Adventures of Lil D and his mom!

Yeah we're movin on upppppp

2010-08-30T16:19:00.003-05:00

To our own domain! Go check out http://www.myliferunsfast.com That's where any new posts will be, plus all the old posts of D that you know and love! I won't be updating this page anymore.

And he's off!

2010-08-23T10:48:00.001-05:00

D started his "official" year of kindergarten today! He is repeating it this year to get a lot stronger in reading readiness. He was bouncing off the WALLS at home, due to excitement, plus a good dose of anxiety in there, even though he knows the teachers, the school, etc. It's overwhelming for a little guy. Mommy was a bundle of nerves...lol His classroom last year was the only class in the kinder wing with a door. The others are open classrooms...so...yikes! D is prone to try to escape if he gets frustrated with what he's doing, so thank goodness he has an aide a LOT during the day! Here's to a great start to a new year!

Teacher Survival Kit

2010-08-22T21:02:00.001-05:00

It's the start of another school year, and at our house, there is lots of excitement! I started a tradition last year of making a Teacher Survival Kit for D's new teacher, and we had a lot of fun picking out items. Here's what we ended up with! It's very similar to last years, but D is repeating kindergarten so since the teachers are next door to each other, I wanted to keep it close. Pics to come tomorrow of D's big day!

The snowflake to the left of the box folds out and says "When all else fails, pray for a snow day!"

Happy Coming Home Day!

2010-08-21T21:33:00.000-05:00

Four years ago today, I went to the CPS office, signed my heart over to one special little boy, and brought him home to stay! It's been one hell of a ride, but I wouldn't change it for the world!! He's grown so much!

Four years ago, at age 2

This past Christmas, at age 5.5

Another tooth...gone!

2010-08-15T17:00:00.000-05:00

So D has had a VERY loose tooth for awhile now. He's worked so hard to get it out, and mommy even took a few tries at it, but just couldn't work up the guts to yank it. Well, this morning, D woke me up to yell that "it came out, mommy!!! I got it out myself!" Apparently, he'd REALLY been working on it all morning. So YAY!

So proud!

After the tooth excitement, we went to a luncheon at church, for single parents and back to school. D got his school supplies!

They even had face painting there!

And after the luncheon, we celebrated the missing tooth with some yogurtville yumminess!

D gone fishin

2010-07-12T16:02:00.000-05:00

We hit up Harry Myers Park with some friends who brought their fishing poles. D had actually never been fishing before so this was a new experience for him! He LOVED it!

Taste of Dallas

2010-07-10T16:02:00.001-05:00

Today was looking like rain, and it did rain quite a bit in the morning, but we chanced it anyway and took the train down to Taste of Dallas. The boys loved it!

Celebration Park

2010-07-05T16:01:00.001-05:00

Today, we joined some friends at Celebration Park to let us adults sit in the shade and chat, and the kids cool off in the water. We had never been there before, but this place is awesome!!

Them poser boys

D loves him some babies!

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T16:01:00.001-05:00

Happy 4th of July!! We had a VERY busy but a very awesome day! First, we headed to my coworkers house for a cookout with her and another coworker/plus her DH. Then after that, we headed to a cookout at my friend's house. It was mostly her family there, plus another friend, and omg were there a LOT of little boys!!! lol The kids had a BLAST though, and we went swimming afterward. D and I headed out before the home fireworks were set off, but that meant we got to see a lot of fireworks from the highway all the way home which was really neat!

At Tamra's house, chillin in the pool...

And now off to Providence Village.

July 3rd at Rudys...and fireworks!

2010-07-03T15:57:00.001-05:00

We hit up Rudy's with some friends for some yummy bbq, and then hung out until the Frisco Fireworks went off. The boys had a great time playing together!!!

Sea World!

2010-06-20T16:14:00.000-05:00

For D's birthday this year, we took a trip to Austin and San Antonio. We spent one day at Barton Springs in Austin, but D HATED it, as it was so cold! So, no great pics of that. Then the next day we went to...Sea World! D was crazy excited, and did GREAT!

Ready to see Shamu!

And there's a baby!!

About to ride the kiddie roller coaster ALL BY HIMSELF

"Hi, Momma!!!"

lol the walrus was doing sit ups...

D said "That's the fake Shamu, but I still like him"

Thanks to the trainer who held the dolphin's snout so D could pet him!!!

Feeding frenzy!

Exhausted lil man back at the hotel with a frosty...ahhh bliss...

A birthday pool party for D

2010-06-18T15:39:00.001-05:00

I had D's birthday party at Jack Carter again this year. It's easy to access, and fairly central, plus has a gated water playground, which makes it safe for younger kiddos. We love it!! And as you can see, even the teenager found a way to have fun...lol

Waiting patiently!

Jamie tryna light the candles...darn wind!

Almost there...

WTH!!! lol I love S's face in this one (the little girl on the right)

Finally!!!

Chowing down

D's 6 Year Chera Pics

2010-06-17T15:31:00.000-05:00

We hit up the Frisco Heritage Museum with our usual photog for some pics of D about to turn 6! Her daughter came too and so she got a few ADORABLE pics of D and her. And according to her daughter, they are getting married, going to move in with her parents, and open a lemonade stand to pay the bills. They are too cute together!!

D's Jenn Mazy Pics

2010-05-24T10:27:00.001-05:00

Last weekend, D had pics done with the fabulous Jennifer Mazy in Deep Ellum. Here are some of the shots! I LOVE them! This was D's last photo shoot with all his baby teeth *sniff*

D lost his first tooth!!!

2010-05-21T18:25:00.003-05:00

At Field Day today, D lost his very first tooth! It had been loose for awhile, and we'd been wiggling on it lots, but it decided to jump ship! He's such a big boy!!

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T18:23:00.000-05:00

Just a cute pic of my sweet boy on Mother's Day. We got slurpees!!

Fundraiser at Zuzu's

2010-04-24T15:11:00.002-05:00

My teammate Dina and I hosted a dinner/raffle fundraiser. We were generously sponsored by Zuzu in Addison. Their food is the best! Here are just a few pics, more of D than anything...lol

Dina and I...rockin this fundraiser!!

D loves him some Isabelle...

But sometimes she wonders if he loves guacamole more...hmmm...

A Sunday outside at my grandma's

2010-04-11T21:32:00.002-05:00

I had my camera with me today and D had some new bubbles, so I snapped a few shots. Also got some sweet shots.

Silly boy in the bubbles

Now that's a sweet face...

D and my grandma...

Sweet boy...

D and my brother in a calm moment...they wrestled outside LOTS though.

Bluebonnets!

2010-04-08T21:28:00.001-05:00

Well the bluebonnets aren't super thick yet, at least where we went but I still snapped a few pics to commemorate it.

3 Day Garage Sale Fundraiser Part 1

2010-03-20T22:13:00.000-05:00

We had to get up wayyyyyyyyyy early this morning because my 3 Day Walk was having a fundraiser...a garage sale! However...it's raining...and COLD. VERY COLD. We still had a decent turnout tho!

D-man rockin the shirt

All ready to go!

Kim, Jamie, and Dina tryna get warm

The baby battalion

A quick lunch break of CFA

Back home and warmed up, D wanted to play with his sight words board

He asked me how to spell FRIEND, wrote it, and said "Mommy, I'm YOUR friend!"

