Sweeney Mayhem

Abigail is 5 months old!

2010-10-04T20:55:00.000-07:00

Abigail is 5 months old today! I thank Heavenly Father each day that she has been a good baby. I look forward to her sleeping through the night, but I'm not holding my breath. Zachary and Madison love to "talk" to her and love it when she babbles back to them or laughs. I have a feeling that she will not be the "soft-spoken" one in the family.

She started her day out by going to a birthday party for Madison's friend at Celina's Big Orange Pumpkin Patch. The longhorn kept looking at the feeding cups in the stroller's cup holders. We quickly moved after the picture.

Love those big brown eyes. Thanks dad for making them possible!

Abigail's 2nd attempt to eating oatmeal cereal. (Her older siblings didn't do well with rice cereal, so we went straight to Gerber's oatmeal baby cereal.)

Abigail's (6 weeks old) Photo Shoot

2010-06-22T21:07:00.000-07:00

So I haven't blogged for quite some time. So this is a perfect way to come back.

Miss Abigail has started to smile and it just melts ya' every time! She is 6 weeks old already!!! I have been wanting to take some baby pictures, but baby acne has not been friendly to her. Hopefully this is not an indicator of her teenage years. Angela was great positioning her and editing the photos. I am trilled with the results! THANK YOU ANGELA! Here are a few of my favorites:

A photo shoot wouldn't be complete without some tears.

California Road Trip- Day 1 & 2

2010-04-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

Off to California we go!!! My older sister Maryann was getting married during Lance's spring break, so we made a family trip out of the week leading up to her wedding. I am SOOOO grateful for Lance's insight and renting a minivan for us. My Honda Accord would have worked just fine, except me being 33 weeks pregnant. We were hoping that Hertz would provide a Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey, since we were looking into purchasing one maybe down the road, but we ended up with a Kia. None the less, it was wonderful to have more space and have the ability to stretch out to lessen swelling issues.
Knowing it was a 20 hour drive, without counting the bathroom breaks needed for a pregnant woman, we knew the drive should be broken up on the way out to allow me to survive the week.

Day 1- We left Saturday afternoon and drove about 5 1/2 hours to Midland, TX. Our hotel accomadations at LaQuinta were interesting....

Madison loved wearing her "Tinks" (Tinkerbell sunglasses) during our drive.

Day 2- Leaving the Great State and heading into New Mexico and Arizona

We quickly ate breakfast and hoped into the minivan. It was going to be at least a 10 hour drive to Phoenix, AZ. I was excited to know that we would be sleeping in a home and seeing family by the end of the day.

Getting closer....

Zachary, not Madison, took regular naps during our driving days. So cute wrapped in his favorite blanket.

Madison loved "reading" from the US atlas map book. We are very thankful to some friends that let us borrow their GPS and saved me from buying an ink cartridge.

Phoenix, AZ was are stopping spot for Day 2. Zachary and Madison were so excited to see their cousins!

Going on a Dinosaur Walk

2010-01-18T19:56:00.000-08:00

It is a rare moment when it is a holiday and Lance doesn't have to work or go to school. So we loaded up and headed to the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney today. The Dinosaurs Alive exhibit is there through the end of January. All of the eight dinosaurs along the outside path were life-sized and would move and growl.

The Sweeney family being served as the dinosaur's lunch. As you walked through it's mouth and neck, you could see the realistic size of its internal organs.

Zachary getting his dinosaur growl on.

Zachary being so brave in front of the 46 foot tall T-Rex.

Madison didn't mind the dinosaurs that were about her size. . .

but she didn't mind having daddy carry her as the dinosaurs got bigger in size and sound.

Madison wasn't as afraid of the dinosaurs after she found her fighting stick, but daddy was very afraid of it.

Family Pictures

2010-01-06T12:13:00.000-08:00

You wouldn't think that it would take over 2 years to coordinate and organize a family picture. It seems to be the case in this house. I do have to laugh that there is a pattern that I must be pregnant to make it come to pass. The last family picture was taken when I was 3 months along with Madison. I wasn't really showing and black is a girl's best friend. Being almost 6 months along now, black wasn't going to hide much, so I went for color for the whole family.

Zachary kindly helping his sister look at the camera. Such innocence in those eyes!

Best friends!

the Queens of the house- Mommy and Madison

The boys in the house-Daddy and Zachary

The Sweeney Group, at least until May =)

Smart thinking

2010-01-01T12:32:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! The kids spent the day playing with all their Christmas treasures while I decided to clean out and organize their rooms. I had stayed in my pajamas, knowing that I wasn't going anywhere for the day. It was around 11 am and I asked Zachary to change out of his pajamas. He looked at me innocently and replied "But you are still in your pajamas." So I told him that he was correct and that we would both get out of our pajamas later. His thinking skills are getting scary.

