Brown Eyes in Texas: March 2011

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Celebrating early!

03/29/11
Bama's birthday is April 3rd. We decided to have a little party for her before she left! We LOVE any excuse for a little party!

My favorite picture! Madelynne wasn't sure of that candle!

Ok, I shouldn't have 2 sad blog posts in a row, the next will be happy, promise!
Yesterday I took mom by Esmee's grave as she hadn't been there in a while. This time the boys were so full of questions about their sister. If she is in Heaven, but Heaven wasn't there but her body is... and where is Heaven... they were very confused and how do you explain all that to a 5 year old?!
It always pulls my heartstrings going to Esmee's grave, oh I miss her. Then I notice some new graves in the "Baby Garden" (it's getting full), I go read the stones. 2 were blocked off together with a tiny fence around them. One was for a baby girl born April 2010. Beside her is a boy who lived for one day in Dec 2010. Same last names, cousins or siblings? I had this horrible pit in my tummy figuring they were siblings, and HOW HORRIBLE for those parents. 2 children lost within 10 months. This was my biggest fear when I was pregnant with Madelynne.
So my heart and thoughts have sure gone out to those parents these last 24 hours. (As it always does to anyone who's lost a child.)

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Not already :(

A certain girl has always been close to twin X. Twin Y doesn't care about it. This has been for quite a while. Now this girl has informed her mother that twin Y is cuter than twin X and she wants to play with twin Y instead.

Okay, this can't be starting already. This seriously made me cry. I get emotional every time I think about it! Twin X is going to be really heart broken if she ignores him... I know they are just kids, only 5, but oh they have such big hearts already, he'll be crushed. Here's to hoping this doesn't actually happen, for now.

Happy Birthday Uncle Ty!

Today is my little but bigger (taller anyway!) brothers birthday! The boys wish they could celebrate with him, Uncle Ty rates pretty high in their eyes :)
Happy Birthday Tyson!
We love you!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

A simply gorgeous day!

Sorry about all the blog posts recently, but we have to keep Daddy and Papa up to date on what their peeps are up too! Ruben's been back in Ireland since Tuesday and we patiently (not!) wait for his return on Thursday!
Today was a gorgeous day. I don't think it got to 92 as predicted, but that's ok :).
We went to Karolyn's for lunch and swimming. All 3 kids LOVE LOVE LOVE the water. Then Chase and I had a "date" to the grocery store. Next we hung out on the trampoline. After supper we went for a walk/scooters.
We'll sleep good tonight!
PS- I apologize to everyone with poor weather for the pictures... really, I'm not trying to rub in our lovely weather recently! :)

WE COVERED HER UP GOOD FROM THE SUN DADDY!

MID SWIM SNACK!

LITTLE MISS INDEPENDENT MAKES A MESS!

2 COOL DUDES!

BOYS WILL BE BOYS!

Ice cream thanks to Bama!

03.24.11 - Bama treated the kids to ice cream, it was Madelynne's first ice cream cone!! She was quite pleased, I think she liked the cone more than the ice cream! We paid for it later that night, I fully believe she is lactose intolerant now!

Friday, March 25, 2011

03.20.11 At the Thompson's

Last Sunday Jerry and Leah had us and some others over for potluck and a very sweet special evening. Thank-you Jerry and Leah! We also surprised dad with an early cake, Tres Leche, one of his favorites!
Here's a couple pictures of the evening.

Us with an Irish flag iced cookie cake!

Surprise!

Madelynne and Riah

Singing and music

Happy Birthday Pops and Papa!

Dear Dad, it’s your birthday,
And I want you to know
I appreciate you more
As the years come and go.

All your good qualities
Stand out and shine;
Fathers are priceless,
And I’m so glad you’re mine!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

95

Just thought I'd acknowledge that our dear Granny that passed away this past November, would have been 95 today.
Once again, I'm so grateful for my 4 special faithful Grandparents.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Our trooper!

ONE OF HER FEW SMILES, SHE LOVES PLAYING IN THE STROLLER.
THIS IS WHILE WE WERE WAITING BEFORE THE MRI.

It's been a long day! Started at 5AM driving to Dell Children's for Madelynne's 8th (akk!) MRI. I don't sleep well the night before, I just can't handle my baby having to be sedated. At least this time being older and having the first appointment, fasting before wasn't as big of a deal. With all my worries, when you get to the hospital, it's a good wake up call that we have it easy compared to many many others. And above all, just have to have faith in our loving God who's in control and knows what we can handle.

Madelynne was soaking it all in this time, what all was happening. She didn't cry before hand, but she wasn't impressed either! Her big brown eyes stared everyone down, barely cracking a smile unless to Ruben or I. There's the nurses, then the Anesthesiologist, the MRI technician, the Imaging nurse, the Child Help rep, etc etc... I must say the whole routine is getting very familiar. And we are remembered by staff now.

The 1.5 to 2 hour wait always feels like FOREVER. Just want to see my baby and make sure she's ok!

When I went into Recovery, Madelynne pretty much glared at me, like "thanks mom for putting me through this" look. Again, no smiles for anyone until we left!!

Now we wait till next Monday for the results. And another MRI in 6 months. I wonder where that one will be....

Am I sad or not?!

The van has SOLD!
I wasn't sure if I was going to cry or not!
After all it is just a van, not a cool vehicle!
BUT... 6 years of memories are in it! (And a lot of miles!)
So a bit of mixed emotions, but one less thing to worry about now!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

2 teeth less Chase!

Friday, March 18, 2011

First sleepover!

Well, the time has come, the boys are having their very first sleep over at Grandma and Grandpa Cortez's tonight. They were 2 excited boys!
So how does mommy feel? A little bit sad, okay, a whole lot sad! I've waited for this moment as I've only been away from them at night if I've been in the hospital! I know it will be good for all of us!

Other news, Chase had his 2 front teeth extracted yesterday. I took video of him with his tooth fairy money this morning, but not a picture! Doh! So video soon to come and a picture of my boy without his 2 front teeth later as well! I loved this conversation between the boys this morning when Mason saw Chase's tooth fairy money.

Mason: "We're best friends right?
Chase: "Yes"
Mason: "And we share everything?
Chase: "Yes"
Mason: "Can I hold your money?"
Chase: Hesitates... not so sure... "okay I guess"
Sometimes it's tough being a twin eh!
Grandma will be taking Chase to the Dollar Store :) to buy something with his tooth fairy money, so it will be interesting to see what Mason comes home with too!

BOYS AT THE PARK WAITING FOR
GRANDMA AND GRANDPA TO PICK THEM UP!

VEHICLE ENTERTAINMENT

PAPA'S HELPER/TAG ALONG!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Funny how it kind of feels extra special to us this year! A couple photos to bring back memories and some classic music by Phil Coulter!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Beginning of March in pictures!

HAIR CUTS!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MASON AND CHASE!

WATCHING A NEW WINDSHIELD PUT IN!
ANYONE LOOKING FOR A 2005 NISSAN QUEST?
IT CAN BE YOURS!

BIG STORY ABOUT THIS RACE TRACK - SHORT VERSION -
AFTER 3 TRIPS TO TOYS-R-US, WE FINALLY COULD PUT IT
TOGETHER! THIS IS FROM THE BOYS GARAGE SALE EARNINGS!