Our busy, busy day...

"All Better" Outing

2009-11-11T08:39:00.000-06:00

After spending almost a week and half avoiding the outside world due to swine flu, the kids were finally starting to feel better. Not 100%, but their fevers had all broke for the mandatory 24 hours and were no longer contagious so Ken and I decided we needed to get out of the house for some low key fun. We chose Kiddie Acres, a mini kid carnival full of old fashioned rides. I hadn't taken the kids in a while and it was Ken's first trip there.

Kade on the carosel. He had to do it all by himself, and wouldn't let us stand with him. Luckily, there was no major incident to report!

Kacey's favorite color is purple and Kade's is red. They were color coordinted for almost every ride. Ken's thoughts: "This amusement park for kids had really old school rides. Why do I say that? These propellers are spinning fast enough to easily chew through a couple of kids. When the ride started and the propellers started flying I was thinking....hmmm that looks a bit dangerous."

I have plenty of pictures of Kambry sitting in her stroller happily watching the older kids have all the fun. This time I caught her making a funny face and it makes me want to go and squeeze her cuteness!

The proud parents

Fashion forward

2009-11-02T16:51:00.000-06:00

I really hope that Kacey and Kade are not starting a new fashion trend! I know other mom's who have told me funny stories about their kids and their clothing choices, and I have seen many of them...princess dresses at the grocery store, crowns and magic wands at storytime, the same outfit everyday for weeks, my nephew wore his clothing inside out and backwards for a while (it was only because he insisted he dress himself...so cute!) Anyway, mine have never really tested that. They usually wear what I tell them. Done. Case closed. One less thing I've had to fight. Lately however, they are really into wearing underwear on the outside of their clothes. Kade went to the grocery store like this the other day...I have decided to pick my battles. Besides, it will make GREAT blackmail opportunities when they are teenagers!

Careful...they bite!

2009-11-02T16:27:00.000-06:00

GeeGee had a couple days off work towards the beginning of the month and we decided to take the kids to do something fun. I found a drive-thru safari in New Braunsfels. On our way, we stopped for lunch at Cracker Barrel in San Marcos. Yummmm, their biscuits are the best!

Kade waiting for lunch.

Kacey with her ginormous lollipop!

When you arrive at the Wildlife Ranch, they have food for you to purchase at the gate and you roll the windows down and make your way onto the road. It was a beautiful day and we were lucky to see animals right away! The animals walked right up to the car and most of them were very polite and would just wait for you to put your hand out, some were a little pushier and would stick their heads in the car...scary!

We mostly had the kids throw the food on the ground, but Kade was getting very brave by the time we got to the zebras (you all know where this is going don't you?). We are all having a great time feeding the zebras when Kade started crying. He turned to me and showed me his hand...it was covered in zebra slobber! "Zeba bite da pinger, zeba bite da pinger!" Sure enough, his ring finger had a definite bite mark on the nail and first knuckle. Luckily the zebra seemed to have realized his error and didn't chomp all the way down! Kade recovered quickly and we continued on, only from there on out we threw the food on the ground, just to be safe.

Super happy Kambry!

Up close and personal

Washing up!

We finished up by feeding goats and checking out a few animals on the grounds. It was a super fun day!

Behind, again...

2009-11-01T08:19:00.000-06:00

October was a very busy month at our house. In addition to the usual fall festivities, birthdays, and Halloween events, we had the displeasure of welcoming H1N1 into our home for a little over a week. Right when I thought I was starting to get caught up again, Kambry came down with a different virus that gave her 103.8 fever for 4 days (no other symptoms...strange). She made a full recovery the day before her birthday. One of my goals this week is to get the blog caught up, so please hang in there while we take a trip back in time for the month of October!

Spooktacular PJ's

2009-10-16T08:50:00.000-05:00

I was a little jealous when everyone posted their super cool glow-in-the-dark skeleton pajamas. When I went to the store to get them, they were gone...so sad! But then my mom showed up with these super cute ones for the kids! They don't glow in the dark, but I think they are adorable!

Hands

2009-10-14T16:08:00.000-05:00

Everyone at our house is sick, except me...for now. At 4:30am I heard a soft cry come from Kade's room asking for Mama. When I walked in his room he whispered his request. "You lay down me, Mama". How could I possibly say no? I soon realized what had woken him, and got him the medicine he needed in order to drift back to sleep. It was in those moments between wakefulness and slumber that he reached out and held my hand, gently but with determination. It was such a tender moment it caused me to hold my breath and say a prayer of gratitude. At once I had a strong impression to memorize that moment and his little hand.

Once he was back to sleep I made my way back to my room, haunted by the simplicity of his gesture. His little hand, so tiny, so tender, so soft. One day they will grow, they will be strong and thick. When they reach out, it will be to his own family. They will become the hands of a man.

Kade Edward, I love you. You are my fiery, active ball of energy that can turn on the charm and the tenderness in the most special moments. I cannot wait to watch you grow, to witness the man you are to become. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Daddy's Day

2009-10-13T16:48:00.000-05:00

One Saturday that Kambry was a little under the weather, Ken took Kacey and Kade to Old Settler's Park (our favorite!) to release the wiggles. They stumbled upon a motor home show and got to walk through them all. Ken said some of them were pretty amazing. Kacey even took her turn at the wheel!

