More Montana Pictures

What a gorgeous view!

Who needs a bowl?

Can you find me?

Coleman made it across the bars by himself!

Spence loves to hang and swing!

Cheeeeese!

Thank you for such a fun time Grandpa and Grandma! We love you!

See you soon!

Soooooo Many Pictures

I have so many awesome pictures that I want to share from our trip to Montana. I think I'll post some today and some tomorrow. Hope you enjoy!

No trip to Montana is complete without going to the Great Northern Carousel!

Next door to the carousel is a children's museum. This was their first time here.

Downstairs the exhibits all had to do with air. Notice the "floating" ball!

Coleman enjoyed the hang gliding simulator a lot!

Upstairs the exhibits all had to do with math. The boys were a little young to understand all the concepts, but they had a good time playing!

Grandma and Spence created their own quilt.

The sun peeked out for a while, so Grandpa got out the bouncy house! After a while, it was too chilly outside, so it got moved into the basement.

Who makes the best milkshakes ever? Grandma and her adorable assistant Coleman!

Stir it up!

We found some snow! Just enough to take a little sled ride.

Unfortunately, Spence's jacket didn't have a hood. Grandma tied her sweater around his head so his ears would stay warm!

Sledding in May! Last week we were at the beach!

Go Grandpa!

We're Home!!!

We're home and I have a ton of pictures! I also have a ton of laundry and am completely exhausted. Flying with the two boys was an adventure. I overhead the guys behind me on our flight to Salt Lake saying, "Poor gal. She's got the kids, the Spider Man, the motorcycles, the sippy cups, the monkey. She's going to punch her husband in the stomach when they get home." Ha! That was the good flight! But it was worth every moment to get to spend some time with Grandpa and Grandma. We love you guys and miss you already!

The Dish Towel That Made Me Sick

Sometimes I like to share everyday stories about little incidents that occur. This one has nothing to do with the boys, just me and some rude shop owners.

In case any of my readers are shop owners, here's a tip: your customers don't like being ignored, then called liars. I experienced this firsthand today, so I speak from experience! Rita took the boys into a toy store while I walked around a kitchen store. There were at least 4 employees working in the store, none of which said one word to me until I walked up to the counter to make my purchase. When I walked in the door, one of the employees was helping another customer, but she didn't even look up and greet me. That didn't bother me so much, but as I continued to walk around, I looked directly at a lady behind the counter (just chatting with other employees), gave her a big smile, and she just continued her conversation. I'll admit I thought this was quite rude. I kept browsing, and a male employee walked right past me, completely ignoring me. I should add that I was showered, wearing decent clothing, and had applied makeup. I looked around the store at several different items for at least 10 minutes without so much as an "are you finding everything OK? "or "how are you today?" For some reason, I decided to buy something from this store. It was a cute dish towel that was $4.00. I proceeded to the counter to pay, and as I approached, the lady asked, "Did you find everything today?" Yeah, no thanks to you guys, I wanted to reply. But of course I gave a polite, "Yes." I decided since it was only $4.00, and there's no sales tax here, I would just pay with cash. I had a $20 that I hadn't broken since I'd gotten here, so I handed it to her. She gave me back $6. I looked at it, then her, and said, "I gave you a $20." She replied, "No, you gave me a $10." Oh dear. "No, I'm pretty sure it was a $20," I said, now doubting myself a little. She started looking through the cash register, counting the money, and said, "No, you gave me a $10, but I'll go ahead and give you the $10 and just write down that I gave a customer extra change." She reluctantly handed me the bill. Oh great! Now she really had me doubting myself. I knew the only bills I had in my wallet were a $20 and a $1, but she had me half convinced that I had actually given her a $10. I said, "No, if you think I gave you a $10 I won't take this." She said she'd hate to be wrong, and I said me too. In the end I kept the $10, but I knew she thought I was lying. I walked over to the toy store, my stomach in knots. I told Rita the story and how I would never be able to enjoy the dish towel! After about 5 minutes, I said, "I'm going to go give her back the $10 and tell her that I just can't have her thinking I'm a liar." Rita told me to give her my name and address and tell her that if they came up $10 over when they closed the register today to mail it to me. I walked in with the $10 in my hand and she looked at me and said, "You were right." She had counted the money again, and realized that I had, in fact, given her a $20. What a relief! I told her I was coming back to give her the $10 because I couldn't stand for her to think I was a liar. Thank goodness I went back over there. I probably would have ended up burning that dish towel otherwise!

Fun In Montana

We are having an amazing time here in Montana with Grandpa and Grandma. Coleman sleeps in a closet and plays in a basement, but it doesn't bother him! Maybe I should explain. Grandpa's closet is more like a nook off to the side of their bedroom. It's the size of a small bedroom, so they put a mattress on the floor for Coleman. Their basement is just like another room, complete with a fireplace, big screen TV, and leather sofas. Oh, and all of Daddy and Uncle Brent's old toys. What a treat! So the closet and the basement are good. No need to send help.

