Bluebonnets!

I almost missed the bluebonnets this year.  With everyone sick in March, we scheduled pics with a friend and this mom completely forgot her memory card for the camera!  Mom=fail!!  :(
So last week after school, we snuck over to Montgomery where I think I found the only remaining patch in all of Texas.  Hooray!!

 

 Love my silly Luke!

 

Less than thrilled at this point! 

Titus bug hunting!

I think the bugs found him.  Poor guy!

My attempt at getting a picture of all three in one spot.  Believe it or not, this was the best one! 

 

What's the best way to end bluebonnet pictures with three boys?  Snow cones, always snow cones!!

So long March...

I have officially been on this journey of motherhood for 50 months now, and hands down March 2013 will go down as the most difficult yet!  It seemed like it would start well, Jonathan and I had a fun date night planned for his birthday at the Rocket's game (which they won).  But then, we got home only to hear a terrible seal sounding cough...
By Monday, (our first dr. appt of the month) Titus and Levi both had croup.  Within a few days I caught a cold too.  We all seemed to recover okay, but by the following week Levi's had settled in again this time in the ears!!  After dr. trip #2 double ear infection confirmed, and antibiotics had begun. 
The very day after he finished his medicine, Luke and Titus both caught a bug which, you guessed it, settled in their ears.  So, dr. trip #3 revealed, 3 out of 4 of those precious little ears also had infections.  So....2 more rounds of antibiotics. 
Then, just 2 days later Levi caught the absolute worst virus I have ever seen.  Sudden onset, HIGH (104+) fever, vomiting, and sore throat that looked like, but as confirmed by dr. visit #4 was not, strep. 
As I confessed to Jonathan last night, I am mentally and physically worn out.  I hate seeing my little ones sick, and then on top of MANY sleepless nights, fussy kids (and a fussy mom), and keeping track of temperatures & medicine dosages I have simply described our state as "survival mode!"
Several times over the course of the month, God has put Matt. 11:28 on my heart "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  While I was pulling for that to mean that my kids would sleep better at night, that hasn't been the case.  Instead, it has been a constant reminder where my hope and strength actually can be found. 
Today, things are looking up.  No one is running fever and SO FAR no one else has caught Levi's virus.  To make things even sweeter, in my time with the Lord this afternoon, God showed me this passage from Ps. 73:23-26.
"Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.  You guide me with wise counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.  Whom have I in heaven but you?  And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
My heart and my flesh WILL fail (often), but I'm so grateful that I don't have the strength to persevere in my own flesh.  What gives my heart the desire to keep going, even in rough months, is so not me!  Hear me loud and clear, God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!!

So...hello April, we at the Brooks house are so glad you are here!!

P.S.  I promise cute kid pictures next post! ;)

Twins @ 4, T @ 18 months

Ok, so I realized it has been 3 months since my last post.  We'll just say life has been happening at warp speed and I have not been good about updating.  Back in February, we took the kids to the park to try and catch a few pictures marking the twins at 4 and Titus at 18 months.  Here are some pictures from our day...

Luke, the oldest (by one minute, but oldest!)

Love this one!

 

 

 Levi, my mini-me.

I think he was checking out an awesome bug.

 

 

Titus- my not so little baby! 

My three loves!



 

 

They're 4!?!?

Last week the twins hit a new milestone, 4 years old!  I absolutely refused to look at NICU pictures this year because I knew it would bring tears.  God was (and continues) to be so gracious to us.  Our little NICU babies have grown into rambunctious, energetic, and loving boys! 
Over the weekend we had a train birthday party for them.  They had a great time playing with their friends and family. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a cupcake train to celebrate the occasion.  (In my mind cupcakes have always been easier for twins than a cake!)

 

 

Train Painting at the Repair Shed- Look how serious my little Picasso's are.

 

 

The Train Depot where we built what the twins call "Mega Track."

 

 

Their gifts from Dad & Mom this year were bikes!  After a little coaching from the pro (Dad), they have been cruising away on them. 

Disclaimer: We have gotten them helmets even though they are not pictured here.  Jonathan likes to remind me that in the 80s none of us wore helmets and we all turned out ok.  However, the twins are now wearing helmets! ;)

 

 

At 4, Luke loves to learn and explore.  He is independent, quirky, and loves to laugh and make others laugh.  He is becoming quite the artist, and is a great Lego architect.

At 4, Levi loves to be outside and play.  He is rough and wild, but loving and cuddly (on his terms)!  He loves to race his matchbox cars on everything and play trains, and is an excellent puzzle solver.

People ask me often if they get along pretty well. These two absolutely love each other. I remind them often how special it is to have a twin. Not everyone gets to have their best friend grow up right beside them.  They do such a great job of loving one another well without being exclusive of their little brother (unless he's destroying their latest Lego building). 
I am so looking forward to what this year has in store for them.  Thanks to all who made their birthday so special!



Christmas Card

Wishing you and your family the joy that comes from celebrating Jesus this Christmas!
Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Christmas Play

The twins had their first Christmas play at school last week.  When I say play what I really mean is they sang two songs to the CD player and rang some jingle bells, but they sure looked cute in their elf hats!  So without further delay, here's their debut...



Aggie Football

Since it is Heisman Saturday, I thought I'd add a few Fightin' Texas Aggie Football pics to the blog!
The Saturday after Thanksgiving we took all three boys to the A&M vs. Mizzou game.  Considering it was a night game, we had traveled ALL over the Houston area that week, and it was cold they did surprisingly well. 
 

Look at that smile!  So excited to be at his first Aggie game.

My favorite Aggie men. 

Levi waiting on the extra point to be kicked, hoping to catch the football.  (We weren't even close)

Luke has his gig 'em down.

My sweet little, brainwashed family.  Hey at least I can admit it!

 

 

We all had a great time at the game.  It sure helps that the Aggies look awesome this year (and in a few hours should have a Heisman winner).  I'll have to say the game left quite the impression on the twins.  The next morning as I was getting ready for church I heard them playing in the living room.  Luke was organizing and told Levi, "I'll be the Aggie football player and you be the band."  After which I immediately heard marching and kazoo playing!  To which I simply reply, WHOOP!! 

Thanks and Gig 'em.