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The Perfect Send-Off from Dear Friends

This past Wednesday the boys and I headed out to Arlington to Carrie, Jackson and Ella's house with Carlien, Micah and Liam. We wanted all the boys (and one sweet girl) to get together one more time before Clayton started school. We arrived at Carrie's and we found a wonderful bus cake and some balloons. The sweet Irons family had made Clayton a cupcake cake in the shape of a bus....what a perfect way to start school (do you remember his obsession from 18months to about 3 with school buses?). After lunch we dug into the cupcake cake and Cooper loved it all so much he didn't even use his hands. Face went straight into the cupcake.

Everyone played so hard and had such a great time. Later in the afternoon the big boys went out to play in the sandbox. They got filthy and loved every minute of it. So much so that we had to bathe them before we could go home. They were absolutely hilarious and all boy!

I love that we have such precious friends to share these milestone moments with and they mean so much to us. Clayton will miss seeing Jackson and Micah on a regular basis. The neat thing will be to see them reunite at Christmas break when he gets some real time to play. Watching these boys grow up has been a hoot (watch out when they are all teenagers).

Thank you so much for the perfect Kindergarten send-off!

Clayton eating lunch just waiting to dig into the cupcakes
Jackson with the bus cake

Cooper saying, "Look Mom no hands"

Having a blast in the sandbox

What a crew in the tub?

**Carrie, I borrowed these pics from your blog, thanks.**

The Birthday Bash

Papa and Nana hosted Cooper's birthday party at their home. It was a blast. We enjoyed a cookout and lots of water fun! We had a slip-n-slide, giant beach ball sprinkler and a big ol' pool. The kids played so hard and had such a great time. We spent time with family and great friends, that helped us celebrate our little man. As I get some pictures of the outside from my mom I will post those. It really was a great set-up and the weather was perfect (not usually the case in August).

Sorry, I didn't rotate this one before I hit "done"
The crew trying to pose for a group pic

Enjoying outside

Eating lunch outside

Papa and Uncle Carl getting the yummy

food started

Super Cute

Check out this website...super cute blankets. I think I have found a new gift to give.

http://www.allyzabba.com

Let me know if you check it out and what you think.

Happy Birthday, Cooper

WOW!

Two years has really flown by fast. Cooper turns two today at 10:30a.m. I can't believe it. The last two years have been such a joy! Cooper is the laid back, low maintence kind of kid. He only recently started talking, but before that you didn't hear much out of him. It has been a lot of fun watching him over the last couple of months. His vocabulary has exploded, he is full of energy, he is rough and tumble. He loves his big brother more than he can express. You just have to watch the two of them together. The feeling is very mutual. Cooper loves motorcycles, fire engines, Elmo and Yo Gabba Gabba. He will eat just about anything, but french fries are his favorite. His bath time is extra special to him. He gets in like it is the first time every time. The more bubbles the better. He really likes to sit back and watch people and take everything in slowly (that is a daddy trait). He cares about others. He doesn't like kids to cry and he is always ready to give a hug. He can't say "I'm sorry" just yet, but he will give you a big squeeze to let you know he really is sorry.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEET BOY. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH. YOU HAVE ADDED SO MUCH TO OUR FAMILY.

We had a small party for him this weekend. I will post some of those pics tomorrow.

Happy Father's Day

I am not very good at writing down words, but I am going to give it a shot. God has given my two boys the best Daddy ever! Ray loves them unconditionally and whole-heartedly. When he is with the boys a whole other side of him comes out. I've never seen anyone play so hard as he does when he is with them. They wrestle, play sports, crash cars, chase and a multitude of other things. He also cuddles with them, wipes tears, feeds them and holds them any time they ask. The greatest thing about their Daddy is that he loves the Lord and does his absolute best to show them this and be the best example he can be. Happy Father's Day, Ray!

I am so thankful my boys have three strong, wise, loving examples of great men in their lives....Happy Father's Day Daddy, Papa and Grandpa!

Summer Fun

On Wednesday we went to hang out with our friends, the Grahams . We met the Grahams this past January when Clayton and Carson played on the same soccer team. Carson and Clayton hit it off instantly. Carson is all boy just like Clayton.....the rougher the better and go at full speed all the time. The great thing about their family and ours is that everyone hits it off perfectly. Jodi(the mom) and I have talked comfortably from day one....I know you are thinking it is b/c I talk all the time. Jodi holds her own, too. :) Scott and Ray chat up a storm...another phenomenon. Their daughter, Grace(almost 3)loves to be a mommy to Cooper and he surprisingly lets her. It is always such a great feeling when you as a family click with another family.

