Oh the places you will go......

Galveston.
Moody Gardens.
Kemah.

The Aquarium.
The Rainforest.
Palm Beach.

Our trip to Galveston was amazing! You know it's good when you take about 327 pictures and your camera dies before the real fun. And I must say the 2 1/2 hour car trip, with 2 bathroom breaks, was so much better than the 5 we were used to.

We arrived at Moody Gardens on Thursday and spent all day exploring the Aquarium and the Rainforest. The kids just couldn't get enough of all the aquatic life. And Kreg and I enjoyed it too :) We explored various cold water habitats.







The Rainforest has 'wondering' animals you could pet!

The Macaws were beautiful!



The highlights of the day were the 3D and 4D movie. There was no one in line for the 4D Dinosaur movie so we walked right in. Of course, Hunter wanted to sit on his own. Well the movie started with water in your face and a dinosaur trying to eat you. Hunter was in hysterics, screaming, and of of course, 4 seats from me. I told him to rip his glasses off so the show wouldn't be scary. Thankfully the film only lasted 7 minutes.



Our 3D movie was a Deep Sea movie. And at the beginning a large wave looks like it's coming straight for you. Hunter is guarding himself with his arms and legs and screaming. He didn't want to get wet. He took his glasses off pretty shortly so he didn't have to keep protecting himself. Jayden spend the 1st half of the movie trying to catch the jellyfish or minoes, or whatever else was floating in front of him. Then he finally passed out exhausted.

We took a lovely ride along the Seawall to find our Hotel which turned out to be exquisite. We are so happy we were able to get a great rate. And we ended up with a room on the corner so it was rather large!



We hit the pool right away and relaxed at the swim up bar. Talk about a great ending to the day.



The boys made themselves right at home.



Friday we enjoyed a rather great but very expensive breakfast buffet. I just love how they don't give you menus or display the pricing ANYWHERE. The food was fantastic but not worth the $45 bill. We were charged $6.95 for the boys and Jayden ate a Yoplait yogurt and Hunter some fruit. Holy Moly! Jayden and I headed up to the room to grab our sand buckets and bread for the birds while Hunter and Kreg finished up at breakfast. We come to the 3rd floor and I get off thinking Jay is following. No, he is staying on the elevator pushing buttons and I'm unable to reach the door before it closes. I panic and start pushing the up and down buttons just trying to get a door to open. Finally Jayden's elevator comes back down and of course, he isn't on it and I have no idea which of the 7 floors he is on. So I go back to the 1st floor trying to find Kreg so we can search the floors. Don't see him so I start heading up the stairs checking the 2nd and 3rd floors and our room for Kreg. No luck. I'm back on the 3rd floor pushing both elevator buttons when one finally stops and I hear Jayden talking up a storm. Thankfully a very nice couple found him wondering around on the 5th floor and were taking him to the lobby. Jayden had no idea why I was hysterical he was just talking away to everyone in the elevator. I couldn't thank the couple enough.

So we get over that and head to the beach. We were already warned that the seaweed was horrible. But, Jayden was determined to feed the seagulls and Hunter wanted to collect some shells. Jayden hits the sand and 1 foot in the water before he starts itching up a storm. I always though salt water was good for eczema, but I guess not. The waves were hitting hard and the seaweed was so nasty, Hunter really wanted nothing to do with the water. After 5 minutes we figured why stay there when we had the lovely Palm Beach @ Moody waiting for us.




So we packed up and I wrapped Hunter's cast in saran wrap and packaging tape so he could enjoy the water. And that we all did! We only wished we lived closer to enjoy Palm Beach more often. It was so nice and relaxing. The boys played their little hearts out while Kreg and I either relaxed under our umbrellas in the sand with a beer, watched the fish jump in the boy or in the nice water. All day long it looked like it was going to storm but it never did.





Jayden and I loved all the flowers!

Friday night we headed over to the Kemah Boardwalk and we were all amazed. We couldn't believe we had never been there before. Paul and Wendy had heard about a place to feed the sting rays and we were all looking forward to it. Jayden was so tired and actually passed out on the way there so he missed the action. But I had a blast! Sting rays are actually kind of furry.





We decided to eat at The Aquarium to help keep the kids entertained during dinner. If you ever have the chance, EAT THERE! The food, service, atmosphere, everything was superb! The portions of food were huge. I tried Amberjack and it was delish. The boys took about 100 pictures of all the fish in the tanks. It was truly the highlight of our trip. And probably the best seafood I had ever eaten.

