Birthday Fun

Here are some pictures from Braxton's birthday party this weekend. We all had a good time. All of his friends were able to come and we had a back yard full of people. I have over 60 pictures but I will not post them all. Here are a few. Enjoy!

Brazos helping put all the drinks in the swimming pool The pinata, gift bags, and a few gifts
Braxton going down the slide into the water.

Water, Water, everywhere

Brazos going down the slide
Braxton taking a long look at the pinata, getting ready for the BIG HIT
Braxton and the cake (look at that half-grin - he was so happy)
Brazos and Sean playing softball - look at Brazos (What are you doing???)
Miranda in her new glasses while Braxton opens some presents
Some of the kids eating at the table
Brazos and Logan playing in the ice

Braxton going down the slip and slide - this thing was a huge hit
The cakes
This one was Braxton's favorite
The birthday Boy - all too excited.

First Day of School

I can not believe it but my little boy started school today. He is getting big so fast. I found a Tuesday/Thursday school for him that is really close to the house. He goes from 9:00 - 11:30 a couple days a week. We went yesterday for the orientation and he loved it he was ready to go back today.

We got this morning and he asked it he could go to school. So here are the pictures of our first day. Braxton showing off his new CARS backpack.

He was ready to go in. He was really not interested in taking pictures.
In front of the door. Once again - he was ready to go in and not really interested in getting his pictures taken. Brazos was excited about going in also. He though he was going to get to stay too.
Finding his name on the board. He found it in no time. He kept talking about holding his name.
He found his cubby and was able to find his name again. He loved the fact that his name was in so many places.
Once all the formal things were out of the way - he went directly to the toys. Brazos is there also. He did not want to go home with me.

I told Braxton I was going and he looked up at me and said bye! I am so glad that he as able to transition well. When I picked him up today he was excited and already talking about coming back. Thank you God for a child who wants to learn and for making today easy on me.

randomness

I was tagged by Erin. I'll try not to have a bad attitude so here goes. Oh wait, did that last sentence reflect my bad attitude?Here are the rules:

1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.

2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

3. People who are tagged need to write a post on their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules. (if you don’t have a blog, email me)

4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

8 random facts

1. Texas is my home and one day I hope to be back there. While Iowa has been good and we have made it home for now I am looking forward to the day that we can see family on a weekend trip and visit friends that I feel we neglect now.

2. Little Hitler - the name that I was given by my dear, sweet, brother-in-law Jorge. I know it meant it in good humor (well maybe). But, truth be told I tend to be a control freak and like things done a certain way. My family will be all to willing to vouch for that.

3. Cook - I love to cook. I love to provide good food for my family and it makes me really happy when they enjoy things that I have made. I am learning more and more about food and certain addiction that I have for food, but in that I am finding new ways to make my family smile.

4. Family is something very important to me. One of the hardest things I have ever had to do is live this far away from my family. While I am learning to love from a distance, they still remain a large part of my life. We have been blessed with large, close families on all sides. I am so glad that my children will know family and the value it holds.

5. I love being the mother. While I have really enjoyed my boys and I have our routine down fairly well, I am really nervous to find out what we are having this time. I am not sure I am equipped to be a mother of a little girl. So until Sept 11 we will have to live in suspense of what changes will come our way.

6. Suzie homemaker I am not. While I long to be better at keeping my house clean and straight. I try hard (some days) and others I just tend to give up. I admire people who have it all together and keep their homes clean ( I really do need to take lessons).

7. Sisters - I am glad that I have two. I am glad that I have the support system that I use often more than I should. I am glad that I have people in my life that keep me in line and that will be open and honest with me even when it is hard. I am glad that I have memories to share and more to come with these people in my life.

8. Aggies - really need I say more. I am so proud to be part of this tradition and I hope that one day I will be able to pass the tradition down to my kids. I love Aggies football and most everything that has to do with Texas A & M. I really do believe that I bleed maroon.

Well there they are 8 random things about me. I am going to tag Amy, Andrea, Susan, Paige, Rachel, Julie, Heather, and Cheryl.

I can't believe that he is 3!!

My little boy is 3. 3 years old. I just find it so hard to believe that he is getting so big. He is such a delight to have around and ALWAYS keeps me on mt toes. Boys are just busy. He likes to drive the tractors and play like he is feeding the animals. He loves to wear his new hat that Da and Mama Z got him and he loves to have on overalls (he got a new pair from MeMe and PaPaw for his birthday). They had set him up for a little while. Here are some pictures we took today of my 3 year old.

