And on his farm he had two kids...

We turned two this month. We had a big ol' shindig, too! We had a pony and a donkey, a duck, some chickens, some bunnies, a goat, and a lot of friends and family. It may have been the best day of our lives so far. Thanks to all for coming and celebrating our birthday!

Our Grandpa...and Granny.

We have an affinity for our great-grandfathers. For those of you with an underdeveloped vocabulary, that means we love them, and cannot get enough of them. We like our great-grandmothers a lot too. Mostly because they come along with our Paw-Paw's. We call both of our great-grandfathers Paw-Paw, although we hear it differently in our heads. When Momma talks about Paw-Paw we know she's talking about Paw-Paw Sulak. We also know that along with that Paw-Paw comes Meemaw, although we call her Mawmaw. When Momma says Grandpa, we know she's talking about Grandpa Fowler, and along with him comes Granny. We refer to her as Nannie. Are you still with us? There's no need to take notes. We'll provide you with a handout of the important information later. For now, just try to keep up.

This past weekend was Grandpa's 75th Birthday Party. No one really knows when Grandpa was born. We know for a fact that he was not born on the day that is recorded on his birth certificate, because he was not born in a hospital. He was born at home, and according to legend, it took several days before his presence on earth was legally recorded. We generally celebrate his birthday on a day that works for us, and this year Saturday worked for us.

We don't know too much about Grandpa's younger days, but what we do know is that he was in the Air Force, and he was stationed in Hawaii...or as he calls it..."Ha-why-a." Later, he worked at Grace. We aren't really sure what kind of company Grace is, but we do know that they gave their employees A LOT of notepads with their company logo on it. Our momma used to use them as a kid to take orders when she pretended to work at Dairy Mart, and just a few weeks ago we noticed a few laying around being used to keep score for a dominos game. Grace should really kick in a little extra pension for Grandpa for doing such a great job on marketing and advertising, because we're pretty sure Grandpa never met a person to whom he didn't give a Grace notepad. Or maybe they should take away a little pension to cover the cost of all the notepads that somehow kept disappearing...?

Somewhere between the Air Force and Grace, Grandpa and Granny met. The way he tells it, they were both at a mutual friend's house to play cards or dominos, and he just HAD to know who that hot woman was. Granny always scoffs and rolls her eyes when he tells this story, but we think she thinks it's cute. She's five years his senior, but that didn't stop him. They got married not too long after our Gigi and Papoo got married in 1977.

Their years went on together. There have been many threats of Granny throwing her shoe at him, when she gets annoyed. When they come to visit, and he's ready to go home, he always slaps Granny on the leg and says, "Well, let's go WOMAN!" She always tells him she's going to finish her coffee first. And now, one of his favorite things is US! We love him too, and we were very excited to have throw a party for him. We're still singing happy birthday to him.

Jackson and the Giant Slide

Momma has been lazy and not doing much story telling. She's been putting up slideshows as a cop-out, so today I'm going to catch you up on the story of my brother Jackson and the giant slide at Avery's birthday party.


As you all know, we love our cousin Avery. She's the best big cousin, and she was especially great a couple of weeks ago when she turned 8. Everyone keeps talking about how they can't believe she's 8, but I don't know what the big deal is. What's wrong with being 8?








Either way, we went to the Hurts' beach house in Port O'Conner. It was a great party for both Jaxyn and Avery. The Hurts are really nice people, and we're greatful they let us hang at their place.










Jaxyn got a huge slide for her birthday, and when we arrived at the party is was already set up, and Avery's friends were hard at play on it. It looked like so much fun, and Jackson and I could not wait to put our swim suits on. Momma made us wait a while so everyone could see us looking cute first before we got all wet. It was during this time that Jackson began his dream of going down the slide like all the big kids.

All he could think about was going down that slide. Momma and I both knew he wouldn't do it, but that made him even more determined. We tried distracting him with cookies, and it worked for a while, but that slide just kept calling his name.






