Monday, April 30, 2012
Happy 1st Birthday to my cuddle monkey, Joel!
I cannot believe my lil’ cuddle monkey is already ONE!! I hate to sound cliché but…where did the time go?! I really do feel like it was such a short time ago that I was still pregnant worrying how I could possibly love another little boy as much as I already loved my Jude bug! Ofcourse, the fear disappeared completely as soon as Joel was born and placed in my arms! I can’t imagine my life without any of my sweet J’s, Jon included! They’re so different in personality and they bless my every day!
As most were reading headlines about the 1st Royal anniversary celebration between Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Howerton household was celebrating Joel’s 1st birthday w/cinnamon rolls before church! :) Last year I was watching the wedding on television at 5am in a hospital room of Baylor Grapevine waiting to be induced for labor! Joel arrived at 10:47am, 6 pounds and 3 ounces and 19 ¾’ long! He was perfect!
Grandma Judy stayed with Jude at our house during the labor but they both came up in the afternoon to meet baby Joel Philip! It was so sweet watching Jude meet his younger brother! He was so curious and wanted to touch and hold Joel non-stop! I remember not sleeping much the first night in the hospital but I didn’t mind…I couldn’t get enough of just holding and looking at Joel! How did I get so lucky to have such a wonderful family?!
A year later, Joel is still perfect! Here’s some highlights…
• He’s walking everywhere!! He started taking onesie twosie steps here and there up to a month ago but in the past 2 weeks he’s taken off! He’s fast too!!
• He says “momma”, “dada”, “bye bye”,“dog”, “no”, and “uh-oh” is his favorite!
• He eats anything and everything! Haha.
• We’re off formula! He still takes a milk bottle before bed most nights but we are doing great with sippy cups during the day and we have been off formula 2 weeks now with no problem.
• He loves animals! He wants to pet every puppy and kitty cat he sees.
• He loves his big bro! Nothing cheers Joel up more than a little attention from Jude! It melts my heart!
• Sleeping thru the night – Has been for a while. He goes to be b/t 8-8:30 and will sleep til atleast 7am. PRAISE GOD for this!! :)
• TEETHING!! He has 4 teeth on bottom and 4 on top and more coming! We don’t leave the house w/o a bib or his shirt will be soaked w/in an hour!
• Social butterfly, check! Joel loves people and attention!
• He’s my cuddle monkey! He loves to be close and is so sweet to cuddle with! I’m soaking it in as I know it won’t last. *sigh*
• He loves to be outdoors! Zoo trips are still a favorite activity for us!
• He’s a wiggle butt…and a strong one! It’s no fun trying to dress/change him!
• All around happy baby :) Not much upsets him…for long atleast. :)
We visited Dr Wineriter’s office today for Joel’s one year appt. He had to get 3 vaccines (Hep A, MMR and Chicken Pox) as well as a finger blood prick. HATE these visits! :( The vaccines brought some tears but all in all, He was a total champ and did great! I did have to go home afterwards and change my shirt due to a bloody finger encounter (ouch!) but he didn’t seem to be in pain more than the initial stick. *sigh* Breaks my heart every time!
Stats:
Weight – 24 pounds, 10 ounces (75%)
Height – 30 ¾” (75-90%)
Head Circ – 48 ¾” (95%)
We had a wonderful 1st birthday party to celebrate Joel’s big day but I’ll have to blog about that and share pics in another entry soon! Too much to add it to this one!
Dearest JP – I love you so very much and I feel such happiness from your smile and loving personality! Big big Xs & O’s!! Love, Mommy
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Godward Thoughts on Earthly Suffering…
Why does the Lord allow such heart breaking suffering? This question will forever linger unanswered this side of Heaven I suppose. If we ever watch the news, we are reminded that we live in a world of suffering. I have definitely been through my share of trials and whole heartedly believe that God does offer hard life “seasons” as a stronghold discipline to draw us closer to him and re-center our faith. It seems harsh and relentless while going thru the trial(s) but it provides such a shaping! I also confidently believe that Satan is readily waiting these trial periods and he attacks hard when we are most vulnerable!
