February 2023

The first week of February, my backyard was basically an ice skating rink. The school canceled ALL 5 DAYS that week and we prayed the power would stay on. The rain and ice were so bad that Tyler's work even cancelled production for two days in a row. It's easy to think that they are being babies, but let me tell you, the frozen rain is super scary. You can't see it and they have no way to take care of it here. Luckily we were fine. We stayed warm by eating grilled cheese with chocolate milk (just like Grandpa Lyle) and helping Nolan beat Pokemon Go! 

We have been housing Tommy's English Mastiff, Alamo since January as we had the space. Now that Kenney and Teresa are settled in and have a place for him, they came and got him. The kids were sad to see him go, but Tyler and I were a bit relieved. He deserved better than we could give him the last few months. I'm sure he wasn't happy with the situation we could give him and I hope he's able to be happy in his new home! Also, Grayson is slowly creeping up on Kendra in height. He can't wait to be taller than her! 

For my birthday we went to a new restaurant, 54th Street Grill. My gluten free burger was great and the mozzarella sticks were extra stretchy! 

Life update! Soon after Tyler started working with Tyson he learned that they were starting a new program where they offered to pay for team members to get a Master's Degree. We didn't see ourselves ever seeking a Master's Degree. In Tyler's line of work, it didn't earn enough of a salary increase to justify the debt. It also wasn't really needed to continue being qualified for the jobs he would be seeking. We decided that Heavenly Father led us here at just the right time. You can bet we jumped on them paying for a Master's Degree. Tyler got real busy last month when he started his first MBA class at Perdue Global University. We've got a long road ahead, but we felt inspired to follow the path put before us! He's the smartest person I know and I have every confidence that he will be successful! 

For Grayson's class Valentine's Day party, I found this cute and easy heart origami to do. Most of them did not enjoy it like I thought. However, the kids and I had so much fun making them we made one for EVERY one of my primary singing friends. It was crazy, but they loved them, they were fun to share and oh so cute! Lyla was even able to make them, but Grayson made the most along side me.

We celebrated superbowl at home with TOOOOO many yummy snacks and treats. 

We signed up the kids for baseball here in Texas. It was about $700 for all three kids to register combined. I'm not sure what we got ourselves into, but all the games are close to the house. The picture below is how I felt when we started to receive practice and game schedules. Their practices are all over the place and many at the same time. All the games are in one place, but vary on dates and times. We are about to be BUSY!!! Between all three kids we have 7 practices a week with  at least 3 games a week, sometimes 5. Lyla was able to sign up for an all girls softball team. It's crazy that there are enough players for them to offer such a program! I'm not sure what the next few months will look like. At the end of their seasons one of two things will happen: 1. We will burn them out and they will hate baseball or 2. They will learn and grow to love baseball. We are hoping of the latter. Lyla started first and her team makes my cackle, a bunch of feral kittens if you ask me. 

 

For Valentine's Day, I surprised each of the kids with a Valentines-gram and treat from their school. We kept it simple and everyone felt a little more loved. As always, I bought too much candy. 

This year Tyler and Kenney attended a College Baseball tournament at the Ranger's stadium. It was decided that Grayson was old enough to sit through 3 games in a row and he was invited to attend. All the pictures I got make me think they had a great time. Grayson got his favorite stadium snack, nachos. There was lots of snacks, exploring and smiles. It was first come, first served seating and they were very happy with their parking and seating options. 

Lyla is always up to something. It has recenly been decided that she is probably a Slytherin. We are embracing the idea and helping her find the good in being clever rather than mischievous. 

After the deep freeze week in February, the weather was PHENOMENAL! We have some beautiful sunsets and it's warm enough to fish. In shorts, no less. Even if we get a tornado warning or two. 

Baseball games start in March! Wish us luck! 

Until next time...