Recently we decided to teach Matthew the Articles of Faith in response to Sara's success with her kids. To our amazement, Matthew has been learning them pretty quickly. He knows #1 and #4 at this point. And we are now working on #2 and Doctrine & Covenants 4. Children retain information really well. We're really proud of him!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Sunfun, Memorial Day, Get-Togethers, and A New Grandbaby
We are still down here in Texas, and I thought I would post some of our pictures. Mostly, we have been taking care of business: doctor's appointment, Ryan working, apartment / house hunting, etc. However, we have squeezed in some fun. We have spent a lot of time together as a family, and actually, we had a game night with EVERYONE in Texas. Anyway, for what it's worth.
So far, Memorial Day has been really nice. We have spent time together with Shea & Jessica, and D'Lonna & her boys. Unfortunately, Wayne worked an all-nighter and it sounds like they literally kept him busy ALL NIGHT (He's a resident surgeon at Parkland Hospital in Dallas and people tend to party really hard on holiday weekends.). So . . . he's sleeping at home right now. Dallin, Stephanie, & Baby Corbin left on their vacation, so they missed out too. But we still had a wonderful lunch of ribs and brisket, fresh fruit,veggies, and potato salad. We always eat so well!!! The weather has also been really sunny, not too hot, and perfect for water games. Carter and all of the boys loved this "Slip & Slide". Thanks Mama & Papa Allred!
David kept getting in the way. He didn't understand the line idea and preferred to block the path to the little pool at the end. I guess he's big enough to hold his own, but we were worried one of the other boys was going to get hurt.
None of the boys had any fear. They just took off and sometimes all the way from the patio for a long run to the slide. They were CRAZY!!! We're hoping for long naps / early bedtime tonight!
Barbara also found this really cool water spout that sprayed water out of these random tentacles. The boys had a great time with it!!!
This is the garden I started. One of the coolest things about Texas is that you can have a winter / spring / summer garden and a fall garden. And this one is actually really healthy. Wayne & Ryan tilled it. And then I planned it with Wayne. Then I planted the onions, garlic, broccoli, and cauliflower. Wayne planted the rest when we left. If all goes well, we will have corn, radishes galore, tomatoes, more green beans, garlic, onions, okra, pumpkins, cucumbers, and watermelons. Today, we ate green beans from the garden. I love this!!! It's addicting and therapeutic!
Here is a close-up of our succulent plants. They're gorgeous!
On Sunday, prior to Dallin & Stephanie's departure, we had a game night / get-together at D'Lonna's house. I'm so sad that we never took Ben & Melanie or Jeff & Anneli up on playing Killer Bunnies, because after two years of owning the game, we finally learned how to play. And . . . it's really FUN! One of the activities was a water balloon war at the park. Of course, the sprinklers happened to be going at the same time. So . . . Matthew & David parked themselves right in front of the sprinklers and soaked themselves. [*Note, they were in their church clothes and sandals. I know, just material things, but frustrating. And I think Jamesy was a little bothered since he was the only dry one in the wagon on the walk home.]
These are the sling shots Ryan's mom made for the kids growing up. The Allred family really gets into their summer activities / ideas. She sewed this little jean pouch around this tubing and it works amazingly! Welcome to the family Jessica!
One target was hit the entire night: Carter. Poor kid!! Everyone was cheering and he cried!
I guess I would have been hit too if I hadn't moved. I was watching David by the swingset and moved just in time.
So here it is Julie, Stacey, & everyone else who has been bugging for a picture. Are you sorry you asked??!! In this picture, if you enlarge it, you will see my hair is like one big knot / frizz ball. Texas humidity does wonders for your skin, but it doesn't matter how long you curl or how much you spray. If your hair is perfect before you leave the house, then you better take a picture. Because as soon as you walk outside, your make-up is going to melt off your face, and your hair is going to go flat or flare up and twist. I was about 12 hours late on the picture!
Dallin & Stephanie
Baby James has grown up so much. He talks, laughs, and runs. We don't know exactly what he says yet, but some things are pretty close!
Aunt Jessica had the chance to see all of the chaos and experience it first hand. We had seven boys together all under the age of 8. CRAZY!!!!!!
