Long Family

Enchanted Rock

2012-02-04T17:39:00.000-06:00

Our first attempt at the big rock since we added the little people. I think Garrett is part billy-goat. Macie just liked putting more rocks in her pocket. Wish we had noticed it sooner since we had to carry her for large parts of it!

Sparkey

2010-12-22T16:23:00.006-06:00

It seems that Bill's Christmas present is much more interested in Garrett. We have been working on getting him used to us. Guess he is very used to Garrett.

Gift Wrapping with Macie

2010-12-22T15:16:00.004-06:00

Enough said.

Gingerbread Houses at TCDC

2010-12-22T15:02:00.004-06:00

My friend Amy and I were able to slip away to watch our little ones decorate Gingerbread houses. I think they ate more than they put on them!

Fall Y'all

2010-10-29T21:12:00.001-05:00

Had to take a quick pick of my two sweeties in their Halloween outfits.

cowboy

2010-03-07T00:28:00.002-06:00

Just had to catch this. Garrett loves to watch bullriding on TV. Tonight he put on his chaps and his daddy's hat. He also dug out his big rope to ride along with the cowboys on TV. I love that boy.. :)

Snow Movie

2010-02-23T22:29:00.001-06:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

SNOW Day!

2010-02-23T21:08:00.004-06:00

Just for those who ask.. (and arent on Facebook!).

I was so disappointed when the snow had melted already in Kerrville.. but the closer we got to home the more snow we saw still on the ground. Garrett was so excited.. Macie, not so much.

Pumpkin Destruction

2009-11-01T17:40:00.002-06:00

Now that Halloween has ended it is time to get rid of the pumpkins. We all had a good time taking care of that. This was Garretts first time to get to pull the trigger.

Halloween!

2009-11-01T17:37:00.003-06:00

Such fun. Our Crocodile and Black Cat had a great time at Hallelujah Night in Fredericksburg. We even met up with our little cousin, Tigger. Then while the kitty slept, the Crocodile and his daddy went trick-or-treating. Of course Garrett had to sing the whole trick or treat song for each door he went to.

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-29T19:44:00.004-05:00

Garrett went on a field trip to the pumpkin patch in Medina today. It's a much different experience with 19 preschoolers. The weather was wonderful, very fall like. Unfortunately, I think we will probably end up getting turkeys. Garrett just loved them.

Pumpkin Carving

2009-10-25T19:09:00.002-05:00

I am always amazed at how long it takes to carve pumpkins. Surprisingly the time does not come from the actual carving part - rather the cleaning and decision making. I was hoping that this year Garrett would be more involved in the removal of the "guts" but I was wrong. He put his hands in a few times, then decided he would rather play monster trucks and tell me how to do it. I didn't get much help from the big boy either. But the pumpkins are carved with happy faces as requested. In all fairness I should report that the girl wasn't much help either. Now.. I need to get to work on those pumpkin seeds.

Finally a Birthday Party!

2009-09-21T21:54:00.003-05:00

What a perfect day! Thank you to everyone who made it so wonderful!

Not so Happy Birthday Boy

2009-09-13T20:33:00.003-05:00

Well, I seriously thought it was the rain that would ruin the day. That is until about 9am yesterday when I got seriously sick at work (in Blanco of course). So sick my sister had to drive me home because I'm pretty sure I passed out. And even though I kept away from Garrett, sure enough, Sunday morning he woke up and threw up his breakfast. We held out hope that it was just him being excited about his party and upset about the rain, but that was just wishful thinking. So my poor baby spent the day laying on the couch watching Noggin. We did cut a piece of cake and put his candle on it this evening, but as soon as he blew out the candle, he threw up again. I think he is going to have his mother's luck with birthdays.

Meet Trevor

2009-09-07T15:28:00.004-05:00

Garrett has been asking for a hamster for most of the summer. Bill and I finally decided to give in and make that his birthday present. We decided on a gerbil instead of a hamster. The poor guy in the store had a heck of a time getting "Trevor" out of the cage. But look how proud Garrett is of his pet.

Macie's Bumbo Seat

2009-09-07T15:18:00.002-05:00

I finally got Macie a Bumbo seat! She loves it. She likes to sit with her toys.

Sunday, Sunday

2009-08-30T17:07:00.002-05:00

I managed to get home early enough for Garrett and I to spend a little time outside together. He is turning into such a brave boy! The arena really helped. And can you belive how nice it is outside today?!?

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T23:31:00.006-05:00

We made it through a long hot day. It started with going into Fredericksburg this morning and ended with firecrackers at the Double D. Garrett actually watched them without wearing daddy's silencer muffs. Macie loved being outside at night and flirted with the very full moon (a nice change from being "meltdown Maggie" all day). Garrett in true Peter Pan form tried to catch his shadow during the last bit of dusk, it was just too funny. He also told us that we should play the "football song" (Star Spangled Banner) because of all the flags. Love it.

