Brian's High School Graduation

I remember leaving for college when Brian was only four and in preschool. Well, two degrees, a marriage, and a baby & 1/2 later, here we are at his high school graduation. Life sure goes by fast! We are all proud of Brian, as he will be attending UNT (University of North Texas) in the fall. He will be studying his lifelong passion, media production. Many of you remember him as the ten year old "videographer" at our wedding. Way to go Brian!

Scottsbluff, NE Pictures

While at the memorial/reunion we stayed in nearby Scottsbluff, and ventured to see the local sites. This place was 'train heaven' for Kyler. We stopped the car several times to see passing trains, which blew their whistles at us while the engineers waved hi. Jamie took us around to see his old stomping grounds, including the elementary school where he and Jeremy attended. Jamie also reminisced and pointed out the spot where Jeremy fell into some cactus on the school property on the last day of school before summer break. Since the weather was uncooperative we were unable to return to their old farm/homestead b/c the dirt roads were too muddy and we did not want to get the cars stuck. Some other sites include Chimney Rock and a turn of the century farm.

More Hood Pictures

Grandma Hood giving Kyler driving instruction, Kyler wanting to wrestle with the big boys, Hood cousins viewing very old pictures

Hood Memorial and Reunion 2010

The Hood family gathered in Bayard, NE to memorialize Elmer Hood, one of the last great men of an amazing generation. Elmer was the longest living brother of our grandfather, Herbert Hood. Even though I didn't know Elmer, I was touched by the loving words of his surviving family members and friends who reminisced of peaceful times on the farm and exhilarating rides on his airplane. He reminded me of my grandfather, who like others in his generation, worked tirelessly and held God fearing values above all things. They valued marriage, children, and were grateful for even the smallest blessing (like heat in the winter and food)! I just kept thinking, we need to remember this generation and what they stood for... and if I can come close to reflecting this in my life, then I will have had purpose and can stand in front of the Lord knowing I did my best. It was a great experience and we had fun meeting so many family members!

Our First Plane Ride with Kyler

We flew to Denver on route to Scottsbluff, NE for the Hood memorial/reunion. This was Kyler's first flight with us (he had already ridden with my mom to Houston). This was also my first experience flying United Airlines (having a grown up in a Continental family). Little did we know that we would have to sit on the plane for 2.5 hours due to a mechanical problem that they couldn't figure out. Once in the air, Kyler slept for the majority of the 2 hour flight. He loves airplanes and was wonderful all around..too bad United wasn't. I am grateful the problem was discovered before take off though but would have appreciated unloading the plane while they troubleshooted for 2.5 hrs!!

Roths Help Unpack

Here is a picture of the Roths hanging out on our back patio after a long day of unpacking. It was also Ray's girlfriend, Vanessa's graduation party. Cake faced Kyler cuddles up to his puppy Shiloh, and Shiloh graciously allows him to do whatever he wants to her (including put a shoe on her head?..uh...random!)!

Kyler Rides His Bike

This is the first time Kyler has had a chance to ride his new bike (from Christmas) because we were cooped up in the apartment for so long while we were searching for a house. The Roths came into town to help us make a dent in our boxes, and boy did they help! Here is Uncle Mike continuing the 'teaching how to ride a bike' tradition in front of our new house. He has taught all of his 8 nieces and nephews and now his great nephew (if he is Kyler's Great Uncle, does that make Kyler his Great Nephew?).

Baby Girl Hood

Here is the ultrasound picture from last month. I finally got it uploaded and cropped. She is getting big and loves to kick! I went to Babies R Us today to register for some girl items and seeing all the bottles and burp rags, I can't believe I am going to do all this again! And in 12 weeks! I am getting a little anxious, as I have zero girl clothes..not even onesies. I need to hit up some sales in the next two months while I can still walk.
Maybe it will be easier the second time around? Of course, we have such wonderful family that will be coming to the rescue. Kyler will be in pre- school two days a week next fall, so that will be helpful, I am sure. I don't think I can wait until fall though, I am ready to sign him up for a summer program!!!

It's A Girl!

I am 20 weeks and finally announcing this. I can't believe we are half way already (actually less than half since the C section will be the week prior)!! The due date will be sometime the first week of September (or if she is as impatient as Kyler, the last week of August!). I didn't gain much weight in the first trimester (whew!) , and I actually lost a pound between my first trimester and second trimester Dr. appointments. Looks like Baby Girl Hood is already on top of things.
I started to feel markedly heavier this week though and have to roll over slowly when in bed or on the couch. I can no longer just pop up and get something I need..it is starting to take an effort to get up from a sitting or lying position.
The bedding just arrived from Restoration Hardware and I have already picked out a very light shade of pink to paint her room.

Big Brother in Training!

I ordered this shirt about two months ago and finally got around to photographing him in it! I needed both Jamie's and the weather's assistance. I realized I hadn't taken my Canon Rebel out for a spin for a while and forgot how to use it, which was extremely frustrating. So, now I need to put some of these images through some editing software (if I have time to figure that out out too).

Back to the topic...I am 20 weeks pregnant. Stay tuned for the gender reveal.

On the Train Again

It has been a while but we finally made it out to the San Antonio train again. Trains continue to be Kyler's favorite thing in the world. Notice the difference in the train pictures of him in November and then April. He is now sitting by himself, for one! He is saying "choo choo" and "whoo whoo" like a train whistle in this picture (that explains the face).

