Back Tracking

I can't believe it's been over a month and a half since I last posted a blog. I have LOTS of catching up to do. I won't bore you with one EXTREMELY LONG post so I'm going to spread all our events over a few days of posts.
Last time I blogged we were about to head out on our family vacation to Galveston, Texas. We left here on June 13 and came back on June 19. We had a wonderful time at the beach. The girls had a blast playing on the beach in the sand and splashing in the water. I wondered how Macy would do because the last time we went to the beach she wasn't too fond of the sand getting on her feet. This time she was ALL ABOUT the sand and getting dirty. We built lots of sand castles, hunted for crabs, looked for sea shells, and took lots of long walks along the shore. The adults even played a game of touch football, soccer, and even a mean game of sand hopscotch. The football game turned a little rough. On one occasion I was rushing the quarterback (Kristie) and tripped and ended up tackling her. Then I was trying to touch tackle their 15 year old son who plays football and he jucked (sp) one way and headed the opposite way causing me to plant my foot in the sand and go down straight on my face. Not cool for this old crippled girl. We stayed up late every night playing cards/board games and slept till we woke up sometimes not until 11:00am. It was awesome. We had a blast.

Here's a glimpse of our vacation. Ready to vacation with us?

Macy helped make a lemon cake...It was SO yummy. We ate

NON STOP.

Macy and Kaleigh making the cake together. Kaleigh is our neighbors oldest daughter. Isn't she beautiful?

Our first day on the beach.

Macy being her normal SASSY self. This picture looks hazy but it's only because the camera had been in the house in the A/C and when I went outside it fogged up. It's still cute nonetheless.

Madeline and her best friend, Rachel, deciding to get in the water or not.

They can't take a picture without "posing".

Playing so nice in the water and sand together.

My happy family on the beach playing together.

One thing that we do every time we go to Galveston is ride the ferry. The kids look forward to feeding the seagulls bread on the back of the ferry. However, you have to be VERY careful. Imagine a TON of seagulls flying overhead, eating bread. You are bound to get some form of bodily bird fluid on you. Poor Mark (our neighbor) got it this trip.

Thanks for the good laugh Mark.

Here is what the ferry's look like.

Here's our "CREW" waiting to board the ferry.

Madeline and Rachel. They are like sisters.

Sweet Little Macy passed out in the car on the way to the ferry. We did wake her up once we were on board. She would have been so sad to have missed it.

Me and my mini me waiting. I love this picture of us. Even if I do have my sunglasses on.

Hubs and Macy right after we woke her up. She was so excited to see the hundreds of seagulls flying overhead.

Here they are feeding the birds.

What a nice looking family.

There is one mini golf place on the island and I think the kids and the hubby's went there 3-4 times. It was cheap entertainment and it took them a couple of hours to play. It was a couple hours that me and Kristie had alone on the beach soaking up the suns rays. There was only a few minor incidents while they played. One trip Macy got mad and THREW her club (she takes after her daddy) and on another trip Rachel smacked Madeline in the eye with her club. HA! All in all they had a blast.

Madeline putting on the last hole.

This is the first hole and this ant squirts water out of it's mouth. When I walked by it the first time it scared me and I nearly broke my ankle when I jumped. HA!

Kaleigh and Colby (neighbors) acting their normal goofy teenage self's.

I loved this picture of Macy. Isn't she beautiful?

One thing we always try to do is have a "Date Night" with NO KIDS. This time we chose to go to Kemah. Kemah is a boardwalk with shopping, tons of restaurants, entertainment, and rides. They have an aquarium too. It's a nice place to go for a few hours and just walk around especially with no kids in tow. Last year when we came we brought the kids and had a blast but it was nice to enjoy it with just adults. Thanks to Kaleigh for watching the kids.

Dressed up and ready to go out for the night.

With our best friends/neighbors, Mark and Kristie. These two are truly GOD SENDS. I can't imagine my life without the two of them in it. I never want to move because if I do I'd have to bring them with me. We love them.

In Kemah

You never know when you might run into Spongebob.

He tried to eat me. HA!

Look at this cutie......We always love trying on all the silly sunglasses in the surf shops. We get good laughs.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

This part of the post is the Before and After section. As you know, last year Galveston was hit by Hurricane Ike. I was still shocked at some of the devastation left from the storm. Enjoy the before and afters.

The beach house we stay in suffered quite a bit of damage on the bottom half and had already had some repairs done to it. Thankfully, nothing was damaged inside. However, the beach is now their backyard. See what a mean.

