Our Phamily Tree

The Mickster's 8th Birthday

2011-02-24T20:24:00.003-06:00

Sadly, it's been a month since I've posted. It's been a long 3 weeks for us with Round Eye getting the flu, then the Pink Princess, then Mickey got an ear infection, then the Pink Princess got an ear infection... thankfully, they are on all the way to recovery. And in the midst, we celebrated the Mickster's 8th birthday.

Here he is at his birthday dinner at his favorite Mexican restaurant. They sang HP to him. He loved it...and the sombero as well.

2011-01-23T22:05:00.003-06:00

Our team pretty much ROCKED it last year! Our goal for this year..... $10, 000! We can do it!!!

The Mickster's New Year's Resolution

2011-01-12T20:21:00.003-06:00

Interesting stuff...

We regulate his computer, DS and wii time so #1 really isn't an issue...for us anyways.

He's not a huge sweets eater so #2 really isn't an issue either...for us anyways.

#3 is interesting though. I have yet to get the reason behind it, but I'm thinking it has to do with talking to her=conduct marks for him? Surely, it isn't about a falling out??? LOL

Our Phamily Tree Has New Growth

2011-01-03T18:49:00.004-06:00

Golly gee, heck fire! It's been a long time since I've blogged. I have decided to jump back on the bandwagon with a new program..."P52". I never could stick with "Project 365" so I'm attempting a picture a week thus the "P52". Wish me luck!

Here's "1":

Capturing the Unexpected...

2009-07-13T15:43:00.004-05:00

Some Summer fun

2009-07-06T12:14:00.003-05:00

After countless days of dry, heat...a little bit of rain fell so the mutts went out to play, but only the Pink Princess would pose for the camera.

The Mickster won his first 1st Place trophy at BMX. He was so excited that both he and his cousin won!

4th of July fun at the Foringers:

No fear...

2nd Place Trophy

2009-06-19T22:20:00.003-05:00

The Mickster won his first BMX trophy today! 2nd place! Woohoo!!! He is so proud of that win...as are we! Go Mickster, go!!!

Swim Lessons

2009-06-15T21:45:00.003-05:00

Summer is finally here and with it brings hot, hot, HOT weather. And hot weather will find us at the pool quite a bit. So to jumpstart the mutts summer, we started swimming lessons last week.

The Mickster did great as expected. He jumped right in and pretty much picked up where he left off last summer with this same teacher. However this year, Ms. Jennifer is teaching him more of the mechnical side to the free stroke. He's learning proper arm movements and leg kicks as well as breathing to the side. He's doing an awesome job! Of course his favorite part of the lesson is the last 5 minutes where he can have some free time...jumping off the diving board!

The Pink Princess loves the water as well, however, she's never been without her arm floaties before which also means she's never put her face in the water while holding her breath. She started off blowing bubbles and after just 2 lessons, she was putting her entire face in the water and swimming 3 to 4 feet to Ms. Jennifer. Today, she didn't want to get out of the water when the lesson was over. She cried and whimpered as she crawled out. I guess that's a good thing.

Kindergarten Graduation

2009-06-08T23:22:00.007-05:00

What an awesome year it's been for the Mickster! He was so blessed to have an incredible, patient, loving teacher. Not only did she make this year so much fun, she helped to mold him into a life-long learner. He learned so much and just loved every minute of it. He's reading and writing...man, he loves to write! He's working on a chapter book right now. ;)

We think she's awesome! And as does everyone else at our school...she was named Teacher of the Year! But not only was Mrs. B his teacher, she became a great friend, supporter and walker on our Haynes Phamily team. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for an absolutely fabulous year! We love you, Mrs. B!

First and last day of Kindergarten

Graduation and the Mickster with his girl

Kinder Rodeo

Marking Their Territories

2009-05-24T14:42:00.002-05:00

People often laugh when they hear me affectionately refer to my kids as mutts. Well...they are half-breds after all. LOL They yap nonstop. They love to eat meat off the bone. They like to sit in our laps. They love to go for walks and rides. They would rather be outside running around, chasing each other than being stuck inside. You get the idea.

Well, they added another item to the above list...marking their territories. While Round Eye was in the shower this morning, the mutts had an altercation over a wooden block. Next thing I know, the Mickster wrote the following on HIS bedroom door and the Pink Princess started to write her name on HER door. "No btey (body) in my room" and "L". While his spelling is quite impressive...and I'm sure the Pink Princess' would have been as well had I not stopped her after the first letter...I was not impressed with this marking...with a marker no less.

Hmmm...they spent some time with their noses to the wall with hands behind their backs...too bad we don't have kennels! LOL Oh my!

March for Babies 2009

2009-05-04T19:24:00.007-05:00

What a banner year The Haynes Phamily team had in 2009 for March for Babies! Woohoo! It was the most awesomest (lol) walk every! :)

Thank you all! We couldn't have done it without you!

Honey's Birthday Celebration

2009-05-02T11:27:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday, Honey!

Strawberry Pickin' and Eatin'

2009-04-10T22:28:00.002-05:00

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Babies Need Us

2009-04-01T23:28:00.002-05:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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An Interview With the Mickster, age 6...

