My Claire. She loves to sit in anything she can fit her little booty in. This is her, while I wash the car. Even though a 2yr old can be hard on a pregnant mommy it sure can be cute too!

Gwen went to her first Tea Party a few week ago.

She was totally psyched about it. The invitation said to dress up so I was curious what my jean skirt tee shirt girl might come up with. We have a crate full of fabulous dress up clothes, but the mere fact that everyone else would be wearing these types of outfits caused my little individualist to strut her stuff her own way!
The Tea party was grand, complete with real tea cups, real tea, and pink goodies to eat. They also made hats and jewlery! Gwen's hat was by far the most original. I love experiecing these first time occasions with my girls and i'm sooo glad I went with my gut instinct to leave Claire at home even though she too was invited. I cannot imagine what she would have done to that nicely arranged table!

It's been said, I'm not very consistent with my girls naps. This pic should give you a little glimpse of what I'm trying to work with.
Can you see what Gwen is laying in? It's a baby bath tub. And yes, she insisted on sleeping in it for about 3 days!

VERY LARGE BELLIES AND SOME LITTLE ONES TOO


Danced the night away at our good friend Daniels' B-day party. Our hometeam from church currently has 6 pregos in it, 5 of which were at this party. It was a sight to see us all dancing. We all had a blast hanging out on Dan and Alisa's deck listening to a really good live band, dancing and laughing for hours.
My personal highlights were: Watching Mariah dance and dance and dance , sitting inside with the girls discussing Chapter 5 ( sorry there is a hidden meaning in that , which I cannot reveal to the public, but if you read For Women Only then you'll know) and watching Kirby talk from inside, so that I could only see his hand movements and the listeners face. I knew he was animated but WOW that was fun to watch! Lastly, I loved dancing with all my home-girls.
Dan and Alisa thanks for a great party, and Happy Birthday Daniel!

Girly Girls


Gwen got up yesterday morning and announced she needed to get her ears pierced, TODAY. Being the cautious decision maker she is , I jumped in the shower and we were at the mall in very quick time. I have no idea what spurred this desire but I was soo glad it was her idea. Once we were there she convinced Claire to get her ears pierced too. Claire was gung ho until she wittnessed the procedure. Gwen was very brave. She got over the sting quickly and was ready to hold Claire's hand. After an adamant "NOOOOOO" from Claire and some major will power of my own, we got Miss. Claire through it and within minutes they both were all smiles with their new jewels. Gwen chose a turquoise blue stone and Claire got sparkly blue flowers. Mariah and her kiddos came to wittness the occasion and I know this is why I was brave enough to get them both done and why backing out wasn't a question for Gwen.

Gwen is very excited and wants everyone to know about her ears, so please if you have a minute comment at the end of the entry and I'll read it to her. It will make her day!

The Fun and the sand never end...........

over here off of Whitecap beach that is. We had friends in this weekend, a college friend of mine and his sweet wife and two kids. We kicked it at the beach, grilled, and basically completely exhausted our kiddos. Oh and the guys even put the kids to bed one night so Christina and I could go eat Italian. ( Very fun Christina thanks!)
Keith and I attended Dallas Christian College together and Christina was there after I graduated. They have two kids, Alex is 5 and Abby is 5mo. It's wild to sit across from Kieth and his wife and drink coffee and joke around just like we did in college, exept everything about our lives are so completely different than 7 or so years ago. What's really a blessing is among all the good life changes, we are still the same people and that is what is so precious about friendships.
A good memory I have about Keith is this. The day I was to meet up with Kirby for our first "date" I had spent a good while primping but trying really hard to not look like I had tried really hard. Girls you know about this technique. Anyway, before leaving Kieth pronounced " Sunny you look real pretty, I think the prettiest you have ever looked." He knew at the time (now I'm sure he doesn't even remember saying this) how important that statment was and it gave me confidence that I looked how I felt. I looked the prettiest I had ever looked because I knew I was about to meet up with my soul mate and I needed that little bit of affirmation from a guy friend that Keith knew how to give in just the right measure.
Keith and Christina, we had blast. Thanks for sharing your vacation with us!

