Dinner at Gringo's

After soccer practice Monday night, Shawn's parents treated us to dinner at Gringo's. It was delish! I recommend the Cabo salad to all. It is so filling and good. Lettuce, avocados, bacon, cheese, and black olives (tomatoes and eggs come on it too, but not for me). Shawn has been getting it for years, and I just started ordering it...been missing out! Haha!

The kids loved spending time with their grandparents! Silly Jase is acting like the Statue of Liberty with his ice cream! He never fails to make me smile!

Soccer Time

Well, we were going to take a break from sports this fall since Jase has been going strong since the Spring, but nah...soccer here we come!!

We signed up late so his team has already been practicing, but no sweat. Jase seemed to fit right in and even scored a goal while scrimmaging!! We signed him up through Quest instead of the YMCA this time. Nothing against the Y, but this was so much more organized and I am already loving it. I hope he continues to learn skills and enjoy it!

By the way, Jase is in the orange shorts in the pictures! :)

Allyson's First Day at MDO

Today my little girl went to Mother's Day Out for the first time!!  *Sniff Sniff*  She was ssoooo excited this morning when we were about to leave the house.  :)   I walked her into her class and she didn't even turn back and look at me.  :(  I handed her teacher her bag, snagged a picture and headed out the door.  I am proud to say that no tears from her or me this morning!!  Although I was a little sad that she didn't need her mommy, I was relieved that she was excited to go.

When I picked her up she was sitting in a chair with her baby, aka sleeping buddy, and looked like she had just woken up.  So happy that she was relaxed enough to take a nap.  I asked her when we got home what she did and she said "played house"!  Too cute!

As for me, I did a little running around!! I picked up Alisha and we went to Hobby Lobby, Lowe's, Walmart and the bread store.  I have had a productive day thus far.  I love checking things off the "to do list".

Yesterday was Shawn and I's 7th year anniversary...hard to believe it has been that long.  We met when I was 15, so he has been in my life for half of my life...crazy!!  I was at a softball playoff game my sophomore year and from the dugout I hear this guy yelling "go Heather" like a crazy man!! I asked some of my teammates who he was and they said "Shawn French" and then I replied "I've got to meet him" and the rest is history! What a wonderful man he is.  So kind and gentle and I couldn't have hand-picked a better father for our children! He loves the Lord and it doesn't hurt that I am attracted to him too! ;)  So thankful that the Lord has blessed me with Shawn; I couldn't imagine this journey without him.

Pirates Bay Water Park

Nanny has been wanting to take the kids to Pirates Bay Water Park in Baytown, so we finally found a day that worked for both of us: today!!  Aunt Alisha joined us as well and the kids loved that!

Arrived at the park and we are about to apply sunscreen!

Jase and Ally had a blast the entire time.  Jase was even able to go on some of the big boy slides, which he loved.  There was one thing that Jase wanted to do when he looked at their website and that was surf!! Jase got on the boogie board, but was too light so the water shot him up to the top real quick.  The life guard then volunteered to ride with Jase on the board and Jase thought he was in HOG HEAVEN!! He thought he was so big! I'm so glad he got to do that!!

What a great day there.  The lazy river was fun too and all 5 of us enjoyed that.  If you ever go, be sure to get there when the gates open at 11.  It was nice to get there right when it opened up and get a good location.

Jase's first day of 4 yr old Pre-K

Say it ain't so!!  I can't believe that Jase is one year away from Kindergarten...currazzyy!  We have been extremely blessed by Jase.  He is so full of life, a funny kid who can make you laugh and loves the Lord.  So thankful for healthy children as well.

Friday morning I got up around 7:15 and got in the shower and got around before I woke Jase up.  About that time it is all coming back to me how much Jase is NOT a morning person.  All the more reason to move up his bedtime.  Once he finally got up and got going, he was excited about going to school.  He was so pumped to show his teacher the monkey we decorated.