2009-03-14T13:25:00.002-05:00

1. What is something I always say to you?
I love you

2. What makes me happy?
when Woogie and I hug and kiss you

3. What makes me sad?
when i do stuff wrong and disobey

4. How do I make you laugh?
tickling me

5. What do you think I was like as a child?
i don't know

6. How old am I?
maybe 27

7. How tall am I?
i don't know, maybe 3 feet inches

8. What is my favorite thing to do?
hear me laugh

9. What do I do when you're not around?
do stuff you dont want me to see and work (yikes!)

10. If I become famous, what will it be for?
singing (oh my goodness, my child definitely has a hearing problem!)

11. What am I really good at?
scrapbooking

12. What am I not really good at?
cooking (no surprise there!)

13. What is my job?
teach kids

14. What is my favorite food?
crawfish

15. What makes you proud of me?
when you give me presents

16. If I were a cartoon character, who would I be?
safety patrol girl

17. What do you and I do together?
play and clean the house

18. How are we the same?
we both brown eyes

19. How are you and I different?
we are not the same age

20. How do you know that I love you?
because you smile at me, take me to bed and rub my back

"Momma, why did I have to answer these questions. Don't you already know all the answers?" Oh my!

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The Pink Princess Needs Your Support

2009-03-08T21:34:00.007-05:00

Every expectant parent looks forward to celebrating the birth of a healthy baby. Round Eye and I were no different. But each year in the United States, more than half a million babies are born too soon. Our Pink Princess helps make up this statistic.

The March of Dimes has made defeating prematurity a national priority, and Round Eye and I are excited to work along side them to help save the lives of babies. Babies like our daughter--born 6 weeks too early. This year, I am serving as a Family Team Partner...and will be volunteering at various walk events around the city. This year, March for Babies is on Sunday, April 26th at the University of Houston Robertson Stadium.

Most of you know our story already. The following is a featured article that highlighted our story in the March of Dimes September 2008 eNewsletter.

With a two-and-a-half-year-old son as the love of our lives, we waited patiently and jumped for joy when those “you’re pregnant!” pink lines appeared in early 2005. We were thrilled yet very nervous and scared -- especially after having endured two previous miscarriages. However, things were going well and looking up for us.

Mid-July of 2005, diagnosed with placenta previa and preterm labor, I was placed on strict bed rest at home with around-the-clock medications to control the contractions. Then on August 2, while lying on the couch with my son, Mickster, I felt a strange sensation that warranted a trip to the bathroom. That strange sensation was caused by profuse hemorrhaging, which landed me on hospital bed rest for the duration of my pregnancy.

On the morning of September 19th, we welcomed our barely 34-week-gestation baby girl into this world by cesarean section. After a brief kiss, she was rushed to the NICU for more specialized care, while I needed some care of my own. Unfortunately, my placenta had adhered itself to my uterus, making it impossible to deliver, so an emergency hysterectomy was performed as well.If not hitting the desired 36 weeks, having an unexpected c-section and an emergency hysterectomy, and seeing your baby girl rushed to the NICU were not enough, Hurricane Rita was heading for southeast Texas, adding to our stress. Nothing could have prepared my heart for the immense emotional and physical pain of evacuating the city two days later without my precious newborn. We had to leave our baby girl behind. Who could do such a thing? How could we do that to her? Would she know that we didn’t have a choice? How could we get through this?

After enduring six long days of heart-wrenching pain by being miles away, we were reunited with our sweet baby girl at last. The next few weeks found us next to her Isolette every day, holding and nurturing her until she became strong enough to come home on October 6. Although the Pink Princess came home with an apnea monitor and oxygen to use during feeds, she made tremendous progress in the NICU due to the research and medical advances accomplished by the March of Dimes. Without their emotional support and invention of surfactant therapy, our Pink Princess would not be the happy, bouncy, healthy almost three-year-old she is today.

Without the March of Dimes, our lives with the Pink Princesswould not be possible. We know there are many, many worthwhile charities out there. In financial reality, we have to pick and choose the one or ones that are closest to our own hearts. This is the one closest to *my* heart. This is the one closest to *Round Eye's* heart. This is the one closest to *my families’* hearts. Prematurity does not just affect the baby - it affects the entire family! We all need to understand that placing resources with the March of Dimes...a time tested organization who's never failed a mission yet...will be an investment...not just in our families, but in our country's future.

If you would like to donate to the March of Dimes, March for Babies is a great way to do it. It is the largest March of Dimes fundraiser each year. Last year our family team, The Haynes Phamily raised over three thousand dollars with over 20 walkers! We would love to raise even more this year with even more walkers. Please help us reach our goal by donating on-line...click on the March for Babies widget on the right side bar. And, as if you needed another reason, your donation is tax deductible. If you would like to join our team - we'd love to have you walk with us as well!

This year, a very good friend of mine delivered a son born 12 weeks too soon. Cookie Bean was born weighing 1 pound, 6 ounces – and is currently in the NICU. This year we walk not only for our Pink Princess but also for Cookie Bean. We walk for Ava Marie who was blessed to be born healthy and full-term. We walk for a team walker, and a teacher’s unborn children and pray they get their full 40 weeks. We walk for friends who have yet to have babies…because EVERY baby deserves a healthy start.

