Brazos with Grandma & Grandpa

What a perfect day for a picnic and to go exploring in the alligator habitat. We had a wonderful time with Grandma and Grandpa, and it was fun to just have Sicily and I there. Nice and quiet, actually able to have a conversation.
Notice the sign: "Don't annoy the alligators." Dad was tempted to poke at them with his crutches. But we told him they'd probably steal them from him and then what would we do. :)

This big guy was right there off the dock. Close on 8-10 feet long. He'd just hang out then randomly float along a bit. So neat. There was another one there by the dock that scared the hebbie jeebies out of us when he jumped up to eat something. I thought I was a goner for sure, even though he was still 6 ft away at least. Those suckers can move!

Just a beautiful view of the swamp. It's actually quite pretty, good weather today and hardly any bugs.

We met these birds when we were in Guatemala. They nicknamed them "Jesus Birds" because they seem to be able to walk on water. Though one guy said he calls them "Peter Birds" because sometimes they fall in. :)

Mom was so excited to see these mossy trees. I think this stuff is so cool, and kind of freaky when you're out there at night. You can just hear all those Southern Ghosts coming out to get you. I prefer them in the day light.

See ya Later, Alligator! It was a good little trip.

V-Formation

I've seen an average V-Formation many times, you know, the ones with 12 or so geese. This one has to be over 50 geese. Crazy! And so cool!

Mexico

Jared just recently took a 2 1/2 week trip to Mexico for some work training. And though he says he worked rather hard while he was there, it is apparent from some photos that he did more than just work. Here's a few shot for you to enjoy, and me too, to live vicariously through Jared's work.

Big fat Olmec Heads, there were a few of these around. They remind me mostly of Indiana Jones more than anything.

Mosaic Tiles. I thought they were cool.

A God coming up from the Underworld, not sure why, but there you have it.

Coatimundi (Quat-i-moon-dee). Their like a cross between monkey's and raccoons. Super cute but if you stop feeding them they'll bite you, not very nice. Ancient Mayan Ruins, there were many a shot of these and they reminded me so much of Guatemala that I really want to go back.

They actually had aqueducts of sorts running through these ruins. They're naturally fed from the river water and still work, once they were excavated that is.
Current view of the city where he was. He was there while a hurricane was hitting the coast so they had some rain and a bit of flooding. As you can see from this river, a bit higher than it should be.

So we're glad to have our Daddy back, a lot changes in 2 1/2 weeks, and it's much better to have him at home than away.

Weird Science Wednesdays.

Our rather large snake shed his skin a while back. He finally shed it in one shot, all in one. So we set it out to measure. Flame's rather hard to measure himself, doesn't really hold still and all, so it's hard to get it accurate. So we went for the skin. Flame is now 4 ft 8 in from head to tail.

I asked Aspen if she wanted to take his skin to school and show it off. In the end her Science teacher put her on the school's morning news for Weird Science Wednesdays to talk all about Flame and his habits. Pretty cool, and the whole school got to watch her on the TV's in their classrooms. She was even good enough to share that when he finishes off his mice he looks like he's eating spaghetti, but that it's just the mouses tail. Nice!

London's TV sound is a bit broken so they couldn't hear a lot. One kid asked out loud, "I wonder how long that snake actually is?" London said, "4 ft 8 in." "How do you know?" "Because that's my snake and that's my sister." Bonus points on the cool kid scale. It's funny what does that for kids.

Wicked

Jared and I got the opportunity to go see Wicked, and man was it Wicked!!! So Awesome!! We've been to a few musicals over the years, some good, some bad but few are amazing. This was one of those. We both really enjoyed it. A lot!! I'd recommend everyone to take the chance so see this if you have the chance. It was that good.

FHE on the Articles of Faith

FHE = Family Home Evening.

These last few weeks we have been going through the Articles of Faith as our lessons. One a week. It's amazing how much you can get out of one little Article of Faith. And I'm really gaining a testimony of them. They seem so simple, even the Primary kids can memorise them. But as we've been focusing on their meanings we're really getting it. They really are what we believe.

Articles of Faith

of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.