It looks like candy...it must be candy!

2009-09-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

Madison insisted that the foil-wrapped chicken bullion cubes were really candy. Zachary even tried to tell her from his experience with the cubes, but she had to make sure for herself.

But there was still the beef bullion cubes on the top shelf, and those must be candy- or so she thought. Funny girl!

There's a COUGAR in the house!

2009-08-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

Lance is going back to school. The original plan was to complete a Masters in Mechnical Enginerring at UTD. Easy enough, right?

As we got more into the process, he realized that his previous undergrad degree (electrical engineering) wasn't compatible to apply to the mechanical engineering master's program. So the new game plan is to complete another undergrad degree, this time in mechanical engineering. A lot of his previous schooling credits will transfer, so he will be a junior at the end of this semester. He has talked to his academic advisor and we will be able to enter the Master's program his senior year. GO TEAM!

He will be taking majority of his classes at the University of Texas at Dallas, but a few generals at the local community college. (MUCH CHEAPER!) I walked past the computer while he was registering for classes at the local community college and realized their mascot was a cougar! The children and I have our BYU cougar shirts, and now Lance doesn't have any excuse not to wear one now. A cougar shirt is coming your way once I look at my options on the BYU bookstore website.

Can't wait to have Daddy in the picture with his cougar shirt next time!

Grandma's Legacy

2009-07-09T21:18:00.000-07:00

My Grandma is the world to many people. First to Grandpa, who has her in his arms again tonight. Then to my mom, who strives to be like her every day. And to me, who has enjoyed my French lineage (mixes well with Lance's English and Irish =) ) and for teaching me life is what you make of it. Grandma had her fair share of ups and downs, but she has gone on. Life is one step in front of the other.

I will continue to cherish the porcelain doll we made from scratch together many summers ago.

She was a good sport to be our yearly measuring pole. By sixth grade I celebrated that I was taller than Grandma's 5 foot frame.

She was wonderful to let me stop by on a needed get-away weekend from college. Plus being able to do laundry without quarters was a bonus!

Among many talents was her able to gather and organize family history. She and Grandpa were able to compile histories and family trees and published a set for each grandchild. But I was always intrigued by her history. Coming across the Atlantic Ocean as a young child, seeing a sister being buried at sea, and coming to America with little hope of ever returning to France.

But most of all, thank you Grandma for the best gift you could of given me, my mom. We will all miss you.

My mom holding Zachary (2), Grandma Aagard, me holding Madison (2 weeks old)

Growing Pains- Part 2

2009-06-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

Zachary is not having a good week. We are contemplating fitting him for a helmet. Then he might make it to his fourth birthday without suffering major brain trauma.

This evening Zachary saw the water sprinkler on in the front yard. He ran into his room and put on his swim shorts. When he asked if we could go outside, I couldn't say no. So we all went out to play. Soon our neighbors turned on their rainbow sprinkler. Zachary wanted to play in their sprinkler, too. We like our neighbors, so I had Zachary go to their door to ask permission. Zachary and Madison loved going back and forth between the sprinklers. I saw a hot air ballon in the sky and told Zachary to come and look. As he approached me, he lost his footing in the wet grass and ran into a plastic utility post, head-on. He instantly started crying. As I checked him over, I realized that he managed to hit his forehead on the exact same spot of his current bruise. He almost spilt the skin this time. I think his forehead is going to be sore for awhile.

Growing Pains

2009-06-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

It's not worth two marshmallows! Zachary declared he wanted two marshmallows for breakfast. It was taking me a bit longer to get breakfast ready for the kids. So, I told him he could have one before breakfast and the other one after breakfast. He took the marshmallow and threw it across the kitchen floor. Madison saw an opportunity and literally took it. This sent Zachary running to his room crying. As he approached his room, we heard a thud and a blood-curdling scream. He had slipped on a pair of pants outside his doorway and tripped head first into the door frame. As he sat on Lance's lap with an ice pack on his forehead, Zachary agreed it was not worth two marshmallows. We now know why they are called goose eggs. We look forward to reviewing our colors throughout the week.

Another fish in the Sea

2009-06-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

Zachary had his first swim lessons this summer. Ms. Ruth is the best! She teaches swim lessons in her backyard at an awesome price, especially considering that there was only 3 other kids in the class. So Monday through Thursday for the past two weeks Madison and I have seen Zachary make HUGE improvements in his confidence around water. Good job Zachary!Every class started with Hokey Pokey.By the end of two weeks Zachary was almost floating without any assistance.

