Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2014 was wonderful. My mom and dad came in town for the week so it was great to spend time with them and have a slow, lazy week. We had all of the Roberts Fam over on Thanksgiving day. The kids loved playing with their cousins...and we loved having everyone together. I missed my sis and her family though.

I am so thankful for my fam....I am reminded of that so very often!

Veterans Day

Harrison and Poppy on Veteran's Day!

Living Life

Life.
It has been so busy lately. I have honestly felt a stirring inside of me telling me to slow down and enjoy the ride. So, that is what the Roberts family is planning on doing. I am going to spend more time at home and just soak in this season of life.

Speaking of this season....here's a summary.
Leyton is in 2nd grade. He just finished up baseball so the only activity he is doing right now is paino. It has been nice having more free time in the afternoons. His favorite show is Lab Rats, he enjoys reading, and "battling" with his brother. He has been enjoying playing some family kickball outside at night and he tries to make up all the rules for us to follow. Some may call this bossy...I'd like to think of him as assertive.

Harrison is in Kinder. He went through a rough patch at the beginning of this year. He threw some terrible fits and struggled with his emotions. He was overly-sensitive about things that he normally wouldn't be sensitive about. We are still working through some of these things, but he is doing so much better. His teacher says that he is such a perfectionist at school---we are thinking he just needs to work through some of the new experiences he is facing. It's a lot for a 6 year old to take in! He just finished up baseball and his soccer is wrapping up this week. We are glad to slow down and hang out with our sweet little Sonny Boy. He enjoys playing the Wii, battling his brother, going on adventures, and spending time with his family. Oh, and the boy loves cookies.

Erin-Elizabeth is enjoying her last year of Pre-K. She has one friend at school that she is not allowed to sit by because they talk too much. Looks like she may have gotten my social gene. Other than the chatting, she is a rule follower at school. She loves to be a "fashion girl"---which I have no idea where she came up with that term. She plays so well by herself...almost always carrying on a full conversation with herself. She is a great sister to Ruby---except Ruby would probably enjoy a little more space. Honestly, my girl is huge help to me and I truly enjoy spending time with her by my side. Soccer is wrapping up---she really wants to try gymnastics. We will see.

Ruby is adjusting to the family. She is getting more spunky. She only pees on our brand new carpet...never a hard surface. Lovely. I'm praying this potty training thing happens sooner rather than later. She is a gentle little lovebug though. We are so thankful for her.

Happy Birthday, LNR!

Leyton is 8! This may have been the toughest birthday yet for this mom. Eight just seems so grown up. He is halfway to his drivers license...and then just 2 years after that he is off to college. I know it seems like I am getting ahead of myself, but MAN---TIME REALLY DOES FLY! OK...enough about me...let's talk about my 8 year old.

Dear Leyton,
Happy Birthday to YOU! I love being your mom. I love snuggling you at night and giving you "armpit massages" because you're sooooo stressed out. ;) Hearing you laugh that hard makes me happy. I love that your favorite thing to do is to spend time with your family. You are filled with questions---most of them I have to google to find the answer. You love to read and spend hours each night finishing your book rather than sleeping. You push the limits almost daily. You have an awesome sense of humor that you save for only those you are really comfortable with. (just like your daddy) You love to hear stories from when we were all little. You do great in school. You are a stellar big brother. I honestly could not ask for a single thing more in a son. You are my most favorite 8 year old and my heart is overflowing with love for you, Tones Bones.

Thanks for being you!
Love, Mommy, Daddy, Harrison, EE, and Ruby

Halloween 2014

Welcome to the Family

Ruby Red Roberts joined our family on October 21st. She is a Clumberdoodle (Clumber Spaniel/Poodle Mix) and the kids adore her. I already can't imagine our lives without her. Welcome to the fam, Ruby!

Country Critter Day

Erin-Elizabeth had Country Critter day at preschool. They had a petting farm and pony rides...my girl loved it!

Sports!

It has been a busy fall with sports. Leyton is playing baseball for his first time. Harrison is playing t-ball and soccer. Erin-Elizabeth is playing soccer. They are all enjoying themselves and having great seasons! Leyton has enjoyed baseball more than he has any other sport. He is doing a great job and his coach has been fantastic. Harrison's sports highlights have been "my backwards kick on the soccer field" and how he slides into home 100% of the time. He's doing great! EE is doing a much better job with passing this season. She pretty much loves soccer for the snacks but she certainly knows how to score those goals! I love watching her play! These activities have kept us busy but it's been worth it!

GO Rangers!

Harrison is SIX!