We went to their house to swim, jump on the trampoline, and play on the swing set. It was a blast! Two cool things about their trampoline is that it has an attached basketball goal and then Jodi added the sprinkler underneath....a perfect time! They have great toys that are new to us and Clayton's favorite...video games. We really enjoy them and feel like we have known them longer than we really have. I didn't have my camera and I wish I had.

I am lovin' summer!

Fun in the Sun in El Paso

The little guys and I are in El Paso visiting Ray's parents. We are having a blast. We have been to the zoo, played in the sprinkler, played basketball, taken rides in the mini-Jeep, eaten lots of authentic Mexican food and seen extended family. We are looking forward to swimming, the Harley store, UTEP,a trip to the mountains and more time with family. I always enjoy coming to El Paso, it is such a great city despite the desert look. The mountains make it worth it. The dry heat (it was 103 today) is great, too. You can be in the shade and get a slight breeze and it is perfect. We all know in Dallas that it is unbearable at 103. Pictures will come when I return as I forgot my cord to upload pics. Enjoy your week!

For Jazen

I put together a little video for Jazen on Mother's Day. I'm new at the video thing so it took me awhile to get it to the blog. Ray

A Great Product

I have always wanted stainless steel appliances. I think they look crisp and clean. Now that I have them they look like dirty, handprinted appliances. Somewhere under all of that they are crisp and clean. I have tried over the last two years (this house came with ss app., what a blessing!) a number of cleaners, cloths, etc. to keep them looking nice. I knew I was in for an uphill battle considering half of my family stands no taller than 3' 6". Well, I have finally found the golden ticket. I must share it with you.

It is Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish. I found it at Great Indoors. An employee was cleaning all of the stainless steel appliances with this when I was there. They looked great and it seemed really easy. Not a lot of elbow grease. I have used it several times since purchasing and I LOVE IT! It comes in a spray can and all you need is a soft cloth. Spray it on, clean off with a dry, soft cloth and Presto! It resists fingerprints (i need desperately), will not streak (less work) and greaseless.

Let me know if you try it! Here is the link: http://www.weiman.com/products/steel/cleaner.php

Mother's Day

We had a fabulous Mother's Day. I told Ray the only thing I wanted was to make no decisions. That is the greatest gift to me right now. There are some days that I feel like I make decisions for the whole world. You know me, I don't mind most of the time. I am a little opinionated. :)

My day started off with a video card that Ray made for me. As soon as I can get it linked I will. It was pictures of the boys, Ray and I and the entire family. The song that it was set to is one of my life songs. It is "Can't Live a Day" by Avalon. This is one of my life songs because it was written originally as a love song and then Avalon sang it and it became a love song about our precious Father. It applies to the three very important aspects of me. It applies to me first as a child of God. I can't live a day without Him. I want to be right where He is. It applies to me secondly as a wife. I can't live a day without Ray's love. I know that no matter where life may take me Ray is right there loving me. It applies lastly (but not the least) as a mommy to my two precious boys. I can't live a day without their sweet smiles and precious hearts. I feel absolutely honored that God chose me to be the mommy to Clayton and Cooper.

We then headed off to church (our second home) for all three of our Sunday services. Ray of course was working and I had parking lot duty. It was a beautiful day to be outside. After church the boys took me to Coopie's at Firewheel. It is a home cookin' kind of place. Fabulous! I will be going there again. After lunch we came home and put Coop down for a nap, Clayton for a rest and then Ray and I laid outside in the backyard on a blanket. We enjoyed each other's company, the sun and the waterfall sound of our pond. It was great!

We then got cleaned up and went to dinner with some of my family. We met my dad, stepmom, Dana's mom and Landon at Rockfish in McKinney to celebrate again. It was great, too. It was so good to see everyone, especially Landon. Landon is home for the summer from Tech. I'm not sure who is more excited, me or Clayton.

The day was absolutely perfect! I could not have asked for a more wonderful day to celebrate the incredible gift of motherhood. I am truly honored and blessed.

Girls Trip to Cali

Jazen, Micki, Stacey and Julie at the Broadway Musical "Wicked"
Jazen and the Lion at Mann's Chinese Theater

Jazen & Julie outside Mann's

Here are a few pictures from my girls trip to California. I am still waiting on pictures from Micki. We had an absolute blast. We talked, laughed and ate A LOT. A couple of days we stayed with Julie (my college roommate) and then 2 nights we stayed at the Magic Castle Hotel. It is a fabulous place to stay. It is in the heart of Hollywood and they spoil you rotten. Seeing "Wicked" was the highlight of the trip. It is the story of the witches of Oz. If we weren't eating, we were sightseeing, if we weren't sightseeing we were shopping. We indulged in Sprinkles cupcakes in Beverly Hills and relaxed at Julie's cozy apartment right off the beach.

