The Shops at Highland Village

The Shops at Highland Village finally opened this weekend. We've been anticipating these stores for quite some time. It's so fun to finally have great shopping right here in our neighborhood. No more trips to Southlake or Frisco- or at least not as often. The Barnes and Noble had some classic book characters out and about greeting the children. The boys were all too excited to say hi to Curious George and Clifford the Big Red Dog.

The boys also enjoyed climbing around on the HV fire truck. My dad also took this opportunity for a rest time as well.

The theme for the weekend was western, so everywhere you looked were cowboys, ropers, and saloon girls. There was a horse drawn carriage taking people for rides so we had our turn on that as well.

Family Vacation

Steve took a couple of days of vacation. Of course, being at home with me during the week is no vacation. We have a packed schedule so he just got to join in the fun.

After Caleb got home on Friday we went to North Park Mall so Carter and Caleb could see the picture on display. We walked right past the picture to see if he would notice it and he just pointed it out and said very matter-of-factly, "I not like the snow." I guess I anticipated him to be surprised to see his picture in the mall. But he acted as if everyone has that picture hanging up in their home. Oh, well. So much for that surprised face I was expecting.

Next we took the boys to Build-a-Bear. Carter has never done it and we thought it would be something he would enjoy. We let them pick out exactly what they wanted their animal to look like. Caleb ended up with a teddy bear in SpiderMan costume. Carter ended up with a puppy dressed like Buzz Lightyear. My parents showed up just as we were finishing there. (They wanted to see their grandson on display at the mall as well.) So, after looking at the picture all together we went to Maggiano's for a very filling dinner. We just love being able to go out to eat now. The boys are so well-behaved. It's been 5 years since we stopped eating out as a family and we're just now enjoying it again.

Can't Sleep

It's 4 am and I've been up since about 1:30. I've had allergy, sore throat, cough stuff coming on for the past few days. Steve suggested I take some allergy meds. So, I took a Claritin and Delsym for my cough and crawled into bed. Apparently I just took a high dose of caffiene or something similar because I can't seem to shut my brain off. My body is exhausted, but my mind keeps running through a huge check list of things that I need to accomplish. Now, many of these things require stores to be open and people to be awake. However, I can take full advantage of the computer.
So, I've cleaned out all my email. Finally got around to responding to evites and other random email. I've also sent countless emails out concerning all the things running through my brain. Poor Elizabeth. She is getting the brunt of my emails. Since we co-direct children's choir I have many things to ask and share with her since she was out sick tonight- or I guess I should say last night. Get well soon, Eliz! I'm not made to do this job alone! And let me send a public apology for the massive amounts of emails you are waking up to because of my obsessive complusiveness for details.
Now I'm getting a glimpse into the world of my friend, Amy. She is up a lot at night because she has trouble sleeping. I have a new compassion for those that can't get any sleep. And to think I have to function tomorrow!
Steve's on vacation the next 2 days and we agreed he could sleep in this morning. Now I'm looking at the clock realizing I've gotta get Caleb up and going in 2 1/2 hours. Then I need to get Carter to school. I volunteered to be the read aloud mom today at Caleb's school. Then it's time to take Elfy to puppy school. I get done just in time to get Carter from school only to get home to meet Caleb at the bus stop after he gets out of school. Sometimes I think it's just easier to not send anyone to school! So, much for having some time off from being full-time mommy.
I need to just pray now for an extra measure of grace. I'm already overwhelmed and the sun is not even up. So, I hand this day over to you, Lord. Amen.

My night in the big city...

Carter's winning photo went on display tonight at Northpark Mall in Dallas. Jaime went with me into big "D" so we could go to the reception. For those of you near the area, you can see the art gallery inside the mall outside of Macy's. Accenture was one of 33 companies that participated in the art contest. So, there where over 200 pieces on display- the first place entries in each catagory went on display at Northpark.

Megan and Randy met us there- since they live minutes away. (Jaime is in the silver and Meg is in the green). It was a NYC reunion since the last time the 4 of us were together was last December when we went to visit them in The Big Apple. We stayed at the reception for a few minutes, then went to Houston's for dinner and Pokey O's for dessert. So fun! Old friends and good times! Doesn't get better than that.