Last night Grandma was rubbing Coleman's back after story time. Then she asked him if he liked his back rubbed or scratched. He said scratched. She told him that when Daddy was a baby he liked his back scratched too. Coleman asked, "Where is he?" Grandma wasn't sure what he meant. "Where is who?" she asked. "The Daddy baby?" Coleman asked. She tried to explain that Grandpa, Grandma, Nana, Poppa, Mommy, and Daddy were all babies at one time, then they were little boys and girls, then they grew up. He still wanted to know where all the babies were now. It's so funny how his little mind works!

Today we went sledding! We had to drive up into the mountains to find snow, but we found it! Coleman loved it, Spence did not. Maybe the fact that he had a pink polka dot sweater tied around his head to cover his ears made him a little self-conscience. No matter the time of year, I suppose I should always pack sweaters and caps for the boys. I have pictures I'll post later. And I'm sure there are more stories to share later too. But for now I'm going to go join my family. I hope you all have had a good Memorial Day. I am thankful for all the men and women who have given their lives for our freedom. And I pray for their families and thank them for their sacrifice also.

Wake Up Call Needed

Anyone want to call me tomorrow morning at 4:00 to make sure I'm up? We'll be leaving here about 4:45 to go to the airport. Obviously I'm in denial so I'm blogging instead of making sure all the last minute items are packed. We're really excited, apart from the whole getting up before the crack of dawn. At bedtime Coleman always asks, "Where are we going after breakfast?" I didn't really expect him to ask tonight since he knows we're going to Grandpa and Grandma's tomorrow, but he asked anyway. I answered, "Hmmm. I don't know. How about... Montana!" The biggest smile spread across his face and he said, "Yeah!" Don't you love that Grandpa and Grandma? If Spence were clued in he'd be excited too. I have to add that Coleman was concerned that if Daddy dropped us off and took the truck, we wouldn't be able to get home. I explained that Daddy would come back and get us when we arrived at the airport next week.

Today was Game Day at school. We set up an obstacle course and several stations with activities like hula hoops, basketballs, and soccer balls. One of the teachers did face painting and then the kids had popsicles. Here are a few pictures.

Enjoying the obstacle course

Finishing the obstacle course

Coleman, Christopher, and Will

Elijah and Coleman

This picture was too cute not to share! Her name is Eve and she is in Coleman's class.

Waiting for his turn to be painted

Getting a snake painted on his arm

Coleman and Will playing with sidewalk chalk

What's Going On Around Here?

There are some strange happenings here today...

Coleman pulled this chair up behind Spence's highchair and strapped them together. Then he put his plate and cup on the tray under the highchair and ate his lunch.

Spence rubbed his plate of kiwi and oranges all in his hair. I tried to clean it out, and this is what I got. I think he needs a haircut.

After naptime, we went and got Spence a haircut. No more punk rock 'do.

I know, I know. Kids are not supposed to play in these. This is where Coleman likes to hide sometimes though. You can see he brought a screwdriver in with him in case he gets stuck.

After he hides for a while, he likes to pop out and try to scare everyone.

Some days you get really cute pictures of your kids. Other days they're just plain weird. Hope your day was weird and fun too!

From the Beach to the Snow???

This past Friday, Poppa and Nana took the boys and me to the beach! Next Friday, we will be at Grandpa and Grandma's in Montana. I don't know what the weather will be like, but there could be enough snow in the mountains to go sledding. Wouldn't that be crazy? One week we're at the beach, the next we're in the snow! And Brian has to miss them both. I guess he has to work to finance all my trips! Here are a few pictures from the beach in Matagorda.

Fishing for crabs
Coleman caught a really big one, but it let go of the bait before we could get it into the bucket.

Spence didn't like the loud waves and the water rushing around his feet.

The boys liked the Colorado River better than the bay.

Spence was especially interested in the hermit crabs.

First fishing lessons from Poppa

Though the Earth Give Way...

I like to write about fun stuff and funny things the boys do. I definitely don't want anyone leaving my blog feeling depressed or worse than they felt when they got here. But I think sometimes when God shows you something, you should share it with others. I hope you have a blessed day!

Maybe you feel like I do, which is sad and pretty disgusted with myself. I'm sad because of all the suffering and loss in Myanmar and China. I'm disgusted with myself because I want to turn off the T.V. when I hear reports on it. All this is happening on the other side of the world to people that I don't know and can't really relate to. I guess that's why I don't want to think about it. Is there anything I can do? Last night, after the news report that I forced myself to sit and watch went off, I got up and started getting ready for bed. About 5 minutes after I heard a Chinese father crying that his son was dead, I looked in on Spence, sleeping so peacefully. Tragedies like this are beyond my understanding. The only thing I knew to do was pray and seek understanding in God's word. I wasn't sure what to turn to, so I decided the Psalms was a good place. Our Sunday School class is memorizing Psalm 46, so I turned there. It blew me away how relevant that scripture was to the tragedies on the other side of the world, and how it gave me hope in the midst of my sorrow.

