Tuesday Tid-bits

* Some strangers packed up all our stuff yesterday. But according to my husband, they were nice strangers. The boys and I are staying away from the chaos that is packing up a home and we are currently living with our good friends until our departure on Friday. Our oldest boys are good friends and thankfully they are getting some good quality time in before we leave. They are going to miss each other. Oh and playing Wii bowling together too...

* My toddler is extremely bossy lately. Constantly telling people to "Stop it!" and "NO!" and generally repeating anything that I tell his brother not to do. Of course no one really takes him seriously since he speaks in cutie-patootie toddler voice and he's not even three feet tall.


* I bought a HUGE thing of chocolate covered raisins at Costco today. I SO shouldn't have done that.


*I'm getting my hair done on Wednesday morning before we skip town. I'm leaving my favorite salon behind and I need a Summer cut. My hair has gotten longer than I've had it in a while and although I like it (and Tim lurves it!) it's really WAY to hot for all this hair on me. WAY. TOO. HOT. oh and HUMID too.


* My girlfriend and I went to see "The Proposal" last night. And all I have to say about that is Ryan Reynolds is YUMMY. Yep yep, he is!


* I keep thinking about where all of our furniture and other stuff is going to go in the house in Louisiana. Like ALL the time. I've been decorating it in my head since we decided we liked it. That's just the way I am. My biggest conundrum is the living room. It's HUGE and could almost be divided into two rooms. I'm looking forward to figuring it out though.


* The baby wakes up at about 11 p.m. every night. In my body. Maybe she's going to be a night owl like her mother. Great.


* Speaking of the baby and pregnancy, as of today I'm down to double digits on my little counter on the sidebar. 99 days until baby is due. Woah.


* I'm kinda looking forward to the drive to Louisiana on Friday. What's wrong with me? Maybe it's the fact that it means I'm closer to getting to our new place and getting my life back to some sort of normalcy. Oh and my MIL is riding with me and the boys and she's fun to talk to and in this case, a life saver, so it's all good!

* This kid is really cute. Despite is bossy-ness and TOTAL Grumplestiltskin attitude yesterday afternoon.

That's all I got.

Saying Goodbye to Our First House

Last night was our last night in this house as a family.

When we bought this house The B Man was only 6 months old. We moved from a 1200 square foot two-story town home to over 2200 square feet on one level and we were in heaven.

(hangin' out in the room that would be his once we moved in)

There was a lot of work to do, especially since we decided to overhaul the kitchen. Never mind that it actually took about 3.5 years to fully complete.

(The kitchen in 3 stages, how it was when we bought it, after some re-do and then FINALLY complete)

As with any house, it took time years to get it the way we wanted it and if we continued to live here there are still a list of things I would like to change or re-do.

My biggest complaint (well, until last week anyway) with this house has been the tree issues we've had to endure. We had a tree fall on the back, right corner of the house just a little over a year after we moved in and one of the huge branches went right into Tim's closet (of course the joke has always been thank GOD it wasn't my closet or I may have been admitted to a room with padded walls...). Some people suggested we just go with it and install a sky light. Uh... no.

We've also had several branches fall off of the Bradford pear out front and one of them took out the original wood mailbox. But I still adore the that tree in the Spring time. Can you blame me?


And of course after last week's foundation trauma, (warning: if you plan to buy a house in the N. Texas area MAKE SURE you check for foundation issues FIRST!) I'm a little "over" this house right now.

But despite all the craziness of owning a home, and particularly this one, our first house will always hold a special place in my heart. I have a kazillion memories here with my husband, my boys and family and friends. We brought our second son home from the hospital to this house and have welcomed so many good people through the front door, one that left a good impression on me from the first time I walked through it.

Here we have hosted our boys' birthday parties, holiday get-togethers, and even a baby shower. I've spent countless hours in our driveway watching The B Man ride his bike and I've trekked up the hill that is our street with Little G in the wagon many a time.

I kinda knew this house was "the one" the moment we drove up, even though it was a bit of a jungle out front. I was just so excited to have more space and a yard of my own, and a place to really call "home."