(oh yeah- Steve couldn't come since he had his softball game. He took the boys with him. So, thanks Steve for letting me have a fun night with Jaime, Megan, and Randy!)

Softball Practice

Steve is playing softball with some guys from church. They had practice this evening, so we made it a family event.

The boys mostly stay in the playground area, but will venture over to take a look at Daddy in action.



Go

Daddy

Go!!!

Street Hockey

We love living on a cul-de-sac. Most nights the boys are out front with the other kids on the street. Since there's only 10 houses on the street and 6 of those houses have little kiddos we all spend lots of hours together outside every week.
Tonight the neighbors pulled out their hockey equipment and set it up in the circle. When cars would head down our street the boys would all run into the goal to keep safe- too cute.
In the net are 2 boys that are Carter's age (Adam & Peyton). They each have older brothers that were running around elsewhere. Our diehard OU neighbors were inside watching the game. When everyone is out, there are 11 kids running around. It's so much fun!

My Peanuts Gang

I love the comic strip "Peanuts" Lately I feel like I'm raising Charlie Brown and Linus.


Steve and I have always called Carter "our little Linus"- anyone who has spent any amount of time around him knows that his blankie is his most prized possession. He's got the yellow one in the car- it goes to public places. He's also got the green one- it stays in the house. I probably hear the phrase, "where's my blanket?" or "I want me blanket" ten times a day. Holding the blanket then always leads to sucking the tongue. I don't know how he does it, but it somehow is very soothing to him. So, I'm not quite sure when this blankie phase will ever end, but I have a feeling Heritage Elementary will frown upon him taking a blankie to kindergarten. That's fine... I've got several more years before taking the Linus out of Carter.



And now that I have Caleb in kindergarten I have these fears he is becoming Charlie Brown. I know this is just all in my imagination- at least I hope so. There are days when I ask him about kindergarten and he's always so excited to tell me all the things he's done. But, when it comes time to ask him who he played with he'll hang his head low and say no one played with him at recess. So, in my mind I picture poor Chuck standing all alone on the playground. Or, remember the time when Charlie Brown went to kick the football and the kid pulled it away? That's the images going on in my head. Am I raising Charlie Brown?



Surely not. I can't be the extrovert, social mother with an introvert Charlie Brown child. Luckily he's had many more days where he comes home and names the kids he ran around with outside at recess. That's a good thing because Mama Bear was about to make a run up to school to force some children to start playing with her son. ("wah wah wah wah wah wah" Don't I sound like the adults off of the Charlie Brown specials?) And yet, I know this is all part of growing up and learning to develop social skills. For years, I had Charlie Brown and Linus at home together being each other's best friend. Now the two have been separated. Charlie Brown is left standing under the tree alone at recess and Linus is left clinging to his blankie while crying for mama. OK, so maybe it's not that bad... but I can tell you we've had a few days like that.




I did get a chance to talk to Caleb's teacher today... she's so wonderful and she adores Caleb. We celebrated her birthday at school and she walked out with us. She came to the car and we got in a deep talk about all kinds of things. In the midst of that I mentioned my Charlie Brown fears. She was actually surprised. She had never noticed him being alone or without a playmate. She did say he's very sweet and quiet. So, I'm not sure what to make of the whole thing. Am I raising The Peanuts Gang?

Sleeping in Swim Class

Every week I go to Caleb's swimming lesson at 4:00 Tuesday afternoons. This is our fourth week and we see the same moms, dads, and kids each time we go. It's like we all become friends, yet we don't really know each other at all.

I always sit next to the same lady. She's got twins in the class next to Caleb. She has 2 older children as well, so she always has interesting stories to tell.

So, I sit down today and we exchange the same few words about having a busy day, yada, yada.... Next thing I know she's snoring. I glance over and she's sitting perfectly straight in the chair and her head has fallen back where her face is to the ceiling. How do you go from talking to snoring in seconds??? It just made me think that this woman is really tired. I always talk about how worn out I am, how busy I am, how tired I am. I'm just one complaint after another. And next to me is a woman snoring.