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-14T02:20:00.002-06:00

From D and his sweetheart, pictures taken by the fabulous Chera!

Most snow in MY lifetime

2010-02-11T22:39:00.001-06:00

Feb 11th and 12th, 2010 will be remembered for a long time here in North Texas. We got about 12 inches of snow!! That's more than I've seen in my entire lifetime! So...what do you do when faced with a messload of snow, and a 5 year old? :) Why, you go PLAY in it!!! We got out of work early on the 11th, so Beth and I, plus the 3 boys, hit up a huge hill.

"I LOVE this, Mom!"

A kind man and his daughter let the kids try their toboggan.

D and Miss Beth making snow angels

Showing off those new stylin rain boots

Building a snow man!

And finally, we made snow ice cream, yummy!!

Mommy/Son Valentines Playdate

2010-02-10T14:10:00.002-06:00

Despite the COLD and the wind, we braved 2 hours at a park to have some fun! My friend Casey organized a Mommy/Son Valentines Playdate, and it was a blast! A very talented chick brought some yummy and adorable cupcakes, and then we let the kid's decorate cookies as well grilled hotdogs and let the kids run wild on the playground.

The cupcakes!

Time for cookie decorating!

D was so proud of his finished product!

The Dallas Zoo

2010-01-17T21:23:00.002-06:00

We hit up the Dallas Zoo with some friends!

D loves the white alligators

He was a bit nervous around the elephant, since it was making quite a bit of noise.

The penguins stayed close to us

LOL Mackin on one girl and takin her sister down in the process

Sneak peek of Chera pics!!

2010-01-05T00:08:00.001-06:00

Here's a sneak peek of the pics that Chera took of D (and a random one or two of me too) in Deep Ellum. Love them!!! I can't wait to see the rest!

And this is D and her daughter, who he just LOVES. *heart*

Day 3 of the OKC Trip

2010-01-04T23:57:00.001-06:00

Our last full day in OKC. We hit up the Fireman's Museum there, but on the way, I happened to spot quite an unusual cloud formation. Apparently there had been some aircraft go through the clouds and with as cold as it was, well, I'm not sure of the rest of the explanation, but it just looked crazy cool!!! After the museum, back to the house, to bake my dad a birthday cake since we would be leaving early the next day. And finally, we went to go watch my dad's soccer game, and then back to the house for some cake! A great day!

How neat is this??

D's such a poser...

Off to the playground outside the museum...

And climbing on the firetruck that was out there...that's my bro way in the background...

Yay for tire swings!

Mmmmmm the best part of cake making, licking the beaters!

Time to sing happy birthday!!

Get all the candles!!! Happy early birthday, Dad!

Day 2 of the OKC Trip

2010-01-04T23:51:00.001-06:00

New Years Day...a new year, a time for family, fun, and lots of lights!

My dad put D to work shoveling snow while we waited on lunch to be ready, and for my half siblings to join us!

After lunch, it was playtime...yeah it was quite a dogpile!!

And then...Super D!!!

A bit later we went to look at Christmas lights and saw these...gorgeous!! I had to snap some pics...

New Years Eve in OKC

2010-01-04T23:34:00.002-06:00

So for New Years Eve this year we headed to OKC to see my dad. We stayed til the 3rd so there will be more pics to come, this one is just about New Years Eve tho. We drove through a nasty storm to get together, but it finally cleared out, and was just freakin cold the rest of the way! They had a blizzard over Christmas so there was still lots of snow hanging around! D had a BLAST playing it, and so did we, esp getting HIM with snowballs...lol After some playtime, we went to the OKC Thunder vs Utah Jazz game. We were invited to join some people my dad knew in a suite, and the OKC Thunder mascot Rumble came to join us for a photo op! D was in heaven! He had been watching for Rumble the whole game up until then!!! When the game was over, we headed into downtown OKC to get ready to watch the ball drop and the fireworks at midnight. Happy New Year!

D on the dino he got

Snow time!

Uhoh the snowball fights have begun...

This was D RIGHT after my brother told him to go get Liz!

Payback sucks!! lol Run, D!

Totally not expecting this one!

"He got me!!!"

"Ok I'm about done with this cold stuff"

"Thunder UP!"

D with Rumble, the mascot

My dad, D, my bro, me, and Liz (my dad's wife) after the Thunder BEAT the Jazz!

All bundled up to head outside in 26 degree temps

Liz and my dad, such a cute couple!

D is ready for some fireworks!

Aren't they gorgeous! There were some really neat looking ones too!

Christmas Day 2009

2010-01-04T23:28:00.001-06:00

This year, I decided we were going to be at home for Christmas morning and do gifts to each other. My girl, Beth, willingly obliged in taking shopping with a bit of $$$$ from me so he could pick a few things out. The two of them did a great job!! After opening gifts and a yummy breakfast of cinnamon rolls, D and I headed to my aunts house to finish up family christmas. And finally, we joined Beth's family, as well as another new DAM friend, Aubrey's family, for Christmas dinner. The boys had a blast playing!

D on Christmas morning in his new pjs...

Our loot

Ripping up some paper

D in his new hat...that he loved for about 5 minutes...lol

He got this new tunnel that he is already hiding toys in...

And one big candy kabob!

Now its over to my aunts...

D got a camera that he was just enthralled with...

Mommy and one sweet boy

After lunch, he got to go outside and play with the remote control car that we keep over there

Yay off to Miss Beth's house!!! This is D with his little buddy B...

Coneheads...

"Miss Granny!!! D took something from me!"

Aubrey and dat sweet baby K

Brudders working together

All the grownups got gag gifts...can you tell what Aubrey's was?

Gah...too much sweetness...nothing like a sleeping baby in your arms to get your baby fever goin...love baby fixes!

4 little hot mess boys...they love each other!

Christmas Eve 2009

2009-12-27T01:49:00.001-06:00

A white Christmas Eve! We headed to my aunt's house 45 miles away in the snow and by the time we left, it was in full fledged "Texas Blizzard" mode. Regardless, we had a great time and despite the 2 hours of anxiety filled driving that it took us to get home, the day was a good one.

I was testing out my new camera that I got for Christmas so just snapped a few shots. It's not a great one, but the subject sure is cute! lol

D and Mommy

My aunt and D playing around

Look at the snow! This was before it got REALLY bad tho.

I LOVE this pic that I got of D, but I had it edited as the background is pretty distracting.

The family that was there.

Once we got home, I let D goof in the snow a bit. This is him going "MOMMY!! It's cold and wet!!" You can SO tell he's a texas boy.

But he had fun!

Once D was in bed, I set up the presents and our stockings.

Santa's Village

2009-12-20T20:54:00.001-06:00

This evening, we joined Beth and her family at Santa's Village in Richardson to let the kids explore all the cute little houses. The boys had a blast!

Christmas gifts

2009-12-12T22:00:00.003-06:00

In thinkin about what to make for D's teachers for Christmas, I came across this blog post:

http://bluecricketdesign.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-pop-top-cans.html

And knew that was what I wanted to do. So here is the making of the first one. I have 4 more to go and will post a pic of all 5 when done.

Start with soup cans with a poptop. Then using a can opener, open the BOTTOM of them. Empty and wash them well.

