Let's Go to the Pool, Mom!

My family moved into Clear Lake the summer after I finished first grade. With the aid and assistance of various photographs and recorded video (Dad carried our trendy and heavy camcorder atop his probably aching shoulder), I vaguely remember having a picnic on the slab of our home - the same house in which my parents still live today. The house's location was and remains a parents' dream. Nestled in the safety of a cul-de-sac, our house sat right next to a winding "greenbelt." Named affectionately for the budding trees planted by the Friendswood Development Company, it has become somewhat "greener" over the past twenty-something years. The concept is brilliant. It is a safe paved sidewalk that runs through the neighborhood and away from the streets and it spans the distance of over four blocks on our side. When Austin and I were little, we played for hours outside building pretend forts, riding our bikes, roller-blading, and playing with our dogs. I even remember having "Hermit Crab Races" on the hot pavement of the Greenbelt. Those poor Hermit crabs probably questioning their personal sins that landed them in such lovely care. Anyway, the Greenbelt runs all the way to the neighborhood pool - the location of Sunday fun with Sadie this past Memorial Day weekend.  I pulled her down the winding Greenbelt path to the pool while she laid back in the wagon Austin and I had played with numerous times. I even broke his arm in this wagon when he was a little tyke causing me to be overly cautious as we made our way to the pool.

The Greenbelt

Relaxing in the Wagon!

 Once we arrived, we worked to get Sadie in the "Baby Pool." I must say, it was not nearly as fun or easy as I had hoped. She immediately started crying and clung to Granny afraid she was about to embark on yet another lovely swim lesson, otherwise known in our household as "Daily Baby Water-boarding." I cringed as she cried, fearful the very lessons meant to keep her safe had irrevocably ruined her love for the water. Eventually, she calmed down and noticed two other sweet children (5 and 3) swimming in the pool with her. They were so kind and upon hearing that this was her fist real jaunt in the water, immediately shared their water toys with her. Sadie grinned and exclaimed, "HI!" as they encircled her with laughter and kindness.

With her borrowed toys, Mommy, and Granny

 After playing a while, she grew more confident and eventually was walking back and forth to Granny and me without much fear. She did teeter twice and her head went under water. However, thanks to her swim lessons, she knew how to hold her breath and didn't so much as utter a cough upon breaking the surface again. She was most comfortable clinging onto me as we visited with an old friend I used to babysit for (her infant daughter now in high school). Sadie seemed to have a better time and my hope in her loving the water was renewed...until the splasher showed up. This girl was probably around five and kept throwing a whiffle ball wildly into the air with no regard for the water that would drain erratically out of the holes with every toss. These errant splashes landed all over me, my mother, the other kids, and of course, (and most important at the moment to me)  my daughter. I let it happen several times and considered how to approach a young child. This is not my high school classroom after all; the same tactics will not apply or work. As gently as I was capable, I asked her to "please don't throw that ball" because it was splashing. She looked quizically at me then 2 minutes later resumed her deviant behavior. Again I looked around for a watching mommy (hoping she would come handle the child) and when no one emerged, asked again. This time I was clearer, "Do NOT throw that ball anymore. You are splashing my baby." Yikes.

There are many different types of mommies.Before I had Sadie I worried about being a great mommy because I didn't feel like I naturally epitomized the Proverbs 31 women. I automatically associated her with meekness, gentleness, a quiet spirit, and self-control and while I revere all these virtues, I hardly have the corner on the market of any one of them. I was born ready to advocate on behalf of someone else. I confronted bullies in elementary school, carefully told kids off who "messed with" Austin at McDonalds, questioned openly the intent of a concierge who was rude to my Granny, and later championed for the rights of many students who either had no voice or felt theirs had been silenced. I like helping others fight their battles and as I realize I probably should have pursued law or something of the like, I think God had a great plan for me as an educator and now mother. I have learned that the Proverbs 31 woman was an advocate for her husband and family and I am encouraged by her. I realize that we are all different and the fact that I feel emboldened to help others is a gift God has given me. I realize now that the very fervor I once questioned makes me an excellent advocate, not only for others, but for my young daughter. I cannot fight every battle for her, but I can stand armed with love and support for whenever she needs me.

Happy with Mommy

After Granddaddy showed up, we waded in the water a bit longer before getting out of the pool. Sadie wrapped her new pink mermaid terry-cloth towel around her and giggled with glee, no doubt a direct result of us allowing her to set foot on dry land once more. We pulled her home in the wagon, back down the Greenbelt, and I remembered how many days I had taken that journey with my parents as a child and grew more thankful with every step that I have the priveiege to raise my child so close to the rhetoric of place I have grown to love, surrounded by the people who made it special.