“It is doubtful whether God can use a man greatly, until first He wounds him deeply." A.W. Tozer.
As thoughts overtook my productivity today, I gave into reading my bible trying to find some reassuring scripture(s) to offer support to much of my family that is currently experiencing turmoil. Overwhelmed, I decided to just start writing…
I’m learning that when trials come, I can push through it and resolve it in my heart when I keep in the forefront of my mind (& heart) that no matter what happens, God is the one who controls it. The constant battle of my human nature is to control the situation! When I forget and leave the mindset that God has control, it’s crazy how quickly things turn chaotic and the feeling of defeat sets in! Once I give up the control and regain a healthy spiritual focus, it’s amazing how I’ll finally get that good night of sleep or lose the fear or stress I had been clinging too.
We all have been wounded in our lives, and those wounds are how we will be used greatly for God. Sometimes our wounds are so deep that we wonder if we can even survive it and our hearts hurt so bad it seems like it will never heal. I have definitely been there & thank God, I survived! :). His promise to us is that the good work that He started in us, long before we even realiz, He will complete in us.
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:6
Ofcourse one of the hardest things about a trial, is praising God for it and knowing that it is God's way of using you for Him!
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. - Psalm 27:13
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from the nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. - Galations 6:7-9
I can’t express in easy words how incredibly thankful, undeserving and blessed I feel to be where I am in life! I treasure my family and relationships and KNOW they are a gracious gift from God to help me through my earthly days/trials. The trials that I have personally faced I feel have provided such a strong knowledge, compassion and faith and with every new one, I become a better and more Christ filled disciple! Ofcourse, not near where I want to be still! One of the pastors in our church delivered a message this past Sunday to the youth about living a life DIRECTED by honesty. My husband, Jon, brought up the discussion again a couple days later and we discussed how it is such a hard, but rewarding, thing to do! I have come to enjoy being transparent and honest in so many ways but I still find myself sometimes dwelling too much on other’s opinions after I have divulged and as a result, holding back truth I should share in future conversations. I need to work on acknowledging the fine line on when to speak and what to say to those facing and/or enduring trial(s) but NOT holding back at the same time. *sigh* Such a hard thing! ;-)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.- Mark 10:45
Ultimately…
Every detail of my future is in God’s wise and loving hands (Eph 1:11). I have nothing to fear, ever. I think I need to post this in every room of my house to remind myself!
Every trial has a wise and loving purpose.(Exo 4:11, Acts 14:22)
Every trial is a gift from God planned to bring me great good! (2 Cor 12:9-10)
The grief, the pain, the sorrow are all worth it, because He is worth it! I could ramble forever and I know my thoughts are already weaving to a point where I won’t know what to title this entry! Haha.
I’ll close with a short prayer…
Dear Lord, I pray your hand of grace be on those heavy on my heart today! I ask that you continue to shape my heart and guide my actions and words to be for your glory and that you provide the support that they are deeply in need of right now. I also pray that the truth be revealed and a life of honesty is lived out so that hearts are able to begin the healing process. I thank you for the blessings and for the trials and I pray for understand that both are for your glory! In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
“It is doubtful whether God can use a man greatly, until first He wounds him deeply." A.W. Tozer.
As thoughts overtook my productivity today, I gave into reading my bible trying to find some reassuring scripture(s) to offer support to much of my family that is currently experiencing turmoil. Overwhelmed, I decided to just start writing…
I’m learning that when trials come, I can push through it and resolve it in my heart when I keep in the forefront of my mind (& heart) that no matter what happens, God is the one who controls it. The constant battle of my human nature is to control the situation! When I forget and leave the mindset that God has control, it’s crazy how quickly things turn chaotic and the feeling of defeat sets in! Once I give up the control and regain a healthy spiritual focus, it’s amazing how I’ll finally get that good night of sleep or lose the fear or stress I had been clinging too.
