Blog

I know some of you out there read other blogs. Take a look at the Allums blog. They are dear friends of the Shans (Steve's sister and her husband) from Birmingham. They have been on an adoption journey that has gone on and on and on. They are strong believers and really need all the prayers they can to get baby Nathan home to them.

http://www.babyallums.blogspot.com/

Baby Connor

Here's my beautiful friend, Megan. We've been best buds for 20 years now. Our families have a long history together. She gave birth to her first child, Connor Thomas, on Wednesday. Sunni and I went to visit her today at the hospital. It was so thrilling to see her holding her baby!! I set her up with her now-husband, Randy, many years ago- who would have thought it would have all led up to this!

We've been waiting with great anticipation for Connor's arrival.

He's only yawning. Sunni was afraid it appears he's screaming. We actually never heard a peep out of him. He was just so content. I'm holding him up so you can see how long he is... 22 inches! Not surprising from a 5'10" mom and 6'2" dad. But he's a skinny boy: 7 lbs 4 oz

Doesn't that look like a boy?? No mistaking him for a girl. All that dark hair is from his half Filipino daddy. He's even got an olive colored tone- fitting for his sun loving, tan mom!

Here's Dr. Barnes (aka Sunni) holding precious Connor. I had to steal her away from her job today. Doesn't she look good with a boy?

Nothing sweeter...

I'm so excited for Randy and Megan! I feel like this baby has been a long time coming! As teenagers we talked about our future hopes and dreams of becoming moms. Through our various relationships, dating, engagements, and marriage we have been with each other. For the past 5 years of their marriage I have looked forward to this day for them. Even when visiting them up in NYC last year we talked about her desire to get pregnant and start a family. I remember when she called me last fall just after peeing on the stick! So, I feel like I've known about this baby for the full 9 months. Welcome to the world Connor Thomas! Aunt JJ loves you!

Thank God for Insurance!

$10,427.60

Total cost of Caleb's ear surgery. Needless to say, we have met the family deductible for the year. This is when it pays to have a husband work for a large company that offers family coverage. The hours and demands of a corporate job can be stressful on a family, but the benefits it provides are unbeatable. And to think.... this was just a 30 minute surgery where we stayed less than 2 hours! Healthcare costs are insane! Thank you, Steve, for putting up with corporate America so we can be healthy!

Home for a Year

One year ago Steve officially changed positions at his job. It was a long journey to get us here. We talked for years about what it would take to "get him home." We tossed around all possibilities: change companies, go back to school for another degree, me go back to work. I was willing to do anything to put him in a position where he either enjoyed his job or worked locally or both. It wasn't so much for me, but for the boys. Thankfully, Steve had a wonderful career counselor within the company that really helped guide him into his new position.

After 9 years of full time travel he now works locally- and by that I mean downtown Dallas. People still say to us, "oh, what a long commute each day." and Steve smiles and says, "much shorter than a 7 hour commute to Rochester, NY." No one understands the overwhelming frustrations of the airline industry until you have to deal with them multiple times a week. As Steve says, "they earn every million dollar loss they get." Time zone changes, sleeping in hotels, working endless hours, traveling nonstop, seeing your family only on weekends. Trying to be the best dad, husband, friend, lawn boy, umpire, and Lego builder all in a 48 hour time period only to leave and get readjusted to the other life... it's not easy. It's certainly grown our marriage in so many ways. We've learned to communicate, share responsibilities, and respect each other.

When he made the transition last June neither of us knew what to expect. I'm used to having the bed all to myself, watching whatever I want on TV, and not cooking often. But, to get to have Steve walk in the house each evening is such a joy- well worth the trade off. I'm learning to stay on my side of the bed, watch the Cubbies (which seems to be every single night), and cook on occasion. Steve is honestly just happy to have cereal for dinner every night.

I'm so thankful for the years of travel. We have enjoyed the benefits greatly- hotel points and airline miles. I have learned so much about myself. Being a single mom every week for 5 years has empowered me in ways others won't understand. I don't rely on Steve to be the one to make me feel good about myself or coddle me. Although I like him to take care of those "handy man things and car problems" I know I can get it done as well. I do like chivalry, but I am no helpless woman either. Gotta use my degree for something. But, I do rely on him as a partner. He's my voice of reason. He lets me have lots of girl time and breaks from our boys- even as he's tired from working all day. I tell him he saves me lots of babysitter money! There's nothing more special than my hubby's relationship with our boys. I'm just so glad he made the job change- a sacrifice for him- but so worth it in the eyes of his wife and sons.

