Duck and Dragon

When I purchased a third crib for #3 who was on his way, the lady I purchased it from also had twins and she gave me two costumes that her kids had outgrown, a duck and a dragon.

The twins first wore them on Halloween in 2007 and have loved wearing them ever since. Here they are in 2007 (note the mischevious one trying to grab the bumblebee's antennae!):

They have worn these costumes over the years again and again...

The costumes have these cute little tails that stick out


#3 got his chance to wear it the next Halloween
Fast forward to today...they STILL love to wear the costumes. So what if they are a bit small?

Duck and dragon are ready for a flood...

#1 favorite activity to do in the costumes...jump on the trampoline!

These costumes will always hold a special place in my heart because of all of the fun and sweet memories I have watching them run around in them.

Football game fun

Every week during football season, the boys look forward to one of their all-time favorite activites...running on the football field after the game with their cousins!!!

Socks

Dear Sock Company,

Why must you package multiple pairs of socks together that are slightly similar, yet different? One has a thin gray stripe, one has two thick grey stripes, one is ankle-length, one is regular length, and the same variety in navy blue. It makes matching socks one of my most unfavorite chores.

Dear Me,

Why do you buy said packages of cute socks from the store when you know it will be a pain to match? Why not make your life easier and buy packages of identical white-only socks?

Anyone else hate to match socks???

Zoo fun on Columbus Day

We were out of school Monday so I took the boys to the zoo (along with about a million other people). We literally had to drive around for 30 minutes just to find a parking spot! I finally won on the "war of the blinkers" and was able to snag a space from a family that was leaving.

The weather was beautiful and we spent several hours there looking at the animals. We even toured the Dinosaur exhibit and the boys got a kick out of that. The dinosaurs were animated and even roared or spit water in addition to moving. The boys enjoyed roaring back at the dinosaurs.




#3 was cracking me up because almost everywhere we walked, he declared, "It Stinks!" and hold his nose while walking around.

See who is holding his nose again while perched on the fence...

I was so proud of the way the boys acted and no one wandered off. This was the first time I had taken them to the zoo by myself and the first time without a stroller or wagon to corral them. We will be back soon (and preferably arrive early to get a parking spot without as much hassle)!

Field trip to the Woodlands Children's Museum

Last week the twins had their first field trip of the year to the Woodlands Childrens Museum. They had a great time. I think they like to ride the bus ALMOST, if not more, than the actual destination.

Thanks to their teacher for sharing these photos with me since I could not attend!

Pen Pals

We received a thank you note from my 4 year old nephew for his birthday present. Upon reading it, #1 immediately stated that he wanted to write a letter to him.

Tabitha, go ahead and mark it on E's social calendar, because he is now "officially" invited to their birthday party (even if it is nine months away). Here is the "invatashin":)

The Bridge

Take a few minutes to watch this video. You will be glad you did.

http://cloudvideos.tangle.com/e219bdae7cd1acac17f89a4b522c7a6d.flv

From the mouths of babes

The other day I was driving home and was crying about an issue that was frustrating me. I thought I was crying quietly, but a small voice from the back said, "Mommy, are you crying? God loves you, no matter what!"

Learning to write

#1 and #2 have recently discovered the art of making words out of letters. Let me tell you, they have been writing up a storm lately! They have filled several notebooks already with their stories while sitting in the stands at football games. It is so cute to see their exitement over their newfound abilities!

I love to use the scanner to put all of these memories into digital format so that I don't have to keep up with a million pieces of paper and hopefully will be able to print this blog and have the memories on hand in a bound format.

Without further ado, my little writers make their debut below...

Translation: Dooby went to work
(i.e. Uncle Corby whom they call "Uncle Dooby")


Translation: Cole went to school

Translation: Cade went to school

Translation: Cade loves to play some games

Happy Birthday Tamara!

A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life. ~Isadora James

Today is my sister's birthday. Being 13 months apart, we have always been close friends, and I am thankful that we still are. She is one that with a glance we can tell each other's moods or unspoken feelings, and spent hours on end playing together as kids, doing 'facials' with cucumbers over our eyes, and talking for hours on end.

Times have changed and our busy schedules mean we don't get to talk or see each other as often or for as long as we used to, but the connection is still there. I am proud of my big sis and the wonderful example she is to me and all who know her.

Happy Birthday!!!

P.S. For the record, I'd like to officially apologize for overwhelming you at our wedding. You were the maid of honor, David was a groomsman, H was a flower girl, S was 2 yrs old, E was 3 months old, you had to prepare a toast for the reception, and you and Tabitha sang a song during the ceremony. Now that I have kids of my own, I have a BIG understanding of how MUCH pressure and stress that put on you. I would have gone crazy! Thanks for doing it with poise and grace (even if your dress did tear during the reception while trying to feed E and you had to wear David's jacket to do the toast). You made it look easy! :)

Happy 40th Anniversary!

On September 5th, my parents celebrated 40 years of marriage. What an accomplishment and tribute to selfless dedication and love.

This is one of my favorite pictures of them. It was taken shortly after they started dating (they met on a blind date). I love how they are looking at one another with such trust and love.
Since my parents were going to be spending the night with me after the football games, I wanted to surprise them with a little get-together breakfast to celebrate with them. Boy were they surprised!
The kids had a ball jumping on the trampoline.
We were able to visit with some old friends whom we had not seen in years, and the weather was cool and beautiful! Thanks for coming Bassham family!
The boys made cards for Gram and Grandpa

Sticker face

When I went to bed the other night, I noticed that the light was on in #1's room. Lately, the boys have wanted to sleep together and like to play and talk until they fall asleep. When I opened the door, I laughed at what #1 (now sleeping peacefully) had done to #2 (who was also sleeping peacefully, but decorated with stickers). What's next...toothpaste on the hand and a feather to tickle his nose?

Tears

Sometimes when life gets overwhelming, I get on emotional overload and cry at the drop of a hat. I simply cry in frustration. At times, I don't even know why I am crying, but God does. He records every tear and the Holy Spirit groans on my behalf when there are no words I can say.

Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

Psalm 56:8
Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll — are they not in your record?

Labor Day fun

On Labor Day, I took the boys to the Woodlands Childrens Museum. They had a ball playing with the trucks, creating things with playdough, shopping in the grocery area, and we got to watch a magic show too!

Afterwards, we stopped by TCBY for an ice cream treat. Since everyone seemed to be in good spirits and were behaving well, I thought I'd stop by to get their hair cut.

Haircuts have not historically been pleasant experiences for #1 (he has screamed and pitched a huge fit every time). I have had to physically restrain his hands and arms while the poor stylist attempted to do her job with him flailing about. He would not sit still for a scissor cut, and hated the clippers as well, so we had to do a quick clipper cut.

However, I am THRILLED to report that the haircuts went smoothly for all three boys. Not one whimper or cry! Yeah!!! Now THAT is something to celebrate!