Just Dance

Caution:  Don't ever leave your iPhone or iTouch abandoned in our house.  Cade is likely to find it and find the most energetic, loud, obnoxious song you have downloaded and blast it on repeat just so he can dance. 

On my iPhone play list that song happens to be Lady Gaga's, Just Dance.  

So to make this habit of his a tad less annoying I started having a "dance break" during activities.  For example, today we made banana bread for my dad and the recipe called for the eggs and sugar to beat for 10 minutes.... seriously, 10 minutes.... I don't have time for that... but I set the mixer to medium speed, asked him if he wanted to have a "dance break" and then started the music!

We hold hands, kick our legs, spin on the floor, wiggle around, shake it... we do it all!  

He loves it! 

Just Dance.

Halloween

I'm so glad that Halloween is over with! We were going on day 4 of celebrating as of Sunday.  Thursday night was a costume party.  Friday night was trunk or treat. Saturday was a neighborhood party and then Sunday was a chili cook off with trick or treating.  We had enough fun to last us until next year!

This year Cade dressed as a mailman and a magician.  Travis dressed as Brad Paisley and I went as myself but with long purple eye lashes.  Cade even asked me, "where did your black ones go?"

This year I took advantage of the after Halloween sales.  I bought Cade 4 costumes for $20 at Wal-Mart.  So now he has a little more variety and has enough to share when his buddies come around. They can pick from a race car driver, a SWAT team, Spiderman and an army guy.  

back porch

It always feels good to throw out things that are old and broken.  The feeling of clean is one of my favorite feelings.... UNTIL.

My 3 year old realized that all of the things I just tossed into a big, black bucket are his things.  In his eyes the book that is hanging by a lone fiber is still worth keeping and "heeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyy" the broken shovel with a crack in it, still has to be good for something.  

After a little convincing we were able to actually throw the book and the shovel away.  Along with the other junky, worn out sandbox toys and dried up sidewalk chalk.

We can finally see our back patio (not as well as I had hoped- our power washer died today) but we can now see the concrete and that is what the goal was!

Next step is to power wash, put crushed granite down for our *new* gas grill that is waiting for at Lowes, install a new back door light and a storm door.  Maybe we will even luck out and get a great deal on end of season patio furniture!!

We shall see...but for now I'm going enjoy the back porch and the "not" mess.

(cade has a habit of saying "not" in front of words...for example I'll take him to the bakery and he will want a pink donut with "not" sprinkles).      

Hocus Pocus

We'll be hearing Hocus Pocus more and more these days since Cade decided he wanted to dress up as a magician for Halloween!   The costume is rather simple but absolutely precious on him.  It comes complete with shirt/vest combo, mustache, wand, and a black top hat with rabbit.  

Last night was his first time wearing it.  We attended Hocus Pocus Pops at The Woodlands Pavilion with our neighbors.  Cade loved listening to the Houston Symphony... he gets that from his dad!  Travis loves classical.  It was a fun, spoooooooky night and I'm glad we went!

Everything is a blur

This week is flying by and it's only Tuesday!

It's seems like the past few days we have been on the go!  It started on Saturday with a garage sale, followed by a baby shower, a bonfire, church services, pumpkin patch, and small group...then rise 'n shine it's Monday...that's the blurry part. Where did Monday go??

Tuesday wake up and get out the door by 8 be home by 3:45 before a major meltdown... then it's time to make cookies for the VIP snack for school and then attend a Junior League meeting that evening.  Open House is Wednesday and then finally....Thursday we can relax after we drop off a meal for a friend who just had a baby.

Ahhh!  Where did my days go where I could take naps and relax? Oh yeah... that was WAY before motherhood.  I love my crazy, simple life.

This past week Cade has had a special visitor with him.  It was Ruby Robin.  She is the class "pet" and goes home with each child for a whole week.  I loved having Ruby here.  She was such a good little bird!!

here we are at Gringo's Tex Mex

 Sitting in Mr. Charlie's jeep.

Taking a break at the pumpkin patch.

