Meeting McKinley

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I don’t know about you, but for the last 10 years, I have had a dreary picture of Portland, OR. My roommate from ACU lives there and the few times I have visited apparently were at the wrong time of the year. I thought it just rained there. Well, this visit proved me wrong…really wrong. It was absolutely beautiful. I took my first, and probably last, solo trip to visit Melissa, Jeff and baby McKinley. I was hesitant leaving my girls, especially a nursing Audrey, and not looking forward to the full day of traveling that it takes to get there. But I had a great time with my friends. Without Audrey, I was actually able to help with McKinley, chill out for 3 good days, and enjoy some fabulous dinners from Jeff. Little McKinley is almost 2 months old and is doing good. We went to get her first shots and I am glad I was there for support because I think it was tougher on mommy than baby. We shared some quality time almost everyday at 6:30am since I was up and so was she. I am glad that Ethan pushed me to go even though it meant he took the week off from work and was home with all the girls. I can tell that just a few days with Daddy makes their hearts grow fonder…of him that is. And I had an unforgettable time with my friend.



Three cheers for Oma

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Oma visited us this last week and we were so lucky to have her. She entertains, she cooks, she paints, she reads, she teaches us things we never thought we needed to know. She tried to clean-up but Ethan kept shoving her outside to play with the girls. They really enjoyed having her around and I know she loved it too. Oma and Alyssa camped out (in a real tent) in the living room one night with popcorn, books and smores…then I don’t think Oma was too disappointed when Alyssa wanted her own bed. Thanks for a good week Oma. Thanks for giving the girls extra attention and giving Mommy some quiet time.

Megan’s 1st Day

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This kid cracks me up. Getting her to smile is impossible. She is so full of personality that standing still and doing just want mommy wants is just not in her. We got off to a good start today and though she was a little hesitant to enter the room, she did great. A lot like Alyssa did now that I think about it. She was in her chair coloring in seconds and said bye without thinking twice — not so much like her sister’s first experience.



Her teacher said she had a good day when I picked her up. She had a relieved look on her face when she saw me, but she was telling me in the car that she wanted to go back. She ate her lunch, colored three pictures, did not take a nap and tried to take her shoes off. She told me that she got out of her bed and a teacher put her back and she got in trouble. She told me about three times, so I am not sure if it happened three times or she was just repeating. It is difficult to really understand it all from the mouth of a 2 yr old…almost 3 though! Yeah for Day 1.

1st Grader

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And she’s off. I successfully took her to the 1st grade hall and we found her room. SO much different than Kindergarten where she had already met her teacher and had a few half days of practice. She was a bit hestitant before entering the room, but did just fine. We sorted her supplies, found her desk and she was good. Bitter sweet memories ran through my mind as I walked out the door. Checked on some of her friends in other classes. Took a deep breath and kept going. I guess no matter their age. No matter how crazy they drive you. They are still your babies. Still your responsibility. And I will always feel a little strange leaving her behind.

The Fair

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We enjoyed the Williamson County Fair again this year. I am sure we went to the Ft Bend one as kids, but I don’t remember, so this is as fun for me as the kids. Plus both girls are so different than last year, so it was like a new experience. They rode most of the kid rides together and had so much fun we didn’t want to leave. Megan liked the Dumbo ride and the mini-rollercoaster. She also wanted on the ferris wheel and the pirate ship that swings back and forth. Alyssa on the other hand, said she certainly didn’t want to ride those. On the little roller coaster, Megan was screaming with excitment and Alyssa was laughing — just like her daddy does when he rides roller coasters. We missed having little sister with us, but enjoyed our evening out with the big girls.



9 months old

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She continues to be such a good girl. She has found her giggle though it is still on a low setting. She has learned to “roar” thanks to her sisters and Madagascar. She also likes to scream back when she hears Megan scream (which is all the time). She sleeps great, 2 naps a day. She enjoys some real food like strawberries, bananas, and watermelon. Maybe that is why my kids don’t like their veggies, b/c from early on I just feed them fruit. She crawls on all fours. She pulls up on anything and has had her share of things fall back on her. She has three teeth and is just as cute as ever.




Across Texas again.

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We headed to Abilene last week. Ethan had a conference in Dallas, so we spent one night in Dallas with the Reeses, then the girls and I went on to Abilene to see my brother and family. Ethan decided the night before we left that I needed a GPS. I hesitated spending the money, but I am not sure where I would have been without it. I lack directional skills anyway, and then trying to navigate out and then back into Dallas would have been impossible. I just obeyed my little tech-buddy and she got me exactly where I needed to go.

We spent a few days with cousins and just enjoyed family time. Crazy, dis-obedient children are always easier when your with your family. Jen did a great job feeding us and Steve even gave up his bed for his sister. The girls played like they always do, then get mad at each other, then decide they can get over it to play again. They stayed up till at least 10pm each night talking in bed. The boys tend to play on their own, but Jackson just loved Audrey. He would build her towers and let her come knock them over. Thanks for a good visit Abilene-Ellers.


We got to visit with some good friends back in Dallas, then to break up the drive home, we stayed the night in Texarkana. And guess who we “bumped” into? My parents and Fregias were headed up to Hot Springs and the trips worked perfect for us to meet for one night.

Summer Rollin’

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The weather has been so nice around here lately. I really think that this is normal, and of course, it still makes Ethan say “I love Tennessee.” We have enjoyed many evening in the yard playing with each other and whatever friends happen to walk by. I think the phrase I repeat constantly is, “I love this neighborhood.” We could have had a better house, a bigger yard, but I wouldn’t trade it in for the great neighbors we have.

Later evenings with the kids, means later bed times for everyone, which means Daddy is around for breakfast sometimes. And when he is, he does this type of fun stuff for the girls:

and even for me:

This afternoon we painted a bit while waiting for Daddy to get home.

There are several new posts, be sure to scroll down.

Like a weed, I tell you.

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Not ugly and annoying, but more like – she just sat up yesterday, how is she standing already? Audrey is almost 9 months old and is all over the place. The girls are screaming at me, “She is going to get it, come get Audrey, mom!” She goes immediately to her knees when you lay her down. Pulls up on any and everything which explains why she constantly has some bump or cut on her forehead. She is eating well and loves the attention from her sisters.


My Meggers

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My Megan is a crack-up. She has more personality than everyone in our house combined. She wakes up in a bad mood and goes to bed screaming, “I’m not tired,” but manages to keep me smiling everyday. She is a handful but still full of heart. She finds any and everything to play with, makes up games, pretends to be anything from a puppy (complete with licking) to a baby in Audrey’s bed. She will correct you when she has decided to be someone else for the day like Ginger (family dog), Even (Eve from Wall-e) or our favorite Coca. “I’m not Megan Mom, I’m Coca!”  I completely love this girl, maybe because she seems so different from me. Or is she? This video is so Megan. There is a some jibber-jabber that we have no idea what she is saying, but the arguing and the “Doctors Kit, Doctors Kit” make me laugh.