A Post for Summertime

OK, so I truly deserve what I have received. Let the hate mail continue on. I, as in previous entries, apologize for the long delay in blogging. The question has been raised, "How can you possibly recall all of your events since your last blog?" Simply, photography! I have photos to document each and every event, yet have not found time, of late, to form them into words and then into a blog to share with you. We recently came to terms with the death of our computer and some of its capacity. I am still mourning the possible demise of about 1,000 photos that I had yet to file onto my external hard drive. Several IT technicians have promised me that the pictures are still there. If so, why can't anybody find them? We put the hard drive on our new laptop, but I still sense that a piece is missing. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

Yes, the Senters are still around, living out here, day to day. Our summer, so far, has been wonderful to say the least. I recently enjoyed an amazing trip out to California for my cousins beautiful wedding (which is another blog in itself!) We have traveled to spend time with family. We have spent many of our days in Austin enjoying freedom with our friends. We endured the loss of a dear friend, which forced me to slow down a bit and realize the things that are of utter importance in my life. Several close friends have given birth over the last month! Yea for new babies and new lives! Seven friends, to date, are due from now until January. Let the baby shower planning begin! We've been to quite a few birthday parties and have been swimming nearly everyday. The Babies both accomplished swimming lessons and progressed onward to the next phases next summer. Happily, Jared & I celebrated another wonderful year of marriage and Jared grew to be another year older.

Since I am consolidating each happenings from the last month, I have decided to turn this entry into a "montage" if you will. So, when you get a moment, sit back, take a breather, and enjoy these photos of our summer, so far. If you know me, you know that there are hundreds more. These are just a few favorites.

Beverly Hills, California

Hayden & Uncle Luke playing Play-Dough


This is what happens when you play the piano for my Babies. Kaylen Rae & Uncle Luke

Rock & Roll Drummer Chick

Kiddie Acres, Austin, Texas

Jared, Kaylen Rae & Hayden

He thought this was Sarge from CARS

Pilot & Pilot
They truly are a team.

Driving the boat at Kiddie Acres, Austin, Texas

Kaylen Rae during swim lessons

Hayden during swim lessons

Bella's Birthday!

Third Base Grand Opening- South Park Meadows

Friends!

Have a good day!

An Amazing 9 Years Later.....

In the Good Ole Summertime

So much has conspired since my last entry, that there is no way to detail every event that has taken place. At our house, Summer is officially here, although the calendars say otherwise.

Several weeks back, Hayden fell and busted his head open DURING church which led to a quick and early exit from church into the hands of the ER. After donning two shiny staples for ten days, he has another manly scar to add to his collection, and still asks people, "not to mess up his hair." When asked how his head feels, his response is always the same, "It feels." Tough cookie.

Our tiny Kaylen Rae has turned into quite the little "Miss Independent." She carefully watches Brother's every move, and adds her own twists' to his already quirkiness. She is beginning to (in her own language,) speak her mind. She can easily get across what it is she wants and will be persistent until satisfied. While speaking quite a few words already, she loves to sit and babel, all the while knowing exactly what she is saying. She is such a sweetie and has graduated from one blanket to three at bedtime along with her drink, paci and "Patsy." Putting her to bed at night is an armful! She is growing up so fast and we are hanging onto every moment. She has begun the art of potty training! Yipee! She began this task on her own, and we are simply servants here to follow her around. Anyone who has seen her lately will tell you that her bouncy, blond curls are doubling everyday, just as her personality is. She is truly a child who's hair matches their personality perfectly!

In the last several weeks, Hayden has graduated from both his first year of Bible Hour as well as his first year of preschool! What a little man. He knows his ABC's forward and backwards (literally,) and can spell and write his name (with a little assistance.) He has begun spelling out everyone else's name as well. He loves to sing the ABC's and will bless you with a concert if you are not careful. His favorite style (other than the original, boring version,) is that of the great Lena Horne. She is on his Sesame Street ABC video (the only thing he cares to watch nowadays,) belting it out in a jazzy sort of way, and he follows along perfectly, dance moves and all!


Preschool flew by for us this year, as I hear it will every year in the future. I often think back to August and how we have all changed since. I was so reluctant to send my child anywhere, and many times tried to talk myself into pulling him out simply because I couldn't stand not being with him. OK, two mornings a week, that was it. Not really that much, but it felt like eternity, twice a week. Here it is May, and I am amazed at all I see. The Baby I took to school in August can now write his name, he's beginning to spell words, he can recognize letters, not to mention the giant gains in his speech and social skills. I knew that if I just put my selfishness aside last summer, great things would happen! Thank you, teachers at WCP (you know who you are,) for making a reluctant and scared Mommy (and child) feel so comfortable and at ease. Hope you are ready for next year! Hayden is on his way, full force!