I filled this one with Hersheys Kisses and a giftcard, and then hot glued the bottom back on. After I flipped it back over, I used scrapbook paper to wrap around it and hot glue into place. I also added two pieces of ribbon because I don't exactly cut the straightest and the edges of my scrapbook paper were a bit crooked. I'm all about honesty here.

Then I used the rest of that piece of scrapbook paper to make a tag with D's santa picture and threaded some ribbon through the pop top.

And of course gotta let em know what to do.

I love these!!!

2009 Santa pic

2009-12-10T13:17:00.001-06:00

On Sunday, I took D by our FAVE santa in Allen. D was practicing his smile in line...lol He's such a hot mess...

Our Thanksgiving Weekend

2009-11-30T14:56:00.001-06:00

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend!! (Other than one near wreck...) You can read more about it on my own blog but here are some pictures of the highlights...

Wednesday evening, D decided to play "Ride Em Cowboy" with a donkey pinata...lol

Thanksgiving morning, Turkey Trot!

Our friend Dina joined us!

A "doodlebug" D caught at my aunts...

Decorating Beth's boy's tree on Thanksgiving evening

Friday, D was determined to wear my Christmas socks...I wasn't fighting that battle.

A Dickens Christmas in Mckinney, D LOVED the snowman!

Saturday, viewing the GORGEOUS tree at the Galleria

Alzheimers Walk at the Dallas Zoo

2009-11-21T22:42:00.002-06:00

This morning was the Alzheimer's Memory Walk which is held at the Dallas Zoo. We joined our friends Helen, her DH, and lil 2 year old K. We had a great time! Our 3 hour tour, included talking to the gorillas and the monkeys, the monorail tour, watching the tiger pace and seeing a rhino get fed. The boys LOVED it!

Me and my boy, ready to start this thing...

D loves the gorillas...

D was overjoyed, K was...ambivalent...lol

Checking out the chimps

Poser...in front of the flamingos...

Male bonding...so sweet!

THIS is what I wanted to be doing today...zzzzzzzzzzz...

Nom nom nom

After the zoo was a birthday party at Gattitown for my best friends son, J!!! Happy 7th bday, J!

Trip to the Dallas zoo

2009-11-08T20:23:00.002-06:00

National Candy Day aka Halloween 2009

2009-10-31T20:56:00.004-05:00

I don't usually do Hween with D. In the past, he has not been allowed to dress up, even though we did usually do a fall festival. This year, as an extension of Red Ribbon week at school, I let him dress up. We also ended up going to the Firewheel Fall Festival this evening. As part of that, the stores at the mall did TorTing, so I compromised on my usual feelings and let D partake in the goodies. I'm not sure if we'll ever do "true" TorTing, but it was fun.

Here's the little pirate boy.

"Yo ho ho and a bottle of...milk!"

Red Ribbon Week

2009-10-31T20:44:00.002-05:00

This past week at D's school was Red Ribbon Week, encouraging kids to be drug free. As part of that, each day was a dressup day.

On Monday, it was dress head to toe in red. So aside from red clothes, I dyed his hair red. Little Dennis Rodman in training.

Tuesday and Wednesday were kind of iffy days so I didn't get pics of those.

Thursday was mismatched day.

And Friday. The piece de resistance! He got to dress up as a storybook character. So, I put together a "frog prince" costume. He was adorable!!!

D's EEG Night

2009-10-22T22:14:00.001-05:00

D and I had to stay up all night long so that he would be VERY sleep deprived for his EEG. First, we hit up IHOP with some friends of ours, then there was a walmart trip. After that we stopped for a midnite slurpee, and then, we went bowling! Here are some pics from our night and his EEG.

Yay for midnite slurpees!

D's first bowling trip

Fanning his head from the air vent...lol

So close yet so far

Getting hooked up to the nodes

All hooked up, bandaged up, and ready to SLEEP for a bit so they can get a good sleep reading

NOCC 5K

2009-09-26T19:21:00.000-05:00

D and I participated in the NOCC 5K, second year in a row. We started it last year to support my friend and fellow DAM mom, Helen, who's sister is a 2 year survivor. We had a great time!

Our 5K group

D and I at the Finish Line

Plano Balloon Festival

2009-09-18T21:29:00.001-05:00

D and I wanted some cheap entertainment this evening, so we decided to go watch the balloons at the Plano Balloon Festival. I grabbed us some dinner on the way to get D so we wouldn't be tempted to go IN the festival for it. And I had a voucher for free parking at a church near the field which turned out to be an awesome view! It had been raining today and was fairly windy so they didn't launch the balloons, but they did still have the glow (where they blow up all the hot air balloons and light em up once it gets dark in tune to music). Since we could hear the band from our vantage point, we just hung out in the back of my vehicle. D danced around to the music some and was quite enthralled at the balloons.

D in the back finishing up some dinner

Our view of the balloons

My little poser, D's only complaint was that the "penguin balloon" would not turn around!

Casey's Birthday!

2009-09-11T20:56:00.001-05:00

Happy birthday, Casey!! We were invited to celebrate with her and family this evening at Panda's Super Buffet, and then us girls (and D) hit up the movie I Can Do Bad All By Myself. We had such a fun evening!!! Here are some pics from dinner...thanks for letting us join you guys, Casey!

Casey and her MIL

Cake!

Right after blowing out the candle

The waitresses singing to Casey

Balloon!

What's this??? Casey's gift from Mike, what is it???

A new camera!

Oooohhh pretty!

Highlights of our weekend

2009-09-07T21:20:00.003-05:00

Two things I wanted to share pics of from this busy weekend (aside from the mass of lake pictures in the previous post).

On Saturday evening, D and I surprised Beth with a flower from her out of town DH (I had a lot of fun plotting that one), and some Braums ice cream. I really enjoyed (after putting D to bed over there) hanging out with her and Aubrey watching a movie and chatting. This picture is how we did it. I had D sit on her porch with the flower in his lap, and then I texted her to check her porch. lol It was awesome, love ya, Beth!

And then, Labor Day! We slept in today for once, rather than get up and walk. And then Da Crew + 1 and two kids all met up at Red, Hot and Blue for some yummy BBQ! I can NOT believe that my friend will have her BABY in less than 2 weeks!!! I'm so excited for her! D was quite enthralled with touching her belly, it was cute!! So I had to take a pic of it, and yes, this was at Ben and Jerrys. lol

Labor Day at the Lake

2009-09-06T22:04:00.001-05:00

Well, actually, the day before Labor Day. We headed to our family's lake house in East Texas for the day and had a great time!!

Our view from the porch...gorgeous, peaceful, calm...LOVE IT...

D posing on the pier or "the bridge" as he calls it...

D and Mommy on the pier

Weeeee! Playin on the tire swing...

Look who else is here! My aunt, uncle, one cousin and his wife, and then another cousin, his wife and their 2 little girls were there too (one of whom is this darling thing! She's 3 and is just adorable!)

And this is her baby sister! Oh the cuteness!

Let's slide!

D found some toys to play with. He was not completely happy to not be able to get in the water due to the tubes in his ears, but he managed just fine.

My grandma and Baby V...

Before lunch, we settled the kids down to watch Word World on my cousin's laptop. Even my brother joined in the action...lol though he's not a kid.

Miss A was on the pillow and as soon as I went to take the shot, she let herself fall backward giggling the whole time.

Wearing her grandpa's hat.

My other cousin giving the kids a lesson on fishing lures...

