Jeremiah's Interview

Jeremiah's pre-school does a monthly news letter and each month they interview some of the children. This month they interviewed Jeremiah. This is what Jeremiah had to say.

Jeremiah's School Performance

Today Jeremiah's pre-school was doing a special performance at church. So, instead of going to our normal church we decided to go to Jeremiah's school. On our way Jeremiah said that his belly hurt but we figured he had to go to the bathroom. When we got there Jeremiah went to the bathroom with Ben while Davis and I found a seat. The performances began and Jeremiah's class was up next. They all walked into the sanctuary toward the front of the church. I saw Jeremiah holding his teachers hand as they were walking. As the other kids walked to the front he would not let go of her hand so she sat with him in the front row. I went up and got him and he said his belly was hurting a lot; so we headed home. A few minutes later he felt fine..come to find out it was just nerves. I can't believe it, his first performance and he was so scared that he couldn't do it. His teacher said that he was shy but I guess we have a bit of stage fright as well.

GRRRR

Today I put Davis down for his nap. I heard him upstairs crying so I went in to check on him. He had thrown his nuk and blanket bear out of the crib. I picked up blanket bear and got on my hands and knees to find the nuk. As I was looking for the nuk I looked up at Davis; he laughed and said "GRRRR". Yes, my kid growled at me.

On the Market!

Our house officially went on the market today. In less than three hours we had someone come to see it. I hope that is a sign of how quickly our house sells. Wish us luck.

Chicago here we come!

The last few weeks have been pretty tricky. First of all my sister and her family decided to move to Austin because my brother-in-law was looking for more work and CA was getting too expensive. They got here mid September. During their trip my brother-in-law got a call from a company in Seattle with whom he had already been working with. They offered him a full-time position. They settled into our house for a few weeks and then he took off to Seattle last week to begin working and get things settled for the kids and my sister.

In the meantime, Ben's company gave him an offer to work in the office, with less travel and the ability to use his degree (which will be complete in December). This means selling our house and moving to Chicago by December (the house may take longer). This is a bitter-sweet move. The bitter is leaving all of those we have grown to love, a city we adore and a house that is ours. The sweet is that instead of traveling 40+ weeks a year Ben will only travel 6 weeks a year. That weighed heavier than any other argument for Austin. So, that being said, we are moving to Chicago the first week of December. We will miss Austin but are excited about the new move.

Placemats

My sister, her husband and two kids are here in Austin for a while before they move to Seattle...long story. Anyway, I have this dinning table with deep grooves and it is so irritating to clean. That being said we decided to make placemats with the kids. It was a fun art project and it has saved some cleaning after each meal.

Jeremiah was very excited and into the project!

This is Kaia, just one week before she turns five.

Logan is 7, he didn't need help with the glue.

First day of Pre-school

Today was Jeremiah's first day at pre-school. We went to the open house last week and he loved it. He told us that he wanted to go 5 times.

I was very hopeful, but today he was very sad and didn't want us to leave. This morning he claimed to be sick, his finger hurt, then his head, then his feet didn't want shoes. Never-the-less, we dropped him off and so far no call. What have I done with my morning while Davis naps??? Updated my blog what else.

Roller Skates

Since our visit to CA in July Jeremiah has been obsessed about roller skates. His cousins Logan and Kaia had some and he LOVED them. So the other day I saw some on the discount rack and could not pass it up. He was so excited when we got home. We made him put all of the protective gear on since we have wood floors and he was off.

Davis really wanted to try them and Jeremiah was really sweet to let him.

After a hard day of skating the boys enjoyed some fresh chocolate chip cookies in the cabinets.

August..Zip lines, concerts, giraffes and parks.

We had a great last two weeks of August. We celebrated Ben's birthday by going on a Canopy tour here in Austin. I think we are both more dare devilish than we realized because hanging on zip lines up in the trees didn't scare either of us; skydiving is the only logical next step.

Then I was so lucky to win a radio contest where the prize was a meet and greet with Rob Thomas. It was amazing, there was like 40 people in a small radio studio. He did a few songs, answered a few questions and then took pictures. Here are the pictures from the radio station because we were not allowed to use our own cameras.