See... she is just so happy to be with Cade.  Cade even asked me she was going to come back to our house.  I told her probably in a few months.... I then said that I think I saw "Ruby" type birds at Cabela's and he was not having that... there is only ONE Ruby in his eyes!

A No Title Kind of Post

I can't believe it's October?! In two months we will have a house full of Christmas decorations!  That part I'm excited about but seriously, where does the time go?

Trick or Treat is just around the corner.  Cade wants to be a scarecrowspidermanpirate.  I'm about to dress him in all 3 if he doesn't decide!  I'm not sure where the spider man came from...since we... or I am anti-super hero.  I dread the day of little Lego men and star wars figurines that will one day take over my floors.  So, I'm leaning towards the pirate this year. 

This past month I started a running program called Couch to 5k.  I was doing really well with running every other day until last week when I rubbed a huge blister on my heel and then happened to get shin splints in both legs.  They are finally feeling better and my blister is almost healed completely. I'm looking forward to Thursday when I can get to Luke's Locker to get fitted for new running shoes.  Apparently they do a whole work up on your foot and find the best shoe for your foot.  So no more picking out a pair of shoes because they are pretty.   I can't wait to get them on my feet and get back on the track/concrete (ugh).

Cade is doing great these days.  He loves his teachers at school!  He especially loves that he gets to have a "job" in the class room.  This week he is the line leader. I asked him where he lead the line and he said to door and out to the playground. He then told me that next he wants to be the counter....  ohh to be 3 again!

Here are 3 things that Cade has said recently that is either cute/funny or both.

1.  Mama, God made him and told his mama to name him Jack (said about a friend at school).
2.  You have stairs. We don't. You have two couches. We don't. We should switch keys.  (telling my mom about how our houses are different...apparently stairs are WAY cool to have).
3.  When is the school going to bring the friendly lions to the petting zoo?

It was THIS big

This weekend we went to the farm and took Cade fishing for the first time.  It was so cute watching Travis and Cade put bait on the hook and cast out the line.  We were pretty sure we were fishing on the wrong side of the pond since it seemed like we barely got any bites from where we were at.  Until.... I decided to hold Cade's rod while he wondered around the pond.  I had a feeling that something BIG was nibbling on my poor little worm.... and I was right! With a flick of the rod and a turn of the crank I had myself a BIG ol' perch on my line.   He was a BIG as my hand. 

And since no fisherman's tale is good with out a little exaggerating here is what really happened when I noticed that I was getting a bite on my line....So I'm standing on the soft mud (or what I'm hoping was mud) watching the bobber go a little this way and a little that way...and I mention to my family..."uhhh, I think I'm getting a bite."  All of a sudden it goes down and I crank it once and then yanked the rod so hard that fish came flying out of the pond, detaching from the hook and landing just inches away from my shoes.... I yelled like a girl (of course)!  My father in-law came to the rescue and picked up the fish and showed Cade and then tossed him back into the pond.  That was the funniest moment..... I loved it!  Can't wait to go fishing again!

I was the only one who caught one....and on a child's pole nonetheless.

I will post pictures when I get my camera back.... I left it at the farm.  argh!

I guess I'm over my baby fever... for now at least! I'm just going to let my friends take care of that department for me until I'm good and ready for another one!

Summer is wrapping up.  Tuesday is first day of school.  My litle boy will be a "robin" this year!  yay!  It's going to be a great year for Cade! His teachers (once again) are 2 of the nicest people! 

---on a side note--- I'm completely covered in sparkely embossing powder.... it's a nice touch but I hope it's not a pain to get off!  whooopsy!  guess I got carried away when I was making a few handmade cards---

Anyway, so this past week I thought I might start keeping a little journal of all (which means, some of or most of but more likely just a few) quotes from Cade.   He seriously says the cutest things.... oh to be a little kid again. I'm going to start...... tomorrow since today is a goner.   I'll post as soon as I have at least 3 things....

Baby Fever

I think I have a case of baby fever.

It's just not going away.  So far this week I have unintentionally made matters worse. 

