Mellow Yellow

We have been super busy these past few weeks. The boys are doing amazing and I am remembering what it means to be a working Mommy! Clothes have piled up, my energy is gone, and I am in survival mode most of the time, but I am enjoying the adventure:)
Dominick got his yellow belt a couple of weeks ago and was so proud. He now attends the advanced belt classes. What a big boy:) BJJ has calmed him down soooo much. Dominick is way too smart for me and continues to take my breath away with all his complex vocabulary. Honestly, I was afraid he might be ADHD, but after talking with our special ed. teacher at my school and a retired GT coordinator from Keller that lives next door, I am thinking he might be gifted in several areas. Just in the past two days he has used the words, concentration, focus, gondola, confrontation, absolutely, etc. Not only that, he worries about problems that are way bigger than himself.....like recycling, poverty, and future accidents. Uhmmmm....I was worried about what barbie I wanted to play with next. Every day he does something else that blows me away!!!!
Dylan is all about his terrible two's. Though I must say his fits are not nearly as bad as his big brothers were at this age. Nevertheless, I don't miss them! I do really love the independence that becomes more than apparent at this age. They are so assertive and sure of themselves. Dylan has learned to do flips on the trampoline like his brother. It still makes my heart jump as he turns in the air. He loves to be outside and now that the weather is cooler we have been taking full advantage of it! Dylan loves to color and extends this art beyond paper......thank goodness for erasers!!!
Shawn and I have been having a few adventures of our own. We went to the UFC fights last Saturday and the Cowboy game on Sunday. As a nice get away, and wining and dining some out of town guest, we stayed in Southlake and enjoyed a little shopping Saturday afternoon. This weekend we decided to love on the boys a little bit and went to Incredible Pizza. We all had a blast. We don't do Chuckie Cheese...so IP is a great alternative.
Everything is great, just busy. I am anxious for the cool air to stay and the leaves to turn. This is my favorite time of year:)

Ode to Armani....

We lost our beloved Armani on Thursday night. You never really know how much love you can have for a dog until eleven years have past, and you can't imagine a time in your life when they were not there. They become your best friend, your greatest listener, and the sweet companion when you feel all alone. They are your greatest allie and the best darn welcoming home host. I am positive God has a special place in Heaven for these special creatures. My heart breaks and rejoices for all the memories we have had. I know that when it is my time to enter the gates, Armani will be waiting at the gate wagging his tail anxious to show me his 500 plastic eggs. Thanks Armani for being the greatest friend...

I lost a special friend today

the kind you can't replace,

and looking at his empty bed

I still can see his face.

I see the endless energy

the sparkling puppy eyes,

Not the tired, fragile friend

I had to bid goodbye.

I know he's in a special place

our Lord has for such friends,

Where meadows, fields & flowers

help make them strong and whole again.

I remember how he'd run to me

to play his favorite puppy game,

And how his ears would perk right up

When he heard me call his name.

But as those precious years went by

And we both aged and grew,

I'd find him often slowing down

But-we had still so much to do.

Easter stands out in my mind

As he would always find his eggs,

The kids would have their baskets full

And he'd be there to beg.

Then there was Valentines Day

with lots of chocolate hearts,

As he devoured all he could

Surely, hoping it'd still looked like the start!

He did his guard dog duty well

Each time the doorbell rang,

Strangers surely couldn't see

My gentle friend--behind those fangs.

I've noticed in the recent times His ears were not as sharp,

Where is that running ball of fur

The years have shown their mark.

He started sleeping next to me Was this his special clue,

Because he felt the end was near

I only wish I knew.

My Armani was a special dog

I know he gave his best,

But as I looked deep into his eyes

I knew it was time, for him to rest.

It will truly be a struggle

I don't know how I'll face each day,

I have to let him go--I know

But in my heart he'll always stay.

This special place our Lord has made

Health and strength, wait for him there,

So with my very special friend

I'm sending all my prayers.

I know he's watching over me
He'll be with me when I cry,

So with one more kiss on his beloved head I told my Armani goodbye.

Happy Birthday Dylan!!!!!

Dylan's birthday is officially today! I can not believe it has been two years since that little monkey entered our lives! Most of you know, I put my order in for a fat and lazy baby with my first appointment to my OBGYN. I was not disappointed! Dylan has been a blessing! He was born right on time at 6lbs and 8oz. By his 2ND visit to Dr. Benzick he had already reached the 90% on weight.

Laid back like his Mom, he compliments his brother well. I am not sure if it's the brother thing, but he seemed to skip the bigger baby phase and went straight from infant to toddler. He is a compassionate caring little man, that makes sure everyone is included. He definitely has the bully muscle in the family, but uses it sparingly.

