"The apple doesn't fall far....."

We made it to Mom's on Thursday after a successful three hour drive with only one stop. By successful I mean we made it there safely and I didn't have to throw any one out the window onto HWY 90. The kids even managed to sleep in the car for a little over an hour at the SAME time. Any one who has traveled with small children knows and appreciates the value of simultaneous car napping.

Today was a beautiful sunny and HOT day. The kids couldn't wait to get the little pool out. We have a similar pool and slip and slide at our house, but things are always better at Grandma's.

My Tyson........so handsome but not so brave. This is the wettest he got. He claims to love playing in the water but somewhere between age 3 and now he has become a little apprehensive with water. We will have to work on that this summer. Although, this coming from some one who would only jump in the water while holding her nose until I was about 17 and didn't really want my face to get wet. Oh well, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.....or something like that?

Now this one......whole other story. Two words can sum up Emmy's feeling towards pool play and water: NO FEAR!!!!!! Within minutes of being out there she had already gone in head first and cruised through the slip and slide like it was her job. I will have my hands full with her in the big pool in our neighborhood.

The kids did enjoy a Popsicle......or two. Again, only at Grandma's would I let them each consume two Popsicles in less than 20 minutes. That's the problem with coming to Mom's.......rules? what rules? We had only been here a few hours, when Tyson asked "can we stay all week?" Even Em's catching on.

We all Scream for Ice Cream

No, this is not a Crocs advertisement.

After letting the kids play in the yard with the little pool we took them to Baskin Robbins for something cold and yummy. And, yes my son is wearing an Incredible Hulk t shirt along with his Monsters vs Aliens swim suit. What can I say? He's 5......he's likes to dress himself.

Tyson had to have the purple and blue sherbet.

No body look now, but guess who's getting a bit of a tan???? Maybe she did get some of my Garcia genes after all?!?!?

Happy Memorial Day

Look at these two. They are just so stinkin cute. Although, I really wish he wouldn't hold on to her in pictures like that. It only makes her angry. And more important, you can't see her fancy skirt because his arm is covering it.

Today is Memorial Day, and I am so grateful for the men and women that fight for our country. Today has sort of been a low key holiday. Now five years ago when I was working in the corporate world, I lived for a three day weekend. But today feels like any other day, except Paul is home and that has been pretty nice. We're not out celebrating by the pool or on a boat (although I wish we were) or even grilling today. We went shopping and then out to lunch. I was on a mission to find a bathing suit. Let's just say, "Operation: Find Jill a Bathing Suit," COMPLETE. However, did I mention I'm never eating again!

The point of this picture is just to show off her outfit. She has on gold gladiator sandals for crying out loud. I know mom didn't have me this fashionably dressed when I was 21 months old. I could just eat her up with a spoon. Now if I can just get her to smile on cue.


You got to love a mall with a playground. Bet that was a woman's idea!

Holy Cow.......I have squash!!!!

It's been a long journey. There has a been a few casualties along the way, cucumbers that didn't make it, squash flowers that bloomed and then died, and some minor insect issues. But my plants have rallied and I now have my first squash.
Now let me clarify, this is my first attempt to grow veggies. I've always had pretty good luck with herbs, and lots of success with flowers. But this veggie thing is uncharted territory. My plan was to do a test run with containers, if these guys do well and I don't kill them, then next spring Paul and I will be building garden boxes out in the yard so I can grow LOTS of vegetables. But he doesn't know that yet, shhhhhh! I will break the news over some tasty cantaloupe.

more little babies.......come on squash! You can do it!!!! Grow, Grow, Grow!!!!

Attack of the Killer Cherry Tomato Plants nestled in with my Rosemary, they're doing great. Tyson picks four or five little guys each evening. Cherry tomatoes, anyone?

I know what you're thinking.......this doesn't look like much. But those little yellow flowers hopefully will turn into cantaloupes. That's right.....if all goes well (meaning little critters don't eat my fruit) then I will have cantaloupe!!!

A few of my herbs, chives and thyme...they have been my low maintenance veggies, basil is hanging in there.....it's suffering a little from the heat

Graduation Day

Today was Tyson's graduation from Pre K. WOW, I can't believe how fast time goes! It seems like just yesterday he started at Park Hills Mother's Day Out as a 2 year old. Now he's officially graduated. I don't think any of the kids really got the significance of "graduation." But all of us parents got pretty weepy. Tyson was just excited to wear his "smart hat," as he called it.

Ms. Kay giving Tyson his diploma

Tyson and his Grandma (Mom looking good, so thin)

One of my new favorite pictures, my kids, and my parents (just missing Paul)


I am so glad my parents were able to come in town for this special event especially since Paul was feeling "under the weather" to say the least. But he made it there...... green complexion and all and then ducked out before anyone could see him. That would be why he isn't in any of the pictures.

After graduation there was a reception in the gym complete with cake and punch. After that we took Tyson home early. We actually went out to lunch with mom and dad. I took them to Momaks for some yummy burgers, figured it was a great day to sit outside, watch the kids play and feast on some yummy burgers.

Of all the toys that are in this house.....

they're racing.....wonder who's winning??!?!?

she really just wants him OUT of her basket

Anyone who knows me well, knows that Monday is always "laundry day." So glad the kids are getting involved.

Gardening: No Shirt Required

Tyson decided he wanted to plant his own pumpkin patch. So, like with any other 5 year old demand., we gave in. We went out and bought pumpkin seeds. Let's clarify.....I've been trying my hand at gardening and growing vegetables, so I guess Tyson was just trying to join in on the fun. Paul and him cleared out an area, filled it with soil and, and lined it with a nice rock border.
Then Paul proceeded to explain to him how planting seeds works and that it would take some time.