I got Allyson up and got her ready in no time.  To me kids are so easy at that stage, not yet independent, but big enough to know what's going on and cooperates with me.  I wasn't exactly sure if she would understand that she would not be staying at school.  Since it was the first day I walked Jase into his classroom to drop him off.  Allyson will only go to school on MW and not on Friday's.  When we were dropping Jase off Ally pulled me towards her classroom (which is right across the hall from Jase's) and signaled to go in.  :(  I was sad that she wasn't staying, but then happy on the other hand to know that she wants to go.

I stood at the door of Jase's classroom watching him interact with a boy that walked up to him and with his teacher.  First thing he did was get his monkey picture out and show her.  She immediately commented about the bananas!!  Jase was proud! :)  I told him bye (like 4 or 5 times) and Allyson and I headed to the car.

Poor thing, Allyson was crying and not a happy camper, and I could barely strap her in the car seat.  I felt so bad, so what do I do "do you want kolaches?" Haha!! There goes eating right!  Her tears finally stopped and we went to Mornings Kolaches and sat down inside and enjoyed our time together.

Mommy & Me time!

French Linebacker Training

You will find this going on at our house pretty frequently. I think both boys enjoy it! So thankful for a dad who gets on the floor and plays with his kiddos!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft6ulEXmPLk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

How to Train your Dragon & Monkey Business!

We were unable to go to a friend's birthday party due to a schedule conflict, but they did send over a party favor, which was so sweet of them.  The theme was based on the movie: How to Train your Dragon.  I took Jase to see it at the movies when it came out and he really enjoyed it (and so did I!).  The party favor was a Dragon Survival Kit filled with a bunch of goodies.

Contents:

Dragon Food (Swedish Fish)

Spears (Fruit Sticks)

Whips (Twizzlers)

Shields (M&M Cookies)

Rock Hammers (Lollipops)

Rocks (Assorted Jelly Bellies)

Boulders (Chocolate Malt Balls & Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds)

It was such a cute idea...I absolutely loved it!!  Kudos to Krista!! :)  Today I decided we would sit down and watch the movie while eating our dragon goodies!  We have the movie on DVR, or so I thought. :/  We have the last 30 minutes or so, but we still had a great time together.  We They loved all of the sweets and Jase was so into what each one of them stood for "Mom, can I have a shield?"



While Allyson was taking her nap, which was a long one because it is taking her forever to fall asleep these days, Jase and I worked on his Monkey assignment for school.  About a month ago we did an art project at home where we tore up colored pieces of paper and glued it on white paper to make something and he enjoyed it.  I suggested we do that for the monkey and he agreed. 

Yesterday he started off strong and I tore and he glued...great team work.  Then he lost steam and we called it a day.  This afternoon we picked it back up and knocked it out.  He did most of the monkey's body and legs/arms himself, but I did help out on the head since it was smaller.  Now Jase did tear the eyes and nostrils for me!  I loved that we were able to spend time together, just the two of us.  We were finishing it up and he said "we need to add some bananas to this picture".  So, he pulled out the yellow paper and we made some bananas.  I told him that was a great idea!! He is so excited to show his teacher tomorrow!

Backside of his Monkey

Tonight we prayed, then I tucked him in and laid Ally down.  I came downstairs to start making his lunch and he started crying.  I went back up there and asked what was wrong and he said he was scared.  I told him that Mommy was just downstairs and there was nothing to be afraid of.  (We've had this conversation quite a bit lately.)  Then, I started running my fingers through his hair and singing him a song I used to sing to him nearly every single night when he was still in a crib: Godspeed (Sweet Dreams) by Radney Foster.  Absolutely love that song!  He went right to sleep...so sweet.

Dragon tales and the water is wide

Pirate's sail and lost boys fly
Fish bite moonbeams every night
And I love you


Chorus: Goodspeed, little man, Sweet dreams little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed, sweet dreams


The rockets racer's all tuckered out
Superman's in pajamas on the couch
Goodnight Moon, we'll find the mouse
And I love you


Chorus: Goodspeed, little man, Sweet dreams little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed,sweet dreams


God bless mommy and match box cars
God bless dad and thanks for the stars
God hears"amen"wherever we are
And I love you


Chorus: Goodspeed, little man, Sweet dreams little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed, Godspeed, Godspeed, Sweet dreams.

