Happy Fourth of July!

When Janice decided to come with her family for a visit, I invited everyone to my parents new house (that they weren't living in yet) to celebrate the 4th. They have a great view of several firework shows from their patio and front yard. Dad cooked awesome sliders and we had lots of great food!

Sophie got settled in her 'bed' just before the shows started and Zachary liked the fireworks much better when he couldn't hear the sounds.

Fourth of July at the Pool

The pool is one of the best ways to beat the heat in Texas, and July 4th is no exception. We had a super fun pool day with lunch, swimming and splashing,

finding coins,

and a watermelon eating contest (Kaitlyn came in 2nd!).

Can't wait for next year!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Zachary has never been to a baseball game and we thought a Fort Worth Cats game would be lots of fun, especially on Fireworks Friday and with his cousins.

We started with ice cream and his first Sno Cone (which he loved - yay for mommy!!!),

watched some baseball,

danced with Dodger,

used Grandma M's water fan

and got ready to watch fireworks.

Zachary didn't like the loudness of the fireworks, but we covered his ears and he liked watching the colors! He had a great time on this very late night!!!

Welcome Mathis Family (and my new A/C)!

About 18 months ago, a trip to Italy was born. I have to admit I was a little jealous... there's no way I was going to get to go, with one toddler and a baby on the way. But that Italy trip did get me a trip away with my hubby...

See, Janice and Steve Mathis (Steve's sister and her husband) needed someone to stay with our nieces while they were in Italy. I was trying to plan a 5 year anniversary get away with my Steve. I offered to go to Atlanta to stay with the girls if she would come here to stay with my kids. A deal was brokered, and Janice decided to bring the whole family for a week's stay in Fort Worth.

They were to arrive on Thursday, and on the Saturday before, we kicked preparations into high gear. Things were going well - house was getting cleaned, bug guy came, door guy came, and plumber came. I made 2 trips to Target and one to Albertson's. Steve came home on time to get changed and switch cars to make the airport run. And in that instant, when I was removing car seats from the Tahoe so there would be room for people and their luggage, it all went south. Steve came out to announce that it was hot upstairs. As I shooed him back in the house, declaring that it could wait a minute, I was thinking, ok buddy, what do you expect in Texas in July? All that heat has to go somewhere! As my dad says, God got me. Sure enough, our A/C upstairs was out.

Thankfully, we have lots of family nearby and we were all able to sleep in a cool place last night. We got a new outside unit this morning and by the afternoon the upstairs had cooled nicely. What an exciting start to the visit!

June 2009

Zachary's Super Saturdays

Little boys lead a grand life. These have been the events of Zachary's Saturdays this June...

Tee Ball
Birthday party

Tee Ball
Lunch at Hollander's old house
Birthday Party
Dinner at Gwen's

Tee Ball
Spend Night with Moronesos

Tee Ball
Pool (with Ice Cream Sandwich and no Day Rest)

Must be nice... :)

Final Swim

Today my parents had a garage sale as they prepare to 'move on up'. It was blazing hot (go figure - summer in Texas) and after we closed up shop, everyone decided a dip in the pool was in order.

Zachary is no longer afraid of swimming and was like a little fish, splashing everywhere and swimming with his 'swim jacket' all the way to the deep end and hanging on the diving board.
(All this was diligently supervised by Grandma T.)

Very Sad

You never dream that you will outlive your baby. My sweet friend is going through this right now. Please keep her and her husband in your prayers for comfort and healing as they deal with this tremendous loss.

Rubik's Cube

I solved a Rubik's Cube today!
Zachary got me one for Mother's Day, with an instructional DVD. With the help of the DVD, I got it solved. It only took 1.5 hours. :)

This is especially exciting because as a child I messed one up so badly that my dad said it could never be fixed. Hmm... I wonder if that thing is still around...

Sophie's Test

Sophie has this test she runs when someone besides Mom is staying with her. She cries, cries, and cries some more. If you come back again, she's usually pretty good. I guess she figures if you come back for seconds after the crying fit, then you're worth getting to know. Man, she's tough!