D and Mommy on the boat with Uncle Chris behind us putting his glasses up

D's not thrilled about the too big life jacket, but he's excited to be on the boat!

Let's drive!!

Cousin L helping D

I *heart* this view...

D's first day of Kinder!

2009-08-24T10:39:00.002-05:00

So it begins. My big boy started Kindergarten today! He woke up with a grin on his face all ready to go. I showed him one more time where his food was in his lunchkit, had him sign his name to his teacher's survival kit, and we headed out the door. For the first day, I decided to walk him to school. Half way there, he asked if I would hold his hand. It gets me all choked up just thinking about it, and I think he was starting to get a bit anxious with his excitement. He was great in the classroom though and waved me off without a problem. I hope all the new kinder kids are having an awesome day today!!

Just to compare how much he has GROWN in 3 years...here is the pic from his first day at AHA Preschool when he was 2, just a week after I got him...

And here he is this morning. In his first outfit...and his official kinder first day pic. Unfortunately, the pants were big, with no adjustable waist and we had belt issues and I didn't want to send him without a belt, so we changed into smaller shorts at the last minute for actual school, hence the pant difference...lol

In front of his new school...so excited!

D with his new teacher, hope you have a great first day at school, D!!!!

First Day of Kinder Part 1 - The Lunch

2009-08-23T01:55:00.003-05:00

As D starts school tomorrow, I find myself becoming very obsessed with every little detail. Today (or rather, around midnight Saturday night, I prepared his lunch). This is subject to some changes today/Monday morning but I think I'm pretty set with this.

First, the lunchkit and backpack that D picked out. The black bottom part of the lunchkit is where one of the food containers goes.

This is the container that slides into the bottom. He's going to have pasta with a bit of olive oil and shredded cheese on top, plus pepperoni, a few pickle slices and broccoli drizzled with light ranch. It's all items I know he'll eat consistently.

In a snack container in the top part, I put some apple newtons, popcorn, and 3 little frosted animal crackers.

Can't forget a bottle of water!

Teacher Survival Kit

2009-08-20T23:26:00.002-05:00

After seeing the idea (and using parts of it) on DAM, we decided to make one for D's new teacher. D is so excited to take it to her on the first day of school!!

Our 3 year anniversary week!

2009-08-19T10:34:00.005-05:00

Aug 16th - 21st, 2006 was one exciting week! Aug 16th was the day I first got to meet D in person. Aug 18th, he came home with me for the weekend, but I had to bring him back that Sunday to his foster home. And then Aug 21st, I signed all the paperwork and he came home with me for good!! To commemorate it being 3 years since then, I thought I'd share some pics from that first week. Enjoy!

Aug 16th, 2006 He bonded so easy!

Aug 16th, 2006 Cutie!

Aug 17th, 2006 Got to take him for an hour or so, we went to McDs for dinner...

Aug 19th - relaxing at home with his soon to be new mommy!
Aug 19th - finding out he's a GOOD eater...lolAug 20th - morning playtime

Aug 21st - The papers are signed and this little man is ALL MINE!!!

Another surgery for D

2009-08-07T16:24:00.002-05:00

D had surgery today to get tubes put in his ears, plus examine his sinuses. It ended up also being partly an adenoidectomy, as the doc found some adenoid tissue still in there, so he cauterized it.

D before the surgery...such innocence...

Sleeping off the drugs, and drooling all over the place...

He kept saying he was gona "frow up", so he had the trashcan in his lap, as i went over to take a pic of him, he nodded off into it. Hilarious!

Dinner with sweet friends!

2009-07-31T01:00:00.001-05:00

This evening we joined our friends Amanda and her two beautiful girls for dinner at Chilis! Just had to show pics!

Such a cute outfit!!

D loves his future sis in law!

Someday Miss Thang on the left will be my daughter in law...I can't wait!

Beauties!

A bday celebration at my grandma's

2009-07-12T16:24:00.001-05:00

Today we met up with my grandma, two aunts, and brother for lunch to celebrate my upcoming birthday. We ate at a place in Oak Cliff called La Calla Doce. The food...was EXCELLENT! Then we headed back to gmas for homemade carrot cake. I got to blow out candles...lol

My sweet boy and I

3 candles, one for each decade...that's right, its the big 3-0 comin up!

Whoosh.

Patiently awaiting is piece of the carrotcake...that he only ate the icing off of...lol

An owie for D

2009-07-09T23:59:00.002-05:00

Poor guy...he fell on the carpet (according to him) at school and really caused himself quite an ouchie. :( Nice lil rug burn there...

Happy July 4th!!!

2009-07-04T22:51:00.001-05:00

Well due to unforeseen circumstances, we ended up not going OOT to the lake for a family reunion and had to stay in Dallas today. True to D and I's form, we made it worth it!

This evening for dinner we joined our friends Teresa and her fam at SNUFFER'S! I have not had a decent burger in forever, and we chowed our way through a burger and fried pickles. lol Not very diet-like but I worked it out.

Then we joined Amanda, her DH, Stacy and all the kiddos for some playtime at Bob Woodruff and then fireworks! It was a great evening!

Silly boy waiting on some food

The obligatory pic of me and my boy (I've really been trying this year to ASK people to take pics of us, I don't want regrets later even though I hate the pics. You guys only get to see the half decent ones)

Thanks for joining us, Teresa and fam! We had a great time!

Look who I got to get my hands on out at Bob Woodruff!!

I *heart* these kiddos...

Sweet sisters...

D and his girl...bout to watch some fireworks...

Waiting...waiting, oh so patiently...

Fireworks! And my camera sucks so no good pics of those!!

KaBOOM Town!

2009-07-04T00:01:00.005-05:00

I think we've figured out how to avoid the worst of Kaboom Town. Thanks to our friend Krisinda showing us exactly where to park, and then some pure dumb luck, our friends Jenn, her daughter, and D and I were able to have a few relaxing hours and then see some of the best fireworks around in Addison (AND get out of there pretty quickly!!!)

We let the kids play in the water abit, but we already knew we weren't spending money on food or bounce houses, so we wandered over to Addison Circle to see if we could find a restaurant to chill out in. Turns out, Greenz has a slightly raised patio overlooking foot traffic. We camped out there for 2 hours, sipping on drinks (the NONalcoholic ones...lol). Our other friends Chera, her DH and her daughter ended up joining us for a bit and the kids had a ball performing for people passing by. So uuuhhh I apologize if you got heckled by a half nekkid 5 year old on a patio!

Jenn and her beautiful, SUPER sweet daughter (this kiddo has such an awesome heart for God, she's so sincere, just an absolute joy to be around, you can tell her momma is raising her up right!)

D was telling her "come hereeeeeee"

My beautiful boy...half nekkid. A summer night on the patio just isn't the same fully clothed lol

Back story on this pic...they'd been playing "tag" the whole time at IKEA and this evening. I asked them to stand together for the pic and hold off on the tagging til I took the pic. She's just WAITING for me to take it so she can tag him and take off!! lol

Look who joined us!!!
"What?" Heckling pedestrians...
Me and my sweet boy, watching some fireworks.

