Practicing with a Spoon

He's serving himself mixed berry baby food (although it does look like pudding).  He has the right concept, but it would be a lot more effective, if he turned the spoon around :)

Zebra

Olivia talks pretty frequently about going to the mall and riding on the zebra.  We've humored her a couple of times.  Today I decided to take a picture.  

Never noticed Zebra's face before...

Roommates

These are my beautiful roommates from the college years. 

It is so wonderful to hang out with these ladies.  It's easy and relaxing and fun and chill and hilarious and silly and perfectly perfect.  We cry together and hug together and snort together.  We can lay on the ground together and share a pool floats and do handstands underwater together.  We've known each other before husbands and before jobs and before babies.  

Our husbands all get along and drink beers and act like they were college roommates too.  Our kids chase each other and play games and laugh at each other and snuggle together.  How lucky are we???

I love them all and I'm sad VT Reunion 2011 has come to an end.  Already looking forward to our next adventures and sharing many more years with these incredible people.

Last Day :(

Sad day.  Because it's the last full day with everyone.
Here are more highlights from our time together.

I love living here in Texas...but it's days like this that I get sad about it because I wish we all lived closer.   I'm so grateful we make a point of getting together every year, but really crave visiting more frequently.  

LOTS of pictures :)

WOW, after last night, really didn't think we would be rallying very early...but when you have kiddos, the option to sleep in doesn't really exist.

So what do we decide to do???  Get everyone dressed and in two cars (thank you johnsons for letting us borrow your car all weekend!) and out to market street.  

Some impressive details....we decided at 900 our plans, and by 1030 all 11 of us were out of the house.  At market street (with some babies missing naps), took our annual group picture, did some shopping, and then got everyone back in cars headed home by noon.  PHEW...

Our annual "self-timer" group picture....I thought it turned out really good, especially with all the kiddos.

Some family pictures 

Then the BEST series for last.  Just the kids.  The very very young kids....who did not understand why the 6 adults wanted this picture...and were jumping and screaming behind the camera. The kids who wanted to play in the grass and fountains and tress. The kids who were very hungry and very sleepy. 

And my personal favorite.  The only boy...

I do kind-of feel bad for him.

BACK home we fed the kids and put them to bed while the guys got us some BBQ.

Then time to soak in the pool with some refreshing drinks.
 K-Laine got us these awesome hats!!! Thank you :)

And boys were being....boys. 

Later that night the kiddos all got a "texas" gift.  We attempted a picture, which was next to impossible.  It's hard enough  to get pictures of all the kids together...and now you put hats on them...

With the kiddos now in bed, the guys cooked us some wings, four of us surfed on our iphones, we watched football, and had some much needed down time :)

FRIDAY!

Today was about the "adults" getting out and having some fun :)

It started with the ladies getting pedicures (an annual tradition)

 Then the boys went to St. Arnold's Brewery to "sample" some beers.

That night...us girls all went out.  We met up with some of my friends from this area.  GREAT TIMES!

We came home and enjoyed some more sodas.....and we'll just stop there :)

VT Reunion 2011

warning: the next five days will be full of pictures.  i could try to be selective...but that's just not my style ;)  

VT Reunion 2011 has begun!!  Joy and her lovely family came in late Wednesday night & Kristen and her sweeties came today.  

 There are a total of 11 of us.  

6 adults - most of the time...after 8pm, there were definitely more kids (the little people were sleeping and the big people were "acting" like kids)

5 kids

(one 4 year old and the rest 2 and under)

And it was an incredible weekend.

OH and REALLY REALLY HOT!

Today we swam, ate some delicious ribs, swam some more, talked a lot, gave 5 kids a bath in one tub, and completely enjoyed each other's company.

One Year Ago

It was Tuesday (hence the shirt), August 24th.  

Mason-Man was one week one day.  

And itty bitty :)

First Day of School!!!!

It's here folks!!  Olivia's first day of school.  We've been talking about it a lot with her, who her teachers are, what they are going to do, what goes in her backpack/lunchbox, what she will wear...etc!!  

We are very excited about this school.  Many of our friends' children attend this preschool (ages 18months - 5 years).  There is a wonderful director and excellent teachers.  It's only about 4 miles away and Olivia will be going to school from 830-1200 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

I wrote three different notes to put in her lunchbox.  The first was too long (two paragraphs about how proud I am of her and how she is going to meet so many new friends and have incredible experiences...etc).  The second note was only three sentences telling her that I'm proud of her and that I miss her and can't wait to see her.  And then the third note...the one that went in her lunch box (which she should be seeing right now as I type this)....just said I love you and I put a purple happy face sticker in there.  

