My New Life

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2011-09-27T22:37:00.002-04:00

New and improving

My New Life

Portraits

2011-09-07T14:53:00.000-04:00

They get so big so fast.

Happy 3rd Birthday

2011-08-21T17:23:00.000-04:00

We met the cousins and grandparents at Golden Corral for some festival fun.

Suprise!

We didn't want daddy to miss out, since he was so far away. So, since Malcolm wanted a marshmallow cake, this is how it went at home.

going back like cadillac seats

2011-08-20T14:09:00.000-04:00

I decided to invest in the best car seats I could find. We went from the Graco Snugride and Cosco Alpha Omega to Britax Marathon 70s. I figure Mac can last the summer rear facing again, since it's safer, and Aubrey can last rear facing till she's 40 pounds (at like 8 years old), and these will be all the car seat the kids will ever need. We went to the fire station for the install.

The old set up left much to be desired.
So, the age old question is how many fire fighters does it take to install a car seat? Forget light bulbs, they told me light bulbs are a fire hazard, so they don't use them, let alone change them. They got a good chuckle from that one too.

It was so cold that we got a tour while we waited. This was because these were the first seats they had installed since their training. Since they were fancy shmancy brand new seats, they read the HUGE instructions booklet. It took 1 hour for the first install. It took 5 minutes for the second one. One of the guys made the remark that these were cadillac car seats, hence the title of this post. Meaning, they are super-swanky. It's true. And apparently, way easier to install than regular ones... that is, once you realize they are idiot-proof. There was sheepishness all around.

They are amazing. Oh, The car seats too.

March Half Marathon

2011-08-20T11:29:00.000-04:00

Right now it is so hard for me to think that in March I could run 13 miles. Not just that I could, but that I did... in a race... and passed people... and talked and sang the whole time... Serious fun. Oh Virginia, how flat you were. How I utilized the Y. Here there are hills (WHAT?!) and there is heat (not so bad in the mornings) and there is a freaking huge stroller with two huge children that I push up those freaking hills (UGH!!!) not to mention that I have to unpack. So... let's assume that I am out of running shape, shall we?
But the Shamrock was still so much fun. Tamara and Russell were a blast to run with. I felt bad that Tamara's leg was bothering her half the run, but we still ran it in an easy 2.5 hours. Considering my first ever half was 2 hours 10 minutes, I would say not too shabby. It was a blast. So was the after bath.

Old Yard revisited

2011-08-20T11:19:00.000-04:00

Let me just say, life is one huge learning experience. The years spent in this house were a great lesson. We have learned what we want, and don't want, what we can do and can't do, and really that there aren't enough hours in the day with both of use working. It would always happen that a million projects would get done in the summer, and then everything would sit 10 months until I could resume it. It was enough for us to try to get the holidays set up and taken down.
So, while we love our new place (more on that later), what we miss the most is our yard. Our yard was our space. It was for barbeques, and tricycles, and communing with nature inside the privacy of a fence. Being in an apartment complex really rids a lot of privacy. I even miss the two tone grass, as featured by a little girl who was not happy I put her on the dry grass. We were putting a lot of effort into reseeding, and making that bermuda grow. It was working nicely in parts, but because of our scorching summers, was a little patchy. Another year would have fixed that problem. Lesson learned: next time we sod.

Oh little house. We miss you. We loved you. We wish the "housing crisis" hadn't touched us and tainted our recollection of you, but you were a great first house. We will remember you fondly.

We will also remember tricycles fondly. This may definitely be in Malcolm's birthday future. While triking or biking around a complex parking lot is not my idea of safe fun, it is a doable past time. Especially to get him trained up for cycling.

Hugs and kisses!

Where has the time gone?

2011-08-20T10:40:00.000-04:00

I will tell you where, into work. My hands have indeed not been idle my friends. After the last post we have had 2 birthdays, a move out, a move into a friend's home, a move into Ganya and Danda's home, a retirement ceremony, a drive halfway across the country, a move into our new flat, unpacking mayhem, a trip to California, a trip back to Austin, packing mayhem continued, oh and did I forget life as usual? Finally, I have unpacked my Mac. My poor neglected computer, and external hard drive. Finally, I have loaded pictures from camera and phone. Finally, I can record our goings on again. I know you're thrilled. Meanwhile, there will be a massive recap. Get excited.

Y Fun

2011-03-19T13:09:00.002-04:00

My kids are adorable.

Artistic Differences

2011-03-19T13:08:00.001-04:00

I have not painted my nails in FOREVER. I used to paint them every day, along with have a different hairstyle every day. I no longer even have time to floss. But, I took some time to do it, because my best friend sent me nailpolish in a sweet care package, for my birthday.

Mac wanted paint too. It was adorable. He sat very still, and it was fun having someone to do this with.

Daddy saw it from skype, and asked me to remove it from his hands before church the next day. Boo. Let's just chalk it up to artistic differences.

cookoff

2011-03-19T13:07:00.001-04:00

Our ward chili cook-off was fantastic. No one made hot chili this year, and that made it a much more family friendly event altogether. It was a lot of fun, even though Malcolm still isn't a big fan of soup. So, he wanted more food... and Aubrey just wanted to play with the chip bags.

Happy Birthday to ME!

2011-03-19T13:05:00.001-04:00

This was one of my best birthdays. I didn't do anything special, go anywhere great to eat, or even get the biggest raddest presents. I was thought of by so many people. That is what made the difference this year.

