Another Photographer in the Family?!?!?!?

I have loved photography for years. I actually started my own photography business on the side. I have never pressured Cassidy into taking pictures behind the camera, but she seems pretty interested on her own. A couple of weekends ago, she took these pictures...I do have to say, I was pretty impressed. For using a big camera, that Mommy will hardly ever let her touch. What do you think? Be honest! (But remember it is a four, almost five year old taking them!) One of them is a little blurry, but I still had to post it. Cas got it centered very well.






Until next post!

Taking Care of Business

Cassidy is a very responsible girl. She takes her plate to the sink when she is done eating, she cleans up her toys at the end of playing, and she takes care of everything she is given. Mike and I are very proud of her for that. There is one pride that Cassidy takes above all else, and that is caring for her bike. Earlier in the summer we got her a Disney Princess bike and helmet. Unfortunately, here in Houston, it has been one of the hottest summers I can remember. I can't wait for fall! Anyway, back to my story. We should have bought her the bike in the early spring, but not us! It's like giving candy to your child and saying, but you can't eat it right now. We either have to get out early in the morning, or in the evening, so it's not very easy to ride. But when we do ride, Cassidy is doing amazing.




I think Mike was feeling bad about not getting Cas on her bike very much, so he took it upon himself to help Cassidy wash her bike. It was adorable. Cassidy took such care, and made sure that it all got washed just how she wanted. When she was finished taking care of business with washing it, she dried it as if it was one of her prized stuffed animals. She was so proud when it was all said and done. God, I hope that she is still taking care of things at sixteen!





Only time will tell on that one!

Until Next Post.

Focus on Family

Cassidy enjoyed her first week of school, and is ready for next week. She is enjoying her teacher, learning a lot, and all of her friends as well. In the evenings, we have a little homework, like reading, and doing an activity. Cassidy has really gotten into it. I got her a couple of books that have different learning activities in them. She also gets a monthly magazine thanks to her Poppy Dick and Mimi Kim. She gets Clubhouse Jr. Focus on Family. It is really adorable, and has good stories, and activities. Cassidy gets so excited when the mail comes and a new magazine is there. Anyway, I am so proud of Cassidy, and all her hard work. Let's just hope it continues until she graduates college! (She has no idea how long she will be in school, and I plan on keeping it that way for a while!)



Until next post!

The White Buffalo

We have known our next door neighbors for nine years. Wow, that seems like a long time...and really it is. But I have to say we are so very lucky to have wonderful neighbors on both sides of us, and wonderful neighbors across the street. Anyway, back to my story, we have known George and Diane for nine years, and we have spent a lot of time with them. Together they have six kids, each from previous marriages(remind you of a t.v.show?) Well, their kids are older, so when we got pregnant with Cassidy, they immediately were so excited for us. They have been there through a lot over the years. Anyway, George loves having toys. He has a speed boat, a pontoon boat, a motorcycle, a camper, and a golf cart. Well, considering I haven't even gotten on his motorcycle for a ride, I would never get Cassidy on one. But, we have been on the golf cart numerous times. It is nicknamed The White Buffalo. During Hurricane Ike, we spent lots of time riding around the neighborhood seeing who we could help. Considering we did not have power for two weeks, we had a lot of down time. Anyway, George loves taking Cassidy out on the golf cart, and Cassidy loves the ride.



She always giggles the entire time. Well, this time I got pictures... and they are adorable. It truly shows what wonderful neighbors George and Diane are. They love Cassidy, and well, she has allowed George to be a kid again! This time, George even let her drive!



Enjoy!











Until next post!

Self- Portrait

Very rarely I post pictures of myself on my blog. I don't know why except I am extremely self conscious. A couple of Saturdays ago, Cas, Mike and I we were messing around before heading off to the pool. I asked Cassidy to take a picture of her Daddy and I...this is what she came up with...



(I was impressed)

Below is one more that she took. It has our other daughter Bella in it. It's a little blurry, but I still think it is pretty good, considering that she got it centered and everything.



