Awkward Family Photos?

I submitted these four, from our engagement pics, to the site, but we've yet to hear from them. What? You mean they have worse? I mean, "better" awkward photos?
First Pic, James stalks me. Second, I stalk him. Third and fourth--gag. But James and I agree that the experience was priceless (we won a free 8 by 10 at the Bridal Extravaganza, and the guy had this cheesy set-up in his garage, and he was very animated, and we just wound up buying all the pics!) Glad we did, too! They're terrible-awesome!

Lavender Princess

How Far Would YOU Go?!

So, most of our peeps know all about our on-going challenge with the Woo Loo, lasting months now. She is afraid to sleep alone. "Tired" old story, isn't it? I mean, that many a child has had this "issue." I remember my traumatized brother after our other brother banged on his bedroom window with his fuji stick and a ski mask disguise. That was a dreadful ordeal for my folks, too, I am sure.
With Wendy, believe it or don't, it was the new Pooh Bear movie that undid her peace. It was "The Backson!" Youtube it. Hate that beast! So, we've tried nightlights (three!), door open, bathroom light on, breakfast room light on, our door open. No good. James has slept many a night on a futon, or air mattress, or the sofa in the living room right outside her room. I've done that a few times but can't anymore due to her frequently calling out to make sure I'm still there! This happens at random hours of the night/morning. I can't get back to sleep quickly after my near heart-attacks.
So, we took her to her doctor. We wanted to avoid medicine for her anxiety, so I had this idea! Linc's room! We tried her on the air mattress next to his crib. Well, Linc just partied hard for an hour after bed-time, both nights we tried this, and she still came out.
Another idea by Mommy! A cat! An old, declawed, lazy mama cat to sleep at the foot of her bed! A bed buddy! To keep her company, make her feel safe, right?! A hassle, yes, oh yes. An expense to add to many? Sure. Peace at night? WORTH IT!
We, the kids and I, then visited our local animal shelter and adopted Joey (this was a while back, sorry), a male, about 3 years old, handsome, loving, chill. His presence was not enough to quiet her fears. We liked him and would've kept him----until finally, in self-defense, he clawed Linc. I cried as I returned him, refused my money back ("put towards his next adoption"), and prayed for a good home for Joey (whom Wendy had nick-named Ranonymous.) Fortunately, she wasn't that attached to him and settled for a new fish instead! Also, the ants had just arrived in the mail, so into the farm they went, and we were one happy family once again. However, now James and I have to take turns sleeping with her IN her bed. Argh....So, some pics from Joey's time with us~

Linc just loved him too hard, don't-cha know. Happens. Like 5-year-olds with night terrors. Happens.

Hmmmmmm

Wendy was quiet one afternoon. I walk in to find her polka-dotting her legs. Thank goodness we buy only washable markers.
Later, I notice Linc's done it to himself, too.

We were on our way out the door. I just had to laugh.

Study Units

I am loving Wendy's school. I feel so very blessed to have met someone from her pre-k school whose little girl would be joining this school, to have asked the questions and learned about it, and to now be involved with her education. She reads to us now from her early reading books, and it's just amazing. And I have peace of mind as I know her teacher so well now, and see the fruit of Christian love as it permeates this school.
A little while ago, it was Daddy-Student breakfast and they had to bring along a boat that they constructed together, that floats, in honor of Christopher Columbus. Wendy's boat won the "Best Boat" ribbon! It helps to have an engineer for a father.
Daddy finishing up "her" homework after we put her to bed.

And I dressed her as Johnny Appleseed for their apple unit! However, the truth is she went to school looking like this-----one day early. WOOPS!

Wendy's Bash

We decided to go all out and invite EVERYONE for Wendy's 5th birthday party as we've been in the house 'bout 5 months now, and so many of our family and friends had yet to visit us--now that we're back in Tejas, y'all!

We planned to hold it later in the month as we certainly didn't want to miss the birth of James' sister's little Elly, who, actually, was born 2 days before Wendy's actual birthday! James' folks became grandparents again--this time, for their daughter's firstborn, and they enjoyed coming to our bash to celebrate the birth of their very first grandchild, too!

Grandpa making his famous salsa!

Homemade party favor bracelets....made soccer ribbon ones for the boyz, too.

Waiting for friends to come~

Craft Table

Her cake honored Pooh Bear (hey, he's been around as long as Wendy, right?), Uncle Sean (same b-day) and Eva Rose (cousin) as well! "Wendy, do NOT touch the icing!"

Bonus cake, you know, in case there wasn't already enough sugar. The pinata (of a cupcake) had more sugar in it. Might need to rethink the sugar quantities next year.

We served up hotdogs, pork ribs, gluten-free pulled pork, rice, beer, etc. Good eats.

Tot and BIG kid bounce houses!

Walker, my bro with a big voice, did our announcing for us (with his characteristic sense of humor!)

I think he said something like, "Gluten-free pork over here, and gluten-PACKED food over here!"

As friends started departing for their long journeys home, we tried to steal last-minute shots of our kids together, and these boys were hilarious, not wanting to cooperate one iota don't'cha know.

Finally, a hug at least, er, or a tackle?

One of my DEAREST college friends, Mary, and her girls stayed the night with us! Yay! We fed them, gave them a bath, and Mary read to them~they each had their pillow pets and seemed to go down well. (scroll down.)

After some time of playing Settlers of Catan with James' folks, we heard a noise coming from Wendy's room. Uh oh! We caught them! Scolding, finger-pointing, etc...

Now this is more like it!

A Day in the Life

W's teacher often lets us take toys home for Linc, she's so sweet. This thing is so neat! You assemble it any which way and then drop the marble!
A typical after-school scene~

And another~

Linc loves to bring my big ole mom bag to me...

Tiny Dancer

The Woo Loo is enjoying ballet! Here are pics from her first day~
Her buddy from pre-k last year is in her class! Whoop!

After, dinner out--Daddy's treat!

Benji Bear

Benji Bear came home with Wendy one day (similar to the Flat Stanley deal), and boy, did he have a marvelous time with us (IF I do say so myself, and mostly due to a spontaneous decision James made for us to go to the football game! Go honey!) Below is the binder that accompanied our friend, and his sis, Bethany, came as well.
Since I already did the work to journal these adventures on the pages of Benji's binder, I'm delighted that now, I need only post the pics of the pages, and I'm done!