"Walt" Needs a Name

So, once again, we're down to the wire and our boy has no name! There are just too many good boy names out there for us to choose. Want to help name him? I have included a link below for you to click and cast your vote.

Click Here to take survey

Let the naming begin!!

Because parking at Chick-fil-A wasn't challenging enough...

Do they really need "To Go" parking AND a drive thru?!?!

WOW Wednesday (WithOut Words)

Say Cheese!!

I think this one could very well eat her weight in queso! Check out these adorable pink cheeks following our trip to Schliterbahn in Galveston last month and how can you resist that cute little cheese-filled grin?

WOW Wednesday (WithOut Words)

He Even Does Dishes...

Carter is always helping me unload the dishwasher, so I thought I'd let him take a whirl at loading it too.

Not too bad...He'll get the hang of it, girls!

10 things I'm thinking on the 10th

1. My first born will be starting 1st grade in 14 days. Just two short weeks and she'll be gone ALL DAY LONG. I think I'm really, REALLY gonna miss her. We've been getting all the documents for registration and should have her registered at the school down the road tomorrow. We have gathered all her school supplies and purchased new school clothes. The only thing left is just a good pair of tennis shoes. Does anyone know how to stop a child from growing up?
2. I'm looking forward to doing pre-school with Hailey. I'll probably bring Carter in some. They're never too young to learn, right? It's gonna be so much fun. Hailey's been working on the Starfall website (See my sidebar under sites worth a look-see - I'd put the link up, but I'm just too lazy right now) It's so cute when she asks if she can do her school on my "puter" Santa may have to save up for a couple of netbooks for Christmas this year...
3. We've started discussing boy names. We still can't make up our minds. Seems like the girls' names were so much easier. We're thinking we might have to send out another poll like last time. Funny, but the name (Carter) that we both really liked took the poll by a storm. This time, we've come up with a few new ones and still have some of the ones from last time. Any suggestions we can take into consideration before the poll comes out?
4. I've really missed my blog. I get on and I visit all the updated blogs in my blogroll, but I just never update. I've missed blogging on so many different things. Maybe I can just use WOW Wednesday to post some pictures from recent activities. (Like when the girls ate "Mud Bugs" or Carter's first time to hold his own ice cream cone or his trip to the barber shop with Daddy) It's not like I haven't had anything to blog about. I've just lacked the motivation. It's got to be either the pregnancy......or facebook. (Darn you, facebook!)
5. So, could it be pregnancy brain that is telling me that a minivan might not be too bad? I mean, the doors practically open themselves. And all that storage... Don't get me wrong, I'll always be an SUV girl, but when we put that third row up, I lose most of my storage room. Once the baby (we call him "Walt" - story to come) arrives I'll need that big ol' double stroller for Carter and him in the back and it will NOT fit in the SUV (maybe if I had the Expedition EL or a Suburban) with the third row. Where am I gonna put groceries?
6. Should I just buy a bus?
7. We're gonna have to get a new carseat/stroller/travel system for Walt. The one we used with the other three is not only outdated by safety regulations, but it's falling apart. I practically cried when Hot Rod took the old carseat/carrier out to the trash man. I loved that thing. It was silly, I know, but I loved the pattern. I mean, we could hardly get the seat off the base in the car. Drove Hot Rod crazy sometimes trying to get Carter out of the car. I can't tell you how many times we just unbuckled him from the seat. Oh, and the stroller...What an awesome stroller. It had cup holders and storage up near the handles just perfect for two drinks and keys and cell phone...and the basket at the bottom holds SO MUCH STUFF. One of the best features, you could push and guide it or even fold it with ONE HAND! How will we ever find the perfect replacement...?
8. Okay, now I'm thinking about "Walt" so I guess I should explain. Or have I done that already? (I can't remember.) Anyway, so maybe there is more to the magic of Disney...WALT Disney. Long Story Short (LOL) we had a Disney World trip planned for October - the SAME week that "Walt" is due. Even bought the stinkin' airline tickets. FYI - pregnancy is not covered under the airline ticket insurance. (Glad we didn't waste our money on that.)
9. Speaking of insurance...PPO's are horrible. Co-pays and Co-insurance and deductibles. Covered and non-covered, in-network and out of network...blah, blah, blah...It's sad when I can easily say that the hassle of Cobra Insurance for Carter's birth was waaay less trouble and inconvenience. Getting the PPO to pay what they are supposed to is next to impossible.
10. Okay, just saw the end of The Tonight Show. What is going on? They actually had Lyle Lovett singing something along the lines of "I'll choke my chicken all night long" I miss Leno...

