I know it has been an embarrassing long time since I made any sort of regular post for all to see. So I thought I would give you all an update of what's been going on.
Ryan:
Ryan is always busy when it comes to work. He still loves it and I think he thrives on the drama of unmeetable deadlines and working out the hardest "bugs." He recently received another BZ for his amazingness when he reprogrammed a function, in one day, that was removed and that the customers didn't appreciate not having any more. He is well respected at work and even has a couple nicknames- "the Machine" (because he can crank out code amazingly quick and because he tackles that most difficult "bugs" in the programs) and "Web-king" (because he can find anything on the web and loves to program web-based programs).
Ryan is also enjoying being the 11-year old scout leader. The troop went camping a few weeks back. He took a hat this time, but still came home with a bit of a sun burn. I told him that he needed a hat AND sunblock next time.
Ryan:
Ryan is always busy when it comes to work. He still loves it and I think he thrives on the drama of unmeetable deadlines and working out the hardest "bugs." He recently received another BZ for his amazingness when he reprogrammed a function, in one day, that was removed and that the customers didn't appreciate not having any more. He is well respected at work and even has a couple nicknames- "the Machine" (because he can crank out code amazingly quick and because he tackles that most difficult "bugs" in the programs) and "Web-king" (because he can find anything on the web and loves to program web-based programs).
Ryan is also enjoying being the 11-year old scout leader. The troop went camping a few weeks back. He took a hat this time, but still came home with a bit of a sun burn. I told him that he needed a hat AND sunblock next time.
Not the hat he was suppose to take, but at least he's wearing something. :~)
Cutting firewood and showing the boys how to swing an ax. Each of the boys got an opportunity to "take a swing at it" too.Kim:
As a part of my degree I have to take continuing education (CE) courses. Every three years I need 30 credit hours. Since I am not working any more (outside the home) I don't get any throughout the year. Luckily every year the state of Texas holds a conference where I can go to keep up with my CE's.
Last year it was in Houston and my work paid for my trip. This year, however, I was on my own. I was excited to go until we realized that Ryan had a camp out that same weekend. Thus I either had to take the girls or not go. Fortunately Ryan's aunt lives right outside San Antonio (where the conference was being held) and so graciously allowed us to stay at their home and watch the girls while I was in classes.This started our "Tour of Texas." I drove, by myself, with two small children from Dallas to San Antonio (for the Conference) to Houston (for my dad's 50th birthday party) back to Dallas. I don't recommend doing that unless you are super doped up on caffeine or crazy. I was both.
I have been trying to keep busy apart of my daily business of kids and home. I have found that I need projects outside of my kids or I go nuts. So here is what I've been working on.
I came to this realization one day and pulled my sewing machine out and re-started a quilt that I was making for Kyra. It is made from receiving blankets she had when she was born. I say re-start because I actually started it about a year or more ago and finally just finished it.
Here is a picture of the whole blanket. To give you some perspective, each square is 6 inches.
It took me forever to figure out what to put on the back. I finally decided on a darker (compared to the pastel on the front of the blanket) purple with a cute pink flower print. It is a tie quilt and the border is a lavender to incorporate each side together. My next quilt will be one for Addy. I have a pattern I want to do, just need to figure out what fabric to use (the hardest part). I think I have a new hobby...now if I can only afford my new hobby. :~)My other project is selling a product named Demarle. I LOVE this cookware. It is a silicon based bake ware, that is non-stick, and so super easy to clean. I was invited to a party where they were selling it and was so super excited about what I saw, I decided to sell it. I decided to sell it before I figured out that I needed to find a way to supplement my other hobby some way. It ends up working perfectly.
My only frustration is getting started (never a strong point with me. Never has been.) The first party I scheduled was a bad time for almost everyone I invited and the rescheduled party was canceled due to weather. Hopefully I will be more successful on my third attempt. Wish me luck!!!Kyra:
Kyra has been a typical 2-year old. She is active, crazy, stubborn and sweet as can be. We took a little trip to Austin to see the cousins and to help out Auntie Erin for a bit.
The last day we were there Ellie had ballet. We got the kids dressed and ready to go. Kyra was excited to go and I was excited to watch her. Unfortunately about 10 minutes after this picture was taken Ellie started throwing up, thus we didn't make it to ballet. :~( Maybe next time.
