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"Sugar Sugar" ~ The Archies

2009-11-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

Friday night we carved our pumpkins. Each of us pick and carve a pumpkin each year. It's a bit of a competition, we each take it very seriously. CC took forever to pick his but finally decided to stick with The Nightmare Before Christmas theme. Bennett decided to do Mickey Mouse's silhouette. We found a great product for Emma that the Mr. Potato Head people put out only they are for pumpkins, and Emma made a Prince Pumpkin Head.
Coop with the help of Dad did the basic toothy smile. I decided to go a bit more unconventional and took CC's drill and a few different drill bits and just made a ton of holes all over my pumpkin. I loved it. It was my disco ball pumpkin and it casted little lights all over the place.
Of course afterward I roasted up the seeds and we have been munching on them ever since.

Saturday was the big night and the kids were excited.
First give me a minute to explain costumes.
Bennett - At first I decided he was simply too old. No more trick or treating for him. But at the last moment he convinced me that he had all the things on hand to create the Left 4 Dead Hunter zombie if only I would get him face paint. I caved. My son the zombie.

Emma decided long ago what she wanted to be - a cheerleader. My mom made her costume and for being half a country away she did a great job because it fit perfectly. We glittered up her hair and got some pompoms and she was in heaven.
GOOOOOO EMMA!!!

Now for my little man. Originally we found this great Mickey Mouse costume at the Disney store and considering CC's job we thought it would be perfect. It was. Only problem was we waited to long to buy it and when we went back it was gone and all they had were Pooh which I just wasn't feeling that for Coop. I don't know what got into my head or how but all the sudden I thought it would be HILARIOUS if Cooper dressed up as a lady bug. It just made me giggle. It still does. I found this adorable Lady Bug costume and considered it as sign. He loved it and I'm only hoping he will love it just as much when I give this to his HS prom date when he's older.

I stayed in and passed out candy while CC took the kiddos door to door. We went through almost 165 pieces of candy, we have a busy neighborhood. The kids got a full bucket each and the night ended all safe and sound at home enjoying a Ghost Hunter's Marathon.

"Orange Crush" ~ REM

2009-10-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to do better I really am with the blog thing. I am sitting here with a half eaten package of saltines praying this time it works. Atleast it gave me the time to get some pictures and this blog going right? Be thankful for little things.
Saturday we went to Sweet Berry Farms. It was a perfect day. The weather couldn't have been better. We packed a picnic and made the drive out to the farm. This is our second year visiting this pumpkin patch so the kids knew what to expect and were excited for it.

Now everyone has a pumpkin we have all been discussing how to decorate them. It is a bit of a family competition to come up with the best/original/awe inspiring design. I'll keep you updated.

"Remember" ~ Jack Johnson

2009-10-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

Okay I have a lot to catch up on and quite frankly I have little energy to do it justice. That stinks because there really is a lot to do. This will be the Campbell's Soup entry, nicely condensed. Let's see if I can remember it all.

Where to start?
The new issue of GameInformer with Christian's game featured is finally out. It looks great.

I went on my girls trip about a week and a half ago. It was so great to see the girls again. This year we went to the Gulf Coast. It was full of history and beautiful architecture and fun shopping. However, I must admit that I terribly miss the Pacific Northwest beaches. Galveston has an incredible cemetery right there in the middle of town. We spent and evening there wandering around and it was one of my favorite things. Here is a picture of one of the beautiful old headstones I took. I think I took more pictures of the cemetery and architecture than I did of each other this year.
We spent a day at Kemah Bay. Great shopping and food, a requirement and we all went to the aquarium and petted some sting rays.
I really wasn't sure I would be able to do the trip this year because I have been feeling so sick constantly. They are like sisters though, and when I was sick they took it as a time to nap and relax. Luckily I was only sick the first and last day I was there. Counting down the days until next year.

The weather is finally cooling down. The other night CC and I slept with the window's open and the ceiling fan on and almost needed a blanket. It was heavenly.