For me it was perfect. I had three ladies all together that represent different times of my life. They all meshed and had a fabulous time together. I didn't have to be the nucleus to hold it all together. I love that!

Girls, let me know when you are ready to go again! My bags will be packed!

Mommy

You've made it another year with us...good job! We talked about it and we decided there was a lot we'd like to tell you on your B-day. You know that we love you. You know we think your fun. We love that you feed us good food. It's great when you tickle us. When you hold us it feels so right. When you pick us up after a nap it is as good as Christmas morning. But if we only had one thing we could tell you on your Birthday...it would be - thank you.

Clayton and Cooper

She is...

Here's my wife (who you know) with me in Mexico City. She makes me smile which is no easy task. She's helped me become the person I am supposed to be. She helped me realize the value of family and friends. She's tough. She's a rock. She's smart. She's talented. She's helped me come out of my shell. She's fun to hang out with. She's great to talk to. She's even better to listen to. She has wonderful eyes. She is clumsy in a cute way. She is funny. She has a sweet smile. She is pretty. She is beautiful. She's a great wife. She is a great mom. She was born __ years ago on April 9th. Happy Birthday Jazen!

Organ Donation Month

I was reminded by another blog that I keep up with that April is Organ Donation Month. I went online today to officially register and send an e-card to my family letting them know my wishes. They have always known, but now it is official. I have not been personally affected on either end of organ donation. I have read and observed others who have dealt with it. It really is the gift of life! I know that if myself or my family was in the situation of needing a donation I would want the registry to be full, so that the wait would not be so great. I also know that when it is time to face Jesus face-to-face I will no longer need this body that he has loaned me. What better way to pass it on....

Consider donation today. You will be blessed and bless others in a BIG way!
http://www.donatelife.net/index.php

Soccer Has Begun.......Again!

Soccer is in full swing at the Miranda house. Clayton is playing his second season. We should have played 5 games as of tonight and we have only played 2. Welcome to Spring soccer. This season we have been cancelled due to rain and SNOW! Clayton is having a ball! He has picked up so many new skills from Coach Mark. He loves his 5 other teammates and enjoys every minute of it. We have practice about 2-3 times a week and then games on the weekends. Ray has some video from his first game. I need to upload it. Tonight Clayton scored 3 goals and boy was he pumped! If you have a chance come catch the festivities. Off to put the next Pele to bed.

Happy Birthday, Sweetness

Today, our baby is 5 years old. Happy Birthday, Clayton! Mommy and Daddy wish you the best year ever. Turning 5 brings a lot of things with it....kindergarten, a new class at church, a growth spurt (if your eating is any indicator) and fun, new adventures. I am simply amazed at what a young boy you have become. You are learning to take on responsibility for things and behavior. You are learning to read. You can carry on quite a conversation. You are like a little sponge. You have become the little soccer pro and loving every minute of it. Mommy and Daddy love you very much. We look forward to what God has in store for your life.

On his birthday we wake him up with cake and singing of "Happy Birthday". The pictures are from this morning. He was absolutely pumped! I hope he has the best day ever! I have a little processing to do...it is a big deal for me that he is five. I just want to remember all of his precious moments. I smile at the memories of him as a baby. I get teary remembering him in my belly (quite active....very fitting). But most important, I rejoice in the blessing that I have been given. Clayton makes my life fuller and richer. Thanks, my sweetness!

Happy Anniversary 2

After seeing what Jazen (who I'll refer to as Bubbles per her post) wrote I figured I'd reply.
I think that this past year has been our best. This may surprise many of you but words don't come as freely to my mouth as they do to Jazen's. As a result I have been kind of a tough nut to crack (so to speak) for Jazen. I'm not as good at expressing my love for Jazen as I should...but I think it has gotten quite a bit better. This year we have had the best conversations I think we've ever had. Not an opening up type fella (prideful, that is) it took longer than it should have for me to open up (still a long ways to go). But I've sought to set pride aside (good rhyme) and move forward in this. I think our growth in conversation is what has helped us grow relationally. I also think it is this year that I've been more impressed than ever with Jazen's strength, fearlesness, her wisdom and her mad Mom and Wife skillz. She's cute too. So, I love her and I'm learning to express it more and more. I would go on but I've just run out of wor...