Celebrate Freedom 2009

2009-06-28T00:53:00.004-05:00

It was quite a long day for D and I! We were up at 5am to be walking at 6am. He got a bit of a nap and then we hit up Celebrate Freedom this evening for some fun, music, and food! It was so freakin hot out there but we had a great time! The line up was AWESOME. We got to see Newsboys, Mark Shultz, Kirk Franklin, and Jeremy Camp! A bunch of favorites, all in one place...it couldn't have gotten any better.

First up, bounce houses!

Me and my boy
Our friends, Stacy and her kiddos
Bout to try out some golf...
The kids loved the petting zoo
I don't wanna make a "crack" about two "@$$es", and the picture really speaks for itself...so I won't...lol
"MOM, REALLY? An umbrella in my hair? Can I not down my snocone in peace??"
The closest thing to "drank" you can get at Celebrate Freedom...a margarita flavored sno cone!
Silly boy
Abit later, we met up with Beth and her family to finish out the evening with all the great music and worship. I had contemplated not going for quite a few reasons, and was really glad I did. It was def an experience I really needed.

A Chera Sneak Peek!!

2009-06-23T07:56:00.002-05:00

The awesome Chera has done it again! We had a photo session on D's birthday and here's the sneak peek! The super cute beanie is courtesy of Beanies By Stacie.

D's birthday weekend!

2009-06-21T21:41:00.001-05:00

Happy happy birthday to my sweet boy! He turned 5 years old and has the attitude to match it! HAH! We had one crazy busy weekend, but it was awesome. We surprised my dad with a trip to OKC for Fathers Day, spent the day hanging out at their house on Saturday. Then this morning we got up and walked 5 miles for our training (thanks for joining us, Liz!), then headed home after a YUMMY breakfast. D had Chera pics this evening, and then we hit up Magic Time Machine for a 2.5 hour dinner. D has absolutely just been in HEAVEN this weekend. Here's pics!

June 20, 2009 - Saturday

Filling up the pool that Liz got him at Grandpa's house

Splash down with a little help from Grandpa!

More help from Uncle Chris!

Tryin his hardest to get in the hammock, he only flipped it once or twice...lol

Whew, made it!

He and Molly are runnin buddies...

Showin off

D, along with Liz and his aunt Stefanie made cupcakes!

He was so proud...

3 Generations (my bro, D, and my dad)

June 21st, 2009 - Sunday - D's birthday!

An evening at Magic Time Machine!

Both kiddos got "Magic Potions"

Watching the magician

D was enthralled with our waitress, Tinkerbell, he kept calling her name!

She SO wanted this picture!!

And of course, she gets to hold Baby C!

Silly kids...

Blow that candle out, baby! (D was very concerned about the chocolate, he thinks it will make him sick (LOL its supposed to be limited on his meds, and I don't correct him), but I told him it can't make you sick on your birthday, and let him eat it tonite anyway...lol)

D's Birthday Pool Party!

2009-06-19T23:11:00.001-05:00

Tonite we hit up Jack Carter pool for some fun times with some great friends to celebrate D's birthday, which is in *gasp* two days!! Thanks ladies for coming!!

D is ready to PARTY

Workin it out

Hi Giovanna!

A quick drink break

Little man E

The most AWESOME cake that Beth made!!

A sneak attack...

Silly boy

M is off and runnin...

Look at that sweet boy!!!

D was so excited that his TEEDY made it!

Splish Splash

Splashin around with B

I think she had an owie, hence the sad face :(

B in a speedo

Yummmy grapes!

She's so gorgeous!

This little man did NOT want me getting his pic! HAHAHA I caught him though!

Waitin on the cake!

Sleepy boy watchin Miss Beth light the candle...

Andddddddddd blowing it outttttttttt...

A bday celebration and splashground fun

2009-06-14T20:57:00.000-05:00

So today we celebrated D's birthday (not til next Sunday, the 21st) at my grandma's house. They got an ice cream cake from Marble Slab, it was so good!!! (Yes, I noticed the "Dee" instead of "D", they don't like that I spell it just "D" as a nickname...oy...I'm letting that one go.) After that, we joined our friends Kristin and her two boys for some splashground fun! It was HOT outside though, we only stayed about 45 min or so. The boys enjoyed it, despite the older boys there who were throwing freakin water bottles around! Ugggh.

Love some cake!

My aunt got D a big firetruck! He got one of his fave movies too, Madagascar 2!

Off to the splashground!

Stephanie's Day and cheerleaders

2009-06-13T14:31:00.003-05:00

So, today we hit up a special event at Northpark Mall called "Stephanie's Day". It's all about and for special needs kids. There were lots of booths set up with information, plus face painting, and D's all time favorite, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and the Dallas Mavs Dancers. He was just in HEAVEN. They also had some music therapy going which I let D get in and do. He was really staying on the beat!! It was awesome!

Little P.I.M.P.

Gettin down with the music!

D has crabs!

2009-06-06T15:24:00.003-05:00

Hahaha...I got D his early birthday gift today, 2 hermit crabs!! We still need to get a bigger habitat for them but for now it works for us. He's so excited and gets all jazzed up when they start moving around...lol

These are his first (and probably ONLY) pets!!

He named this one Carlo.
And this one Honey. No idea why, but its what he wanted!

Bye Bye Barron and Pre-K...

2009-06-04T22:06:00.003-05:00

Today was the last day of school for the year at Barron where D has been going this past year and a half. It was such an awesome school for him and he has grown SO MUCH while there!!! I can't believe its over! *sniff* Mommy is definitely all sappy over it. My little boy is going on to kindergarten now. Anyway, I went up there today and took a healthyish snack for the kiddos and also got a couple of pics. Here is the pic of D and his teacher. We loved her!! The hat he is rocking was made just for him since we celebrated his summer birthday today as well.

Memorial Day Fountain Fun!

2009-05-25T20:43:00.001-05:00

Today we joined our friends Beth and her boys to hit up the Addison Fountains for Memorial Day! We had so much fun and D and B passed OUT in the car on the way home. After that we went swimming for 2 hours at Oak Point. It was such a fun day!!!

Jump!

Ok what IS it with little boys and water up the wazoo?? Errr, DOWN the wazoo...lol

Beautiful DAM chicks...and me...no, I kid I kid, 3 beautiful DAM chicks...

A pensive moment

Before more jumping

And more down the wazooing...

Awww I think my sweet boy is getting SLEEPY...

Nah, now he wants to moon us...

The requisite annual under the waterfall pic...

Some tuckered out little boys...

M never fell asleep...lol "Can you take a pic of me, Miss Grandy?" He's so cute...

And a close up of that sweet boy...

This is what happens...

2009-05-24T20:34:00.000-05:00

When you give two chicks a camera and tell em to take pics...lol

The Red Nose Run 5K!

2009-05-23T19:38:00.001-05:00

Today, some other DAM mom friends Jamie and Casey, and I hit up the Red Nose Run 5K. It was hosted by the circus and was a lot of fun! They had lots of family entertainment: face painting, Chuck E Cheese, clowns, etc and all our kiddos had a blast! D was strollered of course but we all finished the race in less than an hour! Well, I did 58.5 minutes...lol but close enough.

D enthralled by Chuck E Cheese

DAM chicks...

Silly clowns!

Face painting! Sweet J and her pretty princess face.

P.I.M.P. and his fire eyes...

Them chillins...

D was so proud of his oddlooking Nemo...lol

An after race early lunch at IHOP! I love my sweet boy, he was SO good today!