Of course, the cousins thought it was so cool to sit at their mini table. Matthew thinks his cousins are the coolest!! Watch out Tyler, you have a fan!
Shea was lifting David upside down, Dallin shot nerf arrows at his son, and seriously, it was nuts!
This is a black mail shot from Ryan. Lets be nice, okay?? I was deep in thought and BOOM--he takes my picture.
The siblings together, minus Travis.
Baby Corbin has grown up too. And he's filled out a lot! I can't believe how big he is. His little legs and thighs now contain mini rolls. It's so cute! And the socks cut off his circulation. What a ham!
And he smiles so much! It's a lot of fun to have this many babies around, and boys at that! What would we do with a girl??
Corbin was fine, as long as he knew where his Mommy was. He melted each time he saw her and would make noises and smile. It was really sweet!
These are our little monkies!
Cotta has so many curls and stars in his eyes! He's such a doll!
And Tyler is so old. He's going to be baptized this year. I just can't believe it. I remember him stumbling around because he had just learned to walk when we were in Arlington at Six Flags. He was so tiny. Now he's this super smart, second or third grader and just growing up way too fast!
Here she is, the new grandbaby . . . Brownie, the chocolate lab. Shea & Jessica decided to learn about training a puppy before a baby. They picked a really beautiful one. The kids love her!!
David wins the award for being the most excited about the puppy. He was always picking Brownie up and giving her "love". Sometimes it was a litlte harder than she needed, but his heart was in the right place. It was really sweet. David is the teddy bear of the bunch.
She has a really rich, creamy / silky brown coat with a hint of black tones around her tail and some of her skin. She's absolutely beautiful!!
David didn't mind the humidity one bit, because it still = outside. He loves feeling the grass, the dirt, the wind, the cement, whatever. He is an outdoor's man!
These two shots were taken in Denver before we left. The kids were just being cute and goofy. I couldn't resist! The thing that startled me was that I am looking at two BIG boys, no babies anymore.
And this is another blackmail shot. I took it for Ryan. Unfortunately, I looked a lot better in person than on camera. Oh well. So it goes.
We found this turtle on the way to D'Lonna's on Sunday. We were getting off of the Sandy Lake exit ramp of George Bush when we saw something really big in the road and moving. We looked down and saw that it was this HUGE turtle! Ryan turned on our flashers and jumped out, had me open the dog cage door (the dog was in the other car with Shea & Jessica), and placed it in there until we got to D'Lonna's. Unfortunately, the turtle got really scared when all of the kids came to look at it, so you can't see . . . but the turtle had these long, sharp claws and actually moved really fast! Ryan and Shea took it to a nearby creek to keep it safe. I was worried about separating it from it's family, but this is what we did. So hopefully, it was on its own.
This is just another shot from game night.
So far, Memorial Day has been really nice. We have spent time together with Shea & Jessica, and D'Lonna & her boys. Unfortunately, Wayne worked an all-nighter and it sounds like they literally kept him busy ALL NIGHT (He's a resident surgeon at Parkland Hospital in Dallas and people tend to party really hard on holiday weekends.). So . . . he's sleeping at home right now. Dallin, Stephanie, & Baby Corbin left on their vacation, so they missed out too. But we still had a wonderful lunch of ribs and brisket, fresh fruit,veggies, and potato salad. We always eat so well!!! The weather has also been really sunny, not too hot, and perfect for water games. Carter and all of the boys loved this "Slip & Slide". Thanks Mama & Papa Allred!
David kept getting in the way. He didn't understand the line idea and preferred to block the path to the little pool at the end. I guess he's big enough to hold his own, but we were worried one of the other boys was going to get hurt.
None of the boys had any fear. They just took off and sometimes all the way from the patio for a long run to the slide. They were CRAZY!!! We're hoping for long naps / early bedtime tonight!
Barbara also found this really cool water spout that sprayed water out of these random tentacles. The boys had a great time with it!!!
This is the garden I started. One of the coolest things about Texas is that you can have a winter / spring / summer garden and a fall garden. And this one is actually really healthy. Wayne & Ryan tilled it. And then I planned it with Wayne. Then I planted the onions, garlic, broccoli, and cauliflower. Wayne planted the rest when we left. If all goes well, we will have corn, radishes galore, tomatoes, more green beans, garlic, onions, okra, pumpkins, cucumbers, and watermelons. Today, we ate green beans from the garden. I love this!!! It's addicting and therapeutic!