They made it over to the park and played and played, then decided to feed the ducks. Kacey said they scared her, but Kade was fearless and he scared them! Ha! Totally sounds like my kids :)

They worked up quite the appetite and made their way to a little burger dive that is actually quite yummy!

All in all it was a fun day, and Kambry and I enjoyed our snuggle time together!

The Big Game!

2009-10-13T15:39:00.000-05:00

Kacey with Daddy, he was quite the proud dad!

Kacey's first soccer game was a hit! She had the best time and had quite the audience! All the grandparents were in attendance too. I have not laughed that hard in a long time, it was hilarious yet endearing as they would run in the wrong direction, trip, and celebrate when they scored...too cute for words! Kacey scored 3 or 4 goals.

She is #4, when I asked why she picked that number she said, "Because I'm 4". Of course, I should have known!

Towards the end of the game I noticed that she wasn't getting in on all the action as much as when the game first started. When I asked her about it she said that she wanted to make sure everyone had a turn to kick the ball and score. We are going to have to teach her to be a warrior...there is a time and a place for sharing, but the soccer field is not one of them!

Look at the focus!

Lullaby...

2009-10-03T20:29:00.000-05:00

This is how Kade fell asleep for his nap the other day...

Don't you wish your life was this easy?

Peter and the Wolf

2009-10-03T19:49:00.001-05:00

A couple Saturday's ago Kacey and I had a very special Mommy-Daughter date! We met up with some of her friends and their moms (my friends too) to go see the Austin Ballet perform Peter and the Wolf. It was a children's theater version, and the girls were all in heaven! Afterwards we were able to meet the ballerinas and even snapped a few pictures.

Once we were done taking pictures we all decided it was time to feed the crew, so we headed to Kirby Lane Cafe. Seriously yummy! We are still talking about how good everything was and planning our next trip back!

It was a wonderful time. Kacey and I really enjoyed being together and soaking up each other's undivided attention.

Live Music Galore!

2009-09-19T19:12:00.000-05:00

We have decided it is time for us to start taking advantage of living in/around the wonderful city of Austin, "The Live Music Capitol of the World". On Tuesday Ken and I went to see Jason Mraz, and on Friday we went to see Pat Green. Yippee! Two date nights in one week!

We kept Friday simple and didn't do dinner or anything, just the concert, and no big group, just the two of us. We thought we were getting there in time for the opening act to be winding down, but instead they hadn't even started yet...and they were horrible...oh well, it did allow us to get really close to the stage! Pat Green is a great live act, especially this time around, his Mama was in the audience and so he wasn't throwing back a flask or cussing up a storm. I guess the saying that if Mama ain't happy...still applies to 30 something Texas Country music stars!

Traffic

2009-09-18T09:23:00.002-05:00

What do you do when stuck in traffic? Yesterday while I was cooking dinner I opened an email from Ken and had this...I hope you enjoy as much as I did!

Jason Mraz Concert

2009-09-16T18:00:00.005-05:00

Our relationship with Jason Mraz started way back in 2004. He had his first single on the radio, and we had no children. Yes, it is hard to believe...

One random night we were getting dressed to go out, and turned on the TV to see if anything decent was on. We turned to Austin City Limits on PBS and saw he was on. Never had Ken and I seen such an amazing act, we were so entranced we stayed home and watched the whole show instead of going out. The next day we went and bought his CD, and loved every song. We have stayed faithful followers even though his music has changed a bit, but have never seen him live.

I heard he was coming and bought us floor tickets and they were worth every penny. The songs he plays do not sound like his CD, they sound better. To say he is talented is an understatement, and when you throw in a brass section and extended percussion...his live show cannot be beat.

Dinner...yummy

The girlies

Needless to say we had a great night. We were able to meet up with Justin & Amy for dinner, and Leslie & Brent rode with us. Dinner beforehand was fun, Justin told some hilarious stories, and being so close to the stage was a fantastic treat.

Boys will be boys...

Killing time before the show starts

I'm Yours...

Sprinkler Park

2009-09-14T15:27:00.002-05:00

Ken and I wanted to do something fun and outdoors with the kids on Labor Day, and since it was back up to the high 90's, we decided water should also be involved. After weighing our options, we decided on the Sprinkler Park. Fun and free, you simply cannot go wrong!

The Daddies, it's so great when they get to stay home!

Kade playing cars as usual!

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE this baby?

Kacey and Quaid were having a battle, running around and filling buckets with water then splashing each other in the face. It was hilarious!

Kacey posing...she loves to pose for pictures!

Gotcha!

I think Kade and Ainsley's favorite part was the picnic lunch. They ate everything they could get their hands on, although I did sneak Kambry a chocolate cookie!

Ainsley munchin' away...check out Kambry's face in the background!

The best part, everyone came home and took a two hour nap!

Pre-K, here she comes!

2009-09-11T16:56:00.001-05:00

Kacey had her first day of Pre-K on Thursday. On Tuesday we had gone and seen her classroom and met her teacher, Ms. Staci. They are the butterflies! Kacey thought this was very exciting and exclaimed, "I am in her class because she knows that butterflies are my favorite!"

She had "homework" to turn in when she got to her classroom, a page all about her. Here are some highlights: Fav color: purple, Fav animal: butterflies, Best Friend: Hazel, Fav activity: pretend and draw, Fav food: pickles!

Signing in

Already at work!

