Fearless!

The bottom line...I want a dog. The boys want a dog. Even Brady...yep, he wants a dog, too! In fact, his first word other than "Mamma" and "Dadda" was "doooooog!"

The twins were scared to death of dogs for the longest time. In fact, I think it's only been within the past year that they have overcome this fear. It was so bad that if the neighbors behind us had their dogs outside on the other side of the fence, the twins wouldn't go outside because they were too afraid. For a long period of time we couldn't go to the park because the boys were afraid that there would be a dog there. You may be wondering why such trepidation over a four legged little thing...well, not once, but TWICE we had a dog try to attack the twins.

Brady, on the other hand, is fearless. Our next door neighbor has a big, sweet golden retriever that is three times the size of Brady. The other day it (Bentley) was outside and Brady took off running towards the dog. I caught up to him before he reached the dog, but it's owner said, "Oh, he'll be really sweet to Brady." So, I let go of Brady to see what he'd do since he'd never been up close to a dog before. He reached up and rubbed the dogs face. Then he walked around the animal saying, "Dog. Dog. Dog." He was petting him all over and grinning ear to ear. Two days later, we were out for a stroll when the dog was out again. Brady was going crazy trying to get to the dog again. This time, he reached up and stuck his fingers right into Bentley's slobbery mouth! It made me so nervous because it was then that I realized that maybe fear is a good thing. He'd get swallowed up whole if he approached a cranky dog!

We visited the pet store a few days ago. The boys have been asking for a dog for the past year. I, too, want a dog but I know that the time is not right. Brady needs to get a little older and we need to find a breed that is child-friendly and asthma friendly. Any suggestions???

Spring Break Highlights # 3

Just FYI...if you click on the photos I've posted, they will enlarge!

This is my last entry for Spring Break. We had a wonderful time together this past week, but the boys were eager to greet their friends and teachers at school today. They truly were excited and after the difficulty we had finding a school and deciding whether or not to separate them or not...it is so comforting to know that they are so happy and thriving in their preschool environment. It has been a great year! Oh, I'm off track...

We spent Thursday with some new friends at an indoor bounce and play center. The boys had a ball with their friend, Alex, jumping in the bounce houses and we enjoyed having his family over to our home for the remainder of the afternoon.






Friday the boys rode their bikes to the park while Mommy pushed Brady in his new wheels! He thought he was hot stuff and Mommy did, too! We enjoyed another beautiful Texas day and I soaked it all in as I know true Texas heat is right around the corner.







Saturday we took the train downtown and enjoyed the city. The boys love trains and I'm even thinking about making a trip up to see my friend in Oklahoma on Amtrak with the boys. I think it sounds fun! Of course, lots of my good ideas turn out to be not so brilliant with three boys in tow. We'll see! I'm just trying to think of some good ideas for the summertime. If you have any ideas...let me know!

Spring Break Highlights #2: Botanical Gardens and TRAIN

We had a fun day with friends at the Botanical Gardens...it was a record setting day as far as traffic in the area due to 23,000 people going to the zoo! Although we weren't going to the zoo, the train and gardens are right next to the zoo and it took me over an hour longer than normal to get there! It was a beautiful day, though, so well worth the wait! After a picnic in the gardens, the boys and I headed over to the miniature train for a 45 minute ride through the local city park. Picnic, flowers, fish ponds,popcorn, train...a great day!

Spring Break Highlights...SPLASH DAY

Make a Smilebox slideshow

We had a great day on Tuesday...splashing around in the backyard. Even Brady joined in on the fun and seeing three precious boys in their swimming suits...how can you not smile at that??? Michael may not be smiling at our upcoming water bill, but hey, it's cheaper than a water park! Enjoy!

Weekend of CELEBRATION!!!

Friday we celebrated a very, very special day. It was Brady's first birthday and it brought back so many wonderful and precious memories. It was hours after his birth that we even found out about his existence. We were chosen by his birthparents after his delivery and that evening we received the phone call that would change our hearts and lives forever. God had given us another beautiful son through the lives and love of a very special young couple. We know that our joy brings mixed emotions for Brady's birthparents that we have come to love so dearly. Their sacrificial love for Brady made our love for Brady possible. And I pray that one day he will grasp how deep the Father's love is for him.

On Saturday we had his party and it was a special day for us to celebrate with friends and family that prayed for this child long before they knew him by name. It was truly a blessing to share this day with those that walked beside us as we began the journey of adoption. We had a great time!

Sunday was equally as precious. We dedicated Brady to the Lord during our church service...on the one year anniversary of the day we signed papers and brought Brady home from the hospital. All I can say about that experience is that Brady and I, were completely inappropriate during the dedication. My precious son decided that since he had an audience, it was time to give the performance of a lifetime! I could see him draw his hand waaaaaaay back and I knew what was coming. He was whacking Mommy on the face and laughing during the dedication....time and time again. Why was I inappropriate you may ask? Because I was giggling every time I saw him pull his hand back. I knew it was coming and I couldn't stop it fast enough or without causing a bigger scene. Here we were talking about "training our children in the way they should go" and my baby decided to test out that training in front of everyone! I could hear the members of the congregation chuckling along with me. I have to laugh! It truly was sadly hilarious!

Take a Close Look

Mason...4 days after conception
Mason...1 day after conception.
Caleb...4 days after conception.
Caleb...1 day after conception.


I know that I am far from alone in my opposition to President Obama's decision regarding stem cell research. I can't help but wonder if he had seen his own daughters when they were only a few cells large, how it would change the way the way he views this issue. I have the gift of having amazing photos of Caleb and Mason...literally from conception on. Take a close look. These tiny, tiny, tiny embryos are human life. They are fearfully and wonderfully made by the hand of God.

I encourage you to take the time to read Psalm 139: 13-16.

Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired!

Two sick boys in isolation!
Poor baby's eczema got infected! They are MUCH better now!

If you read my title, you know where this is going. We are exhausted! It has been literally one thing after the other since Jan. 1st. We started this year off with a bang! Lets see...January 1st, Caleb got croup. Afterwards, all three boys got pink eye. Then, came Brady's RSV. Next, Caleb's second round of pink eye. Then Brady's RSV relapse and double ear infection. After that, Brady's eczema that got infected. Next, came Mommy's ear infection. Then Mason's bronchitis. Then Mason's stomach virus and/or flu. Then Caleb's respiratory infection and/or flu. Now Mommy's tummy doesn't feel good and I've been nauseated for the past day or so. It doesn't seem to end. I'd have to get out my calendar to count how many times I have brought some member of our family to the doctor. We've been to pediatric urgent care three or four times! My prayers have been, "Give me strength," and I keep reminding myself that "this too shall pass!"

In the meantime, the laundry piles never seem to shrink and the carpet doesn't get vaccuumed as frequently as I'd like. The boys haven't been to school in a week and when they finally return I keep wondering if I'll feel relief that we are all well or grief that I have a house that has sorely been neglected!

Though tiring when the kids are ill, I am blessed beyond measure to have three "healthy" children. After years of infertility and the loss of more than one baby, I shop the medicine aisle at the local store with joy and greet the pharmacist with a heart of gratitude. I have the blessing of caring for the boys that the Lord has so richly given to me. How can I complain?