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.

Fun on the 4th

Yes, I know that today is July 31 and it has taken me almost a month to get theses pictures posted but slowly but surely I am getting caught up. Here are some fun time had by all on the 4th at the Zant's. We had a really good time and despite the rain we went on as normal. The kids had a wonderful time and are still talking about the 4-wheelers and water. Brazos was not up to par this day so although he did not do as well as others I am sure that by next year he will be raring to go.

The last of the Lamesa fun!

I have finally gotten to the end of all the pictures we took while in Lamesa with all the cousins. Here is the last of them. This is a large collage so it will take a little while to get all the information in.

The four cousins (trying to get a picture of the four of them was not the easiest thing we have ever done) Andy and Brazos going down the slide, Brazos playing on the jumper, Braxton getting ready to slide, Braxton eating a cupcake with a lot of red icing!

Another shot of the four boys, Dad and Braxton napping, Brazos playing outside, Braxton watching the horses at the farm, this last on is a sign at the drive in - we took Braxton for his first ever drive in - he loves it he was awake for all but the last 30 minutes of a double feature.

Andy and Braxton walking at the farm, MeMe with Korbin and Dad with Brazos watching the horses, a picture of Braxton on the tractor (sorry this one got turned the wrong way), MeMe, Cheryl, Korbin, and Karson at the farm, Dad and Brazos.


Dad playing at the park with the boys, Cheryl, Karson, and Korbin on the slide at the park, Yet another picture of the four boys, Braxton on the horse with Brent, Brazos asking to put his shoes on - that kid always wants to be outside.

Grandpa Gene and PaPaw talking to Braxton, Andy playing on the kids toys!, Boys again, MeMe and Brazos at the farm, Braxton on the tractor.

We had a great time visiting and playing with everyone. Thanks for all the memories. We are so glad that we can spend some time together.

More Lamesa Fun

We had a lot of fun in Lamesa. The boys really enjoyed being outside and Braxton had a good time at the farm. He loved the horses and the tractors as well. Here are some pictures from our trip.
Braxton and Karson hanging out on the fence, Cheryl and Korbin, Brent and Braxton on the horse, Karson and PaPaw watching from the fence.

Andy and Brazos riding the horse with Brent pulling, Brazos playing on the play ground, PaPaw and Braxton talking it over on the play ground, Karson driving and shifting gears.

Braxton riding the airplane, Cheryl, Brazos, and Korbin sliding, Dad helping Braxton across the monkey bars, Andy with Karson, Braxton, and Brazos on the slide.

Dad sliding with the boys, Braxton and Brazos watching the train at Grandma Bells, Grandma Bell helping Karson and Braxton make the train run and blowing the whislte, Grandma Bell and Braxton driving the train.

Our trip to Texas

Started back on June 23 so it has been almost a month and I am just now getting around to getting a lot of these pictures posted. But, I guess it is better late than never. We started out in Lamesa after an over night hotel (mom and dad's) stay in Paris. The boys enjoyed playing with their cousins Karson and Korbin. We enjoyed spending time with MeMe and PaPaw. This will be part one of quite a few.

Here is most of the clan out at the farm getting ready to ride the horses

Dad with the boys watching
Dad with the boys and Karson getting ready to drive the tractor
PaPaw and Brazos riding the stick horse
Korbin on Rusty the dog
Grandma Beck talking to Andy and Brazos
Fun times with all the boys - we learned how to wrestle this time.
Here is proof
The boys playing farm
Vacation brings about all smiles

Okay Already

I know all four of you must be wondering why it is taking me so long to update and well . . . it just is! We are working our way back into a somewhat normal routine and adjusting back to being at home.

I am so far behind on sharing pictures I am going to do my best to get caught up in the next week or so. These pictures were all taken the week before we left to go to Texas.

We went to zoo night with some friends from church. The kids had a really good time and loved looking at the animals. The animals were a lot more active in the evening hours than they are usually during the day. Here is a picture of Braxton, Rosa, and Shane.

Braxton with Clifford after listening to a book about Clifford.
Hunter, Eli, Braxton, and Brazos
Rosa milking the cow at the zoo
Mama Z with Brazos checking out the donkey
Dad playing cowboy with Brazos
We have a wading pool at the park in our neighborhood and we love to go there as much during the week as we can. Braxton and Brazos both love the water. Here is a picture of Braxton playing with some of the kids at the pool.
Brazos watching everyone play.
Rosa and Braxton at the zoo
Dad with the boys looking at all the cool fish.
Well that will have to do for today. I will try and get more added soon.

On another note. Mom, Dad, Andrea, Karl, Amy, Jorge, and a bunch of others left today for Mexico. Dad was really excited and ready to go. I ask that you remember them in your prayers as they work and have a good time down there.

What is going on?

Well, we have been back in Iowa now for almost two days and I still do not have this blog up to date. I do have a lot of pictures and stories to post but I can not get it done today.

We had a wonderful time in Texas and really enjoyed seeing everyone. We missed not seeing some of you and look forward to meeting all of the cousins in November. I wish we could have done it before now.

Things have been really crazy around here. My wonderful husband and brother-in-law were busy while I was gone. They painted my living room and hall and refinished our wood floors. It all looks wonderful!!! They did an amazing job. I will post pictures as soon as I can. I still have a lot to get done. I need to get everything on the walls and my pictures downloaded.

Thank you Andrea for you not so nice comment on my last post. I was in a place where there was high speed Internet but the two times I tried to update it did not work. So sorry it has been so long, but we are back in business and I will try to get some updates in this week.