Lenny....

Well, we've been talking about getting a dog for sometime for the kids, trying to decide which breed, what name, big, medium, or small, long hair, short hair, no hair...it's ALL just so overwhelming...Should we get it now, at Christmas, when Boden is pottie trained or train both the dog and the kid at the same time...decisions...back and forth...questions, concerns..should we just stick with our cats???....

Our great friends that are just about ready to increase their family size by one with baby Luke coming in 6 weeks, decided that..One more kid..one pet has to go...so no, we didn't inherit a dog..we have now have our adopted Lenny the Bearded dragon...aka: a big fancy lizard....

I'm a little squeamish around him, maybe just not use to him yet, maybe cause I'm a little uneasy around weird looking things with no fur...but the boys are well, boys..they LOVE him...even Boden, as we let him take his first peek at him, he grabbed for his tail, which we quickly pulled him back...the next time, thinking, oh... he's really just looking, getting a feel for him...reaches out and grabs him with both fists and pulls on his head...ouch!!! Sorry Lenny...

But he's pretty neat looking, especially when he sticks out his tongue..He's got a really neat "beard"...I think he likes his new home, he LOVES looking out the window..We need to feed him crickets once a week, so I'm sure this will be a high lite for the boys every week..I guess we could fit it into "the good job chart"...feeding Lenny could become a deserved treat??...Not sure what the cats are going to think...

WeDdiNG VoWs

Last weekend my Mother came down to watch the boys so Scott and I could attend his niece's wedding in Minneapolis..We decided not to take the boys as I didn't want them to be all tired out for when the first days of school started, and I've always been pretty strict with their bedtimes..Well, I probably shouldn't of put THIS picture first..but I do have a secret..I LOVE to smoke a good cigar!! I've never smoked a cigarette in my life, can't STAND them, gets my asthma going, but now a good cigar...bring it on!!..The thing about a cigar, you don't really inhale the smoke, you just puff, so it's basically just the taste of a cigar..My Grandpa Pow-Pow, as we'd call him, smoked pipes while I was growing up, and it kind of reminds me of him!!

Scott use to live in Minneapolis for 10 years, so it was so fun for him to reminisce in his old stomping grounds..we had lunch at some of his favorite spots. We took a jog around the lakes in his old neighborhood and just took in the PERFECT high 70 degree weather!! LOVED it..There is something about the Midwest that is just so awesome, maybe it's just because our roots are there, where we spent our childhoods, but I LOVED all the trees and beautiful flowers and green grass, and that fresh smell..you just forget how awesome it is when you've lived away from it for so long...We stayed downtown Minneapolis at a friend of ours loft apartment..urban living, LOVE it..not so good for 3 kids, but how nice to walk out your front door onto the street with the world at your fingertips, awesome pizza and coffee shop, literally 3 STEPS from your front door...just such a different way of life for us as we have to DRIVE 30 minutes for ANY type of anything!!!

This is my little flower girl, Emma from my wedding..LOVE her..it was so fun to see her all grown up..She has such a bubbly personality..Gosh, where did those 10 years go??? She and her brother Kenny are the children of one of Scott's childhood friends....Allison I knew would be a beautiful bride, but my goodness, she was breath taking..the ceremony was outside at a conservatory/zoo/garden, with just the most fantastic flowers you've ever seen...Nic, her husband is such a delight, it was great to meet his family as well. Allison started law school the same week she got married, so she had a very memorable week!!!

Scott's brother Jeff had a hard time that day, as I think almost every man does giving his daughter away..We are so happy for them and wish them years of happiness..Weddings are so special, but it's even more touching when it's family, as you welcome another family into yours...I just love going to weddings, it brings back such fond memories of ours..and then to listen to the vows, the commitment you take before your friends and family..Some days are so challenging but it's good to hear and refresh what is truly the most important words spoken at a wedding...it makes you think how far you've come in a marriage, all you've been through together, it's truly a blessing, although sometimes it doesn't seem like it, to have someone beside you everyday, living life, sharing this journey together...

REal ScHOol....

Brandt was so excited for his first day of kindergarten that he slept with his backpack!!! So cute!! We were unfortunately out of town the weekend right before school started ( a family wedding we couldn't miss), so I had missed his meet the teacher, but luckily my Mom was able to take him..It's a good thing as I think he was more nervous THAT day, than the actual school starting day...I'm sure getting to meet his teacher and see his classroom ahead of time somewhat calmed his nerves...And he found out that LOTS of our friends, both boys and girls, are in his class this year...

Up with the roosters!!! We have to get up mighty early...which is no big deal for our household..we've always been early to bed and early to rise..He has to be at school at 7:30am..which is so much earlier than when we use to be in grade school!! The bus picks him up at 6:30 AM!!! I guess it's all training for his career someday!! He'll be one of those doctors that has all his rounds done by 11:00 am!!!

