Back to the Big Backyard

Today was just another cold day, one of many we will experience this winter. We could not think of a better place to visit than the Omaha Children's Museum's big backyard! LOVE IT! The kids played upstairs all morning, worked on an art project, and then were ready to leave. I was shocked! Addison was just tired and wanted to go home.

Asher said he had fun in the big backyard, and Addison said her favorite part was the vet toy in the toy shop! Seriously...we could have seen that at Target!

Until next time...

Another Mommy Makeover...

Today, after 11 months, I went and got my hair cut with low and high lights. I feel fabulous! I believe I will try and get it cut in less than 11 months next time.

Thanks to Jamie at Blonde!

Alivia's 6 year Timeline

Alivia had a speaking project at school. She was to prepare a timeline on a provided poster with 6 points between birth and today and present it to the class. Alivia is shy and quiet, so I wish I could be a fly on the wall while she presents her timeline to her 1st grade class.

Alivia and her Daddy worked on this poster together. She liked cutting out the pictures and sticking them into place. And...here is Alivia's Timeline.

Birth-1st Birthday-Big Sister the 1st time to Addison-Big sister to Asher-riding her bike without training wheels-cutting off her hair for locks of love-getting her ears pieced-Today (at Halloween 2010).

Going Ringless

A couple of weeks ago, my wedding band standing snagging on things. When I looked at it closer, I noticed the main diamond had slipped down causing the prongs to snag things. I could have lost the diamond!

So, I took it into Borsheims where it has been ever since, being repaired.

Not having a wedding band on feels weird. I feel like I am getting judged when I am out with the kids and do not have it on. Do people think I am a single mom? Do they even notice and I am just paranoid?

For now...I am married without a ring on my finger to prove it. I think I will go buy a fake one until mine is repaired.

First Snow Day!

Addison was up with the first morning light and wanted to go and play in the snow. She contained her excitement to eat breakfast and wait for Asher to wake up. He was finally awake at 9am...and out they went.

Now...for the first Austin Snowman of the year...

Can I say how glad I am that we have our Christmas lights up already?

Bouncing for a Birthday

Last night, as the 1st season's snow began to fly, the kids and I hit Leah's 4th birthday party at a Jumpin' Jax in Papillion. All of our kids were invited, making it Asher's 1st friend birthday party. We all had a lot of fun running in and out of all of the bouncers.

Happy Birthday Little Leah!

2009...Finally in an Album

It is fall, it is dark, and it is cold. So, I have nothing better to do at night than to finish my 2009 goals, right?

So...here it is...the 2009 Austin Album. Check! Mark that off the list. Now...onto the other goals.

For your viewing pleasure (but be warned...not all of it is friendly on the eyes!).

THE AUSTIN FAMILY 2009

Halloween Candy

It has been 10 days since Halloween. How are you doing on the Halloween Candy supply?

I am not one of those parents who gives their kids candy on Halloween night and then throws out the rest. Seriously, why allow them to trick or treat at all? Or, if you are going to do that, go to 5 houses and then go home. That way there is not too much candy to tempt anyone.

As with anyone, Chris and I have our favorites. I am happy with my supply of almond M&Ms, and the kids did not get any of those from trick or treating. Chris likes Snickers, and the kids are happy to share those with him. Other than that, we can care less about the candy. Half of the candy is in the freezer!

We give the kids 2 treats for snack and sometimes one more after dinner. Afterall, you are only a kid once. And, we rarely allow them to have candy at any other time of the year.

So...we will let them have their moment at being kids.

They can eat their candy and enjoy it, too!

Gotta Love THIS November...

...well, at least so far.

We have been enjoying the wonderful fall weather. We have to soak it up while we can!

Here are some pictures of our fall fun.

Picnic at the Forest

We had yet another pretty nice day. For November 9, we really can't complain. So, after picking up Addison from preschool, we went to the Fontenelle Forest for a picnic and to play.

It was a little windy, but it was so pretty. We walked a bit down a trail before eating lunch. The crisp air smelled so good.

The kids played a while at the Acorn Acres before we left to come home for another unsuccessful nap time (sigh).

It was a challenging visit (Asher was tired!), but it was fun to get out and enjoy this weird, but nice, fall weather!

November Day at the Zoo

72 in November?

We could not pass up this fabulous November weather, so we set out for the zoo!

We arrived at opening (9:30). The weather was already so nice. We hit the desert dome first, then the monkeys, tigers, bears, then took a break at the playground. We had to climb the big hill to see the elephant and the rhino. The path up there is so beautiful this time of year. We walked to the garden of the census, then to the giraffe area for lunch. Addison skipped along the path all the way. It made me sad thinking next year she will be in Kindergarten! Really?

After lunch, we visited the butterflies (and spiders) and the fish - or as Asher says, "Ish!"

The zoo has changed a lot in the last few weeks. The animals and the zoo are winterized, more inside, water fountains covered, the skyfari closed. The 72 degrees today helped us forget, for just a moment, of the looming winter months ahead.