Who knows, maybe one day she will love photography like her Momma!

Until next post!

Cassidy's Kindergarten Class

(The above picture was taken by Mike this morning on his camera phone. The quality is not great, so I have some more below.)

So since it is officially the first day of Kindergarten, I decided to post these pictures. We had a Kindergarten Meet the Teacher night, and I was able to take a few pictures for my scrapbook. Cassidy and her friend Brooke are so excited to be in the same class again! They can't wait! Well, let's just hope they don't like talking as much as their Mommy's do...they might be in trouble!
Here are some of the pictures~





Below is the actual picture that Mike took this morning. He sent it to me from his phone, so the quality is not as good as the pics above, but I still had to share.

My Big Kindergartner

Tomorrow starts a first of many first days of school. (If that makes sense). Cassidy has been attending the same private daycare/school since she was about four months old. I can't believe she will be five in less than a month, but that is another story for another day. Tomorrow is a bitter sweet day for me. I can't believe that my one and only will be starting school and have it count for the next thirteen years. I can't believe that I will not be there to take her. I know, I could have, but why upset the apple cart. Mike has been taking Cassidy to school since day one, and I really don't want to change that now. They have their daily routine, and I am afraid if I become some blubbering idiot, than it could cause a scene. For those of you that know me well, I have done that a few times in my life. Well, today, I ran to Target by myself to get a few things, and decided that I needed to get Cassidy a new outfit for tomorrow. So, after purchasing four dresses, and a new pair of shoes I figured that was good for the first day. Target was having a clearance sale, so I could not resist! Anyway, the dresses are adorable. Here in Houston, our kids can wear dresses from about March to mid October, and when you have a daughter that is all girl, you have to have dresses! She also needed a new pair of tennis shoes as she is growing like a weed! I had to buy her a 5T dress, she is getting too tall for some 4T dresses now! OMG! What will I do??? Anyway, we did a "Dry run" so that Mommy could take a couple of first day of kindergarten pictures. Here they are...what do you think?



Our dog Bella had to be in one of them as well. Cassidy could not live without her!



Until next post!

Brooke's Back Baby!

Last night was the orientation at Cassidy's school for private Kindergarten. I have to say, I was a little freaked out at first with all the information that we were given about what all will be happening through the year. Don't get me wrong, I know Cassidy can do it, I just don't know if I am ready yet. =-). It has been a while since I have been in school, and it seems like there is a lot to do and learn.

Cassidy's teacher is Mrs. Juneau. She is from England, and has a lovely accent. She is very knowledgeable, and I think the kids will really enjoy being in her class. She has decorated the room so cute, and last night already had all the kids desks labeled with their names, along with their cubbys (that have doors, as Cassidy pointed out).

I have very mixed emotions about all of this. I mean I know that Cassidy has to go to school, and I am excited for her too, but she will be our only little one we have. So every milestone will be huge for us. I will miss our Friday's off, and I might even cry a little the first one. But I will know that Mrs. Juneau is taking care of Cassidy and she is in a wonderful school.

Cassidy's best friend Brooke and her parents have been traveling a lot this summer. We haven't gotten the girls together a lot, because it seems like every time we go to do that, one of us has something going on. But Brooke's back baby! Cassidy was so excited last night when Brooke came walking through the door. I think it will make such a good transition for Cassidy. She is in a class with her friend Sophie as well. She knows all but about two of the kids, so in that regard it will be fairly easy.

Anyway, if my post seems a little sad a couple of Monday's from now, don't worry, I will be o.k. I will just be having a little bit of a pity party loosing my Friday friend. But I will be o.k. I promise.

Last night before we were leaving the school, Mike got a cute picture of the girls on the sign of their school. I think I am going to start this tradition every year, or at least try. =-) By High School, Cassidy might not let it happen.


(Brooke is on the left, Cas on the right)

Well, I guess that is it.

Until next post!