Thursday Has Come and Gone...

2009-02-19T21:39:00.004-06:00

...and I hated to break it to the Pink Princess, but there was no little baby sister dropped off today. Oh, I so wished the stork brought one to our doorstep, but all we got when the doorbell rang was a Girl Scout darling delivering our 12 boxes of cookies. LOL

And for those of you who were wondering...nope, not, never gonna...

Happy 6th Birthday to My Most Special Son

2009-02-15T23:41:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday, Mickster! We love you to the moon and back!

A Sister for the Pink Princess

2009-02-09T23:11:00.003-06:00

A funny happened last night... It was around midnight and I was taking a hot bath when suddenly my door opened. In came the Pink Princess. She opened her eyes then closed it quicky. She walked to the toilet, used the potty, wiped, flushed all the while with her eyes closed. She walked out and said, "Have a good baf, momma."

Isn't she funny? Tell me her eyes were closed because of the bright light and because she was half asleep and not because she didn't want to see me naked??? LOL

Tonight while I was putting her to bed, she was playing with her fingers and counting them. Then she decided to name all the people in our family. Here's her recount of our family members...

"Mimi, she's my gwenma. Righ, Momma?"
"Yes, she is, Woogie."

"Daddy. His name is *****? Righ, Momma?"
"Yes, his name is *****, Woogie."

"Joe. He's my gwenpa. Righ, Momma? And Papa in Heaben too?"
"Yes, they are, Woogie."

"Bubby. He's my budder. Righ, Momma? And I haf a sisser too."
"You do, Woogie?"

"Yes, Momma. I get one sisser soon."
"When are you getting this sister?"
"Ness week, Momma. On Thursday."

Too funny! LOL

Tet: Vietnamese New Year

2009-01-31T18:59:00.004-06:00

Photos from: AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images, REUTERS/Vincent Du

Weekend with my BFFs

2009-01-22T18:30:00.007-06:00

First of all, I have the best hubby in the whole wide world. He never denies me when I ask to fly across states to go hang out with some of my bestest friends while he stays at home with the mutts...several times a year even. Round Eye, I love you to the moon and back!

Last Thursday, I hopped on a plane and flew to Kansas City to meet up with 5 awesome girlfriends for a weekend of talking, laughing, crying, drinking, eating, snorting, oinking... It was great fun despite the attempt on my life. LOL

My Twinnie made a midnight snack of Scotteroos. It was quite tasty, but after about 4 bites, I noticed that my throat was a little sore and felt a little swollen. My tonuge was a little numb and tingley as well. I thought nothing of it thinking that it was just the adult beverages getting to me. LOL Then I overheard the girls talking about salmonella in peanut butter...I put two and two together and asked if the Scotteroos had peanut butter in them. Unfortunately, they were laced with it. I'm highly allergic to peanuts, but I didn't panic which is a good thing. My face was getting more swollen but nothing like Hitch. LOL I think the girls were more worried than I was.

Dee gave me two Benadryl tablets and wanted me to drink some in liquid form as well. Twinnie called her father who is a pharmacist. McTriplet called her cousin who is a nurse. Twinnie's father said two Benadryl was plenty for my size and weight. McTriplet's cousin said to watch my breathing and call 911 if I stop breathing. LOL Next thing I know, I'm completely out while sitting on the couch. They watched me sleep, counted my respirations (preemie moms are experienced in this area) and pulse. After awhile, Twinnie woke me up and took me upstairs to bed. She slept in my bed with me and watched my breathing all night long. Awww...well, it's the least she could do since she made that attempt on my life. LOL

Besides that, the only worst part was not having Cookie Bean's mommy there with us. She's on bedrest in the hospital so that he can bake some more. We did have a poker tournament in honor of them both. It's a tradition that I hope we'll continue...especially since I have these girls addicting to poker like I am. LOL

Seriously, I had the best time ever! I love that I met these girls almost 3 years ago on the March of Dimes ShareYourStory website, and now we are all so close and are the best of friends. I can't wait for this summer! The whole phamily will be heading to Maine to vacation with K and her family.

Howling at the Moon

2009-01-20T19:35:00.003-06:00

This picture may explain why my mutts were howling and acting wild and crazy all last week!

Thanks for my uber cool telephoto lens, Dee! I love it!!!

First Ballet Class & Cookie Bean

2009-01-15T01:15:00.004-06:00

The Pink Princess had her first ballet class this morning. Lucky for us, the local school of dance comes out to the preschool to provide 45 minutes of ballet and tap instruction. The owner of the dance studio is a former parent of mine. I taught her daughter in first grade in 1997...over a decade ago. Wow! Here's the Pink Princess in her cute leotard, tights and tap shoes. Isn't she just darling? I just can't believe my little girl is taking dance class.