New TEETH

2011-03-19T13:04:00.001-04:00

Poor Aubrey got two teeth in at once. So, she didn't have a first tooth, but a first TEETH!

Time Travel

2011-02-27T17:52:00.001-05:00

For our niece's birthday, they did another skating party. Every time I walk into a skating rink I feel like I have time traveled back in time and am back in the '80s. Nothing there has changed except the music.

This was Malcolm's first go at roller skating, and he took it very seriously. He wanted to do it just like Ni Hao Kailan. Two hands, then one hand, then all by myself. By the end, he wouldn't let anyone help him, and he considered himself an expert.

They have the beginner skated that fit over your shoes for Malcolm's age. It's got the single wheel in front, but is like a tricycle in back with three additional wheels.

I am a pretty good roller skater, if I do say so myself. While I am not as good as my cousin (who is a roller derby chick), I can definitely hold my own, and still can skate backwards. Man, I wish I had worn make-up that day.

This was a great time. In the last 5 minutes, I was putting Aubrey's jacket on her and I turned around to see Malcolm and he was waist deep into one of those toy grabber machines. He thinks he is Buzz Lightyear, and was having a Toy Story moment where he thought he needed to check the claw. He seriously climbed up into that machine, and if I had turned around a moment sooner, I would have been on the news for child neglect, or something. He nearly gave me a heart-attack, and nearly got stuck. He was a little put out, and started crying once his Ganya scolded him. I still don't think he understands. What a perfect way to end a great evening.

9 month old PRINCESS

2011-02-26T12:15:00.000-05:00

Under da Sea

2011-02-26T11:56:00.000-05:00

A friend of ours threw a cute under the sea birthday party for her now three-year-old daughter. There was a treasure hunt, costumes, crown making, jelly-fish making, and goodies. Malcolm was only up for the first part of the party, but it was still a lot of fun!

I am the Luckiest

2011-02-22T20:55:00.001-05:00

Sleeping in is Bliss

Hide and go sneak

2011-02-22T20:53:00.000-05:00

Wears a kid out, seriously.

Valentines

2011-02-22T20:31:00.002-05:00

I was going to do these precious homemade Valentines this year, and do some crafty fun with my son... but once again Toy Story entered the picture.

So, he had his heart set on these boxed Valentines, and I caved and got them. Boy am I glad I did. Not only did I have the stress of having my midterm paper due on Valentine's for my first graduate class, but the valentines were misplaced afterthefact anyway.

But, at least we enjoyed adding our own personal touch. Malcolm added the art, and Aubrey added the music.

And then Aubrey ate the art.

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone who didn't get a Valentine from us! Which is everybody!

While the Cat's away...

2011-02-22T20:29:00.000-05:00

The mice will play...

2 inches of snow?

2011-02-21T10:31:00.003-05:00

If there is one thing I love about this world, it is the seasons. I love that life energy is revived in the spring, I love the heat (and water) in the summer, I love the color and majesty of autumn, and I love the sleepy snow of winter.

Tim and I both felt it quite tragic that we missed the 14 inch blizzard while we were in Texas, So I was glad for this little bit of winter to give some snow gratification to me and the kids, and for a day off of school.

While on the fence post it appears to be approximately the weatherman's predicted 2 inches, judging by my kids' snow immersion, I th

ink that it may have been just a bit more. But, I think that it was a perfect snow day. And the day after melt was perfect for not having to make up days of work.

green-eyed

2011-02-21T10:26:00.002-05:00

He looks like a little man.

I can't believe my little angel is almost 3 years old.

Already, this sweet boy has become so independent. He is still very sensitive, but I cannot believe how much he's grown already.

Whenever we are in public he still gets told "Look at those beautiful green eyes!"

Thank you recessive genes for giving me an adorable green-eyed monster.

Packing Perspective

2011-02-21T10:12:00.002-05:00

This is such a busy and lonely time in my life. I am grateful for so many different aspects of this, though it is still difficult. I feel like a part of me is missing, I suppose I have really become attached to Tim. He really has become a part of me. After 10 years together, it is no wonder. I am grateful that we have been able to reconnect, and to spend all of the time we have together in conversation. This is much like our relationship began, since the first three years were long distance. I am grateful that there is precedence in our lives for coping with it. While I worry for him, since he is very much alone, I am also overwhelmed with the feeling of being surrounded by people I know, but still being alone. I must deal with the day to day stresses of packing, and maintaining a clean home so people can come look at the house in case it ever sells... I stress over school deadlines occasionally, though it is wonderful that it eliminates my downtime which I would have used to wallow in self-pity. Grad school has also helped me to rediscover myself. I feel as though I have learned so much already in a few short weeks. I truly value hard work, and am so glad that Tim is giving me the opportunity to be a stay at home mother to my children. This makes the 3 months left seem more bearable. I am most grateful that this small season is nearly ended, and that I have two little saviors to guide me through.

Ball of Cuteness

2011-01-30T17:46:00.002-05:00

Miss Aubrey Jocelyn is 8 happy months old. She is definitely not sensitive like her big brother, at all. In fact, instead of crying at strange or loud noises, she laughs.

She has a stellar sense of humor. This little girl is a light in my life. Between my two babies (yes, my almost 3-year-old is still my baby), my life seems complete.