Last week I went out to coffee with some dear friends for Leslie's birthday. We enjoyed a nice cup of joe, company and a beautiful lightening storm. Saturday we spent the afternoon with some CA friends and the Beards. We went out to TDS and drove through the Animal Preserve and fed the giraffes. I didn't get any pictures of Davis feeding Stretch but he did and it was so cute.

Finally, today I spent the afternoon with a couple of old co-workers/friends from CA. It was great to see them and hang out at Zilker Park. They loved the kids and we had a lot of fun catching up.

Mohawk

About a month ago Ben asked me if he could give Davis a Mohawk. I kind of just laughed it off and said "we can talk about it later." So the other day I walked into the bathroom where Ben and Davis were sitting on the floor midst haircut...or better yet midst Mohawk. Ben figured if I didn't like it he could just cut it. I hate to admit it but it is cute and fits the kids personality.

Hot Summer Daze!!!

California Trip

Our trip to CA this summer was fantastic.  We flew my parents out as well so we could have the entire family together.  We got to CA on July 18th and spent the night with Ben's parents.  That morning we got up and met up with my extended family in Tehachapi; cousins, aunts, uncles, sisters, parents etc.  I would say 20 plus people.  We had a very fun BBQ and stayed there that night before heading up to San Luis Obispo.  

We stayed at my sister's place in SLO.  The kids had so much fun with their cousins and my parents were thrilled to have all the little grand-babies together.  We ditched the kids with Mamaw and Papaw for a grown up movie night of Harry Potter.   The next day we went Avila Barn where the kids (and adults) picked and ate as many peaches as we could.  Jeremiah claims he ate 5 total...I believe it.  The barn was fun, they fed animals and got as messy as they could possibly get.  Unfortunately all fun things must come to an end and we drove back down to Southern CA to leave the kids with Ben's parents while Ben and I flew off to CO for a quick wedding (see wedding blog).

After the wedding we spent the rest of our visit with Ben's parents.  We went to the beach where Jeremiah started a pickup game of baseball and Davis went wild in the water.  Ben's parents took us to dinner at the restaurant where Ben and I had our first date and rehearsal dinner (strange with kids).  We went back to our old church and were so blessed to see so many people we love and miss.  The rest of the time was spent in the pool or eating In-N-Out. 

We had a great CA trip.  It seemed so short because we were having such a great time but now that I am home...."There is no place like home."    

Disney's Goofy is not a dog!!!

Today Jeremiah and I had a big debate.  He would not, could not, and still will not believe that Goofy is a dog.  He thinks that Goofy is a person.  

I completely understand his argument:

1. Goofy wears a hat.

2. Goofy wears clothes.

3. Goofy stands up.

4.  Pluto is a dog.

So I said to Jeremiah, "what is Mickey?"  "A mouse" was his reply.  "What is Donald?" "A duck" was his reply.  We went through several characters with the same rationale.  However, when we got to Goofy, he still insisted that he was a person.  The mind of a 3 year old baffles me; he can extend the boundaries of reality one way but has very strict perimeters the other way.  I don't think I will try to win this one, pick your battles right? 

Summer Weddings

This is the summer of weddings for us. It has been a while since I have had so many friends get married, but this summer we had three weddings.

We went to CA in April for my close college buddies wedding, he just so happens to also be one of Ben's frat brothers. It was a beautiful, traditional Indian wedding. I wore a traditional sari for the ceremony and changed into American clothes for the reception. The Barat was perfect, it began at 8:30AM the groom rode in on a horse and the groomsmen danced to traditional Indian drums (the groomsmen were all mostly Caucasian so it was amusing to watch them try to dance. I was able to tease them later since they were mostly Ben's frat brothers as well). The ceremony ended around 1ish and we had an amazing lunch with the most tasty Indian cuisine. After that I headed over to the Long Beach Aquarium with the kids for an afternoon of touching sharks and watching jelly fish with Ben's parents.

The reception began that night at 6:30PM..more tasty Indian food. We ate, danced and celebrated until nearly 1:30AM, I was exhausted. We got up early the next morning to go to church with Mike and Jackie for Easter. It was a wonderful wedding.