I have spent my free time sifting through baby clothes...sorting through them and remembering when Cade was "this little" followed by an "awwww, look at this one, remember when he wore this?" Mostly  Travis just stares at me... but then I see a little gush of fluid fill his eyes as he blinks really fast to make them return to normal. He just might be coming down with case of it too, YIKES!  Two parents in one household with baby fever..... can only mean one thing... separate rooms!  LOL.

Maybe it's a case of everyone else is, why aren't we?

Everyone I know is having babies... some are even having multiple babies!   Some are having boys, some are having girls, some aren't even finding out!

It's also not helping that I've been spending time with my neighbor who has a newborn baby boy who is absolutely precious. Tiny feet. Tiny hands. Tiny everything... so perfect in every way.   This weekend I'm going to be scrapbooking Cade's first year.  FIRST year.  He's already 3.  Actually he's closer to 4 now....which means one more year and he'll be in Kindergarten. WHAT?  Where does the time go? Why so fast? Why? Why? Why?

Is there a cure for my baby fever?  Who knows what is in store for our family...  All I know is that Cade is such a blessing. I know that I love him and he loves me (even if he presses and squeezes his hands together so tight, then shows and tells me that this is all the love he has for me--in which I tell him that amount is still something).

Here are some of my favorite pictures of my once little boy!  Cade Christian.

first bath

Hook 'Em Horns

his onesie was bright blue and his socks were from Baby Gap...I loved those socks!

Kimono from Becky

favorite picture taken at Picture People

Sock Monkey Party

How I spent my summer vacation by Tara Miller

We're home, unpacked and back in routine.  BOOO.

Our vacation was great!  We went all over the hill country in just a few short days.  Our first stop was Buda, Tx.   We drove in, dropped Maxie off and then made it to our first destination....Cabela's.  Cabela's is one of those stores you could seriously get lost in. What's neat about Cabela's is that there really is something there for everyone.  For example, Travis has been dying to get a canoe since we first met.  This place has every style and every color of canoe you could ever wish or hope for. 

My favorite part is the bake shop/camping/home living department.  As you walk up the stairs you are greeted by the yummy smells coming from the fudge shop.  I've been in twice and have yet to see anyone who actually works in there...so I'm beginning to thinks it's just for looks. The home living department has the Woodwick candle collection... they sound like fire crackling as they burn...  I've also seen the smile on cade's face as we walk through the camo couches - who doesn't want a camo couch?  (not me)  But what's really cute are the mini camo recliners for the kids... seriously cute. 

After bouncing off the couches and hiding in the camo curtains we went to the opposite end of the store and spied the tent of all tents.  The Lakeside.  Ahhh.  Doesn't that just sound nice.  It has everything I love in a tent.... SPACE.   It's under $300 and would comfortably sleep the 3 of us and Lucy.    I see a camping trip in our future.

We probalby spent an hour or so roaming around in the store before we decided to head back to my sister's house.   The next morning we headed to Fredericksburg to see my Grandma.  We stopped at the old Post Office in Hye, where my grandparents received their mailed for over 50 years.   A lot has changed since I was a kid walking around in there.  The mail is still handled there but it's more of an antique shop than anything else. We manged to find an antique Lone Star beer glass, a pigeon crossing sign, and an orange and white cat on the shelves. 

We made one more stop on our way up to Gigi's... Studebaker's PEACHES!  These were the best peaches! Gigi shared her cobbler recipe with us that afternoon and we whipped up a batch. Yummy!  We mostly stayed around her house while we were there.  We did manage to go downtown to the park and then appetizers and drinks at Bejas... my favorite spot!

The next day we dropped Cade off with my sister's family and Travis and I headed to the Lost Pines Resort in Bastrop.  We were impressed with the service, the atmosphere, and of course the Grand Bed!  We priced them after our honeymoon in Lake Tahoe.... they run about $8000.... ahh, the price for a good night of sleep.  We settled into our room and went to the pool.  I had an electric lemonade to kick off my afternoon.   We floated the river and just relaxed.  Dinner was a Sheller's- a beer/piano bar type place.  We had shiner bock queso -which was good although Travis said it tasted just like Shiner- which to him means -it doesn't have a taste at all.... I on the other hand enjoyed it!  The next day we headed to the spa to see what it was all about-- we learned that you can use the spa during your stay at no additional charge (unless you request a service).  We were both wishing we had known this information a day earlier and not 15 minutes before Cade was being dropped off.   Once Cade arrived we headed back to the pool and spent all day there.  I loved floating the river and going through the "rabbits" (rapids) with Cade.    That afternoon I managed to escape to the spa to relax, shower and get ready for dinner with my boys. That night we had smores on the lawn and hit the sack early!  

