San Antonio!!!!!!

Meredith took this pic of John and I...Our little budding photographer!

Well, I hadto post our most recent traveling experience......John had a conference to go to, so we loaded up and headed to the Riverwalk for a few days. It was hot there (you know that sticky-hotness that only San Antonio and Houston has!?), but we braved it....We took the kids to the Riverwalk for the first time (the pics are of us at Casa Rio on the RW, the BESTEST place to eat chips and salsa and Mexican food)!

Okay, I tell no lies. Cameron took this picture. Really. Meredith wanted a pic of the two of us. Cameron had just seen Mere take one of us (the one above), so he's giving me the 'uh-uh, mine' bit. (that's 2 year old code for "My turn.") So I let him 'take' the picture - he pushed the button while i held the camera.
And then, of course, I got to take his pic! He stood up in the chair the whole time we were there, eating his quesadilla. I think he just wanted to see the Riverwalk Boats go by. Really, big guy? Well, how about a ride in one of 'em?!

Here's Cameron and Daddy, on the boat on the riverwalk.

John, Cameron and Meredith

The next day we decided to go to San Marcos for some outlet mall shopping. I do believe I was much more excited about this than my better half. Something about acres and acres of bargains does not enthrall John the way it does me. But he pressed on, with a very good demeanor (as he always has) and even found a bargain or two himself. Attaboy, babe! (Maybe my shopping prowess is rubbing off on him. Or he decided he deserved a treat for hauling me and the two kidlets to Shopping-Mania. Whichever.) Anyways, I found some good bargains...pants at the Ralph Lauren outlet for John, and darling khakis at Gap for Mere. I even bought some lotion from the Bath and Body Works outlet - talk about a throwback....Flowering Herbs lotion. I remember when BBW opened (we were in early high school, i think)....that was THE scent to buy. Oh man I loved that stuff. So I bought a little. It takes me back. Yeah, I'm a dork. I do know that. But the funniest part of our day trip to San Marcos was that we let the kids get a toy from the toystore before we left. Meredith loves swimming, and picked out a snorkel and mask. check it out.....

Out of focus, but Mere with Daddy, checking out the new scuba gear!

Did I mention that we ate really, really well when we were there? I mean, we could not avoid partaking of the plethora of fabulous mexican food restaurants!! It really would be a loss to not give props to one more restaurant.....here's the link to The Alamo Cafe. Go there if you are ever within 100 miles of the place. Seriously good tortillas...

Well, I'm off to go workout . I have new tennis shoes that I should break in......and plenty of calories to burn off from the weekend! :)

Chicken

There is a phenomenon going on at my house that I must bring light to. It is a mystery that I cannot understand, although some conspiracy theories are beginning to emerge. I am fairly certain there are forces greater than me at work here.

Let me explain. I have health conscious issues that gravitate me toward lean meats, healthy choices. Fish is wonderful, pork is good (except for this one time that i really screwed it up...), and of course, our diet needs CHICKEN. Chicken. White meat is one of the best things you can do to prevent colon cancer. (as well as high-fiber diets). Chicken should not be a big deal, should it? Grilled chicken, baked chicken, pan-cooked, fajitas.......CHICKEN!

Now for the phenomenon going on.....It seems that my family, dear husband and oldest daughter, primarily, can SENSE the nights when Chicken is on the menu. It's like they know - they have this internal alarm that goes off - CHICKEN TONIGHT! IT'S BEEN A WHILE! CHICKEN!!!!!! I BET SHE'S COOKING CHICKEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let me prove my point. A few weeks ago, as we were leaving my daughter's gymnastic's practice, John pops up and says, "Hey, I think Fuddruckers sounds good for dinner. What did you have planned for dinner?" Chicken, I say. "Well, how about I (John) treat everyone to Fuddrucker's?" Off to Redmeatville we go. (Let me reiterate, i have NO aversion to Hamburgers or Fuddruckers. Don't sue me, Fuddrucker's. It's wonderful...follow me here...).

Then, last night. I had chicken in the fridge, marinating, to grill with veggies. The kids and I went swimming....and on the way home..........Meredith pops up and asks for "Chopstick House". Chopstick House, aka, Pei Wei. She loves Pei Wei. We all do. Who doesn't?!! So, we get home, and she proceeds to tell Daddy that she wants Pei Wei for dinner. "Please Daddy, please. I realllllllyyyy want Chopstick house!!" He tells her that sounds great...."Honey, what did we have planned tonight?" Guess what we had for dinner last night?......