BEFORE:


This picture was taken from down on the beach. There once was about a 10 foot sea wall and about 200 yards (at least) to the beach from the house.


This is the bridge that took you down to the beach.


AFTER:


There is still a lot of work that needs to be done to the house and you can see that the beach is right up to the house.

This is a pier that was right off the sea wall.

BEFORE:



AFTER:

It is no longer there. Instead this is what it looks like.

Here are just some pictures of some of the damage that is still waiting to be repaired.

This is the house right next to the house we stay in. It looks A LOT worse in person but you can still see a lot of the damage it sustained.

This is the new Murdocks. The last was just as big and GONE. AMAZING!

Another popular place on the east end of the island. On Stewart Beach.

This is the famous Flagship hotel. It has been there a long time.

Can you see in the top left the bed and mirror?

Here's a truck stuck on a fishing pier.

It's just amazing how much damage water can do. It's scary to think what those people were going through. Thankfully it wasn't worse than it was.

I leave you with our group effort of making a sand castle.

Thanks for sticking with me. We have been so busy but I need to take the time to update more. Next update will be about our 4th of July and there will be a post you won't want to miss. It just shows how GREAT our GOD is. Stay tuned.

Water Day, Kindergarten Graduation, Last Day of School, and A Surgery

(Warning-This post will contain A LOT of pictures)

The title says it all. Those are the things we have been busy with since I last updated. I have been HORRIBLE about updating on here. I never have the time or the WANT to sit at the computer and put into words what has been going on. However, I want these memories on "paper". I'm hoping that during the summer (even though we are EXTREMELY busy) I will update more frequently. So lets get started.



The end of May brought what Madeline said, "Was ONE of her favorite days of Kindergarten." It was water day. Being the homeroom mom for her class, there was A LOT of planning and organizing to make this day such a success for the kids. They all had a blast. We had 10 different stations that the kids spent 10 minutes at. We had shaving cream , a sprinkler, bounce house with a big slide and pool, marble pool, watermelon seed spitting, water balloon race, slip n slide, sponge race, bubbles, Popsicles/sidewalk chalk. I think the two favorites were the shaving cream and the bounce house. Here is Madeline having her fun.

Before leaving for school.

During the sponge race.

"Shaving" her legs. I told her not to get any ideas..HA!

Madeline and her good friend, Tyler, covered in shaving cream.

Madeline at the bottom of the water slide.

Water Balloon Race.

Sliding.

Wee... That is water day. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Next, we had Kindergarten Graduation. I can't believe she has already completed her first year of school. We were so blessed this year with Madeline's teacher. I prayed that she would have a Godly example and that is just what we got. She loved the kids and they all loved her. Madeline was sad to have to say goodbye to Mrs. Logsdon. Luckily, she goes to church with us and lives 3 blocks away. So we will still see her this summer. Madeline had all M's on her report card. Which means that she mastered everything she was supposed to. She is already reading on a 1st grade level. The goal was for the kids to complete up to List 5 in sight words, Madeline ended the year on List 12. She has such a apt for learning. She really enjoys school. During the graduation they sang 3 precious songs and did a poem using the letters in kindergarten. They were all so cute. Look how grown up she looked on her special day.

Before heading to Graduation.

Me with the Graduate and the little sister.

Madeline's picture on the slide show.

Standing so straight and proud.

I told her to smile up on stage and she did.

She had a speaking part during the graduation and she did SO GOOD. Standing in front of a LARGE group of people speaking is not her thing.

Receiving her diploma.

The GRADUATE.

Our family.

This isn't the best video. I couldn't get it to turn upright. It's cute regardless. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Wednesday, June 3rd was the last day of school. Madeline was sad to say goodbye to her friends and Mrs. Logsdon but SO EXCITED for summer. I decided it would be cute for Madeline to wear to school on the last day what she wore on the first day. The clothes fit a little tighter than they did the first day but it was so fun to compare how much she has changed in the past 9 months. What do you think? Can you tell which one is the first day and which one is the last?

Which one is the first day and which one is the last day?

Do you know yet?

If you guessed the first picture is the last day, you are..........................

CORRECT!!