The End of an Era

It's the end of an era, folks. The Bennigan's on South Hulen Street has been demolished. I noticed it on the way to Tee Ball tonight and recalled the good times there. It was the site of post football game hang outs, the place of employ for my former boyfriend, Barf, and the location of my first legal drink (my birthday was on a Monday, and who else was open on a Sunday night till midnight, but Bennigan's).
My best memories, though, include many fabulous Brownie Bottom Sundaes that Erin and I could eat in about a minute and a half (no lie) and all the great girl talk and bonding done before and after.

RIP Bennigan's.

Food

I realized today that my kids eat like I did when I was pregnant with each of them.

Case in point:

• Zachary: grilled cheese, mac & cheese, milk, treats, treats, and more treats. No lie - I actually got a note from the doctor saying it was OK to eat sweets.
• Sophie: everything in sight. Seriously - if it doesn't eat her, she will eat it. Pot roast, steak, pork loin, veggies, fruits, breads, turkey, cheese, pasta with sauce, you name it, she likes it.

Oddly, they both like fish sticks. How on earth that happened, I will never know!

Another "Graduation"

Zachary "graduated" again from his Little Gym class. He received a medal, and did a great job showing off all his tricks. Grandma T and Sophie were along to share in the fun times.

May 2009 Photos

Tooth #3

Tooth #3 has arrived! We found it today when Sophie wasn't napping after Splash Day at Mira Vista. It's on the bottom (again), on the left side.

Splash Day

Today was our first Splash Day at Mira Vista. We got everyone ready (took about an hour) and got to the pool only to realize that Sophie's food bag was left at home.

Zachary had a great time splashing in the kids' pool, eating cotton candy, listening to the DJ, and swimming in the big pool a little. He liked watching the Splash contest and the Pie Eating contest. Next year he might win. :)

Sophie looked really cute in her swimsuit and will try the pool another time.

Lessons from Mom

Ask my mom what her favorite store is and she will say, "Home Depot." Since I can remember, she has been home improving and doing various projects that require fun power tools. She has done all the painting and wall papering in their home. She stained the deck 2 or 3 times. She made planters for the back patio. She mowed the lawn, maintained the pool, laid parquet flooring, etc. She will tackle any project, especially if she gets a new "toy".

All this has taught me that women can do anything we set our minds to do, especially around the house. I demonstrated that for Sophie today as I took apart her crib and set the mattress on the lowest setting. Usually you don't have to disassemble the whole thing, but the manufacturing was not up to par.

I know Sophie won't remember this, but I hope that she continues to see she can do just about anything that she wants.

Disclaimer 1 - Steve and I tried to do this together on Thursday night, but with 2 kids on the move it was impossible to get done. So it's not that he didn't want to help, or that I didn't want him to help. It just had to get done when Zachary was out of the house.

Disclaimer 2 - Dad traveled a LOT when we moved here and so Mom was often left to her own devices around the house. Again, not that he didn't want to help; he just wasn't here to do it all the time.

Sophie is 9 Months Old

Sophie is 9 months old today! We went to a well check visit with Dr. Young. She got a Hepatitis B vaccine and was checked for anemia (she is not anemic). Here are her stats...

Height - 29.5 inches (97%)
Weight - 20 lbs, 14.5 oz (84%)
Head Circumference - 17.5 inches (65%)

Dr. Young is pleased with her progress, and said that her ear infection is gone.

She's Crawling

Sophie crawled today for the first time! She is quite proud of herself, and Zachary thinks it's pretty cool too. Nothing is safe, of course, but it is a nice step towards growing up.

Grammar

A little rant and rave is allowed every now and then...

There's a Facebook group called "I Judge You When You Use Poor Grammar". I am a member. I do judge. Mostly in professional environments, never my friends, but it does happen. I mean, really people, if you are going to publish something, grammar should not be that big of an issue. And if you're not sure, ASK SOMEONE!!!

