Daddy-O

The boys adore their daddy.

They want to look like him, dress like him, and act like him.

He is their HERO.

  

 

Dylan said the other day, " I love Daddy. He's a good daddy.  The bestest Daddy. God made Daddy a good daddy."

Continuing our Father's Day tradition, here is what Dylan and Brody think about their Dad.

My father’s name is Daddy Mercer.

My favorite thing about my dad is going to the beach with Dad!

My dad likes to go outside and build airplanes at Lowes.

It makes my dad laugh when I feel silly.

I love my dad because I love him so much.

 By Dylan, age 4

My father’s name is Daddy.

My favorite thing about my dad is wrestling.

My dad likes to wrestle.

It makes my laugh when we wrestle.

I love my dad because he is the best dad ever!

By Brody, age 4

Mom, When is Sister Coming?

At least once every day I have to answer this question.

But, I have 4 year olds so it is more like 20x followed by 20 "why's?"

Every house we have looked at the boys pick out a room for "sister."

Every night we pray for her.

Apparently, they talk about her to other people at church because I got the...

"I heard you are expecting." Umm, no...I can't find my spanks and I am fat.

I am guessing they heard from the boys.

Now, I am answering the questions from the boys:

"Mom...when is sister coming?"

"Mom...why is sister not in your belly?"

"Mom...why is sister taking so long to come from heaven?"

Bless their hearts.

We have been talking a lot about God's promises and how He always gives us what we need.

It may look different than we thought, but He always hears and answers our prayers.

Then that's followed with a choir of "why's."

Got to love the minds of a 4 yr olds.

It's "Mad"ness!

My most favorite show,  Mad Men has been out of control this season.

First, we had to wait insanely long for it to return.

Then, once it does it is FULL of shockers.

Last week was amazing. I kept thinking of it all week long.

Peggy fights for everything she has in the 1960's workplace.

Even if she has to leave her mentor and the place that started it all.

Joan is also a woman in the 1960's trying to survive.

She did it in a very different way.

And who is this handsome Don? The hero? The one that does the right thing?

Tonight was no different.

***Spoiler Alert***

Lane is caught with the embezzlement from a few episodes ago.

It was the terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day.

It broke my heart to see his world unravel all in one day that started off with such great news.

Life can really change in an instant.

Since we are moving all of our shows on the DVR are no more as of tomorrow.

So I can't go back and watch it again and again as I fold the laundry.

Instead, I had to take it to the blog!

P.S. When all your house is packed in boxes and there is no cooking or cleaning to be done, you can get a lot of blogging done! ;)

Enjoy it while it last because the next few days I am without internet, an address, or a home.

Countdown to Goodbye

Things I will miss about Abilene:

cajun cones
amanda's monday meals
bbq-turkey
the BEST PART TIME JOB EVER
young children's world
highland church
acu
being able to see friends that come to the great vacation destination of abilene, ha!
(but, it's true. people are always coming to town.)
hendrick health club- i heart body jam.
our neighbor, PawPaw who makes us great wooden treasures.
our fabulous friend and photographer debbie riggs-pure photography
no traffic
abilene mall-did i just say that? yes! you can run in and out in a few minutes and get free samples at coastal cookies for the kids.
seeing someone we know no matter where we go
knowing someone that does ___: cakes, monogramming, sewing, ect.
all of my friends... some long-time friends some new-time friends
our great street
our home where we have raised our family

this is an exciting time, but abilene is where michael and i fell in love, the two most precious miracles were born, and where we became a family.

this is hard.

so i just keep really busy so i don't have to do a goodbye.

Clean-ish eating

So it's been about 2 months since I started this experiment.

I followed the Whole 30 experiment for 30 days and had pretty good luck with feeling better.

About 1/2 way in I was getting sick again and the only thing I had consistently been eating was salad.

So now Lettuce is on the Black List, too.

In May, I experimented with adding things back in.

I had terrible luck and have stayed with a clean-ish diet.

My ish part-

* I eat white potatoes. Since I no longer can eat salad, a dry baked potato is my out to eat choice.

*I will eat some sugar on occasion.

Cookies, Cake and Ice Cream I am pretty sure I can't do 

(haven't tried, but don't want to pay for that mistake)

But a sno cone or some candy are my guilty pleasures.

And that Sonic Diet Raspberry Sprite.

