Table Tops

The Table Tops Luncheon event was fabulous.  I enjoyed the amazing tablescapes while chatting with some absolutely adorable ladies.  The best thing is that it was a successful fundraiser for the Gatehouse in Grapevine. 

       

GCSML Easter Party

It was a beautiful day outside, so we headed to Parr Park to enjoy the GCSML's annual Easter Party.  As I was getting all our stuff together and loading the truck, I came back in the house to find the boys wearing their Easter baskets as hats. 

 

The boys were not interested in the snacks or games that were set up for the party.  They wanted to play on the playground.  Ryland has mastered the huge rope web, and he climbed all the way to the center.

 

Reed is still a little small for the big web, so he practiced on the little one.  He was very intense and determined to make it across.

 

It was time for the egg hunt.  Ryland and Reed participated in the "big boy hunt" this year, and they found lots of eggs.  Reed would find one, sit down and open the egg, eat the candy, and then go look for another.  This method lessened his overall take home, but he mastered the sugar intake limit.  Ryland ran all over the place grabbing the eggs and then chowed down on the treats.

 

Neither Ryland or Reed had much interest in taking a picture with the Easter bunny.  They both said "Hi" and gave her a high five, but the thought of waiting in line with two sugar crazed boys swayed us to skip. 

 

Before we could leave the park, Ryland and Reed had to chase this poor squirrel up the tree.  The squirrel must have been amused, because it ran around the base of the tree 10 times before inching up.  It then ran around several more times and inched up a little.  I was shocked that it stayed so low and within reach of the boys for so long.  It eventually ran up the tree to catch its breath and laugh. 

 

 

Lesson Learned

How can a simple vase teach me a lesson?  It started out as offering a little help to a group for a big charity fundraiser, and it has turned into a big lesson for me.  I need to learn to say "no" and sometimes just to be quiet. 

After working with a wholesaler for several years, they unexpectedly closed without notice last week.  The really bad thing is that I had received a price quote for a few things for the charity event.  I passed along my price, so that they could enjoy the savings and the decorating budget could go a bit further.  Now that the wholesaler is closed, I can't find the same prices at any other wholesaler.  I haven't exhausted all options yet, but like I really need one more thing on my plate. 

I did go ahead and "fix" the vases they are using.  While removing glued on crystals, digging out the old styrofoam, painting the ugly green and purple to a glossy black, gluing on new crystals, and putting new foam and moss inside, I had plenty of time to think. I love working on projects like this, but I do need to learn to slow down.

Playgroup

We were all very excited to see our play group friends and get back into the "groove".  This Monday we met at the indoor playground at Gateway church.  The boys love this place mainly for the mechanical rides.  No need to bring quarters, because the rides are plugged in and go, and go, and go. 

Christmas party with Santa

The annual Christmas party for members of GCSML was once again a blast.  As soon as we arrived, we ran into Santa.  We took the opportunity to take a non-crying, semi-smiling picture.

 

There were lots of fun activities for the kids, and the cookie decorating station was a favorite spot. 

 

 

 

After a couple hours of jumping in bounce houses, eating yummy treats, and crafting, it was time to go.  We couldn't pass up a ride on the train.  

MOPS begins

I am so happy that MOPS has started!  I never thought I would look forward to the Wednesday meetings as much as I do.  The meeting went great, and I was able to meet the new members.  It is a wonderful group of moms that continues to grow and evolve each year.  We were only able to add 8 new moms, and the tables are really clicking.  This year is going to be great!

Ladies Night

I had a fantastic night out with a wonderful group of ladies.  This was the first night out for the new MOPS steering team, and we had a blast.  We enjoyed the beautiful sunset on the outdoor patio at Glass Cactus, and we all had a blast laughing and chatting.  I am so excited for the upcoming year!

Creative Canvas

What an awesome night!  I had a blast hanging out with my MOPS chicks.  We enjoyed a painting class at Creative Canvas followed by drinks and live music.  I had to laugh when I saw the picture of our group and our peacock paintings.  Every one's painting had their own interpretation and style, but Leah's is the best.  The Yo Gabba Gabba is sure to be a hit with her kiddos.  When I showed the picture to Ryland, he immediately spotted it and started screaming.

Easter party

We headed to the GCSML's Easter party at Parr Park. While we were driving, I told the boys that the Easter bunny would be there, and I would love to get a picture of them with the bunny. I asked Ryland what he thought about that. He informed me that he was going to "slap the bunny's arm". Hmmmm... OK. I assumed he was going to give him five. When the photographer sent me the proofs, I died out laughing. I had to have this one.

