brenda & the boys

And Now A Matthew Moment

2012-01-22T20:49:00.000-06:00

Brenda and The Boys: The YouTube Channel

2012-01-17T10:32:00.001-06:00

Check out our home videos on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel!!

Fun Holiday Treat Turned Out Pintastic!!

2012-01-06T07:59:00.001-06:00

We made these fun Christmas Tree treats over the break. Its an upside down ice cream cone covered in green frosting. We put a star shaped marshmallow on top for the star. Then took M&Ms and Skittles for the ornaments. It was fun! And they were yummy!! The kids liked making them more than eating them actually. This post and idea is brought to you of course via an idea I saw on Pinterest! I love that site I am telling ya. Not a day goes by I am not doing something or eating something Pinterest related. Ha.

Wordless Wed

2012-01-04T11:31:00.000-06:00

Go, Colts!

2012-01-03T21:31:00.003-06:00

Alex LOVES football! LOVES!! I can't express in words how much.

Its his passion. He can talk to you ALL day about it. All. Day. All.

He has wanted to play forever. We found out a few months ago that the YMCA has a flag football league. So, we signed him up and he loves it. He is on the Colts team. And unlike the pro team, his team is undefeated. LOL! He is so happy to be playing!! Go, Colts!! Go, Alex!!

Day 2

2012-01-02T22:43:00.001-06:00

So. It's day 2 of 2012. Whatcha think so far? Its same stuff different year for me. Lol. Not much has changed. Of course I shouldn't judge after just 2 days. This year I hope to just take it one day at a time. Try and not sweat the small stuff. And get what I can get done when I can get it done. With lots of deep breaths, I am ready for whatever the days bring.

One thing I am not ready for is my boys going back to school. I miss them already. I LOVE having them home with me!! And I know they love being home! It's been a great break! We've had fun! It's been low key. I've loved it. Love my boys. 151 days til' summer! But who's counting? Ha.

For those of you "going back" tomorrow, have a great week! Its a short one. Yay!

-B

Sent from my iPad

2012

2012-01-01T11:29:00.005-06:00

Happy New Year from Brenda and The Boys!!! Its 2012! Can ya believe it?!?! 2011 whizzed on by so fast. It was a fun year for me. I hope that 2012 brings as much fun and laughter as well.

I spent NYE at home with the ones that me laugh the most, make me the happiest, make me crazy, and sometimes even make me cry. Ha. My boys!! We had a quiet night at home. Home. With the ones I love the most!! I kissed all 3 of them good night before midnight. They were tired and fell asleep early. IT was a nice NYE! I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else.....uh take that back. It would have been fun to be in NYC/Times Square with my friend, George. It was a nice NYEve with my guys. Our first holiday(s) without our, Phoebe. Miss her so much! She would have hated the fireworks last night. Sigh.

Well... let's get this year started right. Right!?!? Stay tuned to see what me and the boys will be up to in 2012. I got a feeling its going to be a great year!

I wish you all the best in 2012!!!

-B

And Now A Matthew Moment: I wanna hold your hand!

2011-12-29T23:01:00.001-06:00

Wordless Wed

2011-12-21T10:23:00.001-06:00

Love @ First Sight!!

2011-12-19T10:42:00.006-06:00

I am so blingin' happy about my new blinged out headphones!! I got'em at Ross!! They're so SHINY!!!

Wordless Wed

2011-12-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

Pinning: Our New Homework Station

2011-12-13T08:34:00.002-06:00

So, if you don't know already I am a major PINHEAD! I love the website pinterest.com. It is full of Ah-mazing ideas. Ones that I have pinned for later. And ones that I have actually made or tried to make. OMGosh, it is super fun. If you don't know what pinterest is then get over there stat and check it out! Brilliant site!

One of the projects that I created via an idea on pinterest is a "homework station" for my boys. I found that now with both of them in school and having homework, and due dates, and papers, and binders etc. They needed a place to put "their" own stuff. So, I found a space in our study/office area and made a homework "command" station. It has worked out really well. I am pleased. I even added my own little touch. Here are the pics.

Here it is. AJ on the right. MP is on the left.

They each have a bulletin board for posting important notes.
Each have file holders for homework, reading logs, and
other papers they use on a weekly/daily basis. The dry erase
board I found at Target with a red tag for $2. I use it to write notes they
need to see or reminders for each week.

I added the pencil holder on the side of each of their
file holders. That was my own little touch. ;) The
pencils are there and ready to go. No looking around for one.

It is a toothbrush holder. The kind you use for traveling.
I put a piece of velcro on it to make it stick to the folder file.

I love finding new way to use things that already have
a purpose. This is what Pinterest does. It motivates and inpsires
new ideas in your brain so then I can then pass along my ideas
on to others. Thank you, Pinterest!

Joining Pinterest is by invitation only. :( If you need me to send you one. Just holla!! You too can be pinning in no time!!

Dear Sarah

2011-12-10T18:14:00.001-06:00

Dear Sarah,

Its been so long since we last spoke. We got your Christmas card this week. Brought tears to my eyes. You have grown so much. Oh, how I miss your sweet smile and your soft hugs. I want to hear all about school, and your new friends. I heard ya'll got a pool this summer. I miss you! I also miss your dad yelling, "B. Loooooooooo!" every time he'd see me. Jordan looks so tall! OMGosh. I don't think I'd recognize him if I saw him in person. He is a teenager now! Lauren is just as pretty as ever. I wonder how she is doing now that she is in 5th grade. Is she excited about middle school next year?! And your mom. OH, how I miss her. It hurts. I need to call her. I need to make the time. Life is crazy. BUT I need to hear her voice. I miss you, Sarah. I hope that this Christmas is just awesome for you guys!!

Please know that I think about you guys all the time!

Love,
Brenda (:

And Now a Matthew Moment

2011-12-08T15:20:00.002-06:00

My sweet boy comes home from school everyday and does his homework without being reminded. Love him!

And Now A Matthew Moment

2011-10-07T08:37:00.003-05:00

A friend. Yes, that is a girl, painted this for Matthew. He already has a way with the ladies. Lol. I asked him last night if any girls in his class liked him and he said, "Yes!" "All of them." Well... there you have it. Oy!

Wordless Wed: Pics so good they need no words!

2011-09-28T12:06:00.001-05:00

And Now A Matthew Moment

2011-09-26T20:21:00.002-05:00

Surfing the net I guess requires a helmet these days. :-)

Living with boys...

2011-09-23T08:31:00.002-05:00

When you live with boys football helmets become part of the decor. Sigh. ;-)

WDITOT: Fort Kit

2011-09-18T08:44:00.003-05:00

I saw a cute idea on. Yes, Pinterest.com. It was for a Fort Kit. You know the sheet and blanket forts/tents you made as a kid and now if you have kids like your kids make. Well several people have posted the kits they have put together and have given as gifts. So. We are going to a party this weekend for a 5yr old boy and I thought this would be the perfect gift for him.

I went to Walmart and bought 2 sheets. The kits online said to get 2 twins. I got a Full and a Twin size. I also found the drawstring bag there. Then I went to the .99 Store and got a flash light, batteries, clothespins, string, clamps, and suction cups. Before, I put all the stuff in the bag I printed out a label onto iron on transfer paper. I use the kind for dark fabric. It is easier to use. Printed out the pic. Ironed it on the bag. Put all the stuff in and presto! Fort kit. I think he will love it! I hope he does! This could be made for boys or girls. I saw fun pink and polka dotted sheets, too!

