Summer just isn't summer

with a slip n' slide! And we are finally seeing the SUN today so the boys were ready to break their new slip 'n slide out!


Oh the memories I have growing up of spending day after day slipin' & slidin'. Granted, ours didn't have a plush ending to it and if you ran off of it you got a nice mouthful of grass, dirt and mud. And we always seem to have rocks underneath. No matter where in the yard you put it. Someone would always slide over a rock and end up in tears. But that didn't stop us day after day of playing on it. When we lived in Leander, our slip n' slides never made it long. Kreg could never figure out where to dry it. Problem solved here. That's what clothes lines are for!

Rain ~ Rain, GO AWAY.

In all seriousness. I didn't complain for the 1st 2 1/2 months of rain. I was grateful and all, but now, come on. We are out of the drought and into flood stages some places. I've run out of things to do indoors and I feel bad that my kids are now infront of the TV most of the day. Granted they are having a blast with the new vtech toys, but I would rather it be 105 degrees so we could finally set up our spiderman slip n' slide.

Now that we are a little closer to Houston, the candle business is taking off. I no longer have to scout out every Wal-Mart in Austin and surrounding cities for jars, wholesale is closer. Which means new jars and a whole new look. It's exciting.

Enough business on the 'personal' blog.

So Justin and I took the kids to Sugarland yesterday to pick up jars. And.....it rained the whole way there, the whole time we were in and around Houston and the whole way home. And people in Houston, just don't slow down in the rain. It's raining so hard I can't see anything in front of me so I'm going about 30 MPH and people are just flying past me. It so wasn't a lot of fun.

And with the rain, swimming lessons get canceled. And that devastates the boys :( Though they had a blast again Wednesday night when Hunter proclaimed that his teacher was "jealous of his cool moves." alright kid.

looking forward to a weekend full of rain.

The Funk.

2 days on Alka Seltzer and I'm feeling no better. At least thanks to the meds, I'm sleeping at night.

So, thank goodness that I scored some great deals @ Target last week to keep the kids entertained. You know, since it's raining A L L day & night A G A I N.

In the few minutes that we do get without any rain, we sneak out for some baseball practice:




And of course, we started swim lessons tonight. It would have been great for me to have known they actually started, LAST WEEK. You know with 2 vacation bible school's and all, I guess it slipped my mind. But both of the boys are doing GREAT.







Yes, that's them jumping off the diving board! Jayden cried when they told him it was time to go.

Jezabell has been up to NO good. She LOVES to go on car rides and spend time like this:


She either spends her days propped up on the chair watching out the window and alerting us to every bird, person, car, movement outside.

Or she stansd on her dog house, peering into the playroom window, just begging to be let back in.
Leave it to my dad to spell Jezabell like this:


But my dad did take good care of my on my birthday. He made super yummy fajitas and all the fixins. Kreg SURPRISED me with a beautiful bracelet and necklace from Tiffany's and the boys made and decorated my favorite red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese icing. It was a GREAT birthday.



And here's us girl's at the lake:

Eh...let's try that one more time:

Happy Birthday to

Moi!

yes, today is the big day I turn 28. And I feel like crude. I honestly don't remember the last time I've felt this miserable with allergies and/or sinus junk.

A very special thank you to the girls who made it out to Hula Hut Friday night for my b-day. It was so nice to get out and see everyone for my birthday celebration. Yes, I have pictures, but I don't feel like loading them. I tell ya, I'm really that miserable.

What's great about having your own business, is that you meet so many friends that also have their own business'. Then birthdays are so much fun because you get the greatest homemade gifts! So since my blog is blah today, please check out some website's and blogs of some of the greatest girls in business I know:

Wendy's Ballistic Sweater Girl
Diane's Tasty Jewerly
Anne Marie Purses
Amy's ChunkyRhino
Shalonda's Chubby Cheek Designs
Kara's Kailo Chic
Jennifer's Naughty Secretary Club

or just head on over and check out the Austin Craft Mafia or any of the chick's involved with Babes in Business

more on the big day tomorrow.

NO, Not Jayden.

so we sit down to dinner at VBS tonight when with Jayden's class when his teacher proceeds to tell me that last night she was looking for her son and Jayden. Seems they have become big buddies since they will be going to school there together. She noticed they were in quite the intense conversation. So she sits back and watches and the next thing she knows is that Jayden is pulling down his pants to show her little boy his 'Lightening McQueen' undies. She gets to them in enough time to save her little one from pulling down his pants too. Turns out the boys, both BIG fans of Mr. McQueen, were wearing the same underpants. And we guess decided to show each other. No idea how the conversation ended up there. And what would have possessed my kid to pull down his drawers at bible school.

And since my parents are on a vacay, I left to care for their humble aboad. Countin' the cows. Feeding the dogs. All those fun activities. So as I'm pulling up tonight, I notice something on my parents roof. Oh $hit, my parents don't even have a roof anymore! Turns out the roofer should up a week early - much to my dismay, and probably my parents. My dad has been proudly telling me stories of killing numerous copper heads in the past couple of weeks. So, as I'm picking tomatoes tonight, I'm scared senseless. No way was I sticking my hands anywhere near the back of the bushes or underneath. But boy...the picking was good! And it looks like they are going to miss out on all their squash. I'll just be sure to tell them how good it was.

