Barrett

You know his imagination!!!  Well, this evening, Barrett informed me that he was leaving for a trip and his car cases were his suitcases.  Funny boy!  I love him.  He even asked to take a few cookies with him on his leave.

Just to remember...................

This week, was a crazy week.  I had parent conferences lined up each day and one of my fourth grade teachers had to be rushed to the hospital because she was experiencing chest pains.  Well, I kicked it into high gear Monday morning and tried to rush out the door so that I could take care of business at school (calling a substitute, getting plans ready, etc.)

As I'm walking out the door, Matt was trying to shave, Barrett was in the shower, and Mallory was fussy because she decided to deal me a dirty diaper after I had buckled her into her car seat!  Whew!!!!!!!!!!!! And it was only 6:50 a.m.

Matt takes B to preschool in the mornings and I pick him up.  I always have his clothes laid out and he's great about dressing himself from head to toe.  If he needs assistance, I leave Matt in charge when I'm not there (in hopes that he will catch something if it out of place, unbuttoned, or MISSING!!!)

Upon picking B up Monday afternoon, I had his teachers approach me just giggling and laughing.  They said Barrett was on the playground during recess talking to his friend Finley.  All of the sudden, Barrett turned around and pulled down the top part of his shorts showing about half of his booty.  The teachers said you could tell from a distance that Barrett was in a serious conversation and obviously explaining something to his friend.

Mrs. Parks and Ms. Clifton called Barrett over and asked why he as showing his bottom to his friend.  Barrett said, "Well, my mom forgot to put on my underwear this morning".

What?!?!?!?!

Not only did he blame me (which it was my fault in a way for not laying the underwear out by this daily clothes, but ultimately Matt's fault for not checking his child over).  Barrett also went on to say that he didn't realize his underwear were missing at all (until he got to school). 

That just teaches me a lesson...never underestimate my child.  I just assumed that he KNEW to wear underwear and would recognize it when he wasn't wearing them.  He dresses himself every day!!!!

Now it's a running joke in the mornings.  I hug and kiss Barrett on my way out the door each day, and my last words are..."Hey Barrett, don't forget your underwear!!!" 

 

 Just to remember..................

Lately, Barrett wants me to lay beside him in his bed as he tries to fall asleep.  This is our time to visit with one another.  Barrett has also been asking me to sing to him lately.  Why?  I have no idea.  I can't carry a tune whatsoever...but I guess your own children really don't care.  Mommy's voice is always special...no matter what.

Anyway (back to the story), we were talking about fire escape routes.  I was telling Barrett what he needed to do in case there was a fire upstairs and mommy and daddy couldn't get to him.  We talked about getting near his window and yelling to the firefighters.  We talked about not being scared and staying calm.  We even talked about the whole STOP - DROP - and ROLL procedures.

As we're talking, sweet Barrett says, "Mom, what about Mallory?  What will happen if there is a fire in Mallory's room?"

"Well, if you could get to Mallory's room without getting burned by the fire, I would want you to try to get her, " I say.

"How am I going to get her out of her bed?" asked Barrett.

"Well, you would have to use your stool, reach over into the crib, and pick her up," I say.

Barrett was okay with that.  He even smiled at the fact that he would be the hero for saving his baby sister.

Then, after thinking for a minute, he asked, "What if I can't get to her mom?  What would happen to her then?"

I think about how to word it, and reply with, "Well, the firefighters and firetruck would drive into our backyard and rescue Mallory from her window by climbing up the ladder."

You could tell at this point, that Barrett's head was spinning.  He was thinking all sorts of different scenarios.

Finally, he said, "Well, I don't know about that mom.  They would break my swing set / playground".

"Well Barrett...that's not the right way to think.  It's just a playground.  Which do you think is more important...your little sister Mallory or your playground?????"

"Both Mom!!!!" Barrett tells me.

Oh my! 

Shortly after this comment, we had a discussion about people vs. material things.  Never in my life did I think I was going to be having this conversation so soon.  I had to explain that people couldn't be replaced, and that material things (like toys, bicycles, and our playgrounds) could be.  Believe me, this conversation got deeper than expected.

Finally, Barrett admitted that, "Yeah, it would be okay if they breaked by playground to save my baby sister".

Whew!  Good thing he loves her! haha

Oh How She Loves Him!!!!

Isn't she lovely?  I couldn't agree more!!!  Everyone that meets Mallory, compliments her beautiful lips and long eyelashes.  I must agree, she IS an adorable little girl.  I just can't get enough of her.  She's beginning to sleep longer lengths through the night (10 pm to 6 am...and sometimes 7 am).  I'm so proud of her...and thankful that she's allowing mommy and daddy to get some rest! 

Matt and I can't get over how much Barrett's baby pictures and Mallory's pictures favor one another.  It's true, she looks a lot like her brother at times, but I've noticed a few differences myself.

One thing is for certain, she LOVES her big brother.  I love watching her gaze into his direction, smile at him, and sometimes laugh.  Her laugh is a "silent laugh" right now.  It's one of those that she opens her mouth and squints her eyes....but unfortunately, no sound really comes out just yet.  I'm sure eventually it will!!!  I just know that Mallory and Barrett are going to have a great relationship.  They already do!  Barrett loves her...and OH HOW SHE LOVES HIM back!!!!  Barrett plays with her, takes care of her, and always wants to be with her.  He even talks about missing her when he's at school.  I love that about him.  B never complains, always has a smile on his face, and is very tender hearted.  He is kind and compassionate.  I hope he never changes.  Thank you God for such an amazing little boy!!!