Kade had a friend over to play all day Thursday, so he didn't miss her too much, but I sure did. I forgot what it was like to have a house that wasn't full of constant chatter and pretend. I could not wait to go get her! When I picked her up I asked her what her favorite part of her day was, and she replied, "Oh, the playground." Haha, they learn so quickly!

Gig 'Em Aggies

2009-09-11T14:30:00.001-05:00

On Saturday Ken went to the Texas A&M football game with Justin's family and his dad. Ken had a grand vision of body paint, face paint, and maroon wigs. Unfortunately, (fortunately? depends whose side you're on) his plans didn't work out, but they did wear the wigs until it got too crazy hot!

March In

Fightin' Texas Aggie Band

I can't wait to take the kids and go to a game. There is nothing quite like Gameday in Aggieland. The excitement that hangs in the air, the band, maroon everywhere and on everything. You look out and see the stands full of over 80,000 people all standing for the love of a school. It truly is a special place...something that you can't quite understand unless you have been there.

The Aggies came out of their season opener with a very decisive win over New Mexico, 41-6. WHOOP!

Baby lock on the fridge?

2009-09-09T13:29:00.000-05:00

I was thinking I was pretty fabulous this morning when by 8:15 am had already cleaned one bathroom and was working on the second when Kambry came crawling in and looked like a little vampire baby, purpley red drool dripping out of her mouth...I freaked, washed my hands, grabbed her and ran to the sink to try and figure out what she had in her mouth and clean her up. Sorry folks, it didn't occur to me to grab the camera and take a picture.

Good news, nothing that would harm her. Bad news, blackberries stain everything they touch! It seems that while I was being all productive, Kade wanted food, went to the fridge, got out the blackberries and then proceeded to share them with Kambry, who then wanted to show me her yummy snack, crawled from the playroom, back to my bedroom, leaving a squishy red trail in her wake.

Kambry still has a few light red splotches on her skin, and I think the carpet will be ok. Thank goodness for the steam cleaner!

I am now...a soccer mom

2009-09-05T16:24:00.000-05:00

Kacey's first soccer practice was Thursday. She was soooo excited, it's all she talked about ALL DAY LONG. Her coach seems super nice as do the other kids and their parents. In her age bracket, (4-5 yrs) they play 3 on 3, co-ed and don't keep score. I wasn't expecting there to be boys on her team, but was pretty pleased to see that she could keep up and run circles around them! (OK, I was actually VERY pleased).

We all had fun watching, and the coach even let Kade try and play with them!

A girl can never have enough shoes!

2009-09-05T15:53:00.000-05:00

On Monday my mom and I went shopping to get the kids new shoes. We had so much fun! Kade got new tennis shoes that light up, and Kambry got a pair of pre-walker shoes. Soooo cute! Now that she is cruising and standing up, I need to make sure her feet are protected.

Kacey and Kade on the carousel at the mall. GeeGee spoils them!

Kambry showing off her new kicks!

Kacey however, scored! She got two pair of sneakers on Monday with my mom (pink glitter ones and regular ones), soccer cleats on Thursday, and ballet, and tap shoes on Friday. That's five, count 'em, five pairs of shoes in a week. Her feet grew over the summer, so I still need to get her nicer casual shoes and church shoes. She is only 4 and already I can't keep up!

Kacey was posing in her cleats...ready to score a goal!

New Office

2009-09-04T15:12:00.001-05:00

Over 2 years in the making, but the start-up Ken has been working with moved into their new office this week. Ken has his own office with gorgeous views. It is quite the drive, 27 miles each way, but it is so nice that they are finally getting off the ground running! I can't wait for them to fill up all 3,800 sq. ft with fabulous employees!

We went on Saturday to get his office set up and took the kids. They hung in there really well.

Kade's makin' deals.

Funny story, Kade or Kacey, (not sure which one) was running around shutting all the doors, and the door to the telecom and servers locked! There was no key, so Ken had to be creative and use a piece of a broken down cubicle to reach down through a ceiling tile he took out. Whew! It was a close one, especially since the telecom guy was there to work on the phone lines!

I love you Ken, and I am so proud of you and all your hard work.

Wicked Good Fun

2009-09-04T09:49:00.000-05:00

Last Friday Ken and I went to see Wicked. It was amazing! We left a little later than planned, but managed to squeeze in our favorite Chinese food, Suzi's. Yummy is an understatement, their sesame chicken is unreal! We walked about a mile to get to the theater, in new shoes...ouch! But we had great seats, and had a wonderful time together. We loved it so much, we are ready to see it again!

Life's a Beach...

2009-09-04T09:06:00.002-05:00

Two weekends ago we made a very quick trip to Port Aransas with Justin and Amy's family. It was a much needed, too short, but fabulous trip! We left Friday when Ken got home and made the drive. The kids were AMAZING in the car, so much so, that our next 5 road trips are probably jinxed! Because we headed down Friday night, we had all day Saturday on the beach. We went in for a rest around 2pm and relaxed during the heat of the day then headed out again in the evening.

Kade with Uncle Justin, one of the few moments he was still. Kade was our escape artist, he kept running off a quarter mile down the beach!

I say this every time we go to the beach, but if Kacey ever decides to run away from home, I know where to find her...

Kambry was amazing! She loved to feel the wet sand in her hands.

Ainsley with Swim Baby.

On our way home Sunday, we stopped at the Texas State Aquarium. We saw stingrays, sharks, fish, and a dolphin show. I loved the jellyfish...so graceful! We had a wonderful mini break, and I hope we can do it every summer!