Training Total Tuesday

Weeks before the walk: 19-20

Training:
Monday- 45 minutes
Tuesday- SeaWorld- it's gotta count for something!
Wednesday- 45 minutes
Thursday- 1 hour
= 2 hours 30 minutes + SeaWorld walking total

Fundraising:
Personal- $1,741.00
Team- $7,821.79

Training while vacationing is doable- especially when there's a gym available or safe walking trails. And, if you have an active vacation (such as a stop at SeaWorld then it's easy to get in walking time without trying). Plus, it's easier to eat the desserts when you know you've done some workouts! Who am I kidding?... I'd eat the dessert anyway!!

Shopping for New Shoes:
My biggest mistake at the 3Day 2006 was not being completely prepared with the right shoes. I kind of went halfway with it. The 3Day staff suggests 2 pair of appropriate walking shoes. I did buy $100 Brooks from the RunOn store (picked out by an expert) and then a $40 pair of New Balance (picked out by me alone) from a discount shoe store. It's suggested that you alternate your shoes. I did alternate and wore my NB on day 2.... and then got blisters on 6 of my toes. I won't go into the many gory details of how excruciating painful that was... some of you reading this have a light stomach and don't want to know.

So, this time around Shereda took me to RunTex in Austin. I got fitted for a new pair of Brooks and a new pair of Mizunos. Both of these shoes are pricey, but after walking the final 30 miles with blisters covering the bottom of my feet I vowed to not skimp on shoes again. In addition to the new shoes I have several new pairs of Wright socks- they are double layered and wick-free. They cost close to $10 a pair. I would say next to the fundraising, the appropriate shoes and socks are where most of the money is spent. It's an investment, but so worth it! My toes will thank me!

Fun Vacation Week

We are back from the lake and are trying to adjust to life again. We had the best time with my in-laws, my parents, and Andy/Em & girls. It was truly a retreat for us all. We all worked together on the meals and watching the kids. The kids are just happy to be in the pool the whole time.

Some highlights include:
*Caleb driving 40 mph on the Sea Doo with his daddy holding on for dear life
*Carter jumping off the top of the boat into the lake
*Fishing with my dad- and watching Caleb catch 4 fish totally on his own (Carter caught some too with Papa's help)
*Emily and I taking the kids out on the golf course to watch all the guys play
*Eating at Opie's (rated as a top BBQ place according to Texas Monthly)
*Riding the roller coasters with cousin Mark, Andy, and Emily... and hearing Andy scream like a girl
*Watching the children watch the Sea World shows- Shamu, dolphin & beluga whale show, and sea lion, walrus, and otter show
*Me sleeping in each morning and Steve napping each afternoon
*Shopping in San Marcos with Emily- she got a steal of a deal on a new purse and wallet from Coach
*Going in to Austin to buy new shoes and socks for my 3Day walk- thanks Shereda!
*Playing Dance Dance Revolution with Shereda and my hubby... too funny!
*Eating out at Angels roadhouse with Andy and Emily while watching the Cubs on TV
*Watching Steve, Andy, and Mark all go tubing

We had such a fun time together. I don't think any of us really wanted to come back. The good thing is we return in just a few weeks. I didn't take a single picture. If Emily posts some then I'll steal some from her. I really just enjoyed my family!

Beat by Granny

We're at my parent's house tonight. My cousin, Leah, and Granny came over for dinner and some Wii fun. Granny has only been a spectator up until tonight. My mom, Leah, Granny, and I all played a game of bowling. We taught Granny to bowl from the comfort of her chair. Can you believe my 86 year old Granny beat my cousin and me!!?? My mom finished strong with a turkey in the 10th frame. It was quite a funny evening!

1- Darlene (aka mom or nanny)
2- Katie (aka Granny)
3- Jenny
4- Leah

Checked out of life... and loving it!

This is vacation week. Many wonderful memories being made. Spent Father's Day with my Daddy and my husband, along with the rest of my family. Got to celebrate again with my Father in law the next day. We're all at the lake now getting way too much sun. Playing out on the lake... Sea Doos and boat... even thrown off the jet ski into the lake by Steve. Gotta love a playful husband! My parents, my in-laws, my brother, his wife, their 2 girls, my 2 boys, my hubby, and my cousin Mark. Fun times. Just got back from Sea World. A new set of burn lines- hopefully will become tan lines. 3 shows, 2 roller coasters, and the log ride- Carter was terrified, but he did it! Caleb was too scared to get on. Haven't taken a single picture. Just enjoying every moment with my family. It's fun being disconnected from everything else. Real life will start up again, but until then... I'm loving this vacation!

Happy Birthday, Baby!

Here's my baby boy- he's officially 4 years old today! He shares his birthday with my mom and all those who celebrate the flag- it's Flag Day! He was suppose to be a C-Section baby because he was breech. And a last minute sono showed he turned- so, out of OR prep and into L&D! From then on he's kept us guessing!