I did pretty good watching him go to his Kindergarten class..no tears where shed..it a great experience for us as Brandt has been ready to go to school 3 years ago it seems..His first word was "tractor" which quickly turned into "excavator"..no dog, ball, Mama, for this kid!!!

But today, I lost it, the tears came a rollin'...Grandma, Daddy, and Mommy all walked him to the bus stop this morning, his very 1st bus ride!!....He just looked so little getting on that bus!!! Luckily the bus driver is the total Grandma type and with her sweet talk had both Brandt and I feeling at ease..

.It's been kind of a hassle trying to figure out how to juggle the boys going to different schools at different times..(Preschool is at a different school) and wondering how it's going to work with Boden's schedule...Most of my friends' hubbys drive to work and can just drop off the kids on their way to work..but with my hubby traveling, that just doesn't work for us...so we opted for Brandt to take the bus in the mornings...which let's the baby sleep in and Barrett catch some extra winks as well..Thank goodness Brandt takes after me and just rolls out of bed early in the mornings as chipper as ever!!! I'm so thankful that he thinks the bus is "way cool!!"..I guess another perk to living in the country!!!

And here is Mr. Barrett...his Preschool started today..he's in REAL Preschool, no more Mother's day out for this one!!! He has the same teacher that Brandt had last year..which is I guess a good thing as he's already familiar with her and the room..but is kind of sad as he is separated from his BFF, Trevor.

The kids were bugging me to get new lunchboxes every time we'd go to Target..but I insisted that we use last years...and finally they are ok with that...It's so weird just having ONE kiddo to take care of, this is easy!!! Boden keeps yelling their names and looking for them, he adores his big brothers.. It's so quiet around here...I keep watching the clock wondering what they are doing..I'm sad I just can't go sit down and play with them or go jump in the pool with them, I'm thinking I like the LOUD house better, I keep waiting for the phone to ring from the school, ..but I know it's for the best and so great for them to learn so many wonderful things about our world...

Summer winding down to an end....

Do I hear a cheer....!!! We've had a great summer, but I'm oh so ready to get back into the Fall routine..and have a wee little bit more time for the things I can never get done...The boys are constantly picking on each other, out of sheer boredom, and we've painted all there is to paint, we've done every craft there is at Hobby Lobby and my kids have constant shriveled up raisin hands from the pool...and I'm just running out of things to do in the Mama bag of tricks...

I'm hoping little Mr. I don't like the daycare at the gym..will soon get over it..so the staff doesn't have to come and get me after screaming his head off while I get about 15 minutes of exercise in..that is my main goal to work on before the big boys head off to school..I just miss that small little amount of time to do something I enjoy by MYSELF!!! I feel a little guilty wanting the kids to go back to school, I keep thinking of those that can't have children or those whom have lost children, then I slap myself and realize...shame on me for thinking that!!...I guess it's normal to feel like this when you are home with them all summer, all day long...loud boys running around our house constantly, they talk loud, they yell loud, and they eat loud!!! I just need some quiet..my ears would probably start bleeding if the noise stopped and I heard silence for a day...it's a lot of work and it's costin' me a lot of wrinkles!!!...but I love them and wouldn't trade it for anything...but I'm still really ready for school to start...

And THIS one..is talking talking talking...lots to say..lots of the jibber jabber we love..but now we are making some of the words out to be English....He would spend the entire day outside..LOVES to be outside..cries when we come in...and is totally in LOVE with his Daddy right now..most likely because he's staring at my face 24/7!!!..But it's fun, tiring, but very exhausting..he makes me smile and laugh every single day..so I guess all those wrinkles are worth it!!!

Place cards

I thought these turned out super cute...I was in charge of making the place cards for a girlfriend's shower this weekend..she's getting married!!!...But thought I'd share...I made ones similar for Thanksgiving dinner but put the letter clipped onto a pumpkin...With these I just used big chipboard letters (with sparkles of course)..glued them onto a folded piece of card stock, attached a flower with a brad, and used rick rack glued to the bottom....You open the card and I've written the names of each girl inside...I just like the idea of putting a big bold letter on the outside, instead of just writing each girl's name on the outside (kind of boring to me??)..But Jen will love these..it will be a super fun shower..as it's an over night one..I'm sure I'll have some stories and some fun pictures!!!

Sedona...

Last weekend the hubby and I got away for a little romantic get away...it was exactly what we needed...we hadn't had a date night since the Spring...and well, I had kind of forgotten whom I was married to!!!.. We had been to Sedona once before on a day trip many years ago when we were in Phoenix on a business trip..we fell in love with the town..and had always wanted to go back...

So after I had a melt down due to the fact of Scott being gone almost THREE weeks in a row...some business, some pleasure..Scott decided to book a little get away before Mama RAN away!!!