"TA - DA!!!"

The Whole Gang

Aunt Katie's Zoo Birthday

Granny, Uncle Austin, and Aunt Katie with Sadie

Last weekend we celebrated Aunt Katie's birthday. Having yet to go to the Houston Zoo, she thought it would be fun to go with the whole family. Sadie was, of course, elated to see her animals for this birthday jaunt. We immediately strolled over to the sea lions. Sadie loves watching them swim in the water. While Sadie stared at them through the metal gated fence, Austin reminisced about coming to the zoo when he was in elementary school - a favorite field trip location for the children of Houston.

After leaving the sea lions, we headed out towards the elephants. On the way, my mom had Sadie take a quick picture by this little leprechaun statue. Apparently, this little strange iron-cast man used to be located in the children's section of the zoo when Austin and I were little. My mom and Dad said they had several pictures of us when we were little next to this very statue!

A Familiar Statue

We enjoyed seeing the elephants get their morning bath and then meandered to the Africa exhibit. Sadie kept squirming and wanting to walk on her own to each exhibit, which is normally fine for a slow stroll with Mommy, but not as ideal with a large crowd on a Saturday. Although particular about who holds her and how long, she relished the chance to jump into Uncle Austin's arms, or as Austin has renamed himself, Fun Uncle Austin. Katie and I kept laughing that it sounded like one big crazy word - "fununcle." Everyone needs a great "fununcle."

Checking out the elephants

Sadie screamed until she woke up this gorilla!

Learning how to play the djembe with Sadie's "fununcle"

Here, Uncle Austin. I would like one of these, please.

Right outside of the children's zoo section, we enjoyed looking around the "Swap Shop," a great "store" created for kids to bring their nature findings and trade them for something found in the store. They have everything from bird skulls to snake skins to shells! A lot of fun for Sadie when she gets a little older. After walking back outside I made a quick run to the restroom and came back to find Austin and Katie talking and playing with Sadie at the benches adorned with painted animal tiles on top. She just grinned at them both and was talking away, no doubt proclaiming to Aunt Katie that coming to the zoo for her birthday was an ingenious idea.

Talking with Uncle Austin and Aunt Katie

Sadie's favorite parts of the children's zoo on this particular occasion were the swimming otters, the carousel, and of course the sound buttons by the fox den. The otters were particularly funny because they were drawn to Sadie's white kitty she held for the day. So no matter if Sadie moved left or right, the otters kept swimming up to Sadie. She was delighted with their interest in "her."

Interested Otters

Holding Kitty atop of Mommy

Sadie loves the sounds buttons!

Granny and Sadie

We eventually had lunch by the pond, but for some reason we lost the pictures we took then. However, we had so much fun. Granny brought a chocolate sprinkled donut and candles. We nervously and softly sang to Aunt Katie hoping no zoo personnel would see our open flame. She blew out the candles and opened presents from my parents. Afterwards, we resumed our animal fun and eventually made our way back to the front to look at the reptile house - a safe haven for our skin on such a hot and sunny day. What a delightful end to such a fun celebration for Aunt Katie - a wonderful and loved addition to our growing family. Here's to more zoo trips with Sadie's Aunt and Fununcle!

Telling Uncle Austin a secret!

Walking with Granddaddy

Play Day with Mommy

I put a couple of pictures from this lovely play day on Facebook, but felt that I wanted them documented in the blog as well. About a week or so ago, Sadie and I had a quick jaunt to the Houston Zoo. We packed a lunch and by the time we arrived we were ready to eat so we found a spot and cozied up by the little pond. Sadie was immediately impressed with the numerous ducks and turtles in plain sight! We had a lunch of turkey, broccoli, carrots, and yogurt and took a few pictures. 

After leaving the zoo, we had to race to Clear Lake to make swimming lessons in time at 3:40PM. We barely made it (thanks to a little time delay from her instructor!). Then after swimming we went to have a snow cone at our local Friendswood snow cone shop. Since Daddy was out of town for two nights in Dallas (for work), we decided to just live it up and do whatever Sadie loved most. Our fun continued after snow cones with painting on the porch. Sadie saw her paints in her closet and shouted, "bubbles"! To her credit, they do look like little bubble containers! So, we unloaded the paint on a big sheet of her paper pad and she went to work. She eventually lost interest in the paper and was more interested in painting mommy. So we came inside for a bath and played all evening together until bedtime. A perfect play day of doing whatever our hearts desired.

