Family

My mom and brother were here for a visit last week. The boys had SO much fun with them and we got to do so much in a short amount of time. We visited the Dallas Zoo, numerous parks, the rose garden, the science center, the Tyler zoo, the pumpkin patch and Henry's favorite--McDonald's (twice!). They both went home on Thursday, and my boys are still recovering and catching up on lost sleep! :)

It's tough to live so far from my family. I miss my mom, and talking on the phone just isn't the same! Also, for most of my life, I've lived very near my brother and I'm still getting used to not seeing him every few days. He's going through a hard time right now, and I'd love to be close enough to help. For now, I can just pray and know that God is in control! Which is really the most help I can offer him anyway.

It was really great to see the boys with Grandma and Uncle B. Henry and my mom have always had a special bond (first grandchild!), and this visit she and Jonah really hit it off too. Jonah is a child of few words, but he did start saying "Grandma" in a very short period of time!

I am so thankful that the Lord has surrounded me with such wonderful family!

A Lesson From East Texas

Some things I've learned living in East Texas:

1. If you mow the lawn wearing sandals, the fire ants WILL bite your feet.

2. Don't try to fit in. They know you're not local.

3. If you are in a hurry, forget about it.

4. If your children aren't careful, they will have fire ant-bites in strange and scary places.

5. There's more than just a geographical difference between "Texas" and "East Texas." And quite a bit of pride.

6. Anything can and will be deep fried.

7. Red dirt will cover every surface of your home. Don't fight it.

8. You will be frowned on if you get up before the sun rises.

9. Y'all really is a word, and "Ma'am" (with the right inflection and drawl) can constitute an entire sentence or question.

10. Texans are the friendliest folks in the world!

Just a couple of angels!

My "angels" are feeling spunky today. I took them out to do some fun things this morning and planned on getting some serious house cleaning done this afternoon. However, my boys don't seem to think cleaning is a good way for me to spend my time.

Since getting up from their naps, they have:

• loaded a dvd player with view-finder discs
• loaded a fax machine with pennies
• unrolled a roll of toilet paper and a roll of paper towels
• spilled a glass of milk in the kitchen (somehow covering every surface that I had just finished cleaning, and requiring me to mop and also wash the walls and windows)
• scattered books and matchbox cars throughout the house jumped on my just-made bed, messing up the one clean-looking spot in the house

and finally:

• Henry informed me that they can't play outside, because (at 63 degrees) it is just too cold outside (were they seriously born in Montana?)

So right now I'm having a "time-out." Seemed like a good idea. The boys have been banished from every room except the play room (I don't even want to think about what it might look like by now!) I guess this is my cry for help. HELP! Somebody send me a babysitter and a maid! :)

Double time

Sometimes one spoon just isn't enough.....

Here's a boy who takes after his mama! Gotta love ice cream! :)

Sleeping

Ever since having my first child a little over three years ago, I've wondered about the phrase "sleeping like a baby." Did the person who came up with that ever have a baby? Certainly not a newborn! They aren't the perfect little models of deep, long, restful sleep that you would think!

But I think I finally understand it. They must have really meant "sleeping like a toddler!"

How else can you explain this child not even stirring after I took three pictures (with a bright flash!)? Henry was asleep on his bed across the room-he also didn't even flinch.

Health Nut

The boys had oatmeal and a banana for breakfast this morning, at Henry's request. About half-way through his bowl of "yoatmeal," Henry pushed his bowl to the middle of the table.

Henry: Mommy, I don't really want this for breakfast.

Me: Oh? What would you rather have to eat?

Henry: Hmmm.....maybe....I think I would like some broccoli!