Texas Andersons

By Melinda Coats, from MomSense (MOPS Magazine)…

I live the life of a rock star. It’s true! I have wild hair and make-up with frequent costume changes.

Everywhere I go I have an entourage. People are constantly yelling my name. I look out into the crowd and they’re actually crying for me, reaching for me.

I have no privacy. I’m watched when I shower, when I’m cooking, even when I use the restroom… for my own protection, I’m sure.

When I go places I must do so quickly before my fans get out of control and start a riot. Every night a different guy wants to sleep with me. Each of them seems genuinely hurt when I turn him away.

Occasionally I get dirty undergarments whirled at me with a whoop and a smile. It’s even hard sometimes to walk through my own home without someone spotting me ad trying to grab my legs or my clothing.

Oh, and don’t forget about the stalkers! You know those crazed fans that follow you everywhere? Why, I can’t even talk on the phone in the pantry without an eye or two peeping in at me.

Yes, it’s true- I live the life of a rock star.

Ben and I had a great day with friends a couple of weeks ago, while Nathan stayed home with Evan. We met Erica, Madison, Paula, Morgan, and Landon at the movies to see Horton Hears a Who and then headed to lunch. After, Nathan, Evan, Ryan, and Katy all joined us at the city pool to enjoy a great day beating the heat. The kids had a wonderful time swimming, and Ben absolutely shocked us when he jumped off the diving board several times! Who knew he had taught himself to swim?!

Then we spent some time with Kevin and Daniella, with them coming over one day for their maternity portraits and us all meeting for lunch the following day.

Then we headed to Fiesta Texas with Erica and Madison on Monday. The kiddos rode a good handful of rides, many of which Evan got to ride also. And then we headed to the waterpark to play in the pools and cool off.

Thursday we got to hang out with our favorite friends again when Erica invited us over to swim in their pool. Morgan, Landon, and Ben spent most of the time seeing who could make the biggest splashes while the rest of us enjoyed swimming.

And this weekend was fun. Between the lazy moments, we got to go feed the ducks, enjoy snowcones and a concert at the plaza, and bake a beautiful rainbow cake (which Evan must have loved since he cried and cried for more!).

Ben is now 6.

Appearance- he still looks a lot like Nathan; he is getting tall and skinny; because of his hairline, we keep his hair short; great smile with missing teeth!

Personality- silly, goofy, loud, boisterous, excitable, caring, sensitive; can have a bad temper

Loves- cars, trucks, trains, video games, books, his stuffed dogs, swimming, riding his bike, playing board games, going to Fiesta Texas, his friends

Favorite shows- Clifford, Fetch, and Martha Speaks (and who wouldn’t love this witty, funny, and educational cartoon?!)

Collects- pressed pennies (we’re working on visiting every tourist spot in the area to get these); rocks, maps, or brochures from places he visits; postcards sent to him

Unique things about him- he stills says “hangaburger” instead of hamburger; says wonderful prayers at dinnertime; likes to talk, and talk, and talk, and talk (we’ve been told he’ll make a great president or Wal-Mart greeter); is very interested in weather; he’s a very picky eater (he can look at something and tell you he’s not going to like it); had an imaginary friend (Stuart) for two or three years

Intellect- scored highly on his end-of-the-year science and technology tests; perfect score on his math test; reading at a level 12 (almost a second grade level!)

Latest neat accomplishment- taught himself to swim (completely surprised me this week when he jumped off the diving board at the pool and swam to the side all by himself!)

Coming up next- we’re trying to pull together the money so Ben can play soccer again in the fall and so that he can join Cub Scouts (I cannot wait for that!)

Really far into the future- he says he wants to be a race car driver or a weatherman

Two new babies coming into the world soon…

Congratulations to Kevin and Daniella. They’ll be first-time parents. And it’s a baby boy! Their little bundle of joy will be arriving soon- I’ll be taking Daniella’s maternity portraits this weekend, with baby due to arrive next month.

And congratulations again to John and Marli. Their third child will be arriving some time in November; they find out in the next couple of weeks if it’s a boy or girl.

We are so exited for both families.

We spent the whole week wearing red, white, and blue and enjoying some Americana activities (swimming almost every day, concert on Tuesday, playdate on Friday, fireworks on Saturday, and a couple of different events today)…

The concert was an Aben concert, complete with America-themed music. The boys had a blast dancing around the gazebo and marching around the plaza with their flags.

The playdate was with Marli, Robert, and Lillian at the nature center. We all packed a picnic lunch and then put the kids in their swim suits to play around in the creek. The water was refreshing, and everyone enjoyed themselves.

We met up with the Seamans, Petty, and Luebke families at our usual fireworks-watching spot yesterday for visiting, rice krispie treats, sparklers, and the big show. The fireworks were just as impressive as in all the years past. Go Boerne!

And today we split the family up for our outings. Evan and I headed to Marli’s house for Lillian’s first birthday party while Nathan and Ben went to the movies to see Up. They say the movie was great. And Evan and I had such a good time getting to celebrate with the little firecracker.

To top off the whole week- apple pie and ice cream after our walk this evening. How’s that for Americana?

Hope you all had a fantastic 4th weekend!!!