Fly me to the moon

I am excited to announce that Matt and I will be traveling to Minneapolis in September to see my brother! My brother and his wife bought my mom a ticket; Richard suggested we check prices and fly out too. Amazingly, we found a super cheap flight last night and bought it.

This will be Matt's first trip on a plane. It's kind of funny that it happened this way because he thinks my brother owns a plane and is a pilot. So it is only fitting that we should fly to Unlce Earnie's.

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas

So here is what I want for Christmas.

Pretty cool huh?

I'll take the DS version, but if you want to buy me a Wii system, I will bake you cookies forever.

Thanks

We are at the Rettigs right now and I can thank them and Mike for a new addiction.

I am officially addicted to Facebook.

I think I have spent more time on it then visiting.

How lame am I...

So, if you are a member, let me know.

10

Today is our tenth wedding anniversary. I was going to do this really cute blog today but it is late and I am tired. Instead:

Happy Anniversary sweetie.

I love you.

What Would We Do Without Them

We were able to spend some quality time with Richard's family this weekend. His parents drove in for a short visit on Saturday.

Actually, truth be told, they brought us the rest of our junk we had stored at their house. All I can say is thank goodness they own mini storages! His parents have been very generous in letting us (me) store our dining room furniture, china, and my never ending doll collection for the past five? years. His dad also made this spectacular homemade trailer to haul all of Richard's tools and outdoor things for the move. This trailer consisted of a low-boy, Rich's old truck bed cover as a top, and a bunch of plywood walls. CLASSY! They were nice enough to keep this at their house as well for the past 3 months. I need to find a picture of this thing. When you see it, the Sanford and Son music will immediately start playing in your mind.

Anyways, we went to their house on Sunday and spent the night. Matt of course had a fabulous time. He watched Bob the Builder a zillion times and played with a family friend.

Karen also kept Brody (our new nephew) Monday and that was alot of fun. Matt was all about the baby and taking care of him. At one point he had dumped all of his Dora and Diego toys by Brody (who is 4 months) so he could play with them. I enjoyed getting to change his tiny diapers (I really did) and just watching him; he is such a sweet little guy. We can't wait until we are blessed with another. I know Matt will be a good big brother!

My favorite part of the trip was when I was napping on the couch and I hear Karen say "Oh my God! Wayne get THAT from him!" THAT was a butcher knife stuffed in Matt's pants. Needless to say, Matt was able to slip a butcher knife into his waistband with Nana, Papaw, Daddy, and Mommy all around. That's my boy! I think he should become a Navy Seal because he is very quiet and quick. It is true with Matt, if you don't hear him, you better find him fast!

Other then that not much else to say. Oh, I forgot. His grandparent diet. While at their house he consumed an unknown amount of french fries and had a morning snack of Coke and chocolate cake. But to make it fair, he dines on marshmallows, Frito's, and peanut Mn M's when he is at my mom's. That's what grandparents are for, right?

Cracking Up

Matt was standing next to me playing when I opened up my blog just now. The music came on, Flood by Jars of Clay, and boy did he get down. He got this big goofy grin, started shaking his "boomey" , and hopped around. It was precious!

Of course I tried to capture it on film, BUT that crazy camera I have did not work. Note to anyone rich reading this: my birthday is Monday and I would love a new camera:)

We are going to the Children's Museum of Houston in an hour with some neighbors; we are pretty excited. For some unknown reason, Matt thinks there will be a mouse there and he is going to tell the little girl who is going with us to be quiet because the mouse is sleeping.

Oh, that reminds me! Yesterday we went to a wade pool in La Porte with the same people. We were waiting in line and someone commented on Matt's Blue Bell hat. I told them that we moved from Brenham and then a couple behind us said they were from Brenham. Turned out to be a couple from FBC, the Yarnolds. They were there with their gandkids. Isn't that crazy!! Small world!

The Rest of the Story

There really isn't that much to tell. I just wanted to use that as my title...

After our day at the beach we went to Gaidos for dinner. Oh My Gosh!! All I have to say is shrimp bisque!!! I could bathe in that stuff. In case you are not from planet Texas and do not know what Gaidos is, it is a historic seafood restaurant on the seawall in Galveston. It has been around forever and is family owned and operated. It is a bit "hoity toity" but is well worth the money and wait.

