I need to catch up on the good things that have been happening this summer.
Father's Day 2010: I had read in the Lakeview magazine that we get monthly that there would be a fishing competition in Rowlett the Saturday before Father's Day. I told Mike about it and he was excited to take Kade. The lake was stocked with catfish and they were giving prizes for the biggest catch. Unfortunately my two guys did not catch anything, but they saw some friends of theirs and they enjoyed hanging out...just the guys! While they were gone, I finished up my shopping for Mike. Kade told me what he thought his daddy needed, so I ran up to Home Depot and picked him up a hedge trimmer, per Kade's request, and a new GRILL!!!! This was my surprise. They held it for me and I had our sweet neighbor, Colt, run up there and pick it up for me. That night I had Colt put it in our sunroom while the boys were upstairs playing and then called for them to come down. Mike was shocked, to say the least. The next morning we headed out to church and then straight to Mimi and Bop-O's house to surprise dad with his gift. On my papa's deathbed, 20 years ago, he told my dad that he could have his old army jeep from the 1940's. (I need to get some pictures) With my dad having 16 brothers and sisters, this seemed to cause conflict and so my dad never brought it home. Now that many of them have moved on or passed, my mother sent my brother Cole to Mt. Pleasant and he loaded it up. We parked it in the drive way and took dad out to surprise him. He was speechless and really touched that we were able to get his jeep. It's the only thing my dad has from his childhood and I am so happy we were able to give it to him. That evening everyone came to our house and Mike fired up his grill. We blew up the pool, lol, and enjoyed the great company. I think the dads had a great day.
Painting- I love to decorate and really love to steal ideas from magazines. I was looking through a Southern Living Magazine at work one day and saw a kitchen similar to mine...but the cabinets were a different color and had bead board in the middle of them. I asked Mike if he could add the bead board and he did! We then painted, with Kade's help of course, and I think it looks alot like the magazine. I just need a few things to finish the look.
Six Flags- I guess we are making it a tradition to go with my best friend Paige and her two sweet kiddos, Madison and Jacob. Paige has this program at her school where the kids read and earn points toward Six Flags tickets. She always ends up getting a ticket for Kade so we tag along with them. Kade and Madison are connected at the hip I think and had a blast. Ali, my sister-in-law, went with us this time to help me with Kade....it had only been a week since I miscarred the baby. Getting out of the house did me some good though. It was soooo hot, but around 4 pm it began to rain and we decided to head home. It hadn't rained all summer except for the day we chose to go! I think the kids were worn out anyway, I know I was.
Artistry- My son is very much an artist. He loves to draw, paint, and create. I have had some canvas in my closet for quite some time now and finally figured out what to do with them...let Kade paint the pictures. So, we headed to Hobby Lobby and I bought him canvas paint, brushes, the works. He has created one painting of Chuey, our dog, and it's precious. While he was painting, I was trying to give him a few pointers and he politely said, "Mommy, I am the artist...I got this." Okay then little man, go forth and create. We plan to work on the others before school starts. I plan to hang them in my room as a part of my decor!
4th of July- One of the things I love about living where I do is that we get front row seats to any parade in Rockwall. They always go down our street and the 4th of July parade is no exception. While I was making a late breakfast, Mike and Kade sat on the porch and watched as the horses, cars, etc. went down our street waving the American Flag.
That evening around 6 pm we headed to my parents house. They live in the county part of Royse City and so they are able to pop any type of firework that can be bought. My brother and Ali decided to host a huge barbecue there and to also celebrate Josh (he's like my brother...love him) being home for the weekend. He serves our country and I am so proud, yet scared for him. We smoked brisket, ribs, corn on the cob, veggies, and had mom's famous baked beans, corn dip, cole slaw, potato salad, etc. For dessert I made a homemade coca-cola cake and a homemade coconut cake. Kade had the best time running around with the other kids and couldn't wait for the sun to go down so he could pop his firecrackers! I don't think the child ever slowed down. My dad also debuted his 1955 chevy pick-up truck that he just finished restoring...it's a beauty and will one day be Kade's...I hope!
Husband Mike, baby brother Cole, Josh, and brother Blake
These guys always fool around when I want to get a good picture...Josh is pretending to hold Mike's hand...this was the cleanest shot I got of the four of them!
Kade and Bop-O (my dad!)
Dad's truck!!! Isn't it a beaut?!?!
Haiwaiin Falls- This year we decided to get passes to H Falls instead of the Wetzone. Kade needed some bigger slides and more to do. We meet Paige at least twice a week. Our favorite thing to do is go down the Pineapple Express and then lounge in the Lazy River!
Baking 101- Since my miscarriage, I have found a passion to take my mind off of things...baking from scratch. I have mastered a coca-cola cake, banana cake, coconut cake, chocolate peanut, and strawberry. It's so rewarding and SOMEONE loves to help me out...he's the official taste tester! He's the cutest one I've ever seen! Side note...I'm messy when I bake...you can tell from the pictures! It's a bit embarrassing! Oh well!
Strawberry with strawberry buttercream frosting!
Chocolate Peanut with Peanut Butter frosting!