(the front yard/driveway at the time we bought the house, September 2004)

As the truck is packed up this week and we leave our first house, I may get a little teary-eyed (who am I kidding, the water works are starting as I type!). From the "blue room," where I rocked my babies, to the den where I've spent the majority of my time as a SAHM, I will most certainly miss this house.

(please make note of the beautiful stone mailbox that I had someone build just a couple of months ago - no tree is takin' that baby out!)

We have yet to put the house on the market (it should be listed week after next) but I do hope when someone buys it they are able to make as many wonderful memories here as we have. Goodbye to "The Citadel." You'll always be our first...

Photostory Friday - Perfect Timing

As I walked around the house with the supervisor for the foundation repair project, inspecting the job his crew had done, I noticed some clouds rolling in.

All of the sudden it wasn't as sweltering hot as it had been all day. Most of the work had to be done at the back of the house and while he was pointing to the new drainage system, the birdhouse the kids painted in the Spring caught my eye.

Turns out the birds have a little bit of a foundation problem too, it seems (see bottom left corner)...


I laughed a little to myself. "Glad I'm not the only one," I thought.

As I signed my life away the papers he put before me, a few large drops of rain began to fall on my head and I was thankful for even the short reprieve that a quick Summer rain shower would provide.

My parents came to help me out this week and as my mother started dinner I wondered where my little rugrats had gotten off to and here I found them...


Watching the rain fall while sitting on their grandfather's lap.

I joined them for a few moments and marveled at God's timing. Two days of hard work on the part of 5 men I didn't even know and as they drove away He christened the project and washed away some of my stress, all at the same time. Oh and gave my lawn some much needed "love."

These are the kind of reminders I need - that no matter how much is going on in our lives right now, God knows what he's doing and his timing is superb.


Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

So, Apparently This Week I'm Carrying Around a Rutabaga

Every week I receive an email in my inbox that updates me on my pregnancy and the progress of the baby's growth, etc. I realized after 20 weeks (I've been getting the updates since I was 5 weeks pregnant) that the comparison of baby's size each week is basically like a trip to the produce section of the grocery store. Because EVERY week, they compare my baby's growth to some fruit or vegetable. Well, except for week 13 in which the baby was the size of "a medium shrimp." Okay, so we ventured into the seafood department for one week but otherwise, here's some of the other things my baby has been compared to...

Week 6 - lentil bean
Week 10 - Kumquat (a what?)
Week 14 - lemon
Week 17 - turnip
Week 19 - heirloom tomato
Week 23 - large mango

And this week (week 25), yes, a rutabaga. When I saw this first I giggled and then I googled. Who in the world really even knows what the H.E. double hockey sticks a rutabaga really is? God bless Wikipedia. Of course I'm pretty sure my baby is a lot cuter than a dried up root vegetable that's similar to a turnip.

While I understand that this is probably the best way for them to compare, if we get to a watermelon by week 40, I'm going to be REALLY upset.

Here's a blurry, "I don't have time for any other pics right now" belly shot at 24.5 weeks. In other words, pre-rutabaga.

And no, that's not my belly button poking out (mine never pops out), just the closure for my already-too-tight pants.

Oh and just so y'all know, I found more cute baby girl shoes HERE. The force is STRONG here people. I will NOT be able to resist much longer...

WW - My Foundation Has Been Shaken

There really are no words...


(...but I will say, this is what the back of my house looks like right now. They say they can finish and make it look just like it did by the end of the day tomorrow. As my mother would say, "That remains to be seen.") I'm SO over this week already and it's only Wednesday... Oy.

For more Wordful Wednesday fun go to Seven Clown Circus!

I Laughed So Hard I Almost Peed My Pants!

Seriously.

We had great fun on our night out with our good friends, Chandler and Claudia, last Friday. We went to a delicious dinner at an excellent steak place in Dallas and then went to see Dane Cook. Holy Schmoly that man is funny!! He also had two opening acts that were absolutely hilarious and I really did almost have some bladder issues during the second guy's set. Warning: Do not got see extremely funny comedians while 6 months pregnant. Or, if you do, just make sure you have good control down there, k?