And at night, Kemah comes alive. We walked out to find a band playing, a little water play area, and just plain loads of entertainment. We stopped to watch a juggler perform tricks. I pulled a $1 out and told Hunter to put it in the mans hat. Hunter walked up and then backed off. I think he wanted to keep the dollar but the juggler picked up the hat and brought it to Hunter. Hunter looked at the man and said "Your show better be good for this dollar." Everyone was in hysterics laughing. Well, Hunter must have enjoyed the show because he then pulled out his very own dollar and put it in the hat.

We made our way to the tickets for the rides. The boys wanted to ride everything but I knew they were tired. We managed a train ride that if it had been 2 minutes longer the boys would have fallen asleep curled up on Wendy. Then they and I enjoyed a carousel ride. We finished the night with fireworks. We wish we would have had more time but we were all exhausted from being in the sun all day. But we are already planning a trip back! I just found a great rate for the Boardwalk Inn @ hotels.com. Now that we know just how much fun Kemah is and we aren't that far away, we're ready to go back!

Wendy and I headed to the Market in Galveston Saturday morning for some seafood. I wish I would have had a bigger cooler to buy more. How often do you get the chance to buy that fresh of fish? I ended up with Salmon, Tuna, Amberjack and shrimp. It looked amazing and I can't wait to try the Amberjack.

We made it the whole weekend without rain while we were in Galveston. On the way out crossing over the bridge, it started to rain and it rained the whole way back to La Grange. It was so bad in Houston we barely went over 30mph. It took us about 2 hours to get through Houston. But, we weren't in a rush and Jayden got his nap in.

The boys keep asking when we get to go back and see Paul and Wendy. They had such a great time!! And since they took so many pictures Saturday night, my camera died before I could get any pictures on the rides. Thank goodness Wendy did!

We spent Father's Day in Ammansville at the church picnic and catching up on much needed sleep.

Now back to the daily grind and my focus now is planning Hunter's 5th b-day party. This ought to be fun!!!

Summertime

Nothing says summer better than spending time picking fresh blackberries. Okay....maybe a watermelon, but we enjoyed one last night from Whole Foods.


Friday the kids and I headed over to Sweet Berry Farm in Lexington. The berries were huge and plenty!! If it wouldn't have been 110 degrees and 110% humidity, we might have picked more. Summer's in Texas are so much fun!

The darling little puppy below is a mix between a rat terrier and a chihuahua. I took it to the vet on Friday and it only weighs 1.9 pounds and it's 6 weeks old. It's so precious! Hunter has named it Skippy. My mom got it for Hunter but Jezabell has become very territorial and I was afraid she was going to harm it. So......It's living with my mom and dad. Justin is very excited!

Nothing gets being woken up at 7:45 by your landlord. Turns out our hot water heater started leaking this weekend. He just called to let me know they are having it replaced today. How nice. Really, it's so nice to be able to call someone else to fix these things and not have to worry about them.

Not only has Jezzie become very territorial but she's also become our guard dog. All day long she likes to sit on the over stuffed chair, looking out the window and BARKS at any and all movement outside. Rascal sits and eats all day long and she just has a fit.

I'm not really sure who is enjoying being in La Grange more. The boys because my mom and/or dad comes to see them everyday and will take them to the park or Sonic or the library. My mom loves taking them to a different park almost every day. I enjoy the alone time and that the kids come back tired and ready for bed. My dad enjoys all the baking I'm doing. He usually heads over after work to enjoy a snack with the boys. Justin loves to have some place to go before, during and after work. And the fact that we always have something to eat and drink around my house. Kreg and Justin go fishing at least 3 times a week and/or they are running around together planning or doing something. It's nice to have a break from the kids. It's nice to call Justin over if I want to run to the store and don't want to take the kiddos. Thus far it's been a win win situation for all.

We are packing up and heading down to Galveston this week. Our trip to Schlitterbahn has now turned into a trip to Moody Gardens due to Hunter's broken arm. We decided after all this moving we all needed a break and the kids were begging us to stay at a hotel again. Plus we have friends in Galveston we have been wanting to see :) So, for the 1st time ever, we used hotels.com and found a one-of-a-kind deal at a FAB hotel. Hotel Galvez. So we are excited, the kids are excited but Hunter has declared he would like to stay on dry land this weekend. Poor kiddo :( I told Kreg we really need to take him over to Port A to ride the ferry.