Cookie Bean...he's still baking in his mother's womb right now, but he's having some deceleration episodes. Please keep him in your prayers. He's only 26 weeks old today. He's the son of a dear friend who I met online at the March of Dimes ShareYourStory.org NICU community. Carissa's first son, Braden, was born at 30 weeks so, unfortunately, she knows all too well the difficulties of this rollercoaster ride. Braden "Miracle Monster" is indeed a miracle. We need another one for this family and Cookie Bean. Every day counts so please pray for more time in utero and that he continues to grow and thrive in his mother's womb... where he belongs.

Dreaming of Spring

2009-01-10T14:11:00.003-06:00

Prayers Needed for Little Samuel

2009-01-07T19:09:00.006-06:00

There's a sweet little 2-year old boy that needs your thoughts and prayers. Sammy's mother, Missy, and I met through the March of Dimes Share Your Story NICU online community. It turned out that Missy and I are in the Houston area together. We have only met a couple of times since Sammy was always so sick to play. However, our connection and friendship has grown and grown through the support and love that we offer each other.

Today, I'm asking for all your prayers for little Sammy. He's been hospitalized on and off this entire year. He was admitted recently for a central line infection, however, through different courses of treatment, he was stable enough to come home for the holidays. He enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and New Year with his family. Unfortunately, he was only home for 10 days.

Sammy is now back in the hospital with more complications. His little body just can't handle any more and now he's on the ECMO machine to help oxygenation his blood. He's stable right now after several touch and go episodes, but the doctors give him a very slim chance of survival.

I'm begging you all to pray. Please pray hard and often. I believe in the power of prayers. Please keep this little sweet boy in your daily prayers. Please pray for wisdom and courage for Sammy's team of doctors. Please pray for strength and courage for Missy and Ben. Please pray for comfort and rest for Sammy. Please just pray, pray, pray.

Also, if you can donate blood, plasma, platelets, please go to ANY donation center and donate to Samuel Knight and help the family through their voucher system.

You can read more about this incredible family at The Knight Family.

Thank you all. God bless you.

Be Gone 2008

2009-01-04T15:18:00.003-06:00

For the most part, 2008 was easier than 2007.

July proved to be the best month yet. We vacationed with four March of Dimes girlfriends and their families in Kansas and Iowa. The kids went on their first airplane ride ever. They loved it and did exceptionally well.

August found the Mickster starting Kindergarten. He was nervous at first, but soon found a regular routine with a great teacher. After just 2 days, he roped himself a darling little red head. Actually, she asked him to her boyfriend. Oh my!

Then September found the Pink Princess attending her first preschool. After 3 years with Ngoai (maternal grandma in Vietnamese), it was time to venture out and give Ngoai a break. The Pink Princess and I had a rough first day so Round Eye had to do the morning drop offs from then on. Her week ended on a good note so I didn’t need to go and beg Ngoai to keep her again…which I would have if needed.

However, the following week found us under a mandatory evacuation from Hurricane Ike. We headed up north to my bestfriend's and to my older sister's in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. We were so blessed that our home suffered no damages from Ike…just our fencing, but that’s so so minor compared to some many others. God really was watching out for us.

October was a month of recovery and settling back into our routines. The Pink Princess had many days of separation anxiety and many nights of waking up 3, 4, 5 times a night. It took a good month before she succumbed to sleeping. Now she only wakes up once a night which is one more than before Ike. I guess we’ll take it at this point.

October also brought me some much needed comfort. Some of my very closest friends, all met online through the March of Dimes, came to town for a visit as well as for the annual MOD/Share Union conference. I so needed to see them and spend some time with them. They are my support system through everything. I am so blessed to have such amazing, loving friends.
November was a stellar month for us all. Round Eye added another installer to his company and broke all sales record. He and I also celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary. The Mickster participated in his first March of Dimes Reading Champions program in which he read 30 books and secured $200 in pledges. Finally, the Pink Princess attended her first “princess” birthday party. She was all decked out in her gown and sparkly shoes. She had a blast!

December found us all under the weather except the Mickster. He came through with flying colors despite spending all his waking, free minutes with Round Eye. Luckily just some rest and a few meds did the trick, and we were somewhat well enough for Christmas Day. We spent the day with family which is always so much fun for us. The kids scored big with Santa. However, Santa got his list a little mixed up. He gave the Pink Princess a bike but didn’t leave a helmet while leaving Round Eye a helmet but no bike. I guess he needed a little more help then expected.

We rounded out the month and year by spending the evening and spending overnight at my sister’s. Our whole family packed our bags and partied to the wee hours of morning. Okay, the kids didn’t last to midnight, but they sure came close. Round Eye rang in the new year then immediately headed to the sofa bed while I stayed up past 3am playing dominoes with my sister and nieces then some poker before calling it a ~~night~~ morning.

All in all, 2008 was good to us and we hope that continues into 2009.

2009 finds us with much to anticipate. I will be heading to Kansas City in less than 2 weeks to spend some girl time with some of my favorite BFFs. The Pink Princess will start ballet/jazz classes this month which she is soooo excited about.

February will bring the Mickster another birthday…the big 6! He’s already planning his special day with talks of a John Deere cake and bouncing, jumping to his heart’s content.

As of right now, we have no plans for Spring Break, but I’m sure it will include some much needed R & R.