That and the fact that I barely have enough time to do everything.

I lOVE PIGGY TAILS!

Sea World

2011-01-28T16:21:00.003-05:00

Our platinum passes are good for Sea World, San Antonio. Before we left for Virginia, we had to make sure it would be a worthwhile investment. And it is.

After Sea World we got on the plane, and have started settling back in.

January will be skimpy on the photos, as will probably much of the first half of this year. Between trying to sell the house, buying one in Austin, taking care of the kids, working, taking classes toward my masters, and packing a house by myself... well, I will be pretty busy.

Happy New Year.

Mama, can we Rock in the new house?!

2011-01-28T16:19:00.000-05:00

Slow ride!

Take it Eeeeeas 'em!

Christmas pictures?

2011-01-28T16:05:00.001-05:00

Or annoyance during the holidays.?

Moooom! Stop bothering us!

Christmas Love

2011-01-22T14:09:00.004-05:00

Reunited and it feels so good...

2011-01-22T13:53:00.004-05:00

We travel half way across the country and where do we go? The park. But, we love it.

The Flight

2011-01-22T13:49:00.002-05:00

Flying by myself with my lovely two was not so bad as I thought it would be. Malcolm got sick, but other than that, and the two of them crying in stereo right as it was time to board, the flight was not bad at all. I got my Krystals in ATL, we got our pretzels and juice, and we got in a good nap. All in all, my only complaint is that traveling in winter time, jackets are the extra thing you need, but that make the trip just that much more cumbersome.

A Banks Christmas

2011-01-15T18:56:00.005-05:00

This was an early celebration before our trip.

I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

Christmas at Church

2011-01-15T18:43:00.003-05:00

The ward Christmas party was loads of fun. I seriously needed to get out, and this was the perfect excuse.

Dave and Curtis made and awesome smoked turkey, which is in our holiday future. Words cannot describe how awesome it was.

Food was fabulous, the social hour was much needed, and Santa was... interesting.

Once again, I dragged Mac kicking and screaming to Santa, and then he totally cheesed for the camera.

After he got his treat, he gasped "Mama! I forgot to ask Santa for mine Buzz Lightyear!"

He definitely ran back while the next girl was asking, and I had to beg him to wait his turn so that he could make his request. And he did.

Failed experiment

2010-12-19T14:33:00.002-05:00

I set Aubrey's crib up in Malcolm's room hoping that Mac would sleep in it and that he wouldn't cry at naptime, at least not for long. Day one-success. Day two-UTTER FAILURE. He climbed out in no time flat. *sigh* He'll do it for my sitter when he's told. I am just not a regular enough part of the routine. One day... one day.

Rain or Shine

2010-12-19T14:26:00.003-05:00

or Snow.

This snow day was wonderful. I live for the days I only have to be a mom and homemaker. It was so fun to run around and play in the snow before the rain came. We got so much done and so much playing in, and just loved living. These are for you daddy. No sled this year. It was packed too far back for me to reach.

Cheeks!

2010-12-19T14:23:00.001-05:00

Here's my crawling Pooh Bear and her sweet cheeks!

Christmas Town

2010-12-19T13:49:00.005-05:00

I hope that I got some super mom points by taking my two children to Bush Gardens' Christmas Town by myself, in the cold, in the rain. It was so nice. The lights were beautiful. It's amazing that some days I can force myself to do so much, and then others, I can barely get out of bed. Well worth the trip to Williamsburg. We got to visit everywhere but Italy. We enjoyed dinner in Germany, a treat in England, and a few different rides, though not much was open for the wee ones. The lights and shows were wonderful. I wish I had been able to get all the amazing shots I wanted, but my hands were full, and my tripod was at home. Boo.

My day off

2010-12-18T15:50:00.002-05:00

I have needed to take a day off from life for quite some time. Fortunately Merry called me at 6 a.m. too sick to watch the kids, and darn, I had to take the day off of work. I was so productive, it was unreal. I had a stress free workout. We had time at the playground. We ate healthy. We had a clean house at the end of the day. I got to spend time with each of the kids individually. I had some of the moments that I yearn to have during the school year. By the time the weekends roll around, they are so jam packed with things that I need to get done, that I don't finish half of them, and I end up even more exhausted than when the weekend began. Winter break cannot come soon enough. The next 6 months as a single mother is going to be killer.

The simple routine

2010-12-18T15:45:00.001-05:00

It's amazing how missing the little things will throw everything off.

Routines make everyone happier, including me.

I realized that the days we skip bath time, bedtime is harder, so it's a bath a day. Soap or no soap. It's all in the routine.

I wish I wasn't always so exhausted so that I could actually get things done that I need to around the house.

I am going to ask for help in the new year.

The zoo

2010-12-18T15:38:00.003-05:00

We love it, and we'll miss it.

We rode the train, we saw the elephants and giraffes, and all sorts of other creatures.

It was yet another perfect hour.

We ended up not spending the whole morning because we got an invite to breakfast at 10:00. So, we made it lunch after a quick run through the zoo at icy temperatures.

The Depot

2010-12-18T14:46:00.004-05:00

I love Home Depot for multiple reasons, not the least of which is the children's class they have on the first Saturday of every month between nine and noon.

Malcolm loves using tools, and we had a Handy Manny good time. Well, except poor Aubrey who couldn't see anything.