 

MB coos quite a bit, and occasionally makes sounds like she wants to carry on a conversation.  Especially when reading a book to her with pictures.  Our babysitter Michele put photos of Barrett, Matt and I into a little book, and she when she shows it to Mallory, that Mallory will kick with excitement, coo, and even smile at the pictures!!!!  Now THAT melts my heart!!!!

Sweet Smiles

Barrett does have a handsome smile!  He's always happy, and I hope he stays that way!!! 

And check out these adorable smiles from Miss Mallory!  Oh...I just can't get enough of them!!! 



My Babies...and Barrett in Flight

 I absolutely love this picture of Barrett and Mallory!  Nothing fancy.  No hairbow, or even matching outfits.  Just a simple little snapshot of my babies!  I'm in love.  What more can I say!!!  (Barrett 4 years old / Mallory 10 weeks).

Occasionally, we get stuck inside on a cold day.  Have no fear...it doesn't slow Barrett down one bit.  On this particular day, not only did he keep himself highly entertained, but kept Mallory, Matt, and I laughing as well.

 

 

October RUN and PLAY

This morning on laced up my running shoes and ran the Komen Race for the Cure 5K.  I must tell you, it felt amazing.  Granted, 3.2 miles isn't much, but it was enough to motivate me to sign up for a 10K and possibly a 1/2 marathon.  Running never was a passion of mine in high school.  I did it, but mainly because my dad wanted me to, and the track team needed me.  I didn't even run long distances in high school.  Running the mile relay and 400 meter dash, but the extent of running. 

It wasn't until I went off to college, that I saw RUNNING in a whole new light.  It became my way of dealing with stress, having alone time, and relaxing my mind!

Now days, it is something I literally have to do to keep my sanity.  Just the other day, I saw a slogan that said, "I'm one run away from a good mood".  That pretty much sums up my need to get up, get out, and run!!!

Even though I'm post baby (I can't use that excuse for too much longer because Mallory is already approaching 11 weeks), I'm anxious to start setting some goals.  10K....here I come.  Just praying all goes well, and with my old knees and flat feet, I can make it through the training without any injuries!!!

 

October afternoon hanging out at the park with the McCarson family!  We had a picnic and played!  Lots of fun, but a little windy!  I'm surprised we didn't blow away!!!

Friday Night Lights - Allen Eagle Stadium

Since the year I began teaching in Allen school district, they have completed a 60 million dollar stadium.  It's spectacular!!!  It just opened this Fall, and Barrett, Matt and I decided to attend a game.  It was a wonderful night for Friday night football.  We were able to see friends and students that I've taught...and we even experienced the high life of getting "consession stand food"! haha  It wasn't what you're thinking though!  They actually served Taco Bell and Chick Filet food in this stadium!  Crazy!!!

Maybe Barrett will play for Allen Eagles, and Mallory will cheer for them!!!!

 

Busy Life...continued

Check out these sweet pictures of us.  I love Mallory's outfit.  You can barely see it (the black matching tutu), but she was dressed up on this Sunday for church.  Black shoes, black tights, leopard outfit with matching tutu and hand piece!  ADORABLE!  That pretty much sums it up.  Oh wait...notice that I'm wearing my matching shirt too.  And to make things even crazier...when we saw Gramsey and Papa at church....Gramsey was wearing an animal print top as well!  hahaha  What a coincidence.

 

 

 

Busy, Crazy, Life...and LOVING It!!!

Where to begin?!  We've been busy and I honestly think the best update will be for you to SEE for yourself.  Enjoy the pictures of October!

Mallory is going to Michele's house during the day while I'm at work.  She (Michele) and her entire family, (Brandon, Heather, and Jim) are so sweet to Mallory!  I can tell they love her like their own!!!!  I can't thank them enough for taking care of my sweet baby girl and caring for her during the day. 
Michele takes her strolling every morning and evening, as she picks up Heather and Brandon from school, and Michele is right around the corner if I need to get my "baby fix".  Just last week (my first Friday back), Michele brought Mallory up to have lunch with me!  Nothing gets better than that!!!!  I didn't even eat!  I just held and cuddled with my baby (along with showing her off) for my entire lunch break!

Barrett has been super busy too! At school, he's been to a pumpkin patch recently, visited with an officer from the Allen Police Department and just finished voting for the Primrose favorite friend. I think it is neat how his little school participates in all the current events. Barrett even brought home a voter's registration card! How cute is that?! He's having a good time and loving every minute of it. 

We even managed to squeeze in a night out with Pierce and his momma, Courtney at Chick Filet last night!!! Just the mommas and their boys! Good times!!!

On top of that, Barrett has learned to ride his bike withOUT his training wheels.  He was a little intimidated at first, but after putting on elbow pads, knee pads, gloves, and a helmet...he was ready to roll!
We've almost mastered it, but continue to practice taking off and adjusting our balance!!! 

 

What else???  Well, I started back to school, and I'm so happy!  I was ready to go back to work.  I've been able to get back into the groove of everything, meet a fabulous group of students, and see my friends!!!  I work with an amazing fourth grade team, and it was so nice to be back in their presence.  I was told that I keep them laughing!  They keep "in line" too!  We have a ball at work!!!  I'm glad to be back!!!!

I'm back to running.  Yep, 4 miles is the most I've run at once, but eventually, I'll make it back to 6 miles.  I think I'll set a goal to run in a few 10Ks this next year, and HOPEFULLY, a 1/2 marathon!  It's a goal for my future for sure.  It just may take some time accomplishing it!!!!  Wish me luck!

Here are more just random snapshots!  I'm so in love with my precious family!!!

 Small "home town" of Throckmorton.  Where else could you be front and center with the marching band????  That's my Barrett...sitting right in front of the band.  You can't see it, but all the people were sitting in the stands behind him.   My child must get special treatment by getting to get down on the field! haha