HOT

It is H.O.T. here in San Antonio so we spent lots of time indoors this weekend. Friday night Lena Kate's Uncle Gus, Aunt Amy, and Cousin Charles came over for dinner. Lane grilled mahi mahi (or Maui Maui as Mom called it once..we'll never let her live that one down) with cilantro lime rice. I found the Chipotle recipe online and think it is a great side with fish. I think Missy had the best time as she has mastered the art of stealing food from little ones under the age of 5. They tend to not pay attention when holding food at her eye level...Charles lost 1/2 a hotdog and a cookie...Missy was fat and happy. She is sneaky when it comes to food, she gently swipes it and devours it as soon as possible. I've been giving Lena Kate Baby Mum Mum rice snacks and if I turn away for a second Missy helps herself. The only good thing is that she is really gentle when stealing food..no biting or grabbing really. I'd say, "good girl, Missy" since she is nice about stealing from a baby, but I really wish she would just listen when we tell her no. At least Lena Kate gets Missy back by running over her when LK is in her walker. When it comes to food that dog is very driven! On Saturday we hung our with our little family and relaxed. Lane spent lots of quality time playing with Lena Kate. I could just sit back and watch them play forever. It is so sweet to see them interact.

Yesterday afternoon we watched Nascar and visited with Lane's aunt who stopped by while in town. "Great Kelley" loves to play with Lena Kate whenever she can. By the way, Lena Kate loves watching Nascar...and her favorite driver is Jimmy Johnson. Her daddy might disagree, but she's going to have Mama's good taste. They say that when you have a kid it is all about them. This is true, but I can say we have definately gotten to see family much more often because we have sweet Lena Kate which I really enjoy :)

Friday I got Lena Kate's picture made in her baptismal gown and a cute lady bug outfit. She looked so cute. Here is a slideshow of some pics I took before we went as well as a few other random shots from the weekend.

We are going to be at my parent's from Wednesday through Sunday so I should have some great pics when I return. If I don't get another post done before then, I wish each of you a happy and safe 4th of July. Thank you sincerely to all those families involved in keeping our country safe and serving in our armed forces. God bless America!

Just a singin...

Lena Kate's tributes to Michael Jackson. I think she got her parents' singing ability..or lack thereof.

Backyard Dip

You thought I was posting a recipe didn't you?...ha, I know-don't quit my day job. I would never do that. It is too much fun!

Okay, how's this for a recipe:

Backyard Dip

1 cute baby girl in 1/2 a cute bathing suit
1 tube of baby sunblock
1 matching hat to keep the sun out of her beautiful brown eyes
1 family-size blow-up pool
3-4 inches cool water
sevaral bath toys
1 triple digit hot Texas summer day

Combine and enjoy this refreshing "dip." You can add an overweight spoiled Beagle panting at the door wishing she was inside while you make your dip if you would like.

I think Lena Kate likes our new pool...what do you think?


Yes, I failed to put her bathing suit bottoms on...oh well, she didn't mind:)



Hi Mama, give me that camera!


She likes the toys as much as anything. She was sucking on the head of a rubber ducky and seemed to think it was her pacifier. Silly girl.

Thank heaven for little girls :)

I sure enjoyed getting in with her to cool off in this triple digit Texas heat. I'm glad Target decided that this pool needed to be 1/2 off on Sunday. Fifteen dollars for many afternoons in cooling off in our backyard is not too bad. I had been debating getting Lena Kate a really small baby pool or a larger one we could both get in. The 50% off sold me on this one and I'm really glad it did.

I've posted a few new recipes over on my recipe blog Eating with Elaine. Today's addition was homemade dark chocolate granola bars. These are worth making for sure!

Our Weekend and Monday

Saturday night we had a fun-filled road trip to Cedar Creek United Methodist Church to watch Lane's cousins perform Godspell, their musical. They had been on tour for 10 days and we passing through with one more show on the road. Lena Kate's Aunt Nancy and Uncle Trent joined us. We all enjoyed the show which, in short, was a 70's/hippie-like take on many on several of the parables in the Bible. It was light and funny and moving and deep all together. Lena Kate even felt moved to sing along a time or two. She was a good girl for the almost 2 hour show...go LK! It was great to see Jess and Annabelle perform - Jess on the drums and Annabelle singing. They are both very talented! It was also good to see Great Kelley. We are all thankful that God watched over them and blessed their trip and that they are home safe in San Angelo. We stopped at Chili's on the way home for dinner and it was yummy as always. I LOVE Chili's.