I'm really just left speechless.

That little creamery

The boys and I headed over to Blue Bell today. Something I always wanted to do with them. They had so much fun! From watching them make ice cream sandwiches, to filling up cartons and adding strawberries, the boy's were in awe. And I swear the free 'scoop' of ice cream you get at the end of the tour rivals what we pay $5 for at an ice cream parlor. It was more like 3 heaping scoops in a cup. It was so much the boys didn't even finish it. You couldn't take pictures on the tour, but the boys loved seeing the truck that was featured in the movie we watched about the history of Blue Bell.

And, I think Jayden sees a future with the company.


Of course, across from the factory is the Blue Bell Aquatic Center. I promised the boys we would go back next month when Hunter had his cast off.

The great thing about having DirectTV is that when it storms we lose our service. Sunday night in the middle of watching the news and weather, it starts storming and BAM!, service is gone. We walk outside to sit on the porch and watch the hail and listen to the thunder wondering just what the heck was going on. We were literally, in the dark. Power kept going off and on. Thankfully my sister-in-law called to let us know we were under a tornado warning. Nothing like not knowing. I swear this is worse than only having 5 channels growing up and when the president was on, our night was shot. I was one of those children. Could you imagine?

I don't believe we are in the city anymore.

Meet Rascal. He's our resident squirrel who's gonna be so fat before long! He sits and eats all day long. The boys love him.


Meet this lovely tarantula. Justin found him as he was mowing our grass last week under the kids playscape. The boys wanted to keep him as a pet, much to Kreg's dismay, so we put him in a jar with holes in the top but he just didn't make it to morning.


And Hunter. Our darling Hunter. Last week for a little tough. Though he was a champ. The kid gets his determination from me :) I was really worried how he was going to handle everything but he did better than me. But it was hard to watch my very independent child now need help getting dressed and taking a shower and all those things he's grown to do by himself. And he tried to do everything by himself still. You could tell he hated asking for help. We took him to the orthopedic on Friday and we ended up with a purple cast!

Turns out the second bone with the fracture also could have broke. It's suppose to be straighter than what it is. We were lucky. Of course, everyone we come into contact with Hunter asks to sign his cast. It's filling up very quickly. And a dream finally came true for him. We've seen the batmobile several times and this time we actually stopped and had our picture taken.

He was nothing but smiles.

In other news, Kenny and Marsais are officially engaged! They moved into a rent house this weekend in Kyle and guess who the lucky people were to help him move. Payback can be a b!tch.

If only we could get all of our boxes unpacked and things completely organized!

The Relief, The Shocking & The Ugly

The Relief

We closed on the house yesterday morning. From our end, everything went well. Kreg and I are both relieved to be through all of this.

The Shocking

Hmmm....how shall I start this? My parents have had a trampoline for 3 years now. They were planning on bringing it to my house for the boys to enjoy. We all love getting on there & playing. Yesterday, Justin watched the boys for me while Kreg and I did everything we needed to in Austin. Kreg got to my parents house to get the boys before me. Justin, Hunter & Jayden were playing around on the trampoline. Nothing new. Until something happened with Hunter. What, we have NO idea. If I tried to even put together a story, it would be concocted. But Hunter is in hysterics that his harm hurts and both Kreg and Justin who have broken their arms notice it is bowing out. Justin is trying to get Hunter to move his arm and fingers. Kreg decides we need to take him to the ER. I'm still on my way into La Grange so I meet them there a few minutes after they arrive. Poor Justin feels horrible. I try telling him over and over it isn't his fault. This could have happened to any of us. Well, x-rays confirm our suspicions. He broke one bone in the arm and it was bowing out and cracked another. They have to hook him up to morphine via anesthesia to try and re-set it. Thankfully he is young enough that the bone will heal the most on it's own. Kreg has to leave the room but I stay and help try and get him through the setting process. It wasn't pretty. But, things look great and we have a temporary cast on at the moment. I'm waiting on my pedi to call me with an orthopedic who he thinks we should see.

Hunter is doing great and did great. I've been a ball of nerves and full of panic but trying to hold it together for him.



All the while we are dealing with that in the hospital, this is looming over our heads........