Next time we won't arrive exactly when they open, and maybe they will have all of the materials we need ready so that our craft doesn't fall apart.

Amateur

2010-12-18T14:33:00.005-05:00

I have been into amateur photography for quite some time. I have shot multiple subjects in multiple lighting, in multiple settings. By far, my favorite subject is my family. It is really difficult to get a decent shot when you are both photographer and subject. This year's family photo made the Christmas card, with limited editing. Here are a few other shots that I love.

I order many of my finished products from snapfish, though I am currently researching again to see if there are any up and comings that are reasonably priced. I am constantly reevaluating because I am very picky about what makes good photography.

the marathon

2010-12-04T13:46:00.002-05:00

We watched Harry Potter from Thanksgiving until Saturday, and it was awesome. I liked #3 a lot better than I remember, and on the whole was very satisfied with the newest movie. It was awesome to play with my kids and husband. I cannot wait until we are reunited again.

The relaxation

2010-12-04T13:42:00.001-05:00

The feast

2010-12-04T13:40:00.000-05:00

and I didn't cook a thing except for cake...

family football

2010-12-04T13:32:00.002-05:00

Though some poor little family members were too little to play, daddy and Mac had a great time witht he football.

Our neighbor/babysitter, Merry, has been going over some basic ball with him, and he was so excite to play with daddy.

Mama went for a quick run, and then played with the family a bit before we headed over to the cousins' for the feast.

This is truly a season of thanksgiving.

Pinecone Turkey

2010-12-04T13:27:00.002-05:00

We saved all the fun for when daddy came home.

There were so many festive firsts we wanted to do, and this was one of them.

Our centerpieces turned out fabulously well.

delicious?

2010-12-04T13:20:00.001-05:00

There were only a few funny faces for Aubrey's first bites of food. She's just getting to the tasting things stage, which is great for feeding hr, except that if she doesn't love the consistency, she spits it back out.

This makes for fun bubble blowing games at dinner.

We are so glad daddy is home for a lot of these firsts.

It's been a hard month.

6 months

2010-11-28T19:57:00.006-05:00

I love a baby photo shoot.

I especially love to photograph my babies.

Here is cutie #2. They grow so quickly.

This little piggy

2010-11-28T19:38:00.003-05:00

having a girl...
Up til now, aside from the pink, there hasn't been much of a difference between having a girl baby and a boy baby. I have fallen in love with both of my children. We play, they cry, they eat, they sleep. I have to teach them everything from nothing. We play, and we laugh. They grow up and up and up. I suppose that the toys will be different. At some point there will be dolls instead of trucks, but for right now it is still chew toys... Yes I said chew toys not teething rings. Next it will be blocks, and learning games.

But what hit me was pig tails. How silly is that? It's so unfair. Boys get the lustrous eyelashes, and cute curls... Look back at photos of my son at 6 months, and you will see it full fold. Girls get 'em short. Don't get me wrong, she is a beautiful girl. But, she has my hair, no doubt about it. Thank you Cherokee heritage. Who knows what mix my son inherited. Anyway, the point is: PIGTAILS! I have a little girl! I won't be tempted to cut her hair by 9 months. I won't groan that she's cooed over and called beautiful. My son is a beautiful child, but so is this little gem. Her hair can finally make pig tails. What a cute little piggy.

Gratitude

2010-11-24T23:12:00.002-05:00

I have a hard time asking for help.

I am a capable person, I can do things without help.

The trouble is that I can't do everything at once.

A man in our ward volunteered his services, and stole a young man from his parents to clean up my yard for selling.

He also helped me to understand that I need to ask for help from other people in the church.

I made a list of everything I need to get done, and he and my friend Tamara have been huge helps.

I am grateful for motivated people who reach out when they see a need.

I am grateful for people who do what they can.

I am humbled by the advice to not be so proud, and to divvy up responsibilities.

I'm Thankful for the swimming.

2010-11-24T23:03:00.005-05:00

One of the things we still do is swimming. There is so much I have had to give up, like my sanity, since Tim left for Austin.

The YMCA was not one of them. I need my exercise for so many different reasons, but I also need the water. It is my meditation.

Mac has become quite the swimmer, and Aubrey is now used to the pool. She seems like she will be crawling soon, so she should start getting to be fun in the water.

We are working on swimming with and without the buoy. Jumping in and swimming. Turning toward the wall for help. Taking a breath. Diving for toys. Floating on their backs.

All in all, my kids will totally be ready for swim team the day they turn 5. I don't have the energy to work on futbol right now, but they will get that one too, very soon.

Horsey

2010-11-21T16:33:00.002-05:00

Corre Caballo! Corre!

Why can't I do that?

2010-11-21T16:25:00.004-05:00

Seriously.

I feel like I could.

A day around the house

2010-11-21T16:19:00.002-05:00

There are chores to do, and playing to get done.

I am just honestly unable to do everything that needs to get done.

The house needs to be in better shape, but I have to watch my kids.

The kids need to be played with and taught, but I have to do chores around the house.

I need to pack, but I also have to keep the house in pristine and immaculate condition.

I have to do yardwork, but I also need to get the laundry done. I think I have started confusing my task list, and have started taking out the kids to wash them.

Next thing you know, I will be painting the lawn.

Lucky Number 5

2010-11-18T22:17:00.002-05:00

One of the cousins turned 5 years old, so we met for a birthday dinner.

