Only In Texas.

Sunday was once again a Winter Wonderland.

I was out planting the VERY next day!

Only in Texas!

Spring Break 2010...Valley Style.

We love our spring breaks in the Valley. This year Nick couldn't take me so Debbie stepped in and we went together. Thank you Debbie, for taking me to see my family.

Going home allows the boys to do many things I did as a child.

Running through weed filled land until the sun starts to set.

Taking bike rides through open land.

Take in the sights of laundry blowing in the wind near cactus and orange trees and inhaling the sweet scent of the orange blossoms.

More laundry, I was hoping they'd take on the scent of the orange blossoms from the trees.

Tree climbing though I used to go too high and get in trouble from Grandma Elena.

Playing monopoly with their cousins.

Getting Pennies from Grandma Lupe to make a wish outside of the San Juan church.

Playing tetherball while both grandmas watched and cheered on.

Nothing like country sunsets.

Sitting out on the dirt with Spike.

Spike is a sweetie who is in love with my mom! I'd hate to see what would happen to the person who tried to harm her, he loves her that much...good doggie!

Playing Frisbee with Porkchop.

Boys sliding around their aunt Lori's high porch.

Still horsing around the porch.

Enjoying Marc's guitar, Marc played the begining of a song for us, I was VERY impressed. He's just learning and doing awesome!

Boys hated to leave Grandma Lupe's and Grandpa Tony's. They miss their cousins and Little E misses running outside until he's out of breath.

Z cried when we left and told me he was running away from home and coming back to the Valley.

But they were happy to see their pop's when they arrived home as was I, Pop's was equally happy to see us. Being gone for almost a week felt like forever to him.

Our trip was fabulous but were happy to be home.

Only downside to our trip, that country bike ride gave little E a sunburn/rash and mamaw had a bad back. Aside that we all had a wonderful time.

Running Late

It was hard to see Nick drive away this morning. I will be with out him for 5 days as I visit with my family. Leaving to see my family is always bitter sweet when I don't have Nick.
I watched him drive off and felt an empty sadness in my heart.
He calls an hour later, works a bust and he's coming home for a few.
Deb's running late ahem I believe it was her Farmville addiction, and boys are upset and getting antsy.
I'm glad I have a few more minutes with Nick.
His mom call's now she's stuck in traffic, he runs out the door to get us a quick lunch.
A few more minutes together...perfect.
Silly as it sounds my heart doesn't hurt as much when we have to drive away, it hurts so much more when I have to watch him drive away.
Is that weird?

Saved the Day.

I was out on my morning run, my runs are my favorite "Me time". I day dream, listen to music and think of what I should make for dinner.
On this run I witness a dog shoot out of it's house, owner quick behind and see the owner scream as the dog runs right smack in front of a car. This particular car had mighty breaks because it missed the dog by an inch. The owner tried to get her dog to come to her but by now doggie thinks all this is a game.
Then I swear I see her pointing at me as I run toward them, she's far enough that I can't hear what she's saying, but I think she's telling her dog to come and get me?
I approach within ear shot and she IS telling her dog to come toward me.
The dog looks harmless and I realize the dog loves strangers.
Owner wants me to pet her so she can grab her.
Nope not happening, dog comes close enough to lick me wiggle her butt at me but when I reach out to her, she runs.
Again, she's playing a game.
So I don't chase her instead I get on my knees and invite her to me.
Stinker falls for it, I grab up the little piglet of a dog and hand her to mama.
Her mom is extremely grateful and thanks me over and over.
Did I save the day?
Yes I think I did.

Goodies, Wishing fountains and isn't that a first date question??

I've been on a baking spree and loving it!
I made some cinnamon raisin bread so I could toast with butter for the boys breakfast.
Though after a while it was pretty hard....like knock your enemy out if you threw it at their head hard!



Homemade oreos which came out pretty yummy.




Boys made a wish in the fountain at the local farmers market.
What did they wish for???
A DOG!