The Ugly

Notice I said everything went well with closing from our end. Back when we signed the contract, we agreed to pay X number of dollars in closing costs. Well, after the settlement statement was drawn up, there was $600 left out that they could not apply anywhere from our end. Meaning, we would get it. The buyers felt that they were owed that money and wanted us to write them a personal check. Yeah. Thankfully, Barbara knew were we stood and dealt with everything without even having to contact us. So in the midst of being in the hospital, Kreg calls to find out if we had funded yet. Our mortgage loan has to be paid off today or we get charged around another $1000 in interest. Turns out we didn't fund yesterday because the buyers didn't sign something because they were still fighting for this $600. They wanted a check or a gift card or something to amount to it. I don't know exactly what took place, but they did end up signing last night and we are suppose to fund this am. Thankfully!

I've got some pictures on my new cell-phone but haven't had the time to sit down and try to work the thing. I'm off to figure it out.

Austin American Statesman 5.27.07

Our house in Leander was featured in "What's for Sale in Leander"

Too bad it's already sold.....

yes...more time has passed that I would have wanted, but for the record, moving sucks.

last saturday we, kreg, me, my dad and kenny, loaded up a 26 foot u-haul and my dad's 16 foot trailer. my dad packed the u-haul to the brim. I cringed when I looked inside. we managed to get it all down to La Grange and un-packed. we were all left exhausted.

sunday we had to go back to leander since we only brought my car down and jayden had a dentist appointment. there we had NO beds, TV, fridge, so we were in for a real treat. borrowed blow-up mattresses and a TV it was.

we had to head back to la grange on Monday since I had to be there for Verizon on Tuesday and DirectTV on Wednesday. finally my own bed. but then I was called back to Leander on Wednesday to wait for an electrician on Thursday morning. we also received a call on Wednesday that my uncle had passed away. so I knew I would be heading out of town soon. but I was scrounging for ideas for when the kids and I would be in Leander. it would only be raining buckets, we had nothing to do and I had to be there from 8-12. we made it. thank goodness for my mom's portable dvd.

we made one last trip up on Sunday with both cars while my parents took the boys to the movies and have our shop-vac and a trash can left. PHEW. FINALLY! We sign tomorrow morning at 9:30.

we've all really enjoying being in La Grange. I've had to spend my days running to the feed store or the lumber yard because if our tiny HEB or tiny Wal-Mart doesn't have it, that's where you go. the boys look forward to Popo getting off work everyday so they can sit down and enjoy cookies and milk with him. Justin has become the little brother Kreg has always wanted and has taken up residence with us to eat our food and drink our soda. but he is being a BIG help. he re-arranged his schedule to be off tomorrow morning to watch the kids while we go sign off on the house.

kreg and I both adore NO longer having stairs, having a house that was built in the late-50's to early 60's, less space and bathrooms to clean, and enjoying a slower paced life. it really is nice.

the only problem we have are these GI-NORMOUS snails.
WARNING. CREEPY PICTURES.




but hey, that's what snail and slug bait is for. so I get my package and I spread it around on Sunday. only to then read the package that it attracts dogs and it's FATAL to them. Great Job. we've just become better at taking Jezabell out in the yard instead of right outside. and the snails seem to be drying up and leaving my plants alone.

Wednesday the 23rd was a particularly hard day. not only did my uncle pass away the night before, but it had been 10 years since I lost my Meme. 10 years ago that I spent my last week of school ever mourning. instead of taking finals and enjoying senior days, I was preparing for a funeral. and that year was going to be Meme's proudest moment. For the 1st time ever, she had 3 grandkids graduating that year. my Meme was very well-known in the community. and being in a small town people come out of everywhere to help when someone passes away. everyone knew Meme had 9 children, 9 spouses of her children, and 20 grandchildren. she raised those 9 children all alone because her husband passed way before the 9th child was born. during those hard days, the food was pouring in. and we grandchildren were left at the house to receive it. I remember one elderly lady called to see if we could come pick up some lasagna she had made for us. we all looked at one another and licked our lips. and about 12 of us hopped into Meme's old blue suburban and look off. we brought the lasagna back and devoured it right out of the pan.

you think having 20 grandchildren would be hard but for Meme it was a blessing. we all used to joke about Christmas time. what would it be that year, new stocking hats or flashlights from Santa. the same Santa came every year with a big bag and handed out the exact same thing to all of us. new stocking hats to keep us warm as we played hide and go seek outside in the pitch black or new flash lights so we could play ghost in the graveyard outside. all the girls would receive some sort of doll and all the boys would receive some sort of vehicle, action figure or something. we loved it. and back then we never realized how she treated everyone of us the same. we all always had the same number of gifts to open. she made sure of it. we would have all taken notice if something was different. i've taken that and passed it on with my kids. so have all my aunts and most importantly, my mom. we never once sat down to eat a holiday meal. you graised around the BIG table set up in the dining room overflowing with food. each Easter every single one of us participated in the Easter egg-hunt. you can't even imagine the amount of candy that was out there.

