Packed and Ready

I am going to try this again. I had my post ready to go and Braxton turned off the computer. Thanks son!!! I have everything ready to go and we are waiting on dad to get home so we can hit the road. I have uploaded these pictures 3 times. Braxton has been a BIG help today getting this done. Here are some pictures I found on my camera when I cleaned off my photo stick. Have a good week and I will try to keep up with the blog while I am gone. Have a good 4th!

Thursday Thirteen

Thursday Thirteen

With the approach of one of my favorite holidays I thought it only appropriate to tell you the 13 things I love about the 4th of July!

1. My Dad's Smile

2. Mom's smile and bragging rights that all of her children are home

3. Memories of West Texas and cousin reunions

4. Swimming in large tanks

5. That we live in a country that was founded on God

6. Watching everyone get wet

7. Creating memories for my children

8. Watching the guys try to keep the fireworks going and not get hurt (good job guys - the show is always good!)

9. 4-wheelers and water

10. The freedom we have and enjoy

11. Sister and "in-laws" (well at least some of them)

12. Enjoying time "in a full house" with family and friends

13. Because it gives me another reason to go home!!!

We all have memories of holidays that are special to us. I enjoy Thanksgiving because it allows me to see my mom's family and cousins from the Cagle side. I enjoy Christmas because we get to see everyone Zant's, Beck's and the Norris clan. I enjoy most holidays because they involve seeing people we love.

The 4th of July is special because it holds a place in my dad's heart. It holds for him memories of his grandfather (Da) and his love for his family and his country. Da was a role model for all of us and my dad loved him very much. So much he tries to be like him in so many ways. Pride runs thick through this family. I am thankful for the examples that have been set for me and my children by these men. I am thankful for their love for God, family and country and in that order.

Enjoy your 4th!!! We will and I will have pictures for you next week!

Play Day Wednesday

I am so excited!! Rosa and Braxton are going to have play days on Wednesdays. Rosa's mom and I will trade off on Wednesdays with them allowing the other a chance to get out and get things done. The kids really do enjoy playing together and they need that time together to learn how to share and love each other. They have both started to enter that terrible two stage with lots of fits and NOs. I think it will be good for our sanity as well. Here are some pictures of the two playing together. I know there will be lots to follow as they enjoy their time together.


Couple of updates -
Papa is doing well since his surgery. He has his follow up appointment today. He is been an avid tobacco chewer since I can remember. He has not had a chew since his surgery. Please pray for him and his strength to kick his habit. He is doing well, but could sure use some encouragement and prayers.

Grandma Beck (Andy's grandmother) feel on Saturday (her 85th birthday). She broke her shoulder and fractured her pelvis. She making it through but could also use our prayers. She is staying with Andy's aunt and uncle there in Lamesa.

All is well here we are looking forward to our trip - Ready or not here we come!!!

Busy Weekend

Here are some fun pictures of the boys!

We had a busy yet relaxing weekend. Saturday morning was filled with relaxing times as a family. We enjoyed a late breakfast and some quality play and family time. We took a trip to the mall for some play and shopping. We got sandwiches and came home for lunch and a nap. We got up and got ready for Rosa's birthday party. We had a lot of fun at the party!! Then it was home and to bed. We just had a good day.

Sunday was a regular Sunday. Getting up and everyone dressed, fed, and out the door. First to Bible class, then services, and this week pot luck. Then home for a nap and some play time. Then back to church for services and a cookout. Then home for our weekly call to MeMe and PaPaw then to bed.

All in all it was a good weekend. This week will be spent getting everything ready for our trip. We leave Friday for our week long adventure in Texas.

Thursday Thirteen

Thursday Thirteen

Today I thought I would do a list of things I am thankful for.

I am thankful ...

13. That I get to go home (to Texas) in a week to see the family

12. That my boys are healthy and growing

11. That my husband loves me and supports me in everything we do

10. That the sun comes out and we get to play outside

9. That Braxton loves things like the dump truck, bulldozer, tractor, mower and more

8. That Brazos has such a wonderful smile

7. That Aggie football is just around the corner!

6. That my family is so wonderful ( All of them!)

5. That I have a wonderful church family

4. That Braxton has Rosa to share special memories with (since we are so far from home)

3. That I have such wonderful examples to follow as to what a marriage should be

2. That I have something to be thankful for each day

1. That I have a God who loves me no matter what!

Tell me what you are thankful for. Enjoy each day and look forward to the next!