And the first date question.
Nick, the boys and I were in the car on our way to run an errand. While at a red light Nick looks at me and asks "Whats your favorite color?" "I know I should know this but I don't know it, part of me thinks you don't have one."
My reply: "Ummmmm no I don't really have a favorite color if I do it's black."
Nick: "Figures...so morbid"
Me: (Sticking out my tongue at him)"And your nerdy for asking a question you should of asked me 12 years ago...for shame."
Though I think its neat that after all these years we're still learning about one another, that way we never get bored ;).

Rainy Day Perfection

How does one make a rainy day perfect?

1.) Wake up, you and hubby feed, dress and send the kids off to school (Pop's actually does the taking to school part).

2.) Be waiting for Pop's and when he gets home both RUN to bed and sleep some more....Until 11:20 to be exact! (haven't slept that much since we were kid less I actually got a head ache from it!)

3) Wake up go with Pop's to some job sites, get paper work in order.

4) Have a cheap lunch together, sitting across from one another...BEING GOOFY!

5) Pick Children up from school.

6) Pop's helps Z with homework, mommy fights with memory card on computer!!

7) . Pop whips up easy dinner..Mommy still fighting with Memory card!!!

8) Pop's bathes kids and puts to bed....Mommy pulling hair out with photo memory card!!!

9) Mommy gives kids hug/kiss. Fixes memory card issue.

10) Sit side by side and watch some tele' together hand in hand.......

Perfect Rainy Day!

All the memory card mumbo jumbo was nothing when you have a good man allowing you to sulk and fight with the inanimate object alone! Nick...Your a good man Charlie Brown, very good and patient man.

Accomplishment. Cake for Breakfast? Weekday life.

Little E is reading! We are so super proud. A few days ago we were out shoe shopping after school and while riding around in the van we heard him reading but I don't think it really clicked to Nick and I, until he asked "What does this word say?" I looked over and told him "Something". Nick and I suddenly had a case of whip lash as we spun to look at E sitting in his car seat slowly reading to himself. Taking time to sound out his words. What an Accomplishment!
Way to go E, way to go!

Here's the book he's been reading. Pop's insisted I take a pic of the book. First book he's read on his own.



Yes, you read that right.
Cake for breakfast.
I had a few brown bananas and I always make banana bread. This time I decided to make a banana cake. A healthy breakfast Banana cake that is.
I made up the recipe as I went along and it came out pretty good. Not as dense as a bread but not as fluffy as a cake. Hmmmmmm??? I would of liked it to have been more cake like.
My recipe had no sugar, just a few TBSP of light agave and natural applesauce (unsweetened).
I topped the hot cake with chocolate chips and...........



Voila! Instant Ganauche with no heavy cream needed!
Boys like it, they have two squares for breakfast and a cup of oj..perfect and healthy.



Pop's took a few pics of our everyday routine during the week which you know means...HOMEWORK!
Z is not a fan.
Neither are Pop's and I, buuuutt it has to be done.
Z was crying when I pulled out his homework, he said it was hard.
My poor Z, how he struggles. But I see 6 year old Z who struggles with homework especially reading and I feel sad, then I think of 4 year old Z who couldn't even talk and I instantly feel grateful. He talks, he tries so hard and therefore I couldn't be prouder.
How many mom's out there wish they were in our shoes now with 6 year old Z?
Many.
How do I know?
They still come up to me and tell me how blessed I am, they are still with their non verbal little ones.
Yes, I am grateful, extremely. I try to make a point of telling my teary eyed Z how awesome he's doing and to KISS HIS BRAIN! (little ditty I stole from Mrs.Mead, Z's Kinder teacher and E's current teacher)
He keeps whining and crying then I get angry eyebrows because I know he's trying to get out of homework.
He IS quite the sneaky one.

Trying to make <, > and = a visual lesson. He learns better when it's hands on.
He got it and finished his work mostly on his own.



I usually have to help with the long word problems.

Little E had no school work and worked hard on his Ds.

I'm off to mop floors, shop insurance for the car, pick up my little ones and start homework all over again. Phew, I'm tired already.