We all have been wounded in our lives, and those wounds are how we will be used greatly for God. Sometimes our wounds are so deep that we wonder if we can even survive it and our hearts hurt so bad it seems like it will never heal. I have definitely been there & thank God, I survived! :). His promise to us is that the good work that He started in us, long before we even realiz, He will complete in us.
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:6
Ofcourse one of the hardest things about a trial, is praising God for it and knowing that it is God's way of using you for Him!
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. - Psalm 27:13
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from the nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. - Galations 6:7-9
I can’t express in easy words how incredibly thankful, undeserving and blessed I feel to be where I am in life! I treasure my family and relationships and KNOW they are a gracious gift from God to help me through my earthly days/trials. The trials that I have personally faced I feel have provided such a strong knowledge, compassion and faith and with every new one, I become a better and more Christ filled disciple! Ofcourse, not near where I want to be still! One of the pastors in our church delivered a message this past Sunday to the youth about living a life DIRECTED by honesty. My husband, Jon, brought up the discussion again a couple days later and we discussed how it is such a hard, but rewarding, thing to do! I have come to enjoy being transparent and honest in so many ways but I still find myself sometimes dwelling too much on other’s opinions after I have divulged and as a result, holding back truth I should share in future conversations. I need to work on acknowledging the fine line on when to speak and what to say to those facing and/or enduring trial(s) but NOT holding back at the same time. *sigh* Such a hard thing! ;-)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.- Mark 10:45
Ultimately…
Every detail of my future is in God’s wise and loving hands (Eph 1:11). I have nothing to fear, ever. I think I need to post this in every room of my house to remind myself!
Every trial has a wise and loving purpose.(Exo 4:11, Acts 14:22)
Every trial is a gift from God planned to bring me great good! (2 Cor 12:9-10)
The grief, the pain, the sorrow are all worth it, because He is worth it! I could ramble forever and I know my thoughts are already weaving to a point where I won’t know what to title this entry! Haha.
I’ll close with a short prayer…
Dear Lord, I pray your hand of grace be on those heavy on my heart today! I ask that you continue to shape my heart and guide my actions and words to be for your glory and that you provide the support that they are deeply in need of right now. I also pray that the truth be revealed and a life of honesty is lived out so that hearts are able to begin the healing process. I thank you for the blessings and for the trials and I pray for understand that both are for your glory! In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Joel is walking!!
After my post on Tuesday, I did leave work just after noon to knock out some of my ever growing to-do list. I felt the 1/2 day of vacation proved a fairly successful amount of productivity and I headed for home around 3:00 with a 4Runner full of groceries to unload. It was such a gorgeous day and I was thrilled to be home early to give some special attention and play with J&J! PERFECT TIMING!! Joel has taken onesie twosie steps here and there lately but this video says it all! If you can stand to listen to my high pitched (annoying) tone, you can tell how over the moon I was to catch his first true WALK on video!! Joel looks unsure if he should smile or cry at one point but it has since become a fun new game! :)
Jacqueline had texted me this pic around 9:00am Tuesday and I KNEW more was coming very soon! It may have subconsciously helped prompt the 1/2 day off...? I'm so so happy I was able to be there to witness it!
Since the first steps in the kitchen Tuesday, Joel has taken off! Last night he walked from the dining table in the kitchen all the way to the back door without reaching for anything! I'm definitely not completely ready for the "baby Joel" chapter to close but it would appear he has decided being a toddler isn't so bad! *sigh* I told Jude last night that he better watch out b/c Joel was going to be up to his speed before long! Jude's reply: "no no mommy. Joel not walk!" ;-) I love these boys oh so much!!Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Too Many To-Do's!!
Seriously?! How is it already April 17?! This is a self directed blog entry to help me stay organized and focused. Writing things down always seems to help me!
