Memorial Day Weekend.

Goofball aunt Rachael came to visit......

Rachael and "Stinky" Pete came for the weekend and we had so much fun. The kids were beyond excited that they were going to see "Suckah".

On Saturday, we had a birthday BBQ for Jeremiah. The menu? Bacon Cheeseburgers - with minced bacon and cheddar cheese mixed into the patties....AMAZING. Sweet corn, macaroni salad, chips and salsa and baked beans. For dessert my friends.....

....a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie! I made this baby in lieu of Jeremiah's birthday CAKE. Bellies were definitely full!

On Sunday morning, Ethan was dedicated. He wasn't too happy about that cold water on his forehead....

After church, we headed to Galveston Beach. The whole day was warm and sunny but once we were in our cars and on our way, the down pour came. On top of it being wet, the temperature dropped....significantly. But we trekked on. Jeremiah was frequently checking the weather radar on his phone and sure enough the rain stopped when we got there.

We didn't get the chance to swim or sit on the beach but we got the complete view from the sea wall. It was a nice walk and it felt refreshing to breath in the ocean air. :)

My little surfer dude enjoyed walking for a bit but was tired half way into our walk. Kids were cranky, parents were cranky but it was a nice time. With Jeremiah having Wednesdays off now we most definitely will be planning multiple trips to Galveston to get our beach fix!

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!

My Jeremiah celebrated his 28th birthday this past week. It was his birthday but I felt that I was the one who should be celebrating.

We wanted to make it really special for him so....

The night before, Jeremiah had to work his night job - which was perfect because it gave us time to fill the foyer with balloons. Juliana and Jackson woke me up at 6:30 that morning so that they could "hide from daddy and yell SURPRISE!" When Jeremiah walked through the door the kids jumped from the stairs and he was greeted with giggles.

Next up was breakfast! The kids and I made daddy pancaked FILLED with love (of course.) They weren't as spectacular as my chocolate chip pancakes but were almost just as good.

We wanted everyone to know what a special day it was so we got Jer a "birthday boy" ribbon to wear all day! He wore it to work that morning but it only got through half of the day (it was having a rough time with the bushes that Jeremiah was trying to trim.) :)

At a little before noon, the kids and I surprised Jeremiah at work and whisked him away for a nice birthday lunch. Well....he decided on McDonald's, which was okay with the kids! After lunch we had birthday cupcakes and played for a little bit.

When Jer got home from work that afternoon, we surprised daddy with a new car....for his toy car collection at least! We set it in the garage right next to Lucy. It was definitely a funny "gag". Jer got a good chuckle.

Happy birthday Jer! I hope it was a great day for you!! :)

Splish, Splash.

Summer is here. I know technically it isn't summer - according to the calendar....but here in Katy, Texas, it is summer. Yesterday it got to be a little over 90° and boy could you feel it.

So, the kids and I went to Family Dollar and picked up a "glorified kiddie pool", three sets of arm floaties and a blow up pool set (beach ball, floating ring and body board) all for under $25. And yesterday, it was a life saver! We decided to purchase a little pool for the backyard because there is no way that I will be taking three kids to our neighborhood pool - two of which are under the age of three, by myself. We will probably head to the "big" pool in the evenings after Jer gets home from work and we will have "little" pool time in the morning.

Jacie wasn't too sure of this air filled "bath tub" and she wanted to get out right away. Being that it is deeper than her actual bath at bath time, she face planted a couple times and didn't like it so much.

On the other hand, Juliana and Jack had a great time cooling off!

So bring it on summer! :)

Fun Birthday.

I love that Jeremiah is such a great husband. This birthday ranks up there with the best of 'em. Each day since Sunday, Jeremiah has surprised me with one gift each day. He has just made this week so special and he really showed how much him and the kids appreciate me. (Isn't being a wife/mom SO great!?)

Day #1) Mother's Day - He gave me a card and a frame with six picture spots - one for each member of our clan. :) He also did the dishes from Mother's Day dinner....which was a HUGE plus....

Day #2) Monday - He gave me Grey's Anatomy, Season One and drove 30 minutes - each way, to Cheesecake Factory to get me a delicious slice of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Cheesecake. Sounds deadly, I know.

