Country Comfort

"And it's good old country comfort in my bones.
It's the sweetest sound these ears have ever known.
It's just an old-fashioned feeling fully-grown.
Country comfort and a truck that's goin' back home.
Oh it's goin' back home."
- Elton John




For the holiday weekend, we headed south again for some country living at the farm. This time we brought along some friends. Nothing like a few nights in a one room farm house with 6 kids 7 and under. We all had a blast...hooked some fish, roasted some s'mores, swam in the hot tub, and enjoyed a movie under the stars.






It was great watching the kids march up and down the hill from the lake to the house in boots. Nothing better than some knee highs to keep away the chiggers, spiders, and rattlers. Especially when they are Finnish snow boots in our 100+ degree Texas weather! It was a great weekend and I hope our guests can say the same.

Through the Arbor

After weeks of returning to some of our favorite places, we finally 'branched' out today and met a few friends at the Dallas Arboretum. Their Mommy & Me Mondays are filled with wagon rides, face painting, creative movement, and other planned activities throughout the day. The boys did not want their faces painted and snacked while the other kids danced with the music. They did enjoy the craft along with the visit from a Dallas fire truck and the petting zoo.










We sat on the green grass with naked toes as we watched the bikers pass by on White Rock Lake. Our picnic lunch was perfect and Miss Pink giggled with her bare belly! Then we walked the paths of the Arboretum and even found a Ginko tree, which by the way Daddy...wasn't very stinko!









Our favorite part of the gardens was the Texas Pioneer Town...a miniature replica of log cabins with native plants for the children to imagine and play. From a chapel to a general store, the boys went crazy. And a great time for Miss Pink to get a little shut eye in.

The Arboretum is a great place to escape to on a beautiful day, any given season. It is not the most stroller friendly nor are there bathrooms in every location. So just plan accordingly and get lost through the arbor.

Today's photos!

A Mother's Day

"Have I ever thanked you,
for everything you've done?
Now all that I can say is,
'I love you Mom...'

And it's never too late to say,
'I love you Mom.'"
- Jim Brickman









Of all the names I have in my life...Mommy is the most rewarding. To all the moms of yesterday, today, and tomorrow...Happy Mother's Day!

School's Out

"School's out for summer.
School's out forever.
School's been blown to pieces.
No more pencils.
No more books.
No more teacher's dirty looks."
- Alice Cooper




We still have 4 more days of preschool so school is not officially out yet. But the swing of summer is slowly making its way into our house. What will I do without my Tuesday and Thursday break? I guess I will have to learn to tackle Target and Costco with 3 kids in tow rather than 1.

We were extremely blessed with an amazing year at preschool. All of our teachers were awesome and both boys looked forward to each day. The friendships made, lessons learned, and projects created are unforgettable.





And to see how much the boys have changed since their first day (first pic above)! Physically...a few more pounds and inches, socially...not "always" shy, spiritually...recites new prayers, and mentally...too much to list! Big and Little each had their own 'Spring Program.' A time for the classes to show off their musical talents. Between "You Are My Sunshine" to "Rise and Shine" we were quite proud of our little Catholic boys!

Hot, Hot, Hot

"Ole ole, Ole ole,
Ole ole, Ole ole
Feeling hot hot hot.

Me mind on fire, me soul on fire,
Feeling hot hot hot
Other people, All around me,
Feeling hot hot hot"








9 years into this tradition, we just celebrated another Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. Each year the fiesta brings together friends and family for hot food, cold drinks, and Mexican fun. This year pink flamingos lined the pool, sombreros and maracas adorn the house, and chili pepper lights twinkled in the kitchen.







A party that used to run from 8pm to 3am 9 years ago, now begins at 3pm and ends at 8pm...strategically placed between nap and bedtime to accommodate the crazy number of kids we all have now. The juice boxes out number the beers in the cooler, and the games have all turned "kid friendly." I don't think any of us would have it any other way!