Books, Books Everywhere

Those of you who know us well know that we are a family of readers. Nathan can plow through a book in a day or less. I am a bit slower, but I tackle my books quickly too. We both love to read, and we have instilled that into Brenna so far. She brings books to us all the time saying, "Read it?" ( She is slowly catching on that she needs to add "Please" to the end too.) We have joked that books are the one toy she consistently doesn't want to share. When we were living with them, Aaron even when as far to say she wanted Tanner to be illiterate because she never wanted to share Tanner's books with him.

Every parent will tell you that when you hear silence, the children are up to something. Tonight, Nathan and I were talking in the kitchen after dinner and I noticed that Brenna was being very quiet, so I thought I should check things out. I quietly came into the living room only to find every book from the bottom shelf of the bookcase pulled out and piled beside her. She had positioned her chair next to the books so she could read one book after another to herself. I quietly listened to her "read" word after word to her favorite books. Amazingly she remembers a lot of words from each story.



I had to capture the moment, but it was over as soon as she saw the camera. "Cheese!"

The Swarm

I realized that I have been writing a lot about Brenna. I would like to say that I have my own life apart from Brenna, but who am I kidding. Brenna and I do just about everything together. (Unfortunately that includes bathroom time most of the time.)

Today we went to ride Pretty Boy. I was lucky enough to be able to go get Pretty Boy without Brenna on my back. (See the last other post about riding Pretty Boy.) Anyway, Brenna was happily playing with Seth. I had two buckets of food and a halter in hand as I journeyed to the pasture. Pretty Boy came for his food but ran off quickly when he realized I had the halter. Luckily I closed the round pen gate this time.

Just as I got both of us in the round pen and the gate closed, I heard a loud sound that shot fear through my body. As I looked to see what I was hearing and where it was. I watched a huge black cloud come towards me and realized why my limbs were shaking in fear. It was a swarm of bees surrounding me and Pretty Boy. I had to keep a lot of self talk going on in my head to stay still and on my feet. Those of you who know me, know how hard that was for me. There just aren't many things I fear more than bees (that includes wasps, yellow jacket, and pretty much anything that says "buzz"). Speaking of sounds, their buzzing was so loud, I thought I was in a hive. Amazingly I was able to remember Stacey talking about swarming bees. I remember she told me that they are actually very scared then. All they want is to find a new home. They probably didn't even realize that Pretty Boy and I were there. Then as soon I was in the middle of the black cloud, I was watching that same cloud fly off above another tree.

It was an experience I would prefer to not repeat, but I am proud of how well I lived through the hive.

A Day in San Antonio

So, Brenna woke up today on the wrong side of the bed. She actually got in on the wrong side of the bed last night. (Is that possible?) She slept until 7:30 and by 9:00am I was nearly in tears, and I didn't know how I would make it through the whole day. I was putting on my shoes to go on our daily walk to the music of a very fussy toddler. I knew I couldn't do our normal day. We are both so bored of it. We needed something new for the day. I made the quick decision to drive to San Antonio and redeem our season passes to Sea World. I was too late to get there and make it to "Tanner's house" before nap so I decided that we could go to the water part of the park after her nap. Off we went. Brenna cried and fussed the whole way, but she really like lunch at Chick-fil-a. She had a very unhealthy lunch of chicken nuggets, fries, and chocolate milk. She loved it. She also loved playing on the playground until some older and very loud kids came to play too. Later she napped at Tanner's house.

After Brenna was asleep, Liz informed me that Sea World was only open until 5pm and the water part was only open on the weekends right now. I was very disappointed, but decided Brenna and I would brave the scalding heat and go see Shamu. Let me just say that the show made the whole trip worth it. Brenna loved the show. I loved watching her experience the moment. my only regret is that Nathan couldn't watch her with me, but I know she will love it next time too. She clapped when the Whales did the big jumps, and every time she couldn't see them she said, "more whales?" It was so cute. I was actually worried what would happen when the show was over. She was a little sad, but told the whales "bye-bye" as I explained that they were tired and needed to go "night-night".

So our day ended much better than it began. I'm so glad we went to San Antonio on a whim. Hopefully tomorrow won't be a disappointment now.

Swimming

Nathan and I took Brenna to the Karnes City Aquatic Club for the first time this weekend. Yes, only Karnes City would name their pool a private Aquatic Club. Anyways, Brenna loved the pool. She did go under a few times and came up sputtering water and sneezing. I don't know how much water is too much to ingest, but she had a great time despite the water that she breathed. I am hoping that I will be able to teach her some swimming before the end of the summer. I am looking forward to this new thing we can do for a few months. I think she is getting as tired of the park as I am.