As we left the zoo, the kids decided they liked the tiger getting fed and getting a shot best. Is it okay that I just liked spending time with the kids in what I would say to be a perfect day?

Asher's 1st Hockey Game

Last night, Asher and Daddy took their first trip to a Mav hockey game with Grandpa Bob, Uncle Brent, Lucas and Henry. Asher was really excited.

They ate (and ate and ate) hotdogs, popcorn, pretzel and soda, saw the Mav mascot and a floating hotdog, and oh yeah, watched hockey. Asher told me he liked the food the best. He also like the puck he got from Grandpa.

Meanwhile, the girls were excited to go out with Mommy. We hit McDonald's for Alivia's favorite dinner (an exciting cheeseburger with pickle only). Then we went to Addison's favorite store, Von Maur, for some shopping. I needed to find some clothes for Addison for Christmas. We shopped all over the Westroads and completely struck out. We did stop by the famous nut place and got fresh nuts and chocolate covered almonds (yummy!). Then we headed out west to Village Pointe for more shopping. Addison was exhausted (but I got Addison done for Christmas). The girls napped on the ride home. I let them watch TV until 9:15 (to help with the extra hour with Daylight Savings Time) and then sent them to bed. Alivia said that they had more fun than the boys. I'm not sure about that...but we had our own version of good girl fun. The girls liked getting new clothes, socks and their fresh almonds! Mmmm!

What a fun Saturday night!

Christmas Shopping...

Yesterday was our day, our day to go out and get all of our Christmas shopping done for the kids.

Chris and I packed into the car at 2:30, leaving the kids in the hands of my parents and their dog (Ha). We set out, stopping at Walmart, ToysRus, Target, dinner, Kohls, and ending at Justice for girls. We were exhausted, but the shopping was all complete, with a couple minor exceptions.

We bought the kids 7 toy items (not including stocking stuffers), 2 outfits and one shirt each for a total of 10 presents under the tree. That will make 30! gifts under the tree...that is plenty! Hopefully they like what we selected.

Alivia is the most difficult to buy for. We selected things that she said she wanted, and then we found some things that we believe she will like. Addison, well, she likes dolls. I had her pretty much done before we left home. Asher, he will be getting a bunch of trucks and super hero gear. We are happy about what we selected for them.

Addison needs some clothes as gifts and Asher needs a stocking stuffer.

I have the Grandparents almost done and the nephews are to, my aunt CHECK!

Chris and I...well, we have everything we need in one another.

Now...we can enjoy Thanksgiving. I have until Thanksgiving day to get it all done and wrapped! This week we have to get done!

Having a Son

When I was pregnant for the first time, my dad told me that we would have a girl. Afterall, he could not see me being a mommy to a little boy.

Alivia was born. Loved having a girl. Dressed her in pink all the time, and pink is still her favorite color.

Then Addison was born. She likes purple. Dress her in purple much of the time.  Yes, this means buying an entirely new wardrobe to make our little girl happy.

Low and behold, I became pregnant again when Addison was maybe 8 months old.

And to our surprise, Asher was born!

Having a boy in the house is so much different than the girls. Girls are great, don't get me wrong. But, boys are so different.

Asher is so sweet, loving and caring. He likes to fall asleep while holding my hand. He loves to cuddle and snuggle. He gives his sisters and friends hugs when they are upset and/or crying. Seriously, if I pretend to cry because he will not do something, he runs to do it so I won't be sad anymore! :) Yes, I know, that is a bad thing to do to such a sweet little boy.

Asher does his share of girly things like his sister. He is only 2 and does not know the difference yet. He has dressed up as a princess, worn pink hats, rides in the dolly stroller, and plays babies with the girls. But, if he is alone at play, he likes to play with puzzles, his trains, his cars and spider man. He likes to organize his cars by lining them up. He LOVES his mommy time when the girls are in school.

Like the girls, Asher does whine. But, he is learning to be tougher. As a mommy, I have to teach that (who knew?!). He is clumsy, falling and getting major wounds almost weekly. He is a daredevil showing little fear, so a few wounds are to be expected. I have caught him jumping off of the playhouse into the bouncer, scooting down the driveway on his plasma car going crazy speeds, and flipping forward rolls over the couch narrowly missing falling to the floor in a heap. He is a having fun...so I can not stop fun, to a point anyway.

I did not know that I wanted a son...but I am so glad I got to experience having a son. I'm sure not all little boys are like Asher, but I am glad he is turning out to be just like his Daddy...gentle and kind!

 

The Kitchen: Before and After

Before

Before

Better late than never.

Last weekend we painted our kitchen.

Finally.

I say finally because our walls have looked like a rainbow for at least 6 weeks. We just could not find a color we liked! Don't get me wrong, the rainbow looked fabulous (ha).

But, we like the new walls better.

Another room painted...and I won't even mention how many more to go.

Our Kitchen Rainbow

I trim, Chris rolls. We make a great team!

Oh...and I draw art on the walls like I am 2. That's fun!

And...THE AFTER

The Paint color is called Burnt Caramel from Lowes