Who Cut Your Hair, Man?

I asked her to show Grandma her haircut, and this is what I got:

And in case you were afraid that Claire was the only goofball in the family:

Peeking in on the Kids with My New Camera

Last Chance to Enter Contest

On my other site there's a contest for Lenox Wine Glasses.  Ends tonight.  Can't win if you don't enter.

Where All the Teachers At?

(yes, Katie, I did that to make you cringe.  HUGS!)

So on my other blog there's been a comment posted (anonymously) saying that you shouldn't teach preschool kids to read.  That it will just "happen on its own".

So all my teaching in-laws need to weigh in, because I didn't know there was any sort of controversy over WHETHER to teach children to read.  Unless one of you were the ones that posted the comment.  If so, you need to fess up :)  'Cause I care what you think, and I ain't gonna be mad! (I'm so excited to see you at Thanksgiving, Katie!)

OH!  And I changed the requirements to post on this blog.  You can do it without any sort of login.  So feel free to converse.

Outtakes of The Stockyard Photo Shoot

Even the bad pictures were pretty good.  Great photographer, and pretty kids.  I'd say "great" kids, but they were not really cooperative.  Claire wanted to take them all herself, and Luke just wanted to run - and it didn't matter where.

New Blog

I've started a new blog about Preschooling at Home . I'm trying to make a little money online via this blog and some of the other stuff I'm writing at other sites. It would be awesome if you could visit, comment, or add to your RSS reader.

Thanks for the help!

Botanic Gardens Photoshoot

My friend Gary is in town, and he's a great photographer.  I some how talked him into going to the botanic gardens with me today to take pictures of the kids.  He likened it to "trying to herd cats".  It was rough!

Here's a couple of outtakes :

Boom Chicka Chicka

The TV today turned to football automatically when the Univ of Texas game started, and Claire turned to me and said matter of factly:

"Mama, I do NOT like football."

So, in honor of that and because I still can't find my camera, I was going to show her classic "I do NOT like football" pic... but I couldn't find it. So here is what I bring to you instead.

Our Friend Scott

Was a great man. He was funny, a great father and a great husband. He had 4 little ones and the 2 girls are each about 6 months older than Claire and Luke. James and Scott played softball together for several years, and we were blessed to go to church with his family.

Scott passed away today, and we are very sad. I'm not sure why Scott didn't get a chance to raise his children or why he wasn't able to keep being the encouraging force he's always been since I met him. It doesn't make sense, and I don't understand.

Depending on the plans, we'll be trying to go up there for his memorial. Because if there is anyone we'd want to memorialize it is Scott.

Luke at Church

I was taking pictures for our church website (and my website on Sunday School) and I took a pic of The Lukester. Unlike Claire, he usually has a "I'm cool, you can take my picture if you want. I don't care. Whatever." attitude on his face.

Cousin Gina's Wedding

At the wedding reception. She danced with Cameron for a while.

Right before we left.

Luke sporting his grand zoo injury. According to James, he fell on his nose. I didn't ask Claire. She'd probably tell me some story involving flamingos.

Bonus "One Year Ago Today" Photo of Lukey Boy.

Don't Let Daddy Do My Hair

Claire's Map Reading

*At world map*

"Mama, we live here (points to Africa). We turn left here (Europe). Then we go to Grandma's house! (Austraila)."

Correcting her, I told her that we lived here (pointing to Texas). She said:

"No! We live here!" (points to Africa)

Claire's First Day of Preschool

Picture of her lunch she helped me make.

Obligatory picture in front of door.

Picture in her classroom with her friend, Lena.

The Kids Both Like to Pose

Here's looking at you kid...

Luke's Official Themesong

Both the kids love this. Now all he needs is a boat.

Luke's 1st Birthday Party

Fun at Grandma's

First shot of Lukey's first tooth!

As if they couldn't make enough noise on their own...

Could he be any happier?

Taking a swing!

Wrestling/hugging?

Thank you, horsey!

Making Grandma make faces.

Claire's first hobby.

Sitting with Nana.

"What's your baby's name?" "Yukey!"

New Mexico Vacation

Select pictures from our NM Vacation