April will be our busiest month with jumpstarting our fundraising for our family team with March for Babies…The Haynes Phamily Team. As you can see on the right sidebar, we are already up and running in anticipation of some donations and support from friends and family. Thank you all for your past support and your continued support in this cause that means so much to our family. We know that without the March of Dimes, our Pink Princess might not have the life she has today…and for that, we thank YOU.

I hope the rest of the year is smooth sailing for us though I’m sure there will be many activities and events to fill in the rest of the calendar.

We hope and pray that 2009 bring lots of health, happiness and peace to you and your family.

Picture: The boys went to their first Monster Truck Jam last night. They had blast!

Christmas Day 2008

2008-12-27T02:02:00.003-06:00

Christmas Fun

2008-12-26T13:05:00.005-06:00

Our mutts goofing around, hayriding and laughing with Mimmie, and the Pink Princess on her throne...

Christmas 2008

2008-12-23T08:29:00.003-06:00

December 8, 2008--Angel Faces

2008-12-09T22:38:00.003-06:00

I couldn't resist posting these pictures. Aren't they the cutest little mutts you've ever seen? ;)

Yes, It's Been THAT Long

2008-11-26T22:39:00.018-06:00

It's been crazy the last few months. After returning from our great Midwest tour, it was time to head back to work. The Mickster was preparing for his first day of kindergarten while the Pink Princess was preparing for her first day of preschool. It was quite an emotional time for us all.

Then came Hurricane Ike. We evacuated to the Ft. Worth/Grand Praire area and visited with friends and phamily. Round Eye returned after 4 days while the kids and I stayed there for a total of 11 days. While we were away, Round Eye and the Pink Princess both celebrated birthdays. And while we enjoyed visiting with friends and phamily, we were itching to return home.

Upon driving back into town, the sea of blue tarped roofs took my breath away and made my heart ache for those with such damage. We were blessed that Ike just blew our fencing down but did no other damage. However, we returned just to be out of school for an additional week with nothing to do and nowhere to go. Stores were just slowing opening up. Electricity was just being restored. Debris and tree limbs were everywhere. Mosquitos were flying in by the truckload so we were forced to stay indoors.

Finally, some sense of normalcy was creeping back in. We all went back to work and school. However, the Pink Princess was not all so thrilled about it after being with mama for over 3 weeks 24/7. The evacuation threw her completely off her schedule and sleep pattern. Even now, we struggle with sleeping through the night while never before.

October found us entertaining some of my favorite girlfriends. They came in early to hang with us before heading to the March of Dimes Volunteer Leadership Conference held here in Houston with ShareUnion closing out their trip. We had a grand time! I just adore these girls!

We closed out the month of October with going on our first phamily trick-or-treating for Halloween. The Mickster was a believable dragon slayer while the Pink Princess looked dazzling in her Ariel costume.

And here we are in November, 4 months later. Round Eye and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary last week. I received a cool Nikon D80 while he enjoyed a boys' golf trip out of town with 10 other friends. I think I got the better deal. LOL

Here's my first attempt with the new camera and playing around with Photoshop...

Since I've missed out on so many pictures, this blog is no longer a P366. Oh well. I made it farther than I did last year, and not bad considering all the bumps in the road. :)

July 25 - August 2: Vacation Pictures

2008-08-07T15:31:00.008-05:00

A few of my favorite moments with some amazing, awesome friends from Kansas, Missouri and Iowa. Prematurity and our passion for the March of Dimes/ShareYourStory.org brought us together. Never in a million years would I have imagined being a part of an online community let alone meet, bond and now vacation with these incredible, inspiring girls.

July 24 - Check That Grimace Out!

2008-08-07T15:30:00.001-05:00

July 23 - Priceless

2008-08-07T15:29:00.002-05:00

July 22 - Sleeping Tot

2008-08-07T15:25:00.003-05:00

I babysat my youngest niece, Ni-Na, (that's what the Pink Princess calls her) today. She was so easy to put down. I gave her a bottle, changed her diaper and layed her down on the sleepmat in front of the television with a country music station...off to la la land she went.

July 21 - Sweep, Sweep Away

2008-08-07T15:21:00.001-05:00

The Mickster loves to sweep his Auntie's house. She'll make sure it's charged up and ready to go for him when he comes to visit.

July 20 - NSN Ribs & Homemade Potato Salad

2008-07-22T18:27:00.005-05:00

Round Eye has perfected his NSN (No Sauce Needed) ribs and homemade potato salad. They were oh so yummy!

He even bragged to Ms Dainty who we will be visiting this Friday. She was even surprised that he garnishes! LOL She is thrilled to have him cook for her.

July 19 - Feeding Smelly Ellie

2008-07-22T18:24:00.001-05:00

July 18 - Happy Birthay, Princess Leia

2008-07-22T18:22:00.001-05:00

July 17 - Movable Construction

2008-07-22T18:18:00.002-05:00

Round Eye and the Mickster constructed this cool, movable ferris wheel. It lasted about a day before the Pink Princess got a hold of it. LOL

July 16 - A Light Read

2008-07-22T18:17:00.001-05:00

July 15 - Ear Tubes & Adenoid Surgery

2008-07-22T18:05:00.004-05:00

The Pink Princess went in for her second set of ear tubes as well as having her adenoids removed. She was having so much fun playing...poor thing didn't know what hit her next. You can read more about her day HERE

July 14 - A Sweet Surprise

2008-07-22T17:52:00.004-05:00

I'll admit I secretly live for the mail to be delivered, and today I received one of the sweetest surprise ever from my soon to be 6 year old BFF Princess Leia. Isn't she so sweet? I just adore this girl!

