Heeere piggy, piggy, piggy....

We did go see piggies at the Live Oak County fair on Friday, they weren't near as cute as this little piggy! Love the pigtails! I fixed them cuter for church on Sunday, but those pics are still on my camera:) Her bangs were swept over to the side more then.

Party Girl

The weekend before last we had a really busy Saturday. We went to 2 different showers..the first was a baby shower for Erin Jostes. Her husband Clay and I grew up like brother and sister. I have so many fond memories growing up so close to his family...despite the times he really treated me like a sister and swung me around the trampoline by my hair. I guess the heart James Avery ring a few years later was to make up. I'm so glad we've remained friends and just adore his wife Erin. I can't wait until she has their little boy and we can have fun as stay-at-home moms together!

The second shower was a wedding shower for my long-time childhood friend Monica. We've experienced so much together from our childhood to adults. We played together as kids and even worked together as adults for a few months. I'm so happy she has found love in a good ol country boy. She just glows these days! I can't wait for her to enjoy marriage as much as I do as well as the joys of motherhood in the future. I know she will make a wonderful wife and mother. Cody is a lucky guy:)

Actually, this was late after the 2 parties...Cameron and Lena Kate playing...and resting.

Mama and Lena Kate

Bride-to-be, Monica

Mama, I'm tired of this girly stuff, can I go play outside in the water fountain?

MMMMMM, sherbert punch

Mommy-to-be, Erin and her swett MIL Barbie....she's like a 2nd mom to me-love her!

LK making friends

Just playing-love those dimples!

Dirt+Hair+Nap =

These pictures were taken after Lena Kate had been playing outside in the dirt and then took a nap. HELLO, BED HEAD!

This was my a big weekend. Lena Kate got to stay with Mimi and Papa and Mama got to have some girly fun. This was my first weekend away (from her) since Lena Kate was born. It wasn't really that I didn't want to leave her or was afraid to, I just didn't really have a reason to. One of my best friends is getting married in April. I'm so happy for Monica. This weekend we got to celebrate her last few weeks of being single. We hit the town (San Antonio) for some girly fun. There were some fun male anatomy shaped tasty treats, lingerie, dinner, piano bar fun..and I'll leave the rest for your imagination. Actually we were pretty good girls, but had a really good time.

I will also admit that I sure missed my baby!

Now we are both home with colds....eww. Not fun.

I Heart Family

Lena Kate's Leelee has been here for a couple of days and we've had a grand time playing. Monday we went to take some picture in the wildflowers over at Uncle Ray and Aunt Lorain's. Cousin Charles and Aunt Amy are also here visiting. Horseback riding, kickball, cooking, it has all been done! What fun!




We told Charles to hold Lena Kate by her suspenders...um, not like that Charles!

That's better!

Quiet Times

We share lots of quiet times around here too, ok, maybe not lots, but some. I love when Lena Kate is a little sleepy and sits quietly reading or looking at her photo album. She also loves to bring us books to read. I sit her on my lap, snuggle up cheek to cheek and read. This is how I get my snuggles these days from a busy toddler. The feel of her soft sweet cheek against mine is priceless. I always sneak in a kiss or three hundred.

This was after a day of shopping, she was worn out from running away from us in the stores. She started out in a different outfit, but seems to have a car sickness problem in the morning...ewww. I better get used to it. Good thing I was prepared and brought extra clothes! It is also a good thing her Vans didn't get yucky.

Randomness

Ugh, I wonder what caused this aweful mess.

Here's a hint. (no, she didn't cause it)

It could've been this sweetheat calf (get it?..see the heart), but I bet it was her mommy...or Buddy the horse!

Now that my sad attempt at country living humor is over, I'll move on to more randomness.

It has been a wonderful week here in South Texas. Lena Kate and I have spent the last two glorious afternoons playing outside. It is such a blessing that we were able to be here for the start of Spring. The flowers are blooming, and bluebonnets are coming up. I can't wait to take Lena Kate's picture in a cute outfit playing in the bluebonnets. This morning I went to pick up her sand table I ordered for her and got it all set up. After her nap she got to play in it. Let's just say it is a good thing I bought 2 extra bags of sand and that sand is not expensive. She enjoying getting a fistful and carrying it somewhere just to drop it and go back for more. Oh well, she is learning and having lots of fun. She also carried it around in her bucket on her arm like a purse as well as just playing around in it. She is such a little smartypants. I love having my little sidekick with me always. She is my best friend and tons of fun. We are going to make so many fabulous memories this summer, I can just picture them now. It'll be nice when Lane is not working so many hours and he can play with us after he gets home from work.