I could write forever and a day about all the wondeful memories I have. but I will save some for later. I've got to get the kids up and going so they can go spend the night at my parents house while I head up to Leander.

signing off....for the moment

we are packing up and moving! well, the rest of our big items. which would be our TV, fridge, bed, and yes computer!!!! our new service isn't scheduled to be hooked up until next Wednesday so I'm off until then. once I get everything squared away, I'll let everyone know our new email address.

let's hope my dad and kreg make it through the weekend. god love them.

gonna miss St. Thomas More

really and truly. where else would you find a priest kicking back with beer during teacher appreciation then dresses up like Willie Nelson and sings a rendition of Luckenbach, Texas just for us volunteers.

Father Elmer is the best!

The Blogger's Plague.

It's going around. And I thought I was the only one. Now I don't feel quite so bad.

Since it's our offical start to summer with no more school, we spent the morning at the park feeding the ducks.

Hunter feel in love with the baby ducks and Jay was feeding them out of his hand. And Jezabell......well she really just wanted to chase them.

Phew.....

Time is flying by. Last week was very hectic. There are some things that need to be 'repaired' on the house that where done wrong in the 1st place. Dealing with anyone at Centex Homes and the Warranty Department has been a nightmare. But we don't think that we should have to pay anyone to fix WIRING and ELECTRICAL problems that are the builders fault and knowing these things are FIRE hazards doesn't sit well. And much to people's horror, we would like to get these things fixed for the new owners. Kreg and I have decided we will NEVER EVER buy a house from a cookie-cutter home builder or anyone who builds homes in the masses. Thank goodness I have 2 uncles who build homes.

Loading a 26-foot u-haul by ourselves wasn't the most amount of fun we have ever had. And then Kreg got to drive it to La Grange, without a working a/c, and attempt to unload it. My dad was able to come over for a little bit on Saturday morning to help.

But arriving in La Grange on Friday put me in a panic mode over whether or not we were doing the right thing by moving to La Grange. In reality, I guess everything was a little surreal until we actually loaded up 1/2 of the house. But the panic quickly disappeared when we went to dinner at a little hole in the wall and realized how nice a slower paced life is. And just pulling a u-haul onto the street brought out neighbors from 2 blocks wanting to meet us, introduce themselves and just 'chat' with the new neighbors. Kreg got the biggest kick out of it. Heck, here in Leander we barely know the people 2 doors down and anything beyond that, we DON'T know.

Mother's Day was nice and relaxing. We bought about 10 pounds of shrimp and Kenny bought about 15 pounds of crawfish and we did a nice shrimp/crawfish bowl and enjoyed the day outside.

Today was bittersweet as it was the boy's last day of school. We are really going to miss everyone at Treasure Patch Kids.

Here's a few pictures:

I am sad to be leaving my beautiful wisteria behind:


but I am getting what I've ALWAYS wanted in my backyard:


Kreg took turns giving the boys a ride on Popo's tractor:



Enjoying watermelon:


The boy's wanted bubbles in their pool and of course Popo gives them what they want:


Lunch, YUM!



Who really unloaded that u-haul:


What's great about living in a really, really OLD house:



King of the mountains! (or look what we get to spread!)

The house is coming along and starting to feel like home:

Sorry.

It's been the week from hell and I've been dealing with people from hell.

And there's nothing quite like being woken up at 6:30 in the morning by your little brother calling to ask if him and his buddy's can get ready for prom at your house. See, their playoff game in Humble got rained out last night so they are playing the next 2 days in Austin. And with prom being tomorrow night, they didn't want to go all the way back to La Grange and then back to Austin for dinner.

The best news yet, WE ARE MOVING FORWARD WITH THE HOUSE. Today we rented the biggest u-haul you can get so I don't have time to catch up that much. Gotta go pack it up.

These are the days of our lives.......