On the last day, Zachary asked Ms. Ruth if he could jump from the tall wall. Here is the leap of faith.
Ms. Ruth presenting Zachary with his certificate. He passed with flying colors.

President of Zachary's fan club!

Here he is practicing his bubbles and getting his ears and eyes wet. Pretty cute!

Newest student in Nursery

2009-06-14T20:12:00.000-07:00

Madison is 18 months old now. This past Sunday she attended the toddler's Sunday school class in nursery. Next week I will be able to hear my Sunday school teacher and for the whole class time! Good bye to the hallways with a loud toddler.Block time.

Madison holding on the ring for their class walk.

I don't think I will see any tears out of her next week when we return.

On the way home from church. Making new friends makes a girl tired.

I'm broken!!!

2009-06-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

I am happy to say that I am on the healing side! =) Five weeks ago I thought I had gotten into some poison ivy. So I went to my family doctor and come home with a steroids RX and some creams to help with the itching on my back, chest and stomach. A week later new pink ITCHY patches were showing up on my upper arms and legs. As Lance put it, I was "broken" and both of us were pretty sure we weren't dealing with poison ivy. A visit to the dermatologist confirmed that I had pityriasis rosea. It means you have more itchy spots than is necessary for an intense session of connect-the-dots. You have to hate having a diagnosis that has no cause and no universal treatment. The kicker was when I was told that it should all go away within 12 weeks. ARE YOU KIDDING ME! Summer is here and sweating does not help the itching sensation.

Follow-up: I'm not as broken anymore! Most of the spots aren't itching anymore and I am starting to discover places on my body that are spot-free! My kids like that I am willing to be in the sun again and take them on walks and play in the backyard. Also we are all happy that the rash can't be passed on to each other. I don't like being broken!

Zachary has all 20!

2009-06-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

Zachary was excited to go to the tooth doctor (his words). He did awesome, especially for being his first time to the dentist. I love his pearly white smile. We hope Zachary will have my eye sight and Lance's teeth. (Lance was in glasses by second grade and my parents probably had to sell some stocks to pay for my orthodontist visits over the years- widener, head gear, braces.)Sitting straight and tall during his x-rays.

Dr. Spence counting all of his healthy teeth- 10 on top and 10 on bottom.

Dr. Spence and Zachary

Looking so cute and brave! Happy to report no cavities!!! See you next year Dr. Spence!

Nana and Pappy's House

2009-06-04T11:31:00.000-07:00

Lance's mom and step-dad live in Bonham, TX, about 45 minutes from us. It's a bit more country than McKinney. It is routine for the kids to go out to the fence and to call for Peppy and Oreo to come over. Larry and Carolyn helped them out by bringing out some animal crackers for the kids to feed to the horses. Madison took her allotted crackers and had a snack. Zachary was content with patting the horses.

Daddy's three favorite ladies...his mom, his sassy girl, and soft-spoken wife. =)

Zachary liked the new view.

Zachary and Madison swinging and hanging out with their cousins Taylin and Cohen.

Memorial Day celebration

2009-05-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

McKinney's historic Pecan Grove cemetery was the place to be on Memorial Day. The memorial service was complete with rifle shots, playing of Taps, plane fly-by and various men in war uniforms for the opening parade.

Black powder really does stink! I can only imagine the smoke cloud of all the rifles on a battle field.

My patriotic girl waving her stuff to the band music!

Zachary loved seeing the American flag flying from the fire truck's ladder! As we left the cemetery, we HAD TO drive by the fire truck to see the ladder being lowered.

AND

Why you don't hold young children with long-stick flags...

Animals at the Zoobilee

2009-04-18T12:50:00.001-07:00

We got an unique experience to go see the zoo at night. Once a year the Dallas Zoo reopens at 6pm for a spring animal-style festival, of course. It had been raining all day, but it cleared out for us to make the drive. It was fun to do the carnival games, get Zachary's face painted and to ride the carousel a few times!

Zachary thought it was cool to touch the turtle's shell and legs. He wasn't a fan of touching a snake's shedded skin at the end of the table. A picture of his face would have been priceless.
It was the opening night of "The Ghosts of the Bayou" Exhibit, which featured two babies and one adult albino alligators. We had fun chanting and acting out the Monkeys teasing Mr. Alligator song.

We thought cousin Kelyn might like to see Dumbo again.

I love this family pic. I got Madison to sit on her animal, but she wouldn't have anything to do with it once we started moving. The kids were great for being out past their bedtime.