The next day we went to Schiltterbaun (sp??) and had a great time. Matt had a great time in the three kiddie areas and rivers. We did ride one "big" ride that did scare me a little. It was one of those family raft rides and it felt like we were going to flip over a few times. At first, Matt had this look like what is going on, but soon he was grinning from ear to ear.

Galveston part 1

We spent the last few days at Galveston Island. I must say, I have never seen the beach this pretty. Usually there is seaweed everywhere, the water is brown, and the sand is nasty. However, as you can see, it was beautiful.

Matt had a great time playing in the surf and sand! He loved digging in the sand and making "castles". He was a little leary of going "way far out" because of sharks.

Return

Hey all. We just returned from our family vacation to Galveston. We had a great time and made a ton of wonderful memories. I was picture monster and will post some very soon. I will keep this short and sweet and tell you all about it later.

Thrown Out

As I mentioned yesterday, there is a story about Matt getting a haircut. Let me see, where shall I begin.

It all started with my child looking like this:

Yes. Yes. I know. He is adorable. His hair is so beautiful and all that stuff but people, he is a little boy! His beautiful hair was sooo long and this picture was taken after I had cut about an inch off above his eyes (that's why it is lopsided :)

Well anyways, we were in Canton and Richard decided that we should take him to a barber and get his hair buzzed. We decided on a buzz because he is hot natured and we thought it would be the easiest. So we went to a barber on Gruncle's recommendation...

Matt was all excited about his trip and had a big pep talk with Gruncle about how he wouldn't cry or throw a fit. We even told him if he was a good boy we would take him to the park and buy him an ice cream.

This might all seem a bit dramatic but you have to understand our Matt. He HATES to get his hair cut!! He has always cried and thrown a fit at the barber shop. Our old barber back in Brenham was a very patient old man with HUGE hands. He was very good with Matt and pretty much put a death grip on his head. His hair never looked fab but he got the job done and made us feel good about the trip.

So back to the story. We took him to this barber, per Gruncle's recommendation, and it seemed like it was going to be a good time.

A good time until it was Matt's turn. He started crying. He was fighting me about sitting on the chair. He screamed at the barber and pushed him away. You have never seen my child throw a fit until you take him for a haircut.

The barber tried to bribe Matt with a package of Reces Peanut butter Cups but that did not matter. He could have cared less.

Finally, after being pushed away again the man stepped back, threw his hands up and said "I can't do this." He hadn't even cut hair yet.

Sadly, this is not one of those moments where I am proud of my behavior. Honestly, I was so mad at my son because I kept thinking why is he still acting like this. Matt and I left the shop immediately while Richard cleaned up the "mess" inside.

Once outside, we both chilled out and I realized how terrified he was. At first, I thought this was some kind of toddler power trip but then I realized (with the help of my hubby) that he was really scared.

We got back in the car and Richard and I agreed that he had to get his hair cut. The decision was made that I would do it and we asked Matt if that was alright. Matt said that was a "good choice". We went to Wal-Mart, bought a set of clippers, and cut his hair on my mom's front porch. He didn't cry and sat pretty still.

Oh well, you live and learn, right?

Isn't he a handsome boy? We all concluded that his new do made him look even more like Rich!

Canton

We are back from Canton and had a great time. Here are some pics from our trip.

Uncle Earnie and Aunt Chrissy, we miss seeing you guys there.

Here is Matt and Daddy taking a paddle boat ride on Mom's tank. Isn't their tank beautiful? At night, you can hear the coyotes while you fish; it's a little creepy.

Matt loves Gruncle's tractor!! We had to sneak the key away so he wouldn't start it. Baby Jaguar and Diego rode the tractor with him...
We roasted marshmallows one evening and I learned the perfect technique! You toast and eat the marshmallow in layers. Matt did not care too much for the fire though, that is as close as he got.
We went to Splash Kingdom and had a great time. Matt had a fabulous time and played hard for about 5 hours.
As you can see, we had a fun trip and miss Grandma and Gruncle bunches!!

Oh, we also took Matt to get a haircut but that is a story for another day....

Something New

I've added a new feature to my blog. If your computer has working speakers then you are listening to it.

This is a play list of some of my favorite songs. Many of them I just like, but some of them have very special meaning and I will share those stories with you later.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy the music.