The next day we ate a quick bite, took another dip in the pool and then checked out.   We took note that the next time we stay here we will pack a few grocery items.  Food and drinks can really ring up the bill. However, we did manage to come in just under our budget when all was said and done. 

The last stop on the way home was to BlueBell Creamery.  It's known as the best ice cream in the country.... and I'll agree to that since I haven't really had ice cream outside of Texas.  Cade had "ganilla".... yummmm!

So, now we're back home and already planning another stay at Lost Pines in April for our 5 year anniversary. 

5, 4, 3, 2, 1....we're on vacation

Yay! Today is finally here! We're off to the hill country today! Our bags are packed.  Our snacks are ready and cold drinks are on hand.  Traveling isn't so much an ordeal anymore.. although Cade did want me to pack his things in a pink bag because Nana and Maxie have pink ones.  I told him in this house- the bags are red!

Yesterday I found a great swimsuit, super cute sundress and super soft pajamas.  I havent' bought new pajamas in forever.   It's one of those things I need to do more often.  Just like getting new make-up.  Just to feel more girly.... that was my goal!  I feel like always wear the same thing to do everything and to go everywhere. Now I have a few more options and will feel more put together--- and that makes me happy!

Well. We will post pictures of our adventure when we return Thursday. We're off to have some fun!!

Home Sweet Home

Traveling with a toddler is getting much easier these days. Although, I did stop 3 times in under 45 minutes on they way home, it is nothing like it used to be when Cade was a newborn/infant.  It would take me forever to get anywhere! 

I hate stopping when I'm traveling by myself, but when it comes to Cade, I'll do anything.  Especially if it involves a nap in the near future!  Even if I have to stop 3 times on they same road, in the same town, and listening to the same Barney episode....a nap is a nap! What?! Need that blankie...let me stop and get it for you, tuck you in and put Froggy riiiight next to you.  lol.

The past few days Cade and I have spent in the hill country visiting Stephanie and Grandma. We arrived on Wednesday afternoon and spent the night in Austin. Thursday morning we loaded up and drove to Fredericksburg to see Grandma. We had a great visit. We did our usual trip to DQ for ice cream and a quick trip to Wal-Mart because for some reason we always need something from there. It was kind of a rainy day but during the dry spells the kids played outside and worked hard at covering the entire sidewalk with chalk.  Grandma said she could watch the kids so I could run down town for a little bit.  While I was gone she baked cookies with the kids. I think she had fun even if they hover over her... it's amazing they even turn out! That evening we went to the farmer's market in town and sampled tons of fresh veggies, wines, and cheeses. I bought an awesome feta cheese/olive oil spread, a loaf of white bread, and two purple bell peppers. We came home and made a delicious salad for dinner and ate almost the whole round loaf of bread at dinner. I wish there was a farmer's market here like the one on Main Street. Live music, gourmet food and fresh, home grown fruits and veggies to sample. I LOVE it.

We headed back to Buda Friday morning after a quick stroll through the shops in downtown Fredericksburg. We made it home after 1 o'clock and then we loaded back up and took Maxie to gymnastics. While she was there Cade and I went to the city park in Buda and then to Cabella's. You could seriously spend all day in Cabella's. It's huge. Cade and went through the exhibits, had a snack in   the restaurant, and then played in all of the camping tents.  We remembered to pick up a Pig Tail Meat flipper for Travis and some fishing hooks for Cade's rod. Travis is dying to take Cade fishing, so I'm guessing in the next few weeks he'll have casted his line for the first time! I'm sure he'll catch a BIG one for sure!
So, now we're home after one last stop at Julie's house this afternoon which put us home at 10:30 tonight.  Hopefully we'll get a good night of sleep.................................. yikes! it's 11:30.  g'night!