Ryland ran out with the crowd of children to gather eggs. It was much like a pack of animals with lots of screaming. It was hilarious!

The little ones had a separate area to gather eggs for their baskets. Reed wasn't really into putting them in his basket. He preferred to shake them.

After Ryland and the big kids found all their eggs, they came over to finish up the little kids' area. Ryland explained putting the eggs in a basket to Reed. They gathered up the last few eggs around.

The boys played on the playground for a little while until their curiosity peaked. They started opening their eggs to find tons of goodies.

Reed wanted to slide one more time before we left. I swear he was worn out.

Ryland begged all the way home to look through his candy eggs. We all sat out in the driveway and opened all the eggs to find out what all they had collected. There were tons of jelly beans and sugar treasures that had us all pumped up after about 30 minutes. Ah, what a sugar high.

Reed soon tried to walk off all that candy. He started walking circles around the driveway. I love this adorable grin.

Valentine party

Instead of a normal play group Monday, we had our annual moms' league Valentine party. It was totally nuts with kids running and jumping around with full bellies of sugar cookies and iced doughnuts. Ryland was in and out of the bounce house, and Reed was on the move everywhere. I didn't think about the photo attire, but we went ahead and took a keepsake picture. I love that my precious sweethearts smiled and played along. We had a crazy, but fun, morning with our friends with lots of sugar.

Cooking class

Every Monday Ryland and I meet up with a group of other moms and kids for a play group. All of our kids are within a few months of each other, so it has been fun to watch them grow and learn together. It also has been really nice to develop friendships with the other moms.

The group has grown since we have added second babies and a few new moms. We have started spending more time together without the little ones too.

We had an awesome night together for a cooking class. A chef taught us about preparing and cooking for our families. He demonstrated a few techniques, and he gave us the opportunity to taste the creations. The food was great, but the company was better. We spent hours talking, laughing, and drinking together. It was an evening of fun.

The Reindeer that Saved Christmas

The local mom's group set up a play date for the kiddos that was something different. We headed to Artie's playhouse to watch "The Reindeer that Saved Christmas". I had never heard of this theater, and I was excited but nervous to take the boys.

We ordered popcorn, drinks, and candy then took our seats. It is a small theater that had about 4 rows arranged in a large square around the stage area. The boys were a little antsy before the show, but they quickly settled in when the play started. The actors were children and made the show very interactive. Ryland "played" along, and Reed sat contently watching all the action.

It was one of the best activities we have done, and we plan on coming back very soon. Our day was summed up perfectly by Ryland. "I want to come back again and again, mommy."

Tree house

Our play group met at a church in north Ft. Worth to play in their indoor tree house. The church has a large open area about 2 or 3 stories tall that has a huge play area. It is shaped like a massive tree house with places to climb and slides to get back down. It was a little over Ryland's ability to climb without assistance, so he played in the younger kiddo area most of the morning.

I think this little tractor had something to do with the liking of the little play area. It was about 85 degrees in this room, but Ryland was having a blast "working".

Legoland

We headed to Legoland for play group today. It just opened, so this was our first visit. It took us about an hour to get in due to 6 buses of 3rd graders on a field trip. Crazy!

Once we finally were inside, we were amazed. Ryland thought this concrete truck was too neat. The tank on the back actually rotated like it was mixing. It was almost big enough for Ryland to ride inside.


There were several different areas to play with Legos. One fun area was the earthquake table. It had platforms for building the tallest skyscraper we could. After we finished building, we turned the dial to crank up the vibration. Our skyscraper didn't make it long before it crashed to the floor. We wondered around Legoland and found a Lego DFW. Obviously, the boys were impressed, because I couldn't get them to look at the camera.

DFW Airport

Rangers Ballpark

I noticed a 4D movie theater inside, and I thought Ryland might enjoy a short movie. I wanted to see if he could sit and pay attention. We have been talking about going to a movie, so this was the perfect opportunity.