Anywho, it had been a LOOOONG time since the four of us were able to hang out sans kiddos and from the car ride to dinner to the big event, we had a wonderful time together.

Conversation of the night (on the topic of gray hairs...):

Tim: "You know I found 6 gray chest hairs the other day."

Chandler "I think I only have 6 chest hairs."

Okay, so maybe not that funny to you, but it's right up there with the comedians on the level of funny to me. Why you may ask... because these are our friends that we share a pretty long and fun history with and we know each other quite well. So yeah, funny stuff about the chest hairs.

Here are some pictures from our big night out.

Here we are, ready to go. This was taken outside on the back deck of the house we are about to leave. And yes, Chandler is tall.


Me and Claudia (and Chandler!) cheesin' it up before the show. Oh and some stranger smiling really big in the background. This pic is so fun, isn't it?


Me and my Tim. So happy together!


Dane in action. (and SHHHH, don't tell anyone, but I have a little crush on him. What can I say? I like funny men...)

Thanks to Chandler and Claudia, we love you guys and we're gonna miss you but we'll see you soon...

i heart faces - Let's Hear It For The Boys!

Theme: Let's Hear It For The Boys!

In honor of Father's Day this week i heart faces' theme is all about the males in our lives.

This is one of my very favorite pictures of the boys, taken back when Little G was around 9 months old and The B man was almost 4. I just love how happy they both are and their sweet little boy faces (and jammies!). Not to mention it just brings back the most wonderful memories of my little guys.

Join the fun of "boys" this week at i heart faecs!

I Have to Admit...

... I am loving the fact that when I go into Target and Gymboree and The Children's Place, I can look at GIRL THINGS!!! AHHHHH!

Okay, I'm SOOOO glad I got that out! Whew!

My mother and I were walking through Target the other day and as we walked past the little girls section I started to squeal when I saw this little dress hanging right there on the rack. It's almost like it was singing out ot me... "La, la, la, you can buy me now for your own sweet baby, tra la la..." It took everything in my power NOT to put it in my cart.

Then today I came across a blog that is extremely cute called Michelle Chapell Photography in which she posted about these dress kits on Etsy. Oh my gosh if those aren't the cutest things, I don't know what is! Of course that would mean I would need a sewing machine and well, I don't have one of those. Guess I'll just have to go for the "ready to wear" styles. They will work too...

Oh and a few weeks ago I was twittering about these shoes. I resisted the very strong urge to buy them and someone else snatched them up.

But folks, it's clear that I am on an extremely slippery slope here...

Stay tuned for further posts in which I was not so strong. Trust me, they are coming.

P.S. Thanks SO much to my friend Wendy who gave me two bags of cute baby girl clothes to help "take the edge off." Tim is very grateful! : )

Happy Father's Day!

I used to think about what "kind" of father Tim would be before we had children. I used to wonder how he would react to certain situations or how well he would bond with them. Yes, us women just do things like that.



Of course there was never any reason for concern because he's a wonderul father. Yes, life is VERY hectic and busy right now and he's been gone during the week a lot lately but the first thing he wants to do everytime he walks in the door from a trip or even a day at work here, is hug his boys. Of course it doesn't hurt that they go running up to him with arms wide open...



I love to watch him with our boys, especially how much fun they recently had on vacation, hanging out in the pool and playing at the water park.



Tim is everything a father should be. Yes, he's s provider but he's also caring, loving, involved and a teacher and disciplinarain. And plus he just has FUN with our children. I cannot wait to see how he's going to be with our daughter. I love you my Tim and thank you so much for being the father I always knew you would be...

And to my father, who's been all those things for me as well... Happy Father's Day!

The Good, The Bad and The UGH.

I'm actually going to start with the UGH part, just to get it out of the way.

The house, is suckin' the life outta me. The one I've written a post to profess my love for (but haven't published yet). The one we are currently living in and need to sell in a so-so market. The one that apparently needs MAJOR (and when I say major I mean "gonna cost the big bucks") foundation repair before we can put it on the market.

My husband's flight home got cancelled. I'm SO tired of him traveling that I can't even express.

