…he's so darn cute. Anytime you ask him a question these days he says "Ummmm" like he's really trying to ponder his answer. He sucks his thumb.  Started this summer.  He still gets his binky when he's in bed – and doesn't want his thumb then.  But uses his thumb during the day (because I…

My family had lots of dogs growing up – the one that was closest to my heart was "Lucky", a black and tan miniature dachshund.  He was my confidante during rocky teenage years.  I loved that little dog.  He had to be put to sleep when I was in college – I cried and cried.…

Is getting dressed for school a chore and a headache at your house?  I have the answer to all of your woes! Every Sunday night, we sit down with the boys and choose their outfits for the whole week.  And then lay them out (with undies and socks) at the foot of their bed in…

I have two new favorite things… 1. SQUIRT – delightful citrus-y flavor, love it. 2.  The Greek Gods Honey Yogurt – typically not a yogurt fan but this is dreamy.  I like to eat it in the morning with Quaker Toasted Oatmeal Squares or Wheatabix.  

Last Tuesday we were about 5 minutes from leaving the house for school when we heard a sloshing sound on the stairs, followed by a glub, glub, glub.  "That doesn't sound good" was my first thought. The day before I had bought some hand soap for the boy's bathroom.  I also bought a big thing…

Twice a year we invite the hubbies to Gourmet Club for a potluck – Christmas and Summer.  We had our annual Summer Potluck last weekend at the Hall's beautiful home.  It was probably the best potluck we've ever head – EVERYTHING was delicious and beautifully presented.  Derek wasn't able to make it because he was…

Two Friday's ago Derek was out of town – away for a bike ride.  So I said to Jacob "While the cat's away, the mice will play" trying to indicate that we would go do something fun.  Jacob didn't like it.  He was offended and asked me not to talk about his dad like he was…

On August 29 Derek rode in the "Hotter than H***" bike ride in Wichita Falls (we call it the Hotter than Hot at our house).  It's 100 miles in one day. He has a great group of guys that he rides with.  He went down with three of them the day before, and that night they…

Here are some happy moments from the last couple of weeks that I don't want to forget… 1.  On Thursday night right as the boys were all going to bed a big thunderstorm rolled through with some awesome lightning.  After putting Samuel to bed, I came into the big boys' room to find Derek and…

I've been nursing a headache migraine since last night.  They are pretty rare for me, but miserable all the same.  The last month and a half I've been having neck issues too…usually starts in the morning and gets worse throughout the day – mostly related to tightness in my shoulders.  All muscular. All stress-induced. I'm…