Christian had a big company BBQ on Saturday. I didn't do too well with the multiple smells of meet cooking but the coleslaw was Divine (see me trying to find the silver lining?) They had bounce houses, games, face painting and some incredible gelato brought in. The kids LOVED the bounce houses. Emma didn't want to leave them. Did I say the kids loved the bounce houses? So did CC by these pictures.

Saturday was also our local Fall Festival. I have to admit that we really didn't get to spend that much time there because I felt sick Fri night and Saturday we had CC's BBQ. However, I really really wanted to enter the bake off again. Friday I came up with a cookie idea and went out and bought the ingredients and Saturday morning I made them for the first time ever. I really didn't think I'd win this year. (I won first last year) but to my surprise I got a call that I won second place. Not bad for a recipe I came up with in my head and only tried out that morning. They were a take on Turtles, chocolate, caramel and pecans with a secret ingredient thrown in for fun. Now on above my kitchen sink I have a trophy and a medal to prove that sometimes I really can cook. I'd post a picture CC took of me but DANG I look bad and since I have posting rights I opt not to share. Trust me I'm not looking great these days.

Yesterday I went to pick up Emma from school and on the way there I just knew I was about to be sick. I hurried into the office and asked to use the bathroom, an adult one please. The poor secretary looked at me like I was victim of the plague or something until I explained to her that I was pregnant and this was one of those moments. I scurried to the bathroom (btw NICE job on the adult bathrooms at JP!) and when I was done I went on to look for Emma. Her VI saw me and said, 'what is wrong with you?! Your face is all red are you okay?' I just laughed as I explained my last few moments. I'm sixteen weeks this week. Shouldn't I be done with this by now?

My boys have been so good to me while I've been sick. I really am lucky. Christian has been cleaning the toilets for me. He offered and when I asked him why he said, "that way when you're sick it won't be as bad." How sweet is that?!
The afternoon and evening are usually my worst times. Sometimes Bennett will come home from school and just can tell I'm not doing well. He is such a good boy. He will say to me, "Mom, I'm home now so if you want to go lay down for awhile Ill watch everyone and take care of things for you." MELT MY HEART!!! I really couldn't ask for more. They take care of me and I am so grateful for their loving and giving ways.

Wicked Game ~ Chris Isaak

2009-10-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

It's official!!! (Yes I know that was my opener last post... sue me)
The game Christian has been working on was announced today via GameInformer.
Here is a LINK to the article and the full issue will come out next week.

"Baby Baby" ~ Amy Grant

2009-09-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

It's official. The unofficial statement we've waited to make official (although unofficially has already been made) can now officialy be announced. We ARE pregnant!

Doctor says everything looks good at this point. Little one should make his/her grand apperance in April.

"Conjunction Junction" ~ Schoolhouse Rocks

2009-08-31T06:33:00.000-07:00

Sweet day! The kids are back in school. I have to admit the day I was so looking forward to made me a little sad when it finally came. I found myself missing the summer together. That lasted until about noon. I recover quickly.
Emma has been counting down back to school day for weeks. She came home the first day and asked if she could go back the next day. Nothing is better than a kid who loves school.
Bennett was my big worry. This is his 3rd school in as many years and the poor kid has had enough of it. Just when he warms up to a school he either moves, moves to a new school because of his grade, or redistricting. Luckily he came home from school with a big smile on his face and a kick in his step. He literally kicked up his heels when he got home.

"Soak Up the Sun" ~ Sherryl Crow

2009-08-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

While I wait patiently, okay maybe not that patiently, for the weather to cool off the one bright spot is our pool. It's the only outdoor fun we can endure in this heat.
Bennett loves to dive down to the bottom or practice his hand stands. He also likes to help Em and Coop float out to the deeper ends.
Emma on the other hand loves to bounce and 'pirouette' along the side of the big pool. When she is done with that she likes to go sit in the little pool right next to the jet. I think we should look into getting a hot tub. (hint hint CC)
Coop is fearless. He jumps into the pool and doggy paddles around, with or without me by his side. He doesn't care if it's the deep end or the shallow end just so long as he can jump. I still don't feel comfortable enough to not stay very close by but he's a little water baby. Look out Michael Phelps!