If you've never heard it before, check it out: http://youtu.be/eos7FbtuTbo

Meet the Teacher

Yesterday morning me and the kids went up to their school for "Meet the Teacher".  Jase starts 4 year old Pre-kindergarten tomorrow and Allyson starts 2 year old Mother's Day Out on Monday.  Both of them loved it there and Jase did not want to leave.  He is in a class full of boys, as compared to last year where only 4 out of 12 were boys.  Hope his teacher is ready! :)


So sweet...wish this was all the time!

I didn't even think to take a picture once I was inside, oh well. I have tomorrow and Monday to do that.

Last year his school's theme was "Methodist Weekday School Rocks" and he/we decorated a guitar for the first day.  This year it is a "WILD ABOUT" theme with safari animals.  His teacher let him pick from different animals to decorate and he choose a monkey.  Instead of coloring we decided to tear paper and glue it to the page.  He enjoyed working on it for about 15-20 minutes and then moved onto something else! We have yet to finish and it is due tomorrow.  No worries though..we'll knock it out this afternoon.


Jase working on his first assignment

I'm looking forward to the kids going to school this year and continuing to learn.  I think it will be good for Allyson as she's never really been around a ton of kids with the exception of 3 times a week at church.  I'm praying that the Lord watches over them and keeps them safe.

Back to "normal"

The tree guys came back yesterday morning and finished cutting down the last tree and stump grinding both of them.  Again, so thankful that no one was hurt.  This situation could have definitely been WAY worse if they kids would have been outside.  Thank you Lord!  And as far as the damage to the house it was minimal.  Shawn was able to bend back some of the awning that got bent up and it looks fine.  He did have to buy some outdoor putty to patch up a small hole in the roof.  Hoping we are finished with tree repairs.

I was walking by the back door and saw two of the guys putting together Jase's playset, so I had to grab my phone and take this picture.  Then I called Jase to check it out as well...he was HAPPY!


Not only do they cut down trees, they take down and put up playsets...could be a side job for them! :)

 So I have to brag on my hubby for a minute.  He so would not want me to do this and doesn't even know I took this picture. On Monday morning he ran to the bank to get the cash out for the trees and stopped by the store.  He texted me and asked me to print out a sign that says "Jesus is the living water" in Spanish.  When he came home I put 2 and 2 together and realized that he bought some waters for the guys.  We printed up John (Juan) 4:10-14 where it talks about Jesus being the living water in the Bible and that you'll never thirst (spiritually) again once you have Him.

Shawn is such a blessing and a bold witness for Jesus in my eyes.  He does not let fear hold him back of speaking the word of the Lord...I look up to him for that.  When he taped the sign up above the ice chest, one of the guys asked if he knew Spanish and Shawn said "pequeno" and then the guy answered "good". We're not sure if they are Christians or know the Lord, but I did see two of them reading it and who knows, maybe a seed was planted if not.

Jesus Christ is the living water

And here we are...less two trees in the backyard.  Goodbye shade.  LOL!  We laughed Monday night about maybe getting a pool now...both of us would love this!  But more than likely we will plant a garden.  I would love to be able to go to my own backyard and then to my kitchen and prepare dinner!  We'll see...maybe we'll kick it off this fall.



Trees are gone...and the fence is probably next.

And one last thing.  I put this on facebook, but thought it was too funny not to put in the blog and officially document!  Jase and I were watching the city pick up all of the stumps and branches this morning and then Jase says "ooh the claw".  He used the green alien accent from Toy Story.  It was hilarious.  We just sat there and laughed and then had another laugh at lunch time.  I love that kid!

And I know what you're thinking...two of these pictures I posted were taken from inside my house, through the blinds.  Yes, I did a little creepin' this week! Haha!

Tree/House Status

We ended up cutting both big ash trees in the backyard down. While we did not want to, they were ate up with a fungus, which caused the splitting. And we will lose our shade, but I would definitely rather lose shade than a loved one or have our home destroyed. Not to mention, the last time we trimmed these trees and had one on the fence line cut down, Hurricane Ike came later that year.