3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

9. We believe all that God has reveled, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11. We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul - We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

--Joseph Smith

Rubber Band Flip

Sicily has the most contagious laugh there ever was. She thought this game was HILARIOUS. Her and Jared played it for over 15 mins. But when I pulled out the camera she kept posing, so Jared took the camera so she'd actually laugh for all of you. Enjoy!

Trumpet Anyone?

I was making dinner the other night, and it was so lovely outside I had the back window open. When along through the window comes the lofting sound of a trumpet. Our 12 year old neighbor just joined the School Band and was obviously outside practicing.

I gave them a phone call to compliment him on his work. :) His mom was so embarrassed that I could hear him 2 doors down. I thought it was hilarious.

He came right over to show the kids and let them each have a go. :) I love having good neighbors.

Things Really are Bigger in Texas

Our little neighbor brought these "little" guys over to show us. They are snails she found by the bayou. And no I did not enlarge them with the computer. Can you believe those things?!? Look at their trails, YUCK! I would NOT want to find those in my garden.

Navigator of the Month

Once a month for the entire school year each teacher submits 2 names, one boy and one girl. These names are then put before the Principal who picks 1 student out of every class to be the Navigator of the month. London and Aspen have been in the school for 3 years and never been chosen, not that that's bad, they've just never been picked. Yet Phoenix is in the school for 1 month and he gets picked as NAVIGATOR OF THE MONTH!

As you can tell, he is SOOOOOO very proud! Way to go Phoenix!!!

Crazy Girl

This girl is growing faster every week. I took her in a bit ago for her 3 year old well check and found out she's as big as an average 4 year old. 95% for her height and weight. People think she's older than she is till she starts talking, then they start asking questions. Big body, sweet little girl.

And one crazy girl too, I think she hangs out with her siblings a bit too much.

Trampoline Time

The kids absolutely LOVE when Dad comes out and jumps on the trampoline with them. Aspen, I think, loves it the most. She'll encourage Jared to make her fly, scares me to death, but they love it. Sicily makes him hold her the entire time, so he definitely gets his workout. And if London joins the pack, watch out, he'll steal your bounce before you can say "Jump!"

But sometimes they are not big fans of the height. Phoenix was not a happy camper for a few minutes. For those of you that have never seen it before, this is his Completely Ticked Off - Scared to Death - I Think I'm in Pain Look! Sometimes it makes me laugh because it's just so dramatic. Trust me, he was up and jumping again about 2 seconds after I took this shot, he was totally fine.

Sisters

Every now and then as a Mom you have those moments you want to always remember.

Things calm down in the evening and you pop in a movie for a little relaxation time for you kids, and this is what happens. Sisterly kindness and love. These 2 will snuggle up with a warm blanket and a good movie all the time. They're both little cuddlers, so if Mom and Dad are not sitting down they'll just snuggle up on each other. I'm so glad they're such good friends.

Flag Football

London's season of Flag Football is almost wrapping up. But he's had a good run, and plenty of running.
It's been so fun going out every Saturday at 12:30 to watch their games. London's played Center, Half Back... and I really don't know because I don't know Football all that well. Jared really should be the one writing this post.

But as his Mom I know London's having a ton of fun. He's made a bunch of new friends and gets more confident everyday. Way to go London!

Gator of the Week

Aspens entire class had to make an All-About-Me poster and this is what we came up with. Pretty much everything you ever wanted to know about Aspen. She's a good little kid!

We Got a New Dog

We'd like you to meet our new 10 month old puppy, BEAUX. Isn't he the cutest!?!?!
Our neighbors Auntie just moved into a small apartment and felt bad leaving him in there all day while she was at work. So he needed a new home with kids and a big back yard. They literally brought him up to our door and asked if we wanted him. :) The big price tag of FREE sold Jared right then and there. I talked to the owner and got his personality low-down and as of Noon today, he is ours.

He has all his shots, is already fixed, can play fetch, loves to run, doesn't bark at all, is completely potty trained, stays off the furniture, and is awesome for now. He still kind of freaks out Sicily, but she's getting used to him.

The tiles in this picture are 12 inch tiles, so they'll give you an estimate of how big he is. He weighs about 25 lbs and is 16 inches at the shoulder.

