Nerd Baby

This is what happens when you fall asleep in the McDonald's drive-thru...if you have an older sister with a stellar sense of humor!

Best Made Plans...

never really seem to work out! Matt and I have had today planned for a little alone time, as that is a bit hard to come by these days, for quite some time. We planned it, looked forward to it, saved for it...ok, you know it's serious if I save money for something.

We packed bags, made bottles, dressed kiddos and just as we headed out the door to drop them off at the church...it happens...Brody's tummy rumbles. He looks at me, I look at him and begin telling him just how long his dad and I have had this day planned, and before he can tell me what he really thinks of my plans...his tummy tells me what he really thinks of my plans!

So...even though I was going to spend the day with a really funny guy, shopping for our kids, eating at Saltgrass, and just hanging out...I spend the day with a really funny guy, taking turns holding the baby, changing the many diapers, cleaning up the mess, and just hanging out.

And even though I had a really cute outfit picked out to wear for this special day, I ended up wearing poop and lost cookies! Really though, there's nothing like getting to hold my sweet boy all day while he hugs me.

Hoping this night's sleep begins now and ends no earlier than 7:00!

Home Sweet Home...

SOLD! And the highest bidder is...well, I don't actually know who he is, but I do know this, he is definately a bachelor! I know this because he ask to keep the WHITE refrigerator...you remember, the one that sits in the kitchen with all BLACK appliances! The closing is scheduled for the 15th, yep, 10 days before Santa and 4 days before Brody turns 1! All of this chaos equals...exactly how Matt & Jenny do things!

While I do feel like poop because I came home from school with a fever, headache, sore throat and aches, I am on a temporary high! Thank you all so much for your prayers. Please pray now that the appraisal goes well and that we have a smooth transition...to where, you ask? I don't know yet!

Details, details...

Why I Love Her...

Mom: "So Baylee, you didn't tell me that Caleb is on your team." (intermural football, that is)

Bay: "Yeah, but I did tell you that I don't like him anymore!"

Mom: "Why is that again?"

Bay: "Because he goes out with too many girls...he's like...you know...one of those polygramists!"

Mom: "Don't you mean polygamist?"

Bay: "Giggle, giggle...yeah, that!"

Ok, maybe we should limit our TLC watching...

Aledo Ladycats

Baylee's having a great time in fall ball this year on a new team! She has made a bunch of new girl friends and is learning to pitch. She has gotten some awesome experience on the mound during pool games but she spends most of her time at 1st base! Here are some pictures of our weekends at the ballpark..

One Tooth Wonder

Home Sweet Home...

FOR SALE!!!!! Yes, our two year remodel is finally over. This is our second house to buy as a D-U-M-P and make like new! It has most definately been a journey, and really, a story...It begins here...Matt has spent countless hours each week, taking one repair at a time to finish this "a little bigger than we thought" project!


********WARNING...SOME PHOTOS IN THIS POST ARE NOT G RATED*********
These pictures were taken during our last big work weekend. After a really long day, Matt was wrapping up his work on the roof. See where this is going? I was working inside and he would occasionally yell at me to throw a tool up to him, simple helping tasks for me. The last time he called me out, for the evening, he used his cell phone...this is what he said, "Jen, I'm falling off the roof and I need you to come catch me." So, of course I run out with my arms wide open ready for the catch. When I got to him he was hanging, half of his body on the roof and half off. I laughed really loudly and made fun of him for a while! As it turns out, he slid down the roof on his butt, somehow flipped over to his side for a while, and then slid a bit longer on his stomach. And, it just so happens that we just had the roof replaced 3 days prior, so it was pretty rough with new gravel! Still, really funny to me.

Even Baylee-girl was a helper! I took this picture from inside, upstairs...she was on a ladder painting the trim!

At last, it is finished...

We are so relieved this project is finished and are waiting on Jesus to make it someone else's! What do you think? Oh, by the way...our new house is waiting for us...did you see it?

Happy Birthday MeMe!

Today is a super special day for a super special MeMe! I just love this woman. She has truly been my greatest supporter all of my life! She's taught me many things about being a mom, like...always getting the tastiest popsicles and Sprite when your little one is sick. And spending countless hours persuading your 6th grader, who has confessed she cheated on an art quiz, that she is not going to be kicked out of Deer Park Junior High School (besides the teacher never even knew)! She even showed me what it means to "go to bat" for your kids, whatever the cost.