Oh look, a blog!

Someone should really post an update.

Perhaps "someone" will...tomorrow!

The Princess Bride

Let me start by apologizing for the quality of the photos. These were taken with my camera, in crummy church lighting by me, not a professional photographer on a sprained foot. (oops, I didn't tell you that story either - what happened to the month of May???) Well, let the photopost begin... (photopost, I like that word)

Here she is, my baby sister.

Isn't she beautiful?

And my baby girls.

Aren't they adorable?

And let's not forget my little prince.

A most handsome little man.

My Daddy, another handsome guy.

Poppy and Nana

One of my precious neices and a nephew who insist on growing up too fast.

The first dance:

The bride's dance with the younger neices and nephew

The wedding party (the most handsome "Hot Rod" is the one on the far right)

And finally, the happy couple

And so begins the first day of "Happily Ever After..."

Love you, Sis! You really made a beautiful bride.

The First Haircut

I'm sure you're expecting to see pictures of my little man, but did you expect that you'd see this...?

Her before pictures:

The first snip:

Showing how much was cut:

All done:

Yes, our little Hailey Bug got her first haircut at 3 1/2 years-old. (Just like her older sister!!) For those of you who know me personally, you remember my girls were born with a full head of hair. And they both had highlights!! (SO...NOT...FAIR!!)

Carter on the other hand, well...he was only 13 months when his hair was cut for the first time.

Carter's before picture (what a mess!!) He looks tired because we had to wake him up to cut his hair:


The first snip:



Making progress:

The after-shot:



The following Friday with his hair all styled up for the rehearsal dinner:

(My sister's wedding post to follow in the next few days)

May 5, my sister, Laurie, came over with her daughter Emma, my Dad and Tanya. While Dad and Tanya kept up with the kiddos, Laurie cut hair. First mine, then Hailey's, and last Carter's. She was one busy haircutting lady. I am so fortunate to have a sister talented enough to trust to cut not only my hair, but my precious babies. She said my kids are very easy when cutting their hair. They sit amazingly still and don't fuss. What a blessing!

Don't my kids look great?!

10 things I'm thinking on the 10th

1. We are officially 1/2 way through our pregnancy! 'Watching' all the babies being born at church (I think there is at least one a month until Nov.) is really starting to make me anxious. Not in a bad way. I'm excited, but I don't want things to speed up. I'm good with the way things are progressing.


2. Four kids! WOW!! Are we crazy or what? I always thought I'd have three children. Once we had number three, our family still did not feel complete. To be honest, Hot Rod always wanted our family to be an even number. Something about theme parks and everyone having a buddy to ride with...


3. I think we finally figured out how this keeps happening. :)


4. The baby has started getting quite active. It's such an incredible feeling when the baby moves. For about a week, I was worried because I wasn't feeling anything. Now, I'm more tuned into the feelings - and relieved to feel that little bit of reassurance that baby is okay.
5. I'm very happy to be through the "morning sickness phase". (I almost typed "faze" LOL!)
6. Now, I seem to have reached that "nesting phase" I know, it's early, but I've got a lot of work to do. I worry that, eventually, I might end up on bed rest which could cut my preparation time greatly. (like by a couple of months!)
7. Carter has started touching my belly and saying "Baby" (in his own way. It comes out something along the lines of "bay-bay") He also leans over and gives the baby a sugar (kiss) So sweet!!
8. We got to see an ultrasound of the baby on Tuesday. The girls were so excited.
9. We found out the baby is now around 11 ounces.
10. And...it's a BOY!!

10 things I'm thinking on the 10th

1. Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms out there!! And for those of you who still have your moms, be sure to let them know how much you love them, not only today, but every day. Enjoy every moment you have with her...you never know which moment will be your last.(I'll always miss you, Mom!) And for those of you who have lost your mom, may God give you peace today and everyday. May your memories bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart.