Nearly a month later I flew to Lexington, KY for a wedding of an old co-worker. It was an amazing day, the weather was perfect and Lexington is a very pretty city. The wedding was held out at an old horse stable and race course. The scenery was breathtaking, during the ceremony the horses were running in the fields and the trees were a bold green, such a beautiful setting for a wedding. I had a great time reconnecting with co-workers from the past.

Both April and May weddings were great but I was missing a very important part...Ben. July however we (yes Ben too) made a quick trip to CO for the wedding of one of my High School friends and bridesmaids.

The wedding was in a little town called Granby. It was beautiful, way up in the mountains, outdoor ceremony, and fantastic food. It was great to see my friends Katie (the bride) and Beth (her twin sister). Katie looked fantastic, the bridesmaids were in bright, sunshine yellow and her dogs presented the wedding rings. It was also very nice to have Ben there, we were able to have a nice romantic dance and a brief but nice weekend without the kids.

All in all I need a break from weddings.

hippopotamus

While eating lunch today Jeremiah began asking me questions about what hippopotamus' can do.  The conversation went like this...

J-Mommy do Hippopotamus swim?

Me-Yes, they are good swimmers.

J-But they also run?

Me-Yes, they are really good runners.

J-I think that if I swim in the water with the Hippo he will eat my legs off.  Then I will have no legs and I will have no feet for my shoes.  

WHAT!  Where do they come up with these things???

Chicago Trip

This summer Ben's company flew us out to Chicago for a week.  While Ben trained new employees the boys and I played in the city.  It was great weather and we had a great time.  We spent a lot of time splashing in the fountains at the new Millennium Park, ate at all types of fun restaurants including Weber Grill and Ed Debevic's.  Jeremiah enjoyed watching the bridge rise for the big boats to go through, he said that the bridge "broke".  If you ask him what his favorite part was he would have to say the BBQ at the Murphy's house (Ben's boss).  I am sad to say we have no pictures of the BBQ and the kids playing but they were really good and sweet.  Overall the trip was a fun break from the regular day to day schedule.

Fire Truck

This year was the first since we have lived here that I was available to participate in a day with the Austin Fire Department.  Jeremiah, like most little boys, loves trucks so I expected this to be fantastic.  The problem is that he is rather shy in this type of situation, I couldn't get a picture of him in the truck because he wouldn't get in the truck.  He did climb on the side as long as I was right there.  Never-the-less it was fun and I can finally say I have taken my boys to play on a Fire Truck.

Hawaii 09

Ben has been traveling so much with work this past 6 months that we put all of our eggs into one basket and decided we would pack 6 months of quality time into one fabulous week in Hawaii.  We have never had so much fun in one vacation.  

I arrived in Honolulu on Friday, June 12th.  Ben had been there for a week already for work but was ready for some down time.  We stayed at the Hilton resort in Waikiki, it was perfect.  We got up early Saturday morning and took the jeep we rented to go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and hiking in Pali park; a beautiful rain forest.  During our hike we stumbled across a cute little waterfall.  On Sunday we hiked up Diamond Head and went to a local Swap Meet to buy gifts.  Ben had to work on Monday so I watched his AM show and the headed off to a solo surfing lesson.  That night we headed up to the North Shore to spend the rest of our vacation at Turtle Bay. 

Turtle Bay was amazing, I would love to live in the North Shore....perfect in every way.  Tuesday was spent snorkeling in the bay, drinking coconut milk out of the coconut, getting the most wonderful massage and dining in the Sunset restaurant (watching the sunset).  Ben had never had a massage before and I convinced him to join me in the beach front hut for a couple's massage.  

Wednesday was the highlight of the trip I think.  We went cage diving with sharks, Galapagos Sharks to be exact.  It was such a rush and an amazing feeling to be face to face with such amazing creatures.  

That night we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center for a traditional Luau.  Thursday morning we went for a horseback ride on the beach and drank Mai Tai's at the pool.  Friday was a lazy day spent at the pool and beach.  Saturday we had to go home.  We missed the boys but were not ready to leave the island.  Overall it was just what Ben and I needed.       

Jeremiah the boss

Today we were playing in the little pool and blowing bubbles in the backyard when Davis decided that it was time to go back inside.  He walked over to the back door and began pushing the door and screaming indicating that he wanted in.  Jeremiah walked over very calmly and said "Davis, we are playing in the pool or blowing bubbles, those are your options."  Pretty darn funny.