Random Things

Rosa and Braxton playing in the pool. (we did not tell then there wasn't any water!)

Sharing a jump rope. (Friends for life)

Nap time! Dad forgot to get up - Both sleeping hard

Two wonderful boys. They love each other.
On Sunday evening after services we have a cookout at church. The kids have a wonderful time. Braxton and Rosa play hard and Logan and Brazos sleep hard. Things are going well and we have really been enjoying the fellowship. Not much to blog about today, but more to come later this week. Thought everyone might enjoy the pictures.

Fun with MeMe and PaPaw

Here are some pictures of our fun times with MeMe and PaPaw. My boys are once again spoiled rotten. Braxton was not ready to let them go back to Texas. He really enjoyed the visit and is looking forward to our trip to Texas soon. Look out - Here we come. We have had a great weekend filled with fun and lots of visitors. The boys are growing and changing everyday.
Thanks to everyone for the visits. It was good to see you all!! (MeMe, PaPaw, Aunt Paula, Melissa, Teak, and Uncle Karl)

Thursday Thirteen

Thursday Thirteen

I thought with the upcoming Father's Day I would list the 13 things I love most about the dads in my life.

13. They funded out wants and needs

12. They supported us in all of our many crazy decisions

11. They steered us in the right direction when we took a wrong turn

10. They loves us as the little girls that we were

9. They taught us to be strong

8. They taught us to drive (yikes)

7. They taught us how to take care of things other than ourselves

6. They taught us to take one day at a time

5. They are always there to listen and give good advice

4. They love our children as much as we do

3. They taught us to be Christians - daily

2. They taught us to love God first

1. They love us no matter what

I have a number of special men in my life. I thank God daily for them. I have been blessed with the examples of Godly men and pray that I can raise my boys to be as good as the examples that have been set for us. Enjoy the 13 and tell me what you love about your dad.

Fun Pictures

Here are some fun pictures we have taken over the past couple of days. The boys are growing more and more each day. I took Brazos in to the doctor today because I thought he was not feeling well and some of the ladies at church made in paranoid. He was fine and everything checked out okay. We weighed the boys while we were there. Brazos came in at 10 pounds 13 ounces and Braxton was up to a whopping 26 pounds!! I am so glad to be able to go to the doctor and come out with good results.
Braxton really enjoys the water and would spend every minute there if he could. Brazos is just laid back and takes everything in stride. Enjoy the pictures!

Pray Rosa Pray

We had a wonderful weekend. One of our friends from A&M came over with his family and spend Saturday with us. It was great to visit and catch up again. We had a baby shower for another girl at church. Sunday was another busy Sunday. All in all we enjoyed each other and had a great time.
I have a new story for you and only wish I had pictures to go with it but when you read it you will understand why I do not.
Sunday morning after class Colby (Rosa's father and our minister) and Andy brought our children up from Bible class. Braxton was attached to Colby and Rosa to Andy like normal. Braxton had decided that he needed to sit with Rosa (one pew in front of us). Unlike normal we gave in and they were thrilled. Things were going well they were reading their books and smiling. Singing and following the normal process of Sunday morning. When it came time for communion, the men were up front, and the man leading communion was reading a scripture things were going great. Then he said those words "let us pray" - everyone assumed the position with their heads bowed - except for Rosa and Braxton. So Braxton thought he would help the process along. He quickly grabbed the back of Rosa's head and pushed it down all the while saying in a very loud voice "Pray Rosa Pray". I looked up at the same time as Lisa (Rosa's mom). It was all we could do to hold in our laughter. Then he started again "Pray Rosa Pray" We told him that he needed to pray also and he bowed his head and on we went.
I am thankful that my son knows how to pray - yet fearful for how he likes to be the BOSS. I think he gets it from his DAD!!!
So the next time a prayer is said and Braxton is around - make sure you bow your head or you might just be called out!!!