A day trip to Wichita falls

2009-05-18T00:12:00.003-05:00

Today Beth, the 3 boys, and I took a roadtrip up to Wichita Falls to see another DAMmer! Yes, 3 boys cooped up in a car was wearing...lol but I think they did pretty good overall, we had no major incidents, no major injuries to report (some skinned knees and elbows), all in all it was a fun trip! I'm exhausted as all get out though, and crazy sore! We walked a trail out there, which was about 3.4 miles roundtrip. It took us about an hour and 40 minutes all total, including a few photops, etc. Check out the pics for the bit of drama we did have! I don't have just a ton of em, but I know Abbie and Beth both got some good ones too...here are mine from the day...

Off to our picnic, and the boys have to carry the cooler. They had some issues at first...

But after a few struggles and some extra help, they figured out teamwork and got it across the field. Way to go, guys!

Mmmmm lunch!

The weather was gorgeous for being outside, despite the bird-sized mosquitos we fought off!

Abbie and her lil man...

LOL I had to include this one, I think its a cute pic!

Hi B! He looks a bit disgruntled...

Abbie's little princess...isn't she just BEAUTIFUL???

Off to feed the ducks...

Chunking bread...I think we accidently nailed a few of em...lol

A was feeding a lone duck...and unbeknownst to us at the time of this pic...there was something lurking on the other side of that bridge...

Hi D! (though you almost can't see him with the shadows...lol sorry...)

Beth spotted the silent guest first...

A huge water moccasin!

Yay, Animal Control is on the scene!

Ummm whatcha doin there, Beth?

That's your boy, Beth...lol (Animal Control called for back up so we waited some more)

Yay...threat neutralized...the world is a safer place for ducks and kids...lol

Off to a trail walk...can anyone guess who Beth is supposed to be??

This was a pretty pagoda!

Me and my boy...who was acting silly and either wouldn't look at the camera or was looking away...

Beth being brave...

The boys on the bridge...I did NOT venture out on it...

Beth, Abbie and me...

A no-sunglasses version...lol

Don't be fooled by the precious innocence look...shortly after this he had a major meltdown from needing a nap...sorry to rat ya out there, D...lol

We ended half our walk at the falls...

D had his huge meltdown after this so no more pics til we got back to Abbie's house. D took a 30 minute (maybe a little less) nap and woke up refreshed enough that we were good...so we hung out and played a bit before meeting Beth's SIL for dinner and then getting back on the road to head home. We made it home about 11pm and D was still awake! He's gonna be exhausted today! A few final pics from Abbie's house...

Sweet B...look at those eyes!

I have no words for this one...lol

Our DAM DITL - a 5K and more!

2009-05-16T21:03:00.001-05:00

Today is our Day In The Life for DAM. We had quite the busy day planned.

This was D when I went in to check on him...lol

He's awake but not super happy...

Ok all dressed and ready to go!

Let's DO this 5K, momma! Yes I know his 5K shirt is too big...lol

Singing to Mandisa in the car

Yeah we were a little rained out. It was also a bike rally, and those were some diehard bikers!!

So we did our breakfast splurge first!!!

And our friend Teresa with her DH and lil man J joined us, hi, J!

Mmmm sausage!

I got the bacon temptation omelette..and no, I could not finish it...oy! I was so sick later...lol

Oh yeah and hashbrowns...eeek

There's Teresa helping J with some syrup

D got really drowsy really fast after he cleaned his plate!

And passed out in the car on the way to the Galleria.

Silly boy, ready for a walk!! Instead of the outside 5K...we decided to do some mall walking...

A quick water break

And we did it! Actually a tad more than a 5K...we did 3.4 miles in an hour flat. Go us!

J didn't make it the whole way...

Back at home and time for naps!

Then D played quietly for a bit this afternoon...

And a snack of strawberry newtons before heading to church!

No pics from at church, but afterward we met my friend for some yummy Souper Salad! Hi, Teedy! (Thats what D calls her)

Kristen, D, and me

Back at home and almost time for bed, its storytime!

And finally, D is in the bed... night night DAM!!!

A Mother's Day with the Butterflies

2009-05-10T16:35:00.001-05:00

I'd say Happy Mothers Day but really it was just a typical day for us, with one exception. Because D was up early as usual, I decided to take us out for breakfast. Nothing special, we hit up Dennys for Jr Grand Slams (cause they are only 400 cals...lol). Then we met up with some friends and went to the Butterfly Exhibit, and came home. Enjoy the pics!

D being silly at Dennys...

Yeah, I got him a rocket cup...

Off to the butterflies! This is actually a DAM'ers DH, but I thought it was a funny pic, she knows I took it...

Theres that pinky...

"I got one, mama!" He made me get the glasses "so the butterflies won't get in my eyes!"

Amanda and her girls joined us! This is the only pic we got though because Isabelle did NOT like the butterflies and was freakin out, so we left.

I let D get his face painted...

Sweet Isabelle...

Me and my boy...yes, I'm sunburnt from yesterday...and yes, D chose pink...lol

Taste Addison

2009-05-09T21:04:00.001-05:00

Today we hit up Taste Addison with my friend Casey, her son M and her nephew Z. We had a great time and left exhausted!

The boys ready to go...

First stop...bungee jumping!

D LOVES this one...

After a late lunch, we walked around checking things out...the boys found this photop...first up, is D!

There's M...

And finally, Z, chillin in his glasses...

Then we found the Vlasic pickle guy (D walked up to him, "hey Vlasic dude!" LOL)

And more photops..

Then we stripped down the boys for some fountain fun! The first fountain play of the season for D!

Me and Casey, check out her stunning Mario hat...lol

The boys got to try their hand at football...

D didn't get it in at ALL...lol

Casey looks WAY too excited to go on the ferris wheel with the boys...

D was waving goodbye

And freaked me out when he peeked over the side while way up high...

M and Z tried their hand at fishing...

And there was an impromptu jam session...LOL there was loud music playing and they all liked the song...

Sweet boys...

They had been BEGGING for ice cream...so we got em some...

D found a cellphone!

Then I let him get his face painted...what a cool pic!

He thought he was too cool...

And now he's just showing off...we left shortly after, tired and happy...

Our new fave playarea!

2009-05-06T19:49:00.002-05:00

We hit up the new Village at Allen play area this past Monday and loved it!!! Its fully gated, and even has a maze. All the little buildings are just adorable!

D pumping some gas

At the bank...gon get some money!

Tickets please!!

Hey! Where my money!

M's pumping gas now

Playing with camera settings...lol

Such a poser...

More camera settings

I see you, D!!! Peeking over the maze, he was lost!

Found you!

Its Beth!

Sweet boys...

Gazing into the fire...wondering what he can get into...

And short jaunt to TRU to check out the new rides...

Happy birthday, Brian!

2009-04-19T21:03:00.002-05:00

Today we went to a birthday party for one of D's littlest buddies...we had fun! Here are some pics from that, you can see the rest of the pics at Beth's blog.

The birthday boy!

Cheesin...

The backstory to this picture: Brian had just been busted a few min before it for getting into his mommy's makeup. D was asking him "did you get into Miss Bef's makeup???" Notice the hand on the hip, and Brian looking admonished...hilarious!!

Such a cute (and tasty!) cake!

How to dangle...

2009-04-16T20:48:00.004-05:00

So D started out figuring THIS out...

