Caps and Cannolis

Mike's cannolis and a good ole' Italian cappachino-it doesn't get much better in the North End.

Espcially with your bf!

Sarah and her good friend, Jody and her little lovie, Amelia and of course, baby Jude.

Today, when we woke there was a nice fresh coat of snow on the ground. All the schools were closed and Jeff got to stay home with us. We relaxed and then went to the North End. Again, a first for Jude. We went to Mike's Pastry to pick up a chocolate cannoli (a tradition of mine when I visit Boston) and then went and had a cappachino at a little Italian coffee shop. It was very wet and snowy, but a great outing. We met some of their friends and had a great time of talking about our kids and life.

A wet and snowy day in Boston, but we made the most of it!

Then home for alittle bath time for Jude, his first full bath since his belly button cord fell off this morning. He wasn't too happy as the picture says it all. This was the only pict I got because I felt so sorry for the little guy. Jeff held his head up as Sarah washed his body-very quickly and I held his hands...that is after I took the photo. I think he would have rather me hold his hands and not taken any pictures.

Jude's first bath!

Jude and Aunt Rachel's time-11:00pm...he was looking at the stars from his little night light turtle.

So sad that today was my last full day here in Boston with my favorite new little Jude Knight, but I am looking forward to being back in Texas with my 3 favorite guys in the whole world! Missed them much, but loved my time with Sar, Jeff, and Jude.

Little Bear's trip to Tarjaa

Here's little Bear-his winter suit had little bear ears...he was adorable!

So we got him out again in the freezing cold-today it was a cool, 16 degrees, but he had his winter suit on so we thought he'd be ok. He did great at Target and we had fun shopping again and showing him off to all the other moms in the store. There was one young looking grandmother in the store who I guess didn't hear us so well when we told her his name. Somehow she heard, Dude. And responded, "Dude"? We said, no, Jude. It was funny.

Then we went home and let Jude practice falling asleep on his own. He went right to sleep and we were in hopes that we would do that before night night time...but not so much. Tonight, he wanted to stay up and play. So Sar and Jeff went to sleep and I took over and got to spend some qt with the little man.

Sooo Stickin' CUTE!!!

Shop Shop Shop

The Little "Tigre" looking up at mom-we had a photo session in Nordstroms-because he woke up for abit.


Sarah pushing Jude in the stroller for the first time. Such a proud little mama!

It's Jude's first shopping trip today and were going to the mall in Natick(sp). We went to some of the fun kiddo shops like baby gap, Hanna Anderson, Pottery Barn Kids and Nordstroms, not sure if that's a kiddo or mom store. He did great and so did we! We had a great time of just perusing, having mom time and buying a few necessities. We mostly had fun showing off little Jude.
We came home and a friend of theirs brought over dinner-YUMMERS!!! Dinners here in New England have been sooo fresh! Tonights fare was a huge bowl of fruit(a mix of pineapple, blueberries, strawberries, apples, oranges, peaches, grapes, cantalope, melon) topped with honey marinaded chopped chicken, topped with walnuts, and served with a honey poppyseed dressing. It was incredible! I'm hoping to make it for my fam when I go home.

Just relaxing

Jude doing what he does best!

Rach and Sar-admiring the bebe' Judester

In the "O" Zone!

Today, we got up and went to church which was awesome! Baby Jude looked adorable, and he was definitely the star of the service at CFCF (Community of Faith Christian Fellowship). Then we came home and all took naps...thanks Jude for showing us how it's done! We just relaxed all day INSIDE since it was -5 this morning with the wind chill factor. SO COLD!!! It was a great 2nd day here in Boston, Mass.

Sweet Baby Jude

Aunt Rachel lovin' on the little man

It's my first day here in snowy Boston, and I am in love with a new little man named Jude. He's precious and such a sweet little sleeper. I can't wait for the days ahead of lovin' on him more and getting great time with my friend, Sar.

Proud Daddy-look at the starbucks guy, he thinks Jude is adorable, too!

Clifford, the BIG red bAg

Let me introduce you to, Clifford, our BIG red bAg!

Matthew playing inside...much like Jack in the box, except it's Matthew.

Pop goes the weasel!

So Excited!!! His words were, "Mommy, can I go with you and ride in the bag?"

Jackson getting in on the action!

Getting out Clifford (the BIG Red Dog) bag brings lots of fun to the boys! It's much like the laundry baskets. They love getting inside of it and zipping it up, well, I guess just Matthew does. Jackson just likes sitting inside and Matthew really doesn't welcome Jackson to the bag because he crowds it. So in and out of the bag and excitement is had by all, including me!