Over the Rainbow ~ Eva Cassidy

2009-08-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

There are days when I could just sit and watch him all day. Even after a day of tracking turmeric all through my house and ruining my carpet (yay new flooring next year) I still get lost looking at this face.
I wonder what he thinks about. What does he think of me? What does he think of this home and world that he's so new to?
He's all boy but he totes around this blanket in his quiet moments and finds comfort in it's worn frayed edges. I plan on reminding him in his high school years I have this picture and I'm not afraid to use it.
The world is so scary and unsure. How do moms not go crazy with worry and fears? I think it's because we see so much hope and love and goodness when we look in these eyes that we know it overpowers all there is to worry about. Either that or we are, as our children would say, insane.

Photoblog

2009-07-29T13:13:00.001-07:00

I've decided it's time to keep a photoblog. It's more for me than anyone else but I'm sharing the link over here just for those that want to keep track of what's going on. Photoblog This will help with school and just my own learning I think.

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" ~ Nirvana/Paul Anka

2009-07-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Bennett,
My baby is now officially a teenager. I watched you today and I marvel to think about this day 13 years ago. My how you've grown from the little baby that fit so snugly in my arms to the young man before me that is fast approaching my height. You now just laugh at me when I tell you to stop growing up. I think that is a battle I will have to admit I've lost. It's okay though because I'm so please with the young man you're becoming. I know I rely on you a lot to help me and even when I try to lay off and let you off the hook you are always there before I can ask picking up any pieces that may fall. You're so eager to please and serve people. You love to be the host and make friends and family feel welcomed and invited. Whenever you have your friends over I know I have nothing to worry about because you are always thinking of others first. You have a beautiful sense of calmness about you that comes across in all that you do. As I watched you give your talk a few weeks ago in church I was stunned at how composed and self assured you seem. I know you have fears and worries and that being a teenager isn't easy but you truly do have a sense of right and wrong and with that seems to come an ease that is felt whenever someone is around you. You are sensitive. I know you don't want me to tell anyone that and hopefully by the time you get around to reading these blogs you won't mind that I told the world but you are and I think it's beautiful. The other day we were talking about something and you mentioned how you hate it when people cried. As we talked further you said you couldn't explain it but whenever someone cried it made you cry too. I think that speaks volumes to the type of person you are and the type of man you are sure to become.
However, just for now - just this day, I can't think about that man that you are becoming. Today you are my baby, my first born, my pride, my joy, my love, my heart, my sweetness. I'm so thankful for you in my life. We would be lost without you.
All my Love,
Mom

(ps listen to both versions of this song it will make you smile)

Camp TSBVI

2009-07-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

I am not sure how I forgot to make this post but apparently I did.
Emma went to camp this year. I was terrified and nearly didn't send her but her VI and O&M teachers swore it would be good for both of us. They may have been right. Emma was so excited to go. She had a little dorm with friends and they kept very busy going on field trips and outings. I called more than was necessary I'm sure. Emma had a great time and came home with excitement for going again next year along with a scrapbook of all the things she did. Some of the things they did was rock climbing, trip to the capital, swimming, nature walks, along with her favorite a trip to McDonalds. I might be a little braver next year. Maybe.
This was Emma on her first day in her dorm room. She was pushing me out the door and I was clinging to the door jams wondering why she wasn't in tears like I was.

Forever Young ~ Alphaville

2009-07-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

Nightly CC goes out to water the flowers and let the dog out. If Coop is still up then he usually takes him out too just to burn off some energy since it's the only time of the day that it's below 95 degrees. Last night I went out and joined them and while Coop danced around in the back of the pick-up truck I thought to myself how magical of an age. When is there any other time in your life that being in the back of a pickup truck is cause to dance and giggle wildly? The joy he finds in the everyday moments and happenings of his world tickle me to no end. He danced and giggled and played in the back of the truck while CC and I talked and laughed at him. Later he and CC played chase/hide and seek in the yard. As CC dashed one way and Coop ran to find him peels of laughter floated through the night air. Don't you wish you could remember those moments of your childhood? Better yet don't you wish that you didn't hold yourself back with the bindings of society and our own lack of confidence and did dance in the back of a pickup truck and laugh at the pure joy of it all or play giggle tag with someone you love?