We had a wonderful Father's Day on Sunday and just spent it hanging out together as a family. Plus, I got to see my wonderful Daddy since they were passing through on their way home from a road trip. Part of me will always be Daddy's girl as I'm sure will hold true for Lena Kate in the future. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I truly hope they build an inseparable bond and that she looks up to her father one day like I do to mine.

Yesterday we took a trip to Walmart...just not always pleasant. I went specifically to buy diapers. I really like the Parent's Choice brand..and guess what they were out of. I went ahead and spend the extra $4 on to packs to get Luvs. I've used them before and liked them as well. Lena Kate shows no preference:) Not to mention that the checkers are just not friendly and I hate how all the items just get thrown in bags together with no order to what is put together...and then I load the cart. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind doing to myself...I always take my own groceries out at HEB, but they just sit there and wait for you to load them all up...that is why they have the spinning bag carousels..just bugs me. I guess that is why I go for the bargain buys.

We went swimming with Lena Kate's baby buddies David and Catalina and their mommies Rachel and Bethany. It was nice and refreshing and the kiddos like their matching floaties.
Last night I made beef stroganoff..if you are interested the recipe is posted on my recipe blog. The link is on the right-hand sidebar. I just love it. This was followed by lots of flipping between The Bachelorette and Jon and Kate. Yes, I like reality tv. As for Jon and Kate getting a divorce. I find the whole situation sad. To keep from going on and on, they say that "the show must go on." Rather than taking a break from their marriage and filing for divorce, they should take a break from the show and focus on their marriage and children. I can't judge and determine how much work they have done on it, but think they should invest in a night together watching Fireproof and then taking the Love Dares challenge. These poor kids will have these shows to look back and watch their parent's relationship fall apart....so very sad. Marriage is sacred. They say they need the show to pay for their children. He is a computer programmer or something like than and she is/was an RN. Yes, with 8 kids they would need every penny, but they could do it without the show if they didn't have the million dollar home and land they think their kids need. What they need is love and a renewed focus on God's purpose. My guess is they could get by on a lot less if they had to. I think they are spoiled on the spoils of money....sad once again. Ok, I'll stop. Let's just pray for their family as well as all those going through the same thing in the privacy of their own lives. I'm so very thankful to be a loving marriage and to have parents and in-laws that are both in strong long lasting relationships. It makes for a very healthy childhood and I hope to continue to provide that for my child/children to come.

Now, for the Bachelorette, I don't think this is the best way to find love..but I still enjoy the show. I wish she hadn't let Jake go. I liked him, but maybe it just wasn't there. I wish Jillian could see that Wes is just in it for the publicity...he's not being fair or even nice. Makes me NOT want to ever go to a show of his or buy his album, maybe his plan will backfire and people won't like him! Stay tuned for next week's drama as Jake returns to tell Jillian about his concerns with Wes.

I know I should be using my time more wisely than watching these shows...but I just can't help it!

Here are a few pics of Sweet Pea playing

Daddy's Day

Guess what Lena Kate's favorite time of the day is....when Daddy gets home! She literally squeals with excitement these days when he talks to her after he gets home. Words cannot describe the love in my heart when I see Lane loving on his baby girl. He is a super Daddy and is really having tons of fun with her.

In case you haven't noticed, she is a Mini Me of her Daddy. I want to spend the day letting him know how much I love him as a father to our daughter and as a husband. Lane means the world to me and as the love for our daughter grows each day so does my love for her father. He provides for us and in these trying times we are so very fortunate to be in our situation. Thank you so much to my cowboy for allowing me to stay home and raise our baby girl. Words cannot express how much I appreciate each and every day at home with Lena Kate while you are off at work.

I thought I'd repost a few of my favorite pics of Lane and his Mini Me in honor of Father's Day. Enjoy the trip down memory lane.

My First Blog Award

Yersterday was just a good day. It was Lena Kate's 1/2 birthday and we woke up, had some breakfast and went for a nice walk. Before our walk I did my morning e-mail and blog check and found that my new blog friend Sandy over at One Day at a Time had given me this award.