Here he is just staring at the giant slide. "Oh, if only my momma would put my bathing suit on! I would show that slide who's boss," he thought.



























Momma finally put our bathing suits on, and Jackson went straight to Papoo to discuss his strategy of conquering the slide. I just rolled my eyes like I always do when Jackson gets a wild idea.













The plan was for Avery to climb to the top and slide down with him. Avery did her part, and climbed to the top to wait for Jackson. As you can see from the picture, Jackson had second thoughts. Avery tugged at him from one end, and Jackson had a death grip on Papoo.

When it was all said and done, Papoo put him in the middle of the slide and let him....er, made him do half of the slide. Everyone clapped and talked about how brave he was, but you can see from the picture here, he didn't exactly put on a brave face for everyone. you can't blame the boy for having dreams though, right?

It's summertime!

Today is our last day to stay at Miss Victoria and Yayo's house (that's Charro, for those of you who don't know our language). We've had a really good time staying there while our momma works. We eat a lot of Mexican food, and we dance to the music videos on Univision. Momma is very jealous, because she would like to spend her day doing the same thing.

Miss Victoria asked our momma how her Spanish was the other day, because she's worried we're going to forget all of our Spanish vocabulary during the Summer. She was sure to tell Momma that Sesame Street was on in Spanish on Saturday mornings. Sadly, Momma knew this even before we came along. She's a pretty big Sesame Street fan. We've made a lot of friends at Yayo's we'd like to give a shout out to: Big Aiden, Little Aiden, Gage, Bailey, Ethan! We'll see you on the flip side!

Even though on occasion we plan on dropping in on Yayo and Miss Victoria, we are really looking forward to hanging out with our Gigi for a month. Gigi bought us a new blow-up pool yesterday at Target. If you need us at any time during the day, that's where you'll find us. Gigi used to spend her days on a float in the big pool (we like to call it a bath), sipping on margaritas, but her summer vacation has changed. Welcome to Gigi-hood.

Ta Da!

1,2,3...Jump!

Avery turned 8!

Memorial Day Weekend pics

Our cousin Shelby had some fun with our picture over the weekend. She threw a killer party for Avery's birthday, and you better believe there's going to be a slide show shortly, so you can see how much fun we had.

New Slideshow!

Let's Go Astros!

This cartoon makes our Momma laugh, so she asked that we post it for all to enjoy! Go 'Stros! She also told us to let you all know that pictures are coming. She's had some trouble having time to blog in the evening, because ONE OF US is having a hard time going to sleep at night. We won't tell you which one other than she's dirty blonde with a button nose.

Family Time

Two Sundays ago we got a call from Aunt Tina while we were in church that said she, Uncle Mark and Memaw and PawPaw were waiting at our house to visit. We were SO excited, and we talked about PawPaw all the way home. Here's some pictures from our visit.

Momma loves this picture and is heartbroken that she hasn't perfected the auto focus in the new fancy camera, so it's a little out of focus. This is Presley and her PawPaw playing Peek a Boo at the coffee table.

Here's Jackson turning to Memaw for safety from the tickling PawPaw! AHHHH!

Happy Momma's Day

This past weekend was Mother's Day. We gave our momma lots of things. Below is a list of some of them :

1. One surprise poopie diaper right before a bath.

2. Two snotty noses wiped on Momma's shirt on the way out of the door.

3. Three tantrums before 8 am.

4. Four pairs of shoes we took off everytime Momma put them on.

5. Love from here to Mexico (that's our Momma's way to say she loves us more than anything in the world...Mexico is VERY far).

What we really gave her was a mold of our handprint to put in a frame. We're growing so fast that Momma will soon forget how small we were, so we want her to remember. For fun we've posted a picture montage for your viewing pleasure.