2. I'm annoyed with myself for being so lazy on the whole blogging thing. Sometimes, I just don't feel like thinking up the right words and other times, I don't want to download the pictures from the camera and size them down for the blog. Is that bad?


3. I think I have the biggest belly for someone who is only 3 1/2 months pregnant. Oh well...I guess I'll worry about that in another 5 1/2 months.


4. I'm excited we'll be going to San Antonio soon. We plan on visiting Sea World, Fiesta Texas and the Zoo. Oh, and we're taking my in-laws. I can't imagine how wonderful it will be to have 4 adults to the 3 children. This will be an awesome vacation. I wish it was going to be longer. (and that my foot wasn't broken!)


5. Watching all these companies going bankrupt is a little depressing to me. I sure miss the Turkey O'Toole and the Monte Cristo from Benningan's. (Why do my thoughts so often turn to food?)
6. It's funny, but after I finished my 100 list on my 100th post, I actually thought of about 25 more things I could have listed.
7. I am so glad everyone is finally chilling out about this H1N1 flu. Ugh...it got really out of hand. It has been humorous seeing the funny people and their masks, though...
8. Italian food used to be my favorite and I find it strange that even though I really have no true favorite kind of food right now, I had Italian food 3 times this weekend. And it was YUM!! (see?...food!)
9. I am very proud of the Houston Rockets! I can NOT believe that they beat the Laker jerks without two of our star players. Dikembe Mutombo and Yao Ming. (GO ROCKETS!!)
10. I think I found a bonus to being pregnant this summer. I didn't expect to be "in shape" for swim suit season and now....IT DOESN'T MATTER!! YAY!!

Why I Love Hailey Bug

One of the many reasons I love my little Hailey Bug has got to be that she listens. She really takes in what Daddy and I say.

She may not always have the appropriate response, but she hears me...and at least that's a start.

Evidence that she is listening was displayed tonight when the following situation ensued:

Maddie finished up her lunch and was headed to the couch where Hailey and I were watching a little TV before we all headed upstairs for a nap when she tripped over a blanket on the floor and landed on the carpet. She didn't get hurt, it was a soft fall. Hailey looked over in Maddie's direction and said in her sweet little three year old voice, "Been walkin' long?"

I'm always teasing the girls with things like this or "How was your trip?" or "See you next fall."

We all had a good laugh, but I'll have to remember...Hailey is listening!!

My 100th Post

1. I refuse to guarantee this will be interesting or enlightening.


2. Three (so far) of the best kids a mom could ever ask for live with me. And they are all mine. (and Hot Rod's)


3. My hubby is my best friend.


4. The hubs is the absolute perfect man for me. He actually LIKES to go shopping.


5. Hot Rod and I were friends in junior high school. I never thought of him romantically until after college.


6. I think I was born in the exact town I was meant to stay in my entire life. It's hot, humid and I love it!


7. I get cold really easily. REALLY EASILY!


8. I love the month of September. The weather is usually perfect. Oh, and I was born in Sept, too.


9. I love my backyard. We've spent a lot of time/money to make it what it is.


10. My favorite number is 10.


11. I'm very excited about baby #4 - not anymore than the other 3, but excited still.


12. Oh the strange looks and odd things that people will say when I am out with 4 children by myself. Not looking forward to that.


13. I grew up with 3 sisters. Hmmmm.....(like mother, like daughter?)


14. I think I KNOW I will always miss my Mom.


15. I also miss my dog. He died about a year ago. He had been with me for 11 years. He was a good and very loyal companion. He was a sweet little Yorkie and knew a ton of tricks!


16. We'll be celebrating 10 years of marriage in August!


17. We were going to take a trip in Oct. The same week as my due date. I don't think that's going to happen...


18. I love my Saturn Vue. I can't fit 4 kids in the back seat. I'm kind of bummed about that.


19. I love to shop.


20. I love shoes.


21. I don't love to shop for shoes.


22. I have very few pairs of shoes. It's hard to find cute ones that are also comfortable.


23. Rarely do I notice what people are wearing - including their shoes. Unless it's really, really cute or really, really weird. And, I'll never remember it later.


24. I remember strange things and forget simple things.


25. People have a hard time believing that I was a shy child. I was. Really.


26. But, I did make friends easily. Everywhere we went I would make a friend.


27. My family went camping when I was young. Every year. That has to be some of my favorite memories.


28. Mom worked so hard all the time (at home) and it was nice to see her settle in a lawn chair with a good novel and just read.