Sadie's (and Mommy's) New Friend

Sadie's new friend, Reagan

Last week (Friday), I shared my second play date with a wonderful pair, Erin and Reagan. Erin is a new friend I have made through women's Bible study and is an answer to my prayer for good friends that will remind me of Christs' infinite love and providence. Reagan had never been to our "astro turf" park, so I thought it might be a joy to share this space with our new friends! After all being pebble and rock free means being worry-free for a mommy who knows her baby will immediately try to ingest the first object she can find! Reagan watched Sadie in amazement as Sadie scurried all over the playground, surely showing off for her new friend Reagan. While Erin and I chatted about our lives, I felt a sense of peace at the goodness of God to provide good friends. I love that the Lord uses others to speak to us and am so thankful for my new friend who understands me in more ways that I thought possible for such a new friendship! I already have a few close women that I trust and feel I can confide in and to think God would expand this circle is a testament to His love for me. Here's to many more girly play dates with these lovely ladies!

Last Day of Mother's Day Out

Sadie's First MDO Class (2010-2011)

Sadie's last day of Mother's Day Out at University Baptist Church (our church) was a little sad! I am so proud that she has been a great "student" all year long, but I know Sadie will miss her teachers. Unfortunately, BOTH teachers are about to move! Mrs. Silvia's husband might be getting a job in Pennsylvania and Mrs. Erin (Sadie's proclaimed favorite friend at MDO nap time) is moving to Alaska! Her husband is in the coast guard and they thought it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We are so excited for both upcoming changes in their lives, but we will miss seeing them not only Thursdays, from 9-2, but also Sunday mornings.

Mommy and Mrs. Erin

Mrs. Erin and Mrs. Silvia!

In order to say a special thank you, I used the information sheet I had for both of them to create personal goody baskets. I filled each one with a candle of their favorite scent,their favorite smelling lotion, and special treat (chocolate and cookies of their proclaimed preference) then topped it off with tangerine-colored roses. Jordan (Hamon) helped me put together the boxes while Sadie enjoyed her shortened day with her teachers and classmates. We couldn't help but take a few shots of the boxes. They turned out so beautiful for these beautiful and giving women!

We found Mrs. Erin in the hallway before we reached the classroom holding Sadie. Sadie will go to both teachers, but for some reason, prefers Mrs. Erin - especially during nap time! Actually, Mrs. Erin is the only teacher (Sunday morning included) that Sadie not only doesn't cry, but actually leans forward and will go into her arms! She REALLY loves Mrs. Erin. Man, oh man, we will miss her when her family moves to Alaska! (sniff sniff!)

Thankful for Mrs. Erin!

I'll miss you, Mrs. Erin!

One of the last cool things of the day, was an amazing little bag they had prepared with Sadie's name on it. Inside there was a book, He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, and a handmade scrapbook filled with pictures from the year of Sadie interacting with teachers and classmates - including music time, buggy rides, and more! They also included sweet Bible verses that corresponded with the images on each page! What an awesome present for Sadie to cherish. This book will also help her remember the joys of her first classroom and mother's day out.

Through their sweet gift and my memory, hopefully she will one day know from an early age how important it is to have great teachers in this world. Hats off to Mrs. Erin and Mrs. Silvia, two women who truly represented Christ's love to Sadie this past year. We will miss these ladies so much!

Lunch with Pap!

Pap and Sadie

Russ Hillenberg's grandfather, Pap, always comes and stays in Houston to avoid the harsh winter of Indiana. Indian's loss is our gain because Pap is a delight to know and be around. We had the special privilege of having lunch with him before he headed north. Su Su had a nice lunch prepared and having Ryan and Jordan as guests too made it extra special. Sadie had yet to meet Pap and she very much enjoyed him. Shy at first, she quickly warmed up to him after lunch. We sat her on the table by him and she proceeded to "talk" to him telling him all about her toddler world in her own Sadie language! She even patted him on the back and giggled when he spoke to her. His way with children was so sweet as he treated her like an equal, listening to her every word and acknowledged her as an important little life to listen to - what a treat for Sadie to not only get to meet Pap, but share a meal.