She slept through 20 minutes of the 30 minute lesson. Her husband finally nudged her and she just looked at him and without skipping a beat, plainly said, "I'm watching Rachel swim."

I don't think she knew she just slept through the lesson. Oh, I was just giggling inside.

Now that is a tired mommy.

Cussin' Caleb

Well, I knew it would happen eventually. Every mother knows that one day her child will say their first cuss word- probably not a moment to be proud of, but still considered a milestone.

We were getting ready to leave for swimming lessons and I told Caleb to take off his tennis shoes and put on his swimsuit and flipflops. He apparently was having difficulty pulling his shoes off and quietly said, "Dammit."

I was so shocked and quickly looked at him and said, "What did you just say?" I think he was surprised by my reaction and wouldn't repeat it. Then he said, "I said dammit." So then of course I asked him where he heard that word. And even as I'm asking him the question I know the answer. It's me! I say dammit. So then I asked him, "Why did you say that?" And he sweetly said, "because I wanted to." Oh my... so much to learn. So then we had our lesson right then and there about words that should not be coming out of his mouth- and shouldn't be coming out of mine either.

I've been tagged...

I was tagged a while back and am just getting around to it. Sorry to everyone wondering when I'd ever get this done-jj

Anyone who's been reading any blogs knows these rules, but here they are:

The Rules:
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their 8 things) and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

My 8 Random Facts

1. I was scalped as a toddler. An upright pinball machine came crashing down across my head and sliced a quarter size chunk of my scalp right off. There's really nothing that could have been done (except stop the bleeding.) My mom saved my scalp in a baggy- it still has baby hair on it. And yes, I have a bald spot there. That's why I never part my hair on my right side.
2. I was born in Tacoma, Washington b/c that's where we were stationed during my dad's time in the Air Force and during Vietnam. My dad got discharged from service when I was 1 and we came straight back to Waco where all the rest of my family was. Steve loves to tease me that I'm not a true Texan.
3. I met Steve at Baylor when I was the co-director of Welcome Week and he was one of the publicity chairs. That's right... he worked under me! Of course, he's probably shaking his head as he's reading this. He use to come into the meetings with his route 44 Sonic drink (yes, we drank them even back in the mid 90s) and just roll his eyes and frown b/c our group would talk too much about nothing in the meetings. I loved to be social and he loved to be efficient. Somehow I found him all too irresistable and set out to make him fall in love with me. Easy as pie... well, probably not that easy but too long to write about. He graduated a year before me and the following year when I did my student teaching abroad I asked him to come visit me. So, he booked a trip to Australia in the fall of 1998. We spent a week touring Cairnes and Sydney. On the evening of Thursday, November 5, we were standing outside the famous Opera House overlooking the harbour and bridge when he dropped to one knee and proposed. I was totally shocked. One might think I would have seen it coming, but I had no clue. We got married a year and a day later... November 6, 1999.
4. I have 2 major weaknesses... I internalize everything. If a hurtful comment is thrown my way, I think about it nonstop and it just eats at me as if I swallowed a poison. I am an organization freak- I want all my laundry caught up, all my scrapbooks caught up, and everything in my house put in the correct place. When things aren't done I feel a burden- a heavy weight on my shoulders. I wish I could just not let that bother me
5. I love lists. I make a list just so I can cross it off. I rewrite my grocery list so everything will be picked up in order of my list. I have list paper in my office, kitchen, car, and purse.
6. I love music, but I hated taking piano lessons. My mom can vouch for that. If my piano teacher, Mrs. Haithcock, knew I turned into a piano teacher she would just die. I've played piano since 2nd grade. I started playing the French Horn in 7th grade. I marched the Mellowphone in high school. I've played handbells since middle school. I was always in my youth choir doing musicals. At Baylor I took over 30 hours of music just because I loved it... turned out I got a minor in music. I was part of the Baylor Handbell Choir. I took 2 semesters of organ- not my best instument. I also took fun classes like History of Jazz. Now it's great to carry that passion into my adult life.
7. I treasure my girlfriends. I grew up with amazing friends that I still call my good friends even today... the type that I could go for months without talking to, but know that if I called they would be there for me no questions asked. These girls are all from my church. Isn't it interesting that I don't keep up with anyone from high school?.... only the ones that I grew up with in church. God provided some amazing friendships that have stood the test of time. There is something very special about the youth group bond... not sure if it's hormones, drama, or just being spiritually bonded to one another, but I love you girls- you all know who you are.
8. I'm not a Waco girl anymore. Never thought I'd be saying that. When you spend your whole life in one town you tend to think you'll always be there. Even as I married and moved to the big city I always thought I'd be back in Waco one day b/c that's where I'm from. Boy, have things changed. Don't get me wrong. I love my family and heritage in Waco. And, I love all things Baylor. But, I really feel at home right where I'm at. God has placed amazing women in my life. It's never easy raising children away from family, but in many ways I feel I have an extended family right here. I am so thankful to have so many wise and Godly women helping me every step of this journey. There's always someone to call and cry with and there's someone to call and laugh with. So, for now I feel like I could stay here forever. That is until all of you move away from me!