I am not very up to date on tree terminology, but today I learned that both of them had cavities, where leaves, sticks or even water can sit at the top of the base and a cavity is formed. This what I gathered from a 5 minute conversation, so don't quote me on this! Haha!

First picture below shows the tree to the left completely gone. It was as tall as the other one that split. Shawn had to rebuild the dogs' fence and gate because it was originally nailed into the tree. They guys also had to take down the swing set. We have had to reassure Jase several times that they will put it back up!

The second picture shows what is left of the second tree, the one that fell on the house. Deer Park Arbor did a fantastic job and worked hard from 9:30-5:00. And I love it that they clean up the area as well. They are going to come back tomorrow and finish cutting this tree down and stump grind both of them.

And the last picture is what our front yard currently looks like. Crazy!!! Anyone need some wood?

I guess it really wasn't a dream!

Last night we put the second coat of paint on our half bath...we are almost there! Afterwards, Shawn was outside rinsing off the paint stuff and I was in our bathroom about to take a shower.  Out of no where I heard this LOUD sound, like thunder.  I knew it wasn't raining outside, but I had no idea what it was.  I ran to the back door and Shawn ran inside and we met at the back door.  He asked if I was ok and I said yes, and asked what was that?  He said that a tree fell!! This was at 11:00ish.

Sure enough, we walked outside and a huge branch had fell on the house.  It immediately hit me that the kids played on the back porch and playset for a little while yesterday afternoon.  Praise God it did not happen then and no one was hurt when it did happen. 

We woke up this morning to go back outside to take pictures in daylight and I guess it wasn't a dream, it really did happen.  Crazy.  The tree guys are here now assessing the job, and another branch on the same tree is splitting.  That one is definitely coming down and probably the other one too.  Our AC went out last week and the tree this week.  Hopefully this pattern does not continue!

Thanking the Lord this morning for safety and the timing of when the tree fell. 

PS: If I normally get you a Christmas gift, this year you will receive handmade wood art!! Kidding!

Prayer time

We have a nightly routine that works for us and it is pretty consistent: read a book (or two or four) in Jase's room and then prayer time. We always pray on Jase's bed, but tonight I suggested that we change it up and brought a rug in from the hall and put it at the foot of Jase's bed. We all gathered on our knees on the rug, even little Allyson, and began to pray. I know that God hears our prayers, whether we are in our bed or driving down the road, but I just want to be as sincere as I possibly can and ensure that we are teaching our children to respect God. Ephesians 3:14-19.

Allyson and I started off praying and then Jase. Jase does an awesome job at always remembering to pray for those in need. Over the past few months there have been a few prayer requests that receive a nightly mention from Jase: Baby Lincoln (precious 1 year old that has been in and out of the hospital), Nana (she has fell a few times and has had to be hospitalized more than once) and Uncle Billy (bone cancer in his cheek and just finished radiation). Jase was praying and after he asked God to heal these people he kind of stopped, almost like he didn't know else to say. I then intervened and asked him what he was thankful for and that we can also thank God for things as well. My eyes were still closed at this point. Then he said "Mom, we do not interrupt people while they are praying." At this point in time, I opened my eyes to look at him and his eyes were squenched together like he was really getting onto me. I nearly died!!! He was totally right and I'm sure I have used that line on him a time or two. I told him I was sorry and he proceeded to pray again.

A few moments later I said something else. I wasn't correcting him or suggesting he thank God for anything, but I think he had prayed for the same person like 3-4 times and I was just helping him out by giving him someone else to pray for. Again he told me "Mom, we don't do that. We don't interrupt people while they are praying!" And at this time he began shaking his hand (palm up) at me.

Moral of the story: teach and talk about prayer time beforehand and not during!!

Banana Clip?!?

Ok, I'll just start this post off with I'm a dork, but that's ok because I am embracing it!!