This ol' girl is one incredible MeMe too! I've seen her sit in the floor for hours playing blocks with Baylee, or allowing the girls to put make-up on her and fix her hair. I must say, without a doubt, Baylee's life is richer because of the investment MeMe has made in it...and mine is too!

Happy Birthday MeMe...we love you bunches!

Yikes, Ike!

Wow...what a storm! My far-away-family showed up on my doorstep early Thursday morning after driving all night. That's the good that came out of this storm for us! Mom, Dad, Grandma-Ruby, Debbie, Rusty, Drake and Morgan bunked with us all weekend and we had an absolute blast!

We ate. We laughed. We danced. We stayed up late watching the storm and we slept late...well, they did...Brody and I watched a little more of the storm real early.

It really was a great weekend together in spite of the circumstances. Debbie and Rusty only lost their fence and camper trailer, and mom and dad only lost a few shingles from the roof! All things considered, it was an insignificant loss compared to most, and we are grateful. The roughest part of it all is that we hear they could be without electricity for weeks. While that did not stop my sister from heading back 30 minutes after the storm passed, my parents will be sticking around for a little while!

Baylee and Drake played all weekend and had a super time...they even created a "hurricane relief shelter"

I absolutely treasure the time I get with my family and even though these situations are stressful and uncertain, I'm so grateful for the unexpected visit!

Just a few days before the storm hit I found a friend hanging out on the car...waiting for me! This might be the most unique creature God created (well, besides man). Since it's not often we see such an insect, we all enjoyed the short time spent with him...

So, it went like this...Matt held it. It JUMPED on me. I screamed, shivered, nearly dropped Brody, and ran. Meagan felt my pain, screamed for me, and ran with me (even though that meant she ran toward the insect). Baylee just watched and began heading for the door, calmly. Brody laughed and Matt gave me the "special kind of stupid" look. While it wasn't my finest moment, everyone else seemed to enjoy the praying mantis!

Shining Bright

So...Brody has begun to move about in some what of an army crawl / glide across the wood floors on his belly from a powerful push of the little toes! He looks alot like Shamu, you know, after a perfect performance.

Anywho, tonight it is just the two of us!

Matt and Baylee made their way to the new deer lease, and can I just say...she was precious packing up and loading her four-wheeler onto the trailer in her boots!! After they left Brody and I played for a while on the floor with his toys until he got bored and took off. I followed and you'll never guess where we ended up...




















yes, that's the nightlight that is located under the bar! If you don't know this...Brody loves lights! And he was so excited to find one he could get to and see at almost-eyelevel!! He kept looking at and then looking at me.

Brody is such a fun baby to hang out with and I know I'm playing the proud momma card right now, but hold tight and just let me finish right quick...he has loved things that shine bright his whole life and I must say it just makes since, because he does!

Happy Birthday Dad...Take 2

I forgot to post the grandkids so here they are...

Happy Birthday Dad!

For the better part of his life, this man has been seriously out numbered! With 3 girls and a wife he has had to surrender to the estrogen more times than not! My dad has some fine qualities and the one that comes to mind is his incredible work ethic. He always worked very hard to make certain we had what we needed. Even in his retirement...he works!

He is a great grandad to my kids.

I appreciate the financial advice he gives me...he is a good steward of his money.

He has taken good care of my mother when she could not care for herself.

So today, on his very special day, Happy Birthday Dad...I love you!

Here's To You...crothenberger

This just might be the number one 2nd grade teacher in America!! This gal is truly one of a kind, AND, if you happen to forget that, she will remind you! All joking aside...

Deneise really is a special friend. She patched my heart when it was broken...On a very difficult day of returning to work after having baby Brody, a beautiful bright and cheery bouquet of flowers was delivered to my desk. I can not tell you all how much it meant to know that my friend remembered my difficult day!

Just about every GNO Deneise makes us laugh with her "mamaw" characteristics and "Dori"comments!