What happened to July?

2009-08-28T15:43:00.009-05:00

So we went MIA in July, as far as the blog goes. Here a rundown of what we were up to. I don't have pictures for everything, but...

4th of July weekend. Great time, the 3rd with my side of the fam and the 4th with Ken's. It was great getting to see everyone!

Hanging out with friends.

Rook. Love it. Never played? You should. Buy a deck...so fun!

More swim lessons for Kacey, although Kade is the one who seems to need them most. He is too brave for his own good!

Said goodbye to more fabulous friends. We miss you Silkenson Family!

Barton Springs, not once, but twice. Once with the kids, once without. We had more fun without, but I am still glad we took them the first time. 68 degrees, sooooo cold!

Tennis. I asked Ken to teach me how to play. It is slow coming because it is not such a great place to take the kids when it is this hot.

Said goodbye to Gymboree.

The Gym. I started making it my hang out, it started working. Haven't run since we started P90x, but I'll get back to it now that I know what days my body can handle doubling up.

Sportball. Signed both kids up for a way for them to get some exercise in this crazy heat we are having, and to learn a few sporting basics. Kacey did great. Kade wouldn't behave, so I had to withdraw him halfway through. I think we will try again after his 3rd birthday.

I am sure I am leaving something out. We have had a great summer, but I am looking forward to getting back into a routine.

Bring It!

2009-08-27T10:15:00.018-05:00

Last week Ken and I started P90x. For those who don't know, it is an intense, hard core, real deal, workout program. The first night was so hard, I was laying on the floor in a fit of giggles over the ridiculousness of it all. The second night, only 20 minutes into the hour long workout, I could hardly move.

The best part is that we are already seeing results. I love waking up every morning sore, and I am loving spending my evenings with Ken and doing this together. Here are our before pictures. The good/scary thing is that we both had already lost about 10lbs. each before these pics were taken.

I really hate these pictures, I look forward to posting our after pictures!

Change is Good

2009-08-27T08:38:00.006-05:00

A while back Ken and I were driving and he looks over at me and says, "I think you would look really good with dark hair." I looked at him like he had been hit in the head with something very hard and painful. We joked about it, and let it go. Seriously, my hair has been strawberry blonde for as long as I can remember. Brunette? Me? Really? But it got me curious.

A week later I called my hairdresser and asked her thoughts, decided to schedule an appointment...I could always chicken out if I changed my mind. I took the plunge and I love it! When I first had it colored (it took me 3 weeks to finally take a picture so it has faded) it was almost black, I felt like a rock star. I've always secretly wanted to be a rock star, the only problem is that I can't sing a lick. It was also fun to see people's faces when they realized it was me. I felt like a secret agent, undercover, very stealthy!

So for those of you who I don't get to see as often as I would like...Ta Da!

Today we are thankful for...

2009-06-30T11:00:00.007-05:00

RAIN! It has been a while since we have had any decent rain, so I had a "believe it when I see it" attitude towards the projected 50% chance of showers. Sure enough, the thunder started and about half an hour later it started pouring! We need rain so badly in the area, it is a welcome relief, even if it is short lived.

The kids were excited when I told them they could play out in it. Here's a question for the ages, why won't they look at the camera when I take pictures???? Anyway, here's a couple shots of them having fun and soaking wet!

What kind are you?

2009-06-29T08:16:00.002-05:00

Yesterday at church Kacey had a substitute teacher in her Sunbeam class. The teacher remarked how much Kacey looked like her daddy, and told me about the following comments.

Teacher: Wow! Kacey, you look a lot like your daddy. You are definitely a Jackson.

Kacey: Yes! We are all Jackson's at my house! What's your name?

Teacher: Sister Simmons.

Kacey: Well, that's a great name! What kind are you at your house?

Teacher: We are all Simmons'.

Kacey: Wow! That's great that you are all Simmons', and we are all Jackson's!

Maybe not so funny to everyone else, but this is so typical Kacey...especially if you read it as if it was the most exciting news you have ever heard. Her sweetness cracks me up!

Bowling

2009-06-27T23:39:00.013-05:00

Today we took the kids bowling. It was the first time for both of them and they were super excited! Kade wanted to pick up all the balls, and Kacey had a hard time exercising patience while she waited for it to be her turn. It was a lot of fun, and a great way to avoid the crazy 102 degree heat.

Swim Lessons

2009-06-27T20:43:00.011-05:00

Kacey told me that this year she really, really wanted to learn how to swim. I told her she had to be willing to put her face down in the water and hold her breath, and we would sign her up for lessons again this year. Twice a week for four weeks we had a pep talk in the car on the way there: face in, straight legs, etc., and this week she completed her lessons and graduated to the next level! Way to go Kacey Rae!

Sitting Pretty

2009-06-27T20:10:00.005-05:00

So Kambry has been sitting up by herself for a few weeks now. I realized as I was looking through pictures of her that she is naked in most of them. I am not sure why this is, because she actually has lots of really cute clothes! I will try and take some shots of her dressed so everyone will believe me. Here she is sitting up like a big girl!

Take Me Out to The Ballgame

2009-06-23T16:31:00.007-05:00

On Saturday evening we went to a Round Rock Express game. I was so worried it would be nasty hot (it's hovering around 100 degrees lately), but it turned out to be a great evening! We were able to sit on the lawn in the shade and there was a great breeze! The kids had a blast with their cousins. Here are a few pictures of all the fun.

