7 quick takes (8th edition)

* 1 *

I has been a nice birthday week!  My birthday was lots of fun - free coffee at Starbucks, lunch and playdate with the K's, followed by date night.  Too bad the place I wanted to go was closed for vacation - guess we get to go back!

* 2 *

Nate has been getting really good at saying his name.  "Nate, Nate" whenever he wants something or wants to keep something.

* 3 *

Found out this week I may have TMJ.  ugh!  Right now I'm just on very nice painkillers.  Had the best sleep last night in a long time.

* 4 *

Visited the pool today with Nate and our friends the Rose's.  2 mommas and 5 kiddos.  oh my!  And my son only wanted to go over and go down the slide.  Who wants to be in the kiddie side when there are slides to ride!  Telling him he's not big enough is not a sufficient answer!

* 5 *

I've decided to take a little step back from my commitments.  I seem to over schedule, and not really get to focus time just being a wife and mother.   I think at this point, I'm just wanting things to be a little more quiet and a little less scheduled.

* 6 *

Last Saturday we continued our tradition of family movie night.  We have not done it in awhile, but it was fun to pop some popcorn and watch Finding Nemo.  Any suggestions for a movie for our next movie night?

* 7 * 

After trying to avoid it for awhile, I have realized the only way I can stay healthy is by incorporating exercise in my routine.  I am the queen of excuses, but good eating will only get me so far.  Any suggestions on ways to incorporate exercise that doesn't feel like working out?

For more quick takes, go to Conversion Diary.

2 year photo shoot!

Tessa's friend Abbey did it again - a great photo shoot!  Here are some pics of our recent venture to South Austin to capture out little 2 year old!

You can find more photos here.

my favorite

Our family

puppy pressure...

Let's just say that getting Nate to eat has been a bit challenging.  So, after he just nibbled at his lunch, I gave a piece of pepperoni to Charlie the dog (he loved it).  Nate proceeded to finish the pepperoni.  And when Nate didn't want any roast beef, I gave Charlie a piece, and Nate finished the rest of the plate.

Who knew all I needed was a little puppy pressure from Charlie...

my sister...

Well, this past weekend my little sister moved out.  She moved in Memorial Day 2009, hoping to stay the summer.  Then she got her AmeriCorps job, and we were lucky to have her 11 more months.

These past 14 months flew by!  It was wonderful having her in our home.  I had not lived with her more than a couple weeks since she was 7 and I was 17 and off to college.

She was a great housemate!  I was happy to have the help cleaning the kitchen, making dinner, playing with Nate and giving Nate baths!  She also had fun taking Nate and Charlie to the dog park and taking Nate to the pool.  Tessa has a keen knack for knowing when I really needed the help, or some time alone to talk with Ry.  And Nate has truly enjoyed all the love and attention his neni has given him.

I really loved getting to know the woman my sister has become.  You are my best friend Tess and I am honored that you lived with us!  It was a very special time for all of us!  And I am super happy you still live in Austin!!

moving in - Memorial Day 2009

box time - July 2010

almost time to move out - July 2010 (can you tell Nate is trying to say "cheese"?)

juice?

Nate pointed at my chest yesterday, realizing that my chest looked different than his.  I told him that was where milk came.  For babies.  And then he asked "juice?"  No son, just milk.  We can only pray that the Lord will give you a little brother or sister and momma can be a milk machine again!

Nate's Dog Days of Summer Birthday Party!

A couple of weeks ago we had Nate's 2nd birthday party!  Tessa and I worked hard on the invite, so I wanted to share...

A dog party!

A big dog party!

Big dogs, little dogs,

red dogs, blue dogs,

yellow dogs, green dogs,

black dogs, and white dogs

are all at a dog party!

What a dog party!

                        - Go Dog.  Go!

Nate is turning 14 (in dog years, that is)!

So come join us for some puppy chow and a howlin' good time. We'll frolic in the sun, and it's sure to be a pawfect day and some doggone fun.  Bring those swimsuits for a dip in the puppy pool and a run through the sprinklers.

In lieu of gifts, you are welcome to bring a donation for the Blue Dog Rescue of Round Rock . They need items like gift cards to Petco, Petsmart, and Tomlinson's, puppy food, collars, leashes, dog beds and the like.


We had a great time, from the dog prints in front of the door, puppy pools out back, and doggie bags to take home!  We also have a pile of goodies to take to the Blue Dog Rescue this week.


Here are some photos!  A special thanks to Tessa, Nana, Papa and Ryan for helping make this party a success!  We had a great time!!  and yes, Tessa, Nana and I made all the cupcakes!!

doggie bags - slim jim, scooby fruit snacks and puppy chow

blowing out the candles!!

2 years old!!

My little boy is 2 years old!  I can't believe it!!  This year has flown by.  I guess that is something I will probably say every year.  It has been a great year - from walking to talking!

This last month Nate has really been talking!  He doesn't like to be left behind, saying "me, me" whenever someone leaves the room or goes upstairs.  He repeats what you say, and I'm surprised what words he knows - he pointed and said "tractor" last week.  We are working on colors, right now most things are yellow and green, although he can say red and blue.  He still does some sign language, but the verbal is taking precedence.

He loves the sink - always willing to wash dishes, or just play with the water.  And has navigated out of his crib, so he's now in his toddler bed.  We also found a place nearby with free fruit - peaches, plums and pears!  so we picked a bit, and ate a few too!  Racing the car around the house is lots of fun - and needs good send offs - "ready, set, GO!!!".

He has a full mouth of teeth - time to go to the dentist!  He's also learning to share and "mine" has become a new word for him.  We have had fun going taking fieldtrips (to Houston and the fire station), playdates with friends, and just having a good time!

I am honored that God gave me this son to raise!  How thankful I am to be his momma!