Pool Time

With the summer in full swing here in Austin we had to get our annual play pool.  Here are some cute pictures of the boys having a great time in the pool.  Davis goes in head first it is classic.

GO DODGERS

Thanks to Aunt Denise and Uncle Greg the kids have adorable Dodger outfits now.  I am thrilled about this as is Jeremiah.  He wore my Dodger hat because it "matches" and played ball in the back yard.  He was too funny removing the hat each time he ran the bases. 

Sea World!

We decided to brave the world of theme parks and take the boys to Sea World.  We waited until Davis was ready for his AM nap and drove the hour and 15 minutes down to San Antonio, piled on the sun block and headed into the park.  The first thing we did was the Shamu show, it was amazing.  Both boys were fascinated and it nearly brought me to tears.  These whales are so big, beautiful, and graceful.  We sat in the last row of the "splash zone" so that we got the effect of the splash without the wet-fishy aftermath.  

After that we went to the kids play area where Jeremiah and I went on his first ever roller coaster.  He was very excited until we got onto the ride and then he told me he didn't want to do it.  Unfortunately it was too late to get off and the ride began.  He did OK, until it got really fast and turned a corner.  We almost purchased the picture because his face was classic but we passed it up.  Now when you ask his favorite thing he says the fast train, although he did not want to do it again.  If Davis could talk he would tell you that he loved the foam play area for little kids.  The place was so empty we had almost the entire play area and had a blast.    

The rest of the day was filled with alligators, penguins, and the icing on the cake...feeding the dolphins.  It was a great day, I would suggest it to anyone.  

 

I Love to Clean!

So I realized that I really do love to clean, it is therapeutic for me.  I know it sounds wrong but I have finally come to terms with it and have decided to embrace it.  I realized it yesterday when I went to clean a little pee from a little boy on the bathroom floor.  It turned into a full out clean the bathroom and while I am at it scrub the kitchen floor on my hands and knees.  While I was cleaning I thought about my cleaning habits.  It seems to happen like this...

I put the boys down for their afternoon naps with the intention of resting myself...in front of the TV, with a book, taking a nap who knows.  I take a seat on the couch and notice a crumb on the floor from morning snacks.  I get up to pick it up and realize that there is a little trail.  I decide to sweep it and notice a couple spots where Davis dribbled his milk so I grab the swiffer to mop the mess.  Well, I have the swiffer I may as well do the kitchen.  But if I mop the kitchen I should clean the counters first.  I should empty the dishwasher and load it with the items in the sink from breakfast, this dish towel is dirty I should put it in the laundry room.  Oh, look I can do a load of towels, I guess I should fold the cloths in the dryer.  You get the picture I am sure.         

Once I am done I think...wow I need to sit and have a little down time.  Right, I just spent the last two hours cleaning and now the kids are waking from their naps.  As soon as they get up the mess begins again and after I put them to bed I find myself doing the same routine.  I need to find a hobby.

Davis Turns One!!!

It is hard to believe how fast time goes by.  It was a year ago that I was so ready to have this sweet baby boy never knowing how much he would bless us.  He was born on May 27th weighing 7lbs 15oz....my big boy.  

We had his birthday party on Saturday with a handful of friends.  We filled up the little tyke pool, had the t-ball, soccer nets, basketball hoop, and football for the kids to play with.  Do you see a theme?  Davis loves balls so we thought we would do a ball theme.  We had pizza and cupcakes, a perfect day for a perfect party.  We had a wonderful time, I feel very blessed and fortunate to have such loving people around to love my children and be a support to Ben and I.

I look forward to another amazing year with my sweet boys.  

    

Balloons!

Jeremiah is all about sword fighting, we went to the Pecan St Festival and there was a man making balloon animals and such.  Jeremiah asked for a sword and the man made him a sword and saber.  This was the focus of most of his play for the next few days until the balloons became flat.  So I got inspired, I went to Youtube and found some videos on how to make balloon art.  It was pretty easy, I am not great but I am super cool in the eyes of my boys and they always have a soft balloon sword "For Narnia".

