Personal Road Signs Needed

As I got on my email today, I saw this and wondered why there are never signs like this for me? And then I thought, if a sign like this could be posted....how about one that says,"If you can read this sign, turn around, you just took your first wrong turn".

Mimi's Videos

These video's are not very clear but they are very fun to see how Charlotte and Hailey interacted with each other and the fun things they did while they were here visiting. And they will bring back special memories for those who were here.

Nature gave me some fireworks for my birthday!!

Texas has thunderstorms like no other place I've been. Here's just a little bit of what nature gave us tonight!! Listen to the CONSTANT RUMBLE and you'll know you're only seeing a little bit of what there was...AWESOME!!!

My Recipe Blog

I have decided to begin my own Recipe Blog. It is called, "Close Your Eyes...What Do Ya See?" I only have a few things on it so far, but I will keep working on it. As soon as I figure out how to organize it into sections, I will do that also. If you have any recipes you would like for me to add, please let me know. I hope you enjoy!

Oh, to get to the blog it is:
closeyoureyeswhatdoyasee.blogspot.com

More Video's of Hailey

I got these two video's from Jonny and Cassie.....starring Hailey! So you know, they must be put on a blog!


For your entertainment:

Yes, she can dance!

A friend to babies put this light switch this low!

Hailey growling at Jonny - so cute!

Jonny sent this to me and I discovered a way to put it on the blog. I am so excited to have this so I can do that.

Everyone keep sending pictures and videos! : )

MY trip to Kelsey Seybold

Charlissa and I have had some interesting experiences with the guys in our family lately. Here is mine:

I had one of the most hilarious experiences of my life this past week. Dan, Charlissa, and I were all working but the boys needed to get their annual scout physicals. My schedule, for once, was the easiest to work around so I got to take them. I got off work, picked them up and I could tell instantly that Zach was really nervous. He did not want to have the "complete physical". He told me " Only one person can touch him there and that is him."
While we were waiting to be called in, Zach was a nervous wreck and he could not keep his legs still. Chase was being Mr. Cool and not saying much. His face expressed other than "coolness".
We got called in and the fun really began. First they were weighed and measured....almost neck to neck in these areas.
Then, off to the room to put on the lovely gowns. They hate the gowns (of course) and have me tie them up securely. The nurse steps in and does all the preliminary work for the doctor. She mentions they might have to get a shot. They had not thought of that and are off in another realm of fear. They start bargaining with the nurse. "We will come back next year to get it". "We promise we won't get hurt on the campout". " Please don't tell the doctor." The nurse explains that the shot is for tetnus and pertussis (whooping cough) and that whooping cough is coming back. That older kids and adults aren't affected much but it is dangerous for babies. I mentioned that they need to get the shot because Charlotte and Hailey are coming to visit in a little over a week. Zach turns to me and says " I don't know if the babies are worth it". At that very moment, he meant it. He has changed his mind since.
Then the dr comes in and starts going over their charts and within the first minute notices they need the shot! They are devastated she did not overlook that. She tells them she is ordering the shots. They are looking pretty pale.
Now, with their focus on shots and not on the upcoming complete physical, she starts with Zach. He does pretty well until she has to check his stomach. He is ticklish and is cracking up and when Zach is nervous it is hard for him to stop laughing. It is so contagious that Chase and I are just dying. Then comes time to check the family "jewels". Never been around during this type of examination and I have to say it is not as bad as what we women get! Over pretty fast with just some coughing.
Chase goes through the same ordeal, only, he is FAR more ticklish than Zach. He is laughing so hard when the dr checks his stomach that she can't feel his spleen, etc. He pushes her hands away and Zach is laughing so hard and trying to be quiet (not working) and I finally give in and crack up at the spectacle before us. When he has his check for hernias....cough. He is laughing so hard he cannot cough which makes his exam longer than Zachs. I honestly don't think he ever got a cough in, but his trying was just hilarious!
Finally, they can get dressed again. In comes the nurse with the shots. Worried looks abound. It takes a while for them to decide who has to get the shot first. Minutes later, Chase, who is more rational than Zach at the moment, walks to the table. He sits down and honestly says to the nurse, "Ya know, I used to like you". We all just laugh. The nurse is loving it. I went to stand by Chase in his time of pain and he said " Mom, just sit down" So, I did. Chase gets his shot and does well even though he looks like he might pass out.
Oh no...now it is Zach's turn. Heaven help us really!! He looks like he is taking his last walk and takes forever to do it. This is serious business to him so he is not making jokes like Chase did. The nurse walks over with the shot in her hand . She takes off the top and Zach says "Mom!" He has his hand out, palm up, shaking it and the look on his face is "why aren't you over here holding my hand". So I asked him if he wants me to hold his hand. Nodding his head and still shaking his hand, says "YES!" What a sweaty palm! But he does ok.
Charlissa comes in after a few minutes waiting for lab work to be done and takes over so I can return to work . Oh, forgot to mention they did talk the dr out of the blood work portion. I think she just felt sorry for them.
As I was going back to work I felt I had just sat through a comedy act. It was that funny! The thought came to me, I wonder if I will have to hold Zach's hand when he gets his shots to go on his mission?

