conversation with a 3 year old...

My friend Kathryn posts her quote of the week (and with 5 kids, she has some great ones).  Nate is finally making more sense in his conversations...here is one we had during bath this week.

Me:  Nate, did you know we are going to Mama's house this week?
Nate:  I like Mama's house.
Me:  What do you like best about Mama's house?
Nate:  Grandpa!

1st day of school!

Nate had is first day of school yesterday.  He was in tears when I left, but when a couple friends walked by his room a few minutes later and they said he was fine.  The teacher (Mrs. Beth) said he did good, not great.  Room for improvement!  Every so often, she said he would ask when I was coming, but he did well otherwise.

When I asked Nate what he did, he said "boo hoo" (he cried).  He also said he went to the playground (which seemed to be his favorite).  When I asked him if he wanted to go back, he said "yes".  He also sang me the cleanup song, and a few other things that I couldn't decipher.

Mrs. Beth said he never took off his glasses, and only quickly showed her his eyes!

Hopefully tomorrow will go better...I don't think I'll be crying in my car again.

year 34...

So, I've been doing updates on Nate...but how about me?  This year I feel I was productive (other than raising a 2 year old).  Here are some highlights:

1. month-long vacation with Ry and Nate to Florida and Nate's first trip to Disney.  We even snuck in our first multi-day away from Nate, and he did great!  loved loved loved all the time with my boys!
2. have become good at priest's 25th anniversary parties - helped coordinate one for our pastor in September and Fr. Mike in July.  And now planning our parish's 25th anniversary in January!
3. finally working on getting in shape - started Stroller Strides in October.  Have loved meeting all the great women and their kiddos...and I feel myself getting stronger!
4. dealt in with break-in #2.  Sadness that people feel that they need our stuff...but glad to have Ryan here to protect us and feel secure!!
5. handled with grace Ry's forced vacation, i.e. layoff.  Only lasted 2 months, and I feel that I did a great job managing the finances I am in charge of, and helped Ryan transition to working from home.
6. Created a new soul, now in heaven.  One day we will meet you little Oliver Walter.
7. Welcomed Justin and Danielle back into our home for almost 3 months!  While waiting for their house to be built they have lived this summer in our guest room.  Nate has enjoyed the extra attention and I have loved having them here to chat with!
8. Took a little vacation with my mom and Nate to set-up Tessa in her new house.  Had some wonderful mom and sister time!!  Enjoyed having her here in Austin for 2 whole years!   It was great!!
9. Had a great time at our first ever family reunion on my mom's side.  Wonderful to see Nate interact with his cousins, and nice to not have to cook for a week!
10. And the day before my birthday...sent in the check...and paid off the house!  Best gift Ry could ever have given me!

and here are my top 12 photos!