We had a fantastic time..we are so lucky that we enjoy the same activities...hiking and biking are high on our list..and what better place to do it...the high desert in the summer time..magnificent views..there is just such a serenity about being in such a beautiful, quiet place that has been made by God's hands...We sat for hours just taking in the majestic scenery that just revives your soul and makes you really appreciate this beautiful world we live in...It's such a peaceful feeling to wake up in the am and see how the sunshine casts it's rays on the unique red rock, and then you realize how could anyone ever get tired of this view???.. Especially, depending on the time of day and what spot you look, there is always something new to discover...

I just love how active the locals are out there, tons to do and see and experience..and there is a huge artistic community out there, which attracts many very unique type of individuals, which I LOVE, we had lots of yummy food and wine, which was easily work off with the next day's hiking..we got some really cool art pieces...treasures...is what I call them..and they are a great memento of a wonderful trip we had together but also how lucky we are to live in such a fantastic world full of natural wonders that have been created so perfectly...

Summer is soaring by....

So much happening..so little time to do anything "extra", let alone blog..but I'll catch my family up, whom insists that I blog at least once a week of the boys...(they need to get their booties down here and help!!)...So..this is for you...

Boots...these boots are made for walkin'...OR watering the gardens...Boden LOVES these boots, when he sees me pull them out of our shoe basket, he knows exactly where we are heading..it's usually his first shower of the day, as he likes to stand under the hanging baskets when all the excess water runs out the bottoms of them...I guess a little mud in the hair doesn't hurt, hugh?...This kid is a water freak!!! Even the puddles of water on the patio make him laugh and giggle...

This the season for peaches in Texas...this year the crop wasn't too great with the major drought we have in the area and all the million days in a row of 100 plus temps..but we did manage to find some awesome ones at HEB or HEV, as Brandt calls our local grocery store...So, we made a pie from scratch, the crust and all, cut the lattice top and all the old fashion Iowa ways of doing a pie the right way....It was an all deal ordeal, as we had to patiently wait for the crust to cool in the re fridge, which is really hard to explain to a 4 and 5 year old...but we made it..and you can only imagine how surprised Daddy was to walk into our yummy smelling house that was consumed with that old fashioned smell that congers up such vivid childhood memories...and no I'm not talking about you Mother, I'm talking about Grandma Aalsburg's pies, she'd make almost every Sunday...but don't feel bad, as I do still remember your awesome chocolate cakes that I'd eat in almost one sitting!!! Anyway, it was a very successful evening, I scored big with all the males that dominate my household!!!

This was a big hit at our house for Boden's 1st bday...he LOVES it..and the nice thing is the fact that the boys will push him around the house for hours and he just giggles and attempts to honk the rather hard to push horn the entire time...and the big boys love to see how much crap, I mean toys, they can stuff in the front "hood" of the car...priceless entertainment....

And then there are the mismatched-raga-muffin-not-so-matchy-matchy-anymore-almost-twin-boys....Thanks to my good friend Jennifer, whom talked me into letting some of the "stuff" go once you have THREE to worry about, so I finally gave in and started to let them pick out their clothes for the day...Usually, Mr. Barrett comes down in these knock your socks off outfits, that even Me, your pretty hip up to date fashionist expert, wouldn't of dream putting together, and he WOWS my socks off, well, I hate socks, so I guess I should say flip-flops...I know you're surprised right, you'd think it would be Mr. Brandt, the one that likes pink and uses the "that's so cute" phrase a little to much, which has made us question he's sexuality on more than one occasion...BUT this particular day, I was a little surprised, or should I say shocked when they came down simultaneously dressed like THIS!!! I didn't say a thing, except, "Thanks guys for getting dressed today!!"...and even more surprisingly, we went to Target like this...it didn't even bother me, which is such a huge step for me!!! I just knew that if I'd get stares..they'd take a look at my dress (casual comfy workout clothes more than likely) and my baby in a rocker T and plaid shorts that DO match...I just knew all Mommies would know..(She let THEM pick out their outfits today)...well, not that I really care what people think...but NOW I totally understand when I see those out in cowboy boots or rain gear in the 100 plus temps, they've given in too!!!...I'm no longer appalled!!! I finally get it!!

So next is getting ready for Kinder..school...Brandt has asked every week if it's the week he starts school, I think he's just a wee bit excited...We've had our school supplies since the list was posted on our school's website in June...He's just so "ahead" of himself or so he thinks...I was trying to get a hold of my Mom this week on her phone while the boys and I were traveling in the car...I said "Gee, I wonder what Grandma is doing?? I've tried her a couple of times and she's not answering" and Brandt informed me "Mom, she probably just went off line for a little bit..."..and he just came to me just know and told me that he needs to rest his legs while relaxing with them up on the coffee table as he is really wore out looking for the remote control that he's misplaced..I asked if he had found the remote..."No, not yet, but after I'm more relaxed after a little break, I'll get right on that"...I have no idea where we found this kid!!! Maybe this is normal for a 5 yr old?????