I'm not very focused today. I hope this makes some sense for the readers and myself.

I realized again yesterday that Brenna is growing up so fast. She no longer says Pa-Pa. She is actually saying Paci. Also she is speaking longer sentences. I have to laugh sometimes at the way she puts words together, but they do make since. One of her most used phrases is "Mama, pick up Brenna." Sometimes I cringe when I hear that because I am doing something and I have already told her "After, I finish..." Then I stop and think, how many more years will I hear those precious work? One or maybe two. I don't want to loose a moment with her even when I feel too busy for the moments.

Two Extremes

I love that children get to explore all their options if we allow them to. I only hope that I do allow Brenna to try everything she wants. I hope we can afford to allow her to try all the things she wants. Yesterday afternoon, she danced like a ballerina around the living room. I enjoyed watching her twirl until she got dizzy, fall down, crack up laughing, then get back up to do it all over again. I wish I was brave enough to love life like she does.

This morning, Brenna and I rode Pretty Boy. We were all alone and it was challenging to get him ready to ride with a toddler on my back. I feel accomplished by having succeeded. Our first problem was catching him. When he ran back into his pasture I thought I would be explaining to a very disappointed two year old why the horse ran away from us. Luckily I was able to catch him after a few circles around the round pen. Remember, I was still carrying Brenna in her backpack on my back. I was already tired and we hadn't even started. I did finally get him saddled and ready to ride. Brenna went first then I swung up behind her. I can't tell you how fun it is to ride with my little girl. She laughs and talks about all the horses and cows we pass. She talks to me and Pretty Boy. We even trotted a few steps today. She laughed and said, "More Bounce." I love being able to share this aspect of my life with her.

I hope she loves Baseball games with Daddy as much as she loves horseback riding with Mommy.

Hot Days and Night

There are many reasons you should never keep a two year old up until 9:45.

Here is a list of a few...
-grumpy mornings
-lots of whining
-grumpy breakfast
-more whining
-repetitive request to watch several different movies (do I need to add, "asked in a whiny voice" and with no "please")

This is a glimpse of our morning. Let me paint a picture of what led up to a late night and therefore a grumpy morning. Yesterday had been a nice day, but extremely hot. The last time I looked at the thermometer, it was 99. I am definitely not used to those temperatures. So, after Brenna's nap I decided to take her to the water park. She loves to play there. I thought it would kill some time, and it would be cooler in the water. (I was really wishing the pool was open.) We spent an hour there, and I was looking forward to coming home to a cooler house. Within 10 minutes of being home the power went out. I waited a little while and then called the utility company. I had to call several numbers and finally found out that it would there were over 600 without power and it would be several hours before it came back on. Christy was kind enough to come pick us up and let us eat at her house. Did i mention that Nathan took the car with air conditioning and didn't know when he would be back. Also my phone was almost out of battery. I kind of felt like everything was breaking down on me. Anyways, the Dzuiks were kind enough to share their dinner with Nathan and I and Brenna played with their youngest son while we finished dinner and talked. We all enjoyed the evening, but it was a late night. Like I said before, she shouldn't be up that late if i expect to have a good morning.

Brenna even knew she was too tired to function. At about 12:30 this afternoon, she stared crying and saying "night-night". We made it 15 minutes. I hope she takes a long nap today.

Today has been hot too. I guess this a glimpse of what the summer will be like. I am very willing to pay the dues for the pool. I love my morning walks with Brenna, but I don't know how much longer I can stand to go. I guess I will need to get moving quicker.

I'm Sorry

I was chastised this even for my lack of written words over the past week. Well, maybe chastised is a little too harsh of a word. Nathan informed me that I haven't said anything here in almost a week. My excuse you may ask? I've been busy. Does that count.

Brenna and I spent Friday in Saturday with Nathan and the High School band on their band trip. It was a fun day. We went to Zilker Park first thing in the morning. That is a huge park in Austin that has hiking trails, canoes, swimming, and a large playground. Brenna loved the playground and I think all the other kids had fun too. Later we went to a huge arcade park for lunch and games. Again everyone had fun. Brenna and missed the fun at the baseball game and fireworks later that evening. We spent the night with Stacey and Chris.

Brenna did great with such a long day, and she still had enough energy to be the entertainment for Stacey, Chris, and I before she went to bed Friday night. She loved both of them a lot. I thought she was quite cute when she woke up Saturday morning. She kept asking for Chris and Stacey before they woke up. I love seeing her make new friends.

I have also been busy sewing. I have sewn several of my new patterns. I will post pictures later.