While she is a bit of a princess...she did sweat her bootie off at the John Mayer concert for a special birthday. AND...she learned how to dance there too!

So here's to you Deneise...you are a gift and I am grateful for you!

YIKES!

My wireless internet card is BROKEN! I should have a new one by Wednesday...see you then!

MeMe

Well I'm a little late on this posting...like 5 months! As I was going back through old posts and comments I found one from my good gal, Kristy. Certain I had promptly responded to this MeMe thing, I searched frantically to find it. Never did. I've only got one reasonable excuse...postpartum! Anyhow, so as not to ignore my dear friend's attempt to expose my deep dark secrets, here goes.

The idea is to list 6 things about yourself...

1) I once fell into a lake, Lake Conroe (for geographical purposes), while on a date. Even worse...when I came up from under water I freaked out because I don't like lake water OR feeling the bottom mush stuff AND because I am most often not in control of my emotions during a crisis, I let out an obnoxious noise that drew a great deal of attention. And if it couldn't get any worse...he didn't come in after me. I left an impression...

2) I have gone Snipe hunting. Being the competitive person God designed me to be...I WAS INTO IT!!! Again, on a date. (if you know nothing about this bird, give me a call, we'll go)

3) Yumm...not long ago I averaged a loaf of pumpkin bread a day, for 3 days! Not back in my jeans yet.

4) This is my second house to remodel and cuss, and cry, and whine, and...

5) I attended 5 colleges in 9 years for a BACHELOR's degree!

6) When Matt and I were dating I believed him when he said he needed to go talk to a man about a horse. I saw our life together. A nice house, kids, a horse...

Ok. So that's me. Actually, that's only a snippet of the "wisdom beyond my years"!

Here's To You...

Jaclyn Cher Dunn-Yates

This is my very first, life-long, friend! Our story began in the 9th grade and I am so proud to say that it is still being written. I have so many sweet memories with this girl...touring Texas to play volleyball, hotcakes and cold dr.pepper, and yes even snipe hunting! Through the years we have shared many things. Clothes. Rides. Burgers and boyfriends! We have had great experiences. Some of them laced with great joy and others with great despair. I will never forget the happiness I saw on Jaclyn's face as I made my way to Matt on our wedding day. I won't forget the phone call she made to me during my delivery with Baylee- a peace in the midst of uncertainty and fear. A priceless picture of Chase (her adorable son) holding Baylee is sketched in my mind...and my heart.

Although there miles between our homes, our hearts stay close.

It happens often...just about the time I start to miss her, there is an e-mail waiting for me!

I know many things about Jaclyn. I know she is an excellent mother to Chase and Emily. I know she will be a gifted Kindergarten teacher. I know that she is incredibly loyal. I know that she loves me. I know that she is my friend.

Here's To You...

I am well aware of the fact that I have some of the most wonderful people ever, in my life! I think about each of you often and I really want you to know exactly how much I appreciate who you are to me.

So...

Here's how this game works...

Each week (that's my goal, anyway) I will post a "Here's To You..." blog that will spotlight a precious person that I have the privilege of spending time with. I will continue on until I have affirmed each of you! Now...here's where you come in. If you know the special someone who is in the spotlight, please comment to further their affirmation! I believe that we all need to be lifted up and I am thrilled to do just that....

Here we go...I hope you enjoy the ride!

hey mimi...

We just couldn't wait another week to see you so we had to come . Can we stay??????

Elvis and H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks

A typical conversation over lunch between two cousins...

Cole: (with much enthusiasm) "I can't wait to go to Heaven."
Baylee: (with a little attitude) "Why?"
Cole: "So I can see Elvis!"
Baylee: "How do you know Elvis is in Heaven?"
Cole: "Well...he's a rock star, so he can't just lay there!"
Baylee: "How do you know he is in Heaven and not, you know...h-e-double hockey sticks."
Cole: (with much frustration) "I don't know what you're talking about...I don't even play hockey!"

Enjoying the ride!

Completely Moved

I began reading a blog a few days ago that many of you already read, Bring the Rain http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/ . If you have never visited this site you should, you will be better for it. The author is a gifted writer who has inspired me in many facets of my life. She is clearly fulfilling God's plan for her in this blog pursuit. The story begins when she is made aware that the life growing inside of her is extremely unhealthy and that, short of a miracle from the Creator, Himself, her daughter will not live. Let me follow that statement with this...her story will sadden your heart, while her message will transform your life.

