We’ve had some fun July 4th weekends in the past but this one was my favorite! 3 boats, 2 sea doos, 5 families, and 1 island = heaven!

There was something to do for everyone: tubing, knee boarding, skiing, swimming, jet skiing, laying out, eating, exploring the island, boating, and relaxing.

We found this little island in Lake Texoma and set up camp for the day.

The kids had a great time exploring, finding treasures, and collecting sea shells.

For lunch I made these Pesto Focaccia Sandwiches for all the adults. They were a hit! I made 2 loaves and I wish that I had had time to bake another loaf. For some reason I crave carbs when out on the lake and these sandwiches hit the spot. Huge thanks to Megan for the idea and recipe!

We all had such a great day!

On our way to see the fireworks we found roadside BBQ and had to try it. Seriously – it was so yummy! Once we were completely fat & happy we spent the rest of the evening watching the lights in the sky.

Drake was hysterical during the fireworks. This is the first year he hasn’t been freaked out by them. It was such a wonderful day spent with friends and making memories.

We’ve had some fun July 4th weekends in the past but this one was my favorite! 3 boats, 2 sea doos, 5 families, and 1 island = heaven!

There was something to do for everyone: tubing, knee boarding, skiing, swimming, jet skiing, laying out, eating, exploring the island, boating, and relaxing.

We found this little island in Lake Texoma and set up camp for the day.

The kids had a great time exploring, finding treasures, and collecting sea shells.

For lunch I made these Pesto Focaccia Sandwiches for all the adults. They were a hit! I made 2 loaves and I wish that I had had time to bake another loaf. For some reason I crave carbs when out on the lake and these sandwiches hit the spot. Huge thanks to Megan for the idea and recipe!

We all had such a great day!

On our way to see the fireworks we found roadside BBQ and had to try it. Seriously – it was so yummy! Once we were completely fat & happy we spent the rest of the evening watching the lights in the sky.

Drake was hysterical during the fireworks. This is the first year he hasn’t been freaked out by them. It was such a wonderful day spent with friends and making memories.

We’ve had some fun July 4th weekends in the past but this one was my favorite! 3 boats, 2 sea doos, 5 families, and 1 island = heaven!

There was something to do for everyone: tubing, knee boarding, skiing, swimming, jet skiing, laying out, eating, exploring the island, boating, and relaxing.

We found this little island in Lake Texoma and set up camp for the day.

The kids had a great time exploring, finding treasures, and collecting sea shells.

For lunch I made these Pesto Focaccia Sandwiches for all the adults. They were a hit! I made 2 loaves and I wish that I had had time to bake another loaf. For some reason I crave carbs when out on the lake and these sandwiches hit the spot. Huge thanks to Megan for the idea and recipe!

We all had such a great day!

On our way to see the fireworks we found roadside BBQ and had to try it. Seriously – it was so yummy! Once we were completely fat & happy we spent the rest of the evening watching the lights in the sky.

Drake was hysterical during the fireworks. This is the first year he hasn’t been freaked out by them. It was such a wonderful day spent with friends and making memories.

{{Paparazzi – no pictures. Please.}}

As expected, summer is wet n’ wild.

Drake has successfully completed his 2 week swim lesson. It was a bit dicey in the beginning as he does not like to be told what to do. By the third day, I resorted to using his latest fascination (the big Disney Sheriff which he’s been asking for for months) as his reward if he cooperated. That did the trick! Granted, he reminded me of our arrangement every day – several times a day – but now he’s officially a little minnow.

The boys are doing well on their swim team and having fun. It’s quite the commitment as we’re at the pool every evening for a couple hours until mid-July. Neither of them have Michael Phelps potential, but I’m glad their doing it anyway. It’s good for them to learn how to compete and to push themselves physically. (Neither of which they like to do.) For me, it’s been fun to hang out with my friends and bond with my little minnow while at the pool.

We’ve had several adventures at the lake already this summer. It makes me so grateful for my family and for the memories that we’re making and creating together.

It’s amazing at how little I get done during the summer and how tired I am at the end of each day. Seriously.

I keep trying to remind myself that now is the time to be with the kiddos and just enjoy the ride. For a work-a-holic who likes results (like laundry done in 1 day – or a constant clean house) it’s been really hard on me to lower my expectations. I’m doing the best I can and am trying to let the rest go. Man, it’s difficult.