There is 'fowl' play involved. I'm convinced. I'm thinking that it's the Chicken's getting back at the Cow's from the Chick-fil-A commercials...."Eat Mor Cow"........Or it's a dark spirit that doesn't want my family to eat white meat. Or it's that my husband hates chicken.

Emily, Elly, Lara and Me.....plus our 9 wonderful kids!

Good friends are like stars,

You can't always see them

But you know they're always there.

Meredith, Cameron and I have just returned from a weekend with my favorite friends in the world. We stayed at the Gateway Getaway Cottages (YOU MUST GO THERE! They are amazing, wonderful, peaceful retreats!!!). It was a wondeful weekend...good friends, good food, laughing 'til i thought we would split our sides....and lots of those moments when we remembered how precious the gift of friendship is. We rode horses (the kids did), drank coffee (no, not the kids), went to the zoo, and played in the pool. It was funny to me how each of us has remained connected for so many years...we've known each other for more than 20 years now. So the history it brings to the 'gatherings' adds an element of trust you just don't find very often. I think I speak for all of us that we love the fact that when we get together, we just pick up like we had been together a few days ago. The three of these women are some of the most Godly women I know, and it thrills me to no end that the Lord has allowed us the joy of knowing one another. I know Carla has uploaded pics on her blog, so check them out...but i had to add a few that made me smile.

Lara and Jackson playing Horsey! Ride 'em cowboy!

Cameron's first ride on a horse!

Meredith and Cameron riding BB the horse, helped a bit by Jeff, who graciously helped Meredith decide that TWO horses in her back yard would be a good idea. We'll getcha back, JTC, trust us. John's already plotting revenge..... :)Loving the horse ride, are ya sweet girl?! Happy face!!!

Cameron and his buddy TSC making dirt look good.Happy face of a little boy who got to play in dirt, ride a horse, and top it off with a bag of Goldfish! Rough life, Cam!

The next day, we headed to the Zoo - Good times!

TR, TSC, and Cameron checking out the 'gator or croc. whichever that thing is. pretty cool, huh boys?!Everyone feeding the giraffe.

Mere and KG feeding the giraffe.

One of my most favorite girls holding her youngest treasure. Thank you Lord for the gift of wisdom and grace within this beautiful one. She is such a treasure to me, and so many others! Smile if you loved the weekend in Lemons Gap!!!!!!! Thanks Tahtee for the cottage, TaTa for the food, and Em, El and Lara for the precious gifts of friendship. Can't wait for the Winter Edition! Rancho Loma anyone? Or Oplin for dancing? Hummmm.........with us, you never know!

TAG?!

I wasn't good at tag in elementary school, and apparently, I am not so good with tag now! Diana 'tagged' me back in April...but I didn't know it until today. I'm pretty sure the object of this is to reveal 7 things about yourself, and then tag other people. So, with no particular order, here goes!

1. In honor of Father's Day, a random insight about my childhood - we were a hardworking, middle class family...and in the summer, my dad would earn extra money by mowing other people's yards. I would go with him and mow while he would do the edging. He would pay me a little for each of the yards we did. I still love doing yard work, and I am thankful that he taught me the value of sweat, hardwork and serving others.

2. I am addicted to Sudoku (the square game with the numbers). I profess that I play at least one game everyday. Somehow, it is my way of convincing myself that I still have braincells wired to do things besides change diapers and make PBJ sandwiches!

3. Private dream....I wish I could paint. I love colors, and mixing them...I love the sight of blank canvas and oil paint at Hobby Lobby, and wish I could buy some just to mess with it. Hummmm...Maybe someday I will paint (something other than color by number.)

4. I snore. Loudly. Ask my precious husband or my girlfriends who bunked with me when we went to the lake every summer....poor unsuspecting people....

5. I have a weird fettish with antioxidants. We recently discovered two new 'power fruits' - Goji berries, and Mangosteen. I've been a fan of Acai for a while now, as well as the other usual suspects. I guess this ties into the goal of living to be 100 and seeing my name on the Smucker's label when Williard Scott does birthdays on the TODAY show. And yes, I know he'd be like 188 when I turn 100.......but I bet some rascal in his 60's will pronouce my name just fine and tell everyone that I like Antioxidants, oil painting and going to Starbucks for my morning java. And that I am the reigning world champion of Sudoku.