I got this headline from Pottery Barn (they should definitely know better) today:
"Free Shipping on Must Have's For The Bath".

My question - what belongs to the "Have"? I know there are much bigger and more important things in life to get worked up over, but this stuff just sets me over the edge. You want me to spend $34.00 on a Susainable-Wax Filled Recycled Glass Candlepot and you can't be bothered to read the headline on the email? Give me a break.

The sad thing is, I bet most of their customers didn't notice.

Tee Ball - First Practice

Zachary had a great time at his first Tee Ball practice tonight.

His team is the Phillies, and his number is 1.

It was very fun to watch as the kids tried to bat (good success), catch a ball (not so much), throw the ball (pretty good) and run the bases (truly hysterical).

All the kids are first time players and his friend, Gwen, is also on the team. It should be a lot of fun!

Family Music Night - Spring 2009

Sophie and Zachary both participated in music at TCU this spring. Zachary was in with the big kids (3s and 4s) and Sophie was in a mixed age class. It was a lot of fun doing something with each of them and they both really enjoyed it. Family Music Night was tonight, and we went in spite of the Swine Flu invasion. Zachary spent a LOT of time running around, but Sophie enjoyed the music, doing her own bouncy dance and playing with some instruments. Grandma T and Grandpa H came with us and we really loved having them there!

April 2009 Photos

Main Street Arts Festival

Mandy wanted to take Zachary to the festival to see Me & My Monkey (local Beatles tribute band). We decided to load everyone up and make a day of it. 3 adults, 2 kids, no problem. And we actually did manage to have a great time. Sophie only cried a little and it was a wonderful day! Thanks Mandy for suggesting it!!

The Zoo goes to the Zoo

Sophie's 8 months old now, so it's time for her first zoo outing. We took our zoo to the zoo today and they had a great time! We went with Ashley, Alex, Jenny, Dylan and Jovie. The mommies quite enjoyed the adult company and the kids enjoyed being kids with other kids. I think my favorite part was watching Zachary with the other boys just running and having fun. My least favorite part was getting pooped on by a bird. (PS - I am NOT kidding!)

Hoppy Easter!

The Easter Bunny visited our house last night and hid some eggs. Zachary enjoyed hunting for them and seeing the treats in his easter basket. Sophie enjoyed chewing on a plastic egg. I'm sure she'll be more excited next year.
We enjoyed a nice breakfast at home and made it to church on time in our nice clothes (whew!). The kids were happy to stay in the nursery (double whew!) and we had a relaxing Easter church service.
After church we cruised on over to my parents' home for Mom's birthday lunch. This is the second time in 5 years that my mom's birthday has been on Easter. We had a great lunch (thank you Mom and Dad) and visited for a while. Sophie fell asleep and then we brought Zachary home.
Hoppy Easter Everyone!

Family 5K

We participated in our first family 5k this morning. It's Race for the Cure Day in Fort Worth and we headed downtown to participate. Sophie is not a fan of the stroller and Zachary was not a fan of the wind, but we did ok. I think around mile 3 we took a short cut and then around mile 4 we broke from the pack to go back to the car. My babies just couldn't make it and we didn't want to subject our walking mates to their screaming any more. Zachary and Steve did run up the big hill at 10th and Forest Park and I pushed the stroller most of the way, so I am proud of those accomplishments.

Things we learned for next time:

1. Make sure all participants are well fed.
2. Make sure all participants are dressed warmly/cooly enough.
3. Make sure all participants have used the restroom prior to leaving the house.
4. Know key "escape routes" from different parts of the race.

March 2009

Texas Storms

I have lived in Texas almost 26 years, and I have seen lots of storms in that time. Snow, hail, rain, thunder, etc., and all the various clouds that go along with them with all the various shades of purple, green and everything in between. But I have never seen anything like this... looks kind of like an upside down ocean or something. Anyway, these clouds were really cool so I took a picture.

