Jude is in love with a little fish girl.....

Toward the end at 1:24 Jude starts slow motion dancing and it's really cute. So don't miss the ending.

More Beach Fun

Feeding the seagulls bread crumbs wasn't cool enough for Jude. He begged Grandpa to let him feed the birds his dead fish bait! He's all boy alright.

Here are some more cutie pictures of Jude and his sand filled fun.

Sand Castle Days

We spent a very windy Saturday at the Island this weekend but it was worth it. We saw dozens of sand castles made and Jude had a great time playing in the sand as always. Playing in the sand is a hundred times more fun than anything else for that kiddo.

This was the first time Jude had ever asked me to bury him and like a little kid myself I got to it with no hesitation. This photo is hilarious I think because Jude looks like he was buried standing up and his body language seems to be saying that it's no big deal to be buried. Like sure my lower half body is under sand but so what I'm busy inspecting this here sea shell in my hand.

For the sand castle contest this was one of my favorites but there were many awesome designs.

Pirates Landing was my top favorite. Not only because it was sculpted so well but because of that funky little teddy bear with a weird grin on his face. What's that all about?

Before we got ready to go I decided a walk down the Jetties would be nice. Jude and I talked about the people fishing and explored a bit. We didn't let the wind discourage us and only turned back to the beach because half way down the rocks were set too far apart for us to safely and comfortably go on any further.

I don't think I can say it enough.

I

LOVE

THE

BEACH.

What a Smooth Kid

So Jude the other day was being quite rowdy so this is the conversation that followed.

Mom: Jude be quiet.

Jude: I can't.

Mom: Why can't you be quiet?

Jude: Because my brain is on.

....well that explains it.

The Chronicles of the Hair-Cutting Children

When Jude's best friend Kai was asked why she cut her own hair (and her sister's) she didn't have an answer. I thought there had to be a reason but maybe she just didn't want to say. But when I asked Jude yesterday why he cut his own hair (he cut his hair at school) he too had no answer for me. I'm an optimistic person so all I can positively say about this is that great minds must think alike.

3rd Monday of School, 1st Trip to the Principal's Office

I didn't know whether to laugh about this or cry......

Rides, Raspas, and a Free T-shirt

This past weekend Jude and I went to a great street festival. Even in the evening the humidity is almost unbearable here in TX but we managed with an icy leche raspa(snow cone). We walked around and listened to the Mexican bands playing and ofcourse Jude could not resist going on the rides. Jude has gone to a million carnivals already but there were a couple of new rides that caught Jude's attention and he insisted on trying them out. So I thought ok he's a big boy why not. And a big boy he really proved to be. Even though he got mighty scared on them he didn't cry. He simply just made it known to me as soon as he got off the ride that either he needed to grow a little bigger to go on it or it was just plain scary and he didn't want to go on it again.

Ride #1 The scary one.....

(He's excitedly waving at me with no idea what he has gotten himself into.)

......Jude smiling...

......smile gone, frown appears...

Ride #2 The one he needs to grow a little bigger for...
The Mechanical Bull

Ride #3 Tossing Pirate Ship

Jude had no problem with this one.

And every kid likes the swing ride. I don't know what else to call. It's pretty much a swing going around and around. He went on this one twice.

And we even won a free t-shirt. Jude won it actually. Just one thing or I should say person was missing. Brandon :( We miss him!

The Spelling Test

In the second week of school Jude had his first major learning assignment. He needed to learn 5 words and be able to spell them and write them on his own by Friday for his spelling test. I was so stressed out about it. Jude is going to have a spelling test?!!!! So like a maniac parent I obsessed over these five silly words and every evening Jude and I spent a lot of time practicing. We used letter magnets to make it a little more fun which Jude appreciated and loved. At times he got pretty frustrated over writing practice but then he would buckle down and keep at it. Thursday night came and I gave Jude two practice spelling tests. I was nervous and was hoping with my whole heart he had really learned those words. And yet again my kiddo surprised me and spelled every single word correctly and wrote them out well too. I almost cried. It was the first time in a long time that I felt proud of what we accomplished. I want the best for my son and I will study every night with him so he learns well and becomes an even smarter kid than he already is. I love him!

Texans Once Again

I know it has been forever since my last blog but I am back with lots to tell and share. Our move to Texas has been with difficulties but at the same time with many blessings.

On our drive down from Maryland we didn't make any overnight stops and made excellent time. However, just four hours away from our house in Pharr, TX we were hit by another car on the highway. We were all okay and fortunately Brandon's Dad was only two hours away on a field trip with Brandon's little brother so he was able to pick us up and take us the rest of the way. So for our first month in Texas we drove around in rental cars. Brandon especially did not like that part because he only had a month with us before his departure to Korea. Fortunately the person who hit us had good insurance and our car looks great again. In fact it looks better than before the accident. The other car happened to hit us in the exact area that we had been longing to fix (which had been dented in our parking lot months ago and was even starting to rust) but just didn't have the money. So it sort of worked in our favor in the end.

Our house is a great first buy and we've finally really settled in. I'll post pics of the house later. But adjusting to the Valley again has been a little awkard. Thankfully I have a new ward full of great brothers and sisters to become friends with. And what do you know I already received a calling and it is one I really needed. I was called to be the Young Women's Secretary and I'm completely thrilled over it. Unlike our first ward we have tons of young men and women here and they are all awesome!

This summer has been a little nuts. Jude and I have pretty much been taking it a little easy and mostly have been partners in pure silliness.Oh yah.....we cut Jude's hair. We already miss it and Jude has decided himself that he will grow it back.This is an awesome children's train that goes around the McAllen Mall. Since this mall is only 5 minutes away we usually go to it but it drives me nuts that Jude insists he must ride the train every time we go. Bandanas and Conductor caps are starting to pile up!Yessss that is me in the train. What can I say adults got to have their fun too. This museum/beach store is on the way to South Padre Island.

Jude even got to have a second 5th bday party because his grandparents insisted on having one with close family and friends. What a lucky booger.

Jude started school today and he begins a new adventure in the life of a kinder kiddo. Meanwhile I can't wait to get started with school and work.
What's been going on with Brandon? I am happy to report that he is doing well and currently in Camp Humphrey. He's been able to see some of the culture on weekends and says that they actually make food spicy enough which is something really rare for him.


He's doing really well in his clinic and we get to see him almost everyday on Skype. We miss him dearly and I'm eager to see him when he finally gets time off in the middle of his assignment.

I really did love living in Maryland and miss it very much. Perhaps one day we will return.

Jude Boy

So this evening I was lying down on my bed reading a book when Jude comes over and positions himself ever so carefully next to my right shoulder. He's lying on his side facing me and when I look up he's looking at me so lovingly I thought for a couple of seconds I was looking back at my husband. You know that look of admiration that says I love you for being you. And then he started stroking my hair running his fingers through it before he said, "Mamma, you're a girl", as if interpreting his actions. Well I'm glad he knows how to treat a girl and make her feel special because that made me feel like the most special mother on earth. Jude definitely has the gift of body language.