However, the sore body is worth it as I am currently Drake’s favorite. (Yes, it rotates from different people in the family.) It secretly gives me great pleasure! {{evil laugh}} Geeze, this little guy makes you work for it but I have quite enjoyed him this summer. He’s growing up and on occasion, struts like a man and talks in a deep voice when he’s especially proud of himself. It’s really funny.

What I appreciate most is how still Drake can be. We went to the movies today and he sat during the entire movie and just laughed and made loud comments. The people next to us greatly appreciated his commentary and gave approval with their constant giggles. I’m so grateful to finally be in this new stage with Drake. Although he is still very stubborn he seems to be a happier little man and I a more content mama.

We had a really great Father’s Day. Jason slept in and then had his favorite breakfast in bed, breakfast burritos and bacon.

We went to church and then had steak with all the fixin’s for dinner. Yes, Jason grilled his own steak – I mean it needed to be editable for heavens sake.

The boys were a bit disturbed that daddy made part of his own Father’s Day dinner. However, he was able to convince them that a quality steak was his favorite dinner and he agreed to make it ahead of time. I just know Davis is going to bring it up next Father’s Day, “Remember when you made daddy make his own dinner for Father’s Day”. Just wait – it will totally happen.

We also made Jason the DAD frame that I featured a couple times on Tip Junkie for Jason’s office. After he opened all his presents, we headed on over to his top secret, high level office and decorated it with all his new goodies.

It was the first time I’ve seen his office and to say the least it needs a woman’s touch. It’s stark white! You can bet I’ll be making a visit to Garden Ridge Pottery for some greenery, frames, and clocks. {{evil laugh}}

Drake’s dreams have come true and it’s jet skiing season once again. The boy is a fanatic about water craft. For our first trip out of the season we took Chanda and her family.

Since our family is more the computer gaming type than the outdoor enthusiasts, we got the jet skis to not only provide family bonding time but to create outdoor adventures.

They are doing their job as each month we explore new lakes, invite different friends, and enjoy the time together.

It was a such a fun and relaxing and adventurous day. There were some crazy fun people watching that day and Chanda and I enjoyed thoroughly enjoyed the scenery.

Jason and the guys (co-workers) are taking the summer off of their MBA program. Whoohoo!! This means Saturday mornings and Monday evenings are now time with my man. I can’t tell you how excited I am to have him all to myself. {{evil laugh}}

I don’t know what my deal was when we got home from the lake on Monday. It might have been the extra vitamin D from the sun or the Diet Coke kicking in, but I was a purging maniac!

No, not that kind of purging – the cleaning variety. I’ve been feeling so overwhelmed lately. My body constantly aches regardless of my daily stretching and cardio, my responsibilities are stacking up, and Jason’s been traveling a LOT.

I think I just got to the point where I realized that the more stuff I have, the more stuff I have to take care of. During the time Jason cleaned out the truck and took the jet skis to the storage unit; I had purged everything I haven’t used in a year from the laundry room, bathroom, and the entire kitchen.

Man it felt good! I had double or triple the spices, kitchen tools, and random objects I no longer use. I’m planning on doing this throughout the entire house next week. I’ve got to get rid of the “extra” if I’m going to be able to keep my home clean, focus on our family goals, and still make time for my passions and pursuits.

I just LOVE to throw things away (or get them ready to donate). It brings a clarity of mind and soul that lightens my load.

Happy Mother’s Day everyone! I hope your men spoiled you with your favorite breakfast, your kiddos made you something super cheesy, and you got to take a nap.

That’s pretty much how my Mother’s Day was. Jason made my all time favorite food, waffles with fresh strawberries and cool whip. I ate 2!

The kiddos made me cards and wrapped up my favorite candy. Jason also finished up a 6 month project that he’s been working on for Tip Junkie. That was my Mother’s Day wish and the best present he could have given me. Thanks honey!

Dylan came home from school with “My Marvelous Mom” worksheet. He was seriously so proud of it, I couldn’t help but really appreciate how thoughtful he tried to be.