Let me assure you that the storm that followed was not so cool. :)

Thank You, Mom!

When we moved in our house, my mom sent over 9 boxes of my 'memories'. From babyhood to college, anything that I wanted to keep was fair game and was tossed in a box. A couple years ago, I got the 9 down to 7. With the great closet cleanout, I vowed to go through them and whittle it down from 7 to 3 or 4.

What could I possibly have saved, you ask? Every card ever received (I still do this for us and our kids); impressions of my teeth pre-braces; my 2 year molars that were extracted prior to said braces; notes from middle school, high school, and college; my childhood "art"; bookmarks; key chains; photos; medals; t-shirts; certificates; ticket stubs; and a very worn 'talking' teddy with disputed ownership.

The box count is now 4, and I have really enjoyed the stroll down memory lane over the last few weeks. Thank you, Mom, for letting me keep all my 'treasures'! Love you!

Lovey's First Day not at School

Zachary decided to leave Lovey at home this morning. I thought, OK, guess I'll be driving home really fast to get it after I drop him off at school. He did great, though, and didn't ask for it once. My baby is growing up!

First Tooth

Sophie has been teething forever. Seriously, months and months. But today, during rest, out popped her tooth. Zachary was the first person I told and then he felt it (very carefully with the help of mommy). Auntie called so we told her next and then we saw Daddy and Grandma and Grandpa M for dinner.
It's on the bottom, but I can't tell if it's the right or left because she doesn't show it yet when she's smiling.
Hopefully the next ones won't hurt her so much. She had been on a solid food strike for the last couple of days b/c it hurt so bad. :(

February Pictures

Me + Elfa = Friends

Mom and I elfa'd our guest closet on Saturday and it is amazing. We have plenty of room for all the stuff and our guest room can actually be a guest room. NICE!!

Demolition Wednesday

Today, I ripped out all the existing shelving in our guest closet (aka where we stash all our stuff). It was truly amazing. Lots of hammering and pulling and managed to get it all down by myself. Then Mom came by with spackle (great word) and a putty knife and I patched the nail holes and the couple of places where I made dents in the wall.
All in all a very cathartic day! If you need demolition done, just call. I'd be happy to do it!

The Great Debate

Teething Biscuits - Evil or Greatest Thing EVER?

When we were kids, my mom sat us in the middle of the kitchen floor in nothing but a diaper to eat a teething biscuit and then sent our beloved dog, Charlie, to come clean us up when we were done. (and then we would get a real bath) Boy would Charlie have LOVED Sophie!

This girl does a teething biscuit proud. She shoves it in her mouth and gnaws at it till it's running all down her bib, arms and just about anywhere else. Then she drops it because it's so slimy, we give it back to her, and she goes at it again.

On the one hand, it is truly one of the most disgusting foods to clean up after. On the other, we can have a family meal with everyone eating at the same time. So for right now, I have a love/hate relationship with the teething biscuit. If only it were summertime... she could eat them outside and I could hose her down after... something to remember...

Say Cheese!

Today was picture day. Everyone did well, even through 3 outfit changes (yes, I am crazy). We were looking at the photos and realized that the flash didn't work in the ones of Sophie in her baptismal gown. Steve and I, in our most infinite wisdom, decided that we should just get her back in the whole getup and redo the pics. It's a slightly monumental task, given that Sophie was about 2 seconds away from meltdown and Zachary had just plain had enough of behaving.


We managed to get her all dressed and back in the photo room. She took some time telling us exactly what she thought of this whole situation, and then finally decided to cooperate. I can assure you, we will not be taking more photos till she turns 1.

Sophie 6 month check up

Weight - 17 lbs, 13 oz. (82%)
Height - 26 3/4" (83%)
Head Circumference - 17" (70%)

3 shots (Prevnar, Flu, and DPT-Polio-Hib Combo) and oral vaccine for Rotavirus. Plus Mommy got a flu shot. I did my flu shot first so Sophie could see how to be brave. She started crying when I got mine. Oh well.