Rest in His Peace, Poppy

Thomas Patrick Ross was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 7, 1917. He was the sixth child of nine, the first boy, born to Patrick and Catherine Ross. He grew up and lived in the house at 350 Prospect Place or as he always called it “350”. Being the younger brother of 5 sisters, he always joked that the only clothes he had growing up during the depression were hand-me-down dresses and girls shoes. When he got older he talked of how he and his brother, Hank, loved motorcycles and they would travel around the neighborhood with their friends riding their bikes. He was a favorite uncle and was very happy to go to his sister Catherine’s to babysit and enjoy her delicious apple pie.
He met my Mom, Margaret, and courted her long distance throughout WWII. After serving in the Fifth Air Force in New Guinea and the Philippines, he returned and they were married; a marriage that would last 57 years until our Mom’s passing. Not only was he a faithful husband, he was a dedicated father of 5. He supported his family by serving in the NY City Police Dept for 20 years and then Pan American Airways for 13 years. He was a devoted father who made sure his children were well educated. He was present at little league games and scholastic awards ceremonies. He took us to the carousel on payday, to Jones beach during the summer even if he had worked all night. His kids came first and he just loved spending time with us. When their children were grown and having their own children, Tom and Marge relocated to Texas to be a grandfather to Cathy and Eileen’s 7 children. He regarded this as his second career, and became known as Poppy. He was present at all the sporting events, the choir and band performances, dance recitals, and was the person to pick you up from school when you were sick. He was the one who had all the war stories and the police stories and would sing to you until you fell asleep. His love for children was so great, he spread his love to the community by playing Santa at the local elementary school for many years. He was truly a kid at heart and believed a sense of humor was the key to living a long, happy life. Maybe he was on to something, as he lived until he was 92.
What kind of man was he? A sailor, a soldier, a policeman, a repairer of airplanes. These titles only describe what he did, and not what he was. To us he was a leader, a provider, a counselor, a friend. We are so blessed that he was our father or grandfather or uncle. His medical history fills volumes. To us, he was the ultimate survivor. He beat cancer in his kidney, his prostate, and his stomach, Pickwicky syndrome, diabetes, and a broken hip. Yet when he finally passed away on Sunday we couldn’t believe it, but he was finally gone. He suffered through all these afflictions, but he never complained. We all thought he had a strong heart. He also had a big Heart! The last time I spoke to him, just a week ago. I asked him, “Dad, how are you feeling?” His reply was “Very good, no problems.”
Eileen said: I will be lost without him as he was my rock in whom I could trust. The whole family will miss him dearly.
Yes, we miss him. But we are not lost. We have thousands of memories and photographs. We will never forget all those perfect Sundays we spent together as a family. Even in the past 5 years without Mom, we joined together to be with Poppy on weekends and holidays, because he was the glue that kept the family together. That is the kind of family we are and will continue to be, his family. Thanks, Dad.

Frisco is SOLD and San Antonio is Under Contract!

We moved out last weekend (actually weekend before last) and close today on our Frisco house. I am thankful it is finally over! Going back to move out was kind of sad and I realized how great that area was. It was so luxurious compared to San Antonio! Our neighborhood had wide open spaces with walking trails, stocked ponds, and a resort three tier pool with a clubhouse, which are rare in any neighborhood. San Antonio has some positives though, and I think we are a good fit. San Antonio is very laid back and unpretentious. I guess it is that hill country culture (hippie-esque, if you will). We found a house here too and are under contract. We close in two weeks. The small neighborhood is very family friendly, and there appear to be at least 2.5 kids in EVERY house in the neighborhood. You have to drive less than 20 mph just because there are dozens of young children riding bikes and scooters on the street outside their homes. We have a small clubhouse and a small community pool, which could pose a problem for the shear number of kids who will be swimming there in the summer months, so I have already contemplated getting season passes to the Six Flags water park that is literally less than 10 min away.
The house we are buying is a 3,000 sq ft nice (but not fancy), three car garage one story. It has some desirable features such as a double oven and a sink in the laundry room. It is only 6 years old and the inspector couldn't find any major issues at all. The best part is the game room, which is impossible to find in a one story b/c they usually will build those on a second floor. It will be the play room, or the designated "toy collection" area. The back yard is the best feature with a two tier patio, outdoor grill area, and mature oak trees that provide wonderful shade. Best of all, it is flat and large enough for two play sets!!

Easter at the Roth's

Kyler tried a Cadbury Creme Egg at Grandma and Grandpa Roth's. He wasn't too hot on the creme part but loved the chocolate. That's fine, more for Mama! Grandma got some edible grass to use in the basket, which is being sampled here by Aunt Teresa, Grandma & Grandpa Roth.

Easter at Clear Channel

Jamie's company held an Easter egg hunt and party during the week. We missed the egg hunt for his age group due to some spontaneous tantruming back at the apartment, but we were able to eat some cookies and visit the Easter bunny ( with whom he was quite terrified by)...note Kyler's body positioning in the picture!

More Chocolate!

I like this stuff! More please!

So..Shiny..and...Mesmerizing!

Must touch Paw Paw Hood's shiny head!

Golfing with Uncle Ray

This was back in January but thought it was cute. I am sort of behind in my postings. This is Kyler's first time golfing.

Repairs

We traveled to Frisco to complete some repairs on our house. This included patching and painting the picture holes in the walls. I gave Kyler a clean paintbrush and he went outside and used dirty plant water to "paint" the brick. It was so cute! He wanted to help and be like his dad. I took like a dozen pictures. I am glad he decided to do this outside. I just thought it was so sweet b/c he believed he was helping!

Kyler's First Train Set

I don't know if this is an official "train set" per se, but it is a Thomas the Train beginner railway. We had a few coupons so decided to get this for him since he is totally into trains right now. He has been playing with it morning, noon , and night. What a great investment..hehehe! He is also obsessed with tractors, trucks, buses, and airplanes (since he went on his first plane ride with Grandma Roth last week!).