Proud Mama


We receieved a letter today, announcing Gwen had won a drawing contest in our Island Times newletter. Her drawing wa entitled "Plumeria." She received an award, a gift certificate to Build a Bear and most importantly, her drawing will be published in the July edition of the newsletter. She was very proud, as were her parents.

Car Date
This was really fun. We bought coffee, a couple of newspapers and some pop tarts and headed to the beach for our date.
Upon seeing the sand swirling around like crazy, sitting on the sea wall with coffee and newspapers didn't look appealing. So we parked and enjoyed Texas radio, the view of the beach, our coffee( Circle K coffee is surprisingly really good and fresh!) and the peace and quiet of just being together. Going on a weekly date is really cool, because the expectations are much less, knowing it's a regular deal and it's much easier to just relax.
After the car got too stuffy we headed to the pier where we watched the waves come rolling in, and waited for the moon to rise. It finally did just as we were leaving and we actually watched it underneath the pier.
I would recommend to all you mommies that you plan a date to do the stuff you like but with out little ones hanging on you, and just enjoy being with your man, with no agenda.

Still Feeling It at 30!


love and full of life that is. My actual B-day was Thursday. I love to celebrate any occassion, my birthdaybeing a personal favorite. Kirby is calling this my birthday month! All day on Thursday I was serenanded on the hour every hour until 4pm by family and friends. Thanks to Mariah for this. She also stayed with her kids and mine for the night, so Kirby and I could run off to Port "A." We had a blast. Ate at Trout Street Grill, which looks over the marina, strolled around after , then headed to our cute little cottage. Had delicious Kolaches and coffee in the morning on the patio of a new java spot. Very relaxing, A BIG thanks to Mariah!
Also, note the earrings I'm wearing, they were hand made by my friend Heather.
I think I'm gonna like 30. God has been so good to me, I can only imagine life getting better.

Celebrating 30!

My friends celebrated my 30th b-day with my last night. My girl-friends insisted we all go out to eat and have a mini party to celebrate. It was a great evening out on the deck at Pier 99, Our home-team all came plus my friend Crissy and her husband Dustin. The girls bought me a delicious red-velvet cake and a gift certificate for 2 hours of cleaning from a cleaning service. WOW. Gotta love your girl friends. To top if all off, Mariah is spending the night with our girls on my actual b-day so Kirby can whisk me off to dinner and a night away.
When ask if I feel old turning 30 my answer is always the same, " Not as long as I can keep looking as young as my husband who is 7 years older."
Blessings I have received this 30th year:

A new baby on the way

A great Home team to share life with ( Especially important with no family in town)

The opportunity to create and lead JANES

Christmas with my family at my very own house(thanks Mom and Dad)

H.E.B Camp with my sisters

Every day I have with my little girls

Another year to live with my favorite person in the world...... my husband and best friend, Kirby.

WE LOVE OUR KIRBY BECAUSE:
He loves us unconditionally

He makes every day an adventure

He adores his girls

He puts God first

He lets us sleep on him

He's very cute...

And many many more

HAPPY DADDY'S DAY KIRBY!

My kinda day

Monday was one of those days, where your body just sinks into the bed at the end of it and you feel so good about being tired. The girls and I started the day in Port "A" swimming with my girlfriend Alisa and her son. When we returned home, Kirby was ready for the beach! So I drank another cup of joe and we loaded up the girls. The surf was beautiful and the water pretty clear. We walked the beach looking for cool shells, watching the surfers and enjoying a rare nonwindy experience at the Beach. The girls were hip in their "surfer shorts" (AKA- boys swim trunks) that Kirby loves to buy them.
After the beach, Mariah brought her kids over so she and Dave could go grocery shopping together and we had 2 hours of high velocity fun. Singing , dancing and dressing up.
After Mariah picked up her kids, I quickly turned my pool-beach hair into something dateable ( I did take a shower, just no time for hairwashing) and put on a cute flowy skirt with squenced top. We whisked our kids, to Alisa's house and were off to eat some Italian. Alisa begged us stay gone awhile so after a nice quiet, delicious meal complete with a chocolate mousse that was to die for, we headed back to the beach. Oh I almost forgot to mention how cute my Kirb looked, hands down the most handsome man around! We sat on the sea- wall and waited for the moon to rise for an hour and half. It was so beautiful with the sun setting behind us making an array of colors on the water and in the sky. I really enjoyed resting my tired body in the arms of my beloved and just relaxing. Thanks again Alisa for giving us that time!

