Kindergartner Elle

The much anticipated day has finally come. Today our sweet daughter reached an enormous milestone. Elle Bug went to her first day of Kindergarten! This morning her eyes were big with excitement and expectations.

She always strives to be the best at everything she tries, we can’t wait to see her grab hold of the many opportunities headed her way in school!

We’re so proud of you Elle and love you more than we can say!

Toothless

She always meets the next adventure with excitement and readiness. Why should losing her front teeth be any different? In fact the best part, according to Elle is that she can now start Kindergarten, without her front teeth!!

I think we could all learn a lesson from her.
Life’s so much more fun when we focus on the bright side of things!

Pink Tomatoe-Mint Pops

Poppy isn’t a normal dog.  He’s ½ human ½ dog….  usually. 

Unfortunately today I have to say he’s really regretting the choices made this morning.  Instead of using his human-like side and choosing to sleep in, he let the dog-side take over.  Early this morning, somewhere around 4:30 am…  Poppy met a skunk!

I can only imagine how the whole thing unfolded.  Perhaps his best friend Biscuit the cat noticed it first.  She probably saw the creature in the corner of our yard, alerted Poppy and the 2 of them went to investigate together.  Poppy, in all his sweetness, probably gestured something like, “hey there, how are you?  What do they call you” towards the skunk.  Sadly, this wasn’t a Disney movie and the skunk didn’t reply with anything other than a full on frontal face spray of our beloved border collie.
 



Stinks!!



Poppy - AKA Kujo



His face of humiliation ...  Pink Poppy



I spent the better part of a day cleaning him. In the end we went through one large bottle of peroxide, 3 boxes of baking soda, 6 cans of tomato sauce and finally some mouth wash.

He’s now a pink and black dog that smells like minty tomatoes. 

If you can’t tell…  he feels pretty stupid.



Tomato Storms

Being able to watch the news, keep up with the weather and follow the latest from work is not always as much fun as it sounds. Incredible storm cells burst into action suddenly Tuesday afternoon. As quickly as I realized this was severe, I realized Coppell, my home, laid in its path.

Keep in mind that I am not at home.. I am at work. Instead my 3 children are in schools in the path of the storm.

Thankfully my teenager Jules kept her cell phone close. The 2 of us were able to text while a small tornado blew a mess of our streets, schools and homes. When the storm finally cleared enough for a safe journey home I passed cars with missing windows hail littered lawns and downed trees.

At home we found our trees damaged and large hail stones still thawing in the lawn. A closer look discovered our storage shed popped full of holes and leaks in our roof from the large hailstones.

When we finally had everyone home safe we asked the kids if they knew what had happened.

Liam quickly answered with excited bright eyes,
“We had to hide in the kitchen at school, because there were bad tomatoes banging on the doors to get us”.

I guess when you’re 3 and someone tells you about a tornado, you might just hear tomato, and the banging of Hail would sound like insane Tomatoes trying to get in.

Thank God everyone was ok!

Elle's First Play

This morning Elle woke before the rest of the house and started working on her play. She had been talking about writing one for a few days now, but her first masterpiece well exceeded any of my expectations! I love how well she writes, and spells!!

In case you can't read it clearly, here is the translation:

"Elle is a little Girl"
"Liam is a little Boy"
"But we love to pick berries"
"Mom is a cooker"
"Daddy is a waiter"
"Elle and Liam skip to the restaurant"
"It's Over"

Wildfires and a New Boat

At last the, search for our new family boat has ended! In a too good to be posting on Craigs list hurry, we all headed out to Hells Gate, Possum Kingdom to hopefully be first in line! High winds made driving the first hour quite hard and wild fires added a smoky smell, taste and haze to the air to the rest of the journey there. We arrived around 3:30p, and met two of the nicest more hosptiable people we've encountered in awhile. They opened their beautiful home to us and while Jay and Mr. Mitchell finished the dealings on our soon to be new boat, Mrs. Mitchell spent time reading to Elle, telling us stories of their adventures and letting Elle and Liam into their grandchilrens toys. The news reports of the near wild fires made their way to the TV several times.

We finally left a little after 5p with the deal sealed.

The smoke seemed even thicker now and as we headed towards Weatherford we passed several visible columns of smoke that appeared to be just over the hill we drove by. Seemed out of this world and impossible to catch in pictures, we attempted anyway. Here are some shots in the drive down from Hells Gate to Weatherford.

I think we'll have to name our new boat something like "Smoke on the Water" so we'll always remember our adventurous trip to the purchase.

Elle's First Catch

We made it to the Lake House this weekend for a much needed break. We expected the weather to be dreary, rainy and cool but were delightfully surprised with the beautiful sunshine and highs near 60. Jay and I went out on our own fishing Saturday and I caught some monster crappie.. it was great fun.