July 13 - Necessities

2008-07-22T17:49:00.004-05:00

We will be visiting Twinnie for a week at the end of the month. She emailed to ask what our food needs will be. Here's what I replied with...these are all necessities and staples at our house! LOL

July 12 - Puppy Love

2008-07-22T17:47:00.000-05:00

Awwwww...

July 11 - Line 'em Up!

2008-07-22T17:45:00.000-05:00

July 10 -

2008-07-22T17:39:00.005-05:00

While I was visiting with some neighbors, the mutts grabbed their trikes and started down to the cul-de-sac. Next thing I know Pink Princess is pedaling her trike all by herself! She has always foot-pedaled, but not pedal pedal…another first! Woohoo! My little pink princess is growing up!

July 9 - I'm Nutty for Coconut!

2008-07-22T17:35:00.003-05:00

The Pink Princess and I just had to swing by the donut shop for some donut holes and a coconut donut. This really hit the spot!

July 8 - Is it a Fruit, Seed or a Nut???

2008-07-22T17:31:00.004-05:00

Whatever it is, coconuts are oh so yummy...especially in ice cream form. Yummmmmm!

July 7 - Houston, We Have Lift Off!

2008-07-22T17:30:00.002-05:00

July 6 - Hand in Hand

2008-07-22T17:08:00.001-05:00

I just love taking pictures of Round Eye and our daughter walking together. Sweet, yes?

July 5 - Duck Crossing Please Stop and Wait

2008-07-22T17:06:00.001-05:00

July 4 - Fireworks and Good Friends

2008-07-22T16:43:00.004-05:00

We spent the holiday weekend with good friends of ours. Their son Master D is one handsome fellow who the Mickster just adores and looks up to. Master D is just so good with him. It'll so sweet to hear him call the Mickster by his nickname BooBoo. ;) They get along great as well.

We ate, swam and played all day, and yes, even all night. Once the kids went down, which was really late, we stayed up and play Uno and Poker. Hmmm, not sure if those two card games are in the same league though. LOL It was great fun! I don't believe we made it to bed until 3AM

Here's a rare picture of the Pink Princess watching the fireworks with her daddy. She lasted all of 3 big bangs before heading inside to watch from the window afar. Here, the neighbor's little girl was just having a ball playing with the Pink Princess and Round Eye. Isn't that such a sweet picture of them hugging the big guy?

July 3 - Independence Day Parade

2008-07-22T15:41:00.004-05:00

The Mickster had a 4th of July parade at his school today. Isn't he the cutest?

July 2 - Teeter Ball

2008-07-22T15:26:00.002-05:00

Teeter fun for the Mickster!

July 1 - The Pink Princess Making Coffee Video

2008-07-18T01:21:00.003-05:00

Darcy, the Pink Princess is already to make you a cup of coffee when she visits next week. ;)

June 30, 2007 - Roasting S'Mores

2008-07-18T01:13:00.003-05:00

Yet another day that I forgot to take a picture so again to the archives to find this picture. This picture was take in July (close enough) on our phamily vacation to San Antonio. The Mickster is enjoying a night out at the pits roasting marshmellows. He doesn't care for chocolate at all so he was just there for the roasting and playing with fire.

June 29, 2007 - Catwalk at the March of Dimes

2008-07-18T01:06:00.005-05:00

I forgot to take a picture today so I went back to our June 2007 archives and found these pictures of the Pink Princess. She strutted down the runway...well, those are tables in the conference room. LOL And the other picture is of her playing around at a play area. She was only 22 months old at the time.

June 28 - Eating & Swimming Go Together

2008-07-18T01:05:00.002-05:00

June 27 - Out Like a Light

2008-07-18T00:59:00.002-05:00

The Pink Princess and I went to swim club during what usually is her nap time. We needed to spend some time with friends so I decided to forgo her nap. She played and swam. It was 4pm by the time we came home. It was too late for a nap. So I had her on the couch watching a Princess Sing-Along DVD. Next thing I know, she completely out on the couch. Dead as a doornail.

June 26 - Pet Shop at Cousins' House

2008-07-18T00:57:00.001-05:00

June 25 - Sittin' Pretty

2008-07-18T00:55:00.003-05:00

June 24 - Spider Web

2008-07-18T00:49:00.002-05:00

The Mickster was just so thrilled about this newly found spider web in our backyard bush that he ran in to tell me all about it. He asked me to come take a look. Being a lazy bumpkin I handed him my camera instead. Here's what he captured...

June 23 - Hot Pink Jailbird

2008-07-18T00:44:00.002-05:00

I can't seem to recall what the offense was, but it was sufficient enough to warrant a time-out...right before bedtime as well...what a way to end your night!

