Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Dinner at Gringo's
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
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! :)
Monday, August 29, 2011
Allyson's First Day at MDO
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.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Pirates Bay Water Park
Arrived at the park and we are about to apply sunscreen! |
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
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! |
Friday, August 26, 2011
French Linebacker Training
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft6ulEXmPLk&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Thursday, August 25, 2011
How to Train your Dragon & Monkey Business!
Backside of his Monkey |
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
So sweet...wish this was all the time! |
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 |
Back to "normal"
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! :) |
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 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!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Tree/House Status
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!
PS: If I normally get you a Christmas gift, this year you will receive handmade wood art!! Kidding!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Prayer time
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!!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Banana Clip?!?
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!!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Houston Dynamo
Half bath revamp underway
Friday, August 19, 2011
Night out for Jase!
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!!
Sticker Fetish? I think so!!
Did you catch the ones on her neck? |
Sticker says it all: she is PURRFECT! |
Gotta get comfortable on the job! |
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Cupcakes at Aunt Alisha's house
Annual Check-ups and Vaccinations (Yikes!!)
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.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Starting the day off right!
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! |