After they planted the seeds, Tyson got to use the watering can. (I don't really have an explanation as to why they both are not wearing shirts, all I can say is "Like Father, Like Son)



This is a picture of the seeds 1 weeks after planting (all of this fun began on Mother's Day, a week ago). Pretty impressive!!! Who knew? You plant seeds, you water them and they grow.
Tyson has taken quite a bid of pride in his new venture. Every morning, he goes out to check on progress. He waters them each day and checks on them again through out the day. He even takes pictures of the plants with his own digital camera (what..... doesn't every 5 year old have their own digital 8 megapixel camera)?!?!?! All I can say, is that I hope we really get pumpkins. He would just be heartbroken if we didn't.

Cute as a Cherry Tomato

Who would have thought, that 9 short weeks ago the vegetables I planted would actually produce something. What started out as a 3 inch starter plant has now taken over my patio and is over 3 feet tall.

there it is....my baby...my first cherry tomato...isn't it beautiful???

Tyson couldn't wait to pick it.....too bad he really didn't enjoy eating it

more little guys to come

Mother's Day Brunch

Today was the Mother's Day Brunch at Tyson's school. It was adorable!!! It was originally scheduled for last week, but due to the Swine Flu it was postponed. Regardless, I am so glad we were able to attend. The gym was decorated for the event. Each table had cute little flower arrangements on it complete with blue vinyl tablecloths and lace doily place mats. The kids came in and headed right for the risers to entertain us with a few sweet songs. After the songs the kids delivered a carnation with a handmade card and came to sit with us. Then we were off to check out the buffet; together we munched on muffins, donuts, fruit and juice. It was very special. So thankful Paul could take care of Emmy while I had some special time with Tyson.


So proud to call him my son

Tyson looking pretty handsome before school (not sure where he gets the head tilt from)

The kids on their way up to the risers to sing for all of the Mommies

Reflecting back......

Thought in honor of Mother's Day, I would post some old mommy
pictures

Emmy....just a few minutes old

I am currently working on getting some pictures from when Tyson was born; however, that was 5 years ago and I was still using a "film" camera...... anyway, long story short, working on getting those scanned and formatted to add to this post.

My Mother's Day Weekend

I had a wonderful Mother's Day! Paul took the kids to run some errands on Saturday morning; so I thought would be a perfect time to get a pedicure. Later that afternoon we took a family trip to my home away from home (The Shops at La Cantera). I got a new outfit for my Mother's Day present. I actually prefer that over Paul and the kids trying to pick out clothes for me. Then we went out to Macaroni Grill for dinner. Dinner was great and the kids behaved well, all in all I would call that a successful outing! We spent Sunday around the house, Paul did yard work and grilled some burgers, YUM! Oh yeah, Tyson and Paul are working on a pumpkin patch......more details to come later.

The kiddos and me

(note the Wiggles video clutched in Emmy's chubby little hands, refer to the May 5th post)
She's also a little upset due to the fact that she gave herself a small black eye just seconds before the picture was taken.

A "Date" Defined by a 5 Year Old

The kids and I were driving earlier today. Tyson informed me that when "he got big, like me," him and Mary (his very best friend) would go on a date. Before almost crashing into the SUV in front of me, I managed to the get the words out, "Oh really, what do you do on a date?" "You know, go shopping,(what can I say..... he is MY son) eat lunch, maybe go to the library." Not sure if I should smile or cry?!?!?!? What's that phrase, "out of the mouths of babes?"

It's Offically Summer in South Texas

Today was HOT!!!!! And after a long HOT day at the zoo (have I mentioned it was HOT) why not get the water sprinkler out and let the kids run out the last of today's energy. I wanted to get out the cute Elmo or Diego one......but I couldn't find them. I called Paul to find out where he put them. Turns out he threw them away in one of his garage clean outs. So we just used the yellow yard sprinkler. The kids didn't really seem to mind. They had a blast.

Emmy LOVED the water!

aren't they cute?!?!?

what else do you do in Texas in May when the pool isn't open yet?

Anthony, Sam, Murray, and Jeff

I wondered if this day would come. The Wiggles are now a HUGE part of our daily lives. Tyson really enjoyed the Wiggles about 2 and a half or 3 years ago. Well, Emmy has now discovered them, and I don't foresee them leaving our household anytime soon. It's really out of control. The first words out of her mouth in the morning when I go in to get her are, "wat wivvles...wat wivvles!"(in case you don't speak Emerson, that translates to "watch wiggles") I find myself singing their songs even when the kids are not around. They are embedded in my brain at this point. The upside is that she will actually sit there and watch (so what if she doesn't blink) for 20 to 30 minute at a time. This allows me to unload the dishwasher, start dinner, make a phone call or who are we kidding, it allows me time to play on FACEBOOK!

Welcome back Anthony, Sam (formerly Greg), Murray and Jeff!!!

My Baby Boy Turns 5

5 Years ago today.....Tyson Taylor Lucas was born!

This is the whole bunch.....lookin pretty tired after an hour and a half of jumping

Tyson and his very best friend, Mary

Ms. Sam and Ms. Christina even came to his party.....he LOVES these ladies!!!

My big boy......45 inches tall!

Well Tyson had a wonderful birthday weekend! Even the "Swine Flu" couldn't keep away kids from Pump it Up. We had a great turn out....about 22 kids give or take a sibling or two. Both sets of grandparents even came in town for the big event. After the party the WHOLE family enjoyed some yummy Tex-Mex food at Chuy's (Tyson's choice). What a great weekend!!!!!