On our recent "Tour of Texas" we stopped in San Antonio for a few days. Ryan's Aunt Anne was very gracious and watched the kids while I was downtown at my conference. Kyra had a blast with Kelsey. They were practically inseparable as Kyra would follow Kelsey around wherever she went.
Next stop was Houston for Papa's birthday. Kyra loved jumping on the moon walk. However, we figured out that she likes sitting in it when it's inflating and deflating more than jumping. She would come in and tell/ask us to turn it on or off, just so she could sit in it while it happened.
Potty training. I've decided that I hate potty training. Kyra again is pushing the potty issue and since she is almost 2 1/2 I figure that I ought to get on board too, but I am dragging my feet. She has had much success, despite my lack of enthusiasm. She is getting better about telling us when she needs to go, not great, but better.
Kyra herself. One big change we've made at dinner time is that Kyra is now in a "big girl" chair. She likes feeling like she's a big girl and this is aided by a very large phone book that we put on her chair to give her that extra boost. We are trying it at restaurants too with a bit less success. She likes to move...go figure.
Adeline:
Addy is growing up so fast. She is 8 months old now and loving life. She is super happy 95% of the time. I LOVE IT! She hardly ever cries, she smiles all the time and is content to crawl around the floor looking for toys or food her sister has dropped on the floor.
Addy is now pulling herself up on things. She pulls herself up in her crib, on the couch and just about anything she can get her hands on that will support her. She is so fun to watch explore. She loves to move, move, move. She is my newest perpetual motion machine.
Kyra has been a typical 2-year old. She is active, crazy, stubborn and sweet as can be. We took a little trip to Austin to see the cousins and to help out Auntie Erin for a bit.
The last day we were there Ellie had ballet. We got the kids dressed and ready to go. Kyra was excited to go and I was excited to watch her. Unfortunately about 10 minutes after this picture was taken Ellie started throwing up, thus we didn't make it to ballet. :~( Maybe next time.
On our recent "Tour of Texas" we stopped in San Antonio for a few days. Ryan's Aunt Anne was very gracious and watched the kids while I was downtown at my conference. Kyra had a blast with Kelsey. They were practically inseparable as Kyra would follow Kelsey around wherever she went.
Next stop was Houston for Papa's birthday. Kyra loved jumping on the moon walk. However, we figured out that she likes sitting in it when it's inflating and deflating more than jumping. She would come in and tell/ask us to turn it on or off, just so she could sit in it while it happened.
Potty training. I've decided that I hate potty training. Kyra again is pushing the potty issue and since she is almost 2 1/2 I figure that I ought to get on board too, but I am dragging my feet. She has had much success, despite my lack of enthusiasm. She is getting better about telling us when she needs to go, not great, but better.
Kyra herself. One big change we've made at dinner time is that Kyra is now in a "big girl" chair. She likes feeling like she's a big girl and this is aided by a very large phone book that we put on her chair to give her that extra boost. We are trying it at restaurants too with a bit less success. She likes to move...go figure.Adeline:
Addy is growing up so fast. She is 8 months old now and loving life. She is super happy 95% of the time. I LOVE IT! She hardly ever cries, she smiles all the time and is content to crawl around the floor looking for toys or food her sister has dropped on the floor.
Addy is now pulling herself up on things. She pulls herself up in her crib, on the couch and just about anything she can get her hands on that will support her. She is so fun to watch explore. She loves to move, move, move. She is my newest perpetual motion machine.
Addy also liked our trip to San Antonio. Her cousins Koty (pictured here), Brady and Kelsey had a blast playing with her. I don't think her body hit the ground the entire time we were there. She loved the attention and was super spoiled.
Houston was fun too. Since the cousins (Ellie and Owen) left Sunday morning, after church I let Addy play on the moon walk with Kyra. She had a blast.
Addy is a crazy eater. We've had to start putting her in the booster chair during meal times or she has a complete and total FREAK-OUT! (Hence Kyra's graduation to a big girl chair.) She likes being up at the table with us and she LOVES eating anything we put in her mouth. Especially if it's something we are eating. She is currently eating a chocolate chocolate chip muffin (for breakfast). Thanks daddy!
Addy has found the entertainment center. The partitions are just right to allow her to get to a standing position. Thankfully she hasn't found the buttons on the electronics, but give it time. I think with her we might really have to baby proof our house. She is just starting to cruise along things a step or two.I hope you enjoyed the update as much as I enjoyed looking back at all we've been up to.
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