I had to wake her up this morning (I dislike having to do that).  We had breakfast and got dressed.  Then of course took pictures :)  

We got in the car and drove to Mrs. Chris' house.  I was explaining to her in the car that we are going to drop Mason off so that Mommy can walk her into the classroom.  And then I mentioned that Mommy is going to come back and get Mason...

That didn't go over well.  She said, "No, Mommy tay (stay) at chool (school) with Olivia" 

I explained that I was walking her in but that I wasn't going to stay.  Again, didn't go over well...so I just changed the subject.

We pulled into the parking lot of the school and she said, "I don't like this chool."

She refused in lovely Olivia fashion to walk into the school and start her fit out in the parking lot...at which point I picked her up and carried her in (thank you Chris for watching Mason!).  We went in the classroom, washed our hands, THANKFULLY they had the clutch green playdough she played with at "meet the teacher" and she went to play with that.  I kissed her on the cheek, said have a great day with your teachers and left.

The tears fell in the car...and really surprised me.  I didn't think it was going to happen.  This is a great experience for Olivia...something that I know she needs.  I'm happy about it :) 

Every hour that has passed, I'm grateful the telephone hasn't rung for me to come and get her.  Tim even checked in with me to see if the school has called to come and pick her up early.  We are nervous/anxious about her behavior.  

I pick her up in 30 minutes and will update more later regarding our first day :)

UPDATE:
Upon arriving to pick up Olivia, I'm waiting with a mass of parents outside (we were the early birds).  The director opens the door and stops the parent in front of me...where she mentions to that parent that their child had a rough day.  :(  I literally started sweating and thinking I was next in line to be told the same information. ...  WHEN she completely looked past me, I walked in and saw Olivia with her teacher.  We were all smiles and shared a great big hug.  I looked at her teacher and asked, "How did today go?"  And she replied....

"SHE DID GREAT!!"

today is a good day!

Guess Who Is Coming?!!?

Jacek, Kristen, and tiny little baby Eva!!!

Paul, Joy, Claire, and Layla!!!

Yes, it's our annual VT REUNION...right here in TEXAS!!!

2009   ..........  2010

Soooo excited!!!  Joyful and crew come on Wednesday
and Kristen and crew comes on Thursday.

Let's get this party STARTED!!!

A Sunday Swim

We had the Outtens over on Sunday for a little swim.  

Put the kids to bed for naps...had some "five guys" and then just relaxed, read people magazine, and got some sun :)

PERFECT!

Organizing!!

I love to organize.  I love to take an already organized closet, and RE-organize it :)  I love to organize Tim's stuff (much to his dismay).  I like things to have their own space, I like it to be labeled, and I like it to go back there when we are done using it.

In my new house, I feel slightly out of sorts because I don't have everything organized.  It's kind-of driving me crazy.  Like nails on a chalkboard.  Every time I walk in a room and I see my "mess" it reminds me how I'm not organized.  

However, I've been working on areas and my lovely husband has smiled and humored me after my third trip in three days to the container store (LOOVE that place).  

But now I have two MUCH MORE organized spots in my house.  

May I present: the cleaning closet and pantry spice rack.

H-A-P-P-Y!

Foto Friday

(it all the mess of stuff, I haven't done foto friday...but we are back!)

Olivia at "meet the teacher".  She starts school on Tuesday!!!

Oh Olivia

(side-note: if you look closely you can see her enlarged tonsils)

Oh dear Olivia.  I remember this happening almost eight months ago.  We are having another rough patch. Lots of fits, lots of tears, lots of screaming, lots of hitting/kicking.  I know it will get better and it's just a phase (reread this andrea)...but that doesn't bring a lot of solace while you are dealing with it.

We have been using lots and lots of time-out, trying to make sure we are well fed and rested, and pointing out the times that we notice her really using her manners, being nice, following directions/listening/obeying, and being helpful.  

Maybe it's the summer heat, it's been a hot summer...or maybe it's all the changes happening in her life...or maybe it's those two year old molars (they've started to make an appearance).   Don't really know...

But for now, if you see me somewhere and I'm carrying Mason and Olivia decides she doesn't want to leave and is laying on the ground kicking and screaming.  Will you please offer to carry Mason so that I can pick up my other child?  

Warning:  I will be sweating profusely, I may be clenching my teeth, and my eyes might be turning red! 

12 Month Well Check

Lame Mommy Award ... goes to ME!