Thanks again, Pinterest! WDITOT (Why didn't I think of that!).

And Now A Matthew Moment: He Still Misses Her

2011-09-12T22:34:00.002-05:00

Matt made this at school last week. It is about our dog Phoebe that passed away on Aug. 16 of this year. I mentioned before that he still talks about her as if she were still alive. He then will remember. She is not. Poor guy. His paper is a picture of Phoebe by our front door. It was her favorite place to lay.

He writes: I have a dog named Phoebe. And she always likes to sleep by the front door. She go's outside all the time.

Breaks my heart. He's so sweet. He misses her. I do too, Matt.

Sock Bun Curls

2011-09-10T23:31:00.010-05:00

On Thursday night after I had taken my shower and gotten ready to finally lay down with my iPad and do my favorite nightly activity. Which is to listen to the night before's Big Brother after Dark while on Pinterest on the iPad. While pinning I ran into this picture of this girl and her gorgeous long blonde hair. Her long loose curls are so pretty! I pinned it and then it took me to a YouTube link about how to get these curls without heat. Oh, yeah and with a sock. Yes. I said it. A sock. Crazy. I know. So, I watched the video. A few times. A few times cause the girl's accent is awesome. And plus I wanted to be sure I was getting it right. So, watched this video. Looked at blonde girl's curls again and was like gotta try this. Doing it! Since my hair was already damp like she said it should be and cause I had a sock that was missing its mate and surprisingly I hadn't trashed yet. I was like done and done. Wet hair. Sock. So, I got my hair up in a sock bun. Went to sleep. Woke up the next day and did a bunch of stuff that morning and before I had to leave to go to a meeting at the boy's school I took my hair out of my sock bun and presto CURLS! Long. Loose. Pretty. Curls. Shriek. My mom and friend TG thought I had had it done by a professional i.e. Lauren Jackson of Bella Sorella. Nope. Sock bun! So now I can't stop telling everyone that will listen all about the Sock Bun! You know you wanna try it! What are you waiting for? Oh, and Pinterest. Yea. If you don't know... go to it now. Clear about 3 hours out of your day or night first. Just saying. Its crack. One click aka pin and you are in. In!! As in you are never gonna get up from your computer again even to pee. In. As in your house will go uncleaned. In. As in your family will go unfed. Addicting. Crack. For real. You have been warned. Have fun pinning and sock bunning!!

-Brenda aka Brenduh aka Pinster

P.S. I added at the bottom another Sock Bun tutorial. Same girl but she explains it a little slower and a little closer to the camera. You can see what and how she does it better maybe. I think in this one she was showing how to make a bun to wear. Just the bun and then when she took it out it was curled. Maybe. Any way it is the same method. Good luck. Let me know how it goes. Post your pics!!

Isn't her hair gorgeous?! Sock Bun!

Here's the sock I used. Snipped the toes off.

Rolled up my sock and then made
my bun. Forgot to take a pic of my bun.

Tada. Curls. This is after about 5 hours. It had fallen
somewhat. But all these curls were from the sock bun. Fun!

You may want to watch this video, too. Just to get a better understanding.

Who done it?

2011-09-09T10:35:00.001-05:00

I wonder which little Parks left this fake rubber life like surprise for me to find this morning!? Ahhhhhhhh!

We love Station 105!

2011-09-08T14:47:00.002-05:00

A very happy little guy. We were there to give to them
and the firefighters still were giving to us. Thanks, Captain Rick.

Last night and yesterday was scary for our neighborhood. There was a fire about 2 miles away. It started about 3pm. It burned over night. We we woke up about 3am to a house filled with smoke. The firefighters worked all night and it was 100% contained by 5am this morning. I barely slept a wink. I was worried. I found myself having an anxiety/panic attack about 8am. If you've ever had one, it is a horrible feeling. Anyway.

I decided I wanted to do something for the awesome firefighters of our local Station 105. So, I baked away all morning. A cake, some brownies, a few tubs of cookies (From my boys school fundraisers. Which by the way we are selling cookies etc until Sept. 20 if you need some.) that I had in the freezer. As soon as I picked up Matt from school he helped me carry them in to the guys at 105. They were so happy. They thanked us a million times. Asked us what it was all for. I said it was just a small token of our appreciation for all their hard work and for their sleepless night. For protecting us. For being in our neighborhood. They were happy. It made us happy.

Before we left. The Captain asked Matthew if he wanted to get up inside the fire truck. Of course Matthew said yes! What a treat!! Thank you Station 105 and Captain Rick. It is now my goal to visit them more and bring them treats from time to time. Not just when there is an emergency but, just because.

Paying it forward in little but, I think big ways.

2011-09-07T07:12:00.006-05:00

Words to live by.

I saw this picture not to long ago. The words have stayed in my head. So much so that when I wake up and go about my day and I get to that point where I am about to complain or gripe about how horrible I feel or silly things like how I wish that my youngest son hadn't helped himself to the pancakes and syrup and gotten syrup on the floor, cabinets, counters, sink. Everywhere. You know those kinda days or moments. Well when I get to those days and moments lately I think of the words and know that somewhere, some one out there is fighting a harder battle than me. The Texas wildfire victims come to mind. A person just diagnosed with cancer. Those hard things. So, I pick myself up and am glad that I only have sticky Matthew syrup to clean up.

The other day I decided to take these words and challenge myself a bit. To be kind. So I did something very simple. I smiled at every person that I came across. Even if I was in the car driving. I made eye contact and smiled at them. Sounds like no big deal. Huh? Well, some people looked at me like who are you? And what do you want? Ha. Just from a smile. Some people kinda scrunch their brow but, do smile back. So don't smile back. Yes, I usually smile at most people I see. I can't help it. This time though I was trying to really be kind and smile and let the person know I was doing it not to be polite but, because I wanted them to get a smile that day from someone because maybe they had stuff going on where they just needed a smile or someone to look them in the eye. Someone to be kind. Sounds easy enough. And its free. But, maybe you should try it. It was tough to smile at even a guy standing around in a parking lot looking like he was up to no good. But I just thought he too might be fighting a hard battle.

I challenge you. Think about the words in the picture and even if you are having one of those days yourself and don't feel like it. Smile at someone today. Or at everyone you see. And by everyone I mean everyone. When was the last time you saw your garbage man and you gave him a smile? How many smiles do you think they ever get? Not many cause when I did it the other day ours looked at me crazy but the gave me a head nod. People need to see a friendly kind face. So today, I am going to do it again and I want you to, too. I think a smile is worth a million words. It can say hello. How are you? Thank you. A smile. No words. Just kindness.

Tomorrow, I have a new challenge for us!
-B

Wordless Wed

2011-08-31T08:14:00.001-05:00

And Now A Matthew Moment

2011-08-28T01:26:00.006-05:00

This is Phoebe and the boys.
Her brothers. She was 11 here.

