Let's Go Fly a Kite!

Sophie has been watching Mary Poppins and they have been talking about wind and rain in school (Mom's Day Out), so she has been asking to fly a kite. Today we went to a nearby elementary school and let her fly a kite, ride her bike, and play on the playground. This was my first time to fly a kite in West Texas and there are two things I learned about flying here. First, there are an abundance of places to fly kites - lots of open and empty land with no trees. Second, you don't have to do anything but let the kite go and it is flying. There is no running involved and no climbing up in trees to retrieve it. You basically let go, stand there holding the string and let the wind do the rest. The hardest part is getting it down. So we have now satisfied Sophie's deepest desire (for now). John Curtis loves playgrounds and parks. He wants to climb everything and seems to have no fear. It was a nice Sunday afternoon together.

Book Review

Okay, I know that the grandparents are going to hate this post because it has absolutely nothing to do with the grandkids, but I wanted to let you know about a really good book I've been reading. Those of you who know me well know that Andrew Peterson is my favorite singer/songwriter. Taylor and I came across him in college at A&M when we were at a Caedmon's Call concert. He was just starting out and opened for Bebo Norman who opened for Caedmon's. We really like his music so we bought his first C.D. and have been buying them ever since. Our favorite is his Christmas C.D. which is like nothing you've ever heard. We got to go to his Christmas concert in Austin last December where he performed with Bebo, Sara Groves, Jill Phillips and several others. Anyway, Andrew has now written a children's fantasy novel that is really good and has gotten good reviews. I was a little skeptical because it seems that when people try to be really good at more than one thing, something flops. Once again though, Andrew has exceeded my expectations. I'm recommending this to everyone because as talented as he is, Andrew has never received much attention in the world of Christian music. So maybe if the word gets out about his book, he'll receive more attention for his music, too. All that being said, if you are a Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings or Chronicles of Narnia any other fantasy fan (that's you, Sean and Megan) you need to check out On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness.

Easter pics

I hope everyone had a happy Easter Sunday. Ours was cold and rainy. Thankfully, the Easter bunny comes to our house a day early. Otherwise, Taylor wouldn't get to see the kids get their Easter baskets and the kids and I are always late to church anyway. So Saturday morning they got their baskets. My parents were still here and the weather was beautiful. We played and rode bikes at the park. Another church was having an Easter egg hunt there and they invited the kids to join in. We went out for pizza for lunch before Mom and Dad went home. After nap we dyed Easter eggs and played outside some more. It was a nice day.

Easter Sunday was not so beautiful. I can't complain because we need the rain, so I tried to push the dreariness aside and focus on the reason for Easter. Somehow, the happiness and joy that is supposed to be Easter escaped my kids. I sat them down to try to get pictures before church, only to have them fight over an egg and both end up in tears. I gave it up and we all 3 arrived at church in a foul mood. I'm thankful for church nurseries though. Somehow being able to deposit them there lifted my spirits and I was able to worship. We even got some good pictures of the kids after church. We were invited to another family's Easter celebration, but they weren't going to eat until 1:00. Being the smart Mom I am I thought it would be good to let John Curtis get a little 30 minute nap so he could make it through lunch happily. It worked and lunch went fine. He was having a great time playing with the dog and Sophie was having a good time tackling her friend, Evan over and over. They didn't want to leave, but Taylor was desperate for a nap. He had stayed up watching the Aggie game (so close!) and then was up until 2:00 going over his sermon, only to get up for an early service that we added for Easter. I thought John Curtis would take another little nap and spent the afternoon trying to get him down. He did finally go to sleep at 4:00, right when Sophie was getting up. Overall, I didn't orchestrate nap time very well. He only slept another 30 minutes, so we were all cranky.

I get a little down on holidays sometimes. For some reason, most of my friends here tend to have family here too. I guess people like West Texas so much, they don't leave. Anyway, those are the days I miss having family near. It would be nice just to know you were having lunch with family. Don't get me wrong, I'm always thankful when people include us in their family celebrations. But there is a difference and I was kind of down yesterday (probably due to the rain and grumpy kids) and wishing we had grandparents here to hide eggs for the kids (the family we had lunch with was still hiding eggs for their teenage grandkids :)

The day did end on a high note as we all sat down and watched Mary Poppins and ate popcorn. Sophie got it from the Easter Bunny and had never seen it before. I am very thankful I have a sweet little family to celebrate Easter with and am glad the sun is coming out today!

Go Speed Racer!

Fun At Grammy's

Mom and Dad brought the kids back yesterday and spent the night. They had a great time in Weatherford. They dyed eggs, made a bunny cake, and did lots of shopping. Sophie also got an early birthday present from Grammy and Bumpaw. She wanted a big girl bike for her birthday, but they wanted her to be able to ride it all spring, so they went ahead and gave it to her this week. Bumpaw, being the bike expert, made sure she got a nice one that fits her just right and she loves it. She rode it a lot in Weatherford and we've taken it out several times since she's been home.




























She and John Curtis also got to see their friends Tate and Grant who were visiting their Mimi. Mom said Grant and John Curtis didn't pay any attention to each other, but I'm always amazed at how well Sophie and Tate play together. They really always have. Evidently, Sophie tells Tate what to do and he does it so it's a perfect relationship. They will be spending a week together at the beach this summer, so we'll see if they still love each other after that much time. Julie, I'm ready to start planning the wedding if you are!








































The kids also got to spend some time with their Mimi (my grandmother) which is always special. She and Sophie really enjoy being together.














Taylor and I enjoyed our time alone, but are glad to have our kiddos back!

A Day of Pampering

Taylor's parents came for a few days at the beginning of the week. The kids really enjoyed them being here. Sophie loves her GMomma and Poppa of course, but it was fun to see John Curtis start interacting with them more. On Monday, Taylor's mom took me and Sophie for manicures and pedicures. Sophie got her nails painted with glitter and flowers. She loved it. She is such a girly girl. Then we went to the mall and had their picture made with the Easter bunny. John Curtis did great with Santa at Christmas but wasn't a fan of the bunny. He would not smile, so we had to take what we could get.


On Tuesday they took the kids to Weatherford on their way home to spend a few days with my parents. I think the kids are having fun there and I'm certainly enjoying my time here. Taylor and I went shopping last night - just for us - which we haven't done in forever. We ate dinner (after 6:00!!!) in front of the TV and watched a movie. I slept until 8:30 this morning and tonight we are going to some friends' house (who are also kid free for the week) to play games. I do miss my kids and will be ready for them to come home on Friday, but in the mean time I will enjoy some lazy time!

Springtime Fun!

Last weekend my friend Jill invited some friends out to her house to play. The kids loved being outside. We had an egg hunt, ate a bunny cake, and the kids got to plant some vegetables in their garden. The weather was beautiful and it was a fun time to be with friends.

Last Day of Gymnastics

For the last year, Sophie has been taking gymnastics at the high school. We are very fortunate that our state champion Central High School gymnastics team offers classes taught by the students once a week. It is much cheaper than taking from the local gymnastics gym and very laid back. Sophie really enjoyed it this year and has come a long way in her abilities and confidence.

Egg Hunt!

Thursday was the kids' last day at Mom's Day Out before Spring Break, so both of their classes had an egg hunt. Taylor was able to sneak down from his office to take pictures of them. John Curtis didn't have a clue what he was doing of course, but he had fun throwing the eggs.