The Homeless Summer

This summer has been one of the most stressful/exciting summers of our lives. We rented out our old house on June 1 and couldn't close on our new house until July 1 so we had a month and a half of homelessness. We lived out at the lake and in Houston for a week. We are all moved into the new house and it is PERFECT... I'll post pictures soon! The renovations went fantastic and we LOVE our new neighborhood.

The Mullen Clan at Stephen and Jessica's wedding.

Thank you Grammy and Papaw for hosting Charlie's party!

Cousins! Including our cousin Gracie!!

Have your cake and eat it TWO!!

I LOVE PIZZA!

My beautiful family!

Charlie eating his cake on his actual birthday.

The three Odom boys!

Zoo with Bubby and Baby!

April

We're starting to "explore" the idea of the potty. He insisted on having some reading material... not kidding.

Charlie and Austin at Moody Gardens.

Mark took Charlie to Galveston for a weekend and Charlie had a blast with his cousins.

Charlie and his Easter gift. Can we say spoiled!

Mary came to stay with us for 4 days and it made me so happy. Charlie LOVES his MIMI!

Emma and Pop came up for one day and took Charlie to the lake. Mark and I stayed home and relaxed!

Charlie and Jay opening eggs and eating candy.

The kids after the hunt!

April has been a great month at the Odom household! We traveled a lot this month and next month means at least 2 more trips to Houston. We have lots to celebrate next month... my baby brother is graduating high school!! I know its supposed to be a happy time but every time I think about it I want to cry!! He's not sure where he is going to school yet but one of his choices is in Memphis, TN. Having him so far away will be VERY upsetting!!! UT is still and option and I would consider it a dream come true to have him in Austin!! Hopefully he'll make up his mind soon!!!

Our next goal in the Odom family is to make it through on holiday without Charlie projectile vomiting!! We didn't make it to church but Emma and Pop hosted and amazing brunch an easter egg hunt. Charlie was not great at hunting eggs because once he realized they were filled with candy he just wanted to sit down and eat them. Emma went a bit overboard on the gifts and the kids basically had a 2nd Christmas. We spent Saturday in Galveston and had a blast at Pujab (the same crawfish boil we met at 4 years ago) and Charlie spent the whole day with his Grammy and Papaw. The poor guy was under the weather but had a blast on the beach. We bid on another trip to Belize and won!! This time we are going with my cousin and his fiance!! So fun!! We're trying to talk my aunt and uncle into coming with us.

Spring has Sprung

The weather is beautiful in Austin and we are taking full advantage of it and spending most of our time outside. Charlie LOVES the park and the zoo and we are at one or the other almost everyday. We had a bit of a rough week because Charlie got an ear infection but the antibiotics worked and he's on the mend!! We bought Charlie a new fish named Abe II (Mark had an Abe goldfish as a kid) that he loves to make him feel better.

On Friday and Saturday we drove to San Antonio to watch Jay play baseball. He hit 3 home runs and was the star of the tournament. Charlie loved playing in the dirt and looked like pig pen when we left the ball park. Yesterday morning Mark took Charlie to the Orange and White game where the got there picture taken with Bevo and Charlie ran the up and down the bleachers until he was exhausted. In the afternoon we went on our normal Sunday walk to Guero's taco bar and we (especially Charlie) danced the afternoon away to live music. Life is good!

Charlie update: His new favorite food is popsicles and he knows his shapes.

Mark and Charlie on the train at the zoo.

Kisses through the dugout.

Pop and Charlie with matching red faces watching "Jay baseball"

Two perfect boys!!

Family Photo.

Four of my favorite boys.

We bought Charlie a little pool for the backyard.

Running the bleachers

Headed to the Orange and White Game.

Daddy, Charlie and BEVO.

February and March

Matching "Big Dude" and "little Dude" shirts!! Yes, we are DORKS!!

"Jay Baseball" Charlie's favorite saying!

So sad he's a senior!!

Uncle George and Charlie on the tractor.

Pop and Charlie at Elmo Live!

Family photo at Elmo Live!

Golf with Daddy!

I have been the worst blogger ever but I have an excuse, I once again misplaced my camera! I left it at my parents house but found it yesterday! Yay!! I guess now I have no excuse for not keeping up with this blog!!

I guess I should update everyone on everything Charlie.

He is talking up a storm and is now speaking in phrases not just single words.

He knows and can identify ALL 26 letters.

He knows his colors.

He can count to ten.

He recognizes his numbers 1-9.

He LOVES pickles.

His favorite animals are dolphins, peacocks and monkeys. We go to the zoo a lot!!

He is the most active child I have ever seen... he loves to climb up/on EVERYTHING!!

He LOVES to swim and loves to jump in the pool fully clothed. NOT GOOD!!!

He is always dirty or covered in some kind of bruise or scrape. Boys will be boys!!

His favorite people in this world are Lauren and Will McMackin (AKA Bubby & baby)!

He LOVES Sea World.

He LOVES going to see Jay play baseball and screams "Go Jay" or "Jay baseball" throughout all 7 innings.

Life is great in Austin but would be even better if we could sell our house. Keep your fingers crossed!!

Danny Mullen

Sixty years ago today my hero, mentor and father began his larger than life existence. Throughout his life he has worn many hats: son, brother, football player, husband, attorney, oil man but I think he would agree with me when I say that his most important role has been father and grandfather. As I look back on my 27 years on this planet I realize that he was the driving force behind every accomplishment I have ever achieved. He has never judged me or put me down but carried me through my many mistakes and failures.

Being a dad is NOT a part time job for Danny Mullen. As successful as he's been in his many different careers over the years he always put us first. He was home by 5:30 every night to cook dinner even if it meant flying or driving for hours on end. He always made my lunch, and yes he did write "I love you" notes on my napkins. He never missed a play, dance recital, sporting event or golf tournament. When I decided to take up golf he met me out on the course every single day, bought me nice clubs and went with me to father/daughter golf school and when I decided to quit after just a year he completely hid his disappointment and supported my decision. When I was in college he came up once a month just to "check up" on me and would take all of my friends out to dinner. If I were ever running low on money he would put in an extra hundred just to get me through the month.

Even to this day his opinion and advice shape all of my decisions. I think the reason I fell in love and married Mark is because he reminds me so much of Danny. They both laugh their way through life, rarely loose their temper and make their families their number one priority. Yes, I am well aware of how lucky I am!!

I talk to my Dad at least once a day and though I am relatively sure he calls mainly to talk to Charlie, it makes my day. He has shown me the type of mother I want to be and I hope to always live up to his standard. I wanted to sit down and write something to tell the whole world (or the few of you who read this) how wonderful my father is and how lucky I am to have him but I guess the most important thing I want to expresss is THANK YOU DADDY!! Thank you for everything you have ever done for me and thank you for the many amazing things you will continue to do for me. Thank you for loving me and for being the worlds best father. I love you so much!! Happy 60th birthday!!