Fun Day at MDS

Laurie had her first “Fun Day” at MDS this year.  This event celebrating the end of school for the preschool gets better and better every year.  The school sets up tons of activities, games, and fun stuff for the kids to do for hours.  

Laurie spent time playing in the sand, getting her hair painted, playing baseball, painting a box, getting a tattoo, playing bean bag toss, badminton and too many other things to mention.  

She and Alex ran around together for a little while but soon found their other friends to hang out with.  As a parent, I love the opportunity to accompany my daughter for a little while and then to work at “Fun Day”. 

Laurie will miss being an Aqua Friend, her teacher and classmates.  But what a wonderful way to end the year!

Laurie and her Aqua Friends teacher, Mrs. Thiem

Birdie in a Tree

Lightening Storm

One of Ashley and Daniel's favorite activities is lightening watching.  Many nights if there is a storm, we catch Ashley sitting upstairs in her window with the shutters open watching the lightening show.

Brian was so fascinated by the lightening storm last night, he got them out of bed to watch it outside.  He managed to catch a few minutes of it on video.  You can hear Ashley in the background explaining the types of lightening, clouds and the moon.  She loves to share whatever she's recently learned at school with the rest of us.

Early Birthday Celebration

One of the benefits of having a Summer birthday is getting to celebrate your birthday with classmates months before the actual big day.  Laurie was thrilled to have her 4th birthday celebration in May, though she was a bit confused that she had a party at school but was still only 3.  

A short video of the Aqua Friends singing to Laurie at school.

Happy Early Birthday to our Laurie!

Mother's Day 2010

I had a wonderful Mother's Day this year.

The morning started with Brian and the kids preparing me breakfast in bed, but thankfully letting me eat it at the coffee table with the rest of the family.  I took a picture of my plate because Brian did such a great job.  The roses from the yard were a nice touch, as was the inclusion of one of my all time favorite foods - a donut.  

We attended Mass as a family and then spent the rest of the day hanging out by the pool and watching movies.  For a short time I even had the opportunity to sew by myself.

But most of all - it was wonderful to just be with my great family for a day.  It reminds me that I am  blessed with a thoughtful loving husband and 3 amazing kids.  It was a wonderful Mother's Day.

2nd Grade Field Trip

Ashley's 2nd grade took a field trip this year to the Houston Arboretum in Memorial Park.  I will admit to not know this park existed before our trip, but we loved it.  I was amazed at what a great job they've done preserving this piece of wilderness in the middle of Houston.  The volunteers were all very knowledgeable and helpful with the children.  Ashley and I plan to return with Daniel & Laurie this Summer and bring friends.

During the nature walk, we encountered many things...

Poison Ivy

Many many snakes, turtles and even an owl.

The big surprise of the day had to be...

the poisonous Coral Snake up against the building.

The volunteers kept all us humans at bay to protect the snake.  It did unnerve several of the adults considering this was where we would be sitting to eat in an hour or so. 

This was a great field trip, probably one of my favorites.  We learned lots of new things and discovered a new place to frequent.  

It is always interesting to see your child interact with their friends and teachers. I don't know why, but I'm always a little surprised to see how independent she is even with her peers.   And, after watching Ashley's teacher with the 7 girls and 13 boys in her class - I have a new respect for her.  She was amazing with them.  No wonder Ashley loves her so much.   

First Swimming of the Year

After a really long cold winter (for Houston at least) we were really excited to finally get back in the pool.  While Brian and I didn't find it quite warm enough for us, the kids had a great time.

Ashley swam and played for a long time.

Daniel loved it also.  He was cold but had a great time.






Poor Birdie had a great time, but was really cold.  We repeatedly encouraged her to get out and run around for a while, but she wanted to swim so bad.









It was a great start to our favorite activity of the Summer - hanging out poolside as a family.

Ashley's First Communion

After many months of preparation, Ashley celebrated her First Holy Communion on April 25 at St. Angela Merici.  Discussing the importance of the event with her, I was so very impressed with her true understanding  and belief in the Sacrament. 

 In our parish they allowed each child to sit on a row with their family rather than all the children sitting together.  It was very special for Brian and I to be with her throughout the Mass.

My blessings go out to our Parish, Father John, and all the Catechists who aided in her preparation.  They worked beautifully with the parents to ensure our children walked up for Communion fully prepared to receive Christ for the first time.

We happily were joined by many family and friends in celebrating Ashley's First Communion.  Everyone came back to the house after the Mass for a little food and fun to celebrate.

Ashley with her GodParents

Cute Kids in May

I just love pictures of my kids.  Aren't they cute?

The girls are wearing the dresses I made them for Easter.