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| Playing with mommy's garden hat |
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| Excited to stand in the grocery cart |
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| He loves to crawl up and sit on these chairs. |
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| He enjoys sitting on the top step before he takes the rest of the steps down. |
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| Daddy gave him a wheelbarrow ride. |
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Brazos Moments
Friday, May 27, 2011
Exploring Mud
Today Brazos played in the mud for the first time. I was rolling up the water hose so Matt could mow the yard and Brazos wanted to help me. He then walked over to the faucet and tried to turn on the water. He wasn't quite strong enough so I helped him, and the rest is a muddy history.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Cemetery Flowers
I often think about what I can do for my church.
When I got confirmed I was excited to be able to teach Sunday school. I can still remember my first class I taught. It was the fourth graders and Courtney Lorenz just about drove me crazy. She was the most hyper child I had ever met and she COULD NOT sit still. {Maybe God was getting me ready for the ADHD students I would have in the future as a school teacher.}
A few years ago I tried to start a women's ministry group at my church called Girlfriends Unlimited. We had two events - Welcome to Girlfriends Unlimited and a Birthday Bash. It was a success and I probably gave up too early, but it didn't continue. I often think about restarting something like it, but then doubt always gets the best of me.
Now I teach the confirmation class, which is seventh and eighth graders. This summer the confirmation students get to help teach the Summber VBS Storytelling class. They get to dress up as people from Jesus' day and retell stories of His time. I think I'm more excited than they are.
Lately it's been on my mind to do something for the cemetery. {Maybe it's from watching Charlie St. Cloud.} I like to walk through the cemetery and read the headstones and see just who is buried at Zion Lutheran. There are so many children from the late 1800s and early 1900s. I even found several families that buried three of their children within days from each other. There must have been a disease going around at that time.
Many of these graves don't have flowers placed at their feet. And if you think about it, there's probably no one alive that even remembers these individuals as real people. But that does not mean they need to be forgotten.
So today Brazos and I went to the cemetery and placed a few flowers at the tombstones without. We didn't get them all and we'll have to go buy some more flowers to finish. But I like to think that these angels are smiling down on us today and happy that someone remembered them.
When I got confirmed I was excited to be able to teach Sunday school. I can still remember my first class I taught. It was the fourth graders and Courtney Lorenz just about drove me crazy. She was the most hyper child I had ever met and she COULD NOT sit still. {Maybe God was getting me ready for the ADHD students I would have in the future as a school teacher.}
A few years ago I tried to start a women's ministry group at my church called Girlfriends Unlimited. We had two events - Welcome to Girlfriends Unlimited and a Birthday Bash. It was a success and I probably gave up too early, but it didn't continue. I often think about restarting something like it, but then doubt always gets the best of me.
Now I teach the confirmation class, which is seventh and eighth graders. This summer the confirmation students get to help teach the Summber VBS Storytelling class. They get to dress up as people from Jesus' day and retell stories of His time. I think I'm more excited than they are.
Lately it's been on my mind to do something for the cemetery. {Maybe it's from watching Charlie St. Cloud.} I like to walk through the cemetery and read the headstones and see just who is buried at Zion Lutheran. There are so many children from the late 1800s and early 1900s. I even found several families that buried three of their children within days from each other. There must have been a disease going around at that time.
Many of these graves don't have flowers placed at their feet. And if you think about it, there's probably no one alive that even remembers these individuals as real people. But that does not mean they need to be forgotten.
So today Brazos and I went to the cemetery and placed a few flowers at the tombstones without. We didn't get them all and we'll have to go buy some more flowers to finish. But I like to think that these angels are smiling down on us today and happy that someone remembered them.
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| Dearr Mr. Butterfly, You will not find any food in these flowers. Good luck! Love, Brazos and Mommy |
Monday, May 16, 2011
Junior Maifest Parade
Last Friday Brazos and I ventured downtown to watch the 121st Junior Maifest Parade. The Maifest celebration highlights Brenham's German heritage and also showcases the youth of our town. The festival began in 1881 and has continued every year since, with the exception of a few years during World War I and World War II.