Here is a close-up of our succulent plants. They're gorgeous!
On Sunday, prior to Dallin & Stephanie's departure, we had a game night / get-together at D'Lonna's house. I'm so sad that we never took Ben & Melanie or Jeff & Anneli up on playing Killer Bunnies, because after two years of owning the game, we finally learned how to play. And . . . it's really FUN! One of the activities was a water balloon war at the park. Of course, the sprinklers happened to be going at the same time. So . . . Matthew & David parked themselves right in front of the sprinklers and soaked themselves. [*Note, they were in their church clothes and sandals. I know, just material things, but frustrating. And I think Jamesy was a little bothered since he was the only dry one in the wagon on the walk home.]
These are the sling shots Ryan's mom made for the kids growing up. The Allred family really gets into their summer activities / ideas. She sewed this little jean pouch around this tubing and it works amazingly! Welcome to the family Jessica!
One target was hit the entire night: Carter. Poor kid!! Everyone was cheering and he cried!
I guess I would have been hit too if I hadn't moved. I was watching David by the swingset and moved just in time.
So here it is Julie, Stacey, & everyone else who has been bugging for a picture. Are you sorry you asked??!! In this picture, if you enlarge it, you will see my hair is like one big knot / frizz ball. Texas humidity does wonders for your skin, but it doesn't matter how long you curl or how much you spray. If your hair is perfect before you leave the house, then you better take a picture. Because as soon as you walk outside, your make-up is going to melt off your face, and your hair is going to go flat or flare up and twist. I was about 12 hours late on the picture!
Dallin & Stephanie
Baby James has grown up so much. He talks, laughs, and runs. We don't know exactly what he says yet, but some things are pretty close!
Aunt Jessica had the chance to see all of the chaos and experience it first hand. We had seven boys together all under the age of 8. CRAZY!!!!!!
Of course, the cousins thought it was so cool to sit at their mini table. Matthew thinks his cousins are the coolest!! Watch out Tyler, you have a fan!
Shea was lifting David upside down, Dallin shot nerf arrows at his son, and seriously, it was nuts!
This is a black mail shot from Ryan. Lets be nice, okay?? I was deep in thought and BOOM--he takes my picture.
The siblings together, minus Travis.
Baby Corbin has grown up too. And he's filled out a lot! I can't believe how big he is. His little legs and thighs now contain mini rolls. It's so cute! And the socks cut off his circulation. What a ham!
And he smiles so much! It's a lot of fun to have this many babies around, and boys at that! What would we do with a girl??
Corbin was fine, as long as he knew where his Mommy was. He melted each time he saw her and would make noises and smile. It was really sweet!
These are our little monkies!
Cotta has so many curls and stars in his eyes! He's such a doll!
And Tyler is so old. He's going to be baptized this year. I just can't believe it. I remember him stumbling around because he had just learned to walk when we were in Arlington at Six Flags. He was so tiny. Now he's this super smart, second or third grader and just growing up way too fast!
Here she is, the new grandbaby . . . Brownie, the chocolate lab. Shea & Jessica decided to learn about training a puppy before a baby. They picked a really beautiful one. The kids love her!!
David wins the award for being the most excited about the puppy. He was always picking Brownie up and giving her "love". Sometimes it was a litlte harder than she needed, but his heart was in the right place. It was really sweet. David is the teddy bear of the bunch.
She has a really rich, creamy / silky brown coat with a hint of black tones around her tail and some of her skin. She's absolutely beautiful!!
David didn't mind the humidity one bit, because it still = outside. He loves feeling the grass, the dirt, the wind, the cement, whatever. He is an outdoor's man!
These two shots were taken in Denver before we left. The kids were just being cute and goofy. I couldn't resist! The thing that startled me was that I am looking at two BIG boys, no babies anymore.
And this is another blackmail shot. I took it for Ryan. Unfortunately, I looked a lot better in person than on camera. Oh well. So it goes.
