a nice couple was kind enough to take a few for us (I will post if the family sends us the picture...fingers crossed!) and the other times I did not send the camera with Dell. Go figure....true fishing story at its best! I would not be able to add up the hours that they spent at the dock with Dell.
Cody was a awesome little traveler and vacationer....he far exceeded my expectations! He took at nap everyday and went to bed without a fuss. This turned out to be a wonderful little get-away...great times and great memories!

My puzzled little boy!

He doesn't talk much....

He says very few 2 word sentences.....

But, he is amazing when it comes to puzzles! He will put together puzzles for hours everyday....and I must add they are for 3-7 year olds! I know....I know I shouldn't brag!

With each and EVERY piece that he puts together he gives a proud 'YEA!' So cute!

Baby O

My sweet neighbor asked me to come over and help her with pictures of her new little one, Olivia. Photography has always been my passion and I absolutely love it, so I was thrilled to help her. Here are some sweet pictures....

Big Sister, Elena

No need to call CPS

Chlody (nickname for Cody and Chloe) are back at it again. I tell you these two are something else. I walked in the room to find him and Chloe in Layla's crate. Layla I think may be the smarter one in the bunch, she never seems to be on the losing side of Cody's creations.

This was done 100% (CPS does not need to be called) by Cody. Although I was tempted to lock it, I did not. For some reason CPS gets pretty uptight about children being locked up in dog crates. The positive side was they had fresh water and puppy chow, Cody had developed a nice taste for dog food. I figure if it is good enough for my dog, then it is good enough for Cody. At least he gets some protein! :)

These two are earning a fabulous reputation for getting into trouble together. Chloe is such a good sport for putting up with him!

Bear-B's Big Day!

Happy Birthday Barry!

It was Barry's (my step-dad's) birthday last week and he was kind enough to take us out on the boat for a great time. Did a little tubing, a little swimming and of course a little eating! It was all good! I say this every time but I am so amazed by Cody on the boat. He is my little wiggle worm who likes to be on the go....at all times. But, you put his life jacket on and sit him on the boat and he sits back and takes it all in. He never fusses, cries or whines. I'm hoping he rubs off on the girls some! :) Once we got to our destination and anchored out we all go in the water and just floated around. Cody had his floating baggie of goldfish ....could life get any better? They did turn out to be a bit soggy but it didn't seem to bother him much.They just purchased a golf cart to help in making all the trips to the boat dock easier. But, it is turning out to be the best toy all the grand kids have ever had! The kids have all these paths that they ride around on and will ride until the battery is gone. We now know that the battery will last for about 6 hours...how do we know this? Well, the other day they spent a total of 6 hours riding around...straight! My mom officially earned 'MeMom of the year'! What great memories they will have. Their driving gives me great insight to how they will drive on the 'real' road when they turn 16.....lets just say that Ashlyn will be 16 in 5 SHORT years!