But the highlight of the weekend came on Sunday when our little Elle caught her first fish.

We were spending some quality Elle, Mom time together while Jay and his sister Dana were out on the boat and Uncie Eric got some quality Liam time up on the deck. Elle had already started to complain at me,

"Where are the fish?" "It's just not working." "The sun is blinding me."

Trying to keep her interested I said, "Just be patient, just believe you will catch a fish, stay positive it will happen and remember to wiggle your pole a little bit occasionally"...

Here is where I say thank you for the tip Mr. Marshall because her next series of complaints were as follows..

"Mom! This is just too heavy! Look now its stuck!... "

I realized the "heavy" was her little barbie pole nearly bent in half and the "stuck" was her fighting a fish attempting to escape from her hook. I quickly, calmly replied,

"No Elle you have a fish on, you need to reel it in!"

Our sweet little girl reacted and turned that reel with all her might holding tight to the rod! I finally assisted and lifted the fish out of the water. Realizing I was on the dock without my camera I called to Eric and Liam to bring the camera quick.

Elle was so happy and beaming from her catch, she quickly put her line back in the water and tried the Mr. Crappie tricks again. She immediately snagged her 2nd catch, a poor Blue Gill almost in the eye! I figure it still counted as a catch, so I snapped this photo too.

While in the house getting Liam down for a nap I asked Elle if she was ready for a nap too. Her reply was haste and stern as she stated, "No, I will not nap, I am going to go potty then I will fish more!"

What a wonderful weekend!

Trick or Treat and a Birthday

Halloween was soo much fun this year. Our little Liam refused to wear the Elmo hood on his costume at his Halloween party last Friday. Luckily he tooted a different horn on Sunday when we set out to Trick or Treat with our great neighbors and their 2 little ones Owen and Ally. After only the 2nd house he quickly understood what Halloween Trick or Treating was and did everything he could to keep up with his big Sister and Owen.

We couldn’t stop smiling and laughing, it was so much fun!

Jules and her best friend Kendra went off on their own for some big kid Trick or Treating. She’s just too big, but thankfully she made time to pose with her little siblings.

After all the candy fun, we gave our sweet dog Poppy his birthday cake. He joined us for Trick or Treating wearing his Nowitzki jersey. Unfortunately none of the pictures really show off his attire. Either way I think he enjoyed his 1st Birthday!

The Talented Julia

I came across this footage recently while editing some home videos. Julia has been known for her creativity since she could talk and these leave little room for doubt, the girls got talent! I am pretty sure she is going to be a little more than upset with me for posting these... but they're great! Enjoy!

Wee Wally Wampldine

Over 10 years ago I met a dog, the dog of all dogs, Sir William Wallace, aka Wally. If you know Jay, you most likely know Wally, the miniature schnauzer convinced he was a Great Dane.

My fondest memory of Wally came about 8 years ago. On my way passed Julia’s room one day, I paused to see what she was up to. There I found my little 4 year old hosting a tea party for a few stuffed friends and her guest of honor, Wally. She had dressed him in a bright pick feather scarf and he sat content and happy, waiting for the cookies she was sure to share with him. It was one of those moments when everything just stops, and all you feel is the sweetness around you. I quietly watched them play for at least another 2-3 minutes. Such joy!

I have to add that the pink feather scarf met an untimely end about a week later, when I returned from work to find it destroyed and feathers scatter throughout the place. Wally was not big on girly things. He was too tough for that!

Not among my fondest memories is the Canoeing Adventure of 2004. Myself, Jay, his sister Dana, brother in law Tom and Uncle Mark all set out on adventure down the Brazos. Our journey started out on a rather chilly, rainy Saturday morning. I had not prepared for rain and although it was not a down pour it was a steady drizzle. I made adjustments with my coat and hat and managed to keep myself rather dry, and warmer. That was until Wally decided to jump out of the canoe. My cat like reflexes quickly reacted as I leaned back, caught the handle on Wally’s life jacket and pulled him out of the water and into my lap. In doing so, I saved Wee Wally from the cool river water, and drenched myself in the process. We both huddled at the front of the canoe soaking wet and shivering for the next couple of hours. Quite the adventure!

The sweetest of memories happened almost 4 years ago when Jay and I brought our brand new baby girl Elle home. We had taken little Elle grocery shopping and like most newborns she was sound asleep in her car seat when we got home. I simply took her, car seat and all into the house, set her down in the living room and proceeded to help take the remainder of the groceries in. When we walked back into the living room no more than a minute later we found Wally, sitting right in front of her, guarding her. His usual stance was jumping and talking as schnauzers do to greet his Jay. Instead it seemed like he knew she was our little baby and was protecting her. Such a good boy!