The B Man has a huge attitude problem lately. And he's WILD all the sudden. Like running around the house screaming and singing and tackling his little brother wild. OH and throwing things. I cannot handle throwing. Okay so it's usually just a pillow, a stuffed animal or another small toy but still, NO Throwing!!! So, anyone wanna borrow him for a while?

And just so I don't leave him out, Little G is in tantrum mode. He want's juice, all the time and since I often do not give it to him he breaks out the water works and elevates that little voice of his, "JUICE PEAS!" "MA JUICE!!" WAH!!!! Just so y'all know, nobody gets anything around here when they throw a fit. Okay, well maybe me, but that doesn't count.

The Bad...

The number on the scale when I step on it. Yeah, yeah, I know I have a good reason, but Oh Lordy, this can't keep going up and up SO MUCH. Maybe I need to lay off the milk chocolate. "Hey, baby, quit liking chocoalte so much, k?" She's still in the womb and I'm already having to give her a little talking to.

The re-do of the shower in our Master bath was supposed to start Monday but because of the little foundation snafu that's now on hold. And we leave on the 2nd of July. Remember what I said about STRESS? Yeah, it's happening.

It's hot and humid and my ankles are starting to swell. Enough said.

The Good...

My husband only has ONE more business trip before this traveling is over. OVER people. That's GOOOOOOD. More than good actually.

One project at the house is done. We had someone re-do the deck out back and it looks wonderful. At least we can check one thing off the list. But p.s.... Why didn't we do this when we were still living here??

Despite the above mentioned issues, I have two of the cutest, sweetest, most wonderful little boys on the planet. In the midst of all this moving craziness, their snuggles and kisses brighten my day and remind me to look at the big picture. Oh and their sister in my belly that kicks and lets me know she's there too. That isn't just good, it's AWESOME.

Friends Are Friends Forever...

... even if you move away, right? Say "right." Right now, say "right."

K, thanks.

Sorry for being so forceful but I need your help here.

In the last week I've spent some quality time with my girlfriends that I've had since college, early marriage and since having children. These woman mean so VERY MUCH to me that it's hard to put into words. From talking about how we got puked on the other day, to toasting with a glass of wine poured within the very vineyard where it was bottled, these ladies have been my rocks.

Take for instance my friend and neighbor Mandy, who let me use her car to take my kids to school when my keys went missing and has listened to me go on about family stuff or my kids, because well, that's just the kind of gal she is. Or my friend Claudia who is letting us invade her house for a couple of days before we get on the road to Louisiana and has cleaned my kitchen many a time after a family get-together. Oh and she makes REALLY good banana pudding too. I think I've mentioned that before... (remember, I like food. a lot.)

Or my friend Jennifer who has been in my life since we were 20 and who was in my wedding and I in hers and reminds me of the "good ole days" on a regular basis. Or my friend Heidi, who I've only known for a little over a year but I quickly discoverd has one of THE best senses of humor on the planet. I mean she almost makes me pee my pants with her stories. And here lately, as the belly grows, there's an even bigger chance of that.

And that my friends, are just a few examples of the wonderful ladies in my life.

So, what I'm trying to say is that I triple-super-heart-love my friends here and I'm afraid I won't find such stellar ones where I am going and that scares me. If I find people with 1/8 of the heart my current group of friends has, I will be lucky.

And of course I'm not saying "Goodbye" to my friends here. NO WAY! Yes, I won't be able to see them as much as usual but we will always be friends. We will stay in touch and if I'm lucky some of them may even come to visit me. (please come visit me, I promise to cook for you and provide lots of 'beverages' and 'treats.')

Isn't this a fun picture? It makes me smile. :D This was last Saturday for a Mom's Night out at Heidi's house. From top left and then clockwise: Me, Heidi, Elaine (yes, also her name!), Irina and Mandy

Sunday night dinner with my long time friends and traveling buddies: (me again), Jennifer (by me), Heather and, Heather!

