Spring Break----Post 1

Friday Michael took off so we could take the kids out strawberry picking. In previous years we've gone to one out in Plantersville, but haven't been happy with them the last 2 years. So, we took a trip out to Alvin this year. Yep, it's a good drive, but oh so worth it! The berries are awesome and they have a little farmers market there as well. And honey if the strawberries weren't enough to get ya out there......they have fried pies!!! Golly those things were heaven! I promise I could've eaten another one myself! Am contemplating another trip for the strawberries.....just so I can get my hands on another one of them pies!

Pure sweetness!!!

St. Patrick's Day

What is it about red heads and green that just look so stinkin' adorable?!

Oh, so in need of a haircut! For the record I took care of it Sunday night. ; )

YUMMY!!!!

I am ashamed that y'all are seeing my closet like this. I have tried to keep it organized and clean but that sweet girl of ours LOVES shoes. I have learned it keeps her occupied and happy, so for now, I will try and control my need to have it nice and neat. Any takers on long I'll leave it like this?

A step forward

I did it! I 've been praying and finally took a leap of faith. What may you ask am I rambling about? Do you remember the times I posted pictures on the clothes I had sewn for Ainsley? I have come to realize that I am addict to my sewing machine and to fabric. Seriously I wasn't kidding. You ought to see my closet! First step is admitting you have a problem, right? Ha! Moving on. I have started an Etsy shop and have officially (as of today) filed my paperwork for a Texas Sales Tax number. I am really excited about this and have SO many plans running through my little head. :-o

I'll try and keep you posted on the progress. Please stop by the shop and tell me what you think! I'd love to hear your comments.

Spring Break officially starts here tomorrow afternoon! Can't wait to have that sweet boy of mine home for the next week!

Hope you all have a great one!

We meet again............

Oh, how I've missed my flip flops! I certainly wasn't expecting to see you until next month. So many wonderful things will be following you. Off in the not-too far distance I can see it now. The lingering scent of a charcoal grill, the hint of fresh cut grass (ignore the thought of allergies here, just enjoy the moment), the return of bluebonnets, and the sound of laughter coming in through open windows!!

Welcome back, old friend!!!! : )

Miss me?

This post is mainly for me. A reminder (as if I'll forget) that I have survived the last 18 days. No, nothing traumatic has happened, well, physically anyway. It all started New Year's Eve when I realized something had to change. I could no longer handle the chaos, the constant ups and downs of a certain 8 year old, whom I love deeply.

We have always known, well actually since he was around 2, that Tanner was going to keep us busy. This is when we learned that is was best to keep him off of artificial dyes. Not that his body is allergic to them, but he becomes a different child once he has ingested them. You think no big deal, right? When was the last time you read the back of children's motrin, for example? I'll spare you the list of things we avoid.

And because we needed an extra challenge or two, it appears he may need to come off of gluten and casein. I have poured over books, medicine journals, articles, testimonies from other parents, and the advise of a nutritionist. Apparently, children that have a sensitivity to preservatives, additives, high fructose corn syrup and dyes (raising my hand here) can also have the same reaction to flour and milk products. Do you feel my frustration yet? If not maybe this will get you there. Not only does it seem to affect one of our children, but both. Yes, you read it right. Tanner and Ainsley both.

This new realization has brought on more challenges than I thought I could handle. I now fix 3 homemade meals a day. We are trying to avoid flour products right now, just to see if it's the gluten alone. Milk products are next. Oh, can't wait! Much scarsam here!!

Don't get me wrong I'm not complaing and I try not to let my frustration show (at least for Tanner to see). And while this poses a huge amount of time on meal planning and trips to whole food stores, we will adapt and be healthier in the long run.

I will say that we have noticed a difference in Tanner. He is adjusting well. The hardest thing for him right now is drinking only water and milk.

Happy Tuesday,

Melissa

A Mizell Christmas

We spent the day after Christmas with Michael's side of the family.

It's amazing the way Ainsley is drawn to these two.

Pa sharing his sweet potato pie. This is major progress for her. She normally doesn't get to close to him.....well, unless he takes her outside. Ha

Sweet, beautiful girl!

Aunt BJ gettin' some love.

All the grandkids.

Can only imagine what these two are up too.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas {2010}

My little helpers in the kitchen. Tanner is very helpful and well, Ainsley makes more of a mess than anything right now. ; )


Did you notice Tanner on the outside looking in?

We got both of them something to ride on.

He LOVES these Lego games.

A purse all of her own.

All I said was put your lipstick on. If you've every really wondered how much they're watching....

Magic Treehouse books. I love it that he loves to read!

My gift to Michael. Can you see it? James Avery rocks! ; )

Christmas with Nana. She came over after lunch. We had a nice time, even if we were both a little teary eyed.

I have an addiction (yes, another) to shoes. The apron reads, "I will cook, for lots, and lots of shoes". Ha! Makes me smile.

Mom's gift to Michael. A new GPS. I so do not understand the whole concept. I mean, men, listening to directions, from a female? Does anyone else see where I'm going with this? ; )

Mom and Honey on their fleece blanket I made.