The best part was the parting gifts: two very nifty balloons. They weren't ironman, but we weren't the birthday boy either.

Love one another

2010-11-07T14:46:00.001-05:00

It's been over two weeks with daddy gone.

Have they gotten any bigger?

There's still a lotta love.

Whether we want it, or not.

Halloween Take 2

2010-11-07T14:37:00.002-05:00

Prince Malcolm and Princess Aubrey were carted all around Ghent with our fabulous friends Tamara and Paton Haines. Paton is the zombie, and his buddy Dry Bones tagged along with us too.

I was impressed that Mac lasted about 45 minutes, but after the scary Frankenstein at the door, he was done. My poor sensitive boy.

All of the costumes were hoppin'. And Ghent always knows how to party.

Between the two nights, he got a full pumpkin. The trick is going to be convincing him that there won't be trick or treating until next year. Or is that the treat?

a good neighbor

2010-11-07T14:32:00.002-05:00

This has nothing to do with statefarm, I promise.

Our poor neighbor was having car trouble, and so I tried to hook her up with our mechanic.

In return, she felt the need to help with some yardwork. I felt a little pang for my husband not being here for my son to imitate, but he still enjoyed getting some work time in.

a place to sit

2010-11-07T14:29:00.001-05:00

I had to take my toddler to the toilet, and therefore needed a place for my baby to sit. The sink seemed appropriately baby sized.

As it turned out, this was the perfect fit.

Church Trunk or Treat and Carnival

2010-11-06T13:50:00.008-04:00

Our ward put on a GIANT tri-ward carnival and trunk or treat for Halloween Eve this year. Thank you Tara Shumaker for an awesome time. Everything was fantastic, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. It was truly a big deal.
We started with some scratch and draw spooky animals, and then moved on to decorate sugar cookies.

While we failed at our first attempt at the cupcake walk, my favorite moment of the night was walking in and standing on a number right when the music stopped. Instant winners. My son loved the cupcakes. Too bad he only could pick one.

There was a lollipop pick, and a bean bag toss. Very cute.

There was a Velcro ball toss, and a treasure in a haystack dig (which Mac was thrilled with)

What kid can't get enough of face painting? My son, Malcolm. Aubrey Jocelyn was so good, and between the two ladies at church who wanted to hold her at a couple different moments, she was the belle of the ball. She absolutely loved being in the midst of all the social hubbub.

Of course we were at the bounce house every time we passed it.

Did I mention that there were two other Buzz Lightyears? Every time we passed "Space men" or "Mario or Luigi" Malcolm would try to grab them and claim them as his. These are definitely big players in his world, and I don't the Mario appreciated being grabbed, but he LOVED seeing these guys there. It's too bad that he was scared to death of the mummy and grim reapers.

And I can't forget the actual trunk or treating.

The favorite haul of the night was actually a glow stick. Forget the candy.

The night was a definite Success.

Treat Steal

2010-11-06T13:22:00.002-04:00

Have I mentioned that I love Rite Aid?

Here's the Steal:

Bag of Skittles/Starburst-$13.99

Bag of Kit Kat/Reese's-$13.99

Playtex Sippy Cups-$7.99

Rite Aid Sale:

Candy-$9.99 each

Cups-$7.19

Bonus Savings-$6.80

Coupon Savings-$24.49

Total after taxes-$3.54

Pumpkins

2010-11-01T18:46:00.006-04:00

I was originally going to hit the farmer's market this year because I had been put off the pumpkin patch for multiple reasons. So, a friend told me about the deal she had gotten on some pumpkins at the nearest grocer, and who am I to pass up a deal?

Malcolm was convinced that we couldn't get him a big pumpkin because it was just too big, so he talked me into two pie pumpkins. It didn't take too much prodding. I make a killer pumpkin pie.

Anyway, a long story short, I ended up carving my two big ones at a friend's house, which I think I already elaborated on in another post. I have some lovely before, during, and after photos.

Aubrey tried to pick hers up.

Malcolm colored on his with markers.

I carved a jack-o-lantern for Tim.

I carved something only slightly more intricate for me.

I did it all in a half hour, and only stabbed myself once.

They look so sweet on our front porch. I love our darling little house. It's hard to believe things are already changing so much.

Sorry they're sideways

2010-10-31T21:58:00.004-04:00

These first two photos are from Rita's I felt like having ice cream for lunch, and Malcolm so sweetly obliged me. My Realtor told me I needed to be out of the house for a showing between noon and 1:30. It actually turned into after 2 because they didn't get there in time. I did not get to do my 7 mile run. I did not get to do an amazingly killer pumpkin. I did not get my nap. But, someone did look at my house. I did get to spend some quality time with one of my best friends. I did get ice cream for lunch. I did get to stab myself with a scalpel. See? fun all around.

I have a list. A list of all the good people I have found in the world. Genuinely good people. People who will put you first, and set aside themselves for a moment. People who care about your happiness. People who are wholesome, and genuine and good. I keep this list close to me. It is a very short list. I have also been making a list of people I will keep in touch with when I leave. That list is even shorter than my good people list. Some of the good people are on it, and some of the people on my list are still good people, if not the more normal and naturally selfish variety of person.