I scheduled Mason's well check for his BIRTHDAY :(

It was a good appointment.  Everything checked out fine.  He has a rash/dryness around his nose.  In some of the pictures I take you can see it.  Could be an allergy to a food or just irritant...don't know, but will continue to put some aquaphor on it :)  Mason also had two shots :( on his birthday :( ...BUT, he didn't even cry!  In fact, I had to ask the nurse if she actually gave the shots!!!

Weight: 23 lbs 2.9 oz - 57%

Height: 31.5 inches - 93%

Head: 19 inches - 93%

1 YEAR MASON!

Happy FIRST Birthday Mason!!!

It's unbelievable that a year has passed.  To think about all the changes Mason has gone through and how much has changed in our lives just in one year...it's mind blowing.
We love you Mason and are so grateful for everything you bring to our lives.

Tidbits:

*wears mostly 18 month clothes

*size 4 diapers...but just bought him 5 :)

*size 4/5 shoe

*drinks whole milk

*uses a sippy cup

*OFFICIALLY a walker

*says, "ut-oh" "dada" "mama" and has a sound for dog

*takes two naps a day (both for about two hours)

*sleeps 11 hours at night

*has blond wavy hair (getting little wing tips over the tops of his ears)

*a physically rough kid...wants to tackle people/things?!?! still showing ZERO regard for personal safety

*learning to fight back with his sister some

*definitely has an opinion about things (will lift legs if he doesn't want to walk, will hold onto a toy his sister is trying to take)

*gives open mouth kisses

*just got his third tooth (upper right) and the fourth (upper left) is not far behind

*loves to push things around the house (laundry baskets, boxes, chairs, etc)

*likes to play games (hand something to you, you hand it back; peek-a-boo; patty-cake)

*a BIIIG eater (especially if macaroni and cheese is being served)

*dances (a little knee bob)

*gives special attention and a cute grin to baby dolls :)

*will give his momma some love and cuddle with her...especially early in the morning and late at night.  There have been a few occasions where he still falls asleep on me and steals my heart...once again.

My Niece

What happens when your 10 week old niece makes a request???

You oblige!!

Blog posts done, and updated :)

Miss Reagan, thank you for the motivation I needed to get back on track.  You are the cutest little lady out there.  Love you to pieces and can't wait to see you in 8 WEEKS!!!

Pool Fence

We've known since we decided to buy this house that we would need to get either a pool fence or pool net.  It's something we've got to do since we have a pool with young young children.  Both fence and net offer their own set of pros and cons and in the end, we went with the fence.

It's definitely an eye-sore :(  HOWEVER, our children's safety is obviously more important than a little visual impact.  The fence is very easy to remove ... which we plan on doing whenever we have company ... in fact, it takes less time to remove than if we had a pool net.  Also the fence was less destructive to the pool area and cheaper.

We are happy with the final product and look forward to many more years of playing safely on our back patio and in the pool.

Our Saturday

It started with Olivia and I making carrot cake.

 

Then I got my hair did with a friend ;)

Came home and took some pictures with my little man who will be ONE on Tuesday *gasp*

 

And had a little celebration with some good friends!!  

THANK YOU Tiff for grabbing my camera and capturing these moments.  

My new favorite picture?  Bottom right!!!!  

Garage Floor

One of our new projects in this house was to get the floors professionally epoxied. 

Before

After

After all our "stuff" is in it

Since our backyard is a little smaller
 (actually it's not smaller, it just has a big pool in it)...

So since our backyard doesn't have as much fun yard playing area...I see us (once the temperatures dip BELOW 100) playing in our driveway/garage area.  Notice the fun house that the Johnsons gave us and all their toys/cars :) Also, in the left side of the picture you'll notice a ball on a string.  The previous owners used it to help guide how far in to pull their car.  We were going to remove it...when Olivia noticed it.  Tether Ball anyone??? :)  The girl has spent COUNTLESS minutes playing with that silly ball on a string.  "Mommy play ball?  Daddy play ball?"  Needless to say, it's  going to stay up.

Houston...

...you have a new walker!!!

A Waterway Visit

Two Wednesdays ago Tiff, Chris and I decided to go out...
it was quick thought and suggestion and it worked that we were all available :)

PHEW, thankfully we don't decide to do that too frequently...because the next day was ROUGH.  

But it was a blast and can't wait to do it again! 

love ya both ;)

ipad

we let someone new play with the ipad :)

he likes it!!!

