Eavesdropping

There's nothing more fun than overhearing your children say phrases that you say. Case in point:



Boys are in the bath tonight playing with animals. Kian says to Jack, "This is not a choice, it's a demand!" I don't know who won, as I was laughing too hard.



I wish I could think up with some of the others, but I'm drawing a blank.









until next time....lc

Lunch break, then another hike and swimming. Having a blast!

Pics from the river path hike.

Starting off Dudes' Day with some breakfast at Mama's Cafe. Heading north after this!  We've got a fun day of hiking and hopefully swimming (if the weather cooperates) ahead at the Hamilton Pool Preserve between SA and Austin. 

OCD: A Nature or Nurture Phenomenon?

This was taken last week, at the Ed Franz Elementary bingo PTA fundraiser. I took it after pointing out to Laura that Jack had sorted the beans he was using as card markers. I made mention of it by nodding in his direction, looking at her, and saying, "That one's definitely yours."

(K)

If mom won't take me...I'll make my own

Kian is obsessed with animals as we all have come to learn. He plays with his figurines daily and many times takes them along wherever we go. After begging me to take him to Wild Life Ranch today and being denied, he set up camp in our living room and made his own. All was well until the animals started attacking the vehicles that were perusing his ranch. Surprisingly, the Bat mobile survived and was able to drive off.

until next time...lc

Tech-savvy Tooth Fairy

Jack pulled his third tooth tonight. Like the first one, this one was wiggling for over 2 months. Poor guy, nervous about pulling it out, but more than proud when it makes its departure.

There was concern tonight whether the Tooth Fairy was notified of our move. Kian told us not to worry as he thinks she has GPS.

She made her visit as anticipated. We'll never know how savvy she is, I suppose.

Here's another toothless grin for y'all.

until next time...lc

Sitiin' poolside

So, it’s October 1st and we’re at the pool basking in the sun and getting a little red. Sounds like the impossible, right? That would be true if we were in Indiana. Not so much here in SA, Texas. It’s currently 87 degrees out and I’m on a mission to make sure the boys sleep well tonight. We have a big weekend ahead of us and a good night’s rest never hurt anyone.

Seriously thought, we are really enjoying our new adventure down here. The boys are both excelling in school like we could have never imagined. Kyle is working more than he’d like to, but has some help that alleviates some of those really late nights he was experiencing. We’ve met some really nice people as well. Of course, we’ve met a not-so-nice neighbor. Just ask Kian, she won’t let him pet her dog. That’s really low, I know. Anyway, back to the good stuff. We’ve met quite a few families from both schools the boys attend, a few from Jackson’s soccer team and a few in the complex in which we live. Thankfully Jack’s best friend lives a couple of buildings over from us. The boys ask daily if they can go over to his house to play. It’s nice to have someone so close. It sort of makes up for what we left behind.

I am sure the friendships will evolve over time. Until then, we are enjoying the time we have to spend together. It’s quite a change from the crazy-busy lifestyle we had back in Indiana. We still get out, but aren’t the social butterflies we once were. It’s forcing us to sit back and relax. I’m not much the relaxing type, but am making do.



Until next time…lc

Mobile Posting?

This is awesome. Perhaps I'll use it as a means to keep this bad boy updated. Don't count on it.

Happy Birthday, Old Man

You know the saying, "When I count my blessings, I count you twice"? This is how I feel about Kyle. He has made a million and one sacrifices when it comes to our family and I cannot appreciate him more than I do now. He's a great husband, father and friend. The boys are lucky to have a father that will do almost anything for them. They may disagree at times, but the lessons that come from his choices will weigh out over time. We've had so many memory-making moments in the 11 years that we've been together.



Happy Birthday,Kyle! I hope you enjoy your day and make the most of it.



until next time...lc

Happy Birthday, Baby!

He's four? Already? Where does time go? Anyway, Happy Birthday Kian! In preparation for our move, we started celebrating Kian's birthday with family on July 31st. A total of 4 celebrations this year for this for year old. Never again will be receive such an elongated celebration. No worries though, he partied it up and made the most of the circumstances.

Facebook birthday wishes from mommy and daddy:

"Happy Birthday Kian!! It's hard to believe that our baby is four years old today. The dude and I are off to have as much fun as we can today." - mommy

"happy birthday to my little dude, kian. 4 years of living one of the fullest lives anyone could ever know. he's become such a dynamic person, full of piss and vinegar, yet sweeter than the purest nectar when he wants to be. i look forward to continuing life's journey with my little 'bess fren.' " - daddy

A photo from Mrs. M while they celebrated at preschool.