29. All my life I have preferred to hang out with guys over girls. Girls were always so competitive.


30. I love the girl friends I have made at church. Would not trade them for all the guys in the world. (even Matthew McConaughey - LOL!)


31. Matthew M has the best accent. He IS from Texas after all!


32. Before I had children, my favorite food was Italian. Now, I don't have a favorite. Strange!


33. If a single tiny raw onion gets mixed into my food, it makes me gag.


34. I love grilled onions on my fajitas.


35. If a main course or side dish recipe calls for onions, I do everything I can to avoid using them.


36. If a dessert recipe calls for nuts, I leave them out.


37. I like nuts and I like raisins, but NEVER inside of anything!


38. Except peanut M&Ms, oh and snickers and I'm sure there are a few more I'm forgetting - okay never say never right?


39. Growing up we lived on property and I always wished I lived in a neighborhood where I could take off on my bicycle and ride for hours.


40. Now, I live in a neighborhood and wish I had more room.


41. When I grow up (yeeeeeah!) Okay, maybe my dream is to own a few acres in a nice community - kind of like getting the best of both worlds.


42. I started getting gray hair when I was sixteen. SIXTEEN!! Not a very awesome sweet sixteen gift! I think it makes me look older than I am.


43. Playing outdoors with my kids is one of my favorite things to do.


44. The laughter of a baby (especially my little man) is one of life's greatest joys.


45. I love surprises. No kidding! The Hubs used to try to tell me things (he's bad at keeping secrets that he's excited about) and I would NOT let him. It's so much fun to be surprised!


46. Our other Yorkie will be nine this year. We bought him for the Hubs. He follows me wherever I go. Guess that makes him mine!


47. There are no less than 15 dolls in my house. And that's just the baby dolls.


48. My girls enjoy cheering at sports games. Go 'Stros!


49. When I was younger, I was an Astros' buddy. Those were some great memories. I remember always having maple nut goodies at the games. They don't really taste all that great. (see, I remember odd things!)


50. My childhood was fantastic! We weren't rich and we weren't poor, but it never really mattered.


51. My Mom always made sure to have soft drinks and chips in the house - conveniently on Friday and Saturday nights so I would bring my friends to the house to hang out. She'd go off into the kitchen, bake brownies and then go to bed. (See why I miss her?)


52. There are orange lilies in my flower bed - some of my favorite flowers.


53. I also like roses - of any color.


54. And Hibiscus - orange of course.


55. Lime green is my favorite color.


56. Gardenia is my favorite fragrance - I have several gardenia bushes in my yard as well. (Oh, I love the lemon scent when I'm cleaning!)


57. I love the beach, but I'm not crazy about the ocean. (Sharks, jellyfish...etc.)


58. Disney World really is magical. When we planned to go in 2007, I got pregnant with Carter. When we planned to go in 2009, well...you know the drill.


59. We lovingly refer to our baby as "Walt"


60. Don't worry, we won't be naming him that especially if he is a she!!


61. I love being pregnant. I think it's because it's the one time that you can be fat and people actually think it's cute.


62. I just used it's three times in one sentence.


63. I am a grammar nut! The thing that bothers me the most is when people use "I" in place of "me"


64. I don't profess to be perfect at grammar, but some errors just glare at me.


65. It's been almost a year and I don't miss my "job."


66. Our only debt is our house and one of the cars. From my guestimation, we are not upside down on either one.


67. I am fully aware that guestimation is not a word.


68. "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" is my favorite movie. I still laugh every time I see it.


69. I'd love to have a maid, but the thought of a stranger cleaning my house creeps me out.


70. The yard guy once tried to argue with me over what I owed him...until he got my next payment with an Excel spreadsheet.


71. He doesn't work for us anymore...only because we do it ourselves now to save money.


72. By "ourselves" I mostly mean Hot Rod.


73. The Hubs cleans the bathrooms more than I do.
    
74. Yes, I am one lucky gal.
    
75. I watch a lot of decorating shows. Gives me ideas I'll never have the time, energy or money to do to my own home.
    
76. I also watch the Food Network.


77. I have a love/hate relationship with cooking. I love to do it, but I hate the thought of it.


78. I love Google. I "google" everything. I get all kinds of e-mails telling me some crazy stuff, so before I pass any along, I plug the subject into my Google toolbar and search away.


