Update Part II: Miss Cali Girl

Now that things are settling down a bit, or something like that, I'd like to continue sharing that goings on of our little family. Since I've bragged on Austin, let me just brag a little on our little princess. Speaking of princess...when I went up to the school to register Austin for kindergarten we were lucky enough to cross paths with the principal. She introduced herself to Austin and asked him a few questions, after which she turned her attention to Miss Cali. When she asked her name Cali replied, "I'm a Princess!" very enthusiastically as a matter of fact. It was stinkin' adorable!

Cali, Cali, Cali...where on earth do I start? My little princess is a busy little bee, to say the least.

Cali has had quite the summer. She LOVES to swim. The first time we got in the water at a friend's pool she clung to me like a starfish to a rock. By the end of our swim time she was pushing away and swimming back and forth between me and the steps! No fear, just like her brother...maybe even less if that's possible.

During the time we spent living with my in-laws we discovered Cali's love for fresh vegetables, especially tomatoes. If I couldn't find her around the house I knew the first place to look outside was in the garden. Good thing we planted plenty of tomato plants this year!

During a shopping trip for school clothes while my mom and sister were visiting, Austin and my nephew chose sunglasses to go with their new wardrobes. As much as Cali loves her big brother and wants to do EVERYTHING he does, she had to have a pair of sunglasses. Rarely have we seen her without them since buying them. She didn't even want girl glasses...they have yellow flames on the sides and she usually wears them with a dress. Awesome!!

We haven't had many chances to head out to the lake. We were fortunate enough to have that opportunity just a couple weeks ago, 4th of July weekend. We had such a good time hanging out as a family, playing in the water, eating cheetos and climbing on the rocks. Both of my kids have such energy and curiosity. They really are inspiring in their intrigue and desire to see and do just about everything they can. Cali looks like such a little surfer girl...where does she get that?

She's growing up right before my eyes...I hate having to blink because I might miss something! I honestly can't believe that she's only 2 years old and already potty trained! She's too smart for her own good. She speaks with such clarity and understands more than I sometimes give her credit for. She's such a happy, friendly, caring, silly, fun girl. We are so blessed to have her in our family. She's going to be such a great big sister.

That's Miss Cali Girl in a nutshell these days. I can't wait to see what the future holds with this little one...just not too quickly.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

Where has the time gone? My sil mentioned to me today how long it had been since I'd blogged, but I didn't realize it was this bad. Things have been quite eventful since my last post so I'll give the "cliff notes" version as best I can.

Soon after my last post was Mother's day for which I got the most interesting gift...a new puppy. My thoughtful husband and children decided that on top of being pregnant, potty training Cali and going through the drama of our previous house that I needed something else to worry about. awww...so sweet. ;) The day after Mother's day we got some disturbing news about our house we were living in (the one we were in after leaving Crosby and moved to Vidor) and we were forced to make a decision. We left the house the next day not quite knowing what was in store. We headed to the only logical place, Marcus' parent's house, to wait it out and weigh our options. Within the next week or so we (I) packed everything to be ready to move out then headed to California. Marcus continued working and I didn't quite know what our situation would be, so why not visit family while we're homeless? The kids and I had a great trip and while we were gone Marcus and his cousins loaded up all our belongings and packed it all into storage.

By this point we had made arrangements for another house to rent but we were just waiting for the people to move out so we could move in, or so we thought. They were set to leave at one point, but that got postponed. Set another date and ended up leaving only two days after that appointed time. At this point we'd been homeless for about 4 weeks and we were ready. But unfortunately, that's when more drama ensued. The landlord gave us a week's notice that the house would be ready. They needed to get a couple things done while the house was empty. Fine with me. Well, the week came and went with little progress on the house and my mom and sister were coming for a visit. We ended up having to stay at my in-laws, all of us. We made the most of it and ended up having a great time even though it felt a little weird that we weren't at my place. Then another week passed. Finally I asked if there was anything we could do to help with the progress but they gave us the same answer every time...waiting on the contractor to finish up. Almost three weeks passed and I was done!!! I started showing up at the house, calling the contractor myself and when he was finished in one part of the house I'd jump in and start cleaning it. I had the contractor out within days and we were moving in.

Exactly 7 weeks to the day we were living with my in-laws and I am SO thankful to be living in our own place, sleeping in my own bed, and getting back on our schedule. I do love my in-laws and they were acceptionally generous and hospitable during our stay, but there's nothing better than having my life back.

Now, just a little update of our little family. I am happy to announce that Cali is fully potty trained!!! Hooray!! She was even at a friend's house today for a little while and I put a pull-up on her just to be safe because I wasn't quite sure if she'd tell my friend if she needed to go, but sure enough she did. She even went #2 and was completely dry after her stay. She's such a big girl!! (When I resume updates beyond part 1 I'll share all about my little Cali girl.)

Austin is SO ready for kindergarten it's not even funny. We were registered at one elementary school before the whole house mess, but because of the move I had to transfer him. We went up to the new school to turn in some paperwork and got to meet the principal! Today he decided that we need to get back to working in our workbooks so he can be ready for school and show his principal how smart he is. What a weirdo!!