We found this turtle on the way to D'Lonna's on Sunday. We were getting off of the Sandy Lake exit ramp of George Bush when we saw something really big in the road and moving. We looked down and saw that it was this HUGE turtle! Ryan turned on our flashers and jumped out, had me open the dog cage door (the dog was in the other car with Shea & Jessica), and placed it in there until we got to D'Lonna's. Unfortunately, the turtle got really scared when all of the kids came to look at it, so you can't see . . . but the turtle had these long, sharp claws and actually moved really fast! Ryan and Shea took it to a nearby creek to keep it safe. I was worried about separating it from it's family, but this is what we did. So hopefully, it was on its own.
This is just another shot from game night.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
P.S. From Plano
Isn't it amazing that even after long periods of time have passed, you know you still have a best friend, because it seems like no time has passed at all. You can still talk about anything and laugh about everything. That void in your heart is filled and you are no longer found aching or hurting. Instead, in some cheesey way, you feel completed and whole.
We are here in Texas, visiting Ryan, and it is so wonderful to be together as a family. Whoever said, "Distance makes the heart grow fonder" hit the nail right on. I always worry that when you are away from someone that you will blow things out of proportion. It's so reassuring to find things the way you left them and that you really do have so much love and a close bond. I have missed Ryan so much and even ached for him. Now that we are together, I really do feel like my heart is back together and I can breathe.
Families are forever, and I'm so grateful for mine. I love you, Hon, and I hope you always feel of my love for you. No one quite understands me the way you do, or can turn my day around, or put things into the right perspective the way you do. I'm always so amazed by your faith and testimony. You trust in the Lord and keep that vision at the forefront of your mind. It makes this period in our lives much easier to bear. Plus, no one can make me laugh like you do. I love that we can sit in silence, talk about everything, or just laugh.
Thanks for being my teacher, my best friend, my example, my husband, my lover, and the father of my children. You are an amazing man, and I stand by you forever.
I love you!
Ker
We are here in Texas, visiting Ryan, and it is so wonderful to be together as a family. Whoever said, "Distance makes the heart grow fonder" hit the nail right on. I always worry that when you are away from someone that you will blow things out of proportion. It's so reassuring to find things the way you left them and that you really do have so much love and a close bond. I have missed Ryan so much and even ached for him. Now that we are together, I really do feel like my heart is back together and I can breathe.
Families are forever, and I'm so grateful for mine. I love you, Hon, and I hope you always feel of my love for you. No one quite understands me the way you do, or can turn my day around, or put things into the right perspective the way you do. I'm always so amazed by your faith and testimony. You trust in the Lord and keep that vision at the forefront of your mind. It makes this period in our lives much easier to bear. Plus, no one can make me laugh like you do. I love that we can sit in silence, talk about everything, or just laugh.
Thanks for being my teacher, my best friend, my example, my husband, my lover, and the father of my children. You are an amazing man, and I stand by you forever.
I love you!
Ker
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Holidays & More
I love dressing the boys identical for church. It's such fun!!! And if you're going to take the time to play dress-up, then you have to take pics, LOTS of pics!!!
Matthew is such a "cheese", but I love it!!
I had a lot of fun playing around with the sepia.
Of course, whenever I would get one smiling, the other would look away. Big surprise!!
I love this picture of the boys. They really are getting to be quite the pair--partners in crime, buddies, pals, and giggle friends. It's so much fun to watch. I guess the best part is that I can finally say that it's happened; you were right, Rach.
Mother's Day was a difficult day for me this year without Ryan. However, I did get to spend the holiday with some of my extended family, and several women who have been amazing mothers in my life and taught me how to be a mother. That really made the day special for me, and it proved to be one of the most memorable yet.
I tried to take as many photos as possible to remember the special day.
Matthew loves snuggling up with his "Pop-Pop". This is something his "mommy" still loves to do.
The best part about getting together is seeing everyone work together to put on the best meals ever!!! Welcome to the McLeish / Collinsworth / Vail clan--YOU WILL EAT WELL!!!
This is my beautiful, warm sister-in-law Gabi and my dear Aunt Diane. Gabi & Steven are expecting their first child in November, and we are so excited for them!!! We also received some other really wonderful news--Jenny, Diane's daughter, is expecting on Christmas Day! Congratulations a million times to Jen & Garrett, and Steven & Gabi!! We are so excited for all of you all!