Its been a few weeks since the last Matthew Moment. They occur daily but, I just can't post them all. Sorry. There are just too many. As you know I save the best ones to share with you guys. This one is no different. For the last few days Alex (8) and his cousin Madeline (10) have been co-writing a comic book. They get on Skype and discuss and write it together while Alex types it up on Word. Smart kids. Love them. I was still picking my nose at 8 and 10. Any who. Today Matthew (5) decides he wants to write a book. "A book," I say. Really about what?! My dog, Phoebster (he calls her). Side note. Our 14 year old dog died on August 16 (on mine and Kevin's 14th anniversary). Her name was Phoebe. She was our furry child. The boy's sister. Our family member. We have talked a lot about how much we miss her. Lots of tears have been shed. Matt sometimes still talks about her as if she were still with us. Then he remembers and says. "Oh, yeah." "I forget."

This is a picture the boys on their own asked me to take on their iTouch. It is theday she died. The last picture we took of her. She was very sick.We had to make the tough choice of putting her down. ~~They were~~ We were devastated. Lots of tears.

Today. This afternoon. He wanted to write a book about her. Like Alex and Maddie. He asked me how this could happen. I told him all about Word. He asked if it was like a typewriter (how he knows about those. I don't know.) I said kind of. I set up a new Word document for him. I just let him go. Alex and I told him that he was on his own. We couldn't help him with it. Alex was off to do who knows what and I "had" to get ready for the GoGo's concert I was going to attend later. So, he said "Ok". And he went at it. Before I knew it he came bouncing into my room and said, "I'm done!" "Can I read it to you?" I said sure. So, here is what he wrote. I was and still am very impressed that at five he was able to write, type, express, spell, etc. the following story. He is lacking in the punctuation department but, he's 5! I know he can recognize and tell you what a period, question mark, and coma are called. Placing them in sentences not so much. Anyway. I just had to share. Brag a bit. Plus I wanted to share how sweet he is and how much he must really miss his dog. Tear. P.S. Exploding Phoebe sounds kinda gross but, it is a game he and she played. He

started Kindergarten this week. He's already writing books. Well paragraphs. Ha. Go, Matthew!!

I scanned in his "book". It is the paragraph below. If you need to you can click on it and it will redirect you to a new page and it will be a little bit bigger to read. Enjoy his "book". I did. My sweet boy.

iPad iDea

2011-08-26T10:13:00.004-05:00

iLike to listen to my iPad in the bathroom while I am getting ready. I either prop it up or lay it flat. I have a dock but, it is in another part of the house. I only listen to it in here while I am getting ready so, I didn't want to $pend money on something that I only do for a short time each day (in this place). So, yesterday while I was in Hobby Lobby I bought this frame holder. It was $8. Now I can put my iPad on it and it won't topple over and doesn't have to lay flat on the counter. Yeah!

Love her.

2011-08-25T22:30:00.002-05:00

Can you guess what time of the month it is...for me!?

2011-08-25T15:20:00.002-05:00

Did I really need the 40 oz. party bag? Ugh.

DIY: Mine, His, Ours

2011-08-23T10:39:00.003-05:00

I love taking pictures! I love having pictures all over my house. I bought this frame and put pictures of the house I grew up in, the house my husband grew up in, and the house that he and I and our two boys live in. It is one of my favorite frames. I like it because it reminds me of where we grew up and where we are now together. I get a lot of compliments on it. My boys say they can't wait to add their future homes to the mix! (:

Monday is almost here. Sneer.

2011-08-20T09:01:00.001-05:00

I'm just saying...

2011-08-18T14:51:00.001-05:00

I just had a nice late lunch with my two. We talked about how excited they are about school even though they wish it weren't here so quick. They talked about the friends they hoped to see. They talked about Phoebe, too. How much they miss her and they are happy she is in heaven and not hurting anymore. Talked about how fun it was to have her as their dog. :) I did good. I bit my trembling lip and let them talk. Its going to be even more quiet than I thought around my house on Monday. My little lady heartbeat at my feet won't be here either. Whoa! She always knew with just a glance how to make me feel better. She could with out words comfort me. She'd come sit by me and just sit. Such a loyal friend. I miss her, too. How lucky I was that she was in my life. Monday. Gonna be a tough day. Gonna miss my boys. Even when they are fussing and fighting. Gonna miss my Phoebe being here with me. I can do it. I got this...

Wordless Wed

2011-08-10T14:42:00.002-05:00

Its the little things.

2011-08-06T08:36:00.005-05:00

I needed a place to keep my make-up brushes on hand. I had been keeping them in a drawer. It was hard to grab the one I wanted without having to dig around for it. Kinda annoying. So I looked for something I could use and leave out on my counter. I found this! A toothbrush holder!! Yay. It is now my handy make-up brush holder/organizer.

The toothbrush holder is by Croscill. It is in the
Ancora Ensemble. I bought it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

iLove these wipes!

2011-08-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

I found these at my local Waly. They are fabulous! Used them on my cell phone and iPad. I think they are great for most cell phones and or any other iProducts! Gets it so clean. No streaks! Love, love!

DIM (did it myself)

2011-08-01T13:01:00.007-05:00

Took a $5 P I bought at Hobby Lobby. Hot glued it to a $3 pic frame I got at a garage sale. Bam! Hung it on my front door. So easy. Love how it looks.

Are you still there?

2011-08-01T12:01:00.001-05:00

Are you guys still clicking on my blog link?!? I hope so. I am or should I say we are still around. I just haven't been making time to post stuff. I have so much to share too. Ugh. We have been making every single second of this summer count. We have been to some amazing places! And have done some fun stuff. If I could just slow down. I hope you guys are having a great summer!

Can you belive it is already Aug. 1?? What the heck?!? Loving my tan. Late nights. And my boys being home. But gotta say. I am ready for school to start. Ready for a routine. And for my fave season of all...FALL!

Hope to post more soon!

-B

Caption this!

2011-07-17T18:31:00.001-05:00

And Now A Matthew Moment

2011-07-13T10:55:00.001-05:00

Yes, it is Wednesday. I usually have no words on Weds, but because it has been a while since I have posted anything and because Matt has done it again. Here we go. Words on Wednesday. Just this once.

This morning Matt had made himself a bowl of cereal. He was eating it quietly. Miracle. So I decided perfect time to take a quick potty break. Only had to #1. TMI? Sorry. And since AJ was upstairs and Matt was eating I thought not only will I "go" but I would sit a minute and read a few pages of Stories From Candy Land (Candy Spelling's book) that I have been reading (when I can). Yes, reading a few pages of a book in my own space for even a minute. Its the little things people. BUT of course I was quickly whisked away from visions of the Spelling Mansion by a little knock on the door. Dang reality!! Then the door opens. Doh! I thought I locked it!! Who is to appear but none other than Matthew. "Yes!" I say. "Mom, what are you doing?" Really? Yes. "What does it look like Matt?" As I put my ripped magazine page book mark back in my book on to page 53. At this rate I will have to return it to the library before I can read it all. :( I have already rechecked it twice. Sigh. He says, "I finished my cereal." "Ok." "Now I want dessert", he says. So, I ask what it is he wants for dessert and that after breakfast we don't really have dessert yada yada yada. He says he wants some Hershey's chocolate. I say, "what?". And then ask him to please let me, ehem finish up and I will (I guess) get him some when I am done.

So, I finish up in the bathroom. Then go find Matt. He is now upstairs in grossed in an episode of some Disney show. I call up for him and say are you ready. "Ready for what?" he asks. Oh, no he didn't. I say, "Uh your dessert!". Oh, yeah. I by then am in the pantry and walk in and find this. See picture. About the same time Matt is walking in and then hangs his head. I asked him if he did this. Helped himself to some dessert. He says, "No!" And I say well then we must have a big rat. He then tries to tell me it must have been his brother. Ahhhh! He finally admits that he took a bite and did not wait for me. So he then got sent to his room for lying.

