The BIG 5!!!

As much as I don't want to admit it, Little Lion turned 5 on Monday! I'm finally out of the denial stage and ready to share with you all how we celebrated. (Okay people you know me ~ really, I was just waiting on pics!) The three musketeers. These three boys play so well together! They all had a blast at Splash Kingdom. We will be visiting this place again next year for sure!

Little Pumpkin and Little R coming out of the whale's mouth. She did this slide over and over and over and . . .
Testing out the small slides ~ Little Lion was content until Daddy Lion took him to . . .
. . . the BIG slides! Little Lion LOVED them!!! He even went down the blue one all by himself - twice! *smile* I like the idea of growing up sometimes! *wink*
Aaaaaaahh! The lazy river! Little Lion and Big R relaxing. They really did enjoy this too.
Ms. J and Little R and even Mr. S sneaking up behind in the lazy river. Little Pumpkin and I went around the river twice close to her nap time. She almost went to sleep!
The big splash is either Ms. J or I you really can't tell, but we both braved the yellow slide! I also like this pic because you can see all the slides! I tried them all except for the pink, but Ms. J said it was boring. *wink*
The boys enjoying snow cones . . . we were planning on dippin' dots, but they were sold out! Note to self: buy dippin' dots early! *smile*
I'm pretty sure this is intense joy and not pain! *smile* Hopefully we've made birthday number 5 an unforgettable experience! *wink*

Official

It's official . . . school has started!
(I'll update on b-day later~ waiting on pics to be developed.)

No outside pics due to the remnants of Gustav that we are receiving. But don't worry, we've had thunderstorms at lot worse than this! *smile* (I'm not downplaying any damage done elsewhere, just grateful we were missed!) Anyway, that also explains the rain coats - they were a little much even, but the kids liked them!
He's looking a little glazed! I was worried about this, but Ms. Judy said he did great! That's what happens when you party hard the day before school starts! *wink*

Jumping right in! He is very excited to have Karah in his class again; they are even sitting in the spots they sat in last year . . . some familiarity for them! However, Little Pumpkin did not stay much to her and my dismay! *lol*

Ms. Judy and Little Lion. It's going to be a great year at pre-K!

Five

My little boy turns five tomorrow. It doesn't seem right.

When we moved to Texas from Oregon, he had just turned one. He was younger than Kate is now. He has spent more of his life in Texas than in the state he was born.

My little boy is going next door now days to play. He's smarter than he should be, remembers everything, and hears every word we whisper. He's just bigger than he's supposed to be.

Remember Little Lion, when he was little? He's five in ten hours.

We'd love to hear your first memories of Little Lion.

Mom, I'm going to join the circus

Last night we went to the circus with the Z family.

Waiting for the fun to begin!

The events were typical and predictable, but none the less captivating! *wink*

Everything you can think of: horses, bears, elephants, poodles?, tight rope, rings, etc.



Having some pals to enjoy it all with, well, that's just priceless!

And of course, COTTON CANDY! *smile*

Which kicked in about 10pm on the way home!

Fortunately, we had free kid admissions, but we still paid an arm and a leg for 2 adults! But it was all worth it to hear my Little Lion yell "WHOA!!!" in amazement as the motorcycle rode around inside the steel ball! Then promptly informed us he wanted to do this when he grows up!

Meet the Teacher

Like everyone else . . . last night was meet the teacher for us. However, this mommy forgot the camera . . . and in all honesty, the pics won't be much different from the first day of school. That's the comforting logic I'm giving myself anyway.

As a mommy who looks at your child everyday, you don't always see the small changes, but WOW how did I miss my little boy growing up!?! These pics are exactly one year apart.

What a change from baby face to big boy!
Love my Little Lion!

Ice Cream Cone Cakes

Okay, so everyone knows I'm not the greatest in the kitchen. But I will say I can follow any recipe. However, how many times has your finished product actually looked like the picture in your cookbook?!? My answer: NEVER . . . until today *SMILE*

Doesn't that just look delectable!?! *wink*

We'll the kids sure thought so!

What about that face doesn't say "YUM"!?!

Miss K couldn't even hold back her sheer delight!

We have joined forces with the D family in leading the kid's church on Sunday mornings at 8:30! So, you'll find us with the first through third graders trying keep Daddy Lion and Mr. D in line! Mrs. D and I have a lot on our hands . . . not to mention all the kids that come! *wink*

I didn't get pics of the boys or even the sweet Miss R. But have no fear lots of fun was had, and I have to confess the cone cakes really didn't last much past the icing! *smile*

But does anyone really eat a cupcake for anything other than the frosting?!?