And finally...he's dangling!! My big boy figured out all by himself how to hook his feet up on the monkey bars and then brace them so he could hang upside down!!! I'm so proud of him although I will admit, my heart was totally in my throat the whole time. I just KNEW he was gonna crack his head open, but he didn't fall even once! WOW!

Beth and I let the boys ride their bikes to the park to get some playtime in. Here's the rest of the pics!

D pedaling away

Just hanging around...

Hangin tough....

Look at him hang!

Easter weekend 2009

2009-04-12T15:41:00.001-05:00

This weekend we headed to our family's lake house in East Texas. We were fortunate that Saturday was a gorgeous day so we took full advantage of it! Sunday it just rained all day so we headed home shortly after lunch. It was a fun weekend! Here are some pics from our day outside on Saturday...

D about to draw with chalk

While the rest of us played soccer

Then he decided to pull his wagon around awhile

Uh oh he found the Bubble Blaster!

Bubblessssss

Our view of the lake from the porch

I walked him down to the pier for abit, tooooooooo cool to go in the water though!

We busted out the frisbee for abit (that's my aunt Carol)

After playtime, D, my brother, and I headed to the cemetery where my grandad is buried to visit his grave, while my two aunts hid eggs in the yard for an Easter egg hunt for D. I hadn't been to see my grandad in almost a year, and badly wanted to go.

This is the little church that my grandma grew up in, and where the cemetery is. We have family plots out there.

Back to the house and D's ready to find some eggs.

He was quite proud of all his loot!

The BIG egg he found had a new matchbox car in it, he held on to that thing ALL weekend!

After this, we busted out a kite that I brought. It was quite a windy day so it flew nicely!

D had a great time flying it!

Our actual bluebonnet pics...

2009-04-06T20:44:00.002-05:00

So now that the bluebonnets are just gorgeous and thick and allllll over the place in the field we go to, we went back out this evening! Of course, its freakin COLD outside, but somehow we managed to get some decent ones.

Build a Bear and an afternoon at the lake

2009-04-05T01:23:00.001-05:00

Today was quite a fun day! We hit up Firewheel and browsed around. I did take D into Build A Bear to make one. He LOVES doing that! And then we hit up a park at Lake Ray Hubbard to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. We basically ran our bootys off all day!

D showing off his new police bear! He's really been into police lately plus my dad is a policeman so I knew he'd love it...

D posin at the lake

LOVE this pic...he was running after my brother to keep up with him...

Caught unawares

Having a pensive moment alone

And on to singing...lol

My bro helping D across the rocks

Mommy, we're throwing rocks!

Yup, they were...my bro was skipping them, D was...well...just throwing em...lol

The Good Choice Chain

2009-03-31T18:57:00.002-05:00

I took D back to the ENT today, as he STILL has that nasty smelling nose. The ENT said its still crusty where his adenoids were, so thats taking its time healing. Where his tonsils were looks really good he said. He also said that D's adenoids were HUGE when he took them out, so it could be taking longer to heal. We're supposed to give it another few weeks to heal and I am NOT supposed to flush his nose out...OOPS! lol Oh well...

Now that you got the update, I have to share my idea. It worked great! This ENT's office is SO hard on D. Its very quiet in there, which drives him NUTS, understandably. The last two times we went, were rough. The last time we went there, I had to drag him out of the office into the hallway screaming TWICE for a talk and calm down time, he just could not hold it together. (This also included bringing small toys for him and a coloring book. They didn't last long). So this time, I tried to prepare more behaviorally. Before we went in, I gave D an old lanyard that I had in my purse (a keychain), and added 3 old grocery store cards that you put on keychains. I told him these were HIS cards, and this was his Good Choice Chain. With each infraction, he'd get a card taken off it. If he lost all 3, he lost the chain AND his sucker at the end of the visit, unless he earned it back. Two other rules for it: if he fought me, when it was time to take one off, he automatically lost all 3, and if he took off the lanyard, he lost all three (in hopes, he wouldn't take it off and throw it if he lost one...lol).

It worked well for the first time using it! He did end up losing all 3 (the wait was quite long in the waiting room), and started crying. I gave him a chance to earn them back by not talking at all and sitting completely still until they called his name (which I had a feeling was coming soon as we were the only ones left in the waiting room), so I knew it'd be an easy victory for him. He did great, earned em back, and was so proud of himself the rest of the time that I had no problems from him. So...YAY! A success. And yes, he got the sucker on the way out the door...lol

As soon as we got to the car, I got it back from him and told him it was just for visits like that (we do tend to have a lot of doc visits, between regular doc, ENT, neurologist, etc) so I now have something special to pull out for when I really need him to make happy choices.

D and his "guns"

2009-03-26T08:24:00.001-05:00

D was showing me his "guns" this morning and I just had to snap a pic of it. He's quite proud of them...lol

The Wink

2009-03-25T18:29:00.001-05:00

So D has developed a new flirting technique...sheesh. Like the kiddo NEEDS any more flirt in him. Anyway I couldn't resist gettin some kind of pic. Ignore the dirty face please...lol we had just gotten home. What girl could resist this??? Yikes, I'm in trouble when he becomes a teenager!

Phase One of my backyard revamp begins...

2009-03-20T20:01:00.001-05:00

Here is our backyard. Awful, huh? Well keep an eye out here...its about to get better. I'm starting a minor revamp project to get it looking like a kid's backyard. This is gonna take some work!!! If you have any ideas, please feel free to comment!

The view from our back gate (the carport is on the other side of the fence on the left, the backdoor of our house is on the right)

The back gate (which is where I was standing to take the above pic), this pic was taken from the back door...this area always floods when it rains hard which makes it quite annoying to leave the house!!!

Another view from the backdoor, just to the right of the above pic

A closer look (I had just dumped out the nasty rain water that had collected in the swimming pool, its drying out right now and I want to rig it so I can hang it on the fence), you can kinda see it but its mainly rock dirt

Another view from the back door

A view of the back door on left and backgate on right (you can see the gap from backdoor to backgate, and I wish I could figure a way to put a cover over that so we don't get rained on going to the carport (which is outside the backgate) Most of the area on the right floods during hard rain, any ideas for that?

First bluebonnet pics of the year!

2009-03-17T20:42:00.002-05:00

Yesterday on the way to dinner, I passed the field where we did bluebonnet pics last year, and I saw some blue scattered over it. Bluebonnets are here!!! This was my first sighting of them this year and I was so excited. They aren't super thick yet but are most definitely there. So today I made sure I had D's spring-ish shirt with us and we went by there on the way home. He also got a fresh haircut yesterday, so was looking quite dapper. We will probably go back in a few weeks once they thicken up and get some better shots, but I had to share these. OH and please ignore the ashy knees...lol I'd just picked him up from school, I'll make sure to bring lotion next time!

A day at the zoo!

2009-03-15T20:58:00.001-05:00

Today we joined up with another DAM mommy, Tracey, and her little boy, Z, and headed to the zoo! We walked there for 3 hours but it was a perfect day for it. It was kinda cloudy, sunny towards the end, and a bit brisk but just right. The boys had such a fun time!!