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Presley Rambles

Today it's all about me, Presley. I saw Jackson's trick of sticking his spoon on his nose. Big whoop. I mean, where is that going to get you in life? Check me out on my Paw Paw's swing back at Easter. Now this is talent. I could get a job swinging. I could work at San Fransico Steak House, or I could be the girl in the circus that swings on the trapze without a net. I would give my mom a premature heart attack, but I COULD do it if I wanted. And everyone knows that if I want to do something, I will. I am a very determined little girl. Gigi says that Momma and I are going to bump heads a lot when I grow bigger, but I love my momma and would never do anything to hurt her head.

Another little tid bit about me before I go, I'm a princess. My Papoo has me completely spoiled. If something is too cold, like my bottle (yes, I know I'm too old for a bottle), all I have to do is tell him it's brrrrrr, and he will hold it for me. He's a good Papoo, and I have him wrapped around my little finger. The same finger that I use to point at my brother and the dogs when I'm bossing them around.

Our Buddies

Momma didn't use her camera on us this weekend, so we thought we'd show you pictures of our friends.

Aiden's Birthday Party

This past weekend, we went to our friend, Aiden's second birthday party. We jumped in the moonwalk and played with all the big kids. We had so much fun we stayed long after the party was over. Aiden's momma really knows how to throw a party.

Wardrobe Change

Do you like my shirt? My Momma's awesome friend, Dori got me this shirt before I was born. It says, "Future Marathoner in Training." Dori also got one for my brother. They are two of Momma's favorite shirts, and she always lets us wear ours at the same time.

The morning this cute picture of us in a wheel barrow pushed by our Pappy was taken, Momma dressed us in our matching Houston Marathon shirts. But there was a need for a waredrobe change about mid day. I think my bubby is missing some nutrients or something, because he loves dirt. I tell you this, because you are my friend, but please don't tell anyone at the daycare that my brother is the kid who eats dirt.

The Jackson Lad Variety Show

WTH- What the Heck?!?!

Momma took me to Miss Marsha's birthday party in Manvel at her sister Michelle's house. It was fun to play with Miss Marsha's nephew, Luke, and their back yard had a fence, so Momma could relax and kick back. The only thing I got into was the grease drip pan on the grill, so mom took me in to wash me up. While in the kitchen, her friend and Miss Marsha's brother, Matt, asked if I had any new tricks. My crazy mom couldn't think of anything. Now, take a look at the picture below and tell me I don't have any tricks! Come on, Momma!

I'm available for birthday parties, weddings and bar mitzvahs!

I don't think you can handle this

I don't think you can handle all this progression. I've learned how to do slideshows AND changed my template all in one day. Next thing you know, I'm going to figure out how to change the theme music on my MySpace page instead of always stealing my friend, Lindsey's music. I've been asked to figure out how people can get emails letting them know when something new is posted. If you're interested it that, let me know. Stay tuned, because I'm on a roll now!

Really?!?!

Two electric 4-wheelers to make your kids smile...$60

The material for GiGi to sew adorable "Naughty" and "Nice" outfits...$40

The looks on your kids' faces when they realize the got electric 4-wheelers and their cousin, Avery got a gas powered go cart...priceless.

"Momma shoulda used a Mastercard to get us two of THESE!"

The Walch Family Photo

Sometimes Momma sits with us and asks us to find different pictures in a book. "Where's the ball?" or "Where's the tractor?" But in this picture we wonder...Where's Aunt Tina?

They always say that it's hard to find pictures of moms with their kids, because mom's are usually the ones forcing the family to stop what they are doing to take a picture, but this picture is getting a little out of hand...

Here's us with some of our cousins and Memaw and PawPaw.

Christmas Day 2007

When you let so much time go by between blogs, it's hard to know where to pick up again. I gave up the internet for Lent this year, so that added an extra little excuse to my otherwise lazy blogging. I'm just going to start where I left off. See if you can keep up.

The kids woke up on Christmas morning with colds. They gave it all they had to have fun...

Do we really have to do this so early in the morning?

I'm going to need a latte or something to get this party started.

The hit of the morning was the electric 4-wheelers. Please take notice to Jackson's name on his pj's and Presley's bunny slippers.