I ask you. WHY didn't he just got at it in the first place? I could have read a whole chapter and he could have eaten the whole thing! We would have both made out like bandits. ;) Right? If he was just going to go behind my back and get it anyway.

Oy that boy!!!

Wordless Wed

2011-06-29T16:13:00.001-05:00

Home Sweet Home!

2011-06-17T11:04:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wed

2011-06-15T22:35:00.001-05:00

Guess which ones we got?

2011-06-13T19:22:00.001-05:00

Like Father Like Son

2011-06-12T13:10:00.001-05:00

My loves.

Making a new list...

2011-06-11T14:57:00.002-05:00

This list is being compiled and was inspired by our current trip and the latest Matthew Moment.

And Now A Matthew Moment

2011-06-10T19:52:00.002-05:00

You know how when a new movie comes out there are always reviews like "Two thumbs way up" or "It will make you laugh 'til it hurts!". You know the ones. Well, here is a tagline/quote and it is a direct quote from none other than the little man himself, Matthew about this story I am about to tell you, "He made me laugh so hard I pooped!" Intrigued!? Make you want to read more?!

Can I just say before I continue. Sorry. Edge of your seat, huh? Well, I have to say this. I don't guess I have anything that I won't post on my blog. Good, bad, or ugly. Or messy. Stinky. It's my life. Our life. And yes, my children though some times it is embarrassing and sometimes humiliating to them they are aware and have signed releases and have waived all rights to me, their mother for the sake of "the blog" which has become the diary/journal of our lives. We learn from these experiences and laugh at them over and over. I/we post in hopes to also share a laugh or smile with you. We want others to know that their "bad" or "crazy" day is not only being had by them but by others i.e. us as well. Example. Lesson learned in this story. "ALWAYS pack an extra pair of underwear for every member of the family!! Especially in your carry on bag when traveling. You just never know. Well, now I know. And you will, too. You're welcome! And because this did happen to me/Matt. My car is (oh, who am I kidding) my mini van's glove box will also now be stocked with extra skivvies. You have been warned ye who ride shot gun in my car, uh van. Just saying. Back to Matt's latest (and if you've been following) ...moment.

On Wed, June 8th we embarked on our family vacation. Yes, I know it seems like we are always on vacation. If you've traveled with or have lived with two young children, it's not always a vacation. I digress. At 8am Houston time we arrived to the airport checked into our flight to Hawaii. Yeah! We first flew 2hrs. and 17 minutes gate to gate to Phoenix. Made it. No problems. Yeah! First leg. Done. Got off of the plane. Used the facilities. Or so I thought we did. Grabbed a non-nutritious million dollar airport "snack" and then got on our connecting flight to Hawaii no problems. Right? Right. Wrong. Wrong?

We found our seats. Sorry SWA (you've been good to us). But can I get an Amen! for assigned seating! So, we got settled into our seats. Got all our airline approved electronics out, sent our lasts texts, got ready! I was nervous. Excited! Smiling at my boys from my solo assigned aisle seat across the row from my 3 loves!

The boys suddenly begin to start joking around with each other and laughing. The airplane door is not even closed yet. People are still boarding. Including about 100 teenagers from Missouri. A high school band. Yay! Not. Two of them happen to sit by me. Right next me is the "Jonah Hill from Superbad" of the band. Good times. Did I tell you that this is the long leg of our trip? 6hrs and 55 mins long. And we had already lost two hours. We left our house at 6am. It was now 10am Phoenix time. We would arrive in Hawaii at 2:30p. Yeah. Anyway, so my boys are still LOLing. KP is looking annoyed a little bit. He's ready for the doors to close and get the show on the road...or up in the air.

I get my head to suddenly mute out all the noise from the "boarding" process. The flight attendant talking about overhead bin space, the 1000 teens constant cheering, high fiving, Jonah Hill saying dude after ever other word, to focus only on the banter coming from my two boys. Alex is making faces and whispering something into Matt's ears every two seconds. When all of sudden I hear for the first time as he gasps for air to breath, "Stop Alex!" "Stop making me laugh. Then. Again. Matt. "Stop making me laugh!" Once again except a little diff. this time. Words I was not expecting. "Stop making me laugh or you are going to make me poop!" I looked over and...how is it that he is sitting right next to him and KP did not hear it. Really? So, I tap his arm and ask him if he heard Matt and at this point all I can say is "poop". I tell him Matt said, "Poop!" KP looks down and shrugs. It's fine! More hard belly laughing. And then. It happened. Matt looked over at me. Not his dad. Me. I am sitting across on the other row. And said, "Alex made me poop!" the doors of the plane are not even closed people. We have 6hrs and 55 mins to go. So, long story (sorry) short. KP checks. And yes my "very" potty trained 5yr old boy laughed so hard, he pooped his pants. Nice. We looked up at that moment and the doors close. Of course.The attendant says remain in your seats we are cleared for take off. Ahhh!! Matt is, well look at the picture. Upset. He has to ride dirty for a bit. Alex is fainting at the smell. KP is mortified. I am hating myself for not being prepared and not thinking to have an extra pair of underwear. But then why would I?! Wah!

So, after the buckle your seatbelt light goes off. Ding. Matt and KP go to the restroom. They come back to their seats and for the rest of the flight...uh, day my sweet Matt went commando!! Sorry to the person who had to empty the trash and may have found MPs dirty drawers in airplane trash. :(

So there you have it. I bet you will pack an extra pair as will I from now on. I know I will.

Aloha!

2011-06-09T13:33:00.001-05:00

Yes. Brenda and The Boys are in Hawaii. It is a surreal feeling for us. We talked about it for so long but, actually being here is just nuts. Since I saw the Brady Bunch episode way back when...I have always dreamt about coming here. The time change is a little much but, we will adjust to the 5 hour difference.

Matt had a funny. He said, "Yeah, we are in Hawaii. Look at all the palm trees.

Our adventure continues...

Wordless Wed

2011-06-08T07:50:00.000-05:00

iFeel pretty.

2011-06-07T14:10:00.000-05:00

Its amazing how a pedicure and an eyebrow wax can change how one feels about ones self. I feel pretty. Oh, so pretty. I have pink toes and 2 eyebrows again! Yay! Girly is good. Peace. Love. Pedis.

His boyhood dream.

2011-06-06T17:05:00.003-05:00

I guess it is no surprise by now that KP and I and the boys travel quite a bit. As a matter of fact we are about to embark on an new vacation/adventure on Wednesday. It still has not sunk in that we will be at this place yet.*

KP and the boys last year in San Francisco. One of our favorite places.

So speaking of travel. KP and I have been together 20 years now. It is neat how even after 20 years I am still learning things about my DH (dear husband). I asked him on one of our last trips if he has always liked to or wanted to travel. I knew he liked traveling. I wasn't sure if he always wanted to. He has traveled for work a lot and I just thought he went and liked it. Anyway, he said yes. When he was a boy growing up at home he said he had a map on his wall. He would lay in bed and think about all the places on the map. He wondered what they all looked like. He would dream about going to all the places he saw on it. He even marked a place that he wanted to live. He loves maps! KP has traveled to many places in the states and in Europe some. And I have been lucky to be along for the ride! He is always thinking of the next place he wants to go. To think it all started with a map on his wall. He has been to 47 of the 50 states. Wednesday he will have his 48th. His dream. To travel. Its been fun helping him mark his map with places ~~he's~~ we've been.