With 12 days til' Joel's first birthday and only 5 til' his birthday party (if you include today), I'm starting to freak a bit! Here's the to-do list:
· Finish hot glue-ing cupcake toppers
· Fabric streamers for Joel's high chair
· Punch holes in paper mustaches for straws
· Wal Mart Run: cupcake mix, icing, sprinkles, waters, kid sized milk cartons/capri suns, straws, paper bags for favors, chocolate for pretzel "cigars"
· FAVORS: paper bags, die-cut-out ties for closure and cutesy manly stuff to fill
· Hobby Lobby: wooden J & #1 for wreath, glass containers
· paint letters and hang on wreath
· Make check out for cake/cookies and have ready to deliver to Alicia at party
· Secure bounce house
· Mustache bash onesie and shirt(s)
· Mow yard (pooper scoop first) & Clean
The house is under contract. Option period is up! PRAISE GOD!! There are still a couple major things that have to happen... Moving prep to-do list:
· Roofers come Wed: make sure money is transferred to ckng acct
· A/C tune up scheduled for Wed from 8-12
· work with Nikki to move cleanings to Grandma's
· Coordinate with PODS for storage
· PACK!
· Appts wed 4/25 with Sandlin people for design and electrical - make sure Jon is off to come with.
And sewing for Brooke's...
· 5 orders that I need to finish, not including Joel's birthday stuff
My solution is...I'm taking half a day of vacation and leaving work at noon. I need it for sanity. Gotta get these lists under control! I'll be better for all if I can knock some of these things off my brain! :)
With 12 days til' Joel's first birthday and only 5 til' his birthday party (if you include today), I'm starting to freak a bit! Here's the to-do list:
· Finish hot glue-ing cupcake toppers
· Fabric streamers for Joel's high chair
· Punch holes in paper mustaches for straws
· Wal Mart Run: cupcake mix, icing, sprinkles, waters, kid sized milk cartons/capri suns, straws, paper bags for favors, chocolate for pretzel "cigars"
· FAVORS: paper bags, die-cut-out ties for closure and cutesy manly stuff to fill
· Hobby Lobby: wooden J & #1 for wreath, glass containers
· paint letters and hang on wreath
· Make check out for cake/cookies and have ready to deliver to Alicia at party
· Secure bounce house
· Mustache bash onesie and shirt(s)
· Mow yard (pooper scoop first) & Clean
The house is under contract. Option period is up! PRAISE GOD!! There are still a couple major things that have to happen... Moving prep to-do list:
· Roofers come Wed: make sure money is transferred to ckng acct
· A/C tune up scheduled for Wed from 8-12
· work with Nikki to move cleanings to Grandma's
· Coordinate with PODS for storage
· PACK!
· Appts wed 4/25 with Sandlin people for design and electrical - make sure Jon is off to come with.
And sewing for Brooke's...
· 5 orders that I need to finish, not including Joel's birthday stuff
My solution is...I'm taking half a day of vacation and leaving work at noon. I need it for sanity. Gotta get these lists under control! I'll be better for all if I can knock some of these things off my brain! :)
Thursday, April 12, 2012
A day in the life of my text conversations with Jacqueline, J&J's Nanny
This is just a tiny snapshot of a typical conversation I daily have with Jacqueline, the boy's sweet nanny. Jacqueline happens to also be my cousin's wife and therefore, family. Thank God! I think by that connection, she's required to still love me thru all of J&J's wonderful trials....right?! :-)
A few others for your entertainment...
"Have you any ideas where Jude's other shoe is?"
(referring to Joel) "He has managed to find the one spot in the yard where he can get stuck under the fence!"
"Jude just used his toy barn and climbed into Joel's crib"
"If Jude says "dammit" it's totally my fault and I am sooooo sorry! Joel spilled my water bottle and it just slipped out!"
AND MY FAVORITE STILL...
"Hey, how many stickers for poop in the potty?"