If I could write a letter to me

There is a trend going on in the blogger world these days to take a moment and write a letter to yourself... You start from a certain point in your life and write to the present.  I read a few entries on random sites and was moved by some of the entries... So I thought I'd give it a shot and hopefully pass on the idea to my friends and other random people who might come across this page.

Middle School Tara.
It's the day before your 13th birthday and  you are getting braces.  You are really excited about this.  Finally something to make you "cool" and "fit in" with the rest of the crowd but consider waiting until after your birthday party....your teeth are really going to hurt from those tight, shiny, yet colorful braces.  You'll have the hardest time picking out the color of bands you want but trust me, clear is best.  Once they are removed you'll have the next best thing... a permanent retainer. You'll have many not so nice things to say about this permanent piece of metal in your mouth... just remember floss is your friend.  You are going to be going to high school soon and will be leaving behind some really good friends, but hold on to the red head named, Julie. She'll be there with you through all the hard times and show you what true friendship is all about.  

High School Tara,
You're going to be in the marching band. Try your best, maybe even practice playing your instrument. Don't worry about Chemistry. You'll run into your teacher many years from now and tell him that you haven't balanced a chemical equation since you took his class and he'll laugh.  Oh, and you won't use Geometry either.  Boys will be boys and none are worth keeping around. You'll work at Chili's from 1993 to 2000. You'll meet one of your best friends, Kristine.  She'll be wearing a really cool color of nail polish and you'll notice.  You'll be instant friends after that.  You'll continue working at Chilis' after HS and will transfer to one in Austin. You'll meet Paul and finally understand the meaning behind "keep Austin weird!"  Your friendship will be one you cherish forever.

College Tara,
You'll take classes at ACC and apply to a few colleges. You'll get accepted to SWT and UoH.  You'll choose SWT. Paaaaaaaaaaararrrrty.  Just kidding Mom!  You will go through some roommates and live on your own some.  Keep your eyes open on campus because you'll spot your friend from High School,  Becky. You'll reconnect and spend a few years rooming together. Eventually she'll move to Boston but she'll be your tour guide to the city and even take you on a trip to San Fransisco/Napa Valley.  Later on in life, she bring you back tokens from her travels across the seas.  Your favorite with be a child size kimono.  Be sure to get familiar with the Internet. You'll be able to connect with a lot of people from all over, some you'll even really care about.  Match.com will one day change your life.  Your senior year you'll get a phone call that brings you to your knees.  Papa dies and your heart breaks. But don't worry. He will visit you in your dreams and you'll be so happy you saw him again. You graduate and make your parents proud! 

23 - 29 year old Tara
Thanks to your friend Susan, you'll get your first teaching job in Sugar Land. You'll teach Kindergarten and pick out your "favorites" but know that in the end each of those kids needs you.  You'll question moving back to Austin because relationships end and you want a change, but you never leave. You'll turn 25 and make a wish as you blow out your candle to meet someone who loves you for you.  A week later you do.  You'll talk to him for hours that first night. You'll meet him and two days later you'll see him every single day after that.  You'll fall in love under the stars and he'll ask you to marry him under those same stars a few years down the road.  Your parents won't believe you when you tell them you're engaged....Travis will always surprise you. You'll get married at the same church your parents did and where Papa is buried.  The wedding will be amazing. You'll find out a month later your expecting.

Pregnant Tara,
You are shocked. You just peed on a stick and it's blinking and alarms are sounding off -you're pregnant. Are you ready for this? NO.  But who is.  Your sister will tell you that there will never be the perfect time, and you'll never have enough money.... this will stick with you.  You might want to sign up for the class, what to expect after your water breaks. It's good to know this sort of information. Drag your husband along.  When in need, call Julie.  Your water will break on the rug as you're walking to the bathroom...and seriously you don't have to go to the hospital right away... if you do, your husband will fall asleep and you'll be awake, and mad that he's asleep.  So just wait it out for as long as you can.  Remember that there is a button on the side of the bed to push if you start feeling contractions. Don't press it too many times...but know that if you do, Travis will be there for you to move your legs for you. 