Come by and say hi whenever you want. He loves people, especially kids.

1st Loose Tooth

It's loose, it's loose, it's finally loose!

Phoenix got his first 2 teeth at 4 months old, so we have been waiting to see how young he would be when he got his first loose tooth. Well, he's 5 1/2! Not too shabby.

He's holding out and trying to loose it at school. Loosing a tooth at school is right up there with "Your 15 Mins of Fame!" You may as well have been crowned King for all the kids that go home and tell their parents, "Phoenix lost his 1st tooth at recess today!" So funny.

It's not gone just yet, but we'll keep you posted.

Biggest Flake Ever

My kids always get excited when they're having cereal and all of a sudden the Shredded Wheat or something, "Has 2 stuck together!" They think it's the coolest thing.

So I had to agree with Phoenix this last Sunday. That is "The biggest Bran Flake I have EVER seen!"

Warm Fuzzies

We have a Warm Fuzzy Jar in our house to encourage our kids to do good deeds for each other and others. Every time they do a good deed with out being asked they get to put in a warm fuzzy. Then when our Jar is full we get to go out for Ice cream at places like Marble Slab Creamery. Then the jar is emptied and we start over.

Aspen got a little anxious one day and dumped the box where they're all stored all over the kitchen. But she did then clean it up with out being asked so she got an extra warm fuzzy.

Oreo

I found a couple more shots of Oreo I wanted to post before we moved on to the rest of our lives. Sicily was always so cute with Oreo, nervous if she bounced around too fast but so excited when she stayed still long enough to pet. A little head of Cauliflower never hurt anyone.
The number of times I had to chase this bunny back down the stairs...see how her ears are all pricked up. She knows dang well she's not supposed to be up there. :)

We'll miss you little Oreo.

Oreo Passed Away Today

We've had some bad luck in our house this month. First Charlie passed then today we found Oreo gone too.

We don't know what killed her but all that was left was fluff and fur. Our yard is lined with chicken wire so we know it wasn't a dog. We're thinking raccoon or possum. I found her, thank goodness it wasn't the kids.

So now she is buried with her best friend, Charlie. Right about on his head, Jared said, because that was one of her favorite places to sit. He'd lick her and lick her, they'd play tag and eat each others food. Unless Charlie was really hungry, then he'd bump her around to the other side of his bowl so they could eat at the same time.

Oreo was Aspens sweetest little pet for the last 4 years. She started out sleeping in Aspens room in a little cage. Look how cute and tiny she was!

Just a little ball of fluff. Who wouldn't want to bring her home. And yes, we are positive she was a girl. Aspen was very specific that she wanted a girl bunny. Oreo's Birthday was Easter 2007, so she was about 3 1/2.

This is our very fast neighbor friend, Sophia, one of the few that was quick enough and gentle enough to catch up with Oreo and be able to pet her once Oreo was let out into the back yard.

Phoenix sometimes caught her and sometimes didn't. :)

No she wasn't all just fluff and cuddles. Being a rabbit she did like to burrow.

And she ate every leaf off of this tree. At one point she made her way into my garden and ate EVERY little green plant I had just planted the day before.

Oreo was a good fluffy bunny. She was an indoor/outdoor pet. She loved to be snuggled, and would lick your feet if you stopped petting her. Jared would never pet her long so she'd hop around and around his feet, finally thumping her feet on the ground and leave behind a little round present of "thanx for not petting me." She usually got thrown out of the house when she did this. :) We loved to feed her strawberries and watermelon because her little white face would be covered in red juices. Then her little tongue would dart all over cleaning her off.

Oreo was an awesome pet. I would recommend a bunny to anyone, especially if you can't have cats because of allergies, like us. Bunnies are sweet and snugly and we were lucky to have our Oreo for so long.

Playgroup

With no more siblings around to play with everyday, we've started a Playgroup to keep our kiddos busy. They LOVE it. Sicily is so happy to go every Tues and Thurs, and today was our 2nd chance to host it at our house.

It's like Nursery all over again. 2 hours of free for all, with a snack in the middle, a couple of stories and some singing. They are all so cute and really do get along quite well.
None of those boys would hold a smile for longer than 2 seconds. Notice the girls are ready and posing, forever.