She has changed some. Don't you think? She looks a lot older to me. When people tell you to enjoy your little ones because they grow up right underneath you, they are SO RIGHT. These first 6 years have flown. When they announced that Madeline's class will be the Graduating class of 2021 we kinda chuckled because that seems like FOREVER a way. I know it will be here before we know it. Summer has BEGAN!! _____________________________________________________________________________________ Now, for the not so fun part. Surgery. Macy had surgery on Monday, June 1st. She had a SECOND set of tubes put in and her adenoids taken out. She did FANTASTIC. I was really dreading the surgery, mainly because of the recovery room. Last time, she was very inconsolable, angry, and frustrated. All that is normal for a child coming out of anesthesia. It's confusing and hard for them. This time however, Macy did great. She cried a little but was very easily consoled. We got there at about 6:15 and checked in. A little before 7:00 they called us back to get her hooked to a heart monitor, ask a million health questions, and get her dressed in her space gown. After a little bit, they brought in her "giggle juice". She was pretty funny. They give that to them so that when the time comes to be taken away from me she doesn't really care. They took us to the waiting room and about 20 minutes later the doctor came out and said everything went very well. Another 20 minutes and we were in the recovery room with her. After about 30-45 minutes, some apple juice, a cup of water, and 1 rainbow Popsicle she was ready to go. She wanted to be taken to the car in the wagon. Macy thought that was very cool.

Being taken to surgery. No Worries (from her). Momma was a nervous wreck.

A wagon ride to the car.

Recovering at home with her friends. A funny video of Macy on "giggle Juice" Excuse our voices in the background.


Now you are caught up on what has been going on in our household. We are enjoying the pool and having no schedules. We have a vacation coming up so that will probably be the next post...until then.

The reason he WON....

How many of you are American Idol watchers? I have to admit, I didn't watch it this season like I have in the past. I watched a lot of it and was VERY impressed with many of the contestants. Kris being a favorite from the beginning. I must admit though I was SHOCKED when he won Wed. night. Adam seemed to be the "favorite" among the judges, fans, etc. In the end, the best pulled it off and won the title AMERICAN IDOL. I can't be happier for a child of GOD to represent America with his talent and music. Here is a reason he is the winner.....He represents the Christian faith...

Watch Here

He is so talented and I know his future in music and entertaining will take him far.

WAY TO GO KRIS!!!

Busy busy busy...

We have been busy and sick around our house the past two weeks. Between Macy being sick, Madeline catching it, and then myself we have been taking turns taking medicine and lying around. Thankfully, we are all FINALLY feeling better. I took Macy to see the ENT specialist about her third ear infection since the end of January. After looking at her, she decided that she needed surgery. June 1st, Macy will be having her SECOND set of tubes put in and her adenoids taken out as well. Hopefully this will solve all her ear infection problems. I will definitely be recording Macy this time when they give her the "loopy" medicine. Last time she was SO FUNNY. We laughed so hard at her. See this post for her first experience. I just pray that everything goes smoothly and that coming off the anesthesia will be much easier this time on all of us. That's the hardest part. Please be in prayer for us all on that day.

The end of May is a busy one for us. As the homeroom mom for Madeline's class I will be planning her big end of the year party which the kindergartners do a HUGE water day. Then will be graduation day, June 2nd. I will record it and post it on here of her big day for you all to see. I still can't believe she is completing her first year of school. I don't know what I'll do next year when she is in school ALL DAY! Sunday was senior recognition day at our church and during the announcement of all the seniors Hubs leaned over and whispered, "That's going to be Madeline up there before we know it." Sad to say, but it is true. They grow so unbelievably fast.

Speaking of growing fast....look at this "little" guy.

It's hard to get a picture of him because he is NEVER still long enough. He is an absolute COMPLETE MESS. He's wild, crazy, into EVERYTHING, plays non-stop, barks DEEP and LOUD, wants to "rough house", and adores Riley. I'll just be glad when he is out of this puppy stage. HA! I know, I still have a LONG TIME. He is having surgery next month (neutered) maybe that will help some. I can wish right?

We are planning on staying home this Memorial weekend and getting things done around the house that need to be done (staining the swing set, working my flowerbeds, painting the kitchen, etc). Sounds like a lot of fun huh? If any of you are bored and want to come help, we offer ANY and ALL the help we can get.

I leave you with a few pictures of my sweet Macy from her birthday.

Showing me how old she is turning.

Birthday Girl...

Look at her eyelashes...I want them.

Have a great week and enjoy the BEAUTIFUL weather we are supposed to have this week.

Today she is 3!!

It's hard for me to believe that my BABY is turning THREE today. The past three years have flown and she is turning into such a little girl. It's so funny to see the difference between her and Madeline. They are complete opposites. On this day three years ago she looked like..................

and now



Macy is a smart, ENERGETIC, drama filled, strong willed, independent, loving, charming, likes to have fun, loves bothering her big sister, and makes her mommy and daddy very proud.