You never know what you get with Carter. He can be in the most playful mood or downright sad... "my feelings are hurt" he tells me. His smile can turn into the biggest, poutiest frown you've ever seen within seconds. His voice is deep and raspy... very loud... we all know where he is at all times. He wants to be with "Cawub" all the time. The day Caleb started kindergarten was probably the lowest time of his little life. He is friends with everyone he meets, but don't catch him on a bad day because he could give you a look that will slice you in two!

His favorite phrases are, "Is that a good deal?" and "I'm just so sorry." He still loves his blanky and keeps one in the car and one in the house. When he starts feeling tired he rubs the blanky between his fingers and sucks on his tongue. He would nap everyday if we want him to. He loves sugar cookies with pink sprinkles and chocolate ice cream. He's desperately hoping for a Nintendo DS for his birthday just like his big brother. Actually anything that Caleb has is something he wants!

How lucky we are to have 2 beautiful, healthy boys. I look forward to the next year of having a 6 and 4 year old! Life is so fun!

Truth

My mom sent this to me. I thought it was great and many of you would enjoy it. So, which ones ring true to you?

16 Things it took me 50 years to learn.

By Dave Barry, Nationally Syndicated Columnist

1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

2. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved and never will achieve its full potential, that word would be "meetings."

3. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."

4. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.

5. You should not confuse your career with your life.

6. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

7. Never lick a steak knife.

8. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.

9. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.

10. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.

11. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.

12. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.

13. A person who is nice to you but rude to a waiter is not a nice person.(This is very important. Pay attention. It never fails.)

14. Your friends love you anyway.

15. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.

16. Men are like fine wine. They start out as grapes, and it's up to women to stomp the crap out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.

Water Hopscotch

This year in kindergarten Caleb learned hopscotch. Just like every kindergartner before him for the last 100 years. The ages-old recess game has not changed, but you no longer have to draw it out with chalk on hard pavement.
When we saw Water Hopscotch in the catalog, Caleb insisted we get it. I was wanting to try out some kind of outside water thing, so decided this one might be fun. They did enjoy themselves and since it's a game they actually stayed outside for a good length of time. The water sprays really high if you want it too- just depends on the pressure.

Training Total Tuesday

Weeks before the walk: 21

Training:
Friday- 45 minutes
Saturday- 2 hours
Monday- 45 minutes
= 3 hours 30 minutes total

Fundraising:
Personal- $1,741.00
Team- $7,501.79

We postponed our bunko night due to so many conflicts. We have so many great raffle prizes, we didn't want to go ahead with the party and only a few people come. So, we will reschedule for the end of the summer and hope that more people are available to come.
Our team training walks are getting longer. We also are starting earlier- 6:30am on Saturdays. It won't be long before we'll be starting before 5am! We just can't be in the Texas heat that long!

Instead of leaving you with a training tip, I decided to tell you the story of my friend. Last week she went in for a mammogram. Turns out there were some questionable areas and she had to go back for a biopsy last Friday. She was so scared that she could barely talk about it. She emailed me Tuesday with great news- all looked good and she'll go back in 6 months. My friend is in her late 30s. Although it was a scary ordeal we were both glad she was proactive about her mammogram. Just another reason to make yourself a priority and schedule a mammogram!

My Pianist

Caleb started piano lessons yesterday. The good thing about having his mother as a teacher is that we can go as fast or slow as we want through the lesson books. We've knocked out 3 lessons in the last 2 days, which would normally take 3 weeks. I will continue to teach and move through the books as long as his attention span (and mine) lasts. Plus, it is very slow in the beginning so I'm glad to not muddle through. He's catching on quickly, so that's encouraging.

I don't have any grand illusions that he will always respond to me as his teacher, but he loves to learn so I think it may work well for this summer. I'm not sure this will be an option for Carter- we seem to butt heads quite a bit more. Good thing we have several more years before making that decision.
Look at his sweet hands on the keys!

Oh, and my piano room window treatments are done. They're gorgeous! It's put me another year in the hole for teaching, but fine with me. (Vicki sews and I teach her boys) The cream colored fabric is actually music- it's the tune of "When the Saints Go Marching In" and then we have black silk for the panels.

We bought this house because I envisioned my grand piano room. Steve had much doubt that would ever occur. It was a messy catch-all room at the front of the house for so long- somewhat of an eyesore. It's been 5 years since we moved in and I finally see it all pulled together. Now it's my piano studio. It's a room for my students and me. All lessons are done on the Yamaha piano- including Caleb. The Steinway is just for me. Last week we had a guy come out and put a film over the front windows to block the heat and the UV rays that will fade the mahogany wood. It's just nice to see it all finally come together.

(*Mom, please print a picture of the room to show Granny. She's been wanting to see what my windows look like. thanks)

Boys, Boys, Boys

Here's the Shans. Steve's sister, Shanan, and husband, Shannon. They live in Augusta, GA while he finishes his fellowship in GI. Cole just turned 3. Mason is 16 months. And we have a new nephew on the way- due in October! That will be 5 grandsons- we have a basketball team! And poor Shereda still has no little girl to smock for. I told her she should change "The Bunkhouse" (where all the grandchildren sleep at the lake house) into "The Locker Room" and just add several urinals.
We can't wait to meet you, baby boy!