6. My mom recently gave me a watch that was my great-grandmother's. I took it to the jeweler this week, and they fixed it so I can wear it. I love wearing it and thinking about her wearing it when she was raising my grandmother (who was the coolest lady I've ever known, fyi).

7. Let's see....one more thing....a bit vulnerable...but okay, here goes: I adore my husband. Today is Father's Day, and I believe he is the best thing that ever happened to me and our children. I love that I get to spend the rest of my life with him. I love seeing him with our children and often regret that his mom, Mary, isn't here to see the Dad that he is. I know with certainty that she was so proud of you as a Daddy to Meredith, and would have been amazed at how you have embraced the role of fatherhood to Mere and Cameron. You are a jewel of a man. I love you.


okay.......I now TAG Amy! (This gives you an excuse to sit down and not pack for a few minutes!) hee hee!

Things I Never Thought I Would Write

It's been a good week...I just love summer. It's filled with swimming, sleeping a little later, and just a bit more relaxed than the school year. And of course, TeeBall (WILL IT EVER END??????!!!).

I have to update what the kids are doing these days. It's great. They are just growing so fast and i can't believe it sometimes when i notice that Mere's legs are getting SO long, or Cameron's baby face is beginning to slim. A few random signs that my children are growing:

1. Meredith can go get cups and water from the sink without me now. It involves scooting a chair over to the cabinet....but seriously, that is a true accomplishment!
2. Cameron is now capable of terrorizing Meredith on purpose. He thinks it is hilarious to grab her shirt and just pull so that she screams and runs away.
3. I was the last person out of bed this morning. What? Did I write that correctly?! Oh yes, Meredith got Cameron out of his crib, and they were playing in her room this morning when I came in. Oh don't worry, they were only there for about 5 minutes. She came in and asked me if she could go get him. (I guess she secretly likes him terrorizing her! ha!)
4. We went swimming today, and Meredith didn't have to have floaties or me beside her. She can swim so well now that she goes and does her own thing with her friends. Crazy. Seems like yesterday I was doing Mommy and Me classes at Tech with my other buddies when we were preggers w/ our 2nd kids!
5. Meredith has entered the "mommy" phase of her childhood. The other day, she picked out Cam's clothes and dressed him by herself! (Do you think that she could start doing that everyday?!)

yep, they are growing alright. I know....I know....I hear it all the time - "They grow up so fast! Enjoy this time, it passes too quickly!" Well, let's just say that I'm trying to heed the advice...thus reflecting tonight. Love to each of you - Kristi

Neighbors

I know this is a random post, but really, I must. It seems when I was little, neighbors were people you knew, borrowed sugar or eggs from...and your kids played with their kids next door until after dark and your mom called (screamed) your name until you came home. You knew everyone on your block, and you knew which house the old geezer lived in (and how to annoy him!) Sadly, it seems, neighborhoods of that sort are disappearing. We all have such technologically advanced worlds that involve blackberry's, cell phones, ipods, and Garmins, that we find little time to get to know the people that live 10 steps away.

I happen to live on a street that is quite sweet, for the most part. The two ladies across the street have lived there for more than 30 years, and one of them has so much family that it's a virtual party all the time! We love the fact that there are kids around and besides the creepy guy on the bike (seriously, this guy is on his bike ALL the time), it's a sweet little block to live on.

Which brings me to my post. I debated whether or not to post this, but I must. It's just on my heart. My son's bestest buddy is moving in 10 days. He lives next door. His name is Charlie. (Cameron calls him Car-ee. It's great. He just points at their house now and says, Car-ee. Car-ee. Gotta love it.) Car-ee is absolutely the cutest, most adorable kid. And his parents rock too. They moved in 3 years ago, and have been the best neighbors a girl could ask for. I love that they show up with popsicles or call to ask if Charlie can have a 'brother' for the evening. They've been known to get phone calls from a hysterical mom (uh-hum.....me), when my kiddos were sick (did I mention that Andy's a pediatric dr.?) and I didn't have a clue what to do. They have played pracitcal jokes on us (remember the Tractor Protective Services incident?!), and made me laugh until i nearly peed my pants. They have just made this block so wonderful. And I am sad. I am sad to see them move. Of course, I am ELATED for them, on this new adventure in Virginia. It's just that they have been a blessing in so many ways...a refreshing reminder that good neighbors still exist, but are so very hard to come by. And I know that even though miles will separate us for a time, I trust that the Lord has allowed our paths to cross for good reason. What a treasure you three are to us, BowmanWest - and I am certain that wherever our lives take us, I'd take you as neighbors anyday. God bless you guys, may he keep you safe and protected as you walk faithfully - Kristi

