What we were up to in July

I am so sorry I haven't posted in like FOREVER!!!!! We have been very busy. July is our month to have Lawton for the summer and it was fun even though he got aggravated with Zane a lot but hey; that is what siblings do.... right? Since my last post we went to Dallas to see Lance's brother and on our way home we took a detour to Stephenville to visit Lance's college, Tarleton State University. Lance wanted to show me around and show it to the boys. Lawton wasn't that impressed, but what 13 year old is. Zane thought it was cool that his Dad went to college without his mom and dad. I asked tons of questions that really had no answers to them. I'm so used to everything on a college campus having a story behind it...Gig'em Aggies! It was neat to see that part of my husbands life. I will post pics of Dallas later, but for now here is Tarleton!

This cannon had a story!!

Same CANNON!!!!
I thought this Sign was Cute!
NO Story!!
Mr. Tarleton, Lance and Zane

A Terrified MOM and a Happy little BOY

After waiting FOREVER to take Zane to the dentist, I decided to go ahead and be a "good" parent and do what was right even though I SO DID NOT WANT TO. Let me just start by saying I HATE the dentist. I would much rather go see my OB/GYN than go to a dentist. Getting the point? I have not been to a dentist in 5 years. My teeth are horrible and I'm okay with that b/c anyone who wants to stick a needle in my gums is just pure evil. Oh, and the smell and sound of them drilling with those tools is just awful and is like death to my ears and nose! BUT being the "responsible" parent I decided to suck it up and try to make it a fun experience for Zane. I talked it up! The dentist is going to make your teeth look pretty like the lady who cuts your hair makes your hair look pretty. He fell for it hook line and sinker! He was stoked about going to get his teeth looking pretty. Wednesday morning he had his 1st dentist appointment at 10:00. I was so nervous that I had an upset stomach and the shakes....I know so ridiculous..but true. Zane was excited.

As we arrived, I walked into a place like out of a story book. This was the coolest dentist office that I have ever seen. I might like going to the dentist if I had one like this growing up or heck even now! There was a theme for everything. Zane was a little overwhelmed and asked for me to hold him. As I held him while filling out the papers, I wondered if he could feel my sense of nervousness for him. I put it all aside and tried to act like the obnoxious 1st time mom who was so excited about his 1st visit even though it was killing me inside. I got out my camera, started acting like a tourist and playing with all the toys in the place. Zane then started having a great time. Our 1st station was X-Rays. He did great and he loved that the room looked like space. He got 2 stickers and we were off to the next station. Cleaning was totally cool. He chose a tooth brush. He told the hygienist that the cleaning felt good to him. He got another prize. Now we waited for the Dr. I thought we were in the clear by this point but no such luck. She came to "count" his teeth to tell me that he had a cavity. What!!!!! I totally did not expect this. We were having such a great time until now. Lady you can go back to where you came from. Of course all of this was running through my mind. Not my baby, I thought again. She then explained all the NEW RULES to me. I have failed as a parent and my baby has a bobo on his tooth. He got his last prize, we sat up the next appointment to have it filled and I walked out of there with the new anxiety that our next visit wouldn't be so much fun and cost a lot more!

What did I learn? Zane will not have hard candy, gummy things, lemonade or sugar gum from his precious Oma. I got in the car and Zane said, "that was fun lets do it again!" I explained to him that the dentist saw a bobo on his tooth and that he couldn't have the things that I had mentioned above. Poor Zane all the fun junk as a kid is gone!! Oh, but wait, there is always cookies, ice-cream and snow cones!! He still can't wait to go back. So thank you Stone Oak Pediatric Dentistry for a positive and happy environment so my child won't be like me!

Futures looking Bright....Got to Wear Shades!
These protected him from the bright light

It is all smiles before the Dr. arrives

Warming up to the place


Oh, he found something that he could drive
Opening wide to see those pretty teeth
A new tooth brush..totally cool
Chillaxin..after the cleaning

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

Our 4th was not very eventful but it was fun and relaxing. My sister, Jamie, and nephew, Noah, came in to see our new home. My mom and dad came down too. It is always nice to have my family around since I don't get to spend that much time with them anymore. I'm sure our visits will be even more fewer and far between because of the price of gas.
During the day we hung out at the house and down by the river for a little while. The kids had fun and the adults relaxed. Later that evening we headed to Boerne for the Fireworks. They were great and it was a long show. I could not believe how many people were on the streets and along side of the road for the show. It was a fun and safe 4th!

Me and the boys being silly

My sister Jamie and her son Noah
Me and Zane watching the fireworks
The boys just being stupid
Waiting for the show to begin
The teens just chillin
My mom and dad with Zane
My mom watching Zane be a dork
Me and my hot hubby

Zane at the river trying to catch a frog

Lance was thirsty. He decided to take a big drink right after Zane just peed.

Just Kidding!!!!
My daddy watching his grandkids have fun..Oh and Lance too
Zane took this pic
My mom and dad again with their youngest grandkid

Independent Little Man

Zane was gone for 9 whole days. It was a nice break but I really started missing him around day 7. Although he said he missed me and asked for me at times, he was not ready to come home. After being at my sisters for 5 days and my parents for 4, I thought for sure he would be ready to come home to be with his mom and dad. I met my mom in Columbus to pick Zane up and have a little lunch before we headed back on the road again. I was so excited to see him and he ran to me, jumped in my arms and gave me a huge hug and kiss. He talked non stop about all the fun he had with his aunt Melanie, his cousins and his NUNU and DA. He was so excited and had to tell me everything fast and made sure that I was listening and looked interested. He was cracking me up. He held my hand into Schoebles and in the line to get our food. He usually never does that. He kept telling me I looked cute and that he loved me. After we ate it was time to switch over all of the things that he took there and all of the new things that he acquired (thanks Caleb and Chrystian)! Before we got into our car he said, "Ok, Mom I got to see you. I want to go back with Nunu again." Dear baby boy, your dad would have been so upset if I wouldn't have brought you back home.