79. One thing that irritates me is when people forward e-mails that tell me at the bottom that I should forward to my friends. (Seriously!!! I know I can forward it - IF I WANT TO!!! You don't need to tell me that!) And I will remove those lines - EVERY TIME I forward an e-mail.


80. Discussing politics drives me crazy. Often, I don't agree with what is going on with our government, so I avoid it. Yes, I read about it and I get mad, but if I discuss it, I just get angrier...so I avoid it!


81. I think it's unfair to FORCE me to give up money I earned (or my hubby earned - LOL!) for people who refuse to earn their own. Don't get me wrong, I donate plenty at church and I love helping people out, but I don't want it to be taken from me.


82. I'm addicted to Coca-cola. I love me the "Real Thing!" I like having at least one of them a day.


83. Sonic has the best ice!


84. I always thought I'd have boys.


85. I wouldn't trade my girls for anything. I love all the bows and pink.


86. I never liked pink until I had girls. Now, I'm drawn to it!


87. Shopping for clothes is one of my favorite things to do. And I like it best shopping with Hot Rod.


88. Being a Stay at home Mom is the hardest job I've ever had.


89. It's also my absolute favorite job ever!!


90. I actually enjoy coloring.


91. I also like Play-doh.


92. It's possible I am one of the few people that as a child ate vegetables and didn't complain about it. They're good!


93. Without my computer, I'd feel lost.


94. The sun makes me sneeze.


95. I am a night owl and HATE getting up early.


96. Singing is one of my favorite things. I always sing in the car...and at home...and...


97. I'm allergic to my dog, but I love him...so, he stays!


98. I seriously doubt anyone is still reading this.


99. When I'm relaxing at home, I'm almost always cuddled under a quilt. (I told you I was cold natured!)


100. If you read all the way through - you know more about me than you ever wished for...oh, and thanks for humoring me!
     
     

Strange, but true!

This past Easter was Carter's first Easter. It's odd because we celebrated his one-year birthday two weeks prior.

I remember last year thinking he might be born on Easter. I was really hoping that wouldn't happen because I really wanted to celebrate the day with my girls. I bought them pretty dresses and special matching hair bows that I searched high and low for -- I couldn't wait for Sunday so I could "doll them all up." (Shoot -- That's something I look forward to every Sunday!)

Hot Rod didn't actually believe me at first. It wasn't until I "Googled" the date of last year's Easter that he was convinced. (It just doesn't seem right, but since the date of Easter moves around so much, I guess it happens from time to time.) I saw a picture from Easter last year of a cousin's little girl. There I was in the background - belly big as a blimp!

We had a nice day, despite all the rain.

After church services, we headed to the classroom hallways to hunt eggs.

(Little man just wanted the stuff in the eggs!! - Smart kid...)

We filled our baskets and hunted down the Easter bunny for pictures.

(Just look at Carter eyeing the Easter Bunny's candy basket!)

We had a fabulous devotional and activity to complete with our family provided by SonKids.

Once we got home, we did a quick last minute touch up of the house and then I started cooking my Cherry Surprise - Yum!! Not long after Hot Rod's family started to arrive. We had a great feast and a nice time visiting with family.

And it wasn't too bad being cooped up in the house all afternoon!