*Stay tuned for the pics and posts of our latest adventure.

Window Shopping and People Watching: San Diego cont.

2011-05-29T09:56:00.001-05:00

Pinching myself.

2011-05-28T10:41:00.000-05:00

Dear Sarah

2011-05-26T13:46:00.005-05:00

Dear Sarah,

First of all, I miss you like crazy!!! I just know that you have grown like a weed since the last time we saw each other. I hope that you had a good semester at your new school. I just know that this will be the best summer ever for you. I just feel it!

I think about you all the time my, bling buddy!! Especially, the other day when I blinged out my new bullhorn I got for Christmas. It was so boring and now it is so bright and shiny. I just love it! And I KNOW that you would love it, too.

Well that is all for now. Don't ever forget that a girl can never have to much bling!!

Love and miss you,

Things are better with bling!

2011-05-24T09:46:00.006-05:00

On Halloween I borrowed my neighbor's bullhorn/megaphone to corral all the kids during trick or treating. I loved it so much I asked for one for Christmas. And got it thanks to Mr. and Ms. P (my parents in-law)! Pretty much since I got it, I have wanted to bling it out. Duh. Its what I do. Lol! So, here it is. Blinged out to the max. I love it! Bling makes it better!!!

I Snooki, borrowed this fun bullhorn on Halloween. So, ~~she~~ I
decided I had to have one, too.

Before. Boring and blingless.

After. Bling made it better.

I wanted to put BRENDUH but Hobby Lobby was out of Ds and Hs. Doh!

Rubba-Dub-Dub Three People in a Bed?

2011-05-13T11:59:00.001-05:00

It was an arm, a leg, a fist in the face! All night long we fought for a place! No chance for me to get any beauty rest. Someone did get a booty rest though. Yes, booty. Matt kept trying to use mine as a pillow. Move over Pillow Pets. My booty is softer and more comfy it seems. You see, when the dad is away the mice wanna stay in mama's bed. So not a wink or a blink I got with all the moving and yanking of the covers but, a peaceful rest I got anyway. Just feeling them close and hearing their sweet snores made it worth all the sleep I lost. Thank you Jesus, for these moments. Its the little things! Sleep? Who needs it anyway.

I am glad somebody got some sleep!

Wordless Wed

2011-05-04T07:25:00.001-05:00

Nike. Just Do It? Well, I did it. Just Saying.

2011-04-29T06:26:00.010-05:00

I went to my second class ever at the gym yesterday. It was a 5:15a Strictly Strength class. A friend of mine invited me and without really thinking about it I said, yes. Out loud! Yikes. I was so nervous about it. I told her the only things I did "strictly" were eat Peeps and chips and salsa. I got up and went. Debora was sweet to show me the ropes! And the weights, and mats, and these things that I did not like called Burpees (a really tough exercise). Which brings me to the reason I wanted to blog about this experience. Let me just say first of all I am so glad this class was early in the wee hours cause there were not that many people in the class. Thank goodness. Let me be totally honest. Some of these exercises were a bit tricky! If you are like me and you consider housework "exercise". Folding and hanging clothes. Walking up the stairs to put it away. Exercises. Right? Well, can I just say that yesterday, hello people I just met just forget that my big butt and jiggly jelly was trying to do a jumping jack and not have pee run down my leg cause that is what happens after two kids, and then balance my shoulders on a huge ball while lifting a weight over my head the whole time trying not to roll off! This class was tough for this not normally a worker outer but, I am going on a beach vacay in June and decided I want to look like a fluffy mermaid and not a beached whale so I better get to doing something about it. SO, yes, I took the class! I did it. I know I looked crazy! And clueless. But, I DID IT!! And I wouldn't have if it weren't for Debora!! Thanks, D! She has invited me to Soul Grooves next. I am LOLing at myself already.

After yesterdays, class I got to thinking WHY on earth are the rooms filled with mirrors. Why!? Just saying. And man the instructor makes each exercise "look" so easy!! When she turned down the lights for the cool down it sparked an idea. I think there should be a class in the dark. You stand by your mat and the instructor wears those night vision goggles to make sure you are "doing it right" but, you don't have to worry about looking crazy especially when the 12 lb lady that just had twins is next to you looking like she could be selected to be on workout video she is so good! Yes. Strictly Strength in the Dark. Yeah. I would be in that class weekly for sure.

Thanks again, Debora for encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and shake my jelly in a brightly lit mirrored room filled with strangers. Dang you can get down and do those Burpees, girl! You rock. See ya next week. Did I just say that? I want to do it again. What?

P.S. Today I will not be able to brush my teeth. I am so sore. Forget about lifting much of anything today. ;) But, that is OK because hopefully in June I will be lifting my umbrella drink with a slightly leaner firmer arm.

So, there, Nike. I did just do it and even though I looked crazy I am glad I did.

I'm just saying.

Wordless Wed

2011-04-14T08:35:00.000-05:00

Before and After: Dining Room Remodel

2011-04-13T12:36:00.004-05:00

I have been at it again. Remodeling. Juzing. Making things more functional. Reorganizing. My fave things to do. You see for years I have wanted to take our dining room and do something different with it. Our formal dining room is/was one of the first rooms in the house. Right by the front door, away from the kitchen. I think in the 10 years we've lived here we maybe sat at our table maybe 4 or 5 times. We always took a chair of two and took it to the kitchen when we needed an extra seat/space. So, this year...I FINALLY got my wish. Thank you Husband and thanks to your Christmas bonus, I now have a new sitting room/craft area/project space! And I LOVE it!! Thank you Husband and thank you Christmas bonus!

My cousin, Diane and her husband Thomas are the new owners of my barely used dining room set. They moved into a new house recently and had an empty dining room connected to their kitchen. Voila! New dining room for them! AND I have already been over and we all sat and ate at it! Fun! Tom and Diane were victims of IKE and lost everything. It made us so happy to share our dining room with them and help them fill up their space. It fits perfectly in their new home! And I know they will use it way more than we did. Thanks, cuz!!

So, here are the before and after pics. I am so happy in my new space!! KP and the boys are happy that I am happy. And they keep asking, "how do you like 'your room'!?" And I say, "I LOVE IT!!" Thanks, Husband! And thanks Christmas bonus! ;)

Before: Dining Room

My new and improved Bonus Room! :D

Wordless Wed

2011-04-06T08:44:00.001-05:00

I'm Just Saying

2011-04-04T13:41:00.001-05:00

I am going to change the voices in my head. I am perfect...to me. Mirror, mirror on the wall...I am OK looking after all. No more will I bully...me.

No more beating myself up with my own doubt and criticism. I don't have time for it. Life moves too fast. I need to love me. More. Now.

I'm just saying.

-B

P.S. Thanks, P!nk.

Wordless Wed

2011-03-30T08:41:00.000-05:00

Spring Break 2011: Corpus Christi/Port Aransas, TX

2011-03-29T07:48:00.001-05:00

Alexed

2011-03-28T08:52:00.001-05:00

Dear UST,

2011-03-26T08:53:00.000-05:00

Dear University of St. Thomas-Houston,

Thank you so much for these brothers from other mothers!! They have grown from boys to men right before my eyes. It gives me such comfort knowing that these guys are in my life. They are the best friends/brothers a girl could have and ever dream of. We have all been through so much together. Our bond just continues to grow stronger. I love them.