RRRRRRRMMMMMMM!

A lot of people disagree with my philosophy on child labor, but I say if you're old enough to drive a 4-wheeler, you're old enough to get a broom and start pitching in on some of the housework! Am I right?

Here comes Santa Claus...oops, maybe not

Below is a cute email Gigi sent out this week recounting her memory of taking her grandkids to sit on Santa's knee.
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I know Christmas is over and the new year has begun. I was just thinking about how quickly that holiday feeling fades and want to share a story with you that may extend that feeling just a little bit longer. This Christmas was very special for us for lots of reasons. We were blessed to share this Christmas with our twin grandchildren. Jackson and Presley are 16 months old and this was the first Christmas they were aware something special was happening. In fact, the preparation for Christmas began several months ago when Jackson looked up while sitting in his Bumbo chair and pointed to a picture on the refrigerator and in his little quizzical manner innocently asked “whazzatt?” The picture he was point to just happen to be a picture of him and his sister being held by Santa from their first Christmas. (Yes, it had been on the refrigerator for almost a year. I just never found that perfect Christmas frame.) We explained that was Santa. “Zanta?” he repeated. It was just so darn cute. From that day forward, almost daily Jackson and Presley would lovingly point to that picture and say “Zanta!” In fact, it didn’t take long for them to be able to answer the question “What does Santa say?” Presley in her quiet tiny little voice would whisper, “ho, ho, ho.” Her brother would proudly answer in his gruff little boy voice, “HO, HO, HO.” They would toddle to the refrigerator door and raise their little hands wanting to be held high enough to see Santa eye to eye so they could give Santa sugar.

As the weeks passed and Christmas drew near, we would tell the kids that we were going to visit Santa. They would smile and Presley would point to the door as if to say “well let’s go.” The big day finally arrived. PapPap and I dressed the two little angels in matching outfits for the big event, loaded them in the truck and off we went. Mommy was going to meet us right after work so we all could see their reaction to the real live “Zanta.”

When we arrived Mommy hadn’t arrived at the mall yet so the kids waited anxiously. It was all very exciting. There were animated snow men and penguins, lighted Christmas trees and wrapped presents stacked all around. But best of all sitting right there in the middle of all of that was Santa. As we waited, Presley and Jackson both waved lovingly at Santa, and to their delight, Santa even waived back. Jackson was just totally amazed that “Zanta” was really there and no longer on the refrigerator.

Mommy finally arrived and we took our place at the end of the line. We slowly moved to the front of the line and the kids could barely stand it. They pointed excitedly and waved lovingly. When Santa’s helper finally told us it was our turn to go visit the big guy we put the children down and they instantly toddled up to Santa with smiles on their faces. Presley stood beside his left knee and Jackson stood slightly farther away on his right. As he spoke to them, they would point to him and look at us with amazement. We had a very nice little conversation with Santa while the family before us carefully picked out which picture package they wanted to purchase. Santa told Mommy how fortunate she was to have two such beautiful children. And he was even nice enough to give the kids a very jolly HO, HO, HO. They were thrilled. I watched with such love in my heart as these two innocent little children experienced one of the many joys of childhood.

The “picture taker” Santa’s helper, said she was ready so we gently picked up the kids and placed them on Santa’s knees so she could capture this moment in time, and I quietly vowed to purchase a picture frame so it wouldn’t have to remain on the refrigerator door. I thought I would share that moment with friends and family so you too can feel the joy of Christmas through the eyes of my grandchildren.






To finish this story, as we were paying for our Holiday Picture Package, the cheery little Santa’s helper who was selling pictures told us the address of the website where we could go to purchase additional pictures if we decided we needed more. Their Mom smiled and said “Thanks, but I think we will have more than enough.” The cheery little Santa’s helper glanced at the pictures and nodded her head and said ‘Oh, yeah, I see.” As we walked away form Santa’s winter wonderland with our Holiday Picture Package in hand, Presley peeked over PapPap’s shoulder and with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye sweetly waved bye bye to “Zanta.”