Love you Jacqueline!! Hehe. Thanks for making my days! :-)
A few others for your entertainment..."Have you any ideas where Jude's other shoe is?"
(referring to Joel) "He has managed to find the one spot in the yard where he can get stuck under the fence!"
"Jude just used his toy barn and climbed into Joel's crib"
"If Jude says "dammit" it's totally my fault and I am sooooo sorry! Joel spilled my water bottle and it just slipped out!"
AND MY FAVORITE STILL...
"Hey, how many stickers for poop in the potty?"
Love you Jacqueline!! Hehe. Thanks for making my days! :-)
Easter 2012
We started off our Easter with the fun tradition of Easter baskets from the Easter Bunny! Joel had no clue what was happening but enjoyed his monkey basket of goodies. Jude did seem to grasp the concept a little more this year which made things really fun for Jon and me! :)
After starting the brisket in the oven and checking out all of the boy's Easter goodies, we got dressed and headed to ROOTS church in Fort Worth to support one of our good friend, Tom's baptism! What a wonderful day to publicly commit your heart and life to God! Tom gave a very touching testimony and we really enjoyed the church and service!
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. - John 3:5
After the service was over we headed home to check on the brisket that had been cooking since 7am and let the boys take naps before the family started arriving. Impressively, J&J both took great naps and the meal was ready on time! It rained most of the morning and into the afternoon which worried me the egg hunt wasn't going to happen but alas, the sun made it's perfectly timed appearance around 3:00ish. YAY! The cousins were thrilled!
Little Peakers!
Daddy helping Jude bug with the hunt!
Jude was more interested in what was IN the eggs rather than finding more...
Kathryn found the first "GOLDEN EGG" :)
Kathryn is so sweet with J&J! Jude LOVES her so much!!
Shannon and Joel watched from the porch :)
Tom and Joel :)
Slam dunk?!
My sweet BFF, Shannon
The cousins :)
XO for Joel!
Another pic with my bestie :)
Visiting Papa in Granbury!
I was shocked when it was stated on the news that a total of 16 tornadoes hit ground on April 4! The most damage took place in Arlington and East Dallas area (Kennedale, Forney, etc). Here are a couple pictures of the damage done to Green Oaks Nursing Home, where Papa stays...
The staff was amazing! They had little warning and still managed to get every patient to safety with only 2 minor injuries reported. Ofcourse they were unable to keep the patients at the home so all were transported where beds were available. Papa landed in Grandbury! So...the J's and I joined my Aunt Pam and Grandma for a visit this past Saturday! :) I am so glad I brought my camera...LOVE these pictures and am sure I'll treasure them always! :)
The boys had such a fun time! Joel made himself comfortable right away in Papa's lap and Jude enjoyed hammin' it up with him! Papa's RED World Series Rangers hat was last in the storm so Aunt Pam brought him a new one. He was thrilled and put it on right away! It was extremely important it was red! Blue just won't do for Papa. Haha. It was such a fun and sweet visit!! Always hard to leave but we'll be back soon...
Jon, Aunt Pam and I made a trip to the Granbury square to give Grandma some extra time with Papa. LOVED IT!! I Love the small town feel and Granbury has such heart! Aunt Pam purchased a couple little gifts and J&J played around the square.
Here's a shot of Jude stopping to smell some flowers :)
And ofcourse, we couldn't resist some bluebonnet shots! They were everywhere...and so were car loads of families taking shots on the side of the road! :) So fun! I love Texas this time of year...heck, all times of the year! ;-)
XO,
Brooke
The staff was amazing! They had little warning and still managed to get every patient to safety with only 2 minor injuries reported. Ofcourse they were unable to keep the patients at the home so all were transported where beds were available. Papa landed in Grandbury! So...the J's and I joined my Aunt Pam and Grandma for a visit this past Saturday! :) I am so glad I brought my camera...LOVE these pictures and am sure I'll treasure them always! :)
The boys had such a fun time! Joel made himself comfortable right away in Papa's lap and Jude enjoyed hammin' it up with him! Papa's RED World Series Rangers hat was last in the storm so Aunt Pam brought him a new one. He was thrilled and put it on right away! It was extremely important it was red! Blue just won't do for Papa. Haha. It was such a fun and sweet visit!! Always hard to leave but we'll be back soon...