* 100% Natural

nuts- Back to Nature are my FAVORITE!

potato chips- Lays Natural Potato Chips with Sea Salt

I also like the PopChips-They are Gluten Free, but do have some unpronounceable ingredients.

Still haven't had any BREAD, CRACKERS, DAIRY, RICE, PASTA, BEANS, ect.

At this time of year, I really have only missed being able to take boys and get ice cream cones together. It's not something I ever bought at the store, but it would be something we would do together.

Oh, Ice Cream.

R.I.P.

(For those keeping up with my medical saga, I am off to a gastro doctor to help solve these issues. The speculation from my rhumatologist isn't encouraging, but it is what it is. I am just thankful I can still have a Sonic Drink to carry me through these 100+ degrees days of Summer!)

They're Coming!

"They're coming to take me away! Ha-Ha! They're coming to take me away. Hee-Hee"

Tomorrow begins the the big shuffle.

I am shuttering to begin to imagine our home full of boxes.

I am already over unpacking and the packing hasn't even started.

Oh. Boy.

Say it ain't so.

A Memory Filled Weekend

After closing up my last day in my 9th year of teaching, we headed down to San Antonio.

We have loved being just 4 and half hours away from Sea World and have gone there a lot on our passes.

The new Aquatica water park just opened and Saturday was the only day we could make it before we move.

Friday we did the Sea World part and the boys picked what they wanted to do. 

*Shamu Coaster is always 1st on the list.

* Elevator Drop

* The big net playground

*The Bay of Play Splash Park

*Say Hi to Bert and Ernie

Saturday I knew it was going to be crazy....Holiday weekend and one of the first weekends the swim park would be open. 

But, oh.my.word.

Seas of people. 

EVERYWHERE!

We were really lucky and found a short line on the exit side and we already had our Aquatica passes so we got in within 15-20. 

(* GO EARLY!)

Once in the waterpark, we had no trouble doing what we wanted.

(come to find out, they closed it because there were already the max. of people inside)

We didn't do any of the big rides this time because of the lines.

However, the pool areas were AWESOME.

They loved the slides.

The wave pool was fun for Brody.

The lazy river was anything but LAzy. Trying to keep them sitting up on a tube was a joke!

The loved this HUGE splash area with a giant pail of water that dumps out on everyone below.

It was great!

We then left the water park to catch the ski show.

We allowed for 30 minutes to travel across and we needed it!

SHOULDER TO SHOULDER trying to get threw the sea of people.

Stood in lines for 20 minutes to get lemonade refills

But I do love the $1 refills.

The cups are so worth the investment.

I was ready to go, but we had a request for the merry go round and playground time.

Sunday we drove home to make it to a goodbye party.

I didn't remember to take any pics. OOPS!

Monday we had a playdate with our twin friends, Mason and Sawyer.

They had a BLAST! 

They were so cute laughing together!

We will miss them!

We cooked out in the middle of a major storm with impressive winds.

Ate hot dogs and chicken by lantern light.

Talked with the neighbors out in the street and splashed in lots of puddles.

Great Memories made.

And thankful for our FREEDOM to have these precious times with friends and family.

Ta-DA!

This week has been FULL of special occasions, programs and performances.

Sunday was Mother's Day and Michael got home just in time to hand me card and put the boys in bed.

Monday was my birthday and the boys' last program with Young Children's World. 

They have practiced for months. 

My boys are typically very shy and not big singers at all.

In fact, Brody told me he loses his words on stage.

However,

Brody stole the show with all his hip shaking and motions!

They were perfect and I was so proud!

Tuesday I had a great girls night with my ACU Abilene College Besties!

Tamara, Jenna, Kate, and I enjoyed great conversation on Jenna's Farm House Porch. It's perfect for long conversations into the wee hours of the morning. It was 12:30 a.m. before we knew it.

Wednesday we had our last Photo Shoot with Debbie Riggs from Pure Photography.

I told her I wanted to do something "Texas Style."

We all wore our cowboy boots and shot pics at a ranch here in Abilene.

The 6 horses, 2 cows, and 1 friendly farm dog all wanted to be in the pics too.

At one point, all the people were caged in the holding pins as the 6 horses checked us out!

Thursday was the boys last day of school at Young children's World. They have gone to this sweet school since they were 6 months old! We LOVE it and will miss it greatly. 

Michael and I both were misty-eyed as we left one last time.

Friday we were in Dallas for more Doctor appointments. 

I am off to a gastro dr to see if we can figure out these tummy issues.