That's it. Probably way more than you ever wanted to know about me.

Carter's Big Boy Room! Finally Done!

So 4 months after starting the process it is now finished. A couple of years ago I decided to make Carter's room "Americana meets Days Gone By" or something like that... kind of an eclectic mixture of old stuff that looks boyish while still sticking with lots of reds, white, and blues. We have my old furniture, which was my Granny's furniture when she was a young girl. Then we have Steve's quilt on the bed. His grandmother made it for him and he used it growing up. So, taking those basic items my friend Vicki found the fabrics to bring it all together. We found sock monkey fabric that I just fell in love with. She made some great pillows with the help of Kim and her awesome embroidery machine. I just have the most creative friends. Honestly, I just told Vicki I wanted sock monkeys and she put it all together. The window treatment, bed skirt, and pillows all turned out better than I could imagine.

Shereda also added to his cute room by making him a hanging quilt for his birthday. It fits in great with everything else going on in the room. Many thanks for all the hard work it took to make the quilt just for him.

And as long as I'm giving thanks... I need to give a shout out to my parents who spent a weekend moving and hanging. My poor dad... he's such a good sport.

And, Vicki, thanks for bringing it all together! You are so talented!

Caleb's new big boy room

This summer we changed out Carter's room and the guest room. Once we started moving things around I realized I needed certain pieces of furniture from Caleb's room to make Carter's room work. So, that led to us rearranging Caleb's room- basically unbunking the beds. So, here's the new look at Caleb's revamped big boy room. I just love how it turned out!

Puppy School

Elfy starts puppy school today. We go at 1:00pm every Thursday for the next 8 weeks. She's now 10 weeks old and it's definitely time for her to go to school. This crate training is a bit harder than I remember. Or maybe it's that my life is a bit crazier and I'm not keeping a good eye on her.

We'll be in puppy school with my dear friend, Michelle, and her puppy, Lady, so that should make it all the more fun!

I'll keep you posted!

Puzzle Fun

So I decided to start working on a puzzle. It's a Norman Rockwell 1000 piece puzzle. I'm not particularly good at puzzles, but I always like a new challenge. It's been on my dining room table for about 2 weeks now. Luckily I found someone to help me get it done. My piano student, Ethan, is so smart and is really good at puzzles. So, I had him come over Sunday afternoon to help me knock some of it out. While the boys (including Steve) napped, Ethan and I worked non-stop for 2 1/2 hours getting parts of it done. It's still not finished, but we've made a lot of headway. I'm determined to get it finished. Since I have 6 piano students- and they're all boys- I'm hoping they'll be able to help me. I can't wait until next Monday when Ethan comes back and can put more pieces together!

"Doing Nothing"

I just love these kind of weekends. Usually around Thursday or Friday I get asked the same question all of you get asked... "What are you doing this weekend?" After having full weekdays I'm so excited to look at my calendar and honestly say, "We're doing nothing."