Growing together

2009-06-30T21:09:00.003-05:00

They are really starting to seem like brother and sister. She just glows and smiles when he is around. She listens for him and will turn to where he is. He loves to hold her and often reassures her when she cries. We are so lucky.

Welcome Peace

2009-06-10T20:30:00.002-05:00

Garrett has a new best friend. Peace has joined our household and she has been a wonderful addition. Even Lucy likes her.

Funny Little Girl

2009-06-07T20:04:00.003-05:00

Macie and I were hanging out on the couch today when she started making the cutest faces. Luckily I had my camera out and was able to catch the action!

Big Brother

2009-05-02T08:24:00.002-05:00

Garrett is getting better and better at being a big brother. He helps Mommy get things for baby Macie, and if she cries he is the first one in there to hold her hand and tell her its okay. Garrett even helped feed Macie.

But all that work can really wear you out and sometimes its nice to just nap with an old friend.

Two Weeks

2009-04-28T21:33:00.003-05:00

We have made it two weeks. Macie has settled happily into being quite a little princess. Poor Garrett is still having a hard time adjusting. On one hand he really wants to play with her and on the other hand he hates sharing the limelight.

Macie Marie Long

2009-04-19T20:30:00.003-05:00

I know. It has taken me forever to get pictures posted. She was born April 13th at 7:24 am. She was 20 inches long and 7lbs 12ozs. (of course she is down to 7lbs 3ozs) We are all home now and doing well. Garrett is starting to adjust to being a big brother and we are hoping to get sleep in the near future.

Easter Bunny

2009-04-12T09:34:00.003-05:00

We braved the cold to go to the Easter Egg hunt in Fredericksburg. Garrett did pretty well considering how many big kids there were. He was very excited and declared himself the winner. We thought it sounded good too. He even went right up to the Easter Bunny!

Exhausting Weekend

2009-03-29T20:25:00.003-05:00

After a long weekend of working digging post holes and installing fence to enlarge my backyard with Dad and Dad-dad. Then celebrating Dad-dad's birthday I finally got a little down time. Sorry mommie.......... PS. The food was really good... honest. Love Garrett

Finger Paint!

2009-03-08T16:52:00.002-05:00

Today we decided to make some fingerpaint and spend some time outside! Garrett really loved painting..... and not just on the paper. I think he had just as much fun getting hosed off by Daddy.

Rodeo

2009-02-17T10:16:00.002-06:00

On Sunday we went to the rodeo. It was Garrett's first big rodeo and he loved it. We had awesome seats thanks to some really wonderful people.

Meet Lucy

2009-01-25T19:50:00.002-06:00

We finally decided to get another dog. After much looking and talking, Bill went by the pound and found a little, mostly lab, brown puppy that I think reminded him of that other puppy we miss so much.

We surprised Garrett at school with her. He was so excited to find her in his car seat and he road the whole way home with one hand on her.

She has turned out to be such a good little dog. She doesnt cry at night. She hasnt destroyed anything, yet. And most of all... she seems to love Garrett as much as he loves her.

Kerrville Stock Show

2009-01-25T19:44:00.002-06:00

Garrett's class went on a quick field trip to the Kerrville stock show last week. Bill and I were both able to go, which made it extra fun. The kids just loved watching the pigs being shown in the arena and I have to admit that they did crack me up. After the swine we moved on to look at sheep, cows, and finally goats. We watched one of the many classes of goats, then went to see Mrs. Anita's daughter's pigs. I would imagine that naps were a little longer than usual that day.

What's in a name????

2009-01-16T17:19:00.002-06:00

We are down to less than 3 months until our little one is here. I think we know what her name will be, but we just dont know how to spell it. I like the name Macie, but with Marie as the middle name, can we spell it "ie"?

Last day of 2008

2009-01-01T08:04:00.002-06:00

For the last day of 2008 we decided to go fishing. Garrett was very excited. They recently released trout in the Llano in Junction, so we went there. We didnt have much luck with trout, but did better with bass. Garrett fished for a while, then enjoyed playing with one of his new remote controled vehicles.

Later we came home and once it was dark lit a few fireworks. Thanks to daddy's silencer muffs, Garrett actually got to enjoy our little show.

Sea World!!!

2008-12-31T19:21:00.002-06:00

Garrett went on his first trip to Sea World! The night before he was so excited about all of the animals. Not only was he just floored by the size of Shamu, he got to touch a dolphin! Garrett also went on his first rollercoaster ride. It was such a great day, beautiful weather and lots of fun.