9 years!

Happy Anniversary to the man that makes all of my dreams come true. I am so happy to have you in my life. Thanks for always being that strong consistent man in our lives. You are very special and I love you very much.

To the father of my children, I can never tell you enough how much you make me smile. I love the way you can make the boys day just be walking in the door. I love the way you are gentle and kind to the kids. You amaze me at just how patient you can be.
I enjoy watching you play and knowing that you enjoy being a father, a husband, and a friend. I know that we are all blessed to have you in our lives. Thanks for always taking the time to teach the boys about God and how to be good kids. They are blessed to have you as an example in every area of their lives.
I know you are getting old, but the truth is I love you more today than yesterday and I look forward to what tomorrow holds. You are my rock. I am so glad to have such a godly man as my husband and best friend. Thanks for taking care of all of us and for making sure that our boys are raised the way we think God would want them to be. Thanks for being such a supporter, care giver, dad, and friend. I look forward to all the years to come.
You are the love of my life!! Thanks for nine wonderful years!
Happy Anniversary!!

Happy Birthday Granny Zant - we love you~

Baby News

I had my second appointment today for this baby and for the most part all went well. I am down 10 pounds with this pregnancy and this month did not add or take any away from that number. They decided that since I had gestational diabetes with the last pregnancy that they would test me early with this one (and because once you have had gestational diabetes you have a 75% chance of repeating it again). So this morning my number were good before I had the sugar water but they were really high after, so they are sending me directly to the endocrinologist. The nurse called this afternoon to let me know that I have an appointment in the morning at 8:30. I know that I can do this again for the most part it does not bother me at all except for breakfast. I am only allowed 15 grams of carbs for breakfast - give that a try sometime and see how well it works! All will be well. So we are scheduled for an ultrasound at the next appointment on Sept 11. I will let you know more as I do. Thanks for your prayers and thoughts of concern - they are appreciated.

On another note. Granny is at home, she got to go home the day after her surgery and she is doing well. She seems to still be in pain but each day is getting better. Dad said that the hardest part right now is keeping her in line. Thanks for all your prayers for that .

Sweet Corn Festival

Well one thing about Iowa is they raise great corn! This past Saturday was the annual Adel sweet corn festival. We attended last year not knowing what to expect and had a great time. This year we went solo as a family and really enjoyed some great corn and a fun time with the family. We missed our friends from last year, but this everyone had their own plans for the weekend.

It is a really big deal - just look at the sign!


Standing in line for all the corn you can eat - did I mention that it is free!!! Brazos was taking advantage of a nap before filling his stomach. Braxton has is plate ready.
Dad and Brazos ready to dig in!!
Braxton loving that corn - he had two large pieces.
Brazos also loving the corn.

Look at him go!
Soo good!
The damage that was done by our family.
The boys riding the train.
Dad being brave and taking the boys on the tilt a whirl - good job dad!!! A good time was had by all - but the boys just could not make it home.

Things I need to write down

The boys have been very active and growing so much that sometimes I just forget to stop and write things down. In an effort to try and remember what was going on when I though I would try to do a least one update a month on where we are in our progression.

Braxton:
Really enough said, but I will not remember that so here is what he has been up to.
The kid loves to be outside and always busy. He loves to build things. If there is an open container around Braxton will make sure that it has something in it. He loves to load things up. He loves to make cars and trailers out of anything. He tries to tie everything together to make a "pick-up and Trailer". If you have overalls on you name will officially be changed for the day to Braxton in the Dell or Mama in the dell (you get the point). He is really into wearing his boots with everything. He loves to put on overalls and his wranglers. He likes to pretend that he is feeding the sheep with Da. He will go around the house and look for buckets and say "by mama - I am going to feed the sheep cotton" He is really developing his imagination right now. Driving tractors and truck is still a favorite and he spends many hours a day doing just that. The child only has two gears, full speed ahead and sleep. We have been working on names of other people so I asked him what is mama's other name and he says Neil, I asked him what dad's other name is and he says Uncle. I guess we have a lot of uncles so Andy does not exist yet. He loves his brother and looks out for him most of the time - unless he is the one on the other end!
He is going to start school at the end of the month and he is really excited about it. He loves his friends and never turns down time to play with others. He is a fighter (not in the physical sense) but he loves to argue - he gets that from his dad! HA!! He is our first child and we love everything about him.

