The Morrow Family

Walt Disney World

2009-09-07T16:53:00.003-05:00

We had the most amazing trip to Disney World last month. I'm obviously way behind, so I thought a photo collage would be a good way to sum it up. Feel free to check out all 500+ pics on my facebook... :)

Zoo Day!

2009-07-25T17:33:00.007-05:00

We went to the zoo on Friday! Grampa came with us, and a great time was had by all. The weather even cooperated!

We love the train!

Pose!

Maddux: "Mommy, why is he looking at us?"
Mommy: "Why are we looking at him?"

Boys Loved the Snakes (of course)

Milking a Cow

Country Carousel

Mommy's Favorite Animal of the Day

Shell Phone

Maddux was learning about Prairie Dogs

Maddux's Favorite Part

Hudson eventually warmed up to the birds

On the train with Grampa

Pooped Out

Lazy Summer Mornings

2009-07-10T09:51:00.003-05:00

If Maddux wakes up earlier than usual on days like this, he simply makes his way to the couch to finish his sleep...

Hudson, my early-riser, was awakened earlier than usual this morning by the yard workers outside his window. I was checking Facebook/Email like I do most mornings when I noticed he had gotten awfully quiet, and this is what I found...

Notice the Cocoa Puff stuck to his bottom...

This is what Summers at home are all about!

Another great Madduxism...

2009-07-06T16:07:00.003-05:00

Mommy mentioned, when telling Maddux about Ry-Ry's new house, that Ry-Ry is "all grown up" now. Maddux has really taken that concept to heart. Here's today's mention:

Maddux: Mommy look! (holding up lego tower)
Mommy: Wow, what is that?
Maddux: It's Ry-Ry's building!
Mommy: Yeah, but remember, Ry-Ry doesn't live there anymore.
Maddux: I know, but I was just remembering like it was when he was still a baby - like when he was still Daddy's baby brother...

Ry-Ry (and Dran, of course), we are so excited for you and congratulate you on no longer being a baby. However, Maddux will always miss "Ry-Ry's Building..."

Pooped Out Little Guy

2009-07-06T15:33:00.002-05:00

Hudson didn't even make it through lunch today...

(Yes, he did sleep in that shirt, and is STILL wearing it at lunchtime!)

Gotta love those lazy Summer days!

Yet Another Fun Rangers Game

2009-07-06T15:22:00.004-05:00

We took advantage of the cooler weather on Sunday and went to another Rangers game. The Rangers played Tampa Bay and won 5 to 2...

We borrowed Moma's Lexus to take advantage of the free valet parking. (The boys watched Cars on the DVD player...)

On the way up...

Dinner...

$1 Drumsticks...

Yay, Rangers...

Nolan Ryan...

Fighting so hard to stay awake on the way home...

Maddux ended up VERY upset about not getting to walk back to the car after the game. He and Daddy always act silly (free-style walking) on the way back. We may not be borrowing the Lexus again... HA!

Fourth of July 2009

2009-07-06T14:08:00.005-05:00

We had a great day celebrating the 4th. We went to the Freedom Fest in Sanger and enjoyed some great fried catfish, followed by some good bounce house fun...

We spent our afternoon in the pool at Moma and Papa's (left my camera inside), then headed to Denton to watch the fireworks at UNT. We hung out near the golf course to watch the show. Both boys loved it, although Hudson got pretty tired towards the end.

All American Boys

We purchased our own fireworks, but haven't gotten to play with them yet. More pics to come...

Another Fun Rangers Game

2009-06-28T22:32:00.004-05:00

Rangers lost to the Padres, but we had a great time as usual.

Getting a nap in on the way

Resting up...

It was hot!!

Waiting for tickets

Dinner

Hudson flirted with a lady, so she offered to take our picture

Rangers Captain Tattoo

Mommy and Hud

(we weren't too into the game)

Watching Maddux at bat

Maddux at Bat

Summertime Breakfasts...

2009-06-24T16:36:00.004-05:00

Cereal with milk for big brother, dry cereal for little brother

(on the floor in front of the TV, of course)

Father's Day

2009-06-24T09:21:00.006-05:00

We had a great Father's Day, with some awesome Fathers to celebrate...

Daddy and His Little Buddy

Daddy and His Big Boy

Mommy and Daddy

(Maddux is quite the photographer these days.)

Daddy's Boys

The Morrow Boys

celebrating Papa's Father's Day in the pool

Have a little cake, Maddux...

We ended a great day at Texas Roadhouse for Grampa's Birthday/Father's Day and

Aunt Jennifer's 30th Birthday.