Saturday was the boys' Gymnastics Showcase. They did a great job and preformed!

Sunday is Senior Sunday and Michael made sure he would be back to give the kids their Senior Charge.

I have loved the past 12 years as a youth minister's wife. It is not an easy life (hello-being alone with  

4 month old twins for 10 solid days...I am not going to miss summer trips!) I am really going to miss this chapter of our lives.

It is also a going away party for our friends, the Thompsons. We have been in small group together for 5 years and have watched their sweet kids, Taylor and Tyson grow up. We are really going to miss them!

 

Through the Looking Glass

What's up through the lens of the iPhone:

 

A princess birthday party for Mom!

My precious bubbas picked out the party goods and the sweetest gifts.

I also got a crown!

(And I get in trouble if I am not wearing it!)

We have LOTS of time together lately!

Mama and sons Dinner dates at Chick Fil A.

(I can eat the grilled nuggets and fruit and still be "clean-ish" eating.)

Nap time together

We got our new Velata Fondue Pot!

LOVE THIS THING!

The top is dishwasher safe. 

The chocolate is Gluten-Free and the Dark Chocolate is Gluten and Dairy Free!

I tried it expecting to be sick...and I didn't get sick!

There are LOTS of chocolates-Milk, Milk Chocolate Caramel, Dark, White.

It has been my go-to thing to bring for parties and teacher appreciation.

We have added it to our Family Friday Movie Night .

It's just so easy.

I had my first Scentsy show at the Baby Expo here in town.

LOTS of work. 

But just as much fun!

Weekend Update

This is Leah reporting from Texas.

It is the home stretch.

Only a few days left of being a Texan.

Living in Abilene.

Enjoying our sweet home.

We have closed on the house. 

I am frantically trying to find the new perfect house.

(with no such luck)

And complete all of our May Festivities.

Why is MAY always so crazy?!?

We made a QUICK trip to Conway, AR to look for housing. We happened to be there for the infamous

TOAD SUCK DAZE.

I cringed as I told the boys where we were going. Suck is a word we don't want to introduce.

Luckily,  they called it Toad Days.

    

It was blazin' HOT. Back to my humid coastal roots.

The boys had a great time and told me that they thought Conway was fun!

Yeah! 

They have been really concerned about leaving their friends so to be excited about something warms my heart.

We also got into a preschool! YEAH!!!! This has been a HUGE stress for me.

It is so HARD to find 2 spots when you have twins.

My first choice preschool actually called me and only had 1 SPOT left. :(

Trouble with Twins...

I am happy with what we chose, though. I think it is a happy place where they will learn a lot.

I am finished with my cleanse, but still eating mostly clean.

It's not fun, but it is what I have to do right now.

That Weekend Update with Leah.

Back to you.

I think I like it here!

The boys have been really excited about parts of moving! I'm totally feeling the crunch of moving! All the details of moving. Today I'm linked up to Kelly's corner and meeting new people in our new home. Hi, I'm Leah. I love the Lord, my Husband-the preacher, my precious 4 year old twin boys, and shoes! I'm really going to miss Abilene, (goodbye post coming soon) but am amazed at the beauty of Arkansas so far. Hollar if you know anyone in my new stomping grounds of Conway, Arkansas!

Twas the Night Before Paleo

with visions of raw veggies dancing in my head.

Things I am looking forward to:

(and are hoping are positive effects of the detox)

* not getting sick 2x day 

*not waking up with stomach cramps

* bye-bye fatigue

*to begin to feel like myself again-

i.e. Go grocery shopping and not come home feeling like I ran a marathon and being EXHAUSTED!

Not needing a nap to survive the day.

Things I am going to miss:

*grains-I love my carbs.

*gum-I am going to cheat and chew gum when I'm on the airplane.

I still get CRAZY INTENSE ear pain.

But that goes back to another issue I have...

*quick and easy meals

Things I am scared about:

*I don't like a lot of meat. I'm almost vegetarian.

I sure don't like preparing it.

*It not changing my current inflammation and other diseases.

I have been so encouraged by reading blogs and responses on the website.

This girl's blog describes my life these last few years.

Add my other 2 autoimmune diseases and their side effects and that's me.

I'm secretly hoping to find myself again.

Currently, I'm hidden under disease, medications, and weight.

*Life post 30

What if this works? Will I never have bread and dairy again?

To feel good=totally worth it.