Happy Birthday, Harrison!
You have been planning your Indiana Jones themed birthday party for months! I am sorry that we didn't pull through with getting you that mini horse to ride in on to kick-off your birthday bash. You dream big, don't you baby? I am so proud of the little guy you are becoming. You almost always have a smile on your face. You are so kind to your friends and family. You are happy about life and are easily pleased. You forgive quickly. You are super generous. I think all of these things will take you so far in this life. We could all learn so much from you, buddy.

Your birthday party (minus mini horses) was a success. We only had one kid not quite make it across the plank over the pool. Only one adult was injured in the "whipping practice"...and everyone enjoyed your grand finale of jumping off the diving board in your Indiana Jones costume. Thank you for taking your boots off first. I had a smile ear to ear at your party because I knew how excited you were to have your friends and family at our house to celebrate your big day. I just wish that I wasn't still cleaning "monkey brains" off the driveway.

Your teacher described you as "truly happy. a tiny joy package." I love this description and I couldn't agree more. I have to tell you that your light is bright and I'm so thankful that it shines on me everyday!

I love you, my six year old!
Love, Mommy

PreK 4

Erin-Elizabeth had a great first day of school. She has Harrison's teacher from last year, Mrs. April. We are so excited because Mrs. April is amazing...so loving, structured, and she goes way beyond the call of duty. EE hated her dress for the first day and was already talking about how she was going to take it off as SOON as she walked in the door--- & that is exactly what she did!

Kinder & Second

Here they Come!

Leyton (2nd grade) and Harrison (Kinder)
We had Meet the Teacher last night. We are so so excited about both teachers and their classes. We know it is going to be a great year!

L, H, and EE

We are wrapping up summer. It's been great and I can't believe that it is coming to an end. I am looking forward to having more of a schedule again, but I sure am going to miss my kids.

A little bit about each babe right now-

Leyton-
We told him that he needed to pick only one activity for the fall (besides piano) and he chose baseball. This will be his first time to ever play so we were kinda surprised that he didn't pick Lacrosse or soccer. He went to "try-outs" aka "coach look" last week and we just had our first team meeting. His team will be the Titans. He was placed on the same team as 3 kiddos from his school so we are very excited about that. The coach seems great, so we are really looking forward to the season.

Leyton has been coping with some pretty legit fears this summer so that has been a bit of a challenge. He is worried about being kidnapped and he is also worried about something happening to me. I think it's heartbreaking, but it is not something I can solve for him. SOOOOOooooo.....I decided that every night that he goes to sleep without calling me back up or asking for reassurance, he can earn a sticker. When he gets 10 he can pick a new toy. So far, so good. He's been eyeballing some arm weapon thing (BOYS!)  and I guess it's enough to help him work through his own fears each night. It breaks my heart that he is upstairs sad, but I think him figuring out how to feel better on his own will benefit him down the road. Last night before bed I told him that I have never ever known anyone who has been kidnapped and asked him if he did either. I also told him that I would never leave him somewhere that I didn't feel was safe. That seemed to help my little logical thinker.

He has been pretty bossy to his brother and sister. I'm trying to squash that---we will see.

He makes and delivers a cup of coffee to me every morning. His idea. I love it.

Harrison-
My boy is getting ready for Kinder. I just can't believe it. He is excited.

He picked baseball for his fall sport. This will be his second season to play.

 I think this guy thinks about Indiana Jones constantly. That, and planning his Indiana Jones birthday party. He is always telling me his new ideas for the party. Besides wanting a small horse for him to ride in on, he also wants a stage for him to perform his "tricks" for the party-goers. I sure hope my boy will not be disappointed when he realizes that neither of those things will be happening. I have been pinning some Indiana Jones ideas, so I do think it will be fun.

He is almost always in costume.

He is holding first place as "easiest child" this summer. He goes with the flow.

He is so super giving and considerate to his siblings. Hope it sticks.

Erin-Elizabeth-
This girl holds conversations with imaginary people all day long. It makes me laugh and it makes me happy. I can't look at her or she will be embarrassed and stop.

She will play soccer again this fall....go Pink Panthers!

I wasn't feeling my best this morning (sinus infection) so she asked if she could wait on me. Then she said "Oh and the boys are weird, so just ask me if you need anything."

She likes to help me do laundry. Hope it sticks.:)

She is a little artist. Drawing is probably her favorite thing to do.

Leyton was told he had to take a nap this afternoon because he has been using an ugly tone with both H and EE. She asked me if she could go up and snuggle him for 5 minutes before he fell asleep. Of course I let her. Made my mommy heart swell.

Days of the Week

I woke up this morning with a note on my nightstand. Leyton makes lists or writes me notes a lot so I didn't think much of it...but, this was pretty funny to me.