These are my darling grandparents, "Pop-Pop" and "Grammy". They always make everyone feel so at home with their love and generous hospitality!!! Grammy helped me beyond measure while my parents were out of town over the past two weeks. Each day she came over and watched my kids for a couple of hours, so that I could work out and have a break. Thanks so much!!!
Uncle Ed coached Matthew with his dinner and discovered a new talent; Matthew actually ate almost everything. Way to go Ed, and thanks!!
This is my beautiful Lauren. She is no longer our baby, though. It's really sad! She graduates high school in a week and a half, and she'll be attending BYUI in the fall. We're proud of you!
Cola helped Kristin with her delicious appetizers. She wrapped asparagus and cream cheese in ham, and then warmed them over the oven. They were amazing!!
These next few pictures have a funny story behind them. During dinner, David wondered off. At first, we were panicked that he some how escaped outside. Then, my mother called for us to run to the back room. Lo and behold, David discovered how to open and close the shower door. He thought he was so funny!
It took some coaxing and then a little bit of loving force to get him out.
David loves his "Mama"!
This was the highlight of the day; we got to speak to Elder Ryan McLeish of the Maryland Baltimore mission!!! It was so wonderful to talk to him. He has matured and grown up in so many ways. We really had a wonderful visit with him. And the best news is that he comes home in 4 1/2 months!!!
I love this picture of my mom and my sister. Kristin is getting married at the end of June, and it's weird to think that we're all grown up now or more grown up now.
Matthew is such a "cheese", but I love it!!
I had a lot of fun playing around with the sepia.
Of course, whenever I would get one smiling, the other would look away. Big surprise!!
I love this picture of the boys. They really are getting to be quite the pair--partners in crime, buddies, pals, and giggle friends. It's so much fun to watch. I guess the best part is that I can finally say that it's happened; you were right, Rach.
Mother's Day was a difficult day for me this year without Ryan. However, I did get to spend the holiday with some of my extended family, and several women who have been amazing mothers in my life and taught me how to be a mother. That really made the day special for me, and it proved to be one of the most memorable yet.
I tried to take as many photos as possible to remember the special day.
Matthew loves snuggling up with his "Pop-Pop". This is something his "mommy" still loves to do.
The best part about getting together is seeing everyone work together to put on the best meals ever!!! Welcome to the McLeish / Collinsworth / Vail clan--YOU WILL EAT WELL!!!
This is my beautiful, warm sister-in-law Gabi and my dear Aunt Diane. Gabi & Steven are expecting their first child in November, and we are so excited for them!!! We also received some other really wonderful news--Jenny, Diane's daughter, is expecting on Christmas Day! Congratulations a million times to Jen & Garrett, and Steven & Gabi!! We are so excited for all of you all!
These are my darling grandparents, "Pop-Pop" and "Grammy". They always make everyone feel so at home with their love and generous hospitality!!! Grammy helped me beyond measure while my parents were out of town over the past two weeks. Each day she came over and watched my kids for a couple of hours, so that I could work out and have a break. Thanks so much!!!
Uncle Ed coached Matthew with his dinner and discovered a new talent; Matthew actually ate almost everything. Way to go Ed, and thanks!!
This is my beautiful Lauren. She is no longer our baby, though. It's really sad! She graduates high school in a week and a half, and she'll be attending BYUI in the fall. We're proud of you!
Cola helped Kristin with her delicious appetizers. She wrapped asparagus and cream cheese in ham, and then warmed them over the oven. They were amazing!!
These next few pictures have a funny story behind them. During dinner, David wondered off. At first, we were panicked that he some how escaped outside. Then, my mother called for us to run to the back room. Lo and behold, David discovered how to open and close the shower door. He thought he was so funny!
It took some coaxing and then a little bit of loving force to get him out.
David loves his "Mama"!
This was the highlight of the day; we got to speak to Elder Ryan McLeish of the Maryland Baltimore mission!!! It was so wonderful to talk to him. He has matured and grown up in so many ways. We really had a wonderful visit with him. And the best news is that he comes home in 4 1/2 months!!!
I love this picture of my mom and my sister. Kristin is getting married at the end of June, and it's weird to think that we're all grown up now or more grown up now.
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