Mischievous Lexie

This video is not shot in the best of light but the kids were having so much fun playing, or I should say goofing off that I had to catch it on video. Ethan, Gracie and I were Fishing for Letters when things started to get wacky. Unbeknownst to us, Lexie had her own plans and totally took advantage of us being distracted.

As I was videotaping, I heard some ruckus coming from the dining room. She had found our hidden crayola canvas, pulled it down, ripped the paper off of it and proceeded to pull the crayon drippings off of the canvas. She still puts up a fight when she has to pick up her own food but has NO problem whatsoever about picking off melted crayon. What is up with that?

We have a CRAWLER!!!

Our little girl is now officially crawling. We are so excited to see her reach this milestone. She continues to surprise us and we are more than thrilled at her progress. I really wish I would run into her NICU doctor. I have something I need to shove in his face!

Lexie's Latest Achievement.

Just in case you have not already seen this on Facebook. Here is Lexie pulling herself up!

1st Day of Preschool

Today was Gracie's 1st day of Preschool. She goes 2 days a week for a couple of hours. She was so excited that she was going to to be able to join in on all this back to school excitement. As soon as we walked in the door, she placed her backpack and lunch box in her cubby, and then ran off to play with the other kids. I had to hunt her down to give her a kiss goodbye.

When I picked her up later she was as happy as can be but the first thing out of her mouth was "My teacher didn't yell at me today" RIGHT in front of the teacher. This is the first day she has had the teacher and I completely trust Ms. Marciella but Gracie has been paying very close attention to the questions that I ask Ethan. Ever since Ethan was in this preschool I would always ask, "Did you have a good day, What did you do?...etc" but I would sometimes throw in ,"Did your teacher yell today?" Don't judge! I want to know every detail about what is going on when I am not there. I remember having a few teachers that would of been better boot camp instructors than teachers. Well, of course the teacher gave me the oddest look and I had to come up with something quick so I just said, "Her crazy brother putting ideas into her head". I guess at least she knows that my children tell me everything.

Our Kindergartner

Got the sign from Pinny!

Yes, he has replaced me with another woman and, yes, she is younger.
Ms. Gomez (red shirt) is really sweet though!

Today was a HUGE day because our Ethan joined the ranks with all the other 5 year olds and started his first day of school. He was so excited the night before that he made sure to set his own alarm clock. I am convinced he thought I would purposefully sleep in so we would delay the inevitable. Despite my secret plan he woke up with a smile on his face and eager to start this new chapter. I was getting a little teary eyed but was keeping it under control. However, I knew that was not going to last when Gracie asked " Ethan, are you going to miss me? Because I am going to miss you this much (arms spreading wide)". Ethan replied with "Yeah, I am going to miss you that much too". Talk about tear jerking sibling love! Shed a little bit of tears during breakfast but I had composed myself by the time we left the house. As we pulled up I started telling Ethan "It's not too late buddy. We can go back home and you can learn at Mommy's school" He just laughs at my nervousness and says, "I am ready for this school, Mom". He walked right into the cafeteria, said hello to his teacher, and took his seat next to his future classmates. There was this energy of excitement and apprehension as I watched dear friends hold it in while cheering their little ones on. I was starting to feel more confident and at ease with the situation. Well, that was until his teacher asked them all to stand up, get in line, and say goodbye to their parents. I really wanted to say, Okay, I have had enough of this game. Time to go home Ethan but I just blew him a kiss and said "Have a good day, I love you. " Many of the parents followed to the classroom but by that point I KNEW (tears flowing) it was time to leave. Gracie and I kept pretty busy the whole day so by 2:45 we were ready to go and get him. As soon as he was in the car, Gracie and I asked him about 100 questions but just like a typical boy he only replied with,"I had fun!".

He has been exclusively mine (yes, Eric's too, but really mine) for the last 5 years. I have been his teacher, friend, nurse, judge, playmate and most importantly his protector. I will still continue to fill those roles but now I will forever be sharing him with someone else. He will have to handle hateful disputes on his own, learn to tell the difference between a true buddy and one who is only looking for an accomplice. He will learn through teasing that boys are not supposed to cry where as cheered on when trying out a new trick/jump that can easily break bones. He may even learn more than what I think is appropriate for a 5 year old. However, I pray that this year will treat him kind and only enhance his love for learning. It will make this momma's heart happy.