Jon, Aunt Pam and I made a trip to the Granbury square to give Grandma some extra time with Papa. LOVED IT!! I Love the small town feel and Granbury has such heart! Aunt Pam purchased a couple little gifts and J&J played around the square.
Here's a shot of Jude stopping to smell some flowers :)
And ofcourse, we couldn't resist some bluebonnet shots! They were everywhere...and so were car loads of families taking shots on the side of the road! :) So fun! I love Texas this time of year...heck, all times of the year! ;-)
XO,
Brooke
Brooke's ~ Blessed to be BUSY!
Now that J&J are a LITTLE more self sufficient, I've started to put more focus in the past months on building up my little monogram & applique business, Brooke's! It's really starting to grow and it gives me such a proud feeling! I've finally established a groove and am becoming more efficient with each new order! I do wish I could touch up some of my first orders because I feel so much more knowledgeable now but I suppose I had to start somewhere... It's such a wonderful feeling receiving new baby/birth announcements, birthday and holiday family photos, etc from friends and customer's who have chosen to use my products to showcase such special life events! It's an honor!
I feel extremely blessed and am so excited for what the future holds for my {{little}} dream! :-) Thanks to all who have been such a support! I will never complain about being too busy, LOL.
Here's some pics I snapped of orders completed this past week:
XO,
Brooke
Thursday, April 5, 2012
CALL THE EXTERMINATOR...NOW!!!
Jon got home from his weekend Vegas trip Sunday just after 3:00pm. We came home from DFW airport, unloaded his laundry and he decided he had enough energy left to partake in our weekly Sunday dinner at my grandparent's house. As Jon was locking up the front door, he noticed some muddy little tiny tunnels along the cement break in the sidewalk right outside the door where the wooden plank of wood sits.
He says "Hey babe, come look at this...looks like termites!" I reply "No way!" but as I walk over and look and see that there is also another "muddy tunnel" caked to the cement slab close by, I officially freak! The contract on our house was seriously JUST signed & executed...and now this?! You ever have that "one step forward and two steps back" feeling? I was DEFINITELY feeling that way! Jon went ahead and sprayed bug killer around the perimeter of the house and we went on to my grandparent's house. *sigh* We were both pretty much a wreck!
We asked my Uncle Tim and Aunt Pam their thoughts and they both advised we needed an exterminator ASAP and that hopefully they hadn't entered the house yet. THEN, we called Linda, our realtor. She put me at ease as much as she could and offered a phone number for her favorite extermination company and stated we'd prob just need a spot treatment. I called ALLIED ANTIMITE Termite & Pest Control first thing Monday morning but the earliest appt available was for Wednesday. Apparently this is the "Termite Season" and they are invading like wildfire!! Ack!
Tony came out to survey the damage and give me an estimate Wed morning. Outcome is that we have 2 spots that need treatment, both brand new with no damage yet. Praise God!! The first is by the front door (where we spotted them) and the second area is in front of the house in the flower bed. Tony quoted me $400 and assured me it was no big deal and they would be 100% gone by Thursday after the spot treatment was done. SUCH A NICE GUY!! I will definitely recommend ALLIED ANTIMITE to others!
I called Linda to report the findings and she said she would correct our disclosure staetment and forward on to the potential buyers. The knot in my throat grew! What if they don't buy now?! They still have 11 days left in their "option period"...couldn't the little pests have waited a couple months?! Sheesh! Oh well, it's done now.
