Cowgirls Don't cry ;)

Riding a bike is easy, right? Try riding a bike pulling a 3 and 2 year old. It seems light at the beginning but coming back up hill is outright torture to my legs! Of course the kids kept yelling, "faster mommy, faster!" Walking/running Alexis to summer school wasn't to bad. I got used to it by the end of the week, even though a storm almost got once. Over the weekend, my most supportive hubby bought me an in-step two seater for my bike. F.Y.I. it's that funny looking bubble that you pull behind the bike as you ride. He thought I might want to change up my routine a bit. (Isn't he amazing?!) Needless to say, it wasn't to bad going to school, it was the trek back that made me want to quit. I made it though with Brooks and Dunn in my ear...."it's gonna hurt every now and then. If you fall, get back on again. Cowgirls don't cry....."

Whew!

This morning was beautiful! It was a little cloudy, the air was fresh and crisp. I decided that it wouldn't be a bad idea if we walked Alexis to summer school. I have a Kool stride double stroller so I decided to put it to good use. We walked at a pretty good pace and the clouds started to roll in right before we got to the school. Alexis and I ran a block and it wasn't as bad as I thought. My knees felt a little weak but it was OK. We watched Alexis make it into the school and the kids and I headed back. By this time it started to sprinkle here and there. When I mean sprinkle, I mean it just felt like someone spits on you ;) We made it a block and it "spit" a little more. A girl from our church passed by and asked if we needed a ride but I knew we could make it. I felt pretty confident that I could run a little more and I did, another block! This time the sprinkle stopped but the thunder was getting louder. We walked a little faster and after a few more people asking if we were going to make it :) we were home! As soon as the kids got into the house the sprinkle turned into a mist and when I stepped in now it's a light rain. Thank you Lord for getting us home safely.

Turning over a new leaf....

6/6/2009~205.4

For many years I struggled with my weight. I was on a roller coaster ride for almost 5 years while we battled with infertility. I took medications that made me so sick, I wouldn't eat for days and lost 20 pounds. Then I would take some meds that made me want to eat EVERYTHING in site and I gained all 20 pounds plus more. It was both emotionally and physically draining. I decided it was time to make a permanent change!

This year in September it will be two years that we started our family. Through the state of Texas, our home became a legal risk home for foster children. After a little talk with our Lord, fostering to adopt was what our hearts were opened for. Because of our difficulty conceiving, we had some trouble with ONLY being foster parents. Long story short, because many of you already know many of the details, within 9 months we had 4 children. It's a little ironic to think within 9 months because that's the term of a normal pregnancy. God has a great sense of humor :)

So now my reason behind all this....This past April, we supported a cause that we hold near and dear to our hearts. Alexis and I participated in the CASA 5k walk/run for kids. I walked while pushing Alissa and much to my surprise, Alexis ran ALL 3 miles! Then I decided that I wanted to live and love life just as much as she does. She didn't just cross the finish line and win the race, she turned over a new leaf. The cycle was broken. Crossing that line with open arms she was ready to embrace all the new opportunities that she had in front of her. Her new life....

This makes me more determined to turn over my new leaf. My goal next year is to run right beside my daughter at the CASA 5K walk/run for kids and we will cross that finish line together. So now I don't start my "diet" but I start eating healthier. I start exercising 30 minutes every day with my family. I will work myself up to a run and I will finish the race. I will become a healthier person not just for myself but for my family as well. Wish me luck or join me if you would like...the more the merrier!

Weekend getaway!

White Sands, New Mexico

Alissa loves to play in the dirt so the sand was NO problem...

Justin did get wet but found the tractor of his dreams....John Deere Tractor with trailer!

Making a splash in the kiddy pool...

Alissa is fearless!

