Texas Andersons

I was busy creating a funny new bio about myself for Shutter-Happy’s website when I got to the point that I was listing my loves. Of course, my family, friends, and photography were on there. But so was music. And I realized just how important the words, beat, and emotion are to me. And with the amount of people walking around with ipods these days, music has got to be incredibly important to lots of people.

So I began wondering what (genres) and who (artists) were my favorites, what I could listen to over and over again without getting tired. And I’ve come up with…

Alternative- Blue October, Better Than Ezra, Matchbox 20, Counting Crows, Daughtry, Our Lady Peace, Jason Mraz, Tonic, Sister Hazel, Gin Blossoms, Sarah McLachlan, Dar Williams, Lifehouse, Goo Goo Dolls, Maroon 5, Hootie and the Blowfish, Dave Matthews Band

Country- George Strait, Dixie Chicks, Clay Walker, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Nickel Creek, Mystic Sister

Christian- Jars of Clay, Third Day, Jeremy Camp, Nicole Nordeman, JJ Heller, Switchfoot

That’s it. No easy listening, r&b, rap, or heavy metal… I just can’t stand sweet-as-sugar boy bands or yelling-at-me freaks!

What do you listen to? What could you not live without?

The school year’s over!

The morning started with Mrs. Bowen’s slideshow presentation of photos from the year, followed by the kids performing several songs for us, then a party, and early release.

After getting home, we had lots of fun going through his kinder memory box his teacher put together for him- pictures he drew, his writings, his report card, and his perfect attendance award.

Then we had a great evening at the plaza. Boerne Parks & Rec had a moon bounce set up for the kids to play; Ms. Constance held a storytime; and Madagascar 2 was presented on the big screen.

And now, summer vacation……

We just got back from a great vacation! We spent four wonderful days down in Port A and Orange Grove, enjoying the sand, sun, and great company.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, we enjoyed time swimming in the hotel pool, making castles in the sand, jumping the waves, and collecting seashells. My parents and Angie joined us for a day. We got to go out to one great seafood lunch. And I got to photograph three gorgeous sessions. We even did the usual “touristy” thing, driving around to the local gift shops to take photos with the fun scenes.

Today we drove out to my grandparents’ and had a great time visiting. Grandma did her best (as always) to feed us until we pop. And Ben had a blast driving their golf cart.

The weather and beach conditions were beautiful; the sunscreen worked; the kids were in great moods; the company was fun. What else could we have asked for?

He’s walking! At first, really only for food bribes. But now he’s taking steps all the time.

Watch out, world!

Week One- moved the living room furniture one day; chipped up all the tile at the front door the second day; was only able to get up a few hardwood squares the next day (things were not looking good); Nathan then decided to rent something to help us out; ripped up the whole living room!

Week Two- no work done; too busy with the boys and getting ready for the beach!

Week Three- moved the dining room furniture, the fridge, oven, and dishwasher; got the rest of the hardwood tiles up!!!

Week Four- Nathan laid flooring; half the living room is done!!!

Week Five- no work done; too busy with playdates and getting ready for the reunion

Week Six- 1/4-round still isn’t in, but everything else is DONE!!!!!

I had a happy one…

Gifts received: A beautiful flower arrangement and a bucket full of bath products! Woo hoo!

Time spent: Lunch with my parents at Floore Country Store (all-you-can-eat buffet of great down-home cooking); a fun afernoon with my guys; a chance to mow the lawn; snowcones from Sandi’s. And now I’m off for a bubble bath!

Thanks to my family for a great day! And thanks so much to Ben for picking out such a wonderful gift for me!

Hope all you moms out there had a wonderful day with your kiddos. They are SUCH A BLESSING!!!

From Ben’s Mother’s Day card:
My mom is special because she is sweet.
I like it when my mom takes me to the soccer playground.
My mom can do many things! I think she’s best at taking portraits.
My mom has a pretty smile! I like to make her smile by having a good day at school.
My mom is as pretty as a tulip.
My mom is smart! She even knows what sea animals are.

HA!!!!!!!!

We spent a few afternoons out in the backyard playing on the slip n slide. Ben had a blast sliding over and over again. And Evan enjoyed the pool area at the end. Splash!

Curington had a bike rodeo. The kids all took their bikes to school and had to ride them through obstacles (back and forth through cones, between two thin lines, in a figure 8, etc). Ben did great!

Ms. Sandi re-opened her snowcone stand yesterday, and we were there to welcome her back and enjoy some tasty treats. Perfect for a 100-degree day… yum!

And Ben played his last soccer game of the season today. Both teams were awesome (we’re not sure who won). And then the team went out for lunch at Cheesy Jane’s. It was another great season. We can’t wait to see what Ben wants to do next…

Awesome!
Budgeting… and still barely living paycheck to paycheck
Crying, whining, and pouting
Dirty and dusty (but happy) home
Exhausting!
Fun… and frustrating
Good times
Hard. Being a mom is hard.
I just need a break… or a warm bubble bath
Joy
Kisses, cuddles, tickles
Laughter and laundry (never-ending!)
Mommy. What a great word!
No, no. Don’t touch that. Don’t climb on that. Don’t put that in your mouth!
Outings (and lots of them). Who says a stay-at-home mom actually stays at home?
Poop. And more poop. In the diaper. Running out of the diaper. Even on the brand new rug!
Quiet. Wish there could be quiet.
Rewarding
Staying one step ahead to keep them safe
Time flies when you realize how fast they grow up. But some days drag on forever.
Unorganized
Vacation: Wanted
Wonderful
XOXOXOXOXOXO
You put WHAT in WHERE?!
Zzzzzzzzz… Did I mention it’s exhausting?

That’s my best attempt at summing up my daily, very important job of being a mom. Hope you enjoyed! And hope you all have a wonderful Mother’s Day.

We spent the weekend enjoying the great outdoors…

Ben and Madison had a soccer game yesterday morning. And they played another good team. It was constant back-and-forth defense and scoring. They did great!

After the game we headed to the nature center with friends Mark, Erica, Madison, Marli, and Robert. We hiked the trails, had a picnic in the shade, and then let the kids play in the creek. It was such a beautiful day for that. We all had such a wonderful time (especially Evan!).

Today we headedd to downtown San Antonio for the Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest awards ceremony. Ben was presented with a certificate of participation, along with a goody bag and cookies.

And then we spent the rest of the day out at Granmom and Papa’s, in the sandbox, on the swing, just enjoying the rest of the beautiful day.

Don’tcha just love weekends like that?!