Where shall I begin......let's see I left off at Monday.......so Tuesday. Ah, Tuesday, the day I decided we needed to take in and love 2 more dachshunds. Nova, who is 3 and Aspen, who is 2. Really and truly, this was my birthday surprise for Kreg. So Tuesday after school, the boys and I went to pick up the newest member of our family. We got them at home and Jezabell was so happy. Considering we had a contract out on the house, we've been a little relaxed. Not worrying so much about all the little details. Of course it would happen that we'd get a call to show the house. And of course, they were already in the neighborhood. I begged for 30 minutes. I'm running around making beds, throwing dishes into the dishwasher, trying to get the kids to pick up their toys and round up 3 dogs. We all make it to the front door with seconds to spare. I open the door and each dog takes off a different direction. I get the kids in and buckled up and take off after the dogs. By time I get one in and try to get another, the 1st one is out again. Finally, I am triumphant, but I'm drenched with sweat. Now, what am I going to do with 3 dogs and 2 kids in the rain? We manage and all the while I can't really tell Kreg whats going on, because it's a surprise. We get home and in walks Kreg. I think hits heart skipped a beat and he just looks at me with "what have you done?" Truth be told, he actually fell in love with the dogs. After they manage to tear apart 2 of our pillows and eat through a blanket.

So we are on to Wednesday. Kreg gets up in the morning and let's all the pups out while he showers and gets ready for work. He leaves, I grab Jezzie to come inside for some one on one time. Well, I go back outside about 30 minutes later and Aspen and Nova are gone. The boys and I hop into the car and start circling the neighborhood. We go down every street calling their names. Nothing. Nada. I've got an appointment downtown at 11:00 that we make it too and head back for more looking. We have NO luck. I've figured by now someone has taken them in. We spend the night bracing for the storm that never was.

Thursday we celebrated Kreg's 32nd b-day. I don't really know if you would call it celebrating. We had to have Jezaball in Georgetown at 8:00 for her spaying appointment, I d be at school at 9:00 for mom's and muffins, the inspector was scheduled to be at the house at 1:30, the exact time I pick up the boys from school in Round Rock and then we couldn't come back home for about 3 hours. Thankfully Kreg took off to take Jezzie and let the inspector in. (Our realtor is out of town and she's the only one that can access the lock box code!) I spent the morning receiving the cutest scrapbooks from the boys and enjoying muffins. The rest of the morning was spent going to the Humane Society, driving around the neighborhood, searching craigslist, and calling shelters. No luck. We take the kids to Inflatable Wonderland to pass time. We got home, ordered pizza and crashed.

Friday actually brought us more luck :) Someone posted on craigslist that they found the pups. But Wednesday and Thursday actually brought the realization to both Kreg and I that we couldn't go from having 1 dog to 3. Thankfully, the wonderful Amy had mentioned on Tuesday, when I told her about the dogs, she'd love to find one. When I called her with the excited news that the pups were found and I'd love if she could care for one. She was delighted and she took Nova into their home. She also said that her parents might be able to take in Aspen if we decided not to keep him. Since Jezabell's surgery on Thursday, she's pretty much lost control of her bladder and we have to start completely over with potty-training. Trying to do that and take care of 2 kids and move, I knew Aspen would be better off with someone who could give him more. So we are hoping that it works out.

I'm sure their are a certain many of you cursing me for not emailing you back. Please remember that I love you :) and that's what I'm going to focus on tomorrow. You aren't the only one waiting ot hear from me. Finding time at the computer these days isn't easy. So please forgive me. I'm not ignoring you.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

The Good

We are officially under contract on our house! We have a 10 day option period to get through and have a closing set for the 30th of May.

We spent about 7 hours over the weekend at the rent house cleaning up. My dad took a chainsaw to almost all the shrubs. It looks completely different. I wish I would have taken pictures.

The Bad

This weekend was a living hell for Hunter. He woke up on Sunday morning wheezing some. The people who lived in the rent house before left a nebulizer. So we were trying just saline treatments hoping to ease up the wheezing since I don't carry his asthma meds. By lunch time, I was 2 steps from taking him to the ER. He could barely breathe and I was starting to panic. Thank goodness my mom thought of going to HEB and transferring his prescription down to LG and thank goodness we live 2 blocks from HEB. I walked, no ran, into HEB at 2:37 explaining the situation and by 2:40 I was walking out the door with pulmicort. My mom, bless her heart, was able to calm Hunter down and get a breathing treatment in him. It got him stable enough for us to be able to drive home. But not before we went to my parents neighbors house to check out their new puppies. They breed long hair dachshunds and cocker spainels. O H M Y G O D!!! We feel in love with the little 7 week old black mini dachshund. Hunter said that's what he wanted Nana to get him since she got Jay a puppy for his b-day. They also had cocker spaniels that were just born that morning. They were so tiny and precious.