Youth Conference

Chase and Zach went to Youth Conference the past 3 days. They just came home and they loved it! They were pretty tired from not sleeping very well the past few nights so I sent them off to bed so they will not get grumpy. After so much of a spiritual feast, I think everyone needs a little rest. Then you can wake up refreshed and have your good memories still and grumpy experiences do not get in the way.
I am really grateful for the Church and it's programs. I love the spirit which is in youth meetings. And I am so grateful for all the Youth leaders and the time they sacrifice from the goodness of their hearts.
So, Youth Conference down and EFY and Scout High Adventure trip still to follow. What a fun summer for them!

Miracle in my eyes!

Great news! Zach passed his TAKS tests....all of them and will not have to take them in his Senior year! That is very awesome news. With his dyslexia, it took many years for him to pass those tests and we are very proud of him and his accomplishments. In elementary, middle and part of HS, I was so worried that he would never pass them and that I would have to take him out of school to homeschool him. You see if you do not pass TAKS...you do not graduate from HS...even if you have straight A's.
Also, he will be in a very special group in Choir next year. It is called "Company B" and they are the best singers in the Choir and only a select few make this group. He is so excited and we are happy that he has found something he really enjoys.
I know Zach will probably not blog this so I wanted to share and brag, a bit.

Cheesy Smiling Charlotte

I talked to Adam today and
he was telling me about
Charlotte's new cheesy smile.
When I saw it I wanted to post it to my blog for those who are not family and do not go to Adam and Laura's blog. Isn't she just darling? She makes me so happy just to see that smile!

April showers bring May flowers

Here is our Mimosa tree in the backyard. It is so beautiful and I believe it survived Hurricane Ike quite nicely for which I am so grateful. I love my Mimosa trees!

Now to the front yard, a couple pictures of our Hibiscus plants. They are flowering like crazy right now...so beautiful.

And our front yard Mimosa tree. It is nearly half the size of our big Oak tree behind it. Our oak tree suffered in Hurricane Ike. I think it was keeping this Mimosa safe. Isn't it beautiful?

Rain Came Down and the Flood Came Up

A few pictures of the flooding which we have experienced this spring about 3 times now.







On this time, Dan and I were crazily looking at cars to buy. I wanted to buy a big ole truck so we could get home safely.

We did not buy a car this day but we did spend about 2 hours trying to get home from a 15 minute distance.

Most of that time we sat in the Kroger parking lot. And we drove to the other side of the Kroger parking lot and got a Frosty to calm our nerves.

Of course we were really concerned for the boys since they were home alone and we had no idea how bad the flooding was. I called often to check up on them. I was so ready to walk to them to be sure they were ok. But Dan kept convincing me to just wait a bit longer and we did make it home. What a trip!

Somewhere, Utah

We stopped at a viewing area and walked out on this long cliff. We went as far as we safely could.

It is a beautiful area .. wherever it was in southern utah.

A Photo Shoot

Hailey looks lovely in her beautiful dress and hairbow.

Provo Canyon

Dan took Zach and Chase to the canyon on one of the days we were in Provo.



Here are some pictures of them playing around.

Oatmeal Time during Spring Break visit

Feeding Hailey her oatmeal was such a fun experience. It is a little different feeding a baby in a bumbo seat than it is feeding a baby in a high chair. High chair feeding is easier.

She looks like an oatmeal princess here.

Bath time always comes after oatmeal time.

Chillin' (sometimes literally) in Provo

Hailey is watching Popi play her Daddy's guitar.

Now Daddy is playing a song to Hailey.

We had a great time and enjoyed every minute visiting and holding Hailey. Just couldn't get enough though!

Better Late than Never..backing it up to Spring Break

Spring Break in Provo with Jonny, Cassie and Hailey.

Hailey is so cute in this picture so I had to post it even though I hate the way I look. But how I felt was very happy.

Look at those blue eyes!

Hailey loves playing with her toys.

Daddy is keeping Hailey warm after her bath and before she had her jammies on.

Her shirt says it all!

Nerves...

Giving a Talk at Church today...
Pray for me!

Charlotte at 8 months

Such a very happy girl!

See my teeth everyone?

Aunt Lippy with Charlotte

Bad Daddy!