Thank you, UST for bringing us all together.

Love,

Cartoon Fun

2011-03-25T18:15:00.000-05:00

And Now A Matthew Moment: The Claritin Caper Part Deux

2011-03-25T08:10:00.001-05:00

Where to start. Well, first of all. Brenda and The Boys are allergy sufferers. We take medication daily for allergies. Dust, pollen, pet dander, blah, blah, blah. On top of that Matthew and I have asthma. So, we have take our meds every day. The boys take Claritin (A tiny little chewable purple pill). Well, they are supposed to take it. Alex does without fail. My oldest rule follower child! Thank you, AJ. Matthew on the other hand has different ideas. Schemes. And tricks, when it comes to the taking of his pill. He first displayed such trickery back in June of last year. See the link below to read about his first allergy pill scheme. I thought I give them the pill and they take it. Done. BUT no, if you read the link, it turns out that Matthew does not like to take the purple pill some days and so he gets rid of it. The first time as you read or will read by throwing it away. But ah ha he was caught! And punished! And his mom and dad thought that he would not do that again. Because we showed him! Turns out he showed us. AGAIN! Last week. Alex and KP were at work and school already. Matt slept in. When he woke up he ate breakfast and drank his chocolate milk (Matt for coffee). Afterwards, I said, "Its time to take your medicine." He followed me to my bathroom. I gave him the pills and he took them and walked quickly out of my room with the pills in hand. Hmmmm. He is up to something I thought. So, I whipped around the corner and he was running up the stairs. I called to him. "Matt!" No answer. "MAAAATT!!" No answer. This time as I am running and panting up the stairs, I say it again. "MATT!" This time a faint answer comes from his bathroom. "What?" I get to the bathroom and he hurries out. I ask him what he is doing and he shrugs his shoulders. I ask, "Did you take your medicine?!" He nods yes. I don't say it but, I don't believe him. Here is where Matthew is caught. See he does not know that I watch alllllllllot of forensic shows. And so I have a TV degree in forensic science. I ask him to open his mouth. I see no purple residue stuck to his teeth. See my forensic expertise tells me that if he had chewed the chewable alllergy pill than there should be some reminisce of the pill still in his mouth or teeth. He, he. I am so smart. Well, when I question him again this time he tells me by pointing his finger where the pill actually was. This is the part where I have no clue not even forensic science can help me figure out why and how he figured out to drop his pill so fast into the BATH TUB DRAIN!!! AHHHHHHHH. Yes! As you can clearly see in the pics. His pill. Its in there. He dumped it in the drain. SO now, I have to watch him eat the pill. Oh, and he is hating that. He does not want to be watched! Ha. Sorry, Matthew. You once again are busted. Like so many Matthew Moments before, I ask you kind folk....Where in the world does he come up with these things??? I can't make this stuff up. Seriously!

The First Claritin Caper: http://brendaandtheboys.blogspot.com/2010/06/and-now-matthew-moment_7506.html

Can you see it?

And Now A Matthew Moment

2011-03-24T21:52:00.000-05:00

I told you guys my day wasn't over. This just in...here is Matthew sitting on the counter getting gum out of his hair minutes ago. Thank goodness for peanut butter. Otherwise he'd have a funny new haircut. The gum was stuck to his hair and scalp in two places. He was pretty upset. It hurt to get it out and he was embarrassed. As you can see he did not want his picture taken. :-( Can you see the tear sitting on his cheek? Poor guy. He found the gum in my secret stash. Guess I need to find a new "secret" hiding place. With that....this day is finally a wrap! Tomorrow is a new day.

No pictures please.

Can you see the big tear on his cheek?

So sad.

What a mess!?

I'm Just Saying

2011-03-24T18:35:00.005-05:00

My day. In a nut shell. So far. Ramblings. Just stuff I wanna say and share. Woke up on time. Early. Got dressed and ready. Made the lunches. Did all the stuff that everyone needs done before they have to walk out the door. The reminders. Reminding them to brush hair, teeth, take their vitamins. All the while forgetting sometimes to brush my own teeth or take my own vitamins. So up on time, BUT still got out the door late. UGH. Dropped Matt off at the preschool LATE UH-gain. Really? Why? What is it? I just can't ever get there and in the car line ON TIME! Ahhhhh. Nothing new there though. Glad KP is going to be driving both boys to elementary come August. Phew! I did manage to make it to my doctor appt. on time thankfully. Then waited. No biggie I got to catch up on the 11 Words With Friends games I had waiting. What did I ever do without my iPad? Seriously, Maxi is part of the family. An appendage. A lifeline. Love her. I am lost without her. Didn't even crack open a free peek at the People mags the doc had. Crazy! Who am I? And I don't care that I have to carry a diaper bag sized purse in order to tote Maxi around. Ha. Once they called me back, of course I had to hop on the scale. UGH! I new I had gained but, then in a matter of seconds the truth is numerically staring at me in the face. :P Truth hurts. Sigh. Then the nurse asks me how tall I am. In my case she should ask how short I am. Really. I know elementary kids taller than me. Sad. What? Doctor? Why? Oh, had to go get all my asthma and allergy med prescripts up to date. Refill time. Pollen is on the attack. Can I add a quick A to the men that I can now get Allegra OTC?! After the doc electronically sent my new prescripts over to "My HEB"...yeah email. No more chicken scratch on a notepad. Click and pick up! Love it. Next, I met my BF TG at La Villa for some catch up time aka Peace. Love. Chips and Salsa. Yea, apparently the numbers on the scale didn't scare me enough to keep me away from eating Mexican food today. Sigh. TG = Tall Girl by the way. A little term of endearment that I have for my sweet very tall friend. Yes, I am short and everyone is taller than me... but, TG is supermodel tall. And supermodel gorgeous, too. Hanging out with her is always a treat. A happy pill for sure. Laughs and warm fuzzies all around. Love her! ;) After that we swung by Cyrese and Co. in Kingwood. Cause there is nothing like knowing how much you weigh, then stuffing your face and then going with your supermodel tall friend to a cute boutique with cute clothes! Right? Super cute store for sure. I was a first timer. I got some earrings. One size fits all giant square diamond "looking" studs. OMGosh. Too fun! Bling makes it all better really. It does. Then it was car line time. First Matt. Then a quick trip to my HEB to pick up those scripts and a few things for dinner. Then car line #2. Picked up AJ. Then home. And I swear he must be about to grow a few inches because Alex has come home for the past several days and has been hangry (hungry + angry) and super sleepy! He is sleeping right now!! Growing boy? I guess. I can hardly believe that it is 6 o'clock already. Where does it go? Really? Where? And this week? Tomorrow is Friday. For the love. Well, that was my day. Morning and afternoon. It ain't over yet!

I'm just saying.