"Happy Birthday" ~ New Kids on the Block

2009-07-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was CC's birthday. It was a crazy day for me and I didn't get to celebrate him in all the ways I had planned so we will just have to carry the birthday fun out through the week.
Now that he works for The Mouse each year on their birthday Micky comes sits on his desk with a cupcake and candle. I begged him to have someone take a picture of it for me. Isn't he just the cutest thing ever?
Happy Birthday love!
(and yes it is a gift to have the New Kids sing your birthday song!)

2009-07-06T21:15:00.000-07:00

Results of a photoshop class I'm taking

Mamma Mia! ~ ABBA

2009-06-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

Last night I went with some awesome dynamo chiquititas to go see the touring production of Mamma Mia . We had so much fun together. We had 2nd row seats and could watch the musicians in the pit. The best part however was just laughing, dancing and having fun with great friends at a great musical.

Thanks for an awesome night!!

"Manic Monday" ~ The Bangles

2009-06-22T13:16:00.001-07:00

Allow me to take you on a tour of my morning:

I wake up this morning rubbing the sleep out of my eyes as my sweet husband descends down the stairs. It's 8am but my children have been up for at least an hour or more. As you can see there is no concept of sleeping in during summer vacation at my house. I sit up to greet the morning when I hear my husband's footsteps slow down and stop midway down the stairs. The sound of his footsteps are replaced by the slow repetitive chant of "no No NO NOOOO". I roll my eyes and climb out of bed to see my eldest cowering behind the banister and my youngest in tears with his little hand being firmly, yet lovingly head by CC. Once concluding they are alive and seemingly well I further survey the situation to see in the middle of my living room, on my beige carpet, the remnants of a bottle of Raspberry Chipotle Sauce. Let me add that it was a near FULL bottle of Raspberry Chipotle Sauce. Red Raspberries. Chipotle. Sauce. Carpet. Not only is my carpet sitting unwillingly under a pile of red goo it was my favorite sauce and the bottle is empty. Oh, and the room is beginning to take on a chipolte aroma. I now know why Scentsy doesn't make the scent Raspberry Chipotle Sauce. After wet vac, resolve, hot water and what I believe to be the silent prayers of my sons the carpet came clean. Although I make no promise if you ever sleep on the floor you won't have dreams of chipotle.

I decided to let bygones be bygones and take the kids to the library.
Why? Why?! Why?! Why?!
Am I a glutton for punishment? - Quite possibly.

The oldest roams around the library never picking up a book but determining that they all look "boring". The middle one waits ever so patiently on an over sized bean bag chair for the eldest to find a book and read to her. This, while I chase the little one from puzzle - to book - to computer - to rooms he shouldn't go to. It then seems as though they might possibly settle down and read a book together so I can have 5 lovely minutes to look at the books I so adore. I quietly leave the room and within minutes the little one is banging on the glass doors and the other two, only a foot away, are oblivious to his banging and screaming. A talent the rest of the library staff apparently does not have as they give me the "you re the worst mom in the world" stare.

Fine! I'll take the youngest with me to look at books. That seems like a compromise right? WRONG. The youngest deems the dewy decimal system obsolete and decides to enforce his own system on the library. His system consists of freeing the books from their vile imprisonment on the shelves and offering them liberation on the floors of the library. And, were that not enough, it is to be done with a loud exclamation of freedom as each book gains liberty.

I relent and go to gather the other two. As we come towards them the older one looks at me bewildered and asks with sincere amazement "how did he get out there"? I have no words. None.