I think she was going the wrong way :)

As you can see, this past weekend my spur of the moment hubby decided to head out to Las Cruces and White Sands, New Mexico. We spent some much needed time with our favorite Hart's, Tom, Stacy, Zoey and Camryn. We went to an airshow but unfortunately I forgot to charge the camera. After spending a hot afternoon on hot pavement at the air show, the kids let loose on the slip and slide and a wading pool for the little ones. By the end of the day the older kids jumped into that one, too. We also had a BIG and little lobster (Ben and Justin), Nicholas baked just right and the rest of us....well let's just say we got a little beyond sun kissed! The sun smacked a BIG one on me, Alexis and Alissa. We had fun though. Our next fun in the sun weekend will be in Abilene, Texas for the Hart family reunion!

A few pictures

Nicholas and Justin just having fun!

Our picnic inside because of the rain. We still had fun.

My little monkey! She climbs EVERYTHING!

Alexis went on a field trip to the Krispy Kreme store. They took a tour and were able to have a doughnut. She brought these hats for the kids and they thought it was the best thing in the world.

A well deserved treat. One evening the kids helped my mom clean her yard. They picked up cans, raked leaves, and watered her plants. That day the ice cream truck passed by and we treated all the kiddos to an ice cream. The highlight of the day was after the ice cream, Nicholas turned to my mom and asked "Is there anything else you need for us to do, Memaw?" We are trying to teach the kids about "volunteer" service. Justin still wants to get paid, Nicholas wants to get paid in ice cream (his weakness), Alissa could care less, and Alexis is actually understanding exactly what it means. They have started baking cookies, or cupcakes for our elderly neighbor and his wife. He won't let them do anything else because being outside doing as much as he can is his way of exercising, but the kids always make it a point to yell "Hello Mr. Garza!" from our front porch. I love my munchkins!!

Busy Bees...

Wow! It has been a busy school year and it is all coming to an end. And if I thought this year was crazy, next year will be a hoot! Nicholas will be in Pre-K, he will go half a day every day, Justin is in the 3 yr old program that Nicholas just finished. He will go half a day only two days of the week. I don't know what their times will be but at registration I did ask that they be put on the same time schedule. We'll see if that happens. If not I will be making twenty trips to school. It does get a little hectic sometimes but the kids' face light up when I pick them up instead of daycare or even their own grandparents.

Tomorrow is their last day of school and we are all excited. My Alexis is passing to the 4th grade! She has worked hard and her 3 teachers have been amazing. She has received everything that she needed and more. They all went above and beyond. This morning Alexis' class has picnic with parents, but last night it rained so we had the picnic in the class room. Thank goodness that all of our end-of-the-year parties are over. Summer is here!

Updates...

It has been awhile since I last posted so I will try to be short. All has been well at this wonderful Hart Home. There have been a few little bumps in the road, but with alot of prayer and faith we have prevailed! All the kids are getting the summer itch. The last of day of school is just around the corner and THEY will ALL be with me everyday all day :) Not that that is a bad thing, it is just time to rearrange our schedule a little bit. Alexis started softball and her first game is Monday the 18th. She is the catcher and she has an awesome arm on her. What can I say I'm her mother...hehehe! For all I care she is #1 player :)
I was listening to family life radio today and I did alot of thinking. Today I had a slightly tough day and I felt like I was really being tested. There was alot of emotions in the air and the tension was a little thick. (Note: it has nothing to do with Ben and I) I prayed for patience and a good friend told me to pray for grace. Praying for patience sometimes had our Lord giving us a little more than we can handle. Needless to say I prayed for peace and the strength to handle any situation. During Lexi's practice, family life radio started discussing the issue of giving all our burdens to Him. We became independent from our Lord. The only time that we were dependent Him was when a tragic event happened in our life. We never took the time to thank him for what was good or what we have been blessed with. As humans we are so wrapped up in our lives and in our schedules that we don't take the time just to sit and talk with Him. I found a book from Focus on the Family and it is a devotional made for families and their children. It has been sitting on my night table for almost 2 weeks and unfortunately my excuse is as stated above. We have been so busy with our softball practice, t-ball games and just getting home late that we keep putting it off. While as I was praying and just thinking with God, during the talk on the radio it asked why we had been putting off reading our devotions, staying busy and like the snap of two fingers (as Nick would say, Aha!) That was Him trying to talk to me about the issues I was having today. I knew exactly what I needed to do not only for myself but with my family. It is going to be OK. This too shall pass! And go back to being dependent on our Lord.....