Sunday Surprise

Sundays can get so crazy, busy . . . Yesterday was one of those days! It was our promotion Sunday since most the public schools started today. Daddy Lion and I are now helping out in our kid's church service during the 8:30 hour. Then E&E (a glorified name for Sunday School). Then the third hour we actually go to the worship service. By the time we got home it was already a quarter to 1pm!

And we skipped the missionary lunch, baby shower and a family birthday party! I can't imagine what the day would have looked liked! The kids were in bed by 2pm and we quickly followed ourselves . . . there is just something about Sunday afternoon naps! (I hated them when I was little, but sure love them now!)

Well, I think you guys are mislead a bit by yesterdays post . . . Little Lion rarely falls asleep anymore, maybe 2 days out of 7! BUT, he ALWAYS goes to rest time in his room for the two hours Little Pumpkin does sleep. Yesterday he came in to informed me it was 4 on his clock ~ my clock still said 3:59.

I told him to go back to his room and play quietly for a few more minutes. I was not ready to get up! But realizing we had to be back at the church for the first night of AWANA, I drug myself out of bed.

As I walked out of my room this is the sight I saw:

Little Lion: "I'm a pirate skater" says Little Lion

Mommy Lion: (trying to hold back the hysterical laughing) "May I take a picture of you?"

Little Lion: "Who are you going to send it to?"

Mommy Lion: "I want to put it on my blog."

Little Lion: "Sure. Can I make a video for Ms. Meraduf?"

Mommy Lion: "Sure!"

So, Ms. Meredith this ones for you:

This is what Saturdays should be like . . .

We had a great Saturday: Daddy Lion and I decided to divide and conquer. *wink* Daddy Lion and Little Lion headed out to Lowe's for Build and Grow. Then over to Kroger to get that great deal on Blue Bell. (btw, Rebecca, I was wrong he chose the Great Divide!) Meanwhile, Little Pumpkin and I headed to Wally World to get the majority of groceries. Everyone home by 12:30 for lunch and naps!
While the kids napped Daddy Lion and I actually watched a movie. When Little Pumpkin woke up she was in the best mood! Now it may have to do with the fact that when I brought her out into the living room she found her Daddy on the couch with Doritos! Whatever works right?!? ~jk~

Look at that smile! How could I not love this!?!

So sweet, feeding her Daddy!

And our Little Lion still napping! What a great day!
After all this, we headed over to some friends for our small group BBQ. We had tons of fun even if the guys skunked the gals at Cranium . . . and we even had a 2 person advantage! I guess that's what happens when you play against a 4 engineers.

A blast from the past

So my friend Cheryl, blogged about bathing her sweet dog. The picture seems so serene, the dog just standing there looking at her. My experience with bathing animals: a totally different story . . . and I thought I should share because the picture is hilarious! So enjoy.


Yes, that is a shower door! And only if I had videoed the scene; the sounds coming from that cat were atrocious. Before you call animal control, we own no pets at this time!
So on that note, here is some food for thought:

We should be careful to get out of an experience only the wisdom that is in it and stop there; lest we be like the cat that sits down on a hot stove lid. She will never sit on a hot stove lid again and that is well; but also she will never sit down on a cold one anymore. - Mark Twain

The next big name in Gymnastics?

I've always said Little Pumpkin would be good at gymnastics. With her super monkey grip, fearless attitude, and small stature I think she would succeed. Well, last night she started this: I'm not sure why, besides the fact that he got a giggle from us, but she just kept doing this:

Finally, Daddy Lion helped her turn it into a tumble:

Look out 2024 summer games! *wink*

the Mosh pit

The "R" boys have kept Little Lion so entertained! I've done 3 loads of laundry, all my ironing and I'm now caught up in the blog world! *wink* Not to mention loving all the giggles and laughs and silly conversations in the background! And the best part . . . no refereeing so far! *smile*

Green Eggs and Hats?

Long time ago, there was a little lion who loved the Dr. Seuss book, Green Eggs and Ham. And one awesome Daddy Lion who delivered on the request to have green eggs and ham (I can't seem to find the pics at this moment).