Tuesday night's dinner with the mom's in the playgroup I've been in since I quit working (outside the home that is!) after Little G was born. In picture above, left to right: Natalie, Jennifer G., Jennifer M, Claudia

And here, Tracy, Michelle and me.
(and glad we took these ladies because the group pictures both had issues!) : )

Love and hugs to you all, my IN REAL LIFE friends that matter so, SO much to me. I don't know what I would do with out you and I hope to never find out...

Like I said, no "goodbye," just "see you later..." : )

WW - Bloomin' Memories

I know it's probably already getting old and it's just starting. You know, about the moving and all but well, that's kinda my life right now, so here it is again. Something about moving. But I included a pretty picture, so at least there's some eye candy to get you through...



This is a bloom on the hydrangea plant that came in a basket of flowers that Tim's co-workers sent to the hospital when Little G was born. My mother planted this bush in our front flower bed while she was here helping after he was born and there it will stay. I debated about digging it up and taking it with us but I doubt it would survive the move and the poor plant trauma. So, I'm taking a photograph instead and hoping that whoever buys our house takes good care of my baby's pretty plant...

All the Wordful Wednesday action is over at Seven Clown Circus. Go see!

Texas, My Texas

As we prepare to leave the great state of Texas for who knows how long, I'm pondering what a BIG deal it really is to me. I've lived somewhere in Texas since I was a wee 16th month old. All the big things that have happened in my life have happened within in these borders. Well, except for the birth part. My parents had the audacity to live in California when I was born (although that's a great state too...). But, I still consider myself a native Texan. Both of my parents are Texas bred and well, we just ARE Texans.

I've been all over the state, thanks in part to my parents' love of travel. I've eaten at restaurants in El Paso and driven through Amarillo on the way to Colorado when The B Man was just a mere "peanut" in my belly. I've crossed over the border at Texarkana on a Spring Break trip with my college girlfriends and I've splashed in the gulf coast waters many times as a child and an adult. For those of you who don't know your Texas geography, that pretty much covers the four corners.

I've been to every major city and spent A LOT of time at the Alamo, and along the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Growing up in Austin, I've been to the capitol building many, many times and have enjoyed walking along the banks of Town Lake. I've been to Houston a couple of times and although I'm not that fond of it, I do accept it as part of this great state. I've driven the I-35 corridor from the D/FW area to Austin more times than I could ever attempt to count and have peed at the same gas station in Waco A LOT. I've visited the Stock Yards in Fort Worth and shopped at the Dallas Galleria Mall quite a bit.

I've spent hours and hours at each of the family farms that my grandparents owned in South Texas and I've ridden in the back of my uncle's truck down a skinny two-lane country highway to go feed the cattle there. And then ridden back again, stopping at the one and only blinking red light in the small town, thankful for a break from the strong wind in my face.

I've eaten fresh sausage made in the butcher shop in Shiner, Texas (where my Mom is from) and watched my Dad wash it down with a Shiner Bock (some darn good beer). I've eaten at five-star steak restaurants and barbeque stands that are only open for lunch. Oh, and more Tex Mex than I can even fathom.

Here in Texas I went to the same schools in the same neighborhood all through my childhood, graduated high school and college, met the love of my life and married him and have birthed my two boys.

I've attended MANY a wedding with beer in the keg and polka music playing in the background. I've attended several funerals and mourned most deeply at those for my Czechoslovakian speaking grandparents. This is the place I've celebrated every birthday and holiday. I was driving down I-30 in Arlington, Texas when I heard the news about the World Trade Center towers coming down.

This is the place where I've made friendships that will last a lifetime. This is the place where the majority of my family resides. The place where I have "roots" that run so very deep. THIS is the place I call home.

I wasn't sure I could EVER leave, but of course I will because that is what is best for my family at this time. And although we are officially leaving my home state, we're just next door and I know we will be welcomed back any time. It is "The Friendly State" after all! In the meantime, I'll miss you my Texas. But I promise I'll see you soon. You can't get rid of me that easy...

Tip Junkie is Going Dot Com!