New Business

We took a big leap of faith this past weekend and decided to start our own business. My brother actually had this type of business before he became very ill. My father still drives a truck, hauling mostly cotton during that particular season, but the truck belonged to my brother. After many of hours of research (thanks to my wonderful hubby and an awesome accountant, Ben's uncle Tom) together we decided to embark on this adventure. Even though Ben's job had beyond AWESOME insurance, it was something that we would have to deal with. The kids will have insurance until they are 18 due to the adoption so I didn't fret about it to much. It's just Ben and myself that are not covered but we are still looking. Well to be honest it didn't just start last weekend. Ben started to drive with my dad about 2 months ago. We purchased out first truck in at the beginning of the year with just my dad driving then a month later Ben joined in on the fun. Shortly after we purchased my brothers truck so that Ben would have his own and my dad had his own. My brother's truck is a little older and needs alot of TLC but everything is local and we wanted to save up to buy a nice one. One day as I was walking down the good ol' streets of Sundown, I saw this pretty purple and gray semi with chrome wheels. I thought it was nice and got the little ball rolling in Ben's head. Needless to say, it was love at first sight for Ben and now we are the proud owners of a 1993 Peterbilt. Ben's very own "Big Truck" :) The good thing about where Ben is working out of is that ALL the hauls are local, he continues to haul cotton alongside my dad, he is home every night, and he is his own boss. Well....he still has to go through me. And my Justin...let's just say it's a joy to see him smile every time his daddy pulls in and honks that horn for him!

Happy Birthday Justin!

We had a great time at a place called jump n jungle. The kids ran around this HUGE playground full of jumping balloons and obstacle courses. They ran for an entire hour then we had 30 minutes in a party room to do pizza, cake and presents. The adults were able to play also. It was just the right amount of time to have fun before meltdowns started. We would do it all over again! The people were great, the place was fun and most of all EVERYONE was able to participate. Justin gives it a 2 thumbs up :)

Our first 5K!

We had some very special people come into our life while we were in the process of fighting for our kids. Court appointed special advocates are angels that God trained for special kids. This "voice" for the kids personally get to know the children involved and fight for what is best for them. In our case, our girls were best fit for us. God truly placed them in our lives for us to give them the best! We had planned to do the walk/run anyway but Alexis expressed some interest in running. All because of my niece who is a cross country runner for the school. My niece's passion for running has fueled another's interest and we are off to a good start. During the 5K, Alexis ran the entire 3 miles only stopping once to catch her breath. When Alissa and I finally got to the finish line, Alexis ran to us and told us she had ran the whole race along side her CASA workers relative, I think, sorry Ms. Vicky I forgot who she was. That brain fart may have been due to the lack of oxygen! Alexis then told me that when she stopped she told herself that she needed to NOT GIVE UP, like Crystal tells herself during a race and she made it. I was on cloud 9! Not because I was finally over the finish line but because of Alexis. This little girl had the determination and the will power to finish what she started. Her life was not what she asked for. It has taken many twist and turns, stumbles and just plain falling on her face. But she continued to get right back on and forge ahead. She gave all her effort and reminded herself not to give up. If only we could do the same.

Happy Easter!

We had an amazing Easter Sunday! We went to church then spent the rest of the day with family and friends. This was Alissa's first time to Easter egg hunt and it was hilarious. Everything she picked up she wanted to eat. The boy's of course knew what to do. Last week Nicholas and Alexis had their Easter parties at school. Alexis had a scavenger hunt and Nicholas had a regular egg hunt. They both are social butterflies! As you can see here is Alexis posing with just a few of her friends.

Nicholas and his classmates waiting patiently....

Our Easter service at church was AWESOME! After getting a little teary eyed, having all my little ones sitting between myself and Ben, I had a renewed sense of patience, courage and wisdom. Having four little ones isn't easy. It sometimes gets the best of us but it's our life. It's the life that God chose for us and with Him nothing is impossible!

Happy Birthday Alexis!