Celebrate with Water!

Caleb hopped off the school bus for the last time as a kindergartner. We ran home, changed into swimsuits (well, just the boys), and went to the shops by our house. We grabbed cookies at the Nestle store and spent the next hour splashing in the water. 10 other friends showed up during that time. They all had so much fun. If you look at the middle picture you can see Caleb holding up "1" finger indicating he's now a first grader- so proud!

Kindergarten Graduation

Today was kindergarten graduation. It's a happy day for Caleb and his friends but a sad day for all of the parents sitting out in the audience watching their kids get little diplomas.

All 6 K classes stood together and sang the school song and some other song about cookies. There were probably 200 cameras all going off at the same time.

Mrs. Nikkel, the principal, gives Caleb his diploma.


Caleb and all of his classmates got Reading Counts awards. This is the program where you read a book and take a test on the computer for points.

Caleb and Emily- still best friends... Do you notice her arm locked in his?

Mrs. Larkin- best kindergarten teacher ever!

Thanks for loving my baby boy and teaching him so many things!

A last look at his class. The walls are already emptied as the year is winding down. Tomorrow is the final day. Not sure that I'm ready to say goodbye to kindergarten... yet I'm looking forward to having my Caleb back home with me this summer. He truly is the sweetest child on earth!

Training Total Tuesday

Weeks before the walk: 23 & 22

Training:
Wednesday- 1 hour
Wednesday- 45 minutes
Friday- 1 1/2 hours
Saturday- 1 hour
Monday- 45 minutes
= 4 hours 15 minutes total

Fundraising:
Personal- $1,741.00
Team- $7,255.69

Such a crazy few weeks... the end of kindergarten, the umpiring, the ear surgery, Memorial holiday, trip to my parents... so much going on! But, I guess it's normal life. We are having our bunko fundraiser at my house this Saturday with some great prizes. It should be a fun time!

Dress for Success and Beat the Heat:

Wear apparel that's light (white) in color, lightweight, and has vents or mesh. Microfiber polyesters, such as CoolMax and DuoFold, are good fabric choices. Keep the neck line loose and the shoulders covered. Cotton shirts are the worst choice. They hold water and are slow to evaporate. Also, wear a visor so the head can breathe. A high percentage of heat is lost through your head so keep the heavy hats away and select a visor or hat that is well ventilated. You can put ice in a hat to help cool you off too. Also, be sure to wear sunscreen and sunglasses. Be careful though; applying too much sunscreen can actually cause you to heat up quicker by slowing the ability of the skin to cool itself. You only cool yourself when the sweat evaporates.

Go Cubbies!

If you marry into the James family, then you become a fan of the Chicago Cubs. In fact, we had the Wrigley Stadium sign on the groom's cake at our wedding. It seems they're on TV everyday- or at least at my house. Thank goodness for the WGN channel- it helps make for one happy husband. I've even been paying attention lately. We have the boys cheering for the Cubs and I wear my new Cubs hat any chance I get. There's this song that's played throughout Wrigley at the end of each Cub victory. It's sung by Jimmy Buffett... kind of a cheesy pop song that plays over and over in your head. I think that will be Steve's next Itunes purchase.

The Cubs are currently the best in the majors...the last time they had the best record on 6/1 was 1908....the last time they won the World Series.

Go Cubbies!

Lake Waco

We went to Waco this past weekend. The boys love going out on Papa's boat. The water was choppy, but the weather was great. I feel like we just a tease for a fabulous summer!

Tree Pose

Here's Steve doing a little yoga on the Wii Fit at my parent's house. Now imagine trying to maintain this balanced pose while having your wife laugh hysterically from behind. I'm married to one hot man!

Memorial Day Party

Our neighbors hosted the cul-de-sac for a cookout and pool party. We are so fortunate to have such fun, loving neighbors who we can also call friends. We all enjoy spending time together and raising our kids together. Everyone has a playmate at all times. Between the 7 families we have 14 kids and 2 more on the way. Caleb rides the bus with 3 of the other boys and in just a few years we'll probably occupy half of the bus! We look forward to many more pool parties!

Baby Kayli

Carter and I went to visit Sunni and Kayli at their new house. Brad started his new job and Sunni is still home for a few more weeks. She is just minutes away from Megan, which makes it so great to see both friends.

Carter and Kayli- are prearranged marriages acceptable?


It's a mini-Sunni. Little Kayli is so cute and sweet.

This is as close as it gets to me having a girl- (except for my precious Kayla and Caroline) I'm so glad they now live in Dallas. They're still 45 miles away, but way closer than San Antonio or Minnesota.