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see the works of the LORD,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields with fire.
"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

May God be glorified through these tragedies, however He sees fit. May we always lean on Him for everything.

I Knew It!

I could never gather sufficient evidence to prove it though!

My Mother's Day celebration began on Saturday morning. Brian and Coleman brought me pancakes from IHOP. They were wonderful! We even got a laugh out of it. Check out how they spelled Brian:

Brian said, "Finally, someone spelled it right! That's what I've been saying all these years!" In case you can't read the writing, that's B-r-i-y-a-n-t-h. Seriously?

Then I was wisked away to pick out new dishes. I've been wanting some simple, white dishes. Here they are:

My Dad will be so happy that he won't have to eat Rice Crispies out of a square bowl anymore!

Then for lunch we went to my favorite pizza place, Double Dave's. Dave has the best veggie pizza. I rarely get to get that because I'm the only one that would eat it, and it's not usually on the buffet.

Sunday before we went to church we took a few pictures. I think this one was the best:


I couldn't have more wonderful children. I love them so much and am thankful for them every day! Thank you for being such sweet boys! And thank you Brian for being a wonderful husband and daddy. You make being a good mom easier. Thank you also Mom and Rita for being the moms you both are! I love you both so much!

Things You Forget About the Houston Heat

The Houston Heat... Sounds like a sports team. Wait, that's the Miami Heat. You know I just googled that , right? I'm some sports fan. For the past few days the temperatures have been reaching the 90s. There are just some things you forget about the hot weather and how it affects your life until it hits:

1. The importance of NOT walking on the concrete barefoot. You could get 3rd degree burns on the bottoms of your feet.
2. The car conundrum: Do you put the boys in their seats and then turn on the a/c, therefore risking heat stroke? Or do you turn on the a/c, then put the boys in their seats, possibly risking them running off while you're starting up the car, or every mother's nightmare, some madman jumping in the car and driving away before you yourself can get into the driver's seat?
3. How disgusting it feels to have your shirt sticking to your back.
4. The way your heart races before you open the electric bill every month.
   
5. The most dreaded words you could possibly hear: "Let's go to the park!" And if you in fact do go to the park, don't forget the little boys will get that "outdoors" smell. Ewwwww.
   

Here's to surviving the heat! And the mosquitos, but that's a whole other topic!

Wanted!

Chicken

He may seem like an innocent, furry children's stuffed animal, but looks can be deceiving. Under that puke-tainted fur lurks an evil mastermind of a duo that has been waking up an unsuspecting toddler each morning this week at 6:50 a.m.

Puso the Computer Player
(a.k.a. Puso)

Puso is Chicken's partner in crime. I suspect Chicken is the brains of the operation, and Puso is the brawn. With his earth-trembling roars he commands his victims to do what he wants. And in this case that is getting out of bed before 7:00 and going downstairs to wake up Mommy and Daddy.

Yes, Coleman has been getting up every morning at about 6:50. This morning I asked him what was waking him up so early. He said, "Chicken and Puso are waking me up! They say, 'It's time to get up!' but I tell them I'm still sleepy but they make me get up." If this keeps up, Chicken and Puso may find themselves banished to the guest bedroom.

Here are some pictures of the silly boys:

Sitting in the wagon with all the stuffed animals reading his Lego magazine.

The old broken coffee table is providing hours of entertainment.

I usually watch The View while working out at the gym, and this morning they had the spokeswoman for Olay's Skin Cancer Takes Friends campaign. During the month of May, you can find a participating dermatologist in your area and get a FREE skin cancer screening. I'm going to try to make an appointment and I hope you will too! Click here for more information.

Here's a bit of trivia from this Seinfeld buff. Marcia Cross is the spokeswoman for Olay's campaign on skin cancer awareness. In season 9 of Seinfeld, she played a dermatologist that Jerry dated. He didn't think a dermatologist was a real doctor, and he called her Pimple Popper, M.D., only to later hear a man tell her that she saved his life when he had skin cancer. Is it odd that I remembered an episode of a sitcom from 10 years ago when I saw her promoting skin cancer awareness?

Happy Half Birthday to Spence!

Spence is 18 months old today. I cannot believe it! It's hard to remember life before him, but it seems like just yesterday he was a tiny baby. His favorite word is "ush." It means just about anything he wants it to mean. He can also say dada, mama, nana, ball, duck, dog, clock, dirt, and uh oh. But he'd just assume say "ush" and let you figure out what he wants. He loves books and playing outside. His new hobbies include hitting his brother and wearing just one shoe. Here are a few pictures of the 1/2 birthday boy!