Watching the game (L to R: Kacey, Brooklyn, Quaid, Kade, and Dallin)

Ainsley was so cute eating her snowcone!

Kambry's first game!

Daddy's little girl

The most eventful thing that happened was when Kade took his shoe off and decided he didn't need it anymore. (aka: tossed it over the railing before any of us could stop him). Who needs shoes anyway? Luckily, they did not have to stop play and a manager tossed it up to us in between innings.

I can always count on Kade to make everything a little more exciting!

Sad to see them go...

2009-06-03T19:52:00.005-05:00

This is Kade and his best little friend Walker. They absolutely love each other. Almost every morning Kade will ask me if he can go to Walker's house. This Friday, Walker and his equally fabulous family are moving out of state. Luckily, the kids are young enough that they don't quite get it, but I may find myself getting mushy the next few times Kade asks for his little buddy. We will miss you DeLong family!

How Big is Kambry? Sooooooo Big!

2009-05-20T09:57:00.005-05:00

Kambry had her 6 month well check on Tuesday and the Dr. confirmed what we already knew; that she is a string bean! She is 27 1/2 in. (90%) and 15.7 lbs (25%). While dressing her is a challenge (everything is either too big around her waist or too short in the length) we know she is healthy, happy, and so stinkin' cute! She is an incredibly happy baby whose smile lights up a room. Mama loves you Kambry Lynn!

Tiny Dancer

2009-05-20T09:42:00.004-05:00

Kacey had her dance recital on Saturday. This year they had a Disney theme, and Kacey's class did a tap dance to Dumbo's "When I See an Elephant Fly". She did a great job and was very animated and knew the whole routine! We were all so proud! I have to find the cable to download the video, but here is a cute picture we took after the performance to tide everyone over!

Mama & the Potty

2009-05-08T13:35:00.002-05:00

Funny thing just happened...I am sweeping the kids/guest bathroom and I bump the training potty. It says, "You went potty!" then starts singing. Kade's room is right by the bathroom, and he is in "quiet time" right now with the door closed (ok, it's got a baby lock on it). When the potty quit singing, I hear Kade (from his bed) say, "Good job Mama!".

Princess for the day

2009-05-08T11:48:00.002-05:00

Kacey decided Kambry needed to wear a crown all morning. I thought this was a fabulous idea!

2009-05-08T11:41:00.001-05:00

Easter, Round 2

2009-05-06T15:13:00.004-05:00

The weekend after Easter, my Grandma Pat had everyone over for a BBQ. I had been wanting to take the kids to the Houston Children's Museum, so we went into town a couple days early. The kids were so excited to go see their Great Grandma and Grandpa. Everyday Kacey asked when we could leave to see them, it was so cute!
GeeGee drove with us (so helpful) and on Friday we hit the museum with Aunt Jennifer (also very helpful, and fun to catch up!). On Saturday my brother Matt, his wife Kandice and my Uncle Richard and Donalyn joined us for some yummy food and an Easter egg hunt before we headed back home. It was a great time!

8 Things

2009-04-29T08:44:00.005-05:00

I was tagged by my friend Jamie http://2003beachbunch.blogspot.com/ to do this post. This is not my usual thing. If it were an email, I would not be doing this, but Jamie, I love ya girlie so here goes!

8 Things I look forward to:
1) Ken coming home everyday. It's like a big party! The kids scream and run around. Most importantly, the house feels complete.
2) A sweet, quiet moment with the kids individually
3) Weekly date nights
4) Bunco
5) Ken's new business to launch
6) Pilates
7) A Shower (any other mom's know what I mean???)
8) Owning 20+ acres one day and building our dream house

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
1) Made lunches
2) Took Kacey to and from Preschool
3) Had playgroup at my house for Kade
4) Read books, Played Tea Party, Croomed Cars
5) Showered...yes!
6) Picked up toys and vacuumed
7) Went to the grocery store and washed 3 loads of laundry (still need to be folded and put away)
8) Made dinner, went to Pilates and then to my friend Katie's birthday

8 Things I wish I could do:
1) Read a book a week (I need to get back in the habit)
2) Go on a family vacation
3) Go on a vacation with just Ken and I
4) Lose 20 lbs.
5) Keep a spotless house
6) Clone myself a few times over
7) Go back to school and get a degree in Interior Design
8) Learn to sew

8 Shows I watch:
1) American Idol
2) The Office (best show on TV.)
3) Oprah
4) CSI
5) CSI New York
6) CSI Miami (I have a problem)
7) Little People Big World (Ken and I want their land)
8) E! News (sad, I know)

8 Bloggers Tagged:
1) L. Kate http://lkmueller.blogspot.com/
2) Angela http://texasdelong.blogspot.com/
3) Melissa http://aggie139600.blogspot.com/
4) Leslie http://texascott.blogspot.com/
5) Kristin: http://theclaridges.blogspot.com/
6) Betsy http://itsamadmadmadmadworld.blogspot.com/
7) Laura http://updatedblingblangzangs.blogspot.com/
8) Mhari http://flugervillefun.blogspot.com/

Go Rodeo!