Marcus has really been working hard. With the economy the way it's been he's had to really put in the hours. I'm so thankful for all that he does for our family. He even tries to make time to wrestle and play with the kids any chance he gets...not that it's much of a stretch for him to be a big kid. ;)

As for myself, I'm 33 weeks now and feeling it. I feel it in my swollen feet and ankles by the end of the day or after being in the heat too long. I feel it in my hips that are being pressed on. I feel it in my ribs, constantly. For those of you that don't know, we aren't finding out what we're having again. We liked the surprise too much last time that we'll probably never find out again, if there are any more (which I'm sure this isn't the end). But all joking aside, I am feeling really good. The move has put a little extra strain on my body, but nothing I can't handle. I really love being pregnant, which is good because there's no way I'm ready to have this baby yet. Not with a move in progress.

And you're probably wondering why I didn't post anything while being homeless. Marcus' parents live pretty much out in the middle of nowhere and there's hardly even cell service so getting on the laptop was virtually impossible and their dinosaur computer has dialup. Do you blame me?

Update Part 1: Austin

Things have really gone downhill on my blog since we got rid of our home internet a couple months ago. We've been solely relying on Marcus' work laptop and internet access to do everything. The main downside is that I don't get to use my quiet time in the afternoon when Cali's sleeping and Austin's reading to do my blogging, I have to wait till Marcus comes home from work. But by the time I even get a chance to sit down at the computer it's after 9 o'clock and I'm ready to watch t.v. and not take the time to do my necessary blogging. I've been keeping up on all my friends' blogs, tho not always commenting for lack of time (sorry friends!!), but not taking the time to let everyone/anyone know what's been going on with my little family.

So there it is, all my excuses out in the open. I guess I just need to make more of an effort and put my heart into it like it used to be. And I promise to make time to comment on your blog if you comment on mine. ;) (Even tho most of you have WAY more blogging friends and have a million comments, my 5 mean a lot to me!!)

So, on to the update. I think I'll start with the kids since they are my life and I love talking all about them. Austin is now 5 years old, growing like a weed, and loves to just play. He's so much like his daddy, and he considers his daddy to be his "best bud"...what a perfect role model to have! He's smart, funny, very loving but can handle himself pretty well with the big kids.He's very curious about EVERYTHING.

Here's just one little conversation while driving to the store:

Austin: Are we on the freeway?

Me: Not yet, just on the road next to the freeway.

Austin: How do we get on the freeway?

Me: We just keep driving and we'll join all the cars driving on the freeway.

(still on the frontage road...)

Austin: Are we on the freeway now?

Me: No, just at the stop sign. We'll get on the freeway in just a little bit.

Austin: But when we're on the freeway will we still go this slow?

And it continues ALL the way to the store which takes a whole 5 minutes to get there.

He's a great big brother and his loves his little sister. She follows him around most of the day and wants to do whatever he is doing. Sometimes he doesn't exactly love it, but I'm sure he thinks she's pretty cool too since they play so well together...most of the time.

He's so athletic too. He's great at baseball and has been riding a two wheel bike since he was 3.5 years old! He's a fast runner and a fast learner. And he loves to play Wii Legos Star Wars with his daddy, his best buddy. (and yes, he can cross the monkey bars all by himself!!)
He's not just curious about the freeway, but it seems that he really does want to have an answer for just about everything the comes across his view. I love his curiosity, I really do, but after a million and a half questions I'm about ready to duct tape that kid to the wall!! He's so ready for kindergarten, I just hope he gets his fill of information. He loves to work in his little workbook where he gets to work on writing his name, letters, numbers, matching, coloring, mazes, etc... What a goofy kid! And he still asks for raw broccoli with his lunch. What can I say? He's an amazing little boy and I can't wait to see the things he'll accomplish.

Just a little side update. I'm now 25 weeks and I actually took this picture just today with the hopes that I'd remember to post it. Tada!! Feeling good, still wearing my regular pants and doing what I can to not get TOO huge (ya know, walking a couple times a week to balance out the half gallon of ice cream on the weekends). I'll try to get more pictures as I continue to grow....I said "try".

Springtime Fun

When springtime rolls around in southeast TX you have to take advantage of every chance you get to enjoy the weather. Before you know it, summer's here and you don't even want to be outside. This spring we got the camping fever and decided to go camping two weekends in a row! I love camping, don't get me wrong, but I think I'm done till next spring. But we did have a great time with friends and family both weekends we went.

The first weekend we went with some friends about an hour away from our house right next to a river. We played baseball, went fishing (Marcus' parents joined us since they only live about 30 minutes from where we were camping), roasted hot dogs and marshmallows over the fire...we had a great time!

I took my turn getting breakfast ready.

Marcus even took his turn over the stove!

Austin helped demolish the good camp food...always tastes better when you're camping!

The kiddos in their own little camp chairs, chillin'.

Heading out to catch some fish...at least we were ready to catch some, but we didn't catch ANY!I do love camping, especially with good friends. Can't wait till next year! I hope the new baby will be as good of a camper as my first two are. We have us some happy campers. hahaha!!

Happy Happy Birthday Miss Cali Girl!!!

My little princess early in the day...she kept singing "Happy Birthday" all day. So sweet.A little Mommy and me time.This little girl loves Dora, so she needed her own backpack. She was in heaven!!I still can't believe I have a big 2 year old!! That's my baby girl!This girl loves her chocolate...what girl doesn't?

I can't believe she's already 2 years old!! She is such a ham and loves to have her picture taken. She loves her big brother and wants to do everything he does and be with him everywhere he goes. She's quite headstrong, but very loving. She has her own personality and wants to do things her own way in her own time...I don't know where she gets that. ;)

Happy Birthday Miss Cali Girl!!! We Love You!!!