So the search continues.....

Our first day of VBS went well. Not sure what Hunter learned yesterday morning beside 'Boom Chicka Boom. I said a Boom Chicka Boom.' That's all he sang yesterday afternoon.

At our evening VBS, the kids are working with a misson to help a little boy who is going blind. I arrived early to pick the boys up and caught the video of the little boy talking about receiving his seeing eye dog. Of course, Hunter had a million question about going blind. As we walked out of VBS, the boys were handed an envelope to bring back today with a donantion for the mission. I ask the boys who's money was going in the envelope, mine or their's.

Hunter asks "why does a blind kid want money?"

I told him so we can help him get his seeing eye dog.

Jayden chimes in with "can we just give him Jezabell instead of our money?"

Hunter then says, "No don't give him Jezabell. We will just stand in the road with our boot to collect quarters for him. Mom, you said we had to have a cause and now we do. Do you think VBS will give us his picture to put on the boot?"

okay, he's 5. He shouldn't know what a 'cause' is. I thought my using 'big' words he'd give it up. Guess not!


and yes, Shalonda, Hunter was the one to lock himself in the bathroom!!! I had forgotten about that. Thanks for the reminder!!! For those who don't know the story. We were at a small little hall for my Aunt and Uncle's anniversary party, and we let Hunter go to the bathroom all by himself. After a while, we notice he still isn't back. Turns out, the kid locked the door and didn't know how to unlock it. Of couse, we didnt' have a key for it and it was in full panic mode. Thankfully my cousin is a firefighter (we always knew he would come in handy one day!) and he was able to save the day. See, when you invite us to a party, it's never dull!

Help a child out!

So a while back my mom and I were in Brenham with the kids and at a stoplight they had firefighters holding up their boots collecting money. Of course, I never carry any cash so my mom hands the boys some money to put inside the boot. My money conscious Hunter decides to throw the $2 in but keep the quarters. He is very into collecting quarters and I don't know why just quarters. Granted he has a nice savings of $60 in bills but all other change he gives to Jayden. He only wants quarters.

So today I'm cleaning the kitchen when I hear Hunter ask me if he can go out front. Now, we aren't in Leander anymore with a cul-de-sac, so I'm always leary of them playing out front but I tell him sure and I'll be out in a minute.

Imagine my astonishment, when I walk outside and see Hunter standing at the end of the sidewalk like this:


Yes, he is doing what we all think he was doing. But of course, I just have to ask.

He tells me "Mom, I'm just trying to get rich quick. I don't want people's dollars just their quarters. I will return all dollars and other change"

oh my child......if it were only that easy!

Come on......you know you wanna..........

Just a few reasons to come and visit us.

In my parents pasture we have:


yes, folks. some of the best catfish fishing you will find. boys, close your mouths. we had to catch and release!

just down the road about 30-40 minutes:



our own little paradise A.K.A. Splashaway Waterpark.




now I know you want to come and see us :)


Ah....some of you may notice I'm back at the picture taking. well, our little incident got solved. As we were getting ready for the wedding this weekend, Kreg received a phone call from the manager of the service station. turns out, they had our camera. when Kreg got home Thursday evening, he decided to make a trip up to the station to let him know how he felt. well, turns out the lady that normally is working was there and recognized Kreg from his numerous u-haul rentals. she remembered he was 'Mike's son-in-law.' alas, the manager knew who Mike was. see, I wasn't some crazy lady accusing the kid. so the manager begin to figure some pieces of the puzzle just didn't fit together with the kid's story. he dug a little deeper and finally Saturday morning the kid admitted he took the camera. he was haul away by the local cops but not before he ERASED all my pictures. I'm still bummed about that but at least my mind could rest at ease. I knew I wasn't crazy.

so we were able to head to Yoakum, camera in hand, ready to celebrate Clayton and Amy's wedding. we had a really nice time. the boys ate, ate and then ate some more. they showed off their dance moves. Kreg and I had a few beers, a couple margaritas, and then a few more beers. if you think it was relaxing, try having this for your family: (and we weren't all there!)


a new family picture of just us:

me and my boys:


hence, all the beers. we woke us this morning, and decided to spend the first rain free day in 60 days and 60 nights at the waterpark. the boys loved this slide:



and this one:



Hunter kept asking all the lifeguards "why do you keep catching me?" of course, he and Uncle Justin spent countless time flirting with all the girls. Justin has found his wingman.

Hunter was bound and determined to swim with all this on:



Jayden was concerned that he was all wrinkled:

That's just what happens when you spend 6 hours in the water @ the waterpark!

we are off to bed. VBS starts at 8AM!

I'm officially calling for another trip to Galveston!

The fresh tuna we bought down there was the best ever! or it could have been the new marinade, granted I used roasted garlic soy sauce and quite a bit more garlic than called for, but this stuff just melted in your mouth.

Hunter exclaimed "This is the best tuna ever!"

Jayden even came back for more.