Bella's Boyfriend

So our Boston Terrier Bella (who is definitely a part of our family), has a boyfriend on the block. Her boyfriend is Gus the Boston Terrier that lives across the street. Bella and Gus don't get to see each other that much until the late summer nights or in the fall because it is so hot outside. But when they do, it's like love at first sight all over again. (Luckily for us Bella is fixed =-) ). It is so cute, and if no one else is around. We keep them on their leashes, and they don't get tied up (which is good). It's like they are long lost lovers that just want to spend time together. On another note, Carlos and Brandi's two kids Carlos Angelo and Brandin, along with Cassidy were out riding bikes. They had a great time.

Here are some pictures I took from last night. It was so much fun to see the kids playing and the dogs getting along.

Here is Gus



I think on the rest of all of these pictues, Bella is on the left, Gus is on the right.











They are so cute and such good natured dogs. Well, I think that's enough about these dogs...

Until next post!

My New Babies

Today was one of the most exciting days of my life...God it is sad that I am so excited about my two new babies. Well, now it sounds even worse. Today was the day that I have waited for about 5 years. No, no, I have not lead ya'll down a path of me expecting a baby. God knows if that happens, what I would do. I got a set of twins today though. Meet the new additions to household.
My new washer and dryer



Life's Good Now! I can't wait to put my first load in, but I haven't gone to the grocery store yet, and have to get some High Efficiency laundry detergent. Although this new washer and dryer should be saving me time and money, I can't wait to find out how much the laundry detergent will be. :-/ Oh well, it will all be worth it in the end when the clothes come out cleaner, use less laundry detergent, and I don't have to put my dryer through two cycles just to get my clothes dry. Oh what will I do with all the extra time I will have when I am not waiting on the washer and dryer. Hmmm...that's actually a good question. I guess i will have to come up with some ideas. If you have any leave me a note. I would be interested to see your thoughts.

Until next post!

My Big Helper

I was folding clothes yesterday and got so tickled at Cassidy helping me fold clothes. I wish I would have taken video, but oh well, there will be a next time! Believe me. She took such precision and care with folding my shirt. She did a pretty good job, but will definetly need more practice. In a few more years I am sure she will be a pro!

I think the thing that cracked me up the most was how much she enjoyed it.

What's in the Fridge?

Why is it that every child has a fascination about refrigerators? Is it the same reason I do? Does the light really go off when you shut the door. When it is 95 degrees outside, it is one of the coolest places when you don't have a swimming pool. =-) I guess it is just the way it is and always will be. I did the same thing when I was a child as Cas does now. I will catch her from time to time standing in the fridge, on the ledge trying to check out what's inside. Letting all the cool air out, while contemplating what the best snack is. I caught Cas doing this very thing last week. I wanted to yell and tell her, "Shut the door, you are waisting energy!!!". Actually, I might have said that, but I know that kids will be kids. It won't be the first time, and it surely won't be that last of many open refrigerator doors. Oh well, guess I just have to learn to ignore it.

When all this was going on, we ended up with a different snack/treat all together. It wasn't even in the fridge! UGHHH!!!!




(This made me laugh, my daughter LOVES to change her outfit numerous times during the day. It drives me crazy). I realized that she did just that between the time she was in the fridge, and the time she got her other treat. It was only about 15 minutes. It's amazing when your busy what you miss!)

Until next post

Eyes in the Water

Cassidy has been taking swim lessons all summer. She is not a very strong swimmer, but is getting better. At first she was afraid to put her face in the water. Especially having her eyes or mouth. She has swallowed plenty of water, even too much at times, but she always is willing to try again. I am so proud of her for that. Here in The Woodlands there is a swimming company called FINS (Fun IN Swimming). They have an indoor facility, and have been great with Cassidy. I wanted to share how Cas has been doing. She goes every Saturday for thirty minutes. It is a commitment that both Mike and I felt very strongly about. And we are proud that Cassidy doesn't give us a hard time. She really does enjoy it.




