The Story of a One-Armed Duck

The kids were talking, but I was pretty zoned out, focused more on breakfast. A bite for me, a bite for Nathan. Thinking of the little tasks I needed to complete before school--empty the dishwasher, make my bed, wash the dishes.
 Suddenly I tuned in, realizing Brooklynne was talking about her duck. The arm had fallen off and she was going to give it to Grandma to sew back on.

 Panic surged through me. I've been throwing things away constantly around here and the memory of a small fuzzy thing which very well could have been a ducks arm being tossed into the trash came to mind.
 "Is it green?" I asked casually.

 "Yes," she answered and more panic ensued.

 "I threw it away," I blurted out. "I'm so sorry, Brookie. I didn't realize..."

Her face. Oh my gosh, her face. The horror. I gulped and tried to talk my way out of it.
 "Brookie, so many people don't have an arm or leg, and they make it through their lives just fine." (seriously? this was my defense? It was a 50 cent duck from one of those lame machines. REALLY?!)
 The tears continued, despite my best efforts to reassure her that a one-armed-green-duck was just as good as a 2 armed duck. And while we're on the subject, who ever knew that ducks had ARMS?! Not me, or I wouldn't have thrown it away.

 A few minutes later it dawned on me that the missing arm had been thrown out late in the day the day before, so there couldn't have been much trash on top of it. When she wasn't looking, I opened the trash, fished through cracked egg shells, a dirty diaper and coffee grounds to find the small fuzzy green thing. There sat the beloved arm, untouched by the gross trash and still looking alive and well. Well, as much as a severed arm can look. I plucked it out as relief washed over me and called her back into the kitchen. You would have thought I just rescued out dog out of the trash. I was smiling, she was smiling, she was hugging me and I promised to safety pin the arm back on as soon as I could.

Thankfully, the rest of the week has been quite uneventful and we've long forgotten about the almost permanently one-armed green duck.

The weather here has been awesome, which means the first picnic of the year happened and it always gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.

Going for sissie's food

There is something about the kids being outside that helps them play so well together. Yesterday while both of them were swinging, Brooke's flip-flop kept falling off. Joe would get off the swing, kneel down, slide it back on her foot and then hop back on his swing. Several times, until finally, (huge sigh) "Brookie, this is my last time doing this, OK?" It was the sweetest thing to watch and made me so proud to be their Mom.

Hope you all are having a great week!

Memorial Day 2012

 Memorial Day this year was a little different than the past few years because we didn't host anything. While I love hosting big parties and picnics, I have to admit it was a nice break to have a fun day without all the work! :)

Our morning started off at our favorite breakfast place. We were pretty late getting there, so the kids were spooning out jelly while we were waiting for our food.
                         

                           

We very much love breakfast.

After the kids naps, we got ready for a picnic with friends at a park. I love dressing us all Patriotic on any day that celebrates Veterans or America!

Nathan enjoyed his first Memorial Day. Here he is smiling at sister.

The picnic was hot, but the park had a huge open pavilion that we all sat under and enjoyed the breeze all day. The kids played on the playground for hours, Volley Ball games were going all day, and I guarded the dessert table. Ehem.

Notice the iced animal cookies behind us. Um, yes.

All American Boy :)

Later on, Nate helped the kids fly kites which was the cutest thing ever. Joey's short little legs were pumping as fast as he could down the field to keep his kite up in the air. Totally adorable!

My adorable niece, Liberty. :)

This week one of my childhood friends has been visiting with her three adorable kiddos and we are having a blast. Will definitely be posting about it next week!

Have a great weekend, friends!

The Season of New Life

Spring has sprung in all of it's glory here. The days are warm and breezy and beautiful wildflowers have sprouted up between luscious blades of green grass. Green. That's something we haven't seen in a while, but because of the generous amount of rain we've gotten this year we're now seeing it everywhere, taking it all in before it turns crunchy and brown again from the heat.

Our nightly walks have resumed

Baby is 6 weeks old so I'm up and around more and resumed my normal workout routine this week. I'll do it for a week or so more before I start a Jillian Michael's dvd. After no exercise for 6 weeks (and just walking for the last few weeks of pregnancy) I need to work my body back up to where it was before I take on that much of an intense workout! 

This week we had a picnic outside, the first of many before the weather gets too hot.

I love my quilt that makes me feel all picnic-y. Best $3 I ever spent!

Thankfully he only got a hold of half of a turkey sandwich. It could have been worse.