Much to our surprise as we drove home, we saw this on the display at our apartment complex. Thanks Kelly! You made his day!

until next time...lc

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

This year for the boys' birthdays we decided to gift them memberships to local attractions. Naturally, the animal lovin' fool we have for a son chose Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. It's an African Safari, Texas style. As you take a drive thru tour of the ranch, you'll have the opportunity to see and feed animals from six of the seven continents. This place is like heaven to Kian. While it's recommended to drop the food on the ground for the animal, it's often possible to see guests feeding the animals from the palms of their hands. Let's just say that the animals get a little up close and personal. Only Kyle has been bitten by a zebra, but we have all had the opportunity to see that some oral hygiene is much needed!

Kian enjoys going into the petting zoo to play with the goats. He's so gentle with them and loves to brush their fur. While they don't like to eat the food provided, he pays extra attention to them to make sure they find their mothers and get lots of exercise.

Baby Zebras are so cute! It's the older ones that you need to watch out for. They like to bite!

We've named this little donkey, Cutie Patootie!

until next time...lc

Where has the time gone?

I know I've started a few posts like this in my day, however I hope this is one trend I can break. Come to think of it, I don't think I've posted since my husband decided to take a new position in SA and move our family down here. I know I could have said no, but I never thought it would come to this. Here's my side of the story: It all started back one day in January, 2010. Kyle called and asked if I cared if he applied for a position in SA doing roughly what he was doing in Indy at the time. Since I had quit my job/s at the hospital just six months before, and loved the new career I had chosen, I was hesitant to say yes, however I knew that this could be a good opportunity. I told him (though jokingly at the time) that if he could compensate my salary allowing me not to work in order to care for the boys and their numerous activities and allow me to travel back to Indiana when possible, that I would give him two years. If we are doing well after that, we'd hang for a bit longer. If not, back to Indiana we go. (Or at least closer to home.)

Once he applied and he hadn't heard anything for quite some time, I had written off the possibility of the move. I think nearly 8 weeks had passed since he heard the first response from them. After a couple of phone interviews and a scheduled visit (at their expense), I knew things were getting a bit more serious. Telling my family of the move was one of the hardest things I had done in a really long time. Granted, we weren't all that close to them in Indy, but we were moving an additional 15 hours away. At least we could make a day trip if desired. I nearly backed out a couple of times, but being selfish isn't something I typically do. And it certainly didn't feel right at the time. It was a difficult decision to move away and one that I think of daily. Did we make the right decision? Were we right to move the boys away from all they have known? Should we have waited for another opportunity? The questions are endless...and they still roam around in my mind.

Once we decided to move forward, and the time came to tell our families and friends, we did so with heavy hearts. This was not a small move. I had to close my business and say goodbye to all the friends with whom I've developed since moving to Indy. Saying goodbye to my family was difficult as well. I suppose you can say that I'd done it before when moving away to college, but nonetheless, it was just as challenging the second time around.

While separated from Kyle for three months, I tried my best to keep myself together for the boys. I had the sole responsibility of their care and needed to keep it at the same standards as Kyle and I strived to establish up to that point. Meanwhile, I kept the house in showing order and continued to provide care for the children enrolled in my daycare. If it hadn't been for the numerous distractions, I never would have been able to get through those trying times. We kept busy to say the least.

I know I am going on and on about my side of things, but meanwhile I kept Kyle's side in mind. I couldn't imagine being separated from my husband and children, in a strange city with a new job, and not knowing what the future would hold. We talked daily and held as many Skype sessions as we could. I could not imagine how long his nights seemed at times and how thankful he must have been to be able to come back for visits. We have always appreciated the technology that has been available, and this time was no exception. Kyle, thanks for making the move and continuing to be the rock that we have always known.

Fast forward a few weeks and we decide it's time to reunite our family. Granted, to this day the house is still on the market, but we're together and the kids are settling in nicely. We're nearly all unpacked, however what remains boxed may just as well stay that way until we move again. Knowing we are moving next summer sure has set a standard for what is necessary. We were never ones to hoard or to use an incredible amount of items, but I never would have thought that when it came to moving. I thought we did an excellent job of purging and riding what wasn't necessary. Man, we were wrong. Either that or I never really knew how much space/storage we had in our house. Goodness, I don't look forward to boxing things up again!

I cannot believe it's almost been three weeks that we've been in our new home. I look forward to the time we get to go back to Indiana to visit, but for the mean time, we are more than happy here.