Happy Anniversary

Today is a wonderful day! Ray and I are celebrating 7 years of marriage. We met in August of 1999 and began dating in October of that year. We then got engaged on April 1st, 2000 (ray had no clue what the day was). :) Then came the big day....March 10, 2001.

I know this is not going to sound right, but I will explain. It seems like we have been together much longer than 7 years (almost 9 total). To me this is a good thing. I look back on all that we have done in these years and feel like I absolutely picked the perfect partner for me to do life with. I definitely know him and myself better today than the day we walked down the aisle. Our love is very different today and that is a fabulous thing! We have been through building a house, the loss of a grandparent and other death, having a baby, job change and job loss, moving 3 times, having another baby, dealing with our parent's health issues and many other things. I don't know that we have moved through these things as gracefully as possible, but I do know that we have clung to each other and sought God in all that we have done.

I am pumped about the years to come. I know we will endure many more ups and downs, blessings and hard times. The thing that has me pumped is the fact that I have Ray to lead me along the way and walk beside me when needed (carry me on some occasions). He has a heart for the Lord and seeks Him in all that he does. What better way to spend life?! I have been blessed far more than I can imagine or deserve. My two boys have a wonderful example of a father and that makes me excited, too.

Ray, I love you deeply and more than I express. You are such a complement to me and my "bubbly" personality. You are perfect for me! Happy Anniversary, Honey.

Just Stuff

I am headed to California this weekend through the first part of next week. It will be a culmination of people that mean a lot to me. My cousin, Micki, is flying from San Antonio to Dallas then I will join her on the plane in Dallas and we are off to L.A. My dear, dear friend Stacey is flying from Mexico City to L.A. My college roomate and one of my best friends, Julie, is picking us all up for 6 days of fun! Micki is turning 50 at the end of March, so celebration will definitely happen! Happy Birthday, cousin!

A thought that is on my mind daily lately....Clayton will go to Kindergarten in August. The day after my 32nd birthday is Kindergarten Round-Up(sign-up). It is so bittersweet for me. I am so excited for him to learn and grow....he will have a blast. I am excited to spend time with Cooper just the two of us. The part that tugs at my heart strings is that I can't believe he is old enough to go to school. I am mentally and emotionally preparing for all of the things he will encounter that aren't so good.....name-calling, bad words & gestures, and just kid stuff. I guess this is one of the downfalls of being a school social worker and teacher for so long...you know how kids operate. One last thought on this......I pray that we as parents have equipped him to the best of our ability.

Cooper is doing great! He now has his 4th word.....UH-OH! He has mama, dada, bubba and this new found word. I love to hear him say it. He is so serious when he speaks (sound like anyone else?) According to his doctor last week he is about 3 months behind verbally. Not a huge concern considering he is a 2nd child and his quiet personality. Clayton was talking up a storm at 18 months old, so it is definitely different. The sweet thing with him not being a talker is truly enjoying each little word that comes out of his mouth. Just like his daddy!

Ray is doing well also. He had a challenging week the week before last, but has come through beautifully. The blessing in his hard week is that we had some great conversations. I am finding that the longer we are married the better it gets. I thought newlywed state was great, but this is fabulous! I know people say it all the time, but it is true. I love him more today then I did almost 9 years ago.

Boys Just Wanna Have Fun

My boys are at such a fun age. They love hanging out with each other. Clayton loves teaching Cooper lots of fun things and Cooper loves being taught. Sometimes it is a good thing and sometimes....not so much. It is great because it challenges Cooper and he learns so much, but it is not so good when Cooper tries jumping off the couch or removing his diaper to use the potty with no clue what to do. :)

On Wednesday it was very windy and cold here. The boys and I had been indoors for three solid days. In the afternoon the sun was shining brightly and I decided to bundle everyone up for some time outside. We had an absolute blast! We rode in the Hummer, shot baskets, rode bikes, mowed the grass and most fun of all.....threw pebbles into the pond. The boys were hilarious! Again, Clayton loved teaching and Cooper loved following. Clayton's dissertation on rock throwing was classic and Cooper squatting, making fists, puckering his lips and grunting was a sight!

They both are definitely ALL boy. I wouldn't change it for anything. They are both so unique in how God has wired them. We have two boys with completely different personalities. The fun of it all is picking out their qualities that match ours (good and bad). Of course for me one of the best things is that they both are momma's boys....which is a good thing despite what some people might think. :)

Cooper riding the tricylce just like I like it....going nowhere

Clayton shooting hoops

Coop's pucker face

Mowing our lovely dead grass

Cooper driving in reverse as Clayton instructed him to do

Clayton teaching drivers ed