SO...now we wait. The spot treatment is taking place as I write and we haven't heard anything from buyers. No news is good news, right?! ;-) I didn't know anything about signs of termites. Thankfully, Jon did. I would have assumed it was a mud dobber home, not termite tunnels! Since finding out we do have them, I have talked to several friends, family and co-workers who have also had the same issue! Some live in our same neighborhood. Who knew?! I guess termites aren't the best topic of conversation but it I felt compelled to write b/c it is something we need to be made aware of.
Useful Info: I've been on google non-stop since finding out we had the termite issue....
It most definitely IS "Termite season" and the little monsters are everywhere! Stats on most sites online say 70%+ of DFW homes will have early signs of termites THIS MONTH!!! Check around the preimiter of your home. Go up in your attic to see if they're swarming. Inspect your flower beds (mulch). The recent DFW storms have probably slowed them and washed outside signs away but they will return! :(
Subterranean termites are the most popular North Texas termite and their homes are usually formed in soil. In the very beginning, while looking for a home, these termites swarm/fly...they look like tiny flying ants (see picture on the left).
Once they find their new home, they bed down and create elaborate tunnel systems and mud tunnels through which they access aboveground food sources. They rely on water/moisture so they have to come aboveground to retrieve from the soil. Once the colony has been established and breeding/infestation starts, the termites look more like ewy gooey tiny worms (see picture on the right).
Here is a picture of what the "mud tunnels" look like that you might see attached to your concrete slab or alongside a flower bed, etc. BE ON THE LOOKOUT!
All so gross, I know! Last, I leave you with some preventative measures to help in protecting your home:
Eliminate Moisture Problems
Repair leaking faucets, water pipes, and a/c units
Divert water from foundation
Keep gutters and down-spouts clean
Remove excessive plant cover and wood mulch
Get rid of standing water on roof
Keep all vents clear and open
Seal entry points around water and utility lines or pipes
Remove Food Sources
Keep firewood, lumber, or paper away from foundation or crawl space
Get rid of stumps and debris near house
Place screens on outside vents
Check decks and wooden fences for damage
Wood on your home shouldn’t contact the soil
Termite Warning Signs & Identification
Some indications you may have a termite infestation:
A temporary swarm of winged insects in your home or from the soil around your home.
Any cracked or bubbling paint or frass (termite droppings).
Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
Mud tubes on exterior walls, wooden beams, or in crawl spaces.
Discarded wings from swarmers.
He says "Hey babe, come look at this...looks like termites!" I reply "No way!" but as I walk over and look and see that there is also another "muddy tunnel" caked to the cement slab close by, I officially freak! The contract on our house was seriously JUST signed & executed...and now this?! You ever have that "one step forward and two steps back" feeling? I was DEFINITELY feeling that way! Jon went ahead and sprayed bug killer around the perimeter of the house and we went on to my grandparent's house. *sigh* We were both pretty much a wreck!
We asked my Uncle Tim and Aunt Pam their thoughts and they both advised we needed an exterminator ASAP and that hopefully they hadn't entered the house yet. THEN, we called Linda, our realtor. She put me at ease as much as she could and offered a phone number for her favorite extermination company and stated we'd prob just need a spot treatment. I called ALLIED ANTIMITE Termite & Pest Control first thing Monday morning but the earliest appt available was for Wednesday. Apparently this is the "Termite Season" and they are invading like wildfire!! Ack!
Tony came out to survey the damage and give me an estimate Wed morning. Outcome is that we have 2 spots that need treatment, both brand new with no damage yet. Praise God!! The first is by the front door (where we spotted them) and the second area is in front of the house in the flower bed. Tony quoted me $400 and assured me it was no big deal and they would be 100% gone by Thursday after the spot treatment was done. SUCH A NICE GUY!! I will definitely recommend ALLIED ANTIMITE to others!
I called Linda to report the findings and she said she would correct our disclosure staetment and forward on to the potential buyers. The knot in my throat grew! What if they don't buy now?! They still have 11 days left in their "option period"...couldn't the little pests have waited a couple months?! Sheesh! Oh well, it's done now.