They brought out saddles for them to ride as the restaurant yelled "yee-haw!" They were such good sports!!

Water Spray Park Visit #1

2009-06-16T20:06:00.010-05:00

Monday was our first trip back to the water spray park in Lantana this Summer. We knew the big kids would still love the water spray, but we were unsure whether or not Haley would take to the "big pool" this year... I didn't get any pictures of them in the actual pool since I was in with them, but Haley did GREAT and we all had a blast. Even Hudson joined in the water spray and jumped off the little waterfall. I think it's safe to say we have a fail-proof play date from now on...

Noodles!!

Lunch in the shade

Maddux was the photographer...

Rangers Game

2009-06-15T21:02:00.005-05:00

We used Maddux and Haley's Junior Rangers tickets last Thursday to get some great seats at the Rangers game against the Blue Jays. The kids (and Moms and Dads) had a great time. It was great weather for a game, and the Rangers won 1-0.

Ryan and Adrianne's Wedding

2009-06-08T14:15:00.019-05:00

Ryan and Adrianne got married on May 16th! It was a sweet, unique ceremony, followed by the most fabulous reception. Maddux was ring bearer and Daddy was best man. Maddux did such a great job, as did Daddy who made the funniest speech at the reception. We are so happy that Adrianne is (finally) an official member of the family. They honeymooned in the Dominican Republic, with plenty of adventurous stories to tell.

Congratulations, Ryan and Adrianne!

We love you!

A few of the 800 or so pics from Mary's camera...

From The Mouths of Babes...

2009-05-30T21:50:00.002-05:00

As he climbed into Uncle Ry-Ry's car tonight to take it to the airport, Maddux had a "Maddux-ism" moment...

Maddux: Mommy, Ry-Ry has a cool car!
Mommy: Yeah, it's an old man's car...
Maddux: He's an old baby?
Mommy: No, he's an old man.
Maddux: But he's also a baby. Ry-Ry is Daddy's baby brother...

I love how he sees things!

Spring & 1-Year Portraits

2009-05-23T13:46:00.004-05:00

Hudson's 10-Month Portraits

2009-05-23T13:43:00.005-05:00

I'm behind, I know...

My 30th Year To-Do List

2009-05-18T20:55:00.001-05:00

Today I turn 29. I never thought I’d be the person that gets upset over aging. After all, I’ve always wanted to be older, ready for that next phase in my life. But for some reason, this impending new decade in my life is a little daunting. So, instead of dwelling on what I have not done in my life thus far, I’ve decided to make myself a list; a list of things to do this year and for the rest of my life. (Feel free to hold me accountable!)
So here it is, in no particular order. I will:

1. Get a tan – Not a “laying-out” tan. I want to be tan (freckled) because I’m outside so often, enjoying time with my kids and family. (Sock lines and farmer’s tans are certainly acceptable.)

2. Hang out with friends more often – I know this one is cliché, but I miss being with friends, old and new! Who says being an adult means giving up being with your friends and all the fun that entails?

3. Start a work-out routine – I mean, if I’m as “young” as everyone keeps telling me I still am, why shouldn’t I start this habit now, while I’m young, right? Can’t teach an “old” dog new tricks, they say. Guess I’ll test this theory...

4. Dance – And those who know me best know that I don’t normally do this much (outside of the privacy of my own living room). I recently danced my heart out (in public and everything), and it was a blast. Why shouldn’t I dance more, even if I’m no good at it? Plus, it’s GREAT exercise...

5. Take more pictures (and share them) – Sounds strange coming from me, but I’ve really neglected my camera and my blog this past year. I need to document all these life-changes... I mean, I make time for Facebook each evening, I can make time for blogger, too!

6. Read – I never take the time to read a good magazine, let alone a good book. Even if it is what puts me to sleep at night, I should make time for reading in my busy life.

7. Go on dates – Justin and I are actually a pretty fun couple. (We should double-date sometime!)

8. Try new things – Generic, I know, but I want this to include new foods, new drinks, new and different activities. I’m quite the creature of habit. I hereby make it my goal to never again settle for “my old stand-by.”

9. Plan and actually complete projects – I’m the queen of good intentions. I make plans to clean something up/out, make something different or better, and never get it done. I’m finished with “getting around to it.” After all, my time is getting more and more valuable these days...

10. Leave work at work – Not that I ever really successfully accomplished any school work at home, but I will no longer fool myself into thinking I will do my work at home, just to feel defeated when nothing gets done. This also means I will leave work no more than 1 hour after my students every day...