30 year old Tara
Life will never be the same and it's ok. Realize this.  Sleep doesn't happen much. Husbands don't always hear a crying baby.  You'll catch up on nights when mom and Julia step up to the plate and keep your little one over night.  It will take awhile to get to that point but just know it will happen.  Let it happen. Give your baby a bottle. Better yet, give the bottle to someone else and you get out of the house.  Try to smile. Being a mom is hard but your little boy is going to love you.  It's ok to have a messy house. Your house isn't as messy as your neighbor's house or your neighbor's neighbor....it's not even messy.  So let it go. It's hard, but let it go.  Date your husband. Remember your friends.  Don't get caught up in the have nots. Know that God has a plan and that things are going to work out.
32 year old Tara
Cade is 3 1/2.  He is closer to 4 than he is 3.  He makes sure that he makes you happy when he goes potty. Or happy when he doesn't hit you even though he just said he was going to.  He will want to watch Imagination Movers, Bad Hair Day a hundred times and then once again just because he wants to bounce on the couch while they sing.  He will grow one inch in under 2 months.  He loves to sing, dance and play sharks and alligators. His favorite thing to say will be "rude butt."  Try not to laugh when he says that over and over again.   Spend time with your husband and do things for him... don't expect perfection.   Hold hands and when times get tough just remember where you came from. Say I love you more.

I heart JULY

We had a great weekend at the Miller Household.  Friday, Julia picked Cade up for a day and night o'fun.  Apparently too much fun since bedtime wasn't until after 10!  Oh well, it gave Travis and I an entire day to spend together. So since we had the house to our self we decided to head downtown and eat at Red Onion and then try out Sprinkles Cupcakes....except as soon as we entered on to I-45 we decided that we should probably make other plans since it looked like we were about to enter a black cloud of death.  So we u-turned and headed North to The Woodlands.  We stopped by  the Carter's store to get Cade PJs; they were ridiculously cheap so we stocked up.  Since it was storming by the time we left Carter's we decided to eat lunch right next door at Pie Town for a decent sandwich and soup.  On the way home we hit up the Redbox.  We rented Sherlock Holmes (zzzzzz) and Duplicity (zzzz).  For some reason I fell asleep in both.  Must have been the rainy weather that took it out of me.

Once the weather cleared out we decided to go to Alicia's Mexican restaurant for tortilla soup.  Afterwards we went to Starbucks for a coffee and discussion on where to take our vacation.

Vacation! Wow. I thought I'd never leave the house this summer.

So, here's our plan.

17th Circus with Maxie
18th head to Austin with Maxie (stay over at Stephanie's and maybe have a date night downtown)
19th Fredericksburg (visit Grandma and try out a new restaurant)
20th back to Austin dropping Cade off w/ Uncle Travis and then Travis and I head to Bastrop Lost Pines Resort
21st pick Cade up and head back to Lost Pines for more fun
22nd head home stopping at Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham

Travis had a almost 50k in airline miles so we swapped those for a one night stay at a luxury hotel and since Travis does so much "business" with Hyatt in downtown Houston, we were able to get a fabulous deal on an additional night stay.  Woo-Hoo!   I can't wait to go!

Saturday was a much prettier day so Cade and I went to Sprinkle's cupcakes (my favorite cupcake place now) and Paper Source. 

Sunday we went to church, then headed to the movies to see Toy Story 3.  That was Cade's first "real" movie.  He did awesome.  He actually fell asleep on the way to the show but I was able to keep him asleep in my arms/lap until the movie started.  It worked out perfectly.  Then we headed to the Red, Hot and Blue Festival on The Waterway.  We walked around and decided to grab a snack and cool off at Cheesecake Factory.  Afterwards, we went back over to the festival and waited.....as patiently as we could for the fireworks to start.  It was a great show.  Cade loved the pink ones (big surprise).  