I can't imagine what my life would be like without her being apart of it. She has completed our family and makes us laugh daily.

We love you sweet Mae Mae and hope you have a wonderful 3rd birthday....

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

One angry child.

If you read the post below, then you know that sweet Macy has not been feeling well. Poor thing is not sleeping well at night, she's coughing, and just feels crummy off and on most all day. Now, add into the mix she's on a steroid that makes her irritable....


See what I mean.........................

MAD!!

MADDER!!!

I'M DONE!!!


If you could only hear the screaming and crying that took place while I took these pictures. Is it mean of me to be taking pictures while my poor sweet baby girl is struggling, wheezing, and crouping? I already know the answer to that...... YES!! I know, I'm a horrible mother who apparently like to take pictures of her helpless child (not really). However, I wanted you (mainly my family) to see what I've been dealing with for 4 days now. You all know how strong willed she already is. Add in that medicine and we have PROBLEMS!! I pray that in another day she will be feeling MUCH better....For both of our sakes.
I'm sorry sweet baby girl.

Please pray that she gets better soon and that none of us catch it.

Illness be GONE!!

Conveniently, Friday evening about 5:00 little Macy comes to me and says, "Mommy my head hurts and my throat hurts like Dawsons did (a little boy in her class at MDO)." I feel her head and she does feel to be running a little bit of a fever. I go get the handy dandy thermometer and take her temp which was 100.8. I go search for the Children's Motirn and can't find ANY. What mom of young children doesn't have motrin on hand at ALL TIMES. Apparently, ME! I call Hubs who is on his way home from work and ask him to stop and get some for me.

Mighty dad shows up with the Magic potion that cures the fever for the next 4 hours. Sweet baby wakes up at 2:30am with a MASSIVE fever (103.2). I give her another dose and get her back to sleep. Saturday morning I wake up bright and EARLY to "web check in" for the Urgent Care clinic that opens at 8:00am. I get a call at 7:45 telling me that their doors open at 8:00 so to head that way. I get there a little before 8:00 and I am already the EIGHTH person in line with about 6 people behind me. WHOA!! We finally get in and see the doctor. After being there for TWO HOURS, a FLU test, a STREP test, and LOTS of waiting we get the diagnosis of Herpangina (viral infection in her throat). Nothing really you can do about it since it's viral. Oh, both Flu and strep came back negative. She felt pretty good until her fever would spike and then she'd lay around until the motrin broke it and then she was back to being herself.

Sunday, was children's day at our church. I was sad that daddy was going to have to miss Madeline helping lead the worship with all the other children in KID-U. We had a great time and Madeline did great. After church, I had a luncheon with all the moms that have been volunteering in Madeline's teachers class. She took us all out to lunch (her treat) and gave us a small gift. She is SO THOUGHTFUL and we are really going to miss her next year. Luckily, she goes to our church so we can still see her there. Macy continued to feel a little better......UNTIL....she woke up at about 11:30pm with this NASTY croupy cough and congestion. She was having a hard time breathing. I knew this was not good. She was up and down most all night, not breathing well, coughing, and saying she couldn't talk. I called our pediatricians office right when they opened and they told me to be there at 9:15 with her.
When we got there they had a sign posted that said, If your child has any of these symptoms (coughing, fever, sore throat, chills, body aches, feeling tired) see the front desk. Of course, Macy had EVERY symptom listed. The gave me a cute little mask for Macy to wear. Good luck on getting a 2 year old to wear something foreign on her face. Ludkily we didn't have to wait too long. Once we got in to see the doctor they ran another FLU tests just to be sure. Let me just tell you that Macy HATES to have her nose tickled (the test for the flu) and told me "It does not tickle, and I don't like when they do that." The doctor came in examined her and now we have NEW diagnosis. She has a double ear infection and Croup. She didn't see any trace of the herpangina. So who knows about that. Now my sweet little girl is on an antibiotic and a steriod to help shrink her airways so she can breathe easier. She still runs around like a mad women. Here's the best news yet. When the doctor was telling me about the steriod she said it will cause some irritability and hunger. GREAT!! As if she needs anything to help her be MORE IRRITABLE. Please pray for patience for me and for her to feel better SOON.

I do know one thing, this momma is VERY tired and needs a full nights sleep. I'm not used to this having to get up in the middle of the night. HA! I just hope Macy starts feeling better because she turns THREE this Saturday and I don't want her to still feel crummy. Keep us in your prayers.

Have a great week and AVOID THE SWINE!!