Sunday morning Coffee Time

I love Sundays. This morning I woke to birds singing and a very active baby in my belly. The girls were content to drink their coffee ( mostly chocolate milk with a tiny bit of coffee ) and watch cartoons and I was so happy with their content nature I gave them Fruit Loops for breakfast! (Gasp)
We'll go to church this afternoon and I'm sure I"ll loose all this energy I have right now around noon, so I'm off to clean a bath room!

Torn Between Two Passions

My love for the healthy stuff and my cravings for chocolate are at serious war right now. Not any chocolate though, it's gotta be DOVE. I'm not a chocolate lover but DOVE may have turned me into one.
One problem I have though is with the fluffy, cheesey, always uplifting Dove messages hidden inside each piece.
Here are some messages I wish they would try instead
"Get over yourself"
" After you eat this, you should excercise"
" Don't always follow your heart, use your head and moral judgement more often"
"Time is ticking away, start being productive"
" Make sure you brush your teeth after eating this"

Does anyone else get sick of those dumb messages?

JANES KIDS RULE AT SEA WORLD

went with the "original JANES" and our kiddos to Sea world and our kids were absolutely awesome. We Janes had as much fun as they did, or more. We three hot mamas strolled in the sun with our kiddos for 6 hours , and never was there a boring minute. Crissy graciously did a lemonade run for my prego self at one time, that saved my life, and Mariah proved Gwen was not too scared of every ride by taking charge and putting Gwen in line with her. I guess my assumption that Gwen is a scaredy cat like me is all messed up now.
It was pure joy watching my girls watch Shamu jump out of the water . Although, The whole "BELIEVE" idea of the show got a bit ridiculous near the end. No help, when Mariah starts laughing as the trainer gives her "testimony" about how she always wanted to be a whale trainer and now her dream has come true. Just as I take in how Gwen is soaking in all in, I hear a muffled laugh beside me as Mariah trys to hold in her opinion of how cheesey this is getting. Gwen is still dreaming of being a Whale Trainer however, she is wondering how that will work if she is too scared of swimming lessons.
Other funny moments were when Crissy bared all to the crowd leaving SHAMU , we missed this though, but caught her red face just after. Also, Mariah and I wittnessed a kid on a leash who's Mom took a quick rt turn and the poor kid richocheted off our stroller and into her Mom at a very high speed. Before I could feel sorry for her, Mariah is busting out with laughter, which of course got me going and it was pretty embarrassing on our part, I hope the mom didn't see us!
I was very impressed with how much of a trooper Gwen was once she got tired and hot. She never complained her legs hurt and had a smile just about the entire time. She even found a flower seed pod by some pretty flowers that she mangaged to get home with her, saying we could plant it and remember Sea World. Is she her Dadddy or what?
I absolutley delighted in hanging with my girl friends for 2 days, chasing our kiddos, chatting at the table with cake, and coffee in the morning. Crissy's thanks for being such an amazing hostess, sorry I couldn't have been more help, but it was nice being someone elses' guest, I will admit.
Take wait to take on the Zoo next!
For some reason I can't load pics yet, so this is all you readers get for now. Sorry.

I woke up this morning, telling God I didn't just want to "get through" the day but throughly enjoy it by praising Him through it. Honestly, with potty training and dealing with a strong willed 4yr old, the last couple of days have left me wondering when we'll ever get to bed-time, and that in and of itself is a CHORE. I read Psalms and it gave me a good perspective to begin my day with. How about focusing on how great God is and not on myself? Novel idea but easy to forget. With this renewed focus, my day was much less serious, and dramatic and exhausting. I laughed more than usual with Gwen and thanked God for this time in my life with two precious girls and one on the way. God is so great and deserves so much more focus than I give him. Plus focusing on Him is so much more freeing and encouraging.