Tamara and Russell Haines, who I am sure do not waste their time reading things like this blog and who will probably never see this, have made both lists. I am so fortunate to have friends who know that I am having a hard time, and who will allow themselves to be inconvenienced for my sake. I am grateful that they will just say, "it's not a big deal." I am grateful that Tamara will suggest getting pumpkins at her grocery store, or will watch me eat ice cream for lunch and scold me that I need something else because ice cream is not a proper lunch. I am grateful that she will give me a funny look because I really am not very hungry. So sweet. I am grateful that Russell will act concerned when I stab myself in his kitchen because I am hastily carving pumpkins at their place because my house has a DO NOT DISTURB sign on it. I am so grateful that they suggested me carving there, even though they had other things they could be doing for themselves. I am glad that they didn't make a big deal over my wound, although it was a pretty good cut.

The point of my gratitude list is that I am grateful for people like them, and like my wonderful neighbors Merry and Lucas, who have also made both lists, though we have known them the least amount of time of people on both lists, because I know they will care now and 6 months from now when the freshness of this has faded, and it is still just as hard, if not harder. Good people are hard to come by.

I also have a few cute (but sideways) photos from the YMCA kids carnival. Malcolm always asks for a green heart when he gets his face painted. You can thank Kai Lan for that. He also won these hilarious fun glasses. Groucho glasses are a total treasure. I LOVE HALLOWEEN. Oh, I miss Jen. She has also made both lists, though they no longer live here.

I am now addicted to zumba, and though it may end up being just me and Tara, at least I will be at the Y. I think my neighbor Merry would love it, as she is a dancer... I may trick her into coming with me. I have been so busy that I haven't packed much since Tim left... I really can't get myself to think about it. There is just a little stress in my life. I am grateful for my trials. I know what I love and appreciate now more than ever.

Bring on Halloween

2010-10-31T16:12:00.001-04:00

We've got the glow in the dark spider shirt.

We've got the bib to coordinate.

Bring on the candy!

Gone

2010-10-31T16:02:00.002-04:00

I'm a single mom for the next 8 months. While I love being a mom, and my weekdays will stay pretty much the same for a while, my weekends will be killer. I rely on Tim. I do not know how people who lose spouses make it through. I already feel as though I have lost a part of myself, which is of course, totally irrational. I definitely have a new respect for my Grandmother. Especially when the loss is sudden, like our separation has been. So, I will keep myself busy in order to cope... like I do.

a Handy Manny job

2010-10-31T15:44:00.004-04:00

Since we made the decision to sell, we have had to do a lot of packing, and a few odd jobs around the house to make it a little more appealing. Though we will be one of the lucky ones who get to either short sell their home, or foreclose, though hopefully the former... So, we won't be doing much fixing up, we still want to make the house appealing. Let's see how this goes.
Here is my super man doing super jobs. Or, as Mac would say "We have a Handy Manny job to do"

It is tiring work.

Babysitting for Stacey

2010-10-31T15:35:00.003-04:00

I babysat in exchange for my newest super chic haircut. I love bartering, and trades. I took this opportunity for a different set of child stars to grace my blog. Stacey was complaining that she doesn't have enough shots of her girls, so I did a couple. We had a bunch of fun in the backyard.

In a cage

2010-10-30T16:18:00.002-04:00

I have been packing like a crazy woman during this countdown until Tim goes. So, while I was packing, and Aubrey was in her bed, Mac wanted to join her. I have packed up a majority of the stuff we can do without. This will be like staying at a hotel, but in my own home. So not exciting.

Killing me softly

2010-10-30T16:03:00.002-04:00

It's been a whirlwind of a week. Tim did some soul searching, and found that he was getting really unhappy with where he was vocationally. He really knows how much I want to be home with my babies, and sort of understands the pull of motherhood. I think he also knows how blissful things are when I am home during the summers, and this school year has been particularly hard on Tim and I.

While I feel the best I ever have with my job, it is becoming second nature, I feel like I do not see my husband ever. The sleep deprivation is really doing a number on Tim, and we have just begun to realize how much our lives really suck. Though of course, the don't. What I mean is that we are both living like single parents, except on the weekend.

So, he has decided to take a job in Austin Texas so that our lifestyle will improve. I don't know what the chances of that actually are, but at the very least, this should not be a replication of our lives here. We have the knowledge now to start over and be successful... but I miss him already. Even though he has a very juvenile sense of humor, he still can make me smile. He dotes on me, I think... and I love him so much. I think the kids will be ok. They won't even remember this time in their lives, and will adapt quickly. I am going to be a mess. An absolute disaster.

I love that man.

Love at Home

2010-10-30T15:55:00.002-04:00

I have really been trying to savor the time I have with my two kids. Time doesn't slow down for anyone, and find that being a working mom is very taxing for me. My home is so much happier in the summertime, and I think that it is just the natural order of things... Maybe it's silly of me to think so, but I still don't have much time for my children, and practically no time for my husband.

This makes me treasure those moments at home all the more.

Sneak Peak at Church

2010-10-30T15:54:00.001-04:00

Shame on me, but my family is so precious.

2 year old photographer

2010-10-30T15:47:00.002-04:00

I've been shopping 3 days a week, because it's hard to get it all done in one day to get the kind of deals I have been getting. So, I need a way to keep my kids occupied. This is Mac's catalogue of our shopping excursions so far this week. I think he has such potential as an artist. You know, the kind that just slog paint at a canvas.

