My trip to North Carolina

As most of you know I went on my first trip for work last week. As most of you also know I don't like to fly (Aimee says it's a control thing, I think she's right). A few summers ago, I refused to fly to California so we drove for three days through scortching heat of New Mexico and Arizona. None-the-less, this trip we flew out of Austin to Houston, then to Charolette, we did the same thing on the way back. I learned that flying isn't near as dangerous as I had previously thought, hence the following story.
The conference was an opportunity for me to evaluate the new materials and equipment that will be available soon. I had to sit in on a lot of lectures, very informative lecutres though. On this particular day we were to ride a bus for a thirty minute trip one way to the headquarters of the company who was putting on the conference. There, we would see their new equipment and material in action. Well....as we left to return back to our hotel (in the bus) I quickly realized it was rush hour. The abrupt stopping, accelerating and swerving made me fear for my life. I thought I would not make it home to see my family agian!! I closed my eyes and prayed to my dear Jesus to deliver me form the jaws of death and rush hour traffic. After this I could not wait to get on the nice quiet comfortable plane we there would be no stopping, acclerating or swerving. I was able to review and organize my notes in peace and quiet. I called Aimee after that bus ride and told her that we need to check into flying more often.

still not crawling

So little boy is still not crawling but that is ok I've decided! He is getting around pretty good pulling himself along on his stomach by his arms. Since Daddy is home I'm letting him chase him around today. ( I really need to get rid of my plant stand.) His new favorite place to go is the dog dishes and grab handfulls of dog food and then dump the water on himself. I'm usually quick enough to grab him before he can do both but poor Maddie just stands there looking at him like "what are you doing, that is my food!" We are enjoying every minute of this baby!

Can"t wait for Jeff to get home!

For the last two weeks one of us has been on the road and I am ready to have my husband and the kids daddy back! I know I'm spoiled and blessed that Jeff doesn't travel for his job or get sent on long deployments and I am going to start really appreciating it!

We have the worst tooth fairy!

Sweet girl lost another tooth last night (that makes 8 all together). She faithfully put it in her little pillow and said "I hope she doesn't forget again!" You see our tooth fairy is very unreliable- she has forgetten at least three other times to come get the tooth. Once she even forgot two nights in a row and we had to call her and threaten to fire her if she didn't come that night. So last night I was sure the tooth fairy would remember but... she must have fallen asleep on the couch or something because she forgot! I told sweet girl maybe she got up too early and the tooth fairy hadn't come yet because it was such a busy night and maybe she would come and get the tooth while she was at school. To be honest, I am getting tired of making excuses for the tooth fairy! Why can't she just remember! Maybe I should start writing her notes or tying a string around her finger. Any suggestions? (BTW Sweet girl is starting to look like a jack-o-lantern- she keep losing teeth and not growing any new ones in!)

NINE!

As in nine miles I ran on Sunday morning and nine hours it took me to get warm again ( note to self - go buy warmer running clothes then the current shorts and t-shirts).
The 1/2 marathon training is going well and I'm feeling pretty confident about my ability to run it and in a decent time. Thanks to my friend Kristi - it helps to have a running partner especially when running long distances.
I was going to registar for the 5k at UMHB homecoming but my husband beat me to it and we'll have to see if we can come up with a baby sitter and an extra $ for the entry fee.

I know its been a while...

Little boy and I went on his first plane ride this past week. We had a straight flight there on the way and I was just hoping and praying it would all go well. Luckily for me and all the other passengers he fell asleep within 10 minutes of take off. Incidentally, if you think its cramped traveling on an airline then try it with an almost 20 lb baby on your lap. Luckily no one sat next to me ( a couple people almost did and then looked at him and quickly found another seat.) All in all I'd say the flight there turned out not so bad. The flights back - well that is another story.
The trip was full of quality time with my bff and her family. The kids are great and it was fun getting to spend time with the kids and get to know them in there older version of themselves. I see traits of both their mom and dad in them! I wish we could have stayed longer I miss them all already. My family was very happy to see me though! They were waiting in the driveway when I got here. Little boy was happy to be home too. He came home with a fever and has been sick but I'm sure time, his bed and maybe some chicken soup will help cure him.