10 things I'm thinking on the 10th

1. I don't like cleaning. I like my house to be clean, but I don't like to do it. Funny, once I get started, I get on a roll and it's fine. I just need the motivation to get moving. Since Easter is this Sunday and we have the big backyard, the festivities will be here. And honestly, I'm excited about that. I love having people over! (You know, it makes me clean - kidding! kind of...) Anyway, we purposely bought the house we did on the lot we picked so we could have people over. I actually wouldn't mind having people over at least 3 weekends a month. I think that qualifies me for crazy benefits.
2. My kids have a ton of toys. I mean a TON!! What kids in America don't, right? Well, they love to pull all the toys out and play to their hearts content. And they play really well together. (which is fantastic) BUT, when it comes time to clean up - LOOK OUT!! All the sudden the mound of toys which is insufficient at keeping them busy enough to not be bored are TOO MUCH to clean up. How, I ask you, is that possible??? I'm thinking I might buy a Mary Poppins costume and work on my magic. "Just a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down, the medicine go do--wn, medicine go down. Just a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down. In the most delightful way. For every job that must be done there is an element of fun, you find the fun and snap the job's a game..."
3. I think my son is going to be six foot tall. At just a year old, he's already 31 inches tall. Isn't there a rule that says at two years of age, you can double their height to figure out how tall they will be when they grow up? If so, we're well on our way. Maybe when he finally starts walking I will buy him a bat and work on his baseball skills.
4. The hubs just told me I complain a lot. I didn't think I did, but now he's got me self-conscious. So, every time I start to open my mouth, I stop and ask myself, "Is this a complaint?" And he has me worried...Do I really complain THAT much?!?!
5. I'm looking at my little boy standing in the middle of his toys shouting at me. (Something in baby gibberish only he truly understands) And he's smiling. He squats down, stands back up and shouts. Now, if he can do all that, why does he refuse to walk? Yesterday we played outside a little while after bagging all of Daddy's yard clippings. Carter decided to crawl off our blanket and toss my shoes onto the patio. He's a pretty smart little boy. He knew that if he crawled on the concrete, it would hurt his knees. So, he crawled on his hands and his feet. It was pretty funny! Again, why does he refuse to walk? Silly boy!
6. I think I might be nearing the end of the morning sickness - YAY!! I still get sick if I eat anything sweet. But, boy does it taste good going down. I just pay for it later.
7. I'm really looking forward to feeling like going to the gym again. Hopefully, Carter will do better with the girls who "work" in childcare at the gym. (And yes, I use the word "work" loosely) I want to workout thru this pregnancy so that after the baby comes, it's not so hard to get my shape back where I'd like it to be. I think I've been a little "relaxed" with the first three babies. I keep watching these shows like "The Biggest Loser" where they show before they got big pictures and it scares me to death. Some of these people were pretty small before they put on all their weight. Now, mind you, I've never been even the least bit large, but I feel that way. Don't throw anything at the computer or leave mean comments, but I used to be a size 2/4 before I had babies!! WOW!!!
8. I've had a hard time finding Easter dresses this year. I've been to Target and Kohl's which is where I usually find good dresses and came up empty handed. Now, I did find some possibilities at Target, but I didn't buy them because I always find adorable dresses at Kohl's. NOT this year! Kohl's was a total bust! Oh, except the Easter bunny found some Hannah Montana pajamas for Maddie. OH!!! Boy moms, where in the world do I find nice clothes (for Easter, Christmas, etc...) for Carter?? I really wanted to buy him a nice new outfit to wear on Sunday and I can't seem to find anything (in his size 12m - 18m) that will look nice. And can anyone tell me why people insist on putting gray and tan together...? Am I the only one bothered by that? UPDATE: Went shopping Sat. night with the hubs and found several dresses for the girls at Kohl's (different location this time) I even have dresses for the girls for July 4th!! YAY! Hailey came out with 5 dresses since they had so many cute ones in her size for only $10. I was also able to find a nice button up shirt for my little man. Oh, and I got $10 cash for every $50 purchased that I could spend at Kohl's next week. Doesn't get much better than that!
9. I don't think there is a Kmart within a 100 mile radius of my home and yet I see their commercials daily. Do you think they forgot to stop airing the commercials when they moved out of town. Nah, me either, but do they really have to tease me with the great prices. Don't get me wrong...I didn't shop there when they were here, but it still just seems mean to air them here.
10. I decided to allow anonymous comments on the blog. I just thought that maybe one day some of you secret readers might want to come out of hiding and at least tell me your first name. (blogrollofpatience? - I'd love to visit, but I don't have access) Or perhaps relatives might want to comment without having to sign up for a Google ID??? Really, I just love comments. I get excited to see how many people visit per day, but comments are really where it's at! Sometimes, I wonder if I set up my blogroll too well and people just like to use me for a springboard to all our mutual friends' blogs...which is okay. That's why I did it - for myself - and for you! Anything I can do to make your life easier!! LOL~

On this Good Friday, don't forget to thank the Savior for His sacrifice -
HAPPY EASTER!