Fun weekend..... now Monday is here.   Not much planned for today. We have gymnastics tomorrow and then we're packing up and heading to Fredericksburg to see Grandma on Wednesday.   We'll be back Saturday and leaving after church on Sunday to go up to Buffalo for the night.   Lots of traveling going on...but it sure beats staying at home.

Later this month July 30-August 1, I'll be going on a retreat to Camp Allen with the girls from my quilting group.   Looking forward to working on Cade's baby book.  I hope to at least finish his 1st year.... so behind on that.

The next baby I (hopefully) have will have their book already assembled and all I'll have to do is insert pictures.  One thing I did do for Cade was post a calendar in his room so all I had to do was write down his developmental milestones.... I did that for almost 2 years.   I think once he started walking I was over it.... but I'm glad that I did it because it's fun to read about when he first smiled or when he said Mama for the first time. (all that hard work paid off say mama, mama, mama, mama, mama).   


I'm off to HEB to get groceries and goodies.

The ESL test is finally behind me. Now I just have to sit and wait for results.  It took me over 4 hours to answer 70 questions.  I'm not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing.  I am just glad it's over and hoping that I passed.  It would be nice to have that certification to add to my resume.

Speaking of resume.  I didn't get the teaching position I was hoping for.  I guess it's just not meant to be.  I do love the school I'm at right now; but I was hoping for a pay increase.  It would have been nice to have that extra money.  I talked with a friend today and she told me about starting a 529 for Cade. So I'm going to look into that and set something up where my paycheck goes to Cade's college fund.  I'll be less worried once I see that start to grow. 

So now that my studying days are behind me, Cade and I have done some fun things this week.  We started off by visiting Julie and her 4 boys, then Tuesday was gymnastics and story time at the Library and today we met up with a group of friends at the splash pad.   Tomorrow we might hit the $1 movies and then meet a friend for her birthday lunch.

The rest of the week is up in the air. I'm dying to go out of town and I found a great deal at the Magnolia Hotel in College Station, $80/night with milk and cookies at bedtime!  I know it's Aggie Land but just to get out of the house and GO SOMEWHERE.. would make this gal, happy.

I don't think Travis is up for it... maybe Cade and I will go!  He LOVES cookies!

Oh, I love a rainy night....

I've been waiting all day for the rain to come.  There was a teaser of shower this morning, then a few sprinkles around lunch and full sun until this evening when the storm clouds rolled in.  At first I couldn't tell if it was thunder or if I was hearing or the loud, obnoxious 4x4 truck across the street that gets fired up every week; but soon enough I heard the first drops hit the window and now I'm in a dark house watching the sky light up!

Today I took Cade and his pal, Micheala to Toddler Time at the library. It was so cute! Stories, finger plays, and dancing!  They loved it! I'm going to take Cade next week after Gymnastic for the pre-school session and then again on Thursday for the Toddler Time.  Now that Travis has his new sleep schedule I find it easier to be out of the house until noon....and this will certainly help fill up our morning.  This afternoon, Travis took Cade to the pool in the neighborhood.  I think he enjoyed it! I need to sign him up for lessons.  He has yet to go underwater in all of  his 3years of being in water.

Tonight we sliced opened our delicious seedless watermelon from the farmer's market... it was so sweet and juicy!  I sliced up half of it and brought it over to my neighbor's house and then as I'm walking back to my house the neighbor across the street is walking over to give me home grown tomatoes.  I thought that was pretty neat...

Well... time to study only one more day until my ESL test.

"The Texas Ball Did It"

This morning we somehow managed to sleep until 8:20, which would have been a great thing if we didn't have to be at gymnastics at 9. Luckily Cade LOVES gymnastics and was all about getting out the door.  I'm proud to say we made it and had 5 minutes to spare! Go Mom Go!
Cade did great in class. I watched from the upstairs viewing area as instructed by Cade himself.  Today they worked on the balance bean, roll overs, hand stands and of course their "tah-dah!"  Today I realized that Cade's little buddy (Kade) from church is our class....so happy he has a friend there!