Christmas at Granny & Dad-dads

2008-12-28T21:21:00.010-06:00

Garrett had a great Christmas this year. His first Christmas stop was at Granny and Dad-dads. He was very excited all day long about going to see Granny and Dad-dad. He did not know we were going there to open Chirstmas presents. However, once we started passing out presents he insisted on helping. He really enjoyed delivering the presents. He also got really excited in helping people opening their presents.

After everyone got a present and started opening we finally got Garrett to sit down and open his presents. One of his favorite presents was a remote control firetruck that Dad-dad gave him.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T20:58:00.003-06:00

After a big day of celebrating Christmas in San Antonio, we came home to get ready for Santa Claus.

First we left Reindeer Treats on the front lawn. Garrett made his at school. Unfortunately our own hooved beast decided that Reindeer treats were yummy. (I hope glitter doesnt hurt horses.)

Then we had to get Santa's treats together. Garrett picked his favorite cookies out and we filled a glass with milk.

Finally, Daddy and Garrett read a new Christmas book by the tree.

Merry Christmas.....

Santa Cookies

2008-12-23T20:35:00.003-06:00

Tonight we made cookies for Santa! Garrett helped to roll out the dough, cut out the shapes, and then add the sprinkles. Needless to say our cookies are pretty wild looking, but I think Santa will still like them. Oh, and we have to take some to Daddads tomorrow because apparently he likes cookies too.

Little Mechanic

2008-12-16T19:21:00.002-06:00

Garrett loves his "monster trucks" and he loves his Home Depot tool box. I just had to take a picture when I saw him, in his Handy Manny hard hat, using all of his tools on the truck. He is just too much sometimes.

It's a ....... Duck?

2008-12-10T20:48:00.004-06:00

We went to the doctor on Monday and its a GIRL! Well, they are 95% sure its a girl anyways. In an effort to get Garrett excited about his new little sister we asked him what her name would be. After a few minutes of deep concentration Garrett responded, "Duck!". Thus far he has not agreed to any other names, but I will work on it. "Duck Long" sounds like the guy from Sixteen Candles. ha!

SNOW!!!

2008-12-09T21:15:00.003-06:00

It all started with some serious sleet at around 7pm. By 8pm it had turned into a wintery mix. And now at 9pm its big fluffy snow-flakes. The snow isnt sticking to the ground, but our deck and fence (and vehicles) are coated in ice now. I'm not holding out much hope for a snow day tomorrow (Harper will probably be out) but its still neat.

Keeping up with the neighbors

2008-12-07T21:11:00.003-06:00

Ok.. so I finally got the front gate decorated. Many of you are probably saying its only Dec 5th and its not that big of a deal, but I usually have mine done before Thanksgiving! So today I forced the boys to come help me get it all together and I have to say that I think it turned out pretty-darned cute. I really love the new solar icicle lights I got from QVC during Christmas in July. They look pretty even during the day. Then when we came home tonight they were just glowing an icy blue.

Garrett's Little Tree

2008-11-23T12:02:00.002-06:00

Garrett has been just itching to put things on the big Christmas tree, so we decided to get him his own little tree this year. He was very excited to put all of our old Mickey Mouse ornaments on it and to have all the Christmas babies underneath the tree. I know its early for Christmas trees but he has just been feeling so lousey that I thought it might help perk him up. I cant wait until tonight when its dark and the tree just lights up his room!

Car Garage

2008-11-09T19:58:00.003-06:00

After spending the day celebrating Granny's (wannie's) birthday in San Antonio, we brought home the new "car garage" that Daddad had built for Garrett. The child who had been asleep since we started home was now wide awake and began the hunt for every car and truck he owns to put them in the garage. It took a while, as each vehicle apparently had to go in a specific place, but eventually they were all as he wanted them. (just as an aside, I doubt we even had half of his cars put away, and they were on all sides. It will have to be an ongoing thing.)

Jack-o-Lanterns

2008-10-29T19:57:00.004-05:00

We carved our pumpkins tonight. Only two of them though. The little ones are being saved to use throughout the season (and then to be shot gun targets after Thanksgiving).

Garrett participated much more than he has in the past. Daddy even let him help cut out the pieces.

Pumpkin Patch... Round 2

2008-10-28T20:40:00.002-05:00

On Sunday Garrett had to take his new cousin to see the pumpkin patch. I think this is about as close to Tyler as he has ever been.

Field Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-28T20:29:00.006-05:00

Garrett went on his second field trip. This time they got to ride the yellow school bus all the way to Medina to the Pumpkin Patch. I was so excited to take a day off and spend it just being mommy.

Getting his whole class together was like herding chickens. We never could get everyone looking the same direction.

Here is Garrett and his friend Caleb trying on hats while making scarecrows.