Just Missed Him

Jared has been in Mexico, for work, since the 7th and gets back on the 25th. See that little black dot...yep that's where he is, way down on the bottom. He's having fun and learning lots but says there's a bit of rain. Go figure. That's Hurricane Karl knocking on his door step. But that hasn't stopped him from speaking Spanish 24 hrs a day. He loves it, though says he's really having to learn the Technical words, you don't use that much as a missionary. He also got to join in on the festivities to celebrate Mexico's 200th Independence Day. Let's just say he was up till 4:00 am, and was SUPER tired at work the next day. Good times! Wish I was there.

Nick Names

While Sicily and I were on our walk this morning we had this conversation:

M: "Sici are you my little walking Buddy?"
S: "Yep, I'm your Buddy....no not Buddy I'm Sicily Doodle."
M: "Are you sure?"
S: "Yes. Daddy says I'm Sici Doodle."

She was very strong in her convictions of her name...because Daddy said so.

Cleaning Out the Garden

I grew up in Utah where it's very dry and NEVER humid. So I have new and exciting experiences here in Houston, Texas all the time. The last one occurred this weekend.

My garden has been slowly dieing and no longer producing, so it was time to rip it all out and clean it up. As I pulled out the cucumbers I saw something big and black scoot under the plants. I thought for sure it was that rat come back to haunt me. But nope, it was a Frog. I eventually caught 4 frogs, 2 lizards, and at least 2 more lizards got away. And my garden's really not all that big. Phoenix, as you can see, was in Heaven. We do have frogs in Utah but not all over the back yard. You'd usually hear them out in the field, in the random wet spot that never seems to dry up. Well, in Houston nothing ever drys up. Every time I mow the lawn there are at least 6 frogs hiding amongst the grass. And those are only the ones I see. I did think I saw a baby snake there in the garden. I made Jared kill it because the baby's, if venomous, are the most dangerous. But after he killed it we discovered it was actually a legless lizard. They are really long and skinny, like a snake, and have these stumpy little legs. I felt so bad.

OH! One more story. Jared and I went to the temple last week. While in one of the rooms on at least the 3rd floor, the last room you go to (if you know what I mean), I looked down on the floor and a little pale gecko came crawling out from under the chair. Me and a man next to me just stared at it in disbelief. I looked up at him with a smile and said, "I'll let you catch that then." So he scooped it up, passed it off to another laughing man that was leaving, who then showed it to a Temple worker who just laughed, and I'm assuming it was passed off to someone downstairs and eventually made it's way outside. Too funny! That was the last thing I ever thought I'd see in the Temple.

Crop Circles

Our neighbors have had a little above ground pool in the back yard for at least 2 months. They swam in it at first but then not for quite some time. Eventually they got around to cleaning it out (I think it was growing red algae) and then moved it to give the grass a break. If you ask me, they should have moved it a little sooner.
Not that I have room to say anything, we have at least 3 rectangular spots in our back yard due to the same problem.

Find a Perch

This funny little bird was following me all over the house. I don't think he realizes he can walk, but his wings are clipped so he can't fly either. So he'd take 2 steps, then flutter a foot off the ground, take another couple steps then try to fly again. He finally got tired of chasing me down and took a resting spot for a while. But as soon as I snapped this picture he was at it again. I finally gave in and held him a while. He's a sweet little birdy, but he loves to sit on your shoulder and whistle right IN your ear. I'm going to have to start wearing just one ear plug so I don't go deaf.

Time Out Daddy

Sicily put Jared in Time Out last night. He was working on his computer and she reached across him so he bit her.

S- "No Daddy, no bite, Time Out."
J- "I'm sorry."
S- "No Daddy, Time Out."

She then grabbed him by the shirt and drug him over to the corner and made him stand in Time Out. She sat on the stairs, waited about 10 seconds then said,

S- "OK, Daddy come here...Why you get time out?"
J- "Because I bit you."
S- "You have something say to me?"
J- "I'm sorry Sici."
S- "OK, you no more bite"

Then she gives him a hug and that was it.

Kids crack me up. She really isn't in Time Out that often, but apparently she knows the routine.