(yes, my kids LOVE tuna steak. they will each eat a whole 'steak')

granted, I'm an avid Whole Foods shopper for fresh seafood, but this stuff here took the cake. I'm ready to go back for more.

and so the fun will actually begin.

I will be the 1st to admit, our summer has been extremely boring. Since Hunter's accident, we really haven't spent anytime outside. Hot weather + a cast = itching. And it's been raining a l m o s t e v e r y d a y. (I'm not complaining! Just statin the obvious.)

So the week of the 9th - 13th is going to liven things up a bit. VBS (otherwise known as Vacation Bible School) starts. And while I'm excited, here my complaint. You'd think in a town as small as this one, churches would hold VBS at different times. No. 3 churches are having there's all on the same week and the same week the library is having a circus for story time. Come on people! People like me who need activities for their children would love to have things spread out. Hey, at least we got choices. Hunter gets to attend a morning VBS, but atlas Jayden is too young. But this morning VBS starts at 8AM. Yes, that's a little early for us. I couldn't tell you the last morning my children ever work up before 9:00. I guess this will be a VERY GOOD practice for Kindergarten. In the evening, both boys get to attend VBS from 5:30-8:00 and they will provide supper for the kids each night. WOW! This evening VBS is also at the church where Jayden will be attending preschool. I'm hoping he will make some friends. I hoping at both, Hunter will also meet some kids who will go to school with him. I'm just hoping to check things out. But if speaking with the pastor is any indication, things should be great!

Finally!!!! Something exciting for us to embark on :)

the boys conversation today.

Hunter: Mom, can we go to Nana's house?

Me: Hunter, Nana isn't home.

Jayden: (screeching) Can we have a sleepover at Nana's house?

Hunter: (who's too cool & clicks his tongue) Jayden, why do you always want to have a sleepover at Nana's house?

Jayden: (like duh!) Because we get to sleep on the couch.

Hunter: Oh.........yeah. Dude, sleeping anywhere but our bed is always fun. (yes, he used the word dude.)

Jayden: (in his best groupie voice) I KNOW!


oh to be 3 and 5.

I'm still mourning the loss of my camera and all of Hunter's b-day pictures. seriously.

but here's a few old pictures of the boys to enjoy. Talk about Blast from the Past!!

None of us miss having a house with stairs!!!


Here they are both six months old!



We had to go by Hunter's school today to drop off some paperwork. Still can't believe the little bugger going to be in Kindergarten.

what are you to do?

my plan was to get online today to blog about our 4th of July and to post some of the cute pictures from Hunter's b-day and our fun 4th of July seeing an awesome fireworks show.

but that all changed when I picked up my car from getting it's oiled changed and I found my almost brand new digital camera MISSING. so, in typical Angie fashion, I panic. I run back inside making sure it isn't sitting on my table next to the computer or at my computer desk. Nope. let's see, I took it to the golf course last night and granted, took some extremely cute pictures of the kids while watching fireworks. I remember the battery was almost dead, so I put it back in my case and remember putting it on my arm to carry it back to the car. I also remember setting it in the car next to my purse. so I start tearing my car apart when I find the case to the camera under my seat. strange. I never take the camera out of the case unless it's in use or charging. so I rip the car apart and find NO camera. I'm pissed. I call the golf course, I call the country club, I check with Justin but the camera is no where to be found. Justin remembers me putting it in the car and I remember it being in there this morning when I got in. That only leaves one place it could have gone missing. So I call up to the service station to see who changed my oil. Turns out the young kid who was suspicious looking for the get go. (yes, I know I shouldn't be judgemental but I knew I had a funny feeling for some reason.) I proceed to tell the manager that my car arrived with a digital camera sitting on the floor bed and when I got the car home, the camera case was found under my seat with NO camera. He asks the kid about it and the kid says he knows nothing. what am I to do? I have no proof the kid took the camera, only a very strong suspicion. And the owner of the service station is out of town.

so now I'm down. all of Hunter's b-day pictures were on the camera. all of our fun from the 4th. our waterballon fight, the sparklers, the homemade cookie cake, all the memories of Hunter's 5th birthday. I've already lost so much when my harddrive crashed 3 years ago. yet another birthday of Hunter's gone.

I've spent all afternoon tearing my house and car apart. I've grilled the kids. too many things are just suspicious. like why is the camera gone but not the pink flowery case with the big puffy butterfly? how did the case get under the seat? it couldn't have fallen because there are too many wires in the way. the camera could not have fallen out of the case because the case closes and I know I always close it. the camera had a wrist band and I always put the camera in the case, closed the case and carried it via the wristband. I'm so frustrated. we just got this camera and I loved it. I don't care if the kid took it, just give it back. hell, just give me my memory chip.

Justin called to ask who changed my oil and I told him. he said he wasn't surprised my camera was missing if that's who it was. the kid is nothing but trouble.

Happy 5th Birthday Hunter!

Can't believe my little man is turning 5 today! What the 5 years it has been. He will always be my baby!

We celebrated yesterday with all of his beloved friends at Radi-Jazz and we are having a big family bash tonight.

It's still hard to believe that he is 5!