St. Jude Bike-a-thon

Last Thursday, the boys participated in a bike-a-thon at Eagle Heights that benefits the children of St. Jude's Hospital.  The idea is to pledge an amount of money per lap that each one makes.  Well, it is beneficial for St. Jude's, but not for my pocketbook.... but OUR boys made the MOST laps of the entire PK-3 classes.  Chap rode 7 laps around their school, and Whit rode 6.

Whit's little legs were moving, and several commented on his speed.  Chap's helmet had a malfunction at the beginning of the ride, so he spent much of his time trying to catch up with Whit.  Whit did all he could to keep up with a buddy of his from his class.  When Whit stopped, Chap asked why he was stopping.  I told him he was going to take a break.  He looked at me, shrugged his shoulders, and said... "Not me!"  The teachers were amazed with him riding the longest.   He would've ridden many more, but they stopped them after a certain amount of time.  Whit waited for the leader of the bike-a-thon to comment on his riding skills every time he passed by.  He would stare at her as he rode by, and then we'd have to tell him... "Watch where you are going... you're going to run into someone or something!"  They had a blast, and got to enjoy a popsicle after the ride.

Ahhh, the joys of Children

Just a quick hello from Pearland!  HELLO! out there!  We have been loving the weather lately, and have been pretty much living outside these days.

Today at work, a mom (of one of the kiddos that goes to The Rise School) and I were talking - and it came out that I have children.  She looked at me, and said... "You have children?" Some of the parents of the kids didn't know that fact about me, since I'm a rather private person.  Many of the other employees there know it, but some of the parents are just starting to learn it after 8 months of working there.  ;)  And... since forever ago, people think I am much younger than I am.  I even got carded buying something the other day.  I can't remember what it was, but it was ridiculous that I was being carded for it!  Oh, I remember... cough medicine for one of these children that I have!

Well, this mom looked at me, and said... "If you have children... how many do you have?"  I told her I have three:  a 6 1/2 year old daughter, and twin boys that are 4.  She looked at me and her mouth fell open!!  She said, "and you're still standing!?"

My response to her was a smile, and the word  "PROUDLY!"

And, here is WHY....

First, Whit wrote his name the other day... this may be like one of those 'magic' pictures, where if you stare at it long enough, then you see his name.  It popped right out to Corbett and I.... boy, does practice pay off or what.... along with Handwriting Without Tears and 2 1/2 years of OT!!  Stare at it... soak it up... THREE of them!!

Ahhh... isn't that beautiful!  Isn't it amazing the things we take for granted that come so easily to most children...

Also, after a year and 1 month of "grow juice" (Whit's nightly growth hormone injection), we are going on a break!  Whit's endochrine doctor was going to start it this summer, but with a change in insurance, and us being so close to the summer... we are starting the break now.  So, last night was his last night.  Due to the nature of Whit's "routine-ness" Corbett always gives it to him.  I do on occassion, but evidently I hurt - and do it completely different than Daddy!  ;)  Corbett got in late last night, so I asked Whit if I could give it one more try... and said, "this is your LAST grow juice shot!!"  Whit looked up at me with is blue eyes, and said... "Is I'm big now???"  I looked at him, grinned, and said... "Absolutley!!"  After the injection, he leaned toward me with a big hug and a smile!!  As Corbett got home, he went in just after I had gotten them in bed.  As he went into Whit's room... Whit looked up at him, and said... "I'm big now, Daddy!"  That is one of those "moments"!!

(sorry, again for quality.... my phone camera is much to be desired...;)

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A couple of weekends ago, we went to the Liberty Jubilee.  They had a booth of monogrammed hats and visors and other specialty items.  On these hats, already monogrammed were: Oma, Opa, and Pops... but no Bibs!  (These are what we call grandparents).  So, we were looking and showing Maggie - and we were all commenting on how there was NO BIBS!!  Chap, who always sneaks up on us with his intelligence was looking so hard for Bibs!  Then, he found an item - adult or special needs "bibs"!  He said... Here is BIBS!!!!  He was so proud of his find (and we didn't even tell him what letters he was looking for)!  Such a pleaser.... wants everyone happy!  :)  He has also been able to swing himself for 2 or 3 months, now.  He loves to go to the playground so he can swing "by myself."  He is really growing up.  It's amazing how fast it happens.  He is still extremely shy and reserved, but my, oh, my how he's come a looooong way!

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So, for my last story - we have a new addition to the family.  Last October, Corbett had to put down one of our dogs, Jack.  Maggie took this hard.  Then, a month ago or so, my Dad's dog got sick and needed to be put down (this was a dog that all of the kids loved, and she loved them back!).  This was hard on Maggie, too.  (especially with a Daddy veterinarian).  The morning after she knew Corbett was taking Lady to the clinic, she came straight to him and asked how she (Lady) was.  Corbett had to give her the bad news.  She was pretty quiet the rest of the morning - and didn't say much.  So, after church, I went to her room to check on her.  She looked up at me with sad eyes, and said... "Mommy, I prayed last night and this morning for Lady to be okay.  How come she isn't?"  OH MAN!  I did my very best to try and explain that in a 6-year old way.  I'm sure I didn't do the best job, but she accepted it and became a little more talk-a-tive the rest of the day.

Well, as a surprise for her... we had been looking for a new puppy.  She, in passing and through casual conversation, had given us her criteria.... small, girl, Yorkie, etc.  I showed her different pictures, and she'd let me know which ones she liked and didn't like.  The perfect little puppy fell into our laps last week - and we got her without Maggie knowing about it.  Below is a video of her response (poor quality, because it was done with my phone), and a few pictures.  She was completely shocked - and has done a GREAT job with the new puppy.  Chap has fallen head over heals for her, too.  The puppy has quickly learned who she can play with and chase... you guessed it... Whit!  :)

I threw in this picture just for fun.  They call each other 'best buddies!'

I know... I rambled quite a bit.  That is what has been happening in our world.  And to the people that can't believe all three are mine... or that I even have children..... Yes... my hands are full... Full of BLESSINGS!