Teeth Check Time

Josh went to the dentist this week. While Mama Tess was here Josh got his mouth bonked by Jack's head. He had a blood blister looking sore show up above his chipped tooth. A while ago we had his tooth looked at by a dentist in California. At the time he told us not to worry about the tooth, since it's just a baby tooth. Well when this sore showed up a few weeks ago, and wasn't getting better, Jarod and I got concerned. After taking an x-ray, we found out that he has an abscess above his front tooth, between the baby tooth and the permanent tooth. The dentist prescribed an antibiotic for Josh and we're hoping that it will clear out the infection. If it doesn't, he'll have to have a root canal to get the job done. The other bad news we received is that this tooth will probably fall out before its time leaving an empty space in the front of his mouth longer than most kids. Depending on how long the infection has been sitting there, his permanent tooth might be discolored. Having had bad luck with my teeth since my accident when I was eight, this news really bums me out, to say the least. When the dentist told me he might need a root canal, the sensations I felt when having both my root canals came screaming back. Needless to say, our fingers are crossed that the antibiotic will clear up the infection and our little boy will be able to have a healthy smile. I was relieved that Josh did extremely well during the visit. I was able to leave my other two kids with my mom (I love living so close to my folks) while Josh and I went to the dentist. I had prepared him earlier in the day by telling him that the dentist wanted to see his pretty smile, and look to see how pretty his teeth are. He was practicing his smile all day. I was nervous about taking him, since the last time he went he freaked out about sitting in the chair and having someone look in his mouth. I guess that's one of my big worries, having him come to fear and have anxiety about the dentist. For now though, he did great, and I was very proud of him.

Guitar Lessons

One Sunday we were ready for church about 45 minutes before we needed to leave. How did that happen?!! Jarod let Josh strum the guitar while he was playing. The kids love to hear him play, and always want to be in the room when the guitar is out. I think they are a pretty handsome pair.

Taking Life by the Throttle

Jarod had a team building exercise for work a couple weekends ago, and my parents were generous enough to watch the kids so I could accompany him. The exercise consisted of a ride out to Marble Falls and back. It was a beautiful day, albeit a little warm. The ride was great, and the scenery gorgeous. I enjoy watching bikers pass each other on the road. There is an unwritten (or maybe it's written, I dunno) code of conduct for bikers on the rode. All cruisers wave to each other as they pass. It's so interesting that so many people from so very many different walks of life all become friends, part of the same club on the road. I love it. A few of the riders behind us.

A view of the lake.

While not everyone in the store participated, there were about 13 bikes in our group. An impressive sight on the road.

Preschool

We were lucky to form a preschool group at the very last minute. I was thrilled when I got the call. I didn't think we'd have a group this year, since all our friends from last year were either doing kindergarten or a private preschool this year. We are doing the same program as last year. This time there are just three little girls in the group, including Carly. So far it is just fantastic. I love the Funshine Express curriculum, and hope to continue with it next year for Josh. It is so great. Carly loves the girls in her class, Kate and Jenna. It's great to see the information sinking in with Carly this year. It's amazing to see the difference in her from last year to this year.

Grandma Tess' Visit

Well, to get to caught up on what we've been doing, I'll start with Grandma Tess' visit in September. We were lucky to get Jarod's mom for a few days in early September. She got to be here for Carly's first day of dance class, and Jarod and I were able to go on a couple dates sans kiddos. It was a great time. I'm lucky to have a mother-in-law that I can consider a friend. I think our mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship is pretty unique. We had a great time making jam, shopping, and as always, eating too many baked goodies. Here are some of the high-lights in pictures.

Jarod took off early to pick his mom up from the airport, and they spent the afternoon having lunch and browsing the Whole Foods Corporate headquarters in down town Austin. They brought home some delicious treats. The kids loved the cupcakes that Mama Tess got them. The grown-ups enjoyed the other deserts later. Man were they good!!

It was a happy coincidence that we had to switch Carly's dance class from Tuesdays to Fridays, because of our preschool schedule. Mama Tess was able to be here for her very first class. She and I were both on the verge of tears watching my baby girl go into class. It's hard to believe she's 5 years old already. I know I'll be a mess when it's time to drop her off for all day kindergarten next year. I really like the studio we chose. It has a cafe and lounge area with television screens that allow you to watch the classes in session. It's so fun to see Carly progressing each week.Did I mention it rained the ENTIRE time Mama Tess was here? Here's Josh with his Lightning McQueen umbrella that Papa Steve brought with him when he came to visit in June. The kids love having books read to them, and it was a special treat to have Mama Tess read to them. We also spent time shopping, and baking treats which got shared with Jarod's employees. The kids love going to see Daddy at work, and Mama Tess found this cute pink leather jacket that was Carly's size. Unfortunately, the arms were too tight for her liking.As always, we were sad to part, and the visits never seem long enough. We all had a great time, and we look forward to the holidays when we'll be together again.