Happy Birthday Mom!

Today our family got together to celebrate the 4th of July and my Mom's birthday. I can't believe she is 64. She looks more like 54.


Happy Birthday to my beautiful, wonderful and amazing MOM!!!

Sixteen Years Ago

On Saturday, June 29, 1991 at 5:30 pm Aaron and I were married in the Rose Garden of the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. This was one of the happiest days of my life. I remember being so nervous when my father and I walked through the garden as he lead me to where Aaron was waiting. When we stood together and held hands. I felt so much love and happiness for this wonderful man I was marrying. Though Aaron was 21 and I was 20, or almost 21 as Aaron's Mom would say, we knew that we were meant to be together. Don't get me wrong, it hasn't always been roses, but the good has certainly outweighed the not so good. Sixteen years later we are blessed with three fine boys, a fine home and wonderful companionship.

Look at these two....they have no idea what they are getting into. That's my GOOD LOOKING HUSBAND!!!
Who is that pretty girl? Oh yeah, that's me. This is Aaron's favorite picture of me in my wedding dress. All I can think now is, it was summer when we got married. It was hot. When I first saw this dress at the boutique I knew I had to have it. Dang, I looked good in that dress! Happy Anniversary Aaron. I love you!!!

She Did It!!!

Yesterday my Mother took her test to become a U.S. citizen and passed with flying colors. The judge asked her all sorts of questions ranging from US history to current political figures. Although she was nervous she had spent many hours over the last six months studying diligently. When she answered her last question the judge told her, "Great job. You passed." She was surprised at how quickly the exam had been, but relieved that it was over. Mom was so happy and excited to tell Dad the good news. We are all so proud of her and look forward to her swearing in ceremony. Way to go Mom!! I'm so happy for you.

Pics from Nicholas Cub Scout Day Camp

As promised, here are some more pictures from Nicholas' Cub Scout Day Camp Adventure. As Aaron didn't get to go all week, we don't have any photos of Nicholas when he participated in shooting the BB guns, or hitting a bulls eye in archery or launching beans with a slingshot. We did capture these other shots.

This is Nicholas on the last day of camp. A big thunderstorm had blown in that afternoon and the camp had to be cancelled. As he is a growing boy, the rain did not dampen his appetite. Nothing was going to stop him from enjoying his lunch.
This is a picture from the first day of camp. Here Nicholas and company are working at the craft table gluing together a dinosaur to be painted later.
Horseshoes is always a good game to play. Don't look so serious Nicholas!
Nicholas with his fellow den mates and Scout leaders.

Drinking plenty of water is a necessity when playing outdoors in the Texas heat (notice the nifty holster for the water bottle). Wearing cool camouflage shorts and your cap backwards will keep you "cool" as well.
When the thunderstorm rolled in the boys and leaders all gathered in under the shelter of the pavilion. Unfortunately the rain did not let up and the rest of the day's activities had to be cancelled.
The boys entertained themselves with impromptu drum beating and singing (a rain dance perhaps?). Nicholas says he had a really fun time and looks forward to camp again next year.

It is Official!!!!

Today Aaron received a letter from US Customs informing him that he had passed the April 2007 Custom Broker License Exam with a score of 85. We've known for a while that he passed the test, but was waiting anxiously for the official letter. It is not an easy test to study for. The test is given twice a year and the passing score is 75. On this test only 20% of the applicants passed. I'm very PROUD of his accomplishment. Way to go Aaron. I knew he could do it. After all this was his third try. Now....I'm a little concerned about what his next goal is.

Cub Scout Day Camp

Is this week. Aaron was able to volunteer for a couple of days at the camp. He had such a good time that he plans on helping out for the whole week next year. Nicholas has been having so much fun. As soon as he gets home he tells us all about the things he did. I'm glad that he enjoys it. Will post some picks from the day camp this weekend.

Swimming Lessons

Last week the boys finished their swimming lessons. This is Carter's swimming class. Miss Kyle is their instructor.