Brazos:

He is my investigator. He loves to take it all in. He stands back to observe the situation before he partakes in the good or the bad. He loves his mom and dad and others will follow there after, but only with time and some proper bribing. He is always looking for affirmation. He loves when you say good job. He smiles from ear to ear. He is very busy as well. He loves his comfort zones and his big brother (most of the time). He is mischievous. He picks on his brother when no one is looking so that when Braxton retaliates Brazos is not the one who gets in trouble. He is all about gratification - NOW. He is not the most patient child in the world and he knows what he likes. He loves the water - anytime, anywhere. He is a daredevil of sorts. He loves to climb and get into things he knows that he shouldn't. He is really developing a language all his own. He knows mama, thank-you, please, dada, more, by-by, and a few more that escape me now. He wants to be as big as brother and often thinks he is. He likes to trot and gallop. He is a cuddlier when he gets up from his nap - and only then. He also likes to wear his boots when brother is wearing his. He loves to have shoes on at all times. We investing in some swim shoes because he does not like for his bear feet to be on the concrete. He always wants to be where you are. He is our second child and the baby for the moment and we love everything about him.

I know those are long but I don't do that enough. Both boys love to read and they are calling me to do just that now. So I must sign off for now. More to come.

On another note: Granny had an okay night last night. She is doing well and is making progress. Mama said she is determined to make it better and she will. Thanks for your prayers and please keep them coming.

Granny's surgery

**********Update***************

Thanks for all of your prayers. Wanted to let you know that Granny is out of surgery and in recovery. The surgery went well. Now the hard part starts. This is when she usually has trouble. Please remember her as she recovers. Thanks!

Granny Zant is having surgery today. I just spoke with mom and they are taking her in now. She has not had very good luck the last couple of times in the hospital, so I ask for your prayers for her as they do this procedure on her shoulder. I will update as soon as I know more.

16 weeks

That is how far along in our third pregnancy I am. Surprised??? We were too. We are very excited and happy to be blessed with another child. Our official due date is 1/22/07 - but because of my having a c-section they will take it a week early. No dates yet, but that too will come soon.

Because of the gestational diabetes I had with Brazos they are going to test me early this time. So a week from today I will take the first of what could be three glucose tests. I am of course hoping for the best.

This pregnancy has started off with a bang. We were surprised to find out. My first appointment was at 13 weeks because we were out of town when they wanted to see me at 9 weeks. Then when we finally did get in the doctor thought I might be further along than I thought. I was pretty sure on the date so the other suggestion was of course multiplies?!!? Thankfully, a sonogram a couple of days later proved that our date was correct and showed us that there was in fact just one child.

So here we are at 16 weeks. Thankful to God for yet another blessing in our lives.

New Camera

I have been wanting a new camera for a little while since my old camera could not seem to keep up with my children. It just was not fast enough. My sweet husband gave in to my pleadings and we purchased a new camera a week ago. I have been playing with the camera this week. It is much faster and I still have a lot to learn but I am loving having it.

Here are some pictures of my boys one night while we were eating outside.

Here are some of the boys dressed for church and playing in Braxton's room.
This last set is of our swimming adventures. It has been so hot here we have been trying to get to the pool everyday. We made it everyday last week. Both boys love to get in the water and they are both little dare devils. They keep me on my toes.
Hope you enjoy all the pictures. On another note my Granny Zant is having surgery on her shoulder this week (Wednesday). She has had complications before with surgeries and we would really appreciate your prayers this week as she undergoes this procedure.

Have a great week and we will keep you updated.

Paris Memories

Seems like I did not get as many pictures in Paris as I did in Lamesa. I know that I did not get any of the boys feeding the sheep and they did it everyday. I guess it was just to wet. So here is what I did have. This will be the last post from our trip maybe by the middle of next week I will be caught up on all our adventures.

Da on the phone with Braxton helping, Braxton trying to put on Da's boot to go outside, Braxton and Brazos swinging at Wade's Park, The boys on the tire swing.

Braxton on the rocket - he loved that thing, Mama Z and Brazos on the tire swing, Mama Z and Brazos walking at the park, Braxton on the fire truck.

Hunter, Braxton, and Brazos swimming in the back yard, Jennifer with a sleeping boy, Braxton building, Mama Z and Brazos playing

Brazos loved Da's hats so Mama Z found him one to play with, Braxton got up one morning and got dressed on his own to make it outside before Da left - you can't tell real well from the picture but he has on Brazos onesise wrong side out and a pair of his shorts and he is putting on Mama Z's rubber boots. Mama Z reading to Braxton, Mama Z reading to the boys while one tries to escape.