I have lots of posts I'd like to make in the near future, so hang in there for more goods. Oh, and I may get some new photos up too! Let us know if you do not have our forwarding address. We'll be happy to share it with you.

until next time....lc

Kian - The Preschooler

In an effort to give Kian and I time away from each other, and to have him around other adult figures, we decided to enroll him in a preschool program. There's also the fact that he'll be learning and furthering his knowledge of the real world. The search was on once we arrived. Not knowing a whole heck of a lot, I was nervous about the programs available. I asked around briefly (to the 3 or 4 people I had met in the week I was here) and called three different schools and only one of them had availability. He attends the 3 year old class on Wednesday and Friday mornings at UCUM Preschool. His teacher is adorable and loves what she does. He had a great first day of school and looks forward to attending each day.

until next time...lc

Jackson - The First Grader

In preparation of making the first day of class, Jack and Kyle flew from Indy to SA on Sunday, August 22nd, in order for Jack to start class on Monday, August 23rd. With all the fun stuff we had to accomplish prior to their departure, time was at a minimum and sacrifices were made. We are quite sure Jack didn't get enough sleep prior to school on Monday, but the amount of adrenaline he had stored was enough to get him through the day. Unfortunately there is no "First Day of School" photo to share with you. Kyle did a great job with getting him up, dressed, fed and lunch packed. I shouldn't complain about the lack of photo. For all I know, there is one stored on Kyle's phone that just needs to be downloaded.

Jackson has and amazing teacher, Mrs. H. He adores her and she has more pleasant things to say about him than we could ever hope for. He makes us quite proud.


until next time...lc

Day of the River Rats

Here are a couple of pictures I took when I visited Indy last weekend. The boys and I called a Dudes' Day on Saturday while Mom got some much needed solitude. We went to Hummel Park in Plainfield after getting haircuts and having some lunch. These pics were taken down by the creek that runs through the middle of the park.

(K)

It's The Final Countdown! (Do doo dooo...duhduh doo doo dooo...)

Howdy from Texas! Sitting here, poolside at the apartment complex, scorching my fingers on this laptop's black keyboard which is absorbing every single bit of the pounding UV rays because there's no shaded spots in which I could sit today. No bother, though, it's a lazy Sunday for me - one of my thankfully few I have left in my faux bachelorhood.

That's right, we've set a moving day for Laura and the boys to finally join me down here! We've been apart for 8 weeks now - a couple of maddeningly short visits aside - and have realized that it's just too much for us to keep up this separation. I miss those three terribly, and it's been much more challenging for us to maintain our collective sanity as a disparate unit. So, August 25th is the big day. Well, it's a little more complicated than that (wouldn't be our lives if it weren't, I suppose) but that's the big shove off date for our belongings and the reunion of our gang.

The complications, while minor, are present. The plan is for me to fly back to Indy on the 17th, help with the last bit of preparation and packing, then Jack and I fly back to SA on the 22nd, just in time for him to start school down here on the 23rd. Laura's brother and mom will be helping out with the actual move, and they're scheduled to depart Indy on the 25th. We have someone interested in the house, but we're not sure if they're going to qualify for a big enough loan to buy it outright. If they don't, we're hoping they're able to do a lease-to-buy contract with us. If not, no bother, we'll keep the house on the market, and keep our fingers crossed for a qualified and capable buyer to come along soon. Things will be a bit tight if we have to do that, but what we have to do more is resume life as a cohesive unit in our new base of operation.

So, that's the update. It's been a pain putting these out on the blog, for me, without an internet connection, and, of course for Laura, who's wrangling the dudes and preparing the house for the move. Of course, it's sad to be thinking that our last tangible roots to Indiana are soon to come up, but we'll always have family and friends there to visit and remind us of why we've called it home for so long. But, adventure in a new place awaits, and I'm as excited as I've been in some time to get it all underway.

Together.

(K)

Jack-o-Lantern in the making

Jack made it all the way through Kindergarten without losing a tooth. Yes, he was disappointed as the other children were losing their teeth and earning rewards for it. We reminded him that his teeth would eventually fall out and not to be discouraged. So after months of wiggling the same tooth (he started wiggling it in August of 2009), the tooth finally came out on July 9, 2010. With the amount of time we had to prepare, you would have thought we'd be ready for this to happen.

As he anticipated, the Tooth Fairy came through the night and left him with a letter, $10 in cash and a Kit-Kat. He was quite happy with the loot and looked forward to the next pulled tooth. His uncle Joe said he should be a Jack-O-Lantern for Halloween. Chances are they'll be grown in next year.

The wiggly one

The after shot

July 12th, 2010: Two down....many more to go.

until next time...lc

Perfect NE Bexar county skies. <3 SA.  These while Indy gets pounded with rain and gross weather. Laura and the boys were hunkered down in Target with tornado warnings and intermittent power outages.  Weather's so fickle.  (K)

Despite Her Appearance in this Picture, Dessie was ACTUALLY Enjoying our Visit.