So I leave you with the fun of this weekend.

"So, This is Put-Put Golf"


"Wouldn't it just be easier to do it like this?"

Where, Oh Where Are You Biscuit?

"Biscuit" has been missing in action for a little over 2 weeks. We went to the library earlier this week and the ladies there were nice enough to give me another two weeks to find the little book. I was all prepared to pay for it, but knew it had to be in the house somewhere. I have looked through all Brenna's books multiple times now. I have moved the couch and Brenna's bed. I looked in the car and all the rooms in the house. It is as if the book just disappeared. Do we have a book stealing ghost in this house?

Yesterday, Brenna was pulling all the books out in her room to read them while I was getting ready. When I was dressed, I noticed that her room was a mess but decided to clean it when we got back from our walk. When I finally made it back to her room, our little ghost must have dropped the book in the pile on the floor. That is the only way I can imagine the book appeared with all her other ones after I look through them so many times. I can't imagine I missed it that many times.

Anyways, "Biscuit has been safely recovered now, and I am keeping a close eye on him until we go back to the library again. I wouldn't want to loose the same book twice.

Don't you wish we could all have hooded towels and be this excited to wear them?

Mother's Day

Brenna and I had a great time in Houston with my family. I enjoyed spending time with my Mom, Dad, and Nena on Mother's Day. It has been many years since I have had that opportunity. The day was busy, but enjoyable. We went to church and then Brenna and I had to drive home. When we got home Nathan had dinner going and a rose for me. Nathan and I enjoyed a movie that night. Like I said, not eventful, but nice none-the-less.



This week has been normal so far. Nathan has a very busy ending of the week. Tonight is the band banquet. It is their first one ever. I am hoping the kids love it and the night goes well. I am going with Nathan and Brenna will have a baby sitter for the first time she can remember. I am hoping she will enjoy her night too, but we will see. I am a little worried about bedtime, but there isn't anything I can do about it. I will enjoy my evening anyways. Hopefully she will just be an angel.

Nothing new

Okay Krischa and others who are wondering what HEB is. Sorry, I forgot not everyone knows that grocery chain. It is a grocery store in South Texas. I don't know how far up it goes though. They have balloons for the kids.

Not much has happened this week. Brenna and I did our normal things. She has started whining a lot this week though. I am really trying to install that Mommy can't hear you if you don't talk in your "big girl voice" and ask nicely. Translated that means, "Stop whining and say please." I don't know how long it will take for her to learn this lesson. It seems like she learned to whine over night.

Brenna and I are leaving tomorrow to visit my parents and grandmother in Houston for the weekend. Nathan is taking the 7th and 8th graders on their band trip on Saturday. I thought it would be fun to spend part of Mother's day with my Mom. Hopefully we will all have a good time.

That's all for today. If I don't write again before then, I hope all the Mother's out there have a special day.

Introducing Crabby

Crabby was introduced to us on Brenna's birthday. As the newest member of our family, he is also the most beloved to our two year old. Each morning while I am making breakfast, she runs to the window saying, "Outside, sandbox, outside." When my reply is not now, she quickly follows with "music on." My response- "What do you say?" She quickly responds with an enthusiastic, "peese" and hands moving across her chest (that's the sign language motion for please that she still remembers).

It is amazing the things she remembers from day to day. She wants music on every time we sit down at the table or even move through the kitchen for that matter. We went to HEB yesterday and immediately wanted a balloon. We have only been to HEB about 4 times total, but she remembers they have balloons and where they are.

Back to Crabby...
We have been spending a large amount of our day in said beloved sandbox, so don't be surprised to find my child covered in a dingy film of dust. Or if you happen to change her diaper, you may find her little tushy covered in her own special formula of sand microdermabrasion. And if you visit our house you may hear "sandbox" repeated throughout the day at strange times. I wonder what is next to come.

Yea! It's Friday

I do love Fridays even now that I am not working outside the home. I love the thought of Nathan being home all weekend and the time Brenna and I get to spend with him. I love the idea of sleeping later on Saturday. (That really is just a thought. I don't get to do it ever.) I love the thought of relaxed time together and doing fun things. Weekend are just better even if they aren't really that different from the rest of the week.

I thought I would post a few picture I took of Brenna when we went to the beach with Nathan's parents a few weeks ago. I thought they turned out cute. You wouldn't know we were at the beach unless you see the water. It was actually quite cold. Brenna is wearing long sleeves and she was probably still cold. I guess we tried to go too early even in Texas. Hopefully we will have the opportunity to go more this summer. Hope everyone has a great weekend.