I gather my lovely blessings up and go to make a quick stop at the grocery store. Why must I continue to delude myself with the idea that any stop at any store with three children could dare use the adjective "quick"? Why must I lie to myself?
What was intended to be a quick stop for a handful of things turns into a cart filled with pizza rolls and wheat crackers and things I no longer care to pay attention to. For all I know there could be cat food, bottles of wine and lighter fluid I gave up caring about 30 mins ago.
Just when I see the light at the end of the tunnel, when the promise of home and relaxation seem within my grasp the little one decides that a hot Texas day is the perfect time to protest car seats. With the car loaded and the promise of an AC home waiting for me, I am forced to wrangle my littlest blessing into a restraining seat. It is then I begin to wonder 'could not this restraining device be adapted for in home use?'

That was my morning.

Since then we made and cleaned up pizza rolls. Did you know they squish into toddler hair almost with the same staining power as Raspberry Chipotle sauce? Did you further know that using Resolve and hot water on a toddlers head is frowned upon?

Followed by nap.

I took that time to veg out for an hour. I just sat on the couch and stared. I may have blacked out for some time I'm not totally sure. I distinctly remember cuddling up in the fetal position rocking and sucking my thumb while humming 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game". That's pretty normal though right? Right?

Then I made some Enchilada casserole, a double batch of Zucchini bread. Now I sit here updating my blog while I just now hear the little one do his thud thud thud down the stairs no doubt hunting me down to further grace me with the joys of motherhood.

"Summer in the City" ~ Joe Cocker

2009-06-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

School is out. Summer is here. Texas is hot.
It's only been a week but it has reminded me I need to be much more organized. Here's the problem. I have a pre-teen, a blind girl, and a rambuncious toddler, none of them like the same things. One wants to go bowling - the other two aren't as into bowling One wants to go shopping and go out to eat - now I could easily talk them into going out to eat daily it's not exactly in the budget and let's not forget she wants to go shopping before eating (have I raised her right or what?!) The other one wants to tear up my house, somehow he seems to win out more often than the other two. Thank heavens for pools! We try to go in the morning come home to a nice lunch and then we have what I call "quiet time". Quiet time means reading for the older one, music for the middle one, and nap for the little one. If all the stars and planets are perfectly aligned they ALL eventually fall asleep. That is when I put on my ballet slippers and tutu and dance around the house in silent leaps of joy. Well, in my mind I do. In my mind I look REALLY hot in a tutu too.
I tried to talk the kids into going to Sea World but none of them wanted to. What is up with that?! So, I'm going to try the water park with them. I am certain the oldest will love it, I am sure the middle will be done with it in 20mins, and I'm positive I will end up chasing the toddler around places he shouldn't be. I know... you envy my life.
CC finally got a pick up. It was a long time coming. The final straw came when he decided to let me use his car since I would just be in town doing my VTing while he took the van to work. Well, about half way there the car jugged and lugged and started smoking. I ran 2 stop signs at 20mph (the max the car would go) to die in front of my friends house (thanks Heather) where it stayed until the donation company came and hauled it off to be made into a planter or something. Now we have a black pick-up that is a great date night ride.
I spent last Saturday at Austin Photo Expo taking class after class from some amazing photographers. I felt so lucky to get to sit in on a class by John Isaac it was inspiring. Will Crockett and Kirk Tuck were among my other favorites. It was a great day and I could have spent hours just absorbing their information.
I am in the preplanning phase with "The Girls" for our beach trip. This year it seems we are going to a TX beach. I'm not really sure which one yet since time is a factor but it will be great. Although, I have to admit I am a little sad about not getting back to my NW beaches this year. I crave them. CC and I were looking just the other day at real estate out there. We will be back home eventually. I am sure of it.
I also got tickets to go see Mama Mia and Wicked with "The Texas Girls". I am so excited for it. I am going to take Em to a matinee of Mama Mia because she totally loves the music and loves going to musicals. I am seriously considering season tickets for next year.
The garden is bursting! We have already picked some zucchini and okra. We have watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes and tons of herbs just growing like crazy. I need to teach Coop that tomato and melon plants are not ball plants he can pick and play ball with.