Oh, and mom, just because you don't like the "music", don't discount the words:)

Today

Three of my "sister-mamas" and their kids took a road trip to come see us today. We had a great time hanging out and eating at Chic-Fil-A.

I have only been to Chic-Fil-A a couple of times and I realized today that this is my new favorite fast food eatery. It was so clean, kid friendly, and had healthy menu. I have always heard moms go on and on about it but never knew what the fuss was about; well I do now. Anyways, I am getting off subject.

I had a great time having everyone over and watching Matt play with all his girls. It should not surprise you that Matt kept asking to watch a movie with his friends but of course I said no. That was until the humidity took over and we had to move the party in.

Thanks again to Jamie, Jana, and Kacy for driving all the way out and spending time with us today. I don't think you realize how much it meant to me and to Matt. Amazingly, I was able to hold the tears back until we drove off.

You guys, along with all the other ladies in the group, mean so much to me and have been a huge blessing in my family's life. I love you all and miss you like crazy!!

Hightlights

So here is a quick list of highlights from the weekend:

Friday:

• Took Matt to see Wall-E. This is an excellent movie and we all had a great time.
• Went to our neighbors for a 4th of July party.
• Watched firework show and Matt was more interested in people's keys.

Saturday

• Yard work
• Matt played with the neighbors

Sunday

• Tried a church for A.M. service and did not like it. When you are at church, please smile and act friendly to guests.
• Tried another church for P.M. service and loved it.

Monday

• Cleaned house to get ready for company.
• Finished setting up the dining room
• Richard's new assistant and his wife came and spent the night

Tomorrow, some of my gals and their kiddos are coming. We are very EXCITED!!! Later this week we are going back to visit my mom for one last summer trip.

That's it for now.

Last Night

First of all, are you impressed that I have posted 3 days in a row?? I am trying to get back in my old routine.

Last night at about 10:30 we were locking everything up and getting ready to put the cat out. I had already went to the bedroom when Richard yelled "quick, come here!"

There on our deck was a cat that Matt named Feral (he heard us call it that name) and all of her kittens. We had five, did you see that, F-I-V-E, five cats on our deck!!

We had cooked out last night and they were swarming our grill. They were pretty cute because all of the kittens had huge ears and were chasing each other. However, I did not feel any desire to keep one or start feeding them. Are you surprised??

The ironic thing is that all of the cats looked like our old cat Max. Richard said that would figure. We give up one cat and get five in return. Kelley family, if you are reading this, I hope you are getting a good laugh and I hope Max is treating you well.

Also, Earnie and Chrissy, we will catch the cats and send them to you guys.

What in the world??

Doodlebops.

Have you seen this show?

Matthew finally found it and I am not too thrilled. I think the creators were on crack and listening to 70's funk. It is the most bizarre show with very feminine male characters.

I use to think that Lazy Town and Yo Gabba Gabba were strange but I think this one tops both.

If you are a fan I am sorry to offend you. However, as I type this, I am listening to the music and it is a little catchy.

Somebody help me!

Not only an artist but also a songwriter

On our trip back home Monday, we stopped at the new outlet mall in Cy-Fair. Overall, Matt was a good boy but he did have his moment.

Towards the end, we strolled into the Le Creuset store where I thought I heard the angels singing. Their cookware is not only functional but beautiful; there are so many colors that it looks like a candy shop. The only problem is that one piece cost a small fortune.


Well, of course this is the store that Matt chose to act up in. At one point he grabbed a red spatula from a display and spanked me. Richard finally took him outside and had a talk with him.

Once their "talk" was over Richard let him run around. As he was running around made up a song about disobedience.

I am not kidding. Richard said he was singing "dis-ohhhh-beee-dience". Then he would say something about not obeying.

That's my boy.

Picasso

This morning Matt was drawing on his MagnaDoodle (which is one of my top 10 toys) while Richard and I were working around the house.

Richard walked past him and casually asked "Hey Matt, what are you drawing?"

Matthew responded " a masterpiece".

Can you believe that?!? I have no idea where he picked that one up. He has made some curious statements lately.

This morning at breakfast he asked me "what mean crap". That one took me by surprise. (We were already trying to refrain from using the word; I guess it's a good thing) So I tried to tell him it wasn't a nice word and we are not suppose to say it. Then he wanted to know if it was "like a shot". Hmm.. interesting