Checking out the penguins

Then we hit up the gorillas, and got super lucky!!! The 3 females were in the viewing area, and were quite active! I wish I'd been able to get a picture of one of them running to hit the glass and startle people. It was pretty interesting to see. Usually the trainer goes in there with them at the same time we were there, but since one of the females had been trying to take the lead of the group lately, there had been lots more aggression, so the trainers joined us in the viewing area instead to answer questions.

Monkeybutt...lol

This is the 18year old female trying to take the lead from the 57 year old female...not happening, kiddo...

D riding the crocodile

A wizened old chimpanzee

The boys checking out the flamingoes

Huge paws! We did get to see the tiger some, but it was too difficult to get a picture...

The boys charging up the steep hill

Silly roo...

A huge tank of huge fish...

Mary had a little...well...you know...

Ride em cowboy...

My sweet handsome boy and the tiger he got today as a treat for being such an awesome kid

A morning at the Children's Museum

2009-03-14T20:34:00.001-05:00

This morning, Teresa and I took the boys to the children's museum. We didn't stay with Teresa long as D was off and running, I just tried to keep up with him...LOL He had a great time though!!

Checking out the firetruck

Lil Digger

J's STRONG!

Big hand, lil hand...yes, that was my hand that did the print on the left...

I knew he'd find a computer...

Wanna ride the tractor, J?

Ride em cowboy!

Gathering eggs...

D and J rolling the balls around

My sweet boy posing

I knew he'd find the water table...

And something musical...

And of course, there's dress up!!! D loved the elephant costume!

Back to the fireman display...on a backboard...

My big digger

Becoming a spider!

I couldn't resist having him pose for this...

Back to being a fireman...but this time...gots to get the uniform on!

D and J playing fireman

Park fun with D

2009-03-07T15:09:00.002-06:00

I took D to the park today to get out the house. It was pretty windy, and he was tired and needing a nap so we didn't stay TOO long, maybe about an hour, but had a good time. He wasn't wearing the right shoes (it has wood chips there), so that didn't help. We walked down to the "lake" and saw all the ducks. D said "I don't like bird poop" (it was all over the area near the pier").

D's eyes

2009-03-03T23:15:00.002-06:00

We get compliments EVERY where we go, about D's eyes. Sometimes I really try to take pics that showcase those, because they are definitely beautiful. His foster mom said they were green at birth. I thought this pic showed em off a bit, this was taken two days after his surgery when we were mall walking for a minute (him in his stroller). Of course, it was taken with my iPhone so the quality isn't great but it does show em.

D's surgery

2009-02-24T13:11:00.002-06:00

D got his tonsils and adenoids out this morning. The surgery went well, I thought the staff at the hospital was very efficient and they were great with D.

Here's some pics I took...

D flashin some leg before surgery...lol

Sleeping off the drugs

Poor baby, you can see where he had cried some in pain :( But I had to giggle, that pinky was still in the air...

In the recovery room...this was the first of many zoned moments D had today...lol he's still quite loopy...and has fallen down a few times tryin to get off the couch and walk. :(

And another loopy look, looking at me like I'm crazy...

Silly boy

2009-02-22T23:53:00.003-06:00

I was in the bathroom this afternoon cleaning up, and I heard D talking to himself. Nothing big, just jabbering. I turned around to leave it, and saw how he was laying...lol silly kid was just laying there talking to himself. So I had to take a pic of it with my phone.

The start of D's big boy room!

2009-02-18T19:42:00.002-06:00

Well it only took me a month or two to figure out exactly what I wanted, but it came today!!! Thanks to a generous donation for a new dresser for D (thanks you guys!!!!), I was also able to include a new bed with it, and I bought him a new mattress. D's room before was STARK. It was an old mattress/boxspring on a frame, and a short stand for his air purifier. That was it. Well, and the curtains, which are still up for now ( I know they are too long, I'm working on that...lol). But now...he's getting a REAL ROOM!! Yay! I have big plans for wall art. I'm going to get canvas and paint and make paintings. Plus, he'll be getting new bedding here soon (hence why I didn't take pics of his old bedding on the bed). I'll post an update as we go!

Please ignore the spots, those are on my camera lense.

Hehehe testing it out...ahhhh comfort...

He's so proud!!!

Ten Reasons to Give Thanks for Your Child With Special Needs

2009-02-14T22:36:00.002-06:00

I found this here: http://specialchildren.about.com/od/needinspiration/tp/bethankful.htm#

1. You never have to worry about worrying over nothing.

Let other parents obsess over the frivolous and the shallow. Your child will make sure you always have something worthy to worry about.

2. Developmental delays = more years of hugs, kisses, and little-kid sweetness.

My 13-year-old still wants to sit in my lap, give me hugs, and tell me he loves me. What mom of a sullen teen doesn't secretly wish for the same?

3. Maybe someday, Ty Pennington will come build you a house.

Hey, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition loves families of children with special needs. Your little one may be your ticket to a lavish living space.

4. Any little milestone is a cause to throw a party.

Your child works hard for every step, sit-up and syllable, giving you lots to be excited about.

5. Every day is a learning experience.

Some days it's a pop quiz, some days it's a crash course, but life with your child is always an education, for sure.

6. You have the privilege of putting several doctors' children through college.

After paying for all those appointments, you may feel like a one-family scholarship foundation. Put your child's name on some letterhead and take pride.

7. You meet a better class of parent in waiting rooms and support groups.

Your child frees you from having to hang out with those snotty parents on the playground, and gives you entry into an exclusive club of people who are sensitive, sarcastic, and sure of their priorities.

8. You have an iron-clad escape excuse for any occasion.

You'd love to stay at that boring party, crowded event, endless church service, but, you know, your child just can't tolerate it. (And if sometimes it's you who can't tolerate it -- who's to know?)

9. Coming up with new strategies every day keeps your brain sharp.

They say doing crossword puzzles helps ward off Alzheimer's. Figuring out your child's schedules and treatments and lessons and rights and restrictions must easily provide twice the protection.

10. Your blessings will always be fully counted.

Other parents may take the gifts that their children bring for granted. Not you. Not ever.

RC car and my biker babe

2009-02-01T19:52:00.002-06:00

Today at my grandma's, my aunt brought over D's remote control car that stays at her house for these occasions. So we had a great time making D chase it around every where...lol I'm such a bad mommy! I did eventually let him take the controls for a bit but gosh he's a bad driver!!! Then later this afternoon, we met up with Beth and her family to let the boys practice their newly learned biking skills. I swear, D fell LITERALLY 20 times, because he gets too offbalance even with the training wheels, but overall I think he did great!! Although, homeboy did some scary feats, ran into the curb a few times, went offroading on accident...lol Good times...its a good thing I barely flench at some of the things he does...yikes...

Showing off his ride

LOL

Finally at the wheel...yeah not for long...

And we're off to bike. D made it up this big hill with only 3 small pushes from me!!! Go D!!!

You can see he's already offbalance here. I SO need to get some elbow/knee pads...oy...

Uhhh D, please watch where you are going...

Ice Day!!!

2009-01-28T19:51:00.000-06:00

We had a rare day off from work and school due to ice, and we sure enjoyed the day!

D outside sliding around

He fell twice and decided he was DONE...

So we hit up the Galleria with our friends Teresa and her little man J...I thought this pic turned out neat!!

The boys climbing and sliding

D decided he was tired...lol

How a 4 year old naps....

2009-01-28T13:11:00.002-06:00

And the truth comes out.