Overall great visit and we go back in 3 months for the 9 month check. No shots! Yay!

First Storm

There's one each year - the first storm of the season that catches you a little off guard. Ours happened to be when Steve was in Indianapolis. :(
I'm trying really hard to get Zachary asleep before all heck breaks loose outside. I think it might have worked and get down stairs to start cleaning out the storm/junk closet and ready our supplies. I'm talking to Steve on the phone and it starts raining/hailing and realize that I can't hear if Zachary is crying while I talk to him, so we hang up and I keep working. Satellite goes out (big suprise) and so I relo headquarters to the guest room. Flashlight - check; phone - check; remote - check; closet cleaned out - check; space on the bed for z & me - check. Then i hear the screaming. He never went to sleep and was terribly frightened so I come to the rescue and bring him down stairs with me. The storm finally subsides and I show him on the radar where our house is and try to explain what the different colors mean. I show him the special storm closet. I tell him that if he gets scared by the storms in the night to run quick into my room and I will keep him safe. I tell him that if I'm not there to go straight to Sophie's room and I would be with her. I promise to come get him before I go downstairs again. All these promises extracted, and a few songs and back rubs and finally he goes to sleep.

Now to figure out where to put everything that was in the junk closet?!?!

Happy Birthday Part 4

Poor Steve just can't catch a break. For a guy who doesn't like to celebrate his birthday, he had 4 celebrations, including this last suprise at work. While he was in a meeting, some elves were busy decorating his cube. Pirate themed, no less. Thanks to all the work buddies for helping make this a memorable day!

Happy Birthday Part 3

We celebrated Daddy's birthday with the Moroneso family tonight at our house. Simple meal of pizza, salad, and cake. Can't get much better than that!
Daddy loved the ABC's of Daddy photo book that I put together for him from the kids. We are so lucky to have him with us and that he loves us so much!
Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Sophie's Baptism

Sophia Grace Moroneso was baptized this morning at the 11 AM service. It was the first time she had sat through church, and she did great! We were so happy to have our families there, and my dad made a super yummy celebration lunch for afterward.

The baptismal gown has been worn by all Moroneso grandchildren, the bonnet was a gift from my mom, the locket was Grandma M's, and the bracelet was a gift from Grandma and Grandpa M. After church she changed into a beautiful dress from Nana and still wore her bling. :)

Happy Birthday Part 2

Steve decided he wanted to go bowling to celebrate his birthday! Zachary was so excited and had the best time "balling" with Daddy. He kept trying to convince us that he had been before, by himself, when he was 2. He also loved playing the video games with Grandma M and Daddy. It was a very very fun day!

Fort Worth Stock Show

We braved the stock show. Sophie was not pleased, but it was loud so you couldn't hear her crying most of the time. Zachary really enjoyed looking at the little animals in the children's farm (especially the cute newborn pigs). Today was the cow and pig showing day, so the animals were all getting their hair 'done.' You haven't lived till you've seen a cow getting a blow dry!

After chowing on hot dogs, we worked our way through the horse area with a pit stop for Sophie and Zachary to the petting zoo. Big thank you to Ashley and Brian for taking Zachary in the petting zoo. I think he ended up liking it!

Let's Go Steelers!

Both my kids' first Super Bowls involved the Steelers! And both times they won! Woo Hoo!!!

January Photos

She Sits, We Score!

Sophie is sitting up now, which is such a joy! She is very happy to see the world from an upright position. She doesn't fall real often, and is learning to reach her toys pretty quickly. Poor girl gets embarassed when she kabooms, but a few hugs and kisses make everything better.

Happy Birthday Part 1

There are 3 February birthdays in my family. Mandy (February 2), Grandma Irma (February 5), and Steve (February 9). The Hollander family celebrated on January 30. Worked out great - everyone got to be there, including my cousin Jack. Fabulous meal cooked by my dad and cupcakes for dessert. Can't get much better than that!