The festival begins with a colorful parade through downtown. Children ranging in ages from three to seniors in high school dress in costumes related to a theme chosen by the king and queen of the Maifest. Firetrucks lead the parade to remind us that the local fire station was the original sponsor of the Maifest many years ago. Sirens blow loud and lights are flickering! The king and queen end the parade dressed in amazingly beautiful gowns and suits.
I think I took Brazos to the Maifest last year, but he would have only been two months old. This year is the first year that I thought he would actually enjoy the parade. We parked by my mom's place of work, Green Grain, and I didn't take the stroller. I decided to let Brazos walk around town, because when else are you free to let a toddler walk the streets without worry. He didn't want to sit still at all!
We found a few friends to say "Hi" to, but we never found a permanent seat because the little man was too busy walking everywhere. Even once the parade began he didn't care to sit still and watch. I held him for a few minutes when the parade first began, and the sirens of the firetrucks didn't scare him. They just made him jump up.
The State School busses parked near the spot we were standing and Brazos is fascinated with cars and wheels, so he enjoyed walking by the bus. The residents of the school enjoyed him, too, and would tell him "Hi" through the windows.
The parade's theme was "Magnificent Movie Memories." The kiddos costumes were all from different children's movies such as Shrek, 101 Dalmations, and Toy Story. A lady sitting next to us tried to get Brazos' attention and said, "Look it's Shrek!" Of course Brazos had no clue who the costumes represented because he refuses to sit still and watch television unless he's in his high chair eating breakfast.
Later that afternoon we went to Firemen's Park for the Maifestival (I didn't realize they had a name for the park festivities). My mom was working the Bounce House, so of course we let Brazos try it, but he wasn't interested. He's not a jumper yet, just a stumbler. We didn't watch the Corination, which a big production showcasing the children in costumes. A magical land is created on the Cubs' baseball field with walkways and large painted backdrop. I didn't get a picture of it, but I could see the backdrop from afar and it looked like an old-time movie screen with a red curtain. At the corination each child walks up to a stage covering home plate and takes a bow as their character is introduced during a story read to the crowd. The corination ends with the king and queen slowly walking to their throwns to take their reign as King and Queen of the Maifest. There's no way Brazos would sit still to watch any of that.
Here's a few pictures of the parade and our adventures at Maifest! I can't wait until Brazos is in the Maifest! {You never know...he may be king one day!!!}
The festival begins with a colorful parade through downtown. Children ranging in ages from three to seniors in high school dress in costumes related to a theme chosen by the king and queen of the Maifest. Firetrucks lead the parade to remind us that the local fire station was the original sponsor of the Maifest many years ago. Sirens blow loud and lights are flickering! The king and queen end the parade dressed in amazingly beautiful gowns and suits.
I think I took Brazos to the Maifest last year, but he would have only been two months old. This year is the first year that I thought he would actually enjoy the parade. We parked by my mom's place of work, Green Grain, and I didn't take the stroller. I decided to let Brazos walk around town, because when else are you free to let a toddler walk the streets without worry. He didn't want to sit still at all!
We found a few friends to say "Hi" to, but we never found a permanent seat because the little man was too busy walking everywhere. Even once the parade began he didn't care to sit still and watch. I held him for a few minutes when the parade first began, and the sirens of the firetrucks didn't scare him. They just made him jump up.
The State School busses parked near the spot we were standing and Brazos is fascinated with cars and wheels, so he enjoyed walking by the bus. The residents of the school enjoyed him, too, and would tell him "Hi" through the windows.
The parade's theme was "Magnificent Movie Memories." The kiddos costumes were all from different children's movies such as Shrek, 101 Dalmations, and Toy Story. A lady sitting next to us tried to get Brazos' attention and said, "Look it's Shrek!" Of course Brazos had no clue who the costumes represented because he refuses to sit still and watch television unless he's in his high chair eating breakfast.