Play time

Today we had Jack and Mia over while Mariah and Dave went to the mall. We totally owed them! I was determined to keep them busy and have fun, with as few time-outs as possible. (These poor kids have been forced to "have fun" together way too many times this past week) So we stamped, which Mia was by far the most entertained by this project, while listening and singing to Jack Johnson. Had a yummy snack of choc. chips, marshmellows and corn chex. Jack was the most impressed by this concoction of mine. Then after a small amount of free time , which of course led to time-outs for both of my kiddos, we went into the entertainment segment of our playdate. Gwen played the guitar while Mia and Jack sang "Since you've been gone" and Claire danced around everyone. Jack and Mia both got a chance to play the guitar also and Mia was pretty darn good at strumin and singing all at once! And of course , Jack's dancing was fine entertainment all by itself. We love you Froehlich kids! Maybe a little too much.

Devotional I wrote for our JANES Granola Devotional:

Just a few minutes alone please?

I just want a few minutes alone. I got up half an hour early to read my bible and pray and here she is at my side, putting her feet all over me while I try and start my day with God. How am I suppose to have a meaningful conversation with the creator of the universe while a 3yr old is staring at me with her feet on top of the bible in my lap?
I mention this to my Dad one early morning while we drink coffee. When I visit back home I always get up extra early to be with my Dad alone, before he goes to work. “ Oh yes, I remember those days.” He says, as he puts down his bible. “Except you started that when you were two. As soon as you heard me stirring the coffee you were by my side.” He says this with a smile.
“Oh.” I say, slightly dumbfounded at what I’m saying and doing to him at that exact moment and at the age of 28. Funny thing is I always had an inherent feeling every day began with bible and coffee.
Clearly there was a lesson to be learned here. I think from now on, I will try and treasure those early mornings times, expressing to my daughter the same love and patience I had been given and was still being given by my father. My prayer is that she will not know how to drink coffee in the mornings without the bible either.


Scripture: Deuteronomy 11:18-19
“ Fix these words of mine to your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. “

Prayer:

“ Lord help me to see the big picture in the middle of my daily tasks. Help me guide my children with your words and teach your words to them, diligently.

Different Strokes for different Folks

It's amazing to observe different personalitles in little ones.
At my girls' ages it is especially evident. From painting to eating ice-cream, they both march to a unique beat.
Today, after church I really wanted to take a good nap and just chill out and read the paper. Well, Claire's record short nap and Gwen's continual giggles over saying the word poo poo in every way she could think of was making my desires wishful thinking. Instead we went outside with a tub of Chocolate ice-cream. They were in heaven with this cool treat and a water hose clean up. I never knew a ice cream carton could be converted from chocolate soup to a swimming pool! As I stood outside feeling the sun and watering my vegetables, I thought how much more fulfilling this was than a nap. And it's amazing how playing in the sun and water can completely diminish that nappy feeling.

No pictures for today, but it was very DIRTY. Had a great time, at our Crafts for Kids Bevy, where the kids made tooth fairy boxes, played on a trampoline, fed some bunnies and Claire effectively drenched someone's dinning room chair with pee. We are potty training beginning yesterday, and it has been nothin but cleanin up pee in our house. After the Bevy we went to Sonic and the kids ( mine and Mariah's ) played their little hearts out on the playscape. Gwen had sand and dirt all the way up her nose! After a small nap, Gwen and I whipped up some yummy mud pies on the back patio complete with wildflower decorations. Claire just fiddled with the water hose, her all time favorite pass time, because she refuses to get her "pip pops" dirty. After baking the pies we headed to the grocery store at 3:30. This is the worst time ever to go to any grocery store, but I had to do it, because Beach to Bay is tomorrow and there is no getting off the island until way after noon AND I was out of my HEB coffee. Just can't do the fancy coffee in the mornings. But, I can do Timmy's, Crissy, and I had just finished that up. Saddness.
After all that this prego mama was feeling pretty bushed so we ate left overs, I put Claire to bed and then just finished my Grisham novel, "Rainmaker". Very good, but I like all of his. Now I'm looking forward to a bath and the news and hitting my pillow like a rock. Exept don't you hate that "just finished a book you really liked feeling"? I just want to start another Grisham right now, but don't have one. Plus I have like 5 that need to be read before I read another Grisham. okay that's all my jab. Peace out...