Snow Day

As a child, this phrase was magical to me! Those two words meant a lovely day at home with not a care in the world. And since we lived in Texas, the snow (more likely ice) would be short lived and we would be able get around later that day.
As a parent of a toddler and infant, those two words can invoke a panic attack. :) OK, maybe not that bad, but Zachary had missed school the previous Wednesday, and Monday, and here it is Wednesday again, he's finally better, and school is closed. Drat!
It was nice having Daddy home for a bit this morning, though!

RSV

We took Sophie to the doctor today since she still had a fever after 2.5 days. Normally, I would not take her for a cough/runny nose until day 10 (Dr. Young and staff finally got through to me). But the nurse and I agreed that 2.5 days with fever over 100 is too long. So in we went and he suspected RSV right away. They did a lovely culture (poor Soph) and got us set up with a nebulizer to try in the office. That went over like a ton of bricks with Sophie, but we finished and she slept for a bit. Culture came back positive and so we were sent home with a nebulizer of our very own and a scrip for albuterol. Breathing treatments are to continue 3x a day till 1/29 and she should be ok to be around other kids 1/30. Poor baby!!

Let Me Tell You...

When we eat with Grandma and Grandpa M, the grownups try to get in a few words of grown up conversation. Zachary usually asks what is going on (i.e., why aren't we paying attention to him) and Grandma patiently tells him, "We're talking about our lives." Well, tonight at dinner, he decides if you can't beat them, join them. "Let me tell you about my life, Grandma." After we finish laughing, he regales us with tales of the visit to the trains at the Gaylord Texan.

Career Options

Zachary has said a couple times that he would like to be a doctor when he grows up. Loves to play with his doctor kit and make us all 'better'. Every parent's dream!
Tonight at dinner, he took a roll, and started breaking off little pieces and passing them out. He was giving everyone "peace". Too funny! I guess if the doctor thing doesn't work out, he can always go into the ministry.

He's a Winner!

Zachary had his Little Gym 'show' today, where all the kids got to perform their skills for the adoring parents that gathered around. He started on the floor and did forward rolls, straddles, jumps, etc. and then went on to the balance beam. Last, he did the bars. At the beginning of the semester, he wouldn't even go in the gym without me. Today he proudly displayed all his skills. I am so amazed at the progress in his self confidence in just a few short months!

Each child got to climb on a podium to get a medal. I am a very proud mama!!

Warning: Knives are sharp!

I should remember this more often. Or really just last Friday. After a calm New Year's Eve and Day, I was doing dishes on the 2nd and hand washing my new, sharp knives. I set a knife down to dry and somehow sliced the tip of my left index finger. After 5 hours at the ER, half a syringe of anesthetic (that didn't wear off till Sunday) and 4 stitches, I should be all healed. Yikes!

December 2008

Happy New Year (Almost)

As parents of two kids, we fully realize our New Year's Eve plans will not involve huge parties (of the adult variety) for a few years. We had a nice, quiet, Make Your Own Pizza night at our house with Grandma T and Grandpa H. Grandma and Grandpa M stopped by on their way to a party and the kids were in bed asleep by 9. Steve and I watched a movie and celebrated 2009 with Times Square at 11 PM. It was a long year, but a good year, and we are looking forward to 2009!

Christmas Day with the Family

First Stop - The Hollander Family Christmas

We had a nice time with everyone and Zachary was a big helper passing out gifts. It was lots of fun having 4 kids with us. Zachary got a scooter from Grandma and Grandpa and had lots of fun riding it with Daddy's help. It was so nice outside and he had a great time. After gifts we had a fabulous lunch with the Higgins/Freeds and Grandma and Grandpa M. Soon it was time to go to our next stop.

