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.

A Visit from Family

Jarod's cousin Brittney and her cute family stopped by to say hello this past weekend, on their way to and from San Antonio. We were so happy to have them stop by, even though it was so short. We were able to go to church together, and the boys spent the whole time "sharing" cars with each other. I loved having someone else's baby to hold during sacrament meeting...there's nothing better than being able to kiss and cuddle a baby, and pass them off when they need to be fed, or if they're fussy. I was very happy to get a little baby fix, so THANKS BRITTNEY!! Carly and the boys loved the baby. I thought their reaction to his gummy smile was pretty hilarious. Thank goodness babies don't come with teeth, right?!

Bike Night

Jarod took Josh to bike night last week, to have some guy bonding time. I did his hair in a Mohawk so that he would look tough, and fit in with all the bikers there. Everyone thought he was pretty cute, and well...he is. As you know we don't have a motorcycle anymore, and that wouldn't have worked anyway, so they went in the '54. Jarod is convinced that Josh is bad luck, because on the way home they ran out of gas on the interstate. While they were waiting for me to arrive with the gasoline, they managed to sit in a fire ant pile. Josh is now recovering from ant bites all over his body. This experience, along with their father and sons' experience, is making for a bad track record for Josh. Oh well, I'm sure they'll keep trying, and truthfully, Josh is still talking about bike night. He loved seeing all the motorcycles and hanging out-just the two of them.

Thanks Grandma Tess!

Carly got another early birthday present, this time from her Grandma Tess. To go along with the rest of her dance attire, she got ballet shoes, and a ballet skirt. She was very excited about it. We can't wait to start dancing next Friday!

Mohawk Babies

Since the boys' hair is so long, it goes into a Mohawk really easily. Check out their 'dos.

What is Up

So, not much has been going on since my last post. Now that we know we're not moving, things have calmed down, a little bit. While Jarod is staying with the same company, in the same city, he's got a new boss, new location, and new position, which makes it feel like a whole new job sometimes. Things have been very busy for him, and we look forward to seeing more of Daddy when work isn't quite so hectic.

The kids and I have been trying to get life back to normal. Well, I've been trying to get life back to normal for them. I've been endeavoring to take them to the pool every day. It's been a good little routine so far. They get outside time that doesn't cause heat stroke, and we all get to work on our tans. Of course, theirs all look better than mine.

Here are some random pictures I've taken.

We've decided to start Carly in dance class this year for her birthday. She's really excited about it. Since class starts September 8th, and her birthday isn't until October 7th, we told her that this was going to be her birthday present, and she seemed to understand the concept of getting her birthday gift much earlier than her actual birthday. She was so excited to get her dance gear. We are still lacking ballet shoes and skirt, if anyone knows of a good location to get those. I was able to get her tap shoes for $7.99, and leotard for $4.99. I was super excited. It was like a mini shopper's high. When we got home from shopping, she wanted to put her garb on immediately. She then proceeded to show me her dance moves. At first they looked very ballet-like. After a couple poses, however, they started looking like kung fu moves. I hope I'm going in the right direction for her.

Hey, We're Texan Y'all!!

One morning I was doing the boys' hair, and Jack got in line first. Josh loves doing his hair spiky, with the hair glue that Rachel turned me on to. When he saw me just combing Jack's hair, he informed me that he didn't want that, he wanted spiky hair. His hair is so long right now that I decided to try a Mohawk. He loved it, and loved telling everyone at Daddy's work that he had a Mohawk. I think these two are pretty studly. The other day when Josh was getting out of the tub, he told me "mommy, look at my muscles!" I hope he isn't always this skinny. :)

I've also been busy switching the kids' rooms around. For some reason, I always get a little antsy to move my kids out of the crib when they get to be about 22 months, and Jack is no exception. Yesterday I rearranged the rooms so that the boys would be sharing, and Carly would have her own room again. I moved furniture, hung pictures, rearranged toy closets, and put the crib in the attic, and then picked up Carly's new mattress. I wish I'd done this months ago, it looks so good. I think it might be staged better now than when the house was on the market. Carly is very excited to have her own room, and a new bed. She was jumping up and down just about all day, and was very helpful in moving/putting away toys. Her new mattress is so comfy I think I may take up sleeping in her bed. So, ATTENTION EXTENDED FAMILY: you now have a comfy place to sleep when you visit...COME VISIT US!!