No More Training Wheels

Today was the nicest day ever! And my hope is that somewhere in this craziness of our lives, we are supplying our kids with the "training wheels" for life. When we think every day that they're just not getting it, and then, on rare occasions, they show us that they can ride!!

 Baylor and Adeline spent the whole morning outside learning how to ride her bike with no training wheels. They were so excited when they came in and announced that she could do it. I didn't even believe them. Adeline told Adam, "You're going to be so proud when you see!"

I was so proud, to say the least! These days are very few and far between, but proof that there is love between those siblings! Baylor came and asked if I would take him to the store so he could use his allowance money to buy he and Adeline ice cream because she did so well. I could hear pride in his voice that I've never heard before. Yes, yes and yes!!

We all got ready for bed, usual routines, and after things calmed down, I went to check on her. She was nowhere to be found. I found her in Baylor's bed. She was asleep with her pillow, blanket & pillow pet! It was such a proud day, and one that I don't want to forget.

Cousin Visit

We started off this summer with a visit from Uncle John, Aunt Laura, Collin and Katherine! We went to the beach, went crabbing, did lots of swimming, and got to watch the Friday night fireworks in Kemah.  It was a  great weekend.  Looking forward to visiting Dallas in July for Collin's birthday.

In Honor of Father's Day

We have a couple of rotten boards under our eave, and my husband is going nowhere near that! So, I, in all of my "we're-so-poor-because-husband-started-business" glory, have been stalking the how-to internet videos, convincing myself that I can do this.

It's easy to focus on everything my husband does NOT do & it got me thinking about everything he does.

There once was a good chunk of years where I was convinced that MY husband was going to grow into the kind of man I was used to growing up around. The kind of man both my brothers had become, the kind of man my dad and pawpaw are. You know, the ones that work hard and never get bored, and can fix anything, and figure out how to fix it when they don't succeed the first time. The kind who own yard tools and garage tools and work clothes and jumper cables. Those men know where spark plugs are located in vehicles and change their own oil. You know, all of those absurd things! 

I later realized he would not ever grow to be this man. That's not who I married. But luckily so, because we would definitely butt heads. We are the epitome of opposites, and that's such a fabulous thing for us and our children. We balance each other perfectly. My kids have a dad who adds the compassion, laughter, calm, and patience where I lacked. He has taught me to laugh at mistakes, not sweat the small stuff, give people the benefit of the doubt, take risks, and love all all things .

You know, "make lemonade" and all those other "cliche" things. 

Now, I've taught him a couple of things, too, but that's a whole other post!

My kids have a dad who loves their mother. Loves, loves their mother!!

They have a dad who does dishes, does laundry, vacuums, changes diapers, and bathes kids.

They have a dad who cooks breakfast every morning, waits for the bus, and brings them to school.

They have a dad who laughs at pre-teen obnoxiousness when I can't take another minute of it.

They have a dad who's calm heart can instantly put a baby to sleep.

They have a dad who prays for our family, cares about our health, and wants us all to live a better life.

And, they have a dad who wants to give them everything he has. Every part of him  and every thing he will work for.

So, when he still won't fix a couple of rotten boards? I'll let that slide.

Self-Sustained with Squash

Yes, we live in the middle of the city. Yes, I would love to live on a farm somewhere and be self-sustainable, but that is not going to happen anytime soon.  In the meantime, we have squash!
We planted our very first garden this year, and Adam is so impressed with the fact that it actually worked, that he is taking great care of it.  He and Adeline go out every day and harvest the squash, zucchini, and cucumbers.  We are still waiting on the dozens of tomatoes.  Their boots sit outside the back door for when they walk out, and it's just the cutest thing ever! 

Look Who's Sitting Up

Such a cutie!  We went for her six month checkup, and the doctor asked if she was sitting up yet.  I said no, and the Dr. said "yeah, I bet she can sit up." So, of course, we run straight home and try.  Viola!!