Carter took swimming lessons last summer and loved the water. But last month when we went to Turner Falls he almost drowned. Miss Kyle is helping Carter get use to the water again.
As you can tell from this picture he is doing well.
Now it's time to make some bubbles. Miss Kyle is a great instructor. We plan on going to her again.
This is Nicholas class. The boys are having a contest to see you who can float on their tummy for the longest time.

Nicholas loves to swim.
Nick is waiting for his turn to jump in the pool and get his ring.
Nick had to swim from one end of the pool to the other. He has really improved on his swimming and he enjoys it a lot. Hopefully, Carter will too.

Treasure Chest

We bought some unfinished treasure chest for the boys to paint. Their bathroom has a sea theme. Nick picked out the colors for his treasure chest. Nice!!
Carter is concentrating really hard on painting the insides.

While the boys are painting our little guy is hiding underneath the table. Hey, cutie pie!!
The finishing work. Great job boys!!
We added a bowl of shells that we put between the boys sink. PRETTY SHELLS....
Gramma Hayes spent all of last week with us. She was here to help us out so I could go visit with my Dad while he was in the hospital. My Dad had surgery last Monday and is doing well. Thanks to everyone who was praying for him. I'm so grateful to have such wonderful friends and family who called and helped us out. We are especially thankful for Gramma Hayes. She was such a big help and we enjoyed having her here. We love you!!

Birdhouse

Nick had to put together a birdhouse for one of his requirements in his cub scout book. Now let's begin. Nick is showing Carter how it's done.
Okay, Dad what's next?
Yea, more hammering. All that's left to do is paint the birdhouse. He hasn't gotten that far yet. Will post it when it's done.

Rainbow

On our way home this evening Nicholas spotted a rainbow. He wanted to take a picture of the rainbow so here it is.

Our Weekend in Paris

Was fun and relaxing. The boys had Gramma playing army men with them. Eric helped out by chewing on them. If I push this red button will the ducks stop quacking? Yes!!!
Carter found a toy that he enjoyed playing. Can you see me now?
Mom Hayes had kept Aaron's tail from long ago when he had long hair. Cute huh? That's cute Eric.

Who would want this????

I was told that this scary looking Indian is a heriloom. Glad it didn't come home with us. Grandpa Brown sure did bring a lot of STUFF. Aaron was able to pick out some useful things.

Boy Stuff

Is what the guys did this weekend. Mom Hayes and I did something better. We went shopping!! Jason gave the boys a really cool rocket last Christmas. Since the weather was nice they took the rockets to the field for some fun. Grandpa is helping Nick.
Carter is wondering "are we done yet?" Nick "okay, ready for countdown."
BLAST OFF!!!
Later that day Nick wanted to do more boy stuff. They got the magnifying glass to start a fire with some dry leaves. Gramma brought out a candle. It worked but it wouldn't stay lit for long.

Daddy what are you doing? Do you want Mom to get the lighter?
At the end of the day the boys took a bath in Gramma's huge tub.
Saturday evening we all played dominoes (the mexican train). It was Nicholas first time to play. He did really well. Then we had some ICE CREAM!! Aaron, the boys and I had a very nice time with Gramma & Grandpa Hayes. Next time we go up to Paris we plan on leaving the kids at Gramma's house for a couple of weeks or better yet a month.

Happy Birthday Thomas

My handsome nephew Thomas turned 15 today. He loves to read and play video games a lot. Thomas is taking driver's education this summer so he can drive soon. I remember when he was just a little kid. Now he's all grown up and taller than me. Even though Thomas is a teenager he loves hanging out with his cousins Nick, Carter and Eric. Happy Birthday Thomas. We love you! For our entertainment we played Dance, Dance Revolution. It's really FUN!!!
Here's Thomas and his sister Alex doing the dance revolution. Thomas is really good. That kid can dance and move fast.
Nick and I gave it a try. He's a good dancer.

Aaron and I did pretty good together. We dance to some cool 80's music. I think that really helped us get into the grove. We all had so much fun. Can't wait to do it again!
I thought this was a sweet picture.