2009-06-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

Ain't No Sunshine ~ Kris Allen

2009-06-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

Let's not pretend I am going to do a catch up post. Let's instead just start from this point and go forward. Never look back only forward. I have some pictures I'll throw up soon. I have been trying to get the kids pictures taken for the last month but something is always coming up. I'm working on it. School ends this week and then we are stuck in Texas for the summer. Have I mentioned I hate Texas in the summer? I do. I am determined however to suck as much joy out of it as is physically possible. We will see. I'm dubbing it the summer of fun. If I live up to that I will have accomplished something. Everyone cross your fingers and toes for final grades. It looks like Bennett may have accomplished his goal of all As and Bs.
Yes, I realize my song choice has nothing to do with this blog post but it's Kris Allen and I think he's great and it has to do with sunshine...kinda.

"Peter Cottontail" ~ Chumski

2009-04-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter my Peeps!

Easter at our house is a weekend long event. We do Easter Baskets and candy on Saturday. It works for us because I just had a hard time making sense of chocolate and prizes and the Ressurection. I decided that the Easter Bunny could visit us on Saturday so that we could concentrate on the real meaning of Easter on Sunday. Not only that it makes getting through church much easier if the kids aren't jacked up on sugar!

My favorite FAVORITE tradition is the bunny ear pictures. Really this is my favorite thing and I look forward to it all week long.
BUNNY EARS!

Even my husband has learned to love the bunny pictures. Okay... maybe not love but he doesn't fight it so I like to interpert it as love. Isn't he just the cutest bunny?

If that weren't enough. We also decided to celebrate Cooper's birthday this weekend. His birthday was actually Thursday which you can see from the post below but we waited until the weekend for presents and cake. He didn't mind.

Gavin Degraw

2009-04-10T16:05:00.000-07:00

CC and I went to Downtown Austin to see Gavin Degraw at The Parish Room. We had SO much fun. He played at the Parish which is a pretty small venue which is my favorite type of show to go to. We were able to get really close to the stage which is always a goal of mine, although it didn't matter so much to CC but he indulged me. Gavin played a great set and with a lot of energy and great music. He is so talented. We were going to go to the meet and greet but I've already met him once before and CC didn't mind one way or the other. Big HUGE thanks to my friend Heather for watching the kidlets while we went. She's super awesome! I don't know why but I just love this first picture. I know he looks a little intense but I just love it. I took some video recordings of two songs. Chariot and Chemical Party, they are also two of my favorite songs he does. Chariot you may have heard of but Chemical Party is lesser known but great.

Sweet Child of Mine ~ Sheryl Crow

2009-04-09T09:35:00.000-07:00

My baby, my toddler, my precocious determined little prince, two years ago today you came into the world and turned my world upside down!
From the moment go you wanted to see everything. The nurses couldn't get over how alert you were and would even turn your head different directions to look at things. Not much has changed you are still so curious and you want to see and experience everything. Even if that means taking out 3 dozen eggs from the carton and placing them around the front room. You love to be in the middle of whatever is going on, and if something isn't going on you are sure to get the party started. You love playing with your big brother. He is your hero at the moment and you seem quite certain that you should be allowed to do all he can do. You love to "help" me in the garden although I'm not sure if the struggling tomato plants would call your brand of help useful. You are a people person. You will go up to anyone and climb up into their arms ready to make friends. You are fearless. You go off on your own and rarely look back. You have your favorite blanket. A blanket that was Bennett's when he was a baby but you've adopted it and won't go to sleep without it. You are charming and a beautiful boy. No one has eyes as big and dark as yours and they simply come alive when you flash that smile, especially that smile you have when you know you are in trouble.
Our days are spent together since everyone else is either in school or at work. As much as I grumble about running around after you cleaning up your works of destruction I love the time with you. You are so much fun and you keep me on my toes, which is exactly what I need.
It's your birthday little prince and even though you don't know it I celebrate you today. I celebrate the joy you've brought the family. I celebrate your tender moments that dot your toddler filled days. I celebrate your spirit for life. I celebrate your determination. I celebrate your laugh and your smile. I celebrate your broken speech that certainly means something to someone somewhere. I celebrate the gift you are.
Happy Birthday Little Prince,
mom