Answered Paryers

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the prayers for Papa and Granny. Granny did great with her sugery on Monday and is doing well with her recovery. Papa had 5 bypasses done on Friday evening and is doing really well. He was able to come out of ICU within 24 hours after the sugery - they told us it would be 3 days so we were all thankful that he is progressing so quickly. They told him today would be the hardest day because he would be so sore. He seems to be doing well. Thanks everyone for the prayers and thank you God for all the success.
Here are some pictures of my aggies. I think they are sweet. MeMe and PaPaw are coming this week to spoil them rotten. More stories and pictures to come!

Thursday Thirteen

Thursday Thirteen for today!

Since a number of us have started Weight Watchers and are counting all of our points I thought it only fair to make a list of all the things we wish we could eat. The top thirteen things you want to eat when you are on a diet! Cruel I know - happy reading! It helped me some just to write it.

13. Potato Chips

12. Cheese

11. Loaded Baked Potato

10. McDonald's French fries

9. Cheese enchiladas

8. Dr. Pepper

7. Granny's Chocolate Chip Cookies

6. Dairy Queen Blizzard

5. Peanut and Peanut Butter M & M's

4. Double Stuffed Oreos

3. Chocolate Cake

2. Brownies

1. Ice Cream

Really things are going well and the cravings have not been to bad. It really helps to have a lot of people all doing it at the same time. Let me know what your cravings are.

Happy Birthday Dad!

We had a relaxing weekend and really enjoyed out time together as a family. We spent time playing outside and with Rosa and Logan. We decided their parents needed to get away for a little while. It is so nice to be able to trade off free baby sitting.

Monday we made our first trip to the mall just me and the boys. We met Lisa, Logan and Rosa there for Bath and Body works semi-annual sale. The only time to really get things at a good price! It was an experience! Then we met dad for lunch! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! The day was so loaded that I did not get the post done yesterday, so it is a day late (what's new with me!)

Dad left this morning for Corpus for two days. The real challenge begins as we will soon find out if we can make it without him for a couple of days. Dad coming home is the highlight of our day. Braxton waits at the window and watches for his pickup to pull in the drive. I decided not to tell Braxton that dad was leaving and deal with it as it comes up rather than fight that battle for 72 hours.

Pray for my sanity!
Also, Granny Zant had stints put in her leg yesterday in Dallas. The procedure went well and she is doing good - thanks for all the prayers. Keep them coming. She should get to come home today.
Papa is to have open heart surgery on Friday at Baylor. Please pray for him and the doctors. We know things will go well, but all is better when God is on our side. I will keep you updated!

Potty Training

Braxton has starting telling me when he poops and t-ts so I thought it was time to start potty training. I let me run around naked and he does really well. If he is in the buff he does not miss. He goes pee and poop in the potty. However, if we have any underpants on (diaper or training pants) we do not feel the need to stop and go. After a week of trying I think I am going to let this go for now and try again soon. I think he is starting to be ready but is not ready to complete the process.

Brazos is growing everyday. He is rolled over twice in his sleep. I can not count these as a full roll over as the arm did not make it over either time, but it was enough to make me pay attention. I can not leave him alone on the couch any more. He is such a little over achiever. This is is his daddy's child for sure! (Love you dad)

Here are some pictures I have been trying to post we will see if I can make this work.
Thanks Paige for the instructions on how to do the photos! Also, I agree that Andrea needs to update her site!!!

Thursday Thirteen

Thursday Thirteen

I have been having a lot of trouble getting my pictures to post. I will try to post some more tomorrow. Here are my 13 for today!

Thirteen of Braxton's Favorite words!

1. Dump Truck (dub dub)

2. Lawn Mower (aw mower)

3. Daddy work (that one is really plain)

4. Vacuum (this one is also very clear)

5. Plane (while always pointing up even when we are indoors)

6. MeMe (which is usually followed by plane)

7. Helicopter (copcopt)

8. Elmer (the patchwork Elephant - books we read)

9. Ham (his favorite food)

10. Eat (enough said)

11. Please (pwease - this is yes and please)

12. No, no ,no (I don't know where he learned that one)

13. Read Book (He loves to read)

There are many more but these are most the favorites. More will follow in the near future. I have a good post for tomorrow. We have started potty training!