When I was in junior high I would wear banana clips in my hair because my hair is so thick and they really pulled my hair back well and my hair fixed nicely in them. This was in the early 90's, probably '92-'94. I don't think we went out and bought any, they were left over from my mom from the 80's! They definitely were not "in" when I was in junior high, but I wore them and kept friends, so all was well in my world! :)

Well, I always joke around (sort of joking) that I wish I had a banana clip to wear and my sister and mom always tease me that they are not in style and that grandmas wear them! Well, this past Wednesday my mom brought me a prize to Church: BANANA CLIPS! She found some at the store and picked them up for me!!

While I was getting ready this morning, I wanted to pull my hair back, but didn't want to use a clip and I just wasn't feeling a pony tail. Then I remembered the banana clips!! I seriously got all excited and cut the plastic off to get them out. I told Shawn I was going to wear one and he said "go for it!" So I did!! My hair was out of my face and off my neck for the most part. I have some thick hair and when it's on my neck, I have a built in heater and it doesn't take long until I am sweating! I'm curious if anyone saw me and thought "is she wearing a banana clip?" My mom and sister saw me and we all laughed about it!

I'm sure you'll see me again sporting the banana clip!!

Houston Dynamo

We took Jase to the Houston Dynamo game tonight and had a great time!! Allyson stayed with Nanny and I know she had a blast, because her cousin Dylan was over there when we dropped her off.  It was an awesome game and the Dynamo ended up winning in the very last shot of stoppage time.  3-2 Victory!!

Half bath revamp underway

Hard to see, but sanding is done (thanks Shawn!) and everything has been taped off!! Taking a lunch break and then onto texturing!

Night out for Jase!

Tonight Jase has a special night planned with Aunt Alisha and Uncle Joseph. They are taking him to the Astros game and then he is spending the night with them for the first time in their new house!!

He woke up this morning and said "Is it tomorrow yet?" I told him indeed it was and he was pumped! And all day long he was jumping off the walls, literally. Here is how one conversation went:

Mommy: Jase, can you please stop jumping on the furniture?
Jase: Ok Mom
M: Are you just excited?
J: Yes, I am excited
M: Why are you excited?
J: Well, whenever you spend the night with a cousin or a friend or an aunt, you have to be excited!!

It was cute!! I hope they have a great time tonight!

Lookie, lookie!!

Look what we picked up from Lowe's last night!! We are excited about getting some things done in our half bath this weekend!! Goal is to finish sanding tonight, start texturing tomorrow and maybe paint on Sunday!! Wish us luck! :)

Oh and don't worry, the blue paint color is not going on the walls.  It is close to the color of the window valance that I already had, and will be going back up in the room when finished.

Sticker Fetish? I think so!!

We are in the office this morning and Allyson found the sticker bin!! She absolutely LOVES them!! I told her I was taking a picture of her stickers and she said "stickers cheese!!" And then she was having trouble getting stickers off and asked me "help you Mommy please?"  So sweet.  I can't believe she is about to be 2 years old in a couple of weeks!



Did you catch the ones on her neck?



Sticker says it all: she is PURRFECT!



Gotta get comfortable on the job!



Cupcakes at Aunt Alisha's house

After dinner we loaded up the kids (and our mixer) and headed over to Aunt Alisha's house for chocolate cupcakes!! They were ever so tasty and all of us enjoyed them! :)

And Alisha & Joseph's home is coming along very nicely! I'm sure they are finally glad to be making their house a home!

Annual Check-ups and Vaccinations (Yikes!!)

We had a big morning planned...both Jase and Allyson had their annual doctor check-ups.  That meant that Jase needed his 4 year old boosters and Allyson needed some as well.  With the kids starting school soon...it was time.  Shawn, being the super dad he is, stayed home from work and went with me!  I knew that these shots would be traumatic for Jase, so having Daddy there would be great!!

Since our appointment was not until 9:20, I got up a little early and actually went grocery shopping (ALONE) at 7:30! It was fantastic...barely another shopper in the store.  I was in and out in less than 40 minutes! I brought the kids home Mrs. Baird's powdered sugar donuts for breakfast and they loved them!  It's the little things!

We got dressed and headed to the doctor's office.  I think we walked into the office right on time, which doesn't happen very often for me...I'm one of those casually late type of people.  Not on purpose, I promise; it's just how it always works out. 