Okay, okay , Jeff wins!

According to the poll taking last week it wasn't even close... I guess spiked hair it is. Of course only 6 people participated so I could say it was not an accurate poll but I'm a little sick of looking at polling results during this season if you know what I mean.

First Birthday

 

Before the cake.

 

After the cake (He ate the whole thing in record time!)
One year ago today we were in the hospital looking down on our tiny 3lb. 16 inch son all hooked up to tubes and lines dying to just hold him. It wasn't at all what I pictured his birthday being like! I was weak from the c-section and could barely stand next to the isolette holding his little hand and crying over him. But... God gave us the strength to get through the first two months in the hospital and he had very few problems or set backs. He grew stronger and bigger and now he is a healthy strong one year old who I treasure all day (and night) long. He seems to learn something new all the time and makes his sister, Daddy and Mommy laugh all the time. Happy Birthday I.!

Baby Timothy

For everyone who has been praying for my friends Liz and Jesse I thought I would post the blog address that tells what has happened over the last few weeks. Keep them in your prayers! Baby Timothy

I wonder...

Do you wonder what makes people want to be the president of the United States? I don't think you could pay me enough to be a politician much less the President! I'm watching the debate last night and thinking do they really think they are the best man for the job or does everyone around them think that and has encouraged them, pushed them to that point? Was it their ambition in life to become the president or did someone approach them and say " I think you should run for president."? If I had to pick a canidate based on their answer I think I would pick the one who came to the decision more gradually. Somebody who gradually worked their way up through positions of leadership and is just passionate about their country and really has the desire to lead in many different situations. If you listen to either canidate talk they both talk about patriotism and wanting to lead and change things but I'm a little cynical and a little suspicious of their real motives. To be fair its not their fault - its jsut a sign of "my generation" (I think I'm a generation xer but not really sure) and the culture we live in. I just wish I could trust them both so that I wouldn't get this sinking feeling in my stomach when I anticipate "the other canidate" (Obama) winning. I'm a little anxious but maybe I'll jsut go turn on Rush and see if he has any encouraging news.
BTW I though McCain did great in the debate last night but Obama was pretty good too. It jsut comes down to what you believe - bigger government, more taxes, appeasment, or the opposite. Who are these people who don't have it figured out which side of the fence they want to stand? I don't understand why someone would still be undecided?! If that is you please explain to me!

things kids say...

So Sweet girl and I were sitting on the couch eating our yummy carrot cake and she asked what cartoons I watched as a kid. I had to think for a minute but finally came up with The Smurfs (until Mom nixed it because she said they were little demons and were weren't allowed to any more), Flinstones, Strawberry Shortcake, Care bears. Then all I could remember was the ones my brothers made me watch like GI Joe and transformers. Do you know what she asked me?!!!! "Did you watch them in color or black and white?" First of all, how does she even know there was a time before color t.v.? Second of all, have I crossed some invisible line that says I'm THAT old! I don't think of my self as THAT old! BTW just because I need to prove I'm not old I will brag a little - I ran 8 miles today before church and in good time too!

my sweet friend...

You know when something really bad happens to a friend and you don't know what to say or do? All I can do is think about the grief she must be going through and I'm helpless to act! I'm not even close enough bring food! I don't know whether to call or to leave them alone and give them space. I've run out of words to pray and all I want to do is give them a hug. Please pray for my friend Liz and her family their youngest son was born too early and they are waiting on test results praying for God to work a miracle in his little life.

baby hair dos

 
So the baby is growing and so is his hair- It combs over very sweetly to the side because of a calic (sp?) that he has and husband thinks it looks "dorky" or "preppy". So when Daddy gives him a bath he spikes his hair and it comes out looking like this picture. Then the next day it just curls up and over in the front. ( I think it looks silly.) I posted a poll you can let us know what you think!