I can't wait to go to Boston and see my best friend, Sarah, from my Baylor days. We have kept up through all these years, and she is like a sister. We get together and all is relaxed. No pretense, no grandiose expectation, just love and acceptance. I love being with her. When I arrive, we usually talk about our lists' of what we want to do together and then we just do them. But this time, she has just had a baby so my list consists of serving her and Jeff and taking care of them in whatever ways they need and maybe go to Mike's pastry and maybe go to White Mountain Creamery...he-he!

I'll be here for almost 6 days, so I'm very thankful to my wonderful hubby and my great in-laws for taking care of our sweet boys!

It's in the little things

The little things my boys do and say each and every day, draw my heart out towards them more and more. I love them sooo much and cannot imagine living one day without them. They add so much to our lives and fill our hearts with joy.

This morning, as we sat down to eat biscuits and honey, I said, let's pray and Jackson stopped eating his biscuit and reached out for my hand and then as we said, In Jesus' name, he said, "Ameen!" (with a big exclamation) I love how excited he gets and how proud he is of himself. He's so precious.

Then as we were getting ready, I told the boys that our plans were to go to Target, Home Depot, and the Mall. Matthew looked at me with his big blue eyes and said thoughtfully, "Mommy, I'm gonna get the pennies for the cars at the mall for me and Jack Jack to ride on" then he ran to the bathroom to get the pennies from Jerod's coin jar. I helped him get some quarters for him and Jackson. He was so proud.

Matthew kept his money in his little pocket the whole time in Target and then when we arrived at the mall, he got to put his money in the new ride!

The boys riding in the virtual race car.

On our walk this afternoon, I was trying to help Jackson learn the importance of walking on the sidewalk and not in the street. He doesn't want help and when I reach my hand out for him to hold my hand, he pulls both hands into his little body and walks on his own demonstrating that he does not need my help. So today, we walked on the railroad ties that line the alley and he knows he needs my help in walking those. He reached out and took my hand. So precious. I love teaching my boys and just being with them.

The boys sitting on the railroad ties.

Lastly, tonight, as I was leaving for work, Matthew climbed out of his booster quickly and came and wrapped his little legs around mine and said, "Oh, Mommy, I love you so much! I wanna walk out to your car and say bye bye."

It's in these moments that my heart is enlarged and when the tough times come, I can reflect on these memories and be encouraged to press on. My mothering is impacting him for the good, and I am thankful for the Lords grace that I don't have to be perfect.

Is it Time?

my little guy, snoozin'...on the CARPET!

Last night, when I went to check on Jackson, I opened the door as I always do and bumped into something...that little something was Jackson laying on the carpetted floor with his "Taci" in mouth and BB in hand just as if he was in the crib. Is it time to move him to a big boy bed? He's only 19months old, I guess almost 20. But so soon! Matthew has been begging for months to have someone in his room with him, maybe it's time!

ALL Spiked UP!

Long haired and All Spiked Up!

All week, Jerod and I had been talking of how long Matthew hair was getting and then this morning we realized that he might be alittle overdue! When your child's hair looks like a mohawk and you did nothing to promote the look, it may be time to get a trim. We took picts to preserve the duu.

Hungry boys, hungry ducks

Lots of Ducks today!!!

Jackson so happy with his rice krispy treat!

The weather's beautiful, the boys are bored, Let's go to the duck pond! It's truly amazing that this little trip never gets boring to them or me. We loaded up, with bread for the ducks, bread and butter for the boys snacks, and alittle rice krispy treat for them once we got there.

We arrived and the boys plopped down immediately and wanted their treat. And then to feed the ducks. Some days, the ducks are few and not at all interested in us, but not today. We started throwing our hamburger buns and every duck on the pond started flying toward us. It was a feeding frenzy and reminded me of when I used to go duck hunting with my dad, except today, I didn't have a gun. (mostly just the ducks all flying in and landing in front of us) It was an incredible sight to see so many ducks with the sun behind them flying all around. I'm not sure who was having a better time, me or the boys. I love nature.

I just loved this picture...even though it was with my phone. Loved the sun, the water and the ducks.

Just another walk...

It's Sunday today, and I worked last night so if I wanted to get any time with the boys it was going to be quick. If you say, "Walk and outside" in the same sentence in the Hyde house, the boys come running and are outside ready to go in probably 10 seconds, FLAT!

They love the outside. So for a walk we went and found some fun friends to join us for just a second.

So funny! Matthew was driving and then Lilli wanted to...so he let her and then decided that wasn't such a great idea. At least he was trying to share!

2 in 1 Day

Me and our boys-post Krispy Kreme!


Jackson enjoying the doughnuts! and Mommy, too!


Little Olive about to blow out her candles. I had to hold the boys back-I thought they were going to help!