1. If my mom were a flower, she would be a Sunflower because she’s sunny and bright.

2. If my mom were a song, she would be You Are My Sunshine because I love her.

3. If my mom were a super hero, she would be Mighty Mom because she helps me a lot.

4. If my mom were candy, she would be Kisses because she kisses me a lot.

5. If my mom were a car, she would be a Race Car because she’s Super Dooper Fast.

6. If my mom were a color she would be Pink because She’s Butiful.

7. If my mom were an animal, she would be a Cat because She’s Cute.

8. If my mom were a TV Show, she would be American Idol because She’s a Great Singer.

Awe! At least one of my boys has a crush on me. {{wink}}

Instead of a nap, we opted to watch old home video of the boys. They’ve been playing with the video camera a lot the past couple weeks and have taken some pretty funny video.

We came across this video from a birthday party my mom threw me in 2002. She bought tons of silly string and my 2 brothers, SIL, Lisa, my Mom & Dad, Davis (4 yrs), Dylan (2 yrs), Jason and I had it out in the garage.

It was during a time when we all hung out at my house on Sundays eating and watching Alias together.

Ahhh. Good Times.

I got home Friday afternoon and after after sitting for almost 5 hours, my poor body ached and needed activity. After doing a little weeding in the yard the kids came home and we grabbed Wendy’s kids and headed on over to the spray park.

It was packed! We obviously weren’t the only ones who had that idea. 😉

The kids had such a great time and loved getting wet while enjoying the hot weather.

Jason and I sat back and watched all the fun in front of us. Geeze, it’s great to be a kid.

A while ago I reinstated movie night with the boys. They love the suggle time, popcorn, and picking out the movie.

Whew! We made through Easter weekend. I don’t know about you but ours was crazy packed with lots of Easter Egg Hunts, parties, and family traditions.

Egg A House

We Egged Houses with the boys. This year I let them choose who to egg. They had such a great time but were bummed that I didn’t have more eggs. Note to self – more eggs next year!

Decorate Eggs

After Dylan’s soccer game, the boys were ready to decorate eggs.

I bought an egg spinner this year and it has a big hit!

Party Hardy with Friends

Some friends hosted the most “egg”credible hunt on Saturday.

They live next to a green belt and the kiddos had a blast trying to find eggs.

The little guys searched for eggs inside the back yard while the older kiddos went into the green belt.

By this time Drake is now a seasoned pro at finding eggs. How many hunts did we attend this week? Way to many…

I love this picture of Jason with the older boys. The evening was seriously so much fun. The food was AMAZING!! Hopefully, I’ll get some new recipes in my inbox this week. 😉

Easter morning was really low-key this year. I was proud of myself for not going overboard like I normally do.

The Easter Bunny brought a new Wii game and candy. Davis said that this was the best present the Easter Bunny has given them. {{whew – officially off the hook}}

I think it’s funny that the boys don’t believe in Santa but they believe in the Easter Bunny. Too funny!!

Drake had a great morning with his bubbles, candy, and Easter Bunny on a bike. Who knew that thing would be such a hit!

I love how their outfits came together this year. I wanted to go a bit loud since this is probably the last year Drake will wear what I tell him too. 😉

All my boys!

Do not ask me what is happening with my crazy hair. I haven’t had it colored or cut since my surgery and it’s obviously developing a mind of it’s own. Geeze I’ve got to get into my hair dresser!! {{help}}

Jason got out the tripod and tried to take a family picture with all of us. So here we are!

We ended the day with friends over for dinner. Can you believe I didn’t take a single picture? I guess I was too busy playing hostess and having a great time. All of the kids were either upstairs or outside. It was quiet and fabulous. Once the men went upstairs to play Guitar Hero & Darts, the women sat and played Sequence. We had such a peaceful day!

We took the boys to the Zoo last week. They had their choice between the Flight Museum and the Zoo. To my surprise they chose the zoo. Who knew the boys were such animal enthusiasts?

It was such a great day but very crowded. Needless to say, the birds weren’t very hungry. It took quite a while for us to get 3 birds to cooperate and come eat the stick.

Drake loved being at the zoo and seeing all the animals. However, I think he enjoyed being with Daddy more. Thanks to Jason we were in and out in 2 hours flat. Usually it takes me 4 hours to get the boys through everything. Now I know the trick. 😉