Walking to his classroom

Back to School Bash

Now that school is on the horizon, our playgroup reveled in all of the excitement by throwing a Back to School Bash. Since I am the event coordinator I got to plan it! YEAH for me!! I had so much fun searching Pinny (my nickname for Pinterest) for inspiration. There are some talented people out there and I have no shame in trying to copy them ;) Despite it being a scorcher, we met at the local burger joint where the kids can pretty much run wild. I kept it simple for the sake of a budget and because I was transporting everything as well as all of my "normal" luggage to the restaurant. I think it turned out quite cute and I am so excited for the children. Whether they will be going to the nearest Mothers' Day Out or starting the 5th grade, the first day of school is always filled with excitement. Watching them grow and widen the independence gap can be enlightening as well as daunting. Please keep me in your thoughts on Monday as I send off my oldest baby to Kindergarten. {GULP}

The banner was made using flashcards that spell out "Back to School', the canvas art is made of melted crayons, the Pencil Favors are actually Rolos and Hershey kisses
and the wreath was made using rulers.

I made the cake and yes, I know the pencil is bigger than the cake.
It was yummy though!

I had to keep the candy cool so that is why the
glass looks like it just came out of an ice chest.

I had fun making this ruler wreath!
Here is the Ruler link! 

Ethan and Max enjoying some kickball!

Lexie enjoying the fake grass.

Lexie and Amelia

Rayven and Lexie

Marlissa and I
We are hoping our kiddos; Ethan and Ellie cross paths again in the future. Fingers crossed!

Group shot.....

...which turns into a 'who can scream the loudest' game. Lexie's favorite!

Me, Amanda, and Erica

Shelley, Amy, and I

Caryn, me, and Katie... oh and Jet!

I had to include some of the mommas who make living in San Antonio so much more fun!
I recently saw this quote on pinny and instantly thought of all of my friends near and far ;)

My friends remind me, by their very steadfastness, that truth, beauty, and goodness exist in the world, and that, no matter what, there are and always will be people loving people through thick and thin.

Witte Museum

Today was our first time going the Witte Museum and I have to say it was really cool. It seems like anytime we would try to go, something always came up. Ethan and Gracie were in love with all of the hands on science exhibits but I think the best part for them were the water ponds. They spent more time there than anywhere else. We have been so busy getting ready for school, doctor visits for Lexie and finishing up some projects around the house so it was nice to enjoy one day doing some really cool stuff.

Ethan trying to not get tagged by the pink square!

Pull it girl!

Do you see a UFO?

The look on her face cracks me up!

He was the only kid who would try the rock wall. Pure Junkie.

Amelia, Norah, and Gracie

Gracie and Norah at the ponds

Gracie can't go 30 minutes without having a snack.

The owl says Oh-Oh!

Seriously Mother! Taking pictures of me in this heat?!

Just joking!

Cheese!

Salisbury Steak Recipe

I never post recipes on here but due to recent demands I thought, why not. I have been making this dinner for about 3 years now and it is a huge hit at our house. I typically always make it for whenever a family welcomes a new baby. However, some friends have teased me that in order for me to share the recipe they will need to have another child. No need to go through all that trouble ladies!

1 egg
1 can (10 1/2oz) condensed french onion soup, undiluted.
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs ( I use Italian)
1/4 tsp. salt
dash of pepper
1-1/2 pounds of ground beef
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. mustard
1 tbl. flour
2 tbl. cold water
6 cups cooked egg noddles ( We prefer rice)

1) In a large bowl, beat egg. Stir in 1/3 of soup, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper. Crumble beef over mixture; mix gently. Shape into six oval patties.
2) In a skillet, brown patties over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside. Add water, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and remaining soup to skillet. Bring to a boil.
3) Return patties to skillet. Reduce heat;cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until meat is done. Remove patties.
4)Combine flour and cold water until smooth. Stir into pan. Bring to a boil;cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve patties and gravy over noodles. Garnish with parsley if desired. 6 servings

Serenity Now

As I am cleaning up one mess in the bathroom, I can hear this conversation coming from the kitchen.

Ethan: What are you drinking?

Gracie: Shhh...Mom's sweet tea.

Ethan: Ooohhh, Mom is not going to like that!!

Gracie: Want some? (Have to hand it to Gracie. Turn the witness into the accomplice. Smart Girl)

Ethan: Sure!!

SPLASH!!!!!!!!!! TEA ON TILE!!!!!

Ethan: Oh. She is really not going to like that!


By the time I reached the kitchen there were no children, spilled tea all over the floor and 2 sets of wet footprints going in opposite directions. Seinfeld moment of the day -Serenity Now!

Mini Conversations

Here are two videos of Ethan And Gracie talking to me about whatever they wanted to talk to me about at that moment. It may just seem like rambling and nothing of any importance but I just get a kick at how they communicate. I am amused by their facials gestures, topics of interest, complete honesty and especially when Ethan mimics me by using his hands to get his point across. They crack me up!