Fairy Tale Ending to February

Sometimes life turns out just perfect for a princess....Don't ask how she ended up with two cones...She was the perfect messy princess that we adore!

Playing with Friends

On Tuesday we went over Grant, Claire and Tessa's house to play after school. It was kind of chilly outside, but all the kids wanted to go play on the playdome. Teresa grabbed a few shots of the kids at play. It was a great afternoon. We ate grilled cheese and peanut butter crackers and yogurt for dinner. I keep thinking that our kids are so lucky. They have so many houses in Arlington that are safe and fun and full of friends. There is so much laughter in their lives....so much time for great childhood memories. I'm going to miss all of this someday when they are older and not so willing to be with me. But for now, we are all just hanging out and growing together...Our biggest worries will seem small someday...These are the "good old days".

Tuesdays and Thursdays with Ben and Miss Teresa

Every Tuesday and Thursday I work at the preschool that Jacob and Jude attend. On those days, Grace goes to visit Miss Teresa and Ben. You can tell that she loves them both because she gets excited anytime we see them at playgroup or church. She reaches for Teresa and does her little struggle to be held by someone else. We received this picture the other day of Ben and Grace playing in the laundry basket. How adorable is this? Teresa said that Ben was playing in his "boat" and Grace just had to join him. I love it.

Enjoying This Weather

It is gorgeous in Arlington, TX today! My computer is saying that it is 88 degrees here, and I totally believe it. We are having a lazy day today. So, to enjoy our laziness and zero plans, we loaded up the Spiderman bike and the big wheel and the stroller to go enjoy a park. Jacob led the way down to a little dock on a pond at the park and we fed tadpoles and watched them devour our pop tarts. The boys were being the best of friends today. At one point, Jacob even let Jude sit on his bike and he pushed him around the park for a bit. Grace was generally off exploring some small bug or flower, and not paying too much attention to anyone...except when it was time to swing. I thought that I could have let her swing forever! Such a perfect way to spend the beginning of Spring.

Everyone's Growing Up!

This Saturday everyone was in the backyard trying new things. Jacob is determined to learn how to do the monkey bars, and even when he clearly needs a little help, he insists on going it alone. It's Sunday now, and Jude has mastered the fireman's pole in the backyard. He has to stretch so far to get his body wrapped around it, but perseverence has paid off again for Jude...he is like an old pro. Grace (in true Hooks form) found the biggest ball in the yard and spent an afternoon trying to catch it, carry it around and roll on top of it to everyone's enjoyment. I just can't believe how much everyone is growing and changing and becoming so independent. I am watching Jacob, Jude and Grace with amazement as they tackle their world around them with such bravery. They are all so full of life and energy and stubborness that I am thinking today that there might be NOTHING to stand in their way!

Feeding Ducks?

We met some friends at the park on Tuesday late afternoon. All the kids brought bikes or big wheels or tricycles. It was a great time. After some bike riding , we decided to feed the ducks. I always forget to bring bread or tortillas, and our friends are always nice enough to share with Jacob and Jude. Jude isn't the best "duck feeder" because he just throws in an entire piece of bread. I found out that Jacob is an even worse "duck feeder". Jacob and our friend Jake decided to eat the duck food instead. Maybe they thought the ducks needed to share a bit...It made for a great picture.

Art Day

Today we had "Art Day" at our house for the first time. This consisted of moms bringing over all of their crafty items and the kids just being creative. There were stickers, stamps, glue, construction paper and all sorts of goodies for the boys and girls to make into masterpieces. Jacob was very dedicated to his work. Jude, on the other hand, got right to the point, made some art and then spent the morning as Batman. Mama brought over a cake for the moms and kids to eat after lunch and it was a perfect day. The weather was great so, after the creating there was lots of time to play outside. I think we all celebrated the fire out of Presidents Day!

Grace is Very Very Mad!

This is what happens when you take the camera away from Miss Grace!

A Day at The Park

On Monday morning we went to the park and met some of our friends there for a playdate and a picnic. Jacob and Claire and Aaron brought their bikes and rode all over the sidewalks looking very grown up (the bike riders posed for the adorable picture on a break from riding). Jude followed behind them on his big wheel looking not near as grown up which was nice! Several of us all have baby girls within months of each other (or weeks or days as the case may be) so we took the "stroller brigade" picture. Grace is doing her usual underwhelmed pose....apparently she knows she's cute! Just another day in Arlington where I can't believe how great we have it. Hope this message finds everyone feeling the same way.

Tony Romo Jerseys

This afternoon a box came in the mail from Grandpa and MJ. It was a Valentine box, and it was so exciting to open. Each kid received an adorable Dallas Cowboy jersey...of course, they were all #9 with "Romo" on the back. Wow, they looked so cute! Jude promptly went outside to play football (he really loves football), and Jacob was soon to follow. Grace toddled around with them and Corey and I decided that a jersey in her size is beyond all imaginings of perfection! We snapped some pictures and then took them to Chick Fil A because you can't keep kids that look that adorable in doors...you MUST show them off!

The Last One to Wear The Hampshire College Shirt

It's funny how, all of a sudden, as a parent you will find yourself randomly sentimental. This happened just the other day when I put a "Hampshire College" onesie on Gracie Grace. I realized that Jacob had first worn the shirt that is from Aunt Dycee. Then Jude wore it, and he wore it for a LONG time. Now Grace can wear it and look adorable and cool in it just like her brothers did...and then...well, then it goes in a box in the attic until someday when I show it to the kids and tell them how small they once were. And that is the thought that makes me super sentimental on random afternoons in February. Enjoy the cuteness!

Jude had Surgery 8 Hours Ago!!!

Jude had a little surgery today. He had his ear tubes redone, and his adenoids removed. I'm waiting for Jude to realize that he had a little surgery today. He is, however, Jude...the nonstop, neverending energy kid that could withstand any amount of pain for a little bit of play. So, take this moment to ponder Jude's ability to keep on truckin'!

Where Did January Go???

How do I ever begin to apologize enough??? Sorry this is so belated, and full of information and scattered thoughts. January did happen at the Hooks House and it was a BIG month. Grace turned 1 year old on the 5th and had a smashing birthday party, friends came over and played, time was spent at Mama's House, there was much dress up, a new tradition was started with Pajamas and Pancakes and Grandad came to visit to put the icing on the cake of January! During January we found out that Grace really does like to wear her pink fur coat with everything including pjs! January also lead us to the confirmation that Jacob and Jude would prefer to wear their Spiderman and Batman costumes than normal clothes and that Jude in sunglasses is the cutest sight ever! January 2008 has been a great door to open, and peek inside the amazing new year that lies ahead. If January is the prequel to what awaits in 2008, then we know this year will be fun, exciting, full of laughter and graced everyday by three wonderful angels that keep us in stitches. I want everyone who reads our crazy sporadic blog to know that Corey and I truly recognize that we are living a dream. We are blessed beyond measure with wonderful family and friends who make the day to day more than daily. Thank you.