 

What We Will Call The Days of the Week

 

Sunday: Slushi Sunday

Monday: IHop Monday

Tuesday: Taco Tuesday

Wednesday: Friends Day

Thursday: Pizza Thursday

Friday: Frozen Yogurt Friday

Saturday: Donut Saturday

Got admire his attitude...every day is totally worth celebrating. BUT.....maybe we could find a way to celebrate that won't make us all have to go on a diet afterwards!

This & That Summer

Leyton has been going through a tough time with fears lately. He is mainly scared that he is going to be kidnapped. He is also scared that something is going to happen to me. I try my best to ease his fears without coddling....I have such a soft spot for him while he is scared. I was a very scared little girl. I remember worrying about my mom like crazy. I told Leyton about it. I told him how I always worried something would happen to my mom....and how now she's a cute old lady just be-bopping around her house. (Sorry, mom) I told him that I have every intention of living for a long long long time too. I also told him that God is there when we are scared and that it is a good habit to go to Him when you are fearful. I told him that I still do that now...because fear never completely goes away no matter how old you get. I'm hoping that this improves for my boy because it is heartbreaking to see him filled with that kind of fear.

He has been having a great summer other than the fear thing though. Lots of late nights, swimming, hanging with both friends and family...July has turned out to be much slower than June & we are enjoying every minute of it!

Harrison has locked on to the Lego Movie. He loves it and spends a great deal of time planning his Lego Movie birthday party for the end of September! I am glad he has switched to the Lego Movie for his theme now though, because it was Indiana Jones. He asked if we could get him a small horse for his party because he needs to ride in on a horse. (because he IS Indiana Jones, ya know!) I told him that I didn't think we would be getting him a horse of any size. He told me that was okay...he would just need me to pretend like I am horse and he will ride in on my back! I'm loving his party planning ways but I am not sure that I want to be a horse at his party---so LEGO IT IS!!

Erin-Elizabeth is letting her hair grow. She wants her hair to reach the middle of her back. I have to say that it is so hard for this short haired mom to let EE's hair grow out. There are tangles, whining, and plus I just loved her spunky little short do. BUT, long hair it is. She also started wanting to wear a jacket with her shorts and tank top every day. It is 100 degrees, but she is sportin' some super cute coats! This girl knows what she wants...and these are battles that definitely do not warrant a fight.

I love summer. I'm loving the time with our kiddos. The late bedtimes---the late(R) rising. I can't believe that it already feels like it is coming to an end. I need to soak up every minute because the fall is going to be much different around here with both boys in elementary school now. Whoa...time needs to sloooow down.

Fab 5!

My sis and her boys came and spent last week with us. We had a wonderful time! The cousins really do play so well together. Cole and Leyton are BFF's and Cade is so amazing with all of the kids. We had a jam packed week--we went to the Splash park, Grapevine Mills for back to school shopping, did lots of swimming, and had the Rangers camp every night. I love summer days with family...& so do my kiddos!

Texas Rangers

The boys enjoyed Texas Rangers Baseball Camp this week. It was from 6-9 pm every night and they had a great time. These two are the best of friends. I am so happy that they could do this together!

Reunited!

My high school friends came in town and stayed with me last weekend. We have been friends for over 25 years. LOVED my time with them. My kiddos were in Houston having fun with their cousins, Keyo & Geoffrey, and Mimi & Poppy---thank you all!

Texas Rangers Baseball Camp

Leyton & Cole are going to Rangers baseball camp together this week! They are the best of friends and absolutely love spending time together. They make me happy!

Cousin Lovin'

San Antonio, Sun, and Sweet Friends!

Preston & EE...

It was our kiddos first limo trip.

We took a long weekend to get away at the JW Marriott in San Antonio with our BFF's-

Attitude Adjustment

I could list a million wonderful traits in my girl. But today I'm going to share a little story that shows her more bossy side. ;) We were swimming in the backyard during the afternoon before EE's recital that night. She was talking about where she was going to pick to go out to eat after her performance. My mom started rattling off some suggestions of her own. EE proceeded to prop herself up on the edge of the hot tub with her elbows, she leaned in towards my mom, and looked her square in the eyes. She said (word for word) "Mimi, is this YOUR recital, is this the BOY'S recital, or is this MY recital?" Well, well, well....Miss Thang thinks it should be her way or the highway. I'm happy to report that while we DID have "Mexico food"(what she calls it) for HER recital, we did NOT go to the exact restaurant of her choice. A little give & take.

