Zoo Day

Well, I have the sweetest future sister in law ever. My brother's girlfriend, Samantha, offered to go to the Dallas Zoo with me and all 4 kiddos today. It was the PERFECT day for it...the weather was awesome. We got there soon after they opened and stayed for almost 3 hours. The kids had so much fun and they were so good. Yea for the zoo!


Bennett loved the chicken! We fed it our animal crackers. Bennett was actually barking at it cause that's the only animal sound he knows how to do.

Reagan loves her Sammi. I didn't tell Sammi this but Reagan cried the whole way home after we dropped Sammi off at her house.

Seriously, Halle and Bennett adore each other. He's really going to miss her this summer. I told Schauna that she'll have to bring Halle to us every once in a while to play with Bennett.

We all look so happy...probably because we were! We had just eaten lunch so our bellies were all full.

The whole gang. Only half of us are looking at the camera. I think the jeep was much more interesting than the camera!

Play Group

We hosted play group today. The weather cooperated somewhat and there was no bloodshed. So, I would say it was a successful day! There were 7 of us mommies and all our kids. They pretty much entertained themselves on the swingset and toys. They all played really hard...I bet they're sleeping really well right now as I type this!

Will finishing a goldfish.

Halle pushing Cashe in the Cozy Coupe.

Batter up! Reagan, Kaden, and Belle waiting for the ball.

Ava finds a frisbee

Adeline and Allison climbing the ladder.

Peekaboo!






Jennifer, our pitcher for the day.

Alyssa sliding down the slide















Adeline gives her sister a big hug!

Cashe filling up the tank for Harrison.














I think maybe Michelle and Susan see something concerning on the swingset?

Autumn and Kaimi enjoying the adult interaction.

Me and Stephanie...very old friends!

Adeline, Reagan, and Halle laughing on the hammock.

Bennett chillin in the pink chair...before he fell. :)

Ring around the rosies!

Michelle with Ava and Piper

Shiver me timbers

Today was a very sad day. It was the last storytime at the library until next fall. They will be having a summer program, so Reagan and I will take advantage of that. But now we don't have anything fun to do on Wednesdays for the rest of the school year. Rockwall Library was done with Storytime 2 wks ago so we actually crashed the Rowlett Library today...just the next town over. It was a pirate theme and the kids LOVED it. Of course, no one payed attention to the stories but the songs and crafts were neat...and then at then end the lady came out with one of those parachutes and all the parents helped hold it while the kids jumped around in the middle...THEN she got out the bubble machine and every kid had Christmas morning smiles. It was great. So, we may be saying goodbye to the Rockwall Library. I'm all about being supportive of your own community but, c'mon! Talking parrots and parachutes and bubble machines??? Can't beat it.

One pirate on deck...loves Daddy's shoes

He always turns Reagan's art tray into his chair.


Pirate hug! Poor Halle got a pirate sandwich.

Pirate buddies

Reagan said she wanted to be the pirate princess...ugh...here we go...

Ay, Ay, Matey!

ARRRRRR!

I want to be like my mother

Reagan and her Mimi at Reagan's 2nd birthday party.

This post is in honor of my mother for Mother's Day...a few days early, I know, but I've gotta blog when I've got the time.

I was at Walmart with all 4 kiddos this morning. I only went because we were desperate. We were completely out of milk and bread. They actually cried this morning when I gave them water for breakfast. So, off to walmart we went. I got everyone in the basket and my phone rang. It was my mom. She said, "I went by your house to bring you donuts but you weren't home. They're on your front porch." I felt really bad that we missed her and mad that we ate Great Value poptarts instead of enjoying delicious donuts. But just smiled because that's my mom. Always performing random acts of kindness for people. She's hands down one of the most giving and encouraging people I know. Donuts on my front porch is just a tiny example of her thoughtfulness. No matter how busy she is she always makes time for me.

Growing up, I knew my mom always loved me more than anyone else in the world. But I wasn't aware of how much until I held my baby girl in my arms. I continue to think when I hold my babies, "So this is how much my mom loves me." And still my love for my children grows everyday...I can't imagine what my heart will feel 30 years from now. Knowing that love makes me love my own mother even more.

Lately I'm having a rough time sacrificing my sleep for my kids. Bennett's been cutting 3 molars at one time. We. have. not. been. sleeping. I "slept" on his floor last night for over an hour. Reagan still wakes up each night to go potty. Not sure if it's now a really bad habit or if her bladder actually does wake her up...every single night. I know it's just a season but I'm not the happiest girl when I don't have at least 6 hours. I want to have a good attitude and embrace the night time but my self-sacrificing heart just isn't there. But I know my mom did it willingly. I want to be like her in so many other ways too.

I still remember the feeling I had after a really bad day at school...Holding back tears all day long. Then, the moment I saw my mom and she hugged me, everything was right in the world. I probably let all those tears come right then but she just gave me peace that no other person could. Now I get to be that comforter for my children. I feel like I fail each day. I want to be like my mother.

I was painfully shy when I was a kid. My friends at Harding helped me out of that but in high school I let my insecurities get the best of me. My mom was my best friend during those rough years. She always told me, "I'm your biggest cheerleader." And she really was. But not only did she cheer me on through high school, she prayed me through it as well. I know her prayers were answered because I survived high school and am now I'm married to a wonderful Christian man, have 2 beautiful healthy kids, and I live 6 miles from her and my dad...definitely an answered prayer that my mom prayed. ;) I want to pray for my children just like my mom prayed for us.

I love my daughter's face when she sees my mother. And Bennett's starting to get the same excited smile. She just a has a way with people. Not only children but everyone that meets her. I'm so proud to call her my mom. I want to be like her in so many ways.