Are you SHOCKED?

I am...shocked to be typing here. 

Yesterday Ayden asked me what it was like when hurricane Ike came here.  Guess what I did?  I read him this and this and this.  It was really special and fun to be able to read him stories about what he said, what we did, etc...  He even asked where we all slept, and guess what this blog post talked about where we slept! 

So I find myself back, telling the story of our life and what is like.  With three boys, a big boy and me~ a lady~ kind of (I am surrounded by boys!)  I am going to tell these stories so our sweet boys can come back and read all about life!

I am not sure if I can fill in the blanks of the last two years.  We have grown, we have done new things, we have laughed, cried and made new friends!  Maybe I will go back and tell you stories about the past to explain the future, I guess we will see!

For today I will start with who we are and what we do now, end of June 2012...

Daddy~ quickly turning into just Dad, works, ran a 5k with no training, plays, plays, plays, coaches, is present, tickles, does bed and books, learns more about God and bible, still a crazy wakeboarder, loves the water (lakes of course), has time with good friends...
Mommy~ like Dad is becoming just Mom, organizes, works, tickles, drives people where they go, hangs with great girlfriends, loves God, cooks, cleans, encourages, cheers on little athletes, reads...
Ayden~ 2nd grade coming in the FALL (eeeeeeek), smart cookie, energy, fast, no more cartoons, sports NUT, friend, sensitive, sleeper, 2nd base!, ball player, chapter books, swimmer, bible time, crazy with brothers, traveler, camps, camps, camps!
Mason~ Kinder-kid this fall, clown, fast, kind, athlete, loyal, compasionate, leader of little R, helper, computers, learner, starting to READ, loves numbers, FAST swimmer, ball player, deal maker, learning about camps, friends, loves to PRAY, I can't believe I forgot...he is LOUD! 
Reid~ tasmanian devil.  Really.  Picture it.  Can't wait to be big, always catching up, loves watching baseball, TV nut, counter, talker, potty-man, survivor, energy, cuddler, knocker, RUNNER, daddy's boy, fruit, mimi & paci man, moving up to pre-school (eeeeeek)!

We just wrapped swim season this morning.  The boys swam fast.  They were the underdogs of each age group this summer and they held their own.  We can't wait for next year and are so grateful for the friends we have made!  The coaches at the Otters were AMAZING and we hope to stay in touch.  For records...here are some seed times so we can look back next year! **all times are in yards

A (7)...25free (19.65), 25back (26.54), 25fly (29.97), 25breast (34.49)
M (5)...25free (25.76), 25back (36.69)
R...well no swim team yet but he is working on 8-10 feet of swimming to mom and dad!  Otters or bust 2013!

Here are a few (iPhone) photos of what me and my people look like these days! 

So until the next fun story....

Happy Fathers Day

Six and a half years ago my husband became a father to our oldest little guy.  I knew from the moment I met him 11 years ago that he would be a great Daddy and he has yet to prove me wrong.

Let's start with the wikipedia definition: A father is defined as a male parent of any type of offspring. I think he has that part down.  He has definitely parented his off-spring.  It does take it a bit further in the relationship section of the page: Most fathers are naturally protective, supportive, and responsible and are able to provide a number of significant benefits to themselves, their communities, and their children. Involved fathers offer developmentally specific provisions to their sons and daughters throughout the life cycle and are impacted themselves by their doing so.  Active father figures have a key role to play in reducing behavior problems in boys.  Glenn is all of these things and more.  He is involved, he is active, he is protection, supportive and loving to our boys.  He tries every day to be exactly what the boys need him to be: playmate, cuddler, friend, disciplinarian, coach, teacher, and DAD.

With Ayden he is challenged...a spitting image of himself with several of the same mannerisms and characteristics (can't wait to see how that plays out in ten years, I am sure with determination on Glenn's part).  With Mason he is tested...a reminder of me in a lot of ways.  Glenn smiles at the similarities and the attention Mason desires with every step!  With Reid he is silly and he catches a break.  Reid loves to laugh and giggle and besides going a mile a minute hasn't quite hit the years where is character requires too much thought and planning!

I am grateful at the gift I was given when God introduced us.  It is not easy to be all those things above and it is a full time, wait more than full time job, and Glenn works every day to better than the day before!

Enjoy a few snapshots of photos over the last 6 years...