But, not to eat Mexican food when we come back to Texas? That sounds tragic!

So here we go!

DOUBLE the Blessing

This coming June marks 5 years since I saw a + instantly appear on a pregnancy test.

*clue # 1: instantly

I was a few days late in my cycle and was about to go to Vegas on vacation with my HUBS.

Just trying to pack. Not expecting anything. It had been 9 months of " - " so why should this time be any different.

I was just so exhausted walking around Vegas.

Really winded when working out-more so than usual.

I was just 5 weeks which was a little early to be having symptoms.

*clue #2 pregnancy symptoms early

Six weeks to the day I start vomiting.

And can not stop.

I didn't leave my bed for 5 weeks. 

I mean when I rolled over in bed-sick.

Zofran twice a day is the only way I made it the entire 37.5 weeks!

* clue # 3 MAJOR SICKNESS

At 10 weeks I FINALLY got to go in for my first appointment.

Click here to read about the MOST SHOCKING DAY OF MY LIFE!

I am participating in Kelly's Show us Your Life-Multiple Style!

Let me say that having TWINS is by far the BIGGEST, MOST UNEXPECTED BLESSING in my life and it brings me the GREATEST JOY to be their mama.

It's not an easy job, but being a mom isn't easy!

(I don't remember the first 3 weeks other than crying-all 3 of us!)

But watching the deep and precious friendship between these 2 boys is pure joy!

Yes, they have their own language. The understand each other without even speaking. They know what the other one wants without even saying.

Through the last 3 years and 10 months of our infertility journey and all my chronic illness, I have looked at my sweet boys and they are what keeps me going!

So for those new twin mamas out there-

no...it's not double trouble.

I miss those infant twin days-football holds and arms shaking from carrying 2 heavy carriers.

I ADORE my twins and couldn't imagine building a family any other way.

WHOLE-LY 30!

April 1st I am beginning an experiment.

A Whole 30 experiment.

I'm nervous of failure. What if this is too hard?

Worried about what to eat...I'm not a huge meat eater. 

Actually, I haven't had pork for over 20 years.

Beef-over 15 years.

Never had seafood.

Hate eggs.

I don't prepare chicken. That's Michael's job.

But...if this could help all the things going on, I'll try it!

Currently, my Undifferentiated Spondyloarthropathy is 

in a flare-up and causing all sorts of internal inflammation as well as the normal arthritis issues.

I want to avoid adding another medication exsp. one that is so strong to my routine.

*This is not a diet. I don't expect to lose weight doing this. (Remember, my body is cray-cray and doesn't lose weight no matter what!) I am doing this to see if changing my diet will make me feel better.

When you feel bad and have no control over it, you are willing to give up some of the finer things in life (like

sno-cones

ice cream

and bread)


just to feel like a normal 30 year old woman!

So does anyone have any favorite recipes or websites to share?

Breakin' it Texas Style

Spring Break 2012!

T is for Toys R US.  The boys used some of their birthday money to get this Imaginext Castle! They have played and played! Extra thrill-rang up on SALE!

E is for eggs or cascarones. They had so much fun chasing Daddy and David around the backyard at Mimi's. She sent us back with another dozen we are going to save for Easter!

 

X is for the XTRA LARGE Rodeo we went to. We took the boys to the Houston Livestock and Rodeo again. This time we got tickets for the night time show and they had their first concert-The Band Perry. They asked to do 2 things; ride a horse and ride the Ferris Wheel. They really enjoyed watching the wagon races, the roping, and the...GULP...Ferris wheel. It was the ring of PURE TERROR! I earned a HUGE STAR on my mommy chart for this one. I'm not crazy about heights. The little cart rocking in the wind FREAKS me out. Brody kept telling me, "Don't be scared, mama." I was terrified and kept my eyes squeezed VERY TIGHTLY shut. 

A is for Arkansas. The boys spent the long weekend with their Gaga (Michael's mom) while we flew to Arkansas on Thursday. I toured a couple more preschools for the boys. We are on lots of wait lists so I'm keeping my fingers crossed! We also did a lot of house hunting. Possibly have found some ones we like. This is way harder when you have schoolagers in a year! What pressure!!

S is for a Sample of Blue Bell Ice Cream! We stopped at the factory for a tour on the way back home. The boys were the perfect age for this! They enjoyed all the machines and of course, the ice cream! Delish! We also pulled over to the side of the road for a bluebonnet photo shoot.