Sunny Days

Maren and Sophie came over tonight to hang out with Caleb and I while Regan and Jeremy and the guys went to a Red Sox/Astros game.
I can’t believe how much these little munchkins have grown!
This was the first time they met…

Tonight they shared their toys, french fries, Nilla waffers, sippy cups, and a bath…

And, of course, lots of kisses!

Thanks for coming over, girls! It was fun!
Love, Caleb and Mandy

It was raining this afternoon and Caleb (obsessed with water as he is) noticed and was BEGGING to go outside. I tried explaining to him in my, “I know you’re only 17 months but try and understand the point here” voice that we couldn’t go outside right now because it was raining. As I calmly apologized to him for his disappointment, I asked myself, “why not?”
I carefully gathered all the necessary safety equipment (lots of towels so as not to slip and fall on the concrete) and my camera (of course) and waited for a pleasant “please” from the boy-o. Upon receiving it, this is what happened…

and this…

and this…

He kept looking up as it fell, trying to figure out where it was coming from and gleefully repeated, “WAWER!!” It was my perfect opportunity to explain that it was coming from God.
Why not?

I love the idea of blogging but I have such a hard time taking the time to do it. I feel pretty strongly about including photos and my awesome camera that I have takes GIGANTIC images that have to be shrunk down in order to place them on my blog. I have to open up photoshop (which eats up my RAM) and do them one at a time. “There’s got to be a better way!” Anyone have any tips?
In the mean time, I have some serious catch-up work to do.
In March, Kelly (Jeremy’s sister got engaged).

Caleb is showing off her new ring.

At the end of March we went Strawberry picking at Froberg’s farm with Rachel and Marla.

Caleb at most of our pickings and was covered in strawberry juices.

Easter

And more updates to come later. I’ve worked on this post all day in spurts and, again, am not getting very far very fast.

Remember CK-one? Wow, that was good stuff!

Jana, Zeke, Allison, Jordan, Caleb, and I went to the zoo today. We (the mom’s) had lots of fun and the kiddos just stared at everything. Caleb did get a little excited about the baby monkey, though. It came right up to the window and was acting all cute. Unfortunately, just as we arrived at the petting zoo portion a monsoon hit and we all took cover under an awning in the back. We waited patiently but it wasn’t going to let up. So, we ended up making a run for it to the front of the zoo and then to the cars.
Caleb was laughing the whole way. By the time we got there Caleb’s pants and shirt were soaked all the way through so I just stripped him naked and threw his blanket over him. He slept like a baby the whole way home. Fun times.

Last Monday Jeremy had a bonus day off and we decided to head down to Galveston for the day to go to the Social Security office to handle some paperwork for Taylor. This is usually like taking a seat in the electric chair or (equally excruciating) going to the DMV. However, it ended up being an in an out event - quite a pleasant surprise.

Afterward, we headed down the walk the strand. It was such a great day. There weren’t many people and Caleb was having a ball with Mommy and Daddy.

Those of you who have read my blog before, please do not fall out of your seats when you see I am making a post. I was thinking about brand loyalty today. I think mine are strong. To name a few:
Coka Cola
Canon
Sprint
Patagonia
Nissan
Origins
Aveda
Crest
Gain
Downy
Palmolive
Avent
Earth’s Best
Similac
Apple
The North Face
Simple (shoes)
Teva
Jiff
Dominoes Pizza
Britax
Life Is Good
Science Diet
Smartwool
Barrilla Plus
Dee Jay’s Candles
Pampered Chef
Kitchen Aid (best dishwasher ever!)
Dunkin Donuts
Green Mountain Coffee
Aquafina
Sara Lee Delightful Bread

I have always appreciated Jack Johnson, but for some reason, this morning I was listening to him and was LOVING it! I really like these lyrics to “Gone.”

Jack Johnson Gone Lyrics
Look at all those fancy clothes,
But these could keep us warm just like those.
And what about your soul? Is it cold?
Is it straight from the mold, and ready to be sold?

And cars and phones and diamond rings,
Bling, bling, because those are only removable things.
And what about your mind? Does it shine?
Are there things that concern you, more than your time?

Gone, the wind.
Gone, everything.
Gone, don’t give a damn.
Gone, be the birds, when they don’t wanna sing.
Gone, people, all awkward with their things,
Gone.

[ Lyrics found on http://www.metrolyrics.com ]

Look at you, out to make a deal.
You try to be appealing, but you lose your appeal.
And what about those shoes you’re in today?
They’ll do no good, on the bridges you burnt along the way.

Are you willing to sell, anything?
Gone, with your head.
Leave your footprints,
And we’ll shame them with our words.
Gone, people, all careful and consumed.

Gone, gone, gone, everything.
Gone, don’t give a damn.
Gone, be the birds, when they don’t wanna sing.
Gone, people, all awkward with their things, Gone.

Good thoughts. Perspective. Perspective and clarity of thought are two of the best things a person can have. It’s not that difficult to have, if we would just take the time for it.

When did the day come that all of our excitement originates with the little ones in our life? Ours (being the cutest and the smartest, of course) my neice and nephew, our friend’s… they just brighten our world. Yesterday was Luke’s third birthday! (He loves the “happy birthday” song and would like for it to be his birthday EVERY day!) Today, Foster Sears was born. I have so many friends that are expecting (Allison, Jana, Lisa, another Alison, Sarah, Angie, Kim, Stephanie, Kelly, and Jennifer, to name a few) and what a blessing! I pray safety for all of those that are growing and for their mommies and for their futures. And a fun thought; is Caleb’s future wife in the world yet? Is she growing in her mommy yet? A special blessing to you, little one!