100+ Degrees

WOW...it's been hot in Houston.  It's been REALLY hot.  We've had so many 100+ days...I can't remember the last time we didn't...and there is NO relief in the future.  But we know that about this area, it's no surprise, and it just makes the Fall, Winter, and Spring that much more enjoyable :)

Since we don't really want to play outside a lot, we've brought some of our outdoor toys in :)  This house has a couple of great race track loops!!

Guess What Happens...

...when you swim for a long time?

You get REALLY sleepy.

Back to Life...

....back to reality.

And this reality came at 3am.  Yes, Mason woke up...don't know why.  Except I didn't even hear him...I'm just snoozing away.  Tim's mom was up with him (and it was her and papas anniversary...happy anniversary). I finally dragged my sleepy self out of bed at 330am and was up with him until 530am at which point Olivia woke up.

Both kids were grouchy and not fun.

Back to life...back to reality.

We decided to head back to our NEW house.

(a picture of the kiddos with Grana and Grampa...thank you again for all your help! you guys are truly wonderful!)

Thankfully after only ten minutes in the car Olivia was sound asleep and Mason followed shortly afterwards.

As we are getting closer to our new house we keep talking to Olivia about it.  We've been talking to her about it...but she wasn't really showing any signs of understanding what was going on.

We get out and walk into the house....she is anxious and doesn't want to be put down on the ground...until she sees the POOL!

lol

girl gets right on in...clothes and all :)  we take off her clothes and she's now just sportin' her birthday suit.  She sits down on the first step in the pool and says...
 "This is a fun pool".

Probably one of my favorite moments...ever.

Later in the day when we weren't in the pool and it was empty she said,
 "It's a safety break".

Loving a two year old perspective.

Recovery.

Guess what we did today????

NOTHING.

We sat at Tim's parents house and relaxed.  We showered and ate normal meals and hung out with our kids.

Perfectly Chill.

Cleaning and Kids

Today was spent cleaning up the mess we had created in our new house.  Again, we woke up early but we were grateful that we were going to spend the 102 degree day indoors!!!

By 3pm we had assembled the kids beds and created pathways for walking and decided to leave to get the kids.

I was talking to my parents on the trip to San Antonio and they asked how the kids were.  I told them about how Olivia had called the night before crying and asking for me.  We talked about Mac n Cheese and Milk and Chicken Nuggets (comfort foods).  It made me sad that she was so sad...and I was definitely looking forward to seeing her again.

We walked in Tim's parents house and Olivia didn't take her hands off me.  Sweet girl sat on my lap and snuggled and cuddled and when asked where I was....she said, "Outside".  lol

OUR HOUSE

Okay folks, we ARE NOT having fun.  It's day 2 of moving and we are exhausted, sore, smelly, nasty, dirty, tired....I do not want to move an inch...and we have to still empty French Oaks and then CLEAN it :(

OH...and in case you are wondering....high temperature today...

102.  

Feels like 115-125.  

Good Times.

We ran out of boxes yesterday (remember we thought we were going to have five days to transfer houses...not 1.5... We didn't have many boxes because we weren't going to pack much but rather move rooms in a nice orderly fashion).  haha

So today we had to literally dump stuff that was in boxes on the floor in our new house and drive to French Oaks, fill the boxes...come back, dump and repeat.

What does that mean???  Our new house is a complete and utter disaster.

We did not stop all day today.  Did not stop.  We had to have a majority of the French Oaks house cleaned and empty by 4pm because our renters were stopping by to check out the house.  By 4pm it was done, except for our master closet and garage....and there was still some cleaning to do.

 Met renters and went back to work.
We had a huge last truck load of all our C-R-A-P things...the truck is full.  Stuff is everywhere in the truck....and we leave French Oaks.  Tim is following me to our new house (I'm in the 4runner) and I stop by our new house to let Tim back into the driveway before me....

...when I noticed.....THE BACK DOOR OF THE TRUCK IS OPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, all our stuff just blowing in the wind.

In another example of Tim's luck...nothing fell out of the truck.  Gotta love the adventures of moving. Wish I thought to take a picture...maybe the better picture would have been my face when I noticed it was open...

We ended our night at 10pm...as Tim said, "With two hours to spare."

Break time, finally.  We are eating Chinese food with plastic spoons...because it's all I could find and I believe our coffee table had things like our electric toothbrush and hammers on it.

I turn on pandora on my iphone (a three dog night playlist)
and the second song that comes on....

"Our House"

:)  Well that makes me happy :)

It's a sign.  

A very happy sign.  

It was all meant to be, we were in OUR HOUSE and all the drama leading to this moment....is in the past.

Life is good!

But we have decided that we are NEVER, EVER...even if it's across the street....moving ourselves again.

Ever.