They hopped on the scale and Jase was 39 lbs (I'm not sure if he'll ever break 40) and Allyson was 24 lbs! Jase is currently 42 3/4 inches and we're pretty sure Allyson is 33 3/4" (I forgot to get a growth print out on them).  Next, Jase had his blood pressure checked and it was fine (112/66).  This was his first time to have it checked and he did great and sat still, for the most part.  Then Jase had his hearing and eye sight checked...great job! I wonder about his hearing sometimes because I have to say things a few times before he actually does it! ;)

Then our doctor came in and I just love her...Dr. Palamountain!! She is always so warm, kind and very knowledgeable.  And most importantly she loves my kids!!  I never feel rushed by her and she is very thorough.  She spoke with Jase first and they looked at a book for letter and color recognition.  He spelt the word duck on a book and then told her the sound that "ck" makes! :) She was impressed! She then told us according to mine and Shawn's heights, he will be about 5'10".  Then looking at the growth chart and the path he is on, he will be about 6'2"...we are holding her to that! Kidding! 5'10", 6'2"...whatever it is, it will be perfect, just as God has designed.

"My turn" as Ally kept saying.  Allyson did great and was very still and let her examine her with no problem.  Both kids got a clean bill of health...Praise God!

We spoke to the doctor about vaccinations and the risks related to autism, do they contain mercury, and does she give her daughter them (who is a little older than Jase).  I've read quite a bit about vaccinations and honestly it is so hard to know what is the truth.  I don't want to do something just because everyone is doing it and at the end of the day I want what's best for my children.  Dr. Palamountain was very at ease talking about the vaccinations.  She said that the link to autism article was revoked a few years back and she wishes it was that easy to prevent autism.  I asked about mercury and she said that there was not mercury in these shots and that the flu nasal mist did not contain mercury either.  Now, the flu vaccination does contain a little mercury (if I remember correctly), but she did say that you are more exposed to mercury in a can of tuna...interesting.  And yes, she vaccinates her daughter.  She said that the thought of her daughter getting these diseases scares her and people still get them.  She said people do get not polio in the US anymore, but now that people are not being vaccinated for it, you never know what we could start seeing.  After talking with her, Shawn and I were definitely at ease with the vaccinations.

Jase ended up getting 4 shots plus the flu nasal mist and Allyson got 3.  So thankful that Daddy was there to help with Jase.  And so glad that Jase does not have anymore vaccinations until he is 11 and Allyson is caught up until she is 4.

On our way home, we stopped by McDonald's and picked the kiddos up some lunch.  Nothing better to cheer them up than some nuggets and apple dippers!  Oh and a new Smurf to add to their collection.

Starting the day off right!

When I woke up this morning, I was determinted to make it a great day!! Before my feet hit the floor this morning I had my quiet time with the Lord and read His word. What a blessing it was. While doing my devotion this morning, these verses stood out to me.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.  James 1:19-20

I could have definitely used this yesterday while at a store with the kids, trying to buy them some clothes and Jase kept disappearing on me on purpose.  And there was even a play area in the store, but he kept getting up and wandering around.  I do realize he is a kid, but after nearly losing him in NYC last summer at FAO Schwarz...very traumatic...playing around in stores is no joke. 

I tried to explain that someone could take him and went through the whole spiel of my job is to keep him safe.  Needless to say it wasn't the funnest experience in public (nor the worst...thank goodness!).  He got his spankings (as promised) from me when we got to the car and his response was "that hurt".  TV was taken away from him the rest of the day.  And we also implemented a rule a while back that if Mommy has to spank you, then you will also get spankings from Daddy when he gets home.  I say all of that to say that to say that I was determined to make today a better day, and so far so good.

After my quiet time, the kids were up and I got them dressed and we headed outside to ride bikes.  Since it was before 10 am, you could still find some shade along the sidewalks, which was nice. 


On the road again!



Allyson smiling at Mommy!

Jase smiling at Mommy...never fails that one of them is not looking...conspiracy!

After our bike ride we came inside and ate breakfast and listened to KSBJ (Contemporary Christian Radio) and danced in the kitchen together.  Praying that our day continues to be great!