Bluebonnets at Varner Hogg Plantation

Each year Jon and I would take pictures of the kids in the bluebonnets and other wildflowers such as Indian paintbrush, buttercups or black-eyed Susans. Several times we've gone out to Varner Hogg Plantation in West Columbia for their fields of bluebonnets. Last year, I just couldn't get myself motivated to take pictures in the bluebonnets (that's the same reason we didn't have pictures of the kids in the pumpkin patch this past October). It just made me too sad. This year, I promised that I wouldn't miss the short season of the Texas state flower. This year I would get pictures of my kids frolicking in the flowers! Today was the day...






Later tonight, when the little ones are in bed (hopefully early since it's been a no nap day) I will put some more pictures on to facebook. Check them out!

Happy Birthday To Our April Fool

Happy Birthday Grandpa! We love you!

Friends

It's been awhile since I have felt like I have been needed by anyone, other than my children. For the past 13 months, I have been the one in need, and there have been many people who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to give service to my little family and me. At times, it's difficult to be on the receiving end of service, but I've learned a thing or two about it during this time.

Thankfully, today I had the opportunity to help my friend Mechiel. Mechiel had surgery on her knee Friday morning. Her mother was going to be with her (all her boys were on a camping trip) so although Mechiel didn't actually NEED me, she was gracious enough to accept my offer. Friday night my mom kept the kiddos for me. I was able to go grocery shopping, start on housework/laundry, and cook that evening. Mechiel has always loved my lemon cake so I whipped up one of those, made some white chili and even mixed up a new dip recipe that I've just recently learned about. Saturday morning I headed up to see Mechiel and her mother, Wilma. The visit was enjoyable with the exception of the huge mess I made by tipping over one of the containers of white chili. Cleaning up chicken chunks, beans, broth made with sour cream and half and half, out of the crevices of a vehicle is not my idea of entertainment. Visiting, enjoying yummy food, watching a little Food Network was much more fun. Mechiel seemed to be feeling as good as one can expect to feel after knee surgery. I kept trying to get her to take some of her good drugs, but to be honest with you, I think she was afraid it would make her too sleepy. Have you ever known a child who fought sleep because he or she didn't want to miss out on any of the action going on? Well, that's what we have here folks. Just not a child.

Anyone who knows my mother, knows that she's wise and always has saying or quotes ready to fire at you no matter what the situation is. One that I have come to appreciate and believe has been on my mind today. Even though I won't use her exact words, it goes something like this...When you're feeling sorry for yourself, sad, lonely, down in the dumps, depressed, do something for someone else.

Tonight I am grateful for the employees of Mr. Gleam Carwash (for shampooing the white chili out of the van). I am grateful for my good friend Mechiel, who loves me despite my short comings. I am grateful for the "nanny" skills of and the valuable quotes from my wise mother. I am grateful for all the service that has been given to my family and also that I was able to do a little something for someone else for a change.

Moral of this post: If someone wants to do something for you, let them, even if you don't need it. As my father in law tells me, you're robbing someone else of blessings. (See Charlie, I really do listen to you!!)

Are We There Yet?

Parents are often tortured with the question, "Are we there yet?" No exception here in the Greene household. Even if we're on a 10-15 minute trip the kids ask at least three or four times. In the van today, going only about 10 minutes away from our house, Brennan asked me a couple of times. My response was, "Not quite." When we were just around the corner Brennan asked me a slightly different question. He asked, "Mom, are we quite there yet?"

No Good Hair Do Pictures Today

Growing up my dad would get so irritated because he was punctual and my mom was not. He would complain that my mom had unrealistic expectations of what could get done before she had to be somewhere. Obviously I've inherited the tardiness gene.

While getting ready to go to the birthday party, I had unrealistic expectations of how long I needed to get those cute hairstyles to look just right. Thankfully, I realized it while I was working on Anna's hair, so I gave up and just pulled it back quickly. Ella got her hair done in what they like to refer to as Cat in the Hat hair. Regardless, the kids had a great time and here are a couple of pictures from the party.


As Gloria Estefan sings..."There's always tomorrow..."

Cute Hair Do

Not always, but most of the time, my girls' hair is fixed, usually with a bow or at least some ribbon. Anna decided to let her bob grow out, so of course little sister Ella has followed suit. I told both of them that they could grow their hair out if they'd let me fix it. I can't have my girls' hair looking ordinary now can I? In looking for cute hairstyles for girls I've come across a few hair blogs. Who would of thought there would be so many blogs about hair, but there are! The blog I visit most often to find cute styles is Adopt A 'Do Cute Hairstyles.

Although I have found many hair styles that we love and use, there are two we use a lot or some modification of the two. One is called Cute Tween Hair Twists. That one is the one I use on Anna quite a bit. Ella's hair is a little shorter so we use one called Triple Twists and Messy Buns.

This weekend Brennan learned the word suffocate. By learned I mean that he asked me what it meant and was trying to use it in his conversations. While I was fixing Ella's hair he told me that the rubber bands were going to suffocate Ella's hair off. When I finished the girls' hair I called Brennan over so I could comb his hair. Brennan said, "I don't want those things in my hair!" He was referring to the rubber bands.

Come On Now...

Such a sad day this is...I don't have five friends who would like a freebie?