She is a wonderful Christian mother and foster mother. The world needs more of these families. All of her children are precious and she and her husband seem to be such positive influences in these sweet children's lives. Jump over to her blog and check out her fun posts. She has several regulars such as: Friday Fill-Ins and 6 Word Saturdays. These are fun ways to get to know her and keep your blog interesting. I intend to join her in some of her fun ideas. I'll link back over to her when I do so you can join the fun too. Sandy, you helped make my day so special yesterday and my walk was glorious.

As a side note I've been walking with Lena Kate in our neighborhood every morning before it gets too hot and when she is about ready for a nap. She loves to sit up and look around until she conks out. I listen to K Love and have about an hour's worth of relaxation time and have really enjoyed getting to know all the Christian artists and their praise songs. They have such meaning, are uplifting, and really help start out my day with a peaceful hour of personal worship and praise. Plus, I'm getting a easy workout in too.

Now it is time to pass on the award! Each of these blogs have great stories of wonderful families. I've been touched by them in more way than they know. Thanks ladies!

Natalie at The Bibler Blog

Roni at My Three Kids

Rachel at Gardiner Gab

Brittany (and Grier) at Growing Up Grier

Charla at Cowgirl at Heart

Happy Saturday and I'll sign off with a pic...how can I not!

Here is the little stinker playing this past week.

6 Months of Pure Joy

My Dearest Lena Kate,

Today you are 6 months old, and my how the time has flown by. You are doing so many new things that I'm sure I'll forget to tell you about a few of them today, but I'll try my best.

You are very observant and want to see what is going on, especially when it is time to nurse. You like to turn around and look at Missy and/or Daddy rather than eat. Daddy thinks it is funny. You also really enjoy your toys, most of which are hand-me-downs from Cousin Charles and we sure thankful to have them to keep you entertained. You've leaved how to open cabinets...such a bright little girl you are...which means child-proof locks are on the way.

Sitting up is now 2nd nature and you can sit up and play with toys in both hands remaining steady the whole time. Just today I witnessed what I would confirm as crawling..in your very own way. You tend to military crawl using your arms to pull you along rather than push with your legs too much. You haven't figured out how to get your hiney in the air, but that doesn't stop you from getting around.

You still take several naps a day and you like to fight the afternoon one on occasion. I rock you most of the time, but if I'm running on the treadmill I time it with your afternoon sleepiness and you play until your little eyes can no longer stay open. The hum of the treadmill works everytime.

Jabbering is also a fun game for you. AYAYAYDAYAYADADAAYA is your favorite phrase. You curl your lower lip down when you do this. I think it is so cute. I definitely still think you are going to be a talker.

Poor Missy has to run from you in the kitchen. When you are in your walker you like to chase her around..and sometimes she just isn't fast enough, especially if she is sidetracked by the off chance a morsel of food might hit the floor.

Dinner time is not a battle any longer and you will open your mouth for the spoon. Fruit and cereal is your favorite along with squash. Peas-not so much.

You have quite the personality and will flirt with those eyes and sweet smile of yours, sometimes playing coy. When we go to the grocery store you now ride in the cart with your cart seat cover and make friends with people quite often gaining lots of attention.

You are also quite the little fish and love to "swim." You enjoy your float but also just bouncing and splashing in the water with Mommy. Bath time is also fun now that you have moved up into your bathroom and have the pink ducky to play in.

You are on a nice schedule that goes something like this...wake-up, eat, play, go for a walk with Mommy and nap, play, eat, play, nap, play, nap, eat, bath time, play, read books, nurse, and bedtime. Did you get all that? Yes, you are a busy, busy girl. Of course, throw in shopping and visiting with friends and family on many days. You tend to roll with the punches very well. You do still like to wake in the middle of the night, usually at 1 and 4 am, for midnight snacks. Mommy sometimes wishes you'd decide to sleep through these, but I also enjoy these sweet quiet moments with you.

You like when I sing to you while rocking. Your favorites are: You are My Sunshine, Jesus Loves Me, Hush Little Baby, and Kum-bah-ya. I'm glad you don't know how awful my singing really is because I love to sing to you as much as you enjoy hearing it.

Lena Kate, you are such a joy to me and everybody you meet. We are so lucky to have you as our daughter...and proud, boy are we proud of you! I can't wait to see what each day has in store. My favorite moments with you are still those at night when I'm about to put you down for bedtime and you are very sleepy. You reach up and play/rub my face, neck and arms. It is soo very sweet. The feeling a mother has when she realizes how much their child loves them is something I will always treasure. I fall in love with you more and more everyday. Daddy thinks you are pretty great too. He loves to kiss on you and play with you as soon as he gets home from work, that is if you are awake from your latest nap. If not, he is bummed.