Today we sent Wally on to Heaven. Seems like an ending to more than just his life. It is an ending to a wonderful chapter of our lives. He’s brought more joy, adventure and love than we could ever express. It’s just not the same without him and we miss him so.

A 1st Birthday Party ~ Fiasco

A few months ago we had the family over and smoked some ribs. Un-knowing to Jay and I the ribs were packaged in a salty brine, and after we added more salt…YIKES! They were good... but you could feel yourself bloating with each bite!

In attempt of redemption, we decided to once again smoke some ribs for our little Liam’s 1st birthday party.

The day of the party... everything all set, perfect weather, French doors open, ready to play outside and enjoy the family and friends… Jay told me he wasn’t feeling great about 1 hour before the parties start time and decided to take a quick nap.

That nap ended with a horrible hurling and my husband stayed in the bed the WHOLE party.

To make things even better, about an hour into party, my Julia, let me know her head was hurting and she wasn’t seeing right and with no other option… to bed she went.

Me now with a houseful of guests and both my super helpers out of commission, felt a slight panic… but I quickly remembered how great our family is!

Without hesitation and coming to the rescue, Uncle Mark helped and the smoker was turned off in perfect time, as to not over cook the meat. Then my wonderful Brother in-law Eric, removed and carved both chickens and all 3 racks of ribs, perfectly!!

As poor Jay tried to rest and poor Jules just grew more ill, all the guests raved over Jay’s delicious BBQ! It was the best yet!

Liam even loved the ribs!

The party turned out great and little Liam enjoyed a wonderful 1st birthday celebration!

Unfortunately Elle was the next to get sick right as the guests left.

Julia waited about an hour after the party before tossing her cookies... and my night was to say the least.. LONG! Oh how I hope all our guests do not become ill as well! Nasty Virus!!

Liam and I have yet to develop symptoms, and everyone seems in the clear.
I only hope it stays that way for awhile.

Quirky Quotes

Some more funny talk from our crazy house!

While driving to the store…
Elle: “Do you HAVE the wrong Person?”
Daddy: “What do you mean?”
Elle: “ You have the wrong person in the car?”
Daddy: “Who do we have?”
Elle: “ You don’t have Elle, you have MacKenzie”
Daddy: “ What…. We got the wrong little girl from school???”
Elle: “Yes!!!”

While tucking the kids in
Elle: “A long long time ago when I was in your tummy?”
Mommy: “Yes, when you were a tiny baby.”
Elle: “And I was sooo cute?”
Mommy: “Yes you were the cutest little girl ever.”
Elle: “Then you made me get out so Liam could get in?”

While filling out Christmas tags
Jay: "How do you spell Uncie?" (for Uncie Eric)
Julia: "Duh - M-O-N-K-E-Y"

At a restaurant having dinner, Julia and Elle made a restroom trip..
about 5 min later... loudly, from across the room.
Elle: "Daddy, Daddy... I did really BIG POOPS!!!"
Daddy: Turning red... "Good job, Bug!!"

While doing Elle's hair,
"Mommy, when boys get their hair cut, short, do you see brains?"

Driving around running errands one day,
Elle "Daddy, what do you suppose Kanagaroos eat?"
Daddy "That is a great question, what do you think?"
Elle "Probably just vegatables."

While cleaning up after breakfast one Saturday,
Jay singing Wall Flowers ...
"... and the same black line that was drawn on you,
was drawn on me,
and now its drawn me in....
6 7 and a hard 8".
Kristina "What was that??"
Jay "6 7 and a hard 8"
Kristina laughing.. "Its 6th avenue heart ache!!"

Dressing Up!

Elle and I found some time to play dress up last week.. it was a blast!
She is such a little doll and just loves getting dressed up.
She isn’t doing too bad in her modeling either,
plenty of influence from her big sister!

Here are a few pictures we took.

~
Title – Timeless Beauty
I felt like I could have seen this picture before in an
old magazine or ad.

Title – True Happiness
You can just see the happiest little person in those eyes.

Title – The Pout
Awe.. she’s mastered the puppy dog eyes.

White Christmas

Not being native to the Dallas area, Jay and I often miss the snow. Especially at Christmas time. I for one struggle with feeling the spirit while shopping in 70 degree weather.

But, this year was different and on Christmas Eve, we got about 6 hours of steady snow fall. It was wonderful! Just a prefect back drop to baking our santa goodies and wrapping the rest of the presents.

Christmas morning brought the beautiful sunshine and a blanket of white everywhere.
Liam's first Christmas couldn't have been better.
Just perfect!