Now, doing nothing always turns into something- which makes it all the more fun. I opted to join my team FROG for a training walk. I got up at 5am and did just over 5 miles- the team went on to do 10, but I didn't want the blisters. I was home by 7am and the house was still quiet. Ohhh, finally the boys are sleeping in! That lasted until 7:45 and was just wonderful. Steve had a 10 and 12 game to umpire, so after his ritual trip to the donut store and morning Sonic stop with the boys he came home to get ready for his games.

We went up to the ballfields to watch Steve in action. Carter kept asking, "where's Daddy?" Caleb and I pointed him out over and over- we were only 15 feet away from him, but Carter just did not recognize him in the umpire gear. Between innings Steve came to the fence and then Carter realized that was his daddy. So, when the next inning started and all the moms and dads started yelling, "Go Tommy! Go Luke!"--- Carter yelled, "Go Daddy!" Oh, it was so cute.

Needless to say it was so hot- not just hot but really humid too. Just gross. Thankfully we had been invited over to swim at the Felley's pool. Now, Brian was our realtor and his wife, Carrie, is my babysitter and their son, Brandon umpires with Steve. So, we're all weirdly connected. The boys just adore "Mrs. Feewhy" so they were all too excited to jump in their pool. The best part was the diving board. The boys had never used a diving board and it didn't take long before they were jumping nonstop. Thanks so much, Carrie and Brian, for having us over. Sorry you had to get your hair wet, Carrie, but I'm glad you rescued Caleb. Just another memory made with my boys!

Then my "doing nothing" Saturday has ended with lots of football watching and all the cul-de-sac kids playing outside and in everyone's backyard. It's just so exciting when the doorbell rings and it's one of the boys asking for Caleb (and Carter) to come out and play. I love that we're entering this new stage of life. All the men gather around the TV in a neighbor's garage and watch football, and all the women stand around talking as the kids run around playing. I love my street and I love all my neighbor's kids. I really just love a "doing nothing" weekend.

Living Beyond Yourself

So, I finally did it. After many years saying "no" I finally said "YES" to doing a Beth Moore study. Shereda and Shanan have raved about Beth Moore- in fact Shanan says she's her best friend, but Beth doesn't know that yet. Then, a few friends have encouraged me to join the Wednesday night study and I felt the timing was finally right... meaning Steve was finally around to get the boys so they didn't have to be a church all night.

I am so excited about this study. It's about the Fruit of the Spirit. With so many life changes right now I can see why God placed me in this study when he did. I have felt so overwhelmed with life and simply thought it would get easier once school started. Boy, was I wrong. When I look at my calendar it just scares me... between 2 schools, piano lessons, gymnastics, swimming lessons for 2, MOPS, training at the gym, puppy school, and choir rehearsals I feel like I barely have time for the other stuff... laundry, appointments, cooking, hobbies, girlfriend time, and then being a full time mom to Carter at home, and most importantly being a wife to Steve. How does that Proverbs 31 woman do it?

I think I'm going to learn the answer is simple. I must live beyond myself. The answer is I can't do it all in my flesh. I have someone great than me that will have to step in and guide me. Even as I'm typing this I've got Caleb hanging on me just wanting to get on the computer. Can a girl just get a quiet moment?

So, how do I live beyond myself? I don't know the process yet, but I'm excited to be on the journey. I need to be on this journey. I'm ready to surrender to Him and see what all I can learn about the Fruit of the Spirit and learning to live beyond myself. I'm sure my mom and dad will be happy to know that I'm learning that not everything is about me (ouch, hard to admit)... although my daddy would still let it be if I just ask nicely enough. haha... I'm notorious in my family for having my daddy wrapped around my finger.

So, let this journey begin.

Big Brother Fan- shhhhh

Anyone who knows me knows I watch reality TV- now I don't get caught up in any and all shows, but I do have my favorites: Survivor, Biggest Loser, American Idol, and Big Brother. I think I get into Big Brother mainly b/c there's nothing else on in the summer that's new. Plus it's on 3 nights a week so that makes it fun to watch. Well, I have managed to get Steve hooked on Big Brother. If you were to ask him, he would most likely deny it. But, we have it on DVR and watch it together after the kids are in bed. Other than The Office and sports we never sit together and watch a show. I told him I was going to let the world know via blog that he is a reality TV fan- at least of one show. Next, I want to get him hooked on Survivor China- especially since we have friends that have a friend on the show- that always makes it more fun.

