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. 

It's a Squirrel, It's a Bird, It's in my House?

For a while, we've had trouble with a squirrel scrambling around in the attic above Daniel's room.  Saturday morning, I heard one above my room.  As the day wore on, the sound moved into the hallway, then into the wall next to the fireplace.  By afternoon, it was scratching on the other side of the fireplace by the entertainment center.  The kids would go up to the wall and knock on it where the noise was coming from.  I'm not sure if they expected the squirrel to knock back or what.

We came home that evening after attending Megan, my niece, birthday party and sent the kids upstairs for a shower.  Ashley started whining that the squirrel was now in her walls.  Brian and I told them to ignore it and get in the shower.  Next thing you know, we heard screaming from her room.  Then shrieking!  She yelled, "There's a bird in my room!"  Wouldn't you know it.  There was a bird perched in her window.  

Brian went up to attempt to capture it while I went to close the doors to her room to trap it.  Neither one of us was fast enough because it escaped through the bathroom and flew down to our second story window in the family room.  We opened all the doors to the house and Brian scared it out of the window by poking at it with our long stick for opening the shutters.  It then flew to the breakfast room window.  Goodness. We proceeded to chase it out of several of those windows (there's 6 in there) before it finally flew out the porch door.

After we all calmed down, got showers and the kids were in bed, I noticed that the little door for the fireplace gas valve was open.  As I shut it, it dawned on me that the valve was open to the inside walls.  It must have been a bird in the walls all day rather than a squirrel and it had accidentally opened the little door and flown out into the house.  I guess I'm glad it wasn't a squirrel in that part of my walls, but it is creepy to know that the bird went into the attic, then walls, then escaped into the house.

On Sunday, Brian showed me the hole between the roof and siding where the bird and previous squirrels got in the attic.  Let's just say, their little access point will be closed very soon. No more scurrying noises in the attic or walls for this family.

Aqua Friends Open House

Last week, Birdie had her Preschool Open House event.  She, along with all the "3's" preschool classes, performed two songs for the church full of family and friends.  In the videos, she is on the top right in the back wearing pink with a pink bow in her hair.  Her cousin Alex is on the front row on the left wearing brown pants.

Laurie and her friend Brooke

Birdie has had a great year as an "Aqua Friend" at her preschool.  She has learned so many new things and really blossomed.  It's hard to think of her as a "little" girl any more.  We've been blessed with a great teacher who is also a good friend.  She has worked really well with Laurie, encouraging her to do things on her own and helping her pursue lots of new fun.  Laurie has loved being an Aqua Friend.

A New Swordfish

I'm proud to announce Birdie was promoted today at swim lessons.  She is no longer a "Dolphin" but now a "Swordfish"!

According to their website this means she has mastered - gliding in the proper prone position, quick shallow freestyle kicks, four big arms out of the water, big arms and side breathing with a barbell (width of pool-30 feet), introduction to side breathing, backstroke kicks, shallow dives, big arms and floating side breath without barbell (width of pool).

Congratulations Birdie!  She will make an awesome Swordfish!

Ashley Loves the Earth

Ashley and her artwork at HEB.

Earth Day at HEB

Ashley was one of about 20 students whose artwork was picked for an Earth Day display at our neighborhood HEB.  While I was there last night, I found it and got a picture to share.  Sorry for the blur - I took it with my phone while standing in the booth.

If you go check it out, hers is in the eat-in area in the far left corner above the booth. 

We are very proud of our blooming artist.

Preparing for First Holy Communion

Just a couple pictures of Ashley as we prepare for her First Holy Communion this weekend.

(yes, we will remove her blue and purple nail polish before this weekend)

Easter 2010

After Easter Mass, we headed over to my parents for lunch and egg hunt with the cousins.  

The kids

I finished the girls' dresses the night before.

The5Jones

My parents and siblings

 The 7 Henley cousins

KinderGators at the Zoo

Daniel had his first school field trip to the Houston Zoo.  In addition to his first field trip, it was also his first time on a big yellow school bus! 

Another mom and I were chaperones of 5 BOYS!  With 5 boys, our group was in constant motion, only stopping long enough at each animal for conversations about animal poop and to check the map.  Speaking of the map, Daniel was so excited to finally use the Houston Zoo iPhone app I had downloaded on my phone a few weeks ago.  With videos, animal information and an integrated map, he loved using it.

We could not have asked for better weather for a day at the zoo.  They were great kids, but wow, what energy! It was a long, fun day. 

Dinner with Karl Rove

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending a dinner with Karl Rove as the featured speaker for the evening.

Dinner was nice and Karl Rove was an excellent and engaging speaker.  He recounted many events during his 7 years at the White House, as well as a moving story of a military family who has given so much to our country.  While I already knew he is very intelligent with a specialized knowledge of American History, I was surprised to find him very warm, personable, and funny.   His speech included a few words of wisdom for the upcoming Fall election and the necessary take back of our country.  I'll post more about that over on Of Sound Mind and Spirit soon.   I cannot wait to read his new book to learn more about him, hear about his experiences, but also about any plans he has for the future.

Equally as exciting for me was meeting and listening to Texas State Senator Dan Patrick speak that evening.  He is a passionate conservative with a bright vision for Texas.  A big Thank You to Senator Patrick for announcing tickets for the event on his FaceBook page (and offering a reduced price!)

 Talk show host, Sam Malone was also a presenter/speaker for the evening.  After having listened to him on the radio since college, it was nice to meet him in person.  He encouraged Bryan and I to call into his new morning show on 700AM, which Bryan did the next day!

As part of a fundraiser, Mom and Dad stepped up to the plate and purchased this great pewter platter from President George W. Bush 2004 Inauguration.  In addition to the platter, Dad will be having dinner with Jared Woodfill, Senator Patrick, Sam Malone and a few others soon.

Easter Egg Hunt

 

 The day before Easter, GrandMommy, GrandDaddy, Gigi and Uncle Ron came over for an Easter Egg Hunt with the kids.  

Ashley is excited to be almost as tall as her Gigi.

During the egg hunt, Birdie would only pick up colors that she likes - and then open the egg when she picked it up.  

I sat up the night before and made the girls these little sundresses for the day.

The bright colors looked so good on them.

Daniel ran as fast as he could picking up as many eggs as he could.

After they were done, the kids took turns re-hiding the eggs for the other two to hunt.

 

We had a great time!!