During rest time Cade and I were watching Toy Story One. We came to the part where Buzz was being chased by a runaway globe and gets knocked out of the window and into the neighbor's yard. I asked Cade if he knew what had just happened to Buzz and he says, "the Texas ball did it!"


Lately whenever my mom watches Cade he'll pull out her United States puzzle that has way too many small pieces that some how all manage to not get lost. Cade can point to Texas, Florida, California, Oklahoma, and a few others. He also has quite an ear when it comes to announcements or ads on the radio/tv that mention a state's name, "they just said California!"  I'm pretty impressed.

Tomorrow is Kid's Day at our church. I'm looking forward to meeting up with a few of the members and of course letting Cade wear himself out enough to take a nap....he is holding out on me! No naps make for a long day... but we some how manage to make it to bedtime with little to no tantrums.

---  food/recipe update--

The VOO (vegan overnight oats) I made last night were super yummy! Sweet and creamy!

Tempeh enchiladas had a very unusual texture- but were good.  Travis actually ate 2 to my 1.  I guess he was a fan!

Tomorrow will be Eggplant Parmesan with fresh corn on the cob.  

Happy Birthday Mom!!

For Father's Day we made a day trip up to Buffalo to see Travis' Dad.   We made up there by 2, ate lunch and then the boys headed outdoors to do "guy stuff."  While they did their thing, I had the chance to catch up on important things like... Real Housewives and Cupcake Wars.

It was a pretty short trip but I think everyone had a good time.  We headed home around 8 and Cade was asleep before we got to the Interstate.  

This morning I had my monthly appointment with Dr. Yezak.  My back is still feeling good.  I had a slight twinge of pain in my hip but since his adjustment earlier today I'm doing just fine!  He did tell me that he didn't like my shoe of choice-- actually I think his words were, if you wear those shoes again I'm going to cut off your feet.  So, I guess flip flops are a no... or at least a no on days I have to see him. ;)

This afternoon Cade and I went to the Farmer's Market downtown to get some produce and of course to see Travis.  We picked up a ton of veggies and a few pieces of fruit.  I'm planning on making eggplant Parmesan and tempeh enchiladas for dinner this week and green monsters in the mornings.   I also made my first batch of Vegan Overnight Oats tonight.  In a bowl I mixed oats, 2 mini bananas (smashed), 1/4 tsp vanilla, 2 tbs chia seeds, and 3/4 cup almond milk. In the morning I'll top it off with a touch of maple syrup.  VOO is another recipe from OhSheGlows.

Tomorrow we are going to gymnastics.  Cade has been imitating Maxie's back bends all day.... monkey see, monkey do.   Should be a fun morning!

sneek peek

Our friend Erin took our family pictures last weekend.  We went to Montgomery and strolled around town. She is such a talented photographer!  So lucky she captured these precious snapshots!  More are to come in the next week or two.

Weekend/Father's Day

What a great weekend! Stephanie and her family came into town for a quick visit. It was great seeing them and hanging out at the house.  Friday we took the kids to get their picture taken at Portrait Innovations in Champions.  The picture turned out so cute!  I will scan it in and post.

Travis took off today so we could spend time together.  We dropped Cade off at my mom's so he could play with Maxie and then we went to Gringo's for 'ritas and chips. Then we went back to my mom's to celebrate Father's Day. My dad cooked out- ribs, chicken, and sausage.  He enjoyed using his new grill gadget- a pig tail food flipper. It's the perfect tool for flipping meat on the grill. It hooks the meat and with a twist of the wrist it flips the meat over. It's pretty handy and for $10 a must have for all men.  Cabella's in Buda,TX is one of the few outdoor stores that carries them. Thanks to Stephanie's Travis for picking one up for my dad! He bought the last one.... so they are now officially sold out! I hope they get more in because I know someone else who had their heart set on one. 

After dinner we headed home with one tired little boy! I love carrying him to bed.  I'm off to bed. It won't be long before I hear his little feet run across the floor, come into our room, and say pick me up mama.... Hopefully tomorrow he'll sleep in and not be SO eager to get up before 7.