The first one was the Kung Fu Panda sequel. Both of the kids wore panda shirts. We all laughed and I even cried at the end a little.

Then next day a friend of ours offered us 4 tickets to see Cars 2 at 9:00 am on opening day! Well, we couldn’t pass that up, so yesterday we got up early and went to the theater at 8:00.

I had a yard sale last weekend and spent several days deciding whether or not it was worth it. In the end I think it was. I made over $100 after expenses, which included a babysitter and an ad in the paper. Next time I don’t think I will do either of those things.

At the end of March I did a little list called “Top 10 Things I will hopefully accomplish this Spring.” I have procrastinated reporting my success because there were something that I really just could not get motivated to do (like #5). So I googled when the summer solstice actually begins in 2011 and it is today, so I found a loophole to accomplish everything within the spring season, technically. Now for updated list

1. Fly a KiteCheck. My brother gave Z what is called a power kite for Christmas a few years back. It’s big enough to carry him away, but between that kite and a few cheap ones from the store we had a blast this spring. Really I can not stress enough how much fun we had. I hadn’t even flown a kite in like 20 years and just didn’t realize how freeing it would be. We are totally hooked on kites now.

2. Change Out Closet ClothesClothes are swapped and summer wardrobes are in place!

3. Go CampingWe went camping twice this spring and had a blast both times.

4. Walk to the StoreI love living within walking distance of some stores. I am so glad I put this on my list because walking to various stores means I get fresh air, exercise, and run some errands all at the same time. Our favorite thing to do lately is walk to the local Family Video. Sometimes the kids and I will walk there and pick out one of their free kids rentals which makes for super frugal fun.
5. Sell StuffI finally had a garage sale last weekend. More details on that tomorrow.

6. Get an iphoneCheck. I not only got an iphone (the 3GS), but I finally was able to replace my old macbook pro with a new refurbished one. Thank you tax return.

7. Get a TanI do have a bit of color right now. Thank you yard sale.
8. Spring CleaningOf all the things on my list this is the biggest flop, go figure, but the yard sale really did help me declutter so we made some headway.
9. Poetry ReadingI did do my first poetry reading and I think it was a success. I would love to do it again sometime.
10. Blue Bonnet PhotosForget what I said about #8. #10 may rightfully be the flop of the season. I actually got the kids all dressed up, put them in the field of flowers and gave up after 10 seconds of excessively strong winds that made the whole shoot pretty much impossible. I did get this spontaneous shot of some calves in a field though.
It’s not exactly the traditional Texas family portrait I had in mind, but there’s always next year.
So that’s my top ten list check out Oh Amanda for more.

Sorry I couldn’t help but show these off. I hope everyone else had a great father’s day.

My adolescent, teenage, and early adult years were very typical. I will say though that becoming a mom has brought a whole new light to this story and I have had to process it all over again from the perspective of a mother. My little brother was 3 when he was diagnosed and now that I have a 3 year old boy (whose name also happens to begin with Z) I just can’t even imagine what it would be like to go through what my parents did. I have also been able to talk with my mom as a friend and hear the story in more detail, including some of the medical aspects that I would have never been able to comprehend as a young girl. I can see how God’s hand was on my parents in that season and how he is the strength that has carried them through and allowed their story to be a testimony. It is nothing short of a miracle really. Then there are the what if’s. I believe that God has a purpose for everything and you can’t live in the past, but I would be lying if I said I never ever wondered what it would be like if things turned out differently. J and I have a friend who is like a brother to us and he is the same age that Zeb would be. They are not always this affectionate ha ha. This was during a very special time of prayer.I have mentioned him on this blog 1, 2, 3, at least 4 times. It blesses my heart to see the relationship between him and his older sister. I am guessing Zeb would probably be artistic and musical like the rest of my family and I am sure he would jamming with the guys if he were here, but let’s be honest whatever he is rocking out to in heaven is way better than what we’ve got going on. As far as what the future holds, I look forward to sharing Zeb’s legacy with my children someday when they are older. I have a memorial scrapbook with photos of my brother. There are also some little wooden trucks Zeb had painted that are displayed in Z’s room. Lastly, the kids have a copy of The Runaway Bunny, which is so special because not only did I read it to Zeb in his last days with us, but it was written in 1942 which was right around when our house was built, and when I bought this book at Kohl’s the net sales went to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network which is a foundation that had a part in Zeb’s life. I bought this book before the kids were born and I don’t think I have even read it to them yet. Maybe tonight that will change.