Second Stop - The Moroneso Family Christmas

Sophie figured out there was something exciting going on today, and decided that no more naps should be taken. She wanted in on the fun! We opened gifts and Zachary had a great time playing on the art easel from Grandma and Grandpa. Marcia and Terry Boggs came for a Lasagna dinner and brought Ian with them. The two boys had a great time and we had a very yummy dinner. After dinner we headed back to our house and realized we had left a few of Sophie's things behind. Zachary and I went back to pick them up and he fell asleep on the way home. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Christmas Morning

Oh what a day! He was so excited to see the tree, gifts, and stockings. Santa did a great job not saying "Ho Ho Ho" (as per Zachary's request) and ate a few cookies, but forgot to wipe his feet after he came down the chimney. Silly Santa!

Zachary was so excited that Santa brought The Buzz Lightyear Show (Toy Story) and filled his stocking with fun things like M&Ms, Band-Aids, Chapstick and Hot Wheels.

He loved opening gifts with everyone and helping Sophie with hers. Daddy was quickly put to work building something with the Tinker Toys.

It was a wonderful Christmas morning with our super kiddos and Auntie!

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

It is a Moroneso family tradition to read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" after church on Christmas Eve. We all gathered around to hear the 31st reading, and for Phil to pass the torch to Steven. Michael, Katey, and Dakota even joined via speakerphone.

Great Job, Honey!!

Christmas Eve at Church - A Comedy in Three Acts

Act 1:
A couple days before Christmas, Zachary got it in his head that he wanted to pass out candy canes at church on Christmas Eve and to our family on Christmas Day. So off I trot to the store to get the necessary supplies (candy canes - small and large - and a lovely jar to hold them all). We are all set and arrive at church with candy canes in hand. Zachary is handing them to anyone and everyone and being such a sweet guy about it. Then the service starts, and he refuses to sit still. So I take him into the Narthex and we have a talk about where the candy canes will have to go if he doesn't cool it till church is over. Nothing like a "Come to Jesus" meeting on Christmas Eve. ha ha

Act 2:
Zachary decides sitting with Daddy and Grandpa will be more fun than sitting with the rest of us. When it is time for Silent Night and lighting the candles I knew he would do great because we did this at TCU. Steve held him and they both lit candles and sang. Zachary is prepared for his first concert - he was waving the candle back and forth way up in the air. (Thanks Auntie for reminding me of this.) Little did I know, the whole time Steve was thinking that Zachary's hair was going to catch fire and he would have no way to stop it. Crisis averted, thankfully.

Act 3:
We are almost done with the "Children's Service". Note to others - this does not mean puppets, and things that will amuse your child. It means that people will try not to give you dirty looks when your kids are being ... kids. OK - back on track... We are singing "Joy to the World", all 45 verses, and Zachary is jumping up and down and making loud noises, but nobody can hear him because we are all singing. We finish the next to last verse and are waiting for the organ to begin the last verse, and sweet Zachary lets out a very loud ROAR! Oh My! I can hardly stand I am laughing so hard. As Grandma M says "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord". Well, he sure did!

The Encore:
After church, he resumes passing out the candy canes. If for some reason he missed you, just let me know and I'll be happy to mail you one.

With Thanks and Love

Dear Parents, Grandparents, etc. who have created "The Magic of Christmas" over the years,
Thank you a million times for your efforts. As parents of a 3 year old who is finally 'getting it', we worked very hard to make this a magical and fabulous season for little buddy. We never knew how hard it was to get it all done before this year. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the many years of hard work and love. We appreciate it all, many times over!
Love,
Your Kids

Cookies with Auntie

Zachary is so lucky - he gets to make cookies with Auntie too! He likes it so much that he forgoes lunch from "Old McDonald's" to help make and decorate the cookies. The best part, though, is licking his fingers. :)

The Annual Sand Tart Extravaganza

Zachary has been participating in this event since he was 3 months old. This year, though, he went from student to master, even giving Grandpa some direction.

When things got too rowdy... Sophie made sure everyone got back on task. Great job on the cookies, guys!!