Spring Program

girls were precious tonight in their pre-school Spring Program. Gwen sang loud, did all the movements and was the model for program behavior and performance. Claire's performance was.... creative and nonrestrictive. She clearly displayed her "Kirby characteristics" tonight. And she was adorable doing it! This is her laying down on the stage, in the middle of "Wheels on the Bus."
After the program I attempted more pictures but Claire pretty much said,
"Peace out Mom, I'm done,"

THANKS MOM FOR SHAPING ME FOR MOTHERHOOD:

I'm glad to realize I pattern much of my motherhood after my own mom. Most of all, she showed me how to unconditionally love. I never wondered if I was loved, or if I mattered. It was obvious in our every day how much I meant to her. I hope I do this for my girls. Everyday was an adventure for my Mom and there were no meaningless tasks or boring days. Her positive nature shaped me for motherhood, and when I wake up in the mornings and really don't feel like "dealing" with small children, I remember not once growing up did I get the impression that my Mom didnt want to be around me or was tired of taking care of me. I want to be like her. I love you Mom.

Mother's Day Gifts !


Yes, I love gifts and am not ashamed of it. I was given a beautiful watch and an awesome Jack Johnson C.D. We went to church and my fam took me to La Playa. The restaurant experience was not exactly relaxing, as we were attempting control over our tired , hungry children the whole time, but I didn't mind, cuz I wasn't cooking or cleanin! Kirby did a good job of making me feel special and I'm so grateful and proud to be the mother of our children.

All in a Day's Work:


Today, we all seemed to be working on something. But the day ended with the most beautiful sunset. Gwen must of told God "thankyou for the beauuuuuuuuutiful sunset" at least 5times during bedtime prayers.

TRIBUTE TO MY LIL' SIS

My Meg turned 17 yesterday. The little sister, 12 years my younger is well on her way to womanhood! I can still remember when she cried her 5yr old eyes out on my college doorstep. It just wasn't right for us to have to part our ways. Meg spent every morning my last years in highschool sitting on my kaboodle watching me put on my makeup. We would trudge to breakfast together and then I would take her to pre-school. Frequently she went on dates with me and oddly I really wanted her there. Once in college she heard my plea for money over the phone to my parents and sent me a card full of pennies. My first thanksgiving away she sent the bread they served in an envelope for me, all the way from Ca to Tx.
Meg is much more than a loyal sis though. She is a straight up GOOD person, who I know without a doubt knows right from wrong and is not afraid to live that way. She loves God and wants His will in her life more than anything. Meg is a riot, unabashedly shameless at times and pure fun to be with it. She's talented out the wazoo, she makes me cry when she sings , it's that good. She is also great at helping others not take themselves soo seriously. I have benefited from this characteristic more than once. One time on a family trip, I was whinning and whinning about the fact that I had just bounced a check and would not let it go. Finally the 6yrold smarty pants says, "Sunny would get over yourself , there are alot more horrible things going on this world." Yep, she's got a knack for "saying it like it is."
Meg also got the coordination gene, which me and Whitney did not. Once on a canoe trip, Whit and I just couldn't seem to get the boat turned. Meg finally got tired of our lame attempts and took both oars from her two grown up sisters, turned the boat around and hauled back to the bank.
There is so much more to say, but I'll stop here. I love you Meg, always and forever.
your biggest sis

UNEXPECTED PAMPERING

SPENT 2 DAYS AND 2 NIGHTS IN Historic Bastrop Bed and Breakfast Inns. Had planned on Camping , but the rain forced us to change our plans and this very pampered vacation was exactly what we both needed. The rooms we stayed in were fabulous. The first house was very Victorian the second very 1800s with lots of beautiful anitques. Kirb and I's idea of relaxing doesn't usually entail the normal, but this time we obviously needed alot of Relaxtion. We walked on the river, ate out when we wanted, took frequent naps, read on beautiful porches and swings, and did a very short rollerblade through the neighborhood. It was nice to just enjoy each others company, sometimes not even talking! Yes, this was truly a different kind of vacation for us. I most enjoyed looking into the blue eyes of of the person I love the most in this the whole world and knowing I would have many more years to look at them. I love him more than words could every say. I spent alot of time thanking God for him this weekend. It was nice to be togther as just "sunny and kirby" rather than "mommy and daddy" or "women's ministry leader and nurse practioner." We have a special thing going that I am aware is not always common. I am grateful that my best friend and the person I love and respect the most on this earth is my husband.