Happy Birthday Tiffani!

Tiffani's birthday is really next week, but we decided to celebrate it this week since we would all be in town. Candis, Becky, Tiffani, Lisa and I went to see The Proposal and then went to Gloria's in the Highlands. Candis gave Tiffani her old Cricut, and we chipped in for a giftcard so she could get a cartridge. Candis made a delicious strawberry cake. I had so much fun! These girls really get me through at work...I don't know what I'd do without them.

Happy Birthday Keira

Today we went to Little Gym for Keira's birthday. Keira is Katie's friend from school. Katie had such a blast playing on all the equipment. She had so much fun, that I had to take her in the bathroom to throw her fit that she didn't want to leave. :)

Katie tucking us in

The Saturday before Father's Day Katie decided to come join us in bed. I decided to go make breakfast. All of a sudden, Dave and Katie call me...this is what I find in my bed when I arrive. Katie has tucked in Bear and Teddy next to Daddy. How adorable!

Sleepy Mommy

I laid down to take a nap, and this is what Dave saw. He found it so hilarious, that he thought he should have a picture to commemorate this moment. It's like something you'd see on National Enquirer. Mom with Human Head and Dog feet.

Potty Training

Well, I'm feeling that newfound burst of energy most teachers feel that first full week off of school. I've already cleaned the house, painted baseboards, pruned my crepe myrtles and created a large trash pile for Fort Worth bulk trash pick up. So, why not start potty training? It's something that's bothered me since Katie turned 2. I can't tell you how many disdainful looks I get when people find out that my child isn't potty trained, and I'm not trying. I have tried. Have you met that stubborn 2-year-old? "No Mommy, I just go in my diaper. I don't want to be a big girl." Yes, it's true, she has said that to me. I tried blackmailing with candy and stickers. I even told her she could have a baby brother or sister if she stopped wearing diapers.

In desperation, I downloaded an ebook on how to potty train your child in 3 days. Sounds good if you like living in lockdown mode for 3 days. You pretty much let the child play in underwear and watch like a hawk for an accident to occur then rush them to the toilet. I've spoken with my neighbor about this method and it traumatized her child...poor kiddo.

So, after much consideration, I've decided to be a little more aggressive but not psycho. Katie has to be trained by September or she can't be in the 3s class at preschool. Thank you everyone for the advice and prayers. Wish us luck. :)

Nicky and the Pug

We invited Brad and Lisa over for dinner and decided to have them bring Nicky, their Boston Terrier along. Pugsley and Nicky had lots of fun. They chased each other around the house, around the backyard. Nicky played with Pugsley's toys. I think fun was had by all. They shared the leftover steak (not spaghetti like Lady and the Tramp.) They got along really well. It was only at the end of the night when Pugsley was overtired did things start to sour. Pugsley started growling at her...I think he just needed his beauty sleep. Anyways, here's a pic of the happy couple.

Camping...Martin Style

Well, Katie has been asking her Great Grandpa if we can go out on the boat since probably January. She has been going on their pontoon boat since she was a wee one around 1 year old. She still remembers the small things-like last year she got to drive it, and then fed the ducks when we docked back at shore at Lake Grapevine. This year we met them at their campground site in Benbrook and then went out on the lake for relaxation and lunch.

It was a beautiful day with a great breeze. We never got too hot.
Katie loves driving the boat and loves honking the horn more. We just happened to capture this moment.
Later, we returned to the campsite for dinner. After some consideration, Dave and I decided to head into town to get everything to make s'mores. Katie AND her great grandpa had NEVER had them...what a shame. We decided to remedy that situation quick. While we were gone, Katie helped Great Grandpa search for fire wood.
Katie and Grandma roasting her first marshmallows. Katie was not a fan of the fire. "Too hot!" she said.
Katie eating her first s'more. She said it was "yummy," but she preferred the marshmallows out of the bag.