Later that afternoon we went to Firemen's Park for the Maifestival (I didn't realize they had a name for the park festivities). My mom was working the Bounce House, so of course we let Brazos try it, but he wasn't interested. He's not a jumper yet, just a stumbler. We didn't watch the Corination, which a big production showcasing the children in costumes. A magical land is created on the Cubs' baseball field with walkways and large painted backdrop. I didn't get a picture of it, but I could see the backdrop from afar and it looked like an old-time movie screen with a red curtain. At the corination each child walks up to a stage covering home plate and takes a bow as their character is introduced during a story read to the crowd. The corination ends with the king and queen slowly walking to their throwns to take their reign as King and Queen of the Maifest. There's no way Brazos would sit still to watch any of that.
Here's a few pictures of the parade and our adventures at Maifest! I can't wait until Brazos is in the Maifest! {You never know...he may be king one day!!!}
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Last Few Days
Events have occurred over the past few days that I figured I should document just so I don't forget.
Tuesday, April 26th: Went to visit Grandma Lyles in Pearland with my mom and Emilie. We picked up some of her things that she wanted us to sell in a garage sell. She agreed to let Justin have one of her couches. Emilie said that she plans on making a career out of the Army.
Thursday, April 27th: Brazos fell down the front porch steps! I didn't grab his hand quick enough and he thought he could take that first step by himself. It was like watch him in slow motion roll down the stairs. I was so scared that he would have a broken bone or a bloody scrape, but he had no bumps or bruises, just a small scrape on his arm. He cried and let his mommy hold him for a few seconds but was ready to keep on truckin'. Although he is reluctant to walk down the stairs now.
Friday, April 29th: I set my alarm for 3:00 AM to wake up and watch the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in London, England. The first hour of coverage on the news was the repeat broadcast of William's parents, Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. The second hour was the arrival of guests with each lady dressed in her best Sunday clothes (a bit surprised they weren't in evening gowns) and topped of with an extraordinary hat or fastenator (and I mean extraordinary because there was nothing ordinary about any of them). It was exciting to watch Prince William arrive with his brother Harry. Neither boy is on my list of most handsome men, but they did look dashing in their uniforms. When Pippa, the bride's sister arrived, I thought she looked gorgeous! She was keeping watch over all the little bridesmaids that were dressed in dresses similar to the flower girls of Diana's wedding, which made me a bit scared that Kate's dress would also look like Diana's dress). When Kate arrived and stepped out of the car, it was magical. I was expecting a dress like no other, but it was beautiful classic gown. I really wanted to throw a Viewing Party but the time of the wedding wasn't very convienent.
Tuesday, April 26th: Went to visit Grandma Lyles in Pearland with my mom and Emilie. We picked up some of her things that she wanted us to sell in a garage sell. She agreed to let Justin have one of her couches. Emilie said that she plans on making a career out of the Army.
Thursday, April 27th: Brazos fell down the front porch steps! I didn't grab his hand quick enough and he thought he could take that first step by himself. It was like watch him in slow motion roll down the stairs. I was so scared that he would have a broken bone or a bloody scrape, but he had no bumps or bruises, just a small scrape on his arm. He cried and let his mommy hold him for a few seconds but was ready to keep on truckin'. Although he is reluctant to walk down the stairs now.
Friday, April 29th: I set my alarm for 3:00 AM to wake up and watch the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in London, England. The first hour of coverage on the news was the repeat broadcast of William's parents, Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. The second hour was the arrival of guests with each lady dressed in her best Sunday clothes (a bit surprised they weren't in evening gowns) and topped of with an extraordinary hat or fastenator (and I mean extraordinary because there was nothing ordinary about any of them). It was exciting to watch Prince William arrive with his brother Harry. Neither boy is on my list of most handsome men, but they did look dashing in their uniforms. When Pippa, the bride's sister arrived, I thought she looked gorgeous! She was keeping watch over all the little bridesmaids that were dressed in dresses similar to the flower girls of Diana's wedding, which made me a bit scared that Kate's dress would also look like Diana's dress). When Kate arrived and stepped out of the car, it was magical. I was expecting a dress like no other, but it was beautiful classic gown. I really wanted to throw a Viewing Party but the time of the wedding wasn't very convienent.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Party in the USA
While watching one of my several guilty pleasures last night, Brothers and Sisters, it was interrupted about 9:45 pm for a "Special Report." Now I know that when a "special report" comes on that something important might be said (I say might because the other day another t.v. show was interrupted just so President Obama could once again assure U.S. citizens that he was born in the U.S. - not exactly something that was urgent news.), but I was not happy that I would be missing the last 15 minutes of my t.v. show. I mean, Brody was just about to say something really important to Nora and now I have no clue what he said!