For Grandma Jean

2010-09-24T21:55:00.002-04:00

here is my husband's video site. Most of it is adorable great grandbabies!

mine skateboard

2010-09-24T21:11:00.001-04:00

for Stacey

2010-09-24T21:02:00.003-04:00

another pretty picture

2010-09-24T21:00:00.000-04:00

Stand in Holy Places

2010-09-24T20:47:00.004-04:00

We told Mac we were going to Jesus's temple.

Since then, he has surprised me with saying "mama, I am a child of God."

and "let's go to Jesus's temple."

The children had a good time.

They didn't mind the drive, and were even ok with us abandoning them for a couple hours.

Heaven on Earth.

Do you want to play trains with me?

2010-09-24T20:42:00.003-04:00

Malcolm akready considers his sister to be his playmate. He always wants to play with her, and she LOVES it.

as they grow

2010-09-24T20:25:00.003-04:00

My little ones are getting to be so big.

I cannot believe that just a short time ago, Malcolm was so small and helpless. His arrival really turned my whole world upside down. Now that i have two, and have been ale to really enjoy a baby at its smallest, I am so grateful of the time I've been given.

Malcolm is practically driving, and Aubrey Jocelyn is right behind him. He loves his little sister so much, and dotes on her with all he's got. She already thinks she is grown. She has graduated from playmat to exersaucer because she wants to stand all the time. Even sitting gets old. All they want to do is grown, and imitate.

No pressure to be on my best behavior, right?

baby bath

2010-09-19T17:36:00.001-04:00

Graveyard

2010-09-19T17:20:00.002-04:00

I returned to work
I returned to work, and amidst the meetings, and getting everything ready for the coming students, I have noticed the most beautiful moths coming to die on the front steps of my portable at Southeastern. The one I couldn't get a shot of was amazing, but I lost my phone for about a week. This poor dead animal is almost beautiful, though not as huge and colorful as the one I missed getting a shot of.

Delicious Dishes

2010-09-19T16:09:00.002-04:00

This pork chop was mouth watering. I brought some food over to a friend's house, and cooked over there. My choice of spices turned out mouth-watering.
I love making pasta. I got butternut squash from the local farmer's market, and really enjoyed making some raviolis. The goat cheese and squash ravioli with homemade pasta shells were fantastic!

Pretty Pretty Princess

2010-09-19T16:06:00.000-04:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have ourselves a little girl.

From Hiding to Posing

2010-09-19T15:56:00.002-04:00

For a few months, it was really difficult to get a good photo of Malcolm smiling. For some reason, he has started "cheesing" for the camera all of a sudden. Given my photo taking disposition, there will be more cuteness to come.

Birthday Bash

2010-09-05T12:42:00.008-04:00

Let me preface by saying, I can cook.

Given the opportunity, I am awesome at it.

I wanted Tim's 35th familial celebration to be fun, and that means good food. The burgers were awesome, the corn was great, the pasta salad his mom brought was excellent as always... Now, the cake. I make this delectable strawberry cake every year.

Yum.

I told Tim that he needs to stop at 35, because it was a bear trying to fit all of these candles on it.
His solution was to make a sheet cake. I don't think so. The store was out of the number 5, and this should have been way more fun, except that we almost had little nubs by the time we finished lighting one side of the cake. (not really, but it sounds good in retelling)

In reality, the heat coming off this thing was enough to make you want to seek out a bomb shelter.

Malcolm still has trouble sharing his things, but the boys began to play nicely together about halfway through the evening.

Of course, everyone wanted to play pass the baby, and she made her way through everybody.

Did I mention that there was football on t.v.?

It would have been the perfect day to sit outside, but I forgot that 'tis the season to watch as many football games as possible.

I also got photos of the kids.

Ganya wanted pictures of them all together. This is no easy feat, bytheway. These are the best I could do.

Happiness

2010-09-05T12:31:00.002-04:00

Happiness is a dirty face.

Happiness is funny faces in the mirror.

Happiness is CHEESE!

Happiness is jumping on the bed.

Happiness is giving a fabulous haircut.

Happiness is getting a fabulous haircut.

Happiness is peekaboo under the covers.

Happiness is hiding behind the pillows.

Happiness is tickles on the toes.

Happiness is the pig that goes to the market.

Happiness is a motorboat on the tummy.

Happiness is home.

The new do

2010-09-05T07:26:00.002-04:00

For those of you who are not local, and haven't seen the changes first hand, here it is!

A new friend moved into the ward, and she is awesome with a set of shears.

I told her I was looking to get a trim up for the new school year, she gladly volunteered.

When I was there, I told her she had a choice, she could either do something fun with long locks, or if she thought I had enough to donate, she could cut it however she wanted.

As you can see, the hair on my head had been plentiful.

This is the best haircut I have ever had, seriously.

It really compliments me too. While I am tempted to keep it like this, I think I will be growing it for another donation in two years.

Do I look like my mom here, or is it just me?

Cheers to good hair.

Shopping Sensation

2010-08-28T16:54:00.002-04:00

I have slowly been getting very serious about my couponing. We need to save money, and can only budget about $50 a week for food right now. I know that is a lot, but it includes cleaning supplies, diapers, and toiletries.

Well, I had a sort of couponing revelation, followed bby a big boo boo trip, proving that I am by far, not a pro at this.