I'm working on getting Lena Kate to listen to me and understand...I think she understands but doesn't always do as I say:)

It is a good thing I've got her several Spring play outfits. It looks like the long sleeves are about to go bye-bye down here for the most part...yippppeeee. I'm so excited to get back into our walk/jogging routine. I worry a little about the pack of dogs at the neighbors across the way. I think there are about 5, and actually think some of them just hang out there and belong to the other house about a 1/2 mile down. They all came barking at me yesterday before they got yelled at by their owner, but it was friendly barking...if there is such a thing. Next time I pass him on the road I'm going to stop and ask to verify they are friendly. I don't mind the barking if they are ultimately nice....and don't follow me to our house. Missy wouldn't like that, nor would I, she is enough to deal with!

Watch Out Daisy Duke!

Lena Kate is coming through...and she doesn't like to use door either! I decided that Lena Kate needed a car to play in outside since nice weather is here. This was the first day right after I got it all put together. My arms are still sore, sad, but true.

I think she likes it!

Somebody had a birthday last week.

Yup, it was me. We celebrated a little Tuesday night. Mom fixed enchiladas and I made a cake...yes, I made my own cake...ok by me since Mom was busy with the enchiladas. I made Pioneer Woman's Strawberry Shortcake cake. I doubled the recipe and used two cake pans and then just sliced off the top so the strawberry filling would sink in. I think next time I'd just use one and cut that in half...I think mine needed more strawberries. Otherwise, it was delicious...a very dense cake. Uncle Cassie and Aunt Lynne joined for the fun and brought a yummy salad and balloons for Lena Kate to play with. She sure enjoyed them. They also brought me a fun gift...a garnishing kit (fun tools and book).

On my actual birthday (3rd) I met Lane in Alice for a dinner with the Rotary Club of Alice. Lane was sworn in and is now their newest member. I think he lowered the average age of membership by at least 15 years. I think he enjoys visiting with the older men and somebody in the next generation has to take over right? He wants to get involved in the city and get to know people...plus it is good for business. Everybody needs a good CPA, right?

LK getting a taste of the cream cheese buttercream icing-oh, yes, it was good!

A toast to the Big 31. LK was trying to get down, can you tell? She had enough on the first toast, this was the 2nd.

I'll have that strawberry! Do you like the candle Mom dug out for me? Gotta love Sesame Street.

These balloons are fun, thanks Aunt Lynne!

Mama couldn't resist the static...let's see how long Lena Kate's hair is? She thought this was fun, or it was fun to run from me.

Notice the bottle of vanilla? That is the secret to the best baked good EV-AH! Mexican vanilla..or "vainilla" This is Danncy brand, you can buy it at the border, or in the farmer's market in downtown San Antonio, I know. it is about $9 I think for a liter, cheaper than regular vanilla and much better. Also notice the teddy bear cake and bag of cookies on the bar....too many baked good for this Mama to withstand the temptation!

Just like Uncle Lane

What you can't see in these two pictures is that Uncle Lane and Charles are riding away. Charles did so good and Uncle Lane is his hero. He woke up on Monday morning after this ride and told Papa that he wanted a black cowboy had and big belt buckle with a bucking horse on it. I wonder who else has those two items. It is so sweet. He has a belt buckle and hat, but he wants one JUST like Uncle Lane's...and Uncle Lane wasn't even wearing his black hat on this ride..too windy. I love both those boys!

Lena Kate really wanted to go see Lane on the horse. She was running as fast as she could after Lane hollering, "DADA!" the whole way.

Charles and Uncle Lane

Don't worry, she got her turn. That's my girl!

These are moments to treasure.

About a Cake

Cousin Charles came for the weekend and Aunt Elaine decided to make him a teddy bear cake with the pan he gave her for Christmas. I'm not sure why I'm speaking in the 3rd person..oh well. Making this cake was so much fun! It was not the best effort I could've done, but still turned out really cute...and Charles LOVED the teddy bear cake. He also loved the icing!

I wonder where the "C" went?

Isn't he cute? (the boy, well the bear too)