Angry Birds Party

2011-03-24T07:19:00.005-05:00

For his 8th birthday Alex wanted an Angry Birds themed party. For those of you that don't know, Angry Birds is a very addicting game and iTunes app. We all play it in our house. Alex says, "It is the best game EVER!!" It is also available for Android now as well. When he told me this is what he wanted I told him we probably would not be able to find many things if any at all for the party if this was the theme he were to choose. It is what he really wanted. Angry Birds. Hmmm. I was up to the challenge. Angry Birds it was, so first off I enlisted my friend, Stephanie to help with the invites. For reals, she can whip anything up and out in no time on her computer. Thanks, SKD. Next, I got on ebay to see what else I could find. I did not find anything as far as party goods or favors go. I did find a personalized edible picture for the top of the cake. Woohoo! I used paper plates in red (birds) and green (pigs). The goody bags were fun. Since the party was the end of Feb/ early March that meant Easter stuff was already out. Easter isn't until April 24, but, lucky for me Peeps (birds!) and other easter candies were already in stores. Yeah and Yum. ;) They made for some fun edibles for the treat bags. I got the rest of the things I needed for the bags at Oriental Trading. Love that site! Voila! A few things went a long way I think! Alex loved it!! That is all that mattered, right?? Check it.....

Thank you SKDement for creating and printing
the invites for us.

For the goody bags, I used blue Peeps and yellow Peeps for the birds and
chocolate Golden Eggs. If you play the game...well you know why!

Of course no Angry Birds goody bag is complete without
a sling shot to catapult the birds! I got sponge balls
in the color of the different birds. I didn't want anyone getting hurt
is why they are spongy. Plus I thought when used outside
you could wet them and shoot them! Splash!

I also used Angry Birds colors for the goody bags.
Luckily, I had these already on hand. Score.

Here is the Angry Bird goody bag final product!
I did not have time but, I wanted to make a label
for the bags that said, "Thanks for flying over to help me
celebrate!". I was going to put Angry Bird
clip art on the label, too. Next time! ;)

Here is his cake. I ordered the
personalized edible picture on ebay.

Wordless Wed

2011-03-23T11:16:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wed ;)

2011-03-09T09:09:00.002-06:00

Wordless Wed

2011-03-02T08:34:00.001-06:00

Like Father Like Son

2011-03-01T21:29:00.001-06:00

Wordless Wed

2011-02-23T08:55:00.000-06:00

Pirate Day at School: Argh!

2011-02-22T13:58:00.004-06:00

Proud Mama. Sad Mama.

2011-02-17T11:26:00.012-06:00

My little baby. My first born. My boy. He is growing up. He will be 8 next week. Alex. Yesterday morning before I even woke up. He had gotten himself up. Got dressed. Got his water bottle filled and put in his backpack. He even made and packed up his own lunch. It makes me so proud that he is being responsible. Proud that he is doing stuff on his own. These are all the things KP and I have taught him, showed how to do, try to each day model for him. And he is getting it. So proud! Here it comes...BUT at the same time I am a little sad. Sad that he with each day "needs" me a little less. I know, I know. He will always need me. I know this. Here it is again, BUT it the little things that I love to do for him. Once those things are gone and not needed to be done. Then what?!? Wah. My baby is growing up before my eyes. Inhale. Exhale. Breathe. Right?! He still needs help remembering to brush his teeth. I still can hang on to that. :D

Wordless Wed

2011-02-16T08:55:00.003-06:00

And Now A Matthew Moment: Look Ma, I dressed myself!

2011-02-15T16:23:00.007-06:00

So Matthew dresses himself. No big surprise. Right? He is five now. He should do this on his own. And it makes me happy that he can do that all by himself.........BUT, there is just one little thing. Most of the time he does dress himself he does not match. If we are just going to be around the house I don't care at all. Have at it, dude!! BUT 9 out of 10 times he gets "himself" dressed and comes down unmatched its a day we have a ton of errands to run. Other people to see. Of course. And how am I supposed to tell him to go change after he did what asked him to in the first place? Huh? How? He did after all go and get dressed! Errr. Here he is on one of those days. Brown and white pants with a black and red striped shirt. Nice. A friend of mine has suggested making stickers that say, "Today I dressed myself!" I think she just might have something there.

This picture you can see Alex standing close by.

First thing out of his mouth that day was, Mom, Matt

doesn't match! Ha. Ya think?! Thanks, AJ.

Here he is happy as a lark playing basketball.

He doesn't care that he doesn't match. And I

guess I shouldn't either. But I do. Why?!

(And what is a lark anyway? A bird?)

I Think I Caught The Fever

2011-02-12T15:59:00.006-06:00

God. Faith. Determination. Family & Friends. Following your heart and following your dreams. Remembering where you are from. Prayer. Being kind to others. Paying it forward. Belief in others but also in yourself. General positiveness. This is what the Justin Bieber movie is all about. Yes, I said it. Justin Bieber. Don't judge. Or hate. Yes, these are all things that we know about or have in our lives. I think for me anyway, you lose faith and belief sometimes. We forget that with God and family behind you all things are possible if you just believe. I need to be reminded and motivated sometimes. This movie gave me that. A reminder. It is a movie I think everyone should see. If not for sure take your kids, cousins, grandkids, neighbors, etc. I went with my niece and Goddaughter, and a school friend cause they really wanted to see it. I NEVER would have thought I would like it as much as I did. I came out wanting to pray more, reach my goals no matter how big or little, and to do more to help others. Thanks, JB!! Never Say Never.....

So many wishes!

2011-02-11T12:21:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday, to you.....Juancho, Lawrence P., Craig Reffner, Jennifer Aniston, and our late and so missed, Aunt Pat!!!! Wishing you a happy sunny day!!!!

Alexed

2011-02-11T08:48:00.000-06:00

The following photos have been photoshopped or photochopped by Alex on his DSi.

And Now A Matthew Moment: On News Stands Now

2011-02-10T08:05:00.014-06:00

Almost two weeks ago, Matthew had the flu. It was a horrible week for my little guy. And me too. He was very sick. And after you read this post you might even say he was a bit delusional. LOL. Once we got the diagnosis that for sure he had the flu. He and I went straight to the pharmacy. He and I waited for his prescription at the local H.E.B. He was sitting by me in a chair. His little cheeks bright red with fever. His little feet dangling down. He was hunched over a bit. He looked as cute as could be. So puny. We sat. Waiting. When all of us sudden he perked up a bit, then he sat up real straight and said, "Mom, LOOK! (his little finger pointing) over there on that magazine. I think its Dad!" Without looking I said, "What?" He said, "Over there!" "Look!" So, I did. I looked. Then I acknowledged that yes it did indeed look a lot like KP. I then explained that we would know if it were Kevin on the cover because to my knowledge I did not think KP had, had any photo shoots. He, he. Matt, however was not at all convinced with my (Mike Brady) ramblings. He next asked me if he could go and get a closer look. I said sure. So he hopped down, and walked over and stood in front of the mag for several seconds. He even cocked his head to the side the way little and big Forrest do in the the movie. (TG, I hope you have seen that movie or else I think our friendship is in trouble. Wink.) Anyway, he walked back to me but, before saying anything he walked back for a second look. I wish this was on video. I am sure it is. I just don't feel like asking H.E.B. for a copy of their video surveillance. They might think I am coo coo. So, he comes back and says, "You are right that is not, my Dad". I told him again how it did look like him. He said, "Yeah, it really does, except that guy has all black hair and Dad has black and white hair." Bawahahahahaaha, his words not mine. Dang kids are so honest. And perceptive. Just saying.