Talking to Pap

Maiden Voyage to Children's Museum

Playing "Tea Party" in a little doll house

 James and I finally took Sadie on her maiden voyage to the Houston Children's Museum. While having been to the Museum of Fine Arts on a regular basis throughout my life as a Houstonian, I had never been to the children's museum. It was truly a magical place! Upon entering we decided on a membership, as it seems the only way to come back more than once and make it worth while. The day we visited the hallways were lined with children's science projects! It was so cool and brought back memories of building inventions with my dad for elementary and junior high school science fairs. Although there was much to do throughout the building, we went straight to the "Tot Zone" for little ones. I forgot to take a picture of the hilarious covers you must wear on your feet. They look like doctor's surgery masks, but over your shoes. As weird as they look, I appreciate the measures they take to keep grime and germs away from the kids. After being outfitted with our silly shoes, we entered to find a little doll house. Sadie immediately ran over and sat down on the blue and green striped foam chair. She then picked up the cups and tea pot and began "serving tea." Afterwards, she sauntered over to a section and began building block structures.

Sadie also loved the pretend truck and car than made real car sounds when you pressed the pedals or honked the horn. After driving the red truck for a bit, she needed to stop to "fill up" as you can see. Thankfully the museum also provided a pretend gas station to fill up on pretend gas. Hilarious. After filling up, she took on a little passenger only a month younger than her. They sat for a while together honking the horn and turning the steering wheel. To think that one day she will sit behind the wheel of a real car blows both mine and James' mind!

"Vrooom Vrooom!"

Sadie's passenger

 Before we left, we let her meander around "make believe land" where there are numerous "grown-up" things for children to do. There was a kitchen, place to vote, bicycle shop, and more. Sadie's favorite, though, was the grocery store. We grabbed her a pint-size basket and let her pick out any fruit or vegetables. She grabbed tomatoes, avocados (no surprise there), bananas, and maybe one onion. She then became enamored with the peppers once she realized they were harder to reach. We then put her basket up and headed out. It was almost 2:00PM and she still hadn't napped yet because she was having such a great time playing! What a fun adventure we will surely have to repeat.

Zonked out within 5 minutes in the car!

The Zoo: A Family Affair

In the true fashion of my family, it doesn't feel like your birthday unless you have participated in something extraordinary from your daily life. Although a park picnic is not an every day occurrence, we decided to take our birthday celebration one step further and enjoy more time together at the Houston Zoo for my birthday weekend fun. Granny, Granddaddy, Su Su, Poppy, and Grace and girls were all together for the day of fun with the animals. One of our first stops were the monkeys, where we saw a little baby monkey hanging onto his or her mommy. Sadie loves monkeys because they move so quickly and occasionally make some great and distinct noises!

Granny and Sadie mokey-ing around!

After the monkeys, we meandered around other animal exhibits before stopping for lunch. Paige enjoyed a push from Sadie in the stroller and only sat in the stroller herself about 15 minutes the whole day. Normally, she's fine in the stroller, but the sight of big girls was too much for her to behold. She wanted to walk everywhere just like her cousins (save Rylee of course!).

One of the coolest exhibits is the new African exhibit that has opened. After entering the exhibit, there are several little huts that kids can play in and around. Sadie loved running in and out of them and then was overjoyed to see life-size Djembe drums! Poppy hoisted her up and let her play alongside cousin Paige!

Playing drums with Poppy

Paige and her drum!

Luvin' cousins!

 After lunch time, Granddaddy joined us. He helped crush some ice for Sadie to chew - one of her personal favorite hobbies, much to Mommy's chagrin! We also found these stone bears that she was very sweet to pet.

Eating ice with Granddaddy!

These bears are so still, Mommy!

Before leaving, we had to experience the children's zoo section. Filled with a petting zoo, sound buttons, bats and more it was so much fun watching all the girls explore. Grace remained peaceful and almost glowing with Rylee slung across her in a light blue wrap while we all watched in amazement at her ability to mother 3 girls! Super Mommy! I continue to learn wonderful things from my amazing cousin.

Super Mommy and Cousin!

In the children's section, Sadie most enjoyed pushing the buttons for the sounds and seeing a little fox! The fox actually came right up to her nose and it shocked Sadie so much she excitedly hopped back and then shrieked with delight! We then slowly made our way out of the zoo and back to our car. How lucky Sadie is to have 3 girl cousins just down the road in San Antonio and how luck for James and I (and the rest of my family) that we have Grace and Trey as well.

Sadie's friend, the fox

What a wonderful celebration of 29 years. Here's to the last year of my twenties being one of the best yet that will bring me and my family to a closer walk with Christ and lead us to even closer fellowship with each other and Him.