Day #3) Tuesday - I was given Grey's Anatomy, Season Two and dinner of my choice at the Katy Mills Mall Food Court. (I'm a cheap date, I know.) :) I also walked out with two pairs of shoes and four picture frames - courtesy of Grams and Poppy - THANK YOU!

Day #4) BIRTHDAY- Yup, you guessed it....Grey's Anatomy, Season Three. And....

Chocolate Chip Pancakes. I am one who would eat chocolate anything for breakfast every day of my life if I could. Healthy, no way. Amazingly satisfying, yes.

Jeremiah made me these bad boys for my birthday breakfast....and they were delicious. :)

Lucy, our 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, also got a bath.

Juliana did a great job cleaning the sides of our van.

Jack on the other hand.....did a great job also...but...

...enjoyed the bubbles much, much more.

The rest of the day we took it easy. Had a nice lunch and walked around a few stores. Once we were home, we fed the kiddos, gave them baths and put them to bed. Jeremiah and I were able to get out by ourselves for a late dinner once my mom was over and the clan was fast asleep.

It was such a great day and it is much more greater knowing that I am loved so much.

Thank you love. :)

Mother's Day.

Mother - the cause, source or origin of something. (Pastor Jerry Edmonson, 5/10/09)

What does being a mother mean to me? It means unconditionally loving, forgiving, sacrificing, responsibility, laughing, disciplining, caring for, prioritizing, patience! - that's a BIG one, comforting and being trusting of God. Prayer is a HUGE thing in my household. Especially from Jeremiah and my end.

I wouldn't change things for all of the world. My children have been a HUGE blessing to me. Being a mother has taught me things that I wouldn't have learned otherwise. Being a mother is who I am. And I thank God every day for including this in His plan. :)

Mother's Day started for me on Saturday night. Jeremiah drove 30 minutes (each way) to Cheesecake Factory to bring me my favorite indulgence - Cheesecake, of course!

On Sunday morning, I was given this:

My sweet Juliana. She made this key chain for me in Sunday School the week before. And what is a mother to do? Throw it on my keyring, RIGHT AWAY! This past week has been so hard for her - being five years old and keeping a surprise from mommy. Every night this past week, before bed, she would ask Jeremiah and I if Mother's Day was the next day. And I have to give her props....she didn't say one word the entire week!

I just LOVE her heart. She is so sweet and thinks of others before herself. She is a true example for me and how I should be ALL the time.

Before church, I tried to get a few shots of all of the kiddos together. This was one of those randoms. Jack and Juliana were trying to get Jacie to laugh...or at the least, smile. Mission Accomplished.

That morning at church, the children had a Mother's Day Tea for their mommies. It was so sweet. Juliana got to pick out a tea cup for mommy and we had tea and cupcakes!

Then, Jer and I went to "big" church and enjoyed some great worship and message. All of the mothers were given a red rose on their way in. But for some reason, I walked out with ten. :)

Here is my rendition of a Strawberry Custard Cassata Cake. I have been craving them for the past month or so. And I have to say, it turned out great! We had my mom and Krista over for dinner - Chicken Enchiladas, Mexican Rice and Chips and Queso...I know, I know. Surprise, Surprise.

Jeremiah got me a frame with SIX picture spots in it (something I have been looking for, for a while now.) And being that mother's day happens to fall during the week of my birthday, he is doing something that his family did for him growing up.....FUN BIRTHDAY WEEK! :) So each day leading up to the big day, he is surprising me with a gift. I will keep you posted :)

Happy Mother's Day!

My goofball kids....

My kids make me laugh. On a daily basis, actually. If it isn't making up songs, or saying something completely out of the ordinary or playing "house".... It just makes me smile and I thank God that I am able to stay home and witness their growth spurts - physically, mentally and spiritually.

I guess this post is more of an "Ode to my kids" than anything. They are pretty amazing and deserve to be bragged on a bit.