Recently we were over at our friend Emma's house to play and check out the chickens. (Little Lion loves to watch chickens!) Emma's mom sent us home with some real green eggs! Little Lion was so excited to have green eggs again. Yes, one again Daddy Lion delivered on the green eggs . . . no ham this time. *smile*

The last week or so Little Pumpkin has been fascinated with hats. Last Sunday she picked out a dress just for the hat! You can't argue . . . she's the cutest thing in this little bonnet. She even kept it on all the way to church and into the building!

Busy, Busy Dreadfully Busy

Okay, so it's honestly not been "dreadful," but we have been quite busy! But the best part . . . it's been busy with friends! *smile*

On Thurs. evening our friends who have partnered with Wycliffe came over for dinner! Let's see, it's been about a year and a half since they moved to gather support, undergo field training and the MANY other things they must do before heading to the mission field. They plan to depart for Indonesia by the first of December.
















This is their youngest who was just months old when they left! Miss. A was so cute playing with the big kids. I was so impressed that she was so cool with us even though she really has no memories of us.















Little Lion hugging Miss. I ~ check out the baby blues on these two! A few years back he was suppose to be her groom for Halloween (she was dressed as a bride). Unfortunately, he decided at the last minute to be a Lion instead. Hopefully Miss. I won't hold that against him forever! *wink* She did say she would still be interested in marrying him . . . later of course! We may be in trouble . . . he's got lots of options/offers already!

This is sweet Miss. E sleeping on our bed. She was not feeling good at all. In fact she slept the entire time they were here . . . skipping dinner. Now you know when a child skips dinner they MUST be sick! *wink* (side note: at church today she was 100% little girl ~ all better!)

We will miss them dearly, but know that God has a great work for them and they are following His call!

Saturday evening we were just hanging around the house . . . it was Daddy Lion's b-day and he wanted a low key evening! So when our friends, the V Family, called to hang out . . . we were game for some company.

You try getting two 21 month old little girls to stop playing and look at the camera at the same time! It didn't happen, believe me there are a slew of pics trying. At least they were having fun with each other.

AJ tried out the big kid swings for the first time! She did great holding on . . . it's that NOT letting go thing that's an issue. Really, there were no injuries!
The whole gang on the swings. Little Lion did me the favor of coming to swing, but didn't want his picture made. Oh well, he'll survive! *smile*

Finally to end the evening what more fun could there be than two giggly girls in the bathtub! But so I don't get flagged as some indecent blog, I'll keep the video for private viewing only! *wink*

So pick a night, let us know! We'd love to have you over! *SMILES*

Moms work, Kids play

Today we had some wonderful friends come over . . . Jaime and I worked on MOPS stuff for at least four and half hours . . . didn't know that was possible . . . and still not done! Since we worked so long and Mr. S is out of town, we asked them to stay for dinner.

The boys played so well together the entire time. And luckily it was Little Pumpkin's nap time! The only time to get things done! *wink* Anyway, after dinner we heard the infamous ice cream truck. Praisin' Jesus he came AFTER dinner and not before like usual. *smile*

I guess the ice cream man inspired them, because afterwards, that's what they played! One would drive the tractor (a.k.a. ice cream truck) and the others, well I'm not sure exactly what their role was. Something about money being exchanged for weed, but I'm sure it was all legit. I saw the weeds they were picking from my front yard!

Little Pumpkin hanging with the boys. . . she holds her own! I think she loves the excitement other kids bring to the house. I think my laid back Little Lion is a little on the boring side for her at times! *wink*

How could you NOT love these faces!?!

During prayer time, Little Lion told us tonight his favorite part of the day was playing with the "R" boys!

5-oh!

So, yesterday I said hello to a third decade, today my mom said hello to a fifth!

Wednesday we began planning and pulled together a surprise b-day lunch for her. They always eat at the same place on Saturday. So getting her there was easy . . . we just had to get everyone else there before her! Afterwards, we all headed back to their house for cake and ice cream!

I love this picture: the far right is my mom's best friend from childhood, the far left is her best friend from my childhood and Little Lion right up in the middle of everything! *smile*

Still enough breathe in her to blow out her candles! *wink*

Happy Birthday MOM!!!!!

Three 8's + Three 0's = 30!!!

Today is the official day . . . I'm 30!
The earth is still rotating, and I'm still breathing . . . Life is good.
Really, I'm not scared of this number! I'm actually very excited about being here. Like I have arrived . . . it's a very strange feeling.
Whatever it is, I'm happy, I'm confident and I am optimistic of what the future holds for me and my family. God is doing something good and I'm just glad I'm part of His plan!

Celebrate 08-08-08!