2009-04-23T22:23:00.000-05:00

About a month ago we went to the carnival that was part of the Austin Rodeo. The kids had a great time! They rode ponies, climbed on tractors, Kacey fed the animals in the petting zoo (it freaked Kade out so he stayed back with Kambry and I), we walked around the Livestock show, and then rode a few rides. Ken and I had gone the night before with our friends Kristin and Del so that we could ride too! Here is a slideshow of all the good times. I haven't figured out how to embed the slideshow in this post, so they are separate...sorry!

2009-04-23T22:12:00.001-05:00

Going Green...Sorta

2009-04-23T12:23:00.006-05:00

I have started recording Oprah and watching it after the kids go to bed. Sometimes I delete them, but many times they are worth watching. Yesterday was Earth Day, and in true 'green' fashion, Oprah's show was about conservation and all things Earth friendly. I rolled my eyes, but Ken was at the gym and the kids were in bed, so I decided to watch it. I am not a "green" person. I find it annoying that it has become some trendy thing, and most efforts to be green seem to take either time or money, and I already have my hands full. (Not the best attitude, I know, but I am trying to be completely honest).

She started the show by discussing the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. I was blown away. I had no idea something like this existed. It is a mass of trash that has collected in the Pacific Ocean. It is not from some corporate giant illegally dumping in the ocean. This island of trash (it is estimated to be twice the size of Texas) has formed from run-offs. (Cup flows down the sewer, to lake, to river, to ocean, etc.)

Take this situation and think about how many times this has happened to you: you are at the park with your adorable children. They have goldfish crackers in a plastic baggie, the crackers are gone and the wind picks up and whoosh, the baggie is caught in the wind and you can't catch it. You feel bad, but you don't worry about it, you TRIED to catch the bag, right? That bag and millions of others might have wound up in this patch of trash.

It hit a cord. It doesn't matter if I have to wash out my trash so it can go in the recycle bin. It doesn't matter if I have to pay money for reusable grocery bags. What does matter, is that the entire ocean does not end up like this. What does matter is that my children have a beach to take their kids to. What I do or don't do, does have an impact.

I don't think I will become a total green freak overnight. I will still drive my suburban, I will still probably leave too many lights on during the day, but my social consciousness has been raised. I am aware, and I am responsible.

I have decided to start with reducing the amount of plastic we consume in our home. I bought reusable grocery bags this morning at the store and am about to purchase reusable sandwich bags as well. (http://www.freshsnackpack.com, I like these because you can still see what is in them). If anyone else has ideas for reducing the plastic they use, please share! It's small, but it is a start.

Kacey's Easter Dress

2009-04-13T22:48:00.000-05:00

Kacey's Easter dress this year has a little bit of a story attached to it. I LOVE this dress! A very special family friend made this dress 6 or 7 years ago when she was opening a business that specialized in handmade heirloom children's clothing. She is super talented and makes the most amazing gowns and dresses. This is one of the first dresses she made (for the business) and when she showed it to me, I fell in love with it. I just knew whoever wore this dress would be so special, and so lucky to have something made with such care. I was silently hoping the dress would not sell so that if I ever had a little girl, I could buy it. When Kacey was born, we were given the dress as a gift because she knew how much I adored it. It has sat in Kacey's closet for 4 years. It was worth the wait! Thank you Vivian!

Easter

2009-04-13T22:24:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful Easter Sunday. The Easter Bunny came through and the kids had a blast opening their baskets. We also started a new tradition this year, the Easter Bunny also brings everyone their swimsuits, cover-ups and water shoes so that when the weather gets warm, we are ready for action (and Mama doesn't have to drive all over town when everything is picked over!).

After we all got dressed in our Sunday best, we were off to church. Ken played the organ this week! He did a great job, minus the part where he daydreamed and forgot where he was in the song! But I don't think anyone noticed :) I was able to teach my Primary class a lesson on the Atonement and Resurrection, and I hope they were actually listening, but we all know how 11 year olds can be!

We dashed home, changed clothes and went over to Mimi's house. The food was great and the kids had a great time during their egg hunt!

I sooooooo know better...

2009-04-10T07:40:00.000-05:00

I love to read other people's blogs. Last night I was reading some random ladies blog that I found a link to on a friends blog. I start reading and before I know it I am sucked in. It was not the very happy-go-lucky sort of blog, but the very somber-yet-beautiful kind. Next thing I know an hour of my life is gone and I am bawling my eyes out about this very lovely woman's baby that she lost over a year ago, and thinking of my sweet babies, and I couldn't stop crying. I decided to stop torturing myself and go to bed.

Before this happened I had planned to update this blog. Hopefully I can get around to that in the next few days! I am also trying to decide if I am going to leave this as a family blog and start my own personal blog. I haven't decided yet. Perhaps I should just write in one of the many empty journals I have stashed in my nightstand...

At the Car Wash

2009-03-25T14:50:00.000-05:00

(Please note, I am singing the disco fav "Car Wash" in my head while blogging this!) We went and got the car washed last Friday and the kids had the best time. Really, it was probably the best $20 I have spent in a while! They had free popcorn for the kids and a soapy squirt gun that you could spray the cars with as they went by. Kacey LOVED it!

Clean car, children happy, only $20...PRICELESS!

Thanks Dear

2009-03-25T08:09:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was gone most of the day, and when I did get home, I worked in Kambry's room most of the afternoon. I packed up clothes she has already out grown and organized everything so that it really is her room and doesn't look like she is just visiting in Kade's old room.

I sent Ken a text around 5pm that said, "Warning! House disaster. I have been working in Kambry's room and children have run amuck. Ordered Pizza. Will pick up house after everyone goes to bed."

