Big D and Big T

"American Girl celebrates a girl's inner star--
that little whisper inside that encourages her
to stand tall, reach high, and dream big.
We take pride and care in helping girls become their very best today,
so they'll grow up to be the women who make a difference tomorrow." --American Girl mission statement

BIG D:
We gave my mother a trip to the American Girl store for Mother's Day this year.

So, of course it was the hottest weekend in YEARS to be in Dallas.
We enjoyed (not so much) 107 degrees both days we were there.

Priya, Mom, and I flew to Dallas last Saturday to spend a day
in a dreamland for girls...both young and old.
Meanwhile, Dad was a sport and drove to Dallas with all of our stuff.

While Priya has never really been into dolls,
that all changed the moment she stepped foot into this store.
And, who wouldn't love a place that exists to
celebrate a girl's inner star?
Oh, yeah, and make a few bucks from all the doll outfits available for purchase.

This place thought of everything.

There was a clever rack inside each bathroom stall
where Priya could carefully place her doll while she went potty...
notice the mismatched shoes.
Still looking for the matches in her room somewhere.
Good thing her doll got some new outfits this weekend.

The restaurant provided a high chair for her doll.
So she could sit at the table with us while we dined.
Very clever.

They even have a doll hair salon where your doll can get primped.
And, yes. Priya's doll had her hair done, too.

Three generations.

After our American Girl visit, we indulged in some manis and pedis at the Galleria.
Priya loved her "Princess Pedicure."

Later that night we babysat my nephew, Drew, in the hotel room
while my brother, Jeff, and Steph went out for a quick bite
celebrating their anniversary.
Priya absolutely adores her baby cousin.

Sunday we attended Baby Drew's baptism.
He didn't even cry when the priest poured the water on him.
But, afterwards?
Well, it was time to eat, and he let everyone know it.

BIG T:
And the update on Trevor?
Yes, Daddy took the crib out of his room while we were gone.
Trevor and Deven slept in Priya's bed while she was away,
and night before last Trevor spent the first full night
in his "big boy bed."

Last when I put him to bed he begged me
to stay with him till he fell asleep.
I settled in for a long wait...but he was snoring within minutes.

And, then he joined me in the middle of the night for some cuddling
(Daddy was working).
I loved how I could hear Trevor sucking
his fingers while laying nearly on top of me.
So precious.

Till he kicked me in the face.

Oh, well.

I didn't really need two eyes anyway.

It's Heeeeeere!

It is finally here.

After a whole month of waiting (I know some of you have waited longer...), I can now begin the 4th and final book in the series.

This was waiting in my mailbox today.
And, after I finish this post, I'm headed off to begin the process
of finishing the 700+ page book.
Where all of my questions will be answered.

My sister got me hooked. I was skeptical.
I mean, a teenage romance involving a VAMPIRE?

C'mon, people. Let's get real.

But, I take back every negative word I said about the books.

I am officially hooked.

I'll have to tell you later about our Dallas weekend
and whether or not Trevor transferred to his "big boy bed."

For now...I have some "bloody" good reading to get to.

Busy Bees

I'm tired. My weekend away was amazing...as usual...but there was little sleep to be had. Foolishly, I scheduled the kids for Sea World camp the day after I returned from the retreat. Too bad it started at 8:30am Monday morning. And, too bad it takes us an hour and a half to get there. In rush hour traffic. Oh, yeah. And, TOO BAD it was the hottest week of the summer.

In spite of the exhaustion, heat, and traffic woes, we had a great time. The boys and I did our thing in a parent-child program. We had so much fun.

Feeding the dolphins...my favorite Sea World animal.




Henry the tortoise was fun to pet.



Deven answered an educational beluga whale question correctly and got to dress up like one. He got the biggest kick out of that.



The boys LOVED petting a baby alligator. I must admit he was kind of cute.



We got to meet Chester the Clydesdale horse up close and personal. He gets new shoes every 6 weeks. Just like most women I know.



I would have been up a creek without our trusty Radio Flyer. Since I have boys who tell me daily they can't walk. Because their feet run out of gas.



Other highlights included petting a baby shark and some stingrays. I don't have pics of Priya because this year she was old enough to be in the all-day camp. Without her mommy. I was so nervous to let her go off with perfect strangers all day everyday, but she had an absolute blast and cannot wait to do it again next year.

Sigh. My baby girl is growing up.

Tomorrow she and I head to Dallas for a trip to the American Girl store and to go to my nephew's baptism. Our girls' weekend will include pedicures and shopping, and she is so excited she can hardly stand it. Daddy will hold down the fort with the boys...taking in a Backyardigans show and golfing till their hearts content.

While I'm gone I've given Animesh the daunting task of taking Trevor's crib out of his room (it's literally falling apart and is, as Deven would tell you, a "safety violation"). I reminded Animesh that if I could birth 3 kids, nurse them, potty-train them, and witness every doctor's visit that includes shots...he could spend a couple rough nights helping Trevor adjust to his big-boy bed.

I'll let you know how it goes. Should make for an interesting blog post.