I am so glad that he is able to go away and have fun with his grandparents, aunts and cousins without me always being there. I truly don't think he would be able to be so independent and courageous as he grows up without these experiences. As parents we have to allow our children to spread their wings and fly even when it is killing us inside. 9 days was a long time for me and I didn't think he would be able to make it, but he did and is ready to go back again WITHOUT MOMMY, he says!

A few funny things he said on the trip was:

Melanie, I'll start calling you Ant Melanie. She said OK and he said FIRE ANT MELANIE!!

He wouldn't get dressed one day and my mom said what are you going to do then. He said drink coffee and sit around all day like my mom does.

Getting in a fight with his cousins and then saying, "Do it again and see what happens!" (the other boys are 12,11, and 9)

Seeing a overweight person at the snowcone stand and telling Melaine that the lady had a baby in her tummy. My sister had to explain the concept of being overweight. He then told my mom that there was a baby in her tummy even after the explanation. Nunu laughed and said no that is just FAT.

The pictures are the things that he did at my sisters.

WHILE THE KIDS AWAY THE PARENTS SHALL PLAY

On June 15th Lance and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary; it happened to be Father's Day as well. So, not much kissy kissy was going on that day, but this week we have more than made up for it!! Let's just say we celebrated our honeymoon. Last Monday I took Zane to Waco to meet my sister, Melanie, and my nephew, Caleb. He stayed with them from Monday until Friday. Friday he went to my mom and dad's to get spoiled some more. I will pick him up in Columbus on Wednesday and I can't wait to see my little man. I sure have missed him, but I have enjoyed my time with my husband as well.
I think it is so important in a marriage that a husband and wife continue to spend time together and grow with one another rather than apart from each other. As a wife and mom I get so caught up in being the mom that I forget how to be the wife at times. I once heard from a christian marriage counselor that the children are a welcomed guest in your marriage. I love that statement. One day our children will grow up and have their own lives and we are stuck with this individual that we once knew so well but have to get to know all over again if we continue to stay wrapped up only in our children's lives. Like I said this is hard for me. I have trouble turning off the "Mommy Switch" most of the time to be the woman that my husband desires. This time alone has been so good for me because it has taught me that I need to learn to separate the two. I know it will not be easy but I can try.

So your asking, is that all you two did? Absolutely NOT. We took walks together, sat in the river and talked, danced in the garage, had no interruptions at dinner, went out with friends, watched movies and just spent time together.

My favorite day of all with out Lance was sitting on my back porch while it rained reading a book and having a glass of wine. My favorite day with Lance was chillaxin at the River. While Zane is off making memories with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, I'm making memories with the man I love and my best friend.

What you are called to at an early age

This past Friday our MOPS group had our Planning Retreat for the year. I have been so excited to be part of this group and this year to Co-coordinate with an amazing person. I was having doubts on myself if I could lead this group to be successful. Before the meeting started I spent time praying for our group and my abilities. God never speaks to me about me or I don't listen. He usually speaks to me about others and in dreams, but never directly to me about me. As I began to question myself God reminded me about when I was younger planning and leading family activities and picnics in our local parks. I was so young and I had completely forgotten about those times. He told me that at a young age I was a leader and a planner. He had called me to be those things and not to fear for fear is of the Devil and with God all things are possible. He totally "Wowed" me. Sitting and reflecting on that, I began to think about the characteristics of my son, Zane. What does he do and act to show me what God has called him to do. He loves music with all of his heart and soul. He is truly gifted. He sings, plays the guitar and drums and is good at it. He is a social butterfly and compassionate for those truly ill and for people that he loves. He loves babies. He loves to make people laugh. He loves words of praise and encouragement. I believe that is one of his love languages. I have no idea what God is calling him to do, but I do believe that it is great and mighty things for his kingdom. When he was born I believe that Satan tried to destroy his life , but God did not allow it. In my heart I feel that his love for music and people is what his ministry will be. I look forward to watching the Lord mold him and shape him into what he wants for him and what he has called him to be. One day may my son look back and the Lord speak to him to reassure him that God called him at an early age!

Girl's Night Out

Finally seated waiting for the movie to begin!

Waiting in line to be seated
Denise and Leona
Leona and Linda
Denise, Leona and Me

Denise and her sweet Mom Janie

Sandy and Kendra
Me and Leona
Toasting to a night out Sandy, Kendra and Me
It is Starting soon
Well, the M&S Girls had a night of team building for themselves. The wives of the company that Lance works for all decided to get together for dinner and a movie. Some of us brought some more girls along for it was a "girls night in the city." We had a great time getting out of the house and away from kids. We enjoyed a meal at PF Chang's. The best part was that we didn't have to cut any one's food up and remind them to take one or two more bites. It was relaxing. Then all of us headed to see the much awaited for SEX IN THE CITY. Because I have watched most of these on TBS now, I had forgotten about all of the scenes that well, I could have lived without. The movie was long and the story line was ok. Beginning of the movie was great they just dragged it out way too long. All in all though, it was a movie with all the girls and I didn't have to get up to take anyone to the bathroom. Let's do it again M&S WIVES!!!