My sweet Juliana is almost SIX. It makes me wonder where the time has gone. It seems like yesterday I was in labor and delivering this beautiful little girl. She LOVES to play "mommy" to Jack and Jacie, even when I am right there. She is my mother goose. She is big into tattling on her little brother, even when she doesn't realize it. She changes her clothes about thirteen times a day. She likes to help me in the kitchen - even if it is just pouring milk on a bowl of cereal. She loves spending time with her friends from church and teaching her little brother songs that she learned in Sunday School that week. Her new obsession is computer time - even if it is only 30 minutes a day. She reads books like it is going out of style. She is my helper and sometimes I get frustrated with her because she wants to do TOO much. But she is truly amazing.

My Jackal. I thought this picture was appropriate because this is what he does. He gets into every kinds of trouble possible. He is my boy. He is my energetic, crazy, spitfire little boy. He colors on walls, pees on the floor, chews on his toothbrush. He sneaks downstairs at 11:30pm to grab a quick snack out of the refrigerator. He hides out in our bathtub as I am frantically searching the house as to the wear abouts of Jack. He is so sweet. He loves to be hugged and to hug those around him. He looks after his little sister. He likes to color - on paper, if we are lucky. He loves loves loves bath time. He understands that we pray for our food before we dig in. He likes to dance. And sing - that's my favorite. He is truly amazing.

My sweet, sweet Jacie girl. She never ceases to surprise me on a daily basis. Her new thing is walking. She LOVES to walk everywhere - to the kitchen, to the TV, to my room. She thinks she is Evil Knievel by climbing up the stairs - which makes mommy a complete wreck at times. She says "dad", "mom" and "bye". She knows sign language for "more" and uses it frequently, especially at meal times. She likes to dance - especially to the Backyardagains or Yo Gabba Gabba. She likes to snuggle - which melts my heart and she loves to give kisses. She likes to be outside and most definitely likes to grab leaves off of the trees out front. She is my baby girl and I cant believe that birthday number TWO is right around the corner.

This is why I get up everyday. These guys keep me grounded. I wouldn't trade this time for anything in the world. Guess they're right when they say,"Time flies when you're having fun!"

Deep In the Heart of Texas.

Deep in the heart of Texas....it is really hot. I mean really, really hot.

Yes, I am from here and I feel a little silly admitting this but I got SUNBURNED on Saturday.

Yes, it was sunny on Saturday. Yes, it was over 85 degrees. Yes, I did NOT put sunblock on...well, for the exception of my face - I learned my lesson in September.

Jeremiah and I spent quite some time on the yard and I must say, this sunburn is worth the end result.

11 bags of jet black hardwood mulch. 6 "pots" of red flowers. 1 bag of Weed and Feed lawn fertilizer.

And this my friends, is my favorite - spur of the moment yard buy. It kind of reminds me of Hawaii. No, I haven't ever been there BUT this is what I imagine it is like. And it is pretty.

South of the Border.

Well, this really has nothing to do with Mexico but it is one of three topics of this post.

My Jacie girl has now realized that it is more beneficial to her and where she is going if she walked. Today after her nap, she spotted daddy sitting in the chair and started to crawl over to him. Apparently she wasn't moving as fast as she would have liked, so she stood up and just started walking. She walked over to him, walked through the kitchen, walked over to the TV. After about five minutes she sat down on the ground and started to crawl around like a baby chimpanzee with that bum leg crawl that she has. Five minutes is a start, right?

Mexican Food. It is what I want ALL the time. Morning, noon and night. Not sure if it is because of my new surroundings or what but this pregnancy has been all about food from south of the border. We are not talking Taco Bell...we are talking authentic Mexican food.

Tonight for dinner, I made Chicken Enchiladas and they turned out AHHHMAZING. And because I was feeling a little spunky, I made Virgin Strawberry Margaritas - the perfect Mexican beverage to go with the perfect Mexican meal.

Mmmmmm.

I know my blog has been about food the past couple of posts but bear with me. I am ALL about food...well, lately anyhow.

Dun, dun, dun. SWINE FLU.

A middle school in Katy has temporarily closed its doors due to a possible "swine" outbreak. I don't know if it is just me but it has hit a little too close to home, in the literal sense. Makes me want to wrap my kids up in sterile wrap infused with Lysol and throw them into a bubble.

(For those back home:) Right now we are trying to not go out anywhere super public. We don't want to have any kind of outbreak, especially with three little ones and with my immune system being a little weak because of the pregnancy. We love you all and will talk to you soon! :)