Watch out for the snake! The face painter started a butterfly on Madison, but she freaked out. Maybe next year. =)

Enjoy seeing Zachary on the Endangered Animal Carousel ride. Madison was in my arms.

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-13T22:11:00.000-07:00

Three days before Madison's 16 month birthday, she finally decided walking was the cool thing to do. For months she has cruised the furniture and pushed her walker around. Enjoy the Easter egg hunt and Madison struting her walking stuff!

Only one box of diapers!

2009-02-26T11:29:00.000-08:00

I think Zachary has finally figured it out. We are grateful for the encouraging phone calls when he successfully made it to the potty in time. The whole process took about 2 weeks. I think it took us more time to train ourselves to know where the bathrooms were when we were out running errands. It is fun to hear him discuss which underwear to wear each day. The favorites are Lightening McQueen from Cars and Wall-E.

Yeah for more space in the shopping cart and car trunk!

Disappearing Sock Act

2009-02-12T20:32:00.000-08:00

When socks go missing, I no longer blame the dryer. Madison usually chuckles after she has managed to take off her shoes and socks when we are in the car. I completed her laundry yesterday, but her sock drawer was still a little empty. I was amazed when I came across SEVEN socks around her seat in my car today. Maybe it is time to graduate from velcro to shoelaces, especially ones that can be double-knotted. But hearing her chuckles from the back seat are part of our drive everyday and I'm not ready to give it up, yet.

Zachary is 3!

2008-12-18T21:24:00.000-08:00

I'm still having a hard time realizing that I have a three year old. I know he isn't heading off to college tomorrow, but time has flown. I am grateful he hasn't lost his cute baby cheeks. Although, he does occassionally wipe off a kiss or two when he's too grown up for Mommy kisses. Lance and I admire how much he observes the world around him. It's fun to carry on a conversation with him now. Only Zachary can get the belly laughs out of Madison. We love you!A very happy birthday boy!

Show me the money! Lollipops or chocolate?

Madison turns ONE!

2008-12-09T20:10:00.000-08:00

Madison turned "1" today! I can't believe how busy she has become in the last month. I'm sure it helps to have a big brother around to shorten the learning curve. My favorite thing about her is her laugh and how she smiles with her whole face. I am sure that she will give me plenty of opportunities to laugh at her in the upcoming year.

Sorry about the angle of the video. If anyone knows how to rotate it, please let me know. Until then , just cock your head to the left and enjoy!

Grilling Heaven

2008-11-12T20:40:00.000-08:00

Lance has officially graduated from our George Foreman counter top grill. He has already done a fabulous job grilling hamburgers and chicken this past week. Anyone grilled a turkey before? That might get interesting...

Birthday boy bliss!

The new addition to the Sweeney family!

The gift that keeps on giving! Madison and Zachary getting good use out of the grill box. Faster daddy, faster!

Halloween pics

2008-11-08T10:19:00.000-08:00

So I am a little tardy posting the kids' Halloween pictures. We bought a new camera two weeks ago and it was holding my pictures hostage. I am very grateful for Lance and his "fixing" abilities.

Zachary, my handsome firefighter! He has been taking his boots to bed with him for the past few nights.

Zachary taking a drive through the petting zoo. =)

My cute bunch!

Cutest giraffe I've seen!

McKinney's Fall Festival

2008-10-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

Lance was a super star last Saturday. We had planned to go to the city's Fall Festival after Zachary woke up from his afternoon nap. Therefore, this would also allow Lance to sleep from working Friday night. Well, one thing lead to another, and Lance never went to sleep. Lance helped Zachary get the hang of the bounce houses and then Zachary was off to explore!Zachary climbing the rope. He is growing up too fast!Love the excitment in his face! You can understand why he waited in line to go two more times.Crawling through the tunnels.Madison with a butterfly on her cheek. She was so good and sat in my lap while it was done.

Most adorable dog at the festival.

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-28T12:47:00.001-07:00

We had a great time at the pumkin patch this year. Madison was all smiles during the hay ride. Zachary liked feeding the animals, but was in love with riding 2 parked tractors.

Madison and cousin Liam (Michelle's 8 month old) tasting the local hay.

Zachary was in tractor heaven. He only got off when he saw another one to drive.

Daddy I like this one! Can we take it home?

My little pumpkin at her first Pumpkin Patch!

Had to Laugh

2008-10-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

As I was changing Madison's diaper today, I was reciting a few words for her to repeat back to me (for example: mama, da da, bye bye). Zachary comes up to her and says in the sweetest little voice, "Say fire truck". =)

Any one want to guess what Zachary is going to be for Halloween? The one and only Zachary the Fireman!

