Playing with the Hutto Hippo

We were in Hutto, Tx the other day and the kids asked Rob if we could go see the hippo. I didn't know anything about him. Apparently they've seen him before.

Hard Days Night

I worked today from 2-8. The kids played soo hard and Jade put herself to bed before I could get their stuff together for night time. No pj's nothing!

Grandma's Birthday

Happy 55th Birthday Grandma! Robert brought a wheel chair and a walker for mom to try out on her birthday. She sat in it for the cake and ice cream. She says the greatest thing about turning 55 is the shopping. Apparently there's a clothing store around here that has a senior discount day! Way to go Mom!!

Mom's Mission

Mom's not very good with attaching pictures on emails, so I thought I might pass along these pictures of Mom on her mission.

ANACONDA

Just kidding- But seriously here's what happened:(Click on picture for video) Neither of the kids wanted to come to work with me today. They wanted to go swimming instead. It was about 7am., they had their swimsuits on and headed outside while I continued to get dressed for work. T came in and told me there was a worm in the pool. They never really like to touch bugs or stuff, so I said I'd be right there to get him out of the pool. I knelt down and even put my hand in the water to scoop him out, before I realized I could actually see his eyes. Do worms even have eyes? Then he started slithering around and sure enough- he's a snake. I'm sure he was harmless- but YUCKIE!!

Baby Update!

There are more pictures of Brooke's baby. Scroll down and check out Brooke's Baby Post for the updated pictures. Go back and scroll down!! :)

Letting Go...

We said goodbye to Sugar this morning. He was in the hospital all last night. He was having very labored breathing, which I thought may be from pain he was having in his hip. The Dr. diagnosed him with Congestive Heart Failure. She said the labored breathing was caused by the excessive fluid in his lungs. His blood test showed an increase in white blood cell production, which indicated he also had pneumonia. He was given oxygen to help slow his breathing and some medicine to reduce the fluid in his lungs. We kept him there through the night and called all the brothers and sisters. In the morning he had not improved, the Dr. said he could be in the hospital for up to 2 weeks, and his life expectancy with CHF would be 2 months. Ryan met Robert at the hospital around 4am. and they took him the the vet together at 7am. Robert came to pick us up so we could all say goodbye to Sugar. The kids were sad to know Sugar wouldn't be coming home with us. They wouldn't pet him or say goodbye, just like they do at Grandma and Pa Pa's house. If they don't say goodbye then you won't leave kind of thing. After saying goodbye we left Ryan with Sugar and Dad came by. T said, "I want my Sugar" on the way home. His breathing was so labored, I know he is already feeling better and playing up there- but he will be greatly missed here! Robert posted a tribute to Sugar on his real estate blog.

I called mom to check on her and Ryan. She went to the Dr. to be with Ryan when he came out of the office. She reminded me that "Sugar" was one of Jade's first words. He was so protective of Jade. When she'd cry, he'd come and get me. There was no way I could let her cry herself to sleep at nap time. He wouldn't have it. He liked sleeping with her. She'd say, "Sugar's sleeping with me, Mom". He loved chasing them all over the house... and they loved being chased. He and T liked to argue over the blanket. I had to make them take turns (with a timer) just like two brothers. And Sugar really had them trained. Let me start by pointing out that Sugar has a treat problem. I'm not sure when it started, but when he gets treats it's like Doggie Crack for him and he just can't get enough. Pretty soon he'd stop eating his food and reserve the space for treats. He'd live off them alone if we let him. So, we try to be careful about the treats. But, the kids just couldn't grasp that concept. They enjoyed to challenge of trying to figure out what Sugar wanted. There's only 3 things Sugar ever wants. 1. To go outside 2. To go with you 3. Treats! One time, Sugar was whining, so we asked Jade to let him out. She opened the door and said, "Here Sugar, come on." Rob and I were watching TV, but we heard her so, "No, oh ok. Sugar wants a treat." And she shut the door and headed straight to the pantry for his treats. I noticed Sugar doing the same thing when T would go to the door.He'd stand at the door like he needs to go out and if one of the kids lets him out, he'd back up and nod his head to the kitchen. So, Sugar was whining at the door to see who would open it- me, rob, or one of the kids. If it was one of the kids then SCORE!!! They'd go get him A TREAT anytime he told them to!! Which was often!! So smart!!

At Work

The kids are starting to fall into a work routine. But their favorite part is definitely being picked up. Uncle Ryan picked them up one time and took them swimming, which ended up being shower swimming b/c the pool closed at 8pm. but they still loved it. Aunt Jefra took them one time and they got to go swimming with her. She even went and got them swim suits, because their mom wasn't even thinking straight!! Then she took them back to their house and fed them! T ate all his broccoli! Jade ate all her fruit (of course!) Aunt Kristy took them swimming and then they went shopping. She said they were really good for her. Jade went down the big slides!! Jade picked out all her clothes Aunt Kristy got her! T fell asleep on the way home and stayed that way. Aunt Jefra came to get them yesterday, but T was sleeping, so she took Jade. They had a girls date. I really appreciate how much everyone is helping with the kids, it makes it so much easier!!

Aunt Kristy's video

Here is a video Aunt Kristy put together from Kylene's wedding photos. Click here for her other video.

David's Family Update!!

The boys are really growing up. Tif just had a birthday!! Happy Birthday Aunt Tiffany!! Dav says Grant is really getting into webkinz right now I don’t know if you know what they are but you take care of your webkiz “stuffed animal” on line; food, house, etc. well grant has his a swimming pool, trampoline, play room, every thing, he is so excited. He wants a .50 caliber Hawkins rifle so bad he can’t stand it. Its an old time gun with a stick you shove in the barrel and every thing. Well I don’t know if you have seen the movie “kingdom of heaven” but there is this scene where the stars dad appears one day and asks his son’s forgiveness and that he is rich and wants him to come with him and you can inherit everything, so the star says no and the dad says if you want anything from me ask it now because you will never see me again. He says he wants nothing and they go there separate ways…. Grant after watching this scene appears upset and obviously perplexed. Being the wonderful father that I am I said “son you will have me in you life till I die don’t worry” he said I know dad. So I said then what is it that has you so moved? He said “that guy should have asked for a .50 cal Hawkin”. NOW THAT'S FUNNY!!

The Amber

Dave had a boat sink about the middle of May he said,. "It’s not too big a deal since we have insurance and replacement boats so we are o.k. I just hate to see a boat in that shape, kinda gives you the willies doesn’t it?" David is the one in the red shirt.

New Tricks

The kids have some new tricks. Here's some of them. They can also dive(in the deep end) and pick up toys from the bottom of the pool!! (About 8') Rob said T could hold his breath longer than he could.

Baby Lincoln

Lincoln James Goforth

Brooke had her Baby!!!

Well, I-Shoo finally called back with details!!!!!!

Lincoln arrived at 2:54 PM...According to his mother....it wasn't bad at all....I guess there
is hope that he will have a brother or sister one day.

He has dark peach fuzz.

Lincoln has already been identified as gifted! His IQ is off the charts. Several SEC coaches have already contacted Dax and Brook....Looks like he will be a "southpaw" right-fielder like his grandfather. And of course, he is a trust fund baby!!!

Lastly, Lisa said that she saw a sign the other day that just says is all...."Grandchildren are God's gift to you for not killing your children."