June 22 - King & Dancers

2008-07-11T00:41:00.008-05:00

My brother-in-law, who the mutts call "Uncle Special", volunteered to be the King in my nieces' Sleeping Beauty dance recital. Little did he know he would actually have to dance, take private dance lessons for months and wear tights! LOL

He was such a good sport. The audience loved him! It was great fun to see him on stage. ;) Here's Uncle Special with my two nieces, and a short clip of his new found dancing skills.

June 21 - Birthday Parties Galore!

2008-07-07T15:45:00.005-05:00

The mutts were invited to a swimming birthday party at 10:00...

then rushed out for their cousin's 6th birthday party at the gym by 1:00pm.

We were pooped!

June 20 - Round Eye's Shrimp Crawfish Pasta

2008-07-07T15:39:00.005-05:00

This Round Eye's throw-it-together, make-it-up-as-you-go-along dish not only looked pleasing, but was quite yummy as well. Now if only he remembered how he made it the first time. LOL

June 19 - Bathroom Pics

2008-07-07T15:34:00.002-05:00

I can't believe how different the mutts look just only 2 years ago. I just love these framed pictures!

June 18 - 97 Playdough Peas

2008-07-01T22:59:00.006-05:00

The Pink Princess insisted that I help her make these small, little peas while playing with her playdough. Days later, we are still finding "peas" in secret places.

June 17 - Hard Hat Zone--Beware!

2008-07-01T22:25:00.005-05:00

Meet the Mickster's new BFF...

June 16 - Fish Kissing

2008-07-01T21:16:00.003-05:00

Meet the Pink Princess' new BFF...

June 15 - Super Dad

2008-06-22T15:36:00.004-05:00

The Mickster made this at school for his best friend...his daddy. No truer words... Round Eye, you are a SUPER DAD to us! We love you to the moon and back.

June 14 - Watching a Sleeping Babe

2008-06-22T15:32:00.003-05:00

I love to watch the Pink Princess sleep. She's so darn cute especially when she wakes in the middle of her sleep to do a hand search all around her crib for her BFF Smelly Ellie.

June 13 - One Row at a Time, One Kernal at a time

2008-06-22T15:21:00.005-05:00

I came home from teaching summer school and was rummaging through the kitchen for something yummy for lunch. I came across some imitation crabmeat (which I love!), corn on the cob and fresh, sweet cherries. I threw together just a few ingredients to make a crab salad, boiled the corn (which I love to over cook) and washed the cherries.

It took me over an hour and a half to eat two sandwiches, a corn on cob and some cherries...I was stuffed...and it was already 3:00 o'clock. So no nap for me. I blame it totally on my compulsive, systematic way of eating corn on the cob...one row at a time, one kernal at a time.

June 12 - My First Meal From Scratch

2008-06-22T15:11:00.002-05:00

Don't laugh or gasp, but this was my first meal that I've ever cooked all by myself and from scratch at that! Green beans with stewed tomatoes and garlic, yellow mashed potatoes and rosemary garlic pork chops...The phamily loved it! It really wasn't that bad. I did make a mess in the kitchen which Round Eye cleaned up for me. The only hard part was reading 3 recipes and getting the timing right...not sure how others do this day in and day out. It's not really my cup of tea though I'm sure Round Eye wouldn't mind if I spent more time in the kitchen.

June 11 - Stained Glass Window

2008-06-22T15:01:00.003-05:00

Round Eye bought this piece at an auction about 5 years ago for me. I must walk by it dozens of times a day yet have not really looked at it in years. I saw it again for the first time today and realized how much I just love this stained glass window that sits on our kitchen windowsill.

June 10 - Letting Loose

2008-06-22T14:55:00.005-05:00

I love it when the Pink Princess lets her hair down. She really does have great hair...gets it from her daddy.

June 9 - First Swim Club

2008-06-22T14:50:00.002-05:00

Every summer a bunch of us teachers get together at a friend's home to have some R & R, fun in the sun and adult conversations while the kids swim. Here's the Pink Princess all decked out in her swim gear. I'm not sure she has room for another apparatus on her little body.

June 8 - Topless Napping

2008-06-22T14:47:00.003-05:00

It was scorching hot today, and after a long day of yardwork the Mickster climbed into his bed for a short nap. I went in to make sure his room was cool enough and found him shirtless. That's the first! hehehe

June 7 - Golf Tourney, Family Time, Pink Princess's 1st Piano Recital Video

2008-06-14T22:04:00.009-05:00

It's been ages since Round Eye and I played golf together let alone in a tournament together. We sent the Mickster to Round Eye's mom (hence the road trip from yesterday's post) while the Pink Princess spent the day with my awesome sister and her family.

This was our church tournament to raise money for micro-missions. Micro-missions are exactly like it sounds...a mini version of a mission trip but instead of heading out to a third world country and weeks at a time, it takes place during a Saturday and in organizations around the Houston area that need our help...food banks, homeless shelters, hospitals, retirement homes, etc. Round Eye participated in a micro-mission a few weeks ago at a homeless men's drug rehabilitating facility sorting through donated clothes and shoes. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and looks forward to the next micro-mission's trip.