So, I am sure you are wondering who was actually on that magazine. Well, it was an US Weekly Magazine cover he saw. The cover that week featured Elton John and his partner, David F. and the news of them becoming parents. Congrats, by the way Elton and David! I have to say that KP really does resemble, David. KP himself said that he did. I love a good doppelganger sighting/matching. Don't you? Let me know what you think. Was Matt right? Do you think that KP looks like David Furnish? Can wait to read your comments. (:

I know its been a while since I posted a good Matthew Moment. It isn't due to a lack of moments for sure. Its just that Matt's mama has gotten lazy and is not posting them. I am going to try and get back in the groove! Stay tuned.

-B

Wordless Wed

2011-02-09T07:56:00.002-06:00

Wordless Wed

2011-01-26T00:00:00.000-06:00

And Now A Matthew Moment

2011-01-24T08:09:00.003-06:00

"Mom, has anyone in our family ever been to space?"

Ain't Nuthin' But a Glee Thang

2011-01-12T13:12:00.000-06:00

Nuthin' But A Glee Thang with Heather Morris, Matthew Morrison & Sofia Vergara from Heather Morris

Twenty years.

2011-01-11T15:41:00.004-06:00

Its been 20 years today that KP and I had our very first date.

Merry Christmas From Brenda & The Boys

2010-12-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

Boys Will Be Boys

2010-12-21T16:19:00.003-06:00

My silly boys. This all before two today.

Sampling some sounds at Best Buy

2010-12-20T13:14:00.002-06:00

I'm Just Saying

2010-12-20T09:13:00.006-06:00

Watching Tim McGraw on Ellen DeGeneres on the DVR. It is better than the first cup of morning coffee. Itsa big o' cupa Tim! He is one of my all TIMe fave people on the planet. I so wanna see his new movie, Country Strong. And I was just thinking that it would also be spectacular if Tim and Justin Timberlake would record a duet together. Just saying.

Brenda and The Boys in Big D

2010-12-18T09:24:00.002-06:00

And Now A Matthew Moment

2010-12-17T00:00:00.001-06:00

DSied and Alexed.

2010-12-16T08:03:00.015-06:00

Alex has a Nintendo DSi. It has a camera built in that he is able to take pics with and then photoshop if wants. He had a DS that Matthew now uses. Just let me tell you first off that the DS or DSi are awesome! It has provided many hours of entertainment as well as some peace and quiet and longer meals at restaurants for this mom! I highly recommend.

Back to the hours of entertainment. One day not long ago I heard Alex giggling quite a bit so I asked him to show me what he was up to. See I am a girl with only a sister. We played with Barbies, listened to music, painted our nails. I never had a handheld gaming system or a brother to know what these things can do. He has always just played his games etc. What Alex showed me was all the pictures that he had taken since he got it almost a year ago. He has shared some pics before. Landscapes, places we've gone, an ocasional one of me in a room of the house, the dog, BUT, (you knew there was a but coming didn't you?) I had never really seen "all" the photoshopping he had been doing! And how many members of our family had fallen victim to the artistic and creative photoshop job by AJ! That said, I asked him if I could copy some of his best work and pictures he has taken to share on my blog. He of course was very pleased and excited to share with me and you. So here are a few pics he has created. There are a ton! And some are self portraits as well. Those are my fave. He is so cute, silly, creative, I could go on and on. I won't. You're welcome. I will share a few with you now and from time to time. Like I said there are a ton. Enjoy! And I give you permission to LOL. They are pretty funny.

He told me that he thought this flight attendant was pretty.

KP with some shades on. Don't you love how he placed them

on his nose as if KP was looking down at Alex.

Wahhhh!

Very funny Alex.

Wordless Wed

2010-12-15T08:17:00.002-06:00

Time to blog about the donuts.

2010-12-14T07:58:00.015-06:00

Donuts. Matthew LOVES donuts!! Loves. His favorite food I would say. Hands down. Yes. Donuts. But if you don't believe me the proof is in the blog posts. See below. They date back to 2007. He was born in 2005. So the love affair began when he was two I guess. Uh, huh there are four other blog posts about Matt and donuts. On a slow news day you can always blog about donuts. :D

1. http://brendaandtheboys.blogspot.com/2009/01/and-now-matthew-moment_30.html

2. http://brendaandtheboys.blogspot.com/2009/02/and-now-matthew-moment.html

3. http://brendaandtheboys.blogspot.com/2007/08/and-now-matthew-moment.html

4. http://brendaandtheboys.blogspot.com/2008/11/and-now-matthew-moment_30.html

This brings me to this post about Matt and donuts. As you all know by now, Matthew just turned 5 on the 4th. We had a snake party here at our house. It was a wonderful day for Matt! He got many lovely gifts that he has enjoyed, BUT it was the last one he opened that he took a loving to right away. I stepped out of the room when it was opened. Boo. Everyone that saw him open it though could not stop laughing and talking about his reaction when he saw what it was. Inside the wrapping was his very own MINI DONUT MAKER!! He hugged the box and said, I love this one better than any of those other presents! Nice. My son, a 5yr old with his own small appliance. Ha. Our friends, Brandi and Allison and their families gave it to Matt. They were out shopping on Black Friday and found it and thought about Matt and his love of the donut. Thank you guys!

So this week I got all the ingredients for the first batch of Matt's homemade donuts. Both the boys helped me. It was fun. We iced them. We decorated Christmas donuts instead of Christmas cookies this year. (: Alex was amazed at how much sugar went into a donut recipe. He asked me if that was the reason I did not like them eating donuts all the time. We had a good time and I am sure there will be many more times when we will "make the donuts" and blog about it. You guys are thrilled I am sure. ;)

Here are the boys excited about being donut makers.

Here is Matt's super cute red donut maker loaded up and

ready to make.

The first batch.

Frosted up and sprinkled, too!

A very happy little boy!! I hope his dentist appt. goes well

on Wed. Could there be any more sugar on his teeth or plate?

The reason.

2010-12-13T16:16:00.002-06:00

This morning Matthew played with his nativity. I love how he set all the Little People facing the baby Jesus. Remembering the reason for the season.

My silly boys!

2010-12-12T13:47:00.001-06:00

While I held our place in line for Santa. My silly boys went into Barnes and Noble to look around. I looked up after a while and look what I saw. I heart them!

Happy Birthday Matthew!

2010-12-04T07:27:00.013-06:00

Today, the baby of our family is five years old! I cannot believe it. Five years has just flown by. Matthew is super pumped about his birthday. Especially his snake cake. Matt is all about snakes. He knows a lot about them, too. This year he wanted a snake birthday. So, we made him a snake cake. I usually have someone (Walmart, HEB) make his cake. I am not a baker. Baking is not one of my gifts. Lol! This year though I thought how dull would it be to go with a store bought snake made out of cupcakes. Easy. But boring. So, I talked to my sister in law about making one and she said, that we could so make the cake and that there would be websites showing us how or giving us ideas. She makes all her own cakes. They are always fabulous! So, she inspired me to make Matt's cake. Jennifer found me some websites with snake cake ideas and directions. And so we made the cake. KP, me, and the boys along with some help from my friend Stephanie (who came over to help make the bundts) made the cake yesterday. I must say, I think it turned out pretty neat. Matt is happy!! That makes us happy. Happy Birthday, Matthew!! We love you!!

P.S. I think I/we just might "make the cake" again. It was fun! Alex's bday is in Feb. So, we'll see what we make next. Yeah! Stepping outside the cake box was not as scary as I thought. Sorry, Walmart and HEB...making our own cake was fun. I still have your number though. ;)