All the swim instructors are very patient with the kids. Cassidy loves her swim instructor Ms. Brittany. I think she has been wonderful as well. It is an expensive commitment, but worth it to get the basis of swimming down. I feel like at least Cassidy would know what to do if she fell in the pool. She could hold her breath, and get to the side and get out. Anyway, enjoy the video and pictures!








Until next post!
Shelley

In the Jungle

So this post I decided to just speak about what is going on right now and traveling through my brain. I know, I know, try to contain yourself...please fasten your seat belts this could be a bumpy ride.

I just finished dinner, and the house is quiet as my wonderful husband took my beautiful daughter to the gym with him. Now as I sit here it is just me and Bella(the dog). As my fingers type across the keyboard, I am starting to try to figure out if there is any beat to it...NOPE. Anyway, back to what's going on here. So today, I decided that I was going to mow the lawn since it was about to become an attraction in the jungle. I swear, even though we have not had much rain, the grass grows like nobodies business. Well of course the logical side of me decided I would check the forecast to make sure that it wasn't going to be too hot. I don't know why, I was going to mow anyway. Perfect, it was only 93.9 degrees at 5:26 pm..



That should be fine...not! It was hotter than heck Houston! I know, I live where it is normally hot this time of year, but at 5:30??? That is insane. Anyway, I thought I would share some pictures of my ride.



Oh did I say ride, no no I am wrong. I am not that lucky. I am a push mower girl! Now don't get jealous, you too can be a push mower girl. I do have to say though, in some sick way like mowing the yard. For some reason it is a challenge that I can complete, and sometimes I even time myself, or do patterns in the yard. You would be impressed with my precision like turns, and my perfect lines! Ok, so not perfect, but almost! Anyway, so once I got done and hit the air conditioner inside, I realized that I might be a little hot.

Anyway, I am doing much better now, as I am sure you have figured that out. Or I would still be laying on the tile floor with my face beat red.



I know, no pics of me laying on the floor, but you can see a picture of me looking hot, no really I mean I am about to be on fire!



Anyway, at leas the yard is mowed for the weekend. Now I can do more fun things with my time...just need to figure out what I want to do. I could not leave out a couple of pictures of the freshly cut grass...I know you are dying to see them. =-)







Mike and I are lucky enough to get a date night tomorrow night thanks to my wonderful Mom, and then Saturday, off to do more swim lessons, and just hang out. I am looking forward to it!

Well, I guess I should go drink more water...my main concern though, already have drank 2 glasses since I got back in. (32 oz each), and I am afraid it will be a long night. =-(

Until next post!

Sign the Petition to Restore the Gulf

If you care at all about the Gulf of Mexico beaches, wetlands, or animals, please take the time to sign this petition. Please watch the video and read up on what is going on in the Gulf of Mexico. You can make a difference.

Sign the Petition to Restore the Gulf

New wheels...a late post

So I realized that I came across some pictures that I had not blogged. Bad me, I know. Before the summer, at the end of May, we decided that Cassidy was a big girl know, and deserved a new bike. Now mind you, we bought it before the heat of the summer, thinking we would have plenty of time to use it. Hindsight, we should have bought it in November. It has been so hot in Houston that Cassidy has had no desire to really play outside this summer, I don't blame her. I think it is hotter now than when I was four years old way, way, back when. I can't prove it, but it's just a feeling.

Anyway, here are some pictures of my sweet little one waiting for the surprise, checking it out, and then attempting to ride. She did great! Although everything we taught her we will have to reteach when we can get back out. Oh well!

Enjoy!~

Waiting for the surprise!

From Cassidy's New Bike

The new ride.

From Cassidy's New Bike

Setting her eyes on her new bike for the first time!

From Cassidy's New Bike

Thanking Daddy!

From Cassidy's New Bike

Taking off!

From Cassidy's New Bike

All smiles!

From Cassidy's New Bike

Until next post.