11. Not take myself so seriously – I worry way too much about what others think of me. No more. It’s okay to be silly, sloppy, or a bad dancer. (See #4) I don’t care when others do it, why do I think they care that much when I do?

12. Be more grateful – I have amazing people in my life for whom I am so grateful. God has really blessed me these 29 years, and for that I will give thanks! This gratitude also includes writing thank-you notes (see #9).

A New Post Soon...

2008-08-16T12:01:00.004-05:00

Okay, okay... I know I haven't posted in a couple weeks. Here's what you have to look forward to:

Maddux's 3rd Birthday
More Cute Pics
Playdate @ MeMa's
The Circus
Maddux & Haley's Last Summer Playdate

School starts for me next week, so I have to get these up soon or I may never have another free moment. Do you realize I've been off for 4 whole months!? Routine may be hard to find. Say your prayers for an easy transition!

"3" Pictures

2008-07-28T16:06:00.010-05:00

We had pictures taken of the boys on Sunday. Three years for Maddux, and three months for Hudson. As usual, they turned out great!! Such a big boy!
Three Already

Love this pose!

My Smiley Baby

Don't you just wanna squeeze them?

Best Big Brother

My Handsome Boys

Play Date @ the Water Spray Park

2008-07-28T13:23:00.003-05:00

These two couldn't have more fun together!!

Trip to the Zoo

2008-07-28T12:54:00.011-05:00

We went to the Fort Worth Zoo last week with the whole crew. It was pretty hot, but I think everyone had a great time.

Another great playdate!

2008-07-28T12:45:00.007-05:00

The kids met a grandma in the play area. You'd think they knew her their whole lives!

Love the look on Hudson's face!

Maddux and Clifford

Miss H

"Baby Justin" Visits!

2008-07-28T12:40:00.004-05:00

Maddux has just recently learned that Daddy's name is Justin, so when we speak of his cousin, Justin, he refers to him as Baby Justin.

As you can see, Justin is hardly a baby! He's just over a year younger than Maddux, and will be a big brother like Maddux early next year.

Angela and Justin came to visit so the boys could play and Justin could borrow some toys and books to keep busy with during his visit. The boys had a good lunch and played well together. We're so glad they are here, and look forward to seeing them more throughout their visit!!

My Little Trouble-Maker

2008-07-03T14:54:00.005-05:00

Maddux gets into Mommy's hand lotion...
Notice what his shirt says!

Some Sad News

2008-07-03T14:29:00.008-05:00

Tuesday night, our beloved cat, Lovebug, died. We buried him in the unofficial Morrow Family Pet Cemetery in Bob and Mary's backyard. It's a happy place where he will remain memorialized forever...

Lovebug's story:

Shortly after we moved to Pembroke Pines, Florida, I saw a news story about an abandoned home which was discovered to house 90+ cats. The cats were all taken to various shelters and adoption agencies. That's where we came in. For my birthday that year, all I wanted was a pet, a cat specifically. (I admit I was a little homesick, and needed the company.) Justin visited the local PetSmart's Adopt-A-Stray and found Lovebug, a 3-year-old, slightly overweight, lovable gray-striped cat. He took me to meet him, and with my approval, Lovebug came home with us. The adoption fee was $50, and we probably spent that much on all the goodies we bought for him that day. That was quite an investment for us then!

We took Lovebug home to our little one-bedroom apartment where he promptly ran and hid under the bed. He stayed there for three days, but eventually he warmed up to his new surroundings. Now we weren't crazy about his name, so we thought we would call him Herbie instead of Lovebug. However, we quickly discovered his lovable demeanor, and thus, the name stuck.

In his six years with us, Lovebug survived the adoption of Doc, a long car ride to Texas, another stray named Bo, the move to Lantana, two baby boys, and numerous cat fights in our tiny backyard. He died "protecting" his little territory, which was what he loved to do on most nights. He will be sorely missed, especially by Maddux, who knows his buddy is now in Kitty Cat Heaven.

Here are some sweet pictures I found of him with Maddux.

Playdate #2

2008-07-03T14:18:00.008-05:00

Another great playdate on Monday!!

Water Spray Park

2008-07-03T13:59:00.008-05:00

Lantana has the greatest little water spray park at the main pool. We've always thought it would be fun for Maddux, but wanted to wait until he was big enough for it. So Sunday was the day. We walked up there with the boys in the jogging stroller, and both were asleep when we got there. It only took a moment for Maddux to wake up and realize that he was gonna have some fun!

He took off at full speed, and never stopped. He was moving so fast I could hardly get a picture.

Hudson enjoyed his time in the shade, as well.

Daddy should have worn his swimsuit!!