The Ugly

Now that Hunter has finally stopped wheezing, I'm left with the most HYPER child in the world. Those who have never done breathing treatments, have no idea how bad it is and those who have done them, feel for me. Jayden is normally hyper and Hunter is mellow. It sometimes works out. With 2 hyper kids, and rain, I'm lucky I have hair left and it isn't grey. (hey I did have to color it last night) My dad couldn't help but just laugh at Hunter talking 90 to nothing yesterday. He shook his head, gave me a hug and said he felt for me. He's been there, done that. I honestly don't know what to do right now. Hunter is literally pouncing....from one room to the next...off of the walls.......and him and Jayden are feeding off of each other. Jayden's is loving this. I'm about to start loving my valium.

these kids, really can't be mine. they knew wednesday was their dentist day. they excitedly woke up bright and early and kept asking every 2 minutes if it was time to go yet. with my lovely tooth problems, I never look forward to the dentist. but, they really love the dentist since they get to lay back and watch cartoons on a flat screen tv above their hears, wearing sunglasses to block out light. and once they get done, they get to pick a prize out of the treasure chest. and since, since they had 2 good visits in a row, they got a t-shirt. what kid wouldn't love that dentist.

all was well, except for Jayden. remember, Kreg had a little accident with him falling in the bleachers at the t-ball game. turns out, Jayden chipped his front tooth and they are pretty concerned about a large bump above one tooth. they are scared something might be under the skin. what? I don't know. so....we now have to watch him carefully and make sure the teeth don't start turning colors or in. and we have to go back in a month. kreg, kreg, kreg.

ms. jezabell has become our mess of a child. she's been teething. nothing new there. but she's taking a keen liking to our toilet paper. she gets it going and runs off with it down the hall. then she goes back and tears numerous little pieces off. yesterday I was working on the computer and all of a sudden the screen goes blank. jezzie comes from under the desk with a mouth full of wires :) I also caught her in the closet with a mouth full of my make-up brushes. and this morning, she was loving on my wire to my hair straightener. miss priss is up to no good.

if I wasn't busy enough, we are now kicking it into high gear with getting stuff moved down to La Grange. my dad and brothers should be bringing up a truck and trailer this weekend. we'd like to get everything in the garage taken down to LG, then we can start tearing the garage apart and the rest of the house. it's exciting at the same time sad. and, contrary to popular belief, it was not my decision to move to LG. since I left home 10 years ago, I vowed never to move back. it's always been Kreg to suggest it and me to veto it. but when he began hinting again at the beginning of the year, I finally gave in. I love how everyone is so quick to pin this move on me. I am happy about it but I never suggested it. with this move, kreg's dreams are coming true. he has always wanted to build batting cages at my parents house. low and behold, dad and him have started the plans. dad's even got the netting already. this ought to be a fun adventure.........

latest house news..........

We are under contract! :)

with a closing date of May 30th.

busy day. more news to come later!

We got an offer on the house last night!

Don't get too excited. It was for much less than we are asking. We have counter-offered in hopes of reaching a better offer. We are hoping to get things squared away today if they are serious.

Best part yet, they want to close on May 15th. That's 3 weeks away. Looks like Kreg could be spending his birthday moving and I could be spending Mother's Day moving.

Let's see what happens. Pray it works out.

Jayden, Jayden, Jayden.

This child is the king of getting hurt. Last week, he was riding his bike, fell off, got run over by the neighbor kid and was left with a really bad skin on his arm. Then, Saturday at Hunter's t-ball game, somehow he manages to split open the scab and blood starts gushing out. Then, at his cousin's t-ball game, Kreg doesn't realize he must keep his eye on the kid and he falls off the bleacher and busts open his lip.

Hunter, Hunter, Hunter.

The child says he is tired of having curly hair but doesn't want to cut it off. So, mom got creative.

Now he wants this done every day. Ha. Ha. Ha.

Thankfully we had plans Saturday morning to get up and head make our spring trek over to Sweet Berry Farm. After deliberating, we decided we could meet Amy and her brood after Friday's incidents without too much harm. We would be in public and all. (just kidding Amy)
On the way we get a call that they are showing the house. No biggie. We are gone! We enjoy picking strawberries, a maniac of a hay ride, feeding the goats and a nice picnic.