It may not have been picture perfect, but it was one of the best Christmases ever and I hope yours was too.



Brenda George

Epiphany- Leaving your comfort zone

I don't have a picture today, but I wanted to share my story from church on Sunday. As some of you, probably not as many as I'd hoped, know, yesterday was Epiphany or Three Kings' Day. It celebrates the day that the men we know as the Three Wise Men, arrived in Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus. It's also the day you're allowed to take down your Christmas decorations, but Gigi's always been ahead of the curve on that.

The George family always sits on the left side of the church two rows from the back. It's an inconspicuous little corner with easy access to the door if things get a little out of hand. Some days are good and some are a little tougher than others, and yesterday things started out great. Jackson sat on my lap and read a book during the readings and Presley sat on Gigi's lap. I'm not sure of what she was doing, because I was afraid if I made eye contact; things could fall apart.

When it was time for the homily, Deacon Peltier, the man who baptized the twins, began by asking us to move to another seat. If we sat on the right side, move to the left. If we sit in the back, move to the front. We all looked at each other in a panic. Crap!! One minute ago, I wouldn't look in the direction of my daughter for fear it would disrupt her, and now we have to change our seat completely?

We ended up on the right side, two rows from the front. The kids were more aware of their surroundings now, causing them to become more active. They could see the nativity scene on the alter, which they could not see before. There was a nice family behind us that wanted to play the whole time. We were now sitting by a little girl who was not sitting next to us before. Jackson took so much interest in her dress, she finally moved. I still wasn't sure what Presley was doing, but more because I had my hands full rather than the reasons before.

The homily was GREAT. It was reminding us to leave our comfort zones, just as the 3 kings did, and to follow the star that lead to Jesus. Wonderful lesson. Thank you, Deacon Peltier.

Another thing that Jackson never saw in church was everyone receiving communion. For those who have eaten in front of Jackson, you know that you must share. Whatever you're fixing for yourself, you better make 2, because he will insist on having some. If I'm holding him during communion, I usually slip in the Eucharist while he's being blessed, but he's getting heavier with every passing day, and I'm having a harder time managing him and the Eucharist. He noticed mommy putting something in his mouth, and he demanded some. He pryed my mouth open when we returned to our seat. I pasted it to the top of my mouth and showed him there was nothing there. He gave up on me and decided to hit up everyone who walked by on their way back to their seat. He leaned toward every passing person saying, "MMMmmm." This is his polite way of asking for a bite. No one shared, and he started to get pretty ticked off about the whole thing. Soon he was demanding a bite from everyone who passed, until I had to take him to our designated spot in the back. They leave an open spot there just for Jackson and me.

First communion isn't until second grade, right? It's going to be a long 6 and a half years.

We also went to see some friends this weekend. Congratulations to Cole Powers for being baptized this weekend in Spring. We went to watch the special moment, and found that he may be in love with Presley. It seemed the affection was returned too, so we'll have to see him again real soon. Thanks to the Powers family for having us at their home. Finally, we went somewhere and don't have to replace something we broke. Christian's mom made some delicious tamales that made the kids cry and their faces turn red. I'm starting to think they gave me the wrong babies in the hospital. It was Stephanie's birthday the next day, so we also wanted to give her some love. Happy B-Day, Steph.

We finished our trip to Houston with a stop at our cousin Summer Layne's apartment to see her and Aunt Tina. It's really nice there, and they played on the balcony. I wanted to shut the glass door, so I couldn't hear them when they fought with each other, but Summer said that was mean. She probably feels that way because that's what Aunt Tina did to her. We left on a pretty bad note with tantrums and peanut butter crackers in the carpet. Sorry, Summer. We hope your new job went well today, and we'll see you again really soon, if you'll have us back.

Some time this week, I promise to have a story of the kids' trip to see Santa, along with a picture.