I was looking at my blog and realized that I had not put Alexis' birthday picture up. We had a good time. She only wanted to go rollerskating with a couple of friends and have birthday cake and ice cream with family. She got money, clothes, and jewelry. Our little girl is getting so big.

Play Ball!

Our season is under way! Nicholas started t-ball and Alexis will soon start softball. It's so funny because Nicholas stood around like this all day the day of his first game. The ball would be hit close to 3rd base and he would run ALL the way from 1st base. He is left handed all they way except he bats right handed. It only took him one time and he has the game down. He talks about it all the time and is ready for soccer. If you only thought our house was full of chaos now. This is only the beginning!

New Toy

I don't know how Ben did it but I agreed for the boys to have this "mini quad". On one condition, they wear as much safety gear as possible. Unfortunately they couldn't wear bubble wrap...it wouldn't let them sit down on the quad without tipping over :) It doesn't go fast AT ALL! It's just the right speed for the boys to learn and grow into a bigger one. I'm still nervous but it's getting better. Nicholas is on cloud 9. Justin still has yet to ride it on his own. It won't be long, so please keep us in your prayers.

Girls Night!

Amid all the hustle of T-ball practice and games with Nicholas, on the spur of the moment we decided to have a small girls night. We indulged on a pedicure! Even Alissa had a little fun. Alexis invited Michelle over and we just hung out and painted toenails. It was nice for a little pampering because soon Alexis will start softball. Awwww...back to reality!

Bittersweet

We got a phone call from Lexi's teacher and unfortunately she still did not pass the dreaded TAKS reading test :( BUT the good news is that she only came 3 questions from actually passing. This is music to my ears because last year she only had 2-3 questions correct on each part of the test. We were a little sad that she did not pass but our hopes are a little lifted for the next test. We know with intense teaching from the most AWESOME teachers at Sundown Elementary and a little help at home we can surely pass the next one April 27th!

Spring Break 2009

My oh my...time flies by when you're having fun! For our spring break venture we went to my "hometown" of Rupert, Idaho. The drive wasn't as bad as we thought. The kids did an awesome job during the LONG 18 hour drive. We traveled at night so as not to mess up their sleep schedule to much. And guess what? It worked! We took off around 4 p.m. on Friday, March 13th and arrived on Saturday, March 14th at 10:12 a.m. Our first day we relaxed and lounged around while family and friends stopped by to welcome us. The next day we set off to the mountains. We hiked up a mountain called Balanced Rock. When you look at the picture you will see why. This "rock" balances on a base that is 3 ft x 17.5 in wide! The rock itself is 48 ft high x 40 ft wide. The view from the top is breathtaking. Our little Alissa even made the hike!

The main purpose for our trip was to see my grandmother, Sofia Torrez. Unfortunately, due to her Alzheimer's disease, she didn't recognize any one of us. Physically she is doing great. Mentally, well that's another story. The first day she was throwing us out of the room, but by the second day she handled us well. Our last day there was heart wrenching because for a slip second she remembered her house in town and offered it to us so we wouldn't have to drive back to Texas. Then it was over. I miss her but I remember her as the Wela I left behind 8 years ago before this disease took over her mind. Now I am on a quest to learn to sew by hand. I was given her last blanket that she was working on before she got sick. I am determined to finish what she started. I am so proud to say that I have been somewhere where Ben has never been! Of course he loved it. It was the great outdoors, what's not to love about it. All the guys headed out one day to fish ALL DAY. And they hit the jackpot! Nicholas and Justin even caught their first fish!!! They caught about 15 fresh trout.

We spent some time catching up with family that I had not seen in years. By the last day the kids were ready to come home. On Thursday, March 19th at 9:30 p.m. we hit the road once again and arrived on our doorstep Friday, March 20th, at 4:30 p.m. We had fun but there really is no place like home. :)

Open House

Here are a few pieces that were on display at open house Thursday night. The kids were so excited! (So were we) We were able to meet with the teachers and ask questions. We looked through everything that they had learned up until now. It was kind of neat to see what a normal day consists of and some of the methods that they are using to learn just colors! Alexis showed us some projects like her coat of arms, the solar system, and a collage just about her. She also showed us that she has 40 points for reading which is a GRAND accomplishment with all the trouble that she had reading at the beginning of the year. We are keeping our fingers crossed since she is taking the dreaded TAKS test. I know she will do great. We are so proud of both Alexis and Nicholas.