Yesterday we went to your 6 month doctors appointment. You are a whopping 15.7 lbs...34% and 26.5 inches tall which is in the 73%. You don't have as many baby rolls as a few months ago, but still have some healthy little thighs, I guess you got those from Mommy:) You are so big and yet still so small all at the same time, a bittersweet thought. Dr. McCray did notice a heart murmur that she had not heard before. We are going to take you to a cardiologist in July to get a little closer look. She didn't seem too overly concerned and mentioned that you would probably just grow out of it on your own. Of course, this isn't the best news, but we are hoping it is just a "normal" murmur an something we'll keep a watch on. It seems as though it is a fairly common occurrence and I know the Great Physician will keep you safe. God is good and we will make sure that your little sweet heart is in our prayers. Otherwise, you are perfect!..but this is something I've known since the day you were born 6 short months ago. I also have to mention how brave you were for your shots, you didn't even feel the first 2 and only fussed for 10 seconds after the ones that burn. Way to go tough little sweet pea!

I love you precious angel baby with all my heart,

Mama

It is about time to start representing, don't ya think?

Gig'em Aggies - Thanks Aunt Nancy for the awesome outfit.

Lena Kate's crawling form

OH, look at me, I'm so brave. AHHH, says Mama

There's my little ham

You would think somebody jsut surprised her...nope, just really happy it is her 1/2 birthday!

Nice Week So Far

We started off the week with a wonderful dinner with Katheryn and Jeff White. Katherine went to school with Groovy Lane...as she calls him. I'm not sure how groovy my hubby is but I love him and the nickname is funny! We had a great steak dinner at Saltgrass and even cheesecake for dessert. Lena Kate was a good girl and ate her cereal on the road. She is now able to sit in restaurant high chairs..and usually stays pretty happy. I didn't get any pics though..sorry.

Then on Tuesday Lena Kate's Leelee came to get her a Christening dress for her baptism in a few weeks. We got a BEAUTIFUL gown with pretty details and sweet ruffles. I can't wait to get her picture made in it...next week, I promise! Leelee also brought her some cute girlie sandals.


Then yesterday afternoon we went over to my junior high coaches daughters apartment pool for a swim and a visit. They are a wonderful family. I find it so refreshing to get to spend time with a family that has taught their children good manners and family values. It was all "ma'am" and "sir" to their father. That was music to my ears. I intent for please and thank you to be some of Lena Kate's first words. We swam with the Hensleys and enjoyed a hotdog and some cookies before heading home.
Oh, happy girl!


Playing with Leelee

My new shoes!

LK's new sleeping position..face down. This can't be comfortable..but she seems to like it.


6 month old post tomorrow!...and hopefullly some cute pics in her new Aggie outfit from Aunt Nancy.

A bunch of nothing about our weekend

We've had a nice relaxing weekend. I think the most exciting event was going to Costco with the masses and having a few samples. Today's choice: Laceys...yummy toffee and chocolate cookies...more like candy to me...but I really wanted to circle the isle for 2nds. I withstood the temptation, don't worry. The least exciting would have to be scrubbing the kitchen floor on my hands and knees. The ONLY thing I've found that cleans the grout is a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. They don't come on the end of a mop...I've tried to improvise, but nothing beats good ol Cinderella style hands and knees scrubbing. It was gross, I had black dirty water dripping down my kness when I got up.

Did I mention I've been a klutz lately. In the last week I have knocked over 3 glasses, and yes..they were full. (the luck of an accountant) It is a good thing I'm not high class and prefer the plastic insulated glasses. Two of the three times were today....well, I had help with one. Lena Kate grabbed a paper towel my glass was sitting on and before I could get to it, red punch was all over the floor. Then tonight, I elbowed my glass off the table while feeding Lena Kate her cereal dinner. Missy enjoyed licking the floor and her red paws! I'm glad somebody enjoyed it. I was about 2 seconds from tears. I just couldn't win for losing. I think Lane knew this. He patted my back and grabbed the spoon and started feeding the baby so I could clean it up...again. This was the first time he fed his little one baby food. He did good:) I realize it isn't that hard, but I was thankful he didn't just laugh at me ans stay on the couch. I think I would've definitely lost it. I know, I know...I shouldn't cry over spilled "milk." If this is the biggest of my problems, it reminds me I'm truly blessed :)

