My bed buddy!

Derek has been out of town this week. Tonight while Barrett was getting ready for bed, he told me that he wanted his stuffed animal, Clifford to sleep with me since Daddy was gone. He ran downstairs and later when I went into my room this is what I found.

What a sweet and thoughtful little boy!

This and that!

Our family was minus one this weekend. Barrett and 2 of his cousins, Shaelyn and Elizabeth, went to stay at my parents for a long weekend. We met my mom in Brenham on Friday at lunch. Kara was there too, to drop of Elizabeth. On Friday night, we did some yard work while Brooklyn played in the sprinkler. Saturday, we slept in and took the morning easy(meaning we were in our pjs until after noon!) Brooklyn seemed to enjoy just hanging out and having our undivided attention.
On Saturday evening, we went with some friends to see Billy Bob Thornton in concert. I didn't even know he sang. We had a great time laughing, eating, and listening to the music at Stubb's.
Sunday we ate lunch with friends, took naps, then took Brooklyn out for ice cream and let her play at the park. She seems to be missing Barret and is really excited we are leaving in a little bit to go get him.
Oh, I also watched the season finale of The Next Food Network Star. I really wanted Lisa to win and was surprised that Aaron ended up winning. I don't know if I will watch his show on tv, but really like the Food Network Star show alot. And, I can't wait to see who wins Design Star.
Well, I am off to get Barrett in Brenham. And GranBob is coming to watch the kids on Wednesday through the weekend. Derek is in Phoenix for work and I am meeting him there to have some alone time, hang out at the pool, and eat lots of good food. I am really looking forward to this vacation with just the 2 of us. And, I am going to be really happy to see my little guy, Barrett. We all missed him, but I know he had a blast with Nana and Teddy!

Girlfriends!

I just want to give a shout out to all my girlfriends! God has truly blessed my life with people who have made a difference in my life and helped get me to the place I am now.
I have the girls that were born my family- my mom, sisters, Kara and Kellee. WOW! How luck I am to have these girls in my life who love me know matter what, who have seen be at my worst, and hopefully best and love me as I am. We are so connected and I look up to them as examples, sounding boards and inspiration.
I have the girls who are in my family now- Mother-in-law, sister-in-laws- Suzy, Leigh and Michele. These girls are my friends, examples and I love them.
I have friends that have known me for forever- in junior high and high school and college- and even though we may not talk as much or see each other as much, these people helped form who I am and were there for me when I needed them. And, we had so many good times and lots of laughs and lots of craziness.
Ever since college, I have had many girls in my life. Some still live here, others have moved, and new people have moved here. It is such a blessing. I have lots of girlfriends in my life now and I am so blessed. I can talk with them about anything or nothing. I can laugh with them or cry with them. I get advice, inspiration, encouragement and have fun times with them.
My live has been a constant evolution and all of these people have played significant part in my life. I think that girlfriend relationships are so important for women to have. And, I hope and pray that Brooklyn has women in her life that do the same for her.
So, to all of you girls out there in my life, I love you and appreciate you! I cherish every girl in my life, for what you have been to me and for what you are to me now.

Mexico

My mom, sister, Kellee and I went to Puerto Vallarta to celebrate my mom's 6oth birthday. I let them take most of the pictures, but here are a few I got. It was beautiful, relaxing and a trip full of good memories and laughter.

The view from our balcony-gorgeous

Hanging by the pool In town, walking along the boardwalk
We had some huge margaritas- refreshing
Sunset
I had such a fun time with these two
It was an awesome trip!

One Word

1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your spouse? loving
3. Your hair? blonde
4. Your mother? selfless
5. Your father? hardworker
6. Your favorite thing? Derek
7. Your dream last night? funny
8. Your favorite drink? water
9. Your goal? content
10. The room you're in? playroom
11. Your hobby? reading
12. Your tv? on
13. Your fear? public speaking
14. Where do you want to be in 6 years? island
15. Where were you last night? bathtub
16. What you're not? perfect
17. Muffins? blueberry
18. One of your wish list items? lakehouse
19. Where you grew up? Humble
20. What are you wearing? dress
21. Your pets? Jett
22. Your computer? laptop
23. Your life? awesome
24. Your mood? happy
25. Your car? messy
26. Something you're not wearing? shoes
27. Favorite store? Target
28. Your summer? relaxing
29. Your favorite color? green
30. When is the last time you laughed? minutes
31. Last time you cried? days

Mamma Mia!!!-Updated

I am so excited about this movie!! Every time I see the trailer for it, I just want to sing and dance! When my mom and my sister, Kellee went to New York five years ago, we saw this play. It was so good!! And the music is fantastic. The kids and I listen to the cd from the musical all the time. The movie opened yesterday and I am going to see it with some girls from church tomorrow. We are going to eat Greek food for lunch before since the movie takes place in Greece. I can't wait to see this movie. I know the music will be great and the movie entertaining.