We start heading home for our 3:30 t-ball game. We get a call that they want to show the house in between 2:30 and 3:30. Hey, no problem. We don't want to stand in the way of anyone. Except, you know, that's the time we were planning to head home and change for the game. So, we get to the house at 2:30, park in the neighbor's drive way, run in house grabbing t-ball attire, Jezabell, all the while making sure no one is pulling up. We get out without a hitch, make it to t-ball only to get a call that they are running late and now won't be there until 5:00 and 6:00. Great, just when t-ball is over and dinner time. We make the most of it. Hey, it's the fun of having your house on the market!

Here's some pictures from our trip to the San Gabriel Park last week. I've been having fun experimenting with photography again.

And a few more from Sweet Berry Farm:

Still not sure what we are going to do with this hair:

Reading Rainbow

The weather has been beautiful so we have been taking advantage of it.

I've been on a reading kick and in the past week and a half I've finished:
Shopaholic & Baby by Sophie Kinsella
Step on a Crack by James Patterson
Beach Road by James Patterson
The Innocent Man by John Grisham

And today I started Cross also by Patterson. I'm about 1/2 done.

Yes, I need help. But when I get on a reading kick, it doesn't stop.

So yesterday we hooked up the sprinkler, the kids let loose and I curled up to read. Little did I realize that the sun was beating down on me. About the time I realize I'm fried to a crisp, I get a call from the dermatologist, to schedule my annual check-up. Since, you know, 2 years ago they removed a basal cell carcinoma from my side under my arm. I pondered how could I end up with a spot there. It was the years of baking in a tanning bed. Everyone needs a little vitamin D from the sun. Heck, I remember when Hunter was born, my beloved pediatrician told me to take him outside for 10 minutes a day, naked. Hold him face up for 5 min then turn him over for 5 more. Not only would this help him not getting jaundice, but it gave him the much needed vitamin D. This is the same ped's who told me to take Hunter to the grocery store and weigh him on a produce scale if I was really worried about him not gaining weight or eating enough. I really do miss him.

I also picked up a book to learn all about Ms. Jezabell. It has really taught me a lot. Kreg really wondered if we needed an $8 book about dachshunds. Well, let's see all that I/we have learned:

1. We are suppose to clean Ms. J's ears once a week to prevent a wax build-up.
2. Her constant itching means she may be allergic to her food.
3. Keeping her nails trimmed is very important. (and a task I got to accomplish properly, thanks to the book.)
4. Tons of potty training tips.
5. How important her toys are.
6. So much about her manner.

The list really could go on! I think Kreg has finally begun to understand that Jezzie is that 3rd child of ours and our little girl to boot. Deep down, he LOVES it :)

Hunter woke up yesterday morning complaining that his arm felt funny. I told him it was probably asleep and to shake it some. He asked me, mom, what time did I wake up? I told him it was 8:30. And, his exact words "Oh........that's right, my arm doesn't wake up until 9:00. It will be alright." Sometimes, I have to wonder where that kid gets it from.

La Grange, Texas

It's always great to tell people we are moving to La Grange and they see them ponder "why?." And if they don't know exactly where it is, they go on to state, they've heard of La Grange before. Why?

Well, for starters, it has been made famous my the best Dolly Parton/Burt Reynolds movie ever. Sing it with me "Texas has a Whorehouse in it. Lord have mercy on our souls!" That's right. La Grange was home to the Chicken Ranch and the inspiration to the movie The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

In 1973, ZZ Top released a top hit entitled "La Grange." "They gotta lotta nice girls ah."

In 1996, John Travolta filmed part of Michael in the court house.

Anyone traveling from Austin to Houston or vice versa, knows of the famous little bakery, Weikel's. They only make the best pigs in the blanket and kolaches and bread.

Other than that, there isn't much in La Grange. The movie theater burned down in 2000, the HEB and Wal-Mart both have to be the smallest ever and everything in town seems to close at 10:00. So, why are we moving there? Family. And that small town feel that I know the boys will one day appreciate.

Friday the 13th

First there was the pet food recall which prompted us to throw away all of our new puppy bones. Then the Listerne Agent Cool Blue recall yesterday that sent me on a wild goose chase looking for our bottle and still can't find. Now there is Shigella. What next?

The weather has been so nice all week and not a single call to look at the house.

Tomorrow we not only have a t-ball game at 1:00 but 2 birthday parties that also start at the same time. We are so loved!