The house is a complete disaster. Couch cushions are on the floor, toys are everywhere, kitchen counters are full of mail, etc. Ken walks in and says, "What do you mean, it looks like it always does." Nice...I felt so bad that I picked up all the toys, vacuumed, and swept before I went to bed.

Sweet Berry Farm

2009-03-21T15:08:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday we went to Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls. It is a pick-your-own strawberry farm. It was the most beautiful day outside! We had a big picnic lunch that no one actually ate (they were too excited), and the kids had fun feeding the horses and goats. The best part was watching them run up and down the rows and rows of strawberries, hunting for just the right one to add to the basket!

Mama gets a Time Out!

2009-03-21T14:14:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I was able to go to Houston with my friend Leslie so that we could attend Time Out for Women. We left Friday afternoon and came back Saturday night. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend time with her and to have uplifting, Christ-minded presentations from some amazing speakers. I am so grateful I was able to go, and I can't wait to attend next year!

Leslie and I at the end of the conference. (I am not looking my best, Kambry only let me get a couple hours sleep Friday night!)

Of course, whenever I can get to Houston, I always have to squeeze in as many people as I can. I wish I there had been more time, but I crammed in as much as I could in such a short visit. Friday night, we saw my brother and his wife for a quick bite before the conference began. On Saturday we saw Planchard for lunch at Cheesecake Factory (yum!). We stayed with Grandma Pat Friday night and were able to catch up with her a little before heading back home.

Kambry with 'Aunt' Jennifer

The funniest thing was while I was packing on Friday morning, Kacey asked me where I was going. I told her I was going to Houston for Time Out For Women. She got wide-eyed and said, "Mama, wha'd you do to get a time out?"

World Famous Round Rock Donuts

2009-03-12T22:20:00.000-05:00

If ever there was a guilty pleasure, this has to be one of my favorites! Ken and I LOVE Round Rock Donuts. Their warm, sweet, yellow, fried to perfection goodness cannot be topped. As it turns out, it seems as though we have passed this vice to our kids. Here's the story...

I was on my way to the paint store to buy more paint for Kade's room and went the long way through Downtown Round Rock to get there.

Kacey pipes up from the backseat, "Mom! We are in The City!"

Me, "Yes, I guess you could call it that, we are in old Round Rock." (It is not much of a "city" by most peoples standards, just an old Main Street with about 5 old stone buildings).

Kacey, "This is where we get donuts!"

Me, (impressed that she has such a good memory as we haven't gotten donuts in a while) "Yes, you are right."

Kacey, "Can we go get donuts, Mama?"

Me, (it's 4:45 pm and almost dinner, but whatever) "sure, let's go see if they are open."

I turned onto the street and could see that they were NOT open. Kacey had an immediate meltdown. She cried off and on for almost an hour. Apparently she NEEDED a donut, and not any would do. Call her a donut snob, but the girl had to have Round Rock Donuts!

First thing the next morning we got dressed and headed out (in the rain and 40 temperature drop) and made her dream a reality! Here she is, happy and enjoying her yummy donut goodness!

What do You See?

2009-03-12T22:07:00.000-05:00

Kade is almost always up to something and usually he cannot be trusted...it is part of his charm! Today I couldn't find him and he was quiet, so I was a bit afraid of another bathroom incident (see previous post with picture). Instead, I was lucky enough to catch the highlight of my day (and today was a pretty good day considering how little sleep I got last night)!

I found him in his new "big boy room" reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear to himself. It was adorable! He would say, "Bown bear, what you see?" and then he would turn the page and exclaim, "red burd"! Followed by, "red burd, what you see?" and so on. It was a very gentle, tender moment for my rough and tumble boy.

Needless to say, I went in the room, scooped him up and read it two him 2 times before he was off and running again!

Hello Blue Eyes!

2009-02-25T13:36:00.000-06:00

Kambry is growing up way too fast! She will be 4 months old next week. I think this is terrible. She is such a sweet and wonderful baby that I wish I could put a pause button on her!

My Messer and My Monkey

2009-02-24T11:07:00.000-06:00

What's behind a nickname? I frequently call Kade "my messer" or "my monkey". Here are two pictures I took recently that show exactly how and why he earned these names.

"My Monkey" He totally pulled a chair out to climb up on the kitchen table so he could sit in Kambry's Bumbo. "My Messer" Why oh why are toilets so exciting to play in? We still have TP stuck to the walls...

I bonked da head

2009-02-15T22:15:00.000-06:00

So Kade made it to his 2nd birthday, but at the rate he is going this week, I really hope he makes it to his 3rd. Honestly, I have never seen a child be so accident prone in my life. I don't know how we do not live in the ER.

In one week, he managed to dislocate his wrist (it was kinda my fault and a total accident, luckily he threw a 2nd temper tantrum and popped it back in), bash his temple on a door knob (he was running on his birthday and turned sideways and BAM, caught the door knob with his head), and on Valentine's Day, I thought he might have broken his nose. He totally bashed the bridge of his nose on our bedrail and it bled and swelled, but his well check was that Monday and the pediatrician assured me it was fine.

These are just the more major incidents. He must hit his head, foot, arm, whatever at least 5 times a day. As sad as it is, he makes me laugh when he does get hurt, because everytime he uses this pitiful little voice and comes running to me saying, "Mama, I bonked da head" even if it is his foot.

