Squishin' bugs and playin' hard

As I write this, I'm watching John drive his trike back and forth, back and forth... trying to squish a bug in the driveway.

Oh, yeah... he just got it. Good aim, buddy!

Reminds me of how my momma taught me to treat a snake on the road. It doesn't matter if you're running late, in a hurry to get somewhere, or it's inconvenient. You go back and forth, back and forth, until that snake is D-E-A-D! My momma raised me right. Looks like I'm on the right path with John, too!

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Last weekend we went to Oklahoma for my friend Jamie's wedding. What a beautiful couple! And a wonderful wedding! Check out Jamie and Zach Stevens:

As I watched Jamie interact with all the people there, I was reminded of the day we met, 10 years ago, in one of Dr. Colwell's health classes at A&M. (Little did I know then, that I was going to become friends with one of the loveliest people in all the world!) She makes everyone feel special and loved. Because to her, everyone she interacts with truly is special and loved. Anyone that she considers a friend is blessed, indeed!

And here's a little peak at some of my crew on the dance floor:

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Now this is something that just doesn't seem quite possible to me. In 2 1/2 weeks, Truman will turn ONE! Can it be? Has the past year just flown by so quickly? Here are some recent pics of our almost-one-year-old.

Below, he had such a blast making faces at himself in this cake pan. Constant entertainment for at least 5 minutes, which is a very long time for an 11-month-old!

Big-brother John is practicing styling Truman's hair for his upcoming birthday party:

Brad teaches Truman about being an adventurous little boy (and you can tell by Truman's smile that it didn't take long to teach him!):

Enjoying the great outdoors from the vantage point of his baby swing:

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I vividly remember a phase of my life, when I was a little girl, that I would always pose in a "special" way when my mom took a picture. Looks like Evie has reached that point now! She insisted on climbing this ladder (which Brad had used to cut down a broken branch in that tree), sitting like a princess, and posing like one, too.

It's a good thing that John is too busy to worry about pretty poses. He's really been working hard at playing hard! He loves to kick this new soccer ball around the yard:

Every day, when Brad comes home, he has three little kids that couldn't be more excited to see him! Their momma is pretty excited, too. Because although I love my kids, and I feel so privileged to be able to stay home with them, my heart starts to soar when I see my man. He is the strong and gentle leader of this family, and I respect him for that! Here's a glimpse of an after-dinner treat:

The United States of Evelyn

Today, while driving home from our carwash (an outing that the kids particularly enjoy), Evelyn says, "Mommy, I know all the states!"

me: "Oh, really? What are they?"

her: "Iowa. Texas. Navasota. Michigan. Lake Texoma. Illinois. Sherman. Bed, Bath & Beyond."

me, stifling laughter: "You're doing well, Evie. We'll keep practicing that!"

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We started this month off with lots of laughs, as we saw "The King" himself. I know all the reports say he died 30 years ago, but there's no doubt we saw him at our house, and later that day, at Austin College. How could you mistake all that jet-black hair? Those sideburns, and dark glasses? The gold necklaces? And especially, the one-piece white bodysuit with fringe and bell-bottoms? Take a look for yourself; you'll see Elvis, too:

Caught by the papparazzi!

Just after this photo was taken, Elvis was seen giving guest lectures to 2 of Dr. Brad Smucker's Chemistry classes. It was April Fool's Day, after all! :)

Brad had fun being "foolish" with several other members of AC's faculty and staff, in the Parade of Fools. It was an American Cancer Society fundraiser, and they raised over $3,500! Here are a few more pictures of "The King" in action:

The fan club, waiting to see Elvis! John kept saying, "Daddy's funny! The hair! Funny!"

All of the AC "fools". Look at Elvis!!! Hardly recognizable!

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Last week, the kids and I journeyed to Navasota to see my parents and Faith, while Brad stayed behind to work and go camping with some friends. We had a great time playing and relaxing and enjoying Noni and Buddy and Aunt Faith! (Prepare yourself for many pictures now!!!)

John loves riding this "plasma car":

John and Evelyn enjoying the bluebonnets, and looking at some critter in the woods:

Evelyn playing on the swing made from rope and a frisbee golf disc:

Evelyn walking out to feed the baby calf all by herself (she likes to say she's a "farm girl"):

Buddy helping John learn how to shave (or eat icing straight out of the bowl):

Me decorating Faith's birthday cake (the inside was caramel walnut, with a chocolate-hazelnut mousse filling-- yum!):

Truman with me while the other kids were hunting easter eggs:

Easter day with Mom and Dad (and Faith-below):