It's Saturday morning and one of my bf's from college is having her little girl's birthday party at 9:00am. So fun, it's a PJ and doughnuts partay! The only thing is she lives about an hour away from me! So we woke up early and headed out in our jammies and had a blast-eating LOTS of Krispy Kremes and getting glaze ALL over Kellie's house. It was a great time for the kiddos and the mommies!



Next, we headed home for Jackson to hit the hay and for Matthew to get alittle protein in and then head out for Reed's party at the gym. A little jumping and tumbling fit in perfect to our day to let the sugar high wear off. Matthew had a blast, and I loved getting to see friends. Check out the cake, Melissa made it! Incredible!!!








the boys checkin out the AWESOME cake! I think Matthew might have swiped a little of the icing!





Reed blowing out his candles.

A second Christmas

Tearing into the train

Playing trains-way past his bedtime!

Aggie and Papa came over for dinner and to bring presents from Shelly and Chris. They hit the goldmine in Matthew's world. They got him an electric train in which he's played with every day since he's gotten it. Jackson loves it too, but he mostly likes to tear it up. He is only 19 months old and in the destruction phase. It's lots of fun, especially for Matthew! He-He. Not really!!!

Makin' Snowmen

Just a regular ole' day in the Hyde household...playing playdough and makin' snowmen. Fun Times!!! I love being a mommy and getting extra points from the boys for building a little snowman. :)

Clancy Bear

Let me introduce you to Clancy Bear. He's huge and lovable and probably one I wouldn't pick out again seeing that when Matthew can take ONE stuffed animal with us on trips, he chooses Clancy, of course. He is adorable and I really do love him, he's just so BIG!!!

Baby Jude is here!!!

Sweet Baby Jude Knight

I got the call on Monday night.

It was about 8:30...

Sarah: Hey, Rach, I started having contractions at 7:45 and they are coming about every 3 to 5 minutes apart and they've been going on now for about 45 minutes, do you think this is it?

Me: I don't know. It could be. We tell our moms the 3-1-1 plan. If you have contractions every 3 minutes that last 1 minute and continue for 1 hour then come on in to the hospital.
Sar: Well, they're getting stronger and pauses, Jeff, there's another one...I hear Jeff in the background, ok, Honey, 8:33.

Me: You're doing great, just keep breathing and moving around and whatever makes you feel better.

Sar: Ok. I wish you were here with us.

Me: Me too. Who knew you would go this early?

Sar: I know. I'm so excited. I hope this is it. The contractions are getting pretty strong.

Second call, It's about 11:30...

Me: How's it going?

Sar: They are getting stronger and lasting longer. And I've been drinking a lot of water.

Me: It sounds like this is it to me. I'm so excited and I can't wait to see Baby Jude!

Sar: Pauses and breathes

Me: Oh, let me get some scripture to read over you, just keep breathing, you're doing so good.

Sar: Ok, I'm gonna let you go.

Me: Yep, sounds good. I'll call ya in the morning.

Third call, on my way to walk at 5:30...

Me: Hey, good morning, how ya feeling?

Sar: They slowed down to about every 10 minutes, but they're still strong. Laura's here with me so Jeff could rest. I'm just resting now. But were going to go in for my midwife appointment this morning.

Me: Sounds good. I'll let you go and rest. I'll call ya later.

Sar: Ok, thanks Rach.

Fourth call, on my way to lunch at 11:00...

Laura: Hey, Rachel, it's Laura, we've just been at the midwife and Sarah is 4 centimeters dialated, 100% effaced and the baby's head is low. Were thinking were gonna just go ahead and head on to the hospital.

Me: Oh, that's awesome! Ok, well, keep me posted. I'm praying.

Laura: Ok, talk to ya soon.

Fifth call, after lunch, on my way home to put the boys down for their naps at 12:30...

Me: the phone just rings and rings and rings after calling Sarah, Jeff, Sandra (their point person) and after leaving texts and more texts of praying for ya, Sar, you can do it!

Sixth call, from Jeff, around 4:45...

Jeff: Hey, Rachel, Sarah's 9 centimeters and doing well, when we got to the hospital, she was 7cm and now it's taken alittle longer to get to 9. But she's there and doing it. (Jeff walks into the delivery room and I hear, "Just get the baby OUT!!!") My thoughts...Oh, my sweet friend it's almost over and you've done it just the way you wanted to and you're doing it.

Me: Oh, she's doing so good, I'll keep praying and let you go.

Jeff: Sounds good, talk to you soon.

Seventh call, to Sarah, around 6:30...

Me: I just got a text from Sandra and she said he was here! 6# 14oz, that's a perfect weight!

Sar: He's beautiful and that was the hardest thing I've ever done. He's perfect. I'm holding him and I can't believe I just had a baby.

Me: I'm so proud of you! You did it! Oh, I can't believe he's finally here.