Here we are next to Round Eye's company sponsored signage.

After our golf tournament, which we both played pretty well considering it's been awhile since we swung a golf club, we went over to my middle sister's for a family dinner. My oldest sister, her husband, and their two grandsons came down from the Dallas area for the weekend so we got to catch up with them as well. Here's a rare moment...getting all my nieces, nephews, and grandnephews in one shot. This fuzzy photo was the best that I could do. :)

The evening ended with the my middle sister's children giving a family piano recital. It was great fun to have everyone sitting in the den as they each went one by one up to the baby grand and played their songs that won them each a state competition medal. However, the finale was none other than the Pink Princess herself. Keep in mind as you view this 44-second video that she has not had any formal lessons nor has she been to any recitals yet she learned how to end her performance with a flare...watch the ending and see. What a ham! (Don't mind all the gibberish talking in the background.)

June 6 - Movies on the Go

2008-06-14T21:52:00.004-05:00

We brought our mutts a portable DVD player that has a car mounting system so it's easy to install, and take in and out. But the super cool part is the dual monitor with dual headphone jacks. Now that's super wow!

June 5 - The Bluebonnet: Our State Flower

2008-06-14T21:47:00.006-05:00

The Mickster has been studying all about Texas. Isn't this the cutest?

June 4 - Monster Truck Rally

2008-06-09T23:35:00.003-05:00

Round Eye took the Mickster to a Monster Truck Rally at our church today. They had a blast checking out all the cool trucks and watching them crush other cars flat. What great, big fun for my favorite boys!

June 3 - Swim Lessons & 4 Wheelin'

2008-06-09T23:21:00.005-05:00

The Mickster had his first swim lesson of the summer even though he insisted he didn't need them since he already knew how to swim. I guess he really doesn't need them if he's able to do flips and swim from one side of the pool to the other...but I didn't know this when I signed him up months ago. Oh well, at least he gets to show off and play in the pool twice a week.

Then after his swim lesson, I dropped him off to Round Eye while the Pink Princess and I went in search of a pharmacy that carried her antibiotics for yet another ear infection. After an hour and a half we hit the jackpot at the 3rd pharmacy only to come home to find the Mickster ridin' on the our neighbor's 4-wheeler without a helmet! YIKES!

June 2 - Giddy Up, Horsey!

2008-06-09T23:19:00.001-05:00

June 1 - Pool Party for the Pink Princess & Her Court

2008-06-09T23:10:00.002-05:00

Swimming alone is never fun so the neighbor girls came by for a little dip in the pool with the Pink Princess.

May 31 - Hanging Out in the Pool

2008-06-09T23:05:00.003-05:00

The Pink Princess loves to swim, but like all good swimmers...she likes to stretch out before jumping in.

May 30 - TAKS Rally

2008-06-09T22:54:00.004-05:00

My school had a TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) rally for the students to show our support and honor all their hard work and effort. Our school received the top ranking from the state...EXEMPLARY! Here I am with our school counselor and principal.

May 29 - Ribbit, Ribbit

2008-06-09T22:49:00.004-05:00

Here's the Mickster sporting his class shirt on field day. He's a toad alright! Ribbit, ribbit!

May 28 - Combat Gardener

2008-06-09T22:46:00.003-05:00

The Mickster doing his part to help water the plants.

May 27 - Summer Refreshments

2008-06-09T22:40:00.004-05:00

Nothing like enjoying a little bowl of ice cream, a cold Dr. Pepper and my favorite chick flick, "Return to Me", on DVD to help ease the pain of the heat of the summer as the mutts played in the backyard.

May 26 - Sliding Fun

2008-06-09T21:30:00.003-05:00

We had a crab and shrimp boil for our family and the neighbors today. After a full belly, we sat out in the driveway and watched the kids play on the water slide. It was great fun playing even after the sun went down.

May 25 - Screams, Tackles & Wake Up Calls

2008-06-09T21:22:00.002-05:00

May 24 - Flipping Video

2008-06-03T00:32:00.003-05:00

Check out the Mickster's cool move...I'd give him a 9!

May 23 - Hauling Grass

2008-06-03T00:24:00.005-05:00

The Mickster thought he would help his daddy out by pulling some grass up and hauling it away for him. But then he thought..."Why not make a big pile of grass and then throw it up to make grass rain all over the place?"

May 22 - Cuddling with Daddy

2008-06-03T00:21:00.002-05:00

Another favorite pasttime for the kids...cuddling with Daddy, especially after a warm bath...

May 21 - Quiet Artists

2008-06-03T00:18:00.001-05:00

One of the kids' favorite pasttime...plus it calms and winds them down before bed...

May 20 - Where's My Crown?

2008-06-03T00:10:00.004-05:00

Every night as I lay the Pink Princess in her crib she asks, "Whair's my quown?" So when we were window shopping while waiting for pictures to be printed she saw this crown set that she just had to have. Here we are...Princess and Her Queen Mother.

May 19 - To Post or Not to Post?

2008-06-03T00:08:00.002-05:00

May 18 - Backyard Fun

2008-06-03T00:04:00.002-05:00

Why not play in the water if one's watering the yard anyways?