The exciting news? Guess how much I spent on: Pullups-Retail $11.99, Schick Disposable razors-Retail $4.99, Off!-Retail-$5.99, Tweezers-Retail $3.99, Snickers and Twix-On Sale $1 each.
Your Guess? Here's the bill. Tim was a total spoil sport and guessed $1.50. Totally ruined my excitement.
Total price Paid-$1.93 !!!!

This makes my best shopping trip ever. I need to make this a much more regular thing. I got over zealous and overspent on my next trip, but if I can replicate this magic, then I will be a very happy mama. I generally save anywhere from 1/2 to 2/3 off of my shopping bills, but I have been making a few discoveries, and am feeling quite liberated.

Now if only I could find my cell phone... Anyone see it on the road or in the parking lots of Walgreens and Rite Aid at Wards Corner?

a new playmate

2010-08-28T15:31:00.002-04:00

Veive and Malcolm are the cutest, and he asks about her all the time. He misses his friends Jacob and Edana... but, it's always good to have new playmates.

Banks sun

2010-08-28T15:18:00.002-04:00

We really enjoyed our last beach trip of the year. Cheers to summer 2010!

William son

2010-08-28T11:06:00.006-04:00

Here is our last beach trip of the summer.
It was killer!
A storm was coming in, which made it windy and cool.
It also made for some wicked awesome waves. A little too hairy for the kids though.
Excellent kite weather.

We have some new friends who just moved into the ward.

We love them already.

Owen is from Scotland, which makes me happy.

Stacey loves coupons, which makes me happy.

Their kids are my kids' ages, which makes me and Malcolm both happy.

Me happy makes Tim happy... and he likes them too.

Baby Happy Baby Sad

2010-08-27T15:45:00.004-04:00

So, I wanted to get a cute picture of my babies, and this is what I got!

I also got "Smile Malcolm!" "No mama, I'm really really sad."

and then, "But I love a happy Malcolm." "I'm happy now. See!"

with a cute solo sister, who is much easier to take photos of than her toddler brother.

Feet!

2010-08-23T21:45:00.001-04:00

I got it on film!

She loves them!

Baby must taste like pretzels, because she always has hands or feet in mouth.

Baby is delicious!

and don't you envy that tan?

I do...

Taboo

2010-08-23T21:19:00.005-04:00

So, I learned a hard lesson.

No matter how visually stimulating, or captivating or stunning a shot is, people may not want you to post it because they are in their bathing suit.

Our family beach day to Sandbridge was so much fun! We had a blast, and I took hundreds of great shots, however, I am limited in my posting potential due to delicate feelings.

All of my family and friends are perfect in my eyes, I hope you catch a glimpse of that through these photos.

And how wonderful the beach is in the summertime.

Let me apologize

2010-08-23T20:58:00.004-04:00

For posting so many photos of my family, and only talking about them and all the little things they are doing. But, I am in love with them, you see... I hope you can see why.

BBQ

2010-08-22T21:25:00.003-04:00

We ended up going to a bbq put on by Vince's buddies. Totally a last minute decision. Awesome time. The coolest things about it were seeing how great Elena looks in the flower clip I made for Aubrey. She will be able to wear those well into adulthood... and the AWESOME slide that the Putman's have.

W.o.W.

2010-08-22T21:15:00.003-04:00

The World of Wonders is a good time.

Trust me.

Instead of just photos of my kid,

now I have family to share the fun with.

I am still working on my action shots. Kids are difficult.

Here is the other half of our Botanical Gardens excursion.

And then, we went to an impromptu barbecue, which was mostly fun and games. More to come...

Storybook Forest

2010-08-22T16:05:00.011-04:00

The Botanical Gardens put a summer Exhibit in its Enchanted Forest.

The first time we visited was with the cousins, and Tim's sister Melissa.

It was a blast! It was also more than enough to do it one day.

We couldn't believe how much they had packed in there to do.

Normally visiting the children's world of wonders i enough, but we crammed both areas into one visit. This post will be dedicated only to the first half of our visit.

We began by watching airplanes.

This is generally Mac's favorite part of the trip. He loves to listen to the control tower, and to see the planes take off. Landings are a bonus.

All of the boys seemed pretty enamored with the planes.

The first story was of Jack and the Bean Stalk.

This was actually my favorite of the forest.

They had a great vegetable garden growing!

It was neat to see a real life tall beanstalk, and it was cute how they put together the garden.

There were pumpkins and tomatoes, squashes, and eggplants too. I was too tempted to pick and eat.

Alice in Wonderland had the Mad Hatter's house. Malcolm would have stayed and had a tea party all afternoon if we didn't have other places to go.

There was the three little pigs, and then Little Red Riding Hood.

There was the Crooked Man, and Old Mother Hubbard.

Then there was Old MacDonald.

I loved that they recycled old tires into a horse swing. This really is an ingenious little park. I wish they were keeping it up year round.

By the time we rushed through to see all of the stories, it was lunch time, and we were all getting tired. But we were ready to go play in the water! More to come...

Photoshoot

2010-08-18T15:59:00.011-04:00

There are pros and cons to all of these shots, but I'd like feedback for favorites. I'm thinking of ordering a big one of one of these...

It's so hard to pick a favorite.

The best stroller ever!

2010-08-18T10:19:00.001-04:00

I love my stroller/bike trailer. So do the kids ;-)

Sneaky phone pictures at church--shame on me

2010-08-14T01:08:00.001-04:00