Memorial Day Weekend

I am sitting here this morning watching Cameron eat Frosted Flakes (they'rrrrreeee GREAAAT!) like it's his JOB. Meredith is sound asleep. John left for work a little while ago. I have to say, this is my favorite time of the day. The buzz around the house isn't in full swing, it's relatively quiet, and I'm still in my pj's drinking coffee.

First things first - a shout out to my dad and mom - They just finished their first year of Coach Miller's Driving School! Congrats on surviving the first year - and I pray continued success. What a wonderful group of people that have come along side you guys in this venture. Thank you to all of you who have blessed them in such personal ways.

Question of the day.....Has anyone out there ever wanted to move, but knew it wasn't time yet? And even though you knew it wasn't time, you still REALLY wanted to?! We met with our real estate agent this week to talk about selling our house and moving...either to Abilene or somewhere else in Lubbock. And although we could buy something newer or in a 'better' neighborhood, something keeps us from taking the BIG step. When we pulled up to our house last night, I just looked at our cute little trees (you guys know HOW much i love the trees in my front yard, right? They seriously, are my babies. there's def a tree-hugger within me!), and all of the things that make our house, OUR house, and i knew we couldn't do it yet. As much as our heart yearns for us to live in Abilene, closer to dear friends and blessed family, it isn't time yet. And as much as I want it to be time to move, I don't want to move if it isn't right for our family. John and I agreed last night that what the Lord is doing with us here in Lubbock isn't finished yet. That being said, all of you blog-readers who are wishing and hoping to get the call that we're on our way to A-town.....i'm sorry to say it's not happening just yet. The desire is there, but the avenue isn't. **And on a side note, as I was proof-reading this....I kept seeing the same theme - TIME - and hope that each of you know that even though the TIME isn't right yet - we trust that the Lord will open the doors and make the path right when and if He allows. Thanks to all of you sweet folks...you guys are the reason we wish we lived there!

On a much brighter note, summer at the Lowe house has officially begun! The pool out at The Falls opened this weekend, and we have decided it is going to be the Year of the Floaties. My kids may have tan lines from wearing floaties so much, that's how often we're going to be at the pool!!!!!! Meredith is such a natural swimmer - and i'm totally a lover of the sun....so Cameron better put on those happy floaties and join us in the kiddy pool! Woo hoo!!

quick update....since beginning this post, Cameron finished his 3rd bowl of Frosted Flakes, and has decided he's had enough. For now. Boys!.......

Also on the summer agenda....TRAVELING! We are a traveling crew this summer....John and I are taking "holiday" in Cancun the first week of July, and then going to San Antonio at the end of July (can you say HOT?!). We have decided the kids will be completely spoiled rotten by August from staying with my parents! Meredith knows about our trip to Cancun, but is not as concerned about our trip as she is about the fact that she gets to MOVE (her words!) to Abilene for a week! She keeps telling me that she can't wait to move there so she can swim in TaTa and Papa Bear's pool THREE times a day. Here's a peek at what she believes should (and most likely will!) transpire each day:

Mere: "Mom, when Cam and I move to TaTa's house can i swim every day. So, after breakfast, we'll swim, and then we'll eat lunch and take a nap. Then we'll swim again. Then we'll eat dinner and swim again after that."

Oh she's a mess. But I wouldn't have her any other way! On the Cameron homefront, welcome to the world of boys. Since he finished his three bowls of cereal this morning, I have been playing baseball between typing. Here's the scenario: I hold the ball in my hand, he hits it like it's on a tee with his little plastic bat, then runs the "bases" around the living room. I am typing while he runs. It makes for interesting typing to make sure my thoughts seem somewhat complete!

Well, I should post. Seems i have a mountain of laundry to do, and a little boy that needs a clean diaper. More soon. Love each of you!!!! Kris