A good time was had by all.

We will be back going back very soon...

New (Almost) Jogging Stroller

2008-06-25T10:48:00.011-05:00

We found this bargain for sale on the Lantana community website. The boys both love it, and I'm so happy to have a way to get some exercise while keeping them both contained! On Tuesday, we walked the hiking/biking path up to the north end of Lantana where Maddux got to play on a different playground. We then headed back towards our neighborhood and stopped on our playground for a bit before heading home. It was a sweaty trip, but we all enjoyed it.

The boys were pooped...

Play Dates Are Back!!

2008-06-25T10:36:00.006-05:00

Oh, how we love our play dates with Haley and Stephanie!! We started this little tradition last Summer so Haley and Maddux could play together, and Mommy and Stephanie could have a little fun, too. We meet at Vista Ridge where the kids get this cool stroller, play on the playground, eat lunch at Burger King and have an afternoon snack of cookies after more play time on the cars and playground. They get along so well. We are all so grateful for the time together and away from the house.

Braves Fans

2008-06-25T10:12:00.009-05:00

The Atlanta Braves were in town for the first time in three years last week, so naturally, we were there to see them. Tim Hudson (get it?) pitched on Tuesday and got the loss in a 7-5 Rangers victory. Ryan was able to use his company's season tickets, so our seats were great. Both boys did so well.

Maddux had a blast with Daddy and RyRy, and Hudson hung with me most of the night. Our usher told me he thought Hudson was the youngest fan there that night.

Maddux went with RyRy and Daddy to the next game on Wednesday and sat in the upper deck. The Braves won that night 5-2, much to their delight.

By the Pool on Father's Day

2008-06-24T21:45:00.008-05:00

Love this pic

Hudson's First Swim
(not yet a fan)

MoMa & Her Boys

We Love When Papa's Home

My Sweet Boys

2008-06-02T13:16:00.008-05:00

Just some cute pics I wanted to share...

"Mommy, can I hold Hudson?"

Couldn't look more like his Daddy

Memorial Day in the Pool

Maddux as Cookie Bear

Colic...

2008-06-02T12:56:00.003-05:00

It didn't take long for Hudson to prove himself a "windy" boy. A nurse at the hospital told me that he was awfully gassy for a breastfed baby. I should have realized then that we had a busy time ahead of us. Poor little guy...

I'm sure any parent with a colicky baby knows how we feel. You'll do

ANYTHING to get some relief, for your baby and yourselves. Here's what I found at Sprouts last week after some web research: Gripe Water! So far, it seems to be helping a bit. Evenings are the worst, with constant crying and spitting-up, but he's actually a lot calmer, if not totally quiet after a couple doses. I'll be stocking up on this stuff, for sure. It's $10 a bottle, but I'd spend $50!

I've also discovered Dustan Baby Language. I'd heard of this after the lady appeared on Oprah a while back, and was given the DVD weeks before Hudson was born. Last Sunday, at our wits end, we sat down to learn. And learn, we did. Turns out all babies make these 5 different sounds, all signalling a different need. The video shows examples of actual babies making each noise, and with each one, we were able to identify the variation that sounded like our little guy. It's amazing! We've really benefitted from being able to identify his needs by his different cries. The most frustrating is his cry for "lower wind" (he's gotta toot), since we have a hard time alleviating that pain for him. The video goes on to show different holds and postitions for burping, which have helped a lot, too. I think this is my new default baby shower gift. Every parent should have this!!

Family Business

2008-05-21T11:05:00.004-05:00

On May 1st, Justin and his brother, Ryan, became the proud owners of Cookies In Bloom in Lewisville. The franchise they purchased has been in business in Lewisville for 11 years, and we hope to further its success. We sell cookie bouquets and baskets, cookie cakes, and gourmet cookies. Check out the Cookies in Bloom website at http://www.cookiesinbloom.com/. There you can see a great representation of all we have to offer.

If you are interested in ordering, check out the website for ideas (we can do any variations), but call the store to order. We offer prices lower than the website, plus your order could possibly go to a different store, since the site assigns orders based on zip code. Here's the number: (972)436-0984

We are so excited about this new chapter in our lives. Please tell your friends and family!!

The First Post...

2008-05-20T11:26:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am finally making my first blog post! Props to all you Super Moms out there that do this daily.

We had portraits done of the boys on Sunday. A great birthday present for me, they did so well. (We tried the week before with no success.) This picture of Hudson is my favorite. He was not happy alone, so Daddy and I held him and got the cutest pose. Thank God for patient photographers!! We also got birth announcements, so be watching your mail!