Thank you babe for being a wonderful Dad!

Title~less...

It feels strange.  Being here, typing, editing photos, and putting our life into words.  The past 6 months have come...and gone, leaving memories embedded in our minds and hearts, but not on this blog.  I have been gone.  Have you noticed?  Some have, my faithful few, wondered aloud, "Why aren't you blogging?"  Life is why I haven't been blogging.  Do we all really believe that life is always beautiful?  Always something that makes you proud?  Always something that you want to remember, with each heartbreaking detail?

My family is good.  In fact we are stronger, more faithful, more proud of who we are then 6 months ago.  But it hasn't been easy.  I have said to friends that have asked that this blog has been a place where I marked memories, stored photos with their stories, and mostly smiled at the victories.  Life for the last 6 months has not been full of memories I want marked, not quite so many photos, and just recently we started smiling at the victories.  The victories have been great.  I am proud of my family.  For now I am here, typing and recording new memories.  Maybe over the next few months I will share our struggles, because these struggles mark a journey of faith and strength.  It is a journey where God and our commitments are being glorified.  It has been some of my hardest days, marked by God's voice echoing in my reactions and thoughts, carrying me through.  I have said it already, but I am proud.

Just a quick logistical recap:
Our biggest boy is 6.75 years old...if you ask him.  He currently has an attitude that is best described as "too kool for skool"!  He had a sweet, promising, exciting end to Kindergarten.  We will miss his teachers, but he is moving over to the "big" school and headed on to 1st grade.  He shined this Spring in K-ball, becoming more comfortable with catching and running FAST!  He is still swimming, making an All-star time in the 1st meat of the season.  I am so proud.

Our middle son (you know the one that talks really loud to be heard) is almost 5.  Where has the time gone?  It was surreal when my oldest past the half-decade, but my second child...wow!  He is following in his brother's footsteps, loving T-ball and Swimming.  He has an unbelievable sense of the game of baseball and a dedication that could take him somewhere!  He is a serious player, paying attention and having fun all at once.  He is swimming for the Seals this summer, as a cute little 4 year old, and holding his own.  He finishes all his raises somewhere in the middle of the pack, and doesn't like it when he falls into his brother's heat.  He knows he can't beat that crazy 6 year old time!  Mason is on his way to Pre-K next year and we can't wait to see what the big year of learning have in store.  I came back after adding the photos to add that this little man reminded Ayden and I about the "summer mowahks"...you have been warned.

And our littlest one turns two in August.  He is a crazy mess.  His feet move faster than his brain.  He just can't keep up!  He is simply adorable, dolling out kisses for anyone who says "I love you" and is talking up a crazy storm.  He is no longer the baby, the most noted milestone for this mama was the last time he nursed...about a month ago (tear).  As you will see in the pictures below~ our little man loves his paci and it makes an appearance in many photos.  He loves Wow Wow Wubbzy, repeating lines and asking for his show whenever he passes a TV.  He loved his Spring Mother's Day out class, and started swimming lessons.  Since the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, he is a little fish.

My husband is a ripe old age, kidding, kidding, but his dad sent me some photos from 12 years ago today, and well, he is 12 years older.  He is an amazing Daddy, spending quality time with his boys, the parent most asked for.  He is working hard, making his family proud.  He still loves wakeboarding with a passion and has made a home out of the new Houston cable park on most weekends.  He has also started teaching Ayden how to ride!

And me, well I am working hard at being a good wife, a great mom, and a boss people like to work for.  I have an amazing family, inspiring friends, and wonderful support around me.  I am trying each day to wake up and be a woman that God is proud of, someday reaching Heaven and standing before God hearing "well done good and faithful servant".  I am working to find a home in a volunteer position with a local charity, that both me and my family can serve in regularly.

Our latest adventure found us in San Antonio at the JW Marriot resort in the Hill Country.  It was a beautiful trip with Glenn's parents and brother and his wife.  We spent our time at the pool, me at the spa, and Glenn playing a round of golf.  The boys had a blast and Mom and Dad just went with the flow...of the lazy river...those boys can swim!

Enjoy our latest photos...

 Sometimes they are the best of friends...

Doesn't Mason have the best job...little AND big brother all in one special boy!

A view of the beautiful pool and our private shelf!

 Our beautiful Tuesday spot

 And then there is the bond between these two...so sweet.