Madison's 9 month pictures

2008-10-15T21:22:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my favorite pictures of Madison. She is a cutie!

Sweeney birthday celebration

2008-10-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

It was a party in Hewitt, TX last weekend! October is a busy birthday month for Lance's family. His dad's is on the 10th and Lance and his sister Arla (4 years younger) are on the 13th. We all met at Grandpa and Nana's house for the birthday celebration. It was adorable to see all the cousins running around and playing.

Zachary with Jake, Gloria and Wyatt.

Lance and Rick getting in a chess game.

Uncle Waylon down for the count. Even Kernel wanted to join in.

Aunt Arla giving Madison her 1st taste of chocolate pie. Madison was a fan!

Madison loving personal time with Grandpa Sweeney.

Part 2: State Fair of Texas

2008-10-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

Here is the last bit of favorite pictures from the State Fair. I can't wait till next year! Madison and Zachary petting the goat. He wants to know where the feeding cup is!
Zachary loved being able to feed and pet so many animals. The only family pic of us at the fair. Looking at the kids faces', they were ready to move on to the next thing.
A tradition for Lance: must eat a turkey leg at the Fair!
Zachary in the Auto Show building. He was excited to see so many trucks in one place. It was funny to see him hop into so many of them and to take them for a "drive".

State Fair of Texas

2008-10-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

We had a blast at the State Fair of Texas on Wednesday. Lance and I were able to get into the fair for $1 each (reg. $14) by bringing a total of 8 cans of food. We have a favorite stop at the fair. All of the following pictures are at the Helping Hands farm. Zachary was ready to get to work.
Zachary collecting some eggs after putting some corn in the hens' feeding trough.
Madison harvesting some vegetables from the garden to take to the market.
Farmer Zachary and his cute helper Madison.
For Grandma Labrum: Zachary and Madison feeding the sheep.

Teething Troubles

2008-10-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

Madison's top right tooth broke through on Monday! It brings the finally count to 4!!! I was loading the dishwasher and heard Zachary putting a toy on her tray. I turned around to see her chewing on his play saw. Uncle Kit, can I come work for you? I am very good. =)

Do you think I can?

2008-10-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

Madison was all smiles at the breakfast table. For all the Cheerios she consumes, her cholesterol should go down by 4 points every 6 weeks.

Table for Two

2008-09-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

Recently we got a toddler sized table and chairs for our kitchen. The original plan was to have it out when company came over or when we do playdoh or similar things. Well, the table has not been taken out of the kitchen for the past two weeks. Here, Lance and Zachary were having male bonding time with pizza over lunch. I am grateful that Zachary will come sit at the kitchen table for our meals, but all snacks are at his table. Funny kid!

What do I do with this boy?

2008-09-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

Rick and Carolyn does this bring back any memories? Lawnmower, clock, any others?

I finally made myself clean the oven. It was way over do! (The next one will have a self clean option!) I was halfway through when Lance realized I didn't remove all the interior parts (lightbulb,etc.) according to the cleaner instructions. He proceeds to take out certain parts and a part breaks! I am thankful that he did get it all back together again.

Family Trip to the Dallas Zoo

2008-09-17T05:20:00.000-07:00

The high for Monday was 81 degrees! So we packed up the double stroller and headed to the zoo. We decided to get a family pass, which we can get a guest in for free each time. Plus we can use it at other zoos for free or 50% off the entrance fee.

Have to have the official family picture by the name!
Zachary spotting the chimpanze.
Zachary reading the map.
Our most recent hatch!
Zachary loving the petting zoo. I did fear for the guinea pig.

You know it's been a bad week when.....

2008-09-04T12:41:00.001-07:00

- your 2 year old son has put on makeup more often than you.

-your children are able to sleep longer during their nap than they do during the night.

I am praying for this week to pass quickly!

First Tooth

2008-08-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

Our little girl is growing up! =) Last night we were able to see a little white tooth poking out on the bottom gum. Solid foods here we come!

Sibling Love

2008-08-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

It has been wonderful to sit back and watch the developing relationship between Zachary and Madison. The padding of her highchair was in the washer, but I almost don't want to put it back on. From the video, the holes are serving many purposes: secret passages for food to be passed through and a spy hole to keep a close eye on Zachary.

Opps

2008-06-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

So for any of you who might have checked out my blog earlier...I have changed my blog address. I am looking forward to attempting to post some of the exciting moments that fill our days. I am new at all of this so you will have to be patient! Here are some pictures from Memorial Day. It was Madison's first time in the water!