Pretty Little "Fibber"

My mom was in town so we took advantage of her SAM's membership one day last week. It was a family affair...my mom included. You know you are old when SAM's and Costco are highlights of your day. Anyway....at the end of the shopping trip, I see EE strutting over and she was obviously chewing on something. I asked her what she had in her mouth and she immediately had a look of shame. (she's a terrible liar) All she said was "It fell in my mouth." Homegirl had put an already been chewed piece of gum in her mouth and went to town on it. Makes me kinda sick just thinking about it. I explained that gum doesn't just "fall" into one's mouth. She started bawling because she knew she was busted. Then, she told me someone put it in her mouth. (a stranger!) Finally, she caved and told the truth. ABC gum. On the bright side---it was two lessons rolled into one. Germs and honesty.

First Grade

100th day

Field Day with Avery & Campbell

 

My Little Loves

Summer Lovin'

Dance Recital 2014

A Style All Her Own---

EE has an interesting sense of style. I quit fighting the battle and to be honest, I kinda think she's pulling it off rather well. Love her.

Looking Good, Harrison!

My sweet baby boy graduated from preschool! Kinder next year?!? Wow. That seriously gives me a lump in my throat. He is so ready and so excited to be going to school with his big brother....I just can't believe that it is already time. I know that when we started elementary school with Leyton things started moving at lightning speed. I can't handle it moving any faster.

His graduation was perfect. When he walked to get his diploma they read off what he wanted to be when he grows up. "I want to be a police officer when I grow up, so I can see my brother everyday because he wants to be a police officer too." Stop it, kid. You make my heart literally ache with love.

Mother's Day 2014

Moving!

We moved! We have called Middleton Way our home since I was pregnant with Leyton. It was definitely bittersweet to say goodbye. We loved our neighbors and we had so many wonderful memories at our house. (Harrison had the hardest time...he cried our last day there because he said he was going to miss our home) We moved at the beginning of March---a whopping 31 seconds away. The new house has been great. There is more room for the kiddos to play in the backyard and they have loved it. Russell & I have decided that we are not moving again until we shuffle ourselves into the Colleyville Retirement home. This is it....and we love it!

Easter 2014

H is a BIG BOY!

The same day that I found out Harrison had a loose tooth is the same day that he lost it! Not sure I'm ready for this....he is MY BABY!!

DDD

My girl went to the Daddy/Daughter Dance at our church the day after returning from our Disney trip. (that's a lot of D's) She picked Saltgrass for their dinner date beforehand. They had a great time. Her favorite part (besides her daddy) was the candy. & Russell says that her and her friends run in circles holding hands while they "dance."

Disney Face Paint!

Hey Mickey!

Best vacation ever! In February we took the kids to Disney World. It was awesome! Leyton got to play hooky for 4 days from school---something I would've sworn I would never do. (just another example of me eating my words!) It was sooooo worth it. The parks were not overcrowded and the weather was perfect! Low 80's! All of us agree that our favorite part was Magic Kingdom. Leyton went on some pretty scary roller coasters like a champ. We also loved Epcot's Test Track....that was another favorite. The Lilo and Stitch ride definitely goes down as our least favorite. All 3 kiddos were screaming and crying. It is one of those 4d rides and it locks you in (hard---pushing down on your shoulders) in the pitch black. I think I was even about to have a panic attack. We look forward to going back again sometime in the next couple of years---I think I agree that it just may be the most magical place on earth!

EE is 4!!

Happy 4th Birthday, EE! Four years? In some ways it feels like I just gave birth to you...& then in other ways it feels like you have been here forever. We had your 4th birthday party at the gymnastics place. You loved it! We went and had a mani before your bash---you definitely like having your nails painted. You sit perfectly---not moving a muscle.

You are a spunky little girl. You are funny. You are helpful. You aren't scared of anything. In fact, you are the one to go upstairs alone to get the boy's stuff because they are too scared to be up there alone. You love to be on the go....not one to sit around. Your favorite things are drawing, "reading" books, and being with other people. You still haven't really sat through an entire tv show. I love your deep little voice and your belly laugh---you are certainly one of a kind & I am so glad you are mine! We love you!

Christmas 2013

Merry Christmas from the Roberts Family!

Our photographer took our family photo in our neighborhood park...I loved it.

Christmas 2013 was a magical one. Their ages were 7, 5, and almost 4---never ever want to forget this time.

Backed up..

Leyton has been reading the blog that I have made into a book and is loving it. My sis and Cade came in town and read it while they were here too. I am inspired to pick up where I left off. Soooo...here it goes.

Cannot Forget

Funny Kid Quotes. I wish I could remember them all. I am going to do a better job of documenting them.

"If I win, it is a race. If you win, it is not a race." -Harrison

As I walk in the door---- "Erin-Elizabeth is in time out upstairs for showing us all her angina." -Leyton

In regard to germs or getting sick----"Don't drink after me or you'll get the kook." -Erin-Elizabeth