On a more cheerful note we had a couple of good meals, nothing fancy...but tasty. I made steak bites like The Pioneer Woman. Her blog is by far my favorite. It makes me long for the country and for my husband to be able to work cattle often and have little rugrats in wranglers horseback and helping. This is her life and she is so witty in her tales. OK, back to the point. Yum...nothing like browned butter covered bite-sized pieces of steak..with a nice crust on the outside and soft and pink in the middle. It took me two tries to get the pan hot enough to get them right. The second try was with the leftovers. The pan must be HOT. The leftovers topped with Swiss and jalapenos made a nice sandwich for Lane's dinner. I had some bites too which I cooked after cooking the jalapenos and Lane's bites and it gave the steak a little kick which I quite enjoyed. I DO NOT like really hot things, so just a little hot is perfect. I'll have to remember that next time. There will definitely be a next time. Tonight, I made chalupas topped with chicken, sour cream, avocado, and a little lettuce....tomatoes and more jalapenos for Lane's. It wasn't anything fancy, but I managed to scarf down two (ok, 1 and 3/4)...then proceeded to go upstairs to run the extra one off as well as the frustration from being such a klutz! Lena Kate is so good while I run these days. She just rolls around and plays with the toys I have set out for her.

We have a busy week ahead, dinner with Lane's college friend Katherine and her husband on Monday night. I'm excited about this..we don't get to eat out often and it is nice to have friends in town. I sure hope Lena Kate is a good girl. Then on Tuesday Leelee is coming to go shopping for a baptismal gown for Lena Kate. She so graciously offered to get one for her big day on July 5th. We will probably all have a nice family dinner out on Tuesday night too. Then one of my junior high coaches is going to be in town and I plan to meet up with her if the stars align and it all works out. Whew...it is going to fly by I'm sure. I was possibly thinking about lunch with the Tetco girls later in the week, but we'll see how things look on Thursday..I may just want to stay home and eat PBJ and a side of Cheetos!...yes, I love that combination....plus a good ol Dr. Pepper...I may have to splurge and not even do the Diet DP. Mmmm, call me silly or crazy or whatever, but that is one of my favorite standby meals. For those of you who think I'm talking about food and cravings a lot...NO I AM NOT PREGNANT. I've just been watching The Food Network all weekend.

Ok, enough jabbering non-sense...show you some pics. I will oblige...I've only taken about 10 THOUSAND in the last almost 6 months.

Thank goodness for digital cameras. These are what I'll call the bloopers of the basket pics. Maybe these are the ones I should've printed our for her scrapbook!...hmm, that gave me an idea. Maybe I should just fix a book with "funny" pics. Not sure if she would love me or hate me for it many years down the road.

My little redneck girl..the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

She sticks her tongue out like this often. I think she must have a tooth coming in. Either that or she is very smart and was trying to tell me something!

She is giving me the, "enough already Mama, I'm NOT going to smile just because you make silly faces and blubber at me. What do you think I am a monkey?" face

I told you I like pics of baby butts and feet

This one is just for fun....oh, I love these fish jammies. She looks so cute and cozy in them.

Good night and I hope the week starts off wonderfully for everyone.

This is what happens when....

Momma runs on the treadmill and you are a tired little girl...a little fussing and then she ended up like this....with the piece of mat she likes to play with more than any of her toys on her back somehow. She woke up with carpet marks on her face, but well rested:) She likes the hum and rhythm of my running. Next time I'll put a quilt down...and I'm sure she will roll off of it and then fall asleep on the carpet.

For some reason I like random baby butt, legs and feet shots.?? Just look at those little toes.

And this is what happens when Momma decides she wants a self-portrait with Lena Kate...I've gotten pretty good at this..except for the whole cutting off the top of my head! Oh well, I got a haircut right after these. I NEEDED one, it had been since early February. I kept the length and added layers for a bit more style...I'm still getting used to it, but it feels great. Thanks again to Rachel and Shaun for keeping Lena Kate so I could get a new do. Sorry she screamed at you the last 3o minutes. Somehow her mother spoiled her and when she is tired, she WANTS Momma, really WANTS Momma.

And this is what happens when you lay a baby girl down on a soft blanket after rocking her to sleep and she decides to wake up and NOT take a nap. She wrapper herself up like a San Antonio taco.

What a little turkey!

Check out my recipe blog...I'm about to add a new one and FINALLY copy over some I've posted here.