Brooklynne requested to wear a princess dress this day, with a shirt underneath of course, because God forbid we "FEEEEL ITCHYYYY!" and have a meltdown.

She hates pictures these days, so I have to sneak them here and there when she doesn't know. My little girl is almost 5 and is so grown up and mature--my biggest helper with the baby and around the house!

What would spring be without bugs? Rolly Polly's abound and must be shown to Mommy, but I refuse to keep them as pets. Sorry kids. Mom has limits!

I love having a spring baby. The outdoors calms him right down and he usually falls asleep immediately, but if not he sits contentedly, observing the beautiful world around him. I am blessed with a happy, content baby!

My cousin bought the kids bubbles, a perfect activity for them while I fed the baby and watched, taking in motherhood and the warm fuzzy feeling it gives me.

Those chubby cheeks get kissed. A lot. 

I can't decide what my favorite season is in Texas, but right now I would have to say spring. We're spending it outside, enjoying friends, walks, the park and play dates. It's a good time to reflect on new life and how the Lord Jesus Christ will give us new life if we only believe and ask!

Happy Weekend!

My Birthday Week

I celebrated my 25th birthday this week. 25 is a big deal to me--you know, that whole quarter of a century thing. I feel old, but then in another way, I've been married for 5 1/2 years and we have almost 3 kids. So maybe it's about time I became a little older. :) I got to celebrate for the whole week because one of my best friends, Felicia, was here for a visit!

This is what happens when friends visit for your birthday. They make chocolate butter cookies with peanut butter frosting...they were as good as they sound. No, better, actually.

 My sweetest gifts of all :). 

 My birthday itself was pretty uneventful. We shopped for few hours, had lunch, and had a little party that night. The week itself was the best part--I love having other adults around to talk to all day (which she may not have as appreciated as much;).

Another night, we made these deep dish chocolate chip cookies. Tip: make a few more than the recipe calls for, because they are better just a little thinnner. And chill the dough! It makes a diffference! They are amazing!

 Proof that I'm still trying to eat somewhat healthy, despite the previous pictures. (Hey, it was my birthday!) This "Skinny Cheeseburger soup" was awesome. (Can't find the link right now--I'll insert it later). I used part ground turkey and part 96/4 ground beef, added zuchinni,  topped it off with low fat cheese and tons of cayenne--which, of course, is optional.

 The weather here was unseasonably warm this week. We walked to the park and let the kids play while we talked and solved the worlds problems.

 When we came home for lunch, the kids had a little picnic outside. Seriously, 75 and sunny in January?! How can you beat that?!

 The day before Feli had to leave, we went out for breakfast and then a nice long day of Outlet shopping. Having Nate at breakfast with us was a real treat. :)

It was such a fun week. I have SO much to be grateful for--I'm so blessed! :) Have a great week, everyone!

Memorial Day, 2011

The morning after big party days are always a bit sluggish around here. We sleep in and the morning is slow as we try to recover from picnic food overload and clean up the aftermath. Yes, having big groups of people over is a lot of work--before, during and after--but so worth it for the fun times, the laughs and lots of memories made. Our Memorial Day was filled with all of those, but also a spirit of remembrance of those who have given their lives and are still serving our great country.

I hope you enjoy a little peek into our day yesterday, and I hope you all had a wonderful one as well!

(Remember you can click on any picture to see it bigger and clearer!)

Cousins decked out in Patriotic wear

My sweet decorating skills came to life on the food table. 3 flags, a bandanna and a vase? Bet you didn't know I had it in me!

Getting a little patriotic with the brownies 

My cute little Kiddos enjoying their meal

Trying to stick to somewhat of a healthy meal--turkey burger on a whole wheat bun, strawberry spinach salad, cherries and whole wheat macaroni salad. Yum! 

Too Many Cheetos!

One of the Grill Masters (My hubby was the other one and he did a great job!)

He (above) made these gourmet Hot Dogs that he saw on a cooking show that morning! They were amazing!

Wearing the same shirt from last year...she's grown a few inches this year but only gained 3 pounds so not much different! ;)

 Love that Man!

We are blessed with a yard big enough to play volley ball in, great for big groups

Cousins and best Friends

Pretty like her Mommy :)

More Volley Ball!

Of course he had to be patriotic too!

Peek-A-Boo!

And last, our little family at the end of the day. We are so thankful for our country and the wonderful freedom to celebrate with friends and family because of so many who sacrificed their lives! God Bless America!