So you know how some people have a recurring series on their blog? I decided to give one a try. I'm calling it Friday Favorite. . . . . just an opportunity for me to share some of my favorite things.
My favorite thing today is the tan lines on Rylee's wrists. I'm happy that even though she's "below average" for height and weight she's still got some chunky rolls on her wrists, and legs. The sun sure has a hard time getting inside those little creases creating lovely tan lines. Seeing them makes me smile.
One of my sisters, while visiting last year, convinced me to look for and sign Rylee up for a Mom and Me swimming class {I didn't even know those existed}. I was happy to find that our pool offered a class so I signed up for the first session.
I didn't really know what to expect but it was really fun and I'm a little sad its over. Alot of the time was spent playing and getting comfortable in the water, kicking, laying on her back, going under the water and climbing out of the pool (not just the stairs people, full on side of the pool). I was surprised that even the first day she could basically get out 80% on her own even if she cried through the hole exercise.
She still hates floating on her back - which isn't a big surprise because she doesn't like laying on her back on 'land' let alone in water (she's a total stomach sleeper, and even as a newborn loved her 'tummy-time').
showing off:
She normally will do a little froggy kick on her own with her gruntish giggle as if she's saying "look what I can do" but not on video :(
A funny story from a lesson: When we dunk the kids we count to 3, hum (to try to get the kids to hum while underwater so they don't get water up their noses) and then blow in their face (forcing them to take a quick breath before we go under) and dunk them. We'd do this several times a lesson. At the beginning of each lesson the kids would play with dive toys on the stairs splashing and playing before we'd 'work'. One day the instructor brought out a barbie that was left at the pool, just for fun. Rylee grabbed it, smiled like she'd just found her best friend, blew in Barbie's face and dropped her in the water! I was laughing so hard!! I couldn't believe how fast she picked up on the sequence.
We'll keep working on her newfound skills, since it's too hot to be outside and NOT be in the pool.
Well, I hope Michael (and all you other Father's) had a good Father's Day!
We didn't do anything too fancy: church, chill, watch a movie, eat yummy dinner, open presents and of course smothered him in hugs, kisses and "thanks for all you do" 's
Its funny to me that we plant tomatoes, because neither of us particularly love them. I have however been cooking with more tomatoes lately- namely in the winter (ie taco soup. . . . .) so this past week Michael made note that if we don't do something with them they'll go bad. I'd heard bottling them is fairly easy so we decided to give it a try. We had enough for 4 pints which may seem like a good start, especially when you take into account its basically from one plant (Our others haven't done as well and now I think its getting too hot), but I'm used to watching my mom can . . . . . quarts by the hundreds people. It hardly seemed worth the trouble and the mess and about half way through the process I had some serious second thoughts (I mean a can only costs what, 60 cents?), but we DID IT! and I'm very proud all four bottles sealed :)
Its still up for debate whether I'll really do it again. . . . .
And what is a post without at least a couple pictures of our little monkey? She's well versed with the one cupboard that doesn't have a lock on it. She sits either inside or on the ledge like its her own little chair, and is happy as a clam.
We don't have a lot planned since we celebrated over the weekend. . . you know: shopping, dinner {the melting pot}, movie {x-men}. Michael picked out a few items for himself, one of which was his first pair of cowboy boots! I believe he can now officially claim himself a Texan. Incase you were wondering a few minutes after they were purchased they were on his feet, and yes he also wore them to church. I may have to get myself a pair soon too. I asked him what he wanted for dinner tonight, full on expecting to be slaving away in the kitchen all day marinating some form of animal, to which he replied "taco salad". Apparently that's his favorite and was often his birthday meal of choice growing up. I'm not complaining. . . . cuz its EASY!!
Michael, I'm so glad you were born! (you know, and grew up and met me so we could grow old together.) You work so hard for us and our family. You make me smile everyday. I love watching you with Rylee. One of my favorites is watching her when she hears you come home: her eyes light up and she stops whatever she is doing and runs as fast as she can to you. I love when she chooses you over me, odly enough it makes me love you even more.
We both love you so much, and hope your day is wonderful.
We had a relatively mellow Memorial Day weekend. Since we basically lounged around all day Saturday we decided we'd best get some work done on Monday.
We have a few projects we (who am I kidding, its all Michael) are working on in the yard. One little cutie inparticular enjoyed being hauled around in the wheel barrow.
And here's a shot including some of this years garden. We doubled our square footage this year and its growing leaps and bounds above last year's crop. Its a learning process for me especially WHEN to plant (seriously, like feburary). Our tomato plants are humongeous and producing decently. We've got squash and pole beans starting to come on now. Our corn, zuccini, jalepeno and potatoes are close behind. That crooked little gopher smile is my favorite.
After all the hard work outside we had to cool down. Rylee thought the sprinkler was pretty interesting.
she didn't even mind when the water was spraying straight down her head. . . . although I think the hat helped.
"ah, refreshing."
and its rather convenient when you get thirsty too.
We hope you all had a wonderful, relaxing, reminicent holiday.
Growing up we always spent Memorial Day visiting cemetaries, honoring those we love who passed on. Being far away, I haven't been to those cemetaries in years, I kindof miss it. Especially Memorial day weekend. There's nothing quite like a blanket of flowers among headstones and flags for those who served in the Military (I know San Antonio has cemetaries, but its not the same). I've been thinking a lot lately about those that serve our country. Their families and loved ones they leave behind. I feel very grateful to them, for all they sacrifice, many their lives, for our freedom. We wouldn't be the Nation we are without them. Our flag flies tall and proud.
We Love you Daddy!
We had enough for 4 pints which may seem like a good start, especially when you take into account its basically from one plant (Our others haven't done as well and now I think its getting too hot), but I'm used to watching my mom can . . . . . quarts by the hundreds people. It hardly seemed worth the trouble and the mess and about half way through the process I had some serious second thoughts (I mean a can only costs what, 60 cents?), but we DID IT! and I'm very proud all four bottles sealed :)
Its still up for debate whether I'll really do it again. . . . . 
I asked him what he wanted for dinner tonight, full on expecting to be slaving away in the kitchen all day marinating some form of animal, to which he replied "taco salad". Apparently that's his favorite and was often his birthday meal of choice growing up. I'm not complaining. . . . cuz its EASY!!
{mmm - birthday kisses}
That crooked little gopher smile is my favorite.
After all the hard work outside we had to cool down. Rylee thought the sprinkler was pretty interesting.
"ah, refreshing."