Sar: Me, too! I can't believe he came so early. I'm so glad he's here.

Me: I'm SO glad he's here and healthy, too! I can't wait to see you guys! Love you

You GO SAR!!! A Labor that lasted 23 plus hours and NO MEDS! You're A ROCK!!! And a HERO of Mine!!! Love you, friend!!!

Nik Nik

Nicole "Nik" came to visit us today and we love it when she comes! She lived with us for 3 1/2 years and then last November, she moved to Boston to be a flight attendant for Northwest. We loved having her live with us. I remember when Matthew and Jackson were days old, she would take them on walks around the block and love on them. She was at Matthew and Jackson's births and holds such a special place in our hearts. The boys love her, we love her, and she is apart of our family.

What's hiding?

Matty Bo is such a ham!  Monday morning, waking early, I looked over and he was stuffing his BB into his jammies.  So here's my 365 pic.  He looks like a little old woman with cellulite. Sorry, but it's sooo true.   

The Beloved Block

The rocks is one of their favorite stopping points while on the walk around the block.  And of course to add to the rock visit, they have little dogs so they start barking and yipping and trying to scare us away.  Hilarious!  The poor dog owners, if they knew when they put the rocks in that they would be attracting my little guys-they would have just put in shrubs.   

One would think that the walk would take less than 10 minutes since it's really a short walk especially when we cut through the alley, but NO, it's a good 45!  I love it!  It's all about adventure and scavenger hunts to find the coolest rock and just being outside.  I think my boys would live outside if we let them.  

The rocks - will it be a dog day or just to find the RIGHT rock!  

Checking out the pups!!!

Scouting around

the laundry baskets

Jerod and I have decided that next Christmas were going to give the boys laundry baskets.  It's really their favorite thing to play with.  They push each other around in them, hide under them, growl and pretend they are lions in a cage, and both get in and play race cars while we push them around.

grocery shopping with two little monkeys

Happy Jack-Jack with his treat

I really don't recommend shopping with kiddos, but sometimes it's a must, and I guess if you must, do try Costco.  There are SOOO many samples, and their baskets have two seats with buckles that both work.  I came prepared with pretzels and sippies.  And then at the end, when they had done well and not thrown any fits, they got rice krispie treats.

Matthew's at the age when someone says, "cheese," he shows ALL of his teeth! Funny

COOKIES, COOKIES, COOKIES

There's not many other things that Matthew loves more than chocolate chip cookies.  It's one of the things I love making with him and for him in the evening when he's eaten a good dinner and obeyed and been kind to his little brother.  It's just an overflow of the heart to give good things to our children and I know it's not always good to give candy and cookies to them, but sometimes it's so hard not too.  I love giving them little surprises!  They get so excited!!!

 Giving good gifts kind of reminds me of God wanting to give good gifts to His children, us.  If we, being evil, know how to give good gifts, how much more will our heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to us who ask Him.  He's a gift, Lord, help me to ask more with a pure heart.

What's the TIME?

Oh, just 3:48 am...yep, I work nights. It's much different than most other people, but it's definitely great with little kiddos. Just part-time that is. I really enjoy what I do and it's a love that's close to my heart. I love taking care of women and families. The new life that is welcomed into the world and the incredible blessing it is that I am the first one to lay hands on this new little baby. So far tonight, I've caught 1 little girl. She weighed 6# 0.6oz and was the last of 5 kids. Her mommy will get her tubes tied in the morning. The mom and dad were so excited since their 1st was a girl and then had 3 boys. So that's me for today. Loving Parkland and so very thankful for what I get to do.

my little helpers

New playdough and really just playdough of any kind is MESSY! But it's so much fun and in the Hyde house provides hours of fun! The other morning we played and made snowmen and today, it's my little helpers that are helping dustbust it up! They love the dustbusters and so do I.

I love watching them find so much pleasure in helping and just being kids.

Ice Sickles

Ice sickles aboard the racer-yummy!

2 days ago we were in our shorts and today it was freezing outside.  Go figure, that's Texas for ya. Needless to say, we were not out walking the block.  So sad.  The boys were desperate for an outing of some sort so we found a buddy to hang with and then came home for naps.   When they woke, a race track was in order downstairs, but there were no race-cars, they had been left outside.  Happy for the boys, they ate the ice sickles.  Inside we went to make do with the police car and the Radio Flyer trike.  And away they went round and round the Hyde Track.  

"Pii-Foes" in January

This weather is crazy!!! It's Saturday and we have our shorts and t-shirts and flip flops on. I found a pair of flippers that Matthew hardly wore and put them on Jackson. He loved them and kept saying, "pii-foes." So around the block we went wearing our tees, shorts, and pii-foes.

Matty Bo about to drive

Little "Pii-foes" in January

Jack Jack walkin' the block