The day I found her journal was a typical Sunday. We worshiped, we ate, we napped...except I couldn't rest. So as I navigated through my routine blog visits, I thought I would give her site a glance just because I love that song (the title of her blog) and it scares me greatly all at the same time. I had absolutely no idea what I would find, Who I question, and how I would choose to live life from there on.

It wasn't long into her compelling story that I found myself glued to the computer screen, because to walk away from it would interfere with His plan for me that Sunday. As I read on, I repeatedly felt the presence of someone. My precious niece was walking in circles around the kitchen in an effort to get Brody to sleep for his afternoon nap. He was a bit resistant. I spent the entire afternoon traveling through the past six months of life with this woman I had never met...the joys of everyday life with children, and the almost unbearable pain of anticipating the loss of a child. By the time I had brought myself to date with her blog, my emotions were completely out of my control. I went back in time when I was newly pregnant with Brody, a friend of mine found out that she was expecting her first grandchild. At twenty-one weeks her grandson would enter this world and live out his life in a few short days. A few months later, on my way to bed rest with high blood pressure, another friend gave birth at twenty-five weeks. She too struggled with high blood pressure. After a couple of months of fighting for each breath her son returned home to his Maker. One morning after I returned to work from maternity leave one of my students ran up to me saying that her baby sister had died. Like Brody, she was born in December. To say that my faith in a healthy pregnancy, delivery and life there after was shaken, is a huge understatement. Why? Why me? Why my child? There were countless nights that I woke from a deep sleep just to hear him breathe. Years back my pastor preached a sermon titled "Why Not Me?" The message was that not one of us is promised a life without pain and heartache, so when struggles do find our path, we should accept them with that attitude...why not me? I must tell you now that I have survived a couple of tragedies in my 32 years. I have awaken to those mornings that I did not want to wake up to...it wasn't just a bad dream. There were times when reality was simply too real. Today, for reasons that I can not explain, I find it easier to ask why not me than to accept the blessings.

Upon completion of the blog I wiped my tears, relieved Olivia of her duties, took Brody upstairs to his room, rocked him and cried another good while. I cried for my friends. I cried for my student and her sweet mother. I cried for this special woman I have never met but feel her pain so deeply. I cried, thanking God for Brody and asking Him to keep him safely here, with me. I wish that I could tell you that I pray for God to use my kids for His glory, whatever the outcome, but I can't. I'm not there yet.

In the days to follow I spent many hours reflecting on her story. Her unwavering faith is life changing. Through her storm she has glorified our God in the highest. Through her story she has honored her daughter's life and I am certain she has transformed others'.

I have been a believer for more than ten years now. It has been my experience that sometimes God sends us things for a sense of renewal...I thank Him for this one. I can feel change in me and I accept it. There are many things that I have deemed important and therefore placed unnecessary value on them. I have had trouble being able to fully rest lately. Yesterday while I was shopping for sheets, thinking that I most certainly need Egyptian cotton to get a good night's rest, He spoke to me. He reminded me it is in Him that I will find rest...

My hope is that you will find renewal in your walk with Jesus if you, like me, need it. I also hope that my transparency was not too much for this beautiful summer day in July...

One Sassy Softball Chick

Another season has come and gone! I must admit that I love when the season starts and by the time it ends I am so ready. Showtime, as a team, had a rough go at it this year. This was their first time to play as a competitive team and so they faced many challenges along the way. It's hard for the girls to practice and play so hard yet not have many W's to show for it. Likewise, it was difficult for many of the parents. The competitive side of me totally gets that while the teacher side of me found joy in watching them learn and improve with each game! They are a precious group of girls and I feel blessed that Baylee had this time with them.

Baylee-Girl learned a bunch this season! She worked very hard on laying down a beautiful bunt and has become pretty successful at it. She also practiced the drag bunt...had a couple of them...still practicing! I think what she is most proud of is her efforts in learning to pitch. She has been taken pitching lessons each week for some time now. Matt has taken her to the lessons and has learned quite a bit himself. They spent many hours each week in the backyard...Matt sitting on the bucket and Baylee pitching away to him! She even got a little time on the mound here and there during pool games. All in all, she worked really hard and I am so proud of her for that...I love you, kiddo! Here are a few sassy shots I was able to get...