The next show was only 3 minutes away, so I parked the stroller in line. Things got ugly fast. Reed decided he was hungry, so he started crying. I started feeding him, and Ryland fell out on the floor screaming. He didn't want to wait in line and wanted to go back in the DFW room. The line starts moving forward, and I am in all out nuts mode. I am begging Ryland to get up and walk while pushing the huge double stroller while feeding Reed while trying to grab the diaper bag and camera. We grabbed some glasses and two seats on the end of the row just in case Ryland wasn't up for the movie. We settled into our seats when I smelled the poop. I lifted the burp cloth I was using to feed Reed, and I saw the poop seeping through his outfit. OK, now what was I to do. I can't leave Ryland in the theater while I go change Reed, and I can't take both of them out after making such a huge deal about the movie. I decided to give it a shot since the movie was only 15 minutes long. Once again Reed was a trooper. He sat in my lap and contently finished his bottle while Ryland and I watched the movie. It was such a neat experience. Ryland would reach out to grab things that appeared to come out into the audience. He absolutely loved it!

It was over quickly, so we headed to the restroom to clean up Reed. Ryland just continued to chat about the movie and Legos. We headed home, and I promised him we would come back soon. It was a cool experience that was worth all the drama, but before we could call the morning a wrap we had to make it out to the truck. IN THE POURING RAIN!

Horses, goats, and chickens

We headed outdoors for play group this week. About 3 miles from our house, there is a ranch with horses, goats, and chickens. They specialize in horse riding lessons and summer camps.
Ryland was very unsure when we arrived and saw the horses. He stood over to the side and put his hands in his mouth. I didn't push him to approach the animals, because I knew he would warm up and get comfortable.
I am not a huge horse fan either, so I completely understood. They are big and scary. Since a horse just about killed me in Lake Tahoe years ago, I decided to keep my distance. I don't want Ryland to have my fears, so I told him how pretty and nice horses are. (My fingers were crossed.)

A glimpse at the pond. It really was very serene and calm here. It felt like we were out in the country, but it was only 3 miles from home.

My brave boy decided he wanted to pet one of the horses. The guide tried to get Ryland to feed the horse, but he wasn't interested. He quickly told her no and went on his way to explore the chickens.

By the time we left, Ryland had decided he loved this place. I physically had to pick him up and take him to the truck. He did not want to leave. He is too young to attend their summer camp this year, but we will be back for next summer.

Mom's craft club creation

I was excited to finally go to the monthly craft club that is held by my mom's league. With all the excitement in my life here lately, I haven't been able to attend, so I pleased when I had a break in the schedule.

We made these adorable washer necklaces. You could choose your washer size, beads, charms, and what wording you wanted. I chose to put the boy's names on my washer, an angel wing charm, and a light blue bead to resemble their birth stone. It took me a few tries to get the letter stamp and hammer down, but I am happy with the result. It was a great night of visiting and laughing with the girls, and I have a mommy keepsake too.

Sip'n see

The cool mommas in our playgroup organized a sip'n see shower to celebrate Reed's arrival. It was so nice to visit and hang out with the whole gang again. I feel really fortunate to be part of this group and friends with these women. Whether it is chatting and sharing stories, positive emails and cards, or bringing my family dinner after I had Reed, I am truly blessed.

Mommy's morning out breakfast

The MOPS group that I belong to wrapped up its first semester with a breakfast for moms. It was a laid back morning with a catered breakfast and time to chill out. I really enjoyed visiting and chatting with the gals at my table while Ryland played with his friends and created the cutest sticker nativity scene. What a wonderful morning of blessings!

Christmas party

The moms' group had their annual Christmas party today, and we had been looking forward to joining the fun. I felt like complete death and wanted to just stay at home, but Ryland was in a great mood. I decided to medicate and tough it out for an hour or so for him. As soon as we arrived, we jumped in the Santa photo line. I wanted to go ahead and get this out of the way and see how Ryland would behave. It was all fine and fun until we stepped close enough to see Santa. Ryland completely lost it. The crying fit and drooling started, and the fun was over.

The photo pretty much sums up the photo with Santa opportunity. Ryland's frown and tears and it is pretty obvious I feel and look terrible. The things you do for a memory and a picture.
Part of the party was a small program of dancing and singing by a local dance studio. The small kids liked the entertainment, and Ryland took some notes from the breakdancers.

Fire station field trip

The mom's group had a field trip at the fire station today, and it was super cool. We were able to play on the trucks and hang out with the firemen. Ryland thought the big truck was interesting and liked to mess with all the gadgets.
I can only imagine how big the trucks look to a 1.5 year old. Ryland and Harker looked at the truck with pure amazement. Ahhh, to be a kid again.

Ryland wanted to hear the siren, and he did get his wish. After about 25 minutes, the station received a call about a fire alarm at a business. It was crazy to see all the moms grabbing their little ones, and the firemen loading in the truck so quickly. Off they went with the sirens blasting. The smile on Ryland's face was priceless. He screeched like a siren all the way home.