Kian and I went to visit Nonnie one more time before I left for San Antonio. She was doing really well that day. I think she's gonna be around for lots of my return visits.

(K)

A Second Final Goodbye?

One of my last days in Indy, Kian and I made an important stop to say goodbye to my family residing in The Hill. I felt kinda bad, I started crying, which triggered Kian bawling his eyes out. It was cathartic for us both, but I didn't intend for the visit to be so sad.

They were what I hope to someday be.

(K)

Movin' On

My boys, before Jack's last day of kindergarten. So proud of these little dudes.

(K)

IN SR 37: Where the Glum Piled On

This was taken on my drive back from dropping off the boys w/ Laura's brother, the day we left for San Antonio. Pretty much was a nice scoop of depression heaped upon my sadness pie that day.

(K)

Foodies

Lunch for Laura and I at Crabby Jack's in San Antonio. Those are Gator Bites in the background. Not all that tasty.

(K)

Workin on my 12 oz. curls

I'm a lazy, worthless ass.

Thank the Universe for Technology

***WHEW***

Now THAT was a whirlwind couple of months.

Since last posting on here, I've accepted a new job in San Antonio, Texas and have moved down here as our family's scout team. Testing the waters of a new city while Laura and the boys hold down the fort - for the (hopefully) short amount of time it remains our fort - in Indianapolis. It's only now sinking in, after nearly 2 weeks off work, that I no longer live in Indy. And, that soon, none of us will live in Indianapolis. I still refer to it as home, speak affectionately about it and about all the people who remain there, probably much to the chagrin of my new employers.

But, I'm able to keep tabs on the family with daily phone calls, text messages, and Skype video sessions. I hope that anyone in our friends and family list who read this will reach out and add us as Skype contacts so that we might get the chance to talk here and there through a truly fun and amazing advent in technology. It's soothed my aching heart by giving me little bursts of time to look at everyone's smiling faces and get to talk to them with what feels like much less physical distance between us.

Things are going well down here: signed a lease on an apartment, met my new bosses and got to hang out with them the last couple of days, and am getting to know the people in the office with whom I'll be working closely in the coming days, weeks, and months. I just wish the damn house would sell already, but I've got to maintain a realistic mindset about it - it'll sell when an interested person lays eyes on it, and that'll have to be good enough.

Hopefully, with my newfound "bachelorhood" I'll make some more time to blog. Big plans, likely to be followed up with unimpressive efforts, but that's what I have for now.

Much love, and hit me or Laura and the boys up sometime.

(K)

Multimedia message

Dusk from the Oriole Trail

SATURDAY SATURDAY SAAAAATUUUUURRRDAAAAAYYYY (part 2)!

Lunch, finally! Sorry, mom, we hit India Garden without you.

Indian food buffet kicked the crap outta little dude.

SATURDAY SATURDAY SATUUUURRRRRDAAAAAYYYYYY!

Kian gets a bionic upgrade.

Cool dudes, post-pupil dilation.

Chillin at the fountain at a park in downtown Indy. Kian's doing his best impersonation of a whale.

Striking out trying to find lunch at the City Market. The place is a ghost town on the weekend, if not outright closed. We got inside, but were the only ones in there, as far as we could tell.

More in a bit...I've reached my picture limit for mobile blog messages.

(K)

Spring Break

Spring Break is the schools way of conditioning parents for the summer break. The volume levels will be turned up a few notches this week as there are 3 six year-olds here full time. Add that to all the little ones running around and you'll have one exhausted provider. I know I will sleep well this week!

Although we'll have more energy to burn around here, I am very thankful that it's supposed to be nice all week. There's nothing like some warm weather to shed those cabin fever blues.


until next time...lc

Toy Story

I am currently watching Toy Story with boys in our bed. What a great time!

We made a run out in the cold, windy, rainy weather tonight to get Toy Story and Toy Story 2 on Blu-Ray/DVD tonight. For many reasons, I let the boys stay up past bedtime and watch the first movie. Kyle was out of town, Spring Break started, and I needed some peace and quite were a few of the reasons I obliged.

There's nothing like putting on a movie to get the boys to be quiet. That is one great ability that they inherited from their father. I wish I could have the patience to sit and watch something all the way through, but no dice here.

until next time...lc

Goodness Gracious

Where has the time gone? We've had every intention of keeping this darn thing updated, but it's taken the back burner yet again. It's been so long since I have logged on that I just realized today that we can blog through our mobile devices. Wow, I'm truly behind. Here's to many more posts!!!

Overall, we're doing quite well. Family time is at an all-time high and we could not be any happier.

until next time....lc