Although I haven't had much time to visit lately, I love Tip Junkie's site. She features such creative women in wonderful ways and this week she's collaborating with them to give away many great items and celebrate 2 years of being a "junkie" and "going dot com!" Click on over and celebrate with her and perhaps win some wonderful things! Congrats Tip Junkie on your fabulous success!

i heart faces - Sepia Toned

Theme: Sepia Toned - Kids


This is my nephew, Daniel. I just love his eyes and I personally think he's extremely photogenic. Wouldn't you agree? I took this one during our visit to Austin last week while the kids were out in my brother and SIL's backyard playing and well, just being kids. He even has a little food on his face to prove my point!

Join the Sepia fun this week at i heart faces...

Lost Reservation but Great Vacation!

We had a great time at Sea World in San Antonio and (no, they are not paying me to say that - Darnit!) and after day one we decided to spend all three days there. They currently have a deal where you pay for a day and then can come back all year and because they have a few roller coasters (for Tim to ride) and a water park within the big park, we figured we'd just stick with what we knew. And what we'd already paid for!

The hotel where we ended up staying (hotel reservation story to follow...) had a shuttle and we were VERY thankful for that on Friday and the busiest day, Saturday. Especially after not using it the first day (we hadn't checked in yet) and having to go back to our blazing hot car that afternoon.

So here's what happened with the hotel. I made a reservation for this trip the same day I made a reservation for us to stay in Lafayette the first weekend we went there. I KNOW I made both reservations because I was on the phone with the two different hotels back to back.

Anyway, when we were ready to find our hotel that afternoon (after the first day at the park) I couldn't remember the name of the hotel I'd settled on and did not bring along any paperwork or even re-check my email before we left to remind me which one I had booked. "Pregnant-head" was in complete overdrive. I knew what area it was in so we checked with three hotels and none of them had a reservation under my name. I cried. A lot. I also did not have the pamphlet that my SIL had sent me in the mail about the hotels, which had the map I used to choose the hotel so I HAD NOTHIN'! And I was so upset about this whole thing.

Finally we settled on the Hilton that was just across the highway from the park and it worked out wonderfully. Our room was on the first floor and I loved not having to wait for the elevator. And, it was a handicapped room so we had a big bathroom and a walk-in shower that worked great for showering the boys. Tim and I had a nice king-sized bed and The B Man loved his twin roll away. And they had a nice pool area that included a kiddie pool for wading that was perfect for Little G.

Sea World itself was nice and the boys had fun feeding dolphins,


eating lunch (mmmm... watermelon!),


splashing at the splash park



and going to shows.

We only saw two shows, one with acrobats and divers and some dolphins and then the Shamu show, of course. We got there early so we could sit in the "Splash Zone" and then did not actually get splashed (which I was quite glad about). But since we were so early we had to wait and well, of course you cannot wait without a snack. Then SOMEONE stole the rest of the popcorn. I'm sensing a theme here (see previous post).As we continued to wait the nice couple in front of us offered to take our picture. I think Little G's cheeks are still full of popcorn...


Shamu left QUITE an impression on Little G. As I'm typing this and pulling up the pictures he keeps saying "SHAMU SHOW!!!" And yes, the show was fun but it was more fun to watch the boys' reactions to it all. That's what being a parent is really all about, showing your kids all these wonderful things and watching them take it all in and seeing how excited they get. At least it is for me these days...


We did spend all day Friday at the water park but I didn't take any pictures that day. The "lazy river" was certainly the boys' favorite attraction there. And my legs were SO sore from doing the "crab crawl" as I took Little G around it 4 times. Ouch.

We did leave the park by 3 p.m. every day because it got hot and we wanted to see if G would take a nap (which never happened while we were there...). But me and the "wee one" I'm carrying were also too tired and hot by that time to continue so we came back to the hotel where G and I rested and The B Man and Tim went back out to the hotel pool.

So, despite the hotel debacle (btw, I checked and it was the Fairfield Hotel that I am CERTAIN I booked and since I never got an email confirmation, pretty sure they lost my reservation...) we had a wonderful time on our trip.

Here's a little video of Little G and the B Man near the elevators in the hotel that we had to pass every time we went to and from our room. Little G had to say "SHAMUS!" every. single. time we walked by. Notice his impeccable "timing" when he says it at one point, early in this little snippet... Let's just say, thank goodness she was a thin lady........ : )