SO...now we wait. The spot treatment is taking place as I write and we haven't heard anything from buyers. No news is good news, right?! ;-) I didn't know anything about signs of termites. Thankfully, Jon did. I would have assumed it was a mud dobber home, not termite tunnels! Since finding out we do have them, I have talked to several friends, family and co-workers who have also had the same issue! Some live in our same neighborhood. Who knew?! I guess termites aren't the best topic of conversation but it I felt compelled to write b/c it is something we need to be made aware of.
Useful Info: I've been on google non-stop since finding out we had the termite issue....
It most definitely IS "Termite season" and the little monsters are everywhere! Stats on most sites online say 70%+ of DFW homes will have early signs of termites THIS MONTH!!! Check around the preimiter of your home. Go up in your attic to see if they're swarming. Inspect your flower beds (mulch). The recent DFW storms have probably slowed them and washed outside signs away but they will return! :(
Subterranean termites are the most popular North Texas termite and their homes are usually formed in soil. In the very beginning, while looking for a home, these termites swarm/fly...they look like tiny flying ants (see picture on the left).
Once they find their new home, they bed down and create elaborate tunnel systems and mud tunnels through which they access aboveground food sources. They rely on water/moisture so they have to come aboveground to retrieve from the soil. Once the colony has been established and breeding/infestation starts, the termites look more like ewy gooey tiny worms (see picture on the right).
Here is a picture of what the "mud tunnels" look like that you might see attached to your concrete slab or alongside a flower bed, etc. BE ON THE LOOKOUT!
All so gross, I know! Last, I leave you with some preventative measures to help in protecting your home:
Eliminate Moisture Problems
Repair leaking faucets, water pipes, and a/c units
Divert water from foundation
Keep gutters and down-spouts clean
Remove excessive plant cover and wood mulch
Get rid of standing water on roof
Keep all vents clear and open
Seal entry points around water and utility lines or pipes
Remove Food Sources
Keep firewood, lumber, or paper away from foundation or crawl space
Get rid of stumps and debris near house
Place screens on outside vents
Check decks and wooden fences for damage
Wood on your home shouldn’t contact the soil
Termite Warning Signs & Identification
Some indications you may have a termite infestation:
A temporary swarm of winged insects in your home or from the soil around your home.
Any cracked or bubbling paint or frass (termite droppings).
Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
Mud tubes on exterior walls, wooden beams, or in crawl spaces.
Discarded wings from swarmers.
Monkey See, Monkey Do!
Jude has been a climber since day one! We have had to be SO careful to put everything away because he sees it and realizes it's potential for a "step stool" right away! Joel is absolutely {sigh} following along in his footsteps! For goodness sake, the boy isn't even self sufficiently walking yet...but he can sure climb! I caught him twice within an hour's time yesterday!
Exhibit A: He drug this bag of leggos from the living room into the kitchen in order to climb up to hold onto the oven rail. No duobt he was hopeful of reaching onto the counter!
NOTE: I love that you can look into the background of this picture and see Jude totally lazin' it up in the baby rocker watching Clifford on TV with not the slightest notion that Joel has stolen his leggos for his kitchen exploring adventure! :)
Exhibit B: He dumped all the toys out of his bin, flipped it over and climbed on top to reach the tv remote.
Oh the joys of having boys, aka MONKEYS!!
Exhibit A: He drug this bag of leggos from the living room into the kitchen in order to climb up to hold onto the oven rail. No duobt he was hopeful of reaching onto the counter!
NOTE: I love that you can look into the background of this picture and see Jude totally lazin' it up in the baby rocker watching Clifford on TV with not the slightest notion that Joel has stolen his leggos for his kitchen exploring adventure! :)Exhibit B: He dumped all the toys out of his bin, flipped it over and climbed on top to reach the tv remote.
Oh the joys of having boys, aka MONKEYS!!
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