Chubby head babies make me smile

2009-02-15T21:43:00.001-06:00

We have set the computer up in the kitchen since the office is soon to be Kade's bedroom. At first I wasn't too excited about this, but we have set up the screen saver to be a slide show and I love it! All day long I get to see great pictures that bring back the best memories.

The kids don't usually pay too much attention to it, but the other day this picture of Kade when he was about 10 months old popped up and Kacey goes, "Look mom, that's my brother when he had a chubby head!" Love her!

Crib Chronicles

2009-02-05T06:38:00.000-06:00

Well, let me start by saying I am exhausted. Kade's abilities to climb out of his crib have taken a bigger hit on me than I thought they would.

Tuesday night he wouldn't go to bed. He climbed out three times, so then I laid him down in our bed. I accidentally fell asleep only to find him playing in the playroom a few minutes later. At 11:04pm, he finally went to bed. (I actually got him climbing out on video. I set the camera on the changing table and caught him in the act, the only problem is that the video is really dark. I may try again today at naptime...)

Anyway, long story, but the short version is that this morning he woke up at 4:30am. We tried everything to get him to go back to sleep, but then Kambry woke up to eat at 5:30am. Game Over.

Call to action

2009-02-03T12:12:00.000-06:00

There are moments when you say to yourself, "This changes EVERYTHING..." This morning at 6:11am, Ken and I wake up to the sound of Kade crying. This is nothing new. Kade wakes every morning screaming like he lost a limb. He also wakes from naps in a similar manner, lucky me. The reason this morning is note worthy, is that the crying was accompanied by the sound of little feet...yes, Kade climbed out of his crib. (Sigh) He really is my little monkey.

I have been putting off packing up the office to convert it into Kade's bedroom. It looks like I cannot put it off any longer. So every night this week after the kids go to bed, I will be sorting, packing and trying to figure out what to do with everything in the office. Wish me luck. My goal is to have it done by Friday night. The bright side...furniture shopping!

No Way!

2009-01-27T14:54:00.000-06:00

I am so super excited! Kacey just read Hop On Pop by Dr. Suess. She made it to page 55 before she just couldn't sit still to focus any more! Some of the pages she has memorized, but when I made her slow down she was able to sound out the words and read them correctly. Way to go Kacey!

Mama, you make me sick.

2009-01-19T15:07:00.000-06:00

Just before Christmas we all had a cold (even Kambry, poor thing). We went out to eat and (of course) the second we get our food, Kacey has to go potty. I take her to the restroom and as she is sitting there she coughs a couple of times. The following is her interpretation of why she is sick, and whose fault it is:

Kacey: I have a cough.
Me: Yes, I'm sorry Sweetie.
Kacey: Why am I sick Mama?
Me: Well, we have a cold.
Kacey: I'm not cold.
Me: No, not cold from outside, we have germs that make us feel sick.
Kacey: Yes. And tired.
Me: (trying not to laugh that she is "sick and tired") Are you finished yet? (Going potty...I was ready to get back to the table).
Kacey: Almost. Mama why am I about to be 4?
Me: Because you are getting so big!
Kacey: Yes, I am old now. (pause) And sick.
Me: I know honey.
Kacey: It's because I have been living with you for so long. That is why I am sick.

So when she said this, she was not quite 4 and I was already getting blamed for everything. I can't wait until she is 14!

Snow!?

2009-01-18T21:44:00.001-06:00

(12/10/08) We woke up and realized there was snow on the ground! Kacey was so confused. She thought Santa was coming that night because it snowed.

Kacey Makes us Fancy

2009-01-18T19:45:00.000-06:00

One of Kacey's favorite games is to play "haircut." Luckily, there are no scissors involved, just lots of spray gel, bows, and hair barrettes. Here we are looking fancy. Can't say I have ever looked so fabulous!

She Smiles!

2009-01-18T19:27:00.000-06:00

Less than a month old and Kambry smiles! Her favorite things to smile and make cute faces at are mommy, Kacey, and the mobile above her swing. (Should have been posted on 11/24/08)

Slacker

2009-01-18T16:49:00.000-06:00

So blogging is not something I have been very on top of...somehow I knew this would happen. So I am officially admitting I am a slacker and will start posting some of the things I should have posted the last few months! Forgive me, and stay tuned!

Train Ride

2008-11-22T15:06:00.000-06:00

We decided we needed out of the house so Ken and I took the kids to Zilker Park to ride the train. The kids had a blast!

Kambry Lynn, born Oct 30, 2008, 1:14 pm, 8 lbs. 6 oz., 19 in.

2008-11-22T14:27:00.000-06:00

We were starting to wonder if she would ever come! Kacey and Kade made their arrival 10 days early, so when 10 days before my due date came and went, I was a little frustrated and disappointed. See, I had been having contractions for 5 days before she arrived...whew! Once they started to hurt Thursday morning (5:04 am to be exact), I knew we needed to get to the hospital, and fast. Amy (sis-in-law) came over and picked up the kids and Ken and I were off to have a baby!

Ken is quite funny when I am in labor. Some of his defining comedic performances have come while in labor and delivery rooms!

I will spare everyone the icky details of the delivery, but will say I was lucky and it only took 1 contraction and 3 pushes.

Kambry looks nothing like Kade and Kacey, but since Kacey and Kade look nothing alike, I would say she fits right in! She is a wonderful baby and we are all adjusting pretty well!