Well, our house has begun the Summer preparations. We have filled up the pool, broken in the swim suits and made the first popsicles of the season. Our garden is full of bright colored life waiting to be picked. BTW, If anyone is in the market for squash and cucumbers,we are overloaded and truly blessed. It yours for the taking.

Here are some photos from recent weeks.

So, I have a PS story for you. A week or so back, I was in the house attempting my evening duties as usual. Kaylen Rae was sound asleep while Hayden and Jared worked in the garage.
I hadn't heard much from them so I decided to peek in at what was happening. As I rounded the corner, I see Jared busily working, and no Hayden. OK, for you Mom's out there, sudden panic set in. You know the feeling. What I viewed next sent me into panic of a different sort. I come face to face with my sweet son, wielding needle nosed pliers and grinning from ear to ear. He had decided to trim the monkey grass, the lantana, the gardenia and everything else that sits on my front porch. I was in utter shock, while trying not to laugh. I was concerned that my child was running down the sidewalk with needle nosed pliers yelling, "HAHAHA!" Upon his return, he was glowing with pride! I could tell he was so happy at the work he had done. He stated that, "I use scissors in school, Mommy!" I never got a straight answer as to where he found them, WHO GAVE THEM TO HIM, and who in the world taught him how to trim plants. None the less, it was comical. I'll always keep in mind that laughter will always override anger. He could see straight through me. The picture below is only a smidgen of what was laying about. It was much to painful to photo the rest.

Good Night.

Bluebonnets 2009

Easter 2009 (and all things Eastery)

We, as a family, have been truly blessed this Easter season, to be surrounded by many friends and family, hailing from both far and near. We were involoved in several Easter related events and each one has held special attributes will remain with us for years to come.

Not long ago, we were joined by my parents, at our annual church Easter egg hunt. What a tradition! A couple from church who own property host the event every year which involves hayrides, "games on the lawn," a hotdog picnic, a bouncy house, as well as the exciting Easter egg hunt. Being Kaylen' Rae's first year to participate, she realized what was enclosed in the eggs, and quickly figured out how to disassemble them, and munch her way through the hunt. If she did not care for the "snack on hand," she would casually toss it behind her into the pasture. What a girl!

Hayden had a good time getting to finish off his hunt in the "little kid" section. After he was loaded up, he made his way into the arena to possibly...help Kaylen Rae find more eggs? Not so much. Let's just say he doubled his loot. It was a wonderful afternoon and it was really nice to spend some time with my parents. Since Dad's injury, they hadn't ventured out much, and this was a nice event to join in.



Hayden participated in his WCP Easter egg hunt with his classmates. This being his second hunt of the season, he had it down to a tee. This time, per request, the eggs were taped shut (good idea, by the way) so he had to decide; "do I sit and untape my eggs while everyone else keeps gathering, or do I leave the tape alone and grab as many as I can?" What a lesson in patience!



We spent the actual holiday with Jared's parents up north. We had a wonderful and relaxing time visiting with the family. We were able to see his brothers and their wives, as well as several close family friends. We had another Easter egg hunt out at the Wigintons. While in attendance, the kiddos played in the "kids sized"bouncy house and we all took turns riding on the big red Mule. I didn't want the afternoon to end, as we were having so much fun. While the kids played, us girls sat and caught up with each other while the menfolk hit golf balls and ventured down the pasture.

Easter morning was rainy and cold, but we made it to Easter service, enjoyed an excellent sermon and had a very filling lunch, making us just full enough for the trip home.

We had a memorable holiday and hated to say goodbye to our family far away. We will see everybody again soon, and until then, will continue to think about the lasting memories we made and the great laughter and conversations we enjoyed.

Red Boy, You're forever in our hearts.

Good Night.

Ode To Kim

Happy Birthday,

Kimberly!

Have a wonderful day, My Sweet Friend!

Love,

Kel

...Sing Us A Song, You're The Piano Man.....

There just really are no words.....

Brandie, my parents and I attended the Billy Joel/Elton John Face 2 Face concert in San Antonio recently. A twenty year old dream (since the young age of eleven) has now been amazingly fulfilled! Billy Joel was the most amazing performer I have ever seen (yes, I cried.) Absolutely incredible was his piano playing, his singing, his humor, as well as his band (Mark Rivera, you melt my heart!) I never knew that he was such an humble human and honestly prefers the limelight be on his band members.

The most amazing moment was during Piano Man (yes,we all know this one,) was the instant that he ceased performing, and the entire, sold out arena (several thousand people,) chimed together in harmony to sing the chorus. My arm hair is still on end.

I have so many wonderful stories and memories from this one evening, but there are way to many to share. My heart is completely melted. (Can you honestly tell I'm a fan? Thank you, Joey O.)

We were blessed to have a surprise run in with some family members that were in attendance that evening! Mike & Cindy, it was so good to see you! Let's swap stories pretty soon.

Good Night.