UPDATE: This movie is awesome! I loved it and smiled the whole entire movie. It is so fun and happy! So, if you have the chance go and see it. Thanks to all my girlfriends for a fun day out!

Nine Years Together!

I woke up today to the smell of Starbucks coffee and french toast cooking. Derek cooked me a yummy breakfast(my favorite) and got up early to get me a coffee. He is so sweet! Today Derek and I have been married nine years. I married the man of my dreams. Our wedding day was such a wonderful day for me and the beginning of our exciting journey together. I am more in love with Derek each day. Here's a honeymoon picture- I'd love to be there right now!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Astronaut
Fireman
Doctor
Camp out guide
Storyteller
Moon Seeer
Singer
This from Barrett. Oh, the mind of a 4 year old. I hope he never loses the belief he has in the power of possibilities. And that he can be whatever he dreams of being. I hope and pray that both my kids believe that they can be anything and try to be the best they can at whatever they do.

Places Around Town

A few of my friends recently listed places they go- each day, or on the computer. I thought it was a good idea. So, I was trying to come up with something somewhat interesting, and really couldn't think of anything that creative. So I am sharing of my favorite places in Austin.
1. Our church, Westover Hills. We have made many great friends there. And, our kids have made great friends too. Our preacher challenges us, our class helps us be better, and the church seeks to share the love of Christ with others in Austin and around the world.
2. We love Mexican food and some of my favorite places to eat it are Manuel's, Chuy's, Flores and Polvo's.
3. Austin Scoops is our favorite ice cream place. It's local and oh so yummy!!
4. Circle C pool. We love our neighborhood pool. It is fun for the kids and a great way to spend the afternoon or evening. Lifetime(our gym) also has a great pool too!
5. Zilker Park- we all love to hang out there. It is fun to ride the train, play, picnic, and go to the many different seasonal events there throughout the year.
6. South Congress- there are lots of shops to look in and lots of places to eat. We love South Congress Cafe, Home Slice, Hey Cupcake, Vespaio and Big Top.
7. The Backyard- we haven't been to a concert in a while, but the ones we have been to there are great. It is a nice, cozy atmosphere outside under the trees.
8. The Outlet Mall. While it is technically in San Marcos, it is as close to us as some places in North Austin. There are lots of cool places to shop and I usually find some really good deals. And I love a good deal.
9. I also love shopping at Central Market. It love browsing the aisles looking at the natural and gourmet foods. It is fun to go there. Whole Foods is a fun place to go too, but I don't make it there as often.
10. We also like to go the the places on or around Barton Springs Rd. I like Shady Grove and Austin Java. And Flip Happy Crepes is awesome. A nutella rollup- yum!!!
11. Our gym, Lifetime. It is great. The classes are good, the kids like going and there is a pool there too.
12. The Capital. It is pretty and full of history. It is fun to walk around the grounds and look at everything.
13. Another place, not in Austin, that we love is Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls. We go for pumpkins in the fall and blackberries and strawberries in the spring. Awesome!
14. More restaurants- Kerbey Lane, Chez Zee (both for brunch), Eddie V's and Vin Bistro are awesome date places.
15. The Austin Capital 10 K. It is a run the I have done often. It is a run through downtown Austin and it is fun and exciting to do. Anyone want to do it with me in 2009?

So, what are some of your favorite places in Austin?

Weekend fun

This weekend we found ourselves with no commitments and time to hang out as a family. So, we did alot of things together and had a fun, relaxing weekend. We went grilled out, the kids played in the sprinkler on the slide, we went to Kerbey Lane for brunch, hiked up Mt. Bonnell and saw the lake, saw the peacocks in Mayfield Park, went to Big Top on Congress Ave. (a ice cream parlor/candy store)for malts, shakes and a bunch of candy, all took naps, and went to our neighborhood pool for swimming and dinner with our friends the Walker's. It was a great time for us to hang out together and enjoy this awesome city we live in.

This week has been busy finishing up swim lessons for Barrett, VBS at church, Habitat camp for Barrett at the Austin Nature Center, the gym, dinner at Hula Hut , the park with the Heath's, and sprinkler fun. I am headed to Dallas tomorrow and then my mom, Kellee and I leave on our trip to Mexico. I am so looking forward to this trip and so glad that my husband encourages me to do things like this and happily watched the kids. He is the best!! Derek and the kids are headed to Houston for the weekend. Have a happy 4th everyone. And Happy 60th birthday (tomorrow) Mom!!

At Kerbey LaneTaking a break after our hikeLooking at the fast boats on the lakeWe love the boats and hanging out

My sweet kiddos looking at the big fish

B with his candy at Big Top

Don't mess with a girl and her shake

Buddies swimming at the pool

Barrett and Tate eating dessert before jumping back into the pool

Brooklyn is Daddy's girl