Fiesta Del Rancho!

This past Saturday was the Fiesta del Rancho which is the annual fundraiser at Spirit Horse Ranch. It was our first year to attend, and despite huge threats of thunderstorms, we had a great afternoon with fantastic weather.

Here is Livi "jumping high to the sky!" This is what she says all the time.

So, against my better judgement, I was convinced to go into the jump tent. I was having a blast but quickly lost my balance. So this kid that was in with us comes up to me as I am fumbling to get up and says, "mam could you do that again, can you get up and jump?" So stupidly I manage to get up and jump again and he yells, "EARTHQUAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!" OUCH!

Here is Juju riding a horse. She is such a pro!

Look at that smile! She is a country mouse unfortunately born to two city mice. We're trying Juliana!

Here is the awesome Girl Power Team representing at the Rancho!

Livi getting her face painted. She is so serious!

Then Juju got her face painted - with a Girl Power flower of course!

Now it's Livi's turn to "pony up"

She's a pro too. Juju has taught her a lot!

Daddy & Juju with their shades!

Not to be left out - Livi with her shades.

Uncle Ray & Auntie Julie - with their shades

Aunt Linda & Aunt Gale

Micki, Roger & Juliana

Mmmm. . . Margaritas are yummy!

Risa, Me & Livi

The food was delicious, but I think Juju like the brownies the best!

Big State Drug Rocks!!!!

Big State Drug is not only a Brooks' Favorite, but also an Irving landmark. What is Big State Drug, you may be asking. It is of course a drug store, with a full service pharmacy and pretty much anything you would need from cold medicine to ace bandages, but better than that is the old fashioned Soda Fountain and grill. The Brooks' have been coming here since we moved to Irving over 10 years ago. The folks there have become friends to us. In fact, the El Paso family cannot come to Irving and not go to Big State. Actually sometimes they come several times during their visit.

So, having said all of that, it wasn't surprising at all that Big State stepped it up and planted a Garden of Hope! Actually they are so supportive that they actually became part of the Garden of Hope! This is Cheryl and Leland. Cheryl is the best waitress and Leland is the greatest cook (If you are in Irving in the winter you have GOT to try his Chili! It is amazing!!!!)

Thank you so much Big State. It is really good to know there are businesses like you out there! Every dollar means one step closer to a cure! You rock - and we'll see you on Saturday for our usual Saturday "lunch at the Drug Store"!

Identity Crisis

So while Uncle Ray and Aunt Julie were entertaining the girls, they came upon a puppet that we have of McGruff the Crime dog (Take a Bite out of Crime!) As it turns out, this retired McGruff doesn't mind dressing like a princess, or a cat for that matter. Here are just a few clips of the performance. He kept us laughing for quite some time. The best part is that Olivia really thought he was real. When she saw him this morning she lifted up his lifeless body and said, "Wake up McGruff! Meoooow!!!!!!!!!!!"

Adventures in Babysitting Olivia!

So the last couple of times that Nino Ray and Nina Julie have come over, Olivia wants to go home with them. Like she's literally cried at the door because she wants to go so bad but each time it has been a school night or something so she hasn't been able to go. So Nino and Nina invited her over this past weekend. And although we'd like to say that we enjoyed the free time or something like that, I have to admit we REALLY REALLY missed her. Anyway, I am very glad to say she didn't miss us. She had a blast and here are the pictures to prove it!

Here she is waking up.
Good Morning!

Here she is eating breakfast with Lamby at Main Street Bistro.

Here she is reading with Nino at the library.

A little snack before they hit the festival. Nina Julie has been going to Cottonwood Arts Festival since she was a little girl. So she decided to start a new tradition with Olivia.

Here is a little Yorkie puppy that she just couldn't live without! Better give that puppy back - I don't think you have enough in your piggy bank for him. All she wants is a dog that won't growl at her the way Casey does.

Then they went to the pond to feed some geese.

Here is a video of her feeding herself and the geese some popcorn. Nino Ray, 5 second rule does not count! Thanks for looking out for her Nina Julie!


At the park

Not sure what these were but they sure look fun and colorful. I keep asking Livi what they were (did you climb them, did you swing on them, did you tie die some blankets) but she just says "Yeah".

I don't really think she knew what to do with them either.

Then after a full day of festival, Jason's Deli and boy was she thirsty!

That's better. Stick with the juice!

Garden of Hope at La Perla Restaurant!

A huge thanks to La Perla Restaurant in Irving, TX for planting a "Garden of Hope". They are a delicious El Salvadorian & Mexican Restaurant. Everything is fresh and made to order. They even make tortillas and bread from scratch.

This is Versa the cashier who has been working hard at collecting donations for our girls!

Thank you La Perla - We love you!

Central Texas Dream Team Garage Sale!

Central Texas Dream Team hosted their 3rd Garage Sale in honor of Juliana. A big thank you to Nolan Storage for hosting the event!

Here is the snack sales crew!

Sales crew taking a 5 minute break: Juliana, Roger, Classic & G.

This is Doris and her daughter. Doris was a very dear friend to Roger's mother Imma and we are always so glad to see her!

Juju, taking another 5 minute break to enjoy her some McDonald's.

After a long days work, the Dream Team decided to go out for some German food.

It seemed odd to me at first that there would be such authentic German food in Killeen, but then I remembered that it is home to Fort Hood. Here is a picture of my plate: weiner schnitzel with home fries. Yummy!

And before we headed back on the road to Dallas, we had to stop by to visit Grandma Imma. We are often saddened by the fact that she never got to meet Juliana, and then we realize that she did. She is always here in spirit with us. Juliana got a case of the giggles while we were there. I'm sure grandma had something to do with it.

Not for the Squeamish!

So, we have been flirting with the idea of Livi using the potty. She has a ton of CUTE panties, and she loves the idea of wearing the panties, but soon after putting them on, casually comes over and says, "Mommy I wet". We are trying to be patient and not be too pushy about it because it just doesn't seem like she's ready. Every once in a blue moon she will actually ask, "Mommy, I panties!" To which I quickly drop everything and put the girl in panties.

So I couldn't resist the video below. She has a routine where after school she will quietly go into the other room and poop in private. Well, this particular day, I was onto her game. So when she went in the other room I nabbed her and told her we were going to put on panties and try to go on the toliet. Boy did she ever try! Unfortunately the attempt was bust.

Exactly 4 minutes after I put her in a diaper she exclaimed, "Mommy - I pooped!" I guess it's back to the drawing board!