By the way...I just typed this blog with a sweet baby boy sleeping on my chest, still sucking a pappy that fell out of his mouth 20 minutes ago!

6 Months Old...

That's Brody! Each day is an adventure with all the new and exciting milestones. He is rolling all around, grabbing toys (and hair), scooting (backwards!), and sitting up with a little assistance! We are all so proud of him and we are having an absolute blast loving him as he grows! His 6 month stats are: 18.12 lbs and 28 in. He's a big boy and is eating many fruits and vegetables. Sweet potatoes are his favorite while he does not appreciate pears at all! This is true joy!

Happy Birthday Shellee!

Today, some years ago, God blessed me with Shellee Renee Gilbert! Although, I did not meet her until later in life and miles from home for both of us, I'm so very glad I did! This chick is one of a kind. I have never met anyone who's life is more parallel with mine. She has gone to the depths of Hell to retrieve me when I could not find my way back. She is the first one I call when something phenomenal happens OR when I have eaten a whole package of Reese's Cups all by myself (and I'm not talking about the 2 pack)! It has been my absolute privilege doing life with Shellee and I look forward to many more years...happy B-day Shell!

Happy Father's Day...

Matt! We had a super great day with a super great dad! It started with breakfast...jalapeno-cheese sausage rolls and coffee. Next up was an awesome hour of worship and then lunch with Matt's family. After that we made it back home for a super long nap and some intense t.v. watching. Finally, we had an amazing dinner that I prepared for the father of my children...Reese's Puffs cereal...in bed! It was a fantastic day and I could not ask for a better dad for my kids!















AND...Happy Father's Day to my Dad! John Tamulitis has been my dad for 32.2 years and I am grateful for it! He has taught me many things to help me along in life but the one that stuck with me the most is this little message..."Don't let anyone still your joy!" That's powerful and I often refer back to that bit of wisdom. Dad lives in Houston so I did not see him on his special day but I do see a road trip in the near future...I love you, Dad!

Just In Case You Lost Count...

only 3 days of school left in the 2007-2008 year! And...only 1 professesional work day left! And...they feed us breakfast on that day, so any time food is involved it's a party! And...I couldn't be happier to hang with the kiddos...my kiddos!! Woo Hoo...come on summer!

Ready or Not!

So...the doctor assured me that Brody did not need to eat at the 3:00 a.m. feeding and that perhaps I should let him "cry it out" a while. Being that he is the doctor and I am not, we gave it a whirl. After 45 minutes of crying, putting the pappy back in, and patting the back, Matt made a 4 oz. snack and he sucked it dry in 2.6 seconds and was right back to sleep. To me that says "I'm hungry". Brody's doctor also thought it would be best not to give him cereal until he is 6 months old. And again, I don't agree. So whether he was ready or not...he got it and he loved it and I loved the end result! For the first time in his life, Brody slept through the night!!! He went down at 10 p.m. and woke up to eat at 6:21. Needless to say...he has had a touch of cereal every night since.

Vacation...

I NEED ONE! In the past week I have made 3 wrong turns on my way home from work, I asked Matt if he was "ready for my words" when I needed to tell him something important, and I have left the house twice without breastpads! Good night...if that doesn't scream vacation I don't know what does. Anyone want to go with????

A Little About Bay

Top 5 "why she's so cool"...

1. She carries beef jerky in her emergency pouch on her bicycle and snacks while she rides.

2. She can't keep up with anything until I throw it away and then she knows right where it was last! (and argues to the death that she had it in that obscure place for a reason!)

3. Sometimes her drama is so dramatic (tears, hyperventilating, pacing) that it cracks her up midstream (if only for a moment).

4. She can not grasp the concept that if you are walking back into Walmart with soap in your hand to pay for it (because it was hiding under the car seat at checkout), you will not be taken to jail for shoplifting!

5. She had Flaming Hot Cheetos w/Lime for dinner tonight. (does that say something about me?)