A view of our land Tuesday spot

And when you need a break from the pool...you watch Wubbzy of course!

 A glance at the inside of our cabana

 Isn't the water beautiful???  It felt great in the 98 degree heat!

Our family of five...

Hubby had a good golf game on this beautiful course

Dinner of their dreams...pizza and noodles.  

Can I squeeze it all in before the New Year?

My blogging is getting sketchy...I am wondering if I even have any regular readers.  December came this year with time spent with loved friends and family.  We were very very busy this December, but it was a great busy.  One where I wouldn't have wanted to do anything else besides what we were doing at those very moments.  

I think I am going to try to catch up on the first half of December (ie the photos that are currently downloaded) and then make a resolution to complete my catch up by next weekend, and post at least weekly after that.  I can assure you this resolution has nothing to do with my 2ish readers, but more to do with the chronicles of life that I am giving my wonderful little people.  So by the end of 2010 I will have blogged about all but two weeks.  I would say that is pretty good.

The first weekend of December found us hosting a party for grown ups, with cocktail dress, and adult conversations...also known as HEAVEN on earth!  Here are a few snapshots of a night that was full of laughter and love.  Couldn't have better friends....

 I forgot I included photos of the house in my upload...decorated for the party with tree centerpieces and letter ornaments for each guest!

 The dining room...and wine set up...very important!

 Entryway...and a blurry picture.

 Yes, we still have a baby, and therefore our tree is in our study!

 Waiting for guests.

 Jon got a funny gift!  I am not kidding, rolling on the floor laughter!

 Precious friends...

More appropriate photo that represents our hearts!!!!


Then came the school parties, and programs.  I always sit in the audience and think about the programs from years before.  Last year, Mason was sick, so Daddy had to miss the program, and I was slightly preoccupied with a little baby.  This year, I sat.  A friend watched Reid, and Glenn and I enjoyed the show.  The boys did a great job, singing loudly and smiling ear to ear.  The school Christmas parties were full of the birth of Christ, with friends and teachers that are so valuable in our life.  **Ayden's school program and Mason's party photos to be posted next week!

 Ayden, friends, Mason and Mrs. Brandenburg (K teacher)

 Happy Birthday Jesus!

 Friends!

 My oldest...

 Gingerbread cooking at school!

 Is it wrong I am wishing for this to really represent his nature!

 School friends at his program!

Presents!


ADVENT time.  You know, if you read my blog last year, that a great friend shared her advent calendar with me and we ran with it, and LOVE it.  Each day, as we celebrate a day closer to Jesus's birthday, we pull a family activity from our advent calendar.  This year we had a blast each day, and Ayden even helped us read the paper slips!  They looked forward to the calendar every morning and each afternoon asking me to remind them what the advent was!  Advents came in all shapes and sizes...frozen yogurt, Chik Fil A for dinner, Christmas stories, forts with Christmas lights, trees and trims, hay rides, movies and games! Several pictures and posts to come of our other wonderful advent activities.  One of the days Glenn, my mom and brother met friends at the ice skating rink.  I was under the weather and missed my biggest boy becoming a pro skater...skating around the rink wall and walker free!  I swear he ages several years with each passing digit!

 Champ!

 I can't get enough!

 I just love this photo!!! Here they come!

 Uncle John and Ayden cutting it up!

 Friends!

Mason hanging in there!


Even though it would seem there was no spare time in December, we had time to hang around and ride in wagons!

 Strong man, wouldn't let anyone help him!

Silly boy!


Family photos time!  As usual our awesome photographer captured the year through her lens beautifully!  The pictures speak for themselves!  **Eye Candy By Candace**

This year has brought many blessings, giggles, memories, bumps and bruises, and love and laughter...oh and just a few tears!  We wish all of our friends and family a great 2011!

As for me and mine, we will be celebrating birthdays, swimming (on swim team), playing tball, going to Oma Camp, vacationing with Mimi and Pappy, talking (the baby that is and definitely saying Ayden), going to 1st grade and Pre-K, playing on the "big kid" playground at Trinity, getting a new baby (don't panic~ this is niece or nephew), spending the summer with Ms. Cheylbi, wakeboarding (Daddy and Ayden say Ayden will be on his own this summer) and many more exciting things to come!!!!  **This list was compiled by the Dominy's on New Years Eve 2010!