Eyebrows

Tonight while putting Jeremiah to bed he asked if I would cuddle him for a while.  Typically when we cuddle at bedtime he chats about whatever may be on his mind at the time.  Tonight he asked me why my eyebrows were big (ok, I thought I was keeping them well trimmed).  So I explained to him that God made me that way.  Then the conversation turned to what else God made.  It went a little something like this...

Me-God made the sky, the earth, the animals

J-the trees, fish and flowers

me-yeah

J-and stars, frogs, elephants

me-that is right 

J-(very excited) oh, and God made pizza

My boys, always thinking of food.

Practicing Pilates.

Jeremiah is totally into fitness.  Working out with Ben, doing yoga or pilates with me.  Today I was working out and he just really got into it...I on the other hand gave up.

Davis is walking!!!!

Wow, my baby will be a year at the end of the month and he is so motivated by his older brother that he does all he can to keep up.  The attempt to walk started about a month ago when he would take three steps here and there, fall and crawl.  It slowly graduated to 5 steps, 8 steps and now he walks, stops, looks like he will fall but regains his balance and walks again.  

Jeremiah didn't really go through this stage, on his first birthday he discovered he could walk and he was off no stopping him.  It is so neat to see how they differ in their development and personality.  I think this shows that Davis likes to "test the waters" and Jeremiah is a "dive in head first" kind of guy.  Either way I realize now it is all about to change and my work is about to increase now that Davis is walking tall. 

what's the harm?

While making dinner tonight the kids were playing in the kitchen.  Not anything out of the ordinary.  Not until Davis grabbed the container of cheerios out of my purse, dumped them onto the kitchen floor and grinned with joy.  Cheerio Heaven.  

Sippy Cups

I have been finding sippy cups in Jeremiah's toy kitchen.  I just assumed it was Jeremiah playing with them.  Tonight I found Davis stuffing his water cup and Jeremiah's milk cup in the kitchen and closing the doors.  Stinker!

Nap Time

Since returning back from CA we have gotten back into the swing of things and back onto a schedule.  Davis knows when it is nap time and has a new way of telling me.  The past few mornings he removes the pillows off of the couch and lays on them...letting me know it is time.  Too cute.

Three Little Steps

Davis is starting to walk.  This week he took three steps in a row and has done so several times.  This evening, after dinner, Jeremiah and Davis were playing chase.  They both crawl very fast around the living room.  I told Jeremiah that very soon they will be able to play chase running and not crawling.  Jeremiah looked at me, looked at Davis and said "I will be so excited, Davis is getting bigger."  I just love watching them two of the interact.

I look Stupid!!!

This morning Jeremiah dressed up in his pirate bandana, construction goggles, sword and shield (tupperware lid).  I told him he looked silly...he proclaimed "I don't look silly, I look stupid."  

Missing Imhotep

This past week we went on Vacation to CA.  I traveled with the boys...by myself...I will create a completely separate posting about that with pics.  Never the less, while we were gone Imhotep (EMO) or dog was being watched by an old co-worker of mine.  Unfortunately it rained and when it rains he digs in the mud.  He tracked in muddy prints throughout the downstairs with twigs and leafs.  But the sad part is that he got out on Monday night and has yet to be seen since.  He has a collar with number on it and most of the neighbors know him.  Anyway, today the boys and I are going on Imoquest...wish us luck.

Jesus Loves Me

I walked into Jeremiah's room tonight to hear him singing Jesus Loves Me.  This is how it went...

J-For the Bible tells me so

Me-Jesus loves me this I  know

J-No Mommy... Jesus no hit me this I know for the Bible tells me so, Daddy tickle me this I know for the Bible tells me so.  Yes the Bible loves me for Daddy tells me so.

The chase is on...

This video is a little old (about a month) but I am finally getting around to posting it. I have another one but I can't seem to get it to load properly. Enjoy...THE CHASE.

Bluebonnets

One of the prettiest aspects of living in Austin is the Bluebonnets that grow wild in the Spring. Local tradition involves forcing children to sit in them and take adorable pictures. This is as adorable as a forced photo session can get around our house.

Rolling with my Homies!

I don't really need to explain....I thought I had at least 13 more years.