Lori to the Rescue!

I have many wonderful friends. Really, I do. And I am so thankful for the friends that will drop everything to take my phone call or stop by my house to cheer me up. I have a certain friend in Ohio who would be here if she could, but she makes up for it via cell phone. But, today I want to give a standing applause to my dear friend Lori.

I'm off track right now. I'm not in a groove yet. It seems that starting a new school year entails so much more than just sending your kid to school. And I think Carter is not in a groove yet either. Poor guy has had his best friend taken from him and now he's clinging to me. So this is where Lori steps in.

Since last Wednesday was a disastorous swimming lesson for him, I just prayed this one today would go better. Last night I decided to recruit some help. Lori and Carter have always been close. She adores him and he adores her. Ms. Warwee is her name according to him, and he is usually quick to give her a giant bear hug. Now that her one and only has started Kindergarten I thought she would be the perfect one to help me out.

I had to find out if Carter was scared of the pool or too attached to me. Although this sudden anxiety to leave me can be seen as sweet and loving, I know it's unhealthy for him and certainly unhealthy for me if I buy into it. So, Lori came over this morning and took Carter to swimming lessons for me. He was more than happy to jump in her car and ride over there. Of course I secretly drove behind them and waited in the parking lot. She checked him in and took him to the pool. Now remember, last week he screamed and screamed. He refused to leave me and get in the water. Well, today he just sat right down in the water. Then proceded to do everything he was suppose to do. I know all of this b/c Lori called me and told me everything he was doing as it was happening. It's like we had our own secret mission. So, the last few minutes before class was over I went in to watch. He just looked over at me and said, "Hi Mama!" No tears, nothing.

See, it was me. It wasn't the pool. It was me. I'm so glad to know.

Lori, you are an amazing friend. Thanks for giving up your morning to be a friend to me. I can start to see the light at the end of this very long, tiring tunnel.

Regression

What is happening with Carter? I go to take him to MDO and he has a complete melt down. He seemed excited right up until the moment we got to the door of the building.
Then he turns and looks at me... sticks out the bottom lip, eyes tear up, and he says "hold me." I have flashbacks to swimming lessons last week. I really thought we were past this stage, but apparently it's resurfacing and back worse than ever.
Crying, crying, crying...
Once the teacher peeled him from me, I made a dash for the door. Once in my car I look back and see that has bolted from the room and has his face plastered against the glass door watching me drive away. Luckily, my girlfriends were there to call me afterwards with updates. Vicki gave him his blanky and apparently he took it and burried his face into it. Kim called me later to say he had quietened down. Oh, my heart is broken. I really want to race back there and cuddle him, but I also know that's the worst thing to do.

Back to Umpiring

Steve is back umpiring! He has worked for Grapevine Youth Baseball on and off for almost 10 years. It's always been his well-paying hobby. But, with his traveling he has been really limited as to when he could umpire. Then, once the boys came along he rarely took jobs b/c it took away from our precious family weekends.

So, now that he's working in Dallas he decided to get back to the diamond. Luckily, our sweet friend (and favorite babysitter) happens to know everything about Highland Village baseball and got him hooked up with the head of umpires. It's so much nicer for him to ump just 5 minutes away versus 30 minutes.

He got called to do a tournament this weekend and ended up with 2 games- the normal amount for one day. But, he ended up doing both games behind the plate. Needless to say, he's a bit sore and realizes he's not as young as he use to be. Just imagine doing squats for 4 hours. The heat was intense and once he got home you could wring out his shirt... lots of sweat. He lost 6 pounds in the 6 hours he was gone! Now, that's the kind of diet I need to get on!

I'm so excited he gets to get back into his umpiring. He's really, really good at it. Plus, he looks so cute in the uniform. I'm sure we'll make it to the games sometimes, but I just don't like it when everyone starts yelling at Blue. Steve could care less if he gets heckled. In fact, I think he kind of likes it in a weird sort of way.