Amazing Grace

The tears streamed down her face. Her hands shaking and a timid voice saying, "I'm going mom." During the invitation, we prayed. We have been praying, for our Lord to enter this young girls life. This young girl who has been bruised inside, hurt outside, and longing to be loved by both mom and dad. Ben touched my shoulder, I looked up and Alexis was at the alter talking to Brother Gill. She wanted the Lord in her heart! Ben and I had talked to her about what it meant. This Sunday she asked to sit with us instead of going to children's church. She sat there and soaked up every word that Brother Gill said. Brother Gill hid behind the cross, the Lord spoke, and Alexis listened. She chose to listen and believe the voice of truth. Our Lord God is Almighty!!

Just messing around!

Every Tuesday and Thursday, Nicholas goes to "big" school. On those days Justin wants to go to school, too. So we have started some preschool workbooks at home. Justin will turn 3 in April so he is eligible to attend the same program that Nicholas currently attends. We have the color red down, so now everything is red. We've had alot of fun but our attention span reaches it's max around 2 minutes unless it consists of coloring big trucks or firetrucks. Our fridge is covered with many masterpieces. Amazingly Alissa continues as long as Justin. We also have the best of both worlds in handwriting. Alexis and Justin are righties and Nicholas and Alissa are our lefties!

During one of our preschool days, I decided to take Justin for a little tour of Nicholas and Alexis' "big" school. He was really excited so I am hoping that when the time comes to actually go to school we won't have any trouble leaving him. Alissa just liked that fact that the halls were huge and she could run as fast as her little legs could carry her. On the way to pick up Nicholas from his class, we saw the swimming pool, cafeteria, the library and the gym. As we were going through the halls we saw one of the signs that Nicholas' class made for the power lifting team. I couldn't help it, I had to share it with you! Each one of the kiddos have their arms up showing off their muscles. We continued to walk through the halls and there was a first grade class going to the basement so I asked Justin to stand to the side. Most of the students going by were kids he recognized from the daycare. He felt so important because you could here the kids say, "Hi Justin!". He was high-fiving a couple of boys and the teacher even looked at him and said, "Hi Justin.". After all the high-fives, Justin walked on liked he already belonged. For a moment a little part of me felt sad. Ben couldn't have said it any better..."Nobody told us they were going to grow up this fast!"

Woo-Hoo!!

A week ago today, we went cold turkey off the bottles! Alissa is taking the sipppy cups but she's not attached to them like we thought might happen. So far so good....

Alissa's vocabulary is GROWING and fast. Nick is now letting her do ALL the talking :) School is now half over. Nicholas is ahead of his class so there was no conference needed. Alexis is still having a little trouble with phonics but her other grades are soaring. Justin will start school in the fall so we are starting to get prepared and keeping our fingers crossed that all goes well...oh my little rascal :)

Road Trip~Spring Break 2009

We are going to attempt a 17-hour road trip to my old home in Rupert, Idaho! With 4 kids in a vehicle that long, I am in need of some desperate advice. Our trips normally consist of no more than 6 hours, so we are up for a challenge. For one week, we plan to see family, hike mountains, go fishing and visit my grandmother. We are going to be very busy but hope to have ALOT of fun. If anyone has any ideas on how to make this trip easy (if that's possible) I would love to hear about it. Hope to hear from you soon!

Oh Happy Day!

On Friday, the kids had their Valentine's parties. They had a lot of fun. Of course I still have yet to figure out how Nicholas gets chocolate ALL over his face after ONE bite from a doughnut. While Nicholas' class just ate and exchanged cards, Alexis' class exchanged their cards then played games. Her class was the biggest so we usually came in last, but they had fun! I can't wait for the next party :)

Coming soon: Spring Break 2009