99% of the time he is happy, jovial, content-spirited angel. He sings...he dances....but his greatest gift is encouraging others. He is the coach of the family. When bubba does well at BJJ, Dylan is on the sidelines yelling, "Gooooo Bubba!!!" When Mommy makes a Pee Pee in the potty, Dylan is sure to come by and say, "Good job, Momma." He's the one you can hear over everyone else in a crowd cheering you on!!!

This little boy is soooo affectionate. He loves to snuggle and cuddle. He would let you hold him and kiss him for days without trying to pull him away. Shawn melts whenever he hears Dylan's sweet response of "I love you too, Da Da." Not really what he says, but the soft spoken assurance in his voice. He truly is a treasure.

If you have not seen his push-ups, stomach crunches, or jumping jacks......you should really ask him to show you. He's pretty good:) Speaking of pretty good, did I mention he has been potty trained for almost a month and he is not even two??????

What an amazing journey God has taken us on this past year. Another little treasure to enrich our lives. How perfect, how pure, and how refined his love is:)

Get your shark face on.....

Shark week is coming and I am so pumped!!!! It starts on Sunday, and I must say I am loving the commercials for it. Let's hope that it is much better than last year because frankly, we make it a holiday around our house. Hello nightmares! The boys have to get their full week in so that the fear last them all year! Yep, that's how we roll. Snakes and sharks.....we LOVE it!!!!

The Wacky Wild Winnard's

The boys are doing unbelievably well. Dad is back from Vegas and time marches on. The rain is a nice relief and seems to have lifted every one's spirit. Tell the boys and Nana thank you for the special rain dance pictured above. Our weekends are once again packed with activities and fun. Speaking of fun.......

The boys have such an imagination and decided to play a new version of the classic game of woofle ball. Did you know it was such a sexy sport??????

Dom had his first practice tournament and did really really well. We were so proud!!!

Ms. Kathy swears Dylan is totally potty trained:) Both boys were so easy!!!!!!!

So, I have been working on my room at school. I am really excited to be going back. Hanging posters, going through files, and sorting supplies helped me remember the reason I love it so. That excitement and anticipation for the first day can't compare!! My heart strings have turned on and I am ready to start playing:) My friend Ginger and I have been having a blast getting our rooms in order. ( I miss having grown-up friends to talk to as well:)

I feel like I am reading the book, Goodnight Moon. It is time to say goodnight to all the things that have been so familiar for the past year.

Speaking of a new year, Dylan's 2nd birthday is quickly approaching. The next entry will be just for him:) Enjoy the pics!

Could life be any sweeter?

Shawn and I are loving these sweet boys! Without a doubt, this Summer has been hot! But none the less, we have been enjoying one another. Shawn built the boys the ultimate waterpark in the back to keep them cool and created killer snow cones to ice them down. They LOVE IT!!!

We are finally slowing down after vacations, holiday's, and birthday parties. I find myself cherishing each moment with the boys knowing our days are numbered before I head back to work. All the silly little things they do are what I will miss the most!....Like laughing with their mouths full at the table, making silly faces in the mirror, helping one another climb on the counters, and hearing something break and then a soft little uh oh.

Dylan is doing amazing at potty training and Dom seems to know EVERYTHING. My job is pretty easy most of the time. God has blessed our lives in so many ways. We love, we laugh, we pray together. There is no greater place to see Jesus then through the eyes of a child and I am lucky enough to have a front row seat:)

The Fourth of July!

Summer is in full swing and the heat is the perfect excuse to get wet and wild. We have had an exhausting couple of weeks, that have been full of fun, but are ready to do some much needed rest and relaxation! We had an awesome time out at the lake with Gi Gi, Pa Pa, and the Stover's for the 4th of July.
We missed all of our cousins and can't wait to see them again at Nana and Grandaddy's for our next get together. Dominick wants to know when Camp Coyote will be this year???? Well in tribute to the heat, the boys decided it was time to bring out the sprinkler. Thanks Elmo!!

Armed with all kinds of weapons including a squeaky dolphin, it is time to raid to compound.


You take the back and I will sneak around the side.



The Lake on July 4th. Payton and the boys watch some fireworks.

Dylan loves Payton. They are great play pals:)

The 4th of July parade, Dominick throws out candy to his "customers."

The pool Dad rigged up made us the envy of the parade!

Dylan caught a fish with every cast......

Dom's whopper!!!! .....Yes, this is his:) Don't you love camera angles?????

Have a blessed week:)

-The Winnards