"When You Wish Upon A Star" ~ Pinocchio

2009-03-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday CC said we should meet at the mall for lunch since the kids were on Spring Break. We were driving over there when he called and said that Disney had made him an offer.
Allow me to back track: A few weeks ago CC applied to the Disney studio here in Austin. We didn't say anything to anyone because we didn't want to get our own hopes up let alone other people wondering. Christian has wanted to work with and for Disney since he started on this road. It is truly his dream job. When they called with the offer I could hear him beaming through the phone. This morning he spoke with them and accepted their offer.
As of now CC is a Disney man. We are all so excited and happy.

I took this picture yesterday at the mall, it just seemed fitting and a good way to remember the moment. Although he wont have to wear the knitted letterman's sweater at his job. If you look closely you can see Emma was even wearing her Mickey tshirt...coincidence? I think not!

"I Don't Want to Be" ~ Gavin Degraw

2009-03-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday. I LOVE my birthday. I don't really like people making a fuss about me, other than my family they are required to do so. I had a great day. I spent it with my family being spoiled and pampered. CC and I went to Thai food which is my favorite, then spent the day in Austin on 6th street. If you know Austin you know 6th street. It is the epicenter for nightlife, music, dancing, and drinking. So, you can imagine how much fun it is for a people watcher who doesn't drink. SO much fun. I even saw my first bar fight - which ROCKED! There is a great hat place on 6th street called The Hatbox that I just love. It is filled with really cool hats, and CC took me down there to pick one out. What a sweetheart.
I had my birthday black bottom cupcakes. My brother enjoyed telling my how old I was. Bennett wanted to make me a cake with cocoa crispies but I managed to talk him out of it. CC got tickets for Gavin Degraw concert and I am SO excited. I saw him once before in concert and got a chance to meet him. He is just so darn cute and a great performer. It is a small venue which is my favorite so I am anxious for spreading my birthday out a month and a night out on the town with CC.
This summer I am going back to school. Can you believe it?! It's about time. I am excited and anxious. I am going to study photography with the hopes of proving I'm good enough to do on a regular basis. I have done pictures for people before and love it but I know I don't have the background or education to feel good about it. I know there is more to know and I am one of those people that want to know everything about a subject that I am interested in, especially if I want to do it on more than a hobby level. CC has been so great about supporting me in my desire to go back to school. We have had long talks about "what I want to do when I grow up". I do still want to finish my English degree and will work on that too but I think photography is going to move up to the top of the list for now. It is something I can do as I work towards my other goals. Like I said, CC has been great about supporting me in whatever I decide to do and is getting me the camera I want to do just that.
Besides all the "things" that go along with a birthday, and even if you were to take them all away I am so incredibly blessed. My kidlets were so sweet all day with birthday wishes and love that can't be measured or wrapped. My friends rock and I am thankful for all their love and sweet wishes. Where would I be without my friends? My mom and brother keep me grounded and remind me of what's real and important. CC treated me like a princess, and the thing is, he does a pretty good job of doing that daily not just on my birthday. So what if my office is a stinking mess and the dog puked on the carpet and I get fat just looking at cream cheese? Life is good. Through the mess, and the puke and the fat... life is good! I am blessed.

What kind of song goes with Moms and Salsa?

2009-02-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

I am so horrible. It's been a month since I posted! Where does the time go? Seriously days fill up so quickly.
My mom was here for Christmas and that was great. She stayed for Emma's birthday and we were all sad to see her go. We are excited though because the plan is that she will be spending four months with us again this winter. (She is going to split up her time between our place, my brothers, and her Dad's). How awesome, and not just because it means four months of free babysitting either...although it is a HUGE plus.
Let's see what have you missed? Hmmm. Nothing.
I am posting this picture because it cracks me up. We make our own salsa, and it is SO good. One of our favorite snacks is chips with salsa. Apparently CC and Cooper couldn't stand the wait from the kitchen to the table and plopped down right in the middle of the floor to dig in.