Automatic Pony Feeder

2008-10-17T19:22:00.004-05:00

Well, its 7:30pm and since Bill fixed the deer feeder at about 4pm, Shasta has not left it. She is very impressed with her new automatic corn feeder. I really dont think we are going to get many deer at that pasture. Lately I have seen most of our deer down by the water trough in the catch. I guess that they drink there at night and nest into the thick trees. I have seen about 6 decent bucks. I wonder if any of them are the little twins that used to hide infront of the house.

Garrett's First Field Trip

2008-10-09T19:36:00.004-05:00

Thursday, October 9th

Garrett went on his very first field trip with his classmates. He was so excited he finally got to ride in a yellow school bus.

The field trip was to the pet store. He really loved the fish and the birds. However he did not want to pet the soft white bunny rabbit, but he did pet the Iguana and the ferrett.... Go Figure .... Stay tuned his next field trip is to the Pumpkin Patch in a couple of weeks it should be lots of fun.

A walk with Shasta

2008-10-09T19:22:00.002-05:00

We have been trying to be more active. I am hoping that if we eat early and do something like go for a walk that I will start feeling better. So tonight we decided to take Shasta with us. Garrett has ridden her on a few occassions, but this is the first time he went all the way down the road. Shasta wasnt particularly thrilled, but I think she was happy with the big hug she got when we came back to the house.

Fall Day of Fishing

2008-10-05T20:33:00.003-05:00

The weather has been so beautiful lately. I think I spend a lot of time just trying to come up with reasons for us to go outside. Garrett has become obsessed with fishing. Of course, he seems to think that you go fishing at HEB, but we are working on that. (wonder what his Daddy has been telling him!)

So on Satuday we went to the Guadalupe with Granny & Daddad and Candy, Travis, & Tyler. It was Tyler first fishing trip, but I honestly dont think he was very into the fishing. Garrett on the other hand seemed to really love it. For a 3 yr old he shows a lot of patience. We were only catching little perch, but they do put up a good fight. Daddad seemed to have a knack for hitting just the right hole to catch them. So Garrett had lots of chances to reel one in. By the end of the day he was wanting to touch the fish as we caught them. He even waved goodbye to them as they swam away (to grow up into bigger fish for next time.) We need to have more days like this.

Birthday Boy

2008-09-30T17:58:00.003-05:00

I havent been doing a great job at keeping up with this. But here is an update from Garrett's birthday party.

We had big plans tothrow the usual party and bbq at our house, but with everything going on, I just didnt see how I could get it together. So the back up plan was to spend the weekend at the Hill Country Hyatt. Doing nothing more than floating around in the pool and ordering pizza. But thank to Hurricane Ike, that too wash squashed. (of course hindsite, we should have just gone, its not like it rained or something!)

So we ended up going to Chuck E. Cheese. I forget what a nightmare that place is, but Garrett loved it. We then took him to Toys R Us and he got a basketball hoop for outside and a parking garage for his cars.

I may be biased but....

2008-01-22T19:06:00.000-06:00

Come on, how many 2 year olds know this many letters??? Yeah, he doesnt say them right, but he does know them!

Rainy Day Cookies

2008-01-21T15:34:00.001-06:00

Today Garrett and I stayed home. It was a perfect rainy day for making cookies. Garret enjoyed it more than I thought he would. He helped me to measure ingredients and put them in the kitchen aid. Then he helped me put the dough on the pans. Figures, I didnt even think about taking pictures until we were almost done!

A family visit

2008-01-20T15:14:00.000-06:00

Today Missie, Jimmy, & Cody came out to load the cows. We are moving the cows out to Uncle Warrens place where there is still some grass. The girls were not very excited about being loaded into a trailer, but eventually they gave in. (the alphalfa and cattle cubes helped!)

Once the cows were loaded, our two little cowboys decided to do some riding. Zelpha had bought them matching outfits and it seemed like a perfect time to get some pictures. The boys had a good time riding, and probably even more fun playing on the rock pile while we loaded cows.

A perfect day spent outside!

Cat Naps

2008-01-17T20:33:00.000-06:00

Garrett is back to taking naps! We finally got a picture of him sleeping with his kitties! Its funny how tolerant the cats are with such a wild boy. He loves his furry friends.

Bathroom Renovations

2008-01-17T19:37:00.001-06:00

I had a great idea at the begining of our Christmas break to redo our bathroom. After much research, at least a good hour in Home Depot, we decided to Venetian Plaster our walls. Our decision was influenced greatly by our poor taping & floating job. Needless to say the whole process took about 3 weeks. We still do not have towel racks and we havent gotten all of the plaster and dry wall off of the floor, floor boards, doors, windows,..............

Happy New Year

2008-01-08T10:21:00.001-06:00

One of my big ideas for the new year was to start a blog so that we could share what is going on with all of you. So... as I have a few moments I will start writing in more details.