Playing Catch-Up

I am so far behind posting pics that I decided to just start with the most recent events. You'll just have to imagine the fun we had at the circus and how special it was for Priya and I to experience her first-ever pedicure.

Saturday we hosted an intimate dinner party for Mom and Dad's 40th anniversary. Dad wanted a party; Mom did not. So, we compromised and had something small-ish with family and 2 of their best couple friends...people we have known for 25 years. I haven't laughed or cried that much in a long time. I believe a good time was had by all. It wasn't even stressful preparing for the dinner as we had it catered. Oh yeah, that's the way to go.

**NOTE: click on any photo to enlarge.

I used my formal china (only the 2nd time in 11 years). I even had time to make these. Thank you, foldingnapkinguide.com.



Mom and Dad 40 years ago. But, now in edible form.



Sweet pic of Mom and Dad smooching after the toasts.



I love this picture of my bro, sis, and I. Jim and Judy's offspring. We had just finished giving our individual toasts, so we were a little "verklempt." Or maybe it was the wine.



La Familia.



The cousins were here the week leading up to the party. There was a lot of swimming involved. It's always amazing to see where the kids just pick right up where they left off...even after not having seen each other in 6 months.

Baby Drew is the newest addition to the "cousins club." He is a big hit and loved by us all.



I was outside a little while ago watering my plants, and I do believe a storm is a-brewin' in South Texas. Hurricane Dolly's presence may be known here in Boerne in just a few short hours, and boy, do we need the rain. If only it weren't feast or famine.

I've loved being a part of Vacation Bible School with the kids this week...till Thursday when I will be having my own spiritual renewal this weekend. Looking forward to hangin' with some of my fave people while praising God and reminding myself just how blessed I am. Daddy will no doubt do a superb job holding down the fort. He always does.

Enjoy your weekend!

BLOGAVERSARY!

It's been a year. Cannot believe it. I honestly didn't think I'd stick with it. But, here I am. Still kickin' in blogland.

Today I'm suffering from the aftermath of a highly successful 40th anniversary party for my parents. Had it here at the house last night, and let's just say that a good time was had by all. Good food, family, and friends. Oh, yeah. And good WINE!

Emotional toasts were given by each of us 3 kids. Dad and Mom even spoke. And, there were lots of laughs and happy tears.

Forty years is a milestone...in this day and age. So, how fitting on this one year blogaversary that we would be celebrating Mom and Dad's anniversary, too.

I'll be back later with pics. Mine won't surely be as beautiful as the ones Melody took of our whole entire family this morning. Can't wait to see those.

But, first there are dishes to wash. Floors to sweep. Sheets to wash.

And, Motrin to take.

Happy Blogaversary to me.

My Mantra

I'm not sure how it happened. When school ended, I vowed that the pace would slow down. I promised myself that I would spend endless summer days in my jammies--at least till the pool opened for the day. Then I would throw my suit on and lounge with the kids in the water till it was time to go home for dinner. I TOLD MYSELF that summertime would be different. That I wouldn't allow myself to be stressed or tired or fearful that my commitments would take over my life.

I have let myself down.

Because, now, in the middle of July, I am finding myself freaking out that there are not enough hours in the day to complete what I want to complete. That there are not enough hours in the night for me to acquire enough sleep to enable me to feel human.

Don't misunderstand. I am enjoying my kids and our time together. A LOT. We have had so much "cousin fun" in the last week with my sister and her kids in town...but that means we're not at home doing the things I need to do. Laundry, anyone? When Trevor comes to me asking if he can wear Priya's jammies because she has clean pajamas, well, I know there's a problem.

In the next couple weeks we have an anniversary party for my parents' 40th (at my house...of course), Vacation Bible School (yes, I'm a volunteer), a Walk to Emmaus I'm attending (I wouldn't miss it for the world but there is a LOT of prep involved), and then Sea World camp for all 3 of the little Indians (no small feat when you live about an hour away and it starts at 8:30am).

Not to mention my commitment to myself to train for this. And, this. OH, YEAH! And THIS!

Yes, I do it to myself. Yes, I have no one to blame but me. Sigh.

So, when it all gets too heavy...I just gotta live by my faithful mantra that keeps me centered (after those all important scriptures like Philippians 4:13). Yes, it's all good in the 'hood. Busyness is a blessing compared to other things people are facing in their lives.

Oh, yeah. And then there's Animesh citing the "It's all good" phrase that inspired me to make the sign purchase in the first place.

I also have the great t-shirt that was sent to me by the marvelous Maile to help me remember my mantra.

So, if in the next few weeks you see me out in public looking dazed and confused...just shout out, "Jen, it's all good!"

And, say a prayer that I snap out of it.

At least till school starts next month.

Memories...

With my blogaversary quickly approaching...I thought I share more flashback posts that I stumbled upon while reviewing my blogging life over the last year.

Ah, yes. There's this one. I can't believe I actually followed through and did it.

And, this one. A post I certainly needed to read this morning. After a horrible day yesterday.

And, even though I had a rough day yesterday...I realized that in the midst of the horrible-ness (have I mentioned I like to make up words?) God still calls us to shine as best we can. Even if at times it's only a flicker. This post reminded me of that.

Till next time...let YOUR light shine!