Texas Andersons

Since my last article, we’ve been busy enjoying the great outdoors…

MDO had a fun field trip to The Farm. The kids got to see and pet all kinds of farm animals, and then we got to enjoy a picnic lunch with the class. We spent a morning at the nature center’s Outdoor Family Fair, getting to enjoy the day, visit the booths, and climb the rock wall. Nathan and Ben spent an afternoon at Barkley’s Spring Fling and then lounged around the creek in a paddleboat. And we just got back from a fabulous beach trip!

During the last month, Nathan and I also got to have a fun evening at a MOPS and POPS dinner. While the kids were being watched for us, we got to enjoy the company of other adults, a great dinner, and a wonderful speaker. We celebrated Nathan’s birthday with a big steak dinner at Cowcatcher’s Steaks. And I got to spend an evening out with Mandy, just us girls.

Our Port A trip was quite an experience! Friday afternoon and most of the day Saturday were spent at the beach. Nathan, Ben, and Daisy enjoyed the waves. I got to play in the waves and had some time to lounge. While poor pitiful Sophie cowered under the wagon, ready to head back to the truck the minute we were ready to go. Saturday night we headed into Rockport to enjoy a wonderful fried shrimp dinner. Sunday while the beach got soaked by rain, we drove into Corpus and spent the day at the aquarium. And then we got to head to the beach one more time on Monday before we left. And this time since there were no crowds, Sophie got to come off her leash and finally started to enjoy herself. So in the end, we finally all had a great time!

Everything is out of the attic- the crib, bedding, swing, baby tub, playpen, etc. So we scanned the nursery and the house and have started talking about what’s still needed…

Looks like we need:
A name- settling on a name for the baby would be nice
Clothing- we gave away all of Ben’s clothes to friends
Diapers

A zoo/jungle/rainforest theme has been decided upon since I found a set of wall hangings and a mobile that will go with the old window valance and quilt. And I found some cute stuffed animals!

Despite daily whinings and moments of talking back, we see quite frequently what a really good kid we’re raising…

Several weeks ago after shopping at Wal-Mart I noticed an elderly woman who was obviously lost in the parking lot. While we only had one hour to get home, unpack groceries, eat dinner, and get to our puppy manners class, I told Ben what I thought was going on and asked if we should help. Without hesitation he said yes. We walked over and took the time to try to help the woman find her car.

Last week Katy was appreciative when Ben took Landon’s hand to help him join the fun at storytime when Morgan wasn’t wanting to participate. It was yet another nice moment of seeing him help a friend, showing us what a great big brother he may end up being.

Tonight while we were on our walk he saw a man chasing after papers blowing in the wind. Ben immediately yelled to the man, asking if we could help him. The man thanked us and we all proceeded to help him gather up his things.

I’ve also noticed (and Ms. Dawn has told me) that he is very nurturing when a friend is hurt or in need. Without prompting he will run to a crying friend to see if they are okay, if they need help. And he’ll wrap his arms around them for comfort.

And every night he prays before dinner. It is always the same- he asks God to watch over us, keep us safe, and to help Mommy feel better. And then he’ll frequently add a request for someone in need that day (to help the baby grow big and strong, to help those hurt in storms, to help a friend feel better, etc).

It’s moments like those that I feel a little pat on my back, that I feel we’re doing a good job as parents.

Baby- The pregnancy is now at 30 weeks. So we don’t have much time left! We pulled all the baby items out of the attic this weekend and need to put everything together, we’re still trying to decide on a name, and we’re saving up for baby clothes and diapers. Still lots to do, but I can’t wait for this baby to be here!

Sophie- Our puppy manners class teacher, Marlene, surprised us with photos last night. Sophie wore a black graduation cap and posed beautifully for her portraits. Now she just needs to keep up with the good work so she actually does graduate!

Ben- I photographed the Mother’s Day Out class photos and graduation portraits recently. Each child wore a cap and gown for their individuals- so cute! I can’t believe we’re getting to the end of the year, getting ready for graduation. If anyone wants to join us for the graduation and end of the year program, put May 22nd on your calendar. If Ben performs like he did for the Christmas program, you will not want to miss this!