The "special report" was by George Stephanopolis so I thought that it could be important, because I don't think George Stephanopolis would waste his time on just anything. As you all know, the report was to announce that Osama Bin Ladin was killed by U.S. Navy Seals.
To be honest, at first I jumped out of my seat in disbelief because I thought he had said President Obama had been killed. It was then that I realized Obama and Osama are only different by one letter. Matt looked at me like I was crazy and then I realized who had actually been killed. My first feeling was shock followed by uncertainty. It just seems almost impossible that we would know for sure that one of the people killed in an attack was OBL. Wouldn't he have lots of men around him protecting him and wouldn't they want to chase off the people who attacked them? How did our soldiers have the ability to walk around and view the dead? Actually, I have no clue at all how things work over there, but I guess our soldiers are just that good. (I have come to know some really good soldiers from the organization Adopt a US Soldier and AnySoldier.com.) The only thing I'm worried about now is one of OBL men attacking the U.S. in retaliation. And I wonder if this means soldiers get to come home now?
This morning was the first time I felt somewhat relieved about what had happened (don't really know the right word to express how I felt, because you don't really want to celebrate when someone dies). On the radio station Candy 95 the morning show was playing lots of songs that were relevant to the occassion. And like the announcer said, "Some of these songs I've never cared for until now!" Here's just a few of the songs they were playing (I have no clue who sings each song)...
Team America (some hard rock song with lots of bleeps)
Hey Man Nice Shot (something my brother would probably listen to, kind of goth sounding)
Highway to Hell by ACDC
Baby Bye, Bye, Bye by The Backstreet Boys
Brought to You Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue by Toby Keith
I'm Not Saying I'm Sorry
I'm Gonna Give You Hell
Party in the USA
Although I don't really like some of those songs, they did give me a sense of patriotism. I'm glad we don't have to worry about OBL, but don't let your guard down to low.
The "special report" was by George Stephanopolis so I thought that it could be important, because I don't think George Stephanopolis would waste his time on just anything. As you all know, the report was to announce that Osama Bin Ladin was killed by U.S. Navy Seals.
To be honest, at first I jumped out of my seat in disbelief because I thought he had said President Obama had been killed. It was then that I realized Obama and Osama are only different by one letter. Matt looked at me like I was crazy and then I realized who had actually been killed. My first feeling was shock followed by uncertainty. It just seems almost impossible that we would know for sure that one of the people killed in an attack was OBL. Wouldn't he have lots of men around him protecting him and wouldn't they want to chase off the people who attacked them? How did our soldiers have the ability to walk around and view the dead? Actually, I have no clue at all how things work over there, but I guess our soldiers are just that good. (I have come to know some really good soldiers from the organization Adopt a US Soldier and AnySoldier.com.) The only thing I'm worried about now is one of OBL men attacking the U.S. in retaliation. And I wonder if this means soldiers get to come home now?
This morning was the first time I felt somewhat relieved about what had happened (don't really know the right word to express how I felt, because you don't really want to celebrate when someone dies). On the radio station Candy 95 the morning show was playing lots of songs that were relevant to the occassion. And like the announcer said, "Some of these songs I've never cared for until now!" Here's just a few of the songs they were playing (I have no clue who sings each song)...
Team America (some hard rock song with lots of bleeps)
Hey Man Nice Shot (something my brother would probably listen to, kind of goth sounding)
Highway to Hell by ACDC
Baby Bye, Bye, Bye by The Backstreet Boys
Brought to You Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue by Toby Keith
I'm Not Saying I'm Sorry
I'm Gonna Give You Hell
Party in the USA
Although I don't really like some of those songs, they did give me a sense of patriotism. I'm glad we don't have to worry about OBL, but don't let your guard down to low.
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