Our First Dog (Sort Of)

Since he was old enough to express fear, Zachary has been afraid of Auntie's dog, Daisy. Zachary has been 10 times bigger than Daisy for most of his life, but still has been afraid. Until now.

Now, he likes to call her "my pretend dog" and take her for walks.

There's nothing cuter than a boy and his dog... except his dog that you don't have to clean up after. :)

Gingerbread Houses

My dad gave me a copper pot, apple cider mix, cinnamon sticks and mulling spices for my birthday right after Zachary was born. He said that he wanted Zachary to know the smell of Christmas. So each year, the pot comes out, and cidery type things get boiled in it and the house smells lovely - just like Christmas.

This year, I decided to start my own tradition - gingerbread house decorating. We bought the kit, and set out to put it together after school. I knew it would be messy and fun, and it was.

Zachary ate sweet tarts for the first time (yummy) and didn't realize that pixie sticks were edible (thank goodness), and was licking the frosting off the house almost as fast as I could get it on there. Somehow the house stuck together, even though we definitely did not let it set after assembling. It is a work of art, and I can't wait to make another one next year!

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

I'm probably jinxing things by sharing this, but Sophie and Zachary have slept through the night since Wednesday night! Yippee!!! Hopefully this will continue for a while... :)

O Christmas Tree - Rah Rah TCU

TCU does a tree lighting on Sadler Hall each year. It was one of my favorite events while I was in school and so this year I decided to bundle up Zachary and take him to see the magic.
When we got there, we worked our way to the front of the crowd and sat on the sidewalk in front of the tree. It was GIANT, with lots of lights and ornaments. When they lit the tree, they did a light show to music that Zachary just loved and Santa and Mrs. Claus came around to see everyone. He was so brave and told Santa "Merry Christmas" - such a change from the last 2 years. We sang Silent Night and lit candles and had a really great time. It was a great way to start the Christmas Season!!

November 2008

Happy Turkey Day

At the end of this Thanksgiving Day, we have much to be thankful for...
good health, good family, good friends, and 2 children who were kind enough to take turns napping at Grandma and Grandpa M's (haha)

It was a wonderful meal with wonderful company!

Happy Birthday Grandma M!

Today was Grandma M's birthday. We won't mention the number... but there was a lovely dinner prepared by Grandpa M at their home and Zachary got to attend with all the grownups and his cousins. It was a very special and fun evening and we are honored that we were included!

Thanks to Aunt Mandy for a super star babysitting job with Sophie!!!

Zachary's New Friend

So there is a restaurant proprietor in Fort Worth who is a bit, shall we say, particular. He has been known to refuse service to people dressed 'inappropriately'. Needless to say, I was a bit hesitant to take Zachary there to pick up eggplant parmesan for Grandma M's birthday dinner. The thought of a 3 year old loose in a fancy restaurant terrified me, but off we went... I should have never worried because Zachary charmed this man and somehow walked out of there with a handful of chocolates and an invitation to return. Only my little buddy... :)

Go Team!

Tonight after dinner, Zachary was playing 'football game'. He was the announcer, Steve was the crowd, and I was to be the cheerleader. He said to me - "Mommy, get on the field and go shake something." Five minutes later, we are still laughing. :)

Ride 'Em, Cowboy!

We took Nana and the kids to the Cowgirl museum. Sophie slept through the whole thing, but Zachary had a great time. There is a fountain outside, the Museum of Science and History has an exhibit inside, and upstairs there is a bull ride. Check out Zachary's 6 seconds...


If you haven't yet been, I highly recommend it!

Movin' On Up

We found out last week that Zachary is moving up to a new class at 'school'. He was supposed to go the week that I had Sophie, but due to tears (on my part) we decided that was too much change for everyone.
He will start in Ms. Linda's room on Friday, and will be reunited with all his old buddies - Cason, Grant, JT, Sierra, Ella, etc. - that he has been with since Ms. Tiffany's. He's very excited about being in Ms. Linda's room!!!